Haunting Shadow of the Past

Part 27

Link sat up and Zelda rushed over to his side. He could tell she was worried but she quickly covered it up with a scowl. She crouched down next to him and she pointed to his arm. Link lifted it up and to his surprise noticed that it was bleeding. It wasn't excessive but it was enough where it was noticeable. Zelda examined the wound and her expression softened. "That doesn't look too bad actually. You're fine for now." She scowled again. "But you know, there's a fine line between courage and recklessness. As brave as you are, that does not make you immortal." She turned her gaze to the dead monsters surrounding them and Link looked around as well. Had he really killed most of those? He hadn't really been thinking straight. The only thing going through his mind was that he had to help everyone.

Zelda pulled him out of his thoughts by continuing. "It seems that, not only is the frequency of these types of attacks on the rise... but the scale of beasts we are facing is intensifying as well. I fear that-- I fear that this is an omen which portends the return of Calamity Ganon." Zelda stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants before looking down at Link who looked up at her. He expected her to seem discouraged and tired but instead she wore an expression of determination. "And, if that's the case, I'm ready to accept the worst. We'll need to make preparations as soon as possible."

Link nodded and Zelda helped him to his feet. He felt slightly uncomfortable about the fact that Zelda was being so much nicer to him but he had to admit he preferred this over her giving him the cold shoulder all the time. "We promised Daruk that we would go to Goron City after this," Link gestured to the battlefield, "was over."

Zelda nodded. "Yes, I'm sure he will be most happy to see that you are safe."

"And you as well, Princess. You shouldn't have stayed. If that Lynel had gotten to you, do you know how bad that would have been?"

Zelda sighed. "I came and for nothing, you're right. I was never even in a situation where my power would have awakened and if that Lynel had reached me..." Her voice trailed off and Link frowned.

He cleared his throat. "Don't worry about it, Princess, I'm sure everything will be okay in the end."

Zelda looked at him before nodding. "Let's- let's go to Goron City. It's going to be dark soon and I don't think it would be a good idea to be walking around at night."

Link agreed and he and Zelda started towards Goron City. By the time they reached there the sun had started setting and a majority of the light was coming from the Lava that surrounded the city. Link took in the view. At this point he had seen Zora's Domain, Rito Village, Gerudo Town, and Goron City. Link took in the buildings made up of stone and the metal bridges that allowed passage over the lava. Besides the uncomfortable heat, Link really liked the layout of the place.

They headed towards the chief's home and when Daruk saw them a large smile spread across his face. He opened his arms and walked towards them. "Princess, little guy, I'm glad to see you're both okay. You know I was about to go back out there and make sure you were alright." Zelda gave a small smile.

"Link was able to finish off the rest of the monsters. It was very... heroic."

Daruk looked at Link in shock. "All of them? You got them all? I knew you were good, little guy, but you're even better than I thought."

Link looked away awkwardly. He was used to receiving compliments from his father but he always felt uncomfortable when they came from someone else. The Goron must have seen how uncomfortable Link was and he laughed before clapping Link on the back. The young warrior stumbled forward and Daruk continued to chuckle. "How about the two of you stay here, in Goron City, for the night. You know how Hyrule can get once the sun sets and," He paused and looked around before continuing with his voice lowered, "I heard about what happened with the Yiga. That's especially dangerous."