Author's Note: Welcome to a new little series I was kind of thinking about. So something I want to preface before we begin. From a lore standpoint, we don't really know what happened in the past specifically, in-between the war where Link collapsed in battle, up until where Link wakes up. Being my first fanfiction crossover I wanted to experiment with two of my favorite games and see what would happen if I created a new little story. (Yes, my original character is still kinda floating around in my stories. But I'm going to try and focus more on the story than the original character I have.)
Just as a forewarning though, I'm using a similar dialog style as I did in "Conflicting Reality". Story being primarily in 3rd person. Anyway enjoy!
Chapter 1: Simple Pleasantries
"It is something that grows over time... a true friendship. A feeling in the heart that becomes even stronger through time... the passion of friendship will soon blossom into righteous power through it, you'll know which way to go..." - Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
In this existence we live in, there are many different planes of reality beyond the normal world we live in. Multiple timelines for each existence, every world and every person; they are all vaguely connected by the heart, and the relationships that are forged between them. But... what would happen to a timeline of fated heroes... If beings from another world, or realm of existence, invaded their world to bring more darkness to their reality?
The world... or in this case, the fated kingdom of Hyrule has advanced in their civilization and technology over the years. The people in this kingdom have managed to usher a new era of peace and power, especially with the creation of automaton defenders known as Guardians. However, not all good things last, especially in a timeline bound by fate. A curse of pure malice and evil gave birth to the creature known as Ganon and like the legend continues to follow... two incarnations of this Kingdom's fated heroes would arise to end the calamity... to end the evil. Those two fated Heroes were known to be Zelda and Link.
When the calamity first came into the land of Hyrule... the fated Heroes were ready for the threat... knowing the cycle was bound to arise once more. In their preparation, they gathered several brave souls from the corners of their land, known as the Champions. These Champions piloted special Guardians known as the Divine Beasts and with their aide, the fated heroes and the champions vanquished the calamity easily.
However, even though they won their battle, the war was far from over. Ganon, did not perish from his defeat... and in his recovery and embarrassment he devised a plan to turn Hyrule's greatest defenses, via their own Guardians, against them... corrupting them and killing many of Hyrule's denizens.
This unexpected turn of events in the next battle... the heroes suffered immense casualties. Their champions perished and their souls trapped in the Divine Beasts they controlled. In the fields of Hyrule, Zelda and her chosen knight Link were fighting off Ganon's army of monsters... they were fighting for their very lives in preparation for the next phase of the timeline. The Castle of Zelda's descendants was lost to Calamity Ganon. In this struggle, the fated hero Link became mortally wounded, collapsing on the field.
Zelda: "LINK! No, no, NO! You can't die on me! You're the only one who can end the calamity! We need to get him out of here!"
Zelda made several attempts to have her remaining allies to get Link to a safe place, but the army of monsters were becoming much more aggressive, preventing the remaining soldiers from assisting her. Some of them were even slaughtered in the process. Zelda herself was struggling on the battlefield and their situation seemed rather bleak.
Zelda: "Impa! I need your assistance! Please get Link out of here! He needs to recover!"
The leader of the Sheikah managed to join the heroes in the field for their battles along with a small group of members from her clan. She took up Link's injured body but looked to the army that surrounded them. She was uncertain about a safe escape. In this timeline, the army that Ganon sent to destroy the heroes was beyond overwhelming and they were unprepared for their situation.
Impa: "Zelda, the army is much more dense than I imagined... We've lost more soldiers than expected... and without a break in their force, I won't be able to get him away!"
Zelda: "W-what... what can we do...?"
The chosen princess and leader of the Sheikah were severely outnumber and with only a few soldiers and Sheikah members left at their sides, the moment on the battlefield seemed rather hopeless for a way out. As the army drew closer, a flash of an instant several monsters on the front lines were torn apart and vanished by a quick unseen force. Impa's keen sight and senses noticed that there was a blur of what appeared to be a modest sized wire before it disappeared, ripping the front lines as they grew closer.
Impa: "What the..."
?: "If you surrender in your in your heart... then your existence will end here. Don't give in..."
In the short moment of an echoed dialog, a large void appeared in between the survivors and the horde. As the void dissipated, a mysterious figure dressed in a long black coat with various chains and ornaments decorating the front of the coat stood in front of Zelda and her forces. His face was hidden under a well designed hood... but he could see everything just fine. He also carried an oddly designed sword, one that was not seen in this world. This new change of events did not sway the monsters from Ganon's army but it seemed to make them more agitated.
Zelda: "Who... are you?"
In the moment, several monsters started to charge at the stranger, but before they got close, he swung his sword without moving from his position. The sword shot out further than its normal length spanning several meters, appearing to be more of a whip than a sword in the moment. It cleared out several enemies with only one swing and even knocked the army back a bit from a slight shock wave.
?: "In the reality of this world... the existence of the future... can only rely on the will of heroes... and the continuation of the cycle between light and dark... be ready to move to safety."
Zelda: "W-what do you mean?"
Even with their lines shaken, more of Ganon's forces approached. The stranger's sword retracted before he shot his sword into the ground. The ground shook the entire field and several massive wired blades ripped apart the ground, lashing down hell on the monsters. Like a legendary Kraken of the sea, dozens, and even hundreds of monsters were torn apart, eviscerated, and even turned to dust, leaving only a few of them left. Ganon's forces were reduced by a substantial amount, and what was left retreated from this stranger or curiously strayed from the pack, apparently not afraid of death. As the wires returned back into the earth, the snake sword eventually retracted back to a normal sword from the ground.
Impa: "Who... the hell is this guy...? No matter... Zelda, we need to move while the forces are diminished."
Zelda: "A-ah! R-right! Move out!"
Zelda ordered the remainder of her forces to move out and cover Impa and the Sheikah, as she carried the unconscious Link away to suitable cover temporarily. Zelda looked toward the castle, debating on her plan to distract and trap calamity Ganon in Hyrule Castle... But she noticed the stranger was still standing there. She didn't quite know why he was still here. While she thought about it, another monster tried to attack him, the stranger quickly moved and his snake sword would impale the creature from a distance in its whip form before destroying it. As the weapon quickly retracted to a normal sword, Zelda seemed rather fearful of him, seeing how one individual could destroy entire army on his own... but she wanted to thank him for his help. Realistically, her life, as well as Impa's life, her clan and the remainder of her soldiers... they were all saved through his actions. The wind blew lightly across the field; there was some unease as she approached him as calmly as she could. The stranger spoke softly to her, sensing she was a bit closer behind him.
?: "...Aren't you going to move along with the rest of your forces...?"
Zelda: "A-ah... yes... but... I-I wanted to thank you for your help..."
She seemed to be stuttering a bit being put in an unusual situation. She couldn't tell what the stranger's intentions were or if he was even considered "friendly". His voice sounded rather... sad. Even a bit mellow... or maybe empty. It only made her more curious about the individual. His back was still facing her, but hearing that she wanted to thank him... he was curious to understand why she would care about a random Nobody like him. He turned towards her, his face still hiding under his hood.
?: "You wish to thank me...? There... is really no need for such a thing. It would be best for you not to concern yourself for my sake."
Zelda: "W-well... I-I insist! Nobody saves my life, as well as the lives of others and leaves without appreciation! C-could you at least come with us for a short time? At least until we get to safety...? Please?"
?: "... You don't know anything about me... and you would risk having a stranger acting as a guardian for you for a short time? ... I am not even suppose to be here ... However, I will join you... but only because there is something else I must do before I leave..."
Zelda: "A-Alright... we should get going then.. a-and thank you again..."
?: "..."
Zelda sighed lightly in relief knowing he didn't seem all that bad. A few of the remaining soldiers and Sheikah stayed behind making sure Zelda would be protected on their short journey. The stranger walked with them but from a slight distance behind Zelda. She would constantly look back to make sure he was still following, she had so many questions... but she felt now was not the time to interrogate him.
When they reached the rendezvous point for their forces, Impa came up to the stranger and Zelda for a moment.
Impa: "Princess... I do hope you're okay... many of us suffered casualties... I checked on Link as well... he's in critical condition... I'll have to take him to the Shrine of Resurrection tonight."
In the moment another member of the Sheikah Clan waltzed up behind her sounding a bit distressed from what's been happening. Impa's older sister felt uncertain of her choice.
Purah: "Tonight!? Sister, I implore you! The Shrine of Resurrection hasn't been tested yet!"
Impa: "We don't have any other choice Purah..."
Zelda: "I have barely endured from the fighting... but Link needs to live! Do what you must to get him there. I'll take care of the remaining injuries of those who are here, as well as my own. Please Impa, Purah."
Purah: "... Very well Princess Zelda... The Sheikah Clan will do what we can to get him there safely."
Impa: "Are you certain you can take up that task Princess? ...And what about him? Can we trust this stranger...?"
Zelda: "Impa... he saved all of us... I don't think he means us any harm... You should at least be a bit grateful."
Impa: "I am... it's just... unsettling how circumstances just so happen to work in our favor, from one person we've never seen before... it's suspiciously convenient."
The Sheikah didn't seem to trust the unknown individual, her eyes darted over to him. He was quiet, observing everything that was going on around him... yet he was acutely aware of their conversation.
?: "I sense your distrust... it would be better for you to not carry that doubt in your heart... I do not mean anyone in this world any harm."
Impa: "So... you have sharp hearing... I appreciate what you've done for us today stranger... but... if I hear something has happened to our Princess while I'm away... I will personally hunt you down... Do keep that in mind."
The stranger did not respond to her threat, but Impa looked back to Zelda and nodded to her slightly.
Purah: "Sister, you can warrant out official death threats later, we need to get Link to the Shrine before nightfall."
Impa: "Yes... I know... we shall head out now... time is of the essence for him."
Zelda: "May the goddess Hylia protect you both and Link... Gods' speed... and be safe."
Impa and Purah both smiled to her and they made their way over to the coma induced Link, along with a few other members of their clan. They picked him up and quickly took him away from their camp, disappearing from view after a few minutes.
Zelda: "I... apologize for her over-protective nature... she means well... I promise."
?: "... it's understandable... you are... the royalty of this land?"
Zelda: "O-oh my... forgive me. I was so caught up in all the action I didn't introduce myself... I am Zelda, princess of the Kingdom of Hyrule. I-It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance sir."
She smiled as well as bowed slightly to him, being formal. The stranger was quiet for a moment, as if he were processing everything he's heard. He bowed slightly to her in response.
?: "I see... it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well your highness..."
Zelda: "Could I inquire what your name is, sir?"
Zelda's smile grew even brighter hoping to understand this person in more detail. The individual turned his head away from her. Almost as if he was trying to avoid eye contact for a moment. From her perspective, he seemed a bit shy.
?: "I'm... not quite certain if I should share my name just yet... my apologizes princess."
Zelda: "B-but why? If you don't mind me asking..."
?: "There is simply a lot that you need to be aware of... and one of my few reasons for even being here... is to warn you about a threat that has yet to come. Perhaps... after I do that, I could... possibly share my name."
Zelda: "Huh...? A-are you a messenger from the future or something? What do you need to warn me about?"
?: "You... could say that. I would refer myself as more of a guardian of sorts... and I must warn you... even though you fight a war with a calamity of darkness now. A second darkness is coming from another realm of existence... They will have an attire similar to mine... but know this: They will be your enemy. They are Organization XIII. The Seekers of Darkness... and they will bring more chaos and darkness into your Kingdom. So be cautious, and protect yourself from them... When your Knight wakes up from his injuries, he must be warned as well."
The princess was rather bewildered; she could feel her heart sinking as she processed this information. She was already aware of her fate to fight Ganon... whether she's ready for it or not. But now knowing a second threat would be coming to her Kingdom and her people... anxiety started to build inside of her. She became uneasy and weak in the knees. She sat down for a moment, breathing rather heavily. She was still physically worn down from her battle earlier, still rather injured so her exhaustion certainly wasn't helping.
Zelda: "A... A second darkness...? But.. how could we ever prepare for it...? My kingdom and our forces are already crippled, my friends... my Champions... all gone... my knight, critically injured... w-what am I going to do...? I... I-I can't do this alone..."
Zelda started to cry softly, lowering her head. A few of the soldiers nearby noticed this and were concerned, but were uncertain to approach. The stranger knelt down beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder. He could feel the unease and pain she was going through... and through a single touch he could see so much of her life... her friends, family... her successes, her happiness... and even her struggles and failures. Within a moment... the stranger started to feel something else. It was oddly familiar to him, but thinking back to now, he only wished to help her.
?: "I cannot stand to see a girl cry... I can feel the tension and pain you've held in your heart... and I understand all that you're going through princess... Just know you are not alone. Even with all the loss, the struggles... there will still be a bright side... even if it seems hopeless. As long as you... and your Knight... continues to live... all will go according to plan... you will be able to save your people... your land... your descendants... and you'll avenge your friends... your family. So do not let this darkness pull your heart down... it will only make your situation that much more difficult. Your Knight is more than capable to take on this second darkness... will it be easy...? No. Which is why I will have to warn him when he awakens... and perhaps your other friends too..."
The stranger looked down for a moment, thinking a bit to himself. He was rather familiar with how most of the events in this world and timeline would play out... and even though he shouldn't be in their world helping them... he was hoping to find a way to at least "bend the rules" a bit for her sake. He looked back to her for a moment. Zelda was still sobbing gently next to him. She looked to him, she seemed to understand what he said. Her crying slowed down to sniffles and the stranger handed her a handkerchief that he had in his pocket. Completely clean and unused.
?: "I will try to stay... to help you all for as long as I can... if it will help you princess... and here... you can keep this... you need it more than I ever will."
She sniffled softly and gratefully took the handkerchief from his hand wiping her eyes slowly. She was shaking a little, but she appeared to be calming down.
Zelda: "T-thank you..."
Within a few minutes she stopped crying, still only sniffling. For a moment, she managed to see a glimpse of his appearance from where she was seated. He was a young man... with one blue eye and his other eye seemed mixed in with blue and brown. His face appeared to have slight facial hair along his jawline and chin while also having faint markings lining down his cheeks like tear marks. His expression seemed empty or calm, it was hard to tell for her. Zelda attempted to give him back his handkerchief after she stopped crying. But the stranger shook his head.
?: "You do not need to thank me... and please... hold on to that handkerchief... you need to try and heal yourself up now... we can discuss more about the issue later..."
He had a very faint smile under his hood and he took out a small bottle from his coat pocket, placing it in her hand. She was still a bit shaken up from earlier but it certainly didn't help that she was still wounded.
?: "Here... this should help your recovery process... it's an elixir that I save for rare occasions or severe injuries..."
Zelda: "O-oh... I couldn't possibly take something like this from you... you've done so much for me already that could never pay back... and I-I-"
Her sentence was cutoff. The stranger put a finger over her lips and took the bottle from her for a moment. He popped the cork that was keeping the capsule secured and placed it back in her hands.
?: "You. Are. Injured... You will take this to speed up your recovery... and I will not take 'no' for an answer... understood...?"
His tone of voice shifted to be a bit more stern and serious. He even glared at her for a moment when he put the bottle back in her hand. He didn't care if she was royalty or not... he was determined to help her recover. Zelda shook for a moment and gulped silently. She was a bit nervous by his change of tone and serious demeanor.
?: "Please do not make me force you to drink it..."
Zelda: "I... ah... v-very well then... if you insist."
She gave in knowing that he probably wouldn't let her off the hook if she declined again... aside from the fact she didn't know what he was capable of and personally didn't want to push her luck. She cautiously took a sip of the elixir, before drinking the whole bottle within a minute or so. She closed her eyes for a moment and she started feeling a bit more relaxed and rejuvenated. The stranger could even tell more color was coming back to her skin. She sighed gently and looked at the bottle before looking back at him. She seemed even more impressed.
Zelda: "Well... you're certainly quite the savior aren't you?"
?: "...I'm just glad that you're feeling better..."
He had been kneeling for a while, but he stood back up and took a seat next to her on a medium sized rock. He wasn't looking at her though, just out at the distance. Zelda tilted her head a bit, still trying to figure him out but she wasn't sure what to ask him. Her train of thought was interrupted by one of her soldiers.
Hylian Guard: "Your highness... we require your counsel for our next move. Dusk is starting to approach and we still have a few injured."
Zelda: "Oh.. y-yes, gather the remaining forces and I will announce our next move in a moment."
Hylian Guard: "Understood your highness. We will await your orders."
The guard left them for a moment, Zelda stood up and turned to him.
Zelda: "I apologize... I will return in a moment."
?: "No need for apologizes... I understand, so do as you must."
She smiled rather sincerely and walked away from him for the time being. She addressed the remainder of her forces of her plans to retreat to a nearby village and to prep for her next move against the calamity. After her short rally she took the time to help patch up some of the wounded soldiers, occasionally flashing glances toward her new acquaintance. The stranger sat alone for a short time, he noticed the sky was clouding up even more, getting darker and even some distant thunder. No one was around as he spoke to himself.
?: "Sounds like we'll be moving again, once more... the sky is rather cloudy... close to rain... close to storm... will this storm see an eye of peace? ...or be a constant hell for the people here... only time will tell... the future, is rather foggy here."
He sighed gently to himself, gently feeling a raindrop hit the top of his hood. Zelda returned back to him afterwards, but she was looking at a Sheikah slate for a moment. Gently tapping on it a few times before it randomly flashed at the stranger.
Zelda: "Oh! S-sorry! I hope I didn't make you wait too long."
?: "Hmm... no... I'm fine... I can be patient when I want to be... but why did that just flash...?"
Zelda: "Hm..? O-oh... uh.. no reason in particular. I just misclicked a button on here. T-That's all... by the way. We're going to be moving again soon... I do hope you'll join us for dinner, yes...?"
The stranger seemed to see through her lying... but he didn't care too much since it probably wasn't a big deal... but he thought about it for a moment and personally he wouldn't turn down a free meal, especially if he didn't have to cook it himself.
?: "I... suppose I could... that sounds... rather nice."
Zelda: "It's the least I could do to thank you..."
?: "... By the way... you're not a very good liar."
Zelda: "H-huh? W-what do you mean!?"
She was getting a bit fidgety with the Sheikah slate in her hands and almost dropped it as the stranger looked towards her.
?: "I'm not mad or anything... but your expression and how you answered kind of gave it away... What did you really do...?"
He wasn't being entirely truthful himself, he was actually able to tell if someone was lying or not no matter who it was... an odd little ability that he believes comes in handy sometimes, but it's something he's trying not to abuse. But caught in such an awkward situation, Zelda's heart was racing a bit and she was rather confounded by how he was able to tell... but his reasoning made sense to her.
Zelda: "A-ah... w-well.. I uh.. might have taken a picture of you in my Sheikah slate... I hope you don't mind...?"
?: "Hmm... I'm glad you're being truthful now... but no, I don't mind... although, you could have just asked."
Zelda was getting rather flustered and embarrassed from being called out on such a small thing. She didn't think he'd notice or even understand what the Sheikah slate would do. The stranger smirked under his hood but calmly continued.
?: "Don't worry too much about it... like I said I'm not mad or anything... where will our next destination be though...?"
The princess took a moment to recompose herself and she flipped through the Sheikah slate again. She sat down a bit closer next to him and showed him the map of the land. Pointing out where they were in conjunction of where they would be heading.
Zelda: "Kakariko Village, to the East... if we get moving now, we'll make it before nightfall."
?: "Very well... I suppose we should get a move on then shouldn't we..?"
Zelda nodded to him and they both stood up. The stranger followed Zelda and her forces as they moved out and made their way towards Kakariko Village.
On the way though, Zelda took a hold of the strangers arm and made him walk with her. He started to get a bit flustered, but no one could really tell with his face still hiding under his hood. The guards were uneasy by Zelda's actions but they chose to watch the stranger carefully.
?: "... S-something I can help you with...?"
Zelda: "You still haven't told me your name yet... and it's rather impolite not to tell a lady your name after you save her from a hopeless situation."
The stranger was hoping she would have forgotten to ask his name after everything so far... but he figured it could only go on for so long. He was rather uneasy being pinned in this situation. But there was no escaping it, he decided to just accept the situation.
?: "I... uh... go by a few different names... I'm not entirely sure which one would be suitable..."
Zelda: "Well... I believe you'll have to share all those names then!"
He could feel a cold sweat running behind him. He personally hated all his names, but it was something he could not change. It was either that or lying to her... and to himself. He couldn't bring himself to completely lie in this situation.
?: "Well... fine... I will tell you the name I've gone by recently... sound fair?"
Zelda: "Hmm.. I believe that will be acceptable... so...?"
?: "My current name has been 'Joxhaus' ..."
Zelda: "Joxhaus? That's certainly unique."
Joxhaus: "Yes... I suppose so... I kind of hate all my names... I sometimes prefer to not even go by them."
Zelda: "But why hate them? Granted I understand 'Joxhaus' is an odd name... but I do like it to be perfectly honest! It seems to suit you... Does it have a significant meaning?"
Joxhaus: "Meaning? Well... sort of... although it's not all too important at the moment."
Zelda could tell he was trying to be a bit more open with her... even if it was just a few small steps at a time. She didn't mind being patient with him especially since they had some spare time.
Zelda: "Oh... I understand... But, it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance formally, Joxhaus! See? ... That wasn't so bad was it?"
Joxhaus: "Easy for you to say... So... how long are you going to hang onto my arm?"
Zelda: "Hmm... probably until we get to Kakariko Village. So, I expect you'll endure it."
Joshua: "It doesn't seem like I even have a choice..."
Zelda's smile was rather bright, even after everything she's been through so far today. Even from a completely hopeless situation, her fate to defeat Calamity Ganon will still live on thanks to her new companion. The Nobody however, was still a bit uncomfortable about his situation, but in the back of his mind he was a bit determined to help her... especially with a second threat on the way to interfere with this fated timeline. It will only be a matter time if the sequence of events fall into place like they should.
Meanwhile, at the Plateau Heights and the Shine of Restoration, Impa and Purah managed to get Link into his recovery chamber before dusk. They were both rather winded having to haul him around for such a distance, but some things can't be helped. Purah calibrated the chamber to awaken him once he was fully restored in his health, while Impa left behind a spare Sheikah slate for him on the nearby console. They both started to head out and they looked behind them at Link's body one more time.
Impa: "Everyone's counting on you kid... don't take forever to wake up for us... Rest easy, Link."
Purah: "Everything should go according to plan Impa... Our restoration technology has not failed us yet, and once he wakes up, he'll put an end to all of this. I know he's talented and skilled enough to end this war."
Impa: "I sure hope so..."
Impa sighed gently to herself and they both left the shine. Locked it appropriately so no one would risk bothering him in the recovery process. Impa looked out to the temple that was across the way. She figured it would be a better place than any to spend the evening. It was already late and the sun had almost completely set over the horizon.
Purah: "Sister do we have to spend the night at the old temple? Couldn't we just relocate to one of the other shrines instead?"
Impa: "...did you pack extra sleeping equipment for the night?"
Purah: "Well... sort of. The clan brought along a few blankets and such and a little bit of food... I figured we were going to another Shrine after this... it just seems safer than being out in the open."
There was a slight groan in agitation. Impa pointed towards the temple again.
Impa: "Then we're staying at the temple... even though it's been abandoned recently since this war started... there should still be sleeping accommodations... and maybe a bit of extra food left behind."
Purah: "If it's abandoned, we'll have to check for monsters too... let's just get this over with then."
The two sisters and their clan moved forward toward the temple. As they approached, they could hear a ruckus going on near the temple. Several Bokoblins were running out of the temple... however, they seemed to have little black creatures covering them and attacking them. To the clan and the sisters, this was an oddly sight. Most monsters under Ganon's control like Bokoblins or anything else... didn't fight each other...
They witnessed a few of the Bokoblins fall victim to these shadow like creatures. Some of them even pressed themselves down into the ground and started moving across the field like shadows themselves. Impa drew her weapon being prepared for anything that would happen. All of the Bokoblins perished to this new, unforeseen enemy and they turned to see the Sheikah Clan. Half a dozen more sprang up from the ground behind them and the clan drew their weapons too.
Impa: "From one problem... into another..."
Purah: "You could say that again... what are these things?"
Impa: "Just kill them first... then you can ask those questions later."
The Sheikah fought off the stranger little creatures and easily dispatched them after a few minutes since they were seasoned warriors... but off in the distance, another lone stranger was watching the fight from a distance. Wearing a long black coat with similar chains and ornaments... with his hood up as well. He kept his arrowgun weapon pointed at the group. He had no intention on firing a shot at the Sheikah, or the shadows. He had a smug grin on his face, under his hood.
?: "Well... would ya look at that... Heartless in this world too now? I guess this world might have some potential after all. Too bad I can't play around with the locals yet... then again I would never complain about field work... but this does make for a good show.~"
He laughed a bit to himself and continued to watch the Sheikah for a time until they finished their fight. The clan entered the temple to set up their camp and sleeping arrangements for the night, Purah took several notes in her journal about what they just witnessed today, from Joxhaus and to the little black shadow creatures. She was rather excited that new things came around to keep her curiosity. While Impa was just satisfied they made it through the day... The evening was still very young and it had only begun.
Back in the south-eastern portion of Hyrule... Zelda and her forces managed to successfully make it to Kakariko Village by dusk... it was almost considerably night time by the time they finished settling in... Joxhaus seemed rather distracted and intrigued by the new culture he was surrounded with, but Zelda kept leading him along through the village to get their temporary lodging arrangements settled. She led him to where they would be staying for the time being, she even went out of her way to pay for the lodging expenses. The Nobody stared at her for a moment trying to understand her actions.
Joxhaus: "You realize, this is highly unnecessary, right...?"
Zelda: "I do not believe so... this is just my way of thanking you right now. I'm going to pay for your stay here and anything you wish to get while you're here. That will also include food."
Joxhaus: "...like I said, highly unnecessary..."
Zelda only seemed to chuckle slightly before turning back to face him. She leaned in and sticking out her index finger and pointed at him. Trying to be threatening and serious.
Zelda: "You've saved my life today and I will treat you tonight as my way of thanking you... and I will not take 'no' for an answer, okay?"
The Nobody chuckled very softly under his hood and sighed. He wasn't exactly taking her seriously... but since she basically stole his line from earlier, he decided to let it go.
Joxhaus: "Very well Princess..."
Zelda smiled and giggled, seemingly satisfied. She started to walk out into the village again, while tugging on Joxhaus' coat to lead him once again.
Zelda: "Good. Besides, I paid for you in advance... so please try to enjoy your stay here... and by the way, please just call me Zelda."
She looked back at him for a moment with a sincere smile and led him to another building that they would be eating at for the evening... as they took a seat and awaited for dinner, Zelda tilted her head at him for a moment.
Zelda: "Aren't you going to take off your hood...? I'm surprised you can even see with it being over your face like that."
Joxhaus: "I have been used to it believe it or not... but you do make a point..."
He pulled his hood back to formally reveal his face to her. Zelda's eyes widened a bit more as he did so. She took a moment to examine him. His hair was dark brown and the markings on his face were much more clear. They almost appeared as black tear lines streaking down his cheeks. He even had one distinct but faint scar on his forehead. It made her even more curious.
Their food came out to them shortly after and they started to eat for a little while. As they ate, Zelda kept making small glances at him. And oddly enough Joxhaus did the same, occasionally catching her looking at him. But to avoid any awkwardness, she did try asking him a few questions.
Zelda: "So... Could I ask where you're from?"
Joxhaus: "I suppose... I am not from this land... but that is all I will say. I'm just a stranger here."
Zelda: "I see... Why else are you here though...? I know you mentioned earlier that you were here mainly to warn me about a future threat... and that you weren't suppose to be here... could you enlighten me about that?"
Joxhaus: "Like I said prior to that... I am a guardian of sorts... I originally was a part of the Organization that will threaten your world... but, I changed my purpose and now I place my services to make sure all realities and timelines go as intended..."
Zelda: "So this... Organization. They're planning to disrupt my future?"
Joxhaus: "I believe so... I cannot exactly tell how it will happen, but I have to keep my eyes open at all times for changes."
Zelda: "If... you were one of them... how could I trust you?"
Joxhaus: "I'm not sure why you'd ask that question... you trust me now, yes? Because, if I were the enemy, I would not have saved you from earlier... or worse, if you wish to think about it?"
Zelda: "N-no thanks..."
Joxhaus: "Please don't misjudge me Zelda, I only wish for yours and this world's future to move forward accordingly, without the interference of the Organization. Their plans will only bring ruin to you and this world."
Zelda: "I do believe you... I just... wanted to be sure. Please understand... but I do sincerely thank you for all you've done for me today. I honestly do not know how I could ever repay you."
Joxhaus: "I do understand... So do not worry about it. Focus on your own safety and plan ahead moving forward."
Zelda: "I have already planned ahead, at least for my confrontation of Calamity Ganon. I intend on going home... to Hyrule castle. To sacrifice myself in order to trap Calamity Ganon inside the castle. He's not fully recovered his strength and it will only be a matter of time before he rages into our world again."
Joxhaus' eyes looked down and away from her for a moment. Self-sacrifice was not a topic he was very fond of...
Joxhaus: "I see... and there is no other way to go about it, is there?"
Zelda: "I'm afraid not... at least not one that I know of."
Joxhaus: "I'm going to assume you'll have to do that soon, yes?"
Zelda: "Unfortunately, yes... yet... I have some time to spare... but I truly don't want to go. I'm honestly afraid that I will fail my mission, because I know I'm not ready for it."
Joxhaus: "... fear and doubt are natural Zelda. No one would ever truly ready for performing a huge, world changing role like yours. Even if you believe you're not ready for it... you were still chosen for this role, because only you can do it for the sake of this world. Just do your absolute best, and everything will go as planned."
Zelda carried a look of doubt and fear, but it slowly changed to a faint smile from his words of encouragement. Joxhaus knew it wouldn't be the perfect solution, but if she stayed hopeless, tragedy would only follow. He was well aware of how her powers would awaken appropriately but he wanted her to have confidence in herself, even though realistically she was struggling on the inside. She nodded softly though as she seemed to feel a bit better about herself and what she would be doing.
Zelda: "Thank you, Joxhaus... truly."
The Nobody only smiled and nodded to her in response. After their initial conversation they continued to eat. A few more minutes passed and they finished. Joxhaus was drinking some of the freshly brewed tea when Zelda spoke up to him once more.
Zelda: "Joxhaus... could I ask you for a favor?"
Joxhaus turned to her with a skeptical look on his face and set his drink down for a moment. He wasn't quite sure what this could be about but he didn't see the harm in doing so.
Joxhaus: "I suppose you could... depends on the favor?"
She smiled and scooted closer to him and whispered to him softly...
End of Chapter 1: Simple Pleasantries
Author's Note: Welcome to the beginning of the end! Or something like that. I want to thank my friend hyrulequeen and her boyfriend for reading over my first chapter early on and giving me their feedback.
I hope you all enjoyed this first chapter in my first crossover series. I am looking forward to this new story and I truly hope it becomes a nice little exciting experience.
So just a few small things to note that I wish to preface as we move forward:
The OC (Joxhaus):
- My OC is an ex Organization member who chose to become a guardian of timelines and realities. (It was vaguely discussed.)
- He uses a self-aware/living snake sword and uses a more complex fighting style that is slightly similar to Ivy Valentine from Soul Calibur.
- Even as a Nobody in lacking true and appropriate emotion, he's still very kind and as considerate as he can be.
Zelda:
- Just like the games, I want her to keep an important role in the story... and on top of that I want to have a little more focus on her here and there.(and yes there might be a minor romance that might occur between the two... We'll see how I feel about it and how I want to write the story later on.)
- What did she whisper to Joxhaus about? ... wouldn't you like to know? ;P
Link:
- I'm bringing this up now, just to get it out of the way. I'm probably going to make Link talk in this series. It makes sense for him to NOT talk in the games because there's visuals to work with... here in story and writing, with a lack of visuals, he needs a voice. (That and every other fanfiction work for Legend of Zelda has him talking usually. Seems rather fitting.)
- ALSO I will NOT tolerate any criticism on there being no Link X Zelda stuff here. (If you want to know why...) I am well aware that in Breath of the Wild, Link has a relationship with Mipha... So, I'm trying to keep this as true to the lore in that regard.
The story moving forward:
- There might be weird little time gaps either in chapter changes or within the chapters themselves. (But those will be stated in the reading.) Just as a forewarning.
If there was any questions about the story you wanna ask about feel free to ask. Please be respectful of your comments or questions to me about the story though (THIS IS YOUR ONE AND ONLY WARNING MOVING FORWARD). Thank you ^_^
Next Chapter: The Dawn of a New Day
