What We Could

by Riyazura

AoC post-story. To say Link felt guilty about killing Terrako was an understatement. He resolves his grief by making it up to Zelda, and aids her in the process of Terrako's revival. But as the project deepens, he fears that his efforts may end in vain. Wishing to be Zelda's friend rather than her knight, he is blind to the cost of his wish until it is almost too late.

1. Lost, but Never Found

What We Could, Chapter 1:

~ Lost, but Never Found ~

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To say Link felt guilty about killing Terrako was an understatement.

Terrako was Zelda's passion project, a childhood best friend, most notably in the wake of her mother's death when she had no other companionship. Terrako was her light in the darkness when she despaired at an age far too young for her to even comprehend.

Terrako was something that would never be coming back.

Following its death, Zelda hadn't faltered. Not since remembering its name did she cry. But as the days sloughed by, she finally admitted just how heartsick she was for Terrako's company.

After returning from her next visit to the Tech Lab, she explained the circumstances to Link about how they may be able to revive it after having gone over the idea with Purah and Robbie. Ancient parts scattered across the wild lands that could, theoretically, be used to repair Terrako.

"With the right parts, we could make Terrako functional again. That is, if we can excavate the right parts," she had grimaced upon mentioning.

It would take a lot of resources and preparation. Unfathomable work, just for the chance to bring the little one back to life in any capacity.

As difficult it would be, Link was certain they would figure it out. Since when had they not, especially after their success in sealing away the Calamity?

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Author's Note:

This story will update every Sunday. It will be 13 chapters; this is by far the shortest, as it is the introduction.

I wanted to mend a major issue that I had with Age of Calamity, namely the complete absence of Zelink which was so integral to the lore of the source material. This game's version of their friendship isn't half as impactful as it was in Breath of the Wild due to the wider range of primary characters, sadly. I also wanted to expand upon Link's character which I feel was done poor justice in Age of Calamity.

It should also be of note that I did not base this story off of the post-game missions or sidequests; this is purely a post-ending story that I wanted to tell, unrelated to the gameplay elements of the narrative.

Thank you for reading this first chapter of many! I hope you continue to enjoy the story as it unfolds.