The Springs of Hylia
Chapter 10
So, hi, I guess…
Link didn't sleep much last night. And he was feeling underwhelmed from it. He didn't know why. It was just unease. Seeing Zelda fast asleep, it flicked something in his heart. Kind of like a warning. Or at least he assumed. He wasn't sure what kind of warning. But it was definitely unease. That, at least, he was sure of.
Zelda however seemed right-as-rain, she was chitter-chattering about some nonsense, it sounded like a girl thing, he was happy to listen to her babbling, or well, kind of, he didn't actually pay much attention, he was too busy falling asleep in the saddle behind her.
"Ouh!" Zelda jumped.
Link jumped too flailing and panicked.
She giggled. "Stay awake will you, you know your way around Hyrule better than I do, and plus, I don't fancy too much about being a human pillow and drool soaker."
Link turned and blushed. "Where'd you get the drool from?"
She giggled. "You drool in you sleep!"
Link let out a surprised panic noise which only made her laugh harder.
"It often makes me wonder what your dreaming about."
Link turned his head again, so that she couldn't see his face.
"I, didn't sleep much last night, which usually it doesn't affect me, I've gone weeks without sleep before, but I think finally not needing to worry so much about Calamity Ganon, has deterred the adrenaline that was keeping me going. Now I feel like I'm going to crash. Hard."
Zelda sighed. "What goes up must come down."
Indeed, he thought.
"Why don't you tell me the directions to the colosseum ruins, you will be defeating a blue-maned-Lynel, we can swap seats until then, so that you can get some rest."
Link shook his head. "I can get us there. And I can fight in my poor state, if you can't fight at your worst, then you will never be your best."
"Wiser words where never spoken. However, I still think you need to rest, at least to charge up."
Link sighed, she was right. "Alright. I'll get us to Outskirt Stable and rest there, I'll defeat the Lynel tomorrow."
Zelda nodded. "Ok. Good, at least then we have a better chance of less injury, if you are at your best."
"We."
"Yes, I was thinking I could shoot at it from afar-"
"No!" the words were sharp and came out of his mouth before he thought about the way he was saying it.
"Maybe the Moblins then."
"Maybe."
Zelda's shoulders slumped and immediately he felt bad. "I just don't want you to get hurt, especially since Moblins can be tricky and Lynels, are well, you know how they are, for all I know, you might not be ready to actually face an enemy head-on."
She nodded in understanding, but he could tell it ate her up inside. "But I wouldn't be face-to-face with one, just encountering, and I've stood head-on with enemy's before."
"Maybe, but Zelda, I more just don't want you getting hurt. I'm not going to just save you and then risk losing you again."
"As the princess you should listen to what I demand." She crossed her arms like a child.
Link scowled. "Do not use your title with me, I thought titles didn't matter between us anymore, if that how you want to act then fine, I'm your appointed night, as stubborn as you are, I'm not just going to throw all I've been told and asked of out the window. Stop acting like a child and realise what you're asking."
Zelda crumpled.
Link sighed. "I'm sorry."
"I understand." She whispered, both touched and hurt by his words. "I just ask of one thing, if it comes to it, can I intervene, like if your struggling too much, or your near death." Again. She didn't think she would be able to get him to the Shrine of Resurrection on her own, and right now, the Royal Guards and Guards were scattered across Hyrule, or no longer lived, any would be too old or dead to help her.
Link let out a long breath that stirred her hair. "If, it comes to that."
She nodded.
"I think we should visit Malanya."
She nodded again excitement brewing in her veins, at the thought of seeing her horse again. She missed him. She had a few ideas for his name that she still hadn't decided on after all these years; Euthar, Quarry, Quest and Espen. She thought all these names suited him. It was just a matter of the final decision.
They rode for a few more hours before stopping at Malanya's spring.
At first Link just stood there. Seeming to wait atop the giant open flower. Then she felt a vibration beneath her feet that rippled up into her legs. Two hands braced on either side of Link and the Horse God pulled herself from the spring.
At first Zelda was startled by Malanya's appearance. A horse face with multiple manes, some platted, and with ears that looked like a second pair of ears. She had no visible neck, her hands and head seeming invisibly attached to her patterned and stitched pink ,orange and white dress. Her head twitched and when she spoke her voice seemed to drift in snorts and grunts although you could understand her.
"It's you again." She grunted. "Why have you sought me out? Surely no ill has befallen your beloved, faithful steeds… let me see…" she gasped her hands almost eating him ferociously as he cringed. "…Neigh! A horse, loyal and true, has fallen during your adventures. I could end you right here and now!"
Zelda gasped and moved to step in front of him. "It's my fault." She defended. But the horse god only laughed, both horrified and teasing.
"I only jest, of course… you freed me and returned my power to me, it is only fair that I do something in return. And you sweet child," she paused getting in Zelda's face so much she needed to step back, bumping into Link. "I also see you deeds and devotions to your steeds, or, steed. Your horse's death was not your fault and yet I see how deeply you miss him, I shall bring back both companions to travel with you once more, but be warned, next time. I won't be so generous or composed."
They both stiffen at her comment knowing full-well without knowing her just how bad she could get, no doubt she would devour them both if there ever was a next time.
"Hm, I can tell Mapfha died due to an unexpected accident. Worry not this happens from time to time, and, Espen," Zelda gasped. Malanya knew the name she was going to choose. "Fell due to the attack from the Calamity. Both horses know that you did not mean for this to happen. I will now revive your companions."
Malanya brings both hands to her chest as if to take the horses from her heart. She raises them above her head and two beams of purple light, encircled by blue, they shine down on either side of Link and Zelda.
Two orbs of purple light breathe and spark. And the two horses neigh and stomp as if making sure they were on Hyrulean land once again.
"I was successfully able to bring back both horses. Next time, don't let your horses die! Horses are your partners. Don't forget that. If you're carless with their lives, you may regret it… UNDERSTAND!" She said, her hands attempting to eat them again. "I jest… for now!" she says and disappears beneath the waters of her spring.
Link walks over to Mapfha and leans his forehead against Mapfhas muzzle, running his hand up and down to soothe her. Zelda hugs Espens neck, happy to see him after so many years. "I missed you, boy." She whispers to him. Espen snorts but nuzzles into her.
"I'm going to take Mapfha to Highland Stable. Same for Zelda. I think you should do the same. The colosseum is still hours away and we won't make it on horseback before night falls."
Zelda nods. "So, we teleport. Where?"
"You want me to rest, so we'll go to outskirt stable. That way we can still sleep in a bed. The stables are usually pretty empty, but I assume as the time for everyone to meet at the colosseum nears, they will be full of customers."
"I feel bad to keep letting you pay."
Link shakes his head "We've talked about this. I'm fine too, plus its only 40 rupees between us, not as bad as I've paid before. Besides I have everything I need. And I should be the one feeling bad, you're not sleeping in your own room at the castle."
"We've talked about this as well. I like spending these days with you and traveling for the majority of the time like a normal Hylian, no Royal Guards flaking me. but I suppose everything could have been different if I had unlocked my sealing power earlier."
Link heaves a heavy breath. "We've also talked about this, its not just your fault to bear, one thing leads to another. Snap out of it, at this rate you will never forgive yourself, never be free of this burden. Believe me I know."
Zelda hung her head, out of anyone who would know this feeling, its Link. "But people died because of me."
"People die because of everyone. People die because of nature and the Goddess Hylia. It was their time, you have to stop thinking about this, stop looking back and look to the future, Zelda, all that matters is that those people," Link pats his chest, right over his heart. "they're in here."
They rode to Highland Stable, and then teleported to Outskirt Stable. Link paid for two beds, despite Zelda's useless protests and they settled in for the night. Link was out as soon as his head hit the pillow.
His words still going around in Zelda's mind. All that matters is that those people, they're in here. He was right of course, and evidence supported him. She could feel the heart of Hyrule beating in her chest like a drum. She could tell the people she knew apart, the spirits of the Champions and her father. The hearts of the scientists, and Impa. And Link's strong and beating heart. Everyone was with her. And Zelda knew that once she let go of the burden that blackened parts of her heart and mind, she would fight for them.
As she was going to sleep, she felt her worries fading as swiftly as the Kingdom of Hyrule was getting back on its feet.
The next morning, Link made them breakfast at the cooking pot outside. Honey crêpes, yum.
The colosseum was surrounded by a mountain of rock. Shielding the ruins from sight. So much to rebuild.
They rode a wide berth around the colosseum, keeping distance.
At the bottom of a hill, Link dismounted, sliding off the seat and landing on the floor with barely a sound.
Zelda tried to copy his example but wasn't used to the movement and stumbled. Link both righted her and shushed her.
Link walked carefully, the malice has disappeared, gone with the Calamity. He thought. More in sight. He veered off the side as soon as they crossed the bridge.
As they neared Zelda with drawled her bow.
Link shook his head. "We need to get to higher ground. Take this." Link withdrew something from what seemed out of mid-air.
Her father's paraglider.
"I'm going to get Revali to creaet his updraft-"
"Gale, actually."
They both turned sharply, Revali revealed himself, his royal blue scarf still hanging from his neck. He bowed to the princess.
"I admit, it's mighty nice to see you again."
Zelda beamed and hugged him.
Revali, having no experience in the situation, just stood their awkwardly, her action of affection also taking him by surprise.
Revali scowled at Link. "I suppose, I should be thanking you, Hyrule is free of malice and the Calamity. But make no mistake! I also played a part."
"Of course, you did." Zelda said brightly, happy to see yet another old friend. "I don't mean to be rude. But why have you shown Revali?"
He scoffed. "Well, believe it or not, I have been helping your inconspicuous silent knight. Although I have noticed he has begun to talk. Mostly to you of course. But I have been creating my special updraft, the one you have seen me do. Now, now, no need to profess your no doubt admirable thought of me. but I have been creating Revali's Gale, for your silent friend. And that is why he has called for me, silently of course, how else."
Link desperately wanted to roll his eyes.
"Now, princess, hold the paraglider above your head, I will create an updraft for you and guide you so you land on top of the colosseum. Fear not, you have a hand to hold if you must! Now. Paraglider up, let's go."
Zelda held the paraglider above her head as Revali flapped his wings, once, twice and an updraft roared in her ears. Revali's teal spirit flapped up with her, circling around her as she float up and up until Revali guided the princess' feet onto the stone wall of the colosseum.
"Thank you." She said.
Revali nodded in acknowledgement, "I now must ask for the paraglider, your friend needs a way up here, and I don't want you to fall without him being there to ensure your safety, otherwise, I would make him climb."
Revali took the paraglider and landed in front of Link on the ground.
Revali sighed heavily. "You won't utter a word. Will you?"
"Your frustration was always amusing."
Revali let out a surprised laugh at Link's first words that were spoken to him. "He speaks. Finally. I have tried and tried, and yet to no avail, and finally, now, you speak." Revali shook his head in disbelief. "I suppose, I should lift you up into the skies once more, or maybe, a couple more times. But, on one condition. You treat our princess with respect, integrity! And you guard her with your life. You never once failed on any, keep it up!"
Revali did the same thing as before, flapping to create his Gale that carried Link up and to be set down at Zelda's side.
Revali gave Link's shoulder a stroppy pat. "Have fun sealing the darkness."
Link suppressed a half-smile and a laugh. Remembering those words.
As Revali turned away to disappear, he heard Link's words; "It was good seeing you, Revali."
He wouldn't admit it, but it was good seeing the silent knight and the princess too.
Link turned away, "Wait here. And don't move until I've disposed of these Moblins, he jumped. Landing softly and quickly dispatched the three Moblins before waving at Zelda to follow. She did grabbing hold to the wall beneath her feet and swinging herself over. Closing her eyes she let go, and staggered to her feet. She ran and met up with Link. The same pattern happened two more times, with Lizalfos and the Bokoblins.
Then finally, Link told her to wait, to turn around and head up to the highest floor.
"But-" she quietly protested.
Link just shook his head. "Not this one, Zelda. This isn't a blue-maned-Lynel. Its changed, this is the most dangerous one. If my life is in danger, take this-" he handed her the paraglider and the Sheikah Slate. "And run for your life. Don't turn back, don't even think about notching an arrow. Turn, and run, do you hear me." Link turned around to face her.
She nodded.
"Zelda, this Lynel, is the second strongest thing in Hyrule to Calamity Ganon. There is no fight for you, its flight."
Zelda took a deep breath and nodded. Then ran up, and up. She could see Link, far below her, and the silver-maned-Lynel.
She accessed the scope on the Shekiah Slate and watched.
Link jumped off the lowest floor, taking out his bow and three bomb arrows in the Lynel's direction.
The Lynel, turned on it's hind legs and noticed Link, barely affected, by his arrows. It charged. Link ran out of the way, narrowly missing.
Swinging his spear, Link flipped over it, then he let out a flurry of six attacks in a matter of seconds.
The Lynel charged at him again, this time weapon drawn and heading for Link's head.
Link performed the same flip and flurry of attacks.
It roared in rage, the sound making rubble stir. He let out three breaths of fire, each time with Link running for his life and escaping with minor burns that made his skin bubble and blister.
He hissed, and bit his tongue, tasting copper.
The Lynel jumped, and Link being unprepared, narrowly missed a blow that would have split him in half, however, it cut through skin and muscle in his left arm and he cried out.
Link was beaten and bloodied more and more so, this fight seeming rather one sided.
Zelda began to worry.
Until Link noticed a pattern in the Lynel's attacks. Charge. Spear. Spear. Spear. Charge, spear. Roar. Fire. Fire. Fire. Jump, slam, spear.
Charge. Spear. Spear. Spear. Charge, spear. Roar. Fire. Fire. Fire. Jump, slam, spear.
Over and over.
The Lynel was in a bad state. Deep cuts where Link had slashed at the vulnerable underside and neck and back where he had mounted the Lynel when stunned.
The lynel hadn't once draw it's bow. And this unsettled Link.
He was already worn. Gasping for breath and willing the blood he had loosed to return to his veins. He was losing blood, and fast.
Both of his arms had suffered severe damage. His head was open and bleeding into his eye, leaving his sight blurred. His legs were burnt and so was his back and stomach. All oozing bright red blood.
Where was Daruk? Mipha?
He was struggling. Ganon had been different, easier to out run or dodge and shield most of his attacks. But this Lynel was bleeding him dry, bit by bit, wound by wound.
Zelda chewed her lip nervously. Yes, she remembered what Link had said to her. Btu he forgot that she wouldn't just stand by anymore.
She grabbed her bow from her back, and nooked a shock arrow onto the strong. Aimed for the Lynel's face and released! Right on the mark.
The Lynel slumped allowing Link to climb onto it's back and hack at its spine and muscle relentlessly.
They did this a few times.
But it was short lived.
Drawing it's bow. The lLnel hooked three shock arrows into its bow, aimed, but it wasn't at Link.
Fire!
The shock arrows each found a mark on Zelda's body, where she stood at the edge of the colosseums highest floor.
She gasped out and the Bow of Light slipped from her grasp and clattered to the floor.
Stunned she felt herself falling forward.
It was the cliff all over again.
Link let out a cry of rage and charged at the Lynel, releasing most of the last bits of energy he had to send out Urbosa's Fury.
The Lynel roared and fell, beaten.
He felt no triumph. And rushed in an effort to catch Zelda before she hit the floor and splatter.
He skimmed it but, he was too late.
Link let out a scream that tore at his vocal cords.
He cradled Zelda to his chest and felt for a pulse.
Faint but still there.
He let out a whimper. "Mipha!" he yelled. He needed her now more than ever.
Relentlessly he called out the name of his childhood love, over and over, in desperate attempts to save, the person he cared for most.