Prologue
Before time began, before spirits and life existed, three golden goddesses descended upon the chaos that was Hyrule. Din, the goddess of power, with her strong flaming arms, cultivated the land and created the red earth. Nayru, the goddess of wisdom, poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world. Farore, the goddess of courage, with her rich soul, produced all the life forms who would uphold the law.
The three great goddesses, their labours completed, departed for the heavens and golden sacred triangles remained at the point where the goddesses left the world. Since then, the sacred triangles have become the basis of our world's providence and the resting place of the triangles has become the Sacred Realm.
The sacred triangles, known now as the Triforce, have the power to grant anyone who touches it whatever wish their heart most desires, whether righteous or malevolent. To protect this incredible power from those with wickedness in their hearts, a series of safeguards were created.
The first, was to appoint a guardian. A child of Nayru was appointed as the guardian of the Triforce and by extension, a guardian of the land of Hyrule. Her name was Hylia. She was a kind, generous and loving goddess and brought prosperity to all who dwelled within her realm. She was loved by all who lived there and the race of people most devout to her were known as the Hylians.
The second safeguard was a temple built by Hylia to act as a gateway to the Sacred Realm. Certain tools and qualities were required in order to unlock the gate to the Sacred Realm.
The final safeguard was built into the Triforce itself for if someone were to gain access to the Triforce, his heart would need to be in perfect balance of power, wisdom and courage. If his heart was not in balance, the Triforce would break apart and he would gain only the part which best reflected his heart while the other two triangles would be granted to two others whose hearts reflected those virtues.
Only mortals were able to wield the power of the Triforce and so Hylia would never become a threat to those she protected.
With these safeguards in place, the golden goddesses continued on creating other worlds in the same manner and appointing guardian deities to each.
The land of Hyrule prospered under Hylia's guidance and generosity. The people worshipped her through statues they erected in stylized forms as they could not truly see her physical form. Despite this, she lived amongst them and watched over them, using her divine powers to heal their wounds and share in their triumphs.
But the Triforce could not remain secret. Wickedness and greed got wind of the power of the sacred triangles and sought to obtain it. Unbeknownst to Hylia and her people, a great evil brewed beneath the earth, preparing for battle.
Chapter 1
Hylia watched with pride in her heart as her people worked on building another town amongst the forests of Faron region. This area would serve her people well with a bounty of clean water, rich soil for crops and thick forests full of wildlife. Fairies danced within the woods kissing seeds that fell to the ground and blessing them with life. Her people would be able to grow and prosper here.
She unfolded her wings to take to the air when something deep in the woods gave her pause. She withdrew her feathery wings and in an instant was covered in silver armour. Her bow and arrows of light ready in her hands, she made her way into the woods.
It was not something she could see that had caused her suspicion but something she felt. A presence. Something that shouldn't be here.
The trees opened up to reveal a pond and on the other side stood another. His long hair was as white as she was and he was clad in armour with a massive sword with two blades that circled around each other in his hand. War paint covered his face and his eyes were blank. This was another god.
Hylia drew her bow string to her cheek and aimed at the god's heart.
He smirked at her.
"Who are you?" Hylia demanded.
He brought his sword up to rest upon his shoulder as he watched her.
"Why are you here?" She demanded again, angered by his silence.
He looked around the clearing before slowly settling his gaze back upon the white goddess.
When he did not answer a second time, she loosed her light arrow.
With blinding speed, he swung his sword and a flash illuminated the area. When the light cleared, her arrow was cut clean in two and the warrior god on the other side of the pond stood unharmed and still smirking.
Hylia's eyes widened in alarm but she knocked another arrow and prepared to fire it.
At last, the god spoke, "I am called the Fierce Deity." He looked around the clearing again and the amused expression upon his face didn't change. "And I am here because I like it here."
The white goddess frowned. He didn't seem to wish her any harm so she did not loose another volley but she didn't trust him either so she didn't lower her bow. "Where did you come from?"
He cocked his head at her, examining her, "Another realm."
"Go back to your realm." She demanded.
Finally, his expression changed to a frown, "Am I so unwelcome?"
She held still, prepared to fire another arrow at him. He did not seem to be the slightest bit concerned by the threat.
At last, he sighed, "As you wish." And with that, he vanished.
Hylia could feel that his presence had gone elsewhere, far away. She lowered her bow and her armour transformed into her usual white gown. Feeling more relaxed, she spread her wings again and took flight. Once high above the land, she gazed upon her realm. The sun was setting and her people would soon turn in.
She set out to patrol the borders of her realm and see if any other intruders had made their way in. It was not uncommon for the land to have trespassers but this was the first time another god had dared to cross into her realm. It left her feeling unsettled.
Time passed and the encounter faded into the back of Hylia's mind. Her people needed her and more rainfall than usual had caused water to pool in the Lanayru region. The rivers had long since turned into lakes and the area was now threatening to join the ocean.
She showed them the trees drifting down the river to try to inspire her people to come up with their own solution but the panic the people felt seemed to drown out any logic or creativity that might have arisen otherwise.
A village was threatening to be washed away in the flood waters so time was beginning to run out.
Hylia sent another log to drift along the water beside the village. A few children saw it and an idea struck one of them. The young boy ran out into the water to try to catch the log but the current was stronger than he was and he was quickly swept downstream. The other children cried out in alarm and the villagers ran to see what the commotion was. Hylia spread her wings to fetch the child but before she could reach him, a hollowed out log floated to the child who was able to grab on.
The Fierce Deity lifted the child into the log and pushed the boat to the safety of the shore. The villagers ran to the child and examined him before looking at the log and quickly going to collect the other logs that had drifted past the village.
Hylia turned her attention to the Fierce Deity who smirked at her. She frowned at his cockiness but flew over to where he was standing nearby the villagers.
"You should not have interfered." Hylia reproached.
"Why not? You were about to but I was closer." He replied flippantly.
"This is not your realm." She reminded him coolly.
His lips tugged up at the side in amusement, "No, it is not." He agreed.
Hylia felt torn. Part of her wanted to send him away back to his own realm. Indeed, that was the right thing to do. However, he had just saved one of her children. Surely he didn't mean any harm.
"Why did you come back?" She asked cautiously.
"Because I like it here." He replied simply.
Irritation grew within her. Gods were not supposed to leave their realms. "Why did you leave your realm?" She asked instead.
He turned to look at her and the amusement vanished from his face, "I have no other realm."
She frowned in confusion, "You said before you came from another realm…"
"Where I came from is not my own realm. I have no realm of my own. I travel through each realm. Sometimes I stay awhile, other times I just pass through." He explained calmly.
She took this in and was silent for a time. She had never heard of a god who travelled through the different realms without one of his own. "Will you stay here?"
That amused expression appeared again, "If you wish it."
"I – " She started before realizing the trap. "I was not inviting you. I was asking what your plan was."
He looked back out over the land before them, "I like it here." He said simply.
She was quiet, hoping that he would continue but he said no more. Suddenly, his smile faded and he frowned, "I must go." And with that, he vanished.
She stared at the spot he had been standing a moment ago. His presence was far away again. She found herself in a mixture of confusion and annoyance but soon, pushed him from her mind. She had more important things to concern herself with.
With that, she moved on to overlook the building of the boats.
It was awhile before she saw the Fierce Deity again. This time it was a holy day celebrating a bountiful harvest. Her people were happy so Hylia was also happy. She played her harp for a time as the townspeople danced in the square. Food was plentiful, alcohol flowed and their land was peaceful. As the dancing continued, a figure stood out in the crowd. Though the people couldn't see him, Hylia could.
She walked over to where he was standing and his eyes never left her. Soon, she was standing before him.
"You've come at a good time." She said with a playful smile.
He cocked his head at her and raised an eyebrow inquiringly.
She took his hands and drew him out into the square and they danced along with the people. It didn't take the Fierce Deity long to figure out the steps and soon he threw in a few of his own flourishes, spinning Hylia about and flipping her in the air to the quick beat of the music.
By the end of the dance, Hylia found herself at ease with him around. At last, she believed he meant no harm to her land or her people.
The two of them moved away from the dancers and over to a table where Hylia poured them each a drink. It was strong but sweet and the liquid warmed their bodies.
"What is this?" The Fierce Deity asked as he looked about at all the people celebrating.
Hylia smiled as she looked over her people, "They celebrate the harvest. Their crops did well this year and they have plenty to bring them through winter."
The Fierce Deity smiled slightly at that but said nothing and Hylia found herself wondering just what was going through his mind at that moment.
Before she could ask, a new song started and he took her hands as he brought her back out to dance. This was another fast paced song and the dance was quite athletic. He picked it up quickly, and lead her around the square, one hand around her waist and the other holding her hand. He spun her, dipped her and lifted her high in the air.
They were both laughing by the end of the song.
"Do your people celebrate often?" He asked her as they made their way out of the square.
Hylia looked over her shoulder at the crowd behind them, "Yes. They have much to celebrate here."
She looked back at him and saw him smiling softly. It was an expression that seemed somewhat out of place on a god named the Fierce Deity. "What is your true name?"
He looked at her and the smile faded, "I've been called the Fierce Deity for a long time."
"And what was your name before that?" She insisted.
He seemed to hesitate but something made him relax his guard, "Kinshin."
Hylia smiled warmly, "I am Hylia."
He smirked, "I know."
They made their way out of the town and into a nearby grassy field. The sounds of the celebration faded into the background and the light of the stars and moon illuminated the field. They lay down amongst the wildflowers and gazed up at the sky.
"Of all the realms I've been to, never have I seen such celebration and happiness." Kinshin said into the night.
Hylia glanced over at him and he was still gazing up at the sky. "What are the other realms like?"
He shifted to bring his arms up so his hands cradled his head as he continued to gaze skyward. The muscles in his arms rippled as he moved and Hylia looked back up at the sky, blushing.
"Some are quiet, peaceful realms like this one. Others are steeped in bloodshed and war. Those are the ones I get called to the most." He replied with a sad expression.
The wistfulness in his tone made her look at him again, "Who calls you?"
"Usually the guardian deity. Sometimes the people themselves. I am impelled to go to the summons."
She watched him as he spoke and it was clear that such summons were the source of the sadness in him. "What happens then?"
He was quiet for a time, staring up at the clear sky. "I fight."
"Who?" She asked, a feeling of dread sinking into her stomach.
He looked over at her, "Whoever their enemy is."
Hylia frowned at this answer, "Is it so indiscriminate? Does it not matter if it is right?"
"I was not created to make that distinction." He replied simply.
"Does that not bother you?" She asked, searching his face for an answer.
He was quiet again and after a time, no answer came. Hylia turned away again.
"How long will you stay?" She asked, finding she wasn't so sure she even wanted him to stay at all.
That cocky smirk appeared on his face again, "For now."
Her irritation grew at the vague response. She focussed on the sounds of the celebration dying down as the night went on and soon, they were left in complete silence. Even the crickets in the field had gone to sleep.
They had been quiet for so long that Hylia began to wonder if Kinshin had fallen asleep as well but suddenly, his deep voice broke through the silence, "It does bother me. But I cannot change it."
Hylia turned to look at him again but his face was a stone wall.
He continued to gaze up at the sky, "Farore blessed me with great courage but wisdom to make such calls was not her's to grant to me."
Hylia watched him as he gazed up at the moonlit sky and found herself wanting to comfort him. The burden he must carry seemed to weigh heavily upon him and she reached her hand out to cup his cheek and turn his face towards hers.
He reached up and touched her hand in surprise and looked deep into her own eyes, searching for… something. He reached across and cupped her cheek, drawing her to him and soon, their lips collided. At first, the kiss was shy and tender, but soon, her own lips opened at his urging and their tongues caressed one another. His hands moved down her body, caressing her sides gently.
Her own hands explored his firm body. His armour covered most of his torso and she started to reach for the clasps but stopped herself, slowing the kiss and then separating from him.
He was hesitant to break the kiss but when she moved back, he did not stop her.
"I – " She started and found she had nothing to say. She knew only that she had to stop the kiss now or she wouldn't be able to later. Her heart was still pounding and her skin was hot from his touch.
He smirked again and laid a finger softly over her lips, "I will see you again soon." He said then vanished.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steadying herself before sitting up. She gazed at the spot they had been lying in the grass longingly before willing herself to turn away and move off into the night back to her temple.
The next few days went by in a haze for Hylia. The kiss she and Kinshin had shared kept popping into her mind at inconvenient times and she would have trouble setting the memory aside to focus on the task at hand.
When Hylia finished calming a volcano in the Eldin region, she found herself irritated that Kinshin had said he would see her again soon but now she didn't know what soon was. Time was relative for gods and goddesses. Lifetimes could pass in the blink of an eye but ever since the kiss, each moment seemed like an eternity.
She made her way back to Faron region to the city where she had first met the Fierce Deity. The village had grown and now a great stone city stood where the village had once been. Her temple stood at the top of a hill, overlooking the city.
She walked up the steps and her heart skipped when she saw someone leaning against the entrance to the temple.
As fast as the giddiness arrived, it was replaced with anger. "What did you do to me?" She demanded as she took the final step.
Kinshin grinned back at her, "I kissed you."
"I know that but – " She stopped herself and sighed exasperatedly. "Never mind."
He raised a brow at her but wisely said nothing as he walked inside the temple with her.
Her people were praying to her so she closed her eyes and listened to their prayers. Most people prayed for the typical good harvest, for their children to grow up safely or for someone to fall in love with them. There were a few special prayers though such as to get to go exploring the world one day or another to try to solve some equation. Most prayers were not things she interfered with but generally speaking, it was her duty to ensure that her people thrived which meant ensuring peace and prosperity to them. When the people finished praying, she opened her eyes and found Kinshin watching her.
"Do you do this every day?" He asked.
"Yes." She replied.
He cocked his head, "Doesn't that get boring?"
She looked at him in confusion, "What do you mean?"
"Why do you care what they want?" He asked bluntly.
She frowned at him trying to think how best to explain, "Come with me." She took his hand and led him out of the temple.
At the top of the stairs they gazed down at the city, "Do you remember this place?"
"Yes, we were just here." He replied flippantly.
She gave him an irritated sidelong look, "No, I mean before that. This is where we first met. This was just a village then."
He looked at it again then nodded, "Yes, I remember."
"When I listen to their prayers, I cannot always help them with what they ask but if I can and it is in their best interest for me to help them, I do." She watched him as she explained. So far, he didn't seem to understand the importance of it. "When my people are thriving, they are happy and evil has a much harder time finding its way into their hearts."
He still frowned, trying to comprehend, "What does that matter?"
"When people have everything they need, they are more inclined toward peace. I do not give them everything for that leads to greed but when they have all they need to survive and be happy, they are more likely to spread their wealth with the others in their village and thus the people grow together. This builds community and a sense of responsibility to one another. With my guidance, this maintains peace and order." She paused to watch him and saw that it still hadn't quite sunk in yet. "My job then becomes easier as wickedness cannot find its way to the Triforce."
He looked at her then as understanding dawned on him, "It is preventative then. Your true role is as guardian of the Triforce, not of these lands."
She smiled back, "That's right."
He looked back out toward the city, smirking, "I understand now why your people celebrate so much. The guardian deities of the other realms I've been to would benefit from your wisdom."
She blushed at the compliment then reached out and took his hand, "Come, I want to show you something."
She led him out of the city and out into the field beyond. They traveled for a time and they stopped when they reached the peak of the mountain. A great cherry tree stood in bloom at the top with a shallow pond below it.
The Fierce Deity leaned against the tree as he watched her step into the pond. Beyond, they could see all of Hyrule. The emerald green of the forests of Faron, the great sea over Lanayru and the fiery mountains of Eldin all stood vibrant and strong below them.
"Do you see?" Hylia asked as she gazed out over her realm.
Kinshin was watching her, "Yes."
She looked back at him and the strength of his gaze held her still as he walked into the water towards her. The sun was setting in the distance casting a golden glow over the two gods. When he reached her, he reached out, cupping her cheek and pulling her into him. He kissed her again, softly at first but soon, a hunger drew them into each other.
Her hands worked at the fastenings of his armour and it soon fell into the water around them but their kiss didn't break. He pulled her into him close, holding her body to his as he kissed her hungrily. His hands moved down her body, leaving a hot trail in their wake. Slowly, his hands made their way back up and undid the fastenings over her shoulder and her gown dropped into the water around her.
Soon, she was lifting his tunic over his head and he leaned over to scoop her up out of the water. He carried her to the shore and gently set her down, laying down beside her. He took a moment to gaze at her nakedness as she ran her hands over his bare chest but it wasn't long before his mouth found her's again. His hands roamed over her body sending shivers down her spine and his kisses moved from her mouth down her neck to her chest where his mouth settled over one nipple that he tongued and nipped at delightfully.
Hylia closed her eyes as sparks of pleasure travelled from her breasts to her loins.
Somehow, through his ministrations, he managed to remove the rest of his clothing and settled himself between her legs. He leaned down over her to reclaim her lips and he sunk into her completely.
She gasped as her body arched at the fullness of it. She stretched around him digging her fingers into his back and pulling his body close.
He kissed her again slowly and matched his movements with the pace of their kiss, moving slowly back before thrusting deep into her. Soft cries rewarded him and encouraged him to continue this pace.
Their bodies entwined and moved together as one as he would pull back then fill her again. Soon, her cries became more desperate and a need built within them, and he responded with quicker and more forceful thrusts. He kissed her neck and shoulder, nipping lightly at her skin and she reached down pulling him into her with each thrust.
Their pleasure built and they both cried out as they reached their climax.
They lay together as their breathing slowed, holding each other close. After a few moments, he moved off of her and waded into the water to retrieve their clothing.
They dressed as night fell. Once the last buckle of his armour was done up, he reached out to Hylia and pulled her in to him. He wrapped his arms around her and placed a tender kiss upon her forehead.
She wrapped her arms around his torso and rested her head against his chest, listening to the sound of his heart beat.
Together, they settled in at the base of the cherry tree, wrapped in each other's arms as sleep took them.