Hey Readers!
It's ironically really hard for me to map out Hyrule when combing both "Breath of the Wild" and "Age of Calamity". In this chapter the group is off to meet Robbie and Purah which I thought would be at his laboratory in Akkala, yet in "Age of Calamity they are walking though the Breach of Demise and go to this off sided building that matches the castle, I think it might be the West Hyrule Plains. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I don't know, I'm trying my best here guys. I'm just going to go with that.
Fio made sure to rise before the first rays of the sun crept over the castle's horizon. She wanted to be ready, to ensure she was on time when she departed with the princess. The day ahead promised to be long, and she wanted to start it with no rush, every detail accounted for.
The princess briefly told Fio yesterday that they were headed to a research facility on the West Plains, led by two researchers of ancient technology. Knowing this was going to be a long journey, Fio didn't know if she could manage it in just a dress. Luckily, skirts weren't the only thing she had bought with her weekly pay.
Mauls stirred from their sleep, their round eyes blinking open. They yawned and stretched, then sat up, on their side of the pillow, rubbing their tiny stubby libs over their face. The Korok watched in as Fio moved left and right around the room, grabbing items off the shelves, shaking out garments, and pulling out pouches.
"What's going on?" Mauls asked, still groggy from sleep.
Fio paused for a moment, looking at them with a smirk. "We're joining the princess on her quest today, Mauls. And we don't want to be late."
She then began rummaging through her wardrobe, muttering to herself. "Let's see… something practical, but comfortable." Fio sifted through the clothes, frowning at the delicate fabrics and ornate patterns. Finally, something caught her eye. "Ah, maybe this will work!" Grabbing pieces of clothing she threw them on her bed.
"AH!" Mauls yelped in panic, trying to covering their head as the fabric fell on them like a giant sheet.
Fio laughed softly, pulling her nightdress over her head and tossing it to the side. "Sorry, Mauls. But I think I've got it now."
She held up a peach-pink long-sleeve shirt dress that was both cute and practical. The skirt reached halfway past her thighs, and little slits on the sides made it easier to move. Paired with pastel green leggings tucked into sturdy brown, knee-high laced boots, it looked both comfortable and stylish. A light-brown corset wrapped around her waist, the lacing tight enough to support, but not restrict. To finish the look, she threw on a matching green shoulder cloak, the edges decorated with intricate sky-blue floral embroidery. The shopkeeper had told her that the flowers were called silent princess.
Once the little Korok was free form being buried, they sat back up, their eyes sparkling with admiration. "Ooooh… You look so pretty, Fio!"
Fio felt her cheeks warm as she looked into the mirror. "Thanks, Mauls," she said, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her face. The Korok, ever eager to help, hopped on her nightstand, and picked up two ribbons for her hair, holding them up. Fio smiled and accepted, weaving them into her usual braids, securing them with the ribbons.
As she slipped brown gloves on to protect her hands, Fio offered her shoulder to Mauls, who hopped onto it and settled comfortably. "We'd better head down; we don't want to be late!"
She hurried down the narrow staircase, the smell of freshly baked bread wafted up from the kitchen below, where Marten and Simon were already hard at work. It was still early, but Fio had told them she'd be leaving at dawn, and they had promised to see her off, give her supplies, and, most importantly, make sure she was ready for the journey.
The two men paused their work when Fio entered, both turning to give her a warm, if slightly apprehensive, greeting.
"Good morning, Fi," Marten said with a smile, though it lacked its usual warmth. Fio could see the worry behind his eyes—the same worry that had been building ever since she had told him of her decision to join the princess. He didn't say it out loud, but Fio knew he was concerned for her safety.
"Morning, Marten, Simon," she replied with a smile, though it was bittersweet. She noticed Simon glance at Marten, giving a small, reassuring nod before he spoke up.
"We're happy for you, Fio. And… we're a little concerned, sure," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "But we know you're strong. And you'll have the princess's guards to keep you safe. We'll trust you'll be alright."
Fio smiled back, her heart swelling with affection for them both. Hard to believe that it was only a few weeks ago when they had taken her in—when the doors of their humble inn had opened to her, offering not just a place to stay but a sense of belonging in this new fantasy world. The warmth of their kindness had been immediate, Fio realized they had become something more than just employers. They had become family.
"Thank you," she said softly, though a blush crept up on her cheeks. "I'll be okay, I promise."
Marten wiped his hands on his apron and turned away for a moment, as if gathering himself. When he came back, he held out a simple sword and a wooden shield. "Just in case," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "We want you to have these. It's dangerous out there, and you never know what might happen."
Fio's eyes widened, touched by the gesture. She carefully took the sword and shield, both heavy in her hands. "Thank you, Marten. I'll make sure to use them wisely."
Mauls eagerly jumped off her shoulder and reached toward the sword, their stubby little arms almost as if they wanted to wield it. Fio chuckled and strapped the sword to her back of her belt, where it fit snugly.
"We didn't forget your other needs." With a grunt, the bar tender then handed over an oversized backpack. The thing was stuffed to the brim, and a cast-iron pan dangled from one of the straps. A rolled-up sleeping bag was wedged under a buckle. The weight of it was staggering.
Fio tried lifting it, but it didn't budge. Her arms shook as she gripped the straps, but even with all her strength, the backpack felt like it weighed a ton. "Did you pack the roof as well?" she muttered, sweating.
Simon chuckled softly, as Marten tried to withhold his tears. "We wanted to make sure you were prepared for everything," The chef said.
With a final grunt, Fio managed to pull the pack up onto her back, though it made her stumble slightly from the weight. "I appreciate it, really. I'll make sure to use it all," she said, a little out of breath.
"And one more thing," Simon added, pulling out an old, weathered notebook. "This was ours when we were traveling. It's filled with notes on edible plants, recipes, and survival tips. You'll need it out there."
Fio opened the book and flipped through the worn pages. It was filled with sketches of wild mushrooms, herbs, and strange plants that grew in the wilderness. Recipes, some with ingredients she recognized, others unfamiliar, were scribbled in the margins. Fio smiled at the thoughtful gift.
Mauls leaned in to get a closer look, drooling at some of the recipes. Fio laughed and closed the book, placing a hand on the little Korok's head. "Thank you," she said, strapping the book to her belt next to her sword.
As she gathered herself to leave, her eyes fell on the lute that sat in the corner of the room, still resting on its small stool. Her heart gave a little tug. She'd played that lute in countless moments, and it had always helped her through difficult times.
"Hey," she said, picking up the instrument by the neck. "Do you think it'd be alright if I took this with me?" she asked, her voice soft.
Marten smiled warmly, though there was a glint of sadness in his eyes. "Of course, Fio. It belongs to you. Take it with you."
"Thank you," she said, her voice thick with gratitude.
The three of them stood at the front of their little inn, the early morning light casting long shadows across the cobbled street. Fio's boots scraped lightly against the stones as she adjusted the oversized backpack once more. Marten, his strong arms helped her slide it over her shoulders.
Marten's hands lingered on her shoulders for a moment longer than necessary, his lips trembling with unsaid words. Finally, unable to hold back, he pulled her into a tight bear hug. Fio, taken by surprise quickly returned it with a tight squeeze.
"Write to us, promise?" Marten's voice cracked, and she could hear the tears threatening to fall. He pulled back, his hands lingering on her arms, searching her face for reassurance.
Fio smiled, a gentle and confident smile that felt like a promise itself. "Promise," she said, her voice clear. "As soon as we make it to the West Plain." She stepped back, her heart aching a little at the thought of leaving them behind, but there was excitement ahead too. "You'll hear from me, I swear!"
Simon, always the quieter one, stepped forward next. His hand, warm and solid, patted her shoulder as he gave her an encouraging nod. "Take care of yourself, Fio."
"Bye, guys!" Fio waved, as she turned toward the castle. "Be back soon!" Her voice wavered for just a second, but she quickly hurried down the street.
Mauls, ever the enthusiastic spirit, perched on Fio's shoulder, their little arms waving energetically. Fio glanced over at her tiny friend, who was beaming with excitement.
"Ready for an adventure, Mauls?" Fio asked with a smile.
Mauls jumped up and down on her shoulder, their voice ringing out with excitement. "Yahoo!" they cheered, their little voice full of joy.
With one final wave to her friends, Fio turned her gaze forward, the castle now looming ahead.
Once they reached the front gates of the castle, Fio told the guards that the princess had invited her, and they pointed her toward the stables.
There were dozens of knights in armor, gearing up the horses on the wagons. The redhead looked left and right, trying to find a familiar face. Just then, she heard someone call out her name. "Fio! Over here!" She snapped her head to the left and saw Impa waving her hand with a big smile on her face. Alongside her were Link and the princess.
Smiling, Fio pulled the straps on her backpack and rushed over to them. "Hey! Good morning, everyone!" Stopping in front of them, Impa and Link both smiled, happy to see her. Fio glanced at Princess Zelda, who had a gentle smile on her face. Though Fio started to feel bashful now that all the attention was on her, she said, "Sorry for being late!" bowing her head slightly in apology.
"You don't have to be sorry, silly! You're right on time!" Impa smirked, rubbing elbows with the redhead and getting her to smile again.
"That looks pretty heavy, Fio," Zelda remarked, eyeing the mountain of a backpack on her back.
"Oh, ah—my bosses wanted to make sure I was prepared. B-but it's not a big deal!" Fio smiled, not wanting to be a burden. But her friends didn't buy it. Link came over and took her backpack off, having no trouble holding it. Fio blinked, watching the knight carry it over to one of the wagons. "Woah, he does not skip arm day…"
Just then, they heard a beeping sound. Looking down at their feet, they saw the little white Guardian chip in front of Fio. "Seems like it's happy you came," Impa smiled, crossing her arms.
Their moment was cut short when a knight walked over to Zelda. "Princess, the scouts are ready to depart."
"Wonderful," she nodded, looking toward the others. "Is everyone ready?"
"You know it!" Fio grinned, giving her a thumbs up, along with Mauls, who could only lift their stick arm.
Fio was thanking the Goddess that she didn't have to carry that load on her back the whole way. She kept a good pace with Link and Impa while Zelda led the way. Fio really respected the princess for not only being the leader but also for walking alongside them, rather than riding a horse or sitting in a wagon.
'Impa did say the princess had a love for research,' Fio thought. While Zelda had the appearance of a generic royal princess from any video game, she seemed much more down-to-earth. Yet, Fio still felt a little apprehensive around the noble lady.
The group walked in silence for a while, and Fio took a glance at Mauls, who was using her hair as a swing-rope, turning it into a new hobby. Not that she minded; the little Korok barely weighed anything.
Fio glanced at the others, realizing that if she wanted to fit in, she would have to put herself out there! I mean, she had survived high school—how hard could it be to make friends in a medieval fantasy world?
Clearing her throat, she shot a sidelong glance at Impa. "So, Impa, I wanted to ask, are you from Kakariko Village?"
The white-haired woman turned to her, a confident smile on her face. "Yep! I'm the head chef of the Sheikahs." She placed her fist over her chest, beaming with pride. "My ancestors were chosen guardians of the Goddess Hylia and were sent to be the protectors and guides of the descendants of her mortal incarnation, the Royal Family of Hyrule." She took a moment to gently nod toward the golden-haired princess in front of them.
Fio's eyes widened upon hearing Hylia's name. So, did she also bless the Sheikahs? It made sense if they were chosen guardians. The redhead turned to look back at Zelda; it was uncanny how much the princess resembled the Goddess. Zelda didn't have to invite her along on this trip, but she did, even though they had just met yesterday. Did that mean... she was also chosen?
"You can make a difference." The Goddess's words echoed in her mind again.
Fio was so deep in thought that she only caught the last part of Impa's sentence. "You should come visit our village sometime!" Impa grinned cheerfully.
"Huh? Oh! U-Uh—yeah! Sounds great!" Fio quickly smiled back, deciding to put her heavy thoughts on hold for now.
While the two of them were chatting, Zelda took notice of Fio's lute strapped to her back. "Do you play, Fio?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.
Fio turned back to the princess, suddenly feeling bashful, as if she had been caught. "Oh—uh, yes. A little..." She grasped the strap around her chest, her cheeks warming. "I like to sing sometimes as well..."
'Why did I say that?!' Fio screamed internally, quickly thinking of a way to backtrack.
"Oh—I don't want to be a bother… I mean! Only if you want me to. Y-Your Highness." Fio averted her eyes to the ground, feeling everyone's gaze on her—well, just Zelda, Impa, and Link, really.
The princess noticed Fio's discomfort and quickly reassured her. "I would love to hear one of your songs someday." She smiled warmly, leaving off on a good note before returning to her role as leader.
Fio blinked, looking back up, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She couldn't help but smile at Zelda's kindness.
"I want to hear you sing too, Fio!" Mauls exclaimed, climbing up Fio's braid like a rope and plopping onto their tummy, settling on top of her head. Fio lightly chuckled, feeling a mix of warmth and embarrassment at the support from her friends.
Further down the rocky terrain, out of the corner of Fio's eye, something captivating caught her attention. Half-buried in the dirt, its once-grand frame now crumbled with time, lay a Guardian. It had no legs—only a twisted, jagged mass of scorched metal and broken parts. Years of neglect had covered it in a thick layer of dirt, the earth slowly claiming it as its own.
Fio halted in her tracks, staring at the machine in awe. "Wow…" Her voice was barely a whisper, she had never been this close to one.
"Amazing, aren't they?" Zelda's voice broke through, warm and full of admiration as she joined Fio's side, gazing down at the ancient machine. "They were created by the ancient Sheikah civilization to combat the original Great Calamity."
"Great Calamity?" Fio's brows furrowed as she fully turned to face Zelda, her curiosity piqued. The phrase sounded strangely familiar... She studied Zelda closely, noticing the subtle shift in the princess's tone, the spark of excitement in her eyes dimming just slightly, replaced with something far more somber.
"Yes," Zelda replied, her voice growing quieter, more reflective. "10,000 years ago, a monstrous being imbued with pure hatred rose to conquer the Kingdom of Hyrule, called Ganon." She paused, her eyes darkening as she continued. "The Hylian civilization anticipated Ganon's rise, and so they prepared. They sent an unnamed knight, chosen by the Sword that Seals the Darkness, and a Princess... blessed with an unspecified 'sacred power'." She paused again, fiddling with her hands like a nervous tick, before clearing her throat to continue. "And the Sheikah, the highly advanced tribe of that time, created the Guardians and the four Divine Beasts to fight by their side."
Zelda glanced at the ground, her voice softening. "In the end, Hyrule was victorious. Calamity Ganon was sealed away. But it was prophesied that it would eventually break free, as it always had."
Fio's eyes widened in recognition, the fragments of knowledge she'd once read in the library—she remembered now. The pieces clicked into place, and the weight of the history hung heavily in the air. She glanced at Zelda, noticing how her usual serene expression had shifted, the princess lost in thought. Fio's frown deepened, suddenly feeling that she might have overstepped in her questions. With a small, guilty glance, she hurried to catch up with the group.
As they walked in silence, Fio heard a series of small beeps and chirps coming from her side. She looked down and saw the little Guardian walking next to her, its glowing blue eye fixed upward, silently watching her. The mystery of why it had wanted her to join them on their quest still nagged at her. Did it see something in her? Was there a deeper purpose for her involvement? Perhaps a divine mission? So many questions swirled in her mind.
Unbeknownst to Fio, Mauls—was watching the little Guardian with growing suspicion. Disliking the mechanical creature's presence. standing up tall on top of Fio's head, in swift, mischievous movement, Mauls pulled one of their eyes down and let out a loud, raspberry-like sound at the droid.
The Guardian didn't take too kindly to that, and blared beeps and chirps, as it argued back.
Meanwhile Fio tilted her head, her brow furrowing in confusion at the sudden shift in the droids attitude. Did she do something wrong? It was acting like it was throwing a tantrum.
Before she could fully make sense of it, the little Guardian scurried away, moving quickly toward Zelda's side as though seeking safety. Mauls huffed in victory, standing proudly atop Fio's head, clearly pleased with themselves. That is, until they lost their balance, tumbling backward and rolling over the back of Fio's head. They landed with a soft thump in her cloak hood, utterly defeated.
"You okay back there, Mauls?" Fio called over her shoulder, a slight chuckle escaping her lips at the sight of the little Korok.
"Yes..." Mauls huffed from within the folds of her cloak, Their voice muffled and full of dramatic pouting. Their tiny face could almost be imagined—furrowing brow, arms crossed in indignant frustration.
The group took a short pause, their eyes tracking the small Guardian as it scurried around their towering forms. Its large, glowing blue eye blinked and flickered as it regarded each of them in turn, its movements quick and erratic, as though it were trying to understand them just as much as they were trying to understand it. Impa, her face softening in curiosity, dropped to her knees, her hand reaching out slowly, hoping to make contact with the tiny creature. But the Guardian seemed to sense her intention, skittering away just out of reach, its focus unwaveringly locked onto Zelda.
Zelda watched the Guardian with a soft smile, her eyes filled with a quiet wonder. "Why is it so… attached to me?" she murmured, more to herself than anyone else, her voice full of affection. The Guardian beeped once, its mechanical body vibrating with a soft hum. "Whatever could you be, little one?" she added, her smile deepening, her fingers twitching as though she longed to reach out to it herself.
Before anyone could respond, the Guardian suddenly began to make a loud, shrill noise, a warning alarm blaring from its core. Fio, standing beside Link, raised a brow in confusion, her eyes flicking between Zelda and the Guardian. Link, too, appeared perplexed, though Zelda and Impa were lost in their thoughts, trying to decipher the meaning behind the Guardian's strange behavior.
"I suppose all we can do is wait until Robbie and the others at the lab can analyze it," Zelda said, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.
"Agreed, Your Highness," Impa replied with a nod, but her gaze never left the little Guardian, as though she feared it might spring to life at any moment.
Link squinted, narrowing his focus on the Guardian. It wasn't paying attention to them—not at all. Instead, its glowing blue eye seemed to be scanning the area behind them. He turned slightly, trying to follow its line of sight.
Fio followed his gaze, her heart skipping a beat as she saw something far more unusual than she expected. A sudden flash—dark smoke- shot across the sky like a comet. It collided with the larger Guardian they had just passed, and without warning, the energy from the comet seemed to absorb into the Guardian's form.
"What was that?" Fio muttered under her breath, her eyes wide with confusion. She felt a chill run down her spine as the Guardian suddenly jolted to life. The once-calm blue glow in its eye shifted, flickering and turning a haunted shade of red. The change was instant, and it sent a shiver through Fio's bones, as though something ancient and malevolent had awoken within it.
The Guardian's body hummed, and its eye glowed brighter, its once-unfaltering focus now turned toward Zelda. The mechanical monster's red eye locked onto the princess, and then, in a chilling, unblinking motion, it began to shine a deadly red laser toward the back of Zelda's head.
Fio's breath caught in her throat. Before she could think, she reacted—her legs moving on their own accord, propelled by pure instinct. "ZELDA!" she shouted, her voice tight with panic as she ran toward the princess, her hand outstretched in a desperate attempt to push her out of harm's way.
Zelda, hearing her name, turned around just in time to see Fio sprinting toward her. The laser shot forth. The beam of light flew straight over Fio's head, narrowly missing her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as the world seemed to slow down around her. 'I'm not going to reach her in time!' she thought, panic rising in her chest.
In that split second, a flash of armor cut through the air, and suddenly Link was there—standing tall, his shield raised in front of Zelda. The bright beam of light struck Link's shield with a loud clang, and the force of the impact sent a tremor through the ground. Link pushed forward with a powerful grunt, deflecting the laser beam back toward the Guardian. The light ricocheted off the shield and flew into the distance, disappearing into the horizon.
"A Guardian? But why?!" Impa exclaimed, her voice thick with disbelief and alarm. The group watched in horror as the larger Guardian began to pull itself out of the rubble, showing that it did have legs! Its mechanical limbs scraping against the rocks as it came to life with a deafening screech.
Thinking fast, Link grabbed hold of Zelda's hand as everyone tried to make a run for it. But the suddenly the small Guardian by their side started going off like a warning alarm. The group halted eyes wide in horror, off in the distance was a hoard of monsters coming right at them!
Fio gasped, there were dozens of bokoblins all armed, but right behind them, towering higher than the humans, a moblin. She had read about them in the monsters field guide, they were stronger, and a more bigger threat.
"And monsters too. Now of all times!" Impa gapped.
"Crap!" Fio cried, they were cornered!
The little guardian stepped in from of the princess and Link pulled out his sword, ready for action. Fio, reached back and touched the travelers sword that Marten gave her, in this situation she should use it, however… she had never wheeled a weapon, much less know how to use one! It was way easier in video games, but this was now her real world; where she could get hurt, or worse.
Instead, she took off the wooden shield and held it in front of her with both hands. Her legs started to shake, and she was slowly building hyperventilating.
"Fio..?" Mauls had climbed back in her shoulder, grasping her braid as they looked ahead.
"It's… going to be ok, Mauls." Fio said but really she was trying to convince herself. Gently taking the little Korok in her hand, she placed them in the little empty pouch on her belt made for them, "just stay inside until it's over." She ordered, closing the hood. Narrowing her eyes at the monsters, she took a glance behind seeing the Guardian had broken free and was now crawling towards them, 'I can do this… Main objective.' She took a glance at Zelda, 'protect the princess!'
Link took the lead along with Impa, as well as few knights. Fio took this opportunity to charge right behind them; deciding that she would be the defense.
"The Guardian may come after us. We must leave!" Zelda proclaimed.
Monsters were one thing, but could they defeat an ancient machine? Fio watched in amazement as Link took down multiple bokoblins with one swing of his sword, while Impa threw kunais, one by one the monsters bodies darkened before turning to purple ash.
"There should be allies waiting beyond this point. Let's move ahead; and scatter the monsters!" Impa suggested.
"Right!" Fio narrowed her eyes and nodded. Running up to the nearest bokoblin that had their back to her, she charged all her strength into it, knocking it off its feet and dropping its weapon. Before it could stand up again, she lifted the edge of her shield over her head and like a hammer dropped it on its skull. The monster cried in pain, as it turned to ash.
The redhead panted, feeling sweat drip down her face and arms. Holy crap she killed her first monster! Adrenaline was rushing through her; she now had a strategy!
"Come on Princess!" She shouted behind to Zelda, suddenly taking the role as her defense. Zelda blinked in surprise, quickly allowing her new friend to lead her onward.
As Fio shield the princess from in front she watched ahead to see Link take down the moblin. It swung a large wooden mallet made from the trunk of a tree, swinging with tremendous force. However Link was able to block it with his shield and made the final blow.
"You've done well, as expected." Impa complemented the head knight, "our future is safe in your capable hands." Link only nodded, sticking to his mission.
"This way!" One of the knights yelled.
"On it!" Fio shouted back, "Let's go!" She charged, blowing into another bokoblin, bonking it on the head. She was getting the hang of this!
"Please be careful Fio!" Zelda said, with worry in her eyes. The redhead turned and flashed her reassuring smile.
"Don't worry Zelda, you'll be safe!" She panted, with sweat down her forehead. The princess eye's went up in surprise, that was now the second time she called her by her name...
As the group made it further down the winding trail, they were met with a shocking number of monsters. This time, a horde of lizalfos awaited them. These human-sized lizard creatures, with their glistening green scales and sharp, chameleon eyes, were slightly more intelligent than the bokoblins and moblins. They wielded both weapons and shields with surprising skill and could even snatch a sword from an unsuspecting opponent. Their deadly horns glinted menacingly in the sunlight, ready to strike down anyone who dared approach.
"Oh crud," Fio cursed under her breath. She had been getting lucky with the pig-goblin monsters, but these lizards were going to be on an entirely different level of toughness!
As usual, Link took the lead, his determination evident as he charged forward. He began taking down lizalfos left and right, his sword flashing in a blur of motion.
One of the lizalfos spotted the princess and slithered toward them with menacing speed, rearing its lizal boomerang back to strike. However, Fio leaped in front of Zelda, determination etched on her face. "Back off!" she yelled, raising her wooden shield to protect both herself and the princess. The impact of the lizalfos's blade struck her shield, causing it to tremble in her grip, but she held firm, refusing to budge.
The force of the blow sent the lizalfos reeling back, and that was Fio's opening! Quickly, she turned her shield on its side, gripping it like a frisbee. With all her strength, she swung it toward the side of the lizard's head. The strike connected with a loud thud, causing its body to shudder violently. Both weapon and shield clattered to the ground as the creature collapsed, incapacitated.
Fio took a moment to catch her breath, her mind racing as she memorized the patterns of their attacks. Ahead, she spotted the refuge camp just up the trail. "We're almost there!" she shouted, instinct kicking in as she grabbed Zelda's wrist and pulled her along without hesitation.
The princess gasped, nearly tripping over her own feet, but she trusted her friend completely. As they rushed forward, Fio focused on blocking any monsters that dared to approach, her heart pounding as she fought to keep them safe. The redhead led the way, weaving through the chaos with determination, the camp growing ever closer.
"We came all this way. We should be safe now." Impa shouted, as she and Link rejoined Fio and Zelda. They were almost there!
Suddenly, the ground started to grumble beneath their feet, a deep rumble that felt like it came from the very bowels of the earth. There was a terrible screeching noise as metal scraped against metal, and a familiar haunting beeping echoed through the rocky canyon. The sound sent a chill down everyone's spine. Their eyes widened in terror as they realized what was happening.
"Oh no…!" Impa's voice broke the tense silence, her expression one of pure dread. The ground trembled violently as a massive force surged through the canyon. A violent gust of wind erupted from the rocky terrain, sending debris flying in all directions, as though the very air itself was being torn apart.
"The Guardian is after us!" Impa cried, the words barely audible over the rising chaos. A great mechanical monstrosity emerged from the dust and debris, its body glowing a fiery red. The guardian's single, unblinking blue eye locked onto them with chilling precision, a predator hunting its prey.
Link didn't hesitate. He knew what needed to be done. Without a moment of doubt, he dashed toward the looming machine, positioning himself between it and Zelda. In doing so, he became the obvious target. His only hope was to shield the princess from harm.
"Link!" Fio screamed, her voice filled with panic, her heart hammering in her chest as she watched him rush toward the danger. The Guardian, relentless and unyielding, turned its massive body to follow him, its mechanical limbs screeching as they moved.
"We need to keep moving, princess!" One of the knights urged, his voice strained from exertion as he helped to push Zelda forward.
"Do not engage the Guardian!" Zelda commanded firmly, her voice cutting through the fear. "Its power is too great. It won't end well if we fight it head-on. We must escape!"
Fio knew she was right. But even so, her mind raced. 'How could we escape this?' Her eyes were locked on Link as he bravely shielded himself from the guardian's deadly laser beams, the blasts barely missing him, and yet each strike pushed him further back. She felt a heavy weight in her chest as she saw him sacrificing everything to protect them. "Link…" she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of admiration and helplessness.
"Fio!" Impa's sharp voice broke through her thoughts, snapping her back to the present. "Come on! We have to keep going!"
"R-Right!" Fio stammered, quickly recovering. She grabbed Zelda's hand again and, with a final glance at Link, they continued their flight, pushing through the remaining enemies that stood in their way.
As strong as Link was, he couldn't continue to block the Guardian's attacks forever. The machine's sheer power was overwhelming. After taking one more blow, he finally relented, retreating toward the rest of the group. The Guardian followed, its single eye fixed on him, undeterred. The head knight bravely redirected its beams, trying to buy them time.
They reached the base camp, only to find it was no longer safe. The massive wooden gates were locked behind them, designed to keep the monsters at bay. But now, there was a Guardian blocking the entrance, effectively trapping them.
"What can be done?!" Impa exclaimed in frustration, her voice heavy with exhaustion. "That thing is relentless!"
Everyone was on the brink of collapse, their bodies aching from the relentless sprint and the stress of the battle. Fio, gasping for breath, let go of Zelda's hand and bent over, her hands pressed against her knees as she tried to steady herself. "We can't keep going like this. Not at this rate…" Her voice trembled, a sense of despair creeping in. She turned back to the others, seeing the same worry etched on their faces.
"Is there no hope to escape?" she heard Zelda mutter, her voice soft, resigned.
Fio's heart sank. She glanced up at the Guardian, its blue eye staring back at her, glowing like a cold, mechanical star. The ground beneath them shook again as the Guardian began to push through the wooden walls of the camp. 'Is... this it? Am I... going to die again?' Fio thought, her thoughts spiraling into darkness. Her eyes locked with the Guardian's, the eerie reflection of its light flickering in her green irises.
A sense of hopelessness gripped her heart, but just as it seemed all hope was lost, something extraordinary happened.
The little white Guardian, the one that had been so small and unassuming, scurried forward with startling speed, reaching the gates just as the larger Guardian was about to break through. It paused, its tiny form standing defiantly before the giant, like a spark of hope in the face of an inferno.
The smaller Guardian beeped and whirred in a series of quick, mechanical clicks, as if issuing commands. Everyone watched, breathless. Suddenly, the lifeless Guardian outside the camp stirred. Its blue eye flickered to life, and it glowed with a bright, yellow light. The massive, seemingly immobile machine began to move, its head swiveling as it locked its gaze on the larger Guardian. Without warning, it fired a powerful beam of light, striking the massive Guardian directly. The force of the blast was so intense that the larger machine was knocked onto its back, flailing helplessly as it tried to regain its footing.
The group stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just transpired.
"Incredible!" Impa cried, her voice full of astonishment. "The little one saved us!"
The small Guardian scurried back toward them, chirping excitedly as though it had just accomplished the most thrilling thing in the world.
As the larger Guardian floundered, trying to right itself, Fio's gaze landed on something unusual. Beneath its body, hidden among the debris, was a large blue orb, glowing faintly.
"Is that… its core?" Fio asked, a flicker of realization lighting up her mind. The others exchanged knowing looks.
"That's it!" Zelda exclaimed, her voice firm with determination. "The Guardian's armor is weakened! If we strike directly at the core now, we can take it down!"
Without hesitation, the group surged forward. Link, Impa, Zelda, the soldiers, and even Fio—all of them raced toward the vulnerable spot. The fight wasn't over yet, but for the first time in what felt like an eternity, they had hope. The Guardian would fall. Together, they would make sure of it.
They charged toward the vulnerable blue core of the fallen Guardian. The massive mechanical monster continued to flail, struggling to regain its balance. It was distracted, desperate, and disoriented—this was their chance.
"Now!" Zelda shouted, her voice strong and commanding as she led the charge.
Impa and Fio, along with the rest of the knights, circled around the body, tearing at the legs. The Guardian waved its powerful limbs around, trying to swat them away, as metal was ripped.
"Fio, we need to hold it down while Link makes the final blow!" Impa yelled, using her kunai on the Guardian's limbs.
"Right!" Fio, who had been too hesitant moments ago, now saw her role clearly. Without wasting another second, she sprinted to the Guardian's side. Finally using her sword, she impaled it through the metal, pinning it down. She put all her strength and weight into holding it in place.
"Now!" Zelda cried out, her voice shaking.
Link sprinted, his sword gleaming in the dim light, focusing on the blue orb. Bending his legs close to the ground, he leaped into the air like a flying squirrel, reeling his sword back. He swung the blade with all his strength, aiming directly for the core. With one final, powerful slash, his sword hit the exposed core, sending a shockwave of light pulsing through the Guardian's body.
The Guardian howled, a screech that rattled the very air around them, as light peaked from its body. Everyone backed up. Fio retrieved her sword and ducked, shielding her face from the intense light, while the others turned their backs to avoid being blinded by the explosion of energy that followed.
The core shattered, sending a brilliant flash of blue and white across the canyon. The Guardian's limbs jerked spasmodically. And then it exploded, with pieces and parts falling from the sky.
For a moment, there was silence.
Fio, breathing heavily from the intense exertion, slowly lowered her arms, her fingers trembling. Her heart hammered against her ribs, its frantic beats echoing in her ears as her mind struggled to process the overwhelming events that had just unfolded.
"We did it," Fio whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. Her legs, weak and unsteady, finally gave way, and she collapsed to her knees, unable to hold herself up any longer.
Zelda, standing tall beside her, wore an expression of both awe and pride. "We did," she replied softly, her voice calm but filled with quiet gratitude. The little guardian, who had scampered to the back of the group moments before, let out a high-pitched chirp of joy. It bounced around in the air, its tiny mechanical body vibrating with uncontainable excitement. "It's safe now, little one," Zelda said, her smile radiant as she looked down at the tiny guardian.
Impa, ever stoic, wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. Though her face remained mostly impassive, there was a rare softness in her eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "That was too close," she muttered, her gaze sweeping over the scorched earth and the remnants of the battle. Her voice was low, almost to herself, but the weight of what they'd endured was clear.
Yet, despite the chaos around them, there was no time for celebration. Link, still standing tall and resolute, spoke with unwavering determination. His voice was steady, though the fatigue weighed heavily on him, and the exhaustion in his eyes was evident. "We can't stop now," he said, his breath coming in shallow, labored gasps. He slid his sword back into its scabbard with a practiced motion, though the weight of the battle and the toll it had taken on him were evident in every stiff movement. His gaze remained sharp and vigilant, scanning the horizon as though expecting another threat to appear at any moment.
Fio's gaze lingered on the spot where the Guardian had exploded, the memory of the blast still vivid in her mind. Her heart rate began to slow, the adrenaline finally fading as a calm sense of safety washed over her. They were safe now. Or at least, that's what she told herself. But the sudden weight of a hand on her shoulder snapped her out of her thoughts. She turned quickly, her heart leaping in her chest, only to see Princess Zelda smiling down at her, her expression full of relief.
"Thank you, Fio," Zelda said, her voice warm with genuine appreciation. "I am ever grateful for your bravery."
Fio blinked several times, still caught in the haze of adrenaline and shock, before managing to stutter out a response. "O-Oh, uh... um... No prob bob. Glad I could help," she said, her voice shaky but sincere. She offered a small, somewhat embarrassed smile in return.
Zelda extended her hand, and Fio, still slightly dazed, took it gratefully. With Zelda's help, she was lifted back to her feet, her legs still trembling beneath her.
Suddenly, a soft rustling sound came from the pouch on her belt, followed by the familiar click of its clasp. Mauls poked their head out, small mechanical eyes blinking curiously. "Are we safe now, Fio?" they asked in its tiny, chipper voice.
Fio glanced down at the pouch, her lips curling into a faint smile. She then looked over at her friends—Link, Impa, and Zelda—all of them standing tall despite the exhaustion that weighed heavily on them. She nodded slowly, the tension easing from her shoulders as she whispered back to her tiny companion, "We're safe now, Mauls."
The road to the West Plains was much smoother now that they were out of the Breach of Demise. The air felt fresher, the weight of their journey lifting slightly as the landscape stretched ahead. But despite the relief, every one of them ached from the battle they'd just fought. Wounds and exhaustion hung heavy on their bodies, and as the large bricked laboratory came into view, they all let out a collective sigh of relief.
Inside the facility, the atmosphere was dim and sterile, with only a soft blue glow from a wall lamp illuminating the area. The lab was cluttered with equipment, but the sight of the large Guardian in the back of the room, deactivated and sprawled on its side, brought a small sense of comfort. Its core, thankfully, was dead, and the metallic giant lay still—a silent testament to their narrow escape.
The two researchers running the facility, Robbie and Purah, were... an interesting pair. It caught Fio off guard how much their enthusiasm reminded her of the 80s rock stars and K-pop idols back on Earth. The odd mix of genius and flair they carried made her wonder if they were truly from this time at all.
Zelda, Link, Impa, and Fio gathered around the lab bench, where the tiny Guardian that had saved them sat, bathed in the soft glow of the lamp. Robbie, wearing his signature goggles, practically bounced with excitement as he examined the droid.
"This is technology the likes of which I've never laid eyes on!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of awe and exhilaration. He picked up the little Guardian, causing it to shake in alarm, but Robbie seemed oblivious to the droid's discomfort. "Which means... we've got ourselves a brand-new, never-before-witnessed GUARDIAN MODEL!" He shouted with glee before striking a pose that would have fit right in at a concert, reminiscent of a rockstar mid-performance.
Fio tilted her head, watching the scientist in disbelief. 'Did he just make a Michael Jackson sound?' The rest of the group stood in stunned silence, not quite sure how to react to Robbie's exuberance.
"Devices like the Sheikah Slate, which are amplified by the power of such ancient relics, are but a meager fragment of such technology," Robbie continued, his voice booming with fervor.
"I see... that explains why all of us were able to use the Sheikah Slate," Impa noted, nodding thoughtfully.
"In addition!" Robbie continued, nearly vibrating with energy, "This little doohickey is loaded with data we can't even begin to fathom!" He grinned widely, just barely brushing the little Guardian's surface as it shivered in fear.
At that moment, the other researcher, Purah, walked in with a Sheikah Slate in hand—the one Zelda had given her to analyze. "Aw, yeah! Check it!" Purah said, grinning as she struck a pose, one that would be right at home in a pop-idol performance.
Fio raised an eyebrow, feeling an odd sense of confusion creeping in. 'What the heck is with these guys?'
Seeing the lack of reaction from the group, Purah cleared her throat, slightly embarrassed. "I extracted some visual data from the Guardian's memory," she explained, handing the Sheikah Slate back to Zelda.
Everyone gathered around, their faces falling as the images on the slate came into view. Horror spread across their expressions as the data revealed a dreadful sight.
"Is that..." Zelda gasped, her voice faltering as she stared at the images.
"Yup, no doubt about it." Purah's voice darkened. "Hyrule Castle after Calamity Ganon has been revived."
The Sheikah Slate displayed images of Hyrule Castle in flames, a dark aura surrounding it like a suffocating fog. The vision painted a grim future, and their hearts sank as the implications hit home.
"As you can see," Robbie added, his voice now serious, "we managed to extract some of the data, but much of it is fragmented. Even so, if I can analyze what we've got, I might be able to make more sense of it."
"This is... the ruin the Calamity will bring upon all of Hyrule," Zelda murmured, her voice a whisper filled with fear. "If we allow this to pass, I fear all hope will be lost."
Fio's gaze fell to one of the images, her stomach dropping as she saw something all too familiar: the Jolly Sparrow Inn—her new home—burning down. Her breath caught in her chest, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. Her heart pounded in her ears as she clutched the fabric of her tunic over her heart, feeling its rapid beat.
"Even everything we've done up until now... likely won't be enough," Impa muttered under her breath, the weight of their situation sinking in.
Fio felt her eyes starting to burn with unshed tears. 'So, is that it? Are we just doomed to fail?' She glanced toward the princess, hoping for some reassurance, but saw only a glint of worry in Zelda's eyes, a crack in her usually unwavering resolve.
"If I don't succeed... at sealing the Calamity..." Zelda whispered to herself, her voice shaking ever so slightly. But despite the bleak images, the princess steeled herself. "Never. This will not come to pass." Her eyes narrowed, and she turned to Link, Impa, and Fio. "In order to succeed, we must find the sword that seals the darkness. And..." She hesitated, her gaze drifting back to the images on the Sheikah Slate. "I must awakened my powers."
Fio, who had remained silent up until this point, couldn't help but stare at Zelda in awe. The princess's determination was palpable, burning brightly even in the face of the most impossible odds. It was nothing short of inspirational. The redhead found a spark of courage building inside her as she spoke up, her voice filled with newfound conviction. "I'll be right behind you, Princess! All of you, you can count on me!"
She blurted it out without thinking. Everyone turned to look at her, and Fio's confidence faltered as all eyes were on her. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly stumbled over her words.
"I-I mean— I don't know how much help I can be, but... If there's anything I can do..." Her hands fidgeted nervously as she avoided their gaze, wishing she had thought before speaking. 'I really need to think before I speak!'
"You've already done so much, Fio," Zelda said, her voice warm with sincerity. The smiles from Zelda, Impa, and Link eased her nerves.
"Not only do we have our head knight, but a shield maiden," Impa teased, resting her arm on Link's shoulder, a grin on her face.
Fio blinked, her mind processing Impa's words. 'Did she just give me a title?' The idea of being called a "shield maiden" seemed odd at first, but somehow it felt right. She glanced over at the others, and they seemed to agree with Impa's playful assessment.
As they turned back to the two researchers, Fio reached for her shield, her fingers brushing the smooth wood. A small smile tugged at her lips. 'Shield maiden... I kinda like that'. The words felt more like a promise than a title now, and she felt ready to live up to them.
With the newfound knowledge of the poetical fate that awaited Hyrule, Zelda, Link, Impa, and Fio were swift in returning to the castle. The weight of the revelation hung heavily in the air, but there was no time to waste. Riding through the fields on horseback, Fio clung to Link, still unaccustomed to the rhythm of riding. She hadn't had the time to learn before, but now it felt urgent. They galloped through the city. The streets were bustling with life, but the townsfolk quickly stepped aside.
Fio couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief, her heart racing. It had barley been 36 hours since she joined Zelda's quest out of the kindness of the princess's heart. Now, she was about to meet the king himself?! She had somehow found herself entangled in a much larger story—a story where she was no longer a mere bystander but a participant in the fate of an entire kingdom. She had become part of the narrative, alongside Link, Zelda, and Impa. Could this really be happening?
They crossed the stone bridge that led to Hyrule Castle, the towering spires of the structure casting long shadows in the fading daylight. The imposing stone walls loomed above them as they reached the castle entrance. Fio dismounted quickly, grateful to stretch her legs after the ride. She couldn't help but glance up at the castle's grandeur as Zelda led the way, walking purposefully toward the throne room, the others in tow. The little Guardian scampered alongside Zelda.
"Finding the sword is our top priority," Zelda spoke, her tone steady but laced with the weight of responsibility. She was deep in thought, her eyes unfocused as she walked. "However, if we are to succeed, we will need to use the Divine Beasts."
"The Divine Beasts?" Fio asked, her brow furrowing. She recalled hearing bits and pieces about them in passing conversations, but now it seemed they were an essential part of their mission.
"There are four," Impa explained, her voice steady and wise. "Each located in different corners of the land, but they are not easily accessed. They are relics of the past, powerful beyond measure."
Fio's thoughts raced. "So, does that mean we will awaken them?"
"Not necessarily," Impa replied. "The Divine Beasts are not like the Guardians you've encountered. They are enormous and require controllers—pilots—to harness their power."
Zelda nodded, her gaze steady. "If we are to succeed, we must find those pilots. We need to unite the everyone of Hyrule to stand against the Calamity."
The doors to the throne room opened with a heavy creak, revealing the lavish space beyond. Fio's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight: towering white stone columns, intricate tapestries of red, blue, and gold, and a large rug bearing the Hylian crest stretched across the floor. Sunlight streamed through the expansive windows, casting long, dramatic beams of light over everything. The grandeur of it all was breathtaking.
At the far end of the room, seated upon a high throne, was King Rhoam, his gaze piercing and unyielding as he watched their approach. The air seemed to tense the moment his eyes fell on them.
Without hesitation, Link and Impa dropped to one knee, bowing their heads in respectful silence. Fio hesitated for just a moment, unsure of the exact protocol, before quickly following their lead, her heart pounding in her chest. She hoped she hadn't made any missteps in her haste.
The little Guardian remained close to Zelda, the tiny figure still as a stone at her side. Zelda, herself, stood tall, unwavering in the face of her father's intense stare. The princess was accustomed to this, but Fio could feel the weight of the moment.
After much discussion about their journey to the West Plains, being ambushed, and the new found knowledge of what Hyrule may face if the Calamity doesn't stay sealed, King Rhoam's gaze darkened, his voice low and stern as he leaned forward in his throne. "You intend to allow this... relic to accompany you?" he asked, his eyes narrowing toward the little Guardian.
Zelda did not falter. "Yes. After consulting with Purah and Robbie, we determined that it would be the most prudent course of action."
The king's frown deepened, but he did not protest further. He sat back in his throne, the weight of his authority filling the room. "I will remind you once again," he began, his voice low and deliberate, "Above all else, your duty is of the utmost importance. Are we clear?"
Fio's brow furrowed in confusion. The king's harsh tone felt out of place to her, especially when addressing his own daughter, who wasn't even addressing her by her name. She could understand the importance of their mission, but his words seemed to lack any warmth. Wasn't she trying to save the kingdom? Couldn't he offer just a bit more support?
Zelda's jaw tightened, but she kept her composure. Her hand rested over her heart in a gesture of both respect and resolve. "Yes, we are clear. I understand."
Fio couldn't help but think, 'Geez, what a jerk,' her thoughts tinged with frustration. This was supposed to be a moment of unity, yet it felt like everything was just another obstacle.
King Rhoam's gaze swept over them all. "Then, gather the Divine Beasts. Begin with the Zoras in Lanayru, then move on to Death Mountain to meet with the Gorons. After that, travel to Rito Village in the Hebra Mountains, and finally, the Gerudo Town in the desert plains."
"I understand," Zelda repeated, her voice unwavering despite the tension in the air.
The conversation ended, and the group departed the throne room in silence. The last rays of sunlight cast long shadows across the castle as they stepped outside. The weight of their mission settled in once again, and Zelda paused, her gaze fixed on the horizon. There was no turning back now.
The others stood behind her, unsure whether to speak. Fio squeezed her hands together, feeling the pressure of the moment. Should she say something? What words of encouragement could she offer?
Before she could think further, a sudden growl pierced the air, drawing her attention. She blinked, startled, and turned to see the little Korok perched on her shoulder, rubbing their plump belly in hunger.
Fio chuckled softly, patting Maula's round head. Looking around, she finally asked, "Who wants dinner?"
The others looked at her, their expressions softening with surprise and curiosity. It had been a long day, and they could all use a moment of normalcy.
It would have been nice to give her employers a heads-up that royalty would be visiting their quaint little inn, but the notice had been short. And they were relive to see Fio had made it home in one piece.
Once Marten had finally released Fio from his bear-like hug, he and Simon were quick to whip up something suitable for royalty. Simon, who normally had the grace of a master chef, was now in overdrive. He hustled in and out of the kitchen, his hands moving quickly as he prepped what could only be described as a feast.
Fio led the group over to the bar, as she watched the bartender pour a huge pint of frothy beer for each of them, the mugs clinking as they were placed on the counter. Fio took a glimpse at Simon through the serving hatch, as he was busy chopping vegetables and stirring sauces. It was clear that having the princess of Hyrule in their midst was a big deal for the chef, who was pulling out all the stops to make the meal an unforgettable experience.
The kitchen smelled of gourmet meat sizzling on the stove, the rich aroma of seafood fry wafting through the air. On the side, a large pot of creamy mushroom soup bubbled away, and Simon was delicately decorating a fruit cake for dessert, arranging slices of fruit just so. Fio blinked, stunned. She'd never seen so much extravagant food in all her life. It was as if they were preparing for a royal banquet rather than just a simple dinner.
"So, you four are traveling all over Hyrule?" Marten asked, his voice brimming with enthusiastic excitement as his eyes shone with curiosity. While his words carried an infectious energy, Fio could sense the underlying hesitation in his tone. He was trying to mask his concern, but it was clear he was hoping that her journey with the princess would be a brief adventure—a one-time thing—and that she'd soon return to the safety and routine of the inn, far removed from the dangers of the monsters that roamed the land.
On the other hand, Impa's constant praise of the redhead's strength and bravery, though undeniably kind and encouraging, was only adding to the weight of Marten's already-frayed nerves.
"Yes, if we are to be victorious in keeping Calamity sealed, we need to band forces together," Zelda explained, her tone steady and determined. Her words hung in the air, a reminder of the weight of their mission and the alliances that were critical to their success.
Impa, ever the supportive figure, let out a hearty laugh that filled the room, her voice a little more boisterous than usual after a couple of drinks. She nudged Fio playfully, her eyes sparkling with warmth and mischief. "Hopefully we get to see you in action more, eh Fio?" she teased, her grin wide and full of pride. The teasing was lighthearted, but there was a genuine sense of admiration in her voice that made Fio feel both flustered and touched.
Fio could only nervously chuckle in response, the compliment catching her off guard. But it was true, in the short time since she had joined the group, she had already faced a horde of monsters and an attacking Guardian, fought side by side with the princess, and found herself an integral part of this newly formed team. The realization made her cheeks flush with a mixture of pride and joy.
Even Link, who was often the quiet and reserved one, gave her a rare nod of approval, his usually stoic expression softened by a hint of respect. "She showed great strength and bravery," he said, his voice low but sincere. Hearing those words from Link, whose actions spoke louder than any words could, made Fio's heart swell. For all her doubts and insecurities, this was the validation she had longed for—she was truly part of something greater.
Marten's brows furrowed deeply, the nervous tension palpable despite being hidden behind his bushy Viking beard. He hadn't yet come to terms with the idea of Fio traveling so far, facing dangers across all of Hyrule. As he was stuck in a loop of cleaning the same mug for five minutes, Simon emerged from the kitchen, carrying two trays laden with extravagant foods. He set the plates down in front of everyone, the aroma filling the room.
Zelda blinked at the sheer quantity of food, eyes wide in pleasant surprise as the flavors of the kingdom seemed to swirl around her. Her gaze shifted to Simon, and she smiled genuinely, her gratitude shining through. "Thank you, this is very kind of you."
Simon responded with his usual warm, small smile, nodding respectfully. As the older men watched the group of four friends dig in, Simon couldn't help but notice Marten's worried gaze locked on Fio. The chef understood how much the bar tender worried about her.
Simon placed a hand gently on Marten's shoulder, offering reassurance through his calm presence. "We are very honored to have you dining at our inn, your Highness," he said to Zelda, his tone respectful yet warm. "As well as allowing Fio to join you on your journey—she was very thrilled." The redhead blushed deeply, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and happiness at being mentioned so fondly.
Simon's voice took on a more serious note, and for a moment, the light-hearted atmosphere shifted. "If it is alright for us to ask just one request," he began, looking directly at the princess. "Please look after Fio for us. And make sure she comes home."
Fio's heart tugged painfully at their words. She felt a lump form in her throat, and though she fought to keep her composure, her eyes threatened to well up with emotion. Seeing the deep care Marten and Simon had for her made her feel both loved and vulnerable. She swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears.
Zelda, ever the leader, gave a simple but resolute nod. "You have my word," she said, her voice calm and reassuring, her gaze unwavering. She had no doubts that this journey was necessary, and she would protect those who chose to stand beside her—Fio included.
Impa, now deep into her third mug of beer, slurred slightly but smiled widely, raising her mug in the air. "Don't worry your beards!" she laughed heartily, her words slightly muddled. "Fio will be kicking monster butt all over Hyrule with us!" Link gave a quiet nod in agreement, his steady gaze promising silently that they would all have each other's backs.
Fio looked around at her friends, her heart swelling with gratitude. She could see the unwavering trust and faith in their eyes, their smiles never faltering, despite the gravity of what lay ahead. "You guys…" Fio whispered, the weight of her emotions catching in her voice. "We are very lucky to have you by our side," Zelda reminded her with a soft smile.
Marten sniffled, wiping his face quickly with the back of his forearm, his eyes slightly red. "Alright! Food and beer are on the house!" he declared with a grin, his mood lightening as he refilled everyone's mugs. "Eat up before your meals get cold! You guys are on a quest after all!"
"Yeah!" everyone cheered, raising their mugs high and clinking them together.
With full bellies and lighter hearts, Fio shared a heartfelt hug with both Marten and Simon, feeling the warmth of their care and concern surround her. As they made their way to the kingdom gates, Impa, now quite boozed up, leaned heavily on Link, who was doing his best to support her while not losing his balance. Zelda and Fio walked behind, amused by the sight of the usually stoic knight doing his best not to drop his companion.
Maula, the little Korok, had fallen fast asleep on Fio's shoulder, the poor creature having missed their bedtime after all the excitement.
Zelda looked up at the star-filled night sky, and then turned to Fio, who was walking quietly, her gaze fixed ahead. After a long silence, the princess finally spoke, her voice soft but sincere. "I am forever grateful to you, Fio."
Fio blinked in surprise, turning to meet Zelda's gaze. Her cheeks turned pink, and she stammered, flustered. "O-oh well I-! I-I just…" She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "You're welcome, your Highness."
Zelda giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "So I've gone back to 'your Highness' again?"
Fio froze for a moment, realization dawning on her like a wave. She flushed a deep crimson. "Oh my gosh! I-I'm so sorry! I panicked, and I—!" She bowed her head in embarrassment, her face a bright shade of red. "It will never happen again!"
"Fio, it's alright!" Zelda exclaimed, trying to suppress her laughter. She placed one hand gently over her chest, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "It truly made me happy, knowing I have a sincere friend... I don't have many of those."
Fio straightened up, unsure of what to say in response, but the words weren't necessary. She simply gave Zelda a big smile and a thumbs up. The two women shared a laugh, the sound carrying through the quiet night air as they continued on toward the stable.
Fio looked up at the millions of stars overhead, her heart brimming with quiet resolve. 'Alright. Time to go save the world.'