Chapter Text
The corrupted malice that spread throughout Hyrule like a mad wildfire, destroying towns and ruining the natural landscape, a sanctuary for all wildlife and plants that dwelled within. The wild monsters that were augmented by the influence of the darkness, ruthlessly striking at innocent beings as well as those who opposed them. And the malformed beast that caused it all, the beast that was prophesised to ravage Hyrule with violence and terror, struck down by 5 valiant heroes and a Princess who did not miss a beat in their timing. Champions who never lost courage, even under the scarlet sky and bloodied moon of evil. Champions who held their heads up high and endured the pain, even when hope was lost. Champions who persevered through the endless nightmare, and changed the course of fate themselves. It was thanks to them that Hyrule withstood the Calamity's final, desperate attack, and is now thriving in a land abundant of life where the various communities live in harmony and peace. They won. They were victorious. Calamity Ganon was defeated.
However, with victory comes dreaded sacrifice, and such is what had happened to a Quill, a 14 year old child who watched as his parents died, shielding him from the blood calamity. Forward to 2 years later, Quill lives with no dignity within the confines of Hateno Town, scraping whatever he can off others and doing whatever he must; whether stealing from others or begging for alms just to get food inside his stomach.
Sure, even the wildest goals can be turned into reality with enough hard work, but for Quill to have almost nothing to his name, it was like grasping for straws. Something else had to happen. Luck? It could be for the better or the worse. For Quill, nothing could get worse, he was the scum at the bottom of the bucket, so poor he couldn't even afford to live in the slums of Hyrule. Although Quill had a very worn out wooden straight sword worth half an apple, he garnished it and treasured it like his own as it was the only thing he remotely posessed that could help him achieve his dream.
In just 2 years since the defeat of dread beast Calamity Ganon, Hyrule had been able to surpass it's former glory. Towns and settlements had grown much larger, and the bigger towns could amass their own respective armies and still prosper even more than pre-calamity, proof of the hardwork that the people all collectively put in. For Hateno, it had grown much larger, housing many shops and markets, and many newer residencies for any race to come and live in. For most, "Village" wasn't enough, so Hateno's citizens all bunched up and the name was changed to "Hateno Town".
A day in the life for Quill was the following: Wake up, head into the square, beg for food, go home, practice swordsmanship, wait for dusk, sleep. In the days Quill did manage to get food, stealing or begging, he would always eat as little as possible, only consuming enough to get through the day, and stored the leftovers for later use. His shelves would often have many half eaten fruits and foods, some already rotten and expired. Quill thought of it ike a superpower, being able to eat anything no matter how rotten without being sick. Heck, even expired milk tasted like holy water for him. When Quill was training by the sword, he made up his own training drills and moves, having no one to teach him. He only knew the basic of basics, having been taught a little by his father before he passed, although Quill's father was a mere soldier within the Hylian military, the largest army in Hyrule. The Hylian Army had presence all over Hyrule, even in Hateno village. The only exceptions were the towns of other races and areas uninhabited by man. Everyday, Quill would swing his sword 200 times, which improved his wrist strength, overall strength, and swordsmanship by a whole. When he wasn't practicing, Quill was training by running or pushing dense boulders to stay in shape, meaning his social life was nonexistent. Quill had no friends, no parental figures, but he had idols which he looked up to. Such was the Hero of Hyrule, the bearer of the legendary sword that seals the darkness, a hero who's very existence was so courageous that any criminal who had to face him would slump over and surrender. Any boy Quill's age who didn't fangirl over Hyrule's Hero was singled out. That's how much fame such a man had achieved. It was the same for the 4 champions too, their names also engraved into the annals of history. They were in charge of manning the gigantic divine beasts, which all proudly stood near their respective race's towns, glowing a brilliant Shiekah blue and deterring any evil from arising.
As Quill sat on a small pile of straws in his small hut, on the outskirts of Hateno, having just finished his training Quill held his torn sword in his palms horizontally in front of him. He stared at the hilt, which was bland for a sword, a simple cross guard with no designs or decorations engraved. As he was lost in thought, the memory of Quill's father flashed inside Quill's mind.
A background of flame and rubble surrounded Quill, who was on the ground. His hands were stretched out in front of him, his fingers spread out ready to clutch whatever. But he couldn't. He stared as his father, who was covered in blood, lay just out of his reach, his lower body crushed by a support pillar from a building. Quill could hear his screams back then as his voice strained, but all his father did was tearfully smile at his son. He knew it was the end of the line for him and he had to make sure his son would persevere.
"Quill. Please. Survive. Live. Fulfill your dream. You want to be the greatest warrior ever, right? Then go, become what you wished."
"NO!! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME!"
Quill's father was still smiling, although Quill could see the pain behind it.
"I'm sorry my dear Quill. I don't want you to see me like this any longer. Now go, these soldiers are all fighting to protect the people, including you."
"I WON'T LEAVE, NOT UNTIL I SAVE YOU!! PLEASE!! YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE LEFT WHO UNDERSTANDS ME! WHO DOESN'T TREAT ME LIKE A PIECE OF TRASH! WHO NOTICES MY PRESENCE AND ACKNOWLEDGES ME!"
"Now now, let's not talk rash shall we? Don't worry Quill. Im sure there are others who are willing to listen. There are some great people out there you know. "
"EVEN IF THEY DO, NOTHING THEY DO WILL COMPARE TO YOU DAD! NO ONE CAN!"
"My son.. Please... It's the end of the line for me... I will be watching from the stars of Hylia. Bless you, Quill. Goodbye my dear son."
Though he didn't want to accept it, he knew that he couldn't save his father. It was too late. And with that realisation, Quill's consciousness slowly stumbled around as he slowly begun to pass out.
Quill's vision began to blur and his deafening scream was overtaken by the sound of Quill's own heartbeat. In his last moments, Quill saw his dad who was still smiling, despite his eyes closing and his blood stained everywhere. The depressing memory was closed off by one final pillar, which fell onto Quill's father with a loud crack.
Quill winced as he snapped back to reality, breathing heavy as sweat dripped down the sides of his face. With a determined look, Quill looked forward, beyond the present, and into the future, where he saw himself standing at the top of the world, a future where Quill achieved his dream.
When Calamity Ganon was struck down by the Champions and the Divine Beasts, the dark, gloomy clouds surrounding the land faded away as the bright blue sky, along with peace, returned. It was on this day that marked a new chapter for Hyrule and it's people, a long and sweet era where everyone could live their lives without fear or violence. The thousands of soldiers dropped their swords and shields with tears in their eyes, citizens all cheered with joy as they basked in the warm sunlight of the fresh beginning, and the elders who warmly smiled as they were able to finish their lives in peace. This truly was a victory, even Quill had to admit, and the man responsible for all this, a symbol of courage, none other than the Hylian Champion, Link.
A week after the calamity
The sound of trumpets blasting their grandeur sounds, the buildup of the drums which filled the castle with joy, fireworks made to celebrate this turning point in history. Today was the day Hyrule Castle was holding it's celebration ceremony for the triumph of Calamity Ganon, harbinger of malice and chaos. Many nobles and upper-class men showed up wearing their regal clothing, every race from the Gerudo, Zora, Rito, Goron, and Hylian were present. The King of Hyrule, King Rhoam, bore his grandiose coat which maintained his dignified status. Princess Zelda also wore her refined royal dress with the ends of the dress flowing like a waterfall every step she took. Rhoam stood in front of his golden throne, on looking as the four great champions kneeled down wearing their royal blue clothing. Zelda smiled as her hand glowed with the symbol of the triforce, meaning she had full control over her sacred powers now.
"Everyone, today is an important day in history. From now on, Hyrule can now prosper on its own and focus on becoming a greater kingdom. We wil rebuild the things the Calamity destroyed, and honor the lives in which the Calamity took. We must open this ceremony with the most important item, the champions themselves. " Rhoam announced proudly with a wide grin as the attention all turned to the 5 figures. The champions stood up at the command, and awaited the medals they were going to be presented with by the Princess.
The crowds of races roared and jumped as they cheered on the champions, who still faithfully stood straight. These five were the centerpiece in defeating the Calamity, and as such, were deserving of the highest honor a warrior could get.
"To Urbosa, chief of the Gerudo."
Urbosa stood as Princess Zelda placed a medal around her neck. It was blue with the design of Vah Naboris, and the medal itself bore the golden design of her divine beast. both Urbosa and Zelda gleefully smiled.
"Great job, Urbosa." Zelda whispered as Urbosa heard even through the deafening cheers.
"Same for you. Your mother would be proud, you know." Urbosa said. Zelda smiled, it was true. She looked up into the ceiling, honoring the memory of her mother.
Urbosa stood straight, as she received her medal, distinguishing the loudest shouts behind her being the cheers of her own Gerudo, and some Hylian men. Can't blame them, though.
"To Daruk, stalwart of the Gorons."
Daruk stood straight as well, although Zelda could see him trembling a little as she approached him. His cheeks were clenched tight. I'll it up to you to figure out which pair though.
"No need to be so stiff, Daruk." Zelda said at the obviously flustered Daruk. Daruk sighed with relief as he took a deep breath in.
"Thank you Princess. This is an honor." Daruk said as Zelda wrapped the medal around Daruk's neck. The medal had the same colors as Urbosa's except the designs were that of Vah Rudania, Daruk's respective divine beast.
"To Revali, pride of the Rito."
"Hmpf" Revali looked to the side, his wings crossed, but even one as arrogant as him could not help but smile from the amount of cheers coming his way. To Revali, this whole ceremony was just fuel for his ego. As Zelda wrapped Revali's respective medal around his neck, the Princess heard something from the Rito that suprised her.
"T-thank you Princess." Revali whispered so only Zelda would notice. Zelda looked up to see Revali blushing, looking to the side.
"Tee-hee, no worries Revali." Zelda said as she giggled which irritated the Rito a little.
"To Mipha, princess of the Zora."
Zelda walked over to her fellow princess was ready to accept her medal. Mipha was short, compared to the average Zora, but her combat ability was nothing to be short of. After all, she was currently receiving Hyrule's highest honor.
"I thank you Princess." Mipha whispered as Zelda presented her medal.
"It's fun being able to chat with another Princess, huh?" Zelda said with a giggle as Mipha smiled.
"Yes, indeed."
Confetti was present in the air as everyone was still as energetic as they were at the beginning. Zelda collected the final medal given to her and was ready to present. She looked forward, to her target. Link stood tall, staring straight in front of him. All eyes were on him, and a slight moment of tensity filled the room as Zelda began to walk over to Link. As King Rhoam proclaimed Link's name, this strange moment however was turned into amazing, heartfelt shouts from those present that would stump even a crying baby on a plane.
"To Link, Hero of Hyrule"
Most Hylians there shouted harder than they ever did, supporting and cheering on the Hylian hero as the Princess approached him. The four champions except Revali looked on with smiles, and Zelda, who was trying to cover up her expression, could not help but express the most beloved smile she had ever in her life. Link, upon seeing Zelda's expression, tilted his head and smiled too.
"We are all in your debt, Hero of Hyrule." Zelda whispered as she wrapped Link's medal around his neck. And with that, the first item of the ceremony was finished.
The rest of the items continued on with no problems, and as evening came, the day-long ceremony finally came to an end with fireworks. It was the day the champions became heroes, icons idolised by all generations.
As carriages owned by nobles began to ride back home, soldiers who had finished their shift heading back for a well earned rest, and children and aspiring warriors surrounding the Champions who tried to get away from all the attention. it was nice to see life had returned back to normal.
Outside the castle, Zelda and the champions were all conversing.
"Damn, my back hurts. Can't ceremonies be shorter?" Daruk said in an annoyed tone as he stretched, cracking the bones in his back for relief.
"Save it Daruk. It's what becoming a Champion comes with." Urbosa said as she herself was also stiff, although she did not want to show it.
"I'm used to ceremonies like these. For a princess, they sure are boring. Not in a bad way." Mipha said as everyone stared at her in confusion.
"In.. A bad way?" Zelda asked
"I mean! - Emm, never mind, I guess." Mipha blushed as everyone laughed.
"I'm still pissed that I didn't was able to kill Ganon myself. Instead, that weakling was "chosen" to. " Revali said with his same old self.
"Stop it Revali. In the end of the day, we all did something. Wasn't the ceremony enough for you? " Urbosa said in a irritated tone, tilting her head sideways.
"Hmpf. Say what you want." Revali looked away in arrogance, folding his arms. It was custom for him right about now. Zelda looked up into the evening sky, a glimmering orange and yellow mix.
"Wow. Look at the sky. It's been a while since Ive seen such a warm sky." Zelda said as her eyes glistened.
"Indeed. 'Tis what we earned from beating Ganon." Daruk proclaimed with his fists on his hip, pumping out his rock hard abs.
"Must be a blessing from the gods. A way of thanking us maybe?" Urbosa said in a curious tone. Her scimitar and trusty daybreaker shield shone as she stated towards the sky.
"Lets hope it stays this way." Mipha said as she was staring not at the sky like the others, but Link, who did not notice the Zora obviously eyeing him.
Zelda finally felt at home. It was a warm, fuzzy feeling in her chest that told her she was safe. That alone made Zelda swell up in tears.
"Thank you everyone, really. Thank you so much." Zelda said before bursting into tears. The others could not help but join her too.
"Stop crying like some children. We're champions. We're meant to stop people from crying, not cry ourselves." Revali said, although inside him he knew that it was fine to cry right now. Daruk looked at Revali, nose full of snot as he sniffed.
"Revali... Care... Did Revali just show signs of consideration?" Daruk said as the others began to notice as well.
"WHAT? I DID NOT-" Revali said but was cut off by the others.
"It's fine Revali. We all know your true feelings" Urbosa said with a smile.
"THIS IS.. P R E P O S T E R O U S ! I...i...." Revali knew he couldn't keep the "egotistical bastard" act up any longer, as even he shed a small tear, though it went unnoticed.
"Looks like we've all recovered from Ganon, huh? Now we can all live in peace." Zelda said as the others all smiled and laughed. This time Revali actually feintly smiled, who warmed Zelda's heart as she caught a glimpse of Revali.
As the laughter continued, one voice broke through, grabbing the attention of everyone.
"Everyone." It was a man's voice. It was medium pitched, but still showed a sense of masculinity. It was a beautiful voice, the ones that you wouldn't mind being on for a documentary.
"Huh? Who's that? Here for an autograp-" Daruk said but there was no one in sight. No one except for one Hylian. The others looked around in confusion, but slowly, they all came to the same conclusion.
"Thank you." Link said with a smile in his face. The others all stared, wide-eyed and bewildered. Zelda was physically unable to speak, and instead jumbled words came out her mouth. Revali was stumped, a few of his feathers fell off as well.
"Link?" Mipha asked as she felt both suprise and a hint of... love.
Before they could say anymore, Link began to turn around and walk away, finally, Zelda came to her senses.
"Wait! Link! Where are you going?" Zelda said as she stared at Link's back.
"Home." Link said as his figure began to get smaller to the others and eventually, fade away.
"Link... Talked?" Urbosa said, astounded.
"Link.. You really did.." Zelda said as she cried tears of joy.