Couple of the Wild (ZeLink)

Chapter 76: The Champions' Ballad

Tired, Link thought to himself. 

His body remained still as a statue, unable to move due to the pain and exhaustion that struck through every nerve. He was on his knees with his arms lazily hanging at their sides. His head was still leaning back as his now dried eyes stared at the orange clouds that slowly traveled across the sky above him. Though the sky was beautiful, he closed them and took a deep breath, allowing the sunlight to warm his still soaked body. He ignored the tear stains that remained on his cheeks, knowing that he wouldn't be able to lift his arms to rub them away. He was fine with that. He simply wanted to rest quietly and feel the warm breeze brush against his skin. Though Link wanted nothing but quiet, Koshia had not finished talking.

You have proven great valor, strength, and spirit in the midst of these trials. As such, you were destined to take hold of this ancient masterpiece...

Masterpiece? Link questioned in his mind with his eyes still closed. It was only when the arena he sat on began to shake did he open his eyes again. The arena's shape was changing. Pillars began to burst from its sides while a larger pillar erected from its bottom. The sectioned flooring beneath them began to rise slightly into a step-like pattern, while the gigantic pillars that sat around the diameter began to move forward.

Link turned his head as best he could towards the center of the arena, where a large circle began to open up to reveal a pit. Once fully opened, the floor began to vibrate as something began to rise from the cavity. A pedestal revealed itself, rising out of the cavity and into the air with a large object sitting on display. Though it looked mechanical, its body took the shape of a horse, decorated with the usual Sheikah colors of muddy brown and ancient yellow. Instead of four legs, however, its front and back were fitted with what Link could only guess were a set of the oddest wheels he had ever seen, if they were even wheels.

That which you have obtained... is a masterpiece of innovation, created for the one true hero. This is your Divine Beast: The Master Cycle Zero.

Ah... That's cool I guess, Link said in his mind, still struggling to keep his eyes open to look at it. Wish it had a cooler name though... Like Vah Epona... or something...

With this, I shall return you to the Shrine of Resurrection. I thank you, Hero of Hyrule... May the-

"W-Wait..." Link managed to say in a dry voice. He shakily lifted his head to stare at the monk still floating in the sky. "There's... something that hasn't... been explained to me yet."

I shall answer any question of yours given to me.

He surprisingly gave in pretty easily, Link thought. He took a few deep breaths before continuing.

"My family... I was shown my father and my sister... Why?" Link asked. "What did... you show me them for?"

Any memories that didn't have to do with the champions from a hundred years ago were not of my showing.

"What...?" Link uttered. "Then... Why-?"

We monks are not the only beings with the powers to the Illusionary Realm. There is another being with access to the realm, one with a greater connection to the past than even us.

Link furrowed his eyebrows before his eyes grew wide. He looked down at the Master Sword that remained lying next to him, dull and completely out of power.

"But... Why would it show me that?" he questioned quietly.

Though your trials with us Sheikah are over, the trials as the hero are not. If the sword that seals the darkness is giving you signs, then it has begun preparing a trial of its own. I suggest you tread carefully going forward.