Standard explanation: #This notation# is for telepathic communication.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Parallel Destiny: A Parallel Legend of Zelda
Part II: Twilight
Chapter Three: Earthbound
For the first time since their retreat, Link felt something akin to relief. Refugees clasped the arms, and sometimes the bodies, of Ylissean convoy workers as the Beorcs brought priceless food to the remnants of Hyrule. We're still in desperate straits, but now we have a chance. He strode to the barricades, holding back a grimace at the hacked logs and cracked stone. How much of one is another story.
#You worry too much,# Proxi laughed. #Yesterday was their shot, and they blew it. Now, you clear the temples, banish their armies, and put down Ganon's ghost for good.# The Hero nodded, though his thoughts were reaching back through memories older than Hyrule. Features like Ganondorf's on a body built like Ganon. Massive, muscular, covered in black scales harder than any armor. A blazing mane of fire where a mortal man would have hair. A white "X" scar in the center of his forehead. Link looked away, seeing the monster more clearly than the world around him. A sense of...dread? Loss? Horror? He took something, precious beyond life. Part of him returning to the present, the Hero turned his attention to the western horizon. No, Proxi, they've only lost a battle. Phantom Ganon is still out there, waiting to be reborn. Into that. Proxi flew out of his chest, sticking her tongue out at him before alighting in his hair. #I didn't hear that, but I felt it. Will you relax for three minutes? We won.#
#For the moment, dear,# Navi replied, and Link felt Proxi fume while her mother floated serenely above them. #I've seen the Hero do this enough times to know what comes next.#
"It gets worse before it gets better," Link whispered, glancing towards the Hebra Mountains. Though even Spectacle Rock couldn't be spotted this far south, the smoke from what had once been known as Death Mountain could be seen as a grey mote against the darkening sky. #I guess this is where we say goodbye?#
Navi floated down and wrapped Link in a gentle hug. #Only for now, old friend,# she insisted, and for the first time in days, the Hero felt truly safe. The sensation passed as Navi released him. #When this is over, we'll catch up. Until then, Hyrule needs me to be the Great Fairy.#
#You're doing a fine job so far,# Link replied, patting the Master Sword's hilt. #Whatever you did might have turned the tide even if the Shepherds hadn't shown up.#
#Mom used her link to us to enchant you with the power the Goddesses granted the Great Fairies,# Proxi explained. Link felt her pacing on his scalp, and resisted the urge to scratch. #That's why she needed me back.#
#And from there, it passed to the champions of Hyrule I'm most connected to,# Link finished, nodding. #All pretty basic sympathetic magic, right?# Proxi nodded.
The Hero could feel Navi's reluctance as she floated back, ascending as she drifted towards Faron Forest. #Clever as always. Please be careful, Link Karikan. This cycle feels unique. I have faith you will triumph, but I know you. Don't sacrifice more than you have to.# With that, she shrank down to a ball of light and darted away.
#Wow. I've never seen Mom act shy before,# Proxi blurted. Link felt her examining him as the Hero joined the volunteers unloading food for the sanctuary. #She's worrying about nothing, right?#
Link tried to shrug, but was carrying too many boxes. #I have to make it to the end, put Ganon down once and for all. After that, the worst that happens is that I reincarnate.#
The pulse of worry Proxi radiated nearly cost Link his footing. #Your life isn't a rupee to spend, Link!# she gasped.
#I concur with Proxi's protest, Master,# Fi added, manifesting by his side in a swirl of Light. #You are not the Hero of the Five Swords War, who was not the Hero of Light, who in turn was not the Hero of Time. Each life is precious. Were this not true, would you fight so fiercely to protect the land you founded with Her Grace?#
Link placed the food in the growing distribution pile and joined the line back to the convoy. #I'm still me,# he explained, #more than anyone except Zelda. Besides, if the Demon Realm conquers Hyrule, how many generations will suffer under Ganon's yoke? Will it ever end?# He sighed at the twin bond-stares he received. #I'm not going to throw my life away,# Link conceded. #I don't dare. It's not always easy to tell when Ganon's been truly defeated.#
#I'll take it,# Proxi said. #So, how do we get to Mount Eldin?#
In spite of everything, Link managed a faint smile. #I have an idea.#
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Gorko blinked at Epona. "A Dodongo," he whispered. Link nodded, eliciting a raised eyebrow from the Goron. I hope the Hero knows what he's doing, Gorko thought. Given how off he's seemed lately, perhaps best not to mention it to him. Instead, he added, "How?"
"Marin, how else? Even she needed a day to work it out, mind you." Link put his hands on his hips and regarded his steed's new form. "I don't think Epona's ever been a Dodongo, but when I was the Hero of Time, I traveled to lands called Labrynna and Holodrum," Link explained, hands on his hips as he smiled at the living Charm. It had taken on the form of a crimson riding creature, as much dragon as Dodongo, with enormous eyes that were literally emerald green, complete with facets. "I think his name was Dimitri." The Hero chuckled. "He was a better swimmer than a digger, but I think Epona here will be fine." Dodongo-Epona nodded, leaping eagerly in place.
"Well, she'll fit better down here in that form than as a horse or loftwing," Gorko admitted, peering down the tunnel. He sighed and deflated at the sight of the train-wagons toppled along the sides of the Charm rails. "At least the safeties worked. My people were not directly harmed by the collapse of the Power Charm network, and our path is clear."
Link's smile vanished. He nodded and mounted Epona, who let out an oddly gentle whistle. "Let's go."
Gorko nodded, curled into a ball, and rolled along the tracks. This is easy! the Goron exulted, his people's ancient magic stronger within the archaeologist than he'd ever imagined. In seconds, Gorko was moving as quickly as the fastest Charm trains. The Hero himself was barely keeping up, Epona churning like a train-wagon herself. Careful not to lose his friend, Gorko slowed enough to allow Link to keep pace without effort, then concentrated on the path ahead. "The tunnel network only extends between Nohansen and Eldin," he called, "but this will get us into Goron territory."
Link nodded. "Huh. Why aren't there more of these?" Link asked. "They're obviously useful."
Attempting to shrug almost caused Gorko to wobble. Oops! If I derailed at this speed...okay, in this form, I'd probably survive, but I wouldn't forget the experience for quite some time. "At a guess," he replied, "it's a combination of the ubiquity of loftwings, and the reluctance of those not Goron to travel beneath the ground. Hyrule's other tribes prefer wide spaces and the freedom that comes with them." Again, Link nodded, and they traveled in silence for nearly an hour. Dean Gorko suppressed a shudder when they passed beneath the Castle City limits. What are they doing up there? he wondered, forcing himself not to use magical senses to look. "Did you feel that?" he asked Link instead. The Hero nodded wordlessly.
Deciding that his companion had the right idea, Gorko rolled silently onward. The further into the Castle City tunnels they went, the harder it was for the Goron to avoid shaking. It's worse than true cold. The Dark Fire bites more deeply than ice or flame. Within his stony shell, Gorko gritted his teeth. No one should feel that this far underground. Hylia only knows what it's like for our people living through the occupation. Sudden horror brought Gorko to a halt, and he uncoiled to his feet. Link and Epona skidded to a stop behind him. "Link?" Gorko turned, pausing at the grim, flat expression the Hero maintained. "Do you know what the invaders have done, up there?" He looked up, glad that he saw only stone.
Link exhaled through his nose, and his hair shuddered. "It's a tyranny, like any other," he whispered. "Civilians live in fear. Defiance is punished. Repeat offenders are killed, as examples." The Hero's grip on Epona's reins tightened. "The Sheikah are watching, but we can do little else. For now."
"Still, they haven't...they aren't..." Gorko looked down again, wringing his hands. "They're letting most folks live?"
The Hero paused, motionless. "Yes," he replied at last. "For now." Gorko nodded, curled up once more, and raced on.
A few actual Dodongos barred their path in two different junctions, but they were barely pauses, the pair dispatching both and continuing on. Passing the city limits again was a palpable relief, and Gorko felt his bones grow warm again in seconds. Several more minutes passed without further incident. At the next station, however, they came to a quick halt. There, standing watch, was a pack of purple Bokoblins, their eyes fixed and staring, several of their bones exposed. As a pack, they patrolled in a circle, marching with eerie regularity. One out of every three watched the surface exit above, while the rest scanned the tunnels leading to the loading platform. A single ReDead stood in the circle's center, motionless.
Link drew the Master Sword. "Fi?" he whispered.
Mercifully, the chime of the spirit's manifestation was equally quiet. "This horrifying Bokoblin reanimates after death. Analysis indicates it fears pure, bright items such as the light of a prepared Skyward Strike. It is able to reanimate purely through its hatred of this world, and its attachment to outlandish underpants." Gorko gaped, Link's fairy friend giggled nervously, and even the Hero stared up at her.
#Watch out for its curse,# Proxi added. #Their Dark Fire can seal your weapons on a direct hit.#
For a moment, Link watched them move, eyes flickering across their marching pattern. Then he smiled grimly and hefted a bomb. "Did Navi's blessing grant you unlimited bombs as well?" Gorko summoned his own bomb and nodded. "Fi's chime will be our signal. I'll go left."
"Right," Gorko quipped, eliciting a gentler grin from the Hero. They split up, each ducking below platform corners. The archaeologist readied his pitching arm. When the Blade's chime rang through the tunnel, the Cursed Bokoblins wailed as one. Gorko let fly, smile covering his new face as he threw half a dozen bombs with a single toss. I could get used to this! He charged in, the Hero's efforts mirroring his own.
At first, their attack was flawless, and the undead horrors scrambled aimlessly under their assault – save for the ReDead, which remained utterly still. After Gorko's second volley of bombs and a deeply satisfying hammer spin, the Bokoblins recovered and threw Dark Fire at them in waves. The Hero blocked and sidestepped the blasts, but Gorko took a pair of blows, gritting his teeth against the frigid burning.
As Proxi had warned, Gorko found he could no longer call his bombs from fairy space. Instead, he tried coiling into a boulder. That worked, and he plowed through the massing undead. "Ha!" he exulted, springing to his feet. The remaining Bokoblins were prone, limbs twitching like crushed insects. "You cannot disarm Gorons, for at Hyrule's need, we are weapons!" Even then, the ReDead did not move, only having twitched briefly as Gorko had rolled past.
A final wave of bombs sent the last few monsters back to the Demon Realm, and Link strode to Gorko's side, looking the Goron over. Gorko thumped his chest and grinned again. "This half-stone business has its advantages," he noted, tearing a chunk of rock from the wall and chewing on it with casual ease. Mmm. Smoky bedrock. After a moment, Gorko looked down at his impromptu meal, blinking.
Link's only response was to smile again, though this one seemed to make him glow. "Indeed it does," he said, then paused at the end of the platform. Fi and Proxi both swirled up around him, and Link glanced from spirit to fairy, then to the ReDead, and back to Fi. Then he summoned his ocarina, and began to play. Fi danced around Link as he played heard a mix of the Sun's Song and the Requiem of Spirit. When it was done, Link walked straight towards the ReDead. It came to life, moaned, and screamed at the Hero. Gorko gasped, tensed, and drew his Magic Hammer, the Bokoblin curse's foul magic spent.
The Hero continued moving, unfazed by the ReDead's howl. When it staggered toward him, Link drew his sword and drove it straight into the creature's chest. The ReDead quivered briefly, then vanished in a puff of shadow flame. "It would appear that our song was a success, Master," Fi reported.
"I missed something," Gorko said, scratching his beard.
Link sheathed the Blade of Evil's Bane. "Sometimes, the guidance of the Goddess is more subtle than messages carved on temple walls. That was Requiem's Passing. It protects from undead curses, whether the sealing jinx or the howl of the ReDead."
Gorko gaped, then danced happily in place for a moment. Proxi giggled again, Link joining her briefly. "Considering how the invaders used them, that's going to help a lot!"
"I hope so," Link whispered, then headed back down the tunnel. Gorko followed without hesitation. It's starting to feel like we have a real shot at this.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
"Tell them what you told me," Talo rumbled, fingers pinched on Cawlin and Stritch's ears while Niko looked up at Zelda, smile wavering as he turned his hat over in his hands. Dorgan suppressed an urge to punch all three. They came, he thought. That took courage.
"Sakon d-decided to collaborate," Niko stammered, cap coming to a halt as his grip on it tightened. "H-he went to the Cult to talk about recruiting Knox. Purlo went with him."
Princess Zelda nodded. Luda sat calmly at her side, writing scrolls. Dorgan couldn't sense Impa, even knowing she was submerged in the throne's shadow. "You three objected," Zelda said.
"Not surrounded by Moblins and Stalfos and – forgive me, Your Highness," Niko babbled, bowing again. "We kept our mouths shut until we could talk alone." He stared at his feet, hands and hat dangling at his sides. "Dorgan and Talo are right to greet us as they have. We've been irresponsible." Dorgan resisted a pointed snort. That's not what I'd call it. Immediately, he was glad for his restraint. Still, it looks like they've learned their lesson. Niko looked up again, eyes suddenly alight, intense. "But we're not traitors! Together, we decided to run for it, warn you of their plan."
"Talo," Zelda murmured. The recent recruit glared at Cawlin, then Stritch, and released them. Together, they gasped in relief, rubbing their ears. "Whatever your past errors, your bravery follows the trail of Hyrule's legendary protectors. Do they know where Knox is?"
Niko looked to Cawlin. Dorgan's gaze followed, taking in the rotund Hylian. At last, his expression softened. Not as round as he used to be. The demons control the roads from Castle City now. There are no more trains of refugees to travel with, that's why Link went by tunnel. I'll have to make sure they get some food, Dorgan thought. "They're not sure," Cawlin explained, hands moving aimlessly as he talked, "but the Moblin leader, Karuna, believes he's in central Ordon Province. He should be hiding on one of the farms, if their intelligence is accurate."
The princess nodded. "Given the Cult's control of the skies, it most likely is," she admitted.
Luda glanced up, eyes sharp. "Where is this Moblin commander?" the High Sheikah asked.
"Sakon said Karuna was reporting from Death Mountain," Stritch muttered, "but Karuna's supposed to have said the Gorons still hold Mount Eldin. That used to be Death Mountain, right? None of us got it." The boys all looked nervous. That's a heck of a hole in their story, Dorgan mused. Probably true. You don't make up something that erodes your cred that much.
"According to our intelligence," Zelda explained, "the Cult's desert base is styled Death Mountain, after the ancient name for the Goron capitol. It is beyond Hyrule itself, in the Wasteland southwest of Tantari." The princess stood, and Impa appeared from the shadows. The trio gasped, stumbling back. "You are dismissed," she continued, smiling gently. "Thank you all for your service, but it is time you had food, water, and rest." Dorgan indulged in a smile as all three stammered their thanks, words tripping over each other while feet barely avoided the same fate.
Once they'd left, Dorgan turned to Zelda, taking Link's place at her right while Impa walked on her left. "Do you trust them?" he asked.
"Yes." Zelda glanced northwest, where the Dark Fire rippled above Castle City. "If they were still cowardly bullies, would they risk discovery of their treachery in this manner?" Dorgan grunted. "Exactly. Now, do you think they use their newfound courage to betray Hyrule?"
Dorgan shook his head, but Impa glanced in the trio's direction. "They could be more afraid of Dinrova than they are of us," the Sheikah noted.
"False intelligence won't hinder us. With an area to search, my psychic magic will determine Knox's presence or absence soon," Zelda replied. "For other purposes, they would have to escape our camp to be of use. Gerudo and Sheikah will watch them, for their protection as well as ours, and none of them are marked with the demon magics necessary for subtler sabotage or communication. Further, we now understand what the Moblin chant of 'Karuna' means." She smiled again. "I have considered this carefully, Impa."
"Wisdom," Dorgan said, flashing Impa a wan smile. I hope, he added to himself. "So, Zelda, can we talk you into staying behind for this?"
Zelda sobered quickly. "Knox will likely require convincing. My presence will at least aid in that, and may prove necessary." She scanned the camp quickly. "I won't downplay the danger. Niko and the others are sincere, but I'm well aware that the Cult might have let them escape. Even if that is not the case, there's a province's worth of overrun territory between us." Zelda sighed and hugged herself. "Worse, the situation here remains fragile. The Shepherds and the Ylissean donations have stabilized our situation, but we can ill-afford another assault. Should the demons attack during our absence..." The princess shook her head. "Yet if we stay here, nothing changes. I will not simply hide and wait for Link to set the world right."
"Why not?" Impa asked. "He will triumph. We now have food and reinforcements. Hyrule can wait this out."
Zelda glanced sidelong at the Sheikah. "How many will die before then? How many more will be forever scarred by the occupation? No." She turned her gaze to the west. "If Knox and his forces are where Cawlin believes they are, we must take the risk."
"Link's going to pop his hat, you know," Dorgan muttered.
Zelda smiled at the Gerudo war-wizard. "No doubt," she admitted, "but he'll understand, and manage." The smile took an ironic twist. "Or rescue us, if my insight proves false. I'd just as soon not require saving again, but needs must, and this war demands we gamble at times."
"Dorgan and I are going with you," Impa insisted. Zelda nodded slowly. "At least two others."
"One should be Lana," Zelda suggested, and Dorgan's eyebrows shot up. "She's a powerful sorceress, and knows Hyrule's forests like a fairy."
"Karane," Dorgan threw in. To his relief, Zelda nodded once more, more agreeably this time. "She's been worried about you."
"I know," Zelda said, shoulders slumping. Dorgan's next comment died on his tongue. Goddess. She's tired. Guilt coiled in his belly. I should tell her. He walked beside Zelda and Impa, looking them over. Later. When she's not so weary. Dorgan suppressed a nod. Yes. Later.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Link ran two fingers over his new earring. It was larger than his old blue earring, but weighed no more than the one it had replaced. Small ridges implied the fire it harmonized him with. The Goron woman handed him his other old earring, clamping the red one's twin in its place. "There," she said, stepping back and nodding. "Your Fireshield Earrings have bonded to you. So long as you don't go for a swim in the magma, they should protect you from the volcano's heat."
"Thank you, Ledda," the Hero replied, probing at the second earring. Why these, instead of tunics? Link wondered. Memory thundered through him once more. Another echo of the Sky Era. Is that good, or bad?
#An observation, Master,# Fi reported, emerging from the Master Sword. #Though there are notable differences between that era and this one, your first incarnation as the Chosen Hero was the one most directly guided by Her Grace. It was therefore the one most certain to succeed. I suggest taking this sign as a positive one.#
The Hero nodded absently, looking across the Hebra Mountains. Mount Eldin was only two valleys away, the ring of smoke hovering above the lake of magma at its peak. I never knew why they used to call it Death Mountain. Now, I understand. He glanced over at Gorko, who was hefting an Igneous Hammer granted him by the resistance. One of the others, Merco, was examining the Magic Hammer Gorko had exchanged for it. Looking over the Gorons, he was surprised how many had already returned to their ancient forms of stony sinew. "Can you get us the rest of the way to the volcano unseen?"
"Probably not," Ledda snorted, "but their patrols are largely independent of each other. Your real challenge will begin at Mount Eldin's peak, in the Earth Temple." The Hero blinked, carefully not staring at the Goron heroine. Earth Temple? Not fire? Memory of the ancient tale of Hyrule's creation flickered through his mind: "With her strong flaming arms, she cultivated the land and created the red earth." Skyview, in the woods. Earth, in the volcano. Wind and leaf. Earth and fire. At least not all of it is about the Age of the Sky.
Gorko thumped Link on the back. "Don't worry, bud. We'll get in there and make Ganon regret challenging the Gorons!"
"Just remember, demon-beasts are everywhere in the Temple," Cobal, Ledda's second, warned them. "They've got Elder Brother Guld trapped up there, and our fiercest platoons haven't been able to penetrate their defenses."
Link patted the Master Sword's hilt. "Don't worry," he reassured the Goron. "We have this."
"And the hand that wields it," Ledda added, looking the Hero up and down before nodding to herself. Link swallowed a sigh. Din, Nayru, and Farore, he grumbled mentally, but said nothing. "Come. We lack the power to overcome the Earth Temple ourselves – we tried – but the Master Sword will allow you to become our vanguard."
"We're not asking you to go alone," Merco jumped in, "just break through some evil magic."
Looking over the ragged group of Gorons made Link wish they would let him go alone. It's their home. I can't tell them to not fight for it. He nodded to the young resistance fighter, scanning ahead. Ledda marched toward Mount Eldin after one final look at the Hero, and Link followed without hesitation. Gorko and Cobal gasped and rushed to follow. "Hey, bud, who's in charge back there?" the archaeologist asked Cobal, taking off his hat to scratch his head.
"Silva will keep them in line," Cobal explained, nose twitching. "She's worried about Guld, but after our last assault on the Earth Temple, we're barely in a condition to defend ourselves." He smiled and patted Link on the shoulder. "Don't you worry, sir Hero. Ledda's our best. You're in good hands." Again, Link nodded absently.
The hike was rough going, even for the Hero. To his surprise, after hiding from patrols in the nearer valley, Ledda brought them up the mountain nearest the volcano, not far from Spectacle Rock. Watching the valley below churn and seethe with a crimson horde, Link didn't doubt the climb was safer as she led them to the broad, nearly flat peak. "Okay, short break," Ledda declared, stopping and sitting. "Eat what you have, it's a long way down." Link briefly considered suggesting taking loftwings the rest of the way. The fire keese and skytails convinced him otherwise. Resigned to more hiking, he stretched and took the opportunity to look south, taking in the vast kingdom of Hyrule. In Lanayru Province to the east, Venus Waterfall gave birth to the Rutela River. It sparkled like sapphire past New Kasuto on its way to Lake Hylia. Even with Castle City under the conquerors' yoke, the heart of Hyrule spread out before them, green and amber and alive. West of them, the Great Tree towered enough to see its uppermost leaves, while to the south of Deku Forest, Kakariko Province gleamed like distant gold.
Link's breath caught in his throat. Even with the splotches of black, red, and white staining the sacred kingdom, its beauty blindsided him. "Goddess," he whispered.
"So you do remember how to speak," Ledda drawled. Cobal chuckled. "It's a sight to behold, don't you think?"
"I think it's what we're fighting for," Link agreed. All at once, he didn't feel so weary. He sat down anyway, chewing on a piece of jerky and focusing on ancient memory. It won't be entirely the same, but this Earth Temple shouldn't be that different from the first. We can use that.
#Now you sound like the Hero,# Proxi sent, flying out of his chest and spiraling around his head. #Let's go stomp some monsters!#
#Sounds like a plan,# Link replied, smiling and taking another bite of jerky.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Ordon Province was eerie in how normal life continued through its towns and along its roads. Beorcs went about their lives, along with a decent smattering of Hylians, Gerudo and Gorons. They worked fields and mines, metal and magic, as though nothing had changed. Only the glances over shoulders, quaking of knees, and bent necks belied the ordinary appearance of the land's activity. Occasional patrols of sneering Bokoblins, hissing Lizalfos, and mindless Stalkin reminded the five travelers of the danger they faced. We could crush any one of these patrols, Zelda mused, expression grim beneath her cloak, but the hundred to follow would complicate matters.
The western edge of Faron Forest thinned out to their south, but Lana remained invisible among the treetops. Impa, as ever, used Sheikah arts to remain hidden. Dorgan and Karane walked on either side of the incognito princess, wearing brown cloaks to her black. #We ought to be close,# Dorgan sent, his tight jaw and compressed lips noticeable even in the shadow of his hood. #So does anyone have an idea how to find a resistance leader in hiding, without revealing ourselves to half the continent?#
#Oh,# Lana sent back, #he's at Fado Ranch. Isn't that where we're headed?# Zelda's eyes widened for a moment, then she hid a smile behind one hand while Dorgan swelled and reddened. Karane fought a losing battle against a fit of chuckles. He's deciding whether he wants to throttle her or hug her, she decided. A quick look confirmed that they were, indeed, on the road to Fado's. I can't say I blame him.
#It is now,# Impa replied. #In the future, you might want to share intelligence, or at least use it.#
#Yes ma'am,# Lana sent, her voice small and quiet. Dorgan was the one fighting a chuckle then. Zelda looked down, only in part due to the approaching Bokoblins. She believed the psychic powers of the Goddess incarnate led us toward Knox.
A cold shudder rippled through the princess as she realized that their route had led as directly to Fado's as possible, when they weren't avoiding patrols. Which they might have. She risked a glance toward the woods. #Peace, Lana. My will led us in the proper direction, even if my thoughts did not. How did you learn of Knox's location?#
Lana's laugh whispered through the psychic bond. #Some of the locals need to keep their voices down. Not that Ganon's forces dare trod the fairy woodlands, at least not yet.#
#Well, we'll all be trod on by Team Blin if we don't turn this war around,# Karane grumped, fingers twitching for lack of a sword. #These demon-spawn are just itching for a chance to bully mortals, you mark me.#
Zelda eyed a pair of Moblins until they'd waddled past. #Then let's not give them an excuse. We're less than half a mile from the ranch. We can do this.# The princess marched on with fierce determination, swallowing the fear that followed with every step. Now all we need do is convince Knox of the need to set aside foolish tribal differences. Please, Goddess, let him be more reasonable than Cia. As soon as the thought came, Zelda winced. The sting of remembering Hylia is as sharp as ever.
A long, broad shadow brought Zelda to a halt. She looked up, keeping her features hidden beneath her hood, to find herself facing a massive Darknut. "And where are you going, little Hylian?" the creature boomed.
"Fado's, milord," Zelda whispered. Don't fry him, don't fry him, don't fry him, she thought, wondering if she was thinking of Dorgan or herself.
Chuckling, the Darknut stuck its sword in the ground and stepped forward, looming over the princess. "So many of you headed for that ridiculous place. It must be tiring, needing to eat and drink all the time." It was an effort not to make fists, but she didn't dare. Dorgan was already trembling furiously. "Remove the cloak."
Zelda obeyed, hoping her simple mauve dress and new bangs would fool the Ganon-spawn. His eyes flickered to the blue apron resting on her left hip, a common symbol of Goddess faith. She kept her eyes closed, not having to fake her trembling. Let him see fear, not fury, she prayed. " A simple child," it muttered. "Take your cloak and be on your way. Cooperate with other patrols as you have with me, and you will live to serve great Ganon yet." Again, she complied, gladly concealing herself under the hood as the Darknut clanked off.
#I am going to melt down every last one of those horrors,# Dorgan fumed, fists quivering as they marched at a quicker pace. #Turn them into rebar for hospitals, I will...#
#Later,# Zelda insisted. Dorgan fell silent, though enough of the bond remained that she still felt him radiate outrage – and worry. Karane's own concern for Zelda nearly heterodyned with his, before they both withdrew from the psychic union. Remember your blessings, princess of Hyrule. Friends such as these are more precious than kingdoms. They prove it now.
At last, Fado Ranch came into view. Lady Wryna's roof was torn half-open. Every building on the property teemed with people, and dozens more milled or sat outside in the scorched stretches of land. More hands than were needed worked the surviving patches of farm, tending plants, goats, or cows to the best of their limited ability. Master Jakamar looked up from where he was talking to a knot of more able-bodied folk, nodded to the largest of the group, then sauntered in their direction. "Hey there," he called, waving to the trio. And keeping his other hand on his hammer, Zelda noted. Good thinking, but a bad sign.
"Greetings, milord," Zelda replied once he was close enough to avoid shouting. She bowed slightly, then pushed her hood back just enough to let him see her face. "We have heard that this ranch is one of Hyrule's last safe havens, and hoped to enjoy its hospitality briefly before moving on."
Jakamar blinked. "Of course," he muttered, scratching his head. "I don't mind saying I'm glad you're just passing through, but we take in anyone willing to help others in kind."
"Don't worry," Dorgan added, pushing his own hood back a fraction and looking Jakamar in the eye, "it's going around."
For a moment, Zelda feared that Jakamar's wordless spluttering and bulging eyes presaged a revelation of their presence. His head whipped from Gerudo to princess, twice. Mercifully, the Hylian mastered himself. "Glad to hear it," he rasped, nodding quickly. "Hey, come with me, you should meet Master Fado while you're here." The carpenter headed for the stable. Zelda followed, noting grimly that there was hardly room for the animals with all the people taking shelter within.
Jakamar led the trio through the group, out to a former patch of farmland overgrown by unnatural weeds. "Stay close," he whispered to the princess, who nodded. I've had my fill of unpleasant meetings this day. Shoving an especially thick mass of stalks aside, he led them into a small clearing with a handful of lightly armored, heavily pummeled resistance fighters. Most were sitting, hands pressed against wounds of varying severity.
At the heart of the group stood, unmistakably, Knox. Clad in coppery armor, with a breastplate of solid iron, the Beorc seemed to fill the clearing almost by himself. Zelda noted his massive flail almost as an afterthought. This could get ugly beyond description, if I am not careful. He gestured at the trio with his free hand. "Jakamar? They seem able-bodied. Are they here to join?"
"Not exactly," the Hylian admitted. With that, Zelda removed her hood, Dorgan and Karane following suit. The rebels stood almost as one, staring in disbelief. A few clutched at legs and fell back to the ground, and Zelda cushioned their falls with her psychic force. A few Gorons and Gerudo. Even one Hylian. A good sign, I hope.
Knox took a step closer. When Dorgan moved toward the Beorc, he stopped, in spite of Zelda halting the Gerudo with a single raised hand. "Is that...are you..." Knox's words stumbled over one another, the Beorc's jaw tight.
"I am Princess Zelda," she said, straightening, "and I am here both to offer help, and plead for it."
"Thank Hylia," Knox breathed, shrinking in his armor. "My people need healing," he continued, indicating his resistance cell with a broad wave. "An exit strategy would be better."
"No posturing?" Dorgan grunted, peering at Knox through narrowed eyes. "No accusations or–"
"Dorgan, enough," Zelda shot back. That and her gaze silenced the war-wizard. "My apologies, and gratitude, Master Knox. It is good to see that the people of Hyrule have not submitted meekly to the Cult of Ganon." She knelt to cast Nayru's Heart on the most badly wounded. "Alas, your fight appears to be as desperate as ours."
"What? But you have the Hero," Knox objected, then coughed. "Er, we've managed, if barely. As for the rest, we can debate tribal matters later." He pointed northward. "The only difference those horrors see in us is simple. Beorcs taste like pork. Hylians taste like cucco."
Lana appeared in a swirl of leaf-green, mouth agape. "How do you know that?" she gasped.
For a few seconds, Knox stared at Lana, face stony and impassive. "Their own words," he replied at last. "I prefer to imagine they say that to intimidate us. Demon-spawn don't need to eat." Zelda nodded, and Lana relaxed. She doesn't need to know that they sometimes enjoy feeding. Knox raised one eyebrow. "You are Lady Cia's niece?" Shyly, Lana nodded. "My condolences," he quipped. Dorgan's jaw fell a moment before the Gerudo laughed.
Lana, to Zelda's immense relief, chuckled as well. "I get that a lot," the sorceress admitted, joining the princess in her healing efforts. "We can extract you through Faron Forest. With Skyview cleansed, the Great Fairy can keep Ganon's forces out."
"Skyview? What's – later," Knox rumbled, shaking his head. "How much of Hyrule has the Cult taken? They claim to have everything west of the Rutela, but that's impossible."
Impa appeared quietly to help Zelda stand, the last of her healing efforts complete. The purge of mana left the princess quivering. "That was close enough to the truth, at first," she admitted. "With the Hero's triumph at the newfound Skyview Temple, the southern forest is clear, and we hold a sizeable refugee camp at Lake Hylia." She let herself lean openly on her lifelong protector. Karane moved closer, while Dorgan turned to watch the clearing's edge. "However, the demon invasion overran Castle City itself on the first day. Overwhelmed and outmaneuvered, our choices were to retreat or die."
With a grunt, Knox nodded and helped his forces regain their footing. "I suppose you must be desperate, to come here yourself recruiting a few dozen 'rebel scum.'" The enormous Beorc managed a wan smile, and Zelda found herself pleasantly surprised at how it brightened the man's presence. "Does the queen even know that you came?"
Zelda's chest froze from the inside out. Her jaw tightened and her vision blurred, but she caught the collapse of Knox's smile all the same. "Her Majesty is a prisoner of the invaders," she managed, forcing herself to rely less on Impa's shoulder. "I lead the government-in-exile."
"I see," Knox whispered. He glanced past Zelda to where Dorgan stood, then assayed a shallow bow. "In that case, so long as these vermin infest Hyrule, where the Princess of Destiny leads, we follow." Zelda nodded in wordless reply, briefly attempting to extricate herself from Impa. Instead, she found herself on Karane's shoulder while the Sheikah vanished. Thank the gods for small favors. Now, to escape with as many of these good folk as we can. I must be ready for the Hero's return. She tried to will the grief away. Instead, it clung to her like a lamprey, draining the hope from her spirit. Leaning unashamedly on her friend, Zelda let the others lead them out of the clearing, and back into war.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Link exhaled and sheathed the Master Sword, the last of the Lizalfos having vanished in a puff of Dark Fire. "And that's four," he breathed, brushing soot off his sleeve. The curses in the temples would suppress Navi's blessing. I suppose it's all part of a greater balance. The Hero almost believed it. "Gorko?"
"I'm fine, bud," the archaeologist replied, banishing his hammer to fairy space with a twist of his arm. "I'm just getting tired of fighting these monsters for so little progress – GORO!" Gorko leaped away from the swirl of light in the center of the platform. The now-familiar blue chest appeared. At least they're attractive, the Hero mused, opening it.
A pair of white gauntlets floated out to him. #The Digging Mitts have been enhanced since the Sky Era,# Proxi reported happily. #Now you can wield claws or the Ball and Chain to clear your path!# The fairy swirled around Link as he donned the gloves of power. #Wow, now that's what I call an upgrade!#
Experimentally, Link summoned the Twilight Era flail. It was smaller than he remembered, and spiked, but with a flicker of thought, he could send lightning down the chain. Banishing it back to fairy space, he then made fists, and gleaming silver claws popped out. They, too crackled with electricity at his will. #Handy,# he quipped. Proxi groaned. "Time to rescue Elder Brother Guld, I think."
"Glad to hear it," Gorko replied, wiping his brow. "I don't like what we've heard from the prisoners we already freed." He pulled one of the larger books from his backpack, which now dominated the sturdy Goron's back. "At first, I thought we'd face a King Dodongo, as the Hero of Time did during his first excursion to Goron City." He grimaced, flipping through pages. "Though the titanic maw they've spoken of hints at such a beast, its hunting style clearly shows signs of intelligence – and malice."
"Like Volvagia," Link rumbled. "Looks like our dragon knight hasn't had his fill of violence."
Gorko shook his head. "I don't think so, bud. Kortz described it as having many legs, like a Gohma of rock and flame. That doesn't sound like a Dodongo King or Volvagia." He returned the book to his pack.
"It's new, then." Link paused. Or old.
"It seems that way, bud. This thing likes to play 'hunt the Goron,'" Gorko added, slate eyes narrowing and fists clenching, "and when that's too easy, there's always 'eat the Goron.' We must put a stop to this!"
Link nodded, retracted the claws and drew the Blade of Evil's Bane. "Agreed. Let's go." He glared at the giant sphere floating in the lava. This is ridiculous. Gorko smiled, then leaped onto the ball and rolled up. Sighing, Link jumped atop Gorko's compressed form and started walking. Gorko's presence allowed him to "walk" forward, moving their shared ride in the direction he chose. The occasional Magma Spume popped up to harass them; quick rollovers sent them back to the demon realm.
His companion gaped at the first piece of the dragon key they found buried in the earth, Gorko staring at Link as though he'd raised the dead. Aside from the falling boulders trying to crush them, it was all grimly familiar to the Hero. Dig, search, dodge, fight, unlock, repeat. Completing the key revealed a strange sculpture, twisting and winding yet all hard right angles. Clogging a lava-spewing statue with a boulder cleared the way. "You make it look so easy," Gorko whispered.
"Lifetimes of experience," Link replied. Sending Din's Hand ahead to psychically search, as he would have with the Beetles long ago, the Hero noted a chest he'd missed. That's new. He jogged in the direction of the unfamiliar room, stopping at the sight of the two Lizalfos barring their path. #Fi? Is this one worth it?#
#Unknown, Master,# the spirit reported. #The items you collected here during the Sky Era came in a different order, some earlier, others later.#
Link nodded. "Give me a moment, Gorko." Quickly dealing with the two Lizalfos, he opened the chest, finding a scroll for the spell Nayru's Eye. What? Link read the ritual, which vanished from his hands and settled in his mind. Streamers of blue light flowed through the world briefly, occasionally touching the Master Sword. Then the whole effect vanished. Diviniation magic. Not necessary, I think, but useful.
Returning to Gorko and the door, he turned the key until it matched the lock's pattern, and the duo found themselves heading up a staircase to a long ramp in the style of a dragon's back. On the far end, the dragon's head watched impassively. That's not Volvagia, Link realized, one eye on the boulder rumbling through the massive rib cage overhead. Now that, on the other hand, might be what's left of the Lava Dragon.
The pair moved along the ramp more cautiously, noting the rows of bombs, when an explosion of shadowy diamonds erupted from the top of the dragon's snout. That's not Volga. Link recognized his foe instantly. How could I not? He has my face.
Dark Link gazed down imperiously at the two champions, laughing with sadistic joy. "Oh, it's you," he sneered, one hand on his hip. He still wore Kagerin's body, though the foul spirit's power imposed the Hero's features over his dead mentor's. "We keep meeting like this, Hero. People will talk." The sneering grin vanished at the sight of Gorko. "And you...let me see...no, that's not it. How embarrassing, I seem to be at a loss for your name."
With a flash of fairy magic and gleaming teeth, Gorko summoned his Igneous Hammer. "It's Gorko. I'll be happy to pound it into your skull, demon."
Again, Dark Link laughed. He sheathed the Demon Sword, then snapped. The legendary Megaton Hammer appeared in his hand, and he rested it on one shoulder. Gorko gasped, then snarled. "How amusing! I was hoping to relieve some stress with broken bones and crushed souls, and you offer yourself up like an hors d'oeuvre." Another snap lowered a cage with a long-bearded Goron within. Elder Brother Guld, Link realized, jaw tightening. "I had intended to sacrifice your crumbling old cornerstone here, but why murder an elder when a Sage presents himself?"
"You keep talking," Link whispered, slowly readying the Master Sword and Hylian Shield. "We're right here, whenever you're ready."
The Dark Hero leaned forward, free arm resting on one knee. "Don't be hasty, child of man. My friend is all fired up to roast you to a satisfying crisp, but he's developed a taste for Goron of late." He stood again, Megaton Hammer clanging to the snout's surface as he spread his arms dramatically. "You see my dilemma, don't you? Oh, say you do. Is it time for our rematch of the ages, or shall I have my companion play with you while I disembowel your annoying Goron squire?"
Link pointed his sword at his Dark counterpart. Fi leaped into the physical world. "Shut up," she intoned, the corners of her lips just hinting at a smile, "and fight."
All of the Dark Hero's humor vanished. "When you die, your precious princess will follow – and then, your entire nation of unwashed mortals!" He leaped up and vanished. In that same moment, the dragon's jaw fell open, and the boulder they'd seen earlier rolled out, bearing down on the duo.
"Goro! Run, Link!" Gorko cried. Link did some rolling himself, pressing against the scale-like edge of the ramp. To his immense relief, Gorko followed his example, and the boulder raced past them harmlessly. It crashed against the bottom of the staircase, cracks exploding through the sphere. Six legs then exploded from it, and the largest crack opened into a fiery, roaring maw of ravenous magma.
#Pyroclastic Fiend: Scaldera,# Fi reported, her tone serene as ever. Link felt rather less serene when the monster scrambled towards them, body protected by the length of its legs. The Hero rolled beneath it, Gorko mimicking him. Scaldera chuckled, its voice deep and echoing, and it returned to its boulder form, rolling down at them. Pattern, Link thought, diving to the side, then chasing it as it rolled. Once the monster slammed to a halt, he bombed it. That caused Scaldera to roar in fury, sucking in vast amounts of air. I know this trick! Link realized, rolling a bomb towards its maw.
The monster swallowed the bomb, chewing on it more quickly than King Dodongo, but with an otherwise identical air. "Should be easy from here, Gorko," Link said, drawing the Master Sword and glancing back at the Goron. The Hero's eyes went wide when he saw Dark Link leaping at the archaeologist, hammer raised. "Roll!" he ordered, and Gorko sped out of the way.
Dark Link slammed the Megaton Hammer onto the space Gorko had occupied. When he raised it with a satisfied smile, a red chuchu rose from the small crater. Oh boy. "Gorko–"
Gorko rolled to Link's side with a speed that caught the Hero off-guard, then sprang to his feet. He took a step towards Dark Link, hefting his Igneous Hammer. The archaeologist looked over his shoulder at Link and smiled. "You go deal with that monster! I'll stop this repeat rip-off."
Both Links stared at Gorko in disbelief. The Dark Hero laughed. "You can handle Scaldera," Link began.
"We don't know that," Gorko cut in, stepping between Hero and copy. "We do know that you handle the monsters in these temples every time. I'll survive, don't worry!"
"No, Hero," Dark Link hissed, drawing the Demon Sword. "Worry. Disemboweling it is!"
Link turned from Dark Link, still riding the body of the last friend he'd murdered, to Scaldera, who'd already recovered and begun scrambling towards them. "You'd better live," the Hero said to Gorko, then raced at the Pyroclastic Fiend. #Proxi, can you target for Gorko without physically approaching Dark Link?#
Proxi winked, darting to Gorko's backpack. #First thing Mom taught me once I was conscious again. I'll keep him safe, Link.#
The Hero nodded, then turned to face Scaldera. It spat lava at him from above, but Link dodged, barely. The fight's changed. What can I do differently? Experimentally, he summoned the Ball and Chain, swinging it up at Scaldera. The stunning blow and lightning shock threw the fiend back, sending it rolling to the stairs again. Link raced after it, tricked it into eating another bomb, and stabbed at its eye. There's the part that's the same. He glanced over his shoulder. Gorko struggled to hold off Dark Link, the Goron's tremendous strength and skill just enough to resist the Megaton Hammer and its demonic wielder. #Fi, watch that fight. Let me know if Gorko gets in over his head.#
#Understood, Master,# Fi replied, floating to hover behind Link's ally. The Hero returned his attention to the furious, screaming rock monster. I need to end this fast. Link cast the Ball and Chain out again, knocking Scaldera back. Each time was more difficult, but the Hero didn't hesitate, accepting burns on both legs and his sword arm to deal more damage to the horror.
At last, Scaldera wailed, collapsed, and shrank, darkening until he exploded into a mass of Dark Fire. Link ignored the Heart Container, turning toward the ongoing duel. He noted the growing mass of red chuchus, then saw that Gorko was still fighting. He was leaking mica flakes from a few cuts, but still fought a desperate defense against Dark Link. The cruel figure raised his massive crimson hammer, and Link feared an oncoming death blow.
Inspiration summoned a cold smile to the Hero's face. He slashed his way through the chuchus, clearing a path for Gorko to retreat, then threw the spiked ball right into Dark Link's sneer. The shadow-covered figure cried out as he flew back, twitching from the shocking blow. The Megaton Hammer flew from his hands, landing almost exactly at Gorko's feet. "You wanted a rematch," Link rumbled, drawing the Master Sword.
Dark Link snarled as he stood, hissing and reaching for the Demon Sword. "No," Phantom Ganon boomed, his voice seeming to come from everywhere at once. "Remember your purpose. I yet require the princess."
"The spirit maiden! I will have her!" Dark Link screamed.
Link raised the Master Sword high. It filled with divine might. "No," he said, trembling with barely-restrained wrath. "You won't." Dark Link glared at the Hero for a single moment more, then vanished. The Hero lowered his blade, still shivering. Spirit maiden? What in Hylia's name does that mean?
When he returned his attention to the temple, Link saw Gorko lowering Guld's cage, releasing the Elder Brother. "My word, Gorko, that was some fancy roll work you pulled with that phantom warrior!" Guld exclaimed, then turned to the Hero. "And you, lad, nice job bombing that demon rock back to its own realm. Thanks to the pair of you, the Gorons are free again."
"Almost," Link said, collecting the Heart Container, then heading for the shrine at the temple's heart. There, as before, shone a Goddess Crest floating above the altar. He struck it with a Skyward Strike, and the Ruby Tablet floated to him. The wave of divine energy rippled from the altar, its cleansing might spreading far beyond Mount Eldin.
The moment Link sheathed his blade, Gorko raced to his side and clasped his hand. "Great work, bud!" The Dean paused. "No. Brother."
Link gasped. "Gorko?" he whispered.
The powerful Goron laughed. Guld trailed in after them, his body having taken on a slightly more orange and stony cast. "We fought side by side against the forces of the Demon Realm," Gorko insisted. "You saved the Goron people – again!" He slammed a hand into Link's back, and the Hero nearly fell over. "Never forget...now you and I are true brothers!"
"Indeed," Guld replied. "You have proven, once more, to be a genuine brother of our people." He turned to Gorko. "Now that the Demon Realm's army has been driven off, its ability to spawn monsters here undone, we must send forces to Queen Anju's army."
Gorko pounded a fist into his palm. "Princess Zelda's army, Elder. Queen Anju is a prisoner of the Demon Cult."
Guld lowered his head for a moment, then pierced Gorko with his gaze. "Our valor is all the more important, then. Will you lead our forces to Zelda's side?"
At that, Gorko shook his head with a grin. "Ledda leads our forces." He again summoned the Megaton Hammer, casually letting it fall to rest on his shoulder. Link was struck with a sense of deja vu bordering on overwhelming. Darunia? the Hero wondered. "I'll be happy to bear the Great Fairy's blessing as our champion, though."
Guld nodded. "So be it. Now go, and be quick. If history is any indication, with each victory we claim, the Demon Realm's forces will grow more cruel and desperate." Link bowed, and they went.
