Guess who's back (back again) ?! Yup, It's me! I'd like to thank you all for waiting patiently and also announce that this story has reached over 3,000 views! Thank you for all your support! You can now find me on Instagram too for more Zelda content follow l. !
I'd also like to share a fabulous work with you that you can find on Instagram and Wattpad! The story is called Before The Calamity ( beforethecalamity on Instagram) and is honestly one of the most well-written pieces of Zelda fanfiction I have read since BOTW came out! It stays true to the official story and lore as well as providing clarity about Link's memories and feelings towards Zelda as well as every relationship between the Champions, Princess, and hero! Please go give it a read and review!
I won't hold you up any longer! Enjoy this chapter and be prepared for a very long chapter 18...!
Chapter 17.
It is said by the Hylian's that their king is the only one who knows how to enter the Sacred Realm. It was established by the Royal Family long ago when the Civil War had just begun. What lies in the Sacred Realm is Hyrule's most dangerous and powerful relic. The Triforce.
The Triforce was forged by the hands of Din, Nayru, and Farore, a gift to the people of Hyrule. Its powers were unlimited. All one had to do was touch it and it would grant any wish. It knew no bounds of good and evil. It made no difference if a wish was from a pure-hearted maiden or a demon from the underworld. It had no bounds. The only restriction was if one were to completely seize it fully the wielder must have a perfect balance of power, wisdom, and courage, lest the Triforce split.
During Hyrule's Civil War, the many nations of Hyrule fought for the Sacred Realm, not heeding their past, as history tends to repeat herself. The war was gruesome, lasting centuries. It was finally decided that the Triforce would remain with the Royal Family and under an arrangement, all nations would have to submit to Hyrule their fealty. Unbeknownst to the king, however, this would not last. To the people of Hyrule, it seemed there would finally be an era of prosperity, nothing threatening to take yield of their sacred power.
Yet, long before the Civil War, ancient civilizations sought this power for their own.
One of these civilizations were the Twili. They were known as the dark interlopers, masters of dark magics, forgers of powerful masks, and strived for the power of the Triforce. They thought by wielding such power they could control the world, but they would bring imbalance. When the guardian spirits of Hyrule heard the goddesses pleas to stop them they came together and obeyed. The Twili's efforts were thwarted, the guardians sealing them away in their own world.
Even before their downfall, Hyrule was still not safe by those wanting to seize such power. There was another being, a demon lord, a ruler of a dark dimension, and perhaps the most powerful enemy of Hyrule.
Demise.
Demise wanted the Triforce for his own, he wanted to concur Hyrule, rid it of all the life the goddesses had created, and forge a world for his demons. He came forth from the underworld, killing mercilessly, and forging false alliances with the people of Hyrule, among them, a young Twili who would become his most faithful servant. This servant was known as Ghirahim.
Hylia looked down upon her creation, fearing for its inhabitants. The people cried out for her aid through the flames of destruction. Fearing all would be lost, she descended down upon Hyrule, creating a holy blade through one young girl's sacrifice. And when all seemed lost, a hero stepped forth. Wielding the Master Sword he went to seek out Demise and end his torment on Hyrule. In the end, he succeeded but bore a curse that neither he nor the goddess could escape. She shed her divinity to stand by him, and the world soon began to forget that this was in fact history.
The tale of Demise, Hylia, and her chosen hero soon became fables the people of Hyrule told their young. They were legends that warned their young if they did not behave Demise would plant his hatred upon them or if they were brave they would be rewarded. Regardless, the only thing that remained clear in these stories was that the Triforce did exist. Young girls and boys would whisper in small groups of how it had been locked away or where it could be hidden and adults would jokingly ramble on how they would wish for a better job or well-behaved children. They were beginning to forget their pain, and it seemed Hyrule was healing.
But not every nation believed in the three goddesses. The Gerudo prayed faithfully to the goddess of sand. Their pagan worship was seen as barbaric and unruly to the ever cultured Hylians. They had mocked this worship, claiming it was why they were cursed to live in a barren wasteland. The Gerudo, however, continued to pray, pleading to their goddess to be saved.
It was believed that the one male born every century would one day lead the people from the desert, starting an era of unity, but these were forgotten as time went on, their faith dying.
It was this idea that Ganondorf clung to as a child. He wanted to find a purpose, a reason for him to exist. He never believed the witches when they had told him he would be the bearer of Demise. He wanted to create a better world for his people. Yet, Demise and Ganondorf had both come to an equally desire. Ganondorf sought the Triforce to forge a new world and so did Demise.
Demise was far too weak, but in time Ganondorf knew he would come. This time was approaching quickly, and the things he needed were still far from reach. If he were able to attain the Triforce before Demise he could fix what had been done. It was this that led Ganondorf to his craze for the Triforce. Time was running out.
oOo
"Are you enjoying your lessons?"
Grace looked up from the book she had been reading, Ganondorf was seated at his desk as usual. Their nights had become quiet. She would read on the bed and Ganondorf would sort through papers. Recently the history and religion of the Gerudo had intrigued her and Aveil had rather lend her books than take time to talk with her. The girls had gotten along, but Aveil was not entirely attached either.
"Yes." She said simply before returning to her book. He snorted, giving a smirk.
"Good."
"Ganondorf?"
"Hm?"
"Is there really a Gerudo Town?"
He smiled softly, leaning back in his chair. Her eyes met his, eagerly awaiting an answer, something he wasn't sure he could give her.
"Yes." He said simply, giving her a small nod. She stared at him for a moment, waiting for him to continue, but he didn't. Instead, he began to resume his work. Grace sighed, tossing her book aside and pulling a chair in front of his desk.
"Is that the place you told me about? The place with the silks and the colors and things that Hyrule had never seen before? You said there were merchants, remember? Ones who sold armor and swords and perfumes and jewelry?" She sat her head on the desk, gazing up at him like a child. He laughed quietly, sealing an envelope.
"There are buildings with running water, brightly decorated rooms, and a palace. Just like I had told you." He replied, his voice reminiscent, it was clear he was homesick.
"Do you miss it?" She asked quietly, wanting him to tell her more about it.
"Yes… I miss it very much." He responded, giving her a warm look she had never seen before.
"Can I go there?" She begged, her face lighting up in glee. He frowned, disappointed in her plead.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because it is for Gerudo. No Hylian will ever set foot there."
"Why?"
"Because… I can not endanger my people. It is the only safe place we have."
"Oh…"
"Don't look so sad, vehvi. You are free to come and go to the fortress as you please. I grant this permission to you."
"What good will that do me? I'll soon be living in Labrynna." She protested, her voice broken and soft. She glanced down at the ring on her finger, playing with it idly. She had begun to dread her return. These following months would be her last few of freedom before she must begin her duty to her husband. She had come to the conclusion that she did not love him, but given time she would eventually come to. It was for Hyrule and Labrynna's best interest, it was a start to unify the nations for the militaries to join through matrimony. Grace knew this was the only reason she had to feign interest in him. He was a sweet man, but she knew her wings would be clipped and her education shelved.
"If you would ever need a place to flee. You are protected here. I am indebted to you, for your work you have done in efforts for peace between our nations." He replied, carelessly placing a hand on her head. She tilted her head, a calculating smile appearing on her face.
"Are you finally being kind to me again?" She quipped, pulling herself away to return to her book. He faked a grin, leaning back in his chair once more.
"You will find... kindness is not in my nature." He sighed with exasperation.
"I have noticed." She replied smugly, not even glancing up from her book. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her, but she continued to beam as she read her book.
"What is that book about?" He asked, feigning interest.
"History and things… do you really believe all of this?"
"Believe what?"
"All this about the sand goddess and praying to dead ancestors and what is this about birds?" She scoffed, placing her finger in her book.
"Yes." He looked so proud it made her feel sad. She had never seen him so confident with an answer before.
"You see, Hylian's like you wouldn't understand… you are so simple." He jeered, opening the door to the balcony. "Come, stand here for a minute."
Grace sighed, rolling off the bed, wrapping herself in a blanket to guard herself against the biting night breeze.
"Look up. What do you see?" He asked, pointing to the night sky.
"Stars?"
"They are not just stars. They are spirits of great warriors, our ancestors who protect us. They light the night sky so we do not forget our way in darkness." He explained, and while he did she could have sworn she had seen the strangest glimmer of adoration and respect in his eyes. "In times of need, we seek their advice… just as you seek your pathetic goddesses. And if they can not answer us, we direct them to the goddess of sand, the one who has blessed us with life in this wasteland. She will never let us die so long as we remain loyal."
Grace laughed, gazing at the thousands of white dots that illuminated the sky.
"You really do believe it! How unfortunate!"
He turned, defensively leaning against the balcony railing.
"Unfortunate?" He sneered, meeting her eyes with an angered glare.
"Yes…" She giggled, "Because you deny the goddesses who created you."
He inhaled deeply, looking upwards.
"I do not deny them, I simply do not believe in them. The sand goddess is much more reliable than your pathetic goddesses."
"How so?" Her lips tightened with disgust, trying desperately to hide her rueful smile. Her eyes, however, revealed a far more different emotion. She was clearly offended.
He could see in her face the contempt he was creating. It satisfied him to know that she was disturbed by his different beliefs. It even brought him great pleasure discussing how little she was cultured than compared to what she had thought she knew.
"Your goddesses represent wisdom, courage, and power… answer me, can you see these things?"
"No."
"Touch it?"
"No."
"Is it entirely real? Or is it a fantasy created by people to have something to believe in?"
"I don't-"
"It is not real, Grace. Your goddesses are built upon emotions, not the world. The goddess of sand controls the desert, we can see her working, feel her presence. She shows us our path through our spirit guides." He jeered, walking back into the room. Grace whipped her attention to him.
"Spirit guides?"
He frowned, inhaling sharply.
"Do you feel the wind?" He asked, his tone serious. She nodded, shivering.
"The wind works with our ancestors and the dead to show us our future."
"What is your future then, Ganondorf?" She snickered, closing the balcony door. He fell silent, sifting through papers once more. Grace smirked, thinking she had outwitted him. She settled into her book, contented with herself, only to feel the looming presence of their conversation.
"Death." He mumbled, breaking the silence.
The way he had said the word sent shivers down her spine. It was low, monotonous and full of grief.
"Tell me about the stars." She said quickly, trying to change the mood. He smirked, reading over a letter, leaning against the wall.
"I have already told you about the stars, vehvi. What more could you possibly want to know?"
"Well… what warriors are in the stars?" She muttered, not exactly sure what to say. His eyes fell, his face stiffening.
"There are many warriors. Brave women who willingly gave their lives for this cursed place. King's who forged their name into history. Some I have known, others died long ago. Their memory is never forgotten…"
"Will you become a star when you die?"
His head snapped in her direction, his face broken.
"No… I will never be one of them." He rumbled, turning his attention elsewhere. Grace rolled on her side, intrigued by his sudden change in attitude.
"Why not?"
"You ask too many questions." He barked before returning to his work.
Grace was puzzled by this, she couldn't understand why he wouldn't belong there. He toiled for peace and unity between the nations, after all.
"You are a great warrior, and...if you don't tell the King of Hyrule, I will add a wonderful ruler as well. You belong there."
He sighed heavily, falling back against the wall irritably.
"You know nothing." He glared at her, unsure of how he felt. It was strange to be shown sudden kindness, though, he could almost expect it from her. She was just like every other Hylian woman, quick to lend her heart but slow to learn that men would abuse that. She was hopelessly gullible and he had slowly changed his plans around it.
"I know many things Ganondorf, things even you may not know. I may be ignorant to your beliefs but I know more about Hyrule's secrets then one would care to." She insisted. He smirked, it was so simple to stir her emotions, pathetic really.
"Oh really? I don't believe you." He scoffed, his eyes wild with satisfaction, she was so naive.
"It's true!"
"Then prove it."
She thought long and hard, wondering what she could tell him, she wanted to prove him wrong. She was desperate to feel important.
"I know how to gain entrance into the Sacred Realm," Grace announced quietly, the words barely audible. He furrowed his brow.
"What?"
"Shh! Please... It's-"
"Treason is something you must be dying to commit, vehvi."
His words took her aback, she wasn't expecting him to be so cruel. She began to bite the inside of her cheek. She felt so small under his calculating glare. He was always thinking, and she both admired and feared that about him. It was impossible to read him for he almost always had the same dead look in his eyes.
They sat in silence a while longer until there was a knock on the door. Ganondorf grunted and the door swung open.
"This is for her." Nabooru stated, handing him an envelope then whispering something in his ear. Ganondorf inhaled deeply, grinding his teeth and nodding as they whispered to each other in their mother tongue.
Grace felt her stomach tighten. She recognized a few words now and then and none of them were good. Nabooru glanced at Grace and left just as quickly as she had come.
"Take it." Ganondorf growled, tossing her the envelope. She slowly grabbed it from him, carefully tearing the envelope. She trembled, unsure of how to react. She was now a traitor either way if she was discovered.
oOo
Link lazily stared up at the trees, the bright sun cast the forest in a hazy green shadow. He closed his eyes, listening to Saria play her ocarina. She sat atop an old tree stump, kicking her legs gently off the bark now and then, it was peaceful.
"Tired?" Saria smiled. Link rolled over and shook his head sheepishly, giving her a small grin.
"Mido got his fairy this morning. He now thinks he's a true man. Don't you think that's silly?" Saria giggled. The boy's face fell.
"Yeah, silly." He mumbled, trying to hide his face.
"It took him long enough, I thought he'd be the last one. After all, I received my fairy almost a year ago." She continued quietly. "Though, I wouldn't worry about getting a fairy, Link. You're...different."
The woods fell silent as the two friends sat quietly, even the birds seemed to fade their cheery tune. Saria understood that he was not Kokiri, but he did not. She didn't want him to know either, she enjoyed his company. Although the Deku Tree had foreseen him returning to where he was from, she couldn't imagine her life without him. He was her best friend, a brother.
"What if I don't want to be different? What if I want to be like Mido o-or you! What if I want to be normal?" He whispered, pulling his knees close.
"You are special, Link… The Deku Tree must have some sort of plan for you if he hasn't given you a fairy." Saria replied gently, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Saria...what if I'm not a Kokiri?" His eyes were inquisitive as he looked at her with concern.
"You are a Kokiri!" Saria said quickly. "We raised you here, didn't we?"
"But Mido said that you found me… that I come from beyond the forest." He replied softly. Saria sighed.
"You will always be one of us, Mido doesn't know what he's talking about. I'll tell him to keep his lousy mouth shut, okay?" She gave an encouraging grin before hopping off the stump.
"Let's go home now… I'm starving."
Link nodded, following her out of the Lost Woods. Children should never be caught in the dark unless they wanted to face the curse of dark magic, at least, that's what he had been told. He felt, however, many things he had been told, were lies. He just couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't belong. He was the outcast, and though his friends insisted he belonged, he had a secret longing to see the world outside of the woods. He wanted to find answers that he knew would never be answered by the Kokiri.
oOo
Impa frowned, re-reading the letter.
"Lady Impa? What is it?" Sharp asked, noticing the woman in their doorway. Flat peeked around the corner, placing a key on the table.
"It is the settlement. They have settled in the mountains until it is safe for the Sheikah to return… however…" Her voice trailed off, her face broken with anger and sorrow.
"Lady Impa, is it the prophecy? Is something wrong with the princess?" Flat suggested. Impa shook her head.
"No, it's something I could have never predicted… A group of our kind has gone rogue, disappearing. They claim the goddesses have abandoned us. They have turned their loyalty to Demise, they wait for his arrival. They call themselves… Yiga."
The brothers frowned.
"We must find them!" Sharp insisted. Impa only shook her head.
"We must find Demise's hatred. It is resting within someone. The princess senses danger and I do as well. If our own have left to follow Demise it must mean he has returned. It's our duty to the Royal Family to find it and stop it before it consumes the one who possess it." Impa replied quickly.
"We are running out of time…" Flat stated quietly. Impa nodded in thought.
"Time… Isn't there a composition for time?" She asked hurriedly.
"Yes! But it hasn't ever been proven to truly manipulate time!" Sharp replied eagerly.
"But it is entirely possible only those destined to use it can play it! I will find the accounts, Lady Impa!" Flat chimed, hurrying back into the other room.
"Good...The king will see you both tomorrow morning. He has something to discuss with you about the heirloom." She added. Sharp bowed.
"Lady Impa, it has already begun, hasn't it?" His voice was shaking with the question, as if it were a child asking something in fear of the answer. Impa exhaled deeply.
"Yes… but if we hurry, we won't be too late."