Finally, after almost a month, I'm so sorry. Here's an update...
Anyway, I wanted to give you some information about my insight in this chapter.
First of all, I like to make my characters more human than most other stories I write, and I did do that with some of the characters here, precisely one you'll see by the end of it who I'm talking about.
Hopefully, you guys like this chapter. I enjoyed making this one, and I'm sorry it took so long. I was trying to figure everything out and replaying the game to get my story straight.
But please leave a review at the end of the book so that I know that you guys are still reading it. It motivates me to update more, so if you guys would please let me know if you enjoyed this chapter and want to see something similar or different or if there is something you want me to add or take away from.
The eerie screams and shouts echoed in the air, emanating from the depths of the Forgotten Temple. Inside the Temple, three friends were gathered anxiously in the meeting room of the Hidden Room. The Hidden Room was cleverly concealed behind the majestic goddess statue that stood tall in the middle of the room.
As Link and Riju arrived at the Hidden Room, they were injured and unable to stand after their intense battle in the Lightning Temple. Sidon, the kind-hearted and skillful healer, immediately rushed to their aid. Using his powerful magic, he tended to Link's wounds, applying his healing touch to soothe the pain.
However, despite Sidon's best efforts, Link's injuries proved too much to bear, and he was forced to retire to the medical bed. The bed was located in the corner of the room, and it was equipped with all the necessary medical supplies to care for the wounded.
As Link lay there, Tulin, one of the three friends, felt guilty and distraught after learning that some of Link's injuries had been sustained in Rito Village. He had failed to notice this earlier, and now he felt responsible for not taking better care of his friend. Tulin's heart was heavy with remorse as he watched over Link, hoping he would recover soon.
Sidon was feeling a mix of emotions towards Link. He was concerned about Link's well-being and annoyed that Link had not come to them when he got hurt. Sidon was particularly disappointed because he thought Link would feel more comfortable opening up to them, especially since they had been through so much together.
Sidon's mood took a turn for the worse when he found out from Riju that Link was feeling alone and exhausted from fighting the same battle repeatedly. Sidon felt guilty for not being there for Link when he needed him the most and ashamed for not checking up on him sooner.
As Sidon tried to heal Link, he couldn't ignore that Link was in excruciating pain. Link lay on the makeshift bed, writhing in agony as Sidon's magic worked to repair his broken bones and sprained muscles. Despite his pain, Link couldn't stop thinking about how his actions had affected his friends, especially after what had happened in the Temple of Lightning when Urbosa questioned them. He felt remorseful for his mistakes and wished to turn back time and do things differently.
Link stood nervously before Urbosa, the towering Gerudo leader, with Riju beside him. "It's a lot to explain, so I think it would be better if you just sat down," he suggested, trying to ease the tension in the room. However, Urbosa's piercing gaze clarified that sitting down was not an option. She declined with a menacing glare, her posture intimidatingly close to Link's.
Despite the tension, Link needed to reveal the Truth he and Riju had uncovered about the past. "We know the truth of what happened long ago," he admitted, glancing at Riju, who gave him a warning look, but he continued speaking. He looked back at Urbosa, trying to read her reaction, but her expression remained stoic and unyielding.
Urbosa was determined to uncover the Truth about the Divine Beast and the secrets within its trenches and why they were so intent on getting information and doing as they did. Demanding to know how he had come to know of this hidden knowledge. "If you claim to know, tell me," she challenged, her battle stance unwavering.
Link and Riju exchanged a quick glance, communicating silently before Link began to speak. "There is a hidden underground cavern beneath Hyrule Castle. Within its ancient ruins lies the story of the first Calamity and information about the Divine Beast. We discovered a room filled with old, tattered books that were on the verge of falling apart. It was within these books that we found the knowledge we sought," Link explained, his voice calm and even.
Urbosa was taken aback by Link's revelation and was about to press him for more information when Riju spoke up, seeking to add to their explanation.
Riju began to speak, her voice low and somber. "Link was one of the most trusted and high-ranking servants of the Kingdom. He had been tasked with a mission near the dungeon when he stumbled upon a hidden entrance that no one else had ever found before. He later confided in me and a few close friends about his discovery, but little did we know that his revelation would lead to something tragic."
Riju paused, her eyes distant as she remembered the unfolding events. Before she could continue, Urbosa interrupted her with a questioning glare. "If what you say is true," she said, "why didn't you immediately inform the king or one of the high guards about your discovery?"
Link spoke hesitantly, his voice low and filled with a hint of regret. "We had every intention of revealing what we had discovered, but the more we dug, the more we realized how little we knew. There were too many pieces of the puzzle that didn't fit together, and we feared that sharing incomplete information would only cause confusion and panic."
He paused, his eyes cast downward, before continuing. "The King has been placing immense pressure on the Princess, and everyone is working tirelessly to rebuild the Guardians and other Sheikah technology. We had hoped that what we had learned would aid in those efforts, but then we came across an old book in a room filled with ancient tomes."
Link's voice trailed off, lost in thought before he spoke again, his tone heavy. "The book spoke of the Calamity, and how it would return in a few thousand years. It described in detail the horrors and destruction that would befall the Kingdom, and the sacrifices that would need to be made to stop it."
Urbosa looked at them, a mix of confusion and concern crossing her face. "And what was it that you found that caused you not to speak up?" she asked, urging them to continue.
Link took a deep breath and spoke, his words measured. "The book was incomplete, and the information we had was fragmented. We couldn't be certain of anything, and it seemed best not to share until we had a clearer picture. We didn't want to cause unnecessary panic or alarm. If this is truly about the Calamity and how it will begin."
Riju began speaking solemnly, "The book we found was very disturbing. It spoke of a very dark time that was to come in the future, and of very dark things that would happen. The book contained detailed notes and plans for a future dark wizard to release Calamity Ganon, and one of the many plans was for them to gather enough malice to create a being so strong that it could control the Divine Beast without any problem or being stopped. The book was filled with detailed information about how to execute each plan, and it was clear that the plans were not just theoretical but were being put into action."
Link added, "But that wasn't even the worst of it. The book revealed that those beings who controlled the Divine Beast could turn them against Hyrule. We did more research and found that most of the hidden rooms and hallways in the castle were tampered with. Somebody had entered before us and found the same book as us by the things we saw happening outside in the Kingdom. Some of the plans that were in the journal were already commencing, especially with the increase in monsters all throughout the Kingdom and the level of malice that has been appearing. The plans in the book that we found were coming to life. It was more like a journal than anything else, and what we found really did shake us a little. We realized that we were dealing with a very dangerous situation that needed to be addressed immediately."
Urbosa looked at the book on the table and said, "I doubt someone would leave that book lying around."
Link nodded in agreement and added, "We thought so, too. That's when we found the corpse down there and realized the true gravity of the situation. It was clear that the person had been there not too long ago, maybe 10 years at most, and the contents we found on their person and in their bag indicated a more recent timeframe. We were afraid that whoever left that book had something terrible in mind, but we waited a while, hoping someone would come to claim it. However, no one appeared, and we were left with more questions than answers." Link's voice trailed off as he reminisced about the strange events.
Urbosa's curiosity was piqued as she inquired, "How did you come to the conclusion that Calamity Ganon would return?"
In response to her query, Link elaborated, "Our research on Calamity Ganon and its origins led us to discover various books and notes. We even stumbled upon accounts of some Guardians turning against their own creators. This was due to the sheer amount of malice they were exposed to during their creation, which led to the Guardians becoming infected and turning against their creators and Hyrule. They then followed Calamity Ganon's orders, making it impossible to stop them."
Link then looked towards Riju, trying to sit up straighter on the ground, and continued, "Despite our efforts to find a solution, we found that the individual who had previously attempted to stop the Guardians had already infected all of them with malice. The Divine Beasts, the Guardians' creators, and their equipment were also affected. The malice had spread so extensively that it was irreversible. Our motive for awakening the Divine Beasts was to cure them before the monsters resurfaced. But we were too late and they had already been infected for far too long."
Link spoke with a sense of urgency as he explained to Urbosa why he and Riju had gone to such lengths to find the stones they had. "You see, we knew we had to stop the malice from spreading, but we didn't know how. So we decided to destroy all of the Guardians we came across and infiltrated the Divine Beast to see if we could find any clues. And that's when we discovered the hidden rooms, including the library. It was dusty and dimly lit, but we could see that it was filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. We took a few books, just in case they held the key to our quest. And then we found them - the stones. They were unlike anything we had ever seen before. Glowing with a soft blue light, they seemed to pulse with energy. We knew we had to take them with us to keep them out of the wrong hands. That's why Riju wears hers as an earring, and I have mine engraved into my arm." As Link spoke, he revealed the secret Stone on his arm by removing his glove, causing Urbosa to gasp in surprise.
"What happened to your arm?" she asked, her concern evident. But Link only shook his head and quickly hid his arm again, not wanting to discuss it. "And what is the meaning behind those stones?" Urbosa asked, eager to learn more. But for now, Link remained silent, lost in thought as he gazed at the Stone on his arm.
"It was a concentrated portion of the malice that took hold of him," she explained. "We were exploring the hidden hallways under Hyrule Castle when it happened. The malice is a powerful force, and if he had stayed any longer, it would have claimed his life." Riju's voice was filled with worry as she spoke.
The silence in the room was palpable as both Link and Urbosa remained wordless for a few moments. With a heavy heart and a grim voice, Link finally broke the silence. "We found the stones," he said, his eyes gazing downward melancholically. "The stones called out to us, respectively, in every Divine Beast assigned to each race, just like they did for you. They told us what had happened so many eons ago and requested that we stop the Calamity." Pausing momentarily, he took a deep breath and looked at Riju, asking her whether he needed to think through his words. Should he tell her the Truth or lie and tell her something else?
Urbosa stood patiently as Link spoke, but she sensed he was holding something back. He paused and looked towards a stand where a stone, similar in color to Riju's, was placed. Urbosa couldn't help but wonder why he was hesitating.
As she waited for him to finish, Riju spoke up, sensing the tension in the air. "Lady Urbosa," she said, "I think it would be best if you spoke with them directly. They are calling out not only to us but to you as well."
Urbosa was a skilled warrior, but she also had a strong intuition. As she listened to the others speak, she felt a surge of curiosity and concern. It was clear that they were holding something back, but she couldn't entirely focus on what it was.
Despite her doubts, she nodded in agreement to Riju's suggestion. However, as she thought more about the situation, she became increasingly convinced that something was wrong. They had much to hide, and she knew they weren't telling the whole Truth.
As she listened to their stories, Urbosa tried to piece together the Truth from the lies. She knew there was some truth in what they said, mainly when they spoke about Calamity Ganon, the Guardians, and the Divine Beasts. However, something needed to be added up.
Urbosa was determined to get to the bottom of it. She knew her intuition was usually correct, and she would only let this go once she uncovered the Truth.
Urbosa's voice was filled with suspicion and concern as she spoke, "How can I be sure that you are trustworthy? If I follow your instructions, what's to stop you from abandoning us and leaving my people defenseless? And if what you say is true, how do I know that you aren't responsible for the Calamity that has befallen us?"
Link, severely injured, spoke with a sense of desperation, "I understand your doubts, Urbosa. But please know that we are not lying to you. All we request is for you to activate the Stone and enable a meeting with whoever is communicating with us. We won't even be present if that makes you feel more comfortable. And in exchange, we promise to share all the information we have gathered about the Calamity and everything else with you and your people." He hoped his words would put Urbosa at ease and convince her to cooperate.
Riju humbly bowed before Urbosa, offering to return the books she had taken from the Divine Beast and to share with her all that she knew about the ancient Gerudo. Urbosa stood in quiet contemplation, her eyes fixed on the Stone that floated on its pedestal. She knew that if Riju and her companions were truthful, their knowledge could prove invaluable to Hyrule and her. But if they were lying, it could spell disaster for Urbosa and her people. After several moments of reflection, Urbosa nodded her head in agreement. She would take the risk and interact with the Stone, hoping it would shed light on the Truth and guide her forward.
Urbosa looked at Link and Riju intensely, her eyes scanning them from head to toe. After a moment of silence, she spoke, "I am willing to accept your proposal, but only on the condition that you reveal your true identities to me and also keep your end of the bargain." Urbosa's voice was firm and authoritative, leaving no room for doubt.
Link and Riju exchanged a final glance and nodded in agreement. They took a step closer to Urbosa, anticipation filling the air. Urbosa climbed up the steps to the pedestal with slow and deliberate movements. As she reached out to touch the Stone, a sudden light filled the room, blinding them all.
When Link and Riju opened their eyes, they found themselves in the spirit room, just like the last time. However, this time, Riju stood slightly behind Urbosa and right next to Link.
As Urbosa heard a woman's voice calling her "beloved daughter of the Gerudo," she looked up, confused, trying to see the figure in front of her. The fog slowly began to clear around her, revealing an unfamiliar room. She glanced around, searching for potential threats, but did not draw her weapon or prepare for battle.
As the fog lifted, Urbosa could finally see the woman before her. She was dressed in a beautiful, ornate white outfit that gave her a royal appearance. Her long red hair was braided over her shoulder, and she wore a mask that resembled her Divine Beast but looked much more ancient.
"I am your ancestor from a distant past," the woman spoke. "I was a Gerudo warrior who served the first king of Hyrule and a sage who could call down lightning, just as you can."
Urbosa was in awe. She had never met anyone quite like her before. The woman's words were powerful, and her presence was commanding.
"I have seen you wield the power you have in defense of both your people and Hyrule," the woman continued. "I would expect nothing less of one of my descendants. You are a pride of the Gerudo."
As the woman looked proudly at the group, Urbosa couldn't help but feel a sense of pride within herself. She was honored to be considered a defender and a pride of the Gerudo. Behind her, she could sense the two figures, but she was too focused on the woman before her to pay them any attention.
Link and Riju were standing before the sage, feeling her penetrating gaze on them. The sage looked them over once, examining their appearance and body language before saying anything. The silence was palpable as they waited for her to acknowledge them.
Both Link and Riju knew that the sage had noticed the secret Stones that they were carrying - the one hanging from Riju's ear and the one in Link's hand. They exchanged a quick glance, silently acknowledging the sage's awareness of their secret mission.
Link shook his head subtly, hoping the sage wouldn't mention the Stones out loud. To his relief, the sage didn't say anything about them. However, she did acknowledge their presence in her own way, through a subtle nod and a knowing look in her eyes, which only they could understand.
Urbosa, who was standing nearby, watched the exchange in shock. She had no idea what was happening, but she could sense the tension in the air. As she looked from the sage to Link and Riju, she felt a sense of unease wash over her. The silence that hung heavy in the spirit realm was deafening.
The sage's voice was heavy with a sense of foreboding as he spoke, "I understand that you are not aware of the complete Truth of what happened long ago, but let me tell you this: The Demon King is responsible for the monsters that appear during the Sand shroud. Their sole objective was to stop you from obtaining my secret Stone."
Link and Riju were on the edge of their seats, waiting with bated breath for the sage to reveal more. Urbosa stood beside them, silently questioning the connection between the Demon King and the Secret Stone. The air was thick with tension as the sage's words hung in the air.
"Do not worry, you will understand soon enough," the sage said with suspense in her voice. "Let me tell you about the events of our distant past, the event that shaped our people's destiny during the imprisoning war." Suddenly, a flash appeared, and everyone watched a scene that occurred so many years ago.
"Long, long ago, when the Kingdom of Hyrule was still young, a great evil, The Demon King, emerged. He attacked the innocent and sought the destruction of Hyrule. He was our chief before he changed. His obsession with power transformed him into a monster," the sage spoke as they watched the final battle of the imprisoning war.
"Rauru, the first king of Hyrule, and six warriors rose to oppose him. I am proud to have been one of them. We faced The Demon King, and only after Rauru gave us the secret stones did we have a chance to succeed. These artifacts amplify the abilities of those who carry them. As the Sage of Lightning, I fought alongside my fellow sages in battles with my own secret Stone." Suddenly, darkness enveloped the room as the sage stopped speaking.
"We were no match for his overwhelming power," she said as they looked closely at the Demon King's Faith. All the sages fell to the ground, defeated. "He endured our strongest attacks and even the lightning strikes I called down. King Rauru knew that we had lost the battle against the demon king. He made the ultimate sacrifice to imprison The Demon King and seal him away," the sage explained. The next scene they saw was of the animalistic King attacking the demon Lord.
"Was that the imprisoning war?" Urbosa asked, deep in thought, as the final image of the King engraved itself into her mind. "How is it that we have never heard of such a thing over so many years?" she wondered.
" sometime later another of the six sages the sage of time came to visit me and she said the Gerudo on our own Destin path," the sage spoke as they saw a blonde figure approaching the sage in the room they were once in before.
The woman known as the sage of time was an imposing figure, towering over those around her with her tall frame. Her short blonde hair framed her face, which remained hidden from view, much to the relief of Link and Riju. Urbosa, on the other hand, could not help but be intrigued by this mysterious woman and longed to glimpse her features.
The Sage of Time spoke urgently, her gaze fixed on the group gathered before her. "The magical restraint on The Demon King will eventually be undone," she warned. "When that time comes, you must help Link. He is a noble swordsman, the only one who can fight the monster. Please, he will need your assistance. Lend him your power, the Goruto's control of lightning." Her eyes pleaded for their cooperation for the sake of the future.
As soon as the woman finished speaking, the sage of lightning's expression changed. The Sage of Lightning, her fellow sage, balled up her fist in frustration and turned to face the Sage of Time, her power crackling around her.
"The path of the Garuda was cleared at that moment," recounted the lightning sage as she shared the memory with Urbosa, Link, and Riju.
"We have a strong desire to eliminate the Demon King. It is our responsibility for his very existence in this world, and for that, we must make amends. I solemnly swear that when the Demon King returns, the Gerudo Sage of lightning will awaken. Once more, the Gerudo Sage and her people will fight alongside your sword," said the Sage of Lightning in the memory. As the vision ended, they found themselves in the spirit realm, standing in front of the Sage of Lightning, just as they were before.
"I have told you all I can about the imprisoning war and the destiny of our people. You saved Goruto town, but the Demon King remains a threat," spoke the Sage of Lightning as she looked intently at both Urbosa and Riju. Although Link remained quiet and stepped back, hardly even moving, the Sage of Lightning addressed Urbosa and Riju instead of just Urbosa like before. "Daughters of the Gerudo, you must take up my secret Stone and honor the vow I made to the Sage of Time long ago. Fight alongside the Swordsman, Link," she spoke as she raised her hand, and a flash of light came from behind her, blinding them once more.
The three warriors stood in disbelief as they returned to the Temple of Lightning. Urbosa, the proud Gerudo champion, stood before the secret Stone, lost in thought. The two warriors, who had traveled through time to aid her, stood silently behind her.
Urbosa spoke to herself in a hushed voice, "So, my destiny is to fight by his side, hmm?" She smiled at the thought of striking down the Demon King, who had wrought so much destruction on the land. Suddenly, the secret Stone glowed brilliantly, and the word "lightning" etched onto the surface. Urbosa raised her hand in awe, feeling the power of the Temple coursing through her veins.
As she stood there, frozen with awe, the secret Stone flew towards her ear in a flash. It shone brightly, illuminating the room as it transformed into an earring dangling elegantly from her ear. The intricate design of the earring was similar to Riju's but much more detailed and prominent. Urbosa felt an electric power surge through her body, filling her with invincibility. Her gaze fell on Riju's secret Stone, which was also glowing, and she knew she was not alone.
"We are the sages of lightning. Witness the new power we possess," Urbosa announced loudly, her voice brimming with confidence. She and Riju drew their swords in perfect unison and began to dance around the center of the room, their movements fluid and graceful. Suddenly, with a snap of their fingers, spirit versions of themselves emerged from their secret Stones. The spirits came to life, mirroring the exact same moves they were doing. The room was ablaze with a bright light, and the air was charged with an electrical energy that made the hair on the back of their necks stand up.
As they paced around the room, they suddenly came to a halt as a bolt of lightning struck the space, illuminating the area with a bright white light and causing it to tremble. But the tremors didn't stop there. The ground beneath them began to shake violently, and the entire world outside the Temple seemed to quake with the storm's force. Lightning bolts continued to strike all around, illuminating the dark sky with crackling energy. Even when they stood still, they could still feel the vibrations from the thunderous booms that echoed for miles around. Despite the chaos, Urbosa and Riju exchanged a knowing smile as they stood beside their spirits, who remained stoic and silent.
As Link approached them, Riju suddenly spoke up: "Urbosa, if you would allow, Link's Secret Stone homes of power could amplify our power by storing it for a short while. If you will allow him to do so with his secret Stone, it would be very beneficial."
Urbosa looked Link over, nodded, and walked over to them, confused. She wanted to question them, but something inside her told her not to do as she was told.
"I, Riju, the sage of lightning, swear that I will stand by The Swordsman Link, and here is proof of my vow," Riju said.
"I, Urbosa, sage of lightning, swear that I will stand by the Sword of Men, Link, and here is proof of my vow," Urbosa spoke shortly after Riju copied her movements.
As they finished speaking, their spirit selves went back into their stones. Both women glowed as Sage Spirit traveled through them to get to Link's secret Stone.
Urbosa was stunned by what happened and took several minutes to process everything. She watched as Riju and Link, both with broad grins on their faces, slowly began to relax. Although Urbosa had many questions, she decided to wait before asking them.
After a few moments of silence, Urbosa finally spoke up. "Can you please explain what just happened?" she asked, her tone calm and collected. Link and Riju exchanged a brief glance as if checking to see if the other had a good explanation. It was a common occurrence for them to come up with a cover story for their activities.
Link stood before Urbosa, holding the coveted Stone of Light engraved in his hand. As he spoke, his voice was solemn and reverent, imbued with the weight of the Stone's power.
"I hold the secret Stone of Light," he began, "which grants me access to all of the other stones and allows me to store their power for later use, or for combat if necessary. This Stone was entrusted to me by the first king, who gave it to me when I found it hidden beneath the castle."
Urbosa raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "But why do you have the stone?" she asked. "Shouldn't it belong to the princess, or even to The Swordsman Link?"
Link and the Princess exchanged a glance, both uncertain how to answer. The Stone's power was great, but so, too, was the responsibility that came with it.
Urbosa glanced over at Link and Riju, studying them carefully as she spoke. "I understand that the question I am about to ask you may be a challenging one to answer, but given that the sage who just granted me this immense power has also entrusted you with her trust as loyal Garuda Warriors, I see no reason to be suspicious of you," she said, her voice measured and level.
Her gaze lingered on them for a moment longer before she continued. "However, I must insist that you both provide me with an answer when the time comes, particularly regarding your true identities. I need to know where your loyalties truly lie," she said, her tone firm but not unkind.
Urbosa finished speaking, offering them a slight, knowing smirk. Link and Riju exchanged a brief look, both of them feeling a sense of apprehension at the thought of revealing the Truth. Nonetheless, they knew they had no choice but to come clean, no matter how difficult it might be."
As Urbosa tried to understand her encounter with the sage of lightning and the Temple of Lightning, the two went into great detail to explain everything she was questioning. They shared the history of the Demon King, who had been a threat to the Kingdom for a long time, and the Garuda Warriors, who had opposed him and helped the Kingdom prosper. They talked about the battles that had been fought, the sacrifices that had been made, and the ultimate victory that had been achieved.
The group spent almost the entire day there, going over every detail and answering every question that Urbosa had ( some more truthful than others). They ensured she understood the significance of what had happened, how it related to her life, and how it would change her point of view on some things. Meanwhile, Link received basic medical help to treat his injuries sustained during the battle.
Finally, when they were finished, Link and Riju disappeared into blue particles in the sky, leaving Urbosa to ponder over all of her new discoveries. She was grateful for their help and felt a sense of pride knowing the history of her people.
Link was lying on a makeshift bed while Sidon hovered over him, trying to heal his wounds. Link couldn't shake off the feeling of stress weighing heavily on him. The reason for his anxiety was Urbosa's half-truth, which posed a potential danger. Riju had tried to reassure him that everything would be alright, but Link couldn't help but feel that the risk was unnecessary. The entire Kingdom was already searching for them, and they had little room for error.
As Link lay there, deep in thought, he was abruptly interrupted by Sidon's voice. "Whatever you're thinking about, stop it, Link," Sidon said firmly. Link looked up at his friend for a second before closing his eyes, feeling the last of his injuries being healed.
Sidon's frown deepened as he looked down at his friend. "You could have come to us, you know," he said with a hint of reproach. Link knew Sidon was right, but he couldn't admit needing help. He had always been the strong hero who saved everyone else. But now, as he lay there wounded and vulnerable.
"I was fine," Link spoke with a frown.
"You most certainly were not. You had at least three broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, a sprained knee and ankle, and don't bother to hide the fact that you got a hand injury and didn't tell anyone," Sidon snapped at him. He looked at Link over and read over his injuries, disappointed. Link didn't say anything as his friend finished.
Sidon paused for a moment before he was about to walk out and tell everyone that Link would be all right but just needed rest. The only reason he stayed was that he heard a slight sniffle behind him, making him turn around. He slowly walked back to his friend and called out to him.
"Link..." he started, but the sniffing was getting worse. "Link, are you all right?" Sidon began to panic, but before he could say anything more, Link sat up and hugged him.
Sidon felt Link's sobs shake his entire body. He held his friend tightly, trying to provide some comfort and stability. The sound of Link's tears filled the air, and Sidon couldn't help but feel a sense of worry and concern. Link was not one to cry, especially not like this. It was as if something had struck him at his core, tearing down the walls of his stoic demeanor.
Link was known throughout the Kingdom as a brave warrior, someone who never showed any signs of weakness. But as Sidon held him, he wondered if Link had been a warrior for far too long. He had faced countless battles and relentless foes, and maybe the weight of it all had finally caught up to him. Sidon felt a pang of sadness as he considered the possibility that his friend had been holding everything in for far too long.
Despite his worries and doubts, Sidon remained steadfast, his arms around Link's quivering form. He whispered words of comfort and reassurance into his ear, hoping to ease his pain and offer solace. For now, all that mattered was being there for his friend and helping him through whatever it was that had caused him so much pain.
Zelda was completely drained as she brought her horse to a stop on a grassy hill that connected the Hylia bridge from Central Hyrule to the Faron region. The sun shone bright, casting an orange glow on the horizon, indicating that it was almost evening. As she was slowing down, she was questioned by the head guard if she was all right, but she just said she was and was just slightly winded as controlling her horse was becoming difficult, especially during the long ride. The horse's sweat was evident, and its panting was loud enough to be heard from a distance. Zelda patted its back, whispering words of encouragement to it. She looked around and saw the breathtaking view of the grasslands, and the sound of the nearby river was soothing. It was a welcome sight after a long and grueling journey.
"The king is waiting for us at the castle and wants us to return as soon as possible," said the head guard, his authoritative voice cutting through the silence. He continued, "Therefore, we cannot afford any delay. Once you complete your prayer, please inform His Highness of any new developments that you have come across with your powers."
The head guard then turned to Link and instructed him to take hold of Zelda's horse and attach it to his own. Zelda was irritated by this but chose to remain silent. Link didn't question the order and proceeded to secure the horses together. The clanking of the metal bridles echoed through the empty courtyard as Link began leading both horses down the bridge.
The four Champions were seated in a carriage that stood out slightly from the others, with a group of guards surrounding them. Mipha was relaxed as she gazed out the carriage window, her eyes fixated on the breathtaking scenery outside. The vibrant colors of the trees and the gentle breeze blowing through the fields had her wholly enchanted.
Meanwhile, Daruk tried to make small talk with the servant driving the Carriage, but it quickly became apparent that the servant was irritated and uninterested in the conversation. Despite this, Daruk persisted in his attempts to engage the servant in a friendly chat.
Revali, on the other hand, appeared visibly annoyed and frustrated. He kept his gaze fixed ahead of him, glaring at the guard with the blue shirt. He vented his annoyance to anyone who would listen, but nobody seemed interested in his complaints.
As they rode their horses, Urbosa kept a watchful eye on Link and Zelda. When Urbosa arrived at the castle, Zelda immediately inquired about Urbosa's well-being. Urbosa reassured her that everything was handled and that there was no need to worry about her safety. She explained that she had been delayed due to a group of monsters that had attacked during a sandstorm. Despite the danger, Urbosa had bravely fought them off and made her way to the castle.
Zelda smiled at Urbosa, grateful for her safety. She began to update Urbosa on her father's orders. Urbosa was surprised and concerned by the King's demands for his daughter to activate a power she was unaware of. She couldn't fathom why anyone would put such pressure on their own child.
As they continued to ride, Urbosa's attention was drawn to the Royal Knight, who was riding ahead of them. Zelda followed closely behind him, clearly agitated. Urbosa wondered what could be causing the young princess such distress and made a mental note to speak to her later.
As soon as she caught sight of the man named Link in the Temple of Lightning, she couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance he bore to the royal guard who was always by the Princess's side. Her suspicions were confirmed when the older gentleman removed his mask, revealing his true identity along with the makeup and headdress.
Urbosa watched intently as the two swordsmen stood before her in her head. The dark-haired man stood tall, his towering presence commanding respect. His body was adorned with scars, each telling a story of a battle won or lost. Despite his slim frame, he exuded a sense of maturity and wisdom that belied his age.
On the other hand, the Swordsman was shorter, but his well-toned muscles betrayed his youth. His hair was always tied up, and he had a look of intense concentration on his face. His movements were precise and calculated, and Urbosa could tell that he was a master of the sword.
As they stood side by side (in her head), Urbosa couldn't help but notice how similar they looked. They both had sharp features, with chiseled jaws and piercing eyes. Their postures were almost identical, each one standing tall and proud. The Swordsman faced off against monsters with a grace and fluidity that was unmatched, while the dark-haired man fought against Gibdo beings with a ferocity that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Urbosa pondered their similarities, wondering if they were related in some way. Perhaps they were brothers, she thought, or maybe even distant cousins. However, rumors had it that Link was the oldest of five children in his family, so that theory couldn't be true. Urbosa was left to wonder about their connection, knowing there was more to their bond than what met the eye.
As the Carriage rumbled over the bridge, Urbosa's eyes remained fixed on the Swordsman, lost in deep thought. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the cobbles seemed to echo her contemplation until Revali's voice snapped her out of it. She suddenly realized that everyone else was paying attention to something else.
"Is there something ahead that we should be worried about?" Revali asked, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger.
Urbosa shook her head. "No, I was just thinking about the recent events that have been happening across the kingdom," she said, her mind still preoccupied with the mysterious man with dark hair who seemed to have a hand in all of it. She turned to the Rito, hoping to glean his insight since he had also encountered the stranger.
Mipha spoke up, her voice tinted with concern. "Yes, I've been hearing a lot of rumors lately, especially about the Guardians and Rito Village. What have you heard?"
Revali let out a sigh. "The audacity of some people," he started to complain. "Not only were we attacked by a ferocious beast summoned by the skies, but we were also tricked into trusting a Hylian who used an alias and was behind the whole thing."
Mipha's eyes widened in shock. "What? Who was behind it?"
"Link," Revali glared at the Carriage where Link was riding. "or at least someone with his name... But no need to worry. I handled the situation and made many discoveries along the way. I found out that the intruder made his way into my village and summoned that beastly thing, risking the lives of my people."
Mipha turned to Revali, her voice laced with concern, "Do you remember what he looked like?"
Revali nodded, his eyes glazing over as he recollected the image of the person Mipha was referring to. "Yes, he had a head full of jet-black hair that fell in waves over his forehead, and the most piercing blue eyes I've ever seen. He was tall and lean, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline that gave him a rugged, handsome look."
Revali continued, his voice taking on a nostalgic tone, "He always wore blue markings around his eyes that accentuated their color, and a jewel from his headdress that he wore every day. He hardly ever took it off, except when he needed to. He also had a mask that he wore most of the time whenever he was out. It covered most of his face, but he always took it off when it was time to eat."
As he spoke, Revali's mind began to wander, and he mused out loud, "Whenever he didn't have the mask on, he appeared to be more comfortable, and he walked around more freely. I find it odd... why wear that thing then?"
Revali shook his head, returning to the present, and looked around the room. He saw everyone's eyes were fixed on him, waiting for him to say more. He cleared his throat and continued, "But regardless of the mask, he was a force to be reckoned with. He was brave, intelligent, and always stood up for his beliefs."
Mipha's face crinkled with confusion, and she leaned closer to Revali. "What do you mean by comfortable?" she asked, trying to understand his earlier statement. She didn't want to come across as suspicious. "And did he look familiar to you in any way?" she added, her voice low and urgent.
Revali furrowed his brow, lost in thought for a moment. "Hmm," he murmured, his eyes fixed on the figure ahead. "Now that you mention it, he did look familiar to me, but I just can't place it." He shook his head in frustration, wishing to recall where he had seen the Swordsman.
As Urbosa and her companions continued on their journey, she couldn't help but notice the many similarities between the dark-haired man they had encountered and their own skilled swordsmen. However, it was the fact that even Revali had picked up on the resemblance that convinced her that something was indeed off. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the man's identity than met the eye.
At first, Urbosa wondered if the man could be related to Link in some way. Perhaps he was his father or a distant relative. However, she quickly dismissed this notion when she remembered that the head guard responsible for the King's safety was the boy's father, who held the sword that sealed the darkness. It seemed unlikely that the man they had met could be related to Link or any of their other swordsmen.
Despite her curiosity, Urbosa decided to keep her thoughts to herself for now. As they approached the looming woods ahead, she couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. However, she also knew that they were getting closer to the ancient Zonai ruins, and she hoped that they might find some answers there.
