It was funny, ironic and frustrating all at the same time. For all the tech he had in his lab, Robbie had nothing that compared to the capabilities of the Sheikah Slate. To say the least, the man of science didn't like it he was not able to make something that even came close to it.
Just think of it: being able to travel to faraway places within seconds, stop momentum of objects, move metal around with ease and pull out bombs on the fly.
It was a real good thing only one person was able to use that thing. In the wrong hands, it could be a dangerous weapon.
Robbie's closest thing to fast travel were things that he could strap on his back to make him fly. This way, he got to Purah's place in a few hours instead of a day or longer. It was still a strange sight to see, her looking like a child. But she did not seem upset about it; widely smiley all the time.
Her only complaint was that she had to look up at every one and she even had to climb onto chairs because of how small she was now.
"Robs! How nice of you to visit. To what do I owe this pleasure? Little old me shouldn't distract you from your important research."
Purah let the doctor inside her own lab. Her assistant was at the bookcase in the back, only looking up for a moment before going back to reading.
"There is a very good reason for my visit, and it's interesting as well."
The man fiddled with his goggles while he took a seat at the table. His fellow Sheikah researcher going across and standing up on a chair, just so she would be on eye level with him.
"Oeh, please do tell." She leaned forward eagerly.
"It's going to sound a little out there, I am still doing my own research, but I am a bit stuck. I need help and your view on this."
Purah nodded enthusiastic, gesturing for the man to go on.
"I ran into a young man, carrying a Sheikah slate..."
"My Linkie?" the girl squealed. "Hard at work, doing his heroic deeds?"
"Well, that's just it; it wasn't Link. The hero has been lost."
Robbie said it with a very serious look on his face. There was a silence, until Purah jumped on top of the table, grabbing on to the doctor's lab coat collar.
"What in Hylia's name do you mean?" Her big, round glasses reflected the lights almost dangerously.
Clearing his throat, Robbie leaned back to get out of her admittedly weak hold. "I do not know the details. All I know that this new young man is able to use the slate and working on freeing the Beasts, as you probably have already seen. And get this: he says he is from another world."
Purah stared at him, still standing on top of the table and slowly blinked. She was trying to spot if there was any lie in his eyes. The doctor looked straight back, their red eyes meeting, just to show that he was serious.
Finally, the smaller Sheikah stepped back, to the chair and took a seat this time. Her head just about stuck out above the table. She was clearly in thought, but also looked worried.
"I have no real proof of this as of yet. And concerning the missing hero; I think we need to inform the home front, contact your little sister."
This was weird to say to a young-looking girl while said sister looked an age older. Purah nodded slowly.
"This guy, what did he look like?"
"Messy, brown hair, Sheikah clothing, blue gem on his left hand, a late teen and brown eyes."
"Wait, Sheikah clothes?" She frowned at that, while Purah was trying to form an image in her head.
"Yes, a young Sheikah woman was with him. The chief herself apparently approved to let her accompany him. Yet another reason to go."
Purah nodded. "Yes, it's about time to see my little sister. She hasn't even seen me like this yet." She giggled at the thought.
"I would love to make theories about the possibilities of other worlds as well. But that will have to wait. I don't like the idea of Linkie being lost or hurt." Pouting, she then looked over to her assistant. "You keep watch while I'm gone, right?"
"But of course." The assistant said with a bow of his head.
"We going with your little contraption?" Purah looked up at Robbie.
"That is the fastest." Again, the man fiddled with his goggles, it was more a movement out of habit than anything else.
"Alright, let's hurry up and go."
There was no doubt in her mind, the make of Robbie's machine would work fine. They both trusted each other's skills, they almost had to. Their flight did not take that long. But when they landed, for some reason the Sheikah around took a step back, clearly on edge.
Curious, Purah looked at the people, while the doctor just went on, stepping towards the guards that were guarding the stairs to the chief's place.
"Things seem to be tense around here," he remarked to them.
"Doctor Robbie," one of the guards bowed light. "We had a not very friendly visitor come by here as of late."
"And the way he arrives and acts is rather unnerving." The other guard added.
"Is that so? How come?"
"Well, for one, he has blue glowing wings he flies with."
"Wings, on a man? Must be some kind of new magic." Purah remarked, joining in on the conversation.
The guards exchanged a look, and looking from her to Robbie. "You had another kid?" The first guard asked.
"What? No, like I have time for that!"
"You don't even recognize your chief's older sister?" Purah blew up her cheeks, placing her hands on her hips. The two men stared at her in disbelieve. "Speaking of, we would like to speak to her."
"Right. You may pass." Both guards stepped out of the way.
They went up the stairs, spotting Purah's niece. The girl was suddenly hugged by an even smaller girl before she realized it.
"Waah!" With a scream Paya fell, taking the other along with her. "W-who are you?"
"Why, don't you recognize your own grandaunt?" Purah puffed her cheeks once again.
"W-what?" Paya blinked, utterly confused.
The other girl just laughed. "So shocked by my youthful looks? Come on, let's go have a talk with your grandmother."
Purah stood up and offered a hand to help her niece up. Together they stepped inside the building, Robbie following close behind. It was rare to see surprise on the chief's face, but this made it happen.
"Hey, little sis! What's up?" Purah said with a wide smile.
Impa blinked, regaining her previous composure. "How did this happen?"
"Ah, some experiment going wrong. I don't mind it though. Look how beautifully young I am!"
All what the chief could do, was shake her head at this. She had no words, but that something crazy would happen, she knew would have been a matter time.
"This is not why we are here, ladies." Robbie interrupted this discussion.
"Hm, yes. It is not often to see the both of you here. What is this about?" The chief wanted to know.
Purah looked at the doctor to explain, since he would know more about it. He did, making sure it wasn't too long of a story.
"So, you have run into Lloyd? How was he, did he look alright?" Impa asked with a smile.
That was right, a Sheikah was with him, whom was send along by the chief herself. "He looked fine."
"He's been here, right? You've seen him. So, is he cute?"
"Need I remind you, Purah, that even though you don't look it, you are still older than me?"
"Don't be mean, little sis."
"Hardly the focus here." Robbie cleared his throat. "I gave him some tips about the slate and even give him a decent map for it. I also gifted him an ancient sword."
"How helpful and generous of you, doctor. Thank you very much." She bowed her head to him.
"Oh, no problem..."
"He is the real deal then? You approved him." Purah asked then.
"Yes, he is. I doubt this is what you really wanted to talk about. Link is still lost sadly. We have very little information to go on." The chief sighed.
"Awh, sis. Linkie is strong. He is the most important champion. Holder of the Triforce of courage!"
"He is all that, yes. But what most tend to forget, that he is a person too. A young man, who is a victim of a bigger destiny."
Both researchers had to consider this, they exchanged a look with each other.
"But the Shrine of Resurrection? I assume you have some of our people there investigating it?" Robbie asked.
"Of course. I have a short first impression report. You can look into that, if you want. Paya?"
"Y-yes, grandmother."
The young girl bowed and went to fetch the papers. She reached them out to her grandaunt, still looking her over curiously and confused. Purah widely smiled, seemingly entertained.
"Let's look into this and try to make sense out of it. Agreed, Robs?"
"Very well. I would like to go there myself, but my transport is done for, for now. I do not want to waste too much time. Now, there is all this talk about a man with wings. I am really..."
"Yeah, yeah, Robs. Come on, not the focus here." Purah knew the man well enough to recognize him going off and stopping it before this really happens. "Where can we study this, sis?"
"You may use the upstairs desk for now. Good luck."
Impa nodded to them with a slight smile, and the two were off, up the stairs.
"What busy times we live in. How about some nice tea, Paya?"
"Y-yes grandmother. I will g-go and m-make some."
Aside from some noises upstairs, the day passed peacefully. Paya went back to doing her daily duties, as well as her grandmother. When the sun was setting and the girl was preparing dinner at the cooking pot outside, her eyes spotted yet another set of new arrivals at the south gate. When she walked closer to check, she recognized one of them.
"Vera, y-you're back." Confused, Paya looked at the two people riding on the other horse. It was a young man with wavy, long red hair and a young woman with tied up black hair. They were both wearing very different kind of clothing.
"Why hello there, little orchid." Zelos very elegantly dismounted the horse and beamed his brilliant smile to her.
"Zelos Wilder, don't you dare leave me on this animal!"
The Chosen whirled around, now giving the smile to Sheena. "Ah Jubblies. Surely you aren't scared of a horse now?"
"No! I just don't want it to run off when I'm the only one riding it. Help me of, you idiot."
"But of course, my honey. Because you ask so nicely."
When Sheena was helped down, she looked at him. "That's better."
"Uhm..." Paya turned red because of the actions and exchanged words between the two strangers. "W-where's Lloyd? Who are these p-people? "
There was a slightly worried look on the girl's face when she looked up at Vera. The Sheikah got off her horse and pulled her clothing straight.
"I will explain, when we can get a meeting with the chief. Is that possible?"
"I-I see. L-let me check."
Paya bowed and went ahead of them, going towards her grandmother. Impa was actually expecting dinner, so she frowned when the girl came in empty handed.
"S-sorry, grandmother. I got distracted. There are visitors for you."
"Again? It is really busy today. Who is it this time?"
"V-Vera with two strangers."
"I see." Impa had a thoughtful look. "Let them come up here and bring dinner as well. I'm sure they'd like some food too."
The girl nodded and did exactly what she was asked. The guards let the new faces pass with a frown. Why was it that all these strangers were visiting their town as of late?
"Huh, this place sort of feels familiar," Zelos remarked as he glanced to the ninja next to him.
Sheena looked around for a moment, she did so before of course. "Yeah, it's a little bit like home."
"Maybe this world has more connection with ours then we first thought."
"You...may be right." She said it softly while she looked up at him.
There was no real way of knowing, even if this would have some kind of effect. Next to that, there was also more than enough differences. So, who knew?
Paya followed a few steps behind them, carrying a large pot of food that was still steaming. Vera opened the doors for them, letting the two step through and then helped Paya with the food. The chief took this time to study the two new faces.
"While it's good to see you back in one piece, Vera. You are here with company I do not recognize. What happened to Lloyd?"
Vera bowed to her chief, in greeting and respect. "Due to circumstances, we decided to split up. Do not worry, Lloyd is setting up to tackle the last Beast as we speak."
"Wow, yeah, that's the real short version of it. I think this wise beauty needs a little more than that."
Zelos got hit on his arm by Sheena. "Show some respect. I'm so sorry. I am Sheena, and this is Zelos." She bowed deep for the elderly woman that was to her very clearly the chief.
"I am! Beauty comes with age, you know."
Impa chuckled. "My, such a flatterer. Are you friends of Lloyd, from the other world?"
"He really isn't good at keeping those things to himself." Sheena said with a sigh. "Yes, that is right."
"Oh, the young man did not tell me. I saw it myself. I have a third eye of sorts, able to look in to one's heart."
"People can't do that." Zelos remarked while crossing his arms.
The chief smiled and gestured him closer. "I can prove it. Come here and give me your hands."
Shrugging, Zelos just went along with it. He stepped closer and reached out his hands to her. She took hold of them loosely, turning them so that his palms were facing up. She looked intensely at the lines.
"I see snow. You, as a child, playing while your mother is watching. You are happy, want to involve your mother to play with you. But there is an attack; an attempt on your life. Your mother steps in and takes the knife for you. Her last words to you are: 'If only, you were never born,' as the snow around slowly turns red."
Becoming very pale, Zelos took back his hands, taking a few steps back. Sheena looked at him in shock. She knew he didn't like snow, but he never said why. Judging by his reaction, this was all true. She had no clue he had such a troubled youth. Zelos always acted like a spoiled brat who could get away with anything.
"Zelos..."
He just looked away, setting his eyes on the ground. He did not say a word.
"I am sorry, I did not mean to bring up something painful. I cannot choose what I see, unless the person specifically thinks about it. Forgive me." Impa bowed her head to him.
"It's fine." Zelos mumbled this after a moment of silence.
"Chief... We are here to discuss what to do next. Mostly the castle." Vera tried to get back to the matter at hand.
"I see. Yes, the way into the castle and through it will be very challenging. This worries you?"
The younger Sheikah nodded. "Going in alone would be suicide. We need to prepare to assist with storming it."
"Uh, isn't that a bit extreme?" Sheena asked taken aback.
"I do not think so. The road itself has a lot of hurdles already. Walking Guardians are there in high numbers. And as soon as you go past the wall, flying and stationary ones join those numbers. And rumors are that inside the castle, a lot of strong creatures roam around. It will be a great challenge, indeed."
"I was hoping to get warriors along from the village." Vera said right after.
"Maybe. I am not sure that will be enough even."
"Do you think we need others, like Rito and Goron?"
Impa stroked her chin in thought, slowly nodding. "We have to look into that. Let's go into the specific's tomorrow. You have been on the road all day and I'm sure you can use some food and rest."
A gesture was made to the pot of food. The three nodded in agreement and all set down. They all got a bowl to eat.
"Are you joining us?" Impa then called up the stairs.
A young girl's face appeared over the banister, looking down. "We are busy... Oh, hello."
Just now did Purah noticed the new visitors. Her eyes lingered on the red haired, young man. "Hey there, handsome."
Zelos gave no response, which was very out of character. He kept quiet and just kept his eyes on the food. Sheena was worried because of how he was acting. But knowing him, he will bounce back for sure, given some time.
Purah just let it be and went back to work. After dinner was done, the chief looked at Vera.
"Would you kindly show these two to the inn? They can stay the night as guests there."
"Yes, chief." The young Sheikah stood up and bowed before she turned to the two. "Please follow me."
Leading the way, Vera walked down the stairs and went to a bigger building close to another exit. Sheena glanced to the redhead next to her.
"Zelos, you want to talk?" She asked it softly.
"I just need a moment." Being quiet and gloomy really wasn't like him. But Sheena wasn't one to push, unlike some people.
Quickly, the ninja banished that negative thought. It was clear that Zelos was hurting. Hopefully he will be open to talk about it later.
They were brought into another building, clearly set up to be an inn. Vera addressed the owner. "These two are guests of the chief. They are to spend the night here."
The owner had a tired and annoyed look on his face. "I'm not running a charity, you know. This can't keep happening."
"Discuss that with the chief," was all the female Sheikah said to this.
The man did clearly not like this idea and made an inviting gesture. Vera just went ahead again, opening up the first door. It was a standard room with several beds.
"You can stay here." She looked at Zelos.
All the redhead did, was nod and walk in. He even closed the door behind him without saying a word. Vera looked at Sheena.
"Is he alright?"
"I'm not sure. I'll try to talk to him later."
The Sheikah nodded and went on to open the next door. "You can stay here."
"Thanks. Hey, can I maybe ask you something? If you're not busy?"
"Alright."
They walked into the room and each went to sit on a bed, to sit across from each other. Vera looked at this summoner, waiting for her question.
"This village is filled with just Sheikah, right?"
"That's right. We live and train here together."
"Hidden away between the mountains. Why is that?"
Vera looked out of the only window of the room. It gave view of a hill. "We hurt the people of Hyrule. The land is in this state because of us. Our ancestors build all those contraptions, who turned all to rubble and claimed lives."
The guilt was clear to hear in her voice and even to spot in her eyes. Sheena could relate; she knew the feeling very well.
"But that was done by your ancestors. You shouldn't punish yourself for what has been done in the past. From what I've heard, it was all done for a good reason. For the good of all. No one could have expected it to go as wrong as it did. I'm sure they didn't mean for all this. They weren't bad people, right?"
"Well, no. Sheikah are sworn to serve the royalty of Hyrule. We are, or were a tribe that kept this honor high."
"You are helping people where you can now. That is the best you can do. You can't change the past. All you can do is try and work for a better, brighter future."
"That is true." Vera nodded as she stood up. "I should head back to the chief. I believe she still wants to speak with me."
"Thank you, for everything, Vera. You kept an eye on Lloyd, made sure he was safe in a strange world. Not everyone does that easily."
"I did what was asked of me, really."
"You liked him, didn't you?" She spotted Vera being caught off guard by her remark. Sheena gave her a slight smile. "I had the same thing, at the start of it. So, I know how it is."
The Sheikah her eyes shot from left to right. "I... I should get going. Have a nice evening." And she quickly left after that, to go back to Impa.
While all things were being cleaned up by Paya, the chief gestured Vera to her. "I am very pleased with the progress that has been made, well done. Did everything go well, dear? "
"I am not sure if I contributed much to that. I was not able to really help with the Divine Beasts."
"That is not surprising. It is a trial of the hero after all. You guided him along the path, teach him all the dangers of the land. You did your part well, and I thank you."
The chief smiled and bowed her head to Vera. She clearly did not know how to react to this, as she shifted on her feet.
"Can me tell me more about the current situation?"
"Yes, of course. Actually, at Zora's Domain some... things happened. Even when we left, we got ambushed by Yiga. And there seems to be a strange, shadow like creature after Lloyd."
"Ambushed, you say?" Impa raised a brow, it all was worrisome to say the least.
"We were saved by Lloyd's friends out of nowhere. We were very lucky. It shouldn't have happened; I let my guard down."
Vera was clearly ashamed, her red eyes looking away.
"Were you hurt?"
"I got hit by some arrows. Lloyd was hit on the head and was out for some time. The stable had the horses coming back to them, so they went out with a wagon to find us. They brought us back there to get help. Our painter was there too and he patched me up."
"Good, that is good. What about this shadow figure? Can you tell me more?"
"I have seen him a couple of times now. He really is set at getting at Lloyd for some reason. He is an odd sight; completely in black, even his skin seems as dark as the night. What stands out from this, is his snow-white hair and blood red eyes."
Impa had a deep frown as reaction to this description. Why was this entity so set on going after Lloyd?
"We have decided to split up because it seemed to be the smartest move. The new people from the other world had come from the desert, having come here through a portal. Lloyd and Colette would be fastest together, so that's why the two of them went in that direction."
"Colette. Is that the blonde girl I have seen when I looked into Lloyd's heart?"
Vera nodded to her chief's question; she was not surprised the girl was close to the teens heart.
"Why would they be faster together?"
"Oh... Right, this is going to sound rather crazy, but they both seem to have wings."
A silence set in at that. From the overhead balustrade, Purah's head popped up yet again. "Did you just say wings, on people?"
"Please keep it down, we do not need the whole village to know."
"I wanna hear all about it!" The girl pouted. "First, I hear about this one man, now it's three people!"
Energetic and enthusiastic, Purah came down the stairs and walked straight to Vera, looking up at her. "Describe them to me."
"Uh, who are you? One man?" The young Sheikah looked confused.
"Please excuse my sister. Her young appearance and enthusiasm are like that of a child." Impa glared to the girl.
She puffed her cheeks. "I am not a child, I'm older than you!"
"Start acting like it then."
Vera was completely lost at this conversation, looking from one to the other.
"Never mind that," the chief sighed, shaking her head. "We have had two visits from a winged man calling himself Kratos."
"Lloyd's father..."
"Oh, you know of him?"
"We ran into him, just before entering Zora's Domain. For some reason I feel like he made it so that Lloyd was able to sprout wings."
"How curious." The chief stroked her chin. "He wasn't able to do that before, right?"
"No. Otherwise the whole ordeal at Rito village would have been so much easier."
"Please just tell me what they look like." Purah begged, still looking up at the young Sheikah.
"I guess Lloyd's are rather unique. His father's and Colette's are not too big. But Lloyd's are, the wing span going well beyond that of a Rito. They look transparent and have a green, blue glow. Colette's are pink and Kratos' are blue."
"Truly fascinating!" Purah wanted to ask more, but her younger sister held up her hand.
"That is enough for now. I think you made the right decision. It is true preparation is needed for going to the castle. It will not be an easy task."
"No, that is what I suspect. I even doubt involving our best Sheikah will be enough."
"Hm. We will have to put our heads together." Impa said with a nod.
Zelos sat on the bed, staring out the window without really seeing any of it.
'Her last words to you are: If only, you were never born.' Those words echoed, repeating over and over in his mind. The white, cold flakes drifting down, his mother's face, the white snow under his feet slowly turning red. It was still all so very clear, as if he was there again, so many years ago. And Seles' face flashed by.
"Damnit." He cursed to himself, standing up from the bed.
Zelos needed some fresh air, to clear his head from these depressing memories. Stepping out of the building, he took a long breath. The mix of fresh grass and the waterfalls going on in the background, had a really nice smell. While the high moon lighted the way, Zelos walked off towards the west exit of the small village.
Hmf, why do I still allow these things to get to me? It was damn years ago! What's done is done, that is one of my motto's. It's not like it can be changed.
Even though Zelos was in thought, he still had heightened senses thanks to his crystal. His ears picked up muffled sounds and soft footsteps. He quickly hid behind a rock, peeking to see where these sounds came from.
A familiar shape showed up, clad in red with a white mask. The Yiga was holding a long, curved knife which was already tainted with blood. More come in, all armed to the teeth it seemed.
Damn, this wasn't good. Zelos had to warn the Sheikah and not get caught. Time for a distraction. He picked up a small rock and threw it, hitting the mountain wall on the other side. All the Yiga there, turned to look, some even going to take a closer look.
Taking this moment, Zelos made a run for it. He went back towards the village at full speed, right to the guards who were standing at the stairs of the chief's building.
"Yiga! They have come to attack! Sound the alarm or...something."
The guards frowned, looking at this stranger. It was late at night, so they were reluctant to take this unknown man seriously.
"Oh, damn you!" Zelos spotted the bell and went over to ring it himself, as loud as possible.
People came out of their homes, surprisingly prepared: they were armed and suited up as much as possible. Mere seconds later, the Yiga came in from different directions. The element of surprise was mostly lost, but they still went in full force.
Sheena ran out of the inn, joined by Paya who had been going around doing some tasks.
"Yiga! The nerve, attacking us here." The young girl looked angry, pulling a short sword as a weapon.
Quickly arming herself with her cards, Sheena joined in, rather surprised by the sudden confidence this seemingly shy girl was showing. She spotted Zelos, who was with the guards at the steps, fighting off Yiga with his short sword.
Should they have expected this? After all, the ambush happened not that far away and was done by several Yiga. But there were a lot more here.
Impa walked out of her door to come see what all the commotion was about. Her mouth became a thin line when she saw probably the whole population of the traitors, pouring into her village from all sides and attacking her people. They were using their knowledge against them, using all the secret ways in and the tactics they knew as an ex Sheikah. This angered her greatly.
"Chief, please stand back!" Vera went to stand in front of her to defend her.
In a matter of seconds, all the peace had turned into chaos. The village was filled with all Sheikah, fighting each other. Traitors versus loyal servants. It was bloody and messy. Still, Impa could spot the man leading it all.
Kohga was some distance away, slowly approaching. With him were some of his heavy swordsmen, clearing the way. The two locked eyes, even though the man was wearing a mask, Impa just knew.
"How dishonorable and shameless. Directly attacking the village with no regard for the innocent people here." The chief shook her head.
Paya hurried over to defend her grandmother, Sheena did not hesitate to come to the Sheikah's aide as well. Zelos helped too, as they defended the way up to the chief's building. Other Sheikah were defending and fighting back the Yiga all over.
It was heart-warming for Impa to see, that her people were fighting with such passion. And even people, from a completely different world, had come in the time of need. But it was terrifying at the same time. Her people and village were under attack. The fact that people from another world were here to help, could also mean everything was in even more chaos then Impa first thought.
Zelos and Sheena managed to drive some Yiga back, while Vera and Paya kept their post together with the guards, staying with their chief. Further into the village, things were more chaotic. Fire was set to crops and houses. A group of Yiga were ganging up on innocent village people.
"We have to help those people!"
"Sheena, that's madness. There are too many of them!"
"We can't just let them get hurt or die. I won't allow it."
Zelos let out a sigh, shaking his head. "I swear, Lloyd makes us all too emotionally involved. But fine. Here's what we can do. Or, what you have to do."
"Just me?" Sheena blinked in confusion while looking at him.
"I need you to cover for me, so that I can focus."
"Wait... Zelos, are you really —"
"They are moving while we talk, you know."
"But you don't know what this will do to you!"
"Rather to have tried something then do nothing at all. Heads up."
Zelos nodded to the Yiga, heading their way. Cursing under her breath, Sheena called him an idiot while hitting the first with a hard, right fist.
The red haired chosen grimaced as he closed his eyes, concentrating on the limited power that he had in him. This one had to count; he could only do this once. A glow emitted from him, while he started to chant.
At the same time, Vera and Paya, fought together with the guards, to drive back the Yiga approaching. They were at in disadvantage in numbers, but that didn't make them back down in the slightest.
Impa closely watched Kohga, who was also coming closer, using the cover of his big Yiga, not fighting himself. She stepped down, the guards and young girls giving blows to any enemy around. The chief had absolute confidence in them.
The two leaders approached each other. The number of Yiga still was greater than their own, holding curved knives at the throats of Impa's defense. Kohga stepped in, triumphantly laughing.
"It is useless, chief." He said the word with spite. "You will al perish here. Stop struggling. You are outnumbered."
Not that far away, Zelos was coming to the end of his chant: "Oh, Divine power, heed my call. Now I will show you what I am made off. Take this; Divine Judgement!"
While Sheena swept down a second and third Yiga with a kick and the use of a card, the night sky above lit up. Bright light illuminated everything in the valley for a moment, as rays of light came down like rain. Because the Yiga were bunched together, most of them were caught up in this. When the screams of agony died down, and the light disappeared mere seconds later, all the Yiga that were trying to assault the villagers, were down.
The people who were saved, stared in awe, but also had fear in their eyes. This was understandable after such a show of power.
"Zelos, you did it!" Sheena turned, just to see the red head drop down to the ground.
And just when Kohga thought he was winning, something had come to ruin it all. What seemed to be light, raining down, hitting not that far away, slightly shook everything. This shocked the Yiga, bringing them off balance. Vera and Paya quickly made use of the situation and brought down the Yiga around them.
In a blink, a heavy blow was dealt with one swing. This swing came from Impa herself, holding a weapon that was for sure twice as large as herself. Because of the thick blade, it dealt great damage and because it was so long, it even reached Kohga. His mask was split in two, falling to the ground.
Completely stunned, the Yiga stared at the great weapon, to his fallen Yiga and then down at Impa. She just offered him a small smile, cold and confident.
"Have you forgotten, Kohga? We are full of surprises. Sheikah will never fall to traitors like you. Now get down and do not move."
The Yiga leader looked very angry and even growled as he right refused this request.
"Look around. Your force is gone."
Kohga did take a moment to do so. What he thought was s a sure win, turned out to be very different. Sure, there were Sheikah down and out. But all his Yiga were too, leaving only him still standing. Whatever that light was, it had given a real blow to his numbers.
"No. That is not possible..."
Cold steel pressed against his exposed cheek. Kohga looked down the blade, to look at the chief again. How was this petite, old woman holding up this big weapon with such ease? Impa just kept her cold smile, having a serious look in her eyes.
"I will not ask you again, Kohga."
The words were very clear and direct. Slowly, Kohga got to his knees, bowing his head in defeat and humiliation. Impa let the blade just rest on the shoulder of the man, close to his neck. One wrong move...
"Are you two alright?" She glanced to Vera and Paya.
The two girls were panting. They had cuts and bruises and had blood on them, their own as well as of others.
"All things considered." Vera answered with a nod, in between breaths.
"I'll be fine. What about you, grandmother?" Paya came to her side right away.
Still smiling, now more warmly, the chief touched the girl's cheek, wiping away some blood there.
"I am alright. Let's see to our people. Restrict this one, if you please." She glanced to Kohga.
Vera nodded, heeding the request and tying the man up with ropes. Closest to them were the two guards. They were cut up and hurt more than the two girls, in clear need for aide. Paya started to apply first aide to them as Sheena came running, clearly in a panic.
"Please, I need help! Zelos is..." She just then realized how everyone was doing and fell silent.
There were wounded, dead. Seeing the people laying on the ground, gave her that one, horrible flashback that will never leave her mind. Sheena shuddered, shaking her head to try to lose the image and the stomach-turning feeling.
"This is not looking pretty, indeed. We may need aid from the fairy."
"Fairy?" This ripped Sheena out of her thoughts, looking at the chief confused.
"Grandmother, she asks a lot for her services."
"Yes, but this is for our people. We need to help. They all protected this village with their lives. Anyone who is still able to walk," Impa raised her voice to be heard. "Pick up any wounded you find and bring them to the fountain."
People started to move. They shook off their last fears and being staggered to do what they were told. Sheena looked at this, impressed for a moment. The chief, still holding Kohga down with her weapon, looked at the girl.
"Your friend, was he the one that called down that light?"
"Y-yes, he did. He passed out and I – I panicked."
Impa nodded, pointing her finger over to the hill where the Shrine stood. "Follow the trail past that. You will find a very calm and serene place. The fairy will be there. Granddaughter, please go and take this one, lock him up. After that, join us."
"Y-yes grandmother!" The young Sheikah girl didn't seem to have any trouble taking Kohga along. He did not really protest; he knew it would be fruitless.
Sheena bowed in gratitude and then hurried back. She picked Zelos up, his arm over her shoulders. She could tell he was still breathing, thank goodness. Worry gave her the strength she needed to carry him.
Along with other Sheikah, each carrying one of their own, she walked up the hill. Sheena felt a little guilty, looking at these people. They were covered in cuts and blood, some even had burns. While she had very little to show for, as well as Zelos.
They passed the Shrine, going in between the mountains and to her surprise, ended up in a small forest den. Little lights seemed to dance around like they were fireflies, but bigger. In the corner of her eye, Sheena thought she spotted a small, glowing blue creature scattering away. Ahead, right in the middle, was something that looked like a very natural fountain. In the water was a big flower, ground peddles giant and pink but the bud was closed.
Sheena stood in awe, as other people passed her and started to lay down the wounded in front of this fountain. She followed their example, laying Zelos down on the green grass. On closer inspection, the colored lights seemed to be small winged creatures, definitely not fireflies.
While all the wounded were rested on the grass, chief Impa showed up, holding a small chest. Her granddaughter and Vera each carried one of the guards, adding them on. The chief had a serious expression while she walked to the edge of the fountain.
"Oh, Great Fairy. We have suffered a great blow this night. My people are badly hurt. I ask of you your aid. Please use your healing powers. I promise you; your efforts will be rewarded."
There was a silence, and then the bud of the flower started to twitch. A very big hand came out of it, holding it out as if reaching for something. The fingers were long and slender, and the fingernails were painted pink. They felt the chest Impa was holding out for a moment, but not yet taking it.
A laugh could be heard and the flower opened up, revealing a giant woman. Sheena stared up at this appearance, wide-eyed.
Darkness had set in after the initial blinding light. He had heard Sheena calling out to him while he hit the ground, going limp. All he heard after that, were muffled sounds, as if he was in his own personal bubble. It felt like he was floating in water. He was somewhere in between being conscious and drifting to sleep. He was there, where ever it was.
Out of the darkness, the most grandiose shape appeared. It was a giant woman with long, blond hair, tastefully styled. Her clothing seemed to be made out of scales, or were they big flower pedals? Grand, shimmering jewelry adorned her, her purple shaded, bright green eyes setting on him.
"I must be in heaven," Zelos thought, but his thoughts sounded out loud, without him even moving his mouth.
"Why do you think that, dearie?" The woman chuckled, leaning forward, having the smoothest voice.
"Well, such a beauty as you could only be divine. A reward of my efforts. This really passed my expectations!"
"My, my. Aren't you a cutie." With a long fingernail, she strokes under his chin. "Just how beautiful am I?"
"Trust me when I say you are godly! I have seen a goddess and honestly, she doesn't even come close to you. Words cannot even come close to justify your most divine being!"
"Ooh, I wish I could keep you." She sighed. "But someone really wants you back, so I suppose I must."
The woman held her hand out in front of her and blew what seemed to be sparkles all over him.
It was strange. Suddenly the dark broke down like it was shattering glass and Zelos found himself on his back, laying on the grass. All the energy that was drained from him, some of it had come back to him. He sat up, seeing the fountain and that same giant woman, partly coming out of the water. She winked at him.
"That's all of them. I'll take that shiny treasure now. Bye, bye!"
Picking the tiny chest in between her fingernails, the woman laughed once more before she disappeared beneath the surface of the water.
"This...isn't heaven?" Zelos finally asked.
"Zelos, thank goodness you are alright!" In utter relief, Sheena embraced him.
He could have done one of his typical moves, being in this position. But the words still resounded in his head: 'someone really wants you back.' He just answered her hug.
"I'm okay, Sheena. I'm okay."