Chapter 31 - Attack on the Yiga Clan
Summary: Astra makes final preparations for her confrontation with the Yiga Clan. Queen Zelda reviews the battle plans with General Gavin. Hyrule's attack begins at noon.
After conducting many interviews and collecting information from key participants, the Hyrule Royal Historian would eventually produce the story of Hyrule's campaign against the Yiga Clan. They would describe the preparation, the strategy, the tactics, and finally, the various battles and their outcome. They would provide the much-needed big picture. But the details of the many individual acts, those of victory and defeat, life and death, were lost in the big picture. Some of these are described here.
It was evening at Hyrule Castle, and Astra had already said goodnight to her mother and retired to her room. But, as was her habit since childhood, she opened her bedroom window and took a moment to look outside. Her window faced south toward Hyrule Plain, and you could clearly see most of Castle Town. But Castle Town was dark now, quiet, vendors having already closed their stalls and shops for the night. Then Astra looked beyond it to the clump of trees that surrounded the Sacred Grounds.
The Sacred Grounds. Her mother had said she hoped Astra could be publicly crowned princess of Hyrule at the Sacred Grounds one day. Zelda felt that would help restore people's confidence in their and their children's future, knowing that the Royal Family would continue, that she had an heir. Other races had their own leaders, but Hylians relied on the Royal Family to maintain order, preserve the peace, and protect them from harm. Older adults could remember how difficult life had been before Zelda's miraculous revival. But Astra firmly believed that her coronation should come only after they were rid of the Yiga Clan, and her mother wholeheartedly agreed. To do otherwise would only make her a target.
Astra looked past the Sacred Grounds into the distance. On a clear evening like tonight, you could make out several Sheikah Towers glowing blue in the nighttime. But there was nothing much of interest to see tonight, and after a few more minutes, Astra shut the window.
Tomorrow was the big day - the long-awaited attack on the Yiga Clan. The attack would begin at noon for logistical reasons involving coordination with everyone in Hyrule. So, there was no reason to sleep yet and rise early.
Astra had physically prepared for combat most of her life, and she felt confident in her ability. She had her father to partly thank for that. Of course, she was the one who had put in the many hours of hard training. But he had helped her perfect her skills, shared his experiences, and worked to make her more like him. And, of course, she had inherited his unique flurry rush skill. So, she felt confident she could handle herself in a fight. But now, in these last hours, before the battle was drawn, Astra wanted to prepare mentally and spiritually too. There was still one more thing she wanted to do.
"Fi, I've prayed at the Spring of Wisdom and the Spring of Power here, but not at the Spring of Courage yet. I should like to do that before tomorrow. Thanks to mother's Sheikah Slate and my father being so diligent about completing all the shrine quests, getting there and back is easy."
"It would be very fitting to do so, Mistress Zelda," said Fi.
Astra walked over to the end table, picked up the Sheikah Slate, opened the map, and then pressed the marker for the Shae Katha Shrine. In an instant, she dematerialized and reappeared at the travel gate in the small cave behind the colossal stone statue of Hylia. Astra made her way out the cave entrance and then waded through the warm, ankle-deep water until she was several paces past the statue. Then she turned to face it, taking in the sights and sounds.
This was the Spring of Courage, one of the three sacred springs Princesses of Hyrule from ages long past visited to pray and purify themselves in its waters. It was awe-inspiring to imagine her predecessors from time immemorial had once prayed here, for this sacred spring was older than even the sword that seals the darkness.
Untold centuries of neglect, however, had sadly taken a heavy toll on this sacred location. The standing water around the statue was lifeless, its dark surface covered with fallen dead leaves. Ancient rusted lamps no longer cast any light but stood dark on broken stone pillars. The carvings etched in the stone in places were faded and barely visible, worn away by countless years of erosion.
Aside from the feeling of neglect, the first thing you felt was the mugginess. For even at night, the air was oppressively hot and thick with moisture in this tropical rainforest. Astra could make out a pale gray mist drifting across the dark water. The loudest sound at the moment was the steady hum of the wind as it blew through the hollows and crevices of the enormous dragon sculpture overhead. Competing with the sound of the wind was the gurgle of water as it slowly flowed somewhere unseen. The only other sounds were the buzz of insects and the occasional hoot of a night bird in the distance.
What a shame, Astra thought, that this spring was also in such a deplorable condition, a victim of so much decay, as were the other two sacred springs. Fi must have sensed her thoughts, for she spoke up now.
"Yes, it is sad, Mistress," said Fi. "When first I came here, many of your ages ago, this was a majestic spring, bright and full of life. Skyview Spring, it was called then, and it looked nothing so dismal as it does now. Fish swam in its fresh, clear water, constantly replenished by sparkling waterfalls. Around this spring stood tall green trees, and it was home to birds, butterflies, and sometimes even fairies. I danced on the water here for my first Master to describe his next task."
Fi paused as if she recalled the moment.
"Perhaps it and the other two springs can be restored someday, though I imagine the work would be quite extensive, and there are still more pressing tasks to accomplish for the betterment of our people. But even in its current condition, I can feel how sacred this place still is," said Astra as she looked at the goddess statue, giving off a faint glow in the darkness. "I think it's time for me to pray."
Astra bowed her head, closed her eyes, and silently prayed for the courage to do what was needed of her. After she finished, she spoke up.
"Now I have visited all three springs, and I feel spiritually ready for tomorrow," said Astra.
"I, too, think you are ready, Mistress. Her Grace must have foreseen the need for you, as you are unique among all those I have served."
"Because I'm a girl?"
"Though factually correct, that is not what I meant. You are a Princess of Hyrule, Mistress, a descendant of the spirit maiden who purified herself in this very spring long ago. That carries with it a special blessing, a power to resist evil."
"I won't forget," said Astra. "But it's getting late, Fi, and I should return now."
Astra activated the Sheikah Slate, returning to the shrine overlooking the castle docks. Then she made her way back to her room, freshened up, and went to sleep.
Astra slept soundly and awoke in time for a late breakfast with her mother.
"I'm amazed you can eat at all," said Zelda as she took a sip of tea. "I'm so nervous I have to force myself. I guess that's another trait you inherited from your dear father."
"Father was often teased about his appetite," said Astra after swallowing another bite of eggs. "But he said it gave him some much-needed energy, and I can certainly use energy today. As soon as we finish, I'm off to the Thyphlo Ruins to await the Luminous Stone drop and our soldiers."
"I know I don't need to say it, but it makes me feel better to do so anyway," said Zelda. "Please be safe. I love you, and I would gladly lose this battle and see you live to fight another day than to lose you. If our plans go awry, there is no shame in withdrawing."
"I love you, too, Mother. And I will obey your guidance - for a change."
Zelda laughed.
"But seriously, I know how to take care of myself. And I'm ready for this, Mother."
"I believe you. And I don't know what else to say other than I will be praying that Hylia will watch over you and protect you," said Zelda as they both rose from the table.
They embraced, holding each other close for a few moments. Then Astra left and returned to her room to retrieve her weapons and the Sheikah Slate. After checking she had everything, she opened the map, activated the transport feature, and re-materialized at the Ketoh Wawai shrine amid the still dark Thyphlo Ruins. Then she waited. And she made sure to remain well back under the shelter of the shrine, for soon it would rain Luminous Stones from above.
After Astra left, Zelda made her way to where General Gavin had set up his command center on the ground floor of Hyrule Castle.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," said Gavin as Zelda arrived.
"Good morning, General. What is the situation?"
"So far, everything is proceeding as we planned, Your Majesty," said Gavin. "But of course, we have only just begun our campaign."
Gavin paused for a moment and rubbed his hands together.
"Do I look as worried as you?" Zelda asked, hoping to relieve some of Gavin's apparent nervousness.
"Probably not, Your Majesty," said Gavin with a small smile. "But my worry is not about the plan we developed. On the contrary, I think it's an excellent one. It's that our troops are inexperienced through no fault of their own. Training can only get you so far."
"Go on," said Zelda, as talking seemed to be helping him.
"Our current generation of soldiers are eager to do their duty but lack actual combat experience. As you know, the entire army was destroyed in Ganon's attack. It didn't even exist as recently as twenty-five years ago when Ganon was finally defeated. Over the next few years, monsters were hunted down and virtually eliminated by our soldiers. But that was over twenty years ago now. So, the only soldiers who have had any actual combat experience are at or beyond the end of their active careers, in their forties and fifties. I just hope and pray our young soldiers' training will prepare them. The Yiga are not to be taken lightly."
Gavin paused for a moment.
"Anyway, one other bit of information," Gavin continued. "We learned that Yiga spies would flee if approached by three or more people, so we had to limit our ambush to two people, each spy. But I believe pairing our young soldiers with Gerudo warriors was wise. I sense it will bolster their courage, embolden them, as they do not wish to appear weak in front of their companions."
"I agree and believe we have done all we could," said Zelda. "And I have confidence we will be victorious. But are not the Gerudo also inexperienced at combat for the same reasons?"
"Yes, but somehow their warrior instinct must be stronger," said Gavin. "They display no fear of the Yiga and are the fiercest of fighters. Therefore, we have agreed to let Gerudo Chief Riju command our joint forces for the attack on the Thyphlo Ruins hideout."
Meanwhile, in Rito Village, a large gathering of Rito was already assembled on Revali's Landing, awaiting the order to begin their mission. Before Commander Teba addressed the warriors, he and his wife Saki met with their son, Tulin, who would lead the mission.
"We're both proud of you, dear," said Saki. "But fly high and return safely."
"I will, Mother," said Tulin. "Father has taught me well since I was a child."
"And part of that training was to use your wits and don't take unnecessary chances," said Teba. "But now it's time to go if we are to stay on schedule."
Tulin joined the others while Teba addressed the assembly from his room overlooking Revali's Landing.
"Today, we will finally rid Hyrule of the dreaded Yiga Clan," said Teba. "As always, the Rito, all of you, will play a critical role. The first step is to drop the Luminous Stones provided to us across the Thyphlo Ruins, as we went over in our briefing yesterday. Then you will fan out across Hyrule and monitor things from the sky, looking to assist others who may be in need and watch for any Yiga spies trying to escape. This is our moment when Hyrule depends on us. So let us show once again the might of the Rito!"
At that, a cheer went up.
"Now go and be victorious!" shouted Teba, and all the Rito prepared to take to the sky bearing Luminous Stones.
"Follow me!" said Tulin as he flew off, climbed, and headed east.
"With any luck, some of these stones will fall on their heads," said one warrior who followed.
The winds were favorable as the Rito flew across the Hebra Plunge and then the northernmost tip of the Tanagar Canyon. As they passed the Drenan Highlands, a cheer went up from the Gerudo and Hylian soldiers below, who were marching to the western entrance of the Thyphlo Ruins. The Rito dipped their wings in acknowledgment. Then they swooped low over the ruins and laid down a ribbon of Luminous Stones from the entrance past the shrine and all the way to the underground hideout entrance. For the first time in living memory, the Thyphlo ruins were illuminated and visible. And after the Rito dropped the last of the stones, they split up. Some circled above, remaining behind to render assistance. At the same time, others fanned out across Hyrule to offer aid to the warriors assigned to dispatch the wandering Yiga Clan spies.
Meanwhile, much earlier that morning, Gerudo Chief Riju met with the rest of her warriors. A number of Gerudo warriors had already left to pair up with their Hylian counterparts to be in a position to attack the many spies scattered throughout Hyrule. Thanks to Paya's husband, their locations were known. These Gerudo warriors did not carry spears to appear less conspicuous. Instead, they dressed as typical Gerudo travelers, carrying Gerudo Scimitars under their garments.
"Some of you have already embarked on your missions to aid the Hylian soldiers in destroying the Yiga Clan spies that have plagued Hyrule travelers for years. The rest of you will join me in an assault on the Yiga Clan stronghold. The battle will not be easy, but we Gerudo have never shrunk from combat. Remember all the harm and suffering these evil people have inflicted on us for many years, and now prepare to savor the sweet taste of long-overdue revenge. Let us take a moment to pray to our ancestors for success."
They all bowed their heads and prayed. Then, after a moment, Riju spoke up once again.
"Now, on to victory!" Riju exclaimed, and everyone cheered, raising their spears in the air.
Meanwhile, it was mid-morning when Gerudo warrior Granada met up with her Hylian soldier counterpart on the Romani Plains close to Mabe Village.
"Sav'otta," said Granada. "My name is Granada."
"Sav'otta, Granada. Feron's the name," said Feron.
"Ah, you speak Gerudo," laughed Granada. "Excellent! Let's go over our plan as we walk."
"Of course. And my Gerudo knowledge is limited to greetings, so let us speak in Hylian, please!"
Granada laughed.
"Of course. Our goal is to reach our enemy around noon, which we should do if we keep to a normal pace from here," said Granada.
"Right," said Feron. "We have a good idea where the Yiga spy is from the information we received, but we must confirm they are truly Yiga before we attack. So we will need to engage them in conversation and get them to reveal themselves. Those were my Captain's orders."
"Yes, exactly. We can pretend to be an engaged couple, holding hands when we are in sight of our enemy. Then we will stop to ask them if they know whether the road ahead is safe. If asked, we can explain that we are planning to marry and seek a priest in Zora's Domain."
"Got it," said Feron. "But what if they don't choose to reveal themselves?"
"I think I can find a way to provoke them," said Granada.
"Very well."
They walked silently for a few more moments, and Granada noticed Feron seemed nervous.
"Now remember, Feron, you are the one with a bow. When the Yiga warrior reveals himself, thread an Ancient Arrow and fire at them. If, for some reason, you miss, quickly ready your shield to block their attacking charge."
"Got it," said Feron.
They continued walking and making idle conversation until they neared the location where a Yiga spy was known to be present. And sure enough, a lone traveler was loitering ahead. And it was just about midday, as they had planned.
"That must be the spy up ahead," said Granada quietly. "Here, take my hand."
Granada and Feron reached out and held hands, but Feron's hand was trembling and cold as ice.
"Steady yourself," said Grenada as they continued walking. "And try to look calm."
"I'm sorry," said Feron. "I've always been deathly afraid of the Yiga."
"Remember, one shot of your Ancient Arrow will destroy them," whispered Granada.
Yiga Clan warrior Fandah was indeed disguised as a traveler and on patrol watching the road to and from Zora's Domain. He was still bitter over what he considered an inferior assignment, one unworthy of his talent. He was one of their best fighters, after all. And he had been the one who first reported Purah's companion was carrying the goddess sword, a fact which was later confirmed. Not that they believed him at the time, though. Curse that old windbag Longha for casting doubt on him! That incident should have earned him a promotion and a better place in the organization. But here he was still stuck recruiting and spying along the road.
He glanced down the road and saw two travelers in the distance holding hands, a Gerudo and a Hylian in soldier's armor. Well, that was not all that unusual. Those crazy Gerudo had to seek husbands all over Hyrule since Voe, as they called them, were forbidden in their town. These two certainly didn't look like likely Yiga Clan recruits, and he had been reprimanded for unnecessary attacks on travelers. So, he thought he would just let these two people pass without incident. He merely nodded in greeting as they came close but was surprised when they walked up to him to speak.
"Vasaaq," said Granada as she released Feron's hand to raise hers in greeting.
"Vasaaq," said Fandah, responding in kind. "On your way to Zora's Domain?"
"Yes, to be married," said Feron with a smile at Granada.
"Congratulations," said Fandah.
"I was wondering if you heard of any Yiga Clan attacks on the road to Zora's Domain," said Granada. "There have been rumors of past attacks near here."
"No, I haven't heard of any recent attacks. I think you can safely continue on your way without fear or worry," said Fandah.
"Without fear or worry? How about disappointment?" said Granada with a chuckle. "I'm sorry to hear it."
"What?" Fandah exclaimed.
"We Gerudo despise the Yiga," said Granada as she spat on the ground. "I know they scare some people, but I believe they are all weaklings and cowards now who only attack the helpless. They are certainly not the dangerous warriors they once were of old. I was hoping to meet one to show my fiancé how laughably weak they are now, so he can overcome his childish fear of them."
"You do not fear the Yiga? You think they are weaklings?" said Fandah, clenching his fists and letting his temper get the better of him. "I will show you how wrong you are!"
And with that, Fandah shed his disguise, revealing himself as a Yiga. He jumped back and drew a vicious sickle-shaped weapon. He would eliminate the Hylian soldier with the bow first, then deal with the arrogant Gerudo.
"Now, Feron! Shoot!" Granada shouted as Feron drew his bow and attempted to thread an arrow.
But Feron's nervousness got the better of him, and the arrow fell from his hand. He bent down to retrieve it, but Granada saw the Yiga was about to charge.
"Your shield!" screamed Granada as she tried to get herself in between Feron and the Yiga warrior, having drawn her scimitar.
But Fandah was a highly-skilled fighter, and he sidestepped Granada as he charged and sliced Feron across the chest with his weapon. Feron fell to the ground with a cry, clutching his chest, blood pouring from the wound.
Granada took up her position to confront Fandah, and they fought Gerudo Scimitar against Vicious Sickle. They fought back and forth, blade striking blade, for both were excellent at combat. Granada managed to thrust Fandah away once, but he inflicted a slight wound on Granada's arm. The fighting paused while Granada stopped to examine her wound.
"Still think we're weaklings?" laughed Fandah. "Soon, you will join all your ridiculous ancestors you Gerudo worship."
"If a scratch on the arm is the best you can do, I have nothing to fear," said Granada.
She was about to resume the battle when suddenly her opponent vanished in a burst of ancient energy. She turned around to see Feron sitting up and holding his bow. But even as she looked at him, he fell back with a groan. Then his bow dropped from his hands to the ground as he clutched at his chest.
Granada at once rushed to his side and knelt down to examine his wound as he lay gasping and spitting up blood. It took only a moment for her to see the wound was a fatal one. The surrounding ground was already soaked with his blood.
"Lay still," said Granada as she put her cloak under his head.
"I guess … I failed our plan," said Feron between breaths, then groaned.
"No, you succeeded, Feron," said Grenada. "We would not have won without your effort."
Granada eased his head slightly as Feron closed and then opened his eyes.
"I'm not going to make it am I?"
Granada lowered her eyes, looking away, then returned his gaze.
"It is an honor to die a warrior's death, and we believe such are given a special place in the spirit realm. You served well, Feron, doing your duty to the last, and will be remembered for it. Do you have a wife or family, someone I can speak to?"
"Only my fiancée … Andrea … Mabe Village," said Feron, slowly between gasps. "I love … we were…."
Feron coughed again and spat up some more blood. Just then, there was a breeze and the noise of flapping wings. A Rito warrior landed beside them, and Granada turned to him.
"I saw what happened, but I was too far away. I can bring help now or fly this wounded soldier to a doctor," said the Rito.
Granada gently shook her head as she could see it was already too late. Then she turned back to Feron.
"I will speak to Andrea for you and tell her of your bravery and your love for her," said Granada, still trying to make him comfortable.
"Sarqso," said Feron as he smiled weakly.
Then Feron squeezed Granada's hand once, closed his eyes, and breathed his last. He was gone.
"Rest in peace, Feron," said Granada as she wiped her eyes, then stood. "May we meet again when my time comes."
Grenada and the Rito stood in silence for a moment, saying a silent prayer, then the Rito spoke up.
"My name is Lark. If you place him on my back, I can carry him to Hyrule Castle for a soldier's burial."
"Perhaps later," said Granada. "Right now, you need to help the living while our attack is still underway. My mission is over, and I will remain here with Feron until his body can be transported. Then I will make my way to Mabe Village with the sad news for his fiancée Andrea. I only hope I encounter more of these hated Yiga on the way!"
Meanwhile, as noon approached, Master Kohga was having a lunch meeting with his key advisors in their underground hideout.
"We still do not have any information about a possible traitor in our midst, Master Kohga," said Rohga. "It is possible there is no one."
Suddenly, there was a steady thumping sound overhead, as if many heavy objects were falling to the ground above.
"What in Ganon!" exclaimed Kohga. "It sounds like a Talus Pebblit invasion! Find out what's making all that racket!"
"At once, Master Kohga," said Rohga, and he signaled some warriors to investigate.
After a few moments, they returned in alarm.
"We're being bombarded with Luminous Stones! The entire area is all lit up!"
"It must be an attack!" said Rohga. "To arms! Everyone!"
All but Kohga rushed to the entrance and out into the ruins.
Once the Luminous Stones barrage had ended, the Hylian and Gerudo forces could see well enough to navigate across the area. As planned, they met up with Astra at the shrine. Riju was at the front of the group and acknowledged Astra.
"I will lead us all toward the entrance. Follow me!" said Astra, and they began making their way southeast toward the Yiga Clan hideout entrance.
It was about midway between the shrine and the hideout entrance when the two forces met, and the clash began.
"There the cowards are!" exclaimed Riju. "Now attack!"
With a cheer, the Gerudo led the charge, and it was a novel experience for the Yiga warriors to be the ones being attacked. Still, they were skilled fighters and not inclined to give ground.
The fighting was furious. Arrows flew from both sides, swords and spears clashed, and both sides suffered casualties, groans, and cries of pain filling the air.
Astra's presence, however, made an enormous difference and tipped the battle their way. She worked to assist any nearby soldiers having difficulty, and her combat skills made her unstoppable. She moved along with the troops, climbing up and jumping off anything above ground level, then using her flurry rush skill to shoot arrows wherever they were needed. Slowly but surely, the Yiga Clan warriors were destroyed and beaten back until only a small contingent remained near the entrance. Riju was leading the charge, and Astra spoke to her.
"I think you have this under control now," said Astra to Riju. "I need to enter the hideout."
"Wait for me!" said Riju. "We can enter together in a short while."
"No, you finish things off here. I want to catch their leader before he escapes somehow," said Astra. "Since he has not shown himself in the battle, I assume he is hiding below."
Astra slipped past the last contingent of Yiga and used her knowledge of the secret code to open the entrance, pressing the Luminous Stones on the pillars there. Then she made her way down the stairs into the underground hideout. When she reached the bottom, she placed her right hand over her shoulder, holding onto the hilt of her sword, ready to draw it in an instant.
The underground hideout was quiet, seemingly empty, all the Yiga forces apparently having joined the battle outside. Still, there could be a trap or an ambush somewhere. So, Astra moved slowly and cautiously down the corridor, then turned to her left.
The next room was lit with torches, but as she moved closer to the entrance to the large meeting room on the left, the flames of the torches flickered, and there was a gust of air. Suddenly, out of a puff of smoke, a Yiga Clan Footsoldier materialized to Astra's right. She realized he must be one of the spies who had eluded defeat in the field and had teleported back to their hideout for safety.
"What the!?" exclaimed the warrior, as surprised to see Astra as she was to see him.
He at once drew his sickle-shaped weapon. But Astra's reflexes were quicker than his, and she already had her hand on her sword, drawing it in an instant. The battle was brief, Astra deflecting his attack and thrusting her sword into his chest. With a shrill cry, he vanished, and this time for good. But the noise of their battle had ruined any hope of secrecy.
Astra made her way to the entrance of the large central room, peered inside, and then entered. There were torches along the wall, and a large circular ring-shaped table filled the edge of the room. Some cups and dishes were still positioned around the table, and platters of Mighty Bananas stood in several spots. Their attack must have interrupted a lunch meeting. The room seemed empty at first, but then she heard someone laugh. Master Kohga emerged from behind a pillar to face her across the room.
Kohga was on the tall side and in good shape, clearly not the overweight loafer her father had once described to her, this Kohga's predecessor. But, of course, you could not read his expression, for his face was hidden by the typical white mask with the upside-down Sheikah symbol that all Yiga wore. His hair was pulled back and bound with cloth, only the tip protruding in a bun at the back of his head. His face may have been hidden, but his voice was clear enough.
"Well, well, well," said Kohga, shaking his head. "I know who you are, though we haven't had the pleasure. I am Master Kohga, leader of the Yiga Clan. And you are that Astra person, the latest Goddess certified sword carrying hero. She must be really desperate to choose a young girl like you to carry her sword. But it has been over twenty years since anyone worthy has been here, so I guess she had to take what she could get."
"I am well aware of who you are and the evil you and your followers have caused," said Astra. "And though this is doubtless futile, I am obliged to offer you a chance to surrender and face justice for your crimes. You should know your warriors are being destroyed as we speak."
"Mwa, ha, ha, ha!" exclaimed Kohga as he bent and slapped his knee. "I gather you think you have the upper hand and have won with your sneaky attack. Far from it! It's a setback, and I will admit that. But I can always rebuild the organization. I did it once before after our Master was defeated. And I can do it again. But perhaps, to be fair, I should offer you, in turn, a chance to join the Yiga Clan. It is the only way I will spare your life."
"Don't be ridiculous," said Astra.
Kohga was inclined to enjoy his little back-and-forth repartee with this upstart. At least before destroying her, that is. But the only thing that gave him pause was that she showed no trace of fear facing him. He emanated dark magic, and even his fellow Yiga Clan members feared his powers. Perhaps this person had no clue about that. Most likely, that was the reason, so it was high time to show her.
"Well, let's get this over with," said Kohga.
He waved his hands, and a giant spiked metal sphere appeared out of nowhere. Then he hurled it at Astra. She jumped aside, but the globe struck her on the left shoulder, knocking her to the ground, then it vanished. She sprang up at once, rubbing her shoulder.
"Why did it disappear?" Kohga muttered to himself. "I must be out of practice."
He concentrated and cast another spell, creating a second sphere, but she was prepared this time. She quickly sidestepped his attack, and then it too disappeared.
"Something is interfering with my magic," Kohga snarled. "But I know a lot more. So I guess that trick's not going to work. But this one will."
Kohga waved his hands, and suddenly duplicates of himself appeared, over and over, until there were nine of them in a row facing her. Then they all charged her, and Astra struck out at each one as they passed. But one was able to land a blow to her arm, and she jumped back with a bruise.
"How can I tell which one is real?" Astra muttered to herself.
And then she remembered Fi's remark, raised her right hand, and prayed. A golden glow shone out, lighting the room, and Kohga had to shield his eyes for a moment. And when next Kohga attempted to duplicate himself, all but the real him vanished.
"Wait? What's wrong?" Kohga exclaimed as he continued to wave his hands about, but still, nothing happened. "What sorcery is this? Who are you?"
"Who am I? I am a child of the Goddess, and I have her sacred power and protection. Your dark magic has no power over me. And your plan to deny Hyrule a royal descendant has utterly failed. So now, will you surrender? Or will you dare fight me without your magic, blade against blade?"
"I will never surrender!" said Kohga as he drew his sickle-shaped weapon.
And thus, the battle was drawn.
Kohga was no slouch with a blade and still possessed the ability to move rapidly. He had an uncanny ability to predict where Astra would strike and kept managing to block her attacks. Astra's quickness allowed her to block his attack as well. The fight went back and forth, Astra sidestepping his attacks or blocking them, Kohga doing the same to hers. But Astra was in the better physical condition and could see Kohga was slowing down. One swing of Astra's blade knocked his sickle back and almost out of his hand.
"Last chance," said Astra, both breathing hard as they paused.
"Last chance for you!" shouted Kohga as he lunged forward.
But lunging forward at this point was a fatal mistake. Astra was too quick, and with a dodge and a spin, she plunged the sword into Kohga's chest.
"AHHHHHHH!"
There was a tremendous hideous cry, and then with frantically waving hands trying to invoke his magic, Kohga dissolved into a cloud of purple haze that dissipated into nothingness. The battle was over, and the room was still.
Astra put away her sword and rubbed her bruises as Riju entered the room.
"Are you all right, Astra?" said Riju. "That cry gave me a chill!"
"I'm only mildly hurt. What about you? And how goes the battle?"
"A few bruises for me, and the battle goes well," said Riju. "We've eliminated all the enemies outside except a few that fled. They are being pursued by my warriors and may regret not dying on the battlefield."
"Did we lose many?" said Astra.
"Some," said Riju. "It was unavoidable. And the Hylian army also lost some. We are tending to the wounded, and the Rito are flying those who need treatment to help."
"It is sad to lose anyone," said Astra, lowering her head. "May they Rest In Peace."
"Yes, may they be at peace with their ancestors," said Riju.
They both bowed their heads and prayed for a moment. Then Riju spoke up.
"But the good news is the victory is ours," said Riju.
"Yes, it's over," said Astra. "It's finally over. The Yiga Clan is finished."
Both embraced for a moment.
"We will explore this hideout and see what we can recover of use," said Riju after breaking their hug.
"And I should return to Hyrule Castle and report on what happened," said Astra.
"Afterward, will you consider coming and joining us?" said Riju. "Your fighting skills would be much appreciated. Our warriors could learn much from you."
"I would enjoy it, but to what end? We have no serious enemies now," laughed Astra. "And I may have other responsibilities soon. However, I promise to visit you as soon as possible."
"Yes, please do. At least return to celebrate our victory together," said Riju.
Astra and Riju then made their way out of the hideout to a Luminous Stone-lit battlefield. It was a strange scene, for no fallen enemy remained as their bodies disappeared upon defeat.
"Sav'orq, until we meet again, Astra," said Riju.
"Sav'orq, until we meet again, Chief Riju," said Astra.
Astra activated the Sheikah Slate and returned to Hyrule Castle. Then she ran from the dock through the library to find her mother.
She smiled to herself as she savored that the first part of her mission was over. Hyrule would finally have peace now.
What about the second part of her mission? Well, on that, she could take her sweet time. There was no hurry to produce an heir.
But as she looked forward to reuniting with her mother in a few moments and celebrating their triumph, her thoughts turned back to her father. She wished she could share this moment with him, too. She had finished what he had started here and knew he would be proud of her. If he were here, he would reach out and hug her, give her that big smile of his, and tell her how much he loved her. Sadly, she could not be with him in person now, but at least she could be with him in her heart.
"Thanks, Dad," whispered Astra. "I couldn't have done it without you. And I will always love you - as much as there are stars in the sky."
