Hi again! So, this took a while, but it is a long chapter. The next one is also gonna be a long chapter. It will be up as soon as I'm done writing it. I own nothing, enjoy.
But no boy in green appeared.
Link, the Hero of Time, stood atop a large, barren hill. His mouth formed words she could not hear, to a violet-haired youth she did not recognize.
Bereft,
The calm, measured voice spoke again, and as it did she saw Castletown, completely empty. It was morning, but not a soul stirred. A shiver passed down her spine.
the people turned to their Sages for guidance.
She was in an unfamiliar room which smelled of sand and spices, and Darunia lay sprawled at her feet, blood pooling around him. The sound of metal on metal drew her attention, and she saw-
They gathered in the temples,
Kakariko Town. A line of wagons rolled slowly up the mountain trail.
where the ground was highest,
A steady drumline like a heartbeat filled her ears next to that even voice. She saw Mayor Skulltula speaking to a Goron that, though young, bore a striking resemblance to Darunia. The two stood at the entrance to Goron City. Kakariko's mayor lead the wagons, and many Gorons crowded the city entrance. She could not hear the words.
and offered their prayers to the goddesses.
Many Gerudo knelt before the Desert Colossus. They formed a half-circle with their bodies, and in the center two of the desert's daughters stood alone. One had short-cropped hair and dark eyes, and was clothed in silks of deep purple, while the other wore her hair in a long braid over one shoulder and bright orange clothing. Both held two cutlasses in their hands, and faced each other. They bowed to each other, and at the same moment leapt into motion against each other. Swords clashed.
They prayed that the Hero would save them,
She saw herself, kneeling in prayer before the Door of Time, bathed in the glittering radiance of the three Spiritual Stones. Silence reigned, and she watched as she opened her eyes and stood, turning to face the entrance. A wave of her hand enacted the spell to change her into Sheik, whose hand gripped the hilt of his thin-bladed sword.
that evil would be vanquished,
The scene didn't change. She watched as the shadows pooled around Sheik's feet, and a black-and-white likeness of Link arose, red eyes gleaming. To her surprise, the pair traded words.
"He approaches." "Link" said to the masked fighter.
"Dark times when battle must be done in this sacred place." Sheik replied.
The shadow only nodded.
and that an end would come to the falling rain.
She was back in Castle Town. It was night, and raining hard. It looked to have been raining for quite some time. Water sluiced off of roofs and out of gutters, pooling in the empty streets and rising fast. Lightning struck.
And Zelda woke up.
It was a bright new morning. The sun was high in the sky as Malon descended the steps of Kakariko Town. At the bottom of the steps, a surprise greeted her. Tethered to a nearby tree was Desert Wind, grazing contentedly. She paused, confused. She was sure she'd had to leave him at Lake Hylia.
"Took you long enough. What, did you have to build the town before you could sleep in it?"
Malon whirled. Leaning against the wall where she was sure no one had stood a moment ago was Link's monochromatic reflection himself.
"Well I was up half the night, shadow." Malon returned, crossing her arms. In the morning light, she had dared to hope the previous day had been a dream. With the evidence before her, she knew better.
"Well what do you know. Looks like a knockoff's got some bite after all." Dark sneered.
"So I see." Her words wiped the smirk off his face. "I don't have time to bicker with you, swordsman."
He pulled his black hat off and executed an exaggerrated bow. "Oh, my apologies, high and mighty Hero. I didn't mean to waste your precious time. By all means, lead the way and let us depart!"
Malon gave him a hard look. He grinned maliciously at her. She shook her head. "Okay, look. If we're going to be on the same side, there have got to be some ground rules."
"Save it, carrot-top." He interrupted. "Let's find the princess, kill the bad guy, and then pick up right back where we left off." All traces of mirth vanished from him as he pushed off of the wall and walked past her.
She turned to keep facing him, also heading for the lead rope of her stallion. "Oh? And where did we leave off, pray tell?"
"All in good time, carrot-top." He replied. His dark sword cut through the rope before she had the chance to untie it. "Now, are we ready to go?"
Malon mounted and looked down at Dark Link. "Do you have a horse, or are you just gonna hoof it?" She asked him, chuckling.
He looked disgusted. "Hoof it? Really?" He shook his head. "Wow. Okay. No, I don't have a horse, but there's a ranch near here I can steal one from."
Her mouth dropped open, and she stammered for a moment before she could reply. "Do...do you know who I am?"
"'Course I do, carrot-top." He answered, turning to walk off. "Hero of corny jokes, Bearer of the Triforce of suck, I can keep going."
"I'm Malon of Lon Lon Ranch." She said, arching an eyebrow. "And if you think you're about to steal one of my father's horses, I'm gonna have to whip out the cattle prod."
He turned an appraising glance on her. "...Huh. Shoulda known Link'd go for a cowgirl. If you're the farmer's daughter, then you can get us a family discount and it'll be a steal anyways. It's on the way to where we gotta go besides, so let's get it over with already."
"Uh, do we have to?" At his irritated look, she continued. "Go to Lon Lon, I mean. There's...some stuff I'd rather not get into."
"Didn't tell Daddy you were off to save the world?" Dark snorted. "Whatever. Just meet me at the bridge over Gerudo River. That's where we'll meet Zelda."
"Why would she be in Gerudo Valley?" Malon asked. "Unless...oh no! Has Ganon already..."
"No, stupid." Malon suddenly missed carrot-top. "She's probably having a tea party with the Gerudo Queen, happily unaware they're both at the top of the big G's hit list."
"It's like this." Nabooru said, seated at the head of the oblong table. Sheik and Darunia sat on either side of her, and two of her highest-ranking captains had also joined her. The Sage was currently in the process of catching her companions up to speed. "After two weeks of a hard seige, all signs of the assault ceased last night at sunset. This was routine, as our undead adversaries have made it habit not to fight at dawn or twilight. What was unusual is that since then, there has been no sign of any Stalfos beyond the bones of the truly dead." Her amber gaze lit on her captains. "Ladies, anything to add?"
One of them, a Gerudo with a long braid hanging over her shoulder, spoke up. "Yes, m'Queen. It has been conjectured that th'witch seen last eve had tied her life force to the dark legions, and her death is tied to th'collapse of the army."
"While those of us with sense," demurred the other captain, dark eyes narrowed, "Believe its grim focus has merely been shifted. We recommend vigilance, and taking full advantage of the lull to heal our wounded."
"The war is over," insisted the first captain. "Thanks to th'heroics of th'Queen, and th'valient foreign aid," at this she flashed a smile at Sheik, "th'Fortress is safe again."
"To believe that would be to fall into a false sense of security." The second captain disagreed. "Proud fools fall first, your Highness. And we of the desert are not fools."
"Cecil, Arali. I want answers, not feuds." Nabooru stated, looking to each of the captains in turn. "I myself had theorized her death had something to do with the ceasefire, Arali. But evidence discovered prior supports Cecil's guess as well. We will do as we have always done...hope for the best, and prepare for the worst."
Both of the other Gerudo nodded. Arali spoke again, slender hands folded before her. "M'Queen, what orders can we take to th'troops?"
"For now..." Nabooru's fingers tapped agitatedly on the arm of her chair. "Keep the gate closed. Repair damages. I want three scouts trained on the bridge. Administer red potions as needed. I want as many troops as possible at their fighting best before noon. Both of you are dismissed."
The captains nodded, stood, and bowed before leaving the room. As soon as the door closed behind them, Sheik turned his eyes on their Queen.
"Pardon me, but who were they?" He inquired.
Nabooru raised an eyebrow. "Those were my top two captains, Cecil and Arali. They rarely agree, but it makes for well-rounded reports. Why do you ask?"
"I saw them in a dream." Sheik replied. "They dueled before the Spirit Temple."
"That's odd." Nabooru said. "No one goes to the Spirit Temple."
Darunia cracked his knuckles. "As fascinating as this is, don't we have bigger rocks to dodge? Like, say, the King of Evil?"
The Spirit Sage nodded, interest waning from her captains. "Yes, do we know if the Hero has succeeded yet?"
"He ain't gonna know that." Darunia answered her even as Sheik's eyes drifted shut. "He ain't seen her since Kakariko, and he's been with me since then."
Before Nabooru could answer that, Sheik spoke again. "She is alive. Traveling." His words were curt, and as he looked up he seemed...edgy.
"...Huh. That's a neat trick." Darunia mused. "So, we got a game plan, or we gonna have to head to the castle to ask Queen Zelda?"
Nabooru looked askance at the Sage of Fire. "...You do know Sheik is Zelda, right?"
"What?" Darunia looked confused. "When did this happen?"
Nabooru shook her head. "Sheik's always been Zelda. There was that big reveal in the Temple of Time, right before we made that bridge so Link could go face Ganon. Remember?"
"Oh." Darunia's features rearranged into a stern expression that was almost frightening. "I knew that. I was testing you, Nabooru."
"In light of the King of Evil's return," Sheik spoke dryly, "I think I'll stick to my disguise. You have my apologies if you were mislead, Your Eminence."
"He is right." Nabooru said. "We need a plan. Do you have any ideas?"
"Well, what about Malon?" Darunia asked. "Do we think she can face and defeat Ganon?"
"If she was able to defeat Link's shadow..." Sheik started.
"If." The Spirit Sage interrupted. "We don't know how that battle went down. She survived, but that's a far cry from victory."
"Yeah, okay, maybe she lost," Darunia replied. "But at least she's alive. We don't know how much time we got, and maybe she'll have a chance to sharpen up before shippin' out."
"And maybe," came Nabooru's heated response, "she is traveling to wherever Ganon is, because she's been taken captive and that shadow is working for him again. We can't rely on the Hero every time Hyrule's in danger. Sooner or later, we gotta step up for ourselves."
"The Hero is the Goddesses' chosen." Sheik stated. "And with the Triforce, Malon is the only one who stands a chance against Ganon."
"So if Link showed up right now," Nabooru started, "you'd put all your faith in Malon, and tell Link to stay his hand?"
Sheik paused, before slowly answering. "I...don't believe Link...will return. But if he did...and if the Triforce remained with Malon...yes, I'd put my faith in her."
The masked Queen leaned back in her chair, only barely listening as the two Sages continued debating on whether or not to rely on Malon to defeat the King of Evil. She wished she had the answers. Since that morning, she'd been puzzling over the strange dreams she'd had throughout the restless hours of sleep she could claim. The last had been the most memorable, but rain and rising waters had been a recurring theme, she was sure of it. She wasn't sure of what it meant. She'd never seen the two Gerudo, but had recognized them on sight from her dream. Frustrated, confused, Zelda tapped the Triforce of Wisdom for the second time that day, violet eyes drifting closed once more.
She could still sense the dark presence she recognized as Ganon, searching for her like he always was. When she'd sensed this earlier, she'd shied away mentally, breaking the connection. But now she merely ignored it; she had bigger fish to fry. On the other side of their trinity, she could sense Malon. A calm, determined force that was drawing ever closer. Fear dwelt on the edges of the Hero's awareness, but this was by far the most focused Zelda had ever perceived her to be.
The Princess of Destiny dared to tempt fate no longer. She dropped the connection, lest that ominous pull from the Triforce of Power derive her whereabouts. Her eyes opened, red orbs meeting amber.
Sheik suddenly realized both of the Sages were staring intently at him. If the need to mask the Triforce of Wisdom were not so great, he would slip back into the Queen's persona on the spot. Instead, he coughed slightly. "Um...could you repeat the question?"
Nabooru shook her head. "I told you she was asleep."
"Did you have a vision?" Darunia asked. "Or were we just boring you?"
"Malon is on her way here." Sheik answered, thankful his mask hid his reddening face. "We will save our plans for her arrival."
The two Sages chuckled, but complied. The Council disbanded, with Darunia and Sheik heading to their respective quarters and Nabooru heading back out to the fortress wall to watch for the Hero and darkness, whichever came first.
Dark Link had no intention of walking anywhere. After all, why should he spend hours trudging from place to place when he could walk through shadows and be at his destination within seconds, just by letting the tug of the Triforce guide him? Long as he resisted the pull from Malon, he should be fine. Especially when it was so conveniently close by anyways.
Dark paused, shifting back into the light. Gerudo Fortress could not in any mindset be referred to as "conveniently close" to Kakariko Town. Where in Nayru's creation had he been headed? The shadow took a look around.
He seemed to be in the Castle Town Marketplace. Everything was oddly calm. He hadn't seen it so quiet since the last time he'd been here, near the start of Ganon's reign almost eight years ago. Dark had been in charge of clearing the town surrounding the castle, and though emptied fairly quickly, calm had not been a word that could be used to describe the place then. Now though, the square was completely empty, the only sound the splashing of water in the fountain. No children played, no dogs barked. Ominous storm clouds hung low in the sky. No market vendors were about; shops were boarded up and stalls were deserted. Not even the wind stirred here.
The shadow could still feel the insistent draw of the Triforce, beckoning him closer. It was strong here, almost as strong as when he'd been standing near Malon. It seemed to emanate from the castle, path cleared invitingly.
Against his better judgement, the shadow succumbed. A thought sent him back through the shadows, rematerializing even closer to the siren song of the Triforce. And the sight that met his blood-colored eyes made him realize immediately that this had been a stupid, stupid idea.
"Well, well. Dark Link. I thought I smelled a rat." Ganon sat upon the throne of Hyrule Castle. "I suppose this means you have accepted my offer, and you have a delivery for me, correct?" A superior smirk curved his lips.
Dark's mouth was suddenly dry, and he suddenly came to the conclusion that there was a world of difference between talking to Ganon, and talking to a Stalfos representative. But this was no time for fear. He needed to get out of here, as quickly and as smoothly as possible. He forced himself to meet the Evil King's eyes.
"Yeah. About that." Dark swallowed, hating the trepidation that had seized him. Ganon merely cocked a brow, and cracked his knuckles, but said nothing, waiting for the shadow to finish. "I'm not your hitman, you thrice-smited son of an Octarok."
The look of shock that painted the Gerudo's features was almost identical to the one Dark Link wanted to wear. Why in Farore's green glades would he say that? To Ganon's face? And the words just kept coming. "I've joined forces with the Hero, Ganondorf. Me and Link? We're gonna send you right back to the Sacred Realm in tears." It was like he couldn't stop.
The only thing that shocked him more was the King of Evil's reaction. After a moment of gaping in surprise, he threw his head back and guffawed uproariously. Dark wasn't sure whether to be relieved or insulted.
"Ah hah hah, you almost had me there, shadow." Ganon said finally, once he'd finished laughing. "For a moment I almost believed you. But you need to do your homework. Link's not around anymore. Your new target is a little redheaded Hylian girl running around calling herself Hero. Bring me her head and lead my armies."
Dark shook his head. Might as well go for broke, he thought as he drew Widowmaker. "I meant it, Ganon. You will look upon me and see your demise." He pointed the blade at the Gerudo king, preparing to abscond if the guy so much as twitched. Heroic last stands were for suckers, not shadows, after all.
The smile faded from Ganon's face, and he held up one hand, palm facing Dark Link. "I still think there's a chance you're joking, Dark. You're always one for a laugh. I hope for your sake that that is all this is." Violet glimmering energies gathered in that hand.
Dark knew it would be easy to put his sword away, and laugh, and pretend it really was a joke. He'd gone too far for either of them to believe it of course, but to back down now would be to surrender, and Ganon could accept that. Sheathe Widowmaker, laugh, and go murder Malon. It would be the easy and sensible thing to do.
But sense had not checked in that morning, so Dark Link stood his ground. If he could reflect that ball of energy back at Ganon with Widowmaker, that oughtta give the arrogant King pause. And while he was stunned, Dark could-
His thought processes were interrupted as Ganon lost patience with him and threw the ball his way. Dark swung his black blade, expecting it to reflect the spell back upon its caster. Triumph turned back to horror as his sword passed ineffectually through the sphere of sparking shadows.
It jolted him like a lightning bolt, throwing him to land flat on hs back. He struggled to his feet, accompanied by the sound of the Evil King's laughter. He lifted Widowmaker again. So it couldn't reflect the vicious spells his opponent had to offer. Dark would simply have to meet the challenge head-on. He could already see Ganon readying another sphere, energies flickering rapidly.
No time to spare, Dark charged. He somersaulted to avoid the glowing ball of energy lobbed at him and brought his blade down upon the still-seated King of Evil. It carved a path dead center and down, finally stopping to protrude from Ganondorf's breastplate.
A moment of silence passed between them as they stared at the sword in Dark's hand. As his eyes retraced the blade's path upwards, he realized that it had not left a single mark, but rather had phased through insubstantially. The next things he registered were more rumbling laughter and a fist which backhanded him, sending the shadow skidding back across the floor.
"Foolish shadow," Ganon was standing now, a cruel smirk on his condescending face. "You might want to look into getting an actual sword if you wish to fight me." He punctuated his sentence with another ball of gleaming energies.
Dark Link rolled out of the way, the spell scorching the stone where he'd been but a moment before. He needed time; time to figure what was wrong with his sword, and time to find Veridia and see what she could tell him. Time to prepare for this battle, rather than rushing in headfirst.
In the flash of light that heralded Ganon's next attack, Dark vanished, fleeing down shadowed halls no mortal could tread. Two Triforce pieces tugged him in two directions. He made for the one held not by the King of Evil, changing mind and course at the last moment. After all, there was no need for the Hero to see him like this, scorched and breathless. So it was with relief that he finally rematerialized in Gerudo Valley, in a puddle beneath the shadow of a wooden board. Dark collapsed, letting the water soothe his wounds. He could clean himself up and wait here for Malon.
After all; now, he had time.
Cecil frowned. "If there is a disturbance," she began, "it is our business, regardless of where in the valley it is taking place." The scout nodded, and Cecil continued. "An incomplete report renders me unable to tell if the incident is worth troubling the Queen over." Her dark eyes narrowed suddenly. "So go, and complete the report, and take care of the matter so that the Queen does not have to."
The scout nodded again, and departed to complete her report.
Malon held on for dear life as Desert Wind hurtled over the board that served as a makeshift bridge. It was just as well, because she didn't see it supporting the weight of a horse and rider. Still, her breath caught anew as they landed on the other side. Desert Wind reared up upon landing, whinnying loudly. Malon was almost thrown, but kept her seat, whispering words of reassurance to the horse.
"Good Goddesses, carrot-top," came a voice from under the bridge. Malon looked to see Dark Link, now standing on that precarious wooden board. "Do you always make such an infernal racket?"
Malon rolled her eyes. "Look, Wind. It's a grumpy troll living under the bridge. Think he's gonna try to eat us?"
Dark narrowed his eyes, walking off the board and past Malon, who busied herself with dismounting. "So, it just takes you forever to get anywhere then, not just in the mornings?" The shadow sneered.
Malon dismounted, sliding off of Desert Wind before looking at Link's darker self. Blood was caked on his upper lip, and his right eye was swollen. One of his sleeves was rolled up, and she could see ugly burn marks tracing paths up his pale arm. She frowned. "Shadow, what in tarnation happened to you?"
He raised an eyebrow, then winced as the movement pulled at his eye. "None of your business, carrot-top. Let's get this show on the road."
Malon sighed, shaking her head. She pulled the hat off of her head, turning to the small pool beneath the board. She dipped it in the water, but as she wrung excess drops from it, she heard a whoosh! followed by a thud! behind her. The Hero whirled, free hand going to the hilt of her sword.
A Gerudo had landed on Dark from behind, and stood with two cutlasses poised at the shadow's neck. A pointed look from her had Malon's hands dropping to her sides, dripping hat still held limply. Brown eyes scanned the area quickly, before meeting the Hero's surprised gaze once more.
"Who are you?" Her voice was cold, and as an afterthought she pressed her swords a smidgeon harder against her captive. "Any funny business and your lover dies, girlie."
Malon sputtered, her face flushing as red as her hair. "He's not-" She managed to squeak, before being interrupted by a whump! Dark had vanished, causing the Gerudo to stumble and fall. Their positions had been switched, for now the shadow stood above her, obsidian blade held at the ready.
"Alright." His voice held more than a note of smug pride. "Who are you? Any funny business, and...well, you're a clever girl, I'm sure you can figure it out."
"Shadow, don't kill her!" Malon found her voice at last, still slightly flustered at the situation.
"What?" Dark sounded irritated yet again. "Why would I do something stupid like that? This chit's our ticket in, even if she doesn't talk."
"If the Queen is here," Malon pointed out, "we shouldn't need a ticket in. Let her go, shadow."
"What? She was gonna kill me!" Dark had gone from irritated to outraged. "If we're not gonna use her, I should kill her on principal!"
"But you won't." Malon folded her arms. "You're one of the good guys now. You can't just go around killing people that look at you funny."
"What?" Dark snarled. "Just who in the name of the Goddesses do you think you are, carrot-top, to tell me who I can and can't kill?" He pressed his sword to his captive's neck, a drop of blood beading upon her tanned skin.
"In case you missed it the first time," she retorted, "my name is Malon, and I am the Hero of the Triforce of Courage. Let the Gerudo go."
"And suppose I don't?" Dark challenged, raising an eyebrow. "What are you gonna do then, oh high and mighty Hero?"
The two stared each other down. Malon's hand rested upon the hilt of the Master sword, but she made no move to draw it. "I think," she answered finally, "that if you try to kill her, I'll have to fight you. You won't have the advantage of surprise, and we'll be fighting in broad daylight. This isn't a fight you'll win, and not just because you won't kill me. You need me, shadow, and you can't defeat me now. So let the woman go."
Dark stared at her for a long moment, and Malon's grip on her sword tightened. She didn't want to have to fight him again, but if he persisted...
Finally the blade faded from his hand, and he stepped off of the Gerudo, who leapt to her feet, regarding the both of them warily. Dark kept his eyes on malon as he spoke. "You're cannier than I gave you credit for, carrot-top. I won't underestimate you again."
The Hero didn't reply. Instead she turned to the woman. "Excuse me, I trust you heard my introduction?" At her wide-eyed nod, Malon continued. "I'm here to see the Queen. I have some important news. Do you think I could get an audience?"
"You...are not a Gerudo." The woman said slowly, sheathing her cutlasses. "We do not allow men within the fortress except as prisoners." Her eyes flicked to Dark, and then back to Malon. "If you will wait here, I can carry a missive to Her Majesty, to ask if she will see you."
Malon nodded. "That would be fine, thank you."
The Gerudo looked at them both once more, before nodding to Malon and running off in the direction of the Fortress.
Whew, okay. What lays in store for our Hero? Review and tell me what you think. See you soon.
-Lady DM