thread dump, botw au edition

[connike]

aka where two already stressed kids lose their memories and forget their destinies and loved ones

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[holdsherbreath]

[ Vero's been working hard to fit in - she sees it in the way that he carries himself around the other Champions, his endless efforts to support the princess and the conduit of power, and in the long training sessions he has with the Master Sword's chosen one. With that level of determination and dedication to their cause, to the betterment of the world, despite what he sees as his own shortcomings, how could she not admire him?

Even... fall for him?

Sakura quickly shakes those thoughts off and approaches with a kind but nervous smile. ] Vero? A- are you alright? [ you uh. kinda got your ass kicked by lyric. ]

[sickandtired]

[Vero's been working hard but he low key hates it. He won't ever stop because he knows this is for the good of the world and he would never leave Uriel's side in this, but its frustrates to no end how, day by day, it feels like he's barely making a dent in Zelda and the other Champion's and everyone's opinion of him.

He knows he's not supposed to be here. He knows he invited himself to this whole "saving the world" party because he refused to let Uriel go alone. He knows he has no special powers or some goddess given talent in something that will aide the other heroes. But, goddammit, he's trying to not be completely useless and the only one who even really acknowledges it is Sakura. Acknowledgement isn't even what he's looking for -- all he's looking for is... a little respect, maybe?

Sakura also clearly respects him. Sakura's a sweetheart, not only because of how she treats him. She's calming, cute, and very obviously working hard to do her best as well. He loves seeing her determination. And her compassion and patience with the others is envious sometimes. It all makes her one of Vero's favorite people to be around aside from Uriel, and he's honestly worried he's going to slowly turn her off with how much he complains sometimes.

So. How about he doesn't this time.]

Uh. [Yeah, he sure got his his ass kicked, though. It shows] I've been better -- but I've also been worse. I think that means I'm improving?

[hahahahahahahahhhhhhhh,,]

[holdsherbreath]

[ She hears doubt in his voice, and she wishes she were strong enough alone to chase those bad thoughts away. Show him how she sees him (a strong of both heart and mind warrior that will definitely make a difference) so maybe he can believe in himself more. But there's only so much she can do as one Zora - but, then again, there are some things that only she can do. ]

I- I think so, too. I only saw some of the fighting, but I think you did very well.

[ She steps closer to him still, hands glowing a familiar, warm blue. ] Um... May I?

[sickandtired]

[Urk.] If it's not too much trouble.

[And he knows what her reply will be, but still.] Yes, please.

[betterboy]

[ Seems the Champions weren't as dead as everyone assumed. Apparently all it took for the goddesses to pull them out of their graves was 100 years and for their spirits finally being released from the Divine Beasts because Leo, Sakura, Camilla, and Hinoka had all awoken again in their respective Beasts.

Or so Leo had learned from Zelda after returning to Hyrule Castle. Which he had returned to after many days of unsuccessful aimless wandering, looking for Lyric. His stubbornness finally gave out at some point and asking the princess where she was was his best bet.

Leo had assumed Lyric would still be off somewhere adventuring or whatever it is retired heroes do after their adventures but no. Turns out, Lyric had just returned to her home in Hateno. Kind of disappointing really. He'd have to give her some heat for that.

So there Leo is. At her door, knocking with the corner of his Sheikah slate. Hello Lyric, he's home now and very much alive again???]

[1yric]

[ After over a hundred years, Lyric's finally getting a goddamn break. Though it should be noted that it's one she didn't ask for herself - but once they finished surveying Hyrule to ensure its safety and stability, Zelda formally discharged her from service, and Vero all but shoved the keys to the place they bought (TOGETHER) in Hateno before hightailing it back to the desert to be with Uriel. So in Hateno she stayed, living a quiet life she didn't quite know how to handle, left alone to her own thoughts and devices.

In the loneliest of times, her thoughts turn to Leo, whom she forgot, remembered, then vanished in front of before she could even give him a proper goodbye. She loved him - loves him still, really, but the present tense feels silly when he's dead. Been dead for a hundred years. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but she thinks she's beginning to move on, albeit a bit slowly.

(The Great Eagle Bow and special Rito armor mounted on her wall, in perfect condition, tell a completely different story.)

She's slowly flipping through Leo's diary for what she tells herself is the last time when she hears the knock. Strange. Vero usually gives her at least a semblance of a warning before showing up, if only because of the work it takes to set up the spare bed for him and Uriel. So maybe it's one of the townsfolk, or even Zelda herself...

But who she sees when she opens the door is a Rito who shouldn't be familiar, but is. Because there's no way that this is Leo - she saw his spirit on top of Vah Medoh, heard him say himself that the Windblight Ganon stole his life. So there has to be another explanation for all this. An admirer, perhaps? Leo would surely be happy if people were emulating him even after his passing. Or she could just be exhausted and overthinking things. Surely Leo's not the only Rito with plumage and sharp eyes like the one standing at her doorstep.

Her hand tightens around the doorframe and she looks up at the Rito with a cautious yet curious eye. ] ... Can I help you?

[betterboy]

[The first thing he notices is the eyepatch which makes him squint; he doesn't remember that from the last time he saw her. And he had been a spirit then, not blind. But this is Lyric's house and the girl standing in front of him is definitely Lyric. Same height, same purple hair pulled into twin braids as always. Same grim expression that he remembers wanting to wipe off her face the first time they met. There's no mistaking her. His heart flutters but his feathers also ruffle.]

I don't think you can with that attitude. I thought you remembered everything. Or did manners slip through the cracks?

[1yric]

[ Lyric’s one eye widens in shock. That voice... there’s absolutely no mistaking it. Her heart pounds, heavy in her chest, as her mind begins to race and pieces that shouldn’t fit together begin to lock into place. A mere imitator couldn’t possibly mimic the cadence in his voice, let alone know that she once lacked memories. That wasn’t something she went around telling everyone who’d listen to her. And she’s sure the village elders wouldn’t run their mouths
about it either...

She wants to stop thinking and simply believe this bird. Bury in his feather and let her heart stop aching so much. But. ]

... Can you blame me? You- Leo told me he was dead. And now you’re here, with his face and voice.

[ Her lips purse, and she takes a deep breath. No getting too emotional... she has to stay calm and composed. ] If this is a joke, or some sort of trick, I don’t appreciate it.

[sickandtired]

[Well, it's time for Vero's weekly check-in with Lyric. Since the Calamity and after Lyric and Zelda had finished surveying Hyrule, Vero has made it a habit to contact Lyric via the Sheikah slate at least once a week. Sometimes more if he can tell she's feeling particularly antsy or lonely. (Or, worst case, he makes impromptu visits. Bless the convenience of the Slates transportation abilities).

Uriel's in the background doing whatever it is they do and, ring ring, pick up the Slate, babe.]

[1yric]

[ When Lyric picks up the call, Vero can instantly notice there's something different about her. Not in her physical appearance, but just... she's happy. The happiest she's been since reuniting with Zelda after their terribly long journey. It brightens her face and eye, and shows in how relaxed she seems on camera.

She looks briefly at something off-screen (Leo, up on the second floor of their little home in Hateno, already working on a new tunic if Lyric had to guess) before turning her attention back to Vero. ]

Hey. [ Goddess, she even sounds happy. ] How've you been?

[sickandtired]

[Lyric is happy. There's no way Vero could miss it when she's just beaming like she is. After all they've been through and all they've remembered about their pasts, Vero only wants her to be happy so to see this -- is a relief. It warms his heart - makes him happy. So happy. He can't help but grin, lopsided, at her when she picks up.]

I'm okay. Same ol' same ol'. [Being gross and domestic with Uriel, y'know. But, more importantly:] You, however, are looking radiant today; what's up?

[1yric]

[ Lyric knew she'd have to bring this up to him somehow - in her head, she's much more composed and has an eloquent explanation as to how the dead could come back to life and make himself right at home in her house, but in the moment all she has are her rosy cheeks and a warm smile. ]

You're not going to believe me when I say it. [ Goddess knows she hardly believed it, and she had the bird in question literally knock on her door. ] Leo's here. He's alive.

[obfuscous]

[ Every day is utterly exhausting. Pushing their mind and body to the limit for what - a chance to make a miracle happen? That maybe their presence will be enough to unlock a power the princess of Hyrule has already worked so hard to harness herself? It seems impossible.

But if Vero - the Hylian that's been with them since day one, left a comfortable life in the desert behind just to make sure they wouldn't be alone - believes in this, believes that he can somehow make a difference, then Uriel wants to, too. Maybe this ragtag group can be enough to save their land from Calamity Ganon.

First, though. Nursing their pounding headache. After a long training session with Zelda (and having little luck finding Vero), they find a nice tree to lay under and just close their eyes for a bit. Maybe that will do the trick... ]

[bolverkheiress]

[Camilla knows Uriel. She understands that she will never know them as well as Vero does (maybe no one will), but she thinks she has an okay grasp on their mindset and how this Calamity Ganon business is affecting them. Badly.

She hopes they'll know peace soon - she hopes they all will.

But one thing at a time.

Uriel's not hard to find. Camilla just looks for the closest, isolated place and there they are. They look calm under the tree and Camilla has no intention of disturbing them. She just slides in and takes a quiet seat next to them.]

[obfuscous]

[ Though she's not trying to disturb them, Uriel still opens their eyes when he hears footsteps coming closer.

Upon seeing who's decided to keep them company, they let their guard drop and let out a small sigh. ] ... Camilla.

[ While their bond with Vero is something unparalleled, they've known Camilla the longest. Back when they were completely alone in the world, more letting the days pass by than living in the Gerudo desert, she was there for them. And that's something they never forgot, or could honestly ever repay her for.

They tilt their head to look up at her, a calm expression on their face. ] Why are you here?

[bolverkheiress]

Just taking a walk, dear. I couldn't not have a sit down with you when I saw you.

[A little bit of a lie. A half lie. But innocent enough. Camilla's sure they wouldn't want anyone fussing over them enough to see them out.

She brushes her hair over one of her shoulders.] But don't let me disturb you. You looked so peaceful just now. [ ♥ ]

[obfuscous]

[ Vero is... indescribably important to Uriel. He's someone who's been by their side for as long as they can remember, who's sacrificed so much for their sake... someone who they know, without a doubt, they love more than anyone else in this world.

And they've had over a hundred years to dwell on this. Trapped in a state of limited existence with only themself, the princess of Hyrule, and the entity they were trying to restrain, their thoughts returned to Vero over and over and over again, giving them strength in their darkest hours. And sure, he's a little different now - a long journey and a longer time of being comatose would do that to a person - but they're happy to realize his smile is even warmer than they remember.

They want to keep making him smile like that. Stay by his side for the rest of their days. And while they could easily express this with words, actions speak louder.

So they set their plan in motion. Reach out to Lyric in secret for help and visit the jeweler in Gerudo Town for a very, very special commission. They've never been a romantic - it's honestly something they're not entirely comfortable with, even now - but for Vero, they'd do anything.

The sun's beginning to set over the horizon when Uriel returns to their humble home outside Gerudo Town. After running a few errands (mainly groceries) and spending most of the day with Camilla (and getting her blessing and well-wishes for what's to come) they feel as confident as they're going to about all this.

(They just hope they're not going to somehow make a total fool out of themself.)

Due to the rapidly dropping temperature Vero will find them a little cold to the touch once they make their way inside, but their voice is filled with warmth as they set down the groceries (ring still very much hidden) and say simply, ] I'm home.

[sickandtired]

[Uriel is, without a doubt, the most important person in Vero’s life. They have always been the most important person, in every different point in time that he’s lived with them.

Their peaceful days in Gerudo before the calamity. The tense castle life that forced them to take on responsibilities neither were ready for. The aftermath, even with Vero’s dying breath. The days that followed without Uriel, without even any memory of them. Those days hurt at the time, but they only made Vero’s love for them deepen when he finally remembered.

And now – the truly rewarding life they get to live together again. The scorching heat of the desert is comforting when Vero doesn’t constantly have to look over his shoulders for monsters. When he knows he has a home and Uriel will always return to him.

Uriel Uriel returns while Vero is getting changed into something a little warmer, but he quickly drops everything to go to his lover’s side.] Welcome back. [And no welcome back is complete without a kiss.

Vero feels a little like a puppy, but it’s not often Uriel leaves their tiny abode and Vero can’t help but miss them now, even when they’re just gone from groceries.

… He presses another kiss to Uriel’s temple for good measure. Just because.] Got everything?

[Holy domestic bliss.]

[obfuscous]

[ Each kiss Vero gives, Uriel returns, soft and light and a little cold against his skin. Their hands lightly grip his sleeves as they look at him, quiet but content. ]

Mm-hm. [ Some meat, rice and wheat, plenty of mushrooms... some Lizalfo tails.............. ] How was your day?

[ Holy domestic bliss indeed. ]

[sickandtired]

[Vero currently has some concerns.

He'd been thrilled, really, just overcome with emotion when Uriel had expressed interest in making their new home in Vero's home village of Lurelin. He'd missed the small fishing village so much once he'd finally remembered it - how could he be anything but thrilled to return.

Vero is still thrilled, but as previously stated, he realizes there are some concerns that need to be addressed before he and Uriel can truly be comfortable in their new home.

His concerns is really only one concern and it's how Uriel doesn't know how to swim. Lyric too for that matter. She's not getting out of learning this time.

Thus, he has dragged Uriel and Lyric (and Leo by extension) out to the knee deep water of Lurelin. The water is calm today. There's hardly any wind or fishing boats out that would make the water turbulent, making it the perfect day to finally do this.

In hindsight, Vero probably should have asked Sakura for help with two students. But it should be fine. He has two hands.

One of which he holds out in their general direction.]

Okay. Who's first?

[1yric]

[ During their journey, Lyric didn't get to spend much time in Lurelin. With Calamity Ganon looming over the horizon, it was hard to justify taking a break for more than a few days. But she remembers thinking the tiny village was a sight to behold - with crystal clear water and bright, warm sand, it really came as no surprise that her best friend, Vero, who is just as warm and beautiful a person, was born here. And though she knows she truly had no voice in where he and Uriel ended up, she's grateful for him being here, that much closer to Hateno.

When Vero invited her and Leo to stay with him for a while, she accepted his invitation without a second thought. But now close to waist deep in the water (knee deep for someone of Vero's height) and Vero giving her a look that clearly says you can't avoid this any longer, it's time for you to learn how to swim, she's starting to regret this the tiniest bit.

Her brows furrow and she crosses her arms. ] I can swim just fine. I've been practicing with Sakura and Prince Xander. [ Which isn't a complete lie! She just... hasn't made a ton of progress...... For someone who can leap off cliffs and fly without an issue, she sure has issues with her feet not touching solid ground when water's involved.

(Uriel, beside her, wordlessly takes that extended hand.) ]

[sickandtired]

[Uriel had already said they wanted to learn how to swim but somehow, in the moment, Vero still didn't expect either of them to take his hand. So please excuse him while he just.. briefly.. has an emotion because Uriel is so precious and he loves them so much.

With that emotion come and gone, now he can address Lyric.] Practicing with them is fine, but they swim differently then us. [Fins, y'know? He'd been there on Prince Xander's back, experiencing his wild swimming firsthand. Very different from human swimming.] Just watch for now!! [Pay attention and don't be too gross with Leo. You're not getting out of this, Lyric!!!!!!

Now, with his attention back on Uriel, he offers them his other hand so he can lead them into slightly deeper water. They can both still stand in it, but at the new depth it'll be easier to practice floating and strokes when they get to that. But getting them to float is first.] Let's get you comfy being horizontal and having your face in the water first.

[Because once they can float, propelling themself forward should be easy, right?] I'll be holding you the entire time, okay?

[He loves you, he believes in you.]

[obfuscous]

[ For most of their life, Uriel has been alone. Try as they may, they never quite fit in with the other Gerudo - and after a while, they stopped trying. They built a home from nothing in the middle of the desert and passed their days quietly, content simply watching the sand whip around on the whims of the wind.

It was lonely, yes, but this is the life they made for themself. The life they chose to live. And they convinced themself that the only people they needed were Camilla and the merchants at the bazaar.

So color them surprised when on one hot and sunny day, they hear a knock. Strange. The only one who knew they lived out here was Camilla. And she would've announced her presence by now. So who...?

After a few tense seconds, they set down their sewing (a hobby picked up from camilla) and creep forward to press an ear against the door. They don't hear anything too unusual - no loud chatter, no metal clanging against metal - so they take a deep breath and open the door, shielding their eyes as the mid-day sun momentarily blinds them.

Once their vision clears, they find themself staring at a Hylian - clearly not from these parts, if his fair skin and clear signs of dehydration say anything. Uriel blinks slowly and asks, slow and soft. ] ... Yes?

[sickandtired]

[Vero has never ventured far from home before so he's not sure why he thought traveling across Hyrule to Gerudo Desert would be a good first venture.

But he couldn't turn down the opportunity to explore the East Gerudo Ruins after he'd learned about them and spotted the tiniest correlation between some of the imagery from those ruins and the Palmorae Ruins just east of Lurelin. There was no way he could sit idly by, just knowing, just thinking about it. He had to see the other ruins in person.

He'd hastily drawn his own copies of the symbols, thrown all the books he could into a knapsack, and left as quickly as he could.

So, Vero now finds himself at the ruins and parched.

He, at the least, knew going into this that the heat of Gerudo Desert would be intense. Vastly different from the humid heat of Lurelin Village. However, he'd underestimated it still. He hadn't brought enough water to keep himself hydrated and, in his excitement, has pushed himself beyond his limits.

Despite his exhaustion, he remembers a little house he passed on his way out to the ruins. Its small and unassuming but hopefully has a person inside. In fact, Vero feels incredibly lucky that someone is home to answer his desperate knocks. They're small and look different from all the others he'd met at the Bazaar, but somehow still very clearly Gerudo. They're cute.

N- Vero, no!! There re more important things to focus on right now!]

U-uh, hey. I'm working - researching the ruins over - there - [He motions. Somewhere. His limbs feel heavy so he's not sure where they go.] I've run out of water. Could I fill up my canteen...? [Hogh, he's out of breath.] ..and possibly sit down for a moment?

[obfuscous]

[ ... Ah.

It takes a moment for them to respond (because really, they're not used to this sort of thing, but what would camilla do) - and even then, their reply comes in a small side step and a gesture to step inside. It's not a loud welcome, but a welcome nevertheless.

Uriel's home may have appeared small from the outside, but somehow it's even smaller inside. There's a cot shoved into the corner, a couple of crates of various sizes to make a table and stools (the beginnings of a shirt, their sewing project, left on the "table"), a single chair that appears incredibly handmade, a large barrel, cooking supplies, and... that's really it. It's clearly a home built for one person and one person alone.

Once Vero takes a seat, they hold out a hand. ] Your canteen. [ Just relax, they'll refill it. ]