Reflection in the Water - A Breath of the Wild Fanfiction

Chapter 47

   After a few days has passed, somewhere in a lantern lit hideout, Ryuma was swinging his sword around, hitting every target surrounding him. His eyes were fueled with anger as every thrust became more powerful, determined to defeat his niece.

   Somewhere in the shadows, his son Ranmaru was watching his father train. He eyed his every move, closing his eyes while thinking to himself. He wasn't sure how he felt about his own life and where it was leading. Being his father's shadow for a good amount of his life made him feel somewhat empty. Kagami's words that night made him feel like he mattered since it was the first time someone had valued his feelings. Ranmaru was frustrated that he could barely remember the times with his mother as he was very young, clenching his fists in frustration.

   Ranmaru snapped out of his thoughts as Ryuma approached him, a sword still in his hands. "Ranmaru, go get me a towel."

   Ranmaru slightly bowed his head. "Yes, father." He quickly went to the other side of the room, not having a second to spare as he had a towel in his hands, handing it to his father.

   Ryuma took out of his son's hands as he wiped it around his face. He let out a sigh as he put the towel on his shoulders. "You seemed to be lost in thought. What are you thinking about?"

   Ranmaru didn't move a muscle, not wanting to show any hesitation. "I'm just concerned about the battle with Kagami. She's strong but you're strong as well. The outcome is... Unpredictable."

   Ryuma let out a smirk as he slid the sword back into its shaft. "I'm obviously going to defeat her. I have years of experience while she's merely still a baby bird. That little girl won't stand a chance against me."

   "Father..." Ranmaru choked out, "You should not underestimate your opponent despite the circumstances. You shouldn't let your guard down while fighting her."

   Ryuma gave him somewhat of an impressed look as he continued to smirk. "I don't need you to tell me what I already know, Ranmaru. I admit her fighting is beyond my expectations, but if I weaken her, I'll take her down easily."

   Ranmaru didn't respond to his father's statement as he merely bowed. "If that's what you think, then there is no protest."

   Ryuma smiled proudly as he patted Ranmaru's shoulder. "That's my boy. Always taking my side." He put his arm down as he stopped the patting. "Make sure to get her for me tomorrow morning, will you? You can continue guarding the hideout. I wish to be alone for a while."

   Ranmaru bowed his head. "Yes, father." With that, Ranmaru exited the room, heading towards the entrance of the hideout.

   Ryuma smiled as he withdrew his sword once more. "Now where was I...?" He swiftly turned around as he sliced a target in half, making it fall onto the ground. "You better pray to Hylia for your life, dear niece." Ryuma was ready to strike once more at a target. "Because I plan to end it." As he said that, another target fell onto the ground as many tiny pieces scattered everywhere.

   Walking towards the entrance of the hideout, Ranmaru was thinking to himself about the interaction with his father. Shaking his head, he let out a sigh. "My father is truly underestimating Kagami. At this rate, she does has a chance to defeat him." He said the next sentence silently so no one could hear. "As it should be."

A recent memory came into mind where he had met with Kagami that night. "We can't ignore that fact, Ranmaru. We're blood related cousins. I'm willing to do anything to free you from Ryuma."

In his vision, Ranmaru saw a strong willed girl willing to do anything to protect who she cares about, it felt like she was including him. A soft smile appeared on Ranmaru's face, having hope in his heart that his cousin will defeat his father and free him from his wrath. In addition to that, he hopes that Kagami will make it out alive so he can become close with her as family.