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Chapter Text

Link was the first person to greet the princess after she dropped to the ground, transforming from an amorphous ball of blinding golden light to a, surprisingly clean, Hylian woman, considering the century spent in the ruins of the castle.

She landed on her bare feet, the hem of her dirty white dress swishing around her ankles. Her eyes were locked onto him, brimming with emotion. He met her level stare and was greeted with a hurricane of feeling, infinitely more scorching than the light beams she had used to seal the Calamity. He hurriedly dropped his eyes, and after a moment’s hesitation, dropped to his knees to kneel.

He opened his mouth to address her, before haltingly closing it, realizing he had no idea how to appropriately address her, and hoped she would just tell him what to do from here instead. He stared at the grass in front of him, noting the blur of her shadow. There was a light breeze, sifting through the blades of green in front of him, and drying the sweat on his face. The shadow suddenly moved and he heard a thud, startling him to look up to the princess lying flat on the ground. He immediately moved to pick her up, but paused just before he could touch her.

He didn’t know if he could touch her. Even considering his sparse recollection of his previous life as a blueprint for knightly conduct, the woman in front of him seemed untouchable. Her dress was dirtied and torn in several places, worse at the hem, but her skin was unmarked, tinted with a rose blush. Despite the rubble and ruin surrounding them, he could only compare her to fresh porcelain, the likes of which he had rarely come across in his travels. Her hair draped across her crumpled limbs like spun gold, framing the delicate arches of her nose and her soft jaw.

Even though she had long stopped glowing, Link felt like she was covered be an ethereal film, cautioning him not to sully her with his grimy, bloodied hands. He moved slowly towards her, half expecting her to burst into light or turn into a green spirit, but his hand made easy contact with the soft flesh of her arm. He placed a finger under her nose, and hauled her over his shoulder, satisfied with her breathing, though shallow. He took a few steps and stopped, looking around to see whether anyone was judging him for carrying Hylia incarnate like a sack of wheat.

His only company was the sound of shifting rubble from further into the castle.

—

Link managed to get the unconscious princess onto a horse, past a stable, and into Kakariko. He was not surprised to see Impa standing well in front of the entrance, Paya fidgeting at her side. He halted his horse in front of her and jumped down, handing the reigns to Paya, who held off her stammering to instead stare at the princess.

“Is that…?” Paya’s grip on the reigns loosened and Link tapped her wrist to tighten her grip.

“Yeah. She passed out,” He turned towards Impa, “I fought spider Ganon and then the Divine Beasts kicked in. There was a pig thing after. I shot magic arrows at that one and then she sealed it.”

Impa sighed and pinched her nose. Her eyebrows drew together in the telltale signs of a scolding, but she stopped and grasped his hands with her own. “Well done, Link. However abysmal your field reporting may be, you have saved all of Hyrule.”

Link scratched the back of his head and smiled. “Like I said. Team effort.” She squeezed his hand.

“Paya, take Her Highness inside. I believe this is simply a century of alertness catching up to her, but check for any wounds.” Paya still seemed starstruck, but she pulled the reigns to escort Zelda to the house. “Link, I would like you to stay until she wakes. Get some rest here, before you set out.”

“Impa, I didn’t get hurt. I promise, I’m fine this time.” Impa raised a brow at him, making the gesture look threatening. He held out his hands pleadingly, “Fine, fine, I’ll stay a few nights.”

Chapter Text

After a few days spent anxiously pacing Kakariko, waiting for Zelda to stir, Link decided to leave. He left early in the morning, and took a weaving path up a mountain instead of simply going through the canyon passage to the village. The climb up the mountain was uneventful, but the constant strain on his muscles kept his body occupied, and the puzzle of finding stable handholds and timing his rests kept his mind busy.

Reaching the peak, he glanced around scanning for enemies before catching sight of Hyrule castle. Bile rose in his throat and a sharp pain attacked his chest, forcing his eyes closed and bringing him to his knees. He sprawled out on the grass, eyes shut tight. He splayed his palms sifting through the blades underneath his fingers. He took in deep lungfuls of air, feeling like a thin layer of ice was forming on the walls of his throat because of the chill.

After his breathing slowed, he opened his eyes, squinting into the midday sun. Despite its brilliance, the air was still cold. He rolled over onto his stomach, facing Lanayru. He squinted again, wondering if he could see Naydra or if that was just a large luminous stone. The grass scratched his cheek as he turned his face to get a better angle. Finding the effort futile, he began scaling down the mountain, his gaze locked onto the stone in front of him. Finding himself at the bottom near a small lake, he stripped off his clothes and threw them haphazardly into his pack, which he left on shore.

He dived down into the water. The lake was not deep, so he sank to the bottom submerging himself and touched his feet to the smooth stone. He looked up. Link could see the mountain he had just scaled, through distorted ripples and bubbles. Looking to his right he saw the bridge traveler’s would normally take traveling into Kakariko. It was the same bridge Zelda had crossed a century ago, after the Guardians, after he—

Link shut his eyes again, taking a breath and choking on water. His eyes flew open and he flailed for a few moments, before forcing his legs to tread and his arms to wade upwards. He broke the surface, spluttering and kicking furiously to stay afloat, struggling to breathe for the second time in just a few hours. He swam to the opposite side of the bank and crawled onto land.

He hacked up water, wrenching fluid from his lungs. His hair clung to his neck and forehead, his hands trembled as his pruny fingers gripped the dirt. His teeth clacked together from the chill, and suddenly his eyes were hot and his skin was still wet from the lake, and he was still coughing because water was still in his lungs. Tears welled up in his eyes and streamed down his face in rapid succession, and whatever he had swallowed in the lake was still there because he kept retching and spitting but nothing came out. His chest hurt so much. He had countless bruises and wounds, some splitting flesh to bone, but every pain he had felt thus far was incomparable to this aching chasm, splintering his body. He continued heaving, tears flowing freely onto the ground in front of him, as he waited for Mipha’s Grace to activate and heal whatever injury he could not see.

He continued to shake as he noticed the sky began to dim, but the pain stubbornly refused to ebb away. He collapsed onto the ground, rolling onto his side, clutching his arms around his body, and bringing his knees to his chest, hoping the pressure of his limbs would be enough to staunch the internal wound. His coughs turned into wrenching sobs and salt filled his mouth where lake water had just left it. Water kept flowing from his open eyes, his eyes darting from the slant of the tall mountains in front of him to the small rock lying next to his head. His cries racked up in volume and he distantly heard his own voice crying out in a garbled distant haze. He looked up and realized he could see the stars through his watery, swollen eyes.

Link kept his eyes on a singular bright light, a star in the middle of his vision, and slowly his tears stemmed. He looked at the small rock in front of him, and grabbed it with one hand, testing his weight. He used the rock to lever himself upwards, clutching at his chest with his other hand. There was a pulsing, throbbing weight resting under his ribs. He squinted forward, realizing the Dueling Peaks stable was only a few meters away. He let go of the rock and stumbled forward.

He could see the dim lights from the stable, where the owner stood checking people in. The lights grew closer and closer and suddenly he could see the fire of a cooking pot. His legs gave out and he was nowhere near close enough to call out for the owner’s attention. He heard some far off sounds from the horses. He could not remember which, if any, of his horses he had sheltered here. He dropped onto his back. The air was too cold for him to sleep here, and he made a valiant effort to get up, but his chest hurt, and his arms ached, and his whole body felt drained. He closed his eyes.

He felt something wet cover his face for a second before it left, leaving behind a thick trail of drool. His eyes felt glued together. The heavy warmth returned leaving behind more thick spit, this time on his mouth. His eyes flew open, and he shot up, using the back of his hand to wipe at his mouth.

Link saw a dog sat next to him, tongue lolled out, panting. His tail wagged behind him in excitement. He smiled at the dog and reached out a hand to ruffle the fur on his head. The dog thumped his tail a few time. Link moved to scratch his neck but he leaped up and moved away, in the direction of the stable. Link frowned, but rose to follow the dog. He bounded towards the stable, and Link jogs to catch up. He nears the stable where the dog sits, near the warmth of the cooking pot, wagging his tail and panting. Link kneels down to scratch his head, using both hands to pet the dog’s neck.

“He’s a kind thing.” Link startled, blinking blearily at the man sitting near the fire. Link knew him as a frequent resident of the stable, but his head felt too foggy to place the name. The man continues, “He goes up to just anyone. Even half-naked, slightly soggy strangers.” Link ducked his head and smiled.

“I went for a swim. I swallowed some water on accident, and I think I passed out on the way here.” The man nodded. Link turned to the dog, resuming his petting. “I’ve played with this one before, though. I think he recognizes me.

The man hums. “Still, lucky he found you though, huh?” Link nodded. “Even if he does recognize you, I tell you, these animals have never been kinder. I can’t say for sure but something’s different now. Something happened a few days ago. There was supposed to be a Blood Moon last night, but nothing happened.” He glances over, and Link places his name. Hino, the guy who kept pestering him about the moon’s phases.

“Odd.” Link turns his full attention onto the dog in his hands who had now rolled over, presenting his stomach.

“I’m wondering if I messed up my cycle tracking, which is impossible, but maybe we’ll get that Blood Moon tonight.” Hino’s gaze turned upwards. Link stilled.

“Why do you want another one?” Hino turned to him, eyes wide and brows furrowed.

“It’s an incredible natural occurrence. We are bored by it because it happens monthly, but as you know I have some theories. This could very well be explicit proof of the goddess Hylia!” Link’s eyebrows rose.

“Proof of the goddess?”

“Yes! Think about it. This is a moon cycle, with a blood moon that happens on a monthly basis, turning the sky red. It’s obviously the goddess’ womanly cycle manifesting itself on the earthly realm!” Link snorted.

“I haven’t heard that one before from you.”

“It’s a working theory. But it makes perfect sense. It explains the monster’s aggressive behavior, similar to a Hylian woman during that time of the month, but it also explains the renewed fullness of the land after the event. The trees bear more fruit, fields are lush, and rust creeps backward.” Hino’s eyes drop to the floor, and his brows draw together in concern. “But if the Blood Moon stops…” He glances at Link.

“What does it mean?” He beckons Link to come closer. Link does, and Hino cups his hands around his ear.

“Menopause,” Hino whispers menacingly. Link fully starts laughing, startling the dog resting near him. Hino scowls. “This is serious! The land will be barren!” Link wipes a few tears away from his eyes, but doubles over, hands gripping his stomach. “This is a sign of the Goddess Hylia aging! Her powers may be diminishing, or she may be leaving this land.” Link abruptly stops laughing, all humor vanishing from his face.

“What do you mean by that?” Hino startles at the expression on Link’s face.

“I don’t mean to scare you! But well…we may have to accept the possibility that she- well she may be…perhaps might be dead. Especially so long after the Calamity. Maybe she tired out and…well. After all, what Goddess would idly watch the suffering of her people for a century?” Link stands.

“She’s fine.”

“Din, Farore, and Nayru had manifested as dragons to protect us, seeing the Age of Burning Fields. Surely, Hylia would have done the same.” Hino plants his hands on his knees firmly, with finality.

“She’s done a lot for you.” Link begins to walk away.

“It wasn’t enough,” Hino calls behind him. Link wants to pull out a weapon and go hack at a tree, but he left his pack on the other side of the lake.

“Hino, I think your menopause theory has some real traction,” Link says, turning to look at him, the tension in his jaw obscured by the dark. Hino beams.

“Well, this theory is more religiously based but I do have to conduct more scientific testing. Perhaps a few more months of observing whether a Blood Moon occurs, observing monster behavior…” Hino trails off in thought, before pulling out a notepad and furiously scribbling. Link assesses him for a few moments, before walking to the stable. He fishes out a few rupees from his pants and orders a room.

Before he steps inside, he whistles for the dog. He comes running up to Link, wagging his tail in delight.

Chapter Text

Link was severely disappointed that the dog refused to follow him to Kakariko, stopping just before the bridge. He pouted at the dog, whistling and holding out raw meat, but he stubbornly remained rooted to the ground. Link stared at the dog, and kneeled before him, offering his hand for a few final licks before changing directions and heading towards the swamp behind the stable instead of crossing the river. He looked back to see the dog staring at him. Link offered a smile and a wave, and the dog bounded back to the stable.

He made quick progress towards the swamp, before hearing the telltale whir of machines and gears. He rolled and ducked behind a nearby mound, scowling at his lack of weapons. The hissing approached, and the grating sound of metal hitting rock grew closer. Link scrambled up the mound, hoping to gain the high ground advantage, but the Guardian approached him from behind, its blue eye trained on—

Link blinked and noted again that the Guardian’s eye was a pure blue, clearer than the lake behind them. His arms strained, clutching the edges of rocks on the small hill, and his neck craned to keep eye contact with the Guardian’s laser.

He blinked at it.

It remained still, while some internal whirring sounded, before turning its eye towards the lake.

Its arms propelled itself towards the water, and kept a consistent speed, before entering it and flailing its mechanical limbs. Too far out into the lake, the Guardian sank to the bottom. Link hopped off his hill and ran over to watch the Guardian twitch and sputter, before deactivating entirely.

It looked smaller beneath the lake’s surface.

Link frowned, staring at it, before reaching for his Sheikah Slate and realizing he had left it with Zelda when his hand met his empty hip. He shook his head, and crossed the nearby bridge, retrieving his pack and making the trek back to Kakariko through the canyon. He approached the narrow entrance, stone walls rising around him, when he noticed a horse moving towards him at a slow trot. He squinted as the horse and its rider as they came closer, recognizing the man as Cado.

“Link! There you are! We searched the whole village for you!” Cado shouted from his horse. He slowed his horse as he came closer to Link.

“I climbed that little mountain near the village,” Link pointed to the small mountain, “and then I went for a swim. I wasn’t too far, but—” Cado held up his hand, motioning for Link to stop.

“Her Highness would like to speak with you,” Cado motioned for Link to hop onto his horse, “The Princess is awake.” Link’s eyes widened and he mounted Cado’s horse, rejecting his hand and clutching his pack tight, while gripping the saddle with his thighs. Cado took off towards the village with a quick command to his horse. Wind rushed past his ears as the reached the village entrance in a matter of minutes. Link jumped off the horse as soon as Cado stopped and nodded up to him, as he turned towards Impa’s house.

“Link.” Cado maneuvered his horse to block Link’s path. “Impa wants to see you afterwards. She’ll be waiting at the shrine.”

Link winced, “How mad is she?” Cado snorted and led his horse out of the way.

“She lets you get away with too much,” Link rolled his eyes and started jogging towards Impa’s house, “One more thing!” Link turned, exasperated. “For Hylia’s sake Link, put some pants on.” Link waved him off and jogged away. He waved to Dorian, who looked him up and down with a scowl but let him pass, and took the steps up to Impa’s house two at a time, throwing open the doors. He rushed up the stairs to Paya’s room, following Paya’s soft murmurs.

“-your voice will follow soon, I am sure. In the mean time, drinking water, eating, and resting are the best options to regain your strength, Your Highness. I recommend—”

Paya cut off as Link leaped up the last step, one hand clutching his pack and the other gripping the railing.

His panting breaths filled the room as Paya and Zelda both silently stared at him, Paya growing progressively redder and Zelda’s dark brows slowly rising to meet her hairline. Zelda’s hair was brushed out, and she had finally changed out of the white gown she had been wearing since the battle. She carried no signs of wear. Paya covered her face with her hands.

“Master Link!” Paya squealed. Zelda opened her mouth, but only a long wheeze came out.

Link nodded to Paya, smiling, “Hey, Paya.” Link dropped his pack on the ground, took a step to approach Zelda, before stopping and shifting on his feet. Zelda gave a small snort and beckoned him to approach her with her hand. Paya moved away from the bed, turning her head away from Link and dropping her hands, clutching one arm with the other. Link dropped to his knees in front of Zelda and bowed his head. He heard a loud sigh followed by more hacking.

“Your Highness, please! Don’t strain yourself!” Link looked up to see Paya patting Zelda’s back and holding her hand as she doubled over, wheezing. She looked at Link, concern weighing out her embarrassment, but kept her eyes fixed to his. “Her Highness starts coughing as soon as she tries to speak,” Paya spoke over Zelda’s coughs.

Link nodded, lips tightening into a thin line, “Makes sense. Voice hasn’t been used in like a century.” Paya nodded frowning.

“It’s frustrating for Her Highness.”

“Nothing some rest and recovery won’t heal.”

Paya nodded sagely, “Yes, Master Link. Nothing time won’t heal.” Zelda finished coughing, and straightened, glaring at both of them. She opened her mouth, but quickly snapped it shut. Her head bowed in defeat and she squeezed Paya’s hand, but suddenly shot up, looking at Link. Link shuffled back a bit, still on his knees. Zelda dropped Paya’s hand and started moving her own, shifting her fingers deliberately.

Do you understand? Link nodded. Zelda beamed. I wasn’t sure if you remembered, but you taught me. She gestured rapidly, her smile growing wider. You were mute because of what happened to your mom, and you and your dad used to speak in sign. I asked you to teach me when we were traveling back to the castle from Gerudo Town, and I spent hours on the road learning, but I never got bored and you were so patient but you also made fun of me-

“I don’t remember.”

Zelda’s arms dropped. Her face fell, as she stared at him, unblinking. Link looked away.

Paya looked between them, brows knit together in confusion, “…Master Link?”

“I can understand what she’s saying,” Link mumbles at the wood floor. Paya smiles hesitantly.

“Your Highness, that’s wonderful news! If you speak through your hands, you can allow your voice to recover and still communicate!”

“I think it’s best if you learn sign, Paya,” Link stands up and looks at Paya directly. “This version is very old.”

Paya nods furiously, “Of course Master Link! I would be happy to assist our Princess. I’ll study with Her Highness and ask Lady Impa.” Link gives her a thin smile and a firm clap on her shoulder, turning his back on both her and Zelda, as Paya blushes and sputters. He grabs his pack on the way out, pulling on clothes before he leaves Impa’s house. Dorian and Cado are both standing outside. They turn to look at him as he hops down the stairs.

“How is the Princess?” Dorian asks.

Link shrugs and stops at the bottom of the stairs, “She can’t speak. She needs a lot more rest before she’s fully recovered, but I’m sure she’d appreciate some company, if you two want to see her,” Link gestures back at Impa’s house. Dorian inclines his head.

“Don’t worry Link. We’ll watch over her while you talk to Lady Impa,” Cado crosses the stairs and knocks his arm in reassurance. Dorian moves to follow him.

“Actually, I’d appreciate if you guys set up a rotating watch. I’ll be leaving after seeing Impa.” Dorian and Cade exchange a glance.

“Would you prefer privacy with the Her Highness? You don’t need to lie to get us out of our posts so that you can—” Dorian cuts off, paling at Link’s fierce scowl, before his expression smooths out into a pained smile.

“Nothing like that, guys. Her Highness just needs some time to heal without me bothering her. Might as well do something productive with my time, you know? For now though, I can’t keep your Lady Impa waiting!” Link turns around and walks towards the hill before they can respond.

Impa’s waiting for him near the shrine, hands folded behind her back. Link barely makes it to the top before she speaks, back facing him, “You should not run away from her.” Link huffs and crosses the short distance to stand at her side.

“Should I sit down so you can look into my eyes and impart your wisdom?” Impa lashes out a hand, quicker than what should be possible for a woman over a century old, and smacks his arms. Link frowns at her, but sits down, crossing his legs.

“I miss when you were afraid of me, boy.”

Link huffs, picking at the grass, “I’ve never been afraid of you, Impa.”

“Your fears are different now, but you deal with them in the same way.” Link rips out a whole chunk of grass, bringing up roots and dirt. Impa stares straight ahead at some point in the distance.

“Can’t imagine being scared of a granny,” Link lets out a forced laugh. Impa smacks his head, again too quick for him to avoid, leaving him rubbing at the back of his scalp.

“Fine. Just know that you can speak to me when you are able,” She turns her body towards him, and her eyes drag his attention to them. Her large hat casts her face in shadow, making her eyes seem like deep, bottomless wells. “Come to me when you are ready.” Link rolled his eyes, breaking her stare.

“Sure. Anything else?” Impa turns back to face the castle. Link looks at the ground, rolling the soft petals of a flower between his fingers.

“I have begun to send my Sheikah out into Hyrule. There is much work to be done after the Calamity’s defeat,” She pauses to look at the shrine, “The Yiga are still very active. Many of my troops were attacked. Some have yet to return,” She looks at Link picking away at the ground, “I hoped you would stay with Zelda, but I fear there are many more battles to fight across the kingdom.” Link stands up, and brushes loose grass off his pants.

“I was heading out, anyway.”

“You will stay tonight and set out in the morning.”

“If I start now, I’ll reach the Wetland Stable.”

“Where were you yesterday?”

Link threw up his hands, “Barely outside the village! I climbed that little mountain behind your house,” Link points, “and then—.”

“Don’t lie to an old woman, Link.”

Link grumbles, “So you’re only an old woman when it’s convenient for you.”

Impa sighs, “Princess Zelda woke up yesterday, just past midday, after you left.”

“I am happy she is well.”

“I wish that you had remained near her.”

Link scoffs, “Neither of us really need each other at the moment.” He crosses his arms. Impa shuffles forward a few steps and places a thin, bony hand on Link’s hand. He can feel her warmth, despite her frail appearance.

“Her Highness asked after you first.”

“She can barely get a word out without coughing.”

“Yes.” Impa’s hand curled around his. Link looked towards the shrine. He surveyed the small clearing, glancing back at the forest and the trail to the Fairy Fountain.

“I think the Guardians are nice now.” Impa reeled back, removing her hand.

“What?”

“I saw one on my way back to the village. It’s eye was blue, and it didn’t try to shoot me.” Impa tilted her head.

“The defeat of Calamity Ganon must have also purged the land of his malice.”

Link added, “No more Blood Moons either.”

“Even more reason for you to rest for a night,” Link opened his mouth to protest but Impa cut him off, “I did not inform you of the Yiga Clan’s activities for you to immediately chase after them. Just as the Princess is resting, so should you.”

“I feel great!”

“Take a shower and rest in the inn. You can leave tomorrow morning.”

“Fine. One night is all. I’ll be back in a week with that field report you so dearly adore.” Link readies his paraglider to jump down hill.

As he opens the sail, Impa calls out to him, “Take that shower, boy! You smell like dog shit and fish.”

Link almost trips down the steep hill.

Chapter Text

Link roams around the village, talking to Koko who offers him some soup, Lasli who chatters about Zelda the “Princess of Legend,” and trains till early into the morning with Steen, before startling Ollie awake to take a bath, waking him again when he leaves. He leaves just as the sun creeps into the sky, but Impa stands at the bottom of her steps.

“I was hoping you would take advantage of a cuccoo feather bed,” Impa frowns, pursing her lips. Link waves at Dorian and Cade who nod at him.

“Anywhere you want me to go first? I was thinking the desert.”

Impa sighed, “I believe the hideout is empty, but Chief Riju would have more leads than anyone else. Will you require the Sheikah Slate?”

Link shakes his head, “I can search while I travel on foot.”

Dorian speaks up, “The hideout? Is this about the Yiga?” His shoulders tense.

Impa answers, “Yes, Dorian.”

“The patrols in the Wetlands still haven’t returned?” Impa shakes her head, and Cado lays a placating hand on Dorian’s arm. Dorian shrugs it off, “Lady Impa, I wish you had told me as soon as you had heard. I would have searched for them.”

“I need you with me,” Impa says, and Dorian grits his teeth, but offers her a sharp nod. Impa gestures to Link, “Link has agreed to investigate.”

“There’s no one better,” Cado smiles at Link, but directs his words at Dorian.

Link steps up to Dorian, “Trust me. I won’t let anyone else get hurt by them.” Dorian looks at Link, meeting his eyes, finding only steely determination. Link adds, “Koko and Cottla will be safe. I won’t let anything happen to your girls.”

Impa speaks, “Dorian, nobody here blames you for your past. The Yiga have already targeted you once, and according to my patrols, they are harassing other former members and vulnerable Hylians. You will stay here for your own safety,” She turns to Link, “I am sure you are eager to leave. Speak with Princess Zelda before you go.”

Link shakes his head, “She needs to rest. I’m sure she’s still asleep.”

“Her Highness is awake. If you have any more excuses to offer, go ahead.”

“I clearly bother her, Impa.”

“Lady, Link. Lady Impa,” Cado cuts in. Link glares at him.

“He’ll never learn proper manners. I will inform Her Highness of your departure.” Impa takes hold of his hand with both of hers, “And it’s not you that bothers her. Stay safe, Link.” Link squeezes her hand and nods at Cado and Dorian before setting off.

He takes the route through the canyons towards Dueling Peaks Stable. Link speaks to the innkeeper to retrieve his horse, and pets the dog who comes panting up to him. He mounts his horse and whistles, hoping the dog would follow him, but as Link’s horse trots past the cooking pot, the dog sit on his hind legs.

—

Going through the Dueling Peaks along the edge of Hyrule Field is technically the easiest path for Link to take to the Gerudo Desert. If the Yiga were to make their appearance, it would likely be along these marked paths, so the smartest thing for Link to do would be to just take the damn paths.

He spent an entire day getting his horse to go through a mountain rather than taking the easy path between the two peaks. He would have gotten through faster on his own, but Link was in no rush. Instead, he cajoled and bribed his horse up and down the hills that separated the dry, cool air of Necluda from the humid, thick heat of Faron. He made it to Deya Lake sometime in the deep night, and set up camp near an already placed cooking pot near the main path, leading his horse to nearby water.

He cooked mushroom risotto and a meat skewer.
At some point after finishing his meal, he closed his eyes, jolting awake covered in a layer of sweat. He mounted his horse and set off to the desert, trotting at a slower pace after the horse began to lather. Link navigated back to the main path, moving towards the closest stable at a slow pace so he could exchange horses. He crossed a bridge across the Hylia River and kept his eyes on his horse, monitoring its exhaustion.

Focused on adjusting his pace to cool his animal, Link was startled by the sudden laughter that materialized behind him. He jumped off his horse, and unsheathed his Master Sword, eyes darting around, searching for the source of that sound. The wind rustled through the grass, and Link’s hair stood on its end.

A flash of red materialized next to his horse and ran towards him, barely giving him a chance to turn. The mocking voice of the Yiga sounded in his ears, as Link slashed at them, the sound turning into a loud gasp, as he landed a hit. Blood splattered his sword and his hands. The Yiga vanished, preventing Link from attacking. As soon as the confrontation started it had ended. Link remained alert for a few more moments, scanning the plains.

His eyes moved past the castle and snagged onto it, like a thorn in catching fabric. His breathing quickened and he tightened his grip on his sword. He clenched his eyes shut and gritted his teeth as waves of pain crashed over, sending him reeling backwards and stumbling to his knees. He brought his forehead to the dirt, feeling the blade dig into his hand as the sharp metal end bit into the skin of his palm. He brought his other hand over his head to hold back his hair.

He threw up in the grass, a few feet away from some ruins. It felt like his stomach was emptying itself of its intestines, bile coating his throat as he continued to dry heave. He retched soundlessly at the dirt.

He sat up at some point. His head hurt, his bangs clung to his sticky forehead, and there was still Yiga blood on his hands. A sharp stinging pain from his sword hand made itself present, and he glanced down. His palm had been split open by his blade. His own blood slicked the middle of the sword while the Yiga’s dotted its sharp tip.

Link examined his hand and winced. His flesh had been cleaved right in the middle, a deep gash that ran from bottom of his palm to the bottom of his fingers. He should have passed out from pain, but he had probably cut through a few nerves. Using his other hand, he dug an elixir out of his pack and dumped it on his hand, gritting his teeth as the liquid crept into the crevices of the wound. His skin knit itself back together, pulling and stretching, itching intensely.

He stood up, holding his hand carefully out in front of him and whistled to his horse who had wandered away to drink water. He walked on the right side of his horse, its large body blocking the castle from his view. By the time they made it to the Riverside Stable, his hand had healed, leaving behind an ugly pink scar on tender skin.

If the man running the inn registered Link’s state, he did not say anything, quickly switching out his horse instead.

After switching out horses, Link traveled south along Hylia River. Soon after he set out, he heard the blaring horn of a monster camp. His face split into a wide smile with the prospect of gaining kills that the Yiga encounter had robbed him of.

He leapt off his horse a good distance away from the camp and ran towards it, hopping up the steps to the first platform. Two red bokoblins awaited him, rushing at him at the same time. He placed a hand on his Master Sword, before moving to his pack to look at the other weapons he had, keeping an eye on the bokoblins and jumping away when they swung too close to him. He pulled out a rusted sword and faced his opponents. He waited for one of the monster to swing at him before he sidestepped the blow and thrusted his sword into it, killing it with one hit.

The monster screamed and crumpled before disintegrating into purple mist, leaving behind a few horns.

Link frowned.

Two more bokoblins ran down from an upper platform, rushing at Link. He threw his sword at one of them, not bothering to watch it die as he rummaged through his pack. He pulled out a wooden club, similar to one the current enemies he faced held. He ran at the two remaining bokoblins with his club, swinging it in an arc, battering the monsters. He felt them crunch against the wood as they were thrown from the platform, before going up into colored smoke.

Link put the club away and sighed before collecting the monster parts scattered across the platform and the ground beneath it. He whistled for his horse once he finished, mounting it and continuing south.

He ran across another monster camp, facing a similar challenge that was dispatched quickly, using only his club to bash in monster skulls. He did find cooked steak and fish at this camp, all of which he ate quickly before setting off.

Lone monster crossed his path, quickly dispatched by a flying club, stick, torch, and whatever item in his pack he needed to get rid of. He replaced with his weapons with the crude tools dropped by the monsters he came across. The day passed in a blur of purple smoke and ringing monster screams. Another monster camp greeted him in the deep night at the entrance to the Bridge of Hylia. Another quick battle passed, though this time he was nicked by two arrows, leaving deep gashes in his left arm. He bandaged them while crossing the bridge, opting to save his fairies and elixirs.

In the middle of the bridge, he encountered a monster camp with Lizalfos which he fought till the early morning brought the warm sun upon him. A few of the monsters had razorblades which left cuts on his forearms and legs. In response, he sliced off the scaly creatures tails, leaving them howling in pain.

He let his horse trot along the beaten path, bandaging his new injuries, this time with little success as the blood seeped through the cloth. They passed through Faron woods, stopping for the horse to drink and for Link to wash out his wounds, gritting his teeth through the pain. The burning midday sun greeted them as they broke through the woods into the sticky air. He urged his horse into a run across an open plain, scanning for enemies even though the landscape was a blur before his eyes. They reached a stable and his horse panted with exertion.

He led the horse to a nearby lake, washed off the lather and offered it apples and carrots. He took the time to brush through its short fur and thick mane, though his arms ached and the only slightly healed cuts opened. He got back to the stable in the early evening with a clean horse though Link himself was covered in grime, monster guts, sweat, and blood. He handed off his horse to the stable master and passes through the stable, avoiding any conversation and greetings.

He walks to the lake between two canyons and under a bridge, climbing the walls off the canyon and landing on the bridge. On a path further into the small divot, he walks to the Horse God. Malanya greets him, coming out of the divine water with his typical jingle of bangles and loud neigh.

“Link! I see the great friend of horses returns! However, none of your horses have been killed, and I can see you have no carrots for me. Though you have run your beautiful steeds to the ground, I see they are taken care of. I would kick you to remind you that a horse feels pain during a hard run, but it seems you are in a worse condition than your noble friends.” Link kneeled in front of Malanya, and brough his head to the floor. “But what is this! Surely a great boon will be asked of me! What is it Link? A horse twice as big as the Hylian kind? An ornate saddle? You can find these on your own.”

“I wish to be clean.” Link spoke to the think leaves he knelt on. Malanya laughed, the sound coming out in rough snorts.

“There is plenty of water here! No creature on these lands must ask for my permission for it already belongs to them.” Link sits back on his feet and shakes his head.

“I wish to feel clean.” Malanya is silent for awhile.

“My domain is over horses. I can only heal and revive horses, not Hylians. This water is pure, if you wish to clean your wounds with it.” Link sighs and puts his arms in the water and begins cleaning his wounds, scooping up cool water to rinse off blood and dirt. Malanya watches him silently, jewelry clinking with every light breeze.

“Do you believe in Hylia?”

“I have seen Her through the eyes of every horse, and She has graced me with her presence several times.”

“When have you met her?”

“A few weeks ago. Though she had no Hylian body.”

Link snorts, “Not every white horse with a blonde mane is the Goddess.” Malanya immediately reels over him, hands stretched out, his sharp nails resembling claws.

“Do not patronize me. I have given you respect time and time again and have offered you safety at my shrine. You take my knowledge for granted.” Link bows his head.

“Forgive me, Malanya. I am hurt and taking out my pain on you.” Malanya moves back into his original position and whinnies.

“I met her shortly before the Calamity was felled. She asked me to enhance the abilities of my creatures and to keep them far away from Hyrule Castle.” Link shudders at the mention of the castle.

“Are you talking about Zelda?”

“I know not the name your people have given Her. I know Her as the Goddess Hylia.” Link nods and moves to submerge himself in the water, beginning to wash the blood from his legs. Malanya remains silent again.

“She is safe now. The Goddess, I mean.”

“She has not spoken to me in some time. It is a comfort to hear She is safe. The Goddess had no reason to respect a minor god as myself, but She truly loves all her creatures, even if her people abuse them.” He turns his head to Link, pupil-less eyes fixed on him. “Why have you come to me?”

Link hesitates before speaking, “I have an injury that I cannot heal.”

“And you have communed with Hylia?” Link nods, “The injuries you are tended to are nowhere near fatal. Where is this injury?”

“I think it’s in me.” Malanya shakes his head, mane flying.

“Then you know what you are suffering from. Many of my horses have suffered the same horrors of this past age. But they are indomitable, spirits creatures. They will survive, just as you will. You have the same untameable, wild energy of the animals in my domain.”

“Have you ever seen a horse that’s gone mad?” Malanya sorts.

“You are looking at him.” Link laughs.

“You were a horse?”

“A horse that went mad. I achieved much and came to this position. The madness you fear can be overcome.”

“I’m scared I can’t fight whatever is plaguing me.”

“And that is natural. It will take work, but you will be free of what tortures you. For now, you need rest. Please stay here, Link. I cannot heal you, but I will watch over you.”

“I am indebted to you, Malanya.” The Horse God inclines his head. He watches Link step out of the water. He watches Link redress his wounds. He watches Link as he dozes off, sleeping soundly for the first time in days.

Chapter Text

Link is awake by midday. He thanks Malanya, and offers him carrots before making his way to the Highland Stable. He checks his supplies and mounts a new horse before setting off towards the Faron Grasslands. He fights bokoblins on horses, pulling out his bow for the first time this trip. Time disappears in the cutting sound his arrows make slicing through the air.

He slices through another enemy camp, moving faster after his rest. He moves into the plains next to the snowy mountains that surround Gerudo Desert. A lynel greets him at the entrance, and immediately nocks its bow. Time slows and speeds up as Link fights, ducking under its heavy sword and slicing at its torso at every opportunity. The lynel is quickly felled, and another one soon lies dead at Link’s feet as he moves further. Night falls, and he knows he must get his horse to water. They trot at a much slower place, Link walking by his horse’s side at some points as they approach a river. He leaves his horse after ensuring its safety, and walks on foot through the canyon passage. Night turns to day and he cuts through lone stalkoblins and groups of lizalfos.

As the sun creeps higher into the sky and sand creeps further into the crevices of his shoes, he switches out his clothes for flowy Gerudo pants, a sleeveless tunic, and snow boots. The canyons walls arch higher and higher around him, creating looming shadows that do nothing to protect him from the oppressive heat of the desert. He had plenty of water, and had gotten more than a typical amount of rest, but the air shifted and swayed in front of him. He kept hearing a harsh laugh and a flash of red, for what felt like hours, but no Yiga engaged him in battle.

He kept marching onwards, stopping every few minutes to take a deep swig of water or shake the sand off his boots. After the sun had reached a point directly above the canyon, a laugh reverberated close to his ear and he heard the sound of metal cutting through the air. Link whips around to face the Yiga at his back, but the scythe nicks his shoulder, tearing skin and creating a deep gash.

He unsheathes the Master Sword. The blade flashes under the sun’s rays. The Yiga laughs and teleports, leaving behind patterned paper. Link surveys the area around him in silence, feet spread wide in the sand. The Yiga materializes directly in front of him, stepping in with a slice and Link jumps back. Another laugh sounds behind him, and Link jumps to the side, narrowly avoiding a long curved blade.

Two Yiga, one light and fast while the other that had just appeared was heavier but dealt much more damage if he manages to gut Link.

The smaller Yiga had teleported away while the larger one steps forward and swings. His arms were long, lending a wide arc to his swing, forcing Link back further, towards a canyon wall.

He allows himself to be backed against the wall by the larger Yiga, waiting for a pause between strikes, and climbs up the canyon wall. He leaps in the air, over the Yiga’s head and shoots his head with a few arrows as time slowed. The arrows pierced through the Yiga’s skull, and Link heard the harsh crack of bone. A light spray of blood coated the wall in front of them. Link dropped to the ground, facing the lighter Yiga as the larger one slumped to the ground.

The smaller Yiga lunger at him, with a short swipe of his sword. Link stepped back and grabbed the dropped sword of the fallen Yiga, using it as a spear. The smaller Yiga leaped and teleported away.

Link was once again left in silence, eyes roving across the sand, flitting through the narrow passage. A few minutes passed and the Yiga did not reappear. He placed the Yiga’s sword in his pack and turned back to look at his kill.

The Yiga had not disintegrated or teleported away. Link frowned and stepped closer to the dead body. He circled cautiously, before poking at the Yiga with the toe of his boot. There was no response.

He scanned the body for any materials he could use. Finding none, his gaze landed on the masked face.

Every Yiga he had faced thus far had disappeared shortly after battle, leaving him no time to study them. He felt uneasy staring at the body. Without the animated movements of the Yiga’s body, Link was left staring at a painted ceramic face. His fingers itched to remove the mask. He reached towards it with outstretched fingertips and lifted it up. He barely moved it before the inverted Sheikah eye on the mask began to glow and he heard a small timer, not unlike the warning before a Guardian’s laser shot.

Instinctively he leapt away and cover his head. The Yiga exploded, raining guts, flesh, and blood in the blast. Little bits of bone dug into Link’s skin, and a large shard of the ceramic mask embedded itself in Link’s back. He cried out, but kept his arms stiffly around his head.

He looked up.

The Yiga’s body was nearly unrecognizable, a few mangled remains and burnt cloth. The immediate area around the body was bloodied, red soaking into the sand and rocks. Bits of torn, charred flesh littered the area and pieces white bone and ceramic speckled it.

Link was no better off. His entire back and his arms were soaked in blood, his own leaking out of the cut made by the ceramic shard lodged in him. His back felt like it was on fire every time he moved. He hoped nothing vital was damaged.

He got up to his feet. The Gerudo Canyon Stable was nearby and he would get there even if he had to crawl to it.

Link collapsed in front of the stable, once again joined by a dog, thought it kept its distance. Someone ran up to him, and he saw a concerned face before he blacked out.