The sun began to set on yet another failure, the day dying along with the Princess's hopes. Link slowed next to her as she faltered in her steps. The four champions stood just ahead, waiting for them at the entrance to the Lanayru Promenade.
"I... I can't face them," she whimpered. "I failed them. It didn't work!"
Link leaned in close and whispered in her ear. "You won't fail until you give up."
She gave him an appreciative glance.
The four were all itching with anticipation. As soon as they were together, Daruk spoke up. "Well? Don't keep us in suspense," he said. "How'd everything go up there on the mountain?"
Zelda shook her head sadly.
Link rested his hand on her shoulder. It was all he could do to try to comfort her. Just how long would this fabled power stay out of her reach? Hylia, even he was frustrated.
Revali stepped forward. "So you didn't feel anything? No power at all?"
The Princess hung her head. "I'm sorry, no."
"Then let's move on," Urbosa encouraged with a small nod. "You've done all you could. Feeling sorry for yourself won't be of any help." She looked back up at the mountain. "After all, it's not like your last shot was up there on Mount Lanayru. Anything could finally spark the power to seal Ganon away. We just have to keep looking for that... thing."
At Urbosa's words, Mipha drew in a little gasp. She looked as if a light had turned on in her brain.
Link felt a prickle as his childhood friend looked directly at him.
"That's kind of you," Zelda said. "Thank you."
"If I may," Mipha began, "I though you... well, I'm not sure how to put this into words. I'm actually quite embarrassed to say it... but I was thinking about what I do when I'm healing. You know, what usually goes through my mind. It helps when I think..." she shifted nervously. "When I think about-"
The ground heaved and trembled without warning, as if Hyrule itself was shivering in fear.
The group stumbled to regain their footing. Revali created an updraft and flew up to hover in the air. The champion gasped, his eyes widening in horror. Lighting cracked through the sky. An inhuman roar echoed from the direction of Central Hyrule as Revali landed.
"It's here," Urbosa said.
"This is it, then," Daruk agreed.
Mipha looked like she was about to run for the nearest body of water. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Revali confirmed.
Zelda's face grew pale. "It's awake. Ganon!"
Unnatural clouds spread across the sky, darkening it. They were of thick black smoke with streaks of glowing magenta. Link could feel his pulse racing, his heart beating against his ribs as if trying to break free to escape the Calamity. He steadied the Princess as she stumbled on shaking knees.
Daruk turned to her. "Let's stop wasting time. We're going to need everything we got to take that thing down." He raised his voice to the others. "Now, Champions! To your Divine Beasts! Show that swirling swine who's boss! Link will need to meet Ganon head on when we attack. This needs to be a unified assault." He clenched a giant fist and then turned to Link. "Little guy! You get to Hyrule Castle. You can count on us for support, but it's up to you to pound Ganon into oblivion!"
Urbosa took Zelda by the shoulders. "Come. We should go. We need to get you someplace safe."
"No," the Princess said, pulling away. "I am not a child anymore. I may not be much use on the battlefield, but there must be something I can do to help!"
Daruk scratched his head. "Are you sure about this, Princess? It would be really dangerous. And I mean it."
"I am. I cannot stand by and watch."
"Well, I guess it's decided, then," Revali sniffed. "Just don't get in our way. You can go with your precious knight."
Link met Zelda's eyes with concern. Even fear. How would she react when they were surrounded by danger? She didn't know how to fight. She was untrained. Soft. He partially regretted the thought. She was not battle-hardened, but she did have an unshakable sense of discipline. If she could stand in freezing waters for hours, maybe she could keep her head. Regardless, it was still too much of a risk.
The deciding factor was the look in her eyes. She's failed at every attempt to access her sealing power up until now. The least I could do for her is let her make her own decision about this. A new thought occurred to him as they set into motion. If praying wasn't the answer, then maybe a true need was. This coming battle could be what finally unlocks her gift.
"Come on!" Revali called from down the path. "We can't wait for the grass to grow!"
Overhead, the sky was drowning in darkness.
