It was another beautiful day in the world. The bright sunshine streaming down through the clouds and the light breeze blowing across the rolling green hills worked in perfect harmony with one another to keep the day pleasantly cool. It was a perfect day for working outside.

It was really lucky for Linkle, because even in these conditions she was working up a sweat.

She lugged a giant bag of bird feed over her shoulder, a thing nearly as big as she was, careful to shuffle her feet so she didn't step on any member of the boiling mass of white feathers happily cukooing around her legs and nipping at the cuffs of her overalls. A few of the more ingenious birds fluttered up from the multitude and took more commanding waiting spots on her arms, shoulders, head, or right up on top of the bag itself. The ones sitting on her shuffled, preened, and sometimes jockeyed for position with spirited challengers and whenever they moved their feathers ticked her arms and neck making it all the harder to haul the massive feed bag.

And yet, despite this whole thing resembling a sisyphean task from hell it was impossible to disregard the smile on the girls face. No matter how hard it was the work was satisfying, because she was doing it for those that clearly loved her.

She finally took her final shuffling step to the very center of the vast, fenced off paddock behind her house. "O-okay, you all have to move. Move. Move move movemovemovemove!"

They fluttered out from under the bag as Linkle bent her knees and laid the bag on the ground, wiping the sweat from her brow and feeling hundreds of little expectant eyes on her as she undid the rope around the top keeping the feed from spilling out. She smugly stared them down and slowly reached her hand into the bag just to see them all lean in as one. Then she took a handful and whipped a scattering of feed into the horde. They exploded into activity, bending down to greedily snap up any food that landed near them. The cucco's on the other side started cuccooing in protest and she threw the next handful to them.

"Liiiiiinkle!" Came a call from a warm, crinkly voice like the brittle skin of a freshly baked biscuit. "Linkle dear. Come and get lunch while it's hot."

Linkle looked up and across the enclosure, her eyes landing on a small, wizened figure standing beside the back door to their modest little house. It was an old woman, with deeply tanned skin and a face with more wrinkles than an old potatoe. Her hair was a dirty white, still holding onto the barest traces of the wheat blond coloring it used to have, and swept upward at the back so it sort of resembled a turnip. Her eyes were small, beady, and black just like a cucco's. She seemed to have shrunk with age, as Linkle remembered the woman towering over her when she was younger but she now barely came up to Linkle's waist. She held herself with the confidence and vigor of a woman forty years her younger, and there wasn't any doubt in Linkle's mind that if she could she would have gladly hauled that giant bag out here to do this work herself. That was the sort of woman Linkle's grandmother was.

She didn't know why, but seeing her caused something in Linkle to just freeze. It wasn't so much that she couldn't move. It was more like she was in the presence of some rare animal, watching it out of the corner of her eye, and she as terrified that any sort of movement on her part would cause the thing to take flight and disappear into the clouds never to be seen again.

Unfortunately, she'd been mid throw when this fear had gripped her, and an impatient cucco leaped up on her arm and started to try and pry her hand open to get at the food within. Linkle yelped, dropping the feed and the cuckoo with it, and looked down rubbing her hand. "Ralph, come on! Seriously?"

The cucco ignored her, pecking up the food she had dropped. Menacingly. The old woman started laughing. "What did I always tell you, dearie? They're more dangerous than any Wolfos if you're standing between them and a meal."

Linkle rubbed at the scratches on her hand. Whatever spell she'd been under had been broken, and everything was as it should be again. Besides, the old woman's good humor was infectious and she couldn't help be laugh along with her.

Grandma tilted her head to the door. "C'mon now. They'll make short work of that bag if you leave them to it."

"We'll have to get another bag." Linkle said, despite making her way toward that back door. The cucco's were already creeping up on it like it was a wounded animal.

"We can afford another bag, but it's not often we get mushrooms like this." Grandma called, turning to walk back inside. 'Treats like this are best enjoyed hot." As Linkle got closer she could start to smell it. That beetle loving merchant had come around this morning, selling these red capped mushrooms with white spots that didn't grow anywhere around here. The smell of those mushrooms where mixed with some kind of high quality beef. Grandma had made skewers. She felt the drool settling in her mouth as she picked up the pace.

---

The inside of their home was modest. Some would say small, but They preferred to think of it as cosy. Most of the money they got from selling eggs went right back into feeding the cucco's and themselves. About the only expensive things in the home where the pair of crossbows that leaned against the Grandma's bed, a pair of relics from her grandmothers old dungeon exploring days. The compass hanging around Linkle's neck was another prize dug up from inside a dungeon. The old woman had intended to pass it in to her son, but...well...he wasn't around anymore.

As Linkle and her grandmother ate the invigorating mushroom skewers the other occupant of the room picked away at her own food that had been set aside in a bowl by the table. Ol' Hylia, who was both a cucco and probably a form of blasphemy, got to eat in the house for two reason. The first was sentimental, she was the first cucco Grandma had bought when she started this farm and was the grandmother herself of a good number of the batch outside. The other was practical, because Ol' Hylia was made of solid gold.

Hylia finished off her food just as Linkle devoured the last of the skewers, walking over and sitting contentedly next to her chair as Linkle leaned back and let out a loud sigh of satisfaction. It felt like forever since she'd had any of her grandmothers home cooking.

"Don't go looking so finished, Linkle." Her Grandmother said, slyly lifting a carton up from under the table. Linkle leaned forward, spotting on the side the distinctive cow logo of the Lon Lon Ranch on the side as Grandma opened it up. Inside was a plain white substance that gave off a chilly mist when exposed to the air.

"What is that?" She asked, reaching out to touch it with her finger.

Grandma pulled it back before she could, talking a spoon and scooping a little out. "Just a little something else I got from that Beedle boy." She turned the spoon around and handed it to her granddaughter. "Lon Lon Ranch started making it a little while ago, he said. One of the finer things to come about after The Worlds Became As One."

Linkle took the spoon and curiously place the cold stuff in her mouth. The effect was instant and rapturous as the sweetness of the treat as it melted on her tongue nearly made her melt into her chair. It was just about...no, the greatest thing she had ever tasted even including when they went out to eat at Mina's. She flicked the spoon out of her mouth and reached reached out for another taste when a sudden light drew her attention. She looked down as the compass around her neck glowed and shuttered.

"Oh!" Linkle said, standing hastily pushing herself up from the table. She looked across the table at her Grandmother, her eyes flicking down to the treat the old woman was now helping herself to a bit of. "I've gotta-"

'I know, I know," her grandmother reassured. "You can't keep the princesses waiting. Go on."

Linkle nodded, backing up from the table and raising her left hand to her breast. A single triangle flared to life on the back of her hand, shining into clear golden focus even through her work glove. The glow of its divine light overtook the entire room, and when it dimmed Linkle's normal work clothes had been magically replaced with her heroic attire. She pulled up her green hood and grabbed the crossbows off the wall. At her feet Ol' Hylia kept pace with her as she slotted them into her boots and hoped up on the arm Linkle helpfully outstretched for her before heading to the door. "I'll be back soon." She said as she threw the door open.

She paused in the doorway, one foot into the street. Something held her there, compelling her to look back. Her Grandmother was just getting up, presumably to go and put up the treat so it didn't melt, but stopped when she felt Linkle's eyes on her. She must have seen something in her expression, because she set the carton on the table and approached. "Linkle. Is something wrong, dear?"

"I'm...not sure." She said. That feeling from before had come rushing back into the out of her stomach. It was as though if she left this cottage would blow away in the gentle breeze and she would never see it again. "Are you going to be okay while I'm gone?"

"Of course I am," said the old woman, shaking her head as though Linkle was being silly. She walked up and smiled warmly as she took the girls hand. "What's gotten into you, girl? It ain't like you to get cold feet."

This small contact was to much for Linkle. She leaned down, taking a knee to wrap the old woman in her arms and pull her close. There was an exhale of surprise form her, but she quickly returned the gesture. "I love you." Linkle said.

"I love you to." Her grandmother replied, letting Linkle have as much time as she needed before pulling away and looking her in the eye. "Now, to your duty little hero. And with a smile, huh? Nothing is more despairing than a heroes frown."

Linkle nodded, breaking out into a wide smile, before pulling herself back up. She turned around and, with one last look back, stepped out into the streets of Lumbridge.

The street was busy, people coming to and fro from the various shops that lined the quaint town lanes. She could hear the distinctive steps and clash of swords from the training yard, and as she looked over she could plainly see Gran and Euden precariously standing at the tops of high poles artfully parrying one another's strikes. Below them she knew the seasoned Geralt would be looking on to make sure their form was perfect. As she went she passed the Cadet hauling in a big pack of monster parts toward the local blacksmith, and once she was safely outside the gate she could spot Ryu on a distant hill sparring with grandmaster Donovan Lee. Gene the wanderer observed them, but he seemed much more interested in the blue haired haired girl that had also sat down to watch the masters go at it.

Lumbridge was somehow as cozy and familiar as a small town yet more exciting than any big city. She supposed that was to be expected, seeing as this was a land where some new monster to slay or temple to explore sprung up every night. Sometimes she missed Hyrule proper, but every now and then Hyrule would show up around here and her and Grandma would go out and picnic while soaking in the nostalgia of a time before The Worlds Became As One.

This place was perfect for someone like her. She didn't know why she should even want to leave, if not to answer the call of the rulers of this new world.

Ol' Hylia had remained perched on her arm through all of this, but now that they were outside the city gates she felt the Triforce of Courage flare up again. She threw the old cucco into the air as light poured forth from it. It began to change shape, growing larger, elongating its neck and legs, its feathers becoming more radiant and fluffier. When she landed she was no longer some small gold cucco, but a magnificent golden Chochobo.

Linkle took a running start, leaping upon Ol' Hylia's back. The chochobo reared up, let out a majestic "kweeee!" Then she leaned forward, spread out her wings, and broke into a lightning fast run down the road.

The greenery soon gave way to the dusty road on the way to Hammerhead. She waved at the owner as the garage rushed passed her and she headed out into the desert itself. She zoomed past a giant truck sitting on the side if the road surrounded by several smaller cars. The trucks grim owner stood beside Jak as they boggled how they were going to change a tire that gigantic while their marauder buddies played a spirited game of touch football. Jak's talkative pet sat to the side with Roadhog and his lanky friend, and as Linkle flew past she could just catch a snippet of him trying to convince them to place a bet on the winner.

She left the dusty road behind her as the world became green again, and she could catch the spires of the castle sitting at the center of the world poking out over the last hill before she crested it and the full glory of the castle came into view. She headed down, passing by Junpei and Mina out for a relaxing stroll, her clinging to the chainmail arm of the smart blue uniform that marked him as one of the castle guards. They waved as she past, though the wind nearly made the boy lose his hat.

Down along the dirt path she went until she came to a stop in front of the stairs. She rushed up them, taking them two at a time before throwing herself against the big wooden door. It creaked open as she pushed and she was greeted with the sight of the castle antechamber, a long red carpet leading deeper into the castle. This must have been a serious time, as the archway leading to the council meeting chamber was flanked by the two greatest members of the Royal Guard. One was a boy not much older than her, who tensed up before seeing who it was barging in. He nodded silently at her, a look of relief on his face. The other, a older Sheikah woman, slowly opened up her eyes. Someone that didn't know her would think that Impa, personal bodyguard of Princess Zelda, wasn't taking her duties seriously but Linkle knew the woman had probably known about her approach from the moment she stepped on the grounds. Nothing got past Impa. Besides, when you had a sword that big there wasn't much that you had to worry about.

With a stern tilt of the head Impa told her to move along. Linkle returned the boys nod and took off down the hallway. There would be time for pleasantries later. She was about to enter the presence of the greatest authority in this new world.

The room was circular, with multiple tiers going up along the white stone walls. Plush red carpet led up the tiers of steps, upon which sat countless magnificent thrones which gleamed in the sunlight that streamed down from the stained glass mural that made up the chambers ceiling. On it was depicted the entire new world, stuttered with stars depicting each of the Kingdoms those who assembled here hailed from.

What an assembly it was! As she entered Linkle could see faces she recognized, people she'd helped or rescued at one time or another in her long career as the greatest hero in the land. The princess of Alcamoth, her face every mysterious behind her white mask. Two entirely different and yet exactly the same Princess Farah's occupied opposite ends of the room, both focussing on the center and trying not to think about the paradox that sat across from her. Timelines fusing together was just another strange thing to be gotten used to ever since The Worlds Became As One. There was Princess Gwealin, who she vividly remembered rescuing from a mighty dragon. She sat uncomfortably beside the rowdy Tsarevna Alena, who was even at this moment having a spirited punch up with her other neighbor, Sapphire Rhodonite. Evidently neither one wanted to let up on their training, especially if there was some danger to be faced. A row above them, all in a line, were seated the princesses of Cornelia, Fynn, Sasune, The Dwarves, Tycoon, Alexandria, Dalmasca, Tenebrae, and Ivalice. Near the bottom row, with a personal sweets laden table pulled up, the one that was only referred to (rather rudely, in Linkles personal opinion) as "Fat Princess" happily went about stuffing herself, occasionally sharing her bounty with her neighbor, Princess What's-Her-Name of Insectia. Above them sat the sickly and conniving Princess of the Red Rose, who had brought her entire gossip mongering royal court seemingly only to whisper, snicker, and make jokes at the pairs expense. This sort of behavior even seemed to tick off the "Real Queen of Evil," Princess Devilotte de Death Satan IX, who seemingly had to be talked down by her own loyal entourage from going over and beating up a bunch a children. Along the top row, by contrast, were only two figures. Across the entire row lounged the vast, bountiful form of the Princess of Sunlight. In her shadow, barely seen and never heard, was Dark Sun Gwyndolin whose legs of twisting serpents spilled over the ledge and onto Princess Elena, who glady allowed the serpents to coil around her arms for warmth while Gwyndolin tried to ignore this and maintain quiet dignity.

There were others, many other, that Linkle did not know personally. After all, the world was full of heros. She couldn't save every princess on the Council of Princesses, the body that connected all the great kingdoms of this new land in a effort to maintain the peace and prosperity that had come about when The Worlds Became As One. Still, she knew that each was, in her own way, a shining light meant to guide this world into a new tomorrow.

None embodied this idea more than the four that stood in the center of the room. Princess Peach, the grand mediator and hostess that the others orbited like the sun, was in hushed conversation with three others; The dark, statuesque Princess of Twilight, The sleek and haughty Princess of the Zora, and the wise and resplendent Princess Zelda. Their conversation ended, however as Linkle stepped into the room. In fact, all conversation halted as she rushed up, dropped to one knee, and bowed her head to the four of them. "My apologies for being late, you Majesties." she said. "I had too..."

She trailed off. She couldn't very well say she had to finish eating, could she? They wouldn't take that as an excuse.

Well, maybe Fat Princess...

Ruto rolled her eyes while Midna stifled a chuckle, and Princess Zelda stepped forward. She placed her hands under Linkles chin and lifted her head. "Late?" she asked. "You are always too hard on yourself, dear Hero. Please, stand. I would say you are right on time."

"Obedient to a fault." Midna said, shaking her head with a smile as Linkle rose. "We'll be blunt; a great darkness is threatening to engulf this land."

"The great fairy that maintains the order of the world has been...devoured." Ruto continued contemptuously. "Eaten by some unknown monster.

"The situation being what it is, we three anticipated your arrival." Zelda finished. "And so we have used our powers to unseal that which will aide you in slaying this dark beast." From behind her back Zelda produced something wrapped in cloth and handing it to Linkle. "We knew you would rush off alone as soon as you heard, but it is dangerous. Please, take this."

Linkle gently unwrapped the cloth, her eyes squinting as light glinted off its contents. She was mesmerized by its beautiful craftsmanship for a few long moments then, feeling the pressure of the room on her, wrapped it again and stowed it on her back.

"Go now, Hero of Legend, and put an end to this monster threatening the stability of our world." Zelda said, bowing her head. "All of our hopes now rest on you and the weapon you carry."

Linkle looked up, and found herself caught in a circle of eyes filled with great expectation. Despite the seriousness of the situation she felt a smile spread across her face. She spun around, holding the cloth wrapped weapon high above her head. "It would be my honor! Now, excuse me princesses!" she said, quickly bowing in all directions before straightening up and confidently turing to stride out of the room. "I have a monster to slay!"

She enjoyed the resulting cheer. It was still audible even as she hopped on Hylia and road off to the south, where he compass pointed her next.

---

She sped off, past the rumbling racetrack where rabbids raced robots round the rosies. It looked like there were a new challenged today, as a Kid in a hat overtook the reigning champion Clank, turning and smuging at the little robot as she rolled over the finish line. The audience went wild, the rabbits all screaming at once while the robot section of the onlookers fired their guns into the air in protest.

The excitement of the crowd disappeared into the background as she continued down the road, past an obstacle course that Hylia cleared with ease. On the other side the terrain was mostly the same, with the exception of the sky. She knew she must be getting close to the beast, because the sky became unnaturally dark.

There! Off in the distance! It hovered there, above the cliff at the edge of the world! A sickly off-white ball hung in the air, shining with a parody of light as rainbow energy rippled across it like oil on the surface of water. It gave off a sense of pure wrongness, like a thing that absolutely did not belong in the world.

She hopped off Hylia's back, giving the trembling old bird a quick pat on the side. She wouldn't dare bring her grandma's favorite pet any closer than she has to to that thing.

She pulled out her bows and began to climb the hill leading to the edge of the cliff. As she did the thing seemed to notice her hostile intent. It rippled angrily, strange holes opening and circling its body before settling on the front of it and rezolving into what looked like a face. It regarded her briefly, like a curious baby, then it smiled and the holes that made up its eyes expanded until they took up half its body. Out of them sprayed a multitude of shining projectiles in all directions. They lit up the darkness like fireworks, and Linkle had to weave in between while retuning fire of her own. A few of her bolts sank into the monsters oily hide, and seeming in
response the hole that had once been its eyes spit out a ring of shining balls. Linkle skidded to a stop as the balls let out a flash and shot toward her in streams of silver energy, the heat uncomfortable even as it passed her.

Clearly it was power that this greedy creature had stolen from the great fairy. After all, it was much to disgusting to use powers so grossly incandescent. Unperturbed she kept moving as the energy fizzled out. She only had one shot with the treasure the princesses had gifted her.

The monster, though, seemed to want to meet her too. It shot forward, forcing her to jump back as it slammed its mass into the ground where she had been. It seemed to have a little silent laugh as it started her down, then spikes erupted all over its body. These spikes shot out in all direction, boring into the landscape around them and barely leaving any space for Linkle to slip between them. She stepped on one, then another, using them as a staircase to boost herself upward into the air. One she was high enough she spun, her boot igniting as she delivered a flaming dive kick to the monsters face. The shock made it retract all its spikes, and it looked at her with slanted eyebrows of anger as she landed.

It shook itself, and from its mass emerged a clone of the monster. And another. And another. The four floated up above her.

"That's not fair! Cheater!" She shouted up at it as one of the four bounced off all the others to build up speed before shooting at her again. She dodge to the side, but as she did another one did the spike thing again and she had to twist in the air to avoid being impaled. She landed badly, rolling on her side, as another shot forward. The three holes of its face combined, opening up to reveal a maw of darkness with one solitary eye floating inside. The eye surged with energy, charging up for some kind of attack that she wouldn't have the chance to dodge as she scrambled to her feet.

It fired just as she got to her feet, a massive laser that took up her entire field of view. Just when it was about to overtake her, however, a small shadow suddenly swooped in front of her. It extended a single arm, the arm flipping over to reveal what looked like a hidden gun, and met the creatures blast with a blue beam of its own. The two beams collided, struggling against one another, before Linkle added her own hail of bolts to the contest. They sank like mud into the skin of the thing, and whether weakened or just distracted it was enough to give the short guy the advantage. He piled on the efforts, forcing the beam all the way back into the creature and leaving it dazed in the middle of a massive explosion.

She could see her savior clearly now, a wooden puppet whose blue cloak fluttered in the after shock. He turned to her, crossed his arms and nodded in her direction.

Just then a gaunt man with a skull like face flew over her head, brining two scythe down on the stunned creature. He hacked and slashed at its putrid flesh before com binding his weapons into one and throwing it like a buzzsaw into its face. The weapon cut deep as another hero stepped into the fray, a big eared cat creature, who slammed his wrench into the scyth along with the skull faced man. The combined force sent the monster flying back, colliding with one of its brethren and recombing.

Another was having its own hard time. It's face rotated into long oblong holes, spitting spinning pink blades of energy that bit into its opponent and cut bloody chunks from him. However the man in black did not let up in his attack in the slightest, raking his saw toothed cleaver across its body. Which each cut the mans own wounds closed, but he also could not kill the monster. They were at a frustrating stalemate.

At least until a cry of "Audaces fortuna iuvat!" Resounded across the hill and the armor clad centurion charged in and punched the monster in the face. It backed up as the two started wailing on it, opening up into that inky darkness again to fire off its laser. This time, however, the Courier was there to snipe its eye. The power discharged early, sending the ball dealing back until it bumped up against the massive spiked hulk of Bowser.

Linkle wondered how the tyrant lizard king had gotten behind the things without her seeing as he guffawed at the dazed monster and opened up his mouth let loose a stream of fire at its hide. As he did so, one of the other monsters did something strange. It distorted, then hacked up two miniature versions of itself. One of these tiny things zipped down to between Bowder and the monster he was assailing, opening its own mouth wide. Wider than any of them had before. It began to suck, absorbing Bowsers fire breath, and the suction only got stronger as it opened up wider. In a few seconds it seemed as though the thing had turned itself completely inside out, becoming as all consuming hole of darkness so powerful even Bowser was having trouble resisting it.

Linkle felt like she had to do something. She rushed forward, spraying bolts at the line that had spawned the black holes, but the other half hole floated in front of her volley and inverted itself to absorb the attack. As it did so the dazed one regained its composer and shot out its blades again, the spinning projectiles raking across the assembled heroes and cutting deep gashes across their bodies.

These gashes were healed in moments, however, as Blazermate came out of the woodwork and focused her miraculous healing beam on them. This seemed to anger the black hole spawner, whose black holes faded as it slammed its bulk down at the heal bot. However, it made one fatal miscalculation.

Where you had a cute robot, Tora could not be far behind.

The mighty heropon leaped out from behind Blazermate, tanking the full force of its attack on his shield. It was a perfect deflection, throwing the thing off balance and causing it to expose its eye. There was the crack of gunfire as something slammed the exposed eye at supersonic speed, sending the monster reeling. It collided with its partner, merging back together.

From the top of a nearby hill Michael smiled and reloaded his sniper rifle.

With only two left, both still dazed from having been recombined, everyone piled on to the closer of the two. There was a flurry of punches, slashes, kicks, and shot. Even Din, who had been silently supporting everyone with her mysterious energizing dance moved into range and got a hit it with her staff. Then, with one last mighty haymaker Bowser sent the monster flying at its only remaining brother. As he did a being flickered into sight above the other one, drawing its sword in one swift motion and slamming it downward. The blobs hit in the middle of the air, rejoined into a singular monster, and hung there as the ninja landed grace full on the ground.

They all looked up, catching their breaths and sharing a moment of satisfaction. Except Linkle, who gazed at the faces around her. Tora seemed to notice this. He gave the girl a grin. "Linky-Linky not have to run off and do everything herself, Meh."

She nodded. She supposed he was right. Back home one hero had to do everything. But here, in this world overflowing with them, she was just the first among many. She didn't have to run all over the battlefield residing people, cleaning up problems and handling every crisis all on her lonesome. Not anymore.

But there was something only she could do. She stepped forward, unwrapping the gift Princess Zelda had given her. It gleamed even in this dark place, an arrow of purest silver. An arrow from the oldest legends with the power to slay even the greatest evil. She slotted the arrow into her crossbow, took careful aim, and fired at the monster.

It struck true, piercing the creature and continuing on upward until it was just a sparkle in the sky. The monster twitched, rippled, its face cycling through a cycle of different expressions, pain, despair, fear, anger, as light began to well up within it. Finally, hauntingly, it seemed to settle on joy as it expanded then popped like a balloon.

What was left behind was light. A light that banished all the unnatural darkness infecting this land and bringing back its natural beauty, and inside that light a pure, radiant being that descended from on high.

The Great Fairy of Light. The one responsible for creating this beautiful new world, where peace reigned and adventure was around every corner. She alighted on the ground as in front of the heroes, beckoning them forward with a warm smile.

They obeyed. As one they stepped forward and basked in the divine light...

A Hunter's Heart Event

Thunk. Thunk. Thunk!

Arrows whizzed through the air, finding their home sunk deep into the wood of painted targets. The archery range in Lumbridge was usually busy, but during tournaments it was particularly bustling. Just such a tournament was currently being held within the Ace Cadet’s dreamscape, himself a finalist alongside two other young men. One of the competitors, a blonde commonly seen around the village had just finished shooting, and though he said nothing he gave the Cadet and the other finalist a good-natured smile.

”Pretty good,” the Cadet admitted with a grin. He nodded to the other men as the colossi slayer stepped up to take his turn. There were whistles and cheers from the crowd gathered to watch, plenty of food to eat as the competitors awaited their turns, and it was a beautiful day. What more could one ask for?

As the hunter awaited his go at the targets, weighing his skill against the others and looking over the impressive medal for the winner, he thought, what a nice dream this is!

A dream, yes. There were times when one couldn’t tell a dream from reality while asleep, but there were others when the dreamer was well aware that the fantasy they were living in was too good to be true. Now was such a time for Cadet, who’d always been pretty good at telling. After all, he’d since left Lumbridge with the heroic group he’d been accepted into, and usually when his dreams were coherent they were of completely unfamiliar places, or extremely familiar ones. The town of Lumbridge was neither, but it was a pleasant dream so far, so the Cadet let himself enjoy it.

He could feel the warm sunlight on his skin as the thunk thunk thunk of Wander’s arrows wedged themselves closely around the bullseye. The crowd cheered and the hunter let out an impressed whistle. The other red head and Link were fierce competition!

The audience’s cries turned from congratulatory into encouragement as the red head hunter stepped up onto the platform. His own massive bow made of glimmering green rathian scales was at his side. He gave the crowd a little wave before he raised the bow to take aim. Before he even fired he knew he would win, because that was the nature of the dream… but damn if it didn’t still feel good.

The crowd rose up and screamed in delight as all three of the Cadet’s arrows sunk themselves into the bullseye, splitting each other apart. Ace Cadet was skilled, it was possible he may have won such a competition on his own merit, and that thought kept any feelings of guilt from his mind as he reveled in victory.

“Congratulations!”

“Nice job!”

“I’ve always been a fan!”

Cadet let the voices wash over him and he responded in kind, swiveling and bowing in the direction of the audience. An elderly tortoise, the one who enjoyed putting on these events, waddled up to the winner with a bouquet and medal in hand.

”Good job, whippersnapper!” he chuckled, handing over the first place prizes.

”Aw, thanks oldtimer!” Cadet laughed, taking ribbing in stride. Cheers followed as he made his way from the range. He had a plan in mind that he wanted to put into action.

The room he’d had at one of the local inns still remained in his dream, though on the inside it was a lot nicer than he remembered. Cadet set the bouquet down on a table before tossing the medal onto the bed and dropping himself down beside it. Phew. He laid sprawled out on the bed for a few minutes thinking. Should I change out of my armor? Do I even own any nice clothes? The armor makes me look tough though - well, even tougher than I already am. Hmmm… ah, screw it.

He sprang up to get going only to come face to face with a little flying kid. Cadet startled and fell backwards, landing back on the cushy mattress. He hadn’t expected a visitor at all.

”Oh my Wrog, dude! You know this is a private room, right?”

The little angel giggled. ”No need worry! My name is Angelo! I came ‘cause you spun three of the same number in a row!”

”...uh, what?”

”You~~ oh wait, hold on,” Angelo dug a small parchment out of his robe before continuing, ”sorry, you hit the same space three times in a row. Now I’m here to give you an item!”

”Oh. Thanks?” Cadet stood again, rubbing the back of his neck as Angelo swung his little wand around.

”Ta-daaaaaa~!” with a flourish and a poof of white smoke, a delicate blue feather appeared. It floated gently down into Angelo’s hand, and the sprite presented it cheerfully to Ace Cadet. ”Here ya go!”

The Cadet took it, turning it over to inspect it. From what he could see, it was just a normal feather. Pretty, sure. A single feather couldn’t really be all the useful though.

”What is it?” he asked, and the angel giggled again.

”A Blue Feather, duh. Try giving it to someone you like!”

The Cadet’s head snapped up, a light blush on his cheeks, but the angel disappeared in a puff of smoke. How did he know I was…? The hunter looked back down at the feather in his hand. He tucked it away safely in his leathers, deciding to leave his armor on he headed for the door, exiting the room with a singular goal in mind.

...then immediately reentered and grabbed the colorful bouquet. ”Can’t forget this!”

Flowers in hand, the Cadet made his way toward the Guild Hall. Unsurprisingly, he was looking for a date with the Guildmarm. He patiently waited outside for the object of his affections’ shift to end. She did the bulk of work at the Guild Hall, but even she took the night off sometimes. Eventually the marm appeared, hurrying outside for a chance to unwind, and the Cadet swooped in presenting her with the bouquet.

”Hello beautiful,” he said with a suave smile. Usually at this point she would brush him off and head home alone, but today in this wonderful dream she paused and returned his smile. The sight made his heart leap, and for the moment he forgot this wasn’t real.

”Thank you, they’re lovely,” the Guildmarm sighed. She held the flowers up to her face and sniffed them. Her smile remained on her face as she turned her eyes back toward the Cadet. ”Where are you off to now?”

”Actually I was hoping you’d, um, join me for something to eat?”

Real smooth, Ace Cadet inwardly winced, but to his joy the woman before him smiled even wider and nodded.

”What, no large monster hunts this time? Well, I’d be happy to.”

”Great!” Cadet exclaimed, taking the Guildmarm’s hands in his. She let out a surprised laugh, shifting the bouquet into the crook of her arm. ”Let’s go!”

The pair made their way to one of the several eateries in town, a rowdy establishment but with sweets good enough to sate both of their sweet tooths. Inside, people pit their little pets against each other. It made for nice entertainment as the pair ordered and sat down at a little tablet against the wall.

They sat in silence for the first few minutes, enjoying the food and the battles, and though the Cadet was itching to say something he didn’t want to ruin the moment. Earlier in the day, he’d had complete control over his dream, but the shock of the Guildmarm actually reciprocating his feelings had taken over his thoughts, and he fell hard into the illusion.

”What is it?” the Guildmarm asked, tucking her dark hair behind her ear. She fidgeted under the Cadet’s stare and he smiled at her cheekily. ”Just thinkin’ about how cute you are.”

”Hey,” she warned, but even the cup she brought to her lips couldn’t hide her smile. The Cadet chuckled and leaned back in his chair.

”I’m just… surprised you agreed to come. I’m really glad.”

”I’m glad I came too,” his date replied, setting the glass down and gazing at the Cadet. ”You’re a cool guy, I know I haven’t… always treated you well, but recently I’ve been seeing you in a new light.”

”Ah, this is too good to be true,” the hunter sighed, and a chuckle from across the table made him flush. ”Uh, I didn’t say that outloud did I?”

The pair continued their chat, and every kind word from the Guildmarm made the Cadet’s heart flutter. As the hour got later, he thought about the feather tucked away in his armor. Without a second thought he pulled it out, and when the marm’s eyes landed on it they sparkled.

”Oh, it’s so beautiful!”

”It’s for you! Beautiful feather for a beautiful lady.”

He held the feather out and the Guildmarm took it, her smile gentle as she twirled it between her fingers. With her other hand she reached out and took the Cadet’s, lacing their fingers together. They smiled at each other, and a thought came to Ace Cadet’s mind, that if this was a dream he didn’t want to wake up from it.

Geralt awoke with a start as his body landed hard on the ground, letting out a pained groan as his eyes opened to the unwelcome sight of a swirling portal above him. “Wha?” He let out before pushing off the floor and looking around, his surroundings oddly familiar to him. “Wait, is this…”

“Kaer Morhen? Yes, Geralt, how observant of you to recognize your home for how many years?” The familiar voice of Yennefer answered sarcastically.

“Ugh. Hell of a wake-up, Yennefer. Couldn’t have put the portal over a bed? A pile of straw? Eskel, even?” Geralt joked.

“No, Geralt, given that Eskel hasn’t been seen around here since the Wild Hunt attacked and…” Yennefer trailed off, and Geralt detected a touch of sadness, maybe even remorse.

“You mean Vesemir.” He finished for her. “Speaking of, how’s Ciri doing? She around?” At the question, Yennefer’s spirits brightened noticeably.

“I believe you mean Her Majesty Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon.” Geralt rolled his eyes at her snark.

“Ah, yes, how could I have possibly made such a disrespectful mistake? Yennefer, I didn’t even give her father that much respect. And I practically raised the girl, I’m not going to call her ten different names.” He complained.

Yennefer rolled her eyes in response. “I’m just saying that you need a touch more…refinement…when it comes to the upper echelons of society. Sorceresses don’t get by on just snark.” She only got a blank look from Geralt.

“Could’ve fooled me.” Looking around the room for the first time since he’d awakened, Geralt frowned. “But why Kaer Morhen, anyway? We’ve avoided this place since Vesemir died.” The look Yennefer gave him was hardly a kind one.

“Because, Geralt, despite your…reasons….for not wanting to be here, Kaer Morhen is still easily defensible, it has quite a lot of open space, and I needed us to have…privacy.” That piqued Geralt’s interest.

“Oh? Whatever would we need privacy for?” He asked, stepping closer to his beloved.

“Something involving…a unicorn.” Yennefer replied, a smolder in her voice. “After you bathe.” Turning away suddenly and grabbing a towel, she tossed it harshly at the Witcher, wrinkling her face. “You smell absolutely horrendous. Whatever have you been doing while you were gone? Actually, on second thought…I don’t want to know. I’ll just assume you were fighting some dreadful sea beast.”

“That….is actually exactly what happened. Wait, how long was I gone?” Geralt asked, ignoring the comment about his stench. He knew he wasn’t exactly the most pleasant-smelling Witcher out there.

“After. You bathe.” Yennefer pointedly demanded. “I wasn’t joking, Geralt, it’s disgusting.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

“I must admit, it’s quite nice to not have some…grand adventure pulling us away from enjoying ourselves.” Yennefer sighed.

“Have to agree. No wake, no Trial of the Grasses to prepare…no grand battle in the evening. We can actually relax for once.” Geralt agreed, sitting up in the bed.

“I noticed you’ve a few new scars. Must’ve been quite the place you ended up in.” Yennefer kissed his back, finger trailing along one of said new scars.

“I wound up in this place the locals called the ‘Land of Adventure.’ All sorts of folk were raring to go off and fight monsters and beasts for the local ‘guild’, they called it.” Geralt found himself recalling Lumbridge fondly, despite the short amount of time he’d spent there, looking forward to coming home. “They treated me like I was some sort of hero there. It was terrible, people would crowd me and ask me to sign paper for them, even bothered me when I was just trying to eat sometimes!”

“You were popular. How quaint. They must never have seen you angry.” Yennefer now had her arms around his chest, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Almost prefer folk scowling and crossing the street when they walk past.” Geralt mumbled. “It’d be less of a hassle to just ignore ‘em. Hard to get anything done when you’ve got a mob around you that you can’t fight past.”

Yennefer lifted her head off his shoulder and chuckled. “What a brute. You’d cut down your adoring fans?”

“Long as they left me alone afterwards.” Geralt sarcastically replied. “So…I was wondering how long I was gone before you interrupted me. Not that I minded.” Yennefer chuckled again.

“Oh I’m sure you didn’t mind. You’ve not been gone overly long, only about three weeks. Ciri’s taken to her duties as Empress…but she was upset. When she came out of that tower, you were gone. She thought she’d killed you, Geralt. Avallac’h actually told her that you still lived, gave her hope…and then he left, too, back to his home. She was distraught, but the knowledge that you’d survived kept her going these past weeks. Emhyr’s already abdicated. She’s officially the Empress of the Nilfgaardian Empire.”

Geralt shook his head and turned to Yennefer in shock. “I…didn’t think you were serious. I’m gone three weeks and she’s taken over Nilfgaard?” He sighed. “I guess it’s better her than Emhyr, though…”

“I’m going to miss her, too, Geralt.” Yennefer sounded sad as she tried to comfort Geralt, who sighed.

“I just wish I’d been there to see her off. Would’ve been nice…” Yennefer hugged Geralt around his chest.

“If you must, you can see her at any time, you know. She’s not too busy for her father figure.” Kissing the side of his head, Yennefer climbed out of the bed and began putting on her clothes. “I unfortunately do have some matters to attend to, however. Eskel was right about one thing when we were here: this place is in serious disrepair. I know you all decided not to stick around, but there is an abundance of information that I could study in this place. I simply couldn’t leave it behind.”

Geralt stood, more than a little displeased. “I hope you don’t mean anything to do with the Trial of the Grasses.” Yennefer, for her part, scoffed.

“We destroyed those notes, Geralt, and even I’d not put a child through what you went through. I sometimes wish you didn’t have so low an opinion of me.” His face softened, and he stepped forward to embrace her.

“Yennefer, I love you. But you’re not the kindest person at times. I know I’m no saint myself, but I need to be sure no more Witchers are ever made. It’s evil.” It was a bit surprised when Yennefer embraced him back, to be sure, but Geralt smiled against her neck before they separated. “I trust you, though. If you say that’s not what it’s for, then I’ll believe you.”

“Thank you, Geralt. It’s actually your potions. I’ve been thinking of ways to dilute them, make them suitable for human consumption. As it is, your…Swallow, was it? Is a lethal poison to anybody but a Witcher. But if we could manage to make them less concentrated….”

_______________________________________________________________________________________

It had been a week since Geralt had awakened at Kaer Morhen, a week of research, collecting alchemical ingredients, and debauchery, before Yennefer asked Geralt if he’d like to leave to see Ciri. “Of course I want to see her, Yennefer. But she’s the Empress, we can’t just stroll into the palace and demand an audience.”

“Whyever not, Geralt? We’re practically her parents, and I happen to be a well-known and respected Sorceress. Any guard would be a fool to stand in our way.” Geralt shook his head.

“Rather not cause a diplomatic incident, Yennefer.” On seeing his face, the Sorceress smirked.

“Geralt, have you been putting off seeing your beloved Cirilla because you don’t want to get dressed up again? You look just…positively dashing in formal wear, you know.” Yennefer ran a hand down his chest, removing it just a little too high for his liking.

“It’s not that, if she has important things to do, we shouldn’t be bothering her.” Yennefer wasn’t buying it.

“Nonsense, Geralt, I doubt we’d ever be a bother to the girl. How many monsters and people did you fight through to rescue her? She was ecstatic to see you when she woke up!” The Witcher could only sigh in response.

“I don’t want to wake up.” He admitted.

“What?” Yennefer stepped back, aghast.

“I don’t want to wake up and go back to that place. This past week has been wonderful, but my signs don’t work. Only Igni and Quen. Only the ones I had when I went back to sleep in that weird world. My senses are still a little dulled. That’s not to mention the other little things you got wrong.” Yennefer’s features flickered for a moment, only to seemingly settle on an even more beautiful version of herself.

“I’ve no idea what you mean. I’m a Sorceress, Geralt, I’ve never lied to you about the…help I’ve given myself in the appearance department. We can’t all be blessed to age as slowly as you do.” She joked, stepping back in to caress his face. “If you’d rather stay here, it’s no problem. We can see Ciri another time.”

Geralt stood his ground, however. “I’m sorry, whoever…whatever you are. I need to wake up. I need to find them. Wherever they really are, not in this dream.”

Yennefer sighed, and the gentle caress on his face turned to a burning pain as Geralt’s flesh bubbled. Stumbling backwards, Geralt used his Igni sign, causing Yennefer to disappear as the flames carried on through her. As she disappeared, so did the pain in Geralt’s face, along with the bedroom and the castle surrounding them.

Geralt found himself stranded in a void of pitch blackness.

’Embrace the Dream, Geralt of Rivia. You can have whatever it is you wish, as long as you submit. Give up your fight, and you will have your greatest desires.’ A voice called out to Geralt from everywhere at once, surrounding him yet not overwhelming his senses.

“I want to go home. Not to be toyed with by some monster with psychic powers.” Geralt challenged the omnipresent voice.

’Monster? I’m hurt. I merely brought these disparate lands together for the sake of peace. You all fought so desperately, so savagely. Then we came. We returned you to your original forms, where you could remain free from pain, free from suffering.’

“Not buying it. Tyrants usually claim they’re doing the best for their people.” Geralt crossed his arms, glaring out into the nothingness before him.

’You’ll die.’

“Fought death every day for 90 years, beast. Still around.”

’There’s no guarantee you’ll be happy.’

“I won’t be happy here.”

You’ve no intent to surrender.’ It wasn’t a question.

“Never.”

Pain radiated through his body. “NEVER!” Geralt shouted, body curling in on itself. After a moment, the pain was gone.

Geralt awoke with a start as his body landed on the ground, and a gust of breath was forced out of his lungs. A reluctant look at the ceiling revealed the unpleasant, but somewhat familiar, sight of his room in Lumbridge.

He sat up. “Dammit. Wonder what that was about.” He didn’t say he wondered if that really was just a dream, or something…more.

He didn’t want to think about that. Just find a way home. Eventually.

The snow fell heavily in Elwynn Forest that night. But the small hamlet of Goldshire, located a short ride by Gryphon from the mighty walls of Stormwind, was warm and prosperous as the stars shone in the sky and the cold winter air tried and failed to breach the Lion’s Pride Inn.

Tonight, the town was merry. Because tonight was the night of not a mere ceasefire, but the signing of a peace treaty that ended the Alliance-Horde conflict. Tonight, orcs and Forsaken could relax alongside humans and night elves.

And for those who a certain monk picked as his companions, that meant one thing.

Donnie gripped his tankard tightly as he looked across the long table he had reserved, taking in the faces of all of the people present.

There was Tokala Mountainwater, the Tauren shaman who had worked with him for many years. He was known for his patience and ability to curry favor with elemental spirits even easier than most shamans. He looked at Donnie with his normal calm, perhaps helped by the fact that he was on his tenth glass owing to his massive size.

Next to him was the Blood Elven warlock known as Tervumir Violetkind, who had frankly always felt somewhat out-of-place among his boisterous cross-faction guild, and would normally be in his study poring over a demonic or arcane text right about now, but he had insisted on accompanying them this time: He didn’t want to miss this for the world, he said. Unfortunately, he had dramatically overestimated his willingness to party and was already looking quite uncomfortable.

Then there was Aenren Silentwing, a Void Elven Huntress and the guild’s resident tracker, markswoman and beastmaster. If there was something you wanted found and full of arrows, she was your girl. She was also a total lightweight, and looked like she was barely conscious of her surroundings at the moment.

And that was just a few of those who had gathered here today.

The Peaceblades were a guild that Donnie formed as a refuge from those who wanted an out from the constant war that had plagued the world. Not the wars for survival against lich kings, corrupted black dragons, and demonic hordes, but that damned Alliance-Horde conflict that had sowed distrust, bloodshed, and sorrow. Like any adventurer’s guild, the Peaceblades had an allegiance, but it was to Azeroth itself.

As such, this was a momentous day for all of them.

Donnie raised a glass, saying, “My friends, companions, and fellow adventurers from across Azeroth, I propose a toast. To peace. To cultural exchange. To the fact that we can feast together as equals in this inn for the first time in history. But most importantly of all…TO DRINKING THIS TAVERN DRY!”

A roar of approval went out from the tavern as a whole at that, and the drinking began in earnest.

The night was merry and raucous, as the barmaid kept up diligently with a record-breaking quantity of drink orders, delicious food was consumed by all, games were played, songs were sung, and Donnie won at least three impromptu Hearthstone tournaments.

By the end of it all, the monk and all of his guildmates were staggering out the door. Donnie, carrying a sleeping Aenren over his shoulder, managed to be sober enough to tell the Gryphon Master to get everyone a ride to Stormwind, and thankfully no-one fell off their gryphons. Also, no idiots tried to fly drunk, a first this time.

And with that, Donnie staggered into his original home. Sure, he had an excellent bed at the Temple of Five Dawns, but like hell was he going to try Zen Pilgrimage while completely shitfaced. Luckily, he had bought his original house back a few months ago.

And so, he collapsed into bed as the festivities continued throughout the city. He’d had enough for one night.

---

---

Name: Ren Amamiya, Joker

Game Origin: Persona 5

Personality: At first glance, Ren appears quiet and well-mannered, but this behavior is a profound ruse that hides the heart of a rebellious trickster. He is extremely resistant to rigid and dogmatic forms of control-based authority and order. He has received much criticism, insults, opposition and even death threats for his rebellious nature, whether it be his targets, school staff, or disapproving comments left on the Phantom Aficionado Website. However, despite all this, the Phantom Thieves have also received a good deal of support. He taunts his enemies, alike the original phantom thief, Arsene Lupin, and tends to be flamboyant at times (not to mention a bit of a show-off). Ren has a strong sense of justice, despite his infamous reputation. He's been noted to have a "gambler's spirit”, and has an assertive nature. despite being quiet, once he has made up his mind, Joker won't take no for an answer, and he possesses the courage and determination to take action, have a free heart, despite his social standing and how others view him. That he never stops choosing his own path. Though if one of his friends were in trouble, Joker would be more than willing to be reckless at times, as long as they end up safe. You can't really blame him for wanting to help his friends out, despite teasing them once in a while.

Background: (A history, a few sentences minimum, of where the character came from and what you were doing prior to the events of the World of Light. Galeem might have attacked at any point in your character's story, and his attack stretched across the dimensions, potentially reaching characters that are canonically dead)

Specialty: Leader/Trickster

Level: 1

Experience: 0/10

Powers:


Strengths:

Weaknesses: Despite all this, Joker's still human, not to mention a teen. He can't afford to be defeated in battle if it puts his team in danger, especially since he's, in a way, weak without the bonds he makes with his confidants. Even Arsene is weak against Ice and Bless attacks, thus affecting Joker as well.

Spirits:


Kindred Spirits:



Inventory:

The survivors have fortified the Main Hall, the East and West Offices, the Library, and the Press Room. The East Office, with its windows facing the front of the station, is the primary defensive center that has what little equipment that remains, while the Press Room and Library are the civilian safe rooms. Additional fortified defensive positions include the Lounge, Watchman's Room, and Reception. The second floor's east side is more or less safe but not under lockdown, with the doors under scrutiny. The Garage and Basement are overrun, so the elevator is deactivated and the Watchman's Room is heavily fortified. The Observation Room is a makeshift treatment center for the wounded, while the presumed or confirmed to be infected are kept in the Art Room.