Skies Above Castle Town
"Tulin! Wait up!" Craj called at the shrinking silhouette of his descendant.
"Sorry, Craj! We took longer than I thought, so we need to hurry! Just use the tailwind!" Tulin called back.
"It's not that simple!"
Tulin had used his wind mastery to provide a tailwind to aid in their rush to the castle. It was broader than his concentrated gusts, meant to be shared.
Though the speed and unnatural nature of it meant that to effectively use it required training.
It was one of the first things new recruits for the Gale Brigade, Tulin's warrior unit, trained in. Revali was so talented that he had mastered it on the first try, but Craj was not Revali.
Craj soon lost sight of Tulin, but they were already near the castle regardless.
He managed to land at the entrance and headed inside.
Throne Room
A few minutes after the King had departed to follow the others, Craj was making his way towards the throne room.
Inside that room, SidonU had made his way back inside, Tidon smiling in the crook of his arm.
He made his way over to Mipha, beaming.
"I cannot express the depths of my gratitude, Sister! The ones outside told me you brought him here! Your foresight always astounds me!"
"I can't take all the credit..." Mipha corrected him, "It was more of a hunch. Father had been looking after him mostly... and my brother rescued him from the river." The emphasis meant SidonC.
SidonU understood, "I see! I hope it wasn't too much trouble..."
"Not at all! He was a very well-behaved child!" Mipha smiled in a way SidonU could tell was sincere.
SidonU smiled back, heart warmed at his son bonding with his sister. Then, though, he turned away with a familiar pained expression.
Mipha noticed, and decided to tackle it, "SidonU... I know why you make that face..."
"?!" It wasn't just SidonU who noticed. Teba, Yunobo and the Sheikah noticed and jolted.
ImpaC, PurahC, RobbieC and the others who hadn't been in on the discussions on this topic, also looked suspicious, while Paya and even Josha averted their eyes.
ImpaC, who had kept her emotions in check and remained silent, even after being told her granddaughter was in front of her, finally could take no more.
"Mipha. What do you mean? Is there something I'm not aware of?"
"Grandmother..." Paya ventured.
"Not now!" ImpaC exclaimed, then retracted her outburst, "Sorry, I'm just a little frustrated here..."
She had been bottling up a lot since that strange man named Tauro started saying things at the Forgotten Temple. She had no reason to believe he was lying when he said he was her granddaughter's fiance, or that she was here, but seeing it made all the difference. And now it seemed even the future comrades she knew had been keeping secrets.
"Uh... maybe we should head out? Leave you guys alone for a bit." Daruk suggested, reading the room.
Yunobo followed him out to the entrance. "You sure this is okay, Daruk?"
"Family matters are private, Yunobo. Best leave it to them for now..." Though he did call to Paya, "You should probably tell her what you told me!"
Mipha and SidonU followed, Tidon looking around confused as to the noises.
"I'm sorry if you feel we decieved you, Sister..." SidonU whispered apologetically.
"No need. We can guess your reasons." Mipha responded, letting the infant play with her finger as they walked.
"I suppose we'll meet your boy at the entrance, then." Revali shrugged.
"Yeah...right..." Teba agreed, but something was bothering him. He felt like he was failing to account for something he couldn't quite put his finger on...
As they exited to the entrance hall, they noticed a Rito approaching. But it wasn't Tulin.
"Craj! There you are!" Revali called, "Where's Tulin? Teba just so happens to be here looking for him."
Craj stopped. No time to greet Teba, he exclaimed "Wait, he isn't here already?! He went in ahead, and I'm ashamed to say I couldn't keep up..."
"Wait, did something happen...?" Revali posed.
"Oh no..." Teba grimaced, realizing what he had forgotten, "This might cause a headache..."
Revali turned to him and asked for an explanation, which Teba provided as he pinched the bridge of his beak.
"Tulin never visited the castle last time we were here, and in our future the castle is mostly used as a meeting place for various purposes..."
Revali had previously had Tulin divulge the details of his future. Not directly, but through bits and pieces of various questions. He almost laughed at the level of flattery in the name "Gale Brigade". He was able to piece together details of the Calamity, as well as some close affiliation with SidonU, Yunobo, Riju and some unknown figure name "Mineru"
The Demon King had not come up, neither did the Upheaval. This was because Revali's questions never led there specifically. Neither had the word "Sage".
He didn't really know what the state of things truly was in Teba's time, but it sounded like the castle hadn't been fully restored yet.
Teba continued, "There is no existing etiquette for arrival, and Tulin always lands at a high spot and descends, usually with a few of his generals in tow... anyway, the point is he...probably didn't think to come in through the official entrance..."
"Oh..." Revali realized what he was getting at, but it was already too late.
A Few Moments Ago, Corridor to Zelda's Room
LinkC and ZeldaC were currently lagging a bit behind the others, having consciously chosen to go at a slower pace. ZeldaC hoped Urbosa would catch on and join them, but she was already far ahead. Terrako was slightly behind them.
A bit behind them was King Rhoam, who they suddenly noticed when they turned around as they felt a strong gust of wind blowing from the open sections straight into the inside behind them.
The gust brought in a familiar-looking Rito Warrior of around 16. The coloration of the feathers and heavy resemblance to both Teba and the young son of his they had briefly seen before made his identity easy to deduce.
This was Tulin, sticking to his usual habit of landing on the wall corridor closest to the direction he was coming from. The very thing Teba had forgotten about.
Before they could say anything, Tulin turned, probably to head to the throne room, and spotted King Rhoam, who spoke when Tulin paused.
"You... isn't that Revali's power...?"
Unfortunately, they weren't alone in the hall. Hyrule Castle in this era was always heavily occupied with sevants and guards. Tulin's unwittingly flashy entrance drew the attention of various people not privy to the information that had been privately discussed until now. They were also currently on edge with the recent rash of bizarre incidents.
"INTRUDER! Protect his Highness and the Princess!" The nearest security guard shouted. Tulin was surrounded in mere moments, a surprised look on his face.
"Name yourself! What is your purpose!" The captain demanded.
Despite the weapons pointed his way, Tulin's troubled look wasn't out of a sense of danger.
"Uh... Darn, I think I messed up..." He had his hands in the air, hoping to avoid causing a scene, he looked at King Rhoam who had first addressed him "Hey, is Master Revali here? He should have arrived ahead of me... he can clear this up."
"No need for that." ZeldaC spoke up, causing Tulin to finally take notice of the familiar-yet-not-quite pair of Hylians and construct behind him.
"Link!...Zelda? You guys look diff-oh! Right! I get it!" Tulin got a look of epiphany, now wholly unconcerned with the guards.
"Lower your weapons, men." King Rhoam ordered, "This is an honored guest of Master Revali. Please see him to the meet the rest of our guests..."
"Thanks... I guess we can talk later..." Tulin chuckled awkwardly, looking to the others, "Hm? LinkC? What's up? Something on my...ankle...?"
He noticed LinkC staring at him, then noticed he was looking at his ankle. Specifically, his Secret Stone.
"Don't worry... go see Revali. Your Dad is there with him." He dismissed it.
"Dad, too?! This isn't good..." Tulin was yet uninformed of the Gate in the Forgotten Temple, and so thought his father being here meant he was also involuntarily warped here.
Regardless, he deemed it more urgent to meet with him, giving a friendly wave as security escorted him to the throne room.
"LinkC? Are you...?" ZeldaC noticed his strange behavior.
That Stone... I saw that on the others. What does it mean? Yunobo has one, and he shares Daruk's ability... Tulin now has an ability like Revali's...
LinkC was deep in thought. His instincts were telling him something important was being hidden from them. Something to do with those stones...
He looked up from his thoughts, noticing ZeldaC looking at him in concern, as well as the fact that the King was still there.
"Oh! Just..." He wanted to dismiss it again, but then he remembered someone nearby might have answers.
"Terrako!" He addressed the familiar Construct, the one now capable of conversing, "You brought them here, right? Do you know why they have those stones?"
"CLARIFICATION. THEIR ARRIVAL HERE WAS UNINTENDED. SIDE EFFECTS DURING A NARROWING OF THE SEARCH FOR MY MASTER."
"What?!" The King couldn't let this revelation go, "The trouble our kingdom faces... you brought all those monsters here... for such a reason?!"
ZeldaC was equally disturbed. She knelt down, looking Terrako in its now-green "eye".
"Terrako.. why? Why was it so important to bring her here? For what purpose?" These disturbances were great, but in her experience Terrako never did something so consequential for no reason. It usually had her best interest ls in mind.
She was half right.
"UPON RESTORATION TO CONSTRUCT STATUS, I DETECTED A BEACON FROM THE TIME I LEFT BEHIND. MY MASTER I THOUGHT LOST HAD SURVIVED. I HAD ABANDONED MY MASTER PREMATURELY..." Terrako looked down in apparent shame, "RETURN WAS IMPOSSIBLE, BOTH BY CAPABILTY AND VIRTUE. I COULD NOT ABANDON MASTER HERE. SO I BROUGHT MASTER HERE. IT WAS HURRIED. I STARTED WITH LIFEFORMS ABOVE CERTAIN MAGIC LEVELS, NARROWING UNTIL LOCATED. FINALLY, SUCCESS! BOTH MASTERS ARE HERE NOW!" Terrako lit up, literally and figuratively, in joy.
"That's..." ZeldaC was horrified. Terrako had done something so horrible, all with the purest intentions. Not just the monster outbreak, but tearing people away from their homes. People very dear to their own friends. What had even brought this about? What triggered this?!
LinkC was equally disdainful, but hadn't forgotten his original intention, "That future, where you got that signal... had anything of note happened?"
"UNKOWN. ANOMALIES WERE DETECTED. THE LAND HAD BEEN ALTERED IN GREAT AND PECULIAR WAYS. HOWEVER, INQUIRY TO THE CAUSE WAS DEEMED IRRELEVANT."
It seemed Terrako was able to get a few glimpses but hadn't bothered to look deeper. So great was its commitment to its own objective.
Still, even from just the glances, something had happened. Something Terrako didn't seem to be able to attribute to that future's own Calamity events.
"Princess... Your Majesty... I think we may need to question our guests about a few things."
"LinkC...?" ZeldaC was surprised by the sudden sharp look in his eye.
"I understand. But... we need to approach this delicately." King Rhoam gave assent, but cautioned both LinkC and himself from approaching this harshly.
Realistically, this suspicion of LinkC's hadn't been confirmed to be relevant to any threat to their own Hyrule. He didn't want to act hastily...and make his daughter hate him all over again...
With a solemn nod of understanding, LinkC led them once again towards Zelda's Room, the pace considerably slower.
Princess Zelda's Room
As the others were held up by Tulin's abrupt arrival, LinkU burst into Zelda's room, too anxious for formalities. ZeldaU was sitting on the bed, still lost in her thoughts when she saw him, and recognized both his age and Master Sword.
"LinkU? How are you...?" She was interrupted when he ran up and firmly embraced her. Anxious as she had been, she returned it. She didn't know how he was there, not having been informed of the Gate, but she certainly felt more secure. Tension eased from both of them as they sat there.
Until...
"My my... when did this happen?" Came the curious, slightly teasing voice of someone else ZeldaU remembered well.
"Urbosa?" ZeldaU let go to peer over at the door, "And... Riju? You're here too?"
"Apologies, Your Highness. I take it you weren't informed about the strange Gate appearing at the Forgotten Temple..." Riju answered apologetically.
Even as she noticed a playful smile on her ancestor's face, she had a duty to inform the Zelda she served of the situation.
"It would seem no one else fell victim to the portals once you disappeared, but a larger, sustained portal materialized at the Forgotten Temple, in the same place in each future." She paused, "Are you...aware of the state of things here?"
ZeldaU cast her glance down, "I am. I read records of it while I was up here, after being told about the discrepancy with the Calamity..." She looked straight at Riju, who was suddenly making an awkward face, "I am also aware of your role in it. It came as a shock...but I understand your reasons."
Riju relaxed, immensely relieved.
"We have also been informed of how things turned out for you, Little Bird..." Urbosa spoke up, "It appears you've had it quite hard. Harder than I could probably imagine."
ZeldaU's face paled. Urbosa thought perhaps she brought up some unpleasant memories of the Calamity, but the reason was different.
ZeldaU hadn't settled on how to address the other disaster, and if Urbosa knew about it before she could decide if it was wise to disclose it, things might get difficult.
When Urbosa said they had been informed, ZeldaU had no way of knowing how much.
She glanced at LinkU, who gave a slight nod combined with a facial expression that told her It's okay. I know what you are worried about and they don't know that much yet.
Reassured, she turned back to the familiar face before her. She no longer felt anxious.
LinkU and the others had apparently come here, and there was a way home she could use. Possibly even to travel back and forth. Even if the Gate itself was temporary, if it could last long enough to let her address her concern, that would be enough.
She could put off thinking of it for now, and finally relax, and perhaps enjoy the company of Urbosa, someone she had missed for a long time.
"It has been difficult, yes. But you needn't worry, I'm doing well. Your descendant has proven herself quite capable, worthy of standing in your place."
"ZeldaU! Please don't be so presumptuous on my behalf!" Riju shouted, blushing in embarrassment. No way could she claim to be that lofty, even as a Sage, "I appreciate the gesture, but there is no need to exaggerate!"
But ZeldaU only smiled and said "I wasn't exaggerating. I sincerely mean it." She did, and pressed, "You have grown into the role of Gerudo chieftain far beyond what is expected, and not since Lady Urbosa has one mastered Lightning so well!"
Riju, who had only just been getting used to her power during the Upheaval, had of course gained a full grasp of it since. Gone were the days when she needed LinkU's arrows for any assistance. When utilizing her Secret Stone, her power over Lightning even eclipsed Urbosa's (though that was the very nature of a Secret Stone).
Urbosa, however, had been unaware that Riju had acquired this power. When last they met, Riju was a child, who depended on her Sand Seal and various tricks to fight. Urbosa's own family considered her ability unique, and she didn't even expect Shirana to awaken such an ability (something that had given her a bit of a confidence issue at one point as a child), so this came as a surprise.
"Oh? You didn't mention you had atrained my power, Riju! Looking closer, you also seem to practice Dual Scimitar style! I suppose it really has been longer for you!" She observed, "I did notice you'd grown, but I hadn't considered just how much..."
"It's actually been over 8 years, Lady Urbosa..." Riju responded with a nervous chuckle.
"I see." Urbosa then thought of something, "Little Bird, I know how much this must seem, but we have located those missing from your future. They are gathering at the castle as we speak." She wasn't currently aware Tulin had arrived, making it complete, "I understand you don't have much pressing need to stay anymore, but my daughter would probably never forgive me if I didn't take this chance to ask if she could meet our descendant."
"Shirana?" ZeldaU remembered her well, having the same bond with her as ZeldaC. Shirana was long gone by the time she emerged from her seal, having already had Riju's mother, who passed away young.
From the records she obtained, both Shirana and Rupon, Daruk's son, had it hard in the time since she had sealed herself with Calamity Ganon.
Both took up the mantle of leader and performed quite impressively, being central figures in setting and maintaining the stalemate that lasted the next century, as well as recouping damage to keep their homes sustainable.
It left both of them battered and exhausted, though she heard Shirana died quite peacefully, satisfied with her work and leaving the future to the next generation.
Rupon, incidentally, was actually still alive. Though he had retired due to an incident when Yunobo was very young, leaving him and Goron City in his best friend Bludo's care, and dwelled in a large, hidden cave that required specific knowledge to access. Not even LinkU knew about it until Yunobo brought him there around the time Darvil was born.
"Yes! She has actually already left to find her Voe, as is tradition. I have her in town living with Vistro. She missed her chance to meet Riju last time she was here, and was quite upset." Urbosa answered.
Riju put on an awkward look at the mention of the very tradition she herself had been putting off. Fortunately, Urbosa didn't see that.
"I don't suppose that would be too much to ask. Riju? Would you be willing?" ZeldaU answered. She really did have no reason to refuse. If anything, an excuse to keep the gate open was welcomed.
"I...don't see why not. It might be a good opportunity to get to know my grandmother and great-grandfather." Putting aside the worry that her age might cause her own love life to be brought up, Riju also decided to embrace the opportunity.
"That's fine, but if we're keeping the Gate up, then we also need to go there as soon as we possibly can. Everyone back home is panicking, and PurahU has ordered us to report back at least once a day. Especially now that we've found you." LinkU interjected, squeezing her hand. After all, they couldn't forget that everyone on the other side was currently in the dark about her and everyone else's safety, "I saw ImpaC here dealing with what must be a surprise meeting of her granddaughter, but our ImpaU needs to know she's okay!"
ZeldaU paused, then nodded, "Very well... I hope we can be allowed. We need to call the others..."
It would be easier to discuss her big concern in her own timeline, less likely to be overheard. Not to mention the terror attacks by the Yiga/Seer alliance might still be going on.
"I'll make sure we get permission..." LinkU began to say when he heard a small gasp, followed by a strange Construct jumping on to his lap, turning towards ZeldaU.
"MASTER! I TRUST YOU ARE WELL! AGAIN, I MUST APOLOGIZE FOR MY ABRUPT DEPARTURE FROM BEFORE..."
As Terrako launched into a long apology combined with questioning (more akin to a concerned servant than an interrogation), ZeldaC came to Urbosa's side, as LinkC and her father entered a moment later, ZeldaC having chased an impatient Terrako inside, then seeing her counterpart acting a lot closer to LinkU than she expected.
It was a surprise, but she couldn't say it was because she never pictured such a relationship. It did stir up some complex emotions in her, though.
Luckily, she wouldn't have to wonder if her father or LinkC would see, as Terrako had taken up the couple's attention and ended the previous display before those two had caught hadn't even noticed her.
As Terrako continued a never ending barrage of check-up questions, King Rhoam finally interrupted with a load clearing of his throat.
"Hello... Zelda..." It was an awkward greeting, unsure. A tone he had taken to using after the Calamity was sealed, as after years of strictness he was unsure how to approach casual conversation.
ZeldaC had only just gotten used to this way of speech from him. For ZeldaU, it added an extra layer to this already surreal situation.
In her own future, she had gotten to read her late father's diary, and heard his posthumous words from LinkU. She was aware of her father's inner struggles and regret, and how if she had only returned home one last time, he was ready to change, but the Calamity arrived and prevented such reconciliation. She often wished she could speak to him again, seize the chance that had been taken.
But in this situation, she wasn't sure how to approach. What should she say? Did this even count?
No...it did.
"Father..." She uttered, "It is... truly a blessing to see you again."
"I know... your future is different. I know my other self probably died full of regret..." He started, knowing full well what he would have felt.
"He did... but he was not a weak man. He carried out a duty, one he gave himself, from beyond death. An achievement worthy of a Champion. I don't know if LinkU would have been able to find me without his guidance..." It was pure gratitude, a thank you she never got to say face-to-face, "I was told, and I knew it was true. He loved me that much..."
She was interrupted by an old man who couldn't help but hug her. She returned it, eyes watering up despite herself.
Not even LinkU interrupted this. In fact, this brought a long-hidden desire in himself to the surface of his mind. Didn't he have a family here as well?
He recovered his memories rapidly during and after his journey to defeat Calamity Ganon. By the time of the Upheaval, his memory was complete again.
It was something he missed and remembered taking for granted. A regret of his own, that ZeldaU had helped him confront. They even lived together in his old home now.
Despite himself, he found a desire to see them. But it needed to wait. Reporting back with ZeldaU came first.
Castle Courtyard
Paya stood before the ImpaC and Ertis. PurahC was observing from a distance, but Tauro was kind enough to ensure everyone else gave them privacy, even if he had to physically shove them away.
"You look just like Impa..." Ertis began nervously, "Are you sure it's me? Your grandfather, that is?"
"Huh? Yes! I've seen drawings, and grandmother always talked about you when she reminisced, along with my..." She trailed off.
Paya had lost her parents at a young age. Her mother had only just succeeded as chief, and the Divine Beasts were beginning to show signs of becoming active again.
A pair of Guardians had appeared, heading to Kakariko Village, and her father had led a squad to lead them away... only to be thrown off by a Blood Moon, causing monsters to appear in their escape route.
She heard her mother had gone herself to provide backup when it was reported. ImpaU would tell her they had given their lives to protect the Village. That thanks to them, the Guardians were dispatched... but they were among the casualties.
Ertis had died before she was born, and so she only had her grandmother from that point. It was a traumatic memory, and was part of why she grew up sheltered and timid.
She couldn't mention that. Here they were, only just starting their lives together. It would undoubtedly be happier than the one they had led in her own future. Though...
"Anyway... Grandfather? I was wondering... Could you both possibly come through the gate for a bit? We don't know how long it will last, but I thought maybe my grandmother would like to see you again. I know she misses you."
"She does?" He seemed oddly perked up. ImpaC had an awkward blush on her face.
"Yeah. When I was a little girl, she told me stories. She said she couldn't have made it through the Calamity without your support! How you kept each other strong, and what a loyal man you always were!"
"She... thought that about me?" He glanced at his fiance.
ImpaC seemed embarrassed, almost ashamed. If that one is like me... she'd probably hate me for how I'm acting now...
It seemed the trials brought by the destruction of Hyrule had forged a close bond between the two of them. It wasn't like she didn't love him anymore herself, but there wasn't that pressure at this time. Was a tragedy of that scale really what it took to resolve herself?
But she was a proud Sheikah. If she had a problem, she should face it head on.
"Let's take her up on that offer." She said resolutely, gazing at Ertis more directly than she had in a long time.
Paya had no idea what was happening, but she was happy.
While that conversation was happening, Tulin was brought to the yard.
"There you are!" Teba exclaimed.
"Dad! How did you get here?! Did you get sent here by that green light?" Tulin approached. It was less of a family reunion and more a warrior reporting to his boss.
"Calm down... I came here of my own accord. Have you not been informed of the situation?" He glanced at Revali. He held a deep respect for the Rito Champion, but his last visit had given him insight to his fairly lax nature when it came to anything not related to combat.
"I was unaware of the details myself until I received the summons." Revali defended, "I only heard of the Gate when I arrived!"
Craj put a hand on Tulin's shoulder, "They explained it to me already. Let's get you caught up."
Near the fountain, Mipha held the baby she now knew to be her nephew in her lap. SidonU chuckled to himself watching her play with him, content to watch. Then Mipha addressed him.
"He's positively adorable. He looks like he's getting your smile! I think I've seen a few of these other features before..."
"Yes! He is my treasured heir! Father is quite different around him than I've ever seen him, it's quite odd, yet refreshing!" He felt he could tell her that much, "He can be quite rambunctious, and I never really got the hang of first aid, so my wife is always the one to take care of any scrapes!"
"She sounds like a caring Zora!"
"Oh yes! She is a splendid queen who makes me strive to be the best King I can be!"
"I thought so. I was worried something had happened to father when I saw that crown, but if he can play with his grandchild, he must be doing alright..."
Honestly, she wanted to ask SidonU something else, something to reassure her of SidonC's future prospects. His water control. Perhaps he could help her figure out what he needed to grasp.
Yet she also wanted to know another question, to secure a new part of that future she felt she wanted preserved for her own even more strongly.
"I'd love to know who inspires you so! She must be a wonderful queen!"
SidonU, who had only known his sister as a loving role model to look up to as a child, and a cherished sibling to fight beside on the battlefield, had no idea why she was so interested in Yona, whose actual name he hadn't divulged.
It wasn't that he didn't want to tell her, but she was being awfully inquisitive in her tone, and it threw him off. He also still had no idea what orders ZeldaU would give regarding discussion of the Upheaval.
If either Link, who new Mipha more as a person during peacetime, had been there, he would be able to tell him. Though he might not have, because it would be a headache to imagine Mipha acting as a nosy matchmaker for her brother.
Simply put, she had grown emotionally attached to Tidon as his aunt, and wanted to ensure he was part of her own future to look forward to.
This meant making sure SidonC would be matched with the same partner. For that, she needed to know who it was, and if she knew her already or needed to seek her out.
It was oddly conniving with the purest of intentions from a Zora Princess who highly valued her family.
Elsewhere, there was an explosion in the courtyard that brought all other conversation to a halt. Some thought they were under attack, but it was clear when they looked what was actually going on.
Daruk had invited Yunobo to spar, and things had escalated as they began to get into it.
Yunobo had just had his signature Fire Roll deflected by Daruk's Protection. It was his first time using it since he arrived here, the bout having been more traditional (but still intense) until now.
As he got up from the recoil, he heard Daruk cheer heartily.
"Awesome! What was that, man?! Some new technique? That wasn't magma like I use, was it!?" Daruk roared in glee, now approaching Yunobo with enthusiasm. The spar was apparently put on hold.
"Ah! It's nothing that impressive just..." No harm in telling him this much, right? "It's kinda like... I took the power used for protection, broke it and used the pieces for fire?"
Daruk's Protection had turned out to be a use of Sage Rudania's fire abilities his descendants would know by instinct. By breaking it down, it became more base and versatile, it's true form unleashed. Yunobo always felt that he had discovered that long-forgotten secret by pure fortune... later feeling like the timing made it fate.
"You're kidding! I never thought I could do something like that!" Daruk had mastered the defensive properties of the power to the point that its usual use had been named after him. His defense was more solid than any previous generation he knew. To find out it had more possibilities lit a fire in his belly, a new avenue that was like an itch he needed to scratch, "Ya think you could give me a hint?"
"Huh?!" Having the Great Daruk ask him for pointers was the biggest shock Yunobo had received that day. It really made him reflect on how far he had come. Still...
"I'm not sure if I could help... you could probably figure it out on your own just from what I've already said!" Yunobo was sincere in that. He wasn't so conceited to think he was at that level.
But, of course, there was also the need for caution. He knew that now.
With the action halted, the others ran over to them.
"I see you are enjoying yourself, my friend!" SidonU laughed every bit as heartily as Daruk. Tidon was held close to Mipha's chest, staring frozen at the two who had been fighting before. Not in fear, bit in wonder. The same wonder he had watching his father's friends and subordinates train in the future.
"Sorry of we got noisy... I was having a bit too much fun..." Yunobo apologized.
"You really are Daruk's kin, aren't you?" PurahC gave an exasperated sigh, "Listen, we have a messenger. Your princess is ready to see you guys..."
Dining Room, 2 Hours Later
The guests from the Post-Upheaval time had been invited to eat before their return home. It had been a long trip for many, and they were indeed hungry.
ZeldaU had requested privacy for them from the others from the Post-Calamity for the time it took the cooks to prepare. King Rhoam did accept, and Paya ensured they weren't being observed.
"I'm happy to see you all here." She began, "As I've told Riju, I'm aware of your previous presence in this time, and I want you to know we understand."
She said "we" to indicate LinkU as well. Naturally she had divulged what she had learned, showing him the same records she had read (this time with permission from ZeldaC). He hadn't reacted as strongly as she had. She was always astounded by his resilience.
"It is good to know that. We apologize regardless." Teba answered, "Though it is pleasing that we were able to find you and our missing compatriots so quickly, I take it we aren't simply returning home?"
Teba personally had no emotional attachment or business here that hadn't been resolved during his last visit. He understood, however, that this was not be the case for everyone present.
They were probably hoping to resolve unsaid trauma, or live out meetings they longed for.
He wasn't cold-hearted, but he hoped they hadn't forgotten the likely cause of the crisis was still at large.
Here, there was Raiga, who had unwittingly activated Terrako's reversion. He would be purely a criminal to be dealt with by the Post-Calamity Hyrule if not for this unknown factor.
There was also the Seers and their alliance with the Post-Upheaval Yiga back home. A problem they were already dealing with, and who likely triggered the anchor point Terrako had used.
They could hardly afford to just take a break and ignore these seeds of unrest who had already caused an uproar.
"I haven't forgotten. I assure you. I intend to have the search for them resumed the moment we report to PurahU." ZeldaU promised. She was to lead, after all. To expect to only ever have to tackle one problem at a time would be pure folly, and she needed to be able to divide tasks accordingly.
Although they were all currently unaware that the Seer leader had crossed over the Gate first and had already made contact with Raiga.
"More to my main concern... the Demon King. As he is here." She looked at them gravely.
It was something that had vaguely occurred to them all, but they had unconsciously put aside.
"I understand... I do sympathize, but who are we to assume they can't handle it here? They are not so weak..." Riju began, but was cut off.
"Strength isn't the issue and you know it, Riju! It's time and place!" ZeldaU responded, slightly losing her composure, "I... I know it is irrational of me... maybe even childish... but I don't want my other self to have to go through that... even if she doesn't need to wait 100 years... it was... and she might not..."
She began shaking, remembering her own unavoidable choice. LinkU put a hand on her shoulder, remembering a time he had fully believed he had lost her forever to a fate worse than death.
"Well, what do you propose we do? Wander on down and defeat the Demon King ourselves?" SidonU posed with an uncharacteristically stern look. He wasn't seriously suggesting this, it wasn't realistic.
If they went there, the seal would break early. ZeldaU might be able to fill in for Mineru... no, even if they were to find Mineru here and somehow get her to go along, it was arrogant to think a battle with even a weakened Demon King would simply go as they expect.
The Demon King Ganondorf was as cunning as he was powerful. If he sensed something amiss, such as a desire to keep the battle belowground, he would seize on such an opening.
They had grown stronger, but their battle 5 years ago had been won by a hair's breadth. They knew that even if they could win, the chances of such a battle being contained and unnoticed with no damage to the Kingdom itself was near impossible. Even if they asked the Champions for help, it would be beyond reckless.
All this assuming things were still the same with Ganondorf's seal and hadn't been unpredictably altered by Terrako's intervention.
"I'm not suggesting such a thing... but I think we need to think of something." ZeldaU refused to budge on that much. It seemed discussion with PurahU would be on the agenda soon..
Just Outside Hyrule Castle Town
It was getting to be evening. Not as bright as before, but not dark either. At this time, dinner was being served in the Castle.
In the forested area near Passeri Greenbelt, Raiga hid in the shadows, a few of his fellow Yiga had accompanied him, along side the Seer warrior, Ronj.
He was shaking with anticipation. His last ambush had ended in disaster and, if any Champions were there this time, his new untested reinforcements didn't offer much confidence.
Still, Master Kohga had opted to offer him this chance. Prove the usefulness of these new arrivals. Or really, prove he could keep these known shady characters under control.
They also had an objective... the Guardian(?) that had set off the confusion at the center of the current situation.
Crowl apparently was eager to get his hands on it. He might have had some sort of plan with it.
Naturally, Sooga had brought up his relation to the previous traitor in the briefing. This was not a full cooperation.
The Yiga would kidnap Terrako, and hold on to it as a bargaining chip and to keep as many cards out of Crowl's hands as possible.
Perhaps Crowl had sensed their intentions, because he insisted Ronj aid them. His skill with Gloom and monster command would surely be an indispensable asset for such dangerous foes, he said.
They each had a few bottles of Gloom, purer and in larger amounts than any Raiga had wielded at once before. A few greenhorns in Raiga's team were even beginning to feel cocky.
"I don't know when, but they'll have to go to that crazy gate eventually..." Raiga growled as he mulled all this over. They were prepared to wait as long as necessary, with Yiga Footsoldiers spread out in disguise to monitor any other paths or detours the target may take if they decided to make other stops first.
He would only have to wait a few more hours, really. But he couldn't anticipate the results of this ambush. Nobody could...
To Be Continued...