"Will you remember me?" Sun whispered as she looked down at the surface.
"Who will help you if I'm not around?" Dot smiled, holding a flower crown between her hands.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help you." Lullaby sighed, staring at the wall.
"I wish I could have done more." Dusk paced, looking out the window as she passed it.
"I'm sorry you had to lose so much." Fable sighed, fiddling with a bracelet on her arm.
"Can you continue?" Artemis wondered, worry clear in her expression.
"You can make it?" Dawn asked.
"Will you be okay?" Aurora worried.
"Can we do this?" Tetra frowned, staring at the new land before her.
"Will we win?" Flora watched the islands slowly rise.
Will we be okay? They wondered.
I'm certain we will be. You say in confidence.
I'm sorry. They reply.
things will get better You reply.
We can't keep looking back.
A prompt in the linked universe discord by 'A Hero of Way Too Many Wilds.'
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"Hello, thank you for calling Hero Send, what's your emergency?" A cool, pleasant, female voice asked through the call.
"THERE'S A GIANT PIG MONSTER CHASING ME AND-" A sharpened blade sliced where he was just earlier. The beast becoming human faster and faster. "ACK- HELP!!"
"Understood. Are you within our covered network of Hyrule?" The soothing voice asked smoothly. As if they had all the time in the world.
"YES! YES! I'M IN HYRULE FIELD! PLEASE SEND HELP!!! OH GODDESS, HE'S GOT A HORSE!!" He yelped as the once-pig beast now got on a skeletal mount and galloped towards him.
"Horseback, Hyrule field..." The woman's voice droned as sounds of very loud typing was resigered through the call. "All other heroes are currently asisting other customers. The closest is the Hero of Wilds. Would that suffice?" The woman inquired
"YES!" He shouted quickly.
"He's been informed and coming out there immediately."
"THANK YOU!!" He could only pratically cry tears of joy as the sounds battle as the Hero of Wilds came and made quick work of the beast.
"Hey Lullaby, how's the work been? Any new customers?" Malon asked, sticking her head into the room where Lullaby and several other Zeldas sat at several computers.
"Yes. A new call from Hytopia. I had sent Legend the on the case, since he has had work there before.
Malon nodded. "What about you Sun? Anything new with the different operations?"
Sun shook her head. "So far, nothing too bad has happened. What about you? How's been the new recruits?"
Malon smiled. "Doing quite well in fact. I was just talking with Tetra earlier about them. Sidon is particually excited. Miphia also told us many wonderful things about him."
Flora chuckled over to Malon's left.
Suddenly, the phone rang.
"Dusk you take it." Lullaby sighed, resting her head on her hands.
"Okay then."
"Hello, thank you for calling Hero Send, what's your emergency?" A female's voice asked.
"Hi, yes. Well there is this giant dinosaur with a turtle shell that breathes fire and is causing mass destruction." He spoke in his high pitched voice. "I was just tryin' to have a nice camping trip."
"Are you in our covered network of Hyrule?" The voice asked, more strained than before. Of course, he didn't notice.
"No, unfortunately not. But I will get the prenium package if I must. I am in the Mushroom Kingdom."
"I'm afraid that is a beyond our network systems. If you are looking for help in the Mushroom Kingdom, I hear the Mario and Luigi plumbing and saving service is special for that kingdom. I'm am very sorry for the inconvenience. I wish you luck and I truly hope you do not die."
A click sounded and Fable sighed, groaning in misery.
"Another call from the Mushroom Kingdom?" Dot asked, looking up from her computer, pity glinting in her eyes.
"That's the fourth time this week. I swear if I hear again about this giant, fire-breathing dino with a turtle shell I'm going to lose it." Fable groaned.
Dot gently patted her shoulder in apology.
(Captain Toad was upset. Mario and Luigi's plumbing and saving has the worst service. Plus! They aren't even free half the time. Also the Hero Send is so much more reliable. He growled in defeat, shaking his head sadly as Bowser roared in the background.)
Tetra sighed as she walked the hallways of the Hero's Send building. I don't understand why I can't take calls! She grumpily sat down on a bench and ate her sandwich.
"Hey its okay!" Aurora smiled as she sat next to Tetra, scooping bits of pasta into her mouth.
"I don't understand why I can't take calls!" Tetra exclaimed, waving her hands in the air.
"Maybe because the last couple of calls resulted in argueing matches? Also you broke our last phone, after getting a call from the mushroom kingdom again, by throwing it at a wall." Aurora blinked, wiping her mouth.
"Oh yeah.."
"Besides, you work much better as a captain and the boss of people. You're just a natural leader."
Hyrule sighed, after just healing an injured elder after a big attack, he wiped his forehead. Removing the sweat. Suddenly, he got a ding and stared at his comumicator.
Needed at Hebra mountain, please don't get lost!
Hyrule frowned, staring at the message.
"Is it just me, or has there been more attacks recently?" He asked Four, who had just helped him save a village.
Four nodded. "Yeah, and these monsters are not at all natural. Having this black blood and everything. I have an odd feeling that something's not right..."
"Yeah... Hey, which direction is Hebra Mountain? I forgot my map again."
"AGAIN?!"
"Hello and thank you for choosing Hero Send. Unfortunately our team is busy and unable to take your call. Your call is important to us. Please hold."
"THERE'S A GIANT OCTOROCK THAT'S DESTROYING MY BARN! NO I WILL NOT HOLD!"
Time groaned, his back aching.
"What old man. You having back troubles?" Warriors asked teasingly, swiping his sword through moblins that swarmed them.
"Well yes, I am old. But also I had to come the the Guerdo right after a call from Hyrule town."
"Ooh, that's rough."
"Oh its Mr Hero and Mr Pirate Hero!" Ravio exclaimed excitedly, clapping his hands together.
"Yes, hi Ravio. You called for help..?"
"Oh yes! Over there!"
"Ravio, where- uhm. Ravio... Do you know what kind of monster that is?"
"Oh my goddess! Legend!"
Ravio secretly cackled as the two heroes stared at the worst monster of all. A cucco. (Also Ravio never really needed help, he always loves when Mr Hero comes around though.)
Twilight's ears pinned back as the strange man approached. He growled as the young girl clutched his neck fearfully.
"Hey now, I ain't goin' to do nothin' with her." He said, his accently clearly fake.
Twilight narrowed his eyes and ran, with the child protectively on his back.
"Look! Doggie!" The child cried, rushing towards the wolf with odd patterns on him.
"Yes, doggie." Wild cackled quietly, watching Twilight glare at him totally worth it.
"Doggie!" the children cried, their tear soaked faces grinning with joy.
"Now this is Wolfie. Here let me show you something he really likes..." Wild explained.
(Twilight supposes it wasn't the worst. But he sure is going to make sure that the Zelda's hear his mind. He never signed up to be a wolfy companion. Then again, he supposes its not that bad. Seeing the children laugh again after a fire.)
"Welcome to the Hero Send. If you need any help, please see our recipetent. Otherwise, you may check out some of our finest items over in the 'Heroes Hoard', named after the one and only Hero of Legends." Mipha smiled as A goron walked past, lumbering over to the Heroes Hoard.
"Hey, where can I get the special lawn mowing service?"
"You can talk to Urbosa about that if you want. However, we are not responsible for pottery destruction." Mipha said with a complete straight face.
"Thank you!"
Oh for the love of the Goddess...
She stared at the ad of Hero Send. Her eyes flickered throughout the text.
"Are you in danger of death? Maybe you lost something important to you? Call 4166-hyaa to get the service of a Hero! They will be there instantly and you won't have to worry about a thing! Prenium packages and the off days include very unique and special heroes to help out with YOUR needs."
The Heroes include:
Out of Network Coverage: Hero of Time (Premium Package) best if you're on a time-crunch) Also capable of underwater rescues Hero of Legend (Premium Package) Useful for unexpected situations or traveling to alternate dimensions, also capable of underwater rescues Hero of Wind—Excels in sea-based rescues. Hero of Warriors—Usually an in-network coverage, can be called beyond Hyrule for an added premium fee. Usually has an army at his back.
In-Network Coverage (Within Hyrule) Hero of Sky—Premium Fee. Guaranteed to blast away any corrupted energies, wonderful for dispelling curses. Hero of Four—Four-for-one (premium upgrade required). can reforge legendary artifacts as needed, and fits into smaller spaces. Hero of Twilight—Excellent tracker. Can even act as companion wolf for added fee. If you've lost something, he can find it. Hero of Hyrule—(can be called out of network for a Golden Premium Package Fee) Excellent healer. Can take the form of a fairy for a premium fee. May disappear at times, but he will fulfill his duty. Hero of Wild—Can tackle anything. Usually good at finding hidden items, will often disappear (not rec for escorts) Beware of fire.
Off days and unique heroes:
Hero of Spirits- Very good engineer and very intelegente. Good at fixing things. Only available on New Hyrule. Hero of Light- (Prenium Package). Works on Time crunch situtaions. Can investigate and resolve disputes. Only available in certain regions. Hero of Rhythm- Good all-around worker. Likes to dance a lot. Good at throwing parties. Only active on fesitvals. Very good entertainer and good at cheering you up. Hero of Men- Only available for the forest communities, we are not in touch with them very much. Does not talk much. Linkle- (Prenium Fee) Hero of Warriors's sister, very good fighter and is usually accompanied by a group of cuccos. Unpredictable and can get lost very easily."
She smiled knowing they were in good hands
The Hero Send. Its scoffed, its red eyes rolling at the name. They think by summoning those pesky heroes, that I will just what? Stop and lay down dead? Hylians so reliant on their devices nowdays. It would be a shame if everyone were to suddenly lose power.. It smiled wickedly, sharp, crooked, jagged teeth gleaming in the moonlight. It fiddled around with a wire before snapping it into two, forcefully cutting out the power quickly.
When the heroes do come, I will send them to an early grave.
The Hero Send, Adventure of the Special Heroes
Sorry for the long wait to anybody who was anticipating this! Without further ado, here’s part 1!
Hyrule wakes up and honestly takes to things pretty well. He spends his first few days in the maze poking around the glade, (the safe center of the maze).
He doesn’t know yet, but the maze is shaped like the triforce. The center, empty, triangle a safe meadow free of any mazes. It’s cut through by a river and has a few clusters of trees.
Hyrule, who doesn’t remember how he knows these things, is a good survivalist. He makes a small shelter in a small cave, really just a hole between some rocks.
The maze has three entrances. He chooses one and finally enters the maze. Things are pretty simple at first. Eventually he runs into a few small monsters which he basically just bashes with a self made spear.
After a week or so he finally runs into a ‘boss’. It’s a LARGE reptile that shoots projectiles at him. (It’s just Aquamentus for Zelda 1 fans) He manages to kill it relatively unharmed. The next day the elevator rises again. In it are some basic supplies, rope, a ration kit, and a small dagger.
Hyrule learns whenever he solves a particularly difficult puzzle or kills a particularly large monster he is rewarded.
This is pretty encouraging to him and he keeps traveling deeper and deeper into the maze, exploring it from different entrances as well. He does this for a little over a month becoming pretty adapted to the maze, getting stronger and smarter. Unfortunately he gets really hurt one day fighting a huge bird that shoots lightning strikes. He catches a strike to his left leg and retreats.
He’s left with a severe 3rd degree burn. He doesn’t know how he knows, but somehow he knows that he needs herbs that grow deep in the maze to treat it. So, cue him making a mad attempt to go get said herbs but being unable to due to his injury slowing him down.
He stops trying and starts trying to treat it in the glade but he just doesn’t have what he needs. Infection and blood loss sets in and Hyrule starts getting very sick.
Meanwhile, . . On the outside everyone, namely Legend, are starting to freak out because it really looks like Hyrule is on the path to dying a slow, fevered death.
Legend makes a huge fuss and he is next to enter the maze. It happens fast and unceremoniously. He doesn’t tell anybody or say goodbye, he urges HYLIA to get him in there as fast as they can. It’s not until he’s in the chair and going under amnesia that he starts to think about the implications of losing his memory.
When Legend enters it’s obvious he doesn’t recognize or remember Hyrule because he fully ignores him and immediately runs into the maze trying to escape.
He does this for a few more days before slowing down and talking to the other dude. He also quickly realizes that the other dude is SUPER sick.
Hyrule vaguely answers some of Legend’s questions but he barely has energy to do anything but sleep. Guilt and panic engulfs Legend and he starts trying to help. Hyrule’s wound smells awful.
Hyrule tells Legend about the herb he needs and Legend works tirelessly until he gets it. (It’s basically nature's antibiotic).
Their friendship reblossoms as Legend starts nursing him back to health.
On the Zelda side:
HYLIA is surprised when Artemis doesn’t assimilate all too well. She panics upon awakening and spends her entire first week hiding in one spot. Eventually hunger drives her out and she calms down after foraging a meal.
It takes her another week until she even considers going in the maze. She doesn’t explore it thoroughly. Her first monster sends her fleeing back to the safety of the glade.
Eventually she gets a little bit more courageous in the safer parts of the maze. Upon completing a semi difficult puzzle, HYLIA sends her a care package very similar to the one they sent Hyrule. Unlike Hyrule, this care package does not have the safe influence.
Artemis quickly pieces it together that she’s here because of a greater power and that when she does tasks that it deems favorable she gets rewarded. So she refuses to reenter the maze in order to see how far she can push that force. She wants answers or nothing at all.
So Artemis starts chilling. She starts building herself a base. She starts seeing what food she can cultivate inside the glade itself.
After a month of Artemis basically doing jackshit HYLIA gets frustrated. They send in Dawn.
Dawn and Artemis have never gotten along. They never actually had a real fight before, not like Legend and Wars, but it’s always been a known thing that they do NOT like each other.
Dawn has also always been more aggressive and headstrong so they think she will shake things up. Dawn has also been causing issues since Hyrule, who she was close with, got sent in so it’ll be good to get her off their plates.
Dawn adjusts well to being sent in and Artemis hesitantly greets her. It’s obvious that the memory erasure works well because they have no recollection of each other and begin to get along with each other well.
Artemis settles in Dawn giving her a tour of the glade. When Dawn asks about the maze entrances Artemis tenses up and tells her about her theory. She shows her the gifts that were sent after she completed a puzzle. She asks Dawn not to go in…
And Dawn agrees. She thinks it’s a worthy theory to test and the glade provides enough.
So for almost another month Dawn and Artemis live a happy, cottagecore, life in the glade.
HYLIA unceremoniously sends in Aurora who’s always been stubborn. It works.
Shortly after welcoming her in, Aurora points at the maze and asks about it. Artemis and Dawn explain about why their avoiding it and Aurora just basically goes: Okay well I’m not doing that.
And they can’t stop her. After Aurora starts running the maze Dawn begins to follow bc it doesn’t really matter anymore and eventually Artemis is just: “fuk u guys.” And starts running it too.
As always pls lmk what you guys think!
I’m not sure how to communicate the next parts very well bc as of up to this point a lot of this AU was more concept and less story but it’s kind of been evolving into a story. I don’t think I have enough plot, or energy, to write an actual fic so I hope this will suffice. I’m gonna try and do this thru bullet points.
I also wanna say that I’m super open to suggestions. If there’s ever stuff you’d rather hear about lmk. I’m always SUPER happy to talk
So here we go:
The beginning:
The maze is announced and almost everybody protests it. Very simply, this is inhumane. Like obviously so. People who aren’t immediately against it are relieved. They’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop for years.
Warriors is probably the only person who isn’t against it from the get go. He’s one of the only people, Artemis being the only other, that’s been raised in HYLIA since birth. He thinks that he understands what they do, that the maze is for the greater good of humanity. He agrees that there is no better way to study their bodies and brain waves than in a raw experiment that strips everything from its participants. That isn’t to say that he isn’t empathetic to his fellow participants (probably not a great term to call them). He understands the fear they must be feeling, but he knows that they’ll forget everything. The maze will soon be all they know. Maybe… it can actually become home.
Little Warriors characterization: He doesn’t know it here but he’s starting to resent being used as the golden boy, being pushed into a “captain” role, by HYLIA. He sees the easy friendship the others have with each other that he will never have due to the role HYLIA has put him in. They’ll never feel safe around Wars. He pines for a home that he’s never known.
Some of them also believe HYLIA when they’re told this is for the best of society. That being said, just because they believe that the ends will justify the means BUT they question why they don’t have a choice in this.
Legend is the first, and loudest, to object to this project completely. He questions how watching a bunch of amnesiacs will create vaccinations against the gloom and genetic resistance to mind controlling frequencies. No matter how much they explain he gets louder and angrier. It doesn’t help that his sister, Fable, is also protesting albeit a lot more clinically, picking it apart with her questions. This creates quite the stir in the group.
Things get worse when HYLIA explains that there’s not just 1 maze, but 2 and that they’ll be separated by sex. Girls on one side, boys on the other. This feels like a way to divide and conquer.
HYLIA lets the groups sit on this for a little under a week before they announce who’s going in the maze first. On the girls side Artemis will be going first.
Artemis was not originally selected to go first. She managed to figure out that HYLIA initially selected Fable to go first. Artemis is like Warriors in the sense that HYLIA used her as the golden child but for the girls wing. Unlike Warriors, Artemis is really good at being a bit manipulative back at HYLIA without repercussions. She manages to convince them to let her go first. This seems to everyone like her taking charge, being a good leader, etc. She’s the only one who knows that she’s doing this because she’s terrified. She doesn’t want to lay in wait, watching as her friends lose their memories, get hurt, possibly die.
As for the boys… it’s announced that Hyrule will be going first (in less than 24 hours mind you). Legend reacts to this more poorly than Hyrule does. Honestly, Hyrule doesn’t even get a chance to process before Legend is up out of his seat yelling. He’s desperate to defend his best friend.
This incites a small riot as Dawn and Aurora step in too. Dawn has been itching for a fight for months so this is easy. Soon half the entire group is trying to wrestle HYLIA operatives while the rest just watch, half heartedly try and stop the others, or sit in dread.
The riot is stopped before it can really get started when the main offenders get sedated.
Artemis and Hyrule are separated from the rest. HYLIA decides to send them in right away to avoid more confrontation.
Artemis is sent in alone and she’s glad for that. (She’s really not but she wouldn’t admit that to the others). That way nobody will see how scared she is.
Hyrule is also scared. They have him on a table and are getting ready to sedate him before they wipe his memory. They allow one visitor to come in. It’s Wild. Hyrule is relieved to have somebody with him but it’s obvious that he wishes Legend were there, his brother. Wild isn’t offended and does his best to be there for him. Even after Hyrule is unconscious he stays. He wonders if this is what it was like for Twilight. He vows to be with Hyrule soon. He kisses his forehead before he’s forced to leave.
And then, the first people are released in the maze.
I have issues with articulation so if anything is confusing pls lmk 🙏 Also if there’s plot holes or anything stupid, or if something could’ve just been better LMK. I will not get offended
ty for reading 💕💕💕 More to come