An Age Long Ago~ Age of Calamity Fanfiction

Ch. 17: Caught Red-Handed

A loud knock pounded on Link's door, making him jolt up. He rubbed his eyes and yawned before opening the door.

"Get dressed. Something important is going on."

Aveil stood there, an unreadable expression on his face. He didn't wait for an answer, closing the door. Link pondered as he got dressed in his soldier's armor.

He left his house a few minutes later and walked with Aveil to the castle in silence. Once in the meeting room, Link walked up to Impa.

"Do you know what's going on? Aveil isn't telling me anything."

"I'm just as clueless as you."

King Rhoam and Zelda soon entered the room, everyone kneeling.

"Rise, please."

Everyone rose and stood in a line in front of the King.

"I am sure you all are wondering why I brought you here at such an hour. At the ball yesterday, it seems two of our enemies managed to make their way into the castle. One got away, but we captured one of them. Bring in the prisoner!"

At his command, the doors opened and everyone turned to look. Eva was dragged in, chained at her hand and legs. She was pushed onto her knees in front of the King. As he opened his mouth to talk again, she went into a violent coughing fit, filling the silence.

Once she finished, King Rhoam spoke up.

"Evangelina, you are being charged with treason. Normally, the punishment would be death, but my Zelda convinced me to spare you your life. Instead, you are banished from every village in Hyrule, along with every stable. May your actions be an example to others who wish to work with the Calamity."

She refused to meet his eyes, starting at the ground.

"Nothing to say for yourself? Very well. The Champions and the Royal Guard will escort you out of Hyrule Castle Town."

She was picked up by her arms and everyone followed the guards out of the castle. As they made their way to the gates, people peeked out of their houses, whispering and pointing.

Eva hung her head to the gates of Hyrule Castle Town, refusing to look anywhere but the ground. At the gate, the guards let go of her and she stood there.

"You all just made the worst mistake of your lives."

Everyone besides Zelda drew their weapons in case she attacked.

"I know your every move. I'll make you wish you never saved me from those monsters."

Eva looked up and turned her head to meet Zelda's stare. There were no emotions behind them, just anger. She turned her gaze back in front of her and began to walk away.

Everyone watched her until she disappeared from their sight. The head of the Royal Guard then spoke up.

"Alright, as you all were."

The guards left Zelda and the Champions at the gate, returning to the castle. Everyone stood there, trying to absorb what had just happened. Aveil was the first to leave, returning to his house. Slowly, the group disbanded and returned to their houses or villages.

Zelda felt a hand land on her shoulder. She looked up to see Urbosa with a worried look on her face.

"Are you okay, little bird?"

"I don't know."

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Eva watched as everyone outside the Gerudo Canyon Stable ran in as she passed by. Idiots, all of them. Everyone in Hyrule was an idiot. She would show them.

Heading into the canyon, she wiped the sweat off her forehead. She had forgotten how hot it was. And she still had to cross the dry desert. She was headed to the only place she thought would accept her. Even then, they could reject her. She had betrayed them too.

What had her life become? Just yesterday, she was loved by everyone. Now she was hated and feared. She saw smoke not far ahead of her. She knew they would be out here. Melloh had told her that much.

Soon she was surrounded by the Yiga Clan, Vicious Sickles drew.

"What business do you have?"

Eva raised her hands, showing them she was unarmed.

"I've come to pledge my allegiance to Master Kohga."

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For the rest of the day, Impa and Urbosa stayed with Zelda. She was the most upset by far, blaming herself.

"I should have seen it coming. I'm the future queen of Hyrule."

"Little bird, it isn't your fault. No one knew."

"She's right, Princess."

"I appreciate it, both of you. At least I was able to keep her alive."

"Lady Urbosa!"

Suddenly, a Gerudo Captain ran into the room, making them all sit up. Urbosa got up and she fell to her knees.

"What is it, vai?"

"The Yiga Clan! They attacked the village and stole the thunder helm!"

"The Yiga Clan?!"

"Yes ma'am! Evangeline was with them!"

That made everyone in the room stop in their tracks. Zelda got up and walked over to the captain.

"Did you say Eva was with them?"

"Yes, your highness! She appeared to be a hostage!"

"What would the Yiga Clan want with Eva?"

Impa wondered.

"I do not know, but it can not be good."

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"Huzzah! We got the helm!"

The Clan members cheered. Eva was still being guarded as she sat in front of Kohga, Sooga, and Melloh.

"Told you I wasn't lying."

"I gotta hand it to you, kid. But what's with the dress?"

"Oh, this? There was a ball last night."

"Melloh, take Evangeline and get her into a uniform. We will do the initiation ceremony after."

"Yes, Sooga."

Melloh took Evangelina's hand and led her out of the room. He quickly took off his mask, pegging her with a glare.

"I thought you said your duty was to 'fight the Calamity'."

"Shut up and give me a uniform."

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Liar."

They reached the room with the uniforms and Melloh stepped in front of her, blocking the door.

"Tell me what happened."

"Fine, it's your funeral."

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