Haunting Shadow of the Past

Part 13

Revali and Mipha regained their balance and Revali didn't hesitate to turn towards Daruk. "Excuse me?! Why in the name of Goddess Hylia did you do that?!"

Before Daruk could answer Purah broke out into laughter. "This is amazing!" She turned the sheikah slate around so everyone could see and Urbosa and Daruk both started laughing as well. Even Zelda smiled a little and Link found he couldn't help but suppress a smile himself. He knew that his father and sister would love seeing this and would probably even hang it on their wall if they were able.

Revali growled, "I look like a fool. I want a retake."

Purah chuckled. "I think this is wonderful, no retakes. Here you go, Princess."

Zelda nodded. "Thank you, Purah." Purah gave a smile before turning and leaving.

Daruk clapped his hands together. "I think Link should get a larger ceremony, he deserves it. After all, he and the princess will be playing a large part in all of this."

Link held up his hands. "That isn't necessary."

"Of course it is, don't try and be too modest and take time to celebrate yourself!"

Impa thought for a moment before speaking. "Well later today we do need to have something where the Princess 'blesses' the Hero. It is part of the tradition of the chosen one and the descendant of the Goddess."

"Wonderful!"

The Champions continued to talk as the sun moved across the sky Revali always taking chances to shoot shots at Link and it didn't take long before Link came to the conclusion that Revali did not like him. After quite some time Impa guided the champions to a platform close to Hyrule castle. "This is where Zelda will 'bless' Link. The king recommended that we do that now so we can get started on everything else. So Link and Zelda will be in the center and the rest of you can stand off to the side. Zelda you should probably already know what you are supposed to do."

Zelda nodded and Link kneeled in front of her while the Campions moved to the side. Their surroundings were completely quiet and Link bowed his head and closed his eyes. This was going to make everything official. Zelda took a few deep breaths before she started, "Hero of Hyrule, chosen by the sword that seals the darkness..." she paused for a moment then continued, "You have shown unflinching bravery and skill in the face of darkness and adversity. And have proven yourself worthy of the blessing of the Goddess Hylia. Whether skyward bound, adrift in time, or steeped in the glowing embers of twilight... the sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the Hero. We pray for your protection... and we hope that-- that the two of you will grow stronger together, as one." Zelda exhaled before continuing the blessing but Link turned his attention to the champions who were now quietly conversing.

"Gee," Daruk said quietly, "this is uplifting.... She's making it sound like we already lost."

"Wasn't this your idea?" Revali challenged, "You're the one who wanted to designate the appointed knight with all the ceremonial pomp grandeur, and nonsense we could muster! If you ask me, the whole thing seems to be overkill. I think I am on the same page as the princess regarding... this boy."

Urbosa sighed, "Oh give it a rest. That boy is a living reminder of her own failures. Well, at least that's how the princess sees him."

Link tensed. Was that really what the princess thought of him? It would explain why she was constantly giving him the cold shoulder and just ignoring him in general. Zelda finished and Link heard her drop her hand to her side. Link remained on the ground and just felt as the breeze blew his hair. Eventually Zelda said, "You may rise, Hero." Link pushed himself to his feet and Daruk walked over to him and clapped him on the back causing him to stumble forward.

"You look just as tired as the Princess. Lighten up little guy. So Princess, what else do we need to do to prepare"

Zelda swallowed. "Well we need to be able to learn how to control the Divine Beasts but I know that Purah, Robbie, and other sheikah scientists are working to do that."

Impa nodded. "Yes, I know that Purah and Robbie have been putting a lot of their attention towards the Divine Beasts and how to control them."

"I'm sure it can't be that hard, and after we learn how to control them Calamity Ganon will think twice before attacking." Revali said with a smirk.

"It's more difficult than you think but Purah and Robbie have found out that it will be extremely powerful and they say that they have almost found a way that will help the machine to be easier to control."

"Well," Daruk said more seriously than before, "when they are done we will all be ready to pound Ganon into oblivion."

Zelda gave a small smile. "I'm glad that you are all so ready for this and your enthusiasm is encouraging."

Urbosa placed a hand on Zelda's shoulder. "Of course, Little Bird, we all are ready to play our parts."

Zelda nodded. "Thank you. We all have a role to play. Urbosa, Mipha, Daruk, and Revali are all in charge of controlling their divine beasts along with assisting and helping Link. Link obviously has the role that was assigned to him with the sword and I need to unlock this power so I can stop Ganon and seal him away."

Link nodded and looked around towards his fellow champions. Each of them had agreed to give their lives up for Hyrule and Link realized that he had as well. That was probably what his father had realized that morning before Link had gone to Zora's domain. Link suppressed a sigh, he wished he had been warmer to his father that morning. He couldn't imagine how he must be feeling to know his only son could very well die to something nobody fully understood.