Chapter 15
The morning sun had arisen, sunlight casting over Lake Hylia. Around it lay whatever was left of the labor camp. All around, rebels were scattered around doing various things such as salvaging, tending to the wounded, and helping out the slaves.
Link sat near the banks of the lake, eyes gazing upon the waters. Despite the presence of blood and smoke, Link could see the true beauty of the lake. He hoped it would remain that way from now on. His fairy companion, Navi, was flying around near him. The fairy had been left behind at Makos' camp during the mission.
Hey," Zelda approaches him. Her arm was wrapped in small layers of bandages. Ilia is also by her side with a bandage on her cheek.
"Hey," Link greeted back. "How's your arm?"
"Not too bad, thankfully. The medic suggested avoiding vigorous activities involving my arm for the next few days."
"How about you, Ilia?"
The teen brought her hand to rub the bandage on her cheek. "Couple of stitches, but I'll be fine."
"That's good." Link paused. "Did...did they find our people yet?"
There was a high amount of slaves on the man-made island. Even more, than any of the rebels anticipated. Because of the unexpectedly high numbers, finding at least one person from Ordon had taken longer than expected.
"Not yet. Shiek said that he'll come or send for me as soon as they find them," Zelda explained.
Link picked up The Master Sword that was lying against a rock. He looked at his reflection in the blade for several moments.
"I never did it before. Taking a life...It's different from hunting animals. I killed a man. He was just someone doing his job. I can still smell his blood."
"You're not the only one with blood on their hands," Zelda reminded, recalling the soldiers that died from the canon exploding from her Light Arrow.
"You did what you had to do."
"So did you, Link. You did it to save me."
"That doesn't mean I liked it."
"I don't think anyone would." Zelda walked closer to him. She knelt to his eye level and placed a hand on his shoulder, the other on his face. "But despite the decisions we made, the deadly situations we got in, we freed these people. It's because of our actions they're free from slavery. Isn't all that worth it?"
Link didn't respond to her statement. Instead, he took a moment to think. He thought back to the words Sheik had said to him yesterday.
"In war, there will always be casualties, be it soldiers or innocent people. All you can do is focus on the ones you can save."
Link looks over to the now-freed slaves being tended to by the rebels. Every square inch he looked, Link could see a variety of emotions on their faces. These people lost their homes and lived a life of slavery for months, maybe even longer. Many, perhaps, had lost hope that they would be free. Now, they no longer will have to go through that nightmare anymore. All because of his and everyone else's actions.
Link gave a small smile. "I guess it is worth it."
"I was wondering where you three were," Sheik walked up to them.
"What is it?" Ilia asked.
"We found the Ordonians."
The trio's faces all lit up with hope. This was the news they had been hoping for since their journey. After months of uncertainty, they'll finally see one of their own. Not all of them, but some. It was better than none at all.
"Let's go see 'em." We're the first words spoken by Link.
The trio made their way away from the lake bed and through the remnants of the camp. Neither said a word to another. They were nervous and wondered what they would do in their heads. Were the ones Fado had mentioned still alive, or did Vaati also take their lives? How many of them were still left? The closer they were to finally getting their answers, the greater their anticipation was.
Finally, they arrived in a small makeshift tent. Right outside, they saw Impa talking to Makos. They manage to hear bits of the conversation.
"A shame you won't be coming back with us."
I would love to return, but I'll be busy here." The Zora asserted. "We're already working on relocating most of the slaves to villages allied with us or out of the country. Some of them even want to join our cause…Plus, I need time to settle down at my new base."
The pair noticed the younger Sheikah and the Ordon trio.
"We'll talk later." The Zora walked away while giving a quick greeting to the trio.
"Are they…" Ilia started.
"In here," Impa pointed to the tent with his thumb.
"Should we all…?" Zelda started.
"Let me go first." Link offered.
Taking a deep breath, Link entered the tent. Everyone in the tent consists of familiar faces. Faces Link thought he would never see again. The ones he noticed first were Beth's parents Sera & Hanch, a large woman and a small man with short hair. Then he noticed Talo & Malo's parents Jaggle & Pergie, and a couple of pumpkin farmers with muscle on them.
Hanch was the first to notice, eyes widening. "Link? Is it-?"
"Yes, it's me."
"We thought you were dead," Pergie mutters, surprised as well.
"We could say the same thing," Zelda came in as she said that.
"Zelda?" Sera said.
"And me as well," Ilia followed.
"By the goddesses, you three are alive," Hanch exclaimed.
"How did you...how are you-?" Jaggle stuttered.
"It's a rather long story," Link glanced down. "The past few months have been quite interesting, to say the least. We'll fill you in on the details, but I imagine all of you guys want to get out of this place and back to the others."
"Others?"
"Rusl and his family escaped with us." Link brought his gaze back to the two couples. "Along with your children."
The amount of relief Link saw in their faces is one he'll stick with for the rest of his life. Though he couldn't blame such reactions, considering that for the past few months, they probably believed that their children were dead.
"Fado is with them at the base," Ilia pointed out.
"Fado is okay?" Sera muttered.
"He's well," Zelda answered.
"Talia. Damon. They..." Hanch croaked.
"That animal, Vaati, slaughtered them..." Jaggle spat out.
"We know, but it's over now."
"I see the reunion is going well." Impa entered the tent.
"Everyone, this is Impa. She led this assault on the camp to free you all," Zelda explained.
"She also found us after we escaped Ordon and let us stay at her base camp," Ilia added.
"Thank you," Sera muttered.
"I was only doing what was right, but enough of that. I have some good news. We're almost done around here, so we'll be able to leave within the hour, but because our the higher numbers, we plan to travel in groups. Would you guys like to be the first to leave? Sheik will escort you."
The young Ordonians all smiled.
It was late afternoon at Impa's base camp. Everyone was doing their own business. Rusl was practicing his swordplay against a wooden dummy. Uli had gone to talk to the other women at the camp. Not too far, he saw Colin and the other Ordon kids playing with the other children. It had been about 2 days since Link and the others left. Rusl had spent every moment praying to the goddesses for their safe return. He wished he had gone with them but couldn't leave Uli & Colin.
Rusl decided to take a break and checked on Fado, who had been hanging around the stables. Once there, he noticed that Fado was talking to Malon. Ever since he recovered from his wounds, he had spent much of his time with the redhead.
"Hello, Fado," Rusl greeted.
"Oh, hey Rusl," Fado greeted back. Malon walked back to the horses, wanting to give the pair privacy.
"You doing alright, son?"
"I am. How's Uli?"
"She's fine." Rusl glanced in the direction Malon went. "What were you two talking about?"
"Huh? Oh, me and Malon? Just horses and other things." Fado answered with a light blush on his face.
"I've noticed you have been spending much time with her."
"We...just happened to have a lot of things in common and became friends. Everyone here is so...nice."
"Glad to see you're doing better and opening up."
"Thanks, Rusl. Though...I'm still worried."
"About the others?"
Fado nodded in response. Rusl placed a hand on his shoulder and offered some comfort.
"I'm sure Link, Zelda, and Ilia are doing everything possible to help the others."
"I don't doubt that especially if everything they've been through the past few months were true. But...what if they couldn't free them? Or worse, what if they're too-"
The sound of a horn interrupted Fado's sentence. Both men turned in the direction of the sound. At the entrance of the grove, several figures on horseback had arrived. Upon careful inspections, Fado quickly realized who they were.
"It's Link!" Fado exclaimed as he ran over to the arriving group with Rusl not far behind.
A small crowd had started to gather at the group. As Link got off Epona, he took notice of Fado & Rusl running towards them.
"You made it back!" Fado enthusiastically cheered.
"How did it go?" Rusl asked.
"Lake Hylia is free," was all Link said.
"What about the-?"
"Fado?"
The teen looked in the direction of the voice. Staring back at him were Ordonians, with Hanch stepping closer. "You're okay! And Rusl...by Din, it's really you!"
"I can say the same about you, old friend. It's good to see you alive & well."
"You have no idea how happy we are. The things we went through over there…." Jaggle trailed off with a shiver. "Had it not been for Link, Zelda, Ilia, and the rebels, we probably would still be there now."
"Those days are over now."
"What's going on over here?" Uli's voice was heard until it trailed off once she saw the sight of other members from their village.
"Uli!" Sera exclaimed.
"Sera? Pergie?" Uli said in disbelief as she covered her mouth.
"Hey, what's everyone gathered around here for?" Talo's voice said as he, his little brother, Colin, and Beth emerged behind Uli. No one answered the young boy as he, Malo, and Beth stared at their parents.
"Mom? Dad?" Beth questioned.
"My baby!" Sera exclaimed.
"Beth!" Hanch followed.
"Is this real?" Talo asks.
"You're not ghosts, correct?" Malo also questioned.
"We're not ghosts, son," Jaggle answered.
"We're back with you, boys," Pergie declared.
The three children quickly ran over to their own parent's arms. Beth in Sera & Hanch's, and Talo & Malo in Jaggle & Pergie's. It had only been about three months since they were together. To them, it felt like years.
Everyone around watches both family reunions play out. Link, Zelda, and Ilia only gave small smiles. Rusl held onto his family close as they, too, had smiles. Uli had even wiped several tears away from her eyes. Fado gave a bittersweet smile. While still wearing his mask, Sheik had a mix of happiness & sadness in his eyes as he watched.
It wasn't too long after Impa's party finally returned to camp. She gave a proud speech about the abolishment of Lake Hylia. Everyone cheered at the news. Impa thanked everyone who helped participate in the mission, especially Link & Zelda. Having a majority of the camp increased their faith even more within them.
Once the speeches were done, Impa proclaimed the rest of the night to be nothing filled with celebration. A bonfire lit up the entire camp throughout the night. Music filled in the air by those playing with instruments and singing provided by Malon and several others. Many people danced near the fire, most couples dancing together. Those were not doing any of which were talking with loved ones on the sides.
From afar, Impa watched it all. It was moments such as these that reminded her of her purpose. There were times she wanted to end it all right here and there. She had seen so much loss over the years, including what Ganondorf did to her tribe. But she remembers Queen Lydia's final words to her before she fled.
"Fight for the people, Impa. Fight for them until they can fight for themselves and Hyrule."
Those words constantly repeated throughout the past eighteen years. It became Impa's own personal mantra. Seeing everyone in the camp filled with life just fuels it even further.
"What are you doing over here?" The Sheikah woman turns her head to see Auru by her side.
"I'm just reflecting on things. I'll join back soon."
Auru chose to stay put, to which Impa wasn't surprised. "Quite a party going on. Remember the one we had after that mission we pulled in Tabatha."
"How can I forget." Impa smiled. "You had one too many drinks that night, and you somehow convinced me to get drunk too. Next thing I know, you and I wake up in the same bed the next morning."
Auru gave a light chuckle while Impa gave him a look. "That was quite a night, but it was one of the best nights in my life. Mostly because you weren't "Impa: Leader of the Resistance" and more...Impa."
"It was a great night." A light blush grew on her face. "One of the few I've had in recent memory."
Impa brought her eyes to the dancing. Echoes of cheering rang through her ears. It was a delightful sound to hear. She got a glimpse of Ashei & Shad doing a waltz dance.
"They do make a good pair."
"Hard to believe things between them were so different when he joined us about five years back." Auru followed up. "Maybe you and I ought to follow their example."
"You know I'm not a good dancer."
"You're better than most of the noblewomen I've danced with." That earned a chuckle from the Sheikah woman. "But c'mon, Impa, have some fun. What do you say?"
Auru extends his hand out in a gentlemanly way. The woman glanced between the hand and Auru several times in the few minutes she used to think. With a smile, she accepted his hand. "I suppose I can have some fun tonight."
Amidst the celebration, Ilia sat on a log away from all the dancing. The teen's eyes were glued to the ground. Her hand gently brushed against the uncovered cut on her cheek, stopping at every stitch embedded in her gash. The battle at Lake Hylia kept flashing in her mind. She cannot keep on wondering how many people she has killed. The kills were necessary, but she still had an ill feeling in her stomach.
"Are you okay?"
The teen looked to see Sheik next to her. How he walked up to her without hearing him, she didn't know.
"I'm...okay. Why do you ask?"
"You've been quiet since we left the lake." He gestured to a spot next to the teen, to which she nodded and kept her gaze away as he sat down.
"I...I just can't stop thinking about the battle. We've killed those soldiers. I killed those soldiers. I know we had to, but...I just feel sick about it." Ilia placed both hands on her head. "Sorry. I didn't mean to ramble like that."
"Don't be. It's good you feel that way."
"But you guys seemed unfazed by it. The way you killed those soldiers without flinching, doesn't that bother you?"
"It does." Sheik took a deep breath. "Throughout the years, I've learned a harsh lesson that real life isn't like the stories where heroes spare their enemy's lives no matter what their deeds are. This is war. People die in war, and we can do nothing about it, but that doesn't mean we must like it. There is one solace we can take. Ganondorf & his followers have killed so many people for their own gain. In that sense, we're no different. The only difference is that Ganondorf does it just to set an example. We only do it when needed, not to spread fear or send a message. Otherwise, we try to spare the lives of our enemies if possible."
"Have you killed before?" Sheik didn't say anything for several moments until he gave a nod. "How did you feel?"
Again, the Sheikah went quiet. Ilia was about to take back her question. Still, he replied several seconds before, "Everyone here who killed all had different reactions. Ashei was quiet and didn't leave her tent for days. Shad threw up. Me...I felt awful, similar to what you're feeling. I haven't even reached puberty when I killed someone. I did it to protect Impa & Auru, but it felt wrong. I'm getting at that in war, you have to make decisions that go against your moral compass. Still, as long you don't lose yourself, you'll never go to the same level as your enemies."
"It makes me feel better about it. Thank you…I promise that I won't lose myself."
"You can come to me if you ever want to talk." He got up from his spot. "I won't bother you any longer. Enjoy your night."
"Before you go, can I ask you this?"
"What is it?"
"That maneuver you did with those three soldiers, what?"
"Why...do you want to know?" He eyed her curiously.
"I read a lot about the sheikah, but I've never heard of them doing anything that. Is it a secret Sheikah technique or something?"
"It is...sort of. It's complicated to explain. I rather not get into that right now."
"I see. Thank you again."
The sheikah gave her a gentle nod before leaving the Ordon teen alone. Loneliness only lasted for several moments before Zelda approached.
"Everything okay between you two?"
"Yeah. I thought about things, but Sheik helped me feel better." Ilia did not speak for a few seconds before she stood up. "Zel...I'm sorry for not listening to you. I thought I could handle it, but...Farore, that battle was so awful."
"What's done is done." Zelda placed her hands on Ilia's shoulders. "Everyone makes mistakes. Nayru knows I had some too."
"You've always looked after me my whole life, getting me out of trouble, taking care of me when I need it. I thought maybe...I could return the favor by helping you."
"You don't owe me anything. I did all those things because I care for you, Ilia."
"But you have so much on your plate. I want to help shed off some weight."
"And you can do that in other ways without putting your life on the line. For Din's sake, you almost got shot in the head! You might not be so lucky next time."
"I know that, and I promise to stay out on missions that end up being a battle. Can I help? I'll hunt, I'll rob soldiers, anything."
"Tell you what, we'll talk it over with Impa tomorrow and see what we can do for you."
The teen pulled the older girl into a hug. "Thanks, sis. I appreciate this."
"Yeah, I can't get rid of you that easy.
"Ah, don't be like that. You know you love me."
"Yeah, you're just about my favorite parasite." A scoff escaped from the teen. "No, ringworm is my favorite parasite. You're my second favorite."
"Very funny."
"Wait, no! Ringworms, then rats with plague, then you."
"Oh, shut up." Ilia lightly punched her shoulder, causing the both of them to laugh. "I think I'm gonna see Malon. I haven't got the chance to say talk to her."
"You go do that. Stay out of trouble."
"Can't promise you that." Ilia jokingly replied as she walked away.
Zelda went to find Link soon after. They both exchanged greetings, and Zelda shared her conversation with Ilia.
"She seems to be doing better now," Link concluded.
"She is."
Zelda looked at the festive crowd and smiled. The smile shrank slowly as she looked on. "Seeing all these people being so happy, along with our friends...it reminds me of how things used to be. Don't you think?"
"It does," Link replied.
"Do you think my parents are out there? Looking for us?"
"Wherever they are, I'm sure they're doing just that."
"But we haven't heard anything about my parent's whereabouts, not even rumors. Ilia believes that they're still alive. I want to too, but...sometimes I worry that they're-"
"We don't know if they are dead. If they got away, they'd scramble every inch of Hyrule to look for you and Ilia. If they can't, I'm sure we'll find them. I mean, we found the others. Until we're certain, all we can do is hope."
"Hope...It's the only thing we can do."
"And as long we stick together, we can do much more."
"You're right. Thanks."
The two friends looked at each other and smiled. They then looked over to the happy crowd, including those they knew. A sense of happiness and determination filled them. The group, including those they knew, were reminders of what they were fighting for. As long as they stick together, they can accomplish much more.
Goddess knows they'll need it when the time to face Ganondorf comes.
Don't mind me, Just updating a story about characters dealing with political unrest during a time where my country is dealing with political unrest, on the same day as the biggest election in any of our lifetimes.
But in other news, looking forward to Age of Calamity.