Zora's Domain
Roxas and Link stood before King Dorephan who had Sidon and Muzu off to the side.
King Dorephan chuckled softly. "Sidon, who do you think the two were that defeated the last one that decided to claim Ploymus Mountain for his own?"
"Your majesty." Link stated drawing the attention of the two Zora back to him. "If you have a plan for subduing the Divine Best, we would like to hear it. Whatever we can do to help…"
Dorephan smiled warmly at this before glancing back down at Sidon. The younger Zora sighed softly in acceptance and stepped closer to the pair.
"Yes, I suppose your help would be appreciated due to the nature of the task." Sidon admitted. "You see, we have made several attempts already to calm Ruta, but nothing has been effective with the exception of one thing, shock arrows."
"Like the ones the Lizalfos were using?" Link questioned.
"Exactly," Sidon nodded. "We've discovered that a shock arrow, shot with precision at key points on Ruta's body, is able to cause her to shut down temporarily. As you might have seen during our encounter with the Lizalfos, Zora are sensitive to electric shocks.
We cannot safely use shock arrows ourselves, but that hasn't stopped us from trying. One of our own was able to successfully use one arrow; however, when he tried to use a second arrow, it nearly killed him."
"So, you need me to use shock arrows to weaken the Divine Beast?" Link question.
"That and your friend's proclivity for electric magic." Sidon stated. "Using both in tandem should get the job done; however, it's not that simple. You see, we Zora do not typically use shock arrows. Due to our weakness to them, we do not have any here."
"Then where did you find the one you used in the first place?" Roxas asked. "What about the Lizalfos?"
The Zora prince sighed softly. "That's the problem. We found the one we used against the Divine Beast. As for the Lizalfos… who knows where they got theirs. I know that we searched any Lizalfo camps we've come across, but the ones used yesterday were the first we've seen."
"Is it possible to buy them off a merchant?" Link asked.
"Perhaps, but we have not learned of any merchants that sell them." Sidon informed. "Given how the East Lake Reservoir, where Ruta makes her home, fills every day, we are left with one, viable option. The Lynel on Ploymus Mountain.
They are fearsome beast, and one has taken up residence on top of the mountain. It isn't the first time one of their kind has done so. Father is right. The last time one to do so was defeated by you and Mipha."
"I take it the reason we'd slay the beast is because he has shock arrows?" Roxas inquired.
"That is correct." Sidon nodded. "We have tried to kill, or at least drive the Lynel away, but it is a crafty, deadly foe. Several of our greatest warriors have tried, and not all of them survived to escape."
Sidon shook his head and opened his mouth to say more. He then stopped before glancing at his father. That gave them the sense that there was more to this story.
"I know this is much to ask of you two," King Dorephan stated gravely. "but we believe that the only way to get past Ruta's defenses is through the use of electricity."
"All things considered, Roxas and I got to get into Ruta." Link stated. "Not to mention, returning it to its previous state seems like the right call with the danger we've been informed of."
"Taking on a Lynel sounds like a good test of how far we've come in our training." Roxas stated. "We also intended to take out every monster in this region anyways."
Not long after agreeing to attempt to defeat the Lynel, Sidon led the partners out of the palace. He seemed frustrated and waved off Bazz when he attempted to follow assuring him that he was just going to show the pair to the inn. Bazz reluctantly agreed to let them go off alone.
They walked in silence for a time before the tall Zora spoke. "You know, while you're here, I hear that we're in need of some more luminous stone for new construction projects. Could you take care of that for us as well?"
The pair looked up at Sidon in confusion only for him to sigh. "I'm sorry for that, but I am merely frustrated. I just… do not agree with making you solve all our problems. The Lynel is our concern, and not even the most pressing one."
"I thought that you said there was no other way to get shock arrows." Link stated.
"Not that I know of. Not in time." Sidon exhaled slowly. "Still, it shouldn't be you two. Not alone, but my father has forbidden me from challenging the Lynel. He is willing to allow other Zora to face it and die, but he will not risk my life."
Uncertain of what they should say in response, the pair remained quiet.
"I'm sorry." Sidon glanced at them. "I don't mean to involve you in my problems."
They moved down the stairs which led onto a wide town square with the fountain that the boys had seen from afar. Now that they were closer to it, Link could see that it was more than a simple fountain. It was a statue made in the likeness of a female Zora holding a trident.
Link's brows furrowed as he saw the statue. He took note of the slender, feminine body that the Zora possessed, the relaxed way she held the spear, and the kindly expression that had been painstakingly carved into its face.
Link gasped before hurrying across the square. "Is that…"
Sidon and Roxas followed him with the former stepping up beside the hero. "My sister, Mipha. The Zora Champion."
"Mipha…." Link could recognize her face now that he was up close.
Vague though his only memory of her was, he could see that the sculptor had worked exceedingly hard to capture every detail of her face. Absently, Link reached down to his belt and removed his Sheikah Slate.
He tapped the screen until he reached a photograph of the Zora woman standing tall and looking slightly embarrassed. She stood in front of a large mechanical creature in the shape of an elephant, Divine Beast Vah Ruta.
He compared the photograph with the statue and marveled at the craftsmanship. It was remarkable. A testament to just how much the Zora revered her. Link heard a gasp before Sidon's face was level with Link's. He was looking at the Sheikah Slate with wide eyes.
"That is… amazing." Sidon was slightly breathless. "I haven't…"
Link glanced at Sidon and saw the emotion in the Zora's face. He focused his eyes upon the Sheikah Slate as well. Something about it seemed to call to him. Something…
"I have not seen my sister like that in one hundred years." Sidon's voice was heavy with emotion. "In truth, I do not even remember her well anymore as I had not even reached my twentieth year when she was taken.
I remember only specific memories… for the most part. I remember, for example, when she carried me up the Veiled Falls. Your princess was there as well. I remember Mipha told me that I would need to protect our home…"
Roxas looked at him. "Then, come with us to fight the Lynel."
Sidon nodded as his eyes hardened with resolve. "I will."
Link stared from his partner to the Zora prince while considering the possible consequences of this action. He had the sense that the king would likely refuse to let Sidon go. In any case, he certainly did not want to be responsible for the death of another of King Dorephan's children.
"This means to much for Sidon." Link thought. "I can't rescind Roxas' invitation to this."
"Considering you will already have a friend with you, this will not be like the time you slayed the beast with my sister." Sidon grinned toothily and stood taller. "Still, together, we shall slay the Lynel and tame the Divine Beast. It will be glorious!"
Link wished he could feel confident. All he felt was this sinking feeling. He was aware that by saying nothing he had agreed to place another royal child in mortal danger. He had no way of knowing what they would be facing in the Divine Beast.
"Come!" Sidon began walking towards the inn. "If we are to slay a Lynel tomorrow, then we must get some rest now."
Link glanced back down at the Sheikah Slate and Mipha's smiling face.
Roxas put a hand on his friend's shoulder, getting his attention, and whispered, "Don't worry, we've seen that Sidon is a capable warrior." He nodded. "Even though you shouldn't blame yourself for her death, I'll ensure Sidon's does not come to weigh on you."
Link nodded gratefully before gaining a determined look. "I'll ensure that myself as well."
They then followed the prince to the inn. It was rather pleasant even if it was different than the other inns they'd been in. It, like many of the other Zora businesses, had only half-walls leaving the inside fully exposed to the night a result, the air in the inn was cool and moist.
Though a few warming braziers helped to keep it comfortable. It also had a single, round room with several beds in a semi-circle around it, and what appeared to be a bed with a mattress full of water. They saw Kass sleeping on one of the beds.
They also met a female Zora, named Kodah. who grinned brightly at Link. "Linny, it is you!"
Sidon gave Link a sympathetic smile before leaving Link to explain to a very excited Kodah what he had been doing for the last one hundred years. When the hero looked to his partner, he found that the Nobody had backed all the way to wall.
Morning…
The morning brought with it a messenger in the form of a Zora child who informed the pair that they were needed back at the palace right away. Worrying that something even worse had happened, they quickly dressed and went with the boy to the palace.
Upon arrival, they found Kass in the presence of King Dorephan, Sidon, and Muzu. They had wondered where the Rito had gone upon noticing he wasn't in the inn when they awoke. They should have guessed his goal would be to seek information about Mipha from her own family.
"Ah, there you two are." King Dorephan smiled when he noticed the pair. "I trust you slept well?"
"We did, your majesty," Roxas stated.
"Excellent!" King Dorephan declared. "While I am certain you wish to begin your task soon, I spoke with Sidon last night, and we are in agreement that it would not be right for us to ask you to do this without at least outfitting you in the best that Zora's Domain has to offer."
"It is only right we provide for asking such a monumental task." Sidon added.
He stepped forward holding a beautiful scabbard lined with silver and ornamented with a blue sapphire in its center. The base of the scabbard was wider than the tip. A sword's hilt extended out from the sheath. Sidon held the scabbard out to Link who took it without reply.
He pulled the sword from the scabbard, and his eyes widened at its silvery gleam. The hilt was elaborate with a dual cross-guard shaped like a pair of wings beneath another pair of curved hooks. A sapphire ornamented the center of the cross-guard.
The blade made Link think of a knight's lance as it flared wide near its base and narrowed in the center. Its tip; however, grew wider again like the head of a spear. It was uniquely Zora in appearance and shockingly light as well.
It was a thing of beauty, but if Link were honest with himself, he thought he preferred the more traditional look for a sword. This blade was certainly of higher quality, but he did hope that its lightness was not a sign of durability. It wouldn't do for the sword to break mid fight.
He sheathed the sword and bowed low in the manner of the Sheikah. "Thank you, your majesty. This is a wonderful gift."
"Roxas, we would have prepared something for you, but I have been informed your weapons are rather unique." Dorephan stated.
"They are." Roxas nodded. "Do not worry about me, your majesty."
"Good, good!" Dorephan nodded with satisfaction. "Now, I believe my son has agreed to lead you two to the base of Ploymus Mountain."
The pair glanced at Sidon. "Yes, it wouldn't do to send you off in a direction and expect you to find your way, would it?"
The prince gave them a wink. This was clearly his idea on how he'd join the pair in their quest slay the Lynel. While Roxas' assurance was able to help clear up some of that sinking feeling, Link could still feel a bit of it in the pit of his stomach.
They met up at the bridge leading east out of the city with Sidon smiling broadly. He held his spear nonchalantly, haft pressed against the ground, and raised a hand in greeting. Link noticed that he also had a very similar sword strapped to his waist as well.
"It's a wonderful day, don't you think?" Sidon asked.
"You didn't tell your father you were coming with us?" Link asked.
Sidon looked down at him in surprise "Of course not! I told you he has expressly forbidden me from doing anything of the sort."
"But if something happens…" Link began.
"Nothing will happen." Sidon interrupted. "After all, I have the Hylian Champion and his highly skilled friend alongside me, do I not?"
Link sighed. "Sidon, I don't know what kind of tales have been told about me." He exhaled slowly. "Honestly, they might even be true, but I have no idea what we're walking into here. I don't have a clue what a Lynel is or how to defeat one."
"Do you think I do not understand that?" Sidon's smile had disappeared. "I have lost friends to this creature." His tone was firm. "It has terrorized us for months now, and many Zora have tried to defeat it. I know that if a Zora is hit with one of those shock arrows, it will kill."
"Then, perhaps Roxas and I should go alone." Link stated.
"No." Sidon declared. "This is something that I must do because I must protect my city. I am their prince, and they are my people. That is all the incentive I need to do this."
"That's admirable." Roxas spoke up. "Look, I want you her, but at the end of the day, neither of us want to return and say the prince died on our watch. I think Link would feel better if you made sure to be careful."
"I'm always careful." Sidon stated before turning and moving towards the distant mountain.
Link and Roxas followed him to the opposite side of the bridge and walked onto the grass at the base of the mountain. Ploymus Mountain was a rocky mountain that had a curve to it. This resulted in a gentler slope to the north while the southern slope inverted upon itself.
The peak hung over the reservoir where Vah Ruta had made its home. Normally, the climb up the mountain would not be overly difficult, but the rain-slick ground made it more treacherous. Sidon brought them over to a bush and retrieved a large, wrapped bundle from behind it.
He placed it on the ground and unwrapped it, revealing a Zora bow and quiver of arrows, a large length of rope, several climbing potions, and a few haste potions. "For Zora, climbing the mountain is fairly easy.
After all, we can swim up the waterfalls. For a Hylian, I wouldn't suggest trying to climb the sheer rock walls in this rain. When it came down to Roxas, I know you both said he could run up surfaces like this, so I thought some haste potions might ensure it."
"Did you place these out here last night?" Link asked.
"Why, yes." Sidon stood up straight again. "It would have looked suspicious if I'd walked out with you and all of this."
A shadow passed over the group, and they looked up in surprise to see a large, avian form pass overhead. With a flap of his wings, the figure landed on the grass before them revealing himself to be Kass. He didn't carry any musical instruments, but he did have a short bow.
"Kass, what are you doing here?" Link asked.
The Rito bowed slightly to Sidon before smiling at Link and Roxas. "I had hoped that you would permit me to accompany you on your quest. Though I am now wondering if I should be asking Prince Sidon the question…"
Sidon, for his part, did not seem alarmed at Kass' appearance, and merely grinned in his typical way. "Looking for inspiration for a new song, bard?"
Kass inclined his head towards Sidon. "It is as you say, your majesty. You see, when I met Link and Roxas on the road, I suspected the former's identity… I apologize for not saying anything, but I could tell that you were uncomfortable speaking of these things, Link. Now that I know for certain, I cannot pass up the opportunity to see this for myself."
"This is going to be dangerous, Kass." Link warned.
"I assure you I will stay well out of danger." Kass stated genuinely.
"It should be fine, Link." Roxas assured.
Pursing his lips, Link met Roxas' eyes and sighed. "All right, you can come, but I can't answer any questions about the past."
Kass tilted his head slightly. "I already said I noticed you were uncomfortable discussing such things. I had not intended on pressing the matter."
"No, it's not that." Link sighed. "The reason I'm uncomfortable is because I just can't remember the past. I lost my memories."
"Fascinating." Kass' eyes widened. "You must tell me how this happened…" He paused and looked slightly abashed. "After this day, of course. Right now, we must focus on the task at hand."
"Wonderful! The more the merrier!" Sidon clapped his hands together. "Shall we go?"
The four of them, Hylian, Nobody, Zora, and Rito, began towards the mountain.
Memory
Link grasped the wet stone with cold fingers and grit his teeth as he struggled to maintain his grip on the stone. The rain had begun in earnest mid-climb almost making him slip several times. Next to him, the waterfall roared as it fell to the ground below.
He learned long ago not to look down and continued to climb by finding the small handholds that he was able to fit his fingers and feet into. Finally, his hand reached the top of the rock face, and a pair of red Zora hands clasped his own helping him climb to the top.
Once at the top, Link sighed softly while nodding towards his companion. He then looked up the remaining hill that led to the top of Ploymus Mountain. The Lynel that had been terrorizing the Zora would be there. Link had to wonder just how many Zora had perished to it.
"Mipha, are you sure you're ready?" Link asked.
"I'm prepared, Link." Mipha nodded. "I'll be sure to have the energy left to heal you after."
Link turned to look at the slender Zora and appreciated that she was here. There were few Zora he trusted to have his back like his old friend. He gave her a small nod in acknowledgement before looking towards the much shallower incline that led up to the peak.
He began to walk on up and heard Mipha fall in behind him. The plan was simple. Link would take point while she followed up with her graceful movements. This was the best possible way to handle this since the Zora princess worked exceptional well at following up Link's movements.
Despite the monsters they'd fought together, Link would be lying if he thought this would be a breeze. Unlike Bokoblins, Moblins, and Lizalfos, this was a Lynel. While they did not speak Hylian to his knowledge, they were still a highly intelligent form of monster.
That intelligence was coupled with their territorial nature. If someone ended up in their territory by accident, they would usually give a warning, and only attack should that warning be ignored. Not so with this one based on what Link had been told.
Shatterback Point, the peak of Ploymus Mountain, was preceded by a flat, lush patch of land situated just beneath the peak. It was a favorite spot among Zora for recreation and romantic rendezvous. Grass covered the small plateau, and trees grew near the peak.
There was a path that circled around the mountain up to the northeastern side of the flat expanse. As they approached the top, Link crouched and looked for any signs of their quarry. He saw no immediate sign of the Lynel which could mean it was hidden among the trees.
Before Link could signal to the Zora princess, there was an ear-shattering roar. The Hylian moved past Mipha, who had drawn her weapon, and drew his sword and shield. Their quarry had circled around on them, and the fight was set to begin.
Present
"Link!" Sidon shouted.
Link heard a long, sustained roar making his body tense up as he prepared for a fight. He tried to grip his sword hilt tightly only to find that it wasn't in his hand. Then, he realized it was a waterfall rather than a towering creature made of muscle and terror.
He wasn't at the peak of Ploymus Mountain; he was near the base. Link gasped sharply and stumbled back which drew worried expressions from Roxas, Sidon, and Kass. Rain poured all around them helping to bring the hero back to the moment.
"Link, what happened?" Roxas took a step towards him. "Are you okay?"
"You froze." Kass added. "We were speaking about the mountain before you stopped moving."
Link looked at everyone. "I'm fine." He focused on Sidon and tried to clear his throat. "I just witnessed something. I saw your sister."
"My sister?" Sidon asked.
"In a memory." Link continued. "We were going to fight the Lynel when it ambushed us."
"Incredible." Kass was excited. "Of course, that's not how the story is told today. In fact, some of the recent versions of it I've heard don't even mention your presence, but one should always expect some embellishment in such heroic tales."
Link met Sidon's eyes unsure of how the tall Zora would react.
Finally, Sidon's face broke into a grin, and he placed a hand on Link's shoulder. "That's wonderful, Link! I should not be surprised that thoughts of Mipha would cause you to remember. You both were so close from what I have been told. Did you remember anything else?"
"No, just… It was so clear." Link replied. "I remember my thoughts… my feelings."
Mipha really had been a true friend.
"It makes sense." Roxas was thinking on his own experiences with the few memories he'd gotten from Sora over the course of his existence. "I would imagine we are retreading a route you took one hundred years ago to face a different Lynel."
"It is amazing how history has a tendency to repeat itself." Kass commented.
"Yes, it is." Sidon stated thoughtfully. "I imagine you will have many songs to write after this day."
Kass smiled. "Oh, I am sure that I may be able to come up with a couple."
Link finally forced himself to relax as being in the moment helped him digest the fact that it'd been another memory.
"Well, shall we continue?" Sidon asked.
Everyone agreed before the prince approached the body of water at the base of the waterfall. Mikau Lake, Sidon had called it. He'd been telling them about the mountain when Link's memory had been triggered. Sidon leapt into the air before arcing into a perfect dive.
A moment later, he burst out of it and into the rushing waterfall. Roxas sprinted up the rock face near the waterfall alongside him. Amazed, Link watched as they both moved straight onto the top. The pair of them soon vanished from view leaving Link to glance over at Kass.
"Can't you just fly up?" Link asked.
"Yes and no." The Rito smiled. "You see, common Rito are not actually that proficient at difficult flight. We can fly but prefer there to be a good updraft for extended flights. Our bones are far denser than that of common birds and flying straight up is exceedingly difficult.
It would take me a long time to gain enough altitude in the weather we currently have. In a sense, I am currently as flightless as you. If I were to take off from the peak, and it were not raining this heavily, I could likely fly halfway across Hyrule before needing rest."
"I didn't know that." Link looked apologetic. "I just assumed…"
"It's quite all right." Kass chuckled and shook his head. "It is a very normal misconception on our species, and, as I said, some are better at flight than others. Champion Revali, for instance, was said to be a master of the skies."
At that moment, a length of rope dropped down from the ledge above before Sidon and Roxas' heads popped into view.
"Hello, down there!" Sidon waved. "Climb on up!"
Kass looked at Link with a smile before motioning with a feathered hand that he should go first. Link obliged by stepping forward and grasping the rope. It was slick from the rain, but he was able to grip it well enough. He began to pull himself up while using the cliffside for footholds.
In only a few short minutes, he had scaled the wall and was now looking down at Kass. The Rito, for his part, climbed the wall without many problems either. The fingers at the end of his wings gripped the rope well, and he used the talons on his feet for added purchase.
Once Kass and Link had climbed the wall, Sidon pulled the rope back up and wrapped it around his shoulder with a smile. "That worked magnificently!"
They then walked over to the pool of water at the top of this cliff. The ledge they stood on was at the bottom of another waterfall which Sidon immediately set about swimming up and Roxas ran up alongside it. Link wondered just how many walls they would have to scale before the peak.
He did not think this was the cliff from his memory, so he assumed there would be at least one more after this one. The rain, ultimately, was their worst enemy on the climb up the mountain. There were only three waterfalls along the path they took towards Ploymus Mountain.
The first two passed with little incident, but Link's hand slipped on the rope while climbing up the third waterfall… the same one from his memory. Fortunately, he had not been too high up when he fell. Unfortunately, the equipment strapped to his back was quite painful to fall upon.
Link gasped for breath and rolled onto his stomach. After he caught his breath a few moments later, he groaned and sat up on his knees. Kass peered at him in concern. The hero shook his head, closed his eyes tightly, and reached around to rub the spot on his back.
"Is he all right?" Sidon called down from the top of the cliff.
Link's eyes widened and he immediately motioned for the Zora to keep quiet. If the Lynel heard him… The thought of Sidon facing the Lynel, even with Roxas right there, ultimately helped Link push through the pain in his back and stand.
Gritting his teeth, he gripped the rope and began to climb again. He almost slipped upon reaching the top; however, Roxas gripped his wrist and pulled the hero up. Kass wisely tied the end of the rope around his waist and climbed up without nearly as much difficulty.
Now that they were all together, the four of them looked to each other with their expressions growing grim. This was it. They still had a walk before they reached the peak, but that meant little. After all, the Lynel could appear at any given moment.
No more laughing or stories. Either they would be victorious, or they would perish. It was a sobering thought. Together, the four of them turned and continued their journey up the mountain. They eventually reached the crest of the same hill from Link's memory.
The hero crouched and peered out through the tall grass prompting the others to do the same. There they saw the Lynel walking tall in the center of the plain. While all Lynel had similar features about them, this one differed from the Lynel Link and Mipha had fought.
It had the body of a large horse, the torso of a very muscular man, and a head of a purple-maned lion. Dark blue fur covered most of its body except for a few purple patches on its hands, arms, and tail. A pair of curved horns sprouted from its forehead.
Its body was also scarred in multiple places. Strapped to its sides were its weapons consisting of a sword with a flared tip, a shield with sharpened edges, a bow made of wood and metal, and a quiver of shock arrows.
It turned towards them, and the group immediately flattened themselves himself against the ground. They could just barely make out the top of the Lynel's head over the grass. They waited until the it walked away.
"It knows it has been a while since it was challenged." Sidon informed seeming far less cheerful in such a situation as this. "It most likely expects to be attacked by a larger force than before."
"We should still stick with the original plan." Link stated. "Roxas, use your dark corridor to get on its back, get the arrows, and get out. I'll immediately charge in to combat it while Sidon and Kass use their arrows. Once the quiver is tucked away, join up with me, and we'll take it down."
Everyone nodded in understanding before pressing up the hill. Link stopped and crouched behind a bush ready to move, Sidon and Kass broke off to the left and right where they found cover, and Roxas prepared to open a corridor.
If all went well, the Lynel would lose its biggest advantage against Sidon and Kass. Then, they could take the beast down. Unfortunately, things would not go to plan as the Lynel roared and nocked a shock arrow before aiming at Sidon who had yet to nock an arrow himself.
Fortunately, Roxas had run into a dark corridor the moment the monster reached for an arrow and now dropped down on him. The Nobody had summoned his keyblades and brought them down on the Lynel's head causing the arrow to be fired into the ground.
Roxas landed on the monster's head, cut the quiver free, and leapt back into another dark corridor just as the monster attempted to turn around and buck him off. With the monster's attention off him, both Sidon and Kass fired arrows which sunk into the Lynel's shoulders.
The Lynel roared in anger before Link sprinted at it with a shield and sword combo yelling a battle cry to get the Lynel's attention. As the Lynel looked at him, Link was already near it with his sword drawn back. He hoped to end the fight there, but the Lynel swung its bow at him.
Link threw his sword into the monster's chest injuring it and buying enough time to get his shield up. The bow slamming into it still lifted Link off the ground, and he was thrown several feet to the side before landing in a painful heap.
Sidon and Kass got off another two arrows into the back shoulders of the monster causing it to roar out in pain. Just as it turned around, Roxas was there brandishing his two keyblades. Oathkeeper was cloaked in darkness while Oblivion was cloaked in light.
"Easy now." Roxas focused on keeping the respective darkness and light where it was. "Any more, and the power will vanish. Any less, and the power will vanish." He got ready to strike. "This is the sweat spot."
The Lynel roared and moved to slam its bow into Roxas like it had done with Link, but the Nobody took a deep breath before slashing his keyblades out in a cross formation. The bow was bisected before an x shaped gash was revealed on the monster's torso causing it to roar in pain.
Kass and Sidon took another shot each nailing the beast in the head, but they didn't quite have the power to pierce its skull. Fortunately, Link had recovered by now and leapt atop its back before slashing down on the monster's head with enough strength to cleave it in two.
As the monster fell to the ground, and began dissipating, Sidon approached the partners. "I would like to thank you two." Link had moved to collect the monster's weapons, they looked rather powerful, but he looked to the prince. "You two have done the Zora a great service."
Link nodded as memories flashed through his head. Another Lynel, this one with a red mane, had engaged him in swordplay. Mipha had helped with her trident as she attacked with graceful technique. Together, they struck the final blow stabbing it through the head with their weapons.
Kass approached, but he was silently taking everything in while Sidon smiled. "With this battle won, we can head for the peak. From there, we can see Vah Ruta and plan our next steps."
Roxas had run off and now returned with the quiver of shock arrows before presenting them to Link. "Can't forget one of the main reasons we came here."
Link nodded and accepted the quiver before storing it away. The four of them then moved to the peak of the mountain and looked out at the East Reservoir Lake. Vah Ruta was distant enough that it was difficult to make out finer details, but they could see its large shape.
It looked much like it had in the mural on Impa's wall. Vaguely elephant shaped with a stocky body, four thick legs, and a long trunk. The trunk was currently pointed to the heavens and spraying water to the heavens. This was how Ruta was creating the rain.
"Incredible." Kass remarked.
Sidon remained silent as he gazed down at Ruta with a sorrowful expression. Such an expression was fleeing as the prince nodded to the partners.
"I think we should approach from the front." Sidon reasoned. "Based on our experience, Ruta does not feel the need to defend herself until someone enters her waters, so we'll use the dam. From there, you two shall use your shock arrows and lighting magic on key points along Ruta's body. This should disable her long enough to get on board. From there…"
He trailed off, likely thinking the same thing they were. Neither of them knew what to expect once aboard Ruta.
Link nodded slowly. "It should work."
"I'm confident it will." Sidon grinned at the pair. "After how you two performed today, I know you'll be victorious over anything you face."
The four of them looked down at Divine Beast Vah Ruta for a time longer. Far below them, it made a loud trumpeting sound, and the rain seemed to come down even harder.
Sidon cleared his throat and stepped back from the precipice. "Well, shall we?"
They turned with Sidon and began to trek down Ploymus Mountain.
Normally, Lynel are quite the challenge to overcome; however, this is a story rather than a game. Everything doesn't have to, nor has it, rest of Link's shoulders. Even without Kass and Sidon being there, Link had Roxas by his side. All the keyblade wielders we know typically deal with various enemies that are roughly as big as a Lynel. Before you say anything, I know bosses are usually bigger; however, compared to the frequency of normal enemies, it isn't as typical as the normal ones.
ultima-owner: No arguments there. Personally, I think the Zora's reacted accordingly when Link reappeared; however, that doesn't mean Roxas would feel the way we do. To him, these old Zora's are being unfairly rude to his friend.
Jebest4781: Thank you.
DARKPHANTOM13: I ship Link depending on the game. For Breath of the Wild, I ship Link and Zelda. For Age of Calamity, I ship Link and Mipha. The difference for me is situation. Breath of the Wild and Age of Calamity give us a difference in dynamic between Link & Zelda and Link & Mipha. In Breath of the Wild, Link had the Master Sword roughly a bit before becoming Zelda's knight and spent less time with Mipha.
Age of Calamity saw Link appointed Zelda's knight before getting the sword and he ended up spending more time with Mipha given the little guardian's interference. The big thing that cinches a Link x Mipha ship in Age of Calamity is ironically the better relationship Link and Zelda seem to have from the start. I know it might not make sense, but I do feel the rockiness of Breath of the Wild's timeline led to a stronger bond sooner.
As for Age of Calamity... Maybe. If I did it, I'd likely end up attaching it to this story by sending a character back with the four present day people that orginally went back or I might end up sending that person back earlier. Regardless, it likely wouldn't be Roxas who goes back. It'd more likely be another character that will eventually appear within this story to participate in that story.