[Voice]

[sageprincess]

[In the aftermath of the tournament, and the revelation of what may lie within Mictlan, Zelda has a question about the mission Philemon gives each Visitor when they arrive.]

What do you think "protect the city" means?

Comments

[voice]

[sageprincess]

[Nope, this is definitely a lady on the other end of the line!]

But it is not my own definition I am questioning, rather that of the man in the butterfly mask - the one we see before finding ourselves here. I know what it means to me.

[Completing the task set before her and finding a way to return home.]

Voice

[emperor_penguin]

Well well, ain't this a surprise. Didn't think you'd be here too, Princess.

[Yup, there's a Zelda back in his world too. He recognizes the voice, but doesn't know it isn't the same one just yet.]

Voice

[sageprincess]

... Pardon?

[And, of course, this Zelda doesn't recognize the other at all.]

My apologies, but I do not believe I know your voice. Who is this?

Voice

[emperor_penguin]

[Ah, the fun of AUs.

DeDeDe just laughs, sounding quite amused.]

Aww, now don't be like that. I know you and I never saw eye to eye, but that's no reason to pretend you don't know me. Besides, I thought you had that whole 'protect the city' racket all figured out already.

[gforceinmyfaaaace]

I'm just not used to it, that's... wait, do you know her?

[ PIT FOCUS REAL GUD ]

Voice

[sageprincess]

[She doesn't know how to deal with AUs help.

There's a moment of silence on the other end of the line, as she tries really hard to place a name to this voice, but... nothing.]

No, truly, sir, I do not know what you are referring to. Perhaps you have me mistaken with someone else...?

[sageprincess]

[Good job, Pit. Good job. Oh, well, wasn't like she was getting anywhere with her line of questioning.]

We met once in passing. I instructed her as to where she could find the library and we spoke a bit about the kinds of dangers that lurk within the city.

[gforceinmyfaaaace]

Isn't she the greatest?

[ Pause. ]

Oh, wait. You were asking me a question.

Voice

[emperor_penguin]

Princess Zelda, unless I'm off my mark.

[voice]

[chartthestars]

Well now, the only one who would know the answer t'that fine sentiment would be the fine gentleman himself, I expect. And so far as as my humble understanding o'things, of all the things he is, he ain't a man who makes himself available t'such things. Best go on your own definition, lass, 'til the truth of it appears in fine writin' n' contact.

[Voice]

[second_destiny]

...The Anoli are messed up, but I don't think they deserve death. They deserve to be locked up for a long time. They can't atone unless they live.

But if I have to pick between a dead Anoli and a dead civilian, I'm going to keep the civilian alive.

[Voice]

[echo_of_a_jedi]

To bring an end to the conflicts that threaten to destroy it and the people here, I'd say.

[text]

[prototype_blues]

Considering all that's happened thus far? A pointless endeavor.

voice;

[dreamprotector]

...Before I would have seconded Xion and say protect the people within it. ...It's not that easy anymore though, is it?

[Not with all that the Anoli leader had accused them and the government of, with how his speech had gotten censored. Things are far, far less black and white than they had been presented to them; that's the only thing Riku is certain off now.]

[sageprincess]

Ah, that is all right. It was really just me spinning ideas that cannot be confirmed in my head.

Voice -> Video

[sageprincess]

... No. You are quite on your mark.

[This is bizarre... Again, she's silent before there's the sound of some fiddling with the COMP]

Hold on-- [Blip! There is now the image of one Princess of Hyrule appearing on DeDeDe's device. She looks... decidedly lighter and softer than the one he might be familiar with.] Could I see you face, sir? Perhaps that might jog my memory.

[Voice]

[sageprincess]

Do you think there is one conflict or threat that should be prioritized before the others?

Voice -> Video

[emperor_penguin]

[Decidedly so, yes. The Zelda he knows is a cold, calculating, and cunning politician who has long since abandoned her ideals and morals in the pursuit of power.]

Well, since you asked so nice, who am I to argue?

[After all, she was kind enough to reveal herself to him, and DeDeDe is a gentleman in his own way, so he's all too happy to do the same. After a few moments, the video flips on to reveal his penguin-faced countenance staring impassively back at her.]

Recognize me now?

[voice]

[sageprincess]

[She can't help a slight sigh.]

While you are correct in that it is unlikely we will get a solid answer any time soon, if there is any way I can expedite the process, I will do so.

I have had enough of waiting, in my years.

[Voice]

[sageprincess]

While I agree with you... what if any death is considered a failure in the mission we have been given?

[text]

[sageprincess]

Whatever we are to do, it will not be easy nor simple, I will not deny. But you would forfeit all attempts already?

[Girl held out for seven years against a king with the power of a god. What is giving up.]

voice;

[sageprincess]

Somehow... I have my doubts that it ever was.

[They know nothing about the politics or citizenry, let alone the powers they have come to possess...]

Video

[sageprincess]

[... A penguin man was not what she was expecting, to say the least. While she's certainly surprised, she tries to keep her emotions reigned in, shaking her head apologetically.

Calculating? Perhaps. Cunning? She wouldn't have survived seven years under Ganondorf's rule otherwise. But cold? Not in the slightest.]

... No. My apologies. I do not understand...

Video

[emperor_penguin]

[DeDeDe's world is a bleak one, and even the most revered heroes have had to resort to some pretty bad things to survive.

He sighs a bit at her reaction, shaking his head for a moment before responding. A gloved hand comes up to scratch the side of his head.]

That makes two of us, little missy. Y'see, where I come from, you just got done declarin' yourself ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom after their princess got kidnapped. Prob'ly the turtle again. You mean to tell me you don't remember any of that? The fall of Hyrule? The cannibal's rampage? None of it?

[gforceinmyfaaaace]

Right. Sorry if I wasn't much of a help.