A/N: Hyrule Warriors! Sooo much fun, made more so when playing with another person. My only complaint is that the storyline is too short :( I prefer the actual plot to all the extra stuff.
Thanks for reviewing: Wolf, Reader 123, Schniedragon88, ShadowQueenMidna, FallenAngel2298, Death Waltz, ObscurityProject, Generala, Ancient . tree , tetraforce theory, princesspeach, A True NaZaMi Fan, Bloodspire and Lilac Gemani.
Chapter 21
Ten millennia ago the Gods freely walked the earth. They lived among the mortals, teaching them, bestowing them with gifts, helping them to built up their civilization with the arts and sciences. Some simply entered the mortal realm to see what it was like, to explore and witness the magnificence created by their sisters, but most were drawn because of fascination and intrigue. However, one by one, as Gods were apt to do, they grew bored, each departing once again for the heavens. As time passed their visits became less and less, eventually only a few remained. Thus it was next that the demons arose to venture into the mortal world. They brought with them avarice and malice and all things evil, thereby corrupting the mortals and inspiring the seven deadly sins. Seeing the imminent chaos, the remaining Gods rallied against the demons, their ever-bitter foe. They created armies of the mortal races to drive them off. The demons similarly rallied, uniting under one of the great demon Lords, a legend whose name instilled dread in the depths of men's heart, the demon Demise. It was the Goddess Hylia who led the mortal troops in the war, and in the end they managed to conquer the enemy and the Great Demise was sealed away.
It so happened that at this time one of the demons, a lieutenant by the name of Enandri, abandoned his post. Having seen the fate of lesser demons, at the mortal army's hand or from punishment by the demon Lord himself, he wanted no part of it. He detached himself from his legion as they waged battle, and hid, not to be seen again for many generations.
Time passed, the hands of the clock turned.
Like all demons Enandri was drawn by power and sought to make it his own. Biding his time he thrived on the bounties of the world. It was easy to accumulate power here, more so than in the dark realm. He leeched off the life force of any human he encountered until he became strong enough to take on the lesser Gods. He captured and imprisoned those few he found still lingering among the mortals. He kept them secured and sucked their immortal power, leaving them in a state as one on the brink of death. They were entirely helpless and at his mercy.
He remained hidden this way for five millennia, passing through the world as a ghost, doing nothing to interfere with the greater matters. He went so far as to ignore the call of his master, Demise, during his rise and fall and eventual destruction.
Over time he became so strong that simply absorbing the power of others was no longer enough, it no longer sustained him or helped him to grow. And it was then that he looked to Hyrule, the most prosperous of the world's countries, the Goddesses' golden lands, where he sought out a relic of unimaginable power. Inexplicably drawn to it, like so many others before him, he finally emerged from hiding and gathered a massive force to him.
At that time every God had left for the heavens, no more remained on earth, none but the few he'd imprisoned. The mortals were unprotected and vulnerable. Enandri did not have the power that the Demon Lord, Demise, wielded but that did not stop him. He was confident that in the absence of the Gods, and more so, in the disappearance of the Goddess Hylia, he'd be able to conquer Hyrule and claim the triforce as his own, surpassing the power of God and demon alike.
His forces slaughtered without care; they slew and ransacked and ate of Hylian flesh. Enandri butchered the ruling monarch of that era and the throne became his. Hyrule fell into despair. The mortal races lived in fear and darkness. They were left hopeless, with nothing but prayer to their Gods for salvation, a salvation that it seemed was not in coming.
Although he had a mind to wipe them out entirely, Enandri kept the mortals alive. They were his source of amusement, to be constantly ridiculed and mocked. They were weak, with their frail bodies, short lifespans and the ease at which they surrendered to their emotions. He had made killing them a hobby, and hunting down the foolish ones who rebelled a sport. He tortured whenever he became particularly frustrated in his search for the triforce, and devoured their remains. Intended or not, their extinction seemed imminent.
The Hylians lost their spirit, their will for a better world, as continuously their prayers were ignored. The Goddesses, it seemed, had abandoned them, and all other Gods would have nothing to do with them. Their creation, their people; forgotten. Many began to spurn the Great Goddesses, to curse them along with the demon Enandri. But as were the ways of the Goddesses, they did not want their people to rely solely on divine salvation, but knowing that their people could not hope to conquer the demon themselves they were willing to lend aid.
It so happened that a boy was born during this age of misery, a boy who was to grow up amid war and strife. He rose from the clutches of his slavery and, in the name of the Goddesses, became the legendary hero and freed the land. He roused the people to arms, he stole back a small bit of the light that they had lost and that was enough to inspire them to hope once more. When at last it was time to face the cruel overlord the hero fought with vigor, with spirit that none have been able to muster since the beginning of Enandri's reign.
He vanquished the demon. Sprawled on the ground in defeat, Enandri cursed the hero and cursed the Goddesses he worshipped. But before the hero could deliver the final strike that would send the demon back to whence it came, the sage who had been battling alongside him called him to desist. Demons, like the Gods, do not die so easily, and those that are banished tend to claw their way back and wreak havoc on the world in the name of vengeance. Seeking to avoid that, the sage instead chose a different path. The demon would live. He'd live among them, but as a mortal with no hope of ever regaining his power to do evil. With that, the sage used the Goddesses' divine blessing to seal Enandri's demonic side into a godly instrument. Enandri was then laden in chains and imprisoned to rot in the dungeon until his mortal body eventually expired, then he was no more.
It was then that the sage took the godly instrument and hid it away deep in the lost woods where it could be forgotten with time. She sealed it with a specialized set of wards that would only ever recognize her signature, then placed guardians to watch over it and see to it that it was never found.
This carefully guarded artifact was lost to history. Few ever knew of its existence and the ones who did know were never inclined to look for it or to pass down their knowledge to future generations.
And so one is left to wonder…
…how these specifics had reached Lord Xerthos' ear…
"Dasril!" she spat, voice infused with so much white-hot anger she could have fooled herself into believing she was breathing fire.
Dasril made a point of not looking at her, not even a cursory glance in her direction. He stood further back than the others, partially hidden by the dark form of the Augurer.
Zelda admitted to feeling a cold dredge of fear at the sight of the armored hulk. This man who had been plaguing Hyrule for the past few months, who single-handedly made himself a man's nightmare with his mere existence alone. He'd done nothing to her knowledge that should have instigated this fear he'd wrought upon Hyrule, but yet it was tangible. It was the things he could do, the devastation that he could cause that drove their fear. The same as how a person may be frightened of a ghost.
She could see no face behind the visor, so it could be just paranoia that made her tense up as if he were looking directly at her.
Dasril had said that there was no Ganondorf in this era, but then who was the Augurer? Why would she and Link be reborn without Ganondorf to complete their triangle? What was the purpose of their existence in this life?
Another tap sounded on the sphere, like the clinking of glass. It rang in her ears and Zelda flinched at the noise.
"Yo, we can't hear you from out here. This orb doesn't exactly transmit sound two ways you know," said Reth, leaning over to peer at her. As if he'd discovered a newfound purpose to be as obnoxious as ever, he began tapping on the orb again.
Zelda considered yelling at him but decided not to waste her breath. Instead she charged her hands. With a sudden flare, she shot them in Reth's direction and let her magic go wild.
A shock ran through her, a burning sensation that could only be described as excruciating in its painfulness. She collapsed in a huddle, riding out the waves of agony, occasionally jolting as her nerves were sparked.
"That…" she heard from Reth who spoke with a relieved sort of breathlessness, "could have been disastrous."
Heaving with gasps, Zelda managed to pry her eyes open to see that Reth's vague figure was further back than before, as if he had reeled away in avoidance of her attack. But it hadn't gone through. The orb had contained it and with nowhere else to go the energy she'd unleashed had diverted back to her. She'd burned herself with her own powers. No matter that they were somewhat diluted when used against their originator, it still hurt like hell.
The man with the scars spoke, his voice hollow and seeping with vice. "Don't provoke her, Reth," he spat, coming up to take a closer look at her through the grayish tint. "We need her in decent health."
Zelda shuddered with pain but managed to level a steady glare at the man. Her body throbbed something fierce and the cramped enclosure of her prison did little to alleviate the hurt. It took all her willpower not to let the tears spill from her eyes.
A spasm shot through her and she whimpered, curling into a ball.
"That was not very wise of you," the scarred man said to her, his voice and manner chiding.
Oh really, she wanted to spit out, but thought better of it. That was something she was not willing to undergo again. She could almost pity the people who'd been on the receiving end of her magic. Almost…were it not that they all deserved their fate.
His hand descended on the orb, caressing it softly. "At long last…" he whispered serenely, then swirled away, cape billowing in a great arc. "But there are still preparations to be made. Dasril, assist me!"
Like an obedient pup, Dasril bowed his head low and trailed after the man demurely. Zelda stared at him as he passed, willing him to look at her, she wanted to see into his eyes, see what sort of person he had created of himself. She wanted his eyes to connect with hers so he could see the betrayal, the anger and fear that shone in her. So he could see her mouth forming the weakened words that left her lips.
"How could you?"
Why had he done this? What did they need her for?
Dasril shuffled past quickly and Zelda's anger flared, stemming from the hurt that welled up in her chest. The audacity! How could he do this to her then completely ignore her?
"Don't worry, pet," said Reth as he settled himself crossed-legged in the air beside her, chattering away like a long-time companion. He indicated the robed back of his Lord with a roll of his eyes and exclaimed hopelessly, "it's not only you. Lord Xerthos treats everybody like they're his test subjects. Lab rats, if you may. Of course he does have good credentials in the area…"
As the pain abated, Zelda found it easier to twist around in her confinement. Taking care not to move too suddenly, she eased herself up then leaned her shoulder against the curve of the sphere.
"L-Lord Xerthos?" she queried, then remembered belatedly that Reth couldn't hear her. He seemed to be paying little attention to her, staring off at the ceiling with sharp orange eyes, happily carrying on his one-sided conversation at his leisure.
"Sooooo…you're the princess, eh? It is alleviating to know that Prince Zellandus was never destined for the throne, however I find it ironic and amusing that he shall have it anyways... Or perhaps not. Lord Xerthos will more than likely have him brutally murdered," Reth tilted his head, smiling whimsically, "that's just his style."
Zelda's anger reared up. "Don't you dare touch him!"
He eyed her sidelong and quirked an uninterested eyebrow at her reaction. "Don't like that? Don't fret. His demise shall be far more pleasant than what Lord Xerthos has planned for you."
She pressed her hands against the orb, frustrated by her helplessness. Her hands burned with her magic but she couldn't risk using it. "If any of you so much as go near him…"
He smiled at her. "Ah, pet. You do not know what fate awaits you, do you?"
His tone was light but what he said gave rise to apprehensiveness. Still seething, she narrowed her eyes, chin tilted down. "What is to become of me?"
He eyed her sidelong, sighing dismally as he repositioned himself to mirror sitting crossed-legged on a chair, supporting his face in his palm, his other arm draped across his lap. He saw her lip movement and guessed her question as he feigned having heard her. "Alas, t'is an odious fate. It's best that I not tell you. I do suppose that you've made your assumptions though, it isn't at all difficult to guess."
He floated down to face her and slammed both hands on the orb, causing Zelda to jolt back. "Believe me, for you…I'd have you cloaked in red…"
"Reth!"
At the call, he pulled away, wearing a hope-devouring grin that spread maliciously into his eyes.
"Unfortunately, I am not the decider."
Zelda was shaken. This…this was not the Reth she had known. She could barely associate him with the one she'd been acquainted with over two years ago. She'd first met him at the academy, both new to learning the laws of magic and building up the ability to wield it properly. He'd been of the quiet, albeit mischievous, variety, taking to his studies like an artist took to his work. She'd held pleasant conversations with him, repressed a threat to the state with him, she'd congratulated him when he'd secured a place on her father's council and sought him for guidance when that council had become hers.
She'd never seen him as lucidly as she did now. It was as if a veil had been roughly torn off, revealing all her previous conceptions of his character as false.
Dasril… Reth… how many others like them had fooled her?
Painful awareness came to her. Her predicament was one she had often found herself in, but this time there was no Link to save her. He didn't know where she was, that she was even in danger. He could be out there, feeling the immense pain of her abandonment as equally as she did, wondering for the life of him where she'd gone, but he'd be too late to find her.
Zelda bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut, now regretting her hasty flight when at last they'd faced each other. Her disguise gone, she'd felt vulnerable – she'd been vulnerable – standing there bare before him. Nayru! She hadn't even listened to him, taken a minute to hear what he'd had to say. Running had been an act of immaturity, yet it was the only course allowable. The only safe course; one that ensured that her heart would not further shatter.
The night was spent and as daylight leaked its tendrils into the room, Zelda was granted with a better view of the stone structure that acted as their shelter. Having been to many castles in her days, and having lived in one for countless years, it was easy to identify the layout of the stonework as similar to a castle, that or a temple. It was a ramshackle thing, so it had to be secluded and uninhabited. Her keen eyes took in its formation, locating every nook and cranny to be used to her later advantage. She detected five separate escape routes, but none of them she could access, not while she was entrapped in this orb. At least Ganondorf gave her legroom.
The shuffling of feet, and the one named Lord Xerthos appeared in her vision, hands outstretched, an action mirrored by the rest of the men in the room as they took their places on four corners surrounding her.
Desperately she turned to her once friend. "Dasril!"
Whatever it had been that had prevented him from looking at her before was gone now as he stared at her with deadened eyes that revealed a flat expression. His hands hovered over where her knees were bent at the odd angle, fingertips reaching to prod the orb.
Tears budded at her eyes, overflowing and streaking down her cheeks. She begged him. "Dasril please!"
"Now," said Xerthos.
Energy rushed into the chamber in intolerable gusts. The men's cloaks swirled around them, caught up in the flurry, the magical influx so great that the last few surviving glass windows shattered.
The orb buzzed and Zelda screamed.
Calm was a state nigh impossible to achieve at the moment, yet he had. With impeccable control, he'd reigned in all the emotions dying to escape and achieved passable lethargy. Only made so because with the both of them on the rampage he didn't think the world would survive their dual wraths.
He was by no means apathetic, his insides were roiling just as much as the self-proclaimed hero's, however, he was composed while Link saw fit to dive into hysterics. One of them had to be rational, and it seemed Link wasn't up for it.
…Goddesses, what a controversy that was! He was used to getting his way, oh yes, just like any other spoiled royal brat who happened to be rich beyond belief, however he never expected to actually lead! He was more the type to just say it shall be so or it shall be done and it was meted out. It was beyond him to put any great effort into anything.
It was just a damn good thing that he was brilliant with novel situations.
He frowned as a crash sounded from far off, soon followed by the sound of tearing and a roar of rage.
Dash it all! It was hard to keep his head with Link's wild cursing and defacing of every object he could lay his sword into. Mirrors were his prime victims of choice. This house was full of them, one for every room at least.
Another crash and then a great shatter resonated throughout the mansion.
Yes, he was really getting into those mirrors.
Zellandus winced at the sound then frowned. "You know," he called out down the hall, loud enough so that Link could hear. "You've accumulated at least a hundred and forty years of bad luck by now. That's about two to three lives you have to pay it off."
Another shattering noise accompanied the first, a resonating declaration that indicated that Link didn't give a bloody damn.
"Th-those mirrors are precious heirlooms," the servant man, Jeffrey, protested with horror. "They have been collected from all over the globe by many generations of Foulkes."
The Prince scoffed and flicked his hair from his eyes. "Oh don't worry, I authorize it." Another shatter, whereupon the servants all winced.
Unlike Link, whose priorities ran to total decimation of his surroundings, Zellandus had made his first issue of business to round up all of the staff and have the Sheikahs terrorize – er – interrogate them.
He turned to them, seeing them lined up against the wall, all ten of them. By the Goddesses, only ten to take care of this enormous monstrosity of a house? It's not like Lord Foulkes was experiencing any budget limitations, at least, not to his knowledge.
He glanced at the servant who he guessed was the butler and head of staff, a man obviously the most aged of the lot. "Jeffrey, my faithful subject, once again are you sure you know of no other location that your master would run off to? No other estates in his name, or those belonging to close friends?"
It was apparent that Jeffrey would rather not tell him anything. Confliction shone on his face, his loyalty to his master battling with his loyalty to his country. Country won out as he sighed. "No, highness. It's like I've said. Both the Lord Foulkes and Lady Zelda lived predominantly nomadic lifestyles. They'd both leave for weeks on end then stop by to recuperate. Their timings mostly differed. Lord Foulkes always stayed longer than the Lady Zelda, and he always made us contact him whenever she returned. I don't think they ever travelled together."
The resounding voice that followed caused all the servants to tense up.
I detect no lies. Clearly whatever their relationship it had been a close one. That is, until Lord Foulkes' untimely betrayal.
Zellandus nodded as Laval spoke, stroking his chin. "Clearly. Well, our theory of Zelda being kidnapped has been ruled out. Obviously she was acting with her own will. But why trust in Dasril? Why not someone else?"
If you are suggesting yourself then, highness, I assure you, I see good reason she did not confide in you.
He stomped the heel of his boot hard on his shadow. "I resent that, Carus!" He growled, and abruptly turned to face a mirror that Link hadn't gotten ahold of yet. "Damnation! I can't help but agree with you, though. That is one secret that I'd be dreadful at keeping."
Among others.
Zellandus' boot came down again. He then paced the room, the sounds of Link's rampage droning ever quieter. "What if Dasril had been telling the truth? What if she really did cast the spell deliberately? Why would she do that?"
There was a stretch of silence. The only noise came from a few of the servants who were shuffling on their feet anxiously.
Laval spoke softly.
Perhaps that is a question best directed at the hero?
Zellandus stilled abruptly and pursed his lips. "What makes you say that?"
The betrayer has revealed a great many things to us today.
The Prince nodded as he mused. "He said that she was in pain. Emotional pain – that is. Ever since her memories returned."
So, began Carus, whatever has caused her to reap so much emotional tribulation must have occured in her past. Do you know of the most previous Zelda who lived, asides from this current one that is.
He shook his head. "Very little I'm afraid."
Then know that you are not a direct descendent of hers but a descendent of her cousin. The last Zelda existed over a hundred years ago. She was killed hours after she and the hero defeated the evil King. Slain by his vermin followers.
"How ghastly!" gasped Zellandus, his stomach clenching with sickening twists. To think that his sister had had such a fate… He could only be grateful that he only had to live once. Once was enough for him. How terrible it must be to live life over and over again, facing the same perils and having the youth stolen from you in such a way...
It was decided. Link needed to be confronted. He'd been there, if anyone could help him gain insight on Zelda's mindset it was him. It was odd. Mere days ago he'd discredited Link's title as hero, believing him to be half mad at the declaration, however, since he'd seen Zelda he couldn't help but believe in the legends.
He gathered his cloak over his arm and looked down at his shadow. "Carus, stay here and watch these cretins. Laval and I will see to Link," he said, making his way out of the room.
Highness! I am your personal guard! The indignity of this!
He easily countered her. "Laval knows Link better than you, he's also more subtle and attuned to his character. And plus he won't be liable to go off on his head if he hears something undesirable."
Carus spewed curses, most of them divine entailed, and Zellandus listened absently as her voice faded the further he moved down the hall. It wasn't difficult following Link's trail. The marks of destruction indicated that he'd carried on his warpath to another wing on the opposite side of the mansion.
He became suspicious when the destruction suddenly ended, for Goddesses' sake, there were two mirrors further down that had been completely neglected! There was nothing here but blessed silence. Upon peeking into the next room he understood why. Link was centered in a rather effeminate lounge with elegant décor. A vanity with hair accessories, lotions and perfumes stood on one side, opposite a beautifully decorated changing screen. Two separate doors led into different chambers, one to the bathing room and the other to the bedroom where an enormous canopied bed resided against the far wall, to the left of which a pair of glass doors were mounted, leading onto a balcony.
Zellandus gazed around in awe, the same look that appeared on Link's face as he too surveyed the chambers.
He came to stand beside the hero, and ventured hesitantly. "This was her room wasn't it?"
Link blinked and then snorted. "Whose else could it be?" He prowled forward to the bedroom. Zellandus shrugged and followed.
The bed was made, but rumpled in the middle, as if she had sat on it for a while, doing her hair or thinking, just like when they'd been younger. But back then there would usually be two rumpled spots, one next to the other. He used to join her in her random musings, mostly to annoy her, but sometimes to lean against her side, just for the comfort of her presence.
Two and a half years and his heart was aching with loss…
Zellandus shook his head at the memories. There could be only gain now.
He watched Link as the other man placed a hand on the bedpost, seemingly deep in thought.
"What do you think he meant by that?" Zellandus quested.
Link didn't bother looking back at him. "Who?"
"Dasril. What he said about Zelda experiencing hurt, so much that she had to erase her life." His voice was tinged with sadness, but it soon resumed its usual confident air. "Did something…happen back then. In your past lives?"
Link's shoulders tensed and Zellandus knew he'd hit the nail on the head.
"Carus told me she was killed-"
"That doesn't concern you," Link snapped.
Zellandus raised an incredulous eyebrow. "Oh? That's what you think? It does concern me, she's my sister. If something devastating happened to her in another life then I have the right to be informed!"
"Then would you like me to recount it all?" shot Link snidely, rounding on the Prince. "Everything? I could tell you about the Twilight invasion and all the horrors she went through then, horrors that could possibly equal the time era, but lets not stray to that. How about every time she's taken a near mortal blow in battle, how many times she fought for her kingdom and became very close to losing everything she had. All those times she broke, body, soul and heart, and had to piece herself back together because her country required it of her. Maybe that's why she did this. Maybe it was to escape her fate. A fate she didn't want."
His tirade was short and at the end Link was breathing through his nose harshly, lips pursed, he looked ready to tear out his hair. Zellandus came up behind him and place a tentative hand on his friend's shoulder.
"You're speaking of yourself as well, aren't you?" said Zellandus, hollowly. "You, the bearer of courage, and she, the bearer of wisdom…your fates are intertwined so tightly you become almost like one being."
Link scowled and pulled away. "It wasn't our choice that this duty has been thrust upon us. We are never ending, like Gods, only worse. Gods don't have to reenact their horrors over and over again. We do. But we are Hylian. The longer we live, the more tired we become. But not even death is salvation to us. Our souls are destined never to achieve their final rest. Not so long as evil may rise and corrupt the land."
"You do have something that no one else does, though," said Zellandus, to which Link looked at him morosely. "Chance. The chance to redo your life with the ability to make better and wiser choices. So many would kill for that prospect. You two just need to get your acts together, kill your evil King as soon as possible, and then enjoy the years of peace following."
Link's lips thinned as he frowned. "That would be ideal, but somebody had to go and ruin it by forfeiting her queenship. You don't know how much simpler it is to have someone of high notability supporting you on your endeavor, someone who knows about the ancient lore and who could connect with the magical beings of Hyrule. Zelda was always there as the guide, she always helped when things became too dark. She was always my motivation."
"Which leads back to my original question," said Zellandus, sternly. "Why would she have done all of this?"
Link wouldn't look at him and it was starting to become bothersome. His suspicion was aroused at this uncharacteristic behavior. What was it that Link had to hide? Or rather… what was he ashamed of?
Hero, this is of great importance. Your answer may aid us in understanding Princess Zelda's motivations.
"What use is it? It can't help us find her," said Link, crossing to the balcony and looking out over the grounds, beyond the lower hills of Snowpeak where a small sliver of Hyrule field could be seen in the distance. "What does Lord Foulkes need with her?" he mumbled absently, worry coating his tone.
"If only we knew," hissed Zellandus, fury rising at the very thought of the minister. These last two years Dasril had known about her and purposefully kept her from him. His sister! And now he did this. What in all of Hyrule had Zelda seen in the man? He wasn't even one of her suitors…or he hadn't been. Who knew what had transpired these past years. Gad that was a scary thought.
Zellandus ran his hand through his hair. "I sent Kipper with a note to Queen Helerra and Brula. We should reconvene with the Zoras and strategize. I've requested we meet in the forest west of your village, midway between Castle Town and Zoras Domain."
Eager for action, to do something productive, Link adjusted his baldric over his shoulder and shot hard eyes at the Prince. "Fine, let's go," said Link as he shoved the balcony doors open then promptly sprinted and hurdled over the banister.
"Carus!" called Zellandus, before he too took the balcony at a run, bounding over the rail and free-falling. He did a mid air flip and landed in a pile of snow, hand touching down to steady himself.
The Sheikah's presence filled his shadow as he and Link mounted their horses and kicked them into gear.
They bounded down the road, following the tracks they'd made on their way up the pass. Once on more stable ground they spurred their horses to haste. Several times they had to stop to allow their mounts and themselves to rest, however they took only short naps that soon saw them once more on the move. A full day and a half later they arrived at the meeting place.
A small camp had already been set up by the time they reached the area. Commander Deb was there, waiting for them along with three Zoras, one of whom happened to be Sir Vire. And someone else was there as well…a youth, who'd been thrown to the ground and was now held at spear point by the two soldier Zoras.
Link made a sound of alarm and vaulted off his horse landing at a sprint.
"Vrel!"
The youth, Vrel, looked up and an expression of relief filled his face as he caught sight of Link. "Link! Link, I've been searching everywhere for you!"
Vrel looked a sight, ragged and worn, clothes torn in some areas and boots horribly scuffed. He was hunched over, clutching his stomach as if nursing an injury. Aware of the unfriendly eyes upon him, he stood, careful not to make any sudden movements that could be taken as an attack.
Link batted the spears away, glaring at the Zoras. "At ease, he's a friend."
"A suspicious friend you have," voiced Sir Vire, disdainfully, crossing his arms. "We caught him poking around the area, eavesdropping no doubt."
Vrel turned to Link, eyes expressing innocence. "I had to make sure they weren't with her! Please, Link, believe me. I didn't know they weren't allied with the monsters."
Zellandus pulled up is horse alongside the group, staring down incredulously. "Monsters? Great magnificent Goddesses! You thought the Zoras had sided with those beasts? It's absurd."
"Not even the worst of us would ally with such creatures," snorted Sir Vire, indignantly. He gave the impression that there was some background story to that but this was hardly the moment to care about that.
"No, they have too much damn contemptuous pride," input Zellandus, earning a scowl from Sir Vire.
Link grasped his friend's hand and pulled him into a short embrace before pushing him back, grasping him around the biceps and holding him at arm length. "Vrel, what happened? Where were you? Roark said you'd been kidnapped."
Vrel's expression crumpled into one of shear horror and despair. "Adra! She got Adra! I tried to stop her but-"
"Hold a moment," Link inserted, giving a small smile, the first to frequent his lips for days. "Adra's fine. She's alive!"
A heavy breath escaped from Vrel and he appeared about to fall to his knees. Only Link's support prevented him from doing so. "Dear Nayru! Thank the Goddesses." His wild eyes then snapped to Link. "It was Vivienne! She attacked us at the bank, she tried to kill Adra, then she took me."
Zellandus saw Link's eyes darken considerably. "Vivienne?"
Really, the Prince had no idea who this individual was, but Link and Vrel seemed to be well acquainted with her.
Vrel nodded and clutched his head, as if the memories agonized him. "She needed me – an offering – there was a stone keep. There were others, men in dark cloaks – and there was one – he was in armor, so huge and evil, like a demon!"
Indiscernible to most, but as Zellandus often proved he was more perceptive than people gave him credit, so he saw the slight change in Link's pose. His shoulders bunched and the firm muscles of his neck tightened as if he was clenching his jaw.
Zellandus had the same passing thought as Link. The Augurer. Now he wondered would Link choose to go after Zelda, or the warlord he'd been chasing since first hearing about him.
What Vrel said next decided them. "Wisdom! They have wisdom! The ritual – Vivienne said – but then I escaped-"
Zellandus stopped hearing after that as everything blanked out but those few words. Wisdom! Did he mean the triforce of wisdom? And the only person who had wisdom was Zelda.
Sir Vire scoffed. "Whatever that means. He's incoherent. I can't make sense of anything he's saying."
One of the Zora soldiers looked up at the Zoran knight. "What should we do about him, sir?"
"Leave him!" shot Link. "He's coming with us." Then he said calmly, but with firm resolve. "Vrel, can you find your way back to where they kept you? Can you take us to the stone keep?"
Vrel's face blanched and he looked about to swoon. It must have been horrifying, what he'd been through. The boy was sturdy and strong, built like a bear, almost a full two heads taller than Link. It was daunting how he could be reduced to this blubbering mess. For the first time Zellandus was questioning his impulsive actions. Perhaps it would be more conducive to organize the troops and march on the keep. Brula would be very helpful in this instance.
Seeking to relay his process of thinking to Link, he opened his mouth, but barely had he formed the first word that Link suddenly coiled and drew his sword. He dashed at the woods, taking them all by surprise. He cleaved into a patch of brambles and to everyone's astonishment blood spurted from the undergrowth and a shrill cry rent the air.
A bulblin fell into the open, its throat slit, it crumpled on the ground unmoving. The Zoras recoiled in shock, as Commander Deb swore. Zellandus gulped and clutched his throat in sympathy. Link was wholly unaffected. He was paused in his final strike, bent at the knees, his sword arm outstretched, blade dripping with black blood.
"They've come looking for me!" hollered Vrel scrambling back. "I can't go back! They'll kill me!"
Link straightened and slashed his sword in a downward motion, relieving it of some of the blood. He eyed Vrel frostily. That look, combined with the streak of blood that had sprayed along his front made him look more deadly than ever.
"What has gotten into you, Vrel?" he hissed. "In all of my life you've never been a coward."
"You haven't been through what I have!"
This caused Zellandus to roll his eyes and scoff. "Oh, please." His horse shifted beneath him. He tightened his grip on the reigns. "A life may be at stake! Would you willingly abandon a fellow Hylian?"
Link stood before Vrel, eyes intense as they bore into him, causing the taller boy to squirm. "You'll be returning on your own terms this time and you'll have others with you to back you up," Link promised.
Vrel was silent, but then he shook his head. "You don't understand. Vivienne is a sorceress. The others are too! They'll tear us to shreds."
"A sorceress?" exclaimed Commander Deb, who had been strangely quiet until now. She looked directly at Link with a steely expression. "We may need more assistance if we are to take care of a group of magic users. Is it truly wise to face the Augurer along with these others? The only one of our group even capable of using magic here is his highness, and no offense intended, but your powers are not on par with a full-fledged sorcerer's. If we had the Princess, however…"
Zellandus' eyes narrowed. "Well, she's not here. She's been trapped by that..." He groaned and grit his teeth. Rational. He had to remain calm and think rationally. "I assume you've read my message?"
The Commander fingered the hilt of her sword at the mention of it, her aura darkening. "Dasril shall pay for this."
"He'll more than pay I assure you," said Zellandus, his voice filled with vice.
Link turned to Vrel, his face beseeching. "Please, Vrel…"
A moment of hesitation, whereupon Vrel was taken aback by the pure misery and helplessness that featured on Link's face. He looked over them all, before finally sighing. "I – alright…" he relented.
A wave of relief filled his core and Zellandus felt himself beginning to hope once again. He didn't know what Dasril had planned for Zelda, but he'd do everything in his power to stop it. Sooner, rather than later. He'd never been as pious as his sister, but in that instance he just had to glance skyward and give thanks to the Goddesses. It was truly the work of fate that they'd found Vrel.
"Then we go," said Vrel quietly, "to the Lost Woods."
Dasril could feel the last string of magic break. The seal released one last pitiful shudder then shattered, shooting out darts of golden light.
With slight hesitation he glanced at the orb. The figure within wasn't moving. She had screamed herself hoarse after the second hour of the ritual, and by the end of the first day could only tremble as pain wracked her body, tearing the light power of the triforce out of her. Now as the second day came to a close, she bore no discernable signs of life.
Heart constricting, he turned away, running a hand through his hair. After two long days of undergoing the ritual he was tired and hungry, more than he could say for her.
"That's odd…" said Reth, head cocked to the side, finger pressing inquisitively against his chin, his voice one of keen curiosity.
Dasril would have ignored him and gone on his dismal way had Reth not uttered his next words.
"She's not dead."
He whirled around, breath hitching and eyes going wide. Not dead? How was that possible? The ritual should have killed her.
Lord Xerthos moved away, holding something endearingly in his hands. "It matters not. I have what I want…the means to reconstruct the world in the image I envision it… Now only to claim its power." Lord Xerthos then began the last process of absorbing the dark power that emanated from the instrument, a gold and silver crescent harp, with black veins running along the edge and entwining with the strings, evidence of the malignant essence it was infused with.
Dasril stared horrified at the orb. He could see her faintly through the black transparency. Her head slumped, hair in disarray, scratches lined the interior of the orb where she had tried to claw herself out, tracks of blood dribbled down the side leaving semi-dried stains from the nails she had broken off.
She was alive!
The realization was too much to bear. He did this to her. He did this knowing she was supposed to die. But she lived! Knowing that caused guilt to rise up and tear through him, like the clawing of a floor master.
He was overwhelmed.
Breathing harshly, he rushed from the chamber, not hearing Reth as he called out to him in surprise. He fled through the temple and barged outside, heaving in the fresh air deeply.
He ran down the path in a crazed fashion, blinded by grief and guilt and the unbearable feeling of shame. He stumbled then slowed, waveringly slumping down against a thick trunk.
There he hyperventilated. He tugged at his hair and forced his head between his knees. Not enough air. It just wouldn't flow. He had to breathe. It seemed like ages before he finally caught his breath and exhaled heavily, tears pouring down his cheeks in a most unbecoming fashion.
He moaned in despair before laying his head back against the trunk, gazing tearfully at the forest ceiling.
How pathetic. He hadn't cried in years. But then, he'd never had a reason to do so. His mind went to Zelda and he groaned.
What was he doing? What should he do?
They had succeeded in their goal. Siphoning the magic from Zelda's triforce they had unlocked the chest which held the harp, something Lord Xerthos had told them contained unspeakable power, the very life force of a great demon. Lord Xerthos now had the means to steal the power he greatly desired, power that he had promised to share with his closest followers, those he considered his generals. He had only to absorb it from the harp, and once that process was done he'd become something far grander than any mortal. And Dasril was minutes away from attaining power beyond belief, all that he wanted was at his fingertips.
But then why did he feel so miserable?
Zelda...
No one have ever managed to break into his heart before, none but her. It was frightening how she had crept her warm tendrils inside him, instilling within him this desire to have her as his own, to love her with all his being. He was a poor lover then, to hand her over in the way he did. His jealousy had gotten the better of him, jealousy toward that fool boy, Link. Even now the very thought of him ignited his wrath like no other.
No. He was not to think of such things. Such thinking had led him to this in the first place. To betray her…
Had power truly been worth her life? He had never regretted anything more.
It came to him then like a cold slap in the face. He didn't want power... Suddenly, he didn't want anything to do with it. He'd gladly give it up in exchange for Zelda, he'd give up everything he had worked for just to see her happy.
He gazed down at his hands, frowning.
Is this what it was truly like to love? His parents had certainly not been good role models, they had married by mutual consent to increase their status and combine their wealths. They had treated each other cordially, with an aloofness that had carried on to their children. But what he felt for Zelda... that had to be real...
How had he been such a fool?
It was time to make things right.
He stood wearily, leaning a steadying hand against the tree.
She survived. He could yet fix this…
He turned toward where the temple lay. He would get her out of there. Lord Xerthos no longer needed her, he could retrieve her and take her far away from the horrors that would soon befall Hyrule.
With firm determination he started his way back, ready to betray once more.
It was said that the forest was a cursed place, once a haven of the Kokiri and shelter to unwary Hylians, but a past wrought with betrayal and bloodshed had transformed it into a domain of hostility and malice. The things that dwelled within were the source of nightmares. Creatures sang from the trees and coerced unfortunate wandering souls to lose themselves within the forest. They'd drive them into insanity and then devour their souls. Only the brave and noble of heart could face the forest and come out alive and mentally sound, for they were not tempted by the whisperings of beings unseen. They stayed true to their course, and would let nothing sway them.
Perhaps it was foolish to be leading his little band into the woods with him. Link had been here before many times, he knew what sounds to ignore what sounds to follow. His mind was sharp and focused and not liable to stray like the weak minds of others. He was in his element here, surrounded by trees on all sides. His earliest memories consisted of forests and groves, with light dappling the soil through vast canopies of leaves. It almost felt like twilight here, how the world around them was plunged in something half light and half shadow.
He ordered the others to remain close by his side, told them not to listen and definitely not to obey anything they might hear. Vrel was trembling as he led them further in, his eyes wide but he refused to let them wander, he refused to look anywhere but at the path ahead. Link admired his bravery. Vrel was not used to danger, he'd never faced anything more than a few bokoblins or some deku babas that had seeded too close to the village.
He felt sorry for him also. It seemed that everyone close to him was destined to have their lives torn asunder by his fate. He did this to his friend. It was his fault that he was suffering. It was a disparaging thought.
As was expected, the forest's layout didn't match any of those in his memories. It was constantly changing. Sometimes he might have sworn the trees uprooted and moved around just to confuse people.
But there was one thing that always remained the same. One part of the forest he could always count on to be his personal sanctuary.
As pressed as he was to finding Zelda, he couldn't help but on the way, keep his eyes open for that one sacred place that meant so much to him. If he could acquire the master sword on the way then it would provide a huge advantage against the Augurer and the rest of these sorcerers. Even if he didn't turn out to be Ganondorf, it would still deal colossal damage in a fight.
He sensed nothing though. After a few hours of trekking he was left to surmise that the sacred grove had to be in a different section altogether. Usually his body became energized and his senses would flare when he was close. It this had been a normal day of wandering without purpose, he'd go out of his way to look for it. Come to think of it, he should have done so much sooner. The blade of evil's bane was the single key to ending all things heinous in this Hyrule.
"Are you sure this boy knows where he's going?" a low voice whispered close to him. "He's walking almost as if hypnotized. I'm positive he's not aware that he's even moving."
Link twisted his head to look at the Commander over his shoulder, before facing forward to scrutinize Vrel. He did seem a bit stiff, but it was to be expected after going through massive trauma and being forced to return to its source. Vivienne must have really done a number on him for him to end up like this.
"I trust Vrel," Link murmured, almost indiscernibly. "And his memory is the best of everyone's. Even if he's only been to a place once he'll know how to find it again."
A small sigh. "I hope you're right."
From ahead, Zellandus gasped and pointed. "The stone keep!"
Hurrying over, Link and the others entered a glade and there before them rose the crumbling ruins of a temple. He shot a meaningful look at the Commander, to which she rolled her eyes and curled her body, creeping closer. Her sword out in front of her, she motioned them all to silence.
"Alert the enemy to our presence, why don't you?" she said sourly to Zellandus.
Zellandus shrugged awkwardly, offering an apologetic smile.
Adrenaline surged through his veins at the thought of what was to come, his blood already boiling in readiness for battle. He twirled his sword idly, encroaching on the temple fully alert, treading softly.
There was no door of entry, having been blasted away somehow during the course of its existence. They crept quietly onward, footsteps echoing faintly in the corridor.
Zellandus jerked, his ears pricking. "Magic," he whispered, harried. "Lots of it. It's – it's like nothing I've ever felt before. So powerful and golden…"
Deep blue eyes narrowed as Link ploughed on more quickly. That could only be the triforce. He knew that Zelda would not unleash its power unless under dangerous circumstances. His heart rate fluctuated at the implications.
"This way." Zellandus pushed to the front of the procession and led the way. Link trusted the Prince's sensitivity to magic to lead them to their destination. Soon, however, even he could feel the pressure of the magical combination of multiple signatures. It stole the breath from him.
Then, just as suddenly as he felt it, it was gone. All that power vanished in a blink. Zellandus paused and Link looked at him perplexed.
"It's…it's gone," said Zellandus. Rather than devolving into panic, Link focused on something beyond them.
Up ahead a pair of great double doors were open a fraction. Voices could be heard, along with movement and then a loud cry of male torment. Blackness seeped out of the chamber in a thick fog. Link clenched his eyes shut and threw his arm over his face as the fog rolled into the hallway and stifled them. It dissipated in a matter of moments, moments in which a dead silence prevailed and the others tried their best to muffle their coughs.
Rubbing his eyes to clear up his blurred vision, Link inched forward. It took all he had not to charge into the room, sword flailing.
As it was, instinct and hordes of experience, cautioned him to approach in a decisive manner, one dangerous and full of resolve. Rushing only made things worse.
A shrill of manic laughter and Link abandoned his stupid caution and burst through the doors.
The darkness, which pelted him in diabolical surges, originated from a man at the other end of the room. He was down on his hands and knees, panting and laughing all at once, with waves of evil pouring off him, coiling upward in the form of dark clouds.
Link jolted as the man snapped his gaze upward and glared at him with glowing red eyes. The man snarled, then groaned as his arms gave in and he crumpled.
"Well," said a voice from above. "Visitors."
Zellandus pulled up beside him, sword drawn and bared. "Reth DeSange!"
Reth tipped his head. "Highness. Charmed."
Link took stock of who all was in the room. Along with the mysterious man and Reth, there was the Augurer, and trapped in the giant orb Zelda awaited him. The tow he had been most expecting to find were nowhere to be seen. Dasril and Vivienne were both absent.
"Oh, I do love visitors. My Lord, Since we've accomplished what we've set out to do…may I?"
The mysterious man wheezed and pushed up, weakly. "Do as you will. Augurer! Assist me!"
In two short strides the Augurer was at the man's side and heaving him up. Then the room was engulfed in a loud swirl of wind as they teleported away.
Deb swore, while Zellandus cursed more fancifully. The Zoras readied their spears while Vrel shrank back, inching towards the door.
Reth floated lazily down, a gruesome smile marring his face. "Poor Lord Xerthos. Needs his rest you know. Breaking the seal and then absorbing all that power...he's had a busy day. Well now, since he's gone to recuperate, we'll just have to produce some entertainment." He rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
"Reth, you traitor!" shot Zellandus.
"Oh, do shut up. I've never been able to tolerate your bratty tone," said Reth, still smiling wryly. "Tolerance has always been Dasril's forte."
"And where is he?" said Commander Deb.
Dasril's absence was like an unfilled void. How was he to reap his vengeance when the traitor was nowhere to be seen?
Reth laughed cheerily. "Left. Must have been the toll of magic. You see, between the two of us, endurance has always been my forte."
Link's sharp blue eyes bore into the orb, tracing the figure of Zelda. But why was she so still? Why wasn't she moving?
Realization struck him as he reassessed what had been said earlier. "Accomplished what you set out to do… What did you do?!"
The mad minister chortled good-naturedly. "Ho now? That is none of your business. She's alive you know." His beaming orange eyes drifted towards Zelda. "But not for long. I've halted the pathway of air into the sphere, she'll run out soon."
Link let out a strangled cry and charged but Reth swooped down and blocked his path.
"In order to get to her, you must defeat me."
Eyes glinting, he attacked!
A/N: I think I need to work on my action scenes :( Ah well.
I noticed that in many LOZ games the antagonist's main objective is to unleash his evil master or to obtain an item that will grant them unlimited power, so I decided to travel along this route. So sorry for those hoping that Link would arrive in time to save Zelda and stop Xerthos' plan. Evil dudes need to succeed too once in a while, and besides, Xerthos was waiting so patiently for his power that I simply had to reward him.
Reader 123: I don't think I mention it specifically, but Dasril would be around 21 or 22 years old. So that we're more clear on this: Link is 17, Zellandus is 17 and a half, and Zelda is 19.
Thanks for reading!