(ZGen)My Cabana: The Memoirs of the Hero of Winds

I originally started this in the zunorimo thread and decided to share it here. I might have chapter two written up sometime this month. Enjoy!

My Cabana:
Memoirs of the Hero of Winds

Link climbed back into the boat, coughing salt water from his lungs. He didn't have long before the next ocean wave would come crashing down over his head. Thinking and acting quickly was his only assurance of survival. The sail needed to come down before it was torn to shreds by the watery winds! Trying to see through the slashing rain, Link tugged and pulled at the sail until it finally came down. Big mistake. Just as soon as Link started to tuck it away, a blast of wind ripped the sail from his grip and was carried away from sight.

Link had little time to mourn over his loss, for another large wave was about to overcome him and the King of Red Lions, his talking boat and companion. The boat's head swivled around to meet Link's gaze. His squared jaw moved up and down as if he were speaking. Link could hardly understand through the roaring wind and thunder.

“Link! You..mus....Wind Waker...before...too late!”

Link nodded in agreement and struggled to pull the item out of the pocket of his drenched tunic. He finally held out the Wind Waker, a silver baton with the power to orchestrate the winds. He grabbed the precious item below the hilt, which was shaped of swirly clouds, and began to conduct the Wind's Requiem, a series of movements with the baton that gives its user the ability to change the wind's direction. Hopefully he would be able to calm down this murderous storm before he and his companion could be sent to a watery grave!

Just as he was about to finish the Wind's Requiem, another wave of sea water crashed down on Link and nearly caused him to go overboard. Clinging on for dear life, he managed to shakily scramble back to his feet and conduct with the proper gestures. Nothing happened. Link noticed that the hand that was supposed to hold the Wind Waker was lighter than it should be. Daring to look, he squinted through the slashing rain towards his arm. A flash of lightening completely illuminated an empty hand. The Wind Waker was gone!

But like the loss of his sail, Link didn't have the time to beat himself up over the issue. Far away, and closing in fast was a huge wall of water! It was the tallest thing he'd ever seen! Link could only compare it to about twenty houses stacked on top of each other! Everything seemed to happen in slow motion then as Link's eyes widened with horror: The King of Red Lions was shouting something that he couldn't make out. The wall of water falling on him like a ton of bricks and forcing him, against all will, below the ocean. His grip torn from the red boat as he was carried powerless before this beast of nature.

Link swam up as fast as he could while trying to hold his breath. The surface appeared to be miles away from where he was. He was starting to see spots and his vision was darkening around the edges. His lungs began to lurch for air. Very soon he would have to let go of his breath and succumb to the bottom of the ocean. Just as soon as his lungs forced his body to exhale, Link popped to the surface of the water. Air was the most sacred thing to him at that moment as he filled his lungs with the precious life force. He vowed to himself that he would never take breathing for granted ever again!

After a few minutes of breathing in and out, Link decided to analyze the situation. His sword and shield were still on his back, though it's a wonder to him how he managed to keep his head above water with the weight. His boat, the King of Read Lions, was nowhere to be seen. The Wind Waker was long gone. He was smack in the middle of the biggest storm that he had ever witnessed. Lightening crackled overhead as he floated up and down with the waves, and the thunder was deafening. The pounding rain hadn't let up any since he was last above water. To his left, he noticed a large board floating close by, a sign that land could be near. Link quickly swam over to it and grabbed on. Now he could rest and not worry too much about drowning. As the Hero of Winds hung on for dear life, his only thoughts besides despair was the wondering of how he managed to get himself in such a mess.

The day had started out with clear blue skies as Link sailed the ocean in search of treasures. He was heading toward an island when the storm hit. What was that particular island? He couldn't remember. Being tossed around the waves like a salad must have muffled his thinking to the point where he could barely stay conscious. He did recall huge clouds forming out of nowhere and the wind picking up to extreme force.

Pretty soon, Link couldn't think very well at all and focused his attention on keeping hold of the board, or he would surely drown. It was all he could do to hang on, but he knew that he must, for it was the only thing standing...floating...between him and certain death. He held on to the board with all the energy he had, which was quickly starting to leave him. Link hadn't noticed that the board had floated away from his grasp. He was too exhausted to care. All hope seemed lost. An instant later, his body bumped against something hard and solid. Link instantly focused his attention ahead of him. He was no longer bobbing up and down in the water. His body was resting on solid land!

Before Link could make a move, a wave sent him tumbling and dragged his body back into the water, then threw him back on the shore. Coughing and spluttering, he tried to find something to hold on to so he wouldn't be carried back to the ocean again. No such luck, but he had a sudden thought as he was pulled by a wave for a second time. As soon as he made the shore again, Link unsheathed his sword, plunged it into the ground, and held on for dear life. It worked. After the water stopped tugging on him, Link pulled his sword and ran with all the strength he could muster. The running soon switched to walking, then climbing as he slowly made his way up a slope. Once he reached level ground, and too exhausted to notice his surroundings, Link's strength failed him and he collapsed.. His body was cushioned by a ground of tall grass, and he quickly lost consciousness.

Originally Posted by Blizzaga

Being tossed around the waves like a salad must have muffled his thinking to the point where he could barely stay conscience.

Do you mean "Conscious"?

This is great. Out of curiosity, just when does this take place? I mean, if it's supposed to be after WW, you should know the KORL isn't alive anymore, since the King dies when old Hyrule is flooded again. You can tell when, at the end, the boat's eyes aren't yellow anymore, and the neck doesn't move. Just saying, if it's after WW, that could be a problem.

But overall, it's great writing.

That's really good, Blizzaga. Very well written, and I'm looking forward to the next one.

It's very detailed and held my attention, but I have a small little comment- the third paragraph from the last, the one that starts with "The day had started out..."- you mention that Link was looking for treasure, and then you cut it short by saying he didn't know. The line "The day had started out" suggests a flashback. If you wanted to emphasize that Link couldn't remember what was going on, just say that.

That might be just my opinion, though. Awesome job, and keep writing.

Originally Posted by Sekal

Do you mean "Conscious"?

Yes, that's what I meant. Thanks for pointing that out! ^_^

I have edited this once or twice since the version you see today. Hopefully I caught that.

Originally Posted by Sekal

Out of curiosity, just when does this take place?

It takes place during Wind Waker. During the triforce hunt to be more precise, I was going to reveal that later.

Originally Posted by Grass

the third paragraph from the last, the one that starts with "The day had started out..."- you mention that Link was looking for treasure, and then you cut it short by saying he didn't know. The line "The day had started out" suggests a flashback. If you wanted to emphasize that Link couldn't remember what was going on, just say that.

The paragraph of which you speak had Link trying to recall of why such a storm hit in the first place. So, when it says he didn't know, it's sort of a narrative on his thoughts.

Thanks for the comments, guys! ^_^

Blizzy:

I don't read fan-fiction, so maybe this is in line with the way that fan fiction is written. I read novels, generally. So, my honest opinion about this work so far is that:

• It's an excellent sketch of a first chapter.
• My suggestion would be to expand it out -- I mean, the boat speaking should be at least its own paragraph, right? There's a lot you can do with this material.
• I would like to see more visual descriptions, like colors and textures. And I didn't get a lot of sounds from it either. I want to be immersed!
• This may be because it's fan fiction, but you take a lot of credit for the reader to know what Link looks like and what his personality is. Maybe put some work into developing the main character.

These are just my opinions about the writing. Attempting to take any of these observations of mine and make changes to your writing would take a lot of effort... especially as I see this could easily be a 20-page introduction to a epic tale.

Blizzaga?! Yay, you've come to writing fan-fiction! anyways, your tale is descriptive, and it seems like its going to be a great comic. Just a few things, it could be a little bit longer, if its a prologue.

Is it to late to post here? I'm so sorry Blizzaga! It took me so long to find it! But I must say, its lovey and awsome...

No, it's not too late. I'm glad you like it. ^^

It seems so real...is there any more to it?

Originally Posted by WindWakerrules

It seems so real...is there any more to it?

Nothing on paper. It's all in my head. I have a great ending figured out and everything.

And speaking of which, what would you guys think if I asked for permission to continue writing this story in the upcoming ZuNoWriMo? That's where all this started. I might see if I start it again, but if I find out that I can't or decide not to, I have another idea for a story.

I appreciate everyone who replied to the above message (which was no one). I have decided to not continue this fanfic with ZuNoWriMo, but instead something entirely new and different.

Sorry, no update yet. But I thought I'd share where my ideas for this fanfic came from...my clan test answer:

1.) You're the Wind Waker Link, and you're tired of sailing for those Triforce pieces. You decide to take a few days off and just sail around on the big, blue ocean. What's your destination, and how do you spend your holiday?

Whew, I have all the pieces except for one! This quest for the Triforce pieces has me all worked up. After deciding that a few day's vacation was in order (much to the dismay of the King of Red Lions), I set sail for my cabana. Once there, I spend an entire day relaxing in my new house while reading a good book; "The Wisdom Behind Chu Jelly and its Many Uses," which leads me to wonder if there is an edible version that I could discover and make a living off of once all this adventuring draws to a close. The next day would be spent exploring my little island, for I hadn't found the time to due to my quest, and I make it a rule to know my terrain so I can be at an advantage in case of emergencies or invasions.

My third day on vacation would be spent doing odds and ends around my cabana such as cutting the grass (and finding a lot of rupees from the effort), watering the flowers, and fortifying my island with unseen security systems that have the potential to counter anyone trying to take me by surprise. With the knowledge that my peaceful island was now guaranteed safe, I retired to my house when night fell and spent the rest of the evening trying to figure out that jigsaw puzzle on my wall. My butler wouldn't stop complaining on how bad I was, so I used reverse psychology that resulted in him finishing the blasted puzzle for me. While trying to sleep, I started to grow uneasy about the hole I opened up in the fireplace on my last visit. So, instead of sleeping, I spent the time clearing out my maze-of-a-basement by getting rid or rats, redeads, and drying up the water. After deciding to use my basement as a base of operations for storing food, water, and other things of interest, I climbed out, covered the hole with a stone slate, started a fire, and fell asleep.

The next day, my little vacation was at an end, and the very annoyed King of Red Lions wouldn't stop giving me an earfull about it until I relunctantly climbed aboard. Looking back at my beautiful island, I wondered when the time would come around that I could see my cabana again. After my much needed rest, the excitement of adventure was stronger than ever as I diligently studied my sea charts. I was convinced that I needed to fill in the unexplored sectors of my map, so I decided to use a few more days to search out unexplored sectors. I listened carefully to the wisdom of the talking fish that filled my chart for me before I even set foot on the islands, for knowing what you face before you face it can put you to a distinct advantage. My views proved right after finding a treasure chart and a heart piece. After gaining as much knowledge as I could on the unexplored regions, and restocking supplies (and winning a heart piece at an auction) we again set out on our quest to find the last Triforce piece.


----


Just inspiration, mind you. I'm not going to follow that. Not really. There is, however, some foreshadowing in there. I'm not saying what it is though.

EDIT: Some comments would be nice, please. It's very discouraging when no one discusses anything and gives me the silent treatment.

HEY great story and i can see a chapter from the above q/a !

It's been a long time, hasn't it? Almost a year since I started this fan fic! Well, last night I buckled down and wrote the second chapter, right on time for International Talk Like A Pirate Day! I had fun writing this, and I hope I succeed in entertaining you!

Chapter Two:

An eye slowly, painfully, forced itself open and closed quickly to block out the even more painful sunlight.

Wait…sunlight?

Carefully, Link opened his eyes again, this time with a bit more ease. What he beheld left him at a loss for words. A glittering blue ocean broke against the shore not far below with gentle, calming waves. The sky above was a deep blue with beautiful, white fluffy clouds drifting peacefully overhead. All the while a flock of seagulls called to each other as they flapped their wings lazily in a gentle breeze. The grass beneath Link was unbelievably soft and comfortable as if it weren’t grass at all, but instead a large, green blanket. To him, this seemed was another one of those days where he would sneak off by himself and daydream about having adventures on the high seas while gazing out towards the infinite blue. He must have dozed off this time. Link hoped Grandma wasn’t too mad about him for not finishing his chores like he was supposed too. Then, a thought struck Link that caused him to suddenly bolt up in alarm.

Today is my birthday!

Link quickly scrambled up the hill as he thought over different scenarios in which his grandmother would kill him for disappointing her on such an important day, each thought more horrible than the last. Where was Aryll? His sister was usually good with helping him out of tight spots like this. He would have to quickly wash up before presenting himself worthy of donning the clothes of the Hero of Time. Only then did Link stop worrying about his possible doom and took the time to look himself over. If he were to be late, he would make sure to at least be fashionably late. Not that he himself really cared how he looked... Link just didn’t want to go beyond the final straw with his grandmother…

Ah! What’s this I’m wearing?

Link jumped in surprised when his mind finally registered what he was looking at. His sky-blue cotton shirt and brown pants were replaced by green!

Lots of green!

Clad in a green tunic, green shirt, green pointed cap, brown belt with a gold buckle, and white tights…these definitely weren’t his normal every-day clothes! Then, Link gasped.

These are my coming-of-age clothes!

As a custom that has been passed down since anyone could remember, every boy on Outset Island who becomes of age is dressed in green to symbolize an ancient of legend known as the Hero of Time and inspire hope to all. Link couldn’t even guess why he was dressed in such garments without his knowing of attendance in any ceremony beforehand. All he knew was that he’d have to quickly come up with a story to explain to Grandma and the elders. Link sighed and continued up the steep hill, this time at a much slower pace.


…Clink! …Clink! …Clink!

What’s that?

…Clink! …Clink! …Clink!

Whatever it was, the sounds seemed to be coming from behind Link. He paused to listen.

There was no noise.

Link shrugged and continued walking at a quicker pace.

Clink! Clink! Clink!

He quickly turned around, only to find nothing like last time. Hair stood up along the back of Link’s neck as he suppressed the urge to flee. But as instinct and his imagination crept up with him, he suddenly felt an adrenaline surge and broke into a run.

Clink! Clink! Clink! Clink!

Link zigged, zagged, and ran around in circles in an attempt to shake off and catch sight of his invisible pursuer.

CLINK! CLINK! CLINK! CLINK!

He continued running around the hillside in a wild panic, ignoring any pain he might have felt earlier.

CLINK! CLINK! CLINK! CLINK! CLINK! CLINK!

Is it just me, or is my back feeling heavier than it should?

CLINK! CLINK! CLINK! CLINK! CLINK! CLINK!

Weariness finally came over Link and he started to stumble. As he continued trying to evade his pursuer, Link tripped over a rock and the momentum carried him several yards before gravity slammed him face first into the ground. At that same moment, Link had his eyes open just in time to see two large objects fly over his head and crash into a boulder with a loud clang before landing a little ways away from where he lay. Link immediately felt much lighter.

It would be a few moments of Link gasping and catching his breath before deciding to investigate. When he did, Link collected himself off of the ground and proceeded cautiously towards his would be attackers. What he saw caused him to laugh nervously: Lying on the ground was a sword and shield! Embarrassment turned from curiosity to amazement, then quickly to confusion as he examined what had previously had been on his back.

The Hero’s Tunic, and now a sword and shield? Link had never been allowed to own a sword and shield before now, never mind a shield that reflected the sunlight and a sword with a decorated blue hilt and a glowing blade!

This is very odd…

Link slowly made his way back up the hill, his mind in a muddle of confusion. When he reached the top, he state only grew worse. After a glance around, Link realized that he wasn’t on Outset Island, but somewhere else.

What’s going on?!

Interesting . . . you gave Link amnesia. >_> Well, it is an interesting read, and I hope to find out how he gets out of this predicament. For some reason, I assume that the boat will be able to find him once more (the KoRL just does, with his mojo), and I hope that Link has visited this island before and left behind some journals. Can hardly wait to see you handle the butler door! XD And I hope that the Wind Waker floats.

Keep up the good work! (And more detailed posts in my thread in the future, kay? ^_^ )

Thanks! I also wanted to have a comical scene in this chapter that would be reminiscent of the game with the clink clink thing. That was fun. ^_^

That Link...*shakes head*

Good stuff. It's a bit short, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Overall, I'm looking foward to reading some more. Hopefully, you won't wait another four months to post the next chapter.

Also, I can't wait until you show Link's reaction to finding out that his ship talks.

Oh, it's been over four months!

Well, I've decided that I'll write another chapter.

Originally Posted by Lantean

Oh, it's been over four months!

Well, I've decided that I'll write another chapter.

Hahaha does that have anything to do with me bugging you? (Well more like one comment about it but meh ) I hope you do update soon.

Originally Posted by Midori-Rinky

Hahaha does that have anything to do with me bugging you? (Well more like one comment about it but meh ) I hope you do update soon.

As I was cleaning my room the other day, I came across an old piece of paper that had the beginnings to the third chapter. I'll see if I can incorporate that into what I've got now.