Link found himself staring into his cup of coffee, watching as the cream swirled around and blended in with the dark beverage. He flicked the stirrer around the edge of the cup absentmindedly. He wasn't much of a coffee drinker but he definitely needed the extra energy that morning, and Mipha went through the trouble to make it and bring it to him.
His gaze shifted to the papers spread out before him on the table. The words mostly contained information on the Yiga Clan. He had reviewed most of the material the night before and was disinterested in flipping through and following along like everyone else did. Dorian briefed him on most of his assignment already, anyway.
He felt Mipha's foot kick at his shin and he turned his gaze to the front of the room. Dorian's brows were knit together, his eyes on Link. Link took a sip of his coffee, then leaned back against the chair. "Sounds good."
"You didn't hear a word I said," Dorian muttered.
"Mipha, Daruk, Urbosa, and Revali are to return to their respective sectors to prepare for any attacks. Zelda and I will activate the four Divine Beasts which will be manned by each of them, then follow the leads we have for the Yiga Clan and infiltrate their base. In a perfect word, we'll figure out who this Ganon is, prevent him from attacking the palace and taking over Hyrule, and the good guys win." He turned his gaze to Dorian. "Sound about right?"
"Watch yourself, Link," Dorian snarled at him. "I can revoke your power with a snap of my fingers."
"Some people just can't handle the pressure," Revali said. "Perhaps a seasoned veteran would be more appropriate for the job."
"Shut your beak, Revali," Dorian snapped. "I'm in no mood."
Revali turned his beak up at the Sheikah and settled back into his chair, letting it roll away from the table just slightly.
"I'll send further orders when the time comes," Dorian said, gathering his papers together. "For now, return home and ready the Divine Beasts." He turned his gaze to Link as the others stood. "Hang back, Link."
Link watched as the others left the room - he ignored Revali's arrogant glare - and turned his attention to Zelda who remained sitting across from him.
"Once the Divine Beasts have been activated," Dorian started, "you and Zelda need to be prepared for whatever may happen. Gathering further intel on the Yiga Clan is your assignment, but your priority will be keeping Zelda safe and helping her with her own training." Dorian turned his gaze to Zelda. "You know what your duties are; you must be able to awaken the power inside of you. Visit the three springs of the three goddesses. It is likely at one of those springs where you will be able to awaken your power."
Zelda seemed confident in her role the day before, but today, Link caught a flash of doubt across her face. She seemed… skeptical, to say the least. And that skepticism hinted in the tone of her voice.
"And what am I supposed to do at the springs?"
"You'll have to figure that out yourself," Dorian said. "Unfortunately, we don't know much about the springs. Even the Sheikah cannot enter. It is said only the one Chosen One may enter. If history is correct, the Chosen One is the descendant of the goddess Hylia, and that blood runs through the Royal Family and in your own veins. Only you have the power to open the doors that seal away the springs."
"So, we're counting on a legend to save Hyrule from our enemies?"
"Why the skepticism? You've seen what my own soldiers can do. What Impa can do."
Zelda hesitated, her gazed cast down onto the table. "I think we need to be proactive-"
"With the Divine Beasts activated, we couldn't be more proactive in the matter. Robbie has been successful in activating the ancient Guardians and our soldiers have been training daily to man the machines to defend against any attack. Our preparations have been started years ago, Zelda. All that's left is finding your power, the power that will stop any dark forces from taking over Hyrule."
"Of course," Zelda said simply.
Dorian's demeanor softened as he spoke to the princess. "Focus on the task at hand. Leave the worrying to me."
"You never worry," Zelda remarked.
Dorian winked at her. "I want you to head out first thing tomorrow," he said as he walked towards the door. "Daruk will be waiting for you at Goron City." The door closed behind him, leaving Zelda and Link alone. Their gazes met for a silent moment, seemingly sizing each other up until Zelda pushed herself away from the table.
"Well," she said as she got to her feet. "That's that, then. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Sure." Link made no effort to get up from his chair, but held his gaze on her. This seemed to make her uneasy as she hesitated for a moment, then nodded at him.
"Alright, then," she said, turning away and leaving the room. Once more, the door opened and closed as she exited.
Link stared at the door for a moment, unsure of what to make of the princess. From afar, she seemed to play the part of royalty well. In fact, she played it so well that Link really had never even noticed her or paid any attention to her. She was simply a figure that would often pass by when he was around the palace. From time to time, she would take a moment to oversee the training of her men, or give one of the commanders an order.
But she was different there in that room with him. Whether she intended to let her guard down or not, Link could sense it. A combination of fear, doubt, and anxiety. Though she was born into the role, it certainly didn't make it any easier for her, and now she was expected to complete some training all on her own, without any guidance.
Link certainly didn't envy her. But it was his job to at least make her job a little easier. He wasn't quite sure how he would do that, though, or if she even really cared for his help. She seemed indifferent towards him. A bit cold, even. Perhaps some resentment as well. Link could relate to that. Maybe she was just a tool to her own father as he was.
With Daruk and Mipha out of the city, Link was alone that night. He was always grateful when they were around, considering them his closest friends. He always had Daruk to drink with, or Mipha to talk to. Even Urbosa proved to be good at both. Despite his time in the forces, he never found himself connecting with anyone else, nor did he really care to. Which only meant that when they returned home, Link was alone.
He didn't mind it so much, though, especially on this night. His mind continued to run wild with accusations towards his father and questions about Zelda. And when he grew tired of trying to put the pieces together, he refocused his mind on a topic he found easier to handle. What was the story of the Yiga Clan and this man called Ganon? Assuming he was told everything that was known about them, that still left them a mystery. The Yiga Clan had been nothing more than an annoying gang over the years, but they suddenly posed a threat to Hyrule. There was a piece missing to that puzzle as well. Something that Dorian wasn't telling him. He was hiding something, Link was sure of that much. But how could they afford to hide something that could be so crucial?
No longer interested in the garbage on the tv, Link grabbed his keys and left his apartment, hurrying to his car across the lot. He drove quickly through the city until he reached the royal sector, flashing his badge at the security guards that waited at the gate. The gate opened and he navigated the streets until he reached headquarters where he was sure he would still find Dorian.
Most of the building was dark. The only people that remained this late at night were security. They were a mix of races who all recognized Link as he walked through the building. They nodded and exchanged casual hellos until Link found himself in front of Dorian's office, but the blinds were drawn and it was dark.
Unconvinced, he pressed his ear to the door and held his breath, but the room seemed to be empty. He tried the doorknob, but it was locked. Locked and… wet. Link held his damp fingers up, inspecting them, then turned his gaze across the room, imagining where Dorian would have gone. It was likely he had just left the office recently, perhaps heading to the garage to his car.
Link strode across the room, peering into the trash can by the doorway. There was the remains of an iced coffee, mostly melted ice. Dorian threw it there as he left for the night. He almost always had an afternoon iced coffee. That was enough for Link to go by.
He trotted quickly through the rest of the building, following the hallways until he was back outside. He kept close to the building, keeping in the shadow, and followed the wall towards the parking garage. He pressed himself against one of the cement columns, listening to the voice that echoed softly inside. He could tell Dorian was just on the other side of the garage, where he always parked. He was so predictable.
"I understand," Dorian's voice said. There was a pause. "I have no reason to believe that information will get out." Another pause. "He can search that place high and low, but Link won't find out… No, I'm afraid they have moved since then… I know… I appreciate it, Your Highness. I just want my girls safe… Thank you."
Link listened as the car was unlocked. The door opened and closed and the ignition came to life. He ducked low and followed the low wall until he was hidden amongst the bushes, watching as Dorian drove out of the garage and out onto the road.
