master shortpants

Player Information

Name: Frankie
Personal Journal: waddledoodles
Age: 28
Contact Info: kleptomarnie [AIM] | kleptomarnie @ gmail . com [e-mail/Gchat] | waddledoodles
Other Characters Played: None

Character Information

Character Name: Link
Character Series: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Character Age: 17
Character Gender: Male

Original Canon

Canon Point: During the Song of the Hero quest, after learning Lanaryu's part (which can happen at any time during the quest, so let's say that's the only part he's done so far, and that he's also completed Lanayru's Lightning Round)

Background Link: Hypertext URL

Personality: Link of Skyloft is your average high school student, or at least he was before stumbling into his fate of being the goddess's chosen hero. But his relatively peaceful background compared to other Links his age makes him act more youthful than the other "adult" Links (and by that I mean the Link of Twilight Princess, seeing as how Ocarina of Time's adult Link is still mentally nine years old).

His society is closer to that of a modern first world nation, where children and young adults have less responsibility to take care of themselves and others, their minds more focused on the future than on the present. Those peers who are seen working are doing so for their own goals rather than to meet society's expectation of people their age, much like how a teenager or college student in a modern first world nation would take up a job for pocket money or to fund their education. Such is the case with Pipit, who patrols the campus at night to support his stay at the Knight Academy, and Fledge, who works in the Knight Academy kitchens similar to how a college student would take an on-campus job. Link, on the other hand, is supplied with a regular allowance of five rupees and seems to be at leisure to pursue hobbies like woodcarving and sleeping.

His sleepiness is not a sign of lethargy, however. It's something he can't help. In fact, there's a fair bit of evidence to suggest he's narcoleptic, and that he and the other citizens of Skyloft have found a way to deal with and work around it. He seems to be known as enough of a sleepyhead that the people of Skyloft don't much protest when he falls asleep on their bed. The only people who do protest are Beedle (who hates supporting the additional weight in his air shop) and Karane (who seems more offended that he's in a girl's bedroom at night than she does by his sleeping in her bed). If he sits still long enough without talking to someone or looking at something like a fairy, he will fall asleep, as if hit by a sudden and irresistible urge to sleep.

It's clear that Link wants to be more active given how guiltily he reacts to Zelda's admonishment prior to the Wing Ceremony and his willingness to squeeze in a bit of practice close to the race. Of course, this just could be a reflection of his loyalty to Zelda, his childhood friend for whose sake he will do anything: from getting out of bed to saving the world. This, too, is a byproduct of his peaceful youth. As he has not had to take care of anyone other than himself and has had his most basic needs provided for by someone else, he does not have as great a sense of devotion to the community to the extent that he would willingly risk his life for them. His devotion is centered on the person most important to him: Zelda, the one who has stuck by his side, the one who is willing to defend him against people who are bigger and stronger than the both of them. Hylia, the goddess of his people and the goddess who chose him to be her hero, was well aware of this and used it to her advantage, framing her mission not as something that would help Link save the world, but something that would help Link save and reunite with Zelda. This was very effective; in fact, it was the only way to get Link to take the Goddess Sword at the beginning of the game, after responding with apprehension towards Fi's relaying of his fate. Indeed, he is highly protective of Zelda, to the extent of being quite ruthless towards those who threaten her. When it comes to dealing with Link of Skyloft, threatening his Zelda is tantamount to a death wish. He will do everything in his power to stop those who would bring her harm, even if it means facing his own death.

That being said, while he is first and foremost unflinchingly loyal to Zelda, Link is a generally friendly and peaceful boy. He isn't one to instigate fights unless provoked, and doesn't hold grudges against those who aren't hostile towards him. He is wary of those who are hostile and isn't afraid to confront them if need be, though he is more than willing to let Zelda step in and defend him rather than continue to stick up for himself. This is more of a resignation to Zelda's bossy personality than it is an aversion to confrontation. This also doesn't mean he's incapable of carrying his own fights, but that his idea of confrontation can be far less direct than Zelda's, at times using dry sarcasm in the stead of clear, direct statements to throw the person he's confronting off guard. But Link seems to enjoy getting the occasional rise out of people: not just from Groose, whose hairdo he can subtly mock, but also Zelda, when she asks what he thinks of her outfit before the Wing Ceremony. Of course, Link is far more proactive in battle, and will draw his blade at the slightest hint of danger; but outside of it, he seems to enjoy taking things easy.

Link is a great listener. He will listen to anyone ramble on even if they're saying the most absurd things--such as the Isle of the Goddess (or, to him, Skyloft) being paved with gold. He might be quietly amused by what he's told and prod back with subtle sarcasm, but his taunts are usually gentile and never malicious. He's willing to help anyone in need, even if it's someone who's doubted or mocked him in the past--so long as they've proven themselves good at heart. He has no patience for the deliberately and remorselessly cruel and is quick to anger if faced with them. Indeed, Link can become a different person when angry: cold and judgmental rather than patient and kind. His anger can be unsettling to those who've never seen him mad, if not outright frightening. Groose, for example, seems shocked by Link's ferocious display of anger at Ghirahim kidnapping Zelda.

He can grow very attached to his friends and loved ones. He is reluctant to part with them--in fact, he won't part with them unless they forcibly separate themselves from him, or make it abundantly clear that their relationship must come to an end. Even then he makes no secret of how saddened he is by the separation. If he is particularly close to the person, as he is to Zelda, separation can throw him into despair. It is not a despair that lasts for long. He's quick to bounce back. This doesn't mean the despair doesn't linger or that he can never have his moments of sadness over some past event, only that he does not wallow in it often and when he does, it's not for long.

He doesn't boast of his talents, though he has many. He is one of those infuriating people who can master anything with ease. As a child, he was able to fly his Loftwing perfectly without prior training. He is considered one of the top swordsmen of the Knight Academy, and indeed one of the top students: he has newly been promoted to the Academy's senior class, considered the best of school. He achieved this promotion by winning the Wing Ceremony, an annual flying race that determines who will graduate to the senior class. He managed to do this with barely any practice and despite many efforts by his competitors to force him out of the race. Despite this, he seems to have little reaction to others' praise for him and sometimes responds with embarrassment , such as when Geapora commends his flying skill, or outright disregards the complement, such as when Demise commends his bravery. The only person he can seem to take a complement from is Zelda. (He isn't yet aware that he's in love with Zelda, though that is apparent to anyone else who might discuss her with him.)

As one can see, Link is a very loyal friend--and potential lover, if not particularly enlightened. He may be very expressive with his emotions, but he's not one to closely examine them. He's only made curious by a sudden change in demeanor from someone he knows; otherwise he takes everything at face value. This does him a disservice, as he can often misjudge things and overlook others. He might be great at solving abstract puzzles, leaping into the heat of battle and making strategies on the fly, but he's still got a lot to learn when it comes to the subtleties of everyday life.

Abilities: He has no supernatural abilities, but his items do. Like many Links, he wields the Master Sword, historically known to repel evil. However, his is a freshly made Master Sword--formerly the Goddess Sword, crafted by the goddess Hylia for her chosen hero, Link. It has been purified by the Sacred Flames of the three golden goddesses, Din, Nayru, and Farore, and blessed by Hylia's mortal incarnation to take on its final form, the Master Sword. It retains all the same capabilities of the Goddess Sword, which have been improved by the Flames and the blessing of Hylia.

The presence of Fi, the spirit which resides in the sword, enables Link to search for certain items with his sword. This ability is called dowsing and can be set to track any one item, depending on whether Fi has picked up that item's scent or aura. He can have up to eight possible dowsing targets, though similar dowsing targets, such as lost items, can only be traced one at a time. If he elects to search for a lost item that is different from the one that is set as a dowsing target, the old target's scent will be erased and replaced with the new one.

With his sword, Link is able to perform something known as a skyward strike. This is done by raising his sword directly towards the air, charging it with a divine light. This light can then be used as a projectile thrown in whichever direction Link swings his sword. The skyward strike is not as powerful an offensive maneuver as a direct hit, but it is capable of dealing some damage to enemies it hits, and can cut minor objects such as grass, wooden signs, and wooden shields. And huge tentacles apparently! The skyward strike also activates certain items left behind by Hylia, such as cubes that unlock treasure chests.

He also carries with him the Goddess Harp, a golden stringed instrument that has certain effects on specific areas when a specific song is played. These songs generally open a portal to the Silent Realm, a world created by Hylia to test the spirit of her hero. The Goddess Harp can also unveil Gossip Stones and Goddess Walls, which provide Link with certain items depending on what shape he draws on the wall. Both of these have set locations, however, and cannot be created by playing the harp anywhere. The harp also seems to have some effect on Gossip Stones, which will sway to the rhythm of Link's song, and small creatures like remlits, which will meow in rhythm to the song.

Thanks to passing the trials of the golden goddesses, he possess a few items that allow him to explore areas he would normally not be able to. These are the Water Dragon's Scale, scales from the dragon Faron that allow him to swim underwater, and the Fireshield Earrings, which allow him to endure high temperatures without sustaining damage or catching fire.

Like many Links, he carries a large quantity of other items, many of which do not make it into his trunk:

Adventure Pouch: a pouch which can carry seven items. The adventure pouch can only carry bottles, medals, shields, and bags of ammunition.

Items carried in his adventure pouch:
- Hylian Shield: an "absurdly sturdy shield" that sustains no damage and can block both electric and fire attacks
- Two life medals: medals that increase his vitality by two--effectively, two heart containers
- Bottle of Heart Potion ++: a red potion that completely restores his health, and can be used twice.
- A fairy: a "playful sprite" that will restore eight points of health if used in the field and will automatically revive Link if he falls in battle.
- Large Bomb Bag: enables Link to carry up to 25 bomb flowers.
- Large Quiver: enables Link to carry up to 35 arrows.

Equipment:
- Scattershot: an upgraded version of the slingshot, which can break a single deku seed into six smaller pellets that scatter across a single target.
- Sacred Bow: an upgraded version of the bow, allegedly fueled by divine power. Has more attack power and range (but I wouldn't know how much more power and range because I always upgrade to the sacred bow ASAP)
- Tough Beetle: a remotely controlled device shaped like a beetle. Can fly on its own for a finite period of time, and is used to explore the surrounding area--specifically, places Link can't reach. The beetle can be sped up if need be, and can pick up small items such as keys, rupees, treasures, and bomb flowers.
- Big Bug Nest: an upgraded version of the bug nest. It's...a bigger bug nest.
- Mogma Mitts: A pair of gloves that allow him to burrow underground.
- Gust Bellows: An overglorified leaf blower that can produce an unlimited stream of wind in the direction that Link is pointing.
- Whip: Exactly what it says on the tin! It can also latch on to certain items with hooks, which Link can pull with the whip. The whip's rope is strong enough to carry his weight, so he can use also it as a vine or rope to swing across chasms, provided there's something for him to latch the whip onto.

Other items:
- Large wallet + 3 Extra Wallets: A wallet that allows him to carry up to 5,000 rupees. Each extra wallet adds space for an additional 300 rupees.
- Sailcloth: A white piece of fabric with the lower half of the Hylian Crest embroidered in blue. Helps Link land from high distances without sustaining damage, provided he uses it shortly before touching the ground. It smells nice, too!
- Assorted small treasures and bugs. You know he has bugs.
- Knight Academy senior uniform: a combat-ready uniform predominantly made of green fabric, specifically the tunic and long, floppy cap. Underneath the tunic is a layer of chainmail slightly longer than the tunic, and underneath that, a long-sleeved white shirt. Two blue-grey arm shields cover most of his forearms to his wrist and wrap around a pair of brown, fingerless gloves. His trousers are tan, and are tucked into a pair of long, brown boots.

He currently has all twenty heart containers, though two of them are medals he carries in his adventure pouch.

Sample Entry:
Being a great big bro to his younger self
Meeting the Hero of Time
Crying on the shoulders of a Daredevil...then falling asleep.
NUDERSTAND

Link had left the bar to make some arrangements--namely, making sure that the door lead him to Skyloft, rather than the Lanayru Caves--or the Lanayru Gorge. Wouldn't that have been confusing to the old dragon, walking out with another human?

Not that the people of Skyloft wouldn't be any less confused by the Link. Skyloft was a pretty tight-knit community for such a large island, and it'd be hard, explaining the other boy in a convincing fashion. He's hoping he can explain it away by saying he's a fan from one of the outlying islands. But he has his doubts about that...

Doubts he will set aside for the time being. It's time to wake the other boy up!

So he's knock, knock, knocking on his door.

"Hey, Link? It's me...Link!"

Link is very confused.

Link--the other Link, perhaps better known as Link of Ordon--said he was going to take him to Hyrule Castle Town in Lanaryu Province. Link (of Skyloft) did not know what a Hyrule Castle Town was. He did know what a Lanaryu Province was, or at least just a Lanaryu, and had used that to build certain expectations.

This hilly green landscape defies his expectations.

"Um...are you sure we're in the right place?" he asks Link of Ordon, looking around at the Not Desert.

Stealth: a skill all Knight Academy students must master if they wish to achieve knighthood. It's also necessary for certain students who wish to deliver a present without bumping into the forces that would seek to stop them.

But Professor Owlan isn't that bad. Link won't have to worry about him if he's in his study, or off campus grounds. If he isn't...well, then he'd be trying to sneak a pot full of foreign flowers past a botanist.

And then there's Groose.

Groose, who has a keen eye for finding things that upset him--namely, anything that involves Link and Zelda, regardless if that thing exists or not. And since it wouldn't be hard for anyone to guess who Link is taking flowers to (based on assumptions of feelings that Link isn't attune to), it's only natural that Groose would notice, like a hawk. Like a hawk who could see through walls and flies to real-or-imagined Link-and-Zelda things like a magnet flying towards metal. Or...

He breathes a sigh of relief. Or the bar was kind enough to deposit him on the second floor of the Academy, where the girls and the faculty are stationed. There's Karane wandering towards the stairs, posing only the threat of a few sly giggles if she sees what's in his hands.

Then he stops, abruptly, not thinking of Owlan's threat should he emerge from his study. What if Zelda's not in her room? Then she could be anywhere! He'd have to go searching for her, and avoid the comments and questions of others, who may attract the attention of Owlan or, worse, Groose. And he can't let Groose-- No, wait, no, that was the solution all along, wasn't it? Put the flowers in his ro--but who's to say Groose won't break in and steal--

"Link?"

There's another person standing right in front of him before he knows it, hands placed around his to help hold up the flowers.

"Careful! You almost drop these--what are these?"

It's Zelda.

He's so relieved he could zone out again and drop the flowers for real.

"Hello? Link?"

"...sorry. They're called sunflowers, I think. I got them from-- A bar." A bar, he realizes, he hasn't told her about.

She blinks, confused, amused, ready to brush it off as one of Link's flights of fancy that isn't worth a fight over. For now. "They're strange! Did you bring them for Professor Owlan?"

"No, I bought them for...uh, you."

And this would be where he scratches the back of his head bashfully, if his hands weren't being held in place by Zelda's, and making his hands feel all tingly as a result. There's a lot of things he doesn't understand right now, like why he couldn't just say that he brought her these flowers, or why his hands are feeling all tingly, or why he feels something akin to embarrassment when all he's doing is giving his best friend some pretty flowers.

And he doesn't understand why she looks sort of shocked, and why her grip seems to loosen, as if she's about to drop the flowers she's trying to help him hold, or why her face turns a little red and why she looks a little embarrassed, when all that's going on is that her best friend is giving her flowers.

Nothing out of the ordinary, right? It's just what friends do. They give each other gifts, and it's not a big deal, and...

"I thought...you'd like them. I thought of you when I saw them and..."

"No, Link, I... They're pretty. Thank you!"

She smiles at him, and he smiles back, and that's normal, right? Just kind of, standing here in the middle of the hall with one's hands on top of another's, and...

"Here. I'll put them in my room."

And can't help but feel like he lost something when she stopped touching his hands.