Fan Fiction Friday: Revali’s Song – Chapter 1

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Chapter One

Vast is the sky above Hyrule, but none call the sky their own quite like I. For many years, I have honed my skills to show that I am the best of the best. There is not a single soul out there who can match my aim or soar as high as I. I have been called prideful and egotistical, but it has never ruffled my feathers. At least they know greatness when it is in front of them. Many have told tales of a great Calamity that will soon be upon us again, but they need not fear. I shall rise up and become the Champion that will prevail. They will see me soar. 

Among my village, I might be known as the best, but I did come from humble beginnings. The cool Tabantha air never ruffled our pristine feathers. We strive for greatness and our people flock together in times of great trial. Our origins are strange, but our culture is rich, even among the Hylians who have been around since ancient times. We thrive among the skies, we soar with great wings higher than all others. We are the Rito. 

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I had always set my sights high and far beyond the clouds. My achievements rang throughout Rito Village on a daily basis. We Rito take pride in our archery skills and I am the best among them. So much so that I had recently won yet another competition. It was no competition at all, if I was being honest with myself. The village was aflutter with the news of my latest win. In a short matter of time I had shattered every record the village held, and I managed to have set the bar higher than ever. The village would speak of my accomplishments for generations to come! 

“Magnificent win, master Revali!” an older Rito gentleman said, waving enthusiastically as I walked through the village on my way to the main path. 

“Look! It’s Revali!” a flock of children shouted, their feathers ruffling in excitement.

I could get used to the attention. In fact, it made me puff up my feathers more as I passed by the Elder’s hut. The aging owl snoozed peacefully as I walked by. Thankfully our business had been completed the previous day. Our Elder bestowed a generous prize upon myself — a gift of my choosing for winning the latest competition. Due to my recent archery successes, I had wished for a training course. If I was to keep up my success, I would need to train daily. Even more so if I was to accomplish and master a new move I had dreamed up. 

Upon exiting the village, I could see Rito moving to and fro around the construction site of the archery range. I had chosen a spot within close proximity to the village, one that suited my fancy well. The range was to be state of the art; I had instructed that targets be strategically placed within the cavern, and a small shack built so I could rest. I’d imagined that I would be spending a lot of my time there. I strolled up the path and arrived at the flight range entrance; things looked to be nearly complete. The emblem for our people had been newly painted on the flight deck. The newly installed lights flickered in the shade of the clouds. I took my bow off my back, tip-toed around the wet paint and looked down into the cavern.

I had picked the perfect location. Natural wind currents billowed up around all of the targets. I could smell apples stewing in the cooking pot behind me, a snack for the Rito who had been working hard, no doubt. 

“Master Revali…” a uniformed Rito called, “…we hope that all is to your liking! We are done here. I saw you mind the paint, but if there is anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to call us.” He smiled widely. 

“Thank you for all your hard work. This is magnificent! You have met my specifications perfectly. I wish I could repay you for all of your efforts, but please know I will be singing your praises across the village and beyond.” I swept my feathers in a wide thanking gesture. 

I was truly grateful. My people had been good to me, but now it was time to focus on my training. I had an updraft to tame, and tame it I would!

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“Have you heard the news?”

“They say it’s going to return!”

“Mother, I’m scared…”

Fear had begun to plague Rito Village. The rumors of the return of Calamity Ganon had drifted through the homes of the Rito and soon enough the people had begun to look to me for answers. I was aware that a few years ago, Hylian scientists had dug up an ancient mechanical beast that they called Vah Medoh. It was apparently used to fight the great Calamity. I wasn’t sure what to think of these rumors, but they were starting to swirl and the people were becoming worried. 

“Mister Revali?” A child had waddled up to me as I was relaxing near one of the landings. “The Elder has sent me to get you. He said he would like to meet with you right away.” 

I gazed up at the clouds once more. I sighed as I stood, placed my bow on my back, and patted the small child on the head. He gave a small laugh and followed after me.

“You’re following me?” I asked, looking at the Rito child.

“Well, yes sir. I… I… my papa and I were wondering…” He didn’t need to finish his question. Once the rumors began to surge, I was bombarded with questions regarding shared use of the flight range. I could not deny that these were dangerous times. I could not longer remain selfish as I had these last few months. In reality it was not a terrible idea; the Rito needed to protect themselves. 

“Of course you and your father may train at the flight range. Please grow into a strong warrior and make our people proud.”

The young boy beamed at me then took off past the Elder’s hut when we arrived, feathers flying in excitement. I smiled; was I once naive and excitable like that?

I walked into the Elder’s hut, where the old owl was pondering over a letter. “Ah, Revali, please sit. We have much to discuss.”

I took my seat on an ornate rug, and the Elder sat beside me, his face growing stern. “An emissary from Hyrule Castle shall be arriving in the coming weeks. As you know, an ancient beast was uncovered here many years ago. The King of Hyrule has informed me of strange omens that Calamity Ganon shall descend upon Hyrule again. The Royal Family is in search of brave souls who might pilot the beasts that have been uncovered in the different nations. With Medoh having been found near Rito Village, it is only proper for Rito to be chosen. I had hoped that brave Rito would be you.”

“Me?” I stood up abruptly. According to legend, in order to pilot the beast you needed more than just mere skill. A person’s soul must contain an incredible, sacred power in order to pilot any of the Divine Beasts. The Elder may have no issue calling me by name, but the Royal Family should have at least heard about my skill!

“Master Revali?” The Elder looked up at me curiously.

“Elder, I accept. But I hope this emissary from the castle knows of my skills. I had only wish that the Royal Family had asked me themselves, but I do understand.” I bowed to the Elder and took my leave. 

I would learn to pilot the Rito’s Divine Beast. Medoh and I would become an unstoppable force and defeat Calamity Ganon. I would finally be able to prove myself to the world! Although I knew that must train more; I needed to tame the updraft before the Hylian emissary arrived. I had already impressed the village, but I needed to impress the world, and no one could ever dream to do what I was about to do.

 

Featured image: Heather Beard.

Heather Beard is a writer for Zelda Dungeon. She’s a (crazy) cat lady with a passion for Zelda lore, and really cheesy pizza. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and Twitter!