Winds of Desperation - Vaati x Female Reader (BotW AU)

Hyrule's Rebirth

I did not offer to make a pact with her out of pity. Others may think that's the case, but it's not. She's outstanding... There is still much I don't know, but she is still too young to leave this world. The least I can do is protect her as well, to give her the opportunity to lengthen her lifespan so that she can live as a normal Hylian vai.

...I remember when she first collapsed in front of me. Lady Riju had just recently become the chief of the Gerudo, and we were getting along spectacularly. I knew that [Y/n]'s magic also involved darkness, not just fire and ice... And yet, dark magic seemed to consume her life most of all. I was there when her lips suddenly stopped moving, as if she had forgotten how to speak... Blood had begun dripping from her nose, and what followed was a cough that stained her hands red...

She collapsed upon attempting to get up.

Every single time that she used that borrowed power, instead of the one she was born with, she shortened her life even more... I understood why she would desperately want such terrifying power to achieve her goals, but still...

If the Rito bard's premonition is true, then it is imperative I prepare myself for the coming battle. I must survive in order to be there for her. I can't afford to slack off this time.

...That strange young voe would be devastated if something happened to her as well. Somehow, I know that to be true.

We cannot let Twinrova consume another soul.

Those were my thoughts as I came across the figures of two Hylian vai wandering together in the middle of the desert.

***********************************

Even now, you were still holding Vaati's hand.

Whether you were reading to pass the time, singing to him, or doing your best to practice your magic, you never let go of his hand. What kind of mischievous remark would he come up with if he saw you like that, you wondered...

Your gaze wandered to his hand once more...

...And you froze.

The Triforce of Power that you had passed on to him was resonating with you, but... how...?

It was pulsating dimly, completely differently than it had done when it had been in your hand and you were about to die before... That time, the Triforce had brought forth a blinding light that emanated a burst of energy enough to knock others away, as if responding to your own despair. This time, though... Its dim glimmer seemed almost like a warm comfort...

And then you felt a subtle squeeze on your hand.

You gasped, unable to contain your surprise, your happiness, your hope...

Your hands cupped Vaati's face, and you could feel yourself holding back your tears.

Your heart hammered against your chest, just waiting...

Waiting until he showed any other responses.

Waiting until his eyes fluttered open.

Waiting until you could hear his voice once more.

Waiting...

Just waiting...

***

My first reflex was to take a deep breath. It felt like my lungs had been filled with lead for the longest time. My eyes were somehow already watering up the moment they fluttered open, and I heard myself let out gasping sounds while taking my first deep breath.