It was plain to see that Hyrule Castle had been taken over by Ganondorf himself. Link and Zelda had to face the facts that now was the time for action whether they were ready or not. As for the rest of Hyrule, they had to prepare for war. The royal court needed to lead a unified, coordinated defense or assault, whichever the situation allowed. Method did not matter as long as the action was reasonable, for there are no rules in war.
Ganondorf managed to make it look as though he had liberated Hyrule from an "oppressive" regime. Using sorcery to keep the soldiers under his control, the despicable man was in complete control of Castle Town and the nearby villages. Ganondorf was able to beguile many Hylians into subjection by his claims to be able to stop the monsters. He directed the thousands of Moblins, Stalfos, Poes, and other awful creatures to only attack those people in Hyrule that questioned his authority.
Being such a large realm filled with differing cultures, races, and perspectives, Hyrule had a vacuum of power that was being rapidly filled by smaller forces. Since the fate of King Harkinian and Queen Leah was unknown, the only thing stopping the Hylians from bowing down to their new Gerudo king was their love of their former monarchs. However, there were many factions throughout Hyrule that saw the change of power as a means to implement their own desires. The domains, clans, ultranationalists, outright rebels, and independent villains all wanted to use the overthrow of the "old government" to promote their own agenda. Among them were lesser figures such as Dark Link.
Castilla had received the news of the cowardly attack upon the center of Hyrule and the resulting formation of a government in exile, but many Castillians desired to assume a policy of laissez-faire and let Hyrule deal with its own revolution and potential civil war. They believed it was a minor conflict that would perhaps bring about good change and maybe free them from their agreement to become a dominion of Hyrule. As soon as Castilla's position on the matter reached Kakariko Village, Phillip took a fit. He knew that the parliament did not exactly favor Hyrule, but never would he have guessed that they would refuse to assist in the fight with Ganondorf. Somethng had to be done. He petitioned Hyrule's royal court for permission to leave for Castilla in order to bring his country on their side.
"Castilla has attached itself to Hyrule and pledged to come to its aid if attacked. Just because this violent act came from the core and disguised itself as a peaceful rebellion, Castilla is in no way freed of its obligations to Hyrule's defense. I am convinced that I must return to Castilla immediately and tell my father the truth and influence him to use his power to go around the rest of the government's objections to war."
The new member of the royal court Sahasrahla, a Castillian by birth, cautioned Phillip that his personal appearance to the kingdom might not be enough to push the country to help Hyrule. Castilla had always been more lenient and open toward his younger sister Princess Hilda (a nationalist) and might not hear him out.
"Prince Phillip, will not the people of Castilla think you to be biased due to your close relation with Hyrule's monarchs? The Evil One has presented the appearance of being a champion of the people. He claims that he is removing the despotic rule of one family and replacing it with a better government led by himself—a hypocritical approach but his strategy nonetheless. Might not our freedom-loving kindred in Castilla be fooled by his facade? Will they not think that you are only wishing to save the royal family because you are betrothed to the princess? Will they think that you are seeking to claim the throne of Hyrule yourself through marriage?"
Phillip tightened his jaw and wished Sahasrahla would stop filling his head with doubt. He knew that it was the old man's job to give legitimate advice on the possible ills that might befall a particular course of action, but Sahasrahla was smashing his hopes with his bitting questions. On the other hand, he did make valid points that ought to be considered.
General Gaepora was not dismayed. "Sahasrahla presents a possible scenario, but considering the seriousness of the situation, I would be willing to try anything to get more armies on our side. Prince Phillip, even if you cannot change your country's opinion, I think it would be worthwhile for you to leave as you want to. Your departure will seem natural, though I am sure our enemy will exploit any action we take for propaganda."
Impa whispered something to Zelda and then asked, "Supposing the prince returns to Castilla, who will protect him on his way there? If we send our own troops, Ganondorf will order his minions to target him."
Being an honorary member of the Resistance, Auru knew a good solution. "Shad, I think you can do that, right?"
Shad readily agreed. "Certainly. We would be honored to escort the prince. No matter what position our government takes, we of the Resistance are on Hyrule's side and always have been. Returning to Castilla would be a great opportunity to round up all of our members. I have an elite force of near twenty men and woman ready to do special operations to help Hyrule. I am certian they will be determined to help in this time of need."
Impa pictured that as a good diversion. "We might be able to deceive that demon Ganondorf with this act. Think about it: Castilla has declared neutrality, so it only seems fitting that we send back all the people representing that kingdom. To the outside world, it will appear that they are leaving to avoid involvement, but in reality, the prince and the Resistance are going to try to get us help."
Renado characteristically found one hole in the plans. "If we want to give the impression that we are separating ourselves from Castilla, will we not need to send Sahasrahla back as well?"
Nobody had really taken a liking to the old man.
The eccentric senior spoke for himself. "Who am I to the world? I am nobody. Even in Castilla people just called me an 'old man.' No one would suspect me, for I look like any old senile person that dabbles in magic."
Prince Phillip seemed satisfied but slightly hesitant. "I suppose it is then settled. I would like to leave as soon as possible."
Link stood up but could not find the words to put on his tongue. He really did not need to speak to communicate his thoughts. Phillip knew what was on his mind.
"No, Link, you cannot come."
"But Phil—Prince..." Link's argument was hopeless.
"No, you are perhaps the most conspicuously Hylian person here...aside from the princess."
Phillip was right. The two blonds had the pointiest ears in the land and the fairest hair and skin. Such people were only bred from one race: the purest of Hylians. Ganondorf would kill them with complete satisfaction.
Impa again assumed her motherly role. "Link, you have a duty to Hyrule that is far from finished. It is your responsibility to defeat this usurper and protect the incarnation of the Goddess 'till death. In honor of what the king and queen would want, I cannot allow you to leave."
Link, Zelda, and the prince exchanged sorrowful glances but knew they were cornered. The royal court did not have time to hear their inconsequential feelings; they had a war to organize that required gaining the support of the dominions through diplomacy. Gaepora dismissed Link and asked that Phillip and the Resistance set out for their errand to Castilla. Phillip was leaving, perhaps for good. Events were unfolding too quickly for Link to follow.
000
Impa, Link, and Zelda exited the courthouse while the Resistance prepared the animals and supplies for the journey. Phillip seemed grieved until he managed to get Link's attention.
"Link, here and now I must relieve you of your position as my guardian."
Link begged, "Phillip, please..."
The prince remained hard and snuffed out the fire burning in his chest. Leaving Link and Zelda to face the monster Ganondorf alone was not admirable in his view, but he had his job to do just as they had theirs.
"No. You heard what Impa said. You belong to Hyrule and...to Zelda. You two are not ordinary people. You are a Goddess and her Hero."
Impa saw maturity in Phillip as he bade farewell to the closest friends he would ever have. Phillip was a lot like Link and Zelda in that he knew how to hide his hurt when duty called.
Phillip hugged Zelda and addressed her intimately. "I have been betrothed to you for as long as I can remember, but only recently did I realize how lucky I am. I will never be able to surmount you Zelda, but I love you and pledge myself to you. If I ever return from Castilla—if we manage to live to see this thing through—if good will truly triumph over evil, I give my word—I promise to come back for you."
Zelda sniffed a tear back and whispered words of comfort, love, and good-will to his ear. Phillip let her go and took Link's outstretched hand.
"Link, my faithful knight, for years you served me with utmost respect and care. I was always a boy of meager abilities compared to you, yet you treated me as an elder and a comrade. I thank you for the service and friendship you provided me and how you influenced me to become a better person. I will never forget you."
Phillip surprised his guardian with a brotherly pat on the back and hearty handshake. As he grabbed Link's left hand and saw its faint Triforce mark, he remembered the lessons of his father King Hubert. Swallowing the torturous urge to give up, Phillip tightened and performed what he ought to do.
"Sir Link, I hearby relieve you of your allegiance to Castilla and personal attachment to the crown's family. Upon my words, you are no longer a guardian of the royal family. However, I give you your freedom with the understanding that you will be serving another." Phillip rotated his eyes to Zelda. "You must serve Hyrule and foremost, the princess. You must swear it in the fear of those watching over us."
Link kneeled and gave a solemn oath that he intended to carry out to the fullest: "In the fear of Hylia, the Golden Goddesses, Castilla, Hyrule, and respect of those here, I swear to serve Hyrule and firstly Princess Zelda. I will protect this country and all its inhabitants from the evil plaguing it and free the land from its misery. I will fulfill my role as the Hero and help the Princess of Destiny seal away the Great Evil once again."
Link's words applied to much more than his simple transfer. In a sense, he was promising to save the world or at least die trying. He was finally outwardly accepting his destiny. Perhaps he would regret further embracing such a life, but it was all for the best. Sometimes doing what was right was not what was best or easiest for Link.
Since the Resistance was ready to leave, Phillip said his last words. "By this agreement, you are now Zelda's guardian and not mine. I expect you to live by this oath if you truly think anything of me, Link. Lady Impa, you are our witness." He added with faltering speech, "Please take care of them."
The prince joined his escort (the Resistance) and gave one short wave before leaving Kakariko without yielding to the temptation to run back. Shad, Ashei, and Rusl, rode alongside him desperately hoping Ganondorf would let them through Hyrule and across the border. They were relying on providence to present them as noncombatants fleeing the battleground.
Impa expressed her worry out loud. "I really hope Ganondorf's minions will leave them alone, not only for their sake, but ours too."
Coming out of the courthouse, Renado led the royal court with a scroll containing their recent decisions. He accidentally answered Impa's question by reading the paper.
"Hyrule's government in exile declares itself removed from relation with Castilla. All parties of or representing the aforementioned kingdom have been sent to proceed beyond our borders. In the war brought upon us by the dastardly rebellion in the castle, these individuals take no part. Any persons assaulting Castillian lives or property will be subject to condemnment under international law."
Impa quickly turned around. "What is all that about?"
Gaepora told her with a scheming grin on his face, "We have decided to publicly renounce our our partnership with Castilla in order to assure that the prince gains safe passage."
Impa questioned that approach. "Are you sure this will not affect any potential Castillian allies we may have?"
The general responded, "Indeed it will. The Castillian people that have grown to like Hyrule will feel insulted by our harsh reaction to their indifference. Perhaps they will start a campaign to champion the cause of joining us in this feral war."
Gaepora winked mischievously. The royal court was playing a dangerous game pitting their own ally against them in paradoxical hopes of guiding Castilla to the right side. Impa walked away with the general and the other secretaries and warned them to be careful. It was Hyrulean tradition to excessively argue about every plan before it was enacted in order to ensure the best course of action was taken.
Link and Zelda stood outside the abandoned courthouse with only the day-to-day activities of Kakariko surrounding them. It was impossible to look on that peaceful town and believe that a great war had begun the night before. Time seemed like it was slowing down, trudging through the malice of Ganondorf's presence. Especially for Link, who had recently used time travel, everything was happening either too fast or painfully slowly since his fight with Maleficent.
Kakariko Village had a pleasant combination of rustic yet prosperous, small industries. The welcoming community had all the necessities of life and were self-sufficient. Rolling farms surrounded the city and kissed the horizon with fields of billowy grains. The courthouse stood at the center of the town, and its tall clock tower was visible from afar. That old brick palace of law had been in disuse until the royal court gave it a rebirth of purpose in the morning they arrived.
The famaliar scent of baking barley loaves entered Link's sniffer and reawakened his ravenous apatite. The lack of sleep during the night and the constant flow of adrenaline from yesterday's battles had weakened Link and made his own needs forgotten. Gosh, he still had a raw wound from those damn Stalchildren! But nothing could stop the boy; he would persevere until he breathed no more. As he observed the children go tumbling out of the schoolhouse, he felt an urge in the pit of his stomach to protect the citizens from the abominable ravage of Ganondorf.
Zelda made eye contact with him and shared her own immense sorrows. "We will have to leave Kakariko tonight. It would be unjust to subject the inhabitants to a siege. Besides, there is no way we can hold out with such a small army. Ganondorf knows the royal court is here and will use our weak state to his advantage. I am sure he must be as unprepared as we are though. Did you hear about all the independent resistance movements?"
Link shook his head to say yes, but his thoughts were far away. Zelda had had a minor breakdown in the morning when she realized that their enemy was indeed Ganondorf, perhaps the worst form of the Great Evil to deal with. Link had left her to the fairies and spent the early hours of the day elsewhere. He har tried sleeping but could not find inner peace. To make use of himself, he had helped a local chicken farmer named Kafei round up his cuccos and had got aquainted with the Hylian soldiers and the one Zora volunteer group that currently comprised Hyrule's skeleton army.
Zelda had suggested the title "Army of the Goddesses" for the regular troops still serving under the crown, and immediately the royal court made it the official title of their forces. The government made a decree to Ganondorf and all the undecided parties around Hyrule that the Army of the Goddesses was the legitimate protector of Hyrule formed by the royal court itself. The militia was led by Gaepora and rallied around the Hero, Link. No mention was made of Zelda though, for her location was unknown to Ganondorf as of yet. Since she was a Triforce holder, it was imperative that she was prevented from being captured.
"Link, are you listening?"
Link jumped a bit. "Sorry, Princess, I zoned out for a second."
Zelda wished he would call her by her name, for she had no patience for formalities.
"Well, anyway, I was saying that many leaders around Hyrule have voiced their opposition to this change of hands in the government. The Goron chief Darunia, for instance, got his brotherhood to sign an agreement that they will not listen to any of Ganondorf's demands. They still fully support the old regime. That Gerudo demon is going to find that we are not his only enemy. Even the monarchy's old political foes want him dead."
"But what about the king and queen?"
Zelda's short-lived optimism crumbled into a solemn expression. Her calm sapphires became hazy and her hands clenched into fists. How dare anyone lay their filthy fingers on her dear father and mother! The world's worst demon had them in his possession, and all she could do was flee.
Zelda said gravely, "We must pray for my parents' safety. There is no other way we can help them out of the torture Ganondorf must be putting them through."
"But what if Ganondorf decides to use them as a means of intimidation?"
Link was not making it easy for the princess. Did he not know what was required to wage war on a demon? Zelda turned her head to eye Link, making her locks of hair fly with centripetal force.
She frowned intolerantly and rebuked him severely. "Must I reiterate that we are confronted with an outright war against the most feared adversary in our world's history? All risks must be taken; all effort must be centered on one goal: defeat Ganondorf no matter what the cost is. Sacrifices will have to be made."
"But surely there is some way to—"
"There is no way. Ganondorf has the king and queen—my parents—at his mercy and there is nothing we can do about it," Zelda stated coldly, hiding the regret she had.
Link blurted out without thinking, "I would not mind if I died trying to free them." He was so simple sometimes.
Zelda nearly resembled Impa with her narrowed eyes. "Death is not a privilege you are not entitled to."
The Hero was not outwardly affected. "That is a grim way to put it."
"Link, you must kill Ganondorf if you have to use the last Hylian's sword to do it. It would be better for you to let all but one of us die, then to leave our nation in the hands of a demon." The princess put her hands on her hips. "Oh, I might as well tell you what it comes down to: if Ganondorf kills my parents, so be it. We cannot jeopardize our chances of winning."
"That sounds a little heartless," Link said softly.
Zelda burst out with a strident note. "Perhaps it is, but I bear the weight of a kingdom and an obligation to Hylia to herself! We must be ready to give all for the cause. You must be ruthless, Link, it is the only way. You must master your Triforce. You must prioritize your duty beyond everything. You will need every bit of courage in your veins if you are to succeed."
Link rubbed the back of his neck. "I suppose it is wisdom that gives you this point of view."
Link and Zelda sounded like they were arguing, but they were actually offering a sort of self-examination test to each other. Zelda was still a little insulted by Link's words though.
"I never said that."
Link added, with a bit of an indignant attitude, "Are you sure? I would guess that you should know. You can see the future."
Zelda was unsure where Link got that idea. "I will admit that I have had visions, but I am not a fortune teller."
"But you spoke to me yesterday too. In my battle with Maleficent, I heard your voice tell me to throw the sword." Link's usual lack of words was being counteracted by his probing inquisitiveness.
Zelda admitted, "Yes, I have the gift of telepathy, but I still need to master that talent. But how does this—what are you trying to say?"
"You have magical ability that would scare me coming from anyone else, but now I see that we will need all your powers and any skill I supposedly have." Link became serious and vulnerable and promised, "Princess...Zelda...we might not always see eye-to-eye, but I am ready to follow you to death. I want this Ganondorf dead the same as everybody else, and I know that we are the only two in the world who can do just that."
Zelda's expression softened slightly and color returned to her cheeks. "Yes, Link, we must be one in our fight."
"I am with you until the end; I swear it, I swore it, and will keep on swearing it."
For a moment, Link forgot who Zelda was. He did not see the sixteen-year-old he flirted with in Kokiri. He did not see a princess of a grand kingdom. He did not see a person that has all the cares of the world. He saw Hylia, and that vision blinded him with a devotion so strong that all the magic in the world could not break it.
"Your Grace, you are the action, and I am the reaction," he stated mechanically.
Zelda looked like she was trying to hide herself, but it was not like the air was going to suck her in.
"Link...do not call me that."
The Hero managed a friendly raise of the eyebrow. "Why not?" Link was in a daze.
"I have Hylia's power, but I am not a goddess as some like to say."
Power? Great Hylia, Zelda was seeping with power! As Link stared at the girl next to him, his eyes played tricks on him as he envisioned her using all sorts of magic. Her whole body seemed to give off an aura of light. In Link's perspective, there was no Princess Zelda there; there was only the Goddess Hylia.
Zelda soon became self-conscience from his scrutiny. "Link, why are you staring at me like a madman?!"
Link's vision exploded like a cloud of smoke and again he saw Kakariko and Zelda, a beautiful blonde whose darling expression was irresistable to any warm-blooded adolescent boy. For the sake of Link's health, it was better for him to see Zelda as the Goddess Hylia, not a blossoming young lady. Link could not explain why he was staring at the princess. The only trueful answers he could give were "because you are a goddess" or "because you are extraordinarily attractive." Neither afforded him any refuge from embarrassment.
"Excuse me, Princess. I was daydreaming."
Zelda dismissed his strange behavior and remembered her responsibilities. "Well, Link, I must go see what Impa and the royal court are up to. I am the only sovereign here after all."
Link nodded and made to follow her, but she stopped him.
"There is no need to accompany me. I am certain we are safe in this village at least for the moment. Why not go enjoy yourself while you can? We are leaving for Zora's Domain tonight, and this will be your last chance to spend some time alone. Once Ganondorf's forces become truly mobilized, there will never be a moment we can rest."
Link consented and went on a small tour of Kakariko. He bought himself a well-deserved meal and gobbled it down without any hesitance. After a quick stop at a supply shop and a restocking of his arrows, he entered an old temple and observed the ancient mosaics and writings there. It was in that building that Link met a strange character that led him to an awful, awful place.
000
In Hyrule Castle, Ganondorf was living the life of a king. He had immediately set up a new government made up of his most loyal minions. A strange mixture of harmless monsters, foolish Hylians, and foreigners acted as his servants, while the castle guard was none other than Harkinian and Leah's knights: the noble soldiers of Hyrule that were now possessed by the power of dark magic.
Ganondorf was abstaining from his usual ruthless methods in order get many Hylians to accept him. The tactic was working quite well, for the dominions and Castilla opted not to actively support the exiled royal court. Ganondorf had prioritized kidnapping Zelda above the king and queen, but his ill-equipped forces (mostly Poes and possessed soldiers) were unable to carry out that essential part of his plans in the night attack. Still, he was resolute on seizing control of all Hyrule's former possessions, princess or no princess.
Ganondorf, more jolly than normal from slight intoxication, was celebrating his swift capture of Hyrule's capital. His erupting voice was unquestionably the deepest and most fearsome in the world.
"Twinrova, before long all of Hyrule will crumble before my attacks that will strike like lightning. Those that are left will cry to me for mercy, but I will show them none." He emphasized his point with a inward pull of the fingers into a fist, a cage, a place of perdition.
Ganondorf had long forgotten his real mother Aveil; instead, he had a Gerudo witch named Twinrova for his adviser. Ganondorf treasured her like family and confided in her his secrets, desires, plans, and feelings (if he had them). It was arguable whether Twinrova was really one person or two because she was a talented witch who could split into two distinctive persons named Koume and Kotake. There was nothing like her dual-nature in the sphere of magic, and even the Demon King himself did not understand her bizarre ability.
Twinrova carefully plucked a grape from an enormous platter of delicacies and ate it gingerly. "I am confident in you, but do be careful Ganny. I was speaking with Ghirahim today, and he said that this kingdom is crawling with armed forces."
Among those serving Ganondorf willingly was Ghirahim. The Demon Lord had given up on returning back to the era of Demise and decided to instead join forces with a deadly form of Demise's endless hatred. Ganondorf took Ghirahim in without a second thought and decided to make him his second in command for his loyalty. However, the two of them lacked good connection because they held different perspectives. Ganon was simply evil: he wanted complete control no matter what the cost. Ghirahim was a little more weird and pitiable: he wanted his enemies to suffer, but at the same time he had a delicate, perfectionist system of thinking. Ghirahim had his own morals and held an unrealistic view of life. He always expected the best scenario.
Ganondorf frowned his red eyebrows just slightly. "Do not call me 'Granny.'" The witch gave an arrogant gesture of nonchalance and the Gerudo King questioned, "Who are these forces Ghirahim speaks of? Hallucinations or gross exaggerations?"
Twinrova did not care. "Don't ask me, ask him." She returned to her fruit that seemed to interest her more than Hyrule's treasury.
Ganondorf's delicate temper flared with a flaming burst of energy. He sat up from Harkinian's thrown and yelled out to his slaves, "Send Lord Ghirahim here now!"
The red-eyed Demon King paced once to the end of the throne room and back before the grey-skinned executioner arrived. Ghirahim entered dramatically and fell to the floor with a bow. Being one who was so helpless without a leader, the Demon Lord really liked to reverence his boss in hopes of making things easier for himself. Without raising his head he spoke with a hoarse whisper.
"My Master, you called for me."
Ganondorf sat on Leah's throne. "I did. Now you must explain yourself. Twinrova said you reported that there are numerous armies across this chunk of dirt called Hyrule. What sort of Bokoblin waste is this?"
Ghirahim stood up shakily and muttered too quiet for the Demon King's liking.
"Speak up you fool! Any commander that whispers his orders too low ought to be disemboweled." Ganondorf was referencing Ghirahim's new responsibility as lord of the monsters.
"Er, yes, uh...well, you see, today I took a small, uh, reconnaissance tour around Hryule and found a shocking number of independent, heavily armed bodies of fighters."
"Specify." Ganondorf and Link had one thing in common: taciturnity.
"Well, to start, as we all know, Castilla has declared itself neutral, but that is only its official decree. Backward Castilla has had a long history of unsteady government and there are many opinionated Castillians who take the law into their own hands. Several of their groups foolishly want to fight us."
Ganondorf offered no response, and Twinrova continued eating, only listening to amuse herself. Ghirahim decided just to continue what he best knew how to do: babble insane ramblings
"Then there are the dominions. The Gorons are decidedly against us and will definitely offer resistance if attacked. Meanwhile, the royal family of the Zoras has declared their domain to be an independent kingdom free from you and Hyrule. They will not attack us but will be a niusance to deal with when the time comes to subdue them. The Gerudo on the other hand are having intense negotiations among themselves. Many of them want to help you, since they have come to realize you are their king, but just as many want to help Hyrule's former monarchs. Their Chieftain Nabooru is trying to keep her people together by doing nothing politically; hence, the Gerudo are basically not a factor for the time being."
Ganondorf's face looked like he had just wasted another one thousand years trying to overrun Hyrule. "That is it?! You mean to tell me that you came here to tell me this? YOU FOOL! I already KNOW that Hyrule is made up of four races!"
To be correct, Ganondorf DID call Ghirahim first, but that did not save him from his Master's wrath.
"But, Sire, that is not all!"
"What?!" the king shouted back.
"I have only begun. There are many others you should know about."
Ganondorf reduced his boil to a steady simmer and calmed down again before he spoke.
"Proceed."
Ghirahim searched his pockets. "Where was I? Hmm...oh, yes! Sire, Many characters from the dark realm that you might be famaliar with are prowling around Hyrule with a terrible thirst for power. That god Vaati is here. I sense Dark Link's presence. Yuga, a half-crazed sorcerer was seen in the southern mountains. Cia is at the wreck of Maleficent's old castle and wants to follow in her footsteps. Her actions have resulted in a minor civil war in the Wastelands to the east of Death Mountain. It seems that Cia's archenemy Lana has engaged her in a monster versus monster war. Also, I might add that the Oracles Nayru and Din have condemned us and nearly everyone else involved for our disruption of time." Ghirahim paused to hold his chin. "Let's see what else... Well, there are an alarming number of dragons flying about, and there is rumor that connection has been made with the long-forgotten Twilight Realm. That about sums up the major threats. Oh! But I cannot forget! The members of Hyrule's former government have announced that they have gathered together a force to fight us called the 'Army of the Goddesses.' Worst of all, an awful incarnation of that boy—Farore's own son of courage —that obnoxious pain in the neck called the 'Hero'—he is with them."
Ganondorf was unsure if he should laugh, break down the castle, or grab Ghirahim's neck and twist it. What kind of nonsense was the demon of diamonds referring to? Ganondorf steadied himself but really believed that the Demon Lord had lost his brains.
"Vaati? Yuga? A civil war in the wastelands? A connection to the Twilight Realm? An army of the DAMN GODDESSES!? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!?"
Ghirahim felt in danger and treid to explain, "But, my Master! All of this is true; I swear!"
Ganondorf pounded a table into oblivion. He had thought it was going to be easy. He had thought that after 563,000 years he finally had the princess and her knight screwed.
"I cannot fight against my enemies when there are twenty other forces standing around to stab me in the back! I want to conduct a war on Hyrule, not got wrapped up in a LINKING FREE-FOR-ALL! Do you realize what this means to YOU?"
Ghirahim croaked, "To me?"
"Yes, YOU! YOU are going to personally see to it that everyone of these outsiders is destroyed, subdued, or otherwise made to join our side. As for where you will start, have your pick! I don't care how you do it, just keep those imbeciles out of my hair! I need to focus on my power and killing that green bastard!" Ganondorf had many horrible names for Link. "Now get started!"
There was no need to press the matter further. Ghirahim bowed quickly and escaped the harsh tongue of his Master. He certainly had a workload to get finished in a tight schedule.
Ganondorf quickly became agreeable again and boasted to Twinrova, "I am going to wipe out every person in Hyrule who dares make any use of power."
The witch faked amusement. "I cannot wait to see you do it."
Ganondorf was such a delusional devil. Ghirahim and Link were the ones really tasked with destroying the powerful meddlers. They were going to do all the heavy lifting.
As for Link, that poor boy was sending himself into another trial of courage. In Kakariko, he met a weird man named Dampe who suggested he enter a deserted cavern that was situated nearby a graveyard.
000
Author's Note:
As for the geography of Hyrule, the captial (castle) is in the center. Zora's Domain is to the west. Death Mountain (the Goron land) is to the east. The "Wastelands" are to the far east. Castilla is to the north. Kokiri Forest is to the northwest. Gerudo is to the far northwest. The Great Sea is to the far west. The cold Tal Tal Mountains are to the south.