Before you read the story, please give me a moment and read this portion right here.
I dedicated a lot of time to this chapter, and I would really appreciate it if you guys would leave a comment or two stating how you enjoyed the story or at least this chapter or at least tell me what I could have changed to make it better for you in case you didn't like it.
This chapter took a lot of time and effort to get it done right, and I would really appreciate it if you guys would leave a comment and just know that even though I do not comment back to some of you guys, I read all the words.
Another thing that I want to make you aware of in case you guys want to follow throughout the game is that I use locations from the game and even the Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom maps in creating the story.
I know I don't have to put a lot of work into it because, at the end of the day, it's just a story, but for me, it is more than that, and I want to make sure you guys are happy with the end product of the story.
Link had been standing guard outside the door to Princess Zelda's room for what felt like an eternity. He had been there for two hours, his eyes never leaving the hallway, his ears straining for the slightest sound that might indicate trouble.
Every night, he performed this duty diligently, knowing that the Princess's safety was in his hands. And yet, as usual, nothing had happened. He remained at his post, his sword clasped tightly in his hand, his eyes flicking up and down the dimly lit corridor.
Just when he thought this night would be like all the others, a deafening bang echoed through the hall. Link whirled around, his sword raised in a defensive stance. He saw with a shock that the door to the Princess's room had been flung open with a force that suggested something terrible had happened.
For a moment, he hesitated, unsure of what to do. Then he stepped forward, eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger. But to his surprise, he saw only Zelda standing in the doorway with a look of terror etched on her face. His heart pounding, Link lowered his sword and stepped toward her, ready to protect her if needed. But before he could speak, she darted past him.
Zelda's heart raced as she charged towards her Father's room, dodging past the guards stationed outside. Link, who had been trailing behind her after giving her a start, remained outside the room while the guards held the door open, unsure of what to do with the Princess, who had barged in unannounced. However, before they could react or take any action, Zelda began to shout at her Father, her voice echoing off the walls.
"Father, father!" she cried out, her voice shaking with fear and worry. "Father, you must awaken!" she repeated, her voice growing louder as she frantically shook her Father, who lay motionless on the bed.
"What is the meaning of this, Zelda?" the King bellowed, his eyes snapping open in anger as Zelda's shaking jolted him awake. He glared at her, his face contorted with rage, as Zelda stood before him, her eyes wide with so much emotion.
The guards stationed outside the King's quarters were caught off guard by the commotion that had erupted inside. Link, the vigilant hero, immediately sensed something was amiss and hurried to investigate, followed closely by the Champions, who had been awoken by the mai and guards rushing to the scene.
Princess Zelda seemed visibly shaken and struggled to articulate the words in her mind. Her Father, the King, responded with a heated glare, adding to her distress. But as Zelda tried to speak again, the King's expression softened, and she managed to blurt out the words: "They have granted me a vision."
The room was filled with an eerie silence as everyone tried to comprehend what had just been said. The King was the first to act, ordering the guards to immediately summon the scholars and sages to the castle. The guards left in haste, and some escorted Zelda to the library, where she could gather her thoughts and prepare for what was to come.
Meanwhile, the King got ready to face what would undoubtedly be a challenging situation, and he rushed out of the room with a sense of urgency.
Her loyal Champions surrounded Zelda, who refused to leave her side. They were all weary and yearned to change out of their night clothes, but they were steadfast in their resolve to follow the King's orders. Link stood protectively close to Zelda, his unwavering presence a source of comfort to her. Meanwhile, the sages, prophets, and scholars scrutinized her every word, eager to glean as much information as possible from her visions. Their questioning was relentless, and they probed every detail of her memories in their quest for answers.
3 months later
Tulin cautiously walked through the old Zonia ruins, illuminated by nothing but the faint light of the early morning. The ruins were littered with broken statues, remnants of a civilization long gone. Despite the darkness, Tulin's Advanced Rito Vision allowed him to see perfectly, as if it were the middle of the day. The thick darkness felt almost tangible, like a heavy fog that refused to lift.
After a while, Tulin finally reached the entrance he had been searching for. He approached silently, his footsteps muffled by the soft dirt beneath his feet. Over his shoulder, he carried the fruits of his hunt - dead birds and fish - which he had carefully collected along the way.
As he descended the entrance steps, he overheard someone inquiring about his hunting trip. He looked up and saw Sidon, the prince of the Zora, inside the room. The room was illuminated by a single bright Bloom seed, casting a warm and inviting glow.
In response to the query, he replied that his hunting trip went well. He had caught a couple of Mighty Carps and Armored Carps, known for their strength and durability. He had also bagged several birds near Death Mountain, notorious for being a challenging hunting ground.
Tulin and Sidon had already accepted each other's dietary preferences - Tulin preferred bird meat, while Sidon preferred fish and seafood. They had explained that most Ritos were descendants of hawks and eagles, while Zoras were descendants of sharks, whales, and stingrays. Although Link and Riju had made jokes about it in the past, they had all grown up and moved beyond those childish antics. They had long since become accustomed to each other's eating habits and daily routines.
Each group member had their own distinct tastes when it came to food. Riju, who held her culture close to her heart, preferred meals or seared meat. Yonobo, on the other hand, was fond of rocks that he mined himself from Death Mountain, which he used to cook large meat rocks. Tulin had a penchant for raw fish and poultry and had no qualms about adding bugs to his meals. The seafood enthusiast, Sidon, enjoyed fish, crabs, frogs, lizards, and many other types of seafood, which he would consume either raw or cooked. And then there was Link, who was famously nonchalant about his meals and would eat just about anything without batting an eye - even raw meat and rocks from Death Mountain.
As time passed, the group grew accustomed to each other's peculiar habits and preferences, and what seemed strange or unusual at first became a part of their daily routine. Link, in particular, was quite the enigma, as he appeared to be okay with everything, no matter how unappetizing or unconventional it may seem to others.
Tulin carefully placed the fresh food on a sturdy wooden table near the entrance while conversing with Sidon. With a concerned look, Tulin asked, "How is he doing? Has there been any progress?"
Sidon, who was busy cleaning the room, replied without looking up, "Same as always. He is itching to leave as soon as he recovers."
Tulin, who had just finished cleaning himself, asked Sidon, "And when do you think he'll be able to leave?"
Sidon finally stopped what he was doing and turned to face Tulin. "I don't want to rush his recovery and risk his health. I will give him a thorough check-up later today," he said, with a determined look in his eyes.
As Sidon began to clean the fish and birds for the evening meal, Tulin couldn't help but feel relieved that his friend was in good hands.
"I saw Link training with the sword that was here near the entrance," Tulin pointed out, recalling that he had seen Link while walking into the forest.
"Yes, I gave him permission to train, but only with minor exercises and without doing anything strenuous or foolish," Sidon confirmed that he had allowed Link to train, but with certain limitations.
Tulin, after witnessing Link's act of hunting down two wolf packs in the darkness with only a single sword and no armor against the 12 wolves he saw, decided not to tell Sidon about it. Tulin knew that Sidon would disapprove of Link's recklessness and would drag him back by the ear with another lecture.
Tulin and Sidon cleaned and cooked the food, preparing a delicious meal. Once it was ready, Tulin called Link and Yonobo to eat. They all sat down and enjoyed the meal, sharing stories of their adventures and challenges.
Meanwhile, Riju was on a trip to feed and check up on the horses in the Akkala highlands. She would be gone for at least nightfall or maybe even a few hours, leaving the group to enjoy each other's company and the warmth of the fire inside the hideout.
After finishing their meal, Link asked Sidon how he was feeling. "So, how am I? Are we going to be able to continue soon?" He cleaned up his dish and saved a small portion for the group's only female member.
Sidon replied, "We can continue with the plan, but we must review all the details to ensure that nothing surprising happens. We cannot afford any mistakes. The Calamity is getting closer, and we must be prepared for anything. You must be more careful, Link. We cannot risk you getting hurt or being taken out of commission for long. The fate of Hyrule rests on our shoulders, and we all need to be at our best."
Sidon then checked Link's wounds and reassured him that he was healed enough to continue their journey to Death Mountain and the Zora domain. He also reminded Link of the importance of their mission and the great danger that lay ahead. They reviewed the plan thoroughly, ensuring every possible scenario was accounted for.
Tulin's question was on everyone's mind since they discovered that the champions of 100 years ago were also sages now. "Do we have to ask the champions for help, considering that this time around, they are the sages along with us?" he asked.
Link's response was thorough, reminding everyone of their previous journey. "Last time, it was just us. The sage of lightning recognized that we had time-traveled and even spoke to Urbosa before we entered the Spirit Realm. She still believed we were worthy of our sage title and even spoke to Riju. This suggests that if the demon king had awakened 100 years ago before our time, the champions would have been destined to be the original sages."
After a moment of silence, everyone turned to Link, taking in the implications of his words.
Tulin was having a hard time understanding something. "I'm confused," he said. "If the sage had a message for us, why haven't we received it yet? Or at least, why hasn't Revali received any sort of guidance from him?"
Link thought for a moment before responding. "It's possible that we left too quickly after defeating the Colgera. We didn't stay long enough to receive any messages. Additionally, we were quite far away from the Wind Temple at that point, so we may have been out of range."
Tulin nodded, finally understanding the situation. "I see. So, what does that mean for us?"
Link looked grave. "It means that if Revali were to venture up to the Wind Temple, he would be able to receive the Secret Stone and learn about the history of Hyrule. But we have to be careful. WeWe had warned Urbosa us not to reveal anything to anyone, especially not to those who don't have our trust. Revali was already upset with me, and I don't want to make it worse."
"Perhaps, if we approach him in the right way, he could be more open to listening to Tulin's suggestions," Yonobo suggested. "We know that he has a soft spot for his people, especially the younger ones who are closer to his age. Maybe we can play on that and convince him to see things from a different perspective."
Tulin nodded thoughtfully, but her expression soon turned to one of concern. "I understand where you're coming from, but what if our plan backfires? What if he becomes angry and decides to reveal everything to everyone?"
Yonobo's question, "Why would it be bad if everyone found out anyway?" caught the attention of everyone in the room. They all looked at him, eager to hear his thoughts. The group had been discussing whether to keep a particular information secret or reveal it to everyone. They had been weighing the pros and cons of each option since they had gotten to that time.
Amid their inner debate, Yonobo's question made them pause and think. They couldn't come up with any reason why revealing the truth would be a bad idea. In fact, they thought it might be helpful if more people knew about it. It could lead to more assistance from others.
As they continued pondering the situation, they realized Yonobo had raised an important point. They had been so focused on the potential negatives of revealing the truth that they had overlooked the potential benefits. They had to decide whether to take the risk and share the information with others until Link spoke.
"I just want to remind you that Hyrule is preparing to face the Calamity and the potential backlash it may bring. Everyone in the Kingdom is on edge. The King is not helping by feeding into the fear of the people and putting a lot of pressure on the Princess to awaken her power. As you may recall from the original timeline, this pressure caused the Princess's power to not awaken until it was too late. Now, imagine how the Kingdom will react to the knowledge that there is something even more powerful than the Calamity, hidden under the castle, with the potential to destroy everything in its path. This power has been building up over thousands, even millions of years. How do you think the Kingdom will react to that?" asked Link as he reflected on his memories of the events 100 years ago.
"They wouldn't react well at all. They may even turn against each other, especially the royal family, and try to take matters into their own hands," Sidon pointed out, recalling how easily everyone turned against each other during the Calamity, particularly the Hylians.
The memories of the past 100 years were still fresh in his mind. He could clearly recall how the Yiga clan, a group of ruthless assassins, had taken control of the vast desert for a brief period. This incident occurred when the Gerudo warriors were close to their borders, searching for their missing Champion. The chaos and destruction caused by the Yiga clan left a lasting impact on the region.
The Rito tribe, residing in the lofty mountains, were forced to take drastic measures to protect themselves from the impending danger. They closed or destroyed the bridges that connected the Hylains to their village, cutting off all outside contact. This step was taken as a precautionary measure after the Calamity had struck, and the people were left to fend for themselves.
The Zora, known for their benevolence, had also taken steps to protect their Kingdom. They created several natural barriers that made it almost impossible to access the Zora Kingdom. The treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather made it a perilous journey for anyone seeking refuge in the area. The floods and avalanches that followed had tragic consequences, and the region became a burial ground for many Hylians and other refugees.
The Gorons, typically a friendly and welcoming tribe, had also changed their ways. They locked themselves in the caves within Death Mountain, refusing to open the entrances for anyone. The once bustling caves were then eerily quiet, and the mountain was shrouded in darkness for some time. The reason for their sudden change in behavior was unknown, but it was speculated that the Calamity had something to do with it and the fact that the Champion never returned,
These incidents left a deep scar on the land, and the people are still reeling from the aftermath even 100 years later.
The Hylian people were left to fend for themselves in the aftermath of the Calamity. Some cursed the other races for not protecting them, while others pointed fingers at the Calamity itself. With nowhere else to turn, many sought refuge in the bigger towns that were later destroyed, followed by smaller ones, and finally, in single-family homes that were easy to reach.
Despite the odds, some Hylian survivors managed to endure. Lurelin Village, for instance, was situated in a location that provided natural protection. With mountains, dense forest, and the sea to swim to, it was a haven for those who sought safety. In addition, the Battle of Fort Hateno prevented guardians from reaching Hateno Village, while the pillars of Levia and other mountains covered Kakariko Village, shielding it from harm. Furthermore, the Sheikah people knew how to blend in and avoid the creatures and monsters their ancestors had created, giving them an edge in fighting for survival.
Tulin was still confused and asked Sidon why they couldn't at least tell the Champions or Princess Zelda about their situation. He pointed out that Princess Zelda is technical "their" Zelda and the champions are a reflection of themselves, so it seemed logical to disclose the truth to them.
Sidon clarified that revealing the truth could potentially cause chaos and rebellion. He reminded Tulin of the past where everyone had turned against each other, and if the truth was exposed, the same could happen again. He explained how the current political climate was much more volatile, with high racial tensions. Racism had never been a significant issue in their past, where survival was the primary concern. However, with the recent turmoil, it was highly probable that revealing the truth could lead to disastrous consequences.
"Actually, according to my history books, the Rito closed their doors and bridges as a last line of defense in case something happened to their Champion. It was part of their backup plan," Tulin explained innocently, remembering what his mother had taught him.
"Indeed, that is true, Tulin. However, the Hylians' racism towards other races was another reason for the Rito not to help them in their time of need," Link added, nodding in agreement. "But I have come up with a plan to involve the Princess and the Champions to distract everyone in the Kingdom while we finish up the temples. If everything goes according to plan, we will be able to get a clear picture of where they stand by the end of it."
Everyone turned to Link, intrigued and eager to hear more about his plan. "We will need to create a diversion," Link began, "something big enough to get everyone's attention. That's where the Princess and the Champions come in. They will be the ones to lead the charge and keep everyone distracted while we work on the temples."
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "Once the temples are complete, we will better understand where everyone stands. If the Princess and the Champions are on our side, we will have a strong alliance to fight against the demon king. But if they are against us, we must devise another plan. to keep them out of the way and save as many people as possible."
Everyone nodded in agreement, impressed by Link's strategic thinking.
As Sidon prepared to speak, the silence was suddenly broken by the sound of Riju's voice echoing through the entrance. Her words drew their attention to her as she approached them through the darkness. She informed them that the horses were in position and ready for them while also mentioning that the Princess was at the spring of power and planned to stay for the next few days.
As Riju spoke, Sidon's face suddenly lit up with a realization. He looked at Link, and it became apparent that Link had already set the plan in motion without telling them. "Don't tell me," he started to say, his voice trailing off as the realization dawned on him.
Tulin looked over at Link, puzzled. "You already started your plan about that?" he asked.
Link tried to put them at ease. "We've been working on it for a while now, Sidon. I assure you, by the end of it, they will no longer be an obstacle when we deal with the temples. And just in case, they will also be out of the way when we awaken Ganondorf."
Sidon was not convinced and gave Link a stern look. "But what exactly are you planning? Better yet, what is our plan for the Fire Temple and Water Temple?" Yonobo chimed in.
Link took a deep breath and explained. "Our plan is to go to the Fire Temple first. We believe that getting through the Gorons will be easier than getting through the Zoras. If we're lucky, we can finish the temple in less than a week. Meanwhile, Zelda and the Champions will be occupied with what I have arranged for them, so I doubt that Daruk will show up to interfere."
Tulin and Yonobo nodded, relieved to better understand the plan.
Sidon suddenly spoke up, his voice laced with anger. "I want to know what exactly you're planning to link," he demanded. "The last I heard, we were all in this together - beat the temple bosses and head to the castle. That plan didn't involve Champions or the Kingdom," he continued, his eyes narrowing. "Why are you doing things alone again, Link?"
The tension in the room was palpable as everyone waited for Link's response, knowing that the two friends often clashed and argued.
"I was just planning to see if the Champions were," Link began, but Sidon cut him off.
"You're doing it again," Sidon snapped, his voice rising angrily. "You're always doing things on your own and leaving us out of it," he glared at Link.
The rest of the group shifted uncomfortably in their seats, not wanting to get involved in the argument but also not wanting to see their friends fight.
"I'm just making sure everything goes according to plan," said Link. "I have to work around the fact that we aren't the only ones with secret stones and that-"
"Don't even, Link," Sidon interrupted, his voice rising. "You think you must go through this alone and leave us out of your planning. You want to defeat every beastly thing in your path, thinking you're doing something good."
As the argument started again, everyone in the group looked at the two with concern. Link rolled his eyes in frustration and turned away from the group to retrieve his bag so he could leave. It wasn't the first time that he and Sidon had argued about their approach to defeating evil forces, but it was clear that there was tension between them.
Despite his frustration, Link knew he couldn't do everything alone, even with his incredible powers. He had to find a way to work with Sidon and the rest of the group if they would have any hope of succeeding.
"I want to know what's going on through your head," Sidon asked Link, tears welling up in his eyes. "Why must you sacrifice yourself alone to beat Ganondorf? And what do you hope to achieve by planning everything on your own?"
"I'm not doing this alone," Link replied sharply. "You guys are here with me, just like last time. I'm just trying to make it easier on us."
"You say that, but you're not telling us your plans," Sidon pointed out. "What if something happens to you? We'll be stuck here dealing with Ganondorf, the Champions, and the Kingdom that hates us for not being Hylian. We won't know what to do because you haven't shared any battle strategies with us."
Link stayed silent, letting Sidon's words sink in. He knew he couldn't take on Ganondorf alone, but he was afraid to burden his friends with the weight of his decisions. He realized he needed to trust their abilities and work together if they had any hope of defeating Ganondorf and saving Hyrule.
"Sidon, in case something happens to me - and I mean IF something happens to me - you'll still have the Princess and the Link from tLinktimeline to help you. You'll need to catch them up to speed so that the plan can proceed as planned. That's the whole point, f- Link started saying.
"Think about what you sacrificed for jumping back in time, Link," Sidon suddenly asked, his voice heavy with emotion. "You had to give up everything you held dear - Zelda, the master sword, your friends, your family, even your cherished memories. And yet, you did it all for Hyrule, for us. Let me be the first to say that we see and appreciate everything you have sacrificed for us."
"But," Sidon continued, his voice softening, "you're not alone in your sacrifices. Others have made sacrifices just as great for the sake of Hyrule. You must realize that, too."
Link's heart swelled with emotion, feeling seen and understood. "I understand that this isn't just about me," he responded, his voice full of determination. "I will continue to fight for Hyrule, for all of us."
"I need you to understand that this is not just about you, it's about all of us here. We have all sacrificed everything to be here, and we can't afford to lose each other. Yonobo will never see anyone from his home, and he will never be fully welcomed here if we ever return to our homes in this timeline. Riju lost her town and her ranking as chiefess to help us beat Ganondorf. She had to witness her entire town being incinerated by the demon dragon or enslaved by the Yiga clan. Tulin will never get to see his mother or Father again, and he will never regain the status he used to have because that means nothing both here and in the original timeline since Rito Village no longer exists."
Sidon's voice began to crack as tears filled his eyes, "My Father will never know me like how I am for him here. I am nothing but a stranger to him. He will never open his doors to me, for I am nothing but a stranger to them as well. We are nothing to anyone here, and I not only lost my Father, but I also lost my wife," he said while clenching his fist in anger and sadness.
"We have already lost so much, and we can't afford to lose each other too. With what you're doing behind our backs, we can't trust you anymore. We need to stick together and support one another. Please, don't tear us apart any further."
"I get it," Link interrupted him, frustration evident in his voice.
"Do you really get it?" snapped Sidon, his patience wearing thin. "Because if you did, you wouldn't be doing everything alone. You're doing the opposite by not involving us and keeping yourself safe."
"What do you want from me?" snapped Link, his voice rising. "I'm doing what I think is best: killing Ganondorf and saving the Kingdom. You guys will be fine without me, as long as I defeat our enemy."
"Do you even understand why I'm upset?" Sidon asked, his voice harsh with emotion.
"You're not listening to me, damn it!" Link yelled frustration etched on his face, "I'm trying to make sure we're not caught off guard when the Calamity strikes. We have less than a year, and we need to act fast. The Princess may have had a vision, but it's not enough. We must ensure she fully activates her power, or we're all doomed."
Sidon's face twisted in anger, "And what about us? You're planning everything without consulting or bothering to keep us in the loop. You disappeared for a week, and we had no idea where or what you were doing. Do you have any idea how worried we were?"
Link was taken aback by the intensity of Sidon's emotions. "I didn't mean to worry you all. I had to go into the depths to find something that could help us. I didn't want to put anyone in danger."
Sidon glared at him, "You could have at least told us. That's all I'm asking for, Link. Communication. We're all in this together and need to work together if we want the Kingdom to survive."
" What do you want me to do then?" Link asked Sidon, his voice trembling with emotion.
"I want you to admit that you're being self-sacrificing. You don't think your life is worth anything, and you don't fully trust us to execute this plan," Sidon replied, his eyes filled with concern as the three others watched silently.
"I fully trust you guys with my life, and I never want to hear you doubt that," Link snapped, his voice cracking from the weight of his emotions. He then fell silent, unable to address everything Sidon had brought up.
"Is that seriously all you heard in that? And yes, we do understand that you trust us with your life, but why is it that whenever we want to get involved in any other planning, you always shut us out and do things on your own? We are your friends. I am your best friend. You are like a brother to me, and it hurts to see you destroy yourself because you believe you are not good enough and have to prove yourself to us and this Kingdom," Sidon said, his voice filled with sadness and frustration.
"I don't think I have to prove myself to anyone," Link snapped, his voice edged with frustration.
Sidon looked at him with concern, exasperation, and anger. "You don't have to prove yourself to anyone, Link. You're already a hero in the eyes of many. But the only person you need to prove yourself to is yourself."
Link looked at Sidon, his expression pensive. He knew the words were valid. He had been holding himself back, and it was hindering his progress. But the thought of taking risks terrified him. What if he failed? What if he wasn't good enough?
Sidon could see the turmoil on Link's face and continued, "You keep getting injured because you hesitate. You're not giving yourself a chance to succeed. You have to believe in yourself, Link. You are good enough."
Link felt a knot form in his stomach as he read Sidon's words. They were hitting a little too close to home. He had to admit he feared failing but knew he couldn't let that fear hold him back.
Riju stepped in, sensing that the conversation was becoming too intense. "Alright, that's enough, both of you. Let's take a break and calm down."
Link grabbed his things and walked out of The Hideout, his thoughts still swirling.
Zelda was utterly drained, both physically and emotionally. After revealing every detail of her vision to the sages and anyone her Father deemed worthy of hearing it, she finally received some reprieve from her Father's watchful eye. However, it came at a cost. Now more cautious and uneasy, her Father imposed stricter rules on her movements. This was understandable, given that her vision from the goddesses remained a mystery they were working to unravel.
Despite the constraints, her Father allowed her to venture to far-off regions for more information. However, there was a catch: she had to be accompanied by the Royal knight, who was always by her side, much to her initial annoyance. Nonetheless, she was grateful for the chance to explore beyond the castle walls and gain new insights into the vision that had shaken her world.
Everything began with Zelda adjusting something in the Divine Beast in Goron City. She finally told Link to keep his distance from her, but he refused to listen and followed the King's orders. Despite her displeasure, she snapped at him when she was denied entry into one of the shrines.
Feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, Zelda traveled to the Gerudo desert to seek comfort from one of her closest friends. However, she changed her view of Link when she left the desert without incident. She had previously considered him a useless guard since her life was never in danger. But her opinion changed when they were surrounded by clan members of the Yiga who were ready to kill her.
Without hesitation, Link stepped up and protected her, putting his life on the line. Zelda was surprised by his bravery and realized that he wasn't just a simple guard but a true knight. After that incident, Zelda began to get closer to Link, the silent Knight with the sword that sealed the darkness. She found herself wanting to know more about him and his past.
One day, she convinced him to relax with her, explaining her interest in the Silent princess flowers that bloomed only in specific areas that no one knew and were rarely seen. They traveled together for a while, exploring the beauty of the land and its secrets. During that time, she opened up about her own doubts and choices that she had made. And he listened to her, something that no one had ever done before.
As they traveled, they got caught in the rain and sought refuge in a nearby cave. They spent the night there, huddled together for warmth, and talked. Zelda found herself telling Link things that she had never told anyone before. He didn't judge her or try to change her. He simply listened and understood.
During one of her private study sessions, she invited Link and explained how the Guardians functioned. It was in this sanctuary that she felt most comfortable with him. Her Father's sudden arrival disrupted their one-sided conversation, and Link returned to his stoic posture, kneeling on the ground in both of their presences.
As she observed the royal scientists rebuilding a guardian that had been destroyed by the mysterious people, her Father spoke coldly to her, catching her off guard. She found solace in Link's presence, who listened carefully and comforted her. Though he never spoke, she knew he was there for her, providing her a sense of security.
As time passed, she grew closer to him, despite her initial annoyance with his unwavering obedience to her Father's commands. She gradually understood that the Knight had no natural choice in the matter and that his loyalty resulted from his steadfast sense of duty.
As she spent more time with him, she discovered that any display of anger or resentment towards him would result in severe punishment. This revelation filled her with guilt, and she vowed to be kinder to him. She kept her knowledge of the situation to herself and treated him with the respect and kindness he deserved.
Her compassionate gesture changed many things between them, and she found solace in having a confidant who would listen to her frustrations without judgment. As the pressure continued to mount, she knew she could count on at least one ally who would always be there to support her.
Per her Father's request, she returned to her usual duties and set out to the spring of power. This was the second spring she had been sent to, and she knew that the next one, the spring of wisdom, was only a couple of months away, coinciding with her upcoming birthday.
Zelda felt the pressure mounting, especially with her Father's anger towards her for not receiving another vision in the last three months. He hoped that visiting the spring of power would give her another dream. This time, he decided to send his personal guard along with her to spot any oddity that might indicate another vision or activate her power. Though she wasn't comfortable with it, she had to comply, and now she was traveling to the spring of power with more guards than ever before. The champions surrounded her as they approached the cave that led to the spring of power.
Once they reached the spring of power, everyone left the Princess to pray while they surrounded the area, ensuring nothing was out of place. The champions were positioned around the hillside, providing additional protection and keeping a close eye on the Princess. Meanwhile, the guards outside the spring of power area ensured everything was safe, allowing the champions to concentrate on helping the Princess activate her power.
Link stood behind her until finally, on the last day, she spoke tremblingly. "I come seeking help regarding this power handed down over time to feel again. Or so I've been told all my life, yet... grandmother heard them. The voice is from the spirit realm. my mother said my own power would develop within me, but I don't hear... or feel anything. Father has told me time and time again... he always says, 'Quit wasting your time playing at being a scholar... curse you!' I've spent every day of my life dedicated to praying. I pleaded to the spirits tied to the ancient gods and still, the holy powers have proven death to my devotion. Please, just... what is it... what's wrong with me..." She said as tears streamed down her face. She finally gave up hope and broke down, her sobs filling the air. Link turned around and walked into the spring. He wrapped his arms around her and slowly started to lead her out as she silently cried, feeling her pain and sorrow.
From the top of the hill, the Champions watched with sorrow as Link assisted Zelda in drying off. They had overheard her entire speech and felt powerless to help her, being just the Champions without authority over the King.
After the prayer session, Zelda retreated to her tent just outside the spring of power for safety reasons. The guards returned to their posts while the champions and the other camp members dispersed to their respective tents for the night. Only the watchful guard and Link remained alert throughout the night, watching for potential danger.
Zelda lay in her makeshift bed, staring at the ceiling and lost in thought. She hoped to receive some kind of vision, a glimpse of what would come, but the night proved unyielding. The morning found her still wide awake, unable to sleep or rise from the comfortless cot.
Exhaustion took hold of her as the hours ticked, and she swayed every few minutes. The guards noticed her struggle but remained silent, preferring not to disturb her. The others around her, including the Champions, packed and prepared for their departure. However, Urbosa and Revali were different; they stood apart, watching and observing everyone with a critical eye, their movements slow and deliberate.
Revali's nerves were on high alert after an unsettling incident the night before. His mind was plagued with questions about what had transpired. When Urbosa abruptly demanded that he halt his movements and account for his actions, he knew without a doubt that something was amiss. The tension in the air was palpable as he tried to make sense of the situation.
In the still of the night, while everyone was in a deep slumber, Revali was rudely awakened by some movement from the tent adjacent to his. It was an odd hour, and he couldn't help but wonder what could happen. As he listened with keen hearing, he realized that Urbosa was trying to remain silent as she moved around in her tent.
He continued to listen, and soon, he overheard a guard questioning Urbosa about why she was out of her tent. She explained that she had heard something and wanted to investigate but didn't want to raise any alarms unnecessarily. The guard seemed to agree with her and returned to his duties, leaving Urbosa wandering alone.
Revali quickly got out of bed and followed her at a safe distance. As he watched her leave the campsite and climb a hill, he couldn't help but feel curious about what was happening. Soon, Urbosa spotted him, but it was too late for him to turn around as he had just witnessed something Urbosa was trying to hide.
They then returned to the castle, where they would report any findings the Princess might have had during her prayers.
Urbosa nudged him lightly and told him to hurry so they could get going. Revali rolled his eyes but knew he had to follow her. As he finished, he couldn't help but wonder what secrets Urbosa kept from him and the rest of the group.
Urbosa's voice cut through the stillness of the morning suddenly as she walked up to Zelda, causing Zelda to turn towards her. Even though she had not slept all night, Zelda held herself with poise and greeted Urbosa with a gentle smile.
"There's no need to worry," Urbosa said, her eyes filled with understanding. "The time will come."
Zelda felt a small wave of relief wash over her at Urbosa's words. She had been plagued with doubts about the future and her own abilities as a ruler. But Urbosa's reassurance helped to calm her nerves.
"Thank you, Urbosa," Zelda said, grateful for the Gerudo chiefess's kindness.
After a moment of hesitation, Zelda walked over to her horse, a beautiful mare with a sleek white coat. With a deep breath, Zelda swung herself into the saddle and followed the head guard as everyone else mounted their horses and prepared to ride out.
As the group descended the hill towards the Akkala Citadel path where the King awaited them, Zelda couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. They had been walking for hours, and the journey had taken its toll on them all. Despite the fatigue, however, Zelda's senses were on high alert. She had noticed something strange earlier but had brushed it off as tiredness-induced paranoia.
It wasn't until they reached the Shadow Pass that her suspicions were confirmed. As they entered the wooded area, Zelda's royal horse would usually become agitated and difficult to control. But to her surprise, the horse remained calm this time and continued forward without hesitation. It was an unusual behavior that Zelda had never seen before, leaving her with curiosity and concern.
The horse moved through the verdant forest without difficulty, and soon, they reached Shadow Pass's edge, the gateway to the South Akkala stable. Link, the rider, felt a sense of unease in the air, but he didn't want to disobey the head guard's orders and continued forward. A stable hand called out to them as they approached the stable, diverting their attention.
The guard approached the stable hand, asking him what the matter was, as the Princess was returning to the Akkala Citadel, and they couldn't afford any delay.
"Excuse me, sir, but one of your guards instructed me to give this letter urgently to the Princess," the man said as he handed the guard an envelope adorned with the royal family's seal.
Everyone present stopped and stared at the commotion. The envelope looked exquisite, with intricate designs and elegant calligraphy, and the crowd couldn't help but wonder what could be so important that it would warrant such urgency.
As Zelda stood there, lost in her thoughts, a guard approached her and handed her a letter that bore the royal seal. Zelda's heart skipped a beat as she looked at it, knowing it must be important. She tore the envelope open with shaking hands while Link held the horse steady. She scanned the letter urgently, hoping to find out what had happened, fearing the worst. Her mind was racing through all the possible scenarios - had her Father fallen ill, or had the Calamity begun? As she read the letter, her expression changed from one of fear to one of confusion. She read it repeatedly, unable to believe what she was seeing. It was so unbelievable that she wondered if it was some kind of mistake.
My dearest Princess Zelda,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. You have recently visited the spring of power to awaken your powers. While I don't mean to intrude or cause any harm, I am compelled to reach out to you and discuss something significant regarding your power.
I know you possess immense power within you, but you may still need to activate it fully. I can assist you in unlocking your true potential, but it requires your trust. I understand that you may be skeptical about trusting someone you don't know, but I assure you that my intentions are pure.
If you're willing to meet with me and discuss this matter further, I suggest that you meet with the champions at a predetermined location. For your safety, I advise that you only come with the champions. I will be there waiting for you, and it would be my honor to have a moment of your time once you finish your duties.
With utmost respect,
L.
Zelda was taken aback when a mysterious person claimed to know how to activate her Legendary Power. The person had gone to great lengths to deliver a letter that contained the instructions. Zelda's mind was racing with questions. Who could have left the note for her? How did they access the royal stamp in her Father's secret office?
As Zelda tried to make sense of this, everyone around her became curious about the letter. They all wanted to know what it said. Zelda quickly read the letter aloud to everyone, revealing its contents. The letter instructed her to go to the Akkala Citadel to speak with the King about her Legendary Power.
The head guard could have spent more time giving orders to gather the troops and head directly to the Citadel. Zelda handed the letter to the head guard, and they all set out on their journey. The journey was long and arduous, but they pressed on, knowing that the fate of the Kingdom depended on it.
As the King received the letter, his eyes were fixated on it, lost in deep thought. The weight of the situation was palpable as he wondered if this was a threat against his daughter. How could someone outside the royal family possibly know how to activate the Princess's powers, and who was this mysterious stranger? His mind was racing with questions as he ordered more guards to surround his daughter, desperate to ensure her safety.
Although his curiosity was piqued, the King hesitated to open the letter. He asked the guards if there was anything else with the envelope, hoping for some clue, but they told him there was not. The letter instructed his daughter to meet the stranger at a designated spot, yet there was no need to include any further details. There wasn't even a map or a description of the location, which he found incredibly strange.
Meanwhile, Zelda was locked away in one of the rooms within the Citadel as everyone discussed what to do with this new information. It was alarming that no one outside the castle was supposed to know about the Princess's trip to the spring of power, yet this stranger had timed their correspondence perfectly. The man who had delivered the letter claimed that the guard who had handed it to him had only given it to him hours before. The King found this concerning, as he believed that the matter was urgent and that his daughter needed to know about it immediately.
Zelda was lost in her thoughts when she heard a voice behind her. She turned to find Urbosa, her best friend and mother figure, standing there.
Zelda tried to put on a brave face and replied, "I'm fine, there's no need to worry. I'm just a little on edge after praying for so long and then this happening. It's quite overwhelming."
Urbosa entered the room and closed the door behind her. "I understand," she said, trying to comfort her.
Zelda was grateful for her friend's presence and asked politely, "Is there something I can help you with?"
Urbosa replied, "Not at all. I just thought you could use a friend now."
Zelda smiled weakly and said, "It's all right, Lady Urbosa. It has just been a stressful day."
After silence, Urbosa asked, "Are you considering sending us the letter?"
Zelda shook her head, "That is not up to me. That is up to my Father. I am quite curious, however, about what location they spoke of, considering there was no description of anything."
"Maybe the person wanted you to trust your instincts... Or maybe the person thinks that you might know where they could be found," Urbosa suggested.
Zelda furrowed her brows and replied, "Not that I know of... If I get a whole night's rest, I can get a clear head on it, but... I doubt it will help."
"Well, if you like, I'll leave you alone so you can rest. I understand that you are very tired, so I'll see you later, Princess," Urbosa said softly as she left the room.
Zelda lay on her bed for a long time, thinking about the letter and all that had happened. She knew she had a lot to do and a lot to think about, but for the moment, she felt grateful to have a friend like Urbosa.
Zelda isolated herself in her room for two days, hoping to receive some mystical vision or prophetic sign to awaken her powers. However, despite her fervent prayers and meditation, no such thing occurred.
Having granted her permission to investigate the mysterious letter, her Father insisted that the Champions and a select group of guards accompany her. He even promised to join her if she received word about the sender.
Despite her best efforts, Zelda needed to know more about the identity of the letter's author or where to even begin looking. She spent a week wandering through the Akkala region before her Father ordered her to return to the castle to finish her prayers. Zelda roamed the Citadel, scouring every nook and cranny for any sign of strange activity, but to no avail.
As Zelda delved into her research, she suddenly caught sight of a shadow on the floor. Her gaze traveled upwards to spot a silhouette of a dragon. Although she couldn't make out the Dragon's identity, she assumed it was Dinraal, a dragon known for its frequent appearances in the Akkala region, or maybe even the mysterious new Dragon she had a vision of. Still, Zelda stayed focused on her work, uncertain if it was or wasn't, and knowing that she couldn't do anything even if she wanted to, for it was too far in the sky, while Link remained vigilant, watching over her safety.
The following day, Zelda and the champions explored, hoping to uncover the location indicated in the mysterious letter. They scanned the stable where they had initially received the letter and even scoured the shadow pass woods, but nothing peculiar caught their attention. During their break, Zelda noticed something unusual about her royal horse. The horse, which usually kept its distance from everyone, including Zelda, avoided her more than usual.
The majestic horse disliked human interaction, even with its caretakers. However, to the woman's surprise, the horse had approached her and delicately eaten out of her hand. This was a rare occurrence that she found strange and could not explain. She spent the next few minutes contemplating the reason behind the sudden change in the horse's behavior. She even considered taking it to the caretakers to ensure everything was okay, but she would have to wait until she returned to the capital.
Link, too, had noticed that something was amiss. As a keen observer of the horse's movements and behaviors, he could tell the horse was not its usual self. He felt a sense of discomfort and unease, knowing that something was off.
After sitting in the stable for a long time, Zelda finally spoke up and suggested they should leave. Link, the other Champions, and the guards agreed and prepared to mount their horses again.
As Zelda mounted her horse, she accidentally commanded the horse to move, causing the horse to stroll in the wrong Direction. This was peculiar, as the horses were trained to walk in the order they were facing. Zelda quickly caught the mistake and stopped the horse before anything serious happened. Link, who was always attentive to Zelda's needs, rushed to her side to ensure she was okay.
The Princess was riding her horse when one of the guards approached her with a worried expression. "Is everything all right, princess?" he asked. She nodded in response, but her gaze drifted towards her horse. The horse turned its head and locked eyes with the Princess, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. She couldn't help but be mesmerized by the horse's beautiful, deep blue eyes, which she had never noticed before. The Princess was lost in thought, pondering how she had missed such a striking feature of her beloved companion.
As she continued to stare at the horse, she began to notice the animal's calm demeanor. Despite her lack of expertise in horseback riding, the horse followed her every command without hesitation. She couldn't help but feel grateful for the animal's loyalty and trust.
Lost in her thoughts, the Princess suddenly realized something important. She urgently turned to the guard, "I order you to return to the Citadel and get my father immediately," she commanded. The guards and champions present were taken aback by her sudden order and looked at her with confusion. However, the Princess repeated the command, making it clear that it was paramount. Two guards quickly rushed to the Citadel to retrieve the King, while the others stayed behind to protect the Princess and ensure her safety.
The Princess gracefully dismounted from her horse and handed the reins to Link. As she did so, the guards and champions encircled her, creating a protective shield. Suddenly, she spoke up, her voice breaking the silence, "This isn't my horse." Everyone looked at her, confused, as she continued, "I might not know my horse well, but this one isn't mine. I think I know how to get where the man wanted me to go." Zelda never took her eyes off the blue-eyed horse as she spoke, now calmly munching on some grass.
Mipha, with a puzzled expression, was the first to ask, "What do you mean, Princess?"
Zelda replied, barely above a whisper, "I'm not completely sure, but I have a feeling that I might be right."
Urbosa, with a concerned voice, added, "Are you sure?"
As the sun set, casting a warm golden glow across the land, the King, her Father, finally arrived.
Zelda stood before her Father and his guard with a sense of confidence. She had made a discovery that could change everything. "I know how to find this person who claims to know how to activate my powers," she announced to them. Her Father initially asked her, "What is the meaning of this, Zelda? What have you found?"
Zelda hesitated but shook her head and spoke up, determined to get her point across, "I am not 100% sure, father, but I believe I am right in my assumptions." She locked eyes with her Father, waiting for his response.
After silence, her Father nodded, indicating he would listen to her plan. Zelda took a deep breath and explained how she intended to find someone to help her activate her powers.
Zelda's Father shot her a disapproving look before nodding, allowing her to return to her horse. The Champions followed her lead as she patted the horse's neck and instructed Link to detach his horse from hers. Together, they began to move slowly, heading towards the main path before turning towards the East at the intersection. The horse was a reliable guide, walking steadily without needing Direction, and the Champions could keep up by walking beside it.
As they continued down the trail, they passed the Torin Wetland. The darkness made everyone tense, and they followed Zelda closely as her horse led them through the murky terrain. The sound of their footsteps echoed in the silence as they walked, each member of the group alert and on edge.
Finally, after hours of walking, they arrived at another intersection. Zelda stopped the horse, turning to look at the guards, her Father, and the Champions. She hesitated momentarily, her eyes flicking over her Father's face. He was clearly irritated that they were out here, following Zelda's lead into the unknown night. He seemed to think it was a waste of time, but Zelda couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the right track.
Zelda's heart pounded as she ran her hand along the horse's back, feeling its muscles ripple beneath her fingertips. The majestic creature led them southwards, and as they crested the hill, the view ahead was obscured by dense foliage. The horse halted, its head turning towards a distant point.
"What troubles you, princess?" Urbosa's voice was gentle.
Zelda looked where the horse was pointing. In the distance, something glinted in the moonlight, and she felt a sense of urgency. She gave the horse a gentle nudge, and it began to walk. Soon, they were trotting up the hill, the Champions following eagerly.
As they reached the halfway point, the horse began to slow. Zelda looked puzzled at the animal, wondering what had caused it to stop. Then, she saw a small section of land floating just above the lake, visible only if they looked to their left. The horse turned its head to look over, and Zelda felt a shiver run down her spine. What secrets did this strange land hold?
Everyone was drawn to a small island as the horse turned its head. The island was strangely structured and shrouded in darkness, but there was definitely a silhouette in the center. The figure appeared to be mounted on a horse, although it was impossible to discern more details from the distance.
The guards acted quickly, taking no chances with the safety of the King and Princess. They formed a protective circle around the royal pair while some charged toward the island and the mysterious rider.
The island was a barren, desolate land with no apparent value or purpose. The only way onto it was a narrow, rickety bridge that looked like it could collapse at any moment. The guards cautiously crossed it, but their hesitation proved a mistake.
The man on horseback suddenly charged towards them, easily breaking through the guards. His target was clear: the Princess. The scene was frozen as everyone watched in horror, wondering what would happen next.
The guards stood at the ready, their weapons drawn, as the Champions followed suit. Urbosa, one of the Champions, chose not to raise her gun but instead gave a fierce glare towards the silhouette in the distance, causing it to soften slightly, though no one else noticed. The figure charged towards the guards with great speed, causing them to tense up, but just as he was about to collide with them, he forced his horse to a sudden stop, narrowly avoiding a collision. The horse reared up, crying out and kicking up a cloud of dust, startling the guards.
Despite the chaos, the man remained calm and collected, his eyes locked onto Princess Zelda, protected by the guards and the Champions. He paid no attention to the King, standing beside his daughter, brandishing his sword.
"What is the meaning of this? Answer me!" the King demanded, his voice laced with anger.
The man ignored the King and urged his horse to trot ahead. Some guards tried to follow him, but two other silhouettes of horses appeared out of nowhere, blocking their path and forcing them to stop in their tracks.
Without warning, the guard's horses suddenly became restless, frantically backing up and letting out panicked whinnies as they threw their riders off and bolted away. The air was tense as everyone stared in disbelief at two massive horses emerging from the tall grass. Towering over the mysterious rider who stood slightly ahead, the horses were colossal, standing close to 10 feet tall each. The Moon glinted off their shining hides as they snorted and stamped their hooves, radiating an almost otherworldly aura.
"I have been expecting you, Princess," he said in a low, gravelly voice. "If you truly wish to awaken your power, I can tell you what you need to know."
Zelda's heart raced excitedly as she responded eagerly, "Yes, I do. Please, tell me everything."
The man hesitated momentarily, his piercing gaze locked onto Zelda's. "I have heard that you recently received a vision. It surprises me, given the information I possess."
Zelda's Father, the King, stepped forward with his horse, his voice laced with anger. "What do you know about my daughter's powers? Answer me now, or face the consequences."
The mysterious man ignored the King's threat and spoke calmly, "You believe that your daughter's power can be awakened through brute force, but that is not the case. I know how to awaken a portion of her power - a portion that not even your wife or the late Queen could have done."
The King's face darkened with anger, but he was no match for the man's imposing presence, dressed all in black with his black horse standing tall behind him. Zelda stood beside her Father, her heart racing, anticipating what would come.
The mysterious stranger rode a jet-black horse with a matching black mask covering his face. His imposing presence intimidated the guards so much that they dared not approach him. The two gigantic horses of the stranger kicked up dirt, adding to the intimidating spectacle.
Zelda broke the silence, "Father, I believe trusting this man will allow me to get closer to awakening my power." Although unsure of the stranger's intentions, Zelda was willing to take a chance. There was something about this man that made her believe that he was being somewhat truthful.
Meanwhile, Link observed the stranger's every move. He noticed the stranger's confident demeanor and his impressive battle prowess. Link was puzzled by the stranger's lack of weapons, but he didn't question the stranger as he continued to assess him.
As soon as the man stopped moving, Revali instantly recognized him. He was more straightforward to see as he wore his usual style of clothing, all black, and even wore a mask covering his face, just like he did when he first met Revali. The man was calm and collected and seemed to observe everything around him.
After a few minutes of silence, the man suddenly started walking his horse in the opposite Direction. His voice was steady and unwavering as he spoke, "If you wish to find a way to defeat Calamity Ganon, you will need to learn more about the past. I understand that it's not something you would like," he addressed the King directly before turning to everyone and continuing, "but it is necessary that you learn. Follow me."
The man's horse began to move faster, and the two giant horses followed closely behind him without any command. Revali kept a close eye on the man but didn't bother to say anything. Despite his reservations, Revali knew that finding out more about the past was essential if they hoped to defeat Calamity Ganon, even though it killed him not to get answers from the man about what had happened before in Rito Village.
The guards stood at attention, their eyes trained on the King and Princess, waiting for a command. The King's indecision was palpable as he hesitated momentarily before nodding and signaling to follow the man. Zelda trailed behind her Father while the Champions exchanged bewildered glances. As they followed the man at a leisurely pace, they made their way up the hill, taking in the stunning scenery around them.
The man leading the way was clearly visible, his imposing presence and majestic horses catching their attention. They watched in awe as he rode towards what appeared to be the edge of a cliff, but their hearts skipped a beat when they anticipated him and his horses falling off the edge. However, to their amazement, nothing happened. It dawned on them that it was not a cliff edge but a steep hill. At that moment, everyone froze in shock at the realization, but they continued following the man without a word.
The man was striding confidently down the hill, his gait steady and unwavering. As they followed him, they could see a set of old ruins in the distance, their walls crumbling and destroyed, a haunting reminder of a bygone era. The group was on edge, unsure of what lay ahead.
As they followed the man, their eyes were drawn to the Rist Peninsula, a peculiarly shaped piece of land protruding into the sea. Its jagged coastline was visible in the distance, the waves crashing against its rocky shore.
Zelda's mind was racing with doubts. What if this man was leading them on a wild goose chase? What if he didn't know how to awaken her powers after all? What if this was a trap to get them surrounded? Her hesitation was palpable, but she felt a reassuring hand on her leg. She looked down to see Urbosa's comforting smile and felt a sense of calm wash over her.
As they walked towards the beach, Urbosa turned to the Princess and softly said, "It'll be all right, Princess," before striding ahead. The Princess, still perplexed, followed her. When they finally reached the beach, a man riding a horse galloped past them. The group hurriedly chased after him, leaving those without horses behind. The Champions, each using their unique abilities, kept pace with the man without getting too close to his horses, which they noticed were heavily armored.
The group continued along the path, through winding trails and steep hills, until they were close to the center, where the man abruptly halted his horse. In the center, a bright blue shrine glowed eerily. The group came to a stop. As soon as the man stopped, the giant horses continued running towards the center, leaving the man alone in the middle of the path.
As an AI-powered assistant, I will do my best to rewrite the text to be more detailed:
Everyone in the group came to a stop and watched as the man, whose identity was unknown, made his way towards them. His movements were deliberate and commanded attention. When he called out to Zelda, his voice was stern and commanding. He instructed her to step forward, and the guards were visibly displeased that he referred to their Princess by her name and not her title. Just as they were about to voice their objections, the King raised his hand, signaling them to remain silent.
Upon seeing the shrine only a few meters away, the King halted everyone in their tracks. Although he had seen many shrines throughout the Kingdom, he had never encountered one active and open. Knowing the moment's significance, he gestured for the guards to remain quiet as Zelda rode forward on her horse.
The man addressed the Champions and Link, who were already approaching Zelda, not wanting to leave her alone. Zelda didn't turn around, but her nervousness was palpable. Link knew he would follow her no matter what, as he always had. The rest of the Champions needed clarification, except for one who was curious about the situation and wanted to learn more.
"If you wish to awaken your power, this is the first step," the man said, his voice echoing through the shrine. "You will learn many things, but this is only the beginning for you. Remember, Zelda, you are a woman with numerous strengths, and I am confident that you know what to do once you fully awaken your power to the best of your ability."
The man then began walking towards them at a slow pace, his back disappearing from view. "Take your first steps towards your future, Zelda," he said. The group was left standing there, wondering what the future held for them and what they would learn as they embarked on this journey.
Zelda was about to speak when suddenly a deafening roar came from the sky, causing everyone to look up in surprise. They were startled to see a colossal dragon approaching them. The Dragon was so close to the ground that they could feel the warmth radiating from its body as it flew closer and closer. The Dragon's enormous body blotted out the sky, seeming to bring the sun with it as the sun started to rise from behind it, casting a shadow over the land and causing everyone to gasp in awe.
The man noticed Zelda's shocked reaction and the look of recognition on her face. She had dreamed about this Dragon and had encountered it once before. The Champions looked at the man as the Dragon disappeared into the heavens, but Zelda, her Father, and the guards kept their eyes on the Dragon as it became visible against the sky. They were all mesmerized by the Dragon's majestic beauty, admiring its iridescent scales and golden eyes that shone like jewels.
As the Dragon soared overhead, it suddenly changed Direction and flew upward, revealing the intricate patterns on its underbelly. The man only looked at Zelda's expression as she watched the Dragon, her Father, and the guards. It seemed like time slowed when they realized they could clearly see the Dragon's face. The Dragon's sorrowful eyes were filled with tears that sparkled in the sunlight, and a single tear rolled down its cheek, landing in the center of the Rist.
"Step forward, Zelda, this is your gateway towards activating your powers," the man spoke, breaking the silence. Zelda hesitated momentarily before stepping forward, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew this was a momentous occasion and was determined to make the most of it.
Suddenly, the man set his horse into a gallop, and they watched as he transformed into blue particles that disappeared into the air. Everyone froze in shock as the horse ran past them and swam across the beaches to get to the mainland. Instead of running in the Direction they had first come from, the two giant horses quickly got away from everyone, leaving them bewildered and amazed.
Zelda's eyes widened with shock as she gazed at the mysterious scene before her. Her horse suddenly jolted forward with a slight gallop but then slowed down to a gentle walk as if it knew she needed to take control of the situation.
In the center of the area, where the tear had fallen from the Dragon's eye, stood a perfect circle of water that seemed to defy gravity. The droplet just stayed there, shimmering in the sunlight, almost as if it was alive. The water was crystal clear, with tiny flecks of glitter dancing along the surface, creating a mesmerizing effect.
As she approached the puddle, a strange sensation took hold of Zelda, causing her to lose control of her body. Her Father called out to her, but she was too focused on the puddle to respond. She dismounted her horse and slowly approached the water, her eyes fixed on the glittering surface. Despite losing control, she felt a strong urge to touch the water, to feel its coolness on her fingertips.
The Champions stood in awe as they observed Zelda's every move. She took a deep breath and slowly placed her hand on the puddle, her gaze fixed on the water's surface.
To everyone's surprise, nothing happened. The puddle remained undisturbed, and there was no sign of any magical force at work.
In that fleeting moment, Zelda paused and gathered her thoughts. Suddenly, she felt a sense of control returning to her body, and she slowly stood up, feeling more confident and determined than ever before.
Her eyes met her Father's, who had dismounted his horse and was now walking towards her with a worried look. Despite the chaos around them, Zelda felt a sense of calm and clarity wash over her.
"Father..." she started to speak, but before she could finish her sentence, a blinding light erupted from within her. Her eyes, mouth, and ears glowed with an otherworldly brilliance, and the entire area was engulfed in a dazzling radiance that left everyone speechless. The guards and Rist were momentarily blinded, and all they could see was the intense glow surrounding Zelda.