Legends speak of a benevolent princess who protects her people from a Great Evil. This princess, alongside a Courageous Hero, restore peace to Hyrule; thus ushering a golden age for the nation. For centuries, this tale has been passed through Hyrule’s history. Inspirational as the story is, some whisper of its validity—believing certain aspects of the legend to be farfetched at best, and outright fabrications at worst. Despite the people’s skepticism in regards to the legends of old, no one dares question its efficacy in public, for fear of punishment.

 Destined for greatness. A beacon of hope. All words wept by a king whose eyes reflected sorrow and fear. When Princess Zelda V was born, whispers spread throughout the kingdom like wildfire. Rumors of how her birth killed The Queen, utterings of how she was a harbinger of destruction—a plague to the land itself. Though before the rising clamor could produce a roar, it was all but silenced by The King. From that day forward The King outlawed any unfavorable remarks toward his daughter; for fear that such words would incite acts of violence against her.

 As the weeks passed, The King’s paranoia grew. Soon he found himself casting wary glances toward staff—and even his closest confidants. He feared that, like in the legends of old, someone would betray him and attempt to murder his daughter. This sense of dread eventually reached a fever pitch, prompting The King to summon one of the Seven Sages to watch over his child in his stead.

 “Sage Impa, watch over my dear Zelda. I fear that I cannot protect her whilst leading a kingdom.”

“As you wish, your majesty...”

“And Impa, be sure that Zelda remains within the castle at all times. If something were to happen, if someone were to hurt her I—”

“I understand your majesty. The young princess will be kept under watchful eyes.”

A beat of silence hung between monarch and sage until finally, The King’s concerned gaze softened; a feeble yet hopeful smile appearing on his haggard face, “Thank you.”

From that day forward, Zelda was primarily left under the attentive gaze of Impa.
 

 As a small child, Zelda hardly felt compelled to leave her quarters. For one, her room was filled with toys of all kinds, far too many for her to play within one day. Secondly, whenever she mustered the courage to venture into the castle corridors, she felt...afraid. The first thing she noticed was how cold the castle halls were in comparison to her room. The second thing she noticed was the further she traveled from her room, the quieter her music box became until it faded from her perception entirely. The feeling of loneliness would always settle quickly, and the idea of being alone in such a big space scared her. Yes, the castle was her home, but her haven was her room, which is why she chose to stay.

Zelda’s fears regarding the castle made Impa’s job easy for the first seven years of her service, however, as the princess grew older, so too did her voracity for exploration. The first time Zelda ventured from her room, Impa had difficulty tracking her down, until she found the princess gazing at one of the many paintings scattered throughout the castle’s hallways.

“There you are, Princess. What’re you doing out of your room?” Impa’s tone was gentle yet imploring as she moved to stand behind the young girl.

Zelda ignored Impa’s initial question in favor of asking one of her own. “What’s that?” Her small finger pointed toward an image of a menacing creature standing above a young man and woman. Though most children would deem the imagery to be frightening, there wasn’t a hint of fear coloring the princess’ voice as she turned to gaze upon Impa, eyes alight with curiosity—a desire to know.

 Impa silently regarded the painting depicting The Hero and The Princess of legend fighting against The Great Evil. Was the princess ready to hear the stories of old? She was still a child, only seven years old; but Impa knew that the princess would have to learn of this history eventually. Why not teach her a little of it now? It couldn’t hurt.

“The young man is the Courageous Hero and the young woman is the Wise Princess.” Impa pointed to the respective figures on the painting as she explained. “And that…” Lifting her finger, Impa pointed to the large monster standing over them both, “Is the King of Evil.” Impa watched as Zelda’s mind worked, her ears flicking and her brow furrowing as she absorbed the information.

“Why is the monster so big? Why are the hero and princess so small?”

“It’s to symbolize how, against all odds, the hero and the princess prevailed. That anyone can prevail over evil, so long as they have the courage and wisdom to do so.” Impa continued to observe the young crown princess, watched as her confusion became more apparent with each passing second. Perhaps she should go more in-depth. “Princess, how would you feel if I told you their story?”

Zelda’s confusion immediately melted away at the idea of a story. “Please! I love stories!” The young princess practically bounced in place as she beamed toward her nursemaid.

It was rare for Impa to show happiness, however, the princess’ excitement was infectious, prompting the old sage to offer a faint smile as she took Zelda’s hand and walked her to the castle library.

From that day onward, Zelda discovered her love for reading. Unfortunately, she took more to fantasy than reality…

 As time wore on, Zelda found herself wanting more than just exploring the castle halls. She wanted to go outside, to run through the open fields, and to play with the other children. Though no matter how much she pleaded for Impa to let her out, the old sage would blatantly refuse; claiming it’s too dangerous and that she was safer in the castle. At one point Zelda decided to ask her father if she could leave the castle for a day; but quickly learned that it was best to pester Impa, due to The King’s harsher response.

Days bled into weeks, and the young princess could only watch the children play in the fields from afar. The feeling of loneliness had returned, and though she had Impa, the nursemaid was no spring Cucco, often causing Zelda to find other means of entertaining herself. Sure she could read more books in the library, but her eyes would grow tired after reading page after page of a novel. She could prank the guards, but sometimes she didn’t feel like being reprimanded for her ‘less than lady-like’ behavior. Sometimes she’d just want to spend time with her father, but The King was often busy with paperwork, leading for him to send her away.

Some days she wanted to cry, and she did. Other days she wanted to scream if only to get someone’s attention. The weight of isolation was beginning to take its toll, and though the princess felt alone, she didn’t know how to express it. Instead, she chose to quietly read her fantasy novels and simply be grateful for the nights her father had time to read her a book—sure she’d likely read the book before, but she wouldn’t dare admit such a thing, not when it was rare enough to have her father around in the first place.

For the time being, Zelda was okay. Not happy, not content, but okay. She had her father and Impa. When she needed to know something she could always ask her caring nursemaid. Sure Impa was less hands-on when it came to affection, only offering head pats at most, but she had her father for that...at least when he was around.

 If only he hadn’t become sick...

 When The King fell ill the entire castle became alight with whispers and conspiracies. Rumors of The Princess being a bad seed swiftly spread through the corridors; eventually reaching Zelda herself. Initially, Zelda disregarded the utterings, choosing to believe what Impa told her instead—her father would get better and things would return to normal. However, as the weeks passed, Zelda felt her resolve dissolving. Though the council liked to believe she was unaware, oblivious to the events taking place around her, Zelda knew what was being discussed within the chambers. Her father’s condition was worsening, meaning his heir would need to succeed him. She wasn’t ready…and she never would be.

 Though whether she was prepared for her father’s passing or not was neither here nor there. Time waited for no one, and death tended to decide for mortals. When Impa arrived in her quarters, expression grave and eyes not meeting her gaze, Zelda knew that something was wrong; in fact, she knew exactly what was wrong—despite her heart begging for her to disregard her head, to cast aside logic in favor of optimism.

 “Princess, your father requests to see you.”

The novel she held shook slightly within her grasp. Her apprehension manifesting in the form of anxious tension. She didn’t want to go, not when a pit of fear had lodged itself within her stomach. Perhaps if she didn’t go he would be spared? But who was she fooling? The Triforce of Wisdom imparted nightmares upon her for the past three nights—or maybe they were premonitions? All of them revolved around loss; specifically, the loss of her father. Though she wanted to deny their validity, she knew what was to come, and she knew that his time had run out.

The Princess wished to cry…

 But she wouldn’t, not while he still breathed, regardless of how faint. So with shaky hands she set down her novel and stood, choosing to follow behind Impa as they made their way through the corridors, toward The King’s quarters. As they walked Zelda couldn’t help but glance at the towering portraits of royal family members long past. Their lifeless gazes almost appeared judgmental, causing her to lower her head with shame. But shame from what? Why did she feel guilt with every step she took? The whispers of ‘curses’ and ‘bad omens’ echoed through her mind; though as Impa slowed to a stop, the princess found herself being torn from her musings in favor of gazing toward the grand doors leading to her father’s chambers.

“Your father requests for you and you alone…” There was a long pause as if Impa wished to say something more, however, the sage said nothing else. Choosing to stand just outside the doors with an almost forlorn expression on her tired face.

 Zelda hesitated, her palm resting against the mahogany door. Her father was on the other side, and though she’d barged into his room unannounced many times, this time felt different. Foreboding? Disheartening? No, it was something far worse...coldness. The doors didn’t give a feeling of warmth, they made her feel cold, just as the corridors did when she was small. But that didn’t matter, she had to see him...he requested for her after all, which was quite rare. Without another thought, she pushed through the barrier and stepped to the other side.

 “F-father?” She whispered as she carefully shut the door behind herself. As she observed where her father laid, she couldn’t help but shudder from the ominous silence. “I’m here, father.” Slowly Zelda approached the bed, her eyes fixated on the mountains of blankets laid over her father’s listless form. The sight would have humored her, had the situation not been so dire.
 

 Another moment of silence passed before a sharp wheeze caused the princess’ ears to perk. “Z-Zel...da…” Weak and shaky as his voice was, there was no denying that it was her father’s. Swiftly Zelda was at his side, her eyes wide as she looked over his pale face. The King was not unlike a corpse, his skin almost devoid of color and his eyes sunk into his skull. In many ways, he resembled something from a ghoulish picture book, one filled with monsters and necromancy.

 “Father!” If her face alone didn’t express her alarm then her voice certainly did. “You’re...you’re…” She couldn’t find her words, she didn’t know what to say, but there were a thousand things she wished to convey; if only her throat didn’t feel like it was going to close with each passing second…

 Despite his weakness The King forced himself to smile at his distressed child. “Zelda…” Every second felt exhausting, but The King refused to let death take him, at least not before he could give his daughter a proper goodbye. “You...are...Hyrule’s...j-joy.” A series of coughs wracked The King’s body, each with enough force to cause the taste of copper to rise within the back of his throat. “B-but...you...are more...much more…”

“Father…” Tears welled within Zelda’s eyes, but she refused to let them fall, The King was still breathing after all.

“You’re...my j-joy…” The King took a shaky breath, his vision growing hazy, “I...w-wanted to...protect you…b-but…” His breathing slowed and his eyes fluttered for a moment, “I...might have g-gone...too far…”

Zelda gazed at her father’s face, watched as he struggled with each word he uttered. She knew what he wanted to say, and though she had been annoyed with his actions, she was aware of why he’d done what he did. She didn’t want him to apologize to her. Not now, especially not now. “Father...you don’t need to-”

“I...do…”

 Zelda could tell he wanted to be firm, but his voice was betraying him. It was leaving him, just like he was leaving her.

 “W-will...you…”

He didn’t need to say anymore. She wouldn’t let him say those two words. Instead, Zelda hugged her father as tight as she could, ignoring the warmth of unshed tears rimming her eyes and the horrible pain she felt in her throat from holding back sobs. “What is there to forgive?” She feebly questioned, her voice barely above a whisper, “I have a father who loves me, who did his best for me…” She paused, doing everything in her power to keep herself together, “What more could a daughter ask for?”

 The King went silent for a time, causing Zelda to fear that he’d passed. Only when she felt a faint movement did she look upon his face. Haggard as he appeared, he managed to offer Zelda a faint smile. He moved his lips, though his words were too faint for Zelda to hear. Did he say anything at all, or was her mind playing cruel tricks? Slowly Zelda leaned in, her ears perked in hopes of catching something, anything. Though as the seconds ticked by, she found herself growing distressed once again. Did he pass? As she moved to pull away, that’s when she heard it. Feeble, faint, but heartfelt and unwavering.

“I love you…”

Though when she pulled back to see her father’s face once more, she was met with half-lidded, pupilless eyes.

 The King was no more…

 Yet, in spite of him being gone, Zelda couldn’t help but nuzzle her face into his unmoving chest and whisper, “I love you too,” And at that moment, she finally allowed her tears to fall.

 Grief was a peculiar emotion, it could manipulate one’s judgment and distort their sense of perception. It was an emotion that begets chaos and instability, allowing for ill-intentioned individuals to bewitch the victims of its hold. Princess Zelda had been blindsided by grief, but she will never admit to it—for grief wasn’t an excuse for folly.

 Years had passed since The King’s death, however, Zelda hadn’t truly recovered—and possibly never would. The rumors, once whispered, had transformed into brazen accusations. She was a curse and a scourge. She wasn’t a beacon, but a blinding force hellbent on destruction. She would bring ruin to Hyrule, she would usher an age of calamity! Though for all the assurances from Impa, deep down, Zelda believed their words to be true. And no matter how much The Captain of the Guard and Impa denied, no matter how much she tried, ignoring the people’s words was futile. So, rather than outwardly express her feelings, Zelda merely wore a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes and regurgitated words the council told her to say.

 She wasn’t living, she was existing. They knew, but they did nothing…

 It was only when she’d reached her lowest did a speck of color return to her dreary life. On her sixteenth birthday, a mysterious mural appeared on the castle’s exterior. No one knew how it got there, but the princess was awed by the brilliant array of colors splattered against the otherwise dull stone. Despite her admiration toward the art, both The Captain and Impa agreed to have it removed. The scoundrel who vandalized the castle was sly, for no one had seen the perpetrator... How in the Goddess’s names did they manage to paint such an immaculate piece in a night?! Though while Impa and The Captain showed concern, Zelda displayed intrigue.

 A week after her birthday another painting appeared. This time it was more than mere wild strokes of color...The painting was a portrait of her. The Princess was enthralled, however, her nursemaid and captain were just the opposite. In response to the unknown individual’s brazen displays, The Captain had the castle’s security increased, patrols doubled, and commanded that Zelda be guarded at all times. Despite The Captain’s best efforts at putting an end to the Midnight Painter, the portraits continued to appear, more numerous and more spectacular each day.

 As time went by, Zelda began noticing a pattern with the painter’s handiwork. The paintings would always have a brilliant streak of color connecting them as if creating a path. And while the guards remained oblivious, Zelda grew curious. Were those elongated splashes of color an artistic choice or had they been left for a purpose?

 This is why, during a moonless night, Zelda snuck from her quarters and crept into the Royal Garden. She hadn’t expected to see a glimmer of color bounding off into the night, however, this only incentivized her. Hopefully, this meant the painter had just left the scene of their ‘crimes’, otherwise, she’d be very disappointed that her venture was for naught. Fortunately for the princess, the painter had once again left behind their elaborate evidence. Glorious murals depicting the princess and hero of legend were left in their wake, what was more, the colorful trails of paint had also been connected to each one.

 Slowly, the princess followed the trail, using the faint glow from wayward paint drops to guide her. Eventually, she collided with the rough stone of the castle exterior. Unfortunately, that’s where the glimmering droplets ended. Maybe she was being too optimistic... Perhaps she’d read one fantasy novel too many? After all, she’d lived in the castle for years. There was no escaping its imposing walls. Just as she was about to sneak back to her room, the princess saw something out of the corner of her eye. Faint as they were, she managed to spot a few droplets nearly engulfed by darkness.
 

 Zelda gawked at the small hole in the courtyard walls. Had this always been here, or had it appeared upon the brush of the mysterious arrival? Regardless of how it had formed, Zelda knew that this was her chance to explore what lied beyond the castle. Who knows, maybe she’d discover the identity of the fleeting artist? Though as she knelt next to the breach, she couldn’t help but hesitate. Her father insisted she never leave. Would this act of defiance be disrespectful to his memory? She still had the opportunity to back away, to return to her life of misery; or she could follow her pounding heart and get a taste of feeling after all these years…

 Her father would forgive her…

 Tentatively she crawled through the gap, unsure of where the illuminated droplets would lead her. The sounds of squeaking rodents and the flapping of disturbed Keese echoed through the darkness, but these small distractions would not deter her from her goal. With every movement, she could feel her heart racing faster than it had in years. Every time she went forward she could feel something, and the idea of feeling more of that something had caused her initial sense of trepidation to fade, in favor of experiencing what she thought she’d never feel again...liveliness.

 Upon crawling to the other side, her hair was left in disarray and her dress stained, but her appearance mattered little. Not when a mysterious figure stood a few feet away. The individual had striking red hair, that much she could tell from the lantern they carried. Slowly they approached her, kneeling to her level as she remained frozen in place.

 “How I’ve waited for this moment, your highness.”

 Most in her situation would be unnerved by the man’s wolfish grin and wide eyes; however, Zelda felt nary a hint of fear—only intrigue. This strange man had appeared around two months ago, and thus far had only painted magnificent murals in hopes of gaining her attention each night. It was peculiar, yet it didn’t alarm her or make her want to run away. If anything, she wanted to learn more about the ‘Midnight Painter’.

 She wanted to ask him so many questions, but the only word that came to mind—and subsequently out of her mouth was, “Why?”

“Because…” He drawled, his grin seeming to widen, “You’re an inspiration, Princess.”

 As ridiculous as it was, Zelda wanted to check behind herself to see if there was another ‘Princess’ he was referring to. After all, she was an inspiration to no one; if anything, she was a curse to be loathed, not an inspirational figure to be marveled at. “Y-you don’t mean that.” She said quickly, turning her gaze to the grass beneath them.

“Oh but Princess, you’re a blessing to this ugly world.” The man declared, reaching out and lifting Zelda’s chin so that her gaze could meet his. The stranger’s wide grin didn’t falter, his eyes unblinking as he stared into Zelda’s soul. “You must be immortalized, your beauty showed upon every wretched wall to bring it...and this wretched world, purpose.”

“I…” Zelda froze, uncertain of what to say or do. She wasn’t worth ‘immortalizing’, she wasn’t like the Princess of Legend.

 “Shh.” Carefully, the man placed his finger against Zelda’s lips, his grin finally turning into a narrow-eyed smile. “Allow me to thank you for your time with a gift…” The stranger drew his oversized brush with practiced ease, like a knight drawing his sword. Quietly he allowed three drops of purple-hued paint to fall from the brush’s tip and onto the grass. In an instant, he began muttering words that Zelda couldn’t understand, as dark magic suddenly emitted from his hand. Before long, a beautiful purple rose bloomed from the ink, real as the grass it was born from, with petals soft as silk.

 Silently the man plucked the flower from the earth and handed it to the princess. “For you, your grace. It’s to represent how your elegance inspires me and countless others…”

Zelda was dumbstruck by the display shown before her. “Y-you used-”

“Dark magic? Yes, I did.” He neither blinked nor stuttered as he regarded the wide-eyed girl before him.

“But that’s…”

“...forbidden?” He finished, while patiently gazing toward her.

“Well...yes?” Zelda didn’t know who this man was, didn’t understand why he revealed his ability to wield the dark arts in front of her. Didn’t he know that she could have him killed? Had he no regard for his life?! “Why would you do this?” She questioned, her tone wavering, not from fear of him, but fear for him.

“The man blinked once, his expression growing thoughtful as he tapped his chin. “Well, your highness,” he grinned at her once more, “Sometimes rules need to be broken for the sake of preservation.” The man chuckled as he rose to his feet, his gaze lingering upon the princess for a short while, “And your beauty is something I intend to memorialize, regardless of the cost…” With that, the man turned on his heel and began to walk away.

“Wait!” Zelda called out, extending her hand that held the man’s magical gift.

“Hmm?” The stranger glanced over his shoulder, his face partially illuminated by the lantern he carried.

“Who are you?”

The mysterious man smirked, “Yuga…” He said simply, turning away before slowly glancing back at the princess. “And do not worry your majesty, you will see me again...” This time when he looked away he began to walk into the darkness, “...sooner than you think, Princess of Hyrule.” Such a shame that Yuga was too far to be heard; otherwise, the princess might have picked up on the sudden shift in tone as the dim light of his lantern revealed a far more sinister expression on his face.

 If only she had the wherewithal to listen to the Triforce’s warnings to her…

 After her encounter with Yuga, Zelda began experiencing night terrors that made her shriek. Hyrule was set ablaze, The Captain was dead, Impa was nowhere to be found, and in the center of it all was someone who had dark hair, red eyes, and a face that looked eerily identical to her own. When she’d approach, the girl would suddenly attack, though before she could be struck, a boy clad in green would come to her aid—a boy who was the spitting image of The Hero. Unfortunately, in defending her, The Hero would fall from whatever spell her sinister twin had conjured.

 Every night for a week straight she had the same dream. But when she’d awaken with her heart racing and Impa at her side, the princess would merely brush it off; ignoring the pointed look in Impa’s eyes. She wouldn’t speak of her fateful encounter with the stranger and she wouldn’t mention the origin of the undying rose at her bedside.

 She was selfish...but she just wanted to have a friend…

 Times were growing more uncertain by the day. Though when the boy clad in green appeared within the throne room, Zelda couldn’t help but feel compelled to mention her dream about him. Perhaps he could prevent the horrors that engulfed the Hyrule from her dreams? But that was silly. Darkness wouldn’t conquer the kingdom...right? However, in her heart, Zelda knew she was fooling herself. She had seen the destruction in her dreams, just as she’d seen the death of her father… Ruin was inevitable unless she did something to change fate’s course. So, she gave the boy, who called himself Link, her Good Luck Charm. Whether or not it would bring him luck would remain to be seen.

 Three days after Link’s appearance and Hyrule Castle fell under siege. Monsters flooded through the gates, and try as the guards might, the forces of evil were simply too powerful for sentries who’d never defended against anything stronger than a wayward drunkard or occasional Keese. Their Captain hadn’t returned from his errand, they were in disarray. It was so easy for the castle to be overrun by beasts of all sorts, and the only reason Zelda hadn’t been immediately captured was all thanks to Impa, who locked them within the safety of her chambers.

 They held out for three more days, however, when night fell on the third day, Impa’s power had waned. In a final bid to protect Zelda from the evil forces outside, Impa sacrificed herself for the princess to escape. Though as Zelda attempted to flee, she found herself blocked off by monsters at every turn. The halls were overrun, and no matter where she’d go, a beast would be there with sharp weapons and lethal intentions.

She felt helpless, though as the monsters closed in, a gloating cackle pierced through the corridors as a man appeared in front of the ravenous monsters. His grin was wide and his eyes were alight with devilry. Zelda recognized him, how could she forget his grinning face? Though instead of feeling mystified, she felt horrified. “Y-yuga…” She took a step back, then another. She was climbing a staircase but in reverse, in front of her was a man with a wild look in his eyes. Impa was gone, The Captain was gone, her guard was gone, and nothing stood between her and the menacing sorcerer.

 Yuga said nothing as he looked her over, clearly sizing her up as his smirk grew wider. He knew he had her beat—and what was more, she knew it too.

But despite everything crashing down around her, Zelda couldn’t help but find her voice, “Your rampage through my kingdom must stop, Yuga! How many more of my people do you intend to take?” Her voice was shaky as tears brimmed her eyes. And as her back touched the cold stone, she couldn’t help but feel her hands shake and her ears lower. She was terrified, but she needed to know...how many of her people had she damned to this fate?

Yuga chuckled, his grin growing inhumanly wide, “My little acquisition tour of Hyrule is nearly over, Princess.” He began ascending the stairs, his brush held high and dripping with magical ink. “It was quite a spree. A Sage here, a Sage there. And now your Impa too.” As he reached the pinnacle of the staircase another chuckle left him. To see the princess backed to a wall and shivering with fear had brought him a great deal of delight! “I’ve already got all seven Sages.”

Zelda shrunk back, a whimper slipping past her parted lips. She wanted to look away in disgust, but her fear forced her gaze onto the man—the monster who had taken the last two people who’d reminded her of better days. “What do you plan to do with them?” She asked, her words wavering as her tears threatened to fall with each passing second.

 “Never you mind. For I have one more painting to make. So please, rid your mind of all concern.” He appeared to grow nonchalant as he focused intently on her features. “I don’t want your portrait to feature any unsightly worry lines.” Once Yuga had finished with his assessment, he effortlessly began charging his brush with dark energy. “I wish to preserve you at your very best. I daresay you’re a match even for Her Grace.”

She should have known better. She should have listened to Impa…

 She didn’t remember what she’d cried out, only that it was a last-ditch effort that fell on deaf ears. Yuga wasn’t listening, and as he rattled on about beauty and his tastes, the princess couldn’t help but allow her tears to fall. When he’d cackled again, Zelda felt a searing pain course through her as her body froze in place. Her light was turned against her, and darkness had bounded itself to her. She was forced into stillness, and though most of her senses were gone, sight and sound remained. She was a prisoner to the painter, and her people would likely suffer the same fate…

 But the boy was there...he had come… Maybe there was hope after all...

 Time was easy to lose track of while in a state of stagnation. When all you could do was hear what was around you and look at what was in front of you, the concept of time became irrelevant. Despite her dormancy, she could not find tranquility. Feelings of uncertainty and fear plagued her mind every night, and though she did not need sleep in this state, she would often do her best to block out the dreary sights and ominous sounds that surrounded her. It wasn’t resting, but it was good enough. It had to be…

 Yet pursuing solace did not come easily, especially when Princess Hilda began frequenting her portrait—her prison. Each visit served as an enlightening experience. Princess Hilda would speak of her kingdom’s history and of how her ancestors had doomed her people. She would sing the songs of Lorule, would whisper of how lucky Hyrule was, and how she wished things didn’t have to turn out this way. And though most would write Hilda’s actions off as selfish and nothing more, Zelda found herself empathizing with her.

 She was no better than Hilda. She desired things that had caused others to suffer needlessly. At least Hilda’s actions were justified. Zelda’s actions had been without rationale. By not telling Impa of her dreams—her premonitions, she had essentially damned her, the other Sages, and her entire kingdom. No, she had no right to judge Princess Hilda for her actions; for if things were reversed, Zelda was certain she would do the same...if not worse.

 So rather than loathe Hilda’s existence, Zelda simply listened and observed. She desperately wished she could speak to Hilda, but being a painting made verbalizing impossible. At least she could listen to Hilda’s stories...though sometimes her counterpart chose not to recite ancient history; instead, she made Zelda privy to her manipulations toward the Hero of Hyrule. In Zelda’s opinion, this was when she witnessed Hilda at her lowest. After every communication, she would turn to her—well her painting, and appear almost remorseful, before quickly shifting her expression to one of determined sorrow.

Hilda didn’t wish to destroy Hyrule...but she felt she had no other choice…

 When the Hero finally arrived, Hilda could be seen staring at Zelda. It was eerie how she stared almost lifelessly, though it was alarming how quickly her lethargy shifted into urgency. She was going to enact her plans, and there was nothing Zelda could do but watch...or was there?

 The Hero, Link, had fought fiercely during his initial fight with a demonic Yuga, however, when Yuga betrayed Hilda and consumed her—along with Hyrule’s Triforce of Wisdom, Zelda found herself growing worried. Link only had one piece of the Triforce, while Yuga had two. She could see Link struggling to stay alive, and at that point she knew; no matter what happened, she needed to do something to make things right. So, with the last of her strength, Zelda conjured the Light Arrows. However, unlike the Light Arrows of old, these could only be used when Link used them in tandem with his magical bracelet.

 The battle was long and arduous, but with a final light arrow, Link had managed to win the day. In that instant, both Hilda and Zelda had been freed from Yuga’s curse. And while Zelda was relieved and grateful, Hilda was angered and vengeful. Zelda could see the distress in Hilda’s eyes, the pain and sorrow etched onto her face. Hilda felt lost, that much Zelda could see, yet beneath her shield of fury, Zelda could see the fear and uncertainty. She and Hilda truly weren’t that different from each other.

 “So it was you who had me imprisoned in that painting, Princess Hilda?” It wasn’t truly a question, it was merely a means of testing the waters. Zelda wanted to see how Hilda would react—and though she didn’t expect anything less than defensiveness, she couldn’t help but hope her response would be different.

“Obviously.” The words were tinged with fury and frustration. Hilda was not ready to back down...and Zelda understood that.

 Reasoning with her was impossible, and though Zelda tried to empathize with Hilda, it was clear to see, Hilda saw no other option than to fight. She wanted to fight for her people, she wanted to protect them, and save them from their imminent destruction. These were all things Zelda could see herself doing, and it only made her heart break for the broken princess in front of her.

 Just when it seemed like Hilda would put up a fight, someone else appeared. A young man who was familiar with Link, and who appeared to know Hilda well. Though when he lifted his hood, both Zelda and Link gasped in surprise. The young man was the spitting image of Hyrule’s Hero, except for his dark hair and forest green eyes. In an instant, he began pleading with Hilda, doing his best to turn her away from the path she was going down. Initially, Hilda rejected him as well; however, the longer he spoke, the more Hilda’s doubts began to show, until finally, she relented, agreeing to return both Link and Zelda home.

 When Link and Zelda were returned to their world, they both found themselves in the Sacred Realm, standing before the Triforce of their realm. Princess Zelda had long since made up her mind, during her ordeal in Lorule and listening to Princess Hilda’s impassioned speeches about her kingdom. And as she gazed toward Link, she could tell that he wished for the same thing she did. Placing both of their hands against the Triforce, they made a fervent wish, for Lorule’s Triforce to be restored—thus restoring the kingdom in kind.

Zelda had forgiven Hilda long before she’d made her wish—and she’d even forgiven Yuga; despite his actions. The only person she did not, and possibly could NEVER forgive, was herself...

 After making their wish upon the Triforce, Zelda and Link were abruptly whisked away to Hyrule Field. The two were astonished at first, gazing toward the heavens in confusion before looking at each other with equally bewildered faces. At that moment, Zelda didn’t know what she felt. Confusion, elation, or something between the two? Though when Link tilted his head, she couldn’t help but burst into ecstatic laughter. She didn’t know what caused the laughing fit, but she smiled brilliantly when she realized Link had joined in her jubilation. Though once they’d both settled, Link quickly rose to his feet and extended his hand to her. Upon taking the Hero’s hand, Zelda couldn’t help the blush that rose onto her face…

 Three years had passed since the events of that day, and Zelda’s nineteenth birthday had come and gone. She and Link had once been an item, but that was no longer the case. She knew there were rumors about why they’d had their falling out, but she did nothing to address them. Why should she? The people wouldn’t dare blame The Hero of Hyrule, she was the problem after all—and if she were honest with herself, she wouldn’t have it any other way. Link still served as the new Captain of the Royal Guard and she would never strip that title from him. He deserved the people’s love and earned his place, besides...she never could nor would hold their incompatibility against him.

 Besides, it was because of him that she grew strong…

 Link’s exploits to save Hyrule hadn’t just resonated with her people, she too was moved by his heroic deeds. Link did everything in his power to protect a kingdom he didn’t lead, and it was for that reason, Zelda decided to become more capable—to do for herself. The Council practically lead the kingdom in her stead, it’s what they’d been doing since she was a child and she’d managed to postpone her coronation past her eighteenth birthday; citing that she needed to help in the efforts of rebuilding Hyrule. Though many of the council members protested, she’d managed to be granted one more year, and it was during this time that she began to execute her schemes.

 Since the day Link saved her kingdom, Zelda had pledged to herself that she’d study the magical arts. If her innate abilities could conjure the light arrows in Link’s time of need, then maybe she was more magically adept than she once believed; after all, Hilda could wield the magic of her world seamlessly, so why couldn’t she do the same? Hours upon hours she spent in the library, reading through stacks of books that revealed ancient secrets regarding sorcery. However, it was during this time that she made an alarming discovery, one that caused her to question if what her people had long whispered had been true.

Princess Zelda could wield Dark Magic…

 The words “Curse” and “Bad omen” echoed through her mind as she manipulated dark particles of energy between her fingers. And for a short while after this revelation, Zelda found herself growing afraid; not for herself, but of herself. Would she travel down the path of evil? Would she lose her mind and allow dark thoughts to consume her sensibilities? Though as time wore on with no alterations to her behavior, Zelda slowly began to search for the good in her situation. She could wield dark magic...perhaps she could harness its power—not for destruction, but the betterment of her people! Monsters still roamed the lands after all, and maybe, with her dark power, she could hunt them down and rid Hyrule of them forever… A ludicrous idea, but one she intended to see through.

 From that moment forward, Princess Zelda made a habit of sneaking out of the castle every night; combating the beasts who threatened her people in hopes of using her “curse” to bless the people of Hyrule. For a time, her midnight activities served their purpose. The townsfolk and villagers were safe from harm, and so long as Zelda was around, she’d continue to ensure that was the case; however, with pressure from the council to ascend the throne, the princess began to wonder how much longer she could offer her people peace of mind.

 Her question was answered for her…

 A month after her nineteenth birthday, Zelda was summoned to the Council Chambers. The Councilmen told her plainly that her coronation would be next month, and that they would not allow her to push things off any longer. Initially, she didn’t accept their decision—and refuses to accept it to this day; however, she had no choice; and as she’d done in her youth, Zelda kept her emotions in line and ignored her feelings. Though three days before she was to ascend the throne as queen, Princess Zelda experienced something that would change her life forever…

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“My name’s Zelda! It’s nice to meet you.”

(Introducing herself)

“Oh? This could be useful!”

(Finding an item)

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it!”

(Agreeing to help someone)

“Hah! Who’s scared of _? By the way, who’s/what’s _?”

(Not knowing who or what she’s going up against)

“Shut up! I know what I’m doing...sort of.”
(When asked too many questions about her ‘plans’)

“Hah! And they said I/we couldn’t do it.”
(After succeeding in something)

“Get any closer and I’ll hit you with my shoe! I’ll have you know it hurts...a lot. It hurts a lot!”
(Threatening an approaching enemy)

“Hey, you! I’ve got something for you if you can do a teeny-weeny favor for me.”
(Asking a favor (bribing) someone)
 

“Wha-?! No need to interfere! Everything is under control!”
(Everything’s going wrong, but she won’t admit it)

“Move aside and make room, I’m here to spell your doom!”

(Overconfident pre-battle quote)

“Don’t force my hand…”
(Pre-battle quote)

“I’m not afraid of you!”
(Fearful pre-battle quote)

“Offer me your love!”
(Using Nayru’s love)

“Lend me your strength!”
(Using Din’s Fire)

“Grant me your spirit!”
(Using Farore’s Wind)

“Break their will!”
(Commanding her Phantom)

“O Goddess Hylia, bless them with your light!”
(Using Hylia’s Blessing)
 

“O Great Hylia, I call upon you to soothe their souls!”
(Using Hylia’s Devotion)

“I give you my light, save them from the darkness!”
(Using Hylia’s Devotion on a fainted ally)

“Consume them within an infernal rage!”
(Using Volvagia’s Inferno)

“Tempt them with chaos!”
(Using Vaati’s Tempest)

“Encompass them within their fear!”
(Using Dharkstare’s Malice)

“Sluos rieht emusnoc dna straeh rieht nword!”
(Using Lorulean Curse)

“Healing is futile for souls consumed by hate...a terrible fate awaits you...”
(Using Majora’s Wrath)

“You still want more? Alright, but it’s your funeral!”
(Fighting an enemy below half HP)

“Ouch… Don’t think I’ll go down...that easily!”
(Low health)

“M-maybe they’re right...I’m not...st-strong...enough….”
(Fainting)
 

“Hahahaha!”
(Victory quote)

“I’m sorry, I hope you didn’t expect to win.”

(Victory quote)

“No one can defeat...a curse…”
(Victory quote)

“Hah! Now do you see it Link? I can take care of myself!”
(Victory against Link)

“Sheik, you don’t need to worry about me anymore.”
(Victory against Sheik)

“You’re cursed just like me… Maybe we aren’t so different.”
(Victory against Ganondorf)

“Y-you don’t want to take me somewhere ‘safe’? I mean! I’m not upset about it! It’s just, I never adventured with anyone before...that’s all!”
(Joining a party)

“I can feel my power growing… I SHOULD KEEP THIS UP!”
(Leveling up)

“Whoa! At this rate, I’ll be surpassing Link!”
(Leveling up)

“Maybe I’m Hylia’s descendant after all!”
(Leveling up)

• During her time in Lorule Zelda developed a fear of the dark. To not succumb to her fears, Zelda relies on a fairy in a bottle to illuminate her surroundings at night.
   

• Approximately 90% of Zelda’s attacks are magically augmented. If Zelda’s magic were to be suppressed, her attacks would deal 75% less damage—with some of her moves becoming useless.
   

• Zelda has a love for animals big and small. At one point she took care of a cat that appeared in the royal courtyard; however, one day the cat suddenly stopped showing up, causing Zelda to cry for a week straight.
   

• Zelda can sleep just about anywhere; on top of that, she sleeps like the dead and is near-impossible to awaken via normal means.
   

• When attacked in her sleep Zelda’s body will react, causing her to fire off attacks while snoozing away.
   

• Her encounter with Yuga caused Zelda to have an aversion toward painters. She understands this phobia is unreasonable and does her best to conceal any discomfort when in the presence of one. Though when alone with a painter, Zelda finds herself growing tense from stress.
   

• A Hylian’s ears are sensitive to sound and touch. Touching a Hylian’s ears is considered an intimate gesture, meaning anyone who attempts to touch Zelda’s ears willy-nilly will be in for a world of pain.
   

• On the topic of ears, Zelda can move her ears freely and utilizes them to further express her emotions.
   

• Despite paying little attention during her dance lessons, Zelda is a surprisingly good dancer—though she’ll never admit it.
   

• Zelda is fluent in Ancient Hylian and can easily interpret the language. She’ll often swear in Ancient Hylian; due to others being unable to understand her, therefore being unable to reprimand her for “foul language”.
   

• Zelda loves reading and is particularly fond of romance novels—often living vicariously through them.
   

• Zelda isn’t squeamish around blood, insects, rodents, or much else for that matter. She does get uneasy when she has to tend to the wounds of someone she cares about, due to being fearful of doing more harm than good.
   

• Zelda loves to sing and will even go as far as to sing about how she’s feeling if she’s emotional enough.

LEVEL: 0 | HP [2/2] | STR [+0] | DEF [+1] | AGI [+0] | ACU [+0] | LCK [+0]

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BASIC ATTACK POWER: ✦✧✧

​

SMASH ATTACK POWER: ✦✦✧✧

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SPECIAL ATTACK POWER: ✦✦✦✧✧

​

SKILL ATTACK POWER: ✦✦✦✧✧

​

FINAL SMASH POWER: ✦✦✦✦✦✧✧

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MECHANIC(S):

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[ANCESTRAL WISDOM I]

• Zelda permanently receives a +1 increase to her DEF stat!