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The well-anticipated end-of-the-year Crimmus celebration is finally here and Hyrule’s Castle Town is brimming with excitement. The festive, joyous atmosphere has even Zelda with her endless work as their princess finding it difficult to resist. If you were to walk through the kingdom’s roads earlier today, you'd find townsfolk setting up for the evening festivities. The smell of baked goods wafting through, decorations in the process of being set up, games arranged and organized. Then of course, at the center of the town– the apex of the celebration being built for later this evening. To mark the height of the winter months, it’s Zelda’s role to hold a torch that will light a grand bonfire. It is traditionally meant to represent her people’s strength and determination to withstand the cold months with herself being their “guiding light” so to speak. Hence her role in lighting the fire.
In any case, the people of Hyrule were focused on preparing for today's celebration and finally, the time has come to enjoy it. You'd be hard-pressed to find a frown on anyone's face today. Or so Zelda has heard from Green and Red, who earlier today went to gather ingredients for a "special surprise" in Castle town. Red had given her a wink at that after saying so. She only laughed them off and sent them on their way to complete whatever their minds were set on while she set back to work.
It's a bit of a relief really, Crimmus is one of the few guaranteed times she can spend time with her favorite people. Once the central festivities conclude, the ones mandatory for her to attend and host for that is, it’s straight to spending time with Red, Blue, Green, and Vio. Thoughts of hot chocolate, warm blankets, and meaningless, silly conversation keep her going despite the mounting responsibilities on her back. She'll stay strong, as is her duty, but Zelda would be lying if the work didn't get to her sometimes. In the past, loathe she is to admit it about her dear friend, Link did not help with her feelings. He's such a strong-willed, adventurous boy, but his stubbornness left her with quite several complaints over the years. As If being close friends with Link meant she could properly mind him. She's done her best but in the back of her mind, she thinks it can really be quite exhausting at times. Things are better these days, Zelda thinks, Link- or rather, Red, Blue, Green, and Vio cause less trouble for her to feel responsible for taking care of. Certainly, this gives their father fewer reasons to go gray early now that the four of them work with the knights instead of around them.
Despite everything, she loves them all so very dearly and there's no denying her excitement at the thought of spending Crimmus with them. Even with a new addition this year, Shadow. Though in the privacy of her mind, Zelda admits she finds herself a little hesitant with him. Their relationship isn't glowing by any means; it’s well enough to stay in the same room together but he's always a bit tense around her. Honestly, she’s still trying to adjust to his presence around the castle. She firmly believes Shadow is capable of good and she’ll continue to stand by that but that doesn’t necessarily mean she enjoys being around him. Privately, Zelda would think he’s an immature, selfish brat. It's harsh to think, she knows, but she finds him difficult to be around at times. She finds herself wanting to act brash around him in a way other people who can annoy her do not. When he pokes at her Zelda wants to poke back. That would be immature though and she’s better than that. By the goddesses above does she feel tempted though. In any case, Zelda hopes the festive atmosphere will bring Shadow out of his shell a bit more. (And be a little less insufferable.)
Though if it’s to be believed the relationship between herself and Shadow is tense, that has nothing on the one between Shadow and Captain Banzetta, Link's father. The thought of mediating any conversation between those two already is giving her a headache. Thankfully, Captain Banzetta is professional enough not to rise to any of Shadow's taunts, but Zelda prefers to avoid any conflict, no matter how small.
She was pulled out of her thoughts by the call of Captain Banzetta. "Your Highness?"
They stood together near the edge of a grand hall amid the Crimmus Ball. One of the events necessary for Zelda to attend and the final one before she can finally spend time with her friends. Well, final in the sense she has time to spend with them then she’ll need to head back for the Crimmus Bonfire, the true finale of the celebration.
"Yes?" She replied.
"Are you well? Your face seemed tense."
"Ah. Think nothing of it, captain. My thoughts are elsewhere." Zelda turned back to face the main hall full of nobles dancing and eating. She scans the crowd and only finds herself mildly disappointed to not see Red, Blue, Green, or Vio. She already knew they had no plans to join this year's Crimmus ball, an event they normally attend every year, in favor of exploring the festivities in Castle Town. She still can't help but let out a dissatisfied sigh. Just a few more hours and she can be with them.
Captain Banzetta was silent beside her, observing but Zelda refused to elaborate further and instead continued to look on at the ballroom.
⚝⚝ –:-:-:⚝⚝⚝:-:-:--⚝⚝
When Zelda finally made her way to her friends’ home with Captain Banzetta in tow, the captain hadn’t even opened the door before they could hear the distant, familiar voices of Shadow and Blue bickering. She and the captain shared a commiserating look for a moment that said: “Yep, they’re doing it again.” Sometimes Zelda felt that the captain was the only other person in the world who truly understood what it was like to deal with the whirlwind that were her best friends. The captain opened the door and Zelda prepared herself for whatever was on the other side.
“Hey! Don’t hog all the blankets!” Blue yelled
“Hiss! I am one with the blankets! I am their king!” Shadow swiped Blue’s hand away.
Shadow was evading all of Blue’s advances within a cocoon of blankets on the floor near the couch. Vio sat on said couch nearby with a book in hand and Red by his side, determinedly ignoring the ruckus right below his feet.
“As if!”
“Can we go two seconds without causing a ruckus?” Green called out from farther within the house. He walked out of the kitchen with his arms on his hips and an unimpressed stare.
“You know the answer to that, Green,” Vio said without looking up from his book.
“You don't even need that many!” Blue yelled.
“It's cold!” Shadow yelled back.
“So are the rest of us!”
“Zelda! Dad! Welcome back!” Red waved excitedly upon noticing their return. “I got you guys some stuff. There was so much in the market, we definitely have to go again next year.”
“Oh hey! Yeah! You should see the-” Green began.
“That’s it! Gimme the blankets, you thief!” Blue yelled and lunged at Shadow. Shadow screeched in response and thus the two began wrestling in the living room. Zelda couldn’t see Vio’s face but could imagine a familiar annoyed eye twitch he must be having in response to the escalated ruckus. She could deeply relate.
“Guys! Stop!” Green called out and moved to break the two of them up.
“Gimme!” Blue ignored him and yelled. The captain gave a heavy sigh that sounded like a man who would rather be taking a nap than dealing with this. Zelda herself couldn’t help giggling at the sight but privately agreed.
"Now, now, let's settle down everyone.” Captain Banzetta held up his hands. “Why isn’t the fireplace going?”
“Uh.” The room was silent.
Seconds later Vio snorted and from there the dam was broken. Zelda held up her hand to cover her mouth and quietly laughed. Green and Red followed suit much louder.
“Hahaha!”
“Hold on guys, I got it.” Red giggled and moved farther into the house. Moments later he returned with his fire rod in hand and pointed it at the fireplace in the living room. Fire bloomed and In seconds the room began to warm up. Zelda smiled and walked over to the fireplace to put her hands over it.
“Thank you, Red.” She smiled. “Even with my coat, the walk was still rather cold.”
“Oh yeah! Course! Red puffed up. Anything for my best friend!”
With the fireplace lit, Zelda focused on solving the blanket issue.
“Can’t you share a few blankets with everyone, Shadow? If you’re still cold you can cozy up to the fireplace here. “
Shadow gave a dramatic sigh. “I guess.”
“Thank you for your kindness,” Zelda replied. Captain Banzetta sent her a grateful look and went into the kitchen.
Shadow only rolled his eyes in response and threw a few blankets Blue’s way, who spluttered at the fluffy, warm onslaught of fabric in his face. Zelda didn’t think it was such a big deal to share a few blankets but held in her sigh at his response. This was the best she was going to get from him and turned to face everyone else in the room.
“How was the market? I confess that I've never actually seen how my people celebrate Crimmus before the Bonfire Ceremony. I imagine it's much more exciting than the Crimmus Ball. That's the same every year…”
“Great!” Red replied. “Green and I got what we wanted from the markets and wandered around with everyone the rest of the time.”
“There was an archery game and Vio absolutely killed it!” Green piped up.
“Naturally,” Vio smirked.
“He won a cute Little Moo Moo plush.” Red cooed “It was the last one! I’m a little jealous! He didn’t even keep it and just gave it to Shadow.”
“Oh?” Zelda turned to Shadow and sure enough, within his little hoard of blankets, there was an adorable chubby little Moo Moo plush she hadn’t noticed before. She barely held in the coo she wanted to make but couldn’t help the teasing tone in her voice “I didn’t know you liked such cute things Shadow. I would have given you a different gift this year if I had known.”
Vio snorted above Shadow, who was too busy spluttering out enraged excuses. ”I do not!”
“Before we start another argument, everyone, let’s at least eat. Zelda still has to lead the Bonfire Ceremony at the end of the night so we only have so much time.” Captain Banzetta walked back into the living room with a warm pot of soup and set it on the table. “Thank you boys for helping out with the cooking while Her Highness and I attended the ball this year.”
“Of course.” Vio stood up and walked over to the kitchen to grab a few more dishes from the kitchen.
“Right! I’ll help set the table!” Blue jumped up to follow, Green and Red close behind.
“Don’t think we need that many people to set the table,” Zelda heard Shadow mutter to himself and she walked by to help the others.
“Ah! Zelda! You just sit down! We’ve got this!” Red suddenly halted midway, setting down a dish of stuffing, and smiled.
“If you’re certain,” Zelda replied and tentatively sat down at the table as everyone else moved around her.
As she waited she observed the table. It was new. The older one was smaller, enough for a father and his son. Zelda still remembers tracing her fingers over every knick and scratch on its faded red surface as she waited for Captain Banzetta to finish cooking for her and Link. It was rare for her to stay at Link's home but she treasured the few times she was able to. For a short time, she didn’t feel like a grand, important princess to a kingdom. Just a little girl spending time at her friend’s house.
This new table didn’t have a single scratch. Its paint was new and shiny. The captain gave away the old one to another family and bought a new table after…well. After Link became Red, Green, Blue, and Vio. The old table didn’t have the kind of space to accommodate five people on one table. It certainly wouldn’t when five became six and Shadow joined their home.
Zelda misses that old dingy table.
“Did you have fun tonight?” She turned to Shadow, shoving any further thoughts on old memories, tables, and the boy she once knew far down.
“Huh? Oh. Yeah, I guess.” Shadow leaned back in his chair. “There was a lot to see. Didn’t know you guys got so invested in your holidays. Basically everyone was out.”
“I imagine it was very crowded.”
“Yeah…” Shadow grimaced.
“Don’t let Shadow’s nonchalant attitude fool you. He was jumping around the whole time like it was a personal mission to visit every single stall.” Blue snuck behind Shadow to poke him with a cheeky grin.
“Was not!”
“Was too!” Blue turned to Zelda, “We lost him so many times in the crowd.”
“Well, at least he was having a good time. I’m glad your first Crimmus went well.” Zelda giggled.
“It was fine I guess. Whatever.” Shadow huffed. Zelda could tell he was embarrassed with all the attention and refrained from commenting on it. She shot Blue a pleading look to not tease Shadow any further. He relented albeit reluctantly and went back to the kitchen.
“Okay! That should be everything!” Green spoke a few moments later.
The table was set with an assortment of food and empty plates with utensils at every seat for everyone to choose what they please. Zelda was already eyeing the platter of roasted mushrooms and chocolate pudding. A strange combination but Zelda hardly cared about putting on a front with her favorite people; Not tonight. It didn’t take long for everyone to find their seat. Zelda saw and held in a smile at Vio whacking Shadow’s hand away from the mashed potatoes telling him to wait for their dad. Captain Banzetta always began the meal saying a few words to celebrate the occasion.
“Before we begin I would like to take a moment to appreciate having all of you here to celebrate Crimmus this year. I’m truly grateful to be the father to four wonderful boys, and…” Captain Banzetta looks to Shadow and pauses to find his words. “And to have a new addition this year in Shadow. I know we don’t necessarily always get along, but my boys are happier with you here and that’s what matters.”
Shadow seems to be looking everywhere but the captain, almost unsure how to respond. Zelda was also surprised. Usually, the captain seemed content to ignore Shadow’s presence unless absolutely necessary. As long as the two of them aren’t arguing, Zelda is fine with this outcome. Captain Banzetta then turned to her.
“...and they have a wonderful friend in you, Princess Zelda. Thank you for always looking out for my boys and being a light in their lives.”
“Oh…” Zelda blushed. “Of course, captain. I’m truly glad to be able to spend this time with you all.”
The heartfelt moment was cut by Blue, “Okay guys, let's eat already! We still have to exchange gifts after this, and then Zelda has to leave for the bonfire!”
The captain laughed, “Right right… we’re on a time crunch. Let’s eat.”
Thus, everyone descended onto the food. For the next hour, Zelda was caught in a comfortable, cheery atmosphere. This was what she had been waiting for all day and couldn’t help smiling to herself, the chance to spend time with her favorite people and talk about silly meaningless things. Zelda couldn’t help snorting at one moment when Blue and Shadow nearly began a food fight over the right way to make mashed potatoes. Shadow was absolutely purposefully egging Blue on. Red valiantly protected her from the initial foodie crossfire before Captain Banzetta dragged the two of them apart. Vio and herself soon after got caught up in a conversation about the different ways one has utilized Force gems for rituals throughout history. The captain piped from time to time with his own set of trivia. Eventually, things began to die down and food was put away to prepare for the gift-giving.
“Okay! So before we begin, Red and I have a surprise.” Green smiles and gives Red an intent look. Green continues while Red moves over to the kitchen out of view where Zelda cannot see. “I know we all just ate but you don’t have to have it now. Red and I just want Zelda to at least take some home with her when she heads out.”
“Is this why we weren’t allowed in the kitchen yesterday morning?” Blue piped up.
“Yup.” Green nods as Red comes into view with a sizable, cheerfully decorated box in his arms.
“Couldn’t even come in for breakfast,” Vio muttered solemnly to Zelda. She gave him a pitying smile in reply.
“That’s what you get for waking up late,” Blue smirked. “They gave you food anyway. You just weren’t allowed in like the rest of us.”
“Anyway!” Red cheerfully cut through the chatter and drew everyone to him with a wave. “Everyone drum roll please!”
Green and Red held the box on each side in preparation to lift it and Zelda obediently began a drum roll with everyone. She was curious to know what Green and Red were hiding in it.
“3…2…1..!” Green and Red cheered in unison and lifted with gusto, revealing a magnificent three-tiered cake that was…glittering!? Zelda’s mouth was agape. She’s never seen anything like it!
“Oh my!” The captain said with a smile, “This looks amazing boys!”
“It's shimmering! But how?” Zelda exclaimed.
Red puffed up with pride next to Green and pointed to himself. “It's all thanks to my genius haggling skills, really.”
“We found a traveling Gerudo-Goron merchant pair by the names of Vhilia and Dana that were in town for Crimmus a few days ago. They were selling sweet rocks that Hylians could eat!”
“How is that possible?” Vio asked.
“They wouldn’t say,” Red pouted, “Which is such a shame cause I totally wanna make some for myself. Now I gotta wait till they’re in town next!”
“Didn’t Vhilia promise you’d be the first person she talks to next time they stop by?” Green asks with a wry smile.
“Well yeah but still! That’ll be a while from now.” Red waves green off and turns to face Zelda. “Dana– the Goron, sold a bunch of baked goods that mixed up these crushed edible rocks and it made their food all glittery and shimmery and cool and-”
“--and Red really wanted to use it to make everyone some cake for Crimmus.” Green interrupted.
“--Yeah! They were really stingy about it first–”
“--So you bugged them–”
“--I persistently asked for some of their glittery, shimmery, edible rocks–”
“--He bugged them–”
“--And they eventually allowed me a portion of their delicious, sweet rocks for a bunch of rupees. I have a whole bag of them!” Red spoke over Green and stuck his tongue out at him. Green responded in kind.
Zelda floundered for a moment trying to find the right words to respond. “This is…beautiful Green, Red. I’m sure it will taste wonderful.”
“I mean… It looks cool.” Blue said dubiously, “I don’t know how I feel eating rocks though.”
“Well, isn’t there a common Hylian saying along the lines of: You only live once!” Said Shadow, “I’ll try your weird rock cake.”
“They’re edible!!” Red insisted.
“Right….” Blue and Shadow shared an unconvinced look, despite Shadow’s agreement to try the cake.
“I, for one, would love to try it,” Vio spoke, “But perhaps sometime when I feel hungry enough to eat again.”
“Agreed,” Captain Banzetta spoke with a smile. “If anyone would like a slice then please take one, we’ll move on to presents afterward.”
Thus, some members went to grab Green and Red’s unique glitter rock cake, and others to grab the presents they wished to share. Zelda herself asked for a container to try some later and Green waved off her apology for not having some immediately.
“It's fine Zelda! We did just have dinner after all. Red and I just wanted to make sure you got some to take home tonight at least.”
“Still, I know you all worked so hard for it. Going so far as to talk to foreign merchants for such exotic ingredients. It warms my heart to see the effort you two put into this,” Zelda shyly replied.
“Ah jeez,” Green flushed. “It’s nothin’ really. We just wanted to do something cool and special for everyone.”
Soon after, everyone gathered in the living room of the home. Each holding a plethora of gifts ready to be handed out. Zelda herself was brimming with anticipation. She was excited to share the gifts she had for everyone. She even got something for Shadow this year, hoping that by providing a gift they could ease their somewhat cool relationship with one another. Speaking of, Zelda could see Shadow sitting nearby Vio holding his own set of wrapped gifts, four to be precise. She hadn’t really expected him to give anyone anything this year, but it seems that was not the case. She would hazard a guess that she was not included in the intended recipients of the four gifts he had but she wouldn’t let that be an issue. Really, she should be happy Shadow felt like involving himself at all, given his difficulties in connecting with others since his revival.
“Alright, I'll start first. I know most of you already know what to expect but I wrapped your gifts all the same. Please humor your father here, won’t you?” The captain chuckled.
From off to the side where Shadow and Vio sit, Zelda could see Shadow give him a silent questioning look. Vio whispered in reply, “Dad always gives us some kind of clothing every year. It's supposed to protect us from the Yulanus.”
“The hecks’ a Yulanus?” Shadow asked at a normal volume, which everyone could hear.
“You don’t know the tale of the Yulanus!?” Red and Blue yelled in unison.
“Huh… I guess I assumed that because you were our shadow you knew basically everything about us.” Green said.
Shadow leaned back at Blue and Red’s exclamation and promptly ignored them in favor of answering Green. When he spoke, he was unsure. “Yes? No? Yes and no, I guess. When I was…made… I knew everything your body knew. Memories were a little trickier though.
Imagine waking up one day and more than a decade's worth of memories getting shoved into your brain. It's kinda hard to keep track of everything. I retained all the important information, so it doesn’t matter.” Shadow continued and then shuddered, “That gave me a headache that felt like a thousand Keese ramming into my skull by the way, I do not recommend it for anyone wanting to do the same.”
“Huh,” Vio said absentmindedly and Zelda felt much the same. That was difficult to take in.
“So…. you don’t know the legend of the Yulanus?” Red asked.
“I probably did and then immediately forgot in favor of not splitting my head open trying to hold all of your memories,” Shadow said wryly.
“Well, I don't mind sharing the story then.” The captain jumped in, “Really, it's just an excuse to give people warmer clothes as gifts in the winter months. I even got you something as well.”
“What? Why?” Shadow narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“…I meant it when I said that I appreciate all that you do for my boys. You…” The captain sighed, “...make them happy. This is me expressing that.”
Shadow was silent for a few moments before muttering his assent for the story, “Sure. Do whatever. I don’t care.”
“Wait hold on! If we’re gonna do this we gotta do it right!” Blue shot up. He moved around the living room and blew out every light except the fireplace. The captain chuckled at this and shifted into a more comfortable position. Zelda sips on her chocolate as she waits patiently for Captain Banzetta to begin. She’s heard the legend before but isn’t disinclined to listen to it again.
“Very well…” The captain says and switches his tone to something more eerie to match the darkened room, which paired with the sole illumination of the fireplace, really sets the mood. “Listen closely to my words, Shadow. They very well may save your life on any Crimmus night.”
“The story goes like this: Every winter, the people of Hyrule gathered close to survive the harsh, biting cold of the season, until an evil sorcerer decided to take advantage of winter’s harsh conditions to harm them. Every year, they would summon a creature of the dark world in the form of a cat the size of buildings to devour sweet, innocent, lost souls who trailed away from their close-knit communities. This creature would later be known as Yulanus.
The people of Hyrule noticed something though, those marked with clothing given to them by another were safe from the Yulanus. Almost as if, the act of giving something to keep another warm was a sign that they were not a “lost soul”. So people began to give one another clothing to keep their loved ones safe; to keep those wandering souls from being devoured, the people would make sweets and baked goods to lure Yulanus, a being intent on devouring all that was good, to places where everyone had given each other clothes for warmth. Thus thwarting its plans to devour lost souls.”
“Why baked goods? Would a creature from the Dark World really like sweets?” Shadow questioned.
“I can’t say I know why, it is just a story after all. It's mostly used as an excuse to give people clothes and scare children into behaving on Crimmus day.”
“Speaking of,” Captain Banzetta picked up his wrapped gifts and began handing them out. “Here are my gifts to you all this year.”
Zelda unwrapped her gift and pulled out a pale pink scarf with white flowers scattered about in its design. She smiled and held it to herself. “Oh, Captain! This is beautiful, thank you.”
One by one, everyone else began to unwrap their gifts. It seems like the Captain decided to go with scarves this year. He’d always pick different clothing. Last year Zelda and Link received sweaters with similar striped designs but hers was pink and Link’s was green. Whereas everyone else began to say their thanks and immediately wore the scarf, Zelda noticed Shadow simply holding his own in his hands with a complicated expression. Vio then leaned over into his ear something Zelda couldn’t make out but saw Shadow roll his eyes in response and finally put the scarf on.
“We’ve also got something for you Dad!” Green jumped up and pushed a wrapped gift his way.
“We took turns making it,” Blue said.
“Which was nightmarish to manage, by the way,” Vio added in.
“But!! We finished it in time! That's what matters!” Red finished with a sheepish grin.
Captain Banzetta took the gift from Green’s hands with a soft smile. “Thank you boys.”
Once unwrapped, the captain pulled out a clearly homemade cream-colored sweater. There were a few subtle spots where mistakes were made, but it didn’t take a genius to see how happy Captain Banzetta was to have it. “Oh! You made me a sweater together?! This is wonderful. Give me a moment and I'll put it on now.”
Zelda watched the captain rise and leave to do as he said. She took the opportunity to share her thoughts with everyone.
“Did you really take turns knitting it?” Zelda asked amusedly.
“It was Green's idea,” Blue replied.
“I just thought that’d be easier than giving Dad four different things to wear, one from each of us.”
“Huge mistake. I did not appreciate Blue’s hovering whenever it was my turn to knit.” Vio muttered sullenly. Blue only rolled his eyes in response.
“I accidentally spilled Vio’s coffee on it at one point and we had to start from scratch…” Red admitted.
“Couldn’t one of you have knitted Captain Banzetta something and the rest give him other gifts?” She asked.
“No way! I always give him some kind of clothing!” Blue said agast.
“So do the rest of us, dingus.” Red stuck his tongue out.
“Why you..!”
“Hence, our predicament in assigning who gives what gift to Dad.” Vio replied, deadpan.
“I see…”
The captain then walked back in with his new sweater and a smile. “Thank you, boys. This looks wonderful. Now, let's decide who gives their gifts next.”
In a flash, several hands shot up to claim their spot as the next to give gifts, save for Zelda, who was perfectly fine waiting for her turn, and Shadow, who held his own gifts tightly and looked very much like he wanted to sink into the couch he was sitting in and never come out. Ah, who knew Shadow could be shy? Zelda held in a smile but was amused nonetheless. The next several minutes pass by as everyone shares the gifts they’ve gotten for each other.
The excitement began to die down not long after. Zelda still has time before she must leave for the Bonfire Ceremony and decides to lie down on the couch and rest while listening to the chatter of her friends. She’s sleepy and content, but aware enough to notice Shadow quietly slipping out sometime later as everyone distracts themselves with conversation. Everyone except perhaps Vio, who always seems to be just a bit more keyed into where Shadow is and his moods. She watches him rise as well and shoots him a questioning look.
“I’ll be back in a bit.” Vio smiles.
“It’s cold out! Don’t be too long!” Blue says from where he’s sitting when he notices Vio walk off.
“Yeah, yeah,” Vio waves him off and closes the door behind him.
Zelda closes her eyes in hopes of resting for a bit, assured that wherever Shadow left, Vio was with him and thus no issues would arise. Hopefully, anyway.
This is not, in fact, what ended up happening. It took only about 10 minutes of Vio and Shadow leaving for things to go terribly, terribly wrong.
“Shadow’s been taken!” Vio cries out as he slams the door open in a panic, shocking Zelda out of her rest.
In an instant, the cheery, content atmosphere dissipated and was replaced with an alertness that only well-trained knights of Hyrule could have. Zelda herself was only a second behind, her confusion soon turning into dread as Vio's words sunk in. Everyone rose from where they sat.
“What!?” Green exclaimed.
It was a large creature, almost cat-like. It took him and ran! I almost went after it, but it was too fast.”
“Crap! Well, what are we sitting 'round here for?! Let’s go after it!” Blue exclaimed.
“It said something strangely before it took him…” Vio continued grimly. “I remember it clearly: Finally, a lost soul with no protection from the chilling, dark cold.”
What could that mean?” Red asked worryingly.
“Nothing good. Boys, grab your swords.” Their father ordered. In an instant, Red, Blue, Green, and Vio were on their feet and moving. Zelda could only watch her friends and their father move with swift determination knowing well she could do little to help right now. Red suddenly stopped and asked Vio a question.
“Didn’t you say it was cat-like and big!? You know... Like the Yulanus!?”
“But Dad gave Shadow a scarf!” Blue shot down and he hastily put together needed supplies for a potential fight.
“Actually… he took it off,” Vio admitted reluctantly, raising a familiar cloth for everyone to see and then setting it down in favor of grabbing his bow.
“What!?” Blue, Red, and Green exclaimed.
“Why would he?” Zelda asked.
Vio was silent for a moment but still hurried in his movements and huffed. “It's stupid. He just felt awkward accepting Dad’s gift and threw it off. We were having an argument about it.”
As Vio finished grabbing his sword and bow, Zelda caught a hint of guilt in his expression before it shifted to one more serious. “Doesn’t matter what the creature is, we just need to catch it.”
“But if we take into account it’s words….” Green muttered.
“Wait wait wait… does that mean the Yulanus is real!?” Red exclaimed.
“We don’t have time to think about that! Shadow’s in danger!” Blue huffed and sped to the door, motioning for everyone else to follow.
“Vio, do you recall the direction it went?” Captain Banzetta asked.
“East.” He replied.
The captain nodded grimly and turned to face Zelda. She jumped in surprise at being addressed so suddenly. She had been so focused on tracking the chaos of the conversation. “Princess Zelda, I must ask you to stay here and keep the doors firmly shut. The boys and I will track down this supposed ‘Yulanus’.”
Zelda could only numbly nod along, such a situation is far out of her depth. She watched as Captain Banzetta, Red, Blue, Green, and Vio rush out the doors to head eastward in town. Herself left behind in a home that only moments before had been filled with carefree joy. Truly, she did not expect to take such a sudden serious turn. She could only pray for Shadow’s safe return.
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The problem with Zelda’s chosen course of action of staying behind is only made apparent to her not long after everyone swiftly departed in search of a missing Shadow and a potentially real Yulanus. She still is slated to attend the Bonfire ceremony. A ceremony that is steadfastly approaching regardless of any promises she made to her captain to stay put. She could barely stop herself from unnecessarily fidgeting as anxiety took root in her heart. The quiet of the living room that was once lively not too long ago did nothing to ease her heart.
The idea of not attending is simply not possible. She has to go to maintain the trust and confidence the citizens of Hyrule have in their royalty; Both things that have been irrevocably shaken with the invasion of Vaati and Ganon a little more than a year ago. If she failed to show… it would end poorly. Already she is formatting an apology in her head to the captain for breaking her promise because she must attend the ceremony. Zelda sighs and begins to gather her things, though she resolves to keep the scarf given to her close and to keep out of sight when she exits.
Before she can, however, she notices Red’s fire rod lying near the fireplace. Recalling the origins of the Yulanus, if it truly came from the dark world, then fire would surely be effective against it. Red must have left it behind in the fuss. Zelda picked it up and looked at the door. There was no way for her to get to him, she had no idea where they were and certainly didn’t have the endurance to catch up. Still, she held it close to her and left the house.
The streets of Castle Town were empty. Presumably since most of the populace were gathered at Hyrule Square for the fast approaching Bonfire Ceremony. Anyone else likely already turned in after a long evening of festivities. Zelda walked with nervous tension brimming in her move, her thoughts kept turning to her friends and the danger Shadow was in. She feels terribly useless doing nothing to help while someone close to her is in peril. It's a familiar feeling of helplessness that reminds her of her time stuck within the Tower of Winds. If only she could do something, was a thought that kept tumbling in her brain as she stepped closer and closer to Hyrule Square
Could she even do anything? She had Red’s fire rod, but the Yulanus was far off and she had no idea where she could even find it. Yet… wasn’t there something that could lure it? As soon as the thought struck her, Zelda gripped the fire rod she held tighter and turned back to Captain Banzetta’s house with a plan brewing in her mind. She still has time before the ceremony truly begins.
⚝⚝ –:-:-:⚝⚝⚝:-:-:--⚝⚝
After collecting the necessary components, Zelda quickly and stealthily made her way to Hyrule Square. Though unnecessary, she hesitantly picked up the scarf Shadow left behind as well.
Her plan is terribly risky and perhaps, one might say stupid; but the Knights of Hyrule must follow her command regardless and once she relayed to them her orders, have appropriately stationed themselves in Hyrule Square where Zelda requested. Or rather, they stationed themselves where Vice Captain Tulsi ordered after Zelda shared her plan with him. He felt her plan unwise, but after hearing that Captain Banzetta and his sons had yet to return, he hesitantly agreed. Zelda reassured him that the seven maidens would also be present to help if things got out of hand.
Thus brings Zelda to the now present moment. Soon, she will exit from the nearby building she's in to face all her people on stage. Fear holds her heart in a vice grip, but she refuses to waver at such a critical moment. She thinks being stuck on the tower of wind was much easier to deal with than this. When it is only her own life in danger, Zelda is calmer. Her plan may just hurt the innocent civilians around her if she fails. If she succeeds, she may just save her friends. She'd sooner rather die than cause her people to do so because of her failures. Zelda takes a deep breath and walks out holding the fire Rod shakily in her hand.
She braces herself to face the audience. The time for preparation has concluded, and the bonfire must begin. Zelda steels her heart and pushes all crushing thoughts of the questionable safety of her friends far back within her mind. Right now, she must be a princess; not a scared, immature little girl. She will be strong.
Zelda takes off the scarf the captain gave her and hopes desperately her plan works.
"People of Hyrule!" Zelda speaks boldly as she walks onto the stage where the unlit bonfire is set. She will not give way to fear. "I, Princess Zelda, face you all tonight in celebration of another prosperous year for our kingdom. Crimmus is a time to recognize our strength in community"
She silently takes the bag of edible rock dust Red and Green procured and holds it up to the air. "Let this be a starting sign of our conviction! We, the people of Hyrule, can withstand the biting cold and the clawing darkness that threaten us year after year!
Zelda then throws the bag far into the air and raises Red's fire Rod to blast it. It explodes into a shimmering visage of color; The smell of burnt sugar is quick to follow. The crowd could hardly care though as they erupted into a cacophony of cheers, it all a wordless agreement to her speech.
Now, it was time to stall until the Yulanus came.
“Tell me, my people, doesn't our strength come from ourselves?! Our community!?”
The crowd roars in agreement.
“Each of us represents a special light that only together can create a fire strong enough to stave off the cold. That is the true purpose of Crimmus! To remind ourselves of the importance of community and family!”
“Our strength is in our bonds! Our conviction lies in protecting and shielding our own from the darkness!” Zelda yells.
The crowd roars again in agreement.
Suddenly, their cheers were cut short as a large cat-like creature jumps out from the shadows and high into the sky, acting much like a darkness cloaking Hyrule Square. The crowd gasps in terror at the sight, Zelda barely had time to register it before a shimmering bright light covered the crowd in a protective barrier. She looked to see the seven maidens with their hands raised in concentration to keep the spell active. Coincidentally, with the crowd safely covered in light magic, the only path to the ground being open is the unlit bonfire Zelda stood by with a familiar half-eaten, shimmering, tasty cake on top of it. Good, the plan was working so far.
Being a creature of darkness, the Yulanus landed in the only place not covered in light magic. It does so with a growl before sniffing the air. It was still too far for Zelda to do what she wanted, so she held her breath and waited for the creature’s next move. Still, she couldn't help the drop she felt in her heart when she saw no sign of Shadow or the others.
“Such a sweet smell…” The Yulanus rasps and stalks ever slowly closer. The Knights stand alert but firmly put at a distance, knowing Zelda’s previous orders to keep away. The crowd's shocked yells can be heard within the barrier they are in but all Zelda can focus on are reminders to not falter under the Yulanus’ stalking gaze.
“..and another lost soul…truly a lucky night.” The Yulanus takes a step forward.
Zelda takes a deep breath and matches its gaze head-on, trying to muster as much determination as she can. “I am no lost soul, creature of darkness.”
It takes another step forward.
“I am Princess Zelda of Hyrule…”
Another step.
“And I will not falter against the cold.”
Another step.
“I will show you my conviction.” Zelda slowly raises the fire rod.
The Yulanus charges forward.
"–And the conviction my people have to create our light--" Zelda yelled out as she raised the fire Rod at the unlit bonfire, the half-eaten cake, and the charging Yulanus, "–to guide us when darkness falls!"
It felt like time had slowed for a scant few moments. An explosion of fire erupted from the Rod Zelda carried and from the scene, the audience of Hyrule Square watched enraptured as their princess boldly took on this emerging beast. Farther off is Captain Banzetta, his sons, and a safe Shadow finally entering Hyrule square out of breath, slightly injured, but still running after this beast. The captain’s face is deathly pale when he realizes where the beast is and knows that no matter what he does, he will not reach Zelda or the beast in time; His sons are not far behind in countenance. Then, time resumes normally once more and the blast hits its intended target.
In an instant, the dessert on top of the unlit bonfire blew up into dozens of sparkling, colorful pieces taking the Yulanus with it. The creature dispersed under the explosive force. Morbidly enough, the sight was like a brilliant, sweet star overtaking the night. Even with the circumstances being so dire, Zelda couldn't help but think it was a splendid image. For a few moments, all she could see was its bright, explosive visage shining brightly in the darkness of the night sky. Were Zelda paying attention, she might've been able to hear Red and Green's despair over losing such a delicious work of art.
Seconds later the scene ended and all that was left was the scattered remains of cake on the path. The bonfire continued to rage on and light Hyrule Square. The crowd’s previous noise of dismay quieted, then erupted into thunderous cheers as the seven maidens finally dropped the barrier spell they cast. Zelda’s shoulders slumped and she let out a sigh of relief she hadn’t realized she was holding. She barely had a moment to process everything before the four bodies of Red, Blue, Green, and Vio tackled her into a hug.
“Oh dear!” She exclaimed.
“Zelda!! What was that!?!” Red whined
“Are you okay!? Hurt anywhere!?” Green cried out.
“What the heck was that Zelda? You promised to stay put!” Blue yelled.
“Thank the goddesses you’re safe…” Vio said.
While Zelda was being held in death grip by her best friends, Captain Banzetta and Shadow soon followed after. The captain’s expression mirrored those of his sons, full of concern. Shadow looked incandescently furious. Zelda focuses on answering her friend’s questions.
“I know what I promised. I’m so sorry to have worried all of you…” Zelda lifted Red’s fire rod, “It’s just… I realized the creature must be weak to fire and Red left his fire rod behind. If the legend of Yulanus were to be true, then Red and Green’s cake could lure it into a trap.
“The rod packs a punch, but it alone couldn’t defeat such a creature, so you lured it to the bonfire with cake… smart move.” Vio nodded along and the quartet finally let go of Zelda to give her space.
“Indeed…” Captain Banzetta mused, “I hadn't considered that fire would be so effective against the creature. Though in hindsight… it being from the Dark World I should have guessed.”
“No! No, it's not a smart move!” Shadow hissed and turned to Zelda. “Are you stupid!?”
Zelda's brows went up in surprise but she couldn’t even get a response in before he continued.
“What part of stay put did you not get!? Are you trying to get killed!?” Shadow harshly pointed at Zelda, “That thing almost got to you because you decided to hatch some stupid plan to help.”
“Shadow–” Green began.
“No! That was stupid! Don’t encourage her!” He yelled back.
“Perhaps, we should take this elsewhere?” The captain jumped in and looked intently at the crowd. People were watching them, is what he was trying to say.
As if sensing the captain’s thoughts, the maidens made their way to the stage to address the crowd with an explanation and closing statements. One of which sent a look to the seven of them saying they could leave and recollect themselves. Captain Banzetta took the opportunity to lead them off the stage and somewhere more private. The atmosphere of the group was tense and silent.
Zelda clenched her dress in frustration. She understood where Shadow was coming from. She’s not a fighter by any means and what she did was incredibly risky. If the explosion didn’t take the Yulanus out, there was no guarantee any of them could have reached her in time if it struck her. Nor guarantee the maidens or the guard could reach her. Even still… a part of her that she finds harder and harder to bury within her each passing second rages at Shadow’s proclamation. All night, she’d been looking forward to spending time with her family and instead had to save Shadow from his stubbornness, all because he wouldn’t accept some stupid scarf!
She understands how difficult and scary it must be to connect with others, especially those you once opposed, but he couldn’t put it aside for just one night! One night! He puts himself in danger and he calls her the reckless one! Even if it was unintentional… All she wanted to do was help! She just wanted one night where everything could be okay! As soon as they were away from prying eyes and listening ears, Zelda couldn’t help but speak.
“I’m not the one acting so childish as to refuse a gift from someone I don’t like, on Crimmus day of all days. That's what started this whole mess.” She turned to face Shadow despite feeling the tears well up in her eyes, “You couldn’t put your pride away for one second and caused a whole fuss that everyone else had to fix! That I had to fix! Just like I do every time you and the captain butt heads when we’re all in the same room!”
Shadow’s mouth dropped open wide in surprise and were Zelda in a better mood she might’ve found that a funny look on him. Everyone else wore similar expressions, frozen at the sight of her words. She walked right up to Shadow and aggressively threw the scarf the captain gave to him earlier and pointed at him as he did with her just moments before.
“Top that off with all the other times I have to clean up after you when you decide to cause havoc around the castle. Do you know how much cajoling I have to do for my knights with all the pranks you pull on them!? I couldn’t have One! Night! Where nothing happens!” Zelda finished with a stomp of her feet.
Silence followed as everyone took in her words. Shadow held onto the scarf she threw and dumbly stared at her in shock. Zelda spent the next moments taking in their surprised looks at her outburst. Then she realized everything she said and she never felt her stomach drop so quickly. She took a few steps back in a panic.
“I- I’m sorry. That was terribly immature of me. I shouldn’t have been so crass.”
“Perhaps, we should all take a break here.” Captain Banzetta cut in, stepping between herself and Shadow, who was only staring at her. “We’ve all had a stressful night.”
“Zelda….?” Red reached out to hold her comfortingly.
“I’m sorry.” She closed her eyes in shame.
“Hey, it's okay. Don’t apologize…”
“If anything, this loser should be the one apologizing.” Blue pointed to Shadow who finally snapped out of his shock at being addressed.
“Hey!”
“It's true!”
“She’s right.” Green held onto Shadow's ear to pull him forward.
“Ow, ow, ow!” Shadow yelped.
Green rolled his eyes. “Honestly you gave us all a scare tonight! You don’t have to get along with Dad, but don’t make Zelda cry alright? She already worries about all of us enough.”
“Ugh, fine! Shadow waved Green's hand off in a frustrated huff and turned to Zelda. “I’m…sorry I guess. You were only trying to help. “
“Ah… thank you,” Zelda replied shyly. Her outburst was a little embarrassing, but she felt warm to have her concerns acknowledged.
“And um.” Shadow turned to the Captain, “Thank you. For the scarf. If I knew a crazy evil dark spirit was gonna come after me if I didn't take your stupid scarf I definitely wouldn’t have done that.
“I would find it concerning if you did.” Captain Banzetta gave a wry smile.
Shadow scoffed. “And… that’s it, I'm done. I'm genuinely gonna puke if I have to say anything else.”
“Ewwww, don’t do that!” Green held his hands up and took a step back.
Captain Banzetta laughed, “I appreciate the honesty there.”
“As glad as I am to have this all be over,” Red looked onto the bonfire and the scattered remains of his and Green’s cake, “Did our cake have to be a casualty?”
Blue quickly elbowed Red in the side in response. “Ow!!”
“Don't complain! That creature would have gotten away otherwise! We couldn’t keep up with it.”
“We can always make another one..?” Green said.
“Yeesh, okay…I guess that’s true.” Red rubbed their side in dismay. “I guess our cake died a noble death at least. “
“Think of the positives.” Captain Banzetta chimed in.
“Right,” Vio replied.
Zelda let out a tired sigh, glad that things were finally dying down.
“You’ve gotta be tired from all that action. I'll carry you back inside!” In a flash, Zelda was in Green’s arms.
“Oh! Thank you! You really don’t have to.”
“Hey, no fair! I should be the one to carry her!” Blue puffed up.
“What! Why!?” Green spluttered.
“Cause I'm the stronger one, duh!”
“No, you’re not!”
“You definitely aren't,” Vio replied.
“Yeah…no.” Shadow rebuffed.
“Says who!?” Red cried.
“Shut up you guys! I am too! And ‘sides, don’t you have a cake mess to clean up?” Blue smiled smugly.
“That- well! Shut up!”
Captain Banzetta sighed. “Boys….I’ll get someone to clean it up, you six head on back. I’m sure her Highness wants her rest after such an ordeal.”
They didn’t have to be told twice and the six of them made their way back. For Zelda, exhaustion quickly began to ebb in after such a hectic night. The familiar, easy banter of Red, Blue, Green, Vio, and Shadow was easy to listen to as she slowly drifted to sleep in Green’s arms. All she could think of as sleep began to take her, was a relief in knowing everyone was safe and sound. No matter what troubles face them all in the future they can face them together, Zelda is sure of it.