Chapter 7: Armies of Ruin


In the middle of a clear, grassy plain stood Princess Zelda. The young woman drew a deep breath as she took in her surroundings, smiling in appreciation of the serenity of the fields she found herself in. She looked down to find her harp, an heirloom of the royal family, resting on her forearm with her small fingers delicately holding the sacred instrument in place. As she brought the harp higher, she strummed the first tune that came to mind, her lullaby. The princess closed her eyes as the soothing vibrations of the notes filled her ears.

But amid the serenity, something felt off...

It was then, as Zelda opened her eyes, that she saw it. A thick wave of black speedily made its way towards her, drowning every blade of grass it came across in perpetual darkness. Immediately, Zelda dropped her harp, and sped away as fast as she could. But no matter how fast she ran, the darkness seemed to move at a quicker pace. As it approached her, the darkness rose and hung over her, casting a shadow that grew in unison with her fear...

...and swallowed her whole.


Zelda quickly rose upright in her bed in a cold sweat, alerting her guardian, who stood nearby.

"What is it, Your Highness?" Impa asked quickly.

"It's that dream again... " the princess responded in a shaky voice, "It still haunts me..."

"That's the fourth time this week." Impa noted, "perhaps it's an omen... of dark times to come."

"Dark times?" Zelda repeated in a silent panic.

"It's only a guess... but if I'm correct... then the the time has come to locate... him..."

"'Him'...?" Zelda asked, "Do you mean..."

"Yes... we must seek out the the one who bears the spirit of the hero in this era."

Zelda faced forward, slightly overwhelmed.

"We should begin the search now; there's no time to lose."

"Y-yes. Of course."


As Zelda moved through the castle, Impa caught up with her, and began to speak, snatching her away from her thoughts.

"Your Grace," she began, "why are you dressed in your battle attire?"

"Something told me I should," Zelda replied, staring forward, "I don't know why... but I have a feeling I'll need it."

A few minutes later, Zelda found herself walking by the training ground, which was currently being occupied by the trainees.

"We will find no fully realized heroes here." said Impa, "I suggest we search elsewhere."

Before Zelda could respond, something had caught her attention. There were a group of trainees gathered around two more trainees who stood facing each other. One wore the traditional helmet, while the one that didn't, she recognized him to be the boy who lashed out at her days ago... Link, was it? The two were being observed by a captain, telling her that the two were moments away from a spar. The captain signalled for the spar to start, confirming her suspicions.

The trainee charged at Link, barring his wooden weapon in preparation to strike. Link easily blocked the coming attack with his shield before using it to shove his opponent's sword away, knocking him off balance. Not missing a beat, the trainee quickly regained his footing, and swept his long weapon again, this time aiming low to knock his opponent off his base. Link jumped the attack, launching him into the air, and brought his own weapon down onto the trainee's shoulder so hard, the bystanders could almost feel the impact.

The trainee knelt as Link somersaulted away, signalling his swift defeat. As the bystanders cheered for Link, he looked up at the princess, having just noticed her.

The princess stared down an him, her mind completely blank as the two met eyes.

"Hmph." she heard him mutter as he quickly turned his back to her.

Following an almost saddened sigh from Zelda, a soldier rushed toward her, panicked

"Your Highness!" he called in short gasps for air, "We've reports of a horde of monsters on their way to the castle as we speak!"

Zelda let out a quiet gasp as Impa turned to her, ready to receive a quick command.

"Impa," Zelda began "prepare the troops for battle!"

"Right away, Your Highness!"

Impa led the soldier away, but before Zelda could follow, she couldn't help but glance back at the misguided boy she had been watching, who, by now, was the only one not staring at her in awe.

"Woah, isn't that the princess?" she heard one ask.

"Wow, she really is as beautiful as they say she is!" she heard another one whisper.

Zelda's eyes remained focused on Link for only a few more seconds before she turned to join Impa. She had no idea why, but despite their relationship, she felt... drawn to him.


Zelda made her way to the front of the many soldiers, who had assembled for battle.

"Princess!" Impa exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing out here? Your participation in battle only occurs during wartime."

"I wish to see this enemy for myself." Zelda answered, "Besides, many of our soldiers are in Faron Woods for reconnaissance, so I, along with several of the elite troops shall partake in this battle."

Impa stared at Zelda thoughtfully, "Very well." the Shiekah general relented, "Just be careful."

The two stared out at the army of monsters. Neither Zelda, Impa, or anyone behind them, have ever seen these kinds of monsters before or any monsters for that matter. And in the center, a man in red armor adorned with dragon-like accessories, and a strange figure clad in purple moved alongside the unfamiliar creatures.

"Do you see those two in the middle?" Zelda asked.

Impa squinted and, sure enough, she saw them. "Yes," she responded, "those two had been hunting fairies about three days ago."

Zelda stared forward for a moment, "There are far too many to battle all at once. We must split up."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Zelda held out her right hand, and a golden coloured rapier manifested in her palm. Next, she raised the blade high prompting it to shine in a golden light. "For Hyrule!" she yelled, charging forward as Impa and the rest of the army followed suit.


Training for the trainees had been cancelled, and they all were moved into the castle interiors. They were allowed to roam the structure, but none of them dared to even think about leaving.

Amongst them wandered Link. After what happened between him and Zelda, Impa had sent him back to the trainees, meaning he would no longer be in the main army.

"Did you hear?" a trainee asked after a few hours, "They say the older guys are losing the battle outside."

"Oh, man..." another one panicked, "If they do lose, they'll come here after us! We don't stand a chance!"

"Calm down." a third trainee cut in, "I'm sure they'll pull through; they always do."

"'Calm down'!?" the second repeated, "How the hell can we do that when they're out there getting their asses beat!?" Whoever's attacking us will be here will be here any minute to kill us all! There gonna fuckin' kill us!"

Link, who had been listening quietly, refused to sit and wait for the intruders to kill him. If he was going to die, he would do so the same way his friends did: in battle.

Without a moment's hesitation, Link retrieved his sword and shield, and made his way toward the entrance of the castle.

"Hey, Link!" a voice called, "What d'you think you're doing with that sword?!"

Link only glaced at the three trainees looking over at him before he unsheathed his blade, and charged outside the castle.


The moment Link stepped outside the castle, several red creatures caught sight of him, and charged. Immediately, Link's adrenaline began to rush as he lodged his blade into the first creature, his first kill.

Elsewhere, Impa, who had separated from Zelda some time ago, battled several of the red creatures, using her Shiekah magic to conjure up water, and use it in conjunction with her giant sword as a deadly weapon. "Where did all these monsters come from?" she asked to no one in particular. Almost an hour ago, the sheer number of enemies forced Zelda and several Hylian Captains to separate from the main army. The path she took was now blocked off by a giant stone slab. "I can't reunite with Princess Zelda with those boulders in the way!"

Just then, she caught sight of a boy easily slashing his way through the horde of monsters, a shining light radiating from his blade and at his enemies with every swing.

"What's this?" she asked herself, "A new recruit?" Impa stared in amazement at the skill this young man was showing as he cut his way through the monsters that some of the more experienced soldiers had more trouble with. "Who is this soldier, anyway?" At second glance, Impa finally recognized the boy. He was the one who lashed out against Zelda; the very same soldier she had almost killed. At this realization, Impa's expression suddenly stiffened. Well... she thought, it seems that boy is good for something after all...

On the other side of the battlefield, Zelda and the Hylian Captains were having no such luck. Zelda had begun to feel fatigue slowly impede her movements quite sometime ago as she used her power of light to protect both herself and her comrades for the last hour. Now, they were surrounded on all sides.

"Hold your ground!" she commanded everyone, "We are the only ones who can protect Hyrule!"

In the shadows, a Dark Wizard watched the Hyrulean Army's losing battle with a twisted grin, "Hiya ha ha!" he cackled, "Keep attacking! Just a little longer and this pathetic excuse for a kingdom will be no more!"

Just then, a keep the north opened, and the red monsters poured into the battlefield, fresh for battle, and their eyes glowing with a lust for blood.

So that's where they're coming from!" Link thought. The warrior slashed his way through the monsters and into the keep, where he witnessed an alarming sight.

What appeared to be a giant red dragon descended into the keep. Its form changed into that of of a tall man. Link gripped the hilt of his sword tightly as the man looked over at him.

"I see naught but a child of man." he scoffed, "Is this really all this kingdom has to offer?" The man stared at Link as the boy shot him an unwavering glare. "Do you wish to stand against me in battle?" the man asked.

Link responded by taking an offensive stance.

"Very well." he spoke again, raising his staff, "If you're ready to join your ancestors, then I accept your challenge!"

The man charged at Link raising his weapon once more, and twirling it in his hand in preparation to strike. For his first attack, the man brought his staff down upon Link, which he blocked with his shield. Link struggled to keep his footing against the raw power of the attack. Link then swung past his shield at his opponent, which he dodged easily, and attacked with his weapon again. Link now used his sword to block the attacks, but found himself being backed into a corner. Link, ducking a horizontal attack, thrust his blade forward. The man leaped backwards having already seen the attack coming, but then, a light flew from Link's blade, and hit his opponent on the belly with a blunt strike, knock him backwards.

The man regained his footing on the other side of the keep. "Get out of my way, boy." he growled as his right hand engulfed in flames. Just then, his hand took the shape of a dragon's claw, and he charged at Link with a battle cry. The attack was blocked by Link's shield, but the boy was caught off guard by his opponent's immense strength, and was knocked back to the other side of the room, rolling onto the ground, and finally stopping on his stomach. Then, as if on cue, Impa moved swiftly to step in front of Link to protect him from any further abuse.

"How noble." the man mocked, "Enjoy your shared grave." And with that, the warrior's body burst into flames as he prepared for his next attack.

Impa rushed down to Link's side and tried to lift him too his feet, but unfortunately, she was too slow, and was too tired from all the fighting to conjure up enough water to douse the flames. "Oh no..." Impa muttered as fire burst from the man's mouth and at the duo.

The fire breathing warrior stared into the flames, searching for any signs of life. When he failed to detect any movement, he nodded in triumphantly, believing that he had burned his opponents to a satisfying crisp. But instead, seconds later, a golden light shone through the flames evoking a look of sheer shock from the warrior. As the flames cleared, he saw Link, holding out his left hand as a gold triangle made itself visible on its back (even though it was covered).

Impa looked on in the same expression as the warrior did, "Could you be...?"

The man's surprise turned into what appeared to be satisfaction, "Interesting..." he mused with a smirk, now standing up straight, "You have a lot of potential, boy. But unfortunately, your but a novice. Hone your skills in the coming battles, and once you've grown stronger, seek me out; for I shall be waiting." And with that, the warrior transformed into a miniature dragon and flew away.

Elsewhere, the Dark Wizard growled in frustration, "Is Volga slacking off again?" he asked himself, "Fine! Send out the next unit!"

Just then, the keep Link and Impa were in opened completely, giving the opposing forces an opening.

"Are you sure you can keep going?" Impa asked.

"Yeah," Link answered, straining to stand.

Who would've guessed? Impa thought as Link rushed out into the swarming enemies, Princess... I believe we've found our hero.

As Link made his way into the field, he heard a cry for help, "We can't hold them off anymore!" the rough voice shouted,"Help!"

As Link advanced, he caught sight of what looked like a giant lizard with a sword and shield backing a rock-like creature into a corner with a deadly barrage of attacks. Link had a tough time guessing which one called for help, but eventually decided to sneak up on the lizard and stab him from behind, resulting in a shrill scream from the creature before it collapsed to the ground and died. Just then, the entrance to the nearby mine opened.

"Thanks a ton!" the rocky creature told him, "Hey! you should take the treasure in that mine as a reward!"

"Treasure?" Link asked, staring warily into the mine.

"Don't worry; there aren't any monsters in there. Just help yourself!"

Link turned to the mine as he made his way in. The creature, who was apparently his ally, was right; there were no monsters in the mine. As Link headed deeper into the structure, he saw a chest, obviously unlocked. "I wonder what's in there..." he said thoughtfully, lowering himself to open the chest. The one item stored in the chest was a bag, much to Link's disappointment. His eyes widened as he took a look inside. Bombs! he thought.

As Link progressed toward the entrance of the mine, he heard a loud crash. Link ran to the entrance to see three huge rocks blocking his path. He had been trapped. "Damn it!" he yelled.

"Hey!" Link heard the voice of the creature from before call, "Those monsters dropped those boulders there to trap you! But it's okay! Just use those bombs!"

That's right! Link thought as he reached into his new bag and pulled out a bomb. The boy set the bomb down in front of the rocks and, after a few seconds, watched as the wall of rocks crumbled before him. Finally escaping the mine, Link walked over to the humanoid who helped him.

"Thanks!" Link told him.

"No problem!" the creature responded, "Besides, you just saved my life a minute ago!"

With a parting nod, Link raced back to the battlefield, itching to pay the monsters who trapped him back.


Impa, along with a large group of soldiers, stood in front of a wall of rocks, frustrated at not knowing what to do next. She had detected Link's approach, but didn't turn to face him until he ran up to the rock wall.

"The princess is not at all far beyond this wall." Impa told him, prompting an abrupt pause by Link, "Once we get past this wall, we'll reunite with her."

Link stared at the rock walk for a moment. Princess Zelda was now in the exact same predicament that Link and his friends had been in. He could easily act as if he hadn't found the bombs, and have Zelda finally pay for what she did. But could he bring himself to do that? Could he possibly live knowing that Princess Zelda was dead because of him? He could feel Impa's gaze from behind as he almost hesitantly pulled a bomb from his bag and placed it in front of the wall.

"A bomb!" Impa exclaimed, "Great idea! Though I have no idea how such a weapon came into your possession."

As the wall of rocks crumble Impa wasted no time in leading her troops into the keep beyond it, and slashing their way through the monsters. But Link only stood there. Just seconds ago, he had the princess of Hyrule's very life in his hands. He could easily have done nothing and, eventually, the princess would have been killed in battle. But he couldn't. He just couldn't. Why?

"Don't just stand there, recruit!" Link heard a soldier call, "We need to get to the princess!"

With a sigh, Link rushed into the keep, and joined the battle.


After the keep was captured, Impa and her troops rush forth, and finally reunited with Zelda.

"Princess!" Impa called, overjoyed, "Thank goodness! I fear I'd never have reached you if not for a brave trainee!"

"A trainee?" Zelda repeated in surprise, "Well, from the smallest seed comes the biggest tree I suppose. Where is he? I'd be remiss if I didn't offer my thanks."

Impa stepped to the side, revealing the boy behind her for Zelda to see.

The princess let out a silent gasp as Link stepped forward. "Thank you..." she told him after a moment.

Link nodded in response before turning to look for more monsters to attack.

Zelda stared at Link in utter shock. She was sure he hated her and wouldn't care if she died. Yet, he technically saved her life.

"Princess," Impa called, "I can report that we have reclaimed all the keeps along the westernmost edge of the field. What shall we do next?"

As Zelda devised her next strategy, the Dark Wizard, who was still watching, grew very impatient, "Attack! Destroy!" he commanded, "Kill the royal whelp before I grow impatient!"

"Order your troops to capture the Central and East Field Keeps." Zelda began, "Once they're finished, have them seal their northern gates to impede further reinforcements."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Link followed Impa into the Central Field Keep, speedily slaying the monsters inside, and capturing the keep. Link was already about to advance to the East Field Keep before being stopped by Impa.

"Don't worry about the other keep." Impa told him, "It has already been captured and sealed. Now, we only have to stand by and wait for further commands."

Link's eyes widened in surprise. How could the soldiers on the other side of the field have known to attack the East Field Keep and close it's Northern gate when Zelda, the one who gave the order, was one the far out of their earshot?

Link and Impa stayed in the keep for about ten more minutes before the general turned toward Link, "Your name is Link, correct?" she asked.

Link nodded.

"The princess is near the Fairy Fountain located southeast of this keep. Another stone wall is keeping them out of the fountain. She needs you over there to blow up the wall.

Link's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Okay..." he complied.


It took Link several minutes of running to reach Zelda and her troops, who stood before a tall structure.

"Impa informed me that you have bombs in your possession." Zelda told him, "If that is so, I would like for you to break down this wall."

Link eyed the princess, who stared at him expectedly, as he made his way towards the rock wall. As he placed a bomb, Zelda's eyes left him and focused on the deadly weapon. Just as the bomb detonated, Zelda sped into the Fairy Fountain.

Link could only watch her, deep in thought. She and Impa seemed to know of each other's situation, as well as that of the other soldiers almost as if they could see from each other's eyes. How could that possibly be?

As Link joined Zelda, and tall, barely-clothed woman emerged from the fountain. Just then, winged spheres of light flew straight for Link. The boy watched them, alarmed, but not threatened, as they took bombs from his bag, and took to the sky. Seconds later, Link heard a loud explosion followed by a tremor.

"Yes!" Zelda exclaimed, "The enemy forces have suffered a great loss!"

As the Hyrulean forces celebrated, Link turned ro exit the fountain. It seemed as if the battle was over; there was nothing left for him to do and, honestly, he did not wish to be in Zelda's presence any longer.

"Excuse me." Link heard Zelda call as she approached him, catching the trainee off guard, "I know you may not want me speaking to you now, but I just wanted to say that the deeds you have performed for Hyrule and its people on this day were nothing short of heroic. Here we stand, victorious against all odds after coming back from a losing battle, and it is all thanks to you... On behalf of Hyrule, and all it's people... and from the bottom of my heart... thank you... Link."

Link was speechless. Sure he had his opinions of Zelda, but her words seemed almlst apologetic; so... sincere. Before he could respond, though, Zelda turned to her troops. "I am returning to the castle." She told them all, "I wish you all good luck in finishing this battle. May the Goddesses be with you."

The Dark Wizard had witnessed everything. But instead of his former rage, he now looked on with his usual twisted grin. "This is where it gets interesting." he said to himself, "Unleash King Dodongo!"

As Link exited the Fairy Fountain, he heard a loud boom!

What was that?! he thought as he made his way to the field.


Impa heard a set of monstrous growling beyond the northern gate of the Central Field Keep. "You can try all you want!" the general chided whatever monster was behind the door, "You'll never get in! You might as well-"

BOOM!

The entire northern wall crumbled as a giant, gold-colored monster rolled through, followed by the familiar red monsters.

"General Impa!" a soldier called, "They got in!"

"I can see that!" Impa replied in aggravation before looking up at the giant beast, How can they summon a beast of this size to the field so quickly? she thought, They must have a skilled wizard amongst their ranks.

Impa was the only one to see the swipe of the beast's giant hand coming. The blow knocked all of the soldiers to the side, rendering them all unconscious.

"Damn it." Impa cursed as the monster exited through the west side of the keep.


As Link crossed the bridge near the middle of Hyrule Field, he could see the gigantic beast make its way toward the West Field Keep. What the hell is that?! he thought. Link ran toward the monster and stood in front of it, barring his sword.

"Hey!" Link yelled, "You-"

Link was interrupted as the creature's hand collided with his body, knocking him to the side like common trash. Link flew into a wooden barricade, it's spintery surface breaking the skin on his cheek and allowing blood to run freely down his features.

"You dumbass." a nearby soldier scolded as he ran by.

Link sat up as the monster broke into the West Field Keep.

"We have to stop it!" a captain yelled.

Link stood back up and ran towards the keep, ready to battle to the death, and attacked the monster with everything he had, but to no avail; the creature's skin was entirely too tough, and Link was too worn out to use his ability to infuse his blade with the strengthening light as he usually could. As the soldiers surrounded the beast, the creature let out an ear-splitting roar, stopping most of them where they were, before curling into a ball and rolling through the crowded troops, crushing everyone in its path. Luckily, Link was fortunate enough to not have been the beast's target. He looked up at the monster's blood-stained back as Impa made her way into the keep.

"This monster is slaughtering everyone!" she yelled, "We must stop it before it gets to the castle!"

The gold colored giant turned around and let loose screen of red flames, igniting all the nearby soldiers. Next, the monster turned toward the western exit of the keep.

"The beast aims to destroy the castle!" Impa shouted, "We must stop it NOW!"

Without thinking, Link charged at the creature and plunged his sword into it tail. The monster swung its tail, dusting off the attack (so to speak), flinging Link into a nearby wall.

How the hell are we gonna kill this thing?! Link thought in frustration. Just then, the monster opened its mouth wide, and breathed deep for its next attack.

"Damn!" a nearby soldier cursed, "That thing could probably swallow anything!"

Link's eyes narrowed as a thought immediately came to mind. Swallow?

Link strained to rise to his feet, and charged at the beast once more.

"What are you doing?!" Impa asked, "Our attacks have no effect on the beast!"

Link reached into his bag and pulled out a bomb. The boy proceeded to launch the explosive into the monster's mouth, prompting it to close immediately. Impa watched as the beast rose on its hind legs and roared in pain. Next, it lied down on its side as smoke rose from its mouth.

"It's vulnerable!" Impa yelled, "Attack!"

Every able bodied soldier charged at the monster and assaulted its soft belly. The beast roared in pain again and rose on all fours. As it did so, Link leaped onto its hand, and ascended onto its back.

"Link!" Impa called, "Are you crazy?! You'll be killed up there!"

The monster attempted to curl into a ball once more before Link plunged his blade into the beasts throat. The colossal monster rose onto its hind legs again as Link repeatedly stabbed at the creature's neck before it fell forward and ceased all movement. After a few moments, everyone could conclude that the beast had finally died.

"Well done, troops." Impa complemented, "This is why we never give up." Impa turned to face Link. "Link, you have served-"

"General Impa!" called a panicked soldier.

"What is it?"

"We've reports that Princess Zelda has gone missing!"

"What?!" Impa exclaimed.

"We believe the enemy has captured her!"

"Damn it!" Impa shouted.

Link was more than a little surprised to hear the news. He, along with Impa raced to the castle. Upon arriving, Impa searched the castle frantically to find that Zelda was nowhere to be found.

"Princess Zelda has obviously been abducted by our enemy." Impa concluded, "For them to have taken her, even in her tired state, before we returned to the castle certainly means that we are dealing with quite the enemy." Impa held out a neatly folded green tunic with a matching cap as well as a scarf resting on top. "Looking back at the heroic deeds you have performed today, your help would be greatly appreciated. I trust you are willing."

Link looked down at the tunic, his eyes wide in surprise. He knew the significance of the tunic before him, but was he of all people worthy enough to wear it? And if there wasn't that, there was Princess Zelda. Despite what happened today, Link's ill feelings towards her hasn't changed in the slightest aside from them being to a lesser degree. Still, according to him, she basically killed his only friends just a few days ago. Looking at this, should he even care what happens to the princess?

"If you help," Impa continued, "I'll forgive you for your past actions. And seeing as how you're skill with the sword surpasses most of our captains at such a young age, I'll promote you to Lieutenant General. And lastly, though it may not mean much, Princess Zelda would be deeply grateful.

Link had no idea what a Lieutenant General is, but a promotion sounded great. He didn't care much for Zelda, but it would be great to be pardoned for his little episode a few days ago. And so, after inspecting the tunic, he looked up at Impa, and nodded.