#I wonder what Hyrule's reaction would be to the truth

[hazethestrange]

...so who's gonna tell him?

[luimagines]

To Denounce the Evil’s of Truth and Love

Part 5!

Masterlist

First chapter/ Previous Chapter/  Next Chapter

Content under the cut!

Twilight was trying hard to come to grips with this.

He hadn’t intended for his secret to fall apart as fast as it did. And he certainly didn’t think it would drive the poor girl into a devastated panic. She was on the verge of tears as she apologized over and over and over again.

Hyrule looked as concerned and confused as Twilight felt.

“Um..” He tried to step closer. “...Are you ok?”

To add to his confusion and slowing mounting terror, she started laughing. “How am I possibly ok? We only needed the one person so that we could finally track down the cause of this problem and seal away the crumbling and searing tears of our reality and instead we have two other captives who felt like joining along for the ride, endangering themselves for no good reason just because what? You felt like it? Do you know the guy?”

“Yes.” Twilight and Hyrule say in unison. 

It does not help the girl as she falls to her knees. She might be having a breakdown, Twilight notes and shifts a look to Hyrule. The other boy has a little bit of decency to look nervous and ashamed. The girl whines and it;s a pitiful sound to Twilight’s ears. “Yes to whhaatt?”

“Both.” They repeat together at the same time.

She hangs her head over her knees and stays like that for a moment, shoulders moving slightly. She might be crying. 

Twilight feels awkward. Of all the possible reactions he was anticipating when they eventually realized that Sky wasn’t the only one they had around, (captive or stowaway) this wasn’t one of them. She sounded horrified and heartbroken and maybe Twilight had misjudged her character compared to the other two.

She looks up at him- him, not Hyrule- and with tears streaking down her face, her eyes contain an unreadable emotion. “So you’re risking your life… because you felt like it?” 

Twilight scratches the back of his neck. “Not necessarily. It’s the hero’s duty, ma’am.”

“We all feel it.” Hyrule helps. “We’re all heroes… If you wanted our help, you could have just talked to the group instead of just kidnapping our friend.”

She shakes her head. “Admittedly, it wasn’t my idea. And yet here I am having to both clean up the mess and organize and execute the plans.”

She sighs and rubs her eyes. “What do you mean by heroes though? Last I checked, there was only the Champion That Survived but he’s gone missing months ago.”

“Actually-” Twilight winces. “I know the guy. He’s in our group too.”

She groans and roughly runs her hands over her scalp, ruffling her hair aggressively as she goes. “This is horrific. I hate this. Why am I the one-”

She stops herself and gets to her feet. “Forget this. A job has to be done. But we can’t let the other one go. Is that why you’ve stayed as long as you have?”

Twilight freezes in his spot at the sudden change of atmosphere. She went from near unconsolable to determined and steady in the blink of an eye- evidence of her breakdown ignored. It gives his whiplash and he feels his mind reeling with the effects of this. She still stares him down expectantly.

Hyrule rubs his arm and raises a hand. “In my defense, I was in a bottle.”

She sighs, and pinches the top of her nose. “Valid. Anything else? Do you plan on leaving then? Get the rest of your group and perform a so-called ‘rescue mission’ and put a stop to us from fixing the problem?”

Twilight also looks at Hyrule. He’s seen how they treat Sky and how he’s been treated. They’re really not bad people. Just… weird and they go about things not in the way he would personally do it. But they’re not touched by destiny or divinity like they all have been to an extent. So maybe it’s just personal opinion at any rate.

Hyrule however, has not received the same treatment and should he go back and give a bad report, Twilight doesn’t doubt that the others would come in with as many bomb and flames as they can. Part of him wonders if they’re already planning on doing that with the amount they’ve already spent away from the group but he’s been ignoring it for as long as he can allow himself to do so. Twilight wonders that if the longer they take to find them and the longer they stay with the trio, the bigger fire power the other Links plan to bring, from the skies if they must. Granted, the girl in front of him is more than capable of extinguishing all their literal fire power, but he doesn’t wish any harm on the trio.

But maybe it’s just the girl in front of him that he’s gotten attached to.

Hyrule coughs. “I’m actually…. Intrigued by your operation here. I wouldn’t mind staying. And someone has to make sure you don’t hurt Sky and Twilight.”

“Sky?” She furrows her brow.

“We’re all named Link.” Twilight flushes a bit by the absurdity of it. “So we all have nicknames. We call him Hyrule.”

She deadpans. “Real creative.”

The boy in question blushes a bit and ruffles his own hair. “They also call me The Traveler. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

She winces. “Again. I’m so sorry you got pulled into this. The fairy…I’m shocked she didn’t say anything. I would have thought she would have been able to sense the spell… and the double for sure would have been able to… I need to talk to them. Both of them.”

Twilight shivers at the deadly intention in her voice.

Hyrule coughs a bit. “Am I free to explore?”

She turns and stares him down as well, not too dissimilar to how she looked at Twilight earlier. She holds her breath enough to make them both nervous before she sighs like a tired parent. “Sure. Why not?”

[lune-hime]

Exposed (Sidon x f!Reader)

The ornate silver neck piece made contact with the tiled floor with a satisfying clank. With each clasp undone, Sidon felt his body buzzing at the newfound lightness. The metallic chime of his final piece of garment, his left bracelet, was a beautiful sound that echoed off the vast pillared walls of his chambers. Although it already had been a day since his arrival, his muscles still ached with a dull tightness brought onto him from the journey to Hyrule Castle. A subtle form of tiredness akin to jetlag was quickly draining his energy and he could not wait to submerge himself in the ample pool that laid before him.

Sidon padded to the edge of the water, streaks of ivory moonlight passing over his crimson scales. He kneeled down, wincing as he heard a few of his bones crack, and dipped an experimental hand into the basin. The warmth of the liquid sent a shiver up Sidon’s body and he immediately slid into the water in one fluid movement. The castle maids had prepared his pool with warm water, per your request, to the exact temperature you knew he liked it. Although this was just one of the many guest rooms in the immense castle, he felt your homey presence in every corner of the chamber. It made his heart flutter in adoration.

Sinking lower, he let the water engulf his shoulders. The tension diffused out and a supple moan escaped his parted lips. Lightly treading water, his thoughts circulated through his mind much like the gentle current of the pool. The officials and champions he had rekindled with today, what was he going to eat tomorrow morning, how radiant you had looked in your formal w-

“Prince Sidon, I forgot to ask you on more question before you retired to the room!” Zelda’s melodic voice carried from the hallway. Her small but sturdy frame emerged from behind the towering door, the hem of her gown swaying about her ankles as she danced her way into the entryway. Soon after she appeared, your head peeked its way around the frame.

Perhaps it was the abruptness of the entry, the intimate solitude of the chambers, his discarded garments, or all factors combined, but Sidon suddenly felt hot. Uncomfortably hot; and not from the water.

“A-ah, yes Princess, what did you want to, ah, ask me?” He coughed, awkwardly sinking lower into the pool. He cursed the palace for having such crystal clear water.

Your brow knit into a firm line at his flustered state. Never before had you seen him act like this seemingly for no reason. When his eyes began flicking anxiously from the pile of metal to you, a wave of understanding flooded your consciousness. Sidon felt exposed. And he was embarrassed about it.

It was natural for Hylian habits to rub off on him since the two of you had started courting. When you were in the Domain, the only time you spent away from the Prince was when you were working on Vah Ruta or the one to two hours of his council meetings. With all that contact how could a few things not start to be ingrained in Sidon’s daily routine? It was clear now by the steady reddening of his cheeks that one of those habits pertained to wearing garments. Or more specifically, when one is caught not wearing them.

“Oh, is this a bad time?” She blinked, unclear of what had him acting so strangely. Sidon looked like he was about to expire in the cloud of uncomfortableness that was circling above the pool. As adorable as he looked, shuffling bashfully and avidly studying the carvings on the nearest pillar, you needed to save him. Biting back your laughter you tapped Zelda lightly on the shoulder. Her head whipped around, confusion still inscribed on her face.

“Zelda, it appears that Sidon was not expecting company this late at night.” You stated, giving her a knowing look you prayed she would pick up on. You cocked your head subtly towards the armor and Zelda gasped softly, the tips of her pointed ears running rosy. She then looked to the Prince with panic written all over her features and he returned the expression tenfold. The two of them turned from mimicking rose petals to beats instead, only making the aroma of the room more thick with tension.

“Oh my goodness! My deepest apologies, Sidon. I didn’t realize you were having, ahem, some alone time.” She cleared her throat and dropped her gaze to the floor so fast you wondered if she got whiplash.

“Well, Y/N can just tell me your answer tomorrow morning. Until then.” She stuttered, abruptly turning on her heels and disappearing behind the door. Once the brisk click signaled her departure, every muscle, tendon, and scale in Sidon’s body went lax. He sighed, tipping his head back against the edge of the pool with a gentle clunk. You took a moment to drown in his appearance. He was like a slightly wilted lotus flower with coral petals basking in the rippling droplets of indigo moonlight.

It now physically hurt to restrain your hysterics and you suddenly burst into a fit of giggles, drowning the luminated room in a symphony of laughs not unlike a songbird’s. Sidon poked one eye open and shook his head in mortified distress, still lazily leaning against the tiled rim.  

“Stop laughing, Y/N. I bet she thinks I was doing something lewd or weird. In her castle of all places.” He grumbled, raising his hands out of the water to run them over his face.

Once you had reigned in your cacophony you padded over to the pool and sat down next to his deflated form, feet dangling into the water.

“Nah. It’s okay, Si. She’s my oldest and best friend. If she does I’ll tell her the truth.” You nudged him playfully. He lolled his head to the side in your direction.

“That might be even more embarrassing…” Sidon trailed off, his face contorted into a slight grimace. You returned it with a fond smile.

“Stop looking at me like that.” He huffed, a feigned pout forming on his features. The rosiness on his cheeks bloomed once more as he lightly splashed your feet where they embraced the water’s surface.

“You know, you used to never be embarrassed about being seen without your accessories.” You stated innocently, eyeing him to observe his reaction.“They don’t really leave anything to the imagination, anyway.”

“Hylian customs are rubbing off on me, I guess.” He replied in a small voice, snaking an arm around your calf to press himself into your side. He started idly playing with your toes, offering a squeak from you. You lightly kicked out, hoping to shake him off. Instead he only scooted closer yet he resigned from his tickling.

“What did the Princess want to ask me?” Sidon inquired. He seemed to be mostly recovered from the ordeal.

“She wanted to know what you wanted for breakfast tomorrow. You left before she could put in an order for the chef.”

“Damn, that’s an important question.” He muttered, setting his chin on your knee and looking up at you with anticipation, his eyes large and blinking.  

“I was planning on telling her smoked salmon.” You informed the prince, giving his caudal fin a loving stroke. Sidon’s eyes lit up, his saffron orbs turning a brilliant gold that put the calming hue of the starlight to shame. He could feel himself start to salivate at the mention of the Hylian delicacy.

“Don’t drool on my leg.” You teased, chuckling as he gulped audibly. You were unable to convey your thoughts on the dish as the deep chiming of the castle’s clocktower replaced whatever voice you would have spoken. The twelve bells signaled it had just turned midnight.

“It’s late, we should both get some rest. We need to wake up early for the festivities tomorrow.” You let out a bittersweet sigh, not wanting to break away from the closeness you shared but knowing you would be the walking dead in the morning if you stayed up any longer. As you rose to your feet, Sidon’s head limply fell into the water, his gaze never leaving your form. Just as you were about to deliver a sweet goodnight, he gingerly grabbed your ankle.

“Please stay, my pearl.” He suggested, a gentle plea that caused your heart to skip a beat.

“Can’t get enough of me, hm?” You sang.

“A very true statement, darling.” Sidon cooed, the warmth radiating from his gaze brushing the tips of your ears and leaving a blushed residue in its wake.

“Alright.” You responded through a yawn.

“We can go back to your chambers, if you’d like.” Sidon suggested, releasing his hold on your ankle and making a move to leave the basin. You shook your head and held a hand out to stop him. He halted his movements immediately and blinked up at you.

“You’re soaked. You’ll get my bed wet. I will go get some blankets and return.” You chuckled as you strode towards the doors. He hummed in agreement, a breathy laugh puffing from his chest. Grasping the knob, you turned to face Sidon once more.

“Better keep an eye on this door, my prince. Wouldn’t want someone to see you so exposed now would we?” You warned, tone velvety and blithe. The last thing you heard before you skittered out of the room was a loud groan and the sound of an unlit candle being halfheartedly thrown at the door.

[cafecourage]

The moment they realized they loved you. (Isekai Au Edition) Part 2

If you want more information on this AU here is the Link!

Sky:

- It started slow and very sweet.

- He took a long time realizing who you were. But he still believed in the others when they started to recognize you.

- When your behind him cheering you on, he feels invincible. Since during his adventure Impa tore into him pretty badly when he was late to save Zelda.

- Your presence is comforting to him. It feels like home despite being on the ground.

___________________________________

Being back in Skyloft was a small blessing for the chain. The tight knit community had already welcomed the travelers with little to no questions about their origins. It was a stroke of luck that they landed in front of the bazaar in the early morning when no one else was up yet. Their first day there was a resting day in attempt to gather information on the black blood monsters and inventory checks.

Sky took his time catching up with everyone. Letting the Headmaster and Sun know about the situation that had the hero hopping around in the timeline. Then he needed to go down to the small settlement on the surface to check on them. Sun did already tell him that things where still safe down there and that he should take a break. But he still would rather check it out himself just in case something did happen it better to be safe than sorry.

Despite being able to jump off from any of the decks in Skyloft. He automatically went towards the plaza near the tower of light. During his adventure it was the quickest way to the opening above Faron Woods. Sky was just turning the bend when he saw his Loftwing was already there on the docks and under its wing was You. You were trying to put a small amount of distance between you and the bird but the creature kept bring you closer to hold.

“(Y/n)!” Sky was baffled at his Loftwings reactions to you. He dashes to your side. “I’m so sorry. He isn’t normally like this.”

“It’s fine.” Your uncontrollable laughter the was full with childlike glee finally reached him. “In fact, I think he recognizes me!” You whispered smiling. The Crimson Loftwing cooed now leaning into his masters touch as Sky softly pet the side of his necks. Sky wondered if what you said was the truth. Since a Loftwing and its rider do share a special connection, it’s fully possible that his also felt and heard you. “Hey Link?” Suddenly your demeanor changed. “Can I ask something?”

Your bashful and embarrassed expression made Sky feel soft inside. “Of course.”

“One of these days can you show me around the sky or the surface?” You shifted awkwardly from him. He actually forgot that you haven’t physically been to his era before. That for the longest time you only saw things from his point of view without the ability to truly explore anything. “You don’t need to- “

“Are you free now?” He quickly cut you off. “I was actually heading down there now to check on the settlement.”

“Really?” Your face seems to brighten but then you remembered something and leaned closer to him whispering again “I don’t have a Loftwing though.”

He gently takes your hand “my Loftwing is strong enough for both of us.” He guided you to his side. You eyed the bird with uncertainty but you let him help you up onto the harness. Sky got on behind you reaching around you to get the reins. “Hold on to me if you get scared.” He teasingly warned and before you could question him. His Loftwing took off nose diving off of the deck.

You let out a small squeak as you latched onto his tunic. Sky almost felt bad that he actually scared you. But once in the air and on a steady path you finally opened your eyes again. “Woah!” The sight was nothing special but it was still just as beautiful. The clouds below them created an endless sea of white. “It’s so pretty.” Pride bubbled up as Sky watch you taken in the beauty of his home. This was just the start of what he wanted to show you as different locations came into his mind. “Hey.” You looking over your shoulder with hope in your eyes. ”Next time can we go to the Lumpy Pumpkin? I remember you singing high praises about their pumpkin soup.”

Sky tried to think of what he wanted to do tomorrow, right now there wasn’t anything that needed his attention. “If we have time tomorrow, I can take you there for lunch or dinner.” Maybe he could take a break from being a hero for a bit.

“Great! It’s a date then.” You sent a wink his way that sent his brain into a haywire before looking back into the endless sky. He was lucky his Loftwing is able to steer himself. As dot’s where finally connecting in Sky’s head. Pure love and affection bubble up as he embraces his new found feelings.

- He will be the one to uno reverse card on you. All love and affection will drown you instead. There was so much he wanted to tell you before to thank you for being by his side and encouraging him.

- Cuddle time will start here because of his need to make sure you know your loved too.

- He would be the one to confess first, but it would probably be played off as friends telling each other that they love each other.

- You’re not dense but overly affectionate. He might just need to spell out how you make him feel on a daily basis. Maybe then you’ll understand what you’re doing to him.

___________________________________

Legend:

- It hit him like a freight train.

- He isn’t mad at you. He is mad at himself. He had made his dues with what the people he had lost. Yet here he is. Already going too far.

- Your ability to make the situation brighter slowly eroded the walls he put up years ago.

- It might be all in his head, but he swears that you always make sure his needs are met even if he is trying to hide them.

___________________________________

“Link!!!” You barreled towards him ignoring the questioning stares the people of Windfall Island. “Link! Link! Link! LOOK!!!” You hold up a pink rabbit stuffed animal that you bought. “It you!”

The veteran in question huffed, “seriously of all things.” He turned on his heels “I’m going back on the ship.” He didn’t know why he was still entertaining your antics at that point.

“Wha- Hey! I was joking!” They were stocking up in Windfall and Legend was not happy to be on a boat nor in the ocean again. He wouldn’t say that he afraid.

Just… cautious…

You on the other hand looked like you were having the time of your life on the ship talking the it’s Captain and crew member’s. Yet most of the time you would stay by his side. The reason was obvious but nether wanted to talk about it.

Which is why you dragged him out to the port island. ‘An easy distraction.’ You told him, ‘I can show you around so we won’t get lost!’ He wasn’t worried about that. Legend trusted you. A fact he will never say out loud. However, he would rather hole up somewhere and escape the world then be here.

A soft hand took his when Legend reached the docks. He already knew who it was since you’ve been following him like a lost puppy all day. “One more place please?” You looked at him expectingly. “Then you can go back.”

“What are you a child? Why can’t you just go alone?” Legend snapped back, “you don’t have to be around me.”

“Legend I like being with you.” You pointed out like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “However.” You let go of his hand. “I also understand if you don’t want to hang out anymore and want to go rest.” There was no fighting back. No offense to his words. Nothing. Just a warm smile that filled him with warmth, that was accompanied by words fueled by unlimited care and understanding which made his heart beat faster. The silence between you two seemed to give you an answer. You turned around. A panicked feeling shot through. Legend was surprised with himself when he almost reached out to you when you walked away.

Instead, he watched you go. In the wake of his own emotions, he realized what had been happening. How he has been acting around you was starting to get familiar. “Not again.” He whispered disappointed in himself.

___________________________________

- Legend is going to be bitter about it. He isn’t going to take it out on you, but his mannerisms are going to be different after this.

- Not quite closed off, but it’s almost like he is mourning another loss.

- You would need to drown him in love and affection before he realizes you like him back. But like Twilight, he is going to be heartbroken if you decide to leave him to go back home.

___________________________________

Wild:

- Its progression was as natural as breathing.

- He just got off of his adventure so he always had you by his side. Just being near you is second nature.

- If anything, he was more than excited to actually have you physically be here alongside him.

- It rare to see ether of you not near each other when traveling together you two are inseparable.

___________________________________

The only upside of being in Wild’s Era is that the champion knew what to expect, it’s chaotic was normal for him and actually brought him a bit of peace. You came with that peace of mind. Having you join the chain to him was almost like you never left his side in the first place. From the moment he woke up after being told his name and what he needed to from Zelda, he was aware of your presence. You were the one to encourage him to explore the ruin kingdom. You were the one to recognize structures that the people in his world didn’t know about. The weird part was that you didn’t know how he was before the calamity, but he didn’t question that fact too much. He was more than happy to have someone treat him as a different person from before.

Now having you physically with him. Wild wanted to bring you to all of your favorite locations that you vocally told him about.

But that had to wait for now, because the downside to Wild’s Hyrule was the amount of things that wanted him dead. Moblins? Bokablins? Those guys are fine to fight they were push overs unless infected with the black blood. Actually, most of Wild’s monsters were like that. Once you get a hang of fighting them and recognize their patterns. They are a breeze.

A common threat that was annoy to deal with however, was the Yiga Clan. Which leads to the situation Wild and the others found themselves getting in while on the road to Hateno. He should of figured that they were going to strike when he got back to his Era. But he honestly didn’t think it would be in this quantity they were out number but thanks to Warriors taking control of the situation where managing. He was trying to make sure everyone was accounted for and was alive when he heard a string of curses coming from his right.

You had been knocked on the ground by a Blade Master. Your sword was near the clan member. Wild felt his world freeze in that moment as he bolted towards your body. With a falcon bow in hand. Wild side jumped. Locked in an ancient arrow and let it go.

The arrow sped towards the Blade Master. Hitting him directly. Turning the Yiga member into a bunch of Sheikah blue ribbons before collapsing into an orb where the arrow hit.

Wild slide towards your body. A pulse he needed to feel a pulse. Placing the tips of his index and middle finger on the base of your thumb and wrist. He pressed lightly to feel the blood pulsing beneath his fingers. A sigh of relief escaped him. Wild was lucky that the battle had come to an end. As the other Yiga members ether retreated in horror of what happened to one of their own or cut down quickly.

Hyrule join him soon after shooing him out of the way gently. Wild didn’t move from your side all that much. He didn’t want to. Just in case you left him too. He doesn’t know a life without you in it. A world like that just doesn’t exist.

Wild knows the name of the cause of his feelings. It’s the same thing that drives him to share his experience with you. He wants to be by your side and to make you happy.

___________________________________

- He is protective but not controlling. If anything, he wants to spar with you more. So, you can get better at fighting.

- You can bet he is going to start making you taste the different foods he had discovered, or sneak out to visit areas in his world more often. He doesn’t want you to miss a thing.

- There is so much he wants to do with you. So much he wants to share. So many things to say. That he just wants to do it all at once so there can be new things you both can discover together.

(Part 1)

[fatefulfaerie]

Honesty Part 6

Part One here

Part Two here

Part Three here

Part Four here

Part Five here

It only took Link about an hour before he was too weak to guide his horse, Zelda helping the knight heavy with muscle and lethargic with sickness onto her own horse.

Thus, Zelda rode into Hateno as the sunset rose upon it, Link laying on her upright back like a mattress and softly hugging her waist like a pillow. The position had adorned her cheeks with a heavy blush and a warmth in her heart that wasn’t fading.

The door opened as soon as her horses hooves were in earshot of the house. Link’s mother rushed out and brought her hands to her mouth with a soft gasp and eyes etched with concern.

Link mumbled about his “fine” health as his mother and his princess brought him in the house and laid him down on the largest bed, where he quickly drifted off to sleep.

Zelda didn’t leave Link’s side, even as Link was diagnosed by the Hateno medic. Zelda kept her hand in his as the medic told them that until the food poisoning passed from his body, he would still feel a great amount of nausea, disorientation, and fatigue alongside it. Otherwise, the lad was in perfect health.

Zelda wondered at what goddess-forsaken moldy mushroom or rotten fruit Link put in his mouth on his way to or from fighting the Hinox, but she sat unwaveringly by his side nonetheless. It was a sight that Link’s parents looked at with a smile from across the loft, Ruth’s head locked gently in Hugh’s neck. 

The two youths were now chatting like old friends, smiling and almost laughing as they conversed out of earshot. Link’s head lay uncomfortably on the rim of the bucket inch-deep with puke, but the way he smiled at his princess showed he didn’t mind at all. 

“What do you think of those two?” Ruth asked Hugh. “I think they suit each other well.”

“It’s hard to believe our little boy is all grown up and finding his own love.”

Ruth smiled.

“So you agree?” She asked with a smirk. “You’d think they’d make a nice couple?”

“Well I’m not about to start planning the wedding, but I think they like each other a great deal. If it weren’t for other factors, I think it would be an easy and splendid match.”

Ruth’s eyebrows furrowed.

“Other factors,” she said before lifting her head from her husband’s shoulder. “What do you mean, other factors?”

Hugh gave a side glance to Zelda as he leaned in to his wife’s ear.

“She’s the princess,” he said. “Link fell in love with his charge.”

Hugh waited for a reaction to be amused by from his wife, but none came, Ruth only looking at him with disappointment.

“You think I don’t know that?” She asked rhetorically. “Goddesses sake. Even Lottie was asking if he was dating her.”

“You didn’t say anything,” Hugh reasoned.

“I was trying to be respectful,” Ruth said with a bit of pride. “Besides, I’m not sure what it is but I just have this feeling…I think they’ll find a way.”

——————————————————————————————————

Link had left to get a breath of fresh air as Zelda continued to sit in her chair, jotting various notes in her science journal of things to research when she returned to the castle, Guardian schematics she ached to return to, of course with the option to look up from her studies and gaze upon her knight attendant without his knowledge.

“Excuse me,” she heard Link’s mom say, Zelda turning her head. “May I talk with you for a bit?”

“Of course,” Zelda said, gesturing with her hand to invite her to sit across from her. “There’s no need to ask.”

Ruth sat on the edge of the bed with a warm smile towards Zelda, soon taking the girl’s hand with a motherly gentility that Zelda hadn’t felt in a very long time. She tried not to let it affect her.

“I just wanted to tell you,” Ruth said. “We don’t blame you at all for the danger Link has been in, for the burden he carries. From what I understand, you are weighted down much like he is.”

Zelda furrowed her brow.

“I…I’m sorry,” she started. “You…you know who I am?”

Ruth’s smile grew as she nodded, returning her hand to clasp into her own.

“People who walk and talk like you are few and far between,” she explained, “especially around here. I knew you must have been at least a lady of the court when Link first introduced you to us. It wasn’t hard to place you as the princess in the moments after. Link isn’t a very good liar.”

Zelda chuckled.

“I suppose,” she said in reply. “And thank you for being honest with me. I wish your son didn’t have so many run-ins with danger but…well until the calamity is appeased there are a lot of things that we can’t control. He is a valuable asset to my father and to Hyrule.”

“What about to you?” Ruth asked.

Zelda shrugged, attempting to hide her blushing cheeks.

“He’s my knight attendant,” Zelda said. “And he’s a good friend. He is invaluable to me.”

Ruth studied the way Zelda smiled. It was small and almost forced.

“But…” Ruth prompted.

“It’s dumb,” Zelda insisted, bowing her head.

“Humor me,” Ruth said. Zelda lifted her head to meet Ruth’s blue gaze.

“I was eavesdropping,” Zelda started. “I know, all sorts of improper, but…Link’s father said something about Link telling me the truth, and…well…of course I trust him enough to acknowledge he can have his own secrets, but if it has something to do with me…I don’t know...I’m starting to think...”

Ruth placed a hand on Zelda’s shoulder, the touch warm and affirming. She made sure Zelda’s eyes met hers. The silent show of support was all Zelda needed.

“I’m starting to think he may return the feelings I have for him,” Zelda said quickly, blurting out.

Ruth’s eyebrows were raised at the sudden expelling of words.

“Sorry,” Zelda said. “I didn’t mean for that to come out so suddenly...it’s just a lot for me to grapple with on my own. This connection Link and I seem to have...but then also having to ignore it until after the Calamity is defeated.”

“Why must you ignore it?” Ruth asked.

Zelda shrugged.

“It’s practical,” Zelda explained. “I think we both fear that if we don’t focus completely on the Calamity, Hyrule will fall to ruin.”

Ruth nodded.

“That makes sense,” she said. “You have a smart reason for concealing your honesty, both of you, but...don’t forget that you two do need each other. It doesn’t even need to be a romantic thing. You two are the only people who truly understand the pressure of having the entire world on your shoulders. You don’t have to shut each other out just because you are falling in love and you think that’s a bad idea. You don’t have to be anything to support each other. Love is more than lust, you know.”

Zelda gave a smile.

“I know,” she said in reply.

[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.

[song-of-storms162]

A Lesson with Father Time

Time has played the role of caretaker, guardian, father figure, leader and more when traveling with the others. Here you will read how he mentors a certain Hero of Wind in the act of horseback riding and how the others help Malon break a certain piece of news to the beloved hero of Time. 

Oh Father Time

Will you please

Turn back your hands

To grant me release

Sleep could be so full of relief and so full of emotion, the heroes who bore the triforce of courage learned there was no in between. Dreams were akin to nightmares and nightmares meant waking up shaking and wide eyed. To fade into sleep and wake to morning without dreams interfering were something the heroes were grateful for.

But should anyone go through a sleepless night, they were never truly alone. Like the moon calling the stars in the dark of night, the bearers of courage seemed to have a set of unspoken rules when it came to keeping awake at nighttime. At times it was like a chain reaction, the one keeping watch would be joined by whoever couldn’t sleep. An hour or two later, perhaps another hero would join.

“Can’t sleep?”

Time would be there, perhaps it was due to his fatherly nature towards their group but the others knew. The more adventures one had, the more dreams for Hylia to choose from. However, no matter how stormy his face was when he awoke, it would always always turn into an expression of one ready to listen and give advice if it were needed.

Moments, seconds, minutes and hours

Your arsenal has such objects of power

On your shoulders sits two beings

The handmaidens that do your bidding

They had all shared stories, stories of familiar people, stories of familiar objects. It all came out by the light of a crackling fire or some air of needed entertainment, there was no in between. With every magical object each hero had, there seemed to be an abundance of tales to go along with it.

They all would laugh as Wild would recount the tale of how he had a Lynel frozen in stasis just so he could pose for a photo with it’s Sword in mid swing. But when he reached the part of ‘flying down the hill’ at the attack it gave when the stasis wore off, there would be nervous smiling and head shaking at his antics. Wild’s Slate had a number of photos in it, and one mystery that boggles them all is a photo of their eldest holding one of his masks with a fond look. No one knows how this photo was taken and there have been several theories which included a dead Yiga’s soul, a token from Malon and the real age of the oldest hero.

Late and early

Different yet same

Showing truth and reality

Just in different ways

They were all so different and similar at the same time. Of course, aside from the Triforce of Courage and saving Hyrule, some were more similar in their own ways. There was Wild and Hyrule with their sense of adventure, Legend and Four with their familiarity for crafted objects. But once during a trip to Lon Lon Ranch, Malon found another similarity between the incarnations of her husband.

The ranch was so quiet, one wouldn’t think there were so many guests staying over but it was early morning and on a farm, it meant being the first to greet the sun and the last it said goodbye to. Her Link, or Time as the others had called him, woke when she woke, as both were used to the early schedule but she was surprised when her husband came back with a Cucco tucked under one arm after they finished breakfast.

“What do you plan on doing with Polly?” Malon eyed her husband suspiciously. Her husband only made a shushing gesture with his hands before heading off to the other rooms. Malon sighed at his antics with an affectionate smile and she was there before he opened the door to the first room.

“Go easy on them.” She kissed him on the cheek before heading down the hallway and out of the house to begin her chores. “I’d like to see all nine of you for lunch later with all your limbs and wits attached.”

“No promises!” Time called out to his wife’s retreating figure and Malon would still remember the screaming and laughter she heard when she was milking the cows. She chuckled as she watched the milk collect in the bucket, she didn’t need a Goddess to know it was her husband and Polly’s doing.

A second too late

A moment too early

All that I have witnessed

Remain in me permanently

They were all hounded by nightmares, Sky of not being there for his Zelda, Wild for leaving his Hyrule to the state it was, but it was Time who had told them over the fire or in the dim light of whatever inn they were staying in that what had happened happened. It made them who they were today, Time told Wild his title could’ve been different had he not gone through the sleep, sublty hinting at the fact that perhaps he wouldn’t have met them too had he not gone through with it.

They had a tendency to ask the strangest questions as well as a form of entertainment. The favorite was ‘weirdest thing you ever ate’ (Wild always beat them in that one) ‘strangest thing you ever saw’ (no one actually won but it certainly was interesting to hear what everyone had done).

But Late and Early

Spread your teachings

Of discipline and mercy

To those most in need of it

They had all learned, in their own ways, about loss. Sky had dreams where his Zelda was still in deep slumber or how he had been too late to save her ar first. But Loss was a teacher like none other, yet as they all opened up one by one, Time couldn’t help but wonder.

If that loss was too much sometimes.

It was unfair for Wind to have his sister taken away, unfair to Wild to wipe everything he had known. But Time with all his years, all his adventures, knew that saying ‘Things will be better’ would not help. All one could do in their position was keep a brave face for those who depended on them, while moving forward to whatever problem they faced.

But you Father Time

Teach the most important lesson of all

You put on your running shoes

And challenge us to a race

Malon had seen how her husband had changed with the other heroes around. She was happy for him, it wasn’t always easy to explain the dark circles under his eyes or the nights where she awoke to him trembling under a nightmare. But now he had others who were like him, who could relate to his actions and his past.

While she may had been his wife and a constant presence throughout his journey, Malon knew that the boys could relate to her husband in a way she couldn’t.

But what really touched her heart was the way he interacted with them.

She saw him help Wind pick a horse to his liking because the youngest expressed an interest in riding, something he had rarely done back home. She saw how her husband drew the others in, how he had called Twilight and Wild over when Wind was having trouble with calming the horse down.

“Try again, Wind,” said Time. “You have to remember that on horseback, you’re not just a rider, you’re a partner.”

Wind had tried and failed to go over the obstacle course in Lon Lon Ranch. He had refused to give in again and again, and each time Time would smile and nod. Malon’s lips would unknowingly curve upwards when she saw the streak of stubbornness that lived in each hero.

You know you’ll win

Not all the time

But when you do

Boy does it hit us hard!

Wind saddled up once more, Time had told him that speed wasn’t an essential for new riders but confidence and a willingness to trust in your horse was where everyone started, a stepping stone that he would always need to keep a toe on. 

So he held the reins, and calmly uttered words of encouragement to his horse before digging his heels into the horse’s sides. The horse reared its hind legs and took off for the obstacle course.

They cheered each time Wind cleared an obstacle, a pile of hay bales or an assortment of poles. Time said nothing but nodded with every cleared jump. In the midst of it all, no one saw the Hero of Warriors and the Hero of Twilight disappear with Malon.

Some feel ashamed

After we lose

Some react in anger

Slapping the hand you offer

When the last obstacle came close, right as Wind and his horse were about to jump, no one expected the loud crash that sounded throughout the ranch. Least of all, Wind’s horse.

Skidding to a halt, the grey mare reared its legs with a whinny before halting. Wind tightened his grip on the reins as they spun and when the sound finally subsided, his horse was rooted to the spot.

Wind had clung on in fear of falling. It was a blur on the saddle, he heard yelling but not the words. He saw the other heroes start to rush off before pausing to look at him. 

“Wind, will you be alright?” Time asked worriedly and Wind felt his thoughts return to him. of course he would be fine, he was still in one piece. Wind saw the conflict in Time’s face, to rush to his wife in an uncertain situation or him, a student he had taken up. That thought knocked his stupor out of him.

With a now clear head, Wind nodded at the oldest hero. “Go to her, I’ll be fine.”

Time turned to leave but paused before going back to him. “Malon and I usually do Epona’s song to keep our horses relaxed but nothing calms a horse more than knowing it’s safe.”

With his piece of advice given, Time ran off to join the others and left the youngest hero. Wind watched him run off and took one of his feet from the stirrups, readying himself to dismount the horse but Time’s last words echoed. 

‘Nothing calms a horse more than knowing it’s safe.’

Wind’s expression shifted and he cursed at himself. How had he not noticed it? His mare had been nervous and he hadn’t realised it. She was snorting, so softly that he hadn’t heard it until Time had pointed it out and her grey tail flicked about anxiously. Wind shifted in his saddle, feeling the faint tremors moving through her body. He was disappointed in himself when he hadn’t noticed his horse’s jittery behavior. 

Wind placed his foot back in the stirrup, to leave his horse at a time of need would be to betray the trust they had placed in him. Breathing in, Wind slowly released a hand from the reins and reached out for the mare’s mane. He hummed the beginning notes of Epona’s song, a melody all the animals on Lon Lon ranch had heard and associated with home.

He heard the snorting slowly stop as he continued stroking her mane, when it finally halted, Wind switched to another tune. It was a song he knew well and he saw the horse’s ears flick to and fro as he hummed, listening to him sing a new melody. 

As he did so, he carefully nudged his horse into a walk. He kept humming as they went for the paddock. Wind’s goal this time was not to clear the obstacle course but to show his steed the home they knew was safe. The paddock was mostly empty when they reached, a few cows grazing about and not paying them any mind. Wind glanced back and saw that his horse’s tail no longer flicked  in anxiety before changing their pace into a trot.

But you laugh in all our faces Father Time

You embrace us all no matter our emotion

And we all break down in the arms of your lesson

It went on like that, Wind riding the gray mare to places familiar to them around the farm. They even stopped by where the others were gathered and Wind was relieved to see that none of them had too serious faces. Wild noticed him first and broke away from them to greet Wind.

“Is Malon alright?” Wind asked as he slowed his horse near them.

Wild nodded. “She’ll be fine, she threw up all of a sudden and accidentally caused the ladder to fall on the barrels.”

Wind surveyed the collapsed bits of wood and the ladder that was now propped against the chicken coop, Four and Hyrule were armed with brooms cleaning up the mess and heard Sky inside the coop, probably trying to calm down the cuccos from the sudden noise. 

“Where are Legend and the Captain?” Wind inquired after the missing heroes. 

“Last I heard, Twilight and Legend were taking Malon to the doctor. Warriors said he’d hold down the fort while-” Wild paused. “While Time went to check up on you.”

“On me?”

“On your progress I believe,” said Wild before fumbling with his pockets and bringing out an apple. “You might want to go back before he starts to think your horse panicked and did Hylia knows what.”

Wind stiffened at that before pocketing the apple Wild gave him. “I guess you’re right, I’ll get going then.’”

Wild watched him direct his horse before speaking,”The old man would be proud that you managed to calm her down.”

But Wind was already off, cantering back to the obstacle course. 

So tell us Father Time

The ones who are thankful

How must we reward you?

And you shake your head

Your smile peaceful

Wild was right, Time was waiting for him back at the obstacle course. The older hero smiled as he took them in. “I see you managed to calm her down,” said Time. 

“I thought about what you said,” Wind replied. “About letting your mount know its safe and that this is home, so we went on a ride.”

“To remind her she was safe here,” Time finished and Wind nodded. 

“I’m glad you found your own way of calming her down and that you prioritised her needs before your own,” said Time. “You didn’t take her on the track immediately, did you?”

Wind shook his head. “I can learn the obstacle course another day, we’ll come back here again won’t we?”

Time felt his smile widen at what Wind implied. “Yes, we most definitely will. Even if it’s just for another visit or another lesson, everyone is welcome here.”

Time began walking away and Wind, confused, called out to him. “Wait, where are you going?’

Time looked over his shoulder. “To the stables, I’ll show you how to brush her after we put her in.” 

The only gift I want

Is for you to remember 

My hands only move forward

Never Backward

When Wind and Time returned to the main house, they did not expect the spread of food waiting for them or the festive atmosphere. “We have a right to celebrate!” exclaimed Warriors. “Especially after Wind’s success!”

“All I did was calm her down,” the youngest tried to wave him off. 

“But you’re still in one piece and you didn’t get thrown off!”

“Hey! I wasn’t that bad!”

“But you’re certainly better now,” said Four who pulled up a chair for him to sit. 

Wind pouted as he plopped in his chair, igniting laughter from the rest of them. Wild, Sky and Warriors took it upon themselves to serve the meals shushing Malon and Time every time they both stood up to help. 

“We’re not just celebrating Wind’s lesson, we’re celebrating you and Malon too!” chirped Sky as he handed out portions to everyone.

Your release will come

Only if you look front

Your smile never fades

As you say our fate

“It’s not our birthdays,” said Time uncertainly. “Nor is it our anniversary.”

“We don’t merely celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, we celebrate other things too,” said Hyrule with a wink.

“What are you all up to?” Time asked, suspicion evident in his tone. “Malon?”

Four cleared his throat.  “Actually, we have gifts for you and Malon.”

Time’s eyebrows rose and the rest of them shared a knowing smile. “In fact, I think we should bring them out right now.”

Time was not prepared for the set of small eating utensils that popped out of Four’s bag, or the piece of cloth that emerged from Sky’s, but his eyes definitely widened at the small stuffed seagull Four brought out. As the gifts were placed on the table one by one, Time found himself more and more confused.

Your lessons never end

Do they Father Time?

And you laughed in my face

“You carry a stuffed seagull with you?” were the first words he said when they surrounded him with grins, chairs abandoned. Legend scoffed, “Of all things, that’s what you say first?”

“I don’t wanna hear that from someone who carried a rabbit’s headgear in his pack,” huffed Wind. “It was my sister’s, Legend helped me patch it up so it could be of use again.”

“Again?” Time echoed and the others motioned Malon forward.

“C’mon Malon, it’s time for your gift.” said Hyrule with a face splitting grin.

Malon came forward to her husband, a glowing smile on her face but her hands were empty. “Love?’ Time whispered as her hands gently cupped his face. 

“Today, we celebrate something else, Link.”

“What-” Malon brought her husband’s head to stomach.

“Apparently, they didn’t agree with my breakfast this morning.”

Warm was your embrace

As I broke down

But gone were my worries

My doubts you had freed

It was so odd to see their usual leader like this, in the arms of his wife, with an expression of happiness and bliss. “How long are you? When did you know?” Time was oblivious to everything and everyone except his wife and the piece of knowledge that foretold another figure in their growing family. 

“This afternoon, actually, the boys had planned on surprising you with something else but when we found out well...” Malon trailed off with a chuckle. “We thought we’d combine both surprises.”

“Both? I don’t know if I can handle another surprise.” Time chuckled before kissing Malon and didn’t see the others motion something over. 

When the two broke, Time let out a laugh at what they had brought over. A cake that looked like it had seen war in a kitchen with crudely drawn stick figures and a lopsided triforce sat on the table. 

“You’re not the only mentor who’s been teaching us,” said Twilight. 

“That’s right! Thanks to Malon, we’ve prepared a feast for you,” exclaimed Sky.

Time took in the dinner spread once more and wondered how he had missed the oddly cut vegetables or the soup he had never seen his wife serve. “You taught them how to cook? I must say, my dear, you’re braver than any hero if you tried to teach them the art of the kitchen.”

“They learned for you,” said Wild as he took his seat again. “For everything you’ve done for us.”

“We’re confident in the taste,” said Hyrule. “But if you do get sick then that means you’ll have a day of rest from the farm.”

Time laughed at the words before sighing. “What are we waiting for then? The food looks good enough to eat.”

They put their gifts away and returned to their chairs, for tonight they were not heroes or people from different worlds and timelines. They were students and teachers, a family of a sorts enjoying the new arrival that would come in the near future and basking in the afterglow of everything that had happened. The Hero of Time did not know where the roads of Fate would bring them all. But as he took in their faces, the smiles of his family, he knew. He would teach them and guide them to whatever life they chose. 

[ashleyswrittenwords]

The Bitterness of Almost Making It (II)

Premise: Zelda’s carriage has been ambush and she rushes through the night to escape certain death. (TP ZeLink)

Small Note:  I wrote this on a whim because I can’t leave things sad.

Part One

Word Count: 1915

——-

Blackness.

A deepness she had never felt pulling her into a state of nothingness.

It didn’t push, it didn’t claw or spark fear in what little consciousness she had left. Rather, it enveloped her senses and cradled her being. Zelda didn’t wonder; she didn’t think; she didn’t understand the intense feeling of loss in her breast.

Sometimes the darkness shifted – like seeing the sun with closed eyes. If a chill overtook her, it didn’t last. Whispers of safety silently reached her and despite the tugging call that pricked the absence of her thoughts, that carefully woven blackness was quick to quell the worry and coax her back into the comfort of nothing.

There was a contentedness in her soul; a rightness she couldn’t place. The cognition to identify it didn’t manifest itself to her, leaving without anything to dwell on for the first time in a long time. Her mind was used to continuous churning with endless conflicts needed to be dealt with. If she wasn’t writing her thoughts in bulleted notes, her thoughts did it for her in her sleep and slowly stifled any room for personal enjoyment. There had even been a time when she preferred that state of mind.

It had taken a man dressed in an obnoxious green with a head as stubborn as hers to convince her that life wasn’t all about solutions. Some problems weren’t meant to be solved. Sometimes merely coping was enough. In doing that, at some point she saw him as one. His presence was a thrill she never knew. He pushed her in more positive ways, showing her new places and people beyond marble walls. In turn, her curiosity pushed him to travel more as she couldn’t be out for long.

Link’s adventuring didn’t quiet that curiosity either. In the dead of night, she would find him on her balcony with a rucksack of artifacts that spanned to the far reaches of her kingdom and beyond. A common excuse was how she needed to decipher a long-dead language for him or solve an elaborate riddle. That excuse later melted into simply wanting her to see the world from her room.

The man’s absence, really, was the issue. It bothered Zelda to the point of near madness. In the short silences with her advisors, a sheer remembrance of his form would leave her carefully plotted thoughts to come tumbling down. The Hyrulean queen didn’t forget. She was methodic and scientific, with all her actions having a purpose. For nearly a month, she worried she had developed an early onset of Alzheimer’s. How else was she to explain the recurring blanking of her mind?

Eventually, it dawned on her. It happened in the early hours of the morning when the sun had not yet risen. Link had gathered his belongings and was scoping out the ground from the railing – trying to decide if the guard rotations had changed. They hadn’t, she knew, despite his incessant nagging.

As she watched him take account and drum his fingers against the metal, she came to the acute realization that she didn’t want him to leave. It spread to her cheeks and further when he asked her what was wrong. Like everything she told him, she spoke the truth. Except then it was in a series of flustered words that shocked him as much as it shocked her.

“I do not know what it means,” she had said about the hole he left between visits, barely meeting his eyes. “You make me happy.”

Without attempting to hide his southern drawl, he wore a toothy grin and a slight flush.

“You make me happy, too.”

The memory was cut abruptly short as a cold stiffness crawled over her. Blindly, she shifted towards the unknown warmth.

Then, without warning, a searing pain tore through her side. With a choked gasp, Zelda’s eyes shot open only to be foiled by a blinding light. The brightness faded quickly to a dull glow and that glow revealed her surroundings. The softness under her was a twin bed and the warmth wide cobalt eyes lined with dark circles. A familiar touch gently, but with a certain sternness, pulled her back down.

“Don’t move,” his voice reached her ear. The warmth left her as he moved out from the place he held her.

Blond hair shone messy in the light that filtered in from the window. Zelda was wearing a shirt she didn’t recognize and he bunched the fabric up below her breasts. The delicate manner in which he did it hadn’t insinuated sensuality, in Link’s eyes were a calculating focus that swept down the bandages that wrapped her middle. He mumbled something under his breath and as if he forgot she was there, his gaze blinked up to hers.

The frustration in his face melted into relief and then tenderness. The man lifted himself from the ground to sit on the bed. There was a slight tremor in Zelda’s hands as she felt the smoothness of his face and he leaned down. His callous fingers lightly grasped her forearms and traced light circles on her soft skin. When their foreheads touched, words couldn’t suffice to express hushed alleviation in their hearts.

“I have been gravely injured, imprisoned against my will, and suffered grief so great I thought I would die,” Link said, opening his eyes to look into hers. “But nothing has scared me so immensely than facing a reality without you.”

His hands folded over her trembling ones and brought them to his mouth for a long kiss. Zelda watched him with knitted brows. For a long moment, she relished in the fact that he was merely existing here with her.

“Thank you,” she croaked out. The dryness of her throat made her cough, which made her wince painfully.

It made him frown, “You need water.”

He kept a light grasp on her wrist. “It’s been two days.”

Two days? That was what she wanted to ask, but she feared the pain that would come with speaking. Thankfully, he read her astonishment.

“I thought you wouldn’t wake up,” he shook his head, raking a hand through his hair and went to rummage through a bag across the room. From the distance he mused about where he had put his skein.

When he returned he helped her to a partial seat, mindful of her injury.

“Slow,” he quietly goaded her when she went to take in more water than she could reasonably bear. “Or you’ll start coughing again.”

“Have,” Zelda tested. Her throat hurt, but not as scraping as before. “Have you told anyone where I am?”

“Only a couple people in Ordon,” he mumbled, capping the water skein again. “I sent notice to the castle without including a location. Not when I don’t know why this happened.”

“I doubt there is a keenness to replace me so quickly.”

A ghost of a smile graced his hardened features. “No, I doubt there is.”

They settled into a comfortable silence as his gaze was split between her and the bandages. Then, Link somberly drew a feather-like touch over her skin, “It’s going to scar. I’m afraid I’m not used to stitching up other people.”

Zelda nodded, not remotely as worried about her appearance as he feared. If she had to guess, she was in a state of disrepair as it was. Her hair was completely free to be as unruly as it wished and the long shirt she wore wasn’t even her own. Though, she did notice Link had tried to wipe the dirt off her skin the best he could. Her fingers lazily found his, interlocking into a seamless hold. Affection bloomed in her chest when he squeezed his hand around hers.

“You told me about the council’s vote,” he said.

In truth, she thought that had been a dream. Zelda bit the inside of her lip, watching for his reaction and when he displayed none, her chest tightened.

Zelda shook her head, “Link, you don’t have to accept. I went behind your back and it was not fair of me.”

She was grasping for straws now, trying to find the right words in her lap. Link’s entire life was in the outdoors. For her to wrought him of that enjoyment…

Link breathed in and held it. “A month ago I proposed to you and you broke down.”

His eyes were critically examining her digits, turning over her hand as if it were foreign. His voice was indifferent, “You were distraught about something. I couldn’t figure out whether it was the ring or the man that was wrong. Then, I heard you say ‘the kingdom’.” He looked up at the ceiling, “And I thought ‘I can deal with being accused of treason if she let me steal her away’. But that wasn’t it because you wouldn’t abandon a lost dog, much less Hyrule.

“I like to think I’m an observant man, so when you went on about royal marriages and the rules for it I figured it was your way of letting me down. Gods, it hurt, but I could get through that if it made you happy,” he met her with a quizzical brow. “How would requesting my candidacy for marriage be considered going behind my back?”

“Because,” she faltered, “Because I don’t want to trap you into a life you don’t want. It’s not easy and I care about you more than that.”

He squeezed her hand again and searched her eyes. “Zelda, I’ve been romantically involved with the queen for years. I have read virtually every book about the constitutions of being your husband since I realized how horribly and irrevocably in love with you I am.”

Her face fell. “But Link-”

“Do you want me?” There was a desperation in his tone. His fingers twitched nervously. His words were thick, “I don’t come from much. If that’s your concern, I understand, and I’ll do everything I can to learn the right etiquette.”

“I want you more than anything,” Zelda said quickly. “I want you. Not the pleasantries and the etiquette and the manners. Your presence would be enough.”

The tension in his grip slipped and suddenly he left her side. She grew afraid that she had said something wrong until he came back with a small trinket in his hand. In the same manner as he did a month ago, he got down on one knee.

He cleared his voice and smiled, “I did this once and I’ll do it a million more times until I get an answer. Will you marry me?”

Queen Zelda had always told herself and her constituents that she didn’t need protecting. She was a master in the art of archery and could hold her own in a fair fight. For so long, she was convinced that if she could hold her own nothing could reach her. Especially not the hero she hardly knew that stuck around to rebuild after the disaster.

The petite ruby ring in his hand sparkled in the morning light, but all she saw was the hope in his eyes. It was then that she found that she wanted to wake up to that every morning, no matter the obstacles she had to overcome – because now he would by her side to help. The pain in her side subsided further with the realization.

Watery eyes clouded her vision as it did then. Her answer first came in a nod and then a weak, “Yes.”

[rcguna-archived]

“I like when you smile...” b-bEAR??? 🥺👉🏽👈🏽

send one for raguna’s reaction || [ open ] @telesthisia

Raguna has always loved the weather over Hyrule. Where he lived outside of Kakariko in the fields it was always a wonderful temperature perfect for the season. The summers didn’t scorch. The winters weren’t merciless. And the sun always brought the perfect warmth to each of his days outside in the fields. Sure he may never learn how it was that he ended up here and found himself living this life, but he was glad that his predicament dropped him here where he could meet so many wonderful people and be able to help them as they once did for him.

Elle had come for a visit it would seem, unannounced as usual (though he of course would never say he minded, which was the truth) and caught him in the midst of tending to another section of farmland in what could only be described as the perfect sort of fall weather. The pumpkins were getting big, they’d be ready in another week or so for the festivals of the season. And he was very much looking forward to getting them carved. And the pies. And everything else he had planned.

All of this spells for quite the smile on his face as he looks out over the field while enjoying the mild weather, which she is quite kind to remark on-

“A-ah! Elle! Uh, hello, I was- you said I have-” Critical goddamn hit. He’s totally off guard and undefended. “You uh. Thank you.” He’s flustered and it’s probably even more endearing to see for the secret princess. “I... I like when you smile too.”

[ethien]

Urbosa x ganondorf lemon ?

I am really, really sorry it took longer than I wanted. I had not a lot time (convention, workshop and personal things) and yeah…a little motivation down, too.

I am really really sorry too that it isn’t really lemon. I really got no great idea for describing. I only mention they had a great night and some things.

But what I have to say: Your ship idea is fantastic. With the lore from the games, there can be a lot more stories. I tried to hint a bit in it.

Hope you liked the result despite the fact it isn’t really this you requested.

Know your Place

Words: 1.361

They nevermeet before. But the Look they shared spoke more than words. They were bothgerudo. She was the upcoming queen of her race, he was one of the rarest malegerudo. At first, it confused her to see him. If a male gerudo was born, heshould be the king. A male gerudo only happen every 10.000 years. However, atthis point it seemed no one knew about him. Expect for her. She wantedeverybody to know there was a male. But on the other side something inside hersaid no. The glance he gave her said the same. So she stayed quiet.

She wasfascinated by him. He was a tale man, around the age between 20 to 30. His hairwas short and red like hers. It made a round up with his beard. It gave him amasculine touch. His eyes were yellow but shined a bit golden in the light. Theglance he had with it was a proud and sinister one. To other, he would looklike a dreadful man with evil desires. For her, it was kind of sympathetic.Maybe it was the fact he was a gerudo like her. She found him attractive in hereyes.

However,before she could talk to him, he was out of her view. It wasn’t the last timeshe saw him.

It tooktime after they saw each other again. She walked around the oases and in a darkcorner, she saw him. And he saw her. Without thinking, she went straight tohim.

He saidnothing, he just stares at her.

“It’s notcommon for a male gerudo to hide” she said to him. He only chuckled.

“It isn’tcommon for a male gerudo to follow old rules”

“So you’renot interested in it?” she asked with a slight provoke way. He just laughed.

“Yeah, I amnot. Our homeland have some suitable queens. Here in the desert and the kingdomhyrule itself.”

“Hyrule hasstill a king”

“I know.But there will be a time his daughter will take his place. In my eyes, sheshould take the role now”

“Why do youthink this?” she asked. She had a strong friendship with the king of hyrule undfelt a bit offended by his words.

“You haveto admit that his way of teaching isn’t the best. You can read it in the eyesof the princess. Is it right…Urbosa?”

Her eyeswiden. She should not be surprised he knew her name – she was the upcomingqueen.

“Oh my,surprised? I know I am not interested in the king thing. But I indeed know wholeads out homeland” he just said.

“And withwhom I have the pleasure?”

“Ganondorf”

It wasn’tthe last little meeting they had. Urbosa was quite fascinated by this man butcould not understand why. On the other side, Ganondorf seemed to enjoy theirlittle encounters.

They oftenmeet in the early nights, mostly on lost streets. She wondered why but neverquestioned it.

“Nice tosee you, Ganondorf. Just another night walking around the streets?” she askedwhen she saw his figure leaning against the wall. He just chuckled by it.

“What if Ijust wanted to see you?” he asked and a slight smirk went over his face. It gotthe reaction he wanted – Urbosa’s cheeks turned a slight pink. “And I believedit is the same for you. I often see you at exactly the time where I am. Thisisn’t just coincidence in my eyes”

“Well, yougot me!” she admitted and looked him directly in his eyes.

“You’re theonly male gerudo, but had no interest in being the king. You never showed up toothers expect me. You caught my interest and well…after we talked for sometime…You’re a quite interesting person”

“Such anhonor to get those lovely words of yours. You’re the first one who thinks suchhigh from me” he answered and looked back in her eyes.

“Why?”

But he juststayed silent by this question. It made her really curious – the reason seemedto be a difficult one. However, she did not want to persist.

“Want tojoin in my walk?” he suddenly asked, she nodded and they started walkingaround.

They walkedaround and chat a little bit about everything. For everyone else it seemed theywere friends with a deep bond. They stayed close to each other, the deep andmeaningful glances and how they talked and appreciate each other. No one wouldbelieve they were more strangers than deep friends.

Theyarrived at the hidden entrance from Urbosa’s home.

“Now it’sthe time to say goodbye again” he said.

“It’s kindof sad you’re only here at night. But I understand if you have reasons for it”

“Believeme” he said in a dark voice. “It is better to just meet me at night”

Before shecould ask why, he was nowhere to seen.

“A strangeman”

Days passedand Urbosa did not see Ganondorf in the streets at night. It made her a bit sadand frustrated. She believed she wasn’t too persistent with his person. Hissudden staying away and his little comments were weird.

She sighedand walked back.

“Were youwaiting for me?” he asked when she saw the tall man leaning against her door.At first, she was happy to see him. But also a bit angry.

She decidednot to answer. She had a feeling her words could be harder than she wanted. Forher, it was the best to walk past him.

“Oh my, youwere waiting and now you’re angry. Typical woman” he just chuckled and got afurious glance from her.

“Shut up”she only said and looked away from him. He should not see how flustered shewas.

She heardhim laughing.

“I likethis side of you. It means you can act like every other gerudo and nothing highsociety. It suits you better”

By thosewords, Urbosa turned around and saw immediately how honest he was with it.

“I am sorryI was away for some days. I cannot explain why and I know this isn’t really agood excuse. To be honest…this will be our last meeting. And I want to spend mylast hours in peace with someone I appreciate. Will you do me the favor?”

Urbosa wascurious about the reasons. However, if she would ask him, he would avoid it.And it would cost precious time.

“Alright. Iam usually not the type for these short things…but I really want to spend timewith you. And if this is the only time and opportunity, I will take it.”

He lookedstraight into her face and gave her an honest smile.

“I reallyappreciate your answer. I promise when the time will come…I will explaineverything to you”

She neverknew it will be the last time with him.

Despite thefact it was a short night for both of them, it was one of the beautiful nightsin her lifetime. On the first side, everyone would expect him to be rough andemotionless. But the truth was that he was a kind and lovely man in bed. Heexamined every inch of her, he softly touched every soft and sensitive area. Itfelt like heaven for Urbosa. Maybe it was the fact he was also gerudo like her.

However, itwasn’t only soft and slow. With the time, he took more speed in it. Their heartsbeats in the same rhythm, their breaths were full of desire and lust and theirbodies seemed to melt together.

She felt hewas a special man and she enjoyed every second with him. But the time was shortand in the next moment, she woke up alone in her bed. She could smell his scentin her sheets. He left without anything behind. It was if he was never by herside.

She sighed.Now it was time to live on.

He promisedher to come back and explain everything. She hoped he will come back.

She neversaw him again in her lifetime.

[finaldestiny12]

The daughters of Ganondorf chapter 4: interrogation and interview

Link woke up chained to a stone chair.(I guess they think I'd break through ropes)Link thought to himself. Link examined the room around him. It was a circular room, very dark, the only light was coming from a small window shining in his face.

Impa was standing across from him. Her arms crossed giving him a suspicious glare. Link stretch his neck and asked "You want to tell me what this is about?". Impa walked up to him and put a short blade to his throat. "I'm going to ask you some questions and you're going to answer them truthfully, understand?".

Not waiting for him to answer she asked "Tell me everything you know.". Link responded by whistling the first few notes of Zelda's Lullaby. Impa was shocked and pierced Links skin a little, causing blood to trickle down his neck. "How do you know that song?!" "I know it because you taught it to me." Link said. "Well not you but....." "Get to the point!" Impa demanded. "Alright lady Impa what do you really know about the Temple of Time?"

Link went on to explain important details about the other timeline. Not everything he knew, he left out his adventures and Termina, and he didn't share every detail about his adventures in Hyrule. He just explained enough to satisfy her. Impa put her blade away and began unlocking Link's chains.

"As unlikely as your story sounds I believe you. Only the strange fate of the Royal Family would have led to such events." The chains fell off Link with a heavy clink. Link stood up and started stretching, it felt like he was sitting on that chair for hours. "So I'm free to go?" He asked. "Yes, I still don't like the fact that you know so much but for what you did, well for what you tried to do I'll let you go."

Impa knock on the only door in the room. "Thaden get in here." She said. Before too long another Sheikah walked into the room. Link knew it was a Sheikah not by how he look but by what he was wearing. His face was completely obscured by a mask. "Show him back to the barracks." She told him. He nodded, and gestured for Link to follow him.

Thaden didn't say anything, just lead him down the castles dungeons, and out to one of the many ornate hallways of the Castle. When they got a little ways down someone called to Thaden from behind.

"Ha Thaden!" A man in what looks to be Noble casual wear was running in their Direction. Thaden lowered his hood and mask. He had the same white hair and red eyes as every other sheikah did. The only thing was a huge scar on the left side of his face.

"Lord Havarl." He said addressing the noble. "I take it this is the Knight hopeful that caused all the commotion today?" Asked the nobleman. "He is." Answered Thaden. "Link this is lord Lance Amadeus Havarl. My lord this is Link." Lance extended his hand to Link. "It's a pleasure to meet officially." He said. (Officially?) Link thought to himself. Link took a closer look at the man, and realized it was the same knight that interrupted his fight this morning. "I almost didn't recognize you without your armor, pleasures mine."

The two shook hands. Lance then turn toward Thaden. "I'll take it from here ,you can go." He said. Thaden gave a small bowel then left. Lance turn back to Link. "If you don't mind there's somebody who wants to talk to you." He said. "If you don't want to go now that's fine we can do it later if you would like." Link Shrugged. "I've got nothing better to do right now so why not."

Lance lead him out of the castle and to a tower. It had banners with the same red bird as he saw on Lance's armor. When they got inside they went into a an office. A woman was sitting at a desk. She was wearing golden armor and a long red cape. Her hair was red and other than a scar over her eye and an eye patch she was very beautiful.

When she saw him come in she stood up from her chair. "Link I presume." She said. She extended her hand. "It's good to finally meet face-to-face." Link shook her hand. "You have me at a disadvantage Miss....?" She smiled at him. "I am Lucina Wingates Valentine , house Valentine, last of the Valentine family, and Knight General of the Red Wings." "I'm Link." She chuckled a little and then set back down.

"Onto business then. You're wondering why you're here." She said. Link at across from her. " I assume it has something to do with my introduction this morning." He said. She smiled at him again. "No actually. This has to do with your actions during the Battle of Lon-Lon Ranch seven years ago." The battle of Lon Lon Ranch. Link thought back to it. "I remember now." He said. "You we're one of the knights fighting Ganondorf." She nodded. "You remembered good that saves me having to explain a few things. Now I'd like to ask you a few questions. First what are the name of your parents?"

Link thought about lying but decided quickly that it was probably better to tell the truth. "I don't know anything about my father. As for my mother the only thing I know is that she died carrying me into the forest." He said. "Then who raised you?" She asked. "The guardian Spirit of the forest the great Deku Tree." He answered. She just stared at him for a moment. "Well that's neat"

This line of questioning continued over the next few minutes. Eventually Link stopped her and asked. "Is there a point to all of this?" "Yes actually." She said. "In truth I was judging your reactions rather than your answers." "So what do you think?" He asked. "Well you answer truthfully from what I can tell. And you took this seriously which you should have. Overall I think you did pretty well." "So now what?" He asked. "Now? Now I extend an invitation to you to join the Red Wing Knights." She said. Link gave her a confused look. "I appreciate your offer, but don't I have to train for like 3 years before I can join a proper company of knights?" "Ordinarily yes however, the king has saw fit to allow you and a few other Knight hopefuls graduate early." She said.

"Really why?" Asked Link. "Officially it's because you already possess enough skill to be a knight proper." She said. She leaned in closer and said in a quiet voice. "In reality your little display this morning spooked the king. He wants you under his Direct command as soon as possible. Letting the other Knights graduate early is just to keep the Nobles from complaining that their children didn't graduate early."

Link leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh. "I suppose there's nothing left to be said then. I accept your offer." Link wasn't heartbroken over this. It just means that he could get his five mandatory years of Knighthood over with. After that he was free to do what he wanted. "Glad to hear it." She said. "Now we still have to wait until you're properly knighted, but once all the formalities are over with I think you'll make an excellent addition to the Red Wings ,welcome sir Link."

This has been chapter 4 of what I hope to be a long-running Legend of Zelda fanfiction. Thank you for reading please stay tuned for chapter 5.

[helvetious]

Reward, and other tales :: Linked Universe ::

Inspired by the incredibly fun Linked Universe AU by @jojo56830​ , and their latest updates. I do not know how the real plot is, and I’m taking free takes on their interactions and stories- but in truth, I know nothing. I just want to show my appreciation towards this wonderful AU.

The song “A River Flows in You” as a general mood for these drabbles.

Comfort. 

Most of them had nightmares. Some more often than others. The Wild Hero woke up from them terrified, breathless, and not remembering a goddamn thing of it.

His eyes wouldn't adjust fast enough and he would be left blind for two, three tortuous, desperate seconds. A sob would form on his throat and he didn't know why. His eyes would water and his chest would hurt and he couldn't know why.

He did not like having others touching him when he was like this. He refused the Chosen Hero, the first one who tried to provide physical contact.

"I don't like when people touch me" the young wild man would say.

The Chosen Hero, respectful as he always had been, never questioned him, never insisted again. Even when he suspected him.

And with good reason- for the truth was, that the Hero of the Wild was touch starved. 

He would like to feel warmth of another living, breathing being. He craved for the safety that he as a hero was supposed to provide.

He was so lost sometimes. Even with them around. He was so lost.

But he didn't know how to ask for help. Everyone in the group had their own demons, everyone put up with them on their own- or so he believed. Even if offered, he couldn't handle the small peck of humiliation he felt on the back of his neck, to the idea of requesting comfort after rejecting it at first.

The next time it happened and to his bad luck, one of the other heroes that was awake keeping watch had been sitting just near where he nested.

"Are you alright?" asked the Hero of Twilight.

The Hero of the Wild hugged his own arms and looked down, waiting for his eyes to retrieve their focus, panting. "I'm fine" he breathed.

The Hero of Twilight looked at him with doubt, and the Wild Hero could feel the man's gaze on his cheek.

When he heard rustle of clothing and movement beside him, his first reaction was to flinch. "I don't like when people touch me" he lied again, softly, with regret.

But when he could see again, and he managed to look up, he saw his friend- he who trusted best among them all, stand up, give him a short nod. And then he left, walked into the woods.

The Wild Hero felt his guilt and his loneliness made a void in his stomach as he stared to where his friend had disappeared and let out a shaky, weak sigh.

And then it appeared.

A grand, black wolf with strange gray markings on his face. It made the hero squint, a little, and then he recognized him.

The wolf approached him carefully, but not out of fear. There was sentient, honest worry in his eyes. The Champion opened his arms slowly, his heart beating fast into his chest as he invited the creature closer.

"Hello" he whispered. He heard himself in a tone of begging as he added, "Friend."

The patient black wolf reached him at last, and the hero's arms encircled the beast's thick neck. He buried his face in the familiar fur, closed his eyes. He inhaled it, the smell of the forest through the mane of the beast, and noticed just the faintest scent of a dear friend.

A lump formed in his throat.

When his hug tightened around the beast's neck, and the hero pressed more of himself to the creature- seeking warmth, the wolf did not whine. When his shoulders shook, the beast rested his head against one of them and waited. His eyes still searched around, his long ears twitched in alert just in case danger came.

It was still, after all, his turn to keep watch.

But even when the Hero of the Wild calmed down and his breathing evened, even when he fell asleep again, the wolf did not move away. 

Praise.

For most of his life, the Hero Time thought himself a bitter person, jaded and hardened by the path the Master Sword forged for him, and then denied him.

He held no love for the Sword nor the Goddess it bent for, and resented the wants that they inspired in him. The thirst he used to have for glory, for a legacy of his own- all that he once reached and then lost, in another time.

The sweet one was his wife, beautiful and caring.

She didn't call him brave, or courageous, or strong.

All that praise was given by soldiers, by kings and princesses. He heard them enough times. He resented them, for they fed his ego, indulging the hunger of his sword.

His wife called him kind. She said he had a big heart.

She saw his scarred face, his battered body, his hands tainted with death and duty. And, she called him handsome.

And he had to believe her, for she would never lie to him.

She called them the silliest pet names she could think of. Those, thought the Hero of Time, those were the real praise.

(The day he left, she kissed his hands, cupped his face and called him "sweet". It rained that day. As he rode away, he was thankful it rained that day.)

Reward.

The Captain, the Hero of Warriors, decided to stray into the nearest village that day. Truly, he was on duty to bring milk and wheat, but he blew some rupees of his own pocket to bring a bottle containing a dark, strange beverage.

Most warriors in the group knew what it was- their eyes sparkled with a tiny bit of longing, as they watched the bottle rest on the Captain's lap.

Dinner went smoothly, the stew was a delight, the bread was fresh. There was an almost tangible sense of anticipation in the air, the men eager to indulge in the present brought by the Hero of Warriors.

The Hero of Winds was not allowed to have not even a sip.

He just sat on the ground, hugging his knees as he saw his seniors drink and laugh together.

Someone sat by his side.

"I promise to you, dear" said the Hero of the Four Swords, "it tastes bad anyway."

It didn't matter. "I'm just as much a warrior as you all are" huffed the youngest hero.

"And no one is denying it" the older hero spoke.

"Then why can't I share with you?" he sounded hurt and with fair reason.

The Hero of the Four Swords cleared his throat awkwardly. "This is an awful habit, actually. Shameful even" he said. "No one here wants to take the responsibility that will mean introducing you to it."

The Hero of the Winds blinked at him. "Oh," he said.

They watched The Hero of Time take one gulp of the bottle, give a smile a bit wider than usual and then say "Now that's enough for me."

Then, he stood up for patrol. The Hero of Legend accompanied him.

The Hero of Warriors booed at them, over and over until the two older men disappeared into the forest. The Hero of Twilight shook his head. The Hero of the Wild said nothing though- he pried the bottle of the Captain's hands and took the next, large gulp.

The Chosen hero laughed. "Don't hurt yourself, my friend" he said, the alcohol in his system allowing the faintest, tiniest touch of sass in his comment.

The Hero of Hyrule told the first joke. The Hero of Twilight told the second.

And from there, as the bottle passed from hand to hand, the tales got raunchier. Or at least, The Hero of Warriors made everything sound horrible, laughing loud and shamelessly.

Some jokes were too much- they made the Captain blush, the Chosen Hero cover his reddening face. They made the Wild Hero's pull his hoodie on and hide behind the laughing Hero of Twilight.

The Hero of Four Sword cursed under his breath. "Seems they all forgot you are here."

The Hero of the Winds let out a titter. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The sword smith blinked at the younger hero, who looked at him with naive, wide eyes. Every joke that was thrown, he barely paid any attention. Every joke flew over the boy's head like an enemy arrow on a lucky day.

"You're very precious, little one" he said, at last. He wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulders and squeezed him.

"Why don't you drink with them?" coughed the young sailor.

"Mmhmh" said the older warrior. "There's a reward to keeping sober. I'm sharing it with you."

The young warrior's eyes widened with wonder. "What kind of reward?"

Just then, the Hero of Warriors tripped over himself, fall on top the Hero of Hyrule, and on his way down he kicked dirk into the bonfire, managing to extinguish it.

Loud curses filled the night.

The Hero of the Winds laughed, until tears filled his eyes. He leaned into his friend's embrace and the sword smith laughed, hard, himself.

"We get to see these fools embarrass themselves".

Handiwork.

He used to be obsessed with it.

With a legacy of his own, a legacy he once built and then was taken away from him. It hurt his heart, it hurt his soul. It filled him with bitterness, and while a lot healed when he grew older, wiser- got married, when he found a bit of happiness, there was still something giving tiny pecks at the back of his neck.

Groundless impatience, burning doubt.

What was left of the insecurities his wife couldn't kiss away disappeared on the first day he trained the Hero of Twilight.

The boy was strong.

Sure he had no elegance, had the clumsiest footwork, yes. But ah, when their swords first met the weight of the blow had the Hero of Time's weapon recoil with a deafening sound, had it shake in his hand. Had him hiss in pain as his wrist protested at the sudden abuse. His stand almost faltered.

The Hero of Twilight was unstoppable. A furious, beautiful force of nature.

When their swords met a second time, he was prepared- he wasn't going to underestimate the boy again. He held the blow and their eyes locked to one another.

The Hero of Twilight had his face twisted in determination, in thirst for victory- a thirst the Hero of Time knew too well. But the blue of his eyes spoke with the softness, kindness. One that the Hero of Time also knew, all too well.

When he saw the boy's nose, he saw his wife.

And when he saw the boy's eyes, he saw himself.

And then it hit him.

As he found his strength and noticed a weakness in the boy's feet, managed to push him down, make him lose his sword. 

Was it a cruel joke from the goddesses? To know his blood was cursed by the sword still, over the generations.

Was it a blessing? To meet him.

He was panting as he pointed his sword to the boy's face, who looked up at him with defiance.

Ready to face him once more.

That is when the Hero of Time knew that his legacy wasn't a concept anymore, a legend, an epic.

His new legacy had a shape. The shape of this boy, the hair of this boy, the eyes, the blood of this boy. His legacy still had some chub on his cheeks, from the innocence that didn't fully leave him just yet.

His legacy was a walking, breathing being.

And when the time passed and the boy grew better, stronger, when he managed to disarm his senior for the first time, the Hero of Time felt his heart swell with happiness.

The young man before him was his handiwork, and he could not be any prouder.

"Good job" he breathed. My boy, he wanted to add- but the words would get stuck on his throat, choking him.

They choked him every time, afterwards. He could never bring himself to say them. But the Hero of Twilight kept on growing, kept on getting stronger. He began to almost beat him during sparring sessions. Almost.

Sometimes the pride was too much, too overwhelming, too unbearable. His love would find a way to pour itself outside his heart and try to reach the younger hero. He would indulge, sometimes; ruffle the boy's hair, pinch his cheek.

Sometimes he called him "pup", teasing in his voice. Sometimes the word would come out of his mouth dripping nothing but adoration.

It often earned him a look of suspicion, from the Hero of Twilight.

Did he know?

The Hero of Time will never tell him. This was enough.

This was enough for him.

His horse's name was Epona. The Hero of Time smiled fondly whenever he approached the mare, nostalgia filling his chest for the loss of his own sweet Epona, who passed some years ago.

The Hero of Twilight whistled to her, played on the Horse Grass, her song. A song the older man knew too well.

He sang along, his voice raspy and not as sweet as the boy's instrument.

The Hero of Twilight stopped playing, looked at him.

"How do you know this song?" he asked, eyes squinting, his nose wrinkled.

The Hero of Time smiled at him, hands twitching at his side because oh how he wanted to pinch that nose. His wife's nose.

"How do you know this song?" he asked, instead.

They held each other's gaze.

The Hero of Twilight then swallowed, his face growing warm, pink. His lips pressed into a tight line and he inhaled deeply before he spoke. He let Epona press her nose to his cheek, but did not look away from his senior.

His stand was firm, like a warrior. His eyes were soft, like a hero.

"I've known this song all my life" he said, his voice was full of pride and affection.

The Hero of Time heard himself gasp, his eyes widening- his heart jumping to his throat, rendering him speechless, breathless.

The boy knew. He knew all along.

[luimagines]

The Chain Confesses While Your Hurt/Upset Part 3

Masterlist

Part 1 Part 2

The third and final part of this instalment will include Sky, Twilight and Hyrule!

You know the drill, content under the cut!

Sky

Sky was on watch again and there was still some time before the sun was supposed to rise.

Strangely, he felt more awake than he knew he usually would.

It was unnerving and Sky didn’t know what to do with change or what it meant.

He sighed and let the sounds of the terrain cascade over him. The gentle whispers from the breeze shook the leaves and there was subtle calls from the wildlife through the night.

It was calming.

Sky couldn’t figure out why he was so tense. 

He took another breath and look around his friends, all asleep and worn out from the day’s events. Even he could admit it was rather uneventful considering their circumstances, but he welcomed it.

As he glanced at each of his companions, he felt his gaze linger on you a little longer.

He knew he was smitten with you.

He knew that if you were to ask him- he’d give you his heart, soul, and everything in between. There was little he wouldn’t do for you and every time you so much as smiled at him, he would collapse into a warm puddle within himself.

But you weren’t smiling right now.

Actually the longer he stared, the more it looked like you were actually quite upset.

A nightmare?

Sky stood up and made his way over to you, trying his hardest to not step on the boys in the process.

It was only when he squatted by your side did you whimper and curl further into yourself. 

Seeing as you weren’t awake just yet, it gave all the information Sky needed to make his decision.

He reached over and shook your shoulder violently and took a step back.

You jolted awake with a gasp and blinked your eyes a few times, taking in your surroundings. Sky waited for you to realize where you were before he reached forward again. “Hey. You ok?”

“Oh.” You took in a breath and sat up. “I... I think so.”

Sky sat down next to you and brushed your hair away from your shoulder and out of your eyes. 

“Was it bad?” You ask him.

“You tell me.” Sky smiles a bit.

“I wasn’t thrashing around too much, was I?” You reiterate and look around the group. “I didn’t wake anyone up?”

“No, it was actually kind of hard to tell you were even having a nightmare.” Sky admits.

“Oh... ok, good, that’s probably the best case scenario.” You gulps and place your hand over your heart, taking long deep breaths to calm yourself down. “Thank goodness it was just a dream.”

“Was it bad?” Sky throws your question back at you.

You startle and look Sky in the eye, gripping your blankets with iron like strength. Sky takes a note.

“It...” You shake your head. “It could have been worst. It wasn’t even that scary. Just... disturbing...and sad. I’d rather not have those mental images again.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

“Um.... Can I join you?”

“Absolutely.” Sky stands up and gives you his hand. You take it without hesitation and let him lift you onto your feet. Silently, you follow him back to the watch log and take a sit next to him. You’re still a little shaken by what you’ve seen in your own mind and you don’t mind taking a moment to digest and process it.

Sky for his part is staring to feel a little silly. He wants to spend more time with you, yes, but now what? And how does he not make a fool of himself now that he’s actually spending time alone with you?

A part of him is starting to catastrophize, thinking of all the ways he can do something stupid and completely ruin his reputation. For all he knows he’s going to trip (even if he’s sitting right now) and fall right into the fire. You’d laugh at him- never take him seriously again and then he’d really never have a chance with you.

He knows it’s illogical and it’s actually not the worst thing that can happen- but his nerves at getting to him and it’s making him question everything.

“Sky, can I ask you something?” You say after a tense moment of silence.

“Sure.” Sky’s voice cracks. He coughs a little to clear his throat and tries again. “Yeah, anything. Go ahead.”

“Why do I make you so nervous?” You say.

Suddenly Sky feels like he’s been punched in the heart. For all the wrong reasons.

Your voice is quiet and resigned... your sad and you don’t look at him. “Do I scare you or something? Is there something about me that you don’t trust? Did I do something wrong?”

“No, no, no, not at all.” Sky rushes to quell your fear, even if he’s starting to panic.

“Then what?” You sigh and pull your knees up. “Did I make you upset? I know you don’t like confrontation but I don’t know why you’ve been getting worse... If it was something I did, you can tell me, I’m grown, I can take it, what did I do wrong?”

“You did nothing wrong.”

“Well, I’ve had to have done something.” You snap. “You always try to end the conversation early and leave. You don’t like spending time with me, and you almost never answer my questions with a full sentence. You can never look me in the eye and have to wonder what on earth goes through your head if you don’t even want to stand next to me. Sometimes I think you’re just nice to me because you’re a good person but I don’t think you like me very much.”

Sky gulps heavily and begins weighing his options.

“I think you know that I like you.” You mutter.

Wait. WHAT?

“Is that what the problem is?” Your voice jumps a little on the last word and it sounds like you’re going to cry. “Was I too obvious? Did I make you uncomfortable? God, I’m sorry. I can pull back. I’m pretty sure you have a girlfriend anyway.. right? That Zelda? I mean, your Zelda? You’re together, aren’t you? I’m so stupid. Of course you’re together, what on earth was I thinking?”

“We’re not.” Sky jumps in his seat and twists his body to face you head on. “You’re wrong. You’re so wrong. I don’t have a girlfriend.”

Sky reaches over and grabs your shoulders, twisting you around as well so that you’d look at him.

You look away regardless and scoff. “You’re a catch. I doubt that you’re single.”

“I.. Am very flattered but you’re still wrong.” Sky laughs a little incredulously. He can’t believe this. Is this really happening? “Believe it or not I am very single.”

“Oh.” You sniff and reach up to pinch your eyes together, trying to subtly wipe away the tears neither of you have mentioned. “I’m sorry I’m a mess. I can leave you alone if you want.”

“That’s the last thing I want.” Sky blurts and belatedly realizes that he said that out loud.

“Then what? What is it? Work with me Link, because I’m not a mind reader.” You sit a little taller and finally look at him. “What do I have to do so that you’re comfortable around me? I don’t like the feeling of there being some....kind of mine field that I’m left dancing around. I really don’t want to see it blow up on either of us.”

“There’s nothing you can do.” Sky gulps. “It has nothing to do with you. I’m the problem.”

“That’s always the answer isn’t it.” You scoff again and unfurl yourself, turning away from him. “The ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ scenario.”

“It’s because... I-” Sky bites his lip and cups your cheek experimentally, putting just enough pressure to guide your face back to him but letting you fight him if you so desired. 

You don’t and you let face be held by him for a moment.

“I love you.” Sky says to you, trying to hold eye contact and will the truth into your head. “I’ve been in love with you for a while now. I’m sorry I’ve been such a mess. I never wanted you to feel unwanted or give off the impression that it was anything less.”

You stare at him, eyes growing comically wide.

Sky gulps at the lack of verbal reaction and tries to laugh to lighten the mood. It doesn’t work but he tries. “I uh- haha- didn’t do a very good job at hiding it, I guess.”

“Oh my god, I’ve read all the signs backwards.” You whisper.

Sky snorts and leans into your direction. “You can say that, yeah.”

“I’m so stupid.”

“You are not stupid.” He growls. “Stop calling yourself that. I’ll fight you over it.”

“And don’t want that, do I?”

“No. No you do not.”

“Ok.” You break into a grin and laugh after a second, running your hands through your hair. “Are you serious? You like me? Me? The most boring person here?”

“We’re going to have a have a long talk about this and why you can’t keep putting yourself down.” Sky frowns. “You are not stupid and you are not boring. You are intelligent and thoughtful and kind and amazing and like no one I’ve ever met. I bet I could search for a million years and I’ll never come across someone quite like you.”

“You’re going to make me cry.”

“I’ll be here to dry your tears. It’s ok.” Sky grins and places both of his palms against your cheeks.

“I love you.” You blurt and place your hand over his, turning into it to hide your blushing face behind them.

“And I love you.” Sky leans in some more and places a kiss against your forehead.

“Can I stay up with you a little more?”

“Please.”

Twilight

The postman ran into the group, almost bowling them over with an urgent letter held high. He asks if there’s any one in your group with your name and Twilight sees the despair collide onto your face.

You raise your hand and slowly take the letter away from him. You thank him with a tense and fake smile out of politeness and watch as he leaves.

You’re scared to open the letter and Twilight belatedly remembers the trouble you’ve mentioned that’s been brewing during your absence.

Twilight frowns as he watches you read the letter, each sentence apparently worse than the last.

He sees you shut down and put your walls up from the rest of the group.

Your whole demeanor changes and you don’t even finish reading the letter. The contents upset you so much that you fold it in half again and shove it in your pocket.

“Let’s go.”

Wind bite his lip. “Are you o-”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” You snap and head off in the direction they were going in before they paused for you to get your mail. Your steps are fast and determined, light and flighty, like you’re seconds from running or breaking out in a sprint but don’t want to make a scene.

The group exchanges multiple glances and hesitantly follow you, no one saying a word about what happened or what they think the letter said.

Twilight can guess though.

A while ago a similar letter arrived for you that also held bad news. It threw you into a funk for a few days and it took all of their combined efforts to distract you and help you feel better. It had seemed that there was some trouble back home that you could do nothing about.

He figures that this letter was sent to tell you it got worse. 

With a sigh he marches on and waits.

Twilight waits until nightfall.

The others have taken the subconscious decision to leave you alone and wait until you’re a little more sorted out. The younger ones seem to be under the impression that you’re angry- and maybe you are- and they don’t want to risk having your wrath pointed in their direction.

But Twilight has seen enough to know your look.

Time knows it. 

Warrior knows it too

And maybe if he studies for long enough, he would see Wild figure out the look as well.

You’re ready to rain absolute hell fire but you can’t. 

It upsets you and he tempted to think your fury is more out of sadness than any actual rage.

When it’s his turn to take watch and he’s sure that Four has fallen asleep again, he makes his way over to you and studies you for a moment.

He places a hand on your shoulder and shakes you lightly. “I know you’re not actually asleep.”

“Buzz off Twi.”

“Want to walk it off?” He offers. “I still have to check the perimeter. Some company would be nice.”

You sigh and let your arm fall off of your face to look in the eye. you stare at him for a moment and Twilight tries to ignore the budding bullets of sweat that begin to down his back. “...Sure.”

He smiles a bit, for your sake, because it hurts him to see you so upset still. Twilight extends his arm out for you to take and you slip your hands into his. He lifts you up with practiced ease and together to begin to walk out of the camp and around what they’ve set up as their perimeter.

Usually Twilight would take his wolf form and do the job this way but that probably would have tipped your hand since you weren’t asleep to begin with. 

“Let me guess.” You start once you’re far enough away. “You want to ask me what the letter was about. Get me to spill my heart out and tell you all my secrets and help me feel better.”

“I’d want to help you feel better regardless if you told what was in the letter or not. You don’t have to tell me anything.” Twilight admits with a slight blush on his face. “But movement always helps me think. Or if you want to think about something else for a little bit instead of the letter, we could just talk about other stuff too... Whatever you need... I want you to know that I’m here for you.”

You take a long breath from your nose and let it slowly out your mouth. “I know... I know that Link. I’m sorry.”

He’s never heard you say his name before.

Twilight doesn’t know if he hates it or not. 

I mean, he’d gladly hear you say his name, don’t get me wrong... 

But in that tone? With that level of... resignation? Despair? 

You sound like you’re about to cry.

“It’s just...” You start and stop in the middle of the trail. You press the heel of your palm harshly into your eyes- maybe you really are about to cry. “My grandma is dying.”

Oh.

“She dying, Link and I’m not there. I thought she was just sick and it would only be a matter of time until she was back on her feet but she’s not getting any better. And to make stupid matters worse....You see... between me and my grandma, we take care of Zelda, she’s my cousin, and my little brother. My dad works and sends us money but he’s never home and my mom’s not around anymore and I don’t know what to do.”

Twilight places a hand on your shoulder, rubbing experimental circles on your back for a second. When you don’t push him away he slides into your personal space and hugs you, squeezing you tightly until you let go of the stress that’s no doubt building inside of you.

You hug him back just as hard and it surprises him for a moment. “I couldn’t even finish that stupid letter. It said that... We can’t... My dad can’t come home yet and god, Twi, they’re just kids. They can’t be left alone. Link is five and Zelda is seven. There’s no one who’s going to take care of them. They’re going to take them away. They’re going to take my little brother away.”

Twilight bites his lip and can feel himself understanding the situation a little more. Kinda. Maybe. Ok no. Not really. He wants to say that someone else from your hometown can pitch in and help. That they should have been helping from the get go. It’s how it works in Ordon and it sounds like the others would be in similar boats if this was their family but from what he’s gathered your Hyrule is very different.

He doesn’t know how things work in your Hyrule and he doesn’t know who this ‘they’ is but he can guess that’s it someone (or some people) with more power than you do, especially since you’re not home right now.

He can hear it in your tone.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” He asks instead. He doubts it but god! How he hates to see you in pain! 

“Not unless we somehow end up in my world and we bring them with us.” You wince and hide your face in his neck. “They’re just kids Link. I... I don’t think  I’m even old enough to fight for them. They’re going to say I’m too young and that I don’t have a job... even if it’s my dad who’s been paying for all of us...I hate their stupid politics and political junction and they just want to rip away what they don’t have.”

“Who’s taking care of them right now?” Twilight cradles your head with his hand, keeping his arm tightly wrapped around your waist. “Who’s taking care of your grandma?”

“The neighbors, I think.” You sniff. “But it’s already putting a strain on them. They’re not going to hold out much longer. I won’t even be able to say goodbye to my grandma. God, this is such a mess.”

“I’m sure we’ll get the chance to fix this- there’s no way this would just happen. We’d help you. We’d all pitch in. If it does happen that we need to take them, we will. We’ll find a safe space for them. Maybe Time will lend the Ranch, I know they’d be welcome in my village and Wild’s too, maybe. You’re not alone in this, ok?”

“Would you really do that?” You tilt your head up. He nods and you nearly tear up again. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Twilight gulps and grips your tight once again. I love you, he thinks, would I even need a reason to help you?

Your grip tightens on him in return and Twilight takes a moment to try and calm his heart. “We should try to contact your dad and see if there’s any way for him to do anything-”

“Oh my god he’s going to kill me.”

“Why?”

“...”

“...”

“... He may or may not know that I’m here.”

Twilight tenses and nearly groans. “Do I even want to know why?”

“In my defense, I told my grandma. My dad... doesn’t really care about me anyway. He doesn’t really care for my brother anyway. Zelda is his favorite. It’s why she’s with us. But I am supposed to be there to help grandma... not out here... saving the world.”

Twilight sighs and shakes his head fondly. “We’ll figure something out. I promise.”

He’d take care of your family in a heartbeat if you’d let him. Twilight takes a breath. He loves you so much- if could fight all your problems away he would.

“I believe you.”

“Yeah,” Twilight lets you go and  begins to guide you back through the forest trail. “We should get going, the perimeter isn’t going to check itself.”

“What? Link wait.” You grab his bicep and pull yourself closer again. “Do you mean it?”

“Of course I do.” He smiles. “We’d all help. I know it. You don’t have to worry too much about it.”

“No I... Yes, that. Thank you but that wasn’t what I was talking about.” You shake your head and wait or him to answer, trying to will into his head what it was that you were referencing.

Twilight thinks for a moment and tilts his head. “About the ranch or my village? Malon might have her hands full if she’s willing to watch them for us but there’s plenty for them to do there. And my village has a soft spot for foundlings anyway. I’m sure they’d be overjoyed to have young children playing around again. Wild’s house in Hateno has kids their age too, so it’s another good place for them, and they’d already have the house open for them.”

“No, no, not that either.” You gulp. “A bit... a bit after that...”

“About contacting your dad?”

“No- not...” You blush deeply and begin to nervously shuffle on your feet.

It’s weird because Twilight can’t think of anything that he said that would have that reaction.

“You said you loved me.” You say in a small voice. 

Twilight then pales to hard that he’s not sure how he manages to stay on his feet. He’s almost certain he can feel the moment where his soul leaves his body.

“That you’d take care of my family, that you’d fight my problems...” You continue without knowledge of the bomb you’ve just dropped. “Do you mean it? Or am I looking too much into it? Because I’ve always thought you might have had a thing for me and but I didn’t want to be the one to read the situation wrong but if you’re saying out loud-”

“I wasn’t supposed to say that out loud.”

Twilight voice does not crack when he says this.

“Oh... um..” You bite your lip. “Is it-? Am I wrong then? Did you not say that? I thought- Well, I wanted... I do like you, so I had hoped.... But if you’re not-”

“No, I do! I am! I-! URRGGHH-!” Twilight cuts himself off and ruffles his hair furiously with both of his hands. “This isn’t how I wanted you to find out. This is probably to lamest way you could have found out.”

He hides his face in his hands and doesn’t look up when he hears you quietly giggle. “Do you mean it though?”

“Yes.” He doesn’t look up.

He hears you approach him and refuses to meet you in the eye. He doesn’t look at you even when you gently take his hands and pull them away from his face. Even when you caress his cheek and steer him to the side. His eyes do however nearly bulge out of his head when he feels your lips on his cheek.

“I love you too then.” You smile.

“I didn’t want to lose my cool.”

“Can’t lose what you never had.” You snort and move his hair away from his forehead, admiring the blush on his cheeks and ears. “I’ll go back to camp. You finish checking up on the perimeter.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah... I should be asleep anyway.”

“Ok... Goodnight then.”

“Goodnight Link and thank you. I feel better now.”

“I’m glad.”

Hyrule

“I bet you ten rupees that you can’t make that jump.”

“I say twenty that I can.”

“Oh yeah? Prove it then.”

Hyrule smirks and takes a few steps back, letting his gaze drift just beyond the chasm and toward his target. “I’m about to be twenty rupees richer.”

“Just don’t injure yourself.” You cross your arms. “I don’t have the patience to deal with Legend’s smothering when he finds out I challenged you.”

“He’d be smothering me, not you.” He snorts.

“Yeah, but you’ll be fine.” You deadpan. “It’s not even that deep. Besides he’ll blame me for it no matter how badly you get hurt.”

“I’ll try to land safely then.”

“Not a single bruise!”

“For your sake.”

“Thank you.” You put your weight onto one foot, shifting your hip outward to watch as Hyrule takes a running start. “Don’t die.”

“I love your vote of confidence.” Hyrule snorts and leaps at the last second off of the ledge.

He jumps higher than you would have imagined him to be capable of and it stuns you completely. Hyrule for his part, lands on the other side, unharmed and on both of his feet.

He turns around with a large grin on his face and places his hands on his hips as he looks you in the eye. There’s the slight smell of magic in the air but you don’t question or notice it. “Your turn.”

Your jaw drops. “I am not doing that.”

“Come on. It’s not so bad.” He laughs and smirks at your disbelief. “I’ll call off the bet if you can make it. You know what, instead, let’s double it.”

“I can’t make that.” You screech. “You’re crazy!”

Hyrule snorts. “You’re scared~!”

“I’m not scared!”

“Scaredy cat! Scaredy cat!”

“Fine! I’ll do it!” You pout and take the few steps to the side where he took his running start. You take a breath and try to set up the same process that he did.

With your running start, you leap a little later than Hyrule did, because there’s no way you can jump as high as he did, and you can see how this is going to end.

You’re not going to make it.

Hyrule sees it too and tries to make a mad dash to the ledge with his hand out to grab you. 

Your fingertips brush against each other and Hyrule jumps at the last second to grasp your hand...

He misses.

You fall.

“NOO!” Hyrule’s voice rips through his throat and he falls right onto his chest by the ledge in some desperate attempt to catch you but it’s no use. He sees you crash into the wall, a sickening crack coming from your body and you fall down. Your knees bend as your feet make purchase on the dirt but inevitably slip and it only curls you into a ball, rolling you backwards until you eventually hit the bottom of the relatively shallow ravine.

And by shallow, I mean it’s more or less a twenty foot drop.

Survivable?

Absolutely.

Will you come out unharmed?

Well...

“I’m so dead.” Hyrule mutters to himself and gets to his feet. He dashes along the edge, trying to find a point where he can jump down safety and get back to you. It takes a total of five minute for him to find a quasi decent spot. It’s a half baked idea and he knows it but he jumped down the lesser distance and runs back in the direction he came.

You’re getting up slowly by the time he reaches you and he forces himself to go a little faster.

“I think I figured you out, you cheater.” You groan when you look up and see him. “You used your magic to make that jump.”

“Uhh...”

“What on earth made you think that I was going to do the same?”

“I over shot it? So you should have been fine?” Hyrule chuckles nervously and reaches over to brush your hair out of your face.

Blood is absolutely pouring down your face and it looks as if you have a broken nose.

“Link, I’m going to punch you.” You groan and place your hands by your nose.

“No, wait, hold on-” Hyrule gulps and places his hands on your wrists, trying to stop you.

In one fluid motion to pop your nose back onto place and sigh of relief.

Hyrule’s eye widen and he’s both horrified and impressed. 

“What?” You snap.

“I’m in love with you.”

“What?” You say again.

Hyrule’s hands fly over his mouth. “Nothing. I said nothing! You’re hearing things. Let me just- umm...”

You send his healing spell over in your direction and lets it go permeate through the space.

“Link.”

He looks away from you.

“What is wrong with you?” You furrow your eyebrows. “Don’t say something like that unless you mean it.”

Hyrule gulps and bite his lip. Because he means it.

“We don’t have to talk about this.” You sigh and let him heal you. 

Hyrule doesn’t respond and focuses on letting the spell fall against your nose and your back. 

“Rulie?” You blink and finally look at his face. “How much trouble do you think we’ll be in if we get caught? Legend will probably have both of our heads if he finds out about it.”

A moment of silence passes.

“I don’t think Time will do much about it and Twilight doesn’t have the pull he thinks he has in the group.” You continue when he doesn’t reply, nervously shifting in your spot as Hyrule works. “Warrior will probably keep on a tighter leash than usual though.”

He doesn’t say anything, letting the spell fall. Hyrule feels a little drained after using as much magic has he already has but he can’t help but feeling a little miffed. 

“Link, please say something.” 

“I meant it.” He’s barely able to hold back the scowl because he knows he’s not that impressive and you’re so amazing that there’s not way in this green earth that you’re not already taken. So of course, you’d just assume that he’s being fresh and brush him off.

“What?”

“I meant it.” He looks your way. “I wasn’t joking.”

“Uhhh..”

Hyrule huffs a bit when he see that you don’t understand him yet. “I’ve been in love with you for a while now.”

You still and he can see you gulp slightly. “Oh.”

Hyrule feels like a child and he leans away from you, falling onto his back. “Anything still hurt?”

“Um... No...” You shift your weight again and grip your wrist. “I feel a lot better now. Thank you.”

“Good.” Hyrule stands and reach out for you to take his hand. “We should head back to the others.”

“Hyrule.”

“They’re going to start getting worried about us.”

“Link.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry.” You bite your lip and and stop him from going any further. “Are you serious? Did you mean it mean it? Because I didn’t want to discredit-”

He sighs and grips your hand a little tighter and brings it up to his lips. Hyrule places a delicate feather like kiss on your knuckles and lowers it just enough to study your hand in his. “It’s fine. I doubt your partner would appreciate it anyway if I were to just-”

“I don’t have a partner...” You gulp and grip his tighter in reply. “I’m not in a relationship. I didn’t... I’m not trying to-”

“Forget it.” He smiles a little falsely. “Like you said, we don’t need to talk about it.”

“Oh.... Oh Link...” You frown and step into his personal space, placing both of your hand on his shoulders.

“I don’t need your pity. It’s fine.” He rolls his eyes and tries to pull away from you.

“No, please, not like this...” You stop him and hug him tightly. “I love you too! I panicked when you said that! Don’t- don’t shut me out! Please.”

“What happened to not saying that unless you mean it?”

“Liiinnkk...” You groan and place your face into the crook his neck.

Hyrule doesn’t deny how nice it feels to have you hold him. Slowly, he raises his arms to wrap them around you as well. You’re warm and your heart beat is strong even with your layers and armor. He takes a breath and is assaulted by your smell. It strangely reminds him of vanilla and cinnamon with freshly churned dirt and morning dew thrown into the mix. An odd combination but he finds that it’s pleasant.

“God, I’m sorry. Is that what you want to hear? I didn’t mean it. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I panicked. I swear I panicked.” You nuzzle into him and he won’t deny the way his heart flutters as you do so.

“Calm down. It’s ok.”

“It really isn’t!”

“It is because I say so.” Hyrule snorts and rests his head against yours. 

“Do you really think the others are looking for us?”

“Maybe. But I don’t think we actually have to go back just yet.”

“Then stay here? With me?”

“Yes.” Hyrule sighs of contentment and begins to sway with you back and forth. “I’d love nothing more.”

[petite-neko]

Forbearance - 04

Fanfiction: Chained Shadows || > Forbearance Story Summary: He was old enough now - by the laws of a Sheikah anyway - to be making his own decisions. To start carving out his own life. No longer was he a child in the Lost Woods, or an adult in war-torn times. A young man by the name of Lyrkiel must find his path in life. Friends. A career, and perhaps even a lover. Even that said - he was bound by the laws of the Sheikah, and the confines of his own blood… Characters: Link, OCs, Impa, Zelda, Sheik, Kafei Pairing: Link/Sheik and Link/OC Rating: M Story Warnings: Violence. Universe Alteration. Fluff and probably smut.  Past mentions of: Eye Injuries. Swearing. Dissociation. Chapter Warnings: None. Author Notes: Please note. You must read Typhlosis before reading this or the story won’t make sense.

A reference to pre-existing characters:

Lyrkiel = Link

Iarma = Impa

Kilfa = Kafei

Ao3 in source!

Like my work? Consider buying me a ko-fi!

Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5

Lyrkiel fiddled with the earrings that Srekhi had gifted him. It was almost fitting - now that he thought about it - that Srekhi had chosen them because of his eyes. His eyes were the reason they became friends after all. They met because Srekhi wanted to know this strange boy that took his place in life. Jealous. Angry. Curious. But then, then this strange Sheikah from Hyrule had realised that the other needed help - help with his Sight, with his eyes.

...What were the words he had spoken back then? Told ya I’d make a good doctor.

And, despite his own quip in return, Lyrkiel knew that, yes, his friend would. The only question that remained was could he?

.+++.

He thought back to the conversation he had with his parents, and he was coming closer to a conclusion. An answer.

He was seriously considering on remaining in Hyrule. That, even if Srekhi became a Guardian despite his efforts to stop it, Lyrkiel could, at the very least, try to make his friend smile again. Try to make the days bearable. Try to keep his friend’s spirits up.

Try to keep whatever happiness that was here for them.

.+++.

Lyrkiel glanced up at the moon and was reminded of Termina, of the Skull Kid, of Navi. His search for his dear friend ultimately brought him here. It was poetic in a way how in his search for his family brought him just that, albeit not in the way he had anticipated.

And yet now, despite his hopes otherwise, he might never be able to resume his search for her. He had… more pressing matters at hand. It wasn’t that he didn’t miss her; it wasn’t that he didn't care for her, but… Navi was only a maybe. And, he couldn't waste potential probabilities over a pale possibility.

Of course, he would never truly give up. If the opportunity ever arose, and there was nothing to lose? He would jump on that ship immediately.

Was this what being an adult was? He supposed he never really had the choice all those years ago. He was just a child, following orders blindly. And, even then, if he hadn’t done what he did, well… he’d probably be dead. Now, he was putting the needs and wants of others over his. But, he was okay with that. Because, well…

He didn't want to see that torn and tormented expression in Srekhi’s eyes again. The one on that day he arrived in Hyrule…

But - dun’cha know what that means? I must be her successor!

Perhaps, there still was a way to change that…

.+++.

Always, it was always Iarma who found him first.

“I have heard you were looking for me again?”

He tried not to look nervous, tried not to shuffle his feet, tried not to avert his gaze. She intimidated him, ever since that moment he snuck into the royal gardens. Of course, the reasons were vastly different. Then, he was a child caught in doing something ‘bad’, and now? Well, she posed a threat to him. (And, if Kajiit’s warnings were true: Multiple threats.)

Threats that he was exemplifying with his current course of action.

But, it was worth it.

Idly, he noticed how similar their height differences were to when he had met her in the Sacred Realm. Certainly, he still had a little bit to grow but…

Well, it wasn’t awkward for her when she placed her hand at his back any longer.

“I can see that something heavy weighs upon you, shall we go to a more… private setting?”

He could only nod.

And she guided him away from the village, off to a small clearing. “So, what would you like to talk about? If I may hazard a guess – is this, once again, about Srekhi?”

Once again he nodded. “Yes. In the utmost essence it is.” He took a deep breath. “And, I know, at first, you will more than likely disagree with what I have to say but, this is not something I have taken lightly. Much deliberation has gone into this. I have weighed the options, the positives, and the negatives, and I have come to the conclusion that this is an action that I truly wish to take.”

When she nodded for him to continue he did.

“I want you to consider making me Srekhi’s replacement, and allowing him to continue studying medicine. I am certainly most capable. I know that, yes, I am still far from his equal in many aspects, but I have rapidly improved in this last year and a half, and will continue to do so given further tutelage. I want you to give me a chance. To train me, and tell me if I am capable of taking his place, of taking your place when the time comes.”

She exhaled, and Lyrkiel paused, watching her reaction. It seemed that she was at least taking this into consideration. That she was allowing herself to allow this option.

He wouldn’t push her. He wouldn’t insist that Srekhi would serve better as a doctor than as a royal guardian even though he truly believed it.

“…Do you know what this job entails?”

He looked up, meeting her gaze once more. “I know not the specifics, but… one can take guesses. It would mean to put my life on the line for the royal family of Hyrule. It would mean placing them before myself. It would mean that I could not return to Termina.”

“It would also mean ostracising yourself from others. While, normally, I would decline, considering you are doing this for another, but Srekhi is now in the same boat you are in, and I know if he knew what you were doing, he would tell me to not consider this. That he would tell me that he would make the same sacrifice you are making. However, he, too, knows the specifications of the job. If anything, he would become an asset as opposed to a hindrance.” She sighed. “You have put me in a rather precarious situation Lyrkiel.”

He… what?

Apparently, his apparent confusion was enough for her to continue. “By befriending Srekhi, you have made the both of you less than ideal ‘candidates’ for the job, and yet, the two of you really are the only options.” She rubbed at the bridge of her nose now. “And yet I am hesitant to give up Srekhi, as much as I am to take you up. You are from Termina, and do not have the same… ideals that those raised in Hyrule would have.”

“I am a Sheikah, am I not?” Lyrkiel looked her straight in the eyes with his own. “The duty of the Sheikah is to protect the Royal Family, no matter our secondary jobs. I know my duty, and I will obey it if it is necessary of me.” This, he spoke with absolute truth. He had done this before. Twice even. “If it is required of me, if I am the only one capable of the job, I will do it.” Granted, he might complain about it every now and then. He might moan and whine, but he would do it.

He had protected Hyrule and her monarchy once before, so why not again?

Something in her eyes flickered. “…That look in your eyes… it reminds me of a look a small Hylian child once gave me.”

Lyrkiel felt himself bristling at those words, but she only smiled softly.

“In fact, he would be your age now… and his word was not only spoken truly, it was proven true as well. I wonder if you can do the same Lyrkiel.”

And when she nodded curtly, Lyrkile wondered if he could relax. Did she not... Consider him to be that very boy? That the very expression in his eyes looked the same because it was? Was the look when he promised to return with the ruby and the sapphire?

“Very well, prove it to me Lyrkiel. Prove to me that you can be as good as you say you can, and if so, I will allow Srekhi to pursue his studies.” And she did nothing but hold up her finger. “But, on one condition. Srekhi cannot know of this. At all. Until I say otherwise, Srekhi is, and will be, my replacement. If any questions are asked, you may tell him you asked me to give you advice and pointers.”

Perhaps, was she not as much of a threat as they originally thought her to be…?

No, he could not let his guard down.

And when she nodded, elation filled him, and he bowed lowly.

“I will not disappoint you.”

“Lyrkiel, your parents do not know about this either, do they?”

He closed his eyes and shook his head. “No. Nor would they approve of it.”

“If everything goes as you planned, you will have to bid them farewell, you know that, right?”

“A bird must leave the nest, sometime, right?”

She smiled again. “Go on then, I shall meet you when Srekhi has his next appointment with your father.”

[botwriter]

hello!!your drabbles are really cute and well written! can i ask for 1 more? link becoming hyper aware of zelda's actions and reactions after listening to kass' song about the princess' love for her knight??please?

Zelda had thanked him for defeating Ganon. He had thanked her for giving him the opportunity to make things better, but... there were still hings unsaid. Kass had made it clear that she had loved him... that her love for him had unlocked her power to seal away Ganon. And now that they were back together, Link desperately wanted things to return to normal, but that was impossible. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. All that time, had their feelings been mutual?

“Link, I know it’s been a hundred years, but you don’t have to stare.”

Her voice shook him out of a daze. As they rode walked through the tall grass, he quickly averted his gaze and blurted out an apology.

“Something’s been off with you,” Zelda observed, finally coming to a stop and looking at Link intently. He tried not to blush. Her green eyes studied him top to bottom. “Are you sure you’re feeling alright? I know you’ve had a lot of hard times, but...”

“I’m sorry,” he repeated, “there’s - something’s been bugging me, that’s all.”

“Well, what is it?” Zelda replied curtly, folding her arms and looking at him expectantly. “You can always tell me.”

Her smile told him that she was telling the truth. He knew he could tell her anything. But after a century of fighting alone, did she still love him? Would it be any use to recall a song that had been passed down from a hundred years prior? Would she look at him any differently?

“It’s... a song I heard on my travels. It was recited to me by a Rito, who learned it from - from the Hyrule court poet,” Link began, looking at Zelda curiously. Her eyebrows raised. 

“The poet? I remember him... he passed down songs? That’s so interesting,” she said with excitement, waiting for more.

“Well-” Link started, scratching the back of his neck nervously, “part of the song was that the Princess... her love for her appointed knight had allowed her to unlock the power to seal Ganon away,” Link recited. “That in fact, the poet had loved her, but she only had eyes... for her knight.”

Now he dared not look at her. In the corner of his eyes he could see her arms dropping, hands becoming small fists. When he finally glanced up at her face, he found it bright red, eyes guilty, betraying everything. 

“I- Link- that’s so embarrassing, I’m sorry,” she stammered, dipping her head to hide her red cheeks. “I did, I- I still... love you like I did,” she admitted, “I just never had the courage to say it, I thought it better to hide it away.”

Link felt his shoulders drop. The princess loved him and he had, like a fool, completely not noticed. He had always had feelings from her, a crush as a knight that had evolved into something more mature and reserved, but assumed it to be completely inappropriate.

“Zelda... I always loved you,” he finally said, his voice quiet. She looked up at him in shock.

“Not - not after a hundred years still? Surely you met someone?”

“I met lots of people,” Link laughed, “but when I got my memories back, I remembered you, and how you made me feel. I still love you.”

It wasn’t the reunion he was expecting. He assumed, when he regained his feelings for her, that he would simply have to hide them again like he had before. There was no use confessing to a Princess, not when he was hardly nobility, simply a bodyguard. But despite that, she had loved him, even back then and still today... he could hardly wrap his head around it. And now as they looked at each other, Zelda began to laugh. She covered her face with her hands, shaking her head.

“I’m so blind,” she added, looking at Link then sympathetically through her fingers. “I can’t believe it took us a hundred years and a song for us to figure this out.”

“Me either,” Link replied with a smile, “I wonder if-”

He was interrupted with a hug. Zelda had thrown her arms around him, and he felt the air rush from his lungs. It had been so long since he’d gotten a proper hug from anybody, let alone someone so familiar. He wrapped his arms around her back, letting his head rest in the crook of her neck, smelling her hair. He could have fallen asleep right there, she was so comfortable, so safe. Everything in that moment was perfect - it might have taken a century, but neither of them would have had it any other way.