The tree creaked and moaned under the punch it was delivered. Shade gritted his teeth, not even feeling the pain of the punch he just threw.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! Not only did he feel like a fool, he felt like everything was set up to fail. No luck was on his side.
A guy shows up out of nowhere, wearing that darn, stupid smile and goes around taming all the Beasts like it is no trouble at all!
On top of that, the master sword rejected him, even burned his hand to add insult to injury!
And now, this girl... Her resembles with her was unsettling. It did enough to make him stop. Fool, her eyes weren't even the right damn color!
"I do agree this is all very frustrating. I had expected you to deliver me the boy."
Kohga stood at a small distance. He was joined by approximately forty Yiga, who were either standing and talking, sitting down or sparring with another.
"And I expected you not to run away from the base like a damned coward." Shade shot back, his red eyes almost seemed to burn like fire when he looked at the leader.
All the Yiga fell silent. If their eyes would have been visible, they would surely go between the two of them, a mix of shock and fear.
"You forget your place. You are able to go around freely because of me. You owe me." The man did not back down in the slightest. He did not like to get told off.
"Hmf." If Shade could visibly roll his eyes, he would have. "Well, we are stuck out here now, nowhere to go. What is your genius plan?"
"Very simple: we are taking back our home."
Several Yiga gasped at what their leader said. "Sir, you want to try to invade Kakariko?"
"Not try, we will. We know all the secret passages, weak points. That valley will become their death trap. Are you with us?"
Kohga addressed the Shadow again.
"I'll pass, that should be your internal strife. I have my own to handle."
"Do you really believe that boy will be able to go up against Ganon?" The leader scuffed at the idea.
"He already took down three of the Divine Beasts. I don't think he should be underestimated." His red eyes narrowed for a moment.
"You do realize the master sword is needed to defeat Ganong, and that this can only be claimed by the one who has the Triforce of courage?"
Shade looked at the burn on the inside of his hand, almost wanted to lash out. But then he stopped... the leader had a good point. But then why, why did she reject me? That stupid guardian burned me in more way then one.
This just made it all the more important for the shadow to block this guy in any way possible. But he was not alone, and just chasing after him wouldn't work. The only thing he could really bet on, was making the way through the castle as hard as possible. He had to kill this guy before he gets the chance to do that to Ganon.
Kohga studied that dark face, that was so clearly brooding. It was kind of unsettling; who knew what was going through this dark creature's mind?
"Well, I hope you won't fail this time. This might be your last chance."
Those red glowing eyes were set on him; it felt like he was looking straight through the mask, right into his very soul. "The same goes for you."
The shadow was done here. He just left the Yiga to their own devises. Good prep was needed. No more playing around, no more underestimating. Now it was a matter of honor, of life and death.
The sun was already high in the sky by the time Vera stepped outside. She took careful strides; her wounds were still healing after all.
Around the stable, it was a bit livelier now, thanks to the very recent freeing of the Divine Beast. Was that really just some hours ago? It really didn't feel like it. No doubt Lloyd would think the same. He was still fast asleep for now, as well as his friends. Vera did not want to disturb them; they deserved the rest after all.
"Up and about already, I see. I should not be surprised."
A familiar voice said from her left. It was Pikango of course, standing behind his easel and working on his painting.
"Hello, Pikango." Vera bowed her head respectfully. "Thank you again for your help."
"I've known you since you were a little child, Vera. You can drop the fancy manners." The man waved vaguely, after which he applied some paint strokes to his canvas.
"I suppose. Are you painting the scenery?" Vera resisted to take a peak, knowing that the painter did not like that.
"Yes, I am. It is very beautiful out here. Bu you already knew that. You liked going on missions here after all."
"Yes, and Sidon... Oh Sidon! We disappeared on him. He must be worried."
"Knowing him, he surely is. Either he's looking for you or already setting up a search party."
Vera visibly bit her lip at his remark, which made the male Sheikah frown.
"It's not like you to showcase your worry. I can't help to think this is because of your company. He is having a good influence on you."
"You really think so?" She followed his glance inside the building. "You are not the first one to say that, now I think about it."
Sighing, her eyes went back to the blue sky above them. "But he already has this clear bond with this other girl. I do not understand why it's still so painful. It has been quite clear for some time. And he's not from...around."
"Feelings aren't to be understood, they just are there. And that is fine. If it can't be anything more, you can at least support him in any way you can, be a good friend."
Vera thoughtfully nodded to these wise words. "You say some smart things every so often."
"I learned from the best. Our chief shares that kind of wisdom with ease." This was a well-known fact indeed.
"So, are you going to join them to the desert? Gerudo is the last place to hold a Divine Beast."
"I know. But those people just came from there. I think we need to make a plan. How to go on from here and releasing the last Beast." Vera looked around for a moment. She lowered her voice as she leaned toward the painter. "We still do not have a clue where the real hero is, or what happened to him."
Pikango stroked his chin in thought, slowly nodding. "And you need a good plan for tackling the castle, not to mention Ganon. I am willing to bet the chief will have some great ideas."
The female Sheikah nodded, in thought as well. He looked her over and gave a smile.
"I'm sure you can figure it all out. And if you need advice; I'm right here."
"Thank you, Pikango. I really appreciate that." Again, Vera bowed her head to him.
Then, in the corner of her eyes, she noticed movement from inside the stable. Or more accurately, from the beds the group were sleeping in. She nodded to her fellow Sheikah and carefully stepped back inside, to greet the people that all were from a different world.
They didn't look that eccentric, all things considered. By looks, Sheena, Colette and Lloyd could all pass for just normal people. Zelos, would be a bit more difficult with his long red hair. Their clothing was a little different, what made them stand out. And that went for all three of them, really.
If anything, Lloyd was the one fitting in the most, which was funny. The only thing (next to his kind of wild hairdo) standing out was the exposed gem on his left hand. It was very visible. Then again, Colette's and Zelos' gems were also rather clear to see. They more seemed to act like a necklace, the one that Colette was wearing being way fancier then Zelos'.
Sheena was the first to get up, closely followed by Zelos and Colette. Lloyd woke up last with a loud yawn, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. You wouldn't think it possible, but his hair was even more of a mess, yet still somehow still stylish.
"How is your head, Lloyd? Can you get up?" Colette was by his side quickly, offering a hand if he needed it.
"I'm okay, the bump isn't as bad anymore."
The teen felt his head as he got up without needing the help. Zelos was looking him over. "What in the world are you wearing?"
"Huh?" Lloyd looked down at himself. Blushing, he realized he was still wearing the Zora suit that Sidon had given him to borrow. The fabric left little to the imagination. "Damn it, I was supposed to return this."
"I do not think you need to worry that much about it, you will always have the chance to do that later."
Vera said this while she approached. His brown eyes looked her over.
"Are you okay, should you be up?"
"I had good care, I will be fine." She just gave him a faint smile.
"Hey bud, if you want, we got your old clothes." Zelos then offered.
Surprised, Lloyd looked at him. "You brought them for me?"
"Yes, just in case. I wanted to bring your swords too, but Sheena and Zelos thought that was silly." Colette said, taking said clothing out from the satchel bag.
"Not only silly, it would have taken up too much space." Sheena put her hands on her hips with a huff.
The red color of the bundle of fabric was unmistakable. Lloyd had a reminiscent smile while he ran a hand over them. There was a mix of sadness and guilt in his eyes, as he took the clothing and looked at Colette.
"Is dad doing okay?"
"You know how Dirk is. He worries about you in his own way. He knows you are strong and always land on your feet." She said it with a soft, sweet smile.
Lloyd nodded. "Thank you, this means a lot."
Now he had a piece of his father with him yet again. And mother was there as well, he thought as he eyed the gemstone on his hand. And for his real father, well, he was actually here. Going about doing his own thing, yet again. Some things never change.
"Lloyd, are you okay?" Colette asked worried since the teen just stood there, clothes in hands.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm gonna change." He went to go behind a curtain to do just that.
"Well, I would suggest we all should have some lunch and discuss matters in the main time. We need to talk about what to do next. We can go sit out back for some privacy." Vera opted.
The other three nodded to her, agreeing to it. Lloyd was quickly changed, joining them. He did pull a little at his sleeves and the suspenders holding up his pants. The Sheikah looked him over.
"This is what you normally wear?"
"Yeah, my dad made these clothes." Lloyd said with a proud smile.
"I assume the one you lived with and not Kratos?"
The teen nodded to this. The stable girl had prepared lunch for the people who'd like it, in the form of really richly made sandwiches. Paired with nice, mint tea, the group went to the back of the stable outside and set down, enjoying the sunshine.
"Hey, I was wondering: how come there aren't any monsters around these buildings?" Lloyd was curious to know.
"I'm actually not sure. It is just a save place."
"So, kinda like the Houses of Salvation. There won't be monsters around those either, remember?" Zelos remarked.
This was true, so Lloyd nodded, taking a bite of his sandwich. He did spot the confused look on the Sheikah's face.
"Sorry, I never really got the time to tell you everything. Only got to the part about those awful wanted posters."
"What you mean, awful? I think they were pretty striking!" Zelos grinned and pulled out his sketch, which was very close to the real thing.
Curious, Vera took a closer look. "Huh, I can kind of see it."
"You kept one?" Lloyd's voice was a mix of disappointment and yet not surprised.
"No. Well, not on me anyway." The redhead pouted, but then smiled again. "I drew this up myself."
"Not exactly something to be proud of."
"Says little miss stick figure."
Sheena huffed at his insult, giving him a harsh poke between the ribs. With interest, Vera was studying the drawing. It was rather funny and bad all at the same time. She could understand Lloyd didn't like this was used to match his image.
"Anyways, sweetems. What did you want to talk about?" Zelos looked at the Sheikah while putting his drawing away.
"Mainly, our next move. What needs to happen, is that the last Divine Beast is freed. And ideally that we find out what happened to Link."
Lloyd nodded, considering options while taking bites from his sandwich.
"I have been thinking. You three just came from the desert, right?" Vera looked at Sheena, Colette and Zelos.
"Yeah. Boy was it hot. In more ways than one...auch!"
Sheena gave the redhead an ear twister. "Keep your stupid remarks to yourself."
"It would be silly for you to go all the way back again." Vera just chose to ignore Zelos his remark.
"Hm, I suppose. But Lloyd needs to get there, right? He's the one who can deal with this Beast thing?"
"That is right, Sheena." The Sheikah nodded to her.
"What you're saying is that we all don't have to go there." Zelos remarked.
"I kind of agree. Now that we know Lloyd got wings, flying there would be much faster."
"Yeah, and little angel here can join, she knows the way."
Colette nodded right away. Then she tilted her head, in thought for a moment. "I think we should check on the portal too. There is a chance people were send there to investigate the Yiga base. It won't be good if they find it." She had a worried look on her face.
Zelos crossed his arms. "So, what do you suggest for me and Sheena?"
"If you want, you can come with me. I think it is wise to go back to the chief and report. Hopefully she will have some news as well. We also need to discuss the last great hurdle."
"Which is?"
"Getting through the castle and take on Ganon."
The sheer weight of those words, could be felt. They all shared a look, a knowing one between the heroes of Regeneration.
"Prep for the final boss, huh? Not the first time."
"This is different, Zelos. We are at a disadvantage. Our power is very limited here." Lloyd remarked.
The redhead waved this worry away. "We are heroes, remember? We fought a literal god. I think we can take on whatever this Ganon thing is."
"Heroes, a god?" What was Vera hearing now? She looked from Zelos to Lloyd, not really knowing what to make of this. "You always insist that you aren't a hero."
"Pah, hell yeah he is! He even got a grand statue on a fountain in Luin. While our little angel here got none of that!"
"I already said it's fine. I do not need a statue. I didn't do much of anything, really." Colette said softly, diverting her eyes to the ground.
"Alright, that's quite enough out of all of you. I won't hear any more of it. We all contributed to a better world, there is no discussion on that." Sheena said, taking on the role of the professor; this would be something she would say for sure.
The three of them couldn't really argue, slowly nodding. Having a statue in your honor, surely isn't nothing, was what Vera thought.
"Why is it anyway, that only you can free those so-called Beasts?" Zelos was curious to know.
"Oh, it's because of this."
Enthusiastic, Lloyd took out the slate and showed it to all of them. "It's called a Sheikah Slate. It's a piece of tech the Renegades would be jealous of. If professor Sage were here, she'd surely want to study this for days.
His face fell, looking at Colette. "You didn't want to drag them into this, huh?"
The blonde Chosen nodded to this, looking guilty. "They were doing their own thing, as well as Regal and Presea. You remember where we were last?"
"Yeah, back at home, with my dad, taking a rest."
"Right. But you were gone all of the sudden. Do you know how that happened?"
Lloyd shook his head. "I was just sleeping. Then this voice called out to me, waking me up. I later learned that was Zelda."
"I have talked with her for a moment, as well."
"Huh, for real?"
Confused, Lloyd blinked and looked at Colette. She nodded to him.
"At a small alter. I first thought I was addressed by the goddess Hylia, since I was praying to her. But then this blonde girl showed up."
"This one?" Lloyd worked the slate for a moment and turned it to her.
A picture was displayed, of two teens, both blond. One was a boy and the other a girl. Thought she looked a bit different, most definitely happier; Colette was sure.
"Yes, that's her. She was wearing different clothes though, and seemed in a bad state."
"My, isn't she a cutie." Zelos couldn't help but to remark.
Colette had a look in her eyes, thinking back to the poor girl. She remembered the sheer darkness around her and the tired look in her eyes. It felt oh so familiar.
"Colette, are you okay?" His hand was on top of hers, slightly squeezing. Worry was clearly written on Lloyd's face as he looked at her.
"It's just that her situation reminded me of that time," she began softly and shook her head. "I'm sorry."
"You dork." He pulled her close, into a hug. It felt so warm and pleasant; she had really missed this.
"Get a room alr- aah!"
Sheena poked Zelos in the ribs for his tactless remark. "Why do you always go and ruin emotional moments?"
"I'm just saying what everyone is thinking, and been thinking for a while." He folded his hands behind his head and grinned. "Don't worry, Jubblies. You'll always have me."
"In your dreams!"
Lloyd couldn't help but chuckle, disregarding Zelos his remarks. "I've missed this."
"Yeah well, we've missed you too. Hopefully the others won't be coming after us as well." Sheena had a worried look on her face.
"They don't even know anything about all this. Did you leave anything for them, just in case, little angel?"
"Uh, no. I was hoping they wouldn't notice." Colette admitted, feeling guilty.
"Suppose that means we shouldn't hang around too long. So, what's so special about this thing anyway?" Zelos eyed the slate curiously.
"Oh, I'll show you. Take a look at this!"
Enthusiastic again, Lloyd activated the bomb maker as he called it, making a bomb appear out of what seemed to be the slate. This took all three of them by surprise. Zelos looked the slate over more intently; up and under, left and right.
"How did it do that?"
"I really have no clue. It can do other things too." As Lloyd went on to show another feature, Colette smiled.
"Boys and their toys."
"Yeah, no kidding." Sheena snickered.
"It's almost like they are little kids," was the Sheikah's remark, in a more serious tone.
The two other girls shared a look, before looking at her. They did notice this young woman was more stilted. It reminded them a bit of how Presea was. But there were no Exsphere's here, and thank the goddess for that. Still, it made Colette a little uncomfortable, and Zelda was fresh on her mind as well.
A hand was on her shoulder, belonging to Sheena. "Try not to think back to it, Colette. You are here with us now. You haven't lost yourself. That's what counts."
Lloyd looked up from his showcasing to Zelos, hearing this remark.
"Hold on, is that what you're afraid of? You think you gonna end up like your da- uh Kratos?"
All eyes were on the brown-haired teen. The slightly confused pair belonging to Vera. Lloyd sighed, stroking the Exsphere without even realizing it.
"Kind of..."
"Who's the dork now? You know that isn't going to happen, right?"
"What Zelos means to say, and what we told you before; we will do everything to prevent you from losing yourself."
"Yes, just like what you did for me, Lloyd. I won't let you lose your heart and memories!" Colette said it with all the passion and care in the world. It was for sure reassuring.
So, Lloyd smiled and nodded, even though they said it before, it was comforting to hear it again.
"Losing your heart and memories?" Vera then asked in utter confusion.
The teen scratched the back of his head. "Right, I never really got far telling you the story of our journey."
"Isn't that strange, it's quite a tale to tell." Zelos crossed his arms.
"I've been told. Can't you tell the short version of it?" She was still very curious about it all. But it wasn't something they should waste too much time on.
"Do you mind, Colette?" Lloyd now looked at the Chosen in question, who was sipping her tea.
"I don't mind. I think I can even give it a try." She took a breath. "I was raised as a Chosen. Meaning that I knew, that one day, I had to sacrifice my life to save the world."
This was quite a bombshell to start on. Utter shock was written on Vera's face, as she looked from Colette to Lloyd. He looked disgruntled, angry even, but he kept quiet as he bit his lower lip.
"My journey of regeneration was a dangerous one. There were trials I had to overcome, and with each one, I lost a bit more of my...humanity. Not needing to sleep, or food, not feeling pain. Not being able to laugh or cry." She looked to the ground.
"Yet, you kept smiling. Kept on a brave face for us all." Lloyd said quietly.
"I guess I wanted good, final memories. I didn't know I'd lose them in the end."
A silence set in, only broken by birds singing in the background.
"But then I, the great Zelos Wilder come in and saved the day!" The redhead exclaimed, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
"I don't think so!" Sheena shot back at him.
Still, Colette showed a sweet smile. "You all did. You all were there to help. I'm so happy I've made such great friends along the way."
They all smiled back at her. Vera never seen such a tight friendship before. To go so far for someone. She wondered, in the back of her mind, if anyone would do that for her.
"And giving Mithos a proper ass beating was just a great bonus." Zelos said with a wide grin.
"Maybe a bit too harsh there, Zelos."
"Come on, bud. Don't tell me you understood where he was coming from! The whole point was to show him his ideals were twisted, going in the wrong direction. You showed him what for and he still said he wouldn't change a thing!"
"I am not saying that. I still believe he could have lived among us. That he could have seen the world change for the better without any of his outrageous plans."
Lloyd sighed after that and shook his head. "But he was too blind to see."
"I assume this Mithos guy was this 'god' you were talking about?" Vera wanted to know, trying to keep track.
"Yes, Mithos Yggdrassil, was the great mind behind it all. He set up the Chosen's journey, the Desians, the church of Martel. It was all his doing. All in hopes of reviving his sister and create an age of lifeless beings."
This was explained by Sheena. The Sheikah could only frown more. "Why would someone want to do that?"
"He hoped to stop discrimination that way," sighed Lloyd, looking up to the sky. "His kind, the half-elves, have been shunned and mistreated for ages. His sister wished for a world without prejudice, but Mithos misunderstood this. He thought by taking all the emotions out of everyone, and making them all the same, that would solve it all. Of course, we tried to tell him, that discrimination comes from the heart. Making everyone change, won't make the difference. But working for a better future, one where everyone would understand and accept each other, that will. Sadly, he didn't see it that way. We had no choice but to end him."
His eyes were scanning the sky, as if he was hoping to spot Derris-Kharlan there. Did he really mis home that much? It wasn't just his friends and family he was missing?
"If he really was to change the world so extremely, I doubt there was much choice there. I agree with your words, Lloyd. But some just don't ever see the errors of their ways. They will keep on pushing their own agenda, no matter what. No matter how often you beat them to the ground."
"You are relating this to this whole Ganon thing, aren't you, white blossom? See, there are similarities!"
"If you don't look at it to closely, yeah." Sheena crossed her arms.
"What do you mean?" Now it was Lloyd's turn to be confused.
"You didn't even take the time to learn about the legend you are directly involved in?" The ninja gave him a disapproving look.
"I know the gist of it, was told some things here and there!"
"Probably just heard 'blablabla' people need to be saved, 'blablabla.'" Zelos chuckled.
The brown-haired teen wanted to retort, but he couldn't really deny, because it was mostly true.
"Like the cycle of all the Chosen before us," Colette at Zelos with this. "Ganon keeps coming back. Trying to overthrow everything, cast all into darkness."
The Sheikah moved her head between yes and no. "I think he just wants to end it all now. That there will be nothing left."
"Does that mean this Ganon is aware of this constant revival?" Lloyd asked wide eyed.
"I think so. Why else would he constantly want to destroy?"
"So, does this go for Zelda and Link as well?"
This was a good question. The Sheikah looked thoughtful for a moment. "I do not know."
"That would be awful." Colette placed a hand over her heart. "Having to remember all your past lives. Your wins and losses." She shook her head in pain and horror.
Another silence set in, all of them letting this thought settle.
"Yeah, that would suck." Zelos said eventually. "And don't look at me like that, Jubblies. We can speculate all we want, but it won't help matters."
"Zelos is right. We need to focus on what is at hand." Vera nodded.
"Right. So, you two are going to fly to the desert. How are we going to go back to your village?" The red head asked Vera.
"We can use the horses. Luckily they weren't hurt during the ambush."
"Horses?" Sheena audibly gulped, clearly not comfortable with it.
"Ah, don't worry, my honey. You can ride with me. I've had lessons ever since I was a child."
"Fine. But don't get any ideas!"
"This means we have to say goodbye."
Colette said it softly, looking sad at the two of them.
"Don't miss me too much, little angel," chuckled the other Chosen, blowing a playful kiss.
"It won't take too long, we will meet back up soon for sure." Sheena added.
This brought back a smile on the blonde's face. "Yeah, for sure."
"You all take care, okay?"
"Yeah, you take care." Lloyd looked over his friends, old and new.
"If you're fast, no one will spot you flying, hopefully." Zelos said.
"These are hard to miss."
The brown-haired teen looked around, before he proved his point and let his wings appear. They surely were grand and now he was even able to easily to make them appear at will. Colette took his hand, giving him her sweet smile. Nodding to her, they rose up to the sky together, going above the clouds to stay out of sight. With that, they were gone.
"I keep forgetting how impressive those were." Sheena said more to herself.
"Yeah, same here." The remaining Chosen remarked.
"We should get going as well. If you are ready?" Vera looked at the two of them. They both nodded and followed her to the horses.