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Chapter Text

The underground of Hyrule Castle stretched before them like an abyss of darkness and mystery. The air was dense, filled with a cold humidity that seemed to envelop each step. Link and Zelda walked in silence, alert, while barely audible voices whispered in the darkest corners. They were ethereal voices, like laments asking for help, but they faded as soon as they tried to identify their source, leaving them with a strange chill.

They advanced to a vast hall, where the walls were covered with stone panels carved with ancient inscriptions. Zelda stopped immediately, her eyes lit up by the excitement of the discovery.

"Incredible... these inscriptions must be thousands of years old," she murmured, pulling out the Prunia Tablet and eagerly taking photographs. Her fingers traced the engraved lines delicately, as if trying to unravel the secrets hidden in each stroke.

Her mind returned to the teachings of her Sheikah tutor, and she pointed to one of the carvings that depicted a couple united in what seemed to be a ceremonial act, perhaps a marriage. The figures were clearly of different races.

"In the castle records, there is a legend about the origins of the royal family of Hyrule. According to those stories, my ancestors descend from a union between the Hylian race and gods who descended from the heavens. If this is true... they must have been the Zonnan!" she exclaimed with growing excitement.

Without waiting for a response, Zelda moved to the next mural, where a female figure lay in a horizontal position, while a monstrous presence loomed over her, holding a jewel.

"However..." she continued, "the legend also tells that an evil being arose, from one of the villages of Hyrule. This being, endowed with immense power and supported by two sorceresses, betrayed the kingdom and stole something of incalculable value."

She moved to the next panel, where a horde of monsters formed a devastating army. At the side of the mural, a colossal figure seemed to command the forces of chaos. Zelda could hardly contain herself; the legends she had heard throughout her life were taking tangible form before her eyes.

"Then the Demon King was born. He led a brutal attack on Hyrule, and a ruthless war broke out to stop his advance... the so-called Exile War."

As Zelda spoke fervently, Link remained silent. His senses were on high alert, scanning every shadow for dangers. The tension in the air made his skin crawl, and his instincts warned him that they were not alone.

Zelda stopped at a corner, where a pile of rubble blocked part of the murals.

"What a pity..." she said, her voice lowering, almost melancholic. "It seems that these carvings are inaccessible. I wonder... what secrets do they hide? Could this place have ever been crucial for the kingdom?"

She paused for a moment, the air heavy with mystery and the sensation that something was lurking in the shadows. Her mind was torn between fascination and unease. Finally, she turned to Link, her face marked by an inexplicable sense of fear.

"Let's keep going..." she said, trying to sound confident, but her voice betrayed a slight tremor. "Surely, further ahead we will find the answers we seek."

Link nodded, but a shiver ran down his spine. A visceral shudder seemed to emanate from the depths of the dark corridor when he saw the Master Sword begin to glow, first with a faint light, then with a radiance that grew stronger as they advanced.

"Zelda," Link said in a low whisper, the tension in his voice vibrating in the air. "There’s something there... something in that hallway."

Zelda raised her gaze, her eyes anxiously searching the shadows that Link was pointing to, but all she found was the darkness, deep and suffocating. Her heart began to beat faster, fear rising in her throat. She put away the Tablet, and her steps, once sure, now became hesitant.

With each step toward the stairs, the air seemed to grow denser, almost tangible, as if the darkness itself were pressing down on them. A cold sweat ran down her neck.

"Link..." she murmured, her voice filled with anguish. "No... I don’t feel like we’re alone."

But it was already too late. The darkness enveloped them, and deep in the hallway, something was watching them.

It was deep within the castle where they made an even more unsettling discovery. There, in the center of the room, lay a dried-out mummy, its features erased by time, but still held in place by a metal arm. The gem embedded in the artifact glowed faintly, and from the top emanated a spiral of blue and green light, a mysterious aura that seemed to envelop the mummy's figure. As they approached, the metal arm collapsed to the ground, and the gem detached with a dull sound.

Zelda took it carefully, feeling a strange fascination with the relic. She studied it closely, examining the rune engraved on its surface. Immediately, she recognized it: it was a Zonnan rune, an ancient symbol full of power. A chill ran down her spine as she realized the magnitude of what they had just discovered.

Suddenly, something broke the silence and her concentration. A shiver ran through her as she instinctively stepped back. The mummy, which had been asleep for millennia, began to awaken.

Link, always quick to react, shoved her aside, stepping in front of her to face the mummy. However, the horrors that were unleashed were far worse than either of them had anticipated. Malice emanated from the mummy, cruelly enveloping Link. Link’s scream of pain, as he was touched by the malice, echoed through the hallways. Zelda, powerless, watched in terror as the malice consumed him.

With his arm burning in unbearable torment, Link looked at the Master Sword, trembling, horrified to see that the evil had touched it, weakening its blade, making it vibrate with a sense of disintegration. With his heart pounding in his chest and excruciating pain coursing through his body, he tried again, raising the sword toward the torrent of malice approaching. But what happened next was a mortal blow to his hope: upon contact, the Master Sword shattered into a thousand pieces with a terrifying sound. The one symbol of resistance, the only weapon capable of repelling the darkness, broke like glass before the unyielding evil.

A shard of metal flew through the air, grazing the mummy’s cheek, leaving a superficial wound. The creature’s laughter intensified, now crueler, more triumphant.

Severely wounded, he fought to stay on his feet, his breath heavy and his body on the verge of collapse. His sword, the Master Sword, was shattered into a thousand pieces, its light gradually fading, as if it too were losing its power in the face of the growing darkness. Despite his exhaustion, he prepared to face the creature once more, regardless of the cost he would have to pay. But the sound of the ground collapsing behind him made him spin around quickly.

Horror consumed him. Zelda, who had been by his side moments before, was disappearing before his eyes. The ground beneath his feet crumbled, swallowing her into a dark abyss. Link reached out, desperate, but it was useless. His heart-wrenching scream tore through the air, a mix of helplessness and terror that only a human could experience when everything they fought for crumbled before them.

The darkness began to engulf everything around him, chaos invaded the place. Shadows rose like serpents, devouring the light, as Link leaped toward her with his injured arm extended, a desperate scream coming from his throat. Each second felt like an eternal torment, his body torn by pain, but his mind thought of only one thing: I can't lose her.

For a moment, he saw her figure surrounded by a blinding light, warm and familiar. But when he reached out to grasp her, everything faded away.

The silence that followed was absolute. Link woke up sometime later, his body battered and his arm glowing with a strange light. A voice spoke to him, explaining that he had been replaced to stop the spread of the malice.

He stumbled out into the open, but what he found was not the Hyrule he knew. Floating islands drifted across a broken sky, and in his mind, a familiar voice resonated:

—Find me, Link...

He clenched his fists, the echo of his name whispered by Zelda still ringing in his soul.

Meanwhile, deep beneath the castle, the mummy, transformed into a titanic creature, stood in the center of the room. Its grotesque figure rose larger than ever, its dark presence dominating everything around it.

A deep, cavernous laugh echoed, crumbling the echoes of the past, and the Hyrule Castle trembled under the weight of the evil that had just awakened. The air filled with an ancient, terrible presence, a sound that seemed to foreshadow the imminent destruction of everything Link had known. The Demon King had returned.

The Demon King raised his head, surveying his surroundings with a terrifying calm. His titanic figure, deformed by centuries of evil, seemed to absorb the light around him, plunging the room into even darker shadows. Each movement of the creature resonated like a rumble through the castle's innards, as if the very walls feared his presence.

—Everything that was once mine will be reclaimed. Hyrule, its people, its history... will fall before me. No one will live to remember it. No heroes, no legends... only ashes.

The darkness spread around him, and the shadows seemed to obey his will, slithering along the walls like serpents, covering everything. The air was thick with a sense of inevitability. There was no escape. No hope remained. The Demon King smiled, a cruel and merciless expression.

—There was no one who could stop me before. There will be no one who can now.

With a gesture of his hand, the darkness expanded further, engulfing the castle in a thick fog. The shadows seemed to come to life, taking the form of monsters and abominable creatures, all in service of his will.

Suddenly, the ground beneath the castle cracked, and a deep roar shook the earth. From the very bowels of Hyrule, thousands of eyes glowed in the darkness. The land began to quake as if the kingdom itself was about to crumble, and the Demon King's dark forces spread like a tidal wave.

Across the kingdom, in the hills, valleys, forests, and fields, the earth opened with a hellish rumble. Deep cracks began to form, connecting the kingdom with the abyss below. From these fissures, hordes of monsters emerged, creatures deformed by the corruption of darkness, their eyes glowing with fury and their twisted bodies reflecting the evil that had birthed them. They ruthlessly invaded the fields and roads, sowing chaos. Shadow giants and black-scaled dragons rose from the depths, responding to the Demon King's will, unleashing a storm of destruction upon Hyrule.

—The kingdom will fall! —he roared, his voice charged with absolute power—. And with its fall, I will be reborn, stronger than ever!

The Demon King's laughter echoed throughout the castle, a deep sound that seemed to drag everything in its wake. The earth trembled, and the broken sky darkened further, as if the world itself were preparing for his absolute reign.

And in that moment, Hyrule, the once-prosperous kingdom, was dragged into the depths of darkness.

There was no hope. No light remained. Only the shadow of the Demon King, who had returned to claim what was rightfully his: the end of all resistance.

As the world sank into darkness, the Demon King's voice echoed through the deepest corners of Hyrule, a sound that reached the farthest corners:

—No one will survive! This is the end!

Chapter Text

Link woke up with a start, gasping as if he had just escaped a nightmare. But there was no escape. The image of Zelda falling into the abyss tormented him even while he was awake. He could still feel the echo of his own voice screaming her name, a cry that had been swallowed by the void.

He clenched his fists, his prosthetic arm emitting a faint glow as he did so. His loss wasn't just physical; the emptiness in his chest was far harder to ignore. Since that day in the underground, he had done nothing but search for her, following every clue, every rumor, every lead that might bring him to her.

But it was useless. The guilt weighed on him like a stone. He kept repeating over and over to himself: I should have protected her better.

As he adjusted the straps on his gear, his mind betrayed him, taking him back to the small moments he had shared with Zelda. He remembered her soft laugh when she joked with him, the determination in her eyes when she spoke about her vision for Hyrule, and the way her face would light up with the small victories they shared on their journey. Now, all of that seemed so distant, as if it were a dream that faded with the dawn.

Are you out there, Zelda? he thought. Are you thinking of me, as I am of you?

When he returned to the Lookout Landing, Purah, the leader of the fort, greeted him with her usual energy, but Link could barely look her in the eye. Each time he recounted what had happened, he felt the wound open again. This Sheikah scientist, known for her eccentricities, had managed to rejuvenate herself through one of her inventions, but then reversed the effect. Now, despite her 120 years, she appeared as a young woman in her twenties.

Purah listened attentively to Link's account of the fall, the celestial island, and the golem that had given him a Sheikah tablet, claiming to have spoken with her ten thousand years ago. The scientist was fascinated and gave him two main missions: to find Zelda and unravel the strange events that had started to plague Hyrule since her disappearance. She also mentioned sightings of a strangely dressed Zelda exhibiting unsettling behavior.

Over the following months, Link investigated the anomalies in the main regions of Hyrule. In each one, he revived memories of the friendships he had forged in his past battle against the Calamity.

During his investigation, Link faced not only the strange occurrences ravaging each territory but also the growing mystery surrounding Zelda's behavior. Alongside his allies, he managed to awaken the spirits of the ancient sages, legendary figures who had once fought in the War of Banishment. Each of these spirits named a present-day sage, bestowing upon them a secret stone symbolizing their connection to the ancestral power. Mineru, the sage of the spirit, manifested as the fifth to join the group, bringing wisdom and determination.

The Hebra region, with its eternally snow-covered mountains, was home to the Orni, a race of winged humanoids skilled in archery. There, Link renewed bonds with Teba, the patriarch, and his son Tulin, who had been crucial in their fight against the Divine Beast Vah Medoh. With the awakening of the ancestral power, Tulin was named the Sage of Wind, assuming a vital role in the upcoming battle.

In Eldin, Link reconnected with the Gorons, sturdy rock men whose warmth and insatiable appetites made them unique. Although Yunobo was not the leader of Goron City, he was the proud descendant of Daruk, the legendary warrior who had fought alongside the Champions. His heritage made him stand out, and with the awakening of the sages, Yunobo was chosen as the Sage of Fire, bearer of immense strength.

In the desert, the Gerudo, relentless warriors, lived under the guidance of Riju, the young matriarch. Despite the strict rules prohibiting the entry of men, Link had been accepted after proving his worth in battle against Vah Naboris. Riju, with her determination and connection to lightning, was named the Sage of Thunder, bearer of power capable of unleashing storms on the battlefield.

Finally, in Lanayru, stood the dazzling Zora’s Domain, an architectural marvel built over a crystal-clear lake. Majestic waterfalls cascaded in multiple levels, feeding the region with pure waters that wound their way to the most distant springs. Curved bridges, carved with intricate aquatic motifs, connected the spiraling terraces of the city. Under the sunlight, the bluish and silvery structures shone like jewels, giving the impression that the city was a natural extension of the lake itself. Its ruler, Sidon, a close friend of Link, was chosen as the Sage of Water, channeling the strength of the Zora through his ancestral stone.

However, the mysteries only grew. During his travels, Link discovered figures of Zelda before the gates of the sacred temples, but these turned out to be illusions created by malice. The testimonies of the ancient sages confirmed that the real Zelda had interacted with them ten thousand years ago. According to them, Zelda had made a promise: when the time came, the sages of the present must join Link in the fight against the Demon King, the adversary who even the warriors of the past could not defeat.

Link, intrigued and confused, couldn’t fully understand who this Demon King really was or why he had to face him. He vaguely remembered Zelda mentioning something about this enemy during her visit to the depths of Hyrule. But answers came unexpectedly. During his journey, he encountered Impa, the elderly Sheikah leader, who led him toward an even greater enigma: the geoglyphs. These colossal engravings in the earth, hidden all over Hyrule, held drops of pure light—strange and radiant.

As Link began collecting these drops, each one revealed fragments of the past. Gradually, the pieces of the puzzle came together, providing him with the answers he desperately needed. Through these visions, he discovered the events of the War of the Incarceration, the sacrifices of the ancient sages, and how Zelda had played an essential role in that millennial conflict.

However, the mystery of Zelda remained unsolved. It wasn’t until he found the fifth sage, Mineru, and recovered the Master Sword that the truth struck him like a cold bucket of water. All the manifestations of Zelda he had pursued were false, mere constructs of malice designed to disorient him. Mineru, though aware of Zelda’s intentions, could not provide answers about her exact whereabouts.

Meanwhile, the power of the Demon King, hidden deep within the depths of Hyrule, grew stronger with each passing day. Hordes of monsters relentlessly ravaged the kingdom, and the crimson moons, which revived fallen creatures, followed one after another with alarming frequency. Time was running out.

With all the sages gathered, each bearing the strength of their lineage and the bond with their secret stone, the decisive moment had come. Armed with the restored Master Sword and accompanied by his allies, Link prepared to descend into the heart of the darkness. The final battle against the Demon King was about to begin.

In the weeks leading up to the event, they had discussed the details of the combat at length, ensuring that everything was in order. For Sidon and Riju, leaders of their respective clans, delegating responsibilities had been essential, as they needed to focus entirely on the impending conflict.

Finally, the day had come. The confrontation between Link and the Demon King would take place that very day, and Lookout Landing would be the starting point. With a sigh, Link straightened up and prepared to travel to the stronghold, where Purah would be finalizing preparations and where he and the sages would gather before the battle.

Lookout Landing, the adventurers' operations center, was a magnificent structure built close to the chasm where Link and Zelda had disappeared at the beginning of their journey. At first, the location brought back thoughts of that enigmatic incident, but in light of Link and Master Kohga's recent conflict, it had acquired new meaning. It was in this same abyss that Kohga had inadvertently disclosed the lair of the terrifying Demon King.

Following Master Kohga's revelation, Link and Mineru had resolved to descend through Camobatures lightroot to chart a safe path to the Demon King's lair. The abyssal darkness had been overwhelming, a heavy shroud that seemed to swallow all light and sound. Every step echoed in the silence, and shadows appeared to shift around them, as if danger lurked in every corner.

As Link recalled their incursions into the abyss, his mind shuddered with memories of the dangers that awaited them at the entrance: hordes of monsters and cunning traps designed to thwart any intruder. "I hope we've done enough to prepare." The shadow of doubt always echoed in his mind, a constant unease that never completely disappeared. Anxiety tightened in his chest, reminding him of all that was at stake.

He recalled with frustration how, due to the frequent Blood Moons, the days had turned into an endless cycle. Monsters reappeared every few days, challenging their progress and thwarting their efforts to clear a path to the Demon King's lair. "We can't let them come back," Link thought in exasperation, remembering how, despite his meticulous efforts, the area remained infested with dark creatures.

However, despite these obstacles, after weeks of constant incursions, they had managed to map out the safest path to the Demon King's lair through the catacombs—a route that would allow them to bypass deadly traps and avoid a confrontation with a fearsome Lynel the Demon King had summoned in one of the side chambers. "We must be precise," Mineru had insisted during one of their meetings, her voice steady as she pointed to the route on Purah's pad map.

In parallel, Mineru also collaborated with Purah, Robbie, and Josha, contributing her passion and knowledge of technology to provide the group with an essential advantage. Utilizing the Construct Factory underground, they programmed the builder constructs to produce six additional pads—replicas of the one Link already possessed—in record time: one for each sage, and a sixth, of course, intended for Purah.

After intense debates and studies, the four scientists succeeded in implementing a real-time messaging and video call system. This would facilitate constant communication among all of them, even when they were in their respective tribes or communities, thereby creating a unique communication network across Hyrule.

By employing these enhancements, they met several times to discuss the strategy being implemented, taking into account the unique abilities and powers of each sage, and, above all, the data and maps that Link and Mineru provided, derived from their various expeditions. In this way, they ensured that their strategy would be as efficient as possible.

In their final meeting, Mineru surprised the group by announcing she would join them only later, precisely as they descended along Camobatures lightroot, and that she would remain stationed in the Temple of Spirit. This decision held a critical purpose: with her mastery over technology, she could use the watcher constructs to establish a surveillance system capable of detecting any suspicious movement near the abyss and send alerts to Link and the rest of the team. These signals, synchronized across their tablets, would update the map in real time, revealing the location of enemies and allowing them to adapt their strategy on the spot.

With the unwavering resolve of a protector, Mineru pledged to remain vigilant, fully aware that her expertise and control over technology would be crucial in the strategy that would determine Hyrule's fate.

Link mentally evaluated every detail of the plan and smiled as he contemplated the rigorous efforts that had subsequently been made, guided by Mineru and her knowledge of the events of the Imprisoning War, to strengthen the defenses of Lookout Landing while facing the Demon King. A deep sense of pride began to swell within him as he thought of Purah and Paya. Each of them, in their own unique way, had taken on crucial roles in the organization. "If only Zelda could be here, watching us all work together…" he reflected, feeling a tightness in his chest. The thought that his companion would not see the results of their efforts saddened him, but it also motivated him to fight with greater intensity, reminding himself that the sacrifice made by Zelda to safeguard the power of the Master Sword, the only weapon capable of freeing Hyrule from the Demon King, must not be in vain.

Purah had meticulously planned the fort's defenses, ensuring it would be reinforced by Hoz's arrival, the leader of the largest and most powerful extermination squad, which was still en route. This patrol would stand ready to confront any threat near the abyss. Link felt a small smile form as he thought of it; he had no doubt Purah had anticipated every detail, making certain their efforts were exhaustive.

Meanwhile, Paya had been instrumental in establishing an infirmary that would not only serve the group of sages, but also any defender of the fort who might be injured. Alongside Karson, she had overseen the construction of this medical refuge, with plans to lead a team of expert healers personally selected by Impa. Link knew the infirmary would be a vital sanctuary amid the conflict, a beacon of hope in uncertain times.

Despite the meticulousness of the preparations, Link could not prevent nervousness and uncertainty from seizing him once again. The unease settled in his mind, presenting the troubling possibility that it might all not be enough. "What if I'm not strong enough?" The thought tormented him. His pride in what they were organizing was overshadowed by the fear that more than one of them, perhaps even himself, could return severely injured… or not return at all.

Link began adjusting the straps on his belt when a sudden dizziness forced him to stop. He blinked, but the sensation didn’t fade; on the contrary, it grew stronger. The room seemed to sway, as if an invisible abyss was trying to consume it.

Suddenly, he was no longer in his home. He found himself in a vast, shadowy plain. The sky above him, a swirling crimson and black, pulsed as if it had a life of its own, oppressive and heavy. A lightning bolt split the air, illuminating monstrous figures writhing on the horizon. And then he saw it: a tall figure, wrapped in shadows that devoured the light. It turned toward him, with red eyes glowing like embers. A gaze that not only pierced him but trapped him.

Link tried to move, but something stopped him. A scream of frustration escaped his throat, but he couldn’t free himself. He looked down and saw the ground begin to transform into grotesque, black, slimy hands, each palm adorned with malicious eyes, rising from the earth and clinging to his legs, tightening with unnatural strength. A guttural, inhuman roar echoed around him, deep and resonant, like a beast calling him from the darkness, so close that he felt it thundering in his chest. Desperate, he tried to move his legs, but the weight of the earth and the hands kept him still, his body trapped in the nightmare. An unbearable burning sensation pierced him suddenly, as if something invisible and cold was stabbing him. The Master Sword was in his hand, but its light was barely a whisper, a dying flash that paled against the immense darkness surrounding him.

The figure raised a hand, and the air became unbearable, heavy as though it were crushing him. The ground beneath his feet vanished suddenly, and Link felt himself falling. There was no ground, no end, just a cold, abyssal emptiness that swallowed him into nothingness.

A thunderclap resounded. Link gasped and opened his eyes wide. He was back home, his hands trembling. But something had changed. The sky, clear just moments ago, was now a canvas of dark clouds swirling in fury, tinged red at the edges.

In the distance, a deep, primal roar echoed, vibrating the windows. Link placed a hand over his chest. Vision? Warning? He didn’t know. But one thing was clear: something had awoken, and he couldn’t afford to ignore it.

"This isn’t just a dream... Something is awakening."

He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm himself, but the words came to him with terrifying clarity: "Whatever is out there... knows we are coming for it. And now it’s coming for us."

Chapter Text

The morning silence was suddenly shattered by a sharp beep that startled Link, pulling him from his darker thoughts. It was Purah's Pad, vibrating in his hand—a signal of an urgent message in the group chat. Smiling, he welcomed the break from his ominous musings, feeling warmth at the thought of his friends, and quickly opened the messaging panel.

"Good morning!" greeted Yunobo with the boundless cheer and warmth characteristic of the Gorons. He seemed particularly proud since he had been named Sage of Fire. "Ready? I'm on my way to Lookout Landing with a fresh arsenal of rock roast, just finished up at the Grill."

Riju replied with a chuckle, always amused by the young Goron's insatiable appetite.

"Ha, ha, ha! I'm all set to go too!" laughed Riju. The young Chief of the Gerudo and Sage of Lightning was in high spirits that morning. "I'm just finalizing a few last details with Buliara. She's the one I've entrusted with my duties while I'm away from the Town."

Link smiled; Buliara was undeniably perfect for the role. Not only was she Riju's right hand, well-versed in the intricacies of command, but she had also served faithfully under the young matriarch's mother before her. With Buliara at the helm, Gerudo Town was in excellent hands.

An audio message broke the silence. It was Tulin, the son of the newly appointed Rito chieftain, and the Sage of Wind.

A knot tightened in Link's stomach as he listened to the message. "Barely a teenager, and he already bears the weight of being named Sage of Wind," he thought.

"Liiink! I'm on my way!" Tulin's youthful voice rang out, filled with boundless enthusiasm. "I'm flying to Lookout Landing! We're going to give that Demon King a real fight!"

Sidon, King of the Zora and Sage of Water, also wrote to the group:

"My apologies for the delay. Yona and I have just finished packing up. We'll set out shortly after a few final words with my father and Muzu, who will be overseeing the Domain in our absence."

Mineru, the Sage of Spirit, sent her morning greeting. Though she would not be with them at Lookout Landing, she understood the importance of joining their morning salutations.

Link smiled and wrote a reply:

"Thank you all. I truly appreciate your support. When all this is over, we'll have a grand feast of roast rocks, salmon in sauce, hearty Hyrule bass, and, of course, rivers of Noble Pursuit."

"Oh, absolutely!" Purah added. "Everyone, take care on the journey and make sure your teleport coordinates are correctly configured. I emailed all of you yesterday with the details… even you, Tulin, since although you're flying, you never know if something might go wrong mid-flight."

Almost in unison, everyone confirmed their coordinates were set. Purah, sighing to herself, murmured quietly:

"Let's just hope no one ends up teleporting into a river of lava…"

With the exchange finished, Link sighed. From the balcony of his home in Tarrey Town, he gazed out over the vast horizon. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, letting the salty sea air fill him with a calm resolve. He needed that peace before facing the greatest trial of his life.

He returned to his bedroom, where the weapons and shields he had collected throughout his travels lay, somewhat chaotically, on his bed. Pride filled him as he took in the sight, as many of these pieces had cost him blood, sweat, and tears, and now each would serve, along with the Master Sword, in his final battle. He inspected his shields—a Silver Lynel shield, the Hylian shield, and several Royal shields—all accompanied by memories. On one of them displayed a Sand Seal stuffed toy, a gift from Riju, glued at the center. When he saw it, he remembered, amused, his last trip to Gerudo Town. The laughter of the young Chief and friend, when she discovered his antics, echoed in his mind: "Link, you've always had a peculiar sense of humor!"

Then he turned to admire his weapons. Some had been claimed from the depths, won amidst riddles and dangers, and he chose the finest, the most powerful between them. They were pristine blades, weapons of ancient heroes who had once freed Hyrule from Ganondorf's darkness. He knew they would be invaluable, for the weapons on the surface, corroded by malice, would not endure as these relics would.

Then, he dressed in his favored outfit: the Hylian hood and trousers paired with the new Champion's tunic, the one Zelda had hidden within Hyrule Castle. Into his pack, he stowed the depth armor, in case he needed extra protection against the malice of the depths, as well as his glide armor—though he wasn't sure why. Something told him it would prove useful.

Locking up the rest of his gear, he was all too aware of Nambod's notorious penchant for pilfering relics. His gaze lingered on his arm. Even after gathering all 152 light orbs, a sinister darkness remained, clinging stubbornly within him. "Why can't I rid myself of this?" he wondered, feeling a growing unease. "Will there be always a part of me marked by shadow?" That lingering darkness threatened to consume him, reminding him that the battle was not only against the Demon King but also the shadows of his own past.

But now he had a mission to fulfill. With his pack brimming with gear, shields, and supplies, Link cast a final look at the picture hanging on the wall: a selfie taken atop the Light Dragon. Nostalgia tightened his chest. "Will I see Zelda again?" he wondered, feeling despair creep into his heart. "Will I ever hold her again?" How he wished she could be here with him, sharing the weight of the approaching battle. He knew that Purah and Impa were working tirelessly, scouring ancient texts and consulting old scrolls, searching for some way to bring her back. Yet, uncertainty gnawed at him.

Zelda's absence felt like an unbearable void, one that no amount of preparation could fill. The thought that his companion—his light in the darkness—might not witness this critical moment filled him with a desolate ache. That void, a persistent shadow in his soul, spurred him to fight with unwavering resolve, but it also left him yearning for her presence, wishing she could stand beside him at this decisive hour.

Time was slipping away. Link made his way to the door, but before crossing it, he stopped. The past months had been a whirlwind of adventure, trials, and triumphs. Now, a new battle loomed, and he had to face it with everything he had. He drew one last, steadying breath, then stepped forward, heading toward the nearest teleportation point. The final battle was about to begin.

In the depths, in the darkest, deepest hole, the Demon King waited impatiently, sitting on his throne of shadows. The darkness around him seemed to absorb everything, while his fiery gaze burned with contained fury that only grew with every passing moment. He was close, he could feel it—the arrival of Link and the sages—but it didn’t concern him. Not yet.

The shadows of the depths stirred, as if alive, full of monstrous creatures crawling through its dark corners. In the distance, guttural whispers and maddening laughter echoed. The Poes, wandering spirits trapped in this cursed dimension, screamed in despair, condemned to wander for all eternity, prisoners of the infinite darkness surrounding them. Their voices were like muffled echoes, a constant reminder of the power the Demon King wielded over this place.

The Demon King let out a deep, macabre laugh. Every fiber of his being reveled in the victory he already considered assured, as he delighted in imagining the tortures that awaited them. His laughter reverberated throughout the abyss, causing even the most terrifying creatures to shrink back, crushed by the weight of his power.

—Does he really think he can defeat me? That his bravery is enough? He doesn’t know who he’s facing. I am Power itself. He will fall before he even reaches the abyss.

He closed his eyes with disdain, as if the mere thought of the heroes' arrival was a nuisance, a game that would soon dissipate in his endless darkness. The Demon King was above it all—above hope, above the struggle, above any attempt at resistance. He had already won everything, even before the battle had begun.

However, as his mind wandered through these thoughts, a figure appeared in the shadows. Dressed in a tight red suit that reflected the little light that reached the depths of the abyss in a sinister manner, the figure knelt before the Demon King's dark throne. A white mask covered their face, relentless and cold, not revealing the slightest emotion. Their earrings, shaped like bananas, jingled with each movement. The figure remained silent, waiting for their presence to be acknowledged.

The Demon King opened his eyes, a malevolent smile forming as he perceived the presence before him. He knew who was there: his loyal servant, his executioner, always ready to fulfill his will.

—Are you ready for what’s to come? —asked the Demon King, his voice deep and laden with dark promises.

The figure remained silent for a few seconds before responding, their tone cold and without a trace of fear:

—I will be, Your Magnificence.

—By the way... —the Demon King narrowed his eyes and leaned forward slightly, gazing more intensely at his servant—. Are my vassals ready to devastate everything?

—Of course, Your Magnificence —the figure replied without hesitation—. My minions are summoning them right now. Soon, Hyrule will overflow with the torrent of evil we are unleashing.

—Excellent... excellent... —murmured the Demon King, reclining back in his throne with palpable satisfaction—. Let’s see how that hero of no consequence handles the pressure while his friends die one by one...

A new wave of tension swept across the abyss. The very air seemed to charge with the impending catastrophe. The Demon King knew the confrontation was near, that all he had planned, all the darkness he had sown, would soon reach its climax. In his heart, there was an unwavering certainty of victory. Yet, he couldn’t help but savor the final wait, knowing the fate of the brave souls approaching him was more than predictable.

Chapter Text

Moments later, with a bright flash of blue particles, Link's figure emerged precisely at the teleport point of the Lookout Landing Skyview Tower. Instantly, his eyes scanned the panorama with the precision of an ever-alert warrior, and what he saw filled him with satisfaction.

With a swift glance, he took in the bustling activity around him: Karson, alongside Paya, was finalizing the details of several shelters that would function as makeshift infirmaries. They had constructed beds and brought healing water from nearby hot springs, both from the volcanic springs of Hebra and the mystical springs of Taortol in the same region. Link allowed himself a silent smile, recalling how discovering those hot springs had been a true revelation. Following the lead of some sisters who had told him of a valuable stash of mushrooms—his favorite delicacy, especially the lively truffles—he had found hidden hot springs on the outskirts of Tabanta, a remote place far removed from any civilization. Since then, he never missed a chance to sneak away and immerse himself in the warm waters, where he found a brief but well-deserved respite amidst his many exploits.

Suddenly, Link was pulled from his thoughts by a familiar, cheerful voice calling to him.

—Linkyyy! —It was Purah, greeting him from the doorway of her laboratory with a radiant smile. You've finally arrived! The others are already here, having breakfast. You're the last to show up!

Link smiled, a hint of embarrassment creeping in as he scratched the back of his neck while offering his apologies.

—I'm sorry, I got held up reviewing the maps with Mineru—he said, making an effort to appear nonchalant while concealing the true reason for his delay. In reality, he had been lost in a moment of nostalgia, engulfed in thoughts of Zelda, so vivid that it was difficult to return to the present—. I wanted to ensure we didn't overlook any details —he added, as though his words could dispel what he felt.

Yet his mind kept returning to the image of Zelda, and a small pang of doubt pierced through him. "Would their preparations be sufficient when she wasn't there to guide them?"
Purah waved her hand dismissively, beckoning him to enter.

"Come on, step inside already! I made crepes with stamina honey, perfect for energizing you before what's to come!"

As Link crossed the threshold, he beheld his companions gathered together, sharing a breakfast filled with aromas and colors that infused the laboratory with life and laughter. Riju, wearing a broad smile, greeted him enthusiastically:

"Wow! The hero of Hyrule has finally arrived in person. We were just about to start without you!"

Sidon, seated next to his wife Yona, laughed heartily, giving Link a friendly slap on the back as he joined the group.

"Link, my friend, how is it that even Yona and I managed to arrive before you? " Sidon jested with a conspiratorial grin". I must say, your punctuality needs some work, but you know we'll always forgive you.

Link laughed along with them, warmed by the camaraderie of his friends. In that moment, he realized that this gathering, this bond, was a fundamental part of what truly made their mission ahead so significant. All of them, from the jovial Riju to the tireless Yunobo, were there not just as allies, but as a chosen family.

"What would I do without you all!" said Link, looking at them with gratitude. "You've helped me so many times, but let's be clear: this time I was the one who kept you waiting... so I'll eat quickly." Purah smiled contentedly, watching them with a gleam in her eyes as they enjoyed the meal.

This small moment, Link thought, was a reminder of what everyone wanted to protect: a Hyrule where laughter and peace were the norm, not the exception.

During breakfast, the atmosphere filled with lively conversations and laughter as the heroes shared anecdotes of the incredible feats they'd experienced over the past months. Each tale seemed more astonishing than the last, and their camaraderie was evident in every word. Purah, Josha, and Robbie, eager to hear more details, couldn't resist their curiosity. Determined to make the most of the occasion, they turned to the sages with questions in mind, eager to uncover the secrets and challenges each one had faced in the sacred temples.

Tulin was the first to speak up, his voice steady as he recounted the epic feat he and Link accomplished in defeating Colgera on the Sky Archipelago.

"As you know," Tulin began, his gaze sweeping over the group, "our region was struck by an overwhelming blizzard that completely isolated the village. We're still recovering, and in fact, Link has been helping us with supplies in exchange for arrows and other materials he finds useful."

"By Hylia!" exclaimed Purah, surprised. "What you must have gone through! Tell me, how did you manage to put an end to such a dreadful storm? Link mentioned that you had to climb to the most remote islands in the sky, where you found a mythical place that until now only existed in legends…"

"Exactly," Tulin continued, his eyes bright with excitement. "It was all revealed thanks to an old folk song from our land, 'Song of the Sky Arch,' which has been passed down through generations. In its verses, Link discovered clues about the location of the ark, and we wasted no time in setting out. The journey was... unforgettable. As I used my abilities to propel him forward, Link leaped from one skyboat to another, navigating the blizzard as if the sky itself were his battlefield. It was a feat like no other, something I had never witnessed!"

"And you didn't fall, Linky?" Purah asked with a mischievous smile.

"Well," Link replied, blushing slightly, "a few times I did lose my footing and had to backtrack. But with the nearby shrines and my teleportation ability, I managed without too much trouble. Eventually, we reached the Sky Arch, and believe me, it was worth it just to behold such a floating marvel."

"Oh!" Josha exclaimed, her eyes wide. "I've read about it, but I never thought it really existed. Could you tell us more about what it looks like?"

"Of course!" said Tulin, rising smoothly into the air, his wings tracing graceful circles around the group as his eyes sparkled with fervor. "The Sky Arch... is a remnant of divine glory and power, floating beyond the edges of the sky, hidden among golden clouds. It's a sacred sanctuary of architectural perfection, beyond mortal comprehension, crafted by hands that drank from the eternal wisdom of the goddesses."

"Its doors," Tulin continued with a deep, solemn voice, "towering and colossal, guard secrets from a bygone era. Intricate carvings cover their surface, telling stories of immortal heroes and gods. As one crosses them, they're met with towering columns, like wings soaring toward the heavens, supporting arches of gold and silver that reflect Hyrule's very history. And up there, in those sacred heights, reigns a silence so vast and solemn that even time seems to fade; a place where the air feels eternal and the echo of the divine still resonates."

Those gathered listened in complete silence, captivated by Tulin's voice, which, in his mystical enthusiasm, seemed to transport their souls to that sacred place where history and legend intersect.

Seeing that his friend had finished his epic description, Link continued in a graver tone:

"Once there," Link continued, "we encountered Zelda... or, rather, one of the Demon King's puppets. She led us to the main terminal, the one we needed to activate to stop the storm ravaging the Rito region. Together, we sought out and disabled the key points, while I used my power to create gusts and activate the system. When the mechanism was unlocked, the Demon King's creature appeared: Colgera, a colossal worm-like monster controlling powerful air currents, making the battle even more challenging."

"And how did you defeat it, Link?" Josha asked, her eyes wide with excitement, clearly captivated by the hero's story.

"At first, I wasn't sure how to face it," Link admitted, his voice heavy with solemn tension as he recalled each moment of the battle. "The wind pushed me in every direction, as though the storm itself wanted to swallow me. Then I saw it: those crystalline circles gleaming like dark stars on its massive body. I knew instantly that they were its weak points. I opened my paraglider and, resisting each strike from the treacherous currents, began attacking them one by one, destroying them in a deadly dance against the wind."

"I imagine it wasn't as simple as it sounds, right?" Robbie said, handing him a cup of hot tea, his eyes reflecting the respect of someone listening to the tale of a great deed.

"Not for a moment," Link replied with a tense smile, barely hinting at the intensity of his memories. "Each strike from Colgera was like thunder in the air, and the winds shifted in an instant, leaving me unsteady in mid-flight. Every move had to be precise; one mistake, and I'd have plunged into the void. Hit after hit, I managed to get close enough to strike its weak points, until, finally, with a final blow, it fell.

The instant Colgera hit the ground, its colossal body collapsing, the blizzard stopped, as if the wind itself had exhaled one last breath of surrender. The clouds parted, and the clear sky began to shine above us, bathing the scene in a divine glow. It was then," Link added, "that we understood the Sky Ark's power was once more at peace."

"And when we finally defeated it, when Colgera fell and the skies calmed," Tulin interrupted, his eyes bright with pride, "the spirit of my ancestor appeared before me and named me Sage of Wind! Behold my Secret Stone!"

As Tulin raised his sacred stone, a gentle, warm breeze enveloped everyone present, as if the essence of the wind itself blessed that moment. Watching his companion, Link felt the epic grandeur of their alliance, forged in the heights and forever engraved in Hyrule's eternal legend."

Chapter Text

The voice that broke the silence after Tulin's story was that of Riju, the young and brave Chief of the Gerudo. Sitting beside Link, a faint blush colored her cheeks, as if reliving that story awakened emotions she tried to hide.

"As you already know, suddenly a sandstorm began to lash the region with devastating force, "she began, her voice trembling between memory and the duty to recount it. "But it wasn't an ordinary storm. Strange formations that resembled hives appeared in its wake. And from those cursed nests emerged decomposed creatures, almost mummified... They were called Gibdos."

"By Hylia! "exclaimed Josha, astonished. "How terrifying!"

"Just imagine, between the storm and those... bugs, the population was terrified. " Riju continued in a darker tone.

"What decision did you make? "asked Purah, whose role as leader of Lookout Landing made her interested in the decisions of other leaders. "It must have been a very difficult situation to handle."

"Just picture it. The blinding storm, and those creatures lurking in the sand... Riju lowered her gaze for a moment, her voice becoming a somber whisper. "My people were caught between horror and uncertainty. I couldn't allow that."

Purah, with her sharp leader's gaze, leaned forward. "How did you make the decision? It must have been difficult to determine what was right in such chaos."

"It was "Riju admitted, nodding gravely."There was no time for doubts. I decided to open the catacombs of the citadel, seeking refuge deep within to evacuate most of the Gerudo women. The citadel was uninhabitable, buried in sand from corner to corner. Meanwhile, I gathered my bravest warriors, and we headed to the ruins before reaching the Kara Kara Bazaar, looking for a way to stop those abominations, relying solely on the teachings of our oldest texts."

Link, listening to every word, felt the adrenaline of those moments and, without realizing it, began to share his part of the story with a smile that betrayed a hint of embarrassment.

"To be honest, I wasn't sure where to go... So I decided to head to Gerudo Town" he admitted, scratching the back of his neck with a mix of shyness and determination. "Something told me I would find answers there."

Link continued his story, with all his friends listening attentively, eager for the details. As he spoke, he couldn't help but think how surreal the situation had been. He remembered the desert wind hitting his face, the sand swirling in chaotic gusts that blinded him and made it impossible to see beyond his own hand. "Definitely not a day for outdoor walks," he thought, recalling how each step had felt more like a fish caught in a sandstorm.

When he finally reached the Gerudo Citadel, the place was completely deserted. The streets, once bustling with activity, were now quiet under piles of sand that seemed to have settled there forever. As he wandered through the alleys, something caught his attention: an open manhole, there in a corner. Without thinking much—perhaps too little, he would later admit—he slipped through the opening.

Once inside, his eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light, and there, floating in the dirty water, he began to see them: bottles, each with a message inside. "Bottles with messages in a sewer? Is there a secret mail system down here?" he wondered, scratching his head. He pulled one of the messages out and read it, only to become even more confused. The messages were from a Gerudo citizen asking for help to get out of there.

Intrigued and convinced that this had to mean something, he followed the trail of bottles, almost like breadcrumbs in a dark labyrinth. Finally, the path led him to a locked trapdoor. "Should I?" he thought for a moment, but without hesitating any further, he decided to use his stealth skills, moving through the ceiling and appearing right next to a young Gerudo who, upon seeing him appear out of nowhere, let out a strangled scream and stepped back, eyes wide with shock.

"Perfect, Link. Great first impression," he thought to himself as he tried to offer a reassuring smile, though it lacked conviction. Upon looking at her more closely, Link noticed that she was holding a handful of empty bottles. He understood immediately that this girl was the author of the distress messages that had floated to him, though, seeing her frightened expression, he wondered if this had been the response she had hoped for.

—Evidently, she didn’t expect me to come through the floor —Link laughed, continuing the story—, and of course, the problem came when, upon seeing me, she screamed at the top of her lungs. Even more so when she realized I was a Voe. Good thing one of the guardians recognized me from when Riju and I defeated Vah Naboris. Otherwise, I would've had to put on a Gerudo veil to stay in the citadel.

Link blushed as he recalled how strict the Gerudo laws were, prohibiting men from entering the city since ancient times, with him being the first exception in possibly centuries.

The image of him, years ago, dressed as a Gerudo Vai to infiltrate the citadel made him torn between embarrassment and laughter. Though he couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable, he also found it to be one of those stories that, with time, would bring a smile to his face.

—By the way, one of these days, you should tell us exactly what that whole spectacle was about —Riju continued, raising an eyebrow with a mischievous grin—. It took me a while to convince the citizens to let a Voe in, and you almost ruined it all!

Link diverted his gaze, scratching the back of his neck and pouting defensively.

—You said we wouldn’t tell anyone.

Purah burst into laughter.

—Our dear "Linky" getting into trouble again? Come on, tell me already!

Riju leaned toward Purah, savoring the tale.

—Well, it turns out our hero thought it’d be a good idea to stroll through the citadel... disguised in the Yiga Clan outfit —she said, pointing at Link with a triumphant grin—. In front of all the guardians!

Prunia let out a thunderous laugh.

—The Yiga Clan outfit? By the Goddess Hylia, Link! Seriously?

—I thought it’d be easier to get in that way... —Link defended himself, his cheeks turning red—. Isn’t it a useful disguise?

Riju sighed, though amusement was evident in her voice.

—Not when you’re in the one place where that outfit is basically a declaration of war. Several guardians already had their spears ready before Buliara recognized him when he took off his mask. Remembering we still needed him, she stepped in on his behalf; otherwise, he’d have spent a good while in prison. Now, that’s loyalty, even in the worst moments!

Purah was in tears from laughing, clutching her stomach.

—You’re a lost cause, Linky! The only hero who saves the world while causing diplomatic incidents... by accident.

Link lowered his gaze, embarrassed, as Riju and Purah kept laughing. Despite everything, even he couldn’t help but grin as he remembered how absurd the situation had been.

Trying to salvage what little dignity remained, Link cleared his throat and looked away.

—I-I guess we should get moving... right? I think we’ve spent enough time here...

—Don’t worry, Linky —Purah interrupted with a mischievous smile, more interested in the story Riju was telling than in Link’s hurry—. Before you head into the abyss, Hozlar and his patrol need to arrive. We can’t let you go without backup, or some monster could give us a scare that even you couldn’t fix.

—Now that you mention it... —Robbie chimed in, frowning—. Shouldn’t they have arrived already?

—Well, according to one of Penn’s little birds... —Purah paused dramatically, looking at everyone with a concerned expression—, it seems they’ve run into trouble. A horde of monsters appeared out of nowhere.

Silence fell over the group, and their faces filled with concern. The hordes had been a constant problem ever since Link and Zelda disappeared. The Lurelin village had been raided by pirates, leaving its people homeless. Thanks to Link, they survived, and with Bolson help, they rebuilt the place better than before. But those memories didn’t quite ease the tense atmosphere that had settled over them.

—Well, well... —said Prunia, smiling as she tried to hold back her laughter—. Where were we? Oh, yes! When Link ended up in Gerudo prison for strolling through the Town disguised as a member of the Yiga Clan...

Link blushed at the memory, but deep down, he couldn’t help but smile. Maybe Zelda would’ve laughed harder than he would’ve liked, but he didn’t mind his friends sharing those laughs.

Laughter echoed through the room as everyone relived the absurdity of the situation. Even Riju, who had initially tried to keep her composure, ended up chuckling. Breakfast had come to an end, and amid jokes and smiles, everyone began clearing the plates.

It was time to move; after all, a change of scenery would do them good to clear their minds. The worry about Hoz’s delay still lingered, but the mood was lighter now, as if that brief break had renewed their spirits.

Laughter echoed through the room, and the tension dissipated, at least for a moment. Even Riju couldn't help but let out a chuckle as everyone slowly got up to help Robbie and Josha clean up the remnants of their breakfast. The nerves over Hoz's delay still lingered, but at least now the atmosphere was lighter.

The fresh morning air hit their faces, providing relief after being cooped up in Purah's office having breakfast. Upon stepping outside, they encountered Pay, who was moving back and forth, overseeing the supplies of the makeshift infirmary. With Karson's help, she was effectively leading the Sheikah healers brought from Kakariko, following Impa's instructions to ensure everything was in order before the battle. Link couldn't help but feel a wave of admiration for her.
The shy girl he had met years ago had matured into a strong and determined leader for her village. Her ability to face the challenges of leadership was impressive, especially with Zelda missing. Among other things, she had overseen the Zonai investigation led by Tauro in her village, focusing on the mysterious fallen 'ringed ruins.'

Exchanging a few words with Purah, Link headed toward her, not only to greet her but also with the intention of inviting her to share a moment with them before the big battle.

"Hi, Paya! "he greeted her with a warm smile. "How's everything going? The five sages, Purah, and I are waiting for Hoz to arrive. I'd love for you to join us for a while; we're reminiscing about old adventures."

"H-Ho... hello, L-Link... "stammered Paya, her face flushed from being near the hero. Link smiled; although she had grown in many ways, her shyness was still present". O-Of course, I'll join. Just... give me a moment; I need to leave some instructions for Karson, and then I'll be right with you."

Link nodded, smiling to reassure her, knowing that despite her nerves, Paya always found a way to show her inner strength.

Several minutes later, Paya, the Sheikah leader, approached the group timidly, who at that moment were laughing at something. With flushed cheeks, Pay greeted them in a trembling voice.

"H-Hello, "she stammered. "L-Link told me you were here; do you mind if I join you?"

"Of course not!" exclaimed Purah, with a mischievous smile. "In fact, I sent Link to find you. I don't know why it took you so long to get here."

"W-Well... I'm sorry, I was finishing organizing the s-supplies." Paya replied, still a bit nervous.

"Don't mind Purah; you know her well enough. " Link intervened with a reassuring smile". We all know how important your work is. Please sit with us and take a breath before the storm arrives."

Pay nodded gratefully and joined the group, feeling her nerves slowly fade away.

Chapter Text

—What were you talking about? —inquired Paya, taking a seat beside the sages.

—The sages and Link have been filling us in on their journeys through the various temples. Right before you arrived, Riju and Link were recounting details of their encounter before they managed to enter the Lightning Temple —answered Purah in a solemn voice.

—That's right—Riju confirmed, a spark of intensity in her eyes—. In a nutshell, Riju summarized to Pay how, due to the storm, she had to implement measures to protect her people while heading towards the ruins halfway to Kara Kara Bazaar and that a book they'd found had given them clues about what they might discover there. She also mentioned how poor Link, after getting lost in the sandstorm while searching for the Gerudo Town, finally arrived only to find it completely desolate, with no idea where to go or what to do since the rest of the townsfolk were hiding underground. She decided to leave out Link's little mishaps, knowing how shy Pay could be and preferring not to make her feel uncomfortable with those details.

—Exactly. —Link continued from there— Fortunately, I found the entrance to the catacombs where the poor citizens were hiding, and they soon informed me about where the Chief was. There, I ran into an archaeologist who told me about some Gerudo ruins and showed me a new Zonai artifact: a mirror. This item turned out to be key to unraveling the secrets of the ruins. After gathering all the information, I headed to Kara Kara Bazaar as soon as I could slip out... ahem... quietly.

If Pay noticed Link's cheeks turning red and the others chuckling under their breath, she didn't say anything. Riju cleared her throat a couple of times to keep from bursting out laughing and continued her story.

—We were in some ruins halfway there —Riju began, her voice low, charged with tension—. We had taken shelter there because those cursed Gibdos had us cornered. Not knowing how to defeat them, we had to hide in one of the crypts. That's when we discovered how to fight them. I went outside, got ready, and it was easy; they fell one by one. Afterward, I decided we'd stay there a few more days, wanting to be fully prepared in case of another attack. And that's when Link showed up, fresh from the citadel.

She paused, her gaze drifting as if caught in the memory of him standing there, outlined against the storm light. The calm confidence he radiated lingered in her thoughts, a faint smile touching her lips before she quickly continued, brushing off the moment as if it had been nothing at all.

—How did you defeat them? —interrupted Robbie, surprised—. I remember running into them in the Depths, and even with an extermination squad, we couldn't hold them off. We had to retreat.

—At first, we were just as lost —Riju admitted—. But while we stayed in the ancient crypt that served as our shelter, we went through the writings of our ancestors. There, we found a reference to the Eighth Heroine, who managed to hold off the Gibdos briefly by summoning a source of elemental energy with a foreign instrument. I decided to use the power of lightning… and it worked. When Link arrived, I told him about this, and together we set out back toward the Citadel to warn the others in case they attacked. But before we could reach it, a horde of Gibdos appeared out of nowhere. They emerged from hives we hadn't noticed before, as if lying in wait within the very dust itself.

She paused, her eyes reflecting the intensity of the moment.

—But we were ready. Despite the fear, each of us knew exactly what to do. We struck with precision, and the horde fell in seconds. It was as if we had trained our whole lives for that moment. Without wasting time, we regrouped and set off. We knew this was just the beginning and that the real challenge was still to come.

—By the time we arrived —she said gravely—, the citadel was already under siege. Black, twisted hives appeared out of nowhere, as if some dark force had summoned them. The Gibdos were lined up, ready to attack.

A heavy silence settled as Riju continued.

—It was then, alongside Link and my warriors, that we charged to defend the citadel. Each strike I landed seemed barely enough to hold back that endless horde… and although we managed to hold them off, I was wounded myself, bleeding onto the sand while my warriors finished repelling the attack. I spent days in bed after that, but we did it.

During her recovery, something unsettling tormented her. In her sleepless nights, Riju heard a persistent, whispering voice calling her, urging her to seek out ancient murals hidden in the citadel's catacombs, left by one of her ancestors ten thousand years ago. Once she had healed, Riju could no longer ignore the voice. Accompanied by Link, they descended into the depths of the citadel's catacombs, and after an exhausting search, they found them.

"It was a day full of discoveries," she said, nodding solemnly. "The murals spoke of an ancient light that had to shine upon the throne to awaken a hidden power. But… I couldn't do it alone."

Riju looked at Link with a mixture of gratitude and determination.

"I needed Link help to decipher it. As matriarch, I had to remain at the Town, but without understanding that mystery… we knew something far darker was approaching."

Link went straight to the throne hall, and from there, he ventured out into the desert, pushing forward through the relentless sandstorm. Each gust of sand whipped against him as the fierce wind raged, reducing visibility to mere steps and turning the desert into a churning sea of golden dust. Link advanced with determination, the weight of ancient secrets echoing in every step. Finally, through the sand and the wind, he spotted three towers, each crowned with a mirror, covered in centuries of sand and neglect.

Following the mural's cryptic instructions, Link began cleaning the mirrors and adjusting them, shifting each until the beams of light formed a perfect triangle in the air, as if the very light were calling to something deeper and more powerful than the desert itself. Silence fell for an instant, as if even the storm held its breath. And then, the ground trembled.

With a thunderous roar, the dunes began to shake and part, slowly revealing a colossal structure emerging from the heart of the sand: the Thunder Temple. Ancient stone blocks and carved columns rose from the desert like a giant waking from a millennia-long slumber, as the echo of its awakening reverberated throughout the valley.

The air charged with energy, and Link felt the electric pulse of the place on his skin, as if a powerful, contained force was waiting to be unleashed.

"A quake shook the entire citadel, and suddenly, a colossal temple emerged from the sand like a god rousing from its slumber." Riju's eyes widened as she recalled it. "The Thunder Temple rose slowly, grand and imposing, like a fortress sculpted by divine hands in an age of power and legend. Its structure bore serpentine engravings that looked like petrified lightning, captured in the stone. The columns flanking the entrance were massive, adorned with reliefs of dragons and mythical creatures that seemed to come to life under the desert's trembling light. And at the top of the temple, an enormous lightning symbol crowned the structure, glowing supernaturally as orbs of energy crackled around it."

Unfortunately, time had not been kind. The walls were eroded, as though the desert's sand and storms had tried to consume them without success, leaving scars that spoke of ancient battles and latent power.

"We rushed toward the temple," said Link. "When I activated the Zonai terminal, suddenly, this giant moth appeared—though not the pretty kind—wrapped in second-hand cloth like something you'd find at an antique fair."

"Is that how you describe a queen?" Riju interrupted, laughing heartily. "Her name is the Queen Gibdo, Link."

"Whatever. It was some kind of giant moth with a terrible temper," Link joked, trying to downplay the situation. Although, truthfully, his first encounter with her had been a complete disaster; Queen Gibdo had knocked him out in the blink of an eye, leaving him at the mercy of the beast and wondering if he'd ever see daylight again.

"Come on, Link, do you really think a creature that looks like it crawled out of a horror museum would be a threat?" Riju said, reveling in the irony.

—Well, it gave me a beating... —Link admitted, scratching his head with an expression somewhere between embarrassed and amused—. But, who could take a giant moth seriously? I'm sure it just wanted to scare me!

—Sure, sure —Prunia replied, with a teasing smile—. I'm sure the moth couldn't help but be drawn to something as... peculiar as you. Bet it doesn't see many creatures as "special" as you in the desert!

Laughter erupted in the group, and Link’s face turned even redder than any shade of red that could be found in Hyrule.

"As Link was saying," Riju continued, doing her best to stifle her laughter, "when we tried to enter the temple, Queen Gibdo ambushed us. Her strength was overwhelming, and her attacks were brutal. Though she retreated before we could finish the fight, she left us with a clear sense of just how powerful she was…"

Once inside the temple, things didn't improve. They encountered countless puzzles and traps that seemed designed by a particularly unkind group of people. The collaboration between Link and Riju became essential.

Soon, laughter and shouts echoed through the temple, filling the air with camaraderie as they faced the challenges ahead. With each puzzle solved and each trap evaded, their confidence grew, as did the certainty that, although Queen Gibdo might be a nightmare, they were ready for whatever the desert threw at them.

The room of mirrors proved especially difficult, where the two had to work in perfect sync, as if performing an acrobatic dance, though more than once they ended up bumping into each other and against the walls.

"Come on, Link! The mirror to the left!" Riju shouted, dodging a beam of light that shot out from one of the mirrors.

"No, no! The other left!" Link replied, trying not to laugh as he jumped aside to avoid another trap.

Positioning the mirrors seemed simple at first, but it quickly turned into an exhausting challenge. Each had to turn at an exact angle for the beam of light to hit the next mirror; any mistake would deflect the ray, forcing them to start over. On top of that, the constant vibrations of the ground caused by Queen Gibdo didn't help at all. More than once, a mirror teetered and fell to the floor below, bouncing without breaking but causing them to lose all their progress. Link sighed and wiped a hand across his forehead, wondering if Hylia herself was testing them. At that moment, Riju joked:

"I'm starting to think these mirrors are almost as stubborn as you, Link."

"Hey!" Link protested, though he couldn't help but laugh. "At least I don't fall down every two seconds."

The intense reflections forced them to take turns and pause to avoid being blinded, which also slowed their progress and frustrated more than one of them. As Link straightened the fallen mirror once more, he couldn't help but think of Zelda. "I'm sure she would have found a quicker way to do this. Am I really going to be able to face what's coming without her?" Doubt coursed through him, but Riju's smile and her confident gaze dispelled his fears for a moment.

Finally, after several attempts and one last adjustment of the angle, the beam of light hit the button, opening a door that led to the room where the last mechanism Riju needed to activate awaited. Riju unleashed her power into the lightning-shaped feeder, and in that moment, a sharp crack echoed through the air, signaling that the mechanism was active. At that instant, laughter erupted between them, celebrating their hard-won victory that seemed to have resisted until the very last second.

"Finally!" Riju exclaimed, striking a triumphant pose. "If we keep this up, I'll have to consider you my new personal assistant, Link."

"Only if you pay me well!" Link shot back, grinning as he approached the Zonai terminal and placed his hand on its center. At that moment, a deafening noise echoed, signaling that the door leading to the Queen Gibdo's nest was open. In that instant, Link and Riju exchanged an intense look, their hearts beating in unison like war drums. The time for the final confrontation had arrived. "But this time we know our enemy," Link thought, recalling how they had devised an attack strategy during their journey through the temple.

The battle began with an explosion of tension. Link moved forward with determination, dodging the sand traps like a dancer on a treacherous stage, his agility tested with every step. Riju, by his side, unleashed her lightning power with relentless precision, each flash of light illuminating her resolute figure.

The imposing Gibdo Queen, wrapped in her grotesque majesty, swayed under their assault, her enormous wings vibrating with an unsettling sound. As Riju's attacks landed, the air filled with energy and a resonant echo announced her fury.

But it was not all easy; the enraged Queen countered with a deafening howl that reverberated across the desert. A tentacle of sand shot towards Link, who barely managed to dodge it, feeling the air brush against his face. However, in an unfortunate turn, one of her sand traps activated, momentarily ensnaring him and causing him to fall to the ground.

—Link! —Riju shouted, her voice filled with anguish. Without hesitation, she unleashed a precise bolt of lightning that struck the Gibdo Queen, forcing her to retreat and giving Link time to get back on his feet.

With his heart racing, Link shook off the sand and rejoined Riju. They exchanged a glance, knowing they had to collaborate to the fullest. With synchronized movements, Link distracted the Queen with a frontal attack while Riju concentrated her power, ready to deliver the final blow. At that moment, the world seemed to slow down, and together, they launched their offensive with fierce determination. The Gibdo Queen, trapped between the strength of her allies, began to sway, her grotesque figure on the verge of falling.

Finally, with one last strike that resonated in the air like thunder, Link and Riju succeeded in defeating the Gibdo Queen. As she fell, the sandstorm that had ravaged the desert ceased instantly, as if nature itself applauded their victory. The wind calmed, and silence enveloped the battlefield, creating a stark contrast to the whirlwind that had reigned moments before.

At that moment, a glow began to shine on the horizon. The ancestral spirit of the Sage of Thunder appeared, radiating light and power, her presence enveloping the heroes in an aura of hope. She leaned toward Riju and began to speak to her, and at that moment, Riju realized it was the voice she had heard in her dreams during her recovery. The ancestral Sage spoke of the events of the Imprisoning War and conveyed Zelda's wish for Riju, as the new Sage of Thunder, to collaborate with Link in his battle against the Demon King.

—I name you the new bearer of the ancient wisdom of Thunder— she declared, her voice resonating in the air like an echo from the past—. Promise me you will help Link in his fight against the Demon King.

Then, the ancestral Sage, with a solemn gesture, turned to Riju and, raising her hand, bestowed upon her the secret stone that had presided over the main altar. The stone shone brightly, as if it contained within it all the ancient wisdom of her people. Riju, astonished and filled with emotion, felt the weight of her new destiny as she received the legacy of her ancestor, knowing that she was destined to lead and protect her people in the difficult times to come.

Link observed with respect as the legacy was sealed upon his friend and leader. Riju, with her eyes shining with determination, nodded solemnly, and together they swore their pact. At that moment, the fate of Hyrule intertwined with that of its brave heroes, promising an epic battle against the darkness that lurked.

As they returned in silence to Gerudo Town, Link felt a deep gratitude for Riju, whose courage and determination inspired him.

After that, he stayed in the town for several days, recovering from his injuries and enjoying the tranquility that Riju's company provided. In those moments, Link sometimes gazed toward the horizon, remembering Zelda. "I wish Zelda were here, seeing all that Riju and I have accomplished; I'm sure she would be proud of her."

During his stay, he shared some races on sand seals with the matriarch and enjoyed the spice-filled dishes he liked so much. Amid laughter and anecdotes, Link felt that he had found an ally and friend in Riju, someone with whom he shared much more than battles, while his heart, in silence, held onto its yearning for Zelda.

Chapter Text

The story came to an end, and a heavy silence fell over the group, abruptly broken by the shouts of Karson, urgently calling for Purah.

Purah, her face filled with worry, stood up immediately, closely followed by Paya and Link. Together with Karson, they entered the makeshift infirmary. There, lying on a bed, was a Hylian man, a member of the extermination squad, covered in blood.

"What happened?" Paya and Purah asked almost in unison.

"He arrived a few moments ago asking for help," Karson replied gravely. "He came from the eastern gate of Lookout Landing. We brought him in quickly, trying to make sure no one noticed."

Purah approached the wounded man.

"Do you have the strength to tell us what happened?" she asked gently.

"I'll try," the man murmured, struggling to stay conscious. "Our patrol... we were attacked... a horde of monsters... stronger than before. The casualties were immediate. My captain... ordered me to flee and warn you. The fort... it needs reinforcement... and also..."

Suddenly, the soldier fell unconscious, overcome by his injuries. Purah, Paya, and Karson exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation. The Demon King hadn't stopped sending hordes since his defeat, and the blood moons were occurring with alarming frequency, barely giving their enemies a moment to breathe.

Link felt the weight of the growing concern pressing down on everyone. Purah's gaze was fixed on the horizon, her voice quiet but determined as she spoke:

"The boys should descend into the depths as soon as possible," Karson said, his face grim. "We can't let this keep advancing."

"The problem is that we don't have enough defenders at Lookout Landing," Purah replied, looking toward the nearby depths. "If the Demon King decides to send more monsters, this place won't hold for long."

Link watched in silence, and although he tried to stay calm, a sense of urgency was building in his chest. He knew they needed to make a quick decision, but each option seemed to carry its own risks.

Purah sighed, casting a sideways glance at Paya and Link, then continued in a lower tone:

"We can't wait for Hoz's squad to arrive, but sending the team into the depths without reinforcements would be madness."

Link nodded, crossing his arms as he evaluated the situation quietly. He knew they had to protect the nearby villages, but the fort was also crucial, and many of the patrols were spread too thin across Hyrule to return in time. Thinking it over, he proposed:

"If we manage to relocate the closest patrols to Lookout Landing, we might gather enough forces for a solid defense here. At the same time, if we send swift messengers to the villages, the civilians could seek shelter in the wells stocked with food and clean water."

Paya nodded shyly, approving the plan. Though she didn't take her eyes off Link, a faint blush crept across her face from the weight of the situation and the potential danger.

"It's an option," Paya said thoughtfully. "The truth is, if the Demon King decides to unleash his forces, Kakariko could be the first place affected. But you're right; the wells could serve as shelters. And I know Impa, along with Dorian and Cado, could organize an evacuation quickly."

Link nodded, remembering that Kakariko had a special well, one where Dorian's wife had once hidden, surrounded by pumpkins and supplies. It was a safe place, a natural refuge.

"There are other wells further away that are also clear. I even came across a woman practicing songs down in one of them. If some villages can organize to use the more protected wells, they could buy time to find safety while we confront the depths."

Link was immersed in his plan when a thought suddenly struck him.

"We need to discuss this with Riju and Sidon," he said almost instinctively. "As leaders of their tribes, they should be informed and have a say in this before we make any moves."

Purah seemed hesitant.

"Yes, but if we spend too long debating... we'll lose valuable hours. And there's always the chance that, faced with the danger, they might decide to return to their lands, leaving us without their invaluable skills to face the Demon King. We need both Riju and Sidon here," Purah said with concern. "But, since Sidon has left the Domain in his father's hands along with Muzu, and Riju has Buliara in Gerudo Town, maybe they'll agree to this decision."

Link smiled, scratching his chin as he thought about the unique shelters the Gerudo and Zora had. The ancient Zora palace was a natural fortress, and the Gerudo catacombs were so well-stocked that they even had a small cellar with drinks for times of isolation.

"The last time I was in the catacombs, they'd even improved the Noble Puruit recipes…" Link chuckled, recalling the taste. "Not bad for a refuge."

Purah let out a laugh, momentarily breaking the tension.

"So 'that's' the reason for your 'awkward moments' in Gerudo Town? Now I understand!" she teased, lightening the mood a bit.

Link blushed, and Paya, who was watching him, blushed as well, imagining the scene.

"Purah, this isn't the time…" Link said, still amused but with a touch of embarrassment. "We need to focus on sending the messages as soon as possible."

"Of course," Purah replied, giving him a playful pat on the shoulder. "But when this is all over, I owe you a round of Noble Pursuit." She shook her head to refocus on the task at hand. "Now, let's think about our resources for sending messages. The Purah Pad isn't an option, since we didn't think to leave one with each delegate."

Link crossed his arms, pondering how to alert the villages quickly.

"We could use Penn's little birds," he suggested. Purah looked at him, considering the idea.

"You're right. Penn taught me to train them to carry messages to specific places. Sending them to the villages is our best option now."

Purah's face lit up, and she called for Robbie, who, despite looking a bit frustrated at leaving the thrilling tales the adventurers were sharing, approached and quickly grasped the urgency of the situation.

"Robbie, get the lab ready for the messages. We'll be sending our feathered friends with clear instructions," she explained swiftly.

Link and Purah exchanged a look. They both knew it would be a challenge to convince the village leaders to accept temporary refuge in the wells, but it was also the best defense against the imminent threat. With a sigh of both relief and determination, Link turned to Purah, offering a faint smile.

"Once we send the messages, at least we'll gain some time. And when this is over," he added, trying to lighten the mood, "that round of Noble Pursuit is still on."

Purah chuckled.

"I'll take that as a promise! But for now, let's get to work."

They nodded goodbye and Purah headed to her lab to draft the messages to be sent with Penn's birds.

Link, trying to chase away the growing knot of anxiety tightening in his chest, made his way to the pantry. His stomach rumbled, a reminder that breakfast was already a distant memory. He picked up a few fruits, thinking a small, sweet treat might lift everyone's spirits. But as he gathered them, a feeling of unease crept over him, like a shadow looming over each thought.

"What good will any of this do if the Demon King is already two steps ahead?" The question emerged in his mind, a disquieting whisper he struggled to silence. He knew they'd face harsh times ahead, but this simple act of gathering fruit felt almost trivial against the enormity of what awaited them. "Will a bit of fruit really make any difference if the Demon King's forces are already preparing to destroy everything?"

He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. "I need to stay calm—not just for my friends; I need to keep focused," he reminded himself, yet the thought that the enemy might be tracking their every move sent a chill down his spine. He looked at the fruit in his hands, trying to convince himself that these small gestures were essential for keeping the team together, to keep them grounded, even as the threat seemed to grow with every passing second.

As he left the pantry, a somber determination took hold of him. "We have to be ready for anything... even for what we haven't yet imagined."

Chapter Text

Once Link was satisfied with the amount of fruit, he stepped out of the pantry to reunite with his friends. Fortunately, Paya had taken the reins of the conversation in a way that kept them entertained while he discussed things with Purah.

"Hey, Link!" Paya said, pointing at the overflowing bowl of fruit. "I see you still have your insatiable appetite!"

Laughter soon erupted; everyone knew Link's famous penchant for food, as well as his passion for cooking, which he had perfected during his travels after waking from his hundred-year slumber.

"I actually brought it to share," Link said, smiling as he placed the bowl in the center. "Take whatever you want."

"How kind, Link!" they said in unison as they moved in to serve themselves, except for Yunobo, who pulled out a rock roast from his backpack.

"Thank you, Link, you're very generous," Paya added, slightly blushing.

"Well, now that you're here, Link," announced Sidon, "I think we can continue with our story about the Water Temple. I apologize for starting without you, but don't worry, I was just explaining the troubles caused by the Demon King's creature in the region."

"Yes, the problems plaguing the Domain were terrible," Link nodded. "According to what Sidon told me, a waterfall of contaminated water began to pour down from a sky island, dragging a kind of black, sticky substance that resembled mud. I had never seen anything like it; it was oily and had a strange smell. I'm sure it wasn't ordinary mud."

"I share your impression," Sidon said. "It was affecting the aquatic wildlife terribly. We're still cleaning up the remnants in various areas."

"Getting back to the story," Link continued, "as soon as I arrived in the region, I went straight to the tower to activate the fast travel. What I saw shocked me: the ground around the tower was covered in that substance, and a Zora guard had been affected. I improvised with what I had on hand: I threw a splash fruit, and to my surprise, the substance partially dissolved. I activated the tower and headed to the Domain, not only out of curiosity about what was happening but also because I remembered that my scale armor was still there for repairs. I thought I'd take the opportunity to retrieve it since I would need it to swim through the waterfalls of the sky islands."

"It was at that moment when we met," Yona said with her characteristic soft voice and a gentle smile. "I didn't know who he was at that time. I was chatting with my ladies-in-waiting when I saw him staring at the statue in the center of the city, completely covered in mud. Without saying a word, he threw something at the statue. At first, I thought he was damaging it, but as soon as the object hit, the mud vanished. That was when I knew who the person before me was."

"I was stunned," Link added. "I expected to find the statue of Mipha, but I was surprised to see one of Sidon and me, in the midst of battle against Ruta."

"A statue of Link!" Paya exclaimed, amazed. "What an honor!"

The others nodded, sharing compliments and a few envious glances. Link, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, scratched the back of his neck, a gesture everyone knew well.

"Yes, I remember you were completely overwhelmed, dear Link," Yona said with a tender smile. "You could barely articulate a word. When I finally introduced myself, you insisted you didn't deserve such an honor, thanking me over and over again. That humility only reinforced what I had already sensed: besides being a brave hero, you have a noble and generous heart. I saw that again when you helped us in so many ways before meeting Sidon in the Mipha Park. And, of course, I couldn't let you leave without giving you your scale armor, shining like the first day."

"Thank you for your kind words, Yona," Link said, though his cheeks, already flushed from the queen's praises, only burned brighter.

Sidon, observing the moment, laughed with his usual joviality and decided to step in to give his friend a breather.

"It seems our dear hero is temporarily incapacitated," he joked, "so I'll continue the story."

"Please!" the others urged, eager to hear more.

Sidon nodded in appreciation and picked up the tale.

"As my wife has mentioned," he said, turning to Yona, "when Link arrived in the Domain, I was by the Mipha Court, a place where the Zora keep our water reservoir. I was desperate because, despite my efforts to clean the mud that had covered the pond, it would accumulate again almost immediately. On top of that, I had another concern; I was quite distressed because my father, King Dorephan, had to take refuge inside his secret hideout, the Pristine Sanctum due to the pollution affecting him."

Link, listening attentively, added, "Yes, when I arrived, Sidon and I barely exchanged a few words. I told him that I was in the region investigating the strange occurrences happening all over Hyrule, specifically to see if he had any idea about what was going on and where all this mud was coming from. In response, he asked me to visit Jaht, the Zora archaeologist, who was currently examining some ancient tablets. Meanwhile, Sidon continued his work, trying to clean the mud from the reservoir."

"That's right," Sidon nodded. "I thought his help would be valuable, so I asked you to go see Jaht. And I wasn't wrong; he soon came back with answers."

Link smiled, recalling the moment. "When I arrived, Jaht was studying a broken inscription. He explained that the alphabet of the inscription found was of Zonai origin, similar to what I had seen before in the ring ruins. When he translated it, he told me that to find the Water Temple, I needed to 'throw the king's shield through the tear of the Sky Fish.' I had no idea what that meant, so I decided to ask Sidon directly."

"I explained," Sidon continued, "that the 'king's shield' probably referred to one of my father's scales, and that the 'Sky Fish' could be some structure or island. I asked him to show me his map, and sure enough, there was an island in the sky above us that was shaped like a fish. With that, we had a starting point. I marked my father's palace on his map so he could request a scale in my name. Meanwhile, I had to keep working on cleaning the mud from the Domain."

"That's right," Link continued. "While Sidon kept cleaning, I headed to the Pristine Sanctum, where King Dorephan was recovering. Upon arrival, I could see he was visibly affected. I also encountered Muzu, his advisor, as dry as ever. After a brief chat, the king handed me five of his scales, assuring me that I could ask for more if necessary. Fortunately, it wasn't needed."

"I suppose at that moment it was inevitable to ascend to the Sky Fish Island to find the entrance to the Water Temple," Sidon commented, with a knowing smile.

Link nodded silently and began to recount how, thanks to the Zora armor, he had been able to ascend the powerful waterfall leading to the Sky Fish Island, which was actually known as the Floating Scales Island. Once on the island, he spent quite some time searching for the "drop" mentioned in the tablet, through which he was supposed to shoot an arrow with the king's scale. He looked over the landscape again and again until finally, changing his angle of view, he realized that the floating rocks rising above the Domain formed, from a certain perspective, the shape of a perfect tear.

"It was one of those moments when everything clicks into place!" Link said, laughing softly. "I got into the perfect position to see the drop and prepared the arrow. I made sure to combine it with one of King Dorephan's scales, and when I shot, the arrow flew through the air and sank into the bottom of the eastern reservoir."

Link paused, remembering the crucial moment. "Then, I saw a glow emerging from the water. The next thing that appeared was a pillar of light, rising from the depths. That was when I ran to talk to Sidon," Link continued. "I knew I had discovered something important, and I needed to tell him what I had seen."

"I remember it well," Sidon interjected, grinning from ear to ear. "It was at that moment when you dashed like a gust of wind to tell me what you had discovered."

"Of course!" Link replied with a laugh. "I knew you couldn't miss it. But just as I was telling you…"

"A monstrous worm appeared out of nowhere!" Sidon exclaimed, animated. "A Like-Like, but covered in a thick layer of mud."

"Yes, and I couldn't even scratch it," Link admitted, smiling with a touch of humility. "That mud layer was so thick that my weapons bounced off it. But then, there you were to help me."

Sidon, laughing, added, "I wasn't going to let my best friend get stuck. I used my power to shoot a good stream of water, and the mud began to peel off like wet paper."

Link nodded gratefully, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Thanks to you, I was able to finish it off in a matter of seconds. You always show up right on time, Sidon."

"That's what friends are for!" Sidon replied, returning the gesture with a sincere smile. "You know I've always got your back, Link."

They both fell silent, catching their breath. This adventure had certainly been the longest by far, and there was still much left to finish it.

Chapter Text

Link and Sidon paused their story to finish the last of the fruit. As they enjoyed the moment, young Josha, eager to hear more of their adventures, asked curiously if they were done with their tale.

"Oh, no, not yet," Link replied with a smile. "We still have a lot to share. We've been through so much together."

"Yes!" Sidon added, his eyes shining. "At that point, we hadn't reached the Water Temple yet, but at least we had a solid lead. So I took Link to the source of the light, right in the middle of the eastern reservoir, so he could investigate further."

"Yes…" Sidon murmured, his gaze darkening, touched with a hint of melancholy. "It was hard not being able to accompany him on that part of the adventure. I would have liked to be by his side, but the domain needed me. The sludge in the reservoir was getting worse, and I had to deal with it. So, while he explored the ancient temple, I couldn't stop turning an idea over in my mind. Finally, I spoke with Yona, asking her to find someone in the domain who could temporarily take on the task of cleaning the reservoir, because I knew that once he found the path to the Water Temple, I'd go with him, no matter what. I couldn't stand the thought of letting my best friend face that challenge alone. He had already fought too many battles on his own, and I couldn't allow it to happen again."

Link nodded silently. They both knew they would have preferred to face the exploration of the Ancient Temple together. For Sidon, entering the Ancient Zora Temple alongside him—where his ancestors had left their legacy—would have held a deeper significance. He shook off these thoughts, realizing he was getting lost in them, while the others were eager for him to continue the story, hoping for clues that would lead him and Sidon finally to the Water Temple.

Link continued his tale, describing how small he felt upon entering the Temple. The grandiosity of the structure, though deserted and worn by time and the dampness pervading the area, still reflected the majesty and beauty it must have once possessed. The place was filled with priceless relics of the ancient Zora civilization, telling the story of a culture that had flourished in the region ten thousand years earlier.

After a long walk through its shadowy corridors, he finally found what he was looking for: a Zonai terminal, positioned atop a pillar at the heart of the main hall.

"It was an exciting moment," Link said, "but as I got closer, I realized that climbing up to it was nearly impossible. Even though I had all my climbing gear with me, a second look showed me that it wasn't just the height that was a problem. The walls were slick with slime and dampness, making them dangerously slippery and almost impossible to scale without a real risk of falling." Link chuckled. "It was a bit of a reality check. So, I looked around the hall again to figure out my next move, and that's when I noticed some pipes. Because of erosion and rockfalls, they were completely blocked by stones. An idea started forming in my mind. I saw that I could use bombs to clear the rocks out of the way, so I decided to give it a try."

Sidon listened intently to the details of his best friend's adventure, not wanting to miss a single part of the story.

"Fortunately, my guess was right," Link continued. "Each time I managed to clear a pipe, the water level rose a little higher. And with each increase, the terminal came just a bit closer. It was a slow process, but really satisfying."

"You always find a way to overcome any obstacle, no matter how challenging." Sidon laughed, giving him a gentle tap on the arm—a gesture full of affection, though his gaze held a trace of sadness. "I wish I could have been there with you for that part of the adventure. I would have loved to be by your side, but the domain needed me."

"If we'd been together, I'm sure you'd have thought of it too," Link replied, smiling back. "And maybe, between the two of us, we'd have solved it a lot faster. It would have been an honor to have you by my side."

"I know, brother," Sidon replied, with a warmth he reserved only for those closest to him. "I may not have been there physically, but you know I'm always with you, every step you take. No matter the distance, we're in this together." He gave Link a look of camaraderie, a smile of shared understanding that didn't go unnoticed by the others.

The friendship between them was unmistakable, and everyone shared smiles, moved by the bond they witnessed.

"Well, you all know how it ended," Sidon began, more relaxed now. "Link managed to reach the terminal and activated a waterfall that soared up to the sky. It was incredible. Thanks to that, we rose together up to the Isle of Torrents and the Water Temple—a majestic place, suspended on an island in the sky. There we found a massive Zonai structure, like a giant hydrant, that controlled the water for the entire region, although it was inactive. And then we saw a figure standing before the temple doors… you know, it was a false Zelda, another puppet of the Demon King. Link tried to activate the Zonai terminal, but it was jammed. Thanks to his experience, Link explained that we'd need to locate five terminals scattered throughout the temple."

"Exactly," Link said, taking over. "Once we'd downloaded the temple map, we set out to search for the terminals, but soon realized that this place was different: our bodies felt lighter. Every jump lifted us twice as high as normal. I'd felt this same sensation before on other sky islands, especially in the three floating Lomei strongholds."

"That's because in such high-altitude areas, the 'gravity' is lower," Josha said, excited to share her knowledge.

Everyone looked at Josha, intrigued, and asked her what that word meant. Thrilled by their curiosity, she explained the concept simply, drawing from her research and ancient texts.

When Josha finished, Link resumed the story.

"Once we'd adjusted to the low gravity,"—he looked at Josha, who nodded approvingly at his correct use of the term—"and after downloading the map from the Zonai terminal, we set out to find the terminals. This particular temple had only two levels, but due to erosion, each section was separated from the central part, so we had to find ways to glide from one area to another."

"There was one moment that really scared me," Sidon confessed. "It was when we had to cross to the other side of the temple… in bubbles."

"Bubbles?" Yunobo asked, surprised. "How's that possible?"

"They weren't actually bubbles," Link explained, "but a Zonai device that created spheres of water that floated from one place to another. By stepping inside, we could swim and move without falling. The challenge was that these spheres only lasted for a short time, and sometimes they drifted in the opposite direction we needed to go."

"Thankfully, Link was there cheering me on; I couldn't have done it alone," Sidon added. "We finally managed to reach the other side and activate the mechanism. The low gravity helped us reach some points, but it also made moving around tricky more than once…"

"Oh, I remember that well," Link laughed. "There was an iron sphere we needed to place on a switch in a pool cavity. Every time I tried to fit it in place, it just kept floating! I was about ready to give up, but luckily, Sidon noticed something."

"Honestly, we were just exhausted, Link. I'm sure you would have figured it out on your own much faster." Sidon smiled, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

"Well, how did you finally get the ball in place?" Josha asked, curious.

"At first, I thought that with the low gravity, I'd need to add weight to it," Link explained, "so I tried attaching floating tiles, but it didn't work. That's when Sidon spotted something."

"Yes," Sidon continued. "While Link was working on it, I started exploring and noticed an iron block that looked like it could function as a sluice. I figured if we moved it, we might be able to drain the water from the pool. I told Link, and we immediately put the plan into action. Once the pool was drained, we were able to activate the final mechanism."

Link scratched his head, blushing with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. Whether it was due to exhaustion or an oversight, he hadn't noticed that solution. He thanked Sidon, grateful for their teamwork, knowing they made a great team and had managed to conquer the Water Temple together.

Finally, they recounted how, combining their skills, they defeated the creature polluting Hyrule's waters: Mucktorok, a small, frail, octopus-like being, covered in thick layers of sludge. Sidon unleashed torrents of water to wash off the sludge, giving Link a chance to strike during the creature's vulnerable moments, all while dodging its attacks. With Mucktorok's defeat, the temple's waters flowed crystal clear once more.

After defeating Mucktorok, Link and Sidon, exhausted from the battle, sat down to catch their breath. They had barely rested a moment when the ancient Sage of Water appeared before them. She was a woman of imposing presence, and with a solemn voice, she recounted her fight alongside Zelda, Rauru, and the other sages in the Imprisoning War. She spoke of the promise she'd made to Zelda—to guide the next Sage of Water in their destiny. Then, she handed her secret stone to Sidon, naming him the new Sage of Water.

At this point, Link paused and pulled out his tablet from his pocket.

He continued, describing how, back at the Domain, King Dorephan—recovered from his ailments thanks to the disappearance of the tainted water—welcomed them in his chamber with a proud smile. The king listened attentively to their tale, and when they finished, he asked them to wait while he spoke privately with Muzu. Link and Sidon took the chance to replenish their energy, raiding the pantry and laughing together as they shared stories from their adventure. They'd earned that moment of camaraderie, and it filled their spirits.

Sidon went on to describe how, while they were swimming near Xera Falls, chatting happily, one of his father's personal guards emerged from the water, urging them to report immediately to the throne room. 

"What happened next," Link said, pausing as he reached into his pocket, "is better if you see it for yourselves." He held up his tablet. "As you know, Purah's tablet doesn't just store memories as still images—it has an extra feature that lets it save memories as short sequences. Here, take a look."

"In that moment, we saw the throne room fill with all the Domain's inhabitants, and, seeing King Dorephan's expression," Link continued, scrolling through the memory menu on his tablet, "I felt that something important was about to happen. I decided to record whatever came next—I could always delete it if it turned out to be nothing. But my instincts were right," he added with a broad smile. At last, he found the memory he was looking for.

He pressed a button, and the screen displayed an image of King Dorephan, with Link and Sidon standing before him in the throne room, all eyes in the room attentive.

"Sidon, my son," King Dorephan began, his voice both strong and warm, "today, you have shown great bravery in saving the Domain from the threat of contamination. Everyone speaks of you and your heroic deed."

"I—" Sidon replied humbly, "I only did what I had to do, but a great part of the glory also belongs to Link. I only did what I could to help him."

"I know, but still, you didn't hesitate to use your powers for the good of your people, setting an example for all. And that's why I have decided…"

Anticipating what was coming, Sidon tried to interrupt.

"No, I don't deserve such an honor. I only—"

"Don't interrupt me—I'm still the king here!" Dorephan joked, making the audience laugh. Link placed a reassuring hand on Sidon's shoulder, and Sidon, with his head bowed, allowed his father to continue.

"Today, in front of all the citizens of the Domain, my personal guard, and my advisor, who will act as witnesses to my decision, I have decided it is time to abdicate in favor of my son Sidon. My son, from this day forward, you are the new king. And, of course, when you are wed, Yona will be your queen."

Everyone watched the screen with excitement as the memory showed the crowd in the throne room cheering and congratulating their new king. Sidon and Link embraced joyfully, capturing a moment that reflected the depth of their friendship.

Josha and Riju looked at Link, touched by the scene. Riju asked if he'd recorded the memories of the wedding and coronation as well. Link nodded, promising to show them later.

As the memory ended and Link put the tablet away, everyone burst into applause, moved by the tale of these two friends.

Chapter Text

The rumble of horse hooves shattered the silence that had fallen after Sidon's tale ended. A firm and rapid sound was coming from the southern entrance of Lookout Landing. Everyone turned their heads in that direction. Their faces showed confusion and tension as they saw the approaching patrol. It was not the full patrol they had been expecting, and Sidon and Riju, in particular, frowned upon noticing that something was off: the shortage of men in the patrol, and especially that the person leading it was not who they expected.

With an urgent signal from Purah, Link and Paya stood up, on alert. Sidon tried to stop him.

"Where are you going, Link?" he asked, surprised.

"Sorry, Sidon," Link responded, apologizing as he and Paya ran toward the newly arrived patrol. "I need to deal with some matters regarding the patrol."

As Link and Paya moved away, Riju and Sidon watched with growing concern. The patrol was approaching the entrance, but it was incomplete, with several injured soldiers—some with only minor wounds, while others were clearly in serious condition. The patrol captain, a woman with a somber expression, was doing her best to maintain formation, but the exhaustion and gravity of the situation were evident in every step.

Riju glanced at Sidon. Her face was a mix of confusion and concern.

"Did you notice?" murmured Riju, not taking her eyes off the entrance. "This doesn't look good."

Sidon nodded, his expression serious.

"Yes... something must have gone wrong. This wasn't how we expected the patrol to return."

"I thought Hoz was leading this group," Riju remarked, puzzled.

"So did I," Sidon added. "Perhaps there was a change of plans."

Worried, Sidon and Riju decided to approach and listen to what was happening.

"Purah, what's going on?" Riju asked, noting the tension.

"We're dealing with a minor setback," Purah replied as Link tried to defuse the situation.

"Don't worry," Link intervened with his usual calmness. "Let us finish speaking with Flaxel, and we'll explain everything."

Meanwhile, Paya ran to Yona, who, after a brief conversation, quickly made her way toward the infirmary. Sidon, unable to contain himself, followed her.

"Yona, what's happening?" Sidon asked, visibly worried.

"Don't worry, my love," Yona replied, trying to soothe him. "They need me in the infirmary. You stay on your mission; everything will be fine. We'll see each other after the battle."

Sidon looked at her anxiously.

"After the battle? What do you mean? Aren't you coming back with us?" he asked, confused.

"Unexpected complications have arisen," Paya interjected. "We're making some tough decisions, but everything is under control." She then summarized the situation and explained how they had to ask the troops to return to defend Lookout Landing and had requested that leaders or delegates from each key settlement organize an evacuation plan.

Yona took Sidon's hands and looked at him tenderly.

"Sidon, remember that we are leaders," she said, her voice calm and reassuring. "We must stay composed and guide our people. Look at Link—always so calm and determined, even though he must be filled with nerves. He's doing everything he can to secure the defense of Lookout Landing, and we must do the same."

Sidon nodded, feeling a little embarrassed by his anxiety. He knew it was his duty to remain calm and, above all, to support Link. He kissed Yona before heading back to Riju. Both of them felt some relief knowing that their responsibilities were in capable hands.

Upon returning, they met Link, who was walking toward them.

"Hey!" Link called out with a smile. "I just finished talking with Flaxel. Why did you leave? I was about to give you an update."

"Paya already filled us in on the situation," Sidon said, playfully patting Link on the back. "Don't worry."

Visibly nervous, Link apologized.

"I should have consulted you first as leaders, but things escalated quickly, and we had to act fast," he said, looking down.

Sidon, ever kind, chuckled and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"It's all right, my friend. My father and Muzu are managing things at the Domain. They know what they're doing."

Riju added with a smile:

"I left the Citadel in the hands of my best warriors. And don't worry; you're famous in Gerudo Town for your… impulsive actions," she said, laughing.

The three of them laughed, easing some of the tension. Despite the challenges, their camaraderie made them feel stronger.

"Well then, Link, what information did the patrol bring?" Riju asked cautiously. "Just so we have an idea of what kind of danger we're facing."

Link scratched his head, deep in thought.

"The truth is, what they said doesn't make a lot of sense," he replied, searching for the right words. "They claim they were on their usual patrol when suddenly, a horde of monsters attacked them with a force and fury that seemed almost… inhuman. It wasn't like other attacks; it was brutal. They suffered several casualties, and many returned with severe injuries. That's why we needed Yona's help."

Sidon nodded and placed a comforting hand on Link's shoulder.

"Of course, they needed Yona's healing powers to save those poor soldiers. But did they say anything else? How did they manage to escape?"

Link took a deep breath, looking at Riju and Sidon before speaking.

"What the patrol told us is… unsettling," he said, lowering his voice almost instinctively. "One of the soldiers, still trembling, told me he'd never seen anything like it. Everything was calm during their patrol, until a horde of monsters appeared, as if out of nowhere, with a ferocity beyond anything they'd ever faced. 'They weren't just monsters,' he said, 'they were something more… as if possessed by a rage not of this world.'"

Sidon watched him closely, a frown creasing his brow as Link continued.

"That same soldier told me they barely had time to react. 'There was no way to organize ourselves,' he said. 'They came at us like crazed shadows, as if they were trying to devour us alive.'" Link paused, lowering his gaze. "Many fell, and others returned with wounds so severe I don't know if they'll ever fight again. But the strangest part is how they managed to escape."

Riju furrowed her brow, caught up in the tension and dread reflected in Link's voice.

"How did they do it? What happened?"

"Here's where it gets strange," Link continued, his voice lower now, as if afraid of being overheard. "None of the soldiers remember how they escaped. They all agree that they were in the middle of battle, surrounded, when suddenly… everything changed. In the blink of an eye, they found themselves alone on the battlefield, surrounded by silence and ash, as if the monsters had never been there."

Sidon and Riju exchanged a glance, and a palpable unease settled on their faces.

"One of the injured, just before passing out, whispered something about a 'blinding light.' He said he saw it just before the monsters vanished. The soldier could barely speak, his words were broken whispers: 'A light... like lightning... from beyond this world.'" Link paused. "Purah thinks it was a hallucination caused by the trauma, the mind's final attempt to make sense of the horror. But after hearing him… I don't know. It feels eerily similar to something I saw in one of the Tears of the Past."

Riju and Sidon fell silent, their eyes wide, expectant. Link glanced at his tablet, and his voice became barely audible.

There was a moment of silence. The three of them exchanged looks, as if in those few seconds, everything had taken on a different weight.

"Could it be...?" Riju started, her voice uncertain. Link paused, checking the time on his tablet.

"The time and place..." he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, "they match."

A silent understanding began to form between them, though none of them dared put into words what they were thinking. They looked up at the sky, but still couldn't fully comprehend. According to Mineru, when she told them what had become of Zelda, she explained that those beings lost their essence, the memory of who they had once been. But… what if a part of them still knew, hidden in some forgotten corner of their being, how they could help? Link revisited the memory between Zelda and Sonia, listening to each word with new attention, a fresh understanding.

The echo of those words began to shape an idea in his mind, almost like a whisper from the past. What if Sonia was right? What if she really was there, somewhere, trapped in the darkness, and all she needed was to remember who she was in order to break free? The thought sent a chill down Link's spine. He knew who she was, what had happened, but… where was she when it all took place? He reviewed the storehouse of memories. There it remained, empty—the slot for the memory yet to be revealed.

Just then, Riju broke the silence, as if sensing the weight of the thought Link was beginning to connect.

"Let's go back to the others, Link," Riju said urgently, her gaze full of meaning.

Link nodded, though his mind remained preoccupied with that thought. The certainty that the answer might lie buried in the memory he still had to awaken left him with the weight of an unnamed truth, waiting to be revealed.

When they returned to the others, they found Yunobo eager to share his adventure in the Fire Temple. Link watched him, feeling a knot in his stomach. He knew he was dragging his friends into a dangerous battle, but he also knew he couldn't face the Demon King alone. He needed them, and they trusted him completely.

"Thank you… truly, you're real friends," Link said, blushing with pride when they were all gathered. "I just wish this would end soon, and if I ever manage to bring Zelda back... I promise…" His voice faltered, choked with sobs. The sacrifice Zelda made to safeguard the Master Sword's power weighed heavily on his chest. Remembering her heroic act filled him with both sorrow and pride. The image of her, so vivid yet so distant, made his eyes well up. He placed a hand over his mouth, trying to stifle more tears. The thought of a world where he might never see her again was nearly unbearable.

Sidon was the first to approach, placing a firm, reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Brother, never lose hope," Sidon said, his voice full of conviction. "Zelda is a fighter, and we, as your friends and allies, will never stop looking for her. We'll fight for her, and we believe she will return. The entire Zora Domain prays for her well-being, and with you by our side, we'll bring her back."

Riju, her face set with determination, stepped forward to join them.

"Link, you are our family, and Zelda… she's a part of you. If she trusted you to protect us, we'll do the impossible to honor her sacrifice. No one in the Gerudo Desert would leave a friend behind, least of all someone who's done so much for us."

Josha stepped forward next, smiling warmly.

"As long as we're together, there's no barrier we can't overcome. Zelda always believed in you, Link, and that inspires us to believe too. We'll never be alone in this."

Yunobo nodded firmly, his voice trembling but resolute.

"Link, you've always been the hero we admired... now you're also our hope. We won't give up, not in finding Zelda, and not in bringing back the person you love."

Finally, Tureli stepped forward, looking at him with unwavering loyalty.

"If there's any way to bring her back, Link, we'll find it. Zelda is not only our princess, but our friend, and we won't rest until we see her again."

The words of his friends were like balm to his soul. He looked at each of them and saw the same mix of hope and determination on their faces. Inspired, he raised his arms in a gesture of gratitude, and without another word, they all embraced, their bond unspoken but deeply felt. At that moment, they shared the unity that kept them standing, the unbreakable connection that pushed them to face any adversity, and the hope that, in the end, they would bring Zelda back.

Link gazed at the sky, knowing that in less than an hour or two the light dragon would pass Lookout Landing in its eternal flight. With a sigh, he wished he could see it before the battle began.

Chapter Text

The peace that had reigned was shattered in an instant. The arrival of Flaxel was only the first warning, and moments later, more patrols appeared in the distance. The soldiers advanced slowly, almost dragging their feet, and the sounds of their footsteps resembled battle-weary groans. As more soldiers from the battlefield arrived at the base, those already present stood frozen, watching with growing horror. The soldiers looked as if they had come from a nightmare: their faces were pale and contorted, their wounds poorly tended, and their armor stained with blood and dirt. Some supported their comrades, who could barely stand, while others stared blankly, as if their spirits still wandered the battlefield.

Yunobo clenched his fists, and Link noticed that he was eager to tell everyone about their adventure in the Fire Temple where he and Link had fought fierce battles. But he could see that there was no time for that. They needed to prepare to head into the depths before the situation worsened.

"I suppose... we'll be leaving soon, right, Link?" Yunobo murmured, his voice barely a whisper. Uncertainty and fear were reflected in his eyes, and for the first time, the stories he had longed to tell seemed to shrink in the face of the grim reality surrounding them.

Link felt the tremor in Yunobo's voice and, placing a firm hand on his shoulder, gave him a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry, Yunobo,” Link replied in a low, comforting tone, even though his own fear pounded in his chest. “I’ll go let Mineru know to start getting ready. I promise there’ll be time to hear your stories afterward. We’ll leave as soon as she confirms she’s at the designated meeting point.”

Yunobo nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on the harrowing sight of the wounded. A dark thought lingered in his mind: what if this journey was their last?

Link stood and hurried over to Purah, who was speaking with the exhausted captains of various patrols, while Paya, Yona, and the healers worked to bring the injured to the infirmary.

The scene, chilling from afar, was even worse up close. The screams of the wounded echoed in his head; the stench of blood and grime was overwhelming. He couldn’t let them keep sacrificing themselves for him. He had to face the enemy.

He took several strides, carefully avoiding the injured lying on the ground waiting for a stretcher. He patted Purah on the shoulder to get her attention. When she turned around, he whispered something to her, and she simply nodded in response. He returned to where the others were sitting and motioned for them to gather at Purah’s lab.

With a determined expression, Link pulled out his Purah Pad and searched for Mineru’s contact. He pressed the call button, and almost instantly, the image of the construct appeared on the screen in Purah’s lab. Despite all the time they had spent together, the mechanical resonance of her voice, created by complex mechanisms, never failed to make him jump slightly.

“Hello, Link,” Mineru greeted, her voice echoing with a metallic, distant, and almost spectral quality. “How are things? Are you ready to descend?”

“Hello, Mineru. Not yet. I’m waiting for instructions from Purah, but I wanted to give you a heads-up to start getting ready,” Link replied, striving to keep his tone calm. “Can you give me an update on the situation below?”

Mineru tilted her head slightly, a gesture Link recognized as a nod. With precise movements, she activated a screen behind her, revealing a graph that fluctuated. The line, usually stable, rippled in erratic patterns.

“Of course, Link. However, I must express a concern,” she said, her mechanical voice sounding deeper than usual. “This morning, everything seemed normal in the depths, but as the day progressed, some areas have become… strangely empty. Specifically, the lairs that housed the replicas of the temple bosses: Marbled Gohma, Colgera, Mucktorok, and the Queen Gibdo. They are completely deserted.”

Link felt a chill run down his spine but tried to stay calm as he listened.

“And around the Demon King’s lair? Any signs of movement?” he asked.

Mineru shook her head slightly, her bright, yet emotionless eyes reflecting the descending graph on the screen behind her.

“That’s the strange part, Link. There’s no significant activity in the lair or its surroundings. It seems as though the enemy is vacating their positions, but they aren’t regrouping as one would expect. Something… is brewing in the shadows.”

Suddenly, the screen behind Mineru flickered and trembled, the image distorting and crackling. The construct’s metallic face turned sharply, alert, while the erratic flashes cast irregular shadows across her metal form. She touched the screen, tapping it lightly, and checked the connections in vain, her movements becoming quicker and more frantic than usual. Without warning, Mineru’s image also flickered and then vanished. Link stood frozen, uncertain if this was a technical failure or a harbinger of something far more sinister.

Before he could react, darkness engulfed him completely. The lights in the lab went out all at once, plunging him into an abyssal blackness. Panic surged inside him, cold and suffocating. He blinked, straining to adjust his eyes, but it was no use; there was no trace of light, as if he had suddenly become trapped in a void.

“What is this? Am I… blind?” Link whispered, struggling to keep his composure. The oppressive silence and utter darkness disoriented him, a weight settling on his chest—a dense, stifling pressure as if the air itself was suffused with an invisible, malevolent presence.

Quickly, he rummaged through his pouch and pulled out a sunset firefly, releasing a faint glow that provided a fragile glimpse of his surroundings. The tiny creature emitted a soft, flickering light, just enough for him to regain some orientation. “Alright… at least I have this. Stay calm, Link. You’re not alone… not really…” he reassured himself, though the fear continued to creep, coiling in his thoughts.

“This can’t be real... What is this place? Why does everything feel... so hostile, so... dark?”

A sudden noise shattered the stillness—a soft, echoing drip, like a single drop of water hitting the ground. It was impossible to tell where it was coming from. He looked down and felt his heart pound in his chest as he noticed a pool of inky black water at his feet, so dark it seemed to devour the light of the firefly. He watched as a ripple expanded across the surface, and in that instant, an overwhelming sense of being watched seized him—something lurking in the shadows, an unseen gaze boring into him. It was a tear of darkness.

A thought flashed through his mind, one he wanted to dismiss but couldn’t deny. The chilling realization crept over him: “I’m… I’m inside his mind. Inside the Demon King’s memory.”

Slowly, the image before Link sharpened, and what he saw chilled him to the bone. He was hovering above Gerudo Town. Below, the Queen Gibdo and her swarms were attacking mercilessly. The streets—once filled with laughter and friendly greetings—were now buried under a storm of sand and terror. Link strained his eyes, searching for any trace of the townspeople, but the vision dissolved into a swirling tempest of sand.

Suddenly, he found himself above Zora’s Domain. The once-crystalline waters had turned black and polluted again. Mucktorok leapt with savage force, muddying the elegant structures with destruction and filth. Link tried to see more, to catch any sign of someone defending their home, but the image vanished again.

Cold enveloped him abruptly: now he was overlooking Rito Village. An icy wind lashed the huts, freezing them instantly, leaving everything it touched encased in a deadly layer of frost. High above the village, Colgera created frigid blasts that tore through every structure. Link felt a lump form in his throat, unable to scream, paralyzed by the weight of helplessness.

Finally, Link hovered over Goron City. The marbled-rock roast once again on the Goron spit-roasters, while the Marbled Gohma rampaged through the streets, destroying everything in its path. Visions of shattered pots and scattered wares flooded his sight. The city, always warm and secure, now lay in ruin, a desolate battlefield. Link felt his body tremble; his friends—all of them—seemed trapped in an unending nightmare.

But nothing could have prepared him for the final vision.

He found himself in Hateno Village, walking as though truly there, weighed down by overwhelming destruction. The streets were empty, the people likely in hiding, but flames consumed the village. The school Zelda had built, her dream brought to life, burned endlessly. There was no one to save it, no one to douse the fire. Cirelle’s orchad, a corner of peace and toil, lay shattered and completely destroyed.

The vision led Link deeper into Hateno; every familiar place reduced to ashes and ruins.

Link felt the vision pulling him toward something even more terrifying. "What is this?" he thought, fear seizing him. Before him lay the wreckage of what had been Zelda’s and his home. Their house—the first place where Zelda had found peace after her century-long confinement fighting to hold back the Calamity. The beams were charred, the walls collapsed, and the ground was littered with scorched debris. Off to one side, ashes of what must have been Zelda’s notes and research lay scattered. Amid the rubble, Link saw something that made his heart shatter: Kass’s gifted painting—the image of Zelda, himself, and the four Champions—destroyed and blackened beyond recognition. Their memories, the testament of their hard-earned peace and precious years together, reduced to ashes in an instant.

Then, he heard a dark, mocking laughter that wrapped around him like a shadow.

“Enjoying the show, Link?” the Demon King’s voice resonated with searing contempt. “Behold true power, not the pitiful games of a swordsman with which you’ve deluded yourself.”

Link tried to step back, but his body refused to obey. “This can’t be real,” he thought, desperation clawing at the corners of his mind. “This… this is a lie…”

“No… it’s not real,” he murmured, clinging desperately to the hope that this was another cruel manipulation.

“Are you certain?” the Demon King’s voice roared, each word imbued with a menace that sent chills down his spine. “You know it’s a memory. Didn’t you recognize the echo of the Tear resonating through every fragment? This isn’t some cheap parlor trick or flimsy science. This is pure magic… limitless power.”

Link’s anger erupted, and he screamed, the vision dissolving around him, leaving him once more enveloped in impenetrable darkness. “Nooo!” His voice turned raw, cracking with fury, as he realized he had fallen to his knees. “What have you done? How dare you? They were innocent people; with their families, their lives, everything they had worked so hard to build—you’ve stolen it all.”

The sinister laughter of the Demon King echoed again. “Do you now see the extent of true power? What I can do with a mere flick of my fingers? All of Hyrule is already under my yoke, just one word from me, and my servants will sow chaos and terror everywhere! When I’m done with you, all of Hyrule will kneel before me.”

Link heard the fall of the Demon King’s Tear—dark as the abyss—hit the ground again, its echo reverberating through his soul.

In that moment, Link snapped out of the trance, gasping for breath, the weight of loss and despair still pressing on his chest. “I can’t let this happen,” he thought, the residual terror burning in his veins. “I won’t… This cannot be the end.”

But he knew all too well that the nightmare had only just begun.

Chapter Text

"Link, wake up!" It was Riju's voice as she lightly tapped his face. "What had happened?"
"W…where am I?" he asked, as his vision slowly cleared. He looked around. Both Riju and Sidon were leaning over him, concern evident on their faces.

Gradually, Link became aware of where he was; he was still in Purah's lab but now lying on the ground.

As he sat up, he saw his friends gathered around him and, surprisingly, the once dark screen now showed Mineru's face. Moreover, the line indicating the state of the Depths was stable again; everything was back to normal.

"What happened?" he asked, confused "The last thing I remember is Mineru's image glitching and fading away, like there was a technical failure."

His companions exchanged surprised glances before Tulin spoke up.

"When we arrived, we all took a seat and connected with Mineru" Tulin explained "She was giving us a status report when suddenly, you collapsed and started groaning.

"Yes, the last thing I remember is Mineru telling us about the strange lack of movement in the Depths and the apparent disappearance of the temple bosses."

"What?" Mineru responded, a hint of surprise evident despite the mechanical tone of her voice. "That has not happened. The situation has been stable all day; I have no record of any disappearances. All of the monsters are still in their lairs in the Depths."

A chill ran down Link's spine. "Then… what did I see?"

Link recounted his experience in detail: a disturbing vision where Mineru spoke of anomalies in the Depths, followed by the Demon King trapping him in a nightmare. As he spoke, his friends listened in silence, their expressions somber, reflecting the seriousness of the account.

"I suppose" Mineru said after a moment of contemplation "that the Demon King may have cast a vision meant to disorient you. During the Imprisoning War, he used his power to invade our minds with nightmares. He could have used the Master Sword as a catalyst, imbued as it is with Zelda's power."

"So" Link asked hopefully "does that mean everything I saw was a lie? Is it possible what I saw was just manipulation?"

"I cannot say for certain, Link" Mineru replied with a thoughtful gesture. "The visions we experienced during the war were brief and came during moments of vulnerability. Yours, on the other hand, seem to have been longer and perhaps more intricate."

"Moreover," Link added "there's another thing, the perspective of the visions. Whenever I recalled memories through the Tears, I would see from the perspective of the person who sent me the memory."

Everyone present exchanged worried glances, fearing that what Link had seen might not have been an illusion. If what Link witnessed was real, their respective regions could once again be plagued by problems caused by Gohma, Mucktorok, Colgera, and the Queen Gibdo.

Yunobo lowered his gaze, murmuring something about marbled rock roasts.

"What are you saying, Yunobo?" Riju asked, alarmed. It was unusual to see a Goron so downcast. "Tell us what you mean about the marbled rock roasts."

"Yes" Sidon interjected, his tone always courteous but attentive "Link mentioned something about it in his vision, but we still don't fully understand.

Yunobo bowed his head, rubbing the back of his neck, a gesture that showed embarrassment… and something more.

"The marbled rock roast were gloom tainted rock roast, likely by the Demon King's creatures" he suddenly admitted, and something akin to a blush spread across his stone-like cheeks "Anyone who ate them fell into a kind of trance and couldn't stop eating. Once they finished one, they would buy more and keep eating. Workers abandoned the quarries and their tasks; merchants left their stalls and nearly went bankrupt, spending all their money on buying more marbled rock roasts."

"How could such a substance reach the population?" Riju asked incredulously.

Yunobo covered his face with both hands, unable to meet her gaze.

"It was my fault… All my fault."

"Your fault?" Tulin asked. "You don't strike me as someone who would poison their own people. Besides, the Goron are the least likely to have conflicts among themselves."

"I told you it wasn't your fault, Yunobo —Link said calmly, turning to the others—. It was another of the Demon King's manipulations.

"Yes, it was," Yunobo insisted, his voice trembling. "My ambition got the better of me; I never should have accepted that mask. The Demon King tricked me with that puppet of Zelda. I should have thought of my people before myself."

"Well, are you all going to explain this?" Riju asked, raising an eyebrow and offering a small smile to ease the tension.

Link took a deep breath, giving Yunobo time to calm down. "It was one of my first missions to investigate the strange occurrences Purah assigned me to investigate into Goron City; she mentioned a food that was affecting the locals. So, I decided to go, and it was a good excuse since I needed some fireproof gear anyway."

"Let me guess," Sidon interjected with a playful smile. "That 'strange food' was the marbled rock roasts you mentioned earlier."

"Exactly," Link confirmed, smiling slightly to lighten the mood. "And what I saw there was… peculiar, to put it mildly. Gorons sprawled out everywhere, eating non-stop. I'll admit, even I got a little hungry just looking at them."

"Of course, of course!" Riju laughed, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow mischievously. "Always thinking about filling your stomach. Good thing you held back, or you'd be lying around eating rock roasts alongside them."

"Don't remind me," Link muttered, scratching the back of his neck with mock embarrassment. "Just imagining myself there, on the ground, surrounded by marbled rock roasts… I'd rather not know how that would have looked."

Laughter erupted as everyone imagined Link with glazed-over eyes and hands full of marbled rock roasts, just like a Goron. Yunobo, caught up in the laughter, cleared his throat before adding:

"Well, even if you tried, I don't think you could've managed, Link. Those marbled rock roasts were so hard only adult Gorons could handle them. Neither the elders nor the younglings could even bite into them. So don't get any ideas."

Link shot him a playful look, a mischievous smile on his lips.

"Oh, really?" Link replied, a spark of challenge in his eyes. "I don't know… a hundred years ago, I beat Daruk in a rock sirloin eating contest. Don't tempt me, Yunobo. I don't think a few marbled rock roasts could take me down."

Riju and Sidon exchanged amused glances. Sidon, barely holding back laughter, leaned toward Yunobo and whispered conspiratorially:

"If I were you, I wouldn't tempt him. If he takes it seriously, we might end up searching for the 'Hero of Hyrule' lost under a mountain of marbled rock roasts!"

At that, the laughter grew even louder, and Link blushed to the tips of his ears.

"Hey, I'm not that much of a glutton!" he protested, though the laughter in his voice betrayed him. "But… well, I wouldn't turn down a good meal…"

Yunobo, now more at ease, couldn't resist joining in on the joke.

"You know? I think the real challenge to saving Hyrule isn't the Master Sword or courage, but getting Link to say 'no' to a delicious dish."

The laughter doubled, and Link, caught up in the joy of his friends' teasing, couldn't help but join in. Amidst jokes and laughter, Yunobo found a moment of comfort in the camaraderie they shared.

Chapter Text

"Well…" Sidon said, clearing his throat and trying to keep a serious expression, "where were we? Oh, yes, at the point where Link had to choose between turning into a zombie or resisting a tasty bite."

Everyone burst into laughter again, but this time, Link stayed focused.

"Back to the important matter," Link said, working to stifle one last chuckle. He straightened up and looked at Yunobo seriously. "When I arrived at Goron City and saw everyone consumed by the marbled rock roasts, I knew something was very wrong. I quickly spotted Bludo, the elder Goron Chief, accompanied by Yunobo and two children. I was surprised by Yunobo's attire and overall behavior—it didn't match what I knew of him."

The memory brought a bitter expression to Yunobo's face, and he lowered his gaze, speaking softly.

"What I did is unforgivable… I was consumed by ambition, and in the end, I hurt those I care about most. Bludo and the others were only trying to protect us. But I…"

Sidon stepped forward, his voice warm but firm. "Don't blame yourself too much, Yunobo. We've all made mistakes."

"Sidon is right," Link added. "What I saw that day made it clear you weren't yourself. The mask, the Demon King's influence... It was all meant to deceive us. The children mentioned Zelda—or at least a version of her. That's when I knew something was off. If Zelda had returned, why wouldn't I have known?"

The group fell silent, absorbing Link's words. The weight of the situation pressed down on them again, but a spark of understanding lit up Riju's face, and she broke the tension with a smile. "Well, if that 'Zelda' tries anything again, we'll make sure she fails. This time, we're ready."

Link gave a grateful smile. Humor, however fleeting, was exactly what they needed to lighten their burden.

“Following Yunobo to YunoboCo headquarters, I saw her,” Link said, with a mixture of sadness and amazement in his voice. “Her back was to me, talking to him. Her figure was unmistakable, but even though something didn't fit, the hope of seeing her again blinded me. I ran towards her” Link was silent for a few seconds without realizing it ,‘she was so beautiful in that dress, the same one I later saw in the dragon memories’ he muttered to himself "I had so many questions..." he continued ”until, as I got closer, her form disappeared like a mirage, just like in the Temple of Time.”

Link paused, his expression darkening. "And then Yunobo turned to us, with the mask glowing, saturated with malice, and I knew what I had to do first. With the help of the children accompanying him, we tried reasoning with him, convincing him to remove the mask, but it only enraged him further…"

Yunobo nodded, his voice low and tinged with shame. "That wasn't me… Ambition consumed me. And when Link tried to stop me, all I felt was rage. I charged at him, rolling with all my might."

"Luckily, I have quick reflexes," Link added with a weak smile that failed to hide the gravity of the moment. "I dodged, and Yunobo crashed into the wall, shattering the mask. Then, he was himself again."

"It… it was an extremely awkward moment," Yunobo admitted, lowering his hands from his face with a heavy sigh before continuing. "I didn't understand what had happened. Suddenly, all that ambition… it just disappeared. But the worst part was realizing all I'd done while wearing that mask. I remember Link standing before me, offering his hand. I was on the ground, and the first thing I did was apologize. I couldn't even explain what I'd said or why, but… I felt horrible."

A heavy silence fell over the group until Tureli spoke, his voice curious but concerned for his friend. "Where did that mask even come from, Yunobo?"

"It was given to me by Zelda… or, rather, the Demon King's puppet," Yunobo said, ashamed. "When Hyrule Castle rose into the sky, a dense red mist started pouring out of Death Mountain's crater. Intrigued, I decided to investigate. Just before entering the crater, I encountered her. We talked about various things, and I mentioned starting an excavation business but not knowing where to begin. That's when she mentioned the marbled rock roast cave and took me to see one nearby. It seemed promising, though something felt off."

Yunobo sighed heavily before continuing. "Before I could voice my doubts, she pulled out a flashy, modern outfit and insisted I try it on. 'A great entrepreneur must look the part,' she said with a smile. And, like a fool, I put on the mask… And, well, the rest you know."

"I already told you," Link interjected, "and I'll say it again—you were tricked by the Demon King's puppet. He saw your ambition and your drive and used it to manipulate you."

"But…" Yunobo murmured. Link placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, searching for the right words. Before he could speak, Mineru, who had been observing from the screen, interjected.

"Yunobo, listen to me," her metallic voice carried a hint of emotion. "The Demon King is a master manipulator. Even before he became the Demon King, as Ganondorf, he deceived my brother and Queen Sonia with false oaths. He swayed many to his side in his bid for Hyrule's throne. Koume and Kotake, the powerful Gerudo sorceresses, were the first to fall under his spell and aid in his schemes. Remember, too, those seduced by the Yiga Clan, who have long served his return. We all have moments of weakness, Yunobo. You were taken in by the puppet 'Zelda.' You believed what she said. You were fortunate—you were saved by Link's intervention."

The others nodded quietly. They all understood they had their own vulnerabilities to guard against if they were to face the battles ahead and resist any tricks or temptations their enemy might wield.

Silence settled heavily over the group, laden with the sorrow of Yunobo's ordeal and a broader realization of the harm the Demon King had inflicted on Hyrule. The freezing storm that isolated and starved the Rito, the sandstorm that forced the Gerudo underground, the pollution in the Zora's Domain, and now this—a mass poisoning that used poor Yunobo as a pawn.

The population would eventually heal, but what about Yunobo? Although his appointment as the Sage of Fire had given him a boost of self-esteem, it was clear that he often fell back into despair when he remembered what had happened to him. Link held on to the hope that time would also mend those wounds.

Link broke the tense silence that had gripped the group.

"The important thing is that Yunobo recovered in time and told me everything that had happened to him, including his mysterious encounter with Zelda. We then decided to head to Death Mountain because he wanted to show me the place where he received the mask. When we arrived, there she was again, who we initially thought was Zelda. She mysteriously disappeared again, and we saw her fall into the volcano's crater."

"Exactly," said Yunobo. "I tried to stop her, shouting that she shouldn't go to such a dangerous place. I really still believed it was her, not a shadow."

"Yes," continued Link, reassuring him. At that moment, he had an idea to encourage him. "We followed the Demon King's puppet and decided to jump in ourselves. But when we got there, we were in for a surprise. An incredible monster was waiting for us at the peak. Yunobo, why don't you tell this part? I barely did anything. You were the one who handled almost everything important."

Yunobo paused thoughtfully for a moment before smiling, recalling that encounter. His spirits seemed to lift as he relived the adventure.

"Moragia, yes, I remember that monster," Yunobo murmured to himself. Then, he continued with increasing enthusiasm. Telling the story of helping Link filled him with joy. "We didn't know what to do, but Link is always ready for anything. He spotted a Zonai aircraft lying near the crater, with a nearly endless battery supply. He immediately knew what to do. We both got on it, and he steered it towards the monster. He piloted the vehicle, and every time he aimed at one of the heads, I used my charge ability to destroy them. In just a few minutes, we had cleared the crater and were free to jump in. Honestly, without Link piloting the vehicle, we wouldn't have succeeded—I don't know why you downplay your role."

"Because what you did, Yunobo, was the most important part," interrupted Link with a smile. "I just steered the vehicle, but you kept us on course and took initiative with every charge. Without you, we wouldn't have defeated Moragia. It was your strength and bravery that opened the path."

Yunobo blinked, surprised by Link's words. A warm feeling ignited in his chest, and, for the first time, he truly realized what he had accomplished.

"What we did together was greater than any monster or trap," continued Link, his voice filled with confidence. "And the best part is, now you know that. The Demon King's tricks, the moments when you might have felt lost, don't matter. You are not just the Sage of Fire. You are much more than that. You are someone capable of changing the course of a war, saving lives, and finding light even in the darkest times."

Yunobo looked at him intently, feeling the weight of his words. For a moment, the world seemed brighter, and the burden of having been manipulated lightened a bit.

"Thank you, Link... I hadn't thought of it that way," said Yunobo, smiling humbly. "It's true that without your help we wouldn't have succeeded, but now I understand what you're saying. Every time I charged at that monstrosity, I felt like I could really do something great. Thank you for believing in me."

"And together," Link vowed solemnly, this time looking at each of his friends, "we are going to defeat the Demon King. But more importantly, we will make sure Hyrule never forgets the true power of its heroes."

The others nodded, moving closer to the two of them, their faces showing support and encouragement. This gesture reaffirmed to Link the bonds that had formed among them—not just as adventurers, but as comrades in every sense of the word. A bond deeper than any battle, stronger than any challenge.

After their friends' words, Link and Yunobo fell silent, and, with wide smiles, they bumped fists as a symbol of their friendship. A simple gesture, but full of meaning.

The group watched as Link and Yunobo exchanged that gesture of friendship, and a warm feeling of unity spread among them. In the midst of the battles and trials they faced, they knew that there was something more powerful than physical strength: the trust and support they offered one another.

Riju broke the silence with a voice full of determination. "It's true, Link. The fight ahead of us will be tough, but we are in this together. No matter what tricks the Demon King tries; as long as we have this unity, there is no darkness we cannot overcome."

"Yes," Sidon agreed, his eyes shining with hope. "We have seen what each of us is capable of, and we know that in the moments of greatest difficulty, we can count on the strength, courage, and ingenuity of our friends. That is what sets us apart from those who seek only to control and destroy."

Mineru, speaking from her hideout, spoke with a voice full of wisdom. "The Demon King has always underestimated the power of unity, the bond that ties true heroes together. As long as you walk together, you will be an unstoppable force. Remember this at every step of your journey, in every battle you face."

Link looked at his friends, one by one, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. Each of them had faced their own challenges, fallen, and risen again, and they were ready to keep moving forward—not just for Hyrule, but for the friendship that bound them together. There was something sacred in that camaraderie, something that no amount of darkness could shatter.

"Thank you, all of you," Link said, his voice firm but full of emotion. "We will succeed together. And when the time comes, we will not only be the protectors of Hyrule; we will be the ones who restore peace and light for everyone."

With those words, the group felt a renewed sense of purpose. There was a long journey ahead, but as long as they maintained their bond and their will to fight, nothing would be impossible. Link and Yunobo looked at each other again, their fists still joined, and shared a smile that spoke of trust and hope. They were ready to face whatever came their way, knowing they were not alone.

Seeing that Yunobo was finally starting to feel better, Link smiled and continued with his story.

"Once we defeated Moragia, we passed through the crater and landed right at the gates of the Fire Temple, where we saw the Demon King's puppet again. She motioned us towards a chamber. I ran to the nearby Zonai terminal just before entering. The door we were trying to open seemed stuck and closed again."

"Suddenly, I heard a mysterious voice speaking to me," Yunobo said. "It told me we needed to activate a series of terminals scattered throughout the temple. The voice also asked me to place the slate Link carried close to the terminal. I told Link, and at that moment, he was able to download a map of the temple. It showed glowing points marking the location of each terminal. So, we looked at each other and set out to explore the temple."

"To be honest, I have to admit we had a lot of fun," said Link. Yunobo nodded; they had shared an incredible adventure exploring the ancient Fire Temple together.

Link and Yunobo recounted with excitement how they navigated different areas of the temple. There were multiple ways to move around, including using rails to ride minecarts powered by Zonai turbines. Yunobo sat at the front and charged at the rail switches whenever needed. There were moments when they opted to climb directly or use Ascend, as parts of the temple, especially the upper sections, had an intricate rail system that made finding some of the more distant terminals quite challenging.

Each time they found a terminal, Yunobo activated it using his charge ability. As in all temples, teamwork was the key to overcoming every obstacle.

Finally, with the last terminal activated, the door where the Demon King's puppet had disappeared was released and opened, allowing Link and Yunobo to proceed. They navigated through several rooms while avoiding lava until they reached the final chamber. There, they faced one of the Demon King's creatures—a Marbled Gohma, a giant stone spider. It turned out to be the easiest enemy to defeat. Yunobo used his power to strike its legs, causing it to lose balance and collapse, giving Link an opening to attack. The Gohma tried to scare them by launching explosive rocks that formed a barrier, but Yunobo destroyed them in time before they could explode.

"Finally," Yunobo said with excitement, "we defeated it. At that moment, a Goron wearing the Rudania mask appeared. He said he was my ancestor from ten thousand years ago and told me about the Imprisoning War, where he fought alongside Princess Zelda. Our Princess Zelda. That confirmed that the vision earlier was indeed a deception. He then gave me the Secret Stone, officially naming me the Sage of Fire, and made me promise to aid Link in the final battle against the Demon King. We sealed that promise shortly afterward in a pact between us. When everything was over, my ancestor vanished, and we returned to Goron City. Once we arrived, we saw that everything had passed. My people were cured, and there was no trace of the marbled rock roasts."

"Yes, it was a very emotional moment to see everyone doing well again. I missed their cheerfulness, though some were devastated. They had lost a lot of money, having to sell at a low price to recover from everything they had spent on buying marbled rock roast."

Link then spent several days with the cheerful Gorons, engaged in various activities, whether helping some elderly Gorons search for the cave where the moon could be seen, or assisting with the construction of the new amusement park called Wagon City. He even raced a couple of times. He also took the opportunity to relax in the famous Marcogoro Hot Springs, known for their magmatic waters, where he learned to cook eggs in the hot water. Meanwhile, Yunobo returned to his duties at YunoboCo.

The silence once again took over the room when they finished telling their story. It was then that they sensed something was wrong outside: a murmur of nervous voices and the hurried coming and going of footsteps echoed through the walls of Purah's laboratory. Someone was running up to the upper floor, where Purah had her telescope always pointing towards Hyrule Castle.

Link and the sages grew uneasy as the ground beneath their feet began to tremble slightly. At first, it was barely perceptible, but gradually the intensity increased, as if an invisible force was drawing nearer with every beat of the earth.

The tremor advanced towards them, resonating in their bones, but no one in the stronghold seemed to know what was causing it. The uncertainty was palpable, and every sound, every step, added weight to the already tense atmosphere.

Link exchanged a tense glance with the sages and headed for the door, driven by the need to see what was happening.

At that moment, the laboratory door suddenly opened. It was Purah, holding several scrolls in her hand, her face twisted with concern.

"What's going on?" Link asked. "What are those messages you're holding?"

"I came to speak to you about this, now that you're all here…" Purah said, pointing to the scrolls. "We've just received messengers from most of the cities: Lurelin village, Tarrey Town, Kakariko. The good news is that they confirm the population is safe and sound, and that the evacuation plan in case of an attack on the wells is organized. But there are other... less good news…"

"Please, Purah, tell us what else has come," Link said, fearing that his nightmare was coming true.

Purah began to pace back and forth, visibly anxious as she searched for the right words. "Well... from the Zora Domain and Goron City, we've been informed that while organizing the evacuation, they were attacked... by the same bosses you faced in the temples. And... apparently, the Zora Domain is once again buried in mud."

"And what about Gerudo Citadel and Orni Village?" Link asked, sensing a dark omen hanging over him. "Any news from Hateno?"

Purah hesitated for a moment before answering, her expression even graver as the tremor continued approaching. In each heart, the feeling grew that time was against them. But before she could continue, two figures hurriedly entered the laboratory. They were Josha and Rotver, who had stayed with her while the sages met. Worry was etched on their faces. Josha, still panting, stepped forward with wide eyes.

"Purah! Link!" she exclaimed, trying to catch her breath. "We've been watching through the telescope... There's something you need to know."

Chapter Text

A rumble shattered the stillness of the hall, followed by terrifying screams that pierced the air. The sound was unmistakable: a horde of monsters was advancing toward them, and the incessant pounding of their footsteps filled the space with a sense of impending doom. The roars, distant at first, quickly drew closer, merging with the cries of terror that echoed within the walls of Lookout Landing.

Link and the Sages exchanged swift glances, knowing there was no time for hesitation. Every passing second was a step closer to ruin.

Robbie ran to the window and flung it open with trembling hands. When he turned back to the group, his face pale and contorted with fear, time seemed to freeze.

“Link, look!” Robbie’s voice sliced through the air like a knife, quivering with urgency and dread. He stepped closer quickly, his expression marked by terror. “From Hyrule Castle… they’ve deployed an advance force of monsters. They’re heading here, to Lookout Landing. There are too many... far more than we anticipated.”

Link leapt forward, ran to the window, and peered out. A knot of horror tightened in his stomach as he saw an endless legion of monsters marching from Hyrule Castle. Colossal Hinoxes raised their limbs like living battering rams, while Lynels roared with a fury that shook the ground. Moblins, wreathed in flames, ice, and lightning, glowed like harbingers of destruction. Outside, the scene of devastation unfolded before them, so terrifying that even the air seemed saturated with gloom.

Purah stood next to him, her breath quick and her face pale. She stared unblinking, as though the weight of what was coming was slowly crushing her.

"There's no time!" barked Purah, her voice cracking , struggling to maintain her composure as she dropped the scrolls she had been carrying. "We have to hold the line here! Lookout Landing is our only defense; if it falls, it all falls. Josha, Robbie, gather all the information you can! We need to know their numbers, their formations, everything! Get every soldier we've got ready! Link, Sages, head for the abyss now.There’s no time. We’ll do everything in our power to protect Lookout Landing.”

The Sages exchanged determined glances. Link gripped the Master Sword tightly, the weight of responsibility burning within him.

“Sages, you heard her,” Link said, his voice firm and filled with purpose. “The time to act is now.”

The Sages nodded resolutely and, without hesitation, left Purah’s laboratory. Together, they would march toward the final battle against the Demon King, with the fire of hope and the steel of resolve shining in their eyes.

The soldiers of Lookout Landing, weary and wounded, struggled to stand firm despite the overwhelming scene before them. Link, his jaw clenched, turned away from the dark tide and back to his companions. He saw fear etched in their faces, but he also saw the spark of determination.

Though their strength was fragile, their expressions revealed the bravery and resolve to lay down their lives in a battle that seemed destined for failure. 'This is not enough,' Link thought, jaw tight. 'I cannot let them perish here. I cannot let their sacrifice be in vain.'

Suddenly, their hearts froze with dread as the sky began to change. A sickly red mist started to spread across the heavens. Link looked up and felt a growing sense of horror as the Blood Moon began to rise, burning above them, a silent, malevolent witness to the impending ruin. Something was happening; they hadn’t expected a Blood Moon for another three days. Yet there it was, leering down at them, as if to warn that, at any moment, it could smash them.

In that moment, the realization struck him like a bucket of cold water, bringing with it a paralyzing terror. The major villages of Hyrule—Hateno, Tarrey Town, Lurelin, and all the civilian settlements whose patrols had left their posts to head to Lookout Landing—were now in grave danger. Across all of Hyrule, the monster hordes that had been defeated time and again were surging forth with renewed strength. The image of defenseless villages filled his mind, and anguish gripped his chest.

Because of Robbie’s interruption, he hadn’t learned whether all the civilians had managed to seek refuge underground, but even if they had… How long could they hold out before the Demon King’s hordes reached them?

The fate of all Hyrule was at stake. Despair tried to worm its way into his mind, but Link took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. “I cannot let fear paralyze me,” he told himself. “This isn’t just about Lookout Landing; it’s for all of Hyrule.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, offering a silent prayer to the goddess Hylia in an attempt to steady himself—“Protect them, please. Grant them your blessing.” He exhaled deeply, shaking off the fear and worry coursing through him, and turned back to action. He couldn’t let fear hold him back.

A fierce determination burned in his eyes. He raised his sword, and his battle cry rang out with such force that it echoed in the hearts of his allies.

Chapter Text

The Demon King continued; his hissing voice slithered through the air like a venomous serpent, seeking to infiltrate Link's mind. Every word carried a dark weight that threatened to seep into his thoughts, eroding his strength. The temptation wasn't just power—it was power without sacrifice, without having to watch those he loved perish.

"You resist..." he murmured, his smile exuding cruelty. "But perhaps this will convince you."

Suddenly, like a nightmare, dark visions of Hyrule flooded Link's mind again, one after another, hitting him with brutal force. He saw Lurelin ablaze, its houses consumed by fire, the streets filled with homeless people wandering aimlessly after the passing hordes of monsters. He saw the Rito in their settlement, battered by relentless gales, trapped without food or shelter, their supplies depleted. The Gerudo Desert's sandstorm returned, isolating its inhabitants, burying the Gerudo citadel completely under sand, leaving no hope of rescue, while the Queen Gibdo and her monstrous armies spread chaos among the dunes.

"How much longer can you endure this?" whispered the Demon King, his tone laden with false compassion and icy disdain. "Everything could be different, hero, if you would only... accept."

The vision persisted, and Link saw the pure waters of Zora's Domain turn black, consumed by pollution. Dorephan, Muzu... they appeared, overcome by the sludge. The image shifted to Hateno, engulfed in flames. His shared home with Zelda was reduced to ashes, the laboratory where she had spent countless hours making discoveries lay in ruins. Even the school, where children once ran and laughed, was now rubble. Terror and helplessness gripped him: it was a Hyrule of chaos and ruin, a world crumbling before his eyes.

"Do you see how your friends' homes are destroyed?" The Demon King's voice came again, dripping with malice. "You can stop all of this. All you have to do is kneel before me, swear your loyalty, and surrender your sword to my service, and it will all end. The chaos will cease. I will name you captain of my armies, and from that moment, you will command them, master and lord over all. You can prevent suffering, prevent more deaths. All you have to do is accept what I offer, and your efforts will be rewarded."

The vision dissolved, and the ground beneath Link's feet felt solid again, but his heart still pounded in his chest.

For a moment, Link hesitated. What if he accepted? What if he could protect Hyrule without more loss, without final goodbyes? The Demon King's voice became an insistent echo, and Link felt his mind waver, overwhelmed by the tantalizing promise of absolute control over his destiny.

The Demon King, seeing the hesitation in Link's eyes, smiled cruelly. His gaze sparkled with a dark promise.

"You will not win," Link replied firmly, clenching his jaw. The vision of Hyrule under his control, submerged in darkness, churned his stomach. "We will defend our kingdom with everything we have. We will never surrender."

"Hahaha…" The Demon King's laughter boomed like a death sentence. "Do you think you can defeat me with this?" He gestured toward the exhausted and wounded warriors, their strength seemingly at its limit. "Look at them—they can barely stand. They're on the brink of collapse."

Link's gaze turned to his allies, and reality settled heavily upon him. It was true: their forces were spent. Few remained, and those still standing lacked the energy for another battle.

"Why do you cling to such weakness?" the Demon King pressed, his voice resonating in Link's mind. "You can't win this war. None of them will survive. Will you lose the sages as well? Join me, Link. Become their eternal protector, the king who will never need to fight again. Let me show you the power you need to end this war once and for all."

Link hesitated, the weight of the visions still hammering his soul, temptation lurking in every corner of his mind. His breathing grew heavy, his thoughts clouded, as the Demon King's words echoed like an infernal chorus. Each image, each promise of power without sacrifice, drained his resolve.

The pressure in that moment became unbearable. The crushing responsibility he had borne for months, the heavy burden he carried day after day, finally began to crack his will. That weight invaded him, seizing his body and mind, pushing him down as though an invisible force sought to crush him. He faltered, and before he could muster the strength to resist, his legs gave way. He collapsed to his knees, the sword in his trembling hand slipping from his grasp. It hit the ground with a metallic clang that echoed in the stillness of the battlefield.

In that instant, the voices of the sages called out to him, desperate to lift him, to reignite his will to fight.

"Link, don't give up!" shouted Sidon, his voice filled with urgency. But when Link turned to him, Sidon's figure began to fade. His body turned translucent, as though caught between two worlds. The contours of his face dissolved into a dark mist, his empty eyes staring back with despair, reaching for him. This was no longer the Sidon he knew. It was a shadow, floating in the air, unable to touch him.

"Link, please!" cried Tulin, his voice trembling with anguish. Yet his face began to change as well. Tulin's skin turned pale, like the cold glow of the moon, and his eyes hollowed out into dark voids. He hovered above Link, his feet no longer touching the ground, a ghostly figure dissolving with every word, consumed by the very air around him.

"You must stand up!" Yunobo urged, but his voice grew muffled, as if it emerged from a distant abyss. Link looked at him, but this was not the strong and dependable Yunobo he had known. His body appeared distorted, almost spectral, surrounded by a gray mist that slowly consumed him. His limbs stretched unnaturally, and his face twisted into a vacant grimace, frozen in infinite sorrow.

"Link, please, don't let the darkness consume you!" they all begged in unison, but their voices no longer sounded like their own. They became cries of anguish, as if their souls were trapped in eternal torment.

Horrified, Link tried to look away, but the vision remained fixed before him, dark and unrelenting. The Demon King's voice slithered in once more, seductive and cold, like a tide threatening to drag him into the depths of his mind. Despair seeped into his heart, the images of Zelda, the sages, and all he had sworn to protect intertwining with memories of everything he had lost. A future without pain, without suffering, began to entice him.

The vision grew even more intoxicating: a Hyrule where Link held absolute power, where fear and obedience replaced betrayal and suffering. A Hyrule where he would never have to fear losing anyone again. For a moment, he felt the darkness wrapping around him, closing in on his heart, fitting him like a shadow crafted to his very shape.

That dark thought triggered an immediate shift. He blinked, and what he saw next left him breathless. The Demon King had vanished. In his place stood a twisted version of himself. It was his reflection, yet grotesquely altered: his skin was ashen and sickly, his hair white as snow, and his eyes glowed red like a blood moon, staring at him with a mocking intensity, as if laughing at his weakness.

Link felt his breath quicken. He was looking at an image of himself, consumed by shadow, selfishness, and power. That dark reflection sneered in disdain, as if daring him to embrace the temptation. For a moment, it felt more real than he was.

He glanced around, but all he could see were unyielding shadows. He was trapped in his own nightmare, lost in the surrounding darkness, while this distorted version of himself watched him intently, its derisive laughter echoing in the void.

"This is you, unbound by chains," the reflection whispered, its voice venomous, slithering through Link's mind like a serpent. "This is who you could be if you abandoned this futile struggle—if you stopped carrying the weight of others."

Link fought to banish the image. He grasped for something to anchor himself to reality, something to cut through the malicious whisper. He thought of Zelda, her strength, her unwavering resolve. She was his beacon, his reason to press on.

"I can't betray everything Zelda fought for," he said desperately. "I can't do this to her."

But the reflection didn't falter. It smiled cruelly, its words becoming poisoned daggers that pierced deep.

"Do you really think you'll see her again?" it murmured, its tone barely a whisper yet dripping with venom. "Zelda is no longer with you, Link. And she won't be. What will you do then? Keep fighting for someone who will never return? She has left you behind, and there is nothing you can do to change that."

The blow was direct to the chest. The reflection's smile widened as its words sank deeper. Link shut his eyes tightly, trying to hold onto any fragment of what had been real. He remembered Zelda, her sacrifice, everything she had done for Hyrule. He had to fight to prevent the darkness from claiming his will.

When he opened his eyes, a figure of Zelda appeared before him, dressed in dazzling elegance. She was perfect, but something wasn't right. Too perfect. Every movement, every gesture seemed designed to seduce him, to make him forget his mission. And though Link knew immediately that she was not real, he couldn't help but shudder when, slowly, the figure kneeled before him.

Her hands, soft as silk, slowly caressed his cheeks with a disconcerting tenderness. She brought her lips close to his, looking at him with desire, so that he could feel the warmth of her breath. It was Zelda, and yet it wasn't.

"Shhh…" the puppet whispered, her voice a familiar echo but devoid of life. "Kneel before him, accept the power he offers, and the pain will cease. We will be together forever."

The temptation coiled in his heart. Each word, each touch, felt so warm, so familiar… almost irresistible. However, doubt lashed at him. He knew this was all a lie, an illusion created to drag him into the abyss. The anguish of uncertainty surrounded him like thick fog, and the figure of Zelda looked at him with hollow eyes, empty of everything he had loved.

"Look at what I can offer you, Link. I will make you forget all the pain. You will no longer suffer from her absence. No more sacrifices. No more nights of loneliness," the puppet continued in a seductive, almost sensual tone. Her eyes filled with desire. "And if I could return… Would you really be willing to keep being her 'Silent Knight' once again, even though she will never be yours? Watching as she marries a noble while you stand guard at her door? I would never do that to you. Ask me for anything, I'll go with you everywhere, I'll live with you wherever you say…"

Link felt his legs tremble. The words hurt because, deep down, he knew they contained a partial truth, one he had always avoided facing. He had been the Silent Knight. The protector, the one who obeyed. But what if that was all he would ever be to her?

The puppet of Zelda brought her hands to his chest, her touch soft and familiar. She smelled like her, her voice comforting, as she whispered an impossible promise: "Everything you long for, I can give you."

Link hesitated. The temptation was overwhelming. How much longer could he keep fighting alone? How many sacrifices did he have to make before his own heart ran dry?

The puppet, like a river of poisonous words, continued:

"Tell me, Link, has Zelda ever asked you what you want?" the puppet's voice was soft, almost a whisper. "Has she ever set aside her duty to think of you?"

Link clenched his jaw. That question had haunted his mind in the darkest moments, though he had always dismissed it quickly, as if even thinking it was a betrayal. But now, here, facing this illusion, he could not ignore it.

The puppet continued her caress while giving a sweet, manipulative smile. Link felt his heart falter, but deep within, something screamed that he had to resist. This wasn't her.

"No…" he murmured, his voice breaking. However, with renewed strength, he pushed the illusion away from his face. "You are not Zelda."

The puppet smiled maliciously, but her voice turned colder, crueler.

"Why do you keep fighting, Link? She will always choose Hyrule, and you are nothing more than her shadow. There's nothing you can do. You are a sacrifice, an instrument. Nothing more."

The words struck him like a hammer. Doubt enveloped him, but something inside him began to awaken. "I am not just a knight," he thought, "I am not just her shadow."

His breath became heavier as he faced the illusion. Did he really want to live just to serve? Would he always be the silent protector of a love that might never be returned?

Link shut his eyes tightly, fighting the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume him. Did he want to keep being this way? He had accepted his role as protector, but deep in his heart, he wanted more. He wanted Zelda to see him, not just as a loyal warrior, but as someone with whom she could share more than duties and sacrifices.

Link felt his breath growing heavier, as though an enormous weight were pressing down on his chest. The doubt grew inside him, fueled by years of silences, unspoken words, feelings he had repressed for the greater good.

Before him, the puppet of Zelda smiled sweetly and took a step forward. Every movement seemed designed to draw him in, to fill the emptiness he so feared to face.

"You don't have to keep suffering," she said with a voice so similar to Zelda's that it hurt to hear. "Aren't you tired, Link? Always fighting, always sacrificing…"

The sweetness of her words was a soft poison, but effective. Link felt something inside him give way, a weight he had always carried that now threatened to crush him completely.

"Am I tired?" The question hit him like a wave. For years, he had been the hero, the protector, the one who put the safety of others above his own. And above all, he had been her silent knight: Zelda's shield, her loyal shadow. But a part of him wondered if that was all he would ever be.

Link had always accepted his role. He was the hero, the protector, and he had resigned himself to carrying that weight without complaint. But the idea of always being a "Silent Knight," someone who existed only to serve and protect, filled him with a bitterness he had never acknowledged before. What if everything he did wasn't enough? What if, in the end, he could never be more than a shield for someone who would always choose their duty over him?

The puppet seemed to sense his hesitation and took advantage of the crack in his resolve.

"You don't have to keep being Zelda's shadow," it said, stepping closer, its hand caressing his cheek with a devastating tenderness. "I can be the Zelda who loves you, who puts you first. Not a queen, not a symbol... just someone who's with you. Always."

The words were a balm to a pain Link hadn't known existed. For a moment, his heart faltered. Was it so selfish to desire something for himself? Something not tied to duty, not tied to sacrifice?

In that moment, he remembered how Zelda had sacrificed so much, even her very essence, to give him and everyone else a chance to save Hyrule. If she had given everything, how could he allow himself to doubt now? There was no room for selfishness, no room for weakness. He had to focus his spirit on what mattered: protecting what she had sworn to preserve.

"You're so stubborn," the puppet said, its voice losing its sweetness and turning cold and sharp. "Why do you keep rejecting the inevitable? Zelda will never give you what I offer. What's the use of your struggle, Link? In the end, you'll always be alone."

The words were harsh, but this time, they did not find the same echo in his heart. Link took a deep breath and stood up, his body trembling with exhaustion, but his spirit strengthened.

The image of the real Zelda, her smile warm and full of faith, materialized in his mind. That vision, laden with meaning, returned a clarity he hadn't felt throughout the entire battle. It was an urgent call, like a compass in the storm, urging him to move forward, to not yield to the emptiness surrounding him.

"Because this isn't what she would want," he said, his voice firm despite all the pain he had endured. "And it's not what I want."

The puppet of Zelda then transformed, its face twisting into a sneer of fury and contempt. No longer a sweet vision, it had become a threatening shadow, a reminder of the emptiness that had tried to consume him.

"Then keep suffering, hero. Keep being her shadow. But remember this: she will never choose you. Never."

"It doesn't matter." His voice came out firmer than he expected. He looked at the illusion, pushing the puppet's hand away from his face. "It doesn't matter if she sees me or not. It doesn't matter if she comes back or not. What matters is that she... the real Zelda... would never have stopped fighting for Hyrule. And I'm not going to betray that."

At this last declaration, the image of the real Zelda shone with an intensity that shattered the shadows, illuminating a path that seemed lost. She wasn't just an ornament, nor an empty vessel meant to fulfill a purpose. She was the woman with whom he had shared passionate arguments, the one who wasn't afraid to challenge him, and always sought the best solution for Hyrule. Zelda was the tireless researcher who spent entire nights searching for answers, the leader who wouldn't accept a broken world, and who, time and time again, rose to repair it with her own hands. She was an unbreakable force, a beacon for all who sought hope and change.

Zelda represented more than an ideal; she was a living inspiration, someone who worked relentlessly to build a Hyrule worthy of its people, a place where anyone could find refuge and pride. She wasn't an empty puppet or an idealized dream. She was someone real, with soul, will, and a determination that Link now understood he had to honor.

Slowly, the puppet's image of Zelda, warm and perfect but empty, began to disintegrate in his arms, turning to dust that scattered in the wind. The lie, the mockery, unraveled before his resistance. He knew, with absolute certainty, that this was nothing but an illusion. A twisted tool of the Demon King to tempt his spirit.

And he didn't care: he would never accept a distorted version of her, a lifeless shadow with no purpose, if it meant betraying everything the real Zelda had fought for. From the moment he had rescued her from a century of confinement, she had proven her strength day after day, and now, Link had to prove his own.

Link felt the echo of his thoughts beginning to clear. The puppet's words still resonated in his mind, sowing doubts and questioning his decisions. But when he lifted his gaze, he no longer saw only shadows. In his mind, one by one, the faces of those who trusted him appeared with overwhelming strength.

"I don't just fight for Zelda," he thought, and the revelation struck his heart with a mix of clarity and guilt. He had always fought for her, to protect her, to be her shield, but in that moment, he understood something much deeper: his fight wasn't just for Zelda, nor for an uncertain love.

"I fight for Sidon," he remembered with a flash of gratitude, the image of his Zora friend always willing to give everything, even when the odds were against them.

"For Yunobo," he thought, remembering the Goron who always looked at him with unwavering faith, willing to follow him to the ends of the earth.

"For Riju, with her indomitable spirit, and for Tulin, who believed in me when her people needed it most."

The image of Mineru, always wise, always present, also comforted him like a beacon of reason in the storm.

The veil of darkness began to dissipate as the memories of those who had stood by his side, his true family in this endless struggle, flooded his mind. In that moment, he realized that the moments he and the sages had shared together, and above all, the promise of those yet to come, were the true reward of his fight.

"I fight for all of them," he told himself, feeling how the burden of his mission transformed. It was no longer just a duty imposed by the goddess or a personal crusade for Zelda. It was a tacit promise to all those who had placed their trust in him, a responsibility that transcended any personal desire.

The Master Sword in his hand vibrated slightly, as if responding to the renewed firmness in his heart. Link understood in that instant that his duty was not something he could choose to abandon.

"Hyrule needs me," he thought, the echo of his own voice resonating louder than the doubts the puppet had sown.

The darkness finally began to retreat, and with it, the poisonous voice of his reflection faded slowly.

As Link sprang to his feet, he raised the Master Sword high, taking a firm step forward with renewed confidence. The blade's light, a reflection of his unwavering resolve, intensified until it became a blinding flare, disintegrating the remnants of his dark reflection. The distorted figure let out a final mocking cry before vanishing into fragments of shadows, dissolved by the purity of the light. At the same time, the darkness in his mind cleared, and a ray of clarity and hope filled him entirely.

In that instant, the illusion shattered, and Lookout Landing reappeared before his eyes. The Demon King recoiled, disdain etched on his face, seeing that Link's will remained unbroken.

Then, Link noticed Purah, Robbie, Josha, and the soldiers watching him intently, concern etched on their faces. In their gazes, he saw renewed hope, knowing that he was aware once more. The sages, witnesses to the rebirth of his strength, gathered around him again, standing tall and ready to face the Demon King as they raised their weapons. Zelda's sacrifice and the loyalty of his friends became the shield and sword Link needed to move forward.

The Demon King observed him from the heights, his twisted smile barely masking his disdain.

"Impressive," he said, his voice echoing like distant thunder. "It seems you possess more strength than I anticipated. Few mortals have the will to resist the temptation of the soul. But tell me, Hero, how much longer do you think you can endure? How much more can you sacrifice before even your strength shatters?"

He paused, his sinister grin gleaming in the dim light.

"But it matters not. Darkness always finds its way. Sooner or later, you'll understand how wrong you were to refuse me. Then, when everything you love has crumbled, when your ideals become chains, you'll realize that my offer was not a threat... but your only salvation."

Overcoming his fear and doubts, Link stood tall against the Demon King, feeling the freedom of one who has conquered his own shadow. Pressing the Master Sword against his forehead in a gesture of deep reverence and focus, he closed his eyes for a moment. As the glow of the sacred blade grew brighter, he raised it with his right hand and spoke. His words, powerful and filled with unwavering confidence, reverberated through Lookout Landing with such force that the ground itself seemed to tremble:

"I will not join you! This battle is not just for my life; it is for Hyrule. And even if I surrendered and gave you my sword, it would be of little use to you. The power of the blade means nothing if the hand that wields it lacks courage."

Link gripped the hilt of the Master Sword tightly, not as a mere warrior, but as the protector of Hyrule, as the heir to the heroes who had fallen before him. It was no longer just a weapon; it was a symbol of resistance, of what the fight for light and hope represented, even in the darkest of times. As he lifted it, its light shone brightly, a beacon of hope for all those still fighting by his side.

Chapter Text

The Demon King let out a deep laugh, a sound that resonated like the echo of a thousand distant storms. Yet the laughter carried a hint of irritation, as though Link's words had pierced his façade of supremacy. The light of the Master Sword continued to intensify, a beacon of hope cutting through the oppressive gloom of Lookout Landing.

"You speak of courage as though it's enough to challenge me, Hero," the Demon King said with disdain. "But courage alone will not save Hyrule. It will not break the endless cycle of destruction and suffering. You are nothing more than a pawn in an eternal war."

Link remained silent, staring steadfastly at the Demon King. His blue eyes, usually as calm as a still lake, now burned with the intensity of an unquenchable flame. The light radiating from the Master Sword grew brighter, mirroring the fire that blazed within him. Around him, the sages gathered, forming a circle of light and strength that stood in stark contrast to the enemy's shadows.

"Even if the cycle continues," Link replied, his voice low but resolute, carrying the same fury that blazed in his sword, "as long as we have the courage to face it, as long as there are those willing to fight for something greater than themselves... there will always be hope."

The sages, inspired by his words, nodded and raised their weapons. Each one glowed with the light of their respective elements, their combined power erupting in a burst of energy that defied the oppressive presence of the Demon King.

"You speak of hope," the Demon King sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "But all you do is delay the inevitable. Do you truly believe a shining sword and lofty words can stop me? I am no mere adversary, Hero. I am Power itself."

Link halted a few paces from the Demon King, his allies forming a steadfast wall behind him. With deliberate precision, he drove the Master Sword into the ground, a gesture that radiated unshakable confidence. His stance was relaxed, yet his gaze was as sharp as the sacred blade he wielded.

"If you truly are Power itself," Link replied, his voice firm yet composed, "then why haven't you ended this already? Why hide behind traps and illusions? Perhaps you're not as powerful as you claim to be. Perhaps... you're just a coward, afraid to face the light."

The Demon King let out a thunderous roar that echoed through the abyss, a dark reverberation that seemed to shake even the bones of those who heard it. His eyes blazed with hatred and disdain, like embers fanned into a raging inferno.

"How dare you call me a coward, whelp?" he bellowed, each word vibrating with barely restrained fury, threatening to erupt at any moment.

Link held his ground, his gaze steady and unmoving. He took a single step forward, unflinching in the oppressive aura of malevolence that surrounded Ganondorf. He knew that each word he spoke struck at the very core of the tyrant's being.

"Isn't it obvious?" Link said, his tone cutting with a calm yet scathing edge as he gestured toward the horde surrounding Lookout Landing. "You skulk in your lair, sending waves of monsters and puppets to do your bidding, relying on cheap tricks and deceit. You don't have the courage to face me yourself. You manipulate others to hand you their power. You claim to come here to rule Hyrule, yet you don't even know what that means."

The Demon King's fiery gaze bore into Link, his anger visibly mounting like a storm on the brink of unleashing its fury.

"I know more about ruling than you ever will," the Demon King spat, his voice laced with contempt. "Lest you forget, I was once the King of the Gerudo. And what are you? A servant to a spoiled princess, playing at being a hero. What could you possibly understand of kingdoms or power?"

But Link didn't fall for the Demon King's attempt to undermine him. Instead, he pressed on, his words piercing like daggers.

"You speak as if I don't know what a kingdom is. Do you even know Hyrule? Do you know anything about the people who live here, their dreams, or their lives that you seek to rule? Have you ever even stopped to look at their mountains or to listen to their rivers? You are a stranger who comes to proclaim power without knowing anything, without understanding what it truly means to be part of this land. That is what you are: a fraud who plays at being a king but knows nothing of the kingdom you covet. A king without a kingdom, an ignorant without power, and a coward without honor."

Link's words hardened, striking the pride of his enemy like a direct blow.

"You have no right here!"

After a pause that stretched on endlessly, Link continued, his tone sharper than ever:

"What you don't understand, Ganondorf"-each word from Link was a thorn piercing his rival's pride-"is that you will never know what it means to fight for something greater than yourself. You are not a king; you are just a monster who needs to destroy everything to feel powerful. But today, that ends."

With Link's final words, a dark shadow began to grow around Ganondorf. Then, in an explosion of fury and wounded pride, his form began to twist and change. The spectral figure disappeared, and before them stood the Demon King in his original form. He was taller, more imposing, and in his eyes burned unleashed malice, as if hatred and arrogance had reached their peak, transforming him into something even more sinister.

The Demon King stood still, and the silence in Lookout Landing became unbearably heavy. A twisted smile began to appear on his lips, a grimace that seemed to feed the shadows surrounding him. His figure inspired a terror that petrified all who stood before him.

"You speak of bravery," the Demon King murmured, crossing his arms as he tilted his head slightly, like a predator sizing up its prey. "I await you in the depths, hero of pretension. Let's see if your grand words don't crumble when you face the true face of despair."

The air grew even colder, as if the place were plunged into eternal winter. The Demon King narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on Link, burning like infernal embers. His voice turned into a guttural growl, laden with a dark promise.

"But I warn you of something... If you fall, you will not find rest, not even in death. The shadows of the abyss will claim you, and your soul will be mine for all eternity."

The Demon King stood motionless, and the silence in Lookout Landing grew unbearably dense. A twisted smile began to appear on his lips, a grimace that seemed to feed the shadows surrounding him. His figure inspired a terror that petrified all who stood before him.

A shiver ran down the spines of the onlookers like the edge of a dagger. Some instinctively stepped back, unable to hold the gaze of the imposing figure of the Demon King. The atmosphere grew so heavy that it became difficult to breathe.

Paya let out a whimper, clutching Purah tightly, who stood motionless, trapped between horror and disbelief at the vision before her. It was as if her body itself had forgotten how to move.

The soldiers, now reduced to little more than trembling figures, pressed together, seeking comfort in camaraderie that could not shield them from the overwhelming power of the Demon King. Their weapons clattered, not from the movement of the air but from the uncontrollable trembling of their own hands.

"Excellent, we shall meet face-to-face in the depths," Link said, forcing a smile onto his lips that betrayed the fear compressing his chest. He glanced at the horde of monsters surrounding Lookout Landing, feeling the weight of the lives depending on him. A plan began to take shape in his mind, one that would ensure no more harm came to those under his protection while he faced the Demon King. "And since we're talking about proving courage, I hope you'll live up to your name and face us alone. Stop hiding behind your monsters to terrify the weak and show that you're capable of facing worthy opponents."

The Demon King seemed thoughtful. His expression was one of perverse satisfaction.

"Very well, Hero. But remember: if you fall, nothing, not even the memory of this kingdom, will survive." The echo of his threat resonated in the air as he raised his hand, the pact sealed in a gesture loaded with dark promises.

The vision of the Demon King began to fade from Lookout Landing, but Link, driven by a mix of distrust and desperation, shouted, "Wait, don't leave!" The Demon King's fading stopped, and his image became clearer again. "If you are true to your word, I want proof. Order your hordes to retreat from Lookout Landing now. No more civilian lives will be taken while we settle this."

The Demon King let out a bitter laugh that seemed to tear through the air.

"As you wish, Hero. Enjoy your respite... while it lasts." With a snap of his fingers, the horde began to pull back, a tide of darkness retreating.

Link felt a surge of relief, but it was fleeting, and his heart sank once more as he saw that the monsters weren't returning to the abyss. Instead, most began to gather on the path toward Hyrule Castle, forming a menacing circle, blocking their way to the abyss.

With his heart pounding wildly, Link hurried up the stairs leading to the telescope. From there, he scanned the battlefield, horror dawning on his face as he saw the horde gathering. Five Hinox, three Lynels-one silver. This is not good, Link thought, his heart racing. And then, his horror multiplied when a Royal Gleeok descended from the sky, its claws glowing with a malevolence that defied all hope.

"They won't attack anyone other than you, but of course, you're excluded from that deal," said the Demon King with a sardonic smile before vanishing into thin air, leaving behind a shadow of darkness that seemed to devour hope itself. The Demon King, master of manipulation, had deceived him once again.

Link sighed. "At least they won't attack the civilians. The problem is how we get there. If we have to face each and every one of the monsters, by the time we reach the castle, we'll be more than finished. I need to come up with a plan."

As Link descended, he saw the five sages positioning themselves beside him, flanking him on both sides. He saw the determination in their eyes and turned to face them, a growing sense of dread constricting his chest.

"No! Don't even think about it!" Link's voice broke, the desperation overwhelming him as he saw his friends' resolve to step into danger. "Don't do it! I don't want you risking any more for me! Sidon, you have Yona, a future waiting for you... Yunobo, what will happen to Yunobo SG if you fall?" Link's voice trembled, but the urgency wouldn't let him stop speaking. "I'll face the horde alone, just like I have these past months! Once I draw them in, you take the safe route and contact Mineru at the agreed meeting point!"

The sages exchanged glances, and Yunobo was the first to speak, his tone firm but full of warmth.

"You're not going to face this alone, not a chance. And you know perfectly well it's not true that you've been fighting alone all this time," he replied, his voice steady, attempting to reassure Link.

"Eh..." Link blinked, stunned by his friend's words. "I don't understand..."

"We know perfectly well you've been using our pact, Link," Sidon said, wrapping him in a warm, comforting embrace. "Brother, thanks to that power, we have been together. Whether to help you in battle, jump from one sky island to another, or simply because you felt alone and needed someone by your side."

Link remembered those moments, every time he felt lost. The presence of his friends had always been his beacon, a whisper in the dark guiding him.

The determination in their eyes was stronger than any fear. Link felt overwhelmed by the weight of his companions' loyalty, but before he could respond, Tureli broke the silence with a firm voice.

"From our side," Tureli smiled at him, "we also felt something strange. Our stones would glow for a few moments, and we would sense your presence. We have been more together during this time than you realize."

His words resonated with the group, creating an invisible bridge that connected them beyond distance or time. Then, Riju stepped forward, her gaze one of confidence that dared the danger.

"Decided, we will face the horde together," Riju announced, her voice filled with the strength that only comes when everything is at stake. "Just like in the temples, we will work as a team."

A lump of emotion formed in Link's throat. His eyes misted as he pulled the sages close. The five formed a circle, a circle of unspoken promises, of a fate they would share until their last breath.

At that moment, the sages raised their weapons, and their voices joined with Link's in a shout that tore through the darkness.

"For Hyrule!"

And with fervor that sprang from their hearts, they added in unison:

"For Zelda!"

Link felt both moved and grateful for the loyalty and bravery of the five sages. Together, they began to walk toward Hyrule Castle, toward the abyss and the Demon King's lair. The horde awaited them, a sea of darkness promising to devour them, but they pressed forward with light as their only guide.

Meanwhile...

In the vast gloom of the underground, the figure of the Demon King materialized on his throne of darkness. His eyes, two embers ignited with malevolence, lit up the blackness, piercing the void and searing into the soul of anyone brave enough to meet them.

From the shadows, a nervous figure emerged from his hiding place like a rat fleeing the hunter. After a clumsy bow, he fell to his knees on the icy floor, his face marked by fear and servitude. His breathing quickened, an uncontrollable tremor shaking his body.

"Welcome, Master Kohga, leader of the Yiga clan," the Demon King's voice resonated, deep and cold, like an echo in the eternity of darkness. "Tell me, what brings you here?"

The silence that followed was palpable, and the presence of the Demon King, immense and oppressive, seemed to consume everything, leaving only the unease and despair of the one who dared to stand before him.

"Master Ganondorf," Kohga said, his voice trembling, as he pointed to what appeared to be a metallic figure reminiscent of Mineru, but more grotesque and twisted, exuding an aura of malevolence and darkness. "Here I bring the ultimate weapon as we agreed... I've also set up a few of my own traps. Once they trigger them unwittingly, they'll be 'crushed' by the pressure..."

"Hmph... we'll see if your tricks and your 'ultimate weapon' amount to anything, Kohga. So far, you've done nothing but fail time and time again against the 'Hero of Hyrule,'" Ganondorf said, his voice deep and loaded with authority and distrust, each word falling like a sentence. "If you fail again..." his eyes locked onto the Yiga Master, making him shudder, "...you won't get another chance to redeem yourself."

Kohga nodded quickly, feeling his forehead sweat beneath his mask.

"This time, I won't fail you, master. I promise!" he exclaimed, bowing until his forehead touched the cold floor of the throne while murmuring to himself, "That damn hero... he's going to fall, no matter what. I'll make sure that once they enter, they'll never see the light of day again. They'll be trapped here forever."

"And now retreat until I call for you again," the Demon King said, dismissing Master Kohga with a gesture. Kohga stood up and, after giving an exaggerated bow, ran out. No matter how loyal he was, his mere presence inspired an indescribable dread.

In silence, the Demon King's gaze returned to the distance of the abyss, where the shadows seemed to whisper secrets to him. He knew his adversary was approaching. This was a battle he had been waiting for eons, and he would leave nothing to chance.

Darkness began to fill the throne room. In the gloom, the two orange flames that formed the Demon King's eyes extinguished, filling the space with an ominous silence that foreshadowed what was to come.

Chapter Text

Link and the Sages walked silently across the plain, their steps firm and resolute despite the tension etched on their faces. In the distance, a massive horde of monsters stretched out like a dark, menacing sea. The sound of swords, scimitars, tridents, greatswords, and bows being unsheathed was the only thing breaking the vast silence before the battle.

As they moved forward, Link's tireless mind raced, evaluating possibilities and devising strategies. Avoiding direct confrontation and conserving strength for the final battle was his primary goal. Each step they took felt like the heartbeat of the earth, a prelude to what was to come.

He considered crafting a flying vehicle. "Perhaps an aeroplane would work, but..." he thought, the idea leaving him unconvinced. "No, it's not feasible. There are too many of us, and the Depths are still far off. Besides, once we begin our descent into the chasm, the Lynels will start firing at us. And the Gleeok... that one's the worst. With its altitude, it could attack us directly. I need another plan."

Just as his mind seemed trapped in a dead end, a roar echoed across the sky, forcing everyone to look up. A blinding flash of light pierced the clouds, revealing an imposing silhouette: the Light Dragon, its golden mane glowing with celestial radiance. For a moment, Link froze as if time itself had stopped. A warm, indescribable feeling swelled in his chest. It wasn't just awe—it was something deeper, something he felt in the very core of his being.

The group watched in amazement as the Light Dragon soared through the clouds with unstoppable speed. Its emerald eyes, ancient and profound, gazed at the heroes with a wisdom born of millennia. Its golden mane danced in the wind like a blaze of sunlight captured in the abyss of the sky. The air seemed to split in its wake, and with every moment that passed, hope grew stronger.

"It's her…" Link whispered, his voice barely audible yet brimming with conviction that struck to the bone. At that moment, a plan began to take shape in his mind.

He raised his hand, and with a flash, the Schema Stone activated before him, materializing an aeroplane in seconds, ready for takeoff. Once it was complete, he pulled several rockets from his Zonai capsules, carefully adjusting them to ensure the thrust would be sufficient.

"Get on, quickly!" Link shouted to his companions, adrenaline surging through his veins like an electric current as they scrambled to board. 

As soon as they were on, Link activated the rockets, and the aeroplane roared to life, cutting through the air with a deafening sound. They climbed higher and higher, navigating turbulence as the rockets burned out one by one. When the last rocket was spent, Link took hold of the controls, igniting the plane's engine to propel them forward. With steady hands, he steered toward the dragon, which was rapidly moving farther ahead. The wind howled in his ears, and the danger of the Depths below seemed to brush against his skin, though the fear began to fade. The sight of that majestic figure—so near, so radiant—banished all dread. 

He cast a final glance back toward Lookout Landing, where Purah and Paya stood watching them through the telescope, their wide eyes filled with both awe and fear. He raised a hand in farewell, knowing it might be the last time they ever exchanged words. 

"We're heading into the abyss! Take care, my friends! Don't let the darkness consume you!" he shouted, his voice filled with a mix of determination and sorrow. Though he knew they couldn't possibly hear him, his words hung in the air like a promise. 

Without hesitation, he turned his focus forward, guiding the plane with speed and precision toward the Light Dragon. 

Suddenly, a formation of Aerocudas emerged on the horizon, their sinister shapes silhouetted against the sky. Their piercing screeches echoed as a warning. 

The five Sages exchanged quick glances, their faces a mixture of tension and resolve. The roar of the wind and the beating of wings demanded immediate action. Link's pulse quickened as he turned his head toward his companions, his voice cutting through the storm like thunder: 

"Sages, prepare yourselves!" he shouted, steering the vehicle. The swarm of Aerocudas closed in from all directions, their cries splitting the air. "Listen! Riju, Yunobo, Tulin, Sidon—get ready for battle! I'll focus on flying the plane toward the dragon. Don't let them take us down before we reach it!" 

Riju unsheathed her Gerudo scimitars, activating her lightning ability with blistering speed. Her gaze locked onto the approaching Aerocudas, unwavering. Sidon moved to the front of the group, his ceremonial Zora trident gleaming as he summoned the power of water. Yunobo clenched his fists, transforming into a blazing rolling boulder, while Tulin notched an arrow, his wind currents ready to strike at any moment. The Sages turned toward Link, weapons raised in a coordinated display of defiance. 

"Understood, Link!" Riju called back, her eyes blazing with determination. Lightning crackled around her scimitars as she prepared to strike. She glanced at Sidon, steady at her side, and shouted above the chaos: 

"Sidon, unleash your water first! Drench them, and I'll fry them with lightning!" 

Sidon nodded, a confident smile crossing his face as his trident pulsed with aquatic energy. "Got it, Riju! Let's show them what we're made of!" 

His ceremonial trident glowed with watery brilliance, exuding both elegance and strength. Despite the gravity of the moment, Sidon's smile remained steadfast. He recalled a time when he might have doubted his ability to lead in such perilous circumstances. But alongside Link, he had learned that leadership wasn't about having all the answers—it was about trusting those around you and acting with courage. He remembered a piece of advice his father, King Dorephan, had once given him: 

"A king cannot protect his people with strength alone; his trust and love for them are his greatest shield." 

"Understood, Riju!" Sidon shouted, summoning a powerful wave that drenched the swarm of Aerocudas, slowing them down and leaving them vulnerable. 

Riju's voice thundered through the air as she unleashed a lightning strike that lit up the sky, electrocuting the creatures. 

"For the Gerudo and the lightning that guides us!" she cried, her lightning meeting Sidon's water in a dazzling display of light and energy. Tulin let out an admiring cheer: 

"Now *that's* teamwork!" 

Yunobo, ever watchful, suddenly called out: "Watch the left flank!" Spinning rapidly, he launched himself toward the edge of the vehicle, transforming into a blazing ball of fire that tore through a group of Aerocudas, scattering them like ashes. The purple smoke they left behind dissolved quickly as Yunobo prepared for another strike. 

Amid the chaos, a memory surfaced in Yunobo's mind: a conversation he had shared with Link earlier that day. He had spoken with shame about how he had been manipulated by the Demon King's puppet, feeling like a pawn in a far greater game. 

Link, with his calm, unshakable demeanor, had replied without hesitation: 
"It's not weakness to admit when we've made mistakes, Yunobo. True strength is picking yourself up after a fall—and you did. Sometimes, that's the greatest courage anyone can show." 

Those words had soothed Yunobo's spirit then, but now, in the heat of battle, their meaning struck him with new clarity. Strength wasn't about avoiding failure; it was about facing it head-on and continuing to fight—for himself and for those who relied on him. His scars were no longer a burden but a testament to how far he had come. 

The screech of another Aerocuda snapped him back to the present. The enemy's relentless assault demanded his focus. 

"I won't let you through!" Yunobo roared, slamming the ground with a fiery impact before launching himself at the enemy again. 

A fresh wave of Aerocudas surged upward from below, racing toward the vehicle. Tulin released a volley of arrows, their sharp whistles slicing the air as they flew toward the approaching threat with deadly accuracy. 

As his arrows found their marks, Tulin felt the weight of his ancestry. If he survived, his actions today would be immortalized in the winds of Hebra as an eternal song. The sharp, precise strikes of his arrows echoed his mastery, bringing down the creatures before they could get too close. A triumphant cry burst from the young Rito's chest, raw and proud: 

"For Hebra and all who came before us! The skies are ours!" 

The air erupted with a cacophony of screams, lightning cracks, and fierce clashes. Amid the storm of chaos, Link's voice rang out, steady and filled with pride: 

"Great work, team! Get ready—we're closing in on the dragon!" 

As the vehicle neared the majestic Light Dragon, the Sages moved in perfect harmony. Sidon and Riju combined their abilities with devastating precision, Yunobo barreled forward like an avalanche, clearing the path with unyielding force. Each strike they delivered seemed like a bold defiance of the encroaching darkness. 

But then, a deep, guttural roar rumbled from the distance. Emerging from the horizon was a massive, armored Aerocuda, its thick natural plating deflecting weaker attacks. Leading its flock, it hurtled toward the vehicle with renewed ferocity. 

"That must be the leader!" Sidon shouted, bracing himself. 

"Let me clear the way!" Yunobo yelled, launching forward in his rolling attack. He smashed into the armored Aerocuda with tremendous force, sending it reeling and disrupting the smaller ones in its wake. 

Riju seized the opportunity, channeling another lightning strike that shattered part of the leader's armor. 

"Finish it off!" Link commanded. 

Tulin's arrow streaked through the air, striking the weakened spot with pinpoint accuracy. Sidon followed up with a powerful blast of water that hit the creature with full force, finally bringing it down. The remaining Aerocudas, disoriented and leaderless, were swiftly dealt with by the team. 

The vehicle surged forward, leaving the scattered enemies behind. The Light Dragon loomed closer than ever, its radiant form calling them onward. 

Turning to his companions, Link shouted above the roar of the wind:

"Quick! Jump onto the dragon's back!" 

Without hesitation, the Sages—except for Tulin, who spread his wings to glide—deployed their paraglider cloaks in unison. They leapt into the air, descending with precision toward the dragon. The vast abyss below seemed insignificant as they focused on their target, their fears vanishing in the face of their resolve. 

One by one, they landed on the dragon's shimmering back, its golden mane flowing like a living flame. As they touched the radiant strands, a surge of magic coursed through them, enveloping each in a protective warmth and a profound sense of security.

As Link waited for the Sages to reach the Light Dragon, a final Aerocuda dove sharply toward the nearest horde, its talons extended with lethal precision. In a brutal motion, it snatched a Bokoblin, whose piercing scream mixed with the sound of the wind, amplifying the chaos. As it flew past the vehicle, it hurled the Bokoblin. Link, caught off guard, barely had time to react before receiving a direct hit from the Bokoblin's club. The impact sent him sprawling across the plane's floor, forcing him to let go of the controls. With no one steering, the vehicle's motor stalled, and it began to dangerously lose altitude.

The Sages, already on the dragon's back, cried out in unison:

"NOOO, LINK!"

Dazed from the blow, Link staggered to his feet, reaching for the Master Sword on his back. As he did, Tulin, perched on the dragon, fired a precise arrow. The projectile struck the Bokoblin squarely, causing it to stumble and finally tumble off the plane, letting out a chilling cry for help before vanishing into the void. Upon hitting the ground, it dissolved into a cloud of purple smoke.

Taking advantage of the moment, Riju activated her lightning power. Concentrating her energy, she unleashed a devastating bolt of lightning at the Aerocuda, hitting it with pinpoint accuracy. The creature let out an agonized screech before plummeting and disintegrating into dark smoke upon hitting the ground.

With the enemies defeated, Link regained control of the plane, his eyes fixed on the horizon. But a spark of alarm crossed his face as he noticed the glowing cracks spreading across the glider—it was on the verge of disintegrating. Time was running out, and the pressure felt like a tangible weight on his shoulders. In a decisive maneuver, he tilted the aircraft into a steep climb, dodging with deadly precision the last Aerocudas trying to intercept him. Each maneuver challenged the chaos, each second a reminder of what was at stake.

Ahead of him, the Light Dragon emerged as a majestic vision, its serpentine body glowing with an ancient radiance, gliding with the grace of a celestial river. Its presence invoked a mixture of calm and awe—but also urgency. Without hesitation, Link pushed the glider to its limits, adjusting his trajectory in a desperate final effort.

The moment arrived. With resolute determination, he leapt from the plane just as it vanished in a fleeting flash, its magic consumed. Link dived into the void, and his paraglider unfurled with a snap, a defiant cry against the abyss as he descended toward the dragon. Despite the vertigo tightening his chest, his gaze remained steady, his goal clear.

He landed firmly on the dragon's golden mane, the dragon's roar echoing through his very soul. He turned to the Sages, who clung tightly, their faces tense but resolute and focused on their mission.

"Hold on to its mane as tightly as you can!" Link shouted, his voice cutting through the roaring wind as he steadied himself on the dragon's back. "Once it reaches the chasm leading to the Depths, it will dive straight down!"

With an earth-shaking roar that resounded through the darkest corners of Hyrule, the Light Dragon began a swift descent, spiraling downward with graceful precision, carrying Link and the five Sages on its back as though they were part of its being. The chasm to the Depths opened before them, teeming with a dense horde of enemies lying in wait like living shadows.

But once again, the hordes tried to thwart their plans. As they neared the gaping hole that led to the Depths, Lynels stationed there began firing elemental arrows. Flaming and electrified arrows whizzed dangerously close to the group on the dragon's back.

"Watch out!" Riju warned, summoning a lightning bolt that deflected several arrows just before they hit. Sidon responded by unleashing a torrent of water from his trident, extinguishing the flaming arrows and forcefully striking the Lynels.

But before they could celebrate, a deeper, more resonant roar drowned out all other sounds. From the darkness emerged a Royal Gleeok, a colossal three-headed beast spewing fire, ice, and lightning simultaneously. Its attacks converged into a vortex of destruction that narrowly missed the dragon.

"This is impossible!" Yunobo gasped, clenching his fists as he looked to Link.

"Nothing is impossible!" Link shouted, pulling out his triple Lynel bow and combining three arrows with Ancient Blades. His eyes locked onto the Gleeok's heads as he drew the bowstring taut. "Cover me! I need space to take the shot!"

Amid the chaos, Sidon allowed himself a brief, grateful smile—if anyone could face this challenge, it was Link. Without hesitation, Sidon unleashed a wave of water from his trident, striking the Gleeok's wings and forcing it to adjust its flight. Riju seized the moment, striking one of the heads with a lightning bolt that blinded it momentarily, while Tulin fired arrows to deflect the Gleeok's attacks.

"Now, Link!" Tulin shouted from the air, blocking another barrage of elemental arrows with an acrobatic maneuver.

Link fired his three arrows with lethal precision. Each one struck one of the Gleeok's heads dead-on. The beast roared in agony, flailing in midair before plummeting into the void. Its fall was chaotic, crashing against the walls of the chasm with thunderous force until, with a final, harrowing scream, it disintegrated into a dark cloud of smoke, swallowed by the shadows.

"This isn't over yet!" Link called out, pointing to the Lynels stationed at the chasm's entrance. "We need to take them out, or they won't let us through!"

The five heroes prepared for battle, the Sages activating their powers as Link once again readied his triple bow. They wouldn't back down now.

At that moment, the Light Dragon began to shine intensely. A burst of pure light emanated from its scales, transforming it into a blazing star that defied the very essence of the abyss.

A beam of light shot forth from the dragon, cutting through the darkness, obliterating the monsters in its path, and reducing them to plumes of purple smoke. One by one, the Demon King's minions vanished as if they had never existed, swept away by the dragon's radiant light. The dragon's light didn't just shine—it destroyed, undoing the darkness the Demon King had sown at the chasm's entrance.

The wind howled around them, creating a vortex that drove back the few remaining enemies who dared resist. The forces of Darkness faltered and crumbled before the dragon's blinding light, clearing a path to the heart of the abyss. Yet Link knew the battle was far from won. This was only the beginning.

The Sages' hearts beat in unison with the dragon's roars, composing a symphony of courage amidst the chaos. As they reached the edge of the chasm leading to the Depths, the dragon made a sudden turn, diving vertically. Its serpentine body moved with impossible agility, and the air filled with a deafening roar as it broke through the wind.

The vertigo struck like an overwhelming wave. Link and the Sages clung desperately to the dragon's golden mane, their fingers digging into its radiant light, which seemed almost to slip away. The wind battered them relentlessly, a violent gust that stole their breath and made their bodies tremble like leaves caught in a storm. The pressure of the descent pulled them toward the abyss, threatening to tear them away from the creature carrying them.

And then, they screamed. Primal, instinctive cries that mixed with the roaring wind and the dragon's thunderous voice. It was fear given sound, a reflection of the abyss opening beneath them—endless and ravenous.

The chasm stretched out before them like a mouth ready to consume them, but the dragon didn't stop. In that frantic and terrifying descent, they had no choice but to trust the creature guiding them blindly, as the world disappeared into a whirlwind of shadows and vertigo.

Chapter Text

Silence came like a deep exhale after vertigo. The Light dragon now flew calmly, crossing the catacombs of the abyss. The darkness, still oppressive, was faintly illuminated by the glow of its scales, a pure light that seemed to contain the last hopes of Hyrule.

Link and the sages remained silent on its back, the tension still present on their faces, though their bodies were beginning to relax after the frantic descent. Each one silently processed the magnitude of what awaited them. As they moved forward, the vast caverns of the abyss unfolded like a forgotten world, a place where time seemed to have stopped and darkness consumed everything.

The sound of the dragon's flight was the only thing breaking the deathly silence. The subterranean wind, damp and carrying a strange hum that seemed to rise from the depths, brushed against their faces as the tension continued to build with every meter they covered.

The hordes of the Demon King's monsters lurked in the shadows. Moblins and Lizalfos watched from their dens. As they saw them pass, they began to leap in vain in a futile attempt to reach them, growling in frustration. From some dark corners, bolder creatures like the Like-Likes hurled projectiles or stretched their grotesque bodies in hopes of catching them. But before they could even get close, the beam of light from the dragon struck them, disintegrating them in an instant and leaving behind a trail of dark smoke that quickly dissipated into the air.

Link, leaning against the mane of the majestic white dragon, allowed a faint smile to escape, woven with threads of pride and melancholy, like a secret that only the wind could steal from him. His fingers gently brushed the vast, silky golden mane, finding comfort in the touch, as if that connection could stop time itself. Out of the corner of his eye, his gaze met that of the creature: two living emeralds blinking with an ancient serenity, reflecting in their glow the echo of what once was.

Though Mineru had assured him that, upon transforming, the dragon had lost its essence, Link couldn't shake the persistent certainty, veiled by nostalgia. He clung to a fragile, almost imperceptible hope: the belief that some part of her still shone deep within. In the slow rhythm of its breathing or in the way its eyes seemed to search for him in silence, he sensed a familiar echo. It was like a whisper from the past, an instinctive vibration speaking to him of an eternal desire to protect them, to care for them, as she had always done.

A trembling sigh escaped Link as he felt the warmth of his tears dampening his face. He closed his eyes and, with a shaky hand, wiped them away. "I know you're there, somewhere," he murmured, his voice breaking, while his fingers continued to caress the dragon's mane, as if that touch could reach what was lost. "I'll find a way, I promise, even if it takes another hundred years."

As the tears slid down his cheeks, Link pulled a princess of calm from the stillness with the intention of gifting it to the dragon. At that very moment, one of his tears fell onto the delicate flower. Time seemed to stop. In that instant, the Hero was enveloped in a blinding light. The sound of a distant, faint droplet of water echoed in his ears.

It was then that the moment he lost Zelda came back to him with heartbreaking clarity. He saw himself, hand outstretched, consumed by malice, struggling to reach her, to prevent her from falling into the abyss. He remembered how, in a burst of desperation, he decided to leap after her. But just as he was about to do so, he felt something—or someone—gripping him tightly, pulling him upward. He tried to break free, but he couldn't; whatever held him was unyielding. From his position, he watched in growing helplessness as Zelda continued to fall. Suddenly, she began to shine, disappearing in a blinding flash, leaving him behind, alone, in the dark abyss as he ascended into the air. Exhausted and broken, Link lost consciousness.

Since then, a constant weight of guilt had accompanied him. He knew Zelda was safe, that thanks to her sacrifice, the Master Sword had been revitalized in his hands. Yet the price paid had been too high. Ten thousand years of waiting for Link to decipher her secret. He didn't want to imagine what would have happened if Impa and her ancient knowledge hadn't intervened.

The memory slowly faded, returning him to reality. His eyes landed on his prosthetic arm, a piece crafted with Zonai technology, replacing his original, lost forever due to the grievous wounds inflicted by the malice. The mechanical arm faintly gleamed under the dim light, a cold, metallic extension of his will. Though Zonai technology had granted him unique abilities, like the power to generate schematics, infiltrate, or rewind objects in time, he couldn't shake the stabbing pain that pierced his chest every time he looked at it. That arm, so different from the one that had once been his, symbolized not only the physical cost of his struggle, but also the emotional burden he carried with every step. It was a constant reminder that the battle was still alive, that the sacrifices hadn't been left behind.

With the princess of calm still in his hand, he leaned toward the dragon, carefully placing it in its mane, as if, by doing so, he left a fragment of his soul in that gesture. He closed his eyes as he neared the flower, allowing its sweet aroma to envelop him, immersing him in a brief moment of stillness. "Zelda," he whispered, barely audible, as if the words vanished into the air before they could reach their destination. "If I ever manage to bring back your form... you need to know that I…"

His words faded into the air as he opened his eyes and shook his head with resolve. He wiped away the remaining tears from his cheeks and straightened his shoulders, banishing any vulnerability before it could take hold. The situation was too critical for distractions: the Demon King, the lair, the looming battle... there was no room for hesitation or personal thoughts.

It had been enough. The last time he let his emotions take over, it almost condemned them all. That would not happen again.

Fortunately, the sages seemed oblivious to the immediate pressure. After passing the entrance, they began chatting with an unnerving ease. Tulin, as impetuous as always, was the first to notice that something was off with Link. Seizing the moment when the dragon maintained a steadier speed, he fluttered around him with his typical carefree tone:

—Hey, Link, how much longer until we reach the meeting point?

—Yeah, —intervened Riju from further behind, her relaxed smile lighting up her face as she settled into the dragon's back—. We've been flying for quite a while.

—Hope we don't get lost, —Sidon joked, laughing as he gave Link a friendly pat on the back—. Though, of course, it wouldn't be the first time you and I ended up in a mess over a "small detour."

—Ha, ha, ha —Yunobo laughed, completely at ease, rubbing his belly as if he'd just had a feast, a gesture so typical of the Gorons that it was contagious.

Link, feeling the weight of all their gazes on him, rubbed the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. At least he'd managed to position himself near the dragon's mane, which gave him some room to hide. With a smooth motion, Link straightened himself again.

—Sorry, guys —he said with a wry smile—. I was "enjoying" the scenery.

The comment triggered a round of laughter, because the underground scenery, with its perpetual twilight and oppressive atmosphere, was anything but pleasant to look at.

Now upright and relaxed by their laughter, Link refocused his attention on the path ahead. The chatter behind him continued for a few more minutes, the laughter lightening the tension as they neared the meeting point.

When they finally spotted the designated location, Link took control once more. With a shout that echoed through the depths of the underground, he called out to the sages:

—Get ready! We're almost at the meeting point. This isn't going to be a stroll!

The atmosphere, still relaxed, began to shift. The mission called them, and with the camaraderie of those shared moments strengthening their resolve, they all knew it was time to get serious. They all tensed atop the dragon as they began to prepare their gliders for a safe landing. Turning toward the sages, the hero shouted again:

—We've arrived, everyone down!

In the blink of an eye, the action was immediate. All the sages jumped at once, landing with precision in the area Link had pointed out. But the Hero, in his concentration, nearly lost his balance when he unknowingly stepped on a slippery object. The object shifted beneath his boots, and for a moment, his body faltered, but he quickly regained his composure.

Once he fully recovered, curiosity got the best of him, and he looked down beneath his boots to identify what he had slipped on. However, before he could inspect it, the object, which had seemed solid, vanished into the air with a soft *poof*, followed by a faint swirl of reddish smoke.

Confused, he glanced at the sole of his boots to see if he could identify any remnants. However, due to the lack of light, he could barely make out anything beyond a pasty, whitish smear with a strangely oily texture. He furrowed his brow, uneasy about what had just happened, but there was no time to stop.

Sidon turned to him, surprised that he had lagged behind.

—Everything okay, Link? Something wrong? —he asked, his friendly tone mixed with concern.

—Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, —Link responded, trying to sound calm—. I just slipped, but I couldn't find the cause.

He quickened his pace to catch up with the others, who were already heading toward the meeting point, leaving the incident behind, even though a faint unease still lingered in his mind.

The intangible darkness of the underground loomed over them. Sounds of unknown origin, brief but unsettling enough to raise the hairs on their necks, filled the air.

In the distance, the distant roar of the Demon King reverberated through the catacomb walls, making the air thick and almost unbreathable. Link and the sages breathed deeply to prevent the sound from affecting them, but in their minds, the warning was clear. They were too close. There was no turning back.

As they moved forward, Riju glanced toward the dragon, which was now out of reach, flying toward a gap in the ceiling. In that moment, she saw something that shocked her. She stopped and blinked several times to be sure that what she was seeing was real.

—Look! —she exclaimed in disbelief. —The white dragon is crying!

Link turned quickly, but he barely managed to catch a glimpse of the dragon disappearing into the darkness of the ceiling. A bright tear fell from its eye, like a drop of pure light. For a brief moment, the tear illuminated the abyss, but it soon vanished, swallowed by the eternal darkness of the underground.

Then, the question hit him: "Why? Why did the dragon cry? Was its pain the same as mine?"

The sight of the dragon crying stirred within him a deep longing, warm and sharp like a freshly opened wound. Feeling it so close, almost within reach of his hand, but at the same time as unattainable as a dream dissolving at dawn, amplified the emptiness in his heart to an unbearable level.

His thoughts began to cloud, and, unable to stop it, the image of Zelda falling again and again into the abyss flooded his mind, like an unstoppable storm battering his spirit.

He clenched his eyes shut, fighting to contain the whirlwind of emotions, but his heart cried out for what had been taken from him. Then she appeared. It wasn't Zelda, but something about the vision made her inevitably close to her. The puppet emerged from the shadows as a cruel response to his longing, her ethereal figure carrying an unsettling, disarming allure.

The puppet danced before him, her laughter breaking down all his defenses. He felt the soft caress of her hands, the echo of her voice whispering promises that awakened the darkest, most buried desires of his heart. Her dress, clinging to her figure, brushed against Link's hands, unleashing a pang of desire and confusion. In a reflexive act, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer.

The puppet moved closer, her lips slightly parted, filled with desire, just a breath away. But just as they were about to touch, a shiver ran through Link's body. With a violent shake, he pulled away from the vision.

"No, it's not real," he repeated desperately. "I can't let myself be consumed by this darkness again. I can't surrender to the void that threatens to pull me under."

"Since when did I think about Zelda like this?" The question hit him like an unexpected thunderclap, a new and overwhelming feeling that took him by surprise. They had been friends since the Calamity, sharing battles, silences, and moments of peace, but never before had he felt what was consuming him now. Since her disappearance, each day without her felt like an eternity of emptiness. He missed everything about her: her laughter, her warmth, the scent she left behind when she passed. And in his sleepless nights, he thought about her lips, so beautiful, so close, yet so unreachable. He longed for more than her presence... he desired everything about her.

The vision of the puppet vanished, and in its place, the Demon King appeared, mocking him. His laughter echoed in his mind, stripping him of all strength, tearing apart his most intimate thoughts. How could he know? How could this monstrous being understand his darkest desires, desires he hadn't even dared to confess? A chill ran through his body, his forehead slick with cold sweat. The Demon King wasn't just pursuing him on the battlefield, but also in his mind, touching the weakest fibers of his soul.

Gasping, his heart pounding in his chest, he leaned against the wall, struggling to stay upright, to not get lost in that abyss of confusion. 

—Link... —Tulin's voice, faint at first, became clearer, shaking him from his thoughts. He was flying nearby, his wings fluttering nervously. —Are you okay? Shouldn't you contact Mineru?

Link blinked several times, snapping back to reality. He forced himself to shake his head, brushing away the fog that surrounded him.

—Yeah... sure... I'm fine —he replied, his voice trembling, though he tried to force a smile that quickly faded when he saw the concern in Tulin's eyes. "You better be fine, Link..." He thought, with renewed intensity. But his hands continued to shake slightly. There was no time for more doubts. Everything was at stake now.

His breathing began to slow gradually. He looked at the sages, his companions, each one with an expression of concern and pure urgency. He had to keep his composure, stay strong. The Demon King wouldn't hesitate. Hyrule, his friends... they were all counting on him. He couldn't fail them.

—I'll contact Mineru right away; I'll gather the coordinates and create a safe teleportation point for her. —With his face still pale, Link forced himself to breathe deeply, clinging to his goal. He forced himself to focus so he wouldn't lose his mind again, pulling the tablet from his pocket, feeling the cold metal, an anchor amidst the storm of thoughts that still threatened to overwhelm him. He had to hurry.

Still trembling, he activated the measurement scanner and the chat. The numbers began to blink on the screen, and the information he needed appeared before him, tracing the coordinates of the location and establishing a safe teleportation point for Mineru. The device emitted a soft beep indicating that everything was ready, but something still weighed on his mind. The urgency wouldn't stop throbbing in his chest.

As the positioning app finished setting up, Link kept his gaze fixed on the screen, his thoughts divided between the present and the past. The light emanating from the tablet reflected in his intense blue eyes, briefly illuminating the strength of his resolve. Finally, he turned toward the sages, his expression tense and his voice firm, though cracked by the shadow of his own uncertainty.

His breathing began to calm slowly. He looked at the sages, his companions, each one with an expression of concern and pure urgency. He had to keep his composure, stay strong. The Demon King wouldn't hesitate. Hyrule, his friends... they were all counting on him. He couldn't fail them.

—I'll contact Mineru right away; I'm going to gather the coordinates and create a safe teleportation point for her. —With his face still pale, Link forced himself to take a deep breath, clinging to his goal. Forcing himself to focus so as not to lose his composure again, he took the tablet from his pocket, feeling the cold touch of the metal, an anchor amidst the storm of thoughts that still threatened to overwhelm him. He had to hurry.

Still trembling, he activated the measurement scanner and the chat. The numbers began to blink on the screen, and the information he needed appeared in front of him, tracing the location's coordinates and establishing a safe teleportation point for Mineru. The device emitted a soft beep, indicating that everything was ready, but something still weighed on his mind. The urgency continued to throb in his chest.

As the positioning app finished configuring, Link kept his gaze fixed on the screen, his thoughts divided between the present and the past. The light emanating from the tablet reflected in his intense blue eyes, briefly illuminating the strength of his resolve. Finally, he turned to face the sages, his expression tense and his voice firm, though broken by the shadow of his own uncertainty.

—As soon as Mineru arrives, we'll move forward through the door at the back. Take this moment to regain your strength or take something that will protect you. We don't know what awaits us, but it's certain it will be tough. There's still a long way to go to the pit... the place where Zelda... Disappeared.

The last fragment of the sentence escaped with an involuntary tremor, betraying the pain he carried inside. Remembering that moment was like reliving it: an unbearable weight clinging to his chest, digging deeper with each word.

The sages exchanged glances, sharing a gesture full of understanding. Although they had never said it aloud—and they knew Link would stubbornly deny it if anyone mentioned it—each of them was deeply aware of how broken his heart had been since the incident, a wound that had deepened when Zelda's cruel fate had been revealed to them.

And the worst part... that moment just before, when he had felt her so close, almost within reach, only to discover that she was still irredeemably far away. That recent, fresh, and sharp pain seemed to envelop him like a dark cloak, adding weight to an already unbearable burden. It didn't just weigh on him; it marked each of his steps, like an unrelenting shadow that never dissipated.

Sidon, with his serene yet imposing presence, approached him silently. He placed a firm hand on his shoulder, conveying a mixture of support and determination. With the other hand, he clenched his fist, his eyes shining with fierce intensity.

—Brother —he said in a deep voice, but full of promise—, we'll end that monster. We'll reduce him to rubble, I promise you. Hyrule will never hear from him again.

Sidon's words resonated like a vow, not only to Link but to all the land they swore to protect. Though the pain still lingered, Link felt the spark of hope that the sages were trying to keep alive within him. It was a reminder that he wasn't alone in this fight, even if the emptiness in his heart sometimes seemed too large to fill.

Silence reigned again in the room as Link, now more strengthened, continued with his incessant tapping. Meanwhile, the sages, immersed in a mixture of boredom and unease, scattered around the room. Some began to inspect with fascination the Zonai archaeological pieces that decorated the place, admiring the intricate inscriptions and ancient technologies.

Unable to remain still, Tulin joined Yunobo, and together they approached the imposing door at the back. After a few moments of observation and a quick exchange of words, they managed to calculate the approximate distance to the pit. Concern was reflected in Tulin and Yunobo's faces as they returned to where Link was.

—Why don't you set up the teleportation closer to the pit? —Yunobo suggested, arms crossed and a tone that mixed pragmatism with impatience—. Mostly, to save Mineru some walking.

Link, without taking his eyes off his work, frowned with an almost inaudible sigh, as though that idea had already crossed his mind and been discarded for reasons that didn't need explaining.

—It was the first thing we thought of—he responded without looking up from the screen, focused on fine-tuning the details of the device—. But when we did the first tests to make sure everything would go smoothly, we realized there were issues with creating it. We don't know if it's because Ba'tures' root is far or if there's something interfering with the signal.

—So—Yunobo's voice took on a darker, more fearful tone—are you saying that... down there? We'll be isolated... unable to ask for help, like from Prunia, to teleport us out?

Link looked at him seriously. Although the fear had been lingering in his mind since they discovered the problem with the signal, it was the first time anyone had given voice to his concerns.

—Everything will be fine—Link tried to reassure Yunobo, turning to face him while giving him a smile and placing a hand on his shoulder—. We've brought plenty of healing supplies, and we'll be able to get out by climbing up the pit again once the battle is over.

Suddenly, his trained ears caught a muffled laugh. He quickly turned toward the sound, trying to identify its source, but just at that moment, it stopped, as if his movement had triggered its disappearance. After a few seconds, he looked back at Yunobo, who was watching him, tense.

—What...? Is something wrong?—The young Goron was starting to get nervous— I saw you staring at that wall.

—Bah, it's nothing, don't worry—Link tried to sound casual, though not entirely convincing. He added a false look of embarrassment to avoid making Yunobo more anxious—. I just saw a rodent, something from the underground, and it startled me... wasn't expecting it.

Seeing Yunobo give a slight smile, Link turned back to his task of sending the coordinates. Once he saw him move away, Link subtly glanced at the sole of the boot he had slipped on, taking advantage of the extra light. The substance stuck to his boot had been breaking apart with each step, leaving a small oily trail. Quickly, he typed a message to Mineru: "A rat has snuck into the den."

Finally, the tablet buzzed, notifying the Hero that the coordinates were valid and the teleportation would be safe. It also confirmed the time Mineru had to use it. He copied the data returned by the teleportation app and sent it to Mineru. A few seconds later, Mineru confirmed receipt and the start of the process.

As he was putting the tablet back into its case, Link turned to face the others and saw that they were admiring the content of the Zonnan murals.

The murals depicted fragments of their history. The first image showed Rauru descending from the heavens to the land occupied by the Hylian people. He knew that he had married the Hylian priestess Sonnia, a union reflected in the next mural. Continuing through the murals, the sages saw a scene where the Gerudo king, Ganondorf, killed Sonia, taking her secret stone and becoming the Demon King. Then, a depiction of the Imprisoning War could be admired.

The murals continued, but the last panels were hidden behind a pile of rubble, the result of centuries of collapse. During their excursions, Link and Mineru, with their faces tense from anticipation, tried to move some of the rocks, but time didn't allow them to stop for long.

Suddenly, a loud crash broke the silence. Link instinctively turned toward the source of the noise, his muscles tense and his heart in his throat. Yunobo, driven by impatience, had charged at the obstacle, managing to move a large portion of the stones. The room shook with the impact, and a cloud of dust filled the air. Link's combat instincts kicked in, as the noise reverberated through the walls; each sound a warning.

As the dust settled, the content of the hidden murals was now visible. With firm steps, Link moved forward, his eyes scanning the images. One of them showed a woman standing beside an altar, holding a sword with an expression of solemn surrender. The next panel depicted a dragon soaring through the sky, passing through an arch adorned with the symbols of the ancient royal family of Hyrule. Upon closer inspection, Link froze. The Master Sword rested on the dragon's head, entwined in the strands of its mane.

He felt a overwhelming vertigo as he realized that the story of Zelda, the tale of her sacrifice, had remained buried for more than ten thousand years beneath the Hyrule Castle.

They heard a noise behind him. Turning toward it, they saw a flash of blue particles as the figure of Mineru materialized at the temporary teleportation point Link had created.

The glow of blue particles surrounding her began to fade slowly, revealing a metallic figure that seemed to blend with the surroundings. The wisdom in her gaze reflected years of experience, but also the sadness of a sacrifice that still echoed within her. A murmur rippled through the group of sages as they saw the apparition, each reacting differently. Yunobo was the first to smile, though his expression was somewhat shy.

—"Mineru!" Yunobo exclaimed, raising an arm enthusiastically.

—"It's so good to see you again!" Riju, more reserved, tilted her head as she watched Mineru emerge in the air, her presence as imposing as ever.

When Mineru finally finished materializing, she lifted her gaze, scanning the room for the voices that had greeted her.

—"Wow, hello," Mineru greeted. Instantly, everyone turned toward her. —"I see you managed to remove the stones that were covering those last two murals."

—"Well, yes," Yunobo said, somewhat embarrassed, scratching his head, while the others tried to stifle their laughter. —"You see, it was a... bit of an accidental discovery."

—"And well," Mineru continued, "what do those murals tell?"

—"But don't you know?" Riju asked, surprised. —"I thought, being part of your people and knowing the events of the Imprisoning War..."

—"No," Mineru clarified, her strange metallic voice slightly modulating, expressing sadness. —"I suppose they were carved after... that battle. It's even possible that it was after Zelda made her decision about how she would get the Master Sword to Link. At that time, I... was no longer... alive, at least not in body. My spirit was inside Prunia's tablet." Link looked at her with understanding, noticing how her words revealed deep pain.

—"Exactly," Link said, softening his voice, trying to comfort her. —"It was clear that remembering that saddened her."

During the Imprisoning War, Mineru died from serious wounds in a crucial battle. Before her death, she separated her spirit from her body, locking it in Prunia's tablet. Later, when Zelda made the final decision about the Master Sword, she entrusted it to the temple butler golem of the Temple of Time, awaiting Link's return ten thousand years later.

Mineru moved toward the newly uncovered murals, and the others politely stepped aside to give her space. As she reached them, Mineru's gaze fixed on the engravings, and something in her expression changed as she recognized the symbols.

—"This symbol..." Mineru said, her voice fluctuating between awe and concern as she pointed at the engraving on the arch. Everyone gathered closer to examine it under the light of the torch. It was then that they realized it was the Eye of Truth, the emblem of the Sheikah, but enclosed within the three golden triangles that form the Triforce.

—"The Eye of Truth has been the symbol of the Sheikah since time immemorial," Mineru continued. —"Its purpose is to protect the Royal Family and, especially, the Triforce. But this emblem here shows something more: the fusion of truth and the light of the Triforce. It symbolizes how opposing forces can unite to create something greater than themselves."

The group exchanged glances in silence, understanding that their union was more than a mere act of cooperation: it was the key to restoring balance and saving Hyrule.

A distant sound interrupted their words. Link looked up, scrutinizing the shadows stretching on the walls. The sound of stealthy footsteps made him tense. His hand, tight, grasped the hilt of the Master Sword without drawing it. Mineru and he exchanged looks of understanding.

Alarmed, the others exchanged uneasy glances, while the crackling of the torches broke the calm of the chamber.

After a few tense seconds trying to locate the source of the sound in vain, Link spoke, remembering Zelda's words.

—"The Triforce represents the balance between Courage, Wisdom, and Power. The Sheikah have always protected that balance because they know it can't be manipulated by just anyone."

Mineru spoke with greater intensity.

—"Exactly. That balance is the only thing that can contain the darkness surrounding the Demon King. But that's not enough. The union of the sages, like the three components of the Triforce, is necessary to create the power capable of facing him."

—"I just remembered that this emblem was also carved into the floor of the Central Bastion, destroyed by the Cataclysm," Link said thoughtfully. —"I didn't understand its importance back then, but now it all makes sense. It was part of the seal Rauru created to contain the Demon King."

Mineru began to respond, but Link's trained ears caught another subtle sound, like someone slipping against the rock. He raised a hand to signal for silence and drew the Master Sword, noticing how its glow began to intensify slightly. The five sages turned to him, alerted by his sudden reaction.

—"What's wrong, friend?" Sidon asked with his usual kind tone, trying to calm him down.

—"We're not alone. I'm hearing footsteps," Link replied, his gaze fixed on the darkness, trying to locate the source of the sound. But just as he tried to focus, the noise stopped, as if his silence had extinguished it. After a brief pause, and trying not to alarm the sages, he added: —"I guess, since we're underground, it could be the anuront's offspring looking for zonnanium veins."

However, both Link and Mineru knew the reality was different. They were being watched. They exchanged a brief look, wordlessly, but their eyes conveyed a clear message: they knew what they had to do. They were being watched, and they would need to be ready for anything.

Mineru continued speaking. Despite showing calm to the others, she was scanning every corner, every shadow. She cursed herself for not having surveillance in that part of the abyss. "Anyway," she consoled herself, remembering the frustration of weeks of failed attempts to activate the teleporter. "I can't even get the signal to reach here."

—"A seal that couldn't last forever," Mineru continued, her tone darker. —"The Triforce alone is not enough. The balance we need to seal the Demon King requires something more: the sacrifice of someone pure of heart. Without that offering, all of this will be in vain."

—"And that someone pure of heart..." Riju's heart squeezed just thinking about it. She couldn't bring herself to say his name.

—"Yes, Riju," Mineru finished the sentence. —"That someone pure of heart is the Hero of Hyrule, the Bearer of the Sword that repels evil. That someone is Link."

Link turned his gaze back to the panels. The carvings told of the death of Rauru, the Sage of Light, a being pure of heart. His sacrifice, ten thousand years ago, was what sealed the Demon King, giving the world a chance at peace. Mineru's words echoed in his mind, full of meaning and sorrow. In that moment, certainty hit him deep inside: The destiny was sealed; he might not return from this battle.

He looked at the Master Sword and shield, now back in his hands, feeling the weight of the situation. He knew what it meant, what he had to do... The thought that he might not leave this confrontation alive gripped him, but he couldn't doubt.

Mineru watched him closely, noticing his thoughtful demeanor, but said nothing. Link averted his gaze, struggling not to let his emotions betray him. He rubbed his forehead, soaked in sweat, and silently stood up, beginning to walk. His steps were hesitant, as though he feared his unease might be too obvious to the others. The fear surrounding him was so great that it was hard to breathe normally.

—"We have to continue. Every second we waste puts everyone else in danger," Link said, trying to banish the terror that gripped him, addressing the sages. Within seconds, the others followed his lead.

Another crack broke their thoughts. This time, everyone heard the noise.

Link looked around, his warrior instincts alerting all his senses. Mineru, still lingering behind, studying the murals, raised her head, her metallic eyes shining with a darker hue.

—"What was that?" Riju asked, her voice low and filled with concern.

—"Link..." Mineru said, a note of warning in her voice.

—"I know," he replied, turning toward the entrance of the chamber. The "rat" was moving beyond, down the hallway that had led them here.

Suddenly, a barely audible sound, like the click of a mechanism activating, reverberated in the air. A chill ran down Link's spine. Someone had triggered a trap that hadn't been there when he explored the area with Mineru. Footsteps echoed again, this time quicker. *"Who's there? We're being watched,"* he thought, his heart racing.

The torches flickered, and the ground beneath their feet began to tremble, as if the very earth were cracking. A low, deep, guttural growl echoed in the distance, reverberating through the darkness.

Mineru moved closer to Link, equally incredulous. Her voice trembled, though she tried to stay composed.

—"How did we not notice this trap?"

They exchanged confused looks, but the tremor, growing stronger by the second, forced them to act. The room began to creak under their feet, and chunks of rock started falling from the ceiling as if the place were about to collapse on them. Without thinking, they ran toward the door that would lead them to the well, but before they could reach it, a crack snaked along the wall of murals, splitting them in half.

—"Nooo, the legacy of the Zonnan!" Link shouted in desperation, turning to try to save something.

—"Link, no!" Mineru shouted with an intensity unusual for her, as Yunobo grabbed him just in time, pulling him toward the hallway and preventing a colossal rock from crushing him. —"There's nothing we can do!"

The roar grew louder. The wall gave way with a bone-crushing crack, and the murals that had withstood millennia crumbled into a shower of dust and debris.

The ceiling began to cave in; massive blocks fell everywhere. Link, gritting his teeth, barely had time to cast one last desperate glance before continuing to run with the sages, dodging the falling stones. The roar of the collapse pursued them like an angry beast as they plunged into the corridor. The adrenaline burned through their veins, fueled by the deafening sound of cracks multiplying around them.

When they finally crossed into the next stretch, one last jolt sealed off the path behind them with a final, earth-shattering noise.

Finally, the ceiling gave way, and the last passage to the exit was blocked.

---

From his hideout in the abyss, surrounded by a pile of tough bananas and two vigilant soldiers, Master Kohga watched with malicious satisfaction. The mask covering his face, adorned with the symbol of an inverted Sheikah eye in crimson, added a disturbing aura to his presence. Though no one could see his face, the mask seemed alive, amplifying the intensity of his gaze, which pierced the darkness like a ray of malice.

His eyes, hidden behind the mask, seemed to glow with an unsettling light, as if the crimson eye engraved on the metal were transmitting dark energy that resonated with his own will. In his hand, he firmly held the button of the mechanism that activated an artifact of his invention, crafted with Zonnan technology and meticulously recorded in one of his schematics.

Kohga licked his lips with satisfaction. The mechanism, created from meticulously adapted Zonnan technology, worked perfectly. High-frequency waves fractured the ground with precision, turning the earth into chaos with cracks and collapses. The walls trembled as though made of paper.

Setting the mechanism aside, he asked one of his minions to pass him a tough banana from the pile. As he savored it with growing delight, he settled into his seat. "Ah, the beauty of ancient science applied to modern chaos..." he thought, wiping a trace of juice from his chin.

"Or, as I call it... *FRAC-KOGGING*!" he exclaimed with a suppressed laugh, enjoying his own invention while taking another bite of the banana.

The cracks multiplied, the ground roared like a beast, and the tremor reached its peak. Rocks and chunks of walls and ceiling fell at great speed. "They'll be crushed," Kohga licked his lips. "And those who aren't will die trapped in this catacomb forever."

Kohga watched with growing enthusiasm as the heroes fought to keep their balance, dodging falling chunks of ceiling and leaping over stone blocks that threatened to trap them.

When a huge rock nearly crushed the Gerudo witch, Kohga burst into laughter. But it was the next moment that nearly made him lose composure to the point of dropping his banana: One of the heroes — the walking fish — clumsily tripped and fell face-first onto the ground. In his disastrous fall, his side collided with a sharp rock that had broken loose from the terrain.

The dry sound of the impact echoed in the air, and Kohga watched with delight as the hero remained on the ground, writhing in pain. His smile widened as he saw the so-called "Hero of the Weak" turn to his companion, ready to help him, in a gesture that Kohga only saw as another pathetic attempt at heroism.

"Fools! Did they think they could escape my genius?" he said, leaning forward to look better through the crack, enjoying every second of the chaos he had unleashed.

"The Demon King will be so impressed... Ha! He might even name this trick in my honor... *Kohga-quakes*, sounds good, right? Yes, sounds perfect!" he added, licking his lips as he savored the last piece of banana.

But what he saw next filled him with rage: The huge Goron, with his charge, had cleared the path of rocks, watching with considerable dismay as they were getting closer to the well. He had saved them more than once. His size made him perfect for protecting them from his traps.

"Damned Goron!" he hissed through his teeth, tossing the banana peel over his shoulder with disdain. "Always ruining my plans."

He rubbed his hands together as a twisted plan began to form in his mind. "Malice... oh, yes. He will be the first to fall."

With a growl, he grabbed the mechanism again, twisted the gear to maximum intensity, and pressed the button once more. This time, the earthquake intensified. Rocks fell with even greater force, and the air filled with thick dust, obscuring their vision.

"That's it! Run, hero, run! No one escapes Master Kohga," he said with a mocking laugh. As the hallway collapsed completely behind them, Master Kohga reclined in his seat, enjoying the final show. With a distracted gesture, he signaled to one of the soldiers to pass him another tough banana from the pile. Satisfied, he licked his lips as he slowly peeled the fruit.

Finally, the last tremors before the mechanism ceased to work made a massive rock fall, sealing off the hallway behind them and the hole they had descended through, leaving the heroes trapped for life in the abyss.

"They won't get out," Kohga muttered in the darkness. "The electromagnetic pulses of the *Frac-Kogging* also cancel out the root signals." His voice filled with satisfaction. "They won't be able to contact the surface for help. They're completely isolated."

The final vibrations shook the place, and darkness enveloped the hallway. Kohga closed his eyes, relishing both the destruction and the taste of the banana.

"Victory is mine..."

Chapter Text

Hello, if you have arrived here, I am sorry to inform you that I have not been continuing the story here for a while, first because of the low traffic and also, because I write in Spanish, I am not updating in English for now.

Besides, I have been notified about thefts and hacks. Therefore, I have taken it to continue it to the following sites, although for now I am only updating in Spanish:

https://www.webnovel.com/es/book/30991082108940705

https://www.wattpad.com/story/380894484-the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-l%C3%A1grimas

Thank you very much for your interest, and I hope you will follow it in the indicated platforms.