Ryder's Fics

Many years later, when the only person she thought she could call her friend changed her into a hideous little imp and usurped her from her throne, what should have been her very birthright, and banished her from her realm, she realized something: maybe this curse wasn’t as bad as she had originally thought. 

Never in her life had she felt so free. 

It was such a foreign concept to feel the smooth leaves of Faron trees in her grasp, or hundreds of tiny blades of grass poking gently into her back while she slept beside her companion. It was even more strange to feel his soft fur curling against her side, warming her, or feeling tufts of it beneath her fingertips as they traveled together. She knew that if her father or advisors could see her, they would be frowning at the very concept of touching a wild animal. She didn’t care though. 

However, she still found herself surprised when she raised her dainty hands to Link’s face and felt that his cheeks were soft too, like his wolf form’s fur. 

Her voice came out so quietly. “You’ll come with me... won’t you?” Link’s lips curled upwards into a gentle smile, and before she had time to pull her hands away, he had raised his own hands up over the back of hers. His hands, unlike his face or his fur were much more calloused; whether from years of farm work or from handling different weapons on their quest, she wasn’t quite sure. 

She was sure of only two things at that very moment: that his hands, despite feeling rough were still so tender, and that there was an unfamiliar warmth in her chest when their hands touched. 

“Thank you,” she murmured before the pair continued deeper into the Gerudo Desert. 

Sure, it wasn’t the first time she and her companion—her friend—had touched; but somehow this time felt different, and she couldn’t help but wonder why, or what these sudden feelings even meant. 

They didn’t tell about the tiny blue fairy that hid in his hat and eased his mind when he was afraid. The one that would distract monsters so that he could sneak up on them. The one that had become the Hero of Time’s closest friend by the end of their journey together.

The one who left him without giving a reason why. So he searched for her.

He searched for years, joining the Hyrulean Army when he grew older. He was trying to find a new purpose, a way to spend his life protecting the land that he loved, all while trying to forget the hole in his heart that Navi had left.

Even though he became the general of the army, lost his eye in the process, and had a beautiful wife and children he adored with all his heart, the Hero of Time always held out hope that he would find his best friend once again.

Even until he took his final breath.

The Hero of Twilight was no different. He desperately desired closure. What was she going to say before she stopped herself? Why did she leave, severing the only known connection between their worlds?

Did she miss him as much as he missed her?

He returned the Master Sword for the next hero. He packed away most of the equipment he acquired on his quest across Hyrule, keeping only the Ordonian Sword, Hylian Shield, bow, bombs, and lantern. He prepared his beloved mare for the long journey to the castle, hugging his childhood best friend goodbye. He knew that if he hadn’t been through so much, he would have been content staying in the village he grew up in.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, but she shook her head softly with tears in her eyes.

I understand. You were destined to be taken from me.

“Just be safe,” she whispered back, holding him a little tighter before he disappeared into the woods. She wondered if she would ever see him again.

The guards saluted him when he walked through the castle gates, escorting him with utmost respect to the throne room where the princess was. She dismissed the guards, knowing that if for some reason something were to happen, he would protect her with his life.

He bowed before her and rose when instructed. They smiled softly at each other, and he took her silk-gloved hand, kissing the back of it tenderly.

“Hello, Link,” she greeted, quickly looking over his features. He still wore the forest green tunic, though it had small tears from his battles. Faded pink scars were visible on his neck where the collar of his shirt didn’t cover. A layer of stubble covered his jawline, making him look slightly older than he was.

“Hello, princess,” he responded, likewise looking over the beautiful princess. Not much was different about her other than her hair being a little longer and the fact that she was smiling. “Have you been well these past few months?”

“Yes, though it has been somewhat stressful,” she responded. “I have been overseeing the reconstruction and doing my best to help those in need. And how about you, Link?” His smile fell.

“Guess I just want to find a new purpose. Ever since Midna left, I’ve just felt… lost.” Zelda’s smile fell too after he said this. Her heart ached for the hero, who had endured so many hardships to protect the land and the people he loved. She still didn’t fully understand why Midna, who had loved the hero so much, could possibly leave him behind.

Suddenly, she had an idea.

“Stay here at the castle,” she said before giving herself more time to think it over. Link’s eyes widened in shock. “The soldiers could use a strong captain who can train them properly. You could stay and look through the castle library to see if there is another way.”

Please, stay with me. You are the only one who can comprehend what I have been through.

He was silent for what seemed like ages, unsure if it was a task he was fit for. He already knew he was a good fighter. After all, he had been trained since he was young, and he slayed countless monsters, including a giant spider, a dragon, and Ganondorf himself. Would he make a good leader though?

He looked into Zelda’s hopeful blue eyes.

She believes in me.

A small smile appeared on his face once again. He had made up his mind.

“So long as I can continue protecting the land and people that I love, I will stay. Thank you, princess.” He cupped her hand in his and kissed it again, his lips lingering for just a second longer this time, then he dismissed himself, knowing that he would soon be summoned back for a proper ceremony.

Before he stepped out of the throne room, he froze in his tracks when the princess called out to him. “Link?”

He turned around.

“How long will you stay?”

“I suppose,” he answered, “however long it takes.” He turned back around to leave, the heavy doors clicking shut with a thud.

He didn’t need to elaborate, for she already knew what he meant. The wolf’s heart was loyal to her, to his friends, and to this land.

Yet if seeing her again meant giving it all up, Zelda had no doubts that he would do it in a heartbeat. Just like the Hero of Time, she knew that he would always hold out hope.

 Looking down at the injury, his eyes widened. It almost looked as bad as it felt! The bottom of his once green tunic was now stained red and torn, and the legs of his pants were covered in blood.

 Link slowly took off his tunic while his companion grabbed a rag and some bandages. Unfortunately, this was all they had to work with. Midna gently pressed the rag against Link’s skin, trying not to cause him any more discomfort or pain. After a few minutes, she discarded the old cloth and helped wrap bandages around him.

 When Link saw some blood on Midna’s hands, he looked away in shame. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I… should have been more careful.”

 “There was no way you could have known,” Midna said. “I should have been there to help you…” Link raised his head to look at Midna. Her eyes were filled with hurt and uncertainty. “All of this is my fault. I should have just let you go home after you saved your friends.” She was no longer looking at him, and it was obvious that she was getting very upset, something which was pretty rare for her. “All you wanted to do was find your friends and go back home to your family, but then what do I do to you? I drag you along with me for my own selfish reasons!”

 Link sat there in dead silence as he stared wide-eyed at his companion. He wanted to say something, but he just couldn’t find the words.

 “All I did was use you, yet you only showed me kindness!” she continued angrily. “And what have I done to you? I… I made you give up your peaceful life all because I got mine taken away from me!” At this, Link frowned and moved over to where his companion was, despite the pain from his fresh injury. He reached out and carefully hugged her.

 “Stop blaming yourself,” he whispered, “none of this is your fault.” After a moment of stunned silence, he released her. She looked at him, surprised by his actions, hastily wiping tears from her eyes. “Even if you hadn’t come along, I would still have to do all of this. It’s my destiny as one of the chosen.” He paused for a moment and smiled. “Plus, you’re the one who’s keeping me sane!”

 “Hey, Link? I…” she stopped herself short, looking over to the small cave’s entrance. She quickly changed her mind, saying something else instead. “I think you should get some rest. I’ll go clean your clothes and get washed up, if you don’t mind.”

Fortunately, he had an extra change of clothes with, so Midna exchanged those for his current clothes. She went to a nearby stream with the bundle of clothes in her arms, leaving the young hero alone with his thoughts.

Link, stripped of his hat and shirts got into a defensive position, ready to sumo wrestle the Goron. “I’m ready!”

From the sidelines, several Gorons including the Patriarch and an elder were watching, wearing their own grins. Another elder, Dorba was standing next to the ring. “Ready?” He shouted, “Go!”

The Goron attempted to slap Link, but he managed to dodge it, ramming into his stomach. He only managed to push the rock creature a few inches before he managed to pull out of the young man’s grip. The Goron bumped his chest into Link’s, and he almost lost his balance. Unexpectedly, the hero rammed into the Goron and pushed against him using even more strength. Within moments, the Goron was pushed out of the ring and lying on the ground.

Many of the Gorons including the one Link had just defeated had bewildered looks on their faces, but Dorba had a huge smile on his face. “The winner of this match is Link!” Several cheers erupted from the crowd and Link’s former opponent crossed his arms and nodded respectfully.

Even Midna was impressed by his win, but she didn’t let it show. She secretly watched the determination show on his face and how he pushed the Goron back, which seemed so easy for him.

She decided that even though they had important business to take care of, Link deserved a day to himself. Not that she minded it either. She quite liked being able to laze around and just pretend she had no problems.

And besides, Link was an attractive man.

This wasn’t the first time she noticed how evenly tanned his torso was, or how muscular he was. As long as he didn’t know, she didn’t mind staring.

He decided he liked the sport, so he stayed to compete more. It was a tough competition, but Link enjoyed the challenge. It beat killing monsters any day.

By the fourth match, Link’s hair was sticking to his forehead and his muscles glistened with sweat. He felt like he was ready to fall over in any moment, but he stubbornly decided against taking a much needed break.

“Go!”

He felt a hand make contact with his chest, staggering backwards, and the next thing he knew, he was on the ground. He groaned in pain, realizing he had lost.

It took him a moment to get up, but he was respectful when he did. He picked up his pile of clothes and said goodbye to the Gorons, then made his way down the trail on Death Mountain. It took a while, but Link found the hot springs. He haphazardly threw his tunic onto the ground and began unfastening his pants when Midna sprang from his shadow.

“What are you doing?” She asked, surprised he’d act so...casual with her around.

“What do you think I’m doing?” He asked sarcastically, “I’m relaxing.” Midna’s eyes widened and she averted her gaze when Link shook his pants from his ankles, quickly stepping into the hot water. He grinned when he saw her embarrassed look. “Oh come on, Midna. I’m just a man.”

He leaned back and closed his eyes, enjoying how the hot, yet gentle water touched his skin. It helped soothe the ache on his muscles. Midna on the other hand decided to leave the small cave. She couldn’t figure out if she wanted to leave out of embarrassment or respect. Probably a little of both. He opened his eyes a few minutes later, instantly realizing that it was too quiet.

He got out, throwing on his pants and grabbed his gear before leaving the spring. “Midna!” No answer. “Midna, where are you?” Again, no answer. By now, he was starting to get worried as he ran back up Death Mountain. “Mid-” He was cut off when something hit the back of his head and he fell to the ground. His vision left him.

Link was surprised when he woke up in a bed. There was a cloth on his forehead and he was wearing his white shirt, which was partially undone, but the most surprising thing was seeing Midna sitting right by his side. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, “I shouldn’t have left. I overreacted.”

He rested a hand against her elbow and smiled at her. “No, don’t worry about it. I understand why you didn’t wish to stay, I did something I shouldn’t have done.”

“I… I hope you’re feeling better,” Midna said, a small but sad smile creeping onto her face.

“Don’t worry,” he said. His voice was soft. “I’ll be fine. I’m getting there.”

“If you’re fine, I guess I’ll go.” “Wait, Midna. I don’t want you to leave, not yet.” She was surprised by this. “I mean… You can if you want to…”

She smiled. “Okay, I’ll stay for a while, you big goofy dog.” He grinned.

“Thank you.”