Our House

by SaveTHeVauqtia

Summary:

It’d been a month.
One month since Link had last seen his friends, for the very last time.
One month since he tasted death, and won.
One month since he killed Gannon.
One month since he found Zelda again.

And one month later, his house, was no longer HIS house.

Follow Link, Zelda, and friends in the time between BOTW and TOTK, get over their past, and as they discover some things should REALLY left unsolved.

updates once a month

Notes:

Hey hey! It’s me. Luigi.I really like this fic. I will do better than the last one, I promise. Also. I will still be editing this tomorrow, but I actually will this time :D
I have a whole lecture I need to plan for tomorrow morning and it’s 12:45, and I’d like ro get a few hours of sleep.
Anyways, this fic follows a small theory I have of what happened to all the sheikah stuff, the champions, and everything else. So some stuff will be kinda out there, but I think it’ll be pretty neat.
Hope you enjoy!
(Also creative criticism is more than welcomed, I always want to improve)

[EDITED :D ]
edit : hey guys um just saw theres a another botw/totk fic by the same name kinda crazy, swear didnt steal the name i came up with it on my own, but go give that fic some love. havent read it, but yeah funny coincidence.

Chapter 1: Link’s House

It’d been a month.
One month since Link had last seen his friends, for the very last time.
One month since he tasted death, and won.
One month since he killed Gannon.
One month since he found Zelda again.

And one month later, his house, was no longer HIS house.
“Link! Take off your muddy boots before coming in.” Zelda scolded.
Link grumbled, but did as directed.
He’d started with nothing, but after a ton hard work, a couple months of selling everything he had while trying to save Zelda from certain doom, and trying to remember why he was trying to in the first place- and now, it’s been taken over by the princess herself.

First it was small things, like ‘wouldn’t it be nice to have this picture here?’ To ‘there’s too many weapons! This place looks like a Armory!’ to finally changing the furniture itself, which he had originally bought.
Now the villagers referred to it as ‘Zelda’s House’, with a little budding garden, (that was mostly due to Link- Zelda couldn’t keep anything alive at the moment)  all this new furniture (which he had ALSO bought-) and instead of a bed to sleep on, he got the couch.

The only silver lining was now those stupid Bolson would actually get repairs done, and not try to con him out of any more rupees.

“Link, could you please come here?”

Zelda’s voice brought him back to the present.
Zelda was currently in the kitchen, cutting… something.

He walked over, curious.
It was a carrot who looked worse than he had before he got put in the shrine of Resurrection.
It appeared she was trying to slice it, but has crushed some parts, and what she didn’t, she had cut way to big, and not all the way through so it was still connected. To the side, was an equally murdered tomato, two potato’s and a slab of meat who had not yet been executed, but looked on in horror. All in all, a sad sight.

“I was trying to make dinner like you do…” she mumbled.
Link sighed.

Most nights, Link would make some sort of dish, most of the time not that hard in difficultly, like the one Zelda has been attempting- and failing at- but he supposed, for someone who never has had to prep a meal in her life, it would be pretty hard.

He took the carrot, and dumped it into a bowl on the side.
“We have more, I didn’t ruin them all, don’t worry.” She assured him, nervous for some reason. Did she think he’d be mad?

“I’ll show you” he signed.
Zelda piped up, and she turned around to find the vegetable.
He took the knife from Zelda, and she handed him a large carrot, which he’d foraged himself.
He gently placed it on the cutting board.

He made sure she was watching, and began.
He showed her how to peel the carrot, and not cut too much into the flesh of it, then slice it, making it not too big, not too small, just as he had learned.

He finished, and gestured for Zelda to try.
It was messier than Link’s, and he had to constantly help,but not nearly as bad as her first attempt.

He grabbed a tomato, and began to show her how to properly dice it.

“Y’know Link, it’s impressive how you learned to cook so well, especially not having much growing up.”
Link shrugged, a bit embarrassed. If anything, he was very proud of his cooking.
“Who taught you?”

The question shouldn’t have caught him off guard, but it did. Link remembered

 

The head chef Hyrule, who would give him something when he was hungry, and how he’d watch him cook while he waited. He’d call him over, and then start with “Alright Link, even a warrior needs to be able to cook…” lecture, and show him how he prepped his potatoes, or seared his meat to perfection.

 

 

Link didn’t answer, Zelda didn’t appear to notice, or at least, re-ask the question. He appreciated it. They wear in a good mood, no need to bring it down with the past.

“I’m trying to make that dish you make sometimes- the one with the fried venison and veggies?”
she paused, considering her words.
“Um, I’ve appreciated the help you’ve given me so far, but how do I do the meat too?”
Link gave her a smile. It was nice, to teach someone else something, just like he had been taught.
“Yes.” He answered.

 

He showed her how to cut the potatoes, then got out the frying pan, and oil.
“Careful.” He signed, a warning. He had burnt himself several times, and it was FAR from pleasant. They waited for a minute, watching the oil heat up. Link turned, and began to mix the vegetables into a pan, to cook so everything as the meat did, so everything would be ready at the same time. Suddenly, Zelda yelled.
Link spun around, to find her gasping her hand.
“It-it- it exploded!” She yelped, tears in her eyes.
Link stared for a moment, and covered his mouth, to avoid letting the princess see him snicker.
“It’s not funny!” She shot, angry.

“Sorry- sorry.” Said Link, not really sorry.
He poured some cool water onto a cloth, and wrapped it around her hand.
“It pops up when it gets too hot, you have to be careful.” He signed.
“The burn isn’t bad at all, it’ll be gone in a day or so. It just may sting a little.”

Zelda rolled her eyes.
“It surprised me, it doesn’t even hurt.”
Link turned around, and contained himself before he laughed at her again. She certainly was surprised, enough to yell bloody murder, that’s for sure.

 

The evening was long, but it was nice. Zelda almost burnt the kitchen a couple times, but it was okay.

They sat down at the table, and Zelda said thanks to Hylia, something Link silently disagreed with, but he kept his mouth shut. Zelda finished, they dug in. It probably wasn’t the best meal Link had ever made, but it certainly felt like it at that moment. Something to do with making it with Zelda, had been really fun.

“This is really….good! I couldn’t…..have made it without….you.” Zelda said, in between bites.

Link shook his head, but smiled. He closed his eyes. He could hear the birds outside, the gentle sounds of the fire, and a living being right in front of him.

It was nice, to have her back. He hoped it could be like this, for a long, long time.

Unfortunately, at that very moment, someone banged one Zel- HIS door.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Alive

Summary:

Funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life
https://pin.it/5Lug3MB5l
Anyway, there’s about 5 years in between totk and BOTW. I’m going to cover that 5 years, but obviously with large amount of time skips. So fair warning on that, but I’m going to do my best to naturally weave them in. Also, i plan on uploading once a week, (no promises). Most chapters will be ALOT longer than the first one, (first was roughly 1000 words, im aiming for around 2000 to 3000 for every other one.)

This one is pretty much entirly edited, (wow its crazy) but ill double check theres no spelling errors in the morning.
Anyways, enjoy!

Zelda hopped up, and opened the door. Outside was a younger girl, with a huge head of white hair, and glasses that were way to big. Next to her, was a man, who looked mildly distraught.

 

“Hello Zelda!” The peculiar girl said, with a wide grin. “Something smells good!”

 

10 minutes later, Purrah sat at the table next to Zelda ‘s seat looking quite comfortable while Zelda made her a plate. 

 

“Zelda, don’t mind Purrah-” Symin began, but Zelda shut him down. “Oh don’t worry about it! Purrah is- ah-” Zelda clearly didn’t want to bring attention to Purrah’s state, in order to not embarrass her,and  but Purrah was busy to talking to Link about her current research to notice, which he was almost following. “Anyway, i don’t mind a bit.” Zelda sat down the plate in front of Purrah,who thanked her instantly. 

 

“Thanks! As i was saying- its truly fascinating to study the guardians now that they won’t kill us! I mean, did you know that-”

 

“No talking while eating.” Symin interrupted, scolding her. Purrah rolled her eyes, but didn’t object. 

 

“So, Purrah, Symin, what brings you here?” Zelda asked, taking her seat back. 

Symin answered, as Purrah was busy stuffing her face. 

 

“We are so very sorry to intrude,” Symin gave a sharp glace to Purrah who didn’t seem to care nor notice, “But we came on business manners. We are currently studying the sheikah technology.” Zelda smiled encouragingly.

“I see! But, haven’t we found everything before..” her smile faltered as she trailed off. Link forgot sometimes, she had lost so much aswell. 

“Well no, since the towers emerged, and everything came alive again, we’ve found so much more. We aren’t certain, so i won’t get into details, but the machinery is so much more incredibly complex than we ever thought. The Divine beats-” 

“I see,” Zelda interrupted, and passed a glance at Link. “That’s all very fascinating, but what do you need me for?”

 

“Well, we don’t really need you, no offense. But as Symin is saying, can Linky give us the sheikah slate?”

Purrah asked, and licked her fingers.

 

“Well I…” began Zelda. Looking shocked. Link reached to his side, where he felt the metal, which was strangely warm to the touch. 

 

Link looked at Zelda, who was lost in thought. 

“Why?” Link signed. Symin noticed his hesitation, but began his explanation. 

 

“Well, since Gannon’s now dead, much thanks to you-“ Symin nodded towards Link- “We’d like to thoroughly research the slate. See what we can find. If there’s any secrets about the sheikah on it, for example. We know it only responds to you- so we’ll need you for some tests, but it responds uniquely to certain items,  so we’d love to borrow it.”

“Yeah! It’s kinda one of a kind.” Purrah added. She’d finished her plate, and had pushed it to the side.

 

Zelda tapped the table gently. “I see. Well, it’s Link’s now. And if he wants to allow you to borrow it, you borrow it. However, only if he’s alright with it.” All eyes turned to him. Link felt a little anxious, he didn’t like all the attention on him.

 

Link slowly took the sheikah slate off his side, and turned it on. There was a picture. It was him, Sidon, Yunebo, Teba, Ritsu and Zelda. They all stood together. Happy, smiling, almost carefree. He really liked this photo, and he looked at it every night before he went to bed. They’d all taken the picture together, a day or so after Gannon was defeated. but… that really was the only reason he still kept it with him. He never used its powers anymore- it was risky somewhat with Zelda around now, and he preferred to do things by hand anyway. He did still use his Master Cycle though, it was thrilling to ride through the Great Plateau, off the cliff, and glide. Yet, if he could help, he knew he should. And he wanted to help.

 But, as he handed it over to Symin, he still felt like a bit of himself was being handed away. 

“Thanks much!” Purrah said, and snatched it away from Symin. See ya later Linky, and Zelda!” And she hurried off. “Purrah!” Exclaimed a esprated Symin, but she was already out the door. He turned towards Link and Zelda. “Thanks Link- Zelda- so very sorry about this- ah curse it- I’ll see you at tea Saturday Zelda-“ and he ran off after her.

 

Zelda blinked, and then laughed a little. “Quite a pair aren’t they? I don’t remember Purrah being so…” 

“childish?” Signed Link.

Zelda nodded. “Yes, that.”

“It’s a long story, You should ask her sometime.”

“I think I shall.” 

Zelda was quiet for a moment.

“Are you okay without it? The Sheikah slate. Really, you know how they go on sometimes, it’s perfectly fine if you do want to keep it! It’s quite useful actually-“

 

“It’s fine.” Signed link. “Really. I didn’t use it all those years ago, I can afford to not use it now. I won’t miss it.”

But later that night, as Link lay on the couch, he still reached for the sheikah slate, and was surprised it wasn’t there. 

“I’ll get it back. Once they’re done.” He promised himself. He turned over, but found he couldn’t sleep. He crawled off the couch, and quietly crept outside.he cringed as the door squeaked as he opened it.

 It was peaceful out, clear skies that reminded him of times long past.he sat down on the cool grass. It was nights like these, he felt like his friends were still there, beside him, even though they had vanished the moment Gannon died. He missed them, they couldn’t talk to him but every blood moon, but they kept him company. And he missed them.

If he closed his eyes, he could almost feel his friends there. Not their spirts, but the real living version. Link breathed in. The air was warm, just like when Daruk was around. 

“Daruk, how are you always so..strong?” Link signed. 

 

He and Daruk were watching the stars, while eating some rock roast, in the volcano light, on Vah Rudania. The metal was warm, but not blindingly hot as the rest of the region. Link still had to drink his potions, but he didn;t have to wear any protective armour. He’d been busy helping Daruk with some pesky bokogoblins on his day off, and catching up. 

 

“Ahaha! Link, it’s all in my appetite. Good food, good muscle! Or do you mean something else…?” Of all the Goron, Link had found that Daruk was the kindest, and the wisest around. 

And he was the best at reading Link, even better than Mipha.

 

Link did not answer. Nether did Daruk, for a moment. 

 

“Do you see those stars, dead left?” Daruk abruptly began to point at the sky. “- No, look higher- yes right there.” Daruk led his eyes to a constellation in the sky. He’d heard the name in passing, ‘The Bear’. He honestly, didn’t really see it, but he pretended to understand exactly what Daruk was talking about, when he pointed out its ears, and massive claws, and the way it stood on its back legs. 

“Do you know the story behind it?”

Link shook his head no.

Daruk laughed. “I’m surprised, friend! You seem the type to enjoy that sort of thing.”

Link had no idea where he got that from.

 

“Well, allow me to tell you. Long ago, when the world was still new, there was a great forest. Inside, there was a large bear. The bear was the most dangerous beast in the forest, but all of it loved him for he protected it. The rabbits would bring him flowers, the foxes would bring him food, and the birds would give him berries. One day, a whole legion of bokogoblins invaded. They planned to destroy the forest, and make food of all the critters.” Daruk was silent, and he watched Link for a moment. “What do you think happened?” 

 

“They took over?” signed Link. A simple bear could not destroy an entire legion of bokogoblins- not even he could. 

Daruk shook his head. “No! The bear rose and fought off the army, single-” he paused- “paw-ly.”

Link gave him a little laugh. Daruk went on with the story.

“The critters were saved. But the bear had sustained so many cuts and bruises, and had no more energy left.”

“Sad Story” mumbled Link.

Daruk looked surprised. “I’m not done yet! Come now, do I look like the type of Goron who likes sad stories?” Link decided he did not. Daruk finished his story. 

“Hylia saw him, and put him in the Stars. I’m told it's so he can watch the forest from the heavens, and y’know what she told him? She said ‘Bear, you did well. I promise that the forest will be forever safe now, because of your dedication, fight, but mostly your courage.”

 

Link looked at the Bear constellation. He was suddenly struck with how much it did look like a bear. 

 

“My Papa told me that story when I was just a little rock. And now? I admire the Bear. If I fight- and stay determined , like that Bear, I can help so many of my people.”

 

“But the bear he-” Link started, and signed hurriedly. He didn’t like Daruk talking like that. Like he’d die. 

 

“Friend, calm yourself.” Daruk placed his heavy hand on his shoulder. “I have no intention of dying. Not even a legion of bokogoblins could withstand me!” he flexed his muscles. “The Bear reminds me who I fight for. The Bear could’ve ran, and left those critters to their own demise. But, it had people to protect. I fight for my friends, the Goron, my son.. “ Daruk sighed. “I am strong in courage so I can protect the people I care for. Like you Link.”

 

 Zelda shook Link gently awake. 

“Link? Link?’ she spoke anxiously, for some reason.

Link sat up, and rubbed his eyes.

 

“Link, why are you sleeping outside? And why..”

Link realized where he had been laying, all around him, in a wide circle, the grass was singed. 

———

 

ONE MONTH LATER

4 YEARS AND 10 MONTHS

 

——-

 

Zelda regularly had ‘tea’ with the most prolific members of Hyrule. From Sidon who was the ideal peacekeeper between the races, to the engineers who were building the nation from the ground up.

 

The castle had been largely untouched, and Link felt like it would remain that way for sometime to come. Nobody wanted a thing to do with it. 

 

Today, Zelda held the teatime at Kakariko Village. Sidon always came, and Link doubted it was for political affairs. Sidon came for the conversation, and to see everyone. Impa was there, as she usually was, and Paya, who was listening to Purrah talk about something- they seemed to be in deep discussion. Link sat Beside Zelda as she discussed affairs with Ritsu. It was rather boring, and he was almost about to start nodding off.

 

Sidon tapped him on the shoulder. Link turned around. He was grinning his big goofy smile. “Wanna go for a walk?” Link knew good and well Sidon had other plans he wasn’t letting on, and not that he cared, but-

 

“Go on Link, I’ll be fine.” Assured Zelda.

 

So that was how he found himself fighting a hinox with Sidon. 

“ Above!” yelled Link. The Hinox threw a boulder at Sidon, which narrowly missed. 

Sorry,I'm a bit rusty!” he yelled back. Link rolled his eyes, and show a arrow at the giant’s eye. It stumbled back, in agony. Sidon stabbed it in the foot, to which it kicked him back. Sidon was mostly unharmed, but he’d have a nasty bruise from it.

“Careful.” hissed Link. “Sorry, but-”

“Not. Now.” Link snapped. Link shot another arrow into eye of the giant, and it crumpled into dust. Link sighed a breath of relief. 

 

“Sorry. But y ou shouldn’t talk during battle. ” Signed Link. “ Its dangerous.”  

“Friend, i’ll be fine. I’m a seasoned warrior myself, you know!” Link rolled his eyes, but walked towards the monster drops with his best friend. The necklace of weapons the Hinox had been wearing had fallen to the ground. Two spears, three bows, and a sword. They were rusty, but with some work, worth reappearing. Link picked up the monster parts, and put them into a sack. Good cash. Sidon grabbed the weapons. “The village will appreciate it, i think.” Link nodded. And clipped the sack to his side. “ They are a peaceful people, but they do need a defense. ”

 

One of Zelda’s latest project was arming and training all of the villages. Many homes, and entire Villages, especially by the castle were whipped out, due to ordinary people not being able to defend themselves, and not having anyone there to protect them. He had too say, she’d gotten alot more done than anyone in the last 100 years it felt like. But then again, monsters where a whole lot less rampant these days, and with guardians no longer dangerous, places that were once hazardous, were now completely habitable. 

 

Sidon had found the hinox earlier that day on his way, and had gotten the idea of getting the weapons for Kariko village. 

 

They started back. It was a roughly 30 minute walk, and it was going to get dark soon, so they headed back. 

 

“So Link, I was thinking…” Sidon spoke anxiously, like he was about to ask a big question.

“ Oh Hylia. ” thought Link.

“Can you and Zelda help the Zora domain’s with a, ah, minor problem?”

“ Problem? ” signed Link. Of course he'd help, and he was sure Zelda would to, but he had to know what he was getting himself into first.

“Yes! Well you see, theres a lynel issue.”

Link loved fighting lynels. 

“Kill?” he asked.

“Yes! That'd be lovely. But it respawns every blood moon, and my people have been bugging me about it..”

Link thought for a moment.

“ Zelda may know. I don’t know anything about them, expect they’re fun.” He sighned.

Sidon laughed. “That’s one opinion me and you do not share!”

 

By the time they had reached the village gate. Ritsu and Buliara were leaving. 

Link waved a goodbye, and Sidon gave them a big grin. 

“Hello and Goodbye Ritsu!” Ritsu gave a curt nod, and carried on.

“Did i say something wrong…?” Sidon mumbled. Probably not, guessed Link. Not many people disliked Sidon, even when he is incredibly stupid.

 

Sidon and Link made their way to were the meeting had taken place. Upon entering, Link was  met with the sight of broken glass and Zelda and Purrah, who were in a deep discussion. Zelda’s face was somewhat downcast, and Impa and Paya listened intently. 

“Is something wrong?” Sidon asked, taking careful consideration to not step on the glass.

 

Zelda turned towards them, surprised to see their entry. Link was concerned. What had happened? Link picked up a piece of glass- a broken teacup. Something had gone wrong.

“Zelda?” he asked, nervous. “ Are you alright?” he signed. 

“Yes, yes im fine. But-” Purrah interrupted. 

 

“Something isnt right with the divine beasts.”

Chapter 3: Apples

Summary:

RAGGHHH happy Valentine’s Day 🩷🩷
Still got no boyfriend, so instead posting today! A hair nervous about todays chapter so please don’t blackmail me if you don’t like it :(

I feel the need to provide clarification: this will be somewhat like cannon, but I’m adding my own twist to some things, and creative freedom yknow? Anyways, I really hope you guys like today's chapter, PLEASE let me know if you have any creative criticism, it does help.

Sidon tensed up.

“What do you mean the divine beasts are messing up?”

 

Link looked at Zelda for something. Surely Purrah was lying. Surely they weren't… Link felt his heartrate quicken.

 

“Not like your thinking. They aren't attacking or really activating, but they're sending out these strange signals. None of us decipher them.” Purrah said.  Sidon relaxed  

 

Signals. Like distress signals? He could still hear them, echoing in his head.

 

“So, everyone's okay?” Sidon asked.

 

“ obviously. you would've known the second we knew.  But the signals aren't random as we originally thought.” 

Purrah began to pace and wag her finger at the air.

 

Link already knew where this was going before Purrah finished, his hands shook, and he began to sweat. 

 

“at first, we thought they wer random. Different every day, at any given time. But then we studied them more. when one sent out signals, the others were silent. Then when it finished, the other spoke.” Purrah finished, and looked at Link.

 

“They're talking to each other.”

Link felt the need to sir down as the world swirled.

 They were talking to each other.  are they alive? Not alive, no. That's impossible. But where they out there?

 

He felt someone grab his arm, but he couldn't focus. 

 

He'd cried that night, the night he saved Zelda. He was so happy to have her back, and so sad to finally loose his old friends. They'd disappeared, not even so much with a ‘goodbye’.

 

Someone was talking to him but all he could hear was the damn distress signals.

Urbosa, who he looked up to, and always knew what to do. Daruk, who was one of closest friends, who was the most courageous person he knew, Mipha, who he really loved, and was so very kind, and Revali, who was his one true rival, and he truly trusted him like no other.

 

 They were gone. But where they back now?

 

“ Link!” he was dizzy, but Zelda was in his face, and had his hands in hers. He blinked. His heart was racing. “Zelda?” 

 

“Link. It's okay. Everyone is okay.” She said, calmly. He nodded.

His heart was beating fast, and he didn't remember sitting down. Sidon was there, and he looked really concerned. Paya and Purrah had left, and Impa was brewing some tea. she handed it to him.

 

“Drink this.” He did so, and relaxed a little.

“Thanks.” He said, still a little shaky.

 

What had happened? He'd freaked out about the news. All the could think about was them. And the others he'd lost to. Luther. Francis. Orchid-

He stopped himself. He was going down the path again. He took a deep breath, just like Mipha had taught him. 

He looked to Zelda for answers, who was still holding his hand.

 

He suddenly felt very tired. 

 

Zelda looked at him, with a expression he didn’t recognize. Her brow was furrowed.

 

“That’s enough for today, let’s rest here for night.” She said decisively.

 

What was going on?

——

 

ONE  MONTH LATER

 

4 YEARS AND 9 MONTHS

 

——

 

Nothing much has happened after the signals were discovered, so little that Link almost could put it out of his mind, but not quite.

Today, Link was taking a ride around Hyrule. He did so at least once a week, just in case something was off. If he noticed it in time, he could stop it in time. That’s what he told himself, anyway.  He patted his horse, Epona, gently as they came to a stop near Hyrule castle.  He had found her one day, shortly after he’d woken up. She was unlike any horse he’d previously found, and had decided he wanted her as his horse.

 

——

 

Link snuck behind the horse, quietly, not even daring to breathe. He could almost reach up now, and pet the carmel colored coat of the horse. He’d seen it from a distance, and something about it- had made him stop. He readied himself like he always did, and- Link went flying back, in a mixture of surprise and pain. The horse had kicked him in the stomach. Link grumbled, and got to his feet. 

 

He tried numerous tactics that evening to mount the horse. He tried to jump onto it from a ledge (the horse had somehow dogged him, and he fell on his face), he tried to trap it by the river so it couldn’t run away (it swam to the other side), and his most recent attempt, in which where he attempted to sneak up behind it. It went a awful lot like his first attempt. Link sighed, and decided to give it a break, and eat something to help his hurt body.

 

He made a campfire, and began to cook a dish made of apples, pork, and some greens. 

He chopped the pork into even strips, then sauteed them with the greens. Meanwhile, he sprinkled sugar on the apples, and roasted them. Abruptly, he heard the crumple of grass behind him, and spun around and- there was the horse. 

 

It looked curiously, and sniffed the air. It was likely attracted by the smell of his lunch. It- no she- looked at him with no fear. Link softly whistled, beckoning her. 

She hesitated, but when Link offered her one of the apples, she came forward and took it. 

 

Link stroked her neck, and she softly neighed. Something deep inside Link, told him her name. He whispered it. “Epona.”

—-

He patted her neck. It was time to turn back. He’d dismounted Epona, and stood staring at the castle. He noticed a doe and her children where eating grass, right next to the castle. He shivered, memories taunting the back of his mind. He ignored them, and climbed back up Epona. She was a strong horse, and he’d be home soon.

 

However, as much as he enjoyed his rides, he could never forget the nagging feeling he got when he left Zelda alone.

“Hyup!” He Exclaimed, and Epona headed straight for home.

 

______

 

Zelda couldn't help but feel useless. She couldn't fight like Link, wasn't smart like Purrah, charming like Sidon, wasn't a great leader like Ritsu, not a-

 

She chopped the onion. She was determined to prove herself. Prove she wasn't useless. 

 

Prove it wasn't her fault.

 

She was trying, again, to cook. She'd learned how to cut basic ingredients and not burn herself with the hot oil, which most certainly was a start. Now, she just had to do it without help. She looked outside. It was roughly noon, so Link would be back soon, so she had to hurry. 

 

Today she was making pork, with onions on top, with a side salad. The side salad was easy, but she never had worked with pork before, but it shouldn't be too hard, right?

 

___

 

Link strode in, roughly half an hour or so later, to the smell of something. His nose wrinkled, the air smelling like something died. He turned towards the kitchen, as he took off his muddy shoes.

 

 Oh Hylia, Zelda was cooking.

 

“Hi Link! I made lunch!” Zelda said, turning to him with a smile.

 

Link gave a thumbs up, and set the table, secretly worried if whatever was on the stove was edible. Zelda seemed proud enough of it, so he forced himself to look excited.

 

Zelda grabbed his plate and put a lump of what must have been pork at sometime, but that had been a while ago. Now, it was a black-ish brown lump of meat, with seasonings he didn't recognize.

 

“ what's on top?”  He signed.

“oh! I used some leaves from your garden, if that's okay.” Link nodded, but thought back how he had planted carrots, and some fruit. Nothing that remotely warranted the title ‘seasoning’. 

Zelda watched earnestly as he cut a small chunk of the meat. It's texture, as he cut it, reminded Link of leather. He slowly brought the ‘meat’ to his mouth, all while Zelda watched eagerly. 

 

Link put it in his mouth.

“so, how is it?” She asked, excited.

Link felt dizzy. He briefly thought of the shrine of resurrection. He drank all his water in one go, and the world came into focus again, though his stomach felt quite horrible. 

 

“ it's great!”  He signed with shaky hands .

Zelda clapped her hands excitedly. “Oh, wonderful! I'm so glad you think so, here try your salad!” She gave him a bowl of more carrot leaves, and was probably was his blackberry plant, but at least this time there was vegetables that didn't look like they'd been in gannon’s lair for the last 100 years. He took a bite. It wasn't bad at all. Meanwhile, Zelda fixed her plate.

 

“So Link, how was your morning,” He began as she cut into her ‘pork’. “See anything interesting? I heard from Purrah-” she stopped as she tasted her pork. She spat it onto the floor. 

“ew.” mumbled Link.

“That is positively terrible! ” She Exclaimed.

“” the salad is quite good.” offered Link, and it wasn't a lie. It was not nearly as nasty as whatever else she had made.

 

Zelda sighed, and picked up the bite of meat and threw it in the yard, through the window.

 

“Link, truly, I don't understand how you make cooking appear so easy.” She said with a sigh, defeated.

“Saw deer” Link mumbled.

“hmm?” Zelda said, turning towards Link.

“I saw a deer.” He said, louder, sounding out the words. He thought for a moment, if he should list the location or not.

“R-right beside castle.” 

Zelda’s eyes lit up.

“Really? So they're already taking over the environment? How strange! It must mean. Nothing too dangerous lurks around there now..” and Zelda rambled on.

Link smiled, and listened. She wasn't complex like Purrah, or dull, either. She made everything easy to understand. She never ceased to amaze Link.

 

—-----

ONE MONTH LATER

4 YEARS AND 8 MONTHS

 

____

 

Link walked through the high grass, towards the Hylia statue. He didn't respect a thing about her, but Zelda did for whatever reason, so he played along. Today Zelda wanted to give thanks and run tests, and as her knight, Link tagged along.

 

“ Zelda. Remember to be careful. There's loads of monsters in these parts.” He signed. That was true, not many people traversed near the ruins of the castle still, even though it was completely safe. Or at least, not any guardians. So monsters came out and began to lurk around the outskirts more and more, most noticeable in the last month.

 

Zelda rolled her eyes. “You worry too much.” 

Link said nothing, and bit his tongue.

 

A good knight never speaks.

 

The tall grass was annoying, and while he’d much rather ride Epona through it, he knew she didn’t like it, so he cut through the grass with his sword, while Zelda followed. They finally, reached the statue, and Zelda went ahead and put her hand on it. He closed her eyes and began to recite an old prayer. Link poked the dirt with his sword.

 

“have you come for a blessing?” The statue asked him. He ignored it. Damn Hylia. Always bothering with him, instead of the one who truly needed her. 

“You should be careful.” The statue warned.

He considered stabbing the statue, or at least driving his sword into the side, but decided it wasn't worth a lecture from Zelda about ‘respecting the gods’. 

 

Suddenly, a horn blew to his right. He turned, and spotted a couple white boko goblin and lizardos running at him. He cursed. He’d left his bow at home, because he didn’t think he’d be needing it. Now, he felt like punching himself in the gut.

 

“Zelda!” He yelled. She was behind him instantly. 

Link readied his sword, and grit his teeth.

He hadn’t been in a fight with Zelda since before Hyrule fell, so he felt a bit on edge. His stomach felt weird, like there were fairies flying in it.

 

The boko goblin threw itself at him first, with an axe to fight with. Link parried it, and stabbed the boko-goblin in the side. It fell back, away from the blade. Not dead, but would be soon. The Black blood on the sword glistened in the sunlight. Its consistency, Link had come to find, was similar to paint. It wasn’t like the gloom, which was sticky, but the blood of the monster stained everything. Link flicked the master sword to the side, flicking the black blood onto the tall grass. Link readed himself for the next attack, and he didn’t have to wait long. The second boko goblin had a rusty sword, but before it could use it Link stabbed it in the neck. The Boko goblin tried to yell, but only gurgled something out. It went limp, and its sword dropped to the ground with a clank, in a puddle of void. Its body disengreated before Link’s eyes, turning into dust in the wind. Link, of course, didn’t have time to watch the ashes float off, as the Lizardos shot an arrow at him, scratching his cheek. Link felt the sting, and the warmth of blood trickling down his face.

 

Link couldn’t afford time to think. In a normal situation, he’d dash the lizardos, taking it by surprise, and maybe even have a little fun with it. But now, the Princess was behind him. He couldn’t leave her open to attack. Yet he had no bow, and couldn’t attack it without leaving his stance.  

 

He briefly wondered what she felt. Fear? Excitement? 

 

Link quickly decided on a course of action.

He dashed this Lizardos, and after exchanging blows, the Lizardos too, became dust in the wind.

 

Link breathed a sigh of relief. That should be the last of them. He had to rush the lizardos- he had no long distance weapons.

Zelda yelled, “Link!”.

 

Link turned, and felt his heart drop. Zelda was being charged by the forgotten Boko goblin.

 

Link threw Himself in front of it. It jumped, prepared to deliver a serious blow. Link reached for his sheild and-he'd forgotten his shield.

 

He didn't have time to curse his stupidity, but readied himself for the axe, and reflexively shut his eyes, preparing for the sharp pain-

But it never came.

 

Someone whispered something in his ear, too quiet for him to make out the words, but the tone was reassuring, and he could almost put his finger on who it sounded like. Link opened his eyes. 

 

An orange shield encased Link and Zelda, blocking the bokogoblin’s attempt, sending it flying backwards. Zelda reached out to touch the orange dome, but just as quickly as It appeared, it disappeared.

 

Link didn't have time to think about the possibility of what that meant . The boko goblin was on its back, and before it could recover, Link stabbed it in its stomach. It screeched, like a dying pig. Link stabbed It's face, right in the forehead. He could feel the way it sliced through the brain and bone.

It disengreated.

 

Link listened. He could hear no more monsters, only the rustle of the grass. 

 

He breathed a sigh of relief. The shield- no. He couldn't think of that now. Zelda could be hurt.

 

He turned towards her, sheathed his sword and brought up his hands to sign-

“Are You okay??” Zelda asked, worried. She touched his cheek where it'd been cut by the arrow. It wasn’t a bad cut, all things considered. It was about half a inch long, and wasn't deep. Link healed faster than normal beings in Hyrule- he considered it part of the resection chamber effects- once he ate a meal he'd feel like new.

“I'm fine.” He said, trying to be reassuring. Zelda closed her eyes, and looked like she was concentrating really hard. Link hesitated, unsure of what she was doing. Then suddenly, he felt the cut on his cheek fill with warmth, and the stinging faded away. 

 

He reached up, and felt Zelda's hand– surprisingly cold for the warmth he felt- his blood- but no cut. Link was surprised. His eyes were wide.

 

Zelda opened her eyes, and met his gaze. It was warm, like the feeling he felt when her hand had sealed his cut shut. He felt his heart quicken, which he put up to the blood loss.

 

“Feel better?” She asked, a hint of tiredness in the back of her voice. 

 

“Yes..yes.” He said shocked. “ You okay?”

 

“I'm quite fine, I wasn't the one fighting.” She replied.  “ Are you sure? I can call Epona.” He began to sign again , regaining his composure. Zelda hesitated but then said, “Well, I suppose it would be alright.” 

 

Link whistled a familiar tune. He had no doubt Epona had heard it.

 

Link and Zelda walked back to the foot of Hylia, and sat down. 

“Thank Hylia everything worked out, you could’ve had a serious injury.” Zelda said, shaking her head, as if she was shaking her worries away.

 

Link snorted. Hylia didn’t do a damn thing. 

“What?” Zelda asked. 

“ Nothing, I’d been fine.” He signed.

“So…” Zelda looked up at the sky. “Was that Daruk?”

 

Link didn’t answer.

 It had to have been- but why show now? Why that particular situation? Link sighed. His heart was still beating fast- from the blood loss of course- but it only made it go faster when he thought of Daruk. 

 

Epona’s footsteps could be heard as she came into view, pounding into the earth, furious and unrelenting. He stood up, and offered a hand to Zelda, who took it with a ‘Thanks’. He helped her unto Epona. Zelda now rarely used her powers. They had came to the conclusion she’d been drained so much from holding the seal for a 100 years, it would take time before she could truly use them again. Today was proof of that, as she looked pretty tired from healing a small cut. 

 

Link hopped unto his horse, and headed back to the house.

 

———

 

Once Zelda had reached the house, she’d gone straight to bed. Link took this time to think. Of Hylia, of Zelda, but mostly-Daruk.

 

Link fed Epona while he thought back of the last several months. There had been no time in which something like this had occurred. He’d been in situations where Daruk’s shield would’ve been useful- like the other day where he got a nasty cut on his arm from a Lynel when he was messing around in Zora’s Domain, when Sidon had distracted him, but it’d healed pretty quickly. He hadn’t even told Zelda. But that had to have been Daruk- right? Epona whined, begging for an apple. Link caved, and went into the house to get one.

 

Link thought back to that night- had it been 3 months ago now? Maybe?

 

He entered the house and grabbed an apple off the table, and cleaned it. 

 

Something had bothered him about that night, and it kept nagging the very back of his mind. 

 

He went back out, and offered it up to her, which she happily took of his hands. 

It had been like he’d been trapped in a circle- he gasped. That was It. He had been. 

That had been Daruk. Link began to pace, his gears turning.

 

On that night, he’d dreamed a memory of Daruk, and that Same night, Daruk’s shield had activated, or something, and encased him in a hot environment… or something. He quickly realized he wasn’t going far. But one thing was clear.

 

He was going to have to go to the Eldin region. 

Chapter 4: Bokogoblin Guts and Keese Eyes

Summary:

Hi guysss :)))

Ive agot some cool news, and new fun addition

For every chapter you guys get a shark fact :DD and i now have a update schedule!
today's fact: whale sharks can grow to be 60 feet long!

I update every other Monday, from 12-3pm CST, so ill do my best to update then.

(This chapter is shorter, but i wanted to get something out. i'll prolly go over and re edit a good bit of it later, but here!)

 

By the time  Zelda woke up, Link had a roughly written list of what he needed.

 

Too flame suits 

10 Fire elixairs 

5 bread 

5 smal cakes

 

He’d instantly showed it to Zelda.

“Whoa link.. what’s this?” She asked.

“You spelt two wrong. It’s T-W-O, for the number, and too is- ah and you spelled elixir wrong. And-“ 

Link wasn’t great at writing, as he’d never been taught, and he very much disliked Zelda mentioning his mistakes in it. 

“ Not now.” He signed. He was sure she’d turn it into a lesson later. 

“ We need to get the things, I can make the bread and cakes, could you please gather the suits?” 

 

Zelda our a hand on the side of her head. She still didn’t even know what started all of this, and why Link was insisting upon getting things from this list.

“Link, as much as I’d love to, what are we even getting this stuff for? A trip to visit Yunebo?”

 

Link had completely forgotten to tell her anything they were doing. Or he- she may not want to even go. But he was determined, so he sat her down and began to tell her his whole revelation. 

 

—-

“… and so Daruk spoke to me somehow in that memory. I’m sure of it!” He signed with enthusiasm , trying to drive the point home. Zelda didn’t speak for a long moment. 

 

“Your sure?” She asked, her face solem. 

“Yes.” Link responded, speaking loudly. 

 

Zelda thought for a moment. Link wasn’t one to lie- wait- unless he was pulling some elaborate prank. He had used to do those to Revali all the time. Zelda felt a pang of sorrow at the thought of Revalii, she missed him. 

 

Zelda knew that Daruk was dead. Gone. His spirt had no reason to remain- as long with everyone else. 

 

Yet the look in his eye told him otherwise. He was determined that Daruk was trying to tell him something, but Link had yet to figure it out. Or at least, that was how she saw it. She was pretty sure he hadn’t even reached that conclusion himself. 

 

“Link, what your suggesting is.. a lot.” 

 

“ Yes, but I’m sure he’s there. He has to be.”

 

Zelda signed. Even if he was wrong, there was no holding him back once he was set one something. 

“ You don’t have to go.”

 

“Why, of course I do! You aren’t going to leave me are you? You don’t think I’m of use now?” 

She was joking, but Link appeared to be slightly hurt by it. 

 

“ Sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you.”

 

“ No, no, I was joking Link don’t worry.” She cleared his throat. 

“ I will grab our suits, yes? You can make the bread and cakes.”

 

Link lit up.

“ So your going..?” 

 

Zelda nodded.

 

——

 

They’d gathered everything they needed. Zelda’s flame breaker suit was dyed a light blue, and much nicer than the one Link had bargained for. Zelda had cleaned them up, and sat the down in the corner while Link finished up the small cakes. They’d be able to carry them in a sack, and eat with the bread. 

 

Now the only thing left was the Elixirs. 

 

“Zelda..” mumbled Link. 

She turned to him.

“Yes? Need something?”

 

“ How do you do the fire resistant Elixars again?”

Zelda smiled. She loved teaching Link how to make Elixars, he never was much good at them. 

“To make a fireproof Elixar we need some electric Keese wings- bokogoblin guts- monster extract, and a ton of fireproof lizards.”

 

Link blinked.

 

“We don’t have any of that, do we?” 

 

Link shook his head no, they didn’t. 

 

“ Could you go buy the extract and catch the lizards? I’ll go get the guts and keese.” Link signed, looking miffed. He didn’t appear to like the idea of gutting Boko-goblins and catching keese.

 

“Sure! Let’s meet back here at sunset- that’s about a hour or so?” 

Link had forgotten it was later in the day, he really had just killed a couple Boko-goblins ealier. He wished he’d taken his time with the last one- but oh well. 

 

Link gathered his sword and bow, and made a exit. 

 

——

 

Link hated killing keese, especially electric keese. Hylia, they were annoying. Especially since they loved hanging out in watery areas, to electrocute their prey. 

 

Link was fighting a horde now. He braced his bow, and shot one through the eye. Black squirted out of the back, it’s eye popped almost- It fell to the ground, dead. Link hurried to it, and slice off its wings before it could disappear. Unfortunately, he’d stepped right into a puddle and another decided to land on him right at that moment.

 

 He felt the course of electricity through his body, and clenched his mouth shut. The keese bit him, and he felt a whole lot of pain.  He fell to the ground, but couldn’t lay for long, or risk another attack. He’d dropped his bow, but took a arrow and stabbed it too, in the eye. 

 

Give him Lynels, moblins, or even those things that haunted the divine beasts, and he would take it, and not complain. 

 

but he absolutely hated keese. 

 

Finally, he managed to gather roughly 10. He kept them in a pouch, with the rest of the parts of monsters he’d looted from their bodies, and went on to find Boko-goblins.

—-

 

While Link always kept monster extract on hand, they did not keep fire proof lizards. And Zelda had a hard time catching lizards. She didn’t mind them, in fact, she found them rather cute, but science was science. Couldn’t be helped they were the best fit for their needs. 

 

Zelda patiently waited in the grass, and finally- she saw her prey. She crept quilt closer, till she didn’t dare sneak father. Then suddenly- she jumped! She fell face fist, hands outreached to snatch the lizard- but it had already gotten away.  And she got dirt on her face. 

 

She groaned and got up. Frogs were easier to catch, she noted to herself. 

 

She then had the idea to bait them. She noticed a cricket, peacefully sitting nearby. She snatched it in her hand, crushing it. 

 

“Sorry little fellow.” She said, not really sorry. 

She placed it down, decently close and froze, not daring to move.

Eventually, the lizard reappeared, curious about the ‘free’ food. 

 

Closer, closer…closer… and then finally, it was inches away from Zelda. 

 

This time, it had no such luck getting away.

Zelda held the squirmy thing and realized she had gotten the wrong lizard- this one was blue, unlike the fireproof lizard she desired, which was black.

 

She groaned, and released the poor creature, and caught another bug.

 

—-

 

Link made a mental note to figure out a better way to kill keese in the future. HE ached from head to toe, and his hair looked like one of the little children had drawn it, it was poking in every direction. But he had a bag full of electric keese eyes, and that’s what counted. The next part was easier. Bokogoblins liked to hang out in the Retsam forest, and while most could handle them since they were mostly red, Link tried to take care of them anyway. 

It didn’t take long to find them, they were squealing. They’d killed a deer, and were ripping inot the poor thing’s flesh, blood blending in with their skin. LInk had to be up and personal, it was easier if he struck them with his sword than the bow when he was trying to harvest their organs.

The bokogoblins were too invested in their kill to notice Link creeping up behind them- until one had a sword in its heart. Link cut down quickly, and as the Bokogoblin turned to ash, its organs fell to the ground with a splat, black blood dripping off it. The other bokogoblins met the same fate. 

 

Link, while he had dispatched the other bokogoblins quickly enough, discovered  he needed at least six more to satisfy Zelda. He sighed, and got back to hunting. 

—-

Zelda had caught about 5 black lizards. It would be enough. Zelda herself was filthy- she’d been in the dirt, and it showed. The princess disliked the feeling of something being stuck to her skin, and she was covered in caked mud. It was well past dark now, however. And Zelda was starting to get worried. Sure, Link was his own person and she expected him to be back later- after all he had a longer shopping list than she, but the moon was heavy in the sky and Zelda was anxious. 

 

Finally, a figure caught her attention in the corner of her eye. She turned, on edge, and met Link’s friendily face. He looked- well- horrible. Black  stained his shirt, which she assumed was blood from the boko goblins, his hair was singed and all of the place, he had a few scratches on his face, and he positivity stunk. BUt regardless, Zelda was positivity relieved. Link dropped a bag, and Zelda jumped back with a yelp. In the bag there were eyes staring at her. Link just chuckled.

“ It’s keese eyes and bokogoblin organs, it’s alright.” Link signed. Zelda then relazied it wasn’t he who stunk- though the blood did smell, but rather the bag in front of her.

“Link..” Zelda sighed. “You need a shower.”

LInk shrugged.

“ You too, Princess.” Link retorted.

Zelda couldn’t agree more.

 

–

They sat down in the living area, both had showered, and both were tired.

“Link..” Zelda began.

“Hm?” he mumbled, to let her know he was listening.

“Why didn’t you come back at sunset?”

“ Lost track of time, im sorry.”

“I know but we agreed..” Zelda mumbled.

Link felt bad, he didn;t realize being gone a extra hour would make Zelda worry so much, but apparently iit had. 

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

 

There was a long silence.

“Let’s make the elixirs, okay?”

LInk got up, and hauled the organs inside.

“No- apposolutely not.” Zelda protested. Link looked at her and blinked.

“That horrid smell, will not come out for days. I refuse to have such items in this house. ”

LInk frowned.

“How make?”

“We’ll make a fire outside, that’s how. Take those nasty pieces outside, right now.” huffed Zelda.

Link sighed, and put them back out.