~{Pre-Notes}~
Hello to any new readers here and the past readers of my other fics! I'm sure this is a surprise! So to describe the general basis of why this was created, I had watched someone play Breath of Wild and had also seen some 'art' with Link and Zelda interacting with the Konosuba cast, and that was all it took for a lightning strike of inspiration to hit and crumble my self-control, which led to this, a crossover no one asked for. This was actually part of a collection of other one-shot concept fics on another fanfic site I post on called Archive Of Our Own, which were all MEANT to be exclusive to that site, but another inspiration for this fic had been another Konosuba crossover fic called 'Blessed With A Hero's Heart' (I'd recommend checking it out if you think you'd enjoy seeing Izuku in the Konosuba world) and that fic had been posted here and was very well-received, so it made me decide to post the two chapters I made of this crossover here as well to see if it gets similar results and inspires me to continue it.
I hope you enjoy these two chapters, and I wish to hear all of your thoughts on them!
Things were nearing the end.
Link watched as the princess, no, as Zelda, raised her hand towards the incarnate of hatred and malice himself; how her very being radiated holy light as she unleashed a final burst of power that spread everywhere in front of her.
It was beautiful, and he was grateful to Hylia that his body had landed in a position where his head was facing the spectacle, watching as the strongest person he's ever known took the last steps to finish everything, finally stopping the entity that had plagued Hyrule for over a hundred years.
Link watched as the Calamity roared as it attempted to fly upward, trying to escape, only for it to be futile, for the enlarging sphere of light from the Zelda was faster. The embodiment of evil could only rage as it was engulfed by her sacred power, its golden eyes vanishing in the equally golden dome.
Then, with one final flash, it was gone, leaving utter peace and silence in a field of green.
It was finally over.
The grass swayed on Hyrule field, and the previously red and tainted sky slowly cleared away to reveal a color as beautiful as the champion's tunic Zelda had made for him, the one now torn and drenched in red.
Link went to release a sigh of relief, only to cough out blood, forgetting his critical condition.
He could feel the crimson red trickle down his mouth as he remained flat on his back, the Bow of Light off to the side and a damaged Master Sword right beside him. The grass surrounding him was stained with his blood, and he was sure that at least one limb was broken, if not taken clean off, for he couldn't feel any of them and didn't have the strength to turn his head to look.
Link knows that the state he's in is his own fault. His skills and capabilities hadn't been enough to make it out healthy, for at the moment he had fired the final arrow that freed Zelda from Ganon's core, Ganon had simultaneously fired a beam of malice that had struck him directly, leaving him where he is now. Not even Mipha's Grace would save him, as he had healed himself earlier after taking heavy damage during the Calamity's first form.
Link knows that he's going to die, but it's okay.
He had done what he had needed to do, what he had been meant to do, what he had been born to do.
He had fulfilled his role to help slay the Calamity; he had managed to free princess Zelda from her hundred-year struggle, saved Hyrule from falling, and avenged his fellow champions.
Mipha, Daruk, Urabosa, Revali, the friends he had forgotten, only to remember them once more. Even if Link didn't have all of his memories of the four, he remembered enough to know how much he had treasured them.
Yes, even Revali.
"Link?"
The champion of Hyrule blinked away the blood that had started trickling into his eyes; only his pupils could move to look up at the princess a few steps from him.
A princess whose expression could only be defined as pure horror.
"Oh Hylia." Her hands covered her mouth, tears already forming in the corners of her eyes. Link could guess just how bad he must look by her expression alone.
"No... No, no no no no." Zelda rushed over and collapsed to her knees right beside Link, breathing at a rapid pace. She put a hand under his back and gently lifted him up, letting his head rest on her forearm so that he sat upright, weakly gazing up at her.
"Y-You're okay! You'll be okay!" She sobbed, not daring to move her eyes from his as she held him, hand gently on his chest. "The Calamity is gone, w-we did it, Link! You did it!"
No, she was the one who had done it, holding Ganon for so long and finally taking him down. All Link had done was fix what he had failed to do in the first place. Things might have been different if he had been strong enough back then.
"You're going to be fine! I can get you help! O-Or I can take you back to the Shrine of Resurrection!"
They both knew that wasn't going to work, not when the shrine had already finished bringing him back after one hundred years, expunging most of its function. And even if it could work again, he wouldn't want to wake up a hundred more years later to a time when Zelda had already passed away; and with all of his memories gone once again.
He couldn't bear to forget everyone again.
"I-I can-! You can't-!"
Link knows he's done for, so he does the only thing he can do.
He smiles; he smiles for his princess.
Zelda stopped speaking and choked back a sob, face scrunching up in agony; she must've also realized he couldn't be saved and that he had already accepted it.
But despite this, she managed to smile back, if barely, a smile full of sorrow that she narrowly kept in check.
"It's all over Link. You did well, so well." She whispered softly as the rest of the sky cleared of red malice. "You saved Hyrule, and now our friends can rest peacefully."
Her hand when up to his bangs, gently brushing them to the side, tears trailing down her cheeks.
"I-I've witnessed your struggles to return to us... as well as your trails in battle." Her shaky voice held steady. "I always thought- no, I always believed- that you would find a way to defeat Ganon. Thank you Link..."
Link watched as she lowered herself closer to him, her tears now dripping onto his cheek.
"Th-The..." She took a breath. "The Hero of Hyrule. My hero."
Her hand gently caressed his cheek, and Link had never felt anything warmer.
"Do you..." She sniffled, her watery eyes so hopeful yet hopeless. "Do you remember? Do you remember... me?"
Link did. He remembered everything about Zelda, yet he didn't know if he remembered her the same way his past self would've felt toward her. He had regained all his memories of her and everyone precious to him. He remembered how he had felt towards them before losing his memories, from his annoyance and admiration for Revali to his love for his father and little sister.
Oh Aryll...
He was sure she had been in their home at Hateno Village when the Calamity had struck, so she should've been fine. Link could only hope she had lived a long, fulfilling life.
And as for Zelda... what he felt towards her was confusing, to say to least.
Seeing her right in front of him felt so surreal to Link. It was as if this was the first time he was meeting her, yet he remembered just who she was, who she IS. He could feel a level of fondness towards her different from how he felt to everyone else, only similar to what he had grown for Paya after spending so much time with her. He didn't know what it meant, and it was a shame that he wouldn't even have time to figure it out.
But what he does know is that what he feels towards her is real, at least, whether it's from the current him or past him.
So Link gave Zelda the most reassuring smile he could give her, telling her exactly what she needed to know.
And he could see the princess's eyes brighten just a bit, some light in the darkness crushing her heart.
How he wishes he could stay with her...
Suddenly, dark spots started clouding his vision, and Link could see Zelda's expression shift into a pure, desperate panic.
"L-Link!"
He used whatever strength he had left to keep his smile as he felt the cold start to take him.
"N-NO! I just got you back!"
Link found himself thinking back through his entire journey; the places he's been, the people he's met.
Sidon, Yunobo, Riju, Teba, Impa, Paya... Oh Paya. She's gonna be so heartbroken.
"I-I can't lose you again! Please don't leave me!"
So many people he'll be leaving behind. But despite all of this, Link felt content. He had done his duty; he was no longer needed for Hyrule.
"Please! *sob* Please..."
Everything darkened, he could feel his body going numb, but even then, he could feel how warm Zelda was as she held him tightly. How glad he is for this to be the last thing he feels.
"I... I love-"
And the darkness took him.
Ironically enough, Link didn't expect to wake up in even more darkness.
He didn't expect to be instantly conscious either, but he was. And being in an unfamiliar place so suddenly, he shot up from where he was apparently seated, all of his battle instincts kicking in. He reached behind him for the Master Sword, only to discover it gone, along with all his other items and equipment.
Feeling defenseless, Link spun in place with vigilance, analyzing the area around him for any sign of an immediate threat to run from.
To his relief, there didn't seem to be anything of danger, but that didn't calm his nerves in the slightest, as there really didn't seem to be anything at all. The surrounding space seemed to expand into endless darkness, with the only things he could even point out being the thin fog along the checkered floor, the dark wooden chair he had been seated on, and the fancier white chair and white stand in front of him.
Just where in the world did he end up?
And... Why didn't he feel like he was bleeding out?
Link glanced down at his Champion's Tunic, Hylian Trousers, and the rest of his attire. What should've been torn and bloodied looked brand new, like he hadn't just battled Hyrule's worst enemy and died from it.
How was he fine?
Link's ear twitched as he heard the sound of footsteps, and he sharply turned to find a girl walking.
She looked to be the same height as him, with light blue hair that went down to her waist, matching blue eyes, and a beautiful figure overall. Her outfit consisted of blue thigh-high boots, detached white sleeves, a sleeveless dark-blue feather dress, and an... extremely short dark blue miniskirt with a yellow trim.
The only one Link had ever seen wearing something similarly showing had been Urabosa, but that was reasonable, seeing as she had lived in the desert.
Link stared cautiously as the girl walked by, only for his eyes to blink in surprise at a detail he caught about her.
Her ears are... round?
"Link, welcome to the afterlife."
He straightened, body tensing. At least he knows where he is now, not that it made him feel any better.
"Unfortunately, you passed away moments ago." The girl continued walking past him and reached her white chair, where she then turned and took her seat, crossing a leg over the other.
That action really didn't go well with her short skirt; anyone else probably would've already taken the opportunity that presented itself. But Link's eyes didn't move from the girl's the entire time; the cautious look stuck on his face while being stared back with a calm gaze.
"Your life was a short one, but you are, in fact, dead."
Link's hands tightly balled into fists in frustration, remembering dying in Zelda's arms and how much it must've crushed her. But he couldn't do anything about it now; he could only hope she'd be safe without him.
So he kept staring in silence at the mysterious girl in front of him, waiting for her to explain who she was, what he was doing here, and what would happen. It's usually how he got any information, letting people tell it to him.
After about ten seconds of silence, the girl's eye twitched, and Link wondered if something was wrong, but she took a breath before continuing to speak.
"My name is Aqua. I'm a goddess who guides humans who die young to the afterlife, or Hylians, in your case." She introduced herself with a hand over her chest, smiling graciously.
Link blinked, shock evident in his eyes.
This girl is a goddess? And it isn't Hylia? Nor Din, Nayru, or Farore? None of the goddesses Hyrule had worshiped for so long? Just how many other goddesses are there? And how many are Hyrule not even aware of!?
And... what did she say? She guides 'humans' to the afterlife?
What's a human?
"You have two options to choose from, or at least, that's what I'd usually say!"
Link blinked, wondering what she meant by that.
The girl, er, goddess Aqua, stood up and clapped her hands together, looking rather happy.
"Normally, you'd be able to either start from square one and be reborn with a new life or go to heaven and carry on like an old man. But one of your world's *ahem* 'goddesses'-" She said with air quotes, "-has something else in mind!"
Did Link imagine the look of irritation that flashed on her face?
"You have been chosen, Link!" Aqua declared, arms up and out as she spoke louder. "There is another world just like yours! A world that has long enjoyed peace is now being threatened by the Devil King, a monstrous being of power who aims to cause havoc and destruction to all! The livelihood the world's citizens have worked so hard for is being trampled upon by his monsters! Everyone lives in fear of the Devil King's army's merciless pillaging and slaughter!"
Link blinked in bewilderment. Where did the spotlight shining down on her come from?
"And to make matters worse, the people of that world have been more commonly refusing to be reborn there after they have died, declining the population and reducing the number of souls that can oppose the threat!"
Aqua spun in the spotlight dramatically, continuing her speech.
"And since the gods have been forbidden from directly interfering with the worlds themselves, the only option left has been to find young, recently deceased souls from other worlds who hold the worthiness of being reincarnated! We then send them to this troubled world with both body and memory intact!"
She stopped spinning and struck a pose, directly pointing at him.
"And you, Link, have been found worthy of this task! Hylia has sent you here to save this other world!"
Utter silence.
Link doesn't even know what to say. There are other worlds? Are they just like Hyrule, or completely different?
And... Hylia wants him to save another one?
Why isn't she here to tell him this herself? Why is another goddess telling him of this task? Why did she whip him from his world after death and selfishly throw him to save another without explaining or asking what he wanted?
Why does he have to keep fighting?
Link frowned, looking down at the ground in inner turmoil. A whole new world without Zelda, without anyone he's ever known. Is this what was gonna happen to him from now on? He saves one world only to be tossed into another, expected to save it as well? A never-ending loop?
As his dark thoughts rampaged, Link didn't notice Aqua staring at him expectantly, frozen in her stance, pointing at him. At some point during the next minute of silence, a vein pulsed on her forehead as her eye twitched again.
"Oi! Say something, would you!?"
Link was startled out of his thoughts, raising his head to the goddess glaring at him while stomping the ground.
"Do you know how lucky you are to be in the presence of a benevolent and humble goddess such as myself!?" The goddess... whined?
"You should be groveling and thanking me for bringing you here for such an opportunity! Hardly anyone from your world ever gets the chance to be reincarnated to another, you know!?"
Once again, Link blinked in surprise. He should be thanking her? But didn't she say that Hylia was the one who had decided this?
Something didn't add up.
"I apologize, goddess." He spoke, the speech from when he had been a knight kicking in as he bowed on one knee with his head down respectively. "I was simply afraid of disrespecting your benevolence by speaking without instruction. I'm... overjoyed for the opportunity that has been given to me."
He cringed after finishing, remembering how often he had to speak like this to snobby nobles in the castle who didn't appreciate the chosen hero being a commoner. For now, he'd play nice until he fully understood the situation.
And his words seemed to work, for Aqua blinked in surprise before crossing her arms and huffing proudly.
"You're lucky you look a tad better than all the usual mortals I send. So I'll forgive you this once!"
So much for being humble.
"If you'll permit me to speak, goddess, may I ask you a question?" Link asked, keeping his eyes low.
Aqua nodded. "Sure! As long as it's nothing creepy or perverted."
Getting the okay, Link raised his head and stared directly at her, expression hardened but still respectful.
"You stated that goddess Hylia had been the one that decided to send me to the other world, correct?"
"Yeah yeah." Aqua sighed with an uncaring wave of her hand.
"Then why is it that you're the one to have brought me here, rather than Hylia herself?"
"Urk!" Link saw Aqua freeze, eyes widening as her expression became tense, only for her to scratch her cheek with an awkward laugh as she avoided his gaze. "W-Well, Hylia is just busy with a buncha stuff, you know? S-So I decided to be generous and take it upon myself to send you over for her as old friends! Yeah, that's it!"
How could a goddess have such terrible lying skills?
It's clear something is up, but Link doesn't even know what to do about it. He doesn't have a single piece of equipment on him, and even if he did, he doubted that he'd be able to do anything to a goddess anyway.
"A-Ahem!" Aqua visibly recomposed herself and turned back, smiling at him like she hadn't obviously been lying. "And in addition to your quest, if you manage to defeat the Demon King, the gods can grant you any wish you want!"
Link's breath hitched, and he was suddenly standing again.
A wish? Any wish!?
"Does... Does that include returning to Hyrule alive?" He asked, his voice so full of hope.
Aqua turned away with a triumphant grin, seeing him take the bait.
She then turned back with the grace of a goddess. "Indeed! And you can even bring any single item of your choice when you start your journey, whether a powerful weapon or a tremendous talent!"
She opened her arms.
"So Link, will you venture forth and save this world!?"
Link still found all of this rather suspicious, especially from Aqua's cues a few moments ago, but if he'll truly get a wish, then...
'I-I can't lose you again! Please don't leave me!'
Zelda...
*Boom!*
Suddenly, the entire area shook as if taking an impact, with Link and Aqua nearly stumbling in shock.
"Oi, what gives!? Who's trying to get in my space!?" Aqua yelled, gaining her balance and looking around with a rather pissed-off expression.
As if giving her an answer, a giant orb of light burst mid-air just off to the side, causing powerful winds to rush past Link and Aqua, the latter barely reacting in time to hold her short skirt down.
The goddess stared upward at the orb of light, her anger instantly melting away into dread.
"Oh shit."
Link hadn't even heard the supposed goddess curse, as he was more focused on rubbing his eyes to recover from the sudden blast of light that had blinded him. He blinked several times to regain his vision before looking up to see what had arrived.
He froze, eyes opening completely as an involuntary gasp came out.
Floating in front of a glow of holy light was a Hylian girl with golden blond hair that went down just below her shoulders, with two braids with clips at each side of her face. Her attire consisted of brown leather sandals, an angelic golden harp in her hands, and a white gown similar to the one Zelda had worn during her prayers, although this one had loose sleeves down to her wrists.
For a moment, Link thought he was staring at his princess, only to quickly notice that this person's eyes were a brilliant blue and as cold as ice instead of the emerald green eyes of warmth he had seen in his last moments.
Aqua squirmed in place, visibly starting to sweat as she stared at the newcomer.
"H-Heeeeeeeeeey Hylia! H-How are you? Sh-Shouldn't you be looking after your little princess right now?"
Link did a double-take at the goddess, wondering if he had heard that right, because what!?
Hylia herself!?
He didn't even have time to process the revelation of just how much Zelda resembled the goddess, for the same goddess's voice shook the entire room.
"Goddess Aqua." She started, earning a gulp from the girl. "What do you think you're doing, taking the soul of the hero from my world?"
Oh. So Hylia hadn't put him up to this?
"W-Well, I-I wouldn't say I was taking your hero." Aqua stammered, poking her fingertips together. "It's more like I was just, um... borrowing him?"
Hylia's eyes flashed in anger.
"How dare you!"
Link was taken aback as Aqua suddenly hid behind him, holding his shoulders and putting him between herself and Hylia as if that would help keep her safe.
"You and all the other gods and goddesses are well aware that it is forbidden to take mortals from my world into others without my authorization. And this is especially the case when they are mortals of crucial importance!" Hylia seethed.
"I-I just wanted a better hero to take care of the Demon King! Do you know how long he's been causing havoc for my precious followers!?" Aqua managed to bite back despite her nervousness. "And it's not like this is the first time another god reincarnated a specific soul of another world without asking!"
"But he is MY legendary champion!" Hylia's voice boomed, making Aqua shrink behind Link, who awkwardly stood in place and let it happen. "The hero's soul that has fought Ganon time and time again, his soul has always been reborn for that purpose!"
"B-But you don't even need him right now, do you!? He's already stopped the pig demon you can't seem to get rid of!" Aqua cried desperately, her unnecessary jab making Hyllira scowl. "H-He can just defeat the Demon King! And when he dies, he can return back to your world! It's not like you were gonna do anything with him but keep reincarnating him until the pig demon comes back anyway! Wh-What's wrong with me borrowing him in the meantime!? It usually takes more than a lifetime for him to show up again-!"
"And if something of your world compromises my hero's soul!?" Hylia hissed. "Do you know how many of your world's dangers can damage, if not directly destroy, my hero's soul!? You're willing to risk the entirety of Hyrule because of your lack of patience and cutting corners!?"
"B-But come on, Hylia! There are only like... fifteen different things in my world that can do something like that, b-but it should be fine! He is the legendary hero of your world, after all!" Aqua awkwardly laughed it off, patting Link's shoulder. All the while, Link stared at her blankly at what she had just said.
The glowing behind Hylia became even more intense, the goddess's face matching it in terms of fury.
"You're truly undermining the dangers just to get things your way!? Haven't you done that enough, always causing trouble for the other gods and goddesses!?"
Aqua flinched again. "B-But-!"
"I will NOT allow this! This will be put to a stop, and the others will hear about this violation! To which you will be punished accordingly, understand!?"
Aqua hung her head in defeat as she started tearing up, her cheeks turning red and puffing.
Link probably would've felt bad had she not just tried to trick him a moment ago.
He saw Hylia's attention shift to him, her expression softening into a smile of fondness and gratitude. It helped ease the tension Link had about receiving her anger.
"Link... Hero of Hyrule. First, I must thank you for your part in preventing Hyrule's destruction by stopping Ganon once more. I am sorry this has happened to you, for you deserve to rest after all you have done."
Link's expression brightened into a smile.
"Was just doing my job, goddess." He responded, forgetting any formal etiquette, for Hylia's aura made it feel like he shouldn't use it, as if she was insisting on it. "So... will I be able to go back home?"
Can I go back to Zelda?
Hylia's expression became solemn, crushing all of Link's hopes.
"I'm sorry, Link. But the gods are not allowed to simply bring mortals back to life. You have perished during your battle against Ganon, and as much as I so desperately wish to bring you back and reunite you with the princess... I cannot. I can only have you reborn in another life where you can both meet again."
But they won't be the same.
Link felt a vice-grip around his heart, knowing that he wouldn't be able to reunite with his princess, that he'd never be able to see his Zelda again. Is there nothing that can be done!? He can understand if the gods and goddesses aren't allowed to do anything on impulse, but can nothing really be done for him!?
'Hey, if you manage to defeat the Demon King, the gods can grant you any wish you want!'
Link's eyes stiffened as he stared straight up at Hylia with as much determination as when he had fought Ganon.
"But if I go to that other world and save it, I'll get a wish, right?"
Aqua, who had been sulking in a crouch behind Link, perked her head up in hope.
As for Hylia, she had frozen in place.
"You... You'd be granted one if you're the one to defeat the Demon King, but you weren't even supposed to be-"
"I'll do it."
Never would have Link thought he'd cut a goddess off, but it was too clear what he wanted.
"I'll defeat the Demon King."
"Link..."
Before Hylia could get another word, Link fell to one knee and bowed with as much respect as he could in his position.
"Please, Hylia. I beg of you."
There was silence at his declaration, with Hylia's expression becoming conflicted. Link had expected perhaps some immediate rebuttal, but the goddess of his world simply stared at him until her eyes turned somber.
"Are... Are you certain about this?"
Link looked up at his goddess, his expression matching the seriousness of his voice.
"Zelda still needs me. I can't just leave her like that, I won't."
If it was for Zelda, he'd keep fighting until the end of time itself.
There was another moment of tense silence, but Link was hopeful about it, as Hylia hadn't denied his plea or even asked him to reconsider. He could only hope his feelings reached her.
And they did, judging by the sad smile that formed.
"I understand, my hero. I will grant this request."
Link literally jumped for joy, bouncing back on his feet with his face brimming with happiness.
"Thank you, Hylia! Thank you so much!"
"Great!" Aqua was also back to standing with sparkles around her as she clapped her hands together. Link had almost forgotten she was there. "Everyone's happy then!"
Hylia sent her a disappointed glare.
"Quiet, water goddess. Don't believe you'll be spared of punishment."
"Urk!" Aqua's head and arms hung in defeat, knowing she was definitely in for a scolding.
Hylia's smile returned as she turned back to Link. "And don't thank me, Link, as after all you have done for me and Hyrule, it is the least I can do. I can only pray nothing devasting befalls you during your adventure."
A flash of realization emerged in her eyes. "Speaking of which, I recall that to ensure that nothing of the sort occurs too soon to reincarnated souls, they are allowed to choose a boon of their choice to take with them on their journey. You, Link, should have the same benefit."
"Tsk, I already told him that..." Aqua grumbled with crossed arms.
"And I believe it is goddess Aqua here who holds the list of abilities she's allowed to grant, correct?" Hylia continued, giving her a smile of expectancy that didn't match the sudden dark aura around her.
Aqua nearly crumbled as she immediately complied, snapping her fingers and producing a small stack of papers that she shoved into Link's arms.
"Choose something quick and get her out here!" She whispered in a hiss.
Link genuinely wondered how someone so rude could be a goddess, but maybe it was best not to think about it. He immediately started to scan the papers, seeing so many unique abilities that all seemed powerful in their own right, yet he wasn't sure they were for him.
He was halfway through the stack before he paused, a thought coming to mind.
"Um, goddess?" He asked, tilting his head up at Hylia. "May I request something other than the options here?"
Hylia simply directed her gaze to Aqua, who squeaked.
"Wh-Why are you looking at me!?"
"I am not too familiar with the procedure of reincarnating a soul to a different world, as I've only interacted with my own world's souls to reincarnate back into it. I am aware of the general process, but not specifics," Hylia admitted. "So may you answer, truthfully please?"
"Y-You can!" Aqua immediately stammered at the cold smile she was receiving. "A-As long as it's reasonable and not something that can hurt the gods in the long run, you can get whatever you want!" She hoped that meant the mortal already had an idea of what he wanted so they could leave.
"Then... Can I bring a set of items I had on me before I died?" Link asked curiously, wondering if he could bring multiple items of lower value.
"Hah!? You wanna try getting multiple things!?" Aqua snapped at him as if his question had offended her. "Not allowed! Each god or goddess can only grant a reincarnated soul one thing to take with them into the other world, no matter how small! That's the rule!"
Hylia nodded understandingly, for once not acting hostile towards the other deity.
But Link blinked at the wording, glancing from Aqua to Hylia repeatedly.
"Each god or goddess? Does that mean you can both grant me a gift each?"
Aqua opened her mouth, immediately about to reject the notion, only to pause. Her face remained frozen for a few seconds before it contorted into a look that was as if she had just been told that her kohai's chest had been real this entire time.
Hylia savored the expression.
"G-Give me a moment." The water goddess muttered calmly, turning her back to Link as a white and gold book poofed into her hands. She opened it and madly flipped through pages before getting to a particular section, to which she shoved her face in.
Link awkwardly stood to the side, curious about what she was reading but being polite and not trying to peek. He glanced at Hylia and saw her practically brimming with amusement, giving him a surprisingly cheeky grin that made the tips of his ears turn red.
She really did look like Zelda. Or is it more accurate to say Zelda looked so much like the goddess?
After about two minutes of awkward silence, Aqua slowly closed her book, then turned back to Link with a completely blank expression.
"There's no rule against it." She muttered, voice devoid of emotion. "There really isn't a rule for multiple gods each giving a reincarnating mortal a gift. It's never happened befoe, since each passing mortal is assigned a god to sort them out. And there was never any reason for multiple gods to meet with the same mortal. I can't believe there was always a loophole like this that's only becoming relevant now, and all because another goddess decided not mind her own business-"
Hylia gave Aqua a look that had her shut her up. As for Link, he was somewhat confused, wondering why goddess Aqua seemed to be freaking out over something so simple, only to think deeper about it.
It's apparent that the gods are strict towards each other about the amount of influence and involvement they can have in their assigned worlds, probably to enforce giving the living beings in them the freedom of choice. So because of this, Aqua and other deities can't do anything to solve any dangerous problems that appear in their worlds besides sending passing mortals to do it. However, they can't grant these individuals too much power, or it'd count toward directly interfering with the worlds they're primarily meant to watch over.
So for a loophole to give potential heroes even more power while still fitting with the rules, helping the gods shape their worlds how they see fit...
Huh, neat.
"You were always so wonderful at thinking outside the box, Link. Especially your unorthidox methods of travel." Hylia teased, the very notion throwing Link for a loop.
And to make it worse, he knew exactly what she was talking about, recalling every time he had used the Sheikah Slate to Stasis a tree or boulder before flying with it.
The tips of his ears turned red once more.
"You... You saw that?" He asked, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.
"Oh Link." He never thought he'd see a goddess so mischievous. "I've seen just as much as the princess."
So... his entire journey?
Several things flashed through his mind at once; laughing maniacally as he blazed through burning fields near-naked while riding a bear, watching in amusement in a class that taught Gerudos how to seduce men, and being left nearly dead after having stepped on a woman's flowers one too many times all instantly came to mind.
The entirety of his ears turned red.
"And while I'd love to tell you just what that entails, I believe it is time for you to start making your decisions." Hylia opened her arms in a praising motion, her aura shining brilliantly. "Now, Link, my champion, choose! What is it you wish to bring into the foreign world you aim to save!?"
Having been made clear that he could only bring singular objects, Link had already made his decision.
"I want the Master Sword." He declared firmly, which brought a bigger smile from Hylia.
"I assumed as much. It will provide quite an advantage against the Demon King, as it has against the embodiment of evil."
She played a gentle tone on her harp, to which the space in front of Link began glowing in brilliant light, lasting for two seconds before vanishing, leaving a familiar blade floating in place.
Link couldn't stop smiling as he stared at his weapon of choice, its purple hilt and long illuminating blade staring back at him.
"That butter knife?" Aqua muttered, looking unimpressed.
But Link didn't even hear her; he simply reached forward, grabbed the hilt of his weapon with both hands, and swung.
A small gust of wind blew around him from a single slash, followed by several more as the Hylian expertly swung his blade. Link then ended his demonstration by firmly tightening his hold on his weapon before powerfully slashing the air one last time, creating a final, larger burst of air all around him.
The young man grinned, feeling complete.
"Showoff..." Aqua grumbled with narrowed eyes, still feeling sour that things hadn't gotten the way she had wanted them to. But at least there were a few upsides to it. The world she was in charge of would soon be saved, and she discovered a new loophole in the system thanks to the mortal, one she could use with the cooperation of her kohai in the case another problem in her world arose.
"And now, it is goddess Aqua's turn to grant you a boon," Hylia spoke. "And don't worry, despite how she is, I'm sure she's at least capable of granting you whatever you wish."
"What's that supposed to mean, Hylia!?" Aqua shouted, whining as she flailed her arms up and down. "I'm a benevolent, beautiful, and amazing goddess! I can do this much!"
Link glanced back at Hylia, looking genuinely curious. "Is she really a goddess?"
"Oi!" Aqua snapped at him.
But Hylia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Unfortunately."
Aqua's whining stopped, only for it to turn into small whimpers as her eyes immediately became watery, her cheeks puffing up before she started full-on wailing in tears.
"HYLIAAAAAAAAAA! How can you say that in front of a mortal!? So what if you and the Golden Goddesses are liked by the others!? You don't have to be so heartless to me!"
Hylia rolled her eyes. "Very well, my fellow 'benevolent' goddess. Would you be so kind as to provide the hero of my world, whose soul you had the audacity to take without my saying, and to solve your world's problem, the power he deserves?"
The cold tone in her voice and her verbal jabs had Aqua shrink and quiet down of shame, no longer wailing but still sniffling out of frustration.
She then turned to Link with a sneer, as if he was responsible for all of this.
"Fine! What do you want, mortal!?"
A glare was sent at her once more.
"I-I mean, L-Link, great Hero of Hyrule?" Aqua wilted, sweating nervously.
Link put a hand to his chin, rubbing it in thought as he gazed at the sword in his other hand.
Something else for him... Something that will be crucial in helping him take down the supposed 'Demon King.' Should he get something else from his world? The Sheika slate? But then again, although it had been crucial on his journey, its main purpose had been to get him into the shrines and pass the trials while occasionally helping him get to places or get items.
Wait... items?
He had collected quite a lot of things during his journey to beat the Calamity, and if this one would be anything like that, then...
Link's eyes brightened, and the young man raised his head at Aqua.
"Can I get a bag with as much inventory space as the one I had before?"
A moment of silence, with Aqua's expression turning flat as she pressed her lips together.
"So... like a bag with infinite space?"
"Even better!" Link sparkled, looking as excited as a kid in a candy store.
"Oh dear, let's hope that by the end of his journey he doesn't completely ransack the land." Hylia joked.
"Is that really all you want?" Aqua asked, still looking bland.
"Yes please, goddess Aqua!" Link nodded.
She stared at Link for a few seconds as if waiting for him to change his mind, but when it became clear through his sparkling eyes that he wouldn't, Aqua snapped her fingers, to which a leather satchel with straps appeared in front of him.
"It shouldn't feel heavy no matter how much you put in it, and if you wanna get something inside, you just gotta think about the item as you reach into it," Aqua spoke, watching as Link sheathed the Master Sword behind him and grabbed the satchel with both hands.
The Hylian raised it above him, holding it as a father would to his boy.
"Thank you, goddess Aqua." He beamed, staring in awe at the satchel.
Aqua pouted; she didn't understand this mortal at all. Was he so happy with something so simple? And instead of any broken, overpowered item or ability that he could've gotten like in a video game, all he had decided to get was his tacky sword and a bag to fit anything in it?
At least he still showed her respect despite all of Hylia's bullying making her seem underwhelming. She'd like to have someone like that as one of her precious followers, always treating her with the respect she deserves.
"Okay, now that that's all done, it's time for you to get out of here!" Aqua huffed, giving a wave of her hand.
Link jumped a bit as a magical blue circle emerged on the ground underneath him, his wooden chair vanishing from existence.
"Stand there and don't leave the magic circle," Aqua instructed tiredly.
Link didn't leave the circle, but he crouched down and poked it curiously, somewhat entranced by its spinning blue colors.
"Link..."
He immediately shot up to his feet respectively, staring upward at the caring eyes of Hylia.
"Thank you for everything you have done. I wish you the best of luck on your adventure."
Link formed a big, confident smile.
"I'll make sure to come back."
"I know you will." Hylia nodded, looking just as confident as him. "And thank you for discovering that loophole, I'll be sure to let the higher gods and goddesses know about it."
"EH!?" A look of panic overtook Aqua. "A-Are you sure you have to do that so soon!?"
"But of course, right after this, in fact. We wouldn't want anyone taking advantage of such an exploit, right goddess Aqua?" Hylia stared intensely, already knowing what she must be thinking.
And judging by how Aqua looked down and nervously tapped her fingers together, she was right on the money.
"W-Well..."
Then, out of nowhere, a second blue circle of magic formed right underneath Aqua, earning a look of surprise from her and Hylia.
"Eh?" The former blinked.
Link wondered what was going on until he saw a circle of holy light emerge just off to the side. And coming out of it was yet another beautiful being, a girl with short hair and the brilliant white wings of an angel.
"There is no need to report, goddess Hylia, for the elder gods are already aware of the loophole." The angel smiled with closed eyes, landing gracefully on the ground.
"Oh?" Hylia looked somewhat surprised. "Are they?"
She nodded. "Ever since you suddenly emerged in goddess Aqua's domain, we've been monitoring the room, so we are aware of what has occurred. The loophole you've presented will be resolved as soon as possible, however..."
The angel turned to Aqua, who had turned as pale as snow.
"Goddess Aqua, you have been found in violation of several of the rules implemented by the gods, including which, stealing an off-limits soul of another goddess. In addition, it has also been discovered that you've been overlooking your duties or have been forcing them onto Eris. As such, the gods have decided to punish you accordingly."
The blue circle around Aqua then matched Link's, forming a barrier around it too.
"P-Punish!? W-Wait, I can do better! Please don't erase me! I can't leave my cute followers alone!" Aqua pleaded, her hands and face pressing against the barrier as she burst into tears.
"Come now, goddess Aqua, the gods wouldn't be as cruel as to erase you." The angel smiled sweetly. "However, they see it fit that you take responsibility for all the trouble you've caused and make it up to Hylia for stealing her champion."
"BORROW! I WAS BORROWING HIM!" Aqua wailed as if clarifying that would save her.
"And does this punishment involve why she's in the same transporting circle as my champion?" Hylia asked, looking curious as to where this was going.
The angel turned back to her with her head up.
"Indeed. Goddess Aqua's punishment is as follows; she is to travel with the brave hero, supporting him in every way she can while learning compassion and humility from humans. She is not to return until the Demon King has perished, but once she does, all of her past grievances will be forgiven."
Aqua made a sound akin to a dying animal while Link pointed at himself in shock at new developments.
"She's coming with me!?" A goddess going with him on his journey? Even if she didn't seem like much, she's still a goddess, isn't she?
The angel pointed her gaze at him.
"Indeed, hero." The angel partially bowed to him. "It has been agreed upon that spending time with the purest of mortals will benefit her character. And while she may not seem like much, goddess Aqua has a range of abilities that should be able to assist you on your journey, so think of her as an apology gift from the gods."
"WHY ARE YOU ALL SAYING THAT ABOUT ME!?" Aqua cried, unable to believe what was happening to her. "Why do I have to go!? This has to be against the rules in itself! Illegal! Illegal, I tell you! I don't even have any fighting abilities to speak of! I can't beat the Demon King! Please!"
Link gave Aqua a look of pity, feeling bad for the desperate water goddess. So he turned to both Hylia and the angel.
"This seems like a bit much. I don't want to force her to come with me, isn't there anything else that can be done?"
"YEAH! What he said!"
"Do not worry, my hero," Hylia answered with the smuggest look Link thinks he'll ever see from a goddess. "If anything, this is a rather tame punishment compared to what the higher gods could've done. So you should think of this as... saving her from harsher punishment."
Link didn't know if that was accurate, especially with how Hylia seemed to be reveling in this, but he wasn't gonna argue with the gods. So he kept quiet as the magic particles in his circle brightened, to which he and Aqua were lifted off the ground.
"Wait, wait, wait! I don't want to go to a parallel world!" Aqua kept crying, flailing her limbs all over the place as she cried. "I'm sorry! I'll take back all the times I've called Hylia and Eris flatchested, I swear!"
"Brave hero, I pray that of all the great prospective heroes that have reincarnated, you will be the one to defeat the Demon King!" The angel declared with a flap of her winds and arms upward in a preaching motion.
"That's supposed to be my line!" Aqua screamed.
"And from me, my champion, I wish you all the best that you slay the evil of that world! It will be a tough challenge, but I know that you will prevail, as you always have time again and again!" Hylia boomed, smiling happily with a hand raised.
"Now, go forth on your journey!" The angel finished, to which a giant opening of light appeared upward, one that Link and Aqua flew towards.
"Thank you for everything Hylia!" Link yelled, flipping in the air as he neared the light.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Aqua's cries followed him as the two flew up.
Then with one bright flash, they were gone.
~{Post-Notes}~
Shipping pairings that I'd like to do with Link so far will be Aqua and Zelda (Yes, we'll see her again at some point if I continue this, I can't just leave her out of the fic entirely), but others are open if you guys want or if I feel more eager to do so. Who knows? Regardless, we'll see Link at least interacting more personally with the girls. But it's Aqua and Zelda that I've seen with Link in that art I mentioned that had partially got me to write this.