Chapter 31
From their dreams come peace
PART 1
Link awoke in a cloud of dust. And before he could catch his breath from the fall from the castle, the hacking slash of Malroc's demonic sword was already over top of him. There was no time to dwell on the fleeting memories of the past. The present needed him, and he had to act fast.
"Time to wake up, Mr. Hero!" Malroc roared, and the fall of his sword rang, a metallic chime of death.
Link instinctively lunged out of the way so fast that the mighty titan's blade came bearing down on the old table where his shadow still lay. The young warrior dodged the incoming blow within a hair's breadth.
More ash and dust kicked up, clouding the whole area. Through that chaotic haze, Link used it as an opportunity to bolt across the broken building outside onto the street. What was once a bustling city square was now an unrecognizable crumbling maze of tattered shops and homes. Nothing like the peaceful, quaint recollection from his memories.
Pristine cobblestone roads were broken up, and entire dwellings were laid bare to their foundations with nothing left to them but the silent skeletons of broken beams and pillars. Their remains littered with the rotting flesh of dead soldiers and monsters alike.
The old titan growled as he menacingly stomped through the ruins. Through dusty smoke, he taunted while he searched. "I must admit, your feeble attack caught me off guard back up there atop the castle...It even knocked the breath out of me!' The demon said, laughing it off as a silly trifle, shrugging the dust from his towering shoulders. "But, don't let that go to your head, though. It will be the last time!"
His evil voice continued to echo through the disarray. "Even if by some miracle you manage to defeat me and destroy what's left of my army today, the witch will come and finish what I've started. They will destroy you all. Do you hear me? The Dark Lord's dream shall become a reality." Malroc then seethed through his teeth and yelled while searching for Link through the ruin. "You understand now, insolent child! You never had a chance! It's over for you!"
Hidden among the shadows of the rubble, the calm voice of Link ventured out with quiet confidence. "Well then, I guess I have no choice but to stop you before they come. Thanks for giving me the heads up. At least I'll know to keep an eye out for them for when they arrive. And if that's the case, I'll just have to deal with them the way I will with you."
Malroc hissed. "Arrogant little fool...The witch's power is far beyond your comprehension. Even I cannot hold a candle to their power."
Link leaned back against the decrepit stone wall, chewing on the monster's words.
"Even now, they are on their way here."
"Yeah, well, I heard you the first time." Link said brazenly.
Instantaneously, Malroc moved through the debris plume and appeared in front of him. Thick smoke rolled over his impenetrable mane like waves upon ocean sand.
"Now, you...DIE!" the monster roared vigorously, sword held high above his head yet again.
Link jumped to the side, dodging his ill attempted strike, disappearing again among the rubble. But for the life of him, he couldn't understand why it was so easy to outmaneuver the monster. Certainly, this wasn't his best. Not in the slightest.
So, why was he dragging the fight out? There was no way he could have dodged so easily, not in the current state he was in. What tricks could he be up to? It seemed like the beast was having a sport and was toying with him. Delighting in the slow advance like a lion would when encircling its prey during a hunt. Taking pleasure in every moment before the kill.
To Link's sudden delight, upon careful study of himself, while padding himself clean from the dust, he realized he must have concealed a small knife tucked into the side of his boot. Something he surely must have missed earlier in the chaos. But, against a monster such as that, would it even make a difference? "Damn..." he whispered.
"So, what now, Mr. hero? Who do you run to now for aide? The fish prince? Those hylian high-borne weaklings that cowered the last one hundred years in their faraway castles? Or perhaps...your precious Princess?" Malroc scoffed, raising his claws up to his jaws in mockery. "Please, don't waste my time. You're finished! By the time your pathetic friends ever make it here, you will already be a corpse!"
Link braved and boldly stepped out from behind the wall's shadow he hid behind. He had enough. No more hiding. It was now or never. "Oh, yeah? Then how about you stop telling me and just do it already!"
The knight spat, relinquishing the tiny blade he held in a defensive pose.
He knew his energy was completely drained and that his entire body ached. This was a long shot, to say the least. And that would be a very generous appraisal of his situation at best.
His situation was so bad he even had trouble standing, let alone the strength to continue fighting. Yet, even with all those odds stacked against him, he rose to the challenge. There just had to be a way to stop this terrible monstrosity. But, how? There was no way his blade could dent the armor that was his shiny golden hide. At least, not in any way to inflict a mortal wound. "C'mon Link, gotta' think of something fast..." he whispered.
Malroc sneered cruelly as he inched closer, biding his time, and he walked a gentle stride over to him. He marched menacingly, one massive hoof stamping after the other, ever so daunting among the crumbling city. "What is it that you're mumbling over there? Chanting a little prayer to your deaf, dumb Goddess before you're disintegrated? Ah yes, that seems like the perfect way to dispense of you once and for all! A statue made of scorched cinders...What a marvelous gift I can dedicate in honor of your phony princess bitch!"
A wave of instant anger overcame Link's senses as he jolted at the mention of her. A burst of energy surged within him. To hell with it all! he thought. Screw it!
Link mustered all the power he had left to make his last stand. Her smile fading into his memory is what fueled him.
The ever-present burning desire to keep her safe. To see her eyes light up once again with joy. For it has been so long. He could hardly remember the last time she was at ease or even smiled genuinely. For they both have come too well acquainted with grief these past days.
He would give anything just to see her smile again. To give her worried soul rest once more. To flourish and prosper, ever carefree at last with the prospect of true everlasting peace. That is what drove him. He owed her that much. Her love empowered him, and with that, Link fell into a berserker rage. He went mad. Uncaring and daring, he catapulted himself toward the belly of the beast.
Malroc braced for the oncoming assault, and just as he did, a silhouette far across the way caught his menacing eye. It was her. She was coming. The Princess...
Escorted by a small squadron of men and with all the others trailing behind, Sidon, Simon, and Sylmoor. Zelda led the way to where they were fighting. They were running down a flight of stairs from one of the castle towers that led straight to them in the main square.
A creeping smile crawled up the devil's face. "How...Delightful, she comes to me. How foolish indeed. She makes this all too easy..."
And then something happened that Link did not intend. Malroc made a dead stop advance during his assault. The titan quickly lurched over him and stayed his massive blade. The gold of his mane spun to fix his gaze upon her. "This will only take just a moment. I'll deal with you later. But, first, I want to see your precious princess surrender herself to me. I want you to see the lights of her eyes go out after her desecration. I just love it when their eyes fade away into the abyss. It warms me every time."
Link couldn't stand to hear him speak anymore and dared to make his move while the beast continued his taunts. "Just know that when it happens, you were powerless to stop me. You're too weak to save anybody! And when we're done with her, then and only then will I let you die." Malroc finished with a gruesome chuckle.
Oh, no! What is she doing here! Why? Link couldn't help but see her there as well and froze mid-strike, paralyzed by the thought of her being taken. He couldn't move. All thoughts and actions halted on that single focus.
In-between breaths, the monstrous beast returned attention to Link while he was distracted. Stupid boy! He swung his massive arm, swatting him like a fly across the square.
Unimpeded by anyone who could oppose him now, Malroc delightfully howled and sprang toward her in a fury. "Oh, and don't you worry! Once she is mine, the pearl will soon be as well, and all existence shall be made to bend the knee to my King! It's over!"
Link groaned in pain while flying through the air. "No! Zelda! What are you doing!? Get out of here!" Those were his last words as he rammed headfirst into an adjacent wall like a meteor.
It must have been some magnificent terrace wall of a forgotten lord ages ago that came crashing down over him. Malroc could now carry out his plans and unleash his attack unchallenged.
"Oh no! Link!" Zelda screeched as she saw him hurl through the air so devastatingly. Her company of men soon surrounded her as she halted her advance.
Peeking through the foul fog of desolation and smoke in front of her, a harrowing apparition emerged. She knew it wasn't her Knight. That it could only be the right-hand of Ganon himself, Malroc.
The monster chided. "It is time for you now, goddess filth! Time for you and your precious Hyrule's demise! And then...the world!"
In a single swift swipe of his ginormous fiery blade, he effortlessly obliterated the wall of soldiers that flanked her defense in front of her, incinerating them into a gust of ashy cinders. Miraculously, she was untouched as she stood only inches away from his reach. There was nothing between her and his deathly grip now. Zelda froze before the behemoth as his shadow loomed over her.
"No...Zelda..." Link weakly whispered from where he lay, desperately trying to crawl out from the ruins that buried him. His trembling and scarred hands reached out for her in desperation while he attempted to climb out from the debris. "There must be something I can do...I have to protect them...Please..." His eyes blurred in and out of focus on her.
Then the last he could see was the devil himself trying to kill the one person he couldn't live without. The one he swore to protect and failed to do so. Zelda...And with that, he passed out, granting up whatever putters of strength he had within him, and in doing so, a seemingly insignificant glimmering green spark left his hands toward her and floated away through the wind.
Malroc's eyes flared up as he glared back at her. His voice seethed with cruelty. "What is that I see? That shiny thing you keep beneath your cloak that you think is so cleverly hidden from me? Do you think I wouldn't notice? Stupid girl...I see everything!"
Zelda reassessed herself and her situation, glancing fiercely down to her hands that clutched the scabbard of the ancient sword. "Why don't you try and make me say! You hideous fiend!"
Immediately, her confidence was ripped from her. In a flash, Malroc disappeared his devilish blade with some ancient fell magic by clashing his palms together before simultaneously lunging after her. Sidon, Sylmoor, and Simon unanimously gasped. They were too late. They were still a good way behind her. She must have eagerly run too far up ahead of them in the commotion, in desperation of helping Link.
"Oh no! The Princess! Fools! We've failed!" Simon choked a yell, falling back on his heels. As much as he wanted to help, he was impaled by his own fear for the sake of his own life and his men's lives. He couldn't move a muscle and could only watch in horror what was about to unfold next, and he hated to do so.
"Alright then! I will!" Malroc howled again, eager for the prize that was now breaths within his grasp, pouncing upon her in a ferocious dive. Zelda screamed.
But, his claws didn't grab her at all, and instead, a blinding flashing light flooded the whole arena. A pillar of flame that rivaled the glare of the sun itself intervened. A massive explosion boomed overhead them all. As quickly as it came, the dust soon settled, and their vision returned from the immense glare that engulfed them. Zelda was stunned most of all.
To her surprise, she wasn't cut down to her death, nor was the beast atop her. Quite the contrary had happened. In fact, to her startling amazement, she witnessed a swirling orange burning fire that encompassed everything in front of her. From its warmth came the power from an old, long-lost friend. Daruk had saved her.
With his massive arms flexed and defending high above her, the cheeky brute turned to speak to her. "Hey there, little Princess! Long time no talk!" He finished with a wink, holding firm.
Zelda was at a loss for words and tried to wet her throat in a gulp. "D-daruk? Is it really you!?"
"Well, if it ain't me, then who else would be so crazy to try and fight this hell of a beast, huh?" He erupted with a full belly chuckle, arms stretched firm, bracing the attack.
Zelda was speechless. She couldn't believe it.
Daruk continued his friendly jabs. "My oh my, this is quite the icicle you found yourself in, huh princess!"
She blinked, attempting to rise back up to her feet. "Well, you know me; trouble seems to find me." She finished with a faintly nervous laugh.
Malroc was launched back from the collision, but that didn't deter him one bit. The mighty villain was determined and continued to assail them even harder than before. Whatever it took to get to her. And after a terrifying barrage of attacks, or no matter how intensely Daruk shoved him back, he came rushing back for more. With every assault raining down more ferocious than the last.
Daruk flared up brighter again in her defense, blocking even more strikes.
The emboldened goron continued, struggling to hold back the massive titan. "I don't have much time, Princess, but I wanted to say...What I want to say is, thank you! Everything makes sense to me now!"
"What?" She hollered back, heart-swelling at the sight of him once more. She couldn't possibly understand why he would say that of all things. In her mind, she was the sole cause of all their deaths and the destruction of the kingdom. In her eyes, she thought she was an utter failure. "I don't understand, Daruk!"
"Listen to me carefully, sweet Princess! You've done more than you know! Why, if it wasn't for you, we would have all been goners long ago, as well as all of Hyrule...The fight would have been lost before it even began. You two saved us! We would have been lost on day one, and don't you forget it!"
Zelda's heart warmed, and she went silent from hearing such kind words. She didn't know what to say or what he meant in the slightest.
"I mean, for starters, if it weren't for you...And I mean this with every rock of my being. That if you didn't follow your heart way back then, he would have never come to claim his rightful place among Legend and become the hero we all needed! I want you to know that...I want you to know that before I never see you again...That you saved us...It was because of what you did...It saved us all!"
Zelda couldn't comprehend the meaning of his telling. What did he mean? How could he know the deepening dwellings of her heart better than she did? Did she make him a hero? Indeed, Link already was one before her meeting him, wasn't he?
"With that being said, Princess, I have this one last favor to ask of you for when you see him again, please...Please, tell the little guy, tell him to let it all go! To stop holding back! There's no use in him waiting! He'll never know unless he tries! Tell him to stop waiting! And tell him, say to him on behalf of all my people, for all that he has done, that I'll always consider him my sworn brother—You'll tell him that, will ya!?"
Another strike collided with the force of powder-keg blast yet again, disrupting their conversation. Malroc wasn't letting up in the least.
"What is this magic!?" The monster raged and launched a flurry of attacks. Angrily he dealt striking blow after blow, daring to break through the impenetrable fortress that was Daruk's protection.
The constant collisions of noise were too great, and she couldn't hear the last of what he said. "What was that, Daruk!? Tell him what?"
Zelda was empowered by his ever-present resolve to fight back the monster. She dared to stand and keep balance among the concussion waves of splitting wind.
But, her words were too late. Daruk flashed into a green silhouette, and just as his magnificent ball of flame disappeared, another voice emerged from behind her, ever so mighty. "I'll take it from here, princess!"
The air, without warning, went hot, humid and felt as if all of Zelda's hair stood on end. What could be happening now?
And in a violent vibrating static hum and with a sudden snap of her fingers, a storm cloud mysteriously appeared above them. In a swift and violent rush of force, it released a cataclysmic series of lightning bolts from it. Bringing down from what seemed the heavens themselves a series of unimaginable shocking power. A blitz of tremendous electric energy zapped Malroc.
Urbosa's spirit had appeared. To the Princess, it was as if she never left her at all and had been there all along. There she was, standing majestically next to Zelda, real as ever, eyes electrified and swirling with a thunderstorm of raw energy.
Zelda could hardly believe what she was seeing; could it be true? But how? How could she be here? But, she didn't care, she was, and that's all that mattered to her at that moment. It was all that she could ever have hoped for. To see her friends once more. The ones she loved the most and lost.
Urbosa turned to her with a loving smile that stretched from ear to ear. "I'm so proud of you, you know that? You would make your mother very proud, standing brave like the way you are now. I'll be sure to tell her how strong of a young woman you have finally become."
Urbosa breathed. "My, in this short time, it's like you're a different person yet; still the same sweet little girl I held in my arms so long ago. The bright-eyed curious child who would sneak late out of bed to read those thick and heavy books in the Room of Remembrance. One whose bruises I would kiss or tears I would wipe away from a bit of scraped knees from rummaging through the castle halls in a rush. It is amazing...What you have become. You are so strong now..."
"Urbosa!" Zelda hollered in the wind, on the verge of tears even now. "I missed you so much..." she said, collapsing yet again to her knees. This was all too much. Everything was happening so fast, and the world swirled around her.
But time was slipping fast, and it wouldn't wait for them to relish in the dreams of the past. Urbosa knew her seconds were few. "Watch over Riju for me. Okay? She is going to need you now more than ever to grow up into the young leader, no—young woman I know she is destined to become."
"But, Urbosa, how could I? I feel so lost without you!? Please, don't go! I'm not ready—! I'll never be ready!"
"Nonsense, there's nothing left I can teach you. I've taught you everything I know, and you have become far stronger than I could ever hope to dream of. You are more powerful than you realize...You just have to believe...and bring the power you already have within you out. I know you can!"
"No, you're wrong, Urbosa! It was my fault!" Zelda trembled and collapsed her face into her hands, full of sorrow. "I'm so sorry...It was my fault everything went wrong!" Zelda's voice trembled with the years of tears from bottling up all her feelings for so long. She broke like a dam. "Why everyone...all those innocent people, our friends, and even...my father... It's my fault they all died! It was all because of me! I was such a foolish child! Chasing dreams!"
"That's not true, you hear me?! I don't believe it! I refuse to believe that!' Urbosa snapped, bracing for another strike. "Those dreams are what brought you here today! Everything, what happened then. All of that has transpired had led you to this moment! This was all meant to be! Why, If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be half the woman I am today, and I would have never known what it means..." Urbosa choked, catching her own breath. "What it means to love someone as much as you...The daughter I never had but always wanted..."
"Urbosa..." Zelda lifted her head and fell silent. She never knew...But, now she did...
Urbosa's eyes glistened even as all the world came crashing down around them. "And I know that under your wise and careful guidance, Riju will rise up to be a great chieftain of my people. I just know it. You are ten times the woman I could ever be...She just only needs the light to show her the way! And she has that with you! She is in your capable hands now! Farewell, my little bird...And remember, I'll always be watching over you!" Urbosa said, glancing at Zelda with a soft fading smile, spirit filling with tears at the sweet sight of her and what she has become. Though it would be her last.
"U-urbosa...No! Wait! Don't go! Not yet! Please! Noooo!" Zelda could hardly take in all that had happened in the mere seconds she saw them both. And now they were already leaving? She had so much she wanted to say. So many things she wanted to share with them.
"Now go! You know what must be done! Now, do it! Deliver him the sword! Let us do what we came here to do!" Urbosa yelled back, waving her hands up one last time to send out another thundershock toward Malroc while also barring the way between them. To prevent Zelda from interfering to try and stop her from using the last of her power. A power that once extinguished would disappear her from this world forevermore.
"Urbosa! No! Don't!" Zelda yelled, desperately trying to get through the angelic barrier she had illuminated. The Princess desperately punched and kicked the immense shield of electricity, but it didn't relent. An impenetrable fortress of sacrifice. All the Princess could do was watch and weep.
"Go! There's no more time!" Urbosa demanded, blasting Malroc yet again for a final charge.
Shocked at what was happening and overwhelmed by her friends' selfless love, Zelda realized what she had to do. She still had a battle to win and a sword to bring to Link. And with that, she turned and made her way to Link. Ever grateful for the love and sacrifice of her friends. "Urbosa... I'll miss you...And I thank you...With all my heart...Thank you for giving all of us this chance...This Hope... That's what it is...Hope...I promise you, I won't squander it!"
Urbosa cried her final breath, and before she dissolved into the dust from whence she came, she whispered back to Zelda one last time. Though she knew she couldn't hear her, she knew her words would reach her someday and that she meant every one of them. "This ought to do it. Enough to buy you some time at least. Like the precious time, you two both bought for all of Hyrule. You best take good care of him and yourself, okay? You hear me?... You two deserve the world...Now go, make me proud like you always have!"
Her final charge beamed and split the air on a collision course straight for the vicious beast. A white storm of electricity engulfed her and Malroc. An ending superstorm of sacrifice. And with that came a blinding flash of immeasurable light.
After the boom, all that could be heard was the faint whisper. Her final prayer among the air of desolation. "And when your time comes at the end of your days, I'll be waiting for you here. I'll want to hear everything about all that you have done throughout your life and all of your adventures together. I wouldn't miss it for the world... I'll always love you, my little bird...Now take flight and Take care..."
An enormous explosion boomed. Sparks lit up and darted across the skies like scorched fireflies. And then there was nothing. Only an eerie silence. Urbosa was gone.
But, unfortunately, the stillness of the air was short-lived. And the same thing couldn't be said for Malroc. He was still unscathed. Momentarily halted but relatively unharmed. He was mad and violently erupted where he stood, clawing the air in anguish. How dare they! How dare she get away!
Though he was hindered from that last attack, he didn't lose sight of the princess one bit, and through the corner of his, he zoomed in on her. She was near to where Link lay among the ruin. Through some malevolent ability, he managed to command the strength of nearby cretins in all the area, psychically summoning them under his mental grasp. His eyes flared red, and through some dark spell, they fell under his control.
Several monsters appeared from out of the shadowy rubble and blocked her path.
"Oh, no!" Zelda screeched, sliding to a standstill. The way in front of her was now crawling with beasts. Looming over her was a tall silver Moblin and several bokoblins. They barked and slobbered. Drips of foul stench drool rained over her as they eagerly eyed her from head to toe. She choked before them but remained determined to overcome any obstacle if it meant saving Link.
She knew she had the sword but also knew that she wasn't trained in the art of swordsmanship at all. What was she going to do? Attack? It would be fruitless, she thought.
Nevertheless, she began to unsheathe the blade, but before she did, a miracle happened.
Moments earlier, while the spirits of the lost were waging their war, Link lay crippled by his wounds. Through the haze, he forced himself to stay awake.
I mustn't give up! Don't you dare close your eyes, Link! This battle isn't over yet! He thought.
An overwhelming fade of weariness wrapped around him more and more, and when he thought there was nothing left his muscles could give, he stretched out his hand for her. She blurred as he saw her disappear like a fleeting angel so far away. That no matter how much strength he offered up to try and fulfill his duty, she always managed to be just beyond his grasp. Helpless and afraid. He desperately wanted to save her, but he knew he couldn't. He was dying.
Link's hand shook in the air as he frailly reached out for her across the battlefield. "Zelda... I'm sorry...I failed you..."
Pale clouds swirled in from the side of him, and when he couldn't offer up anymore left to fight the peril of fatigue that engulfed him, all his focus blurred. At the pinnacle of surrender and when he believed his fate was most dire, when he knew all hope had failed, her hand reached out for him. The soft glistening glow of her beautiful, sweet smile raised him up. But, when he came to amongst the ruin and could focus again, it wasn't her face that he saw at all.
Mipha's spirit had appeared before him instead. As alive as ever. Her eyes were luminous, sparkling with soft purple starlight. Appearing as an angel heaven sent.
The sight of seeing her again took his breath away. "M...Mipha? Could it be true? I thought...I thought that you were with Muzu? How could this be possible?"
"I'm exactly where I need to be." She beamed. "C'mon, you didn't really think I would abandon you, right? Huh, Link?"
He couldn't utter a word. Still stricken by the sight of her. She had come and lifted him up from certain doom, yet again.
Mipha giggled. "You'll always be that same mischief-loving boy that I remember...You do remember, right? Always finding a way into trouble..." she finished with a sweet smirk of chastisement, careful to hide the boldness of her smile with a sleight of her hand.
Link returned with a grin. "Yeah, but I think today is just a tad bit different than me sneaking all of us into Muzu's workshop to get the apothecary vial to make us breathe underwater."
Mipha's eyes suddenly went stern, as if she knew her time was drawing to a close. "Go to her, Link...She needs you now. I know that..."
Link awoke from her words. "But, Mipha?"
"No buts and no more tears...This is right...I feel it... I'll always cherish the wonderful memories we shared together. And I know you will too. But, the Princess needs you now. They all need you. You must live, Link. You must live for both of us, okay? Give her all the love in the world and then some. You and she deserve it...I know in my heart that this is right," she sighed, eyes closed, fixed on her resolve and with her hand across her bosom.
"With this last gift, I bid you farewell, my love," She finished, opening her eyes while standing, pacing a few steps back. Hovering above him, she gathered a glowing ball of energy that consumed her. "There isn't much time. Even with all I can give, it will only be enough to get you to stand and move; but at least you'll live and will be able to still fight on. Too much of my power has waned for me to heal you completely since I lost my mortal body. I pray that this will be enough...I will give you all that I have left. Then I will no longer exist in this world..."
"No! Mipha! You can't! I can't allow you to do this! There has to be another way!"
"There's no use trying to stop me, Mister Brave boy! I've made up my mind!" She finished with a playful wink. "And besides, my time came long ago... It's time for me to let go of the past sweet Link...The living are who needs you now. She needs you...Goodbye, my friend. And may this love and grace bless you! And when I pass through the halls of Nayru, I will wait eagerly for you both...And when I depart from this place, please, take good care of Sidon for me! I know he admires and looks up to you. As do I... You're all he has left of me. The marvelous man that you've finally become. I leave you both, my friend. Now go! Be the hero Hyrule needs! The one they deserve!"
"Nooo! You can't! Mipha!" Link yelled.
The deed was done. Her spirit swelled with tremendous energy that all her being flashed into brilliant light. With her power exhausted and her choice made, all that remained of her was a fading, flickering silhouette that fell into him for a final embrace. The Zora Princess gifted him all her love and, with that, her soul.
Instantaneously, Link surged with raw power. Every tendon tightened as his wounds faded away to nothing but minuscule scratches. A wellspring of life overflowed within him, reinvigorating him with life-giving energy. He may not have been fully restored, but it was enough. It was all he needed to rise up to the challenge and fight...
The Moblin screeched a vicious war cry and lunged after Zelda. All the others could do was watch in horror. They were still to0 far away, and even if they were so bold enough to dare and try to help her, Malroc blocked the only path leading to her.
His presence alone instilled a forcefield wall of fear, barring their path. The evil servant of Ganon towered ahead of them, wearing a menacing grin, arms crossed as if he had already won and that victory was all but assured. The Princess, at long last, was now his for the taking. Zelda flinched and braced for the worst before her captors.
However, unbeknownst to her and coursing with new life and immense speed, and like so many times before, she awoke to find herself safely held in the tender arms of her Knight. Not in the clutches of vile villains at all.
Once again, he had swooped in so fast that the monsters hadn't a hope to know what had happened, and neither did she.
Tackling nothing but air, the Moblin jumped back up to its feet in a rage, spinning around frantically to see where they had fled to.
Zelda cleaved to the warmth of his sweet embrace. The perfume of his skin enveloped her and sent a shiver up her spine. It has only been a day, but it felt like a lifetime since she held him so close. And she has yet to tell him the way she truly felt about him. Could it wait any longer? What if this was their last moment? What is she waiting for?
And as busy and focused as he was in getting away, Link took the time to safely tuck her head under the guard of his chest as they whirled chaotically through the air. Ever so careful to protect her at all cost. To take any brunt of the attack that would dare to harm her.
Though well shielded in the careful care of his arms, the powers of such speed came with a caveat that unknown to Link would be most detrimental. Zelda was about to speak to all the emotions of her heart to him when the jolt of flying and spinning intensely while being held in his arms caused such a sudden rush of blood to flow up to her temples that she couldn't acclimate fast enough. She never had such experience with being flung with such swift lightning speed. It was too much. That before she knew it, she faded out of consciousness and passed out tucked away in his sweet hold.
A flood of memories consumed her. Her heart raced to a quickening, and like a climactic drum rolling to a halt, its last beat thumped. She desperately tried to remain awake but succumbed to the void.
In a blink of an eye, she fell into a never-ending white cloud of remembrance back to the past. One that was home to the nostalgic and tender moments she longed for so much. A place where young and eager feelings swelled within her bright-eyed soul. Back to a time where hope, love, and the promise of a new day still lived in her heart. Her eyes closed, and swirling rays of dreams flowed around her in the void and encompassed her.
"So sorry to disturb you, your majesty, but the ambassador from Hytopia has arrived and seeks to have an audience with you before today's celebration." The royal attendant said, coughing into his fist before glancing at the ever-present and annoying timepiece he kept around his wrist that beguiled Zelda all her life. Her days were a planned and meticulously calculated schedule to him. Never a free moment from dawn until dusk. Today would be no exception.
The man quickly mumbled under his breath, not to waste any more precious time. "Ugh, why do I even bother to count the hour. It's not like there is any sun in this place anyways. I must be going mad in my old age, I swear." The man palmed.
He then hastily fixed and stood at attention, remembering his purpose, and before anyone could speak a word, he promptly readdressed her. "As I was saying, your grace, the ambassador awaits to make their acquaintance with you." he finished, very careful to bar the entrance for anyone else to proceed after him into the massive and secluded chamber that lay hidden within the confines of the castle walls.
A palatial suite which's own history predated the castle itself. A natural hot spring that hearkened back to a time which existed only in a fairytale. An enchanted and lavish bathing area fit for royalty. The chamber was so exquisite and celestial that it stuck out of place among the rest of the castle.
Even the priestly scholars who long studied the scribbling of ancient texts believed that the castle may have been built around that location just for that majestic reason. A sacred pool to which the mysteries of its true purpose had long been lost to Legend.
Her attendant was even more careful to make absolutely sure that he and anyone else that stood behind him faced away as the Princess had just finished her steamy bath. "But, of course, if you're not ready, I can shoo this lot away, your highness! I totally understand if this is an inconvenient moment!"
Zelda elegantly emerged out from among the giant fount. She immediately was swarmed by a crowd of handmaidens, each to prepare her for the coming ceremony that day. Drips of water still rolled off of her hair and the small of her back and legs.
One after the other and without delay, a young girl would carefully cover her up in a delicate veil, glimmering in fancy shades of gold, blue, or even violet. Others would rub luscious oils or apply sweet perfumes to her skin in a frenzy.
"I believe I'm decent enough now to have a visitor; you may let them in Gastoe." The Princess finished, leaning over for one of the handmaids to cover the last of her naked shoulder. Ever so modest to make sure she was presentable. Though finished with that bit, her preparations would carry on for quite some time with the other girls.
Upon hearing her decree, the attendant clicked his heels at the entrance, ushering the guest to come through the grand archway that led into the fountain room. "Her majesty is right this way, ambassador; she is now ready and eagerly awaits you. And you may address her as your royal highness, Princess Zelda,"
Ladies in waiting bustled, each one of which were busily fussing over her to add their very own unique finishing touches to her dress. Each trying to outdo the other as if it were a competition. Even so much to playfully shove one another just to get a chance to make their mark on the young Princess.
They were members of Zelda's entourage and of the queen's court. Although there was no longer a queen for them to tend to, they belonged to her still the same. Most were young sheikah women, but several were also Hylian girls. Busy as bees, they fused over at who's design choice would be the crowning pattern to adorn her for the ceremony.
This wasn't just any old occasion to prepare her for. This would be for the coming festivities that were about to take place in the city that afternoon. The big day had come at last. The Trial and festival of the Flame. A once in a lifetime celebration. And Zelda was to be the host of honor for this momentous occasion.
This was her big public debut into high society, where she will claim her rightful place as Princess of the kingdom as she makes her formal appearance among the court and the rest of the nobility. Not to mention, she would be endowed with the sole task of dedicating and knighting the honorary fledglings into the service of the Royal Guard upon completion of their trials.
"Zelda is just fine, Gastoe. No need for such formalities when we have such honored guests among us." She said with a hearty giggle as she stood atop a dressing stool, glancing to her ever faithful attendant.
"Please be still princess, we're not done yet!" One of the older, hunched back wrinkly-faced maidens chastised. Tiptoeing around her carefully to make sure she wouldn't break formation. "You wouldn't want one of these girls to make a mistake, would you? A tedious thing would be to rework your dress if something were to go wrong. It could take hours!"
At the mere idea of standing any longer than she had to, Zelda flinched and perked up stiff, chin held up high to the ceiling. She couldn't bear to be a statue any longer, but if her being still meant they could finish sometime this century, then all the better.
"My apologies Princess, of course, whatever you wish," Gastoe finished with a bow. The man promptly left her to be in her private chamber as well as leaving their guest among them.
The ambassador couldn't help himself but gasp in awe as he crossed the threshold of the archway. He never imagined that Hyrule Castle would be home to such a well-kept secret enchanted chamber. The room was marvelous and spacious. Trims of gold brilliantly lifted the architecture, and soft, cozy silk pillows dotted the area for a leisurely resting sanctuary. Drapes of flowerful, delicate veils hung like tapestries breathing renewed life and warmth to the rest of the dreary cold stone of the castle that surrounded them. Transporting them to a place of wonder within the confines of those walls.
"Tell me, ambassador..."
"Yes? Princess?"
"Is it true that Hytopian girls wear their hair up high above their heads and paint them along with their eyes?"
"Your majesty?" The man leaned, unsure of her questioning. "Oh, you mean the latest fashion. Yes. I believe they call it the Hytopian Highroll. A fancy trick taught only to the most gifted artisans in our land. They lift and carry the lady's hair to hold stiff in a wave high above their heads. It is usually followed by a compliment of flowing curls that dance atop their shoulders. A marvelous trick indeed."
"Yes, that's the one!" Zelda spun with a gleaming smile. "Do you think I would be able to pull off such an elegant feat? Should I try it?" She said, cuffing her chin in contemplation before giddily hopping about on the stool she stood on in excitement at the prospect. "I hear the ladies that wear it are just absolutely stunning and that it is quite the eye-catching display back from where you're from! They say the young maidens wear it there as a beacon to those all around them that their heart is now ready for love and that in perfecting the roll could attract the attention of one's true love!"
"Why, Princess? Is there someone whose eyes you want to catch the gaze of this magical evening? "
"Oh, No!" Zelda quickly assured the room, frantically fanning away any misconception anyone may have had as her face bloomed red like a wildflower. Though there may have been one particular boy, she couldn't be sure; it's not even like she even met him up close before. Just curious is all. That being said, there was no reason why any of them should like to know.
Zelda cleared her throat." It's just, I thought it would be nice to honor our guests with a bit of tradition from their home country, that's all. I want to look my best for our esteemed visitors who traveled from such faraway lands to our noble city. I don't want them thinking us Hyrulians are a bunch of savages now!" She finished with a dispelling laugh to ease attention from her burning cheeks. "Though, even if I were to wear the high roll as you call it, I've never seen it performed myself to do so."
Urbosa fell into a burst of laughter, waling from the side of her. "Well, I think those girls look like a bunch of birds if you ask me, princess!"
"Urbosa!" Zelda gasped, eyes glistening in shock from the scandalous nature of her statement about those who are not of their ways.
The ambassador choked as well. The audacity of calling the latest trends of Hytopia anything less than perfection tasted sour on his tongue, but he held it nonetheless.
"Well, it's true! Prancing about with their flowery hair. Honestly, there's such a thing as going overboard, ya know. This city only has room for one squawking parrot. And, you know who I speak of..." Urbosa leaned with a grin as Zelda and the others anticipated who she was prattling about.
"Revali." Urbosa chuckled again before swaying her hips away to fuss over some trivial things strung about across the room. "You should have seen his temper earlier when I told him to come to the castle with all due haste with poor old Gastoe. He gave that fellow quite the earful."
"Oh yes, that reminds me, you said he is here in the city, and what did he say to you?" Zelda said.
"Yes, he is. And he knows way better than to talk to me in that way. I'm not poor little Gastoe. I won't stand for it. He knows what I can do to him...But, that being said, he is partially right. He, too, will need to have an audience with you, my little bird. Remember?"
"Yes, and I shall...But, first, this humble ambassador who has waited ever so patiently requires my attention. So, I guess he is just going to have to squawk just a little bit longer." Zelda giggled.
The ambassador spoke. "I am at your service, Princess of Hyrule."
"Please, no need for such formalities. Zelda is my name, and may I ask, what is yours?"
The tall pompous man bowed, waving his hands out from his fancy red cloak in princely elegance. He was slender, tall and his chin was sharp and brutish with an untrustworthy disposition. Yet, his tongue was as sweet as honey.
"Clarion, your grace. And I do believe if anyone could master the high roll better than anyone else, it would be you, fair young Princess." The man finished, his eyes zooming in on the teenage girl. He was well into his thirties but had the boldness of a younger man, one who would be on the prowl for such a tender heart to bend to his own.
She felt his eyes roll all over her body and quickly returned his graciousness with a nervous smile. And in an attempt to distract him away from her revealing silhouetting figure that shone through the thin linens she wore, she made another quick comment while she folded her arms. "I also hear the girls where you are from adorning themselves with dresses made from the fanciest of garments. That they bloom like flowers. Is that true as well? They even say they are spun from the very looms of the gods themselves. Could such a thing such as that be really possible?"
"That is what they say, Princess. But if I may be so bold..."
"You May," Zelda's eyes lifted up, and her golden hair whipped through the air in a brilliant sheen as she spun again to face him as he slowly approached her atop the stool where she stood.
"Truth be told, your magnificence, I have yet to come across any young lady with eyes as gorgeous as yours, your highness. Not even with all the finest artisans in the world could they paint any more beauty to those eyes. You are truly divinity realized."
Zelda choked, "You praise me too kindly, ambassador, when it isn't warranted. The honor is all mine. And for the rest of you," she coughed, trying yet again to dispel his evident and apparent advances with another comment to distract. The lustful look he was giving her made her stomach churn. He didn't even hide the fact that he licked his lips.
She quickly addressed her attendants and fellow ladies. "I must thank you all for taking such wonderful care to go above and beyond that is required for this momentous occasion. It is all too much...I bless and thank you...I hope and pray that I won't let you down this evening...So much is counting on me for tonight to be a roaring success. I hope I don't fail you all."
"I seriously doubt such a thing could be possible, Little bird," Urbosa remarked.
Hoping to get her attention again, the man cleared his throat. "Speaking to which your grace, the King of Hytopia grants you this offering in honor of your celebration. A humble token as an everlasting reminder to the friendship between our two peoples." The man finished with a loud clap. At his cue, two of his servants rushed into the chamber and offered a large and sturdy wooden chest before Zelda's feet that brimmed over with treasures from their home country.
"I believe that these were lavish linens you were inquiring about, dear Zelda of Hyrule? That and many more of the fine and exquisite things of your curious imagination lay within the confines of this small tribute! Riches from each far-flung corner of our kingdom."
Zelda marveled at the bounty that was laid before her. Shimmering rainbows of fanciful fabrics, sparkling jewels, gems, and all sorts of majestic treasures of untold fortune, the likes of which she has never seen before. Truly, these were the robes of heavenly hosts. If such a thing were possible on mortal earth. But, with that, she coughed into her fist before approaching the laden trove. "These will all do quite well for the least of my people ambassador. You and your King are too kind! Splendid!"
"Your highness?!" The ambassador's mouth dropped to the floor. His breath was taken away again but not from her beauty this time.
Zelda turned and radiated with a heartwarming smile that stretched across her whole face. With her eyes closed in pure dancing glee at the thought of it, she addressed them all again. "Yes, I will gift all these magnificent riches. Your King has given these elegant wonders to me so freely and with goodwill. I will put them all to good use. Surely, these wonderful garments will look much better wrapped around a young maiden from within my city than they could ever look on me. I just know some young girl, not unlike myself, would love such a fabulous dress such as this."
Zelda lifted one up from the trunk and waved it on display for all to behold its majesty. From the sparkling reflection of the shimmering linen it was made of to the twinkling back of the nearby ripples in the spring, bursts of overwhelming color beamed brightly into all their eyes. A symphony of elegance. Ribbons of the boldest pinks, purest whites, and deepest ocean blues. Each note complimenting harmoniously with the other more brilliantly than the last.
"A most spectacular and precious gown for a precious girl. One I know is just waiting for something like this to grace her, and if for a marvelous occasion, then all the better! For a special birthday celebration perhaps? Or maybe, a once-in-a-lifetime dress to reveal herself to her beloved on her wedding day... Wouldn't that be lovely a scene indeed? Yes, these will do quite nicely for them. It is what they deserve. I just can't wait to see their faces light up when I gift them these..." Zelda finished with a delightful giggle, eager at the thought of giving them all away.
Urbosa smirked at Zelda's comment, desperately trying to hold back the laughter from seeing the ambassador's mouth drop at the idea that a royal would stoop so low in his eyes to honor the poorest of their people. They were peasants, after all...Who is this girl?
"You disapprove, ambassador?" Zelda mischievously grinned and turned to him. The only person who looked like he just drank a potion of instant regret. Zelda disliked the haughty types. Those who would lift their noses at the common folk. So, any time she could get a rise out of one of them was a very welcoming treat indeed. She reveled in every second of his discomfort.
But playing the innocent, she continued to prod him. "I mean, if you don't think I should..."
"Oh no, no, no...I think they will perform quite nicely. It's just..."
"Just what?" Zelda smirked, eager to hear his fumbling response.
"Nothing your grace, uh, I mean Zelda."
"They will do greatly then! Thank you!" She said as she spun gleefully about to admire more gifts to give.
The ambassador choked and stepped closer. "It's just..."
"Just what?" she turned.
"It's just that I thought you would enjoy having these gowns in your wardrobe, fair Princess. That's all."
"Well, ambassador, my wardrobe is bursting full at present, though I thank thee for the kind gesture. But today is for the people, and so you bring this tribute for today. Thus wouldn't you say that it is only fitting that they then receive it?"
"...Well...I mean," the ambassador choked, seeing his seductive moment he thought he had slip through his fingers faster than sand through a sieve.
"Then it is settled!" Zelda beamed again.
At that exact instant, a fuss brewed just outside the chamber. A commotion or a scuffle was taking place.
Urbosa hopped to attention from the clatter coming from down the hall. "What in seven heroines is going on out there?'
Raised voices could be heard.
"I swear if you don't let me in right now, I will personally throw your ugly mug off this wall and down into the courtyard! Maybe then you'll bump your head and get some sense!"
"I'm sorry, miss, but to see the princess is by appointment only."
"Why you overblown, overzealous, nincompoop! I'm a member of the King's court! I don't need an appointment!"
"Then where is your badge?"
"Badge? How about I show you this badge!"
Zelda and the others fell quiet by the commotion, and her ears perked at the recognition of her voice.
The scuffle continued outside.
"I'm sorry, please! No need for violence!"
"Out of my way! And you call yourself a guardsman. All brawn and no brains! I'm Impa!"
"I'm sorry, I'm new to the castle... My apologies..."
The sleek shiekah girl then shoved him aside and slowly made her advance toward the chamber.
Zelda's eyes immediately lit up, and she lept off her stool, nearly collapsing from forgetting about the tangled dress wrapped around her. "Impa! She's here! What!?"
The Princess bolted past all her maidens. Even absent-mindedly shoving by the ambassador, who was on the verge of speaking before almost tumbling him into the bathing pool.
Impa waltzed in the room and, with a smirk, spoke. "Yep, it's me! You didn't really think I would miss your big day, did you?"
Zelda was at a loss for words and embraced her in her arms in a joyous hug.
"Easy, easy, I can't breathe, princess," Impa teased.
"I missed you!" Zelda exclaimed, eyes on the verge of happy tears.
"I missed you too! But even better, look what we discovered!"
Zelda interrupted and stepped back from choking her. "But, your letter? I just received it this morning? How could you be here already?"
"Well, you know how it is, Princess. Hyrule's postal system is as slow as the day is long. I've seen faster chu-chu slugs."
Zelda giggled. "Too true. Well, in any case, I'm glad you came. I have much to tell you!"
"As do I!"
"Well then, you first!" Zelda couldn't contain her excitement. Impa has been away for weeks and weeks on a field excavation with most other shiekah scientists. Unfortunately, it was too far away from the kingdom's center for her to wander to without a small host of troops. For that reason, her father forbade her to go for her safety.
"So, how was Draene? The Stonelands?"
Impa hunched and made a show of acting, not excited. "It was..."
"It was?"
"It was exhilarating!" Impa jumped. "We have made more progress there in a month than we have in three years doing so here. It appears that most of the secrets from the ancients were sitting deep within the stone of their mountains this entire time. Silent for millennia, just waiting to be uncovered. Though we have only scratched the surface, much of it all is still a mystery."
"Oh!?"
Urbosa gallantly strolled over, shoulders grazing past the ambassador. In a whisper to him, she spoke to only he could hear. "And here you thought the way to catch the Princess's eye is with fancy things or glistening treasures. Too bad. If only you could have known. It's the knowledge and wisdom to understand all the curious things of this world and its people. That is where her heart lies. Oh well, better luck next time!" She finished with a hearty chuckle, amused by his failure. The man was a lech. And not suitable at all for her sweet little bird.
He was left speechless and face noticeably perturbed with a tinged red.
Zelda leaned closer to Impa but was momentarily distracted by Urbosa and the man's short exchange from behind her.
Urbosa made her way near, and Zelda spoke. "What was that about?"
"Oh, nothing, me and the ambassador just had a bit of an understanding."
"Oh, okay then. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, everything is as right as rain. So, what did I miss?"
"I was just about to ask Impa that same thing!?" Zelda chuckled.
But, before she could, the ambassador stomped toward them and addressed the Princess. "Well, if my presence is no longer needed here, then I must take my leave! I've come what I came to do, and now it is done. Good luck at today's festival; we are all just dying to see your shining moment."
Zelda went quiet for a brief moment but then shrugged off his demeanor. "Thank...thank you, ambassador, and thank you so much for the gifts your King has given my people. With all my heart."
"The honor is all mine. Good day!" And with that, he stomped past Impa through the archway and was gone.
"What's his deal?" Impa questioned, spinning around to see him trail off.
"He..." Zelda cleared her throat.
"He is of no concern, and he is gone." Urbosa interrupted. "Now, what do you have to tell us?"
Impa perked up again. "Right as I was saying!—"
But before she could, another voice roared down from the hall and made its way to them at the chamber door.
"Nice try, Impa! But, it was I who discovered it!"
"Purah!" Zelda exclaimed.
"Well yeah, who else you think has the wits and know how to achieve such a marvelous thing?"
Impa frowned. "Well, you say that, but it was I who—"
"Shush shush, were over that, remember!"
Zelda and Urbosa were perplexed by their tomfoolery, sisterly quarrel. What were they going about?
"Yeah but, if it wasn't for me solving that rune, none of the discoveries would have been found."
"Small potatoes. You may have figured it out first, but if I wasn't too busy dealing with amateurs like Robbie and the others, I would have no doubt solved it myself! I swear with those boys! It's like trying to coral cats!"
The chatter of debating back and forth continued between them for some time. Zelda's brows furrowed, and she had about enough she could stand. "Okay! Enough already, you two! Spit it out!" She finished with an exasperated gasp. Finally able to breathe freely yet again.
Purah jolted, and Impa stiffened. "Sorry, princess." They both exclaimed.
Then Purah took a step forward, and Zelda returned her smile. "This...This is what we found." The young shiekah girl then leaned back and unlatched her satchel. Tucked away, she grabbed and lifted up what seemed like a brick of solid stone.
Zelda leaned, curious eyes scanning over the mysteriously shaped object. It was of stone but not of any type she had seen before. The Stonelands was known for all types of quarry, but this sort she was sure she had never laid eyes on ever before.
And just as she thought that was the peak of the mystery, Purah carefully, as if practiced, ran her finger down the spine of it and her eyes glowed red. The first time ever. Zelda was spellbound, and even Urbosa stood by mesmerized. Not only by the transformation to Purah's eyes but by the object itself. Never has anything happened like this.
It glistened and cracked. What looked like rivers of blue light pulsed and gleamed, zigging and zagging all around the brick in perfect lines.
And then the item illuminated the whole room with the brightness of the sun and when Zelda opened her eyes from the fade of the beaming light, revealed in Purah's hand was a slate-like artifact. So curious.
"We call it the Sheikah slate. Though we don't know its true name..." Purah said softly, handing it over to Zelda as if her performance exhausted part of her.
Zelda quizzically gazed at it. Astonished by what she beheld in her hands. "Amazing... It's like magic...Something you hear in children's stories."
"Not magic!" Purah corrected with a stiff finger. My ancestors didn't dabble in silly superstition."
"Of course." Zelda returned. "But, what do you suppose its function is?"
"I have no idea whatsoever."
Zelda, Impa, and Urbosa as one stumbled over themselves before quickly returning to their feet.
Impa jumped. "You mean this entire time; you still have no idea! Three weeks now! And this coming from the greatest scientific mind of our age!" She said, finishing her statement holding air quotes with her fingers in jest.
Purah snapped. "Hey! Watch it! It's not like I had any help once I recovered it from its hidden vault. If you're so smart, then why don't you tell us what it does?"
"Um, well...I..." Impa choked.
Zelda exclaimed, back already turned from both of them. Still too carried away studying it to even pay attention to their arguments. "I see! Take a look!"
Impa and Purah simultaneously gasped. "Huh?"
"You mentioned that you had to solve runes to get this correct?"
"Well, yes..." Impa returned.
"See here, this symbol...at the top. This insignia. I've studied many sigils and signs throughout my life, and this is most certainly one of them."
Purah lept closer. "You think so?"
"Yes... Tell me, the vault you discovered it in, did it have this symbol? Anywhere...This rune?"
Zelda lifted up the artifact and showed her. The symbol of that was a lens and eye at the top of the blank blue, glowing screen.
"Yes... actually, the doorway had that."
"Anything else? See, it's blinking...Was there anything else in the chamber that had this exact symbol?"
Purah stepped back and cupped her chin, and squinted back in recollection. "Well, there may have been a table protruding out from the ground. But it was just a table. There were many things in that cavern."
"Are you sure? Maybe it was something else entirely. Maybe this device is connected to the table somehow. Did you ever lay this near its symbol that was on the table? Maybe there could have been a reaction of some type?"
Purah froze. And for what seemed like hours, she burst and lept where she stood, slapping her forehead. "Ah! Dammit! How could I be so stupid! You're a sharp one, Princess!"
Zelda fell quiet and looked at her curiously.
"Yes, of course! That's it... That's not a table at all; it's a podium. Likely a command and control center!"
"And that means!"
Impa interrupted joyfully. "Then that means if we combine them both, surely a reaction would happen!"
"Exactly!" Zelda jumped and reached out for both of them, and they all danced for a second gleefully.
Urbosa laughed. "See, Princess! Things are already starting to take a turn for the better for us! We will know the mysteries of these ancients in no time! And after today, you'll be even more ready! There's much to be hopeful for!"
"You're right, Urbosa...Hope, hope is what we need now! It is our most treasured commodity! Like a weak and flickering flame in a windless night, it must survive the storm! We must!"
Purah reassured. "Then, after tonight's ceremony, how about we take all those new handsome young troops of yours back to the Stonelands! Or shall I say, the one!'" She elbowed with a smirk to Zelda's side. "Don't think I haven't heard about you..."
Zelda blushed. But before she could contend otherwise, the notion. Purah continued. "We shall have no problem if those troops come with us. Then we can uncover the mysteries together! What say you!?"
Zelda hopped, full of excitement. Meeting each of their smiling eyes before stepping back with a smile of her own. "I say...Yes!"
Everyone fell into roaring laughter, and Zelda whispered to herself among the chorus of happy faces all around. "Hope...that is what we have...Perhaps now, we have a chance."
Before slowly fading into the white of her memories from one hundred years ago...
Link nestled Zelda close in his arms as he landed away from enemies. It didn't take long before he realized he had to get somewhere safe. Not too far off, he made for a nearby enclave of broken stone among some thick rubble that littered part of the city. "Zelda. We're almost there." He whispered
Link's heart raced, and his hands trembled as he held her close. Remembering only then to let her loose as to not suffocate her. Once among a clearing far from villains and well cloaked among a labyrinth of broken buildings, he laid her down gently. Only then did he fall to his knees by her side and realize she wasn't responsive. Instantly, his relief gave way to worry and panic. "Oh no, Zelda...Please, what's wrong!?" He pleaded.
Fright jolted all his senses, and he had to force his hands steady from shaking to study her further as she laid out in front of him. Her chin set against to side of the cold stone floor. He reassuringly parted her bangs and immediately began an effort to revive her. But, just as he did so, an eruption roared from behind them louder than the last. Gradual daunting and thundering steps of doom drew nearer. The battle waged on, and its architect of disaster was on his way.
Link slowly rose to his feet from cherishing her face close in his embrace. He knew what he had to do and what must be done. No matter the sacrifice. The nightmare ends now…And when you awake, it will all be over. Even if I'm not here…You, and all of Hyrule will be safe once and for all…
Authors Notes: I've decided to split up the chapter into 2 parts. xD I went with my gut on this one. The good news is, the next part is completed and will be also released soon. Just need to make some final edits and tweaks. If you do enjoy the fic, let me know. Your words help me a lot. After the next chap I will be starting the next arc of the story.
UPDATE: 1-21-2022 - I have been writing a bunch. So, that's the good news. The bad news is, I've been writing a bunch into the next arc. I know I need to focus on the last 5% of this part of the story and publish it. But, when I'm feeling inspired, entrenched in the scenes and the creative ideas are flowing, I have to act on them. It's just the way my mind works. I have to feel and see the characters. I have to hear their dialogue back and forth with eachother in my mind. But, don't worry, I will post the ending very soon. It's basically finished. It just needs some minor corrections and tweaks. So, expect it soon. That being said, thanks so much for being patient and reading thus far. I do hope you will enjoy the ending of this arc when it drops. As always, let me know your thoughts and critiques. I love hearing them. Have a great day wherever you are in Hyrule.
-Skycloudrain