Chapter 45 - Confrontation
Summary: Zelda decides they should attempt to open the secret door, and Link travels to the Forgotten Temple to do so. The Yiga Clan attacks with possibly terrible consequences.
The evening was dark and stormy, the relentless rain creating a rhythmic sound as it splattered against the chalky cliffs of the Breach of Demise. The Yiga spy, disguised as Landon earlier that day, waited patiently for his colleague to arrive. The Breach of Demise was ideal for their meeting, with its numerous nooks and crannies providing perfect hiding spots. Despite the heavy rainfall, his Sheikah-modeled clothing remained completely dry, a testament to its waterproof design.
The newcomer appeared abruptly, skipping any formalities and getting straight to the point.
"What's your update for our Master?" he demanded.
"I've made significant progress in just one day," replied the spy confidently. "I've managed to infiltrate the temple and glimpse the sealed door. Unfortunately, our magic is not strong enough to open it. We'll have to rely on our enemies for that."
The other Yiga member nodded thoughtfully. "With respect to that, I've obtained valuable information," he disclosed. "It seems that Link's legendary sword is required to unlock the door. Our best course of action is to closely watch Link and his movements."
"Agreed," said the spy. "If Link heads to the temple, we must be prepared to attack. Do you have any other updates?"
"Only that we should continue meeting at night when the Rito have poor vision," advised his companion. "Word has spread that they are now more vigilant than ever, using their sharp avian eyesight to patrol from above."
"Understood," acknowledged the spy. "Any other news?"
"Unfortunately, no. We've had little luck in convincing more Hyrule traitors to join us. With Lord Ganon's defeat, we have little to offer them regarding rewards or promises for their betrayal."
"Well, I need some rest. Tomorrow will be another busy work day for me."
With a mystical wave of their hands, the two Yiga members activated their teleportation magic and vanished into the darkness, leaving behind only the sound of rain and distant thunder as a reminder of their presence.
The storm ended during the night, and rays of sunlight danced across the small family dining room in Hyrule Castle, illuminating Queen Zelda as she sat alone at the table. She savored her breakfast, taking delicate sips of tea in between bites of fruit and toast. Checking the time, she saw that Mipha and Link would be free now, their children safely with their tutors. She sighed softly, setting down her cup and picking up her Sheikah Slate. Then, she transmitted a message to them with a few swift movements, requesting a video call.
In Zora's Domain, Mipha and Link were just finishing tidying up at home after dropping off their children with their tutors when their Sheikah Slate chimed with a message. Mipha retrieved it and read the urgent request from Zelda before passing it to Link with a sigh.
"I'm pretty sure I know what this is about," said Mipha as Link read the brief message.
Dear Mipha and Link,
Can we please have a conference call to discuss the Forgotten Temple?
"Why don't you place the call," said Mipha, and Link nodded.
Link pressed the rune Purah had installed on all their devices, and a moment later, they could see Zelda sitting at the breakfast table.
"Good morning. I hope you are both doing well," she said.
"We are, thank you," replied Link.
"I'll get right to the point. I've agonized over this for days, but I've finally reached a decision. I believe we should open this mysterious door we uncovered. Robbie thinks it may hold something useful in the defense of Hyrule. He also feels that the only way to unseal the door is to energize it with the power of the Master Sword. So, Link, we will need your presence at the Forgotten Temple to do this."
"I understand," said Link. "When do you need me to go?"
"I'll need a day to coordinate with Robbie and arrange extra security measures," explained Zelda. "Let's plan for tomorrow night after all the Hylian workers have gone home."
"Of course, I'll be there," replied Link.
"And Mipha, I apologize for needing Link's involvement in this. But we will have guards there to ensure everyone's safety, and I will send a pair of Royal Guards to escort Link from your domain tomorrow afternoon," said Zelda.
"I understand, Zelda," replied Mipha. "I trust my husband to do what is best."
"Then we can end this call. Thank you both for your bravery and support," concluded Zelda.
Mipha's gaze met Link's.
"I don't want to keep repeating myself, but remember everything you promised me, and don't attempt anything reckless," said Mipha.
"I won't," replied Link softly as he took her hand in his. "I've faced tough challenges before, and I know my limits."
"And most importantly, remember how much we all love you," added Mipha, gazing into his eyes.
"I'll never forget that," assured Link. "I live for you and our children. I'll return safely."
They shared a long kiss, then returned to straightening up the house.
At dinner that evening, they explained the details of Link's upcoming mission to Raypha and Tidon.
"How dangerous is it?" asked Raypha.
"I don't believe it poses a significant threat," answered Link. "But there is always an element of uncertainty."
"Mom, why aren't you going with Dad to help him? He always says you were an invaluable ally on your quest to save Hyrule," inquired Tidon.
"As your father just stated, we don't anticipate any danger, and…I think it's better for me to stay here to watch over both of you," explained Mipha. "Tomorrow I will write a note to your tutors telling them that we are picking you up early from class so you can say goodbye."
That night, as Mipha and Link cuddled in their slumber pool together, they rested their heads against each other.
"We don't need to say anything more tonight," whispered Mipha. "You know how I feel. Just rest. I want you to be at your best tomorrow."
Nestled in her embrace, Link replied, "Resting in your arms is all I ever need or want. There is so much I would like to say about how happy you made my life. But I think we will both start crying if I do that. So, just hold it in your heart that I have never been happier than my time with you. Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you."
Mipha smiled and gently stroked his forehead as she held his head above the water. "I love you, too," she whispered in response.
The next day, the weather remained clear as the sun bathed the Forgotten Temple in warm sunlight and workers returned to resume excavation. Anton scanned the bustling crowd for Landon as they entered the temple and finally spotted him. But he was too far away to greet. Perhaps it was for the best, Anton thought to himself. His wife had agreed that Landon's unusual behavior was worth reporting to Dr. Robbie, reminding him of their instruction to always err on the side of caution. However, finding an opportunity to do so would be a challenge. Anton worked in the front room of the temple, while Dr. Robbie spent most of his time in the very rear, where secrets were more likely to be uncovered. Landon also worked in the back, and Anton did not want him to see him talking to Dr. Robbie. He would have to wait for a chance encounter or hope that Dr. Robbie paid a visit to the front room at some point during the day.
But as fate would have it, Anton's chance never came that day.
It was mid-afternoon in Zora's Domain as two Royal Guard soldiers patiently waited for Link to say goodbye to his family at the village end of the Great Zora Bridge.
Link's heart was heavy as he embraced his daughter Raypha first and then his son Tidon, tears shimmering in their eyes as they bid their father farewell. He hated to put his children through such worry for him, but they were too old to pretend nothing was happening.
"Please take care of yourself, Dad," said Raypha, her voice trembling with emotion. "We love you."
"Yes, Dad," added Tidon, trying to hide his sadness behind a brave smile.
"I love both of you too and will be home soon," promised Link before turning to Mipha.
Their embrace was filled with longing and love, each holding on tightly as if it would make saying goodbye easier.
"Be safe, my love," whispered Mipha after they parted from their kiss. "I know bravery lights your way, but may your heart bring you back home to us."
With a last wave goodbye, Link joined the Royal Guards as they began their journey across the Great Zora Bridge. The sound of the rushing river below echoed in their ears as they made their way to where three horses awaited them.
As they watched Link recede into the distance, Mipha finally spoke up.
"Come, let's go home," she said, taking her children's hands in hers and leading them away from the bridge and back towards their house by Mikau Lake.
"I'm glad tomorrow is the weekend," said Raypha as they walked. "I don't think I can concentrate on my studies worrying about Dad."
"You need to trust in his skill and judgment, as I do," replied Mipha. "He is amazing at combat and self-defense. You only saw a small glimpse of his skill in the Gerudo Highlands."
Her words brought some comfort to Raypha as they walked toward the comfort of their home. Mipha realized she had to navigate a narrow waterway - keeping a brave face for her children while concealing her own worry.
Meanwhile, as Link and the two guards walked together, the guards introduced themselves.
"I'm Captain Leon, and this is Lieutenant Stan," said Leon. "It's an honor to be accompanying you, Captain Link."
"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Link replied. "Lieutenant Stan? That sounds familiar. Didn't you win the swordsmanship competition last year?"
Stan blushed slightly. "Yes, Sir. I'm surprised you knew about that. And Captain Leon won three years ago."
"I like to keep up with Hyrule army news when I can," laughed Link as they reached their horses and mounted them. "Congratulations to you both."
"We hope you don't feel our company is just extra baggage for you," said Leon. "We know of your legendary combat skills and your ability to protect yourself. But Her Majesty insisted on guards joining you for added protection, and she wanted the most highly skilled officers for the task."
Link smiled warmly at them. "On the contrary, I welcome your company. I'm not as young as I once was, and it's been a while since I've had a good fight,though I work hard to stay in practice. It never hurts to have three sets of eyes watching out for danger."
"Thank you," said Leon. "Our first stop should be at the Woodland Stable to rest and water our horses, then we will head west traveling north of the castle. We can board our horses at the Serenne Stable and journey on foot directly to the Forgotten Temple from there."
They prodded their horses to move, beginning their journey. At first, the road was full of twists and turns, forcing them to dismount and walk their horses at several spots along the way. The group rode in silence, each one keenly scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. The path finally straightened out as they reached the Inogo Bridge, and they could urge their horses into a steady gallop.
For Link, reaching the Inogo Bridge brought back memories of a rainy afternoon when he and Mipha sheltered under one of the tall structures there. It was on their journey back to the domain after freeing all the Divine Beasts and retrieving the sword that seals the darkness in preparation for his critical battle against Calamity Ganon. Little did he know, it would be the last afternoon before Mipha changed his life forever by making his dreams come true. On that same night, he and Mipha finally confessed their love for each other. How long ago was that now - eighteen years? It felt like a lifetime ago as he had a flashback of sitting with Mipha at the bridge.
As they reached the Inogo Bridge, they decided to rest for a moment and climbed up into one of the two Zora-built structures there. It offered seating, modest shelter, and a view of the surrounding area. A light rain began to fall as they sat together, and they had to move to the center of the structure and sit on the floor, leaning against it to avoid getting wet as the rain dripped onto the top and down the sides. Link looked over at Mipha and could see the excitement in her eyes as she neared her home.
"You certainly look happy to be coming home!" said Link.
"Yes, I am," said Mipha. "I love it here in the domain! And I miss my family. These two structures mark the entrance to the domain and the first sight of home for me in quite some time. Do you mind waiting here for a bit while it rains? I'm enjoying sitting here with you in this lovely weather."
"No, there's no hurry. I'm enjoying it, too," said Link. "I like the sound of rain. I hated climbing in it, but we're already up here. Forgive me, but I sometimes used to think of the domain as my home as well. I never really had a permanent home as long as I can remember. When I had time, I always thought of coming to see you. It was the closest thing to coming home I had. And the domain holds a lot of memories for me."
"For me, too," said Mipha. "And I'm glad you felt welcome enough to think of here as your home."
"You and your father always made me feel welcome. When I was small, I didn't think anything of it. But later, when I was older and realized how important a person you are as Zora royalty, I felt ashamed that I took up so much of your precious time and took your friendship for granted. You were very kind."
"Thank you," said Mipha. "But I wasn't just being kind. I enjoyed your company too. And I wish you would not think of my position so much."
Later that night, they would walk to Veiled Falls together, and with Mipha's prompting, he would finally summon up the courage to tell her he loved her. But why was he getting all sentimental now? He had work to do. Link shook his head to clear his thoughts as they galloped along the northern shore of the Zora River toward the Woodland Stable.
After arriving, they handed their horses over to the stable hand for care before cooking some simple meals in the cooking pot.
"Nothing out of the ordinary so far," Leon reported. "Although I did spot some suspicious individuals loitering along the road."
"I saw them too, and they could be members of the Yiga Clan in disguise," Link agreed. "But we had no choice but to pass by them if we wanted to reach the temple on time. Hopefully, they won't cause any issues."
After a well-deserved break, it was time to continue their journey. The horses stood patiently as the riders mounted, and they continued along the road through the southern edge of the Minshi Woods. Rays of sunlight peeked through the swaying leaves, casting a dappled glow over the forest floor as the occasional squirrel scurried away into the undergrowth at their approach. Once they reached the base of the Rauru Hillside, they veered off the road that curved south toward the castle and continued west instead, staying to the southern edge of Elma Knolls.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers as they crossed the vibrant Irch Plain. Link couldn't help but smile at the memory of Zelda taking several pictures of the beautiful flowers there and then attempting to feed him a Hot Footed Frog for "scientific purposes." They kept to the south of Salari Hill and arrived at the evergreen tree surrounded Serenne Stable as dusk began to settle in. As he fed his horse a farewell apple and handed over the reins to a stable attendant, Link could see workers making their way home from Tanagar Canyon in the distance, their figures silhouetted against the fading light.
"It's nice to stretch my legs," Link commented as they began walking north towards the lift that would bring them from the Tanagar Canyon's eastern rim to the Forgotten Temple entrance. "I haven't been on horseback like this in a long time. I get most of my exercise in the water … I mean from swimming."
"I'm sure we ride more frequently, but the walk is refreshing for us as well," chuckled Leon as he noticed Link blush. "And we know who you married, Captain Link."
The tall grass rustled with the gentle breeze and the occasional jump of a Restless Cricket. A Grassland Fox foraging for insects hurried away as they passed nearby. It was a beautiful evening, and Link thought of Mipha and wished she could be there by his side to share it with him.
Meanwhile, in their house adjoining Mikau Lake, a somber mood had settled over Mipha, Raypha, and Tidon as they sat down to dinner. The scent of freshly caught fish filled the air, but no one seemed to have an appetite. It felt strange not to also smell the aroma of lightly spiced fish sizzling in a pan, as Link would normally cook his fish before joining them. Mipha finally broke the silence.
"I know you're both really anxious since your Dad left for his mission. You need to trust in his ability, as he's been through a good deal of training and experience for moments like this."
"But every time you talk about it, Mom, you look worried. Is it riskier than you're letting on?" Tidon asked.
"Yes, Mom, you always say he's strong, but you can't hide that you're afraid, too. We're not little anymore; we can handle the truth," said Raypha.
"You're right. I am worried," Mipha sighed. "It's an unknown mission, and pretending otherwise won't help. But your Dad is not just brave; he's the best at what he does. He's faced tough situations before and always comes out victorious. I believe in my heart he will this time too."
"I just wish we could do something to help," said Tidon.
"I wish the same. But the best thing we can do right now is to be strong here at home and keep faith in him," said Mipha.
"But we should do something to show we're thinking of him. Maybe we can prepare something for his return?" Raypha asked.
"That's a wonderful idea, sweetheart. Let's plan a welcome home surprise. It'll give us something positive to focus on."
"Okay, Mom. Let's stay strong for Dad. He'll be back before we know it," said Tidon enthusiastically.
"And when he returns, we'll be here, waiting with open arms," said Raypha.
"Indeed we will," said Mipha. "Indeed we will. Now, let's all eat our fish."
Meanwhile, at Tanagar Canyon, Link, Leon, and Stan rode down the lift and entered the Forgotten Temple.
"Wow!" said Link as he glanced around, his breath taken away. "It already looks so much better than my last recollection."
As they walked through the temple, they passed by scattered Gorons - some resting on the ground, others tending to pots of flaming coals to prepare their evening meal of hearty rock roasts.
"We were told to go directly to the very rear of the temple near the statue of Hylia," said Leon, and Link nodded, continuing to marvel at the partially restored structure, which was already a vast improvement from his last visit.
In the back room, Purah, Robbie, and two other Royal Guards were waiting for them. Robbie's excitement was palpable as he greeted Link.
"Welcome, Link!" he exclaimed, getting straight to the point. "Her Majesty is keeping track of our progress through Dr. Purah's Sheikah Slate. We believe you have the key to unlocking this mysterious door - or rather, your sword does. Come and see for yourself."
Link followed Robbie to the sealed door adorned with Hylia's crest and listened intently as he explained what they knew.
"According to my translations, this is called the Hero's Alcove," said Robbie. "There may be something inside that can aid us in defending Hyrule from its enemies. But the only way to open it is by using your sword's energy wave on the symbol."
"Are we ready to proceed?" asked Link. "Shall I attempt it now?"
"Yes, we are all eagerly awaiting what will happen," replied Robbie.
Robbie cautiously stepped back to join the others, leaving Link alone in front of the sturdy stone door. He tightly held onto his sword and raised it skyward. The sacred energy that emanated from the sword made it glow bright white, illuminating the entire temple and banishing any lurking shadows. Onlookers quickly shielded their eyes from the intense light. With a powerful downward swing, Link directed a beam of light toward the door, striking it with full force.
The symbol of Hylia etched onto the door instantly began to radiate in response, growing brighter and brighter until it was nearly blinding. With a rumble and a cloud of ancient dust, the massive door slowly slid open, revealing a secret room beyond.
"Amazing!" exclaimed Robbie in awe as he stepped forward to get a closer look.
The small room was dark for an instant, and then a row of lanterns along each wall spontaneously lit with a steady blue flame, identifying their source as ancient energy. At the entrance stood a large chest with something engraved on its lid, and beyond it, a tall slab of purplish blue material with Hylia's crest and a Triforce symbol above it engraved at the base, with the rest covered with symbols in an ancient alphabet.
"I'll read the inscription on the chest," Robbie announced, stepping forward and brushing off some dust from the lid. He spent a few minutes struggling to translate the ancient language.
"Do you need help, Dr. Robbie?" Purah asked, but Robbie waved her off.
"I've got it now, as best as I can tell," he replied.
Within this chest lies four ancient Zonai weapons, passed down through generations to the Sheikah for the protection of our land. Each weapon was crafted with exquisite detail and enhanced by a flawless gem imbued with powerful magic: a golden Topaz Scimitar for the fierce Gerudo warriors, a fiery Ruby Sledgehammer for the unyielding Gorons, a shimmering Sapphire Sword for the swift and agile Rito, and a sparkling Opal Spear for the graceful Zora. These legendary weapons possess unimaginable power and must be wielded with great caution. Along with the blade that seals darkness and the sealing power of the princess , they can defend Hyrule against any force of evil that threatens it. May Goddess Hylia watch over and safeguard us all.
"Fascinating," remarked Purah. "I would like to study these."
"So would I," said Robbie. "I imagine these were the best weapons available before the Sheikah built the Divine Beasts and Guardians, but perhaps they were too difficult to control."
The sound of Zelda's voice echoed through the chamber from Purah's Sheikah Slate.
"What a relief! I feared something terrible might result from opening this door."
"Should we open the chest?" Link asked.
"Yes, let us see these extraordinary weapons," replied Zelda with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Link knelt down and carefully opened the chest, revealing four magnificent weapons that seemed untouched by the passage of time. The air around the chest seemed to hum with energy as it radiated from the precious artifacts within. Each weapon was adorned with a gleaming gemstone, emitting a vibrant hue that caught the eye, whether yellow, red, blue, or white.
Suddenly, the sound of chuckling echoed through the silent temple, and a cold, sinister voice spoke out from the darkness.
"You spoke too soon, Your Majesty. This will be a day Hyrule never forgets!" the voice taunted.
In an instant, chaos erupted as six Yiga Blademasters with deadly intent appeared and lunged forward, wind-cleaver blades gleaming menacingly. Link's muscles tensed, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he swiftly reacted. With a sharp swing of his sword, he engaged the nearest warrior, their blades clashing with a metallic clang that reverberated in the room.
Meanwhile, Leon, Stan, and the two other Royal Guards leaped into action, engaging four of the Yiga Clan warriors who were closing in on them. The air crackled with tension as swords clashed, and grunts of effort filled the chamber. The acrid scent of metal and sweat mixed in the confined space, adding to the sense of impending danger.
As Link battled fiercely, his movements were a blur of precision and agility. It all came back to him, his experience and training not having failed him. With each strike and parry, his focus was unwavering on his enemy despite the chaos surrounding him. The enemy warriors fought with a cunning ferocity, their goal clear - to eliminate any threats to their mission.
The fight raged on, blows landing with resounding impacts that echoed off the ancient temple walls. Amidst the clash of swords and shouts of battle cries, Link's mind raced with calculations and instincts honed through countless trials and combat experiences. He moved with calculated speed and precision, anticipating his opponents' moves before they could make them.
With a swift spin and a powerful thrust, Link disarmed one of the Yiga Blademasters, sending their weapon clattering across the stone floor, and with a groan, he teleported away. The tide of battle seemed to turn in their favor as Leon and Stan also managed to subdue their adversaries. Then, two of the remaining Yiga broke off their fight and also teleported away. That accounted for five of the Yiga, but where was the sixth?
With a sinking feeling, Link turned back to the secret doorway. The chest was empty and the weapons gone, the sixth Sheikah having used the chaos of the moment to seize them and teleport away. Link's chest heaved with exertion as he turned to assess the aftermath of the skirmish. Robbie and Purah were unscathed but visibly shaken by the ordeal. And it was a testament to Goron ability to sleep through anything, that not a single one came to investigate what happened.
"Is anyone hurt?" Link gasped between breaths.
One guard had a minor cut across his arm, but everyone else was unhurt.
The room fell into an uneasy silence as they caught their breath, tension still thick in the air like a storm waiting to break. By now, everyone noticed the chest was empty and realized the damage that had been done. These dangerous weapons, whatever they were, had fallen into the hands of their sworn enemy, creating a terrifying menace that sent chills down everyone's spine. Then Purah spoke up.
"How could the Yiga Clan have known our plans with such precision?" exclaimed Purah, her voice laced with frustration. "There must be a treacherous spy lurking among your workers, Dr. Robbie."
Robbie's brow furrowed in deep thought as he replied, "I cannot deny the possibility. However, a spy within our ranks would only have known of the existence of this secret room, not the exact moment we intended to reveal it."
Zelda interjected, "And I made the decision to open it just yesterday morning during a private call, when I was completely alone."
"Yes, and both Mipha and I were in solitude when we received the call," added Link.
Purah shook her head in disbelief. "But how could anyone know our method of opening it? That information was kept strictly between us."
"Well…there is a chance that one of the workers may have overheard my conversation with Your Majesty and Dr. Purah yesterday morning," suggested Robbie. "I don't recall seeing anyone near my tent after the call ended, though."
Zelda chimed in, "It's also possible that someone overheard my end of the call at the castle or even my later discussion with Royce."
"So Royce was also aware of our plan?" Link asked.
"Yes, but I find it impossible to believe he could be a traitorous spy," said Zelda firmly. "My intuition, as well as my heart, tells me otherwise."
"Well, I imagine we must save further such investigations for later," Purah sighed.
Link nodded in agreement.
"Yes, the pressing matter now is deciding what to do next. Let me borrow your Sheikah Slate, Dr. Robbie. I need to let my wife know where things stand."
"And I will need to alert all the other rulers," Zelda said with a heavy heart. "I feel terrible about what happened. Am I doomed to fail my kingdom once again?"
"This is not the time for defeatism," Link said firmly. "As our leader, we need you to be strong and help us plan our next moves."
"Yes, I should have learned that by now, too," sighed Zelda.
"Let me inform Mipha that I am safe," said Link. "She's been worried about what might happen here."
Robbie handed Link his Sheikah Slate and he sent a message to Mipha requesting a call. She answered quickly and they could see each other on the screen.
"Just wanted to let you know I'm okay, sweetheart," said Link. "Did I wake you?"
"Thank Nayru for that!" said Mipha softly. "And no, I was awake but our children are asleep."
"But unfortunately, there is some bad news as well," Link continued. "We were ambushed by the Yiga Clan who managed to steal some powerful weapons from right under our noses. We may need to increase our defenses, though I'm not sure what more we can do."
"Will you be returning home now?" asked Mipha.
"I… um … I need to stay here for now as we figure out our next steps," replied Link. "But I haven't forgotten our conversation. Now I must go, goodnight. I love you."
"Love you too, and stay safe," answered Mipha before ending the call.
Link couldn't help but wonder what "I told you so" remarks Muzu would have to say about this situation as he returned Robbie's Sheikah Slate.
"Dr. Robbie, do you believe we could gather more information about these weapons?" Zelda inquired. "Are there any other mentions of them in the materials you translated?"
"Unfortunately, Your Majesty," sighed Robbie. "The inscription on the chest is the only reference to them that I have come across so far."
"What are your thoughts on the other object in the room?" asked Purah. "It's covered in symbols, but they seem like random characters rather than a meaningful message according to my knowledge of ancient Sheikah."
"It is indeed gibberish, as the letters are currently arranged," said Robbie. "However, each letter is engraved on what appears to be a separate object. If we were able to rearrange the letters, there may be a coherent message revealed. But with so many possible combinations, it's impossible to guess the correct order."
Zelda's voice echoed through the chamber, carried by a sense of anxious urgency.
"Purah, could you point your Sheikah Slate at the object so I can get another look?"
Purah obeyed as she brought it closer to the mysterious object before them.
"I see there is another Goddess Crest emblazoned at the bottom," noted Zelda, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Perhaps it too needs a Skyward Strike, as they call it?"
Robbie nodded thoughtfully. "Good point, Your Majesty. Shall we try it?"
"I don't see what we have to lose at this point," replied Zelda. "Whatever happens, I don't believe the Yiga Clan will return tonight. Go ahead, Link."
Link stepped forward, his grip tightening on his sword as he raised it once again until it was charged with energy. With a swift motion, he released another wave of power towards the object.
The object reacted, but not at all like the door. Link jumped back as the air around them crackled with energy. The outline of the crest flashed a bright silver several times as it appeared to absorb the sword's energy and then transmit it throughout the object. Then the object burst apart in a blinding glow and reappeared as individual cubes and rectangular solids that swirled in the air before slowly rearranging themselves into larger shapes like some giant three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The group watched in amazement as a new object began to take shape before their eyes - a wheel-shaped structure that shimmered in hues of purple and silver.
Twelve massive spokes projected along the rim of the wheel, reaching out like outstretched arms. Suddenly, as if by magic, two mechanisms appeared above the left and right sides of the wheel. Their intricate gear teeth meshed perfectly with those on the wheel itself. Around the center of the wheel were three symbols that glinted in the dim light: Din, Farore, and Nayru, each representing their own godly power. And at the very center, the Triforce symbol shone a bright silver too. But that was not all - mysterious markings adorned every inch of the wheel, their silver engravings standing out against the deep purple background. And then, with a sound that seemed almost otherworldly, the wheel began to turn counterclockwise in spurts, one gear each second.
"Holy Hylia!" gasped several members of the group, their faces twisted in shock and awe.
"What is it?" exclaimed Zelda, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and wonder.
"This…I have seen reference to this in the ancient manuscripts," revealed Robbie, his voice laced with reverence.
"Don't keep us in suspense," urged Purah eagerly, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"It's a Time Gate," exclaimed Robbie, his excitement palpable. "A creation of Goddess Hylia herself. The ancient Sheikah must have uncovered the secrets to its making. Legend says that the hero could travel through time using this gate. He needs only to touch it to activate it."
"Link, before you say a word, I cannot ask you to do anything with this," said Zelda, her voice quivering with fear and uncertainty. "We have no idea where it would take you or if you could ever find your way back."
But just then, Link heard a faint chirping sound from the sword he held. His heart quickened as he felt its call.
"Did you hear that?" whispered Zelda, her eyes widening in wonder.
"I did," replied Link, his gaze fixed on the sword. "But I suspect only you and I did. It's the sword speaking to us."
"I didn't hear a thing," said Robbie, and Purah nodded in agreement.
Link felt torn as he stood in front of the Time Gate. Was activating it a reckless move, or was it their only option? He couldn't deny the strong pull he felt from the sacred sword in his hand, urging him to take action. Mipha would understand his duty as Hyrule's Hero, but was it worth risking everything at this point? Doubt and determination warred within him as he weighed his choices.
Finally, Link spoke with determination, "I believe I should activate this and have faith in the Goddess to guide me. Who knows, it may even prove our salvation somehow."
With determined steps, Link sheathed his sword, approached the wheel, took a deep breath, and then reached out and touched it, bringing back memories of how he completed shrines in the past. In an instant, a dark tunnel framed with green motionless images of the spinning wheel appeared before him, capturing glimpses of its past positions.
"Give my love to Mipha and tell her I will return soon," said Link as he braved into the unknown tunnel and disappeared, his voice echoing in the darkness.
The rest of the group stood in stunned silence, reeling from all that had transpired. Zelda's heart pounded in her chest, heavy with the weight of their dire predicament. The Yiga Clan had captured powerful weapons of unknown potency, and the Hero of Hyrule, her closest ally and dearest friend was gone.
"Please stay there and alert me immediately if … I mean when Link returns," she commanded. "I … I think I will wait a bit before passing Link's message on to Mipha. But first, I will alert our guards and the leaders of the other peoples of the danger."
The air was thick with tension as they all waited anxiously for any sign of Link's return, their minds filled with worry and uncertainty. How long would he be gone? Would he make it back safely? And what dangers awaited him? Only time would tell.
