Chapter 20
Almost a month had passed since the...incident with the assassin. After several weeks, things went back normal.
Almost normal.
Over the past several weeks, Ganondorf had been hauled up on training in his swordplay whenever he didn't have his royal duties, and he had become somewhat paranoid. In all his years of being king, he was no stranger of people trying to kill him. This kind of thing was expected after killing the previous monarchs, but never once did it happen in the walls of the castle. The false sense of security overcome him and he was caught off guard. Even though he knew a simple arrow wouldn't kill him, he vowed that an incident like this would ever happen again. He became obsessed with improving the his security. Making sure that whatever place he was at, guards would be at every corner. It had come to the point where it started to affect his health, physically and mentally. Under the advice of royal court, Ganondorf decided to go to Termina on a diplomatic trip, but also help him relax.
Ganondorf was in the courtyard as his luggage was being loaded into a carriage. With him was Aveil, who had planned to tag along as his personal bodyguard. Also in the courtyard was Ghirahim and Nabooru, who were there to give their send-offs.
"I assure you, your majesty, that I will take of everything while you're in Termina," Ghirahim assured
"We'll do everything to ensure that it stays that way, my king," followed Nabooru, not noticing the stink eye given by Ghirahim. He only lost his attention once Ganondorf started speaking
"Very well. Ghirahim, I trust you to watch over any affairs the kingdom have. If something important comes up that involves me, try to hold it off until I return. I also entrust Chancellor Cole and Nabooru to help you when you need it."
"You have my word, sire. I'll even keep an eye on Vaati. Make sure he's doing his job rather than visiting a brothel."
"Very well. If there isn't anything else to discuss, then I will go. I should be back next week."
"Have a good trip in Termina, your majesty." Nabooru bowed to him, followed by Ghirahim.
"Thank you, Nabooru. Farewell, both of you."
Ganondorf stepped into the carriage followed by Aveil, who didn't notice Nabooru waving goodbye to her as well. Both Nabooru and Ghirahim stood and watch the carriage leave until it was out of view. They both then walked back inside the castle.
"Is there anything you want me to do, Ghirahim?" Nabooru broke the silence.
"Yes...Check on Vaati to see what he has to report."
"Anything else to do after that?
"Make sure some part of the castle is clean, or something…"
"King Ganondorf said that you could help you with your duties."
"And shall ask for it when I need it," Ghirahim answered with more irritation. "Besides, most of my duties are more intense and require my full attention. While I'm doing that, someone's gotta to make sure the castle is still in order for when the king comes back."
"I...I guess," Nabooru answered.
"Good. Glad to see you understand. Now go on and do...whatever you do."
Ghirahim walked down the hall, leaving Nabooru alone. Truth to be told, she wasn't sure if she felt complimented, or hurt by Ghirahim's statement. This wasn't the first time this had occurred. Nabooru always suspected that Ghirahim had a dislike towards her, as far as her memory goes. They both had different ways to handle things, which was probably the reason why. If a problem were to occur, Nabooru would want it to resolve it peacefully while Ghirahim would do it the aggressive way. He always loathed the peaceful way.
But neither she nor Ghirahim could change each other's ways, no matter how hard they wanted too. She still respects his ways of handling things. She wasn't sure if Ghirahim does the same.
After a while, Nabooru decided to leave the castle. There was one place she likes to visit whenever she needed to get out of the castle. Near the edge of Castle Town was the cathedral. Aside from her bedroom and royal gardens, the cathedral was the one place Nabooru like to visit. It was a quiet place where some gather to ask the goddesses for their blessings for whatever they desire.
When Nabooru was a little girl, she and her mother, Neanatu often visited the building. It was their own special mother-daughter activity they did once a week. They would pray in the cathedral, play and have a picnic in the gardens. Sometimes, Neanatu would tell her stories about Hyrule. Nabooru always remembers her mother being very into Hylian culture. All of that had ceased when the day Neanatu died. Even then, Nabooru would try to visit at least once in a while.
Nabooru soon arrived at the building in question. The Cathedral was a huge building, pretty much dwarfing at the other buildings in castle town. Outside of the cathedral was a lush grove.
The inside was no different. The walls were well-carved stones. A long red carpet layer down the middle of the structure. At the end was a statue of three women each holding the legendary Triforce. People who come here typically pray there
The young Gerudo made her way to the end and stood before the statue. She got on her knees, clasped her hands together and begin praying.
"Farore, Nayru, Din. It's me Nabooru. I have come to ask you to watch over King Ganondorf and Aveil while they journey to Termina. The last couple of weeks hadn't been the same since the incident with the assassin. I hope that they both stay safe and things here goes as well."
That should be the end of the prayers. It was what Nabooru taking a deep breath, she continues on.
"I also came to ask for something else…Mother always told me to be thankful for what I have. I should be. I live in a castle, surrounded by riches, and I'm a faithful servant to the king. And yet, despite all that, I feel like I don't belong here. Ganondorf, despite somewhat raising me, seems to hold me back Ghirahim clearly doesn't like me. Chancellor Cole and Vaati barely acknowledge me most of the time. And Aveil is well...Aveil. I know I have Pipit and Karane. They're good friends. But sometimes I feel like I'm dragging them down with me."
Nabooru stopped her praying. Momentarily, she looked up at the statue. All three of which have unreadable expressions. She resumed her praying.
"All I ask is this: Is my destiny here, or out there?"
She waited for some kind of response. And waited. And waited. And waited…
Nothing was heard. Her words had fallen deaf even towards the three deities. Feeling as there was nothing else to do, Nabooru stood up and proceeded to the exit. Before she did, she bumped into a person. A big rounded man to be exact. Nabooru knew who he is.
"Rauru?"
"Hello, Nabooru."
Rauru is the priest and caretaker of the cathedral. Nabooru had known Rauru since she was a child. He was a close friend of her mother. He was around his late 70's-early 80's, dressed in a large robe that was red and orange. He wore a split necklace that had the left half of bird. It had engraved words that said 'Live'. What the other half or who had it was unknown to Nabooru.
"How you've been? I haven't seen you in a while."
"I've been doing fine. Been busy helping out around the castle. The king left for Termina this morning."
"And I take you're here to ask the goddesses to watch over him?"
"You can say that," She paused. "Rauru, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Did you ever feel...lost. Like you don't know what to do with your life?"
Rauru gave a thoughtful look. "When I was young, I didn't know what I wanted to be. I had several ideas, none of which suited me. In the end, I knew this is where I feel content. I wanted to help others understand the words of the goddesses and how they could use them in their lives."
"What did it felt like when you realize this is what you're meant to do?"
"It's a feeling with a mixture of emotions. I felt joy, relief, and satisfaction." Rauru gave a look to her. "May I ask why you're asking me this?"
"Sometimes I wonder if this where I'm meant to be. To serve the king."
"Here some advice that should help. The road you seek is not on a map. It is explored only by you. In the end, only you can find your path of destiny."
Nabooru gave a smile. "That sounds like helpful advice. Thank you." Nabooru looked out through the stained glass windows. "I probably should head back. It was good to see you again, Rauru."
"Same thing to you. Do try to come by again soon."
"I plan too."
It was common for members of the royal guard to be out in Castle Town during their off hours. 'Telma's Place' was a notable spot. Not many come during the day, but it becomes a popular place to wind down after a hard days work. Several members of the royal guard had chosen this spot for such an affair. This particular group was just wrapping up and were about to head out. One of the members headed to one of their own who was at the bar.
"Hey Shiro, we're about to head out. You coming?"
"I'm gonna stick around for a little while. I'll catch up with you guys later."
"Suit yourself."
The soldier walks away and soon left with the rest of his friends. Shiro still remained at the bar stool. With his soldier friends gone, the bar had become quieter
"Another drink, soldier?" A young woman with dark skin and orange hair from behind the bar counter approached Shiro with a bottle in her hand. "The usual?"
"You know me, Midna." Shiro took the bottle and drank out it.
"How's life in the castle?"
"His royal highness left for Termina this morning, so things have quieter at the castle. Quieter than has been for the past month since the...incident. "
"Sounds like you've been working hard." Midna gave a mischievous smile.
Shiro smile back at her. "That's the life of a royal guard. How are things here?"
"Same old. Serving drinks and food, dealing with drunk morons, some of them perverted. All that good stuff."
"And you say I work to hard." Shiro reaches in his shirt and pulls out a small bag, and a folded piece paper that he put the bag on top of. "Someone hardworking like you deserves a...tip." He slides the materials to Midna. She took the small bag and paper.
"I appreciate your generosity, soldier."
"Give Telma my regards?"
"Will do. You have a good night now."
Shiro took one more drink from his bottle before it emptied. He got up from the bar counter and left the building. Midna stuck around for a bit longer cleaning the counter. When she was done, she quick glances around the bar to make sure no one was watching. Once she was in the clear, she opened the piece of paper and read it. A small smile grew on her face before she went to the back room.
The Next Day... Insurgent Base Camp.
The fighting yard was a place at the camp where the camp's inhabitants could test their skills in combat. Some people do stop by and watch those who spar. Other occasions the training yard would become a place for entertainment for those living at the camp for a particular spar that had captured the populace's interest.
Ilia had been walking around when she noticed a good amount of people gathering around the training yard. Curious got to her and she followed them. In the midst of the small crowd, she found Zelda.
"Zelda?"
"Hi Ilia."
"What's going on over here?"
"Shad and Ashei are going duel each. She's been training him for weeks, and she's testing him today." Zelda had explained. "By the way, where were you all morning?"
"Oh, that. I…I was..."
"She was with Shiek all morning." Malon walked to the two girls.
"Malon!" Ilia blushes.
"What? Nothing wrong with that. Unless that blush of your says otherwise." Ilia didn't even respond to that. "Where is he anyway?"
"Impa summoned him. And yes, I was hanging out with him. There's no problem with that. No need to make a big deal out of it."
"No need defensive about it," Zelda pointed out.
"Yeah. Nothing wrong with having a little crush," Malon added.
Ilia's expression change to one similar to a child who was caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Then it had swiftly changed to when she admitted defeat.
"Okay, maybe I like him a little." Ilia lifted her other hand, sticking her fingers out as if she was squeezing a grape with them.
"Aw. My baby sis has a little crush," Zelda teased like the big sister she is. "This is cuter than when you had a crush on Link."
"How you'd know about that?!"
"One, it was painfully obvious at the time. Two, you once left your diary open on your bed. I think you wrote something about Link's 'nice abs'."
Malon snorted a bit as Ilia's face went even redder.
"I was twelve and on the brink of puberty! Excuse me if my hormones weren't exactly straight at the time."
"We're not judging. Everyone gets a crush," Zelda said.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Malon agree.
"I know. But if you tell anyone, especially Sheik or Link, I will use my crossbow on you both," Ilia playfully threaten.
"Your secret is safe with us, baby sister," Zelda assured.
Ilia then gave a smirk. "Since we're on the topic of crushes, why not we talk about you and Link?"
"Oooh! I like to hear that," Malon said.
"I-uh... Oh look, there he is!"
The other two girls look to see Zelda was pointing at Link, who was coming up to them. Floating beside his head was Navi.
"Hey guys. What are you talking about?"
"Crushes," Malon replied.
Link arched his eyebrow. "We're in the middle of a civil war, and you three are talking about crushes?"
"Would you rather have the daily reminder that this country is ruled by a psychotic tyrant?" Zelda brought up.
"...I guess you have a good point."
"So, what have you been up to?"
"I was-"
"Wait for us, Link!"
Coming up behind Link was Talo who ran up to him. Following behind the boy was Malo, Beth, and Colin. Zelda gave a small wave.
"Hi kids, what are you doing here?"
"We wanted to see the duel, but our parents were busy. Link offered to take us," Talo said.
"I don't know what our parents were busy about," Beth brought up.
Link's expression change to a somber look. He can see the curious look on Zelda's face. She probably knew what he was thinking, but didn't bring up. Not with the children here. Thankfully he didn't need to make up an excuse to the children to leave.
"Hey Link. I think I saw Saria in the front. Can we go talk to her?" Talo asked.
"As long you all stick together."
"Thanks, Link." Talo quickly ran off.
"Keep your shirt on. She's not going anywhere," Malo yelled out as he followed his brother.
Link looks over to Beth and Colin. "Can you two keep an eye on him?"
"We will, Link," Colin said.
"You can count on us," Beth said.
The other two children then went in the direction their two friends had gone, leaving Link with the three girls.
"Talo seems to take a liking to Saria," Zelda brought up.
"You could say that." Link gave a knowing smile.
"Everything alright with their parents?"
Link took a deep breath before answering. "Beth's parents had another...episode this morning."
There was no explanation needed for Zelda, Ilia, and even Malon to understand what Link had meant. It had been about a month since the other Ordon villagers had been rescued from the Lake Hylia labor camp. Their torture maybe over, but the memory of the horrors they had to deal with during the two months they were there had remained. There had been several incidents this month where Fado, his father, Beth or Talo's parents would have a sudden flashback and needed to be calm down, mostly by Rusl and Uli. Impa and several members of the camp had also helped them out, due to having similar experiences.
What's makes this even worse is that the Ordon children couldn't fully understand the situation. When they asked, Link and Zelda told them, leaving out the more graphic...details, that the adults have very bad memories and they have sudden moments where they relive those memories. While the children might understand the basic idea, it was still was a confusing topic. Nonetheless, they never further pressed the subject.
"I remember Fado telling me what went on at that camp. It must be very hard for them to move on after dealing with such traumatic experiences," Malon brought up. "I can't even imagine…"
"We'll help them get through this. They're our people. They need us," Link said.
"We're a community. And in some ways, a family," Zelda mentioned. "Kinda like here."
"I think they're in good hands," Malon said.
"Look. Shad and Ashei are coming out," Ilia stated.
Everyone turned their attention on the training yard. The young warrior and scholar made their way to the center. They were both wearing protective gear since they were using real swords. Auru had come along to act as a referee.
"This is no competition. This will determine how much you've improved and what you need to improve on, Shad. Do you understand?"
"I do."
"Alright. Whenever you two are ready."
Ashei look over to the crowd on the sides. "Didn't expect an audience."
"It's not every day a scholar goes against one of the best sword fighters in The Insurgents," Shad mention. "Which you are."
"Flattery will get you nowhere on the battlefield."
"Not unless I try."
"If you want to risk death." Shad chuckle at her comment. "You sure about this? We can practice more if you want."
"No need." Shad lifted up his sword. "I won't cut you. Don't worry."
Ashei gave an amused smile as she lifted her sword. "I'll try not to." She look at Auru.
"You two know the rules. Best 2 out of 3, wins. Ready?" They nodded to him. Auru took a few steps back to give them room.
"Begin."
The two opponents pointed their swords and started circling each other. Some spectators in the crowd cheered them on.
"Take his skinny little ass down, Ashei!"
"Show her who's the boss, Shad!"
Ashei made the first move and swung the sword at him. Shad manage to quickly dodge her several times. He may not be a skilled fighter, but he had quick reflexes. He used that to his advantage. After blocking Ashei's strike, they both struck their swords together several times. With his quick thinking, he pulled a fake out by moving the sword to her upper body before striking her on the leg.
Several members of the crowd clapped.
"First round goes to Shad," Auru said.
"Pulling a fake out. Smart," Ashei complemented.
"I got lucky," Shad retorted.
"Don't get cocky now."
They both positioned themselves to their starting spots.
"Round Two. Begin" Auru stated.
The blades once again struck each other. Each strike and swing Ashei gave, Shad dodged them Shad may have the advantage of quick dodge, but Ashei was still a skilled fighter. She quickly caught on to Shad's tactics. When Shad dodged again, Ashei took that opportunity to trip him. He landed on the ground and she pointed her sword at his neck.
"Round Two goes to Ashei," Auru declared.
Ashei offered her hand to Shad. "Too much dodging makes you predictable. Being predictable makes you vulnerable."
"My mistake." Shad took her hand and she helped him up. "That won't happen again."
"I'll see about that."
They then went back to their starting positions.
"Final Round. Winner takes all." Auru announced. "Begin."
Blades once again made contact. More ferocious this time around. Each swing they made getting more stronger than the previous one. They both even started moving around more often. Shad kept on swiping and dodging Ashei's strikes. When Shad attempt to strike her, Ashei blocked it so hard it had knocked his sword out of his hand, several feet away. That earned several gasps from the crowd.
Odds were seemingly against Shad. His weapon was too far away for him to grab without getting hit. Unknown to Ashei, he had one last trick up his sleeve. Or on his hip.
Dodging another swing from Ashei, Shad quickly pulled out his dagger. Ashei quickly noticed and attempt to grab his hand. Before she did, Shad quickly moved the dagger to his other hand and pointed it to her neck.
The crowd was stunned in silence. The only noises heard were the sounds of Shad and Ashei's breathing. Ashei gave an impressed smile towards the scholar.
"Winner is Shad," Auru declared.
Both of the sparring partners put their weapons away. "Where you learn that?" Ashei asked.
"Nowhere," Shad said. "Figure it be a good idea to bring two weapons."
"Smart move, but we should still work on making sure you don't drop your first weapon."
"Right…" Shad rubbed his arm.
"But you are definitely improving."
Shad gave a small smile. "...Thank you."
"You both showed great skill." Both turned to see Impa emerge from the now lesser crowd.
"Impa! I thought you had to attend to important matters?"
"I am. I'm looking Link, Zelda, and Ilia. This matter concerns them."
"They're with Malon over there." Ashei pointed to where the three were. They, along with Malon and the Ordon kids, had still stuck around and where talking. "Is everything alright?"
"I'll explain later. I need to speak to them first. Continue on."
Impa headed over to where Ashei had pointed over. Zelda was the first to notice her.
"Impa? Everything alright?"
"I need to speak with you three. Alone."
"Now?" Impa nodded to Link. "Malon, could you watch the kids?"
"Oh sure. No problem." Malon smiled.
Impa had taken Link, Zelda, and Ilia back to her hut and took them inside. Sheik was already inside leaning against the walls with his arms crossed, waiting for them.
"Good. You found them."
"What's going on?" Zelda asked.
"I may have your next major mission. One I think would interest you three." Impa eyed Zelda and Ilia. "Specifically, you two."
"Why?"
Impa glanced at Sheik for a moment before tuning back. "It's Bo."
All three Ordonians in the room couldn't speak. Zelda and Ilia were the most speechless.
"Dad's alive? How do you know?" Ilia asked.
"I have a contact in Castle Town. Not too long after you arrived, I sent messages to my contacts, asking them for any information regarding Bo, or any Ordonians. I got a message from him saying that Bo is there."
"What about mother? Is she there too?" Zelda asked.
"My contact didn't mention her, so I don't know. I'm sorry."
"...Where is dad being held? When did you find him?" Zelda spoke up after a moment.
"In the dungeons of Hyrule Castle. I found out only weeks ago."
"You've known about this for weeks? Why didn't you tell us sooner? We could've got him out of there by now!" Ilia said.
"My contact didn't know it was him at first. He wanted time to investigate to make sure it was him. And getting messages to and from Castle isn't easy. We also wanted to wait for the right time for this. The castle is not an easy place to break in."
"Why is now the right time?"
"According to our contact, Ganondorf is leaving for Termina and won't be back till next week," Sheik spoke up. "He'll be taking his best guards with him as his escorts. The reason why is due to an incident that happened earlier this month where someone attacked Ganondorf. They may be expecting the same while he's out on the road."
"And not expect an attack at the castle while he's away," Link concluded.
Impa nodded. "Which why now may as well be perfect to pull a rescue mission. That is...if you want to take part in this."
"Want to take part? He's my father! Of course I'm going to rescue him," Zelda exclaimed.
"And you bet I'm tagging along too," Ilia spoken up.
"Count me in as well," Link said.
Impa was quiet for a moment. "Are you three sure you want to do this? I'm not going to lie to you. This won't be like Lake Hylia. You'll be entering the Lynel's Den."
"My parents took me in when no one else wouldn't," Zelda started. "They didn't have too, but they did. They raised and loved me. When our village was attacked, I couldn't do a damn thing to help them. I felt so helpless. This may be our chance to save them. It's my turn to return that favor."
"Very well...If you three are sure, then I will allow it. But it won't be easy. Even with Ganondorf gone, there will be obstacles for you to face."
"As if that had ever stopped us before," Link said.
"The castle will be difficult to get in. My contacts will help you that. That'll be the least of your worries."
"What do we worry about?"
"Not 'what'. More like 'who'."
Sheik then went over to a desk and took what looked to be big pieces of paper. He then went over the table and placed them on there. These pieces of paper had pictures of several individuals. Three men and two women to be exact.
"These are people Ganondorf trusts dearly." Impa pushed the first image to them. "let's start with one you guys should be familiar with."
"Vaati…" Link hissed.
"He had been demoted to handling issues of Castle Town. It may be possible that you'll run into him. We all know what he's capable of, so you must be careful."
Impa pushed forward another picture. This one was a man with orange hair and mustache. He was wearing a green coat and a matching colored top hat.
"This is Chancellor Cole. He's in charge of government matters. He's not a fighter, but he's very loyal to Ganondorf and will do anything to prove it, even lying. He would sell anyone out, including his own friends and family, to ensure to stay on Ganondorf's good graces."
"So he's a sleazy politician?" Ilia stated.
"If you want to put it that way," Sheik said.
This time Sheik was the one to push up the pictures. Two pictures this time. Both were the two women. They both had the same colored dark skin, red hair in a ponytail, and yellow eyes. The only thing differentiating each other was their clothing.
"Are these two sisters?" Zelda asked him.
"No. Gerudo."
"What's Gerudo?"
"They're a female-dominated race. Males of their species are very rare for them. Ganondorf is one of those males. They are also skilled warriors. Many of which are part of Hyrule's royal army. I would suggest staying away from them." Shiek finished that last part rather sternly.
"This one right here is Aveil." Impa pointed to the picture of the Gerudo in red. "She's the leader of the guard, and commander of the army. Fortunately, she had left with Ganondorf, so you don't have to worry about running onto her."
"What about her?" Zelda looked over to the other Gerudo that was dressed in pink.
"Her name is Nabooru. We don't know if she can fight, but she's a devoted servant to Ganondorf. Her mother, Neanatu, was also one of Ganondorf's closest allies."
Link arched an eyebrow. "Was?"
"They found Neanatu dead one day, many years ago," Impa answered.
"Did he…" Link trailed off.
"We don't know. Ganondorf claimed an illness had killed her. We're not absolutely sure."
"But the fact remains that Nabooru won't pose a major threat, but is someone you can't trust," Sheik stated. "Do you understand?"
All three Ordonians nodded their head. Zelda looked over to the final picture. This one is a hylian man with white hair and pale skin. The man's left bang covered his left eye. And he looked to be wearing purple eye shadow on his exposed brown eye.
"This is Ghirahim." Impa pushed the picture to the Ordonians side. "He is Ganondorf's second-in-command. His loyalty goes even beyond the others. If Ganondorf tells him to put a through someone's chest, he'll do it without second thought. It is said he takes pleasure in killing."
"Ghirahim's deeds are said to date back even before Ganondorf rose to power, when he hunted and killed several men."
"Why?" Zelda asked.
"Rumor has it that they killed someone close to him. He was driven by revenge and murdered each one that was responsible." Sheik explained. "...Painfully, and slowly, they say."
"A skilled killer. Sounds like someone Ganondorf would want working for him," Link stated.
"Which is why you all need to be careful in case you come across him."
"We understand," Zelda answered. "When do you think we should leave?"
"I think tomorrow might be the best. I suggest you three start preparing. We'll tell the others."
All three Ordonians nodded their head and then left the hut. Only Impa and Sheik remained inside.
"Do you think it's wise?" Sheik suddenly spoke up.
Impa looked at Sheik. "What is?"
"Letting the Zelda and Ilia tag along. I understand why they want to, but missions where someone's family or friend is involved could have a high possibility of ending in disaster."
"I know, Sheik. But I even if I do share your sentiments, Zelda and Ilia would go no matter what."
"Well, I'm tagging along too. Someone needs to look out for them."
"Both or one of them?"
Sheik arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I don't need to be a Sheikah to see that you spend most of your time with Ilia."
"Why wouldn't I? She's a good friend."
"Are you sure it's not something more?"
"It's not like that."
"I'm not saying it is. What I am saying that is natural if you do. You're still a young man."
"We are just friends." Sheik spoken more defensively.
"And I believe that."
"...Right." Sheik rubbed his arm. "I'm going to go prepare for tomorrow."
"Very well."
Impa stood as she watches Sheik leave her hut. A sense of anguish was felt in her chest. The same kind feeling a mother would feel for their child. While Sheik may not be her blood, Impa cared for as if he was. She appreciates the dedication he had put into focusing on the rebellion, but sometimes she wishes he would wind down. Sheik was so serious sometimes, Impa had to remind herself that he was still a seventeen-year boy, not even a full adult.
It had always been that way ever since Impa found him when he was seven years old, just after he became an orphan. He put all his focus into his training to be a Shiekah, and the rebellion. It had made her worry on how he will cope should the time come that Ganondorf would be defeated, and Hyrule no longer needed The Insurgents.
Would Shiek one day settle down or find something to put his focus on? Love sometimes blooms in the least likely places.
Impa was not in charge of what decisions he made. All she wants for him is to be happy.
Sheik's mind was occupied as he walked through the camp. It was common for that to happen. But unlike now, it wasn't on the mission. Looking to his side as he walked, he saw her.
Ilia was still with her sister and Link, who were talking to other Ordonians. Probably explaining them about what would transpire tomorrow. He didn't hear what they were saying for Sheik still had his attention on Ilia. When she turned in his direction, he turned his head and quickly walked away. His heartbeat was racing a bit and his face turned slightly red. Sheik couldn't understand why he was feeling this way when he didn't want to.
As hard he tried to deny it, he did find some things about Ilia that were...charming. She's pretty, have nice hair, and alluring green eyes. Of course, looks don't always define a person. Her willingness to help speaks out loud enough. There's also looking out for other people, and her kindness…
Those thoughts were quickly pushed out of Shiek's head. Ilia was just a friend. There was no way he had...those feelings for her. They were nothing but infatuation. Even if they weren't...Sheik couldn't be in a relationship.
Not that anyone was stopping him or anything. It just that he can't afford to. He's part of a civil war. All of his focus must be put into that. Being in a relationship, romantic or not, would only cause distractions. That could be fatal to him and the person in theory. Not to mention, each that goes by, the civil war gets more dangerous, and chances of being killed in action gets higher. That applied to everyone in the rebellion, including himself. Sheik thought it was best he wouldn't risk himself or his partner going through that kind of pain.
Sad as it sounds, Sheik figured it was for the best. After what happened to his parents all those years ago...He won't go through that kind of pain again.
What's this? Another chapter uploaded within month? Quite shocking (don't expect this often). I also finsiehd editing the previous chapters.
I somewhat based Shad & Ashei's spar on a scene from 'Game of Thrones' where Arya spars with Brienne in Season 7 (Won't be the last 'Game of Thrones' reference in this fic. Also I'm good at writing sword fight scenes). Oh, I may have reference a feature in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
And we get some new faces! (Yes, Midna is a human in this). And good ol' Rauru (*whispers* he'll becoming back later...)
And the gang are gonna leave for Castle Town to try to find and save Bo.
Thanks for the favs, follows, and reviews. Happy Reading.