The Lost Artifacts of Hylia

Chapter Three: The Ones We Leave Behind

[Harkinian Manor]

[Sheik]

Navi and Sheik had turned the small table in the room on its side and positioned it in front of the doorway to use as cover.

"Agent Saber what is your situation?" Rauru's voice crackled through Sheik's radio.

"We've got the device but we're pinned down!" Sheik replied as enemy soldiers began to appear at the end of the hallway.

Navi began to fire at the men as they got into position and returned fire. Navi ducked behind the overturned table and poked her head out every now and then to fire back.

"You need to get out of there - we'll send a chopper to get you two but you need to get outside!" The director replied.

Sheik grit his teeth in frustration as he joined Navi and fired off a few rounds. Navi managed to clip one of the soldiers, but another man just took his place. One of the soldiers suddenly pulled out a Remington 870.

"Get down!" Sheik yelled as he pulled Navi to the ground. The powerful blast of the shotgun ripped a hole through the side of the table and Sheik quickly fired off several rounds through the gap. "This isn't good." Sheik said as he reloaded.

"There has to be another way out of here!" Navi yelled as she crawled over to the wall where they had found the strange device. The wall was riddled now with bullets hole's and missing chunks of brick.

Navi frantically searched the wall until she discovered that their were three single triangle's etched on three bricks positioned in the shape of a larger triangle across the wall. Sheik, who was now reloading, looked back at Navi hopefully. "Anything?" He asked,

"Hang on…" Navi said as she pushed in one of the three bricks closest to her. Her heart raced as the brick moved into the wall. She pushed the other two in and waited, but nothing happened.

The soldier with the Remington fired again and another section of the table was blasted off as Sheik covered his body with his arms and moved back. "Any time now, Navi!" He cried.

"I tried but nothing's working!" She cried. Then, suddenly, the wall behind them split down the middle to reveal a new passage-way. "It worked!" Navi cried.

"Go, go!" Sheik yelled as he fired his gun in quick succession as Navi made it through. Sheik fired several more time before following Navi inside the dark passage.

"I think I see a switch here." Navi said once Sheik was inside.

The soldiers had pushed forward now and were almost to the room, when Navi pressed the switch. The wall suddenly closed as the soldier with the shotgun ran towards them, firing rapidly. The shells ricocheted off the wall and inside the small passageway but missed Navi and Sheik.

The wall sealed shut and the two released a sigh. "That should slow them down." Sheik said as they could hear banging on the other side. "Do you think they'll figure out the combination?" He asked Navi.

"I have no idea." Navi replied. "I don't even know what I was doing myself." She said with a chuckle.

"Right, well, good work." Sheik said with a smile as he took deep breaths. He swallowed and looked at the device in his hand. "We got what we came here for."

"Yeah, let's get going." Navi said.

Sheik nodded and the two followed the dim pathway as it slanted downwards. Eventually the path grew wider and they entered what appeared to be a large bunker.

"Whoa…" Navi exclaimed as the two walked into the room. It was dark and dusty, and there were cobwebs on all the furniture that lay strewn about. There was large, round table in the center of the room with a magnificent chandelier above. Several other closed doors were located all around them that led to more, unknown locations. "What is this place and how long do you think's it been here?" She asked as they stepped stepped further into the room.

Sheik walked up to the round table and noticed a golden plaque that was covered in a thick layer of dust. He placed his gloved hand on the area of the table and wiped it clean, now able to read the plaque clearly.

In bold writing the plaque read: The Resistance

"What's that?" Navi asked as she walked up behind Sheik.

"I'm not sure...looks like some sort of meeting place." Sheik concluded. "Why would this be underneath Harkinian Manor?" He asked, wearing a baffled frown,

Suddenly a loud explosion erupted far off behind them. "They must have found a way in, time to go!" Sheik said as he stepped away from the table and further into the large space until her reached the other end where a single yellow door was.

As Navi followed a small camera in the far corner turned on and watched them without either of them realizing.

"You sure that's the way out?" Navi asked.

"Only one way to find out." Sheik replied, and when Navi gave the 'okay' he opened the door. They were in a small hallway now that split off into three directions.

"What now?" Navi asked as she kept her her gun aimed at their back.

"We keep going." Sheik replied as he moved forward.

They traveled down the dark hallway for several more minutes until the path suddenly ended. Sheik frowned as he approached the stone wall, pressing his hand against the cold surface. "Damn, dead-end…" Shek stated as he turned around.

The wall itself was old and falling apart in the lower left corner. A large thicket of thorn bushes had taken over the area and had made it impossible to cut down in the necessary time.

They could hear men in the distance shouting as they entered the underground tunnels. "Keep moving, men! We're getting close!

"Doesn't look like we'll be going back." Sheik stated as he checked his gun. "I can't get through this brush with my knife in time." He stated with a large frown.

Navi checked her gun once more before crouching low and aiming her sight ahead. Sheik moved to the other side of the tunnel and crouched like Navi had just as voices could be heard nearing them. "I just wanted to say that it's been an honor." She said, looking over at Sheik.

Sheik looked at Navi and nodded. "Yeah, we've had a great run." He said before pulling out the device and placing it behind a loose stone in the wall. "Gener-" Sheik began to say but then stopped quickly. "I mean, Director Rauru? Director Rauru!?" Sheik called through the radio, but only static came through the other end. "Dammit, I can't get through to them, looks like we're on our own."

Shiek and Navi aimed their guns ahead and waited for them to show up, their fingers just over the trigger. "Get ready, the moment you see anyone start firing."

"Oh, don't worry." Navi began with a grin. "I'll give 'em hell!"

Sheik chuckled but soon turned around upon hearing something coming from behind him. The thick brush and large stones were suddenly being moved.

"What's going on?" Navi asked.

"I'm not sure." Sheik replied with a look of confusion.

Suddenly a large chunk of rock and brush were tugged out and there stood a group of soldiers all peering through the larger made gaping hole. "Agents Saber and Nayru?"

"Yes?" Sheik replied.

"Sir, we're here to extract you - " The soldier began when suddenly a group of Gals thugs showed up at the end of the tunnel.

"Watch out!" The soldier yelled as the thugs began to fire. Navi had spun around and began to fire at the thugs. Bullets ricocheted off the walls and everyone was forced to find cover. Sheik crouched low behind the thicket leading through the hole and outside and fired off precise shots at the thugs feet. The group of soldiers sent to help them fired at the thugs as well while moving to help Sheik and Navi out of the tunnels.

As they moved out the soldier that first spoke to them took a shot to his leg and he fell to the ground. "I got you!" Sheik yelled as he helped the soldier up, however they only took two steps before the man was through the head. His body fell limp and Sheik fell to his knee with him. "No!" He cried, glaring up ahead and firing his pistol.

At the end of the tunnel stood a man in fiery red armored combat gear holding an advanced rifle with a scope fixed on it. The mysterious thug wore a strange plated mask that looked like a bone exoskeleton; the mask appeared as the head and face of a dragon.

Sheik glared at the thug before firing at him several times. With incredible speed and skill the mysterious soldier lowered his rifle in one hand and drew a long, curved blade with his free hand and amazingly blocked every bullet Sheik had fired.

"What the hell? Who is this guy!?" Sheik wondered as a wave of fear unlike anything he had felt washed over him for a moment.

"Come on, we need to move!" Navi yelled, knocking Sheik from his trance and pulling him up while the others laid down cover fire before they managed to escape.

[Lake Hylia County Highway, 137 Miles to Lanayru City]

[Link]

He reluctantly allowed the mysterious man, Auru, to help him carry to his mother to the blacked out SUV outside.

"Grab what you can from her car and get back as quickly as you can!" Auru said to Link.

He wanted to tell the old man to do it himself, but Rebecca seemed comfortable around the man, and so Link quickly ran to her sports car and popped open the trunk before grabbing three duffle bags filled with various items before slamming the trunk shut with one leg and running back to the SUV. By now Auru had helped Rebecca to get inside and was sitting in the driver's seat, with his mom in the back.

Link got into the front and closed the door as he looked at the two with intensity. "What now?" He asked.

"Now we leave." Auru said as he started the SUV.

"And go where?" Link asked. "I don't even know what's going on - come to think of it I don't even know who you are so why don't we start with that?"

Auru sighed and shut the van off before looking at Link. "My name is Auru and I am a member of a secret group called The Resistance - a small group of individuals with unique abilities and skills that work to maintain peace throughout the world." Auru explained. "Your mother - " He said as he glanced at Rebecca. " - and father were both founding members, as was Daphness Harkinian."

Link's eyes widened in shock. "You know Zelda's dad?!" He exclaimed.

Auru smiled. "Yes, in fact we had been keeping a close eye on you and your friends for some time , Link, until recent events that have forced us to spread our out resources." He suddenly looking serious. "Believe it or not there's a war coming, Link, and we need to be prepared."

"War…?" Link repeated. "Just tell me what's going on!" He shouted. "Why was Hyrule attacked, why did those men go after Zelda?"

Auru sighed. "It's a long story, Link, one that I promise to tell you when we are in a safer location." He said as he started up the van again.

"Rest for now, it's a long drive to Lanayru City." Auru said as he pulled out of the extended stay lot and drove down the road.

"Lanayru City?" Link thought to himself. "That's almost three hours from here...might as well get some rest." Link reasoned as he re positioned himself into a more comfortable position. As his breathing began to grow more relaxed, Link's eyes slowly closed and he drifted off to sleep.

But not before one word crossed his mind. "Zelda…"

[Abandoned power plant, one mile outside Hyrule City]

[Ralph Baret]

He followed the enemy soldier as the man traveled up a set of metal stairs and out a door. Baret found himself outside the facility once more, however this time he was higher up. In fact, as Baret looked around, he noticed that they were actually above the dam now. Military trucks and Humvee's were parked with their backs facing Baret and the groups of enemy soldiers all standing around him, holding their guns tight.

Baret looked around and tried to remain as casual as could be. He didn't think any of the soldiers had suspected him, but that could all change quickly, and if it did he needed to be ready.

"Richardson, Richardson!" A man was calling.

Ralph blinked twice as he remembered that he was Richardson, and looked over to a truck a few feet to his left. The man that he had been following was standing by the rear and was motioning for him to come.

"Come on, we're heading out for a patrol." The man said to him as he opened the back flap and then walked towards the driver seat. Three other men dressed in identical fashion walked up to Baret and stared at him for a moment before entering the back. As the last man got on, e turned around and extended a hand out to Baret.

Ralph paused momentarily before accepting the offering. He sat opposite to two of the men while the one that helped him in sat next to him. The vehicle soon started and they were off.

The power plant had been abandoned for years, but Baret had to admit that it was an ideal way to get out of the city undetected. Of course, no one had thought of it in the panic and now that Gal's men were already here, it would be impossible to sneak by. The Humvee came to a halt and everyone got out. Baret walked around as the men began to search around the area and set up a perimeter.

"Ten minutes and we're out of here!" Yelled the soldier that had been driving.

As Ralph neared the edge of the cylindrical structure he looked out into the dimly lit dirt road ahead. The path lost its naked eye visibility after a certain point, however as Baret looked further up he thought he could see something darker moving towards them. One of the other soldiers must have noticed too, because he was now speaking with the head soldier a few feet from Baret and pointing ahead.

"Set up a perimeter!" The soldier yelled. "No one gets through!" He commanded as he turned around walked a few steps back before positioning himself behind a crate and aiming his rifle towards whatever was heading their way.

The three other men spread out and got into similar positions and Ralph did the same while he thought of a plan; he couldn't let these people get captured or killed.

[Saria]

The packed van traveled down the dirt, country road that lead out and around the city of Hyrule towards the power plant. They were at least half a mile out now and Saria's father had been driving with the headlights off to avoid detection at night.

Everyone in the van was quite. Saria had been holding Mido's hand ever since they got inside the vehicle, but now that they were further out, Saria began to worry about Malon. "She must be worried about her father…" Saria thought as she looked ahead at her own.

Jim had been keeping his eyes fixed on the road, but every now and then he would glance at the middle rear-view mirror before looking at Laura. They both tried to hide it, but Saria could see the worried looks that passed on their faces every now and then.

It had been about fifteen minutes since they left main city. Some of the areas further south hadn't been attacked yet by the enemy occupants so it was easy for them to navigate through the uneven terrain. A large, cylindrical building loomed in the distance as the group rode over a hill

"That's it." Jim said as he began to tighten his grip on the steering wheel. "Just a little further." He said.

But as they got closer something didn't seem right, and they could all feel it.

[Ralph]

As the mysterious vehicle neared the power plant the soldiers began to double check their guns and ammo before fixing their sights. "I have to do something!" Ralph thought frantically. He looked back at the road and then at the soldiers when suddenly one of them fired their rifle.

Ralph looked back at the vehicle to see it swerving as the other soldiers began to fire. "Fuck it!" Ralph cursed as he quickly turned and shot one of the soldiers in the upper shoulder that was unprotected.

The soldier cried out as he fell to the ground, and immediately the remaining three soldiers turned their guns at Baret.

"Richardson!? What are you doing?" The main soldier yelled.

"I'm not Richardson!" Baret replied as he removed his black ski masked. He ducked and rolled out of the way and into cover as the three men opened fire on him.

"Kill that bastard!" The soldier yelled. "I've got these people…" He said, returning his sights to the Kokiri family van.

Before the soldier could fire at them Baret pulled out a knife and rolled out of cover as he threw the knife at the soldier to his left before tackling the main soldier to the ground.

The second-to-last soldier moved to fire his rifle at Baret as he struggled with the main soldier, but Baret noticed and quickly grabbed the main soldier and rolled over so that he was laying on top of him. The soldier fired but was too slow and shot his commanding officer.

Baret quickly pulled out the commanding soldiers side-arm and rolled the dead body over as he fired at the remaining soldier. The man cried out as several bullets riddled his body before he fell over, limp as a dead tree. Baret released a sigh as he stood up and looked back that vehicle that had now stopped.

Ralph took deep breaths as he slowly walked towards the van with his hands raised signifying that he was friendly.

[Saria]

"Jim…" Laura asked as she looked at him.

"What's going on - do you know this man?" She asked.

Jim shook his head. "No, the man I was talking about is Fado - and I think he can still help but we need to get to Ordon Village. It's just beyond route five - the road is on the other side of the power plant…" He explained.

"That man is getting closer…" Saria pointed out in an uncomfortable voice.

Jim looked back at Saria and smiled. "Don't worry, sweetheart, I won't let anything happen to you." He said, giving her hand a squeeze. "I'm just going to talk to this man - I'll be right back!" He said to the group.

"What?" Laura exclaimed as a look of shock covered her face. "No, Jim, you can't go out there!" She cried pleadingly.

"Laura, don't worry everything will be fine - I promise." Jim said as he looked deep into her eyes. "I think this man is trying to help us - why else would the gunfire stop?"

Laura couldn't think of anything to say, and Jim gave her a heavy kiss. "I promise I'll be back." He said before getting out of the van.

The mysterious soldier had stopped a few feet from the van with his hands still raised. "You're either really brave or really stupid to get out of your van and trust me." The man said.

"Those men up ahead were firing at us - I think I can assume that you were the one who stopped them... ?" Jim replied as he looked cautiously at the man.

"I was." The man replied as he took a step forward. "We can't stay here any longer, they'll be sending back up. Is that your family inside?" The man asked as he looked at the packed van.

"Mostly, yes." Jim said with a nod as he looked back at the van and everyone inside.

"We can't stay here for long." Baret said as he turned around and raised his rifle ahead. Upon taking a closer look Baret could see more soldiers appearing in the distance. By now they would have probably already guessed that they had an impostor among them; it was only a matter of time before they found the body Ralph hid.

Unbeknownst to Ralph, a soldier had stealthily made his way around the left side of the perimeter, using the darkness and terrain as cover. The man traveled up behind a set of large rocks and sipped into a crevice where he climbed up to a nearby ledge. The man put down the long pack he had been carrying and unzipped the duffle bag. The man quickly pulled out parts and began to assemble them together until it formed a sniper rifle. Positioning himself, the man switched on his night-vision and looked through the scope.

Baret had begun to fire by now, and the soldiers by the power plant fired back. Baret was forced to get low and find cover. He slid down to the ground and crawled over to a slab of rock before blind firing. He pressed the trigger again but it only gave a click. Sighing, Baret looked over at the man and his family as he reloaded his rifle.

After reloading his rifle, Baret quickly turned back around to the soldiers ahead, but as he did he noticed something move out of the corner of his eye. Looking up and over to the right, Baret squinted until he noticed the shape of a man. His eyes widened in sudden realization as he turned back to the man who was just getting into his van. "Wait!" Baret yelled, trying to warn the man, but it was too late. The sniper fired a shot and it struck Jim in the upper left of his chest.

"No!" Baret yelled. A large amount of bullets were suddenly fired upon Baret as he made a ran for the back of the van.

The sniper tried to take another shot and just barely missed Baret - hitting the ground a few inches from his feet - as he dove behind the car.

Baret heard screams from inside the van and he carefully opened the driver door.

[Saria]

She watched in horror as he father was gunned down as he tried to get back into the van. Saria's heart stopped as he fell to the ground and didn't get back up.

"Dad!" She cried, banging on the door.

"Jim!" Laura yelled as she tried to get out. A bullet suddenly struck the glass window as hit the empty drivers seat - missing Laura's face by inches.

Colin, Midna, Mido and Malon all looked horrified at their friends fathers' lying motionless on the ground outside.

"Mom!" Saria cried.

"Saria - everyone get down!" Laura yelled as she moved under the glovebox.

The driver door suddenly opened and Laura screamed as a man dressed in combat gear began to fire his rifle, but not at them. Saria blinked as she watched the man fire at someone in the cliffs to their right. He fired again, this time up ahead, before quickly getting inside the van and starting it up.

"No!" Laura yelled as she tried to stop him. "I'm not leaving without Jim!" She yelled.

"There's no time!" Baret shouted as he stopped her. The sniper fired another shot that hit the right hand rear mirror and everyone screamed.

"Don't worry, I'm going to get us out of here!" Baret yelled as he threw the car into drive and sped off. Gunshots fired upon them as Baret tired to do his best to avoid getting hit, but there were too many soldiers at this point. "Anyone wouldn't happen to know how to use a gun back there...would they?" Baret asked hopefully but unexpectedly.

"I do." Malon suddenly piped up.

"You do?!" Colin and MIdna asked together with equal looks of surprise.

Saria looked at Malon with wide eyes but could not bring herself to say anything. She just kept looking at her mom as images of her father falling to the ground flashed through her mind. She clenched her eyes shut as tears began to form.

She could hear Baret handing his gun over to Malon along with some ammo. Malon took the items and loaded the pistol with impressive skill. "Okay, I'm ready!" She said to Baret.

"Let them have it kid!" He yelled as he rolled down her window. enough for her to point the gun out.

Malon fired several rounds as Baret drove around the opposite end of the power plant. He maneuvered the van around the plant facility as Malon fired more shots. until they slipped behind the building.

Baret turned down the road that bent to the left and drove. He swerved suddenly as the sniper fired a few more rounds, still trying to hit them even at that distance. Amazingly enough the sniper managed to hit the back of the van, but that was all. Baret sighed and relaxed as he drove on down the road until it merged onto the main highway, and they soon passed a sign that read:

Ordon Village Ranch - 3 miles

"That's where we have to go!" Laura said as she looked at the sign.

"What, why?" Baret asked as he looked at her in confusion.

"We just have to, okay?!" Laura snapped at him. She suddenly looked sorry and then began to sob as her head fell into her palms. "Oh God, why...why Jim…why did you have to take him from me?" She asked to no one in particular.

Ralph sighed and squeezed the steering wheel. "I'm very sorry for your loss - but right now we need to keep moving, and I'm not sure how safe we'll be at this ranch place." Baret said as he kept his eyes fixed on the road.

"No, you don't understand, Jim had friend there who said he would help us." Laura explained.

"Let's just hope we can trust them…" Baret said as he turned towards the ranch..

[Unknown POV]

The sniper lowered his gun and watched as the car drove off into the distance. Several men suddenly approached him and he turned to face them.

"What happened?" One of the men asked.

"They got away." The sniper replied. "But I managed to hit their vehicle with a tracking device." He said.

"Good. Let's head back, the boss will want to speak with you." The soldier replied as they walked back to the power plant. The commander of the first group of soldiers that had been taken apart was still alive as he slowly crawled with difficulty to the sniper.

"Please, help me…" The man pleaded as he stopped at the snipers feet.

The sniper stared blankly for a moment at the man before lowering his sniper. But instead of helping the man he quickly pulled out a pistol and shot him in the forehead.

[Unknown Location]

[Zelda]

She stared blankly at the TV screen for minutes as her father's words echoed in her mind.

"...Keep your mother's pendant safe, that is your destiny…"

Zelda gripped her hands into a tight fist before standing up and looking at the door leading outside the room; she needed to get answers.

Making up her mind, Zelda walked over to the door and opened it. She found herself staring into a long and narrow hallway that looked and felt as though it were moving, but very subtly. Zelda frowned, my mind must be playing tricks on me, she thought to herself. Zelda stepped forward and walked down the hallway until she reached a window. Looking out, Zelda nearly had a heart attack; there was nothing but water - ocean as far as she could see.

"W-where am I?!" Zelda thought frantically as her heart began to race.

Zelda moved further down the hallway until she saw a few doors that were all closed except for one. Narrowing her eyes, Zelda moved to go through the door until a small photo on the wall got her attention.

It was a group photo of eight individuals but only one stuck out at her - her father, who was standing in between a young man and a brunette haired woman that Zelda felt she recognized but could not quite identify.

Zelda shook her head and moved on as she faced the door. Taking in a deep breath, she knocked on the wood three times, causing the door to open slightly.

"Come in." A familiar man's voice said. As Zelda walked in she realized that it was Daltus.

Zelda stared at the man with such a fiery intensity it was a wonder that he did not burst into flames right there. He was sitting at the end of a long, wooden table that had maps, charts, documents and food scattered about. "I think it's time you explained to me just what the hell is going on!" Zelda yelled as she took a seat opposite to him.

"Of course." The man said as he stood up and reached into his pocket. "And I suppose you'll be wanting this as well." He said, tossing a small object to her.

Zelda caught it in both hands and looked at the object. It was a small triangle attached to a gold chain. The border of the triangle was also golden while the triangle itself was an iridescent blue that matched the hue of Zelda's eyes. "This was...my mother's…?" Zelda whispered.

"And her mother's, and her mother before that." Daltus said.

Zelda suddenly remembered where she was and quickly set the pendant down on the table before glaring back at the man before her. "Start talking." She said.

Daltus sighed and stood up. "It started about twenty-five years ago." He began. "Before your father became the mayor and before you were born. Back then Daphness was a different man - he was filled with a renowned desire for exploration and a some real purpose to his life."

Zelda frowned, giving him a sceptical look. "What do you mean? My father always wanted to be a politician."

"Not always." Daltus replied. "Oh Daphness went to law school alright, but he was always interested in other things like looking at maps of far off countries and what not." Daltus smiled as he recalled a memory. "I remember one time he even told me, 'Daltus, man's single greatest strength is their desire for innovation.' Of course, I never knew what he meant, that is until about three years later when a man by the name of Arthur Avalon - a world renowned archaeologist on thought to have disappeared - made an incredible discovery."

Zelda's eyes widened as she quickly stood up "Avalon." She repeated. "I know that name - is that Link's father?" She asked anxiously.

Daltus looked incredibly shocked now. "By the Goddesses, he lived…but how do you know Link?" He asked curiously.

"He's..." Zelda stopped suddenly. "He's my boyfriend..." She said finally, but even as the words left her lips she was not sure what was going to happen. If they ever saw each other other again, would everything go back to the way it was? "We need to go and find him - I know he has to be a part of this somehow... I can feel it!" She said.

Daltus shook his head. "I am sorry, but right now we need to keep moving aw - "

"No!" Zelda shouted. "I seriously just need to find Link - I know he's looking for me!" She yelled frantically. "And I need to find Impa!" She added, suddenly worrying about her.

"Impa is fine." Daltus said reassuringly. "She's in Lanayru City right now working on something very important. Listen to me Zelda, right now I need your help - you're the only one who can protect that." He Daltus said as he looked at the pendant.

"hen we need to go to Lanayru City!" Zelda said as she stood up.

"I'm sorry, but we can't - " Daltus tried to explain.

Zelda grabbed it and held it up to Daltus. "If I'm have to protect this then I need to learn more about it." Zelda said. "What if I need to do something with it, or take it somewhere? How will I know if I don't get answers?" She protested, but Daltus seemed unwilling to budge. Zelda looked furious now. "Just what the hell is so important about this thing anyway?" She asked. "It's just some old piece of jewelry what could possib - " The pendent suddenly began to glow and bright blue. Zelda began to feel sluggish and she soon fell over and nearly hit the table, but Daltus managed to grab her and set her down in a chair.

"Zelda, Zelda!?" Daltus yelled, shaking Zelda. But she would not awaken, and the blue glow from the pendent had now vanished.

[Harkinian Manor]

[Majora]

Majora entered the estate through the front gates followed closely by several heavily armed men. Gal soon appeared at the front entrance with two of his men behind him and meet Majora at the center of the front courtyard.

"What's the situation?" Majora asked, not sounding pleased.

Gal swallowed hard and shook his head. "Not good, looks like they got here first." He began to explain. "We found a hidden passageway in the basement - looks like there was a false wall in the back of a storage room."

"So, Daphness really did hide everything here...what about the device?" Majora asked quickly.

"I'm afraid they got to it first." Gal said. "But I think you're going to want to take a look at the underground passage."

Majora took in a deep breath and looked down for a moment. Then, quick as ever, he pulled out his pistol and shot the two guards standing on opposite sides of Gal. "If you fail me like this again I will personally fire a bullet into your pathetic brain, is that understood?"

Gal silently nodded as Majora swept past turned around and watched the back of his leader and gripped his rifle just a little tighter.

"Send out the word to our allies in Lanayru and Eldin and let them know it is time for them to make their moves." Majora commanded as he entered the mansion.

[Lake Hylia County, one mile outside Lanayru City]

[Link]

He groggily opened his eyes as rays of light poured in through the front windshield. Link sat up and glanced out the window, how long had they been driving?

"I see you're finally awake." A man said to his left.

Link turned to see the old man that had showed up at their hostel room driving while his mom was in the back, sleeping. "How is she?" Link asked as he rubbed his eyes and yawned.

Auru smiled. "You're worried about her - but don't be, your mother's a lot stronger than you might think."

I don't know about that. Link thought to himself. I've seen her in some pretty crazy action.

"How do you two know each other?" Link asked.

Auru sighed. "I know you must have a lot of questions - and we won't keep you in the dark, it's just that right now we need to keep our heads down and make it into the city quietly." He said.

"But I thought we were safe now that we left Hyrule." Link said with a frown.

"Safe from Majora and his men, yes, at least we are for now." Auru said as he took an exit off the highway and into Lanayru City.

"I don't understand." Link said. "Is there someone else we need to worry about now?"

Auru sighed again and looked over at Link. "It's a lot more complicated than that, I'm afraid." He said. "Look, I promise we'll tell you everything, but right now we need to focus - I need you to be on the lookout for South Town Road." He said. "It should be coming up on your right any minute now."

Link focused his attention to his right and watched as the street names changed, but he didn't see a south town road yet. It seemed to Link that Auru knew what he was doing and where he was going, so why did he need him?

South Town Road suddenly appeared and Link perked up. "There!" He said quickly.

Auru turned hard and onto the small and narrow street, the tires of the SUV screeching harshly. "Remember what I said about keeping your head down?" Auru said, looking mildly disappointed at Link.

"Yeah, hehe, sorry about that." Link replied as he rubbed the back of his head.

"It's alright." Auru said with a sigh. "At least no one is following us…" He said cryptically as he drove down the street.

The road soon turned into a dead-end and Link gave a frown. "Great, now what?"

"Now the real fun begins…" Auru said as he pulled out a strange looking medallion and stepped out of the suv.

"Hey!" Link yelled, but Auru didn't hear him as he shut the door. Link watched as Auru approached the brick wall before the and pressed the medallion inside a depression. Link glanced around the rest of the street to see only a few shops that did not seem to get much business, so what were they doing here?

The middle section of the brick wall suddenly moved aside to reveal a dark space and Link's jaw nearly dropped. Auru got back into the suv and gave Link a grin as he put the suv back into drive. The black SUV slowly rolled into the dark space and once the very end of the suv had made it through, the middle section of the brick wall closed.

[A.N.] Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed this update of The Lost Artifacts of Hylia. Honestly, looking back when this whole thing started out to where it is now I have to say this story has come a long way! And it wouldn't be possible were it not for my loyal fans and supporters! Thanks you guys!

TheMysteriousDude: Haha, yeah I've just been very, very busy :O Yeah, you know, it's going to be tough for everyone now and it's only going to get harder when more is revealed later, but I think things will calm back down for a bit soon, and maybe a few of our scattered friends will for the review!

HotFudge99: You are very insightful, that is all I will say :P. Thanks for the review!

whitworth5274: I am so glad you like the sequel and the RoM! Yeah I know they have been absent lately but yes they will all come back soon and in larger capacities so don't worry. Thanks for reviewing!

Thank you, also, to the 4 Guest reviewer's! All of your praises and support mean so much to me. This is why I write :)

- Demonzmagic