#urbosa is just awesome

[lesbianvamp1reeee]

i found this as a wip on my phone and decided to finish it - based on a screenshot from that one cutscene

[skyloftian-nutcase]

Breath of the Sky Ch 9 (Skyward Sword meets Breath of the Wild)

@blossomingwaters @telemna-hyelle @skyward-floored @neutralvoiceartist @twilight-linkess @ whoever else wanted to read Breath of the Sky GUESS WHAT GUYS I MANAGED TO CONTROL THE CHAOS AND MAKE A CHAPTER

Summary: When Princess Zelda goes to the Spring of Courage to pray, accompanied by her appointed knight, a giant magical cog spitting out a goddess is the last thing she expects, but it is what she gets. Meanwhile, the Spirit Maiden Zelda is trying to figure out what the heck is happening and where her missing husband/chosen hero is.

(Click to read on AO3)

First chapter

<<Previous chapter // Next chapter>>

When Link and Zelda returned to their room for lunch, they found clothes waiting for them on their bed. Curious, the two examined the garments and were astonished at their richness. Zelda’s dress was made of multiple layers of white with gold thread sewn throughout for embroidery to accentuate the waist, collar, and just above the elbows. A necklace made of pure gold sat atop the ensemble, forming what looked like the goddess symbol. Lastly, there was a golden headdress encrusted with sapphires. For Link there was a pure white cotton undershirt covered by a silk green tunic with a leather belt that had intricate embroidery and a pure gold buckle with the goddess symbol engraved on it. Dark brown trousers, a royal blue cape, and shiny black boots completed the ensemble.

Servants were there to give them a brief rundown on how the festivities were to progress. The pair was to follow them to a large open area where what sounded like the entire population of Hyrule would be there.

So… that couldn’t be too many people, right? Link eyed Zelda nervously as he adjusted the foreign clothing he was wearing.

At least Zelda looked radiant in her outfit. Her eyes trailed over him from his head to his toes before making their way back up to his face. He felt his cheeks blush at the expression she made.

“You look nice,” she said quietly, her own face coloring slightly pink.

Link found he had no voice to answer. He swallowed thickly and rubbed the back of his neck. Zelda then giggled, easing the growing emotions between the pair, and he offered her his hand. They walked together, listening as the servants continued to brief them on what was to come.

On top of being greeted and honored by the people of Hyrule, there were gifts to be presented. Link specifically was going to be given a ceremonial sword of some sort. The servants said it was some sort of symbol of handing of responsibilities – a knight would present him with the blade and he would determine if the knight was worthy to take the blade and the mantle of protector of Hyrule by returning the blade to him.

Link felt his stomach churn. He wasn’t entirely sure why this knight needed his approval. His role had been given to him, chosen by—

Well. By… by Zelda, he supposed, if he thought about it hard enough.

He tried not to. Besides, Zelda herself had said she hadn’t fully understood until the end of their journey.

In either case, it made Link no more qualified to choose a new “protector” than anyone else. He had no right to be included in this ceremony at all.

The servants leading them paused in front of large ornate doors, and Link already felt dizzy. These clothes were strange on him, this castle was too big, and he didn’t even have to be in the room to sense how many people were in there.

He could hear them. And it sounded like a lot more than the population of Skyloft.

He couldn’t even fathom it.

Zelda squeezed his hand tightly. Glancing at her, he saw her looking similarly nervous, but she gave him a reassuring smile. Link swallowed and smiled back.

The servants pushed the doors open as trumpets blared, and the crowd in the room grew silent.

Light shone into the dark hallway as Link and Zelda stood there a moment, taking a breath. Then the couple walked forward together.

The room reminded Link of the Temple of Hylia. The ceilings were massively tall, the room rounded in shape with stone curved pillars. Link and Zelda were on a balcony of sorts, elevated above the crowds below, separated from them by two staircases and a small brick railing. The only thing on the same level as them was a large chair situated in the center overtop a red carpet. Link couldn’t quite see what or who was below until they reached the chair, which Zelda stiffly sat on while Link gazed down below.

There… there were so many people. And it wasn’t just people who looked like him and Zelda – Link saw Gorons! Gorons and others, one of which looked like—

Link immediately put a hand on Zelda’s shoulder, whispering, “Are those—?!”

“They can’t be,” Zelda whispered back. “We’ll find out, Link, but not now. Everyone’s watching.”

The Not Loftwings continued to hold Link’s attention for a while more before he really started to comprehend just how filled to the brim this room was. He was suddenly overwhelmingly hot and dizzy, and he took a step away from the balcony’s edge, his leg brushing against Zelda’s chair. He wasn’t entirely sure why only Zelda had a chair, but he needed to sit down or he was going to fall.

Shakily, Link leaned against the chair and saw that Zelda looked similarly overwhelmed. Seeing her look helpless brought some grounding energy to him, and he settled for sitting on the armrest and draping a hand over her shoulder to offer some sort of support.

A murmur rang through the crowds below at the sight, though Link couldn’t fathom why. He frankly didn’t care either.

Link eventually got a hold of his breathing and heart rate, and he started to scan below once more from his perch. He noticed the crowds were organized into four groups, each headed by someone dressed in a variation of a blue garment. In front of the four groups were two people dressed as fancy as Link and Zelda themselves, and one other flanking the girl in the center of that group who also wore a variation of the blue garment. Something was in his hands, wrapped in silk. Based on its shape and length, it had to be a sword.

He supposed that was the knight, then.

But some things weren’t adding up. Why were there two separate groups of humans? One stood in the center with the fancy dressed people in front of them, while another stood with a woman leading them. In fact… in fact, all of those humans were women.

Maybe they were Sheikah?

That aside, though… where were the Mogmas? The Kikwis? And who were the Not Loftwings and fish people? Were the fish people related to the Parellas?

Link still couldn’t believe there were bird people here!!

Before Link had much more time to ponder the matter, the three people in the center below stepped forward a couple paces, and the four leaders behind them did so as well. Then, the white-haired man to the left of the girl in the white dress knelt, and everyone else in the room did so alongside him.

Except the girl.

At first nothing happened. The girl seemed to be frozen, her eyes locked on to Zelda. When Link glanced at his wife, he saw that she was similarly entranced. He didn’t want to break the moment, but he was feeling the tension in the room grow, and he eventually stood, his hand sliding along Zelda’s shoulder.

The girl cleared her throat. Her hands went to her chest, cupped together and fingers interlaced, and she began to sing. Her voice was soft, breathy, shaky, and timid, but melodious, nonetheless. Link immediately felt himself relax.

“O Protector, Goddess of Hyrule and Time,

Grant that my wish be one with Thine.”

With the first verse sung, the girl’s hands unclasped and bowed outward as she dipped her head and torso in a slight curtsey, and Link felt his veins will with ice. Singing and dancing in a prayerful message to the goddess reminded him so much of Fi that it hurt.

This girl was speaking as Fi spoke when relaying messages from Hylia.

“Watch over this land you made,

Give us grace to continue the groundwork you laid.”

Here the girl folded one hand over another over her heart and she knelt as well. Everyone else in the room bowed deeply from their positions, already on their knees.

“We honor you and offer you the fruits of our labors,

And I implore you hear your child of ages.

We seek your care and protection and favors,

And hope you grant them through your sages.”

The girl rose to her feet, hands clasped once again as they had been in the beginning, head bowed in prayer.

Prayer. Oh goddess. She was praying to Zelda.

Link felt dizzy.

“Goddess Hylia, I pray you give me the strength to protect my people.

O Protector, Goddess of Hyrule and Time,

Grant that my wish be one with Thine.”

The room echoed with a deep and loud rumbling sound as everyone recited some memorized verse before growing silent once more. The girl relaxed her posture, stepping aside as a Not Loftwing stepped forward from the crowds. The room cleared as people backed farther away, hidden in shadow, and then several musicians and others took center stage.

“Your Grace, Mythical Hero,” the gigantic humanoid bird spoke—spoke!—to them. “With your auspicious visitation, we seek to invite you into a brief tale of the history of Hyrule. We understand you have traveled a vast time and distance to get to us, and we wish to impart on you the knowledge of the greatness of the land you established and protected.”

Link and Zelda exchanged glances, the previous awkwardness forgotten in lieu of genuine curiosity. The couple leaned forward eagerly, eyes alight.

The man cleared his throat as the musicians played an intro on strings and windpipes. “Millennia ago, the Golden Goddesses descended from the heavens to create the earth. Din, Goddess of Power, used her strength to create the land. Nayru, Goddess of Wisdom, used her logic to create order and law. Farore, Goddess of Courage, bared her soul to create life. With the land established, the Golden Goddesses departed this mortal plane, leaving the Triforce as an imprint of their power, with the Goddess Hylia in charge of its care and the land’s protection.

“For ages, the land was prosperous under the watchful eye of the Goddess Hylia. But then, a great Calamity tore through the earth, seeking utter destruction. To defeat him, Hylia breathed life into the clouds of the sky, and from it descended The Hero of Myth and Legend.”

Link choked on his spit.

“Together, the Goddess and the Hero defeated the Calamity, sealing it into the earth and establishing the Kingdom of Hyrule. With children to rule the land around them, the Goddess and the Hero returned to the heavens above, where they would remain until the Calamity Ganon returned.”

“Wait, so we go back to Skyloft after we establish Hyrule?” Zelda whispered confusedly. “What happened to the Triforce?”

“I’m still trying to figure out how you sneezed into a cloud to create me,” Link shot back.

Zelda barked out a laugh and then turned beet red as the entire room froze. She shriveled into the chair a little, and Link looked down at the speaker, who looked a little horrified.

Oops.

Link gave the most reassuring smile he could muster and nodded for the Not Loftwing Person to continue.

The musicians began to play once more, and the pause only in reality lasted a second or two, despite feeling like an eternity, and the feathered man continued, “Through the ages, Ganon attempted to take over Hyrule again and again, only to be thwarted by the Goddess’ descendants and her Hero, whose soul would descend to the earth whenever needed. Across time and through twilight itself, the Soul of the Hero and his Sacred Blade protected Hyrule and its people.”

Link leaned forward, growing more interested. They knew of Fi? Zelda, on the other hand, had grown considerably still, eyes wide and breath caught as she glanced between the storyteller and her husband.

“Ten thousand years ago, Calamity Ganon tried once more, though this time, the people of Hyrule also chose to fight alongside the Hero and the Princess. Divine Beasts, fashioned after the Divine Bestial form of the Hero, were piloted by Champions, who supported the Hero and Princess in their quest to vanquish the evil.

“Since his last defeat, it has been foretold that the Calamity would come once more, and in true form of the Goddess Hylia’s wisdom and protection, the Soul of the Hero has returned once more, prepared to fight alongside the Holy Descendant, the Princess of Hyrule.”

A shiver started to make its way down Link’s spine as the words truly began to sink in. Zelda hadn’t moved a muscle.

These people… thought Link was there to stop this Ganon person? Who was supposedly the person he defeated back… when…

Link’s mind went blank, completely ignoring what he’d just heard. He felt his breathing quicken, and he closed his eyes, trying to center himself. He couldn’t put two thoughts together, his head hurt all of a sudden.

“There’s no way he survived,” Zelda whispered, and judging by how her voice shook she was trying to reassure herself more than him.

Link tried to center himself to give her some support, saying softly, “It’s just a story, Zel. They didn’t even understand what we had to go through. They don’t even know who Demise is.”

“It’s not just a story,” Zelda hissed. “Or we wouldn’t be sitting in Hyrule Castle.”

“Well,” Link scrambled for an explanation as the crowds below moved into some new arrangement. “We were told as children that Hylia defeated Demise, that she had chosen a hero to aid her in the war and together they’d won the battle. In reality, Hylia reincarnated into you and I was chosen across time to help you defeat Demise. Their story isn’t true, Zel.”

“Listen to yourself, Link,” Zelda argued. “The story we were told as children was about us. Hylia—I—the fight against Demise was foretold for a reason.”

“Hero of Myth and Legend,” a different man, the one dressed in fancy attire with white hair, suddenly announced. Link stiffened, slowly standing. “We present to you our Champion, the bearer of the Soul of the Hero. We pray for your blessing and your protection.”

Oh… this had to be the presentation ceremony that the servants had mentioned. Link shook his head subtly, trying to keep up with everything that was happening. He still couldn’t quite comprehend the story he’d just been told, the fact that everyone expected him to protect Hyrule, a land he had helped establish, and now he had to—

Wait, bearer of the Soul of the Hero?

Those who share the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero… They are eternally bound to this curse.

Link felt ill. No. It can’t be.

NO.

Shaking his head, he focused instead on the knight walking up the stairs to meet him, a silk cloth covering the blade he would no doubt present. The closer the knight came, the dizzier Link felt, and then—and then—

And then he recognized him. He didn’t recall ever seeing his face, but his tunic, his hair, his earrings, his build… he recognized them.

This was the person he’d seen in his nightmare.

Bearer of the Soul of the Hero.

Was… was that why he’d seen himself with the knight in that dream? But what about Fi? She was in the dream too, and—

The knight approached him, eyes downcast, face blanket, and pulled away the silk covering.

And held the Master Sword out to Link.

Link’s mind became blank. His blood ran cold. His breath caught in his throat. He was frozen, unable to process what was in front of him while simultaneously having it all crash down on him at once.

This was the future. This was the future and Demise had somehow survived and Fi was here.

Fi.

Link slowly remembered to breathe again, mainly because he was growing dizzy, and he reverently reached for the blade.

Would she know he was there? She had said she’d be locked in an eternal sleep. Was… was she in there still?

The knight slowly let the weight of the blade fall into Link’s hands, supported at the hilt and the sheath. His fingers brushed against the knight’s, and his entire body nearly bucked at the sensation.

And Fi sang.

Link heard Zelda leap to her feet behind him, and the knight stared at the blade in shock. Fi’s familiar hum reverberated through the room, the blade warm in Link’s hands, and then it faded.

Link’s last bit of sanity faded with it. He looked at the knight in front of him, eyes wide. “How did you get this blade?”

The knight swallowed, his posture rigid, and his eyes darted to somewhere behind Link as Zelda approached.

“She had to have chosen you, didn’t she?” Zelda surmised as Link’s emotions continued to spiral out of control. He wanted to run out of the room, he wanted to scream.

The knight nodded stiffly.

“Goddesses,” Zelda breathed, hugging herself. “He… he really…”

Link clutched Fi so tightly his knuckles turned white.

Zelda centered herself first, looking at the knight once more as Link started to step away from the pair, unable to breathe. “I’m… I’m sorry. About before. I didn’t… I didn’t know what was going on, and I was worried about Link.”

The knight turned white as a sheet. Link didn’t really notice or care.

Fi. How was she here, how—

How the hell is this all happening?!

He’d thought it was over. Zelda had said it was over. They’d ended the war, Demise was gone—

He wanted to go home. He wanted to go home and forget about all of this, forget about the sinking realization in his heart and mind and stomach that made him feel so violently ill he was going to pass out. He wanted to sit beside Fi in her pedestal and chat with her as if she could still hear him, back in Faron Woods where things made sense and the ache of her loss was logical and he knew she couldn’t reply because their mission was over.

Goddess, he wanted to die.

“Link.”

Zelda’s voice sounded so far away. He closed his eyes, holding the blade close.

Warm hands settled on his cheeks, making him open his eyes and see his wife looking at him. Her face was decidedly neutral as she herself was trying to wrestle her emotions, but her concern was clear in her gaze.

She looked so ancient all of a sudden, so foreign, so much like she had back in the Temple of Hylia when she’d first told Link everything about their mission. Link felt his knees tremble, threatening to buckle entirely.

“Zel,” he whispered so quietly he couldn’t even hear it over his deafening heartbeat. He felt so lost, so completely alone all of a sudden, as if even his own wife was somehow a stranger to him in this land. His chest was tight, everything was too present and too loud.

Zelda’s hands slid carefully from his cheeks to his ears, playing the tips and covering them from the world around him. She leaned her forehead against his, the Master Sword blocking full contact between them, and he gave in to the embrace a little, trembling and closing his eyes once more.

The world was dark and silent as he tried desperately to let his mind just rest from the raging thoughts. He just felt her hands, heard her thumbs caressing his ears, felt her breath tickle his mouth. His body subtly urged him forward, and his lips brushed against hers in a ghost of a kiss.

For a second he felt safe. For a second he felt sane again. Zelda’s right hand traced its way from his ear down his neck and chest to settle on the Master Sword’s hilt, adding a small amount of weight to what he was already carrying.

The weight brought his situation back with it, crushing him.

The knight was waiting. The crowd was still watching below. There were too many people and too many expectations and too many things going on.

Even Fi suddenly felt foreign, old and different and no longer an acquaintance. She had chosen this knight, this new Hero, this—

The image from nightmare seared into his brain, and he opened his eyes, jerking away from Zelda. Stiffly, he turned back towards the knight, who himself looked rather like he wanted to fade into nothingness right there as well. Link had never related to someone more in his life in that moment.

He held out the blade wordlessly, begging the knight to take it. The knight received the blade as if he were getting his life back.

Link felt as if he had just given his away.

The pair stared at each other for a moment longer before the knight adjusted the blade so it could rest on his back, and then he bowed before walking back down the stairs. A booming voice announced something, and the room burst into motion as everyone filed somewhere.

Zelda was at his side in an instant. “Link, we’re heading outside.”

Outside? Had the servants said something about that? Oh, they had, hadn’t they? Something about after the initial ceremony was over, the festivities would take place outside to accommodate everyone.

Accommodate everyone. Because this giant room filled to the brim with people somehow still wasn’t enough.

Link blindly followed his wife, praying that this night would be over soon.

XXX

Princess Zelda breathed in the outdoor air with relief. She had led many religious ceremonies in her life, but never had she done so with the goddess herself right in front of her. Though her nerves over speaking with Hylia were far less than they had been in the beginning, it still was a daunting idea.

But now that was out of the way, and she could just enjoy the celebration. It wasn’t often that Hyrule had reason to celebrate these days, so seeing her kingdom bustling with cheer and joy brought her a great deal of happiness.

Her father walked beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder as he beamed with pride. “Well done, Zelda.”

The princess felt her heart flutter at the compliment, and she felt tears sting in her eyes. It had also been a long time since she and her father had a discussion that hadn’t ended in some sort of negative manner between them. This night was turning out to be fantastic.

“Thank you, Father,” she said thickly.

The king hesitated in his step as he watched her, and his smile grew gentler. The moment was interrupted when the crowds outside went insane, cheering for the monarchs and then for the mythical figures who emerged shortly after them. Zelda watched the legendary couple stand at the entrance, looking around them and taking in the sights. Strangely, they suddenly looked so small.

Her father went to them, directing them to a table set aside for their use that was elevated above the rest of the plaza. Hylia guided her Hero to the table, and the two sat quietly. Zelda wasn’t entirely sure what to make of them, honestly. Hylia acted as one might expect a goddess to be – stoic, distant but not cold. The Hero was a bigger mystery, though – the power move he’d pulled inside by sitting on the throne alongside the goddess herself had certainly caused a stir, let alone the strange pause in returning the Master Sword to Link.

“You led the prayer beautifully, little bird.”

Zelda turned to see Urbosa and laughed in delight. “Thank you! I admit, I’m glad it’s over, but it seems she took it well.”

Urbosa hummed, her eyes darting towards the table with the legendary couple before she returned her attention to the princess. “I would say so, yes. Have you had a chance to speak with her privately?”

Zelda shook her head. “Not since… well… that first time.”

“We’ve gone over this,” Urbosa said gently. “She was worried about the Hero, not mad at you.”

“I know,” Zelda replied honestly. She had already managed to piece that together herself when she’d discovered Hylia was from the past, and Urbosa had helped her frame that day in a better context as well. “I’ve been thinking it over. I figure this is as good a time as any, but… I’m not sure if they want anyone approaching them.”

“What are you talking about? This party is the perfect time to introduce yourself,” Urbosa commented. “Especially after the bard already did the introduction for you.”

Zelda laughed sheepishly. “I suppose you’re right.”

Nodding to herself, she turned to head towards the table when she nearly ran face first into the Goron Champion Daruk’s massive rock hard belly.

“Princess!” Daruk greeted cheerfully as Zelda stumbled back. “That was great with the prayer and everything! You really are something. Can you believe that a goddess is here?! It’s wild!”

The princess laughed shakily as she regained her composure. “Well, yes, it is very exciting.”

“The princess was actually going to go talk to the goddess,” Urbosa chimed in helpfully, nudging Zelda.

Smiling thankfully at the Gerudo chief, Zelda started to walk towards the table when she saw a different champion making his way to the legendary pair.

Daruk stared as well. “Huh. What do ya think Revali’s doing?”

“Making a fool of himself, probably,” Urbosa grumbled.

The princess watched uncertainly as the Rito Champion marched towards Hylia and the Hero, chest puffed and feathers ruffled as he bowed deeply to the couple. She supposed she’d have to wait.

On the other side of the plaza, Link walked around to ease off the nerves that had nearly crushed him back in the throne room. The entire ordeal of handing the Master Sword had almost reduced him to a pile of ash out of sheer horror and anxiety. He’d heard of the ceremony before, and after being talked through it felt a little less horrified about handing the legendary sword over since he was supposed to get it back, but a part of him had wondered if the Hero would actually return it.

The long wait, and the Hero turning his back to him, had certainly solidified those fears. But then Hylia of all people seemed to convince the Hero to give the blade back, had apologized to Link for her earlier actions.

Link supposed that was appropriate since he himself had been chosen by the goddess.

But what did any of this mean? That Hylia’s earlier vitriol had been misplaced, forgotten? That the Hero himself didn’t like Link?

He didn’t know. All he knew was that hellish experience was over and he’d somehow survived it without falling to pieces.

Link caught sight of his father in the crowd, dressed in colorful formal regalia. The two locked eyes for a moment, gave a subtle nod of acknowledgement, and moved on. This was not the setting for anything more than that. Link wandered a little aimlessly as the lively music continued, wondering what exactly was expected of him now. Perhaps he could just go to the dining tables and eat all the delicious food and be left in peace.

He looked to the other Champions to see what they were doing and saw that Mipha was gazing at him with a soft smile. As soon as they made eye contact, she headed his way. Link felt his heart flutter a bit, and he choked down the feeling. She was his friend from childhood and nothing more. Even that was pushing the protocol, anyway, but he couldn’t stand to not be around her at all.

If Princess Zelda could allow for a friendship between him and her, then maybe it wouldn’t be viewed poorly to have a friendship with Princess Mipha too. They’d known each other longer, anyway.

“Link! Isn’t this party amazing?” Mipha said in her soft tone as she drew close enough to be heard. Her eyes glittered in the candlelight, her face aglow with excitement.

Link tried his hardest to keep a neutral face. There were too many prying eyes, this setting was too public, so many things could go wrong if he said or did something inappropriate. Nevertheless, he felt his face soften, even if he couldn’t emote in any other way, and he hoped it was subtle enough for no one to notice but present enough for her to see. He gave a polite nod of acknowledgement.

“Have you spoken to Hylia Incarnate or the Hero of Legend?” Mipha asked.

Link shook his head. His mind had screamed for him to answer when the Hero had demanded how he’d gotten the Master Sword, but anxiety had choked the words before they could leave his throat.

“I wonder what they’re like?” Mipha thought aloud. She stroked her chin and gazed off towards the mythical figures, and Link fought with all his might to hide an affectionate smile. She looked so adorable, so beautiful.

Link bit his tongue hard enough to make it bleed.

“To think Hyrule is finally getting everything together—the divine beasts, the guardians—and then the goddesses send this,” Mipha continued, unaware of Link’s scrutiny. “Fate truly is on our side, I think! There’s no way Calamity Ganon can defeat us now.”

Link considered it for a moment. Perhaps she was right. It should have been reassuring, but somehow it made him feel inadequate, like the goddesses had to send the original hero because Link couldn’t live up to the expectations.

It kind of seemed like the Hero thought Link couldn’t live up to his role.

“Imagine the things you could learn from the Hero!” Mipha said delightedly, looking back at Link with a sincere smile.

Link felt his stomach clench and he gave a noncommittal shrug.

“Link, let’s go try the food over there!” Mipha said, suddenly changing the topic and pointing off in the distance.

Link followed her gaze and saw mountains of different dishes, the smell of fish wafting in the air. This time he couldn’t hide the small smile from his face, and he trotted alongside her as she practically skipped over to the table.

XXX

Although the crowds had grown exponentially, being outside made it far more bearable as Zelda picked at the food provided to her and Link. The food looked amazing, but she didn’t have much of an appetite at the moment, and it seemed Link didn’t either.

Her mind was whirling, picking through everything they had learned in the course of the last fifteen minutes.

Demise was alive and well and causing chaos. He might go by a different name, but Zelda had dealt with him enough times, remembered him enough, to know it was him. It had to be. It made her simultaneously terrified and enraged down to her core, so shaken at the thought that despite everything they had gone through, he was still a threat.

What more could they possibly do?! They’d used the Triforce, she’d—Hylia had—all that planning, all that suffering—

And what about now? Who determined who had to fight Demise now? The words in the prayer, the words in the story, they burned into her brain.

Through the ages, Ganon attempted to take over Hyrule again and again, only to be thwarted by the Goddess’ descendants and her Hero, whose soul would descend to the earth whenever needed.

Given her own experiences, Zelda knew this could be interpreted a number of ways because it could have been learned a number of different ways by the people. But descendants were descendants. There was no misinterpreting that.

Descendants.

Zelda’s eyes drifted to the girl in the white dress, to Princess Zelda and King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule.

Her and Link’s descendants.

Link shifted beside her, and she glanced at him to see that his eyes had finally honed in on something rather than dully staring at the world around him. She followed his gaze and saw another birdlike person approaching.

She had no idea what to make of these bird people, except that it was mind boggling and amazing to see them. She tried to maintain her manners and not stare too hard, but it Link… well…

Link had never been one for manners, anyway.

The bird man reached them and bowed deeply. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Revali, Champion of the Rito, and the greatest warrior in Hyrule. I have been chosen to assist Princess Zelda and Hyrule in its fight against Calamity Ganon.”

Zelda cocked her head to the side, raising an eyebrow. She was detecting an inordinately high amount of Groose flavored ego in this Revali person. “Nice to meet you, Revali.”

Link, adaptable as ever, seemed to pick up on it too. His expression shifted from overwhelmed to amused in a heartbeat.

“The honor is all mine, I assure you,” Revali replied. Well, at least he was polite. “I wanted to assuage your concerns and say that the fight against Ganon is in the most capable hands. I have already mastered my Divine Beast and will be able to support the princess in every way possible. Personally, I could even be the one to wield the Sword the Seals the Darkness, if need be.”

Link leaned back in his seat, and his face practically screamed, ah, there it is. Zelda choked back a groan; she didn’t know how Link had patience for this, she had too many things to worry about.

Before the conversation could go any farther, another rperson approached, one of the other leaders in blue that Zelda had distinguished from earlier. She had a massive build and wore… little to no clothing, though what she had was fashioned like colorful armor. It made little sense to Zelda – perhaps they were dancers who fashioned themselves as fighters?

But the yellow eyes and ruby red hair were striking enough to catch her eye. She gave a sidelong glance to Link, who had a similar curiosity in his face.

“Your Grace, great Hero,” the woman acknowledged with a bow. “I am Urbosa, Chief of the Gerudo people and Champion of Hyrule.”

“How many champions does Hyrule have?” Zelda questioned, looking between the two and wondering if this was some sort of competition that she didn’t have the energy for.

“Five,” Urbosa immediately answered. “One from each group of people within Hyrule, all working together to support the Princess of Hyrule.”

The Princess. The one who led the devotional prayer. The one who was of Zelda and Link’s bloodline.

Zelda felt giddy, looking at her husband. Then she felt dread as she looked at the champions and thought of their purpose.

Good heavens above, this night was a whirlwind.

“I was curious is Your Grace and the great Hero would be interested in joining the festivities in the plaza,” Urbosa continued. “Believe me, it’s far more entertaining to join the fun than stay here and be cornered by the nobility. Unless, of course, that is Your Grace’s wish?”

Urbosa raised an eyebrow at Zelda, but something in her eyes screamed a sense of knowledge and confidence that reminded her of some of the instructors at the academy. This Urbosa woman knew that Revali was practically harassing the pair and was giving them a means of escape.

Zelda liked her.

“Well, I see the dancing,” Zelda offered, nudging Link. “We do love a good dance.”

It wasn’t a lie, after all, Link and Zelda both loved to dance. The scrutiny they would get here would probably dampen the fun, but if they ignored it… well, she didn’t know. Zelda wasn’t the kind of person to just immediately wipe anxieties and nagging thoughts from her mind.

Link, on the other hand, was. Her husband immediately grabbed her hand, dragging her farther towards the people standing in lines and dancing together as the music played cheerily all around them. It was clear he was eager for a distraction.

The moves to the dance were simple to follow. The couple stood and watched, ignoring the onlookers as others continued to dance, oblivious to the two. Tap the left feet together with the partner, then the right, repeat once more. Do-si-do with a twirl at the end, then a couple flourishes with the arms before a step and twirl to the left and switching partners.

Well, that part would be interesting. Zelda actually cackled at the thought of it. She couldn’t wait to see people’s faces when they saw that their new dance partner was a goddess.

Okay, that was reason enough to dance.

Link rushed ahead to take a spot across from Zelda, and the pair started to do the moves, laughing whenever they messed something up. Link’s giggling was so freeing, it did manage to release the tension and worry building in Zelda’s heart as he beamed at her.

Off in the distance, the Gerudo champion, hidden from view from the couple, nudged the princess into the line of dancers as well.

Zelda laughed as she brushed shoulders with her husband, face flushed with excitement. When it came time to twirl to the left, she smiled at her new partner, a young man dressed far simpler than most of the people in that other room had been.

Which meant he hadn’t been in there. Which meant he didn’t know who she was.

Golden Three, what a relief.

The two smiled politely as they moved, and then the man asked, “Can you believe this party? I’ve never seen anything like it in my life!”

“I can’t say that I have either,” Zelda remarked with a chuckle.

“They say the Goddess Hylia is actually here, but my sister said you’d know because of the thunder. She says there’s no way the weather wouldn’t be going crazy with a goddess here. So I think they might be wrong, but at least we can all enjoy ourselves!”

All right, Zelda did have to laugh at that. “You’re absolutely right, there’s no way the goddess is here if there isn’t a fire tornado or something.”

“That’s what I thought!” the guy continued as they did the do-si-do. “Well, either way, hope you have fun!”

“Thanks, you too!”

On to the next partner. This one was a tall woman of similar build to Urbosa. Maybe another Gerudo, then?

Oh. That meant…

“Your Grace,” the woman acknowledged with a pause in her step.

“You’re going to interrupt the dance!” Zelda said with as much cheer as she could muster.

The woman stared at her a moment longer and then laughed, stepping in rhythm once more. The two passed the time in somewhat amicable silence after that, and Zelda was grateful when they moved on to the next set of partners.

And saw the Princess of Hyrule standing across from her.

“Your Grace,” the Princess said with a curtsey.

Zelda stared at her, frozen. Eventually she choked out, “H-hi. I…”

The world continued to move around them as they stood still, and Zelda shook her head, getting herself together. “I’m sorry about… about before. When I was… I mean, I was being rude. I’m sorry. I was just scared about Link. Thanks… thanks for helping.”

The Princess watched her in seeming wonder and then let out a relieved breath, smiling. “Of course. I—oof!”

Both girls grunted as the dancers moved to their next positions, heedless of the pair planted firmly in the midst of it. Zelda had to laugh, reaching out to drag the princess out of the line so they could continue speaking.

Goddesses above, now that she truly looked at her… the necklace, the dress… they were all styled after Zelda.

Clearly the princess had inherited her hair from Zelda as well, though it had darkened a little through the generations.

Through the generations. Holy Golden Three above.

“I…” Zelda tried to say, not really knowing what to say. “It’s… really good to meet you. Properly, you know.”

The princess took a shaky breath, eyes widening as her cheeks flushed. “Y-yes. Well, I—it’s good to meet you too. I mean, we already—well, yes. I…”

Here the princess fidgeted and then burst out, “I have so many things I want to talk about with you!”

Zelda recognized her own burning curiosity in the girl’s eyes, and she her heart was suddenly so full. She giggled. “I imagine you do.”

“Okay, first, were you there when they made the Divine Beasts? Oh, and what was it like all the way back then, I mean—I mean Hyrule wasn’t even founded yet, and—”

Zelda laughed, waving her hands in the princess’ face. “Wait, wait, I can only answer one question at a time, Princess!”

As the princess spluttered to a halt, Zelda’s eyes traced over the crowds to see that Link had somehow vanished in the crowds. A hint of worry slivered its way into her heart, and though she was still filled wonder and joy at meeting the princess properly, she had to make sure he was okay.

Putting a hand on the princess’ shoulder, she said, “I’ll talk to you later, Princess. I have to check on Link first, but I’ll come find you okay? Though…”

Looking around, she added a little nervously, “There are so many people here… maybe we can meet after the party if I can’t find you?”

The Princess looked mildly bewildered by the remark, but then she eagerly nodded. “Yes, of course!”

Smiling, Zelda bade the princess farewell for the moment and started to hunt for her husband.

XXX

The tapestries seemed endless. Tales woven throughout the fabric of history were immortalized on the castle walls. Ceremonies and treaties, queens and kings.

Heroes and monsters.

Link felt his blood run cold, the joy of the dancing from earlier leaving him with the change in pressure as a chill blew through the drafty hallway. He’d snuck away from the crowds after a few rounds of partners, growing weary despite the joy the movement brought.

There were too many people. There was too much noise.

It was all just too much.

“Link?”

He couldn’t look at her. He couldn’t piece two words together in his head let alone in his throat. Zelda walked up to him and followed his gaze, her eyes lingering on the images of the royal family.

“It’s so…” she trailed off, also struggling to put her feelings into something coherent. “I can’t believe they’re all… they’re our family.”

Family. They were family.

Heroes and monsters were banished from his mind for a moment as the words tumbled around in his head. After all, he hadn’t missed the words used in the storytelling or prayers. He was an airhead, it was true, but he was no fool.

He felt like he was being pulled in so many different directions, and an overwhelming dizziness was prevailing over it all.

Zelda grabbed his wrist, and he finally looked at her to see excitement in her eyes. A question lingered in her gaze, her cheeks turning steadily pinker.

Link blinked. What was she…?

Before he could finish his internal question, Zelda pulled him by his wrist, dragging him down the hallway. He yelped at the force of it, and before he knew it, they were in the bedroom provided to them by the king. The door closed abruptly behind him, making him jump. “Zelda—”

“Oh, isn’t it just wonderful? Knowing that our efforts will yield such results? I mean, just look at this place, Link! And we—they—we have—the royal family is—”

Zelda was practically beaming, breathless, pacing the room, her hands clasped in front of her as she gazed off in wonder. Link had to smile at it. It honestly was pretty incredible seeing this place, but while he was still struggling to process everything happening around them, it seemed like it was finally slamming into Zelda’s mind. She seemed almost giddy.

She paused her frantic steps, looking at him again, her face aglow with delight. “Let’s make a baby.”

Link let out a laugh. Her excitement was infectious.

Then her words sank in.

Link felt his entire body go rigid. “Wait, what?”

“This place is everything we’ve built! It’s our legacy!” Zelda twirled in place, oblivious to his stammering. “Oh, it’s just so amazing.”

She paused, looking at him with bright eyes. “Link…”

Link swallowed, his body ice cold and burning hot all at once. Despite his typical lack of concern for decorum, he was pretty sure these actions were supposed to take place in the couple’s own home. Somehow it didn’t seem very polite for this to happen here, for their first time to be in the home built by their descendants while there was still a party happening in their honor.

Their descendants. Holy goddesses above. Maybe it was starting to sink in.

Or at least it would have been, except Zelda suddenly was in front of him, kissing him with a ferocity he only got a taste of during their wedding festivities. Her hands were to his chest in an instant, busying themselves with unburdening him from the garments he’d been given. He didn’t know what to do, his heart racing faster than it ever had. He wasn’t going to stop her, goddesses no, all he wanted was to continue, his mind and body both eager to push the night’s festivities far behind him, but by all that was holy this was happening fast—

Anxieties from their wedding night, exhaustion from the past few days, uncertainty from their situation were all forgotten in place of a singular, searing desire. Link impatiently helped Zelda rid them both of their royal garb, and soon husband and wife became one and nothing else mattered.

XXX

Impa sighed. She wasn’t sure how she ended up being the messenger for the king, but as a dutiful Sheikah she wasn’t going to argue the point. Something was troubling His Majesty, and all he had asked her to do was request Hylia Incarnate’s presence in the throne room as the festivities died down outside.

Of course, this was easier said than done. Impa was used to dealing with royalty and nobility, but deities? How would she even approach this? Was she supposed to bow? Curtsey? Prostrate herself on the ground? This was Hylia herself—it was almost too insane to fathom! Not to mention with her was the Hero of Legend, the one to start the line of chosen heroes who would wield the Master Sword—the one who forged the Master Sword! How did one address a goddess and a legend?!

Taking a calming breath, Impa paused outside the door to the quarters provided to the pair. They were given the largest room available, one with a sitting area leading to a bedroom. Perhaps she could just… knock, enter the sitting room and announce her presence? Wait, wait, what if they were sitting right there when she entered? She still hadn’t worked out the proper protocol for what she was supposed to do.

She shook her head. She would always genuflect before the king. Hylia and the Hero of Legend deserved at least that much respect, so she supposed she would start there.

Impa knocked on the door. “Your Grace, I wish to have an audience with you.”

Silence.

Impa shifted. They were there, right? The guards had seen them heading that way, and in quite a hurry too. Wait, was something wrong?

Impa knocked again. Spoke again. Still nothing.

What was she supposed to do? It was far too early for them to be sleeping. Maybe they were just farther from the door and couldn’t hear her. Clearing her throat, she turned the knob and slowly opened the door, announcing herself again. “Your Grace, this is Impa of the Sheikah. I wish to have an audience with you.”

Peeking around the door, she saw that the sitting room was empty. Ah. So that was why she wasn’t heard. Entering, she closed the door behind her, walking slowly and purposefully towards the bedroom. She would knock there next. If she didn’t get a reply she’d know they weren’t actually in here.

A noise caught her ear as she got closer to the door. She supposed that meant they were actually there. Well, that would cut her hunt short, but it made her slightly nervous all over again. She took a calming breath as she approached the door.

Raising her hand, she started to move her fist to the door when she heard the noise again. Scrunching her brow, she leaned closer. She wasn’t one to eavesdrop on conversations, but this didn’t sound like words – was everything all right in there?

Shaking her head, she inhaled to announce her presence again, when she heard the sound a third time and realized it sounded like heavy breathing. Her senses went on alert. Was the Hero of Myth still unwell? Her hand flew to the doorknob, ready to turn it, when she something clicked.

Oh. Oh.

Her hand recoiled as if the doorknob had burnt it. Her face certainly felt like it was burning. Impa practically flew to the entrance of the chamber. By the goddesses, oh my Hylia, oh no, no, NO, this is SO WRONG—

Impa fled the room, her face in her hands as mental images she did not want nor need appeared in her head. She was going right back to the king as soon as she calmed the hell down and was going to promptly say Hylia was indisposed, thank you very much and then proceed to find the nearest alcoholic beverage in sight.

[the-whole-shebang]

@queerpersonified Thanks for the clarification! Just wanted to make sure I got this right.

The Champions with an S/O That's a Sword Spirit:

Urbosa:

When Urbosa found out, she would not stop talking about how cool that was and how awesome you were.

Whenever she was in battle, she would casually talk to you while in sword form.

Stuff like what you wanted for dinner and if that new Geurudo restaurant down the street sounded good.

She frequently prays to whichever god created you (like how Hylia made the master sword) and is like, "if you put my s/o in danger I swear to Hylia I will find a way to kill you."

Mipha:

She panicked a little when she found out and started worrying about whether you were safe or not.

She's too scared to use the sword you embody because she doesn't want to hurt you.

She also pouts when you're in sword form because she can't hug you.

She did a whole bunch of research on sword spirits to the point where she fell asleep at her desk surrounded by books.

Daruk:

He didn't really understand when you told him but was supportive nonetheless.

When you showed him that you could actually become the sword he was like, "Wait so you are the sword?? And you can talk to me?? That's so badass!!"

He insists on making you food after you transform back because he assumes that holding that form is tiring. It isn't, but you let him anyways.

He also brags about how cool you are, but to other people. Revali's gotten a little sick of it, but that's just more incentive for Daruk to keep talking about you.

Revali:

It took him a while to completely comprehend what exactly a sword spirit was, but he's trying his best.

He definitely bickers with you allll the time.

It's mostly because he worries about your safety as a spirit, but he won't admit that.

He gets nervous every time you're in battle, and whenever you get hurt he's frantic to get you somewhere safe, even if the injury is minor.

[tumblingdowntheway2019]

Master List Here!!

Ao3 Version Here!!

Yoooooo!! Chapter Two (2) of 'To Cherish These Moments." This was inspired by art drawn by @hyrulerbnb, an awesome artist I recommend checking out!!

A bit of a trigger warning due to what Rhoam will be saying in flashbacks. He's a right jerk in this chapter and it's why I'm saying now.

Other than that, enjoy the read and have an awesome day!!

💪😎💕

Word count - Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty-Three. (7223).

To Cherish These Moments - Chapter Two (2) - Hearty Soup.

If you were to tell Zelda a hundred (100) years ago that she would have been given the opportunity to freely arrange a picnic for her friends and fellow Champions/Sages, she would have told you that you're mistaken and her father would never allow anything so trivial as a picnic.

No, when meals were prepared for those of high status, fellow royalty, elders, nobles, sirs, and ladies, no matter their age of being granted responsibility for their people, they would just have to sit there, shut up, and only talk politics and regional topics. There was no such thing as idle chitchat at the dinner table. No catching up, no banter, no nothing. It had been like that ever since the Queen, unfortunately, passed away.

There was to be no help in understanding the powers of a goddess that flow in her vein. How the people of Hyrule would come to respect her, but she shouldn't let that get to her head, as the true power is the love of those closest to her. But it was all just empty words in the end. Zelda was thrust into the training her mother had promised to help her with, alone and struggling.

She would never forget how she spent hours upon hours studying all she could—the detailed accounts of the queen's of the past, the accounts of previous Zelda's, and their struggles against a great evil. How the Heroes of Courage wielded the sword that sealed the darkness assisted in their fights. They all made it seem so easy. From what she understood, they weren't forced to spend all day praying to the Goddess, Hylia, at the springs to the point of blackout exhaustion. They were able to unlock their powers fairly quickly due to their freedom to explore and build relationships with the people they met.

Zelda often wondered to herself if she was cursed to have unlocked her powers so late, when everyone she truly cared for died to ensure she had fulfilled her "sworn duty to the kingdom," as her father made sure she remembered. He was long gone now, but oftentimes she heard his harsh reminders of her duty.

--------

"You are the one (1) people look to for protection, Zelda!" King Rhoam was scolding her. "You have no time to waste hovering over a cooking pot. What do you expect to happen? That the Calamity would just happily saunter over to stop for a hearty soup?! Ludicrous."

Hearty soup, that's right. It was something Urbosa had taught them to make, or rather, at that point in time, was still teaching them to. Rhoam couldn't handle the quick temper of Urbosa when it came to her protectiveness of them. Purah had quoted exactly what Urbosa told them to say should Rhoam ever try to discourage it.

She was only ten (10) years old at the time. Purah had invited her over to the kitchen area to check out a new cooking skill they'd learned when Rhoam happened to have passed by and caught them. Purah, ever the rebel a thirteen (13) year old could be as she stood between the King and the Princess, tried to defend her, saying that they only wanted to show off what they learned and it wasn't a big deal to share skills. It could be beneficial to everyone to know at least one (1) fact and skill from different subjects after all.

"Out of respect for your father being my head researcher in the castle, I shall leave him to deal with your punishment himself." Rhoam replied coldly. "Until then, I-"

"Will be allowing them to continue to learn what I have been teaching them." Boomed a confident voice. "The Queen of Hyrule, may Hylia bless her soul, did not get the chance to. I intend to keep the promise I made to her about teaching Zelda some necessary skills."

There, standing confidently with her hands on her hips in the archway, was Chief Urbosa of the Gerudo. The second mother of Zelda, although it was never declared out loud as such. Hiding behind her leg was little Impa, the younger sister of Purah and the same age as Zelda. They hadn't realized she had snuck off until Urbosa's arrival.

"Chieftan Urbosa, you know as well as I do that the day of calamity will soon be upon us. These skills are unnecessary." He tried to defend himself.

"I do, as well as everyone else in this castle, King Rhoam." Urbosa countered. "Zelda is still a child; to have her exert herself to such an extent would mean causing the most harm to her before Calamity would ever get the chance to do so itself."

The king froze. Zelda didn't know whether he truly realized the truth in her words or not, but it worked. Without another word but a defeated and annoyed look on his face, King Rhoam leaves the room. Once his footsteps were out of earshot, Impa scurried back over to the comfort of her sister's side.

"Great job, Sis!" Purah praised her as she held her little sister's hands and excitedly jumped a little. "Even I didn't hear you leave, you'll make a great fighter amongst the Shiekah yet!"

"Little Warrior certainly took me by surprise as well." Urbosa was praised as she placed a hand on the little Shiekah's head. "I'm relieved to have you on our side; the way you snuck up on me would have meant my defeat."

"Ya hear that! You could have beat the Queen of Lightning herself!!" Purah was even more proud of Impa. The shy girl was only able to quietly laugh in response, even if it was just at her sister's goofy behaviour.

Urbosa used this opportunity to turn to Zelda. "Little Bird. Are you okay?"

Zelda, having grown used to her father's reactions, just nodded as she looked at her guardian. She was unable to defend her best friends against him. Why are they still with her? Even after he had just scolded her again too,

"It's ok not to be. To show that you are upset about a situation shows strength to acknowledge the wrongs of what happened. It shows your compassion to people around you.

"But he told Purah off." Zelda blurts it out. She didn't know how to word it any better than that. "All she was doing was just showing me how she was able to make the hearty soup, and she got told off for it."

"Hey now, Zel. I'm ok, see?" Purah was now in front of her, holding her hands. "I get told off all the time; your jerk dad is no different."

"To be fair, Eccentric Genius, your experiments do go haywire more often than not." Urbosa gently reminded the teenager. "Explosions and lab equipment are not a good combination."

"I'm just finding out ways to not to do those things. Then that means that they won't do it because they know the consequences." Purah replied with her "Check It!" pose. "You never know until you try!"

Impa just shook her head with a defeated smile, already resigned to probably having to fix her sister's chaos in the future when she qualifies to join the Royal Advisors.

"I'm still sorry." Zelda apologises. "It's not fair that you all should get in trouble because I am neglecting my duties."

At that, the Gerudo Chief and Shiekah children look between each other and the young princess. A hand places itself on her shoulder, and she looks up to see the warm smile.

"Why don't we continue where we left off then, shall we?" She gently nudges the young girls toward the cooking pot. "I am happy to see that you all seem to have made a good batch here."

"Purah added Monster Extract to it." Impa finally chimes in. "She got it from a strange guy in a hot air balloon."

"........What?" Urbosa was, excuse the pun, shocked. "Uuhh. It's different, I suppose? But I don't think that's going to make it as appetizing as it appears."

"Oh yeah? Just watch!" Before anyone could stop her, Purah had gotten a spoonful of the monster soup and eaten it. The normally pale Shiekah girl was quickly going green as she tried not to gag. "Guh. S-see. Delicious. I could go for another bite right now."

Zelda began to laugh, trusting Purah to always try and bring a smile to her face, even at her own risk. "Why don't you have it?"

Purah, trying not to gag, tried to excuse the reason for not being able to stop herself from eating it all up should she do that. Impa facepalmed as Urbosa placed a hand over her mouth to hide her laughter.

"Why don't we just make another batch for ourselves then?'

The girls, well, mainly Impa and Zelda, as Purah curled up on the nearby bench, did just that. Despite the sour mood just minutes ago, it was all washed away and replaced by a warm, comforting feeling.

--------

"Now, what do you think should be added to stop sickness?" A warm voice asked.

Zelda opened her eyes and found herself outside. She was in a little veranda nearby a garden. Hearty radishes, rice, endura carrots, and all kinds of food and herbs were growing here. She turns to the woman standing beside her, who was patiently waiting for an answer.

"I'm sorry. I didn't catch your question." She replied sheepishly.

"Do not worry, dear. It seems you were a world away just now. Do you wish to speak about it?" Queen Sonia asked, gently stirring the soup at a low heat.

"I was just reminiscing about my childhood." She began, hearing an "oh?" from Sonia. "I was learning to make this very soup under the guidance of a dear friend of mine."

Sonia continued to stir. Rather than a judgmental look at how Zelda had distracted herself from the task at hand, she instead gave her a knowing look. She didn't push her to continue, allowing Zelda to gather her thoughts on what she was willing to share with the Queen.

"When they were children, she and my mother learned how to make this soup. It didn't always go according to plan, but eventually they perfected their own unique version of it. The Gerudo believe this soup helps them attract the attention of the Voe of their interest." Zelda gives a soft chuckle.

"A tradition that lives on, then!" Sonia happily laughs. "I learned from Naboris how to make this very soup for Rauru after we first met." Sonia looks at the cooking pot, her smile growing. "Though when it came to giving it to him, I seem to have neglected care as I picked up the bad batch in my haste."

"Let me guess, this batch had Monster Extract, and it made him sick?" The princess laughed. When given a surprised look as confirmation, she added "Another dear friend thought it wise to do just that. It's safe to say she spent the next hour trying not to throw up after one (1) bite."

"That lines up with Rauru's reaction as well. Except he tried to continue eating it so as not to offend me." Looking towards the clouds above, she added, "The look of relief he had when I told him it wasn't mine and to not finish it. Never before had I moved so fast to get my batch."

They both laughed at their shared memory of the misfortune of a loved one. Sonia added in a Mighty Thistle.

"A herb with medicinal properties It can be used to allow those that consume to gain more strength." Zelda then says sheepishly. "I assume this is the answer to the question I had missed."

Sonia's smile grew slightly as she nodded. It didn't take long before the soup was ready and a bowl was handed to her.

That's right, Zelda felt unwell that morning. She thought she had been doing well to hide it so as not to get scolded for slacking her duties no matter what time period she was in, but was caught by Sonia's eagle-eyed observation at breakfast this morning.

'Just chew on some herbs and get back to training.' She can hear her father order.

There was no gentle coaxing to sleep it off that day or to take it easy; it was just buck up and get on with it.

It was why she and the sisters were in the kitchen that day; Impa had told Purah, who stopped her studying right there and then, to help her and cheer her up. Pangs of regret crawled their way up in her gut when they had all gotten into trouble, but the sisters never held it against her. If anything, it caused Purah to continue pushing her luck in secret.

But her ancestors were not her father. The moment the King of that era also took notice, he immediately began asking if there was anything to help her feel comfortable. If she required some more water for her sore throat or more sleep for her drowsiness, along with an extra blanket for the chill, Mineru also insisted that she could survive without Zelda for that day; she could also use that chance to read a book she's been neglecting.

"We started constructing the Golem together; it would be rude of me to continue it without you." Mineru had insisted.

And this was how Zelda got here, a bowl of hearty soup in hand, with a blanket over her shoulders and her loving ancestor at her side, ready to give seconds should Zelda want some more and not judge her like she was being greedy.

It was times like this where she just wished to stay at that very moment. To stay in the past before all went wrong.

--------

Zelda grounded herself. She looked around, and here she was. In the present day, At her home in Hateno Village. The Demon King of Calamity, Ganondorf, had been slain thanks to the Hero of Hyrule and the Sages.

She had observed how under the weather her friends had been and decided the hearty soup was the perfect meal to have for the picnic. The Mighty Thistle was just perfect to help them perk up and regain their strength. Each Sage had been effected by the Gloom at one (1) point or another before peace had returned to the Land of Hyrule; this mixed in with some Sundelions, just like Sonia had taught her, would do the trick.

Beside her on a makeshift table, boxes filled with various ChuChu jellies had a different purpose.

The Orange ChuChu would keep the soup and the cooked meats and fish warm without the loss of the juiciness that Zelda had taken a few attempts to keep thanks to Rhondson's tips and tricks from having to cook for the whole of Tarrey Town for celebrations.

The White ChuChu Jellies kept the other fish and meats frozen and the vegetables and mushrooms cool for when they had skewers later on.

The blue ones were so they could cool down, and maybe she can throw them at Link when she hears what silly little things he did on his adventures.

Currently, he is doing his latest task in the Hebra Mountains. Teba had been wanting help teaching the latest flock of Trainee Rito Warriors archery skills and how even a Hylian, a species without wings, is able to do it, as well as how to work together with fellow warriors, like Link and Teba did when reclaiming Divine Beast Vah Medoh.

Saki, Teba's wife and mother of The Sage of Wind Tulin, had been working on new clothing for the travellers who assisted them during the Snowstorm Crisis, so Riju decided to accompany Link on his visit there to assist along with Gerudo Tailors to assess what materials may be needed, such as rubies and felts. They are also updating their information so they can set up a system for how often certain materials can be transported and traded.

Zelda remembered how confused she was when she first had to figure out the item exchanges possible for each region, so she was proud when the young girl seemed to have had a handle on things fairly quickly when Zelda visited Gerudo Town not long after the end of the calamity. It was simple; they saw what items were needed and could arrange who would meet where and the number of guards needed for the path they would take.

If Zelda was being honest, she was glad that Hyrule had been able to establish trading routes and methods during her hundred (100) years of holding Calamity Ganon back. She never really liked the stress of having to run back and forth with so much information that needed to be remembered. Her father didn't really approve of everyone meeting in the middle as frequently as she suggested. So she had to be the middleman.

There were many duties of a princess she was glad to not be thrust back into or needed to do at all. All her life, she wanted to be a scholar. To be able to teach people the history of Hyrule and many various topics. Essential, as an understanding mind can be stronger than any warrior. Words can resolve better than a battle. Well, sometimes. Being sent back to the era of Hyrule's founding gave her a brutal reminder that her father had been right on many things as well. This new generation gave her a chance to find a middle ground, and with no war between any of the races, her scholar career finally lifted off. She didn't have to be the princess all the time, at least.

It was most likely due to the fact that now that it had been a couple of months since the Demon Kings defeat, Link and her companions were still hesitant to leave her side. Before, a century (100) ago, she would have scolded the overbearing guards. She did so with Link many times, something that was regretted ever since he saved her from the Yiga Clan in the harsh sands of the Gerudo Desert. No hesitation. Her friends, no, her family, had no hesitation in protecting her. Back then and even now, she just has to work a little harder to show how much she truly appreciated it. She can't make the same mistakes.

Voices brought Zelda out of her jumbled thoughts. Oh right, Buliara was stationed nearby; she wasn't a fan of the cold, nevermind the snow. Riju appointed her guardian to be Zelda's temporary guardian for the time being. Totally not, because she would be causing some chaos with Link and Tulin and didn't want to get into too much trouble for it yet. Right now, Buliara is protecting a friend, not a princess. She had not long returned to her time. They just wanted to be sure she'd be safe when Link wasn't around.

Behind her, Buliara was talking with Karin, one (1) of Zelda's students at the Hateno School and daughter of the Mayor, who originally came after Zelda promised that she could help cook the meals. It wasn't the original plan; Buliara was patrolling around the school grounds, and when the children asked about it, Zelda took it as an opportunity to bring her in and give more lessons about Gerudo culture and compare it to the traditions of the past now that she got to see and experience them firsthand. It actually amazed Zelda to hear how soft the hardened warrior's tone can be. Then again, she did help raise Riju.

During their walk home, Karin was told that Hearty Soup was going to be on the menu for the picnic, but it caused the Scholar to wonder if she still had the knack to make it again after the Imprisoning War and being a literal dragon for thousands of years. Karin eagerly said that she remembered making it with her grandmother and would be happy to help refresh her culinary skills. When most of it was done, Karin was allowed to wander around; this was how she ended up outside with the guard and, by complete surprise, an unexpected guest.

*One (1) and a half hour ago.*

"Sarqso again for the lesson, Captain Buliara!" Karin had been dancing around them since leaving the school. "It was so cool to learn that the Gerudo can make jewellery so easily!"

"It is now a problem, Vevhi. It was a pleasure to help."

Karin then stopped right in front of them, causing both the older women to stop as well.

"Hey! I'm not a Vevhi; I'm nearly 13, so I'm grown up!" The child tried to scold. Key word being tried as she leaned forward with her hands on her hips as she put on a pout.

The façade didn't last as they all began to laugh.

"Your Gerudo language is near the spot on Karin. How did you learn it? As far as I'm aware, no Gerudo has lived here before."Zelda inquired.

"You're right! My mother and father have a friend who's from Gerudo Town. I believe she was a travelling merchant at the time when they met at one (1) of the stables on their way to Rito Village, long before I was born. We get to meet up every so often, and she's been teaching me Gerudo since I was young!" Again, with her hands on her hips, she puffs out her chest proudly. "So don't think I don't know when you're calling me a baby!"

Another round of laughter before continuing on their way.

"May I ask? Why is Buliara allowed to walk beside you, Miss Zelda? I always thought guards always had to be behind or in front of you.

Zelda was surprised at the question. Simply because she knew she had never taught the children the understanding of royal etiquette yet. Buliara, most likely out of habit around other royals, was made to stand behind Zelda before she was stopped. Zelda placed a hand on Buliara's arm with an assuring smile.

Hand still on the captain's arm, she answered, "You are correct. For the protection of royal members of the family or nobles, a guard would typically be behind or in front of them. However," Zelda took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I learned that during times like the calamity or the upheaval, rank didn't matter much in a crisis. Yes, ranks are needed for giving orders in battle, but I have learned that, besides that, I am no greater than the people of Hyrule. I live to serve you all and assure you that you are all taken care of. You have all done an amazing job without me, but you also welcomed me home and allowed me to teach you all, as was my dream, just as much as you all taught me. You have all cared for me just as much as I have cared for you. Therefore, I am no greater than you all. I will gladly walk beside those who have stood by my side after all this time. We all fought the same battles after all."

When Zelda opened her eyes again, she could have sworn she saw stars in the young girl's eyes in admiration. A warm hand covered her own, and she saw that Buliara was giving her a motherly smile. It was unusual for the hardened captain to show this much expression, but those closest to her got to see her for who she really was. It was why she was respected so much back home.

With a silent nod, they continued their trek. It wasn't long before Zelda noticed an unusual shape at the bridge that separates them from her home. Cautiously, with Buliara leading the way, they approach the strange, dark mass. It was making an unusual sound. It was then, when they got close enough, that they saw a...

"A flipper?" Karin asks quietly. All were confused.

This was when the mass caught onto their approach and rolled over, hopping into the air in excitement as it dragged or hopped towards them as it barks out happily.

"Patricia?!" Buliara exclaimed. "You were with Chieftan Riju; is everything okay?"

The Sand Seal, now happily leaning against the Hateno Child for more hugs and scratches, turned slightly to reveal three (3) rolled-up letters tied to her harness. One (1) was red, another was teal, and the last was a light shade of blue.

Sitting at the stumps outside the house now and around the cooking pot, Zelda and Buliara read the letters that were addressed to them. Buliara read the red letter first, red being the main colour of the Gerudo. As confirmed when seeing who it was from, In neat and nearly cursive writing, the letter read:

"Dear Buliara and Zelda,

We have safely arrived at Rito Village and confirmed the stocks needed for trading in the coming weeks. They are requesting a small amount of rubies required for clothing that will be used against the cold. They accidentally requested too many clothing materials in their previous order, so they would like to make more in case the need arises.

In return, the Gerudo will be receiving various arrows and fish for our markets. I feel it is necessary to also have the jewellers make some elemental resistance jewellery as a gesture of thanks for the many types of arrows provided.

Should you receive a letter from Link and Tulin, let it be known that I, on my pride as a Gerudo, won that snow surfing race with no issue what so ever. It's no different from seal surfing—just no seal.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, however, Patricia has been sent to deliver these letters, and I request that you please take care of her for me until my return tomorrow. I also apologize to Buliara for the extended wait.

If Young Karin is there, I have some brushes and ribbons in the stable next to Zelda's house. Patricia would love it if you would brush her again.

Kind regards,

Chief Makeela Riju."

How odd for that last part to be added in. However, Karin was excited at the idea of getting to brush Patrica again. Karin had initially been afraid of the Sand Seal, but they quickly grew a bond when the Chief allowed her to do such a simple task. Karin understood what the red bow meant to Riju, so she took extra care of it when cleaning it and tying it back in with the other ribbons.

On to the teal letter: bluey green, which is the perfect mix for Link and Tulin's known colours. Green represents Link for his courage status, like his ancestors before him, and the main colour is baby blueish grey for Tulin for his wind element.

Looking at the contents of this letter, it was clear who wrote what. Link seemed to have almost print-like writing, while Tulin wrote in all capitals just so they could be told apart here. Zelda read out:

"Hello Zelda,

As you may have read in another letter, we have safely arrived in Rito Village. Chief Riju and I had come across Tulin about halfway into our journey, and we all travelled the rest of the way together. His flying skills have been coming along very nicely; they remind me of Revali as he grows. I'm sure he would be proud of Tulin. Bird Brain, as he may have been, never stopped encouraging his fellow Rito when it came to them honing their skills. Even if it did boost his ego, as you may remember.

Training the new recruits went well; they even had a few Hylian and Zora come train too, and they learned to work together. I may have to request some new paragliders; I can't have the Rito carry them around all the time.

Chief Riju and I then proceeded to have a snowboard race. It was close, but I had won, though Tulin didn't seem sure when he was flying from above.

Yours truly,

Link.

P.S. Buliara, please don't get mad that I won this race; it's not my fault that Riju fell off her shield."

Next to the extra message was a drawn-out stick figure with Link's hair, laughing at a pair of stick figure legs sticking out of a snow pile with a shield beside it, it seems.

The bottom half of the paper was Tulin's letter.

"HEY ZELDA!

TRAINING HAS BEEN GOING REALLY WELL HERE. I'M NOT AS GOOD AS LINK YET, BUT HE SAID IF I KEEP IT UP, I COULD BE LIKE THE GREAT REVALI IN NO TIME, AND HE WOULD BE PROUD OF ME! I HOPE TO LIVE UP TO HIS LEGACY IN MY DUTIES AS A SAGE, LIKE HE DID AS A CHAMPION.

ALSO, FUNNY STORY, LINK, AND RIJU CHALLENGED EACH OTHER TO A SNOW-SURFING RACE. THEY WERE REALLY CLOSE, BUT I THINK IT ENDED IN A TIE? I COULDN'T SEE BECAUSE THEY KICKED UP SO MUCH SNOW. BUT NOW MOM WOULDN'T LET THEM LEAVE THE HUT AND IS MAKING THEM HEARTY SOUP WITH WARM SAFFLINA. I THINK THEY CAUGHT A COLD OR SOMETHING.

ALSO, WE GOT TO MEET A REALLY NICE ZORA TOO. SHE HELPED US GET HOME FAST TOO. I DIDN'T NEED HELP BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO NOT GET COVERED IN SNOW. BUT I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SOUP!

ALSO, TO BULIARA, MOM SAYS THAT RIJU WILL NEED TO STAY HERE UNTIL TOMORROW INSTEAD OF WARPING HOME LIKE PLANNED. THE SNOW MAY HAVE GIVEN HER A START OF COLD, WHICH IS WHY THE WARM SAFFLINA IS ADDED TO DINNER TODAY. RIJU WOULDN'T GET IT IF SHE HAS IT QUICK ENOUGH, BUT SHE WANTS TO BE SURE.

SEE YOU SOON,

TULIN."

Buliara and Zelda facepalmed; they have a gut feeling for what the last letter may contain. Those three (3) always end up in chaotic situations when not on duty. Not so much Riju, but she's been known to be the mastermind of a few incidents and pranks against Link and Tulin when no one was around. The Gerudo were known to get a cold pretty quickly if they weren't properly prepared for the cold climates due to the fact they lived in the scorching heat. Now even more curious, the three (3) Vai looked at the blue letter, the elemental colour for water. The handwriting was even more cursive than Riju's but legible for Karin to read.

"Greeting Princess Zelda and Captain Buliara.

I feel it is necessary to write to you about what may have happened to Chief Riju, Sir Link, and Young Tulin.

Myself and my guards were travelling to Rito village to speak to the Elder about possible Zora trading. I was travelling by swimming in the rivers and happened to have witnessed the Chief and Sir Link racing down the mountainscapes. It was very impressive, especially since I have heard of the Gerudo skills in sand seal surfing.

However, it seemed that it went awry when they misjudged a turn, and they both must have hit a rock because they were both rolling down the rest of the way, thankfully not far but far enough that they somehow caught Young Tulin and became a sort of snowball on their way down. The best way I can describe it is as a total wipeout.

I have provided healing to all three (3), and they thankfully only had minor injuries. However, they do seem to not be developing a cold. Between my healing abilities and Mrs. Saki's soup, they should be as right as rain in the morning. Unfortunately, I had no other means of getting these letters to you other than teleporting Patricia to Hateno Village. The young chief did say that she was getting angsty in this cold climate.

Enclosed are some wildberries as my way of saying thanks to Patricia for her help.

Wishing you well,

Queen Yona."

"Awww, then that means Patricia fell asleep while waiting for us. Isn't that right, girl?" She was scratching Patricia with both hands until she rolled over for belly scratches. "Did we make you wait? I'm sorry, cuteest sand seal ever."

When Karin gave the berries to Patricia, the seal happily gobbled them up and gave a few barks.

"The items you require are to the left of where the Chief said they would be. The -! No, Patricia, I am not adding that pun in. Sneaky Seal." Buliara translated before nearly slipping up. "This seal and her puns, I swear."

"I'm sorry you have to put up with me for another night, Buliara. I honestly don't mind sleeping on the floor; it must be uncomfortable sleeping on a chair or some blankets all night." Zelda apologises.

"Nonsense! We warriors have grown accustomed to being able to sleep in various conditions. I will not allow you to sleep on the floor of all places just for my comfort." Buliara assures, her sword point slightly hitting off the dirt in protest of the idea.

Zelda failed to convince her. So while Buliara was reminding Karin of different brushing techniques for Patricia, she was able to get the innkeepers attention to request more pillows and blankets.

*END OF FLASHBACK.*

Zelda listened in on their conversation as she debated whether another Hearty Radish was needed.

"So your hair isn't hard to brush too? What if you get sand in it?"

"We use special blends to keep our hair soft; daily brushing helps as well. Sand is no match for frequent care. The same goes for our beloved Sand Seals."

"Is it true that Patricia is psychic?"

"Clairvoyant, yes." Buliara gently corrects her. "When offered fruit, Patricia can offer words of advice or even coordinates. Like what I translated when you gave her wildberries."

"With seal puns!" Karin happily added.

"With seal puns." Buliara parroted with a mockingly tired tone.

"Will Miss Riju be okay? Having a cold is not fun." Zelda's heart melted at the child's concern. She was always a kind-hearted soul.

"Lady Riju will be just fine. Like you read out, some soup and herbs, and she'll be right as rain by morning. Though that won't stop me from making her do extra training when we get home for the careless action. Link and Tulin also!"

"Isn't she your boss?"

"Not when training, she's not."

Zelda had to hunch over slightly and make it look like she was grabbing an herb in order to cover her laughter. It was almost easy to forget that it was Buliara who became Riju's mother figure after the passing of the late Chief. That alone can grant her more authority when needed. The mention of training brought up another question.

"Isn't that sword heavy? It's way taller than me!

A hearty laugh. "I wasn't able to before, but now wielding it gives no challenge to me."

Karin must have been wanting to see how heavy it is herself, because a moment later Zelda heard, "So heavy!" Then a surprised "Whoa!" accompanied it.

Zelda placed the lid over the pot as she grabbed a towel to wipe her hands before turning around. It made her chuckle when she saw the difference between the Hylian child and a Gerudo warrior as Karin sat comfortably on one (1) shoulder and trusted Claymore over the other. Zelda was reminded of when her father had done the same with her. One (1) morning, she awoke from a nightmare and waddled her way to her parents chambers. Her mother was sitting in the bed laughing as her father placed her on his shoulder and aimed his claymore out the window, proclaiming that no evil will get by them so long as they are around.

How terrifying that it was one eighty (180) when her mother passed.

"Dinner is just about ready." Zelda starts, clapping her hands together. It was more so to help snap herself out of her thoughts. "Karin, would you like to join us? You will have to let your parents know if you want to.

It was a definite 'YES!' as Zelda watched Karin practically beg to get down so she can run like a Kleese out of Hell towards her house to let her parents know. It wouldn't take her long, so Zelda took this as an opportunity to check the picnic supplies in the house.

"That must be the tenth (10th) time you have checked them, Zelda." The captain observed. "They won't be going anywhere prematurely if I can help it."

"I just worry that this isn't enough for them." She admits. "Everyone has been working so hard to help bring peace and order to Hyrule. I don't want to make them feel like I don't appreciate it. Especially when I made them work on all that paperwork a few days ago."

Zelda had spent the better part of yesterday making sure the foods that needed overnight cooking and steaming were as perfect as they could be. Even waking up in the middle of the night to rotate them as needed, the lack of need for sleep was still evident from her time as the Light Dragon.

Buliara, who had been sitting at the stairs on cushions with a blanket over her shoulders as she checked the condition of her blade in case it's in need of a clean or repair, offered many a time to do the tasks herself. But Zelda insisted that she could do it—just go to sleep for a little bit, at least.

The Scholar is convinced the Captain was more so meditating; instead, despite having her eyes closed and breath evened out, she never actually laid down to sleep. The blade was still gripped tightly. The Yiga incidents, the calamity, and the phenomenon must have made this a growing habit that stuck over the years. How many more are like this? To have their peace suddenly disrupted once again just as they were finally getting somewhere with their lives.

Once again, she was brought out of her thoughts by young Karin's return, a large bag of fruits for Patricia in hand. She got extra cuddles from the happy sand seal for her kind gesture. There weren't really many predictions or visions from the Sand Seal, other than seal puns that the Captain refuses to translate unless given the puppy dog eyes from the Mayor's Daughter and Sand Seal. It was so peaceful; they all enjoyed their soup, confirming that it will be perfect for everyone tomorrow.

Zelda kept notes on all the measurements she used. She knows she'll need double the number of ingredients for it to feed everyone, but that's no problem. Until it was.

"Oh no! I'm all out of hearty radishes!" She exclaimed. "I thought I had more in storage."

She just about died inside. Everything was going so well, and now the main meal is not going to happen. Her father's voice in the back of her mind about poor planning took over once again. Chastising her for her lack of planning over something simple ingredient management. Before she could fully fall into the worst habit of freezing in place when panicking, Karin saved the day.

"I heard Mrs. Rhondson say that Tarrey Town started selling them when she was talking to my dad in a meeting last week. You could get some there!"

"Oh Karin, you little life saver, you." Zelda couldn't help but hug the girl in gratitude, getting giggles and a hug in return. "I shall warp there now. Would you be so kind as to keep watch over the rest of the stuff until I return? I won't be long."

"Will do, Miss Zelda. But what about Patricia?"

Patricia was hopping her way toward Zelda when the town was mentioned, quite eagerly as well. "She will accompany me to town. From what I recall, Rhondson used to care for Patricia before becoming a tailor. You wish to see her again, yes?" With a few barks of happiness and confirmation, Zelda added "Then it's settled. Karin, you're in charge of making sure Buliara gets a nap. Patricia can accompany me to Tarrey Town. There are some new books on my bookshelf if you wish to read or borrow in the meantime."

"Are you sure, Zelda? I am tasked with guarding you after all." Buliara questioned, surprised at the sudden task for the child.

"Patricia is also battle-hardened and guards Riju as well, yes? I saw you yawning while we ate, so please get some shut-eye. The shrine is right next to town, so it'll be a short walk there, and I will warp right back." Zelda countered. It was true; she knew how warriors would hide their tiredness through certain actions.

Link would stretch a little as he adjusted the hold on his weapons and shield. His head would tilt forward slightly as he tried to keep his eyes open. When sitting, he would place his head on folded arms that rested on the knees of pulled-up legs. Buliara had similar actions. Like previously mentioned, she sat cross-legged as if she were meditating. Despite Hateno being warm during the day at this time of year, Buliara had her blanket still over her shoulders when she was guarded in the house. Tiredness making her slightly colder and Hateno having cooler temperatures than the Gerudo Desert made it more evident, like how Riju was wrapped in a blanket before Zelda dismissed them all a few days ago at Lookout Landing.

"Without proper rest, you won't be able to function. There's always a solution to your problems; just remain calm, and they will make themselves known." She heard both Sonia and Urbosa say it, drowning out her father's voice.

She left for Tarrey Town and returned less than an hour later, plenty of hearty radishes in the box in her hands and laughing as she spoke to Patricia about having a funny story to tell at the picnic now. Karin met her at the entrance to tell her that she'd need to be quiet now. When she entered the house, she saw why.

There, on all the cushions and wrapped up in the blankets, Buliara was quietly snoring away. Claymore lay within arms reach of her. Finally relaxed after months of tension and work.

Zelda turns her head toward Karin and Patricia. "It looks like the extra bedding and Hearty Soup worked."

They smiled, and Karin got to give Patricia a few more scratches before returning home for the evening. When all was settled and set to go, it was time to try and sleep. She gave Patricia a Hearty Radish, who quietly barks after gobbling it up.

"Those closest to your heart will always have you in theirs. You're doing great." Buliara translated out of sheer instinct in her sleep.

Zelda was shocked, and with the feeling of tension she tried to push back all day had lifted off her shoulders. Looking at the Sand Seal and not realizing that she was shedding tears of relief and happiness, she crouched down and gave Patricia a tight hug, the Sand Seal snuggling up against her in return.

"Thank you."

They both got some peaceful sleep that night.

[amnesiacsleepy]

Alright so ive had time to think about it and I believe I finally realize why TotK's Sage system is so much more annoying to use than BotW's champion abilities (spoilers for TotK btw. i mean its been a month+ since release but yeah)

When you get a new champion ability in BotW, it's mapped to an appropriate button, or is the next best thing. Daruk's protection is a forcefield that is passively on the shield button, Revali's Gale is an updraft on the jump button, Urbosa's fury is a charge-attack upgrade in the attack button, and Mipha's Grace is a fully passive heal that functions like a fairy except it's a full heal.

All of these powers are set to their own button, making them intuitive to use. This even applies to the Master Cycle, which is a rune, which is a completely separate button, the L button.

In TotK, however, none of the abilities the sages have are passive. You have to run over to them, press A, and then you can use it (in Yunobo's case you have to press a AGAIN which really disrupts the flow of gameplay). The closest comparison I can make is Persona 4 using awful menuing and scrolling a bunch to Persona 5's use of unique buttons, except they did this backwards.

This doesn't even mention when you want to use one sage's ability, but end up using another one because they all go if fighting enemies even if you dont want them to. I genuinely have not used Riju's lightning strike since finishing the Lightning Temple despite how god damn strong it is.

None of this even touches on how much of a one-man army Link is, especially after grabbing a full set of attack up armor. The sages become borderline irrelevant (minus Tulin, he's AWESOME).

Even when you get a fucking mech that you can fuse thing on to like flamethrowers and rockets its still not worth losing the flurry rush and other faster and straight up better attacks you can do off the mech, which also takes battery power and you can still take damage on. And if you use it to get over gloom/lava then a hoverbike is just more convinient for how cheap and fast you can make them.

Something else I have a problem with is the Sage's Will system which essentially lets you deepen your connection with the sages for four per sage. This is supposed to mirror BotW's Champion's ballad quest, where you go around the map collection emblems for each champion and then getting a faster recharge tike for each, which I have my own problems with, but thats for another time.

Each sage bond you deepen increases their damage. That's it. It doesn't enchance their abilities at all, which is a real disappointment.

They could have made Sidon's water shield last longer/for three hits, to closer mirror Daruk's Protection. Riju's lightning could have become a fusion to your arrows, Tulin's gust could have blown farther, and Yunobo's could have created a bigger explosion or have him roll faster. But then, I guess the Sages would have had to become stronger themselves, which maybe that's future DLC? But we don't know now so I'm not giving the benefit if the doubt.

As for how to fix it, Sidon's could be just a bonus to your shield like Daruk was. Riju's could,as previously mentioned, been an arrow fuse with a cooldown.

As for Yunobo and Tulin, I'm not as sure. But instead if forcing them onto a button, why not just... make the buttons reprogramable like in OoT, Majora's Mask, Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, Minish Cap, Wind Waker, the Oracle games, A Link to the Past, A Link Between Worlds, and MORE.

Why Nintendo did away with the reprogrammable buttons system is beyond me, but being able to put a specific rune/weapon/sage ability/throwable material/zonai devine/etc. would make things a lot more manageable.

The kicker is, there's already a SUPER watered-down version of it, with the rune, shield, weapon, and bow buttons. You cant swap what's on there in the sense you cant have multiple weapons or runes, but you CAN choose which one is used when you press the buttons.

But then we need to figure out which buttons would be reprogrammable, and I propose that first we swap the jump button to A like in so maby other games. Does it screw up muscle memory? For sure, but by doing this we can have Y, X, L, R, D-pad Up, D-pad Left, D-pad Right, and D-pad down as reprogrammable (you can manually put in whistle too I guess). This would free up a bunch of space for the player to put things, and allow for a bunch of freedom on what is put onto the reprogrammed buttons. To change them, you coukd just go into your menu and choose from there, whether its a weapon, a sage ability, or anything else mentioned above.

I'm not completely certain this would solve all the problems the game has, but I do think it would be a huge QoL. Maybe too big, they might have to make that system in a whole new Zelda game in like 15 years.

[bldmnrises]

<3 but also you're so cool??? And i love seeing you on the dash and hope you're doing better <3

gently takes your shoulder like urbosa does riju and zelda.,,,, my little bird, listen close.

pushes up my glasses, erm actually???? FUN FACT, i'm actually over here like a lil nerd thinkign YOU'RE out of MY league. wowzers! guess we're both spooked by how epicly awesome the other is. fr tho marie, ur a treat and an absolute gem to write with, and i'm clutching my reply for sidon learning the gerudo way,,,, but honestly i hc malice actually had a hand in the blights as well so just. IMAGINE THIS TINY LIL JESTER STANDING ON NABORIS LIKE. " hi : ) " AND THEN THUNDERBLIGHT GANON JUST. nyOOM like a fuckin cat to strike urbosa down.

ASIDE FROM STINKY LIL CLOWN CHILD BRAINROT. honestly if i could just, place ur urbosa on a giant fucking pillow and heft her up like the egyptians did in ancient times with cats? chef kiss, perf. i'd die happy knowing you give urbosa so much depth and exploration outside of simply saying " gerudo women power!!!!! exile all men " and you just " well actually, there's more TO it, you see-- COLLEGE PAPER ESSAY . JPEG " AND I'D!!! SIT HERE AND READ IT. GLADLY.

[fourswords]

the thunder spell in aol is a fucking awesome spell tbh. literally obliterates all standard enemies (i.e. everything except bosses & a select few monsters who are less monsters and more Things like bubbles or dragon heads) in the surrounding area. what more could you ask for. idk anything about botw but i heard that urbosa's fury is like a nerfed version of it that just stuns enemies within close range or something instead. that's so wack. there is no link doing it like the hero of hyrule bro who else can jump a million feet in the air and kill all the enemies around him in one fell swoop and turn into a fairy. he's even got a blood curse

[vigilantdesert]

I saw you reblog that meme and went, "Oh, yes, I should send something after I cut through a draft or two" but then I got to read the reply you posted for zoragrace and that basically made doing it now impossible to put off. So, you already know everybody thinks your headcanons are awesome. But also, your Urbosa specifically is awesome and every line you give her is pumped full of her cool-headed vibe and emotional intelligence. Like, you don't lose it even when she's evil. A+. Thank you for just... generally being here! Always a delight to see your work.

Beep Beep how's my portrayal

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAA!!! Thank you so much! I'm glad that comes across, I really try to play with her charisma because we don't get to see it very often in BoTW proper, but it's so clear in AoC. I love our threads together, so thank you for the feedback <3

[bottomlessabyssposts]

hi excuse the random. au troubleshooting? or whatever that's I'm doing in your inbox or whatever but anyway the thing with the botw au is like. ok I love the idea of the party being the og champions (lucas=revali, el=mipha, dustin= daruk, max=urbosa) for multiple reasons. a. the angst potential is awesome I love that shit THEY'LL ALL BE DEAD IT'S GREAT. b. I feel like lucas as revali actually has some really neat potential, and dustin as daruk isn't special but it's fine. c. el as mipha is SO GOOD. THERE'S SO MUCH THERE. BUT. The Issues. ok first of all. idk. max as urbosa is like. well urbosa has a stronger connection with zelda bc she knew her mom and shit and like. not everything has to be a one to one but idk i just don't LOVE max as urbosa right? it's not hitting the same as the others. but overall the party as the og champions works better, but than WHO ARE THE 2ND GEN CHAMPIONS? like we have the older teens but it feels weird to be like. "yeah the first gen is the younger kids and the 2nd gen is the older ones" AND THEN ALSO. splitting up sibling pairs so they aren't related or whatever isn't something I vibe with. but jonathan is will's older brother and nancy is mike's older sister so I'm like??? where would they fit in even if they were champions like it doesn't work quite right? and then who gets to be impa? OR PURAH AND ROBBIE? actually the idea of steve and robin as purah and robbie is something I've been entertaining that sounds fun. BUT ANYWAY YEAH I CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. PRIMARY ISSUE IS WHO WOULD BE THE 2ND GEN CHAMPIONS. I'm thinking about this too hard for someone who will take this nowhere bc I don't write but. I need to figure this out for some reason

AHHHHH OKAY LISTEN IM STILL THINKING VERY HARD ABOUT THIS !!

It's very hard to adapt the specific relationships of ST in BOTW, and vice-versa.

For Max's special relationship with Will, maybe instead of knowing Joyce, she could know Jonathan? Becoming closer to him because she's running away from her brother ? Throwing ideas out there.

Speaking about Jonathan, I think it'd be interesting to get him to fill in Zelda's Father's role. He could be the king, and then Joyce would be the Queen Dowager, right ? That would give the perfect excuse for Jonathan to know Max from the Gerudo, I believe.

For Impa, I honestly see Nancy, as weird as it sounds. I think she'd go well for the role, helping her brother get back his memories while trying her best to save Will. Plus, she was the one who brought Mike in the temple, and some Wheeler sibs angst is very tempting.

FOR THE 2ND CHAMPION GEN I'LL BE HONEST. I don't really know. In BOTW, I didn't feel very close to them anyway, and the focus isn't really on them... we technically could put characters like Jason, Chrissy, Eddie, etc... maybe even Kali ? I'm not really sure but, I feel like putting side characters like them wouldn't hurt the story too much ?

ALSO I LOVE THE IDEA OF STOBIN BEING PURAH AND ROBBIE LOL

I'm still having a lot of thoughts abt it so I'll definitely come back to write them out but... yeah these questions are almost out of the way.

But the potential this AU has is insane. I really want to write it since it's so GRHSFDIFOGVO but MAN !!!!

[soogaenthusiast]

Making a list of my faves to play as to the ones I can’t stand.

Zelda, she’s strong with the bow of light and she’s just amazing in general.

Sooga. He’s strong as hell, and has cool abilities. Like Zelda he’s also amazing in general

Link. How could he not be up here? He’s got a large range of weapons, and he’s just op with them all.

King Roham. Strong, and the guides are fun to use!

Impa. My girl’s got awesome attacks.

Urbosa. The lighting damage is really useful.

Monk Maz Koshia. His attacks are fun to use, and I like the spiny one.

Master Kohga. Each time I play as him I can’t help but laugh and that’s why he’s here 😂

Terrako. Awesome. Love him.

Purah and Robbie. The diving beast attacks are just op.

Daruk. He’s my weakest by far but he’s just strong in general.

Riju. Great potential but her controls are…. Annoying.

Revali. He’s infront if Teba just because he’s sarcastic.

Teba. I dislike playing as him, but I would choose him over the next few.

Sidon. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE HIM SO MUCH, but I’m not really a spear person.

Mipha. Eh. She’s…. Her.

Friggin Younobo. I don’t even care if I’ve spelt his name wrong-

Great bloody Faries. Never playing as them again.

Gannon. Don’t have him yet so-

What’s your list?

Ooh fun!! Thank you for this!

1. Sooga. Used to be Link, but Sooga took first with a QUICKNESS. He’s perfect, that’s it. His cutscenes for certain attacks, speed, damage, attitude, it’s all so good. Parrying three times and getting that attack boost feels illegal

2. Link. His range of weapons is so good, and all of them are all cracked in their own right. His spear is heavily underrated and can crowd control pretty well

3. Calamity. He almost feels illegal sometimes. He isn’t that fast while sprinting regularly, but his attacks are nuts. Plus, the little animated cutscenes are awesome

4. Impa. Having all five symbols clears the field with ease, plus her A charges up insanely fast

5. Rhoam and Zelda are interchangeable for me, but Rhoam will take four. The power in his guise change and attacks is crazy, and his speed as the old man is phenomenal. His sprint + X goes SO far and deals massive damage

6. Zelda. Bow of Light is nasty and can also crowd control really well. Having a 196 (currently) bow really sells her for me

7. Teba. I just love him he’s such a cute dad. But his attacks!! He has a really good range of fighting on the ground and in the air, and while the fighting mechanics in the for he and revali are a bit funky, teba felt easier to control

8. Sidon. His employ endless optimism ability is actually good, but I do wish his base strength was a bit better. I like him though and am a fan of fighting with the spear for her and mipha

9. Terrako. He’s fun! And I say that with very little recollection of his attacks 💀 but I remember him being good! He’s just tiny and doesn’t cover a ton of ground like some others

10. Mipha. Surprisingly decent. I don’t remember it now, but I do recall spamming one of her combos and getting some really good damage off in the levels I needed to use her in

11. Urbosa. Her lightning attacks are so good and can be really good for crowd control

12. Riju. Actually good. Takes getting used to, but she’s really good for big damage in tight spaces. Wouldn’t really use her for a lynel or a hinox or something though

13. Revali. My sarcastic king. Also decent, he’s just almost entirely in the air and I’m not super fond of it, despite his area of attack. He’s strong, but controlling him wasn’t exactly my favorite thing

14. Daruk. He’s OK, fairly slow to attack though. I’m sure if I had him stronger, he’d mow down everything. Used him a little bit outside of mandatory things and it was manageable

15. Guardian. Surprisingly decent and used him a little outside the mandatory things. Considering he’s not humanoid like the rest of them, it wasn’t too bad. Unlocking him sucked though

16. Purah and Robbie. Actually good and enjoyed them, I just never used them again 💀 but they pleasantly surprised me!

17. Hestu. He’s ok and some his attacks are fine, but not an ideal choice. Played as him more than Moz 💀

18. Kohga. He’s strong, but his recovery time was way too slow for my liking

19. Yunobo. I genuinely don’t know the last time I played him. What even are his attacks

20. Moz. I don’t think I’ve played as him since I needed to to complete his training, but I remember him being pretty decent! Just never went back to him so I don’t exactly remember or where he should be in the lineup💀

21. Great fairies. I literally hate them

[kiarts]

Age of calamity is actually so cool, I'm sorry for the times I spoke badly about you... the fact that I can play with Urbosa is too awesome how could I say that this game is bad

But for real, I just consider this game like a fix it fic so the story doesn't give me a headache, maybe some hylian kid out there is writing fix it fics for the calamity

[phoenixcatch7]

Okay listen I'm gonna gush about age of calamity but seeing as I myself am only like,,, halfway I'm gonna tag spoilers so (lengthy) happy rant under the cut:

ASDFGHJKL??!! Oh my GOSH it's so GOOD!! It's so solid! Listen I was already squealing when I saw impa appear but I figured since she was a beginner character she'd have straightforward movesets and I'd be encouraged to move on, yada yada, but no!! She absolutely slams! She's so fast and agile, it's amazing!!! She's my third fave so far, Link remains my first of course, and darling mipha is second! Dude, I was SO happy to play as her! And baby sidon is adorable. She's so quick as well!

It didn't take long for me to figure out that my style is fast before strong, because I was so hyped to play urbosa and then her zl is stationary charging ToT, completely killed the momentum. I level her up of course, but I don't really play her anymore.

I had high hopes for maz koshia too! I definitely wish I played him more, but I think I'd need to spend a lot more time in the meditation shrine before I felt comfortable taking him on main missions. He's got the coolest sprint too lmao. Örb™

Sidon is SO fun to play as well, I didn't expect to have as much fun with him! His zl is so great to spam, it's an easy rhythm and deals loads of damage. (he's so big next to his sister ToT I love them both so much). Did Not expect the shark aesthetic but its cool XD.

The cutscenes where the future champions appear was INCREDIBLE!!!! I was like :O!!!! @0@!!! Squirming in my seat heavy rock playing on my phone it was the best! They get to MEET THEM AND HELP AND THEY SAVED THEM AND *CRIES*

Really, just in general, the story in this game is AMAZING!! The cutscenes are so well done, and it's great to see link in the outfits I pick out for him XD. I like being dignified, but I have put him in a moblin mask and nothing else to storm the castle with.

The world building is so good, the characterisations are solid, and it's so awesome to see 100 years ago when everything was still intact!

Ah, the castle mission. I tried to clear all the guardians out the first time, I really over level so it wasn't impossible, but then rhoam died :/. I don't really think much of him but that hit hard, watching poor zelda. I'm really glad they didn't give him a useless or cowards death, they could easily have done that given some opinions of him, but it felt so much more true to him. I tried a few more times to kill all the guardians but I just can't reach them :(. I want to save him at least once!!

Akkala was AMAZING!!! Both the quests I've done are SO FUN! Sooga was a great bad guy (I'm worried for him, WHERE IS HE) he felt like the closest to an equal warrior to link. Didn't stop me from trapping him in a corner and cheesing him for all he's worth, but that's the fun of it.

Speaking of fun fights, I was surprised by Teba! His aggressive speed and combos made him a good match for my style, he's easy to main! Needs levelling up if he wants to join my party proper, but so do the majority lol.

Ngl the fairy fountains I DID NOT LIKE. They're so funny and creative, but ehhhh I don't like the idea of them fighting at all, it really messed with me, alas.

I haven't gushed about the cutscenes enough, they're absolutely AMAZING. They're so well animated! It's incredible!! I love love love how they got all the voice actors back, and everyone gets to be a huge found family ToT. Even revali gets a goof or two (though mostly at his own prides expense lol). Little Egg is just cute enough to be comedic relief without being in the way or depleting the angst (the angst is SO GOOD, OH MY GOODNESS). I don't know if link gets microexpressions or I'm just projecting but his animators did him so fine. He looks BADASS. He's THE COOLEST MF AROUND AND THEY ALL KNOW IT. Putting him in a hood obscures him over the shoulder shots occasionally but it's worth it lmao.

I dont know WHO they have doing the lighting of those cutscenes but PAY THEM MORE. It sets off like EVERY scene, especially the ones on the divine beasts, and at night, just LOOK AT THEM.

The most recent mission I've done, Fort Hateno, AMAZING. INCREDIBLE. SO SO GOOD. Zelda!! Darling!! The interactions between riju and urbosa (she's so tall she has to bend like IN HALF to get to her level I'm crying) were so sweet and so neatly showed their dynamic, and really emphasises how riju is a good and capable leader but also still a child. We don't get nearly enough of that. Also her special is super fast and I love it.

ZELDA SHINING PRINCESS OF LIGHT YOU'RE DOING SO WELL HONEY, YOU'RE DOING GREAT TOT. The shiny light was so fun to play with :D. Underleveled, but I feel like I could finally let her safely on a battlefield by herself. I mean I could before, I mained her a bit, but now she's got eldritch weirdness under her belt, she's not gonna die like an npc escorts if she accidentally winds up in the middle of the field. I'm REALLY going to have to put her through her paces in the meditation room though, I have NO idea what she does now lol. What do the gold rings do??? Why is her zl that?

LINK I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY ABOUT YOU BUT YOU'RE LOOKING FINE AND OP KEEP IT UP KING. His zl is sooooooo handy, I can whip it out whenever and knock the enemy flat from across the field, definitely think the rito should have that move wholesale but ig not lol. My build for him focuses on the full health sword beams, so I have to be careful with him. But he's so easy to mow down a battalion with, he's soooo overleveled.

Haven't had a chance to play with kohga but he's sure to be fun lol. I'd accidentally been spoiled on the yiga defection, but I didn't see anyone else with him... Respect for sooga, loved his character since I saw him, hope he's okay.... We'll definitely either see him make a dramatic escape or a corrupted boss, but we should end up with him in the roster so it shouldn't be too bad? Right????

Wonder what the purple colour is on wind blight? There isn't a wind element, but it's not malice either. Maybe it'll get explained.

But UGH IT'S SUCH AN INSANELY AWESOME GAME!!! I've already clocked 50 hours easy, and I'm only on chapter six! It's just POW and WHAM and KABLOOIE! Each chapter makes me go OH MY GOSH SUPERB YOU FUNKY LITTLE CHARACTER and clutch my heart like a fainting Victorian maiden seeing a modern shirtless male model XD. Each time there's an amazing plot twist and I'm. Like

W H A T.!???!!!

I actually have the og hyrule warriors, so it's really good to see how far they've come since! More input from Nintendo has done WONDERS with their characters and setting lol. But the moves are creative, the maps are easier to work with, the camera angles aren't nearly so bad! I keep being surprised by the unexpectedly good graphics on such an old ds game, but that's neither here nor there. The fusing system is a million times easier in aoc, too, but it still took me a while to get the hang of it.

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY BUT SOMEHOW READ ALL THIS, TLDR GET THE GAME

[creativesplat]

When crisis strikes Rito Village, the Champions are called on for support and aid. Preparation against the advancing hoard of monsters is undertaken, and Link begins arial training in the flight range. New technologies are tested; hurt and healing flirt pensively with each champion; and new threats loom. All the while, Link is forced to confront friendships and animosities, as he begins to see those who have been chosen to fight beside him in a new light.

Will this prepare the heroes for Ganon’s return, or will their actions it bode ill for the future of Hyrule?

This is my latest work on Ao3, the chapters are being added slowly and surely! I’m really excited to be writing a long multi-chapter fic and exploring the world Pre-Calamity in more depth! The next chapter is quite short but pretty dramatic...

[aeriedwelling]

GUESS WHO GOT AGE OF CALAMITY

[fatefulfaerie]

Dr. Steggy

An awesome April birthday to @drsteggy !! I veered off from your prompt a bit but I hope you still like it!

Zelda didn’t believe in ghosts at first.

Link understood why. Partly, it was because there was no science to support it. Zelda would argue that such a paranormal event was out of the question, yet Link suspected that her doubt truly came from something much deeper. If it were so simple for the planes of life and death to cross, why didn’t her mother return to guide her all those years ago?

Link was never able to answer that question. He had seen with his own eyes in turquoise flames the deceased King of Hyrule, the champions Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa. He had carried conversations with them and he saw them hovering above the castle, watching until they dissipated, along with their blessings. Zelda neither saw nor experienced any of this.

Where Link saw ghosts, she had seen only the sky above the castle. At the time, the idea of ghosts was a bit too much to take in for Zelda, and so was the idea that her mother could have seen her daughter suffering and done nothing in response. Once Link described his experiences in detail however, Zelda had to admit that what he had seen was not to be taken lightly.

“Do you think my parents would be happy for me?” Zelda asked as she smoothed out her dress where she stood before the vanity, almost white if not for the slight hue of light blue. The question took Impa off guard at first.

“I know they are, Zelda,” Impa said, straightening out the crinkles in Zelda’s veil. “They are smiling down from the Sacred Realm as we speak.”

Perhaps they were, yet Zelda couldn’t help but be jealous of Link, the things he saw, being able to talk with her father.

Link had described his conversations with the former King as brief and one-sided. Unfortunately, Link spent the most time with the King during the part of his journey where his amnesia was the strongest. Link only asked him about cooking and survival tips, and when the King finally revealed himself and talked at length about the bigger picture, his strained relationship with his daughter was understandably irrelevant and not brought up.

Link then apologized to Zelda for wasting the opportunities he had. Zelda said that if he apologized again, she would make him sleep outside.

“Right,” Zelda finally said in reply to Impa. She set aside as best she could her lack of closure concerning both her parents, and told Impa that besides the minor alteration to make it so the sleeves actually stayed on her shoulders, the wedding dress fit perfectly.

“Everything okay?” Link asked later that night, partially sitting on Zelda’s writing desk with crossed arms. He looked down at her profile.

“Yeah, why?”

“There’s something up with you,” Link explained. “Are you getting cold feet? Because it’s okay if you are, I’ll understand.”

“I’m not getting cold feet,” Zelda replied, before reconsidering, looking up and over at Link. “Well, actually my feet are kinda cold, but not in that way. I definitely still want to marry you.”

“Then what is it?” Link asked.

Zelda averted her gaze and shrugged. She leaned back in her chair and hugged her arms close.

“I just…” Zelda began, but couldn’t continue. She returned her gaze to Link. “I can’t stop thinking about it, the last time I saw my father alive, my mother…I wish I could see them one last time. Make things right.”

“I know I disappointed them,” Zelda continued with a sigh.

“Zelda–”

“Don’t you think they would have visited me by now if I didn’t?” Zelda asked. Link’s eyes sank in concern.

“Maybe they feel they disappointed you,” Link suggested. “I mean…you were their daughter, after all. When you were born, they probably wanted the best for you, yet you ended up with a childhood that consisted of grief and intense pressure. It’s not a stretch to believe they blamed themselves for not giving you a better life.”

Zelda smiled faintly at Link’s intelligence, though they both knew that all the wisdom in the world wouldn’t give Zelda the closure she needed.

“Now about those cold feet,” Link said with a lighter tone. “What do you say we warm them up a bit.”

Link fell asleep in front of the fireplace fast. Although Zelda was comforted by being in his arms, by the fire that crackled with a rhythm that soothed her somewhat, she still stared with light eyelids at the flames.

They were orange at first, then grew to soft yellows and whites as it died down. In the same manner that flying pigs and rainbow clouds aren’t questioned whilst in dreams, Zelda didn’t question when it took on hints of green and blue.

She just watched, watched until all that remained were the coals, the remnants of heat that strangely took on the color of pebbles in the sea.

Link was gone, but Zelda didn’t panic. She lay before the barely warm fireplace on her side, with bent knees and arms tucked underneath her head. Her green eyes blinked as if everything were normal.

Soon, she felt a presence. Someone sat behind her and began to softly guide the stray hairs away from her face. Zelda did not flinch, for while the fingers were not calloused like Link’s, they boasted a familiarity Zelda had not felt since she was very young.

“Little bird,” the woman said. “My, how you’ve grown. I am so proud of you.”

Zelda hummed, softly opening and closing her eyes only for a tear to escape her.

“Then why didn’t you come sooner?”

The voice didn’t reply at first.

“Love means nothing if you are told to feel it,” her mother explained. “There was nothing I could teach you that you didn’t already have inside yourself. You were born with the capacity to love greatly and deeply, but before you were able to grow into that, my passing laced love with grief, and an entire kingdom looked to you to save them from the next disaster.”

“I feared I had ruined you, that you were guarding yourself from any meaningful connections with people, in fear that they too, would leave you.” She could hear her mother’s smile. “I thank the goddesses everyday that Link refused to let your anger deter him.”

Zelda sat up to look at her mother, who was opaque yet most notably turquoise. Her smile was warm and Zelda’s heart swelled.

“Don’t you for one second think that we are disappointed in you,” her mother insisted, and Zelda’s brow furrowed.

“We?” Zelda asked, and only then did Zelda notice her father, standing at a distance with his kingly posture and hands clasped around his back. Zelda’s mother watched as her daughter walked to meet the former king, though she looked down at the floor.

“Zelda,” Rhoam prompted commandingly. “Look at me.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t take the crown,” Zelda said quickly, like a child preparing to be scolded for accidentally breaking some pottery.

“I’m sorry you think you have to apologize for that,” her ghostly father said in reply. Zelda looked up in confusion.

“You’re not truly sorry, are you?” Zelda’s mother asked knowingly. “You’re happy where you are?”

Zelda nodded and looked over at her mother. She answered genuinely.

“Yes.”

“Then that is all that matters.”

Zelda returned her gaze to her father, almost checking to see if he shared the sentiment. The look on his daughter’s face broke his heart, so he nodded.

“I failed you, Zelda,” Rhoam said. “I didn’t know how to be a father to you, so I treated you like one of my soldiers. It was what I always knew how to do, going from page, to squire, to knight, to general, and then to king. The life we gave you was one where I raised you to be a weapon. You had every right to be angry and confused. The life you have now is the one you deserve. You are loved and free. It’s what we always wanted for you.”

Rhoam moved his arm to place a hand upon her shoulder, yet he seemed to forget his lack of substance, phasing right through her. He looked at his hand with a wayward mist in his eyes, then returned her gaze to his daughter.

“I’m sorry,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m so sorry.”

Zelda braved a strong smile as she too began to cry.

“It’s okay,” she said. “I understand.”

Zelda abruptly gasped awake to a crackling orange fire, in Link’s arms as if nothing had happened. Although the scientist in her could have very well written off what had just happened as a dream, Zelda knew it was more. 

“Zelda?” Link asked, half-asleep. “Are you okay? Did you have a nightmare?”

“Quite the contrary,” Zelda said, snuggling further into Link’s warm hold. She smiled as she drifted off to sleep.

The former royal pair never visited her again, but Zelda had her closure, and her parents had theirs.

[imjeralee]

We all see how mipha acts with her little brother,

But how do you think the other three champions would act if they had a younger sibling?

Good question @wyrms-tale!!

I imagine Daruk to be the overly protective/doting older brother. He is already protective over his city, so not only is he protective but he will be proud of his younger sibling and he'll be their biggest fan, cheering them on and helping them get stronger. If they're sad or anything you can def count on Daruk to cheer them up. If they're in trouble he'll be running to help them asap. they would also spend lots of time rolling around the mountains and laughing when they collide and fall over.

Urbosa is the totally awesome older sis who is the kind to want to be a good role model for you, full of sass and generally you don't want to mess with her I mean she can step on you like a bug ok so I imagine she'd be the kind of older sibling who you would have a really fun time with. She's confident, got your back, strong and just really empowering. She would want her younger sibling to fight alongside her. I think they'd be really close and she would want them to become even stronger than she is and to prove their worth.

Revali - Uchiha Itachi Revali would be the kind of older brother who you think is a jerk because you feel he isn't around ever in general and you wouldn't see him often and you aren't too close to him either. Why? Because he's busy practising and training to be the best himself. he doesn't seem to be the kind of sibling who would hold your hand or want to really spend a lot of time with you but rather he'd be more of a lone wolf type and encourage you to find your own strength/path without any interjection or guidance from him, because he never got it when he was younger.