The Last Sage | TOTK Link x GN!Reader

Into Gloom

One staircase just leads to another, and another, and another. Just when you think the tunneling passage is about to come to an end, around the corner is another abyss into the ground, the malicious unknown staring back at you in the emptiness. Zelda holds the only light: a torch that bends the shadows on the wall with every flickering movement. Your uneasiness keeps tricking you into thinking the shadows are monsters always dodging your line of sight. You don't know how much longer the torch will last. It has already been burning for more than an hour at the very least.

The air tastes poisonous in your mouth. Plumes of toxins hang in the air that smell of smoke, burning flesh, and rot. And with each staircase down, the smell only grows stronger, painting the back of your throat.

While gazing at the worn stone walls of the cavern, you accidentally meet Link's eyes. You wonder if he feels as sick to his stomach as you do. If he does, he hides it well. His nonchalant face honestly gives you some sense of comfort.

You meet the bottom of the staircase, turn to an opening to your right, and you see another staircase. You swallow and feel your ears pop. Just how far down have you gone...?

"This strange gloom keeps getting thicker..." Zelda pauses. No corner of her face shows any sign of fear. Afterall, she was the one who volunteered you three to explore the forgotten passage. "These tunnels are deeper than I thought. Do you feel anything yet, (Y/N)?"

Another chill runs down your spine, and you fold your arms into your chest, pressing your armored uniform closer to your skin to try and feel some sense of protection. "It's unlike anything I've ever felt." You take another uneasy breath and taste it.

"Can you place anything to what you sense? Anything at all?" The princess asks.

A flash image of Dark Beast Ganon comes to mind. Ganon's reincarnation. Pure hatred and evil turned flesh. The sensation of staring death in the face. You shake your head. "Something demonic..." You say. You can't say it feels the same as Ganon. No one believed you before. Ganon was defeated. You and Link both watched as Zelda overpowered him using her sealing light. But now as you stand closer to the gloom's source than ever, you are filled with horrified certainty.

Zelda takes a fortifying breath and gives you a comforting smile. "Even if we do not know what waits below, we are ready for anything. Together, we are safe." The torchlight makes her face glow and her short golden hair resembles rays of sunlight. Every time she gives you a smile like that, you always feel lighter no matter how dark you felt before. It was like her sealing power banished evil through her kindness.

As you three continue down the next staircase, you suddenly hold an arm out in front of Zelda. You both come to a stop in the middle of the passage. "Something is ahead." You say. "The walls are changing. Be on your guard."

The bottom comes into sight as the range of Zelda's torch gets closer, moving cautiously. The ground levels out, wet with shallow puddles. Link quickly steps in front of you and Zelda to lead the way instead, ready to protect the both of you from any danger.

Vague outlines of floors and walls begin to emerge from the cave's stone. Steps morphed into carved staircases, and you could make out what used to be pillars against the walls. The passage narrows. Two more small staircases. Another thin corridor.

A thrum of energy whispers and the Master Sword on Link's back begins to glow. You and Zelda both gasp and come to a stop. "Link!" Zelda steps closer to the sword. "The Master Sword is sensing something!"

Your breath is shaky. "It feels it too..." Nothing inside of you is telling you to turn back. Moving forward is the only option. "We have to be careful. Expect anything."