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Chapter 4: Journey to the North
This was it. The light that's been shining over Kakariko for as long as she can remember. It was a small but elegant blade. It was on top of a very humble pedestal with a Guardian Deity protecting it on top of this secluded location.
'What kind of history does this blade have?'
Carefully, she walked over to it while the light began to diminish. She knelt down, her hand slowly reaching towards the blade. As soon as she touched it, she felt an intense wave of pressure all around her. It felt like she was about to carry a heavy burden just by touching this blade.
Due to the immense pressure and the stinging pain in her hands, she quickly let go of the blade. Paya fell back, breathing heavily. 'W-what was that?' She asked herself.
Paya felt hesitant to stand back up again but something inside her wanted to try again, at least one more time. However, before she attempted to grab the blade again, she ripped off a small piece of her pant legs and wrapped it around both her hands. Feeling more mentally prepared, she took a deep breath and slowly put both her wrapped hands on the hilt of the blade.
Much like before, she felt an immense pressure all around her. The stinging in her hands were not as bad but still apparent. Closing her eyes, she tried her best to ignore the pain in her hands.
It was strange, after grasping the hilt with both her hands, her hesitation began to lessen. Soon she felt no hesitation tighten her grip on the hilt and began to pull the blade out of its pedestal. She can slowly feel it getting loose by the second. She felt like she had just developed a new found strength by pulling the blade. However, she could also feel her strength draining from fatigue. Her continuous struggle made her gradually lose her grip, resulting in it feeling like the blade was being pulled back down.
She closed her eyes, her mind began to drift off as her body went on autopilot. She thought about her past, 'Why am I doing this?'
"PAYA DOESN'T LIKE FIGHTING!"
"If you don't want to fight then just say so and don't waste either of our time."
"Just please, don't be DISAPPOINTED IN ME!"
Paya opened her eyes, her arms were tired, her hands were hurting and she couldn't hold on.
"You've gotten quite strong, I'm impressed by your progress."
"I actually think it was very courageous of you."
"I know her potential more than anyone!"
"HAAA!"
With one more pull, she shut her eyes once again and used everything she had left and pulled the blade out of its pedestal. As she held it over her head, the blade flashed its light briefly. After lowering the blade down towards eye level, she stood up but nearly fell over due to the pain in her feet. After regaining her balance, she simply stared at the blade, on her wrapped hands. After a few seconds, she adopted a determined look and with one hand, she held the short sword up into the air, where then reflected moonlight even more.
'This power, I can feel it, it's overflowing.'
It had been a long night. Despite the overwhelming feeling of power she felt coursing throughout her body, she wanted nothing more than to go back home. It wasn't as long or hard to go back down from the mountain but it was just as painful, due to her injuries. After getting the hard part out of the way, which was climbing down the mountain, she made the much more simple task of navigating her way back home. It was difficult to walk all the way back but she managed to make the rough trip home.
'Finally, I made it back.' Paya said feeling relieved.
Her relief however, was short lived as she looked at herself and was grossed out by how dirty she'd gotten. She very desperately wanted to go home and take a bath but still didn't want to risk waking her Grandmother. There was also the fact that Cado was still keeping guard, outside her home. Despite the difficulty, Paya snuck back into her home through the same way she left.
As soon as she entered her room, she realized that the short blade in her hands had suddenly lost its gentle glow. She was briefly intrigued but simply placed it on top of her desk, next to her diary. Afterwards, she went to her closet to grab some medical supplies to tend to her injuries.
Once that was taken care of, Paya shifted her focus back to her appearance. 'Oh no, I look like I haven't bathed in weeks.' Paya said in dismay.
Paya couldn't just leave herself like this! Not only was it gross but if her Grandmother saw her, she would freak out! 'Wait, if I remember correctly, there is a hot spring close by that Mother showed me.'
It was a definite possibility but would her memory even serve well? It has been a long time since she last visited but she couldn't risk waking her Grandmother. '*sigh* I suppose I don't have any other choice.' She quickly grabbed a change of clothes and made her way towards the hot spring.
While she was grabbing the necessities, she also made sure to bring some extra medical supplies, just in case. Right before Paya exited the room, she stopped as she realized something. 'Oh no, I just realized, Grandmother will be upset that I ruined my clothes.' This was a minor problem but one that she'll definitely have to deal with sooner or later. 'Hopefully, Grandmother won't be too upset.' Who was she kidding? She'd be far more upset with the fact that she was outside the village, this late at night.
Once again, Paya stopped before she left and looked at the short blade sitting on her desk. She didn't have a reason to bring it with her since even outside the village was completely safe from monsters. But it didn't feel right to leave it here, she felt completely obligated to bring it with her. After staring at it for a few seconds, her mind went blank as she subconsciously grabbed the blade, with her bandaged hands and quickly left.
As soon as she left her room, she noticed that the blade had regained its gentle glow. Paya also noticed that the moon was a lot lower than before. 'It wouldn't be too long until the sun rises.' She simply shook her head and made her way to find the hot spring.
After some trial and error, Paya managed to find the hot spring in very little time. It was a rather large pond and was surrounded by many plants, trees and even fairies. Finally, Paya can freshen up without any worry.
Before she stepped into the warm pond, Paya placed the short sword down on a nearby rock and unwrapped her bandages on her hands and feet then submerged them into the water. She winced at first from the pain but to her surprise, the water started to feel really nice and the pain began to go away. Her hands looked almost healed. Paya wrapped them up with new bandages, for them to completely heal.
After wrapping her hands and feet, Paya promptly let the rest of her body get submerged into the warm water. She was completely entranced with how nice the water felt on her skin and the nice gentle air hitting her. After a few minutes of pure bliss, Paya's mind began to be occupied by the short sword beside her.
While she knew nothing about it, now that she had the short sword in her possession, something about it made her feel a little bit more complete. But a part of her still felt conflicted, it was strange. She tried to think of what it was she was conflicted about. It couldn't be about her training because she was completely determined to protect her home. Not to mention, she felt much more determined with the short sword with her.
Then what was it? Her Grandmother? Maybe. The Heirloom? No. Link?
'Link…'
'Link. He must be halfway towards the Woodland Region.' Paya thought with a small smile. However, her smile dropped as she remembered their previous interaction. He seemed so sad earlier, but why? He was all by himself. He was very clearly sad before he left, yet he still had the will to continue moving forward. He most likely has so many eyes on him and he has no one by his side. He has nothing but his will and destiny to push him further. In a way he was almost like her.
She stood up with eyes widened at the realization, he must be very clearly being overwhelmed by his destiny. He lost his friends and family 100 years ago. He was completely alone and must've been silently suffering from self blame for what happened...and she just let him go.
She just let him go, after calling her a reliable friend too. Some friend she was, Link needed far more help than what she provided or what he asked for. Just the thought of his suffering made her feel sick, but now there was nothing she could do.
Wait, he may not be in the village but there was one thing she could do, but the idea seemed too crazy. Her duty was here, in the village. She...she still has a role here, right? Both Dorian and Cado were very capable warriors, and the village being attacked was very rare. The worst attacks that happened in the past 70 years were just a couple of bandits that randomly stumbled upon the village. 'Hmm, they never stood a chance.'
'If I were to entertain this idea, would Kakariko village be okay? Would the villagers be fine without me here? Is Link okay with carrying a heavy burden?'
'…'
'I've spent years training to get strong enough to carry on the legacy that my Mother and Grandmother left behind. I've heard and seen the many feats they overcame. I was so scared that I would disappoint them, and for a long time I believed that I really did. I thought that the only way I could make it up to them was to protect the heirloom. But now, I've lost my purpose here. My mother has always believed in me and my Grandmother is supporting me.' Paya then left the hot spring to dry herself with a towel.
After changing into her spare clothes she grabbed the short blade and looked determined towards the night sky. "I've made my decision." She said to herself. Her friend can't do this by himself, at least, she refuses to stand idly by while Link was alone.
"Mother, no matter how harsh you may have seemed, you've always believed in me and you saw me doing great things." Paya said as she looked with the wind blowing, gracefully behind her hair. However, with a determined look, Paya, looked forward in the distance as she came face to face with the wind. "I want to help Link. I can't do that here, so I have to find him and help carry his burden."
"The journey ahead will no doubt be long, difficult and cruel. If I want to help Link, then I need to be strong, emotionally and mentally. However, because of the quest Link has to endure, I need to be strong physically as well. I will do whatever it takes to help Link."
Gathering her belongings, she made her way back home, where she snuck back into her room. Paya made a mental list of things that she should bring with her. Food, clothes, equipment, etc. There was also one thing she wanted to bring. Once she gathered the items she wanted to bring, she also changed into her normal clothes for the journey ahead.
Since it had been many years since she'd even assumed a battle stance, she knew she had to bring a book that contained many different Sheikah fighting styles and techniques. Though she mastered them all once before, she had no doubt gotten rusty. She has to at least have something to learn from so she isn't a complete hindrance on Link's quest. They were kept in a small library, downstairs, so she had little worry of waking her Grandmother.
There were honestly many to choose from, all of them containing different and valuable information to her. However, there was one that stood out to her. It contained one of her preferred fighting styles and easy enough techniques for her to relearn, as well as some very useful advanced techniques. It also contained her favorite story, of a lone Sheikah warrior who aided a hero from a long time ago.
Though she believed the story to be a work of fiction, that story really inspired her. That character, Sheik, quickly became one of her idols. It was hard to believe that such a person existed. Either way, it was obvious to her that she should bring that one with her.
Looking back at her belongings, she decided she'd packed more than enough with her. She'd stuffed them all in an old gray and small traveler's backpack that they had been lying around in the closet, including the short sword that she had. With everything seeming to be prepared for her departure, there was still one thing left for her to do, telling her Grandmother. It would be hard enough just telling her but she would no doubt protest, which would only make things worse.
Though it was a difficult decision, Paya eventually settled on writing a letter, informing her Grandmother of her plan. Would it be any easier? No. Was it cowardly? Definitely. Was it the best option? Maybe.
Feeling that her options were limited, she went ahead and wrote the letter. She more or less wrote all she could say, it was difficult to say the least. She'd spent a little while longer than she'd believed but managed to write it. She wanted to write more but couldn't waste anymore time on it. Now, all that's left is to leave the letter in front of the painting, depicting the calamity's first attack.
After taking one more look at her belongings, she'd decided that she has more than enough with her before she finds Link.
Knowing that Cado was still keeping guard, she took the same exit she's been taking the whole night. It was much more difficult to get past Lantern Lake, with all the items she was carrying. After finally getting past that obstacle, she looked behind her, taking one more look at her Village. 'I never thought I'd be doing something like this, but Link, my friend needs help.' Paya thought before turning to leave.
"Where exactly do you think you're going?"
Paya stopped immediately, dead on her tracks by the sound of a very familiar voice. She was too scared to look back because she felt like she was being caught making a huge mistake. 'Why...why is Dorian here!?' Paya thought.
What felt like an eternity, she stayed quiet, hoping that he wasn't really there. 'W-was it only in my imagination!?' Her fear only grew as she started to hear footsteps getting closer to her. "Were you really planning on leaving?" Dorian asked in a stern voice.
"I-I..I" Paya couldn't find the words, her fear made her completely frozen. She never expected for anyone to find her so quickly. 'What...what will Grandmother think!?' Paya began to sweat from the gravity of the situation, all she could do was look down, thinking of how she should respond.
Eventually, she felt Dorian was right in front of her. Paya closed her eyes, scared that Dorian would yell at her and call her foolish. "You can't just leave. Not without these." Dorian said in a more gentle tone.
"Huh?"
Paya wasn't sure if she heard him correctly, so she looked up to see Dorian carrying a few supplies. The Sheikah stealth armor from the Enchanted Armor shop. A few herbs and medical ointment. On top of it all, a Kasa hat, similar to the one that her Grandmother wears.
"A-all this…"
"I know all this isn't much but I hope it will be useful to you." Dorian said as he handed her the supplies. "I...I don't understand." Paya was very confused, she was so sure that he would stop her.
"I've always known that this day would come. Your Mother spoke so highly of this day, that I went ahead and prepared this, for your own adventure."
'M-Mother?'
"Paya, I've helped you become strong back when I was a young warrior. Despite your gentle nature, you've shown immense potential since you were a little girl. I've always believed that you are capable of being one of the greatest warriors of our time." Paya was shocked as she listened to Dorian. It felt...fulfilling to hear that one of her most precious people thought so highly of her.
"Though, none of us could ever imagine that you would work alongside the hero. Your Mother would probably be bragging to us about how great her daughter is. Long ago, your Mother traveled all across Hyrule. Going as far as Lanayru Region and even Gerudo Desert." Dorian explained. Paya knew that her Mother saw great things in her, but she never expected her to also believe that she could also follow in her footsteps. "Master Link has been burdened with such a heavy task. We here in Kakariko, haven't exactly made that burden any better." Dorian said, feeling a lot of regret for his actions. "However, I believe that you can change that. I understand your worries, but you shouldn't worry yourself. You've done so much, not just for me and my children, but also the whole village. I couldn't think of anyone better to accompany Master Link. I'll take the responsibility of telling your Grandmother of your leaving."
Paya looked at him with a worried expression. "But Dorian, I can't ask that of you! Please-" Dorian held his hand up to interrupt her. "No really, it's okay. It's the least I could while you go off on your own grand adventure. I know you'll become strong enough to change all of Hyrule, as we know it."
After Dorian finished, Paya stared at him with wide eyes, before tears quickly formed in her eyes. She had no words, Paya was immensely grateful and surprised about how much Dorian was willing to do for her. It almost made her want to stay but she knew that she couldn't just waste anymore time. Wiping away her tears, Paya looked straight at Dorian. "T-thank you. I promise that I'll do everything I can to make all of you proud and help Link as much as I can!"
Dorian smiled and patted the top of her head. "I know you'll do great, so please go, your Grandmother should be waking up soon."
As Paya quickly walked past Dorian, she briefly turned back and hugged Dorian, for his help.
'Please, be safe.'
As Dorian made his way back to the village, he decided to take the main entrance, seeing no point in sneaking back in. Cado immediately noticed Dorian approached him, coming from the main entrance. "What are you doing up so late? And why were you outside the village?" Cado asked curiously.
"I'm sorry, I simply had a strange feeling about something, so I wandered out for a bit. I came across a lost traveler, so I simply gave them directions."
"Lost traveler? what were they looking for?"
"Just the closest stable, she apparently got separated from her companion."
"I see, well you should head back home and get some. Your shift should be starting soon."
"Actually, it's about time for you to go back home." Dorian said as he looked at the sky. Cado then looked in the same direction as well, only to see that the sun was beginning to rise once again.
"Oh I guess you're right." Cado then left while Dorian resumed his duty.
As he was walking home, Cado started to think about Dorian's excuse. 'A lost traveler huh...very well, I suppose I'll take your word for it.' Not having a reason to suspect him of anything, he decided to let it go.
Hyrule. Was it always this vast? A giant field, stretching on for miles. The lush green fields, the crystal clear waters and the clear night- no the bright blue sky. It was like revisiting a fantasy world, after being removed from it for such a long time. The amazing view was so different from the view on top of the mountain.
After letting herself get distracted for a moment, she slapped the side of face to regain her focus on her mission. 'I need to go to the wetland tower. if that's already activated, then the Hebra tower and then the Tabantha tower. I should also try to go to any stable I can find, maybe I can meet Link there or at least ask if he's been there.' Paya looked forward towards the vast field, with a nervous look but an excited smile.
This is where she puts all her past training to the test. Paya was determined to help her friend, no matter the cost! She knew the dangers and the pain from choosing to move forward, but she didn't care, not one bit. Her mother's words and her family's faith in her, gave her the confidence she needed to travel Hyrule.
Paya gripped the strap of her backpack, she then started to run towards the north, with the destination of the Lanayru Region in mind. According to her map, the quickest way towards the Wetland Region is taking the path next to the Lanayru Wetlands. 'Just wait a little longer, Link! I'll do my best to catch up to you!'
"Hmm, looks like today is gonna be another beautiful day." Impa said as she looked outside. It was very satisfying to see all the early sun rise up, it gave the village such pleasant scenery. Once she walked out of her room, she noticed that there wasn't anyone else in the hallway.
Usually, Paya would have woken up by now or she would have gotten up early and been making breakfast right now. Although, if that was the case, then her door would be open right now, it was unusual for her to still be asleep right now. Then again, she has been rather stressed lately, so she deserved to sleep in a little.
Although, a part of her started to feel uneasy and she was worried that she knew why. Going downstairs, Impa quickly realised that it was very quiet, it was like no else was home.
"Paya?"
…
Before she could walk into the kitchen, she halted as she saw a folded piece of paper on top of her seat. "Hmm…"
It took her a moment to process it but she then quickly grabbed the paper and started reading it as she sat down.
Dear Grandmother, I understand that all this is confusing but I will try my best to let you understand.
Firstly, I want to let you know that this decision I've made was one that I thought about for quite some time. You have taught me everything about the history of the world since I was a child. You and Mother have always been the type of people that I've strived to be.
You have always tried to make me feel that I wasn't a disappointment. That night you told my mother, I felt like an absolute failure. I've tried my best to stay strong but no matter how much I tried, you've suffered more than I did. All I wish is to make a world for you, one where you can be as happy as you were in the many stories you told me.
I know that I may not be strong enough to be completely useful, as of now, but I can't simply stand idly by, knowing my friend is carrying such a heavy burden.
I understand if you think what I'm doing is foolish and even selfish but I swear to that I will use the knowledge that I have, to not only protect myself but also help Link. I understand that it's dangerous to go alone and I'm too weak to be able to start my own adventure.
I wish that I could have told last night, at least one more time. I love you, Grandmother.
-Paya
As Impa finished reading the letter, she got up from her seat and started to walk upstairs. She eventually found herself in front of Paya's door, she slowly opened it, only to see no one in the room. She stepped inside and made her way towards Paya's bed. She sat down as she analyzed the letter, it was clear from the spots on the letter, that she'd clearly cried while writing this.
"You-your intentions may be pure, but don't seem to understand how dangerous it truly is."
Impa read the last sentence one more time, her face scowled and she clenched the letter in her hand. However, her scowl quickly changed into a small smile, she then opened the curtains to her room to let the light from outside shine brightly in the room.
"That stupid girl. I should have known that for a smart girl, she would be this impulsive when it came to the well being of others." Impa looked outside, with a small bead of tears in her eyes. "Link, I know this is a selfish request but please, as my friend, keep Paya safe for the time being. Paya, please be careful."
Meanwhile:
'*Yawn* Man those soft beds really are great.' A well rested Link thought as he stretched. Stepping outside, he looked off to the side, seeing the inactivated tower. 'It doesn't look too far off. I might be able to make it before the afternoon.'
"Hey, Hylian." A stable worker said, catching Link's attention. "Your horse is ready to travel. I suggest you head west, towards the stable, just beyond the Lost Woods. It's too dangerous to go through Central Hyrule and going through the Lost Woods would only be a waste of time." The man then gave the horse to Link. Link then nodded, confirming that he'll keep what he said in mind.
"You ready to go, Epona?" Link asked his horse. Epona neighed to say yes to Link's question. After mounting his horse, they left the stable with his eyes on the tower.
As his journey continued, a new adventure was about to begin.
Petit Hyrule: Mystery apex.
'It's amazing how many monsters there used to be just 100 years ago.' Paya thought as she was reading an encyclopedia of monsters and monster variants. 'I never would have thought that there were so many that existed.' She was truly intrigued about learning about them, especially the ones that were either extinct or are not in Hyrule anymore. The Master boar, Silver Hinox and even Venomous Octorocks.
Although, there was one monster that was shrouded in mystery, so much so that it was one of Hyrule's greatest mysteries. 'Perhaps Grandmother knows something about it.' She thought as she went to ask her Grandmother about it. "Hello Paya, is there something on your mind?" Impa asked, before taking a sip from her tea.
"Yes Grandmother, I was wondering, do you know what ever happened to the Talus Titans?" Paya asked.
*Pffft* *cough* *cough* cough* "Grandmother, are you okay!?" Paya asked as she tried to settle down her Grandmother's coughs. Her question made Impa choke on her beverage. After her coughing fit, she tried to think of a way to answer her question.
"That's uhh...rather difficult question. Umm I suppose you already know that they mysteriously disappeared, out of nowhere." Impa said while looking a little nervous.
"Yes, that's what every document says about it. There were some theories, trying to explain their sudden disappearance." Paya said, while being somewhat uncomfortable at her Grandmother's nervousness.
"Well that's not entirely true. Lets just say, for the short time that it existed, there was an apex predator that was the most dangerous in all of Hyrule." 'Please don't ask!'
Fortunately, that answer was more than enough to both satisfy her and keep her mind busy. 'What was it? What happened to it? Wait, why was Talus Titan the only one targeted?' So many questions she had in her mind, so much so that she immediately started to find any information on the mystery monster instead of thinking about asking more questions about it.
'Oh, thank Hylia.' Impa though with complete relief. 'I don't think she, nor anyone else, is ready to hear about what happened.' she thought as she continued to drink her tea.
Elsewhere:
*Achoo* "Man, I hope I'm not getting a cold. I just woke up."
Once again, I want to thank you guys for reading this chapter. Please don't be afraid to leave a comment/review about anything because it really does help me. I'm glad to know that you guys are enjoying reading this, as I enjoy writing it. Whatever review you leave, It can be anything, a genuine review, saying guys like the story, what you think I can improve on or even just telling me you think the story sucks, don't be afraid to leave something.
