The wind raged around me. My hair whipped back behind me, tangling in the ferocity of the wind. My feet slid along the earth and I crouched down to help get more grounded. Bringing my hands up to my face, I squinted my eyes to observe my surroundings. The sky was dark and danced with lightning. Descending from the sky were spirals of air. The swirling masses danced all around me and the wind blew with an intensity I had never experienced before.
Everywhere I looked, I saw cyclones, zig-zagging across the land. I knew for sure one of them would surely swallow me. Before I could find cover, another gust of wind hit me, nearly knocking me to my feet. And then a loud screech filled the air, the high pitch making me wince. I looked up at the sky, the outline of a hawk's head appeared between two dark clouds, although the outline was enormous, far bigger than any hawk would ever be.
A giant bird... just like the giant camel.
My eyes widened. "This is the dream!" I shouted, although my voice was swallowed by the wind. "Revali is the Rito Champion!" I shouted, more for my own benefit than hoping to receive any actual confirmation.
"Give him the Power of Air!" A voice thundered, which seemed to answer my previous statement. And then the hawk's screech filled the air once more, nearly making my eardrums bleed.
My hands went to my ears, and as I did this, from the corner of my eye, I saw a cyclone approaching me. With one quick lurch the cyclone closed the distance and I felt my feet leaving the ground. My body twisted in the air, and I screamed as I was tossed about, my limbs flailing. And then the cyclone, seeming to have had its fun with me, spit me out and I was falling.
The outline of the hawk floated above me and I reached my hand out to it, falling even faster until I blacked out.
I flung myself forward, panting heavily. My eyes darted around, gathering my environs. I had been falling, but now... I was in my tent. Suddenly everything came rushing back to me and it was much easier to distinguish reality from dreams.
But along with that clarification came a pounding in my head. I let out a small groan and a hand came to my head. Just the slightest touch sent a wave of pain through my skull. I laid back down for a moment, hoping the headache would pass. As I did this, I recalled the events of yesterday as well as the dream.
After the showdown with Revali yesterday, I too had agreed that he should be the Rito Champion. It would be nice to have another archer besides myself. Most people didn't give archers enough credit, especially since it wasn't as flashy as something like swordsmanship. But after our battle of technique, Revali and I had trained together, enjoying the rest of the day. A little later, Link's childhood friends had joined us and I had been able to meet Hyss, Nisi, and Tath. We ended up staying at the Flight Range well into the evening and the group of us made a campfire and cooked an extravagant meal, mostly thanks to Link's superior cooking skills. It had actually been a really fun evening.
I also talked to Revali about being the Rito Champion and he agreed. Recalling his words, a smile came to my lips, "As long as you're leading us, I'll follow you Princess."
And then the dream tonight had thankfully confirmed that Revali was the right champion. But then again, he fit the description perfectly: Swift like Wind. Watching him yesterday, it truly looked like he was a part of the wind, flying effortlessly with the air currents.
I frowned and sat back up, my headache much better, although there was still some pressure there. "Master never said who won yesterday." I folded my arms. Of course he would have weaseled out of giving us a verdict. Then again, after the competition, Revali and I had forgotten all about it.
"I need to find Revali!" I exclaimed, seeming to recall now what the dream signaled. I could now give him power from the Goddess. I quickly rose from bed and haphazardly threw on my outfit, grabbing my jacket, bow, and quiver as I stumbled out of the tent.
I was greeted by Link, who was looking at me with a startled expression. He was standing over the fire, clearly cooking something. "You alright?" He asked as I shrugged my jacket on.
"I need to find Revali!" I replied intently, tying my hair back in a high ponytail.
"Right now?" Link asked in alarm as I began to dart towards the bridge.
"I'll see you tonight!" I shouted back at Link, already crossing the bridge, which swayed slightly as I ran across it.
"But I made breakfast..." Link called after me, but I did not stop. Soon I was at the entrance of Rito Village and I ran up the staircase with vigor, excited to find Revali and see what the Power of Air was. As I ran up the stairs, I realized I did not know what hut was Revali's so I came to a stop outside of Master's.
"Master?" I called, walking in. To my surprise, I found two familiar Ritos in there, one with green feathers and the other with navy.
"Ah, Zelda." Falnor nodded towards me. "You're just in time."
I frowned, "Just in time?"
Revali sighed, "You didn't forget did you?"
I stared at the two of them, racking my brain for what it was they were talking about. "Maybe." I replied tentatively.
Revali gave me a patronizing look, but there was a smile on his beak, "We were going to talk to Azo about the arrows you developed."
At his words, I recalled Revali, Falnor, and I discussing this, however they never told me when we would talk to Azo, the Rito Captain. Apparently they had decided to do it now. "We are meeting him at the Flight Range. I hope you brought sufficient amounts of the arrows with you." Falnor stated, seeing that I had just realized what was going on.
I glanced back at my quiver and was pleased to see it was fully stocked. I had filled it up after the Flight Range challenge yesterday. A decent portion of them were elemental arrows. "Yes, I should have enough with me." I replied, that is, unless he was fending off an army. "I'm assuming we're just showing him how they work, but the important aspect is making their coatings. You're going to have to make sure you have people versed in chemistry, at least at a basic level to make the coatings."
"We have scholars." Falnor reminded, "They should be able to handle making coatings. I'm assuming you have a recipe for them. It shouldn't be too hard for them to follow."
"No..." I said, pursuing my lips. "But that's not the point. Anyone can mix things together. The important aspect of having a rudimentary understanding is to be aware of safety concerns with some of the chemicals I use. And the Rito may have additional uses for these arrows that I have not foreseen and may wish to alter ratios of certain chemicals. And if one chemical suddenly isn't as available, then a substitute will need to be found."
Falnor sighed, used to my tangents. "You can talk to the scholars sometime too."
I folded my arms and gave Falnor a pointed look. That wasn't what I was going for at all. That just meant more work for me. I shook my head. Azo first had to approve of the arrows, and then I could start relaying information to the proper people.
"Should we be leaving soon?" I asked, anxious to get this over with.
"Yes." Revali replied, "Let's not leave our Captain waiting any longer." With that I walked over to the two Ritos. Falnor beckoned for me to go over to him, but before I did so, I stopped next to Revali. Why I had come here flowed through my brain, the remnants of the dream swirling in my mind. Gingerly I placed a hand on his winged arm. I braced myself for the initial whiplash of giving him the power, however nothing happened. I furrowed my brows, staring in bewilderment at my hand on Revali's wing.
"What are you doing?" Revali's voice echoed out, amused.
"Oh!" I exclaimed in alarm, and stepped away, ripping my hand away from him in the process. "Sorry... I thought... I guess it didn't work." I bit my lip, confused why it hadn't worked. Was I missing something? I thought the dream was the only prerequisite and then I just had to touch the champion... But it seemed there was more to it.
Revali gave me a questioning look, but I shook my head and smiled, brushing off my odd behavior. Then I made my way over to Falnor, who crouched low, allowing me to hop on his back. And within a minute, we were flying.
My hair billowed out behind me and the cold air chased away any of the tiredness that was still with me. I was also pleased to find that my headache was gone. We soared high above the ground, heading nothwards. I held tight to Falnor, my arms and legs wrapped securely around his feathered body.
Falnor flew in a smooth line, being mindful of his passenger, however Revali was much more whimsical in his flight movements, weaving up and down as he flew. Every now and then he would swish back and forth, diving towards the ground and then leveling out, or spiraling into the sky, then redirecting. He was an avid flyer, and he made sure to flaunt that. I really couldn't blame him though. He was the most skilled flyer I had ever seen. And a damn good archer. He should be proud to show the world his talents... and he was. Revali oozed confidence. I wondered briefly if the confidence was real or if it was a facade, like mine was.
Not much longer, we landed in front of the Flight Range. The air was significantly colder, and I felt it on my face, the frigid air turning my nose and cheeks frosty red. We walked up the stairs and entered the hut, where a gray-feathered Rito awaited, his expression stern. He wore similar clothing to Revali and Falnor: tan pants, brown and white chestplate and for a splash of color, a indigo scarf wrapped around his neck.
His eyes snapped to me and he gave a slight bow. "Princess Zelda, it is a pleasure."
I nodded my head, "The pleasure is mine, Azo. Thank you for seeing us on such short notice."
Azo walked over to us, "I wanted to see you right away after what Revali told me about the arrows you developed. They could be exceedingly useful to our warriors."
"Shall I demonstrate?" I offered right away, hoping to be spared from too many technicalities until I returned to the castle.
"If you will." Azo ushered me out onto the deck and I walked to the edge, grabbing an ice arrow. I took aim at a nearby target and then let the arrow fly. Upon impact, the target was covered in a layer of ice.
I heard Azo inhale behind me, impressed as well as surprised. Before he could say anything, I grabbed a fire arrow and took aim at another target, this one bursting into fire as the arrow made it's mark. Lastly I grabbed an electric arrow and took aim. Electricity sparked around the target as the arrow embedded itself into its query.
Once finished, I turned back to Azo, whose eyes were wide and still staring at the burning target. Then he looked down at me and cleared his throat. "Quite remarkable. Those arrows would be quite the asset if you would allow us to mass produce them."
I shrugged, "Of course. My goal always was for them to help others. I can share my recipe with your scholars."
"Our scholars?" Azo gave me a confused look.
Falnor sighed and stepped forward, finally talking, "Zelda wants to make sure we are careful when making the coatings. Some of the ingredients are dangerous, so it would be best for a scholar with knowledge in chemistry to help in making the coatings."
Azo nodded, "I see. Yes, that makes sense. I will have someone see to it at once." Azo narrowed his eyes at Falnor, and said, "Actually, why don't you take care of it Falnor?"
"Me?" Falnor exclaimed, "Why should I be given such a menial task? I'm a trainer, not a messenger or recruiter or whatever else you have in that bird brain of yours."
Azo shrugged, clearly expecting Falnor's outburst. "Thought someone you used to train became a scholar. Figured it'd be easy for you to ask him about it."
Falnor gave Azo a jaded look. "I suppose I could mention something to Hyss."
Azo smiled, but it was Revali who spoke next. "Are you finally going to show us the bomb arrows?" His wings were folded over his chest. "I only tagged along so I could see them in action since you refused to use them yesterday."
I felt my eyebrow twitch, "I don't think here is the best place to use them... They're dangerous."
Revali rolled his eyes, "So you keep saying."
I shook my head and then spun on my feet, facing towards the pit. I grabbed a bomb arrow and then scanned the Flight Range for something I could hit with it that was far enough away. The farthest thing I found was a rock at the top of the Flight Range all the way on the other side. That would suffice. Taking aim, I released the bowstring, which propelled the arrow forward. Within seconds, the arrow collided with the rock across the Range and an explosion sounded. The snow on the cliffs behind the rock was thrust up into the air, creating a cloud of snow that blocked our view.
Despite this, the message had been conveyed. I turned to the Ritos, a smirk growing on my face at seeing their dumbfounded faces. "I can see why you don't like using those unless you know you're a safe distance away." Falnor was the first to speak.
"I think those are my favorite." Revali added, a smile creeping onto his beak.
Azo coughed, "Well, I can see why the need for a scholar is required. But I also believe those... bomb arrows will be highly useful."
"Perfect." I said, hoping we could wrap things up here. "Once you find an adequate scholar, let me know and I'll talk with them." With that I walked past the Rito. As I walked down the staircase, I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Revali.
I stopped, allowing him to catch up. When he did, he asked, "Do you wish to do some training with me? I thought we could go to Warbler's Nest. For a change of scenery, and well, no one goes there much, so we wouldn't be bothered by..."
I grinned, "By my knight?"
"And his little entourage. They did invite him to train with him today."
I nodded, recalling last night. Link had seemed so happy and at ease with his childhood friends, smiling and talking with them. Nisi and Tath had invited Link to train with them today and I was sure Hyss would probably join them as well. It would probably be best to let him catch up with his friends and give him a reprieve from me.
"I think that sounds like a marvelous idea, Revali. Let's head to this Warbler's Nest."
Revali nodded, and then walked past me and pointed to his back. "It will be much faster if I fly us there. But let's keep this between ourselves."
"Works for me." I chuckled, and then hopped onto Revali's back, securing my legs around his narrow waste so I would not fall off. Then Revali leapt into the air and his wings gave several strong flaps, driving him high into the air. His wings caught the breeze, and in seconds we were soaring high above Tabantha. Rito Village was just South of us and we were so high up I could see the top of the village, the Elder's hut at the peak.
Revali veered West, going to a rocky region just across the lake from Rito Village and not too far from the Flight Range. He stopped just before a large rocky hill, beyond it was the Great Rift that separated Hyrule from outside lands. We slowly circled around, descending in the air until he landed in a grassy area adored with trees and several odd rock formations. The rock formations each had holes through them and at their peaks had points, like fingers, at the top. Each rock had a different number of peaks, ranging from one to five.
"Is this Warbler's Nest?" I asked, scanning the surroundings, finding the area to be rather quaint.
"Yes." Revali nodded. "I like it as it is a quiet place to train. Sometimes the Flight Range can get rather noisy."
I nodded in understanding. It was similar to how I liked to venture into Ridgeland to train, rather than go to the castle training grounds or Hyrule Field. Both were normally too busy, while just over the river was an oasis of tranquility and solitude.
"Are the rock formations training targets?" I asked, realizing it would be good practice to aim arrows through their centers as well as at the peaks.
"I use them as targets, however the strange rocks have been here for eons. No one is sure what their real purpose was. Although their strange appearance begets they were probably carved out by one of the clans. But their function is lost to time."
His words sunk in. How easily things were forgotten with time. I wondered if one day my story would be long forgotten - my journey to combat Calamity Ganon, along with the Hero of Hyrule and the four champions. Would we one day all be lost to time? Buried within the Castle's catacombs and left to decay? Or would we not even make it there and simply turn to ash in battle, consumed by the flames of Ganon?
I shook such thoughts from my head and reached for my bow, ready to train. I glanced at Revali, wondering if I would be able to give him the Power of Air now. Urbosa and I had been training at the time, so maybe it wasn't touch dependent, but had to do with training? Although I had no idea why that would be a requirement.
I sighed, anxiety growing in my stomach. Awakening my own power was hard enough, but now I had to do this? It sometimes felt overwhelming.
"What is it?" Revali called, noticing my anxious disposition.
I frowned, contemplating telling Revali what was on my mind and how he would inherit a power. But then I shook my head, deciding against it. Would he even believe it? Even I had found it hard to believe. "I just have a lot on my mind." I said instead.
"Well I hope that doesn't detract from your skills. After all, I only train with the best." Revali replied.
I rolled my eyes, "I think training will help take my mind off things. How about we practice that shot you taught me yesterday."
"Yes, you certainly need the practice if you ever want to be as good at it as me."
"Better start now then." I reached for an arrow and then took aim at one of the rock structures. The arrow flew from my hands and then went straight through the hole in one of the rocks. It landed in the ground a good distance past the rocks, making me smile at the near perfect -execution.
Revali looked at me, eyes wide and a smile growing on his beak. "Not bad."
We trained together for the rest of the day, only stopping once the sun was nearing the western horizon. Long shadows were cast across the land and the day was growing cold. My arms and shoulders were sore from the hours upon hours of archery practice, but I felt accomplished, having learned some new techniques from Revali, as well as showing him some that he was not familiar with.
It was a much needed break from the thoughts swirling around in my head, although now that we were finishing up our training, they were beginning to resurface. As we walked along Warbler's Nest, picking up our arrows, I looked over at Revali, wondering how to give him his power.
Frowning, I glanced back at the ground, grabbing two arrows that lay on the ground and putting them in my quiver. It was easy to distinguish my arrows from Revali's, for all of his were well crafted Rito arrows, made with spry wood and various colored feathers at the end. Mine were a mixture of plane arrows I bought at various merchants as well as some I still had from the castle, which had the TriForce symbol burned into them.
"Zelda, did you hear that?" Revali called to me out of the blue. I stood up and looked in the Rito's direction. His eyes were alert as he scanned our surroundings.
"I didn't hear anything." I remarked, looking around us. Everything was fairly open where we were. A large rocky hill behind us while there was a road just below Warbler's Nest.
"I'll be right back." Revali said and then in a blink of an eye he was airborne, his wings propelling him high into the sky in mere seconds.
Startled, I called, "Wait-" But he was already gone. I sighed and glared up at the sky. He could have at least explained where he was going. I returned to my task of collecting arrows, quickly grabbing the last of them. As I did so, I heard rustling coming from down the path that led up to Warbler's Nest.
I froze, my eyes intently scanning the area I had heard the noise. I slowly grabbed my bow and an arrow, unease filling me. I glanced up at the sky, wondering where Revali had gone. After staying rooted in my place for several minutes, I began to walk backwards, trying to get higher up in case there were monsters lying in ambush. It honestly wouldn't surprise me after how many attacks I had been in since I left the castle.
Once I was a ways up Warbler's Nest, almost next to the rocky hill, I exchanged my arrow for a bomb arrow. The attacks had generally been only a few monsters, the exception being the lizalfos attack in the desert. If there were just a few monsters, then I could easily handle them, perhaps even scare them away with some well aimed bomb arrows.
Notching the arrow, I took aim at several bushes down the path, shaded forest behind them. It seemed like the most obvious hiding spot for a small group of monsters. Letting the arrow fly, it collided with the bushes in a tremulous clamor. Several squeals echoed behind the loud bomb, and as the smoke cleared, I saw monsters scurry about, not expecting their hiding place to spontaneously combust.
I crouched low, trying to remain hidden as they ran about in a frenzy, trying to collect their wits. It appeared like there were ten monsters, one blue moblin and the rest were blue and red bokoblins. Two bokoblins were laying on the ground, unmoving. They had likely been closest to the impact zone of my arrow.
Taking advantage of their disorder, I grabbed another bomb arrow and took aim at the moblin, hoping to take him out as the large club he carried would be a pain for me if he was able to close the distance. My aim was true, and the moblin disappeared behind a wave of smoke. More startled screams sounded from the remaining bokoblins.
I grabbed another arrow, readying myself as the smoke was swept away by the wind. I was pleased to see the moblin was now lying in the ground, dead. Another bokoblin had also fallen, and another was running away, leaving a trail of blood.
The remainder were either scurrying about in a frenzy or standing still, trying to gain an understanding of what was happening. I took this as my chance to strike. I fired the arrow in my hands, hitting the closest bokoblin dead in the eye. The arrow sunk into the soft tissue of the eye, all the way to mid-shaft. I fired two more arrows, killing just as many bokoblins, before those still alive finally realized what was going on.
It was a blue bokoblin that had finally spotted me, crying frantically while jumping up and down and pointed angrily at me. This alerted the others to my presence. Mounting a united front, the bokoblins ran at me. Acting quickly, I grabbed several ice arrows, and began to freeze a few opponents in their tracks, buying myself some time.
Still, three bokoblins continued to charge at me. I took aim at the blue bokoblin, who was waving his club over his head. His teeth were bared and he looked rather menacing, snarling as he ran at me. I fired an arrow, and the blue bokoblin crashed to a stop, his body consumed with electricity. He spasmed on the ground and I took this opportunity to aim another arrow at one of the other bokoblins still charging me. My arrow hit true, killing one of the other bokoblins.
The other continued to run at me, unphased or not noticing its comrades had fallen. I quickly backed away, running over to the side of the rocky hill, trying to gain as much distance as I could. I'd prefer to keep things far ranged for as long as possible.
As I turned around, I went to aim at the red bokoblin chasing me, however the creature suddenly crashed to the ground. I stared at it for a moment until I noticed the arrow protruding from its back.
"I see you managed to find some trouble while I was away." Revali came into my view as he glided next to me, his wings keeping him afloat.
"Revali." I said, relieved. "You certainly know how to take your time."
Revali huffed, "You sound as if you were having trouble with just a few minor bokoblins."
I leered at him, but before I could say anything, our attention was grabbed by several angry squeals. The remaining bokoblins had recovered from the ice and electric arrows I had hit them with and were now angrily charging at us, spears and clubs raised. Revali and I split up, Revali flying higher up in the air, circling around them, while I pushed farther back, coming to the edge of Warbler's Nest, a steep backdrop behind me.
I took aim at the bokoblin swinging a spear, his fanged mouth plastered into a snear. Ice quickly covered the monster, freezing him in place. Revali quickly finished my work, a well placed arrow shattering the ice layer and driving deep into the bokoblin's back.
I turned my sights to the other two bokoblins, one red and one blue. They both had clubs and were closing distance at an alarming speed. I fired two arrows simultaneously, hitting both bokoblins at once - flames erupting from them. However as I did this, I took a step back, my foot falling on uneven ground.
I slid backwards. Trying to catch myself, I flailed my arms out, however there was nothing to grab on to. My foot continued to skid backwards, the rest of my body following it. And then I was sliding down the rocky cliffs behind Warbler's Nest. My bow fell from my hands as I grabbed at the rocks, trying to slow my descent. My skin tore against the rough surface of the rocks as I fell.
Finally I lost my grip and fell the rest of the way. I landed with a thud and a grunt, a sharp pain rising up my leg. I collapsed to my knees and grabbed my ankle, trying to put pressure on it to relieve some of the pain. Feeling it, nothing felt broken, so it must have been sprained. It was the same ankle I had injured in the desert and was probably still weakened from that injury. A clattering sound came to my right, and I saw my bow, thankfully still in one piece.
I took it in my hands and tried to find something I could tie my ankle with for support. As I did this a loud groan sounded and suddenly the earth shook beneath me. Loose rubble fell from the cliffs. I felt my heart rate increase and looked up at my new environs.
Before me was a small rocky plain, a giant leviathan ribcage just in front of me, the bones old and weathered. There were small pools of water around it, some murky. Carcasses were littered about it, some just broken and tarnished bones, while others had rotting flesh still on them. But what was most frightening of all was the giant monster before me, it's one huge eye fixed on me.
Hinox's were lazy creatures, spending most of their time sleeping. They were hard sleepers too, not easily roused. But once awakened they were highly dangerous and vicious. Unfortunately for me, it appeared as if I had awoken a Hinox from its peaceful slumber and was now the sole focus of its rage.
I swallowed hard and stood up, grabbing my bow, which had landed next to me. The hinox took several steps towards me, each shaking the ground beneath my feet. Quickly I grabbed an arrow, and fired it at the hinox, aiming for it's main weak point: the large eye on its bulbous head. The arrow landed with precise aim and shattered in an icy burst upon impact. However it had frozen the hinox's eye, causing the beast to stumble backwards and fall on its behind. Its long arms reached upwards, its hands covering its eye protectively.
Taking this chance, I ran past the hinox, limping as I did so, pain shooting up my calf. Where I was now, was enclosed, rocky hills on either side of me and the leviathan bone bog in front of me. The hinox could easily corner me, so I had to get out.
Avoiding the murky ponds as best I could, I ran past the bones, the cliffside ending not far past the bog. It dropped straight down, into the Great Rift that separated Hyrule from lands beyond. My escape routes were either to my left or right.
"Zelda!" I heard my name being called and looked up towards the sky.
"Revali!" I cried, happy to see the navy Rito.
He landed beside me, his eyes falling on the Hinox, who was now rising, his eye recovered, although slightly bloodshot now. "I see you found the Hinox."
"You knew about it?" I inquired, glancing at him.
He nodded, "Yes. When I heard the noise, I came to investigate Dragon Bone Mire, which is this place. Hinox's commonly take up residence here, so the Rito are constantly driving them off. I went to see if another one had come and found this beast. Although it appears the noise was actually made by that band of bokoblins we easily dispatched off."
"I see." I said, my eyes watching the beast as it looked around, trying to find us.
"Come Zelda, let's leave before it notices us again. The beasts are slow and can be outrun." Just as he said that, the Hinox turned to us, it's eye finding its prey. "Let's go!" Revali shouted and then leapt into the air, taking off.
"Wait!" I yelled back, knowing with my injured ankle I wouldn't be able to outrun even this slow beast. "I can't run!" I stumbled after Revali, heading south, back around Warbler's Nest. I glanced back at the Hinox, glad there weren't any trees around for it to uproot and swing at me. But just as I thought that, the Hinox closed its meaty hands around the base of one of the ribs of the skeleton. It ripped the bone from the sodden ground and I stopped in shock. The Hinox then let out a deep grunt and stepped towards me, getting closer than I would like. In just a few more steps it could easily swing the bone at me, most likely killing me if I couldn't dodge it.
I grabbed a bomb arrow and fired it at the Hinox. A loud explosion sounded and the Hinox screamed in pain, its free arm coming up to its smolder eye socket, blood dripping down. "What are you doing?" Revali yelled from above.
"I twisted my ankle!" I shouted back.
"Well why didn't you say that before?" Revali retorted smartingly. I looked up at him, not appreciating his remark. But instead of finding his normal cocky expression, his eyes were wide and filled with panic. "Zelda!" He cried and I whipped my head back in the direction of the Hinox, only to see the giant bone being released from the Hinox's hand as he flung it in my direction.
I ran, trying to get out of the way of the colossal bone. My ankle hurt with each step, slowing me down. As the bone descended towards me, I dove towards safety, but not fast enough. The end of the bone collided with my abdomen and I felt the air being expelled from my chest. I was pushed backwards, my body sent flying. I watched in slow motion it seemed as I was lifted up into the air and then began to plummet downwards, falling past the cliff sides of Hyrule and into the depths of the Great Rift.
I screamed.
"Zelda!" My eyes found Revali's shape, diving towards me. As he neared, he veered to the side, his taloned foot reaching towards me. I grabbed at it with both hands, relieved once my hands felt something secure between them.
I gave several laborous breathes, trying to regulate my breathing and then panted, "You saved me."
Revali was quiet for a minute but then he said, "Don't thank me yet."
I looked up at the Rito as I dangled from his leg, the vast emptiness beneath me. I was surprised to see how far up the cliffs were, not realizing how far I had fallen in such a short time. "What do you mean?" I squeaked, nerves rippling through me.
"We fell farther down than I anticipated." He answered, which didn't really explain anything to me.
"What does that mean?" I probed, not sure if I wanted to know the answer.
"Meaning I won't be able to get us both that high without a proper updraft. And the Great Rift is known for being a still, solemn place. The winds do not flow here strong. That is why Rito children are forbidden from coming near the Rift, for if they fall into it they will be lost."
I felt my blood run cold at his words. It was true what he said, we were merely gliding now, slowly sinking further and further down into the Great Rift. Even if we reached the bottom unscathed, there would be no way for us to climb back out. The cliffs were too high.
"So there is no way out?" I stated dully.
"Not unless I drop you." Revali retorted.
Was this it? Was this really where I died? In a giant rift where I would never be found and just disappear? And to make it worse I had drug Revali into this with me.
This can't be where I die.
Suddenly I felt a soft breeze rustle my hair. My eyes widened, startled.
Is this...
A large gust of wind suddenly swept past Revali and I, making us spin uncontrollably. I clung to Revali's taloned foot, desperate to not plummet to my death. Another gust of wind assaulted us and I could feel Revali trying to get his wings under it and regain control.
And then from overhead, a thunderous screech resonated all around us, rattling me to my bones. Suddenly I felt a pressure in both my hands, which were clasped tightly around Revali's leg. The pressure continued to build until a sharp burst of pain shot down my arms. I cried out in pain and I heard Revali do the same. And then the pressure and pain came to a crescendo and then in one blast it burst forth, pushing itself forward, almost like I was forcing some unknown force from my body into Revali's.
As I did this, two strong wind currents came at us from opposite directions. We were tossed about from side to side. My grip on Revali loosened and once the pain and pressure in my limbs was gone, my hold on his leg was ripped away. I screamed as I instantly began to crash towards the unforgiving earth far below.
Above me Revali glided through the air, appearing stunned. Then his eyes met mine. Upon seeing the fear in my eyes, something snapped in Revali and his moment of stupor vanished. He dove towards me, once more catching me from my descent. I came to a jarring halt as his talons closed around my wrist. I grunted as my shoulder joint absorbed the brunt of the stop.
I reached up with my other hand, grabbing Revali's leg so he could lessen his grip on my wrist. Blood dropped down from the puncture wounds of Revali's sharp talons, staining my white uniform. If I made it out of this alive, I promised myself I would not complain about getting the stains out later.
"Revali?" I called to him, looking up in dismay. We were even further down in the rift. Based on what just happened I had given Revali the Power of Air and now we could only rely on the power to get us out of here. I glanced down, fear swirling inside me. Mist saturated the Rift further down, making it impossible to see the bottom, however it was still so far away.
"Zelda... I... I can get us out." Revali's eyes were fixed dead ahead, filled with resolution.
I stared up at him, eyes wide. Then I nodded, "Let's go."
Revali didn't respond. Instead I felt the air around me begin to pick up. But this was different than before. It was controlled, not wild and belligerent like the winds prior. It began to increase in vigor until there was a whirlwind swirling around Revali and I, the winds not touching it. And then Revali lifted his wings up and the swirling air all around us caved in around us, surging upwards as it did so. Revali's wings caught it and it lifted us at a terrifying speed. Revali flapped his wings twice, making him soar even farther in the air.
In the blink of an eye, we were propelled upwards, the air rushing all around us until Revali and I were high above the edge of the Rift. I stared at the land before me, happy to see Hyrule once more. Revali tilted forwards, the air currents dissipating, allowing us to slowly glide downwards. We were high above Warbler's Nest, however my eyes quickly found the Hinox, who was sitting where we left him, confusedly groping the land around him, his eye a bloody mess. It appeared I had blinded him at least.
We continued to fly over Tabantha towards Rito Village. By now it had grown dark and my arms and shoulders were aching from dangling like a piece of meat from Revali's legs. My wrist still stung from Revali's talons, which were still embedded in my flesh, but the pain had dulled. But the pain in my ankle had died down since I hadn't put any weight on it since the fall.
Gradually Rito Village neared, Revali and I ominously quiet. I was certain he had questions, and I would have to explain, but after everything that had happened, it felt so overwhelming. I sighed, "You must have questions."
Revali didn't speak for a while and I didn't prode. Finally, "Yes. But they can wait."
I closed my eyes in relief. "Thanks." I muttered.
Revali let out an annoying huff, but when I looked up at him, I could see a small smile on his face.
After what felt like an eternity, we landed in Rito Village...well I more or less collapsed into a heap as Revali dropped me and then he landed next to me.
"Zelda?" I looked up, realizing Revali had landed next to Master's hut, the soft torchlight illuminating the familiar brown and green striped roof. Master had run out of his house, concern on his face. His eyes went to my bloodstained wrist, "Are you alright?"
I exhaled shakily. "I'm alive."
Master frowned, but before he could say anything, the sound of footsteps running up the stairs distracted us and then Link was rounding the corner. Seeing me, he came to a stop as he reached the top of the platform in between sets of stairs.
"Zelda..." He whispered, his eyes filling with relief. He walked over to me and knelt next to me, his eyes widening as he noticed the blood on my clothes.
"I'm ok, Link." I replied softly.
Link's eyes met mine and then he looked over at Revali, "What happened?" He asked, a slight edge to his voice.
I tugged at Link's sleeve, grabbing his attention. "It's alright." I soothed, "We're both ok. Just don't...overreact." I knew Link would be even less unwilling to leave my side once I told him what happened.
Link frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly at me. "What happened, Zelda?" His voice was more stern than usual, taking me aback.
I blinked at him several times and then looked at Revali. He shrugged, "You think I understand what happened? I just know we probably should have died and by some miracle we didn't."
"Died?" Link echoed, his face growing serious.
I sighed, too wary to deal with this right now. My shoulders drooped and I leaned forward, resting my head on Link's shoulder. I felt him tense underneath me, but then he relaxed and placed his hand reassuringly on my back. "I'll explain everything in the morning. I promise." I said softly, but I knew everyone heard me. I felt exhausted. My arms and shoulders were ringing in pain and I felt a pounding in my head.
"Ok Zelda." Link replied, his voice soft and warm. "Let's head back to camp."
I nodded. Link stood and then helped me up. His arm wound under my armpit and around my back, a stable support. I leaned on him, grateful for his help. "I'll see you both tomorrow." I looked over my shoulder at Revali and Falnor. "I'll tell you everything."
Falnor nodded while Revali looked out at the land, not turning to acknowledge what I had said at all. I turned away and began to hobble down the stairs back towards Link and my camp. Link didn't question me along the way, which I was grateful for. He simply stood at my side, silently offering me his support.
Thanks so much for reading up to this point! I always appreciate feedback so thanks for any reviews/favorites/follows. It really does help :)
I've enjoyed writing the story thus far and can't wait to flesh this out more. I have lots of ideas and although I feel like I've written a lot, compared to what I have left, it feels like I've barely written anything lol. Also, I've been trying to do biweekly updates, but weekly updates might be more common in th