#wish we could see tetra too

[scopophobia-polaris]

Honestly I have a theory that sheik was ORIGINALLY early in development supposed to be their own character but became Zelda’s alter ego later. Regardless their body types and features are so different it’s so fucking funny seeing Nintendo try to gaslight us and say « NUH HUH SHEIK IS LITERALLY JUST ZELDA IN DIFFERENT CLOTHES » like come on she definitely gave herself a dick be real. Zelda is SO the non binary person who says « yeah I dream about changing genders and I wish I wasn’t always a girl but I’m not trans I’m just cis haha »

🫵👍 BWAHHAHAHA YEAH oh my god, there is a chance that could be the case because of this

Because this is Sheik

Like OBVIOUSLY so, he could of been made to ve a separate chracter originally yes! And i don't know if there are any alternate development notes or interviews that says otherwise, but...the more I look at this picture, I'm scared this was gonna be Tetra before Tetra if you catch my drift.

OoT and MM to a lesser extant probably have so many weird production stuff we just don't know about, if we had like the stuff we have today about botw's devlopment but for OoT I would be so excited, the little stuff we has interests me to no fucking end and I wanna see what the hell was going through their brains for half of it cuz one thing....Im just gonna word vomit out this theory.

Link's mom. There is a chance that her design in the manga was actually by Nintendo originally and not the akira himekawa. So, here me out, the German Club Nintendo comic, it's called Hyrule under fire, its supposed to be about the end of the civil war that happens before OoT, so, since Link's dad is so close to just looking like Link with cheek bones (designs that drive me up the way in a funny way for reasons that if you ever ask me I'm gonna throw up on a post) I think he was just made up for the comic.

Like....look at him, HOWEVER.

Link's mom has a consistent design between here and the offical manga

(Love his dad dying in the shadow like HDNSBDHSN)

bUT STILL WITH THE WIDOW'S PEAK AND EVERYTHING! SAME CLOTHES AND EARRINGS TOO.

The ONLY thing that's different, is that in the legendary edition of the manga her dress colors are different

BUT, THEYRE FLIPPED, ITS STILL BLUE AND PINK, and her earrings are still pink.

Both of these came out within 2 years of eachother, the German comic in 1998 when the game came out and the manga in 2000, so either Akira Himekawa saw the German comic from 1998 and decided to reference that design for their own work OR....Link's mom had an offical design that was SCRAPPED FROM THE GAME.

I wish I could ask them about it because they would be the most straightforward I bet, look if any of you ever want to @ them on twitter and ask where they got that design I would LOVE to know

[butthatsjustmyfilthyopinion]

Could BotW’s Hyrule be an unflooded Wind Waker?

Oh boy, buckle up because I have a whole conspiracy theory.

So this whole thing started as I was browsing the Nintendo Gallery in Wind Waker and came across this on Ganondorf’s figurine:

I was like: huh. That looks awful similar to Zonai Constructs. These were the closest I found but looking at it once you’re used to Zonai technology, you see the resemblance pretty clearly.

I know I’m not the first to notice the resemblance to Gohdan either, boss in the Tower of the Gods (we’ll come back to that) because this convenient picture exists.

But so what, right? It can’t be Wind Waker’s Hyrule anyway because it’s not the end of the timeline, right? WRONG. It may be the first in the adult timeline but it’s also the last in that timeline to take place in Hyrule. Phantom Hourglass takes place in the World of the Ocean King, Oshus’s dream if I remember correctly but most importantly, not Hyrule, and Spirit Tracks takes place in New Hyrule, one that Tetra and Link founded later. It is not the same land.

Ganondorf ends up dying at the end of Wind Waker with the Master Sword stabbed through his head (cough cough, we’ll come back to this too). The Triforce is used by King Daphnes, the exact words as follows:

“Gods of the Triforce! Hear that which I desire! Hope! I desire hope for these children! Give them a future! Wash away this ancient land of Hyrule! Let a ray of hope shine on the future of the world!!! And let our destinies finally be fulfilled…”

Granted this is the English translation and I don’t know Japanese, so if anyone is able to translate this scene from the original Japanese that would fly in the face of what I’m talking about please make it known.

King Daphnes wished for Hyrule to be washed away, specifically his Hyrule that he’d been clinging so desperately to. If this is indeed the same land we see from the Zonai in TotK, then the old kingdom would’ve been gone long enough to not be recognizable. He also mentions a ray of hope for the world. This is obviously referring to Tetra, Link and eventually New Hyrule but I wouldn’t put it passed the Goddesses to revive the land now that the danger is passed. And that’s another thing!

The whole reason the world flooded in the first place was because of Ganon, now that he’s died, there’s no reason for it to stay flooded. I seem to recall there being a comment somewhere in the game that went something to the effect of “there’s no fish in these waters to catch because it’s magic god water” I don’t remember where it was but do correct me if I’m wrong.

Geography was another big thing. Zelda geography has never been exactly consistent, I always assumed it was because such large chunks of time were going by that tectonic plates had shifted everything now and then. However, Wind Waker and the BotW maps are surprisingly aligned.

Death Mountain and Dragon Roost are easy examples, the Forest Haven is in a similar location to Mount Lanayru and is in proximity to the ice island. The Forsaken Fortress is aligned with Hebra Peak, Outset Island is shaped roughly like Spectacle Rock in the Gerudo Highlands, the Gerudo Highlands in general, and interestingly enough, Satori Mountain is very close to the Great Fish Isles. Plus there’s a lot of other miscellaneous peaks in BotW.

Something else very interesting, the final boss arena lines up rather well with being either near the castle, or perhaps the Great Plateau. A friend I was playing with when I first discovered this pointed out how proportionately small the people are, and normally you don’t notice that, it’s a very stylized game. But maybe, perhaps the reason the world feels so big was because the Hyruleans evolved to simply take up less space on the islands?

Something else interesting is Luralin Village. We’ve never really seen a fishing village before besides in Wind Waker with Outset.

To finish off the miscellaneous details I’ve noticed, the sword pose. It’s suspiciously similar to the one Rauru has Ganon in in Tears of the Kingdom. Here’s the two side by side.

Now onto my heaviest hitters, the salt thing and the races.

As most people who’ve spent anytime debating BotW’s place in the timeline is aware, the rock salt description mentions it came from an ancient sea. This could be the Lanayru Sand Sea all the way back in Skyward Sword, in which case, why isn’t it localized to the desert area it was in? Or it’s from the Great Sea. Not much, but it’s very much suspicious.

The other big one is the Rito’s presence along with the Zora. Besides the games in question, the Rito only ever appear in the Wind Waker. We know based on the Zora iconography as well as Laruto, a Zora, being Medli’s ancestor as well as that special magic water comment from earlier I believe. So how can the Zora exist alongside them if they came from them? Answer: the Fish Map Men. They fill out your map as you travel through the islands, and on top of that, there’s a lot of Gyorgs swimming around. What is Sidon molded after again? A hammerhead shark. It’s likely a new species of Zora evolved from the sentient Fishmen, this time with more variety. The Zora monuments mentioning Ruto? Left over and well preserved under the waves, maybe like how Hyrule Castle was.

Tito weren’t the only unique race in Wind Waker, Koroks were as well. As I’m sure we’re all well aware, they are present in both BotW and TotK. They’re descended from the Kokiri, and there’s not a shred of evidence to suggest that the Kokiri ever came back. It’s likely they just stayed Koroks and since Kokiri don’t age and stay kids forever, and that trait likely carried over to the Koroks if they’re behavior is anything to go by, they just keep multiplying…

And finally, the Zonai themselves. All this started because I noticed Ganondorf was wearing what appeared to be Zonai accessories. Gohdan is said to be a trial placed by the Gods themselves. The Zonai descended from the heavens to settle Hyrule, it’s not illogical to assume that the Tower of the Gods was built at the behest of the Gods, by the Zonai. Perhaps one of Rauru’s ancestors. The Zonai also have extremely long ears, and it’s said in Ocarina of Time that Hylians have long ears so that they may hear the whispers of the gods. Wouldn’t those closer have longer ears then?

One last little thing I couldn’t seem to fit anywhere, isn’t it weird how Rauru’s name is one we recognize and yet Sonya isn’t? The Oocca canonically speak a different language than Hylians, perhaps the Zonai originally did as well and simply adopted Hyrulean names to better fit in. Rauru was arguably the most important sage. He could have chosen in to appear more humble while still showing his importance. Alternatively he didn’t want to disrespect the dead king by taking his name and/or it would seem arrogant.

[misspelledwordswizard]

Chapter 16 - Trying to get back to normal, I guess!?

Previous chapter / Next chapter

The first rays of morning sunlight passed through the leaves of the trees and touched my skin gently, bringing a feeling of pleasure and calm to my being. The Lost Woods were very peaceful, also full of magic, which my body was getting more and more used to. Even though this was a safe haven, we would be leaving today, after talking to the Great Deku Tree.

I was the only one awake so far, I had been awake for over na hour, in fact. I didn’t feel tired after having slept for two days, maybe a little mentally, but physically I was fine. The calm breeze surrounded me, carrying with it some dry leaves that brought na air of magic to this moment. Hyrule is a beautiful place and I never cease to be amazed by the natural magic that lives here so regularly.

Something large created a shadow next to me, catching my attention. The large man with marks on his face looked down at me gently and then sat down next to me. It was only now that I was able to give him due attention. Time had been without his usual armor since we arrived in the forest, and he seemed much more... approachable, if that makes sense. It was as if without the armor I could see him more as the mischievous boy he once was than the imposing hero figure.

— Up so early?

— Yeah, I wasn’t sleepy. – I replied with na awkward smile.

— Do you mind if I keep you company?

— Not at all!

That was, in fact, what I would like. I’ve been wanting to talk to him for a while now, before we arrived he seemed to have a lot of weight on his shoulders, and after everything that happened I imagine it’s even worse.

— How are you feeling? – I risked asking, not knowing how to start the conversation.

— I should be the one asking that.

— Well, yes, but all of this must be exhausting for you, right?

— Hm, yes, I guess so. I don’t like to see those I care about hurt or suffering, even though I have to keep myself in check, I can’t help but feel despair seeing the situation that was going on. – The Old Man said thoughtfully.

— I’m sorry for worrying you. I know you feel responsible for all of us, but this wasn’t something that could be controlled, in the end, you did everything you could and we were fine. – I tried to comfort him, but even with years and years of experience in this, I still feel lost whenever I try. – You don’t always have to be the best and have a solution for everything, Link. It’s okay to make mistakes, it doesn’t disqualify you as a leader, knowing your limits also makes you more prepared. Everyone understands this, they don’t expect you to solve everything for them, they expect you to work with them to find the best solution.

Time didn’t seem to mind my lack of ability with supportive words, he laughed softly and ran his hand over my head affectionately.

— You’re wise for your age, sometimes I even think you’re older than you look. – He joked and I had to hold back my despair at him getting so close to the truth.

— I’d like to say the same about you, but I can’t, because you’re old. – I laughed at his indignant expression, and in response he gave me a slight push and laughed too.

We spent a few more minutes in comfortable silence before another one of the boys woke up. Legend seemed in a good mood early in the morning, probably for the same reason as me, he just said good morning to both of us and walked away from where we were, to do who knows what. Then Wild woke up, he was excited, quickly heading towards the trees to greet the Koroks and get some fruit for breakfast.

Wars and Twi were next, they approached and joined us both in a peaceful conversation about mundane things or possible next places to go. Soon Four and Wind were also participating in the conversation, the youngest still sleepy. They chatted excitedly and considered what time we would stop next, the Sailor wishing it was his time, so he could show everyone how to sail and meet his Grandmother, his little sister and Tetra.

Still very excited about the idea of introducing everyone to Hyrule, the youngest was content to show me the rest of the Lost Woods, since I hadn’t had time for that before, so I said goodbye to the others briefly while the kid pulled me by the arm into the forest. Wind excitedly showed me the place that he himself barely knew, there weren’t many intriguing things to see, it was more like “there’s a big tree over there!” or “Look at that rock in the lake!”, but he was happy so I didn’t argue with his childish logic. Maybe he saw all this while I was sleeping and it stayed in his mind because he wanted to see it with me, and this idea warmed my heart, knowing that he would be thinking of me in such casual moments like this. I feel more and more attached to this child.

The Koroks were a little scared, most of them would run away or hide when they saw us approaching, probably not being used to human contact, there were few who accepted us well or even talked to us. After all, they were innocent, childlike spirits, so they got along very well with the Sailor, who seemed to be a magnet that attracted them.

At some point we just stopped explaining the forest and sat under the shade of a tree while some of our little green friends joined us to play. It was adorable, the Koroks are very gentle and cute, so I felt immense guilt when I remembered all the times I mistreated one of these little ones in the Wild games. God, that Korok crucifix will haunt me for the rest of my life.

— Do you miss home? – The Sailor’s voice brought my attention back to reality.

— Hm, home? Not exactly. I do miss my parents, but I don’t miss a specific place that I call home. That cabin was where I lived, but it wasn’t a home. – I said thoughtfully, contemplating my life so far. In fact, it was cozy, it was my refuge, but I don’t believe I can call it home.

— So it’s not so bad, right? When all this is over, you’ll have a beautiful house that you’ll be able to call home in time, and as a bonus, you’ve gained nine new friends from different times who will visit you and help make your house your home! – Wind said hopefully, it was comforting to see his optimism, that everything will be okay, that we’ll still see each other at the end of all this.

— Do you... consider me your friend?

— What? Of course you do! We’re friends, aren’t we?

— Yes, of course, I just didn’t know if you and others saw me that way. Sometimes I feel like I’m just someone you feel obligated to help...

— Don’t say things like that! You’re our friend, we may have only been together for a short time, and we may have gotten you involved in all this unintentionally, but you’ve become very important to all of us! Believe me, we wouldn’t act like this towards you if we only saw you as someone we should help. – The pirate spoke confidently and even seemed to be scolding me for my pessimistic thoughts, which made me laugh.

— Right! I’m glad, because I care about you too.

With that, our conversation quickly changed to trivial things, or Wind gossiping about his brothers’ quirks – not that I hadn’t already noticed how well Warriors takes care of his hair. We spent a good while like that, until I considered that we had been apart for too long and it would be better to go back to where the rest of the group was.

◇

As we approached the Great Deku Tree, I could notice that a serious conversation was going on there, it seemed like we got in the act, so I couldn’t fully understand. From what I could tell, Time was talking directly to the Deku Tree, some matter related to Sombra and the monsters that were appearing thanks to it.

— I see, then the best option would be to move forward with this, to find the source of these portals. – The deep voice of the oldest hero resounded, that’s when the others saw the two of us approaching and called us to join the conversation.

— Thou art wise to think in such a way, if thou want to fight such nefarious power it is of great necessity to have knowledge about it. – Deku Tree spoke with his erudite language.

— We will be leaving the forest in na hour, all of you be ready by then, we need to look for traces of the Shadow. – Time concluded, heading towards us.

That was enough for everyone to separate to organize their belongings, leaving me somewhat lost, not knowing where to go. I suppose I should also go after my things, but I was still thinking about what was happening.

— Are you okay? – Legend’s voice came from behind me, pulling me out of my thoughts.

— Hm? Oh, I am, just a little dazed.

— Don’t push yourself too hard, we should both take it easy for now, so we don’t become a burden to others, okay?

— Okay.

He raised his hand, bringing it closer to my shoulder, as if trying to comfort me, but stopped halfway, shyly stepping back. He sighed and looked away then just walked away, leaving me alone.

I headed inside the tree, where my things were. My belts and unnecessary accessories had been taken off me when I passed out to keep myself comfortable, and I hadn’t picked them back up until now. I made sure to equip my belt and sword and prepare for our upcoming departure. It would be sad to have to leave the peace and quiet of the Lost Woods, but it was necessary.

An hour passed quickly as I said goodbye to the little Koroks I had become friends with, and soon we were all gathered in the same place we had entered – even though I don’t remember having passed by there. As always, Wars was counting to make sure everyone was there, they always did that, I wonder if they hadn’t forgotten one of them before.

After confirming everyone’s presence, we started walking, leaving behind that comfort that for me had lasted so little. Leaving was easier than entering, both because we didn’t get lost and because I didn’t feel any pain or faint halfway. Even though I was doing very well, I still felt worried looks directed at me and I wondered if the Veteran was in the same situation.

— So, what’s the plan? – I asked, what I believe was everyone’s thoughts at the moment. Time turned to me for a while, considering how much he should tell us.

— We’re going back the way we came, we’re going to Central Hyrule.

— And why? – It was Wind who asked this time, as lost as I was.

— If there’s a place to start looking for the Shadow, it’s there. At least we should get some clues. – The Champion replied contemplatively.

With that, the conversation died, it was something we didn’t really like to talk about, it’s not a very fun subject to debate. Silence reigned in the Chain, and I wondered what would await us next, what we would need to sacrifice to end all this. Some questions in my mind were more personal, about why I had gotten involved in all this, or more philosophical, if perhaps I had reincarnated in this world precisely for this.

Soon we were back through the forest where we had previously separated, but this time silence reigned, where once there was a horde of noisy monsters, now there was only peaceful nature. This brought me inexplicable relief and comfort, part of the old anxiety that I had been holding onto finally dissipated, knowing that in the end they were all fine, even if they had had complications, was a great weight being lifted off my shoulders.

The sun coming out again brought with it a general good mood in the group, everyone seemed to calm down now with the comfortable warm weather, lively conversations arising. Since the monsters in the area had been recently eliminated, none of them felt apprehensive about making noises that could eventually draw someone or something’s attention, so it was possible to hear loud laughter and several of them talking at the same time in such a jovial manner.

Soon jokes between the boys began to appear, mostly silly things, childish road games, but all of this contributed to the pleasant atmosphere that had formed after so long. The comfortable breeze that surrounded us helped even more with this, with the sun’s rays passing through the leaves of the trees and projecting spots of light on the ground and on ourselves, making the environment even more beautiful. This place that had previously caused us so much anguish was now home to good times.

I could feel excluded from all of this, not feeling part of the group, but that was impossible with all the attention I received from them. This was unusual for most of my life, even though people were kind to me, when I was lonely and isolated they would just leave me there, without understanding that that was me unable to fit in. Now, everyone seemed to understand this, because they knew how to differentiate when I needed my time and when I just didn’t know how to interact, so to compensate for this they interacted with me until I was confident enough to join in their games. These boys were precious to me, in a different way than they are precious to others.

— Hey, do you want to see what I can do?! – Wind proclaimed to me excitedly, going a little further, getting ready and doing a cartwheel, showing me and his brothers like a child who wants to show everything he learns to his parents.

— Oh, when I was a child I could do that! But it’s likely that if I try nowadays I’ll end up all broken... – I rambled while lightly applauding the Sailor’s presentation.

— One more thing for the list of things you’re forbidden from doing during your punishment without dangerous activities. – Twilight joked next to me and I just stuck my tongue out at him in a childish manner.

The games and conversations continued all the way, with that the time went by quickly and soon we were passing in front of the stable where we had stayed previously. It was still early afternoon, so we wouldn’t be staying here to rest, after all because we’d already been doing that for a long time. We walked straight past the stable – not before a petting session with the local dog.

We continued walking down the road, the sun warming our skin, getting vitamin D after so much time spent molding inside a tree, no offense to the Deku Tree, of course. I could feel the energy returning to my body with this, as far as I know the sun is very important and greatly influences people’s happiness for several reasons. It’s a shame it burns the skin.

Wind moved away from where I was, going further ahead of the group to – disturb – talk to Legend and Hyrule. Sky took his place next to me, with a shy and gentle smile, and soon a conversation started between the two of us.

— How are you feeling?

— Very good, actually! Feeling the sun and stretching my legs seems to be what I’ve been needing all this time. – I commented, relaxing my muscles to prove my point.

— That’s good! I’ve been really worried about you and Vet, I know you’ve heard that before, but you two gave us quite a scare. – The hero commented and I nodded, embarrassed for causing such a mess.

— Sorry for worrying you.

— Don’t blame yourself, it wasn’t your fault, we should have been more careful with you.

— But I-

— No “buts”, it’s okay, seriously! The important thing is that you’re okay.

I still wanted to debate about it, but seeing that the blond wouldn’t give up, I concluded that it would be better to stop. I sighed in frustration only to laugh right after due to the hero’s stubbornness. This concern and annoyance that these heroes often show only makes me feel even closer to them. I know that it is still a very weak bond of relationship, but I also know that with time it will strengthen, or at least, that is what I hope.

◇

We were passing by the bridge when we were surprised by someone running towards us. A tall, slender man approached, he was wearing white clothes and carrying on his back a red bag that matched his hat. It wasn’t very difficult for me to identify him as the postman, but I’m almost certain that he shouldn’t be in the Wild era.

— Mail for Mr. Link! – He said as he handed letters to some of the boys, including Wind, Twilight and Time. – And to you, Miss. – He concluded by handing me a letter, which only confused me more.

— What? How do you know who I am? – I said, analyzing the letter. It was from my parents. They usually sent it to my house, but since I no longer have a house in that place, I imagine I wouldn’t receive it.

— We don’t know how it works either, we just accept it. – Four explained to me, leaving me even more confused.

I quickly opened the letter, and was met with things I would normally see in my parents’ regular letters, just them talking about how they were, asking about news, and telling me about something interesting that had happened recently. They had no idea what was going on, and I wondered what the best way to tell them about all this madness would be.

Before I knew it, the postman was speeding away from the group, heading the way he had come from, leaving us behind.

— Wait, he’s not from around here, is he? How did he get here? – I asked the boys who seemed to know as much as I did.

— We don’t know very well either, but if he’s around here he must have come from a portal, and a portal means that the Shadow is nearby. – Wild concluded, and then turned around and started running in the direction the postman had gone. – Come on, we can’t lose sight of him.

That was enough to make everyone start running too, following the path guided by the postman. Soon a group of nine men were running like children, desperate almost as if they were competing to see who would get there first. Being such well-trained heroes, they were really fast, even Sky ran fast enough to leave me far behind.

Desperate to catch up with them, I started running as fast as I could, adrenaline running through me as I felt energized and at the same time without the strength to do so. It wasn’t long before, in the middle of my clumsy run, I stumbled like na idiot. I saw the ground quickly approaching my face, but my encounter with it was expedited when strong hands grabbed me by the waist.

— Hey, can I get some help, Darlin’? – Twilight asked as she stood up. I was going to thank him, but before I could react, he picked me up in the air and threw me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. – Come on, we’re falling behind.

I couldn’t protest, because he started running madly while carrying me as if I weighed nothing, creating turbulence for me and preventing me from forming any sentence to defend my honor. We ran for a few minutes, but to me it seemed like na eternity, until we finally stopped when we seemed to have reached where everyone else was gathered.

Still on the Rancher’s shoulders, I stood up and twisted my body to be able to observe the portal that shone in na ominous tone in front of everyone.

— Are we going to go through this? – I asked, scared, drawing the attention of some of the boys to me, including Wind, who was laughing at my situation, that brat.

— Yes. – Time looked at me, and I could see his eyes full of empathy for my situation. – You can still give up, if you want.

— No, I’m in this with you, I don’t intend to abandon you. – I said as seriously as I could, considering my current state. – And you’re not going to put me down, are you?!

— Since you’re going with us, I think it’s safer for you to go through the portal with me. – Twilight defended his point, obviously just wanting to provoke by insisting on this, which made some of the idiots I call friends laugh.

I sighed and gave up complaining. One by one, the heroes started going through the portal, Sky was the last to go through before I went through in the arms of the Rancher, who at least had the decency to carry me in his arms bridal style instead of carrying me like a sack of potatoes. As I passed by, I felt a slight nausea as my head spun, trying to get used to the strong magic that ran through my body, and finally, I was taken by a strong, white light that followed me momentarily while my eyes struggled to get used to it.

The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was orange. Vibrant, big orange. A fucking giant pumpkin. The place had a large pumpkin a little far from us, and it had a door and windows; it was a restaurant. To our sides were pumpkin plantations that continued through the rest of the place, which in turn didn’t have much space, it was small, you could see its edges, like na island. But there was no sea around, the blue that surrounded the place was from the sky and only from the sky.

— What the Fuck! – I said surprised and scared as I was placed on the ground by Twilight, too shocked to notice this detail. I’m on a fucking island in the sky.

[bigboobshaunt]

👑🐳👊🧚👍

This took me really long to respond because I am The Indecisive

👑 Favorite version of Zelda?

Honestly really hard to pick just one. I like BotW/TotK Zelda a lot because she has such a fantastic arc and you really feel for her and her story plus I find her very relatable...

Spirit Tracks Zelda is easily among my favorites too, her being a ghost and your companion makes her SO unique and she's really funny and cute and has one of the best relationships with her Link, and she also gets to shine in combat, too!

Skyward Sword Zelda also set the standard for her backstory and I think she's so likable but I do wish we saw more of her in general...

Ocarina of Time Zelda had such a cool story what with messing with forces she didn't necessarily understand while trying to plot against Ganondorf even though she was just a kid, not to MENTION the Sheik reveal which is just iconic tbh.

Both for Hyrule Warriors and Wind Waker I don't have much to say in general about them but I still really like their take charge, more active attitudes! I do hate how they lighten Tetra's skin color and remove her from being active in the plot when the reveal comes though... you hate to see it!

Twilight Princess Zelda... what can I say, she is an elegant sapphic icon and she will always be famous. I was a bit ticked off when they changed out her for ALBW Zelda in Smash because I think she is much more memorable.

I would be remiss not to mention Wand of Gamelon Zelda at least a lil' bit too... Idk she's cute and cheesy and I'm not sorry for including her. Maybe if Nintendo made her actually playable in their games I wouldn't have to do it but 💅

🐳 If you were a Zelda character, what race would you be?

Probably a Hylian boringly enough but I would kill to be one of those occasional enemies that does their own thing for some reason, like... I could be a wolfperson who can't eat their yogurt until you trade me a spoon for my boomerang or whatever.

👊 Favorite Zelda Villain/Boss?

Villain-wise, I love Hilda... she was clearly in the wrong but my god I can completely understand the desperation... Twinrova also I ALWAYS adore seeing whenever they pop up - I love me some comically evil grannies. Ghirahim and Yuga heard "slay" and said "this has multiple meanings and I'll do all of them," and honestly Ganon(dorf) is super cool always but I particularly enjoy his portrayals in ALttP, OoT, WW and TP. Shoutout to Veran and Onox too for variety's sake.

Too many cool bosses to mention but Koloktos is still my fave.

🧚 Favorite Zelda companion?

Uh-Oh... Here's the thing about me - I'm an Annoying Companion Enjoyer (tm) and I don't think I dislike any of them, even the infamous ones. Navi is my girl she was just trying to help and everyone attacks her and attacks her and attacks her... ungrateful behavior.

Tatl is so iconic and funny, I will always be mad they kinda toned down her mean girl-ness in the 3DS remake, even though I get that some of it was for accessibility reasons since a lot of her og comments just weren't helpful at all lmao... tho I think they could have struck a better balance.

Ciela is SO underrated, honestly. She had a good arc and I love her bickering with Linebeck so much.

Midna has the best story out of all of them and everything about her is excellence from her design to her attitude to her relationship with Link and Zelda... ugh she is so good, I miss her.

I've already said my piece about Zelda in Spirit Tracks BUT WHO CARES, HER AGAIN!!!

Fi is the only one who actually made me sob in real life from her last scene and I really enjoy her design and her dances and I genuinely think people forget how sassy she could be sometimes, not to mention being the actual Master Sword - I was ecstatic when they hinted at her existence again in BotW and TotK :)

👍 Favorite Zelda Headcanons?

The Triforce being in flux and changing aspects between its wielders in some games, like Zelda in BotW potentially holding Courage since her key scene was going up alone against Calamity Ganon and Link's usage of the runes and primary association with Blue could tie to him bearing Wisdom in them. If not just headcanon, I think it's a prime idea for fan content.

This one also maybe doesn't count as a headcanon per se but... the Zelda Timelines... I greatly enjoy speculating around them but I do believe taking it too seriously is generally just bunk. I don't think even the developers take them as a wholly 100% accurate and important deal and I think that's actually completely fine. I am an ALttP->Link's Awakening->Oracle Games truther btw.

[violet-amet]

im gonna talk about totk, so spoilers. like big time, majory holy heckie spoilers. SPOILERS. End game spoilers!!!!!!!

BOTW/TOTK!Zelda is got to be the most bad ass princess of all time, because she really sacrificed herself to get the master sword to Link. For centuries even! Like, this girl already had to deal with being a seal for Calamity Ganon in BOTW for 100 years, and was only 17 at the time, but now, if the time skip is to be accurate, being 6 years, she is at least in her early twenties, and also kicks ass even more. Turning into a dragon? Based. Helping out Rauru and Sonia to keep an eye on Ganondorf, the most dangerous person in LoZ? Amazing. She is smart, courages, and most importantly, very very kind, if her actions across Hyrule post BOTW are anything to say about that.

She worked really hard to help people. Build a school house in Hateno, helped out various people across the land that struggled from the Calamity, and then decided to take a huge ass risk in losing herself to become a dragon for 10,000 years! Bruh! I think she really been through a lot, and I admire her for it! She is the coolest princess to exist! Though, ofc, you also got Wind Waker Zelda/Tetra too, being able to help out Link in that fight with Ganondorf. But they kept WW!Zelda locked in the basement of the fallen Hyrule Castle, and left her there until the end. Kind of sucks, because Tetra was an utter badass, despite being a child.

Honestly, I really liked her characterization in this game. She really has gone through a lot, and seeing her again at the end of the game, after all we did, was beautiful. I love her sooooo much. I also love her TOTK design a lot more than her BOTW one, mostly because the short hair is soooo cute!

While TOTK is what I expected, and wasn't disappointed, I had hoped for more with Zeldie. And while I certainly don't mind her role, I wish I could had spent more time with her, before she went back in time. Maybe even played as her, or something, even if brief. I'd like to get to know the other Zonai in the game. Felt like they didn't have enough time to shine, but the brief moment they did was pretty fun. Wish to have gotten to know her more.

Anyway, yeah, love this Zelda. She has got to be my top favorite now! Utter badass!

Also that last battle? Woof, it was amaaazing! Dragon Zelda top tier! I wish I could cosplay as her. hehe~.

[tatomikat]

Midnight Meetings

Game Placement: after “The Sorceress of the Valley”

Warnings: No warnings apply to this chapter

“Wind!” Flora cried as soon as her and Wild's blurred and warped faces appeared on his pendant. “It's so good to see you again.”

Wind smiled back at the two blondes. “It's also good to see you again. Both of you. But what was that all about earlier? Why did you act as if we don't know each other?”

She gave him an apologetic smile, that he could barely see through his pendant. “Sorry. But I'm worried that us messing with the timeline could destabilize it again. So we need to make sure to keep information about the future a secret to Arty and War. Particularly their own future.”

“So in other words, we have to act as if <i>that</i> adventure never happened? Got it.” He gave them a thumps up.

Then his easy smile turned into a more teasing one. “On another note. Wont you two get in trouble? I mean, a princess being alone with some 'random man' this late at night?”

“Random man?” He heard Wild laugh. “Well that random man happens to be her husband.”

Within seconds Wind's mirth turned into shock and back into mirth once again. “You're married?” Then he threw the back of his hand onto his forehead in a very over dramatic fashion. “Let me guess. It was a beautiful full moon night. You fell to your knees in a gorgeous field of flowers and presented her with a ring made with a diamond you found yourself?”

Flora snorted. “Well it sure was night. However, I'm not quite sure what phase the moon was in, since it was absolutely bucketing down at the moment. Also, we were actually in a swamp. Standing knee deep in stinking mucus, with the rotting cadaver of an... elk?” She turned to direct the last question at the man next to her.

“A moose”

“A moose. Right.”She happily clapped in her hands before turning back to address Wind again.“The rotting cadaver of a moose right next to us. Also, I'm the one who asked him, after I got tired of waiting for him to take a hint.” She added almost as an afterthought. “It was so romantic.”

While Wind was busy laughing at the mental image – seriously, could those two ever do anything the normal way? - she turned once again to Wild. “Seriously, you were way too oblivious.”

Chuckling Wild gave her a kiss on the cheek in response. “Girl, you're talking about the guy who checked you for a fever every time someone called you hot. What did you expect?”

“Good point.” She relented and turned back to Wind once he had calmed down again. “But enough of that now. Tell me. How's Tetra doing?”

<->-<->-<-><->-<->-<-><->-<->-<-><->-<->-<->

“Why?” Link asked as he approached the older woman. “We had a plan. Why did you leave your post?”

It was the evening after that disastrous fight in the Valley of Seers. The evening before they were to split up. To go after the gates of souls and close them.

If he wanted to get answers as to why everything went as wrong as it did, this was the only chance he got.

With a sigh, Impa sat on one of the tree logs placed around the campfire, serving as benches. With a bandaged hand she motioned for him to sit down next to her.

“I... I thought I saw the princess.” She admitted once he had sat down.

Now what was he supposed to say to that? That she shouldn't have run after the very person they were looking for?

At times like this, he really wished that Proxi had chosen to stay with him. That she hadn't chosen to stay at the fairy fountain.

Things had been so much easier during those short days, when he was able to leave the talking to her. When he could only be a regular soldier.

But fact was, a battle field was no place for a fairy.

Even if you ignored how small and vulnerable they were. All those negative emotions and auras were bound to be deeply uncomfortable for them. To put it mildly.

There was no way he could have expected of her to put up with something like that.

“Of course, if I had known that Volga was nearby, I wouldn't have left Sheik alone like that.” Impa continued, unaware of his momentary distraction. “At least, I would have taken her with me.”

“It's okay. I'm sure everyone would have reacted like that.” He patted her on the shoulder, in what was hopefully a reassuring way. “And I'm sure she's alright. Wherever she is right now.”

<->-<->-<-><->-<->-<-><->-<->-<-><->-<->-<->

A failure.

A complete and utter failure of a mission.

It should have been simple. In and out. Just go in, remove that witch's head from her shoulders, and be done with it.

But what else did he expect? Leaving the important tasks in the hands of children, strangers and Sheikah scum!

“That never would have happened if >i>you</i> had been in charge, would it?” A voice said from behind him.

But when Ingram whirled around with his sword drawn, no one was there. The camp was deserted at this late hour. Everyone having retired after the disastrous day.

“And that useless princess, of course.” The disembodied voice continued. “The castle would have never fallen, this battle would have never happened, if the army had been in the hands of someone with experience. Someone like you.”

“You think I don't know that?” Ingram growled into the darkness.

Even that insolent brat's parents had completely failed.

They were too soft. Too weak.

Always trying to keep the peace. Always letting everyone dance around on their noses. The kingdom's aristocracy's power was at an all time low because of them.

He had to work his way through the ranks like a peasant because of them. Instead of becoming a knight right after his training, like his forefathers. Because, thanks to them, knighthood was practically worthless nowadays.

And the princess was going to be just like them, if she was ever to ascend the throne.

Finally a figure stepped out of the shadows. And it was the splitting image of that very same cursed princess. Giving him a warped and sinister smile.

“It's unfair, isn't it?” The princess' distorted voice came from the being in front of him. “But I can assure you, my mistress is able to help you right that wrong. You just have to cooperate.”

[a-flux-uchiha]

Vivid Flowers and Crisp Spring Air Chapter 2

Still Gen, still mostly Aurora and Flora, some Artemis, Rhondson and Karson show up briefly

After their picnic, which Aurora had, indeed enjoyed quite a bit, they started heading down the path to Tarry Town, Flora in the lead. 

“Huh, that’s new,” Flora said as they rounded a bend to find construction being done on some things in front of a long narrow bridge that led to an elevated island. Aurora admittedly hadn’t thought the island would be so far off the ground, or that the bridge would be so thin and flimsy looking. 

“Are you sure that’s safe?” She asked Flora anxiously. “It looks a bit…thin.” 

“Yeah it’s totally fine, it’s sturdier than you think. It’ll hold anything. Not sure what they’re building though.” 

“Might be fortifications,” Artemis contributed, studying the in-process structure. Aurora supposed she would know, she was the one that had been in a war. “It looks like it could be a guard tower. You mentioned monsters were fairly common in your world? It would make sense to guard the bridge.” 

“I guess that’d make sense. We won’t know unitl we get closer though.” 

When they did get closer, to no one’s suprise, Artemis was right. It did look like a guard tower, and that was confirmed when Flora approached and asked about it. 

“Link came by recently with his friends and the one in the scarf suggested having one, he was woried about the town with how many monsters lived in the area. We’ve only really got one person t staff it, so we’re really just building a gate across the bridge, so it can be open and staffed during the day, but at night we can close it and sleep easy.” That did sound smart. Aurora admired the structure. Even though it was still in progress it looked very sturdy. 

“That is a god idea,” Artemis mused.”Figures Warriors was the oneto suggest it.” 

“Odd name for a boy, but yeah it was a good idea. He helped us draw up plans too, although we improved them obviously.” 

“You are expert builders Karson,” Flora agreed, butting in. “How’s Bolson been doing?” 

“Doing well as always, still waiting for you to ask him to build you a house fit for a princess.” 

Flora gave a rather pained smile, evidently this had been an argument for a while. “Yep I’m sure. I’m still good just living with Link, thanks.” 

Flora was quick to herd them past the man after that. 

“What was that about a house?” Aurora asked delicately, not wanting to upset Flora, but she was very curious. 

“Well, Link and I sort of share his house, neither of us really lives there for very long though. Bolson has kinda gotten it into his head that it’s not right for a young woman and a young man to be sharing a house when they’re not involved, even if neither of us stay there for long. We’re rarely even in the house at the same time, even if we’re incidentally both in town at the same time.” Flora sighed, ears dropping. “And I’ve had enough of being a princess for a lifetime. I just want to be Flora, random hylian girl who just travels around and never stays in one place for very long.” 

“I can understand that sentiment,” Aurora sighed, remembering all the times she’d cried after a fight with her brother and desperately wished she could just be a regular hylian girl and could run off to hide from him outside of the castle. And more recently, having fights with Dawn and just wishing she could leave and not have to deal with any of this. 

Boy did she often wish she could travel and see the world with Hyrule, but he’d never let her come along. He always said it was too dangerous, and he was probably right. Aurora didn’t know how to fight, even if Fable was teaching her how to use her magic offensively, it was slow going since Fable basically had to start from the beginning, since her, Dawn, and Tetra had basically no magical background. 

“Anyway, guys, this is Tarry Town. The town Wild basically half founded. Karson back there built it from the ground up, Wild contributed materials and collected a bunch of people for him.” 

“Flora, it’s good to see you,” a beautiful and very tall red-headed woman approached them, bending down to give Flora a quick hug. Oddly enough she looked a bit like Dot. Mostly in the coloring and height, but also a bit in face shape. “How have you been? I see you’ve collected some friends.” 

“It’s good to see you Rhondson,” Flora replied, smiling. “And yeah, got some friends. This is Aurora, Fable, Dot, Shadow, Dawn, Dusk, Artemis, Sheik, Tetra, and Sun. Guys, this is Rhondson, she’s Karson’s wife.” 

“Interesting names,” Rhondson noted, smiling. “It’s good to meet you all.” 

“They’re all nicknames,” Artemis admitted, offering her hand. “You have a nice town here. Easily defensible.” 

Rhondson laughed, taking Artemis’ hand and shaking it. “The guy in the blue scarf, Warriors I believe it was, said the same thing.” 

“We are aquainted, so I’m not surprised,” Artemis said, and Aurora thought she looked a bit embaressed. That was kind of a weird thing to say. 

“Is where Link usually stays open?” Flora asked, steering the conversation back on track. “We’d like somewhere to stay for the night.” 

“Of course it’s open, Link isn’t here. You’re always free to use it. You may not have done as much as Link, but you’ve helped our village plenty in other ways.” 

“Right. Oh! Rhondson, I wanted to ask, are there any gerudo who know how to make paint? Aurora wants to learn how to make paint, but we’re kind of low on options for people who know how.” 

“Hm, I’m not sure. I can send a letter to ask if you’d like.” 

“That’d be great, thank you.” 

Aurora smiled at the thoughtfullness of her friend. Whether or not it panned out, she appreciated the thought. It was a cute village, small, but homey, and clearly very new. She remembered Flora once talking about the calamity and loosely what had happened, and it was very inspiring how the world and the people were managing to recover. A new village, one where there could be people of all species living together and working together. 

She hoped that one day her world could recover like this. The land beautiful and green, and new villages able to thrive. Hopefully they would be able to manage it one day.

[suzubelle-chan]

That is a good point. It is a bit odd. I mean, if this is the same world just the characters as the different species, surely having pink hair wouldn’t be too much of a stretch. Like if Vivian had a human form, I’d see her with pink hair no problem.

Though considering Anastasia’s line is bullied for having red eyes, and no other human has hair like Sariphi’s such anime colors for hair and eyes are probably a really rare mutation. I think mainly he gave Tetra normal black hair so she could be seen as a “normal” human girl but kept the pink tails so that fans could identify her as Tetra.

Personally, I’m just gonna keep thinking it’s hair. Because it’s odd to have one species of feline beasts that clearly has hair, but then not give it to other. I mean, why? Expect whenever I write about female feline beasts, they’ll have some hair on their heads. That’s just what works for my head.

It’s been fun to discus stuff like this! Makes me wish that we had some kind of “art of” book so we could some more information on the world. Ah well, maybe Tomofuji-sensei will write another story in the world and perhaps we’ll get some then. Until then, we wait for Richard’s story be translated…😅

about lady Vivian

[rex-shadao]

I love Tragic Villains

And when I mean tragic villains, I don't mean the Mr. Freeze kind of villains, or the Prince Zuko kind of villains. I mean tragic villains that actually live up the Greek definition of tragedy.

The downfall of a powerful or great figure, brought low by their own character flaws.

They are not people who became villains because of some horrible accident happened to them. They are not characters who are horribly abused by their parental figures. Or forcibly transformed into weapons.

They are villains who made wrong choices and continue spiraling down further into villainy because their personalities cause them to double down and dig deeper. They could turn back, they could make different choices, they could admit they were wrong... and yet they don't. They wouldn't because their pride won't let them.

And they make for compelling characters because you can see their downfall a mile away. You know exactly what is causing it. And you know it's their own fault. And all of that... is relatable to all of us. Tragic Villains are not anti-villains. They're not villains who you always want to be redeemed. Heck, many tragic villains are outright monsters or irredeemable.

This is why you may hear from Tony Jay that Frollo is a tragic villain, despite the fact he's one of the vilest villains ever put out by Disney. And he's right. If he was just a vile villain, he wouldn't haven't gotten that much focus from the fanbase to the point he gets his dedicated character page on TV Tropes.

He's a character with his own inner conflict. His conflict of devotion to God and his primal lust for sins. He's a walking hypocrite, but not completely oblivious one. He's repulsive yet pitiful because everyone, including himself, knows exactly what's wrong with him and yet he will not change because it's not in his nature to do so. And thus, we can only wait to see his downfall by his own hand.

Other tragic villains include Ganondorf from Wind Waker. I recall many people think that WW Ganondorf is too sympathetic or that his sudden speech about the wind doesn't excuse his crimes... but that's the point. Wind Waker Ganondorf is not an anti-villain, he's a tragic villain.

He hates being in this eternal conflict with Link and Zelda over the Triforce. He remembers why he wants Hyrule so badly. He's grown wiser since his last defeat... and yet he cannot move on. He's stuck in the past, and he knows it. He knows that he could break the cycle by using his Triforce wish for a selfless purpose, but he chooses to wish for Hyrule to belong to him alone. He could have broken the cycle by simply leaving Hyrule and forge a new life on the Great Sea, but he chooses not to. He is his own worst enemy. He rants about how the gods destroyed everyone through this endless cyclical war of good and evil, and yet he will not do anything to deviate from that despite being a major player. In the end, he ends up dead and buried beneath the waves, forgotten to the sands of time, while Link and Tetra are free to make their own destiny. It's a hopeful future for Hyrule's descendants, but also a tragic, fitting finale for a great villain.

There are other villains that I want to talk in these categories, but I kinda waiting for the Owl House Season 3 to see if my prediction will come true.

[radioactivepeasant]

Fic Prompts: Wind Waker Wednesday

Theres a Wind Waker au in my head and it won't leave. So here's the context before the snippet.

Basically, when Hyrule floods, Impa and several other Sheikah fight a losing battle to save as many people as they can. In a controversial move, Impa warps to the desert to try to save the Gerudo. For her, it's a penance for the crimes her ancestors committed against the Gerudo in the Shadow Temple.

Hyrule floods, and thousands of species and records and treasures are lost forever. Ganondorf rises and is determined to bring it all back, no matter the cost. He believes he is the sole surviving Gerudo, and it's taken a massive toll on his overall mental and emotional health even without Demise whispering in the back of his mind.

[[MORE]]

Aryll, being the sweetheart she is, actually manages to get it out of him that his whole family drowned. Being like, eight, she jumps to the conclusion that his bird is kidnapping Hylian girls because its master misses his daughters and its just trying to help. Ganondorf finds her naivete somewhat endearing, and allows her to wander the fortress when she wants to.

Meanwhile the Gerudo are not extinct. They've become a sort of integrated culture with the surviving Sheikah, in seven tribes -- each descended from one of Ganondorf's daughters who survived the flood -- in floating cities. A son from the Laroba tribe married Zelda's great-great-granddaughter, making Tetra a Sheik-Gerudo and Hylian Royal by blood. She usually only sees her cousins during reunions, but they occasionally cross paths on the open ocean.

Tetra calls on some of her Aunts and cousins to help her when Link needs to save Aryll. Gerudo kids Ganno, Imp, Nabi, and Zumi arrive with Aunt Karsh, Grandmother Ramella, Aunt Aveil, and Ancient Grandmother Impa, and Ganondorf gets the shock of his life.

Ultimately he's given the choice to leave his fortress and be part of a community again. To be a grandfather and great-grandfather, respected for his memory of the Before times and loved just for being one of them.

Link, who is 12 and much too young to be a warrior, keeps dropping hints with the subtlety of a freight train that if Ganondorf does this, he won't have to fight him anymore

________________________________________

"Voba'ba! Is it true that Gerudo used to live on a beach so big you couldn't even see the ocean?"

"Voba'ba, I can stand on my head, look!"

"Voba'ba, all we have are the legends passed down by our foremothers. Were sons really so rare before the flood?"

"Voba'ba, what's a horse?"

Ganondorf could not have answered every question if he'd tried. His vision blurred, blending the children's faces into a sea of browns and oranges and reds. The Gerudo lived. He wasn't alone!

His long years of nightmares, waking in the small hours with images of his people choking on the waves, and now he knew that some of them had lived. He mourned the five daughters and countless sisters and mothers and cousins he had lost. But seven- seven of his daughters had lived to create tribes of their own. These ships full of vai -- and even voe -- these journeyers had come from him! They harnessed that very wind he had so coveted, and used it to go wherever they wished, without borders to stop them.

Ganondorf laughed, and did not brush the tears from his face.

[the-knightmare]

Dancing with Freckles and Glasses

@flufftober Prompt: First dance.

Tetra hated every minute she had to spend in a dress. Hated even more that she, a pirate captain and expert fighter, couldn’t seem to master the deceptively simple steps to a waltz. Growling in frustration, Tetra threw the dummy that had been ‘leading’ her around the empty practice room across the floor just as Link came in.

“You know, I don’t think your guests would appreciate being tossed around the room like that tomorrow.” His teasing voice and goofy smile only made Tetra angrier, but this time there was someone she could take it out on.

Marching up to him, Tetra poked Link in the chest, “let’s see you do better than, since you seem to know all about it.”

Gingerly, Link picked up the dummy, weighing it in his arms, before beginning to dance. Tetra had seen him fight; knew how easily he could maneuver his body with precision. She had also seen how clumsy he was, only missing fatal blows from dumb luck. Today his feet seemed to be made of lead as he clumsily twirled a few times before setting it down and turning to her with a smile.

“I do better with a real partner, if you’d like to volunteer?” Link asked, holding out his hand to her.

“Oh ho! The Hero of the Winds can’t dance with a practice dummy? Fine, I’ll volunteer, just don’t step on my toes,” Tetra said, feeling the anger drain away as it always did when facing Link, and took his outstretched hand.

His hands were warm on her, bleeding through the silly silks she was forced to wear for the occasion. They weren’t just warm, Tetra realized as they began to move across the floor, Link’s hands felt steady and confident in their guidance. It wasn’t the formal waltz that was drawn on the walls for instruction, but a simple one, two, three of steps. Tetra found herself falling into a rhythm, following Link’s lead was easier than with any of her instructors.

Quietly, she wished the ball could just be her and Link dancing like this, rather than the overly pompous affair everyone insisted on. The thought was similar to many others she’d had lately. Of getting Link to change the winds for her to sail away for a few hours on the sea, having him come in for ‘official’ business that was really just them goofing off, anything to get away and have fun. Though Tetra knew he didn’t have as hard a time as her adjusting to life after Ganon’s defeat.

As they came to a stop in the middle of the room, Link raised his eyebrows as if to ask how he’d done. Rolling her eyes, Tetra crossed her arms and shrugged.

“Not bad, for a kid from Outset,” the smile that broke across Link’s face brought a grin of her own out, “too bad I gotta dance like that.”

Following her finger, Link squinted at the wall where the steps for the royal waltz were displayed. He kept squinting for so long that Tetra went to fetch his eyeglasses with a huff.

“What was the point of getting those made if you never wear them,” Tetra asked, jamming the round spectacles onto his face.

Link had the grace to look sheepish as he readjusted his glasses. “They just don’t look very heroic; at least that’s what Aryll says.”

“Well, she’s got a point,” Link’s face of shocked betrayal sent her into a fit of laughter, “not many legendary heroes are shown wearing glasses.”

She continued to laugh as Link made exclamations of protest, demanding to know who else had fought Ganon beside her and all his other adventures with the King of Red Lions. Finally pulling herself together, Tetra stepped back into position to try again.

“Now that you can see, how about we try that waltz again?”

“Sure thing, Princess Tetra,” Link gave her a bow, winking in the process.

“It’s just Tetra! Not Princess Zelda, not Captain Zelda, and definitely not Princess Tetra! How many times do I have to tell you before it sticks in your thick skull?” It was a familiar back and forth, and Tetra waited for Link’s usual answer of ‘next time.’

Instead, Link pulled her close until they were inches apart. Her eyes widened, as his blue eyes stared intently at her face behind the glasses.

“You have freckles, did you know that?” he asked.

“Of course I know, I spent loads of time in the sun, so a tan and freckles were expected,” Tetra tried to keep her tone light, but Link’s proximity made it hard.

“I like them, suits your face.” All the early playfulness was gone, replaced by an expression Tetra couldn’t look away from.

A hundred snarky comebacks died on her tongue. Instead, she sighed and rested her forehead against Link’s, careful to avoid his glasses, “Well I like your dorky glasses. Maybe if you had worn them more often you would’ve seen my freckles.”

A moment passed like that. The two of them standing still, foreheads touching, before a knock at the door had them jumping apart like startled cats. The moment between them broken, Tetra gave Link one last poke to the chest before leaving for her final dress fitting.

“Remember to wear your glasses from now on, I can’t have you tripping all over the ballroom.”

“Next time,” was all he said with a soft smile.

Tetra turned away before her blush became noticeable, stomping off with the attendant who had come to fetch her for the fitting.

The next evening, as Tetra was paraded about at her first royal ball after taking her title as the long-lost Crown Princess of Hyrule, she spotted the Hero of the Winds looking at her across the room from behind a pair of glasses. Her smile stayed as he made his way toward her as the orchestra began the opening lines of a waltz to claim her first official dance of the night. Tetra made sure it wasn't the last.

[mercelot]

So I'm gonna attempt to find the answer to this in a rambly way. Least favorite temple is fucking wind temple. did that shit today, hated it, always get lost and confused. Love earth temple but thats just cause i love bird wife. I would like wind temple for makar if it wasn't far worse than oot water temple ever could be.

Not really a side quest but i do Adore how rich and poor girls swap after their rescue lol. Fun detail! Also the number of times Tetra notices Link and winks and wanders off. Like in the bomb shop shes all 'no i dont care about the island of course not but weve gotta hur-' and then she sees Link and is just like 'alright fine we can stay the night' love it

I wish there was more to sunken hyrule. its just kinda. nothing. I was excited the first time but then its just....its two rooms and some grass. I do like the pond you land in, its nice.

I have a fundamental hatred for trading quests. Just not a fan of go here go there go there come back here. Get bored lol. I've always enjoyed the Pictobox upgrade series though, that's fun. Paying attention to the people around to find who he wants. Mila's little quest is a joy too but of course i've never done in the intended way i've always just sat up at the bar until she comes back lmao. Too slow a stealth.

Oh! Does the grandma thing count as a side quest because that's always a sweet bit. Does the gallery count? Always love that except for the fact you can screw up and be unable to complete it if you're not ready. God I miss the tingle bottles from HD, all the nice people sending out the pics that were hard to get. Bring back miiverse cowards! Something something human urge to help.

Right dungeons....dungeons....hate FF1, get lost after you get caught. FF2 was somehow worse this time for me? But the cutscenes around both FF visits are favs. I thought I liked tower, but then I crashed at the boss key and had to do it again and hated it laksjd. Woods....eh. Its fine.

Dragon Roost though, oh that thing is never bad. The music, the vibe, the part where not once but twice you have to break things to go lower, the grapple hook! Medli without the mirror puzzles! Love it, hit it out of the park with their first dungeon.

Windwaker 100% is the ideal way to forget the Things that are Happening because it requires Some brainpower but not enough that you have to think about it very hard. Like botw or tp.

I love wind waker, i really do, there's lots of comfort memories buried within it, but it also the optimum amount of brain power use for forgetting the Horrors.

[russeliarat]

Making a part 2 to this prompt because it’s been in my head all day. For context, the Chain and Court have already met in this scene. Hoping this portrays Sky well because I’ve never written anything for him properly.

Link to Part 3 (when it comes out!)

Aurora threw her front across the log Sky sat at in the middle of the clearing, dramatic enough to gain everyone’s attention.

“Hey, Sky~” she chirped with a smirk.

“Uh, hi?”

“Happen to know anything about proposals?” her smirk grew as she peered through her peripheral at the small gaggle of the Court - Dot, Tetra, Athena, and Sun - talking with Wind, Twilight, and Time. She could tell Sun overheard from the way she stiffened in place.

Sky eyed Aurora, “Thinking of finally asking Hyrule?” A muffled splutter could be heard somewhere from across the camp.

“What?! No!” she yelped, her cheeks turning a rosy red. “Don’t you start too!”

He chuckled into his knuckles, patting the spot beside him sympathetically. Aurora obediently gathered her skirts and sat down. “So, what’s the occasion?”

Aurora stuttered, “Uh- L-Lullaby! She’s thinking of finally consummating with a nobleman a-and I wanna know how others propose!”

“Uh-huh?”

She began to sweat under his questioning gaze. “Like a little research project for her...” she finished meekly.

Sky leaned back on the log, fully invested in whatever logic Aurora seemed to come up with on the spot. She wasn’t the best liar of the bunch. “And why not ask Sun about our dating culture?”

“B-because she’s busy!”

A way aways, the now-eavesdropping group caught on. Twilight practically threw Sun onto Epona with the speed she was mounted, feigning teaching her to ride a horse. It was a saving grace that his trust that the mare would stay statue-still as Sun boarded her saddle was strong. Anyone could hear the group of six laughing at Sun’s blank reaction, which only drew more attention to the scene.

“See?” Aurora added sheepishly. Sky’s eyebrow still held high on his forehead, hidden by his tawny brunette fringe.

“Well then,” he cleared his throat awkwardly, “Suppose there’s no point in not telling.” Brushing his hair aside, Sky presented a very small, crimson feather tied to a similar fiery red earring with a thin string of twine. The ruby metal glimmered in the sunlight of the clearing.

“See this feather? It’s from my Loftwing. In Skyloft, we give a feather from our Loftwing to our partner to propose. It’s an exchange between the couple, so both parties give each other their feather if they accept. It’s a symbol of unity moreso than marriage, really.”

“‘Wish it was that easy for me to propose to someone,” Aurora sighed through her teeth, “I’d have to fill out a bunch of legal papers and arrange a whole ceremony. But say Sun gives you one of her feathers, all you’d have to do is accept and wear it!” She could practically feel Sun’s glare. 

Sky gave a soft, airy chuckle to compliment the pink dusting his cheeks. He patted Aurora’s back, “I suppose everything’s a bunch of paperwork when you’re royalty.”

“You can say that again,” she mumbled with a huff. Quickly, she got up from the log and dusted the wood splinters and moss from her dress, turning to look at Sky in the eye now she was just a little taller than him. “Thanks for the insight.”

“It’s no problem. Tell Lullaby I said good luck,” he teased with a slight smirk. Her brows stitched together, knowing she’d been caught in her lie. She walked away to sit beside Hyrule. The slightly older fairy boy couldn’t help his snickers at her expression as she leaned against his shoulder. Aurora couldn’t help the quick jab she gave Hyrule’s ribs with her elbow.

[tetrakys]

Tetra, how do you think MCL's future will be? I mean, after this season, do you think beemoov will consider doing a new season? And if so, what would they show her? Sorry for the many questions 😅 I have been thinking about this for a while but I have no idea what they are going to do

At the moment I lean more towards the theory that the game is over and the company is moving towards something else, but we could try to speculate what they would be willing to do potentially keep the MCL brand alive. (long post)

The first thing everybody speculates is usually an Adult Life 2.0 with an older Candy with kids. I personally highly doubt it. There is not much market for this, in IIL? they have MC married with kids and they are making up the craziest plots to keep the interest alive, messing up their routes happy endings. I don’t think Beemoov would go there, it seems to me they are pushing everything they can about representing an adult life in this season. Of course it’s unlikely but not impossible, however my opinion is that this current timeline is going to be over by the end of this season.

This beg the question, what about other timelines? Two possibilities:

1) An University Life AU where Candy makes a different choice at the beginning and goes studying somewhere else. Hopefully a city where Armin and Kentin live and close to Lysander’s farm. This is what I wish to see the most but I also think that this scenario has about 0.0000000001% chance of happening. 

2) They could make a bad ending AU, meaning another season picking up from this timeline’s bad ending, have Candy single again and a new set of crushes. If they were smart they would bring Lys, Kentin and Armin back but again I don’t believe this is going to happen, but I could see Eric be one of the crushes and a couple of new people. I don’t know if they would bring Nath and Cas back, at that point it would be a stretch, but they are their poster boys so they could if they really wanted to. But this would mean slipping very closely to Adult Life 2.0 with drama plots and as I said I don’t think this is going to happen. We already had our second chance with both of them, it would make more sense to bring at least Lys back, but... I doubt it. I see this scenario being slightly more possible than the previous one, but still very remote. At least for now.

So, if Candy’s story is over, does it mean that MCL is definitely over?

Not necessarily. MCL is their most famous brand so I don’t find it impossible that they would want to keep it alive somehow, with another protagonist but in the same city, same light-hearted tone and thematic. They would probably make a connection with the two stories so the protagonist would either be:

1) Candy’s daughter. This is complicated. Because they would either have to pick one LI as canon ending for Candy or never show up this girl’s parents ever, being brought up by our immortal auntie. It wouldn’t make much sense and anyway I don’t think Beemoov would want to go there. I think Candy’s ending is going to be pretty open when it comes to children. 

2) Another character’s daughter. And this is where I think there is a higher probability. We have been shown down our throat a little girl, forcing us to love her and care about her, since halfway through UL. You see where I’m going with this. Thia would be the perfect new protagonist. Daughter of our best friend, it would allow the perfect connection among the seasons with cute references about her auntie who lives far away with her partner and who sends her presents from time to time. 

Now, This has a well defined look, but if Beemoov wanted to allow for customisation they would just not bother about petty things like consistency. And customisation is part of MCL’s brand so I think it would still be a part of this possible new game. OR, we could play as Thia’s younger sister, this would make skin colour selection more logical because without too much background it could give the player the possibility of having been adopted. Anyway, either of the two it’s the only possibility I see to continue this game at the moment 🤔 however I don’t think Beemoov would offer another high school based game because they know that older characters offer more writing possibilities, so maybe they could write her from her last year of high school where she is already 18.

Would I play such a game? Meh... I’m not super interested, but I also know that I would at least check it out of curiosity and this may be what the company is relying on.

[abizarreyodelingincident]

Our Nightly Confidant 6

Live up to your own Legend

The pink has largely faded from his hair and Legend is ready to put that humiliation behind him.

He is.

But the problem with sharing your secrets with others is they constantly remind you that they know. Oh, they are subtle about it. For all that Sky and Twilight are earnest and open, they can both clam up with the least social of them.

A smirk stretches his lips as, despite himself, Legend recalls the 'incident' if it could be called that.

The whole group was there, sitting by the campfire, digging into one of Wild's stew. The blend of herbs, potatoes and meat had been one of those hearty dishes for calm evenings after a weary day of traveling. It was quite tasty, and Legend was content to fill his stomach with hot food. It was more than he had been able to do on many, many evenings during his adventuring days.

It had just so happened that some of the others agreed, and were much less silent in their enjoyment.

“Man, Tetra wishes we could eat that well on the sea,” Wind said, waving his spoon around without a care for the splashes of sauce. To be fair, neither Hyrule or Wild seemed to be bothered either.

“Yeah, it's great, Wild,” Hyrule agreed. “What is it?”

“Rabbit.”

Sky's mouthful sprayed out of his mouth in a dramatic cloud of sauce and half-chewed meat. And because someone upstairs had decided that Legend had suffered enough, the person sitting directly in front of Sky at the time had been Warriors.

The ensuing chaos had given Legend time for his stomach to settle, and he suddenly had the answer to a question he had never meant to ask, but he would, indeed, have made a delicious meal if the monsters of the corrupted Sacred Realm had ever caught him. It truly was just like Wild to provide that kind of answer to Life's hidden (and for good reasons) secrets.

The Goddesses love a good joke at their heroes' expenses, didn't they?

Yet, the worst part might just have been what he had realized afterward. Twilight, chillingly, hadn't reacted much beyond a chuckle at Sky's reaction and a pat on the back to a confused Wild. He'd also finished his bowl despite the incident happening before he had.

Legend wishes he knew how to feel about that. Even today, he has mixed feelings on Twilight's non-reaction. Above all things, he is not a rabbit and the rancher is not a wolf. That's the reflection of their inner light when shrouded in shadows of dark magic. It's a curse. Twilight can make use of a curse all he wants (he can't judge, what's with Ravio's bracelet), so long as he doesn't let that shadow crystal near him again.

Unfortunately, he can't exactly put it out of his mind when Sky took him aside during the morning and apologized, both for the scene and, well, you know. Sky, sweetheart that he is, mentioned that he told Wild some tall tale about it being sacred in Skyloft or something. Wild would try and avoid rabbit meat from now on.

Legend's words of gratitude come out through a curtain of heavy rain to his own ears, it feels like. The consideration is more than he knows what to do with. And... and part of him wasn't even asking for it. Heroes must stand on their own two feet.

So, yes, perhaps he is a bit more cautious than usual when traveling near Twilight or Sky today. Maybe he does slide over to the corners of their battle formations away from those two. He needs time to think, and he's no moron. He's not gonna let that affect his performance in battle in the slightest.

In fact, he was the one to land the killing blow on the hinox. Ice rods to freeze its feet, followed by a jumping great spin. Warriors lets out a low whistle upon witnessing it.

Legend's bow is only mildly sarcastic. That was damn fine fighting, if he says so himself.

They made progress today, and are nearing their objective, one of Wild's shrines. One covered in the darkness of a moonless, starless night at all times. But they do need to clean their scraps and maybe heal that concussion. Nasty hit, but Hyrule's is firm: Wild will be good as new after a few rounds of healing magic and a fairy. Which, for once, they have to spare.

Food, on the other hand...

“I've got some salted jerky,” Twilight offers.

“Ooooh,” Warriors feigns enthusiasm. “And with my goron bread and Hyrule's salted cheese, that'll be sure to finish the job.”

Hyrule's hands, which had been illuminated with the Life spell signature, twitch. “Hey! What's wrong with my salted cheese?”

There is hesitation, most of all from Legend, and then Four takes the dive. “It could give a family of plague-spreading rats a run for its rupees.”

Sad, but fair. Hyrule's cheese is a testament to his cooking as a whole. It might be edible, but Nayru herself wondered how.

Hyrule's back hunches a bit before he straightens and turns away from the other with a huff.

Legend's hands hover uselessly at his sides. He ought to say something. He wants to say something. Except he's not gonna lie and say the cheese is okay, because even Ravio wouldn't try to sell it. And then his chance is lost.

Time steps in. Strides right in the middle of the group, massaging his sore shoulder and running a hand through Hyrule's hair as he passes him by. “Alright, you've had your fun, but we do need to decide on a course of action for our next few meals. There's still plenty of mushrooms and fruits in Wild's slate.”

Sky offers himself. “I can whip up something. It won't be great, but it'll be filling.”

“Okay, but we can hunt too, can't we?” Wind jumps in. “Like, we're not in a malice-infested area or anything. I know I saw a couple of goats and deers earlier on the road.”

His stomach takes that moment to growl. And his mind wanders back to Wild's previous meal last night. His mouth even waters, before he remembers everything else about the stew and there goes his appetite.

“We've got plenty already,” Twilight says.

“Yeah...” Four gives him the side eye. “No offense Sky, but it'll be bland enough without some meat.”

It's one of those truly bizarre quirks. And Legend gets it. He hasn't survived this long without being able to understand different people. There's a... well, not certainty, but an assurance when it comes to food security and times of peace. He gets that farmers have dry years, chu-chu infestations and the likes, but Legend's known all his life to never pass up an opportunity for food, and he sees it even more pronounced in Hyrule.

It's their damned timeline. The whole thing is doomed to die.

“Let's skip another radish failure, shall we?” Legend snarks. It's only a fraction of the resentment in him, but it helps settle his heartbeat.

“I think you're outvoted, pup.”

A look of annoyance crosses Twilight's face, but he holds his tongue. Another way we are nothing alike, Legend thinks.

“We need people to forage, hunt and make camp. And look over the wild cub.” And so Time begins to pair them off, balancing them between skills and health. It's all fine and dandy, until the Old Man looks at him and Twilight, deadpan, and shrugs. “I've got a good feeling about the two of you working together.”

Sometimes, Legend just really wants to deck Time. He's certain others share this feeling. Even Twilight, for all he plays the dutiful son's part.

“Alright,” Twilight says, patting him on the back as he leads the way outside the camp. “Let's do this. Can't let Pretty Boy show us up, can we?”

Legend snorts. So, maybe they share one or two traits. But he's willing to chalk that up more to Warriors being ungodly annoying at times.

“Not gonna throw off my aim, are you?” Legend jeers. It's meant as a tease, but it comes off harsher than he meant.

Typical.

What isn't is the way Twilight just shrugs, his wolf pelts like a wave of black fur. Legend's not blind. He knows his sharp tongue used to burn Twilight's fuse. At some point though, when he wasn't looking, the whole thing had been replaced, longer and shinier than ever before.

And the way Twilight grins at him has the sort of familiarity he thought was only deserved by the likes of Time or Wild.

“You didn't forget where I grew up, didya? What do you think we do with goats exactly?”

The hook's too good not to bite. And, Ravio does say he has sharp teeth. “You'd wash my mouth with soap if I told you the truth.”

And there it is, the tick and twitch of Twilight's ears. Warriors is the only one that constantly manages to bring it out. But, well, Legend aims for greatness, doesn't he?

“Tch, ain't ever seen a Gordonian Oat up close, have you?”

In two strides, Twilight has broken the gap between them.

“For starters, they're tall.” Another step closer. “Grow up about the size of Epona. But less even tempered.”

Legend stares, resisting the urge to back down as he realizes that Twilight towers over him, and at this angle, the setting sun cast his face in shadows.

“Hu-uh.”

“More importantly, they've got horns,” he says, putting his hands up in some poor imitation of the real thing. “Can knock down a man charging. And they will. Males have a foul temper.”

Then, as if nothing happened, Twilight pulls back and knocks his bow over his shoulder.

“Besides, it's needless hunting that gets my goat.” – Legend snorts despite himself and subsequently hides away from Twilight's grin. – “I could never resist one of the Cub's meat skewers.”

Is it him, or are Twilight's teeth a bit sharper than a Hylian's should be?

“I don't think you can resist any of his cooking,” Legend snarks, smacking Twilight's stomach. “Guess you gotta fuel those muscles of yours with something, huh?”

Said big and strong hero proceeds to pout. “Like you're any better.”

Legend shrugs. “Never refuse a meal you don't think is poisoned, is my motto.”

There's the beginning of a frown, but Legend is not up for that.

“Come on, I'm not letting Pretty Boy outdo us.”

Twilight hesitates, then shakes his head and starts forward. “Do aim for the throats, if you can. I'd rather not deal with the screams.”

The screams.

Legend falters then accelerates to catch up. Screams.

Animals don't... they'll thrash, struggle, make noise, but it wasn't...

The thought lingers well into their travel, when they've passed the turn of the road and shadows burst out of Twilight's necklace.

Wolfie bounds into the undergrowth, his dark tail vanishing behind some leaves.

                                                     ***

The first prey they come across must be a rabbit.

A shy thing gnawing on leaves in the grass. Crouched low and near invisible in the dale with its brown coat. But Wolfie's senses detected it with ease. With that help, Legend sees it too.

The arrow is held tight in his hand, notched but not quite ready to fly.

Twilight glances back.

Sky would take the hard decision out of his hands and chase off the rabbit.

Twilight waits for him to choose. No matter which, Twilight'll go all the way.

They're both considerate in their own ways.

It makes Legend want to curl up in shame. To be able to at least pick how he wants to treat that secret. But he doesn't know. He spent years not thinking about it, and surprise, that did not prepare him anymore for when it blew up in the open.

Zelda would scream the mother of all 'I told you so' if she ever caught wind of this. Which is why he'll spend a lot of time ensuring he never does.

Which is another way of saying he'll run away from his problem.

Shy, nervous thing.

One cracked twig has the rabbit tense up, then scamper back into its den.

Legend lifts his foot from the twig and glares.

“You good?” Twilight asks as he emerges from shadows.

“Yeah, yeah,” Legend snips. “We had rabbit yesterday. And it's hard to hit the throat of the little buggers.”

Twilight nods sagely like that wasn't pure bullshit. “Fair enough.”

By the Goddesses, Legend must be ill because he suddenly hates the idea of getting away with it. “You know you can call me out, don't you?”

“Don't really see the need to force you to talk. Either you do or you don't. It's not like I know what you should be saying anyway.”

Well, there goes one of his hopes. Twilight looks and acts so comfortable in his skin (both of them) that Legend is a bit jealous.

“Well... what's it like, being a wolf?”

Twilight turns his head to the sun disappearing between the hills. To the darkness seeping into the sky. His gaze looks miles away from him.

“Dangerous.”

Funny, Legend would have said the same of being a rabbit, but, he suspects, for different reasons.

“Wolves aren't loved. And there's a good reason for that. They're powerful beasts with powerful senses. Sometimes, I find myself sniffing for scents I couldn't possibly catch as a Hylian. Thinking of sinking my teeth into something. You wouldn't believe the meat cravings I get sometimes. Farore, the faces my ma made the first few meals we had together after I got back.” A faint chuckle. “It's a good thing Ordon's not just harvesting wheat, 'cause I would be a miserable man in there.”

What do you think we do with goats exactly? Raise them, protect them.

Eat them.  

“Still better than turning into prey.”

Twilight's smile is smaller, but it feels more real. “Yeah, maybe, but if you ever reflect what you are on the inside, then you'll be soft, cuddly... loved.”

Legend hears everything his brother doesn't say. What would happen to Twilight if he ever let loose completely? If he gave in to his inner self?

He has a feeling his brother knows. That he felt it already.

For a second, he thinks to place a hand on Twilight's shoulder, but... he can't quite bring himself to do it.

“... Want to get back to it?” Twilight hints at the trails he was following as a wolf. “We still haven't caught anything, and I can hear Wind's accusation from here.”

Yeah, he can too. The sailor would ask him if Twilight was being a sore loser, and the others might believe it. Legend might have done that in Twilight's shoes. He's spiteful like that. Nothing like a bunny.

Twilight clutches his necklace and goes down on four legs again. No hesitation to it.

One of them embraces the shadows, the other flinches at them, and now he wonders if they aren't both stupid.

The animals they come across next are the slow grazers, the desperately hungry or the uncautious. Those that thrive in dusk, right before the nocturnal critters make the fields and woods their own.

They hunt in a silence filled with cacophonous thoughts. It doesn't affect Legend's aim. He could strike an enemy sleepwalking at this point.

And true to his word, Legend did shoot the deer dead in one hit. No struggling. No... screams.

He's about finished butchering most of it and filling his inventory with carefully wrapped pieces when Twilight comes back from his circling watch (monsters are always a concern). Judging by the bit of dark blood on Wolfie's collar, it was a successful scouting trip.

The excuse was often bullshit, but it never meant Twilight was leaving them to dry. It's a comforting thought. He's always taken a big brother role to them the way the Old Man slips between commander and father to a bunch of bokoblins.

“Hyrule talks, you know?” Legend says, softly.

Twilight plops down next to Legend's bags and makes a curious 'bork'.

“He showed me his new collection.” Legend recalls the mile-a-minute explanation, and how warm his successor's happiness had made him feel. “It was like you hung the stars in the sky. Thank you.”

There's a big dog-like grin on Wolfie's face. It's too similar to the one on his Hylian face for anyone with a brain not to link the two together. Twilight's always wearing it when he pulls Wild up, when he gives Wind a piggyback ride (and the sailor calls him a trusty steed with the thickest pirate accent Legend has ever heard). It's his grin for little siblings he's so proud of.

“How do you do it?”

Twilight tilts his head to the side, like he doesn't instantly get the question. (Maybe he doesn't, whispers a small part of Legend, maybe it's natural and it's only him that struggles with connecting to his fellow heroes.)

The words don't want to come, but he's a Chosen of Courage. He never could back down from anything.

“The big brother act,” he says. “Hyrule. I don't know what to do with him. How to be around him. I like him, he's more tolerable than most of you meddling bastards.” – A look of offense crosses the wolf's face, and it's properly ridiculous. – “He's sweet, earnest, resourceful, heck, he even has manners despite growing up in a cave! What does he see in me?”

Twilight moves a paw over the middle of Legend's chest.

But he doesn't think that's right. It can't be that.

“I... I don't get why he chose me to admire. Sure, I'm the sucker that went on the most quests, but he's gone on two himself. It can't be my charming personality. I'm a stubborn jackass who doesn't know when to quit and that cuts just as much with my wit as with my arsenal. Is it just... being his predecessor?”

A crossed look passes over Twilight's face. His ears go flat on the sides of his head, his eyes narrowing. It's a little silly, knowing Twilight, but there's also that familiar pang of fear that helps Legend survive so many quests.

His instincts prove their worth when Twilight lunges and knocks him to the ground quick enough that Legend only realizes what happened a second later.

“What the-? Get off, Farmer.”

He could. And Twilight knows he could. Twilight's just relying on the knowledge that Legend won't.

Legend resigns himself to a moment of lying on his back with a fifty tons wolf crushing him to tiny pieces. That's it, that's the only reason he doesn't whip up his high-level strength bracelets to throw off the overly affectionate wolf on top of him.

Even if he has to fake the annoyance.

“Urgh, you stubborn a-” he doesn't complete the thought.

It's like an electrified chu-chu ramming into him.

By now, every one of them has seen Wolfie wrangle Wild around the camp at least once. Has been witness to their unorthodox brother sighing and huffing about his mentor forcing him into rest. Grumbling something about hard-headed mother cuccos and joykillers.

And the next day, the two of them grinning at each other over the battlefield. Wild seeking approval like he hadn't pulled his tongue at the rancher earlier.

“... That's not the same thing.”

Wolves don't have the right to look this fucking smug.

That manipulative goat-minder!

“It's not!” Legend protests, even knowing that, yes, it is indeed the same thing.

Words unspoken drift between them from the force of Twilight's gaze. Self-deprecating things, faults and flaws and fights, the sort of things Legend cringes at the thought of, but has to acknowledge. Wild admires Twilight, and it's not a matter of perfection.

Being smushed under a wolf has a way of making you accept that, no, that brother of yours isn't that great a person.

“Even so... ”

The rumble is a question.

“That doesn't tell me how to do it.” He raises an eyebrow. “Unless you mean to tell me I should sit on Hyrule until he feels the love.”

A laughing bark.

Legend smirks to himself. “Yeah, didn't think so.”

And a distant, experienced and – maybe too – cynical part of him starts to understand what Twilight is doing. Why he is not shifting back to Hylian form. Even knowing the truth, knowing that the sacred beast is his dull, dutiful brother does not get through to his subconscious. Knowledge does not weigh as much as the wolf splayed over him, does not warm him the way the mantle of soft fur does. He can't build up his walls fast enough. No, not quite. He can't bring himself to build his walls fast enough.

He missed this. Someone to watch over his shoulder, someone safe, that'd step in so that Legend wouldn't be needed.

He believes in no goddess, be they the Three, whom he knows are the object of his Princess' devotion, or even that Hylia that Sky mentions sometimes. He's long since gotten into the habits of cursing the Heavens, whoever resides there. It was only fair, after they cursed him with the world.

With the Windfish.

But just this once, being protected and smothered in ways that remind him of stormy nights when his uncle was still alive. The sort of stubborn strength that held in the face of the night, of monsters. Everything.

Twilight, Legend realizes, has a mind like a bear trap. Unassuming until it springs. Then, it never lets go.

Stubborn. He hates the part of him that likes it.

“We're not the same,” he hisses.

Because Twilight's friendly, personable, easy to talk to. Because Twilight is one of those bastards that's hard to hate no matter what he does. That wins you back with a couple of words and a steady hand during a difficult time.

Legend would sooner stab you once and be done with those messes.

And Wolfie's blue eyes are this shade of cloudless sky, clear, so frank. It's impossible not to see how Twilight doesn't believe him.

Legend's heart comes ablaze.

“None of your decisions have doomed a world!”

The wolf in Twilight whines. A low, pitiful noise.

“That's how I lost her. By destroying her world and everyone that lived in it.”

Twilight nuzzles him, something a bit desperate to the force of it.

Near misses, he thinks. It worked out. But some part of Twilight probably thinks it shouldn't have. Legend knows that madness. That jump of faith through the insane traps of ancient temples and half-baked schemes in the middle of a boss fight.

Near misses, they don't count, but they're the last steps before the cliff opens up below you.

And Legend has been falling for a long time.

Telling Zelda was a second's respite clinging to an unexpected root pooking out of the earth and rock.

Now he's found another.

He's strangely not bitter that he was the only one to go through this. To triumph in the destruction of a whole island. The closest to experiencing failure on that scale would have to be Wild, who was neither subtle nor all that quiet about his conviction in his perceived flaws.

And this must be what he receives when the feelings overwhelm him, when he needs the wolf instead of any of them. Quiet, unwavering support.

The lack of words coming from Twilight is half the healing balm.

Legend's not looking for words at all. Not some magic words that'll make the turmoil die out at any rates.

He couldn't bear to hear a platitude. To hear any variation of 'it's okay' or 'it was not your fault'. It was. It had been his decision in the end. The choice sucked, but he picked one anyway. Because he is the Hero.

There had been no one else. Just him.

“What's my next decision going to bring?”

The warmth and fur shifts over his body, but still Twilight doesn't talk. With the tighter, smaller posture against his chest, Legend would guess he feels some guilt over forcing that confession out of him. It's worth a grimace, maybe, but he is too tired to give a fuck.

Legend takes a moment just staring upward. He's forgotten which Hyrule this is, how far from home he is. But the stars haven't changed. He'll bet good rupees that the constellations are nothing alike between one kingdom and the next.

He points to a cluster of lights. “That's the 'Fairy Spring'. And right next to it, 'The Raging Lynel'.”

Twilight makes a noise like a noble being shown a peasant. Oh, he must never say that outloud for fear of being punched with those moblin arms of his. Though, he had thought Twilight didn't have lynels in his era, the lucky bastard.

More names come to him. None of which trigger recognition in Twilight, but his brother listens all the same, attentive, patient. This is nice. Better.

His eyelids start threatening to droop.

A gentle, concerned whine ring to his ears, and a paw scratches his tunic.

Right. Right, they are too far from camp for him to nap. It's already a long walk, for a Hylian.

Legend suppresses the pang of envy in his chest at Twilight's cursed form. He shouldn't! But what does it say about him, the boy grown in a world always threatened by dark forces, when his inner self is a harmless bunny? What does it say about Twilight, grown through an era of peace, when his inner self is a dangerous predator?  

The successors of the Hero of Time, ladies and gentlemen!

The real shame, though, is probably that he misses that softness.

I used to love saving people... he thinks, and only notices the tear when Wolfie nuzzles him.

He knows there and then that their earlier conversation was wrong. Even if Twilight lost himself in the shadows, there'd still be something to love about him. Because Wolfie is a beast, but the others aren't wrong when they call him a gift of the Goddesses.

“Urgh, don't try and be physically affectionate with me,” he says, pushing off the cold nose.

What about me? Is there anything loveable about me, besides saving a couple of countries?

Would Uncle still be proud? Would she be able to love me as I am now?

“Why am I like this?” he asks, and is grateful for the silence.

The answer, he's known for some time.

It's when I realized no one would save me. When it comes to saving the world, I'm it. No second chances. No one to pick up the torch. If I fail, that's it. There's only me.

Wolfie's soft barks bring him out of his head, and pull a smirk out of him. He deliberately ruffles his brother's head, rough, because it wouldn't do to have him think he's gone soft that easily.

But his fear just isn't true anymore.

Twilight would save him. Hyrule would. Sky would. Any of the others would. And he'd jump in front of a sword for them just as easily.

He hasn't let down the walls long enough to

… Maybe he could try.

Leaves suddenly rustle and bushes part to let another Hylian through.

“Legend?” Hyrule's eyes flicker to the tear tracks on his face. “... This isn't the direction we saw that river, is it?”

Legend sighs and pushes Twilight off. “You're off by thirty degrees.”

Red blooms across Hyrule's cheeks, his gaze lowering to the ground.

Damn it! He isn't prepared for this! If he had just a minute to gather his wits beforehand...

“Why didn't you tell me he was coming?!” Legend hisses, resisting the urge to smack Twilight on the nose.

He prefers his fingers unnipped, thank you very much.

“Are you okay?” Hyrule asks, fidgeting. “Weren't you with Twilight?”

“Oh, huh, he went scouting ahead.” Farore! Now the rancher's stupid excuses were infecting him. Why was he the one to share that secret?

Hyrule nods. “Ah, makes sense.”

Some crows above caw.

It's the only noise in the woods.

Legend stumbles when Twilight headbutts his rear end. “Oi!” he says, turning a threatening glare at his idiot brother.

“Oh, hey Wolfie,” Hyrule says with a timid wave.

Right. Hyrule's most frequent experiences with Twilight's beast forms revolve around him being herded back to camp after another ill-fated self-appointed scouting mission. Worse when the Champion got involved and the two got into their heads to have an adventure whilst on a supply run.

Got to have fun...

He glances between Hyrule, trying to look steady in front of him, and Twilight, who is staring back at him intently.

“You don't need to be so nervous, you know?” he hears himself say.

Hyrule blinks in surprise, as does Twilight. But, well, Legend committed. He might as well go all in.

He lands a hand in the scruff of Twilight's neck, scratching through the fur. “He's a big softie.”

That would normally get him a warning growl or a painless bite. Except Twilight can't very well protest and undo all his hard work over petty jealousy, can he?

“Come on,” he tells Hyrule. “If he gets snippy, I'll bonk him on the head whilst you make your daring escape.”

“I wouldn't run!” Hyrule says, hotly. “I mean, I don't know if Life works on wolves, but I'd have to try, knowing your strength bracelets.”

It startles a laugh out of him. There's their wanderer. Ready to get in the thick of it with a sword or a spell. That's the man that'll succeed him. That's the man he has the luck to meet. And teach.

“Interesting question. It sounds like something we should test in a safe environment.”

And he jumps to the side, avoiding the fangs aiming for his buttocks. So predictable!

“Oh dear, he's gone feral!” he croons, clicking his heels to activate the pegasus boots. “No two ways about it, time to book it.”

“Wait, what?” Hyrule, the poor man, has no time to register the turn of events that Legend grabs him by the sleeves and starts to drag him away from a barking wolf.

“By the way, have I told you about that time I escaped from a pair of lynels on top of Death Mountain?”

“No!” Hyrule shouts, wide-eyed with both awe and a little fear. “Is that really the time?”

He skids to a halt just in time to avoid a blitzing Twilight bursting out of a bush. The barking rings to his ears. His heartbeat has picked up from the thrill, and he knows he will win this.

“Feels nostalgic for some reason!”

“Talk away then! Oh, and jump!”

Hyrule's hand pulls him upward, makes him weightless as if he'd done his magic cape. They launch into the air, and scramble up on the higher branches of a large oak tree. He's chuckling, a little awed by Hyrule's arsenal of spells.

And then Twilight lands on the branch next to them, hackles raised and honestly a little scary. The wood winces ominously, shakes, but holds.

“Wolves can't do that!” he yells.

“I don't think he cares, Legend!” Hyrule hops to the next tree.

And Legend stops thinking about his next move. He follows, he lets his instinct and experience guide him into this impromptu chase game. Marvels at Hyrule's tricks sometimes, preens when his gets Twilight to crash into a boar that only mildly appreciated the tackle and gets to tell the entire story on the way back to camp.

He's got a skip to his steps. He won. They both know he won this time and nothing will change that.

But, just in case, Legend will sleep with one eye open. He's seen Time's and Wild's pranks so far. And in that chain of Heroes, Twilight is both the apprentice and the master. There's no way Twilight isn't capable of their very worst.

[anabantoid]

The Ubiquitous Betta Care Guide

Literally everyone and their mother has written a care guide about bettas, but I felt like I could provide a care guide based around my opinions and experiences in keeping bettas. I’ve kept bettas since I was about 15 years old, they were one of my first fish, and I fell in love with them and at one point I had over a dozen bettas at one time! That’s ridiculous now, but this was 2005/2006, bettas were cheaper and not as disposable then, definitely lasting for the oft-quoted “2-3 year” lifespans that people struggle to see today. Nowadays, I struggle to be able to get a betta to live past 6 months. So, what’s happening? Am I suddenly taking worse care of bettas than I did when I was 15? 

Well, no, all of my most recent bettas were kept in tanks that were over 50 gallons, well planted, my tap water is soft (kH of 5), my pH is neutral (7-7.4) and my water is easily modified with botanicals or wood to be about 6 if need be. They live in filtered tanks with 80 degree water, eat nothing but live or frozen food, and never fall ill with disease or parasites. That’s more than I can say about teenage me. I dealt with a lot of issues, obviously, from bacterial to fungal infections because of my ignorance, but nowadays I can’t say I’ve had to treat a betta for anything, they just sorta..die, and at seemingly random too. What’s going on? 

Today, bettas come in every color, shape and variety you can think of, which wasn’t the case when I was 15. The reason for the huge variety is the desire for more ornamental fish, but for commercial selling, there’s mass breeding on an industrial scale which leads to poor stock, inbreeding, and deformed fish and genetic issues we just can’t see. It doesn’t matter if it’s a local breeder or from a store, they’re all coming from the same stock now. 

I’ve touched about betta problems in the past, and if you’ve followed my blog for a few years or see me in my discord server (Fish Tea), then you already know how I feel. That’s not what this post is about! This post is about caring for your betta, what I’ve learned in my experiences with them, and how to treat and care for the common ailments that befall them.

THEIR CARE:

Min tank size: 10 gallons. Why 10 gallons? In all my time keeping bettas, they do best in larger tanks that allow them to move, they get proper muscle tone in larger tanks because they’re able to move, and I’ve never had an issue with constipation in bettas when placed in larger tanks because movement makes it easier for animals to pass their waste. I can’t think of any other 2 inch-3 inch, active fish that anyone would suggest for a 5 gallon, but for some reason people all say 5 gallons is fine. This is MY recommendation, this is something I will tell people to follow, but whether or not you agree is up to you. You can keep them as you wish, but I prefer having bettas in larger tanks.

Temperature: 80+. In the wild, the Betta genus comes from hot, humid environments in Southeast Asia, living in shallow bodies of water that can be over 80 degrees in temperature. Wild Betta splendens have been observed living in rice paddies with an average temperature of 84 degrees (Jaroensutasinee & Jaroensutansinee, 2001). While it can be argued that domestic bettas are different from their wild counterparts, we have not bred them for cold resistance, and bettas display poor health in colder temps, lethargy, loss of appetite, bloating and constipation. 

Water Params: My position about water parameters has evolved over time, but I still think a betta does best in neutral to acidic waters, because a betta in a pH of 8+ will not have a great time. Essentially, most people’s tap water will be fine, you don’t need RO water to keep a domestic betta.

Feeding: I feed my bettas live food in the form of blackworms, fruit flies, random small bugs I find, a spider….anything that’s an invert and they can swallow, they can eat it. I also feed them frozen foods such as bloodworms, krill, mysis, cyclops and sometimes just cut up cocktail shrimp. You can feed them live and frozen, and you can also give them prepared foods, like New Life Spectrum, Bug Bites, or Bug Pro. They have excellent sources of protein that are not derived from soy like other brands such as Hikari, Omega One, Tetra, Aqueon and such. You can also make repashy grub pie and feed them that. 

Furnishings: Bettas naturally come from environments that are dense with vegetative growth (Jaroensutasinee & Jaroensutansinee, 2001), which means your bettas should also be in tanks that are filled to the brim with plants! I like live plants, but you can use soft silks too, anything that can provide them some cover that they can serpentine and swim through. My rule of thumb usually is if you can see straight through one end of the tank with no broken lines of sight, you don’t have enough plants. Lack of proper coverage can make them stressed out, lethargic and more susceptible to illness and refusal to eat.

Tank mates: If you want to keep bettas with other fish, I suggest a 20 long as a minimum. If your betta has long fins, avoid getting any boisterous, nipping fish like tetras. Kuhli loaches make wonderful tankmates for bettas because they tolerate the high temps a betta likes, as well as Hypancistrus plecos, some corydoras, smaller spiny eels and more. I don’t recommend ever putting shrimp in with bettas, aside from larger shrimp like amanos, because shrimp are a betta’s natural prey and they will hunt them all down!

WHAT IF MY BETTA GETS SICK?

Bettas can and will get ill, you will most likely encounter an issue with your betta one way or another, but what can you do to help? In most cases, the problem is lack of proper care and poor water conditions. The best way to insure your betta remains happy and healthy is to have a clean tank. The easiest way to do this is to make sure your tank is cycled and you do regular, weekly water changes of 25%-30%. 

When you buy a betta, make sure you are picking out an active one, don’t try to be a saint and pick out one laying on its side, half dead. The likelihood is that it will just die, you’ll feel upset, and then you’ll go out and try it again. I’ve been there! It doesn’t work! Get a fish that wiggles at you and looks like it wants to kick your ass. That’s a good betta.

Here’s some common betta ailments:

Popeye: This happens because your water quality is poor and a bacterial infection brews up, causing fluid retention that can pop the eye out. Your best course of action is to address the water quality issue, then use an antibiotic such as kanaplex or metroplex. 

Bloat and constipation: The betta is fed too much, the tank is unheated, the water quality is poor, the tank is too small, and more. This is a symptom of an underlying issues, and it needs to be addressed by seeing what you’re doing wrong. To treat it, give your betta a soak in an epsom salt bath for 10-15 minutes in a bucket or other container, with 1 tbs of epsom salt per gallon. Feed them some frozen food like daphnia or brine shrimp to aid in passing their waste. 

Ich: This can literally happen to anyone, and it sometimes just. Happens. Inexplicably. Whether or not it’s introduced or always in the water, it can crop up in even the warmest of tanks, as ich nowadays seems to have gotten particularly strong. Up your temps to about 86, your betta can handle temps into the 90’s, and use an ich treatment, I usually do Ich X, follow the directions on the bottle. You can also do a salt dip on the betta at the first signs of ich, 1 tbs of aquarium or table salt per gallon in a separate container, do a 10 minute soak. Up the temps and see if the ich subsides, if not, follow through with medication.

Fin rot: This is a water quality issue, you need to address this first before proceeding with treatment, as usually providing clean, warm water is enough to stop fin rot. If you do this but notice the fin rot is especially aggressive or starting to proceed onto the body, treat with an antibiotic such as kanaplex.

Velvet: This is a parasitic infection like ich, though for this one it comes from yet another water quality issue. It can happen in the store they come from, or it can happen in your home if you’re not up and up on your care. You would treat it the same way as ich, however shut your lights off, as it appears to be light sensitive.

Lethargy, bottom sitting, loss of appetite: These are symptoms of a bigger issue, be it water quality, age, or simply just something going wrong internally that we can’t see. If your tank is too cold, you’re not feeding enough or you’re not on top of water changes, you can help by adjusting all of that. If it’s from age or something else, all you can do is wait and see how much longer the betta has left, or euthanize if you feel he won’t get better. You can attempt an epsom salt bath, raising temps, and feeding live or frozen, but at that point it’s palliative care rather than a solution.

What if you just got your betta, and it seemed fine, and then one day it didn’t look good and the next you found it dead? Well, circling back to my long winded intro, you can see that the answer is in the poor breeding practices. Bettas are not as strong or hardy as they used to be, in fact they seem to just be about as durable as tissue paper nowadays and will die after a few months or a year, with some exceptions. It can be disheartening to feel like you’re failing at a fish that’s touted as being one of the hardiest fish out there, but I promise you that if you’re providing the best care for them, they’ll still die early, and you’re not at fault. I still get bettas, but I only buy one after another passes, and I try to not spend more than $15 on one. I settle with the fact they won’t live as long, and I enjoy them while I have them, and if you feel the same way, go for it.

If you’d like to learn more about bettas, their alternatives and more, the best way to reach me and a whole community of experiences keepers is through Fish Tea, an lgbt+ friendly discord server dedicated to all things aquatic.

(reference: Jaroensutasinee, M., & Jaroensutansinee, K. (2001). Bubble nest habitat characteristics of wild Siamese fighting fish. Journal of Fish Biology, 58(5), 1311-1319. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2001.tb02288.x)