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awkwardspontaneity · 3 years ago

Note

Hello. This is my first request for the Legend of Zelda, so I do not know how to write it correctly. I don't speak English and I'm writing this in a translator, so there may be mistakes here, sorry. In general, I want to see how the reader will react to the fact that Revali, Link and Sidon cheated on her. (something made me feel sad) Thank you in advance ╹▽╹

I'm so sorry something happened to upset you. If it's along the lines of this request give me a name😤👊 anyways thank you so much for requesting!! This ended up being so much longer than I intended but I'm pretty happy with it. I hope this is what you're looking for!

✨ requests are open✨

Warning: angst, cheating

Revali🐦

I think with his prickly nature not a lot of people would stick around long enough to get to know how much he cares

But some bitch saw how much he was training to perfect his powers to help Hyrule and couldn't resist

It started off as bringing him lunches and heat pads after a long day of training and then it escalated

They would wrap his wings up and suddenly he was letting them fix his braids. He never saw it as much more than a fan helping him out but you saw differently

It ended up in a big fight when you finally brought up how Revali was allowing this fan to hang off of him like they were his partner not you. You brought up excellent points like how he took such a long time to even trust you with braiding his hair and that he could at least let them know he's in a relationship.

Revali got upset (probably cuz ur right and he can't admit it) and snapped that at least they appreciated him

Yeah bad move. You walked out and bird brain left to train away the pain

You came across his first and decided to head to the shooting range with some peace snacks but what do you find?

You walk up the slope towards the archery range, a container of Revali's favourite snacks in hand. As you approach you see something sitting inside the hut and assume it's him. Sterling your breath you walk into the hut and what you find takes your breath away- not in the good way either. Revali sat there with his wings wrapped around them, too caught up on their liplock to notice you standing there.

CRASH

The container hits the ground with a shatter, ruining their little scene.

"Y/n-"

"Don't even try it." You wish your voice didn't sound as broken. No matter how much your heart squeezed in pain from the betrayal, you wanted to come off so much different- angrier. Because you were angry. "Just because we have an argument does not give you the right to run off with your new friend."

Revali flinches at the word and you feel a sick glimmer of satisfaction. He opens his mouth to protest, ignoring your glare. "I-I'm sorry." Your glare darkens and he immediately flounders for the right words. "You accused me of something I didn't do-"

Yeah, not the right words. You wish you could do something, anything to hurt him like he hurt you. But you had to be the bigger person no matter how much you wanted to snap that precious bow of his in half.

"I accused you, not have you permission."

"We can work through this, together" his wing reached out to you, but you recoiled to fast.

"We're not together." You walked towards the entrance "I hope it was worth it."

Link 🗡️

Link is a closed off person. Sure he has people worship him for his title as the hero of Hyrule, but he would never let that get to his head. You could tell this boy he's amazing and it still wouldn't get through his insecurities

Maybe it's cruel but, that almost reassured you he would never break your heart like that. You felt secure in your relationship

That's why it was so shocking when you found out he had fallen for Zelda.

It wasn't meant to ever be more than knight and princess. And you never should have found out.

You were walking towards the stables of your party was staying at. It was supposed to be a simple trip to complete some research out in the plains. Of course your trip was ambushed by an energetic princess who begged to come along for research purposes. You couldn't complain because the addition of the princess also came with your boyfriend Link.

Now you were looking for him outside the small ranch. You fully expected him to be caring for Epona like he always did after a long trip. His love for his horse was something you had always loved about him. The way he would stay later than everyone else to make sure she was okay. It had made stables kind of your spot. Hanging out at the end of a long day to talk and spend time together while caring for your steeds.

Maybe that was why your heart felt so utterly shattered when you did find him, standing next to the stable, with the princess in his arms. Maybe you could have fooled yourself into believing he was being friendly if he hadn't pressed a long loving kiss to her forehead followed by both her cheeks, chuckling softly as she giggled.

You knew they had always been close. I mean they spent all their time together. You'd just never thought that Link would do something like this to you.

You walked away from the stables fighting backs the tears in your eyes. It was only when you found you had walked into an older area, a spare shack outside, that you finally let the tears fall. Your heart twisted in pain as sobs tore from your throat.

Why hasn't you seen this? Why weren't you enough?

------

Your research trip was almost over. You had gone back late into the night to find Link on the edge of his bed head in his hands. He had shot up to demand where you had been when you finally walked in and although he looked like he wanted to argue, he accepted that you had been organizing your research supplies and notes in quiet.

That had been 3 days ago. You had spent the research trip sticking close to your colleagues, poring over each plant and testing their uses. The princess was too distracted with her own interests to really notice how you shied away from her presence. Link had though. And he was about done with you brushing him off in favour of your work. You both were busy so not having time was nothing new. But this was different. You couldn't meet his eyes and he had caught you staring at him and Zelda as if you were about to cry before. He was at a loss and now he needed to figure things out for himself.

However he wasn't quite ready for the answer.

"I saw you and Zelda together."

His throat closed up. He wanted to say so many things. How sorry he was. How he wished he could have told you himself. How he wished he could hold you and forget how complicated things were.

"it's okay." Now that, he wasn't expecting. "I thought I could be mad at you. Both of you. But I guess... It just makes sense." You sniffled softly. You really didn't want to do this. You hated that it had to be you who gave up. But we're you really going to fight? No. As much as it tore your heart into pieces, you would stand aside for them. "I wish that things hadn't changed but, clearly you don't feel the same anymore and I don't want to hold you back. I love you. So much. But I don't deserve this, and I won't put either of us through the trouble. I hope you two are happy together Link."

As you walked towards your friends to head home Link felt his heart clench. You deserved so much better.

Sidon🦈

You were a princess from another kingdom, betrothed to Prince Sidon of the Zora. We all know how these things go, neither of you were all that fond of the idea but you would go through with it. For your kingdoms

You tried to be as understanding as possible of the situations, knowing that the prince was just as trapped as you were. So you played along with your parents wishes.

You two went on dates and spent time together, getting closer and closer until finally you kissed him.

Things were great. You were planning your wedding and enjoying the time you spent with your fiance as you prepared for your future

It wasn't until a few days before the wedding when you were trying on your dress that things fell apart.

Your dressmaker had been in a bad mood, grumbling as they worked and even sticking you with needles a few times. You would have brushed it off as a bad day if not for the facts that they seemed so unapologetic.

You finally brought it up, softly asking if there was something wrong and if you could help. They snapped, going off about how you were ruining the princes life and that he didn't love you and was only marrying you for his kingdom and that he deserved to be happy.

They realized their mistake and left quickly, leaving you alone in your wedding dress with shocked tears slipping down your face.

You later made you way to Sidons office, hoping to clear some things up and maybe seek comfort from the one you loved.

What you didn't expect was to find him already comforting someone. Your dressmaker.

You watched as he whispered sweet nothings and reassurances to them. It was when he said no matter what they were the one that he loved when you broke away.

You stood in your room, packed bags beside you. You knew there were better ways to deal with this. You knew that your kingdom was counting on you and thus marriage. You just couldn't go through with it. Not anymore.

"Y/n?"

You sound around to find the Zora princess standing in your doorway. Mipha had become a close friend in your time in the Zora domain, even feeling like family as you worked closely planning the wedding. She had once told you that you were everything she could hope for in a sister and wife for her brother. You guessed it didn't matter in the end.

Finally you choked out pained words "I can't... I just... I can't do this anymore."

"If you are feeling nervous, I can assure you my brother would never hurt you."

This made you laugh. It was cold, similar to the ice creeping into your veins. "He would. And he did." You cut off Mipha's confusion, wringing a hand through your hair, "Sidon is in love with someone else. I made every effort to work through this engagement despite our... rocky beginning. But he didn't choose me back. He never wanted me, and I won't ruin his chance to be happy."

The room was silent after your outburst. You only noticed the tears when your friend wiped them from your eyes. She offered you a small smile, sharing the pain you felt. She was losing you and still understood it was best for you. You needed to move on and save yourself from a life of pain. A life of being chosen second.

"I hope one day we can meet again, sister."

You let out a choked mix of a son and laugh. Hugging the princess before you grabbed your bags and walked out the door, out of the kingdom that stole your heart and crushed it in its hands.

"I love you, always."

#loz x reader #loz link x reader #botw link x reader #legend of zelda link x reader #breath of the wild link x reader #link x reader #botw revali x reader #breath of the wild revali x reader #botw sidon x reader #breath of the wild sidon x reader #sidon x reader #revali x reader #asks #awkward responses #angst #cheating #botw x reader

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attllhak · 3 years ago

Text

Wild’s Journey

@rhythmicreality @tortilla-of-courage

... Yeah I decided to post this.

So, this it what happened to Wild and his tiny fluffy baby wings.

Also hey! Tag list!

-----------------------------

Link couldn’t remember a time without wings.

He couldn’t remember a lot of things, but that’s not the point here.

When he woke up, a woman’s voice softly urging him to open his eyes, he didn’t immediately know they were there. The liquid (water?) drained from the pool he was laying in and he sat up completely dry. He swung his legs over the side to get out and froze at the feeling of something fluttering on his back.

He reached back there, running his fingers along his shoulders. It took him a moment to realize that they were a part of him, and he grew confused as to why he wouldn’t know that. He knew his feet were part of him, why not these soft, fluffy things on his back?

He pushed it aside when the woman started talking again, figuring that if there was a reason then he’d figure it out.

The worn clothing he’d found in the chests didn’t accommodate the fluffy things, which he had a feeling were wings by now, and so for the first long stretch of his time on the Great Plateau they were pressed uncomfortably between skin and fabric.

He tried jumping off a cliff when the Old Man said he couldn’t make it off the Plateau without dying. The Old Man was right. His wings were too small to fly, and if he jumped then he would die.

The warm doublet had holes for his wings. It itched and made him sweat a little easier, but it had holes for his wings. No more feathers between skin and fabric and getting ruffled and rubbed uncomfortably. He did not take it off until he got something else.

Impa had laughed when she saw his wings, which made him ruffled and caused his wings to puff up. Impa and Paya both thought it made him look cute, which only really made him more ruffled.

Impa did apologize, and directed him to a shop in the village that would modify clothing to accommodate his wings. She told him of what happened, and who to talk to.

Purah was thrilled by his wings, and took a picture of them with his repaired Slate so he could see them. A soft greyish brown, with little bits of blue in them. She said that they’d be really pretty when they fully came in. He didn’t understand that, and Purah sent him back to Impa.

Impa did explain. Apparently, at the end of their first quest, since some had many, the Hero and Princess who beat back the evils would gain wings. It explained why he was the only one with wings. Apparently when he died, and also he died and wasn’t THAT a shock, his wings had begun to come in, but by placing him in the Shrine of Resurrection it seemed to have halted that process. Purah seemed to believe that at some point, likely after he rescued Zelda, his wings would finish coming in.

He got himself a new outfit, this time comfortable and with holes for his wings, and headed on his way.

He got dragged into Zora’s domain, and met Sidon, who didn’t notice the wings until after his father pointed out who Link was. After that, Sidon got really excited, and spent a moment cooing over Link’s wings.

Link, finding his enthusiasm sweet and rather cute, for as much as a ten foot tall shark man could be cute, fluttered his wings.

Sidon was thrilled about that.

Muzu caved the second Link put on the tunic. It was hard to argue who it could be for when Mipha had specifically tailored slits for his wings.

He got the shock arrows from the lynel, and he joined Sidon in fighting Ruta to free it and Mipha, someone Link barely remembered but knew had loved him dearly. She had planned to propose after all.

Mipha also thought his wings were cute, and, though he was still ruffled, found he wasn’t as mad when she said it. He thought he might have missed her a lot.

Her grace in hand, he headed for Death Mountain.

He made a stop on his way in Akkala, locating the Robbie that Purah mentioned. The man was, eccentric, and Link couldn’t find the source of that sound that played for effect when he spoke occasionally. It bothered him. The man was helpful though, and offered up a few more thoughts on Link’s wings.

Link didn’t stay long, intent on saving the rest of the friends he couldn’t remember.

He had to hide his wings on Death Mountain as well. The feathers caught fire too easily. This was annoying.

Yunobo was great though, and when Link downed a flamebreak potion once so he could stretch his wings, Yunobo thought they were fascinating. He treated them with so much care and gentleness, like he thought he’d break them or something. It was sweet.

Daruk had laughed, said he was finally growing into his role. He also thought Link’s wings were downright adorable, and Link was only mildly put out by that phrasing.

The Korok forest was adorable, and Link loved the koroks. They loved him too, and he let them preen his wings when they asked because of how excited they were. It was really cute.

It was also the cleanest his wings had been since he woke up.

He had been excited to meet the Rito, they were after all bird people. They had wings too. He hoped that maybe, when his wings came in fully, they’d teach him how to fly.

Teba was an asshole. He was also stubborn and determined, and willing to throw down with a Divine Beast. As someone also stubborn and determined and willing to throw down with a Divine Beast, Link could respect that.

He made a note to come back to the flight range when his wings came in for practice.

Revali, once free, had laughed at how small Link’s wings were at first, making Link really upset that he couldn’t punch a ghost. Then Revali softened up, just for a second, and said that Link’s wings would be gorgeous when they came in, and that he was impressed. Then he went back to being a self-entitled jerk.

It was okay though, Link forgave him. Even if he was still bitter about being unable to punch a ghost.

The only place left was Gerudo Desert, and Link found his first issue in the form of being a man. He did meet a woman who sold him an outfit to disguise himself as a woman so he could sneak in.

(And if he, as he wandered the streets of Gerudo Town, learned that he sometimes wanted to be she, well, that was her business.)

Riju was very helpful. Buliara was not. And so Link found herself tasked with stealing something back from the Yiga. They needed the Thunder Helm to get to Naboris, and the Yiga stole it, so it had to be stolen back. Prove yourself, she said. Ugh.

The Yiga pissed her off. And Kogah was a joke. That was all she wanted to comment about that matter.

Riju was more than happy to lead Link right into the storm, facing down the Divine Beast with prejudice. One more, then a few more shrines and the rest of her memories.

Urbosa, once saved from the most difficult of Blights (Link wasn’t bitter, shut up), had been very happy to see him. She smiled, and said she was proud of him, and mentioned how beautiful his wings would be when they came in. She asked him to look after Zelda. And then she sent him on his way.

Link had to blink back tears before Riju met up with him again. No one had said they were proud of him yet.

Riju caught on however, and then Link was dragged back to the streets of Gerudo Town until Riju had found something for her to wear on her wings. It was good.

Not long after that, Link went back to the scene of his death, trying to remember.

Rain, mud under foot, the princess behind him. Don’t stop, keep moving, keep her safe.

A whirring, followed by light.

Link raised his shield to block, the beam shattering the already flimsy wooden shield into splinters. He stumbled, slipping on the mud and falling to one knee. The Master Sword hit the dirt to balance him. He could hear Zelda speaking to him, but through the adrenaline and exhaustion there was very little that registered.

The beeping of a tracker locking on. Link forced himself to his feet, stumbling back. He was already injured, too injured to fight. His whole body ached, but still he stood. They would not get Zelda.

And then she was in front of him, and he opened his mouth to call out to her, but froze when he actually looked at her. A glowing triangle adorned her hand, and a golden light spilled out from her. Link watched, the pressure in his shoulder blades finally easing, just a bit.

He blinked hard once. Twice. He collapsed.

Words were hard to make out, but he could sense Zelda was worried. His last clear memory was her panicked expression as his eyes slipped shut.

Link gasped. The memory left him shaking, and he dropped to his knees. That was the day he died.

He took a day, just laid in bed in his house in Hateno. He needed it, to just decompress.

He got up the next morning, traveled to a stable and saddled up a horse, and then marched off to face Ganon.

Master sword in hand, his friends raining down covering fire for him, Link faced Calamity Ganon, Zelda’s voice ringing in his ears and mind.

The first half of the fight was hard, a drain on his body and what little energy he had left after fighting his way through the castle. And then he thought it was over. Ganon was gone.

He wasn’t.

Zelda called to him, warning him that Ganon had changed himself.

Link was standing in an empty field with his horse, a monster ten times any he’d ever faced before leering down at him.

This, Dark Beast Ganon was easily the size of a Divine Beast, but made of pure malice, and looking to kill him. More so than the Divine Beasts, that is.

Zelda gave him a bow, and arrows made of light, and told him to fire on the targets.

He did.

Mounting Epona, his dear horse Epona, and taking off around the monstrous boar, he drew back the string and aimed.

He ignored the tension in his shoulders and jaw, ignored how fluffed up and quivering his wings were, ignored the shaking of his hands. The only thing that mattered in that moment was his bow and the arrows and the monster he was aiming at.

One target, two, five. Link existed just to fight and shoot and dodge.

He wasn’t fast enough, the arrow flew, and it stuck, but Ganon got in a hit too.

All of Link’s air flew out of his lungs when he hit the ground, Epona whinnying and the sound of hooves thudding away from him.

He rolled, gritting his teeth, and struggling to his feet, left hand still wrapped tightly around the Bow of Light like a lifeline. He lifted his head and met the monster’s stare.

(Looking back, he’d say he felt the pressure. He’d say he felt the release. He’d say he could feel his wings come in. He's lying everytime he does.)

Flames licked at his skin and clothes and feathers, and the monster growled at him.

‘Link! Look up there!’

Link’s eyes traveled up to the glowing, golden point on the monster’s forehead. A target.

‘That’s the very core of Ganon’s being!’ Zelda coached in his mind, and Link nodded. ‘Do what you must, Link!’

Link struggled to his feet, spitting blood from where he’d bit his tongue, and faced the monster.

Ganon roared, charging him.

Link caught an updraft and went up, and how he gained the air without his paraglider was lost on him, though barely an afterthought as he drew back his bow.

Link aimed true, and loosed the arrow with the perfect accuracy he had come to be known for.

The shockwave it caused knocked him out of the air, greyish brown feathers obscuring his vision as he tumbled through the sky and back to the ground with a harsh thud.

It took him a minute to regain his breath, and shove the soft, strong wing covering him aside, before he got a look at Zelda.

She was almost exactly as he remembered her, only bathed in a glowing, golden light, and in possession of the most beautiful set of wings he’d ever seen.

The top half of her wings were a light blue, but the bottom half were pure white. The feathers closest to her back, her secondary and tertiary feathers, were longer than the rest and seemed to flutter behind her in the soft breeze that even still moved across the field.

Link could only see her back, and he was robbed of what little breath he had left.

For a moment, just a moment, he swore he was looking at Hylia herself.

He missed what happened in the moments that followed, still struggling to reorient himself and lost in the golden glow of the princess, but he got the important part. Ganon was gone. For good.

The light faded and Link’s senses returned one by one, the adrenaline crash would be brutal, but he utilized what still lingered in his system to push himself back to his feet, standing to face the princess, to face Zelda.

He missed the first few words she said, but he understood the last question clearly.

“Do you really remember me?”

Link couldn’t stop the stupid grin that stretched across his face. He nodded.

They crashed together, a mess of limbs and wings, blue and white and greyish brown feathers fluttering to the ground around them. Link held on tight, relieved to finally, finally, have a friend from before back, grateful to have not lost everything. Zelda likely was just glad to have something, someone, solid to hold on to after so long.

He denied being surprised when Zelda commented on his wings. He denied it then and will continue to deny it to his dying day. He knew they were there. Shut up.

Zelda took a picture for him, so he could see them. Greyish brown, with a long stripe of blue down the middle of the backside from shoulder to tip, and a soft orange starting at the base of his wings on the inside and fading into the rest as they went along.

“They look like a peregrine falcon,” Zelda commented once, sitting nearby as Impa and Paya ran fingers through their wings and preened for them.

Link had just hummed, content to let it be.

Now, he just had to convince her that throwing himself off a cliff was a perfectly reasonable way to learn how to fly...

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incorrectsmashbrosquotes · 4 years ago

Text

Another Age of Calamity

[I’m assuming it’s been long enough now that we can get away with posting Age of Calamity spoilers.]

Scene: Zelda, Link, and Impa, along with the diminutive guardian, have just escaped Hyrule Castle and look back from a distance as the swirling cloud of malice engulfs the royal structure.

Zelda, realizing the depths of her own failure, begins to despair…

BotW Zelda: I have … failed …

She falls to her knees.

BotW Zelda, crying: All of Hyrule … my friends … even my father … It’s my fault! Why won’t it awaken for me?!

As the princess cries, the little guardian approaches and attempts to console her with her mother’s lullaby.

BotW Zelda: Everything … Everything I’ve done … Ultimately … all of it was for naught!

The princess’s tears continue to flow, one falling onto the guardian’s eye and causing it to surge with power. A surge of light bursts from the guardian and splits the sky.

In the next moment, Zelda feels a hand rest on her shoulder. She looks up to see …

Samus, giving a thumbs up: Don’t worry princess, we got your back!

BotW Zelda: Who…? How…?

Samus: When we heard this game had time paradox shenanigans going on, we decided to use the mansion’s time and space twisting properties to intercept and lend a hand.

BotW Zelda: Mansion? What?

Samus: Er … nevermind that for now. The important thing is that we’re here to help.

Smash Link: That’s right!

BotW Zelda: HOLY SHIT did Link just TALK?!

BotW Link: …

Smash Link: …

Impa: … did the princess just swear?

BotW Zelda: *turning red*

Samus: … I vote we pretend this never happened and move on to the rescue mission.

Everyone: AGREED!!

—————————

Meanwhile, inside Divine Beast Vah Medoh …

Revali: Hmph. I suppose you think I should be thankful. Not that I was in need of any help, mind you.

Falco: Get off it. You were completely getting your butt kicked before I showed up.

Revali: I was merely testing the monster to identify its weaknesses. I assure you I would have dealt with it single handedly in a matter of moments.

Falco: Get real, Einstien! You were completely ineffective without me. You need me to intervene just like everyone always does.

Fox, firing his blaster wildly at Windblight Ganon: IF YOU TWO ARE QUITE DONE POSTURING I COULD USE SOME ACTUAL F@#%ING HELP OVER HERE!

Revali: Not until he admits that I don’t need his help.

Falco: And not until HE admits that he can’t do this without me!

Fox: Dear god how did I get stuck with TWO of them?!

—————————

And inside Divine Beast Vah Naboris …

Urbosa: That’s it! Come on boys, we got this demon on the ropes!

C.Falcon: Oh my god, she is so amazing! Ren, I think I’m in love!

Joker: What? I thought you said you were gay.

C.Falcon: I am, bro, I am. I’m one hundred percent gay for her.

[This quote based on a real conversation]

—————————

And inside Divine Beast Vah Rudania …

Daruk: Ha ha ha! Boy am I glad to see you kids. I thought I was toast for a minute there! You sure pack a punch for some little guys!

Meggy: What can I say? We’ve gotten pretty good at “smashing” things.

Ness: Yeah! We got this!

Lucas: As long as we work as a team, I’m not afraid …

Ashley: I’m just here for moral support.

Daruk: Alright! This firey punk is running out of steam. What do you say we kick this guy’s butt back to the abyss he crawled out of. I believe in all of you, let’s do this!

Ness: Okay Dad!

Lucas: …

Ashley: …

Meggy: Stripes, did you just call him “dad”?

Ness: Look, my real dad is a phone.

—————————

Meanwhile inside Divie Beast Vah Ruta, the battle against Waterblight Ganon has been overcome, and Mario is speaking with Mipha away from the rest of the group.

Pit: Wow, that wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be. Of course, that might be mostly because we brought this guy along.

Waterblight Kirby: Poyo!

Young Link: Ha ha … yeah …

Pit: Is that nervous laughter? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you nervous before.

Young Link: Ah, it’s just … I’ve kind of had some bad experiences with zora princesses in the past.

Pit: Really? But Mipha doesn’t seem that bad.

Young Link: Yeah, she seems pretty sane. I’m sure I’m just getting nervous over nothing.

Mario and Mipha return to the rest of the group.

Mipha: And I should thank you warriors for your assistance as well.

Mipha, looking at Young Link: Hmm, you know, it’s peculiar, but for some reason you strongly remind me of someone I had a crush on in my youth.

Young Link: RUN! ABORT! ABORT!

Young Link immediately throws himself from the divine beast into the water below.

Mipha: ????

—————————

Meanwhile, within the malice-darkened walls of Hyrule Castle itself…

Sephiroth: So, possessing a robot, huh? Gotta say, not exactly what I was expecting.

Ganondorf: I must say, I never cared for the Calamity form, being so mindless and bestial, but attempting to take over two timelines at once? I’m actually quite impressed.

Bowser: But I don’t get it, if you’re the embodiment of all Ganons, shouldn’t you already know about everything that’s happening? Why is this all new to you?

Ganondorf: Calamity Ganon isn’t really “me”, it’s power and malice that has been leaking out of me that has accumulated enough to take on its own form. Remember, the REAL me is sleeping trapped deep beneath Hyrule Castle.

Bowser scratches his head in confusion, as Sephiroth nods sagely. Ganondorf then gives an evil smirk.

Ganondorf: What do say, boys? How about we go wake me up!

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quillandink333 · 4 years ago

Text

Scarlet Carnations ~ Part IV

BotW Link X Zelda ~ Detective AU

Rating: T

Word Count: 5.1k

WARNINGS: death, murder, loss, trauma, blood and gore, terrorism, organized crime, self-harm

Summary: Inspector Zelda Hyrule, assisted by the faithful Constable Link Fyori, is infamous for cracking the most confounding of cases in a town dominated by crime. Her latest assignment is to solve the murder of her own godmother, Impa Sheikah, the late CEO of Sheikah Tech. Incorporated, while staying under the radar of the dreaded Yiga organization.

Part I • Part II • Part III • Part IV • Part V • Part VI • Part VII • Epilogue • Masterlist

It was nine o’clock in the morning, two days after I’d made my arrest, and Paya’s trial was in its opening stages. I was watching from the gallery. Normally, as the one running the investigations, I would be the first witness to take the stand, but today, for whatever reason, the lead prosecutor, Urbosa Sigatur, planned to summon me second after Auntie Purah. Urbosa was far from a stranger to me, however. She and I had collaborated on several cases in the past, and she shared with me many of my own ideals. She’d once even known my mother before her untimely demise. And so I decided not to question her judgment, however unconventional it may have seemed.

The prosecution’s opening statement had been based on the fact that the stolen Sheikah Slate, along with a bloodstained bullet, had been found in the defendant’s room, which, until recently, hadn’t been searched as it had been deemed irrelevant to the case. With these conclusive pieces of evidence, she’d stated, the defendant had been charged with both the theft of the Slate and the murder of its owner, Impa Sheikah.

The stolen object was the most central piece of evidence in the prosecution’s case. It had once been a target of my own immense interest, even before its theft. But that had all changed following its recovery. The riddle, though having been solved by means of professional reprogramming, still made little sense to me if any. “Carnation” was its answer, according to Auntie Purah herself. Much to my dismay, the secrets that the riddle had supposedly kept hidden had turned out to be nothing but my own fantasy. Every last piece of data that had once been stored in the Slate had been deleted, meaning the possibility of proving a motive for its theft was next to nonexistent. The only thing left in its memory was a diary entry, written by Auntie Impa the day before her murder. This in itself, however, held the potential to serve as a lead to her killer’s identity, at the very least.

The diary entry, as projected onto the courtroom wall by the Slate, went,

“Today was the first day of Zelda’s holiday visit. It is hard to believe that the last long term visit she paid us was already over a year ago. We have all missed her dearly. She seems as interested in my sister’s work as ever. It brought me joy to see the two of them bonding over their shared passion once again.

“However I must admit, I would still love for her to also spend some quality time with Paya some day soon. I sensed some resentment coming from her directed at my dear granddaughter. Perhaps it is something to do with that boy. Either way, it seems their relationship has hardly changed since she left the nest.

“I cannot say for certain whether anyone will ever be able to read this, but I have faith that Purah will figure it out. I am no good with machines like these, but I believe in her. At any rate, I hope she is the one who gets to read this message, but in the event that it happens to fall into the wrong hands, I will sign off here.”

With this, the prosecution’s argument, though a bit scattered across several different points, seemed sturdy enough so far. That Auntie Impa had seemingly known that her life would be taken the following night after writing her final message, combined with the fact that she’d received no threats from the outside world up until then, was one of the strongest pieces of evidence in our arsenal.

Paya’s defence lawyer, one Revali Twii, had made several attempts to dismantle her argument by claiming she had no possible way of knowing whether or not the victim had received a threat from outside the estate by phone. These attacks were easily deflected. As a foreigner to this city, Mr. Twii had been unaware that, thanks to the Sheikahs’ company, household phones here were all equipped with recording devices. Naturally, Ms. Sigatur had already listened to each recorded call since a month before the murder and had detected no discernible threat in any of them.

And yet in spite of all that, the argument shifted heavily in favour of the defence when it then carried out his cross examination. With how confidently Urbosa had stated her case, I never could’ve imagined how easy it would be for the opposing side to shatter it into countless, tiny pieces.

Mr. Twii’s primary line of questioning was a solid one, to say the least. He concurred with my deduction as presented by Ms. Sigatur that the parlour indeed was not the true scene of the crime. However, he claimed that the real crime scene could not possibly have been the defendant’s bedroom either. His basis for this was the gunshot. Paya’s room was in the same hallway that the sleeping quarters of the current witness, Auntie Purah, as well as myself, were in. Mr. Twii had her testify about the sound of the gunshot that she’d heard. In addition to the fact that it hadn’t seemed loud enough to have come from the very next room over, she’d only heard it once: from the parlour.

No doubt he intended to question me about the same thing when the time came for me to take the stand. I’d been itching to speak my mind and set things straight so badly that I’d had to cross my legs just to keep myself from getting up too soon by the time court was finally adjourned for a half-hour recess.

Now the prosecutor and I were together in a private room reserved for witness prepping. Normally I did just fine testifying on my own, but in this trial, everything was at stake, and I couldn’t seem to stop my heart from racing no matter what I tried. Thankfully I had Urbosa here, and simply talking with her had done much to calm my nerves already.

“You’re originally from out of town too, aren’t you?” I noted, thinking back on her performance.

“That I may be, but unlike that lawyer, I’ve spent enough time here to know of the perils this city is facing, and who’s been holding it together in spite of all that.”

“Right.” My lips rested against the curve of my index as my leg bounced restlessly underneath the table. “That schmuck really doesn’t have a clue, does he?”

“No, not likely. Though he’s quite the formidable opponent, I must say.” She leaned back in her chair, looking pensive, but not the least bit agitated. “My case took quite the beating out there.”

My heart rate was starting to pick up again. “You don’t think you’ll...lose...do you?”

“Who, me? Lose?” She let out a hearty bout of chuckles. “Young lady, are you quite sure you know who you’re speaking to?” I returned her laughter halfheartedly, unable to shake the foreboding feeling lying at the pit of my stomach. Urbosa cleared her throat, preserving her calm smile. “All jokes aside, I wouldn’t worry even if we do end up losing this one. The true criminal is still out there somewhere, and there is no such thing as a perfect crime.”

“I suppose...” Perfect crimes may not have existed, but neither did perfect investigations. If they ruled Paya out as a suspect, then only one other, “safe” option would remain.

“Alright, out with it. What’s on your mind?” Her hand had landed on my shoulder as she’d reached across the desk, over my half empty glass of water. “And why are you so set on getting Paya convicted, if I might ask? Sibling rivalry is one thing, but this is...”

I avoided her perceptive gaze, staring intently at the latch on my bag. What could I possibly tell her? “It’s just,” I stalled, eventually settling for a vague, “I’m running out of time.”

After a long pause, she leaned back, letting go of my arm. “I see. Well, whatever it is, know that I’ll be on your side no matter what, little bird.”

Oh, if only she’d known.

“So to sum up, you were outstandingly negligent in your investigation of the defendant’s bedroom.”

My jaw unhinged at what I’d just heard come out of the attorney’s mouth. I’d just finished giving him an explanation of my findings in as much detail as I could, during which time he’d been surprisingly polite, until now.

“You likely saw the Slate along with the bullet and made your arrest right then and there. You didn’t even stop to consider the possibility that you hadn’t found all there’d been to find in that room, did you?” I opened my mouth to respond, but he cut me off again. “In fact, I’m willing to bet you didn’t even attempt to look for the murder weapon.”

“Excuse me, Sir,” I retaliated with chest puffed up, “but my team and I searched the property from top to bottom, repeatedly, for two whole weeks, and—”

“Yes, I am well aware. However, you failed to complete a thorough search of this so-called ‘true crime scene’ before you arrested Ms. Sheikah. Do you deny it?”

I was floundering for words. Why bother questioning me if he merely intended to cut me off and answer his own questions? “I-I...”

“Objection.”

All eyes fell upon the prosecution. I breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

“The defence is harassing the witness, Your Honour.”

The judge gave a slow, considerate nod of his head. “Objection sustained.”

Twii gave Urbosa a subtle but unmistakable side-eye. I thanked her silently. “Speaking of the murder weapon,” he continued in his signature, holier-than-thou tone, “I have here Exhibit F: a list of traits possessed by the elusive firearm responsible for the victim’s life.”

This wasn’t good. The list in question had been compiled by the prosecution based on traits of the fatal wound revealed by the autopsy, as well as other traits shared by the two bullets that were found at the estate. It contained information like its .38 caliber and that it had likely been fired twice at point blank, to name a few examples.

“My question for you, witness, is the following. What did you find during your ‘investigation’ regarding the weapon?”

This was fine, I kept telling myself. He still had yet to present the most fatal piece of evidence in the record. “As I’ve said before, none of our searches turned up any sign of it, other than what’s listed on that piece of paper you’re holding.”

“Is that so?” The sarcasm rooted in his voice had me sweating bullets. “In that case, Ms. Hyrule, I’d like to turn your attention to this passage here at the bottom.”

That was “Inspector Hyrule” to him, but of course, he couldn’t care less for such trifling things as common decency.

But when I read over the passage at which he was pointing, my throat closed up.

“Allow me to read it aloud for the court.” He snobbishly cleared his throat. “And I quote, ‘The murder weapon and the circumstances surrounding it strongly suggest an Octoric M&P revolver,’ end quote. I’d also like to add that this particular model is favoured by the district bureau of police, who issue them out to many of their detectives for self-defence.”

I gritted my teeth, annunciating each word as I spat, “Get to the point.”

The smarmy bastard was hardly even phased by my unmasked hostility. “Now, now, Ms. Hyrule, you’ve no reason to worry,” he waved off. “After all, I have no intention of accusing you.”

When he spoke that last word, my heart stopped, and deep down, I knew it was over.

“Firstly I wish for you to clarify a few things for me, as you were one of the first to discover the scene of the murder when it happened.”

I gave a slow, strenuous nod, losing strength in my knees by the second, but standing my ground all the same. “Go on.”

“The defendant showed no sign of having a gun on or anywhere near her person when you arrived, correct?”

“Correct,” I lied.

“Good. Now that we’ve established that the defendant was unarmed, I’d like to present another piece of evidence.” He laid out flat a second sheet of paper on the stand in front of me. “Exhibit H. This is part of a record kept by the precinct where the witness is currently employed, alongside the rest of her team. It details a list of the firearms given out to detectives each day, as well as the time when each one was issued and when it was returned to custody at the end of its designated officer’s shift.”

And there it was. I’d known all along that it had only been a matter of time until he’d bring out this piece of evidence, but, evidently, I’d failed to prepare myself mentally for this. Perhaps a part of me had hoped not to be on the stand when it happened. All I could do now was hold my peace and pray that it wouldn’t get worse from here.

“This page corresponds with the day before the murder. Now, Ms. Hyrule,” he addressed, summoning a swarm of butterflies in my stomach, “I’m sure you’ll recognize this badge number here. Would you please read it aloud for me?”

I swallowed my nerves and did as he’d requested. “FB7732Z438LL.”

“Thank you.” He flashed me that shit-eating grin of his. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the number belonging to one Constable Link Fyori, the witness’ very own investigative partner.” A few whispers drifted through the gallery following that announcement. “One who reads this will also notice that, after his revolver was issued out to him the morning before the murder, it was never returned to the precinct’s custody thereafter. In fact, it is still missing to this day.”

With this, the whispers grew in number, creating a din of distrust that had the attorney smirking from ear to ear.

“Objection.”

The whispering dissipated. Twii’s shoulders sagged as he hypocritically shot Urbosa a look that said, “What now?”

“Mr. Twii, how is this relevant? Unless you have definitive proof linking Constable Fyori to the crime, I see no point in bringing it up.”

The judge gave a pound of his gavel with a bone-chilling shake of his head. “Overruled. The court will allow the defence to continue, provided that it has good reason.”

My mouth fell open, and so had Urbosa’s.

“Thank you, Your Honour. I was just getting to that, my good prosecutor.” Now even she seemed on edge. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut through with a knife. “I may not have proof as things stand currently. However, that is about to change. You see, I have reason to believe that our witness here is covering for someone.”

The courtroom broke out into an even louder din of murmurs, as if I couldn’t clearly hear each backhanded remark the members of the gallery were making at my expense.

The pounding of the judge’s gavel echoed throughout the room, and the whispering ceased once again.

“You must be mistaken.” I stood as tall as I could with how close my legs were to giving up on me. “I happen to be one of the most trusted detectives in the force. Why do you think I was put in charge of this case despite being one of the first on the scene?”

“Ah, but that, dear witness, was your superiors’ fatal mistake.”

Damn that solicitor. “What do you mean?”

“Although my client has elected not to testify to the court, she has let me in on a certain piece of information—one that I believe will make the jaws of everyone here drop to the floor.”

Surely not. Surely even she wouldn’t dare stoop so low.

“Inspector...” The attorney looked me dead in the eyes. The air was suffocating. “What do you have in your briefcase?”

Everyone was staring at me and murmuring amongst themselves, more raucously than ever before, like I was the one on trial.

“N-No, it’s—it’s not what it seems,” I wavered. Then mustering my shattered courage, “You!” I pointed my finger at Twii. “Prove to me that the defendant wasn’t lying. I demand to see proof!”

But my demands were met with silence. Even Urbosa was looking at me with cold contempt and disappointment.

“Bailiff.”

An officer appeared from the sidelines. He seized my bag.

“Wait, stop!”

I tried to wrest it from his grasp, but he was too strong. I watched helplessly as he opened it up, reaching in and revealing the murder weapon for all to see.

“No...!”

“Bailiff, what is the number engraved on that weapon?”

He seemed to recite the number in slow motion, twisting the knife with every digit. “FB7732Z438LL.”

“No, please!” I screamed. “It wasn’t him, he’s been framed! Please, Your Honour, you have to believe me!”

Amidst the roar of the crowd, I saw the conclusive shake of the judge’s head. With a pound of his gavel, he said, “I hereby order the immediate detainment of Link Fyori under the charge of first degree murder.”

I met eyes with my partner but half a second before I saw him be dragged out of his seat with brute force.

“No!”

“As for this witness, she shall receive her sentence after being questioned by the police for the concealing of evidence, contempt of court, and perjury.”

I cried out when an overwhelming pain shot through my arm. My family watched from the gallery in either horror or disgust, or a mixture of both perhaps. I tried with all my might just to get the bailiff to stop hurting me, but it was futile.

“Your Honour, just a moment please.”

With the judge’s approval, the man’s grip on my arm lightened up. The one who’d spoken had been none other than that wretched defence attorney.

“Inspector, if you don’t mind, I have one more question to ask you.”

I held my breath, bracing myself. Though there wasn’t much he could say at this point that could possibly make the situation worse.

“Why?” he finally asked. “Why did you feel the need to conceal such a critical piece of evidence?”

My entire face boiled over with heat. I looked around, taking in the courtroom’s atmosphere, and my whole being was filled to the brim with indescribable anger and shame. Barely able to swallow the charged whimper lodged at the cusp of my throat, I choked out the words, “No comment.”

The trial had ended while I’d still been in the middle of interrogation by my own peers. I was lucky enough to get off with a fine, but it was because of that hour-and-a-half-long lecture that I only found out about Paya’s “not guilty” verdict after the entire courtroom had been cleared out. This was no surprise to me, of course, but still a disappointment, to put it lightly. What was a surprise was that no one, not Paya, nor Auntie Purah, nor even Urbosa, had bothered to wait for me.

That was fine. They could think whatever they wanted of me. I’d simply have to redeem myself by proving Link’s innocence in his trial.

It was to this end that I made my way to the district’s Centre of Detention.

When Link appeared behind the iron bars of the visitors’ room, he was already sporting a worn and faded prisoner’s uniform, surely having just undergone an interrogation of his own. Though, from the looks of him, his had been considerably more thorough than mine.

I cleared my throat. “Hello, Link.”

“Hello,” he replied.

Deathly silence filled the air. The harsh ticking of the clock on the wall behind me was slowly starting to crawl under my skin.

“They, uhm...didn’t go easy on you, eh?”

He shook his head, eyes wandering without aim.

Why did it have to be so hard to talk to him sometimes? He’d never been so unapproachable back in our days as teenagers. Though now, I supposed, recent events were only making things even more difficult for me than usual.

“Look...” I took a deep breath, shifting in my seat. “I’m sorry. Alright? I couldn’t cover for you forever. They were bound to find out eventually. Please, don’t be upset.”

“What? Zelda...” His demeanour morphed from listless to urgent, almost apologetic, as he struggled to find his voice. “Why would I be upset with you? I never asked you to cover for me in the first place.”

“I know.” Now it was I who couldn’t bring myself to look him in the eyes. “I just knew that you couldn’t have possibly... I mean, you would never—”

“I didn’t.”

He’d caught me with my mouth hanging open, when he’d cut me off.

“I didn’t kill her. I promise you.”

Of course he hadn’t. It was obvious, even though the revolver had borne no fingerprints and, with the gloves that he always wore, he wouldn’t have left any. What motive could he have had? He was an amnesiac, and even if he hadn’t been, he still wouldn’t have had a reason to kill my godmother.

I took out my pen and notebook, the only things left in my case that hadn’t been confiscated. “Tell me what you know, Link. Everything.”

A beat. Then he straightened his posture and began to explain his side of the story. As it turned out, my intuition had been spot on. This whole mess was the design of the Yiga organization. Link told me about his encounter with them before the murder. They had blackmailed him into surrendering his revolver to them, after which he would never see it again.

Though, even without a hint of deceit in his tone or manner, I had questions about the means by which the Yiga had blackmailed him. He had virtually nothing to lose. Didn’t he?

In any case, I honestly had considered showing him the gun that I’d found on the scene that night, but somehow I’d had the distinct impression that he’d known nothing about it, despite the very object in question belonging to him. I’d thought perhaps someone from the organization had switched out his weapon for another without his noticing. It was no secret that even the police bureau was infested with their ilk. In the end, I hadn’t been far off the mark.

The whole time he spoke, he had his head lowered, hair falling in front of his eyes, as if something were holding them back from meeting mine. Then he muttered, “When I had my encounter with the organization, I...remembered.”

His limited annunciation meant I had to take a moment to decipher the syllables of the last word he’d uttered. Then they sank in. “Wait. What? You mean you...” It felt beyond strange to even speak the words after so long. “You got your memory back?”

He lowered his head further. Was that a nod?

My mind went back to what he’d said to me on that one occasion in the office, not long after this whole mess had first begun. “Link, you...” My hands curled into themselves around the strap of my satchel. “All this time...why didn’t you tell me?”

“I couldn’t,” he pleaded. “It would’ve been a hindrance to the investigation.” I hated to admit it, but he was right. Dropping that bomb on me would only have thrown my conscience deeper into its already tangled web of turmoil.

Amidst all the questions swirling in my mind, one suddenly appeared, eclipsing all the rest. “Why did you disappear back then?”

At this, he finally looked up and met my gaze. But when he did, his eyes were wide, almost trembling. His look seemed to cast the whole room into a great, looming darkness.

“Oh, it’s...it’s okay if you’d prefer not to talk about—”

“No,” he exclaimed. “I must.” But the way his shoulders came up to meet his ears and how rapidly his chest rose and fell told me it wasn’t going to be an easy story to tell. “It was the Yi—” He choked on his words. “The...organization.”

There it was again. The name of the group I’d been chasing without rest ever since their appearance eighteen years prior. “I knew it...” I mumbled without thinking.

He steeled himself, then continued. “That day, my father was picking me and my sister up after school. Normally we would’ve ridden home with him in his automobile, but that morning, he and I had planned to surprise Aryll by getting...I think it was ice cream, on our way back. Anyway, we decided to walk home that day. But...” His face darkened yet again. “But then...”

Pressing him for more details would have been beyond cruel. I could only imagine the horrors that those blackguards had put him and his family through. “How many of them were there?”

“I’m not sure. All I know is that they had us outnumbered.” I nodded along, without thinking, as he continued his tale. “They were all armed with what looked like military grade shotguns, and they wore those masks with the inverted Sheikah family crest... I’ve always known that I’d seen that image somewhere before.”

No one knew why the organization had chosen this symbol for themselves, though I personally suspected it to be a show of opposition.

“Anyway, after they sh...shot father,” he struggled, a hand coming up to his now quavering lips, “they must’ve felt threatened by Aryll and me, because the next thing they did was...shoot her, too.” The way his tone had started to oscillate and how his face had drained itself of colour made my stomach churn. His anguish was so clear, it was devastating. “One of them had said something to the ends of, ‘We can’t have you scamps telling on us.’ But before they could...’shut me up’ as well, I fled.” Another pause. He kept on breathing. “I was too terrified to notice which way I was going. The whole time I ran, they kept firing at me. They were too reckless to aim properly, though, mind.”

“Well...that’s lucky, at least,” I tried. This was met with a sigh of reluctant agreement. “Still, how did you make it out of that with your life?”

“They stopped chasing me when I made it out of the back alleys and into the open,” he explained. “I suppose they couldn’t risk revealing themselves.”

Now it all made sense. Seven years ago, when he’d vanished without a trace, it was as though he’d never even existed in the first place. No one could get in contact with him or his family, and yet, no one batted an eye about it. It had seemed I’d been the only one who’d thought of it as anything less than perfectly normal. Just like when my mother had lost her life.

“We never had the chance to get ice cream that day.” He looked all but ready to burst into tears with that sentence. That was the moment I realized, no matter how drastically the last seven years of hell had changed him, there was still a fragment of that playful, hollow-legged sixteen-year-old left deep in his dark, forgotten core. If there was a way to bring that bright-eyed child back out into the light, I would find it, even if it spelled my demise.

Even so, there was one thing left that had yet to be explained. “What about your amnesia?”

“Ah...” His brow furrowed in thought. “I don’t know what caused that, to be honest with you.” He seemed to be racking his mind, but to no avail. “By the time those thugs finally gave up, I didn’t recognize my surroundings. I remember trying to find my way home, but I suppose I just ended up getting myself even more lost from there.” It was no wonder. The street names in this town were of little help in navigation, and it wasn’t hard to understand why he might have been apprehensive to ask for directions in such a bustling and hostile environment, especially after what he’d just been subjected to. “So I fell asleep in the streets that night,” he concluded with a shivering exhale. “The next morning, I woke up without the slightest notion of who I was.”

My heart took a plunge at the thought of his young self curled up in some alleyway, like a baby bird who’d fallen from the nest. “It must have been some sort of mental defence mechanism,” I conjectured. “That’s the only explanation I can come up with.” He slowly nodded his agreement. “After that, then, I suppose the rest is history.”

“Indeed...”

The visitors’ room fell into a deep, reflective silence, one nothing like that which had had me gasping for air moments ago. I watched the weary feelings of dread swim in his once bright blue eyes, tearing him apart.

He’d spent five whole years in that cold, cramped ward without even a name by which to call himself. And now we were back where we’d started. He may have regained his memories in the end, but at what cost?

I no longer felt the need to hunt down those who had wronged me. Now, my only desire was to slip between the bars that stood between the two of us and whisk him away to a far off land, where no one would ever hurt us again. But I pushed the impossible daydream aside. Even if escape were an option, we’d only be running straight out into range of Yiga fire.

“After your trial tomorrow...well, at the very least, I’ll lose my badge,” I smiled waywardly. Then, letting it fade and rolling my shoulders back, “Until then, I swear, I’ll do everything within my power to prove your innocence. Then we can go out for ice cream together.”

His eyes shimmered with unshed tears when he looked up at me then. Now that I thought about it, this seemed like the first time I’d ever seen him come close to crying, even in the time before the incident. Of course, he’d seen me in tears countless times back then. I wondered if he remembered them.

“Zelda...?” My name had started to leave his lips with conviction, but weakened on its way out. “There’s...something else I should tell you.”

“Anything.”

Just then, I caught him straightening out the cuff of his black-barred sleeve, concealing the fair skin of his wrist, out of the corner of my eye. “Never mind.” He again cast his gaze downwards, muttering an inaudible, “It’s nothing,” under his breath.

#is it obvious yet how much I love Ace Attorney?#my writing #fanfic #botw #zelink #botw zelink #zelink botw #link x zelda #zelda x link #botw link x zelda #botw zelda x link #zelink fanfic #zelink fic #zelink ff #zelda pov #detective au

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lobster-tales · 4 years ago

Text

Falling Back in Love With You

Summary: Link wakes up in a strange house, with no memory of the night before. After crawling out of the bathtub with a pounding headache, Zelda calls. She tells him that he needs to gather their friends for an important sports club meeting, and that they only have an hour. As he retrieves each of the athletes, his memories slowly return, and so do his feelings for one of his teammates. Basically BOTW but it’s a college AU. Alcohol CW

This work is available here on AO3.

Chapter 1: Rhoam Residence

An electric darkness pierced the sky. Mechanical monsters crawled over the ruined walls, their bodies scraping against stone. Voices called, thick with fear and import. He grasped at the words helplessly, knowing their meaning would be lost when he regained consciousness.

Link woke to the flutter of piano notes. He shifted slightly, his body protesting against the hard surface beneath it. His confused fingers searched for blankets, but instead found cold walls. Link opened his eyes, gazing up at the shower head and popcorn ceiling.

A husky groan tore through his throat, betraying his pain before he even recognized it. His head pounded as he looked around the cluttered room, reading the clues in a haze: a crumpled bath mat, a splatter of bile on the toilet seat, empty beer cans scattered on the tile. The piano melody resumed, and he discovered that the sound came from the sink, where a phone teetered precariously. Link touched the blinking ‘snooze’ button on the screen, flipping it over to look at the intricate eye pattern on the black case.

Once the alarm disappeared, the phone lit up with notifications. He read silently, 16 missed texts from Zelda, 7 missed calls from Zelda, 3 missed-

The screen went black. Link panicked for a moment before an image of a dying battery appeared. He huffed quietly, stuffing the phone into the pocket of his blue jeans. He crawled out of the tub and stood in front of the mirror, piecing his appearance together. Dark circles formed under his eyes, his blond hair messy but contained in his usual low ponytail. He was shirtless save for a stained blue towel that crossed his chest. His arms were bruised, his feet bare, and… Link frowned and leaned forward, brushing a finger against his lips. Is that… lip gloss?

His stomach lurched, then emptied itself into the porcelain toilet. Wiping the back of his hand across his mouth, Link collapsed on the bath mat, his back pressed against the tub.

His thoughts swam, sludging through the fog in his mind. They formed into loose questions: Where am I? How did I get here? What happened last night? All of them were quelled when a burning sensation hit his throat.

Link twisted the cold-water knob and stuck his head under the sink faucet. He drank deeply, easing the thirst.

“Oh hey, you’re awake.”

Startled, Link bumped his nose on the faucet. A man stood at the door, with a thick beard and curious eyes.

“You know, kid,” the man said. “She left you a water cup. You don’t have to drink straight from the tap.”

At that moment, Link noticed the large plastic cup on the counter, having overlooked it amongst the mess.

“Man, you kids really know how to party.” the man chuckled, crossing his arms. “I remember those days. How’s your head?”

Link hesitated, unsure how to answer.

“What’s the matter? That bad?”

Link shook his head, pointing to himself, then closing his hand into a fist with his thumb at the side. He brought his knuckles to his lips.

“Oh. Right,” the man said, one hand easing behind his neck in embarrassment. “She mentioned you didn’t…” He cleared his throat. “Either case, I uh… Sorry, but I don’t understand sign language as well as my daughter.”

Thus far, Link hadn’t identified the man or his surroundings, but he tilted his head and threaded his eyebrows as if the movement would magically offer an explanation.

“I’m Zelda’s father,” the man said. “You can call me Dean Rhoam-” His muscles seized up and a grimace clouded his features, but in seconds he was composed once more. The quick recovery seemed oddly familiar to Link. He sensed that he had watched someone else hide their feelings in the same way, many times before.

“Actually, um… just Rhoam now. I used to be the Dean until Ganon… Well anyway, you may have seen me-”

Link’s stomach snarled, interrupting Rhoam, and he looked at his host apologetically.

Rhoam grinned. “Let’s get some food in you.”

Breakfast was baked apples and coffee. Rhoam also handed Link a spare flannel shirt, gingerly taking the stained blue towel to the laundry room. Refueled, Link focused on his surroundings, exploring the house while Rhoam’s voice echoed down the hall.

“I didn’t hear either of you come in last night. Just found Zelda in the kitchen a few hours ago. Said you had been out drinking last night, she brought you here, then you fell asleep in the bathtub.”

Link felt his cheeks grow warm, facing away from Rhoam to examine a set of family portraits. One of the photographs was a young girl, freshly graduated from high school. Her blonde hair was long but neatly kept, eyes glinting with that same inquisitive look as her father.

Of course, he thought. How could I forget her?

Now the memories came back, taking shape. Zelda. His best friend.

“Yeah, she was in a hell of a mood when she left this morning,” said Rhoam. “No clue where she was going so early on a Saturday. Before she went out, she said, ‘Make sure Link checks his phone.’”

Uh oh. Link pulled the device from his pocket, frowning as he looked around for a charger. Rhoam silently pointed to a cord beside the coffee maker.

Link hovered over his phone, watching the screen flash in a lightning pattern. After a few moments, his home screen reappeared, along with 18 missed texts from Zelda, 8 missed calls from Zelda, 5 voicemails from Zelda.

He winced and went first to the voicemails, careful not to budge the charger as he held the phone to his ear.

“Link!” her voice rang out so loud that even Rhoam jumped. Link pictured her, still graceful even when she was furious. “Ugh, why aren’t you awake yet?! I need you to call me back as soon as you get this.” Desperation seeped into her tone. “I know you don’t like talking on the phone but it’ll be faster. We’re running out of time; please hurry!”

Within seconds, she answered his call.

“Finally! Just in time,” she said breathlessly. “Listen, you remember the sport club budget proposal we were supposed to bring to the dean on Monday?”

Nope. Zelda didn’t wait for an answer.

“Well, Dean Ganon changed the date at the last minute.” The anger crept back in. “He sent an email at 2:00 in the bloody morning, saying he can only meet today. I barely finished the proposal this morning; I’m going to present in a few minutes. But in order to pass it, we need five sport club representatives to vote. That’s where you come in.

“I have you for the fencing club, Mipha for swimming, Revali for archery, Urbosa for volleyball, and Daruk for wrestling. But if they were half as drunk as you were last night, who knows if they’re awake. I already asked my dad and he said you could borrow the van to pick everyone up. Start with Mipha; she gets off work at the rec center at 11:00.”

She paused here, growling softly, “I should have known Ganon was going to do something like this, the cheapskate… If Hyrule University doesn’t accept this budget proposal, he could cut most of our funding. No new equipment, no trips, no tournaments…” Zelda took a deep breath, calming herself. “The meeting ends at noon; they’ll do the vote last. Please, Link, get all four of them here before the hour ends. I’ll stall in the meantime. I’m counting on you.”

Link held the phone to his ear for a few more moments after she hung up. Slowly, he lowered the device to look at the time: 10:45 AM.

#commission #botw #botw fic #zelink #zelda #link #my fic

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ashleyswrittenwords · 5 years ago

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Trials and Tribulations (II)

A ZeLink Fanfiction that was meant to be a oneshot.

Premise: The hero has successfully saved Hyrule from Calamity Ganon, but there’s a lingering problem that he desperately wants to abandon - the princess.

Small Note: Thank you for the kind comments and reblogs! <3

Chapter One

Word Count: 2818

——-

Trials and Tribulations: Chapter Two

It was a cool autumn morning not far from Rito Village. The sun crested over the valley and casted a golden halo through the trees. Link felt himself jump at every slight rustle of the branches. Daruk wandered over to clap a large hand over the Hylian’s shoulder, “Chill out, kid! Told ya I’d let ya know if she was comin’.”

All he could do is nod and tug at the collar of his admittedly plain cotton shirt. It was what Zelda wanted after all. He had offered to bring his military garb, but she was adamant on marrying Link – not her knight attendant. Link stared at his feet in shock, and despite the urge to puke on his boots, the giddy excitement at the pit of his stomach was unmistakable.

“She’s not reconsidering, is she?” Link said as he snapped to his Goron friend’s attention. “Because I’d understand if that were the case.” Daruk blinked in surprise at his outburst but smiled.

“Boy, ya sure do got it bad. Now, don’t cha?”

Revali stood impatiently to the side of the makeshift alter, a tree stump. “It’s very comforting to see our ‘hero’ running around the village for a proper change of clothes like a cucco with its head chopped off.”

“Don’t be like that, Revali!” The Goron reprimanded. “It’s his wedding day.”

As usual, the scolding had little to no effect. The Rito champion continued his chastising under his breath. Link reached unconsciously for the hilt of the Master Sword only to grip the air. Mipha mentioned how “tacky” it would look with such simple attire, much to Link’s protests. He had to constantly remind himself that it was behind the tree next to him if - Hylia forbid - anything were to happen. It had only been two days since Zelda and her knight sprung the idea of a wedding and received unanimous support from their friends (even though Revali complained neverendingly about the lack of planning).

There were no chairs for the few guests that came along. It was partly because of time and their choice to save the effort of dragging furniture into secluded woods. Steps from the worn path sent Link’s heart into a frenzy. Even Daruk stood a tad straighter until the sleek figure of Impa came into view. As Link mentally swore, he observed her attire as being used for strictly religious ceremonies. Sheikah symbols were painted on her face with bold red ink.

Revali sniffed, “What took you so long, Priestess.”

She didn’t so much as glance in his direction and walked with purpose to their “alter”. It looked more complete with the woman there. “Take your places, gentlemen. The bride is coming.”

Link sucked in a breath as Daruk and Revali fell in line beside him. Hands clenched and unclenched as Mipha soon arrived, fluttering flower petals fell from her fingertips and she gave a toothy grin to the boys. The Zora princess had left as soon as she heard the news of matrimony for Zora’s Domain to collect jewels and fabric. Link distinctly remembered her threatening that there would be no wedding until she and Urbosa could whip up the perfect gown. Now, silky material cascaded from her shoulders.

As she skipped to her place on the opposite side of Impa, she leaned in.

“In all my years, I’ve never seen the Hylian Champion so anxious. Will you yield?”

Mirth reached Link’s eyes at the jab. A smile come through, albeit nervously, “Never.”

A tune began soft and startled the groom. Revali had produced a silver flute that flitted through the forest. It was a song so sweet and full of emotion that Link almost missed the white gown that came through the path. Arm in arm with Urbosa, the sight of the bride cut any emotion in his face to a pale awe.

Her dress was simple. The cut draped close to her body before falling elegantly from her waist. The only embroidery that was found was in the off-white belt that girded the material. Her shoulders were bare and her hands clasped around a few flowers they had undoubtedly found on their way here. Blonde hair was pulled out of her face. She laughed out of pure nerves as their eyes met.

“Don’t forget to breath, boy!” Urbosa jovially laughed along with the rest of their friends as he breathed in robotically. Pink tinged his cheeks. Zelda flashed a private smile to him before handing her bouquet to Mipha. Link’s hands found hers and he held them as if she was at risk of breaking under his grip.

Without wasting time, Impa began scripture that just barely reached him. While she did, Zelda looked nowhere else but him. The world, it seemed, could fall apart around them and neither would take notice.

“I love you,” she soundlessly mouthed to him. The words came to him like a loving embrace on his frayed nerves. Link reflected her sentiment in hopes it would do the same.

“Zelda,” Impa interrupted, “Have you vows?”

The beauty before him nodded and cleared her throat. Neither of them wrote coherent thoughts on paper. “Link,” she breathed his name like it would be her last, “There’s so much to say and yet I have… nothing to describe the amount of love I have for you. When we met I –”

Link reached to brush away the tears that fell from her eyes. She was beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. At his contact, she leaned into it to give her courage to continue, “I didn’t like you so much.”

At that, Link laughed loudly at her admittance which sparked a broad grin from his bride.

“But, goddesses, you were so patiently and caring and… and suddenly I couldn’t fathom how I got through my days without you. You have given me a happiness I’ve never thought I would experience,” she held his hands firmly as fondness filled her eyes. “There is no one in this world I would rather be with than you. I love you, Link.”

Link glanced at Impa who was looking expectantly at him. He faultered, “Um, Zelda. I’ve never been a man of many words.”

He could here Revali scoffing in the background and Urbosa reprimanding him, but the princess never diverted her gaze. “I don’t think you understand the light you’ve brought into my life,” as Link spoke, his words were cool. If they were only going to be able to do this once, Calamity or not, he wanted to do it right. “It wasn’t easy in the beginning,” the ends of his lips twitched upwards. “But there isn’t a waking moment in my life that I don’t want you to be in it. Zel, you’ve given me love that I thought I was undeserving of.”

They were both smiling through tears now and the pair weren’t alone. Zelda was going to the Spring of Power within days and if that didn’t awaken her power, it would be difficult to predict what would happen. At this point, they could only hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

A hand in his pocket played with a small trinket.

“I know we agreed to no rings,” he said, procuring from his pocket a small silver band. It wasn’t perfect by no means, but it wasn’t too shoddy for a man who learned blacksmithing in three weeks. “But I knew I wanted this for us far longer than two days.”

Zelda spoke his name in a whisper as she tried to cover her shock.

Impa, whose eyes were far watery than before, held her hand out, “I will bless it.”

Once the blessings and vows were said, Link took Zelda’s hand gingerly and slipped the ring on. By some miracle, it fit snugly. Their priestess smiled at the two, “Under the watchful eyes of our goddesses both past and present, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

It was Zelda who kissed Link. A kiss full of excitement and happiness. Their teeth mashed together awkwardly until he held her face in his hands and kissed her properly. Nothing else mattered.

---

Link woke up cold and shivering. Throughout the night he stayed curled up under the tree and it didn’t keep him covered from the rain for long. For nearly an hour, he didn’t move. Instead he watched the rain fall around him and seep deeper into his clothes. In his static disarray, he found himself debating whether the water dripping off his face were his tears or raindrops. The need to be angry and to mourn and to regret blurred together into an indiscernible emotion. Probably too harshly, Link pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes.

“You fucking idiot!” He cried out.

The hero heaved out his anguish. It was him, he realized, that was keeping himself near her. It was always Link who beat himself up whenever he tried to walk away. Two sides of the same coin coming together. How many times did he walk away from her? How many times did she so obviously lose sleep while she waited her husband to come back?

“Of course you couldn’t leave her!”

With shaking movements, he got to his feet and stumbled for his sword. That aching was back and this time he knew why. Blindly, he began walking in the direction she left and prayed she was drier than he.

It took several hours of retracing their steps. A mile beyond the edge of Hyrule Field under a group of trees was the princess of Hyrule. The moon was low in the sky, but her eyes were fixed on the small fire before her. The rain had let up by the time Link stood before her. Snapping out of her daze and to his form just outside the light of the fire, she yelped and flung a short piece of firewood his way.

A cough-like noise escaped him as it hit his abdomen.

“Goddesses, Link!” She gasped, scrambling up to help him. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Seconds,” he huffed out.

She touched his arm and a shock went through him as she led him to a seat. Zelda’s hair and clothes were damp. When he looked at her there was that strong feeling; one that persisted since he defeated Calamity Ganon. His face fell in despair as he realized he had taken that strong devotion for shackling hatred.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered out.

Link watched her closely while she looked away. “What’re you talking about?”

Zelda wiped at her nose, “I don’t know.”

“Don’t apologize to me,” he shook his head. “Please.”

“O-Okay.”

Flickering images of her smile and her beautifully unapologetic demeanor flashed in his memory. Now, a century later he had broken her down due to his own insecurities.

“Zelda, I,” her name rolled off his tongue so easily that he had to stop himself. “What I did to you today was unforgivable-”

She vehemently shook her head, “It’s fine, Link. I did something wrong and it pushed your buttons.”

“No, it’s not just that. You deserve more than how I acted.”

Her gaze sharpened, “What? As my knight attendant? Because there is no need for that anymore.”

“No, as your husband.”

Zelda’s head snapped up to him. The term was foreign on his tongue but drew a familiar feeling in the pit of his stomach. She was between disbelief and hope and it tore him up from the inside. How long had she been waiting for him? Cautiously, he reached for her hand and she let him without question.

His voice broke, “I’m so sorry, Zel. I don’t know how I could forget... that. I hate myself for hurting you the way I did.”

“Don’t, please don’t.”

“But I do,” his eyes were pleading. “I truly do. I left you all alone and then forgot about you. That wasn’t what you signed up for. I fear I’m not the man you married.”

Tears collected in her lashes and she climbed into his lap to hold his face in her hands, “Shut up, Link. Please shut up.” She smoothed his bangs out of his eyes to breathe him in fully. They sat together, silently observing all the small details they may have missed before. He had a small scar over his right brow that wasn’t there a century ago and she still had those small freckles along the bridge of her nose. Somehow it calmed them both. Link’s face held the despair of ever thinking he hated this woman. “How much do you remember?”

He swallowed, “It’s spotty. I still have a migraine… I remember when I saw you and forgot how to breathe.”

Her smile crested into her eyes, “Keep going.”

“I remember the flowers you held were silent princesses and dandelions. And we promised to not exchange rings.”

“Yes,” she laughed breathlessly. “Because we wouldn’t be able to wear them around other people. I told you there was no point.”

Link’s hands found her waist. It felt so natural. “It took three weeks to learn how to make your ring.”

“I didn’t know that!”

“Good. I want to know more things that you don’t,” he quipped, relishing in the gentle caresses on his cheeks.

A tenseness in Link’s shoulders relaxed as they talked – reminisced. The weight that had been there seemed to have persisted into normality until then because he hadn’t felt so clear in, well, one-hundred years. The things Zelda mentioned sparked new memories, small ones, that burned a motionless scene in his head or an old smell in his nose.

“Zelda.” He traced the silhouette of her face with his eyes. The fire burned lower behind her and Link made a mental note to remediate that so the goosebumps on her skin would settle.

“Link,” she said with a smile that would put the sun to shame. She was happy. Happy! Goddesses, if her happiness made him feel this way then he was determined to make this woman happy forever.

“I know I’ve made you wait for so long,” Link started, dejection seeped into his words. Before Zelda could speak, he persisted, “But, I want to be someone you can lean on and I’m… not sure if…”

Zelda combed through his damp hair again. It soothed him and dimly he knew it wasn’t the first time she’s done this. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be the last either. She whispered his name with soft devotion, “I will be here. I’ll always be here for as long as you want me.”

“What if I don’t remember everything?”

The breath in Link’s lungs grew scarce under Zelda. Her hands drifted to his collar and his question surrendered them to silence. Then, he noticed their precarious position. Zelda’s legs straddled his lap and one of his knees propped her up, pushing her body close to his. Slowly, he leaned up with eyes flickering to her own and as their lips touched, he quickly pulled away as if she had burned him.

And as fire would, she spread to him. Grasping his tunic tightly and locking him into a kiss so heated it licked away his rationality. But that was Zelda, wasn’t it? An unyielding flame that wasn’t meant to be contained. His peers saw him as an unbreakable man who only spoke about matters of upmost importance until she was thrusted was into his life. She made Link see the stars in a different light. A girl who rought him from chains he didn’t know he was bound to. A princess who made him feel a desperation to run his tongue against her bottom lip.

His hands touched cheek to assure himself that she was still there. Flickers of shadowy scenes flew by in his mind. An inn room, no, it looked to cozy to be an inn… someone’s house, a bed, Zelda. He was holding her as if the Calamity itself would attempt to pry her away. She sighed sweetly into his embrace. Love, hope, happiness.

Drawing back gently, Zelda bashfully smiled at his gaze of pure adoration for her. “Then we’ll have to make new ones,” she whispered.

Link looked up at her in disbelief, “Despite everything?”

Slowly, she nodded and bit her lip before speaking. “We could have never predicted what would happen,” she paused, “and even if I knew, there’s no one else in the world I’d rather go through this with.”

Link looked down at where her fingers fidgeted with the band around her finger. Through all their trials, she kept it. His hand found her cold one and interlaced their fingers.

“Me too, Zel,” he smiled broadly at her as she sunk into his embrace. Without words, a soft feeling settled between them. The road ahead would be rough. But as the sun kissed the valley sky, they knew that not even the gods could separate them.

#and we're done!#zelink #zelda #legend of zelda #link #zelda x link #link x zelda #legend of zelda: breath of the wild #loz #fanfiction #fic #zelink fanfiction #ashleyswrittenwords

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ecccentrick · 4 years ago

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your seams have come unknitted

AKA The fic where the Champion's souls share Link's body.

On AO3

He wakes up alone. Or, at least, he thinks he is.

A voice tells him he is Link, the Hero, that he must save everyone from a great evil bent on destruction. The voice comes from a far distant light, bright enough to leave black dots in his visions, but he can’t look away. He just stares.

No part of him -- Hero, Link or otherwise -- questions the voice. Something deep inside him, deep within the chasm that is his sense of self, knows they speak the truth, and bears the brunt of humanity on his shoulders. The weight feels familiar on his shoulders, and he no longer tries to shrug it off like a shroud.

The forest is teeming with so much life it is hard to see where this evil has wrought its hatred. The trees are tall and sturdy, the birds take turns singing, the forest floor is scattered with vegetation and the fluttering of small creatures.

But, before long, seeds of destruction begin to grow fruit in the buildings laid to waste, some taken clean off their foundations. There is not another human in sight, save but the old man, and everything begins to take a tinge of emptiness, a feel of the surreal. Link counts his fingers again and again, falls asleep alone and wakes up alone again and again.

This is real, and he is meant to fix it.

The old man, now revealed as king, tells him of her, and of himself, the knight Link. The Princess, forced to wage a battle a hundred years long, awaiting his awakening, hoping for liberation.

Waiting for him to fix his mistake, his failure.

This truth knits itself into his sense of self, his very being. It’s probably the only thing he truly knows about himself.

He cannot fail again.

Link seeks information about the Divine Beasts from Impa in Kakariko village. He searches the old woman’s face, subtracting wrinkles and the shadows of trauma and battle, but he can’t recognize anything about her, not even his own face reflected in her shrewd eyes.

She insists that he stay the night before setting off to look for his objectives. He only relents because he knows he is unlikely to sleep in an actual bed again in his lifetime, so he rests his century old bones and tries to at least rest his eyes. The Hero sleeps fitfully.

Impa tries to get him to stay a little longer and recover some of his strength, but he can’t linger like a ghost. Paya and all the other villagers look at him like he is the answer to their every question, like the happy ending to their story, and he can’t bring himself to bask in their attention.

He is not saving them. Link is simply redeeming himself, repaying them for their suffering.

He has a lot to answer to when he finally faces Calamity Ganon in battle.

The first night away from Kakariko village is cold despite the summer breeze.

He goes to Zora’s Domain first. Link isn’t sure what compels him. There is just a deep feeling in his gut that he will know a bit more about himself there.

Link almost wishes he didn’t.

Mipha’s soul, whether an echo of the real thing or the last tangible piece of her left, is a balm to his battered heart. It might be due to her ability that knits together every wound and brings him from the brink of death more times than he can count. It might be the love she felt for Link in life. It’s better not to question it.

It makes him feel like a gentle ripple in a shallow pool, small but nonetheless important. Despite her infinity for water, he feels warmth encircle his heart, soothing his battered heart. Instead of attempting to make him okay, she accepts that he’s not and is there anyway. She doesn’t try to fix that part of him.

Link is unsure if he was ever in love with Mipha, but he learns that who he was before cared for her. And the fierceness of her love for him should be scary to him, should make him flinch away, but her simple steadfast adoration makes him question whether he is truly undeserving of a second chance.

The Rito are next.

A thread once again guides him there, along with his Sheikah Slate, and he at once despises the sharp, cold winds that whip and catch at his clothes like needy claws. Vah Medoh casts a shadow over him, and fans a competitive spirit in him.

I’m coming, he thinks as he glares up at the beast. Something glimmers on its surface as though staring back. Challenge accepted.

The battle, in the end, is anticlimactic. Revali would scoff if he ever spoke that aloud, but a small smile makes its way onto his face regardless.

As Revali fades before his eyes, his gift given, Link’s chest is fit to burst. Where Mipha is soft with steel underneath, Revali is much like the wind currents of his skies, volatile and welcoming in turn. With what little memories he has of Revali, it’s fitting that his soul would be the one to carve away its own place within him, a redecorating of sorts. He snorts.

Rubbing at his chest, Link sets out to Vah Naboris.

If having another soul within was a snug fit, having two is like coming apart at the seams. Not to mention that it quickly becomes obvious that they don’t get along.

They both have their own way of communicating. Mipha is there in his mind whenever it feels as though everything is too much, comforting him, a back and forth of their minds like the sea brushing the shore.

Revali, in contrast, only comes forward when he’s needed, and not a moment longer, unless it’s to taunt him into doing better. Mipha, a calm sea, turns into a great wave when this happens, smashing and washing Revali’s disdain away.

Wind and sea bicker, but when Link can no longer go on, and Mipha’s Grace is depleted, Revali’s Gale is there to buffet her still waters, until she is strong enough to bring Link back.

Link doesn’t think he’s going to make it.

Vah Naboris and her blight are strong and relentless, and there are quite a few times where Link lays there, feels like his soul is the only one residing within his chest, and almost accepts his fate. But, then, his comrades are there, Mipha’s strong will healing him and Revali’s bitter rage reeling him back into the present.

It’s more than worth it in the end. Urbosa’s soul is like basking in the sun, fully knowing that later he will have a sunburn, but too lulled by the warmth of the sun and so grateful for its rays, he lets it. But unlike the sun, who looks down on its subjects with apathy, burning sinners and saints alike, Urbosa’s is anything but complacent. She shines benevolently on those she protects and boils the blood of her enemies. He’d hate to be on the receiving end of that.

Urbosa is more active than both Revali and Mipha. She’s Link’s sentinel, always there in the corner of his mind, ready to defend her people. Link is grateful to be counted as one.

But still, with her greatness comes sorrow. Every thought of Princess Zelda brings an ache to his heart that he has trouble distinguishing between him and Urbosa.

He faces Vah Darunia with the greatest hesitation. This might be due to the sweat that plasters his hair to his face and his clothes to his skin, even with his protective gear, or perhaps because this was it. The final thing standing in his way of facing Calamity Ganon.

The sight of fire, the hint of searing to his skin makes his jumpy and ready to crawl out of his skin. Something about the sensations brings back the desperation he hasn’t felt since his first night in the forest, alone and confused. The others are quiet in his chest, even Revali’s usual mocking air gone.

Link makes silly mistakes that entire battle, his vision suddenly engulfed by yellow at strange intervals, his scars tingling and his heart racing. But, in the end, they defeat it, all of them quivering with exhaustion after the final blow is dealt.

Daruk’s very soul feels like a bear hug. He’s solid and safe and never mocking nor worrying. He is unshakeable ground underneath Link’s feet and he can’t contain himself.

He cries for the first time in one hundred years.

He finally feels whole.

#link #botw #botw link #tloz link #botw champions #loz link #mipha #urbosa #revali #daruk #breath of the wild

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katedoesfics · 5 years ago

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Shadows of Hyrule | Chapter 27

Link made himself comfortable on the floor of Urbosa's bathroom, holding her hair back as Mipha vomited into the toilet. When she finished throwing up, she curled up against Link with a painful sigh, her head resting in the crook of his neck. She pulled her knees to her chest and groaned.

“Fuck Revali's parties,” she muttered.

Urbosa poked her head into the bathroom, Riju under her arm. “How you feeling?”

“Swell,” Mipha said. “I'm never talking to another guy again.”

Urbosa frowned. “I'm sorry, Mipha. I shouldn't have forced you.”

Mipha shook her head. “You didn't force me to do anything. And you didn't know.”

“Men are the worst.”

“Totally,” Link said.

Mipha smiled. “Except you. And Daruk.” She paused. “And I guess Revali, too.”

“Damn, that's some party,” Riju said. “Why couldn't I come?”

Urbosa narrowed her eyes at her sister. “Mipha is responsible, and look what happened to her?” She stepped into the bathroom and knelt down to give Mipha a glass of water. “Drink.”

Mipha took the glass from Urbosa gratefully and finished it in seconds.

“You can sleep in Riju's bed if you want,” Urbosa said.

“Hey! What about me?”

“You can sleep on the couch,” Urbosa hissed.

Riju crossed her arms. “You're lucky I like Mipha,” she said, “or I'd call Mom and tell her everything!”

“Mature,” Urbosa muttered.

Mipha sighed and shook her head. “I'm fine. I'm feeling better. I can go home.”

“Take your time,” Urbosa said. “Wait until you stop throwing up, at least.” She made her way out of the bathroom, pulling Riju along with her by her wrist and closing the door behind them.

Mipha sighed and burrowed closer to Link. Link stared at his feet, feeling her chest rise and fall with each breath against him. She fell still and quiet for a moment, and Link turned to see if she had fallen asleep. He moved as little as possible so as not to disturb her, as her eyes were indeed close. She shifted at his side, and her eyes opened. She glanced up at him.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Alright,” she said with a sigh. “Better.” She hesitated. “Thank you.”

“Sure.”

“Really,” Mipha continued. “I don't know what would have happened... I mean, I do know. Goddesses, what was I thinking?”

Link smiled. “Yeah, what the hell? Trying to pick up random guys at a party? That's not like you.”

Mipha rolled her eyes and blew her bangs out of her face. “Yeah, I don't know. It was dumb.” She let out a breath. “I was just trying to... loosen up, I guess.” She glanced at Link. “It was Urbosa's idea. She says I'm too uptight.”

Link scoffed. “Yeah, but look where being loose got you.”

“Yeah,” she said softly. “Link?”

“Yeah?”

Mipha hesitated. She turned her gaze away. “Can you... take me home now?”

“Are you sure?”

Mipha nodded. “Yes. I just want to hide in my bed and sleep.”

Link smiled. “Okay.”

Link helped Mipha to her feet, letting her balance on him for a moment, then they made their way out of the bathroom. They thanked Urbosa and said their goodbyes before heading out into the cool late spring night. Once he was sure Mipha was settled in the front seat, Link slid in behind the wheel of his car and pulled out of the driveway, navigating through the quiet city.

Though they lived on the other side of the city from Urbosa, without the usual traffic, the drive only took fifteen minutes. Except for a light in Sidon's bedroom, the house was dark. Mipha was sure her parents were asleep, and sneaking back into the house would be relatively easy.

“Are you sure you're alright?” Link asked, turning to her.

Mipha nodded. “I just want to sleep for a week,” she said. She hesitated, her eyes on the bruise on his face. “You really should get that looked at. What if you have a concussion?”

Link shrugged. “It was a weak ass punch.”

Mipha rolled her eyes. She let her fingers run over the cut, brushing against his cheek. She met Link's gaze for a moment and her heart froze in her chest. Her fingers hesitated against his skin for a moment that seemed to last an eternity, but it was a moment that reminded her how much she loved him. The butterflies fluttered as they always did; her heart pulled to him as it always did; the words she wanted to say remained on the tip of her tongue as they always did. There was a soft glow under her finger tips, bringing her out of her thoughts, and she pulled away in shock. To her surprise, the cut on his face was healed.

Link blinked at her in confusion, oblivious to what had just happened. In truth, he was too enamored with her at that moment, locked in her gaze. He was sure she was about to say something, but now she only stared at him in unexpected horror. He hesitated, pulling away from her slightly, realizing then just how close they really were. His fingers traced the area where she had touched him and he realized then that the cut was gone. He turned away quickly, cursing under his breath.

“What?” Mipha said in a breathy whisper. “What... what happened?”

“Nothing,” Link muttered.

“It's... gone. Did I...”

“You should go,” he said quickly.

Mipha stared at him. “But... I...”

“You need to get some rest,” Link said. “I'll talk to you later, okay?”

Mipha hesitated, still holding her gaze on Link, but Link did not turn to her. She finally looked away, her eyes on her feet, as if she would find an answer to what had just happened – or better yet, why he was suddenly acting the way he was. “I don't-”

“Mipha,” Link snapped. “Just go.”

She hesitated a moment more before getting out of the car. She made her way towards the house, looking over her shoulder before closing the door behind her.

Link punched the steering wheel. Daruk and Mipha were both involved, now, whether he liked it or not. And they had no idea what they were even involved in.

#legend of zelda #breath of the wild #fic #fanfic #loz #botw #shadows of hyrule #soh27 #chapter 27

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minsyal · 7 years ago

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[Mutual Feelings Pt. 5, Revali x Reader]

Summary: Ayee it’s cold and dangerous

The night was setting in and your tunic had not held up as well as the others. It was not as compact with Rito molting and was made with a considerably cheaper fabric. When the actual product costs 2150 rupees, and most of your savings went to work-related expenses, it was difficult to justify paying that much for something you could make on your own.

Throughout the day, the cold slowly picked at your wrists where small portions of skin were exposed from little tears in your gloves. You had compensated with a few sips here and there of an elixir. The only thing that kept you going was knowing that it would be over soon. Zelda had requested one elixir when the wind chill caused the temperature to drop to the negatives and Link had only asked for one to keep on him just in case. A few monster camps were scattered through your path and were easily taken out with the power of the Champions. Whenever this would happen, you were put in charge of watching over Zelda while Link helped the others. It always happened this way. If anything were to happen to her while under your care, you would probably be living your last days. Surely your head would be served on a golden platter or even possibly on a stick.

The frigid air was knocking at the mouth of the cave, beating ferociously at the mountainside walls and sending waves of cool air coasting through the cavernous tunnel. While not the most apt place to rest, it was far better than sleeping outside or in one of the now abandoned skull-shaped formations. This was where the Champions had decided to set up shop for the night.

“We should start a fire.” One of the Champions mentioned while laying out a small area for them to rest in. You simply shook your head.

“We can’t. The rocks here are far too soft, if we were to start a fire they would surely collapse on us. Also,” you motioned to the size of the cave, “it’s far too small. The entrance was barely big enough for Daruk to fit through and from my findings it isn’t deep either. Not to mention that it isn’t ventilated enough and the smoke would kill us all by morning. Either we would end up with ash and timbers in our lungs, or we would force the indigenous bat species out into the cold. Meaning that they would…“ you stopped your rant. Raising your eyes to observe their reactions, you were met with confused looks mixed with deadpan faces. “Sorry,” turning to further look into the bag that Revali had packed, you attempted to make yourself as tiny as possible. You dreaded moments like this. They were utterly miserable and only left you in a state of embarrassment.

“I’ll start a fire outside the cave, warm these, and put it out.” You reached down and picked up a few soapstones from the ground. “They’ll be enough to keep everyone from freezing.”

You weren’t sure if your fast exit was to get away from the situation, to get away from the Champions and Zelda, or both. All you knew was you felt like an idiot and it surely showed on your face. There was a burnt out fire just beyond the cave that would serve as a good foundation for another. You grabbed a few sticks along the way and tossed them on top, then grabbed two pieces of flint from the bag Revali packed. They clinked together, giving off bright sparks that rained down on the sticks and dried up leaves. Eventually, a leaf caught hold and sent the pile a blaze. The stones didn’t take too long to warm, not with the flames engulfing them.

“Would you like some help?” A soft voice came to rest beside you; it was Mipha. Her cloak was tautly pulled around her shoulders and was clasped closed to keep her entire body hidden. The fire cast shadows across her face that seemed to dance with each crackle of fire. The porcelain white of her face was now tinted with an orange hue that faded into the ruby red of her scales.

There was no doubt that she was the quietest of all the Champions. Having only spoken a few words to you here and there, you had never really connected with her. She seemed to have a good heart though, and knew right from wrong. You had met her younger brother, Prince Sidon, and he had nothing but good to boast of his sister. Actually, all of the Zora loved her. She was like their bright light at the end of a tunnel. It was as if she was their only saving grace and they were determined to let everyone know.

“I’ve almost got it all wrapped up. Why don’t you head back to get out of this wind?” You used a stick to poke at the embers.

“If I may,” she looked at you and began reaching for your hands and wrists. “You’ve got dry cuts on your hands.”

Before you could protest, she had your sleeves pushed up and your gloves off. A brilliant blue light was radiating from her hand. It felt odd. The wisps that surrounded it tickled your skin, licking at the cuts and sending a cooling chill through your body. It felt like a drink of fresh water after chewing on mint leaves. Except rather than in your mouth and throat, this was on your hands. It was as if she had summoned some sort of blast of wind and it was working away at your damaged and dry skin.

“I don’t want to nag you,” she started, “but you should feel comfortable coming to me when you get hurt like this. We cannot have one of our Champions battling infections.” Your eyes flickered up at her, then immediately returned to stare at the aura.

“Thank you, Mipha. But you and I both know I’m no Champion.”

“You are not an official Champion, but you do a lot for the team. You are a Champion in our hearts, all of our hearts.” Despite the somber dread that seemed to linger around you, Mipha’s pleasant smile and soft eyes filled your chest with a warm sensation. She continued healing your cuts. Her fingers peppered light touches over the surface of your skin, the sharp angular claws glided down your wrists leaving behind layers of fresh skin.

“I’m trying my best.” You finally choked out, “Thank you, again.”

“It is my pleasure.”

You hadn’t found any cloth in the bag Revali packed, but there was a lightweight blanket and another that had been rolled but was a fairly thicker fabric. With swift tears, you had the smaller one broken into multiple pieces. Mipha helped remove the stones from the fire before wrapping them in the cloth. Another sweet smile spread across her face as she held the stone closer to her chest.

“It’s warm.” She said innocently, “I like it.”

“I’m glad. Hopefully they’ll hold the heat until morning.” You finished stomping out the fire and tucked the last stone into your arms.

Together you and Mipha traveled back to the cave where you found the other Champions readying themselves for bed. Daruk was tickled pink to get a rock and had discarded the fabric as it couldn’t burn his hands. Urbosa was grateful, giving you and Mipha an appreciative grin. Link had collected two for himself and Zelda, who hadn’t said a word since your return. Revali turned his down, saying it would be of no use to him. He suggested you offer it to the Princess, so you did.

“Princess.” You spoke quietly, attempting to gain her attention. She had her back to you and was fumbling with a sleeping bag. Grunting and groaning, she ignored you and continued tugging on the strings attached to the side of the bag. She had somehow managed to knot a few of the strings together that didn’t quite match. Recognizing this, you knelt down and offered a helping hand.

“Allow me to be of assistance.” You reached out, “These two ties are-“

“I don’t need your help.” She swatted your hands away and pulled the bag so it was out of your reach. The ropes slowly tightened around one another and would soon be nearly impossible to separate unless cut or torn.

“Well, at least take this.” The stone went tumbling from your hands, landing nearly three feet away in another direction. Never in your life had you wanted to back talk, say something, come on say something! But you refused to. It was quite obvious that the Princess did not have loving feelings toward you.

Without another word, you retired to a vacant corner with yours and the extra soapstone. In your bag was a rolled up blanket with molting packed on the inside and a tough plastic-like coating on the outside. The fluffy blanket insulated your warmth nicely, surely you wouldn’t freeze tonight. You laid flat on the ground. Staring upward at the roof of the cave you allowed your eyes to fully close, but you did not relax. Your mind was racing with questions that had no answers. The image of a frustrated princess flashed over your eyelids, causing you to toss and turn from side to side.

Why did Zelda have such disdain toward you? What had you done? Yes, you did have an attitude at times and that was no way to speak to royalty, but what had you done to make her absolutely despise your very being? Was it her mission to make your life miserable?

It would be a miracle if you could get a wink of sleep tonight.

Silence fell over the Champions as everyone slowly drifted off to sleep, everyone except for you. The wind continued to howl, snow began to fall, and the temperature continued to drop. The stone floor beneath you only proved to be inefficient in keeping you warm, and in addition to that you were by yourself pushed against a wall. That must play some sort of role in it too.

You sat up, your gloved hands placed against the frigid ground. Daruk was rolled into a ball with a blanket laid over his body that looked almost comedic. It barely covered him and simply looked like it served no purpose. Urbosa was wrapped in a quilt, an empty elixir vile sat next to her body, turned on its side and dripping the last few drops onto the ground below. Mipha was cuddled up between Urbosa and Zelda, who was shivering. Link was on her other side, most of his blanket going to the princess. Revali was off to the side, alone, propped against the wall with one hand on his knee and the other on his bow.

The stones were still warm and both still with you. Zelda could possibly benefit from having them, maybe she would wake up and not hate you as much? Surely not. She had not had a warming elixir prior to falling asleep, which could possibly be the reason why she was not handling the cold as well as the others. You crossed the area quietly, your blanket and stones in arm. As you approached the princess you noticed her nose had gone red, her hands were balled into fists, and her entire body was trembling. Her knotted sleeping bag was draped over her body the best it could get.

Quietly, sure to not wake them, you placed both stones in her arms and covered her with your blanket. You moved Link’s back to his body and pulled it close to hide his nose from the frosty night. Sighing, you returned to your spot and sat down. You allowed your mind to race, searching in the depths of your memories for a better time.

“Purah, I’m just not sure. What if I don’t get the job?” You questioned, sitting at her desk with your face in your hands.

“You’ll get it! I’m sure you will.” She passed by, her arms stacked high with papers and books that she needed to read.

“-but what if I don’t?” She hustled around the room, putting books back on her shelf and grabbing new ones that she needed for research. As she headed back in your direction, she stopped and emptied her arms. The books crashed down onto the table, causing you to jolt.

“What was that for?”

“[Name], you have been my apprentice for a while now. I’d consider you more of my friend, and I know what you’re capable of. I mean,” she blew on her knuckles and brushed them off on her shirt, “I did teach you everything you know.”

“Oh, how blessed I am to know that my, basically my sister, sees me as a friend.” You mocked, rolling your eyes and shaking your head. “How am I even your apprentice? You’re 16! I’m 20, thank you very much.”

“I’m,” she stomped her foot on the ground and rubbed her chin, “uh…”

You grinned smugly, “You’re what? A child?”

“No! Geez, [Name], I’m already a royal scientist!”

“Oh please, you met with Zelda twice to talk about the technology. Impa was the one who actually knows her! And, you’ve only been to the castle once.”

“Yeah?” A wide smile crossed her features, “How many times have you to been to the castle?”

Biting hard on your lip, you simply shook your head, hoping to hide the embarrassed expression, “Does that really matter?” You kicked yourself out from your chair, “Gosh Purah, why did you even bring it up?”

“Why you!” She let out a boisterous laugh that was absolutely contagious.

You weren’t sure when you fell asleep. The sound of the Champions rustling and the slight shaking of your arm jolted you awake. Link’s hand was grasping your shoulder, lightly moving it from side to side.

“I’m up.” You muttered, bringing your hand up to rub the sleep from your eyes. How long had you slept, and why weren’t you freezing? He gave you a closed-mouth smile and tilted his head slightly. His eyebrow raised as he moved his hand past your shoulder to untangle something from your hair.

A look of pure shock plastered itself onto his face as he stared blankly at what he had just found. A Persian blue feather was at the tip of his fingers, its center more vibrant than its edges. His face read as, “is this yours?” Suggestively, his eyebrow raised higher, his eyes glancing from you to the direction that Revali currently stood.

“Of course that’s not mine! Surely it tangled there from the winds. Rito do lose their feathers, you know?”

He rolled his eyes and laid the feather back down on your knee, stood tall, brushed himself off, and headed for the Champions who were conversing about today’s actions. Zelda was sending confused glances in your direction as she finished folding the blanket you had put on her last night. You could see the two stones lying on the ground next to it. She gave a slight nod in your direction before turning her attention to the others.

“I’d say we make our way toward the Hebra West Summit, then head back to the village from there. Does that sound like a plan?” Zelda piped up, folding her hands together in front of her stomach and staring wide-eyed at the group.

“The sooner we leave this climate, the better.” Urbosa let out a small huff while tightening the jacket around her torso. She swiftly buttoned every one up and pulled the hood to cover her head.

“I agree! S’ a little cold for my liking,” said Daruk who was already halfway out the mouth of the cave. Mipha was still grasping onto her now-cold soapstone, holding it close to her chest. Her eyes wandered the area, landing on you. As everyone else left the cave, she moved further into it until she was by your side.

“It was very noble of you to give the princess your blanket.” A soft smile grew on her lips, “You know, I was not aware that stones had the ability to hold heat like this.” She held it out to you, “Mine still has some warmth to it. See?”

“They’re used a lot where I’m from. It’s an easy alternative to burning down your house.”

“I’d say so.” A soft giggle left her lips, “I’ll have to take this back to the Domain with me, surely Sidon will be pleased to see it.” You traveled at the back of the pack, like usual. Your feet sunk further and further into the snow as you went on. Luckily, the wind had slowed and snow was no longer falling from the sky. The Champions chattered as they walked, talking of subjects from the Sheikah technology to what they hoped was for dinner tonight. Revali piped up every now and again, but most of his time was spent having a very awkward staring contest with you. His head would turn back in search of you, when he spotted your figure, his eyes would linger for a moment before hastily turning away. You found yourself doing the same, but rather, you’d let yourself observe him. Why had his feather been found in your hair? Your focus moved down to your palm where the discarded plume was held. Maybe he had slept nearby and that was the reason you hadn’t frozen solid? Had the warmth of his body kept you tepid throughout the night?

“[Name], take the Princess. There’s a hoard of enemies up ahead. You two shouldn’t get tangled up in it.” Urbosa snapped you out of your mind, she had her hand on the Princess’s back and was guiding her in your direction.

You simply nodded and motioned for her to follow you. With your bodies low to the ground, you maneuvered past the beasts that had their eyes set on the Champions. The creatures burst into loud cries of pure bloodlust and took off charging at them.

“Come on, Zelda. We have to hurry.” You stood and instantly raced for a steep hill that led down a mountain side. She was swiftly on your heels, following at an accelerated pace. Soon the sounds of metals clashing and arrows exploding was all that filled your ears.

“Quickly!” You clutched Zelda’s hand in yours and began to ascend the hill. Your feet moved faster than your body, making it difficult to keep balance. Once at the bottom, you stopped to ensure that nothing had strayed from the fight to follow you. It was clear. Zelda hunched over, her back moving up and down as she attempted to catch her breath.

“We should be fine here. I would suggest we…” a fastidious scan of the area left you breathless. A blue-maned beast marched proudly around the snowy tundra, a bow wielded in one hand, a giant sword positioned on its back. Zelda let out a small squeal that was quickly concealed with the palm of her hand. It didn’t go unnoticed by the Lynel, it already had its sights set on the two of you and was menacingly stalking forward.

“Stay behind me.” You ordered. Trembling from fear, you held your arm out protectively in front of the Princess. The most important thing at this very moment was to do your best to keep her from getting even a scratch on her body. You had to do anything to assure her safety.

The lynel’s advancement continued, only it had now picked up its pace. Kicking up some snow behind it, it readied its sword at its side and erupted into a full on sprint. You waited for it to nearly collide with you before evading to the side with the princess following your lead. This would turn into a game of cat and mouse. The magnificent beast did this a few more times before becoming acquainted with your tactic. It charged at you once more, this time with its bow drawn and sideswiped you. The lynel’s forearm connected with your ribs, knocking the air from your lungs leaving you gasping for breath. The force sent you nearly 30 feet away, skidding across the frozen ground and finally coming to a stop below a tree. It felt as if thorns had punctured your body, probing at every inch of your skin. Pain began to shoot through your side and up your neck, spreading like a wildfire.

Zelda screamed, her cry echoing for miles. The crunching of snow closed in on you, her hands desperately searching your body for a sign of life. You groaned. There was no way your side wasn’t bleeding, but you hadn’t the time to check. Zelda sighed in relief and attempted to keep you at bay, repeating that the Champions would soon show up to save the both of you.

“You’ve got to r-run.” You grumbled, your throat getting caught for a moment before subsiding. She shook her head in defiance. Desperately trying to force your body upward, you ignored the feeling of needles piercing through your back. You swayed, your center knocked and balance thrown.

“Please, [Name]. You must stay down, you’re hurt.” She tried to reason with you, but you sure as hell weren’t about to let this thing get the best of you. Especially not when you had been put in charge of the princess. She continued her onslaught of pleas that would go unheard. Her focus was locked on you, completely ignoring the danger that loomed in the distance.

The jittering bolts of lightning zapped while the Lynel aligned its bow with a shock arrow. You hadn’t been prepared for it and by the time it registered in your mind, an arrow was piercing through your shoulder sending electricity up and down your spine. The feeling was indescribable. Blackness drifted into your field of vision, clouding your eyes. Your head was forced upward, your mouth opened with no sound escaping from it. The pain was replaced with numbness, your legs were replaced with the ground, and everything gradually faded to nothing.

Hopefully, the princess would be saved.

#Revali x reader #loz #botw #fic #fanfiction #x reader

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lezzybugo3o · 7 years ago

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That’s Amore

A Linksona fic made for a challenge on a Linksona Discord server.

Summary: On one rainy day, Swift Wind reminisces about her past love life and muses on her current one.

That’s Amore

The rain poured down as the young hero and her wolf ran towards the Dueling Peaks stable. Once they made it to the establishment, Wolf Link shook the rainwater off his fur with a groan. “The sky looked sunny when we left the shrine. How did this rain come in so suddenly?”

Swift wrung out her tunic’s hem. “Nature’s funny that way. It looks fun out there though. Sure would love to stomp in some of those puddles.”

“I am NOT dealing with a sick teenager, so stay inside the stable,” growled the wolf.

Rolling her eyes, she took off her wet tunic and quickly put on an old shirt. “Fine then. Party pooper,” Swift huffed.

As Wolf Link settled in next to one of the stable beds, the Hylian gazed out, watching the rain. She soon caught sight of a couple running into the stable to avoid getting any wetter. She then noticed the male Hylian putting a cloak around his girlfriend, keeping her warm. The woman smiled at him and the two rested their foreheads together. Swift couldn’t help but feel warm inside at the sight of this. Love had always been such an interesting thing to her and she was no stranger to it as well. Swift closed her eyes as she began to let her mind reach back into the recesses of her memories of those she cared for in the past.

Swift could barely contain her excitement as the small ceremony carried on. She had been chosen to be Zelda’s personal knight along with being one of the Champions to seal away Calamity Ganon. Swift had always heard of Zelda’s name, but never had the chance to meet her properly until now. Needless to say, she was awestruck by the princess’ beauty. The way the wind blew past her golden locks and dress, one could have sworn they were in the presence of a goddess. Of course, once Zelda opened her eyes, Swift could sense a feeling of sorrow and possibly bitterness in her. She wasn’t sure where it was coming from, but the least Swift could offer was a genuine smile, hoping it would help. To her joy, the princess returned the gesture with a grin of her own, albeit a sad one. The Hylian Champion made a mental note to find ways to have Zelda smile more often, for her own sake and to experience the wonderful sight again and again.

Of course, Princess Zelda wasn’t the only lovely lady who caught Swift’s eye. During the ceremony, she could have sworn the other Champions were talking about her. She could tell one of them didn’t think that much of her, but she chose to ignore the negative comments made by him. The voice that caught her attention was one that she later found out belonged to the Gerudo chief herself, Lady Urbosa. Just the mere sight of her was enough to get Swift’s heart thumping like mad. She was gorgeous and fierce like the Lynels the Hylian had seen once or twice. Usually Swift had no problem trying to woo others with her words, but when she tried to turn on the charm with Urbosa, the Gerudo woman responded with a gentle caress on the younger woman’s cheek and sweet words of her own, causing Swift’s face to redden immediately. The action also elicited a hearty laugh from the Gerudo, a most melodious sound to the Hylian’s ears.

As if that wasn’t enough, Swift somehow found herself falling for the same Champion that thought she wasn’t all that special, Revali, Rito warrior. While most couldn’t stand the bird’s arrogant way of speaking and how much of a showoff he could be, Swifty thought it was a bit charming. Irritating but charming. Revali at first thought of her flirty behavior as unbecoming of a Champion, but at the same time he relished in the fact that someone was interested in him. They would spend long moments just exchanging snarky comments about the other person. Swift giggled to herself as she remembered one of the conversations they had at Rito Village. She had made herself a delicious fruit pie and she was savoring every bite like it was a treasure. The Rito Champion saw her and remarked, “I'm surprised you haven't broken any of the bridges with your chubby butt.”

Swift in turn shot back, “I’m surprised you're able to fly so high with how huge your ego is.”

Revali gave a smirk and smacked her back with his wing. “Little imp.”

Swift Wind then took a spoonful of her pie and smeared it on the Rito’s beak with a giggle. “Feather brain.”

Revali licked the sweet food off his mouth and bit back a surprised squawk when the Hylian girl cuddled up to him.

Swift certainly wasn't a picky girl when it came to finding a partner. The most important aspect to her was their personality and whether or not she could have a good time with them. She had had a few flings with people here and there… but there was one person who Swifty felt more than just mere infatuation… the one and only Princess Mipha. As a child, Swift already thought she was a pretty Zora, but meeting with her again after all those years, the young hero saw her old friend in a new light. Swift found herself visiting Zora’s Domain more often just to spend more time with Mipha, even with her new duty as Zelda's knight. The Zora princess would often fret that her friend would get in trouble with her frequent visits, but a peck on her cheek was enough to melt her worry away. Every time she came by, Swift would tell Mipha about something new the princess had never seen outside of the domain and even treat her to a new recipe she learned. In turn, the young Zora would teach Swift how to swim faster and improve her sparring. The Hylian sighed heavily as she recalled one of the last conversations she had with the princess.

“Perhaps we could spend some time together.”

Swift smirked. “You mean more time than we already do?”

Mipha’s face flushed as she tried to find her voice. “Ah um, m-my apologies! I did not mean to intrude on anything important you had to-”

“Heh heh heh, I’m only teasing, Mipha!” The Hylian reassured her with a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I love spending time with you… and your little scamp of a brother.”

“Again, I apologize for his rude behavior towards you,” she said sweetly.

“Ahh, think nothing of it. I've got three little brothers of my own. I know how it is with younger siblings,” Swift mused. She then took a breath before putting her arm around Mipha, chuckling when the Zora female squeaked.

“Swift Wind… if… if it is not too personal for you to answer, may I ask you something?”

The younger champion looked to her comrade and responded with a grin, “Sure thing. Ask me.”

Mipha took a deep breath as she gathered her courage. “Have… have you… (Oh goddess, Mipha, just spit it out! You are a proud Zora princess! And surely Father would love to have her as a second daughter!) Have you ever thought about marriage?”

Swift blinked in surprise which made Mipha's stomach drop, thinking she messed this up. Suddenly the princess felt her fellow champion hold both of her hands. “A few times… with you on my mind,” the hero playfully said with a wink.

The Zora gasped at this response. “I… I'm not dreaming, am I?”

Swift Wind leaned in and pressed her lips tenderly on the princess’, smiling when Mipha kissed back.

The Hylian champion fell back on to the stable bed with a sigh that was mixed with sorrow and reminiscence.

“What’s got you such a good mood?”

Swift sat back up to see Wolf Link watching her on the side of the bed. “Hm? Oh, just thinking is all… about Mipha… Revali… everyone I knew before. Heh, I found out she wanted to marry me before Ganon decided to rear his ugly head.”

Wolf Link raised an eyebrow. “You certainly have a way of attracting others, don't you? Like that prince you met at the domain?”

The champion snickered to herself as she remembered her first meeting with said prince. Last time she saw him, he barely reached her knee and by goddess, his grin was much too big for his tiny sweet face. But now, that same child towered over Swift, keeping that charming smile with a twinkle. His enthusiasm was as infectious as his positive mood and his muscular frame was enough to make the Hylian’s legs turn to jelly… so why couldn't she bring herself to flirt openly with him as she did with his sister long ago? Could it be guilt? The fact that she devoted her heart to Mipha and could never love another like her again? Maybe it was the fear of seeing him as a consolation prize compared to his sister. Whatever the reason, she wouldn't try to woo him as constantly as other people in her life… or so she thought. “Ahh, Prince Sidon could get any other woman. He is quite a sweetheart… not to mention those rippling muscles of his~”

“You're turning red again,” groaned Wolf Link.

She cleared her throat, trying to rid her brain of any lewd thoughts of Sidon… no matter how tempting it was. “Not as red as that adorable Goron we met back at Death Mountain turned when I held his hand. By Hylia, Yunobo was a yummy little cinnamon roll. What I wouldn't give to kiss that soft goofy face again.”

“Do that and he might accidentally knock you into lava, idiot,” the wolf growled. “Like when you almost walked off that cliff staring at that Rito bard.”

Swift burst into laughter at the memory. “Can you blame me? Kass is a very pretty bird. His looks are as mesmerizing as his music.”

The dark-colored canine shook his head in frustration. It seemed like everywhere they went, his companion had at least three new infatuations towards the residents of Hyrule. “Seriously, is there any place in Hyrule you HAVEN'T fallen for someone?!”

“I wonder if that cute Hylian girl with the purple hair is still in Gerudo Town,” Swift gushed, oblivious to the wolf’s question.

Wolf Link put his paw over his face and sighed in defeat, “You're hopeless.”

#linksona #swift wind #swifty #windy #wolf link #mipha #princess mipha #prince sidon #sidon #yunobo #revali #urbosa #zelda #princess zelda #kass #linksonaparty #fanfiction #fanfic #my fic

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awkwardspontaneity · 3 years ago

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Until The Battle Is Won

BOTW Link x GN!Sheikah!Reader

Final part of Memories of You!

AN: Hey everyone!! This is the final chapter of this story. I wanna thank everyone for sticking around with my lousy update schedule ':). Anyways, I've loved writing this story and I'm kind of sad to see it end but also I love this ending so much- even though it hurts. So grab some water, maybe a snack, some tissues, and strap in. This is long and pretty sad.

TW: gore, reader death, descriptive injuries

Summary: The final battle is here. Hyrule is in ruins as Ganon tears through every defense they had and now, the final champions must protect their Princess in the race to deliver them to their destinies.

It was dark.

Link was running through the forest, another hand in his as Y/n led the way. Their white hair was a beacon amongst the trees as he surged to keep up with their gazelle-like pace. He was focused on keeping up with the Sheikah warrior when he felt the hand slip from his. Link skidded to a stop, shouting for Y/n over the pouring rain. He knelt in front of Zelda, watching as she dug her fists into the mud beneath her. “How did it come to this? The Divine Beasts. The Guardians. They’ve all turned against us. It was... Calamity Ganon.”

Y/n had made their way back to the pair, carefully falling to their knees beside Link. He felt their hand curl around his, sensing the turmoil in him. It was all falling apart around them. They had worked so hard, faced so many trials, and made so many friends. And it was all for nothing. The fight was stacked against them, so much so that even Link was feeling the knot in his chest. They all felt helpless.

“Mipha, Urbosa, Revali, and Daruk…trapped inside those things...” the princess let out a heart-wrenching sob. “It’s all my fault!”

As Zelda cried into her hands, Y/n reached out to pull them back down, carefully pulling away the strands curled into her fists. When watery green eyes met red, the young Sheikah gave a pained smile. They linked hands with the princess and the knight, giving them both a firm squeeze. “I know it feels like we’ve already lost, like everything we’ve done has been for nothing. But we can’t think like that. We have the power of the master sword and the sealing light of the Goddess. As long as we hold our heads high and give this fight everything we have, Hyrule will survive this.”

“But I can’t use the sealing power!” Zelda pulled her hands away, fisting them in her dress to stop the shaking. Maybe if she weren’t such a failure, Hyrule wouldn’t be in danger. Her friends wouldn’t have to give their lives to face that monster. Why couldn't she do this one thing right! “I’ve tried everything and still I keep failing. Because of me they’ll die fighting the very beasts they were meant to pilot!”

“None of us can save them!” Y/n was looking down at the ground and, even through the rain, they could feel the tears sliding down their cheeks. “We can’t go back from where we are. We don’t have the time or the ability to save them from those beasts. So we must move forward. If we give up now… everything we went through…everything they are going through... it will be for nothing. And Hyrule will fall.”

Zelda surged forward, collapsing in her friend's arms. She clung to both as a sob tore from her throat. None of them could be strong. Not strong enough. Pressing his hand against Zelda’s back, Link reached out and placed a hand on Y/n’s arm. His voice was gruff, the stress and pain of what they were about to do- what they had already done, was too much for any person to bear. “All that we can do is keep fighting for their sake. We have to keep moving or we lose. We can win. We have to.”

He met Y/n’s eyes and they gave him a soft smile. They pressed their hand against his back and the princesses shoulder drawing both pairs of eyes to them. “No matter what happens, our friends will be by our side. Their wills become ours. And when you face down Ganon, you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll have the love and support of all your friends. All of Hyrule. So save your tears until the battle is won.”

Zelda sniffled, bringing a hand up to wipe at her cheek- not that it did much help with how muddy they had gotten from being on the ground. She wanted so badly to give into the crushing weight of everything that had happened. Just this morning she had held hope within her as she climbed mount Lanayru and now… she had lost everyone she loved. Her kingdom had fallen along with her father. All she had left sat here before her. Gazing at her with matching weight on their shoulders. They too felt the chains of destiny closing in around them. But they stood tall. These two bore the weight of the world without complaint and now, they placed their belief in her. The failure of a princess would not fail again. She refused to fail her friends. “Then we have no choice. We have to fight for them… and for each other.”

Y/n smiled at the princess, carefully pulling the trio together so their heads touched. “When this is over we can do as many crazy experiments as you want.”

Laughter bubbled up amongst the trio, smiles breaking through the tough exteriors they had adopted the closer Calamity had gotten. Each of them had suffered at the hands of destiny, and now they would face what could be their final battle.

Y/n choked back a sob as they thought of the sacrifices that had brought them to this point. The sacrifices they would need to make to save Hyrule. All they wanted was for their friends to be able to look over their homes with smiles. For the weights to finally be lifted from their shoulders and allow them to live their lives without the looming threats of their destinies. They knew the knight and the princess could never go forward after all that had happened since Calamity broke through but, if there was something they could do to protect those they had left, Y/n would do whatever it took.

Link watched his friends with a tightness in his chest. They were ready to face Calamity Ganon. He would protect them in the final battle and, when the time came, they would finally be free of the weight of Hyrule. He stood up, reaching a hand to the princess to pull her to her feet. Y/n placed their hand on his cheek, wiping with their thumb as he watched them. They gave a smile and he knew. They had confidence in him. He never viewed himself as a hero, no matter how many times his partner had called him one. But when Y/n looked at him it was like that pressure lifted. Like he really could defeat Ganon. And he would. No matter how long the fight lasted. To finally be able to spend his days doing what he wanted with the person he loved. To be free.

The trio took off again, heading towards the castle. Y/n stuck close this time so they could discuss battle plans with Link. They knew the most Guardians were in the fields near the castle so they would need to find a way past them. They couldn’t release the Guardians from the corruption so they would have to destroy them if they were spotted. The question was if they could destroy that many.

Y/n was starting to wish they had Robbie's anti-Guardian weaponry, even if they weren’t perfected.

------

The answer was no. They could not defeat the Guardians.

They had barely made it halfway through the fields before they were spotted. Once one Guardian had seen them, the rest followed. They were surrounded in seconds and, no matter how many Link and Y/n took down, it seemed like 5 more took their places. They were more than outnumbered. They were losing hope fast.

Y/n shot three bomb arrows into Guardians eyes, barely dodging blasts from two others. As the Guardians collapsed to the ground more followed. Mechanical limbs crushing their brethren to the ground with a deadly screech. They only cared to destroy the champions that stood below them. And it was starting to feel like they would.

Another blast echoed in Y/n’s ears and they felt the burn of the laser against their cheek. Too close! They knocked an arrow when the screech of metal sounded behind them. They barely managed to roll out of the way of a destroyed Guardian collapsing to the ground where they stood. They barely came up from the ground when they were knocked back down again.

“AHHH!”

Y/n could barely hear their scream over the shrieks of metal and the ringing in their ears. Flames crackled around them but the heat was nothing compared to the agony in their shoulder. They had been hit. Their skin still burned like thousands of needles pricking their way across their chest. They could feel nothing and everything at once. Like every nerve in their body was exposed and on fire. They couldn't focus, flames and metal blurring into one. It was over, wasn't it?

“-n… Y/n… Y/N!” Y/n felt the arms around them, a sob tearing through their throat as a hand brushed against the wound. Red eyes finally focused in on teary green orbs. It was only when their vision blurred did they realize tears were falling. The princess was crying too, shouting over the noise as the young Sheikah lay limp in her arms. Her hands slipped on the blood surrounding their shoulder and Y/n shot up with a silent gasp of agony.

“Y/N! You’re okay!”

Y/n stared at the princess in front of them. “Where’s Link?”

Zelda pointed to the center of the battle where the champion fought. Y/n shot to their feet, ignoring the pain that tore through them. They drew back their bowstring. “Whistle so he comes this way princess.”

She whistled as loud as she could and Link spun to the duo. His eyes widened as an arrow streaked past him and he took off. The champion slid behind the pile of fallen Guardians as the bomb arrow exploded. Dust and flames shot into the air creating a cloud over the battlefield.

Y/n ducked under the fallen Guardian with the others, heavy breaths escaping them all. It was only a moment. A single breath of time to plan their next move.

Link was the first to move, lunging forward to inspect his partner. He had seen them fall. Seen the princess holding them in her arms. And he had thought that was it. But here Y/n sat. Injured, but alive. And that was what mattered. That they were alive. He brushed hair away from their face with a shaky smile- honestly more of a grimace. He couldn’t find the words to explain his relief. How much he needed them and that he was happy they were okay, so he stuck with simple. “I love you.”

Y/n smiled back. They always knew what he meant, like they could read every thought in his head. They had felt it too. That moment of fear that they would never see each other again. But they were still here, giving him that goofy grin he loved so much. Despite their pain, Y/n was a rock- solid and unmovable. And they gave him hope. Y/n could smile at him and he could fight until his last breath. “I love you too.”

They sat in each other's arms, taking in the moment they had together. What could be their last moment with each other. Because Y/n had a plan.

“You have to go ahead without me.”

Y/n watched their friend’s faces morph to shock, then anger. Y/n knew they would fight the idea, but they had no choice. Even as their friends protested the idea, the Sheikah held up a hand. “If you and Zelda are to make it to the castle you need a clear path.”

“You can’t take on the Guardians alone!”

“It’s the only choice.”

“You said we fight together.” Y/n met Link’s eyes and they almost broke at the agony in them. They had never seen so much painted across his visage, the boy keeping a stoic face for the sake of his role. But here they were. There weren't enough words to describe the pain they both felt, physically and mentally. They were fighting on the losing side, and now they could lose each other? It was hard to see a point in the fight with so little left.

“Leaving you is my last choice… but I need you- both of you- to survive.”

“And what about you!?”

“I’M NOT THE CHOSEN ONE!” Y/n finally allowed the tears to fall. They didn’t matter. What mattered was guiding the chosen pair to Ganon. As long as Link and Zelda survived, they had completed their duty. Their life never mattered. It didn’t hold the same weight. Choking back their sobbing, Y/n tried to smile. They had their happy moments. Made friends. Fell in love. And now they had to fulfill their destiny. No matter how much it hurt. “Right now our destinies have to part ways… and I don’t know how long we’ll be apart. So I need you to keep fighting, even when I’m not beside you. Because together I know you can beat Ganon.”

“We shouldn’t have to leave you.” Tears were swimming in his cerulean eyes. The only thing that kept Link from crying was the promise he made. He wouldn’t cry until the battle was over. “I can’t lose you. You are my life… and I can’t live without you.”

“You can.” Y/n reached out, caressing his face in their hands. “You will… because I love you. I love you in this life, and the next, and every one that follows. I will stand by you until there isn’t a reason to fight and even then, I’ll stay with you. I. Love. You.”

Link surged forwards, pressing his lips against theirs. It was desperate. He needed to convey everything he felt in the few moments left. That they would stand together no matter what time they were in. They could be ripped apart or thrown through time, or even lose all their memories and they would still share this bond. As long as destiny brought them together, they would connect like perfect halves. They completed each other.

Link was the first to pull away, hands running through Y/n’s hair and over their face. It was like he was trying to memorize every detail about them. Like if he focused he could commit Y/n to memory. He needed to be able to find them again, even if it was only within his own thoughts.

“You need to go.” Y/n broke the trance, whispering the words neither of them wanted to hear.

They had to part ways.

Link pressed a final kiss to Y/n’s forehead before he stood up. Zelda lunged forward to hug the Sheikah, sobs escaping her. She squeezed so tightly Y/n had to bite their tongue to keep the whimper at bay as pain shot through their injuries. They would bare the pain for this moment with their friend. Pulling Zelda close to their form, Y/n whispered encouragement and thanks for their time together.

When Zelda pulled away, she wiped her tears before giving a grin. She may not hold the same belief in herself that the others did, but she would do what she could. She would hold onto the strength of her friends and use it as her weapon. Everyone had protected her for a reason. She would show them it was not in vain.

With their final goodbyes Link and Zelda took off, weaving through the corpses of Guardians. Y/n waited until they had reached the open fields before stepping out from their hiding spot and whistling. Mechanics whirred to life around them as Guardians rose to defense. Y/n drew back their arrows, white hot pain flaring as their shoulder stretched. This would be their final stand. They would give it their all, here and now, so their friends could go on.

The next few moments were a blur of exploding arrows, machines being crushed, and the blasts of lasers. Y/n couldn't keep track of how many times they had pulled back the string of their bow, loosing arrow after arrow in order to keep the masses of mechanical beasts focused on their being. They reached for their quiver once more, red eyes focused on the glowing eyes of the Guardians targeting them, only to come up empty. There were no arrows left.

There was no more hiding. All the Sheikah had left were the dual blades strapped to their side and the hope their speed would be fast enough to survive.

Y/n pulled out their blades, taking off towards the closest Guardian. They jumped up the front, thrusting their blade into its eye before flipping onto the next. The process of picking off Guardians continued as the Champion flipped and twisted their way through the masses of mechanical monsters.

Flipping off the top of a Guardian, the Sheikah noticed Guardians getting away from them. They had noticed the others! Y/n ran towards where their friends were and, in their panic, missed the giant arm heading their way.

CRUNCH

With a strangled cry, the Sheikah champion hit the ground. They tried to stand, curling in on themselves as they hit the ground again with a sob. There were too many. Y/n was exhausted. Everything hurt. So. Much.

Letting out a cough, Y/n felt a warm liquid trickle down their face. They could hear the Guardian closing in on them. The rest seemed to have lost interest when the champion fell, allowing this one to make sure it was for the last time. Propping themselves up, Y/n could see the red target on their chest. Mustering all the strength left in their body, they launched their sword at the Guardian. It struck the eye and, twitching in its failure, the beast fell. Unfortunately, this drew the rest of the Guardians back to the young Sheikah on the ground. Y/n fell back to the ground.

Thump.

Guardians picked their way over mounds of mechanical parts.

Thump.

Y/n closed their eyes.

Thump.

At least it didn’t hurt anymore.

BOOM!

Golden light erupted across the fields of Hyrule, extinguishing the flames and sucking the light from the Guardians deadly eyes.

It was warm.

Y/n smiled. Zelda had done it. She wasn’t a failure. She had unlocked her sealing powers and finally, Ganon would know defeat once more.

Y/n watched the clouds clear from the sky, stars beginning to light up the night. They supposed Ganon had pulled back from the golden aura. Maybe one day they could lay under the stars with Link. Swallowing the metallic taste of their blood the fallen warrior reached a hand up. They basked in the light of the stars twinkling above. It was like they were waving the champion up to their sides. As Y/n’s light faded, the stars grew brighter, blurring together into one light.

And with a soft breath, the Sheikah Champion allowed themselves to rest at last.

------

100 years later Link stood there watching over the fields of Hyrule. Calamity Ganon had finally been defeated. Zelda was safe as was Hyrule. The duo had made their way down from the wreckage of the castle, ready to begin their new adventure. They were free of their destiny, but the memories would follow with them forever. The Hylian Champion felt a tug and he spun back to face the castle. There above floated the spirits of his fellow Champions. Finally free from the corruption of Ganon and his malice beasts. But what stole the breath from his lungs was the spirit of the one he loved- Y/n- floating there with a grin on their face. Noticing him watching, they sent him a goofy wave, knocking their spectral arm against Revali. Link let out a snort. They never changed. Their lights began to dim as the Champions began to walk away leaving him to watch their final goodbyes. He smiled softly as he saw Y/n mouth ‘I love you’, a hand pressing against their heart, something he was quick to respond to. With one last wave, the Sheikah Champion faded away. And as Link watched the spirits of his friends- his love- fade into light, he let a tear fall quickly followed by more.

The battle was won.

#legend of zelda x reader #legend of zelda link x reader #loz x reader #loz link x reader #breath of the wild x reader #breath of the wild link x reader #botw link x reader #botw x reader #link x reader #reader has sheikah features like hair and eyes #awkwardspontaneity

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scironex · 7 years ago

Text

Failure and Succession : Sea

I bet you didn’t think you’d see the sequel.

“It makes perfect sense, in that case! If the Sheikah expected the pilots to be in serious danger from Ganon, then it of course the Divine Beasts would have an inbuilt Resurrection Shrine.” As it had turned out, Vah Medoh’s wide, lightweight structure lends it to floating on water as much as floating in air. It now rests upon Lake Totori. “Still, having facilities to recuperate from such savage wounds… It’s… Well, what it is is irrelevant. We need to visit the other Divine Beasts.” She begins to glow blue as the Sheikah Slate transports her to the Akh Va’quot shrine. “I’ll meet you at the Rito Stable.”

Link arrives to see Zelda engaged in conversation with none other than Revali.

“Don’t worry, Princess. I just wanted to see you off. I know I’m in no condition to be escorting royalty.” The Rito is earning some side glances from the other patrons; He’s still not wearing anything. Meeting eyes with the Hylian Champion, he says, “Finally made it up here, did you?” He breaks eye contact with an expression that could almost be mistaken for contrition.

After a moment, he speaks up in a soft tone. “...Take care of her. The world’s more dangerous than ever.” A quiet second passes. “Well, looks like Link will be picking up my slack again. Good luck, you two.” He turns and walks back to Rito Village. To himself, he murmurs, “But you won’t need it.”

The pair doesn’t even make it properly into Zora’s Domain before they’re hailed by Prince Sidon.

“Greetings! I don’t mean to be rude, but it was my impression that you weren’t to return until you’d finished work aboard Vah Medoh?”

Zelda smiles at the Zora’s boisterousness. “There were complications. Good complications, but… Well, we need to board Vah Ruta. You should come as well.”

“Aye! Link, let us go to the Reservoir lake. We will meet you there, Princess!”

Please authenticate Sheikah Slate to confirm release.

Link and Sidon stride into the core of Vah Ruta, meeting Zelda just in front of the Main Control Unit. Link draws the Master Sword. A firm discipline keeps it more than ready, but the Zora prince notices the absence of tension in his face.

As the Princess brings the Slate up to the terminal, Sidon asks, “May I ask what is being released exactly? You carry yourselves with a great gravitas.”

Sheikah Slate authenticated. Release of resurrected subject confirmed.

His heart jumps in his chest and he gasps as his breath leaves his lungs. He isn’t sure why at first. But then, time stops as the unit unfolds. A small red figure descends into Zelda’s arms. Mipha.

Zelda’s voice intrudes on his reverie. “Can you take her back to Zora’s Domain, Your Highness?”

Sidon doesn’t move. Link, with blade sheathed once more, glances over at him. A Hylian hand is set upon the Zora’s shoulder. Sidon slowly reaches up to grasp it in his own.

He speaks up after what seems like an eternity, voice so gentle it doesn’t even echo, but with perfect princely clarity. “Mipha…?”

Zelda bites her lip. She hadn’t thought of how to break the news to Sidon. What could she have said? “Hey, thanks to random chance, your sister, who died because we chose her as the pilot of a millennia-old superweapon happened to be brought back to life by that same

superweapon!” Actually, without the sarcasm, that was probably exactly what she should have said.

“Yes. She was brought back by the very same technology that returned Link to life.” Mipha is light, but Zelda isn’t particularly strong. The weight leaving her arms as Sidon lifts his sister is a relief.

Later, Link finds himself ascending the stairs to the Throne room. After an evening meal, King Dorephan had asked that he join him in his chambers. On his back, he carries the shimmering form of the Lightscale Trident. He intends to restore it to its rightful owner. Zelda, meanwhile, has retreated to one of the royal historians she knew back in the day. She’s eager to hear his stories again.

“Ah, Link. As soon as she woke, Mipha was asking after you.”

The small Zora blinks and nods her head. She lays on a small basin… bed? Filled with water that seems to sparkle a bit more than the present lighting would permit. Her body is adorned with the jewelry typical of her appearance. The only thing missing is the sash that marked her as Champion. Otherwise, it could be a hundred years ago, before the world fell to pieces.

Link removes the Zora princess’ favored weapon and offers it, taking to one knee. “Thank you, Link.” Her voice is flat and tired. An attendant gingerly grabs the weapon and leans it against a nearby pillar.

Link nods, and returns to his feet.

“It’s funny,” Mipha says, voice level, but lacking her usual regal charm. “I would never have thought we’d be able to see each other a hundred years on. Your kind doesn’t usually last that long.” Her choice of words is unusually blunt.

“Are you alright?” Link asks.

“You never spoke much before. I always enjoyed hearing it when you did.” The Hylian bites his lip.

Mipha, abandoning her attempt to find a way to word what she meant, lets out a pleading tone. “Did you move on, after the Great Calamity? I didn’t.”

“In more ways than one.” Link realizes how violently inappropriate that remark was, but he can’t take it back. He expects her to frown, or maybe cry, or possibly take it in stride as she so often did.

He does not expect her to laugh. “I suppose so. There was still work for me to do, with Ganon’s threat on the horizon. Now, though, there’s nothing left. It’s been slain, we are at peace, and all that remains is to move forward.

“Perhaps that’s why I can’t stop thinking about it. I have always put the greater good before myself, but right now, that greater good to pursue. There are no issues for which my people need guidance. There are no threats to be fought and won against. All that’s left is the scars to see in the water’s reflection.

“I accepted what the world had to become knowing that I would be leaving it behind. Now I’m here, the Zora Princess, and there’s nothing I can do. I can pilot Vah Ruta, but there’s only so much an endless supply of water can do. I can lead my people, but they’re busy repairing our home. I was trapped within that beast for a hundred years, unable to help anyone. That was because I failed; Fine, I knew the consequences. But now I’m back. The war has been won, and in spite of my mistakes, I’ve been a second chance at life.

“But for what? My people, the Zora, cheer for my return. They fill their hearts with joy, surround me with kindness and love, but all I can see is the gaps between them. What of the soldiers who were slain trying to defend this land? What of the architects who were thrown into ruin along with their creations? What of the simple fishers, killed in the blink of an eye?

“Why should I be allowed to live?! Why am I to survive my fate when thousands of others have to keep theirs? And those who survived them have to bear the weight of their loss? Why am I pardoned and forgiven for the gravitas of my weakness when so many others were taken for no fault of theirs?”

Her breathing is pained and unsteady as she closes her eyes.. The attendant - who is not nearly old enough to have been alive before Mipha’s death - stands to attention immediately.

Dorephan preempts him. “I’m sorry, child, but you need to rest. Link, thank you for returning the Trident. For now, though, you should make your leave.”

Zelda sits underneath the Zora’s radiant city. She skips stones across the water, brow furrowed at the story Link had just shared. “I understand how she feels. It often crossed my mind in those hundred years… that I did not deserve to keep my life, when all of my friends and subjects could not. I told myself it was unfair, that I was unfit for such a redemption. It must be harder for her, though, being surrounded by people who remember. People who had to suffer the loss of loved ones directly.”

Link looks out across the rippling waters. Unlike Zelda, he stands upright. Zora’s Domain is probably one of the safest locations in Hyrule, and even aside that, the land is safer than it’s been in a hundred years. It’s not something he’s willing to risk, though, especially not with the Yiga Clan still lurking in the shadows.

This vigilance is probably why he picks up on the quiet footsteps approaching them first. Zelda, catching his sudden alertness, stands up to follow his gaze.

“Prince Sidon. Greetings.”

“Salutations, Your Highness Zelda. I’m pleased I’m not the only one who finds this to be a very good hiding spot.”

The princess laughs. “I mean no offense; We simply had things to discuss that weren’t appropriate for the public air.”

“None taken! I trust that you’ve been enjoying your excursion to our beautiful home?” “Of course. It’s always a pleasure.” She brings her hands together. “If I may… How is Mipha faring?”

Sidon’s eyes fall slightly. “As it stands, she will return to full health shortly.” Slowly, as if chewing his words, he says, “By my memory, and my father’s, never once has she been, well, upset.” After a pause, he perks up, and changes tack. “Ah, but I had forgotten why I sought you out in the first place. My father, King Dorephan, has prepared lodging for the both of you.”

Zelda makes to speak, but instead purses her lips. The non-answer is frustrating; She’s concerned for her health as well. But she trusted that Sidon meant well, and wouldn’t hold back if he had the option. She nods and follows him to the mentioned room.

If you look into the night sky and stare for long enough, it’s possible to forget that there’s ground beneath you in Zora’s Domain. The air is crisp and humid. Stars smatter the black velvet sky. Distant waterfalls drown out any quiet noises. It makes the inability to sleep that night much more bearable for Link. He stands just outside the room prepared for him, trying to form a thought. The task is harder than it sounds.

“I take it you are not able to sleep either?” Link’s posture tightens as he experiences a sudden crash to earth. Blinking, he turns to face the voice of the young Zora Champion. “I’m fine, trust me. I suppose you don’t need me to apologize for the outburst earlier, but I feel contrite regardless. Thank you, again, for returning my trident.” Formalities taken care of, Mipha drops her hands to her side. Link speaks up. “Welcome back.”

She laughs slightly at that. “In spite of everything, I believe I’m glad to be back.”

His response comes faster than she anticipates. “Your return made quite the splash.”

She’s stunned.

“Everyone seems happy to have you back. I guess it would be kind of shellfish if they didn’t, but I can’t imagine the clam-or is enjoyable.” “Link… You’re making jokes. You never made jokes.”

He smiles. The gesture is sincere, but Mipha could see something else behind it.

“I can tell you’re happy, but is something the matter?”

The Hylian’s eyes fall just a bit, then he responds. “You asked if I moved on. I thought you meant… over you.”

“Ah. I hadn’t considered… That. Still, I never did present the Zora Armor to you. If I really meant it… If I had been certain, I would have done so.”

His teeth dig into his lip. “It was- A hundred years ago, we were all preparing to fight Ganon. We would win, then there would be time to decide how I felt. I still don’t know.”

“Link, that’s fine. I know this isn’t an easy choice - Zelda has eyes for you, too, and I can’t imagine you have none for her. Goddess willing, you will have years and decades to figure it out. And that’s how it should be.” There’s a stability in her eyes that could settle the most wavering heart. “I would like to know the answer to the question I did ask, however.”

A curled lip is the first reply to her question. A downcast gaze is the second. “It’s easier without everyone expecting the world of me.”

“I know, thousands of Zora used to have their gaze on me when I was Champion.”

Link shakes his head. “There were millions of Hylians.”

It’s difficult to believe, but he is not lying.

“I always wanted to be a knight. I never expected to be chosen by the sword.” His lips twist, as if trying to pull the words from the air in front of him.

“And there were suddenly so many more things you had to live up to.” He nods.

“I suppose I had always been groomed to be a leader. Such an honor is… Well, beyond the comprehension of a normal mind. I can’t grasp the idea of a thousand frogs, much less the idea of a thousand lives, all of which I am responsible for. The role of Champion isn’t that much higher on a scale of impossibilities.”

Link shakes his head. “The Champions were forgotten. I was forgotten.” His words aren’t said with sorrow, but relief. “I don’t have to be a hero.”

“You mean… You prefer it… this way?” Mipha asks, gently closing her hands.

Link doesn’t answer.

#The Legend of Zelda #Breath of the Wild #Mipha #Link #Zelda #Writing #Failure and Succession

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