Chapter Forty-Three
With a flash of rainbow light everyone that had gone to the Chamber of Sages found themselves back at Lon Lon Ranch. Many eyes blinked as the bright sun beat down on them, a startling transition from the softer lights of the Chamber. Everyone was silent for a moment as they processed everything they had seen, from Link's first steps on his path to save Hyrule to his arrival in Fiore.
"So that's why your Nayru's Commandment gained that rainbow color." Lucy mused in a contemplative tone, unaware that she had voiced her thoughts.
"Nayru's Commandment?" Zelda asked curiously, a curiosity echoed by everyone else from Hyrule and Lucy locked up in surprise at the question.
"Oh I… I think it's one of his Triforce Spells." Lucy stammered slightly before wincing when Zelda blinked in surprise.
"Triforce Spells?" Zelda asked, intrigued by the title and implication of more than one such spell, and Link scratched his left cheek.
"Nayru's Commandment is Link's greatest frontal defensive spell." Erza explained and Zelda turned her gaze from Lucy to the redhead. "As for the Triforce Spells, they are some of his strongest spells. There are two for each of the three Golden Goddesses." She finished and Link nodded his head in confirmation.
"Sounds like you've gotten stronger, Brother!" Darunia laughed with a powerful clap on Link's back that had the blonde stumble forward a couple of steps. "Now, what in blazes happened to you six days ago?" The Fire Sage asked in a serious tone.
"I had to stop a magical attack." Link replied simply. When everyone continued to look at him expectantly, the blonde looked at them curiously.
"Gray, do you mind if I take this one?" Lucy asked as she brought her right hand to her eyes with a sigh before anyone could waste time asking for more information.
The Ice-Make Mage glanced over at the Celestial Spirit Mage before giving an indifferent shrug and closing his mouth. In truth he had already gotten a few shots in and Lucy could spin a story as well as anyone.
Lucy gave a quick smile of thanks before returning her attention to everyone from Hyrule. "Six days ago we were at a tower created by someone intent on reviving the Dark Mage Zeref, one of the most evil and ruthless mages to have ever lived." She started off and they looked at her in surprise. "Several of us were hurt and had also spilt off to save everyone tricked by him into working on the tower while Link, Erza, Gray, and Natsu continued to push upward. At the same time, the Magic Council had gotten word about this man's plan and intended to destroy him in his tower with a magical superweapon called Etherion." The blonde paused at the confused looks she was getting.
"What in tarnation's a 'superweapon'?" Talon asked as he scratched his head, an action echoed by Darunia and the other Gorons.
"Oh, that's something that can cause an unbelievable amount of destruction. Etherion can supposedly destroy an entire country." Happy reported cheerfully with his right paw in the air. The looks of shock he received showed how at odds his tone was with his words.
After a few seconds, Zelda shook her head disbelievingly. "Such insanity… why use such a weapon on a single tower?" She asked, unable to comprehend such overkill. "This Zeref had not yet been revived, correct?" The blonde verified a moment later, for if such evil had been returned to this nation, then she could understand its use.
"No, but the Council was convinced to do it by a spy. We only had thirty minutes to accomplish everything before it would fire on us." Lucy said a bit sharply, still obviously upset as she recalled the event.
"Wait, you knew it was going to fire?" Navi asked and Link nodded in confirmation. "What made you do something as stupid as keep going up then!?" She demanded with angry chimes while bobbing up and down.
Link and Lucy both hesitated at the question while Natsu and Happy looked at each other uncertainly, the former's arms crossing over his chest. Gray's eyes narrowed but otherwise he didn't react.
"They were chasing me." Erza admitted softly and everyone looked at her sharply. When Link started to walk towards her, one hand made him stop mid-step. "The man… Jellal… was someone from my past. Someone I had once looked up to." The redhead paused before releasing a small, sorrowful sigh. "Someone I had failed to save… who was possessed by the ghost of Zeref before I could reach him." She went on a moment later and Zelda's eyes widened in surprise. "It drove him mad, and in his madness he spent eight years planning this final step in resurrecting Zeref. When I finally knew exactly where he was, I was determined to settle things without endangering anyone else."
Navi let out a chime as she regarded Erza. "You tried to leave Link behind." She stated as fact rather than ask but Erza nodded anyways. "I get that this Zeref's ghost possessed Jellal; but what made you think Link wouldn't follow to help with something so dangerous?" The fairy demanded angrily.
Erza glanced away unhappily, only to see a large form coming up to her.
Darunia placed a massive hand on the redhead's shoulder, making her tilt to the right slightly under its weight. "Guilt makes us do things that seem absurd in hindsight, right?" He asked with a kind smile. Erza's eyes widened slightly at his words before a resigned smile came to her. When she nodded, the mighty Goron's smile widened in response.
Navi let out a soft chime, now calm as she realized what had driven Erza to such insanity.
"I suppose it was a good thing that's how it happened, though." Zelda put in and received questioning looks of surprise and disbelief. "Our intervention during Link's struggle was not based on luck. Rauru sensed the Triforce of Courage during his search and quickly called on us to aid Link." She explained and Link blinked in surprise. "When we suddenly lost the connection, we feared…" Zelda trailed off before taking a steadying breath. "However, Rauru was able to retrace his path and when we found you again, we wasted no time in bringing you back home." She said with a warm smile at the blonde hero.
Link smiled back for a couple of seconds before his head tilted to the left questioningly.
Zelda blinked in momentary confusion before she glanced away with a small blush. "I'm afraid that in… our haste to bring you home, we didn't remember that others would wish to welcome you back as well. After ensuring that you had arrived safely near Lon Lon Ranch, we used the time necessitated by your walk to contact King Zora XVI, Mido, Aveil, and Link. We offered transportation that was eagerly accepted, but sadly King Zora was unable to come." She paused as Nojam cleared his throat politely.
"The King finds being out of water for extended periods a burden. I assured him that I would invite Link to visit Zora's Domain later." The Zora Captain reported before pausing as he looked over the Fairy Tail Mages. "You all are welcome to come as well. I am certain that the King would wish to meet with friends of Link; provided you mind your tongue of course." He offered with a quick, pointed grin of warning at one individual in particular.
Happy gulped at the grin before nodding his head rapidly.
Link nodded his head as well, albeit without nervousness, to confirm he would visit the Zora King.
"I think all of Hyrule would be glad to see the Hero of Time returned." Impa remarked to her queen.
Zelda's eyes shone with excitement at Impa's words. "Yes… yes a celebration we had not the heart for when Hyrule was first freed." She said with a growing smile. "Hyrule has come far, but the return of the Hero of Time would revitalize all with new vigor." Her eyes glittered as she already began planning such an event. "Link shall of course be the center focus… a parade followed by a festival where all of Hyrule is invited." Zelda murmured; her right hand under her bottom lip thoughtfully and left hand positioned to support her forearm.
Link jerked in surprise at the words before his ears lowered after the twitch. Unease was clearly seen on his face at the thought of being the center of such an event.
Zelda, caught up in her planning, didn't notice his reaction at first.
"Zelda, it doesn't look like Link agrees." Ruto remarked with a concerned look and Zelda blinked before looking at the uncertain Hylian.
Natsu let out a chuckle as he crossed his hands behind his head. "You want Link to take part in a parade?" He asked before shaking his head in disbelief. "Even the old man hasn't been able to get him to take part in the Fantasia Parade." The Fire Dragon Slayer remarked with a grin.
"The what parade?" Goron Link asked curiously, head tilting to the side as he looked up at Natsu.
"The Fantasia Parade is the main event of the Harvest Festival in Magnolia City." Lucy explained with a bright smile. "It's where most of Fairy Tail ride on vehicles called floats and entertain the city with their magic."
Goron Link's eyes widened and sparkled at the description. "That sounds amazing!" He gushed excitedly.
Lucy continued to smile at his excitement for a couple of seconds before her expression became thoughtful. "But now that I think about, I don't think I've ever seen pictures of Link in any of the parades covered by Weekly Sorcerer." The blonde remarked in mild surprise.
Link simply offered a shrug in response.
"Because Link hates being in the spotlight like that." Gray remarked with an amused grunt. "Put him in front of a monster and no problem. Put him in front of a large crowd…" The Ice-Make Mage trailed off with a shrug.
"Yep!" Natsu agreed with a bark of laughter.
"That's just how Link is." Erza put in with a stern tone that quickly erased the grin off of the fire and ice duo. "Besides, those who cause Master no end of grief from the Magic Council have little room to talk about another's behavior." She added with a small glare, which caused them to look away in mild embarrassment.
"I really like her." Aveil once more whispered to Irim in an amused tone.
Zelda had a brief smile as well at that before returning her attention Link and walked over to him. "Link, I do not wish you to feel uncomfortable. However… there were many who grieved when word went out that you had disappeared." Her words had him look to the side uneasily, an unease that was heightened as many others nodded in agreement. "To see you well would give everyone new hope and a cause to truly celebrate Ganondorf's defeat." She explained while reaching out to gently place her hand on Link's arm.
Link slowly looked back at Zelda, his expression still uneasy as he looked into her blue eyes. The Hylian Queen remained silent as she continued to look at him earnestly, knowing the decision was his and his alone. After several, silent seconds, Link's gaze finally firmed as he reached his answer before his expression softened with a small smile. "Very well." He said with a nod of agreement and received a bright smile from Zelda in response.
Erza watched the interaction with mixed feelings. On the one hand she was surprised that Zelda had managed to get Link to take part in such an event, as were her fellow guildmates. One the other hand, Zelda's familiarity and ease of convincing Link bothered her even more than other such situations. It was a feeling she had never really understood before because she had refused look at it too closely.
She was jealous.
Not necessarily of Zelda, for it was hard to hold any kind of grudge against someone who had suffered and been through so much. No, Erza's jealousy was born from her own previous hesitance, always unable to act upon her growing but denied feelings. But the fault is mine, no one else's. She thought resignedly before forcing a small smile.
"Splendid!" Zelda exclaimed with a bright smile, her hands coming together with a soft clap.
Darunia hummed thoughtfully as he looked at Link before a wide grin came to him. "If Brother's gonna be the man of honor, how about some armor to really shine?" He asked and Link blinked in surprise. "And I don't mean some pretty but useless junk, either. I'm talking armor worthy of the Hero of Time." The Fire Sage went on with his grin still in place.
"Brother Biggoron!" Goron Link exclaimed excitedly as he looked up at his father. "He can make the best armor ever!" He declared with a laugh, his hands thrusting up into the air.
"Hmmm..." Zelda looked thoughtful for a moment and her eyes flashed for a second before she continued. "Yes, and the delay can be best used getting everything set up." She agreed with a nod of her head.
"How long of a delay are we talking?" Gray asked while he crossed his arms over his chest. As interesting as all this had been, the Ice-Make Mage had no intention of staying here for weeks or months. A sudden thought occurred to him, something he was surprised that he hadn't realized before.
Darunia offered a shrug at the question. "Dunno, depends on what the big guy decides to make. Shouldn't take more than a few days, though." He remarked and several people blinked in surprise.
Master-quality armor in just a few days? Erza wondered, shocked at the level of skill and stamina that such a feat demanded.
"Then we should depart for Death Mountain." Zelda declared with a nod of her head, excited at the prospect of what was to come.
"Zelda, what about everyone else?" Saria asked with an amused giggle and the queen tensed slightly in embarrassed realization. "How about we return everyone else home? I'm sure Link can visit everyone afterwards." She suggested with a bright smile.
Natsu's eyes narrowed momentarily at Saria's tone and advice before looking away uneasily.
"That sounds agreeable. Death Mountain is a bit dry for my people, so we'll inform his majesty of Link's impending arrival."" Nojam said with a firm nod of his head.
"Well, everyone else is welcome to come with us to Goron City." Darunia said with a smile.
"Any friend of Brother Link is a friend of ours!" One of the Gorons put in with his own smile. "We'll have a party after you talk with Brother Biggoron." He added to Link and received a nod from the blonde.
Aveil put her right hand on her hip, an amused smirk on her face. "Well, I suppose we'll head back as-" She paused as Naiteri leaned in to whisper something in her leader's left ear, making her pause and amber eyes to widen slightly. "On second thought, we'd like to join you. For a few hours if nothing else." The Gerudo Chieftan corrected herself with a mysterious, mischievous smile.
"No problem!" Darunia agreed with a laugh.
"I'd rather go home. I miss the trees." Reso admitted ruefully as he rubbed the back of his head and his orange fairy partner let out an agreeing chime.
"Same. I'm also getting tired of adults and their weird thoughts." Mido said with an imperious nod, arms crossed over his chest. The Kokiri Boss's words got several annoyed glances, but the orange-haired kid just offered an indifferent sniff followed by a smirk.
Soso gently cleared his throat before looking towards Mido. "Heya, Boss, do you mind if I go to this Goron place?" He asked, expression hidden behind his hair but posture almost begging.
Mido looked over at his fellow Kokiri in surprise, a surprise one could assume was echoed by Reso as he looked at his brother. "Why?" His tone was more curious than condemning, honestly uncertain as to why Soso didn't want to return to Kokiri Village.
"Well, Alma has told me a lot about these different places. Now that I know leaving the Lost Woods won't kill us, I'm kind of curious." Soso explained with a gesture to his fairy before looking over at Saria. "After looking around for a little bit would you mind sending me back?" He asked with a questioning tilt of his head.
The Sage of the Forest nodded her head agreeably. "Of course, Soso." She said brightly and the other Kokiri smiled back.
Malon looked on at the interactions and decisions with a mixture of jealousy and wistfulness but only let out a small sigh.
Ingo noticed Malon's expression and subtly nudged Talon, who looked over at his friend curiously. When the taller rancher nodded towards Malon, the shorter rancher's eyes widened slightly in surprise before a small smile came to him.
Talon walked over to his daughter and put his right hand on her shoulder. "Malon, ya can go too if ya want." He said when she looked over at him questioningly.
Malon blinked in surprise at his words while everyone looked at them. "B-but what about-?"
"Ingo and I can manage the chores while yer gone." Talon interrupted gently but firmly. "Malon, if ya want to go then take this chance." He took hold of both shoulders with his large hands. "Ya've been curious about some of these places ever since Navi's stories. Do this old man a favor and don't let him be the reason ya don't have yer own little adventure." He implored empathetically.
Malon continued to look at him for several more seconds before her surprise changed to a happy smile. The redheaded rancher jumped forward to envelope Talon in a big hug that momentarily took his breath away. "Thanks, Daddy." She said softly, a few tears of happiness in her eyes, and the bulky rancher teared up in response as he returned her hug.
Almost everyone watched with a smile, but it was Ruto who became melancholic for an instant before resuming her usual imperiousness. "Nojam." The Zora Princess said and the Zora Captain immediately snapped to attention towards her. "Return to Zora's Domain and inform my father of the upcoming events. Also... inform him I shall be along later to speak with him privately." She declared, her imperious attitude faltering momentarily before returning full-strength.
Nojam brought his right fist up to his left shoulder with a quick nod of his head, an action echoed by his subordinates. "Of course, your Highness!" He answered with sharp respect.
Ruto brought her right hand up towards the Zora Knight and soldiers. "Go with the blessing of water." She said softly and a blue crystal, deeper and richer in color than Link's usual one, surrounded them. As the three looked up in surprise, the crystal shattered into dozens of orbs that swiftly flew into the distance and were quickly lost from sight.
"Mido? Reso? Are you two ready?" Saria asked as she looked at the two.
Mido gave one more glance at Soso before returning his attention to the Forest Sage. "Ready, Saria." He confirmed with a nod before looking over to the side. "Hey, Link, I still stand by what I said. You can even bring these adults that got dragged along with you." He said and Link blinked in surprise, an action copied by the other three Kokiri and chimes from all the fairies but Navi. "Provided they remember who's in charge and follow my rules!" The Kokiri Boss added brashly as he pointed at Link with exaggerated self-importance.
Link's ears flicked in minor annoyance at the tone before a small grin came to him, a wave of nostalgia hitting him. He nodded his agreement and then put a hand up to hold off Natsu's roar of protest. "Only those that make sense." The green-clad hero replied.
Mido's right eye and both ears twitched in aggravation before an amused smirk came to him. "We'll see about that." He shot back as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Saria giggled at their interactions before bringing her hands together, fingers interlaced, under her chin. "Go with the blessing of the forest." She said solemnly before the two Kokiri and fairies were surrounded by an emerald crystal.
"This is still so cool!" Reso gushed excitedly before it shattered into green orbs that flew into the distance.
As the orbs disappeared, the Forest Sage brought her hands down and turned to face everyone else with a bright smile.
"Okay, is everyone finally ready?" Navi asked as she flew around the group impatiently. The blue fairy wanted to get all of these 'important' details done so she could have some time to talk with her partner. Not to mention this Erza person, who had become another partner for him while in this Fiore place. Navi wasn't feeling jealous or territorial; well, perhaps the second one but only slightly. No, what she wanted was to ask things she knew Link would downplay or even believe not worth talking about.
When everyone nodded or sounded off in confirmation, Zelda brought her palms together as if in prayer. "Then let us depart to the top of Death Mountain." She said and almost immediately the group was encased in a large pink crystal that quickly shattered apart.
Death Mountain
Smoke lazily rose from the top of Death Mountain as a thirty-foot tall Goron emerged from a large tunnel into the sunlight. He blinked a couple of times at the transition but didn't pause as he walked towards a cliff edge. However, a bright flash of pink light made the large Goron freeze as he shielded his eyes against the glare. When the light faded, he looked and blinked as he let out a groan of surprise at what awaited him.
"Brother! It's been a while!" Darunia said with a hearty laugh as he looked up at the taller Goron.
"B-Big Brother Darunia?" The Goron stammered in wide-eyed shock, a shock that was amplified by the appearance of the Hero of Time. "Brother Link!?" He all but roared in a mixture of surprise and delight before walking up to the group, his gigantic stride swallowing the distance easily.
"Wow, Biggoron is really tall." Happy said before shooting Link an accusing look. "But I thought you said he was taller than a mountain." The blue cat said, unhappy with the exaggeration the blonde had provided about the Goron's height.
"That's because Brother Biggoron is." Goron Link said and got a few confused looks from the Fairy Tail Mages and Malon. "This is Brother Medigoron, Brother Biggoron's little brother." He explained before looking back at the gigantic Goron, not noticing the looks of surprise on Gray, Natsu, Happy, Lucy, and Malon. "Brother, can you wake up Brother Biggoron? We want to ask him to make something cool for Brother Link!" The young Goron exclaimed, his hands coming up as clenched fists in his excitement.
Medigoron blinked down at the young Goron in surprise before his gaze shifted to Zelda and Darunia, who both nodded in confirmation of Goron Link's words. "Well, I was just about to wake him up anyways." He agreed with a nod before turning to finish walking to the cliff edge. "BROTHER!" He roared towards another mountain chain further behind Death Mountain.
After a few seconds of looking towards the chain expectantly, a loud, rumbling groan filled the air. Then, as the Fairy Tail Mages and Malon looked on, the mountain chain shifted around before lurching upward and then towards them.
Happy's jaw dropped in shock as his perspective shifted and he realized what he was seeing. This wasn't a mountain chain but the back of a Goron, a Goron massive enough to make even Medigoron look tiny. Happy wasn't the only one shell-shocked by the sight either, as Malon, Natsu, Lucy, Gray, and even Erza could only watch on in wide-eyed surprise as Biggoron finished standing up and stretched his titanic arms up with a groaning yawn that echoed around them. Epona shook her head with a snort as her right ear flicked but otherwise didn't react, the mare's attention focused on the behemoth before her.
Biggoron brought his arms back down and then turned to fully face Death Mountain. "What is it, Brother?" He asked in a voice like a distant avalanche while looking down at the mountaintop. After his question, the titanic Goron paused as he took notice of the group gathered there as well. "Hmmm?" He groaned curiously before blinking rapidly as he recognized a few key individuals. "Big Brother Darunia? Queen Zelda?" Biggoron paused and his jaw dropped in shock. "Brother Link?" He asked as he recognized the green-clad Hero of Time before a large smile overtook his face. "Welcome back, little guy!" He exclaimed, delighted to see the return of the honorary Goron Brother, and got a smile and nod from Link.
"Brother, apparently Big Brother Darunia wants to ask you to make something for Brother Link." Medigoron told his big brother, and the larger Goron looked down at him curiously before his questioning gaze shifted to Darunia.
"Queen Zelda's planning on doing a parade and festival to celebrate Brother getting back. I thought we should go all the way and give him some good-looking armor to really shine." Darunia explained with a grin. "And who better to make that armor than the finest smith in all of Hyrule?" He asked, his gaze now challenging the titanic Goron to disagree.
Biggoron's eyes glittered at the thought before once again looking at Link. "Well, it certainly sounds like coming to me was the right idea. But first, I need to take some measurements." He said and Link cocked his head to the left curiously. "To ensure a good fit, I need to measure you without your clothes on." The mastersmith explained and understanding had the blonde nodding in agreement.
A small blush came to Zelda and Malon as the Hylian Queen delicately cleared her throat.
"Well then, we shall- Link!" Zelda gasped out in surprise as Link simply Ex-Equipped all of his clothing except for a pair of brown boxer-briefs.
Link immediately glanced at her, only to be confused at the blushes she, Malon, Ruto, and Lucy had. A quick glance towards Aveil showed no blush, but the leers she, Naiteri, and Irim sported immediately unnerved him as they stared at his body. What's with those looks? He wondered uneasily, his ears drooping slightly.
"Brother, can you bring your arms up to shoulder level and turn?" Biggoron asked, making Link twitch in surprise before following the instruction.
Zelda swallowed slightly as his muscles twitched and flexed in response to his movement before freezing as the large scar he received from Dark Link came into view. All blushes faded and the leers went away as everyone looked at the reminder of Link's brush with death, but a quick glance from the queen showed that Link had been more thrown off by the previous looks than at the attention his scar was receiving.
"Link…" Lucy let out a sigh as she brought her right hand to her eyes. "Why did you follow Gray's example?" She asked and Link cocked his head curiously.
"Biggoron said he needed to measure Link without clothes." Navi put in with a testy chime. "What did you all expect to happen?" She demanded while hovering over Link's head.
Erza nodded her head in agreement, obviously also confused by the reactions while simultaneously annoyed at the Gerudos' leering, prompting embarrassed blushes from Zelda, Malon, and Lucy.
"Adults are really weird." Soso said with a sigh, the adults' reactions momentarily pulling his attention from looking around the top of Death Mountain and the titanic Goron before them. Reso and Doso are going to be so jealous! He thought excitedly, for the Know-It-All-Brother's visit had barely even started!
"Ah, now I can see what to make!" Biggoron exclaimed excitedly. "I've got your measurements memorized, Brother. Thanks!" He said with a wide smile and the blonde Requipped his clothes before pausing.
"Wait." Link suddenly spoke up, making everyone pause and look at him curiously. He looked to the side uncomfortably before bringing up his left hand and Requipping the shortened Biggoron Sword.
Biggoron's eyes went wide, almost looking like ponds, and his mouth dropped in utter shock at the state of the blade. Medigoron, Goron Link, Darunia, and the other two Gorons all shared in his reaction, though none could match the horror in the mastersmith's eyes.
Erza blinked rapidly a few times in surprise as well as she looked at the sword, unable to place when it might have happened.
"W-w-what did you...?" Biggoron trailed off as he finally noticed an important detail that he hadn't caught at first. "Is that... a cut?" He asked incredulously as he looked at the clean slice on the remaining portion of the blade. When he received a nod from Link, ignoring the looks of shock as others saw what he had been talking about, Biggoron reached down with one massive hand and gingerly took the sword from the blonde's outstretched hand.
"How did he do that?" Lucy wondered, for it seemed improbable that such a massive hand would be able to so delicately take such a smaller item like that.
"Well, Brother Biggoron is a mastersmith." Medigoron remarked as he looked down at the Celestial Spirit Mage.
Lucy jerked in surprise before blushing slightly as she realized she had actually said that out loud.
Biggoron didn't even notice, though, as he carefully studied the cut for several seconds before sticking out a gigantic tongue to carefully taste the steel. His entire body locked up, they could actually see the quiver of surprise ripple up his body to the top of his head like an earthquake, before taking the sword back and putting his tongue back in his mouth. "This was done by a powerfully enchanted weapon." He said thoughtfully before looking back down at Link questioningly.
Link obligingly Requipped to his right hand his most recent acquisition, Mugetsu-Ryu, and Erza's eyes widened in surprise. The blonde unsheathed the nodachi in a blur of motion, revealing the gleaming blade, and the bells let out a soft chime.
"Huh?" Goron Link groaned in confusion as he looked at the sword. "You're the one who cut it?" He asked and immediately got an incredulous expression from Link.
"No." Erza replied for him as she looked at Goron Link. "This sword was wielded by an assassin Link and I encountered in that tower." She explained and everyone looked at her in surprise.
"Wait, you mean that pink-haired woman?" Natsu asked and received a confirming nod. He exchanged a glance with Gray, the two sharing surprised, grave looks.
"What is it?" Zelda asked a little apprehensively at their expressions.
Natsu looked around to see everyone else looking at him and Gray before shrugging. "Well, we were a little bit behind Link and Erza going up the tower-"
"Because of someone who decided to get knocked out." Gray cut in with an amused smirk.
"What was that!?" Natsu roared angrily, setting off ear flicks and winces from the Hylians and Kokiri. Just as Natsu was about to take a step towards Gray, Erza's presence slammed into them and made the two freeze. "A-anyways..." The Fire Dragon Slayer gulped at the intimidating glare before continuing. "When we found where Link had fought her, there were a whole bunch of broken weapons scattered about along with a lot of blood, too. It looked like it was one hell of a fight." He said with a grin and Erza winced slightly at the description while Link simply nodded in confirmation.
"Link, there's something I would like to know." Erza said and got a head tilt from him. "When I went ahead you had her trapped in Nayru's Embrace. How-?"
"She sliced through it without difficulty." Link replied before she could finish her question, his eyes tightening slightly in remembered shock.
Erza's eyes went wide, her mouth dropping slightly, while Natsu and Gray let out a strangled cough. Happy's jaw almost hit the floor as his eyes almost popped from their sockets, and Lucy gulped as her face went pale.
"Is that bad?" Darunia asked, his eyes narrowed as he studied everyone's expressions.
"Wait, did you mean Nayru's Love?" Navi put in as well, wondering if Erza had misnamed the spell.
"Nayru's Embrace is a spell based off of it." Link said before bringing up his left hand towards Natsu and encasing him in a blue, translucent crystal. "I can use it to defend or trap someone." He explained while Natsu blinked and looked at his crystal prison.
"Hey! Why the hell did you use it on me!?" Natsu demanded angrily as he slammed his fists on the barrier.
Link blinked before looking over at Natsu, his expression showing he just now realized what he had done. He offered a sheepish grin and apologetic shrug, which made Natsu's eyes twitch in growing aggravation.
"What do you expect?" Gray asked with a chuckle while Erza brought a hand to her mouth a smother a soft laugh. Everyone else not from Fairy Tail looked at him either in confusion or questioningly as Lucy and Happy started to catch on. "At this point it must be second nature to use it on you if you're nearby." He went on as Lucy giggled in amusement.
"Natsu got put in time out!" Happy said with poorly restrained laughter.
"Time out?" Saria asked before giggling, making Natsu tense up slightly.
"This is a common occurrence?" Zelda asked curiously, not sure what to make of their amused familiarity.
"Only when Natsu tries to fight Link." Erza explained before shooting an amused glance at Natsu, who looked away with an annoyed grunt. "So yes." She finished a couple of seconds later and this time Darunia let out a deep chuckle that his son quickly echoed.
"If we could get back to the fact that someone cut through Nayru's Love!?" Navi cut in, her tone sharpening with several chimes as she bobbed up in down with the last few words. "Is this sword really that strong?" She demanded, flying down to hover beside the sheath.
Link looked down at his fairy partner before surveying the area, dismissing Nayru's Embrace with a thought to free Natsu at the same time. It didn't take long for his eyes to land on a random boulder and the blonde walked over to it. He stopped before the large rock, which was a few inches taller than him at 6 feet in diameter, and studied it for a few seconds as everyone watched. Link crouched down slightly as his right leg shifted further back, left hand coming up to grasp the hilt, and closed his eyes to take a deep breath. He sent his focus into the nodachi, replaying Ikaruga's movements in his mind, and started to get a rudimentary understanding of its magic.
Impa's eyes narrowed slightly in recognition of the stance but remained silent as she waited to see what Link would do.
After a couple of minutes Link took one more deep breath and let it out in a slow exhale before his eyes snapped open. "Kirin Steel." He said and appeared to twitch for an instant before going still. The more experienced fighters in the group all saw what appeared to be a brief flash of light before Link, but Soso, Malon, Lucy, Happy, and Goron Link continued to wait expectantly for something to accompany his words. However, they were surprised when Link straightened and walked over to the boulder.
"Huh?" Goron Link groaned in confusion as his hero put one hand on the top half of the rock. "Did you- huh!?" He cut himself off with a surprised grunt as Link pushed against it hard, causing the top half of the boulder to fall off with a dull thud that rattled the ground under it momentarily.
"Mugetsu-Ryu is imbued with the magic of five powerful creatures and thus is incredibly dangerous... but Ikaruga made it terrifying." Link said softly as he turned back to face everyone's surprised expressions. "In that same time, she would have slashed at least six times." He explained and several jaws dropped.
"A true Iaijutsu Grandmaster." Impa remarked with a nod of her head and received one from Link in response.
"Iaijutsu?" Malon asked curiously, a question obviously on the minds of almost everyone else there but Zelda, Erza, Aveil, Naiteri, and Irim.
"It's a sword style that focuses on unsheathing and attacking at the same time before resheathing the blade." Erza explained to her fellow redhead. "As a technique its speed is almost unrivaled and blocking can be extremely difficult with dodging almost impossible." She went on before looking over at Link. "Did you have to use Farore's Slipstream?" Erza asked and got a confirming nod from her partner.
Link closed his eyes and took a deep breath before the obvious question could be asked, causing everyone to look at him curiously. "Farore, Goddess of Courage. Master of nature and all creation. Grant to me now thine divine wind to blow away the agents of destruction. Farore's-" Blue eyes snapped open and then suddenly there was a Link standing before everyone.
"Slipstream." Even as Zelda's eyes started to widen at the multiple Links, the soft-spoken word from behind had her spinning around to see another Link. "This is one of my Triforce Spells for Farore." He explained as the other Links faded away.
Zelda blinked a couple of times before she regained control while Impa looked at Link speculatively. Incredible... this is magic far beyond anything he had shown before, yet he shows no sign of strain. She thought as the others from Hyrule recovered from their surprise.
Erza needed time for her own surprise, but it was for something else entirely that she had noticed.
"Brother, can I see that sword?" Biggoron asked as he gently placed the Biggoron Sword on the ground. When Link turned and held up Mugetsu-Ryu, the titanic Goron carefully reached over to grab the nodachi and brought it up to his face. Once more displaying a nimbleness that defied his size, Biggoron pulled the blade from the sheath and once again did a taste test. "Hmmm..." He groaned thoughtfully before testing the sheath, which made him blink in surprise. "Interesting..." He murmured, the tone echoing around them like a dull avalanche.
After a few more seconds of low groaning, Biggoron returned his attention to Link. "Brother, would you mind letting me study this more? I've got a few ideas for repairing the sword but I want to look more into it." He said before giving a large grin. "Don't worry, I should have everything done in a week or so even with this." Biggoron assured everyone with a quick laugh.
"Really? That long?" Medigoron asked as he looked up at his big brother before pausing. "Wait... is this with me helping as well?" He asked and got a nod in response. "You must be really interested in that sword." The giant Goron remarked with an amused smile and got a sheepish one in reply.
'That long'? Erza wondered in disbelief as she stared up at the two smiths. To be able to pull all of that off in a week was incredible.
"Now that that's figured out, we can have that party!" Goron Link cheered happily as he thrust both hands into the air.
"Hold up, Brother." One of the Gorons that had first shown up with Goron Link said. "We'll need a couple of hours to get everything ready. Until then, maybe they'd like to visit the hot springs?" He asked and looked over at the others with a curious tilt of his head.
"You have a hot spring!?" Lucy asked, her hands clasping together excitedly, and the Goron nodded with a smile. "That sounds heavenly. Especially after everything we just learned." She said with a tired sigh.
"I was actually hoping you would bring that up." Aveil said with a smirk. "My sisters and I have always wondered what it would feel like to soak in one." She went on, which got nods from Nabooru, Naiteri, and Irim.
"Ooohhh... a hot spring... I wonder how different it will be from bathing in one of the springs by Kokiri Village." Soso murmured excitedly and Alma let out a curious chime from over his shoulder.
"A hot spring does sound like a good idea." Erza agreed with a nod before looking at Goron Link. "Would someone be able to guide us?" She asked but it was Darunia who let out a short laugh.
"These three can go ahead to get things started. I'll show you all to the hot springs." Darunia said before looking at his fellow Sages. "Any of you joining as well?" He asked with a curious tilt of his head.
"I shall pass." Ruto said with a regal shake of her head. "I am not fond of boiling myself for no discernible reason." She explained while putting her right hand on her hip. "Link, I shall return in two days to take you to Zora's Domain." She declared with a stern look and Link nodded his head in understanding. The Water Sage gave a small smile in reply before closing her lower eyes and becoming surrounded by a deep blue aura. After a few seconds she disappeared in the air, which scattered into orbs that flew into the distance.
"I believe I shall indulge; it's been years since I was able to enjoy your hot springs." Zelda said with a smile.
"I shall go as well." Impa immediately put in after Zelda, her sharp eyes going over everyone momentarily.
"Let's go, Brothers!" Goron Link exclaimed excitedly before rolling into a ball and taking off down the tunnel Medigoron had emerged from. The other two Goron were quick to follow his lead, and the three rolling Gorons sounded like an avalanche as they went out of sight.
Darunia let out a deep chuckle before looking over at the others. "Well then, is everyone ready?" He asked before walking to the tunnel.
Goron Hot Spring – Women's Division
Malon let out a contented sigh as she leaned back in the spring, steam flowing around everywhere from the heat. "This is incredible." She said while sinking more into the water, her red hair floating around her as she did so.
"A hot spring always feels amazing." Lucy agreed as she stretched her arms over her head before leaning against the side of the spring. "I'm really glad that the Gorons have this." She said before looking at the large dividing stone wall. "I'm also glad they have the wall, but I have to admit I didn't think they'd care about something like that with what Darunia said earlier." She admitted with a relieved sigh.
"That would be due to visiting Hylians." Zelda said, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the hot water. "My father requested of Darunia that such a wall be made to preserve modesty." She explained before shifting slightly as the heat penetrated her muscles.
"Such a shame." Naiteri remarked, her mask laid down over to the side with the rest of her clothes to reveal her smirk. "I'd love to get another eyeful of those three without clothes. Maybe see the quality of their 'blades'." She said with a dreamy sigh.
Zelda's eyes shot open as she, Malon, and Lucy blushed in embarrassment.
"What do you mean?" Saria asked curiously, pausing in her carefree splashing as Erza shot Naiteri an annoyed glare.
"Pay Naiteri no mind, Saria." Zelda said hastily as she also sent the Gerudo a stern look.
Saria just sighed and shook her head. "All this fascination with seeing people naked. I guess this is something Mido and I can agree on; sometimes you adults are just weird. So much fuss over reproduction." She commented with a helpless shrug.
Everyone around her but Impa and Navi jerked in surprise at her statement and fixed her with a stare, making her look at them uncertainly. "What?" Saria asked, not sure what the new fuss was about.
"Y-You know what Naiteri was talking about?" Lucy asked, her face now bright red as she looked down at the young-looking Kokiri.
"Well of course. Animals in nature are driven by that instinct once a year." Saria answered as she looked up at the blonde. "I've seen the cycle repeated for decades without fail. Why wouldn't I know about it?" She asked and Lucy blinked in rapid succession as her mouth opened in shock.
It's.. it's too easy to forget just how old the Kokiri are. Lucy thought, a sentiment echoed by the others as they also looked at the Forest Sage. "Are you really almost 400 years old as well?" She had to ask, needing to know if Mido had been telling the truth about his age.
Saria smiled brightly before bringing her right hand to her mouth. "Teeheeheehee." She giggled in amusement before looking back up at Lucy. "Of course, and I needed all that experience dealing with Link after the Great Deku Tree asked me to raise him." Saria said before shaking her head. "Such a precocious baby... always getting into things he shouldn't." She remarked with good-natured exasperation.
"Like what?" Erza asked as she leaned towards the greenette.
"If it was his first time seeing something, Link had to investigate it. If I told him no, he had to go find out why. Even Mido's stubbornness was a blessing at times compared to that little scamp." Saria said before giggling.
"And yet your only warning to me was 'He will seem a handful at times." Navi remarked dryly as she hovered over Erza's shoulder. Her comment got giggles and soft laughter, but the blue fairy ignored it as she turned to the brown-eyed redhead. "Speaking of Link, just how did you manage to get him to take care of himself?" She asked curiously.
Erza looked up at Navi, her gaze questioning. "Exactly how I said earlier. I tried reasoning at first, but quickly found that logic regarding his own well-being was getting me nowhere." She said and got a quick, amused chime from Navi. "Thus, I resorted to force." She finished with a smirk and nod of her head, her hair rippling in the water with the movement.
"That seems a bit excessive." Zelda remarked, but her words got more giggles and soft laughter. "What?" She asked as she looked around.
"Zelda, if I had the ability to beat some sense into Link I would have done the same thing." Navi said as she flew over to her shoulder. "Like Erza said, anytime I tried to use logic to get Link to take better care of himself it got me nowhere. The only times anything got through to him was if other people were involved as well. I'm just surprised that even brute force worked on him." She gave off a brief chime before looking back over at Erza.
"Well, if it was just force then of course that wouldn't have worked either." Erza admitted as she crossed her arms under her chest. "It's more like... I was providing reminders at times." She said with a thoughtful nod. "It just took some time for them to get through Link's thick skull." She went on a few moments later with an amused smirk.
Navi gave an amused chime, and even Zelda couldn't help but giggle at Erza's accurate description for Link.
"So, Erza, I have to ask." Aveil started off as she sat up straight and got a questioning look from her fellow redhead. "You started bathing with Link when you two were kids, right?" She asked and got a nod from Erza. An amused smirk came to Aveil and a mischievous light sparkled in her eyes. "So what exactly convinced you to do something so bold as a kid?" The Gerudo Chieftan asked teasingly, which caused Malon, Zelda, and Lucy to blush slightly.
Erza blink in confused surprise at Aveil's words while Nabooru, Naiteri, and Irim shared amused giggles. "Bold?" She asked while tilting her head slightly, trying to figure out what she was talking about. "I just did what I read was useful in helping people become closer." There was another brief burst of giggling and blushes that deepened Erza's confusion.
"Well, the thing is..." Malon trailed off uncertainly with a quick glance at an also blushing Lucy before continuing. "Here in Hyrule, the only times opposite genders bathe together are parents washing their kids or... well, lovers." She explained with a quick cough into her hand.
Erza froze at her words before turning bright red, her eyes widening as she recalled several... risqué scenes from books she had borrowed from her guildmate Levy. "Th-that not what it was!" She stammered out, her hands coming up defensively, and Lucy was thrown off balance by Erza, Erza the Titania, acting like that.
"Oh?" Irim put it in with an amused smirk. "Well, I suppose that would be a bit much for a kid. But I don't think anyone here could blame you for having a crush on him." She teased and Lucy froze as her eyes widened with fear.
Erza's eyes narrowed as her right hand came up with a golden-bladed claymore, the Buster Claymore, firmly held in her grasp, her blush shifting from embarrassment to anger. "What was that?" She asked with a dangerous glint in her eyes.
Irim froze as Erza's glare hit her full force. As she felt the Fairy Tail Mage's presence push against her she recalled too late how that same anger almost cost Rauru his life.
Malon started to shake as Erza's magical power affected her more intensely than the others, neither an experienced fighter nor trained in magic. What... what is this? She wondered and swallowed nervously.
This amount of magical power... Zelda thought even as she instinctively prepared a defensive spell. A quick glance at Impa showed that even the skilled Sheikah Chieftain turned Shadow Sage was on edge, as was the Lone Wolf Thief turned Spirit Sage, Nabooru.
"Hold up!" Navi chimed sharply as she zoomed to fly in front of Erza. "How about an explanation before disemboweling her?" She demanded and the redhead's brown eyes shifted to the fairy momentarily before going back to Irim.
After a few more tense seconds, Erza sighed before Ex-Equipping the Buster Claymore and settled back fully into the spring. Everyone let loose a sigh of relief as the Titania's magical power faded, though Malon kept shivering for a few more seconds.
As she calmed down, Erza seemed to be a bit embarrassed by her reaction and looked over at the rancher. "My apologies for subjecting you to that." She said to Malon and got a nod and smile after the redhead had finished recovering. Erza gave back a small smile before becoming serious again. "When Link first arrived he was prone to not sleeping well. Not only that, the light in his eyes would sometimes be darkened by things I didn't know about at the time." She said and then seemed to shrink in on herself, her hands wrapping around her now upright knees, as everyone looked at her in surprise. "He called me his partner… and though I didn't know how much at the time I knew it meant a lot to him. I suppose… I wanted to better understand him, to try and lighten his burden as he had for me." Erza said softly as she looked down at the water tightly. "He... he was terrified of the idea, but I pushed for it anyways." She swallowed as she recalled the haunted look on her partner's face.
"Link was terrified of taking a bath? I don't understand, why would he be afraid of that?" Saria asked, confusion and worry mixing equally on her childlike face.
"Because of the scar." Navi explained softly and Erza sighed in a way that confirmed the fairy's statement. When Zelda looked up at her sharply, Navi let out a resigned chime. "To him, the scar was a constant reminder of the words from that Dark Link and his fear of letting everyone down. You all saw how he was before letting everyone see it, but that was after coming to terms with it. The time right after it..." She trailed off, obviously unwilling to elaborate, and remained silent for a few moments before letting out a brighter-sounding chime. "I'm still surprised you were able to convince him." Navi remarked but Erza remained silent, her grip on her knees tightening slightly.
"Erza," Zelda said softly, and after a few moments the redhead looked over at her. "When this was discussed earlier, you were ashamed about something." She continued and got looks of surprise from Malon, Lucy, Naiteri, and Irim. "What happened?" She asked in that same gentle tone.
Erza swallowed at the question before looking back down at the water. "I wanted to get to know him... to try and remove that darkness. When he looked so scared about his scar, I tried to tell him about my own." Her right hand came up from her legs to rest by her eye before she looked back up at everyone. "This isn't my real eye, but a fake one made by Fairy Tail's Medical Advisor, an elderly woman named Porlyusica." Erza explained after a few more moments of silence.
Lucy looked to the side in emphatic discomfort and Navi let out a sharp chime as everyone else looked at Erza in shock at her words.
"I tried to tell him how I lost it... that I had been a slave and it had been destroyed by the Cult of Zeref. But the words wouldn't come out… they wouldn't get past those images of the revolt... of my failure to save my friends and fellow slaves." Erza continued before closing her eyes. "When I realized how unfair I was being, I asked Link to hit me as punishment." She didn't see the looks of surprise her statement garnered. Their surprise shifted slightly as a small smile came to her with a light blush adorning her cheeks. "But... he understood why I couldn't talk about it and refused my request. Instead we just... talked as we bathed." She said with a fond, nostalgic chuckle.
"What about?" Saria asked with a curious tilt of her head.
Erza blinked a couple of times before looking towards the Forest Sage with a small smile. "Well, we set a rule that the only thing we didn't really talk about was our past. At least not while it made us uncomfortable to discuss it." She started off and got a nod from the greenette. "However, we found there were still plenty of things to talk about. As time went on, we started discussing new tactics and ideas. We found that taking a bath is also a great time for new ideas to occur."
"It really is!" Saria agreed with a bright smile. "Sometimes the best ideas can only happen if you're relaxed. And what's more relaxing than a bath with friends?" She asked cheerfully and got an agreeing smile from Erza.
"Erza, how long was this bath?" Zelda asked, curious how long they could have been talking for one bath to go over so many things.
The Requip Mage was a little confused by the question but looked up as she tried to recall how long they had talked in the spring. "I believe it was roughly half an hour." Erza finally decided after some deliberation. "Depending how tired we were subsequent baths might be longer. Link's spring is quite serene and easy to just drift off in a doze." She said with a smile.
Zelda froze as she felt jealousy flash through her for a moment before fading. At first she was taken aback by the feeling, although she understood how something involving Link could make her jealous. The royal had heard before that only in losing something do you realize how important it is, how much it means to you. Zelda had already faced that when she had seen Link spiral away in the void with that look of sheer terror on his face and felt her heart shatter. Ensuring his actions had not been in vain, that all of Hyrule would recover from Ganondorf's evil, had firmed her resolve and allowed her to step up and claim the throne. However, it had not eased her pain or guilt, both in her failure to save Link and in her decision to delay Rauru's search until balance was truly returning to Hyrule.
"Hold on, Link has his own spring?" Lucy demanded in surprise. When a surprised Erza looked over and nodded her head in confirmation, the blonde's surprise quickly turned to aggravation. "How come I've never seen it?" She asked as she crossed her arms over her chest in annoyance.
Erza blinked in surprise at that before looking down thoughtfully. "I suppose I did forget to talk to you about it. My apologies." She said after looking back up at Lucy, who smiled in response.
"So when was the last time you two bathed together?" Nabooru asked with a raised eyebrow. Erza's talk about subsequent baths, not to mention lack of embarrassment or excitement when Link was just in his underwear, made her curious about the answer.
"Some time last week or so after a day of reconstructing our Guild Hall." The Titania replied, only to lock up as everyone but Impa and Saria looked at her in surprise.
Zelda barely stopped a quick gasp of shock but couldn't help surge of jealousy. The thought of Link bathing with Erza, by any measure a beautiful woman with a figure many woman would kill for, left her momentarily speechless.
Navi let out a sharp chime that got everyone's attention before flying over to Erza. "Listen, I don't care about things like baths other than it helped my partner out. Erza, I want to hear more about what Link has been up to." She said, to which the redhead blinked as she regained her composure.
"Very well." Erza agreed with a nod.
Goron City Gathering Hall – Two Hours Later
Throughout Goron City, the sounds of the celebratory drums could be heard echoing everywhere. This was a party of a scale not seen in years, since the days Link had cleared Dodongo's Cavern and saved them from starvation. Groaning, celebratory voices could be heard along with the sounds of loud crunching as rocks of various sizes were consumed. The Hylian of the hour was currently sitting at a large stone table with Goron Link, the new Big Boss of the Gorons, Erza, Saria, Lucy, Navi, and several other Gorons.
Zelda and Impa had departed after getting out of the hot spring to get started on planning the parade and festival to celebrate Link's return. Nabooru, Aveil, Naiteri, and Irim had also left for Gerudo Fortress in preparation for Link's upcoming visit as well as the trade negotiation with King Zora XVI. Darunia had gone back up to rejoin Medigoron and Biggoron, though he had passed on that he was intending to come back down before the party was over. Gray, Natsu, Happy, Soso, and Alma had split off shortly after to explore the city separately.
"When Brother Link told me Big Brother Darunia had actually contacted him, I didn't know what to think at first." The new Goron Big Boss, a nine-foot warrior named Nemirog, admitted as he looked at Link.
"Yet you still allowed him to come with two other Gorons." Erza stated with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course!" Nemirog said with a laugh. "I didn't think Brother Link had lied. It just took me by surprise to know that Big Brother Darunia had reached out." He admitted before his face went somber. "No one's heard from him since... Volvagia... and Brother Link told us he had become the Fire Sage." He got out as he looked down at the table, one hand tightening into a large fist.
"Is that how the Goron Big Boss should look at a party?" Darunia boomed out as he walked into the large cavern with over a dozen other Gorons following behind him.
Nemirog jerked in surprise before he turned to look at the mighty Fire Sage. "Big Brother!" He launched himself to his feet with a wide smile on his face, an action copied by all the other Gorons seated at the table.
"Not anymore, Big Brother Nemirog." Darunia corrected with a smile as he walked up to the slightly smaller Goron, and his words had Nemirog glance away uneasily. "I was happy to hear you had been chosen to take my place." He proudly placed his right hand on the other Goron's shoulder.
Nemirog looked back at Darunia in surprise but the sincere smile on his face, coupled with the approving groans from all around, finally brought the Goron Big Boss's smile back. "No one can take your place, Big Brother. But I'll do my best for our brothers." He said with a determined nod of his head.
"Then this should go to you." Link said as he walked up to join the two. When the two leaders looked over at him questioningly, the Hylian brought his left hand up. "I wasn't sure who to return this to." He explained before Requipping a weapon to his hand.
Nemirog's eyes went wide in shock at the proffered legend, the Megaton Hammer. "Th-this..." He trailed off before gulping. "O-only those of the Goron Hero's bloodline should wield such a weapon." He said with a shake of his head.
"It should be used by our Big Brother!" Goron Link declared with a smile while putting both hands into the air. When all the other Gorons nearby responded with their own groaning roars of approval, Nemirog swallowed again before tentatively reaching out. As his first two fingers wrapped around the handle, Link released it to allow him to fully grip the hammer.
Erza watched the exchange silently with Lucy. The redhead was mildly awestruck that the Megaton Hammer, a weapon she had become accustomed to seeing Link wield, held such a cultural importance to these powerful-looking beings.
This is just like in old stories and legends. Lucy thought with as she watched with sparkling eyes, caught up in the building excitement.
Malon found herself getting caught up in the rising emotions as well. I can't believe I'm actually seeing this in person. The rancher thought, the tips of her ears vibrating in excitement.
Nemirog looked down at the hammer for a few seconds before thrusting it up vigorously. "GUUUOOOOOGHHH!" His victorious roar came out, which was echoed by the surrounding Gorons. Now it felt like the party could truly begin.
Hyrule Castle
Queen Zelda sat in a large, lavishly decorated room, doing her best to hold in a sigh. The bedroom was everything one might expect from a member of a royal family. A large vanity mirror stood by the wall; a changing screen was set up by a door that led into a walk-in closet filled with ornate dresses, silk nightgowns, and various decorative shoes; a rainbow-stained window that opened to a balcony; a couch with various chairs, all lavishly designed completed the room. In fact, the only thing missing was a large, over-the-top bed. Another door hinted at the location of the bed, but that door was only opened when Zelda was alone and prepared to sleep.
Zelda wasn't alone now, with blonde and brunette ladies-in-waiting brushing her hair and carefully checking her make-up. The make-up wasn't intended to stand out but rather subtle touches of blush and red lipstick and thus was simple enough to check. Hyrule's Queen hardly cared for this, but even only a year after her country was saved the importance of her appearance often led to simpler dealings with the nobles that had gone into hiding after escaping Ganondorf's coup.
"Your Majesty." Impa's voice as she suddenly appeared behind the three women in the vanity mirror had the two ladies-in-waiting turning around with surprised gasps and barely restrained screams. Zelda, who had felt the shifting of magic that usually heralded Impa's rare appearances in the castle, barely reacted at all.
"Esea, Satriath, please wait outside until I call for you." Zelda instructed, and once they recovered from their surprise blushed slightly in embarrassment even as they bowed with their hands folded before their light blue dresses.
"Of course, your majesty." They both said respectfully before leaving through the main, ornate double-door. Once they were gone, the queen gracefully stood before turning to face her one-time nanny and bodyguard.
"What is it, Impa?" Zelda asked as she locked eyes with the Shadow Sage.
Impa studied Zelda carefully, but the blonde royal waited patiently without reacting. "When will you talk to him about it?" She finally asked after several seconds.
Zelda was silent as she considered the question for a few seconds, her face showing nothing of her thoughts. "Perhaps after the festival, once he has had time to readjust." She finally said and Impa's eyes narrowed slightly. "Rauru was able to detect the Triforce of Courage within seconds of its use. Do you believe that the Triforce of Power would be more difficult to detect?" Zelda asked, her tone firm but not sharp.
Impa paused at that before nodding her head in acknowledgement. "Understood." She said before simply vanishing as if swallowed by her own shadow.
Zelda was silent, her eyes narrowed slightly but unfocused. Impa... do you truly believe Link would not already be aware of our fear? She wondered before turning to walk to the door she had sent her ladies-in-waiting.
Not going to lie, imagining the over-the-top expressions Natsu, Happy, and Lucy can pull off when Biggoron woke up had me pausing while typing a few times to chuckle, lol.
I appreciate the divinity tier from God-King Ghidora. Not sure when I'll use it, but it's something I'll have to keep in mind.
As previousoly stated, I do not take story requests. I've got enough stories I'm working between to take up my time in addition to gaming, working, and raising two brats, lol.
Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter.
Till next time.