?: Play it, come on.
Link: I am not sure. It's been a long time. Maybe she won't remember the song.
?: Ever since you left, it has been too quiet in this ranch. Mr. Ingo hated music, and when he kicked my father out of here, he prohibited me from playing her song. We were very sad, but that doesn't need to be anymore since you defeated Mr. Ingo. Please, Link, play it. She needs it.
Link: Ok.
The hylian warrior took out his Ocarina and prepared his lips, not decided to start yet. He perfectly remembered the song that the beautiful lass next to him had taught seven years ago, but he hadn't play it in such a long time and his mind took a moment to recall the past of the place: fine horses, green lands, tons of hay, and a peaceful atmosphere. For no little reason that ranch was the main supplier of the finest milk to the Castle. It was mild. It was warm. It was…
Location: Lon Lon Ranch
Link started playing Epona's Song. It was a very happy melody that the owner's duaghter had composed when she was a kid, in honor of her favorite mare, of the same name. Link had know her as a little creature, but know she had grown and turned into a healthy and vigorous exemplar. Epona immediatly stopped from munching grass. She raised her head, gave a fully happy whinny and approached the young couple.
Link: Hello, old friend! I'm glad you didn't forget about me! You don't have to be sad anymore. Mr. Ingo will no longer impose control around here.
The hylian placed his hand on the mare's head.
?: I think she wants you to ride it.
Link: Is that so, Epona?
Link rode the mare. Then, he turned his head towards the cute redhead and offered his hand.
Link: Come, on Malon. Let's go for a ride.
She happily accepted. Epona was happy as well, and started running through the ranch. After some time, Link took the tour for finished and descended. He had to leave.
Link: It's been awesome to see you again Malon, but I need to go. I must find the Sages and face Ganondorf.
Malon: I would like you stay here, but I understand. Please forgive me. I was upset earlier because I thought you simply forgot about me and went away. I didn't know you were in such an important situation. But you know you will always be welcomed here.
Link: Don't worry, I know it. Thanks. Now I must leave. Good-bye, Epona.
The hylian waved his hand and prepared his departure. Epona emitted a sad neigh and started walking behind him. Link asked her to stop, but Malon prevented so.
Malon: It's OK. Take her with you.
Link: What? But it's your favorite mare and best friend!
Malon: She wants to go with you. She felt imprisoned when Mr. Ingo ruled the Ranch. And now that she has seen you again, I think she can't turn away the opportunity to enjoy adventure by going with you.
Link: I don't know, she belongs here.
The girl shook his head.
Malon: She has always belonged out there. Yes, we will always be best friends, but I know Epona has always dreamt to run through the Kingdom. In fact, I've had that same dream my entire life, but I'm not an adventurer like you. I'm a ranch girl and I must take care of the other horses. Besides, my father will soon get back, and I want to see him too. You lost valuable time by saving the ranch, and she will aid you to get wherever you need quickly.
Link understood, and was happy to have company for his trip.
Malon: Link…
Link: Yes?
Malon: When you defeat Ganondorf and save the Kingdom… will you come for me to take a ride through the lands of Hyrule?
Both of them kept looking to the other at the eyes. They started smiling.
Link: It is a promise, Malon.
And after saying that, Link and Epona left the Ranch. That is how the Hero Of Time resumed his mission of finding the Ancient Sages of Hyrule, determined to end the Dark Era that the Evil King had brought to the Kingdom. His trip was long and challenging, but in every step, the boy grew both in strength and courage. In his heart the conviction to help his friends grew more and more.
Location: Death Mountain
He climbed up the defying extents of Death Mountain, finding himself shocked at first to see that a considerable amount of the Goron population had died. Since the fire dragon Volvagia had been released by Ganondorf, they had suffered ambushes from the monster in numerous ocasions. Fortunately, his friend Darunia, leader of Goron City, had survived and revealed himself as the Fire Sage. He and Link entered together the Fire Temple, located on the top of the volcano and now serving as a lair to Volvagia. The battle was difficult, but they were able to get rid of the dragon and save the Goron race from extinction. Darunia swore eternous friendship and loyalty to the Hero, and went to meet Rauru and Saria to join forces to destroy the barrier.
Location: Zora's Domain and Lake Hylia
After that, Link headed to Zora's Domain, only to find out that Lake Hylia had drained long time ago and Zoras were heavily suffering the water shortage. Link had known Ruto, princess of the Zora people, in his previous quest of retrieving the spiritual stone of water from the belly of Zora's protector, Lord Jabu-Jabu. They became friends since then, and when he met her in the depths of the Water Temple, at the very bottom of the Lake, he discovered that she was also one of the sages. Together, they fought against the Giant Acuatic Ameba, Morpha, causant of the missing water.
Location: Kakariko Village
Then, Link arrived at Kakariko Village, home of the sheikah culture. He was anxious to meet Impa, the only Sage he had known in advance due to Rauru's instruction. He wanted to know about Zelda, and his surprise was big when he met both of them at the Village. During seven long years, Impa had hidden the Princess from the forces of Ganondord and, by making her pass as a sheikah. In secret, Impa had been training her combat skills. The princess had also worked hard to increase her magical power in order to seal Ganondorf once and for all. However, she needed more time to fully achieve that, and retired for meditation at the heights of the Village. Meanwhile, Impa and Link freed the Kakariko population from the demons and spirits that were coming from the Shadow Temple, near the Village graveyard, and were leaded by the Spectral Dark Critter, Bongo-Bongo. Impa reaffirmed once more her faith on the Hero and departed to the Sanctuary, telling Link in advance that the next time they see each other would be after Ganondorf's fall.
Location: Gerudo Desert
There was one last Sage to be found, Nabooru of the Gerudo race. Link headed to the most remote and harsh Temple of all, the Spirit Temple, ubicated in some point of the merciless Gerudo Desert. She had been abducted by the Twin Witches Koume and Kotake, the same pair of sisters that had used her magic to resurrect the evil being Ganon and let it incarnate in Ganondorf's body. Actually, the Hero risked his life in several times at this temple. Besides they were old, Koume and Kotake were still tough enemies since they possesed a magic level that could easily match Zelda's and they dominated fire and ice powers. After defeating them and freeing Nabooru, the King's Castle trembled. The Sages power had been finally united and the barrier could no longer protect Ganondorf from the Hero's arrival.
Location: Hyrule's Castle
When Link reached the Castle's entrance, he met a flashing bolt of light that started speaking to him.
Rauru: / Link, I expected no less from you. You were successful in your quest of finding the sages, and now we have joined forces to nulify the dark energy that protects Ganon. /
Saria: / You did it well, boy! Now that we have destroyed the barrier, there's nothing that prevents you to battle Ganon and defeat it! /
Darunia: / Stay strong, brother! You go and kick his ass, and leave us the rest! /
Ruto: / We have prepared a very comfortable place for Ganon in the Sacred Realm. I can't wait to watch him being sent there for eternity! /
Impa: / Trust your instinct, Link. And don't let your guard down. Ganon is still in possesion of the Triforce of Power, so an intense battle is guaranteed. The princess has finished her training and is on her way here. /
Nabooru: // That man may be a Gerudo, but he does not represent my people at all. I was the only one who didn't know you, but you proved to be a skilled warrior. We're all counting on you to restore peace in the Kingdom. Now go, and save Hyrule! /
Link: Thank you for everything, my friends. I won't let you down!
Link entered the Castle, it was completely different from what he remembered at the prosperous times: there were no signs of life ot be found, darkness still dominated the atmosphere in spite of the previous barrier destruction, a cold air augured the upcoming presence of a great evil power. The Hero ignored all these and continued his journey until he finally arrived at the King's Chamber. As expected, Ganondorf was already waiting for his arrival. The Evil King had also changed his appearance since the last time they faced each other: his read hair had grown bigger and now he wore a long red cap.
Ganondorf: You know, I didn't recognize you seven years ago when you were just a annoying brat, but now I remember. You're the kid of some couple that was killed during one of the raids performed by the Yiga Clan, a league of assasins that had served me for many generations.
Link: You, you knew my parents?!
Ganondorf: I've had many lives, hylian. I've seen thousands of wars, death and destruction. My power has no match and I know for a fact that your parents died trying to protecting you. What a shame for them. You may have released the Sages, but just for what? To come at me. You defeat a bunch of puny beasts and think that you can kill me? I was upset at first when you woke up, but now that I know these facts, I'm going to enjoy ending with your life much more, just as I'm going to kill your friends the sages and the Princess after I retrieve the remaining pieces of the Triforce. Poor Link. No friends…, no home…, no parents.
Link: Stop talking!
Ganondorf: His effort to save your life was in vain, but they'll be happy to see you again when I bury your corpse in the same spot they are!
Link: You'll eat your words at the Sacred Realm, you bastard!
Ganondorf: FOOL! I'M THE GREAT LORD GANON, THE INCARNATION OF EVIL, AND I'M GOING TO DESTROY YOU!
Ganondorf started throwing punches at Link. He barely dodged his attacks. The Evil King's power had increased and he was stronger than ever. He also had greater ability than his Phantom to launch bigger and faster spark shocks. Fortunately, they were still blckable by the shield. Using the same previous technique, Link returned the shocks at Ganondorf's until he was badly injured and fell to the ground.
Ganondorf: Not bad, Hylian! Not bad at all! But all you have watched is my abilities limited by this human enclosure, now behold my true power!
Immediatly, the Evil King transformed from a Gerudo into a horrible monster: He doubled his size, long horns appeared on his head, and his hands and feet were replaced by hooves. There was no doubt, he had adopted his true form, the Dark Beast Ganon.
Using his magic, he made appear a pair of long blades and took one on each hand. The Beast started fighting with Link once more, but this time the Hero was no match for the power of Ganon,
Who beat him several times and made him lose the Master Sword. The Shield had been broken and Link was badly injured, laying on the ground. The Beast laughed and pressed Link's neck against the floor with his foot, preparing to land the fatal blow.
A flash of light hit Ganon directly on the arm, followed by another impact on the chest. It was Princess Zelda, who had finaly arrived to aid Link. She had fulfilled her training and had maxed out her magic power, granting her access to the Light Arrows, a devastating weapon conceded by the Goddesses of Hyrule, and the very weakness of Ganon. With some serious effort, Link standed up.
Link: P-princess Zelda…
Zelda: Hi Link. Sorry it took me so long to catch you, but my magical power is ready. Thank you for everything you have done.
The beast recovered its strength and let out a furious growl.
Zelda: What do you say if we lock up this beast in the Sacred Realm for good?
Link: It'll be my pleasure, Princess.
The brave swordsman and the skilled Princess started fighting back Ganon's devastating thrusts. Link was able to hurt its feet, while Zelda attacked at some distance with continous Light shots. The hylian hero delivered the final blow with a powerful thrust on the beast's head, and with its energies totally depleted, Ganon fell abruptly to the ground and transformed back to its human form. He had lose consciousness. Zelda raised her hands and began a prayer. An intense shine of light started to cover Ganondorf's body, and extracting the Triforce of Power from its being. Suddenly after, the Sages minds, enclosed in the flash of light that Link had met before, reached the recinct, with the intention of transporting him to the Sacred Realm, where he would be locked forever.
Rauru: / Today the history of Hyrule is written in terms of glory. The fated Hero of Time has responded to the call of Destiny and assumed his role, announced by the very Goddesses of Hyrule: the noble sisters Din, Nayru and Farore. The reign of the Dark Beast Ganon reaches its end and the Princess finally arises as the Sages Leader. The ancient sacred treasure of our land, the Triforce, can at last be reformed. Its full power may now be deposited in the Master Sword and rest in its pedestal at the Temple of Time, from where it will continue to protect our people. As for us Sages concern, we will now proceed to lock the beast in the Sacred Realm, and it will no longer cause any despair. /
Link: I'm glad we were able to save the Kingdom. Will I ever see you again, my friends?
Saria: / Don't be silly boy, you can always count with us! We'll continue to protect our people. Whenever you need us, you know where to find us! /
And after saying good-bye, the Sages departed, disappearing in the shine of light, along with the defeated Ganon. Zelda asked Link to accompany her to the Temple of Time, where his mission could be ended at long last.
Location: Temple of Time
Reaching the Chamber of Time, where all had started, the Princess was having a word with the Hero before returning the sword to its place.
Zelda: You know, Link. You have done too much for this Kingdom. I would like you to accept a position in the Castle as leader of the Royal Guard. I know my father would agree, too. On the other hand, I still remember that in order to build this plot, I had to lock you up for seven years. You missed your childhood, your friends, your life. So, if you wish to, I can get you back in time. It'll be like a restart. You'll be a child again and you will not have to fight anymore. You could be whatever you decide.
Link did not respond. He plunged into his thoughts when he heard the Princess' Proposal. He walked some steps and deposited the Master Sword on its pedestal.
Link: I didn't get it at first, but Rauru taught me that we all take a part in a cycle. And now I believe him. I didn't lose my friends, I found all of them. And my life? I'm just living it the way it's supposed to be. I don't need to travel back in time and search for a home, I'm already in it.
The Princess smiled.
Zelda: So, does that mean you'll stay in the Castle?
Link set his sight on the Master Sword and smiled too.
Link: I need to do something first.
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: HERO OF TIME
POST-CREDITS SCENE
Location: Somewhere out in the sky.
Apparently for no logic reason, Zelda was walking high up in the clouds. She found a majestic palace, ancient-greek style, illuminated by the glorious sunshine. Four imponent statues capted her attention: One represented the goddess Din, other the goddess Nayru, another one the goddess Farore, and the last one…
?: I see you know my sisters.
Zelda: Excuse me? Who are you?
The Princess of Hyrule was received by a woman with long green hair. She was carrying a large scepter on her right hand, using a white dress, and a golden circlet on her forehead.
Palutena: My name is Palutena, goddess of Light, ruler of Skyworld and the lost sister of the goddesses of Hyrule. I have called you, Princess Zelda, leader of the Ancient Sages, because I need your help. Please, hear what I have to say. I'm aware of Hero of Time's feats across the Hyrule Kingdom, but despite he and you defeated the Dark Beast Ganon, greater threats will put the Universe's life in danger. He must embark on a Time Travel again, this time several centuries in the future, where he'll be of valuable assitance to ensure the world's peace.
Zelda: Several centuries in the future? The Master Sword has never been used for a trip of such a long period. Will its power be enough to accomplish that?
Palutena: It will. Now that the Triforce given to the Kingdom by my sisters is restored. We'll need your magical skills of course. Please send him to the year 2021. Do not take too long. Chaos is approaching.
Zelda: All right, I'll do it. But year 2021? Everything will surely be very different. How will Link know where to go? Whom to trust?
Palutena: Do not worry, I'll send someone to receive him.
Zelda: Palutena, huh? For some strange reason, it sounds familiar to me. A lost goddess of Hyrule? What happened? Who are you?
Palutena: Link's trip is sure to deplete a great part of the Master Sword's energy, but don´t worry about it. Eventually, we'll have the opportunity to talk again face to face here in Skyworld. When the New Hyrule establishes, I'll explain everything. Now I must say good-bye, Princess.
Zelda: Wait, what about the 'New Hyrule'?! What does that mean?!
Suddenly, everything around the Princess was looking blurry and slowly vanishing.
Palutena: I'm counting on both of you, Princess! Don't forget: sent him to year 2021!
Zelda: Wait, Palutena! Wait!
The princess woke up in the middle of the night on her room. It had all been a dream… had it?
SSBU-U WILL CONTINUE ON NEXT ENTRY!
THE END
JaviJavi12's Notes:
Hello readers! The Hero of Time plot is finally completed! As promised, it also sets the start for the next smasher introduction! What would the big threat to the world Palutena was talking about? Be sure to check later episodes regularly to find out!
In this SSBU-U, I decided to concede Palutena the title of 'Lost Sister of the Goddesses of Hyrule'. You might find it somewhat odd, but it was a swift manner to give continuity to the story. Moreover, the truth behind her title will take more significance in future chapters.
As always, you're welcomed to leave your comments. See you!