Chapter 14

"Can you fix it?" Impa asked quietly as she watched Purah pore over the Sheikah Slate.

"Of course I can. Who do you take me for, anyway?"

Impa refrained from answering. She knew a loaded question when it was posed. Purah would likely use whatever answer she gave as an excuse to pounce. Not that it was the worst thing that could happen, but there were more preferable methods.

"Whatever. I shouldn't have expected an answer from you anyway," she grumbled as she turned the slate over in her tiny hands. "How did you get this from Link?"

"I think you know the answer to that," Impa replied as she braced herself.

"Of course, you snuck into his room and took it without his permission. Has it ever occurred to you that people may have an expectation of privacy?"

"Well, if you had responded to my invitation so- "

"Don't pin this on me! You've been pulling these sorts of stunts ever since you became the leader! Do you think Link wants his possessions gone through by some brute? Don't you dare roll your eyes at me!" she snapped at Dorian as the guard let Purah's remark roll off his back.

"Purah…"

"Maybe Link wants to be informed about- "

"Purah!" Impa finally snapped. She had never been fond of shouting; however, sometimes it surprised Purah enough to let her get a word in edgewise. It served the woman's purpose as her younger sister froze in place with widened eyes and an open mouth. "Can we both admit that this has nothing to do with Link?"

"…fine." Purah turned away and continued tinkering with the slate. "The images are still there," she said coolly, "however, they seemed to be corrupted. I'll recover what I can."

"Thank you."

"I'm not doing this for you."

"…" Impa shook her head slowly. She sent Dorian a glance and made a small motion with her head. Her guard understood and silently left the room, leaving the two sisters alone. Both remained silent, waiting for the other to speak.

"… I'm sorry… for everything."

"Sure you are," Purah snorted, not even bothering to look up from the Slate.

"I should have told you about Paya… and Tila- " Impa did her best to refrain from choking on her daughter's name "- sooner."

"Do you have any idea what it's like," Purah replied quietly, finally looking up from her task, "to find out that you have a great niece that no one bothered to tell you about? Do you have any idea," she continued as her voice rose in volume, "what it's like to find out that your niece, the closest thing you had to a daughter, died years ago, and no one, not even your own blasted sister, took the time to let you know?"

"I do not."

"Of course not," Purah spat, "because I'm the one that happened to."

"And for that, I am truly sorry," Impa whispered. She hung her head low in shame as Purah glared at her. Nothing was said for a long while.

"Why?" Purah finally asked. "Why didn't you tell me about them?"

It was a question she had spent years trying to answer herself. Unfortunately, the conclusion she had reached was what she would have called childish.

"I think that, in my mind, by not telling you, I didn't have to admit to her death out loud. I could lie to myself and pretend it had all been just a nightmare."

Purah's glare morphed into confusion, then to disbelief, and finally settled on sympathy.

"I guess I always thought it was because you didn't consider it something I needed to know."

"Purah, she loved you, probably more than she loved me. You deserved to know, and I dishonored the both of you when I left you in the dark."

"Wow… that must have been hard for you to admit."

"You have no idea," Impa replied dryly. Purah, like her older sister, had never really to handle her emotions very well. Rather than learning to suppress them, she simply diffused the situation until she finally snapped. Her reversion to a child only seemed to make the habit worse. Impa was secretly pleased that they had returned to diffusing.

Both chuckled ruefully in spite of themselves.

"I'm sorry Purah."

"I am too. Just please promise me you won't do anything like that again."

"Very well."

Purah nodded and turned back to the Slate and frowned.

"Is something the matter?"

"I could only get a few of the images back. I also was able to restore some of Zelda's notes, but I doubt they will be useful."

"That is not for us to decide."

"Whatever you say," Purah replied with a shrug. She handed the Slate back to Impa and yawned as she continued, "I need some sleep."

"Before you go, I think now would be the ideal time to remind you of the dangers of running experiments on yourself."

"Impa please don't ruin this," Purah begged as she flipped around, "We haven't even really got around what happened with- "

"Now, while I applaud your success in managing to revert yourself back to younger years there is still the matter of- "

"Impaaa," Purah whined as the Elder continued her lecturing.

"So, we're just going to let her get away with sneaking into our rooms and taking our possessions."

"Need I remind you that it wasn't your room, Feathers."

"Just because she only took the Slate doesn't mean that she didn't go through all our things."

"Well, she seems to have made up for it, judging by the way you keep adjusting your scarf." Impa had given them each, with the exception of Link, a light blue scarf with white accents. Along with the white accents were little symbols that bore a resemblance to their respective Divine Beasts. Mipha felt that Ruta's likeness didn't do the Divine Beast justice.

Each of the Champions had chosen to wear their scarves differently. Revali used his for its intended purpose, wrapping it around his neck and allowing a large portion to trail behind him. Mipha imagined that it would make the Rito look rather dashing if the wind blew right. Unfortunately for Revali, there wasn't even a breeze.

Urbosa had replaced her pants with the light blue fabric, wearing it as a skirt. It suited the older woman well, somehow conveying her class as well as her… femininity. It was odd for the red-head to strike the Zora Champion as feminine, especially after her last… conversation with Link.

Daruk, like Mipha, had chosen to wear his as a sash. While most of the Champions fit into their decorations easily, leaving a little extra to trail along, Daruk's was drawn tight across his chest. The Zora was certain that had the fabric not been enchanted, it would have likely torn from being drawn too tight.

Link, instead of receiving a scarf, had received a tunic made from the same fabric. While the scarves fit the Champions well, Link's outfit didn't suit him at all in her opinion.

"That's enough, both of ya."

Mipha tuned the rest of the conversation out as she carefully stepped over a root. They had been told that the trail through the forest was well trodden. In truth, it looked as though it hadn't been walked in years. Only the faintest dirt path could be seen under the overgrown shrubbery that grew at the base of the many trees that made up the forest. Light, filtering through the leaves above her, filled her surroundings with a lively green hue. It was a strange balance of beauty and homely.

The Zora Champion was caught in the middle of the group, with Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa ahead of her. The trio, as usual, was loudly bantering, occasionally scaring the wildlife around them with their arguing. Behind her, Link and Fi were having a quiet discussion, which wasn't terribly strange. The thing that was most peculiar was Midna. The wolf had forgone her typical place at Link's side and had instead chosen to travel at Mipha's side.

The Zora Champion was grateful for the entertaining distraction that Midna had become. Every time a small creature jumped out of hiding, the wolf would tense up, clearly fighting the urge to chase whatever scurried away. It helped keep her mind off of the uncomfortable conversation she and Link had the night before.

Her childhood friend had finally explained himself to her. The guilt he shouldered for the deaths in his past, his uncertainty of the future. His fear of losing her as well. In spite of the long, at times agonizing, conversation in which Link shared more than usual, Mipha was still certain that he hadn't told her everything.

In the years she had known him, she had learned to tell when he was trying to hide something from her. It had started when they were younger. Link would hurt himself doing something reckless and, true to his nature, wouldn't say anything about it, fearing that he would burden her. There was just one problem.

Link was a terrible liar.

His eyes would look at everything but her, or his feet would shift around oddly. One time, when she had cornered him and was especially put off, his voice had risen several octaves. It was after that particular incident that he had finally stopped trying to lie to her.

She could tell there was something he wasn't telling her. Something important.

She was shaken out of her thoughts as Midna jolted beside her. The dark blue hunter was staring longingly at a rabbit as it bounded away from them. Mipha giggled lightly as the wolf seemed to sigh as prey escaped her yet again.

"Poor dear. I'll talk to Link and see if he will take you hunting," Mipha murmured quietly.

Midna's gaze flicked towards her temporarily before returning to the road.

"Such a capacity for empathy even while carrying so much hurt." Fi had somehow worked her way next to Mipha without the Zora noticing.

"I apologize, Madam Fi. I didn't see you there."

"Just Fi will do."

"I see… forgive me Fi."

"There is no need for that. Tell me, why are you troubled?"

"It's nothing important," Mipha replied quietly.

"You are a poor liar," Fi chuckled quietly. The woman said nothing more, yet Mipha knew she was still expecting an answer.

"A friend and I are… going through a rough patch."

"Hmm," Fi hummed quietly. "Yes, rough patches can be quite difficult, but they are good."

"They are?" Mipha tried to hide the hope that started to fill her. She feared that despite Fi's kind nature, the woman may harbor ulterior motives. Any knowledge of even the tiniest hold on Mipha could be used against her.

"Indeed. While good times are nice and inspire good feelings, the hard times are when you begin to truly grow." Fi turned her gaze to Mipha slowly and tilted her head slightly. "Do you truly care for Link?"

Mipha's mouth opened and worked, but nothing came out.

"Yes, I know about what happened between the two of you."

"Link told you?"

"No."

"Then how…?"

"I, like Lady Impa, have my… methods," Fi replied with a slightly mischievous smile. "So, do you care for him?"

"...Yes," Mipha replied quietly.

"Then, if you two really mean as much to each other as you both claim, you will work it out."

Mipha nodded at first until she started blinking rapidly. Fi's exact words had just sunken in and now she was trying to puzzle out exactly what she meant. She turned to ask the woman, but before she could even get the first word out, Fi began speaking again.

"Well, it seems that you may need time to think. I shall leave you to your thoughts." Without another word, the hooded woman gracefully sped up towards the front of the group. Mipha considered trying to question the woman further, but intuition told her that she would get no more answers. And so, the Zora Princess remained alone with her thoughts.

Revali was caught somewhere between anger and anxiety. Fi had somehow managed to draw him away from Urbosa and Daruk for a conversation. During that time, the infuriating stranger had spoken as though she understood him. She had pulled everything that he had refused to confide in anyone else.

He hated how she had patronized him when she told him that it was okay for him to want to be loved. He didn't care about being loved

'Yes you do,' a voice whispered quietly from the back of his mind. Revali silenced the voice as he clenched his beak so hard it hurt.

What an infuriating woman, acting as though she had any who he is.

He perked up as he saw a small group of Hylians ahead where the path fed into the remains of a paved road. Like all of the roads they had encountered before, only the small, broken sections of the walkways remained like patches in a quilt. Beside the broken road, a river ran swiftly, filling the surroundings with a quiet roar.

The six Hylians, who were clustered together at the path's mouth, were speaking to each other animatedly. The Rito Champion frowned thoughtfully at them. He knew that Hylians had a habit of being far more theatrical than necessary, but even by their standards, their gestures were highly exaggerated. The muscles in the six faces pulled awkwardly as though they were unused to making the large grins, frowns, and other similar expressions.

Urbosa caught his attention as the Gerudo Champion stared at the group. The woman's attitude was no different than normal, with her typical carefree attitude as she continued gliding across the uneven path. He would have been ready to write her off as he normally would, except for the fact that her hand was trailing to her sword, caressing the hilt. Though he didn't care for her, he knew better than to shrug off her intuition. The Rito rolled his shoulders, trying to loosen the tension in his upper body.

"Hey!" Daruk called amicably. All at once the group stopped and looked at them. After a brief moment, hey started waving excitedly as the Champions continued to approach. Revali fought the urge to draw his bow and start firing arrows at them. Their gestures were far too exaggerated and their smiles were far too wide. The worst part, in his opinion, were the eyes. They were devoid of the usual spark that most eyes held, almost like they were dead inside.

"Hello!" cried the one that Revali presumed was the leader. He glanced over his shoulder at Link and Mipha to find them both staring at the group ahead. Between them, Midna stalked with her hackles raised and lips pulled back in a silent growl. He rolled his eyes as he looked back at the Hylians. At least the animal was smart. "What brings a group of warriors such as yourself to these parts?"

"We could ask you the same," Urbosa replied smoothly. If he hadn't been watching her before, he wouldn't have known of her own suspicions.

"We're on our way to the Spring of Wisdom."

"It is a lovely place, though it is not for everyone," Fi replied quietly.

"Why's that?" one them asked. Revali's beak tightened as he saw something akin to disgust flash across the man's face.

"You know precisely what I mean." Fi's usual smile was gone, replaced an inscrutable look verging on a frown.

"Do we?" asked a woman near the back. Revali no longer had reservations about whether or not his hands found their way to his bow as forced grins eased into cruel smiles.

His eyes met Urbosa's. Her green eyes flicked to one of Hylians at the rear of the group, where he caught the edges of a bow peeking out of the garb. He looked back at her and gave the barest nod.

"Tell me," Fi replied with a tinge of sadness in her voice, "have you found joy in serving your master?"

They laughed disparagingly at her.

"We were planning on having some fun with you," the foremost Hylian growled as his hand slipped into his tunic, removing a gleaming weapon with a circular blade, "but I think- " He never got to finish as a massive rocky fist wrapped around him.

"I think I've heard enough," Daruk growled. He effortlessly picked the man up and threw him at his comrades. The other five would be assassins jumped clear as each was enveloped in a red cloud of smoke. The clouds disappeared, revealing identical red tunics and black leggings. Each face was now hidden behind a mask bearing a symbol nearly identical to the Sheikah. It was, in fact, the same symbol, only inverted. Instead of the three triangles forming the eyebrows on top, the teardrop sat on top.

Urbosa's buckler intercepted the circular blade that had been intended for Revali, holding the assassin in place for a moment. The second was all the Rito needed to aim an arrow between Urbosa's neck and her shield. He let it fly and find its new home in the archer that the Gerudo Champion had pointed out. The assailant fell to the ground, clutching his shoulder where the projectile was lodged.

In front of him, Urbosa slashed at the red-clad attacker. He leaped back from her, winding his arm back in preparation to throw his weapon. Maniacal laughter started but was cut short rather quickly as the woman dashed forward and smashed her buckler into him. Though she was nowhere near as strong as Daruk, Revali still winced at the crack and the following thud as another assassin collapsed.

Revali readied another arrow as he spun to find Daruk trying to grab ahold of the same man from before. His massive hand shot out, only for his opponent to jump over his outstretched hand. Landing on Daruk's wrist, he quickly jumped back into the air, twisting into a backflip as he did so. Revali let his arrow fly, catching the man in the thigh. Unfortunately, the assassin had let his own arrow, with a burning fuse, fly at Daruk. A massive explosion flattened the Goron, knocking him out cold.

The man landed awkwardly, attempting to straighten himself. His efforts were meaningless as another of Revali's arrows tore into him, knocking him back down.

Revali jerked around as he heard a small shriek from behind him. Link was standing between Mipha and the last two assassins. The Zora Princess knelt on the ground, clutching a wound on her arm. Revali raised his bow, but a hand on his shoulder on stopped him. There was a sharp snap, and the world exploded with a blinding light.

The Rito covered his eyes with his feathered hand, waiting for the lights to quit dancing across his vision to clear away. When he finally looked up, he saw the assassins that were still conscious stumbling away, carrying their unconscious comrades between them. Urbosa, on the other hand, was standing above Link and Mipha as the Hylian wrapped a bandage around her thin arm.

Revali raised his bow one last time, only for a small hand to stop him.

"Don't," Fi murmured. "Remember that all life is sacred, even ones as misguided as theirs"

"But they'll just come back," he growled angrily.

"Perhaps, but I know that you will rise to the occasion."

"You sure have a lot of assumptions for someone who doesn't know me at all."

"My dear Rito, just because you have never met me does not mean that I do not know you."

"And how's that?" Revali asked snidely. He was quickly growing tired of her constant comments that danced around him, only hinting at what he wanted to know. All he wanted was a straight answer.

"I was there when your mother laid your egg. I was there when you hatched just a few, short weeks later. I was there the first time you picked up a bow. I have been there for every single moment… how could I not know you?"

"And here I- "

"- thought that Urbosa was the only one who could tell such a poor joke," Fi finished quietly. She stared at him expectantly, waiting for some response from him. Revali just gaped at her, unable to believe that she could have finished his sentence. For the first time since he had met her, he began to feel nervous. The idea that she truly did know him awoke a fear deep inside him. All he wanted to do was run.

"How… how could you have been there?"

"I don't think you would believe me if I told you." He didn't challenge her statement and she made no efforts to explain herself.

Revali, deciding he was done trying to understand Fi, made his way over to Daruk. His eyes widened as he saw the massive cracks that spiderwebbed their way across the Goron's chest.

"Mipha," he called, prompting the Zora Princess to join him. "Can you heal him?"

Mipha knelt down next to Goron and placed a red scaled hand on Daruk's chest. The familiar blue light that accompanied her healing shone, but when she removed her hand, the cracks remained, staring mockingly at them.

"Your powers allow for you to heal many, but sadly, Daruk is not one of them," Fi murmured quietly from behind them. Mipha sat back as Fi continued, "there is one way to help him, though you will require Link's help."

Urbosa rolled her eyes as she watched Link try not to lose his composure while helping Mipha. Fi had suggested that the two use Mipha's knowledge of elixir crafting and Link's knowledge of cooking to create a potion that Daruk would be able to consume. Normally, Link could live with the bugs that Mipha had to throw into the pot for her elixirs, but mud seemed to have crossed a line for him. She had no doubt that the Hylian would spend hours scrubbing the offending sludge from his beloved cooking pot later.

She watched the interactions between the Link and Mipha carefully. Though punching Link had resulted favorably in that he had finally said what needed to be said, there was still a distance between the two. They had been confused as to who was gathering what, there had been a quiet argument as to the order in which to add ingredients, Mipha had even tripped over the Hylian at one point.

Though they were on speaking terms again, the two were still far out of sync.

The Gerudo Champion let out a sigh as she watched the two continue to try and work together.

"You and Daruk have your work cut out for you, don't you?" Fi asked as she sat down next to her.

"Hmm?" Urbosa was far too busy reflecting on her role to pay much attention to her companion.

"Being the one to hold everyone together is never easy. It takes a special kind of commitment to be the anchor, especially when everyone is drifting apart."

"It does," Urbosa replied evenly. Though Link and Mipha were her focus, something else began crying out for her attention.

"Yes," Fi continued quietly almost as though she were speaking to herself. "It is especially difficult when you allow your own distaste for another to- where are you going?" Urbosa hadn't noticed, until Fi voiced her question, that she had gotten to her feet.

"I need to speak to someone." The Gerudo Champion looked around the shoddily made camp. Daruk was still out cold, forcing the group to form a small campsite around him. Link and Mipha sat close by the Goron, Fi was joining them, which left Revali the only one unaccounted for.

That was probably for the best. She couldn't imagine him wanting to have a conversation with the others close by.

Knowing the Rito as she did, he would likely be somewhere high up. Luckily, there were plenty of cliffs nearby where she would at least have a decent vantage point of the surrounding area. She approached the one on the opposite side of the road from the others and began hauling herself up. It was a short climb, barely taxing her at all, but it did give her some time to think about what she wanted to say. As it turned out, it was good she had the time as Revali was standing at the top.

The Rito wasn't looking down at the other Champions, choosing instead to turn his restless gaze to the surrounding areas.

"Figured I'd find you up here," Urbosa greeted as she joined him.

"What?" Revali's wings folded absently as he continued analyzing the land before him.

"Just checking on you."

"Oh really?" Revali snorted as he finally turned to face her. "And since when has my well being been your concern."

"Mipha tells me that you took care of me while I was sick. Thank you." She didn't think a display of gratitude would make him any less defensive.

"Hmph." Though he turned away, she could still see his eyes on her.

"Let me ask you something: do you really think we don't want you here?"

"What?"Revali snapped as he flipped back around towards her.

"Well," Urbosa replied thoughtfully as she began twirling a lock of her scarlet hair around her finger, "you act like none of us want you here, or that we think you're useless. Do you think that's true?"

"It doesn't matter," he grumbled.

"Oh really? Because I would have had no problem dropping you off at Kakariko if you were useless."

"So you keep me around just because I can carry my weight? How heartwarming."

"You know," Urbosa murmured quietly as she began inspecting her nails, "you have a softer side to you. Maybe you should let it show every once in a while."

"And why would I do that?"

"Because you're one of us, and constantly having your guard up makes us think you don't trust us."

"And if I don't?" Revali shot back.

"Then you know that eventually, we'll part ways."

Revali said nothing, but she noticed his arms tighten as they remained crossed.

"Is that what you want?" he finally asked.

"You know Revali… if you weren't so defensive all the time, you might actually be decent company."

"Yeah ri-" he stopped, finally seeming to process what she had called him. "You… you just…"

"Used your name?" she finished dryly. "Yes, I know your name. Feathers is an… affectionate nickname."

"Affectionate my tail feathers."

"Believe it or not. It doesn't really make a difference to me."

The two stood silently, looking towards Mount Lanayru as both waited for the other to say something.

"So… is that all you came here for?" Revali finally asked.

"Well I certainly didn't come to flirt," she replied as she turned away. "Oh, by the way, Feathers," she began coyly, "I'm glad you think I'm pretty." Urbosa snickered as Revali tried, and miserably failed, to sputter out a coherent response. Deciding that the one little jab was enough, the Gerudo Champion began the short climb back down to the camp to rejoin the others.

Urbosa had been expecting to find the other four exactly as she had left them. She found Mipha, alone with her thoughts, sitting by Daruk. She sent a quick glance around the camp, but there was no one else around. Urbosa sat down next to her and glanced down at her quickly. The first thing she noticed was the bandage that Link had tied on her arm was gone.

"So, you healed your arm."

"Hmm? Oh yes…" Mipha replied absently as her left hand traced where the cut had been. "I tried to tell him that I didn't need it, but he wrapped it anyway."

"I wonder why…" Urbosa murmured with a small grin.

"..." Mipha began blinking rapidly as her face began reddening. "...uh…" Urbosa had to fight to keep a straight face as Mipha became increasing flustered. "When we were younger… I may have suggested that… that I am unable to heal myself," Mipha finished meekly.

"Mipha," Urbosa managed out over the painful spasming in her chest, "you sly thing, you."

"I tried to tell him, but he wouldn't listen!"

"I may have to start taking notes from you." Urbosa's mirth died down as Mipha pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. "I was watching you two earlier. You really have fallen out, haven't you?"

"Yes… but I think it will be okay."

"Oh?"

"Fi was telling me earlier about how times like these are good. I was not sure if I believed it at first, but," Mipha sighed quietly, "I suppose this will teach us how to really work together. To realize that we are on the same team even during the worst of times. That makes it easier, even if it doesn't mean that it will be the way I want."

"Hmm…" Urbosa hummed as she took in the little Zora.

"What?"

"You've grown up a bit."

"Huh?"

"Do you remember when we first woke up?"

"Yes."

"At that point, you would have been devastated. Instead, you are looking at this with a little bit more maturity."

"Thank you, but I still have a lot of growing left to do…"

"Well don't grow too fast," Urbosa chuckled, "you'll look less endearing."

"Like you then?" Mipha returned the older woman's smile with her own, slightly mischievous smile.

"Lady Mipha," Urbosa gasped mockingly, "I never expected such uncouth behavior from a Princess. Muzu would be ashamed." Despite her playful response, Urbosa was surprised at the unusual barb from the Zora Princess.

"I'm sorry… I am feeling a- "

"For heaven's sake! Don't apologize to the likes of her," Revali interrupted as he landed across from the two. "You need to learn to be more assertive."

"Rule number two of being a gentleman: do not interrupt."

"Are we still on this?"

"What made you think we were done?"

"How could an old hag possibly have anything to teach me?"

"Now, now master Revali, that was quite rude," Mipha clucked disapprovingly. "Rule number three: a gentleman must respect his elders."

"Not you too!" Revali snapped.

"Did you just call me an elder?" Urbosa asked, a dangerous note creeping into her voice.

Both stopped as Mipha began laughing, attempting to hide her chuckles behind a hand. Both Rito and Gerudo exchanged a glance, for once agreeing on how to respond. They would let her have this one. It had been far too long since she had worn such a large smile and it would be a shame to dampen it now.

"While we're on the subject, here are a few other pointers we should address… " Urbosa did her best to hide her smirk as the Rito began knocking his head into a tree slowly. Just because they would let Mipha win didn't mean they had to tie for second place.

They had risen early to continue on the road to Mount Lanayru. Daruk appeared to be in high spirits despite the fact that he had not yet fully healed, but Link couldn't blame him. Everyone, for the first time since they had left Zora's Domain, was actually smiling. It was hard not to succumb to the infectious glow, and the Hylian couldn't find a reason not to.

His mood brightened further as he saw the ruins strewn not only along the base of the road but suspended above them on the cliff walls. There were even some of across the river that ran alongside the road they traveled on. He couldn't help but wonder how such feats of construction could be completed as some of the rooms hung above the roaring currents of the river.

"Who cares how it was built," Revali sighed. "Sometimes I think your head is stuck permanently in the clouds." Link frowned at the response to his voiced awe. In his excitement, he had forgotten that he was walking beside Revali, who often showed utter disinterest in the past. Clearly, the potential adventure hadn't crossed the Rito's mind. Traps, monsters, imminent collapse, and possibly even treasure called to him alluringly as would a Siren's song. It was endlessly frustrating that Revali didn't share the excitement.

At least he could take solace in the fact that Mipha reflected his own enthusiasm though, knowing her, it was likely the knowledge that enticed her. Even so, he was glad that someone was as interested as he. He knew she was still unhappy with him, but maybe after things had smoothed over some more, they could explore the ruins together.

Link stared up at Mount Lanayru as they reached the East gate of Lanayru road. Through the gate, the climate instantly changed from a moderately warm sunny day to near blizzard-like conditions. Traveling up the mountain was looking to be a far more taxing and dangerous journey than he had originally thought, but that wasn't his main concern at the moment.

The visage before him brought something to the surface of his mind, but frustratingly enough, it was just out of reach. No matter how he strained to bring it to the forefront, the tidbit evaded him. Finally giving into frustration, the Hylian pulled out the Sheikah Slate and flipped through the images stored in the device. Eventually, he found it.

At some point in the past, Zelda, the original owner of the Slate, had created an image of this place.

"What is it, Little Guy?"

Link motioned for the Goron to join him, showing the Goron the image that he had been staring at.

"What's this?" Daruk asked as he scratched his head.

"An image Zelda created…"

"So, we were here before… hey guys! Come check this out!"

Everyone gathered around Link as he held up the Slate. As he continued to look at the two sights of Mount Lanayru, all sounds died around him as he was again sent drifting into the past.

Link followed patiently behind the slow-moving Princess of Hyrule. Though neither was dressed for the conditions they found themselves in, both were comfortable. Mipha's elixirs had made sure that no matter how cold their environment was, they would be able to journey through without worry of the cold. As such, he knew it was neither the snow nor the cold that dulled the Princess' usually brisk pace.

No, it was the results of their journey to the Spring of Wisdom. The blonde headed Princess had spent hours kneeling in the sacred spring, only for her prayers to once again go unanswered. Even though she normally tried to remain optimistic, this last failure had all but extinguished the last bit of optimism in her.

It saddened him to see such a close friend try so hard only to once again be confronted by Hylia's apathy. She had spent years praying and meditating, visited each of the three sacred springs in Hyrule, and pushed herself far harder than anyone he had ever met, including himself. Yet through it all, Hylia remained silent, never deigning to help the desperate Princess unlock her holy powers.

He yearned to do what he could do to comfort her, but he could barely reassure himself anymore. It wasn't that he lacked faith in Zelda. He was certain when the time came, she would be able to use her sealing magic. No, it was his faith in himself that was shaken. Despite his own training with the Master Sword, the blade, rumored to have a voice of its own, remained just as silent as Hylia.

After he had drawn the Blade of Evil's Bane, he had felt that something was off. The sword seemed to accept and reject him at the same time. Trained as he might, the sword remained aloof, as though punishing him for his own shortcomings. It was enough to shake his already crumbling confidence.

He felt the warmth first as he crossed the gate. Even though the cold hadn't bothered him in the slightest, the warmth was still welcome. He looked up to see the four pilots waiting for them.

"Well? Don't keep us in suspense. How'd everything go up there on the mountain?" Link wished for once that Daruk was a little more perceptive. He knew that Zelda would have to discuss the results, or lack thereof, soon enough.

Though he couldn't see her face from his place behind her, he knew that the Princess was on the verge of tears as she shook her already hanging head. Even though he had spent years learning to keep his face straight no matter the emotional strain he felt, he couldn't keep sadness from pulling at his face. Link tried to refrain from frowning at Daruk as worry wrote itself across every section of his face.

"So, you didn't feel anything? No power at all?" Revali asked quietly.

"I'm sorry, no." Revali's gaze fell to the ground. The part of Link that was used to dispassionately observing noted how the Rito's typical caustic behavior was gone. He had always been gentler with the Princess. It was one of the few things Link appreciated about his fellow Champion.

"Then let's move on," Urbosa said gently. "You've done all you could. Feeling sorry for yourself won't help anything. After all, it's not like your last shot was up there." Even though Urbosa's words often comforted Zelda, even she was unable to ease the girl's woes.

Daruk nodded desperately as though trying to convince himself that all would be well.

"That's kind of you… thank you."

Link's gaze was drawn to Mipha as her eyes flicked back and forth between him and Zelda. The Zora Princess' hands came together as they usually did when she was nervous.

"If I may… I thought you… well, I'm not entirely 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 am healing. You know, what usually goes through my mind." Mipha took another deep breath as her eyes quickly flicked to Link once again before moving back to Zelda. "It helps when I think - when I think about -"

Before the Zora Princess could finish, the ground shook violently, nearly throwing everyone to the ground. Revali threw himself into the air as everyone regrouped. The Rito hung suspended for a moment, gaping at whatever it was he saw. Link's veins froze over as he realized what Revali was seeing. He didn't need Daruk and Revali's assurances that the time they had all been dreading had finally arrived.

"Let's get you somewhere safe, my little bird," Urbosa murmured quietly to Zelda as Daruk called out instructions.

"No!" Zelda replied quickly, cutting off the Goron Champion. "I may not be of much use during the fighting, but if there is anything I can do to help then I will! My place is with all of you."

Link's spirits lifted as Zelda's fiery resolve resurface. Even though her sacred powers still lay dormant, the Hylian Princess still clung to what little hope was left. He found the strength of her conviction inspiring as he took his place as the vanguard. Though their odds looked grim, he couldn't help but believe that they would find a way.

The Hylian knight sent a quick prayer to Hylia, asking that for once, the silent Goddess intervene on their behalf.

Not a word was spoken as Link passed a cloak to Urbosa, Mipha, and Revali, who scoffed his off. All were too busy reflecting on their recollections to say anything. Even Daruk's commanding tone lacked its normal gusto, fitting the low morale of the group. Nobody moved forward.

"I hate to push you all, for I know that what you just saw was painful, but we must be going. We do not have much time."

"What are you talking about?" Revali sighed bitterly. Even he couldn't muster up the energy to sound annoyed.

"I cannot answer now, but- "

"And why not?" Link asked wouldn't normally speak that way to anyone, but he was losing his patience with the woman, who seemed content to wrap herself in layers of enigma and talking circles around them all.

"Link, you are one of my dearest friends, so believe me when I tell you that you must accompany me to the top of the mountain."

"For the love of Hylia woman, you- "

"That is precisely why you should follow me," Fi interrupted the Rito. The woman said nothing more as she crossed through the gate, followed by Midna. The wolf stopped at the foot of the gate and stared at Link over her shoulder. She quickly motioned after Fi with her head and crossed through the gate.

Link frowned, torn between his desire to leave and his duty towards Fi. He had promised to see the woman safely to the top of the mountain. Though he had no reason to trust her, he decided that he would keep his words as he followed the woman and the wolf through the gate.

He grit his teeth, cutting off the gasp that tried to force its way out of his throat as every muscle in his body convulsed, protesting the sudden cold. He heard a feminine gasp from behind him as he turned to find Urbosa, Daruk, and Mipha behind him.

"- and I don't understand why we're choosing to trust her. It's a wing shredding mistake if you ask me," Revali grumbled as he brought up the rear.

"Feathers, nobody is forcing you to come."

"I know," Revali sighed dramatically, "but I suppose it's too late to back out now."

"Then stop complaining."

"Fine."

They trudged their way through the snowy fields, being bludgeoned by angry snowflakes driven by the wind. Link tried to keep sense of his surroundings but quickly gave up. Between the howling wind and relentless snow, there was little, if anything, he could detect. He just had to have faith that they could respond in time.

As they continued forward, Link became distracted by the sound of shaky breathing somewhere behind him. He looked over his shoulder to find Mipha clutching her cloak close to her as she shivered violently beneath the thick fabric.

Link frowned thoughtfully as he remembered what little of Zora anatomy he knew. The Zora, while preferring cooler climates, were still more cold-blooded than Hylians. It was dangerous for her to be in this weather for an extended period because she couldn't produce the body heat required to keep herself alive. If they weren't fast, she would freeze to death long before the rest of them.

He slowed his pace, letting his unobservant companion pass him. He quickly removed his own cloak and placed it gently on her shoulders. The Zora Champion spun around quickly, taking a moment to figure out what had happened.

"Link… you can't- "

He cut her off with a quick shake of his head.

"Y-you will f-freeze if you don't cover up."

"Then we should get moving," He replied quietly. Mipha frowned at him but began moving more quickly. Ahead of them, the path began to incline sharply as it curved out of sight. He was glad to finally be ascending.

In an effort to keep his muscles from seizing, Link rolled his shoulders, swung his arms, anything that forced his quickly numbing muscles to remain somewhat responsive. It did little to ease him, but he took solace in knowing that if it came to it, he could move quickly.

They struggled through the white haze, feeling as though they were making no progress. Even so, Link struggled onward, shivering violently all the way. That was until he felt a cloak flung over his shoulders haphazardly.

"While I find your chivalry inspiring, I don't think killing yourself will help anything," Urbosa murmured in his ear. He looked over his shoulder to find the woman straightening herself and rolling her shoulders. "Ah, this is quite… refreshing."

Link frowned at her and began shrugging out of the cloak. He froze as Urbosa face jutted into his.

"You take that off and this time Daruk will be the one knocking some sense into you," she growled.

"She's right, Little Guy," Daruk called from somewhere behind.

"No offense Daruk, but I don't think even you could knock it into him."

"Well Feathers, maybe he should get some practice on you."

Link tried to hide it as he drew the cloak around him, grateful for the warmth it provided. the Hylian, feeling reinvigorated, looked up ahead of him to find Fi just a few short steps away.

"We're almost there," she called as they rounded another bend. The storm calmed suddenly as they rounded one last bend and stopped dead in their tracks, too shocked to continue. Ahead of them, the path continued straight to small spring with a statue of the Goddess in the center. Above the statue, wrapped around the summit like a scarf, was a giant, blue dragon.

Naydra was much as Link remembered her. An iridescent, blue, snake-like dragon that dwarfed them all. Link shot a quick glance at Mipha, who returned it. He was sure the same thought was crossing her mind. Though he had always spoken of seeing the guardian spirit, there had always been a part of him that had never believed that he would come face to face with her.

His awe turned to concern as he noticed the lethargy that dragged the majestic spirit down. Then his eyes widened as they trailed along the dragon's body. All along Naydra's body were ugly splotches identical to the ones that had hidden themselves away in Vah Ruta, only magnified tenfold. All of the eyes opened at once as Fi approached Naydra, pulling back her hood as she did so. Despite the wind that still blew across the mountaintop, her long blonde hair refused to be budged by it.

"It pains me to see you like this, my old friend," Fi murmured.

Naydra groaned as she lowered her head down next to Fi. The woman placed her forehead on the dragon's snout.

"Don't worry, I brought friends to help you. I only ask that you give them your blessing in return." Fi pulled back and turned back towards Link and the others. The Hylian Champion nearly stumbled back as he finally saw Fi's face. Aside from the ageless quality, Fi's visage bore an uncanny resemblance to Zelda's.

"Zelda… is that you, my little bird?" Link was glad that he wasn't the only one that was unsure as to whether or not the woman before them was Zelda.

"No, I am not Zelda, nor am I Fi," she replied quietly.

"Then who are you?" Revali asked aggressively.

"I've been called many names: The Goddess of Time, Naga, Zelda, Palutena, but you would know me as Hylia."

"The Goddess?!"

"But how… why…?"

"How coul-"

"I understand that you all have questions, but there isn't the time."

"Those eyes," Link said softly as he gazed up at Naydra. "They're just like the ones in Ruta."

"Indeed. They are made of malice, a bit of Ganon's physical manifestation. When malice infects a host, it allows Ganon to worm his way into the mind, eventually ceding all control to him."

"So, we need to kill the eyes?" Daruk asked skeptically. "That sounds like something I can handle."

"And how do you plan to do anything from here?"

Before Daruk could answer Revali's question, a shriek shook the mountaintop, causing them all to stumble around as Naydra pushed off. Rather than ascending further, the dragon began circling the summit, forcing the air around them to swirl violently.

"Quickly! You must cleanse Naydra before she is lost to us!"

Revali, after one last irritated glance around at them, took off. The Rito struggled against the massive air currents. Link knew that Revali couldn't do it alone. He didn't wait for any further prodding as he dashed towards the nearest cliff.

"Hold up, Little Guy! I know you want to help, but if you jump off now, you'll just get tossed around like a sack of pebbles."

Link frowned at the Goron, who grinned back as he flexed an arm.

"Fortunately for you, I've got an idea!"

"Daruk, I really don't like this idea," Mipha called out over the whirlwinds that plagued the summit.

"Have some faith in the Little Guy!" Daruk replied. It was hard to shout when he was curled up in a ball, but he figured it was worth the effort. He frowned to himself as he tried to feel whether or not his little companion was ready. "Link! Let me know when you're ready!"

"Go!" Link cried from on top of his back. The Goron sprang open with as much force as he could muster. He hoped that he had flung the Little Guy upwards and not outwards. Judging by the way Urbosa and Mipha were craning back, he must have succeeded.

He looked up and grinned as the Hylian Champion floated high above them. Link quickly collapsed his paraglider, pulled out his bow, fired, then clumsily pulled his paraglider back out.

"He missed," Urbosa stated.

Daruk looked back up with concern. Link would have to take more time to aim his bow, but that could put him in more danger as he would fall faster.

"The wind is too erratic. Even Revali is missing most of his shots," Urbosa growled. Daruk sympathized with her frustration. It sucked to sit and watch Link and Revali struggle to free Naydra of Ganon's corruption.

"Can't you use your lightning?"

"It's too risky."

"How close are Revali's shots?" Mipha asked quickly.

"Close. Why?"

"Focus on the arrows. The electricity can jump from the arrow to the eyes on its own."

"I don't have enough energy for them all."

"You don't need to make it strong," Mipha replied quickly, "the eyes are weak. Just a small strike should work."

"Here goes nothing," Urbosa muttered. The Rito fired another arrow, which Urbosa's eyes trailed carefully. Without warning the woman snapped her fingers. A bolt of lightning flashed towards the arrow, where it jumped towards the nearest blemish on Naydra's scales.

"You did it!" Mipha cried excitedly.

Daruk grinned at the Zora's excitement.

"Hey!" Revali snapped as he landed sloppily next to them. "It's nice that you figured out that you can do that and all, but can't you handle the ones on the bottom."

"The bottom?" Daruk asked.

"Yes. The top is where the spines and the eyes are. The bottom is where- "

"Revali, I need you back up there!" Urbosa snapped.

"Just find a way to deal with them!" the Rito shouted as he launched himself skyward again.

Daruk scratched his head as he watched the Dragon circle them. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully as arrows and lightning continued raining down. He didn't have the height or the reach to attack the spots of malice if Naydra flew directly above them, but if he and Mipha worked together.

"Oi! Naydra!" he bellowed out. "Can you fly above us?" Naydra roared in reply.

"Do you think she understood?" Mipha asked nervously as Naydra's head roped back around towards them.

"I think so," Daruk replied as the dragon charged towards them. "Get ready, Little Sister!"

"Daruk! What are you doing!?" Mipha squeaked as the Goron hefted her up.

"Gettin' you in range!"

Mipha looked down at him, taking a moment to understand. Her eyes widened quickly as she nodded and pulled her trident out.

"Get ready!"

Naydra pulled up sharply just before she rammed into them. Mipha's trident lashed out at the first eye she could reach, puncturing it quickly. It retracted, shriveling in on itself before exploding into a small cloud of black particles. The Zora Princess pulled back, spinning the trident around as another eye came within striking distance.

Daruk cringed with every jab of Mipha's trident. Every strike was accompanied by an unearthly scream that chilled him far more than the snow and wind had. He couldn't imagine a creature capable of making the kind of shrill sounds that eyes did, nor did he want to.

"That's all of them!"

"Great job," he congratulated as he set Mipha back down. His enthusiasm was short lived as he felt the winds change again. Naydra's flight pattern was changing again. Rather being the tight, controlled path around the mountaintop, now the dragon was flying erratically like she was in a tug-of-war for control. One moment she would try to alter her course away from the mountain, only for her head to snap back too far, nearly causing her to crash into the mountain.

"We need to speed this up," Daruk growled as he watched.

"There is only one left, but I don't think they can reach it!" Urbosa snapped back as she trailed the dragon's head with her eyes. Her fingers remained ready to call lightning at the first opportunity.

"Any sugges- "

"What is he doing?" Even Urbosa lost her focus as Mipha began panicking. Both Urbosa and Daruk redirected their attention to Link to find the Hylian falling towards Naydra. He pulled out his sword as he smacked painfully into the dragon near the nape of her neck. The Hylian began working his way steadily towards Naydra's head as the massive creature began shaking violently in an attempt to throw him off. Link, the stubborn young man that he was, clung to Naydra as he continued making progress.

The Hylian stopped once he reached the back of Naydra's massive head and wrapped a single arm around one of the spines. Link's sword cut through the air, striking at an eye on the far side of Naydra. She cried out suddenly, flinging her head from side to side, throwing Link off her back. The Hylian tumbled through the sky, rushing past them quickly. The three remaining champions ran to the cliff. Daruk peered over the edge and was almost smacked in the face by Revali as the Rito Champion soared upwards, followed closely by Link.

Revali, who had been gliding just above Naydra, must have dove down when Link fell and created an updraft for the Hylian to ride back up safely.

The two landed lightly and exchanged a glance. Link nodded to Revali, who folded his wings as he smirked back at the Hylian. Eventually, he nodded back, though his smirk never left.

"Nice job," Daruk muttered to the Rito as they regrouped near the Spring. Revali didn't respond, but Daruk was sure that the Rito's chest had puffed out slightly.

Naydra had once again wrapped herself around the summit and was watching the Champions below her with great interest.

"Step forward." Daruk looked around him for the source. He hadn't noticed at first, but sometime during all the commotion, Hylia had disappeared, leaving only her voice behind.

As one, the group cautiously approached the statue dedicated to Hylia and presented themselves to Naydra. The dragon's head slowly drifted down and to inspect each of them. After she finished the dragon's head reared.

Daruk flinched as the dragon's face jutted towards them all, releasing a massive gust of air from its gaping maw. As Naydra's breath tore through him, Daruk felt a surge of energy course through him. He began laughing as the strength to crush mountains energized him.

When she had finished, Naydra pulled back and silently gazed at them.

"Naydra's blessing has amplified your very being, returning some of your former strength to you," Hylia's voice was no more than a whisper, yet Daruk heard her perfectly. "With Ganon's corruption gone, she now possesses the power to protect these lands as she once did. The people here no longer need fear the power of the Blood Moon."

"The Blood Moons are gone?" Daruk questioned.

"No. Naydra can only counteract it, and only for the lands within her domain. The rest of Hyrule is still in danger. I would ask that you free the other two dragons, as you have Naydra."

Daruk sighed as he agreed. Their job just kept getting more and more complicated.

Hylia said no more as Naydra's head lowered back down once again, though this time her attention was focused solely on Link. The Hylian, seeming to understand the dragon's intent, stepped forward. Dragon and Hylian stared at one another for a long time, neither one giving any indication as to what was happening.

"You really couldn't save them, could you?"

Naydra gave no response, merely staring back at Link.

"I guess you really can't save everyone, can you?" The Hylian was silent for a moment, considering something. Link suddenly reached out and placed a hand on Naydra's snout as a hardness in his face faded away. "I forgive you," he whispered.

Link lowered his hand as Naydra pulled back. She tilted her head in interest as she stared down at him. After considering the young man's words, Naydra nodded slowly at Link. Having concluded her business with the Hylian, the dragon pushed off the mountain, coiling gracefully through the air above them. She roared, piercing the heavens with her cry before leaving the mountaintop, and the Champions, far behind.

"The road ahead will be long and arduous," Hylia murmured quietly in his ear as they walked to the cliff, watching Naydra's dance. "But you need not fear what lies ahead…

For I will always be with you."

A/N: I hope you realize that there are a number of ways I could have ended this chapter, and I went for the giant snoot boop. Yep. It's been nearly a month, and all you have to show for it is a snoot boop... I have no regrets.

Anyway, I don't really have much to say besides issuing a challenge. Each Champion is based on someone in real life, one of those someones being me. Your mission, should you so choose, is to determine which Champion it is (I suppose this is really just seeing who actually reads all of my author's notes...).

Guest Reviews:

Guest who asked about Great Fairies: I originally planned to include Cotera and have her flirt with Revali... Yeah there are a lot of things you guys should be grateful I didn't include.

Guest who mentioned everyone's poor mood: Yep. Bad hair days suck... Like a lot.

Heather: ... are you sure?