It's been a while...
Main reason for that is I've been a little drained recently. I'm a sociable person but if I do too much I get super exhausted so after doing just that I've been moping around for the past week doing little more than play video games and watch awful TV.
As for writing I've been pursuing a few other ideas I've had and not really been focusing on this story. I haven't really enjoyed writing this and the past two chapters as much as the rest of the story but I'm excited for what I've got planned next. My energy is all back so I'm ready to get through the next few chapters.
That's all hope you enjoy!
Chapter 20- A Fiery Reception
Link was in a dream. He didn't get many of those anymore. Adrift in some strange void, he was no longer himself, no longer anything at all.
Orbs of blue flame bobbed and weaved around, not paying him a second thought, as though he was just another molecule of water in the sea, or another leaf on a tree. Whatever he was in this moment didn't matter; it was all an expanse of nothing.
There was a figure in the distance calling out to him, a blue aura shrouding him in an imperfect light. He couldn't hear him or move any closer. Link was not in control but deep inside himself he found a strange connection to whoever it was. He wanted to move forwards. He wanted…
Before he could think any further he felt the curtain of the dream slowly rise as the light of the world around him pushed in from either side.
"Wake up Link,"
Green eyes peered down at him as Link blinked several times to make sure he really was awake. There was a strange feeling in his body, some kind of uncertainty he couldn't get rid of.
Zelda shook him a little with one hand that gently gripped his tunic. It was rare for Link to be so groggy but he was waking up quickly.
"C'mon we're leaving. Revali said he would escort us past Kolami Bridge but I doubt he's going to wait patiently for us," Zelda shook him again and Link groaned in response.
"I don't get it… the past few weeks all it took was a single step from me and you'd jolt awake but now you sleep like a log," she muttered.
Finally Link got up and instinctively grabbed for the Master Sword, he immediately felt energy coursing through himself once again but still a yawn took over his body.
Zelda rolled her eyes, "I'm going to wait by the entrance with Revali, don't take too long."
Link snapped to attention as the princess left and grabbed his boots and began to wiggle them on, not bothering to undo the buckle. After walking over to the basin he began to regard it cautiously for a few seconds and plunged the whole of his head into the icy waters. He withdrew gasping as the real world fully realised itself around him, like he was watching it being created by the goddesses for the first time.
The village was as beautiful as ever. He would be sad to see it go but it would be stupid to keep the Princess waiting. They were on a good track. That was if you could consider her not sprinting away progress, and Link certainly did. Clipping the sword to his back Link made his way out of the cabin and down the looping stairs to the bottom.
"Ah the silent Knight returns," Revali greeted Link as he arrived in that same tone of arrogance he always seemed to use. "I was starting to think you didn't make a single noise but last night you proved me wrong. It would seem you put all that vocal energy into snoring."
Link caught the princess smirk a little as she looked down at the Shieka slate. He was embarrassed but didn't show it and the feathered champion looked a little annoyed at the lack of reaction.
"I swear I'll make you break someday 'chosen one'," he scowled.
As they walked over to the place where the horses had been tied both Zelda and Link started to frown. They weren't there anymore the tree was empty, save for a coil of cut rope at its feet.
"That's strange I swear we tied them here…" Zelda mumbled.
Revali smiled not meeting either of their eyes his next words were really beginning to rattle Link, "I beg your pardon Princess but I sent them off back to the castle with a stable hand. I thought it might be best to take in the true beauty of Hebra on foot."
More like he just wants to show the princess the fact he can fly better than me. I think she realises already thanks to the fact I don't look like a giant Cucco.
"Of course," Zelda pursed her lips and forced a taut smile, that sort of smiles she always seemed to do at the castle court. To Link they were clearly fake, he wasn't sure how he knew but of that much he was certain. It had been quite some time since he last witnessed her smiling.
They made their way up the road as the rocks and grass grew either side. The day was bright and sunny, like it had been since they had entered Hebra, though to the north it was clear a snowstorm was enveloping the white peaked mountains.
Revali made sure to whizz and loop above Link's head, making sure to give him the regular one minute reminder that he couldn't fly. Every time Link would just give him that stare which seemed to get to the bird even more, it was like the disinterested look drove him a little cucco.
The princess seemed in another world altogether tapping away at the slab of technology and making the occasional note in the journal. On the road she kept two of the books, one seemed to be a sort of diary she scribbled away in. Link had to admit he wanted desperately to take just a little peak but stopped himself each time. He guessed if she even did write anything about him at all, it certainly wasn't going to be positive.
As they reached the bridge Revali returned to the ground to say his goodbyes and Zelda turned to Link with some hesitation.
"Link, if it's okay I need to speak with Revali for a second… in private" she said, placing the slate carefully on a clip attached to her belt.
Asking for permission? That was a little strange but Link nodded anyway and began to make his way across the bridge. Revali gleefully stared at Link as he walked past. Link felt the hair on the length of his arms raise under the champion's gaze.
That was strange he never let Revali get to him with his words, let alone just by looking at him. Regardless Link kept walking until he had made it halfway across the bridge.
The air was calm around him, even this high up there was oddly no wind at all. The bridge's only movement came from the gentle swaying of the boards under Link's weight.
With a shudder Link realised the feeling wasn't going away. The hairs were still standing as straight as a man caught in a bolt of lightning. He whirled around, hand already reaching for the sword at his back. There was a strange ringing in his ears, one he recognised but couldn't seem to remember.
It was too late, already Bokoblins swarmed up from the sides of the cliff separating Link from Revali and Zelda. It was an ambush. He expected that from Yiga not monsters. They certainly didn't have the brains to plan something like this on their own.
They surprised him even more when, with a joyful cheer, two of the things took a knife and slashed through the ropes holding up the bridge. Link yelled in fury as his footing gave way beneath him and he made one final leap towards the cliff before him, the shocked faces of the princess and the Rito Confidence replaced by a sheer wall of rock.
His flailing hands landed on a tiny outcropping. One arm slipped and Link found himself staring at his dangling feet and outstretched hand still gripping to the Master Sword. Beneath him was the sickening drop to the floor. From here letting go would mean turning into a puddle of hylian sludge at the bottom. If he hadn't of left the castle in such a rush he'd have managed to grab his paraglider but even if he could return to the floor safety he had a job to do.
Link placed his hand and feat firmly on the rock surface in front and began to climb upwards, his normal precise movements turning into frantic leaps. Pebbles and rocks flew out from the summit. There was a struggle happening on the top.
The ringing in his head was intensifying but Link ignored it and continued to the top.
As he clambered over the edge Link saw the horns and fangs that littered the surface of the grass. Revali fired arrows from the sky with enough frequency to make the projectiles seem like rain. Each arrow found its home, but there were a lot of monsters, too many.
Link dodged on oncoming club aimed at his face and slashed through his cheering enemy. The humming was almost all Link could hear now. His hand exploded with pain like the sword he was holding was on fire. Link just grit his teeth and rushed onwards.
Three of the little creatures turned their bows on Link and fired. He slashed through each arrow with ease and began to dart forwards making the creatures panic. A quick spin attack sent them to the ground with a thump disintegrating before they could even realise what was happening.
"Link!" Revali shrieked. "The princess."
Link instinctively began to sprint towards her. Zelda had been corned and was on top of pillar of rocks that she had managed to climb. There were at least five of the creatures surrounding her but it would hardly be a challenge.
As Link brought his sword to the side the creatures advanced on him. He grit his teeth further and brought the sword into a ready mid stance, scowling at the monsters over the sharp edge of the blade. The humming was almost unbearable now. Suddenly its volume exploded along with the excruciating pain that shot up Link's sword arm. The pain forced Link to one knee and the monsters Bokoblins circled him cheering as though they had won a long fought battle.
Link plunged the Master Sword upright into the ground as pain continued to shoot through him. It had turned from its usual gleaming steel edge to a dull grey, as though all the life and light had been torn from it. He let out a howl of pain and frustration before his head was forced down like some invisible hand suddenly had a grip on him.
As the Bokoblins advanced arrows hit each one in quick succession, making each beast hit the floor with a plop. The pain began to die down and Link began to gasp for air, shoving lungfuls down as quickly as possible.
The figures of the Princess and Revali came into view as he blinked from behind his exhausted vision.
The ringing faded away and Link could hear the princess begin to speak, "Link are you okay?" A hand extended out to him.
"I'M FINE," Link yelled, it shot out like one of Revali's arrows and seemed to shock them all equally. "I'm fine," he murmured.
What a way to break silence. Link was still a little dazed and didn't even want to begin to think about what just happened.
"It seems our 'great hero' might have some shortcomings after all," Revali thought out loud. Whilst there was still that same arrogance in his voice, there was also a tone of concern etched into his smooth words.
The look of concern was deeply engraved onto Zelda. "I don't understand what's wrong?"
Revali returned his bow to its place on his back and folded his wings. "The boy and the blade are not one, it seems one is not accepting the other."
Link's hands shook as he took the blade again. It seemed a little strange to hold it in his hands again. After he hoisted it onto his back he felt both their eyes burrowing into him, trying to make some sense of the situation.
"Princess, if you wish I can accompany you further to the nearest military camp?" Revali asked.
Zelda's eyes did not leave Link but she spoke straight back to Revali, "That's quite alright, thank you Revali."
There was no doubt that this changed everything. Link being able to wield the blade was central to their plan. It was probably the most important part of taking down Ganon. But now a colossal sized wrench had just been thrown at it all and Link didn't have a clue what he was going to next.
It had taken a few days to travel up to Eldin and by the time they reached the maw of Death Mountain Zelda's feet ached with pain. With their horses at Hyrule castle the journey had taken a little longer. She needed it but even all the hours of silent walking hadn't given her enough time to think about all her troubles.
It seemed their relationship had gotten a little better during their stay at the Rito Village but since the altercation on the bridge Link had become even more silent, if that was even possible. He walked a few feet behind her, she could feel his eyes on her at all times and with those eyes came forward her worst nightmares and fears.
Zelda would often just talk to him about her research on the divine beasts, not that he said anything back. Really it was just talking to herself, due to the lack of conversation on the other side but who knew, maybe he was taking it all in.
Really the divine beasts were the only means of defeating Ganon that felt in reach. Thinking about that helped keep at bay her doubts a little. There was that self-doubt that had been there ever since she had been a child but there was also that lingering feeling of uncertainty around Link that had grown over the past few days.
After asking him if he heard a voice in the blade it was clear she wasn't going to get a response. Though, in his silence it was as though she could see a machine behind his eyes, whirring, like he was trying to figure it out for himself.
Death Mountain dominated the landscape as they entered the village, casting its shadow in the evening light. After purchasing two separate rooms at the inn, Zelda made a b-line for her door and slammed it shut behind her. Leaning back heavily she could hear the clatter of noise from the mess hall on the other side. With her back sliding down the door she couldn't help a heavy sigh escape her lips..
It was so hard to get everything set straight in her mind. Okay, so she had gotten close to setting things straight with Link. That night in the Rito Village had been nice, maybe a little quiet but nice, a few more nights like that and Link might even start talking. The one good thing to come from his outburst was that she knew he was still capable of that much.
All she could feel was sympathetic about it all. Based on her own experiences of being refused a power she was meant to hold he was probably angry, confused and beyond frustrated. If it was her she would've wanted a little comforting.
Like he needs comforting, he's the strong headed hero.
Maybe even a seemingly stoic guy like Link might need a little. After all it was the whole of Hyrule at risk and she had nothing to lose from just talking to him.
Zelda took a deep breath, this petty feud had gone on for too long and she was being childish. It was time to iron things out and make sure he was okay. Grabbing the handle of the door she opened it cautiously.
The mess hall was full of Hylians of the rowdy sorts. The type of hardened travellers and traders you'd only be able to find this far away from the centre of Hyrule and in such a dangerous area of the Kingdom. Just a mile or so up the road and it quickly became the most uncomfortably hot place in the Kingdom.
She saw Link facing away from her on the nearest table. He was sat between two shady looking men. One on the left had a distinct scar on his cheek the other had a thick hood pulled up around him. As she opened her mouth to call out to Link suddenly the one of the men started talking.
"But you've heard the rumours about her right?"
Zelda froze and retreated back towards her door from the darkness, as Link said nothing.
The other man began to speak. "How do you even manage? We've heard she's just a spoiled brat who just runs around not even bothering to attempt to unlock her power. She'll be but an heir to nothing in the end."
Zelda felt her back against the door of her room. Link had still not said a word and was drinking from his tankard in front and eating some kind of stew.
"Haw haw, she was born for one thing and it seems she can't even do that."
Her hands began to clench around the wood of the door. She had heard the rumours from her handmaidens but to hear them in person was like finally staring back into the abyss. Link continued to say nothing but seemed indifferent to what the men were saying, as though their thoughts were nothing new to him.
"Yeah… well I can think of one other thing a princess was meant to do, but I bet she'd even be resistant to that."
They both stared at Link for a second.
"C'mon nothing to say hero?"
Link regarded them both and shrugged leading to both men bursting out into hearty laughter.
"You don't need to talk we know exactly how you feel kid. Man, nobles are just the worst especially the princesses. Giving that one the key to our survival… it's no wonder this kingdom is turning into a leviathan sized crap."
Zelda flew into her room and slammed the door behind her. Eyes already wet she made her way to the bed and crumpled into the blankets. As she hugged the pillow, trying to find some warm comfort there, the thoughts already rushed forwards.
All those things they said, all the things she thought Link now believed of her, they were all true. Those men tore her apart and he just shrugged along like they were common fact.
It felt like no one ever understood, from the age of six she had dedicated her life towards gaining the power and after over a decade she had come up with nothing. Sure she had all the wealth in the Kingdoms but all the luxuries and fame she was given meant nothing to her. All she had ever wanted was to not feel so lonely. She would throw it all away to just see her mother one last time or even to spend one more summer's day with that boy who fell into her window one afternoon.
Tears began to seep into the pillow. Zelda wished she was stronger, more than anything, but like always that foreboding feeling of loneliness crashed into every joint, every cell. More than anything she began to feel an anger to Link, or at least the Link that remained in that husk of a body. She wanted her bright and optimistic friend back and all that was left was a straight edged blank knight that treated everything like it was dry and absent of meaning.
She turned over to her side and looked at the mountain in the distance wishing she was anywhere else, or particularly with anyone else.
Daruk turned to his Goron brother with a grin as they thundered down the mountain. There had been some real good rocks this morning, they had eaten better than ever and the day was only looking up. It was time to see brother Link and the little Princess once again and thank the depths they wouldn't be arguing like last time.
"I never seen a Hylon before brother. Are they as squishy as they say?" his brother Gabbro wondered.
"Not all Hylians brother," Daruk scratched his head nervously, remembering the time Link had saved him from the Bokoblins. Hopefully the little guy wouldn't bring it up. "Link is the strongest guy I've met in my long life, he can really… handle monsters."
Gabbro leapt in the air in joy. "I cannot wait to meet a Hylon brother. Though I'm a little confused what male and female is," he frowned for a moment. "Are the male Hylons just the stronger ones?"
Daruk's eyes widened. "I wouldn't say that brother, the Princess is probably just as strong as Link, maybe even more so. Definitely don't say that to her or I'll be fishing you out of the pits of Death Mountain."
They could see the village now, they were supposed to meet them just outside on the rocks. It would be but a few moments until the princess' smiling face and Links slight smirk would be visible.
"Just you wait brother I know you'll get on with both of them for sure!" he grinned.
When he reached the rocks though the princess was not smiling, not in the slightest and already from this distance he could hear the yelling. Well… shrieking was probably the best term and it was most definitely a one sided argument.
"Uh-oh," Daruk murmured. "Not this again."
Daruk was glad there were no female, male issues with the Gorons. Sometimes it would cause problems with the Hylians. Though never in his life had he seen a pair quite like these two.
"I SAID STOP FOLLOWING ME," Zelda yelled and threw another rock at Link as he attempted to follow her enraged stomping. "Go crawl back into whatever void you sprang from."
Link had shown a sort of Goron like sternness during the ceremony and in true warrior fashion showed little emotion on his face. He reminded Daruk so much of the previous Boss, stone faced and ready to take on anything. Daruk had always been terrible at hiding what he was thinking and feeling, it was part of the reason the mantle as Boss of the Gorons still seemed too daunting.
Now in this moment though it was clear Link's confusion had smashed through him like a ten ton boulder. He followed rather timidly for the hero of the sword and looked as guilty as a misbehaving dog.
I hate dogs
Gabbro looked at him in the sort of shock that rarely found its way to Goron faces. It was as though the mountain itself was shuddering under the rage of the princess.
Daruk had known the princess ever since she was a small little child, even more delicate and tiny than she was now. Never in all that time had he known her to act in such away. Sure he had known she definitely had a fiery personality but she almost never showed it in such a way and never would it be done in the open.
"You act like you're some righteous hero when really you're just as bad as the others." This time it was a stick that flew towards Link. It cracked on his head and it seemed to be the least of the Knight's concerns. When Daruk talked about the princess being strong he didn't mean in this way.
As Zelda walked up to Daruk she greeted him with a taught nod. "Thank Hylia you're here Daruk. I'll be staying in the inn tonight, try to keep that boy as far away from me as possible."
"Woah! Hold on what's going on?" Daruk asked holding his hands in some strange form of pre-emptive defence.
"Oh nothing!" Zelda exclaimed with an exaggerated smile. "We're fine, Link's just been having fun nodding along as people call me a spoiled brat who's causing the damnation of the whole kingdom."
With that she stormed off up the mountain leaving Daruk and his brother in a state of awe as Link finally managed to catch up panting desperately.
"So that's what Hylians are like…" Gabbro murmured.
Daruk scratched his head and shared a knowing look with Link.