му нєяσιиє (Prince!Link x Hero!Reader)

ᴄᴀsᴛʟᴇ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴘᴀʀᴛ 1: ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ ʜᴏᴍᴇs

You refused to let Nayore stop completely. You had made your way from the Lost Woods to the place where it had all started. Adrenaline was coursing through your pulsing veins, your heart beating faster than you thought should be healthy. Fierce (e/c) eyes fixed on the horizon ahead as your knuckles were whitening from the grip of the reigns. Early morning was now here, as the first signs of Hylia’s divine light peered over the grasslands ahead. Despite the sun’s rising rays of hope, you still couldn’t shake off how close you were to your fate. After what felt like days of riding, Nayore finally slowed to a stop to allow you to see what had come across Castle Town while you had been gone. Your gaze was turned up to the walls of the castle, a shudder running slowly down your spine in a prolonged fear.

While the sun rose in the distance over yonder, dark clouds blocked its rays from the town ahead. The clouds themselves were lined with a deep red, painting the black sky with a blood lust aura. You could barely see the top of the castle from your angle, seeing a large chunk of the eastern side of the tallest tower broken off. You could barely hear rumbles and light snarls from the other side. Monsters may have invaded the town as well. No doubt by Ganaduar’s command. The slightly cracked stone walls were covered in black vines, each strip protected with thorns. The gates were firmly shut as if to keep something out. Or in.

Whatever it may be, it was your only barrier at the moment. After taking a quiet deep breath, you carefully climb down from Nayore, turning to face her. “Thank you for everything, Nayore. I’ll take it from here. You go find somewhere safe to hide, okay?” Nayore nuzzled you a little, as a way to say that she wants to come, to which you giggle and pat her head. “I’m sorry, Nayore,” You say. “But I have to go alone. I’ll come back with your master, I promise.” Nayore let out a small whinny before turning, running off on your command. You watched as she did, a light smile on your face.

“So, you have finally arrived?”

You jumped at the sudden new voice and quickly turned, your eyes narrowing into a glare. Standing on one of the gates’ pillars was Ghirahim. He sat with his legs crossed as they dangled over the edge, his left hand caressing his drawn black rapier. “I’ve been wondering where you disappeared to, fair maiden,” He said as he lightly tapped the end of his blade with his finger. “I thought you had run away in fear.”

“I would never run,” You stated firmly. “Not from you, not from Ganadaur, not from anyone.”

“Oooh~ I’m so scared~!” He said in a teasing tone as his arms flew up in a fake damsel manner. “Oh dear Lord of Darkness, save us from this bold, brave Heroine of our time!”

“Destiny,” You corrected. “I’m the Heroine of Destiny.”

“Well, fancy names aside…” He then vanished into small diamonds, reforming just a foot away from your being. Before you could fully react, he grabs your chin with his open hand, keeping the edge of his blade touching the side of your face. “You truly are a beautiful girl, (Y/n),” He says. “And this battle will be all too deadly for such a fragile flower. So I offer a chance to have your life spared. I suggest turning back, while you still have many years of your life left.”

You could feel the sword ever so slightly pierce your cheek, causing a sharp sting to course your body. Your glare, however, deepens as you manage to kick Ghirahim back, hitting him right in the stomach. He groans and stumbles back, clutching his stomach in pain. “I’m not fragile…!” You said. “And I’m not running away. I’ve come so far, and I’m not turning back now.”

Ghirahim hisses a little in pain, inhaling sharply before regaining his posture. “Very well,” He said in a slightly exasperating voice, looking at you again. He then gestures to the town gates. “Beyond these walls is the world you left behind to train yourself. Our glorious empire, my Queen’s great triumph, all beyond these gates. However, once you pass through, you will not find your previous precious castle, nor your own species in plain sight. Monsters patrol the street, ready to slaughter you the moment you step through.” Then, a devilish smirk traces his lips. “There’s no turning back now. This is your last chance. Are you willing to die for this pathetic land?”