POST-CALAMITY FUTURE
Forgotten Temple Entrance
"Queen Gibdo?!" ImpaC exclaimed, "You mean like the Gibdos in the desert?!"
"Yeah! This is the monster that tried to stop Riju from getting her Secret Stone!" Tulin pointed out.
"Wait, Tulin?!" Riju noticed he was still there, "Didn't you go through the Gate?!"
"I was going to when this thing attacked! Ertis told me to stay!"
"What? Why?" ImpaC's tone was not accusatory. Ertis probably had a reason.
She was right.
"A monster like this seems to be created from Gloom. The Yiga are making their move, and if this 'Crowl' is behind it, I have a feeling I know who their targets might be!" Ertis responded.
Ertis had already gained a peek into what Crowl might be thinking from the limited information he had been given on the boy. He was still unaware of his hearing the voice of Ganondorf, but he had deduced a grudge against the Sages and arbitrary targets of said grudge.
"We need a strong Rito Warrior on our side to head to Rito Village, and Revali wasn't at the Gate! I'll apologize to Sir Teba later. We also need to notify Yunobo to go to Goron City!"
As he spoke, the Queen launched Sand Tornadoes at them. Each one leapt out of the way, scattering them into the canyon.
It then zeroed in on its target. Shirana, the daughter of Champion Urbosa and ancestor of Riju, Sage of Lightning.
It closed in from the air as Shirana got up from her fall, but a seemingly living bolt of lightning zoomed forth to strike it in the face.
The Lightning dissipated as the Queen was rendered vulnerable. Riju dropped from the point of impact, Secret Stone aglow.
Utilizing her lightning powers with her secret stone allowed here to move as fast as lightning while maintaining accuracy, much like Thunderblight Ganon. Riju herself had become a bolt of lightning.
"I see! He's targeting our most recent ancestors!" Riju growled as she landed, "Or I suppose SidonC himself is also a target. Either way, you thought going after my grandmother while Lady Urbosa was away would spare you from… Urbosa's Fury?"
With those last words, Riju snapped her fingers in a purely symbolic gesture as lightning bolts descended upon the monster.
Shirana ran to her side and unsheathed her Scimitar.
"Riju! If I am its objective, allow me to fight alongside you!" She proclaimed, "As you said, I am a Champion's daughter and future leader of the Gerudo! I can't allow myself to merely be protected!"
Though she couldn't control lightning, Shirana was second only to Urbosa herself in strength and speed among the Gerudo. She had also spent years tirelessly polishing her technique.
"Well said! It's vulnerable only to elemental strikes when it is darkened but can be struck afterwards! Let us face this beast together!" Riju nodded.
So absorbed were they in the battle that they didn't notice a faint trail of black mist emanating from the Queen Gibdo to a spot above the canyon, where Raiga was crouched in concentration.
He had initially been fused with the beast, but the magic he was infused with allowed him to separate and control it from a short distance.
If he had been fused with it still, he would have perished with its defeat. Now, though, he could only grunt in frustration when the final blow was landed.
"Dammit… I failed…"
He was exhausted. Too exhausted to move. He would need time before he could conjure up the monster again, and now he was vulnerable.
But he was also well-hidden, with three escorts who had chased after him on Kohga's orders ready to carry him back to base and make a report.
Three other volunteers were currently en route to their targets. Higa, Saiga and Roga. Three promising and ambitious blademasters each controlling a servant of the Demon King…
Impa and Ertis began escorting the King back to Hyrule Castle once they saw Riju and Shirana holding their own against the Sandstorm insect that invaded the temple.
Once they arrived, they would notify Yunobo and dispatch soldiers with him to defend Rupon. They would also send military aid to Tulin, who was rushing to Rito Village to protect Craj's family, and SidonU, who was about to meet with and begin training his past self. He needed to be warned.
But it turned out things were about to get serious on the Post-Upheaval side as well…
POST-UPHEAVAL FUTURE
Somewhere in the Depths
"Master Kohga! Please! He can't be trusted! I've seen this before!" Sooga's pleading fell on deaf ears.
Kohga was too absorbed with what Ronj was doing.
Ronj had apparently established a telepathic communication with Crowl on the other side of the Gate through the shared presence of Gloom in their bodies. Crowl was currently filling Lusha in on his location with the same method.
He had transferred a new ability to Ronj. Something similar to what Astor had accomplished in the Post-Calamity timeline.
Using partially-diluted Gloom, he created Phantom Ganons… but different. These took on the appearance of Tulin, Sidon, Riju and Yunobo. They were somewhat like the Champion clones Astor had made, but more resistant to the Master Sword.
Each one also wore a mask that looked like a corruption of the Divine Helms. In a way, they were like the Blights.
Kohga could tell they were strong. He also liked the sound of Crowl's plan communicated through Ronj. Each one was to strike at the homes of the Sages. This would enable them to focus on retrieving Terrako.
Sooga had not yet given up, though. Terrako was the key. If he could ensure it was a card held by the Yiga…
"Master Kohga, allow me to prove my loyalty…" He whispered in the leader's ear. He knew any Yiga leader would like insurance. They knew Terrako was in Hateno Village…
Hateno Village
The Yiga had communicated faster than LinkU had anticipated. By the time he and ZeldaU had arrived, some Yiga footsoldiers were engaged in combat with two older men outside his house.
In front of his door, a familiar-looking old woman was clutching Terrako as a similar-looking old man barked instructions at the ones defending them.
LinkU was honestly impressed by the two holding off the Yiga. Their combat skill was exemplary. They were clearly masters of their craft. One was using a large spear, the other a broadsword.
He joined the fray and helped finish off the Yiga. He knew more would be coming, do he turned to the two older people in front of his home.
"It's not safe here! Go inside with Zelda, I'll stand guard out…"
"No." The old woman stated, "You're not running off again. Come inside with us. We have much to talk about."
"I must say, this isn't how I pictured meeting you. Not that I'm complaining. This'll make a good story back in Lurelin." The old man chuckled.
"We'll stand guard. You need to talk." The larger of the two who fought told Link.
These were clearly not just messengers for Terrako…
"Link…" Zelda touched him on the arm, "Let's do as they say. They seem to know you somehow…"
"Not just somehow…" The old woman looked up at Link, straight in the eye, "It's me, big brother…Aryll."
"?!" Link nearly doubled over in shock.
Flight Range
Revali sat against a nearby stone to relax. He hadn't been as tired as this in a long time. Or as… fulfilled?
He was grateful to have come here.
Having to act in Tulin's stead meant helping the Gale Brigade relieve tension by running their drills. A few of them even started learning new maneuvers under his guidance.
Their growth and gratitude in just that short half-day long period gave him a satisfaction he never thought he'd feel from someone else's accomplishment.
Not all of them took to his advice as fast as he hoped, but that itself was a challenge he worked to overcome. The Gale Brigade was clearly the cream of the crop among Rito, and Tulin had already trained them to be possibly the most elite unit in the Kingdom. Fresh recruits might be even more fun…
"Working as a flock, eh? There might be something to that…"
In the peace that followed the Calamity, he had found himself at a loss of what to do. He buried himself in his own training, but to what end was that in peacetime?
He was actually kind of glad the monotony broke when Terrako summoned those monsters, but it was a feeling he felt guilty for having. Was he resenting the prosperity he had fought so hard to protect? Was there no place for him without conflict?
The answer, it turned out, had been so simple all along. He now knew his what next pursuit when this was all over would be.
He would train the next generation. Pass on his skills and knowledge.
Honestly, he kind of liked the mental image of himself as some wise, legendary teacher. It suited his tastes quite well.
Who knows? If he lived long enough, he might find his star pupil would one day be…
"Master Revali! Emergency!" His musings were interrupted by Gyas reporting, "There's something attacking the village! The Elder ordered me to let you know… it looks like the Captain! Except… made of Gloom?"
Revali snapped to attention.
"How…? More importantly, someone dares attack Rito Village looking like one of our own? It's up to us to teach them a lesson, isn't it?"
He had never so enthusiastically used a plural before. His brief time here had certainly left an impact…
Goron City
"Master Rupon! It's an honor to see you out and about! The usual, sir?"
"Extra Goron Spice, if ya would! I have a guest here helping me watch my grandson!"
Rupon had taken Daruk, in his Camo Coin disguise, on an outing to Goron City. They were currently at the city branch of the Bedrock Bistro. They each were seated on a stone stool, with Darvil on a kind of stone highchair next to Daruk.
"Call me Gongoron! I'm new to these parts, but Rupon here was an acquaintance of my old man! I owe a debt of gratitude to Yunobo as well."
Darvil looked up from the Rock Roast edge he was gnawing on.
"Gongo-what? I thought your name was Daruk!"
"Kid's got an active imagination, don't he?" Daruk countered, not flustered for a moment, "Anyway, give me the premium with ruby seasoning and extra Goron Spice!"
After the waiter left.
"You're good at this Dad. Yunobo worries himself ragged with his tyke, but you're a natural!" Rupon whispered.
"I got experience. You were pretty much the same at his age." Daruk responded, "Things were testy with the prophecy back then, though. I couldn't raise ya as much as I woulda liked…"
"Well… try your hardest for the Rupon over on your side, then. Maybe help him do a better job with Yunobo…"
"Oh right! I can do that now, huh? Something to look forward to, I guess!"
They carried on like that for a while, when suddenly a loud "BOOM!" was heard outside.
"Apologies for the interruption! A strange goron-like monster is attacking the city! Sir Bludo has ordered an evacuation, and Sir Rupon and the Young Master take top priority!" The restaurant owner told them in a panic.
"Fine! We'll go!" Rupon grumbled.
Once they were alone again.
"Let me fight it, Grampa! I gotta protect Dad's city as da footure Sage of Fire!" Darvil protested as Rupon lifted him out of the chair.
"Don't worry, kiddo. Mr. Daruk's got it covered!" Rupon gave his father a knowing look and whispered, "I can't fight on the front lines anymore, but I can make sure everyone leaves so you can do your thing!"
"Thanks! Teba may have my Boulder Breaker, but nevermind that! I kinda want to test out a new move!"
Gerudo Desert, Near Gerudo Town
"I appreciate the ride, but it isn't necessary…" Urbosa, disguise reapplied, told the driver of the Sand-Seal caravan escorting her to Gerudo Town.
"Don't think about it too hard. I owe ya one, and you're technically family. I figure Nel would slap me upside the head from beyond the grave if I didn't escort her grandma home…" Patrick told her.
"I'd watch your language if I were you. I'm not that old yet…"
As Gerudo Town came into view, they noticed smoke rising from the North Gate. Patrick picked up speed until they saw Gerudo soldiers defending a barricade at the Gate from a small hoard of Gloom Gibdos.
Led by a Gloom Phantom of Riju.
"What is that?!" Patrick exclaimed.
"A brazen insult, that's what it is!" Urbosa seethed, "I know you aren't a fighter, but try to get me to the entrance! I need to speak to Buliara!"
A Camo Coin's disguise would break like any Sheikah or Yiga disguise when exerting the effort necessary for combat. She needed as few witnesses as possible before engaging.
"You got it! I'll show you Sand Seal handling like nobody's business! Hyah!" They charged.
Mipha Park
"Tidon! Come! Swim to Aunt Mipha!"
"Statoo!"
Mipha was in the pool beneath her statue, using this time to play with her nephew. She was slowly swimming around, letting the infant chase her under Yona's and the Exalted Dorephan's watchful eye.
"Her mother used to play with her like that…" Dorephan remarked wistfully.
"It's a shame she can't stay here… but we can only make the most of it while we can." Yona responded, "Truth be told… I wish Sidon was here right now too…"
"LADY YONA! RUN!"
Chroma's voice called from the bottom of the stairs.
Slowly approaching was a Gloom Phantom of Sidon, who had just ascended the waterfall.
Mipha got out of the pool and looked down at it, her eyes narrowed.
"The Yiga truly know no shame… How did they manage this when their Seer is…? No. It doesn't matter…" She mumbled, "Here. Take Tidon! I'll cover your escape!"
"Mipha! Let me assist you!" Dorephan offered, "These old bones still have some fight in them!"
There was a determination in his eyes that said This time I will protect you! that Mipha simply couldn't refuse.
Either way, she couldn't forgive this thing. Not for interrupting her family time, not for making a mockery of her brother, and least of all for the possibility it might mean to harm her nephew…
Castle Town, Southern District
"Ganondorf Museum…?" ZeldaC stood in front of the museum her friends had previously visited.
She was here with PurahU and LinkC. LinkC had altered his appearance just enough to be seen as someone else, while ZeldaC had been given the last remaining Camo Coin.
The reason she was here was that she had demanded an explanation from PurahU about the trip to the past ZeldaU had taken, as she had seen through Terrako's "eyes".
PurahU figured this was the best way to explain it, and also told her how her friends and father had seen it already.
"At the very least, a lot will make sense to you once you've seen it, but don't blame me if it's a bit disturbing…" PurahU whispered to her as she led her to the Memory Pool exhibit…
Hateno Village, Link & Zelda's House
"You… you're really Aryll? You're alive?!" Link asked.
They were now inside his home with Aryll and Gil. Gil's sons, Sturgis and Orcan, were guarding the entrance.
"I was actually more surprised that you were alive, brother. For the longest time I thought you had perished with the Kingdom over a century ago…" There were joyful tears on Aryll's wrinkled face, "Oh! Let me introduce you! This is our brother, Gil! He was…"
"Born 2 years after our fight… I can tell…" Link pulled them both into a hug suddenly, "Thank you both… for coming here. You have no idea how I've regretted that night…"
"You? For so long I hated myself! I thought I drove you away with my selfishness… I thought I'd never get to apologize!" The old woman was now bawling like a child.
"I always heard of you… but you're even more impressive in person!" Gil laughed, also tearful, "I've dedicated my entire life to mastering the blade, but I'm no match for the raw talent I saw back there!"
Link finally let them go, "I'm sorry… I was in a bad place all those years ago… I never even thought to apologize until I lost the chance…"
Zelda had been watching, happy for her Champion to finally get this reunion she always felt he deserved.
But she also had questions.
"Excuse me…" She ventured hesitantly, "But… that construct you have, where did you get it?"
"This?" Gil took Terrako from Aryll and handed it to Zelda, "It actually fell in front of Aryll's house a few years ago. It told us to return here at this exact time, said our brother was alive and to deliver it to Princess Zelda, then it stopped working. It had that whole spiel pre-done, it looked like…"
As Zelda tried to activate Terrako, a Zonai lock appeared. Reading the symbols on other, she now knew the final piece of this puzzle.
"To access the Secret Stones, the Master Sword, and reactivate Terrako… we need Mineru's Secret Stone…"
TO BE CONTINUED