Happy Saturday! Here is Chapter 15. I'll likely do another chapter midweek or so... We shall see when works since... Christmas and all. Anyway, I hope you are all enjoying the story so far! I know the last chapter was pretty melancholy so I hope this chapter makes up for that somewhat. We are on the home stretch though! Don't forget to leave a like or a review! Enjoy!
Link sat awake by the fire as Zelda slept nearby. Even if he'd tried to sleep, he knew he wouldn't succeed tonight. The events of earlier made him uneasy. He'd felt resentment for the goddesses for quite awhile but that was his first time voicing that contempt.
I meant it, though… He thought, frowning. He picked up a small twig and twirled it between his fingers. There is no way that this is the way for her to gain her powers. If it was, she would have them by now. From everything I've ever heard, her mother wasn't exactly the most pious and neither was her grandmother but she said that they both had powers.
He whipped the twig into the fire and a crackle of sparks flew up. The sudden light illuminated the princess's sleeping face and it was the first time in a long time he had seen her look so peaceful. I don't know what the answer is but I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to help you find out.
He looked over his shoulder to the entrance to the Spring and the calm waters beyond. "If you're real and there is a shred of good in you… give her some sort of sign." He whispered venomously. Of course, no sign came to him or any indication that anything was listening so he turned back to the fire.
Memories of the day before flashed through his mind as he had knelt while his princess was reprimanded by her father. He clenched his fists angrily. Now she wasn't even allowed to do what she loved and there was nothing at all that Link could do about it. He picked up a rock, stood and threw it across the quarry. It skipped and skidded across the ground before falling over a ledge into the water below. Clenching his fists again, he turned away from the fire and saw the Master Sword resting against a rock. He stepped toward it and unsheathed it. Examining it, he held it so the moonlight shone on the metal.
They call you the Sword that Seals the Darkness… can you do that without her power? Is there a way we can take her out of the equation entirely and save her from all of this? He looked down at the blade but no answer came. As usual.
He brought the sword to center and began going through the familiar motions he had gone through thousands of times before. He no longer had to think about what was next. His body moved smoothly into the next movement with precision and confidence. Each slice and stab graceful and deadly. His breathing was slow and controlled and he focussed on his heartbeat as he moved. Slow. Calm. Controlled. The only way he could win against Ganon was to get better. He had to carry this burden for both of them.
He came back to center with a slow breath out then lowered the blade to his side. It was going to be a long night.
Sunlight gently touched down on Zelda's cheek and she opened her eyes to its warmth. Link was preparing something for them to eat by the fire. She looked around and the camp was mostly packed up already. Link looked up at her as she sat up and she could see dark circles under his eyes. Some rest back at the castle would be good for both of them.
"Breakfast is ready." Link said as he prepared a bowl of sausages and eggs for her. He brought it over to her before going back and dishing out for himself.
"Thank you. It smells amazing." She smiled softly at him. He was busy eating and didn't respond. She took a bite but found her appetite had escaped her. She put the bowl down and found her travelling clothes before going behind a rock to change.
She came back and picked up the bowl, slowly picking at it.
Link watched her, looking concerned. "You need to eat…"
Zelda sighed and lowered the bowl again, "I know…"
"You're worried…" Link said softly.
Zelda nodded slowly, "If I can't access my powers… Everyone – the whole kingdom – will be doomed."
"That's enough." Link said with surprising sternness. Zelda looked up at him in shock, "There is nothing more we can do about that so maybe we need to focus on something else. Ten thousand years ago, they had the divine beasts to help them but what about the time before that? What did they do then? Maybe there is another way. We need to keep looking and try to figure out a different strategy."
Zelda tried hard to think of anything that might help them. "I'll consult the library at the castle when we get back. Maybe there is a hint we are overlooking." She knew there wasn't. She had poured over those books hundreds of times before looking for exactly that and had never found a story that didn't involve a descendent of Hylia using powers granted by the goddess to help the hero.
"Good." Link grinned, "I'll help."
Zelda smiled back, "First, you'll get some sleep. You may be my appointed knight, but even you have limits. You must look after yourself. That is an order."
Link raised an eyebrow at her but didn't argue.
They packed up the last of their things and mounted up before heading back to the castle.
Akkala was a beautiful region. The leaves on the trees bore fall colours year round and the morning air was crisp before giving way to a gentle breeze by noon.
The mountains began to level out and rain began to fall as they got into the wetlands. The rain fell so heavy at one point, they had to take shelter under a rock outcropping. A few moments after they took shelter, lightning cracked the sky and Zelda's white stallion started. Link grabbed the reigns from Zelda as the stallion reared up with a scream.
"Whoa! Whoa!" Link soothed and Zelda stepped forward to try to help. Victory's wild eyes seemed to calm as they settled on his rider.
Zelda put a hand on his nose, "There now. It's all right. It is just a storm. We will wait it out."
The stallion huffed but calmed down at that.
Link smiled as he watched the interaction. Zelda smiled back at Link triumphantly.
The storm, though intense, didn't last for long. The lightning spent and the rains slowed and they were able to continue on their way. Once they reached Thim's Bridge to cross the Zora River, the rain let up entirely and the rest of the journey, though already soaked through, was under clear skies.
As they passed through the East Gate of the castle, their clothing was just damp. They dismounted at the stable and removed the gear from their horses before handing them off to the stable hands.
"I mean it… Get some sleep and call on me in the library when you are rested." Zelda said firmly. Link nodded as he untied her bags from the saddle, "I can carry those up. Please, just rest. I am sure I'll be safe from here."
Link nodded again and passed her the bags. He was exhausted so he wasn't about to fight those orders.
Link hung his own bags over his shoulder and headed toward the barracks. He fortunately didn't run into anyone on the way and once in his room, he dropped his bags unceremoniously on the floor, stripped the damp clothing off, hung it over his chairs and slumped down on the bed. Within moments, he was asleep.
Why am I doing this… Zelda closed another book with frustration. I've poured through these a thousand times. I'm not going to find anything new.
She leaned back in her chair and let her head fall back so she was staring at the ceiling.
"Your majesty…" Zelda groaned as she sat up again and looked to the young servant boy. "Sir Link asked me to let you know he will be here shortly."
Zelda's heart skipped at this news and she quickly glanced at the candle burning on the hearth. Only four hours… He'll need to turn in early tonight so he can get caught up on sleep. Her heart fell at that but she was still glad he had managed to sleep some.
She turned back to the servant and nodded, "Thank you, please send him straight in."
The servant bowed and backed out of the room.
Zelda stood and put the book she had been reading back before perusing the titles of other tomes.
She pulled another book off the shelf on the history of the Eldin region and laid it out on the table.
Just then, Link walked in looking refreshed. Zelda smiled up at him, relieved to take a break from pouring through books. "You look as though you've rejoined the world of the living."
Link looked sheepish, "Yeah… I'm sorry for allowing myself to get so tired. It won't happen again."
"No, it won't. I won't allow it. From now on, you need to take better care of yourself as well. It is just as important that you not get sick as it is that I not get sick." Zelda scolded with a smile.
Link smirked, "As you wish, your highness." He looked down at the book she was sitting over, "So what have you learned so far? Any leads?"
Zelda sighed and shook her head, "Nothing I haven't already read about…"
Link frowned, "What have you been looking at?"
Zelda stood and lead him over to the shelves she had looked at. "From here to here." She swept her finger along the books she had read through already.
Link studied them for a moment, "These are all histories…" He looked around at the other shelves nearby. "I'll start in this section." He pulled a book about important landmarks in Hyrule off the shelf and they walked back to the table.
They both read through their books in silence for a time before something caught Link's attention. "The coliseum!"
Zelda looked up at him with a blank expression.
"I remember in one of our classes that something had been hidden within the coliseum a long time ago. It was a tool that had been used against Ganon. Maybe we can find something there." Link said excitedly.
Zelda bit her lip sceptically, "I haven't heard that story… but maybe. We will go in a few days. We both could use some rest."
They continued pouring through books for a few hours and finally Link looked up, "I think I'm done for now. None of the words are sticking anymore."
Zelda nodded, "I think you're right. That's enough for today." She stood up and closed her book.
They put the books back on the shelf and walked out together.
"I think…" Zelda started, "I think the coliseum is our best bet at this point. I'll make arrangements for a field survey the day after tomorrow. That will give us time to rest up." She paused looking sad, "The day after, we will have to make our way to Mount Lanayru… to the last of the Springs…"
Link frowned, "Is that what you want?"
Zelda shook her head, "It doesn't matter what I want… My father demands it. If my powers do not awaken there then…"
Link knew how that sentence ended without her having to say it. "Hey…" he took her shoulders and turned her to face him, "No one can say you aren't trying everything."
Zelda looked up at him, "My father can."
"Well, he clearly isn't seeing everything you're doing." Link smiled at her, trying to instil some confidence in her. "We will go if it will lay your fears to rest."
Zelda smiled back weakly, "Thank you, Link."
"Princess?"
Zelda stopped in the hallway and turned around and Link followed suit. "Impa!" The princess beamed and quickly closed the distance to the Sheikah woman. "What a wonderful surprise! What are you doing here?"
Impa returned the smile, "I'm here on some royal business."
Zelda raised an eyebrow, "And what royal business might that be?"
Impa grinned impishly – an expression Link wasn't accustomed to seeing on the normally serious woman, "A birthday, actually."
Zelda blushed, "Really, you shouldn't have come all that way just for that…" She looked down and Link watched her with surprise. How had he not known her birthday was coming?
Impa waved her hand dismissively, "I know you're not interested in a party, but I still wanted to wish you good fortune on your birthday."
"Oh…" Zelda clasped her hands together in front of herself to keep herself from fidgeting in embarrassment. "Thank you, Impa. That's very kind of you."
Link watched the exchange silently. He would have to do something for her but he didn't want to embarrass her if she didn't want to make a big deal out of it.
"I'm afraid there won't be much of a party for my birthday this year." Zelda continued, "I am to pray at the Spring of Wisdom…"
Impa looked suddenly angry, "Really? He isn't even going to give you a day to celebrate your birthday before sending you up the mountain? I'll have words with him…" The Sheikah woman turned to head towards the audience chamber but Zelda reached out and grabbed her arm to stop her.
"It's quite all right, Impa. I must be single-minded…" Zelda sighed, looking down before putting on a happy face, "There will be plenty of time to celebrate after Calamity Ganon has been defeated."
Link could see through the act and it seemed that Impa could as well by the face she was making but the older woman just put a hand on her hip and replied flippantly, "Fine, but don't forget to take some time to enjoy yourself too. Who knows when you'll get another chance."
Zelda nodded, "I will. Thank you, Impa."
Impa turned towards the audience chamber and waved over her shoulder, "I have some other business with your father. I'll see you later."
They watched her turn the corner then Zelda tried to avoid eye contact with Link, turning back the way they had been going.
Link grabbed her arm, "You're not getting out of this that easily! Why didn't you tell me?"
Zelda looked down, "Because it's not a big deal. I have more important things to be concerned with and don't have time to be dealing with further distraction."
Link frowned but loosed his grip and let his hand fall to his side. "I still wish you would have told me."
"I don't…" She looked up and met his eyes and her expression softened, "I'm sorry. I just don't want it to be made into anything."
Link's expression softened as well, "I won't but I think after everything, I should be allowed to wish you a happy birthday." He smirked slightly.
Zelda's expression remained neutral for a moment then she smiled softly, "Yes, I suppose you should. I'm sorry I kept it from you."
"It's okay. But no more secrets like that, okay?"
She nodded.
They left early in the morning to head to the coliseum. The sun hadn't risen yet and the moon cast an eerie glow over the field beyond the castle walls.
"Tomorrow night is the full moon." Zelda commented as she stared up at it.
Link followed her gaze. He'd never much payed attention to the superstitions about the phases of the moon but he couldn't help but feel unsettled by it.
As they travelled, they didn't see any of the regular wildlife they were used to seeing. Deer, wild horses, rabbits and even birds seemed to hide from them.
The sun began to stretch its rays over the land of Hyrule but the usual wake up calls of birds singing were absent. Zelda rode closer to Link instinctively and Link was listening carefully to anything that might preclude an attack. None came and they made the trip undisturbed but the eerie feeling never left them.
They crossed the bridge over Aquame Lake and the enormous stone structure loomed ahead. Time had taken a toll on the coliseum and parts of the walls had caved in. The entrance was mostly intact but just beyond, they could see piles of stone where there had once been stands.
They dismounted and let the horses graze nearby as they went inside. They didn't get very far before Link pushed the princess behind a wall and put his hand over her mouth. He used his other hand to put a finger over his lips to let her know to be quiet. She nodded and he released her. She peeked around the wall and saw a lynel in the middle of the arena. Her eyes widened but she stayed quiet. She turned back to Link and saw him draw the Master Sword quietly. She shook her head angrily. He's not serious!
Link grinned and nodded. He was about to step out when Zelda grabbed his arm and when he looked at her, she mouthed 'NO!' While shaking her head.
He mouthed back 'Yes!' Before trying to step out again.
Zelda pulled him back toward her again and glared at him furiously before looking around and whispering, "If you're going to be an idiot, at least be smart about it! Use the arena to your advantage. Don't just rush in head on!"
Link looked above and saw a hole in the ceiling nearby where he could climb up. He looked back down at the princess and grinned, "Good thinking!"
He took a running start and used the wall to kick off and grab the ledge above to pull himself up. He disappeared above a moment later and Zelda looked for a better spot to take cover.
Link circled around the arena having to climb over some rock piles to get to a spot where he could take on the lynel away from where the princess was hiding. Once he found a good vantage point, he pulled out his bow and knocked an arrow. He took aim, let out a breath and loosed an arrow. It struck the back of the lynel's neck. He had hoped it would sever the spinal chord but it didn't hit such a vital spot with enough power behind it. The lynel roared and turned toward him. It took a moment for the beast to spot him but Link had already launched himself off the second level and drove his sword into the beast's horse shoulder.
It roared again, rearing up and throwing Link to the ground. He managed to flip and land on his feet but his sword was stuck where he had stabbed it in. The lynel grabbed the sword out of his side and threw it to the other side of the arena.
"Damn it!" Link cursed and drew his bow again. He didn't have time to knock another arrow before the lynel charged him. It swung its massive sword and Link tried to backflip out of the way but felt the wind of the blade a little too close for comfort.
When he landed, the lynel swung again and he didn't quite time his dodge right and it caught him in the foot, tripping him. He landed hard on his side and saw the beast rear up to stomp him to death. An arrow struck it in the eye before it had a chance and the beast roared out in rage as he clutched his eye.
Link rolled out of the way and stood up running to grab his sword. The creature collected himself before he could reach the sword and started to charge again. Link felt the earth shaking beneath him as the beast approached and spun, knocking an arrow, drew and loosed the arrow at the beast. It struck the beast in the cheek and the lynel stumbled, giving Link just enough time to reach the sword. He picked it up, spun again and did an off handed slash across the beast's other cheek as it fell towards him.
The lynel's muscular arms flailed wildly and pushed Link back far enough that the lynel could right itself again before Link could close the distance. Link sprinted around the outside of the arena to gain some distance before turning back to face the lynel again but realized his mistake as it took in a deep breath and shot a fireball at him. Link ducked behind a pile of stones just in time to avoid getting scorched.
When the smoke cleared, Link noticed a pile of human bones piled up near the wall with several human skulls piled on top. He gripped his sword a little tighter and peeked around the rock pile. The lynel was galloping toward him again. Link took a deep breath and stepped out to sprint toward the lynel. As it swung its massive sword again, Link ducked and rolled, coming up again just beside the beast. He swung the Master Sword and severed the lynel's leg just below its knee and the beast crashed forward with its next step. Link spun and raced towards its head that had hit the ground with a loud crack. He raised his sword above his head and swung it downward with all his might, crashing through the beast's spine and severing the chord running through.
He jumped back as the beast's limbs spasmed as it died. When it stopped moving, Link wiped the sweat from his brow and turned toward where the princess was stepping out from behind the wall.
They walked toward each other and as they got closer, Link could see the angry look on the princess's face in greater clarity.
"Was that really worth almost getting killed for?" Zelda demanded fist on her hip.
Link wiped his sword off, trying to act casual, "Wouldn't be too easy to find anything of value here with a lynel roaming the place, would it?"
"That's not the point! We don't even know if there is anything worth our time here! We are just going off something you vaguely recall from who knows how long ago or from what source! You could have died and then we all would have been doomed!" She was yelling now and Link had to take a step back. "Link, you need to be more careful! You are not invincible!"
"I…" Link's rebuttal died on his lips. "I'm sorry I worried you…"
She softened, "Well, we're here now… we might as well start looking…"
Link nodded and looked around. "Any ideas where it might be?"
She turned toward him and raised an eyebrow at him, "This was your idea…"
He scratched the back of his head, "If I was trying to hide something useful around here… I'd probably bury it."
She laughed, "And we didn't bring any shovels…"
Link counted the levels of the coliseum in his head… four. "Maybe it's at the top?"
"In plain sight?" Zelda asked condescendingly.
"Well… it's not really plain sight. We can't see way up there… and there was a lynel guarding the area." Link shrugged.
"I don't think lynels guard treasure like that…" Zelda said, eyeing the corpse.
Link looked around again and spotted a way up to the first level. "I'll take a look up there. You look around down here." He looked back at her, "Unless you've got a better idea?"
Zelda shook her head and started looking around the middle of the arena.
Link climbed up the spot on the wall into a hole in the ceiling where it had caved in. Once he got up, he turned and found a stairwell up to the next level. He climbed up that and had to walk around a ways before he found another spot he could climb up easily.
Before he climbed up, he glanced down at Zelda and saw her take out the Sheikah Slate. Is she taking pictures? He shook his head and climbed up to the next level.
The last level was more like a series of ledges and not a true platform like the others. He looked for a spot that would be easiest to climb and spotted some vines running down one of the walls near one of the ledges. He was part way up when he heard Zelda calling up to him.
"Link! I found something!" He glanced over his shoulder and she had used the Sheikah Slate to grab something buried under the ground and was working on lifting it up somehow. He turned and continued climbing. Once he got up onto the ledge, he looked around. On the next ledge over, there looked to be a chest of some sort. He backed up as far as he could on the ledge and took a running start, leaping at the edge of the rock and launching toward the next ledge. He managed to catch himself on the ledge in the gut and his legs swung under the ceiling, nearly making him lose his grip but he steadied himself and pulled himself up the rest of the way. He walked over to the chest and it was locked.
"Great…" He picked it up and found it was really light. He shook it and heard something rattling around in it but it didn't sound very fragile. He walked over to the edge and looked down, "Watch out below!" Zelda looked up and Link tossed the chest down into the arena before jumping down to the level below. He looked down and saw that the chest had broken open. Lowering himself down over the edge, he swung his legs to land on the next level. From there, he jogged back down the stairs and jumped the rest of the way to the ground.
"It's a key…" Zelda looked at it in confusion then looked at the metal chest she had pulled from the ground.
Link arrived just as she tried the key in the other chest. It fit and she turned it. Click.
Zelda glanced up at Link before she opened the chest and inside was a bow.
"Is this…" Zelda lifted the bow up and once the light touched it, blinding light shone out from it.
They both had to cover their eyes and turn away from the brilliance of it.
Link blinked several times as his vision returned to him. Zelda was looking again at the bow that had blinded them both. It wasn't shining as brightly now but it still seemed to emit its own light.
"It's the Bow of Light…" Zelda breathed in wonder.