Across the Wild | A Zelink Story

Chapter 11: Zelda

When we walk up to Impa's house, Paya is on her hands and knees cleaning the porch. "Hello, L-Link and Zelda," she greets us. "Are you h-here to see grandmother?"

"Yes," I reply. "Is she in?"

"Are you kidding? She n-never leaves," Paya replies. "Go r-right in."

"Thank you, Paya," I say. I lead Link into the large room where Impa resides on her cushion.

"Link and Zelda," Impa greets us. "I was wondering when you two would show up here again. Why was everyone yelling a few minutes ago? Link, did you try to blow up the Cuccos again?"

Again? "Link was blowing up Cuccos? That's a story I have to hear," I say eagerly.

"Not today," Link interrupts. "We brought some Guardians into town to defend this place. That is, if you're okay with it."

"How did you get the Guardians here safely? I thought they were extremely hostile," Impa asks.

"I found out how to use the Sheikah Slate to control the Guardians," I explain. "I plan to fortify every town and strategic location with them to chisel down the Yiga Clan."

Impa thinks for a moment, looking at me thoughtfully. "You have come far from the girl I saw when I first met you. That's a good plan. And of course I'll help in any way possible. May I ask what you two have been doing for the past few weeks?"

"We went to Zora's Domain and ran repairs on Vah Ruta, which had deteriorated following the attack on Ganon. After that, we were kidnapped by the Yiga Clan." My voice begins tripping up. "They-they wanted information, and we didn't want to tell. L-Link went th-through s-s-some b-bad things." I manage to get a grip on myself and continue. "Urbosa rescued us, and we traveled to Hyrule Castle. From there, we came here, and we plan to take a brief sabbatical in Lurelin Village."

"So Yiga Clan took your Champion Tunic, Link?" Impa asks. Link nods sadly. "That's unfortunate. If either of you want, you can get new clothes from Enchanted. And of course we will always welcome you, although I'm sure that you two will want to move on soon."

"Yes," I reply. "Impa, you were a Royal advisor before the Calamity, and I need advice. Rebuilding a kingdom as enormous as Hyrule seems too large a task for me. What do I do?"

Impa smiles warmly. "Zelda, you just need to remember that you can't do it alone. Hyrule was never just ran by one person. Each separate city has their own culture, and so you need to respect that. At the same time, however, you also need to make sure that they will be loyal to you and support you. I also think that, as much as you and Link may like traveling alone, having a group of people with you might help. Seeing that you are already trusted by people will lend more credence to you.

"Also remember that Hyrule hasn't had a monarch for a century. Almost all of today's people only know the monarchy through stories. You need to show that you're not only worthy of their allegiance, but the best person for the job."

"But I'm not the best person for the job," I protest despondently.

"And if you believe that, what makes you think others won't think the same? Believe in yourself, Zelda. And believe in those around you. For example, Link here." Link shifts awkwardly beside me. "Listen to him. He knows this new Hyrule better than you do, so do as he says.

"My final piece of advice for you is to be resourceful. Yiga Clan is crafty, and there may yet be enemies you don't know about. Use the Guardians, your allies, and whatever you have on hand to its full extent. The only way to get ahead of your adversaries is by being smarter than them.