Chapter 1

Already Over

My best defense, running from you
I can't resist, take all you want from me
Breaking slowly

I'd give it all to you
Letting go of me
Reaching as I fall
I know it's already over now
Nothing left to lose
Loving you again
I know it's already over, already over now

(Already Over by Red)

"Your Highness, I have distressing news. The wall bordering Daein has been breached by what appeared to be a small army of Daein soldiers, Wyvern riders, and the rumored shadow creatures. Unfortunately we were forced to retreat," The soldier promptly reported. "I was sent by the commanding post officer to inform you and Lord Ike on this matter, Princess Elincia Crimea."

"So they've finally began to move. This is most upsetting," Princess Crimea solemnly replied. "I'll inform Lord Ike and the others promptly so we can begin preparing for battle." She turned away from the soldier and stared out of the nearby window.

It had been five years since King Ashnard and his Daein Army invaded Crimea killing her father and forcing her to flee the castle to save her own life. After Ike and his mercenaries assisted her in defeating the king of Daein, Princess Crimea had assumed the throne as the new ruler of Crimea and promptly began to rebuild her country to what it once was. Recently within the past few months reports and rumors have been flying in from several sources about a mysterious dark being taking over Daein, calling itself their king, and creating an army of shadow monsters. Daein was still very fragile after the war because many of the remaining soldiers and residents were still bitter to Crimea since they were left without a king. The only thing that was left was the ruble of their nation and heartache. It was only a matter of time until this supposed army would make their move on Crimea and begin the horrid cycle again.

"Princess Crimea, I was also ordered to tell you that it will be greatly essential to search out for reinforcements to aide us. These beings are inhumanly strong and the Daein army has greatly reinforced themselves since the last war," The soldier firmly added. "It's unlikely that we or anyone else are ready for this type of strength."

The soldier's words hit Princess Crimea like a lead brick. She had to inform Ike quickly before this army or anyone else made their way to any towns or settlements. "Thank you. If you would please excuse me," Princess Crimea curtsied to him and ran out of the throne room.

Princess Crimea thoughts were racing as she ran the halls in search of Ike. She couldn't think of anyone inside of Tellius who would be of help. Not even the nations of Begnion, Gallia, or Phonicis would have the man or beast power to defeat these shadow monsters. Princess Crimea's thoughts went to outside of the continent to the nations that she knew of. Nothing came to mind and she became more distraught. Suddenly Princess Crimea remembered something and stopped in her tracks. She had heard a story about a far off land that was also invaded by a shadow king and his army, and after some time of battling he was defeated by the princess of the land and a legendary hero. She knew then that that's where they needed to get help. Princess Crimea began again on her way to see Ike.

"My Lord Ike," Princess Crimea said after she opened the door to the study room that he was in. She had to ask a couple soldiers about Ike's whereabouts and finally found him to her relief. Ike turned from the book he was reading and saw the princess standing just inside the room staring at him. Before she could say another word Ike shot up from his chair and ran over to Princess Crimea.

"Elincia! What's wrong? What happened?" Ike asked concerned after he saw the distressed look on her face. Princess Crimea hadn't looked like that since the last war with King Ashnard. Ike placed his left hand on her shoulder and stroked her emerald green hair with his right to try and calm her.

"A report just came in about the bordering wall between Crimea and Daein being breeched by the Daein army and the shadow monsters that had been rumored about for so long." Elincia repeated trying to stay calm. "My Lord Ike, we need assistance from other countries to aide us."

Ike digested the dour news while looking down at Princess Crimea's pleading face. He knew it was inevitable but it still hit him as if it was never known. They only had information on the fact that Daein was harboring these new creatures but knew nothing on their fighting ability or strengths and weakness. "I'll send out small messenger groups to the leaders of the other nations to inform them of our need. I'll notify our soldiers and get them ready for battle."

"That isn't going to be enough!" Princess Crimea took a step back from Ike. "The shadow monsters have inhuman strength and even the Daein soldiers and Wyvern riders have strengthened themselves greatly since the last war!"

"That doesn't mean we or any of the other nations haven't become stronger since then! You need to have faith in your army, Princess!" Ike began to feel defensive. Since becoming the general of the Crimean army five years ago he has become very dedicated to them and had an immense amount of confidence in their strength and wisdom. It was obvious that if anyone doubted the strength or ability of his army that he would be highly insulted.

"YOUR strong army had to retreat from that base after being defeated by them!" Princess Crimea shouted back earnestly. Ike was the only one she ever argued with despite her tender and caring nature. She knew his ability in fighting and commanding was amazing, but she greatly disliked his stubbornness.

Ike was taken aback from her statement. It was always serious when Elincia becomes upset. It was always because of the love for her people. She would do anything for them- even give her life away to protect them.

He always hated arguing with Princess Crimea because she's so gentle and most of the time right. Over the years Ike had developed a love for her which made things very difficult for him and frequently caused more arguments, but he couldn't understand why.

Now once again Ike felt bad snapping at her and knew he was in the wrong. "I'm sorry." Ike apologized and took Princess Crimea into his arms. "What would you like me to do, Princess?"

Princess Crimea momentarily took in the warmth of Ike's body and the tranquil strength of his arms around her. The only time Ike ever called her just 'Princess' was when he was defeated in an argument, being very serious, or affectionate- the later not being very often. She looked up at Ike and then spoke. "We need to look outside of Tellius."

"What do you mean? Who should we go to for help?"

"I remember hearing a report on a country that were invaded by similar beings and successfully defeated them and their king. We need their help, Ike!"

Ike knew what Elincia was talking about. It was only a couple months ago that he himself heard of the story when he was out on a short mission to Begnion. "You mean Hyrule!? That's a two month trip at least away from here! You can't possibly mean getting their help in time to defeat Daein!" Ike pushed Elincia away but kept his hands on her arms. "By the time they get here it'll be too late. And that's IF they decide to help us."

Elincia shook her head. "My Lord Ike, you are so stubborn. Please trust me! We can still send word out to the other nations in Tellius for their aide and try to keep the Daein army at bay while you seek help."

"Me?! Who said I was going? I have an army to run here!" Ike raised an eyebrow and then turned away to collect his thoughts.

"I did," Elincia firmly said. "I want you to be the one to personally retrieve the princess of Hyrule and the legendary hero. You've always had a way with bringing people together, despite your stubbornness." Elincia turned Ike around, leaned up to him and kissed his cheek. "Please, do this for Crimea. Do this for me."

Ike immediately blushed as the wheels in his mind began to turn more. He knew he couldn't turn down Princess Elincia's offer. But those were only two people, and according the story it was them and possibly a third person who completely took down the dark king. Ike continued to rack his brain for any way out of it or any other excuse but then accepted defeat when nothing came to mind. "Alright. I'll speak to the others and get a small group to accompany me. Titania will now be in charge of the Army while I'm away."

"Oh thank you my Lord Ike! Your journey will not be in vain!"

Ike cracked an astute smile at Elincia's reaction. He wanted to sweep Elincia right off her feet and kiss her but he was never quite good with those things. Ike knew it probably wasn't the right time or even appropriate to do it so he quickly turned his thoughts back to his new mission. Even though this idea still seems crazy to Ike, he couldn't deny Elincia. He would do anything for her.

"I think I might know of someone else who could also be of assistance." He added.

**************

Strolling down one of the corridors alone he could still feel the summer heat coming in through the open windows though he was inside and safe. It was an unusually warm day and most of the townspeople were already taking shelter in the shade. In the corridor the only sound that was heard was the clapping of the soles of his adventure-laden boots on the cold marble floor. After a long afternoon of personal training he was ready for some rest and relaxation out of the torturous heat. It was now early evening and the sun had already begun to set.

"Link!" A female voice shouted from behind. "There you are!"

He quickly turned around to see who it was. "Princess Zelda?" It was still difficult for Link to get his emotions and character right around Zelda since he never knew if she was going to be serious or laid back. He was continually working on adjusting to castle life.

She approached Link and threw her arms around his waist. "I've been looking everywhere for you!" Princess Zelda looked up and kissed Link's cheek.

Link blushed and began stroking Zelda's hair. "How can I help you, Princess?" It wasn't very often that Zelda wasn't immensely proper and decorous. She was after all the leader of Hyrule and had to be fervent at all times for her people. The only time she was completely lax was when she and Link were completely alone, and it wasn't very often that they had this time together. Since defeating Zant and Ganondorf half a year ago Zelda once again took up the reigns of being Hyrule's princess and made Link her personal bodyguard.

"Well…the council's meeting got out earlier than expected and I was hoping to find you so we can finally spend some time together." Princess Zelda smiled and took Link's hand into her own.

Link smiled and nodded his head. "Sure. What would you like to do, Zelda?" During his trials with Midna and saving Zelda from Ganondorf Link grew into love with Zelda but knew nothing could happen since she was royalty and he was just a simple man from Ordon. Link could only pray Zelda felt the same for him, though their love would be forbidden. He knew he was extremely lucky as it was that he was able to live in the castle, especially since a select few of the council elders disapproved of the princess' actions.

Even just as friends Link knew he and Zelda had a special connection that nothing could tear apart.

"I don't know if you found out already but the gardeners just planted a new section of roses and various other flowers. I haven't seen it yet since the council kept me so busy these past few days. Would you like to do that?" Zelda asked with much hopefulness in her voice.

"Of course, Zelda. If you like it then I will too." For a moment Link began to waver on deciding to do something that might cost him. They were finally alone and who knew when the next time they would get this chance. Zelda was looking up at him with mild anticipation to go, but Link continued to take in the moment. Over a year's worth of feelings bottled up could be let loose on a whim if he decided to go through with it.

Pushing aside all doubt, Link stepped into a nearby darkened alcove and pulled Zelda with him. Before she could react Link pulled Zelda in close, wrapping her in his arms, and kissed her with gentle passion. They quickly parted and were both in shock at what just happened.

Link didn't regret his decision. In fact he wanted to continue kissing Zelda but knew it probably wasn't the best thing. "I'm sorry Princess…." Link softly pushed Zelda off of him. It was worth the risk after all. The feeling he just received from that one kiss just confirmed his love for Zelda

Zelda's stomach was filled with a million butterflies after the kiss. She didn't expect Link to do that right then and there, but she was waiting for that moment for what seemed like forever. Over a year's worth of feelings confined to only her personal thoughts were immediately and unexpectedly brought out with one simple, longed-for kiss. Everything around her disappeared and it was just the two of them, alone.

"Don't be sorry, please." Zelda stated and leaned up to Link to kiss him again, placing her hands on his face. Once again Link wrapped his arms around Zelda, pressing their bodies together.

Both Link's and Zelda's quiet passion for each other poured out of them and into each other. So much unspoken love, so much desire came bursting through their personal barriers and engulfed them. Link and Zelda continued to drink in the moment and each other's love. Neither one could get enough.

Link never felt like this before and never had such strong feelings for anyone. He just hoped that he wouldn't regret this decision in the future. It was always such a risk being around the princess.

Zelda on the other hand knew that this would probably come back to bite her but she didn't care. Being tied down and oppressed by her duty of Princess of Hyrule only made her desire for freedom and love only stronger. She was a strong, selfless woman and would do anything to protect her people, but she had her needs too.

The serene moment was shattered when quickly approaching footsteps were coming down the corridor. Link and Zelda immediately parted and had one last longing look into each others eyes. Zelda adjusted her shoulders to change her demeanor and matter-of-factly walked out of the alcove as if nothing happened. Link felt his stomach sink a bit when Zelda did that but he knew she had to. If anyone knew of their love for each other who knew what would happen, but it wouldn't be good.

"Your Highness!" A voice came out. "I apologize for being brash but I have an urgent message for you."

Zelda looked at the soldier who had just approached her and noticed he was holding a letter. Link peered out of the alcove to see what was going on.

The soldier held out the letter for Zelda and she promptly took it. "Thank you. I wonder what's so urgent." She said as she opened the letter. Zelda began to read and her face turned pale.

"Are you alright, Princess Zelda?" The soldier asked.

By this time Link had walked up to Zelda but kept a few feet behind her. The soldier caught wind of Link's presence and shot him a sharp look. "Zelda? What's wrong?" Link asked when he saw her troubled face.

"Oh Link!" Zelda said out of surprise as if she was broken from a trance and looked at him. She remained silent for a moment and then turned back to the letter. "Someone by the name of Lord Ike, general of the Crimean army and commander of the Greil Mercenaries, is seeking our help."

"Ike? Crimea? Never heard of them. Since when is asking of our help a bad thing, though?" Link wondered.

"I…I don't know. I just suddenly had a horrible feeling come over me when reading this. All he asks is to send someone who fought during our war with the 'dark king' to Telma's bar where they're staying." Zelda felt uneasy as she answered. All of a sudden her eyes flew open and she turned to Link. "Do you think-? No…that can't be possible."

"It can't be. We completely vanquished Zant and Ganondorf. So why would he be meddling in our affairs anyway regarding them?"

"That I don't know. Would you be willing to see Lord Ike so see what he wants? It must be serious if the general of an army comes personally for a request."

Link looked away for a moment. He had tried to push away the memories of the war with the evil of the Twilight Realm but it was hard since the emotional wounds were still healing. To think of something happening again with either Zant or Ganondorf angered Link. "If that's what you think is the best thing to do, Princess, I'll do it."

Zelda knew Link was upset about this, but she couldn't blame him either. She herself was still trying to nurse her emotional wounds, especially since she was the one who put the entire land of Hyrule under Zant's control in order to save them. "Just see what he requests. It wouldn't hurt. He came all this way from Crimea so let's show him some hospitality and honor his request."

"As you wish, Princess."

**********

"If my calculations are correct we should be at Hyrule castle by early evening." A young man affirmed after looking at his map.

"Thanks Soren," Ike replied while staring up at the cloudless sky. "After almost a month and a half of travel I'm certainly ready for a nice meal and a place to rest. This heat sure is unbearable!"

Ike wiped the sweat from his brow and then looked down at his horse which seemed to be feeling the heat as well. He looked around at his friends and saw that they too were showing eager signs of getting out of the heat.

"I hear ya man! I hope some nice grub and good looking ladies will be waiting for us there!" Boyd stated trying to keep his hopes up within the heat.

"Good luck with that." Oscar chuckled. He was feeling the most heat from his heavy armor bearing down on him and entrapping most of the hot air.

The four men were following a shanty dirt road through the eastern Hyrule Field that seemed endless. It was vastly open and heat waves could be seen all around. In the far distance what looked like tall peaks of a building shot up through the air and all at once gave the men a second wind.

"That's the castle there! It shouldn't be much farther now. At the edge of this plain there's a bridge that should directly lead us to the main town." Soren reported.

"If it's not that far then what's keeping us? Let's go! HYA!" Ike shouted and heeled the sides of his horse to make it gallop. Princess Crimea was on his mind and he wanted to get back as soon as he could so Crimea wouldn't be in danger any longer.

Without an argument Boyd, Oscar, and Soren followed suit of Ike in galloping now the rest of the way to the castle.

Before Ike and his team left Crimea for Hyrule a devastating report came in about an outlying, peaceful village was overtaken by the shadow creatures and Daein army men and then left in what seemed to be a shadow-like force field. No one from the village was heard from and there was a rumor that they turned into wandering souls never allowed to leave that area. To make matters worse the Daein army with the shadow creatures were continually working their way into Crimea and nothing could stop them. Some of the soldiers from the beast and bird tribes were able to help in holding them off, but even their aide would be bested and become overcome by the mysterious twilight.

Reaching the vast wall that surrounded Hyrule Castle Town, Ike and his men all dismounted their horses and proceeded through the gates. Because of the uniqueness of their clothing and armor, a lot of strange glares came from the locals and even some of the guards.

The staring glares from the townsfolk didn't seem to bother Oscar or Boyd. Oscar smiled and kept up a positive attitude while Boyd seemed to seek out what was being sold by the street vendors- not to mention the more attractive Hylian women who were either shopping or selling goods. Soren seemed to have quickly developed a dark cloud around him; mainly because he was getting most of the stares because of his pale skin, dark hair, and mark on his forehead. Ike kept up the confident front since he was the leader of the group. Strange looks and gawks from people didn't bother him anymore after traveling for so long.

"Halt there!" A nearby guard hollered when he saw the group being to walk the streets with their horses. "You're not from around here. What is your business here in Hyrule?" He and another guard promptly stood in their way.

Ike halted immediately and then motioned for everyone else to do the same. After they stopped Ike suddenly realized how different they were. Not only were their clothing styles extremely different, but their ears were rounded unlike the townsfolk's which were long and pointed.

"No we are not. I am Lord Ike, general of the Crimean army," Ike began. He still hated being so formal even after so many years of doing it, but somehow Ike became numb to it. "These men and I have traveled from the nation of Crimea in Tellius in search of your princess and legendary hero."

To Ike's surprise the guards became dumbfounded and unsure how to react to the answer. They examined Ike closer and did notice the Crimean crest upon his armor as well as the markings distinguishing him as the general. "With all due respect Sir, what business do you have with the princess?"

"It's not a matter than can be spoken in public. Is there a place where we can discuss this as well as obtain some much needed food and rest?"

The guard stammered for a moment and then began walking towards a nearby alleyway. "There's a bar this way that a lot of travelers go to."

Ike and company followed the two guards into the alleyway and then to the bar, leaving the horses outside at the watering troughs.

"Welcome to my bar!" A rather busty woman greeted as the men entered. "My name is Telma and I'm at your service. What can I get ya boys?"

"Some hot food would be great!" Boyd said without missing a beat.

"A place to sleep would be great too, if you wouldn't mind." Oscar added. Soren continued to stay mute in his gloominess.

Telma gave a cheeky smile. "No problem. You guys can sit there in that room ahead of you while you wait." Before anyone could reply she was gone and only her cat remained at the bar.

"General Ike, what is the business that you have with the princess?" The guard continued to persist.

"Our country is beginning to become overrun with some kind of shadow monsters and twilight-like darkness. Princess Elincia Crimea heard of your princess and a legendary hero saving this nation from a seemingly similar oppression and personally sent me to gain their aide."

The guard's composure rapidly deteriorated at Ike's words. It was apparent that the guard knew what Ike was talking about. "We must inform her Highness immediately."

***********

The sun was already behind the buildings by the time Link made to the southern road in Castle Town. In a small passageway off the main street rested a small bar tavern that was run by Telma, a good friend of Link's. The door was slightly cracked open which revealed a soft golden glow of lanterns and candles. Link entered the bar and was immediately greeted by Telma.

"Link! It's been too long! I wish we had more time to chat but than man and his group has certainly brought some grim news." Telma informed as her greeting smiled turned dim.

"Is it what I think it is?" Link reluctantly asked.

Telma just nodded. "It seems to be that way. He's right over there waiting for you, hun."

Link looked down at the floor and began to walk away from the bar where Telma was. "Thank you."

In a small area set apart from the main bar sat four men discussing something while sitting at the table. Their clothes were dirty- evidence of a long travel.

"Lord Ike?" Link asked not sure what to expect.

A blue haired man sitting the farthest from Link looked up and then arose from his seat. The other men stared at Link analyzing him. "That would be me. Please…call me Ike. And you are?"

"Link. You sent for me?"

"Are you the one who fought in the battle the dark king, the one they call the legendary hero?"

"Y…yes," Link choked for a minute. He took the moment to study Ike and noticed he didn't look very much the part of a general. Ike had a long green tattered band around his forehead and tattered red cloak. He didn't have any royal regalia on but just simple mercenary-like clothing. "What is it that you need of Hyrule?"

Without delay Ike walked from his seat and swiftly made his way to Link. "I've been personally sent by Princess Elincia Crimea to ask for your assistance. Crimea has begun to be invaded with these shadow-like monsters and beings that have enormous power that neither my army nor any army of the nearby nations can fend off." Ike paused for a minute as he watched the information absorb into Link. "Daein is a neighboring country of Crimea and was taken over by this dark, shadow being king that we know nothing of. He built up an army of shadow monsters and as he's moving his troops out the lands are becoming dark, as if it's twilight permanently.

Not all that long ago we heard of Hyrule being overrun with similar beings and then being defeated by the princess and legendary hero. You're our hope to defeat this king and help us restore our nation!"

Link reluctantly took in the information. It didn't seem believable but then why would a man of Ike's stature come all the way to Hyrule if it wasn't true? For Zelda's sake Link tried to stay as calm as possible. "It wasn't as easy as you think."

Ike stared at Link but didn't say anything. The youngest man at the table, who was dressed in a black sorcerer's outfit, was starting to get restless. "I knew they wouldn't help."

"That was uncalled for Soren!" A rugged man with short spiky green hair shouted.

"I will have to agree with Boyd on this one." The third man who also had short green hair almost matching green armor chimed in. "He deserves chance. They've barely begun talking."

"Oscar, Boyd, Soren! Enough!" Ike snapped. The stress of the dire situation of Crimea and the long journey was starting to get to him. "I apologize on their behalves. It's been a long journey from Crimea."

Link could feel a headache coming on but he ignored it. "It's alright."

Soren continued to stare down Link, but Boyd and Oscar chose to ignore Soren and his negative attitude and focused on Ike.

"So what were you saying before they started arguing?" Ike earnestly asked.

"I said it wasn't as easy as you think," Link began. He wanted to keep the details minimum in order to keep the painful memories at bay. "The entire situation was complex. Zant was the self-proclaimed leader of the Twili who ultimately was under the influence of Ganondorf. It took the power that Princess Zelda, I, and the true ruler of the Twili to take down both of them. The monsters you speak of are indeed the Twili monsters that once invaded Hyrule."

Ike's eyes turned into slits. "Well I figured it wouldn't have been easy. So you do know about these creatures. So what about the being who took over Daein?"

"That I don't know. Both Zant and Ganondorf were defeated so it's highly unlikely that they would return. If they would happen to return it would most likely be back here in Hyrule anyway."

"So are you going to help us or what?" Soren spat out again.

"Always with the negativity, Soren. Jeeze." Oscar stated and shifted in his chair.

Ike shook his head. "Please forgive Soren. He's a nice guy, but not the most positive person."

"But Soren DOES have a point, Ike." Boyd finally stated. Ike just glared at him.

All four of the men were looking at Link awaiting an answer. He didn't like the situation that they presented him with and he couldn't outright deny them. Link knew he had to stall and consult with Zelda. "I can't say just yet. I'm sorry."

"What do you mean?" Ike was puzzled now. He had to get an answer and get back to Crimea as soon as possible.

"Well…first off it's not an easy decision to make, especially on a whim like this. Secondly, you would need Princess Zelda to help but I don't think she would be able to leave Hyrule," Link took in a deep breath and rubbed his forehead. "Besides…the Princess of the Twilight is back in her realm and is not able to return at all to help. So the powers that Zelda and I hold may help, but we would definitely need the Twilight Princess to be certain."

Ike sternly looked at Link. "You are certain of this?"

Ike's stubbornness was showing and it was starting to get to Link. "Positive."

Ike turned and walked away from Link to sit back in his seat. Oscar and Boyd kept their gaze on Ike but Soren kept to himself. Ike placed his head in his hands and sighed. There was a long awkward silence before anyone said anything.

"Alright, you can talk it over with Princess Zelda but I'm going to be up to the castle tomorrow morning to get your verdict. You must understand that Princess Elincia needs you!" Ike finally stated.

Link was relieved the conversation was over, but now he had to face Zelda which didn't make him feel any better. "Agreed. Now if you will excuse me I must get back to the princess then."