Dorephan idly drummed his fingers on the armchair of his throne, sharp-pointed nails clacking against the stone in a rhythmic pattern. The sharp beat was complemented by the steady drone of murmurs coming from the gathered members of the Zora Council inside the throne room.
Why did such a life-threatening event have to develop on Link's arrival? The next few days were supposed to be a pleasant time of reconnection with the Hylian. For him, his children, and other Zora who knew him so well.
Dorephan spared a glance at the two Gopongan villagers who stood far off to the side in his throne room. Despite arriving in the Domain nearly an hour ago and provided with some food and water, they still looked incredibly haggard. Dark lines trailed underneath their eyes, and their hair tangled messes. Stress and anxiety still held them in a vice-like grip, no doubt.
He couldn't blame them. A monster horde was on a warpath to their village after all.
Gatherings of such a number of monsters were rare. The entire region of Hyrule had been relatively stable for the last few centuries. Though it was not uncommon to find Bokoblins and even Lynels to be found in the wilder corners of Hyrule, they rarely ever came close enough to civilization to pose a direct threat. Least of all in a horde.
Dorephan could no longer ignore the signs. Trouble was brewing. Monster sightings were becoming far too common these days, edging ever closer and closer to villages and towns scattered around Hyrule. And these brand new reports of the mysterious Yiga Clan that claimed to serve Ganon?
Maybe King Rhoam's paranoia of a coming Calamity was justifiable after all.
Damnation, he didn't want to believe it, but the king of Hyrule probably had the right of it. Even now, an unprecedented number of Lizalfos bands stalked the outskirts of Zora lands. Many of his guards had been deployed to hunt them down before they could become a serious threat.
Worry about a coming Calamity would have to be ruminated on later. Right now, he had to deal with the problems in front of him. In a perfect world, Dorephan would take a score of his best guards and drive off the monster horde threatening Goponga himself. He could not deny the temptation was there. To take up his greatsword once again and lose himself to the thrill of battle.
But this was not the case. With the Domain's garrison nearly emptied, a choice would have to be made. To aid Goponga and send what little assistance they could offer, or send for the Hyrulian army and pray for timely intervention.
There was a third option, however…
"Are you sure it was wise inviting the Hylian?" Muzu's voice cut through Dorephan's thoughts. Muzu stood off to Dorephan's right, sharing his gaze with eyes glued to the stairs.
Muzu, being Dorephan's senior advisor, was technically the head of the Council. Unlike his compatriots, the green-scaled Zora was allowed to ever be at the King's side, being his direct aide. The old Zora's wisdom had been a great asset during the early years of his reign. His advisor's care for the Domain rivaled his own, which meant Dorephan truly trusted his insight.
Most of the time. As long as it didn't involve Hylians. The old Zora held a great mistrust for them. An understandable mistrust. Broken treaties, skirmishes, and other acts of aggression between the two kingdoms slithered in the underbelly of the Domain's alliance with Hyrule. Such hostilities have not happened for nearly two centuries, but Muzu was ever wary.
Dorephan himself never allowed these reservations to fully take hold. He was wise to the past but always tried to give Hyrule the benefit of the doubt.
"I fully understand why the Princess should be here, but Link?" Muzu continued. "He has no say nor standing in our politics. I know you're fond of him, but this is a Council Meeting. I still do not see why he needs to be here."
Dorephan closed his eyes, his jovial spirit demanding patience with his short-sighted advisor. Technically, Muzu was in the right, not just any Zora could attend. Only those trusted elders, community leaders who have spent nearly two centuries in the inner workings of the Domain could hold a seat on the Council. To have a Hylian participate was unheard of, especially with Link's affiliation to a foreign kingdom, alliance or not.
"It is quite unorthodox, isn't it?" Dorephan said with a soft chuckle.
Muzu paused for a few moments, hand to his chin as he considered his liege's statement.
"I don't know what scheme you've concocted, Your Highness," Muzu finally muttered. "But I don't think any good will come out of it."
"Whatever do you mean, my old friend?"
Muzu's following grumbling caused Dorephan to let out a boisterous laugh, grabbing attention from some of the other Councilors. They soon fell back into their conversations again when Dorephan offered no explanation for his outburst. He did not miss subtle impatience in a few of those in the room. Dissatisfied faces, hushed tones of annoyance, and the shifting of feet. It bespoke their frustration. The old Zoras were eager to get back to whatever duties they had to attend to before being summoned.
Before their patience could break, however, Dorephan caught sight of a very familiar set of blonde hair and the unmistakable red scales of his daughter.
He watched on as Link and Mipha ascended to the top of the stairs, moving through the ring of Councilors that had parted for their entry.
"Ah! So my lovely daughter and our esteemed guest finally arrived," Dorephan teased. "I was worried that you finally worked up the courage and stole my daughter away." That earned quite a few frowns from the councilors and a blush from both Link and Mipha.
Dorephan inwardly chuckled. Could he be blamed for taking advantage of a perfect opportunity?
Mipha shook her head to his antics, recovering quickly from her astonishment and approached the central dais with Link in tow.
"Nothing of the sort, Link was on his best behavior," she quipped back. "Perhaps he'll find the courage to do so another day."
"Sorry for keeping the Council waiting," Link followed.
"Nonsense," Dorephan replied as Mipha took her place by the right of his throne. "It was organized rather hastily. We couldn't begin without you."
Link gave Dorephan a quick bow before trailing off himself towards the edge of the crowd of Zora. He then rested two thumbs on top of his belt buckle as he stood at ease.
"Everyone!" Dorephan proclaimed in a booming voice, garnering the room's attention. "Some of you might be wondering as to why I called you all here. I think it would be best if I let our other two guests here inform you."
Dorephan then offered a hand to the opposite side of the room where the two Goponga villagers stood.
"Please. Come forward and tell the Council what you have told me."
The two Hylians briefly looked at each other before stepping before Dorephan. They then turned around to face the rest of the Council as all eyes fell on them. Some appraisals were curious, while others were more questioning and guarded
"I'm Loran, and this is Junkins." The Hylian's words were haggard, a subtle, tired edge behind each syllable. "We're both from Goponga village. I ain't one for fancy words and the like, so I'll tell it to ya straight. We've come to your Domain 'cause we need help. There's a band of monsters campin' in the southwestern part of the Wetlands. We're afraid that they're eyein' our village to attack it."
That got some of the Councilors to be audible in their surprise.
"How many are there?" a different Zora called from amongst the Councilors.
"Score and a half, at least, but there might be more," Loran replied. "A right horde of them. Mostly Bokos and Lizalfos, but there are a few Moblins among their number."
"Their color?"
"Don't know. Our people couldn't get that close to them. They only scouted their camps in the cover of night for a rough headcount."
Hushed discussion grew louder in volume as many Zora in the room openly stated their surprise to their neighbor.
"What makes you think they're going to attack your village?" another aged voice asked from the crowd.
Loran rubbed the back of his neck. "The wetlands have always been home to all manner of beasts and critters, monsters included. Bokos and Moblins rarely stay in the swamp and we never 'ad to deal with no Lynels neither. Not enough dry land, see. We do get Lizalfos though. They like the water as you all do. An occasional sightin' of a pair or two of 'em ain't rare."
Dorephan rubbed his chin. That made sense. Lanayru was the favored terrain for Lizalfos. Naturally, this made them enemies of the Domain as they often encroached on Zora territory. There would only be one reason why Bokoblins and Moblins would entrench themselves in the wetlands: pillaging.
"What is rare is the whole bleedin' horde of the blighters, with a majority of them not being Lizalfos." Loran followed, confirming Dorephan's suspicions. "Right now the Bokos and Moblin are campin' out on whatever sandbars and islands that can house 'em. And they got a few packs scouring the area for food and weapons. We've already had a few tussles with their scouts edgin' closer to our village. Nobody seriously hurt yet, but it's only a matter of time."
"And why did you come to the Domain with this problem?" Muzu asked as his eyes met Loran's, his voice crisp and clear. "I understand the direness of the situation, but wouldn't the Hylian army be your first choice? It is their job to protect you after all."
"Aye, the Domain was not our first choice," Loran responded. "But you lot are closer than the nearest Hyrulian outpost. Chief feared by the time we got over to one, it'd be too late."
"What of your own defenses?" one of the younger Councilors asked. "Don't you have your own way to protect yourselves?"
"We're a small village of hunters and fishers," Junkins finally spoke up. His tone was nervous and shaky. "So we know how to take care of ourselves, but none of us are trained soldiers. We can handle a lone Lizalfos or two just fine. But a whole horde of monsters?"
Junkins then turned his gaze to Dorephan. "We'd be overrun before we can even put up a fight."
Dorephan hummed as he digested Junkin's statement. The villager had the right of it. Without the Domain's help, Goponga would end up being nothing more than a smoking ruin and rotting bodies. Bokoblins might be stupid, but they had strength greater than the average Hylian. With Moblins, who wielded clubs and spears as large as tree trunks, and Lizalfos sporting metal forged weapons of wicked design...all signs pointed to a massacre.
Goponga could not afford the Domain sending for the Hylian army. They would have to step in themselves.
"I can see why you have come to us for help," Dorephan finally said. "Very well. The Domain shall assist in any way we can."
"Are you sure that's wise, Your Highness?" Trello called from the back of the room. "Won't King Rhoam see this as a provocation against Hyrule's sovereignty if we marshal troops onto their territory?"
"Let him," Dorephan responded. "Though I am sure Rhoam would understand, if he does see it that way, then I will explain my actions in person if need be. I will not be known for abandoning our neighbors in their time of need."
Dorephan wished he could back his claim with more confidence; for it was teetering on a fine edge. He knew of the Domain's recent deployment. He might not have enough guards to send to Goponga. Dorephan hoped Goddess was kind and instilled Seggin with a sense to keep some spare spears behind.
"What is the state of our forces?" he asked the Demon Sergeant.
"Depleted, Your Highness," Seggin responded in a clipped tone. "As you already know, we've had our own Lizalfos sightings in the Zorana Uplands and over at Ja'Abu Ridge. Small packs of three or four. Not a horde, but a problem that needs to be dealt with swiftly. Anyone who is not guarding Inogo Bridge or the Domain is now hunting them down before they can establish themselves. The last thing we need is for them to start scavenging for Shock Arrows."
Dorephan grimaced. Shock arrows. The deadliest weapon a Zora could face. Merely being an inch from an arrow caused the electricity to arc violently and jolt a Zora. To be hit by one guaranteed grievous injury or death. The electrical ammunition was banned in the city for this after all.
Of course, like some cruel joke, the Lizalfos somehow had immunity to wielding them. They also had an annoyingly keen eye for finding them. Combined with their knowledge of weapon-craft, and their seemingly bottomless cunning, they were monsters that posed a great danger to the Zora.
Seggin was right to commit their forces to eliminate the bands of Lizalfos. That did not leave confidence in sending any help to Goponga however.
"Is there not one fin we have in reserve?" Dorephan asked. The frown that Seggin gave him dashed such any such hope immediately.
"No, not without leaving the Domain poorly defended. What we have now makes for an adequate defense, but any more Zora gone, and we'll be too exposed."
"What about calling some guards back?" a voice asked from the crowd.
"That might take a few days. Given the time frame, our neighbors here have given us, they do not have that luxury."
Dorephan leaned back into his throne with a deep hum. This was not where he had hoped to end up. It was decisions like these that he hated the most. Leaving Goponga defenseless threatened to overwhelm him with guilt. But the defense of the Domain came first and foremost. It had to. As King, his people's lives were in his hands. He was not about to expose them to any sort of danger.
"But you can't just do nothing!" Junkins suddenly cried out. "We're just normal folk, we can't handle that many monsters!"
"Yet if the Lizalfos moved down from the Highlands, or the horde in the swamp skirted Goponga for Inogo Bridge, then we'll be the one to suffer for it," Muzu coolly stated back. "Especially with the state of our defenses now, I'll say it again. This is a Hylian problem. The Hyrulian army should deal with it."
"You're leavin' us ta die then!" Loran yelled at Muzu. The man's cheeks were flushed red in shock and anger. "And here I was thinkin' that the Zora were the more reliable ones..."
"You say that, but as the King's advisor, I cannot condone any action that would leave our people vulnerable and defenseless!"
"That's a death sentence and you know it!"
As Muzu and Loran continued their argument, Dorephan kept his mouth shut. Instead, he watched Link brooding from across the room. No doubt the Hylian picked up on the multi-sided discussions among the Councilors that began to break out. Dorephan could hear them himself. There were voices in favor of aiding Goponga, despite leaving the Domain with little defense. Others, however, were floating the idea of sending a swimmer to contact the Hyrulian Army and letting them deal with it.
The boy was making a decision, one which Dorephan would wait and allow the situation to play out; for he already knew what the Hylian would do.
Dorephan would not leave Goponga to its fate but if he could not send his people, that meant option three: send the only one he knew could take on a whole horde by himself...Link.
Goddess forgive him.
The meeting had quickly spiraled out of control. Link felt alone as arguments began breaking out amongst the Councilors.
It seemed like Ganon itself stacking the odds against Goponga. Without the Domain's help, the outcome looked bleak.
Link listened on as Zora squabbled amongst themselves. Bickering on whether or not to aid the village.
And why was the King silent? Why was Dorephan allowing this and not retaking control of the Council? And why was staring at him? Surely he wished to aid the village, right?
He can't, Link quickly corrected himself. He wants to help, but he can't. He's looking for an answer.
That's when it struck him. Dorephan already had his answer. Link fully understood the invitation now. Someone else had to help Goponga in the Domain's place. Someone like him.
Suddenly, Link felt energy rise in him, threatening to take over as his pulse quickened. His muscles twitched, ready to spring into action. He felt his own heart pushing him to immediately leave and set out for Goponga. That boundless Courage fueling the desire to aid those in need.
He could have resisted it, smothered it down, and caged it deep within. But that was not his way. Link couldn't remain silent. He was not about to sit idle while lives were threatened. Even if it ended if the Councilors got mad at him, he couldn't just let Goponga burn down to the ground.
This was probably what Dorephan didn't want in the end but needed. Being Domain's guest, he was the last person the King should have turn to. But Link didn't mind. It was part of the reason he wanted to become a knight. To be used as a tool, a weapon, to be unleashed on the enemies of Hyrule, and to save those in need.
However...
His eyes turned to Mipha, who appeared to be mulling over the situation as well. She must have caught his gaze for she soon stared right back at him. Her eyes seemed accusatory. She knew. She had come to the same conclusion as he did. She knew exactly what he was about to do.
There was a frown of displeasure. Probably at her father's scheme, but mostly at his willingness to go along with it. She was always upset when Link recklessly threw himself into danger. Yet, she never once blamed him. Mipha was always there to support him, even if he ended up injured at the end.
She then shook her head, probably accepting the situation as it was. An unfortunate circumstance, but there was nothing that could change what had to be done.
Link sighed as he began to step forward onto the dais. If only this didn't happen so soon. He only just got here. He would have liked to have spent more time with Mipha and the others. Even if it was just for one day.
"I'll go!" Link shouted. The din of noise that swallowed the room instantly drained away. All eyes turned on Link. Astonishment. Bewilderment. Confusion. Every Councilor was shocked at his is words.
"Excuse me? What did you just say?" Muzu sputtered.
"I'll go. If Goponga is in danger, then I'll go protect them," Link said in a steady voice.
"You cannot do this! You do not represent the Domain!" Link heard another Councilor call out.
"I know that," Link said after a short pause. He then shrugged his shoulders. "But I don't need your permission if I am doing it for my own reasons."
"You can't be serious!" Loran screamed at Link. Anger took hold of the villager as he glared daggers at Link. "Don't make this a joke! There are lives on the line here! Besides, what can a kid like you do against a whole horde of monsters!?"
"He would defend your village," Mipha suddenly spoke, her voice ringing out over the throne room. Nobody had expected her to speak up. Their stares turned away from Link and to their Princess instead, to which Mipha completely ignored. She moved forward towards the dais, her gaze frozen on Link. Her steps were slow and methodical. She took her time dragging out her movements. It was as if she wanted everyone to know, to visibly see, the support she had for him.
"This Hylian, this kid, as you put it, was besting adults in swordplay ever since he was a young child," she said in a steady voice. Standing in front of Link, her lips then parted in a smile, revealing her sharp teeth beneath her lips.
"Besides, he won't be going alone. I will be joining him."
There was dead silence only for the room to explode in a cacophony of yells. Whatever decorum the throne room had left collapsed under the weight of Mipha's words. Councilors were quick to shout their opposition.
"No!"
"You're the Princess!"
"It's too dangerous."
"Don't be foolish."
"Don't wrap Mipha into your problems, Hylians ."
Link was not surprised that Muzu's voice was the strongest among them. Beratements exploded from his mouth, reprimanding Mipha for even thinking of sallying forth.
Even Seggin, steadfast as he ever was, seemed to align his input with the other elders. Silence and furrowed brows were his only reaction.
"You're Highness," Muzu spoke as he turned over his shoulder to Dorephan, raising his voice so that he could be heard among the mass of shouts of displeasure. "You cannot entertain this. While Lady Mipha may be skilled in the arts of combat, sending her alone with the Hylian is a terrible idea."
Link watched Mipha whirl on her mentor like a predator. Aamber eyes were filled with anger and annoyance.
"Then what, Muzu?" she snapped. Mipha's usual persona of calm and graceful disappeared from her frustration. It was rare for her to lose her composure, to allow anger to hold her voice. Link had only ever seen her do this a couple of times. Yet he knew quite well what happened when Mipha's patience reached her limit. Just like now.
"Do we let Link head off alone with a 'good luck'?" Mipha continued. "Zora's Domain was the one who was asked for succor, and now our guest is offering to do it himself. That's why, as Princess, I will be representing the Domain by joining him."
"Mipha..." Muzu began but soon fell silent as Dorephan held up a hand. The other Councilors held their tongues as well to the King's motion. With bated breath, those in attendance waited to hear what decision their liege would come to.
Dorephan turned his gaze to his daughter.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked in a soft tone.
"Yes," Mipha said without missing a beat.
"So be it. Princess Mipha and Link will represent the Domain and aid Goponga Village."
Some of the Councilors began to open their mouths to continue their opposition, but Dorephan quickly raised a hand again to silence the would-be nay-sayers.
"I have made my decision. You are all free to leave."
One by one, the Councilors began to shuffle out. Muzu looked at his ruler one last time before shaking his head and moving towards the stairs. On his way, his face turned to that of concern as he looked to Mipha. He was about to say something, but the words appeared to have died in his throat. The old Zora simply shook his head again as he left the throne room.
Seggin moved to Link and Mipha in the middle of the room. His spear clacked down sharply in front of him.
"I suppose this means you'll need some supplies?" He asked in a terse voice. Link could practically feel the Demon Sergeant's eyes boring into him as if he was trying to melt him on the spot with his glare alone.
Link swallowed and sharply nodded. Seggin's intimidating scowl was infamous around the Domain, able to make even the most hardened Zora quake their tailfins. Even now, years later and hardening through the trials of knighthood, Seggin's scowl still intimidated Link. Thank the Goddess he no longer outwardly showed it.
"Very well. We'll have them ready for you both."
"Thank you, Seggin," Mipha replied. "I know you'll make sure we will want for nothing out in the field."
"So. Then, uh? What about us?" Junkins spoke up. There was still an air of unease around the two Goponga villagers.
"I suggest you rest here awhile before you head back," Dorephan stated. "It will be best for my daughter and Link to travel unhindered. I'll have lodgings arranged for you at Seabed Inn at no cost."
"Thank you kindly, Your Highness," Loran replied. The man still looked unsure, but he was not about to challenge the decree of a King.
Seggin motioned for another guard in the throne room.
"Jasna here will show you where you'll be staying."
The guard in question gave a short bow to Dorephan and motioned for the two Hylians to follow her.
Seggin too gave the King a smart salute before leaving as well, leaving Link, Mipha, and Dorephan alone.
Link opened his mouth to speak but was cut off swiftly by Dorephan.
"I know what you're about to say. Please do not apologize, as I should be the one apologizing to you. But there is no other way. I owe you a debt, Link."
Dorephan then turned his gaze to Mipha. "Just promise me you'll come back home safe."
"I will."
Link felt a tug on his arm as Mipha's lightly pulled on at the fabric of his shirt.
"We should get ready."
Link simply gave her a nod. Though he could have defended Goponga alone and felt bad at roping her into this...he couldn't lie. Link was glad Mipha was coming along too.
Dorephan watched his daughter and the Hylian walk down the stairs and back into the halls of the palace. Wearily, he brought a hand up to his face, dragging his fingers across the scales.
He truly wished it didn't have to come to this.
It pained Dorephan to use such a ploy. Link was his guest. To ask this of him went beyond what he was comfortable with. But he knew Link would not idly stand by while people were in danger. He watched the Hylian grow up after all. Knew of his desires, his wants, his temperament. Link was a bleeding heart, always ready to help anyone in need. If Dorephan had not invited Link to the meeting, there was a chance he would have simply ventured forth on his own to deal with the problem when he caught wind of it.
Then there was his daughter. Dorephan had an inkling she might involve herself as well. Mipha had always been protective of Link, and a even kinder heart. It came as no surprise that she would be eager to join him.
Dorephan did worry for her safety. But he had confidence. Confidence in her exceptional spearmanship, confidence in Link's swordplay...confidence in the two of them. They did make an exceptional pair.
Maybe he would allow Mipha to nurture that growing affection for Link after all.
At the rear of the Domain, just outside the throne room, there was an old sculptor's platform. Normally, the elevated structure allowed the Domain's craftsmen to access the exterior of the palace for repairs. However, it also made for the perfect spot to listen in on private Council Meetings.
To reach it required either approaching it from the inside, or a serious climb up the underside of the palace. Though Zora normally made for terrible climbers, for Bazz and the rest of his Brigade, it was well worth the effort.
After all, how could one not take advantage of the opportunity to eavesdrop on the Council?
Bazz and his Brigade huddled around the platform, having just finished listening to the discussions inside. Keji ended up tagging along as well and required help making the climb. Thank the Goddess for Gaddison's strength.
"So, Mipha and Link are going to go fight those monsters and protect Goponga." Bazz heard Gaddison's near quiet voice. Even high up on the alcove, no one wanted their voice to carry, lest they alert the King to their presence.
"But only the two of them? That sounds a little risky," Rivan whispered back to her.
"Weren't you listening? The Domain can't send anyone else without leaving it poorly defended."
That was the crux of the problem. Bazz knew his father's assessment he gave to the King was the correct one. The Demon Sergeant was rarely ever wrong. He knew how to operate the Zora Guard to its full efficiency, and use what little spearmen they had to defend Zora lands.
Bazz had also come to the same conclusion as the King. There was no other way to help Goponga without Link and Mipha volunteering to go out on their own. That didn't necessarily mean that they had to do it alone though.
He felt a prod on his shoulder, turning to see Kodah retracting her hand away.
"Are you thinking what I think you are thinking?" She asked in a measured tone.
"Maybe."
He looked at his friends. This could be their big break. For too long they've been seen as young Zora with their heads in the clouds by the rest of the Domain. That their dreams of being famous warriors and heroes were just that...dreams. Now they had a chance to prove everyone wrong. To show how serious the Brigade was.
"I think we should help protect Goponga Village," Bazz said.
"Are you crazy?" Keji spoke up in a hushed voice. "That's a ton of monsters they were all just talking about. You aren't Guards."
"Nor is Link," Gaddison stated back. "And Mipha is the Princess. Yet they are probably the most skilled warriors in the Domain aside from Seggin."
"But you're not the two of them. Those monsters would make chum out of you."
"Hey, we're pretty good fighters ourselves," Rivan shot back. He was right. Everyone in the Brigade were all young adults, about thirty years Mipha's junior. Though they couldn't hold a candle to her spearmanship, the Brigade wasn't helpless. They all trained under his father, after all, being able to go toe to toe with their mentor for a good while. Link had taught Bazz how to wield a sword. Even Kodah, the daughter of fisherzora, was skilled in her own right with a bow.
"To be fair, Keji. You're not in the Brigade." Kodah added in an annoyed whisper. "I don't think you get a say in this."
"But..." Keji began. However, he was suddenly cut off by Rivan.
"We know it's dangerous. But this is Link and Mipha we are talking about. A fellow Brigade member and our Princess. How can we stay behind knowing they are going to face down a horde alone."
"You stole the words right out of my mouth, Rivan," Bazz added. He then took a deep breath, puffing out his chest.
"I'm not going to force you to throw yourselves into danger. These are monsters after all. I won't think less of you if you back out." Bazz put a hand forward. His eyes traced over Kodah, Rivan, and Gaddison, locking onto each briefly before turning to the next.
"However, this is a chance to prove ourselves. To let the Domain know that the Big Bazz Brigade is not just a name alone. I'm going. Who's with me?"
Gaddison moved forward and put her hand on top of Bazz's.
"I can't call myself The Heroine if I back down. I'm in."
"It was getting boring in the Domain without Link anyway," Rivan said, adding his hand to the pile.
Last was Kodah. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before gathering her wits and placing her hand atop of Rivan's.
"To help Linny."
"Right. Then the Big Bad Bazz Brigade will go aid Goponga with Link and Mipha." Bazz affirmed to the group.
The Brigade members all took a step back, each wearing a smile, their pact sealed. Bazz could barely swallow the butterflies building in his chest. This was going to be their first true adventure. Not just wandering the Zodobon Highlands or exploring the nooks and crannies around the Tabahl Woods. A real adventure. Exploring a dangerous environment, protecting people, and slaying monsters...living up to the goals he set out for the Brigade when he had first started the group.
"We should head back to the hideout and grab what we need," Bazz stated. "We need to pack quickly though, who knows when Link and Mipha will leave."
"With your dad gathering supplies for them, we should have some time," Gaddison added.
"I'll go grab some dried fish and other rations from my place," Kodah piped in.
"How are we going to follow them?" Rivan asked Bazz. "I seriously doubt they will be pleased to see us."
"Simple. We beat them to Goponga Village."
"And how do you know Linny and the Princess will go there first?"
"I thought of that too," Bazz replied. "They have no idea exactly where the monsters are, only that they are in the southwest part of the Wetlands. Of course, we don't know either. But someone in their village probably does. So, either Link and Mipha show up at the village to get directions and we meet them there, or we ask for directions ourselves and catch up with them at the monster camp."
"Sounds good enough for me," Gaddison said as she crossed her arms. "I will say, it won't be just Mipha and Link who may be upset."
She then shot a glare at Keji, who had been silently listening in since he was shut down earlier.
"The adults won't be happy either once they learn we're gone. So Keji? Not a word out of you, understand? You tell anyone and we won't ever consider allowing you the Brigade."
Keji gave her a silent nod, the threat effectively doing its job. Bazz knew how badly the younger Zora wanted to join the Brigade. The thought of being excluded should keep him silent long enough for the rest of them to sneak out. He felt bad about it, but it had to be done.
"Good," Bazz followed. "Let's get moving, we've got to be quick if we want to beat Mipha and Link."
With that, Bazz moved to the edge of the alcove and began climbing back down. The rest of the Brigade followed suit, leaving an emotionally torn Keji alone once again...the poor Zora unsure of what to do.