#ruins of hyrule au

[probably-ace-ok]

Ruins of Hyrule: The Lost Woods

an apocalypse/horror loz au

Once a verdant, if misty forest, the Lost Woods has succumbed to a strange fungal infection, killing off anything else inside. Instead of mist, the air is now filled with spores, which can be deadly if breathed in, so Link must wear a specially made mask to enter. Some rumours suggest that on occasion, rather than dying from the spores, their victims will instead be overcome with madness, trying to flee the forest and die to spread the spores further or infect their own companions. Deep within the woods, Link encounters what remains of the Koroks— now shells puppeted by the fungi that infected them, bursting into clouds of spores when they come into contact with fire. The fate of the Great Deku Tree is unknown.

(please send asks if you’re curious about this au! it helps me work new stuff out!)

[grooviestsadpapaya]

More background practice :) Rito ruins this time

Also might wip dump after this, feeling silly. I’m not thrilled with this one either, but it’s a step in the right direction! It’s better than what I usually do! This isn’t the official art, just a concept. I like it tho.

[lordsooga]

Was going through my files and stumbled on some old doodles of a triforce swap au i never finished

In this one, Gan’s got the triforce of courage. He both lost his parents and realized he had the triforce at a young age. He’s told it’s his quest to save Hyrule from the tyrannical Princess Zelda. He’s stubborn and determined to prove that he can be a hero and that he can do this by himself...

Until Gan meets Link, a history and archeology nerd scholar. After meeting Gan and realizing he’s a literal child trying to go out and save Hyrule alone, he says “No. Absolutely not.” and joins him. Gan didn’t exactly invite him along, but eventually he begrudgingly accepts his help. He also likes to steal the snacks Link carries around. 

Not much for fighting, Link mostly helps Gan by using his knowledge about Hyrule’s history and heroes past to help with navigation and solving the temples’ riddles. It’s only later that he realizes he has the triforce of wisdom

Zelda’s the princess of Hyrule who has turned to abusing her political and religious powers. She shows a different face to the rest of Hyrule and claims that she’s blessed with guidance and power from Hylia like her ancestors. But really, she’s turned her back on Hylia and is instead grasping for the triforce of power to fulfill her goals.

(in case you don’t recognize it, this is the meme on gan’s scroll) (ID under the cut)

[ID: Two pages with a series of sketches of an AU Link and Ganondorf. Link is a young, Hylian adult here with long ears, glasses, and a sleeveless vest worn over a button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Ganondorf is a young, Gerudo  child wearing a short-sleeved shirt and often seen carrying the Master sword.

On the first page, Link and Ganondorf are seen outside an ancient temple overgrown with plants, outside what looks to be a sealed doorway. Link is reading from a thick book saying “I think if you play a specific song, it will open...” He turns to look at Ganondorf who is fruitlessly kicking at the door and says “...or you could just kick it, sure.” The next doodle shows an injured Link, slumped against a wall. Ganondorf stands in front of him, holding his sword in one hand and throwing out his other hand protectively in front of him. The last sketch shows Link and Ganondorf around a campfire. Ganondorf is sprawled out, fast asleep under a fairy- patterned blanket. Link has his shoes off, peacefully reading from his thick book by the light of the fire.

On the second page, Link and Ganondorf are seen, resting on a log. Link looks down at a scroll draped over his legs. In one hand, he holds a sliced apple. Without looking up, he holds out a slice to Ganondorf who begrudgingly takes it. The next sketches show Links bewildered face saying “Oh dear Hylia, you’re only 10?!” Ganondorf looks up at him stubbornly saying “Actually I’m 11 so shut the fuck up.” In the last sketch, Ganondorf holds out a scroll for Link who looks at him curiously. Unfurly the scroll, the meme attached above is seen. The meme is a screenshot of a facebook group. The name of the group is “As u can see i am only 11 and u are gay”. The icon image is a poorly drawn Knuckles with sunglasses on, and the header image is a car poorly photoshopped to be crashing into a building and exploding. \end ID]

[lynx-q]

pokemon ranger: ruins of hyrule

breath of the wild, but if pokemon

[ezlo-x]

hi I have thoughts to implement to my au maybe sorta I just thought the idea was cool. The Zonai were a Minish Tribe that were established in the Faron region when descending down from the skies

The Zonai were architecturally advanced as their structures and monuments were massive compared to their small size. It was at a point lead to believe that Hylians from a long ago past created those structures that are in the Faron region. Zonai don’t have a third eye in this, only highly respected Zonai would create these headpieces in form of a third eye. It is only a wild coincidence that the Sheikah and Zonai use eye symbols. However the Zonai in my au use more hand symbolism as they connect it more to into their architectural history and skills.

The Zonai established their own society in Faron, being the first to create a monarchy way before Hyrule was established to have a kingdom. That is the Zonai tribe of the south region, as a handful of the Zonai started to embark to the upper north side of Hyrule. There were two siblings in hopes to create their own society just like their cousins, Rauru and Mineru. They first settled in the upper north of the Woodland Region now known as the Thyphlo Ruins, until the discovery of the Great Lord Deku Tree in the Deku Woods (this is before the Koroks appeared). Rauru and Mineru decided to focus on the magic of the forest with the help of the Lord Deku Tree. Making Rauru hone the power of light and Mineru the power of spirit.

With these powers they have and their wisdom through experimentation and with Lord Deku Tree's blessing, was the creation of the Moth Fairy. Healing Fairies that transformed into Moth Fairies in their pupa stage. Who absorb the wisdom and story of the Zonai. As the Zonai wanted to keep their traditions alive the moth fairies were there as to archive their stories.

This magic came in handy when a threat of evil emerged in Hyrule as the Master Sword only being a few centuries old. And the incarnate of Light in a need of help to stop this force of evil from consuming Hyrule into darkness. The Zonai with their powers of magic that were obtained through the forest, gifted the Master Sword an enchantment to strengthen the sword and vanish the evil from Hyrule.

As centuries and many millennia passed by and the threat of evil being handled by child of light and courageous hero. Zonai tradition slowly diminished as also the Minish started to expand across Hyrule. The Zonai culture and tradition slowly faded as new cultures and traditions formed reestablishing as the Woodland tribe. People from Hyrule slowly forgetting about the Minish tribe. Leaving only the Moth Fairies to be the only remnants to know the origin of the Minish. The Zonai from the Faron region never really vanished however just like their Woodland cousins they became the Faron tribe as many things changed. However they had it slightly unlucky as not a lot of Moth Fairies know much for their history aside from the origin. Leaving many things behind and to be left a mystery.

The Master Sword's enchantment slowly diminished mostly as the threat of evil came back in long periods of time. In the current stage the Master Sword is weak due to the absence of maintenance and the enchantment is completely gone. The Master Sword has slowly become a rusted sword from a legend that is 10 thousand years old

[fancy11schmancy]

Finally, after all this time, 1920’s AU Link’s Main outfit concepts are all done!!! It’s been a challenge traveling for work and having time to work on art, but I am slowly getting better at it! (Sorry this took so long ;;)

AU Main Summary:

Since travel has been restored between the light realm and the twilight realm, a newfound unity flourished between the two societies. New friends, new towns/cities to explore, never-before-seen technologies and fashions at their disposal- all seemed well...until nefarious rumors of a returning great threat started to spread... Brief Lore of Link’s Role In The AU: With the new alluring land of Twilight open for entry and for any and all visitors, Link jumps at the chance to visit the amber-hued and shadow-filled world as Zelda’s accompanying guard for the latest council meeting. What and who lies in wait for Link to meet in this parallel reality? A world far more alien and advanced than his own? Rumors of an ethereal beauty shrouded in shadow? ___________________________________________________________ Link, a kindhearted, brave and daring country boy, is ready to make a name for himself as Hyrule’s greatest explorer! He’s known across the land as the “one-man army” for being extremely adaptable and prepared for any situation at any time with his wide arsenal of tools at his disposal. Some may also call him the “evergreen mountaineer” being as there is no mountain or peak he cannot scale- and by the fact he is always seen donning his famous dark green field coat, cap and his pickax of legend. He always greets friends and acquaintances alike with a warm smile and a firm handshake with a hearty hello (or ‘howdy’) with a slight southern draw. (A trademark from those who hail from “across the field," the Ordon Region.)

With his natural talent for exploring and his insatiable hunger for discovery and adventure, he’s charted vast ancient ruins, several dungeons of lore, and has uncovered a fantastic array of numerous treasures on both land and sea. Because of this, he’s occasionally seen as a young, irresponsible and reckless lad, especially due to the extreme nature of most of his exploration missions and his tendency to throw safety to the wind. He may seem like a “lone wolf” most of the time, but he always manages to bring along his dear friend Princess Zelda (and sometimes Midna) for any excursion he may be heading on…but in secret, of course. If the King of Hyrule were to ever find out about the “dangerous” adventures he’s been dragging Zelda onto, surely it would not go well…. Besides adventuring, Link spends his time helping his adoptive family back in Ordon with their expansive pumpkin farm and raising goats that are for producing the finest of goat cheese known region-wide. Any other spare time he has is at the right-hand side of Zelda, helping her with daily royal errands, solving mysteries, or just going out on the town to a local pub or to a delightful picnic in Hyrule Field. When he is at the pub, he can be seen boisterously playing an array of instruments, ranging from drums, stringed instruments, and most notably, his Ocarina (a very cherished gift from Zelda). While Link may be a bit of a country boy, he is no less capable of assisting Zelda in her pursuits of solving the various mysteries popping up around Castle Town, often providing a unique perspective from being the most skilled survivalist around. Once Midna arrives on the scene, she often enables Link’s craziest ideas- bringing out his secret (or not-so-secret) mischievous side. However, Link absolutely loathes Zant, Midna's towering Valet, due to his arrogant nature and his occasional mocking of Link’s short stature.

[quartzlightz]

Haunted house

(Modern AU)

Hyrule, clinging onto Time tightly: Could we please get out of here quicker!

Wind: No way! That would just ruin the fun!

Legend, rolling his eyes: I told you Rulie, you should’ve waiting outside with Sky and Four.

Hyrule grumbled as he tucked himself further into Time.

Hyrule, pouting: Maybe I should’ve just went with Warriors, Twilight, and Wild’s group up ahead instead.

Time: Stop arguing and Hyrule it’ll be over soon—

Hyrule, screaming: HOLY FUCKING SHIT!

A haunted house actor came jumping in front of them and caused Hyrule to freak and punch the poor actor.

Legend, holding a surprised look on his face: …Shit.

Time rushed over to the employee to help them out as Wind was laughing his ass off, holding his stomach as he tried to not fall over from laughing so hard and Hyrule had his hands covering his mouth as he looked at the what he just did.

Hyrule, squeaking out: Whoops…

Wind, gasping for air, nearly crying too: Fucking whoops indeed!

[r0sequarks]

doodles for a tears of the kingdom roleswap au, because those will forever be my jam and i really like the idea of playable zelda. notes/rambling under the cut.

Scavenged Zonai tech instead of Ultrahand (she made it herself??)

idk if the stone stays a necklace or goes on a hand or what

Maybe Zonai glasses? idk

She has an undershirt b/c boobs. Patterned off main padding.

Zonai Survey Team + Hylian Armor (people just give Zelda shit)

Bow of Light - summons freely, acts like Master Sword, powers up with shrines?

Text is readable (Purah: stealing my look! rude!)

And then the general core conceits of Playable TotK Zelda:

Archer - ranged combat focus/optimized

Princess/General - focus on group combat (sages / monster squad / Gerudo Town)

Priestess - Light + Time magic, upgrades

Zonai Researcher - extra knowledge in ruins, can read tet, can do more with scavenging

I need to finish the final boss fight before I decide what entirely Link's role ends up as, but he's sent back in time injured with the broken sword while Zelda is teleported by the Purah Pad away to the Sky Island. IDK if she still has Rauru (or Mineru) as a guide, but even if she does, she's a lot more self sufficient, and scavenges/builds the tech to interface with Zonai devices herself instead of just being given the Ultrahand. I think she still gets the same abilities, but like. She's doing it herself. very stressed out this is fine energy.

Zelda on the sky island is probably more than a little feral researcher. It's her getting used to combat. When we started with the broken master sword, I though the game was going to let you keep it and power it up over time; I'm glad that's not how it went but I do think it would be interesting, so Zelda gets to summon a bow and it levels up over time (probably connected to the shrines system, because Holy Light, but idk how exactly). She can use swords and other weapons, but she definitely defaults more ranged.

Zelda also gets magic, which is obviously the Time Rune stuff, but I think also it would be cool if she had a light power unarmed attack (similar to but weaker than the Yiga Earthwave you can unlock). I like the idea of a playthrough where you never pick up a sword and you just keep light blasting people and dodging even though it is almost certainly the weaker attack. feral untrained self taught mages are and forever will be my jam.

When Zelda returns to Hyrule proper, I think the reactions are very different, because everyone pretty much agrees she's in charge (even if, perhaps, she doesn't). I also think that, well, people are less worried about Link being missing than they are about Zelda - the Lucky Clover isn't running stories about him, y'know? As such it's driven by what Zelda wants - which is to find Link, even if it''s not what others want.

Zelda as princess I think also plays interestingly into the group combat TotK introduces; I think in her game she acts more as general and they're more common. Not that she can't be on front lines, but it'd be pretty easy to play letting the Sages eat up melee while she's sniping. I also think she gets magic that can heal allies, making them more useful in fights to some extent. This would maybe be very messy in a real game but this is a theory baybee!

Although I think that's probably similarly limited / you don't have to drag people around while climbing mountains. Which, to be clear, she still does. It's been like five years and she's clearly been traveling the world with Link still at her side, there's no way that she's not just as feral an adventurer as he is. She's just better as passing as normal.

The big change in exploration is the various ruins, because she actually knows shit. I like to imagine there's some feature Zelda can use to sort of take notes on basically any Zonai or other ancient shit you find anywhere. She doesn't need to run back to Kakariko Village to translate, she's putting stuff together herself. This is maybe manifested by Zonai glasses/mask, which replaces/augments the Camera feature? And then upgrades to help you better see stuff? idk. [let the purah scope zoom in and out. ideal fix. kthxbai]

as for how Zelda interacts with the world...that's kind of complicated but really interesting. she's the beloved princess, but she is the Princess, and for the other four nations, specifically, Not Their Princess. like the dynamic with the Sages definitely changes. There's probably some themes there to parallel Zelda with Rauru but like that means there are Implications and I need to think more on that than 2am.

[slickfordain]

𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐱 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

Yandere-themed, extremely gory, different AUs of Link x reader, genuine loving Links yes

The Links have been watching you for some while now. They even took you in some adventures of their own, holding you so closely to them so you wouldn’t get hurt. Ah. It was simple as that… Just that… Holding you and coo’ing themselves into you as they protect you from hideous monsters and Ganon. That wrenching man doesn’t deserve to even see you, let alone breathe next to you.

They won’t let a single strand of your hair get hurt or damaged, so, after taking a small liking to you when they have gotten to know you— The Links realized you usually talk to yourself, which, clearly was something they didn’t except but… They didn’t want to ruin your imaginations and wonders.

After all, it was better than letting you talk to anyone else in the village. A boy your age simply flirted with you and that was fine if he never did it again, but the same time, he did. He got uncomfortably too close to you and never respected boundaries, even if you said no many times. It angered the Links… No, actually, it enraged them. That’s the better word for it.

What’s more lovely than having Time ordering Legend and Hyrule to gauge the man’s eyes out… What is more than loving when Wild and Warriors team up on chopping the man’s legs, leaving him limp and having no limbs at all?

Oh, how loving they were, cutting the man’s arms and using it as a “sword” for their own selfish needs. You wouldn’t realize it, would you? Sure there’s a metallic smell wafting throughout the air but… You’re dumb, aren’t you? Their sweet beautiful/handsome breathtaking sweetheart, the cutest and the most prettiest person to exist. Doesn’t matter what the fuck you look like.

They’re obsessed with the idea of you, and Wind is regretting the day he had introduced you to the Links, for he, wanted you all to himself. But that wouldn’t be so easily either when Legend can easily tell what is going on…

Let yourself get dragged further into the chain of darkness, getting held delicately by Twilight as he coo’s into your touch and kisses your cheek, pampering you with nothing but love, your eyes shut closed, melting into the wolf’s chest. As you are not looking to the feast the Links have put upon the place, eating the citizens who has dared to assault you or harass you. Laughing, enjoying, and smiling all together.

Simple days pass by and things got more extreme when they’re with you. They’re obsessed with the idea of you, again. The Links doesn’t even understand why, but whenever it’s just a simple wording of your name when it’s not even about you— lights them up and makes them extremely needy by just that.

Shaky, heavy, loving, needy breaths, would be exhaled from their throats, observing you from afar as you sleep on the couch, being their sleepy lamb falling into their trap.

Hah.

Beautiful/Handsome.

You’re absolutely breathtaking. Oh, Time couldn’t help but to pamper you with words due to not being amazing with actions, trying his best as he compliments you every now and then, telling you how much he adores you. Flustering you, being blushy blush, he knew he could win one way or another into your heart…

Just don’t go into their basement, darling. Don’t open the door, where humans hung from the hooked chain that lead from their leg to their neck. Don’t leave them for the basement, who has dead headless people laying on the pool of blood on the floor, don’t, don’t go realizing their skin and flesh had been completely ripped off to the point their skeletons even, showed.

They were just basic tools for food, don’t you see? So don’t go realizing that this entire time, the village was their servants, obeying and doing everything in character. For they, feared the almighty heroes they once knew before. The Hyrule girls wouldn’t ever want to talk with you without permission, and it pisses them off. Malon wants to have your attention too, but it seems like Time is so stubborn about it. She hated it.

Oh, won’t your sleepy self just talk with her out of nowhere for once? Please open your eyes… She needs to see it, she has to see it, she needs your eyes, she will turn those humans into necklaces if she has to and burn the village to the ground— Oh… But not yet. Not yet. She has to be patient.

And she knew the Zeldas were the exact same, waiting, and waiting, for your soft touch and the soft feeling of your skin and flesh.

It’s so lovely, that you were just born simply and they were already whipped. It’s like they knew that they only wanted to marry you, to have you… And Hyrule is in ethereal whenever you pay attention to him.

Never show your eyes to Four or Wild please. If you do they’ll have their face red, completely red, and will let out shaky breaths of need to pamper you with kisses and lock you in a luxurious bedroom of theirs to cuddle and feel you being close to them.

They need you. You needed them.

Isn’t that how it was always supposed to be?

I’m here with more Linked Universe 💅

[zeldaelmo]

Happy TotK anniversary!

I'm working on things I can't share yet, so I'll make a list of all my published TotK stories instead!

The three golden rules of a jeweler are discretion, politeness, and subtlety. No big deal for Isha, Gerudo Town's jewelry shopkeeper, but there's one customer who keeps her on her toes.

Read Shop Rules

Link joins Zelda’s class so that her students can learn first hand about the knights of Hyrule. Turns out they aren’t as prepared for the children’s questions as they thought...

Read Rumors have Wings

Zelda and Link are finally back home in Hateno but... the time apart has left traces on them both. It's nearly impossible for Link to push aside what so often happened around midnight while she was gone and her tender voice failed to warn him about the blood moon.

Read Just after Midnight

Link shows Zelda his new dream home... Or rather what's left of it.

Read Superglue

He has done it all before, but the difference is - this time he remembers.

Read It's Lonely at the Top

Modern AU with TotK characters and outfits.

Zelda is taking over the fabric store from her mother and struggles to balance traditions, new ideas, and financial problems. The last thing she needs in her sewing class is a guy who disagrees with her every word and threatens to ruin her favorite time of the year: Christmas.

Read One Stitch at the Time

That's more than I thought it would be. 😅

[tenderleavesbob]

This small thing was inspired by @skyloftian-nutcase's "good ganondorf" fics. If you haven't read them and the rest of their au's, please do!

Ganondorf's initial plan was simple: use the time sorceress to escape, kill her, kill the hero.

The plan changed as his spirit watched Cia and her ongoing defiance. Her desire to claim Hyrule for her own was understandable. The Goddesses were selfish in their possession of Hyrule and careless in their use of puppets to defend it. It only made sense to want to claim Hyrule for her own after being forced to watch over it for so long. Her obsession with the hero's spirit? That was not quite as understandable but possibly more useful. Capture and corrupt the hero's spirit and then never have to deal with the weapon of the Goddesses again.

His plans changed again when his spirit roamed Cia's temple. There was something unnerving regarding how many children stared back at him from portraits and statues. He recalled the Hero of Time from so many centuries ago and his first meeting with the brat. He had been too tiny to even climb up on Ganondorf's horse if he had wanted.

The portraits for this latest hero adorned many walls. Many featured him in his hero's garments, that strange, vivid green. Ganondorf had not seen another hero with that blue scarf, and it seemed this hero was rarely without it.

This hero looked young. Very young. There was baby fat on his cheeks.

In some of the portraits, the ones before he gained the green garb, he was even younger. Smaller. A child.

Slowly. Slowly. Ganondorf's plans changed again. He would kill the sorceress. With such an intense obsession, there was no guarantee that she would be controllable. Her madness went deep, something inside her broken and unpredictable. An unpredictable weapon was a useless weapon.

It was the Hero of Time who had damned him all those centuries ago, along with the Princess, but looking at the pictures of the pale Hylian with baby-fat still evident in his fair face, Ganondorf wondered.

Of the Goddesses, he believed it had been Hylia alone who had condemned the time sorceress to her fate. He had simply pushed Cia along an inevitable path. Ganondorf had no patience for the Princesses. All Hylia's blood and all mortal enemies. Only good to be manipulated and destroyed so his people could be restored to their proper glory.

Ganondorf had never thought much about the weapons of the Goddesses. He just knew he needed to destroy them before they had the chance to ruin his plans.

He had never thought about the baby fat or how he had owned bows bigger than the tiny children in these portraits. Threatening Ganondorf before their voices even broke. Smaller than the Gerudo children who used to run and play in the desert sands.

From the shadows, Ganondorf watched Cia with her obsession, and he changed his plans.

Kill the Princess. Kill the time sorceress.

Claim the hero.

Let the boy see who had truly chained him. Perhaps he could help the boy find true freedom, and in turn, the boy would aid Ganondorf's plans. Only through obtaining true power could they be free.

Let the Goddesses learn how it felt to have their own weapon turned against them.

[probably-ace-ok]

Ruins of Hyrule (aka the Zeldapocalypse AU)

an apocalypse/horror loz au

Decades after the Kingdom of Hyrule was torn apart by a series of disasters, Hylians are only just starting to leave their underground homes, and returning to the Surface — but the land of Hyrule is very different to what they remember.

Death Mountain is a shadow of its former self, spewing clouds of toxic ash from the remains of the eruption that heralded the beginning of the end. The river at the base of Zora’s Domain is filled with bones, and the Lost Woods are avoided by all who wish to keep their life. The Gerudo have retreated into the desert, the Rito to the sea. Kakariko Village is silent until the night falls. Something is pulling entire parts of the land up into the sky. Hyrule Castle seems abandoned, but no one who goes in ever comes out and on some nights a light shines from the highest tower.

This is the world that Link, a young explorer born after Hylians descended underground, lives in, using his cybernetic enhancements to search the ruins of Hyrule for valuable resources. That is until he falls into an ancient chamber, exposed by chance, and meets an ancient Gerudo man trapped inside who claims to be a sorcerer — and to know a way to restore the land of Hyrule.

(please send asks if you’re curious about this au! it helps me work new stuff out!)

[lace4forest]

The Hero of Songs

We drew Song on Stream today! :D

We came up with the Idea that Zelda and Link had to sneak into the Temple of Time to steal it because the King doesn't think anything is wrong and Zelda and Link both know Ganondorf is up to something!

We placed this AU between Twilight Princess and Hyrule Warriors (Like Hyrule Warrior's fixed the timeline type of thing) so this Temple of Time is a newer not in ruins version of Hyrule Warrior's Temple of Time.

[shylighthi]

More unfinished works for you all to eat up!

Blind Wild Au!

Time had been grateful to be directed towards a man who could help guide the chain to their new Link, until he met his guide. Time tried not to judge anyone on first appearances but he couldn't help himself. The man was missing an arm, was heavily scarred and seemed to be blind in both eyes, his left eye was milky white, similar to Time's right eye. His other eye looked fine but Time recognized that unfocused look as the man looked up at him.

Legend, who had been walking with Time turned almost violent at the stable hand that led them to the guide. Time was half tempted to let him berate the man but he had to stop him from getting them dragged away from the only source of shelter they had seen in hours. 

The blind man gave a sharp, single note whistle to stop Legend in his tracks. He stood and came over to the three. Legend did not fight with the blind man, though it seemed like both were just waiting for the other to make the first move.

Time cleared his throat and asked if the man was a guide and he nodded. Time asked if he would be willing to help them make a trip to the closest town. The man glared at Legend before nodding at Time.

Time went and told the rest of the chain what they would do, next time he looked at the traveler he had a mechanical arm attached to his stump and a horse saddle and was ready to leave. He was quick for someone who could not see.

Soon the chain and the guide would start out on their journey, and the group settled on going to Kakiriko. It was a place where multiple people of the chain recognized from their own Hyrule's 

During the journey the group runs into a horde of monsters. They try their best to protect their guide but the man holds his own well, too well. He is able to do flips and behead monsters better than the rest of them. 

Another thing that surprises the chain is how well the man can cook. Time couldn't say that It was better than Malon's cooking but he was a close runner up.

Hyrule had been taking a lot of walks away from the chain since they met the traveler. Hyrule says that the traveler gives off a powerful magic and it's giving him headaches to be so close to him. When Time later asks about the magic traveler chuckles and mentions that he has a device that can help him navigate the world. It is like he is feeling everything within a ten foot radius, from there he can make a map of the area in his head like he would anything he touches. This really interests most of the chain.

One day, towards the end of the journey, Wind asks the traveler about his arm. He laughs and explains that a scientist made it for him as well as the device that helps him see. Wind presses and asks how he lost his arm or if he was born like that. Traveler explains that he lost it to a bad magic that decayed his arm and nearly killed him. He seems to be happy to tell the story because he lived to tell it. 

In the bathery plain, the chain sees a woman riding a golden horse, she and the traveler look at one another and fly off their horses and greet one another. With link and Zelda, the chain is not amassed that they came so far just to find out that they had been traveling with link the entire time.

Wild masks!

The gang appears in a new hyrule, they assume as it was night at the time they arrived, at first they figure this must be a time where the world is at peace but start to look for people of hyrule. It seems like a ruined hyrule, similar to Hyrules but soon they find some travelers. They don't seem too excited to speak and even run off when Wind mentions the name Link.

The chain is confused but March on. Some time later they find a stable in the distance. Sky to gaspes and points out something watching them. The group turns just to see bright red eyes looking back at them before the eyes disappear into the dark. The group is on high alert as they start to walk faster to camp. Then time nearly runs into a living shadow, red eyes watching then. 

Times improvised torch barely reflects off the body of the creature, an almost pitch black hylian form. The group seems horrified by this, seeing a dark link stalking them, now mere feet away. Time swings his torch at the dark link before it jumps back into the darkness. The only indication of where it was was the glow of its eyes. A second later the eyes traveled skywards before disappearing, a moment later an energy sent everyone flying off to the side, originating from a point just in the middle of them all, the eyes appeared right in the middle of it.

Wars is on his feet first, flinging himself at the dark link. His sword cuts deep even as the being tries to jump away from the blunt of the attack. The shadow hits the ground with an ugly thud and tries to stand but Twilight stomps down on its torso, stopping it from moving. "What are you doing here?" Twilight asks, voice still strong despite the short battle. 

Dark link almost growls before answering. "What do you mean by that?" It yells, teeth bared like a wild animal. Time watches as its left hand slips down to its belt, trying to grab something. Time reacts, getting down and grabbing the arm to stop it from doing what it was planning to do with the hand. The creature's hisses at the touch and starts to thrash under Twilight.

"What have you done with Link? Why are you following us?" Time questioned while leaning over a bit more to look at the thing's face. Time hadn't touched one of those for as long as he had now, but he never really expected it to be warm and feel so solid. It was like a normal hylian in truth. 

The dark link laughed at them. "What's so funny?" Twilight put a bit more of his weight on the things chest, causing it to start coughing instead. "Answer me!"

The dark link glared. "What makes you think he isn't here?" Twilight and Tine were surprised by that answer. The dark link must have anticipated that, it pushes itself off the ground, knocking Twilight off balance and onto the ground. In the same movement it bites down on Time's arm, making him pull away with a yelp. Time recovers quickly and throws himself at the shadow, intending to hold it fown before it can attack again. The moment Time's hands touch its shoulders the dark link bursts into strings of blue light that temporarily blinds Time

He opened his eyes once the light faded. The dark link was gone. He stands, ready to attack but nothing happens, the creature is gone. The group is shocked but after some time rush to the stable. They rest there, leaving early in the morning to start looking for Zelda or link. The castle was in view so they went there

Castle town and the castle itself were old and decayed. It was more then a bit worrying to see the castle in such ruin. They continued on ward asking as many questions as they thought they could before having to move on. 

Days would pass of them going from stable to stable in search of more knowledge or a link. They learned enough to know that there must be a link since the Ganon had only been killed a month ago.

They March through a ravine, getting rid of any monsters on the way, most are not infected. Sky taps quickly on Time's arm. "Someone is watching us." Time looks up and sees a person with white hair and blue clothes watching them a moment after he notices the white eyes and tattoos. It's the fierce deity. The deity watches them, unmoving as the rest of the group stares up at him. 

This quiet stare down goes on for some time, neither party moving. The deity jumps down onto a rock ledge still staring. It doesn't get onto even ground with them, staying higher up. 

Songs of the Wild!

This us a self indulgent fic that really wasnt going to be published even if it was finished, the songs I quote are.

The song of healing by Niki Jenson

Ballad of the windfish by Alice Flare

The chain had been lucky, they realize, to land nearly at the doorstep to this stable. At first, it had been chaos. Travelers, musicians and stablehands were up in arms in seconds to defend themselves from what they had thought was an attack from a cult of assassins. After everything was explained (and Time nearly getting his head sliced off by a particularly rilled up gerudo), the chain was welcomed to the stable as travelers, even if they did arrive there in an odd manner.

Intact, most people at the stable, upon hearing the explanation of them being travelers from a different time (yes they had to explain that much to let anyone believe that they weren't any danger), people begun to lay down the laws of the land to them in great detail.

It was quite a gift in reality. The chain would have worked on pure instinct and gone to the castle which is uninhabited and might still contain creatures that will blow them to smithereens in one attack. A man, calling himself Cucco, showed off his scars yo the chain that came from a direct blast of a guardian beam. His scars cross over most of his face, deforming the edge of his mouth and trailed down to his left calf.

Cucco also made a deal with them in minutes of their arrival, he makes them food if they hand over as much information of their hyrules as they possible could. Of course the chain agreed.

The chain was certain that Cucco was Link, he matched the visuals for one, hylain, somewhat pale skin, blondish hair but they couldn't confirm anything. 

Sky had mentioned in the chaos that they were looking for the hero of hyrule and were all heroes themselves but no one seemed to truly flinch at it. Mentioning it again, however, got a rougher reaction from the stable people. All were adamant that Link stay with them. Even Cucco expressed that “their hero” Stay in hyrule because he was needed in reconstruction matters. All the chain could do is tell the truth, he would have no choice, much like they didn't.

Cucco would keep them up late talking about their hyrules, eventually someone would start to ask him questions and he happily replied. Apparently, Cucco was a part time researcher but mostly traveled with a group called ‘The Stable Trotters’. He and this group were currently traveling across Hyrule to preform to the main vilages and town around hyrule and had just come back from gatgering their members, menaing they would just be starting their tour together.

Cucco and The Stable Trotters asked the group if they wanted to come with seeing as they needed to find their wild hero. The Chain eventually agreed to it but did say they might not be able to follow for too long, especially once they find the hero.

The next morning the Stable Trotters would preform a soft melody to the stable. Every started to gather up near or on the seatings provided to them. After the moment of nonsensical strumming was done, the stable trotter began to play their song. Time immediately recognized the notes and his heart dropped into his stomach. 

The Song of Healing.

The has just started and it's all Time hears. The musicians Humm to the start of the song, it sounds like magic flowing around them but it's only their voices. They slowly stop to hum and one, a younger girl in the group, begins o sing. “Day to night, Dark to light / Fall the sands of time.” 

Time breaths and holds onto the clasps of his armor. The music becomes background noise as he attempts to calm himself. As soon as he starts to believe that he has calmed, that his overreaction was, indeed, just an overreaction, he hears Antlune sing. “()"

Time stiffens and begins to listen to her song. “()"

Time tires to breathe again, takibg slow, deep breaths like Malon once told him too, it barely helps. He glances away from the stage for just a moment and sees Cucco staring with an all to knowing expression. He knows that the song reflects Time's journey in Termina. He may not know the specifics but he knows something at least and that scares Time.

Time stands, and gives Twilight a short excuse to why he's leaving. “Three days is all you have to change your fate”. Time flinches at those words but makes it to the other end of the stable and out of sight of the others just as it all seems to slam into him.

You can't save them. You will never help them all. Useless hero. Failure. Failure. Dawn of a New Day. You will never win. Never beat it. It controls you. You failed to save them. Dawn of the second day. Time's running out. You will never make it. The moon falls. So will you. Not a hero. Dawn of the final day. You've lost. Those same notes, again and again and again and again and again and-

There's a weight on Time's side and he flinches away on instinct. Cucco had sat down next to him at some point.

Excuses and apologies sit at the tip of Time's tongue but Cucco doesn't give him the chance to speak. “It's okay. I know. Push against me. Breathe with me, okay?” it takes a moment for Time to do as Cucco said but when he does, it works miracles 

Cucco promises to never tell anyone about this, and later that day the large group takes off to Gerudo Valley. 

—

The wagon and horses have no trouble getting over the rocky terrain.  They stop at another stable, just shy of the desert. Together with the chain, the stable Trotters settle down for the night. They sing a little song that's in the works for the stable that night.

Time does not recognize this song yet it drives emotions from him as well. The soft music sounds almost mournful. Antlune sings in this song as well, her voice is riddled with emotion. “Fade away, in the gray of an unknown dream. / When the sea, swallows me, in the stream / please never forget”. 

Time begins to look over his other boys. It could have been a fluke that he would be spoken of in the last song, but if it wasn't, he would be there for his boys. “The adventure and the dreams we had. / I'll fade; it is my fate.” 

Time catches Legend's ears moving to better listen to the song. “Farewell, dear Hero…” Legend sits up a little straighter. “Let the light, be your guide, as you sail away.“ Legend's hands grip tightly onto his knees.

Uh oh.

“I can make, and can take, a new day. / Away from the light, / yes, this dream will have to end tonight.” Legend's ears pinned to the side of his head and his shoulder tensed. Time looked around to try figuring out a way to help Legend get out of this situation. “They'll fade; it’s their fate. / Farewell, brave hero…”

Time stands and goes behind Legend. He leans down to whisper to him. “Legend I nee-”

Legend bares his teeth. “Shut up.” He turns back to the stage before Time can even process his own surprise. 

Cucco, Antlune, and Elios continue their ballad. “Friend of mine, it is time, to say our last goodbyes. / Hold my hand, dearest friend, this dream dies…” The three on stage bow as the crowd erupts in claps and praises for their work. Legend stays still until the three musicians start off the stage Legend gets up and immediately follows them.

Should I post these to Ao3 in a multichapter burial ground for unfinished works? It would be easier for any of you interested in these unfinished works to hear from me.

[lynx-q]

"The land of Hyrule is full of creatures known as pokémon. However, I urge you to be wary of these beasts; the Calamity's corruption runs deep, and there are few pokémon left in the wild that will not try to kill you on sight."

over the decades, Calamity Ganon has refined his power to overtake the wills of unsuspecting pokémon, turning them into hyper-aggressive extensions of him own rage. these pokémon are labeled as Malicious, and crave destruction above all else.

while a cure for this condition does exist in the form of stylers, their hard-to-repair mechanisms make stylers a luxury that only a few settlements can afford to keep. this cure, however, does not prevent Ganon from retaking pokémon under the light of the Blood Moon.

on random nights, the sky turns red, ash drifts up off the ground, and the full moon reflects the Calamity's power across the face of Hyrule. any that are pokémon caught out in it's light are helpless against Ganon's thrall, however, if you catch the signs in time, it is possible to prevent your pokémon from becoming Malicious. roofed, enclosed spaces are the best preventative measure one can take, but quick defenses such as a tarp or even a pocket can be just as effective-- just make sure there's not an inch of your pokémon that's sticking out!

it should be noted that the Yiga Clan revel under the conditions the Blood Moon creates, going so far as to outfit their poor pokémon with armor-like control devices that inject Malice directly into the pokémon. this "armor" keeps them compliant, even when they are captured by a styler.

[upwards-descent]

Redemption

(Good guy TotK Ganondorf AU)

Link watched the clouds leisurely glide past the Temple of Time. It stood like some stalwart soldier over the floating island, a beacon that made him feel as safe as it did uneasy. His head had been hurting since he came to and as he skidded down the beaten path, he couldn't help but grimace.

"I'm sorry," The ghostly image of Rauru sat nearby, his chin propped up in his palm. It was weird to witness, seeing that it was now Link's own hand. Or was it? He winced as his head throbbed. "I wish I had more answers for you but so much time has flown by. I'm... Mainly passing on messages now."

"I don't even understand what that means, you're being esoteric," Link snapped back but there was no true heat in his words, only pain. His arm hurt, too, and the ping between his bicep and temple felt like his nerves were being juggled around. "Either you do know or you don't know where Zelda is, I don't really care about anything else at this point."

Rauru's melancholy sigh was the only answer he needed.

At least the Constructs were pleasant, the non-hostile ones at least. They reminded Link of the old Guardian technology, when they weren't corrupt with Malice. Sweet Hylia, he'd barely rested across five years and now here he was once more, Hyrule in peril, Zelda lost, and a piece of himself missing.

"There's someone awaiting you at the Temple." Rauru reappeared, an arm slung around a tree.

"Yes, you told me."

"No..." His voice went quiet, eyes narrowing. "Someone else. Someone... Different. Keep your guard up and your wits about you."

Link had half a mind to flip the spectre off but felt it'd be going too far. He was tired, his body ached, and the frustration he felt within himself writhed burning heat in his chest. Instead, he forged onward.

There was in fact someone waiting for him.

He was a large man with long flowing red hair, dressed in garb Link recognized as some Gerudo style. What appeared to be a sword was lain out at his knees and the Hylian understood it was a position of submission, of surrender. Regardless, he unsheathed the weighty stick slung across his back and approached with confidence.

"And who the hell are you?" Link demanded, stopping at the top of the ruined staircase. The air up here was somewhat warm at least, in the light of the sun. "I've been told to watch out which really doesn't give me... A lot..."

His grip tightened and he held his weapon in a more threatening manner. Some spark of recognition tugged a scowl at his lips.

"You look familiar. Like that... Corpse we found under the castle," Link growled. He leveled the stick at the man's head. "Who are you? Answer me before I let action speak instead."

The man looked up at him and the Hylian nearly flinched. Though Link himself rarely wore his emotions openly, simply as an aspect of his personality, he was pretty good at reading other people instead. There was a great sadness on the man's face that drew in his heavy brows and touched at his frown.

"... I am Ganondorf, leader of the Gerudo," His voice wasn't as deep as Link expected given how large he was but he spoke with some degree of command that couldn't be ignored. "I... I only ask you hear my story first. After that, it's your call whether or not to slay me. I wouldn't exactly blame you for lashing out."

"Watch yourself," Rauru stood nearby, probably unseen by the strange Gerudo man. "This man, as I know him, is the greatest threat against Hyrule in our entire history."

Link held back the urge to heave a loud sigh. He was so tired. Still holding up his weapon, he gave a casual sort of flourish to urge his words further.

"Long ago, when the gods were nearer to the ground below," Ganondorf began. He sat up straighter but the sadness never left his eyes. "I was a chosen leader of prophecy. As had been foretold in my people's history, a male Gerudo is born only once every 100 years and is expected to lead. I was... Or at least, I tried to be what my kin deserved," Link questioned if Rauru was visible as the Gerudo seemed to glance forlornly in his vague direction. "I lead with pride and a steady hand. I listened to the complaints, the concerns, and dedicated every bit of energy I had to bettering our situation. The desert can be cruel but... It's our home."

"I've never heard of a male Gerudo," Link interjected, eyes narrowing. "And trust me, I'm closer to them than you'd think."

"The Gerudo... Persist?" The first glimmer of life lit up Ganondorf's eyes. "I see. Unfortunately, it's because of me that the legend is no longer spoken, or at least I can assume," Link watched as a broad hand kneaded at his chest above his heart. "See, there's a second prophecy I have unfortunately found myself tangled in. I can sense it's one that effects you, too."

The Hylian quickly glanced over at Rauru's ghostly image and he had the gall to shrug.

"Oh," Ganondorf's eyes widened. "I can sense the power within you, but you... Do you know of the Triforce?"

"Only because Zelda has a passion for history," Link let down his guard for a moment, brows knitting in confusion. "It's a big artifact, holy light, gifted to humanity by the ancient goddesses or something like that. I've... Seen her use a power that looked incredibly similar before but..."

"These are strange times indeed," Ganondorf muttered before refocusing. "Regardless. I have to assume that she and I and probably you are the three destined champions chosen by the Triforce, and by extension the gods. It's... A whole other history for another day but all you need to know is that the branch that effects me has been corrupted. Before any of our times, when the universe was young, an ancient evil--"

"Listen, if you're pleading for your life right now," Link cut him off by adjusting his stance, holding up his weapon with confidence once more. "I don't think a whole library's worth of storytelling is gonna convince me either way. Can you give me the short version?"

"Yes, of course," Ganondorf seemed bewildered but shook it off and continued. "I've essentially been cursed. That... Corpse was in fact me but it also wasn't me. As I grew into a man and matured, a powerful evil was sewn into my very soul. I was slowly taken over, used like a puppet by the shadows, until only my subconscious was my own. My thoughts, my words, my actions; perverted by this great evil."

Link felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up when Rauru pulled an odd expression, like some great revelation was dawning on him.

"Though it was my hand that threatened Hyrule long ago, it wasn't by my will," Ganondorf frowned and huffed. "However, as I was imprisoned for millennia, the powerful magic of the Zonai--"

"Me," Rauru mumbled, as if that made anything clear. "He's... Referring to me."

"--The spell acted like a slow exorcism. That corpse is made of pure evil, mimicking my appearance," The Gerudo laid a hand over his heart in earnest. "I've been cleansed and... Now I have to make things right."

Suddenly, he shifted and Link dared to take a step forward, tightening his grip on the wooden club. Instead, Ganondorf laid his palms flat on the ground and touched his forehead to the pale stone beneath him.

"Spare me, don't, I only ask that you use me so I may pay for my sins," He begged, his voice thick with emotion. "I've watched through eyes clouded by hate, powerless, as innocent people were slain, as the world was torn asunder. Use me and let me correct these wrongs. Use me and we shall prevail to slay the true evil that's been left behind."