Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda Series, or Nintendo. However, I DO own Aaron Belang, Dr. Mornan, and the Mistress, along with Sand Veil and its geographical features.
A/N: My job got in the way of creative processes, along with a particularly nasty case of writer's block. If you have time, check out my one-shot called "Until Death". Enjoy!
P.S.- The end of the chapter is slightly graphic.
Chapter 4: The Search Begins
The Council Room was very large and rectangular in dimensions. There were no windows, instead tapestries depicting the Imprisioning War adorned the beige walls. Daylight filtered in from a glass plate in the marble ceiling. In the very centre of the room a large oak table stood, separating the seven sages, King Harkinian, and Aaron Belang, the Captain of the Guards.
"I have gathered you here for a very important reason," began the Princess. "Link has gone missing, so any information you may have gathered on his wherabouts is vital."
"With all due respect, your Highness, we already have a prime suspect," stated Aaron.
"Yes. The Gerudo have every reason to be suspicious of the Veilans," said Nabooru.
"Do you have evidence to support this?" inquired the king.
"The Gerudo are experts of observation from a long distance for a variety of reasons," she began with a wry smile. "Last night, the party of Veilans left Hyrule with an extra wagon in tow, carrying something that appeared to be an adult body-much larger than average. It is my belief that the Veilans kidnapped Link."
"It makes sense, Princess. The leader, Dr. Mornan, was furious that Hyrule denied their treaty. My guards had to literally march them straight out of the market so as to prevent damage from occuring," said Aaron.
"Alright. So the 'who' has been answered, yet 'why' still remains a mystery," spoke the Sage of Water.
"Rauru, I see you wish to shed some light on that subject. Please fill us in," said the king.
"Your Majesties, fellow sages, and friends. I fear that I am correct in my answer. If I am not mistaken, Hyrule is in far greater peril than ever before."
"Continue."
"You see, I was conducting research concerning the ancestors of the Hero of Time. On his mother's side, the family line may be traced back for my decades. His father's bloodline is a much different story."
"Sire, you may know him as Seth, one of your most trusted guards, before his 'death'. However, his true name was not Seth, but Oni," he paused, allowing his words to sink in.
"Many years ago, the legendary Fierce Deity entered Hyrule, and was greatly pleased to discover the abundance of the land. The young deity was rather peaceful when unprovoked, contrary to his title. Hyrule was calm, giving him the desire to make it his new home. Termina no longer needed his presence, because it was prospering, and no longer needed his attention, let alone his careful ministrations. He altered his appearance, allowing him to be assimilated into Hyrulian life. Soon, Oni fell in love with a castle maid, called Jineh. Not long after that, the two were wed, and Oni became one of your guards, and Link was born. I had never witnessed him so happy."
"Yes, I remember Seth, or Oni, being so proud of his baby. Jineh served my wife until she went into labour," Harkinian recalled sadly.
"A week after the birth of Link, the war began. Oni was nearly slain by enemies while protecting his mate and infant son. However, his immortal blood refused to allow him death. So the rest of the story goes as Oni departed from Hyrule, not knowing his son was alive in Kokiri Forest," Rauru finished.
"Hmmmm. That was...different. So was there a solid point to this story, or was it just drabble?" Ruto snapped.
"The point is that Link is the son of the Fierce Deity. This makes him extremely dangerous, because the power of Oni runs in his veins. It is barely controllable when he suffers trauma that goes beyond all battle wounds," answered Impa.
"It will be disastrous if they experiment too far with our hero. He will undoubtably destroy Hyrule," finished Darunia.
"Let us rescue him at once from Sand Veil! Quickly now, who is available to go?" demanded Harkinian.
"I am," volunteered Captain Belang.
"I have experience with destructive forces, I will go to my Sworn Brother," stated Darunia.
"Obviously I will be the guide to Sand Veil," said Nabooru.
"Then it is settled. I will also accompany you. Father, do you approve of this course of action?"
"You have my blessing, daughter. But be cautious."
Everyone dispersed to gather the provisions each person would need for the journey. At sunrise the following morning, Nabooru transported the small group to the Spirit Temple of the Desert Colossus, where their journey to Sand Veil would begin.
Elsewhere...
"Have you begun?"
"Yes, my Mistress. The subject has been placed within the Desolate Caverns to begin the transformation. I have placed a guard on his holding cell to bring me news of his... condition."
"You have done well Mornan. Your reward will be unspeakable if you are successful. You are dismissed."
"Thank you, Mistress."
Desolate Caverns
The hybrid groaned weakly. He sat up slowly, carefully, trying not to aggravate his aching bones. The reprieve, he had learned rather quickly, would not last... Mornan would return with a fresh dose.
As he gazed at his surroundings, Link realized the lack of natural light. His sharp eyes picked up the faint glimmer of a guttering torch near the outside of the cell door window. The cell itself was only a little more than six feet high.
"Not big enough for me to stand up in, let alone fight normally," thought Link.
Link dropped to his knees in agony. It felt as though nails were being driven through his bones. He began to spasm weakly on the cold floor, as his muscles began to atrophy. Liquid fire propelled itself through his veins, consuming all tissue in its path. Link cried aloud in pain, as the burning liquid devoured his thoughts in an inferno. It grew in intensity until his screams reached a deafening crescendo, muscles splitting with new growth, bones elongating, distorting.
Link's cries fell silent, his strength sapped, as his organs advanced beyond normal. All he could see was liquid fire. Just as it felt his insides would explode through his flesh, his body resumed its growth. A gutteral moan was transformed into a beastial growl, as his skin solidified itself into scales harder than diamond.
His tender belly paled in color, leaving it a soft cream, while the rest of him remained the shade of dark blood. This process had occured twice before, yet this time was different for Link. Cold realization washed over him as the hero realized that this time, it would be permanent.