A hundred years ago, the kingdom of Hyrule was destroyed.
It was a simple start, but packed a heavy blow when he remembered what the king had told him. It wasn't meant to just simply fall, Link was meant to protect it.
And yet, here he stood, one hundred years later, the land crumbling beneath his feet because he had not been up to the task.
"After you fell, Princess Zelda's final wish was to place you in a sacred slumber. And then...all alone... alone she left to face Ganon."
It shouldn't have been that way, he felt. Had he not fallen, perhaps the land wouldn't have fallen to the state that it had.
"Before she nobly left to- dearest Link are you alright? You seem...ah, I believe I understand. Rest assured, you stood valiantly to your second-to-last-breath against the army of Guardians. I'm certain a large number of the ones you saw decaying on the way here were disabled by you. No one could have predicted the beast's foul tricks, even then, there was unlikely anything that could be done. Do not blame yourself for something that you cannot even remember."
The sheikah elder turned.
"That goes for you as well, my lady Mipha."
He had nearly forgotten. He wasn't alone.
The young Hylian followed the elder's gaze. The red Zora had been staring at the floor for the entire story, short as it had been so far. How could he have forgotten something so comforting? In failure and redemption, he wasn't alone.
"Ahem, where was I... ah, yes. Before she had left to face Ganon, the princess had entrusted me with a message to share with you."
The elder sighed. "I have waited 100 years to deliver these words to you. However..."
Link tensed.
"To hear these words, you must be prepared to risk your life, just as the princess had as she left to face the beast. Are you sure that you are prepared to do that?"
It had taken no time at all to acquire his response. He looked to his companion, who offered a determined nod."
Link turned back to Impa, a slight smirk donned on his face.
"Just what do you suppose I've been doing since I woke up?"
The old sheikah's eyes widened in surprise. She held a look of complete shock on her face four five seconds... ten seconds... thirty... a minute... then she began laughing. It was slight and coarse, but she carried it for a fresh ten seconds.
"I must say, it is quite odd to finally hear your voice, but that seems about the sole thing that has changed. Not memory to your names, and you charge forward, free of doubt."
Hear his voice? Had he been mute in the past? His throat stung at the memory of the shape his voice had been when he had first woken up.
Her laughing came to a stop. "Very well. Since you have both forgotten everything, I suppose I should recount the history that you have slept through."
"The history of the royal family is also the history of Calamity Ganon, a primal evil that has endured throughout the ages. This evil has been turned back time and time again, by a warrior wielding the soul of a hero, and a princess who carries the blood of the Goddess."
The story had started similarly to the king's, but Impa differed from what they had already heard by telling of the Calamity's first appearance.
It had been 10, 000 years since the first time the malice had wrought its rage upon the land. Hyrule had become a prosperous land, rich in technological advancements. Anticipating the evil beings return, armies of unliving soldiers who lacked any thoughts or feelings were built, each with but one sole directive: destroy the demons summoned by the calamity. From there, the four Divine Beasts were constructed, each piloted by the most skilled and revered of their respective tribe. The combined strength of the warrior, the princess, and the dozens of armies worth of guardians worked in tandem, sealing Ganon away upon his eventual return.
And the rest, they already knew. Ganon returned a second time, prepared for the armies, commandeering their helm from his opponents and turning them on their masters. Not even the Divine Beasts were safe from his charisma.
"...and so, the princess had left you these words: ..."
" 'Free the Divine Beasts,' that is what she said."
The statement widened Link's eyes. It made sense. Ganon was still trapped in the castle by princess Zelda, he would not be able to recapture them.
"The four Divine Beasts, each controlled by one of the four champions, who were defeated by Ganon. Vah Rudania, which was controlled by Daruk, boss of the Gorons. Vah Medoh, controlled by Revali, the greatest archer of the Rito. Vah Nabooris, commanded by Urbosa, chief of the Gerudo. And finally..."
Impa shifted her gaze.
"Vah Ruta, controlled by Mipha, born princess of the Zora tribe."
The room fell deathly silent as the two processed what Impa had just said.
"P-p...Princess?!" Mipha silently exclaimed. "I...I'm royalty?!"
Link heard the aged sheikah mutter a quiet sigh. "So, that is what happened."
"I apologize for raising that to light from nowhere, but I felt it important that you know. Unfortunately, this gives me many questions, ones that I doubt either of you have answers to. Judging from your shared memory loss, I assume that means that she was placed under the very same sleep that you were, dear Link. I can only think that a third party is involved, but I haven't any idea as to how they would have been able to breach the shrine. Although, I might be more surprised at how powerful that machine is. To be able to fix such..."
Impa paused when she saw Mipha. The Zora girl was still in shock from learning of her heritage, understandably so.
"...perhaps I should not share just how severe it was. At any rate, we could stand for hours, thinking of answers to a question that has none, but I'm afraid time is of the essence. As I have already said, your mission is to free the Divine Beasts. Search for a way to infiltrate them, and purge them of whatever sinister force stole their command from the champions. I'm afraid I cannot be more specific, but the elders of the four tribes should have more information. Follow your sheikah slate, and you should find them with little trouble."
The elder paused once again.
"I apologize for giving you such a daunting task, even with your empty minds, but you are perhaps the only ones who can accomplish it. However, on the subject of your memories, I perhaps know someone who might be of aid in recovering them."
This caught Link's attention. The mention of memory retrieval called Mipha from her disbelief as well.
"That sheikah slate... there is much that it still cannot do. Go east, to Hateno village. There, you should find a sheikah woman named Purah. She should be able to help return it to its full strength."
With one last sigh, Impa spoke once more: "With that, I have said my place. There is nothing more that I can tell you at this time."
"It's been a huge help. Thank you." Link said, bowing his head to the elder.
"Oho, it is quite alright. Go now, and may the goddess smile upon you."
They finally had a goal. Free the Divine Beasts. Link stood, glad to know where he was going, and, though he hadn't had any idea of who she was, he was sure it was nice to see Impa again.
The conversation had gone on for longer than they had thought. It was past morning when the two champions left the elder's abode. Though, it made little difference, for both boy and wolf were under the same tree that they left them. Link shared the new information, but Navi refused to pay attention.
"I'm just here to help you fight. When it comes to this whole kingdom saving business, I leave that all to you."
Link tried and again to relay their quest, but all he could convey was that their next destination was Hateno because someone there could help.
"Oh! That reminds me, a painter man walked by earlier, asking around about a fairy fountain that's around somewhere. I didn't hear where, but I did find a likely spot." He said as he stood. "Right over there, behind that glowy thing I've seen you go in a few times."
Link followed the boy's point, and as he said, there was a shrine atop one of the cliffs that walled around the village. He was glad that there was one so close, it would make the trip back from Hateno much easier. Behind the shrine, Link could make out tree tops, a slight forest stretched out behind it. That was the place of the boy's interest, then
Up the hill they went, sheikah children running past or stopping to stare at the giant predator walking about. They looked on in awe, and the wolf seemed happy for the attention, playfully barking whenever they tried to pet him. One child attempted to play fetch, but the hope for the game was quickly dashed in favour of a new one. The wolf's ludicrous reflexes and jump height made for a spectacle far more impressive than retrieving a stick. Anything the children could make airborne, the wolf would make it not. Anything, except for the cucco. The moment Link's eyes landed on it, the same adrenaline pulse of combat flowed through his system, every nerve told him to get back. The wolf followed, as did Navi, the three of them standing a fair distance away with their weapons drawn. Link hadn't the slightest idea as to why this feather clad fowl frightened him so, but he knew that he did not trust it. Something in its eyes gleamed with wickedness, fiendish enough that he knew not to challenge it. He backed away, slowly gaining distance from the animal, but it stood still, unaware that three predators were aiming at its neck. Unaware, or unworried. Link calmed himself. It clearly wasn't agressive, so there was no need to worry for the moment. He sheathed his sword, and turned to find a rather concerned look coming from Mipha. Now tinged with embarrassment, he quickly started back up the hill.
How long has it been? A decade? A century? More? It didn't matter, she was too tired to even try to think about. Oh, how sad a state she was in, her power exhausted, her abilities lost...
Why had this happened to her? She had once been so proud, people from across the kingdom would come to her for any reason one could think of. They would ask her for her blessing, for advice, for her hand, for her heart, they would offer gifts in hopes of improving their luck, or simply to talk to someone who would listen. It was splendid, but oh, did not last! The visits shortened, became fewer and farther, and eventually stopped completely. Not a single sheikah from the village had come for her blessings, no passersby would stop and give an offering to guard their travels...
The world had forgotten about her, isolated her, locked her in the place that she was gracious enough to call her home, and left her to drown in her sorrow as she faded away. She was now alone, deafened by the silence. Not even the youngling fairies that congregated in front of her once beautiful fountain would offer her the time of day. She was so weak now, she doubted they could even feel her presence.
She was alone. Completely alone. Such was fate, she supposed. She did not agree at all, but there was nothing that could be done. Nothing to do but wait...
Wait...
Wait, is that...?
Could it be? Goddesses above, could it be? Truly? Oh, praise Hylia it could! There was someone coming! After so long, after so long locked in silence, she could hear them! Someone was walking through the wood! Please, oh goddesses, please come closer! Someone...
No... not one...
There was... two... three! There were three people coming! They were close, oh so close, she could feel them!
Three people, all were Hylians, all were young...
...and all were male.
She grinned in her prison. This was a divine mercy, surely! No young, hot-blooded man could stand idly by as a beautiful maiden suffered, certainly not in the presence of his peers. This was perfect, they would be her salvation. They came closer, and she could better sense their spirits. The first one she felt was short, quite short, but deceptively so. What his body refused to show resonated through his soul, that being his age. Contrary to body, his mind was old, the eldest of the three she could tell, but how old she could not. Oh, spite her weakened state.
The second oldest spoke more to his self. He stood tall, his body toned and built like the finest warrior to ever walk the earth. He was old, but not terribly so. From what she could tell, he had barely set foot into his prime. A finer specimen than either of his peers, he certainly stood out to her. His mind was sharp and perceptive, but there were traces of emotions that she didn't expect. Greif, guilt, sadness, regret, she had seen this in enough cases to know that this young man had once had his heart shattered. A slight darkness emanated from his core, a bestial rage that would have torn the heavens asunder had it not been quelled. It spared some pity in her, perhaps she could offer him her...
Dear Hylia, what was that smell?! The second man, his form reeked of wild dogs and forest waste! Her pity had been lost with her appetite, and her attention turned to the third.
Youngest of the three, so young that he qualified as young man by the slimmest of margins. His size was not much to the average eye, but hers were no commoner's. Beneath his modest appearance lay a body fit for a general. Strong but quick, light but powerful, proud yet quiet, he could preform at worst average in near any situation, and at best, he could decide a war. Inside his heart beat a soul so bright and righteous, its presence could blind any corruption that challenged it. There was but one thing out of place in this boy: his mind. His spirit was strong as iron, his presence was humble, but his mind echoed blankly, unfilled with any childhood to speak of, nearly emptied of personality safe a oxymoronic combination of recklessness and caution. This boy was strange, but at the moment, he was her only hope.
They came closer, ever so closer, tantalisingly close, and she heard one talk.
"Is this it?" the voice questioned.
"Maybe. I only heard that it was somewhere around the village. For all I know, this isn't even the right spot." replied another.
The time was nigh, her saviour had arrived.
"Please..." she called out, trying to sound as helpless as possible.
"Please...I beg of you...please help me..."
They stood fast, their questions answered. She kept her squeals of joy at bay, and continued.
"This place was once a beautiful spring, but as time passed... less people came with their offerings, and my power waned...
I am the great fairy Cotera... please, oh sweet boy, all I ask is but one hundred rupees...and I shall be restored. I will gran you my services in return so please..."
She out stretched her hand, reaching out to him. She heard something, a rustling of cloth, the distinct ting of the Hylian currency. She could nearly taste them, but the second voice spoke up.
"Are you sure? Didn't you say that's all you have?"
"They aren't exactly hard to find, and besides that, I can't simply leave someone if they ask me for help."
The boy was more than honourable, he was merciful, generous even. She felt something collide with her palm, power already returning to her. She pulled the offering close, the power coursing through her in a way that she had long since forgotten. It was fantastic, she let herself get immersed in the flow, unable to stop the sounds of her pleasure as she lost herself in the near euphoric return of her strength. Her power was restored, her fountain was in bloom. It was sensational, phenomenal, amazing. She was elated, it had returned. She burst out from under the water's surface, and looked down at her liberator.
"Thank you, boy. As promised, my power is at your beckon call. Whenever you should desire, I shall improve your clothing. It is the very least I can do."
She reached out with her mind, scouring the land to feel every soul that lived in it. Much to her disappointment, her sisters had met her same fate. Oh, how this world could be cruel. She returned to herself, and stood back to look at the three Hylians...
Two Hylians...
What? Why were there only two? She had sensed three, and could still sense three, but saw only two Hylians...
...and a wolf.
No... not a wolf...
That was the missing Hylian. The beast held the soul of a man, his appearance a mere disguise. The fairy had never known such sorcery, but now all were accounted for. One young Hylian, one older Hylian, one short Hylian, and one Zora girl.
Wait, what was that? Surely, her senses had not been so weak when she was powerless, where had this Zora come from?
The small band had turned to leave, their business in the woods finished. She reached her mind once more, but felt nothing from the fourth guest. How was this possible? She had felt over the entire kingdom of Hyrule, she knew where the Zora were, she knew that they had souls, and she knew what they felt like, so why could she not sense this one? She hid slightly behind the young Hylian, perhaps she was timid to the point that she had no presence? No, she had felt shyness before this was something different. Something... something that might have an explanation in the hands of someone present. One with a larger soul than any other present. A soul larger than even her own.
"You there, small one!" she called out.
"Hm?" the man in question turned, his face that of a child. Such conflict in soul and body, only he could hold such an answer.
"Could you stay a while to talk? I haven't had company for ages."
The others turned with slight concern in their faces, but he was quick to calm them.
"It's alright, I'll be fine. Besides, it's like I've said, this is your adventure. I'll be waiting here for you to get back from Hateno."
Apprehensive, they followed his directions after a short farewell.
He was now completely alone, and Cotera could acquire some answers.
"I don't suppose you kept me so you could teach me how to use the spin-attack?"
"You know perfectly well my reason." replied the towering Faye.
He laughed childishly, "I'm sure I don't ave any idea what you're talking about."
"Do not feign innocence, I can tell what you are."
Defeated, he breathed a sigh. "Well, it was worth an attempt. You can't blame a man for trying."
He knew that this would happen eventually. They would encounter something that recognized him, or he would accidentally let his nature show, perhaps he would need his full strength to fend off something that the hero could not as he was. What he didn't expect was that it would happen so soon.
"So, what seems to be the problem, oh great fairy Cotera?"
He wasn't sure if he had accidently sounded sarcastic, but the glorified shrine maiden had become irritated.
"You play a dangerous game, young deity. Even you must know the consequences of a god interfering with mortal affairs."
All traces of the gracious, loving guardian that had addressed Link was gone. Her warning was sincere, but she did not care if he heeded it.
"What do you think is so funny?"
He hadn't noticed. He had started chuckling.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just... you're the first person who's ever called my young."
She was getting mad. He couldn't tell why, he was telling the truth.
"How can you be so carefree? This matter is most serious! You play with the hands of fate, and she is not one to ignore those who disrupt her work."
"Really? Then tell me something, did you agree with 'fate' when you were trapped in your little pond here?" It came out harsher then he had meant it to, but it did its job. The woman was shocked by his rebuttal, and she was fast to create a counter.
"No, but I accepted her design. She can be a little cruel, but she makes the best choices." was her response. She delivered it calmly, as if she were afraid of offending someone.
That pushed him. It caused a spark and lit an outburst to fast for him to stop it.
"A little cruel?" he muttered through gritted teeth. "She is perhaps the cruelest thing I have ever met."
She had heard him, it was too late to stop.
"Too many times have I seen her ruin the lives of men. Too many times have I seen those men regret everything they have done because of her 'making the best choices.' Too many times have I heard them pray in hope that the divine may reverse it. Too many times have I seen those people lose hope and accept her design."
He had said too much.
"But I'm sure that you weren't asking for my life's story."
"I...I suppose not..." he had left her speechless. 'Though, that does answer another of my questions."
"And which question would that be?"
"Why are you doing this?"
"That is a different story. One that I am not keen on sharing. But simply know this: That boy who saved you, he bares the spirit of the hero."
He heard the Faye gasp.
"In a different time, he had lost everything that he had ever held close to him. He had saved the realm, but found nothing but suffering. I have come to change that."
"So, you intervene as a kindness? You think that what you have done is honourable?"
He prepared himself for the same lecture that he had heard time and again before. 'You have no right' and 'This is not a matter that you should change.' Same song, different singer. But the song never played. It was a simple question.
"Are you aware of what you have done?"
She wasn't opposed to his actions, and how could she be? She understood his reasoning. Countless people have probably come to her, asking her for her assistance in a time of need, and she could only try and lessen it, unable to fix it entirely. He was righting a wrong, but there was a detail that he had missed in doing so. One that he was ashamed of.
"Yes, I know about it. An...unforeseen variable, but I will correct my mistake."
"Correct it? My dear young deity, that poor girl has no soul!"
Author's note:
3, 000 words, or it's free, just as promised. I could have had this up by Wednesday, but the document glitched and I lost hours of writing. Again, I'm really sorry that last one was so short, but I'll try and be better about it by writing gradually across the week instead of waiting until Sunday and taking a good two-and-a-half hours out of my weekend. It should save me time, and it might actually get the chapters out faster.
If I can change gears right quick, it honestly blows my mind how popular this story became. I'm not sure if you read in the summary, but this is actually my first time doing something like this. It really makes me happy seeing all you guys, gals, and assorted other inhabitants of the internet enjoying something that I wrote, and am writing. From the bottom of my heart, wherever it is, let me thank all of you for your support.
By the way, sorry, if Cotera was a bit on the dramatic side. We're studying Shakespeare in English, and I was...inspired, to put it gently, to try and write a soliloquy.
But, until next time, this is Sobakiin, signing off.
Don't take life too seriously.