Hi, this is ShadowHarlequin with my first fic – or at least the first fic I've put up here on my own. I've written some collabs with a friend, although those were PWP – fun but by no means an epic read; unless you consider near-inhuman endurance.
I've always loved the Zelda games, so for the first taste of my writing I thought I'd give you guys a concept I've always wondered about. It contains some OCs but no Mary-Sues simply because I couldn't make one if I tried. Anyhow, enjoy!
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-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Chapter 1: Bargain -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Darkness, large and empty. A neverending void stretched out in all directions, empty of sound, light or even the slightest hint of movement. Instead the inky blackness clouded and whirled; forever knotting in on itself in a stagnant and strangled cycle.
So this is Death, Ganondorf thought.
He drifted through the pulsing emptiness. His body had long since faded away as his spirit lost its residual self-image, reducing him to a stray consciousness and nothing more… the once-terrible King of Evil diminished to what was essentially a floating pair of eyes and thoughts. Over and over again his dying moments played, repeating again and again and again until he knew every movement, every blow, every wound as intimately and in as much detail as only the tormented dead could ever know. And with each reliving of his death the hatred of his slayer grew stronger until the fury and loathing was nearly palpable. He could nearly taste the metallic tang of Link's blood on his lips.
Blasted and accursed hero… what I would give to have you feast on these horrors with me. Had I the chance, I should have fed you my sword!
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"Oh wow! You brought me another one!"
Link smiled as Agitha happily bounced up and down; a small grasshopper in her open palm and her face bright. "Another friend for the golden insects! Link, you're so kind! Ohh, little grasshopper; I want to tie those antennae into a lovely bow…"
Heh. She always does this whenever I bring her an insect, Link thought to himself, amused. Still, if it makes her happy then there's no harm in it I suppose…
He grinned and took a step back. "Well, I'm outta here. It's almost time for me to give Colin his swordplay lesson; so I'll see you tomorrow okay?"
"I'll see you then! Thank you again!" Agitha waved merrily as Link turned and left her house. She turned and put the grasshopper down in the indoor garden she had prepared for her insects. "Hey… he's the same colour as you, grasshopper!" she laughed.
Several months had passed since Ganondorf's downfall and the destruction of the Twilight Mirror. Hyrule was peaceful and mostly back to normal; thanks to the hardworking Gorons the land had been cleared of all the debris Zant's evil had caused. Princess Zelda had reassumed the throne and was steering the country back towards serenity; and Link, the hero who with the aid of the Twilight Princess had saved them all from Ganondorf's corrupting influence, had gone back to his simple life in his home, the Ordona Province. Life was simple and peaceful; but sometimes he wished for something to happen; to bring back the adventure and battle he had known and excelled at.
Epona galloped across the bridge spanning Lake Hylia; the water below bright and crystal-clear. Everything had been returned to the way it was and all was good and right with the land. And despite his longing for adventure, Link was satisfied.
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Ganondorf.
The voice cut clear through the darkness as like a knife through a still lake; echoing and rebounding from all directions until all that could be heard was the sound of his name.
Ganondorf.
Louder now, and more commanding. The shade of Ganondorf looked around; or at least his consciousness looked around for the source.
What new torment is this? he swore.
Torment? No, no no no no. It is not torment I have come to offer. I offer you a way out, the new voice said. I offer you a path back to the world of the living – and your revenge.
Displeasure filled Ganondorf's being. There IS no way back! You are nothing more than another voice in this unholy darkness sent to afflict me.
Laughter rang throughout the void; the sound growing louder and clearer as the sound became thick and rich and real.
"Am I now? Is this the magnificent Ganon finally broken like a child's toy?"
An image of a robed woman wavered into view. Her face was hidden beneath the unadorned red mantle.
Koume? Surely this apparition cannot be you.
"Indeed it isn't," the woman said, her voice low and rich. "I am Rala, a humble necromancer. I am here to offer you a way out of your cursed afterlife."
Are you now? Ganondorf's shade replied bitterly. And for what? Do you want power, wealth, prestige? I have none left but my memories; and little solace do they offer.
"I can see the time thus spent here has been draining on your resolve. In which case do listen to me closely. I can offer you more than a simple rebirth – I can give you power. I can show you the way to godhood that not even the Triforce can grant. And I can offer you the pleasure of killing a certain meddlesome hero with your bare hands. All I ask is one small favour in return," Rala's phantom sang, her voice sweet and dark.
But of course you do. And what would this favour be? the deceased Gerudo asked in a voice dripping with sarcasm.
"When I return you to the world of the living, I will provide all information you will need for your soul's desires. But as payment I would ask you to obtain a relic for me. It is broken and hollow, truly worthless – surely such a simple promise would be worth sweet blood on your hands and a world at your feet."
And if I say no? Ganondorf replied, wary of Rala's honeyed words.
She shrugged, and began to fade away. Then I shall leave you to your eternal solitude. Goodbye, Ganondorf.
"Wait!"
Ganondorf's voice rang out; as strong and commanding as it had once been. Stunned, he put one hand to his mouth.
Shock ran through him as he realized what he had done. His gaze tore in all directions, the familiar sight of his armor greeting him with its shadowy gleam. His hands flexed and unflexed inside thick chainmail gloves, his legs encased in plate mail. Wondrously, his body had inexplicably been restored.
I am pleased with your decision, Rala's voice sang in little more than a whisper as a billowing warmth started spreading through Ganondorf in an uplifting current; filling him with vigour as triumphant laughter began to spill from his lips and the surrounding darkness gave way to an intense bright light. I wish you luck; and remember your vow.
Blurred colour gave way to clarity as the brilliant blues and greens of Lake Hylia at night became clear and focused. The Dark King hovered a mere foot above a grassy island, floating as if weightless. Ganondorf took a suspicious step down; and when his iron-clad foot stepped onto solid ground fierce joy bloomed within him. After an eternity of suffering he was ready to take his vengeance on the one who had killed him.
Ganondorf had returned.