Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“War Between Eras, as it was called. A war that lasted three years. Many lives were forfeited. Many lives were saved. And some disappeared in and out of portals across time and space. The war lay heavily on everyone's mind, no matter if they participated in the fight or not. The hero, Captain Link, carried the army forward. He defeated monsters and Hylians alike. He survived when others didn’t. He fought viciously when others couldn’t. He fiercely defended his allies when others failed. He is a knight for his people. He is a knight who survived the worst. He is a knight who fought tooth and nail to defeat the evil around Hyrule. The Queen, Zelda, and her second in command, Impa, fought alongside our Hero. Fighting through hoards of grotesque monsters. With the help of a few others across time. And with the help of the White Sorceress Lana and allies from each portal, they fought with skill and desperation to cleanse this world of darkness.

The darkness came to be named Ganondorf. This Ganondorf gained allies from across time as well. Zant, the darkness from the Hyrule of Twilight. Ghirahim, the darkness of Hyrule from the Sky. Cia, the other half of Lana’s soul, and Volga, the Dragon Knight of Hyrule. Traitor soldiers that didn’t respect the light. And monsters that seemed to multiply no matter how many our heroes took out.

Three years have passed since the beginning of the war, and our hero, holder of the Triforce of Courage, has won against the darkness. He fought Zant and won. He gallantly fought Ghirahim and won. He had valiantly fought Volga several times before he claimed victory. He fought Cia and won with the help of Lana. He sliced the traitors who tried to stab him in the back and won. He engaged in a vicious battle against Ganondorf. The brutal battle lasted for three merciless days and two sleepless nights, but light vanquished the dreadful darkness and used the Master Sword to seal it away. The kingdom of Hyrule could finally breathe. The soldiers came home with Queen Zelda, General Impa, and Captain Link, prompting them safely to Castle Town. Our allies from various times left through portals our Sorceress opened for them. People reluctantly began rebuilding, mourning the losses of good men and women who lost their lives in the horrible battle.

Queen Zelda, welder of the Triforce of Wisdom, kept protecting her people from the tragic aftermath of the war and the verge of famine. Sorceress Lana, the new welder of the Triforce of Power, Closed the Gate of Time for good. And finally, our Hero Link, welder of the Triforce of Courage, kept protecting all of Hyrule from any leftover monsters and danger. He became a beacon of hope for most of Hyrule. Hoping Link would be able to keep the monsters at bay. Hoping he stays strong to carry out Hylia’s wishes. Two anxious months have passed since the brutal war officially ended. Hyrule became peaceful when those two months passed with no attacks. The people carried on without a care about a monster attack happening. And Hylia’s three chosen took care of Hyrule, its people, and its towns. The war was finally over.”

A twenty-seven-year-old fair-haired Hylian woman with hazel eyes, who wore a violet dress and black flats, sighed contentedly as she saw her child fast asleep in bed from her story-telling. She pulled the blanket up to her child's shoulders with a smile. A chuckle broke the woman out of her musing to look up at a young man in his late teens with gleaming blond hair and sapphire blue eyes. He wore a green tunic with chainmail underneath and tan pants with dark brown boots. To top off his outfit, he wore a long, brilliant blue scarf tied securely to his neck, a sword tied on his right hip, and a shield tied on his back.

“You sure love that story, Esha.” The blond smiled broadly.

“Well, of course I do! I love telling your niece about your successful conquest, even if it's watered down to the basics.” The woman, Esha, chuckled, standing up. “Now come over here and greet your poor old sister properly.” She opened her arms. The armed man rolled his eyes and walked up to the bed and to his sister. He hugged her gently but strongly. “How are you, Link?” She whispered tenderly. Squeezing him tight.

"Fine. Just tired." He pauses. "And you do know that isn’t how the story went, right? The Queen and General Impa achieved a lot more along with our Allies." He huffed an embarrassed laugh.

“Oh, hush, you did just as much. Perhaps more." She gently held him at arm's length.

"Maybe you're just biased." He smirked. She merely shrugged.

"So, what brings you here tonight? You rarely come home." Link paused, wringing his hands with the bottom of his scarf.

"Is uh Uboka here?" His sister tilted her head.

“Yeah, she is. Why?"

"I’d rather tell you and her at the same time." He bunched up his scarf. "It’ll be easier for all of us."

She turned around and motioned for him to follow. They climbed up the stairs and into a small study room, where they spotted a tall thirty-year-old Gerudo woman with flaming red hair and a dark complexion who wore an armored gold and ruby breastplate and golden sirwal pants with little red sun designs. She was reading a couple books and writing down notes in a journal.

“What’s wrong, Esha?”

“Uboka, guess who's back!” The Gerudo didn’t even turn around or stop writing.

“Hm? Who?” Esha put her hands on her hips, shaking her head.

“Well, if you take a break, you’ll know.” Uboka sighed.

“Fineeee.” She pushed her chair back to stand. “So what’s-” She gasped. “LINK!” She ran to hug him tightly, lifting him slightly due to height differences. “Oh, my Hylia, it’s delightful to see you back safe and sound!” They hugged for a couple more minutes. Before she reluctantly released him. “What’s going on? When did you get back? What took you so long to come home?”

“I just got back an hour ago. All the Captains and Generals had to bury the last of the bodies. Pay our respects to the Great Fairy.” His smile wobbled. "And I had to put the Master Sword back in the pedestal. Then the Queen summoned me as soon as I got back. I did see Linkle, though." He smiled brightly at the mention of his twin before frowning. “And I need to talk to both of you.”

Chapter Text

They sat nervously around the kitchen stove, holding warm drinks.

“Link.” Esha fiddled with her cup. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Link looked down and sighed.

“I’m not.” He mumbled and took a sip. “I’m being sent on another mission. And I may not be back for a while.” An uncomfortable silence blanketed the room. They both jumped when Uboka slammed her cup on the ground.

“What?! But you just got here! Especially since you need rest. Can’t the Queen send anyone else!?” She looked ready to cry. Uboka was always the most sensitive of the three, especially when the war was on and whenever they received a rare letter from Link.

“I wish she could. But the Queen only trusts a select few. And with Lana taking care of a portal by Death Mountain, Cia is taking care of the one in Zora Domain. Captain Tona is guarding the Temple until Lana and Cia get back, and General Loni is handling another portal towards the Hebrew mountains." He swallowed thickly and said, "I’ve been ordered to go to the Gerudo Desert to check out a potential magic portal that the Gerudo warriors sighted by their border.” He looked up at his sisters in pain and regret. “As the Hero and Captain of the Royal Army, I’m expected to scout out the unknown danger." He put his cup down and said, “General Impa can’t go because she guards the Queen. All of our Allies from the portals returned to their time a month ago, except for one, to whom I’d rather she not go. The Queen can’t send other soldiers because we are still weeding out some traitors. So, I am the only one she trusts to go check out the magic portal.” Ubosa clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“All she does is use you! I’m sick of her putting your life on the line! I get it; you’re the Captain of the army, you're the Hero of Legend, but with her throwing you this way and that when you didn’t even want all this, it makes me curse this kingdom!” She teared up and huffed as she wiped her eyes.

“Ubosa.” Esha whispered. Esha felt the same way about their queen and about this kingdom, but she could never say it out loud, scared someone might catch her with those traitorous thoughts. The thing she didn’t include in her story-telling to her little girl was that Queen Zelda became more cold-hearted after Ganon was defeated.

Every soldier was warned about what happens when someone becomes a traitor to the crown or speaks with disdain towards their Queen's ruling.

During the last battle against Ganon, many soldiers ran. When the battle was won, the Sheikah Tribe caught all the cowardly soldiers and presented them to General Impa, Queen Zelda, and Link, who were waiting for orders. The Queen spoke of their cowardly ways to the rest of the army after she gathered them, telling the others that if they ever ran from battle or didn't follow direct orders, the penalty was death. But worst of all, she made Link behead them. Link, of course, hesitated, which earned him the same warning. So, with regret and tears, he beheaded them. Each one spitting his name in hate and betrayal. By the time he was done, a river of blood had seeped into everyone's boots. He wasn't able to sleep after that. He had nightmares after nightmares of all the faces of men and women he had to behead. He couldn't tell anyone. But he did anyway.

Link told his sisters what happened in hushed whispers and warned them to stay quiet about it. Since that day, when the girls learned about what happened, they have hated the Queen. They kept silent about their hatred, but once in a while it would show, like now.

“Ubosa, you can’t say that!” Link widened his eyes as he whispered, hushed, and hurried. He looked fearful for her. “I get it, I really do, and I-I feel the same, but if something happens to either of you…” He trailed off with a twitch of his ear. The girls ears twitched too, abruptly shutting the conversation down as they heard little footsteps coming from the bedroom.

“Mama?” A little dark-haired Rito girl came out with her feathered hand rubbing her eye.

“Zae, honey, what are you doing up?” Esha sets her cup down and walks to her daughter, scooping her up in her arms.

“I heard voices.” Zae slurred with sleep.

“It’s just your Aunt and Uncle. Let’s get you back to sleep.” She walked out of the room and into the bedroom. Link turned to Ubosa and sighed.

“I do need your help with something, though.”

“Anything.” She said it with a smile.

“Does Gerudo Town still accept any race of females?” Ubosa blinked, not expecting that question.

“Yes. Why?” She asked with a hint of confusion.

“Does the rule of Queen Zelda reach there?”

“Of course not; you know this. Why are you asking Link?” She didn’t like this line of questioning.

“I want you, Esha and Zae, to live in Gerudo Town from now on. If this magic portal does something to me, I want you three to be protected and far away from the queen. I know you and Esha are fighters, but I’d feel more comfortable if I knew you three were in good hands and in freer conditions. I’ll even escort you three.” Ubosa didn’t know what to say. She would accept without hesitation, but moving across the land would be a nightmare, especially on short notice. ‘But it would be safer to leave Castle Town, ’ She thought. Esha walked back in with a loving smile.

“Well, she’s asleep.” She looked toward Link and Ubosa and sobered up. “What’s wrong?” Link opened his mouth to answer, but Ubosa’s voice interrupted.

“He wants us three to move to Gerudo Town. Tomorrow with him.” She paused to gauge Esha’s reaction, but nothing on the Hylian’s face gave anything away. She hesitated before speaking. “And I’d have to agree with him. It’s not safe here. And I know the weather may not be suitable for Zae being half Rito, but I’d prefer if she could grow up with a lot more freedom and safety without Sheikah breathing down her neck, and I hate to say it, but we don’t know what the portal will do to Link when he checks it.” She swallowed nervously. “So it’s best to just leave this home behind.”

“Esha, I’m sorry.” Link paused and lowered his voice. “I want you three to be safe; besides, the Queen can’t do anything if you are in another region. And Ubosa knows her way around, and she also told us about the amazing culture-” Esha raised her hand to stop Link from rambling.

“Okay.” Ubosa and Link looked at her like she had a second head.

“Okay? J-just like that? I was prepared to give you a list of pros about moving.” Link trailed off with wide eyes. Esha chuckled.

“I want to protect my daughter, and if I have to move, so be it. And I want my little one to grow up without being limited. So, what time are we leaving?” Esha put her hands on her hips with a cheerful smile. The two couldn’t help but smile at her.

“We’re leaving at 0600 hours. Do you two need help packing?” Esha shook her head.

“Oh, baby brother of ours, you should know us; we are always packed for a just-in-case scenario.” Ubosa barked a laugh at Link's offended face.

“What about the house?” The girls shared a look.

“Well, we’re leaving it, because, like it or not, you would have to stay here, right? Besides, this house is where all of our siblings gather; it would be pointless to get rid of it. We'll have to send them letters about what’s going on tomorrow morning.”

“Aright, if you think that's the best course of action. We leave at dawn.” The three shared a determined expression.

Chapter Text

At dawn the next day, Esha explained to Zae what was going on. The little one trilled happily.

“Does this mean I get to learn how to fly!? Ooh, I get to see outside of Castle Town! I can’t wait!” She hopped up and down with her arms flapping. Feathers fluttering with how fast she's flapping her arms.

“Yes, my little chickadee. But you have to listen to us. The world outside is dangerous, and I don’t want to lose you, so stay close and in sight at all times.” Esha said sternly, and Zae nodded quickly.

“Of course, mama.”

“Good, now you’ve got your toy.” Esha grabbed Zae’s bag of clothes and pictures.

“Yup, right here!” She held a little bird stuffed animal with a red scarf around its neck.

“Alright, then let’s go.” Esha put her bags on her back and picked up Zae, walking out of the house to meet her siblings. Link had three horses with him. Two deep browns and one in a tan shade—two horses were already loaded with supplies.

“How did you get three horses?” Esha asked as she loaded the last horse with her bags. Link shrugged.

“I told General Impa I’m escorting my sisters and niece to the Gerudo Desert. And well, she gave me three horses.” Esha nodded. Link walked up to his niece and picked her up as both Ubosa and Esha climbed up on two of the horses. "Well, Zae, this is your first adventure! Are you ready to see outside that gate?" Zae squawked with excitement.

"YES YES YES!! I AM SO READY, UNCLE LINK!" The three adults chuckled. He walked over to Esha and handed Zae to her, then climbed up on his horse.

"Alright, let's go." The three rode their horses out of Castle Town and into the wild.

They rode for hours and hours, only stopping for lunch and to rest the horses. By the time they packed up again, they were almost halfway to the Gerudo Desert. They brought their horses to a slow trot. Zae was talking a mile a minute about all the pretty flowers they passed. Asking questions about what the flowers smelled like: 'can you eat or cook them?'

The ride itself was peaceful, but they would have to camp as soon as the sun was about to set. Link stopped his horse, and the others followed his lead.

"Let me scout ahead just to make sure this area is safe." With a nod from his sisters and an 'okay uncle' from his niece, he scouted ahead for any danger. When he found none, he turned back to get to his sisters. The space he found was well defensible; thick trees blocked two ways; one of those ways led to a small creek; and the other openings could fit a horse one at a time. It was like one of the keeps back at the war. He hopes there will be less danger this time. When he reached his family, he told them it was safe. "We can make camp here for the night."

"Who's taking first watch?" Esha asked as she set up the campfire and a pot of water on the fire. She started to pull out a knife and vegetables to cut into cubes. Zae is watching her sleepily.

"I'll take it." Ubosa said as she rolled out hers, Esha’s, Link’s, and Zae’s bed rolls.

“Are you sure?” Link asked as he looked around the perimeter. Ubosa nodded her head as she finished laying out the bed rolls. Esha put the vegetables in as Ubosa came over to sit. Link came over as soon as he deemed the perimeter safe. He grabbed everyone's water skin to fill them in the creek.

“Mama, is dinner done?” Zae yawned.

“Just about sweetheart. Just a little bit longer, honey.”

They ate their stew in silence, too busy watching the woods around them. A soft clatter drew their eyes to Zae, who fell asleep sitting up but with her spoon and bowl tilted on the ground.

“I got her.” Link put his bowl down to grab Zae’s bowl to put it on the ground before it spilled anymore. He then picked her up, took her to her sleeping bag, and tucked her in. As he came back to the fire, he talked quietly: “Ubosa, would it be safer to travel the desert at night or day?” She thought for a second.

“With Zae, definitely at night, it’ll be cooler for her. But if we want to walk in the daytime, I’ve got gems that will keep her cool. You both have your Gerudo outfits, right?” They both nodded. “Good, that will protect you both from the heat. But if we do go at night, I would wear layers or gem-infused clothing.” She took the last bite of her stew. “So in all honesty, daytime or nighttime is fine. And we have a blanket to provide shade for Zae if she gets too hot.”

“I hate to say it, especially since I don’t want my angel to get sick or die, but daytime would be easier to get her used to the heat.” Esha frowned. “As long as we have plenty of water and cooling gems, we should be fine. Right?”

“Of course! Besides, there’s a bazaar halfway to the town. So if we have to, we’ll take a break there.” Ubosa put her arm around Esha’s shoulders, dragging her into a half-hug. “We would never put Zae in danger.”

“Exactly.” Link put his arms around both of his sisters before pulling away and getting down to business. “With the rate we are going, we should make it to the edge of the desert by evening. We’ll sleep at the stable and walk the desert in the morning. How long does it take to get to the Bazaar?”

“About half a day, give or take if there are monsters along the way.” Ubosa released Esha from the hug. Esha hummed.

“And the Bazaar to the Town?” Esha said while gathering the bowls to rinse. Link brought the bucket of water over and helped rinse the bowls.

“Same amount of time, maybe an hour more, but we should arrive at night.”

“Aright, then that’s the plan, then. Esha, you should rest since you have the second watch. Remember three hours each.” Link said as he dried the last bowl and packed it away.

“Yes dad. ” She paused and started to whisper dramatically, “Hylia, he acts like he’s the oldest; can you believe him?” Esha nodded her head sagely. Watching Link crawl into his bed.

“Oh, I know. It pains me deeply. The little brat.” Link groaned.

“Just go to sleep already! Dear Din.” He hissed without heat. The girls giggled. Esha climbs into bed next to a sleeping Zae.

The next morning, they packed up their bed rolls and had some bread and apples for breakfast. After making sure they collected everything, they loaded up the horses and rode out. They continued to ride until midday, stopping for a short break. As they were eating, Zae bounced up to Link.

“Uncle! Can I ride with you?” Link parted his lips in shock before smiling gently.

“Jee, I don’t know; wouldn’t your mom feel lonely all by her lonesome?”

“Aw, please!” She leaned over to whisper. “You’re fun, and you have tons of stories! Mama just watches the scenery, and Aunty Ubosa is boring.” Link tried to smother his smile and choke back a laugh with little success.

“Well, I suppose if your mom says it’s fine, then you may ride with me.” He threw an apple core into the dirt. “Better finish your lunch; we should be moving in a little bit.” He patted her head and stood up to put the bag of food away. Zae’s eyes glittered in excitement; she ate her apple fast and threw the core the same way her uncle did, trailing after him.

“Mama! Can I ride with Uncle?” She asked sweetly. Her mom chuckled at her daughter’s innocent tone.

“Oh, I suppose. Just be careful; we have to move faster if we’re going to make it to the sable before dark. I don’t want you falling off.” Zae flapped her wings when she jumped.

“Yes! Thank you, mama!” She ran to Link, jumping and flapping her wings in excitement. “Uncle! Uncle! She said, I can!”

“What about me? You don’t wanna ride with me? I know a lot about this area.” Ubosa said this from atop her horse with an amused pout.

“No offense, Aunty, but you make everything so boring.” Link barked a laugh, helping Zae onto the horse. Esha giggled, moving her horse to stand by Ubosa’s.

“Well, she’s not wrong. You do tend to explain a simple flower into an essay.”

“Brats! All of you. Is this how you treat your elders?”

“No, but with you, yes.” Link climbed up behind Zae after making sure she wouldn’t fall off.

Throughout the rest of the trip, Link told Zae stories about the war. (less gory details, of course) Told her about the great fairies and his friend Proxi. Of the world in the sky, the world by an ocean, and a world in the shadows. Each story flows effortlessly. Keeping Zae entertained.

“Um, Uncle?” Zae said nervously.

“Yes?”

“What happened to Volga?” She paused, knowing how much her uncle loved learning and playing with Volga when he was younger and whenever Volga came to visit. According to her Aunt, at least she watched as his knuckles turned white from gripping the reins tightly.

“I-I killed him.” He said weakly, clearing his throat, “He wanted to fight me one last time without Cia’s magic, and I defeated him. Do you know what he said to me?” She shook her head, looking up at her uncle. “He said, ‘ I lose, but I do so without regrets.’ When I looked back at him, he disappeared. So I assumed he died like every other monster on the field. He may not have been a monster, but he was wrapped in dark magic. So, I assumed he died. I couldn't dwell on it being in the middle of a war, so I left.” He went quiet after that.

“I’m sorry, Uncle I never should've asked.” Zae whispered, looking ahead, not wanting to look into her uncle’s pained eyes.

“No worries, Zae; I can’t blame you for curiosity. Besides, it’s been a while since that battle.” His smile was a little forced, but it became genuine when Zae looked up at him again. He slowed the horse to a trot as the stable came into view. “Alright girls, we’re staying the night and walking the desert in the morning.” He got off his horse, helping Zae get down as well as grabbing the packs. “We are not stopping until we get to Kara Kara Bazaar. We can stop to eat there. And then we’re going to walk the last stretch to Gerudo Village.” He led the horse to the post, seeing his sisters do the same as Zae stayed by the dog.

“Aright, but both of you have to change before we go in. I don’t want you two fainting in this heat.”

After dinner was done, they went to the room they rented for the night and got ready to sleep. Zae was the first one to succumb to sleep.

The other three were pulling out their clothes and special gems for tomorrow and making sure they had enough water and non-perishables for the trip across the desert. One by one, the others fell asleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning, they all woke up before dawn to eat and dress in their Gerudo outfits. (Like BoTW Vai’s outfit,) Zae wore a lavender fitted top with puffy sleeves and lavender Harlem pants, along with a lavender veil with white feather designs. Esha’s outfit was similar to Zae’s; the color was a cherry blossom pink, the veil was the same pink but with white butterflies as the design, and instead of pants, it was a full-length skirt with a slit up one leg (Like Urbosa’s skirt), and the top was a bra instead of a fitted top. Link wore a fitted top and the same full-length skirt with a slit and a veil with white fairy designs. His outfit is an azure color. Each outfit got a pair of matching flats. Ubosa wore her Gerudo armor, a gold and green bra, with lavender Harlem pants, golden greaves, and green and gold heels. Her veil was plain green.

“Why the hell am I in a skirt?” Link crossed his arms with a pout as he came out of the bathroom.

“Aw, uncle, you look pretty!” Zae jumped up and down, squawking happily, “You match Mama and me!” Zae giggled, Ubosa smirked, and Esha tied up her hair, giggling.

“The prettiest next to all of us, of course.”

“You guys are menaces.” Link sighed dramatically before putting on his veil with the help of Ubosa.

“Sorry, I didn’t make you pants; I kind of ran out of the special thread. Those gems on the belt aren’t the only thing keeping you cool in the heat.” She put her bag on her back. Link blinked at that.

“Oh, I’m not complaining; it’s just going to take a bit to get used to.” Link rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. “Honestly, it feels nice.” He swished the skirt. “I never knew skirts could feel like this. And it’s easy to move in.”

“Link, did you want me to alter your pants?” Esha said it with a giggle and a wink. Making Link blush.

“NO! I was just saying-!” He huffed, “Oh, forget it! Let’s go.” He grabbed his pack and started towards the desert, still blushing from the teasing, hearing his family laughing behind him.

Walking in the desert was easy for Ubosa and Link; for the other two, not so much. Esha and Zae kept sliding in the sand, struggling to keep up. But after a while, they got the hang of it. As soon as Kara Kara Bazaar came into sight, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They found a spot under some shade.

“Zae, sweetie, how are you holding up?”

“I-I don’t like the heat.” Zae said this while panting for air. “Sand is weird too.”

“Should I give her another gem?” Ubosa was digging through her bag.

“No, but she should drink more water. We want her to get used to the heat.” Link gave Zae his water skin after she finished hers. “Drink slowly, Zae; I don’t want you to get sick.” She finished it slowly.

“Will I ever get used to this heat?” Zae dramatically fell back and laid starfish in the sand.

“Zae, you’re getting as bad as Link with the dramatics. You act like you’ve been in the heat all your life; it’s only been seven hours.”

“Yeah, I know, but I’m so bored and hot.”

“Well, my dramatic chickadee, you should know that I rented three sand seals.” Ubosa said with a smirk.

“Is that why you were over by the guard?”

“One of the reasons, yes. So we would be at Gerudo Village sooner. That way we can settle down in my house and wash up before you have to see the Chief, which could be done the next morning.”

“Hm, that sounds like a plan; let’s fill up our water skins and be on our way, shall we?” Esha stood up, with the rest following her.

As soon as Ubosa gave them the rundown for seal surfing and they covered their faces a bit more, they were on their way. Zae sat on Ubosa’s shoulders with her wings out. She whooped and trilled happily each time the seal sped up. Esha’s eyes crinkled as she watched her child happily flap her wings before looking ahead of her.

“I see the wall straight ahead. Yah!” Ubosa urged the seal to go faster, which in turn made Zae flap her arms faster.

“This is so fun!” She shouted out with a laugh to Ubosa. “Can we do this again?”

“Of course we can; we can do this after your lessons as soon as we settle down here. Now hang on, I’m going to stop.” She gradually slowed the seal down, with the other two following her lead. When they all stopped in front of the village wall, they grabbed their shields and released the seals, watching them go back to Kara Kara Bazaar.

“Vasaaq.” One of the guards at the entrance greeted.

“State your business, sisters.”

“Sav’aaq! I’m here with my sisters and niece from Castle Town. Two of them are planning to live here with me. And my youngest sister, Link, is here to see the Chief on behalf of Queen Zelda, as per request.” They looked at each other and nodded.

“Sorry, we’ve just been on edge with the portal outside our gates. Please come in. I’ll tell the Chief that the Queen sent someone. A guard will come collect you when the Chief is ready. Ubosa, I’m sorry about this.”

“Oh, it’s no big deal. You know where to find Link if any of the guards need to collect her.” They passed by the guards with a smile. The village was lively. Voices overlapped; the loudest were trying to get traders to see their products. Ubosa waved and greeted the other Gerudos that the group passed before reaching her house. The house was all stone, with the outside decorated in red, blue, green, and purple stones above the archway of the door and windows. The inside of the windows has an orange cloth covering for shade. There was a stone stove towards the back of the room with storage for dry foods and pans. To the left of the room was a little floor table with pillows around it. To the right of the kitchen was another room, which was separated by another orange curtain. Inside that room were two beds and a small dresser in between them.

“It’s not big, but there’s enough space for all of us. And I’m afraid the only baths are in the bathhouse. Sorry Link.”

“Eh, it’s fine. If you have a bucket of water, I can bathe that way while you all bathe at the bathhouse. And I could get started on dinner.” After the baths were done for everyone and dinner was cooking, a guard came up to the house.

“Sav’saaba. Is Link here?” Link stood up with a smile, hoping they didn’t notice him being a man since he didn’t have the veil on at the time. He cleared his throat, making his voice higher in pitch.

“Yes, I’m here. Does the Chief wish to see me?” The guard looked over, and to Link’s relief, she didn’t say anything.

“She told me to bring you tomorrow. So I will be here tomorrow at eight in the morning. Please be ready by then.” Link and the Guard shared a nod as soon as the message was delivered. “Sav’oor.” She took her leave.

“Well, dinner is almost done. Zae, sweetie, you can take off the gems now; the weather is nice and cool.”

“Okay mama.” She took off her sapphire circlet and bracelet. “I’m so excited to see this place in daylight! What are the lessons like?” The curry was dished out.

“Hm, if I remember correctly, we learn geography, history, and different herbs found around Hyrule. And when you get older, the classes change. And if you want to learn how to wield a sword or a spear, you can get that class when you’re older. It’s fun, and there are plenty of children to befriend as well.”

“I can’t wait! When do I start classes? When can I meet the other kids?” Zae wiggled in her seat with glittery eyes, almost spilling her curry.

“Your mom has to talk to the instructor, but maybe we should wait a bit to get you comfortable.”

“I would have to agree, Zae. At least get comfortable here, alright? I don’t want you passing out in class from the heat.”

“Okay, I’ll wait, but I’m still going to explore tomorrow!” Zae trilled happily while shoving the last bit of her curry in her mouth.

“Alright, calm down.” Everyone chuckled at Zae’s excitement and said, “Let’s go to sleep. I’ll wash the dishes.” Esha gathered up everyone's dishes. “Link, why don’t you put Zae to bed?” She gave him a pointed look. Which meant ‘explain to her your mission just in case something happens.’

“Alright, come here, little birdy.” He snatched Zae up with a tickle to her stomach, carrying her to the bedroom over his shoulder.

“Zae, there’s something I wanted to tell you.” Link started as he tucked Zae in bed. “I was sent out on a mission to the Gerudo desert to check out a portal, unlike the others during the war. I’m not here for fun like you, your mama, or your aunt.” He paused, meeting her eyes. “I don’t know what this portal does or if it’s safe or not. I-What I’m trying to say is that there’s a chance of me not surviving.”

“I refuse your death.” She said it with a serious look, her tears refusing to fall. “You will survive. Whatever it does to you, I want you to never give up. Because that’s who you are, Uncle. A person who doesn’t know how to give up.” She sat up and threw herself on Link. “Please don’t die; I’ll miss you too much.” He froze for a second, and she tightened her hold around his stomach before he shook himself and hugged just as tightly back. He chuckled wetly.

“Alright, I promise I won’t die before you turn twenty. How about that? Does that seem like a good compromise?” He wiped his eyes before he brought her to arm’s length. “Or maybe when you’re old and wrinkly.” She giggled and crossed her arms with an exaggerated thinking face.

“Hm. Till I’m old and wrinkly sounds good to me!”

“Oh? Does that sound good?” Link’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’ll try my hardest not to come back as a gibdo to see little old you.”

“Ew, I hope you don't.” She stuck her tongue out, saying, “But if you do, I'll make sure to put you to rest!” She scooted back under the covers with a yawn. “Love you, Uncle.” He bent down to kiss her forehead.

“Goodnight.” He got up and walked to the door, only turning to look back at Zae. “Love you too, little birdy.”

Chapter Text

Discovering that he didn’t need to wear the veil gave him the freedom to try different makeup looks with his outfit. The guard was coming at eight, two hours after he woke up. So he had plenty of time to try different shades of eye shadow and to perfect his eye liner. Doing his makeup was a nervous habit he picked up during the war. It reminded him of the sleepovers he and his sisters did when he was little; the motions of doing makeup were calming, so that was a plus for him. And he was nervous. Nervous to speak to the Chief. Frightened to get discovered as a man. So perfecting his makeup was the least he could do to keep level-headed. He used his concealer on his cheek, lightly rubbing it on his scar. He sighed, picked up his eyeshadow, and paused. After his talk with Zae, he couldn’t sleep. He didn’t want to let her down, but he had no control over that. He didn’t know what this portal would do, what it would release, or if he would get sucked in. He didn’t know if it would kill him or alter him. ‘What then? What would happen to Esha and the others?’ A bunch of ‘what ifs’ entered his mind like a flood. Each ‘what if’ clouded his mind with dread. What if? What if? What if? It kept repeating itself in his head. He put the eyeshadow down with shaky hands.

“Hero uh Courage. Yeah raht.” He whispered to himself, trying to get his hands to stop shaking. Willing them to stop. ‘Gist stop, please,’ He thought in dismay. He stared at his shaking hands while gnawing on his lip. He couldn’t breathe. ‘Wha can’t ah breathe!’

“Link?” Esha came into the room, wiping the sleep from her eyes. She saw Link on his knees, looking at his shaking hands, not even acknowledging her. She walked closer and realized he was breathing fast and short. “Shit.” She kneeled in front of him and said, “Focus on my breathing, Link.” She grabbed one of his hands gently and laid it on her chest. She started to breathe with exaggerated breaths. He tried to follow her breathing, but each intake of air made him choke. “Try again, honey. Take your time.” He heard her whisper softly.

“Ah-Ah can’t! Ah can’t!” Link panicked. He used his free hand to grab at his chest.

“Yes, you can, Honey, you can do this.” After a while, he got control of his breathing. “There we go. I’m so proud of you, Link.”

“Sorry.” He croaked, dropping both hands in his lap.

“You don’t have to apologize. Did you want to talk about it?” He shook his head. She hesitated, wanting to push, but looking at Link, who moved his knees up to his chest to hug, she knew she couldn’t ask. “Were you doing your eyeshadow?” Esha picked up the tin of forgotten makeup. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Link perk up.

“Uh, yeah, I was tryin’ to match it with my outfit. Ah usually use nude with green, but Ah ran out of nude, and I’m gist about out of green. Ah need tuh restock on mah eyeliner too.” Esha sucked in a gasp at Link as his accent came through. She used to hear it all the time when he was little. Another thing he had to change about himself when he became a captain to have his accent. To have it come out must mean he isn’t as put together as she thought, not that she could blame him; he just had an attack. She mentally shook herself from her thoughts.

“Hm, I think I have nude, but I don’t have green. Let me help?” Link hummed and nodded. He was too mentally tired to do his makeup anymore.

“Make shore it matches an’ looks good.”

“Oh, Link, honey, I’ll make you gorgeous.” She joked. “I’m just going to use blue, if that’s okay?”

“Shore.” Link nodded, closing his eyes.

“Okay let’s see.” She picked up the liner and started to do a simple outline of his eyes. “Joking aside, may I ask why you want it to look good?”

“Well, I-” He paused and said, “The Queen always said that uh Hero has tuh bay put together. An’ shay didn’t wanna draw attention tuh mah scar on mah cheek, so shay said tuh do ah makeup tuh ‘make chur eyes pop.’” He said it with air quotes. “When that didn’t work, shay told me tuh cover up mah scar. So ah started practicin’ all kinds of makeup, but Ah’m better at ah makeup.” Esha gritted her teeth. She put down the liner and picked up the eye shadow. Starting to lightly apply a darker shade of blue around the corners of his eyes.

“I see. Do you enjoy the makeup?” She was scared that the makeup was a bad coping mechanism from the war. If it was, she didn’t care if the penalty was death; she was going to beat that queen for saying that to him. She couldn’t even see the scar. In fact, she doesn’t even remember seeing a scar in the past couple days. Which made her pause. “Did you cover up your scar?” Esha asked with curiosity.

“Yes, ah enjoy the makeup, an’ yea, ah covered my scar. Wha?” He opened his eyes when he didn’t feel the brush against his lids. “What’s wrong?” She got up, grabbing a rag from the counter and wetting it. Coming back over, she held it out to him.

“Wipe it off.” When he didn’t grab it, she shook her hand and said, “Scars share a story. Shares what you endured. Don’t cover up what you went through to survive. The Queen isn’t here, so there’s no need to cover them.” Link’s eyes well up with tears as he takes the rag and wipes his cheek, showing a jagged pink scar that went from below the middle of his bottom lip up through his top lip to the middle of his left cheek. It wasn’t pretty to look at, but Esha adored it all the same. “There you are. Just as handsome as before. Never cover up these scars, dear brother.” She hugged him tightly. “Better not ruin your eye liner either.” She chuckled. The face scar is minor next to his other scars. The burn scar on his whole left arm is horrible to look at because he could’ve died from dragon fire. The back of his neck had knife-like scars, and his back was littered with burns and weapon-like scars. His right leg, from the thigh to the knee, had a giant burn scar. So hearing the Queen tell him to hide a scar made her boil in rage.

“Ah won’t,” He chuckled, “but we should probly finish before thuther two come into thuh room.” He sniffed, pulling away to use the wet rag to make sure he cleaned up the makeup on his scar. “Did ah mess up muh makeup?” He looked up, feeling her stare.

“No, I just…” She gently touched the scar. “I’m so proud of you.” She cleared her throat. “Now let’s finish up; you have that meeting in an hour. And you still need to eat. And I don’t know if you realize this, but your accent is showing.” She chuckled at his curse while picking up the eyeshadow again.

After breakfast, the guard came and collected Link. Link grabbed his bottomless bag of weapons and his original weapons, his White sword and shield . Just in case the portal spits out monsters. He also grabbed and wrapped his scarf around his neck as proof. The walk through town was quiet. Link watched as stores started to open; a clothing and jewelry store caught his eye when he passed. He made a mental note to check those stores when he came back. They made their way up the stairs into the throne room.

“Sav’otta, Chief, I’ve brought Link.” The guard brought her right fist to her left breast in greeting.

“Thank you, Kailia; you may leave.” The guard tapped her chest once before leaving. Link looked back at the chief. The chief sat in her chair, looking at Link with an amused smile. She wore a deep forest green ankle-length skirt tied with a golden belt covered in rubies. Her top was a forest-green armored breastplate. Her striking red hair had two thick braids styled into one bunch. She wore a golden crown that stood tall in her hair, with a gem draped over her forehead. The woman next to her was intimidating. She wore a silver armored breastplate. And green Harlem pants, her veil being silver as well as her heels. On her back was a Gerudo claymore. Her hair was done up in a high ponytail. She stood next to the Chief.

“Welcome, Link. I am Rashira, the Chief of the Gerudos. And this is my second in command, Dani.” She waved a hand towards the woman next to her. “I asked the Queen to send someone trustworthy. She told me the Hero Link would be coming. Imagine my surprise when I heard four young Vai’s came from Castle Town when I heard the Hero was in fact a man." Link’s face didn’t give anything away, but he was mentally panicking. "But at this point, I could care less; all I ask is that you respect the Gerudos.” Rashira’s smile faded into pursed lips.

“Of course I’ll respect them. I’m very sorry I had to trick a couple to get in.” He thanked Farore that his accent didn’t come through. He bowed his head. “I’ll take full punishment.” Rashira chuckled.

“Rise your head, little Voe. There will be no punishment if you respect them. Now shall we get to business?”

Chapter Text

“The first order of business is the portal. My warriors on watch noticed it four days ago; it showed up late in the evening. It wasn’t like the other portals during the war. This one is all black. Instead of the regular purple oval. It’s a little ways past the east gate. I was wondering if you could check it out.” She paused, “It started to pulse yesterday evening. I’ve ordered some guards to keep a watch on it, but nothing has happened just yet.” Rashira sighed, rubbing her forehead. “It’s not doing anything, but it just makes everyone on edge.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. Is there anything else you can tell me about it?” Link tilted his head.

“Besides the color and pulsing,” she frowned, “‘fraid not. A warrior did touch it, but it was like a mirror, solid.”

“Very well, I’ll head out and look for a way to purge it.” Link smiled calmly.

“Thank you, Hero. When you return there is-”

“CHIEF RASHIRA!” Rashira, Dani and Link looked at two guards running up the stairs in panic. “The portal is pulsing faster and humming.” Rashira stood up and grabbed her swords.

“Let’s go!” Rashira and Dani followed the guards out, with Link following a second later. Everyone in town paused what they were doing to watch their Chief, guards, and the Hylian run towards the East gate. “Ardi, take Lila to gather everyone on the west side of town. Prepare for a fight, just in case.” Rashira sped up, and Link pushed himself to go faster. Outside the gate, he saw strips of black aura crackling around the portal. Everyone drew their weapons. “Akira, when did the aura show?”

“Just a couple minutes ago.” Akira answered without moving her eyes from the portal. “Chief, forgive my insolence, but I believe you should be in town as a last defense for the people.” Rashira tsked.

“Forgiven, but I will not leave my warriors in the face of a battle. If it’s that.” Akira nodded. Dani stood on Rashira’s right hand and heaved her Gerudo claymore to her shoulder. Link stood to the Chief’s left side, drawing his weapon and shield.

“Hero,” Link’s ear twitched, “If I’m not able to protect Rashira, I leave you to protect her.”

“Understood.” He tightened his grip on his sword as the aura changed into black lightning. Someone walked up to his left side holding a spear.

“Just like old times, eh, Link?” Link couldn’t hold back the smile.

“Maybe it’s old times for you; for me, it felt like yesterday.” A strangled gasp made his ear twitch.

“No respect to your sister; I swear to Din.” The crackle grew silent. And the portal grew bright. The warriors glued their eyes to the portal, each one tense.

“Something’s coming through! Weapons up!” All the Gerudos followed Dani’s instructions. Rashira held a fist in the air.

“On my command, we attack. Archers, are you prepared?”

“Waiting on your order!” Sweat dripped down Links face. The waiting made him antsy, he knew the others were too.

“Well, Fuck.” A short, pink-haired man walked through the portal. He had a red tunic with black long sleeves underneath. Knee-high brown boots with white wings around the cuffs. A blue hat that unfortunately did not match his outfit. And what was even more heinous than his color clash was that he had no pants on. Another man came out behind him, just as short, but this one had curly brown hair, a green tunic with a brown long sleeve underneath, and thankfully brown pants on. He also had knee-high boots, but now that Link looks at them, he thinks they are knee-high, seeing how short they are.

Two more come out of the portal next. Both are short, but one is even shorter than the other. The tallest of the two boys had short blond hair, a thigh-length blue lobster shirt, and orange knee-length pants with black ankle-length boots. The other boy had shoulder-length hair pushed back with a green headband and a tunic of mixed colors: blue, green, violet, and red. He wore black leggings with brown ankle-length boots. Another brown-haired man came out. He wore a knight’s uniform that Link thought was similar to the ones he saw on Skyloft: a green tunic with white underneath and black arm guards. Around the uniform was a red and white obi belt, with a skinny brown belt holding it. He wore baggy tan pants and knee-length brown boots. Around his shoulders was a white cape.

Three more came out of the portal before it closed. The shortest of the trio had long, dirty blond hair tied back in a low ponytail. A blue shirt with a white sword design and tan under sleeves, tan pants tied with a belt, and like everyone else, he had knee-length brown boots. And some kind of device on his hip. Around his shoulders was a hooded black cloak. And from what Link could see, the whole left side of his face had an excessive amount of scarring. The one that stood directly next to him was a bit taller and had wider shoulders. Short, dirty blond hair that did little to hide his dark facial markings, which Link remembered from somewhere but couldn’t put his finger on. Like the other knight, he had the same uniform but a darker shade of green and a farm-style blue obi belt with an orange rope-like belt to hold it. Tan pants with dark brown knee-length boots; his arm braces’ are the same color brown. For some reason, he wore a wolf pelt around his shoulders and a dark crystal around his neck.

The last one who stood next to the wolf-pelt man stood the tallest. He had blond hair, a scar across his right eye, and two red ‘U’ shaped crescents, and a blue ‘V’ mark on his forehead. Which Link has definitely seen before in the war. He wore heavy silver and gold breastplate armor with a design of a crescent moon on the right side of his pec and the triforce on the other pec. His gauntlets were brown cloth with gold ridges on top. His chainmail came to a stop above his knees. He wore black leggings, and like the others, brown knee-length boots. A blue ocarina was tied securely to his belt.

All the Gerudo warriors paused, sneaking glances towards their Chief and towards the Hero. Link, looking at the eight men, noticed some of them looked similar. He wanted to say something, but he didn’t want to overstep. He sneaked a look at Rashira. Who looked at each one but said nothing as she lowered her arm. She looked at the Hero and subtly nodded her head. Link cleared his throat.

“State your business!” Link made sure to pitch his tone a bit for the benefit of the other Gerudos. The tallest stepped forward with his hand raised in placidity.

“We’ve come to find a Hero named Link. Hylia sent us on another mission, and we need his help.” The man’s eyes sparkled when he looked at Link, like he already knew who he was. Rashira lifted her chin with a smirk.

“Oh? And pray tell, what this mission is. Cause what I see right now are eight men, four of whom look to be children, stepping through a dark magic portal next to my Town. So I’m dying to know what this so-called mission is and why you need the Hero Link. And since we are explaining, maybe you can tell me why one of you reeks of dark magic.” She raised an eyebrow, not once relaxing.

“Oh, for fucks sake.” The pink-haired boy groaned. “The god-forsaken goddess dragged all of our sorry asses through different portals across the timelines. We’re chasing a monster across time and space. Is that enough information for you?” Rashira and Dani tilted their heads, with Rashira giggling.

“Blunt, I like that. Yes, I suppose it is, for now. Warriors dismissed!” The Gerudo warriors, except for Dani left. Link, Dani, and Rashira put their weapons away. “Let’s talk in private, shall we?” She turned away, walking back to town. Dani following her. “Well, are you coming?”