Author's Note:
So this is the first fanfiction I'm going to be attempting to legitimately branch out over time. I make no promises, as I'm busy to begin with and a fucking nerd in the abstract, so with school (and debate season) picking back up in a week for me, it'll probably be hard for me to maintain a consistent update schedule. With that being said, this is an idea I've had for well over two months, and I figured that if a thought can wiggle its way that deep in my head, it's probably worth expanding upon. I'll do my best to get weekly updates for as long as possible, and let you know when I'm going to be spotty.
Reviews, follows, favs, etc. are all immensely appreciated to let me know that there's interest in seeing where this story goes!
Disclaimer thingymabobber: I don't own Nintendo. Most of these characters are not mine. If I did own Nintendo, you can be sure that we wouldn't have waited six years between Legend of Zelda titles (six fucking years!).
Enjoy!
Outside, the night air was cold, but within the Gerudo Town's walls, the festivities underway would keep the young traveler warm. His name was Link, and this town was in a state far removed from the first time he'd seen it, two years ago. The parties and jolliness he witnessed here was in polar opposition to the crisis state that the Great Calamity had imposed, and even the old guards, who he could still recognize from his previous visit, could be seen relaxing a little bit. How could this have been the same place that was once terrorized by the enigmatic beast stalking the desert storm? The answer was simple, and had one name: Riju.
Makeela Riju, the Gerudo chieftain, had proven her competency at a stunningly young age, taking the throne at just fourteen after her mother's passing. Then, worries had been piling up one after another; the reawakening of the Divine Beast, the Yiga Clansmen terrorizing her town, and a generally collapsing quality of life within the town as individual citizens developed problem after problem. She led her people with admirable strength, considering her age, but after two years, the anxiety buzzing in her head reached a fever pitch when the Thunder Helm was stolen, and she feared a complete collapse of her society. But then, according to all but three living Gerudo, she had singlehandedly defeated the Yiga Clan, used the Thunder Helm to reclaim Vah Nabooris, and employed a young Hylian vai to solve the problems of the townsfolk. Admittedly, this was a slight exaggeration, but it was decided by all involved that it was the best explanation to put forth. After all, to tell the whole truth would've included admitting accepting a voe within the city's walls, and that just couldn't do. Although she could not personally admit it, she felt that she owed a personal debt to the hero who'd intervened to save the town on her behalf, and it had worried her slightly to watch him leave confidently on the road to Hyrule Castle Town. It worried her more when she didn't hear of him for a year following, but after news of his victory reached her ears, that fear was abated. She was content to let him live his life, but had, two weeks ago, sent a messenger with an invitation to her coming-of-age ritual. It was mostly as a formality; he was the last living formal representative of the kingdom of Hyrule, and he'd established himself as their generation's Hero. It was only proper. She hadn't ever expected him to actually show up, but here he was.
It was eleven at night when Lady Riju's entertainment was interrupted by a guard, notifying her that a voe was at the front gates, claiming to have been personally invited to join in the party. "Goddess," she laughed, "you certainly do have a sense of humor." Turning to her guard, she asked, "What did he look like? Light hair, blue eyes, toned figure, carrying a blade?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Riju chuckled heartily. "This may just be worth my time! Buliara, come with me, let's see if our long-lost hero has returned at last." Gracefully, she set down her goblet and walked to the north gate, stopping to converse with her people frequently along the way. It couldn't be, she thought, he couldn't have possibly returned just for a silly party, not after so long. "I guarantee you," she said to Buliara, her faithful bodyguard, "this is just some schmuck trying a new way to get inside the town walls. I'll never understand why they don't just wait for one of us to leave; it happens often enough!" A testament to the lighthearted atmosphere, Buliara allowed herself a smirk. This unusual display of emotion didn't go unnoted by her chief, and Riju's spirits were lifted ever higher. This night had been perfect. So perfect, in fact, Riju told herself, that she truly did not care if this was really the hero she remembered or just a random Hylian voe. She even expected him not to be, so she was surprised when she recognized the face that stared back at her when she reached the gate. Riju was never left without words, and she decided a scoff was in order. "I cannot believe it! Link, you actually showed up! The letter was more of a formality than an actual hope, if you understand. No offense, of course!"
"Ah," the Hylian murmured from under his hood. "I suppose I can leave then, if that would better suit you," he jested.
"No, no, of course not. You're welcome here any time! Well, perhaps not any time; you are a voe, but I think the sentiment prevails," she responded. "Come in, come in, we've catching up to do!"
Link was surprised to see that Riju hadn't grown taller than him, as he'd expected her to be at least average height for her race. She was still an inch shorter than the Hylian, and although she no longer carried quite the same youthful appearance she had when he first met her, she was by no means nearing the physical capacity of her guards. As he entered the city, Buliara gave him a small nod, and he was taken aback by how much she'd aged in two years. He made a small note to catch up with her, as well, but, out of respect for Riju's ceremony, decided to hold off until the chief retired for the night.
"You arrived a bit late," Riju admitted, "the celebrations are over, and we've only leftovers if you're hungry."
"Thank you, but I carry my own food," Link replied courteously. "How has the town been?"
"A few people are wishing for a visit from the mysterious Hylian vai who helped with every mundane task she was asked a few years ago, but I've told them that she's busy elsewhere." Riju chuckled. "Most leave it at that. Other than those few issues, things have been progressing marvelously as of late. Visits with dignitaries from the other peoples of Hyrule inform me the prosperous times have been widespread. All thanks to you."
Link shrugged. "It was my job."
"It was, indeed. Speaking of your job, what have you been up to lately? You fell off the map for a worrying amount of time after defeating Calamity Ganon."
"I have been involved with various quests, the most recent being honing my skills along the northern edge of Hyrule. If one runs east to west along the cliff faces of Hebra and Eldin, there are five silver Lynels to face off against in just a few days."
"And how long have you been doing that?"
"Two months. It's honestly starting to get a little boring," Link admitted. "They're becoming predictable."
Riju laughed at that. "There's not another soul in this world who could claim that squaring off against five silver Lynels is boring! I commend you, Link."
"Before I started on that, there were Molduga infestations in the deserts south of here. Technically another kingdom's territory, but a messenger of theirs' reached me with a plea for help. That took me a few months, and was when I ran into your ambassador, who informed you that I was still alive."
"Ah, I was wondering where the Molduga had disappeared to," Riju said. "I presume that you dealt with them along the way, as well."
"I'm pretty sure I actually killed most all of them during my little stint lost in the desert, back even before I headed to Hyrule Castle."
"Ah, I see. Well, I thank you nonetheless. They'd blocked major trade routes for our city." Riju sipped on wine, taking in the night air for a moment. "I believe, if it's alright with you, Link, that I'll retire for the night. The festivities have sizzled, but there are still bountiful drinks and foods, should you at any point want them, but tomorrow I must leave for rounds of negotiations with foreign ministers regarding trade and other issues. I will have my guards arrange a place for you to stay tonight, but it would be unwise for you to remain within the town for longer than you have to. The voe ban still stands. Sav'orr."
"Sav'orr," the Hylian called after her. Buliara attempted to pass him, but he placed a hand on the old soldier's shoulder before she could take her post outside Riju's room.
"What is it, Link," Buliara asked.
"Can I have a moment to speak with you privately? In regards to Lady Riju's protection going forward."
"Perhaps at another time. For now, I must guard her room, lest there be an attack."
"That won't be an issue," Link assured. "I personally saw to it that no threats are within three-thousand paces of the town's walls." Buliara grunted, relenting. "Sarqso, old friend." The two walked down the stairs leading away from the throne room to the barracks, where on a normal night soldiers could be seen training. Link slowed his pace, allowing the guard to keep up with him with ease.
"We stop here," Buliara commanded. "What are your concerns, Hero? Have you learned of a potential threat?"
"I hate to say this, Buliara, I truly do, but I believe the greatest threat to the Lady may be you." Buliara's eyes flashed with indignance.
"Hero, truly you do not mean to question my ability to protect Lady Riju! I will have you know that I have been by her side day and night for the eighteen years of her life and not a hair on her head has been harmed! Even when the Yiga Clan invaded, I kept her safe above all else, including the Thunder Helm, pride of our people!"
"Yes, Buliara. I know that you have been the most competent guard imaginable for the Lady. However, I believe you are unaware of the toll that it has taken on your health. I've been gone from the town only two years, and you have aged twenty. I fear that the immense physical and psychological taxations of this job have worn you down far beyond what is acceptable for the Lady's safety on perilous journeys like the one you will embark upon tomorrow."
"I will die before harm will come to my chief! I took a blood oath, Link!"
"Yes, you will. I commend your readiness to protect her, but I fear that you alone may not be enough. What if you were ambushed by Yiga on your way through the desert? How many could you fend off? I do not wish to offend you, Buliara, just hear my offer," he pleaded. Buliara calmed herself a moment.
"And what would you propose, Hero?"
"Thank you. I suggest that you allow me to escort Riju whenever necessary. This would include on trips to foreign kingdoms, like tomorrow, or meetings with other groups in Hyrule that she has to leave the town for. You would still make executive decisions regarding her safety within the town walls, and my position would only be utilized in extenuating circumstances. I would likely stay near to Gerudo Town at all times, in case I am needed, and would be able to return here at a moment's notice should trouble befall either Riju or the townsfolk, but my position is mainly as an escort."
"And what, exactly, is your motivation for this? The Gerudo are not your people, Hero."
"All races of Hyrule are my people, Buliara. I care for the maintenance of civilization in this country, and this town is in the most need of my help. Besides, I consider both you and Riju personal friends, and I personally care for your health. If you keep this whole job on your own, I do not think you will live another ten years," he explained solemnly.
"Perhaps you are right, to some extent," Buliara admitted. "I have not been my old self lately. But I cannot entrust this responsibility to anyone freely, Link."
"I did not expect you to. You may recall, if you remember your history lessons from childhood, that I was the royal guard for Princess Zelda. Admittedly, that may not be encouraging, but considering circumstances, I believe that it is a phenomenal track record that she survived the Great Calamity. Furthermore, I served as protection for brief stints throughout my time reclaiming the Divine Beasts for several companions."
"It is impressive, but I have never seen you in action. I will need proof of your skills. It is one thing to take down an especially tough enemy or protect yourself against hordes, but quite another to protect a target while doing the same."
"That's understandable. Might I suggest one more thing?"
"Go ahead."
"I currently am without the Master Sword. I placed it back into its pedestal after defeating Calamity Ganon, thinking I wouldn't have any need for it. I appear to have been incorrect. If you would allow it, I will go get the blade and return tomorrow at daybreak to accompany you and Lady Riju to the negotiations."
"That would work as your audition?"
"I suppose."
"Very well. I know not where you keep the blade, but I suggest you hurry, for I've no doubt it is a long trek from here."
Link laughed. "You underestimate me, Buliara." With a snap, he was gone, blue filaments filtering into the night sky above. Buliara watched as he disappeared, without wonder. She'd seen this trick more than once out of him. Turning around, she sighed melancholically. The Hylian was right; she didn't know how long she could keep up her duties as Riju's bodyguard. She'd already noticed signs of her reflexes slowing down. Although she'd go to her grave before admitting it, she was glad that he'd approached her, as he was the only one in the world she'd truly trust to one day replace her.
Taking post outside of Riju's room, she decided to walk in and take note of the woman she'd helped to raise. "What did you do," Buliara muttered, looking at her sleeping figure, "to deserve him?"