Zelda Dungeon fan fictions are getting quite popular lately, so I wanted to try my hand at writing one myself. Unlike how ZD fanfics usually are, mine will be more serious and story driven. I'm just using the site and some of its members as a base. I'm not sure how much of this I'm actually going to write out, but I hope you guys enjoy this all the same! Let me know what you think!
Daybreak broke over the horizon of a small town in the country. The cobblestone streets were already clamoring with the footsteps of people and horses. Vendors were selling their wares at prices that seemed too steep, and mothers rushed their children to school. A small coach rolled into town and parked next to a pile of hay. The horse that was pulling the cart lowered its head for a snack.
From the back of the coach, a young man stepped down, disrupting the morning mist at his feet. He strolled over to the front of the coach to pay his fee.
“That will be thirty rupees, young man.” the coach driver said.
“Here you go.” the lad said as he pulled out his wallet. “By the way, do you happen to know where the guild hall in this town is?” he asked.
“The guild hall? Why, it’s over yonder.” The coachman said, pointing to the west.
The young man followed the coachman’s pointing hand with his golden eyes, and his mouth hung agape. Just outside of town, a large building that could only be described as a wooden bird blotted out much of the morning sunlight. Even farther beyond that was an enormous temple, which appeared as nothing but a black shillouette in the morning.
“Wow, it really is shaped like a bird...” the boy said.
“Yep, that’s the guild hall for the Avalon Runners, the Dungeoneer guild of the town of Balena.” the coachman said. “Sure is somethin’ else, huh?”
“Yeah, it’s amazing... Thank you for the ride. I’ll be fine on my own from here.” the boy said.
“Sure. G’bye, now.”
The young man adjusted the black leather sash keeping his sword strapped to his back before making his way through the streets of Balena. He dodged pedestrians who were in too much of a hurry for their own good and workers carrying large platters of goods balanced on their heads. Despite it being dawn, the town of Balena was bustling and noisy.
- I have to wonder if the town is thriving so much because of the guild.
The young man pondered this as he stumbled through the crowd of people. As he turned a corner, he bumped into someone and fell to the ground.
“Owch! Hey, watch where you’re going!” the man barked.
“Oh, sorry. This crowd is just intense...” the boy said hastily.
“What are you, new here? Oh, you must be. Live long enough in this town, and you’re able to navigate the crowd without any trouble. Now get out of my way!”
After saying as much, the man leapt to his feet and hurried away. The boy struggled to avoid getting stepped on as he stood back up himself.
- Man, everyone here is in such a rush.
“W-wow...” The young man said as he stood in the entrance of the Avalon Runners guild hall.
The hall was vast. In the center were several rows of wooden benches, and strewn throughout these tables were people eating and cheering and guzzling booze. Smiling servers wearing blue dresses danced throughout the crowd of people, passing bread and ale around to everyone. In one of the far corners, a bard was singing songs of glory while a small band played behind him. On the far side of the hall, a giant request board stood tall, covered in leaflets of paper. Several people dressed in weapons and armor were fighting to get the best jobs from the board. The atmosphere was absolutely festive.
Overwhelmed by the incredible sight, the young man took a nervous gulp before taking careful steps into the hall. His eyes darted around the room, looking for someone important. Near the request board was a counter, and behind this counter stood three marms to approve jobs for Dungeoneers. Next to them stood a tall man with dark red hair. He wore the symbol of the Avalon Runners, a veritable bird, on his breast.
- That must be him. The Administrator of the Avalon Runners.
The Admin looked intimidating. The young man was nervous about approaching him, but he’d come this far. He was resolved to see this through. After making his way through the crowd of people, which wasn’t that much different from the crowd in the streets, he caught the Admin’s eye. To his relief, he was greeted with a warm smile.
“Can I help you?” the Admin asked.
“Um, yes. A-are you the Administrator of the Avalon Runners?”
“Yes, that’s me. You can call me Repentance.”
- So that’s his Dungeoneer’s code name, huh? I wonder how he came up with that.
“Yes, um... You see...” the boy began.
“Ha ha, there’s no need to be so nervous. I’m not gonna bite your head off or anything.” Repentance laughed.
“Right...” the young man sighed. “I, well... I came here to join your guild. I have all the paperwork ready and stuff.”
“Oh, you have, huh? That’s good. Let me see them.”
The young man removed papers from the pouch he carried over his back, handing them over to Repentance. He quickly skimmed them over, and smiled.
“Well, everything seems to be in order. Now, you don’t have any previous record of employment. Is this your first time joining a guild?” Repentance asked.
“Yes.”
“I see. In that case, I’ll need to ask you a few questions before I approve these. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Okay, good. Now, first. What is a Dungeoneer’s mission?”
“To explore the dungeons and keep the towns safe from monster attacks, and in doing so help meet the needs of the townspeople.” the young man answered.
“That’s correct. Next, you are aware that as a Dungeoneer, you could die on the job at any time?”
“Yes, I am aware of that.”
“Alright. Since you’re so green, I’ll need to prepare a test for you to make sure you’ve got what it takes. But, we’ll get to that in a bit. Next question. Do you agree to devote yourself to this guild and this town as long as you live here, and work for the betterment of yourself and others?”
“Yes, I do.” the young man answered.
“Do you understand that by being a Dungeoneer, you will be called upon without choice to risk life and limb to defend the town if need be?”
“Yes, I understand. I’m prepared for that.”
Repentance smiled. “Good, good. You seem pretty determined. Alright, let’s finalize the paperwork and I’ll get you started on your first assignment.”
“R-really? It’s okay for me to join?” the boy asked.
“Of course it is! We accept anyone and everyone here if they can meet the challenge we provide.”
“That’s great! I was worried that it’d be stricter around here.”
“Well, do know that if you fail your first mission, you get the boot.” Repentance laughed.
The young man gulped.
“Alright, we’re almost finished. Now we just need to decide on a Dungeoneer’s code name for you. What will it be?” Repentance asked.
“I’ve had one picked out for a while now. Azure Sage will be my code name.” the young man said.
“Azure Sage it is.” Repentance said as he jotted the name down on the sheet.
At last, the papers were stamped with the Avalon Runners sigil, and Azure Sage was now officially a Dungeoneer of the Avalon Runners.
“Welcome to the Dungeoneer Network, Azure Sage!” Repentance said. “I look forward to seeing what you can do!”
“Thank you!” Azure Sage said excitedly.
- Finally! I was able to become a Dungeoneer! With this, maybe I really can accomplish that...
“Now, we need to have your initiation test.” Repentance said. “I want you to raid the nearby dungeon of Aquamentus and gather some valdrian ore. About five chunks will be enough.”
“That’s it? That kinda sounds a little on the easy side for an initiation test.” Azure Sage said.
“Ha ha! I wonder how long you’ll be able to say that.” Repentance laughed.
- Well, that sounds foreboding...
“Of course, since you’re a newbie, you won’t be going alone. I’ll have you partnered up with someone more experienced. Hey, Snow Queen, come here!” Repentance shouted across the hall.
“What?” a female voice shouted back.
- Snow Queen? That sounds kind of cliche. Well, Dungeoneer names usually are...
Azure Sage looked over to where the voice had come from, and a young woman who appeared to be around his age approached. The first thing he noticed was her eyepatch, but he tried not to stare. The next thing he noticed was her long blonde hair braided back and the freckles that dotted her cheeks. She wore a silver breastplate and other pieces of armor over her clothes, much like the others in the hall. She carried two daggers on each end of her waist.
“Who’s this kid? He smells new... Wait a second, don’t tell me you’re gonna have me help with an initiation test or something?!” Snow Queen said.
- Wow, she could at least try to hide her disappointment.
“Yeah, sorry, that’s exactly what it is!” Repentance laughed.
“Ugh. That’s such a pain in the ass. Can’t you find someone else to do it?”
“You’re the first person I thought of. From what I’ve seen of this kid’s personality, you two should work well together. He seems very submissive!” Repentance said, roughly placing his hand on Azure Sage’s shoulder.
“S-submissive?!” Azure Sage said.
“Hm. Well, I guess I don’t have anything better to do. Hey, newbie, what’s your name?” Snow Queen asked.
“U-uhm, Azure Sage. But it’s fine if you just call me Azure.”
“Yeah, I see what you mean about him being submissive, Rep.” Snow Queen said.
“R-really...?” Azure sighed.
- Wait, did she just call him “Rep”?
“Fine, whatever. Azure, let’s get this over with. Come on. We’re leaving now.” Snow Queen said.
“R-right now? We’re going so soon?” Azure said.
“Don’t you start whining on me! Let’s go already!” Snow said as she grabbed Azure’s arm and pulled him away.
“Ow, hey, that hurts!” Azure said.
“Good luck, you two! Come back alive!” Repentance waved with a smile.
Snow Queen dragged Azure Sage through the guild hall to the far end, where a large gateway stood. After they crossed the threshold, Snow tossed him forward, and Azure stumbled.
“Hey, don’t be so rough!” he complained.
“Oh, get over it. Come on, I wanna get this done.” Snow said. “You better not drag me down.”
“You’re kinda rude...” Azure sighed.
“Excuse me? Is that any way to talk to your superior?” Snow barked.
- What a bundle of sunshine.
“Well, I guess I don’t really blame you for being annoyed... I mean, you’re getting dragged along on an initiation test for someone you don’t even know. I can understand how that would bother someone.” Azure said.
“Wow, you’re taking submissive to a whole new level, kid.” Snow said.
“I-I am?”
“You better get it together. You get walked all over too easily. Now, let’s get moving.” Snow said.
She pointed ahead, and the dungeon of Aquamentus was more clearly visible to Azure Sage now. Several miles away stood what appeared to be vast ruins. They looked to be sunken into the ground part of the way, and they were covered moss and vines. The structure was very archaic, and the brick used to build it appeared blue in the morning light.
“Come on. Your first assignment as a Dungeoneer of the Avalon Runners begins now, Azure Sage.”
Next: Initiation Test
Through the Dungeons
In the faraway land of Xencordia, there exist many dangerous dungeons filled with devious traps and bloodthirsty monsters. To deal with these threats, a Dungeoneer Network was established. People called ‘Dungeoneers’ chose code names for themselves and joined guilds associated with the Network to raid the dungeons, defeat monsters, and even collect precious treasures. There are many across the continent who make their living as Dungeoneers, and starry-eyed children look up to them as heroes of the people.
“Do you have what it takes to become a Dungeoneer? Now, let us take you through the dungeons!”
“Do you have what it takes to become a Dungeoneer? Now, let us take you through the dungeons!”
Chapter One
The Avalon Runners
The Avalon Runners
Daybreak broke over the horizon of a small town in the country. The cobblestone streets were already clamoring with the footsteps of people and horses. Vendors were selling their wares at prices that seemed too steep, and mothers rushed their children to school. A small coach rolled into town and parked next to a pile of hay. The horse that was pulling the cart lowered its head for a snack.
From the back of the coach, a young man stepped down, disrupting the morning mist at his feet. He strolled over to the front of the coach to pay his fee.
“That will be thirty rupees, young man.” the coach driver said.
“Here you go.” the lad said as he pulled out his wallet. “By the way, do you happen to know where the guild hall in this town is?” he asked.
“The guild hall? Why, it’s over yonder.” The coachman said, pointing to the west.
The young man followed the coachman’s pointing hand with his golden eyes, and his mouth hung agape. Just outside of town, a large building that could only be described as a wooden bird blotted out much of the morning sunlight. Even farther beyond that was an enormous temple, which appeared as nothing but a black shillouette in the morning.
“Wow, it really is shaped like a bird...” the boy said.
“Yep, that’s the guild hall for the Avalon Runners, the Dungeoneer guild of the town of Balena.” the coachman said. “Sure is somethin’ else, huh?”
“Yeah, it’s amazing... Thank you for the ride. I’ll be fine on my own from here.” the boy said.
“Sure. G’bye, now.”
The young man adjusted the black leather sash keeping his sword strapped to his back before making his way through the streets of Balena. He dodged pedestrians who were in too much of a hurry for their own good and workers carrying large platters of goods balanced on their heads. Despite it being dawn, the town of Balena was bustling and noisy.
- I have to wonder if the town is thriving so much because of the guild.
The young man pondered this as he stumbled through the crowd of people. As he turned a corner, he bumped into someone and fell to the ground.
“Owch! Hey, watch where you’re going!” the man barked.
“Oh, sorry. This crowd is just intense...” the boy said hastily.
“What are you, new here? Oh, you must be. Live long enough in this town, and you’re able to navigate the crowd without any trouble. Now get out of my way!”
After saying as much, the man leapt to his feet and hurried away. The boy struggled to avoid getting stepped on as he stood back up himself.
- Man, everyone here is in such a rush.
* * *
“W-wow...” The young man said as he stood in the entrance of the Avalon Runners guild hall.
The hall was vast. In the center were several rows of wooden benches, and strewn throughout these tables were people eating and cheering and guzzling booze. Smiling servers wearing blue dresses danced throughout the crowd of people, passing bread and ale around to everyone. In one of the far corners, a bard was singing songs of glory while a small band played behind him. On the far side of the hall, a giant request board stood tall, covered in leaflets of paper. Several people dressed in weapons and armor were fighting to get the best jobs from the board. The atmosphere was absolutely festive.
Overwhelmed by the incredible sight, the young man took a nervous gulp before taking careful steps into the hall. His eyes darted around the room, looking for someone important. Near the request board was a counter, and behind this counter stood three marms to approve jobs for Dungeoneers. Next to them stood a tall man with dark red hair. He wore the symbol of the Avalon Runners, a veritable bird, on his breast.
- That must be him. The Administrator of the Avalon Runners.
The Admin looked intimidating. The young man was nervous about approaching him, but he’d come this far. He was resolved to see this through. After making his way through the crowd of people, which wasn’t that much different from the crowd in the streets, he caught the Admin’s eye. To his relief, he was greeted with a warm smile.
“Can I help you?” the Admin asked.
“Um, yes. A-are you the Administrator of the Avalon Runners?”
“Yes, that’s me. You can call me Repentance.”
- So that’s his Dungeoneer’s code name, huh? I wonder how he came up with that.
“Yes, um... You see...” the boy began.
“Ha ha, there’s no need to be so nervous. I’m not gonna bite your head off or anything.” Repentance laughed.
“Right...” the young man sighed. “I, well... I came here to join your guild. I have all the paperwork ready and stuff.”
“Oh, you have, huh? That’s good. Let me see them.”
The young man removed papers from the pouch he carried over his back, handing them over to Repentance. He quickly skimmed them over, and smiled.
“Well, everything seems to be in order. Now, you don’t have any previous record of employment. Is this your first time joining a guild?” Repentance asked.
“Yes.”
“I see. In that case, I’ll need to ask you a few questions before I approve these. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Okay, good. Now, first. What is a Dungeoneer’s mission?”
“To explore the dungeons and keep the towns safe from monster attacks, and in doing so help meet the needs of the townspeople.” the young man answered.
“That’s correct. Next, you are aware that as a Dungeoneer, you could die on the job at any time?”
“Yes, I am aware of that.”
“Alright. Since you’re so green, I’ll need to prepare a test for you to make sure you’ve got what it takes. But, we’ll get to that in a bit. Next question. Do you agree to devote yourself to this guild and this town as long as you live here, and work for the betterment of yourself and others?”
“Yes, I do.” the young man answered.
“Do you understand that by being a Dungeoneer, you will be called upon without choice to risk life and limb to defend the town if need be?”
“Yes, I understand. I’m prepared for that.”
Repentance smiled. “Good, good. You seem pretty determined. Alright, let’s finalize the paperwork and I’ll get you started on your first assignment.”
“R-really? It’s okay for me to join?” the boy asked.
“Of course it is! We accept anyone and everyone here if they can meet the challenge we provide.”
“That’s great! I was worried that it’d be stricter around here.”
“Well, do know that if you fail your first mission, you get the boot.” Repentance laughed.
The young man gulped.
“Alright, we’re almost finished. Now we just need to decide on a Dungeoneer’s code name for you. What will it be?” Repentance asked.
“I’ve had one picked out for a while now. Azure Sage will be my code name.” the young man said.
“Azure Sage it is.” Repentance said as he jotted the name down on the sheet.
At last, the papers were stamped with the Avalon Runners sigil, and Azure Sage was now officially a Dungeoneer of the Avalon Runners.
“Welcome to the Dungeoneer Network, Azure Sage!” Repentance said. “I look forward to seeing what you can do!”
“Thank you!” Azure Sage said excitedly.
- Finally! I was able to become a Dungeoneer! With this, maybe I really can accomplish that...
“Now, we need to have your initiation test.” Repentance said. “I want you to raid the nearby dungeon of Aquamentus and gather some valdrian ore. About five chunks will be enough.”
“That’s it? That kinda sounds a little on the easy side for an initiation test.” Azure Sage said.
“Ha ha! I wonder how long you’ll be able to say that.” Repentance laughed.
- Well, that sounds foreboding...
“Of course, since you’re a newbie, you won’t be going alone. I’ll have you partnered up with someone more experienced. Hey, Snow Queen, come here!” Repentance shouted across the hall.
“What?” a female voice shouted back.
- Snow Queen? That sounds kind of cliche. Well, Dungeoneer names usually are...
Azure Sage looked over to where the voice had come from, and a young woman who appeared to be around his age approached. The first thing he noticed was her eyepatch, but he tried not to stare. The next thing he noticed was her long blonde hair braided back and the freckles that dotted her cheeks. She wore a silver breastplate and other pieces of armor over her clothes, much like the others in the hall. She carried two daggers on each end of her waist.
“Who’s this kid? He smells new... Wait a second, don’t tell me you’re gonna have me help with an initiation test or something?!” Snow Queen said.
- Wow, she could at least try to hide her disappointment.
“Yeah, sorry, that’s exactly what it is!” Repentance laughed.
“Ugh. That’s such a pain in the ass. Can’t you find someone else to do it?”
“You’re the first person I thought of. From what I’ve seen of this kid’s personality, you two should work well together. He seems very submissive!” Repentance said, roughly placing his hand on Azure Sage’s shoulder.
“S-submissive?!” Azure Sage said.
“Hm. Well, I guess I don’t have anything better to do. Hey, newbie, what’s your name?” Snow Queen asked.
“U-uhm, Azure Sage. But it’s fine if you just call me Azure.”
“Yeah, I see what you mean about him being submissive, Rep.” Snow Queen said.
“R-really...?” Azure sighed.
- Wait, did she just call him “Rep”?
“Fine, whatever. Azure, let’s get this over with. Come on. We’re leaving now.” Snow Queen said.
“R-right now? We’re going so soon?” Azure said.
“Don’t you start whining on me! Let’s go already!” Snow said as she grabbed Azure’s arm and pulled him away.
“Ow, hey, that hurts!” Azure said.
“Good luck, you two! Come back alive!” Repentance waved with a smile.
Snow Queen dragged Azure Sage through the guild hall to the far end, where a large gateway stood. After they crossed the threshold, Snow tossed him forward, and Azure stumbled.
“Hey, don’t be so rough!” he complained.
“Oh, get over it. Come on, I wanna get this done.” Snow said. “You better not drag me down.”
“You’re kinda rude...” Azure sighed.
“Excuse me? Is that any way to talk to your superior?” Snow barked.
- What a bundle of sunshine.
“Well, I guess I don’t really blame you for being annoyed... I mean, you’re getting dragged along on an initiation test for someone you don’t even know. I can understand how that would bother someone.” Azure said.
“Wow, you’re taking submissive to a whole new level, kid.” Snow said.
“I-I am?”
“You better get it together. You get walked all over too easily. Now, let’s get moving.” Snow said.
She pointed ahead, and the dungeon of Aquamentus was more clearly visible to Azure Sage now. Several miles away stood what appeared to be vast ruins. They looked to be sunken into the ground part of the way, and they were covered moss and vines. The structure was very archaic, and the brick used to build it appeared blue in the morning light.
“Come on. Your first assignment as a Dungeoneer of the Avalon Runners begins now, Azure Sage.”
Next: Initiation Test
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