The Lost Hero

Chapter 4

The trip to Akkala was far longer than going to Castle Town, taking them two days to complete their journey. Located in the north-eastern corner of Hyrule, the air was notably cooler. At it's northern tip, and just west of Akkala, Death Mountain loomed over them, and to the east, the mountains that made up Upland Zorana. And beyond the range, tucked away in the deep valley, was Zora's Domain.

Dahvi didn't realize how close he would be to the Zoras, which only reminded him that he was a very long way away from home. Or, the home he had known for his entire life. And though he would always feel a closeness to the desert he grew up in, he knew that he belonged out in Hyrule. Urbosa was right, afterall; Hyrule was their home, no matter what corner of the world they came from. And he was excited to explore it all.

The north-eastern corner of Hyrule that made up the Akkala region wasn't unlike the rest of Hyrule, at least from what Dahvi had seen. It was just as lush with life as Central Hyrule, yet notably more open and vast. The trees ignited in fiery oranges, reds, and yellows, bringing a stark contrast of color to the green plains. As they neared the edges of Akkala, he could smell a hint of the salty ocean on the breeze.

By nightfall, they finally reached the lab that the Sheikah Robbie called home. He was quirky as Sheikah came; he was short in stature and wore glasses that Dahvi could only compare to goggles. And it was clear that he had a true love for ancient Sheikah technology, with many artifacts hung on walls and scattered around the main room of his lab. Dahvi didn't know what any of it was, but found himself examining them curiously as Robbie greeted them. As he and Urbosa spoke, Dahvi wandered around the lab, drawn to its curiosities. He was in the midst of examining a peculiar object, his arm raised to touch it with his fingers, when Robbie jumped up from seemingly out of nowhere, grinning at Dahvi. His arms folded across his chest as Dahvi stumbled backwards in surprise.

"Ah, a curiosity for technology, hm? A boy after my own heart."

"Sorry," Dahvi muttered. He clasped his arms behind his back.

Robbie laughed and waved him off with a hand. "Nonsense, boy. I appreciate a mind that craves knowledge." Robbie patted the item that Dahvi had been examining. "Not to worry; nothing here will hurt you. Well, certainly not as they are right now." Robbie laughed as Dahvi's expression turned to fear. "Oh, don't fret," he said. "All of our technology was created to help stop the Calamity. They will do you no harm." He swung his leg around, promptly spinning himself around to face Urbosa. A wide smile split his face.

"Don't you worry about him, now," Robbie said. "He's in good hands. The best, if I do say so myself!"

Urbosa smiled down at Robbie. "I wouldn't see him with anyone else," she said. She turned her gaze to Dahvi. "You do as Robbie says, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am," Dahvi said.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay the night?" Robbie asked.

"I appreciate the offer," Urbosa said. "But I've left Riju in charge until I return."

"A terrible decision," Dahvi said.

"Well, best you get back as soon as possible, then," Robbie said with a grin.

Urbosa tousled Dahvi's hair, then bent down to plant a kiss on his cheek. Dahvi's nose wrinkled, but otherwise he did not pull away from her.

"Sav'orq, Dahvi," Urbosa said.

"Sav'orq." He watched as Urbosa and her guards left the lab, the door closing behind them, and he let out a breath, his shoulders dropping. This was his life now.

"Now, then," Robbie started, clapping his hands together and turning to Dahvi. "You've had a long trip. A good night's rest will do you some good. Are you hungry?"