Chapter 4
Child of The Storm.
Mipha was stuffed, Link's Salmon Risotto was to die for. Each bite she took was heaven. She had 3 servings, and Mipha was debating about a 4th. Meanwhile Link had 2 servings of Salmon Risotto.
Rarely was Link bested in a eating competition, he had a black hole as a stomach. Lately however his Appetite was dwindling. Was it due to Zelda's well being? Or was it something else. Link's head started to hurt again, he couldn't remember the last time he didn't have a headache.
"Link are you alright," Mipha asked. Worrying that Link wasn't feeling well.
"I'm fine, I just have a slight headache. It'll pass," Link replied. Link doesn't want to worry Mipha, just because he has a headache. "I'll feel better in the morning I promise."
"Ok.. what time is it anyway?" Mipha questioned. Link glances out the window, it was already dark, maybe 10 or even 11 o-clock in the evening.
"I'm guessing close to 11-ish, it's hard to tell without the Sheikah Slate. Either way it's late, we should get some rest. In the morning we'll talk with the rest of the Champions, then head out," Link informed.
"We should also stop by the Domain. I need to inform my father that I'll be accompanying you on your journey," Mipha stated. She then grabs both hers and Link's bowls along with their cutlery, and brings them back into the kitchen. Link grabbed the two cups that Mipha left behind and followed after her.
"Alright, It would also be nice to see Sidon again," Link added. Link helping Mipha clean the dishes, Link's mind began to wander again. It's been 3 months since Link last saw Sidon, has he grown? Is he still as adorable as Link remembers? Link thought he should get a gift for his old playmate and friend, but what would he like?
"Link, I think that cup is clean," Mipha said snapping Link out of his train of thought. Realizing Mipha has been finished for a while now, and is waiting in the doorway for Link. Her left hand on the door frame, while her right hand is on her hip.
Link realized that he must've been lost in his thoughts for quite some time, because Mipha had finished cleaning up. Link then put the cups back and made his way back to Mipha.
"Sorry about that, I was deep in thought," Link responded. Mipha smiled, any time she mentioned Sidon Link would usually zone out for a while. Mipha knew that both Sidon and Link were best friends, and oftentimes seemed more like brothers than friends. She couldn't wait for the Calamity to pass and their lives to go back to normal.
"It's fine, I'm also exhausted, do you think I could stay with you again?" Mipha questioned.
Link smiled and replied. "Of course your majesty," as they both made their way to Links room.
When Link opened the door, the familiar room lay before Mipha. The simple bed with a night stand in the top right corner of the room. A desk was stationed in the top left corner of the room. In the bottom left corner was a wardrobe.
Link left Heather's journal on his nightstand, then began to undress himself As Mipha removed her jewelry. Mipha crawled into bed and a few moments later Link hopped into bed with Mipha.
Link lay in bed, Mipha had already fallen asleep. It has always astounded him how quickly Mipha could fall asleep, while Link struggled to fall asleep. There was so much on his mind. Zelda was in danger, and she is key to sealing Calamity Ganon. If she died so does everyone else Link loves, and most importantly all of Hyrule dies. There was a lot of pressure on Link, he is the chosen Hero after all.
Wanting to get his mind off of impending doom, Link picks up the journal that sits on his nightstand and begins to read the next entry.
•=•=•=•=•
Heather Vivdo current date 6/6/20,232
We still can't believe last night's encounter. We've met a Crallak, a living one, a real one. On top of that I believe the Crallak we've met is female, she said her name was Nezzura. She helped confirm a theory of mine, that Crallaks live as long as they have a stable food source.
After some more chit chat Nezzura thanked us for spending time with her, but I still do feel guilty. We didn't intentionally spend time with her, we feared she was going to kill us.
It finally dawned on me after a night's rest, she never wanted to hurt us. In fact I think she protected us.
In the morning we found some bizarre tracks. Upon further inspection we found dozens of these unknown animal tracks, but whatever they were, they had paws. similar to wolves, but much larger, however it's smaller than bear paws. The tracks themselves wonder around the camp, then they dart inland. Away from the cliff. When examining the cliff's edge we noticed large impacts that weren't there last night.
I have my own theory of what happened. Thanks to my tracking skills, and my Zoology background.
I think a predatory animal was scoping out our camp. Then a larger creature appeared, scaring off the animal stalking our camp. I believe I know this larger creature as Nezzura. She must've returned and scared this beast off.
Unfortunately the vow Thomas Duke doesn't trust Nezzura. Thomas, I mean The Duke as he keeps insisting we call him. He is a rather portly man, he's the smallest vow here, standing at 5 feet 4 inches. He has long curly black hair, striking icy blue eyes. A few of his teeth are replaced with golden teeth.
The Duke thinks she's deceiving us, making us lower our guard, then killing us. Personally The Duke is a bit of an idiot, he doesn't have a scientific background like the rest of us. In fact the only reason he's here is because he's the one paying for this exploration. The other three vow are unsure, but after telling them about how Nezzura could've protected us. This seemed to easy them a little bit.
We packed up camp and continued north. Sadly no signs of new life.
Heather Vivdo current date 6/13/20,232
It's been a week since we've met Nezzura. So far we haven't had another interaction with her. On the other hand we've come across a few new life forms. Such as The Bright Berry Crab, as Levi had pointed out that the crab looks like a cluster of bright red berries. Now Levi is the team geologist, he is a rather slender vow, from what he's told me he's in his early 30's . He's also the tallest vow, standing at 6 feet. He has short chestnut brown hair, along with a thick beard that covers the majority of his lower face. He has bright emerald green. I find his eyes fit his personality, he is a cheery and vibrant person, always has a positive outlook.
The crabs themselves are 5 inches long and 3 inches wide. The shell of the crab resembles that of a cluster of berries. Which is interesting, I wonder why it appears to be berries?
What is it hiding from…
The scenery so far has been extraordinary for the most part it's been mountainous. Even from the rocky coast we traveled down the jagged teeth of this mountain range left me bewildered. The mountains themselves blanketed by green, the smell of pine lingers in the air. The top of the mountains covered in snow, Light of the sun glistening off the snow makes the mountains glow. The stone of the mountain is strange, black as the night sky with white spots like stars. Part way into the mountain range we saw a massive wall of ice, it engulfed three valleys. From what we can tell this glacier wraps around the tallest mountain we've seen, so we call it Spire Mountain. Spire mountain reaches over the clouds, and sadly we haven't seen it's entirety.
Two days ago we made it out of the mountain and are now in a vast rolling landscape, the breeze is chilly, the tall grass sways in the wind. Makes me wonder if I should build a cabin out here.
•=•=•=•=•
Link closed the journal, so far he couldn't find any more useful information on Nezzura's whereabouts. All they knew is that she is north of Hyrule, along the coast.
Setting the journal on his nightstand. Link rolls over and faces Mipha, who was still fast asleep. Link smiled, he enjoyed watching Mipha sleep, she was so peaceful. The gentle rise and fall of her chest, coupled with her smooth skin, and beautiful red scales.
Link was glad to have Mipha's company, not just in bed. She has always been there for him, from simple scraps to emotional support. Link would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't happy with Mipha coming with him. In fact he's quite glad she's coming along.
Firstly he's glad she's coming because they get to spend some much needed alone time. On top of that she was a skilled fighter, and a wonderful healer. But something kept poking at the back of Link's mind. Why is Mipha so outwardly emotional as of late? She confessed her love for Link only 3 months ago. Mipha had feelings for Link for quite some time, what emboldened her to act now?
Link was probably overthinking it, as usual.. Link's eyes began to grow heavy. They did have an early morning ahead of them and with that Link's eye shut, as he began to drift into a dull slumber.
Next morning Link gently shook Mipha awake. Mipha grabbed one of Link's pillows, and threw it over her face.
"Five more minutes," Mipha groggily asked.
"Wish we could love, but we gotta get up. We are meeting the rest of the Champions, they are properly in the dining hall preparing for breakfast. We also have to set out for the Zora's Domain to see your father, and inform him that you'll be joining me on my quest to save Zelda," Link informed.
"Ok..ok I'll get up, just give me a second," Mipha grumbled. Link then got up and began to dress himself. As Mipha staggered out of bed, and began to put on her jewelry.
25 minutes later both Link and Mipha entered the dining hall where the rest of the Champions were prepared to eat. Mipha and Link sat side by side, as servants brought different assortments of food. Spiced meats, salted fish, loaves of bread, fiery ore, palm fruits, and vegetables for breakfast the Champions.
Link filled his plate with different meats, vegetables, and fruit. Normally Link preferred to make his own food, but today he had to prepare for a long journey. Mipha filled her plate with some fish, she preferred them raw she found cooked fish dry. The only exception was Link's cooking, he somehow made the fish not too dry.
Link looked at the rest of the Champions, all of them had a miserable look. Daruk wasn't trying to lighten the mood, which meant this was very serious. Link swallowed a mouthful of palm fruit and began to speak. "Me and Mipha have a plan. We will travel north looking for someone, they might be able to help save Zelda," The rest of the Champions gave a simple nod "which means Revali has to be our messenger."
"What! Why does it have to be me, why not Daruk or Urbosa," Barked Revali.
"Because Revali you're the only one who can fly. Also you'll be key to saving Zelda. If we find anything you'll be the one reporting it back to Urbosa," persuaded Mipha. Revali sat for a moment complaining about what Mipha just said.
"Fine, I'll do it..," caved Revali.
"If I may interject, I've informed both Doctor Purah, and Doctor Robbie about Zelda's condition. Purah believes that she could make a cure if she has the necessary information and resources," added Urbosa.
"Awesome, Link and Mipha will scour for information on Nurk. While the rest of us will search here," Bellowed Daruk with renewed enthusiasm.
"Then it's settled, Mipha and I will head out in search of answers. While Daruk and Urbosa look here, Revali will aid whoever he can when not delivering messages," stated Link. The rest of the Champions nodded in agreement.
After a few moments in complete silence the Champions finished their meal, servants came to take the remaining food and dishes to the kitchen. The Champions made their way out of the dining hall and split up. Link and Mipha made their way towards the stables in Hyrule Castle. Link got his horse Epona, as Mipha waited.
Link flawlessly mounted Epona in one swift movement, and held out his hand for Mipha. She gingerly grabbed Link's hand and was aided on top of Epona. Mipha's arms wrapped around Link's waist, as she leans forward resting her head on Link's back. Link feels Mipha has situated herself comfortably, and kicked the horse into a light trot.
As both Link and Mipha leave Castle Town, they notice hundreds of inactive Guardian stalkers. Zelda has been trying to get the Guardians to respond to commands, but so far no luck.
Mipha has never liked riding a horse. She finds that it hurts her fins when she rides, But she wanted to stay with Link as much as she can. Hence why she didn't travel by river. She watched trees and hills move by, it wasn't like traveling by river. The way the water rushed over her body, darting past fish, nothing could compare to it.
Link was keeping an eye out, as they made their way towards Wetland Stable. Something caught Link's eye, something darting through a grove of trees. It was large, knocking over trees as it moved. Loud mechanical clangs. Wood scraping across metal. Bursting from the tree line is a red Bokoblin. A few seconds later a Guardian Stalker charges out from the tree line after the red Bokoblin. Started Epona as she raised her front legs and stopped in her tracks.
Mipha also was startled by the sudden appearance of a Guardian. She instinctively put one hand to her mouth, and when Epona raised her front legs Mipha lost her grip on Link's waist, and was thrown off the horse.
The Guardian crushes the red Bokoblin under one of its mighty claws, and it's head swivels towards the panicking horse. the Guardian made clicks and clacks. The Guardian had a CW carved into the side of the head, the singular large eye was dark blue, as a dull dark blue glow came from within the Guardian's body. Which Link found odd, most of the Guardians that were activated had the light blue glow.
Mipha looking at the Guardian in aw, she never saw one actually move before. In fact her only experience with Sheikah technology was with Vah Ruta. Suddenly a figure in plate armour stood before Mipha, crouched down and offered Mipha a hand.
"Need a hand up my lady?" The armoured figure asked. The voice was that of a male, gruff and smoky. The armoured figure was massive compared to Mipha, he stood 6 feet 6 inches compared to Mipha's 5 feet 6 inches. He had wide shoulders, his right shoulder plate has the triforce symbol painted on. The figure had a fur pelt over the left shoulder. Two leather pouches on the right breast, while three more around the waist. Most intriguing about this man was his helmet, and twelve metal horns come out of the front and curve to the back of the head. Also a t-like visor made out of some sort of black glass obscured his face.
Mipha knows she'll be stiff tomorrow thanks to the fall, and she softly grabbed the armored man's hand. With one quick pull she is helped back onto her feet. Mipha paused for a moment, who was this man and why does he seem familiar? And why was there a Guardian with him?
The Guardian makes a few more clicks and clacks as the armoured man raises his hand. "I know you didn't mean to scare the horse. And no, the boy on the horse isn't hurting the horse," the man seemed to respond to the Guardian's clicks and clacks. This caught both Link's and Mipha's attention, was it possible for this individual to understand a Guardian?
"Thank you," Mipha shyly states. She wasn't the best at talking to new people. Furthermore, she was trying to remember where she saw him before.
"I apologize, we didn't mean to startle you. Please forgive my actions, Lady Mipha," the armoured man pleaded. This only confirmed Mipha's suspicion, they did in fact meet before. He couldn't have been a Zora, for he didn't have any Zoran features such as fins and lacks a tail fin. Furthermore the armour itself would be very uncomfortable for a Zora, and impractical for a Zora soldier.
Link managed to calm down Epona, as the Guardian moved its attention onto Mipha. "It's alright.. no one was harmed. May I ask what your name is?" Mipha questioned.
"Most folks call me Stormbringer, I'm a sword for hire. This is ClockWork, my guardian partner. Please if there is anything we can do? It's the least I could do," Stormbringer replied. Mipha looked at Link, he seemed agitated, then back at Stormbringer. Mipha was about to open her mouth until she was cut off.
"we should be able to handle ourselves, we're just making our way towards wetland stables," Link interjected.
Mipha could feel tension forming. Was Link jealous? Mipha couldn't help but giggle, she found it adorable that Link is jealous of a simple mercenary. Mipha then watched Stormbringer turn towards Link.
"I wasn't talking to you, Orphan boy," Stormbringer coldly stated. "I was asking Lady Mipha if she needed a capable fighter."
Mipha's jaw dropped. Did this man just insult Link, The Hero, the Hylian Champion, and the love of her life, by calling him Orphan boy. Not only that but also insulting Link fighting capabilities. The audacity Stormbringer had.
Link on the other hand stays silent, Stormbringer hits a painful nerve. Link has no family, his father was a knight who died in combat, while Link's mother died giving birth to him. He had no siblings, or extended family. quietly helping Mipha back onto Epona, Link began to trot away from Stormbringer.
Mipha looked back at Stormbringer, who stood in the middle of the path motionless. Mipha took a deep breath, and pulled herself closer to Link.
Mipha was left to her thoughts as they silently moved forward. Why did Stormbringer look and sound so familiar? did he not know who Link was? Was Stormbringer the threat that Zeth talked about? Only time will tell.
As stated before chapters may take some time to be released, but we've decided to make our chapters longer. Hopefully you'll enjoy it. We are currently working on the next Chapter, The Mercenary.
And May the seas be calm, and your sailing smooth.
~ Manifold.