Tales of the wild
a X-over between
Breath of the wild/Tales of Symphonia
Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of Symphonia or Breath of the wild.
Before you start: please note that English isnt my first language. It is possible that there are mistakes in this story. That said, have fun reading :)
Hanging from a Rito wasn't really all that great. For more than one reason. Yes, Lloyd did it before, but that was in the heat of the moment. He was busy doing other stuff. He didn't regard the sheer drop under his dangling feet, nor the sharp claws that were around his arms.
For Vera it was even worse, because it was her first time being up in the air. She was scared and even felt a bit sick, but she would never admit this.
So, they were both happy when the Rito started descending. Rocky mountains, tufts of grass and little water became clearer as they came closer. There was a tower in the distance and a stable, not to far away.
Casting a great shadow over this all, was the big volcano, being very clearly active. It was fittingly named Death Mountain, so Lloyd had heard. Not really comforting, he had to go up there, after all.
"We dare not get any closer than this. The heat and danger from the mountain..." one of the Rito started.
"Don't worry. You've brought us far enough. Thank you, we'll take it from here." Lloyd nodded to the two ladies.
Both of them bowed their heads. "Thank you for setting us free. Good luck." After this, they flew up and back towards their home.
Lloyd took out the Slate when it made a soft beeping sound. Before he could really take a look at it, a voice spoke up.
"Hm, where ever did you get that?" A man walked towards the two of them. His posture was crooked and he was wearing big, goggle glasses. This paired with a slightly dirty lab coat, and the notepad he was carrying just screamed scientist.
Because of his posture, the man seemed smaller and he was looking up at Lloyd, or more specifically the Slate that was in the teen's hands.
"Ah, excuse me?" Lloyd only played half dumb; where this this guy even come from?
The man pointed at the device and made a 'hmf' face. "A Sheikah Slate isn't just handed out. By my knowledge, there should only be one out there." He adjusted his glassed and got uncomfortably close to Lloyd. "No blond hair, or blue eyes. Show me your battle scars!"
"What?" Just what the hell was up with this guy?!
"Alright, personal space, have you ever heard of that? Who are you, anyway?" Vera went to stand in between them, so that the man had to back off.
Unsure on what to say, Lloyd looked and waited for the man to elucidate.
"I am doctor Robbie, director of the Akala Ancient Tech Lab. I am an expert in ancient Sheikah technology. Though a certain someone specializes in this Slate specifically. I know my fair share, however."
"Really?" After looking over this so-called Robbie for a moment, Vera turned to Lloyd.
"Do you think he is telling the truth?"
"Hey! I can prove it. Give you information only a smart fellow like me would know." Robbie cleared his throat. "You can teleport to any Shrine you have unlocked on your way. Take a look on your map, tap a Shrine. You'll see. Don't press it though, you may not have a way back."
It was clear this doctor was a keen talker, certainly when he knew what he was talking about. Still, just to check, Lloyd tapped the map on the Slate. The only Shrines he had touched were the ones on the Great Plateau and the one in Kakariko. But sure enough, when he touched a marker, a window popped up, with 'travel' or 'cancel' as it's choices.
Robbie stood on his toes to see this. "Didn't I tell you? Why do you only have a map of the Plateau? That is not going to help you in the long run. Wait, wait, back up. Why do you have this?"
The doctor now demanded to know, glaring up at the teen. Lloyd looked at Vera first, for her 'okay'. She just shrugged.
"He seems to be telling the truth. Maybe we can get some more useful information out of this all."
"Everything?" The teen informed.
"If you don't want to, that is your dissension. But he may have something useful for you."
This was very possible. The tip about being able to travel was useful already. He'd have to check it out later. Lloyd nodded after mulling it over for a moment and give a quick as possible explanation of it all, up until now.
Robbie curiously listened, scratching his chin and taking some notes while nodding.
"I am a man of science. I need proof, solid proof before I believe something is real. Do you have this to back your claim, that you are from another world?"
"Uh, well. My exsphere. But I can't really demonstrate it." Or rather, Lloyd didn't want to take the risk. The burst of energy he had earlier, came out of nowhere. Who knows when or how he can call upon it again?
Still, Robbie studied the jewel on his hand with interest, making use of his goggles to take an up-close look. After humming and nodding, Robbie looked up at the teen.
"So, your main aim is to help out with the Divine Beasts?"
"Well, yes. But we also hope to find clues about the lost hero. The Rito were our first choice because they can cover a lot of ground." Vera answered the question.
"Has there been an investigation at the Shrine of Resurrection?"
"I am sure chief Impa arranged for this. But we haven't heard anything." Which either means nothing has been found, or they were having trouble reaching them.
"Hm. Well, let me at least help you out. Here." Robbie reached out a small object that looked like a small square, comprised of wires and stuff like that.
"I made my own chip for the Slate. It will have the full map on it. May I?"
Lloyd just nodded; this technological stuff still went way above his head. The doctor slit the chip in the Slate and it spoke, saying it was processing. Then, the full map was there. Finally, all if it was in full view and in his hands. Even on this small device, it looked big.
"No new Shrines. You'll have to still unlock those and I would advise you to do so. For example, that one."
Robbie pointed to the Shrine that was on top of a large rock formation that was behind the stable.
"That way, if you have done the Beast up the mountain, you have a fast way back."
"Hey, that's very useful. Thanks a lot, sir!"
"Hmf. Another thing; I figure you can use this."
Robbie set his big travel pack down and after some rummaging, he held out something. Lloyd didn't really understand what it was. It seemed to be made to fit perfectly in ones hand, made out of metal.
"Here, just hold it."
"Oohké?" Confused, Lloyd took hold of this object...thing. Just what in the world was it?
Robbie then pressed down on the bottom and a glowing blade shot out with a 'zing'. The teen almost dropped it out of shock, but caught the handle in time, certainly impressed by it. The blue glow seemed cold, yet somehow comprised of energy. It gave of the warning not to touch it. The blade was decorated with swirls and holes.
Lloyd gave it a few test swings. It felt light, easy to handle, no doubt it would still be an effective weapon. He couldn't wait to try it out on something.
"Is that an ancient sword? Aren't those used by a certain type of Guardian?" Vera asked, intrigued as well.
"Very good. Though, I wouldn't expect any less of one of my own."
Robbie gave a small grin while trying to fashion his white hair somewhat. He utterly failed however. "The energy supply isn't infinite though, so try to us it with moderation."
"Energy? Oh, I see. That's what it runs on." Lloyd looked over the sword, found the little button and let the weapon 'power down.' Now it was just the handle again. Fascinated, the teen looked at this.
"For someone who is from another world, you seem very impressed by this," Robbie remarked. "Did you not mention magic before?"
"Magic isn't really my thing. I'm just a swordsman."
"A really good one. Don't sell yourself short, Lloyd."
"Thanks, Vera." A bit embarrassed, the teen scratched the back of his neck.
"Well, I shouldn't keep you. I will do my own research and share my findings with fellow Sheikah. We still have a pretty good network. Surely, if we work together, we'll get to the bottom of this."
Robbie looked very sure of this, with was encouraging. They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. It seemed the doctor went towards the south, while Lloyd and Vera only had to take a short walk until they reached the stable.
"Well, that was surely interesting. And also, lucky that we ran into him." Vera remarked.
"Yeah. Seems like Colette's luck has rubbed off on me." Lloyd chuckled.
Of course, the Sheikah didn't understand what he meant. "You keep saying that the adventure you went on with your friends is too long a tale. But we still have a long way to go. Maybe you can try telling bits of it? If you want?"
"Hm, well sure. I don't really mind sharing that. Hold up, I'm gonna grab this Shrine for that warp thing."
"Very well. I will check in with the stable owner."
Lloyd flashed a thumbs up and started climbing the rocks. He had done his fair share of this, so it went with relative ease. Clearing the Shrine seemed a waste of time.
Sorry for whomever is in there, thought Lloyd to himself, while he unlocked the Shrine, but did nothing more. There are more dire things at hand. Hopefully you'll find your peace soon.
There was a better view of the volcano, so Lloyd took a moment to observe it. Huh, I think this will be the first time visiting something like that. Sure, the temple of fire was hot, but nowhere close to an active volcano!
Agile, Lloyd jumped back down from the Shrine and met back up with Vera. She was inside, talking with a man, who presumably was the owner of the stable. Though she was wearing her Sheikah veil, Lloyd had learned a bit more how to read her eyes. And they didn't look happy.
"Hey, what's up?" he asked while joining her side.
"The volcano is very active. Meaning it's hot and also dangerous to go there."
"Not just hot, miss. Scorching! Like burning your clothes off! We do have some fire resistance elixirs. But they are in short supply."
The owner was an excited type of guy, energetic for no real specific reason it seemed.
"We only got three. That's just about enough for one person to get up there."
Vera sighed and looked at Lloyd. "See what I mean? I can't come with you once again."
"I'm sorry, Vera." The teen put a hand on her shoulder and give a small squeeze. "But you can still do your research so to say. You'll never know what you find."
A slow nod came from the Sheikah, even though it seemed somewhat in defeat. Lloyd let this go for now.
"I will be needing those elixirs, sir."
"Uh, alright there laddy, are you sure? The road there is dangerous, you know. Creatures creeping around, even a big ol' Guardian. And not even to mention the falling rocks!"
"Falling rocks?"
"Indeed! Death Mountain itself is angry with us I tell you. Spewing out hot rocks regularly. Not even the Gorons can appreciate that."
"Thank you for the information, sir. How much for those elixirs?"
Vera eyed the bottles the man had retrieved from behind his bar. The contents seemed dark and on the label was just a symbol of a flame. She just paid the amount the man asked for, it wasn't that bad, and then went to sit at a table with Lloyd.
"You need a plan."
"Plan? I figure it's pretty straight forward. There is just one way up there, right?" Lloyd leaned back on his chair, balancing it on its hind legs.
"You heard the man, that one way is filled with enemies. I think it's smart to learn how to sneak. That way you can get passed and be in top shape for the Beast. That's what you want, do you not?"
"Well, you know how to sell it." The teen sighed and set his chair back on all fours. "But I am the kind of guy to just go in..."
"And how did that work out last time?" Vera pointed to his side, where he got hit by the boss. "Sorry, but I have to get through to you. You just want to take down the Beasts to help out. So why waste your time with enemies on the way?"
Lloyd puffed his cheeks, not liking her comment. But he did realize Vera made a fair point. So, he slowly nodded.
"Then how much time is this going to take?"
"A quick course is a few hours. You won't to be an expert like me, but it will do for you. It helps that you are wearing Sheikah clothing. That said..." She pulled out a piece of cloth from her pack. It was black and she looked at his hair.
"Oh no. You are not touching that!"
"Lloyd, stop being so stubborn."
"My hair will be untouched."
"It will be for the good of all!"
Her lash, made the owner and his young daughter look in their direction. Vera lowered her voice.
"For your own safety," she added softly, reaching out the black cloth.
Lloyd sighed and took it. He had no real choice it seems. So, he bound down his wild looks, feeling very alien. Yes, even more so than the time he discovered he was in a totally different world.
"Alright. Let's practice outside." Vera was in her serious mode.
It was a good thing now. Lloyd wouldn't have liked it if she had laughed in his face. And so, he got basic sneaking lessons from the Sheikah. It felt naked not just carrying swords around and deliberately avoiding threats. But then again, they were told that the heat up the mountain could get so crazy, anything made of wood would burn, and metal even could heat up and melt.
The decision was made to just take the ancient sword Robbie had given him, since that could easily be put away. When the sun was setting, Vera ended the training.
"You know the basics. It would be beneficial to go up there in dusk."
"Less chance of detection, right?" Lloyd fiddled with his makeshift bandana, still not comfortable with it.
"Yes. Now remember; only engage in a fight if you have no other choice. No charging in, got it?"
Vera put her hands firmly on his shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes.
"Yeah, yeah. No worries, I won't. I'll be careful."
Lloyd gave her his goofy smile, before pulling up his face mask.
"If you are not back after three full days, I'll come look for you." Vera let go of him as he nodded.
"See you, Vera. I'll be back."
He waved and then he was off, going along the path towards the mountain. The real sneaking would only come in a bit later. With a sigh, Vera watched him go, very upset that she once again was not able to come along.
Will this be the case with all the Divine Beasts? Was this just part of the test and was the hero just meant to do this all alone? My, what a lonely thought. It was never easy to be a hero. Though she herself wouldn't know, she could imagine. And Lloyd already was a hero, however modest he might be about it. Vera had no real clue what he did, but saving his own world for sure was what she got.
Well, I still have some daylight. Might as well do some investigation here. Vera planned to start close by the stable and move outwards from there.
Luck was not on the shadow's side. The horse he had stolen, had hit a rock, so now it was no longer able to gallop. Shade did consider to just end it, but he didn't want to waste time on it.
Who knows how far ahead this imposter was? On foot, it would take longer, it was already getting dark when he spotted the lit up stable ahead. There was a high chance the people there have seen this person. A good description would be very useful indeed.
So, Shade headed towards the stable, playing with his dagger, not batting another eye to the horse. The burn from the Master Sword was still visible on his hand. He cursed her over and over for this. It was never fun to be taught a lesson like that. He'll teach her. He'll teach them all.
Shade grinned when he saw a young girl sleeping in one of the beds. The stable owner was just going about his business and no one else was around. This was indeed ideal. Like the shadow he was, Shade crept up to the girl unnoticed and then took hold of her, deliberately allowing her to scream, to get attention. He held up his dagger against her chin. The stable owner was of course shocked when he turned.
"My little Rosa! Please, don't hurt her!"
Shade grinned his white, terrifying grin. A child was such an easy way to get the things you want.
"Then tell me; have you seen someone with a small, square object, glowing with blue light?"
"Uh-uh...yes! Not too long ago."
"Tell me what this person looks like. Don't forget anything." Shade pressed the cold steel of his dagger against the young girl's skin, who made a terrified noise.
The owner had no choice to comply, giving an accurate description of the young man who had visited earlier. Even telling this shadow what kind of clothes he was wearing.
"Good. And where did he go?" Shade had a good guess, but he wanted to make sure.
The man opened his mouth to answer, but Shade had to jump out of the way of a sharp object, aimed at his feet. This caused him to let go of the girl, who ran to her father right away.
Angry, Shade set his ruby eyes on his new opponent who stood at the entrance of the stable, a throwing knife at the ready.
"A Sheikah, all the way out here. How interesting."
Shade dodged out of the way of the next projectile, still keeping distance, but not running. He wanted to figure out why this Sheikah was here now.
"Leave these people alone. This is your one and only warning."
A girl then. She didn't really try to mask her voice. With a dash, she closed in, knife at the ready. Shade backed away, going outside the stable. He didn't want limiting surroundings. Now he could go all out. Sheikah were not to be underestimated. But Shade had a lot of experience on his side as well. Of an age-old champion, hero and chosen of the gods.
The Sheikah was fast on her feet, and not just set on using her weapon. Fists and feet were also thrown in the mix. Vera had no real clue what kind of creature she was fighting. She had seen nothing like this before, so it seemed wise not to hold back.
This shadow was agile and hard to keep track of in the dark. But she was trained well, so she could hear her opponent still. He was more set on using his weapon, knowing a lot of tricks and flourishes with it. Every attack was used with a lot of force behind it.
It was an even match for a few moments. But Shade was toying with her. It had been a long time since he last had a good fight, so he at least wanted to enjoy it. There were more important things to do, however.
With a great force, he pushed with his next attack, causing his opponent to stumble. Giving no quarter, this dark creature was on top of Vera, pushing her against the ground.
Up close, this appearance was odd to say the least. The dark get-up, but with white hair made a big contrast, along with the oddly shaped, red eyes.
Grinning widely, Shade looked down on the Sheikah. "It was fun while it lasted. Are you by any chance a companion of this guy setting free the Divine Beast? Ah, no matter. I will get rid of you now."
Vera wouldn't be a Sheikah if she didn't have a trick up her sleeve. She triggered the hidden dagger mechanism in her boot. It shot straight into the shadow's shin.
Shade cursed because of the pain, and in this moment of pain, the Sheikah managed to turn the tables. Vera rolled on top of the creature, grabbing the dagger from her boot and holding it up against his cheek.
"Who are you!?"
For a second, the shadow didn't look happy. But that turned around quick, with him laughing like crazy.
"I've wasted enough time here. See you later, Sheikah."
After saying this, the shadow sunk into the ground, completely disappearing.
"W-what?" Panting, Vera looked around confused. She still was on edge, expecting this creature to appear again.
It didn't. All went quiet, like nothing ever happened. Slowly the Sheikah stood up and looked around. No sign of it, not even any tells. Just what in the world was that? She was sure she didn't imagine it, due to the marks she gained from the battle.
She never before heard of such a creature. It seemed very human like, but unnatural at the same time.
Vera walked back to the stable, to check up on the people there. Luckily the owner and his daughter were unharmed.
"Thank you so much for your save, Sheikah. I'm sorry I gave that terrifying creature a description of your friend." The man looked very guilty.
"He asked about Lloyd?" That was what he meant earlier. For some reason, this creature was after Lloyd.
I have to warn him! But how? He is already on his way and I'll burn going up there. But that would probably also mean that this shadow couldn't reach him. She could only hope, Lloyd will be safe.