Chapter 1: Shrine of Resurrection
Chapter Text
"...Open your eyes..."
He couldn't feel anything, but could tell that he was enveloped in some strange fluid that wrapped itself around half of his body. He could tell someone was speaking to him, perhaps a woman's voice he thought, but he could hear her clearly despite his ears being clogged. It was an odd feeling, he felt as if he had just woken up, not remembering whether he had taken a nap prior.
"...Open your eyes..."
He made out the voice again, supposedly saying the same thing. Curiously, he cracked his eyes open to look around but his vision was flooded by a brilliant blue light, prompting him to shut them tightly. Eventually, he mustered up the courage to open his eyes again, persevering through the blue light, which seemed to dim the longer he looked at it, making it more manageable. Slowly sitting up, he looked around curiously.
"...Wake up, Link..."
This time, he was able to make out the woman's message. Link... was that him? The aptly dubbed Link watched as the foggy blue liquid around him began to drain away, probably to some vent in the tub container thing he was in. The floor had tendril-like designs that spread from the base of the tub like roots and formed a path towards a door of some kind. The smooth black walls had occasional constellation-like designs which gave out a soft orange light at its dots. Above the tub was a strange machine that whirred quietly and was shaped almost like a flower, its petals arching inwards towards the tub. The entire room had a light mist or fog, further muting the lights.
He slowly stretched his legs out of the tub, feeling the intricate grooves of the floor in-between his toes. The blue lights on the machine flickered from bright to dim slowly before settling on a light glow, as if its purpose had been fulfilled. Once Link was fully out of the tub and standing, he stretched and exercised the range of motion his body could provide, seemingly unfamiliar with the feeling of moving again. He looked at his pale, smooth skin and ran his fingers along scars that littered itself along his left side, the most prominent of which was around his lower abdomen. He watched as they crawled up from his lower left leg up to around his left ear, soon realising that he couldn't quite feel his fingertips as strongly on his left as compared to his right. He felt with his fingers as the scars also stretched onto his face, not like he had a mirror or anything to see them though.
Shrugging off his appearance, Link focused his attention on a pedestal, its appearance designed similarly to the rest of the room. Link took shaky steps towards the pedestal, feeling as if he should remember how to walk but taking his steps cautiously anyways. As he approached the pedestal, it powered up and started shifting mechanically, propping up a strange device as if handing it to Link. The lady's voice suddenly started speaking again.
"That is a Sheikah Slate. Take it. It will help guide you after your long slumber."
Link's eyes darted around the room, it was strange, the voice sounded nearby despite no clear indication of where it was coming from. Was the device making the sound? Or was it all in his head? And what did it mean by "long slumber"? Sweeping his thoughts away, Link reached out to grab the device by its handle, the Sheikah Slate, as he was told. It powered up in his hands, displaying a strange crying eye. Suddenly, the doors of the room shifted and slowly opened up in columns and rows. Link watched it curiously as it revealed a new unfamiliar room, not that he was familiar with the room he was currently in.
The room was filled with decrepit boxes and barrels that were coated with a layer of dust, Link's attention focused on two chests. He approached the first one and kicked it, quickly regretting his choice and discovering that the pain receptors in his foot do work. Anyhow, he gains an old shirt from the first chest and a pair of worn pants from the second, which he opened more methodically. He quickly donned the loose-fitting clothes and brought his Slate to the next pedestal he saw, opening a second door. This however revealed a bright warm light that shined through a large exit. After a short climb up a rocky wall, he exited the strange place he had woken up in and was greeted by lush greenery overshadowed by striking peaks in the distance.
Trees stood proudly around the entrance as Link felt the warmth of the sun on his skin, unlike the cold room he had woken up in. Link felt slightly overwhelmed by all these new sensations, the land which he had woken up in felt grand as he gazed at it from a cliff edge. Eventually, he tore himself away from the cliff edge and strolled down the nearby dirt path, picking up strange things he found upon the way, watching how it vaporised into blue particles and settled itself into his Slate. Link soon noticed a small alcove within a cliff face with a fallen log serving as seating for a figure warming himself by a campfire. Link carefully approached, not knowing if this person was a friend or foe. Not like he could do much if the figure was a foe.
"H-hello..?" Link asked, his voice coming out soft and raspy from disuse. The figure turned to face Link, looking as surprised as he was to hear his own voice.
After deciding that this person meant no harm, Link inched closer, settling down next to him on the log. The person, a male he identified, had sun-bleached hair that was tied up to form a loose ponytail. The man was wearing a hood of some sort which draped down his back like a cape. He wore the leggings of a soldier, the polished metal clear of any dents or scrapes, and a blue tunic with intricate white detailing that was clearly well-maintained. He had some sort of sword strapped to his back along with a shield and bow, his quiver located around his waist. The man held himself well, maintaining a fixed posture and a clear facial expression that Link couldn't read.
Link's head swarmed with thoughts. Where am I? Who is this man? Why is he so heavily armed? Who was– He was suddenly snapped out of his thoughts by a gentle tap to his shoulder, turning to see sapphire irises meeting his. Link couldn't help but look away under the powerful gaze of the man, feeling as if his every action was being scrutinised. The man suddenly handed Link... an apple? Yes... that's what it was, an apple. The apple's usual red exterior was scorched over by the unforgiving flames of the campfire. Link slowly took a bite, the hard exterior revealing a soft and warm interior that was juicy and crunchy, satiating a hunger Link didn't even knew he had.
"Thank you," Link said gratefully, nibbling away at the apple as he looked at the man. "W-what's your name? Mine's Link... I think..."
The man's face briefly gave away surprise before quickly reverting to its blank state. He raised his hands and made some steady motions with them in the air. Link felt strange, his brain felt like it should recognise them but he was just unable to recall. He rubbed his temple with his palm.
"Sorry, I think you're signing but I... just can't seem to remember..." Link rubbed his head more aggressively, upset that he couldn't remember something that he feels should be coming to him naturally. "S-sorry."
The man waved a hand as if to say its fine. Link finished eating his apple, feeling slightly guilty that he couldn't understand the man despite his kindness. The man then picked up a charred stick from the campfire, dragging it across the ground and presumably writing something. Link peeked over and watched as he expertly maneuvered the stick into the soft dirt, leaving a trail of ash in its wake.
"Champion..." Link mumbled once the man, Champion, finished writing. "Nice to meet you..!" Link outstretched his arm, an innocent smile plastered on his face. He watched as Champion accepted his hand with a firm grasp, Link's smoother skin rubbing against Champion's calloused palm. Link saw as Champion's lip twitched slightly as if restricting a smile, his gaze lightening a little as his eyebrows relaxed. Champion later caught himself and drew his hand back, his face reverting to its original state.
"So, Champion, do you know where I am... or what am I supposed to do?" Link questioned. Champion simply pointed to the Slate on Link's belt and, as if planned, felt it vibrate. Link took his Slate and watched as it directed him towards a spot on his map. "Oh, tha–" Link looked back up from his Slate to see Champion suddenly gone, the writing in the dirt the only indication he'd been here. "–thanks..."
It'd been about a week, according to his Slate, since he last saw Champion. By then, Link had more thoroughly explored the area he'd woken up in, discovering that there was a large drop that presumably surrounded the entire platform he was on. He had gone to the yellow dot on his map and activated some sort of tower using his Slate that then shot out from the ground, along with other towers that he could spot in the distance. To say that Link was terrified would be an understatement. He carefully climbed down from the tower before looking at his Slate's map, realising that he could see the geography of his platform, which he also found out was called the Great Plateau.
Link had also discovered strange red creatures with clubs that would attack him on sight. It was a terrifying first experience, seeing as how Link assumed that every creature would be as kind as Champion. Speaking of, Link was still confused how Champion disappeared so effortlessly, not a sound or footprint left in his wake. Currently, Link was running away from a camp filled with angry monsters after he had accidentally ruined their beauty sleep.
After Link took out a camp by rolling a large boulder on them, he may have gotten overconfident and may have formulated a plan on stealing weapons from a larger, more formidable camp whilst they were sleeping. Camping out nearby, Link waited till the sun set and watched the monsters fall asleep one by one before he crept up slowly and took a few clubs and a wooden shield. With a grin on his face, Link thanked himself for coming up with such a genius plan. That was before a monster he hadn't noticed blew its horn when he spotted Link from his watchtower.
Link ran away frantically, listening to monstrous roars by the groggy enemies as they gave chase. Link decided to run towards a nearby forest to take solace in before he felt something hit his right heel, causing him to trip and fall. Before his mind could even register the pain, a red monster pounced on him, its large pig snout right in his face. Link wrestled with the monster but was losing energy as his heel screamed in pain. Link thought this would be the end of him, at the hands of a smelly, slobbering pig monster. He closed his eyes tightly wishing his death would be quick before feeling the monster on top of him go limp and fall to Link's right.
He opened his eyes slightly but was already being helped up by someone as he propped Link's arm over his shoulder, helping him escape into the forest. Link listened as the cries from the monsters died out and kept his head low, his breathing ragged and his body exhausted. After some running (limping really) he was sat down against some sort of wall... or tree? Link was too tired to care. He kept his eyes shut and attempted to focus his breathing as he felt himself get weaker.
A sudden snap noise got Link to open his blurry eyes and look around. Still high on adrenaline, Link remained alert as he zeroed in on a blue figure, making out that it was Champion. He had snapped his fingers to get Link's attention and was holding a strange red vial in his hand. Champion tilted the bottle into Link's mouth and Link complied as he didn't really have any other choice. The taste was... strong, to say the least, but Link started feeling better almost instantly. He could think more clearly and his foot ached less.
"T-thank you," Link said, his voice shaky. Champion simply nodded. He looked down at his heel and saw the blood stained wood of an arrow, its metal head embedded firmly in his flesh. Champion seemed to notice this too and made a contemplative look before pointing somewhere in the distance. "Huh? What's th– OW!" Link's hand instinctively went to grab his heel looking at the Champion holding a blood-tipped arrow in one hand before handing Link the rest of the red vial that he hadn't finished.
"Did you really have to do that..." Link grumbled, looking at the Champion who didn't seem remorseful at all. Link sighed and finished the rest of the vial. "Well, thanks anyways... I guess."
Champion nodded and walked over to a cooking pot which Link hadn't noticed in his panic. The smell emanating from the pot was heavenly and Link moved closer to the pot, sitting next to Champion. "What are you making?" Link asked, restraining himself from just reaching into the pot and grabbing the meal Champion was preparing.
Champion took out a meat skewer and showed it to Link. "C-can I have one... I uh, haven't really found much to eat..." Link looked down, slightly embarrassed. Champion nodded and handed him a skewer as he himself took out his own. Champion watched, slightly terrified, as Link scarfed down the entire skewer in record time.
"That was so good! Can I have more?" Link pleaded, rubbing his mouth clean with his frayed tunic. Champion handed Link his own skewer and couldn't help but smile at his childlike reaction, albeit hiding it when Link looked back to thank him.
After Link's hearty meal, he stretched and looked at his Slate. "I didn't realise it had gotten so late... D-do you mind if I sleep here?" Link asked nervously, he had already taken Champion's food and strange elixirs and would understand if he refused him. Surprisingly, Champion nodded and Link thanked him profusely, laying his head down on a smooth-enough stone.
Link watched as Champion picked up a bow and started walking off. "Aren't you going to sleep?" Link inquired. Champion shook his head, putting two fingers up to his eyes and then pointing them towards the woods. "Oh, you're keeping watch?" Champion nodded. "Alright... will you be here in the morning?" Link asked, his voice showing more vulnerability than he would like. Champion looked slightly taken aback, but nodded solemnly.
"Okay... be safe..." Link said as he eyelids started drooping. Champion nodded, but it was towards closed eyes. Champion sighed softly before trekking off into the woods.
Link stirred awake slowly, the nearby birds chirping peacefully and the light shaking of the foliage filling his senses. He sat up slowly with a crick in his neck, maybe rocks weren't the best place to sleep, I much prefer the weird pool tub thing instead. He looked around and spotted Champion, sitting against a tree and sleeping peacefully. Link yawned and slowly made his way over to wake him but watched as he jolted awake when Link accidentally stepped on a twig.
"Good morning," Link offered his hand to pull him up, which Champion accepted.
"Can I... ask you something?" A nod.
"Can you speak?" Champion seemed to hesitate but nodded slowly, his blank facial expression unwavering.
"Then why don't you speak? Not to be offensive or anything," Link watched as Champion's nose slightly scrunched up, displaying... guilt? sadness? Whatever it was, Champion waved it off quickly and made a so-so action with his hand.
"If you don't want to talk about it it's fine," Champion nodded quickly. Link himself felt guilty for asking such a question.
"Another thing, can you teach me some tips? You seem like a good survivalist," Champion looked down, as if considering, and nodded. Link was ecstatic and didn't even bother to hide his enthusiasm.
"Thank you so much!" Link embraced Champion in a tight hug, not seeing Champion's face which portrayed surprise, among other things.
Champion lightly pushed Link away and walked in a certain way, beckoning Link to follow. The pair eventually reached a deeper part of the forest, the canopy engulfing the entire forest in it's patterned shadows and the scarce sunlight filtering in intermittently along the sway of the leaves. Champion put a finger to his lips, signalling to Link to stay quiet as they ducked behind a stone wall, supposedly a part of some ruins. They peeked over the wall slowly, spotting a boar in the distance. Champion pulled out a simple wooden bow, showing it to Link before handing it to him.
"What? You want me to kill it?" Champion nodded.
"I've never even used a bow before!" Link said, raising his voice slightly but not so loud the wild animal would hear. Champion made a waving motion with his hand and mimed holding and stretching a bow, incentivising Link to follow. Reluctantly, Link followed raising the bow in a similar position as Champion, who them positioned an arrow into Link's hands.
Link felt the feather of the arrow brush up against his cheek before Champion mimed releasing the bow. Link aimed at the unsuspecting boar before finally releasing, killing the boar instantly in a headshot. Link triumphantly raised his hands in the air in success, Champion only gave a small nod in encouragement, masking his own surprise in how quickly Link mastered using a bow. Link was equally surprised at how quickly he mastered it but the bow just felt familiar in his hands, perhaps it was muscle memory? Champion dragged Link over to the boar and took out a makeshift hunting knife, fashioned out of wood of some sort and started cutting the boar open.
Link watched in awe and disgust (but more in awe) at how Champion effortlessly skinned away at the carcass, cutting off a section before handing the knife to Link and gesturing for him to try. Link nodded excitedly and started hacking away at the boar. Champion was a bit distressed at how the kid was haphazardly stabbing away at the boar and getting boar fluids everywhere on him. Champion sighed, took the knife away, and did the rest.
Link helped Champion drag the boar back before getting scolded and ordered to carry the boar over his shoulder. Setting the boar down next to the long extinguished campfire, he watched as Champion walked over to a pond, Link following suit. Champion mimed washing himself by the pond and pointed to Link and then the pond. Link looked down at his shirt and pants, which were covered in dirt and boar blood, and understood why Champion would want him to wash himself. He promptly jumped into the pond and started washing himself before Champion stamped his foot on the ground multiple times with an angry expression on his face.
Link crawled out of the pond, soaking wet. "What's wrong?" Champion's face gave a mix of anger, shock, and exasperation. Link tilted his head in confusion before Champion grabbed Link's shirt and pulled it off over his head then pointed at his pants doing the same motion. "Oooooh... That's what got you so worked up?" Champion mentally facepalmed before nodding that yes, I want you to clean yourself with your clothes off. Link didn't really understand why Champion was so insistent about it, but if that's what he wanted then Link supposed he didn't mind. He set his wet clothes in a pile next to Champion before jumping back into the pond.
The pond's clear water slowly turned murkier as Link washed his body and hair, eventually getting out to shake his head from side to side to dry it, akin to a golden retriever. Champion shielded himself from the oncoming spray before walking over and handing Link a small towel, which Link accepted gratefully. Champion sighed through his nose before taking Link's damp clothes and wringing them above the water, Link walking over to sit next to him as he did. Sitting at the edge of the pond, Link looked at Champion, amazed at how he performed any mundane task with peak efficiency and skill.
Watching the way the water rippled from where it dripped from his clothes, Link noticed something. "Hey Champion, look!" He pointed at their reflections. "We look so similar! Isn't that cool?" The pair kneeled closer to the pond to take a closer look, Link's face was remarkably similar to Champion's, except that it was more scarred and Link's hair was longer. Champion's eyes darted around nervously before looking at Link and nodding slowly.
Link examined his facial scars in more detail, slightly upset with his appearance, Champion placed a hand on his shoulder, pointed at the scars, and made a thumbs-up. "Huh? You think they're fine?" A nod. Link looked at Champion and then back to his reflection and considered his scars quietly. Champion then moved behind Link, took out his blue hair tie, and tied Link's hair up in a low ponytail for him. Link examined the ponytail in great detail through the dirty water before thanking Champion profusely, who then gave Link back his slightly damp clothes. He sheepishly put them back on, forgetting that he had been nude this whole time.
Champion then herded Link over to a nearby field, took out his sword and shield, and motioned to Link to take out his. "Are we practicing fighting?" A nod. Link took out his wooden sword and club, feeling like he was at a slight disadvantage looking at Champion's sword and shield. Nevertheless, the pair started sparring, Champion giving brief tips on how Link should hold his shield and position himself. This went on for about an hour till Champion signalled from them to stop and instead brought them to a nearby monster camp.
"Are we fighting the camp?" Champion nodded and gave Link his bow and some arrows, he pointed to Link's weapons and made an x-symbol with his hands. "I shouldn't fight..?" Champion pointed to the bow instead. "Oh, okay," Link made his way to a nearby tree, testing its sturdiness before clambering up and aiming at the camp. Maybe Champion felt like he wasn't ready? He watched as Champion inched closer before slashing at the first monster, its blood-curdling scream alerting the rest of the camp. As Champion continued hacking away at the rest of the camp, Link aimed at the monster atop the watchtower, shooting an arrow through its neck and watching it clumsily fall to the ground. Champion took out two more monsters in quick succession and Link aimed at a monster creeping up behind him, killing it before it could strike Champion in the back.
Link jumped out of the tree and sprinted over to the camp, now with all the monsters defeated, and took a quick look over Champion in case he was hurt. Champion assured Link that he was fine before demonstrating to Link how to harvest horns and fangs from the monsters using his makeshift knife, which he did not hand to Link, despite his insistence. They trekked back to Champion's campsite and he showed Link how to make elixirs using monster parts and insects. Link watched in amazement as Champion expertly mixed the parts into a red liquid which Link recognised from the previous night. Link went to dip his finger in the liquid to taste it before getting burnt from the boiling liquid. Champion was unimpressed.
The rest of the day went on like this, Champion teaching Link things, Link performing them, and moving onto the next activity. By then, it had already been nightfall and Link had made dinner through Champion's guidance. The pair sat quietly with their skewers, the crackling of the fire and occasional chirps from the bushes filling the silence.
"Thanks... for today," Link said earnestly, Champion simply nodded.
"Um, where did you go... for the first week?" Champion shrugged nonchalantly. Link was unsatisfied by his answer.
"Oookay... Do you know what i'm supposed to do here?" Champion contemplated before his face delivered shock and he physically facepalmed before pointing to Link's Slate, which he unlocked for Champion. Champion then pointed to four points on the map, directing Link to explore these spots.
"Is there something at these dots?" Champion nodded quickly, looking a bit guilty he hadn't told Link sooner.
"No worries, I'll go explore these tomorrow," Link yawned, settling down by a familiar rock. Champion nodded and disappeared into the darkness of the woods.
"Goodnight," Link called.
"Goodnight Link," Champion responded, his voice soft yet firm, taking Link aback slightly but shrugging it off as Champion just deciding to speak. Link then closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep rather quickly, knowing that Champion would be keeping him safe.
Champion was unsure how he'd landed this role. The role of looking after himself? His successor? Champion was unsure. He watched from a distance as Link crawled out of the Shrine of Resurrection, getting eerily close to the cliff and accidentally sleeping another hundred years. Link clumsily walked down the path down to the alcove which Champion had situated himself in and started talking to him.
Champion mostly tuned out the conversation and was more upset with himself for not talking. Why can't I respond? Champion felt his throat closing up his heart started beating faster, Champion was able to maintain a fixed facial expression, for the most part. Champion offered up his hands and signed to Link, forcing them to stay still, Link simply looked at the motions in confusion.
He felt a bit disappointed at how much Link, or rather himself, had forgotten over the century. Champion started writing his name, using the pseudonym Champion because he can't just tell Link they have the same name so early, just to see if Link could remember reading, which he luckily did. Great, at least I remembered how to talk and read, that's a start. Champion sighed silently through his nose, feeling upset at how little his successor remembered, even though it wasn't his fault. He redirected Link's attention to his Slate which gave the location to Link's next objective before he disappeared quietly while Link looked away, one of the perks of being a spirit he supposed.
He spent the next week observing Link from a distance watching as he experimented and explored the environment around him. Champion was busy mulling around in his thoughts feeling disappointed in himself, for failing the princess, and at Link, who had basically forgotten everything important (not that it was his fault). He tugged at his hair trying to think of a solution before deciding to head to the Temple of Time to pray to Hylia, hoping she would help him.
He knelt in front of the towering statue and put his hands together to pray.
"Goddess Hylia, how am I supposed to complete your sacred mission through this vessel? He hardly remembers anything, let alone how to fight. I seek your mercy that I am unable to do this task you have forsaken me."
"Do not worry Champion, for I have faith that you will be able to guide him."
"A-are you sure? I... am not capable in the slightest, I failed Princess Zelda, I failed the entirety of Hyrule. Now, I am going to fail yet another mission you have given me."
"Champion, please, do not doubt yourself. You gave the ultimate sacrifice of your life and I have no worry that you will not be able to complete this mission."
"Thank you for your wisdom, Goddess Hylia."
"Go, and bring peace to Hyrule."
Champion felt Hylia's divine light slowly fade away as he knelt at the statue, all alone. He didn't know what to do, so he crawled up in a corner of the Temple and cried. Champion couldn't help himself, he was embarrassed and disappointed. How could he, the Princess' appointed knight, be crying? Champion couldn't help but think how everything could have been different. If he just hadn't died. Champion sighed, rubbed his red eyes, and mustered up the courage to see Link again. Instead of moping around, he should get something done.
He failed once, he wasn't going to fail again.
Chapter 2: Great Plateau
Chapter Text
After consulting with Hylia, Champion wandered around the Plateau silently, it had gotten late by then and he had accidentally lost track of Link. Being a spirit ghost creature – Champion wasn't sure himself – he could roughly sense that Link was around but couldn't pinpoint his exact location. After checking the forest, Champion walked back to his makeshift campsite, slightly defeated, and started roasting some fresh meat over his simple campfire. Champion concluded that wherever Link was he was probably okay and that he roughly knew how to handle himself.
Suddenly, Champion heard a startlingly loud roar originating near the plains. He rushed out, sword in hand, to see what was going on. Right outside of the forest was Link, getting manhandled by a Red Bokoblin, with several more in tow. Champion quickly slashed at the monster on top of Link and kicked it off before helping Link up and bringing him back to his campsite. Link struggled to keep up with Champion and was basically leaning his entire body weight against him. Champion cursed at himself internally for failing again and getting Link hurt.
Weaving through the trees, Champion noticed Link's exhausted demeanor and attempted to move faster (despite the fact that Link was limping). Once they reached the campsite, the monsters had lost interest and Champion could no longer hear extra footsteps chasing after them. Propping Link against a log, he took a red elixir out of his pocket and ushered it into Link's mouth, Link accepting it easily. Champion didn't really need to make elixirs for himself, seeing as how he was already dead, but did it out of habit.
Link's face scrunched up slightly at the taste before his breathing relaxed and his attention focused on an arrow lodged in his heel, which Champion had somehow failed to notice. Champion didn't really have the best plan to remove the arrow and just decided on what he usually did, ripping it out. He distracted Link by pointing in a random direction before blatantly yanking it out of Link's heel, unaffected by his yelp. Link looked at Champion angrily, who handed him the rest of the elixir in response, unfussed by Link's reaction. Champion thought of it as sort of "letting out his anger" on someone who may or may not have deserved it (Link did not).
After feeding Link his meat skewers (Champion saw the boy eat rocks the other day), he easily tuckered himself out and positioned himself against a stone to sleep. Champion made up having to go watch so that he wouldn't have to sleep with Link. Champion didn't really need sleep, as he was dead, but did notice how his body became more sluggish if he didn't, his form would also become more inconsistent, turning slightly transparent with a blue tint. He instead waited till Link fell asleep before disappearing into Link's soul to recharge, which was basically the equivalent of sleeping for Champion.
After yesterday's teaching lesson from Champion, Link rose surprisingly early the next morning and looked around to find Champion missing, which wasn't the strangest thing in the world as it had happened before. Despite his absence, Link felt weirdly safe, like Champion was still lingering nearby. He fixed his ruffled hair using the hair tie Champion had given him before looking down at his Slate and the four points marked by Champion. He stood up and stretched, feeling his joints pop, before heading to the nearest dot on his map and working his way from there.
Champion awoke around the same time as Link, but not there physically as he was resting in Link's soul. Through this form he could roughly see what Link was doing and that he was heading to the points he'd marked out. After yesterday, Champion had tuckered himself out and his form was fading slightly but luckily Link fell asleep before he could notice. His task was to mark out points on Link's map and guide him to where he needs to go, Champion somehow messed this up by forgetting to mark them down earlier, remembering only after being asked by Link. Wow... I sure am doing well, aren't I?
He had also mustered up the courage to speak to Link, albeit briefly, last night. As a knight, Champion should be able to complete any task assigned to him, yet he was struggling with something as simple as talking. Nevertheless, Champion planned to reveal himself soon, maybe after Link completed a few of the shrines. He didn't mind resting longer, which was considered a luxury to him when he served as Princess Zelda's appointed knight. Chasing after her day and night, making sure she was safe or else the king would give him an earful. Despite the fact that he was given his own personal room in the castle, he was hardly in it and was lucky if he even rested for more than an hour. It felt weird sleeping for such long periods. Perhaps the strict regiment of the castle had engraved itself into Champion's brain as he was still used to sleeping late and waking early.
Link left the Oman Au Shrine, equipped with a new strange ability to manipulate and carry metal objects that was activated from his Slate. Link had a blast lifting up and throwing metal boxes around like paper and excitedly rushed over to the next shrine. He had actually seen a few of the shrines previously, when he was atop the tower, but paid them no mind.
Link was nearing the next closest shrine, somewhere south of Oman Au, and found that it was situated among some ruins which had clearly seen better days. There were strange cylindrical robots with spider-like legs, that he had previously seen around the large temple, that were littered among the ruins. Link creeped around the maze-like ruins, encountering several more of these robots, rusty and broken. He collected some parts he deemed useful from them before looking at his map to course-correct.
Turning a corner, Link saw another robot along with an entrance to the shrine in the distance. Excitedly, Link made his way to the shrine before hearing a low rumbling noise behind him. Looking back, the supposedly dead robot's gears started churning as its singular eye turned a bright blue. Link cautiously approached the robot as it looked around before staring directly at Link and aiming a red laser at him, an ominous beeping noise accompanying it.
Link played around with the robot's laser, watching as it followed him when he walked. The beeping noise sped up exponentially as it seemed to reach its climax, Link eyeing the robot curiously. Suddenly, the thin red laser was followed by a powerful blast of energy, firing towards Link's chest. Time seemed to slow as Link attempted to jump out of the way futilely, closing his eyes as he hit the dirt. Expecting to be hit by the explosion caused by the shot, Link curled up to defend himself as much as possible.
His eyes shut tightly, all Link heard instead was the sound of the blast rebounding off of something and an explosion in the distance. Prying his eyes open, he saw Champion, his position stiff as his shield smoked slightly on its centre, focusing his entire attention on the robot. Speaking of, the robot's head was now completely destroyed in the blast, the lower half of its body resting in the dirt unceremoniously. Champion had somehow dived in and reflected the blast last second. Champion quickly diverted his attention to Link, his sharp eyes analysing Link from head to toe for injuries. Once confirming that Link was fine, save for a few scratches, he pulled him up and promptly stared daggers into him.
"Um, t-thanks..." Link rubbed the back of his head shamefully. Champion's face was furious, which seemed to be one of two expressions he gave, the other being stoicism.
He punched Link's shoulder angrily. "Alright, alright, I'm sorry!" Link rubbed his shoulder lightly. "I'll be safer next time..."
Champion sighed before pointing to the remains of the robot. "Guardian," He said briefly, his anger slowly dissipating.
"Guardian? I'll make sure to avoid those... thanks," Link said sincerely. Champion exasperatedly pinched the bridge of his nose before waving his hand and pointing to the shrine. Link simply nodded quickly before heading to the shrine.
Champion leaned himself up against a wall and sighed for what felt like the hundredth time whilst waiting for Link to emerge out of the shrine. He had looked away for a second and Link was trying to get himself killed by a Guardian. Is this what having kids feels like? Champion crossed his arms and continued waiting patiently for Link outside, ignoring his intrusive thoughts to just leave and give up.
Link was having a blast (literally) playing with these new blue bombs in the shrine. By the time he had gotten the Spirit Orb from the monk, he was reluctant to leave the shrine, fearful of incurring Champion's wrath outside. Reluctantly, Link made his way to the platform as it elevated Link back up to the surface where he saw Champion waiting outside. Link waved hesitantly with his best smile, Champion simply rolled his eyes as he motioned for Link to follow.
"Are we gonna do the remaining two shrines?" Link asked as he sped up to match Champion's pace, who shook his head before pointing up at the sky. Its usual baby blue had turned a darker hue as the sun began to set, along with the addition of ominous dark clouds rolling in slowly.
Champion then pointed to a small dirt hut in the distance as oncoming thunder could be heard crackling. Link nodded and the pair hurriedly made their way to the hut, making their way inside as the first few droplets started falling. It was a simple living space with a table and chair, a bed, and some extra food lying around. Champion sat on the chair and took two baked apples, tossing one to Link. The pair ate quietly as the rain started to pick up, pelting the quaint hut. Champion laid back into his chair before motioning for Link to lie in the bed as he laid out some of his equipment on the table. Link nervously shuffled towards the bed, looking down and twiddling his thumbs. Champion picked up on this and flicked his head at Link, asking what was wrong.
"It's just that... I've been such a hassle that it feels wrong to sleep in the bed... would you like to sleep here instead?" Link offered as he pat his hand down on the bed beside him. Champion was slightly taken aback by Link's offer but refused quickly.
"Seriously, I insist, I don't deserve to sleep here, you should..." Link responded as his words slowly trailed off at the end. Champion stared at him, slightly dumbfounded and upset. Don't be stubborn, use the bed! Champion thought as he sighed through his nose as it was clear Link wouldn't drop the topic. He nodded hesitantly and started taking off the armour plates on his legs, Link's face beaming at Champion's acceptance.
As Champion approached the bed, he tugged Link's arm along with him and pushed him onto the bed, making him lie down as he settled next to him. If he was going to sleep on the bed, so was he. Link seemed content with his position as he nudged closer to Champion, wrapping his arms around his back, his face nuzzling Champion's midsection. The tips of Champion's ears turned slightly red as he tapped Link's shoulder gently.
" 'm cold," Was all Link mumbled in response, his grip tightening slightly. Champion nodded, regardless of whether Link would have seen it or not, and pat Link's head in response. Champion could feel Link slowly fall asleep from under him as his arms loosened and his breathing slowed. Champion realised how much he appreciated Link's presence, despite how rude he may be to him. His playful (mostly reckless) nature reminded him of himself in his youth, before he chanced upon and pulled that sword at random. Champion had forgotten the last time he'd truly messed around or had some fun, his knightly duties constantly lurking behind him, making personal time an afterthought. Ironically, his time spent as the Princess' knight was monitoring her personal time.
He pulled Link closer as he stifled a yawn, distracting his mind by listening to the ever-present torrential rainfall. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, Link's company being all he would ever need in that moment.
Champion woke up early as per usual and reluctantly tore himself away from the bed, watching as Link's face sunk slightly as his hands were left empty. He quietly put his armour plates back on before grabbing the woodcutter's axe in the corner. Lugging it over his shoulder, he was greeted by the sun creeping up over the horizon. Making his way over to some nearby pine trees, the ground soft after last night's downpour, he picked an averagely sized tree and began hacking away at its trunk. The tree shook with each swing, the dew littered on its leaves dripping down on Champion, prompting him to lift his hood.
After a considerable amount of swings, Champion backed away after hearing the trunk crack, letting gravity do the work. The tree fell dramatically towards the ground in a choreographed path by Champion. The sound of the tree slamming against the ground was loud enough to startle the local birds, who fluttered away, and apparently Link, who stumbled out of the hut to see what all the commotion was about.
"G'd mornin'," Link yawned, rubbing his eyes gently. Champion nodded and started chopping the trunk into bite-sized pieces.
"You were actually colder than I'd expected..." Champion diverted his eyes and shrugged, he was honestly amazed at how his cover hadn't been blown yet.
Link strolled over sluggishly to see what Champion was doing. "Can I help?" Link picked up a few chopped logs before dumping them by the cooking pot. Champion nodded and offered him the axe once Link returned.
"Oh, I don't need the axe," Link grinned before pulling out his Slate. Champion nodded, not questioning his behaviour.
Suddenly, a loud explosion rang in his ears as he quickly dropped the axe and pulled out his sword and shield on instinct. He had scouted out the Plateau, how could there be a guardian here? He peered through the smoke cloud looking around for Link before finding Link standing nearby, Slate in hand. He dashed over and tackled Link to the ground, avoiding any stray shots from the guardian. Link gave him an inquisitive look before Champion muttered "Guardian" again.
Champion jumped to his feet and began sifting through the cloud methodically, his ears twitching at any slight sound. As the smoke dissipated, fallen logs were all Champion saw, no trace of a guardian anywhere. Confused, he turned back to Link, who was giving his best impression of a guilty person trying not to act guilty. He stomped over to Link and grabbed his arm which was holding his Slate, sending him a glare.
"Soooo... I have these bombs..." Link chuckled nervously as Champion tightened his grasp.
After what felt like hours (really about a minute), Champion released his white-knuckled grip on Link's arm and put both hands on his face before slumping down on a nearby log in complete disbelief and utter defeat. He'd just went through the five stages of grief and could practically feel the white hairs appearing on his head as he heard Link dash over to the fallen logs to blow them up further. Hylia, what part of his quest requires bombs?!
Chapter 3: Mount Hylia
Summary:
we getting off the great plateau with this one
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hold on!" Link called out to Champion as he vaporised the last of their resources into thin blue strings into his Slate. Champion didn't really understand how it worked or why Link needed such a strange device but he wasn't one to pry, at least it was useful (except for the bombs). Storing the last of their freshly chopped wood, Link dashed up to Champion as they walked towards a magnificent stone gate which proudly displayed the entrance to a colder region of the Plateau. Before their trip into the snow, Champion gifted Link a green jacket which fit snugly and kept him warm, its thick material hugging Link tightly whilst still letting him maneuver himself easily. Link was slightly concerned but Champion insisted that he wouldn't need the jacket and would be fine.
The pair had planned to knock out the last two shrines that were located around Mount Hylia in preferably a day, maybe working through the night. As they passed through the aged stone gate, the cold instantly hit them, Champion affected more than Link. Champion reassured Link by taking out a small vial filled with a red liquid that seemed to emanate heat and downed the entire bottle. Champion took the lead down the path, trudging forward with sword and shield in hand. Link tailed nearby, occasionally stopping to open chests and pick up materials which Champion seemed to disapprove of, walking over and dragging Link to follow.
"Why can't I explore? There's so many new things to see and do!" Link exclaimed, his tone bordering on whining. Champion mimed pointing to a watch on his wrist and tugged Link along.
"Fine, I get it, gotta go fast and stuff," Link said, shoving all the things he got into his Slate.
Champion slashed at a few Chu Chus and Keese along the way before handing Link the materials he looted from the monsters, which he noticed had a more icy appearance as compared to their usual counterparts. Champion warned Link not to get hit by these variants as they trudged forwards. The pair eventually reached a rickety wooden bridge, if it could even be called that, a few wooden posts sticking out of the water being the only indication this used to be a bridge. It was missing multiple planks and was far too precarious to cross with the planks that were there. Champion stood in front of the scene, hand to his chin as he brainstormed a plan to get them across. He shut his eyes to defend against the cold as he furrowed his snow-coated eyebrows thinking of a solution.
Seemingly lost in thought, Champion completely missed Link lifting up a giant metal door in the air like it was nothing before positioning it over the existing wooden posts and unceremoniously dumping it down. The clang of the metal against the posts startled Champion who saw a grinning Link staring at his handiwork. He rolled his eyes as he walked over, Link grabbing a second metal door to fill the other half of the bridge. The pair slowly made their way across, the makeshift metal bridge creaking slightly under their weight. The harsh winter winds weren't making it any easier, threatening to push them off into the unforgiving rapids which led to a waterfall.
Champion had to take a quick breather once he'd made it across, although he wasn't in any real danger, it was stressful to watch his protégé so carelessly construct a bridge and walk over. Hylia knows I deserve a break after this. Champion did not receive a break. Directly after they'd made it across, a camp instantly spotted them and began charging towards them, clubs and shields ablaze.
He quickly pulled out his sword and shield, planted himself between Link and the Bokoblins, and started expertly dodging swings from the enemies just to return them at their weak spots. Link pulled out his trusty bow to support Champion, targeting their own archers and aiming at a nearby bomb barrel, sending the rear monsters flying through the air spectacularly. Link then whipped out his sword, a two-handed claymore, and started slashing at the enemies in powerful, controlled swings, their wooden shields no match for the sheer power of his claymore.
Once the pair had dispatched the remaining few monsters, Champion relaxed his posture and went to harvest some useful organs. Link picked up some extra weapons and opened a few chests they were defending, shiny gems that shone brightly with the light inside them. After the sudden ambush, Champion felt a bit tired but continued the trek up the mountain, Link was surprisingly still in high spirits. Ascending the mountain, the temperatures continued to decline as the winds picked up, shoving against them. Champion grabbed Link's hand as they trekked around a hill placing one hand against the cool stone for support. Atop the hill was a third shrine located by a small pond, Champion ushered Link to the shrine before waiting outside patiently by the pond, downing another spicy elixir for good measure.
A few minutes later, Link emerged from the shrine with a grin and demonstrated to Champion his new ability to form ice pillars out of plain water. Champion concealed his surprise for the most part as a pillar erected itself out of the pond in front of him, Link giggling in childlike-amusement. Champion simply gave Link a thumbs up as he beckoned for them to continue their trek, Link following Champion excitedly.
"Wasn't that so cool? I wonder what the last one'll be... maybe it'll let me fly!– Or, or give me super strength!" Link chatted excessively. Champion nodded, realising how much he appreciated Link's one-sided conversation.
Between the path from the previous shrine to the final shrine, a magnificent mountain stood in their way, its snowy peak scratching the sky. Champion decided to take a safer option when passing through, curving around the edge of the mountain instead of walking straight through. He showed Link his plan by tracing the path on Link's Slate's map, who simply nodded in agreement.
The walk was rather uneventful, a few Keese floating around that Link shot down followed by a few Chu Chus that were easily taken care of. The sun slowly began its descent, the western twilight turning the sky a mellow orange as it set. Champion noticed Link yawning and asked him if he'd want to rest, despite his plan of working through the night as Link looked tuckered out. Link nodded meekly as he showed Champion the map, they'd made it past the halfway point of the mountain which Champion accepted as good enough progress for the day. He led Link to a small overhang in the mountain face as he set up a campfire, sleeping on the mountain was arguably not the best idea, the temperatures crashing even lower than they were during the day, but walking through the snow with poor visibility and tired bodies wasn't recommended either.
Link took out two bowls of warm mushroom soup from his Slate, their temperature having been maintained since they were kept, which Champion found neat. He sipped from his bowl methodically as Link gulped down the steaming hot liquid, his throat seemingly unaffected. How does this kid even talk with all the scars and reckless eating? Champion handed his empty bowl back to Link as he kept them safe back in his Slate before adding more sticks to the fire. The pair heated themselves up by the campfire, their red cheeks illuminated by the flame before they huddled together for warmth. Link's jacket was soft and although harsh temperatures such as extreme heat or cold didn't really affect Champion as much, he was still pretty cold nonetheless.
Champion crept closer to Link before clinging to Link's side, eliciting Link to wrap a hand around him and pull him closer. The quiet crackling of the fire kept them company as their breaths came out in small clouds of mist, both boys exhausted by their full day climb. Although Champion typically recharges by fading into Link's soul, staying nearby also helps him regain energy just as effectively. The pair relaxed under each other's presence, Link breathing becoming more calm and Champion unwinding some of his stress.
"G'night..." Link murmured quietly.
"Goodnight," Champion responded.
Champion awoke early the next morning, examining his surroundings to see Link still curled up by him and the pile of soot that was a campfire. He meticulously lifted Link's arms off of him, placing them by his slumbering body. Treading out of the overhang, he kept his steps light as feathers as his feet sank in the snow. Champion had made a mental note the previous night to wake up early to check on something important to him. Scaling the mountain slowly, the cool night breeze brushed against his face as the sun made its reappearance, peeking over the horizon, its powerful rays providing some much needed warmth.
Passing the tree line, he approached the mountain's peak, spotting what he was looking for. Situated atop the mountain was a small collection of rocks, a taller rock supported by multiple smaller stones at its base, the whole monument dusted in a heavy helping of snow. Champion crouched down and started sweeping away some snow with his hands along with repositioning the stones lining the base. He pulled out a small flower, the Silent Princess, its petals a mix of white like the snow with vibrant blue strokes emerging from its centre, and placed it by the monument.
Champion stepped back, satisfied, and stared at the monument before straightening his posture and taking a long deep bow, a deep sign of respect. A simple inscription was left on the tallest rock: King Rhoam's Grave, the last King of Hyrule. Tears slowly started welling up in his eyes, this monument, like many others, a constant reminder of his failure with the least he could do being maintaining them. Champion couldn't be bothered to fight back the tears, warm streaks being left against his cold cheeks. He sat down in front of the grave, curled his legs up to his chest and rested his head against his knees.
With each blink, more tears came flooding out, he sobbed quietly as he looked down at his tear-stained pants. Despite everything the King did to Champion, the rigorous training, the constant reprimanding, the complete disillusion of choice, Champion knew that respect came first. Besides, he was just a knight, wasn't he? That was the only thing he was good at. Anything else and he was just pointless.
"Champion?" Someone called out from behind him.
Champion stood up and pulled his sword, pointing it at the intruder with a shaky grasp. He had been caught off guard due to his stupid emotions.
"Hey, hey, it's just me," Link said, identifying himself as he raised his hands. Champion dropped his sword onto the snow and wiped his face rapidly with his sleeve, trying to get rid of the evidence of his outburst.
Link walked closer and gently put Champion's hands down before embracing him in a hug. Champion was confused, his hands lingering in the air. Why? Why was Link hugging him, a failure? Link rubbed Champion's back lightly in a circulation motion, causing Champion to release more tears he didn't know he was holding. He wrapped his arms against Link tightly, worrying to lose him, just like all the others.
"It's okay," was all Link said, it was all he needed to say. They let the silence encapsulate them as they continued hugging, sharing each other warmth as the sun rose past the mountains in the distance. Champion didn't understand Link, but in that moment he didn't need to. Time passed, Champion loosened his grip slightly, prompting Link to do the same. Link pulled back, his arms resting on Champion's shoulders as he gave him a compassionate smile, his cobalt irises meeting Champion's puffy eyes. He wiped away Champion's tears carefully with the towel Champion had given him.
"Do you... wanna talk about it?" Link asked, Champion's eyes looking down before he nodded.
"I...–" Champion swallowed, he could feel his throat closing up again as he spoke but still forced himself to. "–failed... a long time ago. This monument is a reminder of my failure." Champion said quietly. For the life of him he couldn't look at Link's face, he dreaded seeing whatever expression he had plastered on his face. Probably disappointment, like the rest of them. He simply kept his eyes glued to their snow-covered shoes.
Link nodded before speaking up, "I may not remember much, but what I do know is that you're not a failure. Ever since I met you, you've taught me so much that, frankly, I'm the failure between the two of us," Link chuckled softly. Champion looked up at Link's words, sincerity etched into Link's face.
"We can talk about some other time if you want to, how about we head back?" Link picked up Champion's sword for him before offering his hand, flashing him a soft smile. Champion nodded and grabbed Link's hand, looking down as Link guided them back to their makeshift camp. He didn't really understand why Link was acting like this, but was glad that the matter wasn't being pressed further.
"I know you don't really like talking, so why don't you teach me some sign language?" Link piped up. Champion nodded quickly at the idea, he wasn't the best at explaining himself through words and found it hard to speak long sentences. Link looked ecstatic at Champion's acceptance and hurried down the mountain quicker. Champion smiled slightly at the sight, his body relaxing slightly as he let Link tug him down the mountain.
For once, when Champion looked back, he saw two sets of footprints instead of one.
Upon their return to camp, they cleaned up the space, put anything useful they found into Link's Slate, and continued their trek towards the last shrine.
"Why don't you teach me something easy like... our names?" Link asked. Champion considered it and nodded.
"Name signs consist of two different signs," Champion said quietly. "What do you want yours to be?" He swallowed again, on instinct.
"Hmm, why not... blue and knight for you? Because you've got a blue tunic and fight like a knight!" Link stated excitedly, pointing to Champion's shirt. Champion nodded. Although he didn't have pleasant memories as a knight, he did pride himself in his fighting skills.
Champion pointed to himself, held up his right hand with his finger tucked in and flipped it back and forth. "Blue," he said before raising both hands and mimicking holding a long object before making a 'K' symbol with his hands. "Knight." He then performed both signs at once slowly, signing 'blue-knight', and watched as Link copied him with a degree of success. I guess despite forgetting how to sign, it still comes to him through muscle memory.
"For me, how about... blonde and archer? My hair is blonde, plus I usually use a bow when we fight! This way, our name signs roughly follow the same formula," Link's face beaming.
Champion gave a small smile before nodding. He pointed to Link and put a closed fist with his thumb and pinkie sticking out next to his hair before performing a combing motion to the side. "Blonde." Taking both hands he mimed pulling and releasing a bow. "Archer." Combining the signs, he performed them in quick succession and signed 'blonde-archer', Link accurately copying him.
Champion nodded in approval before using his right hand, placing it on his chin, and bringing it down in an arching motion. "Thank you," Champion stated. Link excitedly performed the sign multiple times, 'thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!' Champion laughed softly before nodding and putting Link's hands down.
Unaware of the time he'd spent teaching Link as they were walking, they spotted the top of the shrine in the distance. "Time passes when you're having fun, huh?" Link remarked, Champion simply nodded. Link suddenly dashed ahead of Champion towards the shrine prompting Champion to chase after him as he giggled. Weaving through the trees, Link shouted, "Last one there is a rotten egg!"
Champion picked up his pace, trailing right behind Link. Bending down, he scooped up a snowball before aiming at Link and shooting, coating Link's sandy hair with a layer of snow. Link turned around at the sudden shot and feigned anger before running over and tackling Champion into the snow, the pair pretending to wrestle in the snow, grins plastered on both of their faces. Champion oddly enjoyed this, having forgotten when he used to simply mess around in his youth.
Eventually, the boys laid in the snow, panting with clouds of mist escaping their mouths. Champion stood up and offered a hand to Link, pulling him up as they walked over to the last shrine, helping each other dust off snow on the other person. Upon approaching the shrine, Champion watched as Link inserted his Slate into the pedestal, opening the strange door before stepping in and descending to wherever the shrine brought him, waving goodbye as he watched Link's sinking figure.
Link excitedly rushed over to Champion as he exited the shrine, who was sitting on a nearby ledge and stood up as he heard Link approaching. Link proceeded to gush out everything that happened in the shrine, his mouth moving as fast as his hands as he tried to describe everything. Honestly Champion wasn't paying that much attention to his words, roughly understanding that he got some rune that allowed him to manipulate time or something like that. Champion hesitantly nodded after Link's spiel, pretending to agree or understand whatever he just said.
"Sooo... where do we go now?" Link questioned, pulling out the map from his Slate for Champion to see. Champion gave a contemplative look before pointing to the Temple of Time.
"I see, I'm gonna teleport to Ja Baji, it seems to be the closest," Link concluded before clenching Champion's hand and tapping on his screen. Suddenly, Champion looked down and saw his form slowly disappearing along with Link's into thin blue strands which fluttered up into the air as he slowly disappeared. He reappeared in front of the Ja Baji Shrine, his fingers still interlaced with Link's as he looked down at his body, confused at how that was even possible. Link giggled at Champion's expression.
"Cool, huh?" Champion hesitantly nodded as he tried to shake off a feeling of dizziness.
The pair started to walk over to the Temple of Time, dilapidated steps forming a path straight to the Temple. As per usual, monsters were littered throughout the path which Champion dealt with swiftly whilst Link shot at offending Keese sneaking up from the air. They soon arrived at the entrance of the Temple, its stone exterior heavily aged with nature overtaking every nook and cranny around the building. Entering the Temple, the towering Goddess Statue appeared tranquil despite the broken windows and damaged roofing which allowed plant life to thrive inside the building, the shimmering rays of the sun streaming in through the holes in the roof. Champion encouraged Link to pray to the Goddess Statue, who agreed easily. Kneeling in front of the statue, Champion felt Hylia's presence cloaking Link's figure as he prayed silently.
Eventually Link rose and walked over to Champion. "What now?"
Champion waved a hand at Link to follow as the pair walked over to an edge of the Plateau. He then took out a strange wooden contraption with a piece of fabric in the middle, putting Link's hands onto two handles. Link was confused but held onto Champion's contraption who then pushed him closer and closer to the edge. He positioned his arms above him and mimed holding the contraption, an action which Link copied. Whilst he held it over his head, Champion pointed to something in the distance, prompting Link to look before he was shoved off the Plateau by Champion.
Horrified, Link instinctively tightened his grip on the contraption and curled his legs in to cushion his fall, he eyes shut tightly. Link didn't know the fall would take soooo long, it certainly looked like a short drop when he peaked over the edge earlier, whatever, it gives him more time to curse Champion. Suddenly, Link felt his feet and rear touch the ground lightly, not roughly. Opening his eyes, he saw Champion standing in front of him, arms crossed and staring at him nonchalantly, giving Link his usual blank expression.
"W-what..?" Link questioned. Champion stretched out a hand and pulled Link up.
"Paraglider," Champion said simply, pointing at the fabric. Link slowly put two and two together, realising the contraption was a parachute or paraglider, as Champion called it. Link responded with a deadpan expression, clearly upset with Champion, who simply maintained his blank expression, a smile tugging at his lips.
He playfully punched Champion in the shoulder. "Stop doing that!" Champion shrugged and tilted his head before walking away, Link chasing after him.
Notes:
I know the geography of the snowy region isn't the most accurate lol, it was just a bit boring so I decided to make it cooler with my own elements. (pun)
Chapter 4: Kakariko Village
Notes:
Link meets a korok, finds another tower, encounters a stable, and goes to Kakariko. Champion is also here.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Champion looked over at Link's Slate's map again. He had been given brief instructions on how to babysit Link such as bring him here, mark this, mark that, send him here. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion and looked at the map for what felt like the hundredth time, the Great Plateau's general geography was displayed clearly whilst the rest of the area looked like a fuzzy incomplete puzzle. Champion scratched the back of head, racking his brain for a solution. How was he supposed to guide Link if he had no idea where he was? Link simply stared at Champion as he shut his eyes, deep in thought, which seemed to be something he did constantly. Link had simply asked him where they should go next, not expecting Champion to be so stumped by his question.
"Uhm, it's fine Champion. We can explore y'know? I'm gonna head over to that shrine over there okay?" Link said, unsure how much he was saying was getting through to him. Instead, he decided to grab his arm and drag him along with him to the shrine.
Link decided to follow a simple dirt path as it seemed to lead to the shrine. Passing through some small forests, Link occasionally stopped to pick up new plants and mushrooms he found along the way, cataloguing them in his Slate which told him their properties and names. As he continued down the path, he passed through some monster-infested ruins. He could avoid them and pass through peacefully but where was the fun in that? Champion appeared to be out-of-commission anyways, Link didn't even know if he knew that they'd moved, so he couldn't stop him. Whipping out a few bombs, he started launching bokoblins through the air haphazardly, stealing their weapons while they recuperated, and promptly bonking them on their head with their own clubs.
Good thing Champion isn't looking, he'd critique my techniques if he did, Link thought mischievously.
Within the ruins he found multiple chests filled with more gems and rupees that tickled him pink. After picking up a random rock located on a half-destroyed structure, a strange creature made of wood with a leaf on its face appeared in front of him out of thin air.
"Yahaha! You found me!" The creature shouted happily. Link looked at the creature surprised, before examining it in intrigue, setting down the rock beside him.
"Wait a minute... You're not Hestu!" It said, looking Link up and down whilst waving around the stick it carried.
"Hestu? I'm Link, and what are you?"
"A Korok! Here,–" It handed Link a small golden teardrop-shaped seed. "–if you run into Hestu, return this to him!"
Link examined the seed closely, its shiny surface glowing under the sun. "Sure thing... Korok!"
"Oh, and my friends are hiding in lots of different places too! Don't be shy about poking your nose into suspicious places!" Link nodded. It seemed that these Koroks were playing a large scale hide-and-seek game with 'Hestu', whoever that was. After waving goodbye to the Korok, Link dragged Champion along, situating him down by a rock whilst he went in to complete the shrine. Emerging a few minutes later, he was upset that Champion was still deep in thought and smacked him on the head lightly. Champion let out a small yelp before covering his head with his hands, sending Link a scowl.
"Listen, I'm going over to that tower–" Link pointed at a tower that looked similar to the one they'd seen on the Plateau, "–and it's going to unlock the map, just like the previous one. So stop overthinking everything and just relax."
Before Champion could protest Link dashed off across a bridge in the direction of the tower. Champion then realised he was in a different position than he started and immediately started chasing after Link, completely furious. Crossing over a stone bridge, the pair went down a dirt path which ran against a river to the left. Link liked running, he didn't really know why, he just did. The feeling of wind against his face, his golden hair swaying messily around his head, the view of the ever-changing landscape, perhaps he just liked the feeling of being free and wild, the uncharted land leaving room for mystery.
He leaned against a tree, wiping glands of sweat off his forehead as he caught his breath. He could see a blue blur in the distance, catching up to him slowly. Link considered waiting for Champion but decided against it, whipping out his Slate, he set his sights on the tower which, upon closer inspection, was located in the middle of a lake. Using Cryonis, he summoned icy pillars out of the river and jumped from one to another, the flowing water contorting itself to pass around the pillars.
Champion had caught up by then, unable to do anything except stamp his foot down angrily. Link turned back and stuck his tongue out at him playfully before continuing to evoke frozen columns out of the stream, hopping from one to another aimlessly. Champion sighed furiously before sitting down and leaning against a tree. He wasn't liable if Link fell into the water. Panting slightly, Champion took the time to look around his surroundings, distracting himself from paying attention to Link. It felt a bit nostalgic, as the tower was situated right next to the Dueling Peaks, something Champion remembered passing through multiple times when he was a kid.
He could probably lead them to where they needed to go through pure intuition but didn't want to jinx anything, besides, he didn't know how much had changed over the century. Looking back at Link, he caught a glimpse of him clambering up the tower, resting briefly at the platforms which jutted out occasionally down the whole length of the tower, before continuing his ascent.
Eventually, Link reached the top of the tower and inserted his Slate into a familiar pedestal. Champion watched from afar as the tower turned from orange to blue with the tip of the tower splitting apart into four prongs, all pointed in different directions. The entire spectacle was fascinating, as if some ancient mechanism had just been activated. Champion watched as Link took a running start out of the tower, free falling in a dive towards Champion, and released his paraglider inches before he hit the ground. Champion suffered a mini heart attack as he rushed up to Link, making sure he wasn't injured before raising his hand to hit Link.
"Okay, okay, sorry!" Link said, catching Champion's hand mid-smack.
"That's what you get for pushing me off," Link rebuffed, Champion glared at Link before rolling his eyes.
"Anyways, look at this!" Link took out his Slate and pulled up the map, holding it between them so they could both see. Champion was astonished, an entire region has been unlocked, stretching from the Great Plateau to Kakariko Village, which was exactly where they needed to go. Champion pointed to Kakariko Village repeatedly, cementing its importance to Link.
"Okay, we'll head there then," Link stated briefly, watching as Champion already started walking away.
Passing through the majestic Dueling Peaks, Link spotted a few shrines perched up against the mountain face and excitedly pointed to them before being shot down by Champion, resorting to marking them down on his map for later. Emerging from under the shadow of the Peaks, the pair spotted a strange horse-shaped building in the distance, smoke puffing out of its 'nostrils'. Crossing the river via a wooden bridge, Link approached the structure in intrigue and, for the first time during his entire adventure, saw other people other than Champion. As he approached the structure, Link saw travelers resting by a cooking pot, children running around playing games, and horses being herded into pens. He wandered around curiously, the horse-structure teeming with activity before he found a counter manned by a bearded man.
"Excuse me, what is this structure?" Link questioned as he approached the counter, a second man standing by it outside.
"I don't think I've seen you around these parts, would you like some bananas?" The bearded man offered, holding up a banana.
"Oh, no thanks! I was just wondering where I am," Link said slightly confused as to why he would offer him bananas. The man however, appeared satisfied by Link's answer.
"Well, this is the Dueling Peaks Stable. I'm Tasseren and this here is Rensa," The man, Tasseren, pointed to himself then to the man, Rensa, standing nearby. Link exchanged kind glances with the two of them.
"What about you? What're you doing around here?" Rensa piped up.
Link suddenly felt a tug on his sleeve and turned around to find Champion, who he'd completely forgotten about while he was exploring. He was fiddling with the hem of his blue shirt and looking down nervously, although his face didn't display it.
"Excuse me for a second," Link told Tasseren and Rensa before he was dragged to the side by Champion.
"What's wrong?" Link asked, analysing Champion's behaviour. He was acting skittish and avoiding eye contact with the other patrons. Champion pointed at Link's Slate, probably wanting them to hurry to the location he'd marked down.
"We'll head there, but it's getting late and aren't you tired? I spotted beds inside the stable earlier," The darkening sky agreeing with Link as Champion shifted his weight between his feet. Champion eventually acquiesced and nodded, allowing Link to walk back to talk to Tasseren and Rensa.
"Sorry for that, can me and my friend have two beds?" Link asked, Tasseren and Rensa exchanging brief glances before Tasseren nodded.
"That'll be 40 rupees," Tasseren stated. Link rummaged through his Slate before fishing out a purple rupee worth about 50. Treasure hunting was paying off after all.
Link received his change and thanked the stable owners before walking inside with Champion, the latter having put up his hood. Link sits on the edge of one of the rented beds, Champion sitting across from him. He felt the soft cushions of the bed, watching how his hand sank into the pillow before it billowed back out once Link released the pressure. Link splayed himself onto the bed, turning his head to look at Champion, who was taking off his armour and setting his sword and shield against the wall.
"Not a people person, huh?" Link inquired, watching as Champion nodded slowly, still looking down.
"No worries, I can do the talking for us," He offered. Champion gave Link a slightly confused look before nodding.
'Thank-you' Champion signed, hiding a smile.
Link nodded quietly before resting his head in the centre of his pillow, sighing contently as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Champion fluffed up his pillow briefly before lying down on his side and going to sleep as well.
Champion routinely woke up early and today was no exception. Initially confused by his surroundings, he recalled that last night Link had booked them beds to lodge in for the night. Sitting up and moving to the side of the bed, he put his pant's armour back on and tidied his attire slightly. Link was still busy snoozing and there weren't many other travelers awake yet. Only Tasseren, Rensa, and a merchant wearing a large backpack outside being the only people awake. Champion didn't particularly hate people, he just found it hard to be in large groups of strangers. He also felt guilty as he was probably the indirect cause of their ancestors deaths.
Stretching his arms, Champion had been feeling slightly weaker the past few days as he hadn't been able to disappear into Link's soul to recharge as he was now with the kid 24/7. He was planning to head to the Kakariko Village to visit Impa and get some advice, she'd also be able to help explain to Link his situation. Actually, was Impa still alive? Champion figures he'd find out later. Link however stalled their trip by staying at the stable's inn for the night, not that Champion minded, he just wanted to get to Kakariko as soon as possible.
Walking over to the cooking pot, Champion decided to sauté some vegetables to make some Fried Wild Greens using plants that Link had found from his Slate. Although technically the Slate wasn't his, Champion was Link and therefore could use the Slate as well, given he hasn't told Link yet. Once retrieving the vegetables, Champion quietly hooked the Slate back onto Link's belt and proceeded to the cooking pot. Using the ladle the stable provided, he waited till the cut vegetables turned brown before plating them and bringing it over to Link. Champion enjoyed cooking, it was a peaceful process for him which allowed him to unwind, food didn't judge him.
Nudging Link's side till he stirred, Champion gave him the vegetables to eat, sitting on the edge of his bed to eat his own greens. Link groggily sat up and ate the food Champion had given him, his eyes closed but still eating. Champion blew on his steaming greens lightly before bringing them to his mouth, Link opting to scarf them down, seemingly unaffected by temperature. After their breakfast, Link stored the plates for them and Champion stood outside the stable waiting. He watched as Link asked one of the men, Rensa, for directions to Kakariko, who simply pointed towards a bridge in the distance.
Champion roughly knew where Kakariko Village was through instinct, but Link didn't really remember anything and names didn't register on his Slate's map till he'd been there. Link ran up excitedly to Champion, relaying what Rensa had told him before the pair started their walk following Rensa's instructions towards the nearby bridge. Link observed his surroundings with great interest, noticing that the path curved through a mountainous area, sharp peaks evident in the distance. Crossing the bridge, the path slanted slightly, turning into an uphill walk.
As they continued walking, Link spotted a strange-looking tree, its appearance similar to that of the Koroks except that it was much larger and had a sling bag on its shoulder. Link looked at the oversized Korok more clearly as they approached, Champion also noticing the strange tree-creature, his hand instinctively reaching out to the hilt of his sword. Link ran up and started talking to the large Korok, Champion eyeing him suspiciously.
"Hello, are you a Korok?" The tree-person looked shocked as Link talked to him.
"You can see me? It's been 100 years since anyone has been able to see me!" It exclaimed, "I'm a Korok and my name is Hestu, and I need your help! Those monsters over there stole my beloved maracas!–" Hestu pointed over to a small opening in the cliff face, "–I think they're still there on the other side of those rocks. I can't use my powers without them, Shoko. So please, PLEASE, get my maracas back from them!" Hestu pleaded.
"Maracas..? Sure thing!" Link responded. Champion shot him a confused look before pointing down the rest of the path.
"What? It won't take long, besides, the Koroks are nice and there's nothing wrong with helping him," Link said as he began tugging Champion with him towards the camp behind the rocks, Champion huffed in response.
Turning the corner, three Blue Bokoblins immediately launched up and grabbed their swords before charging towards the sudden intruders. Champion yanked Link behind him and started defending against the slashes with his shield, returning them soon after. Link summoned his bow and aimed at the nearest monster, shooting it in the neck before running up to swipe at it with his broadsword. Champion easily took out one of the blue menaces, yanking his sword out of its chest as it lay on the ground dead.
"Champion!" Link called out, prompting him to turn around just in time to see a Blue Bokoblin jumping through the air with its sword held high. Champion barely had time to react as he raised his shield, the impact sending him and the Bokoblin on the ground in a tussle. Champion had his back to the ground unable to swing his sword at the attacker as he restrained the monster's hands with his own. Link ran up behind the Bokoblin and, using his bowstring, started strangling the Bokoblin, its clumsy hands unable to grip onto the thin string. Champion took this opportunity to quickly stab the monster in its gut, causing it to keel over and die.
Link held out a hand and pulled Champion up before the pair opened a chest the monsters were defending, inside having a pair of maracas. Link happily delivered Hestu his maracas whilst Champion leaned against a rocky wall, not bothered to listen in on the exchange. He watched as Link handed Hestu something before the latter began performing some sort of dance, causing confetti to pop out of his maracas. Link thanked Hestu before running up to Champion, waving his Slate excitedly.
"Check it out! Hestu expanded my storage for weapons!" Champion saw that it had an extra compartment and nodded before pointing back to the road.
"Ooookay, we'll get going... buzzkill," Link murmured but apparently not softly enough as Champion still shot him a glare.
Walking through a passage sandwiched by mountains on either side, the pair passed through aged wooden arches, each being adorned with a metal eye. Entering the village, quaint houses with gable roofs were dotted around, the entire village enclosed by striking peaks as silver-haired villagers wandered about their day. Champion was hit with a strange sense of nostalgia, everything so similar yet different. Link had already disappeared, probably exploring the village and harassing the residents. Champion sighed, he would have to deal with that later. Champion still felt slightly awkward walking by the houses, but wasn't as nervous as he knew that Kakariko was safe. However, he still shied away from the villager's gazes.
Following the path, Champion passed through the tranquil village, small farms and shops located nearby. Reaching the bottom, he found Link placing an apple in a statue's tray before a Korok suddenly appeared, rewarding him with a strange golden nugget. The locals appeared undeterred by the Korok's sudden appearance, leading Champion to believe that only he and Link could see the Koroks, for whatever reason. Approaching a grand house situated on an offshoot of the village that was surrounded by a moat of water, Champion instantly recognised it as Impa's Hall from a century ago and walked up to it before two Sheikah guards stopped him.
"Sorry, but you aren't allowed to visit Lady Impa," One of the guards spoke up, he had white sideburns and held his hand out to stop Champion.
Link approached Champion and asked, "What's going on?" Before Champion pointed up towards the large house.
"Hmm... excuse me, but may we enter that house? My friend here needs to meet the person inside," Link asked, mustering up the most courteous tone possible.
"Like we said, you aren't allowed to visit Lady Impa," The bearded guard spoke up before suddenly exclaiming, "W-wait, Dorian, look at his hip... is that?"
"...a Sheikah Slate?" The sideburn-guard, Dorian, spoke up before bowing towards the pair. "Please forgive us for behaving so rudely. Please, friends go ahead and step inside," The guards moved aside to allow them to pass through. Champion nodded and led Link up the steps, passing by a young lady scrubbing the wooden steps. Opening the double doors, Champion spotted an elderly Impa sitting atop a pile of pillows, sporting a large Sheikah-style hat. Champion bowed before Impa, nudging Link in his side and prompting him to bow as well.
"Please, raise your heads," Impa addressed the pair, Champion's back rising immediately with Link following suit.
"So, you're finally awake. It has been quite a long time, Link. I am much older now, but... you remember me, don't you?" Champion nodded succinctly as Link shook his head meekly.
"I take it that you were designated by the goddess to lead him?" Impa asked, directing her question to Champion, who nodded.
"I see," she said before diverting her attention to Link, who looked slightly confused by the whole situation. "What is the matter? You are looking at me as though I am a stranger to you. Those eyes... they lack the light of familiarity. It is I, Impa. Surely you must at least remember the name Impa?"
"I'm afraid not, sorry," Link responded, watching as Champion left the hall, leaving him alone with Impa.
"So you have lost your memory... Well, it matters not. In fact, that may actually be a blessing in disguise for the time being," Impa chuffed.
"Dearest Link,–" she continued, "–a hundred years ago... yes... a hundred years ago, the kingdom of Hyrule was destroyed, left in ruin. After you fell in battle, Princess Zelda's final wish was to place you in a sacred slumber and then... all alone... she went to face Ganon. Before Princess Zelda went to nobly meet her fate, she entrusted me with some words she wished to say to you. I have since waited a century to deliver the princess's message. However, these words, which the princess risked her life to leave you... Well, if you are to hear them, you must be prepared to risk your life as well. But, I am afraid that the burden may be too much to bear while you are still without your memories. Do you feel that you are ready to hear them?" She questioned, her gaze carrying slight sorrow.
"Yes, I'm ready," Link replied.
"Not a memory to your name, yet you are as intent as ever to charge forward with only courage and justice on your side. You have not changed a bit, once a hero, always a hero," Impa stated. "Very well. Since you have lost your memory, I will recount for you all that has happened."
Champion left the Hall after noticing the slight cue Impa gave, leaving her alone to talk with Link. He leaned against a wall of the building outside, arms crossed as he looked around quietly, leafs drifting through the air effortlessly as the village remained in a state of tranquillity. It seemed that despite the damage by the Calamity, communities fought silently, rebuilding despite the chaos and terror caused. Champion looked down guiltily, everything could've been different. If only he'd fought a little bit harder for a little bit longer. Sitting down on the porch, he waited for Link to exit, closing his eyes and reflecting quietly.
A few minutes later, Link creaked open the doors slowly and tapped Champion on the shoulder gently. "She wants to speak to you," Link said, pulling Champion up to his feet and moving out of the way. Champion noticed how Link's usual spark had dimmed slightly as he went inside.
Closing the doors behind him, he walked up to Impa before bowing again.
"Hello Link, it seems a hundred years hasn't changed you one bit, hasn't it?" Impa remarked.
'What-do-you-want to talk-about?' Champion signed, his posture straight and refined.
"On behalf of Princess Zelda, she would like to graciously thank you for your constant service till death. Your sacrifice unlocked her true power and gave her enough time to confront Ganon, having sealed him in Hyrule Castle for the past one hundred years." Champion nodded at her lies, there was no way the Princess thanked him, especially after he'd failed to stop Ganon or defend her.
She continued, "Now that you have returned as a separate incarnation of Link, I have no doubt that the two of you will be able to defeat Ganon and rescue the Princess." Champion's posture faltered slightly at the mention of defeating the Demon King before he compiled himself and nodded again.
"For now, I have not told Link much about his past, your past. That decision is up to you, but I highly recommend you inform him soon. Instead, I have directed him to Hateno Village to meet with the Sheikah researchers there who may be able to update Link's Sheikah Slate." Champion nodded.
"You may leave now, you have a long trip ahead of you. I suggest resting at the inn before you depart," Champion considered it but shook his head.
'We-will go to Hateno soon.' He signed before bowing again to signal his leave.
"Very well," Impa responded.
As Champion walked out of the hall, his gait was interrupted as he stopped in front of the doors, his hand resting on the handle.
"Is there more you wish to discuss?" Impa questioned before Champion slowly nodded and turned to face her.
'How do I explain myself to-him? I-don't-know where to start.' Champion replied, his hands slightly hesitant.
"Perhaps start with the fact that you are a spirit, sent by the goddesses to aid him in his quest," Impa responded, receiving a nod by Champion who thanked her and left.
Champion found Link lingering around the bottom of the stairs, talking to the guards. Link spotted him and waved as he reached the bottom, Champion dragging him away from the guards to talk in private.
"What's up?" Champion pointed to Link's Slate before pointing towards an exit of Kakariko. Link interpreted this as Champion wanting them to leave to Hateno, which Impa had told him to do.
"You... want us to leave, but why? We just arrived, why can't we stay longer?" Link whined, Champion giving his best deadpan look.
"Whatever, I'm going to explore," Link said, dashing off towards the general store. Champion sighed but was only slightly annoyed, it was still relatively early he concluded as he looked at the sun overhead. Reluctantly, he followed Link into the shop.
Link was busy selling some gems he'd found, consisting of different sizes and colours, to the old lady running the store. He waved his arms around animatedly as he pulled out more gems and explained where he'd gotten them from, the shopkeeper patiently listening to Link's spiel. Champion nudged Link lightly, signaling for him to wrap it up and watched as Link handed her the gems as she gave him some rupees in return.
Link enthusiastically burst out of the shop, Champion apologising for his behaviour before running out to catch him. He caught a glimpse of Link entering an armour shop and ran over to prevent Link from harassing another person. Entering the armour shop, Link beckoned Champion over to some clothes on sale, asking his opinion on them. Champion looked over at Link's current clothes, which were frail and tearing at the seams, and pointed to the Hylian Tunic and Trousers. Link nodded and went to talk to the lady at the counter before pointing over to the Hylian set.
Champion mostly tuned out the conversation and left the shop soon afterwards, waiting for Link outside. A few minutes later, Link emerged, donning his new Hylian Tunic and Trousers, a huge step up from his initial clothes (if they could even be called that). The tunic was a mix of red, green, and brown with multiple straps stringing themselves around him while the pants were simple beige trousers that came with proper boots for Link to use. Champion nodded approvingly at Link's new get-up, the latter stretching from side-to-side, testing the flexibility it offered.
"Okay, we can go now!" Link announced, "Do you know the way?" Champion contemplated before making a so-so motion with his hand.
"It's fine, we can always explore," Link hummed before rushing over to a shrine he spotted in the distance, overshadowing the village. Champion followed Link and waited outside the shrine for him.
Emerging out of the shrine a few minutes later, Link said, "Now we can teleport back here anytime!" Champion nodded as they started walking over to exit from the same place they entered from.
Walking between the familiar rocky passage, Link looked down at his Slate before suggesting, "We should head back to the stable, Rensa probably knows the way to Hateno." Receiving a nod. The pair made their way down the same slant they'd walked up previously before Link spoke up again.
"Sorry... for not remembering anything. Impa gave me a rough outline of the past ten thousand years, telling me about the Divine Beasts, Ganon, and Princess Zelda." Link continued, "I was... the Princess' knight, the hero, but I died in battle and was placed in the shrine by the Princess. I woke up a hundred years later and here I am now."
"That was me," Champion started, his voice quiet.
"What do you mean?"
"The hero that died a hundred years ago. That's me." Champion's voice started trailing off as spoke.
"Huh? How's that possible?"
"I am a spirit, sent by Hylia to aid you in your quest."
Link stayed quiet as he processed the new information, the pair still walking down the path, albeit slower. Champion found Link's silence in the situation more eery than if he did say something. Call me a failure or something so that we can get this over with. Champion thought as he looked down at his feet, feeling his heartbeat steadily rising.
"You're... amazing," was all Link could muster. Champion looked at him, completely dumbfounded.
"W-what? But I fail–"
"No you did not." Link cut him off, stopping to look at Champion. "I'm tired of hearing you call yourself that. You're the most skilled person I've ever met and you fought till your last breath defending the princess, the most valiant action you could ever do considering the circumstances! And now you're back helping me and we're going to save the Princess together, alright?"
Before Champion could reply, Link pulled him in for a hug. "I'm proud of you." Link whispered.
Champion did a good-enough job at holding back his tears, a few stray streaks sneaking out from his eyes. After a hug that Champion wished lasted longer, they pulled away from each other and Link raised his hands.
'Champion, friend.' Link signed, leaving Champion briefly astonished before he signed back, 'Link, friend.'
"Impa taught me that one," Link laughed, Champion giving him a soft smile.
They continued their walk in relaxed silence, both appreciating the other's company despite each other's flaws.
Notes:
don't really like this chapter, mainly worldbuilding stuff... idk if the pacing and stuff is good so uhhhhhh ignore it if its weird
Chapter 5: Hateno Village
Summary:
Link catches a horse, meets Purah, and goes to Zora's Domain. Champion is stressed out by Link.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Upon reaching the stable, Rensa directed them to head east, talking a right instead of crossing the bridge to Kakariko. Rensa also estimated that it would take them about a day to travel on foot to Hateno and suggested taming a horse in the nearby fields, something which Link enthusiastically ran off to do. Champion watched from afar as Link failed (multiple times) to wrangle a horse, creeping up to them from the tall grass only to get spotted and run away from. Walking back defeated, Link suddenly got an idea as he scrabbled up a nearby tree before jumping off and paragliding directly onto a blue horse with white splotches.
Shocked by the sudden weight, the horse started bucking in an attempt to remove the unexpected intruder, Link trying to soothe the horse with pats along its mane. Eventually, the horse calmed down and Link trotted over to Champion, who was utterly unimpressed, and stuck his tongue out at him before directing the horse over to Tasseren to register it. Champion rolled his eyes as Link came back with the horse, now with a saddle and bridle.
"I decided to name her Blue! What do you think?" Link asked, passionately stroking Blue's mane. Champion sighed then gave a thumbs-up before pointing back to the path to Hateno.
"But I only have one hor–" Link was interrupted as Champion skillfully climbed up onto Blue, sitting in front of Link and commanding Blue with a swift swing of her reins.
"Wow... okay," Link grumbled, being ignored by Champion as Blue began trotting down the dirt path towards Hateno.
Maintaining an even pace, Champion estimated that they'd be able to reach Hateno in about half a day. Seeing as how it was midday, they would probably arrive at Hateno in the early morning. That is, if there were no interruptions along the way, Champion thought, directing his concern towards Link, who was looking around at everything in awe. Link occasionally used his Slate to mark down distant shrines and towers he spotted, passing through an expansive wetland.
Whilst looking around, Link noticed that they were nearing an old brick-built wall, situated between two large hills, the overgrown structure seemed to serve as some sort of barrier or defensive point that divided the land where it stood. As they approached, Link wiggled himself off of Blue, earning a huff from her. Racing up to the structure, it was littered with the corpses of Guardians, almost as if they were frozen in time, crawling towards and up the wall of the structure. A lone traveler was pacing around the structure, admiring it just as much as Link.
Link walked up to the man, prompting him to turn around and talk to him, "Hiya! My name's Garill. Come to see Fort Hateno, I take it?"
"Fort Hateno?" Link questioned, looking at the structure – Fort Hateno – again.
"Yup! Fort Hateno here was the last line of defense between Hateno Village and the tragedy all those years ago," Garill started, "a hundred years ago, we had these special warriors called Champions, the warrior who fought here supposedly being one of them. I heard the others all died in the big fight. The warrior, though, some say he gave his life here too. But others think he went into a deep sleep to prepare to fight another day. Which would mean he's still alive, right? I wonder if I'll still be around when he wakes up."
Link's eyes darted around inconspicuously before responding, "Yeah... that would be cool."
"Almost hard to believe they managed to hold back a whole horde of Guardians here. If not for Fort Hateno and the warrior, there'd be no such place as Hateno Village anymore." Garill stated soberly.
Link nodded before turning back to look at Champion, who was still perched atop Blue. He looked around blankly, his sharp blue eyes growing softer as he looked around quietly. Link realised that he was probably distressing Champion and quickly thanked Garill before hopping back onto Blue, motioning for them to move on. Champion appeared dazed for a moment before snapping out of it and nodding, instructing Blue to continue on their journey. Passing through the historic monument revealed a dense forest with surrounding mountains, critters and wildlife thriving behind the Fort.
Link could sense the tense atmosphere despite not being able to see Champion's face, his stiff back completely straight. Link decided to think of something to say to change the topic. Poking Champion's arm, he rested his head on his right shoulder before speaking up.
"Soooo... you're a ghost, right?" A slight nod. Champion decided to indulge Link's question although he called himself a spirit, not a ghost, two very different things (they aren't, Champion was just being petty).
"Do you have any cool ghost powers?" Link questioned, his messy hair rubbing against Champion cheek as he tried to pay attention to the road.
Champion made a so-so gesture with his right hand before disappearing right before him. Link's head fell before he caught himself and quickly grabbed onto Blue's reins. Looking around, Link didn't see any trace of Champion and scratched his head in confusion.
"Where'd you go?" Link called out, unsure whether or not Champion could hear him. Suddenly, Link felt a slight presence all around him, as if someone was nearby yet there was no one around. Link rested his hand on his chest, feeling slightly warmer than usual.
"Can you come back?" Link asked, feeling slightly unnerved. A weight formed behind Link as he turned around to see Champion, seated behind him, his usual blank expression plastered on, hiding a subtle smirk. Both Link and Blue were startled by the sudden reappearance of Champion, Link leaning down to soothe her.
"That was super cool, can you do anything else?" Champion shrugged. He himself didn't know, he knew he could fade in and out of his corporeal form but that was about it. I guess I also can't die but is that really a "power"?
"Oh, that's fine. How about teaching me some sign while we travel?" Link suggested, Champion nodding quickly. Over the course of the trip, Link turned around and the two faced each other atop Blue, who trotted down the path automatically by herself, not needing any assistance. Champion demonstrated some simple signs that could be used for communication, Link replicating them effortlessly, which he owed to muscle memory. This went on for about an hour as Blue maintained a steady pace before Link spotted something in the distance, a tower, similar to the previous ones he'd seen, standing proudly against the sky.
"Should we go to the tower?" Link asked. Champion considered it, they could just head straight to Hateno but they'd still have to deal with the tower in the future. Besides, the sun was starting to dip so why not?
'Okay.' Champion signed, Link excitedly redirecting Blue to cross a bridge towards the tower.
'Stop here.' Champion pointed, placing his hands over Link's shoulders so that he could see what he signed.
Link parked Blue near a set of trees and the pair dismounted, Link feeding her an apple before following Champion. The tower was perched on a cliff edge that was covered in twining thorns, monsters congregating at its base. Champion thought of a plan whilst the pair walked up the inclining mountain, the sun's disappearance being substituted by the glowing moon. As they inched closer, they noticed that the monster camp was asleep, making things much easier.
Champion turned around to the crouching Link behind him and signed a simple word: 'Attack.' A grin grew on Link's face as he nodded and pulled out his bow. Situating himself on a tree, he watched as Champion tiptoed into the camp before raising his sword about his head and stabbing it straight into the chest of a sleeping Bokoblin, its scream of pain awakening its fellow monsters who bolted up and grabbed their weapons, heading straight for the intruder.
Link stretched his bow and aimed it at a taller, lankier monster which resembled a Bokoblin and fired, nestling itself into the monster's shoulder. Seemingly unfazed by the shot, it turned its attention from Champion over to Link and charged over to his watchtower, wielding a broadsword in one hand like it was nothing. Champion noticed this but was busy taking on two Bokoblins who decided to gang up on him, his shield taking the brunt of the impact. Finding a brief window to respond, he struck his sword at one of the Bokoblins, slashing at its side which it proceeded to grab in pain, leaving him vulnerable to more swipes from Champion.
Link jumped out of the tree as the monster swung its long arms, slicing the tree like butter as Link landed on the ground in a roll. Unsheathing his own broadsword, Link swung at the monster before it was deflected easily by its sword. Letting out a roar, it rushed at Link who barely managed to sidestep in time, taking a few free jabs as it recuperated.
Champion had made short work of the first Bokoblin and faced the second one who was already swiping at him. Unable to raise his shield in time, Champion received a cut on his left side, causing him to stumble back slightly as he retaliated with a few swipes of his own, the Bokoblin's shield blocking them in quick succesion. They continued sparring afterwards, defending against each other's hits with neither ready to give up. As the monster delivered another swing, Champion disappeared right in front of the Bokoblin, who looked around bewildered as Champion quietly reappeared behind it, stabbing it in the back and sending it falling to the ground.
Assessing his own wound, Champion watched as the Moblin that Link was fighting went flying through the air, preceded by a blue-tinted explosion. Landing in a nearby pile of crates, the monster got up quickly and raised its broadsword high above its head, the moonlight reflecting off the blade, as it slammed it down onto Champion, who rolled to the side in time. Lifting his sword to retaliate, Champion watched as three arrows pierced its head swiftly, sending it toppling to the ground surrounded in a pool of its own blood.
Champion breathed heavily as he assessed the battlefield, all the monsters lay dead, twitching slightly. As the adrenaline faded he clutched his side, the throbbing pain making itself evident. Sitting down by a tree to rest, Link ran up to him concerned, he himself littered with small cuts and bruises. Link summoned a red elixir from his Slate for Champion who refused it tiredly. Link grumbled and shoved it into Champion's hands insisting for him to drink.
'No. Need-food.' He signed weakly. Champion didn't have time to explain to Link how his form worked, elixirs did little to heal him whilst energy-rich things like foods give him the energy his body needs to reconstruct.
He reached into his own pocket and pulled out a bottle of green liquid, downing it quickly. The energizing fluid sewing his gash up quickly.
"My human form needs energy to maintain, not healing," Champion forced out, rubbing his side lightly. 'Need-food.' he repeated.
"Oh, sorry..." Link pulled out an apple and gave it to Champion, who started nibbling away at it.
'I-am-fine.' Champion signed, pointing back to the tower, telling Link to focus on the tower instead of him.
Link was reluctant to leave Champion's side but trusted his judgement, leaving him to rest by the tree. Approaching the tower, he thought of a solution to bypass the intrusive thorny vines which twirled all the way up the tower. Looking around, he noticed a lone Bokoblin sleeping by a cooking pot that was still lit. Running over, he quickly dispatched it before it could wake up and took out an arrow, applied some Chu Chu jelly on it, and leaned it into the fire. The metal tip soon caught the flame and Link quickly aimed and shot it at the tower. Initially, nothing happened. Link walked back to the tower and as he reached the vines suddenly burst into flames, turning the overgrown tower into a fiery light show. Champion looked at Link in disbelief and later disappointment as he watched the fire climb the tower slowly.
"What? It works," Link said proudly, as if being an arsonist was something to be proud of.
As a large pile of ash surrounded the base of the tower, Link got to climbing, resting at the platforms intermittently and clambering up to the next nearest one. Champion felt well-rested enough and walked over to the camp, scavenging anything useful. Cutting out a few useful monster parts, the tower turned blue, signaling that Link had made it to the top before he jumped down with his paraglider to show Champion what he found. The map displayed Hateno a little ways east, they would probably reach by early morning if they left now. Champion nodded, handed Link the things he'd scavenged, and they walked back down the hill to Blue, who was busy munching on some grass, peacefully unaware of the fight that just occured.
Champion saddled up onto Blue, pulling Link up with his hand to sit behind him. A simple flick of her reins and Blue maintained a steady pace on the dirt road. Link peaked around Champion's shoulder and poked him in his side.
"Does it still hurt?" Link asked, poking some more, eliciting small flinches from Champion, who swiped his hand away. He shook his head before turning around and poking Link in his left side.
"I can't feel anything there, idiot," Link taunted as he poked his scarred side roughly, Champion shooting him a confused glance, why would you be proud of that? Champion rolled his eyes and poked his other side, making Link giggle slightly. The pair started playfully poking each other, attempting to dodge the other before Blue let out an irritated huff, causing the boys to stop immediately. Champion could've sworn he saw the horse roll its eyes.
Link pulled out two skewers out of Slate and handed one to Champion as a midnight snack. The texture of the skewer was as if it was just fresh out of the pot, the cooling night breeze brushed against their faces as they ate their skewers quietly. Finishing their "dinner", Champion watched as Link let out a yawn and attempted to stay awake.
Champion turned around to sign, 'Sleep, I will watch.' Link nodded drowsily as he nestled his head onto Champion's shoulder, wrapping his arms around Champion's waist to keep himself from falling. Champion felt Link's chest rise and fall against his back, become slower once he'd fallen asleep. Keeping a grip on Blue's reins, they passed through ponds, rivers, and forests, the promise of reaching Hateno lurking by the horizon. Occasionally, Champion encountered some monsters such as skeletons which rose out of the ground but decided to gallop past, not wanting to compromise Link's rest.
Turning a corner, Champion spotted Hateno's entrance in the distance, the sun rising as he did, confirming his presumption that they would reach by early morning. Link was still resting soundly, the turbulence from sleeping on a moving horse seemingly unaffecting him at all. There were few villagers up and about, a few farmers wandering about and a man wielding a pitchfork guarding the entrance. Approaching the guard, Champion nudged Link with his elbow, causing Link to stir awake.
"Is this Hateno? Have we made it?" Link yawned, Champion nodding as the man with the pitchfork asked them to stop before walking over to them.
"Who are you? I demand answers! If you're up this early, you're probably up to no good!" The farmer remarked.
"We weren't planning to do anything bad, we're just travelers passing by," Link stated, still slightly tired.
The farmer examined them thoroughly, "Hrm? You certainly do appear to be a Hylian like the rest of us... Hylians are generally good folk, so... Sorry for getting all worked up... You're free to go." He stated, moving out of the way for them to pass.
"Thanks, do you know where we can meet Purah? She's a Sheikah researcher that supposedly lives in Hateno," Link inquired, Impa didn't exactly tell him where Purah was, only that she was at Hateno.
"Purah? Can't say I've heard of anyone by that name, but, there are Sheikah researchers on that hill near the rear of the village. I've gotta warn you, there's a yappy old woman there," The farmer stated, pointing towards the building at the far back.
"Hmm... thanks anyways! We'll just be here to meet the researchers," Link replied, tapping Champion lightly to indicate that they should get moving again.
"Alright, well enjoy your stay,"
As they trotted through the village, cuccos began calling out as people slowly emerged from their homes. Champion noticed how the quiet farming village had stayed relatively untouched for the past century, recognising more than he thought he would.
'Go-there first.' Champion signed, pointing to the lab in the distance. 'Go-here later.' Champion pointed to the village, Link nodding his head in agreement.
Whilst passing through the village, Champion spotted a small stall for animals by a building which appeared to be the inn. After the pair got off Blue, Link directed her to stay in the stall to wait for them, leaving her in the stall next to someone's donkey. Continuing the walk on foot, they passed over a short bridge before beginning an upwards climb towards the lab, which just had to be on a hill.
The peaceful walk revealed more farmhouses and windmills, but nothing out of the ordinary. The sun bloomed over the horizon, fully lighting up Hateno and Champion watched as more people exited their homes. Good thing we came early, I wouldn't have been able to deal with all the people. The path towards the lab slowly spiralled inwards as it rose in elevation, the building becoming more clearer. There was a tower protruding out beside the wooden building, a decayed Guardian adorning the top of the tower. A strange metal object stood outside the door, seemingly unactivated. Champion stood hesitantly outside the doors, if Impa had grown to become so old, how much older would Purah be? She was Impa's older sister after all.
Bracing himself, he nodded to Link to open the door and they entered the lab together. An older man with white hair stood in the corner, reading documents, while a young girl sat by a table, tinkering with something. Upon their entrance, the girl immediately jumped up and dashed over.
"Linky!" The little girl yelled before dashing up to Link and hugging him, Champion and Link exchanging confused glances.
"Excuse me little girl, but me and my friend here are trying to find Purah, do you know where she could be?" Link asked, crouching down to face the girl. At that moment, Champion watched as the man in the back went pale and exited the room through a backdoor.
Champion watched as the girl bubbled up with rage before berating both of them and explaining that she was Purah, she just appeared younger due to an age-reversing experiment that she had previously attempted. Champion was slightly dumbfounded at her claim but believed her as she did act similarly to the Purah he remembered a century ago, Link on the other hand receiving the brunt of her scolding. After composing herself, she addressed the pair properly before finding out that Link had lost all his memories after his slumber.
"Hmm... as expected. After a hundred years in the Slumber of Restoration, subject... has... lost... all... memories. Noted!" Purah wrote, with a weird air of excitement.
"That doesn't excuse you Linky 2! You should've recognised me instantly," Purah said, directing her anger to Champion who bowed politely.
"Sorry for the confusion," Link stated, "Can you help us fix the Sheikah Slate?"
"All right then, but first, I need you to run an errand for me."
"Sure, what do you need us to do?" Link responded, lumping Champion unfairly into the task with him.
"You know the unlit furnace on the wall just outside this laboratory?" Purah pointed somewhere outside, "Could you pretty please bring the blue flame from the ancient furnace in town and also use it to light our furnace? This sweet little Guidance Stone–" Purah patted a strange machine which looked similar to the one Link saw in front of shrines, "–will start working once you do that, allowing us to restore your missing runes!"
Link nodded excitedly, "No problem."
"Okay then, I'm counting on you for that blue flame!" Purah reiterated as Link dashed out of the lab excitedly. Champion stayed put, hopefully not noticing that he wasn't following him.
Champion sighed through his nose and sat down by a messy table, Purah sitting nearby.
"Are you the same Linky from a hundred years ago? If so, it's remarkable how little the both of you have aged!" Champion nodded, clearly seeing through Purah's fake mask of interest and real intent of examining him from head to toe.
"To tell you the truth, Linky... the sacrifice you gave a hundred years ago was truly remarkable, I didn't believe it myself when I first heard it, but, I can definitely confirm that Princess Zelda is and was grateful." Purah said sincerely. Champion looked down slightly before nodding.
"Follow-up, how are you here? Are you a ghost?" Champion shook his head furiously at the mention of ghost.
'I-am a spirit. Sent by Hylia.' Champion signed briefly.
"Fascinating! Subject... has... become... a ghost... Noted! May I draw some blood? I'll be the first person to ever experiment on the undead!" Purah exclaimed, Champion looking at her dully.
'Spirit.' Champion reiterated with slight annoyance flashing across his face.
"Link, Linky, same thing!" Purah lolled before pulling out a syringe, "Now come here Linky!" Champion backed away at the sight of a creepy little girl moving closer to him with a syringe she's definitely too young to handle as Link suddenly came bursting through the door.
"All done!" Link exclaimed cheerfully. His clothes were messy and untidy as his face was smeared with dirt, his golden hair was ruined with sticks and twigs sticking out and... is that a flame? Champion quickly rushed over and started swatting at the blue flame on his hair, eventually extinguishing it fully with the help of a towel. Link received his second rant in a day as Champion angrily signed at Link, who didn't even recognise half of them, before sighing and walking off to rub his head in a corner.
"Well would you take a look over there! The Guidance Stone must be starting to react!" Purah pointed at said Guidance Stone which began to turn a vibrant blue. "Hookay then, Sheikah Slate repair, underway! Go ahead and stick your Slate into the Stone!" Purah said as she excitedly dragged Link over to the Guidance Stone.
At that point, Champion lost interest and left the lab, wanting to get some fresh air. Closing the door behind him, he leaned against the wall of the lab, noticing how the strange metallic structure outside had blue accents with a cobalt fire burning brightly, the furnace he presumed. From the top of the swirling hill, Champion had a good view of the village along with the surrounding area, a large snowy mountain to his right and a mostly coastal area to the left. Champion rested his head against the wooden wall, trying to calm his nerves as apparently he's only surrounded by crazy people (Link and Purah).
Link burst out a few minutes later with infectious enthusiasm, showcasing all his new runes to Champion such as a Camera function, Hyrule Compendium, and Album. He then proceeded to take multiple photos of Champion, all of them showcasing his unimpressed face.
"Oh yeah, Purah said we should go back and talk to Impa to see if she knows anything else! But, I wanna go check out Hateno first, see you down there!" Link summarised before dashing down the hill, tripping a few times. Champion sighed and took his time descending the hill, taking in the sights as he lifted his hood up.
Despite everyone being awake, Hateno was still relatively quiet, people going about their day to day normally. Champion situated himself by the cooking pots and made a few elixirs with the limited resources he had on him, bottling them from future use. He then started looking around for Link, noticing a shrine that was blue, indicating he probably wasn't in there. Blue was still in her pen, neighing softly. Waiting by the horse, he noticed as Link emerged from a shop with two arrows with weird red bags on their tips.
'What-is-that?' Champion pointed at his new arrows.
"Erm, stronger... arrows?" Link lied as he stashed them in his Slate.
'How-much?' Champion crossed his arms, if Link didn't want to tell the truth about the arrows, he'd at least hoped the arrows were cheap.
"One... hundred rupees..?" Link said sheepishly.
Link earned his third rant of the day, Champion's hands waving through the air in uneven strokes angrily. He then ordered Link to give him the charge of their money, Link reluctantly handing Champion an almost empty bag of rupees, a deep scowl etched onto his face. Champion then pointed back to Kakariko on Link's Slate's map, watching as Link teleported away in thin blue strings. Giving Blue one last pat, Champion watched as his form faded intermittently as he was very far away from Link. He soon disappeared and reappeared in Kakariko, startling Link slightly.
The pair walked down from the shrine to Impa's Hall, Champion gesturing for Link to enter as he waited outside. Champion was quite thankful for Link's teleportation or else it would've been another day-long trip, although the sudden shift between two villages was quite strange. Now that he'd told Link he was a spirit, he could just reappear instead of teleport, which is much less nauseous then teleporting. Link exited a few minutes later and summarised everything Impa had told him.
Basically, Link told Champion that he could recover memories by visiting locations Princess Zelda did a century prior, or, Champion could just tell Link, which he wasn't sure if he wanted to do. Most of his memories with the Princess were boring, royal stuff except for maybe his death. Besides, Link's adventurous side wanted to find them himself and Champion wasn't going to argue. Link also explained that now they have to go save the four Divine Beasts belonging to the four other races of Hyrule so that they can lend their power to help them defeat Ganon.
"Where should we go first?" Link asked, showing Champion the uncompleted map with four dots.
'Nearest.' Champion responded, pointing at the nearest dot which was north of Kakariko. If he could remember correctly it was probably the Gorons or Zora.
"Alright then."
They left Kakariko soon after, exiting from an exit to the west instead of the one they'd previously used. Entering a grey zone, they'd have to walk through uncharted territory again. Link energetically raced down the hill they were on before, I kid you not, pulling out his shield and "surfing" the rest of the way down. Champion quickly ran up to him and made sure he was okay before reprimanding him about shield maintenance, Link clearly half-listening. Link brushed him off and pointed to a stable in the distance, punching Champion in the shoulder before running off again. Champion rolled his eyes as he chased after him.
The next morning, Champion awoke in a stable bed after paying the owner the few rupees the pair had left. Borrowing Link's Slate again, he cooked some breakfast for both of them, a simple plate of eggs. Pinching Link's ear, he quickly woke up and groggily ate the eggs before Champion impatiently waited for them to start moving outside. Link asked the stableowner what was the nearest settlement to this stable, being informed that it was Zora's Domain. The owner also advised them not to bring their horse as Vah Ruta has been causing constant rainfall the past few months. Link nodded and thanked the owner before walking up to Champion and beginning their trip to Zora's Domain.
Champion showed Link the nearly empty bag of rupees, having spent almost their entire budget after lodging at the stable for the night. Putting his hand to his chin, Champion thought about how to get more rupees whilst they walked to the Domain. Noticing that Champion was entering his 'thinking state' again, Link quickly interrupted him with a plan to sell things in his Slate. Running around and picking up everything he could find, Champion realised this wasn't for rupees, it was to feed his crippling collector's anxiety. Crossing a bridge, a large wetland was located over to the right, Champion grabbing Link's wrist before he could go explore it.
"What's wrong? Can't we ex– uh, collect stuff?" Link asked, catching himself midsentence.
'Monsters.' Champion signed succinctly.
"Yeah well, we know how to deal with a few monsters," Link rebuffed, dragging Champion with him.
Walking through ankle-high water, Champion's metal boots splashed against the water while Link was busy running through, dousing his pant legs. Champion watched as Link ran from island to island, collecting and photographing everything he found. It seems he's taken after Purah. Champion snapped his fingers to alert Link's attention before motioning for him to come back. Link walked back with his best sorrowful expression, Champion not even batting an eye before a strange green monster ran up and pounced onto Link, pinning his back.
Raising a crooked metal sword, the Lizalfos was interrupted by Champion kicking it off and placing himself between it and Link, sword and shield quickly pulled out. Jumping from side to side unpredictably, Champion kept his eyes locked on the Lizalfos as it lunged in to slash him, Champion parrying the attack before returning his own, the Lizalfos retreating slightly in pain. Champion continued to maintain the standoff, the Lizalfos weaving around wildly. Link pulled out his bow and attempted to aim at the skirmish monster, summoning a Cryonis pillar in the water for him to aim from.
Missing a few shots, Link managed to get a shot on its leg, causing it to limp around. Champion took this vulnerability to slash at it multiple times, successfully killing it, the Lizalfos letting out a shriek of pain as it died. Link jumped off his perch and reconvened with Champion who carved out useful monster parts, handing them to Link. Suddenly, more Lizalfos appeared in the distance, having been alerted by the dead Lizalfos' call. Champion steeled himself as three more Lizalfos approached, Link managing to get a few shots at them as they raced over. Clashing with two Lizaflos at once, the third rushed off to attack the archer, spitting water at Link who'd since returned to the safety of his pillar.
Feeling offended, Link pulled out his claymore and jumped down in a large shockwave, sending the Lizalfos flying and destroying his ice pillar in the process. He dashed over to the downed Lizalfos and slashed at it a few more times, killing it before focusing his attention towards Champion. Pulling out a bomb, he called for Champion to duck as he threw it over his head and over to the two Lizalfos who looked at it confused before being sent flying through the air. Both fighters took advantage of their recuperating states and killed them before they could get up.
Collecting himself, Champion walked over and pinched Link's ear in anger, given that he attracted all the Lizalfos in the first place. A few apologies and a shrine later, they'd reached an extravagant blue bridge, luminous stone accents allowing it to glow softly. As they crossed the bridge, indicating that they'd entered the land of Zora's Domain, a voice called out to them from a tower next to the bridge, the pair looking up in response.
"Say, hello there! Up top!" The red blob said before jumping out and landing in front of them, "Pardon the entrance, but you're Hylians, aren't you? I was hoping perhaps you'd have a moment to talk."
"Yes we're Hylians, what's the matter?" Link responded, weirdly calm after a red fish person jumped down in front of them.
"Ah, Hylians, I knew it! Pardon me, I am Sidon, the Zora Prince!" Sidon stretched out a hand to shake Link's and Champion's, "And you are?"
"I'm Link and this is Champion," Link said, pointing to himself then to Champion. Champion stared at the at least 7-foot tall Zora Prince in disbelief, there was no way this way Sidon right? He'd only met him a few times when he was younger but now he'd grown as tall as a tree!
"Link? Your name is Link? Hmm, I cannot shake the feeling that I have heard it somewhere before..." Sidon trailed off before continuing, "In any case, it is a strong name! To be honest, I've been watching both of you. I've seen the way you work and I can tell by how you carry yourselves that you are no ordinary travelers. You both must be strong warriors among the Hylians, correct?"
"I suppose," Link responded bashfully, Champion rolling his eyes in response.
"Just as I suspected! I am a Zora Prince after all, thus I have an eye for talent that is unparalleled!" Sidon announced proudly, "I have been searching for Hylians like the two of you, those who carry themselves with power!"
Sidon cleared his throat before speaking more seriously, "Right now, Zora's Domain is in grave danger due to the massive rainfall coming from Divine Beast Vah Ruta! Please help us, we need your strength warriors! Won't you please come to Zora's Domain with me?"
"Absolutely, we were already heading there to help," Link replied.
"Really?! Thank you both! You indeed are the warriors I thought you were, now Zora's Domain will be saved for certain!" Sidon responded happily, wrapping them both up in an unusually tight hug.
"There's no time to waste, hurry up and head over!" Sidon released them as he jumped into the raging river below them, Link and Champion running over to peak over the railing.
"As Hylians, I know you are unable to swim up the river, to reach the Domain you will need to go straight along this path," Sidon pointed over to a makeshift path, "The path to the domain may be a bit treacherous and you likely have a tough fight in store, the monsters up ahead tending to attack with electricity. Here, this is just a small trinket to show that I have faith in you."
Sidon tossed them a pair of elixirs containing yellow liquids inside of them. The pair looked at them as Sidon continued to talk, "It's a drink that will increase your resistance to electricity! I shall go on ahead and make sure there is nothing strange going on where you are headed. I'm counting on you!"
Sidon flashed them a smile as he started swimming up the current, Link yelling a thank you back. "Well, lets get going!" Link stated, Champion nodding in agreement as they walked briskly through the rain.
Notes:
Writing the four divine beasts is gonna take forever so I might skip a lot, sorry :'(
Chapter 6: Zora's Domain
Summary:
Link and Champion reach Zora's Domain and save Vah Ruta. Champion does not have a good time.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The pair trudged forward onto an extravagant blue bridge, a large fish statue with its tailed pointed up being spotted in the distance. It was still raining miserably and Champion had lent his hood to Link a while back. The trip to Zora's Domain was tougher than Champion thought, more Lizalfos just kept appearing and Octoroks were shooting them as much as Link shot back. Champion failed to maintain his dignified posture, slouching slightly but still maintaining an air of confidence. Link, however, made his whining very evident, leaning against Champion despite having the less severe injuries (Champion's pretty sure he broke his wrist). Downing another energising elixir, his wrist felt slightly better before Sidon appeared out of nowhere.
"I've been waiting for you Link and Champion! Welcome and behold the pride of my people, Zora's Domain! Now I shall introduce you to the king. Hurry, this way!" Sidon quickly gestured for them to follow, Link's complaining fit stopping immediately as he rushed to follow Sidon. Champion maintained his usual gait.
Arriving at the throne room slightly later than everyone else, he bowed before King Dorephan who looked the exact same circa a hundred years ago, Link following after Champion. Sidon offered the two towels to dry off.
"You are the Hylians that Sidon brought here, correct? You did well to come all the way here, I am King Dorephan, ruler of the Zora." The King bowed his head towards the two, his towering figure easily engulfing them.
"Hm? That object on your waist..." King Dorephan looked over at Link, "Is that not a Sheikah Slate? Actually, now that I have gotten a good look at you, it is all too clear who you two are..." The King pondered.
"You are the Hylian Champion, Link! Except, there are two of you now... How perculiar," King Dorephan concluded.
"King Do–" Champion nudged Link, "Um, Your Majesty, we are both named Link. He is a reincarnation of me from a hundred years ago and he goes by Champion."
"I see, well the more help we can get the better!" The King announced, his boisterous laugh echoing in the room. "Ah... So many memories! My mind is overflowing with nostalgia, my friend. I had heard a terrible rumour that you had fallen in combat, but it appears you managed to survive," Both Links nodded.
"Yes, I was asleep for a hundred years but I lost all of my memories in the process. It did allow me to live though," Link explained.
"You have forgotten everything? Have you truly forgotten my dear Mipha as well? You and her were so close, yet you do not remember her?" The King asked, Link nodding guilty whilst Champion shook his head.
"No worries my friends, let us get back to the problem on hand. Heroes, Zora's Domain is in danger of vanishing because of the Divine Beast Vah Ruta. We alone cannot stop this beast, please, will you lend us your strength?" King Dorephan asked solemnly.
"What?!" a sudden voice yelled out from the sidelines, everyone's heads turned to face a green stingray, "Your Majesty, please do not say so! To ask a Hylian for help... why, the very thought of it curls my fins!" Champion identified the speaker as Muzu. I guess the old fish hasn't changed much the past century.
The King and Muzu began arguing, reminding Champion of his diplomatic days, travelling with Princess Zelda to neighbouring states and whenever they went to Zora's Domain, King Dorephan and Muzu would inevitably start fighting. Conflict resolution wasn't Champion's strong suit so he'd just watch as the Princess attempted to calm both parties. Eventually, they settled down and the King addressed the pair again. He explained Vah Ruta's abilities to Link and suggested a solution of shooting shock arrows at vulnerable spots on the robotic elephant's back.
Link and Champion accepted the task easily and before they left, he gifted Link some Zora Armour, allowing him to climb waterfalls like a Zora. This upset Muzu and left him storming off, the King apologising for Muzu's outburst before asking them to talk to him at the square as he knows where to get shock arrows. Sidon guiding the pair down to the square.
Champion didn't really want to deal with the cranky old fish so he stood slightly further away, leaning on a nearby railing. As he listened to Sidon, Muzu, and Link arguing, he started getting a headache and cupped his ears with his hands lightly. He watched as Link stared at the statue of Mipha standing in the plaza, Champion not being able to muster up the courage to look at it himself, before Link's eyes went weirdly glassy as he remained motionless staring at the statue. Champion slowly approached and tapped Link's shoulder lightly, the other two fish too busy arguing to notice. Watching Link's lack of reaction, he shook his shoulders aggressively which caught the attention of the two fish.
"What is wrong with Link, Champion?" Sidon questioned, moving over and noticing the same look in Link's eyes.
'Not-sure.' Champion signed, hands slightly shaky at his concern.
Just then, Link snapped out of his trance and rubbed his head lightly, Champion offered him an elixir which was brushed off.
"What happened Link? Are you alright?" Sidon asked, holding Link's hand which Champion definitely didn't feel upset by.
"I-I had a memory... of me and Mipha..." Link responded, eyes closed as he continued rubbing his head. "We were on... Vah Ruta and she was... healing a wound on my arm." Champion looked down slightly as he recalled the memory as well. Mipha had quietly snuck onto Vah Ruta with him to talk, escaping from their respective superiors. They talked together as they watched the sunset. She reprimanded him about staying safe and he simply nodded in response. He didn't care about the earful he'd receive later, spending time with Mipha was more important to him. And now she's dead because of you.
"It was, sweet." was all Link could muster. Sidon and Muzu went silent as Champion comforted Link, his own head hurting as much as Link's.
Not having any human decency, Muzu started up again about Link being 'unworthy' of the Zora Armour or something as it was supposed to be gifted by Mipha to who she truly loved. Sidon then suggested that Link wear it to confirm that Mipha loved him, the suit undeniably fitting Link perfectly. Muzu was as stunned as Champion who started feeling nauseous.
All these thoughts of Mipha were simply too much. It's all your fault. She loved you and you killed her. Champion felt dizzy, colours were merging together, the lights were too bright, and everyone was staring at him. His head started to hurt as he felt like vomiting. He didn't know what to do with all these thoughts, so he did what he usually did when he felt like this. Run. He dashed out of the square, skipping over steps as he closed his eyes and ran, the rain pelting at him. He ignored the cries of Sidon and Link as his steps created splashes with every stomp.
Running away again? You really are pathetic.
Champion hit his head multiple times with his palms. The hard ground under him turned into soft dirt as he continued running before he collapsed on the ground, the mental pain too much for him to bear. He rolled up into a ball as the rain got harder. His whole body was wet, he was cold, he was useless. Tears started pouring out of his face as Champion whimpered uselessly into the grass, his head resting against a rock. Crying in the rain was best, nobody could tell that you were pathetic. This was something he found out early into his training.
His father's voice echoed through his head. Then his sergeant. Then Mipha's.
"Why did you forsake me Link?"
Champion didn't know how to respond. There was nothing he could say that would redeem him. Eye for an eye as they usually say, maybe he should just–
"Champion!" Someone called out through the pouring rain. Champion sat up immediately and squinted through the rain to see a short figure and a tall red figure. The two of them had followed him, of course they did. Link crouched down beside Champion as Sidon shielded the rain away with his body.
"Are you alright?" Link asked worryingly, Champion's pained eyes looking back at him.
What was Link expecting him to say? He was tired and didn't want to say anything anyways. He slowly raised his hands to sign before Link quickly leaned in for a hug, his touch being something Champion didn't know he missed. Champion didn't want to fight back, to say anything, so he just melted in Link's hands, his eyes pouring out.
"You know, Champion," Sidon started up, "When I was younger, my dear sister Mipha talked an awful lot about you. She constantly sang your praises, telling me how kind, compassionate, strong, reliable you were and so on."
Sidon put one of his hands on Champion's shoulder, "And I can promise you, without any uncertainty, that she was never ever disappointed in you. Not even for a second."
Champion couldn't help but tear up even more at Sidon's admission. Is he being truthful? Why would he need to lie? Does Mipha really think that? He hugged Link tighter, he didn't want to lose anyone anymore. He just wished everything would just be quiet, that the rain would stop, that he could just get a moment's peace. Without realising, he and Link had been scooped up by Sidon who sheltered them in a private room at Zora's Domain.
"I'll go talk to Muzu," Sidon said solemnly before closing the door quietly, the pair sitting by a bed.
He finally got what he wanted. Silence, with the one person he cares about. Link took a towel and started drying Champion off, his puffy red cheeks still covered in streaks. Link looked contemplative before speaking up.
"I may not remember Mipha, but... in the memory I saw, she truly cared for me, for us." Link cleared his throat as he looked down slightly.
"She had to know the circumstances, that you did your very best till the very end... and, that she loved you. That there would be no reason for her to hate you."
"Please Champion, understand that she loved you, that she would never blame you."
Champion looked at Link after his sentiment. Link was starting to tear up slightly as well. Champion took the towel from Link's hand and dabbed Link's face and hair lightly, his shaky hands putting in as much care as he could.
"Well, now we're both crying."
Link laughed quietly.
"We can just say that it was the rain."
Champion smiled softly.
Opening the door, Sidon and Muzu were standing outside. Champion and Link regained their composure and Muzu started apologising, Champion noticing more sorrow than usual in Muzu's eyes. He explained that there was a Lynel atop a mountain called Polymus Mountain that shot shock arrows, stating that it was the best way to get shock arrows as the Zora didn't sell them due to being susceptible to them. Link nodded as Sidon pointed over to the mountain in the distance, offering to lead them up to the Lynel.
The pair didn't take the tower for the region yet despite passing it earlier, the rain making it harder to climb and Champion didn't want Link to get hurt (despite Link's insistence that he wouldn't). Once they were ready, the trio set out, Sidon jumping into the lake below Zora's Domain and climbing up waterfalls that led them to the mountain. Link paraglided over to the waterfalls, following Sidon as Champion stayed at Zora's Domain, watching them from a distance as Link swam up the waterfall like it was nothing. Once he saw them reach the top, he vanished and reappeared next to Link atop the mountain, startling Sidon slightly.
After bowing to Sidon in apology, Sidon started saying, "Right behind those trees is the Lynel. Its arrows should be scattered around on the ground or on trees. Please be safe you two and don't agitate the Lynel."
Link nodded (although his promise to be safe wasn't the most reliable thing) and Sidon smiled happily, his sharp fangs showing. "The Zora are indebted to you, thank you brave warriors." He then leaped off the mountain into a nearby stream and swam back to Zora's Domain. The pair inched towards the trees carefully, the rain helping mask their steps (it was still annoying nonetheless). Peaking through the foliage, they saw the Lynel pacing around its perimeter carefully, its hooves walking in sync as it wielded a shield and custom made sword.
Champion tapped Link's shoulder before pointing at multiple shock arrows stuck in trees and scattered over the ground before miming to split up and gather as many arrows as possible. Muzu recommended collecting at least twenty to face Vah Ruta, but Champion liked to be safer than sorry and took as many as he could. Realistically, Champion could take the Lynel out himself, but it'd been a while since he did so he feared he may be rusty and Link was accompanying him. Sighing softly, he focused on collecting more arrows, carrying about fifteen, before walking back to their meetup spot. Link surprisingly came back with no issues and they kept all the arrows into Link's Slate, having collected about thirty eight.
"Sidon told me earlier to meet with him at East Reservoir Lake, the lake that Vah Ruta is in," Link whispered.
They creeped away from the forest and stood by a cliff edge before Link jumped off and paraglided towards a dock at the Reservoir.
Link landed on the dock with Champion appearing soon after. Sidon turned around and waved to them.
"I am glad you are safe friends! Have you gotten the arrows?" Sidon walked over as he asked.
"Yup, we got thirty eight or so," Link replied. Being so close to Vah Ruta, the ancient machine's whirring became louder as the rainfall increased.
"Wonderful! I had a plan to swim around Vah Ruta, bring Link close to the waterfalls on Vah Ruta, and Link would be able to shoot the orbs on its back." Sidon explained, "Its just that, I can only carry one person on my back, so which one of you would like to do it?"
'Link.' Champion signed, pointing to Link who prided himself in his bow.
"I see, well let us make haste!" Sidon ran over to the water and waited in the water, Link positioning himself on his back. Champion waved the two of them goodbye before disappearing and observing from Link's soul.
The fight was exhilarating, Link felt his ponytail blowing in the wind as Sidon expertly swam and dodged occasional ice blocks that were thrown by Vah Ruta, some which Link used his Slate to destroy. Once it was clear, Sidon would swim up to the large elephant and dropped Link by waterfalls that spewed out its side, propelling himself up the waterfalls, and shooting at the nearest orb with shock arrows, effectively disabling it. The entire time, Vah Ruta's engine kept roaring loudly as more ice cubes were shot at them.
Weaving in and out, the pair continued the routine of dropping Link off to swim up the torrents and disable more orbs, Vah Ruta shooting out spiked ice balls in an attempt to deter them. Champion watched this whole ordeal nervously, the two of them clearly yearned for danger and weren't scared to move up close to the giant robot elephant that could literally squish you. It seemed Sidon was just as wild as Link but still supportive and caring, constantly asking Link if he was alright mid-fight. Eventually, Link shot at the last orb and Vah Ruta started waving its trunk around angrily before it eventually went limp and dropped it into the reservoir, the rain thankfully stopping with it.
Sidon breathed a sigh of relief as he dropped Link off at a platform on Vah Ruta, Champion materialising beside him.
"Great job stopping the Divine Beast, but this is where the real work begins. I will return to Zora's Domain to inform the King, best of luck." Sidon stated solemnly, a slight smile as he thanked them again before leaving.
They waved Sidon goodbye before Link tapped his Slate onto a nearby pedestal, allowing Link to teleport back to and fro Vah Ruta. Seeing a large entrance leading into the Divine Beast, they nodded at each other before walking inside, Champion prepping his weapons. A strange yellow eyeball that was connected by strands to a tar-black liquid stemming from the ground stood in their path, Link shooting at the eyeball and watching as the gunk disappeared as it died. This allowed them to continue to the inside of Vah Ruta, which was gigantic. Another pedestal stood locked behind a gate that was covered in the same black goo, Link shot at its eyeball again, causing the black liquid to dissipate along with the eye.
"What is this stuff?" Link asked, examining the remaining gunk before it disappeared, Champion shrugging in response. It seemed to be dark matter from Ganon that controlled Vah Ruta.
Link opened the gate by summoning an ice pillar underneath it, lifting the gate up as it erected out of the ground. The pair walked inside and Link inserted his Slate into the locked pedestal. They watched as a detailed map of Vah Ruta appeared on the Slate before a voice started speaking. It felt just like the lady's voice he heard inside the Shrine of Resurrection except maybe a little younger?
"Good! You've obtained a map of the Divine Beast. Use the map to guide yourselves to the terminals, activating all of them will allow you to take Ruta back." The voice instructed before adding on, "Be careful."
Champion froze up after she finished, that was Mipha? Wasn't it? It'd been a while since he heard her but that was undoubtedly Mipha's. He closed his eyes as he rubbed his temple, Link approaching him quickly.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?" Link worriedly asked.
"Mipha." Champion forced out. Link immediately understood and looked down before quickly looking back at Champion.
"Then let's save her." Link stated, a determined look in his eye.
Vah Ruta was complex, its intricately designed interior was filled with elaborate puzzles from ancient times that were designed by the Sheikah. Multiple enemies were also scattered around, including a smaller version of a Guardian, which Link said he saw inside shrines, and strange floating skeleton heads. Link wasn't really good at solving puzzles, so Champion took the lead and suggested solutions, Link following them dutifully. They also discovered that they could manipulate Vah Ruta's trunk using Link's Slate, using it in elaborate mechanisms which unlocked more terminals. Champion appreciated the hard work the ancient Sheikah put in but also hoped they didn't make any mistakes that would make this impossible to solve.
Upon solving the final terminal, Mipha's voice spoke up again.
"You've activated all the terminals! Head to the location on your map to activate the Main Unit," Mipha spoke optimistically. "Be careful not to let you guard down."
They nodded at Mipha's advice and headed to the new spot. A ramp invited them in as a strange curved machine sat at the back. Link walked up to the machine, Champion on high alert of any hiding monsters. Leaning in to tap his Slate, the terminal suddenly started bursting with the toxic black liquid, hints of red coursing through it, as it wrapped itself around the machine. From the spiraling mess blue strands started to emerge from it and form in the centre of the room, similar to that when Link teleports.
Link and Champion steeled themselves as a monster emerged from the blue, its lanky arms made of the same malice circling the machine as a large blue spear emerged out of its hand. Its singular blue eye reminiscent of a Guardian staring them down as its mask shot out from the centre like spikes before it roared menacingly at the two of them. Champion pushed Link behind him as he faced the horrid creature, pulling out his shield and sword as Link took out his bow.
Approaching the monster carefully, it started raising its spear-hand at Champion preparing to swipe.
"Be careful, that spear has a long reach!" Mipha called out.
Champion's posture stiffened as the monster roared and swung its neon blue spear at Champion. Link watched as he elegantly backflipped to dodge the swipe, before running in and slashing at the monster, time seemingly slowing down as he did. Link shook of his surprise and shot a few arrows at the monster, one of them hitting it in the eye as it fell to the ground in pain, both boys running it to slash at its downed state.
"Amazing Link!" Mipha stated, directed at both Links.
The monster rose slowly as it turned blue and teleported away, Champion's eyes darting around quickly. Reappearing further away, Link continued to fire shots as Champion approached the creature cautiously, examining it closely for any attacks. The monster retracted its arm before thrusting it forward towards Champion, who sidestepped to avoid it. Focusing all his attention on the monster, time went as slow as honey as he rushed in to deliver more swipes, Link's arrows gliding through the air in slow-motion as he did. This caused the beast to fall onto the ground again, Link slamming it with his claymore as Champion continued using his trusty sword.
"Keep it up!" Mipha said encouragingly.
The monster roared loudly as it teleported away to the centre of the room before twisting its fist and making the water level rise from ankle-height to a few metres. The pair quickly swam to the same platform to regroup as the monster hung from the ceiling. Raising its arm towards them, it summoned an ice block and shot it at them, Link demolishing it in time with Cryonis. Unable to reach the monster from the ceiling, Link aimed at its eye again, causing it to crash down onto the platform it hung above.
Link quickly summoned pillars for them to use to cross the water before inflicting the monster with multiple swipes, Mipha's encouraging tone persisting all the while. The monster teleported away and repeated the charade again, Link rebuffing it all the same and sending it falling down again. Angrily teleporting across the room, the monster targeted Champion and started aiming a red laser at him with an accompanying beeping sound. Link stood behind Champion warily as he held his shield up to the laser, his sharp eyes unmoving from the monster.
"You can do it!" Mipha cried out as Champion perfectly reflected the laser back at the monster, sending it falling in a puff of smoke.
They rushed over and jabbed at the monster's lame body. Apparently it was enough to kill the monster, as it screamed out in pain before its body started to spew out malice and break down. It writhed around in pain as light started tearing through its body before it exploded into a cloud of malice and light. The water level fell as did the platforms whilst the two of them caught their breath. They'd done it.
The vile black liquid circling the machine disappeared along with the monster, the sun shining through Vah Ruta's hull as they approached the machine. Link successfully tapped his Slate onto the pedestal before Mipha started speaking again.
"Hello Link," She spoke softly, Champion turning around to see her standing in the water, her form transparent. "Because of your courage my spirit is now free, along with Vah Ruta's."
They approached her slowly, Champion couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"Thank you, for I am now allowed by this freedom, to be with you once again." Mipha said gently, walking over to them.
He couldn't hold back his tears as Mipha approached, running over to hug her tightly, which she returned.
"Please do not cry, Link, you know I forgive you." Mipha said, pulling away to look at Champion's face in detail, wiping off a few tears with her hand.
"You did your best, that was all you had to do." Champion sniffled slightly before looking down sadly, his hands intertwined with her's.
Link quietly put his hand on Champion's shoulder, comforting him as he took a step back to stand next to Link.
"As I am now a spirit, I have no need for my healing powers." Mipha stated, looking at Link.
"Therefore, I would like you to have it. Please accept." She asked Link, who nodded without hesitation.
Mipha manifested a bright ball of light which she then propelled into Link's chest, the strands of light disappearing into him.
"It will help save you, against even the most devastating of injuries." Mipha explained. "Now, let us stop Ganon."
As she said that, Vah Ruta began rumbling as it started moving, travelling through the water over to a cliff facing Hyrule Castle. Raising its trunk with a loud roar, Vah Ruta positioned itself onto the cliff, now with blue instead of orange streaks running through its exterior. Lifting its trunk up, Vah Ruta performed a magnificent display before charging up a laser similarly to a Guardian and shooting it at the castle. The red beam of energy tore through some of the malice engulfing Hyrule Castle as Link and Champion started to disappear. Mipha waved goodbye before they were teleported back to Zora's Domain in a yellow flash of light.
Standing at the entrance, Champion stood in silence for a while, head down before looking up at the mountains of Zora's Domain and spotting Vah Ruta, shooting a steady beam of energy at Hyrule Castle. Link gently placed his hand on Champion shoulder and Champion snapped out of it, the pair walking back up the steps to the throne room. Inside the throne room was King Dorephan, Sidon, and Muzu.
After that point, Champion tuned out the conversation, he kept thinking of Mipha and his interaction with her. She looked... happy, despite everything. He wasn't paying attention, but he could tell they were thanking them, even Muzu. Link graciously accepted their thanks as Champion bowed to them. Just before they left, the King ordered Sidon to give them a present.
It was the Lightscale Trident.
Mipha's trident, right here in his hands, in all its glory. Its elegant design, made of white marble with pink and blue accents, the prongs curving inwards to form intricate shapes. Link shared his awe as he stared at the trident over Champion's shoulder, taking it in as well. Link thanked the King for him as they left the throne room, the trident still gripped tightly in his hands.
"Do you want to give me the trident? I'll keep it safe in the Slate," Link suggested. Champion felt slightly conflicted before handing it over to Link reluctantly, eyeing him if he damaged it. Standing in the square, they paid their respects to the statue of Mipha before heading out of Zora's Domain, which looked much better without rain.
"Where to next?" Link asked, showing Champion the map, who pointed at the next nearest point, somewhere north of Zora's Domain.
"Alright, let's–" Link was interrupted by someone calling out behind them, "Wait!"
Sidon dashed up to them as they were standing by the bridge.
"I never got the chance to properly thank you two, given all the good work you've done for us on such short notice!" Sidon's stated with his infectious smile.
"It was nothing, we're just glad that everyone's okay," Link replied bashfully, Champion rolling his eyes at Link's display.
"Really, thank you for everything you've done, especially with freeing my sister," Sidon sincerely said, placing a hand on both of their shoulders.
"You're welcome," Link replied as Champion bowed politely.
"Feel free to visit the Domain whenever you want! We'll welcome you with open arms." Sidon pat their shoulders gently before sending them off with a wave.
Link and Champion returned the wave as they walked down the extravagant blue bridge.
Notes:
I hope this was a good chapter, emotional stuff is hard to write :'(.
Chapter 7: Goron City
Summary:
The boys experience their first blood moon, head to Goron City, and stop Vah Rudania. They also do some other stuff along the way.
Chapter Text
Just before they left, they quickly got every nearby shrine and the tower in Zora's Domain. Whilst they did that, they probably wiped out half of the population of monsters in Lanayru including destroying almost all of Link's weapons (which Champion doesn't even know how he does it). Wiping the sweat off his face, they stood in another defeated monster camp and Champion went back to carving organs whilst Link attempted to find any weapons he could use.
"You think this could work?" Link lifted a large rusty claymore to Champion who nodded.
'How about this?' Champion signed before picking up a regular traveler's broadsword.
Link shook his head, "I prefer these big swords, they're fun to swing," he grinned as he swung the claymore aimlessly.
Grabbing the sword to stop Link, he handed him a shield.
"I can't hold the claymore and the shield at the same time," he stated obviously like Champion was the one being idiotic.
He pointed to the traveler's broadsword and the shield angrily like Link was the one being idiotic. Link stuck his tongue out at him and ran away before bumping right into Champion in front of him.
"Stop doing your ghost teleporting stuff, it's unfair!" Link whined as Champion pinched his ear till he stopped.
Pointing to the Slate, Link displayed the map again and Champion tapped to the same northern dot.
"Alright, alright, we'll get going," Link relented, "But in the morning!"
They decided to stay in the camp they'd cleared out as it had the essentials, a cooking pot and a small tent. Link cooked up dinner for them and Champion taste-tested it, Link's cooking becoming almost as good as his. After their meal, they were getting ready to settle down before Link noticed the full moon being weirdly blood red. As the crimson moon started his ascent, Champion started to feel weird, his chest started tightening and his legs felt weak. His stumbled slightly which brought Link's attention to him.
"A-are you alright? Champion?" Link helped Champion to sit by a log.
The air started squirming with strands of malice as the moon seemed to grow even more red. Champion's body felt horrible, like something was about to burst out of his chest. Around them as the blood moon reached its peak, the monsters they'd just defeated started manifesting out of the air, alive and well. Link took out his rusty claymore and defended Champion's limp body as the newly materialised Bokoblins charged at him. Luckily, they'd collected all the weapons so they swung at him with hands and legs. Easily knocking them back with a heavy swing, the Moblin let out a fierce roar and wrestled with Link's claymore, grabbing it with its lanky hands.
Link released the claymore, watching as the Moblin stumbled back before pulling out the traveler's sword and shield and swiping at it as it was downed. Turning his attention back to the Bokoblins, he defended against their punches with his shield before swiping back when they were vulnerable, just like Champion usually did. Tossing a few bombs, he sent the Moblin tumbling down the cliff before finishing off the two remaining Bokoblins.
As he defeated the camp again, Link started back at the moon, noticing it had returned to its pearl white state. Crouching down beside Champion, his breathing had steadied but he still looked quite pale, or maybe it was because he was a ghost. Putting his hand to Champion's forehead, he was cold as per usual.
"Are you okay?" Link asked, offering Champion an energising liquid which he drank quickly.
"Princess spoke to me," Champion croaked out before pointing to his temple, 'Head.'
"You... have the lady's voice in your head as well? What did she say?" Link rubbed Champion's back lightly.
"Blood moon. Monsters return." Champion trailed off before pulling out an apple to regain energy.
"Dead creatures reviving during a blood moon?" Link thought out loud, "Maybe because you're a ghost, they tried to revive you?"
'Spirit.' Champion clarified but still entertaining Link's idea.
"Nevermind, let's just go to sleep," Link helped Champion over to the makeshift tent and laid next to him on the leaf bed. Champion clinged onto Link more than usual that night but Link didn't mind.
Champion jolted awake and scanned the campsite thoroughly, making sure no monsters were still lurking about. He rubbed his head, still experiencing slight pain from last night. Champion felt more tired than usual, either because he didn't sleep well the previous night or because of the blood moon, so he made extra energising elixirs before Link woke up. Princess Zelda's words from last night echoed in his head, she sounded so scared and worried.
He quickly woke Link up so that they could continue saving the Divine Beasts and the Princess.
"Huh..? Whas up..." Link mumbled, his eyes still closed as he sat up.
Champion tugged on Link's arm incessantly whilst pointing to the menacing volcano in the distance.
"Yea yea, I kn'w..." Link pulled himself up slowly and yawned, "A'right... lesgo," he slurred.
They walked down the hill they'd camped up on and returned to the road, planning to backtrack to a fork they saw on the road previously, left to Goron City, right to Zora's Domain. As they were retracing their steps, Link constantly whined about being hungry and tired, Champion's patience wearing thin. Eventually, they returned to the fork but Champion led him further down the path to a pond, pointing at the fish swimming around slowly.
Rolling up his sleeves, he demonstrated to Link as he carefully leaned over the pond and grabbed a fish out of the water. The surprised fish flopped around in Champion's hands as he proudly displayed it to Link, who looked in awe. Roasting the fish over a newly created campfire, Champion followed to watch Link as he leaned into the pond and spotted a fish of his own. Examining its movements carefully, Link inched closer and dunked his entire head into the water, emerging with a struggling fish in his teeth and a soggy head.
Link grinned mischievously at Champion, the confused fish desperately trying to escape as Champion rolled his eyes. "Wat? Be'rs do 't all the t'me!" Link rebuffed.
Champion took out a cloth and wiped Link's head dry as he spat the fish out onto the fire and let out another large grin, Champion noticing how sharp his fangs were for a Hylian. How are his teeth so sharp? Mine aren't even close to his. Champion rubbed his tongue over his teeth subconsciously before putting Link's fish on a stick to roast properly.
A few minutes of roasting later and both of them were munching away at their fish, Champion nibbled around the bones methodically while Link chomped at the fish like the bones didn't matter. Champion examined his fish-skeleton-on-a-stick before looking at Link to see a completely clean stick, he pointed to Link's stick then to his fish bones, asking him where the bones were.
With his mouth full, Link answered without hesitation, "I ate it."
Champion stormed over and put his hand in front of Link's mouth, instructing him to spit out the bones. Pinching Link's ear, the boy eventually obliged and spat out the bones, Champion washing his hand in the pond. He signed repeatedly to Link not to eat the bones while Link brushed it off, saying they were tasty. He angrily pinched the boy's ear again before he relented and promised not to do it again (Champion knew he would).
Massaging his red ear, Link watched as Champion cleaned up the campfire and instructed them to continue walking. Taking a left at the fork this time, they walked uphill through a small forest before a stable emerged out of the trees. Champion watched as Link dashed past him and ran up to the stable, getting a shrine nearby in the process.
He watched as Link asked fellow patrons for information about what was happening at Goron City, before relaying the information back to Champion. Apparently Death Mountain started acting up recently and non-Gorons like themselves wouldn't be able to make it there safely without special armour or elixirs. They decided to make elixirs by catching small fireproof lizards that were dotted around nearby. Champion managed to catch about a dozen lizards whilst Link only caught five or so. Brewing the lizards with stronger monster parts, Champion produced a strong dark liquid that was sure to last longer than normal. Link eagerly stored them in his Slate and they left to follow the path up to Goron City.
They faced multiple different monsters on the path, most of them variants of existing monsters they'd seen. Red Lizalfos would pop out of nowhere and shoot flames at them whilst grey Octoroks launched giant volcanic rocks at them. Despite this, they were easily defeated using the same methods used on their regular counterparts. As they climbed, so did the temperature but they decided not to use the elixirs yet unless it became truly unbearable.
Turning a corner by some spiked rocks, a Guardian spotted them and started aiming its red laser at them, Champion ripping out his shield as per usual. As it beeped at them, a Lizalfos came out of nowhere and started attacking them, Champion losing concentration to focus on the Lizalfos before the Guardian fired, Champion reflecting the beam randomly and his shield breaking in the process. Link quickly killed the Lizalfos and watched as Champion circled the Guardian, distracting it and dodging its deadly blasts.
Taking out his sword, Champion slashed at some of its legs, hindering the robot's movement but still allowing it to track Champion. Racing over, Link slashed at its metallic hull with his broadsword as it was distracted by Champion, damaging it significantly before it turned its attention to Link and firing another laser. Jumping to the side, Link pulled out his bow and aimed at its blue eye, firing a shot that left it vulnerable as it stopped shooting at them. Both of them took the chance to attack it, Champion dealing a final stab which seemed to kill the Guardian for good.
Link watched as Champion ripped out some important circuitry and parts from the damaged husk before gesturing for them to move on. After encountering a few more enemies, such as red Chu Chus which Link bombed, they entered a cave-like section with fire Keese hanging off the ceiling. They were quickly alerted by their presence and flew over, Champion and Link slashing and shooting respectively.
After emerging out the tunnel-cave, the temperature was getting much hotter and Link drank one of the elixirs, Champion wasn't affected as much but would probably drink one later once they were closer to the volcano. The path then went fully vertical and Link climbed to the top, Champion simply teleporting once Link made it up. They were immediately spotted by another Guardian who was patrolling by a large lava lake, rocks spiking out from it.
Link tossed a few bombs to distract it as he offered Champion some usable shields. Equipped with a soldier's shield, he rooted himself to the ground as he stood before the Guardian, its pulsating blue eye staring him down. Like he'd done a thousand times, Champion successfully reflected the laser back at the Guardian, sending it stumbling backwards into the lava lake, killing it instantly. Champion brushed it off and pointed to the tower in the distance which Link excitedly climbed up, Champion dealing with the camp of Lizalfos at the bottom that Link ran straight through.
He paraglided down a few moments later and showed Champion the unlocked map with a small mine upfront and Goron City further back. Champion nodded and they continued, patches of magma were littered around as more Octoroks shot meteorites at them. They opted to run through and as they were catching their breath by a large patch of magma, the ground started to shake.
They looked over to see the magma rising out of the ground with accompanying limbs made of magma rocks. It was a fire version of a Talus, something Link encountered back on the Plateau. Link rushed up to fight it before Champion grabbed him and instructed him to climb up the wall behind the Talus, the mine right above. Champion distracted the slow-moving Talus as it attempted to crush and throw magma rocks at him, disappearing when it was just about to hit him half the time. Link climbed up the ash covered wall quickly, avoiding patches of magma imbedded in the wall.
Eventually reaching the top, he called out to Champion who quickly appeared right next to him, the Talus looking around confused before begrudgingly returning to its hole in the ground. Cleaning his soot-covered hands, they looked around to see an active mining site, Gorons swinging large pickaxes into ore deposits with lava surrounding the mine like a moat.
Walking around, Link met another Hylian who offered to give Link some of his armour which helped to prevent the heat in exchange for ten lizards. He nodded excitedly and rushed off to find lizards, Champion helping him gather as well. Link only found two whilst Champion proudly presented his nine, leading Link to think that maybe he was luckier or stealthier than him (Champion would never admit that he just manifested behind them before they could run away).
Link delivered the lizards to the man who rewarded him with the Flamebreaker Armour in return. It was made of special metals which increased heat resistance while still offering flexibility so that Link could move normally. Despite not having the pants or helmet, Link was feeling less hot already and didn't need to take anymore elixirs. After thanking him, they continued on and left the mine. Walking down the path, they both heard a large sudden rumble and stared up the volcano. Vah Rudania was roaring loudly as it climbed around the volcano, causing it to erupt and send flaming boulders hurdling down at them.
They ran carefully, weaving through the projectiles as the path led up to Goron City in the distance. As they ran through the metal gate into Goron City, the eruptions thankfully stopped and they looked around whilst catching their breaths. Champion drank his first fireproof elixir as it was unbearably hot in Goron City for some reason (couldn't be because of the volcano).
The city had Gorons walking about casually along with houses and shops carved out of stone. Walking around there was a larger house that had metal sheets all around to strengthen it, hammers pounding molten metal could be heard inside. An elder Goron with a white beard and eyepatch stood outside, grumbling to himself.
"Where is that Yunobo? I sent him out an hour ago..." the elder Goron complained to no one in particular.
"Excuse me, are you alright?" Link asked, the Goron staring its singular eye at him.
"Me? I'm fine, just need my painkillers so that I can get old Vah Rudania to settle down," he complained as he rubbed his rocky back.
"Painkillers? Where are they? I'll help you get them," Link offered only to be shut down by the Goron.
"No need. I already sent Yunobo out to get them but he hasn't returned." he groaned, "Why don't you go find him? He should be at some mines north of here," the Goron roughly pointed to where he should be.
"Don't worry, we'll go get him for you!" Link shouted, he had already ran away and Champion was chasing after him, the last thing he'd need is for Link to fall in lava.
The pair approached a large lava lake with small stone islands scattered about and a few loaded cannons on some of them. Link excitedly ran up to the nearest cannon and inspected it, trying to figure out how it works. Champion pointed to a hole on the top and suggested putting one of Link's blue bombs inside. Afterwards, he imitated pushing and pulling to change the direction using Magnesis, which appeared to work. Counting down, Link exploded the bomb and they watched as a large molten boulder flew threw the air in an arch before landing in the middle of an unlucky camp.
Link jumped up and down in glee before paragliding to the island he just blew up. Hylia, what have I done? He watched explosion after explosion, complete with monsters flying through the air and landing unceremoniously into the lava, with accompanying maniac laughter by Link as he paraglided amidst the chaos. Champion decided to stop him before he became more dangerous than Vah Rudania and manifested next to him when he saw him land on another island. Quickly grabbing his arm holding the Slate, Champion plucked his ear tightly and scowled despite Link's innocent gaze.
As Link complained and whined, Champion's ear twitched as he heard something else. Putting a finger on his lip to tell Link to be quiet, he pointed at a large pile of rubble surrounding an entrance to a cave. They both listened closely and could hear someone saying something, calling for help. Realising the person must be stuck after the cave-in, Champion reluctantly instructed Link to destroy the entrance, Link a little too eager to run off and find the nearest cannon. Covering his ears, he watched as the rubble pile got demolished by the large explosion, a figure emerging out from the smoke.
A Goron with a blue cloth tied around his neck appeared out of the smog. Good thing he was a Goron, I don't think anyone else could've survived that.
"Thanks for helping me, goro. I thought I was going to be trapped in there forever!" the Goron nervously stated, "Actually, I could've eaten my way out of the rocks... but thanks none the less!"
"No problem! We're actually looking for a Goron called Yunobo, do you know where he might be?" Link asked as he walked over to Champion and the Goron.
"Yunobo? That's me! Why are you looking for me, goro?" Yunobo exclaimed as he pointed to himself.
"An old cranky Goron asked us to find you at the mines. He said you have his painkillers or something," Link simplified.
"Bludo? I have his painkillers, I just got stuck after that cave-in. I'm going to head back to Goron City now goro, you coming?" Yunobo offered, Link and Champion nodding in sync.
"Oh, by the way I'm Link! and this is Champion!" Link pointed to himself then to Champion. This seemed to cause something to click in Yunobo's mind as he looked complentative.
"Link... I feel like I've heard that before... Nevermind goro, let's just head back." Yunobo brushed it off and led them back. Link and Champion exchanged confused glances.
Link and Champion stood around awkwardly as Yunobo got scolded by Bludo for his tardiness, the nervous Goron apologising repeatedly. The elder Goron then turned his attention to them and thanked them for helping him find Yunobo.
"Thanks again, Yunobo's usually more reliable. If only Daruk was still here," Bludo sighed.
"Daruk? Who's that?" Link asked, not noticing his companion's mood change.
"He was the Goron Champion who piloted Vah Rudania before he died. That there is a statue in remembrance of him," Bludo pointed up solemnly at a large sculpture of Daruk and two younger Gorons carved out of the mountain face. Champion didn't know how he didn't notice it earlier, given how its large scale overshadowed the entire City.
Link turned up to look at the statue before Champion noticed the same glassy look, like he wasn't here in the present moment. Although he was worried about Link, he decided it would be better for the memory to run its course, given how last time he shook him out of it he appeared confused. Yunobo and Bludo hadn't noticed as they returned to discussing about Vah Rudania. When he looked at the statue, Champion himself started reminiscing about his time with Daruk, he had a huge heart and never pressured him, despite some of Champion's other generals.
Champion almost looked up to Daruk as a father figure, his large personality always leaving space to be caring when he needed too. His sparring sessions with him didn't feel judgemental as he always provided proper advice followed with quality time afterwards as they rested. Despite his loud appearance, Champion considered him the most level-headed amongst the Champions, always up to provide solutions.
Link suddenly blinked and steadied himself, Champion looking over at him to make sure he was fine.
"I had another memory," Link stated as he looked at Champion with a healthier expression than last time, "With Daruk. We were on Vah Rudania, having a relatively fun time as he piloted it around Death Mountain."
Champion recalled the memory himself, Daruk wanted to talk with him privately to congratulate him on becoming the Princess' knight.
"There was some sudden falling rubble but he protected us with some shield ability of some sort," Link finished as Champion simply nodded in agreement.
"Hey, you guys alright?" Yunobo called out as he walked over.
"I knew Daruk, I worked alongside him," Link stated quietly.
"You knew my dad? But how?" Yunobo asked as he furrowed his eyebrows.
Dad? Champion thought. Yunobo did have that blue scarf around his neck which did remind him of Daruk's own blue cloth that he wrapped across his chest.
Link explained to Yunobo his and Champion's quest that they were the same heroes that perished a hundred years ago and that they were going around to save the Divine Beasts, providing Vah Ruta as proof. Yunobo seemed to take it surprisingly well as he raised a hand to his chin.
"My dad used to talk about a Hylian he knew, Link. If you're really him, then... then I trust you, goro," Yunobo thumped his fist to his chest, the pair repeating the motion.
"We want to stop Vah Rudania, will you help us?" Link asked.
"Of course, goro! I'll head over to the bridge connecting Goron City to Death Mountain. Can you explain to Bludo the situation?" Link nodded and Yunobo ran off.
The pair walked over to Bludo and told him about their past, along with their quest to save the Divine Beasts. Bludo seemed reluctant but eventually understood, trusting them to help Yunobo to stop Vah Rudania in his stead, citing his back pain and age stopping him from doing it. Link and Champion nodded and headed over to the bridge which Bludo told them the directions to.
After walking up a long path towards the bridge, they heard Yunobo calling out for help in the distance. Rushing over, they saw him huddled into a ball with an orange shield surrounding him completely, preventing two Moblins harassing him from doing any serious damage. Pulling out his sword and shield, Champion ran and slashed at one of the distracted Moblin's back, the other Moblin quickly raising its spear at him. Sidestepping when the Moblin jabbed its spear at him, Champion stabbed it in the stomach and watched as the Moblin stumbled backwards clutching it tightly.
Champion turned around to see Link stopping the previous monster from slamming its broadsword down onto him by blocking it with his claymore before moving in to slash it in its weak spots. Champion refocused his attention back on the spear-wielding Moblin who was now swinging it wildly through the air, his shield taking multiple hits. Champion raised his sword to retaliate and killed the Moblin after stabbing it in the chest.
"Yunobo, we killed the monsters! You're safe now!" Link exclaimed as he ran over to Yunobo, who slowly lifted his arms and stood up, the orange force field dissipating as he did. Champion walked over and examined both of them thoroughly for injuries as Link spoke up.
"How'd you do that force field thingy? It looked kinda like Daruk's," Link thought out loud.
"It is, I inherited it from my dad," Yunobo clarified with a proud undertone in his voice.
"You see that bridge?" Yunobo pointed over to a raised metal bridge, "It's the Bridge of Eldin, we raised it to prevent Vah Rudania from coming over to Goron City."
Yunobo then pointed to a nearby cannon, "I was going to use this cannon but there's no more ammunition in it, goro. I'm gonna curl up into a ball and you'll shoot me at the bridge, my shield power will make sure I don't get hurt."
Link excitedly nodded at the prospect of using another cannon and, once Yunobo was ready, put a circular blue bomb inside it and launched Yunobo at the bridge, the sheer impact knocking the bridge over forming a path to Death Mountain. Yunobo quickly sat up while rubbing his head and gave a thumbs-up to confirm he was okay, Champion looking more stressed than usual.
The trio started crossing the bridge before Vah Rudania let out a roar, the bridge falling must have attracted its attention as it started sending out small drone-like robots which circled the volcano, scanning the area with ominous red lights. The drones didn't appear to come over to the bridge so they decided to formulate a plan.
"How about we destroy the robots? I can shoot them with my bow," Link offered.
Champion shook his head and signed, 'Not enough arrows.', which Link translated for Yunobo.
"Maybe one of us should go first? When the coast is clear, he can then alert the rest of us to go," Yunobo suggested, earning nods from both Links.
'I-will-do-it.' Champion signed right before he disappeared.
"Oh yeah, Champion's a ghost so he can do stuff like that," Link stated nonchalantly as Yunobo looked a bit frightened by Champion's sudden disappearance.
Yunobo and Link crept across the bridge and hid behind a rock, peaking out the side to see Champion stood at another rock in the distance as a drone went back and forth examining the area. They stared at Champion quietly as his eyes locked onto the drone's every move, eventually giving them the signal to cross. Yunobo and Link quickly tiptoed across, meeting Champion at the other rock who gave a nod before disappearing and reappearing at the next nearest rock.
They repeated this process a few more times before reaching another cannon, Link suggesting they use it to shoot Vah Rudania, who was scaling the volcano nearby. Yunobo agreed and hopped into the cannon as Link shot him at Vah Rudania, causing it to scurry away to the other side of the volcano, the trio following it through all the drones.
Drinking another fireproof elixir, Champion disappeared and reappeared at the next rock again, waiting for the drone to move before calling them over again. Suddenly, he heard a monstrous roar from behind him and turned to see a Moblin swinging a Cobble Crusher at him. Unable to lift his shield in time, Champion was sent flying by the force of the Crusher into his side, slamming his back against a rock wall. He clutched at his side painfully as blood started to sleep out of his mouth, he'd definitely broken a few ribs.
He tried to get up but his vision was far too dizzy to focus on anything and his back protested against moving. He could hear the shouts of Link and Yunobo from afar as they rushed over. Champion's head felt heavy and his eyebrows threatened to close on him, Champion knew he had to stay awake long enough for them to arrive or he'd pass out. The Moblin let out a victory roar before lifting up the weapon again, raising it over its head and above Champion.
Weakly raising an arm, Champion braced for impact before an orange blur appeared in front of him. Yunobo had blocked the attack. His vision was getting blurry and he could only rely on his hearing to make out whatever was happening. A fight was occurring nearby and somebody was next to him, shaking him gently. Champion only let out a grunt in response before someone put something to his lips, Champion swallowing it despite not knowing what it was.
His head started hurting less and his vision started focusing. The first thing he noticed was Yunobo next to him, patting his back with his large hand, the other holding an empty bottle which looked minuscule in his hand. Looking around, he spotted Link, breathing heavily as he looked down on the dead Moblin he was standing over. Link's gaze on the Moblin looked as if he wasn't mentally here, his white-knuckled grip on his sword tightening as his messy hair strung itself across his face. Champion forced himself to his feet despite the protests from Yunobo as he attempted to stagger over to Link, he wanted to make sure he was okay.
This seemed to cause something in Link's head to click as he stared at the slowly moving Champion before running over and stopping him from moving.
"A-are you okay Champion? Don't m-move, I have another elixir," Link's hands fumbled over to his Slate as he attempted to take out another energising elixir, concern etched into his voice.
Champion attempted to stand up again before being stopped by Yunobo.
"Relax goro, the monster's dead. We're all safe," Yunobo reassured as he titled Champion's head slightly for Link to pour another elixir down his throat.
While the elixirs were making him feel better, his side kept stinging in pain. He rejected the next elixir handed to him and loosely communicated to them that it wouldn't help. Champion then pointed to himself before pointing directly onto Link's chest.
"Do... do you need to rest?" Link asked after realising what Champion was trying to say, receiving a nod from the latter.
"We'll be fine goro! Take all the time you need," Yunobo comforted.
Reluctantly, Champion slowly faded out under Yunobo's hands. Whilst elixirs helped him heal, resting in Link's soul worked the best. Link further explained it to Yunobo who nodded in understanding. Placing his hand on his chest, Link felt that warm and fuzzy feeling in him again before focusing on the path and leading Yunobo up. Champion roughly watched as they made their way up to another cannon and shot at Vah Rudania again, prompting it to run away again.
As Link and Yunobo trudged forward, Link employed different techniques to take out the drones including bombs and dropping large metal crates on them. Yunobo seemed to share this mentality as he helped take out a few by throwing large boulders at them. Approaching the end of the path, two Moblins were guarding the last cannon. Link pulled out his claymore and rushed forward, swiping at the nearest Moblin's legs, causing it to fall backwards. Raising his sword to attack the second Moblin, Champion appeared in front of it and parried its swing with a flick of his shield.
Champion rushed in and quickly took out the Moblin as Link dealt with the first Moblin that had already gotten up and was now rushing towards him with a sword. The pair started sparring with the last Moblin, distracting it for the other to attack whilst still dodging its swings. After finally dealing with the last monster, Champion sheathed his sword to rest his hand on his side, which still hurt but slightly less than just now.
"Are you sure you're done resting? There's no rush," Link asked, resting a hand on his shoulder.
Champion nodded despite his side disagreeing, besides, he'd learnt to lie about injuries from his time whilst training as a knight. Link decided to accept his answer as he and Yunobo started aiming at Vah Rudania for the final time, Link lining up the shot to directly hit Vah Rudania on the head. They watched as Yunobo flew through the air and struck the robotic lizard directly on its head, causing it to rumble and shake in retaliation before the ancient beast slowly crawled into the volcano and let out one last roar. This caused the volcano to erupt, engulfing the Divine Beast as the trio watched carefully from a distance. Once the volcano calmed down, they ran over to peak inside, Vah Rudania remained motionless and quiet, seemingly having been defeated.
"That was amazing goro! What are we gonna do now?" Yunobo exclaimed.
"I guess we're going to go in and retake Vah Rudania," Link stated with a nod from Champion.
"How are we supposed to go down there?" Yunobo pointed down into the volcano where Vah Rudania was resting, just above the lava.
"Don't worry, me and Champion'll handle it," Link resting a hand on Champion's shoulder as he said so, "You've helped us a lot Yunobo, thanks."
"No problem goro, I'll just wait out here. We can head back to Goron City together later!" Yunobo waved them goodbye as Link paraglided onto the Beast below, Champion disappearing soon after.
Being so close to a volcano, they both drank an extra fireproof elixir. Link tapped his Slate on the familiar pedestal, causing the small platform they stood on to reveal blue Sheikah patterns. Just then, they both heard a voice in their heads.
"Hey little guy! Long time no see!" Both boys recognised it to be Daruk's speaking to them in a similar manner to Mipha. He sounded surprisingly upbeat whilst he spoke.
"I knew you'd come back! I never stopped believing in you!" Daruk remarked, Champion could imagine the large grin on his face, "Come to take Vah Rudania back from Ganon, huh? There's a Guidance Stone that'll give you a map to this old beast, go in and get in!"
They nodded in unison and walked through the doorway, weapons in hand. Once they walked through, the door suddenly shut behind them and the interior of Vah Rudania went pitch black. Link was startled but Champion put a reassuring hand on his shoulder and they trudged through. Similar malice eyes to the ones they'd seen on Vah Ruta helpfully shined in the dark, Link taking them out with a few swings.
Champion picked up a stick by a nearby torch, illuminating their surroundings after lighting up the stick with the blue flame. Huddling together, Champion went over to a gate he'd remembered seeing and lighting an unlit torch next to it, opening the gate. Continuing in to the next room, Link took out a small Guardian and Champion lit up another torch he found, opening a second gate.
Walking around in the new room, Link found the Guidance Stone and inserted his Slate into it, gaining a map and helpfully opening a few roofs on the Beast, allowing light to filter through and for them to see again.
"Great job! To take back Rudania, you're gonna have to get all the terminals. You've got this little guy!" Daruk supportively explained.
They looked at the new map of the Divine Beast, seeing dots representing terminals in different parts of Vah Rudania. Exploring the Divine Beast, Link opened multiple chests and defeated a few more mini-Guardians. Solving a few puzzles to unlock some terminals, Link discovered he could rotate the centre of the Beast, allowing them to use different methods to solve the remaining puzzles, most of them involving fire in some way.
Serving as the brains, Champion instructed Link to try different solutions while Link preferred to brute force the puzzles, earning multiple minor burns. The ancient robot occasionally let out small sounds of gears turning or parts moving as they explored, along with the hot atmosphere inside the robot which was situated in an active volcano. Daruk supported them every time they unlocked another terminal, encouraging them to get the last few. After finding the last terminal, Daruk spoke up again.
"Great job, that was the last terminal! Now go and start up the main control unit!"
Link and Champion hurriedly headed over to the new spot on the map, the main control unit, which was located on the back of the Beast. The interior of a volcano surrounding them from all sides, Link walked over to tap his Slate on a similar strange looking machine which he saw on Vah Ruta before dark strands emerged from it exactly like Vah Ruta.
Both Links steeled themselves as they backed away carefully, watching the monster controlling Vah Rudania start manifesting itself out of the thick black strands in front of them. Having a much bulkier frame than the first monster they fought, it extended a neon blue axe-shaped weapon out of its right hand whilst the other wielded fire.
"Watch yourself! That ugly monster is Ganon's handiwork. It got the best of me a hundred years ago." Daruk stated as the beast roared, "Good luck, little guy!"
Champion stood between the monster and Link, who raised his bow at it. The monster twitched its head at the pair before raising its mighty sword arm and swinging it at Champion, who backflipped and ran towards, getting in a few slashes as time slowed, just like he'd done to the previous monster. Link watched as Champion repeated this a few more times as the monster kept attempting to swipe its sword at him, Link shooting a few arrows while Champion did.
Champion didn't regularly attack monsters with such concentration, usually reserving it for serious threats such as the monsters on Vah Ruta and Rudania. It exhausted him physically and mentally due to how hard he had to focus while doing so, this time being no exception. Although it was more difficult this time, his side disagreeing to cooperate with him the entire time, he could feel his swings getting weaker and his mind becoming more lethargic. Link appeared to notice this and shot the monster in the eye, causing it to fall to the ground and allowing both of them to get free hits in.
The monster eventually had had enough and teleported high up so that none of them could hit him. It manifested fire on its left hand and imbued it into its sword, turning it a bright orange instead of blue, before it roared once more and summoned a fiery shield surrounding its entire body. Raising its left hand high, it started sucking in energy from all around it, causing strong winds to congregate into a single spot on its left palm.
Link took this opportunity and threw a bomb to get swept up by the winds and past the shield before activating it, sending the monster plummeting down, allowing them to get more hits in. Quickly recuperating, it swung its orange sword at them leaving trails of fire in its wake. Champion decided to attack more defensively and stopped rushing in when he dodged to attack.
Pulling out his shield, the monster started tracking him with a laser and Champion parried it back into its eye like it was nothing. Both of them rushed in to continue attacking the monster that was shrouded in smoke from the recent explosion. The monster's movements were getting weaker and it was swinging more wildly than focused. Champion took this as a sign it was getting weaker and ran in to deliver a few more slashes, killing the monster as it squealed in pain.
It started convulsing as its malice body started to melt, beams of light shining out of its centre as it shook in pain. Gripping its chest tightly, it let out one last roar before exploding in a ball of light, officially killing the monster. The malice around the main control unit dissipated as the monster died, allowing Link and Champion to approach it safely. Tapping his Slate onto the pedestal, they heard someone call out behind them.
"Great work, little guy!" Daruk exclaimed, his hands up in the air.
Both Links ran up to him and Daruk gave them both a hug, his hugs were still as strong as Champion had remembered.
"Thanks guys, because of you my spirit is free! Can't thank you enough!" Daruk let out another hearty laugh as they both stepped back to look up at him.
"No problem Daruk, we're happy to help!" Link stated.
"Well, now that we've got Rudania back in our control, lets start the century old beat-up-Ganon plan!" Daruk declared with both Links nodding.
Champion looked down slightly, he still felt a bit dejected even though he knew Daruk would never hold a grudge.
"Hey," Daruk placed a hand on Champion's shoulder, "You did good kid, even better than some of us. The past is the past and now is the present, so lets stop Ganon!" he smashed his fists together as he said so.
Champion's eyes looked down but he nodded quickly.
Daruk turned his attention to Link, "I want to give you something of mine, it's called Daruk's Protection. Its no good for me, but it might be useful to you."
Raising his arms together, Daruk created a ball of light similar to the way Mipha did, before sending it towards Link, the ball disappeared into strands into Link's body.
"Good luck little guy! And give my regards to the Princess!" Daruk waved them goodbye as they started disappearing into strands of light before being teleported off of Vah Rudania. They were teleported back down to where they last were with Yunobo.
"Woah goro! Where'd you come from?" Yunobo said surprised.
"We just came back from Vah Rudania, which should be–" Link was interrupted by a large roar from inside the volcano before they watched as Vah Rudania crawled out of the volcano and aimed its head at Hyrule Castle. Its head bloomed open and revealed a strange device inside which powered up before shooting at Hyrule Castle. Now there were two lasers aimed at the malice-infested Castle.
"Great job goro! Let's head back to Goron City and tell them the good news!" Yunobo exclaimed before the trio raced down the volcano which was now monster-free.
Down in Goron City, they explained what happened to Bludo who thanked them whilst also saying he could've probably done it himself (his back pain happened to have conveniently disappeared). Bludo decided to reward them with a blade that Daruk wielded, the Boulder Breaker. It was incredibly heavy and Daruk made it look light as paper, Champion should've expected that.
Link on the other hand had no problem wielding it which honestly shocked Champion, maybe he should switch to using claymores exclusively like Link. Link stashed the sword away into his Slate with Mipha's as they decided to leave Goron City. Link would've liked to explore but they were on a mission and it was way too hot to enjoy himself in Goron City anyways. Waving goodbye to Bludo and Yunobo, the pair walked through the gate and off to the next location.
Chapter 8: Lost Woods
Summary:
The Links find the Master Sword, unlock more towers, and head to Rito Village.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
To save them some travel time, they decided to teleport to the furthest shrine they had. The next two locations were located in separate corners of the map, Rito Village and Gerudo Town respectively if Champion remembered correctly. Teleporting nearby to the Woodland Stable, they decided to spend the rest of their day relaxing at the stable or the surrounding area as they both quite exhausted, having saved two Divine Beasts in two days, and Link knew that Champion was lying about his side not hurting.
Champion sat outside the stable by the cooking pot, just watching the embers burn quietly. Link left him alone as he talked with different travelers resting at the stable to gather some information that may be useful. Some of them talked about the Master Sword which was reportedly wielded by the hero a hundred years ago and that it rests in the Lost Woods, just north of the stable. Although most admitted to it just being a myth or assumption, Link was curious and ran over to Champion to ask him about it.
"Hey Champion," Link called out as he walked over, Champion lowering his hood to face Link.
Sitting next to Champion on his right, Link asked, "Some travelers told me about a sword called the Master Sword. It was said to have been wielded by the hero a hundred years ago, is this true?"
Champion looked slightly surprised by the question but nodded slowly. 'I held the ----.' Link didn't recognise the last sign but it was probably Champion's sign for the Master Sword.
"They say it's located in the Lost Woods, do you know if this is true?" Link scooted closer in intrigue.
Champion shrugged and signed, 'After I died, I-don't-know where they put it.'
"Well, the Lost Woods is just up this path, do you want to go check it out?" Link asked as he knew Champion got touchy about his past, technically their past.
Champion looked back down to the burning coals before looking back up and nodding, Link excitedly jumping to his feet as he walked off, Champion following him.
They passed through a relatively small forest and another tower which Link shrugged off for later. As they walked deeper into the forest, the wildlife went quiet as it started getting slightly foggy. In front of them stood a stone archway, which looked like it'd seen better days, and two pillars with flames burning on top of it. A spare torch lay around one of the pillars, Link instinctively picking it up while Champion examined the scene carefully.
He couldn't remember how he got the Master Sword the first time that well, he was young and wandered off from the Woodland Stable when he parents weren't watching.
~~~
Walking was tiring. He didn't like walking. They'd been walking for forever and his legs were starting to get tired.
"What's wrong Link? Are you tired?" Link nodded quickly, his legs hurt and he couldn't catch up to them anymore.
The man walked over and scooped him up before walking quickly to catch up with his mom.
"There there Link, I know you're tired but we're almost at the stable." The man cooed whilst patting his back lightly. Link let his legs hang limply as he rested his head on the man's shoulder, propping his head in such a way that he could see his mom walking with them to his right.
"Dear, do you really think it's going to work out?"
"I'm sure honey, don't worry. He may be a bit young but he's had a lot of training."
"Maybe we shouldn't have done it, we should've waited till he's older."
"It'll be fine. Besides, he has to be a knight. Now drop it."
Link watched as his mom's head tilted down slightly as her eyes dropped. He'd heard the man say things like that before and whenever he said to 'drop it' they'd stop talking, Link didn't know why but maybe they were just done talking. They had just brought him to Hyrule Castle earleir and the man told him to do the sword moves they'd practiced at home in front of the man wearing armour and the guy with the beard and crown.
Afterwards, his mom took him with her and they waited outside as the man talked with them. When he asked his mom what was happening inside she just said 'the grown-ups are talking'. Link shrugged it off and wandered around the large garden before the man exited and they started walking to the nearest stable as it was getting late. Link lived at Hateno but they left to go to the castle after he practiced with the man on how to swing a sword for the past few months.
His mom promised they'd make the trip back home tomorrow and would rest at the stable for tonight. Link didn't mind sleeping in new places, besides, he liked stables, there was always so much to explore around them and he could pet the horses if he asked the caretaker nicely. When they reached the stable, Link was transferred over to his mother's hands as the man spoke with the stable owner.
His mother set him down on one of the fluffy beds and tucked him in. Link was already feeling pretty tired, especially after demonstrating his sword skills in front of the castle people, so he didn't squirm as she draped the blanket over him. His mother slowly scooted in with him in the bed and he fell asleep quickly due to his mom's comforting presence.
Stirring awake slowly the next morning, Link noticed his mother and the man weren't here. They probably woke up earlier than him so Link shrugged it off and hopped off the bed. Looking around for them, he saw them standing by the shiny pot which he mother told him not to touch. They were speaking loudly and had the angry faces that Link didn't like. He covered his ears as he inched away slowly, his head hurt whenever they used their loud voices. After exiting the stable from a different way, Link decided to explore as he wasn't allowed to as much recently. The man would shout and scold him if he went to explore.
Link would be quick and he would return before they realised so he wouldn't get scolded, it all worked out. Seeing a path leading up to a forest, he excitedly ran up and looked around at the tall trees. He played around with the shadows the trees cast from the morning sun before continuing up the path. The forest slowly became larger and there was this weird fog thing all around him. He playfully swiped at it and watched as it disappeared before more fog came to fill the space.
Just then, he spotted a deer in the distance in the fog, munching away at some grass. Link crept up slowly towards it to ride on its back, he had done so before and it was super fun but he got scolded by his mother after doing so. He would secretly ride the deer and not tell anyone, then he wouldn't get scolded. Link was so smart. Creeping closer to the deer, he pulled on its tail to propel himself up onto its back, the deer thrashed and kicked in surprise as Link latched onto its neck with all the strength he had.
Link only focused on staying on the deer as it ran around randomly in an attempt to kick him off, they ran through the forest in random directions with branches hitting him multiple times. The deer suddenly made a sharp turn and Link was sent tumbling off down a hill, getting hit by multiple bushes and branches in the process before he eventually stopped once he made it to the bottom.
Getting up slowly, Link noticed he got a few cuts and bruises on his arms and legs that he wouldn't be able to hide. He sighed, now he would be getting scolded for sure. He looked around and noticed he was in some open area in the middle of the forest with a gigantic tree in the middle. Forgetting his concerns, he dashed over quickly to look at the big tree in detail before tripping on some rock of some sort. Standing back up, he didn't notice the stone platform he tripped on that stood in the middle of the opening as it blended in with the tall grass around the area.
There was a strange thing sticking out in the middle of the platform. Walking closer, Link noticed it was a sword, but the sharp part was in the ground. Who would leave their sword in the ground? Link decided to pull it out to return it to the person who left it here. Grabbing the blue hilt, he tugged on it hard but it stayed stuck in the ground. Pulling harder on the stubborn sword, he eventually unlodged it and held it with two hands.
"Little one," a voice called out from behind him, Link turning to see the big tree talking to him.
"The Master Sword, how did you remove it?" The big tree asked him. Link didn't really understand what it meant so he tilted his head. He also didn't know trees could talk but there's a first for everything.
"Nevermind, how old are you, little one?" The tree brushed it off. Link thought for a while before holding out his hand with five fingers, he was technically four but his birthday was soon and his mom always said he was very mature for his age.
"Oh dear," The giant tree stated with a worried tone, "Please, put the sword back. It is for your own good." Link looked back at the sword and reluctantly decided to put it back, whoever left it here would probably come back for it later.
Just then, Link heard two people calling out his name from the trees.
"Link! Link! Where are you boy?"
"Link, dear! Where are you?"
It sounded like the man and his mom respectively. Forgetting about putting the sword back in the stone, he ran over with it to where he heard them coming from. Suddenly, they emerged from the fog and both looked at him with weird faces. His mother had a hand over her mouth with a shocked look whilst the man remained frozen as he stared in surprise. Link turned around to see what they were looking at but when he realised they were looking at him he wondered why they would be so surprised. Was it his bruises?
"L-Link... that sword..." The man stated shakily as he pointed to the sword in his hands. Link lifted it up to show the man proudly but not for long as it was heavy.
The man looked at his mom as she looked at him.
"I-I have to tell someone... a guard or something..." He stammered.
"No! There's no way you can do this to him!" Link noticed his mother started crying as she said that.
"I have to! This could change everything!" The man yelled before grabbing Link's wrist and tugging him out of the forest.
He didn't like it when the man did that but knew not to fight back as he had scolded him when he did. In his other hand he clutched the sword tightly as his mother continued shouting loud things at the man. Link's head started to hurt as they both shouted and he saw the animals running away. He couldn't cover his ears so it sounded louder than usual, especially because he was between their yelling.
Link shut his eyes tightly as he was pulled through the tall grass, hoping everything would just go quiet if he kept his eyes closed hard enough.
~~~
"Champion?" Someone's voice cut through.
Champion startled back from where he was standing and tripped, falling onto his back as he inched away slightly. It was Link.
"Are you alright? You weren't responding to me and your eyes looked weird–" Link abruptly stopped when Champion flinched away when he extended his hand to him.
Champion's breathing quickened slightly as his throat felt like it was closing. He rubbed his shaky hand on his forehead and realised he was sweating. He shut his eyes as the sounds around him felt like they were mixing together. He couldn't think straight, the memory of him in the forest came out of nowhere and he didn't know why. It wasn't like he forgot, he just... repressed it.
"Are you okay?" Link stated calmly whilst keeping his distance. Champion looked more like a skittish animal to him than the refined fighter he knew.
Champion blinked slowly before turning his head to look at Link, his face blank. Link watched as his face contorted into weird shapes before he eventually realised that Link was in front of him. Once assuming that Champion was okay-enough, Link extended his hand to help him up, not expecting Champion to actually accept it.
"Do you still want to go find the Master Sword...?" Link asked slowly, if Champion wasn't okay with it then he'd do it another time.
Surprisingly, Champion nodded and pointed to the Lost Woods. Link simply nodded in response and they went to find it. The pair walked through the thick fog with trees that all looked identical, feeling like they were making progress while not making any progress at all. Champion found it weird that pollen particles drifted through the air despite not feeling any breeze blowing through.
"Maybe we should turn around... I think we're lost," Link suggested, they didn't call it the Lost Woods for nothing.
Turning back, they took a few steps before they were already at the same stone archway. They both shared a confused look, they'd clearly walked for longer, how did they leave so quickly? Looking at the flame, Champion noticed how it was also blowing in the wind despite not feeling anything. Picking up the torch, Champion lit it with the fire and guided them through the forest, following the way the flame unnaturally changed directions.
Ducking under a large tree branch, they noticed a sudden large area within the forest that was free of fog. Champion recognised the large tree standing in the centre as the same one he'd seen one hundred and fourteen years ago. Walking over slowly, they noticed Koroks hid behind bushes and trees that disappeared when they got close. Champion led Link slowly to the same stone platform with the Master Sword, that was left halfway in the stone, its brilliant blue hilt shining with the sunlight that managed to shine through the thick foliage.
Champion froze up and he swallowed, he didn't know what to do. There it was, in all its glory, the Master Sword. The scourge of his problems. Link excitedly walked up to the sword and examined it before putting his hands on the hilt. Before he pulled, he heard a booming voice speak up.
"Hello little one," The giant tree spoke, "I have watched over the sword for you for the past hundred years."
Champion bowed before the magnificent sakura tree before it spoke up again.
"I have to warn you, child. You need a hero's strength to pull the sword, be mindful." The tree warned.
They nodded before conferring with one another.
"Do you think we will be able to?" Link nervously asked. Champion shrugged and pointed to himself, offering to pull the sword for them. Seeing as how he was the original wielder, Link didn't mind and followed Champion back to the platform.
Champion reluctantly rested his hands on the hilt, which felt familiar in his hands whilst bringing back some bad memories. Slowly, Champion lifted the sword out of the stone just enough to see that he still could before releasing it back into its stand. Champion didn't know if he wanted to pull the sword, at least not right now. Link approached the sword next and placed his hands on the hilt before pulling, the metal of the sword turning bright as Link struggled.
Link suddenly released the hilt and rubbed his hands, Champion rushing over to see what happened.
"It burned me..." Link stated softly as he showed Champion his palms, which were slightly red.
"It appears you have gotten weak hero." The tree spoke, "Do not worry, for you can always try again."
The boys looked at each other quietly at the trees words before Champion nodded for them. Turning his attention back to Link's burns, he asked Link to take out some Chu Chu jelly which he then rubbed on Link's palms, he knew that Chu Chu jelly helped with burns as Mipha had told him previously. Sitting down on the stone platform, Champion recognised the slightly dejected look on Link's face as he sat down next to him.
In an attempt to lift his spirits, Champion pointed out a shrine in the nearby area, beckoning Link to go explore it and the surrounding area. Link immediately shot up and left to do the shrine, leaving Champion alone on the stone platform, right next to the Master Sword. Staring at the Master Sword, Champion turned his attention to the giant tree which was peacefully still.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to warn you earlier, little one." The tree spoke up, despite his large voice he sounded quiet.
Champion waved a hand as to say it was fine before bowing before the tree in respect, due in part to the fact that he guarded the Master Sword for over a hundred years and possibly longer in the past. The ancient tree didn't say anything, but it didn't need to. Champion sat comfortably in silence before Link came bounding back with his clothes significantly more messed up then literally a few minutes ago.
Champion cleaned up Link's shirt before plucking out leafs and twigs from Link's messy hair, redoing his ponytail for him in the process which was horrible before he redid it. They discussed about the Master Sword and eventually settled on leaving it here, they could always come back to get it later as they now had the shrine and Link needed to become stronger anyways.
Teleporting back to Woodland Stable, they had a small meal before Link took out Blue from the stable (using some Malanya magic or something). Asking for some directions before leaving, Link stated that it was probably Rito Village in the north and that they'd have to pass through Hyrule Field to reach Tabantha. Champion nodded and they both got on Blue before setting off.
Link welcomed the cloudy overcast. It provided some much needed shade from the midday sun especially as they were now galloping through Hyrule Field, which was barren of trees that served as natural shade. Adjusting his tunic slightly, his scars usually itched when he got overheated or sweaty so he tried his best to air it out without scratching them.
He was sitting behind Champion who had taken control of the reins in front of him. Link noticed how he always seemed to maintain his distinguished posture except for when he was feeling sad or angry, which was impressive. He always looked around with his sharp eyes and his ears flicked when he heard any noise, he was always the first to take out his weapons and rarely got distracted.
Despite this, Link felt like he'd been able to crack his tough persona as he'd seen Champion loosen up and smile a few times with him. Looking around the vast field, Link spotted the malice-infested Hyrule Castle, which had large pillars jutting out of the ground towards it and large strands of malice weaving itself around the castle. It reeked of something evil and Link got goosebumps just from looking at it.
Focusing on Champion, he seemed to ignore the castle, possibly because of bad memories or such, but suddenly stopped the horse.
Link peaked around his shoulder, "What's up?" This was echoed by Blue who whinnied at the sudden stop.
Champion pointed in the distance to a familiar six-legged creature that was patrolling a small area of field.
"Hm, should we just avoid it?" Link suggested before being cut off by a shake of the head. Link noticed how Champion tended to attack any Guardian-related creature as if he held a personal grudge with each one.
"Alright, we can circle it on Blue. I'll use my bow and you can use a sword," Champion seemed hesitant but agreed with the idea, slowly getting Blue to start moving again towards the Guardian.
It quickly noticed them in the vast field and aimed its laser at them whilst crawling over to them, Blue's speed making it easy to disorientate the robot into walking in circles. Aiming his bow at the Guardian's blue eye, Link managed to shoot it directly in the eye which caused it to malfunction for a short while. Leaning Blue in, Champion jabbed at its metallic hull with a long spear, Link using his claymore to slice at its legs.
Once it came back online, it shot a few retaliatory lasers which were luckily dodged by Blue and the pair. Champion had his full focus on the Guardian and Blue, maintaining a safe distance whilst still being close enough so that Link could shoot at it. Suddenly, Champion heard Blue let out a loud whine and turned forward to see that they were heading towards a small patch of large rocks. Champion attempted to stir Blue away but it was too late and she tripped on one of the smaller rocks, sending all three of them on the ground.
Champion attempted to get up but his leg was caught under Blue, whilst soothing her, Champion tried to help her up but his side was also protesting. Link lay on the ground nearby as the Guardian moved closer to him. Deciding to help Link first, Champion disappeared and reappeared near Link but it was too late. Champion witnessed the Guardian send a deadly laser towards Link's raised arms as he was still in the middle of recuperating.
Just as he thought Link was done for, a strange orange shield materialised around his entire body as a Goron appeared, reflecting the laser back at the Guardian and killing it. The Goron, which looked like Daruk, had its arms stretched as it deflected the shot, the shield and Goron disappearing soon afterwards. Ignoring the Guardian carcass, Champion rushed up to Link's side and pulled him up. In his once-over, Champion discerned that Link was fine overall except for a few scratches after the initial crash.
Link seemingly ignored Champion as he rushed over to help Blue up, Champion snapping out of his daze to help him. After feeding Blue some carrots and apples, Champion turned his attention back to Link.
'Are-you-okay?' Champion signed.
"I'm fine, just a few cuts. I think that was Daruk's Protection, the thing he gave me yesterday," Link suggested as he looked down at his hands.
Champion nodded whilst putting a thoughtful hand up to his chin.
"Hey, do you think we should find out how to get Mipha's Grace to wor–" Link was cut off by a stern pinch to his ear, Champion glaring at the idea of testing out strange powers.
"Okay okay, I'm sorry!" Link pulled on Champion's hand to remove it, Champion eventually releasing his grip.
Getting back up onto Blue, they resumed their trip to Rito Village, walking over to a nearby path. As Link sat behind Champion, he excitedly pointed out a tower in the distance which Champion seemed to consider, eventually nodding and turning Blue towards the new objective. They were trotting along before Champion suddenly stopped Blue and dragged both of them off.
'Monsters.' Champion signed before pointing out two Guardians walking about and more decayed Guardians laying around the tower, which was surrounded by multiple destroyed stone ruins.
"Do you think we shouldn't get the tower? We can go get it a different time," Link asked, looking at Champion's thinking face.
'No. Let's get-it now.' Champion decided, pulling out his weapons as they walked over quietly.
Leaving Blue in a grassy meadow, they managed to sneak by the two Guardians walking around and were hiding behind a stone wall. Champion had his head turned around the corner as he monitored the two wandering Guardians, Link stood behind him cautiously. Hearing some quiet churring behind him, Link turned to see one of the decayed Guardians, that was half submerged in dirt, slowly starting up.
Alerting Champion, he rooted himself between Link and the Guardian with his shield held up. Timing when the Guardian would shoot in his head, he flicked his shield slightly later than usual, causing the reflected laser to fly off to the side instead of at the Guardian. Luckily, the blast did not alert the two roaming Guardians, unluckily, it caused another nearby decayed Guardian to wake up.
Link quickly split up to go deal with the second Guardian, running around it to take advantage of its lack of legs. Pulling out his bow, he quickly shot it in the eye before swiping at it with his claymore, that despite not doing much, still did damage to the robot. Champion refocused his attention onto the Guardian with his shield raised, ignoring everything else around him to focus on timing the shot. As the beeping increased, it fired the shot which Champion perfectly parried, killing the Guardian with its own explosion.
Running over to help Link, the Guardian died just as he reached, giving him time to examine Link for injuries.
"I'm fine, you don't have to treat me like a baby," Link teased. He'd noticed this habit of Champion's to check him after every fight, something which he appreciated. Champion simply rolled his eyes at the comment before letting him go and climb the tower.
Descending a few minutes later, they examined the map together before heading back to Blue, sneaking past the two Guardians again. Saddling back onto Blue and now equipped with a map, Link sat in front as he led them westward towards the Tabantha region. Champion relaxed slightly as he sat behind Link, looking around at the landmarks. His heart fell slightly when he looked at Hyrule Castle before being replaced by anger and guilt, shaking all the feelings off entirely by simply looking away.
Overall, they had a relatively peaceful ride as they stayed in companionable silence. Champion felt safe with Link and, despite being the same person, found Link's differences to him endearing. Small things like how Link preferred to use claymores or how he was always messy strangely built Champion's fondness for Link, even though he strayed far away from the silent knight that Champion was.
Passing a bridge, Link watched as the arrow representing him on the map passed from the green of Hyrule Field to the fuzzy unexplored regions. Looking around the new area, rocks spiked inwards overhead, their appearance bone pale and filled with small craters. In the distance was a fork in the road, where they stopped when they arrived. Champion hopped off the horse and approached a wooden sign, examining for a short while before pointing towards the left, Link nodding as Champion got back on while he turned Blue over to the left.
Galloping on the new path, they slowly made their way up an incline before emerging out of the stoney cavern. A magnificent wetland was located to their right, mushroom-like trees propped out of the soggy terrain of varying heights. Link wanted to go explore the wetland so badly but as Champion was sitting behind him, he lazily wrapped himself around Link, preventing him from leaving.
Grumbling slightly, Link made up the poor excuse of the tower nearby to explore the surrounding area. Champion shook his head and pointed in the distance to plumes of smoke, signifying that a stable was nearby, before pointing to the sky, which had oncoming black clouds.
"Alright, but can we go tomorrow?" Link pleaded, turning to Champion to give him his best "puppy eyes" face. Champion's face looked extraordinarily unimpressed but eventually caved and nodded.
Excitedly, Link hurried their pace towards the stable, Blue huffing slightly. Just before reaching the stable, Link spotted a lone traveler on the side of the road, their head down with their hands on their face. Stopping to hop off of Blue, Champion watched as Link approached the sobbing traveler from atop Blue, seeing them engage in brief conversation.
Although Champion couldn't hear exactly what they were talking about, he watched Link's face scrunch up in confusion before a smoke cloud appeared around the traveler, quickly dissipating to reveal a strange red-clothed figure with a white mask, an upside Sheikah symbol of the crying eye imprinted on it. The attacker was wielding a one handed scythe-like weapon and he quickly rushed towards Link, who jumped back just as the attacker striked.
Hopping off of Blue with his sword out, Champion slashed at the attacker in an downwards strike, causing him to stumble backwards in pain. Pulling out his claymore, Link moved in with Champion to surround the attacker and they swiped at him before he performed a strange symbol with his hands, causing him to disappear completely.
Champion remained on his guard as he looked around, quietly listening for any sign of the attacker returning. A soft rumble of thunder in the distance distracting his train of thought and focusing on Link instead, who was also looking around carefully. He herded Link back towards Blue and they quickly galloped over to the stable to escape the thunderstorm or the possible threat of the attacker returning.
As Link handed Blue to the care of the horse handler, he could feel Champion's scrutinising gaze on him and every other person at the stable. Link knew that Champion was understandingly cautious after the sudden ambush but he worried that he may distrust people more, seeing as how he didn't even like talking to anyone at stables. The rain started picking up and pattered loudly on the stable's fabric roof above them as they sat on nearby beds together, facing each other.
Link watched Champion's eyes dart around the room as the stable filled with soaked travelers attempting to escape the rain.
"We'll be alright, the stable is safe," Link spoke up, drawing Champion's attention instantly.
Champion shook his head and signed, 'You don't-know that.' Before putting his hood up.
"I do know that assuming that everyone is bad isn't a way to live," Link pointed out before lying down in the bed.
Champion sighed quietly before setting his equipment down and reluctantly lying in bed as well, leaving himself vulnerable as he trusted Link's words.
Awakening early in the morning, Champion had had a bad night. He had multiple nightmares and couldn't sleep over the loud thunder on his sensitive ears. Champion didn't know why he was experiencing so many nightmares, especially after the blood moon a few days back, so he decided to just ignore it and power through. Luckily the rain had stopped and most of the travelers had either left or were wandering about outside, making it feel much less claustrophobic.
Shaking Link awake, he ignored his whines as he reequipped his belongings. Watching as Link urged his way out of bed, Champion walked out to the cooking pot and prepared two baked apples, handing one to Link who had by then stumbled out of the stable and towards him. The apple seemed to help wake Link up who then approached the stableowner to take out Blue, Champion remaining by the cooking pot as he observed the other travelers as they slowly left.
Champion watched as Blue was taken out and walked over as Link thanked the caretaker. Getting onto Blue with Link sitting behind him, they trotted back down the path they came from last night to approach the tower in the distance. Once they noticed it was on a mountain, they got off Blue and walked around a sloped side of the mountain that slowly led up to the tower.
Walking through the wetland to reach the side, they eventually made it to the top and noticed it was located in the middle of a large lake that was infested with Lizalfos and weird creatures dressed in robes that jumped around in the air. Champion noticed they all wielded weapons with electricity imbued in them in one way or another and stopped them from approaching any closer, pointing out the electrical weapons they held.
They both quietly thought of a solution before Link appeared to come up with something, running off to a nearby metal crate. Lifting it with Magnesis, he brought it back to Champion and placed a blue bomb underneath. Champion was confused but helped Link to prop the box in a certain angle, facing the tower. Champion watched as Link tapped at his Slate before the box suddenly had a yellow hue, Link asking Champion to hit the box multiple times.
Champion obliged, swiping at the box and noticing how it didn't move but created a yellow arrow in the direction it would've before Link asked him to move back. Standing a safe distance away, Link activated the bomb underneath the box which moved the arrow to point towards the tower and turn red, Champion titled his head in intrigue but still maintained a safe distance from Link.
Suddenly, the yellow hue disappeared and the box went flying up towards the tower, skipping over all the monsters. Champion watched as Link jumped off the box and landed on the top of the tower, the box breaking apart as it hit the tower's wall due to the sheer force of the accumulated inertia. Champion didn't know how to feel about the reckless act and reappeared in front of Link atop the tower. Link looked at Champion with a fake innocent smile, attempting to avoid Champion's wrath, who was scowling at him deeply.
Champion punched Link's shoulder angrily, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'll tell you what I'm doing next time, I promise!" Link stated with his hand raised playfully.
Champion rolled his eyes as Link ran off towards the pedestal before returning to show the unlocked map. Champion nodded and Link paraglided off of the tower, Champion reappearing next to him on the ground once Link reached the ground. They returned back down the mountain to Blue, Champion sitting in front and Link at the back. Returning back to the stable, Link quickly got the shrine and made a few meals before returning back onto Blue. Once Link got back on, Champion ordered Blue to continue with a swift flick of her reins.
Crossing over a long old wooden bridge above a massive canyon, Champion didn't really trust its structural integrity but made his way across as it was his only choice. Link looked at the deep cavern in amazement, spotting a few windmills dotted around inside. It's sheer scale was magnificent and Link wanted to explore every nook and cranny in the canyon, knowing that Champion would probably disprove.
Link sighed quietly before looking at the back of Champion's head, his blonde hair somehow looking as refined as him. Link had been feeling a strange feeling recently when he was with Champion, ever since the incident with the Master Sword. It felt like... uncertainty, doubt.
"Hey Champion, can I ask you something?" Link poked Champion's shoulder, receiving a nod.
"Am I a hero?" Link asked quietly, watching as Champion's back froze before he nodded and turned around.
'Why?' Champion asked.
"I mean, I'm not a good fighter like you... a good cook... or even that smart." Link paused as he looked down, "And... I can't even pull out the Master Sword, the literal sign that you're the hero."
By then, Champion had completely turned around on Blue to face Link. He placed a supportive hand on Link's shoulder once he was done talking before taking both hands to sign.
'You-are a hero. You do-not need the Master-Sword.' Champion's hands hesitated, 'The Master-Sword did-not do me any good. There is more to being a hero than that, like being yourself and trying your best.'
Champion hugged Link tightly afterwards before he could respond. He hated the stereotype that the hero needed the sword, it ruined his life when he was younger and now he didn't want it to burden Link. Link wouldn't understand the hardships Champion had, that he wouldn't want to be like him. Slowly pulling away, Link seemed to take it well as he was smiling now which Champion treasured.
Blue let out a small huff and Champion quickly turned back around to face the front and guide Blue. The path had been separated by multiple stone columns with what looked like multiple flying variants of the Guardian hovering around. Champion considered what to do and just decided to rush through, taking Link's hands and placing them on his waist before performing a quick flick of Blue's reins' causing her to gallop quickly through the valley. Weaving through the pillars, the flying Guardians attempted to chase after them but their propellers couldn't keep up with them.
Turning a corner between two large mountains, the flying Guardians thankfully gave up, stopping Blue to let her rest. Letting out a soft sigh, he felt Link's hands wrapped tightly around his waist. Turning to poke his head, Link snuggled tighter in retaliation, Champion playfully pushing him away.
"I don't care that there's no monsters, I just wanna hug you," Link nuzzled into Champion's back.
Champion rolled his eyes and got off Blue, causing Link to fall off and onto the grass.
"Meanie," Link stuck his tongue out at him. Champion feigned pain by clenching his hand over his chest and pointed to the tower standing proudly on the nearby hill, watching as Link's demeanour immediately changed as he got up to head over.
Leaving Blue to graze in a nearby field, they trekked up the mountain, taking out some Bokoblins and Moblins on the way. Once reaching the top, they noticed that the bottom half of the tower was covered in malice and surrounded by old stone pillars. Although Link and Champion didn't know much about malice, neither was willing to test what would happened if they touched it but they did know that the monsters controlling the Divine Beasts were made out of it, which meant they were probably bad.
Champion thought on a way to bypass the malice as it surrounded the entire base before being distracted by Link who called out to him. Turning his head, he spotted Link reaching the top of one of the pillars, triumphantly raising his hands as he did, and preparing to jump from the pillar to the tower. Naturally worried, Champion anxiously watched but didn't interfere as he didn't want to seem like a "mother cucco".
Link jumped across and gripped onto the mesh of the tower, sliding down slightly as he did, maintaining a safe distance from the black goop below. Flashing Champion a cheeky grin, he resumed his usual climb up the tower like he'd done on previous towers. Champion rested against a stone pillar, waiting patiently for Link to return. Paragliding down a few minutes later, Link showed Champion the newly uncovered map with what appeared to be Rito Village in the north.
Link excitedly ran down the mountain with Champion following close behind, passing through areas they'd previously cleared. Approaching Blue at the bottom, Link sat at the front this time as he had the directions with his new map. Trotting past the mountains, they passed over a very skinny bridge, that Champion thought was definitely too dangerous to be used but Blue and Link seemingly had no issue with it, with a large lake to the left.
Walking downhill, Link spotted a stable in the distance and a large robotic bird flying above Rito Village, excitedly pointing it out to Champion who attempted to unsuccessfully soothe his excitement. Reaching the stable, Link placed Blue in the hands of the caretaker as Champion waited a few metres away. Link then explored the stable and the surrounding area, looking at the tall pine trees in interest.
Champion urged Link over to head up to Rito Village, Link reluctantly making his way over (with the help of a pinch). Feeling the crunch of snow under his boots, Champion suggested for Link to wear the Warm Doublet if it got too cold, Link brushing it off and saying that he was fine. After giving him a nod, they walked across the swaying bridge, heading over to Rito Village.
Notes:
didn't beta read this one as much lol sorry
Chapter 9: Rito Village
Summary:
The Links annoy Teba, Champion has beef with Revali, and they head down to Gerudo Town.
Chapter Text
Crossing a few wooden bridges to get to Rito Village, they looked up to see the Divine Beast flying overhead, making a few occasional roars. Rito Village was located on a tall rock pillar with the shops and house jutting out the side, surrounded entirely by a large moat with only a few bridges strung together for non-Rito to reach the Village. The area was slightly colder than usual, a giant mountain range covered in snow in the background possibly explaining why.
Whilst walking in Rito Village, Link asked the locals for the "leader" of Rito Village, being told it was an elderly owl who lived at the top named Kaneli. Champion walked up the spiraling staircases as Link thanked them, eventually reaching the top which was surprisingly tranquil and provided a nice view of the surroundings. Inside the highest house, was an elderly owl just like they said who was sitting in a rocking chair, rocking back and forth as he closed his eyes.
"Excuse me," Link said softly, not wanting to frighten the sleeping owl.
Kaneli quickly woke up and looked at the two visitors. "Ah visitors, welcome to Rito Village, we aren't in the–" the owl suddenly paused before leaning forwards in his chair to look at Link closely, "Hm... forgive my manners, but is that not a Sheikah Slate on your hip?" Kaneli asked, pointing a feathery finger at it.
"Yes it is, my name is Link and this is Champion. I, well he, is the Hylian Champion from one hundred years ago," Link clarified.
"The Hylian Champion? Forgive me, but the Champions have been dead for a hundred years, how is he the Champion?" Kaneli asked, scratching his head.
"He is a ghost and we're trying to save the Divine Beasts to stop Ganon," Link explained, stating how they'd already saved Vah Ruta and Rudania.
"Hoo hoo hoo, just my luck then! Could you please help us deal with Vah Medoh?" Kaneli exclaimed, letting out a laugh that sounded more like a trill, "Only a Champion can best such a Beast, I have already tried explaining this to my Rito warriors but they didn't listen. Harth and Teba attempted to confront Vah Medoh, but Harth was injured in the process," Kaneli sighed.
"I see, can they help us?" Link asked.
"After Harth got injured, they had to retreat. This only seemed to make Teba more determined and I fear he may attack the Beast again, this time on his own. Teba's wife Saki may be able to tell you more about his whereabouts, please get him to help you," The old owl explained with a hint of worry.
"Alright, thanks for the help," Link and Champion bowed before leaving the room, walking down towards Saki who lived nearby.
Before speaking up, Saki started talking first, addressing the boys.
"Forgive my intrusion, but I overheard you speaking with the elder. It sounded like you intended to help my husband, Teba, in the fight against Medoh," Saki started with the pair nodding in agreement, "But to tell you the truth, there is not much I can do for you right now beyond telling you where my husband went."
"Well, where did he go?" Link asked as Saki recalled.
"My husband headed to a place called the Flight Range. It's in Dronoc's Pass at the base of the Hebra Mountains," Saki explained as she pointed towards the mountains,
"It's a place where Rito warriors prepare for aerial combat. I imagine he's gone there to gather weapons for another run at Medoh. As it happens, he made his way to the Flight Range on foot this time."
"If you take off from Revali's Landing," Saki pointed to a nearby large wooden platform with a symbol on it, "It's a straight shot down to the Flight Range. Revali's Landing is a memorial for the Rito Champion, Revali. It is named as such so we will not forget about that horrible day."
The pair turned to look at the platform from Saki's house before Champion turned to her and nodded, beginning to walk out before he noticed Link staying put. Approaching him confused, he noticed Link's eyes had the same glassy look as he looked at the Landing, reassuring Saki that he was fine and they'd just need to wait. Champion was curious what memory of Revali he could be recalling, given that he didn't like most of the time he spent with him.
Just remembering the bird's cocky demeanour made him internally roll his eyes. Half the time he didn't say anything to his face, mainly because Champion didn't say anything, but if he did their relationship would've worsened. Whilst Champion could acknowledge that he had a few good qualities, such as his fighting, it was quite hard to appreciate anything else, a large gaping hole being his personality.
At the end of the day, Champion ultimately decided that he'd treat Revali with respect when he possibly meets him later, just like he'd previously done with Mipha and Daruk. If he even bothers to show up. Champion thought before noticing that Link was slowly coming back to his senses. Placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, he titled his head to ask what happened.
"I had a memory, with Revali." Link stated somberly, Saki and Champion listening quietly.
"He was, uh, upset... to say the least. Something about him being an assistant to me despite being more skilled than me," Champion watched as Link chose his words carefully, as not to offend the Rito standing right next to him, despite the fact they both knew Revali wasn't the nicest.
"I see. Well, you two should get going now, before my husband leaves," Saki stated, Champion nodding quickly to escape this awkward situation as he tugged Link out of the room and down to the Landing.
Link rubbed his head lightly, remembering things always made him feel slightly dazed, but he noticed that after he mentioned Revali, Champion's face dulled slightly. Perhaps Champion didn't like Revali? He was a bit self-absorbed in the brief memory, but Link supposed he was just upset that he wasn't the hero, which Link wouldn't blame him for. Standing at the Landing, Champion pointed roughly towards where Dronoc's Pass was based on where Saki directed them, gesturing for Link to paraglide down there.
"Let's get some stuff from the village first!" Link exclaimed before he ran down the steps so that Champion couldn't argue. Champion rolled his eyes at Link's obvious lie but let him run off anyways, slowly walking down the steps to follow him.
Champion found Link at an armour shop, the Brazen Beak, looking at some clothes. Walking into the store, he tapped Link's shoulder and tilted his head, Link's sign that he was curious.
"I was just gonna go find you! What do you think I should buy, these pants or this shirt?" Link pointed to two different clothes displayed in the shop, both designed to help against the cold.
'You do-not have cold clothes?' Champion asked, pointing out his Warm Doublet.
"Well yeah, but my legs get cold and you're cold too. So how about I buy something and we can split it?" Link offered.
'I-do-not get cold. I have elixirs anyways.' Champion stated, taking out an elixir.
Link brushed away the elixir and asked him again which one he should buy, Champion simply shrugged, so he just decided to buy the cheapest option which was some pants. Champion reluctantly paid for the pants before dragging Link back up to the Landing. He watched as Link paraglided as far as he could towards Dronoc's Pass, landing near the path. Champion appeared next to him and the cold instantly bit at him and he drank the cold elixir, dodging Link catching him in the process as he wore the Warm Doublet. Link offered the pants to which Champion declined, Link sticking his tongue out as he wore them.
"Your loss," Link teased. Champion punched him in the shoulder and pointed forwards as they both started walking over.
After looking at his Slate's map, Link guided them over, dealing with a few small camps made of Bokoblins along the way. Collecting a few shrines along the way, they reached a small area in the mountain, with strong updrafts and a ladder to a wooden hut. Link climbed up and saw a Rito with white feathers standing by a bow, Champion appearing next to him a few seconds later.
"Who are you?" The Rito spoke up, not bothering to face them as he polished his bow.
"I'm Link and this is Champion. The Rito elder, Kaneli, asked us to see you to help you take down Vah Medoh," Link explained softly.
The Rito, who they presumed to be Teba, turned around and faced them. Link felt like his gaze could rival that of Champion's with the way his sharp eyes examined the two.
"Some random Hylians want to help me bring down Divine Beast Vah Medoh? I'm not buying it," Teba crossed his arms as he looked down at the pair, "Just like the elder to trust any fool wandering into town."
"Um... we just came to help you. Can we help you... or bring you back to Rito Village, please?" Link asked with his most innocent look.
"Look. You guys seem like all-right people, but let me make one thing clear: I'm not going anywhere," Teba shut the conversation down, going back to sitting down and polishing his bow.
"Is there anyway we can prove ourselves? To help you?" Link asked, sitting down and scooting up next to Teba, completely disregarding personal space, which seemed to be something Link was good at.
"Ha, you think you can help? Even if you could, there's no way we can set foot in Medoh," Teba said as he purposely flocked his feathers in Link's face.
"Actually, I could," Link corrected, Champion settling down on Teba's left and annoying him as well.
"So not only are you wingless, but you're brainless as well. The only people able to enter the Divine Beasts are the five Champions of old," Teba responded, pushing both boys purposely with his elbows, Champion hissing slightly.
Brushing off Champion's reaction, Teba continued, "And unfortunately for us, they all died a hundred years ago." Teba ignored Champion and Link's suspicion glances they shared when he said that.
"Actually, we are the Champions of old, the Hylian Champion who died a hundred years ago. He's a ghost, which is how he's here," Link explained.
"What? How?" Teba exclaimed.
"I don't really know how to explain it to you, but I can prove it. We've stopped two Divine Beasts and..." Link paused as he showed Teba his Sheikah Slate, "I have this."
"I..." Teba paused, looking at them separately, "I see."
Teba set down his bow as he looked down quietly.
"I'm still going to test you, before I take you with me." Teba stood up, prompting both of them to do so too.
Teba explained that the test will involve using the updrafts in this ravine. He'll set up some floating targets for Link to shoot at in the ravine, seeing how many he'll be able to hit in three minutes. He initially asked who would do it but both volunteered Link too, so Teba didn't push further. After he set them up, he and Champion stood inside the hut before Teba set up a timer for three minutes and Link set off, using his paraglider to hit the targets.
Champion and Teba stood by the heat of the cooking pot as they watched Link glide up and down to shoot at the targets. He hit most of them but for a certain few it seemed like he fired them impossibly fast, as if time slowed when he did. Champion knew the descendants of the Champions inherited some of their abilities, such as Yunobo inheriting Daruk's shield power. Maybe Link inherited his Champion Ability?
Three minutes later, Link returned onto the platform, panting slightly, as Teba evaluated his performance. Although Champion stood away so he couldn't hear, he saw Teba's face look less serious so he assumed it was good news. After watching them talk, they walked over and explained to Champion the plan. Link would ride on Teba's back and he'd bring them up to the Beast, using bomb arrows, Link would shoot at its cannons whilst Teba attempts to distract it.
"So where will you be?" Teba directed his question to Champion.
"He's a ghost, he'll just disappear or something," Link stated nonchalantly.
"If you say so. Are you ready to go? Got everything you need?" Teba asked Link. Of the two bomb arrows Link already had, Teba provided him with a few more.
"Yup! Let's go!" Link strangely said with an excited tone. Teba looked at Champion who simply shrugged in response before disappearing. These two are crazy.
Teba knelt down on one leg and Link hopped onto his back. Grabbing tightly onto his back, Teba started flapping his wing-arms and slowly set off. They slowly flew out of the ravine and up towards the Beast, the temperatures decreasing as they rose higher, Link was thankful he got the pants from the shop. Approaching the Divine Beast, it roared as it noticed them, activating a barrier around its entire body and summoning cannons around its body.
Turning his head, he gave Link a nod and Link jumped off his back, intermittently opening and closing his paraglider to move closer to one of the cannons. Teba flew around, distracting the cannon as Link approached slowly. He quickly closed his paraglider and took out his bow, shooting a bomb arrow at the cannon before taking out his paraglider, this whole process done in a few seconds. Luckily, his first shot managed to hit the cannon, destroying it with three more to go.
Taking out his paraglider again, he glided over to the next cannon on another corner of the barrier. Slowly reaching the cannon, Teba was flying around haphazardly to distract it before Link quickly took out his bow again and aimed. This time however, time seemed to slow as he watched the bomb on the arrow spark away slowly and the snowflakes in the air slowed like honey. Suddenly, an apparition of Champion appeared to his right, transparent with a blue hue.
He directed Link to focus on the target, take his attention away from everything else and aim the bow slightly higher, just above the cannon. Giving Link a nod, he released the drawstring and fired, time quickly returning back to normal as the Champion-ghost disappeared. Taking out his paraglider, he watched the cannon explode perfectly after he followed the headers from Champion. Shaking off his confusion, he glided over to the next cannon as more lasers fired through the air as they attempted to hit Teba.
The next two cannons were destroyed in the same method Champion demonstrated, although it felt harder to do everytime. As all the destroyed cannons sparked and buzzed, they slowly exploded one by one, the red barrier slowly dissipating as they did before disappearing completely. Teba quickly flew up next to Link who was gliding down towards the Beast slowly, revealing the news that he got accidentally hit in the leg, his usual white feathers charred black.
Teba told Link he wouldn't be able to follow him due to his injury and wished him luck on his own. Link gave him a nod as Teba flew back to the Flight Range and he glided towards the tail of Vah Medoh. Landing on the tail, his legs felt like jelly and he fell to the floor of the ancient robot, lying against the cold metal. Champion reappeared and quickly rushed over, lifting up Link's head and placing it on his lap.
He tapped Link's face gently in worry, watching his face for any changes. Link's vision was blurry and he just needed some time to breathe, he didn't feel sick or hurt, just tired. He didn't really have the energy to explain to Champion how he felt as he felt too tired to even open his mouth. Champion didn't know what to do, he'd never seen Link like this and he had no visible injuries, the only thing he could do was wait and hope he got better, like when he had memories.
It'd been a few minutes by then and he noticed that despite not doing anything, Link appeared to get better, even sitting up on his own to give Champion a grin.
'What-happened?' Champion signed anxiously multiple times.
"I'm fine, I'm fine... I just felt so exhausted for some reason. Especially after I did that slow-motion-shooting-stuff," Link reassured, rubbing his head slightly.
Champion tilted his head before seemingly understanding, standing up and helping pull Link up.
'Do-not do it much. Save your energy carefully.' Champion advised like a parent speaking to their child.
Link thought about it for a while before asking, "Is it your magic ghost power or something?" Receiving a so-so hand wave.
Champion shrugged it off and pointed towards the pedestal, helping Link over.
"Is that why you can fight real slow sometimes as well?" A nod.
"Will you teach me?" Link asked excitedly and was ignored, Champion pointing to the pedestal instead.
"Alright, alright." Link tapped his Slate onto the pedestal, lighting up the Sheikah emblem on the floor blue.
As per usual, they heard a voice in their heads.
"Well now, I've seen that face before." The voice, probably Revali's, spoke up. It felt like there was an air of confidence in every word he said, "I knew you'd show up eventually, but making me wait a hundred years? Seems a bit... indulgent."
Link looked over to Champion, who was rolling his eyes, which earned him a punch to the shoulder from Link.
"You're here to take back control of Medoh from Ganon, correct?" Champion could practically hear him scoffing, "If so, you'll want to find yourself a map, which is located on a Guidance Stone within the Divine Beast. Can you make it there?"
Fueled out of pure spite, Champion grabbed Link and rushed through the Beast, solving all the puzzles extremely quickly just to prove that he could. He impatiently waited for Link to move some metallic platforms with Magnesis to make a bridge to the Guidance Stone located on the other side, destroying the mini Guardian on the other side through pure anger.
Link attempted to calm Champion down as he inserted his Slate into the Guidance Stone, giving them a map of the robot along with controls to solve the remaining puzzles. Revali spoke up like the previous times and told them (well really just Link, Champion was ignoring it to the best of his ability) about the terminals located in the Beast, explaining that they would have to unlock them all to take back Vah Medoh.
It took some convincing but Champion reluctantly agreed to help Link with the puzzles. Drinking another elixir, he explored the Divine Beast with Link, discovering that using the Slate they could turn Vah Medoh up and down, using it to solve more puzzles using gravity and unlocking more of the terminals. Vah Medoh occasionally shifted as the gears powering the ancient beast turned, looking out they could see Rito Village below as Vah Medoh maintained a holding pattern, circling the village.
After getting the last terminal, Revali guided them to the main control unit, marking it down on the map. Paragliding to the top of the Beast, the main control unit was located on its back, across its spread wings. The cold wind hit harder on the open area above the Divine Beast, causing Champion to drink another elixir as Link activated the main control unit, both aware that the monster would probably come out.
The strands of black malice emerged out of the machine with strands of purple in them, wrapping itself around the machine and creating the monster controlling Vah Medoh in front of them. The monster's form slowly started taking shape, its body forming out of malice as its right arm slowly turned into a cannon with a bright blue point. Letting out a roar as it stared them down with its singular eye, Revali warned them.
"Good luck! That thing is Ganon's creation, and it plays dirty!" Revali continued, "It defeated me a hundred years ago, but only because I was winging it."
Champion could see him flaunting his feathers as he did before receiving a nudge to his side from Link, who could supposedly read his mind.
"I can't believe I'm saying this... but you must avenge me, Link!" Revali called out, the monster roaring one more time for good measure.
The monster quickly teleported around, sending a few tornadoes at them that they dodged by running off to the side. A couple of vents were scattered around, each providing an updraft which Link used to fly up and shoot at the monster, trying his best to focus so that he could aim at its eye perfectly. Managing to hit it in the eye, it came crashing down and they both rushed in to get in as many hits as they could.
Teleporting away, it was high up in the air and began shooting quick, short blasts of energy at them, the pair separating as they weaved to dodge them. As Champion distracted the monster, Link switched to the remaining bomb arrows he had left, shooting at it from the ground multiple times as he didn't need to pay attention that much, the explosions dealing enough damage to send it crashing down. Pulling out his claymore, he rushed in to where Champion was already hacking away with his sword.
Getting up quickly, the monster teleported to the centre and let out another roar, summoning small cannons which followed it around. Standing a good distance away, it started sending more tornadoes, Link dodging them by flying up whilst Champion focused on the cannons, taking down a few. The monster then switched to shooting at them, the remaining cannons helping along as Link attempted to shoot at the monster, Champion standing in front of him to take the shots with his shield.
Luckily Link managed to get a shot on the monster's eye which also stopped the small cannons from firing. Champion rushed in to attack the main monster whilst Link focused on the small cannons, shooting them down with his bow before the monster got back up, roaring angrily at them. Teleporting away, Link quickly travelled up an updraft and shot multiple bomb arrows at its new location in quick succession, using the tips Champion had advised him too.
This managed to take out the monster and it was sent falling to the ground again, the combined hits of the pair taking out the monster. Darting about, the monster twitched as its body started dissipating, the malice shooting out of its body as strands of light appeared, engulfing the entire monster in a large bright explosion. As the monster died, the malice surrounding the main control unit disappeared as well.
Link rested for a while after the final shots, focusing was hard. Champion helped him over to the main control unit, steeling himself for Revali's appearance.
"Well, I'll be plucked. You actually defeated it huh?" Revali called out, the pair looking around for him before he descended out of the sky, surprising the both of them.
"Who would've thought?" Revali said, walking over to them slowly. Link stood in front of Champion to stop him before he could do anything stupid.
"Well done. I see that there's two of you now," Revali walked around to look at the both of them, "The original Hylian Champion, I suppose?" Revali asked as he pointed a feather at Champion, who nodded stiffly.
"I suppose I should thank you, now that Vah Medoh has been returned to its rightful owner." Revali crossed his arms as he stared them both down.
Link looked at Champion and noticed that he was very subtly smirking, something which Revali seemed to notice as well.
"Oh, don't preen yourself just for doing the job," Revali scoffed as he looked away. Link was starting to get tired of this back and forth banter.
"Can't you two just get along? Stop acting like children!" Link scolded Champion and Revali, who both looked at him confused.
Link grabbed Champion's wrist and yanked him over to Revali, promptly grabbing his feathery wrist as he pulled them together.
"Shake on it and stop acting like children," Link stated as he watched them glare at each other.
Releasing their wrists, they reluctantly shook hands and as they were pulling away Champion plucked out one of his ghost feathers, causing Revali to snap at him with his beak. Link angrily pulled Champion aside before they could start another cat fight and talked with Revali one on one.
"I suppose you have proved your worth as a warrior. A warrior worthy of my unique skill. The scared skill I had dubbed Revali's Gale!" Revali formed an orb and launched it at Link's chest, disappearing into strands that absorbed into Link's body.
"It is now time to start making preparations for Vah Medoh's strike on Ganon. But only if you think you'll still need my help in Hyrule Castle," Revali remarked as Champion stared him down from behind Link.
"Thank you for your help, Revali," Link stated honestly, earning a bow from him.
Waving a wing-arm, the pair started disappearing away slowly in yellow strands, Link waving goodbye as Champion stuck his tongue out before they both teleported away. Revali rolled his eyes as he headache finally disappeared, although the other Link wasn't that bad.
As they slowly reappeared down on Revali's Landing, Link gave the scolding for once, reprimanding Champion's behaviour as he was supposed to be the well-behaved one. Suddenly, they were interrupted by Vah Medoh perching down onto the pillar which Vah Medoh was located on, gripping its talons onto a rocky offshoot before opening its beak and aiming a laser at Hyrule Castle.
Once the whole performance was done, Champion urged them to head to the final Divine Beast in Gerudo Town. Link shrugged him off to explore Rito Village and talked to everyone about Vah Medoh, purposely taking his own sweet time to spite Champion. It wasn't all bad though, the local Rito praised and thanked them as they walked down. Once they were at the bottom, Link took his time to admire the view from one of the lower platforms.
"So, when will you teach me to do the slow-motion-time-stuff?" Link asked excitedly.
'You need energy to do-it. Have-you-been praying?' Champion pointed over to the Goddess statue nestled in a small nook.
"Praying? What for?" Link asked Champion as they approached the statue.
'You have-not prayed at all?' Champion asked, the last time he could remember praying was at the Temple of Time.
"Nope. Last time was at the Temple of Time," Link admitted. He watched as Champion facepalmed before pointing to the statue, asking him to pray and pulling him over.
Champion watched as he kneeled down in front of the statue and prayed, Hylia's divine presence present once again as it engulfed Link's figure. Before being turned into a spirit, Hylia gave him instructions to help Link, including asking him to pray to her as she told Champion he'd help him get stronger, especially after all the damage the malice did to him.
As he watched Link, he could've sworn he saw a few small strands of malice disappear off his body before Link got up and came back over to Champion.
'Do-you-feel-better?' Champion asked with the usual worry.
"Yup! You should've told me to do this stuff more often, it's pretty good. I feel... like I can do more," Link explained.
'Feel stronger? More energy?' Link nodded, it seems Hylia was helping after all.
Champion nodded and pointed to the Slate again.
"Yeah, we'll get going, impatient." Link teased as he teleported down to the southern most shrine he had.
Disappearing to follow Link, the pair teleported near the Tabantha Bridge Stable which they were at earlier this morning. The sun had started to set already so they decided to lodge in the stable, the setting sun's rays shining through the tall mushroom-like trees. Champion didn't really trust this stable, especially after they were just attacked by some disguised traveller of some sort here, so he asked Link to ask the others for information about strange people wearing upside-down Sheikah symbol masks.
Standing by Link, he glared at all the other patrons that even thought of coming close before Link dragged him into the stable once he was done because he didn't want him to scare anymore travelers. He explained that the red people were a part of the Yiga Clan, a notorious group who terrorised travellers and held a grudge towards the hero. It took Champion some time to recall but he remembered defeating one of these Yiga members at Kara Kara Bazaar, after they tried to attack Princess Zelda.
Champion was surprised they were still around and that they still hated him for something he did a century ago. Link also said an easy way to tell was by offering them bananas, something which they seemed to like alot. Why a clan would want to have such an obvious tell was beyond Champion, but if it made them easier to identify then he wouldn't argue.
After Link told him everything, he ushered him to bed as he got ready to sleep as well, taking off his equipment. Link seemed to sleep like a rock, especially if he slept in a stable bed, Champion was thankful he didn't snore. Going to bed himself, he eyed all the travellers one more time before dozing off.
Waking up early as per usual, Champion looked over at his equipment which wasn't stolen and Link who was still sleeping peacefully. Getting out of his bed, he put all his equipment back on and headed over to the cooking pot. Breakfast was a quiet affair as many travellers were still asleep, Champion watched as the first morning rays hit the ground as the sun peaked over the horizon before checking on his skewers. The meat was perfectly cooked as he walked back in and nudged Link.
Eating his skewer partially, he handed the second skewer to a groggy Link, who ate with his eyes closed. The rich juices of the meat seemed to help Link wake up quicker as he had already hopped out of bed and ate the rest quickly. As Link was left with a clean stick, Champion continued munching on his before holding a hand out in front of Link, asking him to stop.
As Link stood still, Champion held the skewer with his teeth as he fixed Link's appearance, redoing his ponytail and adjusting his shirt and pants. Link didn't seem to place maintaining his appearance highly on his list, perfectly content with the way he always looked messy. Once Champion was done, he gave a swift nod and took the skewer out of his mouth before pointing to the horses, signalling Link to get Blue.
Link excitedly trotted away to the caretaker as Champion finished his last few chunks of meat before meeting Link outside with Blue, who was feeding him an apple. Link sat in front and took out his Slate to plan their route as Champion got on behind him. Giving himself a content nod, he flicked Blue's rein and they started galloping down the road.
Usually when they travel long distances, they'd fill up the time by getting Champion to teach Link more signs or Link blabbering about topics one-sided. This time, Champion was peacefully braiding Link's hair as Link hummed a tune. Passing over a bridge, they trotted with a magnificent mountain to their right with what appeared to be a pink tree at the top. The path they were walking on started going up and led to some old ruin in the distance.
Approaching it, Link recognised the location from one of the pictures Impa gave him, pulling out a picture of a horse statue before showing it to Champion excitedly. Champion gestured for Link to stop nearby and go recall the memory if he felt like it, which he did so he parked Blue under a tree before walking closer to the horse statue, leaving Champion alone on Blue as they both watched him intently.
Lazily petting Blue's white mane, Champion watched as Link quietly stared at the statue, remaining perfectly still before snapping out of it a few minutes later and returning to Champion.
'What-was-it?' Champion asked as Link got back up, this time behind him.
"Me and the Princess were riding horses and... she talked about bridles and the awakening of her powers. She said she'd prayed at two of three springs, the last spring being located at Mount Lanayru," Link explained as Champion nodded in agreement.
He recalled as well how Princess Zelda had them travelling all over Hyrule to pray at all the springs. She was, for lack of a better word, desperate to awaken her powers as they feared Ganon would be returning soon and she had to help the Champions seal him away. He was worried for her the entire trip but didn't suggest for them to stop as she was quite insistent about it, besides he was supposed to listen to her.
Motioning Blue back onto the path, Champion got them back on the road and Link continued his usual one-sided banter as he admired his braid. Crossing over a second bridge, there was a stable in the distance that was nestled between two large mountains, Link quickly getting the shrine before they moved back on and crossed the Digdogg Suspension Bridge, a collection of islands connected by bridges.
On the centre was a slumbering Hinox, something Champion had told Link a bit about and that to ignore them as they were dangerous. Slowing down, the trio carefully inched their way around the edge of the large island, careful not to make a sound. Once they'd made it to the bridge on the other side, Champion sighed a breath of relief and trotted onto the bridge slowly as he was still fearful of waking up the Hinox before hearing a large explosion behind him. Turning around, he saw Link with a cheeky grin as the Hinox slowly got up with a cloud of smoke nearby.
Quickly turning into a gallop, the Hinox attempted to throw a few rocks at them as they crossed the remaining few islands, luckily losing the Hinox's interest once they'd made it to the final one. Turning slowly to Link, Champion gave an angry scowl as Link sheepishly laughed it off, stating that the Hinox "wasn't a big deal anyway". Knowing what was coming next, Link instinctively cupped his ears as Champion attempted to pinch him, settling on his cheek instead as Link tugged on his arm.
After listening to Link's usual pleas of "I won't do it again, I promise!", Champion reluctantly released his grip as he focused back onto the road, walking down a winding canyon with orange stained rocks on either side. Link complained for a while as he rubbed his cheek before going back to his usual banter. Somehow the topic landed on the Champions and he started talking about how cool the ones he'd met already were and how he wondered if the Gerudo Champion would be too.
Champion didn't say anything about his opinions of the Champions as he didn't really like thinking about it, but had to give Link a confused glance when he said Revali was nice.
'What?' Champion had to confirm what he'd heard.
"What? He's a nice guy," Link repeated as Champion turned to stare at him.
Link watched as Champion's hands hesitated what to say next as his face scrunched up slightly, eventually settling on, 'How?'
"Well, whenever we meet him or I mention him, you get more expressive," Link said with a smile before continuing softly, "Even if it is out of hate..."
Champion's face morphed into an unimpressed expression before, purely out of spite, purposely returning to his dull self and facing his back towards Link.
"Hey! Don't be like that!" Link whined as he shook Champion side to side, the latter ignoring him.
He heard Link's petulant grumbles behind him as he continued looking at the road, slightly amused at the way Link reacted but also upset at himself for slipping up so much. He was supposed to be a stoic knight, how could he be getting soft? Was Link making him soft? Shaking away these thoughts he immersed himself in the scenery, looking at the overhead rocks and the wooden scaffolding stuck to the side of the mountains.
Galloping down the winding road, they eventually turned another corner and found a stable, both of them getting off to explore (mostly Link) as they rested by the stable. After getting a nearby shrine, Link talked to some of the travellers for information about what was happening in Gerudo, relaying the information back to Champion who nodded in agreement.
It was nearing night by then and they were advised not to travel through the desert at night, as the temperatures dropped extremely low and their travel would be slowed due to the sand and that they weren't allowed to bring their horse. Champion settled on one of the stable beds after eating a dinner prepared by Link, performing his usual routine of removing his gear. Link walked in a few moments later and jumped onto the bed opposite Champion's, disregarding his appearance entirely as he rolled around in the bed to get comfortable.
Champion rolled his eyes at the sight and just as quickly Link had found a comfortable position and fell asleep. Moving over whilst he was asleep, he moved the hair out of his face and adjusted his attire, tucking him in properly as he hadn't bothered too. Returning to his bed, Champion slowly fell asleep as well to the quiet of the stable.
Chapter 10: Gerudo Town
Summary:
Link and Champion sneak into Gerudo Town, infiltrate the Yiga Hideout, and reclaim Vah Naboris.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Champion woke up earlier than usual and slowly walked out of the stable to look at the sky, confirming that the sun hadn't risen. Walking back in with a yawn, he approached Link's bed and attempted to shake him awake. Champion had planned to wake up before the sunrise so that temperatures wouldn't be too high from the sun and also not that cold as the sun would rise soon. He watched as Link tossed from side to side before reluctantly getting up, his body clearly not used to such an early timing.
Walking with his eyes closed, Champion awkwardly led him out of the stable by the hand as they avoided the other sleeping travellers, careful not to wake them. By the time they'd reached outside, Link began his complaining about literally anything that came to mind and Champion shut him up by shoving an apple in his mouth, which Link ate slowly. Taking small sips from his energising elixir bottle, Champion felt ready enough to brave the desert and led them down some steps before stepping onto the sand, Link following slowly behind him.
They hadn't gotten the tower for the Gerudo region yet but Champion assumed they didn't, given how it was just a vast desert with noticeable landmarks. Trudging through the sand, Link remained glued to his side, one arm around Champion's shoulder as he lazily walked alongside him as he clearly wasn't aware of anything that was going on. Passing by a few monster camps, the resident monsters were luckily asleep so Champion simply avoided them whilst continuing down the rough path formed in the sand by previous travellers.
The tranquility of the night combined with the cool gentle breeze that blew over the dunes created a quiet that Champion didn't know he missed. The past few days had been hectic and rushed, heading to all the major settlements before moving right along to the next. He felt the exact same way when he travelled with Princess Zelda, there would be those brief pockets of silence that Champion appreciated before it was right back to following the Princess around.
Turning over to look at Link, he seemed to be slowly regaining his senses as he stood more upright and walked with more purpose, although he still whined under his breath as he continued clinging onto Champion. Looking over into the distance, Champion spotted the tops of some palm trees which slowly became more visible as they walked closer, signifying that they were reaching Kara Kara Bazaar. Staring up at the sky, it was still a dark blue and Champion estimated that they'd probably reach by the time the sun crawled over the horizon.
While they approached the Bazaar, Champion heard Vah Naboris in the distance, turning to see the Divine Beast walking around slowly and letting out a low rumbling sound as it was surrounded by large clouds of sand. Upon seeing this, Champion quickened his pace and they arrived at Kara Kara just before the sun rose although its orange rays seeped past the horizon. Once Link noticed they'd reached the Bazaar he immediately brightened up and quickly ran off to explore and annoy the locals. Ignoring Link, Champion headed over to the general store, which was located in a large distinctively shaped rock, and sold some of the things he had on him for extra rupees.
Emerging a while later, the sun had come out in full force and the vast desert was illuminated in bright yellow. Looking around for Link, Champion found him sitting by the large oasis in the middle of Kara Kara, swiping at the water playfully and generally splashing the water everywhere. Pulling him up by the collar, Champion redid Link's hair and tied a simple ponytail for him. Champion then pointed off towards the distance where a structure could be seen through the sand that was probably Gerudo Town.
"You want to head over?" Link asked as Champion thought briefly before shaking his head.
Champion then pointed up to the sun and then more generally at the desert.
"The sun? Heat? We shouldn't go because it's too hot?" Champion nodded.
"What do we do?" Link thought out loud as Champion guided them towards the cooking pot.
Lighting the fire and pouring some nearby oasis water inside, Champion gestured for Link to hand him some monster parts, who complied. Looking at the Slate together, they thought of what they should put next inside, eventually settling on a special blue dragonfly that Link chanced upon when they were looking for Teba at the Flight Range as it was said to have cooling properties.
Link watched as Champion stirred the pot slowly and the liquid turned a mellow blue before Champion bottled the solution with about five glass bottles. Handing them to Link, Champion motioned for Link to drink one of them before they set off, the cold liquid causing Link to shiver as it travelled down his throat. Once satisfied, Champion led them through the desert towards Gerudo Town, the heat seemingly unaffecting him as Link saw the heat warping the air in the distance.
Whilst they were walking, they attacked a few Lizalfos that burrowed through the sand and leaped out to swipe at them, with a few having electrical energy that emanated from their horns. Some yellow Chu Chus also appeared which Champion advised Link not to hit directly as Link only had metallic weapons on him and would suffer a shock if he attacked. As Champion was thinking of an alternative attacking method, he watched as Link threw his claymore at both of the Chu Chus, causing them to explode in large balls of electricity but also destroying his claymore into shards in the process.
Link looked at Champion expectantly as if awaiting validation for his utterly stupid waste of weapons but instead received a frown. Shrugging his reaction off, Link pulled out another rusty claymore out of his Slate and caught up with Champion who had already continued walking. The walk to Gerudo Town was way longer than the walk to Kara Kara and Link was getting tired of walking. Now that Link was awake, Champion hated him more as he was whining nonstop about the heat, the walk, the sand, and literally anything else that came to mind.
Champion attempted to continue walking but Link had made an effort to stall that process by looping his arms around his neck and dragging his feet in the sand. Swatting his hands away, Champion glared at Link to do the bare minimum of walking, something which Link was reluctant to do. To get him to hurry, Champion pointed out that Gerudo Town was in the distance and that he could go explore it if he hurried.
This seemed to motivate Link who went from a crawl to running past Champion and into the distance. Champion quickly chased after him in fear that Link may get hurt in the unfamiliar land and eventually managed to grab one of the belts on his Hylian Tunic, slowing his run. Despite this Link pulled Champion along and they eventually reached Gerudo Town, resting on one of the exterior walls as they caught their breaths.
Link watched as Champion slowly sat down and rested against the wall while he stood up to head into Gerudo Town. Walking over to the entrance, two Gerudo soldiers stood on either side with spears in hand as they stared at him quietly. Link shrugged it off and walked in through the corridor before suddenly being stopped by the soldiers, who called him a "voe" and unceremoniously kicked him out.
"What was that for?" Link asked as he stood up.
"You're a voe! Voe are not allowed into Gerudo Town!" One of the guards stated, with a thump of their spear.
Champion walked over and was standing beside Link by this point, watching the interaction unfold. He'd completely forgotten that males weren't allowed in, mainly because he half-expected the tradition to have been over after a hundred years and that Gerudo Town would accept males in such a crisis with Vah Naboris wrecking havoc.
Regardless, the soldiers explained to the pair what "voe" and "vai" were, reiterating that they weren't allowed in. Link sulked as Champion led him away from the entrance and over to a nearby shrine outside Gerudo Town, hopefully lifting up his spirits by encouraging him to explore the shrine. Waiting for Link outside, Champion noticed other male travellers lingering outside, all of them seemingly rejected from entering like them.
Thinking of a solution, Link emerged before he could come up with anything viable and started conversing with the other travellers for any useful information. Champion stood quietly nearby as he looked around the barren landscape, Kara Kara Bazaar in the distance and Vah Naboris stomping away even further behind. Link eventually returned and relayed what he'd heard from the other travellers, that there was supposedly a rumour that a man dressed as a woman managed to sneak in and that he could be found at Kara Kara in the day.
Nodding at the new information, Champion suggested heading back to Kara Kara Bazaar and waiting till tomorrow morning to go find the man, something which Link agreed to. Link did not, however, agree to walk back through the sand and ran up to some seals that were stationed off to the left of the entrance, attempting to catch one of them. Champion walked over and watched as Link jumped at them before hitting the sand when they snaked away last second, leaving Link covered in a heavy helping of sand.
Grabbing his shoulder to stop him from jumping again, Champion dusted the sand off of his clothes and face. Lifting a hand up to his mouth because he just knew Link ate some sand, he was proven right when he spat some out, Champion's unimpressed expression shining through. Champion then demonstrated to Link how to stealthily creep up to the seal, walking in a crouch behind the seal's blind spot with Link following beside him.
Champion watched as Link quietly took out a shield before grabbing the seal, causing it to thrash violently. Champion quickly got up to help soothe the surprised seal whilst Link attached his shield to a rope on the seal's back, Champion seemingly unsure of what Link was planning but going along with it anyway, releasing his grip on the seal when Link gave him a signal.
As he released the seal, it started dashing away, pulling Link along on his shield as he surfed through the sand with the seal. Champion quickly disappeared and reappeared behind Link, standing behind him on the shield as they sped through the sand. Thinking quickly, Champion directed Link to lean their body weight in the direction they wanted the seal to travel, leaning to the left to redirect the seal over to Kara Kara Bazaar.
This seemed to work as they were now gliding through the sand with ease towards the Bazaar. Link excitedly waved his arms around just to mess with the balance for fun, Champion angrily gripping onto him from behind the small metal shield they both stood on. A loud roar in the distance distracted both of them and they both turned to look at Vah Naboris, who they were getting closer to. Champion quickly leaned and the seal complied by turning away from the Beast and towards the Bazaar.
Champion then noticed that Link was eerily still, peaking around his shoulder to see that he was having another memory, evident from his glassy look. What was it triggered by? Vah Naboris? Champion ignored his thoughts as they were quickly approaching the large stone building of the Bazaar, unsure what to do and how to get off. Before he could come up with a solution, the seal crashed into the wall, sending the pair flying towards the stone wall, Champion quickly hugging Link to take the brunt of the impact.
Defending Link from hitting the wall using his back, they landed onto the sand with a thump. Quickly getting up, he examined Link for injuries before gently setting him up against the wall, monitoring his condition carefully as he picked up the shield left by the seal. Link seemed to be unfazed by the impact, his body remained relaxed as his eyes maintained that glassy look.
Champion assumed that the memory was probably triggered by Link seeing Vah Naboris, after all Link didn't pay much attention the first time they saw it as he was sleepy. He was also probably reminiscing about Urbosa, supposedly from a time when he met her on the Divine Beast. Luckily it was easy to identify as Champion had only been on Vah Naboris with Urbosa a few times.
It was probably about the time Urbosa called him up to Vah Naboris to find the Princess, who always ran away from him when they visited Gerudo Town by using the excuse that men weren't allowed in, Urbosa did offer to let him know about her whereabouts whenever they visited Gerudo Town though. The time when he went up the Divine Beast, he found Urbosa with a sleeping Princess beside her. Urbosa explained to Champion that she'd spent the whole day examining Naboris, tuckering herself out by the end of the day.
Urbosa further explained that the Princess had been experiencing personal problems such as not being able to access her power, especially after she dedicated plenty of years into accessing it, leaving her feeling upset especially whenever she saw him with the Master Sword. As her appointed knight, Champion didn't mean to cause the Princess to be upset as he was just trying to do his job. If being around her caused her so much anguish, maybe Champion ought to just stop being a knight, not like he wanted to anyway.
Champion liked spending time with Urbosa, she was serious and strong but also knew how to be supportive as she frequently talked with Champion when he waited outside Gerudo Town. Urbosa was also someone the Princess didn't mind getting personal with, which allowed Champion to learn about her own struggles and the fact that she wasn't very fond of him in the early months as her knight. Overtime, his relationship with the Princess did improve, a big part of it Champion considered to be from Urbosa who told Champion about her problems. Out of all the Champions, Urbosa was one of the strongest both mentally and physically (except maybe against Daruk) who knew the best way to act in any situation.
Just then, Link snapped out of his trance and got up, telling Champion what he remembered whilst the other checked him out more thoroughly.
"...And, and then, she used some lightning magic or something and it made a loud boom! Then Zelda woke up and she was kinda confused but it was funny," Link explained as he waved his hands around dramatically.
Champion simply nodded before Link looked around and noticed they were at Kara Kara.
"Oh cool, we're already here! Where'd that seal go though?" Link wondered out loud as the walked around the stone building towards the front.
They didn't have much to do except wait for morning, so Champion taught Link a few more recipes along with some extra signs. Link was a fast learner as after that Champion didn't really know what else to teach him. Sitting by the oasis, they took their shoes off and rested their tired feet in the cool water, they had been walking for a while now and they also needed to dump the sand out of their boots.
Link playfully kicked at the water, getting his rolled-up pant legs wet in the process. They watched the twilight in the distance as the surrounding desert grew dark, some patrons lighting up torches to brighten up the Bazaar. Champion suggested resting in the inn by the stone building which Link agreed to, both of them drying off their legs before entering inside. Link booked two beds for them and they headed inside, choosing to sleep in a bunk bed. Champion slept at the top as he was worried Link may roll off all fall onto the floor (something which he is definitely capable of), ignoring Link's whine as he reluctantly settled on the bottom bed. Champion heard Link fall asleep after he stopped shifting around to be comfortable and slowly feel asleep himself once he felt safe.
Champion woke up at his usual timing and pulled back the curtain around his bed before hopping down. He noticed Link's curtain was also covering his bed so he quietly pulled it back to see Link slumbering away. Nudging him awake, Link slowly got out of bed and Champion led him outside, towards the oasis. Scooping a large handful of water, he splashed it into Link's face, causing him to stumble back in surprise.
"What was that for?" Link angrily shouted as he wiped his face with his sleeve.
Champion simply shrugged and diverted his eyes innocently before pointing out the fact that Link was more awake.
"So what? I would've woken up later anyways!" Link retorted, being ignored by Champion who gave another shrug.
Link then scooped up some water of his own and threw it at Champion, getting his hair wet.
The two continued fighting with the water before a nearby Gerudo guard told them to stop wasting the water, both boys apologising with a bow.
Champion then pointed up to the top of the stone building, reminding Link that they had to go on top to meet the mystery man, pointing at a nearby ladder. Link said he didn't need the ladder as he started crouching with his eyes closed, Champion was confused but watched quietly. Suddenly a large column of wind came out from seemingly nowhere below Link, who pulled out his paraglider and was launched up with the updraft, a transparent spirit of Revali fluttering up as he did.
He looked up and watched as Link effortlessly made it to the top with the help of the updraft, waving at Champion who was still down below. Champion quickly reappeared beside Link atop the stone structure and wondered if that was the ability Revali gave him back on Vah Medoh. These thoughts were quickly ignored as both boys suddenly realised there was someone else at the top, both looking at the man? woman? in surprise.
The figure was dressed in traditional Gerudo clothing and Champion's intuition told him the figure was a man, but it would be rude to ask if they were male or female so Champion simply ignored it. They approached the person cautiously before Link started talking.
"Excuse us, but we heard there was a man who managed to sneak into Gerudo Town. Do you know about him?" Link asked.
"A man who snuck into Gerudo Town? Oh, I don't know anything about him... Sorry I couldn't be of more help," The person quickly dismissed.
"Aren't you him?" Link bluntly asked, ignoring all sense of subtlety.
"Oh, my! You sure say the funniest things, young man. Anyway, if you don't need anything, you should be off then," The man stated, completely ignoring Link's claim.
Champion gave Link a nudge, signalling to maybe try a different strategy of asking.
"I think that your clothes are nice," Link stated honestly.
"What a nice thing to say! And I'm sure you'd agree that these clothes only help my looks, right?" The man paused, "Now that I think about it... this style would look quite fetching on you... I'd have to charge you, of course, but I bet people would see you completely differently if you wore them!"
Both boys exchanged looks before turning back to the man.
"What do you think? Do you want to buy them for... 600 rupees?" The man offered, Link nodding quickly.
Champion watched as Link bought the clothes and put them on, the baby blue fabric mixing well with the golden jewellery. Link seemed to like the outfit as he asked Champion to help take a picture of him, the latter reluctantly helping to take a photo.
"You look adorable!" The man exclaimed, sharing Link's enthusiasm, "That's a traditional Gerudo outfit. It's such a striking look around here, I doubt anyone would even suspect that you're a man! On top of that, it breathes so well that it's sure to help you deal with the desert heat... At least a little!"
"Thanks, we'll be going now!" Link waved as they both descended down the ladder, leaving the mysterious man alone atop the building.
Reaching the bottom, Link flaunted his new outfit properly, admiring it in greater detail. Champion joined in, not really looking at the outfit but at Link's scars.
"I love this outfit! The scars are a little revealing though," Link stated whilst poking them.
'It's-fine. You look good.' Champion complimented, drawing Link's attention away from his scars.
"Really?" Link looked down slightly as he covered up his side with his hands, being interrupted by Champion who pulled his hands away and gave him a nod.
"Alright then," Link seemed to be back to his usual self when he said that before speaking up again, "We only bought one outfit though, how will you get inside?"
Champion thought for a while before Link watched as he closed his eyes and held his hands together, clearly focusing on doing something. A few moments later, Champion suddenly turned transparent with a blue hue, similar to the spirits of Daruk and Revali that appeared when Link used their abilities.
"Woah! How'd you do that?" Link exclaimed in amazement as he looked at Champion closer.
'Spirit.' Champion simply signed, 'I do-not use this much. I can-not grab things like this.'
Champion demonstrated by showing how his hand phased through the palm tree as he attempted to touch it, Link also noticing that he could feel him as his hand went straight through Champion's transparent form.
"But other people can't see you right?" Link asked, playing around with Champion's form.
'Yes. Let's-go.' Champion pointed at Link's Slate and the latter teleported to the shrine right outside Gerudo Town.
Materialising outside the shrine in blue strands, they (technically only Link) approached the entrance with the flanking guards. Slowly, Link walked through the gate, being greeted by both guards. Once assuring that he wouldn't be stopped, Link walked through into the bustling square of the Town, lively shopkeepers selling their products to other travellers.
The whole area was too large for Link to not explore and now that Champion couldn't stop him, he ran off down the corridors and explored the maze-like design of Gerudo Town, leaving Champion angrily signing to himself. He found multiple shops that sold food and clothes and another that sold drinks, but for some reason he wasn't allowed to buy a drink because he was "too young", something which Champion said he'd explain to him later.
Eventually, Champion managed to persuade Link to head up the main steps in the square to talk to the head of Gerudo Town. Entering the throne room, they spotted a young girl sitting on a throne with a guard beside her, wielding a massive claymore.
"Yet another traveller, how did you get in here?" The young girl spoke up before looking down at Link's waist, "Hm? It seems you have something rather interesting there..."
Before Link could speak up, the tall guard started first. "You stand before Lady Riju, chief of the Gerudo! State your business and do not come any closer!" Her voice boomed, startling Link slightly.
"Hold on Buliara, this one seems to be more than the common traveller..." Riju sat up slightly to examine Link closer, Buliara watching him diligently. Champion was glad he wasn't physically there, the tension in the room looked powerful.
Link hopelessly looked over at Champion who was standing beside him, as if Champion could do anything, before Riju started talking again.
"You. What is your name?" Riju addressed him. Link considered lying, but lying to the chief of the Gerudo doesn't sound like a good idea.
"I'm Link and this is–" Link cut himself off, "Uh, nothing."
Ignoring his suspicious behaviour, Riju continued talking, "Link... And what is it you've come all the way here to tell me, Link?"
Champion noticed how Link shifted under Buliara's stern gaze and how she occasionally looked directly at him, as if she could see him.
Link swallowed before speaking up, "We– I am here to stop Vah Naboris."
"You think you have what it takes to subdue something as powerful as a Divine Beast?" Buliara asked, watching as Link frequently turned to his right as if looking at something, although nothing visible was there, "The only ones who could ever control them were Champions like Lady Urbosa."
Link looked over at Champion again and noticed how he was sulking at the mention of Urbosa. Just then Buliara called him out.
"What are you looking at? Are you a spy? Apart of the Yiga?" Buliara accused, raising her claymore at him.
"N-no! It's just that–" Link abruptly stopped when they all looked over and noticed that Champion had reappeared.
Buliara quickly raised her sword and swiped at the intruder, who disappeared and reappeared as she swiped, her blade not even touching him.
"I'm Link... and this is Champion, who is also called Link. He was the Hylian Champion from a hundred years ago." Link explained quietly. Riju and Buliara exchanged confused glances.
Riju slowly started, "Buliara, a memory just jumped into my head, a story from my mother. When the Calamity happened, the Princess of Hyrule placed a fallen swordsman into a deep sleep. That swordsman, much like our friends here, was named Link... though it always seemed more legend than fact."
"But, Lady Riju! Do those same stories not also say that the Hylian Champion carried a legendary sword? I see no such weapon in this person's care." Buliara pointed out, both Riju and Link noticing Champion's grimace.
"What about the device on this one's hip? It appears to be a precious relic of the Sheikah. I can't imagine they would give something so valuable to a simple traveller?" Riju pointed out his Slate.
"It doesn't matter! If this one is a voe, then they are both voes!" Buliara pointed at Champion then to Link.
"A voe within our walls is a great crime. But a voe who is a Champion..." Riju thought out loud, "Well, we'd never mistreat a friend of Lady Urbosa."
"And, if you're here to help us with Naboris, then we are allies. You saw it on your way to our town. Divine Beast Vah Naboris, cloaked in a massive sandstorm, hurling lightning at any who dare approach. We have to do something to stop it, but we have yet to find any way to appease the Divine Beast on our own. If you truly are a Champion, perhaps you will be able to enter Naboris and calm its anger."
Link and Champion exchanged glances before nodding in unison.
At that point, Champion focused his attention into disappearing so that only Link could see him in fear that he may blow their cover as voes, given how the chief and her guard already know. They were a little surprised at his disappearance but continued discussing with Link about how to stop Vah Naboris. Explaining that Vah Naboris strikes lightning at those who come close, Riju suggested getting the Thunder Helm, a prized hairloom of the Gerudo, that was stolen from them by the Yiga.
Champion watched as Buliara reluctantly trusted them, seeing how the chief had so much hope in them, directing Link to talk to a separate soldier who knows about the Yiga and their base in the desert. Once Link confirmed that Champion was still here and that they just couldn't see him, they wished him well as they went to the barracks to ask the soldier for more information.
Reaching the barracks, Link spoke with a soldier called Teake who explained that the Yiga's base was near Karusa Valley, located north of Gerudo Town. Teake also suggested using a sand seal to help with the journey as Karusa Valley was quite far from Gerudo Town and the desert was unpredictable. Nodding at her advice, they headed over to a sand seal rental shop near one of the exits of the Town.
While Link was talking with the owner, Champion walked out the exit and waited for him outside, materialising his form so that he could interact with stuff again. He soon saw Link emerge a few minutes later with a sand seal and a shield. Link chose the largest shield he had, which looked more like a large piece of bark than a shield, and set off once Champion got on, speeding through the dunes towards Karusa Valley.
Passing a few camps set up by monsters in the middle of the desert, the trip was mostly uneventful, passing through a few valleys and peaks. They saw an opening in the wall in the distance, the Yiga camp probably lodged within. Surfing into the opening, they started going uphill and swerved past a few falling boulders before stopping once they reached a wall. Champion watched as Link pet the seal to thank it before it disappeared into the sand, the pair continuing to the base by climbing over the wall.
Walking through the windy valley, they spotted multiple frog statues with the Yiga symbol plastered onto them. Turning a corner as they continued walking uphill, a Yiga member suddenly showed up, adorned in red and appearing out of a smoke cloud. Champion pulled out his sword and shield, rushed towards the Yiga member, and attempted to slash at him, but the member disappeared into another puff of smoke before appearing behind them with a laugh.
Stretching his bow, he shot at Link, who managed to dodge before returning fire successfully, temporarily immobilising the member for them to rush in and attack him. The Yiga member continued the charade of disappearing and attacking them from behind before they managed to get enough hits in and he disappeared for good in another puff of smoke, possibly wounded to the point where he left to recuperate.
Champion and Link shrugged it off and hurried their ascent towards the base before more members showed up. Seeing the entrance in the distance, three Yiga archers appeared before them, laughing as they disappeared randomly to shoot at them. Despite his efforts, Champion was only able to get a few hits in as they kept disappearing, so Champion decided to disappear too, attacking them at their new spots they disappeared to. As he attacked one of them, Champion saw Link shoot a bomb arrow at the other two who happened to get close, causing both of them to leave in puffs of smoke. With the help of Link, they took out the last archer and headed towards the entrance.
Heading inside, they entered a circular room with multiple tall statues along the walls, all of them covered in long fabric on their fronts that were covered in Yiga symbols. They couldn't find a discernible entrance in this room, looking around for any secret mechanisms that may reveal the real entrance. Whilst Champion was looking about, Link excitedly piped up after finding something, he was messing around with the sheets of fabric and there were things hidden behind them.
Reluctantly, he instructed Link to light all of them up, feeding into Link's inner arsonistic intentions. He watched as each fabric burned away one by one, some revealing chests and others Keese. After taking out the Keese, one of the fabrics burned away to reveal a corridor, both boys cautiously examining it before entering. Walking up some stairs, they entered the real Yiga Hideout. Staying quiet, they crept around the dimly lit hideout, walking past two jail cells.
In one of them was a Gerudo lady whom they freed and she quietly escaped. Looking around a corner, they noticed a different Yiga member, this one was well built and wielded a sword unlike the scrawny archers. Memorising his pattern, they crept around the area he patrolled to move deeper into the hideout, collecting a few bananas they found along the way.
Reaching a new area, there was another swordsman guarding the entrance to a door. Thinking about how to get past, Champion threw some bananas out to cause a distraction, something which seemed to work as the swordsman headed over to the bananas and picked them up, giving them enough time to sneak into the door he guarded. They should have better security.
Walking into the new room, they climbed up a ladder which gave them access to an upper level which no Yiga seemed to be occupying, allowing them to look down onto the larger lower room, which had a few Yiga members walking about. Champion was distracted by Link's quiet but excited waving arms that pointed towards the largest stash of bananas Champion had ever seen. Is it wrong to steal from criminals?
They took every last banana and vaporised them all into Link's Slate, guess we'll be eating bananas for a while now. Focusing their attention back onto the actually important matter, there were a few pillars in the lower room while the floor was infested by swordsmen that they didn't want to mess with. Jumping out from the upper level and onto one of the pillars, they luckily weren't heard or spotted and looked around for what to do next.
A large door sat in one of the corners that was guarded by another member. If the Thunder Helm was in here, it was definitely in that room. Carefully, Champion told Link to jump and climb onto a nearby taller pillar to slowly get closer to the door, Link obliged and managed to grip the smooth surface of the pillar with his weirdly good climbing skills and get on top, no guards seeming to have noticed them.
Champion quietly reappeared beside him on the taller pillar which had access to some rafters made of wood and fabric. Crossing the rafters quietly, they were above the door guarded by the swordsman, Link using Champion's banana trick from earlier to distract him and sneak in, Champion reappearing with him once he'd gotten inside. Turning a corner, they entered an ornate room filled with pots and chests, this must be the treasure room.
Champion let Link run wild as he opened chests, pulling a few that were stuck in the ground using Magnesis out, and quietly destroying pots, which wasn't really necessary but who cares? It's the Yiga. Approaching a special chest sitting on a pedestal, they both assumed they'd find the Thunder Helm in here and quickly opened it, discovering it was instead some more bananas. Getting tired of all the bananas, Champion angrily thought where the Yiga could be hiding the Helm, looking if it was hidden in any nook and cranny in the room.
Both Link and Champion eventually gave up and rested against a wall, exasperated. However, Champion felt the wall shift slightly when they added their weight, quickly examining it closer to notice it was metallic unlike the other stone walls. Link quickly used Magnesis on the metal wall and it turned out to reveal another area behind it. Entering quietly, the area was much larger, with a hole in the ceiling letting the sun shine through and a large chasm in the centre.
Cautiously approaching the hole, someone called out to them.
"Hey!" Both boys turned to see nothing in all directions.
Suddenly, a Yiga member appeared behind them, except that this one had a fancy collar and was on the chubbier side.
"Who the heck are you? And what are you doing in my napping spot?" The Yiga asked them as he stretched his shoulders lazily.
The pair didn't respond and instead pulled out their weapons, staring him down for any quick movements.
"Wait a second... That's... that's a Sheikah Slate!" The Yiga exclaimed, pointing at the Slate. We should hide that thing.
"Yeah... It is. That means... IT'S YOU! You're that Link guy I've been looking for! Except... I didn't know there were two..." The Yiga thought out loud as he pointed at them.
"Hahah! What luck to have you wander into the Hideout! Now I don't have to do any work to find you!" The Yiga exclaimed joyfully. Champion was starting to doubt this guy was of any threat the more he talked. Probably some crazy guy that accidentally wandered into the Hideout.
The Yiga cleared his throat before starting up again, "Sorry for not introducing myself," the Yiga crossed its arms before waving his hands around, "I am the Leader of the Yiga Clan, Master Kohga!"
Champion looked at him with his patented unimpressed face while Link looked like he wasn't really paying attention.
"Now prepare yourself!" Master Kohga yelled before disappearing, both boys looking around for him.
Appearing a few metres away, Kohga was summoning a large ball above his head, probably to throw at them. Link quickly shot an arrow at him, distracting him and causing him to drop it on his head, leaving him stuck in the ground as he flailed around. Champion was starting to wonder if it was worth spending his time on such an idiot but continued fighting him regardless, both of them attacking Kohga's stuck state.
Pulling himself out, he spun away and attempted to summon another boulder, Link shooting at him again and causing him to get stuck again. The pair yawned as they ran up and attacked the supposed "leader" of the Yiga Clan who was currently stuck in the ground with his flailing legs out. After getting himself out he flew off and above the massive pit in the centre of the room, angrily summoning two boulders beside him.
Given that they had no way to reach him, they carefully watched him as he spun the boulders around him before shooting them at the pair. Champion dodged the first one whilst Link froze the second with Stasis, hitting it a few times with his sword before releasing it, the boulder flying back towards Kohga and launching him to the other side of the room. They both quickly ran over and attacking him while he was recuperating.
Kohga quickly got back up and floated back to the centre of the pit, angrily thumping his foot on the air like he was throwing a temper tantrum. Kohga then focused his hands together and summoned a massive metal spiked-ball above him, aiming at the pair. As he hurled it at them, Link managed to catch it last second with Magnesis and threw it back at him, dealing significant damage as he went flying again. Attacking him while he was down, Champion realised how predictive Kohga was, taking advantage of it fully.
Angrily summoning another spiked ball, Link decided to have more fun with it as he used Stasis to stop the ball flying at him and used a bomb to direct it back at Kohga, the ball going flying back after the Stasis ran out from the energy produced by the bomb. Landing on the ground they attacked him again before he got back up but instead of heading to the centre he appeared beside the pit.
"Who would've thought... I'd be done like this... and by you guys! Of all people!" Kohga angrily yelled through pants as he gripped his arm in pain.
"You think I'm just gonna let this stand? Do you!?" Kohga exclaimed whilst stomping his foot into the ground like a petulant child.
The pair looked at each other before looking back at Kohga and nodding, only fueling his anger.
"Is that what you think? I'll show you..." Kohga ducked his head down before erupting into laughter, "Mwahahaha! Time to pull out the move taught by my mother's father's mother!"
Raising his hands above his head, Kohga yelled, "This is the end!" Before focusing his energy between his hands and summoning a gigantic spiked ball which kinda blocked them from being able to see him.
"You're still there, right?" Kohga called out, "No matter! I'll still take you out, say..."
Just then Kohga started monologuing, not noticing that his gigantic spiked ball was slowly rolling towards him due to the wind before it was too late and the pair watched as he plummeted down the pit with the ball. Link excitedly watched to see how deep the hole was, getting his answer when he heard a crash a few minutes later. Champion didn't know if he should feel amused or sad by the whole display but was interrupted by a chest appearing behind them. Advising Link to approach it cautiously, he opened it slowly to reveal a strange helmet made of gold, its intricate detailing proving that it was the Thunder Helm.
Champion watched as Link haphazardly handled the heirloom of the Gerudo and even tried to put it on, being stopped by Champion who insisted they teleport back to Gerudo Town.
"You're no fun," Link stuck his tongue out before begrudgingly teleporting back.
Appearing outside the Town's walls, Champion went invisible again as Link hid the Helm in his Slate on the advice of Champion. Entering back into Gerudo Town, the sun was starting to set, so they quickly went to deliver the heirloom to Riju and Buliara. Entering the throne room, only Buliara was there, who informed that Riju was upstairs in her sleeping quarters. Buliara reluctantly allowed them to go up and see her, with the caveat that they better be on their best behaviour.
Promising to behave, Link excitedly rushed up the stairs and found her at the top, just outside her bedroom, overlooking the square. Making sure that he wouldn't be spotted, Champion reappeared beside Link as they presented the helm to her. She tested it by wearing the Helm before asking if they'd be willing to help stop Vah Naboris as it was encroaching Gerudo Town and would soon be a threat, both boys nodding profusely.
Planning to regroup and attack Vah Naboris tomorrow morning, Riju recommended that they rest at the nearby inn, providing them with some rupees to pay for their stay. Thanking Riju, Champion disappeared again as Link headed back down the steps and out the throne room to the inn, not before exploring the other shops first though. Champion watched as Link wasted away the rupees that Riju generously gave them on things they already had like monster parts and food.
Champion watched as Link finally walked into the inn, at least they'd be able to save some rupees by only paying for a single bed. As Link talked with the owner, Champion disappeared into Link's soul to rest, it always felt better than physical sleeping but Champion didn't know how to explain why. Watching as Link walked over to his bed and laid down, Champion felt Link slowly fall asleep as his soul relaxed, Champion following soon after as well.
The next morning, Champion could only stare at Link's sleeping body as he was unable to interact with him, hoping that his eyesight would somehow get him to wake up. Luckily, Buliara walked in after probably being sent by Riju to find where Link was, easily waking him with a stern nudge. Stirring sup slowly, Link initially started complaining but quickly stopped after he realised he was in the presence of Buliara, straightening his posture as he asked Champion why he didn't tell him.
Buliara informed Link that Riju had headed out to a lookout post southeast of Gerudo Town and was waiting for them there whilst she scoped out the area. Thanking her for the update, Link and Champion ran out of Gerudo Town and, using a nearby sand seal, headed over to the lookout post. Having returned to his usual form, Champion guided the seal over to the lookout which wasn't hard to spot given the barrenness of the desert.
Reaching a few minutes later, they both greeted the chief before she started explaining the plan.
"First, we'll be using our sand seals to approach the Divine Beast, I'll take the lead," Riju stated as she pointed to the two sand seals nearby, the blue seal probably belonged to her.
"Second, I'm counting on you to shoot bomb arrows at its feet. Seeing as how Vah Naboris draws its energy from the ground, if we damage its feet, I think we can stop it," Link showed them his Slate, which surprisingly had bomb arrows to spare.
"Third, don't do anything reckless under any circumstances," Riju firmly said, Champion noticing how the comment was directed slightly more at Link, who nodded excitedly.
After confirming that they were ready to go, Riju led them and the two seals out in the desert, standing just outside Naboris' field of view. They watched from a distance as Riju performed a sort of prayer that summoned a large dome that emanated from the Helm, explaining to them that it would protect them from the harsh lightning strikes from the Beast as long as they stayed inside.
As Riju got on her sand seal, the Links got on theirs, Champion would be doing the driving whilst Link would shoot at the Beast. Overhearing Riju murmur one last prayer, they quickly set off towards the Beast, Champion following her seal closely to stay in the shield. As they approached Naboris, it noticed them and start roaring as lightning started falling, dissipating when it hit the shield and keeping them safe.
The ancient camel began charging up large purple orbs of electricity between its "humps" and launching it at them, causing the sand to shake violently but luckily not damaging them. Champion didn't like loud noises so he preemptively put some makeshift earbuds into his ears earlier at the lookout. As they carefully approached one of the camel's legs, Champion did his best to keep the seal steady for Link to take the shot whilst still staying within range of Riju.
Through the thick clouds of sand, Link managed to fire a few arrows at one of the legs, causing the previously bright purple hoof to turn dull. Weaving through the legs as the Beast slowly moved away, Riju and Champion coordinated paths to surf through as Link continued taking more shots, successfully disabling another leg. Dodging cacti and old ruins, Link quickly took out the final two legs as the Beast continued firing electricity at them.
With all four legs disabled, the Beast started shifting slowly as it roared before coming to complete standstill. The trio stopped their seals nearby as they watched Naboris gracefully fall slowly onto its knees, its head hung low. Taking a moment to catch their breaths, Riju turned to the pair and started talking.
"Unfortunately, I cannot appease Naboris on my own," Riju stated as she took off the Helm, "I have no choice but to entrust the rest to you,"
"We'll do our best! We promise!" Link yelled out as they started running towards the Beast, Champion offering a bow as a goodbye.
Riju watched from afar as their small figures got on a sloped entrance just as the Beast started up again. Slowly rising to its feet, Champion grabbed Link's hand as he started slipping from the sudden movement of Naboris, gripping a nearby pillar for support. Riju watched silently as Naboris got up and started walking again, preparing to leave on her seal.
"Don't let us down, Link."
Catching their breaths, they managed to reach a more stable platform as Naboris started walking again, a familiar pedestal not so far away. Link slowly walked over to the pedestal and tapped his Slate on it to activate the waypoint, a voice speaking up not so long after.
"Well, well, well. You sure do know how to keep a woman waiting."
They both identified the voice as Urbosa's, given that this is her Divine Beast.
"I can't wait to see you take Naboris back from Ganon!" Urbosa stated with a hopeful tone.
"One thing at a time, you'll need a map to find your way around. Head over to the Guidance Stone located within the Beast," She explained before adding on, "Sounds easy, right?"
Link and Champion nodded, unsure if Urbosa could even see them but moving on regardless, killing a mini-Guardian that guarded the entrance up. Given they were on a lower platform, they walked up some stairs to enter the main hull of Naboris, its large cylindrical shape holding multiple platforms and slopes. Taking out a few malice eyes, they identified the slope that, after they walked up, led them to the Guidance Stone. Inserting his Slate inside, Urbosa started speaking again.
"Good work getting the map of the Divine Beast! The terminals that control Naboris are noted by a series of glowing points on your map. Activate all these terminals to take Naboris back," Urbosa explained, both boys nodding to her voice.
"You're ready for this." Urbosa reassured.
Exploring the Divine Beast, Link discovered a function that came with the map that allowed him to turn three segments of the Beast's cylindrical shape, allowing them to reach the terminals in different methods. Champion and Link simultaneously explored and solved the Beast, utilising its unique turning mechanism to help them get more terminals.
Attacking a few more mini-Guardians and floating skulls, Champion found Naboris' puzzles to be the most difficult as in addition to the turning of the segments, there was also a circuit running through the whole Beast that had to be lined up properly, all the while Vah Naboris was moving, which at times made standing inside unstable. Link didn't seem to mind as much as he had always had an interest in exploring.
While they were solving Naboris, Champion was mostly occupied thinking about Urbosa. She didn't seem angry with him for failing, especially after she explained to him that his role as the Princess' knight was important, instead she sounded... proud? happy? that he even returned to take back Naboris. Champion had no idea why. She was the one who told him about Princess Zelda's problems to help him and was clearly a close friend to her. Wouldn't she be upset that he failed her? That he failed them?
Champion wasn't really the best with emotions so he consulted with someone he knew was good at them.
Tugging Link's sleeve to get his attention, 'Do you think that she's angry with me?'
"No, why would she be?" Link drew his attention away from a chest he found to look at Champion.
'She trusted me, as a friend.' Champion's hands paused, 'And I failed her.'
"Listen, you did all you could and I'm proud of you," Link placed a supportive hand on Champion's shoulder, "So, let's stop Ganon and un-fail her."
Giving a hesitant nod, Link ran off to continue doing whatever it was he was doing whilst Champion quietly contemplated Link's words. Would Urbosa and the Princess really forgive him if he saved them? He doomed them for a hundred years which he spent mulling around waiting for Link to wake up. They'd probably hate him. Well, at least if he saved the Princess she could hate him in person.
Exploring the Beast further, they uncovered the remaining few terminals and Link tapped his Slate on the last one.
"Well done! That was the last one, now you'll need to start up the Main Control Unit. I've marked it on your map," Urbosa explained to the pair. "You're doing well."
Link noticed how Champion shifted slightly as she praised them, hoping to distract him from feeling upset, Link quickly nudged him and showed him the new location on his map. Champion quickly focused on the new point and they headed over quickly, both of them prepping themselves by taking their weapons out. Cautiously approaching the Main Control Unit, Link carefully tapped it before the usual happened.
Black malice spewed out of the terminal and engulfed the machine, Link quickly dodging the malice as it did. The monster started manifesting itself out of malice behind them, a neon blue axe-like weapon in its right and an equally blue shield in its left. The monster had a more scrawny appearance and was definitely smaller than the others, its thick red hair curtaining its "face". Letting out a shriek with some accompanying lightning strikes, its singular blue eye tracked the pair.
"Stay on your edge Link! This formidable adversary was made by Ganon and brought my demise a century ago," Urbosa warned. "Do not allow this to be your end. Fight for your life. And its death."
The twitchy monster let out a roar once Urbosa finished speaking and the pair steeled themselves before the monster suddenly moved impossibly fast towards Champion, who was able to barely raise his shield in time to defend against its swing. The monster was quick as lightning as it zapped its way back to its original position, watching them from a distance.
With his shield held out, the monster quickly ran up to him in a zigzagging motion before hitting his shield and running back. Champion took the time to carefully memorise the monster's pattern just as it came running back up to him again, Champion expertly backflipping to dodge and strike him. If the monster wanted to be fast, Champion would be faster. This luckily appeared to knock the monster down, allowing both of them to get extra hits in before it rose.
Getting up and retreating, the monster shot a few balls of electricity at them which they dodged, Link returning the fire with some arrows, that were blocked with its shield. The monster's quick attacks barely gave them any breathing room as it revolved from firing electricity at them to running up and attacking them. Champion managed to get a few more hits in, but not enough to tire the creature out, instead tiring himself out. Suddenly, the monster was engulfed in a large explosion as Champion turned to see Link holding his bow with a familiar red-tipped arrow.
Taking advantage of the monster's downed state, they both ran in to attack it with more slices, damaging the monster significantly. It let out another shriek as it teleported away in blue strands before reappearing on one of the higher platforms. Link and Champion quickly running up, the monster raised its attacking arm in the air as it summoned lightning which imbued itself into its sword and shield, crackles of electricity emanating from them.
As they attempted to attack it, metal rods started falling around them, the pair weaving through them before lightning struck right where they were lodged in the ground. Given that they couldn't attack the monster as it was flying around, it summoned more metal rods around them before Champion watched as Link lifted one of them out of the ground with Magnesis and, as they were slowly getting struck with lightning, lifted it up to the monster as the pillar he was holding got struck, heavily damaging the monster and causing it to fall to the ground.
Rushing in to attack it, the monster quickly got back up and shot electric balls at them before rushing up to Champion and instead of attacking with a single swing, delivered a whole volley of swipes, Champion dodging the last overhead swing and allowing him to retaliate with a few swipes of his own. Sending the monster to the ground, both boys rushed in and, as Link was delivering a swing, managed to destroy the monster blue shield.
Once the monster had gotten back up, it attempted to fire more electrical orbs at them, getting stopped by a shot to the head from Link. Hitting the ground again, they could tell the monster was on its last legs as it was getting weaker as they were delivering more attacks. After it slowly got up, it started shining a familiar laser at Champion, who preemptively had his shield out and was staring at it was maximum focus.
Parrying the laser successfully, the monster was sent tumbling down to the ground in pain. Letting out a loud shriek, it hunched over as it clutched its body in pain, streams of malice spewing out of its torso. Twitching slightly, it suddenly shot up and roared in pain before shards of light began to shine through, the monsters entire figure being covered in a large ball of light as it died.
Taking a moment to catch their breaths, the pair checked on each other before they made their way to the Main Control Unit, which was now free of malice. Tapping his Slate onto the pedestal, they turned to the sound of someone walking over.
"I knew you wouldn't let us down Link," Urbosa stated as she elegantly walked over. "Thanks to your valor and skill, my soul is free and Naboris is ours once again."
Link and Champion turned to face her as she stood in front of them.
"Which means, we can complete what we started so many years ago."
Standing next to Champion, he noticed that he had his hood up as he desperately attempted to maintain eye contact.
"What's wrong, Link?" Urbosa asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We can begin our attack on Hyrule Castle now. I can't wait to incinerate Ganon into a pile of ash."
Champion simply gave her a nod before he raised his hands to sign.
'What about ----?'
Link didn't recognise the last sign, it looked different and appeared as if Champion took more consideration in signing it.
"Is that what you're worried about?" Urbosa asked, her expression falling slightly. "She'll be happy, I promise."
Using context clues, Link realised Champion was probably hesitant to head to Hyrule Castle, not because of Ganon but because of Zelda. The unknown sign was probably her name which was why Champion signed it so slowly.
Champion seemed to trust Urbosa's intuition as he nodded more confidently as she said that.
"Do not doubt yourself, Link. Both of you," Urbosa comforted, which sounded slightly more like a command from her.
Both Links nodded at her advice before she turned to face Link.
"To help you, I wanted to give you a little something. Please accept this gift, which has come to be known as Urbosa's Fury." Raising her hands in front of her, she started manifesting a ball of light before she continued, "It will no doubt be of use to you." As she launched it at Link's chest, the orb dissipating into strands that were absorbed into him.
Speaking to Champion again, she started, "Both you and the Princess, I know you have suffered much regarding what happened to us Champions."
"This is just how things had to happen. No one carries blame," Urbosa paused, "So please, make sure you and her both understand that. Shed all your worries."
"And... let her know I couldn't be more proud of her." Urbosa let out a smile as she said that, both Links nodding at her words.
"You take good care of the Princess," Urbosa supportively added before they both started fading away in yellow strands, "Oh, and also, take good care of Hyrule."
Giving her a nod, Link waved goodbye as Champion bowed before they both disappeared fully, reappearing outside Gerudo Town.
Before they could say anything to each other, they felt the ground shake and they turned over to see Vah Naboris walking away from Gerudo Town and towards the mountains, skillfully scaling up before positioning itself facing Hyrule Castle. Slowly getting on its knees, the "ears" on its head turned towards the Castle before creating a large red ball which turned into a laser that fired at the castle.
Once the whole performance was completed, Link and Champion returned back into Gerudo Town to talk to Riju, she would supposedly have something to tell them after they defeated Vah Naboris. Upon reaching the throne room, Champion quietly reappeared alongside Link to tell Riju everything that happened. The ensuing conversation between Link, Riju, and occasionally Buliara was something Champion tuned out.
He and Link had taken back the last Divine Beast. There was nothing left to do but face Ganon now. The seemingly impossible task of getting all four Divine Beasts was nothing more than an afterthought as the new impossible task of defeating Ganon presented itself. It was honestly impressive how he and Link saved the four Beasts in just under two months and now they had to face Ganon.
A feeling started bubbling up inside of him, consuming his worries. Champion felt weird, he had no idea what he was experiencing and he felt sick. Everything sounded muffled as his heart started thumping faster, the hair on his arms rising.
"Are you alright?" A voice cut through the fog. His head bolted up to look at it and it was just Link, who had a hand on his back. When had that gotten there?
Compiling himself, he signed a concise: 'Yes.' as he made himself look as composed as possible, something which all three of them seemed to believe as they continued talking.
Thanking Hylia that their eyes were finally off of him, he found that deep breaths helped to calm this strange feeling he was having just as Link finished talking with them, having been gifted Urbosa's scimitar and shield. Walking through the square, they walked through the gate and gazed at the setting sun, both boys remaining quiet. It was peaceful, something the both of them didn't know they needed.
Slowly, Link mustered up the courage to ask a question they both knew the answer to.
"What do we do now?"
"Defeat Ganon."
Notes:
This took a while to write, I don't remember the Gerudo quest being this long lol
also didn't really beta read
Chapter 11: Hyrule Castle
Summary:
Champion is not so subtly stalling. Link encourages him to head to Hyrule Castle. Zelda gets saved.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
They returned. Standing in front of the legendary blade, they had returned. Surrounded by forest on all sides, the gentle rustling of leaves filled Champion's senses, distracting himself from the situation was the best thing he could do. Staring at the hilt, Champion stood alone as he felt the wind quicken and slow, the leaves following it as it did. In the brief moments where the wind stopped, so the leaves, creating moments of eerie silence.
Like the quiet between lightning strikes, Champion anticipated when the next one would come, just to distract himself from thinking. He usually hated loud things, but if they were loud enough, Champion felt strangely peaceful as he let the sounds consume him. The sound of life around him helped just as much as the silence of death, the moments just after the monster dies where the only thing he could only hear was his own breathing.
Slowly, he forced his right hand to move from his side and rest on the blade. He clenched the handle with a familiarity he despised. Lifting the blade out of its stone holder, the deceptively clean blade revealed itself in the sunlight, a century's worth of fixing turning the sword into a peak condition Champion had never seen before. He kept his grip tight as he tested its swings, his knight training coming back to him.
"Are you sure you can do this?" A voice to his left called out.
Instantly, Champion stood straight as he faced the voice, his posture stiff as his hands remained fixed to his side.
"Huh? What are you doing?" Link questioned as Champion slowly realised it was him.
Loosening his posture slightly, he sheathed the sword and raised his hands, 'Sorry. Instinct.'
"Do you really want to hold the Master Sword? I said I could hold it," Link offered a hand out to take it, being rejected by Champion.
'It will hurt you. I-will do-it.' Champion refused as Link hesitantly opened his mouth before closing it.
"Okay... but please tell me if it's too much," Link implored as he placed a hand on Champion's shoulder, who gave him a nod.
Taking out his Slate's map, he simultaneously showed himself and Champion the map. Champion took a brief look before pointing at Hateno Village, Link silently nodding as he teleported away. Standing all alone, he splayed himself onto the tall grass and stared quietly at the birds flying overhead. The overcast clouds passed through the blue sky as Champion laid limply in nature, ignoring his flickering form. He wished he didn't have so many hardships, that he could just be consumed into the soil and finally rest.
Why was everything so difficult? Why can't the road just be straight? Champion groaned. His head hurt when he thought about these things.
Bringing himself to sit up, he aimlessly stared at the grass before taking out the Master Sword, the sword that seals the darkness, the blade wielded by the chosen hero, whatever you wanted to call it. He gently pressed his forehead against the cold metal of the sword, closing his eyes and breathing slowly. Back during his training, he would do the same thing to calm down during the rare breaks he was given. Despite despising the Master Sword, it was the only thing that had been through the same things as him, something that knew his difficulties.
Sometimes when he was really focused, he felt like he could hear it talking to him.
"Champion?" Someone touched his shoulder.
Raising the blade up to the speaker's throat, he'd let himself get too distracted, now he was going to get ambushed.
"I-it's just me! Relax!" Link raised his hands up as he shuffled back slightly, the tip of the blade resting under his chin.
Jolting up, Champion quickly withdrew the sword and sheathed it, signing sorry profusely for his actions.
"It's fine Champion, really," Link put Champion's apologising hands down, "Are you alright? You didn't follow me."
Champion swallowed dryly before giving a hesitant nod.
"Liar," Link quickly shot him down.
Champion was about to rebuff his accusation before feeling Link's hand in his, tugging him to follow, which he did.
"If I can't trust you to follow me, then we'll just head over to the stable instead."
Champion looked down guiltily as Link led them out of the forest. His steps were clumsy as he let himself get pulled by Link, haphazardly walking through the thick undergrowth. He didn't even bother looking up in case he hit something, he trusted Link to lead them out.
"Don't you care?" Someone called out.
Looking around quickly, Champion spotted a figure in the distance to his left, a woman. Long golden hair flowed down her head as she wore a pure white gown which was stained with mud. It was Princess Zelda. But how? How could she be here? As they walked through the woods, her figure remained in the same position, unmoving as they passed tree after tree.
"First, you leave me to die," She walked closer as she dragged her words, "Second, you're too scared to own up to your mistakes."
Champion wanted to run, but he couldn't. His legs wouldn't listen to him. Instead, they were following Link's pull. He wanted to open his mouth to say something but he felt his throat close up, threatening to choke him. With a single hand, he signed sorry repeatedly to the Princess as she walked closer, her expression unreadable except for the obvious disdain in her voice.
"So what's the plan, Link?" The Princess spat his name out, "How long do you plan to avoid me?"
Champion repeatedly shook his head. He wasn't avoiding her, he just needed more time to prepare.
"You're pathetic. What makes you the hero?" The Princess asked as she continued approaching, eventually standing a few feet away from him.
"I'm sorry." Champion forced out in a whisper, his vision was getting blurry and his head was throbbing.
Placing his free hand to rub his temple, the dizziness was worsening as the Princess became a white blob in a sea of green. Why did everything hurt? Why now? Just then, his legs gave way as he went crashing to the ground. The last thing he saw was a devilish grin plastered on the Princess' face before everything went black.
"Champion? Champion!"
His eyes opened first. He was lying down, when was he lying down? Link's head was above his with worry in his eyes among a blue backdrop. When had they left the forest? Slowly sitting up, Link placed a hand on his back to help him before Champion spotted the entrance to the Lost Woods in front of him, the stone arch and two burning torches.
"A-are you alright?" Link's voice trembled as he looked at Champion's face deeply for an answer.
'Yes. What-happened?' Champion rubbed the side of his head which hurt for some reason.
"I don't know, we were walking out of the forest when you suddenly ran ahead of me. I tried to stop you... but you tripped on something and hit your head on a rock. I stopped the bleeding on your head but... do you need an elixir?" Link pulled Champion's hand away from his wound before offering him an elixir.
Champion nodded and quickly drank it. His head stopped hurting as Link undid the bandages he wrapped around Champion's head. Slowly, Champion attempted to recall running through the forest but he never remembered doing that. But he did remember the Princess. Quickly getting up, he walked over to the Lost Woods despite his sore body protesting against him.
"Hey!" Champion felt two arms on his shoulders stopping him from walking, "I don't think you should be moving right now."
'Where is Zelda?' Champion asked as Link gave him a confused look.
"Zelda? Isn't she in the castle?" Link pointed over to Hyrule Castle in the distance, its horrible appearance visible from almost anywhere in Hyrule.
'I thought–' Champion's hands paused. 'Nevermind. Let's-go.'
Champion abruptly turned around and started walking down the path, Link following beside him closely. They had a mostly peaceful walk downhill before Link slowly spoke up.
"Listen. I know you've got your problems, and I've got mine," Link paused to clear his throat before looking at Champion, "But... would you like to... talk about it?" Link offered, watching as Champion's eyes dashed around before settling on looking at him and giving him a nod.
"You don't have to talk, but is it right if I assume that it's about Zelda?" A stiff nod.
"Why would she be upset with you? Don't you know that your sacrifice allowed her to unlock her power? You're a hero."
'No. I-am not a hero. A hero would-have saved Zelda by now.'
"There's nothing wrong with a second try."
'A hero would-not need a second-try.'
"Well, I'm happy to take this second try with you. Together."
Champion felt a hand in his as Link gave him a smile, which in his opinion should be illegal because of course he'd do anything for him if he smiled like that. Letting out a sigh, Champion gave Link a firm nod as they reached the stable. Champion led them over to the cooking pot and they made some meals and elixirs in case they'd need them when they'd be in Hyrule Castle.
Begrudgingly pulling himself away from the pot, the sun was still in full force and they definitely have the time to head to Hyrule Castle today. Looking back at Link, who was busy talking with some other travellers, Champion thought about Link's words. There wasn't anything wrong with trying again and Champion should stop trying to avoid his problems with excuses. He should stop putting it off and do it.
Walking over to Link, he pointed over to the castle, inquiring whether Link was ready.
"Yup. Are you?" Link didn't want to force Champion, but it was important that they head off soon.
This time, Champion nodded unhesitantly as Link fetched Blue.
They could've teleported to a shrine near the castle, but the stable was already relatively close to the castle and it would only be a brief horse ride. Besides, they'd get one last look around the thriving landscape before heading straight into the heart of evil incarnate. Champion calmed his breathing as he stood by a tree, waiting for Link to bring Blue out. It was a technique taught to him by his mother, who advised him to breathe whenever he was feeling stressed.
Seeing as how his nerves were calming, Champion found it suffice to say that it worked. Hearing a huff, Champion looked over to see Link with Blue, who seemed tired of Link's pampering as he rubbed her mane continuously. Walking over, Champion got Link to stop before saddling atop her, Link seated behind. With a swift swipe of her reins, they set off towards Hyrule Castle.
Moving with a consistent gallop, they approached the castle from the east, crossing a few bridges to reach the castle's main square. Disembarking Blue and leaving her in a safe location, they continued on foot, approaching the ruins that were the main square. Avoiding the few Guardians lurking around, Champion let Link explore the ruins briefly before reminding him of what they were supposed to do.
Approaching the gigantic metal gates that separated the castle from the rest of Hyrule, Champion felt the same feeling he felt back at Gerudo Town again. His heart started thumping louder as he felt his arms gain goosebumps. He didn't know what feeling this was, but it made him feel sick. Link seemed to share his worries as he hesitated slightly before using Magnesis to open the gates, exposing them to the sheer scale of the castle.
The pair remained unmoving as they contemplated entering.
"Are you scared?" Link's softer than usual voice asked.
Champion stubbornly shook his head as Link maintained a worried appearance.
"I am," Link looked down anxiously, "Will we be okay?"
Link's vulnerable tone absolutely shattered Champion's confidence as he attempted to deliver a positive nod.
Grabbing Link's hand, Champion made the decision to take the lead and led them uphill towards the castle, despite his own apprehensions.
The walk up to the vile castle was treacherous, fighting multiple enemies and manoeuvring around large patches of malice. The thick malice-infected air didn't help either as grey grass with dead trees were scattered around. The sky appeared gloomier than usual as they slowly made their way up, defending themselves from multiple monsters which only continued to ramp up in difficulty the more they progressed up.
Eventually they reached a section completely covered in malice which they couldn't pass, causing them to backtrack down the path. Walking down the monster-free path, they found an opening in the cliff, an old tunnel which presumably led into the castle, and entered cautiously. The interior of the castle felt more sickly than the exterior, the decrepit stone walls seemed untrustworthy as old wooden supports weakly held up the tunnels. The air felt thick as they attacked ambushers hiding around corners.
Champion felt a strange sense of nostalgia as he turned through the familiar corridors, eventually reaching what was the royal library, now broken and infested with Lizalfos. A large hole in the ceiling provided some light as they quietly avoided the monsters to reach the opposite side of the library, the whole area covered in malice. Books and documents were left scattered around as they trudged carefully through the mess.
Climbing up, they reached the third floor and, after taking out a few Lizalfos, entered a new hallway. There were a few monsters down the path before they emerged in a sort of barracks area, weapons scattered about and a lone Moblin guarding them. Taking out the Moblin, they rummaged through the available weapons, Champion finding royal shields for them both whilst Link picked up a large royal claymore.
They were surprisingly in good condition, considering that they'd been manhandled by monsters for the past century. Champion reminisced as he looked at the golden accents on the familiar weapons before pulling himself away to continue, walking down the hall and appearing in a dining room area. Defeating the family of monsters at the table, Champion remembered all the times he'd prepared meals for the Princess, having been taught by his mother and the royal chefs.
His original ambition was to become a chef before he was roped into becoming a knight, usually spending his breaks sneaking into the kitchen to ask to be taught by the chefs, who reluctantly agreed. Turning his attention back to Link, he had scavenged all the useful things he could find before running back up to Champion to show him, scrolling through the Slate to show him the materials and photos he took.
Champion knew how exploring helped Link relax so he quietly allowed Link to take as long as he needed. Once they were both ready, Champion led them to some doors which sent them back outside onto the path heading up to the castle. Avoiding a few turret-like Guardians, they were slowly reaching the climax of the path, the aged castle standing proudly in the distance.
The actual path leading up to the castle appeared destroyed with no obvious way up as they stood at the dead end of the path. Spotting a nearby waterfall, Link volunteered to swim up using his Zora Armour, completely uncaring of the cleanliness of century-old-possibly-evil water. Champion watched from afar as Link expertly swam up and rested on a nearby ledge, waving down at Champion.
Appearing next to him atop the ledge, Champion waited for Link to dry off and change before they turned to see the entrance to the Sanctum behind them. Slowly walking forwards together, the painful silence was only interrupted by the whistling of the wind. The air reeked of malice as they entered inside, a horrific cocoon attached to the ceiling as orange rays filtered in through the windows.
As they stood before the cocoon, it started twitching, as if sensing their presence.
"Link... Link..."
Champion immediately froze up. It was Princess Zelda. She was speaking to them. Link appeared confused as he shared glances with Champion, who confirmed he could hear her as well. She sounded worried, distressed, but why? The pair steeled themselves as the cocoon continued throbbing, its shaking becoming more prevalent as the malice in the air appeared to move towards it.
"I'm sorry... but my power isn't strong enough..."
A white glow started emanating through the walls of the putrid cocoon, whose shaking began to ramp up in intensity, some strands of pure light shining through its translucent shell.
"I can't hold him..."
A powerful beam emerged from the cocoon, shooting around the room and destroying the ancient walls. Rubble was sent flying as the beam ran around the room as pillars and stairs were left in piles of rock. The beam quickened before striking the ground where they stood, both boys raising their arms to defend against the fling rubble before it suddenly stopped, the pair cautiously looking up at the cocoon.
It began performing a sort of ritual, cutting through the cocoon's shell with blades of light before letting out a huff of smoke. It went silent before exploding in a large spray of malice, a horrific spider-like creature falling down to the ground in front of them as they and the room was coated with malice, the pair quickly cleaning themselves off.
The sudden impact of the creature falling onto the already damaged ground caused it to shake before giving away beneath them, Link, Champion, and the monster falling down the chasm created in the middle of the room. Quickly deploying his paraglider, Link carefully landed at the bottom with Champion appearing soon after, both of them dodging falling debris as they examined the new room they were in.
They were in some sort of dome which curved up to the hole they fell from at the top, the walls having the same malice-like texture as the creature. Speaking of, it slowly rose out of the smoke, using its multiple lanky appendages to stand up. Letting out a low growl, it slowly turned towards the pair with its body being a mix of malice and ancient technology, multiple limbs sticking out of it that held different types of machinery.
Turning its mangled face towards them, it stood on its hind legs before letting out a ferocious roar, its blood-red hair shaking as it did.
Preparing themselves, Champion held the Master Sword in his right and a royal shield in his left, the sword shining proudly at the sight of the beast.
Link stretched his royal bow's string taut as he aimed it at the creature, a trusty royal claymore resting on his back.
A quiet rumbling distracted them before they looked up at the hole they fell from, a brilliant blue light shining down the barrel. The beam which appeared was nothing less than magnificent, ripping the beast to shreds in a large concentration of energy. The Champions had kept their promise after all. Ending in a spectacular explosion, the beast heaved heavily as it slowly regained itself, lifting its head to look at the pair.
Ganon starred them down before letting out another blood-curdling roar, the pair remaining strong in the face of evil.
The Champions had kept their promise. Now it was time for them to finish what they'd started.
Link was bleeding, but it was the least of his problems. Currently, he had to focus on keeping his shaky hands steady as Champion guided Blue around the behemoth that was Ganon. They'd just watched the multiple-limbed beast's body trickle out some malice before turning into full streams, the beast exploding in a ball of light similarly to that of the monsters controlling the Divine Beasts.
Thinking that they just defeated Ganon, they were transported out onto Hyrule Field where they were now riding Blue around a gargantuan form of Ganon, with pointed horns and pink flames surrounding his entire face and back. Zelda had gifted Link the Bow of Light and they were attempting to weave around Ganon's massive feet without getting crushed whilst still shooting at his ghastly form.
Champion and Link were equally tired, having over-exerted themselves during the initial fight with Ganon, Link less so than Champion given his self-sacrificing nature. Link had gotten hit a few times and was bleeding out of his side and head, his half red-tinted vision making it slightly harder to shoot along with his aching shoulder. Champion had been hit worse however, Link was certain he was hiding a broken arm given how many hits he defended with his shield which had to have been translated over to his arm.
He also noticed how Champion walked with a slight limp and that he was a hundred percent sure feet don't bend like that, but he wasn't going to fawn over it now. Maybe later though. Avoiding the massive creature's blasts of fire, they ran around the scorched grass to find Ganon's weak spots which Zelda identified for them. Aiming with bloody fingers, Link quickly shot at glowing areas on Ganon's malice-ridden body which appeared to damage him significantly.
The monster's movements slowly appeared less cohesive and random, indicating that Ganon was getting weaker, bit by bit. As Ganon continued firing lasers at them, Champion skillfully manoeuvred around them in quick turns. Blue seemingly had no fear about the current situation or she perhaps just didn't care, both possible given how uncaring the horse could be.
The entire time, Zelda had been talking to them, helping them by advising on what they should do and where to find the monster's weak spots to deal more damage. Champion didn't realise how much he missed her voice, that despite being afraid of her, he considered her guiding voice to be soothing, especially during stressful situations and just like when he was working as a knight.
In the last few months before he fell during battle, Champion had actually built up a relationship with her, although he always considered himself the main reason why they couldn't connect in the first place. It was irrelevant however, seeing as how she would certainly hate him after this whole affair was finished. Maybe he could get Link to connect with her for him? He was always the more social one.
A loud roar snapped Champion back to reality as Zelda alerted them of another weak spot, this time on his head. Quickly riding around his oozing legs, the pair reached the front and noticed a large slit running down his forehead to his back, light seeping through as Zelda informed them that it was the very core of Ganon's being. She sounded hopeful as she said that, Champion avoiding yet another of Ganon's blasts of fire.
This time, Link hopped off and, using the combined force of Revali's Gale and the updraft created by the burnt plains, quickly launched up into the air above Ganon. A large eye of malice appeared in the slit, staring Link down as he raised his bow.
"Do it, Link!"
He fired a shot.
The disgusting beast made of hatred stumbled around in pain, its horrific roars echoing throughout the plains. A ball of light emerged out of its forehead and onto the grass in front of it. A ball of light that was Zelda. They watched wearily as Zelda's presence was enough to send the beast to its knees, a presence that felt coated with divine light, like a gift from the goddesses.
It reared its ugly head closer, a pathetic attempt to scare her away as she remained engulfed in a benevolent glow which felt safe and reassuring. Her hands held together on her chest as she prayed, powering through in the face of pure evil. Soon the light grew brighter, overpowering the beast as it attempted to back away, to escape, as if it gave any of its victims that opportunity in the last century.
It eventually became too much as the malice started to seep away slowly, the creature turning into a serpent-like monster, slithering through the air as it slowly turned to face Zelda. Rushing towards her, she raised a singular hand, the light power stronger than ever as the monster was enveloped in a large ball of light. The monster roared as it desperately tried to escape the light's hold, travelling up to avoid her power.
This proved ineffective as they all watched the beast slowly dissipate into the light, the malice slowly dispersing as the last of it disappeared into the pure light.
Just as quickly as it started, it ended just as fast.
The ball of light disappeared as did Ganon.
They did it.
They defeated Ganon.
The blood red skies slowly cleared up to reveal the familiar gentle blue underneath. Link and Champion slowly approached the Princess.
"I've been keeping watch on you, all this time."
They stood quietly behind her. Her voice was soft, yet clear.
"I've witnessed your struggles to return to us, as well as your trials in battle."
Her golden hair blew gently in the wind, as did her long silky dress, both looking just as fresh as they did a century ago.
"I always thought, no, I always believed that you would find a way to defeat Ganon."
She spoke just as elegantly as she did, every word came out with purpose as she maintained an air of nobility.
"I never lost faith in you, over these many years..."
Zelda slowly turned to face them as she paused, hands clenched on her chest.
"Thank you Link, the Hero of Hyrule."
Link rushed up and engulfed her in a hug, a gesture she clearly wasn't expecting but accepting it nonetheless, wrapping her arms around his blood soaked tunic. Champion simply stayed rooted to the ground, contemplating in his head. Should I join them? No, I should stay here. Champion hesitated before concluding that Link was good enough for affectionate support, she probably didn't want to feel overwhelmed.
Watching from a distance, tears threatened to escape him as he watched the Princess look so happy. Happy with someone who was and wasn't him at the same time. The person he could've been. Emotional, compassionate, talkative, carefree. Someone who didn't get on her nerves by just being around her. Champion looked away, he couldn't contain himself, he was going to make a fool of himself by crying for someone who didn't care.
He felt alone again, quietly listening as Link and Zelda started talking amongst themselves. Until someone spoke up.
"Champion?" The Princess asked softly.
Looking up, she was suddenly in front of him. He attempted to say something, anything, but nothing came out. Slowly raising his hands up to sign, he was interrupted when Zelda suddenly leaned in for a hug.
"I've waited a century to tell you thank you, truly, for your sacrifice," Her grip around him tightened as his arms were left frozen in the air.
Slowly, he placed his arms around her, holding her tightly. Her embrace felt alien, but Champion wanted it to continue the longer they hugged. Link slowly approached them and joined in, turning it into a group hug before whispering into Champion's ear.
"You deserve this."
He started crying.
The embrace didn't last nearly as long as Champion wanted it to. He couldn't remember the last time he was held with such genuine affection, the latest time he could recall was hugs by his mother, but that could hardly be called recent. The Princess slowly pulled away, Link and Champion picking up the hint and moving away. Champion slowly rubbed away the tears with his not-sore arm as he noticed Zelda's red cheeks.
They shared a small giggle as they looked at the other's faces before Champion saw Zelda stumble slightly.
'Are-you-okay?' Champion signed to the best of his ability with one arm.
"Yes, I'm just a bit tired. Is there anywhere we can rest?" Zelda asked. Although she was feeling weak, she also wanted the two heroes to get some medical attention.
Champion gave a swift nod as he whistled Blue over. Saddling on, he took control of the reins as Link and Zelda sat behind, Blue slightly upset by the extra weight by complying nonetheless as Champion directed her back towards the stable the came from. Champion ignored his arm and leg as he looked back at the passengers, Zelda was looking weaker and Link was surely going to pass out after that much blood loss.
Reaching the stable surprisingly quickly (Blue seemed to understand the importance of the situation), Champion helped the Princess and Link off of the horse as travellers exchanged confused looks at the group. Crowds began to form as Zelda attempted to explain the situation to the patrons, multiple people helping to bring them inside as it turned into a makeshift hospital of sorts, multiple people coming up to help treat Link and Champion while Zelda sought the help of the stable owner to clear up the crowds.
Resting on a bed, he had two strangers treating him as they helped clean his wounds and bandage them, Champion being touched more than he would like by total strangers. Looking over to his left, he saw Link lying on a bed whilst receiving the same treatment, although he looked less annoyed by it. Turning to his right, he spotted Zelda explaining their situation to the stable owner, thanking him for making the necessary accommodations along with asking him to alert the other nations. Beyond that, the entrances were blocked by groups of confused travellers attempting to get inside after being suddenly ushered out.
This is going to be a long couple of days.
Once the "doctors" finally left, Champion examined his makeshift bandages thoroughly, noting the shoddy and hurried appearance they had. Link was already seated up on his bed, drinking some elixirs he'd generously been given. Offering a few to Champion, Zelda returned after thanking the owner again, laying down on a nearby bed. Both boys quickly got up and sat by her side, Zelda reassuring them that she was fine.
She found it all quite amusing, really. She'd expected there to be two Links, that much she was told, but what she didn't expect was for them to be so contrasting. It was quite obvious that the Link with the scruffier appearance was the one that emerged from the Shrine of Resurrection whilst the quieter Link was her original knight. During the embrace she shared with Link, he had informed her about the other Link, who went by Champion, and his struggles with his self-esteem.
Zelda couldn't say that she was quite surprised by that information, after all the relationship she shared with Champion was toxic in its earlier days, but she was certain that they'd improved it in the last few months they spent together. Not that she could blame him, she was aware of his upbringing as a knight, especially at such a young age.
Looking at them sitting by her bedside, she noted how much they looked like twins except for a few differences. Link had longer hair and was scarred across his face, possibly continuing down onto his torso. Champion was stiff and alert, just like she'd remembered him. She also watched the chemistry they shared, finding it funny how someone serious like Champion could be with someone so animated like Link, akin to that of a black cat and a Hylian retriever.
Resting on the soft bed she was provided, all she had to do was wait for the representatives of the races to arrive and explain the situation to them which hopefully wouldn't take long, she was told mail by Rito travels fast. Both Links remained glued beside her bed, Champion constantly asking if everything was fine whilst Link offered her food, Zelda quelling the worries of both boys as best she could. She didn't need much, just rest. A century certainly takes its toll.
Sighing contently, she leaned further into her pillow.
It feels good to be home.
Notes:
sorry for skipping most of the ganon fight lol
Chapter 12: Home Sweet Home
Summary:
The Links and Zelda are done. They can finally rest. Supposedly.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
After about a week or so, Champion was finally released from his prison which was the Woodland Stable, finally getting back onto the road to travel over to Hateno Village to find Purah. It'd been far too long since he'd felt the wind on his clothes and the gentle heat from the sun. Being cooped up in a small wooden room wasn't the best thing he'd done, it felt claustrophobic and restricting, not to mention boring.
He and Link had quickly healed back up in the first few days, defending the stable from all the curious travellers and nosy journalists. The first guests to arrive were Sidon and a group of Zora soldiers. Representing King Dorephan, Sidon greeted the Princess who then proceeded to explain to the prince all that had happened, Link occasionally joining in. Champion had no interest in diplomatic affairs so he simply sat nearby.
Once they'd finished talking, Champion watched as the second group of guests arrived, Teba, his son, and other Rito warriors. It was actually impressive how quickly they had arrived. I suppose flying is faster than walking. Champion and Link chatted with the ever caring Sidon at the sidelines whilst Zelda explained the situation with the Rito. The Links sat through Sidon's worrying as he examined their bandages, the pair reassuring the prince that they were fine.
Sidon then took out a basket filled with different types of foodstuffs, a gift to the Princess and her knights, which they started to eat together. As they continued talking, Teba's son Tulin came bounding over, a small white bird with more energy than Champion could handle. Not for Link however. They started playing around inside the stable, chasing after one another and generally making a mess as Sidon watched gleefully, Champion not as impressed.
As if on cue, Champion and Teba called back their respective gremlin with a snap, Link and Tulin returning quickly. Link and Champion sat at a small wooden table nearby as the Zora, Rito, and Zelda discussed whatever it was they were discussing, probably some royal stuff. He and Link were content with staying out of it, opting to eat away at the food Sidon had brought them, Champion was feeling quite tired since defeating Ganon.
He watched as the Zora and Rito made their leave, but not before Teba gifted Link the Great Eagle Bow, the exact bow Revali wielded a century ago. Thanking Teba, they examined the intricate carvings and bends of the bow. Although Champion wasn't fond of Revali, he was fond of his bow. Champion could just imagine Revali's face, probably scrunching up in anger as he held his precious bow. Taking out the feather he plucked from Revali, he affixed it onto the bow's upper limb and returned it to Link, who test shot a few arrows before storing it into his Slate.
They waved the two groups goodbye as they slowly funnelled out of the stable and back onto the road, pushing through the crowds of bystanders who obnoxiously blocked the exits.
"Glad that's settled," Zelda exclaimed in relief as she approached her two knights, "The Gerudo and Gorons are slated to appear tomorrow. We'll just have to wait in the meantime."
Champion and Link gave swift nods as Zelda looked over at the food basket on the table.
"My, who gave you this?" The Princess examined the fresh meats in the basket, clearly of high quality.
"Sidon! We told him it was a bit much but he said he would've brought more if he could," Link stated as Zelda continued looking through the basket.
"Oh yeah, Teba gave us this too!" Rummaging through his Slate, Link pulled out the Great Eagle Bow and displayed it proudly to Zelda.
"Hm? What is this..." Zelda picked at a feather on the bow, its appearance transparent as it occasionally phased through her finger, "What type of feather is this? I've never seen a transparent feather before..."
"That's just ghost Revali's feather. Champion plucked it off of him," Link nonchalantly explained, watching as Zelda's face went pale.
"Revali's. What." Zelda slowly asked, Champion conveniently disappearing as she angrily eyed Link.
Was the earful that Link received justified? Probably not. Does Champion feel bad for what he did? Nope. Would he do it again? Yup. Champion quietly reappeared once Zelda had calmed down, comforting his protégé and silently thanking him for taking the brunt of the lecture. They watched as she stormed around before appearing to calm down and returning to them, both boys anxiously watching her.
"You know, I think it's for the best," The Princess addressed Champion, "Not the stealing from the dead part, but seeing you become a more lively person."
Champion looked slightly dumbfounded at her claim. He was a lively person. Maybe not as much as Link, but still.
"It's nice to see you coming out of your shell more," Zelda lightly encouraged. Champion simply looked down and gave a stiff nod.
They briefly sat in silence before Link suggested cooking dinner, it was getting late after all. Champion quickly volunteered, he just wanted out of the awkward situation he created. Grabbing the meats from the basket, Champion swiftly headed out towards the cooking pot, squeezing through the collection of travellers outside. Thankfully, the cooking pot was free, but probably not for long. Champion quickly fried the meat, taking in the rich aroma before adding some Hyrule Herbs to soak in its juices.
Given that this was going to be the Princess' first meal in a long time, Champion made sure to include healthy foods, adding more vegetables for Zelda's portion. Returning back inside, he set their plates down on the wooden table, Link already starting to scarf down the piping hot meal whilst Zelda meticulously cooled down her food. Champion simply shrugged off Link's behaviour as "normal".
Once the trio had finished, Link excitedly offered to clean their plates, running out of the stable to soak them at the nearby pond.
"Good to know that despite everything that's changed, you're cooking hasn't," The Princess teased.
Champion reflected on her statement, he understood that it was merely friendly, but he kept focusing on the start. Despite everything that's changed.
'I'm-sorry.' Champion briefly signed, 'About failing.'
"Failing? Are you talking about a century ago, when you fell?" Zelda specified, she appeared weirdly confused regarding his failure. Champion responded with a nod.
"I hardly see it as a failure, but instead, as a noble sacrifice. I'm pretty sure I've already told you how much I appreciated the gesture," Zelda placed a comforting hand on Champion's, the latter looking at her deeply, apprehension clear from his gaze.
Slightly frustrated at Champion's stubbornness, she hugged him. Leaning closer to his ear, she whispered, "Do you find it that hard to believe, silly knight?"
Zelda felt said knight squirming slightly under her hold and reluctantly released him. Champion looked down, his face obscured by his hair and hood before his hand signed a quick, 'Sorry.'
She couldn't help but giggle at the sight, the stoic knight she'd come to know getting embarrassed by mere praise. Although it would make sense that he didn't receive much during his knighthood, perhaps she should have praised him more in the earlier years of the relationship. Was this her fault? Possibly. But now that she'd gotten an opportunity to be reunited with Link, both old and new, she'll make sure to treat them better, unlike the days under her father's strict regime.
Link bounced in a few moments later, breaking the tension with his naturally happy disposition. Zelda walked over to one of the stable's comfy beds and settled in, watching the pair's banter from a few feet away. Ignoring them, she prepared to sleep, hearing Link jump onto the bed behind her. Strangely, she didn't hear Champion enter a bed, but he probably just did so quietly. She quickly shook away her thoughts and fell asleep slowly, the stable's cosy interior keeping her company.
There was malice. A lot of malice. So much malice that it was just everywhere she turned. Running aimlessly through the dull landscape, dry grass and gloomy skies shaded everything in a grey hue. The malice trailed behind her no matter where she went, turning behind to see the viscous black substance following behind her, somehow killing the flora around it further.
Her legs were tired, but she couldn't stop now. The malice sapped her strength away from her. The mere action of raising her foot, one after another, proved arduous. The light that was present inside her, once strong and firm, had dulled overtime as a result of the malice. Being reduced to a faint glow, she had to do everything she had to preserve it. There was no way she was giving up now.
Sounds filled her head. The unfriendly whirring of gears and unrelenting torrent of water. A brief strike of a laser leading to the moment she lost her knight. Ignore it, just keep running. If she just pushed a little harder–
"Zelda!" Someone jerked her back and forth.
Quickly sitting up, she was breathing heavily. Why was she hyperventilating? Focusing slowly, she noticed the concerned faces of Link and Champion who were staring at her anxiously, Link placing a hand on her forehead.
'Are-you-alright?' Champion signed frantically as he stressed himself over Zelda's condition.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a nightmare," Zelda insisted, the two Links exchanging brief looks before calming down slightly.
"We were worried... you looked distressed," Link explained quietly.
"Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine now, I promise," She reassured. Looking around, she still felt a little lethargic from the sudden awakening. Why would she dream that? It didn't make sense. Ganon was dead, right?
"Anyways, it's morning so you should be waking up," Link said. Champion was already gone, probably to go make breakfast.
Following breakfast, which was a simple apple pie, the rest of the day played out rather smoothly. The Gerudo arrived rather quickly, travelling across Hyrule in about a day and a half. Representing the chief was her very own knight Buliara, who was flanked by armed Gerudo soldiers on either side. The sheer presence she brought with her frightened both boys, her authority emanating off of her as they sat by the wooden table.
They watched as they discussed something before Buliara gifted the Princess some ornate jewellery, stunning gold with vibrant gems planted into them. The Gerudo continued chatting with Zelda before Buliara announced to her soldiers that they would be taking a rest, I suppose it would be tiring to walk across Hyurle lugging around heavy armour and weapons.
The two voes sat quietly at the table as Buliara approached, Champion quickly rising to bow politely, Link following soon after. Buliara suddenly let out a chuckle, defusing the intensity of the situation in an odd way. The heroes exchanged brief glances before Link let out a laugh of his own. Champion didn't really understand what was happening, he wasn't the best at understanding social cues, so he just remained quiet as Link and Buliara started talking.
Buliara then gave them two small matching gemstones, its smooth crimson surface reflecting off the stable's lantern light. Link excitedly examined the stone as he compared it with Champion's, reiterating that they were the same. Champion thanked Buliara and placed the gem firmly in his pocket, Link expressing his thanks by fawning over the ruby. Champion did however stop him from eating it, ignoring the questions of what it may taste like.
Just then, the Gorons arrived, fashionably late if you consider the fact that Goron City was literally behind the stable. Unlike the other nations which sent multiple delegates, the Gorons consisted of Yunobo and Bludo, one of them grumpier than the other. Mumbling under his breath, Bludo slowly made his way into the stable and collapsed onto a bed, almost collapsing it under his weight, before the Princess walked over to talk to them.
Yunobo meekly responded on behalf of the both of them, apologising for arriving so late, which may or may not have been due to Bludo's reluctance to leave. Link, Champion, and Buliara were standing by Zelda, listening in to their conversation which they contributed to intermittently. As a gift and apology, Yunobo presented the pride of the Goron, rock roast.
Champion, Buliara, and Zelda exchanged glances before politely declining with an awkward chuckle. Except for Link, who was already drooling and nodding quickly when it was offered to him. Holding the roast in his hands, which was almost as large as his head, Link displayed his sharp fangs before taking a large bite directly into the rock. The rock. The. Rock.
They all watched in horror (except for the Gorons) as Link slowly chewed on the rock in his mouth, an audible crunch every single time as he tried out the taste before, I kid you not, swallowing. Bludo let out a hearty laugh and gave Link an encouraging pat on the back, Yunobo joining in with a large grin. Raising the roast up to his mouth to take a second bite, Buliara thankfully swiped it away from him, earning frowns from Link and the Gorons.
She sighed and began to lecture Link separately on what should and should not go in his mouth as Champion and Zelda continued their conversation with the Gorons. Finishing their talk with the Gorons, Link walked back with Buliara a while later, looking for his roast which had mysteriously gone missing. Champion thanked Hylia for the boys naivety. Eventually, the Gorons and Gerudo made their leave after some lighthearted banter over lunch, the Gorons luckily not taking out more rock roast.
Once the guests had left, Zelda discussed plans with the Links to leave the stable, heading over to either Kakariko or Hateno. Besides, they've held up business for the stableowner for quite a while now. Thinking of methods to travel, Link revealed that they only had one horse and volunteered to find a second horse, running out of the stable before the two could argue.
The Princess wanted to stop Link but Champion stopped her, instead taking Blue out whilst Link was busy wrangling a second horse. Once Blue had come over, Zelda examined the stallion in closer detail, petting her mane as she admired the pattern of her coat. Blue seemed to be playing favourites, seeing as how the horse calmed when she was with Zelda unlike when she was with him and Link.
Just then they heard a rustle of leaves. Turning around, they saw Link emerge from the bushes clinging onto a very angry horse. The huffing stallion kicked its back legs in an attempt to get the disorderly kid off its back, Link wrapping himself around the horse with all his strength and an utterly scruffy appearance. Champion quickly rushed over to calm the horse, maintaining his distance whilst stroking its mane gently.
Zelda was quietly giggling to herself at the scene, eventually walking over and somehow calming the horse with a single comb of its mane.
"There, there. It's alright," Zelda hummed, her quiet voice soothing the stallion as her fingers continued to run through its mane.
Though both boys were baffled, they were thankful and Link jumped off the horse, now that it wasn't going to run away seeing as how it followed Zelda to the counter. Champion lectured Link on maintaining his cleanliness, fishing twigs out of his hair as he did, Link clearly not paying attention as he stared off into the distance. Sighing internally, Champion decided on an easier method to get his point across.
With a pinch of Link's ear, he immediately straightened up and apologised profusely, lightly tugging on Champion's arm as he did. He only stopped once he realised Zelda was watching. Champion offered for he and Link to ride the new horse whilst she could ride Blue, something which she and Blue seemed to agree on. Getting up onto their respective horses, they watched as the travellers waved them (or more specifically Zelda) goodbye.
Waving back, they set off down the path, heading south towards either Hateno.
It's been a month since they killed Ganon.
A month since the Princess was saved.
Six months since Link had awoken.
A century and six months since he fell.
Champion sat quietly by the small pond next to his house, overlooking the sunset in the distance. He was lucky to have stumbled across his old family home, buying it just before it was demolished, something which Zelda still criticises him on as an "impulse purchase". The gentle breeze blew Champion's hair playfully as he placed his hands on the grass, the individual blades brushing up against them as the tranquillity of the situation took over.
His breathing was the only thing he could hear in the peaceful quiet. Champion reminisced on everything he'd done. Everything he'd done to reach this current moment. As he did, a sense of dread started to creep in slowly. Did he deserve this? A happy ending? Yes... yes, he did. Champion reassured himself that he was allowed to feel happy, something which both Link and Zelda had told him over and over again.
Looking back at the horizon, the sun had almost made its departure, a few stray strands of light shining past the mountains.
"We're back!" A cheery voice called out.
Rising to his feet, he turned to see Link and Zelda crossing over the bridge which separated the house from the rest of the town, something which Champion liked about his house. It was always quiet, like the house was tucked away into a peaceful corner of the farming village. Behind them was Blue, who Link led over to the small stable jutting out the side of the house.
'How-was-it?' Champion asked, the pair had headed out to Kakariko Village to talk to Impa. He wanted to follow but they both forced him to stay home to take a break. Whatever that was.
"Well, we talked to Impa about the Sheikah animals and stuff and she said that they were disappearing and that–" Link quickly recounted before being cut off by Zelda.
"Link, remember what I told you about speaking slower? No one will understand you if you say everything so quickly," Zelda politely suggested, Link nodding sheepishly before speaking up again.
Champion honestly didn't care what they were talking about or whatever happened, just that they were safe. He and Zelda listened as Link attempted (and failed) to summarise everything they did without mixing his words together again. Champion found it endearing in a strange way, a version of him that was free-spirited and allowed to make mistakes. After Link's jumbled up explanation, Champion gave him a nod and shepherded the Princess and Knight into the house.
Entering inside, they found an entire feast set up for them. Apparently, Champion didn't get the relaxing memo. Link excitedly ran over to eat before being stopped by Champion, who instructed him to wash his hands and preferably the rest of himself, seeing how he was caked in dirt. Settling down at the table with Zelda, she gave a small prayer before digging in, Link returning soon after.
"How long did it take you to do this? I hope it wasn't long," Zelda questioned as she held up a chicken drumstick.
'It was-not.' Champion shrugged off her concern. He would never admit it took a few hours with some help from Bolson to taste test.
"Dis is s'ho good!" Link exclaimed, his cheeks filled with food as he attempted to speak.
"Don't speak with your mouth full, Link," Zelda reminded him for the hundredth time, "I swear, it's hard to keep track how many times I've told you at this point."
Link covered his half open mouth with one hand, "Oops, shorry."
Champion couldn't help but smile at the whole situation. A warm feeling bloomed inside of him, it made him feel... content. Like all the time he spent preparing this dinner was worth it. Like all the time he spent fighting was worth it. Like he could feel happy again. The return of the Princess felt like a blessing, despite the fact that he worried himself over what she would think of him. Whether she liked him at all.
"Oh, another thing," Zelda started, "There have been increased reports of monsters around the area. Some travellers stated that they had... black blood, or something like that. Do you think you two will be able to deal with those tomorrow? I don't mean to trouble you, of course."
Link and Champion nodded in unison, the former proclaiming, "Dun worry! We c'n do it!" His mouth, of course, was filled with food.
Zelda simply scolded him for sputtering his words out again.
After dinner, the heroes volunteered to clean up, the Princess heading up to the loft with a yawn. Gathering up all the plates and bowls, they headed outside and soaked them in the pond, Link occasionally grabbing two bowls to catch a firefly inside them. Heading back in, they left them to dry as Link headed to their bedroom under the loft, Champion heading up to check on Zelda.
She was already asleep, travelling is tiring I suppose. Tucking her in properly, Champion dimmed the lantern by her bed and admired her peaceful form briefly before heading back down. He appreciated both the bustling and quiet moments they shared in the quaint house, the faint trilling of insects outside filling the silence. Heading into the room under the loft, he saw Link sitting on the bed, his face illuminated with a blue glow as he aimlessly scrolled through his Slate.
Once Champion had made his presence obvious, Link placed his Slate on the bedside table as Champion joined him on the bed, both boys cuddling up together to conserve heat as a cool breeze made its way through an opened window.
"Goodnight, Champion."
"Goodnight, Link."
~~~
Somewhere else in Hyrule, a portal opens.
Notes:
this is a shorter chapter. I just wanted to write fluffier stuff, they deserve it :)
thanks for the support on this fic! Champion is finally able to rest after babysitting Link for about six months lol. the LU fic will be posted separately in the same series so yeah, just hang around for that. cya there ✌
Framed_Pieces on Chapter 1 Thu 09 Jan 2025 11:36AM UTC
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starshine0979 on Chapter 1 Wed 18 Jun 2025 06:21AM UTC
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Bluebeens on Chapter 8 Fri 06 Dec 2024 10:56PM UTC
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