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Revali couldn’t sleep.
He and his fellow champions were currently recovering from today’s mission at Kakariko Village. But while everyone else managed to slip into unconsciousness, the bluebird felt like his head was about to explode. His mind kept switching between recent memories.
How he nearly met his demise at the hands (or lasers) of that blasted abomination…
The strange white Rito who came in his hour of need…
The embarrassment at having been rescued by Link of all people…
Oh, how Revali wished that he could simply knock himself out. Whenever he managed to quiet his thoughts, there would always be a memory replaying and reopening the floodgates.
To add insult to injury, the bluebird found that somehow one thing always managed to creep into his head. Well, one person.
When Revali wasn’t thinking about his time on Vah Medoh, he found that the sight of red scales shimmering in the water would always appear when he managed to close his eyes.
While admittedly it was pleasant, it always left a deep pit in Revali’s gut. He couldn’t deny that he was pining, but he knew such thoughts would only serve as a distraction one way or another (at least, that’s what he keeps telling himself.) Besides, it’s not like such feelings would ever be reciprocated.
No, the owner of those dazzling red scales will always have her eyes set on someone else…
Tonight, Revali couldn’t take it anymore.
As quietly as possible, the Rito champion made his way out of the inn they were staying at, hoping to not wake anyone up. He didn’t want to deal with anyone or anything right now. He needed some fresh air.
Revali found himself standing at the small graveyard north of the village, looking out over the railing to the wetlands below. The only things that could be heard were crickets and the occasional nocturnal bird.
Revali liked this.
It wasn’t often that he found some quiet time for himself, let alone in a spot with such a scenic view. Granted, the malicious smog surrounding Hyrule Castle still could be seen off in the distance, but the Rito didn’t care.
He could’ve fallen asleep then and there, not caring about what any other person would think if they found him.
Unfortunately, his mind had other ideas, as it brought back the sight of amber eyes and silver jewelry.
Revali could only palm his face, muttering unintelligible curses into his navy blue wing.
He wanted to tell her, he really did, but he could never bring himself to do it. There would always be something to draw his attention to, and whenever he had any opportunity, the bluebird opted to stay silent. It always ate him up inside, but he was Revali! Champion of the Rito, the youngest Chief of the warriors recorded, the arrogant and boastful archer with a heart of stone…
As if she would actually give him a chance…
…
…
”Pardon me, may I sit with you for a moment?”
The voice came from next to Revali, but he couldn’t care less. He remained silent, hoping that it would discourage the stranger with the… oddly familiar voice.
This did not work as the bluebird could sense a presence next to him, seeing a glowing green hand coming to rest on the railing.
“It’s alright if you don’t want to talk. Believe me, I’ve been there.”
Revali shut his eyes in indignation and turned his head towards the stranger.
”Please, can you just leave me alone? I have a lot on my mind right now and the last thing I need is someone pestering me about-“
The moment Revali opened his eyes, his words died on his tongue.
…
Standing next to him was… well… himself.
He had the same navy blue feathers, the same white accents, the same cheek patterns beneath the same emerald eyes, even the same armor…
…But he was still very much different…
A pale green light seemed to emanate from him, as wisps of ethereal flame danced through the air around the two.
Revali didn’t know why or how, but standing next to him was his own ghost. A look of genuine shock was plastered onto his face, a far cry from his usual frowns and smirks.
The ghost simply chuckled at the sight. “Don’t worry, you’re not dead. I’m just here to offer some aid to your current situation.”
Revali, still trying to understand how something like this was possible, regains dhis composure. “I don’t see how a ghost would be able to help with… that.”
As he finished his sentence, he gestured towards that shadowed castle in the distance.
The ghost looked on with resigned expression.
”Yes, I’m afraid I won’t be of any assistance there. But that’s not I was talking about.”
The ghost turned fully to look at Revali, and said, “I’m here to help settle all that turmoil in that head if yours.” His mouth curled up into a knowing smirk.
Revali’s eyes widened. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Revali, you know you can’t lie to yourself.”
…
Revali turned back towards the wetlands. There was no point in arguing, let alone against himself. Besides, he needed someone to talk to about… Well…
“…Why do I feel so conflicted?”
”About what?”
“About… well, about her.”
The ghost shrugged. “I’m honestly not sure myself. Chances are it’s just because we were never good with emotions. Well, anything besides pride, smugness, irritation-“
”Okay, I get it. It’s just… I want to tell her so badly, but…
”You’re scared of being rejected.”
Revali paused, before simply nodding. He really did know himself better than anyone. The ghost continued…
”Well, the best advice I can probably offer you is that you should just tell her how you feel. Preferably as soon as you get the opportunity.”
”A-are you crazy?! No. I’ll tell her once-“
”Once this is over?”
He had read his own mind. The ghost was stern, his eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. The sight shut Revali up, as he stared down at the grass at his talons, trying to muster an answer.
…Once this is over?…
Those last few words replayed in his mind. The ghost never had the chance to confess. Or at least, he kept putting it off, saying “next time” until there wasn’t a next time…
The revelation wrought a question from the bluebird’s beak.
”Were… Were we supposed to…”
The ghost nodded as his expression became solemn.
“Yes. None of you should be alive.”
The gears turned and the dots connected. No wonder the time travellers always fell silent when asked about their time’s champions. Revali couldn’t believe it.
”But…
But that can’t be possible…
Everything was in place…
We had planned specifically for the Calamity’s arrival!
I didn’t spend years of my life training to be the best of the best, only to get SHOT DOWN LIKE A PHEASANT-“
”And yet that’s what was supposed to happen. The only reason you and the others are still here are because of Link and that robot.”
…
“Look. I know this is a lot to ask, but please… Don’t make my mistake. Tell her.”
The two stood in silence, as a glimmer of light appeared over the horizon. They had been talking until the crack of dawn, and the fatigue and tiredness finally took hold of Revali.
Before closing his eyes, he looked at his ghostly reflection. If he was right, there might not be a next time for him. Better to just rip off the bandaid now than take the risk.
”Alright.”
Revali’s ghost smiled at him, tenderly and softly. It was probably one of the few genuine smiles that he had cracked in quite a while.
And with that, he faded away. Sparks and wisps danced aimlessly around where the figure once stood, slowly fizzling out as they flew into the air.
”Revali?”
When Revali woke up, he found that he was still standing by the graveyard overlooking the wetlands to the north. The poor bird must have fallen asleep fron exhaustion while standing. This put all the events of last night into question.
That must’ve been a dream… It was still so vivid though…
”Revali, are you alright?”
Finally turning to the source of the sound, Revali found Milha standing next to him, leaning against the railing. Her scales seemed to glimmer in the morning sun, a sight that wouldn’t leave his memory anytime soon.
…
”Mipha… I need to tell you something.”