A/N: I own nothing except a copy of this great game. Second note: A single singer is demarked in italics "like this", while a crowd singing is demarked "like this."
They were pacing outside the infirmary for some time now. Impa was leaning against the wall, staring up at the cracks of the ceiling as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. Zelda was pacing back and worth, so much so that Lord Grantham had to warn her not to make a rut in the floor. Her glare let him know that such humor was not appreciated at this time. Every now and then, one of the other heroes would make their way into the hallway, but there wasn't much that they could do but offer a little reassurance that everything was alright. Even they weren't certain.
Link had collapsed shortly after getting safely through the portal, as the combined effort of fighting both Cia's shadow Links as well as that dark king caught up to him. That had been a scary-enough sight. But then Impa had dragged Ishaka through the portal. The sight of the Ravager captain was nauseating. Ruto had to look away to avoid throwing up. Others weren't so quick, nor were their stomachs so strong. His face had been covered with blood, and one of his eyes was swollen shut. He looked like a walking corpse.
And now both of them were being frantically treated by both Lana and Itami.
No one had dared to get in Itami's way when they saw the look in his eyes. He'd stared, and anyone with no medical acumen was swift to leave the room. They weren't about to take any chances in risking his wrath.
Finally, late in the night, the door creaked open. Zelda and Impa immediately straightened up. Lana and Itami shuffled out of the doorway, both looking utterly exhausted. They looked at each other, and then looked at Zelda and Impa.
"They'll live." Itami said.
Zelda exhaled sharply, and Impa closed her eyes in tired relief.
"Link wasn't as badly beat up as Ishaka." Lana said. "He'll probably be ready to leave tomorrow at some point. He just needs some sleep. Ishaka…he'll be out of commission for a few days."
"What do we do in the meantime? To whom does command of the Ravagers go to?" Zelda asked.
"…Me." Itami said. He didn't look terribly enthused. "I'll report to your chambers tomorrow morning as soon as you need me then, your highness."
"No." Zelda said. Everyone turned to look at her. "You've more than earned some rest. Come find me at your earliest convenience, but not before you are rested. I don't need trusted allies making mistakes due to exhaustion."
Itami's stare was almost expressionless. He looked like a zombie with his sunken eyes and ashen-looking skin due to exhaustion and stress. But there was the faintest trace of a thankful smirk on the corner of his lips. He nodded, and Lana could detect some gratefulness in his manner.
"Thank you, your highness." He said. He looked at the rest of the group. "I'm going to sleep in the infirmary tonight. That way, if anything happens to the two of them…I'll be there."
"I'll go too." Lana said. Itami turned to look at her, his eyebrow raised. "You don't have to do it alone, you know." She said pointedly. "We can work in shifts." Itami shrugged, but didn't object. He wordlessly nodded good night to the princess and the Sheikah warrior, and then walked back in through the doorway to the infirmary. That left the three women.
"What happens now?" Impa asked.
"We hunker down and recover." Zelda said. "Keep a strong watch to the perimeters of the city, but keep scouting parties into the fields and plains at a minimum. Lean a little bit on the Goron King Gregor to loan some scouting parties, and ask the Zora if they can patrol the seas to the east. I cannot imagine that Cia is in any condition to launch another full-scale assault on us again. Before things went to hell in the temple…we did a number on her forces."
"She nearly did a number on ours." Impa said. "Tomorrow I'm going to have to re-shuffle things based on the losses."
"True. And I have things to take care of as well." Zelda sighed. "It might not be battle, but we have a busy day tomorrow." She nodded pleasantly. "Good night, you two. Maybe now I can finally get some sleep." She excused herself to her chambers.
"She needs to slow down." Lana said, as soon as she was sure that the princess was out of earshot. "It can't be healthy to be that invested in things."
"That's the thing about Zelda, Lana." Impa mused with a tired smile. "She's always working to put others before herself." She turned to the white mage. "You two have a lot in common, you know."
"Oh?" Lana asked. "How do you figure?"
"Just call it intuition." Impa said with a small smile. "You're both brave, headstrong, stubborn, fond of bright and happy things, have a silly sense of humor…and are both working far too hard. Try not to put the weight of the world on your shoulders, Lana." She turned to face the sorceress. "I might not know much, but I know when people are alike." She winked, and then yawned. "I'm going to sleep myself. G'night, Lana." She walked off.
Lana watched her go, until she disappeared down the darkened corridors. She sighed sadly.
"That isn't all we have in common, Impa…" She said to herself.
She walked through the door, and closed it quietly.
..
"…So the next thing you know, big ol' Uhaa leaps on that fucker's back and crack! Neck broken like a cuckoo!" Ryu finished her tale, a massive grin on her face.
The Ravagers and Hyrulians sitting around the campfire with her let out peals and howls of laughter. The midday sun was hanging up high in the sky that following morning, and with the princess' decree that most patrols were to stay close to Castle Town the majority of soldiers were left to spend their time in the least destructive manner that they could find. Some were nonchalantly drilling in the courtyards. Some were off-duty, traipsing through Castle Town's farmer's market or enjoying the local culture and cuisine…and others were sitting in the Ravager camp, trading war stories. Much like the small group sitting in a circle in front of the Ravager lieutenant Ryu's tent.
"Bullshit!" One of the Hyrulian soldiers, a young-looking fellow with babyfaced cheeks said. "There's no way that he's that strong." He and two other off-duty Hyrulians had filtered through into the Ravager camp, somewhat nervously. That is, until Ryu had spotted them and waved them over. Now, about an hour and several drinks later, they were acting like life-long friends of the Ravagers around them.
"You've never seen big Uhaa, have you?" Ryu asked. The sun was reflecting off of her shaved head, making it look like she was shining. Considering the ugly carving knife and totem she was whittling both sitting on her lap, no one dared to make the joke. "That boy's practically a baby, but damn is he strong. Mmm!" She closed her eyes dreamily. "I'm gettin' hot just thinking about it."
One of the Hyrulian soldiers turned towards a red-haired Ravager woman sitting next to him, somewhat uncertainly. The face-painted lady chuckled.
"That's just captain Ryu, honey." The fair-skinned lady said. "She gets off on violence."
"Goddess damn right I do!" Ryu barked, downing some more of the homemade moonshine in her flask. "Nothing turns me on faster than a man that can fight."
"Wasn't Uhaa the one that helped save the hero?" Another Hyrulian, this one a sergeant in the ranks, asked. Ryu nodded.
"Yep. Good thing it was him that got Itami's attention. Uhaa got a big, deep voice for a boy his age. Carried pretty damn good, di'nt it?" Ryu said. She took another sip of her homemade ale, and then looked like she'd had a thought. "Yo, Dino!" She said to the Ravager sitting next to her. "Give these Hyrulian pussies some of my frontier brew!"
"Yeh shar?" The squat-looking Ravager replied. "It be awf'lly shahp fer boyos like dem."
"Hey, we're not sissies!" The baby-faced Hyrulian retorted. "What's in it?"
As Dino reached into a nearby crate and pulled out a few bottles, Ryu smirked.
"I ain't tellin'. Just don't drink anything else today. This is strong enough." She winked.
One of the Hyrulians uncorked the bottle, took a whiff, and made a face.
"Hylia, that smells like lamp oil! What the hell is in this stuff?"
"Hard-ass liquor, is what it is. Pure stuff. Frontier brew shit, things like that." Ryu grinned. "Itsa best, I tell ya!" She was starting to slur her words a faint bit. The Hyrulian sergeant grabbed his bottle and shrugged.
"What the hell, I'm off duty today." He said. He pinched his nose, and took a swig. Almost immediately, he gagged. He managed to keep it down, but was clutching at his throat in shock. "Gackthp! It's like dragon fire!"
"It's sharp shit, I tells ya." Ryu said, raising her flask towards him. "But once you get over it, I tells ya, you ain't gonna drink anything else ever again."
"Might have to get Beatrice this recipe…" The Sergeant muttered. "My wife, that is. She's one of the brewers in Castle Town."
"No shit!" Ryu said. "Which inn? I mighta crashed it already."
"The Leaky Mug." The sergeant replied. He was tearing up a little bit, but he managed to force down another gulp. The two other Hyrulians, both subordinates to him, were letting their bottles get warm at their feet. They watched him with both awe and slight intimidation.
"Hah!" Ryu said. "I hit that place up aft'r th' services in the temple a few days ago. Damn good stuff. Your wife brews it?"
"Yeah." The sergeant said. "She says that you Ravagers are the best thing for business she's had in years."
"What can I say?" Ryu grinned. "We Ravagers like to drink. I like to drink."
There was shouting going on a little bit over the ways. They turned to look. A circle of Ravagers and a few entertained Hyrulians was sitting an empty patch of grass. On one side of the circle was a couple of Ravagers playing some instruments: One with a violin, one with a tambourine, and one with a little bongo drum in his lap. Everyone else in the circle was keeping time with a two clap, even the Hyrulians. A few enterprising Ravagers were dancing in the circle, swing dancing to the beat.
"Hey, I know this song!" The baby-faced Hyrulian said with a grin. Ryu threw a clump of dirt at him.
"Then shut up and lissen!"
Round n' round, round n' round
Sing it fast and sing it loud!
It will never stop, the wind will pick on up.
Listen boy, Listen boy.
Fill your heart with love and joy!
The song of the storms* hath start.
The Ravager with the violin was really getting into it, swaying to the beat with a devilish gleam in his eyes and a grin on his face. In addition to two-clapping to the beat, those in the circle were swaying back and forth like a metronome. In time with the song, folks stepped in and out of the center of the ring, to take their part in the festivities.
Dash of wind, pinch of rain.
Form a mighty hurricane!
Lightning will-a strike, the children will a-gripe.
Play the song, sing along.
You will never have too long.
The song of the storms goes on.
A louder cheer went up through the group. Princess Ruto had taken center stage, having grabbed the closest Ravager man she could find. She was laughing and giggling the entire time, a radiant smile on her face. Now it sounded like half of the camp had joined in the song, singing along and nearly drowning out the violin and his two accompaniments.
Brightest rays, sunny skies.
Everything is oh so dry!
Everybody cheers (YEAH!), Thunder clouds ain't near.
'Nother day, 'Nother day.
Till then we shall sing away!
This be the old song of storms.
There was clapping and cheering as the song ended, and the Ravager trio now started to play softer and more soulful music. Ruto gave her Ravager dance partner a peck on the cheek, and grinned at his blush. Then she skipped away, off to have more fun somewhere else.
"Quite a flighty one, ain't she?" The Hyrulian sergeant in Ryu's circle remarked.
"I agree. Though I can't blame her: I wanted to dance myself."
It was a woman's voice, but it wasn't Ryu and it was coming right behind him. The sergeant turned around and paled to see the princess Zelda standing above him. His eyes widened when he realized that he was holding a bottle of alcohol directly in front of her. She looked at him and her shoulders shook slightly. She was trying not to laugh.
"You need not worry, sergeant." Princess Zelda said. "The look on your face is absolutely worth not telling any of your superiors." She looked around conspiratorially. "You might be off duty, but some of the more stickler officers might be annoyed to see you drinking…if you don't have enough to share."
There was a stunned pause amongst everyone in the circle, and then they all started howling with laughter. Ryu wiped a tear from her eye.
"Woo! That nearly busted my gut! Anywho…" She looked up at Zelda. "What can we do for you, your majesty?"
"I recognize you." Zelda said after staring at her for a moment. "You are one of Ishaka's lieutenants, are you not?"
"That's right." Ryu said. She groaned a bit as she stood up. "Need something?"
"Someone, actually." Zelda said. She gestured with her hand. "Would you mind walking with me?"
"Not at all, ma'am." Ryu said. She turned towards the rest of the circle and snarled. "Anyone of you let these Hyrulian sissies drink all of my brew…just run."
The Ravagers, only a moment previously giggling at Ryu's having to put on a respectful air in front of the princess, all gulped in unison. Zelda smiled slightly, and tried not to roll her eyes.
"Thank you, miss…?" Zelda trailed off.
"Ryu. Ryu Hyabushi." Ryu said. Zelda smiled.
"A pleasure to meet you, Ryu. Come. I have to ask you some things."
..
Ryu was normally in her element when she was walking through Ravager camps. Most of the time, she was swaggering through the place with a flask in hand and a gregarious grin on her face, ready to get into a good-natured cursing contest with whoever had the misfortune to make eye contact with her. Yet those were times when she didn't have a dignified ruler like the princess of Hyrule beside her.
"If you don't mind me asking, what is your specific role in the Ravagers?" Zelda asked, as they walked through the camp.
"Ishaka's the leader. Itami is the medic, and the second-in-command. Me? I guess I'm third on the food chain." Ryu said. She blinked. "Oh, you mean what I do? Fuck, I dunno. I guess drill sergeant, mostly. Ishaka and Itami make the plans, and I make sure the boys don't cock it up. Train 'em. Beat 'em up. Y'know, fun shit." She paled when she realized that she'd been cursing in front of the princess. Zelda chuckled.
"At ease. I've heard far worse in royal council meetings…and certainly said a few things myself."
"HAH! No shit, you curse?" Ryu laughed, taking a swig from her flask. "I didn't peg you for the type."
"I'm usually not." Zelda said. "I try to keep up appearances as a lady, after all."
"You're more than a lady, I suppose." Ryu said. "More than me, anyway."
"You're a woman." Zelda said, as if confused. Ryu snorted.
"Not like that. I mean I'm not lady-like. Y'know, bein' in a dress and frilly and shit like that. Gimme hard liquor, leather armor, a sharpened scimitar, and muddy boots to stomp around with my boys in the fray any day over…high society." Ryu shuddered. Zelda chuckled.
"Believe me, I grow tired of some of the high society things myself. But, as I said…" She trailed off expectantly.
"…You gotta keep up appearances." Ryu said. "I gotcha." There was a pause. "So, who exactly are you looking for?"
"Well, this might not be too helpful but…" Zelda sighed. "The man who saved me at the Temple of Souls." At this, Ryu howled with laughter. "What did I say?" Zelda asked.
"Your majesty, you got saved by someone alright, but he ain't no man. Hell, he's practically still a kid! But don't y'all worry. I know exactly who you're looking for."
.
They found him sitting outside a small tent on the outer edge of the camp. He was sitting on a small crate, staring intently at the small book in front of him. Ryu chuckled. He hadn't seen them coming.
"Heyo, UHAA!" Ryu barked. Startled, the charcoal-skinned Ravager tossed his book up into the air in shock, and tumbled over the crate. He fell hard on his backside as Ryu laughed uproariously. Grumbling, the burly young man got back to his feet. He grabbed the book off of the ground, and gingerly wiped the dirt off of the cover.
"Yes, boss?" He asked. He had a very baritone voice. If he was a singer, he'd probably be on the bottom of the register.
"Good book?" Ryu asked.
"Entertaining, yes." Uhaa admitted. "Of no interest to you, I am certain."
"Lemme see." Ryu leapt forward, trying to pry the book out of his hands. This failed, as while she was about five and a half feet tall…he was easily over six feet tall. Lifting up his arms, it was like it was placed at the top of a tree. "Don't be a jackass, Uhaa! Gimme that damned book!"
"Ryu, knock it off." Zelda said, trying not to grin at the sight of the shorter Ravager woman hopping up and down trying to reach the top of the burly Ravager's wingspan. "If he wants to read in peace, let him."
"You're no fun." Ryu grumbled. She looked at Uhaa, and cleared her throat. "The princess was looking for you, actually."
"Me?" Uhaa asked, as if unable to process this. Ryu snorted and rolled her eyes.
"Yes, ordo. You. She wants to…" She faltered, and turned to Zelda. "I'm sorry…what did you need him for?"
"Oh, I just need him to come with me." Zelda said.
"What for?" Ryu asked. Zelda stared at her with a mischievous smile. "Oh, don't be like that, your majesty. That's not fucking fair!"
"Sorry, Ryu. But I think that you might be best needed around her to make sure that no one gets too restless without patrolling or battle. If I took you with me, who would be in charge of the Ravagers? Who would inspire respect in them? Ishaka is still recovering, and Itami is in the castle…" She trailed off. Ryu's eyes widened, and the look on her face was one of disgust.
"You're pulling chain of command. Don't you fucking pull chain of command."
"I'm pulling chain of command." Zelda said. She smiled sweetly. "Or should I tell Ishaka and Itami that you refused to listen to me?"
Ryu sighed, and facepalmed. She turned to Uhaa.
"You'd better tell me everything when you get back."
"Oh, you'll know." Zelda said. "Uhaa, if you'd come with me?" She gestured for the bewildered young Ravager to follow her.
…
Uhaa tried not to make eye contact with the Ravagers and such that he passed by through the camp, because he knew that they'd just gawk at him. After all, the sight of him walking with the princess was most phenomenally strange. Zelda gave no indication that things were out of the norm, humming a soft little tune to herself that Uhaa thought he recognized, but wasn't sure it was appropriate to ask. They walked past the camp, and up the pathway towards the castle. The Royal Guardsmen on duty at the entrance wordlessly and effortlessly parted to let them pass, and Uhaa found himself standing in the main hallway of the Hyrulian Castle. For a man like him, who'd never really been in anything so majestic before…he couldn't help but gawk. Zelda saw his expression and smiled.
"You like it in here?" She asked.
"It's…big." Uhaa finished somewhat lamely, after stumbling for the right word. Zelda chuckled.
"I agree. Sometimes it gets a little too big for me, particularly when I want to hunt someone down." She said.
"How many live in this place?" Uhaa asked, as they made their way up the grand staircase. Zelda looked contemplative.
"Hmm…counting the servants? I think dozens and dozens. It's a lot. When my ancestors designed this castle, they were hoping for it to fit as many people as possible, regardless of class." She smiled. "Also, I think I'd go crazy if I was the only one living in this place."
She led him to the main, golden doorway at the top of the staircase. She looked at the two Royal Guardsmen holding the door, and nodded. They wordlessly opened the door, and Uhaa realized that he was being led into the throne room.
There were two men in there already. One of them Uhaa recognized: It was that Gawain fellow, the one that Zelda had given command to at the Temple of the Seers. He was no longer wearing the glittery armor of the Royal Guardsmen. Instead, he was in a very regal set of armor, with royal red pauldrons fastening his cape to his shoulders. The other man was wearing a somewhat subdued outfit as far as noblemen went, and Uhaa did not recognize him. They were talking somewhat quietly, and trailed off as they became aware of the newcomers to the room.
"Your majesty." Gawain said, bowing slightly. The elder gentleman did not bow, but gave a smile. There was a mischievous twinkle in his eye, even behind those glasses of his. Zelda smiled.
"Gawain. Elijah." She said pleasantly. She turned to Uhaa. "This is Gawain, the newly-coronated Hyrulian Lord of War." She gestured towards the younger gentleman, who gladly took Uhaa's hand and shook it.
"Pleasure to meet you face to face." Gawain said. He smirked. "I'm still adjusting to being called on a first-name basis amongst royalty."
"Technically speaking, you are royalty now." The elder gentleman said. "From a common thief, to a Corsair, to a member of the Royal Guard…to the Lord of War. Hell of a career path, especially for one as young as you. Half my age, and already doing twice what I've ever done! Goddess, I feel old." He smiled, and took Uhaa's hand. "I'm Elijah Grantham. Hyrule's Minister of the Interior. I answer directly to the princess. And you are?"
"Uhaa." The Ravager replied. Elijah smiled.
"A good warrior's name. I like it." He turned to Gawain and the princess. "I figure that this is perhaps more your expertise than mine?"
"Ah, yes." Gawain said. "So!" He turned to Uhaa. "I am told that on the battlefield, you committed a rather daring act of bravery. Is that so?"
"Uh…" Uhaa trailed off. Zelda smiled.
"He means that he heard you saved my life." She said. Uhaa's eyes widened.
"Oh, that." He looked sheepish. "It was nothing. Anyone would do what I did in that position."
"I appreciate the modesty, but if I'm hearing the stories correctly…it isn't a question of whether others would do what you did, but rather whether they could do what you did." Grantham cut in. "It's not every day that you hear of someone slaying a Darknut. Especially in the manner that you did it."
"Some of the boys are in awe." Lord Gawain said. "Especially those that saw the act in person. They won't stop talking about it. You don't happen to wear Power Bracelets*, do you?" He asked with a wink.
"Um, no. I don't wear any jewelry." Uhaa said. Gawain smiled.
"You might start to, soon." He said. Uhaa raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"What he means is that someone going above the call of duty to save the princess of Hyrule is not someone who goes unrewarded." Lord Grantham said. "You may not realize this, but we are indebted to your quick-thinking to save the princess."
"More specifically, I am indebted to you." Zelda said. "Without you, I might have been killed in action. And so, you have done a great service to Hyrule. That is the kind of bravery that doesn't go unnoticed." She turned towards Gawain. "Gawain, I think this is the appropriate time?"
Lord Gawain looked at her and nodded. He turned to Uhaa and smiled.
"I was a member of the Hyrulian Royal Guard, the elite branch of the Hyrulian military that is the personal guard of the princess of Hyrule. They also directly answer to the Hyrulian Lord of War. In this case, that would be me. But it would seem that my unexpected coronation to this position has left us in a bit of a bind: the Royal Guard likes to have a very specific number of men at all times…and my departure has left them one short. So, I'm looking for a replacement." There was a pause. "Would you be interested?"
"You are asking me to be a member of the Royal Guard?" Uhaa asked. "Based on a single action? Is there not a process?"
"Oh, believe me there's a process." Lord Grantham cut in. "It's just that most of it has been taken into account. Lord Gawain and the princess were discussing a potential replacement for him, as he's no longer able to be a Royal Guardsman anymore. Then, remembering you, the princess suggested your name. From there, Lord Gawain went to the highest ranking Ravager and asked for his opinion. Since Ishaka is still recovering, that fell to Itami. Itami spoke very highly of you."
"Really?" Uhaa asked. "I have not interacted with brother Itami much. That he would speak highly of me…I am surprised."
"…So were we…" Gawain muttered. Zelda discreetly elbowed him in the gut.
"You shouldn't be. He said you were an honorable and noble soldier, and that you'd be a good fit for the Royal Guard." Lord Grantham said.
"I don't remember saying that."
Everyone jumped a little bit, as Itami was suddenly a few feet from them. It was as he'd materialized out of thin air. He stood next to Zelda, and looked Uhaa in the eye.
"I said that Uhaa is very young, a few months shy of twenty, so he's green as goose shit. I said that it'll be a hell of an adjustment, to go from the laissez-faire treatment that the Ravagers allow him to the stricter rules and regulations of the Hyrulian army. And I said that it would very difficult for him to adjust to the culture shock of having to deal with the things that you high society folk do." He paused, and if they didn't know any better it looked like he was smiling a little bit. "But you're right, Lord Grantham, I do remember saying that Uhaa's honorable and noble, and that he'd be a good fit for the Royal Guard." He looked at Uhaa and shrugged. "What are you looking at me for? This is ultimately your call, kid."
Uhaa sighed. He shrugged himself.
"To be treated in such a manner, and asked directly by royalty itself, I would be a fool to refuse." He turned to Zelda. "Your highness, I accept the offer."
Zelda smiled, and clapped her hands together in glee.
"Excellent! Then all that will remain is your swearing in. We will handle that tomorrow, where you'll take the Oath to Order* in front of the Royal Council. In the meantime, I think I'll leave you and Lord Gawain. He can show you around where you will be staying in the castle, and maybe even meet any Royal Guardsmen that are off duty." She said.
"Sounds good to me." Lord Gawain said. "Come with me, Uhaa. We've got a lot of catching up to do." They walked off down the hallway, leaving Zelda, Grantham, and Itami behind. As soon as they were out of earshot, Itami turned to Zelda.
"I hope you meant it." He said.
"Meant what?" Zelda asked.
"That you're doing this because Uhaa is a deserving recipient, and not because you're trying to score political points by tying the Ravagers to the Hyrulian banner." Itami said. "Don't look so offended, Zelda. There are going to be plenty of people out there that will see this appointment as a courtesy, and not based on merit. And there will be people who criticize it. I just hope that you meant it when you say that Uhaa deserves it. I know I did. And I don't toss my word around lightly." He walked off.
"Quite the sharp man." Grantham said.
"It takes one to say the things that he said." Zelda replied. "I can respect that." She pouted slightly. "Though I think he needs to find someone. He's far too prickly."
"On that, I think we can agree." Lord Grantham said with an amused grin.
…
"So wait, I'm confused. You're a sword?"
"Yes. I am able to transform into a living weapon. I believe that the proper way to describe it is that I am a sword given personification."
"Huh. The more you know." Midna responded. The two of them were floating through the town, not really paying any attention to anyone that was staring at them. Truthfully, most of the civilians weren't actually gawking. Considering the crazy things that they'd had to deal with recently, the sight of a cat-like imp and a blue statue-girl floating through the street wasn't exactly the most ridiculous thing that they'd ever seen.
"I got a question for you, Fi." Midna said.
"Yes?"
"Why didn't you come to the Temple of the Sacred Sword with us?" Midna asked. There was a pause. Fi's voice was its usual flat tone, but there was a faint trace of uncertainty.
"That would be redundant."
"Redundant? How so?" Midna asked. "We could have used you there, I think. Well, not after Link got his shiny new sword I guess."
"That is precisely why I was redundant."
"Ok, stop with the cryptic crap." Midna frowned. "What gives?"
"I am more than just a sword. Or, rather, I am more than just the personification of the Goddess Sword." Fi lowered her head, though her expression did not change. "I am destined to one day take my rightful role as the Blade of Evil's Bane."
Midna stopped moving, and floated there aimlessly in the air with her jaw agape.
"Is something the matter, Midna?" Fi asked. Midna raised a finger towards the girl-statue as if she couldn't believe it.
"Are…are you saying that you become the Master Sword?" The Twili managed to sputter out.
"Yes." Fi replied.
"Hurgh-blgh-jgp-Why are you so casual about this?" Midna managed to say. "Doesn't the fact that you and the Master Sword are both here create some sort of temporal paradox?"
"Only if I am destroyed." Fi said. "The calculated probability of that happening is near-negligible."
"…Wow, I wish I had your confidence, Fi." Midna said. There was a pause. "Um, can I ask you something?" They had floated through town, and now were moving through one of the back streets.
"Of course."
"Are you…aware in the sword? Like, are you talking to yourself whenever Link has that thing out?"
"No. My role to become the Blade of Evil's Bane is for me to put my entire essence into the blade, powering it with the divine strength of the Goddesses. From there, I shall fade."
"F-fade?" Midna asked. "Y-you mean, you'll die?"
"No."
"No? So, you'll still be alive?"
"No."
"Then what the hell are you going to be?"
"Somewhere in between. Consciousness is different for me than it is for a being of flesh and blood like yourself. I do not have the fear of death, because I know that I have a higher purpose. It is what I was destined to do. It is like going to sleep after a very long day. I'll be there, but I won't be."
"That's terribly confusing." Midna said.
"I calculated as much. But you need not worry. If I am not afraid of my destiny, then why should you be?"
"It's just…" Midna sighed. "I guess I have a problem with losing another friend."
"I am your friend?" Fi replied. Midna smirked.
"Well yeah, dummy! I find your mathematical approach to life as entertaining as I find it annoying. And it isn't like you aren't interesting to talk to. Isn't that all you need?"
"…Thank you, Midna." Fi said. Midna smirked.
"Don't go spreading it around, swordy. I have a reputation of being an asshole to live up to!"
"…I do not recognize the word 'swordy.'" Fi replied. Throwing up her hands, Midna groaned.
"Aaaaand this is one of those times where you are too damn literal."
…
Darunia sat on the ground, a puzzled expression on his face. He rubbed his chin in thought. He looked like he'd had an eureka moment, but then faltered. He grunted some more in thought. Then, he made his decision.
"I'll move here." He finally said. He moved the carved piece along the board. There was a pause, and then his opponent giggled.
"My turn! Ooo…checkmate!" Agitha said, moving a piece and knocking off a piece that Darunia had forgotten about. The Goron King was thunderstruck, and then looked in shock at the little girl in front of him.
"H-how…" He trailed off. Agitha's giggles soon became peals of laughter as Darunia's look and actions grew more exaggerated as he comprehended the fact that he'd just had his ass kicked in chess. By a little girl in a frilly little dress. "BAH! You're helping her!" He said, pointing an accusatory finger towards Meathook. The Ravager Goron, who'd up until that point been playing with a butterfly that Agitha had placed on his finger, looked up like a deer in the headlights.
"Hrrm?" Meathook grunted in confusion. Agitha giggled some more.
"Aw, don't be such a grouchy-pants, Mister Rooney! I guess I'm just too smart for you!" She held out her hand expectantly. "Now pay up!"
Grumbling fiercely, Darunia reached into the pouch he kept strung to his hip and dug out a small handful of rupees. He clattered them on the chessboard, where the little girl eagerly swiped them all up. She dumped them in her picnic basket, which was starting to overflow with the glittering currency. Darunia politely excused himself, and then stomped off.
He walked past the line of soldiers and Gorons that had been waiting behind him, and sighed.
"That girl's a damned shark."
They all looked at Agitha, who at this moment was casually filing her nails while humming a little song. Some of the wiser souls realized that they liked their week's pay more than they liked gambling, and so parted. Only a few brave (and some inebriated) souls stayed behind to take their chances.
"Have fun, Darunia?" He heard the voice of an old friend who'd clearly had a few to drink. Ruto was sitting on a barrel, swinging her legs back and forth. Darunia chuckled, and sighed.
"What can I say? That little Agitha is a smart cookie. Stingier than a starving Dodongo, too!" He said. Ruto rolled her eyes.
"You and your ridiculous sayings." She said. "It's a wonder we're friends."
"You find them humorous, admit it." Darunia said.
"Okay, maybe a little." Ruto said in a little voice. She hopped off the box, and staggered a little bit. Darunia caught her, and then hoisted her atop his stout shoulder so she didn't have to walk. The sun was beginning to set. "Thanks, Darunia."
"You need to slow down, sister Ruto." Darunia said, chiding good-naturedly. "I don't think I know a single person that parties with the intensity that you do."
"Aww, what are you, my mom?" Ruto pouted. Darunia just looked up at her, with a stern smile. "D'aww, you suck. Ok, I'll take a few hours to rest. But then I'm having fun again."
"There a particular reason you feel the need to have so much fun?" Darunia asked. Ruto got quiet. "Sister?"
"This is getting scary." She said after a moment. "I mean, you thought it was rough the last time, right?"
"A little hairy, yes." Darunia admitted. "But we made it out, didn't we?"
"Yeah…but what if we don't the next time?" Ruto asked. "What if this is my last night? What if this is anyone's last night?" She asked. Darunia looked thoughtful.
"Well, you've been granted both a wonderful and terrible thing, I suppose. You get to see war up close."
"I get the terrible part, but how is this wonderful?" Ruto asked. Darunia looked up at her.
"You get to see how terrible it is, and learn not to grow fond of it. That's essential for any ruler." Darunia said.
"But you-"
"I do what I do because I must!" Darunia said. "Doesn't mean I seek out war. Only a fool or a fraud does that. But when it comes to my doorstep, I am ready for it. There is a difference. And at the end of the day, little sister, you need not fear. I shall protect you."
"Promise?" Ruto asked.
"Of course!" Darunia said with a grin. "Though it might require me putting you back in my dungeons…just to be sure."
"DARUNIA DON'T YOU DAR-"
…
It was getting darker now. The sun was beginning to touch the horizon, and most people were calling it a day (except for pockets of enterprising and fun-seeking soldiers and people like princess Ruto). He'd had to beg and plead with Itami to let him out, but eventually the grouchy Ravager was convinced (with the help of Lana's pleadings). He'd had his wounds bandaged up with gauze that left him pretty stiff, but still able to move a bit. That was good enough. His tunic and uniform was getting re-stitched (for the clothing of the hero, that thing certainly took a beating), so for now he was wearing some spare clothing from the servant's quarters. If it wasn't for the fact that people knew his face, he could totally pass for a member of the servants.
He'd been walking through the hallways, enjoying the sight of the stained-glass windows changing color with the setting of the sun. The hallways were tinted slightly orange and red. Some of the maids were scurrying through, carrying baskets of dirty laundry. Some were carrying food for dinner. All gave him brisk nods or smiles, and he was sure to return the gesture. It paid to be nice to waitstaff.
Eventually, he took a left at the main hallway and found himself in the royal throne room. For whatever reason, the door had been slightly ajar. Seeing as how no one was around to stop him…he wasn't about to pass up the chance. He slipped through the doorway, and gingerly shut it behind him.
The setting sun was reflecting through the stained glass windows brilliantly, turning the throne room a dazzling red hue. The throne itself was gold-tinted to begin with, but with the added effects in the room now it was positively divine. He stared at it in awe, drinking in the sight. He imagined what it would be like to sit in that throne, pretending to be the king.
…Why not?
Even more conspiratorially, Link glanced around to make sure that no one was around. Then, his heart beating a little swifter than normal, he scurried over to the throne. He laid his hand on the marble armrest, running his fingers down the cut and carved structure. Then, slowly, he stepped up and turned so that he was facing the room from this elevated position. And then he sat down.
He wasn't sure how to explain it, but he felt a colossal weight on his shoulders. He breathed in quietly, trying to calm his breath. He wasn't sick…but there was a strange feeling that had overcome him. He was white-knuckle gripping the armrests of the throne. Instead of being excited, he felt immensely tired. He stood up, and got off the throne as fast as he could. Almost immediately, he felt better. He looked at his hands, and then back at the throne. He wasn't sure what had happened. Had something happened? Or was it all in his head?
Either way, the idea of being a king didn't seem like such a boyhood dream, or a grand adventure, anymore.
His eyes flitted down and past the throne, and he cocked his head to the side. If he didn't know any better, it looked like part of the wall was jutting out in a way that it wasn't supposed to. Like it was a passage. Leading somewhere deeper into the castle.
Oh Goddesses, his curiosity tonight was going to get him killed.
Gingerly, he pulled upon the stone wall, grunting as it was heavier than he expected. He was only able to move it enough where he was just barely able to slip inside. He sighed, and made sure to keep the door open. He had no idea if he could open it back up again from this side. Sighing, he turned around.
It was a garden. A beautiful, surprisingly large garden. All sorts of big statues and ivy covering the walls that blocked this place in from the rest of the world. There was no roof, allowing the stars and the moon to shine brightly in the twilight. A gentle wind was blowing through, causing some of the larger plants to sway back and forth. There were tiki torches on poles throughout the place, allowing for extra light. They were still burning strong, so that meant that he couldn't be alone in this place. Tentatively, he kept walking.
He noticed a statue in front of him. A whole bunch of ivy was growing over it, and some pretty hibiscus flowers as well. The face looked familiar, but he wasn't sure why. He walked closer, hoping to get a better look.
At that moment, an arrow slammed into the head of the statue with a loud thunk, missing his outstretched fingertips by mere inches. He hit the ground, giving a comical yell of shock.
There was a gasp, and he scrambled from off of the ground to look. There was Zelda, covering her mouth with one of her hands in abject horror. In her other hand was her bow, which she dropped to the ground with a loud clatter. Her footsteps were muffled in the grass as she raced over.
"Oh Goddesses! Link, are you okay?" She asked, kneeling beside him. Chuckling, Link got up to his knees and brushed the dirt off of his clothes.
"Well, I am knowing that my reflexes are still pretty sharp." He looked at her and smiled widely. "Good shot, by the way."
"Oh! Um, thank you?" Zelda said.
"Yeah, it was great! I mean, one second there's nothing and then thunk! Arrow!" Link giggled nervously. Zelda raised her eyebrow.
"Link, did I scare you-"
"Holy Goddesses woman, you could pick the wing off of a fly." Link managed to sputter out. He took a deep breath. "That was one of the scariest things I've ever experienced." He managed to get up to his feet. Now Zelda was standing too, but she was smirking.
"That was the scariest thing you've ever experienced? Out of everything you've done so far?" She asked. Link looked thoughtful.
"Okay, maybe not the scariest thing per say, but uh-"
"So you're saying that I'm not scary?" Zelda crossed her arms across her chest, frowning. Link panicked.
"Er, I mean, yeeeah you are?-no. No, you're not. I mean, uh…No, wait. I, uh-" He was interrupted by a pretty sound. It was Zelda laughing.
"Oh Goddess, you're too easy!" She said. "I'm totally telling others that I scared you witless with an arrow." Link, perhaps not realizing how suicidal this was, decided to make a wisecrack.
"Do it, and I'll tell Impa that you snort when you laugh really hard."
That was a mistake.
"Start running." Zelda said with a terrifyingly emotionless look.
"Whuh-OHSHIT!" Link took off deeper into the garden, with the princess chasing after him. He laughed as he felt little clumps of dirt pelt the back of his head and shoulders, and he ducked under and around big flowers and trees and other floral designs. Soon, he could hear her laughing too.
He turned around to see where she was, and failed to see a root that jutted up from the ground. He hooked his toe under it, and with a comical yell dropped to the ground in a faceplant. He heard Zelda run up behind him.
"Goddess, are you just in a constant state of confusion at your own limbs?" She grumbled, hoisting him up onto a stone bench. "At this rate, you're asking for Itami to beat you up."
"I, uh, I guess I wasn't looking where I was going." Link muttered lamely. Zelda smirked.
"I'll say. You have less spatial awareness than a drunken Goron." She said. Link shrugged. Then he looked up.
"Hey, who's that?" He asked, pointing to the statue in front of him. They were in a small grotto deep within the garden, an alcove of ivy creating a small refuge. In the center of it, with some small candles at its feet, was a stone statue of a woman. She had a very elegant look to her, with her lips pursed into a small smile.
"That's…that's Nayru.*" Zelda replied. "She's one of the Golden Goddesses." Link became aware of a small golden light, and realized that Zelda had summoned forth her piece of the Triforce. "She's the Goddess of the Triforce of Wisdom. That makes me…well, I guess that makes me her champion."
"Do you know much about her?" Link asked.
"A lot." Zelda admitted. "When I was a little girl, and I found out about her…oh, I was so excited." Zelda smiled at the memory. "I'd stay in the royal library for hours on end, reading everything that had ever been written about her. I…I guess I liked to pretend that she was like a second mother to me." There was a pause. "I never knew my own mother, so I guess Nayru filled the gap." She was looking at the grass now, and fiddling her toes through the dirt. Link was silent for a moment. He figured it was the best thing to do. She cleared her throat, and looked at him. "Were your parents good to you?"
"Never knew 'em. They died when I was like one." Link said. Zelda put her hand to her mouth.
"Oh! Oh I'm so sorry, that must have come across as awfully rude." She said. Link chuckled.
"Don't sweat it. I was raised by…well, he was my uncle once removed or something. Older guy. Wife had died a few years before, and he was the closest of kin. Raised me about as good as any father, I suppose." Link smiled wistfully. "Made me my first sword, and taught me how to swing it. It was a blocky wooden thing, and he really sanded it down so that I wouldn't get any splinters. He'd practice with me for a while. He was a retired soldier in the Hyrulian army. Pretty much lived on the soldier's pension, and whatever he could get on the side from farmers market sales. He always grew pretty tasty corn." He shrugged. "We didn't exactly have a lot, but it wasn't like I had to miss meals. Though, when I was younger, I remember he would miss a few so I didn't have to."
"Really? Oh Link, I'm so sorry." Zelda said. Link chuckled.
"Don't be. It's not like you could have known. And he wasn't someone to fuss about things. Certainly not people fussing over him. He'd hate that. Even when some of the folks in the village put together a potluck as thanks on his sixtieth birthday. He wouldn't stop grousing that they were being unreasonable, and that he didn't deserve it." He smiled, and his eyes looked a little watery. "He was pretty damn proud of me when I said I wanted to be a soldier, just like him. Said I was like a…no, he didn't say 'like' anything. He said I was a son to him." Link sniffled.
Zelda stared at him poignantly.
"Link? What's wrong?"
"He…he always told me to be a good man. A good man with a noble and clean heart. Be willing to do what is right, no matter the consequences. Do that, and things will be good. He was just so kind that way." Link took a deep breath, and when he turned to look at Zelda he had the face of someone who'd been grievously violated. "And that's what scares me so much about Cia. She made me feel dirty."
"What did she do?" Zelda asked.
"Nothing…" Link said. "…and yet everything, all the same. It was like…I was frozen in place, and I was her little plaything. Completely helpless. And I was so scared. I…I prayed that she'd kill me, because I didn't want to think about what she'd do otherwise. And she came so close…"
He trailed off, and Zelda stayed silent. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Link…" She said softly.
"It felt like she robbed me of something. Only I don't know what it is." Link said. He was staring intently at the ground. "And that drives me nuts. Is…is this what it was all about? Her fucking with me like this? Was that her plan? Because if she thinks she broke something in me-"
"She didn't." Zelda said. Her voice was soft, and yet firm all the same. "Link, look at me."
He sniffled a little bit, but he listened to her. She was staring him directly in the eye.
"Link, you have been beaten up and broken down and smacked around like a ragdoll. I've fretted away hours worrying about your health. You've skrtied near-death experiences so many times that the only possible explanation is that the Goddesses find your recklessness amusing. But past all of that? You have an unbreakable will. You're more than just the worthy Hero, the champion of Courage. You're a good man."
"Y-you make me feel old, sayin' that." Link said, offering a small smile. "I only hit twenty one a few weeks ago, right before all of this happened." Zelda smiled softly.
"Join the club." Zelda said.
They continued to look at each other in silence.
"You really mean it?" Link asked. "You do, don't you." He answered his own question, seeing the smile on her face. Zelda nodded.
"Don't let her get to you, Link. And remember that this isn't your fault. It never was."
"Thanks, Zelda." He said.
They sat there in silence. The sun had set at this point. The only lights were coming from the torches throughout the garden. There was one right by them, illuminating them slightly yet still covering them in some shadows. The wind was gently rushing through the garden, whistling through the leaves and plants like countless whispers. He looked into her eyes, and saw that they were blue and bright, even in the dark. Link felt something in his gut, and before he knew it he was speaking.
"You have pretty eyes." He finally managed to say. He felt his cheeks flush red, realizing how moronic that sounded.
But Zelda smiled.
"You do too." She said.
Slowly, with their eyes closed and hearts racing, the Hero and the Princess' lips met in a soft kiss.
…
"AAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH-AAHHHH!"
She squeezed the crystal ball so hard that her knuckles whitened, and suddenly the whole thing shattered in her grip. She howled in pain and rage, and recoiled from what she'd seen as if it was a waking nightmare. She backed away from the pedestal, where the remains of her now-ruined scrying glass lay. She hissed as the pain in her hand began to build, and she picked the bloody shards of glass out of her palm.
How dare she.
HOW DARE SHE!
"NO!" She shrieked, as black and red lightning bolts flew from her and struck the walls and floor. Some arced into the sky, as a horrible storm gathered around the ruins in the valley. The wind began to howl. Thunder cracked through the sky.
"YOU BITCH!" She shrieked. "YOU DARE TO TAKE HIM FROM ME? ME? THE SORCERESS OF TIME?"
She began to howl, the tears of rage and pain streaming down her cheeks. She slumped to her knees, a terrible pulse of black magic emtting from her as she slammed her fists into the marble ground.
"You…are but a mortal…an insignificant speck!" She hissed, crawling like a wretch towards the shattered pieces of her crystal ball. "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO TAKE WHAT IS MINE!"
She scooped up the pieces of the crystal ball, and laid them in her lap. Laying one on top of the other, she could faintly see a most heart-breaking sight: her beloved, her most precious Link, and that trollop holding hands as they walked out of the garden and towards the rest of the castle to rejoin the rest of the charlatans and sinners that dared to follow that black widow Zelda. She felt her breaking at the sight of his smile, his hopelessly entranced and bewitched smile. Oh baby, you know not what you do! The thoughts raced through her. She listlessly let the pieces of glass slide off of her hands and back onto the ground, where they made tinkering noises.
The wind stalled. The clouds dissipated. And the thunder and the lightning were gone.
"I will save him from you, you loathsome wretch." She said, her voice devoid of emotion. "You will come for me, in your hubris, thinking that you can be the end of me. To remove the unwanted point in the triangle. So that he can be yours and yours alone. But…you've forgotten…one thing…"
She closed her eyes, and when she opened them they glowed a haunting purple.
"You are but a mortal…and I am like a Goddess. And I will burn you to ash, as a harlot deserves."
He was hers. Forever.
And no one would come between them.
Certainly not a little princess.
A/N: Hope you didn't get whiplash from the mood shift at the end, there! I have to imagine that what's left of Cia's sanity has disappeared with the sight of Link and Zelda pecking. (And before you get any ideas, that's all that's happening at this point.) Wouldn't want to rush things along, would we?
Also, as you might have noticed, this chapter contained around 10,000 words…and not a single battle was fought. I noticed (with the help of some reviewers) that some of my favorite characters…which is to say, all of the characters…were starting to fade out of focus. Now, I love me some OCs as much as the next guy, but this is the Legend of Zelda, not the "Legend of Ravagers." So I've chosen to give a whole bunch of people some needed writing time. And it was fun!
As an aside, I do not remember the fanfic writer who came up with about 95% of the lyrics I used for the Song of Storms, but if you are reading this I thank you immensely. Also, let me know so I can credit you!
Anyhoo, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and we'll start seeing the final step in the war against Cia begin next time! See you around.
HYRULIAN CODEX
Song of Storms – A very popular grassroots song in Hyrule, and in some of the outland areas. What makes the Song of Storms as fun as it is lies not just in the entertainingly upbeat tempo (which lends itself easily to dance), but in the fact that there are no known lyrics to the song, which forces people to come up with their own lyrics to match the beat.
Sometimes hearing the word salad that folks come up with in order to match the notes to the song is just as entertaining if not more so than the song itself.
Power Bracelets – The Goron people designed these beauties early on in their existence, during their taming of the great Goron Mountain ranges. Power Bracelets are simply Goron bracelets worn by non-Gorons, as they simply provide wrist and arm stability for a Goron. For anyone else, it gives them the momentary strength boost to rival a Goron. Power Bracelets are very closely-guarded by the Goron people, and they do not freely give out these things to just anyone. Considering the correlation between drunken fools and stupid attempts at strength, perhaps it is wise that the Gorons do not hand out these babies to just anyone.
Oath to Order – The oath of servitude that all members of the Hyrulian Royal Guard take, to serve as the loyal protectors of the ruler of Hyrule. The basic tenets are as follows:
To serve the regent of Hyrule as loyal protectors of the throne.
To serve as a prime exemplar of Hyrulian class.
To serve the orders of the Hyrulian Lord of War, unless superceded by King or Queen.
To swear off "immoral" behavior such as: drunken and disorderly public conduct, vulgarities in excess, etc.
To be willing to lay down one's life for Hyrule, and by extension her ruler.
The Hyrulian Royal Guard keeps a set number of soldiers at all times. When one dies or retires, another is coronated to take his place.
Nayru – One of the three Golden Goddesses. Traditionally, Nayru has been credited with the creation of the laws of the universe and magic. Those that are touched by the Mark of Nayru are said to be steady-minded, calm and noble folk who rely on their brains in order to succeed. It is not uncommon, even amongst black magicians, to invoke the name of "Mother Nayru" in thanks for one's magical prowess. (Though historians tend to remark, perhaps sardonically, that Nayru would not be pleased with the use of dark magic in her name).
Nayru is also closely associated with the Triforce of Wisdom, and is the one that created that piece of the golden trio. Some believe that there is a portion of her soul in the Triforce, similar to her "sisters" and their pieces of the Triforce, that the current era's bearer is able to communicate with. No one is certain though. This last bit is hotly debated amongst the theological and historical community.
Traditional depictions of Nayru are of a tall and elegant woman, with blue hair and eyes and blue-hued dresses. She wears gold-laced slippers, and carries a pure harp of a material too good for this unholy earth. She carries herself with grace and dignity, and is the patron of wisdom and knowledge in the universe. She, along with her "sisters" Farore and Din, are said to live in the Sacred Realm, a most gorgeous place beyond time and space whose beauty and majesty is almost blasphemed by mortals' meager attempts at describing it.