Chapter 15
The morning sun had arisen, sunlight casting over Lake Hylia. Around it lied whatever was left of the labor camp. All around, rebels were scattered around doing various things such as salvaging, tending to the wounded, and helping out the slaves.
Link sat near the banks of the lake, eyes gazed upon the waters. Despite the presence of blood and smoke, Link could see the true beauty of the lake. He hoped it would remain that way from now on. His fairy companion, Navi, was flying around near him. The fairy had been left behind at Makos' camp during the mission.
Hey," Link turned to see Zelda. Her arm was wrapped in small layers of bandages. Ilia is also by her side with a bandage on her cheek
"Hey," Link greeted back. "How's your arm?"
"Not too bad, thankfully. The medic suggested that I avoid any vigorous activities involving my arm for the next few days. Just to be safe."
"How about you, Ilia?"
The teen brought her hand to rub the bandage on her cheek. "Couple of stitches but I'll be fine."
"That's good." Link paused. "Did...did they find our people yet?"
There was a high amount of slaves on the man-made island. Even more than any of the rebels anticipated. Because of the unexpectedly high numbers, it had taken longer than expected to find at least one person from Ordon.
"Not yet. Shiek said that he'll come or send for me as soon as they find them," Zelda answered.
Link picked up The Master Sword that was lying against a rock. He looked at his reflection in the blade for several moments.
"I never did it before. Taking a life." Link stopped for a moment. "It's different from hunting animals. I killed a man. He was just someone doing his job. I can still smell his blood."
"You're not the only one with blood on their hands," Zelda spoke up.
"You did what you had to do."
"So did you, Link. You did it to save me."
"That doesn't mean I liked it."
"I don't think anyone would." Zelda walked closer to him. She knelt to his eye level and place a hand on his shoulder. "But despite the decisions we made, the deadly situations we got in, we freed these people. It's because of our actions they're free from slavery. Isn't all that worth it?"
Link didn't respond to her statement. Instead, he took a moment to think. He thought back to the words Sheik had said to him yesterday.
"In war, there will always be casualties be it soldiers or innocent people. All you can do is focus on the ones you can save."
Link look over to the now freed slaves being tended by the rebels. Every square inch he looked, Link could see a variety of emotions on their faces. These were people who lost their homes and had been living a life of slavery for months, maybe even longer. Many perhaps had lost hope that they would be free. Now, they no longer will have to go through that nightmare anymore. All because of his and everyone else's actions.
Link gave a small smile. "I guess it is worth it." He looks back at the pair.
"I was wondering where you three were," Sheik walked up to them. "We found the Ordonians."
The trio's face all lit up with hope. This was the news they had been hoping for since their journey. After months of uncertainty, they'll finally see one of their own. Not all of them, but some. It was better than none at all.
"Let's go see 'em." We're the first words spoken by Link.
The trio made their way away from the lake bed and through the remnants of the camp. Neither said a word to another. They were nervous and had wondered what they would do in their heads. Were the ones Fado had mentioned were still alive or did Vaati took their lives as well? How many of them were still left? The closer they were to finally get their answers, the greater their anticipation was.
Finally, they had arrived in a small makeshift tent. Right outside they saw Impa talking to Makos. They manage to hear bits of the conversation.
"A shame you won't be coming back with us."
I would love to come back as well, but it looks like I'll be busy around here." The Zora spoke back. "We're already working on relocating most of the slaves to villages allied with us. Some of them even want to join our cause…Plus, I need time to settle down at my new base."
"Of course."
The pair noticed the younger sheikah and the Ordon trio.
"We'll talk later," The Zora said before he walked away while giving a quick greeting to the trio.
"Are they…" Ilia started.
"In here," Sheik pointed to the tent with his thumb.
"Should we all…?" Zelda started.
"Let me go first." Link said.
Taking a deep breath, Link entered the tent. Everyone in the tent consists of familiar faces. Faces Link thought he would never see again. The ones he noticed first were Sera & Hanch, Jaggle & Pergie.
"Link?" Hanch was the first to notice. "Are you-?"
"Yes, it's me."
"We thought you were dead," Pergie followed.
"We could say the same thing," Zelda came in as she said that.
"Zelda?" Sera said.
"And me as well," Ilia followed.
"By the goddesses, you three are alive," Hanch exclaimed.
"How did you...how are you-?" Jaggle stuttered.
"It's a rather long story," Link stated. "The past few months have been quite interesting to say at the least. We'll fill you in on the details, but I imagine all of you guys want to get out of this place and back to the others."
"Others? From Ordon?"
"Rusl and his family escaped with us." Link looked over to the two couples. "Along with your children."
The amount of relief Link saw in their faces are ones he'll most definitely stick with him most likely for the rest of his life. Though he couldn't blame such reactions consider that for the past few months they probably believed that their children were dead.
"Fado is with them at the base," Ilia also pointed out.
"Fado is okay?" Sera muttered.
"He's well," Zelda answered.
"Talia. Damon. They..." Hanch said.
"Those animals slaughtered them," Jaggle spit out.
"We know, but it's over now."
"I see the reunion is going well." Impa entered the tent.
"Everyone, this is Impa. She led this assault on the camp to free you all," Zelda explained
"She also found us after we escaped Ordon and let us stay at her base camp," Ilia added.
"Thank you," Sera muttered.
"I was only doing what was right, but enough of that I have some good news. We're almost done around here so we'll be able to leave within the hour, but because our the higher numbers we plan to travel in groups. Would you guys like to be the first to leave? Sheik will escort you."
The young Ordonians all smiled.
It was late afternoon at Impa's base camp. Everyone was doing their own business. Rusl was practicing his swordplay against a wooden dummy. Uli had gone to talk to the other women at the camp. Not too far he saw Colin and the other Ordon kids playing with the other children. It had been about 2 days since Link and the others left. Rusl had spent every moment he did praying to the goddesses for their safe return. He wished he had gone with them, but he couldn't leave Uli & Colin.
Rusl decided to take a break and went to check on Fado, who had been hanging around the stables. Once there, he noticed that Fado was talking to Malon. Ever since he recovered from his wounds, he had spent a considerable amount of his time with the red-head.
"Hello Fado," Rusl greeted.
"Oh, hey Rusl," Fado greeted back. Malon walked back to the horses, wanting to give the pair some privacy.
"You doing alright?"
"I have. How's Uli?"
"She's fine." Rusl glance in the direction Malon went. "What were you two talking about?"
"Huh? Oh me and Malon? Just horses and other things."
"I've noticed you have been spending a lot of time with her."
"We...just happened to have a lot of things in common and became friends. Everyone here is so...nice."
"Glad to see you're doing better and opening up."
"Thanks, Rusl. Though...I'm still worried."
"About the others?"
Fado nodded in response. Rusl placed a hand on his shoulder and offered some comfort.
"I'm sure Link, Zelda, and Ilia are doing everything they can to help the others."
"I don't doubt that, especially if everything they've been through the past few months were true. But things always happen. What if they couldn't free them? Or worse, what if they're too-"
The sound of a horn interrupted Fado's sentence. Both men turned in the direction of the sound. At the entrance of the grove, several figures on horseback had arrived. Upon careful inspections, Fado quickly realized who they were.
"It's Link!" Fado exclaimed as he ran over to the arriving group with Rusl not far behind.
"It's Link!" Fado exclaimed as he ran over to the arriving group with Rusl not far behind.
A small crowd had started to gather at the group. As Link got off Epona, he took notice of Fado & Rusl running towards them.
"You made it back!" Fado said.
"How did it go?" Rusl asked.
"A few hitches in the road, but we did it," Link answered. "Lake Hylia is free."
"What about the-"
"Fado?"
The teen looked at the direction of the voice. Staring back at him were Ordonians, with Hanch stepping closer. "You're okay! And Rusl...by Din it's really you!"
"I can say the same about you, old friend. It's good to see you alive & well."
"You have no idea how happy we are. The things we went through over there…" Jaggle trailed off with a shiver. "Had it not been for Link, Zelda, Ilia, and the rebels, we probably would still be there now."
"Those days are over now."
"What's going on over here?" Uli's voice was heard until it trailed off once she saw the sight of other members from their village.
"Uli!" Sera exclaimed.
"Sera? Pergie?" Uli said in disbelief as she covered her mouth.
"Hey, what's everyone gathered around here for?" Talo's voice said as he, his little brother, Colin, and Beth emerge behind Uli. No one answered the young boy as he, Malo, and Beth stared at their parents.
"Mom? Dad?" Beth exclaimed.
"My baby!" Sera exclaimed.
The three children quickly ran over to their own parent's arms. Beth in Sera & Hanch's, and Talo & Malo in Jaggle & Pergie's. It had only been 2 months since they were together. To them, it felt like years.
Everyone around watches both family reunions play out. Link, Zelda, and Ilia only gave small smiles. Rusl held onto Uli and Colin closely as they too had smiles. Uli had even wipe several tears away from her eyes. Fado gave a bittersweet smile. Sheik, while still had his mask on, had a mix of happiness & sadness in his eyes as he watched.
It wasn't too long later until Impa's party finally returned to camp. She gave a proud speech about the abolishment of Lake Hylia. Everyone cheered at the news. Impa thanked everyone who helped take part in the mission, especially towards Link & Zelda, having a majority of the camp increase their faith even more within them.
Once the speeches were done Impa proclaimed the rest of the night to be nothing filled with celebration. A bonfire lit up the entire camp throughout the night. Music filled in the air by those playing with instruments, along with singing provided by Malon and several others. Many people danced near the fire, most of which were couples dancing together. Those were not doing any of which were on the sides talking with loved ones.
From afar, Impa watched it all. It was moments such as these that remind her of her purpose. There were moments she wanted to end it all right here and there. She had seen so much loss over the years, including what Ganondorf did to her tribe. But she remembers Queen Lydia's final words to her before she fled.
"Fight for the people, Impa. Fight for them until they start fighting for you. For Hyrule."
Those words constantly repeated her throughout the past eighteen years. It became her mantra. Seeing everyone in the camp filled with life just fuels it even further.
"What are you doing over here?" The sheikah woman turns her head to see Auru by her side.
"I was just reflecting on things. I'll join back soon."
Auru chose to stay put, to which Impa wasn't surprised. "Quite a party going on. Reminds of the one we had after that mission we pulled in Tanbatha."
"How can I forget." Impa smiled. "You had one too many drinks that night and you somehow convinced me to get drunk too. And you and I woke up the next morning in the same bed."
Auru gave a light chuckle. "That was quite a night but it was one of the best nights in my life." Impa gave him a look. "Mostly because you weren't "Impa: Leader of the Resistance" and more...Impa."
"It was a great night." A light blush grew on her face. "One of the few I've had in recent memory."
Impa brought her eyes to the dancing. Echoes of cheering ringed through her ears. It was a very pleasant sound to hear. She got a glimpse of Ashei & Shad doing a waltz dance.
"They do make a good pair."
"Hard to believe things between them were so different when he joined us about five years back." Auru followed up. "Maybe you and I ought to follow their example."
"You know I'm not a good dancer."
"You still dance better than most of the noblewomen I've danced with." That earned a chuckle from the Sheikah woman. "But c'mon Impa, have some fun. What do you say?" Auru extends his hand out in a gentlemanly way.
The woman glanced between the hand and Auru several times in the few minutes she used to think. With a smile, she accepted his hand. "I suppose I can have some fun tonight."
Amidst the celebration, Ilia sat a log a distance away from all the dancing. The teen's eyes were glued to the ground. Her hand gently brushed against the uncovered cut on her cheek, stopping at every stitch that had been embedded in her cut. The battle at Lake Hylia kept flashing her mind. She cannot keep on wondering how many people she had killed. The kills were necessary but she still had the ill-feeling in her stomach.
"Are you okay?" A familiar voice called out to her.
The teen looked to see Sheik next to her. How he walked up to her without hearing him, she didn't know.
"I'm...okay. Why do you ask?"
"You've been quiet since we left the lake." He gestured to a spot next to the teen, to which she nodded and kept her gaze away as he sat down.
"I...I just can't stop thinking about the battle. We've killed those soldiers. I killed those soldiers. I know we had too but...I just feel sick about it." Ilia placed both hands on her head. "Sorry. I didn't mean to ramble like that."
"Don't be. It's good you feel that way."
"But you guys seemed unfazed by it. The way you killed those soldiers without even flinching, doesn't that bother you?"
"It does," Sheik said with a deep breath. "Throughout the years I've learned a harsh lesson that real life isn't one of those stories where heroes spare their enemies lives no matter what their deeds are. This is war. People die in war and there's nothing we can do about it, but that doesn't mean we have to like it. There is one solace we can take. Ganondorf & his followers have killed so many people for their gain, in that sense we're no different. The only difference is that Ganondorf does it just to set an example. We only do it when it's needed, not to spread fear or to send a message, otherwise, we try to spare the lives of our enemies."
Ilia hitched a breath before speaking. "How did you feel when you first killed someone?"
The sheikah stood quiet. Ilia was about to take back her question but he replied several seconds before "Everyone here who killed all had different reactions. Ashei was quiet and didn't leave her tent for days. Shad had a panic attack that lasted for hours. Me...I felt awful, similar to what you're feeling. I haven't even reached puberty when I killed someone. I did it to protect Impa & Auru, but it still felt wrong. What I'm getting at is that in war you have to make decisions that go against your moral compass, but as long you don't lose yourself you'll never go to the same level as your enemies."
"I guess that makes me feel a little better about it. Thank you…I promise that I won't lose myself."
"You can come to me if you ever feel like you want to talk." He got up from his spot. "I won't bother you any longer. Enjoy your night."
"Before you go, can I ask you this?"
"What is it?"
"That maneuver you did with those three soldiers, what was that?"
"Why...do you want to know?" He eyed her curiously.
"I read a lot about the sheikah but I've never heard of them doing anything that. Is it a secret Sheikah technique or something?"
"It is...sort of. It's complicated to explain. I rather not get into that right now."
"I see. Thank you again."
The sheikah gave her a gentle nod before walking away, leaving the Ordon teen alone. Loneliness only lasted for several moments before Zelda approached.
"Everything okay between you two?"
"Yeah. I was thinking about things but he helped me feel a bit better." Ilia did not speak for a few seconds before she stood up. "Zel...I'm sorry for not listening to you. I thought I could handle it but...Din, that battle was so awful."
"What's done is done." Zelda placed her hands on Ilia's shoulders. "Everyone makes mistakes. Nayru knows I had some too."
"The truth is that...you've always looked after me my whole life, getting me out of trouble, taking care of me when I need it. I thought maybe...I could return the favor by helping you.'
"You don't own me anything. I did all those things because I care for you, Ilia."
"But you have so much on your plate. I want to help shed off some weight."
"And you can do that in other ways without putting your life on the line for that. For Din's sake, you almost got shot in the head! You might not be so lucky next time."
"I know that, and I promise to stay out on missions that end up to be a battle. But is there any way I can help? I'll hunt, I'll rob soldiers, anything."
"Tell you what, we'll talk it over with Impa tomorrow and see what we can do for you."
The teen pulled the older girl into a hug. "Thanks, sis."
"Yeah, I guess I can't get rid of you that easy."
"Ah, don't be like that. You know you love me."
"Yeah, you're just about my favorite parasite." A scoff escaped from the teen. "No, ringworm's my favorite parasite, you're my second favorite."
"Very funny."
"Wait no! Ringworms, then rats with plague, then you."
"Oh shut up." Ilia lightly punched her shoulder, causing Zelda and then Ilia to laugh. "I think I'm gonna go talk to Malon. I haven't got the chance to say talk to her."
"You go do that. Stay out of trouble."
"Can't promise you that." Ilia jokingly replied as she walked away.
As Ilia continue walking, Link approached from the opposite direction, both exchanging greetings.
"She seems to be doing better now."
"She is. What are you doing over here? Aren't you enjoying the party?"
"I wanted to see what you were doing."
"Just making sure Ilia was okay." Zelda looked at the festive crowd and smiled. The smile shrank slowly as she looked on. "Seeing all these people being so happy, along with our friends...it reminds me of how things used to be before. Don't you think?"
"It does," Link replied.
"Do you think my parents are out there? Looking for us?"
"Wherever they are, I'm sure they're doing just that."
"But we haven't heard anything about my parent's whereabouts, not even rumors. Ilia believes that they're still alive. I want to too, but...sometimes I worry that they're-"
"We don't know if they are dead," Link added. "If they made it out, they'll scramble every inch of Hyrule just to look for you and Ilia. If they aren't able to, then I'm sure we'll find them. I mean, we found the others. Until we're certain, all we can do is hope."
"Hope...It's the only thing we can do."
"And as long we stick together, we can do much more."
"You're right. Thanks."
The two friends looked at each other and smiled. They then looked over to the happy crowd, including those they knew. A sense of happiness and determination filled them. The crowd, including those they knew, were reminders of what they were fighting for. As long as they stick together, they can accomplish much more.
Goddess knows they're gonna need it for when the time to face Ganondorf comes.
Don't mind me, Just updating a story about characters dealing with political unrest during a time where my country is dealing with political unrest, on the same day as the biggest election in any of our lifetimes.
But in other news, looking forward to Age of Calamity.