Musterion (A Zelda AU)

Legend Has It - Chapter 13

"Long ago, back before the hero who stopped the Calamity was born, the Sheikah were preparing for a war against the opposing beast. Surprisingly enough, back then, Ganon was still a threat, even when they didn't know when he would appear." Link glances back at me for a moment, scanning my face for some kind of sign of offendance, or maybe even to stop. "So the Sheikah created the four Divine Beasts. Vah Medoh, Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, and Vah Naboris. Each had a chosen overseer, who became known as the pilot of the beast. These pilots were trained to stop Ganon, should he ever return to defeat Hyrule. They also created the Guardians, which were powerful enough to take down nearly any foe in one shot."

Link pauses for another moment, growing uncomfortable. I patiently wait, understanding his uncomfortableness. I mean... he was using my birth name in a legend where my ancestor was the cause of near destruction for Hyrule. 

"So... when Ganon finally did return, the people of Hyrule were ready. The princess and the hero of Hyrule attacked, while the pilots of the Divine Beasts were instructed to protect them. They each sent out strong beams that were similar to the Guardians', but bigger, better even. When the hero delivered the final blow to Ganon, the princess sealed him away with her magic, given to her by the Goddess Hylia."

I nod, thinking it might be over, based on Link's quietness. Instead, he opens his mouth again after taking a drink of water from a canteen in his bag, staring into the charred embers of the fire once more.

"And you probably know the rest, but... I'll tell you anyways. Ganon came back nearly 10,000 years later, ready to destroy Hyrule once more in the form of a beast. As he did, the princess and hero with the sword who seals the darkness were ready. They had gathered the Divine Beasts' pilots, formally known as the Champions, who then rushed to get to their beasts. As the princess and hero were getting closer to the Calamity, the hero was taken down by one of the many Guardians, which had been corrupted by it. He was taken to the Shrine of Resurrection, and left the others to stop the Calamity. The Champions gave their lives trying to protect Hyrule, and the princess sealed herself the Calamity away for 100 years, waiting for the hero with the sword who could seal the darkness to return. 

"When he returned, he had no memories, but regained them as he took back the Divine Beasts and traveled across Hyrule.  Once he had fully prepared himself, he went to defeat the Calamity, and saved the princess. Hyrule was once again peaceful, and the two of them went on to restore many things."

Link sighs, taking another sip of water. "That was a lot, sorry, Gan-Man."

"It's okay. I'm... glad you told me, actually." Now it was clear to me, the extent to which my ancestors had caused destruction to this land. "Nobody told me how far the Calamity had went."

He hesitates. "Really? Nobody? At all?"

"No. Not even Ali." I look up at Link, giving a somber expression. "I think it's because only certain Gerudo know the real story. That or they just... wanted to help me be what I wanted to be. Good."

"It could be both, but... either way I'm just happy I got to teach you something so ingrained in Hyrule's history. I want to be someone Hyrule remembers too. I don't want to be generalized into the category of kings who are forgotten. I just don't know what I'd be remembered for."

"Well, some people might forget, no matter who they are, but if I ever have kids, I'll tell them everything about you. And I want to have kids." 

"With who?" Link raises an eyebrow playfully, jabbing my side. My cheeks burn as he laughs. "You wanna marry Alibi'eh? Huuuhhh?"

"Oh shut it!"

"Nah."

"You're by Zelda's side 24/7 and I don't tease you about it," I point out.

"Good thing you don't. We're twins, you know."

"Wait- you are?" 

Well. Now I understood why they looked so similar. One got the brains, and one got the brawn, clearly. They must work together a lot, since it's hard to work with one, and not the other.

"Yes??"

"Well I didn't know! Gerudo Town is very out-of-the-know!"

"Clearly..." Link pinches the bridge of his nose, quietly giggling. 

"I'm going to bed now, little man." I lay down by the fire, not caring to move.

"Alright. G'night, Gan-Man." Link follows my movement, laying across from me on the opposite side of the fire.

-

"Gan... Gan..." A voice whispers, urgent. I sit up, looking around. I don't see anyone until I feel a pair of hands grip my throat. I look back, eyes widening.

Alibi'eh continues saying my name, blood dripping from the corners of her mouth. "Gan... why? Why did you let me die?"

I pull at her hands, but her strength has tripled from the last time I saw her, somehow. Terror grips me just as tightly as she does. Die? But Zelda took her to someone who could help her!

"Why do you get to live and I don't? You're just as bad as your ancestors!"

"I- Ali... I can't-"

"I hate you! Why would you do this to me?" 

I give up on prying on her hands off, seeing the bodies of soldiers pull themselves into sight. Piles of them. I gasp for air, falling back into Ali.

They all groan. One voice drowns out among many, but I can hear them just enough to hear them yell, "You're the reason we all died, you'll bring back the Calamity! You are the Calamity!"

"No- stop- I'm not-" Tears pool in my eyes, my gut wrenching and twisting.

"He's just biding his time! The king, he'll kill you!" Another cries out, grabbing my ankle. The bloodied and mangled bodies of so many soldiers pile upon me, Ali's face grossly distorting into a pale, lifeless, bloody face.

I launch up, gasping for air and grabbing at my throat. Looking around, I realize it was just a nightmare. Ali wasn't dead. There weren't soldiers' bodies coming to kill me. I was alive, and okay. I pull at my shoulder guard, taking a deep breath. 

Ali, I'm coming. I promise.