the legend of zelda Age of Calamity

chapter 6 **Title: Shadows of the Yiga (Continued)**

The night was thick with tension as the Yiga Clan closed in around Zelda and Link, their dark figures emerging from the shadows like predators. The air was charged with the sounds of battle—clashing swords, the cries of the Yiga warriors, and the hurried footsteps of Link as he positioned himself between Zelda and the enemy.

Zelda's heart raced, but she knew her place. She could only watch as Link fought, her sword sheathed and her hands trembling. She had not found the strength within herself yet; she had not unlocked the power that was supposed to be hers. But watching Link fight for both of them, the fire in his eyes, made her realize that she couldn't just stand idly by. Still, she could not bring herself to join the fray, not yet.

She clenched her fists at her sides, watching the scene unfold before her. Her gaze was fixed on Link, who moved with deadly grace despite the blood staining his arm, his stoic expression unshaken even as the Yiga closed in.

Soga, a towering figure among the Yiga warriors, approached the battle, his eyes locked onto Link. He wore the unmistakable confidence of someone who knew he could crush his opponent. His voice rang out across the battlefield, mocking. "You really think you can stand against me, Hero of Hyrule?"

Link remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he readied his sword. The battle between him and Soga was swift and brutal. The clash of their swords echoed through the night as they exchanged blow after blow. Zelda's breath caught in her throat as she watched Link move, each strike precise, each movement calculated.

But Soga was strong, and his blade cut deep. With a quick strike, he landed a hit to Link's side, sending him stumbling back. Zelda's heart stopped for a moment as Link faltered, but he didn't fall. He regained his stance immediately, ignoring the blood dripping from his side. He refused to stop.

Zelda's gaze flickered to the surrounding Yiga warriors, who continued to press in. She wanted to help, but her place was not yet in the battle. She had no sword, no way to defend herself—no way to contribute.

Soga's laugh echoed in the air, cold and mocking. "You are nothing, Hero. Nothing but a distraction."

But Link, though injured, stood tall. He moved in again, closing the distance between him and Soga with relentless precision. He didn't speak, didn't hesitate—he simply fought.

Zelda watched the fight unfold, feeling powerless. The battle was one-sided, with Link pushing through the pain, fighting back with everything he had. But even with his resolve, Soga's skill and power were overwhelming.

The sound of clashing metal reverberated in the night as Link made a final, desperate move. With a sharp cry, he swung his sword with all his might, landing a blow that sent Soga staggering back. The force of the strike was enough to knock Soga's sword from his grip, sending it skittering across the ground.

Soga growled, his eyes flashing with fury. He had underestimated Link, and now, he was forced to retreat. "This isn't over, Hero of Hyrule," Soga spat, his voice dripping with venom. "I'll be back."

And with that, Soga disappeared into the darkness, vanishing as quickly as he had arrived, leaving behind a battlefield littered with the fallen Yiga warriors.

The remaining Yiga, seeing their leader retreat, hesitated. Without Soga's presence to command them, they began to retreat as well, their resolve crumbling in the face of defeat.

Zelda breathed a sigh of relief, but her gaze never left Link. He was breathing heavily, his movements slow and pained, but he stood. He had won, though at a great cost.

She rushed to his side, her heart pounding in her chest. "Link... you're hurt," she said, her voice trembling with concern.

Link nodded silently, his expression unreadable as he glanced at the wound on his side. He was bleeding heavily, but there was no sign of weakness in his posture. He didn't show the pain, didn't let it consume him.

"I'm fine," he muttered, though the blood staining his tunic told a different story.

Zelda's eyes softened, the weight of the moment settling over her. She could see the exhaustion in his face, the silent burden he carried. She knew he would never admit it, but she could see how much it cost him to keep fighting without faltering.

"Link..." she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You don't have to do this alone."

For a moment, Link didn't respond. He simply watched her, his gaze unwavering, his stoic demeanor not shifting. But then, after a long pause, he gave a small nod, almost imperceptible, before turning away to check the battlefield for any remaining threats.

Zelda watched him, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her. She was no warrior—she knew that. But she also knew that she couldn't simply stand aside. She had to find her own way, just as Link had found his. And though she couldn't fight beside him yet, she would not let him carry this burden alone.

As the night wore on, the Yiga retreated, leaving only the sound of the wind and the crackling fire behind them. Zelda stayed close to Link, offering her silent support, knowing that their journey wasn't over. The Yiga would return. The war was not yet won.

But for now, they had survived. And that was enough.