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Chapter Text

The ritual had been successful, Zelda knew. Her life, greatly prolonged since becoming a dragon, would no longer be burdened with Hylia’s Spirit. A new bloodline would start, her golden powers blooming anew in a different family. One that wasn’t the shambles that is the royal family. 

Zelda retreated deeper into the Lost Woods, where she could finally rest. Though she was long before passing on, she felt she deserved a good slumber, finally free of her old burdens.

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The Sheikah doctor held the newborn in her arms as the new mother and father sat next to each other in the medical wing. “Congratulations, it’s a baby girl!” 

The mother of the child took the baby from the doctor’s arms and held her gingerly. “What should we name her, my dear?”

“Perhaps Lona? I think it has a pleasant ring.” The father suggested.

The mother smiled at her newborn daughter. “Lona. Yes, I like that name.”

The doctor nodded as the new parents fawned over their child. “I shall leave you be. If you need anything, please get one of the other nurses.”

The mother nodded back. “Of course.”

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To skip about a year back before the birth of the little girl, we then travel to a young couple, a Gerudo woman and her Hylian husband. An anomaly had occurred that has never been seen amongst the Gerudo.

Twin Voe.

Now, a Voe born in the Gerudo is a rare occurrence, only happening once every hundred years. But it had been almost 200 years since the defeat of the Demon King, the most recent male in the Gerudo, despite him technically being over 10,000 years old. Perhaps that was the way the universe was preparing for these twins.

Gerudo Town  believed that it was the older twin who had been gripped in the claws of the curse of Demise, and so, they named him Anubis. The younger was named Horus, as he was believed to be the one who would assist in the defeat of the new reincarnation of Demise.

Oh how wrong they could have been

You see, Din, the Golden Goddess of Power, saved the eldest boy before Demise could get his claws on him. But she was too late for the other. Demise gripped the younger twin in the claws of his curse, causing an entanglement of their fates, twins destined to fight.

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Fast forward a few months after the birth of the little girl named Lona, a baby boy was born. This little boy was the chosen baby that the Spirit of Hylia would reside in now that Zelda had given it up in return for a peaceful life.

The little boy was named Zefiryn, and he was born into a wealthy family. His parents knew he was special, so they pampered him. The doctors advised they limit their spoiling, lest they made him think the entire world revolved around him. The boy’s mother heeded the warning, making sure to let the boy know of being kind and patient.

These children, The Older Male Gerudo Twin, the Special Hylian Girl, and Hylia’s Boy, will all play important roles in this story. And the Guardian Dragons seem to be quite keen on them as well. Perhaps we should begin our story. Ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls. Let us begin…

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA; WISH OF THE DRAGONS

Lona rushed home, skipping happily as she clutched her bag. Her home rested on an outcrop looking above Tarrey Town, the landmark showing that it’s nearby being a weird rock with an opening in it. She saw Coral, the younger of the two Zora princesses waiting nearby.

“Coral!” The young Hylian exclaimed, rushing to meet her dearest friend and crush. Coral smiled as Lona embraced her in a quick hug. Despite being only 13, the girl was already quickly approaching 5’6. What had they been feeding her?

“It’s good to see you, too, Lona!” The Zora responded. “Say, what are you so excited about? I saw you skipping very happily up the hill.”

Lona pulled a slip of paper from her satchel. “I get to play the part of the royal knight in my school’s annual play! I even get to have a sword and everything!”

Coral clapped her hands. “That’s awesome! Your fluid movements from your skill in dance should really help you sell the look, too.”

Lona twisted with her braid. “You think?”

The Zora nodded. “Of course! Oh, and I heard your 14th birthday was coming up! Me and my grandparents have a surprise waiting for you in the Domain. You’re gonna love it!”

The teenager hugged her best friend once again before rushing off towards her home. “I hope so! See you tomorrow?”

“See you tomorrow!”

Lona stopped in front of the stable attached to her house to pet Coffee, her horse that she appropriately named for the color of his coat. 

“Hey boy. You want this little thing I found?” She said, holding up a golden apple. The horse sniffed it curiously before greedily gobbling it up from her hand.

“Ho-ho-k, big guy. That’s all I had. So don’t give me that look.” Lona responded as her horse gave her those big eyes of “More?”

After some more spoiling of her horse, Lona entered her house and placed her bag down by the lamp stand. 

“Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad!” she greeted as she grabbed her Sheikah Slate, paper, and pen so she could do her homework.

“Hello, sweetheart!” Her mother called from the kitchen. “How was school today?”

“It was great, Mom! I got casted as the knight in my school’s play! Can you believe it?”

Her father laughed as he walked down the stairs. “I can! You’re really good at dance, not to mention when you took those sword lessons when you were younger. You were a natural!”

Lona blushed. She remembered being obsessed with the old stories of heroes and the Master Sword, how they fought with courage. She wanted to be like them so badly she convinced her parents to let her do sword training lessons from an actual knight, which she graduated from after a few months because she was naturally just that good. So, to keep her busy with something that was more or less similar, at least in footwork, they got her into dance. It’s done quite well for her, actually. 

“Daaaaaddd, that’s embarrassing. I’m not a little kid anymore. Besides, I’ve probably gotten rusty since it’s been 4 years since I’ve done anything.”

Her father grinned as he held up a package. “I wanted to wait for your 14th to give you this, but we have…Something else in store for you, so I figured I’d give it to you now.”

Lona looked at her dad. “Wha-?”

He sat down next to his daughter and laid the wrapped package in front of her. “Well, open it!”

Lona unwrapped the..sheath???

Oh.

OH!

“A…Royal Broadsword? But dad! These things are super rare nowadays! How did you-”

Her mother giggled as she brought dinner over. “Let’s just say your father got incredibly lucky with ore deposits these past few weeks.”

Lona hugged her parents. “Thank you! Once I’m done eating and doing my homework, I’m gonna see if I can still swing.”

“Of course. And be safe! We don’t want you lobbing off your right arm now, do we?” Her mother teased.

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The sound of cracking rang through the remains of the temple. Where the ruined sword lay, a black light shone through the crevices of where it was stuck.

A humanoid form began to take shape. Lean and agile, the figure wore a red cape and skin-tight white suit that had various holes down the legs and on the lower torso.

He has once again awoken.

In a similar response, deep in the Korok Forest, the Master Sword’s blade began to glow, and a gentle blue light formed the silhouette of a person as well.

The Spirit of the Master Sword has also finally woken up from her long slumber.

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Lone woke up the next morning, feeling excited. She was going to the Zora’s Domain to see Coral, her older sister Oceana, and their grandparents, King Sidon and Queen Yona. She was going to show her new sword! Turns out, she’s just as good as she was 4 years ago. A few things to work on but still good! 

Coral and Oceana met with her near the Skyview Tower.

“Ah, Lona. It is wonderful to see you again.” Oceana said kindly. Lona grinned as she shook the older Zora princess’s hand. 

“It’s good to see you again, too, Oceana!” The Hylian greeted back. She pulled out her Royal Broadsword. “My father got me this! Turns out I’m not half bad even after 4 years.”

Coral bounced up and down excitedly. “That’s incredible! I heard that those swords were used by the royal family before the kingdom was turned into a democracy. Now they’re just rare collectors items! Your father was so lucky to get one!”

Oceana took her younger sister and Lona to the Domain, where Sidon and Yona stood in wait.

Sidon immediately scooped Lona up into a hug. “Lona! My, have you grown again? You know, your great great great grandfather was small for a Hylian of full maturity, and you’re just the opposite! You’ve gotten so tall, and you’re only almost 14!”

Yona put her hand on her husband’s arm. “Sidon, my dear, you’re squishing her.”

Sidon gave an embarrassed smile as he placed Lona back down. Sidon and Yona were friends since they were young, and although their marriage was arranged, they held a mutual respect and care for each other that, although not love, was still a strong bond that held their domain together. 

Coral seemed to remember something at that moment. “Grandfather! I almost forgot! I learned something new with my water powers!” 

Sidon cocked his head to the side. “Oh? What is it?”

Coral, using her magic, pulled water from the lake. She twisted its shape, forming it into a trident. She grinned as she held the weapon. “I learned this!”

Oceana clapped her hands while Sidon stared in awe.

“Sweetheart, I’m so proud of you! Even I’m still learning the extent of my powers, and I discovered them 200 years ago!” The Zora King enthused. Oceana knew that, although one she would assume the title of queen, her younger sister would become the Sage of Water, as she had, well, water powers, while she did not. Oceana had assumed her great-aunt’s healing abilities. 

Lona nudged her friend’s sister. “You’re really talented too, you know? I think it’s pretty cool you can bring someone who is practically dead back to life with your healing powers.”

Oceana smiled. “Thank you, Lona. I see why Coral has taken such a liking to you. You’re a lot like your great great great grandfather, based on what our grandfather has told us. Kind, charming, and very chaotic. Don’t think I don't know what you and my sister get up to.” She winked.

Lona waved her hand. “Pssshhh, what? Noooo, why would we EVER cause any chaos?” She said sarcastically. 

Oceana giggled with her toothy grin. “Suuurrreeee. Anyways, happy early birthday. I hope you enjoy what me and my family have planned for you.”

The Hylian girl grinned. “I hope so, too!”

After Lona had showed off her sword skills and hugged everyone goodbye, she left for the nearest stable, retrieving Coffee and riding back towards Tarrey Town. A faint voice rang in the back of her mind.

“Master…Enter the Lost Woods…Please…Find me, and seal away the evil that plagues this land…”

She shook it off as some sort of fluke in the wind. “Weird voice in the wind…Not the strangest thing that's happened to me. At least, not since I discovered I had wind powers..”

“Master…Come seek me on your 14th birthday…I eagerly await your arrival.”

Chapter Text

Zefiryn was the son of a noble family. He was also incredibly curious, and proficient at healing magic. His skills with a bow were sharp, and Hateno has had to thank many times for keeping monsters that hide in forest at bay. He preferred to be out in that forest with breathable clothes than being stuck in his house with stuffy clothes that restricted his movements. 

That is to say, he tailored an outfit that was more fit for exploring the woods, that, while still looking all fancy, was breathable and more proper for being outside. With sturdy Hylian trousers and boots with a loose red button up and blue jacket, he could climb trees and snipe any Bokoblins that strayed too close to Hateno.

Today was no different, and he had a small list of things to gather. One of the shop keepers had asked Zefiryn to gather various mushrooms so he could sell them to the village. To which he happily accepted, as he enjoyed helping the people of Hateno. So, Zefiryn set out into the woods, his brown hair tied up in a ponytail for practical reasons, and went foraging. 

While he was out, he heard something strange. He peaked from the edge of a tree, and saw that outside the woods, there was a blue Lynel near the path. 

Zefiryn nearly seized. Lynels were dangerous, and one this close to the path that led into the town? Travelers and merchants were in serious danger! He carefully traversed the trees until he climbed one just close enough to the Lynel so he could shoot it, but far enough away he would remain unseen. 

Breathing quietly, Zefiryn pulled a fire fruit from his pocket and tied it around the arrow using a thin rope. He took his aim, inhaled, exhaled, and shot.

Right in the head.

The Lynel, stunned, turned and tried to find where the arrow had come from. Zefiryn remained quiet, searching his pocket for anything else, only coming upon a…Bomb flower he found in a cave.

…..Shit.

Zefiryn did his best to secure the bomb flower to the arrow with his rope. Closing his eyes, he aimed again.

When he opened his eyes, there was fire on the ground and an injured Lynel staring in his direction.

Crap. It sniffed him out.

He climbed down the tree to face the Lynel head on, nocking three arrows instead of one into his bow. The Lynel huffed, and the two circled around each other watching their movements.

Zefiryn attacked first. He shot the three arrows into the Lynel’s eyes, temporarily rendering it vulnerable. The young noble took the advantage, drawing his bow once again. As he aimed, a blinding bright light came from the arrow. The boy gasped as he shut his eyes and let the arrow loose. 

By the time the light dissipated there was a dead Lynel, a couple very shocked soldiers who went to check the situation, and a stunned Zefiryn. 

“Ehehehe…..Hi?”

One of the soldiers dragged Zefiryn back to his home.

“Your son fought a Lynel, ma’am.”

“As you’ve already said! I’m glad he’s ok, at least, and I am worried about his safety, but what should this have to be an issue about?”

“He’s a noble, he shouldn’t have gotten caught up in such affairs! It’s dangerous!”

“He’s a skilled fighter! Surely, you must have seen his skills with that bow of his?”

“And then how would you explain the bright light that he summoned with his bow?”

The silence in that moment was deafening.

“Excuse me…Bright- Light?” His mother stammered.

Zefiryn stared down at his hands. “Yes…Mother. When fighting the Lynel, I stunned it. When I drew my bow again, there was really bright light. I don’t know what it was, I swear!”

His mother clutched her son. “Fir…I believe you. Just…Magic is very finicky. The fact of the matter is that you let out an uncontrolled burst of magic that killed a Lynel. You’re lucky it had found a focal point in the arrow you let loose.”

Zefiryn paused. “...Magic?”

“Yes, Fir. Magic. You had performed magic. And not just the basic healing magic you already know that I taught you, it was certainly something much more powerful. It…might be best if we see a professional magic user about this.” His mother fretted.

Zefiryn looked at his hands, chill creeping down his dominant arm, stopping on the back of his hand. 

As Zefiryn’s mother set up a meeting with a mage, the young teen went up to the old tech lab. The place brought him an odd sense of comfort, being surrounded by old Sheikah and Zonai tech, which that researcher from 200 years ago (Purah?) used to mass produce the Sheikah Slate that many people used nowadays, including Zefiryn. 

He pulled out his slate and retrieved his bow. “What happened back there…” He murmured. The chill from earlier crept back up his arm and to his hand again. 

Bells jingled next to him.

“Ya-ha-ha!”

“AAA-!” Zefiryn jumped. A Korok. Wait. He could SEE the Korok.

“You can see me, right, mister?” The little wood sprite asked. “Yay! That means you’re the one Hylia’s spirit chose to inhabit after Miss Zelda performed that ritual!”

The teen looked at the sprite in confusion. “Wh-what???” He stuttered.

“He he! Yep! You’re the new Hylia reincarnate! Miss Zelda got rid of her spirit so a new bloodline could flourish! And you’re the lucky one who got chosen! That’s why the holy light came from you earlier!”

Zefiryn blanked out. Him. Hylia? What in the three goddesses’ names? Is the little sprite mad?

“Bye bye!” The Korok waved before poofing in a puff of leaves.

Zefiryn stared at the spot the Korok had just been. 

“What in the names of the golden three…”

The teen grabbed his bow and exited the old lab, nabbing a few items he could tie onto his arrows should he need to in a kerfuffle against a monster.

He looked at the place the Korok had been again. The chill on the back of his hand was more present than ever, and his heart felt warm. 

Zefiryn’s walk didn’t take him to his home. It took him towards the mountain. He heard stories of an age-old spring residing at the peak. Even the spicy elixir he drank before coming up here was stopping the now numbing cold on his hand. 

He turned back before his elixir ran out. Not even he was crazy enough to push through the mountain at this hour, without a light source, and his elixir worn off.

The Korok peeped their head from behind a rock, watching Zefiryn walk away. “Bye bye, mister!” It said. Bells jingled slightly as snow fell on Mount Lanayru, and the little forest sprite giggled. “I hope you meet the others soon!”  

Chapter Text

For all his time spent in Gerudo Town, Anubis has been told by the elders that he was cursed, and he was fated to fight his younger twin brother, Horus. Anubis was…scared. Afraid. He loved his brother dearly. And for the record of it, the two were an anomaly. Typically, only one Gerudo male is born every 100 years, but he and Horus were born 200 years after the defeat of the previous Gerudo man, Ganondorf, who was awful. Supposedly they were prophesied, but Anubis could care less. He just really wished he wasn’t “cursed”.

It was that month’s sandshroud week. Anubis couldn’t join and assist with fighting the Gibdos because he got incredibly sick, and it turns out that he had fire powers too. The Gerudo elders kept whispering that it was a bad sign, that the curse was taking root.

In his feverish daze, Anubis thought he heard…laughter? And bells? “Wh…”

“Ya-ha-ha!”

Anubis jolted up right in his bed, looking over to the side. 

“KOROK?!” He yelped, giving himself vertigo from sitting up so fast. And as he had said, there was a little Korok next to his bedside, looking up at him.

“He he! Yup! I’m a Korok! Are you alright, mister? You don’t look so good.” The little wood sprite said.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just feverish.” Anubis responded.

The wood faery didn’t look convinced, but it understood that the boy was tired and wanted rest.

“Well, if you say so, mister. I don’t think you’re cursed. Here! I want you to have this! Me and the other Koroks have made similar things for the others!”

The fae placed a strange looking hair ornament on Anubis’ bedside table. It was a hair tie thing, decorated with lush golden leaves. The strings that tie it off had beads at the end of them. It was…pretty.

“Thank you…” He mumbled

“Of course! Bye bye!” The Korok waved before disappearing.

The next day, Anubis felt…great! He wasn’t sore, he wasn’t tired, and his fever had broken! The doctor had said it was something short of a miracle he recovered overnight. Perhaps that Korok that had visited the night before did something…

But that was beside the point, Anubis was great, he could fight Gibdos with his brother! And practice his new fire abilities while he was at it! He grabbed the hair piece on his bedside table, tied it around his ponytail, grabbed his spear, and rushed out into the sand shroud.

Things weren’t looking great. It was common practice nowadays for the warriors of Gerudo Town to fashion gems such as rubies and topaz into their spears specifically because of the sand shroud that happens every month(its origins tracing back 200 years ago during an event called “The Upheaval”). Even with this, the Gibdos were in swarms. Anubis clutched his spear, a training one, as it didn’t have a gem, and got to work. 

Being inexperienced with his magic, Anubis got as close to the Gibdos as he could, grabbing their lanky arms and sending ripples of fire across their bony bodies. After making them vulnerable, he knocked them down and stabbed the back of their heads with his spear, watching them puff into purple smoke.

Night fell and the weather cooled off into the freezing temperatures that the desert was used to. “Gibdos don’t like cold temperatures, so they only attack during the day” was something that was told to every Gerudo warrior in training.

“Sav’aaq, Anubis.” His teacher called. The Gerudo clutched his spear. “Yes ma’am?” His teacher gently grabbed Anubis’ spear from his hand. “Can you come with me? I want you to know something.”

The two walked from the training grounds into the building where general education was held. His teacher sat him down and placed his spear near the door frame. She sighed and smiled in Anubis’ direction.

“I heard of your exploits today with those Gibdos. Burned them to a crisp, eh, little Voe? Not very “cursed by Demise”-like, if you ask me. But that is beside the point. I’m sending you off to train with someone who can help you with your magic. But firstly, she had asked me to help you fashion a spear more to your liking and embed a ruby for you to practice more with fire.”

Anubis looked at his teacher. “Eh?” His teacher laughed. “Do not worry little Voe. This person knows what they’re doing. She’s teaching the Chieftain-to-be her lighting powers. You’ll be in good hands.”

Anubis’ hands were shaky. Him? Training with the tutor who was teaching their current chieftain’s daughter? And a new spear, made specifically for him? 

“Well, little Voe?” His teacher asked him.

“Yes.” Anubis responded. “I’ll do it. Can I draw up a design of my new spear?”

His teacher smiled. “Of course, little Voe. For someone they all call cursed, you are the sweetest little thing ever.”

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Horus stood outside the door, listening in on his brother and teacher’s conversation. That lucky idiot. Being able to learn elemental magic alongside their chieftain’s kid? An opportunity he WISHED he had. 

Despite Anubis supposedly being cursed by the ancient demon god Demise, it was almost like he was blessed by Din herself. Only the younger adults and people around his age didn’t even believe in that silly thing, but Horus and the elders did. After all, if you’ve read ancient texts, the ancient demon has plagued Hyrule for over 13,000 years. An evil that festered forever underneath the surface, waiting to be reborn.

Horus walked away, bitterness bubbling in his stomach. His brother’s kindness will fade as the curse sets in eventually. He’ll just have to play the waiting game.

In the meanwhile, to distract himself, Horus took a whetstone and sharpened his claymore. His claymore was embedded with topaz, to make quick work of those pesky Gibdos.

The more he thought about Anubis’ opportunity, the more Horus got frustrated. He gripped his whetstone tighter and tighter…

*crack*

“Goddesses DAMN IT.” He growled under his breath. He broke his whetstone. Lovely. He’ll have to buy a new one later. But not now. It was night and he had to go to bed so he could be well rested for the next wave of Gibdos the next day.

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Anubis finished sketching out a rough design of the spear he wanted. It had a roughly diamond shaped head, a ruby set at the middle of the solid part before it prongs off. The handle of the spear was wrapped in a deep crimson leather, and the butt of the spear was a simple point. 

“Impressive, little Voe!” His teacher said as she peered over Anubis’ shoulder. “It’s simple enough that it won’t be too difficult to make, but still distinct enough for it to be recognizable amongst other people’s spears.”

Anubis looked up at his teacher.

“Do you think I’m actually cursed?”

She sighed. “Anubis…I really don’t think so. To me, and most others, it’s just a legend. The elders believe you are because of something that has happened twice. A sheer matter of coincidence that two Gerudo men ended up being awful people. But awful people happen everywhere. If I were you, I would treat those stories as they are; legends. But, do be careful. The elders are stubborn, after all.”

Anubis looked back down. “A legend…yeah…”

“Do not dwell on it too much, little Voe. Sav’orq, and sav’orr.”

His teacher gently took Anubis’s sketch and rolled it up so she could take it to his new teacher the next day before exiting the room, leaving Anubis alone with his thoughts. He decided it was best to head home and get something to eat before going to bed. 

When Anubis arrived home, his brother was awaiting him in the doorway.

“Well, you’re home late.” Horus said, a hint of snide in his voice. Anubis looked at his brother. “I’m sorry, Horus. However, the teacher had asked me to stay late so we could have a discussion on what to do next with my fire magic.”

Horus raised his eyebrow. “...And the hairband?”

Anubis froze as he was grabbing a flatbread. “...Gift as a congratulations about my magic. You needn’t to worry about it.”

The older twin finished preparing his flatbread quickly and went to his room. Shutting the door quickly, Anubis placed his food on his desk and sat down. Not even his teacher mentioned the hairband. It was probably because he and Horus were twins, and twins always noticed when things were different about each other. Yeah, that was it.

Anubis finished his flatbread and removed the hairband, gently placing it in the drawer of his desk. “I hope Horus doesn’t snoop.” He muttered to himself.

The young Gerudo climbed into bed, thinking of the day’s events. As the dark embrace of sleep washed over him, a gentle voice said his name.

“Anubis…May my blessing bring you the happiness you desire, and a warmth to give others.”

Chapter Text

Lona’s 14th birthday rapidly approached. Her parents didn’t know of her powers of wind, nor did she tell them of the voice that kept whispering, more and more as her birthday drew nearer.

Finally, the night arrived. Just as the clock struck 12, her birthday officially began.

Lona’s parents gently shook her awake.

“Mhhnnnnggggg, it’s midnight, ma and pa….” The teen mumbled. Her parents just nodded. “Well, it’s for a reason. Grab your horse. The other members of the family are already waiting at the Woodland Stable.”

Lona sat up, and reached for the Royal Broadsword next to her nightstand. Her father gently grabbed her wrist. “Not now, Lonlon.” The silly nickname her father had given her when she was young. She got dressed, ate an apple, and saddled Coffee.

“Why are we going to the Woodland Stable, dad?” Lona asked groggily. “And why in the middle of the night? Isn’t the stable next to the Lost Woods?”

“All will be explained in due time.” Her father replied, trotting slightly ahead on his own horse, Cloud.

The ride from Akkala to the Woodland Stable was only a few hours, and they made it at about 3 in the morning. Lona’s mother was right; much of her extended family was there. Her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents were all there.

Her grandmother on her mom’s side gave her a hug. “To think you are 14 already. This is a big responsibility. Are you sure you’re ready?”

Lona was confused, but nodded. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw…A guy and two wolves? She turned her head in the direction of them. The man, who appeared to only have one arm(?!), simply nodded before he and his wolf companions entered the woods.

The rest of the family gave the girl words of encouragement, telling her that “if she was the one, the family’s long search would finally be over”, whatever that meant. 

Then, Lona was guided to the entrance of the Lost Woods. Her parents glues to each other’s sides, her grandparents nodding their heads, and everyone else gently clapping their hands and giving her a thumbs up.

She entered the woods.

The fog was dense. Laughter and bells sounded around her. Everything was disorienting. She made a wrong turn and ended up at a lake. A few more wrong turns and she was back at the start.

Only later she realized  there was a torch and some flint by one of the old standing candles at the entrance. She lit the candle and dipped the torch into the flames. 

Despite there being no wind, the embers guided the way. Lona found this helpful. Following the embers, she made her way through the foggy forest, the twisted, gnarled trees. 

The laughter and bells got louder, but the fog grew thinner. The trees now formed a path, and ahead, was a small outcropping of rock forming an overhang.

As Lona stepped through the overhang, she gasped. 

All around her, little Koroks danced with their fronds and twigs, a large one shook maracas happily, and in front of her, was the fabled Great Deku Tree.

“Ah, I see you have finally come at last…” The ancient guardian tree said. His gaze seemed to lower towards something in front of Lona. “Do you have the courage to pull out the sword that is tied to your spirit in front of you?”

Lona lowered her gaze. Indeed, a pedestal with a sword was in front of her. Not just any sword, but the sword of legend. The Master Sword.

“You can do this, master.” The voice in her head chimed.

Steeling her nerves, Lona stepped onto the pedestal. Koroks stood around, watching in anticipation. The new hero! She was here! Would she be worthy? Will she pull out the Sword that Seals the Darkness?

Lona gripped the hilt. Bolts of what felt like lightning shot up her arms. She did not flinch. She pulled, and the feeling got worse. It felt like her life was literally draining from her. Yet she kept her nerves steeled and kept pulling.

“You are doing well, keep going.”

The breeze picked up in the forest, responding to Lona. Blowing around her, picking up leaves and twigs and dirt. She kept pulling. The sword was half-way out of the pedestal. Half-way done.

A burning sensation formed on Lona’s cheeks, just below her eyes. The electrical feeling pulsed through her body. 

“Musn’t…give..up.” She muttered under the strain. “You shan’t.” The mystery voice chimed.

The legendary Sword that Seals the Darkness was almost fully out of the pedestal. Just a little further. Lona can do this. She’s got this.

The Koroks gathered around the scene, watching as the young hero pulled through the last stretch.

Shing

The Master Sword was free. She has chosen her hero, and it was this young lady who had just turned 14. Lona couldn’t believe her eyes. In her hands, was the sword of myth. A hero. SHE was a hero. THE hero. Wielder of the Triforce of Courage, and the one who would defeat the evil that plagues Hyrule.

“Greetings, master. It is good to finally meet you in person.”

Lona squeaked as she turned around to see someone standing(Floating?) behind her. This person(??) looked….like a ghost, almost. She looked like she was wearing a cloak, but where her arms should have been, were the parts that went over the shoulder. Her face and hair were the same color as the left side of her cloak, an ethereal blue, while her dress and the right side of her cloak were a rich purple. Her leggings and heels closely resembled that of the grip of the Master Sword. A large blue gem also sat in the middle of her chest, where the two halves of her cloak met.

“My apologies, Master. I did not mean to disturb you. I am Fi, the spirit of the Master Sword. I am the voice who has been whispering to you for these past 2 weeks.” The spirit, Fi, said.

Lona didn’t know whether to be freaked out or in awe. She had heard that the previous hero(Dubbed, “The Hero of the Wild) could speak to the Master Sword, but to be able to see who he was talking to? This was crazy!

“Ah, Fi…It has been a long while since you have appeared to a hero in your proper form. Has a disturbance caused you the need to fully awaken from your slumber?” The Great Deku Tree commented.

Fi looked at the Great Deku Tree and back at Lona. “Indeed, I did sense a disturbance. However, I have a 76% calculation that it shall not bother us for some time.”

The Great Deku Tree smiled. “I see. I hope you and our new hero get along well. She’s certainly a special girl.” 

“I have to agree.” Fi said in response. She turned to Lona. “Let us go, Master. I’m sure your family is quite eager to see your success. The sun is almost up.”

The sword spirit was right, the sun was just shy of the horizon, barely peeking above the skyline. 

“Miss?” A Korok came up to Lona, alongside another one. One held a bow that looked like Fi, and the other a flower crown made of…Silent Princesses. Lona hadn’t noticed that there were several growing around the triangle shaped platform they all stood on.

The two Koroks looked at the teen, hoping their gifts were acceptable. Lona smiled as she bent down and patted their heads. “They’re lovely, thank you.” 

The Korok holding the bow jumped on top of the Korok holding the flower crown to place it in Lona’s hair. The two then switched places so they could place the flower crown on her head. 

“Ya-ha-ha! The flowers are enchanted with forest magic, so they won’t wilt no matter what!” The Korok who had placed it on her head exclaimed. Fi stood right behind Lona, a small smile on her lips as she watched the Koroks play with Lona. Another Korok brought Blue Nightshades to put in Lona’s braid.

Fi cleared her throat and the Koroks backed off from Lona, understanding that it was time for her to go and see her family again, who were probably getting worried. The young hero wrapped the Master Sword in a long strip of bandage and secured it to her belt to minimize risk of injury.

The trip back through the forest was easy enough. Basically one wrong turn and bam, back at the entrance. Lona turned and headed back towards the Woodland Stable, where her parents and everyone else was waiting for her.

As soon as they all saw her, her parents came rushing forward with a hug. And upon seeing the Master Sword, all of them knew. She’s going to be expected to grow up so quickly.

As everyone, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, joined her parents in the hug, Lona felt as though something was wrong. She turned and saw the one armed man again. This time, she could see his face. His blue eyes, similar to her own, held a sad look in them. A blink, and he’s gone.

After returning home from the stable, Lona’s parents took an old leather sheath and helped her fit it over the Master Sword until they could commission one that was worthy of the legendary blade.

About an hour later, a knock was heard on the door. Lona opened it to see Coral, who looked extremely excited. 

“Ah, Coral, what are you doing so far from your home? Are you here for Lona’s birthday?” Her mother asked, taking the door from her daughter. 

Coral nodded ecstatically. “Our family has something big planned for her! You guys can come with if you’d like!” The Zora princess peered at the sword on Lona’s back. “Hold on…Is that…The Master Sword?!”

Lona blushed. “Yeah…”

Fi appeared from the blade. “Master, it would be in your best interests to join your friend for your birthday. Your enjoyment of your special day would be increased by 93% should you join your friends for celebration.”

The princess of the Zora jumped back with a squeak upon seeing the sword spirit. “L-Lona, there’s a weird ghost beside you.”

Fi blinked. “I see. It appears that those who are, or are descended from people, close to the hero and goddess and likely to become sages have the ability to see me. It is nice to meet you, Coral. I am Fi, spirit of the Master Sword.”

Coral smiled awkwardly. “Nice to meet you, too? Anyways, c’mon, Lona! Grandad’s got a big surprise for you!”

The two friends made their way to the Zora’s Domain for the young hero’s birthday, ready for the big celebration that awaited that evening.

Meanwhile, something evil was brewing in the dark shadows of the abandoned Forest Temple Ruins just near the quiet Tarrey Town.

"Ho ho ho~ It looks like we have a new little hero running among us, doesn't it? Well, once I find MY new master, she won't be causing much trouble. But I think I should cause her some trouble first. It's been AWFULLY boring waiting around these several millennia." Ghirahim swung his legs over the side of the pillar. "I need something to entertain myself."

Chapter Text

The Zora welcomed their princess and her friend as they entered the Domain, seeing Coral being so excited for Lona’s birthday. Sidon was at the statue celebrating his and his long gone best friend’s defeat over Vah Ruta, who stood still as a statue in the East Reservoir. He waved his granddaughter and her friend over and gave the two girls a big hug. 

“Girls!” The Zora King proclaimed. “Oh, how I’m so glad you’re here! Lona, me and my family assure you, we’ll make this the best birthday ever! Even Link will be proud!”

Now that Lona looked at the statue, the face shape was…eerily similar to that of the strange man with the two wolves she saw in the lost woods. Coincidence, probably.

“So, uh, Sidon? What was Link like? He was my great great great grandfather, right?” Lona asked, her brain needing answers since she didn’t know much aside from the fact that he was a knight and friends with Sidon when he was alive.

Coral looked at her grandfather. “Yeah, that’s true! You and Link were close friends, so you’ve gotta know a lot about him!”

Sidon laughed. “Of course, of course! Come, let us find a nice spot to sit while I tell you what my dearest friend was like. And congratulations on pulling the Master Sword, Lona. As I said earlier, Link would be very proud.”

Lona flinched. She just realized that he never mentioned anything about the Master Sword. “How?-”

The Zora king smiled. “Let me tell you about Link. You’ll see.”

The three found a secluded waterfall with a small pool to sit. Lona pulled off her boots and socks before dipping her feet into the pool. 

“So, Sidon, what’s up with Link? I know he’s my great great great grandfather and all, but what does the Master Sword have to do with him?”

Sidon looked somberly towards the Domain. “You’ve heard of the stories of the heroes, right? Your Great great great grandfather…He was one of them. He had faced many hardships growing up. His father wasn’t…great, not to mention barely being 12 when he pulled the Master Sword and being forced to join the royal army. Life didn’t get easier until…Goddesses, this might sound insensitive, but, he really did seem more free after the Calamity.”

Lona looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“Ah…I should explain that. 300 years ago, Calamity Ganon wrecked Hyrule. The Sheikah had unearthed technology from over 10,000 years ago to help fight Ganon, as they had done in his first awakening. But Ganon figured we’d try this, and took over the guardians and Divine Beasts, the very ones that serve as monuments of victory over the Calamity these days, that were meant to defeat him. Many people died, including the champions…”

“And my great great great grandfather.” Lona completed, before the realization sunk in. “But how-”

Sidon sighed. “Well, the princess, Zelda Bosphoramus Hyrule, had sent Link to the Shrine of Resurrection, so he could heal from his injuries. This took 100 years. When he awoke, he was without his memories. Being essentially a clean slate, he was free. Watching him that way…It felt like how it was when we were kids. A laugh that rang like a bell, with a gremlin energy that you just knew he was planning some mischief. Even after recovering some of his memories and defeating Calamity Ganon, the wild never left him. You can take Link out of the wild, but you can’t take the wild out of Link. It’s a thing I would say to the sages when they were alive.”

Coral popped her head from underneath the water of the pool. “That’s so sweet yet so sad at the same time. He suffered so much yet he was still so kind. I wish I got to meet him. Link seemed really cool.”

Lona held the Master Sword in her hands. Someone in her family once held this sword. “Wow…This is definitely something I haven’t been told by my family.”

Sidon looked at the two girls. “Well, I think that should be enough sadness for now. I say we get on with the celebration. I have a very special gift for you at the end.”

Yona and Oceana met up with the trio at the entrance of the domain again and guided Lona towards the court, where the celebration would be held. Even Fi decided to spend some time with her new master in person, introducing herself to those who could see her(Which was only the Zora royal family). 

Sidon seemed to already know Fi, which was a pleasant surprise. (“Link would often tell me of his conversations with the Master Sword, and would even relay things she had to say to me. She’s very kind.”)

Coral went first when it came to giving gifts. She gave Lona a pair of opal earrings that shimmered in the sunlight. 

“This is made out of a rare kind of opal called black opal that was recently discovered by the Goron miners. I decided to commission a jeweler to make you a pair from the gem!” The young Zora princess exclaimed, giving her best friend a hug.

Oceana came next with a delicately embroidered pouch. “You like adventures, so I think a little extra space without the need for Korok seeds to expand the space on your Sheikah Slate. And I think the embroidery adds a little charm.” She was right; the embroidery on the satchel of the Light Dragon was indeed beautiful.

Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan(Otherwise dubbed “The Big Bad Bazz Brigade”) gave her a photo they took with Link when he was alive (“We were all childhood friends with Link along with Sidon when we were kids!” Bazz had said with enthusiasm.) They all looked so goofy, smiling wide, Link holding a fish in his bare hands while the others looked in either awe, bafflement, or both. Lona laughed. “My goodness, he was quite the goofball!”

Gaddison grinned. “You’re darned right he was! He may not have spoken much, but his expressions and actions spoke volumes for what he was feeling. He loved some childish fun.”

Yona contributed next, with a purple stone pin for her jacket. “Timeshift stone is rare, but was once here in Lanayru. Our land, many thousands of years in the past, long before the era of the Zonai, this place was a desert. The Hero of the Skies helped restore the lands of Lanayru to its former glory using the timeshift stones. Now they are obsolete, but look very pretty. Flick it, and something pretty cool will happen.”

Lona flicked the timeshift stone gently in the palm of her hand. It turned bright blue, and when she held it to the ground, it turned into sand. “Whoa.”

The Zora queen smiled. “Whoa indeed.”

Finally, Sidon walked up and gave Lona a big hug. “I want you to come with me privately, Lona. This is a very special gift that Link entrusted to me before his passing. So, come with me, please.”

Lona seemed a little confused, but she didn’t complain. She noticed Sidon’s secret stone flickering. 

“Ah, Sidon? Your stone…It’s acting up.”

“Hmm?” Sidon cocked his head to the side before looking at his hand. “It…appears it is. I’m sure it’s nothing. Come with me.”

The Zora king guided the Hylian through the domain, and towards a cliff. He looked in her direction.

“Lona? Can you activate your timeshift stone?”

The teen obliged, flicking her pin gently and holding it up to the cliff wall. Suddenly, the field around it expanded, revealing a door with an odd shaped slot. Sidon pulled out an oddly shaped figurine, made of a green stone, embellished with lighting shaped gold. He shifted around the figurine until it fit perfectly into the slot.

“This way, Lona. I’ve kept it locked away and secret, so no one could get their hands on it.”

In the dark, something moved.

Lona whipped around to see what the movement was. Sidon noticed and asked if she was alright. “I’m fine. I just thought I saw something.”

The large red Zora looked concerned. “Alright then. We still have a few more locks to go through. Be careful, as I wouldn’t be surprised if Keese managed to make their home here. Slippery little things.”

Fi appeared out of the Master Sword. “Master, I would like to tell you and Sidon that someone has appeared to have managed to follow us into the Locked Memorial. Please exude caution, and if a fight becomes necessary, be prepared to use my blade for the encounter.”

Sidon began to sweat. “Shit. I could have sworn we weren’t followed. Well, no matter. If a fight comes, we’ll be prepared.”

“Well said, Sage of Water.” Fi nodded as she disappeared into the Master Sword once again.

The two reached another door, and Sidon unlocked it with his secret stone. “Just one more door, and we’ll reach what I have for you.” He said, putting his hand on Lona’s shoulder.

The room they entered was lit with candles, showing a statue of Link. Now he really matched the mysterious figure she saw by the woods. Missing right arm, scar over his left eye, hair let loose down his back. He also looked…relaxed, calm. The statue had the Master Sword laying Link’s lap, with a butterfly sitting on his finger. 

Sidon looked at the statue somberly. “We erected this in Link’s honor, though it is not where he is buried. He was laid to rest in a special grave set aside for my fellow sages, who were not blessed with a long life like a Zora has. His is marked with Sundelions and Silent Princesses, courtesy of Zelda.”

Lona kneeled before the statue. “He was honorable and brave. Truly a hero. I hope I can live up to his legacy.”

“Awe, how sentimental. Sorry, my dears, but I’m afraid this little birthday party is over.” 

Lona and Sidon reached for their weapons. Fi appeared out of the Master Sword again. 

“Ghirahim.” Fi said, sounding…angry, almost.

In a flash of diamonds, a pale skinned demon walked in front of them. “Awe, did you miss me, my dear sister? My, it’s been quite a while since either of us have been awake! But again, I’m afraid I must crash this little party. Nothing personal, really.”

Sidon clutched his spear. “If you’re here to ruin a day as important as this, I won’t let you.” He growled.

Ghirahim laughed. “Oh really, now? This pesky little brat, with the spirit of the pesky Sky Child hero, drawing my sister’s blade and becoming the hero that defeats my master, her birthday being important? How laughable. She’s weak. You know that.”

“Master is not weak.” Fi stomped her heel. “Stop this now, Ghirahim. Leave.”

The demon considered for a second. “Hmm. How about…No.” He grinned and twirled his blade in his hands. Lona rushed forward with the Master Sword and swung, but Ghirahim quickly moved out of the way, rushing towards…

“SIDON!” Lona called out, but it was too late.

The end of Ghirahim’s blade stuck out from Sidon’s torso, leaking crimson blood.

“Whoops.” Ghirahim giggled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Coral couldn’t help but get worried. Lona and her grandfather weren’t back yet. So, she slipped off from the birthday celebration towards the Locked Memorial.

When she arrived, the cliff face was destroyed. The Zora princess got a sinking feeling in her gut as she rushed through the corridor and through the open door of the memorial room.

What she saw shattered her.

Her grandfather, barely breathing with a stab wound to his torso, Lona and Fi trying to hold him up.

“Grandfather!” Coral cried rushing to help the Hylian and Sword Spirit. “What happened?!”

Lona sobbed as Fi gave a sigh. “Ghirahim, the spirit of the Demon Sword, had managed to break into the Locked Memorial and instigated a fight. Master and I…We were too late. We could not save your grandfather. I’m so sorry.”

Sidon sputtered a cough. “D-don’t be. I was simply not..” He coughed again. “Not fast enough to react.”

He looked at his grandfather and pulled his secret stone from his glove piece. “Coral. You have inherited my powers over water. This makes you next in line for the title of Sage of Water. Take my stone, and wear it with pride.”

Coral choked back a sob of her own. “Grandfather, I-I can’t!- I’ll- I’ll get Oceana, she can heal-”

Sidon put his hand over Coral’s. “No. Even if she were to get here, it would be too late.” He looked over at Lona. “Lona…Take the Master Sword. Unlock the final door. Your gift…Is there.”

Lona had tears in her eyes. She nodded as she picked up the Master Sword and walked over towards the final door. Coral continued to hold her grandfather and cry, and Sidon turned his gaze over to the statue.

“Well…We’ll see each other again soon, my old friend.” 

His eyes glazed over, and he breathed his final breath.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lona cried silently as she made her way towards the final door. She knew Sidon just died. She blamed herself for not being able to save him. Coral was sobbing, and Lona couldn't help but feel angry at herself for not being able to do anything.

She approached the door and saw the slot.

“Insert your sword and turn.” Fi whispered in her ear.

Lona did as instructed. The room rumbled as the doors slid open revealing…

A pedestal.

With a secret stone.

Lona carefully walked towards the object, holding out her hand.  As soon as she touched it, a bright glow filled the room. She had to shield her eyes from the light to prevent blinding herself.

When she opened her eyes, she saw…Link. He stood facing her holding the secret stone, now much smaller, in his hand.

“Lona, the Hero of Dragons, my descendant. You have come to claim your birthright, but first, I have a message, and a warning. The secret stone of Courage was once the secret stone of Spirit, given to me by the Zonai Mineru to keep in her stead. It now belongs to you. You can summon avatars of the previous heroes to assist you in training and combat. As for the warning, never swallow the secret stone. What happened to Zelda and Ganondorf shall never happen again.”

He held out the stone. “It is yours now. Take it.”

The light, and Link, was gone. Lona reached out to touch the secret stone again. This time, it shot towards her neck, forming a choker in the shape of a dragon, the stone nestled between the mouth, and the part where the tail started to curl inward.

Fi, who was right next to her, nodded. “Lona, Hero of Dragons. Be prepared for your long journey. I believe in you, Master.

Chapter Text

Anubis was just running. He didn’t know where, just somewhere. Away from Gerudo Town. Away from that damned desert. All he had were the clothes he wore, his hair tie, and his spear. The back of his hand burned like someone set it on fire. 

But why was he running? Well, as he progressed with his training with his fire abilities, whispers spread that his ‘curse’ was progressing fast, and the elders of Gerudo Town deemed it for him to leave.

So, he obliged. But instead of a farewell to the people he knew, he snuck off into the cold desert night and booked it. Past the old stable, and into the Great Plateau. 

It surprised him by how fair the weather was at night outside the desert. But then again, he hasn’t left the desert since he was barely 4, so it didn’t surprise Anubis that he didn’t remember that. He also VAGUELY remembered being told there was an old, abandoned temple in the Great Plateau. Perhaps that was where he was running to.

After a few more hours of non-stop running, he found himself in front of the crumbling Temple of Time(Why did he know that name?). The front of it was littered with guardian shells and broken Zonai devices that fell out of repair years ago that no one bothered to fix. It saddened Anubis to see what was most likely such a beautiful place in the past fall into such disrepair. Wasn’t this place important to the Hylians?

 didn’t matter at this point. Neglect had taken its toll. But it would do as a shelter for the night. So, with his spear on his back and sweat running down his face, Anubis entered the long since forgotten Temple of Time.

He couldn’t sleep. There was plenty of soft moss on the floor that made it somewhat comfortable to lay down and rest, but whispers kept infiltrating his ears and made things quite difficult to sleep. Now, Anubis was a HEAVY sleeper, but any noise in the process of falling asleep made it nigh impossible to do so. Those damn whispers saying vague things that made no sense like to go to Akkala and find the ancient spring, seek the other Triforce bearers, and other nonsense. Stuff he would have been told from stories about heroes, demons, and princesses with goddess powers. 

Besides, wasn’t he supposed to be destined to fight the other bearers of the Triforce, being “cursed” and all? Why seek them out? 

“I’m sorry, my dearest chosen. I understand you were told these lies your entire life and that would lead you to believe them. But the Sky Child’s friend took a risky gamble to ensure your success. I know you will make both him and I proud.”

Oh! That voice. Anubis squinted. It sounded…vaguely familiar. The one he heard the night after he and his teacher discussed his elemental training. Sweet Din, was he going crazy?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You idiot! Do you have any idea how risky that was?!” The Spirit Maiden cried. “You could have had your spirit corrupted or even destroyed had you not gotten lucky!”

A tall redhead with a pompadour simply looked down. “I know, I know! But I couldn’t just sit and watch anymore! I was sick of watching you two keep going through the cycle of being reborn and suffering! Besides, I successfully severed the Triforce of Power from Demise!”

The Sky Child hummed and swayed. “It was a good thing he took that gamble, though. Three is always better than two. And he’s right, the Triforce of Power is in good hands now. If he meets with the other two then things will be much easier for them. So long as they’re all careful, they should be able to not accidentally summon the full Triforce.”

The redhead had a victorious look on his face. “See, Link agrees with me, Zelda!”

The Spirit Maiden sighed. “Because you two both have more muscle and bravery than sense.”

The Sky Child simply hummed again. “I do understand that what he did was risky and slightly dumb, but his heart was in the right place. Let’s just watch this unfold, hm?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anubis sat up and rubbed his eyes to see the sun shining in his face. Ah, he must have fallen asleep at some point. He stretched a bit before standing up. 

“That was a weird dream…” He muttered under his breath. He saw three people arguing about...something, and he couldn’t quite make out their faces. 

He grabbed his spear, and checked outside. A few red Bokoblins, nothing he couldn’t handle. Anubis calculated a bit, thinking of a plan from here. Exit the temple, slay the Bokoblins, and then just keep running. 

Easy enough, right?

Wrong.

Turns out, There was a gold fucking LYNEL amongst the bokos. Anubis froze as he had crept closer. Those things were incredibly dangerous, even HORUS knew that, and he was always off fighting Molduga for fun.

Anubis shook his head. Not the time to be thinking about his twin. He needed to think about dealing with that Lynel. His hand warmed up again. But unlike yesterday, it was a comforting type of warmth, like he was holding a cup of warm tea or spiced drink, or someone holding his hand in the cold desert.

Clutching his spear, the young Gerudo approached the Lynel. The creature saw him and huffed, ready to attack. 

“Hmm, this might prove a challenge, but a good way to demonstrate your Power. I believe in you, my flame. Go forth.”

Again with that voice in his head. A good way to demonstrate his power…Anubis inhaled. He held up his hand and willed a small flame to life on his palm. The flame grew larger as he and the Lynel paced, watching each other, waiting for someone to strike first. 

“Fire is dangerous, but it is also something that provides warmth and light in the cold desert when the moon falls upon the land. Burn bright, show your Power over the element.”

The gold Lynel charged, swinging its blade towards the young Gerudo. He ducked out of the way and let the fireball loose, and jabbed his spear into the Lynel’s side as it shook the disorientation from stopping abruptly from the charge. Anubis willed fire to ignite on the spear, just as he had practiced, and severely burned the area around the wound. The Lynel roared in pain from the blow, and Anubis smirked. 

“Bingo.” He muttered. He wrenched his spear from the wound and ducked away before the Lynel could swing at him again. The creature roared again from frustration and ran for another charge. 

Timing his jump, Anubis leaped onto the back of the Lynel, using his spear as a boost. The monster paused from the confusion before trying to buck Anubis off, but the young Gerudo was smart. Clutching its mane, Anubis set the Lynel’s mane on fire and jumped off. 

The monster made futile attempts to put out the blaze as the flames engulfed it. Gold had a high melting point, and gold Lynels were tough with fire. But Anubis knew that. He willed the fire he summoned to burn hotter. The flames burned blue and the Lynel roared louder than ever as the fire took its toll. 

Anubis waited for a few minutes before willing the flames to disperse and let out. The Lynel, injured and weak, fell to its knees. With a swift jab into its neck, the creature fell, leaving behind a horn, and its blade. The young male inspected the items before storing them away. Taking a deep breath, Anubis tucked his spear onto his back and went back to traveling across the Great Plateau. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Goddess Spring. That’s where his journey took him. Anubis had spent several days wandering Hyrule, stopping at the occasional stable or ruined house to rest up before continuing his aimless wandering. Eventually, he found himself in the Akkala region of Hyrule. The place was rather historical, as it was where the Spirit Maiden and Sky Child had first descended upon the surface. The Goddess Spring he now stood was the first spring that the Spirit Maiden cleansed herself in. Once called the Skyward Spring, it is now the spring dedicated to the Goddess of Power, Din.

The back of Anubis’ hand felt like it was on fire again as he kneeled in this spring. He did the only thing that felt logical in a holy place such as this.

Pray.

“O Goddess Din, Mother of Fire and Earth. Hear my pleas and grant me your Power. Bless me with your Flames and guard me with your Ground. Allow me to protect those I care about with your strength, and guide them through the Desert you hold domain over. May you and your sisters guard the land you created, and may Hylia bless us with her light.”

The words spill out of him almost like instinct. The burning sensation on his hand grew hotter, and the air around him heated up. Not unclasping his hands, Anubis looked above him. His breathing hitched as he gazed upon the Great Dragon Dinraal staring down at him. 

Dinraal raised her head, her eyes not looking away from Anubis. She then twisted her head, allowing her horns to crash into the stone, a shard falling away. Picking the shard up with her claw, the Guardian Dragon of the Spring of Power offered it to the young Gerudo. 

Anubis’ hands shook as he took the shard of horn from Dinraal, heat radiating around her, making the area warm, but not unbearably hot. The shard was also pleasantly warm in his hands.

“What…What do you want me to do with this?” He asked, careful not to cut himself on the jagged edges of the horn. Dinraal simply looked at him, then at the goddess statue. Anubis didn’t quite understand, but tried his best. He placed the shard of horn in the water in front of the goddess statue, and began another prayer.

“O Goddess Din, Mother of Fire and Earth, I bestow upon thee a gift from the Guardian Dragon Dinraal, the Spirit you created to guard your spring. I present you a piece of her horn, in offering of your aid.”

The horn glowed in the water in front of him, the sensation on his hand burning so badly it felt numb. A gentle voice emanated across the spring, speaking to Anubis.

“I accept your offering, little flame. Allow me to give you a gift as well.”

Anubis looked up. “A-A gift…For me?”

Suddenly, a red flame burst to life in front of the statue, shooting towards Anubis, engulfing his hand. Dinraal roared, raw power flowing from her and going directly towards the Gerudo. He screamed as sheer heat burned his flesh, the Power that flowed through becoming too much for his body to handle.

Then it stopped. The pain, the burning, it all abruptly stopped. Anubis gazed at the back of his hand. No longer was there red flames covering his hand, only…

The symbol of the Triforce. The top triangle, the one that represented Power, glowed gold on his hand. As Anubis looked at his reflection in the water, flames surrounded his entire body. Yet he did not feel any pain. In fact, on his head rested horns made of flame. They looked remarkably similar to the horns that Dinraal had. He also had a tail made of pure fire as well. Swishing it around, the young male found it quite fascinating how he was able to control it.

“What happened to me? Why…” Anubis began. The voice, Din, he realized, spoke again.

“Your body could not hold all of the sheer power that was given to you in that moment, so it manifested itself outside of your body. As you have seen, you still have full control over it. My gift to you was my Piece of the Triforce, which you have had since you were born. You have proven yourself well, little flame. Go, and show the world your Power, which you have rightfully earned.”

Anubis stood up, nodding. “I- I won’t disappoint you, I promise.”

“I know you won’t, my little flame. Now, go seek the other wielders of the Triforce. You shall aid their journey just as they shall aid you.”

Dinraal nodded at Anubis, signaling it was time for her departure, as well as the end of his conversation with the goddess. The dragon left for the skies once again as the Gerudo watched with a newfound confidence in himself.

“Ok. Seek out the other Triforce wielders, and do whatever it is I must do. Sounds easy enough!” He said, clutching his spear. The golden glow of the triforce dimmed as the flames around him died down.

Anubis knew little of just how big the adventure ahead of him truly was.

Chapter Text

Zefiryn thought he was going nuts. Since that day with the blue Lynel a few weeks ago, his hand has been going through repeated episodes of going numbingly cold, along with his healing magic going haywire, becoming a power he could only describe as a golden light. 

Oh, and that weird dream he had the other night of those three people arguing about something. That was another thing. In that dream, however, he didn’t feel alone. Like there were other people witnessing that same dream with him. That was freaky. 

His mother was fretting even worse because word got out that A, the Master Sword was pulled(Congrats to that person), B, the king of the Zora was recently murdered and his youngest granddaughter had just been named Sage of Water(He felt incredibly sorry for the royal family and the rest of the domain), and C, his 14th birthday was approaching in a few months.

(Oh, and he had a sexuality crisis a few days ago. But no one needed to know THAT.)

To say Zefiryn was stressed was an understatement. The mountain was looking particularly tempting. Every fiber of Fir’s being said to climb that mountain, and go to the spring that rested near its peak. 

But he didn’t. He instead went on a walk that took him AWAY from Hateno, going for the stable that was a 4 hour walk from his hometown. The Dueling Peaks Stable was practically Zefiryn’s safe spot. The people who worked at the stable were very kind as well, treating Fir like a normal person rather than a noble. He liked it that way.

There were monsters that hung around the entrance to Fort Hateno, but they were easy enough to deal with. Stepping out into the valley, Zefiryn couldn’t help but inhale and take in the scenery.  Minus all the deactivated guardian shells, the valley was peaceful. Wild horses ran about, and faint music from the stable could be heard in the distance.

That’s it! Maybe catching a wild horse and officially registering it will help take his mind off things! Zefiryn had always wanted a horse, but he never really asked because his family didn’t really have a space to put one. But surely his parents wouldn’t mind if he caught a wild one and registered it, right?

Drinking a stealth elixir, he crept quietly in the grass, looking out for a horse that caught his eye.

A beautiful mare, with a cloud-white mane and a sky-blue coat. She was so beautiful, Zefiryn couldn’t help but quietly gasp. He decided; this would be his first horse. This mare with a coat the color of the sky.

(He faintly recalled an island in the sky. But there were entire archipelagos of islands in the sky. None of them looked like this. Why did this specific one seem familiar? Oh well.)

 Walking quietly towards the mare with an apple in his hand, Zefiryn attempted to try and tame the horse without having to actually hop onto its back. The apple seemed to do the trick, and the mare accepted Zefiryn to hop on her back without complaint. 

Guiding the mare gently to the stable, Zefiryn felt so happy he successfully tamed his first horse. Skyloft, he dubbed her. (The name of that island.) Skyloft cantered along the trail to the stable, and Zefiryn couldn’t help but be giddy. Skyloft, who will be his precious travel companion. 

“Ah, Zefiryn! It’s been a while! And it looks like you’ve got a beauty joining you, as well! Would you like to register her?” The stable owner called out. Fir nodded. “Yes, I would.” The stable owner smiled. “Alright! Let’s see. She’s a mare, obviously. Good stamina, ok strength…What would you like to name her?” 

“I would like to name her Skyloft.” Zefiryn replied. The stable owner looked over at Zefiryn. “Skyloft, ey? Y’know, ancient legends say of an island called Skyloft. That us Hylians descended from there after the Hero of the Sky defeated an evil demon god and his minion. That he and the Spirit Maiden started the royal lineage. Given the sky islands that litter the sky nowadays, I think it could have a little more credit than originally believed. Ah, but who knows, Those stories are ancient, after all.”

Zefiryn blinked. So that’s why the name sounded…oddly familiar. The island from legends. “I see. Well, thank you. It was a long walk from Hateno to here. I think I might rest for a bit.”

The stable owner smiled. “Of course, young Zefiryn. I’ll also add a Pony Point to your log for registering a horse. Have a wonderful day!”

Fir smiled. “You too!” He stepped inside the stable and his breathing nearly hitched as he gazed around at the people who were lodging there.

Sitting at one of the tables was a Gerudo male. He was around Zefiryn’s age, and by HYLIA, he was GORGEOUS. Red hair tied up in a flowing ponytail with a golden leafy hair tie holding it up, amber eyes framed by bangs that curled in at the sides and together at the middle of his face. His warm, dark skin complimented his eyes and hair perfectly. 

Zefiryn’s face flushed. Holy Hylia, another sexuality crisis. Who was this gorgeous guy? Was he single? Why am I so red? Oh, Hylia, help me-

A hand was placed on his shoulder.

“Are you alright? You look quite red. Do you need water? I always carry some. Here, have a sip.” It was the Gerudo. Zefiryn felt faint. He gingerly took the canteen and took a swig of water. “Thank you- Uhm- sorry- Where are my manners?” He coughed. “My name is Zefiryn, I’m from the nearby Hateno Village.” Fir gestured at the redhead. “May I ask your name?”

The redhead laughed. “Oh! Please, pardon me, I did forget to introduce myself. Sav’aaq! I’m Anubis. I’m from the Gerudo Desert, and am currently wandering Hyrule to see what there is. I was actually on my way to Hateno to see my parents. Goodness, it’s been years since I’ve seen them.”

Upon Anubis mentioning his parents, that reminded Zefiryn of that jewelry shop owner with a Gerudo wife. “Oh! I think I might know them. There’s a shopkeeper couple and the wife is a Gerudo. They’re lovely people!”

Anubis blinked. “Yes, that’s correct. They run the small jewelry shop in Hateno. I have a twin brother as well, but he’s still in Gerudo Town.”

Zefiryn stopped. “Pause…Twin brother??? I thought only ONE male was born to the Gerudo people every hundred years?”

Anubis sat back down and offered Zefiryn a chair. “Yeah, that’s how it’s supposed to be. I’m sure you’ve heard of the whole thing that went down 200 years ago? No male was born in that timeframe until me and my twin were born. Apparently this was prophesied to happen. I’m not superstitious or anything, but the more I learn about the coincidences with our birth and the stories of the Upheaval, I’m starting to be more inclined to believe some of the old stories from before that time as well.”

“So 200 years, and no men born to the Gerudo until you and your brother? That must be some serious bragging rights for your parents. Isn’t it also a big deal in Gerudo Town?” Zefiryn cocked his head curiously.

The young Gerudo laughed. “It is, but by Din’s tits is the pressure unreal. Especially with the tales of a demonic curse that’s been around longer than Hyrule has been a kingdom in BOTH of its foundings.”

“A curse?” Fir inquired. “I mean, I know of the whole hero’s spirit and goddess bloodline, but I never heard of this curse.”

“Supposedly, this curse is what keeps bringing disaster upon Hyrule. Some dude named Vaati, a couple dudes named Ganondorf. The demon who apparently brought this upon was named Demise. Not a very pretty history, if you ask me.” Anubis answered. 

Zefiryn stared off towards Lanayru Peak. “Hey, what do you think of the stories of the ancient springs?”

“Hm?” Anubis responded.

“The Goddess Springs. I heard there was one in Akkala, one in Faron, and one upon Lanayru Peak. I want to visit the last one. It’s…very magnetizing to me. I want to see it.”

Anubis flexed his hands together. “I heard an influx of ice monsters have been taking up residence near the spring.” He summoned a small ball of fire in his hand. “If you let me come with, I can help fend them off.”

Zefiryn felt so happy he could hug Anubis right then and there. However, he restrained himself, and offered a handshake. “That would be most pleasant. I’m good with the bow and have healing powers, so if you’re ever injured, don’t fret to ask me.”

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The trek to the mountain was something. The first thing the duo did was stop by Anubis’ parents house to quickly pick up a ruby broach for Zefiryn to resist the cold of the mountain. Then through Hateno Village with Anubis getting various stares from the locals for his whole “being a Gerudo male” thing. 

However, it was the hike UP the mountain that sucked the hardest. It really tested Zefiryn’s wisdom and his planning skills. If not for Anubis, he doubted he could have made it very far.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zefiryn often pondered what wisdom meant. Some thought it was intelligence, others thought it was experience.

Zefiryn thought of it as learning and improving. Wisdom was gaining, and seeing. You gain wisdom when you realize you made a mistake and learn to improve yourself. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So improving and learning from his mistakes is exactly what he did. They had to retreat for some healing elixirs halfway up from the sheer amount of Lizalfos they encountered, and while they did that, they calculated.

“So the Lizalfos will be an issue because of their frost breath that can freeze us solid. And my spear would still be requiring me to be close enough that I could get hit. Any ideas?” Anubis asked.

Zefiryn nodded, pulling out some fire fruit he’d bought a few days ago.”I have some of these. I can attach them to my bow and shoot. I have a few bomb flowers from caves if we need to take out large groups as well.”

The Gerudo finished polishing his spear. “Alright then. Let’s see how this trip goes.”

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The first thing they encountered was a large group of ice breath Lizalfos, much like the first time. Zefiryn whipped out his bomb flowers and started shooting them at the Lizalfos with his bow. Keeping clear of the blast zone, He joined Anubis in keeping the individual ones busy while still fighting their way forward. 

The mountain got crowded with more Lizalfos as they kept going up. The two teens were almost out of elixirs and food, and Zefiryn’s supplies were running thin.

So, Anubis prayed silently to Din.

“Din, please, if you hear me, can you help me activate my dragon-buffed powers? We’re in trouble.”

Din listened, because the next thing he knew, Anubis felt fiery powers surge through his veins. The fire from his piece of the Triforce burned with Power, and enveloped him like a warm blanket. The Lizalfos backed off as they noticed the sheer brilliance of this ability.

Zefiryn, on the other hand, gasped in awe. His buddy was suddenly enveloped in flames, and once they died down, he looked like he’d been blessed by Nayru damned Dinraal herself. The young noble watched with his mouth agape as Anubis took out the Lizalfos with ease, his spear twirling around, covered in fire, and each monster went down.

“Impressive, isn’t it, my little snowstorm? Now, I want you to try something.”

Zefiryn looked around. What was that voice? And by Din’s tits why is his hand so NUMB? Suddenly, a stray Lizalfos attacked him. The teen yelped as he held his numb hand up, and a bright, holy light came bursting forth, essentially disintegrating the poor Lizalfos who had the misfortune of being in its path.

“Hmmm. You need better control. But wisdom is learning, right? So learn, my snowstorm. These monsters will be the perfect dummies.”

Zefiryn sat dumbfounded as Anubis looked at him.

“What was that?” The Gerudo asked. The noble looked at his friend. “Something I’m not used to yet. A weird voice in my head told me all these monsters would be ‘the perfect dummies’ for me to learn how to better control it.”

Anubis looked back as more Lizalfos crawled down. “Well, better start now!” Zefiryn nodded. “No time better than the present, I guess.”

Monster after monster, Zefiryn’s power became less of a large, blinding blast to a more controlled, focused beam that could obliterate monsters in a single shot. The voice in his head encouraged him, telling him to go further. Learn more about his powers.

Feeling confident, the teen decided to try out how he unleashed the power the first time. With his bow. Pulling it out, Zefiryn focused his magic towards the head of the arrow. The bright golden light flowed from his hands, throughout his bow, and finally, into the arrow. Counting to 3, he unleashed the arrow on the remaining monster.

The arrow turned into a ball of light, hitting the monster square between the eyes. A bright glow engulfed the area, causing both Zefiryn and Anubis to shield their eyes and look away. When they opened their eyes again…

Zefiryn’s bow was completely transformed.

“Hmm, it appears the magic you released turned your bow into the mythical Light Bow. Likely the Goddess seeing you worthy as her new successor. Wield it with pride, my snowstorm. You have earned it. Now make your way to the Spring of Wisdom. Your trial is passed.”

The flames around anubis died down and vanquished. “Are you alright, Zefiryn? That light…It reminds me of stories told about Hylia and the princesses. And your bow is changed as well! Do you need help?”

Zefiryn grabbed onto his friend’s hand as he hoisted himself up. “I’m good. A little dizzy, my hand is so numb I can barely move it, and my bow being changed is probably the worst of it. Come on, the Spring of Wisdom awaits.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The spring was a welcome warmth from the chill of Lanayru Peak. Zefiryn clutched his numb hand as he stepped into the spring waters. He knew this was a place sacred to the Goddess Nayru, so he figured it was only polite to pray at her spring since he was here.

“Nayru, Goddess of Wisdom, and Ruler of Water and Ice. I pray to you seeking to learn. Wisdom comes from learning, just as water comes from ice. May you offer the lessons I seek, so I may learn about the world.”

Anubis, sitting back, looked up, and saw Naydra curled around the mountain peak. She nodded at him, before looking at Zefiryn, gesturing for the Gerudo to tell him to look up.

So, gently tapping his friend’s shoulder, Anubis gestured for Fir to raise his head before stepping back again. Zefiryn’s eyes filled with awe as he gazed upon Nayru’s messenger staring back at him. Naydra made the gesture to let Zefiryn know to pull out his bow. 

Obliging with the dragon’s request, the teen pulled out his bow. Naydra bowed her head, leaving her horns in front of Zefiryn to let him know what his objective was. Drawing the bowstring, he aimed, and shot at the part of the dragon’s horn closest to him. The shard fell, and Naydra picked it up, dropping it in front of Zefiryn before curling around the spring, cutting off Anubis.

The noble picked up the shard of horn, and placed it in front of the statue of Hylia in the spring, just as the books said to do. Once again, he got on his knees, and prayed. His hand tingled with pinpricks from being so numb.

“Nayru, Goddess of Wisdom, and Ruler of Water and Ice. I offer thee a shard of Naydra’s horn, thine heavenly messenger. I hope this gift appeases you, and you hear my prayer.”

“Of course I hear your prayer, my snowstorm. Just as my eldest sister has done for your friend, I offer you my blessing. May the everlasting flow of wisdom grant you many joys, my chosen.”

Zefiryn looked up at the statue. “Nayru?” He asked.

The statue didn’t respond. Instead, a bright blue flame formed in front of it and shot at Zefiryn’s hand. The cold was so bad he couldn’t feel. Naydra roared, her body glowing as she channeled the power of ice and water towards the teen, engulfing him in the sheer cold.

And in an instant, it was over. In his reflection of the spring water, Zefiryn had his own ghostly projection of Naydra’s horns and tail made of ice and water. On the back of his hand, the Triforce glowed, the piece representing Wisdom glowing the brightest. Naydra unfurled herself from around the spring and went back to trailing the sky, revealing Anubis, standing there with a shocked, yet happy expression.

“Well, I guess we’re connected by fate, aren’t we?” Anubis asked. Zefiryn laughed as he shook his hand. “Well, I know we just met a little while ago and all, but I’m honestly really glad we don’t have to do this alone. What do ya say, friend?”

Chapter Text

Fi sat on the ground near the tree her master currently sat. She understood that she felt immense guilt over Sidon’s passing. Fi understood the feeling of being unable to save someone you cared about. Her very first master, the one who forged the Goddess Blade under the guidance of Hylia, was killed in the final battle of the first ever Imprisoning War. Fi, for a long time, blamed herself for being unable to save him.

But, after traveling with the Sky Child, she realized that such a thing was only an outcome that was bound to happen in that type of situation. Lona was new to this ordeal, having only pulled the Master Sword a mere hours before the event. Yes, she was skilled with a sword, but she would need much more training with both her blade and her magic before she stood a chance at facing Ghirahim.

“I wish I could help my chosen find her spark, but I can only give so much aid. Perhaps you can guide her towards my Spring? I know many monsters roam Faron Wetlands, perhaps she can use that to train and test her courage.”

Fi looked to the side to see a phantom image of Farore sitting next to her. The Goddess of Courage smiled. “A little surprised to see me, Fi? You know I’m the least people-shy of my sisters.”

Fi closed her eyes and moved her head back to facing forwards. “I’m aware, Lady Farore. Simply wasn’t expecting you right now.”

The skirt of Farore's dress waved in the wind, revealing the layer of chainmail underneath. Her pale green-yellow hair curled in the way those wispy clouds swirled in the sky. “That’s understandable. I suppose no one is ever quite ready for one of the Golden Three to simply appear next to them for a little chat.”

Fi opened her eyes again. “It appears we have some more guests, Hello, old Masters.”

Two wolves and a young man approached the sword spirit and the goddess. Farore smiled as she stood up. “Well, I’ll leave you four to it. My sisters might scold me for interacting with you for too long. Be safe out there, and watch Lona for me, will you Fi?”

Fi nodded. “Of course, Lady Farore. Now, what do you three want?”

The dark colored wolf sneezed and shook his coat. His cobalt blue eyes send a clear message. “Here to help train.”

The golden wolf nodded. “Yes, train. Successor must become stronger.”

The young man sat and then swatted at the two wolves with his hand. He huffed and shook his head. Fi looked at her old masters and smiled.

“It has been a while, hasn’t it? I assume you three helped my current Master towards the woods?”

The young man grinned, nodding. Despite being a spirit, Link never seemed to lose that smile of his. Actually, after waking up since the Calamity, he never let that smile go, no matter what happened to him. You truly could not take the wild out of him, no matter how much you took him out of the wild. 

Fi nodded approvingly at the spirit of her previous master. She turned her gaze to the two wolves, both of whom had decided to take the liberty of laying down. “So, how do you all intend to help my current master train?”

Link pointed at the base of his neck. The dark gray wolf translated, “One ability of the secret stone Lona holds is the ability to summon our spirits as sage avatars to aid her. It can summon the spirit of any past hero, and as many of us as she pleases. He told her this when he gave it to her.”

“I see.” Fi responded, looking up towards the branch her companion was currently laying on. “Well, I suppose I should tell her this once she’s up.”

Link stood up and signaled for his companions to follow suit. The golden wolf butted his head against Fi before following his friends into the wetlands, all three of them disappearing from sight a mere minutes later.

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Lona stirs from her quick nap. Rubbing her eyes, she gently commanded the wind to blow any leaves and bits of bark that might have been stuck in her hair from being against the tree. Fi hovers in front of her, looking like she has something to say.

“Master, I have a report for you. It regards your Secret Stone. When its previous holder gave it to you, do you remember anything he said?”

Lona blinked. “I think so? Something about summoning avatars of previous heroes…”

Fi nodded. “Yes. You can summon these avatars to assist in training or combat. Would you like to know how?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lona was laying face first in the mud, with a projection of the Hero of Legend standing over her, looking rather disappointed. Fi stood off to the side, observing.

“Your form could use a little work, as well as you need to work on your blocking.” The sword spirit commented. Lona groaned. She was sore, bruised, muddy, and tired.

“I’ve been trying for 2 HOURS, Fi. When can I be dooonnneee??” The girl complained. Fi shook her head. “You can be done when you can successfully block your opponent with your weapon. This might take some time, and I understand you want to fight Ghirahim as soon as possible, but you need to understand that you are far from being able to do that.”

Lona dismissed the Hero of Legend’s projection. “Did you have any masters that were any good at being teachers?”

Fi regarded that question carefully. “The Hero of Warriors and the Hero of Twilight might be your best bet if you want someone who will guide you through the steps. The Hero of Warriors is more experienced, while the Hero of Twilight is more patient.”

Lona did her best to blow the mud and grass out of her hair with a strong gust of wind. “I’ll take the patient one. At least he probably wouldn’t scold me for fucking up.” 

A projection of the Hero of Twilight appeared after Lona grumpily held the stone on her choker. The projection looked on at her with sympathy and hoisted her back on her feet. Unsheathing his blade, the projection nodded.

The next few hours had Lona making significant progress in her skills, Fi noticed. The Hero of Twilight focused on guiding her movements instead of being her opponent in a spar. He fixed her form right up and made sure it stayed. The sword spirit nodded as Lona slowly, but surely improved. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sounds of steel clashed as Lona practiced her blocking against the spiritual avatar of the Hero of Twilight. It gave a wolfish grin as she consistently blocked almost every attack coming her way. Fi watched approvingling. She raised the blue half of her shawl. 

“That is enough. Master, you have greatly improved your defensive skills. Eventually, I would recommend a shield, but you are adequate enough for now. Further training is needed to match Ghirahim in battle, but I don’t think that time will come for a while. Take a rest, then make your way to the Spring of Courage. Many monsters will await you, but I have an 87.9% calculation you will be perfectly fine and succeed.”

Lona dismissed the projection and sighed, pulling out her water skin. “That was exhausting. And I have to fight monsters? What kind?”

“Lizalfos, Moblins, and the stray construct that hasn’t broken down, I presume. A good way to test your new knowledge. And your courage.” Fi responded, monotone. 

Lona swallowed bile. “Alright. I think I’ll make some food and rest for a bit, first, however.”

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The meal was simple, just some vegetables roasted with salt and Electric Safflina because of the storm threatening to roll in, and electric Lizalfos she knew roamed these wetlands.

Fi had since gone back to her sword, leaving Lona alone.

Or at least she thought she was. Voices, two guys, from the sounds of it, were having a conversation.

“-ere should be a stable somewhere nearby where we can take shelter. A storm looks like it’s gonna roll in sometime soon.” One of them said, laced with a Hateno accent. Lona quickly climbed a tree to get a good view of the people.

Fi chimed on her back. “Master, I detect great power from within these individuals. I highly suggest you try talking to them. I have a 96.5% calculation that would make your journey far easier than having to do it alone.”

Lona nodded and then looked down before freezing. One of the people was looking at her.

“Fuck.” She muttered.

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“Excuse me!” Anubis called towards the girl in the tree. “Do you need help down? A storm’s going to roll in soon, and being in a tree is a bad idea!”

The girl shook her head as she slid down the tree. “N-no, I’m fine. Sorry, you just surprised me. My name is Lona. You?”

Anubis smiled. “I’m Anubis. The one on the horse is my friend Zefiryn, though sometimes people call him Fir for short.” Zefiryn waved.

Lona looked between them cautiously before shaking Anubis’ hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both, then.”

Fi chimed again. “Master, I suggest asking these two to accompany you to the Spring of Courage. It would be preferable if you were to have company, as many strong monsters roam the path to the spring.”

Anubis stared. “Who was that?”

Fi appeared from the Master Sword. “That was me, wielder of the Triforce of Power. You may call me Fi.”

Anubis jumped back. “GAH- How did you?!-”

The sword spirit looked unfazed. “My apologies. I did not mean to frighten you. As for how I knew you wield the Triforce of Power, it resonates with my blade. Same with your companion you are traveling with. I can sense he wields the Triforce of Wisdom.”

Zefiryn blinked. “That is one smart ghost lady.”

“Sword Spirit.” Fi corrected. 

Lona cleared her throat. “Sooooo… Are either of you interested in joining me to the Spring of Courage? Fi had said I should probably go there, and that having some companions to help with dealing with all the nasty monsters would not be a bad idea.”

The two boys looked at each other, sharing a glance that looked like they knew what was happening. 

“We’ll help, but since this journey is for you, you’ll need to lead us, alright?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lona wheezed as she dodged another strike from an Electric Lizalfos. Barely. Her sword hand buzzed with electricity every time the lightning was about to strike. That couldn’t have been good, right? Also, her stone buzzed too. It felt weird, with it sitting on her throat.

“You ok?” Anubis called out, fire flashing about from his spear. 

“Yeah, I’m fine!” Lona called back, after successfully slicing down the Lizalfos this time. 

“Ok!” The redhead responded. “Be careful!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2 hours later, Lona clutched her busted arm while facing a soldier construct that hadn’t shut down yet.

“Shit.” She hissed. Her left arm, her dominant and sword arm, was probably broken. Anubis and Zefiryn were staying behind to fend off anything that tried to approach the mouth of the ruins they were in.

So damn close to the Spring of Courage. This stupid construct was the only thing blocking her path, and it didn’t seem keen on letting her through.

Steadying her breath, Lona commanded the winds for her aid. She sheathed the Master Sword and winced from the pain in her arm. 

A strong whirlwind kicked up, throwing branches and rocks around its path. Lona focused this power and sent it towards the construct. A large branch struck through its eye, and killed it.

The girl huffed, her left arm now tingly and numb, and fell to her knees.

“Fi. I hate constructs.”

“A fair judgment.” The Sword Spirit chimed on her back. “The Spring of Courage is just up ahead. I suggest you go, if you don’t want to keep everyone else waiting.” 

“Alright. This better be worth the broken arm.” Lona grumbled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Entering the spring, Lona could feel the electricity spiking through her arm. She had removed her stockings and shoes so as to not get them wet from the water. Wading through the spring, she stopped at the Hylia statue in front of her, the symbol of Farore at its base.

“Hello, Farosh.” She said, grinning as she looked up. The Guardian Dragon seemed amused by the greeting, nodding in return. 

Fi appeared out of the Master Sword and began to dance around the spring. “Master, Farosh appears to have a message for you. Please, allow me to translate.”

Lona gulped. The dragon’s gaze did not leave her, but she nodded all the same to Fi’s state statement.

“Child blessed by the winds, my master gave me a task. You have yet to unlock your true potential. I shall aid in the ritual made specifically to be performed by you. Allow me to grant you a shard of my horn, and then you shall recite the prayer of courage.” Fi translated, gliding gracefully across the water of the spring as though it were ice.

The Guardian Dragon raised her massive head, and slammed her horn into a large rock nearby, breaking off a piece of it. Fi floated over and retrieved it, handing it to Lona. “It is now time to recite the prayer of courage, Master.” The Sword Spirit said.

The young girl nodded. “Of course.” She stepped forward, placed the horn in the water, got down on her knees, and prayed.

“Farore, Goddess of Courage, nature, lighting, and wind. I call for your aid. Allow me the courage to brave the storm, face nature, and stand in the raging winds. Help me find the bravery to lead, to defend, to fight. May your winds guide the lost, strengthen the weak, and aid the ill.” 

The words spilled out of Lona’s mouth like clockwork, and before she knew it, the horn was gone, and a woman dressed in an outfit that was both beautiful and ready to enter battle stood before her.

“My little spark, how much you’ve grown! That arm is a little worse for wear…Perhaps Nayru’s chosen one can patch it up afterwards. But!” She clapped. “Now’s not the time for that. I’m Farore, Goddess of Courage. Though, I’m sure you know that, given I’m here and was summoned by your prayer.”

Lona sat, wide eyed. “Wh-”

Farore shook her finger. “Ah ah ah ah ah, no time for questions right now. Yes, this ritual was meant to be performed by YOU, so I must stop getting sidetracked. Farosh, if you would?”

The dragon slithered over, bowing its head. Farore smiled. “Alright. It’s time to begin. This might shock, so don’t be afraid, ok, my little spark?”

Lona gulped and nodded.

Farore closed her eyes and vanished into a bright light, ascending above the statue. A green flame appeared from it, before shooting towards Lona’s hand, sending an intense electric shock up her already broken arm. Farosh roared, intense electricity building up in the air before-

*BOOM*

When Lona opened up her eyes, Fi stood in front of her, simply looking.

“Master, I recommend looking at your reflection in the water.” The Sword Spirit said.

“O-Ok.” Lona responded. She peered down at her left hand first. On the back of it, the symbol of the Triforce glowed, the bottom right triangle glowing the brightest. The Triforce of Courage. Looking away from her hand to the water, she gasped.

Lookalikes of Farosh’s horn and tail made of lighting rested on Lona’s head and back. She had yellow-green tear shaped markings on her cheeks, and her left eye resembled the Guardian Dragon’s.

“Whoa.” She said, awestruck. Anubis and Zefiryn came running in, with concern in their eyes. They must have heard the thunder from the ritual.

“Is everything alright? We heard thunder and saw the lighting strike the spring. Do you need-” Zefiryn stopped his string of questions the moment he saw Lona’s appearance.

“Called it.” Anubis said. “Hand over the 50 rupees.”

Lona waved. “Hey guys! Soooooo….I assume you guys probably did something similar to this and got the same thing but with the other dragons?”

Anubis ran a hand through his ponytail. “Yeah, pretty much.”

“Well,” Zefiryn started. “What now?”

“We try to gather the elemental sages around Hyrule. Two of them have already started training to fully awaken their powers. We just need to find the others.” Fi responded.

Lona put her hands on her hips and inhaled. “Well! This should be fun!”

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Anubis had never tamed or ridden a horse before. He didn’t think it would go…like how it was currently going. 

“You’re a Gerudo, dude. If I know anything, you’re gonna be THANKFUL I’m finding you a large horse.” Lona had snarked when he asked her if trying to find the large white stallion that’s in the Faron region was necessary. 

The stallion was big. And slightly intimidating. Anubis held many, many apples in his arms as he slowly approached the large creature. The beast eyed the young Gerudo with unease, before its gaze turned to the apples in his arms.

The horse walked over, sniffing the apples. Anubis froze, as to not spook the thing. In a few short minutes, the large stallion had snapped up all of the apples in his arms. While the creature rested, Anubis slowly approached its side then hoisted himself up on it. That took some effort, with how big it was. 

As soon as the horse noticed the Gerudo on its back, it reared and tried to get him off. Anubis clutched for dear life to the horse’s neck, trying to calm it down, praying to Din, Farore, Nayru, Hylia, the Goddess of Sands, anyone, that he would not fall off and break his spine. Eventually, the giant beast calmed down, permitting the young man to loosen his grip and ride it.

Off to the side, Lona gave a thumbs up and Zefiryn clapped. Anubis felt his face heat up as he smiled at his companion. Keeping his hand on the horse’s mane, the teen guided his horse over to the direction of his friends.

“Good job! I certainly wouldn’t have been able to do that.” Fir exclaimed. He grabbed Anubis’ free hand and gave it a quick squeeze, which Anubis totally didn’t nearly die from happiness inside. Lona stretched and smiled, patting the large horse’s neck. “Alrighty, let’s get this thing registered at the nearest stable and suited up and then we’re off to Rito Village!”

Anubis nodded as he slid off the creature’s back, and then winced. “Why does riding bare-backed have to hurt?” Lona snorted. “Yeah, that happens. You’ll get over it.”

As the trio guided the newly acquired equestrian, Lona asked Anubis whether or not he thought of any names for it yet. The older teen put his hand to his chin in thought. “Hmm. Given his white coat, maybe Cloud? You can see many beautiful clouds in the desert, and they come in so many interesting shapes.”

Zefiryn hummed “I like that name, Cloud. It fits!” Lona giggled. “It sure does!”

“Welcome to our stable! Would you like to register a horse or take one out for a ride?” The stable owner called out. “My, that’s quite the stallion you’ve got there! Are you here to register?”

Anubis guided the horse over to the counter. “Yes, I am. Um, his name is Cloud, and I caught him near that big mountain over by the rainforest. Uh, do you possibly have any- uhm- gear that might fit?” Damn social awkwardness. His palms were getting sweaty, and he fiddled with some of his rings.

The stable owner laughed. “Of course we do! Some people breed for horses that big, so we’re prepared. You said your horse’s name was Cloud?” Anubis nodded. “Alright then! Just sign here, and your horse will be registered in the system. As a reward for your first time registering a horse and first time visiting here, we’ll mark down two pony points under your name in the system. Thank you for your patronage!” 

Anubis signed the contract and accepted the pony point booklet the stable owner handed him. A few hands came out and helped fit the horse with a Gerudo style saddle and bridle, which he insisted was unnecessary, but they did anyway. The teen looked over at his companions as he waited for Cloud to be finished getting set up for the long trip to Tabantha. Lona was helping Zefiryn saddle his horse before she saddled her own, with some other stable hands helping supply warm clothes and elixirs.

“I heard the Rito are having the worst deep freeze they’ve had since the Upheaval two hundred years ago, and that was a huge blizzard..” One whispered. “Yeesh.” Another commented. “Thank goodness they’ve kept the bridge up and in repair, otherwise they could have been in an even tighter situation.” Another person piped up, “I heard a new Sage of Water has awakened after the passing of the King of the Zora. Do you think that has something to do with it?” A Gerudo worker hummed. “I heard the younger of the twin Voe recently left soon after his brother did. Shortly after, many strange creatures started showing up, with some of the younger Vai spotting poes floating about the desert.”

Anubis froze. Horus…left? To where??? Poes???? What in the name of the Goddess of Sands?????(Somewhere, in the back of his head, Anubis thought he could hear frustrated yelling.)

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If Coral had ears, she was sure they’d be twitching from the cold. “Y-you were not joking when you said the Rito were having a bad deep freeze.” The princess commented. Lona sneezed. “Yeah. Even the elixirs and snowquill outfit aren’t helping. And poor Anubis looks like he’s dying.”

The Zora looked over at her Gerudo companion. Yeah, he absolutely looked like he was not taking to the cold well. Desert dwellers may be used to the cold desert nights, but the cold of Hebra definitely gets to them. Not to mention they could barely see with the snow blowing all around them. Suddenly, a bright orange light sped past them before landing in front of them. Lona’s horse reared back in surprise, causing Zefiryn and Anubis’ to do the same.

A small purple Rito jumped back. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you! I was just wondering if you could help out. The Hebra Stable is nearby, and I can guide you to Rito Village from there. I’m Amethyst, by the way.” She extended her wing in greeting before her eyes caught sight of the teardrop stones around Coral and Lona’s necks. 

“Are those Secret Stones? I didn’t know you guys were Sages too! Well, I’m not there quite yet, but I’m getting there! I can control the wind, and clouds to an extent, so I’m trying to help get this freeze to let up.” Amethyst chirped. Coral looked at Lona. “Well, I’m not sure about Lona, but yes, I am the, very new, Sage of Water.”

As the Rito and Zora girls talked with each other, Lona peered over at her cold companion. “You good, Desert Boy? I can make a stronger elixir.” Anubis shook his head, chatting from the chill. Fir sighed. “I told you, you should have put on more layers. Just because the desert gets cold at night doesn’t mean you’re ready for Hebra.” Anubis stuck his tongue out at that comment.

The Hebra Stable was warm, and the people were kind. After boarding their horses, Lona paid for some lodging for the night. Anubis fell into a bed almost immediately, curling up under the blankets. Zefiryn laughed, knowing his companion was freezing cold. 

Everyone woke up to the sound of Amethyst chirping at them. She helped bundle Anubis up further and prepare a spicy breakfast for each of them. (With Anubis piping in as peppers are often used in Gerudo cooking.) 

With everything prepared, everyone headed for Rito village. Lona eyed the Stormwind Arc. “Hey, the Stormwind Arc is visible. In Upheaval, when the last unnatural cold snap happened, it was in the storm cloud.”

Amethyst looked back. “Oh yeah. This time, the deep freeze isn’t coming from the arc. That was the blizzard from the Upheaval. We’re planning on steering it over to where the source is, which is an incredibly old cave in one of the peaks in Hebra. Some Rito scouting the area have noted loud crashing sounds from deep within the mountain.”

Zefiryn and Anubis looked at each other and shrugged, while Lona blanked for a second. “Goht.” Everyone else stared at her. “What? A goat???” Coral laughed nervously. Lona shook her head. “Goht, G-O-H-T. I just got a weird memory, with a snowy mountain, a large tower, and Goht. But it was in a whole different world, not Hyrule. Also, it was an issue for the Gorons, not the Rito. I don’t think the Rito even existed yet at that point in time.”

Amethyst hummed. “Goht. What a funny name!” Her Hylian companion blanked again. “It was not fun to deal with.” Everyone stared at each other again. “Okay then…”

(Meanwhile, somewhere deep in the Korok Forest, a small Skull Kid was panicking while a Kokiri girl and two fairies tried to calm him down.)

As they travelled past the mountains, a large quake was felt. “Ah!-” Anubis yelped. Coral steadied herself. “That must have been this ‘Goht’ thing that Lona mentioned.” The Hylian nodded. “Yes.” Amethyst’s feathers fluffed. “Jeez, this thing is causing a serious ruckus. A deep freeze and earthquakes? Too much, if you ask me.”

The trek to Rito Village was relatively uneventful after the quake. The snow died down, so visibility was no longer an issue, but the snow already on the ground was basically concrete, so everyone had to be careful about slipping. Amethyst had no issues, she had talons, and Coral was also fine, given Zora’s Domain has an annual freeze every year during the winter.

Finally, they arrived at the spire that held Rito Village, with the giant, still form of vah Medoh keeping watch. A small group of Rito of similar coloring to Amethyst came running up. ‘Must be her parents.’ Lona thought.  

The young Rito pushed away from her parents after a brief conversation. “The entrance to the mountain rests on the highest peak of Hebra. The Skyview tower launch will not be enough to reach it, so the Stormwind Arc is our best chance. But it’s gonna be guarded, so be careful.”

Another quake shook the earth. Anubis yelped and clung to Zefiryn, while Coral struggled to keep her balance. Only Lona seemed unfazed from the shaking, which earned her some odd looks from her friends. She only shrugged and started to ascend the stairs of Rito Village. 

The icy snow made the trek up to Revali’s Landing difficult, as the risk of slipping and falling was very much a problem. But, they made it. Several wing devices, fit with batteries and fans, were set up. The Rito also supplied their guests with power cells. 

“Don’t fret about having to return them. After all, if you ever use a Zonai contraption, you’ll need them.” Amethyst’s mother commented as she fitted the cell holder over Lona’s Sheikah Slate. “And at some point, you should visit the lab up in Hateno. They can upgrade your Slate into a Purah Pad. As long as you have the right parts of course, but those are easily obtainable through digging about the old Guardian scrap yard in Akkala and dispatching any rogue constructs or finding deactivated ones who haven’t been looted already.”

Anubis fiddled with his cell pack. “So these act like the batteries, but they recharge themselves after some time and don’t have to be attached to the device?” Zefiryn nodded. “Yep! I read about these in a book once. The Hero of the Wilds used them during the Upheaval two hundred years ago, they’re quite useful!”

Amethyst laughed. “All the interesting things happened two to three hundred years ago. The Great Calamity, the Upheaval. It’s been boring since then, but now we’ve got fun things to take care of!”

Coral refitted her gloves. “If by fun things you mean a deep freeze, earthquakes, and a creepy guy killing my dad all in the past week and a half, yeah, that’s…certainly interesting.”

The Rito looked at the Zora princess. “What?” “Nothing!” Was what she got in response.

Lona cleared her throat. “We should head towards the Stormwind Arc right about now! There’s a big mechanical goat in a mountain with a peak so high we need that big flying boat to reach it so we better hurry before crap gets real!”

Zefiryn checked his power cell pack. “She’s right, you know. We don’t have time to waste.”

Using the Wing device was a new experience for Lona. The ride up to the arc would have been even more bumpy had Amethyst, thank goodness for her, not been using her powers to control wind and clouds to try and keep the way clear for her new friends. Soon enough, they made it to the bouncy sail ships, where they ditched the wings in favor of bouncing on the sails the rest of the way up.

“Holy- By the- Mother of- The Sand Goddess!” Anubis shouted as he kept bouncing from each ship. Lona laughed as she kept going up and down over and over again, while Coral tried to keep from throwing up her sauteed peppers. Amethyst flew just above them, giggling as she watched her non-Rito companions keep jumping. Zefiryn was taking this quite well, much better than his Gerudo companion.

Soon enough, they were on the Stormwind Arc. Somewhere, below the hull, was the Secret Stone waiting for Amethyst. She wasn’t related to Tulin, the old Sage of Wind, but after the village took note of her prowess, she was slated to inherit the stone. The Rito took a deep breath and stepped forward. Everyone turned their attention to her. 

“Ok, we need to send this thing northeast. That’s where our people have been reporting the source of the quakes, and thus, after what our era’s hero revealed to us, the source of this deep freeze as well, is coming from.” Lona nodded as she put a hand to the Master Sword’s hilt. Amethyst continued. “The entrance to the cave in the mountain we’re looking for is too high to reach without this arc. I want everyone to scout from the highest point while I guide the ship. Is that alright?”

Everyone nodded. Lona heard Fi chime on her back as the Sword Spirit appeared in flash. “Master, I have some statistics you might want to hear.” The hero looked at her companion. “Alright, spill the beans.” Fi’s eyes betrayed no emotion. “I do not understand what that saying means, but regardless. There is a 97% chance that this ‘Goht’ you spoke of is in the mountain, and is what is causing the disturbances and deep freeze. I would recommend bringing a bow and some arrows, as well as something to strike Goht to reveal its sensitive eye underneath its metal body.”

Anubis piped up. “I have fire!” FI glanced at his direction and nodded. “That will be effective. I calculate a 85% chance that your fire should help bring out the sensitive eye. If there are any other supplies you all want to gather on this ship before Amethyst sets us off, I would do so.”

Zefiryn pulled his bow from his back. “Well, if there are any spare arrows lying around, I’m going to stock up.” Lona pulled a traveler’s bow from her Slate. “Not a terrible idea.” Amethyst nodded. “I’ll fly around to the ship’s bottom levels to see if we can find any, and then, we’re off!”

After the arrows were found and distributed, everyone climbed some part of the ship. Amethyst activated the terminals to activate the Arc and set their destination.

“Next stop, Conde Mountain Peak Hollow!” The Rito chirped happily

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Travelling down from Tabantha to Gerudo Canyon went smoothly. It was a long trip, however, with camping being a necessity if they couldn’t find a stable. No one minded, plus, so long as everyone did their own part, such as cooking, cleaning, or hunting, it went well.

That night, they stuck around in the old Canyon Stable, which had since become a shelter for travellers during sandstorms or the monthly sand shroud.

Amethyst paced on the ground. “When will this stupid sandstorm be oovveeeerrrrrrrr. I’m getting cabin fever here, dude!” Anubis poked his head out. “We’ll have to stay here for the night. The particularly bad ones can even last up to a few days. So unless you have eye protection and don’t mind sand being literally everywhere, we’re in here.”

“I don’t like sand.” Lona said bluntly. “It’s coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere.” Coral groaned. “Tell me about it. It dries my scales and clogs my gills.”

“Really??” Anubis said sarcastically. “I quite like the feeling of sand. It’s a good exfoliant, and makes one’s skin very smooth.” He smirked.

“Shut up, pretty boy.” Coral and Lona said in unison. Zefiryn laughed and Amethyst failed to suppress a giggle. Anubis rolled his eyes and stepped outside into the storm. Coral sighed. “Idiot.”

In the sandstorm, Anubis noted that there was a surprising lack of monsters. Normally, they would take full advantage of them being able to sneak up on travellers with the lack of visibility. He walked further from the shelter and towards the entrance of the desert towards the end of the canyon. Shielding his eyes, Anubis thought he saw a figure walking towards him.

“Hello?” He called. The figure obviously heard, and started running. As they got closer, Anubis recognized the figure. It was Rajah, the future chieftain!

“Rajah! Is that you?” Rajah broke into a sprint and hugged Anubis, “You stupid voe! I’ve missed you. You didn’t even leave a note or say goodbye when you left! Your old teacher was worried sick, too!” Anubis flinched from the sudden contact, but hugged Rajah back. “Missed ya, too. But- uh- you’re kinda crushing my spine-”

The young soon-to-be-chieftain let go of Anubis and then patted his back. “Glad to see you here, though. I was looking for help, and I’m so glad I found you.” The voe brushed his clothes off and fixed his hair. “Well, you’re in luck, too. I have some friends with me who  can help. Two Hylians, a Zora, and a Rito. All of them skilled with weapons.”

Rajah smiled. “Good. We’ll need the help. You know the bug Gibdos? We’ve got mummy Gibdos now too. And desecrated corpses we’re calling ReDeads. ReDeads SUCK. They scream and paralyze you.”

Anubis winced. “That sounds bad.” Rajah scoffed. “Ya THINK? They’re coming from the Seven Heroines statues in the desert. And the bug boys are flooding from the Lighting temple. We’re almost on the verge of being overrun!”

Rajah finished her rant a good ten minutes later, with Anubis looking rather antsy. He grabbed the future chieftain’s shoulder. “Look. I’m glad you’re alright, and I’m also quite annoyed at the situation our home is in at the moment, but unfortunately, as you can see, there is a sandstorm, and despite us Gerudo being quite used to it, we still need to get inside. The shelter is literally a few feet away. And I can introduce you to my new friends.”

Anubis dragged Rajah towards the old stable where his other friends were waiting. After quick introductions, Rajah explained the situation, in which Lona handled with much tact and grace. (She looked as though she was going to murder someone, actually. Oh, and she yelled profanities in Zoran.)

Coral cleared her throat. “So, we have two kinds of Gibdos now, and weird animated husks that scream? Did I get that right?” Rajah nodded. “Indeed. The Gerudo people, both in Gerudo Town and other settlements scattered across the desert, are stuck in the walls of their homes because there are just so many of these monsters. Warriors can no longer keep up. All this started happening after Anubis’ brother left Gerudo Town.”

“I’m going to have to ask him about all this next time I see him.” Anubis muttered. “He’s younger, I’m older, I’m supposed to keep him out of trouble.” Rajah raised an eyebrow. “Last I checked, you two are twins?” “I’m older by 5 minutes.” “Well, your brother never acted like that was the case.” “He’s always been like that.”

“You two act like you’re siblings, as well, sweet Valoo!” Amethyst exclaimed. “And good grief, I need to fly, my wings are getting numb.”

The two Gerudo stuck their tongues out at Amethyst. Coral sighed. “So immature.” Lona shot her a look. “Excuse me, you’ve had 115 years to be taught manners. Most of us don’t live that long.” “You traitor! We’re supposed to agree on this matter!” “Ha ha!” “Why you-”

Zefiryn looked at everyone with disappointment. “And I put up with all of you for what?” Everyone collectively turned their heads to him. “Shut up, rich boy!” He couldn’t help but feel that his ego had been slightly wounded from that.

Laughter and friendly banter filled the old stable, and soon the smell of rich spices, courtesy of Rajah and Anubis, wafted through the area. Lona made sure everything was made according to instructions given, and a delicious looking spiced stew with flatbread was served.

“Man, you’re really good at cooking, Lon!” Amethyst chirped. “Well, she followed me and Anubis’ instructions, but still, given the fact this is her first time cooking Gerudo food, this is incredible.” Rajah agreed. Lona smiled. “Thanks! I’ll have to show you some other recipes I know, though they might be bland to you considering the spices you guys like to use. Not that that’s a bad thing, I love Gerudo spices! My mom buys them whenever there’s a trader in town.”

“Gerudo food is traditionally finger food. That’s why if we have stew recipes, there’s always a ton of bread to go with it!” Anubis chimed in. “We do have utensils, but again, it’s more traditional to eat with your hands.”

Lona flipped another flatbread. “That’s good, cause I’m making more bread! It’ll be good to have rations on the road, regardless. I’ll see about simmering some fruit. If I have the ingredients in my Sheikah Slate, maybe I’ll make a pie or something.”

“Did I hear the words Sheikah Slate?” A voice came from the outside. Everyone jumped up, startled. A figure entered the shelter, laughing.

“Sorry, sorry. Didn’t mean to frighten ya!” She shook her white hair and red glasses free of sand. “I’m Doctor Purah, pleasure to meet you all!”

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Zefiryn’s mouth was agape. “You mean, you’re THE Doctor Purah?! Head of the Sheikah and Zonai tech divisions who has been continuously using a de-aging rune on herself for Hylia knows what reason and has been studying ancient tech for who knows how long???”

Purah laughed as she tapped the teen on the head with her recorder. “Yep, that’s me!” She eyed Amethyst, Coral, and Lona. “Seems we’ve got new Secret Stone wielders…” She focused on Coral. “I heard what happened to your grandfather. I didn’t know him as well as Linky did, but he was a good friend and a fine leader. I’m sorry for your loss.”

Coral shook her head. “It’s fine. Yona has been handling everything surprisingly well, too. She’s helping my older sister prepare for her own ascension the the throne, though no one is expecting her to inherit it for the next 60, maybe 70 years.”

Purah smiled. “That’s good. Now, onto you!” She pointed her recorder at Lona, who squeaked in surprise. “I can easily upgrade your Sheikah Slate. I can even do it right now, for no cost aside from materials.”

“The Sheikah’s proposal is one I would consider taking, Master.” Fi’s robotic vice chimed. Purah looked at the spirit hoving beside Lona with fascination. “Well, aren’t you quite interesting! Linky and Zelly have said that there was a voice inside the Master Sword, but I never expected this to be its source!”

Fi floated gracefully towards Purah. “Registration fully complete. Doctor Purah of the Sheikah, an ally to my previous master, the Hero of the Wild, aiding him during both his journeys. A little erratic, but incredibly intelligent and good with technology. Greetings, My designation is Fi. I am the spirit of the Master Sword, made by Hylia to assist the hero and their allies on their journey.”

Purah hummed. “Fi…How fascinating! I’m gonna have to look more into you, I hope you don’t mind!”

The sword spirit shook her head. “It is of no issue. My database might be of use to you.”

The scientist threw her fist up in excitement. “Yes! Thanks!”

Rajah laughed. “Oh, this is gonna be a fun watch.”

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Lona surrendered several of her Zonai parts that she had scavenged from the Mountain Hollow Temple to Purah for her to upgrade her slate, as well as allowing the scientist to connect Fi to the Slate’s database so the two could share information between the sword and the slate.

“Since I’m not making this one from scratch, all runes from the original slate will be transferred over into the new device.” Purah explained. “There will also be a larger inventory, it can store more pictures, and with Fi’s database connected to it, you can access some of her features with the need to pull out the Master Sword!”

Fi nodded. “Doctor Purah is correct. With my database connected, you can now use my dowsing and identification features with the need to pull the Master Sword from its sheath.”

Lona hummed in interest. “That’ll be useful. And any information the Slate gathers will be transferred to Fi?” Purah nodded. “Yup! Man, this is gonna be a lot different from the Purah Pad. Perhaps the Fi Tablet? Given your friend here is sharing the database with it?”

Fi stared at Purah. “I have never had anything named after me before. But knowing my contribution to this project, I’d say the name is satisfactory.”

Lona shrugged. “If my sword spirit likes it, we’re rolling with it.” Purah finished installing the last Zonai part. “Alright! Hardware installed! Connecting Databases of Sheikah Slate Model 1.4 and Fi! Databases connected. Say SNAP!”

“I do not understand why this is necessary-” “Aaand SNAP!” Fi was interrupted by Lona and Purah’s enthusiastic shout.

The scientist unhooked Fi from the Tablet and presented it to Lona. “Bingo! A new Fi Tablet, just for you!” She looked at the spirit. “Hopefully this should make giving and receiving information a bit easier.”

The Sword Spirit shook her shawl arms out. “It seems the receiving information part has already started. Much of the information is very fascinating and stuff I have yet to know. Thank you, Doctor Purah.”

Purah gave a big smile and thumbs up. “No problemo! If you think the tablet needs an update, you can find me at Lookout Landing! After we figure the mess in the desert, of course.”

Rajah’s ears perked up. “You’re gonna help us?” “Yep! I heard the mess going on. ReDeads and a new kind of Gibdo? I may be a tech nerd, but new monsters should be studied too. Also, sometimes I can’t help but feel I’ve heard of these from old stories of the Sheikah…”  Purah mused.

Zefiryn cracked his knuckles. “Well, it’s nice to have extra help, too. You have…quite the affinity for bombs, I’ve heard.”

The Sheikah scientist smirked. “What? Explosions are awesome! The chemical reaction needed to create the explosion varies on the size and intensity. And the math needed to create that equation-”

“Uuuhhh, guys?” Anubis interrupted. “I think we have some unwanted guests.”

Rajah turned towards the entrance of the stable. In front of the open space, was a hoard of ReDead.

“COVER YOUR EARS!” Rajah shouted.

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“I don’t have hands!” Amethyst complained. Purah plugged her ears with shaped rubber and covered the Rito’s ears. “BETTER?” She shouted. Amethyst nodded.

The ReDeads let out an ear piercing scream. Lona flinched, but didn’t let her hands off her ears. “GODDESSES, THAT HURTS!” Purah rushed over and offered her similar rubber plugs as the ones she wore.

“WEAR THESE! ALSO, THE THINGS ARE SHUFFLING CLOSER! I’LL GIVE EVERYONE ELSE SOME.” The scientist yelled. Lona shoved the rubber plugs into her ears and drew her sword.

Rajah scowled as she aimed her own spear towards the ReDeads. “Whichever scoundrel thought it a good idea to raise our dead and turn them against us will pay for their treachery!” Anubis launched fire in the zombies’ direction. “I have a minor hunch, but I want to investigate further before I say it!”

“THE DAMN THINGS ARE ABOUT TO SCREAM AGAIN. RAJAH, ANUBIS, WEAR THESE.” Purah shouted. She shoved the rubber plugs into the free hands of the two Gerudo so they could block their ears, which they did gratefully.

“Master, I appear to have some stored information from previous adventures of the ReDeads. Would you like to listen?” Fi asked. Lona nodded. “YEAH, IF WE HAVE ANY MEANS OF TAKING THEM OUT WITHOUT DESECRATING THEM, PLEASE DO.”

“ReDeads, due to their dried bodies, are susceptible to fire. I heard the Gerudo peoples will do funeral pyres, so perhaps trying fire, like what your companion has, will be alright.”

Lona glanced at Rajah, who nodded in affirmation. “ANUBIS, WE NEED YOUR FIRE!” The young chieftain-to-be shouted. The teen nodded and rushed towards the ReDead, his spear covered in a layer of flame. He disappeared into the hoard, whirls of flame peeking from above and around the crowd of monsters. Lona, too, rushed in, using the gleaming light of the Master Sword to stun them while Anubis turned the monsters into ash.

It took hours to clean up the entire hoard of reanimated dead. Anubis and Rajah prayed, hoping to give them a proper, final rest, before Lona and Amethyst stirred up the wind to scatter the ashes across the valley.

“May their disturbed souls find peace.” Anubis said, somberly. “And may whoever did this burn in the red sands for eternity.” Rajah nodded in agreement. “May the souls of the lost find their way to Mother Din, Goddess of Power, Lady of the Sands, and Guider of Spirits.”

Purah nodded at them as she sat on her knees and put her hands together. Lona, Coral, Zefiryn, and Amethyst joined in paying their respects. The silence after the commotion felt deafening, literally since the ReDeads literally screamed so loud Lona was sure her eardrums would have bled had she not been wearing those rubber plugs.

Rajah stared off towards the exit of the canyon. “I’ll bet there will be more waiting for us in the desert itself. Steer clear of the Seven Heroines statues, several of them seem to crawl from there.”

Treading carefully throughout the desert, many of the insect Gibdos wandered, though they were an easy issue. The big thing was that apparently, Anubis dragged them here during Sand Shroud week, which he says he didn’t know would start early that month.

Rajah smacked him upside the head. “You didn’t realize? Anubis, you stupid Voe, Sand Shroud week is typically on the horizon when shitty sandstorms start kicking up often. You and your party were caught in the one that started the shroud! Yes! The bug Gibdos are gonna be wandering around, but they’re just another issue, considering the OTHER monsters we have to- Watch your feet!”

Lona jumped back as a weird green monster popped from the sand, its mouth on the top of its head with four pointy teeth on its perimeter to grab prey. “Gack! What’s that thing???” Rajah shrugged. “We haven’t identified that one yet. Annoying, though. They pop up through the sand, trying to bite your ankles. Stupid things.” She kicked another one that tried to bite her.

Anubis cringed as one the buggers tried to nip him. “What has happened since I left? I heard my brother just went up and vanished a while ago, too?”

Rajah scowled. “Yes. Horus started acting really, really weird after you were cast out. One day, he just up and left without a word, and then a few days later, all this monster crap started. Our people are tired, Anubis. And they expect me to inherit Lady Riju’s secret stone soon so I can efficiently deal with this issue. If you and your new friends can help, please.” She stopped in front of Urbosa Ravine, named after the brave pilot of Vah Naboris, which stood still as a statue on top of Mount. Nabooru.

Purah turned to check behind the party and stifled a gasp. “Guys, we might have a problem.”

Another hoard of ReDeads, along with insect Gibdos, shuffled towards the group.

Anubis pulled out his spear. “Get to Gerudo Town! I’ll deal with these guys!” He plugged his ears with the rubber plugs Purah gave him earlier.

Rajah motioned her hand for everyone to follow her while fire swirled with Anubis’ powers. Zefiryn seemed hesitant to leave him behind but Coral grabbed him by his vest collar and dragged the Hylian away.

Rajah managed to get everyone to Gerudo Town safely. The guards regarded her with respect. “Sa’vaaq, my lady.” The one on the right bowed.

“Sa’vaaq.” Rajah bowed in return. “I have brought a group of travellers with me, one of them being a Voe. I understand our rules and customs about outsider Voe, but may I make one exception for a member in the group I have with me? I’ll ensure everyone else keeps him in line.”

Amethyst laughed as Zefiryn’s face grew red. The guards eyed him carefully and talked with each other first before responding. “Alright, as long as at least one of the Vai is with him at all times outside of an abode. You all may come in. I would recommend buying some more appropriate clothes for the desert while you’re here, there are shops on the left side of the main street.” The guard on the left said.

Rajah thanked them as she guided Lona, Coral, Amethyst, Purah, and Zefiryn into the bustling capital of the Gerudo Desert. Despite the sand shroud and all of the mess going on outside of the walled city, everyone went about their day, some wearing veils to keep sand out of their eyes and mouths, others completely unbothered. The Gerudo soon-to-be-chieftain clapped her hands.

“Alright, Coral, I’ll organize you an appointment at the spa to help clear your scales and gills, Lona, Amethyst, here are some extra rupees to buy yourselves some proper desert clothing. You too, Zefiryn. Purah, have fun. Don’t blow anything up.” She instructed. Purah gave a thumbs up as she ran off towards the nearest tech shop. Rajah looked at Coral. “Alright, this way, your royal Zora highness!” The Zora laughed as she followed the Gerudo towards the bath house.

Amethyst immediately checked out the clothing shop near the entrance of the clothing shop. Lona grabbed Zefiryn by the wrist and waved at the Rito sage. “I’m gonna find Fir here some Voe clothes. I’ll be back!”

The two wandered the streets until they were pulled over by a Vai with short red hair and piercing yellow eyes. “Oh! Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you! Sa’vaaq! I heard you two were looking for Voe clothes for this one?” She pointed at Zefiryn, and Lona nodded. The Vai clapped her hands together. “Well, that’s just perfect! I just so happen to own and run a Secret Shop that specifically sells Voe clothing! I’ll show you the way.”

The Vai led the two to an alley and knocked on the door in a specific manner. “Hey! I’ve got a customer! Can I come in?” The door clicked open as another Vai, looking similar to the one who guided them here, stood in the entrance. She eyed Zefiryn and smiled. “Well, that’s a fine Voe you’ve managed to bring, sister! Don’t worry, young Vai, we’ll keep him here and my sister will come grab you once I’m done making him a good outfit for the desert.” She grabbed Zefiryn and pulled him inside, and the other Vai walked in and closed the door after winking at Lona.

Purah walked up from around the corner. “Soooo, how are we going to explain this?”

“You won’t. He’ll be fine. As long as one of you is here to pick him up once he’s done, the Voe won’t be in trouble.” One of the guards from earlier stated. Lona squeaked in surprise when she heard the guard’s voice. “Ha ha! Sorry little Vai. but yes, your friend will be fine. Your Rito friend has already wandered off after buying her own Vai outfit. I’d suggest doing the same while your Vow friend is getting his own clothes, that layered outfit can’t be comfortable, and your cooling food effects have probably worn off by now”

Purah and Lona bowed to the guard as they walked off in separate directions. Lona decided, yeah, she probably should go and get a new outfit for the desert. She shrugged off her short sleeve jacket and rolled up her sweater sleeves. Despite it being elbowless, it was still uncomfortable.”

The store owner waved Lona over. She gratefully complied and let the owner take her measurements. Soon enough, Lona was in loose, breathable clothes, with a veil to keep sand out of her face. After paying, Lona walked back to the Secret Shop to wait for Zefiryn.

Soon, he walked out of the Secret Shop, dressed in clothes studded with sapphires that, although skin tight, were also breathable. But one detail made Lona laugh.

“Wh-what’s so funny??” Zefiryn stammered. Lona wiped a tear from her eye. “Sorry, sorry. Just- Your chest- Wow, you’re thin.”

Zefiryn’s face turned red. “H-hey! I know I like thin, but my arms and core are strong! C’mon, Lona, you know that! I need to draw a bow!

Lona coughed. “Sorry, sorry, just wasn’t expecting that.”

Zefiryn stuck his tongue out Lona. “Come on. I know you’re on babysitting duty for me, so let’s just go find a restaurant or something. I want food.”

Lona skipped through Gerudo Town with Zefiryn in tow, looking for a spot for food. She peered around, and spotted Rajah and Coral, the latter of whom looking refreshed and happy, the sand from the shroud glancing off her scales. Coral saw Lona and immediately hugged her.

“Man, Lona, the bath was so nice! They did a really good job cleaning the sand from my gills and scales, and gave me something that keeps the sand out of them! It feels so nice not having sand where my secondary respiratory system is.”

Lona grinned. “That’s good! I got a new outfit! I love the greens and blues, and it’s breathable in this stuffy weather! The veil even keeps sand out of my mouth and eyes!” Coral’s eyes lit up. “Yeah, and you look gorgeous!” She eyed Zefiryn. “And he looks- Ah, how do I put this nicely-”

Zefiryn’s face turned red again. “Don’t.”

Coral smiled sheepishly. “Alright then.”

Rajah walked over and patted Zefiryn on the back. “Ah, don’t worry about it. Besides, you’re good with a bow, yes? You’re stronger than your body decides to show.”

A guard ran up to the small group. “Lady Rajah! It’s Anubis! He has returned to the desert! And he’s helping clear out the ReDeads and Insect Gibdos! Some of our troops reported it to me and asked me to tell you! Do we welcome him back into the town despite what the elders voted or do we…?”

Rajah cracked her knuckles. “I’m aware of his return, I met him in the canyon a while ago. We let him back in, I say. If he’s travelling with THREE secret stone holders and all of them have positive things to say about him? Clearly whatever BS the elders are spouting about him being cursed are junk.”

The guard nodded. “Of course, my lady. And, for you? Your mother is planning your pilgrimage to the Lightning Temple to inherit Lady Riju’s secret stone soon. I thought I would tell you.”

Rajah swallowed. “I see. Ah- Lona?!”

Everyone turned to look at Lona, who looked like she was about to faint. She collapsed to her knees and started speaking. “An ancient threat rests deep beneath the sands. Moldarach, the Thousand Year Arachnid, stirs, disturbing the spirits who rest, who too were cursed, causing them to rise.”

Everyone glanced between each other as Lona passed out. Fi appeared from the Master Sword.

“I have information on the monster my master spoke of. Moldarach is a giant armored scorpion my first master, the Hero of the Skies, fought on his journey, twice. It burrows beneath the sand and attacks from below. It also appears that the ReDeads have risen because Moldarach’s activity had awakened some kind of curse on them, causing them to come back as hostile monsters.”

Rajah grimaced. “I don’t like the sound of that. So something cursed our dead, and now this goddesses know how old scorpion is stirring up the sands, causing the ReDead to crawl their way out of the ground and attack us when we already have Bug Gibdos to worry about”

The guard looked confused. “I’m sorry? Did someone tell us important information?”

Rajah raised an eyebrow before realizing. “Ah, you can’t see the Sword Spirit Vai, can you? I suppose that makes sense, The Master Sword is picky about her wielder, so it’s logical she’s picky about who can see her spirit form.”

The guard looked even more perplexed but let it be. “I- I see. Well, Sa’vorq, my lady. I wish you luck.”

Suddenly, shouts of surprise filled the town as Anubis rushed in, with a few bite marks and bleeding scratches scattered across his body. He stopped in front of the group, out of breath.

“Hi. Bad news.” He wheezed. “Big scorpion. Tried to chase me. Took off in direction of Lightning Temple. Hoards of tiny scorpions rose up behind it, graves disturbed. ReDeads started rising from the disturbed graves.”

He sat down, catching his breath. “And the stupid zombies are headed right for Gerudo Town”

Rajah cracked her knuckles. “So they think they can invade our town, ey? Call all the guards to the gates. We’re setting some ReDeads on fire.”

Coral groaned. “ReDeads are the worst.”

Chapter Text

The rush of exhilarating adrenaline Horus felt when he released the pent up magic atop Mount Nabooru was…thrilling. He had no idea he held powers like these. The voice whispering in the back of his mind praised him for the work of reviving Moldarach and unleashing the ancient monsters that had lay resting beneath the sands.

Now it told him to seek a sword that was his right.

Horus grinned as he fixed his hair, as it became messy from the release of magic. Afterwards, he leapt down the cliff, keeping sure to land on wide enough ledges on the way down to keep from harm. 

He followed where his gut told him to go, the location of the sword that was his, and then reclaim the power that should have been his. He thought he saw golden diamonds out of the corner of his eye, but Horus shrugged it off as something of nonconsequence.

The teen kept out of the villages that littered Hyrule Field, for he knew his leaving of Gerudo Town would raise some eyebrows. However, he did hear some recent whispers about how the king of the Zora peoples had recently been killed and his youngest granddaughter had recently taken up his title of Sage of Water, and a deep freeze over Tabantha despite the spring season.

Horus kept up his pace, thinking of what he should do. One night, he found a Lizalfos skull, and decided to test something. He seeked out the magic he used on top of Mount. Nabooru and poured it into the skull. He set it down and walked away, a smug grin on his face.

Shortly after making his way to a still ruined village, a pouring rainstorm fell upon Horus, forcing him to take shelter in one of the buildings that still had a roof. He scowled. Of course the goddesses had to inconvenience him with something like this. The rain lasted for several days, keeping Horus stuck in the village. However, that did allow him to come up with a few plans for once he found what he was searching for.

After a week of travelling, not counting the days he was stuck in the rain, Horus found what he was looking for. It was a large, black sword, stuck in the ground, cracks with pitch black smoke seeping out of them slithered across the ground. On the hand guard, a blood red gem sat, glistening.

Every fiber in his body screamed at him to pull it, to reunite with this sword.

Demise’s sword.

So the Gerudo elders were wrong about who was cursed and who wasn’t. Horus didn’t care whatsoever. What he did care about was something primal, steeped into his soul.

Get the Triforce by whatever means necessary. If your own brother dies, merely a casualty in a grand plan to drown the world in darkness and take down Hylia. 

Carefully stepping over the cracks in the ground, Horus approached the sword. The golden diamonds flashed in his vision again.

Suddenly, in a cloud of them, a figure dressed in a white bodysuit with a red cape stood a few feet away from the teen and the sword. A smile spread across the figure’s face.

“So my master’s reincarnation has returned!” The man clapped. “It is so good to see you again, even if your form is rather…Young.” He commented.

Horus rolled his eyes. “My age should have nothing to do with this. And who even are you?” The Gerudo pointed his finger accusingly at the cloaked man.

However, the man laughed. “I’m saddened you don’t remember me, master!” He feigned. “I am your loyal servant, Ghirahim, and the spirit of your sword.”

Horus looked at the sword and then back at this ‘Ghirahim’. “Huh.” Was all he said.

Ghirahim looked at his master with a glint in his eyes. “Well, master? Pull the sword. It is rightfully yours, after all!”

Horus sighed. “You are right. This is mine.” He wrapped his hands around the hilt of the obsidian black sword. “And I will claim it.”

He pulled up with all his might. The ominous sword was set stubbornly in the ground, but that did not stop the Gerudo. His muscles strained, but slowly, the sword made its way out of the ground. With one last pull upwards, Horus wrested the sword from the earth.

“...Registration complete. Master Horus.” Ghirahim said, bowing. He vanished back into a cloud of gold diamonds, and aimed right for the diamond in the guard of the sword.

“Impressed?” He chimed from inside the sword. “This is but one of the many things I can do. I would show you all of them…but alas, many years of being asleep has weakened me greatly.”

Ghirahim reappeared. “However, I can easily keep an eye on the pesky little group of friends that keeps growing everywhere they travel.”

Horus smiled as he gazed at his new sword. “Perfect. And while you’re at that, if you could give them, especially my twin brother, some trouble, you’d make my day even more.”

The demon sword spirit bowed. “Of course, Master. It would be my honor.” 

As Ghirahim teleported away, Horus took one last glance at the obsidian sword. “Oh, how I’m going to have a lot of fun with this.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Horus perched himself atop an outcrop that overlooked Goron City. He pondered to himself as to how he could stir up trouble for them. Turning his gaze towards Death Mountain itself, Horus got an idea. A few fireproof elixirs later and the Gerudo was making his way down into the Volcano, towards the Fire Temple.

Finally, he found what he needed.

The last piece of Marbled Rock, which had not been destroyed 200 years ago when the hero Link defeated Marbled Gohma.

Horus poured his dark magic into the rock, and grinned.

“Marbled Scaldera. I have a task for you. Spit your fire and cause the volcano to erupt. Cause as much trouble for the Gorons as you can.”

The marbled patterning on the rock split open, with fiery legs popping out of it. A mouth formed and roared, and Horus hummed as he walked away.

“That should certainly attract my brother and his little group of friends once they’re done in the desert.”

Chapter Text