A/N: Sorry for the long update. Work once again has been taking over my life, making my updates painfully slow. But they're still happening! I appreciate the support, and love they're getting. Let's continue to reach my goal together!
Dawn came all too quickly for, Zelda.
I am not ready to do this today.
She groaned as she rolled off the bed, wiping her eyes to try and remove the remnants of fatigue.
"Still not an early riser, eh?" said Link who was standing by the foot of the bed.
She tried to stifle a yawn, but failed to do so.
"I just never get enough sleep when I need to get up early is all," murmured Zelda as she unceremoniously made her way to the bathroom.
I am not ready to do this.
Zelda, could only give a small laugh as she inspected herself in the mirror.
I look like I'm not ready either. Hair's out of whack, bags under my eyes, sheesh what a sore sight for a princess.
She splashed some water into her face, and did what she could to fix her hair. After doing another once over, she felt that she was presentable enough to at least not embarrass herself before the Gerudo Chief.
After the morning routine of sharing breakfast with Link, the two were off into the desert.
"Now is our best window. It's not too cold, and it's not scorching hot. It'll be easier on you this way. Take this hood regardless, it'll keep the sand out of your face."
"Thank you."
It wasn't long before they reached Kara Kara Bazaar. Luckily, there was no sandstorm warnings, and they still had plenty of time to make it to Gerudo Town before the weather became unbearable for, Zelda.
As they walked around, Zelda noticed how Link's posture changed. It was subtle, and was something that took her a long time to figure out, but she knew that when he had that slight slouch in his stance it meant that he was expecting danger. Zelda, immediately assumed the role of standing half a body length to his side while remaining only a half pace behind. Enough where he could always keep her in his peripherals, but away enough where he could spring into action without her getting in the way.
Not long after the surprise attack by the Yiga Clan at the bazaar 100 years ago, Zelda had asked Link what she should do at times where things could get dangerous, because she was worried about getting in his way.
"Just stand a little to the right of me," was what he said to me.
And it stuck ever since.
Why is he expecting danger? What is it that has him on edge?
If Zelda feeling nervous wasn't bad enough, now she had to worry about potential danger?
Her stomach was letting her know how she felt too.
"Wait here," he said to her before talking with one of the travelling merchants.
Zelda, soon found herself becoming suspicious of everyone. Eyes darting from person to person to see if she couldn't find something off about them. So, when she felt someone place a hand on her shoulder, she flinched with a small shriek.
"It's just me," said Link.
"Goddesses..." she took a few deep breaths to recollect herself, "You scared all of Hylia out of me!"
"Sorry, didn't mean to."
"Anyways, what were you taking about with that merchant? Why have you been on edge since we got here? What's going on?"
"One thing at a time. I just asked the merchant about how things were in the area."
"And?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary."
It didn't take an expert to realize that didn't mean a whole lot.
She cast him an unconvincing glance.
"I know. I'll ask around some more. Why don't you wait by the water in the meantime."
She shook her head. Flashbacks of 100 years ago came running through her mind. She had left him behind, and in doing so, almost got herself killed.
"No, I'm going with you. I promise to not get in the way."
Link, hesitated, but relented after seeing her pleading look.
They spent the next half hour walking around and asking merchants and travellers if they had heard or seen anything lately.
"From what I gather. Monster activity has picked up in the area at a staggering rate."
"Staggering? But Ganon is sealed away, there should be no-"
"No," Link said firmly, the abruptness of his tone causing her to flinch. "There are still many of them out there, and there are many unspeakable horrors happening to innocent people in those camps..."
"Camps? You mean that-"
"Yes!" he looked at her with burning eyes. "They take people to those camps and-" he cut himself off and turned away from her.
Zelda, placed a hand on his shoulder, now she was worried, "Link I-" she stopped herself when she realized how tense he became.
It took a second for it to kick in.
"Link? Link, talk to me. I'm right here."
Zelda, didn't want to cause a scene, so she moved him over to a nearby rock where he would at least look a little more natural over standing in the middle of the road.
One of the things she would check on regularly regarding his journey was his progress collecting the memory fragments. She knew of the locations thanks to the Sheikah Slate, but she didn't know what he would remember, or how much when he ended up visiting each place. Some of the areas they visited several times. Zelda, hoped that it would spark the return of many more memories, but it was clearly wishful thinking.
However, throughout all of it, one thing was constant.
Link, was vulnerable.
What would happen each time was that his eyes would lose focus, and he'd just... stand there. Until eventually, he'd snap out of it. All Zelda could do was watch helplessly and pray that no harm came to him. It didn't stop her from nearly giving herself an aneurism nearly every time she suspected something even remotely out of place. Not to mention the few times where she felt her heart stutter when enemies patrolling nearby would stop to take an extra look over his way.
She looked up at him in profile.
You can't even tell that he's not here, and that's scary to think about.
One of the Gerudo shopkeepers came up to them, "Is something wrong with your husband? I seen you helping him, is he dehydrated? I have some hyrdomelons at my shop, I'll give you one for free."
Zelda's cheeks went a deep crimson, and it wasn't because of the heat. She offered the shopkeeper a smile before waving her hands, "Oh no. He's just tired. My h-husband gets like this sometimes."
The Gerudo woman laughed, "Can't stand the heat, huh? It gets pretty rough from here to Gerudo Town. Hopefully your voe doesn't get heat stroke on the way there."
"I'm sure we'll be fine, thank you for your concern."
The two women waved goodbye before the Gerudo headed back to her store.
Zelda meanwhile, just stared down at her hands in her lap, blushing furiously.
Do we really look like a married couple? I never would've thought that people would pair us together.
Even though it wasn't true, Zelda didn't mind. If anything, the misconception brought a little bounce to her step.
A few minutes later, Link snapped out of his reverie.
"Link! Thank the Goddess. Are you alright?" she asked.
He looked over to her briefly before muttering, "Sorry you had to see that."
She placed a hand on his back, rubbing small circles as she spoke, "It's okay, you don't have to apologize. I'm just glad that you're okay now."
Thing was, Link wasn't okay. Far from it in fact.
He didn't say anything as he stood up, which aroused a quizzical expression from Zelda. Link payed no mind, there were other matters to attend to other than his own health.
As they entered the outskirts of Kara Kara Bazaar he handed her a cool elixir.
"It works best through indigestion," he said when he seen that she was about to rub it on her skin.
She grimaced, "That's disgusting! You know what goes in these elixirs?"
He nodded, "What's the difference from rubbing it on you over ingesting it? At least by drinking it you won't smell like a bug."
Her mouth hung agape before she finally stammered, "F-Fine! If you insist... I guess I have no other choice!"
She looked down the vial with trepidation.
Directly moving through the bloodstream is not only the fastest way for the elixir to work, but also the most effective. The potency increases by nearly 5 times if you know how to make it right. Still... that doesn't mean I want to ingest insects! If only Link didn't have to say that I'd smell!
Looking his way once more, she seen that he watching her intently.
I guess there's no backing out now.
Closing her eyes and preparing for the worst, Zelda's trembling hands worked the vial towards her lips.
The viscous substance slowly etched its way down her throat.
This is awful!
She could've swore that she felt a butterfly wing tickle the back of her throat, which caused her to gag.
"If you throw it up, it won't work."
"I know that!" she glared at Link, who was looking clearly amused.
Once more the gooey liquid worked its way down her throat.
Zelda, did what she could to distract herself, but it was for naught. Nothing could stop her from feeling that awful concoction enter her system.
In the end, Zelda managed to painfully swallow all of the elixir.
"That wasn't so bad," she said when handing back the vial.
He gave her a skeptical expression.
"Okay, maybe it was. Obviously, I've studied the effects of elixirs when one administers them differently, and came to the conclusion that ingesting the substance promotes the greatest effects. Still, actually doing it myself is completely different! I don't know how you can do it so nonchalantly."
Shrugging, he spoke over his shoulder, "If you do it all in one go, then you don't taste anything. Doing it slowly like that would make anyone gag."
"You could've said something."
"Only one way to learn."
She bit her cheek, "A little help would've been nice!"
"Should've asked."
"Grr!" her hands were clenched at her sides, Link's aptitude for retort was annoyingly exceptional.
Despite what it may seem, Zelda couldn't hide her smile. It reminded her of days past where they used to tease each other.
She hoped more of those days would be upon them.
As Gerudo Town came into sight, a question popped into Zelda's head.
"This is a female only town, where will you stay?"
"I'll be accompanying you inside," he said without missing a beat.
"You really think you can make it inside?"
"You watched over my journey didn't you? You should know that somehow I managed to sneak in before."
"Well I-"
He got her there. Unfortunately, all Zelda knew was that he came into contact with whoever was chief and tamed Naboris. Other than that, she didn't know much else of his time spent in the Gerudo Desert.
Once they reached the town, Link guided Zelda over to the shrine just east of the the gate.
Although confused, Zelda wasn't going to question it. After all, this would be her first time ever entering a shrine. Link did something with the Sheikah Slate to make the platform under them begin to descend into the depths below.
"Make sure to pop your ears. These shrines are pretty far underground."
"Why did we come here?"
He gave her a look that just ended up making them both uncomfortable, "I need somewhere to change."
That only made Zelda more confused.
If he needed to change, why wouldn't he have done it back at the bazaar? And it still doesn't explain how he's going to manage to sneak into town.
"You go on that side and I'll go over here," he said gesturing over to the one section of the room.
Before she had time to answer, he handed her a pair of clothes.
"You'll want to change into these. Saves having to deal with elixirs, and for you... they should be more comfortable to move in."
It was a gorgeous hand crafted Gerudo style outfit. A blue base colour with gold-like trimming. The design was simple, but the colour scheme made it stand out more. It was as if he had this outfit made specifically for her.
A few minutes later Zelda was changed.
"Link?" she called when she didn't see him waiting for her. Usually, he was the first to change.
She only had to wait a few more seconds for him to appear from the room he was hiding in.
Oh Hylia...
What emerged was a gift from the goddess herself.
"Link?!" she gasped, failing to hide her shock.
"Don't laugh. I don't like this anymore than you do."
If anything it was the opposite.
He was wearing the same outfit, but in white. The term "sexy" couldn't quite describe how he looked while adorning the outfit. She had to admit the outfits were pretty tame by Gerudo standards when it came to exposing skin, but for whatever reason it just looked absolutely fantastic on him. It highlighted all of the right features. His toned abdomen, his defined arms, and the veil added a sense of mystery instead of suspicion.
Regardless, Zelda wanted to rip off the clothing and attack him here and now!
"I... don't know what to say."
There wasn't any other way to say it.
"You look good. The blue suits you well."
She was thankful for the change of topic. Else she would've stained her new threads with red.
"I think blue is the only colour I look alright in."
He didn't comment. Instead, he just headed to the elevator in which Zelda followed.
As they headed up, it dawned on her.
"How could I have been so foolish?!"
"I'm a little surprised myself. Wasn't investigating the shrines something you dedicated yourself to?"
Zelda frowned, and Link was thankful for the veil. For it hid the smile that creeped up on him.
Some things never change.
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As Link said, the guards didn't even give him a second look when passing through the gate. If anything, they were actually looking at her suspiciously. She didn't know whether to be thankful or insulted.
"You remember your way around here? I've got some errands to run if you just want to ask for an audience," he said once they made it into the central plaza.
She pointed her index fingers together, "For the most part, but I'd rather just stick with you. I don't mind tagging along. Besides, it's a good way to see how Gerudo Town faired during all this time."
He nodded tersely before heading to the store, Zelda in tow.
"Ah! It's the cute little Hylian vai. How can I help you?" asked the Gerudo jeweller.
"Just some materials to exchange."
When he brought out the materials both her and Zelda gasped.
Zelda, looked over at him in disbelief, "How did you acquire all these gems?"
He gave her an apathetic look, "Wasn't fun, but it's a good business to get into."
"How good?"
"For what you're offering, I can give you 24,750 rupees," said the jeweller.
"Then we have a deal," he replied before carefully depositing her goods in the back of the store.
Meanwhile, Zelda's jaw wouldn't seem to close. What she just witnessed was blasphemy, ridiculous. Two people trading over 20,000 rupees worth of goods so casually just doesn't happen. Ever.
"Thank you again for the business! Come again soon!" spoke the lady as the two left the store.
Zelda had to ask, "How much have you saved since you're awakening?"
The fact that he actually stopped to think about it caused her to bite her lip.
"Close to 800k."
She mouthed the word, "What!?"
As if he read her mind, "I put in a lot of work to make sure we were well off."
"Clearly. I just don't understand how you were able to do it so quickly. Not even a year, and you were able to amass that much? Most nobles don't come close to making that in a lifetime."
"I spent a week straight both in the Hebra and Death Mountains collecting these stones. Many were not easy to get to, but the reward speaks for itself. Most people aren't willing to risk their lives to get these kind of goods, so they pay a healthy sum for the labour and handling of such materials."
"I remember we had a complex system for trade and other exchanges. Though, I never dived deep into it. Never had time to, even though it is a responsibility of the princess to know these things."
"It's just between individuals. What do you have, and how much can you give? Are the only questions you'll ever be asked when selling items."
"Is it better than what he had before?"
His eyes went downcast, "I don't... remember."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
Before she could get another word in, Link had already started walking away. Her movements were lingering, unchanging. As though time itself was trying to tell her something. Something that she couldn't figure out. Yet, something she felt that she desperately needed to figure out. Zelda, had a long list of many failed experiments, research that led to stagnation, and countless other wasted efforts. Why was it that the one person she didn't want to add to that list, felt like he was slowly making his way on there?
A slight tap on the shoulder brought her out of her pensive state.
"We should go."
"R-Right."
Zelda, was positive that she had just seen Link walk away from her, but decided not to dwell on it. There were more important matters to attend to inside.
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"I can recognize those set of blue eyes anywhere. Link, it's been a while," said Riju from atop her throne.
He gave a slight nod in respect.
"And it seems that you've brought company."
Once again he nodded, "Yes, it's the lost princess, Zelda."
Riju and Bultra exchange glances, "Mother did mention of you, and Urbosa held you in high respect. Welcome to our humble abode, Princess."
She bowed in thanks.
"Riju!" bellowed the commander. "You cannot trust so easily. Anyone can claim to be the princess."
She shook her head, "Look at who's brought her here. Link would not bring her if he thought otherwise. I trust his judgment."
"You trust his judgement a little too much, Chief."
Riju put a hand up, "We will not banter in front of our guests. Excuse me, princess. What is it that you came here for?"
Zelda, who had been feeling awkward the entire time watching the debacle stepped out towards Riju.
"I request an audience with you, Riju, Chief of the Gerudo. In hopes that we can rebuild Hyrule now that the Calamity has been sealed away."
Riju, rested her cheek on her fist leaning against the arm of the chair, "Interesting... and what makes you think I'd want to do that?"
"Well, I think discussing it with less ears liste-"
"If you're not confident enough to speak it here, then what would be the point of discussing it at all?"
Zelda, took a breath to recollect herself.
Fine then, if that's how you want to play it.
"I want to unite all the provinces."
"What?"
"Hyrule has been disconnected, scrounging for the scraps that Ganon tossed under his tenure. Each and everyone one of you has worked diligently to ensure your people's survival. Now that Ganon is gone, it's time for Hyrule to rebuild itself into a new age of peace, and that starts with people like yourself, Riju, willing to help lead the way."
Riju pondered Zelda's words carefully.
"I've changed my mind. Come, we will discuss the details in my private quarters. Just the two of us."
Zelda glanced back at Link, and the look she gave him wasn't one that made Link feel very comfortable with the situation.
Eyes were watching his every move, there wasn't anything he could do except have faith in her.
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The private quarters were fairly similar to what she remebered from 100 years ago, save for the excessive amount of sand seal stuffed animals.
Riju gestured towards the sofa, "Take a seat, I'll be back with some tea."
Zelda put up her hands, "Oh no, you don't-"
"But I insist," she said sharply.
Zelda didn't want to argue. She took her seat as instructed, her hands in her lap, fidgeting.
"Here," said Riju handing her the cup of tea. "This is a blend so rare, that not many even know about it. It's considered a delicacy."
"Thank you for tea, I appreciate the hospitality," she smiled before taking a sip.
However, that smile quickly faded.
What kind of tea is this? I feel... strange...
"Something the matter, Princess?" said Riju who was sitting across from her.
Her mind felt foggy, "N-No, I just have trouble with the heat.
Riju shifted beside her, "Tell me. What was your relationship with Urbosa?"
"She was like a mother to me. I owe her a lot," she said all a little too quickly.
"Were you the one that asked her to pilot, Naboris?"
Zelda didn't want to answer that. Every fibre of her being was screaming at her not to answer that question.
"Yes."
She could hear the deep breath being taken. Was it her? Riju? Or...?
"Why?"
"Huh?"
"Why did you ask her to pilot that... thing?"
"Each Divine Beast needed a champion to pilot it. One from each race, respectively. Urbosa was one of the candidates we felt possessed the qualities necessary to pilot such a technological marvel. Most people cannot even access a Divine Beast, let alone attempt to pilot one. Such recklessness could easily lead to death," she admitted.
"How would you know something like that?"
Her eyes were now glistening. She didn't want to say it, but...
"Trial and error," she choked out. "We had no way of knowing the Divine Beasts had a specific decree until the initial incidents occurred. We realized then that we needed to search for individuals with exceptional talent worthy of being named champion."
"That's why they became intimidating as they were spectacular. What of your search?"
"We failed... a lot."
"You realize how many of my people you took to try and tame, Naboris? Our best warriors and leaders, gone. You claimed that they were 'reassigned.' Though we never knew what that meant until it was far too late. Still, you Hylians came to our sacred place with fake promises and honeyed words. Look at where that's led us. We were reduced to this state, and 'disconnected' because of your failures. We were set up to fail. Tell me why I should follow you again?"
Those words cut through her like a knife.
"Things are different. I understand your hesitation, but I believe if we work together we can all benefit from a renewed Hyrule. We all consider this land our home, and if we want it to become a place where we can all prosper. It'll take all of us to make sure that happens."
"You reduce us to this state and yet have the audacity to want even more out of us? A bold request, Princess. Typical of you Hylians though."
There wasn't anything she could say to counter that. If only she had awakened her powers sooner. If only they had realized what they were dealing with sooner. If only... All of this could've been avoided.
"Yes..."
"Can you guarantee the cooperation of the other leaders? Are you sure you can unite everyone under one banner again? Are you ready to face the consequences if you fail?"
I already have been.
"No, I can't guarantee anyone to cooperate. This entire plan could fail for all I know, but what I do know is that this current state we are in is not sustainable, and I'm not going to watch the land that I've dedicated myself to fall into darkness."
Riju shook her head, staring out into the desert from her balcony, "I cannot give you my support. I won't send my people into a fruitless endeavour. You're right, things have changed, but that doesn't mean everyone has forgotten either. Right now, we're getting by just fine on our own. Without the help of you Hylians. Maybe if you got the other three races to cooperate I'd reconsider, but as of right now I must decline. We have our own problems that require my attention."
It was impossible for Zelda to not look dejected. Even with the veil, it was all too apparent. Her first engagement with a leader just ended how everything ended for her. Failure was a taste she so desperately wanted to get rid of, but the flow of time was cruel and wouldn't allow her to forget just yet.
"I... understand... Hopefully we can revisit this at a later date."
She turned back towards Zelda, "Of course," she moved closer to her. "Now then, what is your relationship with Link?"
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It was a little over two hours before Zelda returned. Link was waiting patiently at the entrance.
"How'd it-" he cut himself off when he looked at her.
He could tell that it did not go well.
"Zelda, what-"
She sniffled against him, and Link's heart felt like it was being torn out from his chest.
What in Hylia happened?
"Zelda, talk to me, what-"
"Link, it's been far too long. Why don't we catch up? I think the princess wants some time alone," interrupted Riju from the top of the stair case.
"Just go. I'll be fine," yet her voice betrayed those words. As did the tightening grip on his clothes.
"I can't just leave-"
"Please..." her eyes were begging him to heed her words.
What happened next? Only the worst fear a woman can hold. Her loved one, alone, with another woman. She would wait for him at Kara Kara Bazaar. She was promised that much. She didn't want to be in this desolate place any longer anyways. As Zelda headed for the exit of Gerudo Town, she took one last glance back at him.
With her eyes watering, she left before it became too much to bear...
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Hours passed as Riju and Link caught up.
"This has been fun," she said, "Thank you for accompanying me today."
"I appreciate the chance to see how you are doing."
"The pleasure is all mine," she smiled at him.
While Link did enjoy catching up with Riju, something didn't sit well with him. In fact, it didn't sit well with him the second it happened. Why was Zelda in such a distress, and in such a hurry to usher him off? Why has Riju said nothing about her or the talk they had this entire time?
The sickening feeling in his stomach was the answer.
"Can I ask what happened between you and Zelda?"
He could see the muscles in her jaw tense slightly at the mention of her.
"We talked, then I asked if it was alright for us to catch up. She said it was fine, and that she'd wait for you at the bazaar. Why?"
Don't tell me she left on her own...?
That sickening feeling? It got only worse. Link inwardly cursed at himself for letting her talk him into this. Wasn't he her friend? How could he not see the signs that something was terribly wrong?
"I have to go."
"Link wa-" he was already gone before she could finish her sentence.
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How could I have been so clueless? Why wasn't I with her? What if-
He stopped himself of those thoughts and ran faster...
When he got to the bazaar, it was exactly as he feared.
She's not here.
He asked every merchant and innkeeper if they had seen a young, blonde, Hylian woman roaming about.
Nothing.
Link quickly changed back into his regular garb. This time equipping the sand boots for the trek into the desert.
She's out there somewhere. Zelda, I will find you. I promise I'll find you. Even if it kills me again.
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Link spent two weeks roaming the viscous desert sea. With no way to track her, all he could do was search for any signs of activity and follow those trails, and hope, hope that it would lead him to her. It didn't help either that the majority of the time was spent dealing with gruelling sandstorms. In fact, he felt that they were appearing more frequently and getting more violent as the days wore on.
Despite this, it didn't waver his resolve.
He would find her.
On his search, he dismembered dozens of enemy camps. Many of which were the breeding grounds for new spawn. Meaning, that the reason there was increased enemy activity was-
He had to find her, and quickly...
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One more week would pass...
Link was tired, drained from all the fighting and searching. All of his supplies spent.
He was out of time.
The monsters seemed endless in the area. Bokoblins and Moblins, one after the other. He had to be close to another enemy camp, a big one.
After doing some reconnaissance, Link realized that there was a major breeding ground for Bokoblins and Moblins. The cave was heavily fortified, not that it mattered. The place was an abomination. Soon, there would be no traces of it left.
The four watchtower guards at the entrance were easily dispersed of. Allowing Link to slip inside undetected.
As he moved in deeper, sounds of moaning, screaming, and much worse were making themselves known throughout the hollowed depths of the cave's interior.
He soon came across a long hallway filled with dozens of rooms on either end. At the far end was a staircase with access to a lower level. One by one, Link cleared the rooms. One by one, he was reminded that sometimes... he can't save everyone.
The only mercy he could give was a quick death. A sendoff into a better place. None of them could ever recover from such trauma, for once the seed of a beast has been planted... there was no way to come back.
After clearing the first floor, he made his way down to the second level of the cave to repeat the process.
All was going well until...
"Yes...! Yes...! Give it to me! Please!" screamed out a voice in ecstasy from behind the door.
This voice...
He slowly opened the door, and his eyes were painted with a picture he never wanted to see.
The Moblin gave the woman exactly what she wanted. He roared as he came inside her, pumping her with so much seed that it was overflowing, however, the afterglow would have to wait as the clattering of metal on stone alerted him of the presence of an unwanted guest. Casting the woman aside, he rushed towards his assailant. Quick to get the encounter over with so he could attend to a more important matter.
Link, didn't see the fist coming until it was too late.
When he smacked into the wall, it also smacked some sense into him. The Master Sword was on the other side of the Moblin, so he had to go to plan b.
He ducked under the next swing and speared the Moblin to the ground. Punching his snout, once, twice, thrice. He just kept punching, tears welling up with each one.
The struggling from the Moblin ended long ago, but still, he punched and punched and punched until his own hand had been broken from punching the floor through the hole in the Moblin's snout.
He took a moment to catch his breath, before looking over at the woman lying on the floor.
He tentatively approached her.
The closer he got, the harder it became to breathe.
Her back was turned to him.
Perfect radiant skin, golden locks that shined like the sun, and the the smell of Slient Princesses and raspberries. Don't tell me...
When he turned her over...
"Z-Zelda...?"
She looked up at him. Eyes showing no recognition, but instead, lust.
He held her close, trying, but failing to hold in his sobs.
He was too late.
Zelda, had been reduced to nothing more than a brooding mother. One that craved only sex, and took pleasure in birthing new spawn.
Once the seed of a beast has been planted, there was no coming back. Monsters are strictly male. The only way for them to procreate is by taking women of any race, and putting them in camps where their only purpose is to give birth to new monsters. Their seed acts similar to that of a parasite. Attacking the woman's neurones once it's had a chance to work it's way through her system. Once at the brain, the pathogen begins altering her thinking patterns, increasing her carnal desires, and primitive maternal instincts. In short, it makes her want to birth their children and nothing but their children. And all it takes is one time for the seed to completely alter her mind. Once that happens, there is no way to reverse the effects. Her sole purpose is to then breed monsters, it doesn't matter when or which variant; Lynel, Lizalfos, Moblin, etc, as long as her purpose is fulfilled then she'd do it with any of them.
Link had seen far too many since his awakening. With the monsters being left unchecked for 100 years, it was easy for them to establish such breeding grounds. One such as this being able to birth dozens in a day.
Zelda, had been here for potentially weeks meaning...
He was far too late.
Retrieving the Master Sword, he tilted it down towards her chest. The blade rattling between his trembling hands.
When she looked up at him once again it was of disgust. Reason being was that the pathogen made her only have eyes for other monsters, so seeing any of the other races would make her want to vomit.
The sight broke him.
He lowered the sword into her chest, and when he picked her up... It was too much...
Come, we're going home.
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When he reached the outside of the cave there was yet another brutal sandstorm closing in.
Suddenly, Zelda's body dispersed into sand.
Wha-
Link, didn't even have time to process what happened before a deafening screech roaring across the sky pointed his attention towards-
Zelda?
Her face had manifested in the storm itself, and she was coming right at him!
No, the woman looked similar to that of Zelda, but it was clear that it wasn't her.
Her voice echoed across the desert, bleeding his ears, "A WORLD WITH NO LIGHT IS ONLY... DARKNESS!"
Link, fell to his knees.
This was it. His punishment.
In mere seconds, the manifestation of the woman consumed Link into the hurricane within.
As his body was being shredded into fine dust, he could feel her feelings. Her sorrow, her anger, her happiness, her loneliness... Everything was a whirlwind of emotions, and she was taking it out on him.
If only I had done things differently... Zelda, forgive me.
It wasn't long before Link shared the same fate as Zelda. Their bodies lost forever in the sands of time.
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"For what you're offering, I can give you 24,750 rupees.
"Don't make her repeat herself, Link."
That voice... what-
When he looked over towards the origin of the voice, his face lost all colour...
"Zelda?"