Hello and happy Saturday everyone! I know last chapter was pretty depressing but I did my best to break it up a bit with happier moments for them so my readers wouldn't be left just feeling sad at the end (though some sadness is a good thing... means I've been conveying the emotions of the story right :D )
Anyway, one of the things I've always loved about the Zelda universe is the lore and how fleshed out the worlds are. BOTW gave me a lot to think about and I spent a lot of time exploring different areas and trying to figure out exactly what they were before the Calamity. I love being able to figure out the purpose of different areas and if they were in ruins already or if they fell to ruin after Ganon's return. Furthermore, all the myths, legends and being able to use previous games as part of the lore... I love it! I like to drop that sort of thing into the story whenever possible because I believe it makes the world more realistic.
NinaDaisyBell: Merci pour les beau mots et je menfous si tu veux laisser t'es commentaires en francais. Je ne parle pas francais, mais mon homme est bilingue donc y peut traduire . L'histoire est tres triste, mais l'element qui est la plus forte dans l'histoire est l'esperance. Donc j'ai essayer d'être honnete aux emotions s'entie dans les memoires. En meme temps, parallele avec le malheur, j'essay de saupaudrer l'histoire avec des elements plus joyeux. J'apprecie la comparaison du theme a Kass aussi! Ca me demontre que je suis sur la bonne piste! Et voila! J'aime que mon histoire te plait et j'espere que le reste est aux meme niveau. Bye bye. (Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to change the keyboard to include french characters...)
Here is chapter 14! Enjoy!
True to Zelda's prediction, the rain did not let up any time soon. It continued well into the night and the two of them were forced to make camp under the little rock ledge. Link didn't bother with the bed rolls because there wasn't enough room to lay them out where they would stay dry. Zelda had fallen asleep with her head on Link's shoulder so he kept watch.
Link's mind kept wandering back to what she had said earlier. Her depression at her failure to awaken her powers was draining her. That was plain as day to anyone who paid attention and Link was worried about her. The worst part about it was that there was nothing he could do to help her besides try to be there for her.
In a lot of ways, he understood her frustrations and her anxiety over their destiny but he also understood the resentment she had held for him. I can't really blame you. I would probably have felt the same way you did if our roles were reversed. I actually do feel the same way you did sometimes.
Something in the lake caught his eye. Was the lake glowing? He looked closer when something started emerging from the water… something massive!
His jaw dropped when he realized what it was. "Princess! Wake up!"
He was on his feet before Zelda had completely woken up and she had to catch herself to keep from falling over, "Hmm…? What?"
She looked where he was looking and stood up quickly to get a better look. "Goddess! Is that what I think it is?" Link barely registered what she said as he stared in wonder at the dragon that snaked its way out of the water and over the bridge then back into the water on the other side before emerging again. Zelda laughed in excitement, "I've heard legends but I never thought they would be real! I can't believe we are actually seeing this! Farosh, the spirit of lightning! Link, is this a dream?"
Without looking away from the dragon circling the sky above the lake, Link shook his head. This most certainly was NOT a dream! They were actually seeing this!
Lightning crackled off the beast's body but didn't reach them where they stood. Legends spoke of being able to find scales from one of the three dragons of Hyrule that each held incredible power but Link was satisfied with just seeing such an incredible creature with his own eyes.
Zelda laughed again beside him, "No one is ever going to believe us!"
Link had to laugh as well, "No, they won't. I had to wake you so at least you would believe me!"
"I'm not even sure I believe my own eyes right now!" Zelda replied.
The two of them watched as the dragon made a few passes over the bridge again then slowly ascended to the sky, disappearing as the sun rose. Neither of them was able to get any more sleep from the excitement of it so Link picked up their bags and the two of them continued toward the castle, conversing about other legends that might hold truth.
"Have you heard the one about the Windfish?" Link asked as they passed a garrison near Mabe Village.
"I never thought I'd believe that one but after what we saw last night, I think I would believe just about anything!"
They arrived at the castle in the late evening and walked through the main gate to Castle Town. The town was still bustling but most of the people with respectable business had long since turned in for the night. Zelda walked closer to Link than she normally did though Link didn't see anyone about that gave him pause. The people of Castle Town had always loved their princess, despite the rumours that spread regarding her lack of powers. More people had hope that she would be able to save them when the time came than people who didn't so Castle Town was still one of the safest places to be out at night. Regardless, Link didn't mind her walking closer to him.
Once they got to the castle, Link walked her up to her bedroom and bid her good night.
They were both exhausted but Link still wanted to make sure the horses made it back without issue before he would turn in himself.
The horses woke when he approached their stalls and happily took a carrot from him. He gave them each a pat, satisfied they had been well looked after, before heading to the barracks. Once he got to his room, he was asleep before his head hit the pillow.
The next morning, Link met Zelda outside her room and accompanied her to her morning prayers as usual. While seeing the dragon had lifted her spirits temporarily, prayer reminded her of her failures and cast a dark cloud over the princess. Link racked his brain for anything he might be able to say or do that would help but nothing came to him. This was a battle she had to fight on her own. So he stayed silent.
Her smile upon seeing him was superficial and Link would have taken on the goddesses themselves if he'd thought that would somehow grant her the powers she sought. On the walk back to her room, Zelda didn't even seem to notice the silence. Once they reached the door to her room, she turned to Link but didn't meet his eyes.
"I'll be in my study." With that, she turned and retreated to her room.
Link stood outside her door for a moment still trying to come up with something – anything – that might help but there really was nothing.
He turned and walked out to the walkway to her study.
He stood guard until something down below caught his attention. The guardian that had malfunctioned at the ball had been restored and the researchers had brought it here to test it out. Link turned and knocked on the door to the study.
"Yes, what is it?" Came the soft voice within.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Princess… but I think you will want to see this." He heard some shuffling inside then Zelda opened the door. She cast him a confused look but then heard the voices below and perked up. She walked quickly toward the edge of the walkway and looked over.
The Sheikah researchers seemed to be controlling where it would walk on those six spider-like legs. It's bulbous head swivelled on its base as it pointed its deadly eye at various targets.
Link looked back at Zelda and saw a faint smile on her face. Relief hit him as he let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.
"Incredible…" she whispered, "We're at a point now where we can actually control them."
Link didn't know if she was speaking to him or to herself so he remained silent.
"At the current rate, we'll soon know all we need to know about the guardians and the Divine Beasts!" Her passion for the ancient technology shone through her again. She turned to face him, "And should Ganon ever show itself again, we'll be well positioned to defend ourselves." She said confidently.
Link was about to respond when a commanding voice made him look over her shoulder to King Rhoam.
"What are you doing out here, Zelda?" His tone conveyed his disappointment and if it had been anyone else in the Kingdom, Link would have drawn his sword just then but instead, he had no choice but to kneel.
Zelda had spun and brought her hand up as though to defend herself but dropped it to her side when she realized who it was. Link could see her stiffen from where he was kneeling. The imposing figure stepped toward them.
"I…" She clenched her fist at her side, seeming to build her courage. "I was assessing the results of the experiment with the guardians." She said with a little more confidence as she stepped in front of Link, "These pieces of ancient technology could be quite useful against the – "
"I know that." The king interrupted flatly. "They are essential to Hyrule's future, and our research demands that we keep a close eye on them. However, as the princess, you currently have a crucial unfulfilled responsibility to your kingdom."
There it was. It took every bit of will power Link had not to look up at the princess. He had to remain neutral in this matter but he didn't like one second of it.
Zelda seemed to shrink back from her father.
"Let me ask you once more…" The king continued, contempt dripping from his voice, "When will you stop treating this as some sort of childish game?"
Zelda looked up at him in a desperate attempt to defend herself. "I'm doing everything I can…" She clenched her fist even tighter, "I'll have you know that I just returned from the Spring of Courage where I offered every ounce of my prayers to the Goddess – "
"And now you are here, wasting your time." The king crushed her yet again. Link could feel the despair from the princess.
"You need to be dedicating every moment you have to your training." The king continued waving his hand as if brushing aside any other argument she might come up with. "You must be single-minded in unlocking the power that will seal Calamity Ganon away."
"I already am." She said in a last ditch effort. "Don't you see – there's nothing more I can do!" Link could hear her fighting back tears. She was fighting with a growing lump in her throat. "My hope is… My hope is that you – " she paused, trying to gain courage again, "That you'll allow me to contribute here in whatever way I can."
"No more excuses, Zelda!" The king roared, shaking his head. Stop running away from your duty. As the king, I forbid you to have anything to do with these machines from this moment on and command you to focus on your training."
Link nearly lost control of himself when he heard what King Rhoam said. His heart broke for the princess.
King Rhoam turned toward where the researchers were working with the guardian down below, "Do you know how the gossip mongers refer to you? They are out there at this moment whispering amongst themselves… That you are an heir to a throne of nothing… nothing but failure."
Zelda was looking down. Link couldn't see her face but he knew there was a tortured look on her as she tried to hold herself high.
The king continued, "It is woven into your destiny that you prove them wrong." He turned back to his daughter, "Do you understand?"
"Yes." Zelda said meekly, head bowed. "I understand."
With that, the king turned away from them and walked back into the castle. After a moment, Link looked up and saw Zelda still in her defeated posture. Head bowed and hands clenched together in front of her. He stood, not sure of what to say. He stood once the King was out of sight.
Zelda turned her head slightly, "I'm sorry you had to see that…"
He started to reach out to her but stopped himself, unsure what to say or do.
"We will leave for the Spring of Power tomorrow morning. Take the rest of the day to prepare." She put on her strong voice and walked back into her study and closed the door behind herself.
Link stood where he had been and stared at the door for a moment before turning and heading to the barracks.
Link spent the rest of the day packing their gear and preparing everything for the horses for the next morning before heading to the practice yard. He'd destroyed several dummies before he ran out of targets and headed back to his room.
He heard familiar voices call out to him in the hallway but he ignored them and kept walking. A large hand on his shoulder stopped him. It was Groose.
"Link…" Groose stopped when he saw the other man's face.
"What do you need?" Link replied flatly.
Groose stepped back from the tone of Link's voice, "What's gotten into you, man? You haven't been yourself for a long time. We never see you anymore."
I don't have time for this… Link thought, "I've been busy."
Groose frowned and squared up. Link thought for a second he might have to fight the bigger man but Groose's face softened just then, "I know you don't think you're all high and mighty but don't forget you have friends." With that he turned and started walking away down the hall and waved over his shoulder, "See ya around."
Link watched after him in surprise, not quite sure how to take what he'd just said. After a moment, he turned and continued down the hall with yet another thing on his mind. He got to his room and stepped through the door. When he closed it, he looked around.
His room was simple. Just a small bed up against the wall and a small dresser beside it with a small table and a couple of chairs in the corner. There wasn't much in the way of memorabilia or personal possessions. On the desk was a picture of his mother and father in happier times.
There had been a fair in Hetano Village the year before Link had been born. His mother and father had recently been married. His mother had wanted a picture drawn of them by the sketch artist so his father had grudgingly agreed to pay for it. She had died when Link was still very young and his memory was very vague about her. The only reason he really remembered what she looked like was because of this picture. He had inherited her blond locks but hers tumbled over her shoulders and down her back. She had an easy smile that Link envied and the same blue eyes he had. His father stood beside her in the picture looking stern. After his mother had died, his father moved them into the castle and their house in Hetano Village stayed empty. Link had always wanted to go back there and see it but every time he'd had the opportunity, he'd found something else to fill his time.
Link brushed his fingertips over the portrait wondering what life would have been like if she had survived. Would he have still become a knight? Would he have still have wielded the Master Sword? Would he have still met Princess Zelda? Would she have thought differently of him?
The thoughts poured through him when he looked out the window of his small room up at Princess Zelda's study. The lights were out but there was a figure on the walkway. He recognized her immediately, looking up towards the night sky.
"Goddess… if you can hear me…" he whispered, "please grant her the power she seeks. She has given enough…"
"Good morning, Your Majesty." Beth said as she gently touched Zelda's arm.
The princess looked up to her maid, "Is it already time?"
Beth nodded, "I'm afraid so, Highness." She stood up straight and walked over to the closet to prepare Zelda's clothing for the day.
Zelda sat up and stretched before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She glanced at the window and the sun still wasn't quite up yet. She looked back over at her maid and she had her outfit carefully laid out. She stood and walked over to her maid who dressed her quickly.
Beth then sat her down at her vanity and began brushing her hair out. Zelda looked at the flower on her dresser. The Silent Princess that had been there before had wilted and with it, Zelda's spirits as she recalled the dressing down she'd gotten the day before.
When the maid had finished with her hair, she stepped back and Zelda looked in the mirror. She was ready to go. "Thank you, Beth." Zelda said with a forced smile.
The maid bowed and left the room. Zelda looked around once more before heading down to the stable to meet Link again. She was dreading seeing him for once not because of anything he had done but the worst part of the encounter with her father was that Link had witnessed the whole thing.
When she walked through the doors of the stable, she spotted him petting the horses. They were all ready to go. The bags were tied to the saddles. Link looked up to her and smiled softly. Zelda's cheeks burned and she looked away, unable to meet his eyes due to embarrassment.
She approached and he gave her a leg up onto her mount. She reached down and patted the horse on the shoulder and he huffed appreciatively.
Once Link had mounted up, they rode out of the stable and out the gates. The sun was just beginning to peek over the mountains in the distance and the rays began to warm the earth.
They rode in silence for most of the morning as they headed East from the castle. They neared Akkala Citadel and stopped at the stable for a break late in the afternoon. The castle on the top of the mountain loomed over them.
Link had never served there but his father had gone and taken him along when he was younger. The fortress had been designed to be impenetrable on all sides. It was built on the top of a cliff with the main gate accessible only across a narrow bridge. There were some secret passages out but even those were difficult to access and would have only been for one or two spies to leave or return through. There would never be a high enough number of attackers able to access the citadel at once to cause any real damage. Several sets of cannons stood ready on various ledges to fire on attackers coming from the coast. It stood in the middle of two narrow paths with sheer cliffs on either side so if an army came from the coast, they would have to go through these bottle necks and the cannons and archers from the citadel above would be able to decimate the numbers before an approaching army could come anywhere near Hyrule Castle.
Link used the cook pot to make a stew for them to eat before continuing on.
"We should reach the Spring by nightfall." Zelda said, consulting the Sheikah Slate.
Link looked up at her, "Are you sure you don't want to stop for the night?"
Zelda nodded simply.
Link dug through the bag and found a bowl for each of them before scooping some stew into one of the bowls and passing it to the princess.
She nibbled at it but clearly had her mind elsewhere.
Link watched her for a moment before digging into the food himself. When they were done, Link rinsed them out and put them back in the saddlebags. Zelda mounted up on her own while Link was putting things away. When he was ready to go, she led the way.
They travelled through a canyon and the reds and yellows of the trees glowed in the last of the sunlight. By the time they emerged from Shadow Pass and the canyon opened up to a vast field, the sun had hidden behind the horizon. Zelda and Link rode closer together as darkness fell but with the citadel nearby, this was a very safe area.
They had to ride around a massive quarry. The path was narrow but the horses were sure of foot and they travelled single file. Once on the other side of the quarry, they could see the East Akkala Stable in the distance. They circled around the quarry and found an easy way down into it. The Spring of Power was beside the quarry but had sunken into the ground and the steep walls had waterfalls running down them. Once in the quarry, the entrance was easier to access.
Link hopped down from Epona and took the reigns of Victory so the princess could dismount.
A few Gorons were still working in the quarry but they were on the other side and they had plenty of privacy near the Spring.
Zelda dug through her bags for her prayer gown. She pulled it out and slipped it on then stood before the entrance of the Spring. Link walked up beside her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
She let out a breath and walked in. Link followed silently behind her.
He walked onto the stone platform and stood guard while the princess waded into the cool water. She gasped at the cold as she stepped deeper into the water and Link glanced over his shoulder at her but she kept going until she was standing before the goddess statue. Hands held together in prayer before her, she began.
Link listened for any sounds that were out of place and kept an eye out. The moon moved over them and Link realized they must have been there for a few hours already.
He was about to turn around when he heard her speak so he remained on guard.
"I come seeking help…" She said softly to the goddess statue. "Regarding this power that has been handed down over time… 'Prayer will awaken my power to seal Ganon away…' Or so I've been told all my life…" her voice faded out.
Her voice sounded as defeated as she had looked. Link continued to listen as he stood guard.
"And yet… Grandmother heard them – the voices from the spirit realm. And Mother said her own power would develop within me. But I don't hear… or feel anything!" Her voice sounded almost accusing at the Goddess. The resentment she felt was barely being held back. "Father has told me time and time again… He always says, 'Quit wasting your time playing at being a scholar!'" She paused and when she spoke again, her voice broke, "Curse you…" She splashed her fists down into the water, "I've spent every day of my life dedicated to praying! I've pleaded to the spirits tied to the ancient gods… And still the holy powers have proven deaf to my devotion. Please just tell me…" her voice grew shaky, "What is it…? What's wrong with me?!" She sobbed.
Link turned around and watched her for a moment as she hugged herself sobbing. He put his sword down on the platform and hopped down into the water, wading over to her. She turned into him and sobbed against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her as she cried.
"Link… what's wrong with me? Why can't I do it?" She sobbed against him and he held her against him, heart breaking for her.
"Shhh…" he soothed, "It isn't your fault… nothing is wrong with you." He ran his hand up her back and his fingers ran through her hair. She was cold and covered with goosebumps. He held her tighter to try to warm her. "Let's get out of the water. I think you've spent enough time in prayer."
She nodded meekly as he gently led her out of the spring and back to the horses. She wiped her eyes as they emerged from the Spring and Link slowly lowered her to the ground before retrieving his sword and getting some wood together to start a fire.
Link watched her as he piled the wood together and used his flint to start a fire. She just stared down at the fire he was making without seeing what he was doing. Once he got it going again, he pulled a blanket out of one of the bags and put it over her shoulders before sitting down next to her. She hadn't moved since he'd put her there and she continued to just stare down at the fire.
He sat with her quietly for a time, watching the fire, unsure of what to say or do until he felt her lean on his shoulder. He looked down at her but her face was hidden as she looked down.
"I'm sorry, Link…" she said so quietly he wasn't really sure he heard her at first. He frowned with concern. "I'm sorry you keep seeing me like this…"
Before he could stop himself, he wrapped an arm around her protectively, "You have nothing to apologize for. It's not your fault."
"It is my fault!" She snapped. He recoiled slightly, thinking he had angered her but her voice softened, "I'm sorry… But it is my fault. It's my fault I can't harness this cursed power… It's my fault that I'm a failure…"
Link shook his head, "You're not a failure and it isn't your fault. What kind of goddess tortures her most devoted follower this way?"
She glanced up at him but remained silent. Feeling encouraged, he continued, "I think we are going about this the wrong way. If there is an ounce of good in the goddess, she would have granted you your powers a long time ago. If she isn't good, then she clearly isn't worth the worship. That leaves one other option – this isn't how you get your powers."
She looked sceptical, "How then do you suggest?"
Link sighed, "I don't know… but I know you'll figure it out. And if you don't, I'll destroy Ganon so you don't have to use any powers."
She looked at him sceptically for a little longer before her face softened. "I wish I had as much confidence as you do… I've just been disappointed too many times."
"I know… I've been with you for many of them but don't give up. I'll do whatever I can to help you… I'll do anything I can to protect you. If it means dying then… Then I'll gladly lay down my life." He stared intensely into the flames in front of them.
Zelda sat up, partly from the intensity of his voice but also because of what he'd said, "No. I won't let you die. Link, I…" She paused, stopping herself from what she was about to say. "I don't want you to die." She finished instead.
He looked at her sidelong, "We may not get a choice…"
She looked down. He was right. No one knew what they would be facing. "Then I'll face him with you."
Link shook his head, "No chance. It would be much too dangerous. I can't protect you if I'm fighting Ganon."
"Well I'm not going to sit by and let you die alone. If I can't use my sealing power, I'll still do anything I can to help you win." She said determinedly.
Link eyed her carefully but he knew that he wasn't going to win this battle. Even if he locked her in a cage, she had a look about her that said no force in the world would keep her from doing what she said. Where is that look about your sealing powers? I know you can do it… If only I could convince you…
"You should change out of your wet clothes. Can't have you getting sick." Link changed the subject.
Zelda looked down as if only just noticing. She reached over to her bag beside her and found something comfortable to sleep in. She stood and went behind a nearby rock to change. Link stared at the fire until she came back. She sat down again beside him and wrapped the blanket around herself.
They were both quiet again, watching the fire. It started to die down so Link stood up to put more wood on the fire. "You should get some sleep. I'll keep the fire going tonight."
Zelda watched him. "Thank you Link… Thank you for believing in me."
Link smirked, "Somebody's got to."
Zelda smiled back and set up her bedroll.