Fan Fiction Friday: Revali’s Song – Chapter 2

|| Chapter One || Chapter Three ||

Chapter Two

The Hylian emissary’s arrival turned out to be none-other than Princess Zelda herself. I was a little shocked when she arrived in Rito Village with her entourage, but I was also humbled that she came all this way herself. The Village Elder had us all meet together to discuss the threat of the Calamity. 

“Young princess, we Rito are humbled to have you in our village. I hope your travels were safe.”

The princess nodded, her blonde hair falling into her eyes. She brushed the stray strands away from her face. “Thank you. We are very happy to be here and I am thrilled to meet Master Revali as well. I have heard so much about you.” She looked at me with a smile, which was welcoming, but in her green eyes I could see fear. What was she hiding?

“The pleasure is all mine, Princess,” I said with a bow.

We all were seated in the Elder’s hut and we engaged in lively conversation for what seemed like hours. I kept wondering when the princess would ask me to accept piloting Medoh, but it never came up. 

“Well there is one more thing I would like to discuss,” Zelda said straightening up. “Master Revali, I have heard so many stories of your triumphs among the Rito. I’m sure you are aware of Calamity Ganon and the threat of his return. I am sure you have heard stories of the Divine Beast that was uncovered in Rito Village many years ago. Would you please be our Rito Champion?”

I allowed the question to hang in the air for suspense. The Elder already knew my answer, but the princess did not. “Well, before I accept, may I ask of the plan to defeat the Calamity? Do the Champions venture forth in their respective beasts and battle?”

“Actually the Divine Beasts are more like back-up for the Hylian Champion — the Hero of Legend. He is a knight of Hyrule’s Royal Army, and he has been chosen by the Master Sword. A boy named Link…”

The rest of the princess’ words blurred together. I wished I had never asked about the plan. Me… a back-up? A SIDEKICK even?! A sidekick to a lowly Hylian knight who had been chosen by a sword. As she continued to speak, I began to consider declining. She then caught my gaze with those eyes. “We must protect the precious life of this land from the Calamity’s grasp at all costs. Hyrule needs you, Revali.” 

Her words were so corny, but I cannot forget the look in her eyes. I think it will forever be burned into my soul. She meant it with all of her heart, and her entire being. I always thought Hylians were selfish, but I guess there’s always an exception. I would accept her request, but I decided that I may as well make her wait one more day. “Princess, I am flattered, but I need to think about this. Will you allow me to give my answer tomorrow?”

Her eyes fell, but she nodded. “Of course. I’m sure you have some things to think over. I will return for your answer tomorrow afternoon.”

“Perfect. Would you meet me at the Flight Range? I spend a lot of my time training and that is where you will likely find me.” 

“Yes, I look forward to hearing your answer then. Now if you’ll excuse me. I believe some of your people were going to show us around the village some more.” She stood up, bowed to myself and the Elder, and exited. 

The Elder sighed and settled down some more. “Master Revali, I believe that went well. I do hope you accept the princess’ request. You seemed so eager when you and I spoke of it a few weeks ago.”

I stood up, and bowed. “Yes. I did. I still do, but I need some time to think.” I ruffled my feathers and walked out and towards the Flight Range. 

---

The princess would return tomorrow, and I would take all of that time and put it into my training. I was so close to mastering my new move. Once I showed her my skills and accepted her proposal, she would surely be overcome with joy! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, but I needed to be ready. I dove into the range and took flight among the natural updrafts. I released arrow after arrow and hit every target dead center. I could feel myself float amongst the winds, but I needed to do more. I flew up to the flight deck and took my stance. I could feel the wind under my wings and drift between each feather. The winds began to swirl around my talons and my wings began to float upwards, but I had to hold position longer. I needed to control it. I pressed the winds back and waited… and waited… and waited… I could feel it, they were mine! I leapt upward and allowed the updraft of wind to carry me upwards and into the heavens. 

The flight range seemed to disappear from view as I soared higher and higher. I finally did it! I began to laugh at the sensation of controlling the winds as my own! There was such a thrill and it was exhilarating! When the princess witnessed my skills, she would know without a doubt that it would be ME fighting Calamity Ganon, instead of that silly chosen knight of hers. 

I drifted further into the clouds — I could see it now. The king, the princess, AND even the knight on their knees begging me to defeat the Calamity. I could hear them saying, “Please, Master Revali! Please use your otherworldly skills and intellect to defeat Calamity Ganon!” Oh, I looked forward to that day. 

I changed my flight pattern from drifting to diving, and dove towards the Flight Range, taking aim. Once again, not a target missed. I was unstoppable! I flew back towards the deck and gazed towards the sky. There was no limit for the great Revali! I rewarded my efforts by cooking myself a delicious meal and was glad they had put a cooking pot in the resting quarters. As the sun began to set, it became apparent that I was exhausted. I ate to my heart’s content and watched as the sky changed from bright blue to hues of purple and orange. I wondered what time the princess would return tomorrow. I wanted to be here, ready, and showing off what I could do. 

“Master Revali?” a voice said from behind me.

“Yes…” I said, turning around. It was Rito child.

“Um, sir, I was wondering if I could just watch… I saw you soar into the sky earlier, and it was amazing.”

I grinned. “Wasn’t it? You’ll have to forgive me, young fledgling, but it is late, and I must rest.” 

His gaze fell. “Oh well, maybe some other time.”

“Why don’t you sit with me for a while? Shall I tell you a story of one of my triumphs?” I replied, patting a space next to the cooking pot. “I know your father. We go way back, I can tell you stories about him too.”

The young fledgling grinned and plopped down next to me. I would never admit it to my peers, but the fledgling Rito were the future, and they needed to be ready to pass along our history — my history.

---

I arose early the next morning and awaited the arrival of the princess. Snow had fallen throughout the night and it still fell as the sun began to rise. The tiny flakes fell upon my face as I left the Flight Range to look down the path to see if anyone was on their way.  The sun rose into the Tabantha sky and soon clouds dotted the wistful blue hue against the snow. I practiced what I had now deemed “Revali’s Gale” over and over again until I needed to rest for the arrival of the princess. I wished I had asked exactly when she would make her appearance; I wanted to wow her. 

Hours passed and I could not rest for long. I tried my gale from different places around the flight range. At my next attempt I took my stance and rose upward, but as soon as I found myself at the peak of the gale, I faltered and was overtaken by the swirling vortex of winds. As quick as I found myself in the air I had found myself on the ground.

“Not enough…” I said, feeling defeated. I thought I had perfected this move by now, but my last few attempts had proven futile. “I must stay in the eye of the whirlwind and push myself harder…” The crunching of the freshly fallen snow made me swing around quickly. It was the princess! Had she seen me fail? Would she take me on as a Champion now? “You know, Your Highness, it’s rude to eavesdrop.”

“My apologies, I went to the village and they reminded me that I could find you here,” she said, apologetically.

“So, you have need of me to defeat Calamity Ganon. To slay the beast once and for all… It will be my great pleasure.” I had given her her answer.

Princess Zelda’s face lit up. “Thank you, Revali. If we work together, I’m certain we’ll be able to defeat –”

“However!” I needed to show her once and forever. I took my stance again and felt the wind flow up under my feathers. I took flight and rose into the air, more gracefully than I had ever before, but as soon as I felt myself waver I took control and soared higher and higher. When I reached the apex of my gale I scouted out the targets, took aim, and dove into the Flight Range. Snow pelted my face, but I didn’t care. The first three bomb arrows when off together. I took flight again and released bomb arrow, after bomb arrow lighting the flight range with a warm fire. As I finished my grande finale, I flew to the flight deck and took sight of the princess’ gaze of wonder and amazement. It was exactly what I wanted to see. 

“I know I play the biggest part in helping that, ahem, that little knight with the darkness-sealing sword, correct? Well, if he loses his confidence after seeing me in action, don’t come crying to me.” I grinned at the princess and took a bow. 

She and her entourage clapped. I invited them into the hut of the Flight Range and we discussed being a Champion further. Regardless of the outcome, I had maintained my pride and put on my greatest performance yet. Now I had to prepare for my next challenge. Vah Medoh, and then Calamity Ganon. 

 

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!