#slate fanfiction

[callsigns-haze]

So you're the neighbour?

Pairing: Slate x shy!reader

YN, a quiet new tenant, meets Slate who isn't so much like her roommates said, charming but notorious neighbour, who seizes an excuse to walk her home, sparking curiosity and unexpected warmth in their budding connection.

Chapter Warning: Contains mild language and flirtation.

You're curled up on the corner of the couch, fingers wrapped around a mug of chamomile tea, listening as Rory and Quinn take turns venting to Reid about the new neighbours. The place feels so much like it did in those cozy shows— the three of you squished together in the mismatched furniture you all pooled money for, the warm tones of fairy lights draping the walls, and the faint scent of Rory's floral candles mingling with Quinn's citrusy hand sanitizer.

“Those idiots blocked our moving truck, Reid!” Rory huffs, crossing her arms and leaning forward as if the proximity makes her point stronger. She’s clearly the most riled up, her voice rising in indignant pitches. “Who even parks like that?”

“Definitely jerks,” Quinn jumps in, raising an eyebrow as she looks over at Rory, as if egging her on. “I mean, how self-centred do you have to be to not realize there’s a giant moving truck behind you?”

You weren’t outside to see the whole ordeal; you'd been buried inside your new bedroom, unpacking boxes and finding space for all your things in the tiny closet. Still, even though you’d missed the confrontation, you’re quietly enjoying the picture they’re painting — a dramatic scene of feisty glares, whispered insults, and exaggerated gestures toward the oblivious guys next door.

Reid, meanwhile, leans back on the armrest, trying and failing to suppress a smile. He's always been a little too amused by Rory and Quinn’s fiery personalities, and now isn’t any different. His gaze shifts to you as you sit, nibbling on the inside of your cheek, debating whether to say something. You want to stand by your friends’ annoyance, but you can't help but think there might be another side to it.

“I mean… maybe they didn’t notice?” you offer softly, looking down at your tea. “It could’ve just been a mistake.”

Quinn raises an eyebrow at you, playful but unconvinced. “You’re way too nice, you know that?”

Rory sighs dramatically, throwing her hands up. “Exactly! That’s why you weren’t out there with us. You’d have been like, ‘Oh no, I’m sure they’ll move it soon,’ and we’d be stuck waiting even longer.”

You blush, glancing over to Reid, who’s now grinning in earnest, clearly entertained by the way you’re trying to defuse things. “What? It’s… possible,” you mumble, feeling your cheeks warm under their teasing. “Maybe they’re just, you know… not used to sharing a driveway?”

Reid chuckles, his gaze softening. “You’re seriously too cute for this world, you know that?” He shakes his head, still smiling as if he can’t believe anyone would defend complete strangers who’d clearly disrupted the day.

The others laugh, too, albeit a little grudgingly, as if your gentleness and hope for the best might actually rub off on them despite themselves. Rory reaches over, patting your knee. “Fine, we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt, this time. But only because you’re too sweet to argue with.”

Rory stretches her arms overhead and glances at Quinn, who’s tapping her phone, probably searching for a new café to hit up. “Alright, who’s up for coffee?” she asks, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Reid’s buying!”

Quinn elbows him with a smirk. “You heard her, Mr. Moneybags. You’re treating.”

Reid rolls his eyes, but a smile plays at the corner of his mouth as he pulls his wallet out, flipping it open. “Lucky me,” he says dryly, though his tone has a playful warmth.

Rory turns to you, a hopeful grin on her face. “Come on, YN, get out of this cave with us.”

You hesitate, wrapping your hands tighter around your now-cold mug. “Oh, I… I actually need to study,” you say, doing your best to sound genuinely disappointed. But it’s only half-true. You do have some reading to catch up on, but really, you just need a little time to recharge after all the unpacking and the roommates' high-energy complaints.

Rory gives you a knowing look, but she just shrugs. “Suit yourself,” she says, though there’s a hint of motherly concern in her eyes, one you’re all too familiar with.

Quinn’s already zipping up her jacket, rolling her eyes fondly. “Classic. Our little introvert needs her quiet time.” She taps the top of your head gently, an affectionate gesture that makes you smile despite yourself.

It’s a bit of a running joke in your apartment. Rory, ever organized and a little bossy, has long been deemed “the mom,” while Quinn, who often takes a rougher, more sarcastic approach, is dubbed “the dad.” Which, of course, makes you “the kid,” a label you don’t mind — at least not when it’s given with such obvious affection.

As the three of them head to the door, Rory calls out over her shoulder, “Alright, kiddo. Don’t cause any trouble while we’re gone.”

Quinn leans against the doorframe, giving you a mock-stern look. “No boys allowed. And definitely no hanging out with those awful neighbours.”

You roll your eyes, laughing despite yourself. “Promise, Dad,” you say, playing along.

Reid laughs as he gives you a small wave, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “See you later, YN.”

“Bye Reid.”

With that, they’re gone, and the apartment is quiet once again. You breathe a sigh of relief, settling into the silence. It's peaceful, comforting even, just you and the gentle hum of the fridge in the kitchen, the distant sounds of laughter and footsteps down the hall.

Finally, you can relax, letting the little escape of solitude settle over you like a blanket....

You sink back into the couch, legs stretched out over the cushions as you settle deeper under your blanket. The soft glow of the TV fills the room, the familiar characters and storyline offering a cozy sort of distraction. It’s one of those comfort shows you’ve seen a hundred times, the kind that lets you just relax without thinking too much. You pull your blanket up to your chin, feeling the quiet warmth of the empty apartment.

Just as you’re starting to drift into the story, your phone buzzes with a text from Rory.

Rory: “Hey, kiddo, can you take the trash out? Pretty please? :)”

You sigh, casting a glance toward the trash bag sitting beside the front door, already tied up and ready to go. Typical Rory — somehow managing to organize the place even when she’s not here. You sit up, reluctantly pulling yourself from the couch and shivering a little as the cool air hits you. Slipping into an oversized jumper, you tug the sleeves down over your hands, enjoying the extra warmth. Next come your trusty old Uggs, their plush lining cozy against your feet. You grab the trash bag and twist it in your hand, holding it at arm’s length as you make your way to the front door.

The hallway is quiet, and you’re grateful for it as you shuffle to the elevator at the end of the corridor. The trash bag swings lightly as you walk, its weight surprisingly heavy with the remnants of unpacking — empty boxes, crumpled paper, a few random food containers you’d forgotten about until today.

You press the button, waiting as the ancient elevator creaks its way up. The doors finally slide open with a reluctant groan, and you step inside, hitting the ground floor button. The elevator jolts to life, shuddering slightly as it descends, the fluorescent light overhead flickering ominously. You’ve never trusted this elevator; it feels like it’s one bad day away from breaking down entirely, and each ride is a gamble.

As you ride down, you lean against the wall, watching the floors tick by slowly, each number lighting up with a faint glow. The trash bag feels heavier with each floor, and you’re suddenly eager to be done with this task.

Finally, the doors open with a rusty whine, and you step out, making your way toward the large apartment bin outside. The night air is cool, a slight breeze tugging at your sleeves as you approach the bin.

As you toss the trash bag into the bin, you take a moment to breathe in the cool night air, letting the silence settle around you. Just as you’re about to turn and head back inside, a voice sounds behind you.

“Hey,” the voice says, low and casual.

You jump, spinning around, heart pounding as you clutch the front of your jumper. Standing just a few feet away is a tall guy with a relaxed smile, his hands shoved into the pockets of a well-worn hoodie. His dark hair falls messily over his forehead, and his eyes have a sharp but easy-going glint to them.

“Whoa, sorry! Didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, raising his hands in a placating gesture. His smile softens, a little apologetic but amused. “Didn’t think anyone else would be out here this late.”

You offer a small, awkward laugh, still catching your breath. “No, it’s… it’s fine. Just, um, wasn’t expecting anyone.”

He nods, giving you a quick once-over. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. New here?”

You nod, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “Yeah, I, uh, just moved in.”

He nods, taking that in with a thoughtful look. “Nice. I’m Slate, by the way,” he says, holding out a hand. His voice has an easy warmth to it, and you find yourself relaxing a bit.

You give a small smile as you take his hand, his grip warm and surprisingly gentle. “YN.”

“YN,” he repeats, as if testing the name. “Cool. So, you’re the new neighbour, then?”

It takes you a second, but realization dawns slowly. He’s one of them — the infamous boys your roommates have been complaining about nonstop since you moved in. The ones who blocked the moving truck and left your friends fuming. You blink, a little taken aback, and can’t help a flicker of curiosity as you study him a bit more closely. His expression is friendly, almost inviting, and he seems far too laid-back to match the image your roommates painted.

“You… you live on my floor?” you ask, a little wary.

Slate’s face lights up in recognition, and he lets out a low laugh. “Ahh, so you’re the one with the roommates who were throwing death glares at us the other day?”

You bite back a smile, nodding. “Yeah… they weren’t too happy about the whole moving truck thing.”

He rubs the back of his neck, a sheepish grin crossing his face. “Yeah, I figured Knoxie might’ve been in the way, but… well, sorry about that. He's sorta moody.”

You shrug, feeling a little of your earlier apprehension melt away. “It’s okay. They, um… they just tend to get a little intense about stuff.”

Slate laughs, nodding. “Good to know.” He pauses, glancing back toward the building. “Well, welcome to the building, YN. Guess we’re neighbours.” He flashes you a grin, and you can’t help but smile back, feeling a strange mix of nerves and intrigue.

As Slate starts to walk away, he pauses, glancing back over his shoulder. “Hey, are you heading back in?”

You nod, feeling the slight chill of the night air sinking in and grateful for the thought. “Yeah. Just… finished up with the trash,” you say, gesturing vaguely toward the bin.

“Well, come on, then.” He falls into step beside you, hands in his hoodie pockets, a relaxed smile on his face as you walk toward the building’s entrance.

The two of you step into the quiet lobby, and you press the button for the elevator, feeling the lingering warmth of his presence beside you. The silence between you is oddly comfortable, and you catch yourself stealing glances at him from the corner of your eye, trying to piece together the neighbour your friends have built up into a villain. He looks nothing like the “jerk” they made him out to be. In fact, there’s a boyish charm to his expression, something almost disarming. He look...cute.

As you both wait, an older woman approaches from down the hall, pulling a small cart loaded with grocery bags behind her. Slate notices her at the same moment you do, and, without warning, he reaches out, his hand warm and firm as he grabs your arm and tugs you gently but insistently toward the stairwell door.

“Uh—what are you doing?” you ask, trying to keep up as he guides you to the stairs, his grip firm yet careful.

He just chuckles, pulling open the door to the stairwell. “Trust me, I don’t think we’d survive that elevator ride.”

You glance over your shoulder toward the elevator, watching the woman slowly approach, and it clicks. It’s an old elevator, slow and cramped; it’s likely you’d end up stuck in a painfully long, silent ride with a stranger if you’d waited.

You narrow your eyes at him, intrigued and slightly amused. “So that’s it? You just don’t like crowded elevators?”

He shakes his head, a glint of something mischievous in his eyes as he gestures for you to go first down the stairs. “Honestly? It’s just an excuse,” he says, his voice soft but playful as he follows behind you. “Figured if I took the stairs, I’d get a bit more time talking to a pretty face.”

You feel your cheeks warm, caught off guard by his words. A smile tugs at your lips, and you glance back at him as you descend the first few steps. “Is that so?”

He shrugs, the same easy-going smile on his face. “What can I say? I’m not about to pass up an excuse to walk a neighbour home.”

@azsazz I loved your book soooo much hope you enjoyed this little write up!

[sumju]

First

Second one!

Clean Slate by @nottheweirdest ✨

18+ read it HERE

NEXT

[nephtheless]

Reprise

Psyching myself up for chapter 2 of Satellite...

Here's a little emotional reunion sketchysketch :3

[thewitchybookie]

introducing the main characters of my #hogwartsfanfic: ✨the curse of the thunderbird✨ part i

read more on: https://archiveofourown.org/works/55304065/chapters/140299276?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkXCr2E0XWE6AZqNQRB5BPnEhRKd7FIWOgGyyfAmkKBIS9-2lRQfzzujU_aem_o_ciZ2Pg_h_El-eYQyJV5Q%23workskin

[erosophic]

Hey, fellow wanderers of the infinite, it’s Gabbro again. Let’s sit back, breathe in the stardust, and talk about something that might just blow your mind. Here’s the question: What if the whole universe is always in a superposition, and we’re just collapsing tiny pieces of it by observing?

I know, right? That’s some next-level quantum pondering. But don’t worry, we’ll take it slow and groovy, like a good jam session around the campfire of existence.

[samantha-and-nellie]

📚 american girl historical characters fanfic prompts 📚

hi! this list was created in hopes of inspiring more people to create fanfiction for the american girl historical characters. these prompts are envisioned for one-shots primarily, but they are just meant to inspire, so take them in any way that you want! i have tried to create prompts that would be applicable for most characters, but not all will be.

prompts for stories during/around the time of the main series

- write or re-write the first time the main character meets their best friend character

- letter fic. the main character is going on a trip and exchanges letters with their best friend or a sibling

- the main character is planning a birthday surprise for their best friend

- write an event from the main series from the best friend’s pov, or write part of the best friend’s book from the main character’s pov

- an adult, friend or sibling is teaching them how to bake a new treat. how does it go?

- they're putting on a play! is our main character on stage or doing tech?

- summer holiday! this time without something harrowing happening. are they staying at home, visiting a new place, or going somewhere familiar?

- a family member/family friend they only met as a baby has come to town. how does the main character try to bond with this new person?

- write part of the series from the pov of one of the adult's in the main character's life

- the main character is given a notebook. what are they using it for?

aged-up and au prompts

- first crush, whether they know it or not

- the main character has moved away, but is now revisiting their childhood home

- reuniting with a character from the main series that we haven’t seen in a while

- first day of college. are there any familiar faces with them?

- swap historical setting with another historical character

- it's halloween! who are they going out with?

- the main character and their best friend are moving into an apartment together

- new year's eve. our main character is finally going to tell their crush they have feelings, but something gets in the way

- hospital fic. the main character is being visited by... who?

- our main character and their partner is going on a double date with another historical character and their partner

feel free to tag or message me any fanfic that you create, or reblog this post with prompt ideas of your own! i’d love to see what people come up with from this list:) i do request if that if you use any of these prompts for a fanfic that you post that you link this list or credit me in some way. and if you’re interested in reading any of my american girl fanfic, you can check it out over on ao3!

[fridurwrites]

That Eye Thing

It's three years to Sanidine's launch day, and Gabbro's been in space long enough for Gossan to have a rare moment of spare time. Naturally, the best use for spare time is to go confess the information Esker gave them to Slate. It's not like their bad luck might intervene in something that simple. Right?

[hellaciouscrustacean]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63542680/chapters/162836392

It's Outer Wilds Campfire Fest day 1! Here's part 1 of my entry for "Sapwine" Event is hosted by @outerwilds-events !!

Fic summary:

Huge thanks to Wingheart for the idea and all the input!

In a brand new universe, Porphy wants to experiment with ingredients from other planets. Before long, the competitive nature of the astronauts gets the better of them, and it goes from a friendly cooking session to a full blown contest. Good thing there’s adult supervision - Ah. No, there's not.

This currently has main game spoilers! The second chapter and onwards will feature spoilers for the Echoes of the Eye DLC

[linksthoughtbrambles]

Lift us from these sands.

Part 18 of Adventure Log+ (sequel to Link's Thought Brambles - best to read in order, also on ao3). Warning for strong language, violence, and minor character death. Trigger warning for intense fire. Disclaimer: The content of this chapter is fiction only, and is not intended to contain advice or instructions for surviving hazardous conditions.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

The Prayer of the Dawn Hylia, preserve us. Lift us from these sands. Keep us with the dawn. In these lofty skies, Make of us a temple of hope That when we descend, We may breathe new life into the surface's green fields, Its flowered meadows, and its vast waters. That we may scale its mountains and seek out the wonders of its caverns. That we may treat all life with reverence, Cherishing not only its preservation but its freedom, For all things must balance. What you raise will one day fall. What we cultivate will one day wither, and all that lives will one day die. And on that day, we rise once more, though our body sinks. Hylia, preserve us. Lift us from these sands. When the bonds of flesh release us, May your light illuminate our path.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Master—run!

”Run?!”

“Link?!”

pain“Fi says run!”

“F-hkkh- Fi- we cannot- khpossibly ouhhh-hht-run it!”

Seek a way!

“We’re on FOOT, Fi-iiiireball MOVE!” FastpainfastFASTpain

“KhhHHHHHH-HH!”

it’sAHEADofus “Zelda!”

“I-khhHh- knhh-ow!”

Faster “It’ll cut us off!” pleaseZelda!

“I KNOHHW!”

Sheknowssheknowssheknows

“Hh-hh-HH-“

she’stryingSPRINTING

“KHHHH.”

CLOSEit’llbeCLOSE goodgoodGOOD she’spaingood forafewmoreseconds it’scomingCOMING painpaINFASTERhotHOTHOT“Zelda!”HOT

“MmMMhhh!”

She’sokay she’sokAY pain myback STOPitshirt pantsTOO justfrickingstoprubbingpulling

“Khhhhh-hh-“

ithurts stoprubbing-

“-a- another!”

“Sh-“aheadagain bad Zeldasprintingpain sprintingalready

“HHH hhh.”

Wecanmakeit wecanmakeitwecanmakeit fasterFASTERit’scoming “S#$^!”

“Whhe- shall-!”

“We will, we WILL make it!” Andthenwhatthef#$*dowedo?

Seek escape!

“Hhh- HHH!”

Maybe we should've gonespeedSPEED down the damn wellZeldahurry

Inadvisable, master.

butpain we didn't and now mygutsaysENGAGEpain ohGoddess “GOGOGOGOGOGO!”

I understand—your instincts are typically excellent in combat

“N-kh-NG!”

PAINshe’stryingsohard but ithasaRIDER hewon'tletuspaceourselves

yet in this instance, I advise against them!

Without them I have nothing to go onGoddessGoddessGODDESS DON’T LET IT hotHOT

MASTER!

“Mmm-!”

HOTHOTHOTPAIN”GghhHH!” The burnsPAIN

“AaAH! Ohh-“

the already-burnsBURNSMORE “W-w-mgh-phh- what do you-“

“-hh-HH-“

“WANT from me, Fi?!“

“Link- are- are yhouu?!“

“We’re running aren’t we!?!”

A change of direction is in order!

burningTo where, the fricking canyon?!

If it allows escape from this foe, then yes!

Does a bone-shattering death

“KhhH-hh-hhh-h.”

on the canyon floor count as escape?

I believe, this time, I must accuse YOU of ‘snark,’ master, at a most UNWISE and INNAPROPRIATE-

Pain

…

Oh Link, look at Zelda looking at you like that “It’s- alright, I’m a- alright!”what’salittlemorepain, Link?

“Li-HHHh!”

OhGoddesspain hereitcomes aheadevenfurther aheadaheadaHEAD “WE CAN MAKE IT!” speedSPEED howmuchmoreSPEEDsprintdoIhaveinme?

“HHHHH-hh-kh-m.”

ListenSPEED to that, how much does she? We’re tired, physical limits think think think think

“Hhh-gm-g!”

think PAINTHINK it could blast further ahead if it wanted to, cut us off for painPAINohf%&#sure so we’d never make it, so that’s not what it wants it wantspain to EXHAUST you, Link, you and the Princess

I- concur, master, please-

run you down right into the paAINground and pound you into it when you’re already spent so RUNNING IS NOT THE ANSWER, FI

Escape still is!

technicalities fricking WORD games at this point close close close KEEPHERAHEADclose CLOSE it’sgonnabesoCLOOOSEhotHOTPAINHOTPAINHOT “MM-HH!” HOTplease

“HhhHHHHh!”

NOMOREpainOFTHATPLEASE

“KH-HH! HHHHhhhh-HHHHH-Hhhhhoh-h-h…“

BACKSKINPAIN ANYLEFT?BURNSBLISTERS? “Z-Zelda- Zelda, slow back down!”pain

“We-h- mustn’t-“

“Slow! Ghh- slow-“

“OH-HH!”

AGAINohnonoNO, no NO, too soon wecan’tslow itwon’tLETUS nonoNOZELDA “Y-ou got this!” LookatherFACE DON’TLETHERGIVEUPpain “You’ve got it!” She does!pain

“Oh-hh! L-LinkhHHh! I-“

“You can DO IT!” DON’T LET HER GIVE UP! “A FEW MORE SECONDS!”

Conserve your air, master!

PAINSHE NEEDS ME!

“Rrr-rgh-kh-”

Your stamina is NOT infinite!

FasterYOUfasterTHINKfaster IpainDON’TfasterKNOWFASTERTHAT?!FASTER

“-hh-hh-HH-“

My master of time-

YourWHAT?gogogogoTOOSLOW”HERE!”SPRINT AND

“-HhhHHHH!”

PULL HER LINK!!!!!PAIN “FF!”

A master of long past-

HOT“AaaAAH-H-h!”PAINHOT

“Gg-h!”

-the one who fell to our enemy!

can’tCONCENTRATE “ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!”pain

Master, he fell to his own exhaustion!

“T-tryihhhhng-hhh!”

Ohs$%&, s$#^, Fi you did say that, you saidpain last night-

This morning-

THATDOESN’T-

Apologies, master, please- heed me! Seek an alternate way of escape!

S#$%- s#$%, Fi, THE WAY OUT IS TO KILL IT! OHS$#^-

“AnoHHhhther!”

YOU ARE IN NO STATE TO MEET THIS ENEMY!

“MOVE!” She’sscared

“Ghh-hh!”

Fi’s scaredfasterPULLZELDAHARD

“KhhhHHHH-hhH!”

Fi thinks you’re going topain dieFASTER-

NO- do not lose hope!

“Fi,” forthepainloveofHylia “Fi, we aren’t fast enough no matter which way we run!”

“Sh-hhh-e still- HHh-hh-hh advises- HH-hh-hh- flight?!!”

“Yes!”

“I’ve- hh-KHHH-hh- no- no-idea- HH?!”

I know, I know, I don’t know how either, I don’tcomingCOMING YANKHERHOTHOTHOTPAIN “F-GHH!” HOTPAINohGoddessjustbarely

“KGH-HH!”

is she burnt too? Her clothes!

Master, focus-

I’M REALLY GODDESSDAMN FOCUSED.

The canyon-

Would be totally pointless! It’spain a massive drop-

You have not seen it for yourself.

I’ve seen MAPS and it’s way, way, way way way-cannot-emphasize-enough-how-much-way higher

“Kh-hhhh- HHhhhh.”

than anything I’ve ever free-climbed, the other side is WAY HIGHER than that, I'd have to CARRY Zelda because no way in hell, that's a recipe forpain dead Zelda if I let her do that on her first try and sure my paraglider’s in the pouch, but it is NOT meant to carry two people, even if it's just me I sink pretty fast and theburns TWO OF US would sink FASTER! You should’ve seen the fricking warning label on that thing.

It’s in your memory, master. ‘Do not use to descend vertical distances greater than forty feet.

“Hh-hh!”

'Firaldi and Sons is not responsible for injury or death incurred when using this product-’

I remember, Fi, you can stop! Do YOU get it? I have NO IDEA HOW FAST WE’D BE MOVING WHEN WE HIT BOTTOM where that thing could BLAST US LIKE SITTING DUCKS and Fi-

“Ohh-oh-HH!”

I’m already running out of steam. I’d have to hang on to the damn thing long enough to make it and so would-

“Link, HUURRY!”

OHFFIREBALLFIREBALL FASTERLINK Zelda said I getpain turned in talking to Fi, it's true, it's like my body kept running without me

“HH-hh- hhh-HH-hh-”

and it’s a damn good thing it did because thatpain fireball

“-Hh-HH-h-hh-“

is still AHEAD OF US but- oh s$*% I set the pre-blast pace

“HH-hh HH-hehh-h-“

which is fast, faster than was smart for her, look at her

“-h- h- h-hh-“

listen to her breath, but It’s going to- going to pass behind

“-hh-h- ohh…”

and not singe us this time. It feels like good luck but also not-

ANOTHER “RIGHT BEHIND IT!”

“AH-HH!”

OHMYGODDESS RUNRUNRUN “YOU HAVE IT!” ZELDA

“Oh-h-KHHHHhhh!”

PULLHER HELP

“HHHRRR!”

FASTERFASTER!!!! “THAT’S IT ALMOST ALMOST KEEP GOING, PUSH!! PUSH HARD!!!” HOT

“RRRRRRGHRHAAAAH!”

HOTPAINHOThurting she’shurtingHOTHOT we can’tpain

“Hhh-h- hh-mmh…”

can’t keep doingpain this, slow down again, she’s struggling SO HARD, if she falters you’ll have to carry her and that’ll be worse for both of you

I estimate you have successfully used the paraglider at a height of 48.9 feet.

“KhHHh-hh.”

Sure, with just ME, not withpain Zelda’s life at stake!

The warning label has a 99.82% probability of being overly-conservative in order to minimize the likelihood of litigation.

Huh?

Turn north, master!

Fi, I- don’tbestupidLink “Zelda?”

“Y-y-ehhskhh.”

Oh my Goddess, no tears-“I- I have a paraglider.”

“A- parahh-hhhH- what-hh?”

Guess that’s obscure even for her. “It’s- like a- a little sail! For getting down easier after rock climbing.”

“...Whh-hhill it bhhe-hh enough?”

“I…” don’t actually think so, I know the time Fi’s talking about and I hit ground pretty hard “I’m not…”

”Yhou- hHh- doubt.”

Bad time to not know s#$*.

“Won’t-hh we-hhhh-khhh- be- supremely prone- hh-hh-hh- at the-hh bottom- of Tanagar Canyon?”

“…Yh-yeah.” Low ground. Always bad.

“Ahhnd- it-hh- shall send-hh- flame at us hh-hh- as we-h- flee.”

Yeah.

And here it comes.

She didn’t even gasp this time

“Ghh-hh-“

Faster that’s it, that’s it, good you slowedpain a bit, tiny recovery time andFASTERFASTER

“Nn-gh- g- hKHHHhh-“

Can’t tell issheshaking? Bet so like a leaf if we stop whichwecan’tfasterFASTER, and what happensSPEED if we try to hold on to that paraglider in this state, if we can’t hang on

“Hh-h-h-“

or if we just break our legs at the bottom anyway and can’t run, can’t even walk andhereitcomeshereitCOMEShotHOTHOTHOTpainHOT

“HHH- L-ink-“

“We’re together!”

“Y-yhes-hh-hhhh!”

Don’t know what made me say that but it seemed to help, her face changed.

“This hh-h- won’t do!”

HER HANDgone?! What’s she-?! “Zelda!”

“It shallkhhhhhh- run us to death!  And even if not- we khhhhhHHHhh-cannot lead it west to Maritta, nor-hhh- leap to our own deaths northward! We kh- khill it!”

No-

ARROW from this far?!

NO.

Nocked, aiming, stillpain, Link, be STILL, stand ready to knock your Princess the HELL out of the way if-

FireballfireballFIREBALLFIREBALL THERE’Spain HER SHOT

”HHhhhHHH!”

She’sRUNNINGRUNNING pastyoualreadyLink, presence of mind, your Princess so has more of it than you, can’tseethearrow, can’tseeit, and it aimed at US this time, not ahead, because we were staying still, is that how we do this? Small bursts of speed, then stand still ANDIT’SDOWN?!!!?!?”WOOOOOO!! HOLY S@#$, ZELDA!!!” MIPHA WAS RIGHT THIS TIME

“HA! Khh-hhHh-“

BUT I’M TOTALLYpain

“khhh.”

NOT TELLING ZELDA THAT BECAUSE IT’LL RUIN IT

“Did it-“

ZELDA IS SO SO SO SO SOOO MAGIC

              Master, if so-

“-strike the head?”

              -she is expending even more energy.

NO WAY THAT SHOULD’VE HIT AT THIS DISTANCE! Oh-“I didn’t see!”toomanythings

              She will tire!

“Nor c-hhould I! The-hh-h- flames obscured it!”

If the beast is down, take this chance- fly!

“Z-“ Fi, she’s already aiming- arrow away!

“F-further!”

And your Princess is running again, and she’s right, they’re both right, the painflames-

“KhhhHHHh-hh.”

so muchpain fire behind us and the plain is dry, bad bad badpain bad BAD news, worsepain even for the others- holy light, did Cohl make it out okay? Beraya’s group hadpain the best chance, and Zelda HIT IT AGAINpain, I saw it jerk, I can’t- wh?FIREBALL STOP”STOP STOP STOPSTOP!!”

“It’s too- hh-HH- far!”

Her voice. She knows. How bad.

That’s it, Link. And that’s it, Fi. Nowhere to run, not even nearby- not with a wall of flames to the west.

Shakingpain

Please master

painThere’s- even if we kill it, there’s nowhere to go. “Zelda.”

“I- I know- I- hhh-”

shakingHer eyes.

Guardian lasers.

Bright.

Another arrow nocked- and aiming-

hurts

-and away.

And anotherpain fireballshakingshaking to the west. An inferno between us and anywhere even a little safer.

“Lh-h-hink.”

“Yes, Princess?” Oh- YOUR voice, Link. It sounded strange. Made her smile a little, strange smile, sad smile?

“I cannot- kh- ckhlose on it. My legs- I…”

“Zelda, you’re still-“shaking “you have” pain “no idea how incredible it is- totally untrained, you did this TOTALLY cold-“

“I’ve little-h- left. KhhhHHHHhh.”

Look at her chest. Spasming. Inpain. Trying not to cough. “Your air.”

“…Khyehh-hhhh- y-ehs.”

Swallowingpain. Swallowing down those soundsshaking her lungs want to make. “…You- want me to attack.”

Not recommended.

Her call.

“I can evade its fire at thihhs-hh- distance-”

Each stage of this has been a chillingly coordinated attempt on your life-

“-and support yhh-ou from here.”

-and that of the Princess.

Your voice sounds strange. No probability?

I am certain.

…Yeah. I guess I ampain, shakingtoo.

Do not leave her.

“Linkhh- please-KHhhhdo not hesitate.”

“Fi says to stay with you.”

“Fi cannot f-fhh-eel my body’s- state-hh- as she does yours.”

Yeahshaking it’s your body’s state she’s worried about, though. “The lynel could break off. From the rider.” And probably kill herpain unless I could stop it. Another arrow

“If ihhtKH- does… attack the more immediate threat.”

More immediate is whatever’s closest to her and more FIRE big fricking surprise but west again, just lighting everything up, driving it home we’re dead that way shakingstopshakingLink

…It’s definitelypain still off-kilter, isn’t it? Can it gallop? Can’tpain see the rider, but I could barely tell what it was even when she pointed it out-

“Lhh- Link. I’ve no wish to order you.”

shakingGrip, Link.

Get that. On your hilt and yourpainself and stop shaking.

Please stop shaking. Push it thephysicallimits hell down.

She doesn’t want to have to order youpain.

Don’t make her.

Run, Link.

painRun and trust her. She’ll be firing arrows over your damnphysicallimits head.

More painfire- more west. Like it wants the whole plain lit. No escape.

Escape THROUGH this enemy of ours? Maybe.

…Nothing to say to that, Fi?

I am with you, master.

Really? I thought this waspain the opposite of what you wanted.

I am with you, regardless.

You’re scared painignoreit

.

…I felt that. It was dread.

              There must be some recourse.

I’m sorry. I… Fi, even if we run north, it’ll justpain set this middle strip on fire.

It is likely to regardless.

Hylia

Preserve us- lift us from these sands.

Zelda, keep it off-center… please. (Keep us with the dawn) Arrows. There’s one.

Sheathe your sword, Link. (In these lofty skies) You havepain a bow, too. (Make of us a temple of hope) Draw that. Wait for it. As soon as you’re inpain range.

Hylia

The INSTANT you can make that shot…

Preserve us- lift us from these sandsZelda yes!! Anotherpain hit, it’s reeling, ignorethepain it’sjustpain keeprunning and I still don’t see the rider. Check back checkpain back no one there. Did he retreat? Is he circlingpain somewhere behind the fire? I don’t like it.

Draw an arrow, Link. Too far from itburns too far from herpain check back she looks amazing like that she’s a goddess still too far paintoo far too far toopain far keep checking, do you see the rider? Do you see him? painCheck check check this thing’s so far that fire’s so damn fast why isn’t it going for it? Take the pot shot at me, I’mpain right here. Not Zelda. She’s further.

painburns

painSeriously, why isn’t it bothering to go after me?

Zelda?

She just sent another arrow, she’s fine, she-

Wait.

Wait, what painwas that?

Red-

SMOKE

MASTER!

I KNOW I KNOWPAIN I SEE IT

“Wh-hh- why is he?”

ZELDA ON YOUR LEFT!

“HH-hhhHKKH- hh?”

ON YOUR LEFT!!! SMOKE IN THE EAST WRONG COLOR ON YOUR LEEEEEEEFT!!!  IT’S ONE OF THEM ISN’T IT IT’S HUIRU OR REIDA USING THEIR MAGIC

TELEPORTATION, MASTER!

PAIN THEY CAN GET OVER THE FIRE LEFT ZELDA LEFT!!

“Hh-hh. Hh-hh.”

SHEDOESN’TSEE, SHE’SLOOKING BUTSHEDOESN’T THESMOKEDOESN’TLAST WHOEVER IT IS ISPAIN BEHIND THE LAST FLAME WALL

“Hphhh- hhhhHHh-“

BUT ANY SECOND AND THEYWON’TBE ANYMORE! RUNLINK RUN FOR YOUR PRINCESS’ LIFE THE BOW’S ALREADY IN YOURPAIN HANDS USE IT RUN RUN RUN RUN RUNSOHARD LINK OH MY GODDESS I’M TOO SLOW “ZELDA ON YOUR LEFT!!”

”I SEE- hh-hh- NOTHING!”

“RED SMOKE, YIGA!” WHEREWHEREWHEREWHERE NOTTHEREYET WHERE-!!! “ABOVE!” STAYINGINAIRFLOATING!DOWNTHRUST!! “MOVE!” SHE’S WAYAHEADOFYOU LINK, SHEDODGED, SWORDINDIRT YIGAMINE!!!!! JUMPLINK!

NOCKconcentrateconcentrateconcentrate slow everything slow all the time in the world now, asshole aimaimaimaimaimaimFIRE”FPFFFAAAH!”

“Link?!”

PAINmyFACE GODDESSLink RECOVERECOVER youstillhaveyour PAINeye PAIN noBOW

“A- Mmm!“

BOWgone theHEATtheSTRINGnoNO RUNLink!

“Ah-hahaha.”

REIDAburntSOBADpainPAIN how is she MOVING? ”NO!” ZELDADODGE!!!

“Hhmf.” “HHhhHHHaAhhh-gm-ph!”

HERBACK!!!! SwordSKYWARD LONGRANGEpleasehelpPLEASEpleasepleasePLEASE- ?! I FELT IT GOpain!

“HA!”

NoDODGED! attackingZELDAagain stillprone!hurt “ROLL- HA!”

LinkNEVERFORGET howTRICKY your Princess is LOOK AT HER GUARDIAN EYES, YES!that’s my move, the kick-throw them behind me and Reida’s PRONE and painMINE-

“RR-GH-KHH-“

herSWORD vs MINEstrangelystronglikeVayden I’mstronger winningwinning whysmilingbloodburntface?

“LINK RUN!”

Oh S%&@ I hearitIHEARITpain FIREBALL “GGHHE-“GUTKICKED “HH!”pain she’sSMOKEagainLink andYOU’REpainONTHEWRONGSIDEOFTHEFIRE RUNpainRUN ZELDA’SSIDE RUNRUNRUNRUNRUNpainLEAPHOTpainPAIN “Hhhhhh-hhh!” ROLLHOTPAIN

SingedSINGEDbootheels morepain withZelda she’s standing again

“Lhh- ink-“

She's horrified “I’m-m-hh-“ shakingagain “good, where’s Reida?!” painBacktoback hersbleeding noLinkno youlethergetHURTAGAIN thatSLASHinherback!!

No herpainburning choice, hers, she knew she was vulnerable, but I never would’ve thought they’d live through thatpain fireball, either-

THEY.

Link. Oh Link, there were TWO “Huiru?!”

“O-HHhhhonly Reida!”

“So faAAR”ABOVE DODGEconcentratesloweverything herblade towardZELDA’SSPINE paintooclosetoZELDA GRABREIDA’SWRISTSLINK andLEAP she’sstruggling but THIStime my knee’s in YOUR gut!

“GHHAAhh-“

FACE HILTPUNCH

“BF-!”

HolyF#$&shecrunched

Is she-?

P-eople’s bones. Thinner. Than monsters’.

“Hh-hh- Link?”

Holy f#$&.

Zelda, Zelda? Just heard her- fired- at- the- lynel thing. Again(doessheknowaboutme?)

? Different. Yellow? …Lightning?

amIshaking?It’s- “Zelda-” it’s moving

“I- see it!”

It’s- “No.” (Not. It’s not) “charging…”

“I s-kh-ee it!”

(She thinks I). Oh. It is. Charging. Light “Oh-fire oh!” Fireleft-

“Hhh! KHHh-hh.”

-and right. “Z- el!” StopitLink

“It’s penning uhhs- in!”

Trapclosing myGoddess, can we kill it in time, can we run fast enough? Getagrip numbhands and anotherarrow- and- and- blocked?

“Hh-KHHh.”

Lightning glow. A shield?

Master- if you see this ‘lightning’ shield move toward you-

“Link-“

-use me.

Use you how?numbhands

“I- I khhhh cannot h- harm it!”

Strike it with me.

Ohnoshe’sreallyscarednow, Zelda’s- wait, Fi, that’ll work?!

If this being is-

AndANSWERnumbZelda “I know. I’m sorry-“(sorry)

-what I fear it is, then yes.

Confusing(sorry) “-I’m with you, Zelda-” stopit beREADYLink “-I’m right here!” don’tshowit ignore swordright “Stay- behind me-“ andLINK don’tforget, two of them “-watch for Huiru.” Zelda thinkofZelda “We back up.” We can’t outrun this thing-

“As- h-hh- you say!”

-only buy a few extra(sorry)shakingnumb seconds as it lights the grass even CLOSER to us on fire, Hylia (sorry) Preserve us (dead), Lift us from these sands (deadifcan’tkillit). If I could teleport, I would (teleportZeldaatleast Idon’tdeserveit) “Keep… backing up.”

Master.

“Linkhhh- h-how do I aid you- if I khhhannot hh-harm it?”

The Yiga woman sought your death.

ignore “Be my eyes. Watch behind and above.” I know Fi, can’t help it, can’t help the thoughts they just(aresorry).

Don’t- don’t say it, Link.

She’ll think YOU think this could be the end. (sorrySORRY)NO getagrip getagrip getaholdofyourself, Fi’s right, Reida down is the best possible outcome, it’s over, one less person trying to murder you both(howdoIsaveZelda?saveZeldasaveZelda shedeserves)

“I-hhh-h- I love you, Link.”

Oh no. “I love you, too.”

.

She thinks we’re dead(howdoIsaveher?).

…You can’t leave it like that, Link- “So much. More than anything.”numb(shedeserves)

“Hh-hh-“

Fi…

What about the fire?(saveher) Can I hit the fireballs with you? Will that work?

I am sorry, master. Against that, I currently have no defense for you. All I can do is absorb what little energy I can.

So why the lightning thing-?

Because I am its antithesis, master.

…That sounds bad.

? It is of benefit to you.

No, no, I mean(needtoSAVEher)- if that’s like yournumb opposite, and you’re the Goddess’ sword, what the hell does that make IT?

I would be overjoyed to explain later.

Nasty, antithesis-wielding guy

Antithesis only.

on the back of a stal lynel- stalynel? Totally unphased by the dawn, too, by the way- who could burn us to death(notZeldadon’tletit) any minute.

I think.

So… why is it slowing down? “Zel-“

It slows-?

“-it’s stopping.”

“Stopping?”

Don’t you dare relax, Link(Zelda youhavetogetZeldaout) Not for one second(howdoIsaveher?)

Those massive hoofbeats were thundering a second ago. Nowpain(whocaresifyouhurt?) just a trot. Somehow. No reigns. How ispain(youdeserveit) he controlling it?

Its… eyes. Glowing. Purple. They look dead. Sightless.

Like Reida(sorry)

Don’t.

Grip.

Sword right.

Front stance.

Andpain for f$&#’s sake watch for Huiru.

What the hell is this person doing? He’s still a long way off. More glowing. He could be sending painfireball after fireball at us, couldn’t he? …Can it run out of fire or something?

Unknown.

…I could go forward and takepain the thing on- if I knew Huiru was dead. She knows, too, or she’d tell mepain to do it WOAH “Zel!” shestumbled

“F-hh-ine!”

She’sshaking wait, what- what? “Is that malice?”

“What?”

painIfeelher lookingoverhershoulder purple. “I think it is.” Glowing. Around Reida “Oh G- MOVE, Zelda-“

“YES!”

Okay back off BACK OFF “Zelda!” good, quick, eyesout, alldirections, she’spaintrying, she’s never done anything like this and it’s notidealatall and that’s whypain Fi wanted us to run, nochoice, wewon’thavechoice, she’s not ready and I’m hurt, we BOTH arepain and ignoring the pain doesn’t mean it isn’t there and I’ve had 20 minutes of sleep and while I haven’t lostpain all that much blood my clothes are IN my burntskin and I’m shakingexhausted and(a killer) way way way below optimal-

Something- something’spain happeningtothebody and ARROW!Zelda “Zelda, eyes behind!” Amazing shot directly up Reida’s whole chest cavity but that doesn’tseemtohavechangedanything and- “Huiru, keep watching-“

“I ahhm- khHHhhh.”

The rider doesn’t want to get near us does he, he wants to stay away and have other things do the painwork for him, longrange and using other people, using deadthings, it’s… him, theonefromtheplain “It’s Erl, isn’t it?”

“Not-Erl!”

Right right not actually Erl but “If he could do this why didn’t he before?!?”

“He appears loathe to attack us head-on!”

His behavior strongly supports that hypothesis.

“Fi, does that fit with”pain “who you think it is?”

I am uncertain.

Keep this one down low Link just in case somehow painone of them can year you, should I not swing at the yellow magic? If it might not be what you think?

…Use me if all else fail-

MELTING?! Noteverything-! “Zelda, the bones!”

“Hhh!”

Different notaReDead, somethingelse, like the dead lynel?

“Link- it’s stirring!”

“I’m-“ I don’t know what the f$*# I am- “as ready as I’ll get.”

“Akhhs am I, but- arrows. Low.”

“Use mine!”

“Y- yes!”

She’sgrabbingthose and Reidapainstarting- to push herself up-

“Twelve years.”

“FF-!“rightinmyEAR-

“Hhh!”

-who?! Wh?! “Was that him?!” How did we hear him?! So far

“Yes. It was me.”

HECANHEARUS thank Hylia I didn’t say the yellow magic thing out loud

“You’ll be dead soon.”

You'd think he'd sound happier about that.

“Hh-hh- hhh-hh- indeed not.”

“Heh.” What’s the matter with you, Link? Your Princess isn’t joking

“I’d say I regret we’ve had so little time together, but it would be such a lie.“

Keepbackingup he sounds-

“It’s beneath me.”

-tight. Wound up. Flat.

Reida’s… skeleton. Rising.

“Hh-hh.”

Thepain- eyes on it. Glowing like the lynel aaaaand wait.

Wait.

What was the thing about twelve years?? “Not sure you’re so good at counting. You haven’t been with us twelve years.” Oh s#$& or HAS HE?

“Twelve years is all the rest I received, thanks to you.”

“Pretty sure I didn’t wake you up.” Thatpain chattering-

“My master did.”

-it’s Reida’s… teeth.

“Pretty little Princess, lying in bed. I didn’t harm a hair on her head.”

What thepain hell does that mean?

“Never again. Not that it will matter. This time, it will finally end.”

Master.

“I khH- do not recall your presence in my bedchamber.”

Master, it is him.

That’s- I can FEELpain his weird smile, is this- is this some kind of telepathy, Fi, is it like you?

Like yet not alike.

“You don’t remember much, from what I’ve heard.”

It is DEFINITELY not-Erl, he heard her SAY that.

“I wonder how it happened.”

And- here comes thepain skeleton slow, slow-

“How did you survive?”

-still holding Reida’s sword, watch the hell out of everything, Link, holy s$&%pain

“How did your power suddenly arrive?”

it doesn’t matter if Huiru died or not, he’s up, he’spain up somewhere anywhere wherewherewhere ohf- skeleton! Canwalkthroughfire?

“Or- did it? Do you have power, tiniest Princess?”

? I don’t- don’t get it-

“Where is your light?”

Her light? Ours? Zelda- keep- just keep moving back-

“I freely admit my confusion. I can be honest with you, after all.”

...

Whatthef$&#? “We’re… not friends.”

“Dead men can’t spill secrets. Only organs. Well, and bile. Blood. Lymph. The things that make you so repulsive on the inside.”

“Make US repulsive?” painHow does ANYONE say that so totally matter-of-fact?

“In the extreme.”

pain“So, what- do you not have organs?” He sounds dead inside.

“My insides are far cleaner than yours.”

“Want me to check?” OOH, Link, what the hell are you doing PROVOKING him?!

.

It… went awfully quiet. Except Reida’s teeth.

painburns

That tightness in his voice- it’s weird, what is it? Like he’s straining. Nerves? Stress? Fear?

Fear?

He doesn’t want to getpain near us.

Is he… afraid of us?

Did I just SCARE him? “…Seems like that worries you.”

“Ffff-hhhh. Ffff.”

Hot breath on my neck

“I was content to let you live without her.”

(SAVEZelda)“NOT happening.”

“She was dead already.”

“Mg-?“ SHHH Link don’t give away that you havepain no idea what the f#$& he’s talking about, Zelda'snotdead, she's right behind you-

“You no longer mattered. I could rest. That’s all I want. Peace.”

Doesn't seem great with definitions, either. “This isn’t peace.”

“This isn’t what I want.”

“InHHdeed?! What do you wish for then, foul creature?”

Zelda.

“You-hh- massacred the inhabitants of this plain! That isn’t peace!”

Pissed off Zelda.

“It is when it’s over.”

Dear Hylia, he didn’t deny it!

“Phhhh-“

She’s so pissed off she’s hissing-

“-hhh-kh-hh.”

“Over. That’s what I want.”

-andpain creaking the hell out of that bowstring.

“But you pull me here- and the most frustrating thing is this may all be for nothing. Ripped from rest for the likes of you. Do you know what I think?”

…No idea but I’m sure going to give away as little as possible.

pain

“I think the way has already been paved. The power laid to rest, as it was meant to be. I think you are nothing but a lie.”

He’s angry, must be, why bother telling us that otherwise, whatever it means?

“You’d have used your power by now if you weren’t. Wouldn’t you, tiniest Princess?”

Tryingpain to get a dig in somewhere, but too scared to come over here and fight.

Afraid of us.

Ofpain me?

…Let’s find out.

“Is your hero also a lie?”

It’s like I just FELT him bare his teeth at me and ohhh it’s coming anyway isn’t it even if I WASN’Tpain about to do what I’m doing with your hand, that’s right Zelda, my hand, come with me, forward, if we run he just burns uspain but if he’s SCARED OF US maybe we can push his ass back if we freak him out.

Do not underestimate him.

What happened to not losing hope? ForwardFORWARD hesees

Do not lose caution, either, master. He- must have some aim.

Theskeleton swordraising you mean some reason he hasn’t already burnt us to a crisp.

An unsettling way to put it.

painSwordSKYWARD.

That’s right, Reida. It’sforYOU AWAY she’sfarbutit’ll- what’sthatsound?

“Hh-?”

?! therider LIGHTNINGBALL

“H-Link?!”

“STAY BEHIND ME!” READY LINK here it comes it’spain not as fast different totally different from the fire it’s like it lives by itself in the air

“Are you a lie, boy?”

it’s bigger than it seemed

“Hh-hh-Link-“

TrustmeZelda

“Link, move!”

“Trust me.” Quiet quiet it’s almost lazy how slow it is butpain

“Link!”

Ohno is she stillwatching behind “Behind, Zelda!” hereitIS!!”HFFF!”

IT WORKED!!!!

“O- oh!”

Probability 100%.

pain

“Gh-hhhh…”

Hot breath on my neck

It is him.

“YOU.”

he’s snarling isn’t he?

“OhhKhhh- thankhh-hh-“

It’squiet but Icanfeelit, he’s pissed, the lightning’s just floating away likepain a cloud now damn I should’ve tried to aim it at Reida, she’s still walking, the sword light didn’t do much, she just paused, I wonder, I wonder “So am I a lie or not?”

“You are dead.”

“LINK!”

Left? LEFT OHMYGODDESSTHEYCANRUNpain CHATTERING HUIRUBONES IT’SFAST?! ZELDASHOT IT VEERED! INTERCEPTINTERCEPTpain UPSLASH”GHHAAH!”

“HH!”

DearHylia it’spain like its ribs started to split and just came right back together and DODGELINKmissedmeHuiruSPINSLASHSLASHSLASHSLASHSLASHSPINSLASH BRITTLEBONES

Chattering!

“Mgh-HHhkhhh-“

REIDA! NOZELDA GETAWAYFROMHER ZeldaintheWAY can’tspinslash

“HHH! HHH!”

painTACKLE!!

It’s no weaker, she’s NO WEAKER painSTRONGER!!!

Master, the heads!

MAGIC OH F- “ZELDA, HUIRU!” She’snotUPyet “THE HEAD!” myTHROAT“KGHh-“OHS#$#!!

“It-hhs- rolling hhh-hh LINK!”

LIGHTNINGBALL airair“K”AIRPAINAIR GET THESE BONES OFFPAIN LINKohNOno-noAIR-PAIN-painpain-

“GHAAAAAAH-HHH-hhh!”

ZELDASWORDDRAWN CloseCOMBAT didn’twantthatbut REIDA’SHEAD “GH!” OFF YANKTHEARMS

“RRGKh-H!”

 YESOFF “HHHH! HHH-hh-hh-“ airairthank butdidn’twant Zelda closecombat pain twoexperts stalexperts S#$& HERE’S THE BALL HIT IT

Target the rider!

HITpain- You read my mind, Fi! throat throathurts

As usual, master!

windpipe Fisillyonpurpose-? Lightning fasternow! Must’ve hit hard andHUIRU backTOGETHER oh my Goddess. Fi, they just keep-

The head MUST be destroyed or the skeleton utterly obliterated, as we- MASTER!

I KNOW I SEE FASTERpain HE HIT IT BACK THELIGHTNING BAAAACK “HAAAAAH!” YES!RIGHTBACKATYOURFACE he’s closer, he got closer, paincareful that lynel lynelbonesfire if he gets desperate he’llburnus Zelda?! Reida’shead, sheknockeditWAYoverthere, drawingher BOW “NO DON’T!” HUIRUHASHER HERNECK “NO YOU” RIP HIM “BASTARD!” RIP HIM OFF HERPAIN!

No Isawitinherface herpain movement she’ssotired- F-ING THROW THIS GODDESSDAMN SKELETONPAIN, AWAY WITH YOU ASSHOLE ENJOY PICKING UP ALL YOUR PARTS WHILE I FRICKING STALK REIDA

“LINK!!!!”

F-LIGHTNI”AA”PAIN“hh”PAIN“AAA”

MASTER!

“NO!!!”

“Ha.”

PAIN“AAAA”PAIN“A”PAIN“AA”PAIN“AAAAaaaahhh!”CAN’T

Master, open your eyes!

“LinkgGGGH! Link phh-h-lease…”

Herhandsher whereamI? pain

���Phh-lease, they-hhh-hh- shall re-form!”

Herhandsareshaking pain sohard “Sh-shh-hh.” Squeezethathand hardto though hardtomove pain

“Oh- hh- HHH!”

Light-

Light?

Turn!

The- LIGHTNINGBALL what’swrongwithyouLink?! IN FRONT OF ZELDA painIN FRONT HIT IT YOUR SWORD YOU CAN DO IT PAY ATTENTION YES! Right back at this asshole and now I knowpain getting closer I’m CLOSING on you oh you don’t like that do you yeah yeah here it comes aGAIN and it’spain back at you AGAIN and FASTER and FINE you want FASTER I’ll give you FASTERWOAHHIT HIT

“GHHAAAAGH-K!!!! HH-“

HIT! HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?! stillmounted, toobad checkZelda, there, watching people-bones, almost back together thatSOUND THELIGHTNING FINE YOU WANTpain TO GO AGAIN HERE WE GO HIT CLOSER I’ll get CLOSER TO YOU and CLOSER and painAGAIN FASTER and FASTER AGAIN RIGHT AT YOUR FACE YOU DIDN’T LIKEpain IT LAST TIME THOUGH- FINE! FASTER AGAIN AND-!!! “ZELDA!”

AIMEDATHER! SHESEES SHE’LL

“HH-HHH!”

SKELETONARMS?!?!!?! “NO!” RUNPAINHOWTHEF#$( ARETHEYDOINGTHAT THEY’REJUSTARMS NONO PLEASEHYLIA

“KGHHHHAAAA”

“ZELDA!” SCREAMINGNO!!!!!!!!

“As I thought.”

“AAAAAAAA”

SHE’SSCREAMING!!!!!!!!!!!

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH”

“Lies.”

(What will happen if I hear her scream?)

“oOOOHh-”

(Will I freeze?)

“No magic, pretty little Princess?”

NOTTODAY “RRRAaAH!” NOFREEZING

“Oh-hh-h-h-“

Because that arm’s SPLINTERSpain

“hhh-hh-“

“Nothing to save you?”

and THIS ONE’s FLYINGSOMEWHERE GOODBYE

“hhhhh…”

“Good.”

FIREBA- fireBALLS HOTBOTHSIDES PENNEDINTIGHT HOT Wh- OhmyGoddessZeldahereyes “Heyheyhey openup- open!” She’strying she’spainwoozy I wastoo myGoddesswhat's he doing???

“Dead, regardless.”

Wind?

Wind. Sudden- blowing…

North?

Oh no. No, NOpain- “Zelda! Zelda, UP! NOWwwwOOOH!”FIREBALL”MOVE!”TOOCLOSESHECAN’T OVERYOURSHOULDERLINK THROW HERPAIN OVERBACK PAINand RUNPAINPAINPAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“HH-hhhoh-hhh?”

“GH!” PAINIGNORE “HH-hh-hhhhh-hhh- I- HAVE you!”HOTHOThotOHPLEASEHYLIAPAIN ALOT ALOT IT PASSED JUST RUNPAIN

“Hmh…”

stillRUN hotNORTH AS FAST ASPAIN YOU CANPAIN noCHOICEANYMORE

“I…”

AS hotFAR AS IT’LL LET YOU PAINMY GODDESS

“Hot…”

PLEASEhot DON’ThotPAIN LET IT CLOSE THE PATH OFF

“Hhh-khhhhh-hh-“

NO CHOICE NOWhot

“-it h-h- got…”

THEPAIN WIND WILL CLOSE IT UP IFPAIN WE’RE SLOW

“so…”

hotREIDAHUIRUWHERE?!

“h- hot…”

NO TIMEPAIN TO LOOK JUSTPAIN RUN LINK

“Khhhhh-h…”

RUN RUN PAINRUN WE’LL BEhot TRAPPED RUNPAIN RUN RUN hotRUN I HEAR it ANOTHERsohot anotherFIREBALLwhere

“O-oh!! L-hh-i-HH!”

PainPAINback

“G- H- OH THI-IS W-AY!“

OBEY YOUR PRINCESS PAINLEFT hotLEFT LEFTPAIN

“KH-HHHhhh-hhH!”

LEFT LEFThot hotTHEREIT HOT!!PAINHOT!! GOES oh no, no- no, diagonal, we have to go around no no, no-

“I-khHHhh-hHh- c- ahn run!”

Pain isshesure?don’tquestion notime hotpain tryit DOWNpain

“A- hh- khh-h.”

DOWN she’s downhot she’s painMOVINGwobbling MOVING though yes she’s – I think it’s hotfaster, a little faster, badpain shape though BAD and the path is sohot much narrower, the north wind’ll close the trap

“HH-hhKhh.”

it’s closing by the second, how close is it painhow close the fire behind us?

?!!!!!!!!!!!!

NO “Zelda.” WAYtooclose

“HhhH-hh-h- try-hiing-!”

Oh noNO “I know, I KNOW- we’re together!” She’s ontheverge I’msureofit, there’s so muchpain fire I can hardly see, can’t- howhot will I even see the next hotfireball coming?

“KhhHHHhh-hh-m.“

It’s like the fire’s alive and chasing us (allmyfault I)hot (recommended wecametohelp becauseIrecommended)pain hotHOT ISTHATANOTHER “LEFT NOW!!!!”

SOCLOSESOCLOSEHOTHOT”AaaAAF!”

“Lhhiihhink!”

Sheyanked“FFf-FFfhu-hh!”methistime

“Hhh-oh…”

Goodthingtoobecause NO STUPID STUPID LINK PAT IT OUT HOT PAT OUT YOUR POUCH HOT HOT!!!

pain Holy S%&@ you lose THAT and you are BOTHpain DEFINITELY DEAD BURNED ALIVEhot OR SMASHED AT CANYON BOTTOM AND YOU PROBABLY ARE ANYWAYprobablyare Cheecryinginbed (Zeldabody burntbroken) no please

hotNo

Zelda

Not Zelda

Not her

Please

Pleasepain

Hylia

Hylia

Preserve us(please)

Lift us from these sands(please)

Keep us with the dawn(notZelda)hot

“L-hhHh-i-“

Ithappenedalready dawn keep us with the dawn

“KHHH-hhh-HHH!”

Thepain smoke again no(notZelda)- she-

He who wields the sacred blade

“HH!” Who is that?!

“Hhh-hKgh-what- is it?”

Fly with the wind

Ishot- the smoke getting to me, too?

Blood oxygenation level 97%.

Okay that’s Fi again what?what? 97 seems okay.

I hear her too, Master.

Hear…

Her?

Hear HER?!

SPEEDLINK!!! “COME ON, ZELDA!”

“Hhh-HH?”

DON’T GET IT OUT YET, WOOD PLUS HOTFIRE BAD, BUT YOU’REpain GOING TO AND THERE’S ACTUAL

REAL

HOPE!

HYLIA, PRESERVE US!

LIFT US FROM THESE SANDS

Fly with the wind

KEEP US- I- I hear you! “Z- Zelda!”

“LHH-H-EFT!”

YES LEFT MORE FIREHOT BUT “Zelda, did you hear it?”

“Yh-YES-fire- more!”

No no “The voice!”

“V-hhhHHHHkHHh- voi- ce?”

painLaterLink! figureitoutwhenshe’ssafe “Just- sprint!”

“I AAHhm!”

hot“No, SPRINT! SPRINT for me” pain “Zelda, give everything!” paindoesn’tmatter

“I- HHhhh-“

“Everything you’ve got!!” Zeldalivingmatters

“R-RRRrrrRRR!”

That’s it YES hot she’s so tired butpain there’s always that one last hotburst

“HH- hh- hh!”

everyone has in them and this is it! We’ve got to make it through

“Hh- HH-h!”

before the wind makes all these firelines join, makespain it overtake us hotand yes it hurts

“HhHH-h.”

it hurts, legsbackneckclothestuckpullingrubbing hotand whatever’s going to happen when wepain go over that edge will be dangerous as all hell hotbut there’s hope, there IS!

“Hh-KHH-h-h.”

There is-

Something?

What is that?pain

Like a banner

Shining in the wind

?hot

It’s likehot the thing I saw last week

I paindon’t-

Is it hotthe same thing?

painWhat IS that? “Zelda? Do you- know what that is?”

hotHer eyebrow paincrease fireFIREPOP theregoesthatbush holy- burning ignoretheburningpainHOPE pouchstillgoodgood

“Wh- Hh-hh- what?”

She-

She doesn’t see? “There!”

hotShaking her head and-!!!

“HHhH!”

Wobble- she’s okay butpain

“Mgh-hh.”

she’s going to slow soon sohot sohot she doesn’t see it toohot does she?

She likely does not, Master.

Why not?

For the same reason she could not hear the words. The same reason only you saw the spirits of the sacred woods.

Huh?hot

The koroks.

Oh!

“K-hhh-kh.”

painThe others sohotcouldn’t see them?

No, master.

They’re spirits?pain

Fairies, to be precise.

Is- hotthat thing in the distance a fairy, too?

I do not believe so, but my sight depends on you.

Okay- okay-

“Mgh- hh- hh-“

Keep running runhotpain FAST, but- she’s already a little slower.

Don’t take her hand, not yet.

“H- h- hh-“

Let her poundpain out everything she can with her arms pumping

Wait for her- to hotreally need itsohot- waitWINDHOWLING! Checkback

“Oh-hh?”

she’scheckingtoo fireball? painFireball? No fireball? He’s just stirring up the windtoohot behind uspain isn’t he, the way behind us is totallyhot blocked. Can’tpain go back, can’t. burningDeath.

“KHhhHHHHHH-hhh!”

The others? Prayforthempray pray he spent all his hotenergy on uspain and the others got away and he hotreally doesn’t care about thempain so they’ll- be fine. As long as theytoohot get away from the fire, maybe, maybe findthosekids

“Mm-gh-KHh.”

and help themhot. Zelda and I, wepain couldn’t. Couldn’t get back throughpainburning those flames, not without teleporting likehot the Yiga or beingaskeleton which is reallynotwhatwewant-

Or a skeleton.

SKELETONS?

???sohotlookhowbrightheflames

I don’tbrighthot see thempain but the fire’s moving so fast

“KhhHHHHhh.”

For all I know they’re right there, hotbehind the first wave. They’d have to’ve painput “khh-h” themselves back together first, buthot

“KhhHHHHhhhhHH-hh.”

hotthey seemed disturbingly good at that.

The- firehotHOT. Forcingpain “kghkH” us more lefthot morewest toward the other inferno too much smoke bet he can’t see us at all anymore though-

“L-Linkhh-h? Para-“

“Shhh.” Just in case he can still hear!

…She gets it.

“KhhHHh-hh! Hh- hh-“

…hotStruggling. Slowing.

“KHHhHH-h!”

Look at her legspainunsteady.

My hand.

Here.

Take it.

“Hh-h. Hh-h.”

Some of the painburden. Let me take it.

That’sit, I know you’re tiredhotpainburning(scared) “kh.”

“Hh-oh- mgh.”

pullher More tired than I am pleaselessburntthoughplease

We neverhot even had a single day to start training you.

If we’d been… anyonepain else but us, hotwe’d both’ve been dead last night hotpainalready POP loud thatonewasloud

“K-k-hGh.”

It seems like such a huge deal, to just be “khh-hh” hotburns crazy strong and fast with insanepain stamina without even trying, to be even more so whenpain you work hard at it, buthot these things- the THINGS we sawhot on this plain-

We’re massively outnumbered.

“HhHHh-khhhHHhhh.”

There are so many horrors. So many creatures hotjustpain “khhHh-hh” as strong or stronger than us. We have toburning “Gh-khm” burningpullingstopit concentrateonherpullingherinstead pullawayfromthefire the edge

“Hhh- hhh-“

we have to use everything we’ve got, and we have to get betterMOREPOPPINGBUSHESSWERVE

“KHHhhh!”

Explodingbushes both of us. burnsMe and her. Havetogetbetter. Because we weren’t enough for this.

Hyliashaking burnspain “g-gh-hh.”

We weren’t enough for this.

“Li- hhkHHhh-“

“I-h- have you!” pullingharder

Are therepain- are there others?

There are, there’s painMipha, Daruk, Urbosa, and Revaliburning.

“KHHH-hh-KHhhhhh.”

Are… six of us enough?

shakingCan we hotfind others?

“Mm-hhkhHh- hhh- I- I-”

“You can do it!” (gettingweakbothweakpullingZelda we’dfall firealloverusweburn)stopitLink

Is there a backup if one of us diespain? (fallburnwouldhurtsomuch)NO HopeHOPELink

Survive, master!

HopeHOPEhot, that spirit! Fire sohot, there’s fire

I will gladly speak of it when you are safe.

but flameslower there “kh-kh” get therepain gettheregetthere see over them

“HHkH-hh.”

I… I see it. I see its head!

You approach Dinraal.

Dinraal?

She is a sacred dragon—an ancient servant of the Spring of Power.

Dragon?

Dragon.

…Wow.

hotsohotWow. Justrunjustgetthere it’s getting sohot, hotter- just hot all the time “khH” not just when the flames are licking at my legs

“Hh-h-h-h-hhh-hh-hh-ghhhh-hh- oh-h-“

Zelda “Almost!”

“Mgh-hh.”

The painonherface “We’re almost there.”

…She’s shaking her head.

“We’ll make it!”

“L-hh- Link-hh-hh- Mghph- our- chance iskhHHHh-hh- no hh-better-h than-h be-hh-fore.”

“It is.”

“N-h- ohhhthing has-hh-hh- changed!”

“It has.”

Look at her painlooking at you.

“KhhHHHHHh-hh-hh-HH-h.”

hotsohotWould she be crying?

If we had any tears left to? I’m parched. “It has- really. KhhH- please trust me.”

“I…hhh-hh…”

A tiny pout

“I do-hh.”

She does.

But I think she thinks I’mpainhotter just trying to make her feel better.

I’m not.

“KhhHHHh-HHHKHH-hh-oh- hHHh-hhKHHH!”

TherepainHOT it is, Link.

The dragon.

And the- the(heat) the wind.

“O-ohHh-ohh-hh-hohhh-L-L-“

The WIND theheatmoreheat(you’llbeovercome) (it’sevenhotterandyou’llpassout)

“L-hhink the-hh-hh- heatkHHHhhhhh!”

“I-h- know, I- fhh-eel it, too!” the wind kickingpain up hard it’s theheat thefire Fi, Fi(you’llpassout) I’m- waveringWAVERwoah nono I might- I’mtoohot- she- ?! “ZELDA STAY UP!” herbicep

“Th-hh-HHHh-KHHHHhhh!”

KeepherUP that’s it that’s it she’s uppain we’re “al-hhh-mohst there, almost, I- promise!”

She- smiling?

“HH-HH-hhh-HHh- Hhh is that-hh- a chhhhallenge?”

hotHOThotpain can’thelpit smilingbackatheranyway shescrewedupthejoke butwhocares becauseshe’swoozy(dyingno pleasenother) andshestillLOVESyou and “YES!”

“Hhh-hh-hahh!”

And we reallyaretoohot "khHh-hh" almostthere DESPITE your sh!^^& intrusive thoughts, Link, there’sHOPEyouHEARDher heardHER! We’reslowingpain pain, butthere’stheedge, I SEE it!

Only a little space(it’stoohot), so little not burning(yourgliderwillburn) (you’llfall) (dead), havepain to hurry that north wind kickedupsomuchharder so MUCH it’sHOTchasingyou(firefast) (burnyouboth) (dead) so strong it’s notonlynorth so painhot it’s blowing up blowing up wait, up?

“KhhHHHHhhh-hh.”

Up?

UP! Is- ispain that enough, would it lift you?!

Pre(saveher)hot

Preserve

Lift us from these sands?

Keep us with the DAWN? WHICH JUST HAPPENED ?

“HhhkhHHhh-“

hothotSong lyrics- guides!

“-hh-h…hhh…”

Ifpain songs can be guides why not prayers we thought the song of the Goddess was gibberish and it wasn’t it was a GUIDE for an ancientpain hero and spirit maiden Fi can the prayer be a guide?!!?

Given the current situation

toohot

and the telepathic communication you and I experienced

gettingcloser

I estimate a probability of 98.3%

thatfirewallbehindyou

that those words of prayer were specifically intended for you, master.

burninghotblazing Holy Light.

Fly with the wind she said and that’s EXACTLY WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN “MOVE!!” SPEEDBURST PULLHER BELIEVE “WE’RE GOING TO MAKE IT!”

“L-Link!”

BELIEVEITLINK Scaredsound Zelda “It’s alright!!” Pull her, painpull her, we’re almost theresohot BELIEVE IT

I don’t dare reach in that pouch yet can’tpainburning risk dropping anything back here but plan Link, Zelda’s so tired

“KhhHHHHHhhhHhh.”

paineven morehot than you, she could slip andburningsohot if she slips over the drop she’s dead(yourfault), can’t let it happen, your climbing gear!

“Hh-hh-HHH-hh-hh-h.”

Bepain fast use the clips the harness there’s only ONEhotter(closingtrapclosing), have to get her into it, clip herpain to me so if she passes out or her painstrength gives out she won’t fall hotEMBERSHAIR "Kh-HHpfff-t-hh!" HOTpainhot

“Hh-hh! Oh-HHh-h-h.”

hurts(closingin fromallsides)ignore, my- belts- not made to hold her weight, have to clip her to all of them Link allpain and pray! Can I rig the paraglider…? No, no if off kilter we plummet, it has to be me. I hold on, she rides me, she clips onto me.

The dragonWOWjustwow HUGE?! There’s flames! Fi, are those dangerous?

It is likely, master.

And here we ARE SKID

“HHh-hh!”

SKIDSTOP “Harness” inpouchinpouchshaking shakinghands hardtoreachin “harness! Put it on!”

“Khh-wh?”

She’s confused but she’s- “This way, this- yeah, leg, leg-“ my Goddess she’s shakingsobadNO-

“Mm-m!”

she- she almost painfell the flames flames any minute they’ll be lickingus can’t risk it lighting the paragliderHURRYhelpherhelpher “That’s it, yeah- buckle- I’ve got that part” tightentighten securesecuresecure needstobetight ifshepassesout

“L-Ink-wh-? We khhhah- not- climb such a height!”

“We’re not, clips!” One two three one for each point you know WHAT extra clips, extras too, I don’t have enough belts but “my back, clip them- like this, you see? To the backs of my belts, the baldric, anywhere you can- yeah- that- that one- the one under too-“

“All-hh- five-hh??”

“Ye-kh-“ what’s- thatsound “yes-ssss!” OHMYGODDESS “GRAB ME, RIDE!”

“L-? OH!!”

PAINBACKPAINREIDAHUIRUCOMING THEYWERERIGHTBEHINDUS SWORDS SHE’S PAINONMESHAKING PARAGLIDER PAIN GETITOUT GETITOUT NOTIME JUST JUMP BELIEVE AND JUMPLINK!

“MmmmMMMMM-“

“KHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEHHHHH….”                      

PAINonmyback UNFOLD

“-MMMmmMM!”

FALLINGpain”gh!”UNFOLDHOLYS$%^

“Llll-!!!“

STOMACHINHEADpain!!!!

“LNNnnnAAAAAA-”

HYLIAhurts”GH!”HURTS PRESERVEUS

“-AAAAAAAAAAAA-“

LIFTUShurtsobad UNFOLDDON’TDROPIT

“-AAAAAAAAAAAAH-HHH-HH!”

painZeldaFROMbackTHESESANDS DON’TDROPIT YOU’REDEAD YOU’REOHMYGODDESSWHIPPEDUP

“HHHH-hHH! Oh!”

WHIPPEDWIND NOTdead- NOTDEAD!!!painPAIN

“Ohh-h-my-!“

WINDsostrong paingoingUP!

“Ohh! H-Hylia!”

HyliaHYLIA prasePRAISEHylia IfeelitWHIPPING our hair up up up UP UP UP so hot- the dragon, it’s fire, there’s painfire all over floating like those lightningballs, painMASSIVE updraft and our enemy’s north wind is HELPING us now! North- and UP!!!

And she’s- she’s panting- andpain shaking- or sobbingmaybe, silent sobs withpain her arms thrown around my neck- “Zelda.”

“Mmm- hmMm.”

So scared “Shh- sh- Zelda-“

“Link.”

“It’s okay, it’s alright now.” She’s barely hanging on, painstruggling to keep her legs wrapped aroundpain my hips, to keep all her weight on her limbs and not those clips. “Just- stay with me.”

She’s… not the onlypain one struggling.

I’m shaking so bad. And she… REALLY hurts pressed on my back like that in its very-possibly-entirely-skinless state.

But I’ll take itpain. She’s alive.

“D- id- you see?”

“…See?”

“They- they’re there.”

“They- who?”

“Huiru. Reida. They- below us.”

Can I-

painPAINNo. “I- I can’t see, can’t twist around.” Too risky withshakingpain you riding. “Can only see ahead.” I shouldn’t beshaking surprised, they’re dead already, they probably don’t care if they fall…

How… ever… manypain painfeet that is. That.

shakingHoly

Yeahpain, Fi, that 48 feetshaking or painwhatever I’d done before? shakingDoesn’t even sort of compare to thispain. Ifpain we fall. Evenshaking if we painstart to sink, if painwe speedshaking up as we go paindown, it’s so far-

Cease to fear what lies below, master. Fly while you can, and mind the flames.

Woah, she’s painright. shakingstopshakingThose fireballs (can’tstop) they’re moving almost like – like soap bubbles. Firebubbles. Moving, and we’reshakingpain at least partially at the mercy of the wind.

Andpain thank Hylia- thank YOU Hylia- for having that mercy on us. painThe wind, lifting us up.

There’s a weirdshaking smile on your face, Link.

You canpain unpack it later.

For now, painsteer the glider. Beshaking between all that floating flame.

“Link?”

“It’s alright. Just making sure we don’t hit anything.”

“Hit-?”

She probably can’t see the bubbles either.

“Link, you- are… trembling.”

“…Yeah.”

And there it is, Link. She has painstrength enoughshaking to try and hug you, even though she’s already basically hugging youpain, and nuzzling in your hair.

“I love yhou-khHh- oh. I’m sorry.”

“Heh. Don’t be sorry.” pain“I love you, too. Just…” shaking “hang on for me, okay?”

Nodding against me

And shaking like crazypain.

shakingJust like me.

It’s- up to you, now, Link. painHow to get her to safety. How to get theshaking two of us somewhere we can actually deal withpain our wounds, and rest, and painmaybe eat something, and get fricking word to the castle aspain fast as possible. Margil, Beraya, Daile… they’llshaking… all think we’re dead.

The dragon. It’spain – huge. And FAST. Now that we’re paincloser I can see it’ speed and it’s phenomenal(can’tstopshaking). Looks like it’s just gliding gently along like us but it’spain racing through the air.

That’spain… got to be making some wind, too.

It’ll pass us, won’t it? Very soonpain. If we’d been earlier or later, painwe couldn’t- it wouldn’t’ve been here to give us that boost.

(Thank you).

The updraft’ll stop at some point.

Steer- left- painthere- try to stay near it as long as possible. Maybe-

If I angle forward?

“Hh!”

“It’s okay- trying to pick up some speed.” She’s scrabbling again-

“You- do you think- we can make it- to the other side?”

That’s a really, really long way. Andpain- where would we land?

What we’d really want is to go up, up, up, up as far as painpossible on that updraft.

shakingShe said they’re below us – Huiru and Reida.

And- going down is NOT an option anyway. painBroken legs. Minimum. “I’ll try.”

“How- how can I help?”

Nuzzle her, Link. As best you can in this position. Who cares if it hurts. “Just stay with me. Hang on.”

Tighterpain. Good. Stay strong, Zelda. Please stay strong for me.

The dragon really is moving very, very fast. Catch up, Link, lean inpain and buildshaking as much speed and height as possible on that wind. You havepain your next goal, and it’s the cliff on the other side.

Fly with the wind, she said.

Who am I to argue with the Goddess?

---

[Note: There'll be a break from the intense action for a while after this. I am absolutely thrilled to have gotten up to this part! Hope it's fairly evident who the rider is, though for sure all my thoughts about him aren't evident yet.]

[Part 19 will probably be late December or January]

Follow this link for this fic's chapter list.

Follow this link for my masterlist.

[nebulastarss]

I'm so glad that my parents don't really come into my room that often and ask me what I'm doing, because how am I supposed to explain to two 45+ adults that I'm writing a Shadow the Hedgehog time travel fic when they both know for a fact that I've never plaid any of the games and the last cartoon I watched was Sonic Underground

[the-meme-from-uncle]

Not me drawing art for my fanfiction instead of actually writing the bloody thing...

It's an AU on the end of the Fountain of Youth Affair in case you were interested 👀

(lmao what's a background?)

I ate on that third one ngl 😌💅

[julibellule]

Ed has never met anyone quite so stubborn as Stede. It’s hot as fuck, in all honesty, probably because Ed himself gives up the moment things get tough. Always been easier that way. Safer. Stede though? Christ, this guy is fucking fearless. Reckless.

He’s come back from another date (how is he still going? How has he not given up yet? Unbelievable. Amazing.) and he doesn’t even look upset by it anymore. It was clearly terrible, but it feels as if Stede had accepted this before the guy even arrived. Now, he sits down at the bar stool with nonchalance and asks for his regular.

“Got a new one for you, Ed,” he announces cheerily. He’s got a big toothy grin, and his top lip disappears when he smiles, which is really cute for some reason. Ed honestly can’t understand any of it, he just knows he’s fucking well charmed. “Never have I ever… been on a first date with a guy who has dabbled in light cannibalism.”

“FUCK,” he shouts, because. Well. Fuck. “No. Really? You’re fucking with me. Fuck off.”

>>> Click here for more BlackBonnet fic recs <<<

[oldbutchdanielcraig]

my boss assigned me real work to do today ... you're joking 😐

[nephtheless]

Satellite Chapter 2: Perigee

Title: Satellite

Rating: M (mind the tags)

Relationships: Past Feldspar/Slate; Future Gossan/Slate, ??/??

Other Characters: Player Character, Gabbro, Hornfels, Tektite, Gneiss, Rutile, Mica, Porphy, almost everyone actually

Tags: Growing up; Reminiscing; Drama; Reflection; Friendships; Romance; Chronic Illness; PTSD; Parenthood; Neurodiversity; Escapism; Dark Humor; EOTE Spoilers

Chapters: 2/4 (they've increased!)

Summary: In which Feldspar reflects, adjusts to life back on Timber Hearth, steps up to the plate, and makes peace with everything that is and was and will be.

Post-Time Loop, Everyone lives AU. Sequel to 'Ratio'.

Chapter Excerpt:

'They reached their hand out towards the flight coach, palm up. Gossan took it without hesitation.

"Come on, Goss. I think we're long past keeping secrets now," they felt a sting of guilt when they said that, very aware of just how many secrets they'd kept from all the wrong people.

Feldspar steeled themself, looking Gossan square in the eyes (even though it hurt to).

"What's going on?" they asked.'

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62963983/chapters/161848237#workskin

--

This one's dialogue heavy :3

[heffawhump]

Almost a sure fire sign I’m about to put out an update: I start mass replying to comments on my Ao3

[hannah-heartstrings]

I've been working on the thiefguard x reader I mentioned. 2nd person dialogue is harder to write than I thought it would be, that or it's just awkward 'cause I didn't know what anyone should say when I started, maybe it's both. XD

In any case, I have to replace a conversation that isn't working, but I thought you guys might like this bit from it of the pov character helping Garrus out.

@druidx @babyblueetbaemonster @inkysqueed

------

            “And then Garrus can tell you about the bandit raid.”

            Her head whips to him. “What raid?”

            Your eyes widen excitedly. “He stopped a bandit raid!”

            He glances off. “I just spotted a few bandits in the woods, it wasn’t that impressive.”

            “He was still pretty heroic though,” you smirk to Lecrinn.

            She smirks back, it turning up towards Garrus. “Sounds like him.”

            He blushes, a shy smile forming.

           Seeing his reaction, her smirk widens.