Chapter Text
The defeat of The Demon King had transpired around three months ago and Hyrule had fallen into mostly peace. The disruptions were mostly caused by Yiga, who seemed to be too stubborn to give up even with Master Kohga defeated.
And now, with peace, Princess Zelda, The Sages and The Hero of The Wild all worked together to make Hyrule an even more safe place, even with The Yiga lurking about. Even so, The Princess of Hyrule did her best to keep everyone safe, with the help of the leaders of each region by meeting them once each month.
And one of these meetings was currently transpiring.
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“Even so, we have to take the issues that could come with letting that happen into consideration."
Riju was slightly more pessimistic to the newer ideas than some of the other Sages, which came with the fact she started ruling Gerudo Town at the tender age of 12. Zelda frowned in response to Riju’s pessimistic comment. “What would the issues be?” The Princess of Hyrule asked Riju curiously, making Riju fall silent for a moment before speaking.
“Even if we build more roads for travel and trading, it makes for more dangers and risks for attacks.” She explained calmly to The Princess. “Don’t forget the fact that building them will take ages!” Tulin, the youngest Sage, added from his place on the opposite side of the table.
Zelda crossed her arms as she thought. “Half the roads have been destroyed by the Upheaval and falling stones.” She argued, but even she sounded more convinced by Riju’s words.
“Maybe so, princess, but the threat of Yiga is still big, Princess.” Sidon replied with a frown, arms crossed. “I think Princess Zelda’s idea is good.” Yunobo butted in after a moment of silence..
As the rest of the Sages talked Link simply watched them, staying silent as usual. The group was gathered at Lookout Landing, which Zelda decided to keep even after The Demon King was defeated. Purah had let them borrow her lab room to use for their meetings. The researcher herself was currently not in the meeting, even if she sometimes popped her head in to check up on them.
“Okay, let’s just wait with building the roads and focus on making sure The Yiga Clan won’t appear and attack traders and travellers.” Riju said, holding her hands up to stop the conversation. “I get that you wish the best, Princess, but it is quite dangerous to your people and our people alike. It is much smarter to focus on regional defences.” She continued. Zelda nodded, but didn’t look very happy about it.
There was a knock on the door, which made all of the group look towards it. Link pushed himself off the wall where he had been standing and opened the door. Purah stood outside, one hand on her hip and crimson eyes meeting Link’s blue. “Purah? Why are you here?” Zelda asked the researcher, who stepped inside when Link stepped aside.
Purah turned towards The Princess as she spoke. “Some news on The Yiga Clan.” She informed the Sages as she fixed her glasses. “What about them?” Sidon asked the researcher. Purah grimaced. “A team of Sheikah discovered one of their hideouts.”
Riju looked up. “That’s a good thing though, no?” She asked confused as she leaned her weight on her hand, which was flat against the table. “All the hideouts Link found after The Upheaval were destroyed, either by him or by the Sheikah.” Riju gestured at Link as she spoke, but the chosen knight stayed silent. “You’d think so.” Purah responded to the young Gerudo. “What is going on then?” Yunobo asked, the most anxious of the Sages. “They found The Yiga inside.” Purah explained, frowning.
“All dead.”
Riju cocked her head, confused. She didn’t look bothered by this fact, but Zelda spoke first. “Dead?” Zelda asked Purah, confused. “All of them?”
Purah nodded as a reply. Zelda looked at Link, who shook his head in response. He had not killed any Yiga in recent times, especially any hideouts. “Are we sure this wasn’t the work of any soldiers of Hyrule or of Gerudo?” Tulin wondered and the Sheikah shrugged in response. “I doubt it, but maybe.” She replied, making Link raise his eyebrows.
“Why do you doubt that?” Link asked, arms crossed. While he spoke very little, he was still very much capable of speaking. Purah cocked her head. “How they were killed. One of the sheikah brought back a body, as the injuries were very puzzling.” She explained and Zelda paled slightly. “You brought a body here?” Tulin asked, confused and sounding a little disturbed. “I didn’t, Cado did.” Purah exclaimed defensively. “I didn’t ask him to!”
Link’s brow furrowed. “What injuries could they have that made Cado bring back a body?” He asked. Sure, Link was a knight and killed monsters all the time, but he truly hated killing Yiga. Yiga were actually people.
Monsters disappear when killed.
People did not.
“You’ll have to see for yourselves.” Purah answered and opened the door again. “Hope you ain’t got any light stomach’s.” The door fell closed behind her and they heard her retreating steps.
Tulin spoke as soon as Purah left. “If our issue was The Yiga Clan, then maybe we should look into this?” The Rito suggested, looking at the rest. “Maybe, but I didn’t like Purah’s tone. She is not usually this serious.” Zelda worriedly admitted. “Well, it’s your choice Princess.” Riju said, placing her hands on her hips.
Zelda was silent as she thought, meeting Link’s eyes. The Champion simply met her eyes, not having an answer for her. This was something she had to decide for herself. She stayed silent for a few moments before speaking.
“We might as well try and look into it, now when we have a chance. We should use the leads we have to try and take care of The Yiga Clan now when we have the chance.” Zelda eventually decided, The Sages nodding. “Then that’s what we’ll do.” Riju confirmed with a nod. “I have to go back to Gerudo Town, send me information as soon as you have it.” Riju then added. “I think we all have to go back.” Sidon butted in and Zelda nodded as well. “That is understandable, Link and I’ll look into this Yiga body lead, the rest of you keep your eyes open for any other clues.”
The Sages nodded and left the room, leaving Zelda and Link alone. “Let’s look at this body then.” Zelda said, starting to walk out. “Zelda.” Link said, stopping her and making her look at him. “A Yiga’s body is not a monster, they don’t just disappear. This could be gruesome, are you sure you wish to see it?” Zelda was silent for a moment as she thought before nodding.
“I’m The Princess of Hyrule, I need to be able to see a little gore. Let's go."