Before You Read:

Often times, I find myself imagining what BOTW would have been like if the content showed to us in the memories had been the actual game itself. So, in hopes of living vicariously through my writing, this fanfic is going to be set in an alternate result of the calamity. All the memories, landmarks, and characters will remain the same for the most part. However, I am going to pretend that Link had not died during the calamity and Zelda managed to harness her powers in the nick of time. The Champions also gained the upper hand on their respective Ganon Blights and survived their battles. Link and Zelda still sealed Ganon away with minimal destruction and King Rhoam survived as well. The story will begin 1 year after the calamity, after their battles, Zelda spent her time at the castle with her father (you can assume that she spent most of this time studying the art of politics which she did not receive due to her fathers focus on her unlocking her powers). During this time, Link was sent out by Zelda to investigate the shrines, with that said, he opened and completed all 120 shrines. There is Zelink shipping present in this story so I apologize to all the MiphaXLink fans out there. Also, I will reuse several of the side characters in the game (although I know some of them weren't born yet during this time) as characters within the story to keep them recognizable and true to the nature of the game. The rest will be explained as the story goes and hopefully it will make sense.

Lastly, unrelated to the story, this is my first story/fanfic/extended writing project so my skills may be a little poor and my methods/style may be a little strange. I notoriously suck at commas so I apologize in advance for that. I am open to criticisms and corrections but I hope you all enjoy it regardless of the problems, this story is just as much for all of you as it is for me.

(And of course) Disclaimer:

I am (sadly) not Nintendo so I do not own any of their content portrayed within this fanfic.

CHAPTER 1: A New Journey

Today marked the one-year anniversary of when Hyrule had successfully fought off the Calamity. Zelda silently stood at the window of her study looking out over the fields West of the Castle. Had it really been a year? It had felt like forever with all those lessons she had to endure but the anniversary was already upon them. She longed for the time which she was able to travel all across Hyrule with her appointed knight. Although she hadn't gotten off to a good start with him, and the trip was filled with plenty of stressors, she still missed being out of the stuffy castle. She looked at the back of her of her right hand, the triforce faintly glowed as she peered at it. Almost as if the goddesses themselves spoke to her, an idea popped into her head, one that would both get her out of the castle and benefit the kingdom as a whole. She pushed off of the windowsill with renewed energy, she had neglected the research for far too long and she ached to be back out there. Plus, she hadn't seen Link since she sent him off to investigate the shrines and she missed him.

Again, the goddesses seemed to answer her prayers as she found Link kneeling before her father as she entered the throne room. It seemed as though her expedition really was meant to be. "Ah Zelda, we were just speaking we were just speaking of you. Sir Link here has finally finished the task you set him out on and I was just about to send him to you with all the notes he had." Her fathers deep gruff voice reverberated through the walls while link still remained kneeling, facing the floor.

"Actually father, I wanted to ask your permission to initiate another expedition, however, one that I would be involved in personally. As you know, it has been a year since the Calamity and I wanted to pay my respects to the goddesses by visiting each of their shrines to thank them for the powers they have granted me. While I'm at it, I would also like to pay a visit to our neighboring allies. I hear that some of the corruption of the Calamity still befalls Hyrule and I would like to use my powers to cleanse what remains." Zelda was nervous but she didn't let it show on her face as she spoke to her father.

King Rhoam face of calm was replaced with a pensive look, he remained silent for a long time not looking up at her. Seeing as her father needed a little more convincing, she spoke up once again. "Additionally, I would be able to meet with the Champions and continue to strengthen my ties with them. If I ever wish to rule one day, I will need strong ties with them as well."

After what seemed like an eternity, the King finally replied, "I suppose there is no harm in doing so. Our Hero here mentioned to me that during his travels he received notifications regarding the Divine Beasts. Seeing has how they played an important part in Ganon's defeat, and that you seem to know the most about them, it would be beneficial to investigate and maintain them. However, you will be accompanied by Sir Link of course if he agrees to take on this task. I trust that he is enough to secure your protection without drawing too much attention." He said casting his eyes down towards Links kneeling form.

"It would be my pleasure your highness." Link simply replied.

"Well then, rise and accompany the Princess, I am sure she is eager to set off soon and you two will most likely have a lot of planning to do." He replied with a smile on his face.

"Thank you father, I will go prepare for the trip." An even bigger smile creeping on to her face as she could barely contain her excitement. The goddesses really were too kind to her.

With that Link followed Zelda out of the throne room following behind her as protocol normally dictated.