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writingnocturne · 1 year

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Unseen Hero

The Legend of Zelda (1986)

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The delicate cloth of a parasol casts a faint shadow in the spring daylight. Amidst the quaint morning, a young girl in a lovely pink dress walks beside her companion in travel. He is a boy her age, a child typically covered in dirt with hair left in a mess. By all means, they look as though they could be direct opposites– but they seem to get along just fine. The girl, Princess Zelda, peers over to her slightly-less-than-talkative friend, a small smile like starlight still across her face.

"It's sunny, isn't it, Link? Summer is getting close." The princess tends to do most of the talking amidst their conversations, but they're nowhere near one-sided. Link listens intently to every word, nodding in response. Zelda continues, "I'll miss all these flowers, though. The trees look so pretty like this…" Her gaze shifts upward to the blossoms on the trees, a petal or two fluttering down as they pass.

Link glances at Zelda for a moment. He has explored every reach of Hyrule at some point; he quite enjoys the lively breath of spring in the wild, as well. It is when the land of Hyrule feels like it all runs on one energy. …But he can't help but look at her instead. He's noticed something. She almost resembles the petals, even in movement, as they gracefully dance down to the ground. Of course, he thinks such a thing is way too corny to say aloud, so he keeps his mouth shut and continues to listen to her.

"Thank you for escorting me out here, Link. They thought it was too dangerous for me to come out here alone, even still, can you believe that?" Zelda lets out a frustrated huff, "they" referring to members of her rebuilding court after the death of the King, "Oh, well… at least it gives me an opportunity to spend time with you, Link. Usually, we'd have to sneak off!"

Much to the upset of the castle staff, Zelda has allowed Link to stay there. Not many of them approve of Link, but he didn't really have a proper home before Impa found him… which Zelda didn't realize until recently. She thought it was the least she could do for him, but she usually never sees him inside anyway. He likes being outside, and she certainly can't blame him. The proximity has at least made it much easier for the two to meet and go explore.

"We couldn't have chosen a better day." The princess shuts her eyes, taking in the scent of the plant life. The pollen in the air tickles her nose, causing her to sneeze. Perhaps that was a bad idea on her part. She peeks over her arm to Link, who has a dumb grin subtly formed on his face, "What?" Link only glances away, the smile lingering. "...Link."

"(...It's nothing)." The boy speaks up, although his voice is nearly inaudible. It's hard not to tell Zelda that her sneeze sounded like a rabbit's.

As the princess is about to respond, she suddenly stops herself. Both freeze in sync. There was some sort of noise… a light "snap" from the collection of trees along their path. Zelda darts her gaze in the direction of the sound, letting out a yelp as this action is interrupted by a spear flying right past her head. It pierces a tree, having been mere inches away from cutting through her.

Link races to the princess's side, swiftly drawing a sword with a glistening blade. He's quick to scan the area for the culprit, spotting a moblin that has appeared a little ways off of the trail. The boy stands with an arm infront of Zelda, determined to keep the creature away from her. The monster in question wastes no time to approach, being unintimidated; it is multiple heads taller than either child. As it dares to claw towards them, Link reaches back to Zelda and pulls her with him out of its path. It stumbles right into the tree, its face colliding with the bark beside its spear.

Zelda places a hand on Link's shoulder, growing tense at the sight of a monster with such resemblance to Ganon. The girl uses the gesture as a means to caution Link to be careful whilst she is still a bit too rattled for words. He spares her a brief glance, giving a light nod to indicate his understanding. She is perfectly aware he is capable of defeating the monster, but she would rather he not take any damage in the process.

Following this, Link lifts his sword and thrusts it towards the stumbling moblin just as it reaches to recover its weapon. It leaves a cut that fizzles like a ray of light, the monster growling and trying to claw its attacker in retaliation. The young one pulls a simple shield from his back, but it is enough to stall the moblin despite being small. He's able to slice it again, but this time the beast grabs his arm after the motion and throws the child back into the tree. Link can hear Zelda call his name, his vision blurring from the impact with the trunk. He winces, pulling himself up. His unfocused gaze shows multiple moblins growing nearer, ripping the spear out from the bark above and preparing to strike.

Link tries to force himself to believe he's recovered from the small sense of shock, somewhat sloppily pointing his blade again… But the monster trips, seemingly on its own, before Link needs to do a thing. It's about the time it spends teetering on its own feet that Link needs to recuperate himself, rushing back to a stand with the support of the tree. Around the disoriented moblin, however, he spots what tripped it: or rather, who. Zelda holds her closed parasol close to her now, seeming slightly surprised with herself. She had smacked the thing at full force... right in its disproportionate legs.

Realizing he was given an opening, Link aims his sword at the creature and forces enough energy to send a ray of magic from its blade, which shoots right through the moblin and causes it to dissolve in an instant. He lets out a quiet sigh of relief, but not until he's already made sure none others were closeby. Determining everything to be calmed, the boy steps over to Zelda to make sure she's alright. She holds her shut parasol under her arm for the time being.

"...I'm fine, Link– What about you? That looked like it hurt." Zelda looks around him, eyeing the dirt that's collected on his back from the collision. Luckily, she doesn't see much blood, but she's sure there is some gathering on the surface of whatever cuts he gained.

Link rubs the back of his head. Admittedly, it hurt a lot… but he doesn't want her to worry about him. "(...I'll be fine, Princess. …That thing really didn't see you coming)!" He sheathes his blade and returns the shield to his back.

"...Oh! Uh…No, it didn't. I couldn't just stand there and watch you fight it…! Not now that I can help you directly, anyway… But don't forget yourself! It had no idea it was challenging the Hero of Hyrule, after all." Zelda takes both of his hands with hers, smiling once more. She's the only one other than Impa who has ever really called him that, but she insists upon the title. "...monsters and such aside, we should sit down. I'll heal you, okay?"

The Hero of Hyrule agrees, allowing the Princess to lead him to a place to rest for a little while.

Note:

Just a cute little classic Zelink thing. I had fun with this one, especially the little cover.

Other writing:

If you like my writing, check out the rest of this blog and @loz-untold-myths! If you like my art, check my main art @nocturnalfandomartist.

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loz-hero-reborn · 1 year

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HERO REBORN

Chapter 1 - The Boy's Left Hand

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Chapter 1 - The Boy's Left Hand

A branch lightly taps against glass with every sway of the breeze. It repeatedly clicks against a window, sunlight obnoxiously highlighting this motion as it pours indoors.

The brightness falls on the face of a boy in rabbit-themed pajamas, lying only half-under a blanket with one arm hanging off his bed entirely. He cringes, taking in a deep inhale as he tries to resist the temptation to open his eyes.

The teen caves, however, lifting his head and drowsily peering out the window. He reaches up, annoyed, promptly shutting the curtains before sloppily flopping back to bed.

A moment later, he slightly shifts… Immediately followed by him darting up. He does a double-take, rushing to reopen the curtain. He stares blankly, his expression dropping.

"...The sun's out already–" The boy murmurs aloud.

…

He tosses his blanket to the floor, scrambling back into a stand and nearly slipping on it in the process, "Impa's gonna kill me!" Running to a chest full of clothes, he gathers everything he'll need for the day and races to get changed. He stumbles to the door as he struggles to pull his boots on without bothering with the laces, "I can't believe I did it again… 'When am I gonna learn?' I didn't even go to bed late!"

The jumbled kid trips from his movement, having to quickly catch himself with a hand on a desk. He spares a glance to the desk, swiping a pair of gloves off its surface before running out into the town.

. . .

Sooner or later, he reaches his destination: The grand North Palace of Hyrule. It's an extravagant structure on a hill, its walls housing the innermost area of the central village andthe home of the King of Hyrule himself. It's already bustling with fellow castle workers moving about and knights supervising the area. However, there's still an ironic... Lack of energy. The boy is certain there is something he is forgetting, but he just can't put his finger on it. As he moves in towards the main palace's entry doors, he spots a familiar attendant; one of his co-workers.

The attendant is a woman slightly older than him, wearing a thin orange dress. She is busy transporting a small wooden box when the teen arrives, temporarily freeing an arm to stop him, "Look who's late again."

He lowers his head in shame, rubbing the back of it with his left hand, "...I know, I know– I'm sorry, really. Need help with that, Rosa?"

"Rosalie." She corrects him and shifts the box out of his reach, "It's quite alright, I've got it. I just stopped you since I figured you haven't had the time to check what day it is." That was the nicest way she could think of saying he still looks half asleep.

"If you're sure…" He is about walk right past her, but backtracks and glances at her again, "...Wait, huh?"

Rosalie looks to the passerby around them before lowering her voice, "(It's the Fourteenth, Link. You know how the King tends to get… Short… today. This same day, every year, no exceptions)."

It sets in almost as soon as she says the day. His expression shifts, a sort of guilt paining his gut, "Right... I understand. I'll help try and keep things easygoing today."

Rosalie nods, resuming her previous path– but takes one last pause. She turns her head back, "...Oh- And don't bother looking for Impa today, Link. I heard she won't be coming in. …But she requested you go handle duties with the King and see what he needs from you. ...You better hurry, all that in mind."

If the realization that he was late wasn't enough of a brick to the head on its own, that information definitely was... Crap. "Got it. Thanks–" He gives one last wave to Rosalie, then hurrying inside.

The Entrance Hall of the palace is a wide room, carefully carved pillars holding up the roof. However, there is absolutely no time to admire any further details! Link skids across the expensive carpet, taking the straight path attached to the room to reach the Throne Room. Once he reaches it, of course, he slows his pace and tries to pretend he has been professional this entire time.

The Royal Guards at the entrance of the Throne Room stop him nonetheless, only letting him in as an imposing voice from inside commands them to do so. Although Link has been working here for quite a while now, the guards tend to be cautious. Such is their job, he supposes, but he can't help but worry he's in trouble every time they stop him. Link makes an attempt to shove this to the back of his mind, however, approaching the throne of King Aidan of Hyrule and kneeling.

The King is an older man with fading brown hair that curls to the sides of his face. The crown he wears is one Link recognizes from paintings; it's one passed down the Royal Family according to his "mentor", Impa. The man stares down to Link with narrowed eyes from atop his elevated seat, taking a dreadful moment to even begin speaking, "I take it you're the boy Lady Impa put in charge?" Remaining kneeled, Link nods in reply, "...I have seen you with her before. Link, was it?"

"That's right, Your Majesty."

"...Hm." The King leans back in the throne, seeming to stare off beyond Link. His gaze is dull, but he remains present enough to continue his order, "I have a guest coming from the country beyond Death Mountain: a renowned physician. The mountain is forbidden to traverse, so she's taken a ship. She should be at the docks, and I want some supplies for her stay delivered there for when she arrives. ....Usually Impa would only organize such endeavors, but you're young. I am certain you can take care of it." He absentmindedly motions that Link is permitted to stand. Another attendant– positioned at the King's side– steps forth and hands the boy a leather bag. The observing monarch gives them a second to do so, but soon finishes from where he left off, "Everything is in that satchel. I ask that you're careful with it. …Now try and be punctual. Her journey has been long, and I am expecting to see her soon."

Link gazes down to the satchel. He can't help but wonder why the King would need a physician from outside of Hyrule. It seems like a lot of trouble when there are already physicians here... Could he be ill?

Regardless, the boy has his orders and intends to follow them. He politely bows to the King, before slinging the satchel over his shoulder and heading off to deliver to their highly-esteemed guest. Amidst his exit, however, the attendant who previously gave him the satchel subtly motions their hand to get his attention. Link spots this from the corner of his eye, slightly altering his course to reach them.

"(I advise you take a shortcut. There will be less of a walk going through the sealed wing)." They whisper, but make it evident they're just giving Link directions to not raise suspicion, "(There's an old passageway they used to use to evacuate the palace... You'll find a hidden entry behind a curtain there)."

Link blinks, taking a hint and lowering his voice as well, "(...I've seen the sealed wing before, but... Isn't it sealed for a reason)?"

"(It will be fine, I assure you. Most of us do it. Given His Majesty's mood... I thought I would let you in on it. We're all better off if everything is done efficiently... So pick up the pace.)"

"(Ahh- right)." The boy turns away to get going, although finding it ironic the person who stopped him told him to hurry it up. He nonchalantly walks past the guards to the East Hall, approaching the abandoned doors to the sealed wing. They only seem to realize he's passed after the fact, but proceed to do absolutely nothing to stop him.

Sealed wing... Such a misleading name, considering the huge doors lowly creak open the instant Link even nudges them. Huh. He chooses to accept this despite his internal questioning, daring to squeeze through the small opening he made for himself. His hands have to carefully stop the doors before they can thud shut, as he's convinced the convenience thus far has been a stroke of insane luck.

The wing of the castle before him collects dust as if it were a relic on display... To be left untouched for years until someone came finally broke in to search for its secrets. It almost feels wrong to be in here. An eerie chill rolls down his spine, as if he's entered a gravesite. Compared to the rest of the North Palace, it seems so... Neglected. There is an attempt to ignore such thoughts, Link knowing well that he needs to stay focused. So, rather than dwell on the overall creepiness of the place, he keeps an eye out for a curtain that could be hiding a passageway.

It's rather hard to see in the old place, only some cracks between the boards over the windows let in just enough light to make out some vague shape of his sureoundings. His gaze catches one curtain in particular that has become so loose that it touches the floor, on the verge of collapsing from the pole it has been set on. It certainly stands out, so he decides it's worth investigating. The trespasser approaches the curtain, pulling it out of the way– unexpectedly met with darkness as it slips from its last grip on the pole and tumble right on top of him. Link grunts. He fumbles to get the heavy, faded curtain off of his face, but in the action of doing so can hear it brush against something else that was on the wall behind it. A faint thump sounds soon after. In a short panic, Link shoots his head in that direction to be sure it wasn't enough of a mess to get him into trouble.

Fortunately for him, it was only an old painting. At least, he hopes that's fortunate. No one was bothering to look at the artwork, after all, if it's been rotting behind a curtain for who knows how long. Even so, a minor guilt nags at him; just enough for Link to crouch down, set the satchel he was given aside, and pick the painting up. He should at least hang it back up. But then he has to hury! It's only one job! Be punctual. He'd humiliate himself to the King of all people if he screwed up something so simple.

...Yet, despite this train of thought, he finds his focus going to the painting now that he holds it to the wall before him. He doesn't quite recognize the people portrayed. There's four figures in elegant attire: The Great King of Hyrule– the only one he does recognize– and two children. Of course, being of his... status... Link isn't very informed on Hyrulean history or lineage. He has no idea when the Great King was ruling, but he assumes the children are his own. It's odd he's never seen them before, in all the time he has worked in the palace. Then again, he had no idea people could sneak through this area for all that time.

The painting is surprisingly lively, for an image of royalty; especially one of the Great King. He is typically shown as this wise and powerful ruler, a man with all of the composure in the world. Impa has mentioned the truth in it, once or twice... Here, however, he almost appears to be concealing a smile. His right hand is on the shoulder of one child, his left on the other's. The girl on the right has no issue grinning, and the artist responsible for the piece had no hesitation to replicate that. She holds on to her brother's arm like a hug, and he seems much less than thrilled. It's sort of funny to Link; although the paint seems to be chipping. Some of the canvas curls on the right corner, torn. Although... A pale glint comes from beneath the rip as the dim sunlight peers into it. This glaringly snags his attention away from his task further, Link having to resist the urge to see what may be hidden beneath. Perhaps he could be imagining something there? His left hand had reached to pull the tear back further, but he decides against it. Rather, he brushes the dust off the artwork's surface.

...And that's when another glint pierces his vision. The boy blinks, now strangely fixated on the back of his raised hand. There is a marking now seared across it. Not a mere smidge of dirt, either. It's a perfectly aligned triangle made up of three smaller ones; a symbol synonymous with the kingdom of Hyrule. Convinced he's having a difficult time adjusting his eyes to the lighting, Link yanks his hand back and puts it directly under the rays coming between the boards. All it does is make the image clearer to him. With widened eyes, Link outright tries to rub the symbol off with his other hand. What did he just do? Why won't it disappear? The startled teen tries everything he can think of, shaking his hand as if it will just flutter off. None of these futile methods have any affect, much to his own dismay.

Quite disturbed at this point, he lifts his hand up and stares at it with a blankly shocked expression. After a little while, he finally mutters aloud to himself under the assumption he can make sense of this, "(...When did that get there? Why does it look like–)" Halfway through, he stops and snaps his gaze around. If he isn't alone, he'd rather know before he starts talking to himself like a crazy person. He luckily remains the only invader to the deteriorating hall. Either way, he determines he's still better off not speaking to a wall. Instead, he pats his person in search of a solution. Reaching into the pockets he had cut into his pants, he pulls out a single glove. There is a moment of his own dumbfoundedness.

"(...Huh? What happened to the other one?)" Here he goes, mumbling to no one again. Link searches for the right glove, assuming he dropped it at some point, but is without success. He lets out a frustrated huff, just slipping on the only glove he has over the peculiar addition to his hand. "(...Oh, nevermind! I got work to do!)" Finally, he needs his own advice. After sparing the painting a final glance, Link shakes his head and picks up the satchel again. From there, he rushes himself to find the right curtain that hides the passage.

. . .

Finding the right way was unsurprisingly time-consuming, but Link had eventually spotted a curtain that wasn't covered in as much dust. Obviously, it had been used more than the others... And he wishes he would have just noticed that in the first place. But wasted time aside, he had no problem traveling through the damp passageway to reach the docks. With the passage having been lit by torchlight, Link is quite relieved to feel natural sunlight land upon his face when he returns to the surface. He may... dislike it when it pressures him to wake up, though. The day has already begun, so it's not so much of a problem now.

A much shorter walk later, the ships have come into view. It looks like the passengers of the closest boat have already exited with their things. Link's shoulders slump slightly. He probably could have beaten it, if he didn't let himself get so distracted... But perhaps there's still time! They may not have been let off too long ago. He makes his way towards the crowds, keeping a firm grip on the satchel he must deliver so it isn't lost. Like his right glove, apparently. Who even loses something that's stuck in a pair?

The boy shakes his head again. He needs to quit wandering back to that. Besides, there's... More interesting things to think about than his concern over the hand. Yeah. The docks, for instance!

All of those ships... They've been to places he couldn't even imagine. He's been tied down to Hyrule Town for as long as he can remember. If he could just afford a trip like the one the physician he searches for has taken... That would be an adventure I'm itself. Perhaps then he'd have more to do than go back and forth as a delivery boy at best. Helping in the little ways is nice and all, of course... Yet just seeing the vast horizon wants to convince him otherwise. He is able to push through this longing, for now, taking the time to ask around to find where the physician should be preparing to depart to the castle from. Sooner or later, he does get a lead; finding physician near the railing overlooking the beach itself. It looks like some Hylian soldiers have already arrived to serve as her escorts... Probably due to him falling behind.

Holding back his embarrassment, Link clears his throat. The woman peers back, "Ah... I was told someone should be heading this way. You are the King's messenger, yes?"

"Something like that, ma'am." He simply offers the satchel of supplies to her, "This package contains some gifts from the King for your stay."

"Thank you, boy. I already have my escorts, so I shall be going. Should I be needed when I am not present in the palace, I'll be residing in Hyrule Town." The physician then simply goes on her way, the soldiers following her. Link politely nods to her as she departs, but lets out a low sigh once he's more or less alone in the crowd.

...All that work for a ten-second interaction. Oh, well.

Link rubs his gloved hand with his right, once more observing the busy environment. Not for too long, though, as he soon gets moving to return to work. After what happened before, he's going to take the usual route through town instead. The bustling voices and doorsteps of the docks fade as he moves on.

. . .

Once he nears the town of the North Palace, Link expects the buzz of activity to rebuild. Instead, he is met with the contrary. Being the new "capital" of Hyrule, formed by a young queen of Hyrule a couple of centuries before (or something like that), there's never a shortage of visitors... it's quieter today than most. He should have anticipated such, he supposes, but he still doesn't entirely understand it. The whole day thus far has been puzzling in general! The boy can't help but wonder if the world has just decided to go off-kilter for a day.

...

And, almost as if it read his mind, he catches a slight glow trying to peek out from beneath his glove. Of course, his hand needed to remind him of the unexplained appearance from before. Link must restrain himself from crumbling in defeat, as he had hoped to just forget what happened at all and realize later that he had imagined it for some reason. Slightly annoyed with whatever it is, Link fiddles with the base of the glove; he contemplates taking it off. Just as he lifts the base with his thumb, the light escapes enough to flash right in his eyes.

"Gh– Come on!" Now his own hand is inconveniencing him! Link rubs his eyes with his normal hand, hesitantly opening them again once a minute or so has passed. Thankfully, no people are out this far from the village's center to see whatever is going on at this rate... But a little orb of light is.

This is the point where Link isn't so sure what he's making up. For some time, his pupils fixate on the glow in a confused awe. Even so, he instinctively tries to reach for it and question its arrival. The words are stolen from him as the light zips away in a completely random direction. Its sudden motion alarms the boy, for certain, but the debate within him rules that he should follow on a mere whim.

It twists through the outskirts of town, somehow able to tactfully avoid the sights of villagefolk. It is to such an extent that Link cannot tell if it is intentional or not... Surely, a literal ball of light has no sense of direction. Then again, how would he know?! This kind of thing isn't normal at all! He follows it, nonetheless, and by the time he considers leaving it be it has already halted.

The orb has stopped in front of the door to a vaguely familiar home, but it certainly is not his own. This leaves him a bit frazzled, to be frank. Why lead him here?

"(...You're kidding, right?)" Link whisper-shouts over to it. If he really is seeing things, he's going to have a lot of excuses to make for lurking around. By all means, he wants to turn around! But with his words, the light has just... Stopped. Somehow, this feels like it is staring at him. Judging him for not trusting it.

Begrudgingly, Link approaches the front door to the house. The light politely moves out of the way like a person holding the door open for another, and that alone is freakish to him. Swallowing his persistent hesitation, he obliges to the likely-illusionary guide's wishes... And knocks. The instant his hand maks contact with the door, the little light swirls back into his glove.

Initially, the only response is the boy's own instant regret. An unnerving silence follows... Until a voice he knows speaks up from the other side of the door.

"...Who is it? I thought I made it clear I won't be seeing anyone today." An older voice; one collected and dignified.

It sinks in faster than a boulder a river. He knows whose home this is now... But he'd be in deeper trouble if he turned away now.

"...It's– It's Link."

"...I see. ...Come in." The voice didn't seem entirely sure about allowing him to enter, but they've permitted it nonetheless.

Link inhales and slowly accepts his fate. He turns the knob on the door and enters in the most stiff manner possible. To his clashing senses of both shock and expectation, it the light has led him to the home of the only person he's ever been close to.

It's led him to Impa, sitting beside a window with a unprecedented perfect view of the North Palace.

End of Chapter 1.

Notes:

This is a little long for a first chapter, my bad. Anyway, you may have already noticed differences and/or additions in the story. Asks are always open and will be answered! I also take drawing requests.

Previous Chapter: Prologue

About:

"The Adventure of Link: Hero Reborn" is a loose interpretation of the second LoZ game for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game itself was made in a time where story elements weren't entirely front and center, and the developers were testing the waters with new game mechanics. This serves as a way to tell the story in the light of later installments in the franchise as inspiration, but in no way is directly tied to canon. It is merely my headcanons and just having some fun!

Obligatory Disclaimers:

I, quite obviously, don't own LoZ II: The Adventure of Link. This is simply a fanstory that serves as a loose narrative adaptation of the game, which has little storyline beyond the backstory given by the manual. It is meant to function similarly to the LoZ mangas (which you should read at the next opportunity) and doesn't entirely operate within canon. I wanted to tell a story from one of my favorite games in light of newer installments. You will find a lot of differences between the comic and the game itself, but also similarities for obvious reasons. For instance, this Link is a reincarnation of the Hero of Hyrule, rather than the same boy. But this is all just for fun and isn't meant to be taken too seriously. I highly recommend you play the original game, too! It was my first LoZ game and holds a special place in my obsessions. :)

(#loz hero reborn)

Also check out (#loz untold myths) or my main account at @nocturnalfandomartist!

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