Chapter 12

Sunrise is moments away from the land of Hyrule. Resistance members chosen to go to Lake Hylia were making final preparations before departing with Impa. Those accompanying her also included the likes of Link, Zelda, Sheik, Ahsei, Shad, and Auru. They were finishing packing items needed for their mission while waiting for Impa to give the word.

Link was just about done saddling up Epona for the trip, with Navi flying around his head.

"Is that fairy of yours coming with us?" Ashei walked up to him.

"Seems like it, but I don't mind."

"If you say so. Well, Sheik wanted me to tell you we leave in about five."

He responded with a nod. After he was sure to have gotten everything, Link approached Zelda to see if she needed any assistance. She's stroking her horse's snout as her eyes are glued toward the opposite direction.

"Need any help, Zel?"

"No, I'm good. I was waiting to see if Ilia would come by. She wasn't in bed, so I assumed she was in the training yard, but no one was there. It's not like her to not say goodbye."

"I'm sure she has her reasons."

"I guess…" Zelda settled, but the disappointment was evident in her voice.

"C'mon, Sheik said we're leaving in a few minutes."

Zelda gathered her materials, including her golden bow and light arrows. She guided her horse to the exit of the hideout alongside Link.

"Everyone, listen up!" Impa's voice echoed off. "I want to remind you that now is the time to back out if you want. This mission could change course, putting you in a life-or-death situation. If you wish to not participate, you will not be judged." No one had spoken up. "Then let's get moving."

Hours had passed since the group left the camp. The twilight hour was close since the group arrived at Makos' meetup spot a little earlier than expected. As they waited, several people decided to take that moment to relax and stretch their legs after a long trip. The group had to take a long route through a series of forests to stay hidden. Among those people is Zelda. She is a little away from the group to get some moments of solitude and admire the scenery. It was a peaceful area, welcoming after all the hecticness she had endured for several months.

A bright white color caught the corner of her eye. In her full view is an owl sitting on a branch in a nearby tree. A Hyrulian Horned Owl, to be exact. Her eyes gaze upon them with great interest since they are her favorite animal. Zelda found it odd to see an owl in the daytime as they're usually nocturnal creatures. She concluded that the owl decided to get an early start since it was close to evening. The owl turned its head and stared at her with big blue eyes. That was odd to her. Zelda had always seen this species of owl with yellow eyes. Never had she seen one with blue eyes in her life. It was undoubtedly strange, but something about looking into its eyes made Zelda feel...safe.

"There you are. I thought you ran off on us for a moment." Zelda turned to see Auru approaching her.

"Sorry, I just needed space. Being on a horse all day can make your legs feel funny."

"No need to fret. Din knows how many trips I've made throughout the years. I Imagine this is the furthest you've ever been from your village. It's only natural that you want to look around," Auru took notice of the owl. "A beauty, isn't it?"

"Owls has always been my favorite. They have a sense of mystery that always draws me to them. Not to mention a good sense of wisdom. What about you?"

"I prefer hawks, but I have great respect for owls." The man's eyes were downcast. "They...remind me of my brother."

"You have a brother?"

"Had one. He was killed many years ago."

"Oh...I'm sorry."

"Thank you, but I've long moved past it." Auru straightened his posture. "We probably should head back. Makos should be coming at any moment now."

Not too far from the pair, Link rests on a log with a canteen of water in his hand. Sitting on the log with him is Shad, who is looking through a huge bag that he brought with him throughout the trip.

"Need a drink?" Link offered.

"Oh, thanks." He took the canteen and drank out of it. "The trip has left me quite parched. How 'bout you?"

"Feeling tired. I've never traveled this far on horseback before."

"I think I may have just the thing to remedy that." Shad reached into a small satchel he carried with him and pulled out a small bottle with a green substance.

"What is it?" Link grabbed the bottle, looking at it with curiosity.

"An Energizing Elixir. Drink it, and you'll feel energized again quickly."

Link looked at the bottle before deciding to drink it. The taste was alright, and he started to feel energized.

"Wow, this stuff really works."

"It's my special recipe. It's more effective, has more natural ingredients, and mines free, unlike the standard ones you would find in shops. I also know how to make other types as well."

"You two holding up, alright?" Sheik approached.

"I believe we're alright," Link simply answered. "So what's this Makos guy like?"

"He's very...outgoing but has a good heart."

"He sure likes taking his time. Wasn't he supposed to be here now?"

"He sometimes likes to make an entrance." Sheik begins to walk away. "His kind is known for that."

"Kind?" Link looks at him questioningly.

Sheik glanced over his shoulder as he walked away. "You'll see."

At that moment, Shad pulled out a small dagger from a small sheath on his hip and started to polish it with a cloth. Link had seen it before, but this was the first he got an up-close look. The handle is elegantly crafted, and the blade appears to be in pristine condition.

"Nice dagger," Link commented.

"Thank you. It was a gift from my father when I turned sixteen. Had it specially made for me?"

"I never took you for a fighter." Link quickly realizes how rude that sounded. "No offense or anything."

"I get it. I don't look like a fighter, and you're not the first to think that. My life before The Resistance was very different. My family was members of Hyrule's upper class. Unlike most nobles, they never worshiped the ground Ganondorf walked upon. Despite our wealth, we lived a humble life in Kakariko Village. You heard of it?"

"I think Zelda's father mentioned going there sometimes. It's near Death Mountain, right?"

The scholar nodded. "Since we lived away from Castle Town, unlike all of the Hylian nobles, our lives were peaceful. My parents encouraged my love for knowledge but isolated me from what was happening outside Kakariko. Looking back, I understand why. One day Ganondorf invited them to some sort of event, being nobles and all. When they returned home, there was an accident...they didn't make it. I was only seventeen at the time. What was more chilling was Ganondorf's reaction. He personally gave his condolences at my parent's funeral. The thought of him being a monster never crossed my mind. He was THAT sincere. Of course, now I know it was only an act."

He took a drink out of the canteen.

"Several weeks later, I was cleaning my parent's study when I stumble upon notes and letters directed to 'The Resistance.' Our village mayor was the only one who knew about that since he and my parents were close friends. I confronted him about it, and he confirmed that my parents were allies to them and told me about Ganondorf's true nature. I didn't want to believe it, but I put the pieces together. Why my parents died, and why Ganondorf came to me. I can't prove it, but I believe he arranged the accident. And he only went to my parent's funeral to see deemed some type of threat to him. After carefully thinking, I finished what my parents started and joined the rebels. Though it was a bit of a rough start..."

"How so?" Link plopped an elbow on his knee and placed his head on his hand.

"Some bandits tried to rob me while trying to find the base. I was no match for them, given I had no combat experience. Just when I thought I was done for, Ashei swooped out of nowhere and cut them down. She saved my life." Shad rubbed the back of his neck. "...Not exactly what I call a good first impression."

Link chuckles. "I'll say."

"For a while, she didn't believe I could make an effective member of the rebels. Then we started to get to know each other quite a lot, and here we are today." Shad glances over toward Ashei, who is currently tending to a horse. The raven-haired woman noticed and gave a smile before turning away.

"You two are pretty close," Link stated

"Yeah…Interesting that you can find companionship despite the circumstances that brought you together." Shad handed the canteen back. "Thank you again for the drink."

"No problem."

They bid farewell as Link decided to see if anyone could use his assistance since there was still no sign of this Makos person. Impa is just about several feet away, so he decided to ask her. As Link passed by a small wagon covered by a tarp, he heard an 'Achoo' coming from sounds like a female.

"Bless you," he said to Zelda, who was nearby.

She gave Link an odd look. "That wasn't me. Was it you, Ashei?"

"That wasn't me either."

"Then...who did?" The green-clad warrior wondered.

They all looked around, trying to find the source of the noise. Impa took notice of the situation.

"Everything alright over here?"

"I thought I heard a woman sneeze, but it wasn't Zelda or Ashei."

"Well, it certainly wasn't me," Impa affirmed.

Navi suddenly flew out of Link's pouch, making loud tinkle sounds. Once everyone was on her, she flew above the wagon with the tarp. They gather around the wagon, drawing their weapons as a precaution. Sheik slowly put his hand on the tarp and waited a bit before yanking the tarp off. What was in the wagon surprised all of them, especially Zelda. The source of the mystery sneeze was none other than Zelda's little sister, Ilia.

Ilia gave a nervous smile. "Hehe...Hi guys."

Zelda paced left to right with her fingers on her head, trying to conceal her anger. Ilia sat on a tree stump, waiting for her sister to speak. Everyone else stood in awkward silence, watching to see what was about to occur.

"Are you...mad?" Ilia voiced to break the painful silence.

A 'Are you kidding me' expression drew across Zelda's face. "Mad? I'm beyond furious! I gave you instructions, and you disobeyed me!" Her eyes suddenly widen in horror. "Oh, Nayru...I told Rusl & Uli to watch over you. They must be worried!"

"Don't worry. They're not…."

"And what makes you say that?"

Ilia was hesitant to answer. "I...might've told them that you...changed your mind and let me tag...along…."

"Oh, wonderful!" Zelda yelled out sarcastically. "You not only deliberately disobeyed me but also lied to Rusl & Uli. How many other lies have you told me recently?"

"You act like the first time I lied to you."

"I'm your sister!"

"That just makes you more gullible."

"It's moments like these where I'm glad to be an only child," Shad whispered to Ashei, who nodded in agreement as they both watched the exchange go on.

The sisters exchanged more words for several moments until Auru grew bold enough to walk to Zelda and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Zelda, I think you should calm down now…"

"Oh, I'll be calm. Once I take my sister back to the camp!"

"No!" Ilia stood from the tree stump

"Excuse me?"

"Our people have spent months in that camp suffering. I'm not gonna sit by while and let them suffer any longer! Also, I want to prove that I can be a big help. Link told me that I just needed an opportunity."

All eyes turned to the green-clad hero, including the stink eye from Zelda. All Link could do was hide his embarrassment.

"Do you know the danger you could be placed in? This isn't a simple smash-and-grab operation. I'm taking you back to the base camp."

"You can't, Zel. These guys need you. The longer we delay, the longer those people suffer. We've already lost Damon & Talia. What about Sera, Hanch, Jaggle, Pergie, or everyone else captured? How long it'll be before we lose them as well?"

"I-"

"Enough!" Impa's voice bellowed out, which silenced the sisters. "As much as I agree with you, Zelda, Ilia is right. We cannot delay this any further. We must get there, plan, take out that camp, and free those prisoners. I don't condone Ilia's actions, but what's done is done."

Before Zelda could protest even more, a sudden arrow hit the tree stump Ilia had been sitting on just moments ago. Everyone quickly went on guard before a few more arrows fired at them. A series of loud squeals emerge as a small group of monsters charged toward the group. The monsters were pig-like, armed with large clubs and blue eyes. Most of them were crimson, save for one of whom that's blue.

"Bokoblins!" Impa shouted before striking one in its head with her naginata.

Zelda shot several arrows at a few who charged at her. "Find cover!" She shouted to Ilia, who was dragged away by Shad.

Everyone stood their ground against the creatures. Bokoblins are less intelligent than Bulblins. However, that somehow made them even more dangerous. They are said to have significant cravings for meat including humans.

Thankfully though, these monsters were not skilled in combat. Link blocks a club with his shield, using it to knock the beast back before striking its chest with his sword. Another attempt to attack him, but Zelda shoots it just in time. Impa & Sheik take several others quickly thanks to their Sheikah training and weapons. Ashei used her quick reflexes to slice at the creatures, while Auru used his strength to defend himself.

Meanwhile, Shad and Ilia stay behind the rock, hoping to hide. That did not stop several Bokoblins from spotting them. Fortunately, Shad's skills with his dagger were enough to defend them. Ilia suddenly remembered that she had brought her crossbow along. The problem is that it is in the wagon on the other side of the Bokoblins. She couldn't sit around any longer.

She quickly ran to the other side, ignoring Shad calling her name. A large force knocked her down to the side when she was just a few steps away. Towering above her is a Blue Bokoblin that's armed with a sword. It attempted to strike at her before she quickly rolled out. The monster's hand wrapped around her ankle, but Ilia gave it a kick to the shin, causing it to squeal in pain. With the Blue Bokoblin distracted, Ilia ran straight to the wagon. She pulled her weapon out and pointed at the creature, only to discover she did not load it.

The Blue Bokoblin seemed to notice its prey had escaped and started charging toward her. Ilia quickly scrambled to find the crossbow bolts as she heard footsteps approaching. The monster gave a loud squeal before he pounced into the air. It never got the chance to land as Ilia managed to load her weapon and shot a blot right in the middle of its forehead, with tiny drops of blood getting on her.

The horde realized that they were no match for the Hylians. They all fled from the scene, letting out squeals signifying their retreat.

"That's right! Run you spineless cuccos!" Auru shouted at the horde.

"Is everyone else alright?" Impa asks loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I believe so." Shad dusted himself for a bit. "Bloody hell, they really are all over the place these days..."

Zelda quickly went to her sister's side. "Are you okay?" Her voice wobbled as she saw the drops of blood on Ilia.

"I-I'm fine."

"I told you to stay where you are! That monster almost killed you!"

"But I got him before he did. See, I'm still fine."

All Zelda could hug her. "Just stay put next time, please."

The silence only lasted for several moments before a slow clap broke it.

"That was quite an impressive battle you and your group put, Impa." A voice that is filled with pride but still has traces of humbleness echoed out.

The sound of a branch shaking and a thud had occurred, spooking Link, Zelda, and Ilia, while the rest didn't seem unphased as they turned to the distraction of the sound. A figure then jumped from the nearby tree and landed near them. He looked humanoid, but he didn't look Human, nor Hylian, for that matter. This person is taller than everyone else, has fins coming out of his limbs, has webbed feet, and a tail attached to the back of his head, and his body is purple with traces of a blue hue mixed in.

What they're encountering is a Zora.

"I was hoping I wasn't running late."

Impa smiled at the Zora. "You weren't, Makos."

So this Zora is their mysterious contact, Makos. The Zora made his way around the group, greeting everyone he encountered.

"Good to see you again, Sheik."

"Likewise, Makos," the teen Sheikah gave a bow.

"Auru, glad to see you up and running."

"I don't intend to stop anytime soon," Auru grinned.

"Hello, Ashei. Still lovely as always."

"Yes, of course," Ashei replied in a tone that was mixed with playfulness & annoyance.

"And Shad, I hope you're still treating Ashei well."

"No need to worry. I don't intend to change that in the future."

"Good." The Zora took notice of Ilia. "Who's this young lady right here?"

"I'm Ilia...I'm a last-minute addition." What she managed to say avoiding the uneasy stares of the group, including an unimpressed glare from Zelda.

"Well, welcome aboard, Ilia."

The Zora made his way to Link and Zelda.

"Let me guess. You must be Link."

"Yes. Your Makos? I've heard a lot about you."

"I certainly hope it wasn't too much." The Zora chuckled. "And I take this is the lovely lady Zelda."

"Uh, yes," Zelda responded.

"Impa mentioned many details about you but forgot to mention your beauty."

A slight blush grew on her cheeks. Zelda had gotten used to people, mostly guys, complimenting her looks as she had gotten older. Link decided to change the subject.

"I didn't know you're a Zora."

"Of course. Do you know any other race in Hyrule that have fins on their limbs or tails on their heads?" Makos replied while pretending to sound offended.

"Well, it's just that...I've never seen a Zora before."

"I suppose you do have a point. My kind hasn't been active these past several years."

"Zora's aren't part of the rebellion?" Ilia questioned Zora.

"I'm here on my own accord," Makos stated. "Though I do hope my kind will come around one day."

Makos looked away briefly as he looked at the dead Bokoblins. "We should clean this up. Soldiers patrol this area during the night. We don't want them getting suspicious.

"Oh, that's perfect! I've been meaning to look for more ingredients." Shad quickly ran to the nearest Bokoblin. He used his dagger to cut off one of the horns and stuffed it in his satchel.

The three Ordonians stood in bafflement as they watched.

"What is he doing?" Zelda asked.

"Shad likes to collect monster parts for our elixirs," Ashei answered.

"Elixirs?" Link exclaimed, remembering the energy potion Shad gave him earlier. "Why?"

"Monster parts have the right components that are perfect for our potions. They can enhance certain abilities and helps withstand any type of environment in Hyrule." Shad explained as he pulled out a Bokoblin Fang. "It also has good amounts of nutrients for our bodies."

"Are all Elixirs you made from monster parts?"

"No, some of which have certain bugs as well."

Link did not say another word. Shad didn't notice that Link seemed somewhat horrified by the revelation.

"If it makes you feel better, he made me eat a frog once," Ashei confessed casually. Link gave her a bewildered look. "Long story."

Link looked at the bottle that contained the potion he drank. He didn't know whether to be disgusted or impressed. Though the ingredients were undesirable, the effects were as accurate as Shad claimed, and they didn't taste bad. Link supposes he'll have to overcome it, but that thought will never escape him. Right now, he just needs help clearing the Bokoblin's bodies so they get one with saving his fellow villagers.

Hey guys I've got good news. I recently found copies of Skyward Sword for the Wii and the Wii U version of Twilight Princess. I've finished the former but still working on the latter. So my experience in the the franchise has expanded has increased beyond Breath of the Wild since the last chapter (Now if only Nintendo will release a Switch version of Ocarina of Time, that'll be great).

Any who, for those curious, the Bokoblins & Zora's look in this fic are based of the BotW versions.

I still kept in reference from The Mummy movie (the 1999 version) in here.

Spoiler alert! Makos is not an OC. That's all I'm saying.

Also I might've put several traits of Wild!Zelda into my version of Shad. I feel as if his canon counterpart would've gotten along with her so well had they lived in the same time period (along with canon Pipit as well since they have a love for birds).

One more I want to ask. Would you guys be interested if I wrote bios for the characters in this fic?

Favs, Follows, and Reviews are appreciated.