Author's Note:
Hey guys yup it's finally here. I meant to have this out sooner, but getting sick really slows you down. But that does mean to slow down any way. I have this arc planned and outlined, so there won't be any more delays.
Also, I would like to share something with you all before moving on to the chapter. Back when I posted the first chapter, I had not planned on working on it the way I have. I had other projects I wanted to do and am doing, and this one was just going to be on in the back ground. Working on it whenever I felt like it.
So, why do I make sure to put out one chapter a month? For you all. To all those who like the story so much, who give me an encouraging word in the reviews, you are the reason why I put this story at the top of the list to work on. So, I thank you all for taking the time to read this story.
I am looking forward to showing you what I have planned for this story. Enjoy the chapter.
Lizalfos patrolled the Bridge of Hylia with bored expressions while walking in set patterns. A rumble coming from the north drew their attention. Pyle and Bargoh rolled onto the bridge at high speeds. The two Gorons plowed through the first line, knocking a few Lizalfos off the bridge. Both stopped, stood up, and drew their weapons. The Lizalfos that were not knocked off, recovered and screeched.
Three Lizalfos further down the bridge drew their bows and aimed. Before they could fire, a bomb arrow soared in from above and detonated. Two flew off the bridge while the remaining one flew back. Teba swooped down and knocked the last one off the bridge.
More Lizalfos rushed toward Pyle and Bargoh from both sides of the bridge. Rhomson and Hudson charged in from the north side. Rhomson reached the enemy first and slashed a few with her scimitar. A Lizalfo lunged its spear forward, but Rhomson quickly blocked it with her shield. Another Lizalfo rushed her from behind. Hudson arrived and slammed his great hammer into its side, forcing it off the bridge.
"Thanks," Rhomson said. She spun around the spear, and cut the Lizalfo several times with a beautiful twirl. It disappeared into purple smoke.
"You're welcome," Hudson replied. "You are very skilled."
Rhomson smiled. "Thank you. You are quite strong yourself. Are you sure you are not part Goron?"
Hudson blushed. "N-No I'm sure."
"Focus you two!" shouted Pyle.
Teba swooped in and landed. "The bridge is clear."
"Now we just have to wait for the others," Hudson stated.
Bargoh sighed. "This way of traveling is so slow."
"But it is the most efficient way with our numbers," said Teba.
"It took us three days to get here," Pyle complained. "We should have reached the southern lands within the first day."
"Sorry that we can't curl up and roll every where we go," Rhomson replied. Her sarcasm heavy in her tone.
"We should have gotten horses for everyone back at the last stable is all I'm saying," Pyle stated.
"They didn't have any for sale," said Teba. "Which is why we are moving on the the next one in the southern lands."
Hudson smiled. He put down his hammer and curled up into a ball.
"What are you doing?" asked Bargoh.
Hudson rolled forward and immediately stopped when his head struck the ground. "Nope. I am definitely not part Goron."
Rhomson burst out laughing. Teba chuckled while Pyle and Bargoh glared at Hudson.
"This isn't the time to be fooling around," Pyle stated.
Hudson stood up. "You two really need to lighten up."
Rhomson wiped away tears from her eyes. "Oh man...that was good."
"Thank you."
Teba looked to the north. "I wonder what is taking the others so long."
An explosion followed. The five turned toward the north.
"That was a Guardian laser," Pyle stated.
Rivan and Gaddison rushed onto the bridge.
"We need help!" shouted Gaddison.
A laser shot through the air above them, soared to the other side and struck a forest. Midna and Link rushed onto the bridge.
"Where is Princess Mipha?" asked Hudson.
"Fighting the Guardian," Link replied. "Teba, do you have a spare bow? Mine broke."
Teba scowled. "What?! Haven't you been maintaining your gear!?"
"I have!" Link shouted. "A laser shot destroyed my bow!"
"Well I only have one bow."
"Dammit!"
"We can't just stand here," said Pyle. "We need to go to her aid."
Rhomson nodded. "He is right. Let's move."
The sound of a large explosion burst through the air.
Link's eyes shrank. "MIPHA!"
He rushed back toward the sound. The rest of the group quickly followed. Soon, they arrived at the scene of the battle: scorch marks scattered across the field, trees from the near by forest split and burning, a broken pile of parts with Mipha standing tall.
"Princess!" shouted Gaddison.
Link was the first to her. "Are you alright?"
Mipha turned and smiled. "Yes. I was able to finish it off thanks to the damage Rivan, Gaddison, and you put on it before withdrawing." Midna barked. "Oh right. You helped too. Thank you Midna." Midna wagged her tail.
"Where did the Guardian come from?" asked Bargoh. "When we came through here there wasn't any."
"We actually were ambushed by the Yiga," Mipha stated. "However, they retreated and drew a Guardian here to fight us."
"Damn Yiga cowards," Pyle spat. "They should fight us without any tricks."
Rhomson smirked. "They use tricks like this because they can't win other wise."
Hudson nodded. "I think so as well. After all, we have ten skilled fighters here. A regular attack would end poorly for them."
"Yeah well they could just leave us alone," Rivan complained. "They are really slowing us down."
Link looked at the ground, wanting to speak yet said nothing.
"What is it Link?" asked Mipha.
He looked at her. Her face calm with her concerned eyes focused on him. He looked at everyone else, all waiting for him to speak.
"...well...what if that is there goal?" asked Link.
"What do you mean?" asked Teba.
Link rubbed the back of his head. "What if...they are trying to do just that? Slow us down I mean. Of course I could be wrong...but it is a possibility."
The others looked at each other. Silence fell over them.
"You are right Link," Mipha spoke. "After all, they could have attacked us while we were occupied with the Guardian."
"That tactic would have worked far better than this," Rhomson stated. "But we have ten skilled warriors here. The Yiga use under handed tactics because there are very few in number."
"Wait...ten?" asked Pyle.
Rhomson nodded. "Midna counts."
Midna barked. Bargoh and Pyle stepped away from her.
Hudson smirked. "Not dog lovers?"
"Gorons and dogs don't get along," Pyle stated.
Mipha smiled. "Oh...then we have a way to keep you two in line."
"We have behaved," said Bargoh.
"More importantly," Pyle said, "did you find the spot?"
Link nodded. "It was beneath a tree just before the bridge."
"So you got some more memories?" asked Hudson. Link nodded. "What about?"
Link closed his eyes. "She asked me about my choice to join the royal knights...when it really wasn't my choice."
"What do you mean?" asked Pyle.
Link did not respond.
Mipha stepped forward. "We can talk more later when we reach the stables."
"To think that the other stables we passed had no horses," Rivan complained.
"Walking isn't so bad Rivan," Gaddison said.
Rivan looked away. "I...guess."
The area rumbled.
"What was that?" asked Teba.
"I don't know but I don't like it," Pyle replied.
"Let's get moving," Teba said.
The area shook more. Mipha looked over the side. Down below was an island with a barely visible shrine. The water around it crashed into the island from the vibrations. A green horn emerged from the water.
Mipha's eyes widened. "Oh no."
"What is it Mipha?" asked Link.
"We need to move now!"
"What is the matter?" asked Rhomson.
A scaled head rose with the horn from the water below revealing a serpent dragon.
"Farosh is awake!" shouted Mipha.
"Farosh?" asked Link.
Bargoh shrugged. "So what if that dragon is awake? Dinraal has been awake for the hundred years and just flies around."
"If anything we should be happy that the dragon is awake," Pyle added.
Farosh ascended from the lake and flew towards the bridge.
Mipha scowled. "The dragons are trials for Link to face!"
Link blinked. "What?"
Hudson started sweating. "And...he isn't ready?" Mipha nodded.
"Then let us move," Rhomson said.
"About that!" Teba shouted.
Farosh's head glided up past the bridge with the rest of it following. Balls of electricity broke off and rushed toward the group.
"It's attacking us?!" Rivan shouted.
Farosh rose up higher in a spiral formation, forming more balls of lightning.
Link bolted. "RUN!"
"Some hero," Pyle said under his breath.
The group rushed toward the other side of the bridge, but the balls were closing in. Teba quickly turned and shot one. It dispersed but was hit from the side by another one. He screamed in pain, fell to the ground, and became immobile.
"Oh shit!" Hudson screamed.
Bargoh grunted and curled up. He rolled back and took a few balls of lightning. He fought through the pain and kept moving.
Hudson rushed back and grabbed Teba. More spheres approached.
"We are never going to out run them!" Rivan shouted.
Link hid on the other side of the bridge, shaking behind a pillar. Midna barked at him to help. Mipha was next to him.
Pyle rolled into action and took out some more spheres. Farosh hovered in the air above them, making more spheres than they could destroy.
Hudson was dragging Teba across the bridge. Rhomson rushed to him and helped. However, soon, they were surrounded by spheres of lightning, all were spinning around them.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Rhomson shouted.
Pyle and Bargoh continued to smack the spheres, but more appeared with each one they destroyed.
"This is endless!" Bargoh shouted.
"Why is it doing this?!" Hudson screamed.
"Hero get your lazy ass in gear!" Pyle hollered.
Mipha put a hand on Link's shoulder. "Link."
Link's whole body shook. "I can't...I can't...I can't..."
Rivan and Gaddison rushed toward the group.
"Link...I know that you are scared right now," Mipha stated, "and rightfully so but I'm afraid that the dragon is forcing the trial on you now."
"I can't...I can't..."
Mipha gripped his shoulders. "Are you really okay with failing the trial without even trying?" Link stopped shaking. "You remember what true courage is Link. I know you can do this."
Link looked at the group surrounded by dancing balls of lightning. Rivan and Gaddison were taking damage quickly, Pyle and Bargoh showed signs of wear, and Rhomson and Hudson were guarding Teba. Link saw Teba's bow, and looked up at the dragon.
Link took a deep breath. Here goes nothing.
He stood up and rushed in screaming. Mipha and Midna quickly followed. Link weaved around the spheres, but still taking electricity damage as were Mipha and Midna. He rushed past the group, quickly grabbed the bow, and readied an arrow with a sphere rushed toward him. Mipha quickly pierced it with her trident and took some damage.
Link aimed at Farosh still shouting at the top of his lungs and fired. The arrow flew toward the hulking creature, past all the electricity, and bounced off its scaled hide.
Link's eyes widened. I failed...
Yet the spheres crawled to a stop. The group remained on guard. Farosh grinned. It reached up and took a scale off where Link had shot it. It placed it on the ground. Link looked at the scale then back up to Farosh.
"Why?" asked Link. "I don't get it...I failed."
Farosh shook its head. Its voice shook the area. "True courage."
Link slowly reached for the scale and picked it up. Farosh lowered its head to meet with Link's gaze. The group stiffened. Mipha relaxed.
"You passed Link," Mipha said.
Link turned to face her. "But...I don't understand how."
Mipha smiled. "There are three dragons: Dinaal, Naydra, and Farosh. Each represents part of the legendary Triforce. Dinraal represents power, Naydra represents wisdom, and Farosh here represents courage. With what you learned in the forest, it must have believed you were ready for its trial...and you passed."
Link looked down at the scale. Farosh rose up.
Teba, finally able to move, stood up. "Didn't have to go that far."
Farosh floated around the bridge. "More difficult. Keep courage. Move forward." It then slowly dove toward the water and emerged completely, vanishing from sight.
"What did it mean by that?" Link asked.
"The other dragons will be more difficult," Mipha explained. "You need to be brave and keep moving forward."
"That much is obvious," Pyle grunted. "Damn...that was too close."
Mipha looked where Farosh disappeared. I didn't think he was ready...yet the dragon still came. Why? What is wrong for Link to enjoy what parts he can on this journey?
Bargoh turned to Link. "Took you long enough to act! What were you thinking?!"
"It was a dragon," Rhomson said. "Cut him some slack. The fact that he did anything is a sign of improvement."
Hudson nodded. "Yes. I think we should move on to the stables."
"The Highland Stable is near the Fural Plains," Gaddison said. "All we need to do is follow the road."
"We need to make a detour first," said Mipha.
"To where?" asked Pyle.
Mipha pointed south west. A Sheikah tower stood at the top of a rocky hill.
Link stared at it. "We...are going there first." His voice shaky and hesitant while his body trembled slightly.
"Don't try and sound brave after that performance," Bargoh said.
Midna growled. Bargoh jumped back.
Mipha smiled. "Good girl."
"I will fly ahead to see if there are enemies," Teba said.
Pyle shook his head. "Don't bother. Bargoh and I cleared that hill when we passed through here."
"Then we should be good all the way to Highland Stable right?" asked Rivan.
Pyle and Bargoh nodded. The group strolled through the land to the tower, Link climbed up, and activated the tower. He glanced down at the Slate to see another section of the map appear. Link smiled and stared into the horizon to see the sun was beginning to set.
"Link?" Teba called out.
Link shook his head. Teba stood next to him.
"Hey there Teba."
"Is everything alright?"
Link looked down at the map on the Slate. "...no...nothing. Come on."
Link jumped off and glided toward the ground. Teba hesitated but followed.
The group traveled south eastward following the main road. The sun setting on the horizon when they arrived at the stables. Mipha walked inside.
The man behind the counter looked at her and scoffed. "Well well well, if it isn't the Scarred Princess."
"Do you have enough beds for our group?" Mipha asked. "Minus the Gorons of course."
The man looked outside to see the large group. "Yeah for most of your group. You get to sleep outside with the Gorons and that beast though."
Mipha nodded. "Understood."
She paid the man and walked back to the group.
"How did it go?" asked Rhomson.
"There are beds for everyone besides myself, Pyle, Bargoh, and Midna," Mipha replied.
Rivan scowled. "What!? Then you can take my bed!"
Gaddison shook her head. "No mine. I don't mind sleeping underneath the stars."
"I can sleep outside," Hudson said. "Done it enough times already."
Link approached Mipha. "What happened in there?"
Mipha smiled. "Don't you worry about a thing. All of you take it easy. I'm fine outside." She left the group. She strode up the shrine on a hill behind the stable. Midna followed.
Link tilted his head. He approached the man behind the counter. "Excuse me."
The man looked at him. He smiled brightly. "Why hello there. You must be the hero we've heard about. How can I help you?"
"There aren't enough beds for all of us?" Link asked bluntly.
Rivan and Gaddison listened in from outside. Rhomson leaned toward them. "What is he doing?"
Rivan shrugged. "No idea."
The man shook his head. "I'm afraid not. We have no beds for the Gorons due to their heavy nature. And...we don't allow 'her' to sleep in here."
Rivan gritted his teeth. Gaddison scowled. Rhomson reached for her blade.
Hudson placed his hand onto Rhomson. "No need for that."
Rhomson looked at Hudson. "What do you mean?"
Link walked outside. He looked at the group before walking toward the shrine.
Rhomson smirked. "I see...but why can't I punish the owner?"
"He isn't worth it," Hudson said. "Mipha already paid for the beds. Let us not let them go to waste."
Link quickly arrived at the shrine.
Mipha built a small ring of stones. She looked back at him. "Aren't you going to use the beds?"
Link smiled and knelt down next to her. "I feel like camping tonight. May I join you?"
Mipha smiled with a faint blush. "Yes."
Midna strolled back with a stick. She placed it next to the ring and left to find more. Mipha and Link helped her. A fire was started quickly by Mipha. She sat next to Link. Midna laid down on the other side of their campsite.
"Who taught you how to build a camp fire?" asked Link.
Mipha smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. "You did. While you were still a child, and before your sword training began."
Link returned the smile. "I do remember that...along with the sword training."
"Were you not fond of it?" asked Mipha.
"Not really. But it was necessary. After all, monsters roamed the land. I needed to defend myself. Father was adamant about it as well as going to the Master Sword."
"Do you think he knew the sword would choose you?"
"I don't know Mipha. I really don't." He rests his head on hers.
Mipha blushed as her smile widened. "Maybe you will discover the answer when you recover your memory."
Link's smile faded. "...yeah..."
Mipha held his hand firmly. "I know it that this path wasn't the one you desired. It isn't the one I wanted either, but we have to make do with what we have. I will be by your side."
Link squeezed her hand. "Thank you."
Mipha closed her eyes. "You're welcome."