A/N Hi everyone.
Okay so I had uploaded this story recently, but had to delete due to some technical issues. I've only just managed to sort the problem, however I've now had to reupload. Sorry about that.
I also decided that I should make some changes and have Zelda wanting to be a scientist/researcher instead of an author. This fits with her character in breath of the wild
So I decided I wanted to write a modern Zelda story.
This will be a still set in Hyrule and the characters and place names will be based around Breath of the Wild.
Zelda's father will be a Senator as opposed to a King.
Ganondorf will be Rhoam's advisor.
Zelda won't be a princess of course and there will be no magic involved.
Impa will be Rhoam's bodyguard.
Link will not be a knight either. He might or might not be a hero.
Rauru and Sonia will not be royalty.
Other NPCS will be included
There will be possible references to other Zelda games as well.
I would also like to add that I know nothing about politics. Everything mentioned here is purely fictional for story purposes.
This will be A darker story and will contain graphic violence and some minor language.
I will try to give warnings at the beginning of chapters.
CHAPTER WARNING: Emotional and psychological abuse.
Chapter One.
It was mid afternoon when Zelda Hyrule entered through the large intricately designed set of gates, adorned with her family's signature, The Hylian Crest. She continued the drive up the long, winding gravel driveway and past the large ornate fountain, which was the front lawns most desirable centerpiece. It was here that the large imposing building came into full view. Hylia Manor was the most prestigious residence in all of Hyrule. A large spacious mansion which stood upon several acres of land next to the banks of Lake Hylia.
Her father, Senator Rhoam Hyrule had emailed her a week ago, demanding that she return home during spring break. He had mentioned something about an upcoming pre-election party that he expected her to attend. Zelda assumed the only reason he required her presence was so that he could simply play the loving, caring fatherly role. Well he may have been able to fool his most loyal supporters, but of course she knew different. Her father was not only strict, but also cold and heartless. In fact his paternal instincts were absolutely zero. And yet here she was, meeting with her father face-to-face for the first time in over two years.
As she strolled up to the enormous front doors, heaving a suitcase and a weekender bag, she immediately noticed those creepy gargoyle statues, their watchful eyes staring, as if guarding the property. She always hated those things, they literally gave her nightmares as a child. Upon her arrival she was immediately welcomed by Impa. The tall, slender woman had been Zelda's nursemaid when she was a young child, and had practically raised her after her mother's unexpected and untimely death. Apparently, she was now her father's lead bodyguard. She was a no nonsense type of woman, however she always had a soft spot for Zelda, treating her like the daughter she never had.
"Welcome home, Miss Zelda," Impa greeted. "It's so good to see you. It's been far too long."
Zelda smiled. "Enough with the formalities, Impa. You know you can just call me, Zelda."
"Of course, Zelda," she replied, opening her arms and bringing the young woman into a warm and loving embrace.
Once they had parted, Zelda followed her inside. "I guess my father is too busy to come greet me himself then?"
"He's in a very important meeting right now. As soon as he's free though I'll inform him of your arrival. Come, I'll help take your luggage to your room."
As Zelda stepped through into the entrance hall, she noted that the place still looked as lavish as she remembered. The vast space was designed with intricate gold leaf moldings around the windows and archways, adding an air of sophistication to the space. The floor was laid with polished stone that reflected a warm, honey-toned hue from the light filtering through the large windows. High ceilings that seem to stretch on for what felt like forever. At the center of the entrance, a large wrought-iron chandelier hung overhead, its crystal-encrusted droplets casting rainbows of color on the surroundings. This place was brimming with money and opulence, but it had never felt like home, even more so after her mother died.
"How is my father really doing, Impa?" Zelda asked, more out of curiosity, then of concern.
"He's doing very well. His political campaign is going much better then anyone anticipated. In fact, if this pre-election party goes well, then he may very well be elected to the Hylian Council."
She feigned interest. "I suppose his next goal is to be our ruler?"
Impa nodded. "I believe so, yes. At least, Ganondorf seems to think so anyway."
"Ganondorf?" Zelda had not heard that name before.
"Oh, he's your father's newest political advisor. He came to work for him six months ago. According to Rhoam, he hails from the far west, a small town in the Gerudo Desert. I personally, I am not a fan. He is arrogant, ruthless, cunning; not to mention his methods are a little unorthodox. However, despite my general disdain for him, your father is enamored by him, and I suppose he has rallied in a lot of new supporters. Apparently he had a high political standing in his homeland."
"I see."
"Anyway, I'll leave you to get settled." Before departing though, she reminded her about the dining arrangements. "I forgot to mention that dinner is served at eight pm sharp. Don't be late now."
A smile adorned Zelda's lips. "Don't worry, I won't
Her room was just as she had left it. Queen size bed with a pink canopy. Large wooden desk, several tall bookcases, the shelves of which were filled with hundreds of history and science books from her childhood.
She plugged in her phone charger and then placed her phone on the nightstand. She should probably expect a bill for the electricity use. She then noticed a text message from her best friend, Mipha. She lived on the other side of the lake and had requested to meet up whilst she was staying in the area. Zelda texted back saying that she would definitely like to meet and that she'd contact her tomorrow once she knew her schedule.
The evening came quickly, much to Zelda's dismay. She had spent the past two hours reading and then writing a few entries into her diary. Around six pm her stomach began to growl in hunger. She was about to wander out of room to fetch a snack, when a servant approached, handing her a note. It was from her father, and he was summoning her.
When she entered his grand study, she immediately surveyed her surroundings. It was large, airy, and the walls were lined with bookcases and fine art pieces. Behind a large oak desk was her father. A rather stout man with shoulder-length white hair, curled mustache and icy blue eyes. He sat there in silence, delicately stroking his long white beard, whilst studying a letter gripped tightly in his other hand.
"Good evening, Father." Zelda greeted.
"Do you know what this is?!" he asked sternly, tapping the paper.
So this is how it is then? she thought. No hello. No how are you. No I've missed you. No hug. Just straight to business as usual. She shrugged, nonchalantly. "I haven't the foggiest idea."
"Perhaps I'll jog your memory then. It's a letter from the university."
Her stomach twisted into knots. She knew he was going to find out. She knew he would disapprove. He was a senator and therefore had such high expectations from her, ones she could or would not meet.
"Apparently you have chosen to discontinue your studies in political science and economics, instead opting for Ancient History and Archaeology. Care to explain yourself, daughter?"
"Well...I'm not interested in politics, Father. I've chosen a different path. I've decided I'd like to become a scientist or a researcher. I've actually been studying ancient technology for quite some time now, and I find it all so fascinating."
Rhoam's face darkened, his eyes narrowed. He was not taking the news well. "So this is another one of your scientific fantasies, is it?"
"It is not fantasy, Father. It is all very interesting."
The Senator let out a sigh, crossing his arms. "Zelda, I understand your fascination with ancient technology and archaeology, but you need to be practical. You're destined to assume a position of leadership within the Senate some day. Your time should be spent learning politics, diplomacy and governance, not chasing after relics."
"But it's what I enjoy. It is my passion," Zelda argued.
He remained firm, although there was a hint of disappointment evident in his voice. "I cannot and will not support this pursuit of yours, Zelda. It is impractical and frivolous, not to mention a waste of your time and talents. The senate requires a strong leader, someone who can guide it into the future, not someone with their head buried in ancient artifacts and dusty old books."
"I'm not here to seek your approval, Father. I'm doing this whether you like it or not."
"Are you mad?!"
"No, Father, I'm quite sane actually," Zelda replied, her tone icy.
"You are the daughter of a prominent Senator. You have the perfect opportunity to follow in my footsteps and become a respected politician, yet you want to waste your time playing at being a scholar."
Her father's disappointment was palpable and it did weigh heavily on her mind. However this was her life and not his. "It is not a waste of time," Zelda protested.
Her father scoffed, rising from his chair and then started to pace around the room. I haven't spent hundreds, if not thousands of my hard earned money on your education, Zelda, just to see you throw your future away."
"Is that what you think I'm doing?" Zelda argued. "I'm just pursuing my dream, Dad. Just because it doesn't align with your plans for me, doesn't mean I'm throwing my future away."
"Mark my words, Zelda. If you pursue this ridiculous dream, you won't receive any more financial support from me," her father declared. "I will cut you off completely, and you will have to figure how to make a living on your own. You will bring shame upon this family if you go down this path."
Her heart sank at his words. She had been expecting something like this, but it still hurt to hear. "Are you serious? You're threatening to cut me off because I don't want to be a politician like you!" Her eyes brimmed with tears, but she fought to hold them back. "You can't do this, Dad. I need your support. Please, you're my Father."
"Yes, I am your Father, and therefore it is my job to to guide you and ensure your future success." He stopped pacing and returned to his desk. "I will not have you become a laughing stock and risk ruining my reputation. Do you think the high society will respect the daughter of a great politician who squanders her time on irrelevant endeavors, instead of carrying on his legacy?"
"I don't want to continue the family legacy," she exclaimed, her voice rising in volume. "I want to be my own person and follow my dreams. Why can't you understand that?"
Rhoam slammed his fist down on the desk, his anger rising. "You're being an ungrateful brat, Zelda! Family legacy is everything! We are respected members of society, and our name has been synonymous with success for generations. I will not allow you to taint my reputation and the family name."
"Ungrateful brat?" she retorted, anger coursing through her. "Is that what you really think? I've sacrificed my entire life to meet your expectations, to live up to your idea of success. And the one time I try to do something for myself, you punish me for it?"
"I do not wish to hear any more of this. You will follow my path and carry on the family legacy, whether you like it or not."
"So, I don't get a say?"
Her father leaned back in his chair, his expression stern. "No, you don't get a say. You're a young, naive girl who doesn't understand about the real world. I have been in this business for years, and I know what is best for you. You will therefore forget this nonsense and refocus your studies on what really matters, are we clear?"
"Crystal," she replied, albeit rather bitterly
Rhoam nodded, satisfied that he had made his point clear. "Good. I'm glad we understand each other." He leaned forward, feeling more relaxed. "Now, we need to start discussing your future. I've already made connections for you, setting up meetings with influential people in the political world. You'll start sitting in on senate sessions, attending gala's and events with me. Slowly but surely, you will start to become a familiar face in high society. For now though, take this," he said, handing her over a packaged envelope.
"What is this?"
"Your itinerary of upcoming events and important functions that you'll need to start attending with me. Inside the envelope you'll find a list of the expected duties you'll be performing." He narrowed his eyes. "I expect you to be on your best behavior and to present yourself as the well-mannered and poised young lady I know you can be, understand?"
It was all too overwhelming. She felt as if she was going to pass out. Without a reply, Zelda sprinted from the room, slamming the door behind her
Her father's eyes flashed with anger. "Dammit!" he hissed. "That girl is too stubborn for her own good." He stood up again and began pacing the room, trying to calm himself. She'll come around eventually. She has no choice but to follow in my footsteps. I'll make sure of it."
When Zelda returned to her room, she was breathing heavily. She sat down on the bed and opened the envelope. As she read through the list of duties, a feeling of dread began to settle in her stomach. "This is too much," she murmured to herself. She dropped the list on the bed and buried her face in her hands.
It was close to midnight when she heard her bed finally calling for her. Putting on a fresh pair of pajamas, she slipped under the comforter. Sleep however eluded her. She tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable or relax enough to fall asleep. The sounds of the night kept her awake, the occasional animal call or rustling in the trees. She tried everything—counting sheep, reading, breathing exercises— nothing worked.
Finally, she found herself humming a lullaby that her mother used to sing to her as a young child. It was a gentle and soothing melody that always managed to calm her down and help her fall asleep. The nostalgia of the familiar tune washed over her as she continued to hum it softly. Gradually, she felt her eyes drooping, the lullaby working its magic.
A/N more to come...