Archive of Our Own

He had been here before, or, at the very least, Link remembered the unease that came with exploring the underground of the castle. How his flesh peeled back to reveal terrified goosepimples underneath; how his bones shook with a ferocity that would break even the mightiest of soldiers’ backs; and how his breath came out unevenly, laced with tremors; all of it was familiar.

The walls were crumbling by now, rattled by the devastation that had come with the castle being ripped from the ground. Link could hardly recall how it had happened; the memory blurred between the rest in the wake of the aftermath. From the moment he woke up tangled in those branches, everything that transpired underneath here was erased and replaced with mere sensation. Rauru, himself, was unable to tell Link what occurred, merely stating that he would learn soon enough.

Link despised sensations and the way they gave him the utmost feeling of disgust. Some sensations were welcomed and accepted, while others were despised and actively gave him the chills from the thought alone. Coming down to the underground brought about the unpleasant ones, the ones that made a pit in his stomach, and he was certain he would fall into it.

Something beckoned him here, a lone voice, so faint and unfamiliar, but eerily commanding in how it called to him. It was as alluring as a light to a moth, with Link buzzing about and taking orders, as was typical for a knight like himself. He almost believed that it was Zelda he was hearing, but she would never be so assertive in her command. Not to mention, it was unlike Zelda to give such commands nowadays.

Every step across the maimed stone splashed dust across his feet, hardly covered by his Sheikah bottoms that he wore. His outfit, as pitiful as it was, had been the only thing he was able to afford so early in his journey. Link was still scrounging through thick grass and swampy pools of water for the barest of essentials. Nothing he found was worth but a single rupee.

The hood had been on a discount, and with a bit of bargaining on his end and an eventual trade of Hylian bass—they were the biggest the merchant ever saw—he managed to secure his sole source of cover. As for his froggy suit top, it took a few trips around Hyrule and the recording of stories, and then, he was handed the rather fitting top. It came in handy from time to time, so it was a good choice to get it fast.

At last, he had gotten the Sheikah bottoms by the skin of his teeth. Having come by a diamond by sheer luck, Link swallowed his hesitation and sold it to a Goron to have the rupees for the bottoms. He was in desperate need of something quieter; after all, he needed a lynel bow, and having thick pants and boots wasn’t going to bode well for him.

Rocks tumbled from the corners of the corridors, rolling toward an entrance lit by strange lanterns at either side. What came from them was no ordinary light, for it bubbled a potent crimson and seemed to be leaking down the ancient walls. Link was mindful of where he stepped, his eyes glued to the ground, just as they were when he was younger. He felt like a child again when down here, trapped in the dark and terrified of the monsters that lurked around each corner.

With the spear on his back, however, he knew that he could fend for himself. Link was never one to incite a fight, but the monsters could be unpredictable, and he wanted to be prepared for the worst. So far, Link had managed to knock them unconscious and steal their weapons; he didn’t want to hurt them. It was a personal choice, one influenced by the harm and violence he witnessed during his time as a knight.

Never again would he go into war. Never again would he bear arms and attack beings functioning on instinct and command. Everything deserved mercy if they showed a sliver of difference. Like with the chuchus, who never purposefully hurt Link and liked to roll around the golden fields of Hateno. He had made his promise, and it started with sparing as many lives as possible.

Monsters weren’t inherently evil, and each one had a soul, and because they had souls, Link was going to treat them like living beings until push came to shove. That applied to any monster, be it a lizalfos or bokoblin. Even a big stone talus! Those had beating hearts filled with crystals!

Call it being a softie; Link didn’t care. There was enough violence to begin with, and he didn’t want to carelessly contribute to it. He set his mind on that resolution, and when he lifted his head, he found himself standing right at the entrance to the secluded corridor. Below, the rocks that had seemingly led him here continued to roll, eventually making contact with a harder surface.

Icy cold, his skin prickled, and he kept a firm grip on the torch, breathing in deeply. A particular scent met his nose, a mix between charcoal and musk. Nostrils twitched, joints sticking in one position while he took it in. If he weren’t so certain of the fact that he had come down here alone, Link would almost believe that someone was right beside him.

Across the nape of his neck, warm, long breaths breezed, making him roll his shoulders and close his eyes. Had he just remembered what felt oddly familiar to him during his descent, he might have been able to place what was giving him that phantom sensation. And how strange it was, for it didn’t make him feel as disgusted as some others did. Link didn’t have time to ponder that, however, and aimed his torch forward, taking that hesitant step with a strong exhale.

In an instant, a sweeping wind came down on him, extinguishing his light and giving spotlight to the lanterns attached to the inner walls. They were made of the same material as the ones outside, sharing the crimson illumination, letting it flow into the open air. Link sucked on his bottom lip and nodded firmly to himself—this wasn’t going to take long.

Exploring came naturally to him, forever curious about the changes to the world at large. He was the type to jump into any puddle and search for the little critters living in muddy water. When he found them, he’d look at every aspect of their tiny bodies, documenting it and letting the knowledge stay in his mind. That way, when he came across them again, he knew everything there was.

It was part of why he kept a notebook that he liked to call Zelda Notes. Nothing was spared in detail, written inside when he got the chance. Like a scrapbook, the memories that often fell from his grasp were held firm in the fibers of the paper, forever there for safekeeping. He cherished the ability to document nowadays, especially when life seemed to be fading from the back of his mind, always feeling fresh and new.

Link let his hand hover over the scimitar at his hip, scanning what he could of the room for any potential threats. So far, all that accompanied him was the phantom breaths at his neck and the assuredly-human scent coming from whatever direction. If someone was there with him… they didn’t want to be seen. And Link didn’t like the thought of having a ghost attached to his heels.

As he approached the nearest wall, the crimson lighting exploded, blinding him to the point of shielding himself with the torch. Another harsh blow of wind swept between his legs, his hood flipping back to expose his glimmering, golden hair. So long had it become, nearly touching the center of his spine from the months of growth—he hadn’t much time to trim it when on a mission.

Exposed… Damn. Was hoping I could have fought away the chilly air for a little longer… Link thought, casting a glance at his torso and rolling his eyes. Yeah, not much of a chance when wearing this thing…

He lowered the torch once the bedazzling light simmered down, keeping the entire room lit for now. Link blinked away the invisible lines that had bounced in his vision—squiggling, mind you—and slowly opened his mouth in awe at what he had found.

A mural, massive and incredibly detailed. Two, to be exact, at each end of the wall, both stopping in the middle. The one to his left was barely visible, as the boulders covering the bottom of it had only shattered a little to make way for his viewing pleasure. At his right, the mural was uncovered completely, displaying what seemed to be a war of sorts.

Considering that the one on the left was hard to make out thanks to the boulders, Link shifted his focus to the right and cautiously walked to it. He squinted, but for a moment, and took in the etchings as best he could.

This one had a man—no, demon—standing at the far right, his arm lifted as though he were summoning the army filling up most of the display. Monsters, recognizable and distinct, were scattered about, with carvings of what appeared to be dead Hylians mixed within. Link’s gaze softened, if only in sympathy, and he moved back, one hand going over his chest.

Silently, he prayed for peace in their afterlives. Inwardly, he could tell he’d seen it before, the sight of such devastation across a land. Link would assume this took place in Hyrule, shaking his head and turning away from it. Whoever had done that… Link couldn’t put a name to the figure, but it felt as though he knew who it was. The shape of his face, the curve of his hair; everything was recognizable, yet lost to the gaps of his memory.

He had considered going back out and leaving the place as it was, ready to continue with his journey and abandon this side-quest of exploration, when suddenly, the voice from before was back in his ears. Powerful and omnipotent, he listened as it spoke:

“If only you look at what you seek, my precious knight. To the left, where a piece of nature shall find you.” And with the voice came an explosion, shaking the ground and nearly knocking Link off his feet. He wobbled in the aftershock and felt the torch fall from his hands, though it wasn’t like he needed it anyway with the light in the room.

Chunks of rock flew in the air, eventually coming to a stop a fair distance from Link. When he looked around himself, the path of the pieces seemed to be going on each side of him, narrowly avoiding his body. Who needed wishes of luck when their natural luck seemed to be so gratuitous? Link waved a hand to clear the dust lingering in the air, a little cough accompanying his motions as he began to look at the new, unveiled mural.

Rather than a crude display of death and destruction wrought against Hyrule, this one presented the same demon-esque man riding a mighty horse. Link’s heart jack-hammered in excitement from the sight alone, and he instantly scurried closer, his hands barely touching the bottom of the mural frame. He couldn’t control the big grin that spread across his face, nor could he help himself from grabbing his Purah Pad and opening the camera.

How was he to resist the opportunity? The horse was crafted so beautifully and with such detail that it put his own drawings to shame. And Link, well… His special interest was horses. No matter the breed, shape, or color, they were beloved and cherished by the young Hylian. He owned several, kept safe at stables across Hyrule until he was able to bring them out for a ride.

And the horse in the mural was gorgeous, even when presented as a mere carving. Link could picture the real thing in his mind, imagining it with a flowing mane and glowing body that shone no matter what. On the center of its forehead was a horn, menacing but intriguing all the same. That craving for more knowledge and documentation was hard to ignore as the pull of familiarity dragged him by the neck… Metaphorically, of course.

Link was quick to snap a photo, giddy while he saved it to the pad and shoved it back in his pocket. Later on, he could use what little free time he had to draw a picture of what he had seen, purely for selfish reasons. As it stood, Link sketched every horse he came across, including the stalhorses. They naturally came to him, and he liked to say it was because he was a gentle creature at heart, just as they were.

Horses were his comfort during the worst of times. During rough nights spent at a stable or lonely evenings spent lingering in the fields, he would take out his sketches and look at them fondly. At the stables, there was a tendency for him to visit the horses staying there and spend time with them. Eating, sleeping, and even bathing—separately—were the routines he had when together with the horses.

Out of all of his companions, Link knew that he could trust the animals to be his best friends during the worst times. They knew unconditional love, respected it, and gave it back when it was earned. Animals never said mean things or acted violently without incitement. With the respect he gave them, they gave it back tenfold, gracing Link with the feeling of being loved simply for being himself.

And though he knew it to be against his better judgment, Link wanted to be friends with this horse. It seemed to have worked alongside the demon-esque man during the early years of Hyrule’s history, and while Link didn’t want to justify what it had done, who knew what sort of relationship it had with its owner? Perhaps the demon man treated his horse well, and the two of them had a loving friendship akin to what Link had with his horses.

Animals were never the sole cause of evil, and this horse was no different. Settled on the thought that Link may see it one day, he crouched down to retrieve his torch, spinning on his heel to face the eternal darkness that stretched out before him. The lights in the room had dimmed, leaving only the lanterns at the entrance for any guidance.

Of course, the torch decides to go out when I have nothing to light it. Link bemoaned internally, storming toward the entrance with the sole goal of getting out and returning to the mission at hand. Taking breaks was vital to regaining his strength, but he supposed that venturing out to the middle of an underground cavern wasn’t the best of rest-stops. Really, though, beggars couldn’t be choosers, even if Link was the one to make this decision.

Curse his curiosity… The Hylian huffed, mostly in annoyance at his cursed mind, while he situated himself right at the entrance. The chilly air grazed his skin once more, wafting across his ears, making them twitch and lower. He couldn’t stop himself from feeling as if there were a pair of eyes glued to his back, observing every little move he made to retain for later. Link had suspected it was a member of the Yiga Clan, but soon realized that if it was, they would have shown themselves by now.

Instead, this force was remaining in the shadows, and rightly so, he thought. This was a quiet moment taken for himself; there was no room for ambush or fighting. Link had been most fortunate not to encounter any monsters on his way here, and that wasn’t going to change just because of a sensation. He chose to ignore the creeping uncertainty that laced within his spine, but for good measure, he took a glance over his shoulder.

All that was visible were the shadows cast on the murals, reminding him of the intricate, careful carving of that gorgeous horse. Should Link have narrowed his gaze, he would have seen the remnants of that crimson light flowing in the air, but he brushed it off as nothing more than an imagination of the mind. Still, for the sake of easing his unsteady nerves, he flipped his hood back up and scoffed, shaking his head minutely.

Link stared at the darkened torch in his hand and scowled. Somehow, he could light it, but he hadn’t a single piece of wood on him. Striking an acorn with his spear would break it rather than ignite it, and Link couldn’t afford to lose what little resources he had at this point. He wasn’t going to risk it, reluctantly accepting the absence of light as he ventured outside the room.

It was when the glimmer of the lanterns caught his eye that he got an idea. Whipping around, torch lifted as far as it could be, Link touched it to the blood-red light and squeaked when it lit his torch. His sun-kissed skin was coated in red, so different from what it had looked like without the light. Even so, he tilted his head and stared directly at the miasma and how it flowed.

Should he be mistaken, then it was well-deserved, but Link found that this lighting was strangely similar to the gloom that had been spreading across Hyrule’s glorious land. He raised a brow, intrigued, and with his other hand, he extended his pointer finger and carefully drew it close. Yes, Link knew that the gloom had dangerous effects on those who came into contact with it, but if he were to use Rauru’s arm… There was a small chance that it wouldn’t hurt.

When a piece of it came bubbling out, Link shrieked and tore his hand away, the shock of it all stopping him from touching it entirely. He grumbled in embarrassment, even when no one was around to see him being a silly, careless goof. Didn’t matter if he was alone; Link was a naturally, terribly shy man, even when he had been through so much throughout his life.

Horribly aware of his brief second of stupidity, he took a deep breath and ascended the stairs back to the entrance to the underground. Not a second more was going to be spent somewhere so isolated and spooky on its own accord!

Hyrule was where he belonged. The time to return would come soon enough, and by then… By then, he would be ready for anything.

The geoglyphs had become a priority over the course of a few days, and like the little gremlin Link knew he could be, he had grown hyperfixated on discovering them all. Having been spurred on by Impa and her insistence on figuring out what they were, Link was gallivanting around the entirety of Hyrule just to find some.

So far, there had been one, and the rest were still a mystery to him. He should have been able to spot them better thanks to the glowing strands of grass that made up their patterns, but whenever he was hyper-focused on completing a task, the simplicity of it all could be easily missed. That was just a part of being autistic, as his father would say. And while Link took pride in being an autistic man, he would acknowledge that it came with its downsides from time to time.

Textures, for starters, were his natural-born nemesis. Loving food was a massive part of his life, so when he had no choice but to eat the absolute mush that he had created on a whim, he was devastated by the way the texture made him gag. There had been times when he would completely toss the meal for the birds and forego a lunch or supper that day; a travesty, if you asked him.

Along with that came his difficulty understanding jokes and your run-of-the-mill “flirting” as they called it. Many women had used their charm in the hopes of getting with him, yet never succeeded, and he would always feel a pang of guilt whenever he saw their downtrodden looks. It wasn’t that he was repulsed by them—the idea of dating wasn’t at the forefront of his mind, and especially not with women.

That was his biggest secret: his tendency to flock toward the men rather than the women. Link didn’t quite understand it, to be honest. From a young age, he had always run around with them and stuck to their sides whenever they went somewhere. There was an idolization, and only now did Link realize that it was more of an attraction in the romantic sense than platonic.

For many years, he had struggled to cope with the reality that was his sexuality. Endless nights were spent wide awake, tormented by thoughts of what would happen if King Rhoam or the others were to discover his infatuation with the same-sex. The other knights had forever assumed he was cold and indifferent toward them, when the truth was, Link had been avoiding them for the sole purpose of avoiding feelings while on the job.

Becoming Zelda’s personal guard was a blessing in disguise, even though she hadn’t taken kindly to him in the beginning. During their time together, it had steadily become obvious that Zelda could see through his icy facade. It was after they had become better friends that she had asked him about it, and it took all of the courage in the world to admit such a thing to her. Link had risked everything, but when Zelda finally heard the confession, she smiled, and it was then that he learned that she was just the same as he was.

The princess didn’t like men, having a preference for the company of women. To say he was relieved would be an understatement, as it meant that he no longer had to hide his truth from her. Link could live a bit more honestly; he could be himself without fear of judgment. He was—and would continue to be—eternally grateful for the friendship he had formed with Zelda and the acceptance and love that came with it.

Before she had gone missing, they had made a promise to come out to their friends together without any fear of their reactions. Hyrule had become more accepting over the century, and Link could already tell that Purah and Impa knew their truth. Link was looking forward to when they could make their grand entrance into a complete and honest life, living without the terror of being outed by an enemy.

Until she returned, he would have to hold off on his coming out and focus solely on rescuing her from wherever she had gone. No one was able to figure out the princess’s whereabouts, putting the responsibility on Link and the team back at Lookout Landing to find her and bring her back in one piece. Her life depended on Link, who took the responsibility and held it close. This wasn’t a matter of finding the leader of Hyrule and rescuing her—he was saving his friend.

The geoglyphs were the first step in finding her. Impa had theorized that they held clues about Zelda’s whereabouts, and the one Link had found so far showed Zelda landing in ancient Hyrule and meeting the king and queen. Did it answer all of their questions? No, not in the slightest. It did, however, reassure Link that she was somewhere safe and somewhat familiar.

It all seemed reminiscent of when he had awoken in the Shrine of Resurrection, born again and thrust into a new world that came from the one he previously knew. Link hated when things weren’t the same, but throughout the few years that had passed since his awakening and now, he had learned to begrudgingly accept the changes. There were too many things Link learned to accept when all he wanted to do was live life the way it once was.

Change wasn’t foreign to him, just different and a skewing of the routines he had built up. That was why being hyperfixated on these geoglyphs had given him some reprieve from the constant change in his homeland. It was something he could throw himself into and forget about the world at large, plus, it was giving them a lead in their search for Zelda. How could he not lose himself in this?

Having a chance to recoup and gather himself for the next step in his mission was always welcome. Link remembered going to the murals—the unsettling atmosphere that had made his first break the absolute worst. For days, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of being watched, wearing his hood everywhere he went. Even when he slept, the poor thing would keep his hood on and one eye open. Watching. Waiting.

Two could play at that game if he was really being stalked. No matter rain or shine, Link would be ready for that omnipotence to jump out at him, and it would be the last time he ever felt like he was being followed. At this point, he knew that whatever it was was undoubtedly human… It must have been. Monsters and creatures were never so smart as to patiently stalk him and stay hidden for days on end. They knew better than that.

For now, he was taking shelter near Elma Knolls, on the outskirts of a thick forest that had grown since he last came here. Goddess, it must have been years! Link couldn’t remember there being that many trees, deep and full of life. Around his legs was a dense fog, stretching into the crowd of leaves that lay before him. Anything less than a kilometer from where he stood was obscured, shining from the sliver of sunlight making its way through. He held one hand over his eyes, focusing on what he could see and holding on to Epona’s reins.

Beside him, the mare snorted and nuzzled into him, her signal that she wanted to relax for a moment and enjoy a stroll through the woods. Link leaned close to her and hummed; a little walk wasn’t going to hurt anyone. And, even if they did get attacked, he could easily knock out the opposition and continue as if nothing had happened. It was a skill of his, and he was rather proud of that.

Bless his adeptness with defense. To add to that, his luck, but Link wouldn’t group that in for the sake of maintaining his confidence. Disregarding everything as only happening because of luck didn’t seem fair to him, for everything he did was of his own work. Link was nothing if not dedicated to bettering himself and finessing what skills he already had. Currently, he was working on parrying. That had kicked him in the ass too many times, and he was tired of having to constantly guess when to dodge the enemy’s attacks.

Once upon a time, he knew how to do it with absolute perfection, but that century spent recovering, and the resulting coma had done its damage. Link would never confess to feeling lackluster in that regard or admit to having second thoughts about returning to the living realm. Those were things he kept secret… But maybe someday, he would have someone he trusted enough to tell such things to.

Link smiled at Epona and let go of her reins, petting her now. There was no need for verbal communication between the two of them, for Epona could read him like no other. It was another one of those disguised blessings for him, because it meant he wasn’t constantly having to pull the Purah Pad out and use his AAC app.

He could talk when needed. However, Hylians had not come to a point where they could properly understand a bad stutter and hushed voices. The app had been his trusted companion since awakening, as the coma he was in had worsened his impediments and damaged some of his vocal cords. Such were the consequences of an atrophying larynx, and Link was left with no other choice but to find a different way of communication.

Purah was, honestly, one of his closest friends. She made the app for those in Hyrule who needed it, and Link found himself being rained on with that blessed luck of his at the revelation. No judgment came to him for the use of it, as it should be. Link found it to be a little light in his world that seemed so caked in darkness the majority of the time.

Epona neighed this time, and he gave a lopsided, guilty grin. His apology was there in the form of that smile and his petting, hands twirling her mane between his fingers and rubbing the pads against each strand. The softness of hair against his fingers had eased his nerves and grounded him during his most troubled moments—Epona, thankfully, didn’t mind it.

None of the animals he encountered had a problem with his constant petting. If he were an animal, he might not enjoy it, but they must have sensed that Link came in peace. And with that on his mind, the Hylian was circled back to thoughts of how the monsters he encountered never seemed to have those same senses. If they would just know that he wasn’t mad at them, then things could be different. In fact, they could even fight on his behalf!

Wouldn’t that be a treat? Bokoblins and stalmoblins alike could join forces and work toward a better cause: defeating the evil that was taking over their homeland. Link would happily welcome them on his mission and make space for them, but alas. These creatures seemed to obey only one master, and Link hadn’t a clue as to who it was.

Damn the amnesia that came with whatever happened in that underground dungeon! Link had yet to decipher how exactly Zelda disappeared and what used the gloom to damage his arm, as the fall from wherever he was resulted in a concussion and blacked out memories. That was another reason for him to depend so heavily on these geoglyphs. They were the fragments he needed to piece together Zelda’s fate. Through them, he could properly form a plan and go from there.

Sans reins, Link led the horse through the less-traveled path. So isolated were they, lingering in the solitary forest that had come to be seemingly out of nowhere. It wasn’t often that Link came this way, as he always stuck to the places he knew and ventured from there. This was trying something new, and maybe, by doing so, he would be rewarded with treasures. Maybe more rupees? Wouldn’t that be something!

His head was like a spinning fan while he took in his surroundings. The trees towered over him, though, anything did, since he was considerably short for a Hylian. Being so tiny had made him seem even more like a prophecy come to life; people couldn’t fathom a man his size accomplishing such tremendous tasks. Beating the Calamity? Practically impossible in the minds of most until he did the damn thing.

Moving on from the ruminations of his height, he focused on the aging bark. A stout stump sat to one side, near Epona, and he quirked a brow. Just how old were these trees? One had to wonder, since nature could be so fascinating to those who saw the beauty in it. Link eagerly approached the short thing, crouching down and leaning so close to it that his pointy nose nearly touched the innermost ring.

Rings and rings circled one another, an infinite number that had Link’s eyes swirling in a spiral. Too many to count! Had he the endurance and time, he was certain that he could estimate the age of the trees by counting the rings. For later, he told himself, straightening and putting both hands on his hips.

Though from what he had seen, these trees were reaching more than a millennium. They must have been, what, with the girth and sheer monstrosity of them. Link put a hand to his chin, losing himself in his thoughts. Epona nudged him along and managed to get a jump out of him, snorting when he held the back of his head and yipped. Cheeky thing… She could be so impatient, but that was what Link loved about her.

He ran his hand along her side, going in front of her to lead the way. Throughout what he could see in the fog were paths of flowers—mainly blue nightshade, which Link was particularly giddy about. Those were his favorite flowers, and he had many a photo in his Purah Pad of them. One such photo was taken at night, when the glow of the flower was its fiercest.

Many lay at either side of the path he took, still maintaining their glow in the dense fog that covered most of the forest. Link could see droplets of dew on their leaves, dripping into the grass and wetting it, too. Epona seemed to be looking alongside him, a shared interest between the two of them. Granted, Epona was looking for something tasty to eat. Little did she know that Link had saved the best of carrots for her.

Using his advantage of being short, Link lowered his hand and let it graze the large leaves and grass, sighing contentedly at their gentle caresses. He needed that connection to life again, feeling that it had gone at the start of his mission. With everyone seeing him as a tool to save their kingdom, he often forgot that he was human, too. That he had a beating heart and a soul that deserved to be treated right, just the same as those creatures.

Weren’t Hylians inherently creatures, as well? They were all foreign to one another, entities functioning on their own accord. The Zora could be seen as different, along with the Gorons and Rito. Yet, they lived in harmony. Why couldn’t the beasts that roamed Hyrule?

A day will come when I will meet a real monster. When that day comes… What will my instincts say? What will I do? I may still hold this belief, but would I be a cruel hypocrite to treat it harshly and do away with it? Life will tell.

For a moment, that unease from earlier returned, almost tenfold as he stopped and glanced back. Again, no eyes or monsters were found, despite Link having that nagging feeling spreading in his chest like algae in a pool of water. He brought his hand to his chest and made a fist, squeezing tight, his breathing having come to a standstill.

Encompassing. A blanket of uncertainty and fear. Link lowered his hood and fully turned this time, allowing Epona to catch up. She watched him as a tremble came to his fingers, the anxiety fizzling in his chest. Something was there; he wasn’t crazy. He took a step back, then another, and when he closed his eyes, he huffed and returned to his forward position.

Letting little emotions like these get to him would serve no purpose, urging him to continue and find a suitable place to relax with Epona. After all, the grass was more than soft, and the trees were as welcoming as they could be for their size. Epona hadn’t shown signs of being spooked, so he would take that as the good sign it was and go on his way.

Branches crunched underneath his feet, echoing loudly, joined by a twinkle. Very distinct, hardly able to miss, for Link had heard it many times before. His ears turned upward, listening keenly as he crouched and walked slowly toward the sound. Yes, he could see what it was, just beyond the fog, but close enough that he could catch it with the right moves.

A blupee; it must have been, since the color of it was quite distinct. Link inched closer, his toes stepping hard on a branch and making such an echo that even Epona jolted a little. He crossed his fingers, a prayer on his mind to keep the blupee where it was. He wanted to take a photo of it and collect the rupees as they fell from its fur.

Link peered into the fog, his mouth shaping into another grin once he saw that the blupee hadn’t run away. In fact, the blue glow was growing bigger, coming his way. He held his arms out as a sign of trust and readied himself for the blupee’s arrival, careful not to make a sudden move as it bounded to him.

It sparkled, those golden irises practically blinding Link with their luminosity. Link moved when it did, turning his head to the side and humming softly. The tune was always the same, a lullaby he had learned from Zelda during the Calamity.

Notes carried through the forest, and he didn’t have to look to know that Epona was lightening up along with it. Her relaxed demeanor rubbed off on the blupee, who hopped one inch closer to Link and bumped its head against his hand. He gasped—they had never done that with him before!

Fizzling and popping, the excitement in his body was growing harder to ignore. Link would have shaken his hand, but for the sake of the blupee, he opted to bite the inside of his cheek. All of the excess energy with no way of getting it out… Seemed to be his fortune when encountering one of the most ethereal creatures in Hyrule.

He had to contain himself, something he was accustomed to doing throughout most of his life. Despite Link’s pride in his autism, he still felt the need to mask, if only for the sake of something other than himself. When it came to animals, he wanted to put their needs first at the desertion of his own, for the animals deserved accommodations rather than himself.

The more the blupee rubbed against his hand, the more Link felt encouraged to pet it. Using all of the caution in the world, he brought his other hand to its back and slowly—delicately—began to stroke down. Ah, it’s fur felt so soft and pillowy! One could compare it to the feel of silk against a weary body, easing the jittering in his bones and returning him to the world he lingered in. Link giggled, rather high-pitched and distorted when compared to other Hylians.

Did the blupee mind? Not in the slightest; it simply rubbed against Link and bruxed, pleased with his petting and the attention it was getting. Behind, Epona huffed and kicked the ground, making Link peek over his shoulder and sympathetically nod. Unsaid was, I’ll give you your carrots soon, girl.

For what felt like eternity, the creature indulged in the affection given to it, until suddenly, it shot upright and began running in the opposite direction. Link couldn’t help but shout in surprise and let his impulses take over, sprinting after it. Alongside him came Epona, galloping so majestically and neighing at the thrilling exercise.

Golden locks waved, spilling across Link’s hood and back like a river of pure sunshine. The red of his clothes stood out among the hazy gray that descended onto the forest, making him the outlier among the foliage and fog. A Soldier IV Spear and his Lynel Bow clattered against one another with his movements, the sounds a little too loud for Link’s liking. All together, he looked rather out of place for a brisk run through a forest.

Hikers typically wore better gear than what he had on, for starters, wearing boots instead of flats. Link tried to bolster his confidence a little by reminding himself that he was skilled enough to walk in nature with inappropriate equipment. A skill of his, one he, fortunately, hadn’t lost when awakening. Thank goodness for that!

Further into the forest, the fog lessened, turning into a mist that revealed more of the magnificent land they were on. Link could see buds on the trees this time, on the cusp of blooming, yet waiting for the weather to become more suitable for growth. Was spring already on the horizon? Time had passed nearly in the blink of an eye, as it typically did whenever he focused on one thing and one thing alone.

More blue nightshades covered the ground, growing in number with each advancement he made toward the blupee. It was guiding him—to treasure, perhaps? Link would be thankful for that; anything he could get his hands on would be beneficial at this point. He bubbled at the idea and increased his pace, really kicking himself and Epona into gear.

Through the clouds above peeked the sun, cascading down both horse and owner. Link felt as if he could practically see the shimmer in his eyes, vibrant and bold in this lighting. He laughed to himself, and Epona followed it up with a noise of joy, sharing in his pleasant mood. Together, they charged on, jumping when a fallen tree came in their way.

Epona’s hooves plowed into the soft ground, coating her lower half in dirt with her tail wagging behind her. Link felt the cold of the fresh dirt and grass sticking to his feet, able to ignore it thanks to his dedication to finding this blupee’s stopping point. Come on… Where are you going?

Link honed in on the blupee, and when it finally came to a stop, he did, too. Not gracefully, however, since he angled his feet and slid rather than paused in his tracks. It gave Epona enough time to slow along with him, whinnying and bumping Link’s back with her snout. He couldn’t help himself from snorting and pet her, his stare full of mirth. Even his cheeks were pressing into the bottoms of his eyes, mouth spreading open to expose crooked, uneven teeth.

His front teeth were chipped from some hard falls he had taken during the last adventure, and his jaw had been shoved in a way that made it difficult for him to chew. That must have been another one of the consequences of being in a coma for a century—losing some strength and having massive injuries as a result. Ah, well, the damage had been done. No use crying about it now.

Snapping him out of his thoughts was the sight of the blupee bouncing, hopping aside, and exposing a clearing in the forest. Link swore that he could see a golden gleam growing brighter, shielding Epona and swallowing the lump in his throat. A golden color like that meant one thing: a white-maned lynel was coming after them, and it wouldn’t be as kind as the blupee.

Stay behind me, girl… You don’t need to be involved in this fight.

Just as he suspected, the lynel presented itself, huge and imposing in the worst of ways. Link sharpened his gaze, reaching for his spear, ready for anything. On a silent command, he straightened, and from all corners of the forest came each a single monster. A standard bokoblin, a black moblin, and a silver lizalfos emerged, bewildering Link on all levels.

An army of monsters? Shit… What did I get myself into?

Directing his eyes to each one, his mouth opened slightly as he realized that they had come without weapons. Not one held a spear or sword or a log; they were accompanied by the others alone, their faces soft and docile. Link kept his guard, but his hand wavered from where it hovered above the spear, fingers clenching instinctually while he held off his knee-jerk reaction. Nothing seemed right about what was happening, and he wasn’t about to let these monsters take advantage of his soft spot.

And of all the things for him to anticipate from this circle of monsters, it was not having them sit down near him, completely unarmed and quiet. The blupee went to the lynel, snuggling into its fur, and the lizalfos gargled nonsense to the bokoblins. Link felt like he was dreaming… He held his arm up and pinched himself with the claws of Rauru’s arm, grimacing. Definitely not dreaming!

They were being… different. Link whirled his head around to get a better look at the forest, waiting for some change to indicate that it was the reason for the behavior. Instead, the trees and foliage were the same; still glowing, and still covered in that mist. This was beyond weird… Not to mention, the trickle of tension steadily grew in his neck.

Again… It was like that invisible pair of eyes was back on him, akin to that of a man peering through a crystal ball. Link wasn’t some illusion for a voyeur to see! He was a hero and a gentle soul! If someone was watching him, he thought, then there was a good chance the monsters sensed it and were guarding Link in their own way.

A reasonable explanation, sitting right with his mind and calming him down enough to lower his hand and sigh. The bokoblin turned to look at him, confused, and Link held both hands out, waving them and smiling. No harm here… Just an unsettling feeling along with a very stumped Link. It was a nasty combination, though. But Link had gone through much worse throughout his life. This was nothing compared to how he felt around those guardians.

Boy, was he glad they were gone. Sheikah technology was lovely in its own right, but those were the worst things in the world! Link wasn’t going to miss them in the slightest!

This time, he was deliberate in avoiding the glance over his shoulder, quietly walking to the middle of the circle where the monsters sat. Link tried to resist temptation—he really shouldn’t get close to the lynel—and failed miserably, sitting right in front of it, hands postured to touch its fur. He risked everything when he looked at the lynel, without a doubt having big pupils and the saddest puppy-dog face in the world.

His plea was silent, though powerful through the presentation in his face and body. In the conjurings of his imagination, Link liked to think that his thoughts transferred directly to the monsters’ hearts, where they flowed through like water. I mean no harm; I am safe. You can trust me. And the mantra was the same for everything: animals, monsters, and insects.

But what about people?

Really? That question again? What was going on with him? Link felt his face falling harder, tormented by not knowing the answer. People were different, as his first response would be. They functioned on a basis unknown to animals and monsters; they weren’t like the rest. Yet, deep down, Link felt that twisting of his heart, a foreboding knowledge that there would come a day when he would have to answer that question. It wasn’t a matter of giving an immediate answer, for it required true thought and time given to it.

Lost in that too-complicated pondering, he nearly missed when the lynel bowed its head. For its size, it couldn’t get very close to Link, but he saw it as the clear invitation it was. He buried his hands in its fur and squealed, closing his eyes, thrusting himself forward so that his body was completely enveloped by such softness. This texture was never going to get old for him… If they could make a fleece as soft as a lynel’s mane, then he would be the happiest of campers. Those long, chilly nights out in the middle of nowhere would be magical with a blanket like that!

Following him, the lizalfos and his friends joined in on the hug, their own noises sounding just as happy as Link’s. He could stay like this forever… Cuddled by a lynel and embracing the monsters as true friends. How was this not a dream? Nothing of this sort would ever happen in a million years… Maybe he was lucky, and it was happening once every 123 years. If so, he was going to take the so-called dream and treat it like it was natural.

He knew he had a soul kind enough to embrace these creatures so far removed from humanity. They deserved love just the same as he and the others did; Link was certain they wouldn’t give it, so it was up to him to show the gentility of humanity and the benefits it could bring. Sharing this relaxation and comfort with the monsters was a grand achievement, almost more grand than defeating the Calamity.

Turning to his side, Link grabbed the bokoblin and brought him in for a hug, rubbing his cheek against his head. In turn, he gurgled in joy and hugged Link back, his bouncing matching Link’s. He rocked the monster side to side—bear hugs were always a favorite of his. The bokoblin gave a good one, even with such skinny arms!

The lizalfos squawked and held his arms out, waiting for his turn. Giving the bokoblin a big squeeze, Link moved to the lizalfos and scooped him into his arms, rocking him, too. They were all big babies, just wanting some affection and time with someone giving them that chance. Could he fault them? They were relatable; for the majority of his life, Link had been desperate for acceptance and reassurance. Zelda gave it, and now, the others did… It hadn’t always been like that.

As he hugged each monster, he thought about the one thing that wrung his heart dry. Many craved the affection of others. Not platonically—romantically. They wanted someone to hold them, to dry their tears, and give them the comfort they needed to know that the sun would rise again. A long embrace in the dead of night, no frights to come with their sword and shield at the ready. Link wanted that, yearned for it.

Zelda had been with a few women after the Calamity. Her current relationship had gone on-hold after her disappearance, and Link hadn’t had a chance to meet the woman and remind her of Zelda’s love. It was because he related to her—that absence of true love and a caring embrace to return home to could devastate anyone. No one knew it did that to Link, for he hid it rather well and gave his all to what others expected from him.

It should be his turn. He should have a man to hold him—really hold him, and love him. Tell him he is the world and that nothing else matters but his presence. Tell him that sharing the same air as him is love in and of itself. Tell him—.

Interrupted by a sudden crunch on the branches, Link shot up, finding the source of the noise. His face softened, body growing lax at the sight of one lone bokoblin, blue, same as the rest, except particularly shy. The little thing walked to Link, and when it grabbed for his hand, he let it, leaning down. It made some noise, as indistinguishable as it was, and Epona made her unhappiness known by angrily trotting over to Link and hitting him gently with her nose.

Seemed non-verbal communication wasn’t going to cut it this time around. Link sighed and moistened his lips, giving a clearing of the throat until he managed to croak out, “F-F-Food next… ‘Kay?” And damn that atrophied larynx of his… Damaged vocal cords and all. That stutter of his had already been a damnation enough; he didn’t need more injury to his voice as it was.

Epona turned away from him, affronted, and he sighed. This time, he fetched her carrot from his satchel and held it to her, snickering when she chomped down on it and nuzzled Link again. Spoiled she was, but treasured she had been. Link would forever do anything for Epona, feeling he owed her for the adventures he took her on. Most certainly, he had exhausted her, but if the carrots made up for it, then he was more than happy.

And when he fed one, Link couldn’t just stop there. He took his miniature salad cups and handed them to each monster, all of which jumped for joy and hungrily devoured them. Link was kind enough to give them kisses on the forehead, his tender goodbye without having to say it. They had had a good time together, enjoying their warmth and getting the love and affection they so desperately needed.

When life was rough, as it was, those things were almost necessary to survive. No creature could go without either one; no human could walk around without ever receiving a hug. They needed that tenderness, more than anything. And Link, the sad thing, lowered his head and whistled for Epona, going along with the blue bokoblin.

How utterly fascinating it was to see a forest as majestic as this one… Link wished he could snap photos, but the likelihood of scaring off the bokoblin was high, and Link would rather have it be around him for as long as it could tolerate.

The forest reminded him of a photo he took during one of his mishaps. He had been traveling through those stormy, tropical forests without the Lightning Helm and stumbled across what was called the Spring of Courage. He still had the picture saved to his pad, a lovely thing to look upon when feeling alone in the world.

Link was only rescued by transporting himself to the Skyview Tower; he had developed an ability to teleport to them after being in the chamber, the powers of Sheikah technology flowing through him as it kept him alive. He and Purah concluded that that had been the basis for his abilities, which had come in handy whenever he was running by the skin of his teeth. Bless that Sheikah slate and Purah Pad, honestly…

An unexpected trio crossed a threshold, the air becoming colder, with Link flipping his hood back on and peering through the dissipating mist. Now, the sunshine was bold, even through gray skies, and the path was clear. On the horizon was a massive cherry blossom tree, almost identical to the one Link took a picture of. Well, not really a picture by him. The Gerudo traveler held his Purah Pad and snapped the picture instead; a well-made shot, pretty enough to be placed in his home.

Finally, they made it to the tree, bigger than the rest, letting petals fall like a waterfall of pink. Link turned his hands so his palms were up and caught some of the petals, bringing them close to his face. Epona shook her head and gently trodded to the tree, where she sat down. Taking his cue, the Hylian took his place beside her and rested his head against the trunk of the tree.

This was nice. Actually, it was more than nice, but Link forever struggled to come up with stronger words in his vocabulary. He had joked that he could write well, yet never speak well—it was an inside joke between himself and Purah. She struggled with it, too; a shared experience that some wouldn’t understand. Which, it wasn’t for them to understand. Those who could, would, and those who wouldn’t… They just wouldn’t.

Vanished from sight, Link couldn’t find the blue bokoblin anywhere nearby. What replaced it was a sense of serenity, of belonging. Being alone in the forest with his animals and the monsters who kindly offered him affection was his true happy place. Yet… Link gave Epona a quizzical look and rotated every which way to find…

Where was it? Where was the voice that called to him so many times and brought him to the forest? The guidance he received in the spur of the moment wasn’t merely an imagination… It couldn’t have been. Zelda’s voice was so distinct… This voice was like hers but with a different cadence. Familiar, yet out of reach when Link dug into his memories to find that identification. He wouldn’t be assured that it was Zelda until she said so.

Strange, peculiar happenings had been going on ever since he visited those murals. Like a string tied to a puppet, he had been led across Hyrule, visiting places he never would have dreamed of. It wasn’t a coincidence that he went to the Spring of Courage and made it out without being struck by lightning. It wasn’t a coincidence that the monsters were coming to him willingly and putting down their arms. None of it could possibly be done randomly.

Link was unraveling, losing himself in the act of trying to decipher the unusual. Always seeking an explanation for things, never satisfied with an open ending. It was that damned curiosity of his, desperate to know more about the unexplained. Courageousness was one thing, and still, it could bring such destruction to his life if he let it get out of hand.

Hyperfixating on the voice and the things that led to his venture through the forest was eating him alive as he neglected the mission at hand. Link closed his eyes, steadied his breathing, and reached for his Purah Pad.

Looking at his photos would help.

First was the stalhorse he found while helping Robbie in the Depths. Link loved her design, the structure of her bones showing her strength and durability. He smiled at the photo, leaning his head to the side against the trunk of the tree and sighing.

Next was his photo of a horse he kept at the stables for when Epona grew tired or was injured from their adventures. He had named her Kirita, having adored the way the name sounded to his ears. Link laid his fingers at the edge of his Purah Pad—he needed to see her again. After he found this next memory, he would do so.

His last photo saved was that of a doe, staring directly at him, idle and ready for the camera. Link liked deer, as well, and often spent an absurd amount of time trying to photograph them. He had but one so far, and it was his most treasured photo. She was a beauty to find, their connection strong, evident in how she allowed him to photograph her.

As he tried to put it away, his finger slipped and swiped on the screen, going to the previous photo. Seeing it for the first time in a long time, Link quickly sat up and brought it closer, eyes wide. There it was… The horse in the mural. His sight glossed over, his heart nearly stopped with how slow it was beating. Looking at it gave him goosebumps, a ripple of a moment he could not forget.

“If only you look at what you seek, my precious knight. To the left, where a piece of nature shall find you.”

Nature…

Yes, nature…

Find you. Me.

What was searching for him? The call was lulling him, stronger than before. His face went blank, the gloss over his eyes stronger than it had ever been. Link set the Purah Pad onto the grass, one hand on his chest, first a fist, but now relaxing as the melody of attraction drew him to where the command had led.

Numb, unconscious—Link’s body carried him to stand, turning to the left. A clearing had formed, wrought with shadows and a path that turned to nothing the further he looked. Petals flowed from the hidden path, and with slow, careful steps, the Hylian went to the beginning of it. He stared into the abyss and waited. Waiting… For us.

A gust of wind forced his hood down once more, unraveling his hair, giving him the graced nature of his appearance that he sought to hide when working around Hyrule. Link hadn’t taken a single breath, tiptoeing on the line between reality and daydream. Rather, he grabbed the center of his top and squeezed. Waiting. Always waiting for us.

Stampeding. At least, Link swore he heard the sound of hooves barreling across the ground. He looked at Epona, who remained where she was, then whipped back to face the path and backed up. Louder and louder, coming to the very spot he stood, with nothing that could be done. Link stumbled further, tripping over a branch and having to steady himself with one hand.

From darkness came a sudden appearance, the head of a horse showing first before the unveiling of a man happened. Link couldn’t have had a more shocked expression—the arrival of an enemy? He sensed a dark presence, foreboding and overpowering all of the good that had come from his trip to the forest. Reaching for his spear, he gripped the shaft and slid it out, nimble enough to aim it directly at the man who sat atop the enormous horse.

His feet shifted their stance, taking on a defensive position without a second thought. The breath that had left him for what felt like ages returned in full force, steadied and heavy as he trained his eyes on the subtle movements the man made. Nothing would catch him off guard, not even the haunting inkling that he had seen this man before. Link was ready for whatever he threw at him, enemy or not.

The man, skin green and hair wildly red, put his hand up and scoffed. “I come not looking for a fight, boy. Put down your arms, for you see I have none at my disposal.” He hadn’t turned to look at Link, who found the lack of movement disturbing. His ears went down as he processed the measure of his words; what a voice he had… Link recognized it in an instant and grimaced, sharpening his gaze.

You are the one who has used Zelda’s voice to fool me!

In fragile bones and a tightening rib cage came the fervent beat of his heart, thumping to an unknown rhythm that brought a similar sensation as the one in the underground caverns. Link’s hands shook, sweat pooling on his palms, with his grip becoming less firm on his spear. The metal did nothing to soothe him, and the textures were growing to be absurdly uncomfortable. He gritted his teeth and bided his time—this man had some things to answer to.

Hopping down from the large horse, the man dusted himself and positioned his jewelry to be in the correct place. Gold chains and bracelets decorated his body; the hint of a tattoo stood out to Link, and when he noticed how much taller the man was, he swallowed thickly.

A bearded chin jutted out, accompanied by an annoyed expression. Wrinkles lined the man’s face from what Link could see, evidence of his age and the hard life he surely lived. Link scanned every inch of his body for any sign of a weapon—none were there. So he was telling the truth… What is he scheming?

Link, hesitant and a tad bit frightened, sheathed his spear and put both hands on his hips, cocking his head to the side. An expression once annoyed became lighter, now morphing into a gaze of interest. Keeping his distance but never yielding to gentility, the man groused, “I have been looking for this forest for some time now. Seems fitting that a… forest nymph such as yourself would lead me to it.”

He balked at the insult and harrumphed, closing his eyes and storming back to his Purah Pad. Link would bid farewell to the man and return to his mission; how dare someone call him a nymph?! Many insults had been used to describe him, but that was one word he had never imagined he would hear in reference to himself.

As he crouched down and grabbed his Purah Pad, Link lifted his head and gasped when the man abruptly appeared in front of him. So now he was following him? He growled low in his throat—despite the difficulty—and found himself with no other option. This man… For some reason, Link felt as though he had experienced this annoyance in a life far away from his own.

“I’ve offended you.”

So you are just now realizing?!

“I was only trying to compliment you. You see, I’m not from here, and I heard that Elma Knolls is a wonder of Hyrule’s many forests and creatures of the blessed world.”

Link was already pulling up his AAC app and putting together his sentence in the midst of the man’s explanation, and when he finished, Link pressed play and let his own words come out. “If you seek forests and creatures, then I suggest finding for a stable and asking a member of the Stable Association. Hyrule is filled with them! Now, if you’ll excuse me!”

He, with an aura of regality and confidence, helped Epona up and began to head in the opposite direction. Epona nudged him again, as though she were comforting him and telling him things would be okay. Hopefully so… Link had been insulted and then given some baseless explanation for said insult. As if looking for wildlife and the likes was any reason to call some stranger a nymph! How idiotic!

When Link looked up from his feet, he squeaked when he saw the man standing in his way, and created some distance between the two of them. A stalker…! A true one! Link furrowed his brows in recognition, as this must have been the presence he felt when discovering the murals! So I was right… I am being stalked!

In a flash, he was gripping his Purah Pad, prepared to say the worst of the worst to fend off the stalker and make it back to Lookout Landing in one piece. The man, still imposing and stupidly handsome, sighed and shook his head.

“Someone with your… beauty and knowledge of the land should not be wandering a forest unattended. That spear on your back won’t be as reliable as you think it is; hence, I suggest an escort for your trips to such isolated places.”

“Do I know you? Do you know who I am?! Shall I call for a fight?!” Link maintained his confident yet guarded stance and flattened his lips, holding his Purah Pad in one hand while the other sat angrily on his hip, fingers tapping.

A fight would be preferred to whatever nonsense was happening with his stalker, the latter of whom shifted his focus to the side and let out a deep breath. “I made it clear that I was not here for one; I’ll leave you to your escapades, then.” And as he brushed past Link, that burning question returned to force him into a confrontation he didn’t want to face.

But what about humans? Don’t they deserve to be treated kindly at first?

That motto of his was going to bite him in the ass. Link had wanted to maintain his kind, loving soul, and yet, he had treated the man—not stalker, too harsh a label—with hostility and anger right off the bat. Clenching and releasing his fist, he faced the man and tried his best to type a quick response.

“I’ve been rude,” The voice in the app stated rather plainly, and Link waited but a moment for the man to look. Instead, he stopped in his tracks, never looking, leaving Link to type again. “You bear no arms, I see. I’ve been looking for a fight when you only followed me for a way to the forest. If you want, I can take you to the stable just out in North Hyrule Plain and—.”

Once the man looked at him—fully—Link paused his speaker and worried his bottom lip between his teeth. Those golden eyes pierced his heart, letting loose a subtle terror that held within it a sliver of attraction. This had been the first man to catch his eye, unlike the others whom Link occasionally took more than one glance at. His chiseled body… The hair on his chest and arms, like a thicket of autumn leaves… He felt his cheeks grow hot, the blush blossoming on the tips of his ears, too.

Moving closer, destroying the distance they had, the man left but an inch between their feet and smirked. “I am Ganondorf, in case you were looking for a name.” He motioned at Epona, raising a brow. “You seem well-acquainted with your equine partner. As for mine…” And at his back, the large black horse swiveled and walked toward Epona, curious. “Nashoba, be kind.”

Link stared at Nashoba, glorious and grand. His muscles were well-defined—just like his owner’s—and his mane was the same vibrant color as Ganondorf’s. They were a fitting pair, striking a little envy in Link, for he didn’t match Epona in the slightest. Epona was brown and white; Link was tan and golden. How many more differences could they have?

Ganondorf, ever so pristine and grand, rested his hand on Nashoba’s side and lazily petted him. “He’s old, but ‘tis to be expected from all life in this land. All we must do is make their lives exquisite and kind… Not easy for you or me, is it?” The question stung, its deadly poison infesting Link’s veins as he considered it.

No… Link didn’t want to think about it. He stared Ganondorf down, saying nothing, patient in his waiting for the man to continue their discussion. They could move past that question; he already knew the answer, it seemed. Cautious, Link resisted the urge to go on his own tangent about Epona and Kirita—the app would malfunction with how much he’d write down.

How might he classify what he was doing? Like one watches a bird in its natural habitat, studying the little details of their mundane life. Curious as a cat, so focused on Ganondorf that the rest of the world faded from view. Epona’s face shone through along with Nashoba’s, but the sole focus of his studying was Ganondorf, and that made a pit in his stomach.

Having feelings like this… Some of them were new, others were ghosts of what he had buried long ago. Link closed his eyes because if he didn’t see the object of observation, then he wouldn’t feel the burden of his secrets. It was one thing to see Zelda have a loving partner; it was another to know that he could never have what she did. His duties were too crucial to leave behind, and none would want to be with an ex-knight turned hero constantly leaving for months on end.

Love was not for him.

There would never be a special one or forever yours in Link’s life. All he could have was the companionship of animals and the beasts he took care of. Hadn’t he accepted this fate long ago? Endless nights of mourning a life he wanted, but wasn’t meant to have… Were they all for nothing? He winced at his own overthinking, turning to the side and bowing his head.

“Tell me about your steed.”

A chance to talk about Epona… about horses! Link hated how his ears twitched and lifted, his interest too evident to be hiding anymore. As shy as he was, he had always struggled to hide whenever he grew excited at the chance of talking about horses. Sure, others in Hyrule loved them, but Link hadn’t met someone as passionate as himself.

He put up a finger, hiding his face with his hair while he typed away a storm on his Purah Pad. The app would have to put up with his shenanigans for today; his shyness wasn’t going to get in the way of him properly explaining his friendship with Epona.

“She is a Pinto horse. Epona and I met in the wild during a mission of mine, and we bonded. We ate meals together, slept under trees together, and I made sure to groom her regularly. She likes carrots a lot! Sometimes, I give her apple bites!” He typed another tidbit, a coy smile growing on his face. “They have lots of protein and fat in them… The Stable Association gives them to me for free!”

Ganondorf had an indescribable look, his stare like that of an aerocuda spotting Link in the wild. He had only seen a glimpse of Ganondorf’s face, but it was enough to keep him hiding in his hair, embarrassed. There he went, growing giddy and overexplaining something about horses, to someone who only asked one question. Did he say too much this time around? What was warranting such a look?

Maintaining eye contact wouldn’t be possible with Ganondorf. Link never really maintained eye contact with anyone to begin with, but it was different this time. Instead of a natural avoidance of looking while speaking, he was worried over how Ganondorf might look at him next. A hungry beast on the prowl for roadkill; that particular description came to mind when he rotated the unraveling of those looks. Always seeking an answer… Typical Link.

“Quite the mare you have, then.” Ganondorf reached into his pocket and brought out a pile of wildberries—moderate for Nashoba, to keep his stomach healthy. The stallion neighed happily and lazily munched on the berries, a display of affection that made Link’s heart do a flip. Seeing an owner get along well with their pet was always nice to see… Especially when it was someone that Link was—.

“Good boy,” was Ganondorf’s compliment to Nashoba, his free hand running down his side and back up to his neck, a gentle caress. “You don’t often get these treats, do you?” And when Epona finally took notice that Ganondorf was feeding Nashoba, her jealousy grew, and she trotted to him, whinnying.

Giggling, Link refrained from saying anything and chose to watch Epona. He had some leftover treats in his satchel, but a part of him wanted to see what she would do. Like the spoiled girl she could be, Epona made another noise and huffed against Ganondorf’s back, nudging him. Nashoba eyed her from where he stood, cautious and aware of her presence. Thankfully, he seemed unbothered in the company of another horse.

With enough prodding and pestering, Epona got Ganondorf’s attention. He turned to her, almost smiling, and retrieved more berries. As he fed her—she was in absolute bliss getting to eat more fruits—he looked at Link from over his shoulder and hummed. “Your mare is quite overindulged… Nashoba can be, at times.” And Link was beginning to notice that Ganondorf was not one for conversation.

Am I just imagining things? He’s acting as if he knows me… If he was following me, then… But no. That can’t be a reason for the conversation to be so casual. Goddess, why can’t I just act normal when socializing?!

The urge to smack himself on the forehead multiple times was strong, held back by the lone thought that if he were to drop the rest of his mask, he would scare off the sole company he was holding for the first time in a while. Link, instead, dug his nails into his free hand and ground his teeth, quietly.

Silent and serene, their steeds were enjoying snacks given by Ganondorf, at peace in the eerie forest. Though, could Link really call it eerie when he found it so luscious and idyllic? He wondered… Was he finding attraction in what others would find disturbing or frightening? Link peeked at Ganondorf through his bangs and cringed at the heat in his cheeks.

No matter how fervently he fought to deny his interest in Ganondorf, it was returning in the form of a boiling pot of soup. Overflowing, with chunks of vegetables tumbling into his stomach to grow the inevitable feast of love. Could it be called love? Was it lust? Link didn’t understand any of the terms, yet the feelings were strong enough to bring about a desire to touch the man. His body understood; his mind did not. The conflict between them was growing to a steady throb in his battered chest, his little heart torn between staying and taking Epona and running away.

Both horses had been fed as much as they wanted, allowing Ganondorf to swivel on his feet and stride toward Link. It wasn’t like he hadn’t noticed the approach; he braced himself, mind crying out for him to move aside with his body burrowing imaginary stakes into the ground, trapping him. Oxygen became non-existent, steaming in his lungs and refusing to come out through his nose. Link opened his mouth a little, as though trying to breathe in the life he needed, stuck in place.

“I know who you are.” Ganondorf stood with his arms behind his back, a shadow casting over Link as his body blocked out the light they did have. Through each pile of petals around them came visions that slid through the gaps, easily erased by rapidly blinking and a squeeze of his nails.

Yes, Ganondorf would know who he was. The entirety of Hyrule knew, for his legend had been told for over a century. Not knowing who Link was would mean that the person lived under a rock or was willfully ignorant. Of course, an explanation was there; an answer to a fear that was unwarranted. Link willed himself to ignore the cold sweat growing on his palms and stared up at Ganondorf through wheat-colored hair.

Still covering him, his face would not be seen in its entirety. Sapphire irises glimmered through the strands, shining enough to bring attention. Colors scattered across Link’s body and features always stood out, such as the white of his scars and the red of his ears. He was like a magnet, attracting all sorts of attention that he never sought out deliberately.

“You are Link… And you have the Master Sword… Not currently, I take it? That spear is your only defense, isn’t it?” A massive hand reached down and flicked the tip of the spear, making it rattle. Link flinched and nodded, too embarrassed to use his communication device when cornered like this. Only a man of his dreams could do this, and he hated how true it was.

Identified—why wouldn’t he be? Link tried to shake out the wretched thoughts that tried to convince him of Ganondorf’s stalker-like behavior. He was just being followed for directions; he did it many times throughout his life as a knight. Link shouldn’t have overthought it, and still, he continued to circle back to, Ganondorf was stalking me back in the murals… Surely, that must have been him.

Smirking, Ganondorf started circling Link, his footsteps notably loud—due to his size, of course. Link swirled to follow his movements, his fingers clinging to the center of his top while he kept the Purah Pad close. A low, seductive voice, so thick and enchanting, whispered, “I’ve heard about you for six months of my life… Enough to bring me to you.”

Link cleared his throat, getting the blockage in it to go down, his thoughts spiraling in the same pattern as Ganondorf’s path. Six months was quite some time to be hearing about a hero, though, Link supposed it was something multiple people had spoken of. He was a legend, after all, which meant that he was going to be spoken of. Even those who didn’t believe in his existence knew about his tale… Suspicions shouldn’t have been raised.

He tried to find Epona and Nashoba, briefly spotting them. The two horses were perfectly fine; had they not sensed some sort of danger? Link couldn’t stop himself from suspecting the worst when it came to Ganondorf. Handsome, tall, striking Ganondorf… A stalker in the night. It was unshakeable, the thought that Ganondorf had been trailing after him this entire time. How could he do something of the sort? His kindness…

No, it wasn’t kindness. He had been firm and polite, never kind. Link had experienced kindness, with Zelda being the first to come to mind. She was always delicate, her approach always coming from the goodness of her heart. Ganondorf didn’t give Link the same feeling; his forwardness and frightening closeness were suffocating, though it never got to be too much for Link.

What is this feeling? I… I…

Voices were always distinct, and even when he swore that the one from before was Zelda’s, it matched with Ganondorf’s. He knew him to be the source; he knew him to be one who possessed powers unknown to even Link. Communicating telepathically was something Zelda had done during the Calamity when he had awoken, and he thought only she could do such a thing.

Yet… Ganondorf had done it.

“Your skills are impressive, little hero. Many warriors have crossed my path, and none of them match your superior strength. For someone as…” Ganondorf stopped at Link’s side, bringing a shiver to the glass bones Link couldn’t stop from forming when around the man. He leaned down and chuckled, the sound reverberating in Link’s body and becoming an echo so familiar and tainted. “Elfin and diaphanous as yourself, I wouldn’t have expected the courage and power you wield with ease.”

Link turned away from Ganondorf, lowering his head to the point that his neck was aching. On his Purah Pad, he wrote and played, “Who are you? What do you want from me?”

Ganondorf stood straight, not moving from his spot. Lingering; imposing. A force to be reckoned with, something so uncannily distinctive and horrifically difficult to pinpoint. Link’s memory was failing him, and he held the Purah Pad firm in his hand. He had to look again. He had to find those murals and see where Ganondorf had been following him.

While he searched for the photos, Ganondorf continued speaking. “We have met before, and you’ve forgotten. You silly, little thing… You can be so sweet at times. I would have never thought you would have this side to yourself. A mask of indifference and dedication to your cause can only last so long, and I merely want to bring out the real you.”

The real me… I’m not masking anything! He doesn’t know what masking is!

“What about your motto? You played friends with those monsters, and when you met me, you approached with hostility. Where are those morals now, hero? Why do you approach human beings with this anger, but you offer gentility and comfort to mindless creatures? We are the same, Link. Monsters, humans; it doesn’t matter, for we all have a beating heart.”

Beating hearts meant nothing when it came to…

Everything froze when he found the photo. Not of the mural with the horse, which had struck some form of recognition in that confused mind of his. No, this mural was of the demon-esque man… The one with the army of monsters and a distinct form. Horns on his forehead, a long yukata of sorts, and untamed hair.

He was stricken pale. This was him. The man who had been following him throughout his entire journey was carved into the underground walls, and now… he stood right beside Link. A hard clump of dread clogged his esophagus, strangling him. Every nerve in his body was alight as he scurried away from Ganondorf and set his Purah Pad on the ground.

Where Link had expected a smile was but a poker face, Ganondorf’s eyebrows lax and his mouth unmoving. He didn’t give him another look, grabbing his Purah Pad again and latching it onto his side as he ran to Epona.

She was spooked at his sudden arrival, then calmed and snorted as he tried to ready her saddle. I can’t believe it… I’ve fallen for the enemy! This isn’t true… He’s used his powers on me! No! No, this isn’t right! What is happening… What have I done?!

Face screwed tightly into a look of pure terror, Link moved just an inch before colliding with something. It didn’t take a look to know who was grabbing him by the biceps and dropping to one knee, hot breath grazing the shell of his ear.

“Tell me who I am. Say it, Link.”

Using the AAC app would prove useless, for a robotic Sheikah voice could not properly express the consternation that coiled around each organ in his body. Link hadn’t thought about how he couldn’t communicate well, his mouth moving on its own, vocal cords insisting that they have a chance to work.

“A b-b-bad… bad man.” Perturbation controlled him, not giving him a chance to worry about his voice and how it sounded. It was quiet and strained, obviously damaged from his coma, but it was loud enough that Ganondorf squeezed his biceps and moved away, clicking his tongue.

“How can I be so bad? You have seen all that I have done—my taking care of your horse and not coming to you for a fight. I watched you, Link. I watched you frolic with those creatures of mine and give them hugs and affection. But who do you think sent them? Since you’ve seen that inaccurate depiction of me, surely you know what I can do with my army.” Ganondorf gave Link no other option but to look directly at him, staring at him head-on. He appeared sternly, ready to defend himself and allow Link to explain his side; his thoughts.

He wasn’t able to. Really, Link had to think of his hypocrisy on his own. Ganondorf was the darkness that plagued Hyrule, and despite this, he hadn’t fought Link. He approached with caution, yes, but nothing brutal. The monster that had been portrayed in those murals stood right before him and had no weapons and no gloom. Ganondorf was impeccably harmless at this moment, and Link hated that he was being so retaliatory in response to his presence.

My interest in him shouldn’t be this debilitating… Ruining my mind and convincing me of something else. It must be his powers!

“Demon… Demon k-king.” Link finally uttered, his confidence in speaking coming to a head. “You… dam-damaged Hyrule. The… the plague of… gloom. You.” He had to keep his sentences straightforward for the sake of keeping his throat from hurting so badly. With his brain’s insistence that he treat Ganondorf as the monster he was, Link snarled, teeth showing. The shy demeanor he naturally took on—so taken with Ganondorf’s comeliness—had dissipated to allow for that heroic legend to show himself.

Zelda was missing because of him. Her lover was practically widowed by now, and Ganondorf had been the cause behind that. Of course, he was bad! Ganondorf had… Ganondorf had…

Fed Epona. Called me beautiful in all words but that. He didn’t treat me like an untouchable idol, so far removed from the rankings of the rest of Hyrule. Ganondorf knew who I was and still didn’t…

Link, scorned, shook his head and reached for his spear, just like before. It didn’t matter what good Ganondorf did. Sometimes, the worst monsters could be human, and that was exactly what Ganondorf was. He took his best friend away from him and devastated Hyrule once more, like the brute he was. All of this was merely a show to lure Link into giving up the fight.

Ganondorf jerked his chin upward, glaring down at Link. “You want to see a monster in me so desperately? Then I shall give you what you seek, hero.” At his assertion, Ganondorf made a fist, bringing it down harshly as a symbol appeared on his forehead. Crimson hues burst from the symbol, coloring Link just the same as the blast in the underground, and he gasped, stumbling on his feet.

It was instinctual for him to brace himself with the spear once he regained his footing. With the explosion of color, Ganondorf had mutated into the demon form Link had seen in the mural. At Ganondorf’s side, Link faltered at the sight of Nashoba.

Once regal and gorgeous, the stallion had turned into the same one from the opposite mural. Link gawked at the transformation—it couldn’t be! The massive horn on the forehead, blood red gaps sparkling on both it and his belly, such a macabre sight yet magnificent in its own right. He shook his head, for thinking of the glory of Nashoba’s transformation would distract him from the fight.

“Look at me! A monster of my own making… You are not used to seeing humans for what they really are! What do you think, Link? What do you think some of your fellow Hylians do behind closed doors? Those Yiga idiots are just the same as I… Do we not deserve a chance at receiving companionship and grace?” Ganondorf jeered, leaving a knife of confusion in Link’s very core. He was torn, his body unable to be mended back together with thread and needle.

His gaze eased, if only a little, and he gritted his teeth, eyes closed, and head whipped aside. “Wh-Why do… do you deserve… deserve it?!” In his tear ducts came a growing warmth, spiraling into bewilderment at all that was happening. Link felt betrayed by himself, feeling anything positive toward the very demon that ruined everything, a final blow to his ego. He wanted an answer, complete and resolute enough to make him confront that hypocrisy.

It was quiet, save for the vibration that came off of Ganondorf’s Demon King form. Link couldn’t bear to look at him any longer, the twisted emotions knotting up his very being and making sure it wouldn’t unravel. He needed Ganondorf to speak; to do something that would solidify Link’s view of him.

“I had love… once.” Ganondorf went to Nashoba, holding his head as delicately as possible while resting against him. “He was my light; my world. I gave him my everything, no matter the cost, as I could not imagine a world without him. Life with him felt like a dream at the time… Until Rauru came along.

“His troops found that I had a Hylian lover. Some were vehemently against the Gerudo, rallying against me and my efforts to expand my rule within a reasonable scope. I had initially maintained that I would only be making territorial gains near Gerudo Town, but it seemed their prejudiced views could not be stopped.

“I was away for a diplomatic meeting with those who lived on the outskirts of the desert when some of Rauru’s men stormed the Inner Palace. They found my lover there, frightened; alone… And they killed him. An arrow to the stomach as punishment for my kingdom’s isolatory nature and his relationship with me.

“Misery had come to me. A king, once confident and assured in his ruling, had fallen, and none of my wealth could ever compare to the love and acceptance he had given me without any expectation of me. I was disgraced; I was weak without him.

“Rauru had his queen, and he had your princess right by his side, as though she were their daughter. I could not stand to see the man behind my lover’s senseless death have the happy life I once had. The cruelty of the Zonai had presented itself, and I was livid. I killed his queen, and I wrought destruction on Hyrule. If I could not have my light, then he could not have his.” Ganondorf pulled from Nashoba, stretching his arms out and raising his head. “Go ahead and strike me down, hero. It’s what you were destined to do.”

Link dropped his spear without thinking, tears pouring down his face. Empathy and sympathy had won the war in his heart, getting him to wipe his eyes and wrap his arms around himself. It seemed that even the most wretched of them all had a tragic backstory, shattering Link’s expectations that Ganondorf had chosen to be evil.

And he did… somewhat. Link could not fault him for that choice, no matter his standards or the beliefs he was raised on. If he were to lose the love of his life, he, too, would be driven into a frenzy trying to avenge their death. No one was above their emotions; no one could escape the deathly grasp they had on one’s soul.

He left behind the weapon and went to Nashoba, gazing directly at him. The horse leaned forward, but Link shied away. If he touched Nashoba, would he get infected? Tainted by the gloom and forever marred in such an open, visible manner? Link only took in the details of his new form, no doubt looking elated with the nearly-hidden smile that showed on his face.

Ganondorf was watching him, this time with tenderness and mirth. Link took but a peek at him through the hair at the side of his face and stepped aside. Now wasn’t the time to be focusing on the horse when such a tragic tale had been told. How anyone could listen to one and not feel the utmost heartbreak was beyond him. Ganondorf’s story… How he yearned for love just as Link did.

They were human beings with beating hearts. Men who were shunned for their sexuality and cursed to never find love. Ganondorf’s had been taken from him, while Link’s role prevented him from having said love. A connection was there, similarities that he never thought he would share with an enemy.

The monster that stood to his side deserved compassion. Affection. Love. They both deserved to have someone to hold them and remind them of the good in the world. Link wanted it with all of his heart to have that love to return home to and know would be there for him in the end.

Knowing that Ganondorf had survived without his partner for this long was breaking him, but the focus on Nashoba prevented him from sobbing and having a meltdown. All the emotion was at a fever-pitch, ready to break free and consume him from the inside out. Link was close to a point of no return, yet knew not where he would be taking off from.

Hesitant, he took his Purah Pad from where it was held and began snapping photos of the demon horse. Each angle, each side, and all details were captured in quick succession. With the high-quality and detail of the gaps in Nashoba’s body, Link would be able to draw the horse and bring justice to his portrayal. Thinking about making another illustration stirred the innocent, carefree persona he had so long ago.

Gone was the mask of a hero and protector. Link was living his truth for but a small moment, honest and good. Nashoba was lovely in either form, and he wanted so badly to touch him and feel what Ganondorf felt when riding him.

He refrained, but when putting away his Purah Pad, the back of his hand grazed over Nashoba’s side, and he shrieked. Link’s hand shot close to his face as he looked for any sign of infection or a burn. Surely, these demon forms were harmful to Hylians and would make them sick as the gloom did. The gloom came from Ganondorf’s powers; why would they not be harmful?

But nothing came about. His hand was as clear as the waters in the Zora Domain, still shimmering and glistening under the faint sunlight. Link knew he looked shocked, his impulsiveness taking over as he began petting the enormous steed. He was tender, docile, and submissive to show Nashoba that he wasn’t a threat.

Without any words being said, there came an understanding between both animal and man. Perhaps it wasn’t the wisest of decisions to pet a demon horse, though Link didn’t care. A horse was a horse, and Nashoba was just as innocent as Epona, who had decided to take a nap. He felt his lips turn upward, his body relaxing the longer he gave Nashoba attention.

When the demon horse lovingly booped his head against Link, the little Hylian laughed and hugged him, looking to Ganondorf. His cheek was pressed to the side of Nashoba’s face, which half-hid him from view. Blushing, Link nuzzled him closer and sighed, more than content to be with the stallion… and his owner.

“You remind me of him,” Ganondorf said out loud, going opposite Link and planting one hand on Nashoba’s back, peering at him from above. “Your smile, the way you laugh… He loved Nashoba, as well. Just the same as you.” He reached out for Link, nearly touching him but giving up at the last moment. “I suppose that is what draws me to you. We are meant to be enemies, and yet… You…”

I know, Link thought as he drew back from Nashoba and grabbed his Purah Pad. I act like him. I must, in some way, otherwise Ganondorf wouldn’t believe this.

Turning his Purah Pad to Ganondorf, Link let the robotic voice speak. “I am lonely, too. I can’t have love in this life… Maybe someday, when I am free of my duties.”

“Neither of us can escape what awaits.” Ganondorf was sullen, his tone having grown quiet and solemn. Link felt no need for further discussion, seeing temptation before his very eyes. This was a monster that needed affection and love; a reminder that humanity was still good. If Link could touch Nashoba without issue, then he should have been able to touch Ganondorf.

Their destiny, of course. How could Link forget? He stared at Ganondorf hard, taking in the small twitches in his brow and the endless motion of the fluid in his chest. Everything about this man screamed demon, but with a story as sad as his… With their shared desire for love, who could truly see him as but a beast alone? Link gulped and walked over to Ganondorf, raising his hands as the tremor in his body became more noticeable by the second.

Maybe we can, it was a hopeful, childish thought, but Link felt assured in it. This life doesn’t have to be so violent because of our destinies.

Ganondorf remained unmoving to an untrained eye, but Link could see it; how his body shook in anticipation, ready for Link’s touch. They both were afraid of the consequences, and Link tried to fight it off—the attraction. That loneliness in their souls was clinging to one another, scared to let go and return to a world of isolation and grief. He sucked in a sharp breath, closing his eyes as he stepped forward and planted his hands on Ganondorf’s lower abdomen.

A hiss came from above, the vibration of Ganondorf’s Demon King form buzzing underneath Link’s palms. Startled, Link took his hands away, looking up at Ganondorf, waiting. Watching. Forever and always…

Only when Ganondorf took his hands and placed them back on his body did Link find the courage to continue exploring. Ganondorf felt like hardened bark, his insides like sap that had a slight warmth to it, almost like he was turning it into a syrup. The cracks along his body were decorated with a rough edge, even with the smoothing of said hardness taking away any jagged parts.

The Demon King kneeled, giving him better access to the rest of his body. When Link slid his palms toward his chest, the texture changed to something firmer, closer to the inside of a tree with its many rings. Lines curved over the entirety of Ganondorf’s body, jittery in their motions and acting as signs of his ancient age. Link was mesmerized by the functions of his form—could magic really do this to a person?

If he could be as grand in his display of power, then Link would be…

He came to Ganondorf’s neck, the brush of his untamed hair across his knuckles giving him goosebumps. Link kept up with his touching, twirling a strand between his fingers and discovering that it felt like a flowing stream, stained red by the Blood Moon. These textures and feelings… They were comforting in a twisted sense of the word, calming a part of Link that had been so tense and terse.

Monsters… They came in all shapes and sizes. Ganondorf was one, and despite that, Link was still offering him this moment of care. A taste of the love he once had and lost at the hands of wretched brutes. He wanted to fill that space in Ganondorf’s heart, even if only for a moment, for Link, too, had that hole.

And while they couldn’t be together, it didn’t mean that they couldn’t share this moment. Link brought his hands to Ganondorf’s face, cradling it as the man leaned into the touch and sighed softly. Link’s reddened face had never changed; he was smitten with Ganondorf despite all that he knew. There were still gaps in his memory, still lingering and waiting for Link to discover them.

When he did eventually find them, his view on Ganondorf might change. But for right now, lost in the space of time that held within it pink clouds and euphoria, Link stood on his toes and kissed Ganondorf. Tenderly, using the same care he had for the monsters, but with a passion and desire for a true connection. Link was losing himself in the taste of Ganondorf, the feel of his charcoal lips like ash to cool a wound.

Ganondorf held him, his hand on the small of his back with the other holding his head. Their grip was never harsh or controlling, loose enough to allow Link the opportunity to pull away if he wanted. Link rubbed his thumbs underneath Ganondorf’s tired, wrinkled eyes and tilted his head. It was as though he were floating, his body and mind completely surrendering to Ganondorf. Taking in the love, the taste of forgotten memories, and forbidden passion that neither could have.

This was the love Link wanted, a fervor for another that stretched across a century. He was holding the very thing that was giving him a sense of being whole, feeling just as loved, feeling like his affection was being returned. Link sighed into the kiss, and just as soon as it had begun, he was pulling away, still caressing Ganondorf’s face.

Link bowed his head, whispering, “We… Destined. Us. We are… destined.”

“We are.” Ganondorf rose, making Link let go and wrap his arms around himself. “You are to strike me down and save Hyrule.”

“I don’t… don’t want to.” He was firm, still lost in the haze of having his first kiss and holding close the love that seeped into him from the bottom of Ganondorf’s heart. “No. I w-won’t.”

For a moment, he could see the relief in Ganondorf’s gaze, soon wiped clean by a lackluster frown. “We will see what happens when the time comes. And when it does… Fate will hold us in her palms and do with us as she pleases.” He bowed down, grabbing Link’s hand, shutting his eyes while his powers were channeled into creating a mimicry of a blue nightshade.

It was the same shade of crimson as the gloom, the color swirling and mixing with the black inside. Link looked on in awe, holding it cautiously and looking back at Ganondorf, who smiled. “For you. Until we meet again, hero.” And those words… Sorrowful and tainted with a hint of despair. Leaving Link with a disturbed stomach and nagging worry.

He watched Ganondorf as he left, not saying anything in return, holding the flower right against his heart. It hurt… Terribly so. Knowing that their destiny was to be so unfortunate, never to come together as one and have the love they so hopelessly wished for. Link fought back the tears as he went to Epona, mounting her and setting the flower in front of himself.

A glance over his shoulder confirmed that Ganondorf and Nashoba were truly gone, ready to confront Link when the moment came. Already, he was longing to change fate and decide what they could do. Link would fight whoever tried to stop him; he’d do anything for a chance at love.

So, as he began to go on his way back to the entrance of the forest, he took his Purah Pad one last time and pulled up the secret photo of Ganondorf he had taken. Link stared at it for what felt like ages, his eyes blurry and glossed over with unshed tears.

Until we meet again… I swear.