The week-long festival ended without a problem. People of all ages had a delightful time, indulging in the delicious food and participating in various activities throughout the festivities. The colorful decorations and lively music added to the overall festive atmosphere. The festival's last day was bittersweet as everyone knew it was time to return to their daily routines.
As the sun set on the final day, the Garudos began to pack up and prepare to leave. They bid farewell to their newfound friends, promising to keep in touch and meet again at the following year's celebration. The organizers and volunteers began to remove the decorations, dismantle the stalls, and clear the area, ensuring that the Town was left spotless.
As the night fell, the festival grounds were empty, and the only remnants of the celebration were the fond memories of the people who attended it.
The blood moon slowly rose over the horizon, casting an eerie red glow across the sky. It was a sign that monsters would soon emerge from their slumber all over the kingdom. Urbosa, a brave and skilled warrior, and her team of warrior women were on high alert, guarding the Town from the onslaught of monsters that would come with the moon's rise.
They fought hard, swords and shields clashing against the terrifying creatures that emerged from the shadows. The battle was long and grueling, but eventually, they defeated the monsters and restored peace to the Town.
As Urbosa returned to her Palace to prepare for her journey to Central Hyrule, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The air around the Town was tense, and everyone was on edge, although no one knew why. Urbosa continued to pack her belongings, but her mind was preoccupied with what could be causing the strange atmosphere.
Just as she was about to leave, a couple of Gerudo children appeared before her. They seemed frightened and out of breath but were also determined to deliver a message to Urbosa.
One of the girls spoke up, addressing Lady Urbosa apologetically. She explained that they had sought permission to stay near the Palace should anything unexpected happen. The other little girl interjected, reiterating the request in a hopeful manner. They both looked up at Lady Urbosa with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation, hoping for a positive response.
Urbosa, the protector of the Gerudo people, spoke kindly to the two young children standing before her. She wanted to know why they felt that something terrible might happen. She encouraged them to stay near the Palace in case anything went wrong. She could see the worry in their eyes as she knelt down to their height.
The children looked at each other, unsure of how to answer. Then, with a shrug of their shoulders, they explained that they didn't know why they felt that way. It was just a gut feeling that something horribly wrong would happen. Urbosa listened attentively, taking their concerns seriously. She knew that even the slightest hint of danger could not be ignored, and she vowed to watch the children and the surrounding area.
Urbosa was faced with a difficult decision. She needed to attend the mandatory Champions meeting in central Hyrule immediately. Still, at the same time, she couldn't ignore the needs of her hometown. After much contemplation, Urbosa decided to wait another day before heading to the meeting. Little did she know, this decision would be the most fortunate one she had ever made.
The next day, an entirely white dragon appeared in the desert, and Urbosa couldn't help but feel glad that she had stayed behind. The Dragon was a sight to behold, dancing above the sand creating dust clouds that engulfed the skies. Although it mainly stayed in the Toruma Dunes, it was heading further south towards the Dragon's exile area.
Urbosa knew that they brought strong winds that caused sandstorms whenever dragons appeared. She couldn't help but worry, but this Dragon seemed to linger longer than usual throughout the desert. Urbosa's concern grew as she thought about the danger the Dragon posed to her hometown and the surrounding areas. Despite this, she couldn't help but be amazed at the Dragon's beauty and power.
After waiting three hours, Urbosa decided to call for an immediate evacuation of the Town. She knew the sandstorm was approaching fast and could devastate the Town. She quickly directed everyone toward the Palace for safety. Urbosa was particularly concerned about the children and women, so she ushered them inside. She instructed some women to create a small shelter for the men outside the Town in case the sandstorm became too much for them to handle.
For the next two hours, the people of the Town worried as the Dragon continued throughout the south side of the Gerudo desert. The wind was getting stronger and stronger, and sand was flying everywhere. Finally, the Dragon was just above the pallet and the Town. They all stared up in shock, and Urbosa could only stare in wonder and anger as the Dragon picked up even more sand from around them. The sandstorm was now full-blown and worse than regular ones. The sand was on everything to the point where the natural spring that always filtered out freshwater had stopped spewing out water. It was an absolute disaster.
The children were frightened and ran to their mothers and aunts for safety as they watched the Dragon continue on its rampage throughout the desert. Urbosa felt helpless but knew that she had to do something. She ensured everyone was safe inside the Palace before she went outside to assess the situation. She saw that the men were struggling with the sandstorm, so she decided to help them. Urbosa instructed the women to create a bigger shelter for the men with more food and water; she even helped them build it. It was hard because of the sand, but they created a decent shelter.
The sandstorm continued for several hours, and Urbosa worried they would run out of water. She instructed everyone to gather as many materials as possible from their homes before the sandstorm worsened. Urbosa ensured enough water in the Palace for everyone to drink. She knew they were in for a long night, but she was determined to keep everyone safe. Finally, the sandstorm subsided, and the people of the Town emerged from their shelters. They were exhausted but grateful to Urbosa for keeping them safe.
As the Garudo returned to the Palace with their supplies, they gathered around the central part of the building. The windows were open, and the sand blew in, so they worked together to close them. They used lavish curtains to try to block out the sand, but it was a difficult task. Everyone was feeling anxious and scared, unsure of what to do next. Urbosa looked around at her people and felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. She knew she had to devise a plan to help them through this crisis. She furrowed her brow and started thinking, trying to prepare a solution to keep everyone safe and secure.
As Zelda prepared for an essential meeting for the next two days, one of her appointed Maids informed her that Lady Urbosa of the Garudo would not attend. Zelda turned around, curious about the reason.
"What happened? Is everything alright?" she asked her Maid, stopping for a moment from brushing her hair and choosing her clothes with the help of another Maid.
The Maid explained that an enormous sandstorm had hit the Garudo desert, and no one was allowed to leave. Lady Urbosa had sent a messenger hawk to inform the head guard that something odd was happening and that she would stay back for a few days. However, that was before the sandstorm struck, and now she was stuck.
Zelda pondered the situation, thinking about the potential implications of Lady Urbosa not attending the meeting. Just as she was about to say something, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, making the Maids and Zelda turn around in anticipation.
A guard they had built stood in the door that was not open, standing over Zelda's guard. The man bowed at the door, and once he was allowed in, he walked inside.
The man bowed apologetically and said, "I am sorry for disturbing you, Princess."
Zelda asked him what he needed, and the man answered dutifully, "Your father wishes to have a word with you immediately. This pertains to the upcoming Champions meeting."
Zelda agreed and informed the guard to let her father know she would be there soon. The maids then left the room, and on their way out, they passed Link, who was standing by the door looking blank. Zelda couldn't help but roll her eyes in annoyance.
As Zelda walked out of the room, Link began to follow her. She turned to him and snapped, "Will you stop following me? I'm safe here in the castle." Despite her words, Link followed her as they approached the throne room.
Once they arrived, Link bowed respectfully before the King while Zelda greeted her father.
The young lady addressed her father, "Father I was summoned by you, may I know the reason?"
The King replied sternly, "Yes, Zelda. I have been informed that the Champions encounter difficulties with their Divine Beasts. We need to address this issue immediately."
Zelda began, "So far, it looks like we will be convening a meeting with the Champions to discuss the progress of their research. I have gathered some data during my visit to Rito Village."
But before she could finish, her father interrupted her.
"From this moment on, you are not allowed to come anywhere near any Divine Beast," her father spoke sternly. His voice was frustrated as he continued, "I have told you many times before to leave this foolish obsession with the past and focus on your studies. Yet, you do not listen to me and continue to ignore your responsibilities as the princess of our land. How can you be so careless about the rumors of Calamity Ganon resurfacing?"
Zelda took a deep breath, ready to explain herself, but her father's following words interrupted her. "I want to know if you have made any progress in activating your powers," he asked, his voice still stern. The King's eyes were fixed on her, and there was no sign of softness or affection. Zelda remained silent, bowing her head slightly, indicating that she had not progressed. She knew her father was disappointed in her, but she couldn't help feeling frustrated. She had tried her best to awaken her powers, but nothing seemed to work.
The King's stern voice echoed in the grand hall as he addressed his daughter, Zelda. "After all of this is done and over with, you are going to Three Lakes to pray to the goddesses. Do I make myself clear, Zelda?" he said, his eyes fixed on her.
Zelda sighed in exasperation, knowing her father would not listen. "Father, they have discovered so many new things about the past that can help us," she began, hoping to reason with him.
The King's voice boomed angrily as he cut his daughter off mid-sentence. "That is enough," he declared. "Your only task now is to awaken your powers. How can this knight have already awakened the Master Sword when you haven't even awakened your own powers? It looks bad to everyone in the kingdom when the princess is being lazy and unwilling to cooperate to protect them. It shows them that we are not ready to battle against Calamity Ganon and that they cannot rely on us."
Zelda tried to speak up, but her father wasn't listening. "Not only have you gone against my direct order of having the knight with you and ordering him to leave your side, but you are still wasting away doing nothing but sitting in your bedroom and your study looking for answers in the past that didn't even help them if we are still in this situation," he continued. "Calamity Ganon is going to return, and you need to be ready. Do I make myself clear, Zelda?"
The princess could only nod her head, feeling frustrated and ashamed. Her father's words stung, but she knew he was right. She hadn't taken her duties seriously enough, and now the consequences were clear. As soon as the Champions meeting was over, she would have to head to all of the Goddess lakes and pray until she awakened her power.
The guards around them stood at attention, their faces impassive as the King delivered his final words to his daughter. "Do I make myself clear again, girl?" he asked. Zelda nodded, not daring to speak. She turned and left the room, her loyal knight following close behind.
As she returned to her room, the princess's head was still down, deep in thought. She noticed many staff members were taking her research out of the room. It was then that she realized her father had planned it all along. He wanted her to go to the throne room so that he could take her research with him.
The staff members looked apologetic as they carried her research away, but the princess didn't even bother to stop them. She knew her father was always scheming; this was another example of his manipulative tactics to get her to focus.
The royal guard Link watched the princess enter her room with a heavy heart. He knew she was upset, but he had a duty to fulfill. He was loyal to the King above everyone else. He would do everything in his power to ensure the princess's safety. Although the princess didn't like him, he respected her and would protect her at all costs.
Link and Riju trudged through the blowing sand as they made their way toward the first red pillar, with Link donning his usual mask to protect his face from the sand particles. The Palace was behind them, and they glanced back to see that all the curtains were closed. They could be sure that no one was watching them. The wind had whipped up the sand around them, creating a massive sandstorm that had already uncovered many things, including old buildings that had been hidden for a long time. The structures came back to life before their eyes, and mushroom-like structures emerged from the sand.
Link and Riju pressed on, determined to reach the red pillar despite the strange occurrences. They ran as fast as they could, feeling the sand beneath their feet and the wind against their faces. The post was getting closer, and they could see it in the distance.
Link stood amid a raging sandstorm, with barely any visibility and sand whipping against his skin. He knew that they needed to make the sandstorm last longer. He lifted his sword and angled it in a way that made it shine, even though barely any light could get through the sandstorm. The blade glimmered amid the chaos.
Suddenly, a beautiful blue hue emanated from the sword, shining brightly into the sky. The light was so bright that it seemed to cut through the sandstorm and blaze a path forward. The sandstorm increased, and Link knew they needed to move quickly.
Just then, a loud war cry came from behind him. Link turned to see a white dragon, the one from before. More sand started rising towards the sky, and Link knew this was his chance. He put away his sword and focused on the sand. With each passing moment, the sand rose higher and higher.
The Dragon flew up into the sky, letting out another roar before disappearing until no sign was left. Link and his companions were left standing amid the sandstorm, but they knew they were one step closer to their goal.
As they watched the Dragon disappear before them, Riju and Link were amazed and relieved that his plan had worked.
"I can't believe that worked," Riju exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.
Link nodded in agreement, his eyes still fixed on where the Dragon had once stood. "I know, right? It seems like she always comes through for me when I need her the most."
Link quickly analyzed their surroundings as they approached the first red pillar. He knew they needed to move fast if they were going to complete their mission before it was too late.
Once they reached the first red pillar, they took a moment to catch their breath and devise a plan. Riju would stay near the post while Link ran across the treacherous desert to activate the lights on the other Pillers with his Ultra Hand. Once the light was on, Riju would turn to the center where the pedestal would come from the ground.
With their plan in place, they quickly separated, and Link took off across the desert. The sandstorm raged around him, making it difficult to see, but he pressed on, determined to complete his mission no matter what. Along the way, he faced off against many Lizalfos, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he fought. But he was undeterred, knowing that his mission was too important to fail.
Finally, after an eternity, he reached the other red pillar and lifted it up using the attached wheel. Riju smashed the rock blocking the light, making the light hit the reflective mirror towards him, and the light from the other post shone brightly, illuminating the way forward. With a sense of triumph, Link knew that they were one step closer.
Link had one final task: reaching the last pillar and adjusting the mirror to face the first one. He quickly descended the post and utilized the gusts of wind that had manifested across the desert to move swiftly. However, he soon noticed that Gibldo was now standing on the ground. He used shock arrows to clear the path and continued towards the next pillar.
On this fateful day, Urbosa was experiencing a series of unfortunate events. To begin with, The Majestic Dragon, an unexpected and powerful force, emerged out of nowhere, creating a sandstorm in the middle of the desert. This sudden occurrence put Urbosa in a precarious position, as she had to ensure the safety of all her citizens and evacuate them to the Palace. However, due to the sand clogging the spring, providing them with enough food and drinkable water was nearly impossible.
The sandstorm intensified as if this wasn't challenging enough, causing more chaos and destruction. Urbosa was forced to stay inside the Palace with everyone else; she could feel their restlessness and fear, adding to her growing anxiety.
Time seemed to crawl by as Urbosa waited for the storm to subside. Two hours had passed, yet the situation showed no improvement. Urbosa knew she had to be out there, leading her warriors and protecting her citizens from the dangers of the sandstorm. But for now, she could only wait and hope for the best.
At first, Urbosa thought it would be possible to tough it out through the sandstorm and get out of the desert with all the Town's residents.
However, she quickly realized it would be too dangerous and decided everyone would be better off staying put. Just as she made this decision, an ear-piercing sound from outside echoed through the Palace, causing everyone inside to freeze in terror. They all turned their heads towards the main gate, waiting for something to happen. As they stood there, a feeling of dread washed over them as they heard moaning and groaning sounds coming from outside, followed by scratching on the door. Urbosa, the leader of the Garudo Warriors, quickly sprang into action, gathering her guards and instructing them to be prepared with their weapons in case whoever was outside broke through the door.
A few minutes later, the door burst open, and a group of mummified creatures started walking toward them. The creatures were clearly once human, but their skin was dried up, and their eyes were dark and hollow. They were groaning and moaning with every step they took. The Garudo Warriors immediately raised their weapons and began to attack the creatures. However, to their surprise, their attacks seemed to have no effect on the creatures as they continued to march forward and swing their long, mummified arms. The Garudo Warriors were now panicking, realizing they were dealing with something beyond their understanding.
Urbosa put herself on the front line to defend her people. When the mummified creatures attacked, she was among the first to jump in front of the warriors and face them head-on. However, she soon realized that her regular attacks needed more power to defeat the monsters.
Urbosa called upon her Thunder ability as a last resort, unleashing a massive electrical storm surrounding her. The mummified creatures started showing weakness, and Urbosa knew she had found their weakness. She quickly summoned her Thunder to attack the mummies, and the bolts of electricity struck them with deadly precision, killing them almost instantly.
But Urbosa had no time to rest. More groaning and moaning could be heard before them, and she knew the battle was far from over. She quickly rallied her warriors, yelling out orders to ensure the safety of the citizens.
"Warriors, gather at the front gate and be prepared to defend everyone's safety," Urbosa shouted as she led them out of the Palace. "Ensure that these doors stay closed and that none of those beings come any closer," she yelled when they were outside. Her warriors quickly shut the door, leaving a couple behind just in case, and turned to face their enemies head-on.
Urbosa continued using her Thunder ability to attack as many mummies as possible. Still, they kept coming from outside the Town. The battle was fierce, and Urbosa and her warriors were pushed to their limits. But thanks to Urbosa's bravery and leadership, they could hold their ground and protect the citizens from harm.
As they cleared the area, a man climbed up the stairs towards Lady Urbosa; he shouted, "Lady Urbosa, please accept my apologies for entering your Town without permission. However, I bring something that could be of great assistance in your battles against the ferocious beasts that have been plaguing your people."
Urbosa's Warrior quickly reacted and was about to strike the man, but she ordered him to stop. "Hold on, let him explain," Urbosa said with a stern look.
The man then spoke, "A few hours ago, a man cam up to me and told me about the beasts. That's when he gave me these weapons that are specifically designed to defeat these creatures. The weapons send out elemental attacks that are effective against them."
He held up a couple of weapons as he spoke, and two more men appeared behind him, looking worried. "We tried them out ourselves, and they work," the man added.
Urbosa looked them over for a couple of seconds before nodding her head.
Urbosa looked at the weapons and then at the man. She could tell he was genuinely trying to help. "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Your assistance will not be forgotten," she said with a nod.
Urbosa commanded her loyal female warriors to take charge of the situation. With a quick nod, she ordered them to lead the vulnerable men to safety in one of the nearby houses. The women were instructed to do whatever it took to ensure the men's protection from the impending danger.
Urbosa's skilled warriors were quick to act; they immediately started removing the weapons from the men. They would only use them to fend off any creatures while Urbosa contemplated the source of the threat.
Amidst the commotion, the women remained focused and determined. They led the men towards a secluded building where they would be protected from harm. Urbosa watched as her warriors performed their duty with precision and skill, ready to face any challenge that came their way.
Urbosa moved quickly, propelled by a sense of urgency as she darted out of the Town. As she emerged into the open, she spotted several mummified beings, their desiccated forms lying scattered around. Without hesitation, she tended to them, expertly ending them all that was left where their remains, knowing there was no time to waste.
As she worked, Urbosa couldn't help but notice that the mummified beings were all emerging from a single direction. Intrigued, she followed the trail, moving with a sense of purpose. The route led her to a towering mushroom, its bulbous form casting a long shadow across the barren landscape.
Despite her confusion at the sudden appearance of the mushroom, Urbosa remained alert, her instincts telling her that this was no mere coincidence. And she was right. More mummified beings emerged from the mushroom's depths, their eyes glowing with a malevolent energy.
Urbosa began, taking down the mummified beings with swift, precise strikes. But she knew that the mushroom was the actual threat. She focused all her Thunder attacks on the towering fungus, unleashing the full power of her elemental abilities.
It was only when she struck the glowing center of the mushroom that it finally exploded, disintegrating into nothingness. Urbosa looked around, her eyes scanning the sandstorm that raged all around her. Despite the chaos, she could hear the sounds of her Warriors, their weapons clashing with the enemy's.
As she walked around the Town's border, she could hear the crackling of electricity and the explosions of fire-emitting weapons. She also listened to the splashing of water-based weapons and wondered how the fighters managed the heat. However, she didn't dwell on it too much and continued to look for more of the foul beasts. She ended up facing many more of these creatures. She discovered two more towering mushroom-like beings guarding all the town entrances.
With Urbosa's help, they managed to get rid of the mummified beings inside the Town. Afterward, Urbosa returned to check if anything behind the village could lead to a sneak attack. As she scouted the area, she found a couple of stray mummified beings coming from more profound into the desert. However, she didn't spot any more giant mushrooms producing them.
She continued to the back of the Town, keeping her eyes open and searching for threats.
The vast desert stretched before her, the sand a never-ending sea of gold. But in that moment, she caught a glimpse of something peculiar in the distance. It was easy to miss, a fleeting moment, but she knew it was there. She approached the strange object, determined to uncover its secrets.
As she drew closer, the bizarre structure loomed taller and more imposing. She battled against a few mummified beings, the remnants of some long-forgotten civilization. It was a minor fight compared to the battle in the Town, but it was still a struggle. The wind picked up, and she had to dodge several tornadoes.
Finally, she arrived at the structure, a massive red pillar that rose high into the sky. A beam of light shone down onto it, and a reflective mirror on top of the post directed the light elsewhere. She looked in the direction of the light but saw nothing.
Then she turned her head and saw the light from the opposite direction, illuminating the pillar with a brilliant glow. It was then that she caught a glimpse of a figure running away. The person had left only moments before she had reached the pillar, and she would have missed it if she hadn't turned her head at that exact moment.
As soon as she spotted the person, her heart skipped a beat as she recognized her as the girl who had mesmerized her earlier with her fantastic dancing skills, performing with her equally talented sister. She immediately started following her, intrigued to know more about her. She walked briskly, keeping a close distance, observing her every move. Suddenly, a loud, ominous rumbling sound echoed through the surroundings, causing the ground to tremble violently. She felt her knees go weak and had to kneel down to keep her balance. The rumbling continued for a few seconds, and when it finally subsided, she looked around, feeling disoriented and unsure of what had just happened.
As Urbosa stood amidst the swirling sand, a sudden light illuminated her surroundings. The Earth shook violently, but she remained steady, her eyes scanning the horizon for the source of the light. The pillars surrounding her glowed brighter than ever, casting eerie shadows across the desert landscape.
Urbosa looked over at the pillar behind her, searching for any sign of what had caused the sudden light. As she investigated, another wave of light emanated from the Southwest, the direction in which Riju, the young girl she had seen dancing earlier, was headed.
A surge of adrenaline coursed through Urbosa's veins as she set off in pursuit of the light. The sandstorm grew more intense with every step she took, the grains of sand stinging her face and obscuring her vision. Despite the harsh conditions, Urbosa pressed on, determined to reach Riju and uncover the source of the mysterious light.
Riju approached Link with a stoic expression and said, "There she is." Both of them stared at the figure in front of them. It was supposed to be Zelda, but both knew it wasn't really her. They gazed at her for a moment before taking several steps forward. Suddenly, she vanished like always, leaving them alone with the metal pedestal meant to summon the Thunder Temple from under the sand.
With a subtle nod, Link signaled to Raji, who readied herself to unleash her Thunder abilities. Link took out his trusty great eagle bow and selected an arrow, carefully pulling it back as he aimed at the metallic pedestal. He precisely released the Arrow, hitting the pedestal with a resounding clang, triggering Riju's ability to activate in all its glory. As the lightning bolt surged through the pedestal, the ground began to tremble again.
The sand beneath their feet shifted and danced as if anticipating the grand spectacle about unfolding. Slowly but surely, an enormous temple emerged from the ground, pushing the sand aside as it grew taller and taller. The sound of grinding stone and shifting sand filled their ears, and they watched in wonder as the Temple rose above the sand cloud that had engulfed the entire desert.
The Temple's architecture was a marvel to behold. Its walls were adorned with intricate carvings and glyphs, telling stories of bygone eras. The massive pillars and their polished surfaces reflected the light in dazzling patterns. As the Temple continued to rise, it seemed like it was reaching for the sky.
Riju and Link stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the Temple looming before them. A sense of trepidation coursed through their bodies, but they knew they couldn't return now. They took slow, deliberate steps forward until they reached the edge of the desert sand, where they broke into a run, determined to get to the Temple as quickly as possible.
They had activated the Temple and wanted to save time in case any Garudo or Yiga Clan member stumbled upon it. The last thing they wanted was to inadvertently release a horde of Gibdo into the desert.
Despite the thick sandstorm obscuring their vision and slowing their progress, they could still make out the three Gibdo mushroom hives outside the Cave. It was the same as the last time they had been there, and they knew what to expect. The opening was sealed shut by a hard cocoon, but they were prepared for this eventuality with a swift and accurate shot at the center Hive.
The center hive of the Temple was eerily silent when they attacked it until the queen Gibdo emerged with a deafening roar. Her wings were grotesque and bug-like, rustling with every step she took as she glared furiously at the two invaders - Link and Riju.
Without hesitation, Link and Riju launched a coordinated attack against the queen. The queen Gibdo retaliated by flapping her wings, causing the sandstorm to intensify. The sand whipped around them, making it difficult for them to see and breathe. But Link and Riju remained unfazed, striking the queen with lightning and arrows until she retreated into the Temple.
As they entered the Temple, they were met with a thick layer of sand. They destroyed the Cocoon blocking the entrance, and Link took out one of the Giant Korak leaves, using it as a fan to blow away the sand on top of the pressure plate. Finally, they could access the hidden door and run down a long hallway to the first-floor basement.
The two carefully scanned their surroundings for potential threats as they entered the dark and eerie Temple. Link's ultra-hand ability proved to be quite helpful in removing obstacles they had encountered during their previous visit, such as the fake wall made of bricks. With a swift motion, Link used his Ultra hand to demolish the wall and reveal what lay behind it - a group of Gibdos.
The Gibdos, ancient mummified creatures, lurched towards the two, arms outstretched, ready to kill them. However, the Link and Riju were well-prepared for an encounter and quickly dispatched the Gibdos with their elemental weapons. Once the danger had passed, they continued their way deeper into the Temple halls.
As they turned a corner, Riju's voice pierced through the silence. "Wait, Link, hold on," she said, signaling him to stop. However, as Link halted his steps, the floor beneath him gave in and crumbled into a deep abyss. He frantically looked for a way out, his heart pounding with fear. He jumped across the other side before the ground beneath him ultimately gave way.
"Really," Riju asked him, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Out of all things, are you going to forget this?" She looked at him disapprovingly, feeling exasperated at his recklessness.
"Oh, come on, I forgot," Link said, trying to lighten the mood. He went down to retrieve the two Stone boards hidden below where the floor had fallen through. He used his Ultra hand and recalled the foundation that had crumbled under him, bringing the two Stone boards back to the main floor they were on. "at least you didn't fall in this time."
"Don't even bring it up," Riju rolled her eyes as she jumped over to be on Link's side. "That wasn't even my fault," she snapped at him, remembering the first time they fell through the floor together.
Sure, here's a more descriptive rewrite:
Link let out a light-hearted laugh, trying to defuse the tension. "You can't keep blaming me, you know. It's not like I summoned that Gibdo out of nowhere."
But she wasn't in the mood for jokes. "It is your fault," she snapped back, her voice tense with frustration. "You threw its head at my face!"
Link winced and gave her an apologetic smile, knowing she was right. He raised his Ultra Hand, blocking the flames that kept shooting toward them, blocking their path down the dark, eerie hallway. The heat was stifling as they walked through the fire hallway with the stole barely protecting them.
As Link and Riju hurried into the next room, their steps echoed in the dimly lit chamber. Link stepped on the pressure plate, and the sudden click signaled the deactivation of the flames behind them and the opening of the next door. With the path now clear, they went to the next room and immediately met with another barrier. Enormous, blazing fireballs rolled down the hallway towards them, blocking their path. In a flash of quick thinking, Link extended his Ultra hand, snatched the first fireball, and sprinted up the hallway with Riju on his heels. They stooped low in case Link lost his grip on the massive fireball.
The two continued from the fiery gauntlet unharmed and moved down another hallway. They found another hidden pressure plate, revealing yet another room swarming with Gibdos. Riju unleashed a bunch of crackling bolts of lightning. At the same time, Link drew his bow and unleashed a volley of elemental arrows to kill the undead creatures.
As they went down the only remaining hallway, they finally arrived at the room of hopeful light, where an ancient Captain Construct was waiting. Its rusted metal frame creaked as it rose to meet them, but the two heroes quickly sprang into action. They engaged in a battle, their weapons ringing as they struck the metal being.
After defeating the ancient robot, they searched through the sand for one of the mirrors. Riju was the first to spot it and called for Link's help to lift it. Together, they pointed the mirror towards the direction of the target, who was opening yet another door.
"Finally, I thought it was never going to end," Riju exclaimed as she and Link ran through another hallway. They finally reached the first floor of the Lightning Temple, where the hand pedestal lay. Link needed to use his hand to activate it.
Link and Riju rushed into the room and decided to take a short break. They drank some water and ate something to regain their strength. While they were freshening up and changing into more comfortable clothes, Riju couldn't help but worry about Link, who had been quiet throughout their journey up the Temple. Although she didn't speak much either, Link appeared lost in thought.
Upon their arrival at the festival, she couldn't help but notice how sometimes Link would become quiet and stare off into the distance like he was lost in thought. Initially, she didn't think much of it and assumed he was probably stressed about the Temple they would redo.
However, her observations became more concerning as they proceeded with the Temple. She noticed that Link wasn't fully present even when they encountered obstacles, such as crossing the wall of fire and reaching the spot where Riju fell back during their initial run. Despite Riju warning him before the floor started crackling under his feet, he seemed to be losing touch with his surroundings. He wasn't paying attention to his own safety.
She felt a deep concern for Link, but even with all her will, she knew there was nothing else she could do other than offer her help. It was the first time she had seen him so quiet and uncommunicative since he was sealed in the Tomb of Resurrection as a knight serving the Royal Family. The tales about him were all the same - Link never spoke a word, and even if he did, it was only a grunt.
The first time she met Link was when they were trying to deal with the Divine Beast, and she was taken aback by his playful nature. She expected him to be a solemn and silent figure. Still, he turned out to be a young man who loved to make jokes, pull pranks, and laugh with his companions as if he had nothing to worry about. However, now she realized that dealing with the sages and the monsters in each Temple was taking its toll on him, along with his separation from Zelda. Although he had pledged to protect her, he no longer saw her in the same light as before when she was a princess, and he was her loyal knight.
The atmosphere was tense as Riju whispered Link's name, and he turned his head to face her. Although he attempted to smile, Riju could see right through his facade. "I can sense that something's wrong, and I understand that you don't want to discuss it," she said in a hushed tone. "But Link, please remember that we are here for you. We care about you and want to help in any way we can."
"I'm alright, Riju," Link replied, attempting to sound confident.
Riju's eyes softened as she looked at him. "You're like a brother to me," she said earnestly, her gaze flickering to her brother, who was observing their conversation with a stoic expression. "You supported me when even I didn't believe in myself. I may not know exactly what's troubling you, but I want you to know that we are here for you, and you're not alone. We need a clear head to finish these ruins and face Ganondorf again. Honestly, I don't think you're thinking clearly right now."
Link nodded but said nothing. Riju couldn't help but feel like he was dismissing her concerns. The darkness of the Temple only made the situation feel more intense.
Link sat in silence for a long time, his thoughts consumed by the enormity of their mission. Finally, he voiced the question that had been weighing on his mind. "What's going to happen to us after this?" he asked quietly, turning his gaze away from his companion and towards the pedestal he was supposed to activate to begin their mission.
Link's eyes were filled with fear, uncertainty, and sadness as he spoke. "We won't be able to return to our own timeline. Our timeline is so messed up that everyone was killed, and Ganon won. Zelda sacrificed herself to allow us to return and defeat him. But after we defeat him here, or what if we don't even beat him... what will become of us?"
Link's mind was racing with questions and concerns. "We can't stay in Hyrule like everyone else. We won't fit in, and we don't know anyone. Plus, we're destroying what the people of this time believe is their only hope of defeating the Calamity. How will they react when they find out? What if we don't win? What if Zelda dies again?"
The weight of all these questions and uncertainties seemed to bear down on Link, and he stared down at his food, too lost in thought to eat. He hoped they could complete their mission successfully and find some way to deal with the consequences of their actions.
Riju paused for a moment, reflecting on their journey and the sacrifices made by Zelda. "I mean, we can always figure it out when we get there," she said as she looked at Link. She explained how Zelda had gone to great lengths to help them. She had traveled through time to transform herself into a dragon, all to empower the master sword for Link to use to defeat Ganondorf. Then, she sacrificed herself so they could travel through time and have enough of it to defeat Ganondorf before he became too strong.
"This is our chance to make our past, and the lives of Link and Zelda in the past, better," Riju emphasized as she scooted next to Link and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. She believed that their actions could have a positive impact on the past and create a better future.
Riju continued to explain their options, "If it comes down to it, we can always go up to the sky islands. They are too high up, and no one would be able to find us for 100 years. By then, we would have live happily and defeated Ganondorf, leaving Hyrule behind."
Link's eyes were fixed on his food. His thoughts were consumed by the weight of his emotions. He didn't know how to process everything that had happened, and the silence between him and Riju was palpable.
Sensing Link's distress, Riju placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "How about we talk about this with everyone else?" she suggested. "Maybe you're not the only one feeling like that."
Link looked up at her, grateful for the support. He had been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't considered sharing his feelings with others. With a nod, Link agreed to Riju's suggestion. They finished their meals in silence, lost in their own thoughts.