#zelda teleports away with the purah pad

[ladyrijus]

me: what if we subverted the imperialism trope with zelda realizing that rauru is the aggressor in the equation because 100 years is not enough time to wash away her diplomatic skills and she just knows that the gerudo people would not be hostile if not for a justifiable reason. sure, it takes a while for her to gain ganondorf's trust just based on her association with rauru and sonia, but he does end up trusting her somewhere down the line and fills her in on what's happening. she's absolutely horrified. as a result, she works alongside ganondorf to seal away rauru by gathering the sages and convincing them to protect their respective domains from conquest. but here's the twist: what if link still gets mentored by rauru's spirit at the beginning, and thinks rauru is a benevolent king? imagine zelda's last words to him in the final memory, nothing but a frenzied "link, do not trust the king of darkness!" but he doesn't know which king: ganondorf or rauru, because the gloom has corrupted ganondorf's body and rauru, who had unsettled him since the beginning. but then he realizes it's rauru, and it's deliciously ironic since rauru's power is light but as always, every light has a shadow.

totk enjoyers: hold my beer i'm gonna fucking crucify a korok

[r0sequarks]

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

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

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

Maybe Zonai glasses? idk

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

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

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

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

And then the general core conceits of Playable TotK Zelda:

Archer - ranged combat focus/optimized

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

Priestess - Light + Time magic, upgrades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[totkdaily]

Day 1: Below and Above

We walk down stone steps into the darkness, lit only by the torch in Zelda's hand. I feel awake for the first time in years. It's only here, heading into the unknown, that I realise some part of me has been asleep since we defeated Calamity Ganon. That thrumming in my veins, the low buzz in my ears as our footsteps resound against stone, wisps of Gloom around us. The Princess walks with purpose. I circle her tightly, trying to guard her from every side. She would have protested, once. Now she knows what manner of thing her Swordsman protects her from.

We find murals of ancient conflict. Zelda drinks in these hints at ancient knowledge, but something about them sets my skin alight. I can barely hear her, so focused on any hint of danger. The Demon King. The Imprisoning War. History. Stories. She’s delighted by how much knowledge she’s uncovering about the distant past. Somehow it doesn’t feel so distant to me, but I can’t explain it to her. I just wait, and follow.

The tunnel opens up into another chamber, wide and deep and dark, and something in me recognises this room. I reach for the Princess, but it’s already too late. The thing at the centre is moving.

A husk of a man, all tendons and muscles and no skin at all. But those eyes that shoot to us, to her. He shudders up from his splayed position. Was the green hand holding him in place, or sustaining him? There’s no time to work it out. The Princess picks up the stone, and I wish just once she would stop being a scholar long enough to keep her safe.

He speaks, and it means nothing but malice. He knows us. He knows her. He lashes out and I swing the Master Sword, relieved at last to unleash that thrum of unease into action. The sword shatters in the face of him. It can’t. It shouldn’t. It has. A fragment catches what would be his cheek, and his blood boils outwards. He’s reaching up, past the stone above. The castle. So much fought for, so much rebuilt, and it’s all vulnerable to this unseen threat below. As his power crawls up through the stone I feel the burning pain in my sword arm.

The ground shudders and cracks. I reach for her. It’s all I’ve ever known to do. Her hand stretches for mine as she falls away from me into darkness.

And then, light. 

Another hand grasps mine. It's the last thing I know.

I wake somewhere else. Another enclosed space, but soft golden light instead of that sinister red. The Princess is gone. My hair is longer than it was – please, it can’t have happened again. I failed to protect her once before, and slept for 100 years before I could free her from the darkness of the Calamity. My arm… it’s strange to me. Dark green and longer nails and wrapped in strange jewellery. 

That voice… could it be the voice of the creature? But no… he says he gave me his arm. Replaced it, just like that. I listen to him mechanically - Rauru. He knows Zelda. 

This place feels old but untended, the vines thick and ancient. I carry the remnants of the Sword, useless now. Corruption scars its surface as it ruined my arm. 

The consoles, the blue teleportation site, the machinery - it reminds me of Sheikah tech, but it’s different. When am I? The designs are strange, the green light unfamiliar. 

I know I’m being reckless, jumping without a paraglider. But the instinct doesn’t lead me to harm - and I find trousers, which is a relief. 

I'm above the clouds. Floating islands... Zelda said the Zonai came from the sky. I can see the Gerudo Highlands, Death Mountain - erupting. This is Hyrule. But it’s changed, I’m sure of it. How long was I asleep? These ruins are old. Have I slept another hundred years? I can't have left my Princess for so long again.

Time to jump.

This place is quiet and strange. Some of the constructs attack, some speak to me with kindness and melancholy.

One of the peaceful ones, a Steward says the Princess left the Purah Pad for me. She was here? How long ago? Is this where the light took her? The construct says she's waiting for me. I can't keep her waiting. I swore never to do that again. 

The sky darkens as I explore this island. These constructs have just... been left. They're so old. Everything they were built for is gone. I know how that feels, though they don't seem to. What does that mean for me - have I slept so long that I’ve missed the rise and fall of a civilisation? 

The Stewards’ patience touches me. Rauru's sadness at the last vestige of his people touches me. Wherever I am, it's so old. Is this what comes after Hyrule? Or… what came before? And where is Zelda?

[candy8448]

Photo (for the one word prompt)

Used a fic idea i had since i basically joined this fandom but never wrote so i got carried away and wrote 1580 words 0.0

This fic idea came to me when playing totk for the first time when it first came out, i took a photo of the old champions photo and put it in the gallery of my new house

Get ready for some fluff! (From me? I know, shocking!)

Send me a one word writing prompt

"And this room, i actually made with you guys in mind... i didn't have space for full beds but those mattresses are a lot comfier than a sleeping roll. Sometimes i even prefered sleeping in here than in my own bedroom," imagining that i was still with you lot, he left out. Wild turned back to the chain as he finished showing them around his new home. Twilight glanced around, noting something,

"Where is the champions photo? I thought of all things you would want to bring, it would be that?"

Wild tried to hide his upset expression, "well, Zelda kept it... and she is the one with all the real memories of them... so its okay"

He tried not to think about losing the champions photo, but he couldnt help but think it was like loosing them all over again. Still, nothing would come from burdening the chain with his emotions.

---------------------

The next day, while Wild was out running errands, Legend burst into their shared room on the top floor, canvas and paints in his arms, dumping them on the table in the center of the room,

"We're painting him a new one."

"What?"

"You saw how sad he looked when he didn't have the champion's photo; we are repainting him a new one"

Warriors grinned at the vet, "wow, didn't know you were soft, collector."

That earned a glare, "You never know when you could lose someone, sometimes you need something to keep their memory alive, like a song, or a picture."

A few of them nodded in agreement.

"Right, who's doing what?" Time said as they all gathered around the table.

Wind's hand shot up first, "ooh, OOH! I can draw! Let me draw it!"

Legend looked at him, "okay, you do the sketch and i do the painting, BUT im gonna check over the sketch before we're done" ever the perfectionist.

Sky nudged Four, "bet we can make a pretty good frame eh?" Four grinned back and nodded, running off to find somewhere he could start.

Roles were assigned to each member: Four and Sky would work on a frame, Wind would sketch and Legend would paint, Warriors would find Flora and ask to borrow the original photo as reference, Time would also go with him to learn more about the champions, and finally, Hyrule and Twilight, having no artistic skill and being the closest to their cook would distract Wild until the painting was finished. It was a good plan, and they began too work.

---------------------

Legend and Wind sat in the top room all day, Wind was getting frustrated at how the sketch was just not looking right, Legend came to pull the pencil away,

"No you do it like this!" He said, rubbing out a piece of the drawing and sketching it on himself. Wind's eyes widened in understanding, and he grabbed the pencil again, fixing up other similar mistakes. Legend noted that the rito happened to look the best and he had to wonder if that was because it was the only race outside of hylians he had a lot of experience with. Wind noticed the same thing. He almost felt the spirit of the rito looking smug as he pridefully gloated on the others, and Wind giggled.

---------------------

"It's really nice you're doing this for him, i wasn't aware that he would feel upset that i kept the photo. I thought he would come and tell me if something was upsetting him," Flora said as they sat around the table in her own house in Hateno village. Warriors and Time had told Wild that they wanted to speak to her and Wild, being unsuspecting at the two 'leaders' of the group wanting to gather information, called Zelda over with the Purah Pad. She had teleported to them with the old Sheika Slate and Warriors couldn't help but gape at the glowing blue antlers and her purple and blue eyes. Zelda then proceded to take them to her house once they told her they wanted to speak to her in private, much to the displeasure of Wild, who wanted her nearby to make sure she was safe, not that anyone could blame him.

Time smiled at her, "well, hiding one's emotions do seem to come with the hero's spirit"

She nodded uncertainly.

Wars drew the girl's attention, "Can you tell us about the champions? Our friends Sky and Four would like to make a frame and were hoping to make it something special."

---------------------

Wild excitedly showed them around Tarrey town and was pulling Twilight and Hyrule along with him. When wild came running back to the house, Twilight first asked to have help with Epona, but because the house stable was already occupied, they had to go to the nearest stable. Hyrule also tagged along, hoping to use up time exploring once Wild's attention would eventually shift from horses to something else. Twilight was currently just following behind them, trying to catch up to the duo and making sure they didn't get hurt.

Wild had decided that it was a good idea to dive off the side of the town and into the water to reach the construction grounds. Twilight tried to stop him but the champion, as slippery as he is, got past him, already with his shirt off and shouting as he went down, followed by a massive splash that almost reached up to them. Twilight sighed and turned around, only to see Hyrule missing from his side. The traveler's laughter joined Wild's own as he knelt on the moving tracks platform and waved at him, Wild waving back as he swam to shore. Twilight sighed harder but smiled, at least his brother seemed in a better mood.

---------------------

Sky hummed to the rythm of Four's hammer hitting metal. The skyloftian had decided to join the smithy in the forge to spend time with him. The carving in his hands would theoretically slot into what four was making, the metal to hold the canvas in place and the wood for the details. Sky used what Warriors and the old man had relayed to them from Flora to create intricate markings which he hoped represented the champions. Four hammered away, joining his humming with his own layer to the tune until he stopped hammering and looked at his work, "how does that look?" He asked, sky stood up, halfing his unfinished piece nearby and comparing the two, looking at the but where the two would slide in together, "it looks great!"

---------------------

Hyrule excitedly dragged Wild to the top room by his arms. When the champion saw everyone in the room he looked confused, waiting for an answer. "We made something for you" Wind said, ushering him to the table.

Wild walked up to the table to see a canvas resting on it, one with a very familiar image. His breath hitched in his throat as he silently.

It was almost identical to the original image, the champions photo, but newer. Everone in the image looked perfect, careful strokes of paint marking out their individual features. Wild sniffled as he inspected the frame. Wood and metal worked into eachother. The metal sides of the frame had the words "champions ballad" indented in his hylian. The wooden sides had carvings, depicting the four regions the champions came from, it also had things which he knew the champions loved from his scattered memories. There were indentations of more things, and Wild wondered where they got this information from. The frame was detailed, he could also see where the wood and metal intertwined with one another. There were no carvings of the divine beasts, Wild noticed suddenly, no marks of duty; just six friends, together and happy.

Wild worlessly looked up at his traveling companions, and only now noticed the river of tears running down his face.

Twilight stepped forwards, offering Wild a tissue, "legend was the one who suggested we do this because we saw how sad you were about not having the original. He and Wind sketched and painted it. Wars and Time got the original image from Flora and learned about the champions for the details on the frame, which Sky and Four both made. Hyrule and I were distracting you so it could be a surprise"

Wild sniffed, happy tears overflowing him, "th-thank you guys, it really means a lot" his voice cracked, "i-um... can we take a new one? With all of us? If you dont mind" he stuttered.

---------------------

Flora held the Purah Pad, looking through the lens. She called out, telling everyone to move around and making sure they were in shot, "Time, move down, yeah like Warriors, you might not be that tall but you are still out of shot" laugheter errupted out of the others, the old man deadpanned before his face returned to his smile. Flora decided to take advantage of everyone's laughing faces, "Ready?" She giggled, borrowing Purah's iconic phrase "Click-" Twilight grinned mischieviously, "-snap!" And pulled everyone in suddenly with his strong arms.

The image was put up next to the champions painting on the top floor where they all slept. Wild took a step back, smiling softly. Everyone had a mixture of shocked and laughing faces, Wild himself, in the middle with a beaming smile and a tear running down his cheek...

Ao3 (oneshot collection)

Ao3 (the fic on its own)

I have notes and headcanons featured in this fic in the end notes of both of the Ao3 versions

Hope you enjoyed! :)

[abyssal-cryptid]

Tears of the kingdom thoughts (SPOILERS)

Beginning cutscenes are amazing

You start out with full hearts & stamina so canon events of BOTW was Link freeing all Divine Beasts and getting all the shrines (also having the master sword)

You lose them all pretty quickly to Ganondorf (?) WHO BLOODY MOCKS YOU FOR IT

The tear shaped crystals. Ganondorf has one on his head. Zelda falls and her tear teleports her away

After this Link wakey wakeys in the sky island (with Long Hair, A+)

Zonai are gods who married into Zelda's bloodline

The first king of Hyrule is Rauru who is a Zonai, appears to you as a spirit and tells you he has heard of you from Zelda

Acts esentially as the Old Man in BOTW and yes does unfortunately also disappear after you complete the tutorial

It took me 3+ hours to beat the tutorial btw. Partially because I am a dumbass

The tutorial is a bit more handholdy than BOTW but also does not tell you shit when it comes to the Zonai transportation machines

THE SHRINES (those green swirly stones) are so cool and also instead of a monk to give you an orb its a statue of Rauru and Zelda (or her ancestor) as like a married couple

The Zonai constructs are actually all friendly except the soldier ones who are just following orders and not evil. The constructs talk and are adorable

Rauru is in many places around the island and talks about how it is disquieting that the constructs keep doing things like gathering ingredients and cooking when there hasnt been living beings around for eons and they themselves cant eat

You cant choose between stamina or heart, you have to get a heart

Stamina feels like it drains slower but also recovers slower

I died like six times

No paraglider in the beginning. Pain

Ultrahand is a bit clunky and its rotation control is not fun

Controls are basically the same but also a bit different and that is slightly annoying

You go for some time in the tutorial without getting a shirt

Fusing things is so fun. Also flamethrowers exist and are a blast

No fall damage if water

Every enemy seems to have more health than previously. I had bonk a red bokoblin a lot to kill it

Also THE TREES ARE ENEMIES TOO and nearly killed me. This is not Lord of the Rings

Very much Skyward Sword vibes outside of the sky islands

Parallels BOTW beginning, Link must be so tired

Purah is an adult size now. Also you dont have the Sheikah Slate but instead the Purah Pad

I like the voice acting here

OH AND ALSO seems to transfer your horses over from your BOTW save!!!!!

[fioreofthemarch]

Finding Her - a field log

Link makes notes, takes photos and keeps time on his quest across Hyrule, in the hopes of finding Zelda and staying sane until he does. [ Next | AO3 ]

Booting... Booting... The current date is: 999999–!!! Error: Memory exceeded !!! Please select calendar convention for date calibration.

> New Hylian Calendar

NHC convention selected. Calibrating… The current date is: 104 AC (After Calamity). 5th month, 12th day. This time of year is commonly known in Hylian nomenclature as Spring's End. Save settings?

> Yes

Date confirmed.

* Welcome to the Purah Pad *

The Purah Pad is a state-of-the-art, fully portable adventure-class Sheikah Slate. The Purah Pad can be used to:

View far-away objects using the Scope

Take photographic images

View maps and current location (requires Sky View data)

Teleport instantaneously to travel gates registered to the Purah Pad

Record materials, creatures, monsters, and other objects found in Hyrule

Log activities and requests received from fellow travelers

Take additional field notes, as required

The Purah Pad is currently in development. We are not accepting feedback at this time.

Please direct any complaints to Symin at Hateno Village Research Laboratory.

Log date 09:55. 5th month 12th day 104AC Location: Great Sky Island. Weather: Mild. Clear skies.

Arm hurts, really hurts. In a bad way. Master Sword is damaged, or worse. What the hell happened down there?

It's bright here, gotta be high up in the sky. Were there always islands here?

A green construct-type person (like Guardians but with a face?) had this Purah Pad. Looks in OK condition. Zelda would know more. No sign of her. Apparently she's nearby, in a temple.

Not sure how many logs to make. Normally Zelda’s thing. I’m used to her being here. Used to the sound of her voice. Will just take notes until she’s back. Not sure how, but will find her.

Have to find her.

Log is accompanied by a picture of a Zonai Steward Construct. Its large, see-saw head is angled slightly to the side, as if perplexed.

Caption: He seems friendly.

Log date 12:30. 5th month, 13th day 104 AC Location: Ukouh Shrine Weather: Mild. Partly cloudy.

A lot has happened. Arm still hurts, whole body hurts. Rauru (source of arm) has been helpful. Not sure if he's trustworthy but no choice. Have to find Zelda, no matter what.

There are Shrines here on this sky island - deja vu. Seem older than the Sheikah Shrines though.

This arm and its powers are something else. Made a raft with fans. Put them on the wrong way, fell off the raft. Tried again a few times until it worked. Repeat.

Two more Shrines left, maybe next time Rauru will give me the power to summon a hot meal. Click of the fingers and snap: fried eggs. But probably not.

A photograph of some roasted mushrooms beside a fire, slightly charred, as a Zonai Steward Construct looks on.

Caption: These will do for now.

---

Log date: 16:30. 5th month, 14th day 104 AC Location: In-Isa shrine Weather: Mild. Partly cloudy.

Stopping to catch my breath. Going to sit by this Shrine a while.

Got this Fuse ability. Feels good to have a sword even if it's made from a tree branch and bits of dead robot.

Sword arm is not what it used to be. Reflexes slower too. Can feel the gloom under my skin. Fought a Captain Construct, got hit one too many times. Some bad bad bruises but the Light of Blessing healed them up quick. Mostly pride hurt now.

Back to the Temple of Time tomorrow. Zelda’s not far, can feel it.

A photograph of a fused rock-hammer weapon, resting against the weathered structure of a Shrine of Light.

Caption: Using a rock to break rocks!

---

Log date: 20:55 5th month, 14th day 104 AC Location: Temple of Time Weather: Cool. Clear skies.

It doesn't make sense. She was here, and then she wasn't. In the Temple of Time. Or her spirit? A memory? An echo? That's what Rauru called it. Said it was Zelda's sheer will, but how can he know? He won't even say who he is.

She looked so different. She looked.. divine. And then she gave me something. I can feel the name of it on the wind - Recall

She’s gone. But where? What happened to her?

Gonna leave this place tomorrow, just need to find that last Shrine. The fire's burning low but the nights here are short. There's something up above, the Purah Pad compendium calls it a Light Dragon. Currently watching it swim circles in the air til sleep comes, and then will see what tomorrow brings.

Zelda’s out there somewhere. Gotta find her, and put everything right. Don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t. Hope wherever she is, it’s warmer than here.

A photograph taken from below of a golden dragon, floating peacefully through the air.

Caption: How's the weather up there?

[ashleyleygraves]

Link walked up the staircase to Mipha's statue at Ploymous Mountain. His short fur was grey and his red, long hair flowed in the wind.

He stared at Mipha's statue. "Well, Mipha, you wouldn't believe what's happened today. I got my reward for completing all of King Rarau's shrines. It turned me into a Zonai," Link chuckled a bit, "I wonder what your reaction would've been to see me like this. Same with Daruk and Urbosa. I feel like Revali wouldn't care too much."

The statue of Mipha shined in the moonlight. Link just stared, wondering about the life he could've had. "I don't really remember what my feelings for you were, Mipha. But according to Sidon and your father, you were in love with me, I mean, the Zora Armor is proof of that. Still... I wonder if we'd be engaged, like Sidon and Yona. I wonder if Hyrule would've looked better than it does now... I'm grateful for the people I got to meet in this century. I'm grateful that Zelda trusts me still.

It's been years, yet I'm still blaming myself for not saving Hyrule over a century ago."

Link waited a moment, sighed, pulled out the Purah Pad, and teleported to Lookout Landing. As he teleported away he said, "Wish me luck on defeating the Demon King."

Mipha's Statue glimmered in the moonlight.

[jarino]

Giving up the Ghost: Chapter 18 (Eternal Peace)

Link and Zelda meet with the sages and determine the future of Hyrule.

AO3 Link

Link and Zelda slowly made their way back to Lookout Landing. When they arrived, Purah and the sages were there waiting for them.

When Sidon’s eyes landed on the pair, he immediately sprinted forward, scooping Link up into his arms. He planted a series of desperate kisses all across his face, holding him close.

“I was afraid for you…” he murmured, his voice warbled.

Link gently patted his cheek, leaning back slightly so he could meet Sidon’s gaze. ‘I’m sorry for worrying you. I’m okay.’

Tears pricked Sidon’s eyes and he pulled Link in for a proper kiss. Link returned the affection with everything he could, tilting his head for better access.

Zelda coughed slightly, which forced the two of them apart, each blushing deeply.

She giggled and said, “It seems there’s a lot you’ll have to catch me up on.”

Sidon set Link back down on the ground and rubbed the back of his tail awkwardly. “My apologies, your Highness. I must say, it is so good to see that you are safe and sound.”

She gave a gentle smile. “Thank you. I’m just glad everything worked out in the end.”

“You’re sure you’re okay?” Purah asked. “No residual…draconic traits?”

“Draconic?” Riju asked in confusion.

Zelda let out a small sigh. “There’s so much to tell you all. I’m not sure where to start.”

“I have an idea,” Mineru suggested. “Perhaps we could all convene at the Temple of Time. You can explain everything along the way.”

Smiling, Zelda said, “That sounds like a good idea.”

Thankfully, the Purah Pad was able to teleport the entire group to the Great Sky Island. They all walked through the landscape, admiring the view as they went. Zelda told the sages everything that had happened after she fell below the castle, detailing all she could.

When they reached the temple, Mineru left her construct outside, her spirit emerging and floating alongside them.

As they neared the walkway outside, Yunobo and Sidon both looked over the edge, admiring the view.

“Wow…I’ve never been this high up before, goro,” Yunobo said in wonder.

“Thank you for coming. I wanted to share this view of Hyrule with you all,” Mineru uttered with a smile.

“What a sight it is…” Riju said, mild awe in her voice. She turned to the princess and asked, “And Zelda…you were roaming the skies this whole time?”

“Yes, although…I don’t really remember.”

Mineru spoke up then, theorizing that Rauru and Sonia channeled their light and time powers through Link in order to return Zelda to normal. Link had a suspicion that that was the case, but it was nice to have a more concrete answer. He glanced down at his right hand, flexing the fingers.

He still carried Rauru’s arm. It was likely he would have it for the rest of his days.

When Link looked up again, he saw that Mineru was beginning to slowly fizzle away. She looked down at her hand, a solemn expression on her face. “Now it seems…it is my time.”

“Mineru…” Zelda said sadly, taking a step toward her.

Smiling, Mineru told Zelda not to worry. They had overcome the Demon King and Zelda would be just fine without her.

Tulin hummed in consideration before letting out a hurried exclamation. He turned to Link and the other sages, conveying his thoughts with his eyes. Ah…Link had told his friends on the way here about the sages of Rauru’s era…about the oath they had taken to pledge their loyalty. This must be what Tulin was suggesting.

The sages nodded to each other in agreement before taking a few steps back, making a semicircle that faced the princess. Once Zelda curiously turned to face them, they began to speak in unison, with Link signing along.

“Those of us gathered here swear on our lives to support Princess Zelda, and…”

They lost their rhythm for a moment, each chuckling and looking at each other awkwardly for a moment. Riju cleared her throat to get them all back on track.

“…to support Princess Zelda and safeguard the land of Hyrule.”

Zelda looked shocked for a moment before she began to smile.

“Rauru and Sonia will be pleased to hear this,” Mineru said warmly. “And I’ll let them know just how much you care.”

Zelda turned to her, her expression saddened as her friend began to disappear for good. She watched as her spirit dissipated, floating into the air around them.

Zelda gave a soft sigh. She was silent for several moments before she spoke again. “King Rauru, Queen Sonia…Mineru…the ancient sages…They sought to bring eternal peace to Hyrule. I would dedicate myself to that goal.”

She turned to face the sages, a determined look upon her face. “With your help, I believe I am ready to take on the title of Queen. Please, stand with me, and we will make Hyrule a place safe for all.”

Link and the sages approached her then, smiles upon their faces.

‘Are you okay?’ Link asked her.

She met his gaze, her eyes melancholic, but her lips pulled into a grin. “I will be. With all of you beside me, there’s nothing we can’t do.”

Link pulled her into a hug, which she easily reciprocated.

-----

A week later, Link and Zelda sat at their home in Hateno. Link rose to his feet, a look of hurt upon his face.

‘You’re…firing me?’

Zelda gave him a solemn smile. “I’m letting you go. You’re free to live your life.”

‘But…who will protect you?’

“There are the royal guards, and with more time, I will be able to fully master my powers. Besides, at this point, most of the danger has passed.”

‘What about the Yiga? They’re still a threat.’

Zelda sighed softly. “Link…I know you worry because you care. That is precisely why I’m dismissing you as my knight.”

He gazed at her in confusion.

“This position…it has caused you so much pain. The last thing I want to do is be the cause of your suffering. You should be free to do as you please, without being stuck by my side.”

‘But…I want to be there. I’ll always be here for you.’

“Exactly.” She exhaled deeply. “Link…I know that if I ask, you will come running. But until that time comes, I want you to live your own life. You needn’t be bound by an oath you made over a century ago. You deserve to be happy, with Sidon.”

Link’s eyes widened and his cheeks heated up.

‘I can’t convince you to change your mind?’

“I’m afraid not,” she said with a good-natured smile.

Link turned his gaze to the floor. He couldn’t remember a time when he wasn’t at Zelda’s side…the Calamity and Upheaval excluded. He wasn’t sure what his purpose was, if not to be her guardian. But his thoughts turned to Sidon then and he paused.

In the years after the Calamity, he saw Sidon so infrequently. If he wasn’t at Zelda’s side, he would be free to see Sidon whenever he pleased. Maybe, he’d even find his home at the Domain.

Turning his attention back to Zelda, he asked, ‘Are you sure you’ll be okay without me?’

Smiling warmly, she answered, “Positive.”

He sighed before stepping forward and pulling her into a hug. When he pulled back, he signed, ‘Don’t hesitate to call on me. I’ll always be there for you.’

“I know. Thank you.”

-----

When Link arrived in Zora’s Domain, Sidon instantly spotted him and came running to meet him. He pulled Link into the tightest hug, squeezing him close. “My sapphire! It is so good to see you again.”

Smiling, Link looked up at Sidon and signed, ‘Can we go speak at Mipha’s Court?’

“Of course!” Sidon exclaimed. “Come, you can ride on my back!”

When they reached the top of the waterfall, Link took a seat in the crystal-clear water, kicking his legs nonchalantly. Sidon sat down beside him, nuzzling his crest against the top of his head. “What did you wish to speak about, my pearl?”

‘I’ve made a decision,’ Link said, ‘about the arrangement.’

“Ah! And what have you decided?”

With a grin, he answered, ‘I would love to be your consort, if you’ll have me.’

Sidon’s beamed at him, his teeth shining brightly. “That is marvelous news, my love! Of course I will have you!” He pulled Link into a hug, nearly crushing him in his grip.

Link let out a series of giggles, squeezing Sidon just as tight.

When he pulled back, Link added, ‘I’m also no longer Zelda’s personal knight. I can stay in the Domain, if that’s okay.’

“The news just keeps getting better and better! Oh, to think you’ll be here all the time…I cannot wait.”

Link looked to the sky, watching as the sun began to dip below the horizon.

This was really happening. He and Sidon were going to be together and he had finally found a place he could call home.

Grabbing Sidon’s cravat, he pulled the zora down so that he could kiss him. Sidon let out a small squeak of surprise before he began returning the kiss in full.

Link thanked Hylia for allowing him this happiness. It had taken a lot of time and a lot of work, but he was finally getting his happily ever after.

Sitting in the sunset and kissing Sidon, he smiled.

Hyrule was safe, and he was free to be with the one he loved.

Finally, he could be at peace.

—

And so this story comes to an end. I'm still shocked I was able to write both of these fics within a month and a half… I don't have any plans to write more Sidlink, but I could change my mind in the future, we'll see. Thank you to everyone who's enjoyed this story! I really appreciate every one of you! <3

[bonkfan2003]

Spoiler for TOTK below

In a single moment Rauru's arrogance has bitten him back. He thought he could watch Ganondorf, keep him from doing anything. Zelda warned him, but he ignored her plea. Now he stood in front of Sonia's body, lifeless. Ganondorf laughed, holding the Sage Stone Rauru gave to Sonia in his hand. Rauru barely glanced at the demon king, instead looking down at Sonia.

Rage began to flow, the zonai grit his teeth, and clenched his fists in anger. He did this, if he killed Ganondorf when he had the chance, had him marked as a traitor to the kingdom, Sonia would still be here, but he wasn't the only one to blame. Tears began to well up in his eyes as he growled in anger. "You...how dare you..." Rauru spat out in anger, his voice shaky and uneven.

Ganondorf looked on towards Rauru, enjoying the agony the king was going through. For so long, they have taken their gifts for granted, and he was here to show them their folly. The demon king simply laughed, feeling his own power growing by the second. It's a shame that this would have to end so soon, but Ganondorf had other plans. The night sky begins to darken even more, clouds beginning to gather. The stone floor begins to crack from underneath Rauru as his rage builds. He had failed to save Sonia, his kingdom, can he even save himself? Thanks to him, this world will never see the light again, it will never see hope again. His self hatred bubbled and boiled over, his whole body began to twitch and shake from anger. Small rocks and pebbles are lifted from the ground as Rauru continues to grow in anger, and now in power. Ganondorf was taken aback by the pure power Rauru was now outputting, before he was nothing, the holy light he contained was but a candle compared to him, but the light that began to flash from Rauru burned at Ganondorf's skin. The sky is cracks with lightning, illuminating the platform the two stood on momentarily. "I...I won't let you..." The voice of the zonai has a faint echo to it now, and the stone floor beneath him is shattering, the pillars surrounding them break and crumble into dust. Rauru looks up at Ganondorf for a split second, his hair flashing gold as the lightning grew closer. His muscles begin to bulk up, the necklace he had on begins to stretch as a golden aura builds around him. He looks back at Ganondorf, his hair flashing gold again, his pure rage reaching a breaking point. He failed his people, his wife, but that rage has only made him stronger. "I WON'T LET YOU DESTROY MY KINGDOM!!!!" screams out Rauru in pure rage, his hair turning a brilliant gold, as the golden aura explodes out, forcing Ganondorf to take a defensive stance. The zonai king is covered in a bright light, all three of his now bright blue eyes glaring at Ganondorf with pure rage. Zelda, who had been behind Rauru this entire time, is terrified, not only by Ganondorf, but by Rauru. The king turns and looks down at Zelda, glaring at her, and Zelda understands. She quickly uses the Purah Pad to teleport away as Rauru looks back to Ganondorf. "I don't know what this form is, but as king of this land, I cannot let your crimes against me and my people stand." Rauru reaches up, and tears off his necklace, the Sages Stone on his hand has shattered. "In the name of the Goddess Hylia, I shall see you to hell myself."

[jdetan]

Zeldaelmo's Follower Prompt- "Just After Midnight"

@zeldaelmo hit a follower milestone, and provided the wonderful prompt Just After Midnight. I saw that, went into the writing fugue state, and two hours later I had two thousand words and a lot of cuteness! Please enjoy. PLEASE.

One Month After the End of the Upheaval

Zelda rolled over in bed, barely able to doze, much less really, properly sleep– her mind was too active, and the summer heat in Akala wasn’t helping things at all. Argh! This is useless! She sat up in a huff, intent on going over to her study, when she realized something: Link wasn’t next to her. That’s odd. When did he slip away? She hopped out of bed, pulling on Link’s old Champion’s Tunic– by far, her favorite ‘nightgown’. Listening closely, Zelda could hear the occasional grunt of exertion and soft battle cry from outside. Ah. He’s doing training drills. Again. She smiled softly and shook her head. Link had been more than a little obsessive about training ever since the Upheaval, and Zelda, sadly, understood why– the Upheaval, and Zelda’s fate during it, had shaken him so badly. Zelda quietly stepped outside, sitting on the stoop as she watched Link training. He was shirtless, and his form flowed elegantly from slashes to stabs to blocking imaginary strikes, all without breaking his stride or taking his eyes off of the training dummy. Zelda found it very difficult to tear her eyes from him, drinking in his figure. After a few more minutes, he visibly relaxed and let his sword drop. “You know, sleep is an important part of training, too.” Zelda said lightly, chuckling lightly over how he hadn’t noticed her presence. “Zelda? You should be in bed.” Link replied, dumping a bucket of water over his head and toweling off. “It’s past midnight.” “Hello pot. This is the kettle speaking.” Zelda snarked, leaning her face on her hands. “I couldn’t sleep, and then I noticed that you weren’t beside me. How’d you sneak out, anyway?” Link grinned, holding up the Purah Pad. “Teleported.” “Only you would do that.” Zelda giggled. “You could have just scooted past me, you know.” “You were sleeping when I snuck out. I didn’t want to wake you up.” Link replied, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world for a husband to sneak away from his wife in the middle of the night to practice swordsmanship.

Read the rest on AO3!

[thegeminisage]

its DUNGEON TIME!!! finally. i didnt do this yesterday bc i was wiped and i didnt wanna teleport away with poor riju...i have no idea if she'll leave or get stuck there or what

this one looks really complicated...but i'm gonna see how far i can get w/o a guide

omg when you go up on your glider riju is like...i'll leave that area to you link! she can't fly 😭

i see mirrors up here but no light source.......MAN the nostalgia im having rn. this is so much like oot

FOUND IT....

omg wait this construct fused a mirror to its shield...mirror shield...WAHHH

oh that took me STUPIDLY long to figure out but i love that i didn't have to look it up (stopping the wheel with the stake)

apparently i can ascend into the final floor but i really don't wanna do that by myself lol

omg lol there was a hive in this room that also had constructs...they fought each other!! i kept waiting for the read to like Jump the construct but it just swung at it. do they truly not do that in this game.........

oops i accidentally warped outside of the temple with ascension...i gotta be more careful lol. quick warp back but the enemies respawned, no blood moon needed

also the puzzle reset itself :/

got the last one! i only wound up looking at a guide for one, but i accidentally read how to do another first, and then the one i was looking for i also discovered how to do while i was doing that one. so all in all a success

eugh i'm scaaared i dont wanna fight a giant BUG!!!

for once im low on food too. im gonna get my ass beat lol

NOOOOO the first half was fine but now shes SUMMONING REDEADS.....................

im not gonna get jumped im not gonna get jumped im NOT gonna get jumped!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS SO SCARY FUCK FUCK FUCK I KEEP SHOOTING THEM FROM ONLY INCHES AWAY THEY ARE SO FAST

IM NOT!!! GONNA GET JUMPED!!!!!!!!!

BITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN'T GET ME IN THE LIGHT

elated. wow. that was so close. im never leaving this little column of light again

rip i have to. but. don't wanna.

GOT all the hives without getting jumped

GOT HER ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you CANNOT fuck me i am UNFUCKABLE im not getting jumped today tomorrow next year FUCK off

sorry to riju but her ancestor is HOT. ok im taking this seriously

wait. i just realized these expository cutscenes use the sacred realm melody from oot for just a few notes. AAAAAAAAAAAAA that makes me INSAAAAAANE

"he was our chief before he became obsessed with power and changed" HAUGH........good guy ganondorf....................im making him real in my mind palace

wait sorry hold on. im pausing this cutscene again. i was spoiled that the fifth sage was a construct. which i thot was lame cuz it shoulda been a sheikah. but im looking at this image of them - four sages with helmets, one each for rito zora goron and gerudo - then a hylian, zelda - and then a ZONAI, mineru......that makes six! just like oot! and rauru as the leader/seventh sage, like zelda in oot...two hylians in oot and two zonai in totk...THERE ARE SEVEN OF THEM. what if MINERU gets put inside the construct!!! because didn't zelda put her soul in that purah pad or whatever!!!!!! oh my god.........if this turns out to be the case i think i've earned that bingo square. it wouldn't be true to the letter but true in spirit. i've earned that!!!

damn...they way both this ancestor and urbosa feel it's Personal w ganondorf bc he is also gerudo...he's literally staining their good name...

WAAHHHH riju going "my responsibilities as a leader, as a sage, AND fighting alongside you............sounds like fun >:)" she is TOO YOUNG...so much responsibility...wah

omg you can just walk around here now? without crossdressing? did they chicken out of a crossdressing plot in this game...............smh nintendo. i know it wasn't perfectly executed in the first game but they could have just tried again

FINALLY here is mattison...idk why i couldn't find her before the shroud lifted!!!

ok, i gotta take a break and do Chores, i'll figure out what i'm doing next later!!!

[bebebopbopp]

Zel

I have so much to tell you, oh link. Im home. She says smiling to him.

His eyebrows lift, his arms extend to her and she comes in for the hug. He hugs her tight, as if she could go forsake him once more. She lays her head on his chest and hears his heart rest. His breathing slowed and he sighs out some last form of relief. “You did well link” she said slightly muffled in the comfort of the hug.

He kisses her head, cushioned by her blonde hair. Their arms falter, zelda looks back into his eyes slightly flustered. “Oh-“.

Link’s neutral face is no longer contorted in the form of pressure. His blue eyes are as free as the sky he had once bathed in. His expression seems to speaks a million words as he is standing before her smiling radiantly. He is finally at peace.

Link bows and turns around. “L-link?”

He walks at a slow, fatigued pace. ”Where are you going?!” she says catching up with him.

He bobs his head towards Purah, the sages and the rest of the people. He mouths go, and continues to lift his lips into a smile. “But ur unwell and-“. He takes the Purah pad, presses the teleport button to Akkala and returns the pad to her hands. He smiles broadly once more and disappears into the blue threads.

Link had arrived at his house, he drops every piece of weaponry into the stash. Throws his item stash in a random room. He falters onto his bed, with a satisfied look on his face. He was in complete bliss. Turning the blue sky and sea into the tiniest dot, as his eyelids dwindle to a close.

All he needed was a slumber, the sizzling pain, the burning and bleeding on his body, it will cease in due time. But now all he needs is to be gone.

Zelda had spent time with the sages, with Purah. And a-lot of the people that aided in the ending of this calamity. She was happy, the life around her was bustling and the lively atmosphere had made her reminiscent of ages past. Thankfully Purah was a very attentive lending ear, as she was fascinated by the world of ages past. But zelda’s fascination had still been lying with link. To see him smile, genuinely. As if the deities had lifted all that had been put onto him, and shined their brilliant light onto his smile.

He deserves his rest, but that does not mean he is free from his wounds. She was reminded of that when the sages and people around her spoke of his heroic actions. The fight he put up with the demon king, the keeper of the sacred stone in the depths of death mountain and the zora palace. Defending gerudo town and kara kara bazaar from hordes of gibdo’s and their queen. An titan of ice and tornadoes. And not to mention the enemies and monster hordes he faced outside of these events. And most of them, alone. Her heart ached for his story. Not once but twice in the same lifetime has he had to put up with so much.

Link woke up, his dreams were of none but nightmares. He saw the pain and suffering all over again, how zelda’s tears had bren laid down the

//theory

But what about the eld ass hero? Like those ember things in ss, its the same as the secret stones!

How about the temple of sky in this game?

//dragon tear

He realized, he looked up into the sky, his eyes as wide as hers, he put it toghether one and one. His face crumpled up into fear of her being, sadness for her state and how scared she was. Ashamed he couldn’t safe her.

Tears fell down his cheeks. A loud roar ommited above him, the cirle he stood upon was akkala’s known spiral yet in this case the mysterious dragon had shown its true identity. Zelda. She lost her self.

Once the dragon passed by links expression faded,

he is seen from afar sinisterly as memories flood by of the centuries she had to endure, completely alone. All because of him, “Ganon Dorf..”

and soon his expression turns into pure anger and rage, link sets off fast, and starts sprinting up the hill as fast as he can, his head is just booming with her name zelda zelda zelda.

He runs by the akkala spring tower, and enters, pushing away the dude, and rushing the pad as he stands and flies up, with an determined look upon his face.

His height becomes him. He flies as high as she had set, and he came eye to eye with her dragon form.

“Return to me” he said… eyes narrowed in a pitiful yet lips begging manner as his eyebrows scrunched,

His eyebrows lifted up whence he saw a light, as he climbed upon her, he found himself eye to eye with the master sword..

He pulls, but it looks like it hurts her so he loosens and falls off her. As he falls, he just looks up, fazing ideas of impa, deku tree, the skyward sword temple. and said with narrowed eyes, “ill find a way”. As he turns his body and dives head first.

Bonus: Kept looking at her flying away, but i couldn’t just stand there and ran after her, my lil sister rooting me on to take the sky route so we did, and kept going at it till we could reach her and let me tell you it took a while.