'I should've let Henry summon Risen for the Shepherds to train.' Robin had visited a red-haired merchant's shop to buy a few reeking boxes. He should've suspected Anna's bargain deal item was too good to be true. The fact that he had to tread through the unpredictable Dragon's Gate to get this mystical object had also been a red flag.
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Now he's teleported into who-knows-where forest and marching through in everlasting dense vegetation. Equipping tome and sword, Robin shuffled forth, wary of an ambush. It's common for wildlife or crafty bandits to jump a lost individual.
Perceptive cedar-brown eyes sweep the landscape. Beyond the trees is a jaw-dropping view.
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Vast hills swathed in colorful flowers like shimmering jewels. Clusters of villages clasp like grey and tawny armor. Midnight-blue rivers identical to the most prized silks run through the plains. A deep cloudless sky crowns the earth.
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A horse rests in the shade. A man dressed in green and brown waltzes elegantly across a field. His partner is a flashing sword. Nimble muscles flex and snap, displaying agility and daunting strength. His shouts carry unyielding mettle in sync with his strikes.
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Blond hair and a long green cap frame a thin youthful face. Blue eyes spark in focus and passion.
'Clearly a very experienced warrior!' Robin can't tell if he's human or manakete. The pointy ears are a distinct feature.
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Robin treads and wears a disarming smile. He waves, catching the man's attention. "Good morning! I-"
Gleaming sword rested threateningly on Robin's neck. Smiling, he quickly summoned Elwind. Furious gusts pushed his opponent away.
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Link blinked twice. Then sheathed his sword. "Apologies. You dress similar to Ganon's underlings. My foes. So…"
Robin waved a hand. "No problem. A tactician always has to be on their toes."
The man carried a hint of a smile.
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He immediately liked this guy. How can he not? Wit, strength, and humor shine just like the golden outlines in his robes. What a mystery! Link wonders what else he can discover about him. This tactician is something else entirely!
And that's saying a lot because Link has plenty of unusual friends.
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"I'm Robin. I uh…seemed to have dropped into your world. So. Where am I exactly?"
"Hyrule."
Robin's eyebrows jerked up. "Reminds me a lot of Ylisse."
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"The princess Zelda and I protect these lands from Ganon."
Robin's eyes glimmered amusedly. "Let me guess. A super strong, intimidating, magical guy, aiming to take over the world?"
Link nodded.
"Boasts endlessly about his omnipotent and sinister powers? Very arrogant? Revives multiple times throughout various reincarnations to swear revenge on everybody?"
Link nodded furiously. Whoa. Is Robin a psychic?
He sighed. "Yeah. In my world I have Grima."
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Robin thoughtfully gazes at a spacious sky. Somber teal-blues and strawberry-pinks melt into a bittersweet gloomy purple. Will he be stranded here forever or will this detour be temporary?
Link wordlessly tugged on Robin's hand. He needs a break. Some escapism. Besides, no monsters are patrolling Hyrule. So Link has some spare time to show him around.
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"They just let you destroy pots?" Robin stifled a laugh. He watched Link twirl and twirl and twirl…
Shaking his head dispels the dizziness. Metal shattered clay, wood, and earth. Link continued on tirelessly.
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Evading flying shards and spewing earth, Robin wielded Levin. "What other tricks you got?"
Link drew his bow. Five arrows fly.
Grinning, Robin muttered tome spells. Serrated strips of fire uncurl and fry the arrows to ash. Link silently laughed. A playful glint is in his blue eyes.
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Coiling his sword, Link tossed it up.
Robin's tawny eyes latched onto the blade. Just as it fell point down Link caught the handle and stylishly flicked his wrist before hurling the weapon up again.
"Sword tricks huh? How about this?"
Robin thanked Lon'qu for the talent he's shared during training. The arduous effort has paid off for the tactician this time!
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Robin grabbed his sword, Levin, and two more. Smoothly he flipped them around and around. Through gaps in flashing metal he sees Link's awed expression. His mouth shaped in an 'o'.
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It's peaceful in Hyrule. Been for days, even months.
A few monsters and sinister characters spawn rarely. When they do Link slays them –none bringing a sliver of challenge. Link contemplates these facts by a blazing campfire. In the distance is the castle. Silver like the moon, and just as durable and eternal.
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He's the Hero of Time. Yet, he feels no longer required. Zelda has learned much. She can defend her kingdom from any adversary sent to destroy it.
Link hardly dashes into battle anymore.
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Cerulean eyes remain on Robin. Silver moonlight and crimson flames spill upon the dark folds of his mage cloak. The bulky cloth shrinks his physical features, his pale skin almost matching ivory locks. His round face and slender jaw mask depthless intelligence.
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Never before had anyone captured Link's heart.
Neither Zelda nor any of the people he's rescued or journeyed with. Robin's stories sparked curiosity. Stories of past exploits and humorous days spent with friends –it revived a sense of heart-pounding excitement and adventure for Link. A feeling that had dwindled, that has been lacking for a long time.
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"You alright, Link?"
Blushing he shook his head.
Robin smiled. "You keep looking at me. Any reason?"
Link waved his hands and shook his head furiously.
He had a guess. "Thinking about the princess? From what you described she's really pretty. And smart! Quite lucky I'd say. That you're friends with her."
The princess. No. Link knew Zelda is wonderful. But he never had an interest in her that way.
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In darkness a dazzlingly blue stripe appears. Slashing night it turns into a doorway. Whirling stars fill in empty space.
Robin stood. "The portal! I have to go. But it's so far! How would I-"
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Link offered a hand. Epona stood at ready, her feet impatiently stomping on earth. Robin accepted –and the pair started running into the dark.
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Epona skidded and stopped a few feet from the portal.
Robin unlatched his arms from Link's waist. "Thank you! It's been a remarkable day. I…I hope to see you again someday, Link!"
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Sharp blue eyes convey an unyielding message. 'I'm going with you.'
Astonishment lights Robin's features. "Are you sure?! Won't you be needed here?"
"No." Link gripped Robin's arm, fearing of letting him go. "I think my days in Hyrule are complete."
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Blushing, Link gazed bashfully homewards. "I…I'd like to be with you."
"Ah." Robin sheepishly brushed his hair with a hand. "If that's what you really want."
"It is."
"I'm not sure when the Dragon Gate will open again."
"That's alright. I still want to go with you to Ylisse, Robin."
"Well then." He reaffirmed his hold on Link's waist. "Let's go."
Guiding Epona into the murky doorway, the heroes step into the portal.