Chapter 2

Back in Goron City, Darunia was already riling up his people. Throughout their home and even out onto the Death Mountain Trail, Gorons piled together and listened intently to their leader's call to arms.

"Our Hyrule brethren have disrespected us! They are taking away our Goddess-given right to merely survive in this world! The only choice is for us to stop the other races from obtaining the Triforce!"

While all of the other Gorons cheered together in agreement, there was but one who stood alone. Literally. But figuratively as well.

Golo, the owner of the Goron Shop, was standing over the counter with his typical uninterested face. He could only roll his eyes at the thought of his fellow Gorons mindlessly charging into a war. Perhaps it was the lack of food, he thought, that was affecting their judgment. No… The Gorons had drastically changed in morality as well. That was the problem.

Before he could ponder any further, he noticed the uproar die down and people leave the area, probably to make preparations for war. To Golo's surprise, he saw Darunia making his way to the shop.

"Golo…. I did not see you out there during my speech."

"I have a shop to run, Darunia…."

"For what customers? They were all out there supporting their leader. All but you, that is…."

Golo was quick to snap. "You know very well I don't like the idea of war, Darunia! So don't expect me to be involved in any way…."

"I hope you realize all Gorons are required to aid the war's efforts."

Golo scoffed and mumbled to himself. "It's not like we don't have plenty to go around…."

"What was that?!"

Golo stayed silent.

"If you weren't my older brother, Golo, I would…." Darunia's voice trailed off. He then shook his head and exited the shop.

Closing his eyes, Golo too shook his head. Only…. It was in disappointment of what had become of his younger brother. He longed for the days when Darunia was gentler and kinder. His younger brother always stood out as the most soft-hearted member of the rock-hard race. At the time, people surprisingly liked that about him. But…. As people changed, Darunia did as well. The brothers had grown up in a time of change, with the baby boom only beginning in their childhood. It seemed the morality of the Gorons had gone down. And, not to mention, the humility. With the larger population, the tribe began to feel too proud, and, because of the lack of food, they became more self-centered, prioritizing their needs far beyond any other race's. What happened to them didn't matter as long as the Gorons were provided for. Golo hoped that Darunia, who had only recently become leader when this was happening, would bring his people back on the right track. But Golo found that his brother had too changed with his tribe. Now, here they are, soon to face the punishment for their sins….

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Entering Hyrule Field, Link immediately found soldiers spread out across the area. After a quick scan, he estimated around 1000 troops currently present, all scattered around in their own groups. Slightly disappointed, he sighed. I surely hope, Link thought, that the task ahead won't be as much of a pain as it seems to be.

With his hands folded behind his back, Link, who put on a soldier helmet he carried to shield his identity, casually strolled past each of the soldiers and listened in on their conversations.

"I hear the King has declared war!"

"HA, I'd hardly call it a war! Once we storm into each tribe and show them who's in power, they'll back down like the weaklings they are!"

Link had a response to such a comment, but he decided to keep on walking and see what others were saying.

"So…. How many kills do you think I'll rack up from this little uprising, guys?"

"Knowing you, probably all of them!"

After Link listened to the cocky laughter from this particular conversation, he looked to the soldier who had even dared to ask such a question. Though tempted to approach him, Link grit his teeth and kept moving on. The attitude he was picking up from the soldiers greatly bothered him. Did they not realize how serious this was?

"When we get to Goron City, I'm gonna scare all of those fat, good-for-nothing Gorons by closing off Dodongo's Cavern!"

"Isn't that their only food source, though?"

"Then they'd better get their act together!"

At this point, Link couldn't resist any further. He immediately dashed toward the soldier who shared his foolish plan and kneed him right in the gut. Link then planted his boot into the soldier and knocked him down to the ground. He proceeded to draw his blade, pointing it at the soldier's neck.

"How dare you speak so ill of your fellow countrymen!"

All of the other soldiers quickly focused their attention to the ongoing scene. When Link realized this, he looked toward them, specifically eyeing any soldier that had caught his ear earlier.

"And I am ashamed by the rest of you as well! Do you think this is some sort of joke?!"

The soldier Link had brought down wasted no time for revenge. He grabbed his spear and thrusted it toward the Knight. But, of course, the attempt was to no avail. Link had immediately equipped his Hylian Shield to counter, which rendered the spear useless.

At this point, all of the other soldiers surrounding Link slowly backed away, as, though Link's disguise was still in place, they had finally recognized just who he was. Noticing this, Link lifted off the helmet, allowing everyone to see that he indeed was the Captain of the Royal Knights. Nador, the cocky soldier who had made a fool of himself, quickly sprang up and saluted Link.

"Sir! Please forgive me! I was not aware you -"

"And what should it matter if I am the Captain of the Royal Knights or an everyday soldier? What kind of Hylian Soldier acts in this way?"

"Well, sir, I am actually Captain Nador of the Hylian Soldiers…."

Link took a closer look at Nador and saw his armor was different than the other soldiers, obviously indicating he was their leader. Nevertheless, it only made Link more furious.

"I expect more out of a Captain, Nodore."

"Sir, it's Nador."

"Doesn't matter. As of today, your name doesn't matter."

Link looked at the rest of the soldiers and spoke to them as well.

"Indeed! As of today, your names do not matter! Your selfish and foolish desires do not matter either! With an all-out war soon to begin, the King has ordered me to take on the role of the Royal General. Under my authority, I command not only my Knights, but you…. Soldiers as well."

Finding it difficult to even call them soldiers, Link made it clear in his voice that he hardly saw them as such. Now, Link doesn't like to think of himself as the jerk he was being, but he felt it was the only way to get these soldiers in place.

"Now, men, stand tall!"

The soldiers hurriedly scrambled into a formation of lines, not wanting to make their new leader wait any longer than he had to. Nador, however, took his place beside Link.

"Sir, I feel it proper I stand next to you. I know this army better than anyone else. I'm sure I can provide much advice."

Link mulled over the thought for a minute. The two hadn't quite gotten off to the best start, and he preferred working alone in terms of leading.

"You are under my command, Captain. Do not stand next to me, but behind me."

The Captain, although bothered, took a step behind Link.

"I didn't mean literally. I only mean to say that you and I are far from equal. But you will be my right-hand man."

Nador bit his tongue. He's got some nerve, the Captain thought.

"Very well. May I tell you about my soldiers?"

"No need. I am capable of educating myself. So do stand aside."

As Nador backed away, Link approached the assembled soldiers. Blade still drawn, he raised it into the air and yelled out to the men before him.

"Listen to my words, soldiers! For I am not one to repeat myself! Unlike you all, the King and I understand how troubling this forthcoming war is. Gorons, Interlopers, Gerudo, and the Zora are not races to simply brush off. Though us Hylians have descended from the Goddess Hylia, these tribes descended from those who fought alongside Hylia in order to seal Demon King Demise. It pains me deeply that they are our enemies now, but there is nothing that can be done. Now, since these powerful tribes are not united as one rebellion, this means we have four different war fronts. We must split off the army into five different sections, with one remaining here to protect the large entrance we have to Castle Town."

That was one of many things Link was uneasy about. There was no gate or difficult obstacle stopping entrance into Castle Town. It was simply a wide and open area. No moat of the sort existed.

"To conduct this split, I…."

Link's voice trailed off. He didn't have the time to evaluate each and every soldier. The only option he had in mind was to take Nador's assistance. But how he could he do that after what he said? Looking to Captain Nador, Link decided to swallow his pride….

"Captain Nador knows you all better than I do. He will bring me the best of the best. 200 soldiers of my own. The other soldiers will be split up by him into sections, and a commander will be selected for each. Though time is not on our side, I will make sure every commander is fit for the duty, and they will make sure their men are fit for duty."

While hearing this, Nador cocked a brow. He found it strange that Link suddenly changed his treatment toward him. Feeling a little more comfortable with the situation, he at last spoke up.

"Now that you have heard what our honorable Royal General had to say, prepare yourselves! The evaluation begins now!"

Link smirked after hearing Nador's words. It was as if his attitude had changed. Perhaps my method of leading is working after all, Link thought.

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Not too far from Goron City, those who resided in Gerudo Valley were also preparing for war. Ganondorf was busy consulting his right-hand man (or, rather, right-hand woman), Nabooru.

"Lord Ganondorf... You really plan on waging war against Hyrule at the time of a drought?"

Ganondorf stared at Nabooru with a blank expression, showing no excitement nor concern for the battle nor the drought.

"Indeed. It will be quite a simple task, actually. I'm sure Daphnes will send his armies to each tribe. While they all foolishly kill each other, we will launch a full assault on the kingdom."

"Do you not expect any Gorons or Zora to try and attack, though?"

"It's not as if they'll make it. Our home is conveniently located far off from any of these areas. No one will be attacking here."

"And what about the Interlopers, Lord Ganondorf?"

Ganondorf initially remained silent. The Interlopers were of concern. Although heavily disregarded by most, the tribe was a great threat to everyone's ultimate goal: obtaining the Triforce.

"Let me worry about them, Nabooru. Focus on assembling an army."

"As you wish-

"Wait. Do also make sure your band of thieves report to me immediately."

"As you wish, Lord Ganondorf."

After a quick bow of respect, Nabooru exited the room, and soon the very band of thieves he had requested made their way in.

"You rang, my Lord?"

The leader of the Gerudo Thieves, Aveil, stood before Ganondorf, hands on her hips as she smirked at her leader.

"I understand you are all as skilled of an assassin as you are a thief, no?"

"You understand correct, my Lord."

Ganondorf folded his arms and smirked back at Aveil, as well as to the four thieves behind her.

"Then I have a task for you..."

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On the complete opposite side of Hyrule, King Zora too was making war plans. But, like Ganondorf, he did not expect any attack on Zora's Domain. The area was simply inconvenient for a battleground. Joined by several subjects, King Zora sat on his throne and conversed with his people.

"That tribe grows more idiotic by the day…."

A discussion was taking place about what to expect from the war. Everyone knew the Gorons would be foolish enough to make an attack, despite the difficulty in reaching the home of the Zora. And, not to mention, Gorons can't swim anyway….

"My King, shall we prepare defenses anyway?"

This was the voice of Mikau, newly appointed General of the Zora Army. In fact, the army was new itself. Up until this point, there had been no real need for such, but with the war upon them, it was deemed necessary.

"Hmm…. I suppose so. Set up a blockade at the entrance to Zora's River, and prevent the Gorons from making their way up to our domain."

"Your wish is my command…."

Mikau then bowed before his king and left the throne room. As he walked down the path that lead back to the main area, the general observed the very water they lived in. It was a terrible sight to see. The once blue beauty had transformed into a purple depressing sight. And, of course, the water had become toxic. Several Zora had perished already from poison, and it was frustrating to Mikau knowing the only solution appeared to be obtaining the Triforce.

"Mark my words, Hyrule," muttered Mikau, "These deaths will not be in vain…."

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Deep in the shadows of Hyrule, the dark sorcerers, otherwise known as the Interlopers, secretly roamed and kept to themselves. However, in one secluded corner of the land was where the leadership of this race resided. Twi, the representative who had recently returned from meeting with the King of Hyrule, was passing on the information from the meeting to his leader.

"...And that is essentially what happened. These tribes are all going to war with each other."

"I see…."

The leader of the tribe, Zuna, sat as Twi stood before him awaiting further comment.

"Then we will destroy them all."

Twi blinked. He could care less about what happened to the other tribes, but he was still a tad shocked to hear such words from his leader.

"Just… As simple as that, Zuna?"

Before Zuna could answer, Gerudo Thieves suddenly appeared behind both Twi and Zuna. Scythes equipped, the assassins held their blades close to the Interlopers' necks and interlocked them. While Twi was distraught, Zuna remained perfectly calm, with no change in expression on his face. Seconds later, Aveil, with the other thieves, walked into the room, arms folded. And, of course, smirks on their faces.

"Good day, Interlopers."

Zuna ignored Aveil and closed his eyes, focusing his magic. In a mere moment, dark magic exploded from his body and sent the thief behind him crashing into a wall.

"I would prefer to not be held against my will, Gerudo."

The thief proceeded to get up from the rubble and charge toward Zuna, but Aveil signaled for her to retreat, knowing it wasn't worth it.

"Forgive me, but I simply wanted to avoid any unnecessary trouble."

"What have you come here for?"

"Lord Ganondorf has sent me. It seems he desires your audience."

"For what purpose?"

"He…. Did not say. But, I am at liberty to use force if necessary."

Twi, still locked in place by a thief, scoffed at Aveil's words. After Zuna's display of magic, the Gerudo were in no position to be making such threats.

"Very well."

Twi then curiously eyed Zuna. Why would he agree to such a thing?

"Then allow me to escort -

"That will not be necessary. Now, leave my abode."

Aveil huffed, insulted by Zuna's rudeness. She called off the thieves still around Twi and they all exited the room.

"Zuna…."

Twi was completely confused as to what had happened, but Zuna waved his hand in dismissal, letting him know to not worry about it. Then, the leader of the Interlopers proceeded to warp to Gerudo Valley, leaving Twi to ponder on Zuna's intentions.

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A few hours had passed since Link made his speech to the soldiers. During that time, Captain Nador divided up his army into five different sections, each section getting their own task. Of those five, one was selected to be Link's personal army, where Captain Nador would also fight in. Once the personal army was selected, they marched toward the Royal General and saluted as they stood before him.

"At ease, soldiers!"

The soldiers lowered their hands and relaxed from the tense positions they stood in.

"Now…. You 200 men will be my special army. Believe it or not, the most important task of our war efforts is guarding Castle Town. If we allow our enemies to pass through that point, then all hell will break loose."

Link looked upon his men, noticing how exhausted they seemed. Link had forgotten that they had been out long before he came to the field, and the sun was already going down. Clearly it had been a long day for them. Though Link would much rather do a training session, the Royal General thought it best to start wrapping up.

"Before you are all dismissed, I want you to watch a short spar between me and your Captain."

Captain Nador, who was standing beside Link, drew a blade the Royal General had given him earlier. Nador knew this was coming, so it was of no shock when announced to the soldiers. Once Nador had drawn his blade, Link too unsheathed his sword and pointed it toward the Captain.

"Come at me."

Immediately, Nador dashed toward, and aimed to vertically slice at Link. In reaction, Link swiftly lifted his shield upward to counter, meeting Nador's sword right before it could reach the Royal General. After doing so, Link lowered the shield and bashed it into the Captain's torso. He proceeded to diagonally slash his sword from both sides across Nador's body continuously, cutting deep through his armor. Link then kicked down his opponent, just as he did hours ago, and then front-flipped into the air as if he was going to sword plant the Captain. Nador, however, rolled to the side, resulting in Link's blade to make be thrust into the ground. The Royal General quickly pulled out the sword and jumped toward Nador, raising his blade over his head and vertically sliced it downward. The Captain met Link's sword with his own and leaped back, as he wasn't going to leave himself open again.

At this point, most soldiers from all sections had gathered to watch the battle between their Captain and Royal General. Once Link realized this, he signaled Nador to stop and spoke with a powerful voice to the crowd.

"This is the kind of skill I expect from you all! Though many of you have spears, such combat skills can still be replicated. Remember, it is not about the weapon, but rather the user of that weapon. Now, you're all dismissed. So go home. Get some rest. But return here at dawn!"

After a few minutes, the field had cleared out, with only Link and Nador remaining.

"Sir…. What do you plan on doing tomorrow?"

"Continue training, of course. It's all we can do until we hear about any attacks. Or, of course, an attack comes our way."

"Should we send out scouts, then?"

Link thought for a minute. Spies would be of great help, but he couldn't spare any soldiers. Suddenly, though, an idea hit him.

"I will take care of that."

"May I ask how, sir?"

"Let me worry about that, Captain."

Nador looked at Link for a moment.

"Very well…."

Captain Nador saluted Link before departing, leaving him alone on Hyrule Field. The idea that occurred to Link was bringing in the assistance of the magical Sheikah race. Being the secretive guardians of the Royal Family, they too lived in the shadows like the Interlopers. Only, of course, their allegiance was, and always will be, to the Kingdom of Hyrule. Their people lived all across the land, but many resided among the Royal Family, attending to and protecting them. Their expertise in magic and stealth would definitely be of great help. But, Link had no direct contact with them. Though he could always approach the King about this matter, Link decided to take the opportunity to see Zelda once again….

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Zelda was sitting in her personal quarters, reading a book on magic by candlelight. Since her childhood, the Princess had studied various spells and theories in hopes of becoming a skilled mage one day. In addition, she learned much from the Sheikah around her. Now, here she was, several years later, an expert-level user of magic. Zelda could cast all sorts of spells and defend herself if the need ever be. With the war upon them, Zelda knew it would be best to keep up with her practice, just in case.

Deep into her book, she suddenly heard a knock on the door. Who could it be at this hour, though? Zelda approached the door and inquired the identity of her visitor.

"Who is it?"

"The Mr. Royal General himself."

"Pffft...!"

Zelda opened the door and greeted Link with a wide smile. She then stepped back and allowed him to enter inside her quarters.

"And what brings you here, sir?"

She loved poking fun at his status whenever she could. Even to this day, it was sometimes difficult for Zelda to wrap her head around the fact that this prominent man was the silly boy she grew up with. She would never forget the days they spent playing together for hours on end. They both especially loved pretending to be King and Queen of Hyrule and "rule over their subjects". It was a nice jest at the kind of serious life they were expected to be living. And, plus, acting as a Queen helped fill an empty hole in Zelda's heart. Her mother had died early on in her childhood from cholera, and the King was too busy at the time to give the comfort Zelda needed.

"Well…. I need a favor."

Link was smiling, but Zelda could tell he was in a more serious mood than she was.

"Of course. What is it?"

"It would be in the war's best interests if scouts were sent to our battlefields in order to gather intelligence. And, as you can imagine, the help of the Sheikah would be of much help in such efforts."

Zelda frowned at the thought of sending close servants of the Royal Family into the war. These were people she had literally grown up with. Even if there was a more important matter at hand, she didn't feel comfortable with the idea.

"But Link…."

"I know, Zelda. I know you would much rather not send them out, but I'm afraid it's our only option if we want to be prepared for this war."

"I'm sorry, Link, but it would be wrong for me to send the Sheikah off on such a mission when it is not their duty."

"And why would that not be our duty?"

The voice that suddenly appeared spooked the Princess, but she quickly realized it was the voice of her closest attendant, Impa, a prominent member of the Sheikah race. She stepped into view of Zelda and Link, walking out from the shadows of a dark corner.

"Impa…!" Zelda blushed, knowing Impa must have seen how casual of a relationship she shared with Link. "What are you doing in here?!"

"Forgive me, Princess, but I was told Link would be searching for scouts, and I knew he would make his way here."

Link moved closer toward Impa, clearly excited by what he was hearing. And clearly disregarding the question of just how the attendant knew of his intentions.

"Oh? So then you know the importance of this mission?"

"Indeed."

Impa then turned to Zelda.

"Princess…. Serving the Royal Family is our duty. If carrying out a task is in the best interests of the Kingdom, then the task will be carried out, no matter what it is."

Zelda sighed. She was still uneasy about the idea, but the Princess knew it was the right thing to do.

"Very well. You are officially under my orders to aid the Royal General in his war efforts."

"Understood."

Impa nodded at both Zelda and Link and turned to the door to depart. Right before she did, though, Impa turned back at Zelda.

"Oh, and Princess... You don't have to pretend to be formal around Link for me. It's clear you two share a very different relationship than that."

The attendant nodded once again and exited the room, leaving a blushing Zelda and Link to deal with the awkwardness that followed.

But, to Zelda, it was a good kind of awkward...