The ground shakes and the sky shines in a brilliant show of lights as the battle between Vaati and Ganon continues. The majority of the Resistance retreats out of the city while others hide in the ruins of the outer perimeter of Saria Town. Sheik and the Sheikah, Mipha and some of the Zoras, Daruk, Kafei, and some Hylians find shelter in a warehouse, watching the battle from a safe distance for the time being.

Of the ten youths initially, in the city, Riju's body has been recovered; Ravio, Nayru, and the other sages (except Zelda) have awakened. Link, Ganondorf, and still unconscious and lie down near the southern wall with Riju, under the watchful eyes of Oren, Nayru, and Ravio. Hilda, Ralph, and Midna join Sheik outside the warehouse as the two kings wage their war.

"Midna, tell me you have a plan."

Midna lowers her head with a sigh then faces the looming mountain. "Not a plan, Ralph, I just have an idea, but it is just that for now. Hey, Sheik, wasn't the purpose of the Divine Beasts to fight dark powers such as Ganon?"

Sheik nods. "Yes. Well...the way Vaati has used it before is an unintended side effect of it. The beam, as you know, acquires a target before it fires. What Vaati knows about it utilizes the destructive impact, but what the Sheikah did to minimalize that was by using the focusing mechanism of each beast to focus the beam."

Ralph crosses his arm. "Um, in plain words please?"

Sheik shakes his head. "It hasn't been done before, it was still a theory when Hyrule fell, but the idea was to shoot the beams in the sky then use the combined beam to shoot the target below. It still has a wide area of effect but lessened from an entire city to a few blocks. Of course, this requires two or more Divine Beasts, but we don't have any."

"Naboris," Hilda says. "We have Naboris."

"What?"

"Ganondorf took control of it in the last battle. The Bulblins are bringing it over as we speak, hence their absence."

"Oh… Right." Sheik, nodding in understanding, turns towards the east. "During development, we noticed that control of the Divine Beasts could be carried over a distance, but if someone else comes into contact with the main terminal, the connection can be transferred to the second person. We never got to fix it and it seems the Yiga didn't themselves. That's how Ganondorf took Naboris and how we'll take Medoh. But explain how Rudania and Ruta were taken out."

"We damaged those terminals."

"Ah… So you put the machines on emergency shut-down. They're still operable...and Vaati never knew this." Sheik snickers to himself. "Good thing we kept much of the development to ourselves."

"So Ruta and Rudania are recoverable?"

"Yes."

Ralph cracks a smile and smashes a fist into a palm. "All right! Nayru and I will go home and take control of Ruta. Hilda, take Oren and Ravio with you to Rudania, you'll need to get into the volcano. Midna, you're the strongest of us for now. I doubt Vaati will appear at Medoh, but you could take him in case he does. If we move fast, we can take both of them by surprise."

Hilda scoffs. "Oh, now you have one… It should work. Sheik, you can let Link and the others know when they wake up. The six of us can get this done."

"Guys!" Ravio bursts out of the warehouse in a frenzy, surprising the trio already outside. Whatever he had to say was interrupted by a loud boom from the distance that causes him to jump back. "H-How are you guys just hanging out in this danger?"

Oren and Nayru follow him out, the Sage of Water pushing him back outside. "Hey, did you tell them yet?"

"Oh right. Okay, you know my ability to sense life, right? Well… It is like a candle in a giant, dark room, but I can sense Riju is still alive."

"Are… Are you sure?" Midna asks in disbelief.

"Yes. By all accounts, she's dead. No pulse, no heartbeat, no feedback to a stimulus. She's medically dead. But...she's not gone. If you asked me what sensing someone dying feels like, it is like watching a candle being extinguished suddenly. Darunia was like creating a void in space, where the lack of noise pops the eardrums more than the noise itself. A sudden feeling of emptiness. I do not feel that in Riju. She should be dead, yet she continues to linger, though not of her own resolve. I think something or someone is keeping her alive. That force is keeping her on this plane of existence."

"So what are you going to do, Ravio? Can you bring her back?"

"I doubt I have that power, else we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place. But I can control flora and fauna to a degree, even better in the day or with some form of light. I might not have the power over life and death, but I know who does. I'll need your help, Midna."

Sheik looks to Ralph and Hilda with a sigh. "Your groups get to Ruta and Rudania. They'll probably take more time to reboot since they'll need to run diagnostics and repair. Midna, once you help Ravio, you need to get to Medoh. In the meantime, pray Ganon keeps Vaati occupied long enough."

Midna

"I think I've held off saying something this entire time. Where are we going, Ravio, and what the plan with Riju?"

"Hold on." Ravio hands Riju to Midna as he inspects the entrance to a dark cave within Death Mountain just outside the northern side of Saria. They traveled along the perimeter of the town to not get caught up in the battle that continues. Even now, half a mile from the ruined town, Midna can see and hear Vaati and Ganon's powers collide in their colossal showdown. She cannot tell who is winning and losing, but she can tell it will go on from some more time.

Ravio turns to Midna with a joyful smile. "This is it."

"What is 'it?'"

Ravio retakes Riju from Midna and leads her into the cavern. "Saria Town's Fairy Fountain. The person who the town was named after is the first Sage of Forest, and she was a Kokiri, a race of children who lived with their fairy partners in the woods."

Midna sighs as light glows in her hand. "I know the tales, Ravio. I probably told you that tale myself. So I suppose it is the Fairy Fountain we're here for?"

"Exactly. I didn't think there were any left. The two in the Lost Woods and in the Eastern Woods don't have faires, but the waters still possess healing properties. In this case, however, we'll need the full power of a fairy. Hey, listen."

They come to the end of the tunnel into a semicircular cavern. They can hear the soft sound of water bouncing off the rocky walls. Midna steps forth and fires a ball of light that hovers in the air, illuminating the chamber. Every idea Midna could have for the look of a Fairy Fountain is shot down as it is nothing more than a ruin. The structures around a stone platform lie in crumbles, and the altar at the platform's end is cracked in half. Only the pool remains untouched, but even Midna can sense it hasn't been damaged; the magic in this area is barely present.

While Midna is emotionally stable, Ravio begins to break down in rage. "Is there nothing sacred to evil? The Temple of Time, this Fairy Fountain… I get people, why they must be destroyed, but why such structures? What did the fairies do to deserve this? What did anyone in the world deserve to have anything done to them by Vaati?"

"It is the cost of imperialism, Ravio. It isn't right, but it is what it is. People die, sacred places fall apart, it happens. But that's why we're here, to rebuild what they've broken down." Midna sets Riju's body by the altar and watches as Ravio stands by the altar, tracing his hand over the crack. "Hey, you know how to do this right?"

"If we were in Lorule, that would be true. Back there, we say an ancient phrase that calls out to the Great Fairy. I do not know if the same applies here, but...it is worth a try." Ravio kneels at the altar, folding his hands above the large crack. "O regina prædictas Fatales, dona nobis favent, et ostende te nobis. Salva me in tempore opus." Midna quietly stands in silence as Ravio repeats the phrase in an ancient tongue. Meanwhile, she keeps her eyes on the pool.

For a moment, she thought she saw a glimmer of light appear on the water's surface; yet as Ravio continue to pray, Midna's eyes no longer played tricks on her. Scattered particles of light arose from the deep within the pool, congregating in the air above the surface. As more particles arose, the light began to take the shape of a human female, and as time passed, shape became form. A young woman, not much older looking than Midna, sits on the water surface. Her white skin is mostly unclothed except for the waist, her bosom partially covered by her long, pale blond hair. She's a beautiful woman, maybe the most beautiful she has ever laid eyes on, and that says a lot for Midna who has pride in her own looks.

"Ravio." The young man hasn't noticed a thing, but upon Midna's direction, he takes a glance at the lady at the pool. Just as quickly, he shifts his gaze elsewhere. Now Midna knows why she's here. Unlike Ralph and Ganondorf, who are both accustomed to women in varying degrees, Ravio lacks in that department, but even if he didn't, chances are he would still be this shy. Midna steps up and bows to the sitting queen, smacking Ravio on his back to force him to do the same. "O Great Fairy, we thank thee for hearing our call." Midna almost chokes on her breath. She's been royalty officially for one day and now she's speaking respectfully to higher beings. It doesn't feel right.

"Queen of Twilight, Knight of Lorule, I welcome thee to my spring. It has been far too long since I have had the company of mortals." She stands up and looks beyond Midna and Ravio. "Oh, is that a soul lingering between this world and the other?"

Ravio looks to Riju and picks her up. "Oh right! Can you help her?"

The Great Fairy nods. "Of course. But before I do, may I ask a favor of you?"

"What is it?"

"Save this world." The Great Fairy steps up to the altar and touches Riju's forehead with soft heat from her hand. "Ever since Vaati took over, my little ones have been sent to the other side or back to me. I'm sure you've visited other fairy springs and seen how no fairies occupy them. I wish to release them back, but only if I know it is safe for them. Save the world so fairies may return to Hyrule."

Midna and Ravio nod. "We will."

"Great. Also, give the Hero and Princess my thanks for taking great care of little Spryte. I believe she had a great life with both of them since the older Hero and her separated." The Great Fairy removes her hand from Riju. "What's done is done. It'll be a moment before she wakes, but whatever the Sage of Spirit did to keep her alive worked."

Ravio lowers himself and Riju to the ground. "Okay. Midna, do whatever you guys have planned. Once Riju is back in action, we'll head over to Vah Naboris. And by then, Link and the others shall be back in action."

Vaati

Vaati feels every muscle in his body aching, the warm heat of blood, and desperate cry for air in his lungs. His body barely able to hold itself up, the Wind Mage kneels on the ground while a few meters away, Ganon stands silently. The Prince of Darkness, that bastard, how is he that strong? Did Vaati even land a single painful blow, or did Ganon just take everything thrown at him? Vaati spits blood on the ground as he struggles to push himself up. Maybe...not using the Triforce was foolish oh his part, but what other choice did he have?

"A fool you are. You thought I would be weakened by my recent revival and made the foolhardy choice to not use everything at your disposal. But I sense you gave this fight everything you can give. I will commend you on that, Wind Mage. I must ask, did you truly mean to defeat me or were you stalling for the Hero and Princess?"

Vaati fully manages to stand up, though his legs wobble in response. He ignores it and every other pain in his body to save face. "Both. I did it to stall initially, but then I thought that I could win. If I can best those children, I can take you on. But you are right, I was foolish to take you on. You were never beaten by one man ever...always two, there are. So I do admit defeat in this battle...but you will not be around when the war ends. If I cannot do what they can, then I believe those damned kids will defeat you as always. And afterward... I have already won, Ganon."

"And how is that, the Triforce is well within my grasp."

Vaati smiles. "The Triforce is mine! At North Castle, it lies, not in the possession of the heroes, but with me!" The Wind Mage hangs his head back in wild laughter, then drops it to smirk victoriously at the angry Ganon. "So no, it is you, Ganon, who has fought this battle impressively, but you have lost."As Vaati stands tall on firm legs, Ganon heaves so hard the dust on the ground is picked up by the exhaled air. Rising his trident-holding arm up, Ganon lunges the weapon at Vaati.

It never reaches.

"Gah!" A black-bodied being immediately appears in front of Vaati and is impaled by the Trident of Power. At first, Vaati is confused as to what devil would dare him from Ganon, then as the being turns around, he sees just who it is.

"Ghirahim?" As Vaati's surprise begins to overwhelm him, the surrounding air begins to simultaneously rise and drop in temperature sharply. A thick beam of fire and ice passes by Vaati and Ghirahim, striking Ganon in his torso. He turns around, seeing Twinrova project the beam. Behind him appears Veran, jointly attacking with her daughter with a beam attack of her own. "What...are you doing here?"

"Your Majesties, you must leave." Vaati turns back to Ghirahim, frowning in confusion as the Demon Lord's body begins to pulse with dark energy. He doesn't know what Ghirahim is planning, but it doesn't look good. But in Ghirahim's eyes, he sees a soul determined to save the ideals of the Imperials. "You must go. I know I wasn't ever as favored as Zant was, but… Let me serve you, master, one last time.

Though he hesitates, Vaati nods without question. "Make it count." Ghirahim nods and looks away as his aura begins to flash rapidly. The beam of fire and ice dissipates as Koume joins Vaati and Veran, then the three warp from the battle to the plains in which they stood nearly an hour earlier. That's when the mountain town of Saria erupts in a purple ball of magic. Vaati drops his brow, Koume holds her hands to her agape mouth, and Veran stares with wide eyes at the destruction Ghirahim's final attack brings. His teeth gritting against each other, Vaati makes a silent swear to avenge the Demon Lord. Ganon will fall...and if Link and Zelda cannot do it, then Vaati will end him, this time with the Triforce.

But he must give them a fighting chance. To do that, he must give up his most prized possession. Reaching his arms out, light energy trickles from his body to the space between his palms. "Zelda...this is the power I stole from your mother, the Light Force she was unable to pass on. It now belongs to you… Defeat Ganon, as it has always been your destiny. Only you, Link, Ganondorf, Midna, and your friends can do it. Once you've done that...you know where to find me." As the last of the light exits Vaati, he throws the ball of light towards the decimated town.

"Vaati," Veran's voice moments later fractures the silence, "what is your plan now?"

"To retreat to North Castle...and wait to the end."

Sheik and the Resistance catch their breaths in the aftermath of the big explosion. Sheik could tell it wasn't Ganon or Vaati who cast it, but whoever it was, it leaves only Ganon's presence lingering in the city. Whoever it was, most likely an ally of Vaati, that power cost them their life.

From behind, voices begin to cry out as everyone turns to look up to the sky, Sheik follows, spotting the caped being hovering over the city. For the first time in his life, Sheik gets a look at the Demon King. What he is doing, Sheik cannot determine. Is he looking for something? Or someone? Vaati's presence is no longer in the city, so the Imperial King has escaped. The only people Ganon could care to search for are… Sheik turns around, looking at the prone bodies of Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf. Is he searching for them? And secondly, why is Zelda's body glowing?

"Sheik? This is Moz Koshia. Can you hear me?"

"Yes, Elder."

"The rest of us are retreating. Whatever you are doing, make your way out."

Sheik's eyes flash cool red. "Retreat?" With all due respect, there's no way we're going to retreat. Ganon is here and now! We have Link and Zelda unconscious, Ganondorf too, and the Sages have a plan. Vaati is weak, maybe we can go to the castle and-"

"Sheik, do not be foolish. Ganon has beaten Vaati. Your hero and princess couldn't beat Vaati. What makes you think they can face Ganon? Daruk and Mipha need to escape for their own safety, and if you care for the others, you will have them do the same. If you want to stay and fight, so be it, but if Impa was here, she wouldn't-"

"Impa fought when we didn't, she died where we didn't, and I bet she had no regrets doing so! If Impa was here, she will give her life for this fight! You coward!" Sheik immediately breaks communication with the Sheikah elder. Sighing, he turns to Mipha, Daruk, Kafei, and the rest of the remaining Resistance who are stuck with them. He stares at them with them, unsure how to deliver the message without telling the real truth. No, they have a right to know everything. "We're all that's left. Everyone else is retreating. We...are the last hope of Hyrule." Sheik takes a seat on some rubble as the others begin to murmur and disperse. "If you wish to live another moment, escaping the city is possible. I would not blame any of you in the slightest. There's no guarantee anyone can beat Ganon, we've only come close to Vaati once. As far as we know, we've fought to the bitter end...the light in this world has been fully extinguished." Sheik takes the Silver Bow out of his pouch and stares at it. The ultimate weapon against the darkness...maybe...maybe he should take a shot.

A petite, feminine hand places itself on top of Sheik. "The light of hope will burn for as long as we keep it, Sheik." Recognizing the voice, Sheik gasps and looks up to the calm blue eyes of the Princess of Hyrule. A few steps away, staring up to the sky, stands her hero.

"Zelda…"

Link arches his head quizzically. "That's him? He's not so big."

Sheik stands up and joins Link in gazing up to Ganon. "He beat Vaati. I don't know how bad, but...you couldn't best Vaati without a Triforce. Not even your predecessor fought Ganon without the sacred power."

Link looks at Sheik with a smile. "I'm banking on the Hero of Legend's tale of beating Ganon when he had the full Triforce. So even if this fight is just our raw, unaided power, that fight gives me enough motivation to know that if it was done once, it is doable again."

"But this time, the Hero will not fight alone."

"Are you sure, Princess Zelda?" Queen Mipha questions. "If you fall…"
"Your Majesty, I have never been surer. It is written that two have always stood against evil, no matter the time and age. Link and I must do it."

Mipha turns to Daruk for a moment then nods to Zelda. "Then allow us to grant you a single gift, Hero." Daruk and Mipha hold their arms out, summoning a blue and orange ball from their torsos into Link's. The Hero gasps as the orbs are absorbed without damaging him.

"What did you give me?"

"I gave you my protective spell, which will protect against three attacks before needing to recharge. Mipha gave you a powerful revitalization spell. I heard that it can save one from a mortal wound, correct?"

"Indeed, though it can only be used once every five minutes. Be careful, Champion of Farore."

Link nods. "Thank you both very much."

Sheik turns to Zelda, handing her the Silver Bow. "This is for you. The Silver Bow, the bane of all evil. Use it once you have weakened Ganon, which, if your Sages' plan goes well, will use the Divine Beasts' power to do such that. So just hold out until then, okay?"

Zelda smiles. "We will not fail. The goddesses are with us...and soon, Ganondorf will join us." She looks to the still unconscious Gerudo prince, then faces Link. "You ready?"

Link stares up once more, tightening his fist. "Fi."

The sword spirit appears beside her master. "Shall I begin analysis on Ganon?"

"No, I know all I need to know on him, but the Divine Beasts...can you track them?"

"Yes, I can."

"Then keep us updated on the others' progress. That is all I ask of you...except for the other one." Fi nods in understanding and reenters the sword. Link raises a hand to his covered eye and rips the eyepatch off. Taking a few moments to adjust his sight, he sighs and turns to Zelda, smiling. "Don't do anything I would do."

Zelda chuckles. "No promises." The pair nods to each other and begins to head out to Ganon. The rebels left behind stare in awe as the legendary hero in the green tunic and the descendant of the goddess step together to battle. For most, this is the first time they're laying eyes on Nayru and Farore's chosen two. They stare in shock as Hyrule's greatest protectors walk tall towards the fight their souls have fought seven times prior. Some wonder if they're crazy for heading straight into a fatal fight, others see them as the last chance to save the world.

As they vanish from the sight of their allies, they enter the sight of their hovering enemy. From his perch, Ganon snorts as he spots his eternal foes bravely walking towards him. He begins his descent, setting foot on a pile of rubble. A moment later, Link and Zelda reappear in Ganon's sights in the leveled city. His cape wavers over his body as the wind passes, the Trident of Power flashes gold underneath the barely moonlit sky. Link and Zelda pause just a few meters away from Ganon, staring back at him. Taking a deep breath, Link reaches back and grabs the shining Master Sword with his left hand, unsheathing it, his right arm strapping on the Hylian Shield. Zelda outstretches her hand, summoning the radiant Bow of Light.

Ganon narrows his eyes as he analyzes his enemy. "Something is different about you both. You, Princess, your power...similar to your predecessors now. Like a missing puzzle piece found and put together with the rest. And you, Hero, your courage is as impressive as ever. A week ago, you were weak echoes of who you should be...now you are who you are."

Neither Zelda nor Link say anything back, but praise from Ganon must mean something. Zelda does know something is different, she can sense it herself. If what Ganon says is true, there's only one 'puzzle piece' previously missing: the Light Force Vaati stole from her mother. Link, in his part, doesn't understand what Ganon says, but he does have a weapon of his own should it need to be unleashed.

For the first time in 30 years, the age-old war between hatred, spirit, and blood will be fought. Courage and Wisdom will be tested against Power. The Hero and Princess of Hyrule stand against the Scourge.

Link and Zelda versus Ganon.