Free to Love - A Zelda x Link Fanfiction

LXIV: One With Shadows

Link's Perspective:

I spent most of the day going over plans with Urbosa. Several of her guards had been captured on routine security rounds of Gerudo town and were able to draw up a rough map of the Yiga hideout. It seemed suprisingly simple. Only a couple of rooms, with the final third room being the master yiga's personal quarters.

According to the post-captured warriors, the Yiga main base was hidden deep in the Gerudo mountains with guards that made rounds every day. I could only pray their information was accurate.

Zelda spent most of her day, clinging to my arm like it was the last night she'd see me. I felt guilty for making her worry like this, but it was my obligation as the highest-ranking guard in Hyrule to eliminate any threats that posed a danger to Zelda or the kingdom as a whole. Comforting didn't do much. She barely ate all day, and it took Urbosa's perpetual reassurance to pry her off me while I prepared for the mission.

Urbosa and I had mutually decided that a sneak attack would be most effective. If I had to fight multiple attackers before coming face-to-face with my real target, I might be worn out. It would be better to eliminate the threat all together by striking for the heart of the operation.

I was glad I had brought several pairs of armor but, most thankful for my Sheikah armor. I didn't fully understand the technology, but Zelda had spoken about it with such enthusiasm in the past, that I couldn't help but find myself excited to finally be using it.

The clothes were all tight and dark, meant to allow me to blend into the shadows, even with my bulky physique. It fit like a second skin when I pulled it on and I had a feeling Zelda would like the sight of me in it. Most importantly, a mask has been added to the ensemble, something thick enough to muffle my breath and hide any clouds I might form in the night. I finally tied my hair back tightly.

I couldn't find Zelda when I left, instead heading in the general direction of the hideout with a sand seal. Even before I had arrived at the entrance, I felt a pit in my stomach. Even though I had confidence in my abilities, I still felt uneasy about tonight's attack. It didn't feel like I was in danger, as much as it felt like a foreboding atmosphere. 

The entrance to the hideout was hidden in a cavernous maze that ended at a dimly-lit cobblestone room. the room was mostly clean, with the exception of the banners dorn down from the walls haphazardly. I could still smell the lingering smoke as I stared at the singed edges of each banner. Some were more burned than others. I could already feel my adrenaline pumping but I forced myself forward, through the ominous arching entrance that led deeper into the cave.

The rooms seemed too lavish to belong to such a secretive organization. The room I arrived in was chiseled with meticulous attention to detail. Despite the dips in between each stone, each face was sanded down to be sleek and smooth. I paused at the entrance, glancing around the corner.

I could hear heavy footsteps. It must be one of those bigger guys. Their armor was much thicker than the armor I've seen in the past. They still wore the same fabrics, only now they were covering large chunks of armor. Most noticeably, each warrior had a heavy hood and very-defined shoulder pads. At each hip, looped through their belts, was a dangerous-looking sword. I could only see two guards from my position.

I didn't waste any time. The first guard was repeatedly circling a large pillar, just as the blueprints had laid out. Perfect. I hesitated, watching as the guard rounded the far corner. I dipped into the shadows, sneaking to the corner at the man's back. His armor clanked loudly as he walked and it appeared to be a perfect indicator of where he was heading.

I could feel my heart pounding as the torchlight flickered, hesitating before rounding the farther corner. Thank goddess. I couldn't help but feel a wave of relief as I was sunk back into the shadows,  moving forward swiftly and sneaking into the second section of the room. This guard seemed more stationary. He didn't move, facing forward, occasionally glancing around. I doubted I could wait until the guards switched shifts.

I drew my bow and arrows. Even in the dim light, I could see the edge of a platform. It looked like an area for extra storage. The platform was supported by a rope attached to the ceiling. If I shot that, there was always the possibility the guard would come to investigate and leave his post long enough to allow me to slip through.

I pulled back my string, forcing my heart to calm down in order to focus. I had learned long ago that panic only made my shooting worse. I hesitated as I released the string. Perfect.

The platform smashed against the wall with a loud slam. The guard in the first section of the room jumped, then hesitated. The soldier at the entrance hesitated, then held up his hand as an indicator for the first guard to remain still and silent. He moved forward cautiously, both hands dipping to pull the long sword from its sheath. He walked across the room slowly, his armor clicking softly.

I slunk around him, around the boxes, and through the entrance to the second room. This one seemed much easier. Once again, the Gerudo vai were correct. A ladder stretched into the rafters on my left. The walls had enough darkness to cover me and I slunk to the ladder, climbing up quickly.

The rafters were high enough up that nobody else would lookup. There were only three guards, all burly mn holding up torches. I could see the rafters faintly in the darkness, sliding across each wooden board carefully, until I finally arrived at the second entrance, the one I was directed to look for. This guard seemed lax, glancing across the room from a distance. I simply had to swing down from the rafters, and let go so I surged forward, through the entrance, ducking and rolling as I was once again emerged in darkness.

Then I entered the Yiga Master's personal quarters.

~~~

I'm at my friend Ron's house again. Sorry for the late chapter, ack. I'm mad tired so I just can't wait for next week.