(Small little poster thingy I did for this book :3)

"So, like, what do the Divine Beasts actually do?"

"What do you mean?" Link asked.

"Like, I know they're supposed to be powerful enough to stand against Ganon, but how?" I held my hands out in confusion "Is it a case of getting all of them together, and when we do they combine into a giant flying robot that will defend Hyrule from evil?! Wait... that's just Voltron!"

Link stared at me, clearly worried for my sanity as he stepped away. I don't blame him, I would be worried too, if I didn't know the greatness that was VLD. But this was me trying to distract myself from how high up we were, and these bridges definitely didn't hide that fact. I was uneasy... but I didn't want to show it, so I began to purposefully speak nonsense to distract Link from actually noticing my stiff body language. It was working, so far.

"I... I don't know," the boy shrugged as he looked up at the houses spiralling up a large rock, which apparently was Rito Village "Ruta has a target on Hyrule Castle so maybe it's similar to Guardians' la—"

SCREEEEEEEEEE

The two of us gasped when the Divine Beast began to act up above us, just as we stepped onto the last bridge, causing us to stumble slightly. This of course made the bridge rock, and I let out a small shriek before clinging to the closest thing to me. The large bird cried out again before finally falling silent; maybe it had sensed our arrival, and that was it warning us to keep our distance. Link and I remained still until the bridge's rocking subsided, and when it did I let out a long and shaky, yet relieved sigh.

"Y-Y/N, you're... kinda making me lose blood circulation."

Oh sh*t.

My eyes snapped open. The thing I was holding onto for dear life... it was Link's arm. I let go of him quickly and cleared my throat, doing my best to act casual about the whole thing.

"I didn't want your clumsy butt to fall off the bridge... So, you're welcome."

Link rolled his eyes in amusement, "Sure." he lead the way off the bridge with me following eagerly behind him. I just wanted to get away from bridges - and high places in general, but with how this village was built, I doubt that would be possible anytime soon.

The entrance to the village soon came into view, and standing by it was a... bird man? A quiet 'what the heck' subconsciously left my lips, which Link heard. He turned to me with a raised eyebrow.

"You've never seen a Rito before?"

"Ummm..."

He sighed out "Well, I don't know much about them. All I know is that they are avian-like people, that have evolved from Zora, and have the ability to fly. They're really proud and graceful people, and their skill with the bow are said to be unmatched."

"Wow," I hummed in slight awe "You know your stuff."

He shrugged "I did my research. Impa gave me some insight on each species we would see on our journey."

"Well, you've got that going for you. I don't want to mistake anyone else for an enemy like I did with that Zora, that's just plain rude."

"I guess it would be." Link smiled sheepishly as we approached the Rito, who seemed to be surprised to see us.

"Hmm, Hylians? What are you two doing up here?" He blinked, before staring at me more directly "Sorry, you are a Hylian, aren't you?"

I flinched and placed a hand on my exposed ear, smiling awkwardly "It's my ears, right? They may look different, but don't worry, I am just as Hylian as this idiot."

I feel like I'm going to be addressing my ears a lot... oh well.

"Hey!" Link pouted, but didn't comment further as he knew I was slightly uncomfortable at that moment. He sighed and addressed the man once more "That... thing in the sky. How long has it been there?"

I gave him a side glance. I guess he was pretending not to know about the Divine Beasts, it would probably look kinda weird if we did know. Hylians didn't seem all too aware of what was happening to the world, no offence to them or anything.

"Vah Medoh? Yeah I'd be surprised if you weren't curious about that..." the Rito sighed out in exasperation as he leaned on his spear "It showed up not too long ago without warning, but we can't really do much about it since whoever gets close to it gets shot down... I've heard it used to be a divine being, a long time ago. But it doesn't seem very divine to me... Especially since we Rito have to fly close to the ground, it would shoot at us otherwise."

I stared up at the large mechanical bird "Maybe it'll calm down if you gave it a giant cracker?"

"Y/N, shh." Link nudged me as a signal to shut up.

"Sorry."

The blonde sighed, before addressing the guard again "Last question, could we talk to your leader?"

"Elder Kaneli? Well, he is open for visitors... but what for?"

"We just have something to discuss with him, that's all."

The man stared at us for a moment, his eyes narrowed slightly as if to examine us. He sighed after a bit and extended a wing, pointing through the gate "Well I guess there's no harm in it, just don't cause trouble while you're here."

"We won't. Thank you." This time I was the one to answer. The two of us bid the guard farewell and ascended up the stairs to the village. It was a rather beautiful place, with wooden houses placed to the right of the spiralling platforms, and windmills stationed almost everywhere. I was even beginning to get slightly more comfortable, despite being so high up, until a cold breeze hit my skin. My teeth started to chatter as I pulled my cape over my bare arms, which were already starting to form goosebumps. The blonde next to me noticed this and immediately took a familiar piece of teal clothing out of his travel bag.

"Here," he handed it to me without another word. I stared at him guilty.

"What, no," I shook my head "What are you going to wear?"

Link smirked and extended a finger, pointing to a shop displaying a set of warm, Rito-made clothing "That looks pretty cozy."

"You sure you can afford it?"

"I mean if I can't, I can sell some stuff. I need to empty my pockets a bit, anyway." He told me with a shrug as he began walking towards the shop "You can continue up, see if you can find Elder Kaneli anywhere around."

"Okay..."

As we temporarily split, I took off my cloak and slipped my arms through the warm doublet, slipping on the warm gloves before reattaching my champion garment. It may have looked a bit weird, but I felt somewhat more comfortable with it on. I sighed out in relief and continued continued up the path, occasionally saying hello to passerby Rito while looking for the Elder. As I continued up, I heard a small groan of pain from the house I was just passing. Confused I turned my head to see a Rito man sitting on the floor, clutching his arm - or wing in discomfort. I bit my lip; I really should mind my own business...

Dammit! Sanela's charitable nature must be rubbing off on me...

Cautiously, I approached, but didn't enter since we all know entering someone's house without permission is rude "Are you alright?"

The man raised his head, obviously surprised to see someone standing there. Though, it didn't last long as he once again hissed in pain "Ugh, not really... that cursed monster..."

"Monster?"

"You saw the Divine Beast above our village, right?" He questioned in a strained voice "It doesn't seem to like people getting close to it... Not like that would be a problem for a Hylian like you."

I bit my lip. So we would have to find some way up to the Beast... can't say I'm looking forward to that.

"What exactly happened?" I asked subconsciously, but instantly regretted it when the guy sent me a glare.

"No offence, but this doesn't concern you."

"I-I know!" My hands flew up in surrender "I just thought, maybe I could help. M-Maybe with emotional support!"

He sent me a weird look, one I'd never see on the face of a bird, before breathing out a chuckle. I don't know whether he was mocking me or not, but at least he wasn't glaring at me anymore.

"What's your name, kid?" He asked, surprising me a bit. That was a quick attitude change.

"Umm... Y/N."

"Well, Y/N, you can come in you know." He told me "It's not like you're locked out."

I stared at the door - or lack of one with pursed lips, and walked through, kneeling down in front of the man. He sighed and leaned back against the wall "Well, there's not a lot to it, really... it's as simple as me and a friend of mine getting too cocky and flying up to challenge Vah Medoh. You can see how that went..." he glared down at his wing "Luckily the soldier that went up with me was unscathed, but he might not stay that way for long if he tries again..."

"That's awful..." I murmured.

"It's what I get for not heeding the warning of our elder, he knows more about that mechanical nuisance than anyone in this village." He grumbled, pouting almost childishly. I had to stifle a laugh.

"Well I think it was really brave of you to try, and at least the damage wasn't too bad right?"

"I guess..." he sighed "I just wish the healing process would speed up. I haven't crafted any bows in ages, and my wings are starting to get restless."

I frowned. I wished there was a way I could help him; I wanted to help anyone that was affected by the Divine Beasts. But I was no fairy, I couldn't just dance around spewing fairy dust and heal him as easily as bibbidi bobbidi boo.

Wait, actually...

I thought back to when I was with fairies, realising they may have given me some magic after all. Gasping in realisation I reached into my pocket, pulling out the bottle of sparkling pink liquid Sidra had given me. "Here, maybe this will help?"

His eyes widened "A Fairy tonic? Where did you..."

"I got it from a friend, but I think you need it more than I do right now. So go on, take it!"

The Rito blinked as his gaze switched between me and the tonic. He was hesitant, either because he didn't know if it was right, or because he didn't quite trust me. However, he seemed to accept I had no deceitful intentions and took the bottle from me, giving a small yet thankful smile.

"You know, you remind me of my daughter."

I rubbed the back of my neck, flattered "I'll take that as a compliment, sir."

"Oh, don't hit me with that formality crap," he insisted "call me Harth."

I smiled and nodded. Maybe he wasn't so grumpy after all.

"Y/N!!"

I glanced over my shoulder to see Link looking around, most likely searching for me "Well he took his sweet time."

"Who is he?"

"My partner."

"Oh," Harth smirked "I see."

Hold up...

"Not like that!!!" I blurted and waved my hands in furious dismissal "I meant travelling partner! We aren't- he's not... gosh, why is it that guys and girls can't simply be friends?"

"There you are." I heard Link's voice behind me, which had me turning to meet him. He strode over and stood next to me, pointing to Harth in confusion "Is this the Elder?"

Harth grunted in irritation "Do I look elderly to you, brat?!"

"O-Oh no, I didn't mean—"

I pinched the bridge nose, huffing slightly at my pointy eared friend "Link, this is Harth. And Harth, this is my non romantic partner, Link."

Link waved sheepishly, while Harth just hummed in acknowledgement "Charmed..."

I laughed awkwardly "So... Harth... any chance you could tell us where to find the Elder? "

"Why would you two want to go see that old hoot?"

"Travellers' business."

"Oh really..." His eyes narrowed as he examined me again. But after awhile he sighed "Alright, but only because you asked nicely and didn't mistake me for a grandpa. Oh, and uhh, thanks for the tonic, I guess..." he pointed his feather-thumb thing to his right "Continue up the stairs, and his hut should be the last one on the right. Can't really miss it with how this place is built."

"Noted, thank you." I stood and nodded to Link, waving to the Rito as we turned to leave "Thanks Harth. Hope that wing of yours heals soon."

As we left, Link tapped my shoulder for attention. His eyebrow was raised in confusion as he spoke "By the way what was all that yelling about guys and girls being just friends?"

I groaned "The guy thought we were, you know, together."

"Aren't we, though?"

"I mean romantically."

"Ugh, no way," His nose scrunched up, as if he was a little kid that had been told this. I scoffed and whacked him oh the chest.

"Oi! I would be a delightful girlfriend!"

"You'd be a rude one, that's for sure..." he grumbled.

I sent him a glare, but made no further comment as we continued up the stairs. The view up here was admirable, but I preferred not to look around too much, otherwise I might look straight down and get dizzy. Why did the Elder have to be at the top? And why did the village have to spiral up a high up rock anyway?!

As we neared the top, Link stopped me again and pointed inside a hut, where a large Rito with owl like features slept in his chair. That had to be him...

Harth's comment about him being an 'old hoot' popped into mind, and it made me mentally snort.

Link and I stepped into his hut quietly, unsure about whether to wake him or not. Luckily we didn't have to, as soon he opened his large sleepy eyes and yawned loudly "Hmm... oh, visitors... welcome."

"Hi," Link waved "You're Elder Kaneli, right?"

"Indeed I..." the Elder trailed off, his eyes beginning to examine my friend "Oh my... young man, could that be a Shiekah Slate on your hip?"

Link nodded in slight surprise. I was slightly baffled myself. How many people actually knew about this thing? In any case, Kaneli's eyes lit up in delight "So it's true! Wonderful! That must mean you are connected to the Champions, and you can board Divine Beast Vah Medoh!!" He raised a wing to run through his beard "Though, the Champions have been dead for about a century now... that must make you a descendant, and that Slate is yours by inheritance correct?"

"I, err... yes?" Link answered, but it sounded more like a question. Either way, it seemed to please the Elder.

"Outstanding! And this young woman with you, is she also a descendant?"

I bit my lip, unsure "I guess I'm something along those lines."

"Even better! TWO descendants!" Kaneli paused and cleared his throat "Ah, forgive me... I've gotten ahead of myself. But anyway, if you would listen to this old man's request, you would have my eternal gratitude."

Link and I exchanged a nod "We're listening." I hummed.

"Aha, thank you! This may be a lot to ask, but with the blood of the Champions running through you, I have no doubt you can do it with ease. I ask you to deal with Vah Medoh, the beast circling above the village. Only a Champion can board a Divine Beast. You must enter it and bend it to your will... If this wasn't the case, my warriors would have gone and dealt with Medoh already. But it cannot be that way, which I did try to explain to them. But they did not listen... Teba and Harth tried to confront Medoh, but alas it did not go as planned, and Harth was injured because of it."

I grimaced. Harth had already told me what had happened to his wing, but it was still horrifying.

Kaneli sighed "Fortunately, Teba escaped unscathed, but I fear he plans on finishing what they started alone. But perhaps you two can help us. Please, find Teba and work together. Maybe the three of you can stop Vah Medoh."

"Where can we find him?" Link asked.

"I don't know, I'm afraid." The Rito sighed "But maybe his wife, Saki will know his whereabouts. She lives next door, so you can ask her."

Link and I thanked him and set off to the hut next door, where a pink Rito with curled feathers seemed to have been expecting us. She ran over to greet us with what I could only assume was a smile "Oh! Forgive me, but I overheard you speaking with the Elder! You intend to help my husband in fighting against Medoh, correct?"

"That's right." I nodded.

"I am grateful for that, but there's not much I am able to do for you, other than tell you of his whereabouts."

"That would help a lot, actually." Link stated with a smile, which Saki returned.

"Well, Teba headed for someplace known as the Flight Range. It's in Dracoc's Pass at the base of Hebra Mountains. I imagine he went there to train for combat against Medoh." She turned to the window, and pointed to what looked like a large platform just outside "If you take off from Revali's Landing, the Flight Range should be a straight ride from there."

"Revali's Landing?" Link repeated, as if the name struck a chord. Saki nodded and sighed.

"It's a memorial of some sort for the Rito Champion, Revali... It was named after him in hope that none would forget the events of that horrible day..."

Link suddenly gasped, his vision clouding over as he stumbled back. I grabbed his arm to steady him, already aware of what was happening. He was having yet another memory. Saki began to panic, but I assured her that nothing was wrong with him, and he would snap out of it soon. Which he did. His eyes shot open as he hunched over, breathing heavily.

"Easy there..." I whispered. He looked up at me through his bangs, and his hand reached up to grab mine, which was resting on his shoulder for comfort.

"Descendant, are you alright?!" Saki asked desperately.

"He's fine." I assured as I rubbed Link's back soothingly "This is normal, trust me."

"If you say so... but anyway, if you have anything else you need to ask, please do not hesitate."

"Thank yo- Ah!!" I was cut off as Link dragged me out of the hut by the wrist, not saying a word as he stormed towards Revali's Landing. I frowned "Link that was seriously rude, you could have at least thanked her."

"Sorry..." the boy murmured as he let go of my hand, though sounded slightly irked "I just want to get up to Medoh as soon as possible to finally give him a reason to shut up after 100 years."

"Who?"

"Revali."

"Is he really that bad?"

"He's a complete a**hole!"

I stopped, my jaw dropping almost to the floor "I didn't know you could swear!"

"I probably got it from you," he replied simply "You don't have the cleanest mouth."

"I... can't deny that statement."

Link snickered as we stepped onto the landing, and I suddenly came to the realisation of what Saki said... we would have to paraglide all the way over to the other side, over a large drop... I gulped.

"Are you coming?" Link asked from one of the platforms, his paraglider in hand. I pursed my lips together and averted my gaze.

"I think I'm better off going the longer way, and take the road to the Flight Range on horseback..." My statement made him frown with concern.

"Are you sure? It is quicker this way."

"I just feel safer taking the alternative."

The boy raised a curious eyebrow at me "You've been acting strange since we got here... is there something you aren't telling me?"

My body stiffened at his accusation, but I was quick to shake my head in denial. Though with my head down, I knew I looked more vulnerable than I would have liked... He could probably tell I was lying, but even if he could I only heard him sigh with defeat.

"Okay, have it your way. I don't really like the idea of us being separated outside of the village, especially with Vah Medoh flying overhead, but if you feel more comfortable taking the longer route, I won't protest." I looked up at him, to see a teasing smile "As long as you don't give me a reason to worry, that is."

"Psh," I smirked "Worry about yourself, ponytail."

"Hey, don't diss the ponytail!"

"Oh I'm dissing the ponytail, sissy boy!"

A playful glare was shared between us, which was followed by a short laugh. Link rolled his eyes at our banter before turning to point at the glowing orange shrine on the other side of the ravine "We'll meet back up there, okay?"

"Got it." I nodded.

"Good, then..." he took a running start and leapt off the edge, his glider picking up a draft to carry him safely through the air "See you on the other side!"

"Try not to look down!"

"Y/NNNNNN!!!"

—-

Pan's hooves hammered against the ground as we galloped down the path around Rito Village, the climate slowly getting colder the further we went. A puff of vapour left my lips as I adjusted the warm doublet Link had given me, making sure I wasn't letting in any cold air. Soon enough snow could be seen around us, the sound of it crunching under Pan's steps which actually sounded rather pleasant. Wish I could say the same about the icy temperature... The sight was rather beautiful, but I didn't have time to look around. Link was waiting for me—

Jesus Christ!!

I shrieked out in surprise when a completely camouflaged Lizalfo jumped out of the snow, its beady eyes filled with bloodlust as it raised its claws. I jumped off Pan and met it halfway, blocking with Mipha's trident when the two of us hit the ground. The lizard hissed and swung its tail, successfully whipping my side, but its victory didn't last long as I jumped away from the second attack. My weapon shot forward, piercing the monster's chest with enough force to kill it. It exploded into the familiar puff of purple smoke, which gave me a moment to breathe. I rubbed my sore side, but I was too ecstatic to actually acknowledge the pain. That was my first actual battle, one I was able to fight on my own!

Damia, you might not be the purest, but right at this minute you're a saint...

"Well then," a voice spoke behind me, sounding slightly winded "I come down to help, but you already dealt with that cold blooded fiend on your own."

I smiled and turned, resting the trident on my shoulder "I've been training."

"That would explain the broader—" his words halted when he saw my weapon, and I saw his eyes widen slightly "Shoulders... Y/N, is that..."

Right, him and Mipha's were close... of course he'd recognise her weapon. I should've shown him sooner.

"It's Mipha's Lightscale Trident." I confirmed, holding the trident so he could have a better look "Sorry, in all the madness I forgot to tell you Sidon gave it to me."

"Sidon did?"

"Yeah, he said it would just be gathering dust if it stayed in the Domain... I wanted to object, but he insisted I save Hyrule with it..." I pursed my lips together, before holding it out to him "But I think it would be better if you took it, you knew Mipha's better than anyone. If anyone should carry her prized possession, it's the one she chose to marry."

"Y/N..." Link seemed to be conflicted when his hands reached towards the shaft of the weapon, but after a moment he shook his head and pushed it back towards me "No, you'd make better use of it. I specialise with sword fighting, after all." His lips curled upwards slightly as he placed a hand to his chest "Besides, I already have her watching over me, this must be her way of protecting you... that trident suits you."

My eyes traveled downwards. Mipha wanted this? Could that be true? "Are you sure...?"

The blonde nodded confidently "Positive. Just... don't go breaking this one."

"Actually there's a crafter in Zora's Domain that..." his eyebrow raised at my rambling "Okay, fiiiiine, I'll be careful."

"Good," he gave me a light pat on the shoulder before walking off towards the now blue shrine "Now come on! Hopefully this Teba guy is still around!"

I hummed and ran after him. Pan would find his own way back to the stable, the cold was bound to become too much for him eventually. The two of us continued down the snowy path,a little closer than usual to share body heat since this place was freezing my bloody tits off. Luckily for us, a small cabin of sorts was seen up ahead, as well as some sort of aerodynamic archery sight. It was rather magnificent, and I could see a campfire going in there... however Link became silent as he examined the place.

"Uhh, Link?" I called "I know it's pretty, but you don't need to go all goo goo eyes on I—"

His eyes clouded over before I could finish my sentence, his body suddenly going stiff which made stop abruptly. Another memory? Again? In one day?!

What the hell could he be remembering this time?