The road leading to the Lanayru Promenade wasn't at all difficult to navigate. Quatta's Shelf and the Pierre Plateau served as natural walls that isolated the path. There was no other route I could trot along unless I dismounted Epona and climbed the cliffs.
I was already on Lanayru Road, heading east towards the West Gate.
Eventually, there was a fork in the path. I knew one side lead to Rabia Plain and the other, I could see the tell-tale stone gate marking the entrance to the walkway. There was a traveler standing beside the diverging path.
His gaze was far into the distance as he grumbled to himself.
I urged Epona forward, already wary of his eccentric behavior.
"I heard the weather is going to be nice tomorrow!" the stranger greeted.
Another time, I would have indulged in this conversation – would think of it as nothing more than a lonely traveler making small talk.
I narrowed my eyes. My hand drifted to the Eightfold Blade strapped behind my back.
He slowly turned, gracing me with a smile that was all too forced and sinister.
"Too bad you won't be alive to—"
I drew my blade, digging the tip into his jugular.
"Remember this, hero: if you don't draw first, you don't get to draw at all."
"Back the fuck up," I warned lowly, dismounting from Epona.
The stranger only chuckled crudely before letting his henge drop. Instead of a man in traveler's clothes, a Yiga foot soldier appeared in a burst of red smoke. The inverted Sheikah Symbol burned red on their porcelain masks. I saw the sickle intended for my neck by his side.
Not even a mile from the village and I'm already ambushed.
"The Blademaster was right. You are more formidable than you seem." He unholstered his weapon. "Even if you saw through my disguise, I won't let you leave without a fight. For the Boar King!"
He disappeared in a circle of seals, leaving red ofudas in his place.
Epona whinnied and ran off into the thicket. Meanwhile, I stood anticipating the stranger's reappearance.
The sound of rustling paper emitted from above my head. Glancing upwards, I saw the red seals manifest out of thin air and begin forming the Yiga Symbol. I backflipped just in time, right before the Yiga dropped from the air. His sickle was inverted into the ground, intending to cleave me in half had I just stood there.
I entered bullet-time as I closed in. With a few hits, the Yiga was sufficiently subdued.
As time resumed as normal, the foot soldier backflipped away, leaving behind his sickle buried in the soft earth.
"Tch…I should've known I couldn't handle the heroine in close combat," he spat out.
His hands formed the hand sign of the tiger before he disappeared like the Blademaster did. It seemed to be some kind of safety jutsu, to transport the caster away from imminent danger.
Or maybe it was a replacement technique instead. When the symbols and ofuda disappeared, a lone banana and some rupees were left in his wake.
Epona returned from the thicket as I picked up the fresh fruit. We shared equal looks of amusement before I peeled the fruit open and fed her half. I took the other half for myself.
"We step one foot out the village and someone tries to kill us," I complained offhandedly to her. I picked up the sickle and added it to my armory. "Is this what you signed up for when you saved me, Epona?"
She whinnied and nudged her nose towards the banana left in my hand. I gave it to her.
We walked up to the West Gate. I gazed upon the solitary entry point and the road ahead. The area was quiet except for the constant trickle of water and the occasional quacks of the ducks in the reservoir. A gust of wind blew from the west; it was a lot colder than any breeze I've felt prior.
It unsettled me. I didn't like how the cliffs enclosed me. It was a perfect area for an ambush with the high cliffs serving as strategic vantage to the unsuspecting traveler below. It was the opposite for those traveling the road. The low level didn't offer much foresight to the road ahead. I wouldn't be able to scout enemies up until they were right in front of me. Not to mention, if I were to be attacked, there were only two ways to escape: forward or backwards. Or the third option to jump into the water itself.
I gripped the red rope that was slung over my shoulders and stared at the cliffs.
Well, I'm not gonna let anyone get the drop on me.
I led Epona to the side of the gate, hidden by a small thicket and a scrawny tree. From the Korok pouch, I emptied all the apples I carried and laid them on the ground for her to snack on while I was gone. I didn't bother with tying her reins to the thin trunk of the tree. Should anything happen while I'm away, Epona should have the chance to escape. I'll rely on her loyalty to fight any traveler that tries to claim her as their own.
"Stay here. I'll be back before sundown."
From the looks of it, the right side looked easier to climb with a low slope and several crannies to stick my foot into.
I stood at the base of the cliff and cracked my knuckles. Gripping one of the protruding formations, I hoisted myself up and up.
Claree's advertising on the climbing gear was truthful. I compared this climb to my experience on the Great Plateau – when I was trying reach the Stasis shrine. I got to the top ledge quicker, despite it being a higher climb. My arms weren't as sore, and my fingers didn't feel raw from grasping at the jagged rocks.
From the ledge, I had a better view of the promenade, seeing as far as some ruins up ahead. There was even a Bokoblin camp – complete with wooden crates and a cooking pot not even a mile from the entrance. I felt satisfaction at my hunch being correct – flat ground is too unpredictable.
The ground gradually thinned away. There was a drop off where I couldn't continue running along the ledge. However, there were the remnants of the architecture that once designed the promenade. It was the ledge of a stone wall, complete with parapets and rounded arches.
The easier part of climbing was dropping down. Rather than using the belay device, harness, and rope, I easily drifted down with the Paraglider.
I ran along the ledge until it transitioned into the rocky face of the cliff once more.
After climbing that, I was faced with a tall, stone column. Ivy vines were growing from the peak and spiraled around the structure. I gripped the vines and used it to pull myself up and over.
Sweat began to gather on my palms and my back, but that was the only evidence of my fatigue. Although climbing was tiring, it was a safer alternative to walking through the promenade and forcing myself through the various monster encampments that have taken over.
I could only hope that it didn't start to rain.
Eventually, the ratio between natural cliffs and ancient Hylian architecture began to favor the latter. I heard the loud gushing of a waterfall, probably the source of all the water. Rather than the bluffs continuing in a single parallel direction, the side I was on began to veer to the left – opening the area in a triangular shape with the waterfall in one of the vertices. Across the pond, I saw the continuation of the ruins.
The ancient ruins were a lot more detailed in this area, withstanding the natural deterioration of nature. Tree roots broke through and were probably the cause of the cracked stone. I could scarcely make out the engravement of a harp and the elevated carving of a bird creature. Its most distinguishable feature was the wide and round beak. One of the emblems carved into the base trim was a stylized version of the bird in a top-down view.
This creature…looked familiar.
"En dašebu no be šundu tje̞ šutwu kewenu swa lei…"
I blinked when a raindrop fell squarely on my nose.
A light sunshower began to drizzle over the Necluda region. And with rain comes sleek surfaces. I would have to work twice as hard just to climb a few feet up.
I guess "moisture-wicking" and "sweat-proof" means nothing if I'm already drenched. At least I wasn't wearing white. I'm not so sensitive to shame, but it would be nice if all of Hyrule didn't see my bra through my shirt.
It wasn't substantially cloudy, so I knew that this brief shower wouldn't last too long. I took it as a moment to rest, dangling my legs over the ledge of the stone parapet.
At the bottom of the promenade, there was a ruined stone fountain and a Lizalfo standing guard. The ripples in the water surrounding it indicated that there were more of its kind swimming around.
So, both Bokoblins and Lizalfos have taken over the route to Mount Lanayru. Paya was right to exercise caution. I wonder what other ancient Hylian landmarks have been taken over my monsters or enemy encampments.
But the sight of the fountain at the bottom surprised me. It held the implication that water didn't exist in the area in the past. The promenade was once just a simple road, maybe even a building. But I didn't know what edifice could have been structured in the middle of a valley, leading to a mountain of all places. Not to mention, this place was specifically called a "promenade". Whatever this place's original purpose was, it was now a former shell of itself.
The rain began to die down. Its remnants sparkled on the pavement due to the glare of the high sun.
I flicked off the water droplets on my arm, feeling the chill of the breeze when it blew through the promenade. Using the Sheikah Scope, I observed the parapet on the other side – where the carving of the bird creature was.
A Lizalfo was standing guard on the platform. However, there seemed to be ledges above the landing.
I brought out the Paraglider and took a running start. At the last second, I pushed off the parapet and felt the cloth catch the wind. I leaned forward to drive the glider in that direction.
I landed right under the nose of the bird.
The Lizalfo was alerted by my presence, leading me to believe that paragliding could be used as a stealth measure in future situations.
I wasn't looking for a fight right now, so I began climbing up the ancient cliff structure – using the bird's features as makeshift rocks to hoist myself up.
The ledge above the statue had a large tree growing. Its roots could be seen where it perforated the man-made infrastructure, proving once again that in the essence of time, nature will always win.
I continued along the ridges like before – climbing over rock bluffs and stone parapets.
There was another Bokoblin camp, but this time, it was nestled in a spare room. The natural edifice was worn away to make a small room of stone. It was complete with a second level that held a makeshift balcony. Two Bokoblins were perched upon the elevated platform. They definitely would have seen me before I could see them had I walked the promenade.
There was a steep drop off that led to the water below. Meters away, I saw some ancient ruins I could land on if I glided.
But when I landed, the following cliff's face was too steep to attempt to climb freehand. I looked up and tried to find a protrusion where I could sling up the rope and attach my belay device and harness. However, it was as flat as paper. Climbing it would be impossible.
On the bright side, the main road of the promenade was only a hop away. The bad part was that it was guarded by a black Moblin with a club and shield to match.
But considering I spent the majority of this journey avoiding enemy encampments, I think I could handle a lone Moblin by myself.
I paraglided over to the nearest column, sheathing the Paraglider at the last second and using the residual momentum to propel myself forward. My hands latched onto the worn foundation. I climbed up to the apex where I had an ample view of the Moblin below.
It seemed none the wiser to my presence. It sat lazily on guard, watching the road ahead.
The platform it was standing on bordered the water. It had no bearing so if one was not paying attention, they can easily fall off the edge. I knew Bokoblins couldn't swim, but could Moblins?
If my goal was to push it into the water, I had to attack from behind.
I leapt off the parapet and glided until I was behind the Moblin. I drew my bow while I was still in the air and time stalled around me. I let an arrow fly, hitting it squarely behind the head. When I landed and time resumed as normal, the Moblin flew forward from the stun.
It was still a bit of distance away from the edge.
While it was still down, I was reminded of Purah's new upgrades to the slate. I unholstered it and searched for the Stasis rune.
The Moblin quickly regained its bearings and turned to face me. It began a mad dash, its long awkward limbs flapping as it drew closer.
Activating Stasis, the Moblin was halted in a yellow glow. I ran up to it and began hitting its stunned body, every hit causing a loud clang! that echoed through the valley. The yellow aura gradually changed to red.
When the timer ran out, the Moblin flew off and landed at the edge of the platform – its large head hanging over the stone floor.
Stasis had a long cooldown if used to its full potential, so I couldn't use it as readily. Instead, I switched to the Remote Bomb rune, which according to Purah, had a lot more fire power than before.
I spawned a round bomb and rolled it towards the monster's prone body. I waited until it had landed against the monster's leg before detonating it with the Sheikah Slate.
A brilliant blue light illuminated the immediate area. The Moblin was tossed into the water from the force of impact.
I jogged over to the edge, just in time to see it flail in the water. Its arms were too thin to sufficiently keep its large body afloat. After a few seconds, it became lifeless. The deep purple mist consumed the Moblin's body before it evaporated into a plume of Malice, leaving behind its guts, horn, and weapons.
With Lizalfos so close by, I didn't entertain the idea of scrounging my spoils from the water. I had better weapons made from steel anyways.
I stepped away from the ledge and glanced down the road. In the distance, the gate from the photograph stood – unchanged with the passing of time.
Mount Lanayru towered in the background. A dark cloud was swirling at its summit, despite the sunny weather that was occurring at its base. It made me feel uneasy.
I kept the Sheikah Slate in my hands as I ran, quickly accessing the photo gallery and Link's album. When I had found the picture, I was already at the gate – Lanayru Road's East Gate.
It was fairly easy to match up my view to the perspective of the paragraph, considering that the gate's opening was right in the middle of the photo.
What could have possibly happened here?
Link rages. He screams and thrashes his arms in the water, cursing the statue before him. His fury burns brightly in their glacial environment, ears burning red with resentment as his toes grow numb with every second he stands in the frozen spring.
He feels Zelda wrap her arms around him. The fight drains out and the cruel reality sinks in.
That was it…Game Over.
Link barely registers Zelda guiding him out of the Spring of Wisdom. His eyes are frozen with unshed tears, unblinking in the harsh winter wind. The ceremonial dress weighed a ton heavier because the fabric was saturated with water. It clings to his legs like a second skin unlike how it fluttered wildly in the wind when it was dry. The dress served no protection either way. It was just to follow with the damn tradition.
His appointed knight throws her own cloak over him.
Zelda brings him to their makeshift camp. As he sits on the log, she stokes the kindling and coaxes the fire to burn brighter.
A vial with bright blue liquid was pushed against his lips. Focusing, he saw that Zelda had brought out the elixir and was trying to persuade him to drink it. He complied. Immediately, an artificial warmth settled in his core before spreading out to his extremities. When Link glanced at his bare feet, they were a startling blue – bordering on black. His fingers were no better in comparison.
Rather than bring himself closer to the fire or rub his fingers together to bring circulation back, he just looked on impassively.
What was the point? This had been his last chance at awakening the power that was well within his birthright. But deep down, Link had known that this attempt was in vain. Ever since he started this frivolous training that was only meant for females in the royal family, he knew he stood no chance.
So, why did it feel like his hopes were crushed? Did he not substantially lower his expectations so the fall wouldn't shatter them?
His eyes drift over to Zelda. She was crouched in front of him, digging through her pack for something to fight against his hypothermia. The glint of the Master Sword glares at him.
Link had already given up on himself a long time ago. When his mother died, so did his hope of becoming a worthy figure in Hyrule's history. And when Zelda appeared victorious in the colosseum and later returned from the Lost Woods with the Master Sword, the world became bleak with impossibility.
He was racing against the clock to an awakening that was never within his reach.
His incompetence doomed Hyrule the minute Zelda pulled that sword from its hearth.
Link was the heir to a throne of nothing but failure – his father's exact words. He was nothing but a disappointment the minute he was born to the throne. His birth wasn't worthy for a celebration. A waste of space. A prince has no right to be born into the royal family for what purpose do they even serve?
A warmth cups his cheek.
His eyes focus and they meet sapphire. Zelda had pulled up a stump and sat before him, cradling his face with one hand, and grasping his numb fingers with the other. Her thumb swipes over the apple of his cheek and his skin tugs with the frozen tear streaks.
Had he been crying?
Her concern was plain by the furrow in her brow. She showed her emotions through acts rather than words, he's come to learn. Her steadfast patience and companiable silence were an invitation for him to speak, for him to spill his worries.
Unbeknownst to her, his worries concerned her.
Zelda had done everything right, even with the struggles that came with her gender. She pursued formal knight training, defying societal expectations. She became a master swordsman. She competed in the tournament and won the right to stand before the Deku Tree. Zelda had suffered through years of protest, harassment, doubt, and patronization. She readily accepted the burden of being the prophesized hero, having no confidant of her own until he came along. She's had to prove herself multiple times despite already wielding the Sword that Seals the Darkness. She practiced for several sleepless nights until the sword and her moved as one, with a grace that rivaled even her own father's swordsmanship.
Zelda had become the heroine that Hyrule needed. She would pave the path for female empowerment outside of the royal family. Women would see her as the figurehead for change - for more opportunities and equal treatment. She would make Hylian History as the first heroine to wield the Sword that Seals the Darkness, proving that the Soul of Hylia's Chosen could be anyone - not just blonde haired, blue eyed Hylian boys.
She was ready for the fight to come, ready to prove herself once more.
But due to his own incompetence, she would never get the chance.
His father will blame him for the downfall of Hyrule, but Link knows that the population will blame Zelda. They will make up arguments that Zelda wasn't enough when in reality, it was he who did not rise up to their standards.
Link has doomed his own heroine. She had done so much for him, and he couldn't do this one, simple thing for her.
"I'm so sorry," he sobs, bowing his head.
For not being the prince you deserve…
His fresh tears splash onto her lap.
Link bunches the hem of her Champion's tunic in his fist. He remembered the months leading up the Champion's Inauguration; how he spent days and nights learning how to sew and knit, how many fingers have bled, how many fabrics were discarded with his blood. He always thought that this specific blue didn't suit Zelda – it clashed with her eyes, which were a much darker, richer blue. He wanted to tear it into shreds, throw it into the depths of the Necluda Sea as some sort of ritual to free the both of them from their roles.
Link always thought she would look good in green.
Zelda's warm hands cups his face, bringing his green eyes level with her blue ones. Together, they breathe in unison. He breathes with her cadence until the pounding in his head ebbs, until the tears stop streaming down his cheeks.
Her hands smell like vanilla and confectioner sugar…There's something else…a berry. It smells like…
Link cradles her hand in his own and presses his mouth to the inside of her wrist. He hides his smile. The thrumming of her pulse under his lips substantially calms him down until he is able to logically think.
They should return…It was nearing sunset.
Before they leave the spring to make their descend, Zelda motions of the clothes he had neglected to change into. They were his traveling clothes, a lot warmer and fit for the terrain they were about to trek.
Link shakes his head, just wanting to head home and wallow for the rest of the day.
Zelda stands next to him, softly holding his hand in her own. She squeezes three times, and he squeezes back.
They will put on their masks later. For now, let them have their moment.
x.x.x
When they crossed the Naydra Snowfield, Zelda retreats to her position – once again, a perfect three steps behind him.
Link sighs and braces himself for the fusses of the other champions, trying to imitate the mask of indifference that Zelda had already slipped on.
It was a talent he could never imitate.
Unsurprisingly, its Daruk that first crowds around them – gentle concern painting his jagged face.
"Well? Don't keep us in suspense. How'd everything go up there on the mountain?"
He stops when Revali, Mipha, and Urbosa block his path. Link notices the tension in the air: Mipha's trepidation, Urbosa's hopefulness, and Revali's pity. And just like that, his mask slips all to easily.
Not trusting his voice to come out warbled and strained, Link settles for shaking his head in resignation.
Daruk noticeably deflates. The rest are stunned into silence, unsure of what to say.
Surprisingly, Revali breaks the silence first.
"So, you didn't feel anything?" His words lack their usual bite and arrogance. He speaks without bias, just wanting to understand the circumstances of their situation. "No power at all?"
Link shrinks into himself more. Revali – though he frequently butted heads with Zelda – was similar to his Chosen Knight. They were relying on the Calamity to prove themselves to the world. And thanks to Link, they would be associated with the prince's failure.
His hands come together to clasp in a subtle apology over his lap. "I'm sorry, no."
"Then, let's move on." Urbosa's voice rings powerful in the small valley. She smiles gently at the young prince, futilely trying to instill some optimism into him. "You've done all you could. Feeling sorry for yourself won't be of any help. Afterall, it's not like your last shot was up there on Mount Lanayru. Anything could finally spark the power to seal Ganon away. We just have to keep looking for that…thing."
Daruk nods eagerly in encouragement, although the worry that mars his features greatly offsets the intended effect.
Revali is not at all convinced. Still, he gives a tight-lipped smile.
"That's kind of you. Thank you."
"If I may…" Mipha speaks up.
Link focuses his green eyes onto the Zora Princess. She blushes under the intensity of his gaze, but quickly regains her composure.
"I was thinking about what I do when I'm healing. You know, what usually goes through my mind," she begins.
Mipha observes the Hylian Prince – whom she was attracted to, body and soul – before her eyes inevitably drift to his Appointed Knight; to the girl she has sworn to protect since childhood, her beloved Zelda.
Then, Mipha decides that her heart will be big enough to love both of them from afar, realizing that she never had a place in their blossoming romance.
"It helps when I think—when I think about the people I lo—"
The ground trembled as an almighty earthquake shook the land. Link would have fallen if it weren't for Zelda steadying him from behind.
Revali is the first to take initiative, using his gift of flight to soar above the promenade to locate the source. When he returns from the sky, his face was already steeled in determination.
An almighty roar echoes to the four corners of Hyrule. The Rito marksman didn't have to announce what he saw.
"It's here," Urbosa states, walking forward.
Daruk stands next to her. "This is it, then."
"Are you sure?" Mipha asks.
Revali nods in confirmation. "Positive."
Link shakes off Zelda's hold on his arm, too entranced by the swirling magenta clouds that plagued the sky. "It's awake…Ganon!"
Lightening crashes down upon the land. Link shrinks back in fear for the state of the kingdom. Those clouds look like they were forming over the castle.
"Let's stop wasting time! We're gonna need everything we got to take that thing down!" Daruk advises.
They were all looking to him. As the Hylian Prince, he was supposed to be their commander. He was supposed to lead their fight against Ganon.
So, why is he petrified beyond reason? He can barely muster a word through his fear, let alone a command.
Pathetic. Incompetent. Can't do anything right.
Daruk does it for him. "Champions, to your Divine Beasts! Show that swirling swine who's boss!" The Goron Chief glances at Zelda, whose body was already taut in anticipation. "Zelda will need to meet Ganon head on when we attack. This needs to be a unified assault!"
Revali scoffs in the background.
"Little one, head straight for Hyrule Castle," Daruk smiles confidently. "You can count on us for support."
Link snaps out of his catatonic state when Urbosa gently cups his shoulders. "Come, little bird. We need to get you someplace safe."
They will die for a prince who was too cowardly to join them in battle.
"No!" Link yells. He shoves Urbosa's hands off his shoulders and turns to face her, eyes desperate. "I am not a child anymore! I may not be much use on the battlefield, but there must…There must be something I can do to help!"
His sword fighting skills were average to the Hylian soldier. Link had always exercised his brain, never his physical prowess…but that left—!
"The Guardians! If I can get to the castle with the Sheikah Slate, I will be able to control them." He turns to Zelda and grabs her hand. "Let's go!"
Zelda hesitates for a second before acquiescing to his request.
Link pauses before his white stallion and eyes the Gerudo Chiefess.
"Urbosa, please take my horse. You have a long journey to the Gerudo region. I will ride with Zelda."
Urbosa nods to confirm her instructions and saddles the horse.
Zelda was already mounted on her stead, offering her arm to Link. He uses it to swing over the saddle and land squarely behind her. She kicks her heel into her mare's side. The stead jolts forward and they are racing to Hyrule Castle.
Mipha jumps into the waters of the Lanayru Promenade while Daruk rolls beside them. When they reached the midpoint of Lanayru Road, Daruk suddenly veers off to the side as Mipha shoots up from the water by a geyser.
Link feels the water droplets coat the skin of his arm.
"Link, Zelda…please be careful," she bids before her and Daruk disappear over Lanayru Heights, intending to cut through Gopanga Village as a shortcut.
Revali had already disappeared into the stratosphere, flying straight for Rito Village where his Divine Beast – Vah Medoh – was flying idly over.
And when Urbosa, Link, and Zelda made it to Sahasra Slope, the Gerudo Chiefess began to split from the party.
"I'll see you on the other side of the fight!" Urbosa calls, disappearing over the Eagus Bridge.
This will be the last time you see them.
Link's shoves the thought from his mind,
As Zelda urges her stead to gallop through the green plains of Hyrule Field, his heart pounds through his chest at the ghastly sight of the castle before them. Purple, swirling Malice coveted the once white and blue spires.
But he keeps his eyes on his appointed knight.
They lock eyes when Zelda briefly turns to check on him. He's rendered immobile when he registers the message conveyed into the depth of her blue eyes.
I will die to protect you.
That's what I'm afraid of…
Whenever I imagined regaining my memories, I always imagined that it would hurt. I expected it to be like a waterfall, a sudden pounding of memories cascading into my brain. Sharp pain shooting through my temples as I tried to synthesize my past. But it wasn't anything like that. Instead, it was like a light switch – making things visible, retrieving them from the dark where they were always present.
And when the light died, I found myself grasping for the glow, wishing for it to stay illuminated just a while longer.
What happened when we got there? Were we too late? Were we foolish to even try and get to the castle in time?
I was going out of order. There was an even greater difference between the Link in the Kolomo Garrison memory to the one I just experienced. He no longer looked at me with contempt. Instead, he seemed to seek asylum my presence and company. My wrist still tingled with the memory of his lips against my pulse, and it warmed my stomach a bit.
Link's features were slowly being revealed to me. His eyes were the first thing I remembered: greener than the morning grass and glassy as the dew when he cried.
I hated when he cried.
Concerning the four other figures in my memory…I could only hear their voices. Their faces were shrouded in darkness, a room full of enigmatic silhouettes.
ROAR!
I quickly ducked behind the wall of the gate. That sound seemed familiar…
Carefully, I peeked over the ledge of the wall.
Guarding the path up the mountain was a Lynel. It was a different color than the one on the Plateau, but just as dangerous. A menacing sword and shield were strapped upon its back and a familiar bow was in its arsenal as well.
As much as I wanted to explore Mount Lanayru, I knew better to seek fights with the limited armory I have. Not to mention, I don't have the gear to climb a snow-capped mountain. I don't know how Link was able to survive hypothermia in a ceremonial dress of all outfits.
I climbed the cliff I was nearest to – Lanayru Heights – and sprinted far from the mountain.
I was glad to find Epona where I had left her.
When I was running along the cliffs of Lanayru Heights, I was able to find another Sheikah Tower and shrine from my vantage point. The pins suggested that they were near Rabia Plain.
Epona and I galloped through the last stretch of road hidden between the cliffs. Upon arriving at Rabia Plain, there was a vast openness that outshined the freedom I felt upon seeing the grassy fields of the Dueling Peaks.
The glowing Sheikah Pedestal I had seen from my scope was in the distance. It looked like it was under the large tree.
As we galloped closer to the landmark, I was appalled to hear…
…an accordion?
There was a figure merrily playing the instrument on the rock platform next to the pedestal.
I dismounted Epona upon riding closer, but the figure didn't seem to notice my presence.
It was…a bird? But it had the proportions of an adult Hylian.
"Oh!" The bird person finally registered my appearance, halting their serenade. "Pardon me! I didn't think anyone was around…" They suddenly zeroed in on my waist, specifically the Sheikah Slate that was hooked onto the belt. "Th-that there…on your hip!"
Immediately, I was on edge. My hands twitched for the blade strapped to my back.
The bird person seemed to sense my apprehension because they suddenly relaxed. "…No, I'm sorry—it's nothing. I didn't mean to pry."
I still regarded him suspiciously. "You're…a bird."
A blue macaw to be specific. Their head was decorated with red and white feathers. They wore light armor made of leather in a style I was not familiar with. Rather than a weapon in the scabbard around their waist, it was filled with sheet music.
They were appalled at the wonder in my voice. "Have you…never met a Rito before? Odd…" They held out a wing in greeting. I think I was supposed to shake it, so I did. "My name is Kass. As a bard, I spend my days traveling this land in search of ancient songs."
"Ancient songs?" I asked.
He nodded. "Ancient songs—songs that sing the praises of a hero who beat the Calamity back in an age past. My mentor passed them down to me. Apparently, he studied them to aid the heroine of 100 years ago. Unfortunately, he passed recently. He taught them to me so I may tell the heroine when she awakens."
Huh…what a coincidence.
"Oh, I'm sorry for taking up most of the conversation. I don't even know your name, yet!"
"Zelda," I said simply. "My name is Zelda."
"How curious…" His tone was one of suspicion. I decided to let him come to his own conclusions.
"Is it?" I bantered.
"Zelda was the name of the knight who wielded the Master Sword 100 years ago."
"Oh, a female knight?"
"Yes! The first of her kind. Details are often forgotten during the passing of time, but my mentor knew the heroine personally. Although, he never spoke about her appearance. I'd assume that she was named after the ancient princesses and must share their blonde hair and blue eyes."
Well, he was half correct; my eyes are, in fact, blue.
Rather than dwelling on that, I focused on his race. Kass had mentioned he was a Rito and Impa had said something about the pilot for Vah Medoh originating from their species.
"I've heard of the Rito, but I've never met one in person," I said, revisiting his point from earlier. "I've also heard of the Divine Beast in your region."
"Ah, yes!" Kass' eyes lit up in recognition. "Vah Medoh was piloted by the Champion Revali. Not much was known about him except that he was an excellent sharpshooter. For now, the Divine Beast hovers aimlessly over our village. It does not seem to be an immediate threat now. It only shoots at those that fly too close to its elevation."
"If that's the case, then why aren't you home? Aren't you worried that you'll return and find out something has happened to your village?"
Kass solemnly nodded. "It is true that one of my greatest fears is to return to a home that no longer exists. Every day, I wonder about the safety of my wife and children under the Divine Beast. But I've made a promise to my mentor to investigate these song quests and assist the heroine."
I raised an eyebrow. "Song quests? What are those?"
The Rito perked up at the opportunity. "The ancient songs my master studied lead to hidden shrines – ones that the Hero of the First Calamity completed in his training. There's an ancient song tied to the shrine of this area. Would you like to hear it?"
I shrugged, allowing him to ready his instrument.
"A beast that wears a crown of bone,
Prancing through the lush green.
Mount the beast upon its throne,
For only then the shrine is seen."
He paused and allowed a moment of silence before speaking again. "I suppose the lush green could refer to this place. But what sort of beast wears a crown of bone. There's definitely a secret hiding here, but it's beyond me. Only the heroine could figure this riddle out."
I heard the distinct sounds of hooves thumping in the distance. Rabia Plain's deer population was abundant, probably safeguarded by the Sheikah. And when there's doe, there's bound to be a buck.
"Be right back," I told Kass.
"May the light illuminate your path!" He bid, going back to playing his accordion.
I ducked behind Epona, using her flank to hide my indecency as I put on the Sheikah Stealth Set. As I brought the mask over my face, I stared at the nearest herd with a buck standing guard over the doe and fawn – a crown of bone christened on its proud head.
x.x.x
Epona snorted, in what I would like to believe was jealousy, when I returned – galloping on the back of a great buck.
I steered the wild animal until we reached the orange Sheikah pedestal. When the buck's hooves had touched the elevated surface, the entire structure turned blue.
The ground rumbled. Before the great tree in the background, a shrine rose from the earth – years of soil and dirt falling from its smooth surface.
Kass had stopped playing in his amazement.
"I get it now!" He said. "The crown of bone referred to the antlers. And mountain bucks are abundant in this area! Those majestic creatures are a bit like the kings of the forest, aren't they?"
I dismounted from the buck, and it pranced away. I cautiously glanced between the Rito, Epona, and shrine. I knew that if I went in, anything could happen outside. And I didn't exactly know the intentions of Kass, yet.
When he saw I wasn't moving, he smiled gently and motioned with his wing. "Well, go on! I know you can activate it with the Sheikah Slate upon your hip! Don't worry, I shall stay with your stead."
His words were sincere, and his face seemed kind enough.
Epona nudged me forward with her nose, encouraging me to investigate the shrine. She then trotted until she was next to Kass. He merely responded by playing the familiar tune I had heard around the stables. Epona swayed with the melody.
Animals are good judges of character…
Deciding to trust him, I ran up the hill and activated the Mezzo Lo Shrine. The apparatus within revealed itself to me. And by standing on its platform, I was once again descended into the ancient monument – awaiting the trials that would prove my worth to the monks.
When I resurfaced from the shrine, the sky had already started to darken.
Kass had taken the initiative to start a campfire underneath the oak tree. Epona was grazing on the grass near the pedestal, ripping up some of the wildflowers to decorate her palate.
It also seems that Kass had befriended someone else while I was away. The traveler looked like they already made themselves comfortable amongst the campsite. Their tent was already pitched in front of the warm fire.
"Ah, Zelda! You've returned from the shrine. Your exploits here could be their own heroic song, you know! Come, come. It's best to roost for the night," Kass beckoned, patting the space next to him.
I approached the group closer. The stranger greeted me with a bright smile to which I met with suspicion.
"Not to be rude," I started. "But who's the stranger, Kass?"
"Hey, the name's Eryck," the man greeted. "I was on my way to Zora's Domain, but crossing the Rutala River is impossible. Not to mention, that northern tower seems to have riled up the enemy encampment underneath it. Zora's Domain is a hard place to get to, unless you've got fins, so I just gave up altogether."
"Zora's Domain?" I questioned.
Kass and Eryck looked at me in astonishment. I felt judgement upon their bewildered expressions.
"You've never seen a Rito before me, but you've also never seen a Zora, either?" Kass observed. "How odd…"
"The Zora are an amphibious species that live in the Lanayru region," Eryck informed. "The Hylians had a prosperous relationship with the domain, with the King of Hyrule once even contributing to the construction of the Great Reservoir. However, I hear that Zora's Domain and Hyrule Field will soon be flooded. There has been severe rainfall in the region for the past century."
I furrowed a brow in confusion. "Continuous rain for a century? How is that even possible?"
"It might have something to do with the Divine Beast of that region. The Champion Mipha was the Zora Princess. Her Divine Beast might the cause of the constant rain," Kass hypothesized.
Mipha…now why does that name cause my heart to ache?
I swallowed thickly through the pain. "A-And a northern tower you said?"
Eryck pointed to the distance. Stark against the darkness was a lone Sheikah Tower, glowing orange as a beacon for the torch fires below.
"It just popped up one day. The monster encampment beneath it nearly went wild when it destroyed some of their buildings. I wouldn't recommend visiting it any time soon, sweetheart. Although, I did hear a voice coming from the top of the tower," Eryck advised.
Question is: did he mean that he heard a disembodied voice calling him to the tower or there was legit someone stuck on the parapet screaming for help down below? Either way, it definitely piqued my interest. And with confirmation from Kass that there was a Divine Beast in the region, it made sense that Zora's Domain would be my next objective.
"So, let's say – hypothetically – I want to travel to Zora's Domain, how would I do that?"
Eryck snorted, not all convinced that I would. "Well, I'd say – hypothetically – you would have to walk to Linebeck Island in the east so you can circumvent it. It'd be too risky to swim across the river, and unless you have wings like your feathered friend here, walking is the only way to go."
Little does he know, I have a Paraglider.
"But if I had wings, what's another route I can take?"
Eryck just laughed heartily. He clapped Kass on the back, startling the bard out of the ambient music he was playing. "Where did you find a girl like her? What a jokester!" He smirked, in what he probably thought was charming. "Listen, sweetheart. I already tried to get to Zora's Domain. It's impossible. Not only is the river against you, but you've got hordes of enemies blocking your path. I'm not even referencing the camps you see down there. There are enemies that could swim in the water and channel electricity through it. You're better off going back to your village."
My face flushed in anger at his patronizing tone. With two firm steps, I stomped over the campfire and in front of Eryck, fisting his shirt tightly. I drew him close, satisfied with the bewilderment and fear in his eyes at my sudden approach.
"Do not call me, sweetheart. I assure you that what you can handle is only a fraction of what I've been through. If you couldn't handle getting to Zora's Domain yourself, I suggest you be the one to head back to your village."
I felt Kass' feathers tickle the back of my neck. He had both of us in an amicable hold, trying to diffuse the situation the only way he knew how.
"Now, now, there's no need for any violence. Eryck, I'll have you know that Zelda is more than capable of taking care of herself. Please, don't be so quick to judge just because she's a woman," Kass reasoned.
We broke away from Kass' hold, turning to opposite directions with identical pouts on our faces.
Eryck scoffed, "I was only looking out for her."
"You could've left the misogyny out, asshole," I quipped back.
"How 'bout a song?" Kass interjected, already cuing up his accordion.
Eryck and I held our glare for another second before acquiescing to our respective spots around the campfire. I – at least – had the decency to subject Kass no longer to our dispute.
When he saw us retreating and – more importantly – putting distance between each other, Kass began to play the opening to the song he planned to play.
"Now, you both know about the Battle of the First Calamity – where the princess and her appointed knight were successful in sealing the malicious entity that plagued the land," Kass began.
"Plagues, you mean. Thanks to that no-good female knight from 100 years ago, Hyrule is in ruin. They should've known better than to let a girl wield the Sword that Seals the Darkness. The legends spoke of a hero, not a heroine," Eryck disturbed.
Forget my previous fear of being murdered in my sleep. It'll be a miracle if Eryck gets through the night without me throttling him.
"And yet, you have no qualms about the princess being a prince. No interruptions, please," Kass politely reminded him. "As I was saying, the tale of the First Calamity was an epic of its own right. Luckily, my mentor had memorialized and shortened the story in song. I shall play for you the first few verses.
The kingdom of Hyrule is a vast and storied land,
Oft grasped in the palm of a villainous hand.
A dark force of destruction, many times undone,
Rises once again - Ganon, the calamitous one.
But hope survives in Hyrule, for all is not lost,
Two brave souls protect it, no matter the cost.. ."
By the time Kass had finished, Eryck had dozed off – not at all too interested in the ancient song. Granted, he must have heard the story thousands of times. I don't doubt that the story of the First Calamity was told in tangent with the story of the second – a cautionary tale of how things can never be done the same way twice.
Kass took no offense to it. He had probably planned for the song to lull Eryck to sleep.
The Rito Bard took his place next to me, offering up a purple berry in apology.
"I'm sorry you had to suffer through that," he began. "Would you believe me if I said that I understood how you feel?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, taking the berry from him and rolling it in my palm.
He gave me a wry smile. "Amongst the Rito, the men are known for their sharp eyes and the women are known for their sweet voices. Imagine the ridicule I got as a Rito man who had no aspiration for aerial combat."
My eyes softened at his confession. "Well, I'm sorry that you had to suffer through that, too."
Kass shrugged nonchalantly, bearing no ill will to the torment of his past. "The world loves labels but despises change. But I wouldn't trade my job for the whole world. I feel like I'm doing a lot more here as a bard than as a warrior back home."
I smiled, feeling the warmth of empathy fill spaces between us.
With our new sense of intimacy and trust, I turned the berry over in my hand. "What type of fruit is this?"
"It's a wildberry," Kass informed. "As the name implies, they only grow in the wild – in harsh, frigid environments no less. They are abundant in the Tabantha Region due to its proximity to the Hebra Mountains. The Rito are often the only ones that gather them, but of course, it is a snack to be shared."
I watched as he tossed a berry into his own mouth. A final confirmation that it wasn't poison.
I brought the berry to my lips and bit down, hearing the satisfying crunch of its skin. Immediately, a sharp, but tangy sweetness flooded my mouth. The drupelets bursted under the light pressure of my fingers, sending magenta trails down my forearm. My fingers were coated in a sticky residue.
I chewed slowly to savor the taste, feeling oddly nostalgic for a sweet I didn't even know I was craving.
Link shuts his diary with an audible thud. The dull sound resonates in the open walls of his stone room. He stretches against his chair and feels his back crack from the strained position of being hunched over his desk for hours.
He had just finished writing about all his worries for tomorrow. It was a technique Urbosa recommended that he do for his anxiety.
"Write down all your anxieties, your concerns, your doubts. If you see one item that you can address in that moment and it takes less than 10 minutes, then do it. If not, simply go to sleep. It is out of your control, little bird."
Link had filled four pages – front to back – just for tomorrow's fears.
Who spends the eve of their birthday wishing for the day to never come?
His 17th birthday, an age he once fantasized and dreamed about, was overshadowed with the bleakness of prophecy. It was an ultimatum. Either his powers would awaken – answering all of their prayers – or Hyrule was damned.
Only 18 hours remain until their fates were chosen for them.
Link winces at the ache that spears his vision, the world becoming bleary for half a second.
There is no use fretting over things out of your control. Rest now, little bird.
A clock echoes through the antediluvian echoes – the dull chimes of a grandfather clock announcing midnight.
Only 17 hours until his fate was decided for him.
A knock at the heavy, oak door startles Link out of his half-awake state. He briefly considers the possibility of an assassination the night before he is due to journey for Mount Lanayru. The Yiga certainly would attempt an attack such as that. However, Link knew that security has been amped up for that precise reason. From his window, he could see double the number of knights poised along the walls and gatehouses.
Even Zelda had taken on the burden of double shifts – protecting him during the day and during the night.
Link opens the door to his room. The hinges creak loudly in the stillness of night, and he half-anticipates his father to rise and scold him for staying up late when he should be resting for tomorrow.
He doesn't expect a slice of cake to be waiting on the other side.
It was deliberately put there. A single slice from a cake that was cut into six pieces, he extrapolated from the angles. It was a simple white cake with plain vanilla frosting as white as the snow on the Hebra Mountains. The pop of color originated from the fruit piled on top: apples and wildberries.
Link glances down the hallway and then back at the plate. He considers the possibility of assassination, once more – this time, through poisoning. But the coincidence lines up too well…
His favorite food was the Fruitcake. It cleared his mind and helped him focus on ancient technology research. Only three people knew of this fact.
Urbosa was one person who knew his fondness for the dessert. However, the Gerudo Chiefess was in her own region that night.
His father was the other, but after certain events, their relationship was too strained for simple, kind acts such as this. He can't imagine his father ordering the palace chefs to whip up his favorite dessert when he had nothing to show for it. Plus, his birthday took second priority to awakening the power of the Goddess.
And the last person…
Link banishes the thought, though not without his cheeks pinking.
No…she doesn't have the time to do something as frivolous as baking a cake.
He picks up the plate, searching the ground for a note or anything that identified the secret baker. When the halls are empty and the castle is silent, Link closes the door.
In the privacy of his own room, he picks up the fork provided and cuts through the layers. The icing and cake melt like butter under the light pressure. Link bites into the piece and relishes the sweetness that coats his tongue. His face briefly pinches when the tanginess of the wildberry hits.
Yes, the cake was sweet. But Link would argue that the gesture was sweeter than the confection itself.
A/N: Whew! That was a long read. I debated whether or not I should split the chapter into two parts, but the motif of "Sweet" continued throughout this entire section. I didn't want to title another chapter "Sweet pt. 2" or possibly lose the effect of the wildberry significance.
But this was a fun chapter to write. I always get excited to write 3rd person or memory novelizations. I wanted to go a little bit before and after the Mount Lanayru memory. I watched a lot of "The Heroes' Paths" by MonsterMaze to get an accurate description of where each champion went.
And the next arc will be Mipha's! I wanted to introduce the Mount Lanayru memory early because it best teases the relationship of Mipha, Link, and Zelda without actually using a memory within Zora's Domain. I'm excited to hear your theories on where I'm taking this.
As always, please leave a review if you enjoyed or have any criticisms you think I can improve on. I know length is definitely one of them. I know its hard to read 10,000 words in one sitting (because my attention span isn't that long either) so I'll definitely try to shorten or at least be more concise in my writing.
