This artifact was bringing him out too much.
The real him, in a sense.
Power corrupts absolutely, there is no middle ground.
And here he was.
Teetering on the edge.
Agahnim ran a hand along the carved surface of the Fused Shadow he possessed, amber eyes studying the texture. Judging from it's shape, it was the lower-half of the front or back of the entire headpiece.
Despite it's meager appearance, it was bursting with raw, dark power. He could feel it in his finger tips, the voice of destiny, as he referred to it, in his head telling him to unleash it upon those around him.
He'd have none of it.
"Such a waste of power." Princess Zelda mused from beside him, casting a disgusted glance at the artifact. "If only you could use such a relic for good, without fear of corruption."
Agahnim nodded in agreement as they walked through the fortress halls, heading up to the secluded courtyard where their companions sat.
"The Ganon we saw at Hyrule Castle, he was not my brother. He's altered his appearance with these, to what we looked like during the Twilight Era." His gaze hardened. "In truth, it's easier to look at that then the mirror of myself his true form is."
Zelda nodded slightly. "That would be troublesome."
Agahnim clipped the artifact to his belt, gaze moving forward as they passed a group of Bokoblins and Hyrulean Soldiers.
Now that she had lesser problems, Zelda could take the time to watch their interaction.
The Soldiers mixed a pot of stew, adding a few ingredients, vegetables and whatnot, while the Bokoblins add some bits of meat, carved off a giant slab sizzling on a fire spit. When all was said and done, the stew cooked to perfection, they passed it around. The soldiers bowed their heads and muttered a prayer to the goddess, while the Bokoblins gave a simple snort before diving in.
"Not as refined as ourselves." Agahnim remarked when he noticed her watching. "But the Bokoblins have enough civility to give thanks for what they have, to either Hylia or Demise. Gods and Goddesses don't mean much to them and their own."
Zelda looked up at him. "Are your temptations connected to Demise?"
Agahnim looked thoughtful, but shook his head. "For himself, No. It's too minor for the hate he possessed. It's his curse, however, that keeps clawing at me, and it's this artifact that intensifies it." He motioned to the Fused Shadow. "For each piece I possess, the harder it'll be to resist. Hopefully, Twilight won't mind holding onto it for me."
"I'm sure he won't." Zelda frowned suddenly. "Wait, if they can corrupt, why hasn't Twilight been...well, corrupted by them? He has one of his own."
"I...I'm not too sure, perhaps it's because his own powers are Twilit in nature." He snorted. "Or maybe he's just too much of a hardass."
Zelda giggled. "You wouldn't be too far off."
Through a set off double doors, they entered the courtyard. Link, Twilight, and Time were all present in the center, circling a cooking pot. Time and Twilight sat idly, the former playing Ocarina while the latter whittled on a block of wood. Link was at the cooking pot, stirring and adding things from his pouch into the mix.
Time noticed them, giving a gesture with his hand while he continued playing. Twilight noticed this and looked up, giving a nod.
Link was facing them, he looked up and smiled widely.
"Hey, you two." He said, standing up straight and tapping the ladle against the rim of the pot. "Quite the shouting match we heard."
"Fenrir doesn't hold the same ideals I do." Agahnim glanced to the side. "Not many people do, so he mistrusts my intentions."
"Most would." Time stopped playing, staring idly. "Your counterpart seems to relish in mistrust, the evil he possesses, a pity."
"Mind your tongue." Agahnim growled suddenly, gaining a look of surprise from Zelda, while looking surprised himself.
Link's gaze shot up. "Where the hell did that come from?" He thought.
Time frowned, dropping his hands into his lap while Twilight stood up, frowning apprehensively.
"Pardon?" The latter inquired, voice low.
Agahnim smacked himself on the forehead, murmuring gerudo curses lost to history. "Sorry...it's this artifact."
He unclipped the Fused Shadow from his belt, holding it up for them to see. Time eased back a little, but Twilight remained alert, especially when Agahnim's gaze turned to the Artifact with a look of contemplation.
His hand twitched, moving upwards for his sword.
"Here." Agahnim thrust his hand out, tossing the Fused Shadow across the way. Twilight's hand quickly changed course and caught it deftly, looking at it in confusion.
"For safe keeping." The Gerudo winked. "Rather in your hands then mine, with it's ability to corrupt."
"...You'd think that." Twilight mused, snapping his fingers, the artifact disppearing into black particles.
He returned to his whittling, while Zelda and Agahnim settled in around the campfire. Time continued playing his ocarina, a calming tune that wouldn't be unheard in a temple.
Link, on the other hand, held his gaze on Agahnim. He was the first to trust the Gerudo, but now he was a bit concerned for his mental state.
Zelda, who had been listening to Time's melody, noticed and met his gaze.
"Explain." His eyes said.
Zelda cringed a bit, then turned the Gerudo sitting next to her. He was propped on his elbow, leaning on his fist, seeming bored. Perhaps music wasn't his forte, given his blank expression and the glumness in his eyes.
She nudged him and noticed his amber eyes darting towards her, she motioned to Link. When his gaze met the Knight's, he nodded slightly and sat up straight and breathed out, scratching the back of his head.
"Er...Perhaps I should explain that little...outburst." He said uneasily. Time and Twilight looked up in interest, both stopping what they were doing.
"That'd be nice." Time said calmly.
Agahnim gulped, deciding to spare no details this time. He gave a more detailed account, so long it could've been a miniature book. His resurrection, his allies in the desert, and his encounter with Ganon.
The corruption he'd been fighting, and still was too. They all listened intently, Zelda included even though she heard the short version.
When he finished, he looked to them uneasily, ready to be judged.
"Depressing." Twilight remarked, leaning on his fist. "I'm a bit surprised though, I never thought the rest of the resistance would stick together, even their descendants."
"You have no idea, they're quite the handful sometimes." Agahnim sighed, a light smile on his face. "As for my Kin, I guess my earlier hostility towards Ganon is unfounded. Nevertheless, He is my brother by blood. I can't just leave him in darkness, a pawn of evil and fate."
"Be that as it may." Time said sternly. "You yourself said that his body swims with malice, replacing the blood that gives us life. It is very likely he is too far gone-"
"Bite your tongue!" Agahnim glared. "Don't you dare speak that way, he is my brother and I'll do my damnedest to save him and..." He stopped and stared at the ground. "...And if he is truly gone...I want to end his suffering myself."
"...Very well." Time sighed, removing his cap and running a hand through his golden hair. "Link, is that soup done?"
Link had been lost in thought, slowly blinking back to reality. "Uh, yeah."
"A simple mushroom vegetable soup, mixed with Stamella mushrooms for added kick." He declared, pouring the soup into several wooden bowls, passing them around as the group muttered their prayers before eating, giving grunts of approval.
Agahnim frowned at his bowl, it seemed like the thin gruel that Shey would serve every now and again. He held it to his nose and sniffed, finding the smell actually rather delightful. He dipped his spoon into it and placed it in his mouth, savoring the flavor.
His eyes widened in shock.
"This is delicious!" He cried, digging in.
Agahnim swore, if they lived through this, he'd have Link come to the Desert and teach Viola and Shey how to cook like this. He tipped the bowl back, an delightful taste overwhelming his senses.
This simple soup, as he called it, and yet is was them most delicious thing he'd ever tasted in his lifetimes.
"I try." Link smiled proudly, sitting next to Zelda and enjoying his own bowl.
"You do more than that, I'm sure." The Princess gave him a peck on the cheek.
"That much is true." He smiled warmly.
Time and Twilight both popped a grin at the sight of the False King downing his bowl's contents in one go, while they swirled their's around with spoons, disinterested.
Link had guessed that since they both weren't technically alive, Twilight being a construct of the Sheikah Slate and Time being a spirit, they never really had to eat. Although, they still enjoyed his cooking by their reactions to each meal.
"Say, Time." Link inquired, gaining his distant ancestor's attention. "You are a spirit, right?"
"Most would call me a Wraith." The ancient hero replied, sipping from his spoon, expression changing to one of delight. "...Given the track record of vengeance and bloodshed, that is."
Link nodded slightly, not really noticing a difference between a wraith and spirit.
They devolved into little conversation in between bowls, overall deciding to sit down for the evening and discuss plans for tomorrow, while also having some dinner before bed.
After a stern discussion with Fenrir regarding what he'd told Zelda about Ganon's plan, Agahnim and Zelda debriefed the Army on their change of plans. They would take the Great Plateau Fortress, where they would activate the Sheikah Towers manually via the Sheikah Slate, which would severely damage any other fortress, leaving them unusable by the enemy.
Leaving quite the dent in Ganon's plans.
"Where would Ganon even be hiding?" Zelda asked aloud during their meal, placing her finger to her chin. "There aren't many locations that could possibly escape our notice."
"Hmm...Well, Ganon has always been known for Grandeur." Time concluded, staring at the bottom of his bowl. He glanced at Agahnim for confirmation. A quick nod was his answer as the Gerudo wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "What rather gratuitous places of elegance could he reside? Castles, Fortresses, and whatnot? These forts he's erected do not meet his standards that well..."
"Well..." Zelda unhooked the Sheikah Slate from her belt, bringing up the map. "Hyrule Castle would be too risky, given our soldiers and the amount of the people there. A fortress he's raised up will be rendered moot soon, that leaves the various ruins dotting the land and Akkala Citadel."
Agahnim and Link both peeked over her shoulder at the map, while Time and Twilight gave glances to one another.
"Hyrule finally expanded into Akkala?" Time mused, sipping from his cup. "At least your people have become smarter since my time..."
"It happened in my Era..." Twilight remarked, giving him an odd look. "During our thirteen year hiatus, remember?."
"Hmm...Right." Time grumbled, remembering that little detail. "You said there was a fortress?"
"A Citadel, yes." She emphasized the word. "Link and I visited it a month ago during the main reconstruction to gather discarded weapons and check the damage." She frowned at the slate, sliding her finger across the screen. "It was the location of the final stand of Hyrule's Forces a century ago. Because of this, it's far beyond repair and I, for one, am completely surprised it's even standing after all these years."
"Given where Ganon's powers lie with constructs, I say someone should scout the place out, just to be safe." Time said, glancing at Twilight, who gave a nod.
"I agree." He said, eyes casting a dark gaze. "He could have that place up and running within an hour."
Link shrugged. "I'll go."
He stood up and brushed his tunic off, reaching down as Zelda handed him the Shekiah Slate.
A low hum escaped his throat when he remembered that the Sheikah Tower atop the Citadel proper was inactive. That denied a closer look unless he jumped the bridge, he'd have to warp to the South Akkala Stable down the road. Selecting the Shrine neighboring it, he was about to warp when Agahnim piped up.
"I'll come with." He said, standing up himself. "An extra blade is always handy."
"Alright, come on." Link shrugged again, having no objections. "You might want to brace yourself."
"Brace myself for wha-" Agahnim walked over and placed his hand on Link's shoulder, just as the Knight selected the Shrine, both warriors disappearing into blue wisps of light. "AAAAAAaaaahhhh...!"
A silence permeated the courtyard at that event, along with a feeling of worry coming from the Princess, and her only, given the ancient heroes nonplussed expressions.
"Do you think they'll be okay?" Zelda asked, looking to the two remaining heroes.
They both looked at one another and shrugged.
The group's gaze then turned to the cooking pot in the middle, simmering atop the fire, a good few bowl-fulls left.
"I call dibs." Twilight said.
Akkala always left Link on edge, he felt his hair bristle and goosebumps rise on his skin whenever he stepped foot into the colorful landscape, rolling mountains of green and trees of various shades did nothing to hide the death that wrought the very land apart.
"Oh...goddesses..." Agahnim gasped from the ground, extremely ill from the warp. "I think...I'm gonna puke..."
"Go ahead, I won't judge." Link assured, looking out into the distance.
From the stable, he could still see the decayed husks of Guardians rusted to the sides of the towering citadel, the remnants of the attack that did both forces in. A dryness plagued his throat at the unsettling stories he heard, being quite thankful that he must've not been present during the slaughter, either escorting Zelda away or dead.
He had heard that the fields burned.
His memories were a loose concept that he'd hadn't considered for a while now, he mentioned them to Zelda frequently and they were on his priority list, but they'd both put it off due to recent events.
The question often arose if he wanted his memories back anyway.
Link didn't define himself as a scholar, but he wasn't stupid enough to not think of potential consequences. He believed memories defined who you are, altering your personality based on your experiences and the traumas you've suffered.
While experience would be useful, he feared that enough Trauma could very well force him back to the Stoic he'd been a century before, and now would be even a lesser time for such a thing now he and Zelda had their relationship worked out.
"Something wrong?" Agahnim inquired from beside him, finally standing after his bout of illness, looking in concern when he simply stood there staring.
"Oh, yeah." He smiled lightly. "Just fine."
"...You're a terrible liar." The Gerudo said flatly.
"Heh...Kinda." He looked back across the stable, which was bustling with activity, even this late. "Just some memories, nothing more."
"Memories?" Agahnim repeated skeptically as they stepped off the front of the Shrine and walked down the road beside the Stable. Agahnim noted, with indifference, that the people who resided within the Stable all gazed at him with a mixture of curiosity and fear. He ignored it, since they probably hadn't heard of him or his Kin.
"Yeah, well...One's that I don't possess...Er.." Seeing Agahnim's increasingly bewildered look, he tried to simplify. "When I was killed a century ago, I was put into the Shrine of Resurrection on the Great Plateau, a century later and I come out good as new, but with no memories of who I was."
"And?"
"And...Well, I managed to remember some key things about my past, enough to get me going on my quest, but I still don't have a full memory, I haven't been able to find triggers for them."
"Triggers, eh?" Agahnim stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I have my own issues with memories, but I think I may be able to help you with that."
Link gave him a surprised look. "Really?"
"Of course." He nodded, holding up his palm to show the blue branding magic shifting through his fingers. "Brainwashing and Branding are simply probing the mind. I can use it on you and gradually pull any lingering memories out, but I'll warn you, it won't be easy without a trigger as well."
"So, wait...what's the difference?"
"The difference is that I can ease any pain or trauma that comes with remembering, block it out at first and ease you into it, instead of diving right in. I can also do it Without a trigger, but it'll take a bit longer if we have no reference of what memory you're attempting to relive."
Link frowned in apprehension. "And why would I let you brainwash me?"
"Branding, and I can't." Agahnim replied simply. "Watch."
In a flash, Agahnm forced his hand out and onto the left side of Link's face. The hero's eyes widened and his hands flew up to wrap around the gerudo's wrist, trying to tug it away. It was a futile gesture given Agahnim's natural strength as a Gerudo.
But it was obviously too late, since the brand was already prepped.
But Link felt no pain and no compelling force.
It was just harmless blue light.
Agahnim removed his hand, holding his palm up. "See? You're immune to my forced branding, so is the Princess and the other Heroes. I'm not a hundred percent sure if it's because of our connection via the Triforce, or if it's just because we're on the same side."
"Pft...Yeah." Link muttered, rubbing his cheek. "Warn me next time before you do something like that."
"Then you wouldn't let me do it." Agahnim smirked. "Besides, I wouldn't really want to brand you anyway, you'd be less fun as a zombie-minion."
"I'd still have my charm." Link snarked. "Besides, You said the Yiga Leader wouldn't remain emotionless forever, right?" He frowned. "Say, where'd you send him off to anyway? I saw you talking to him just before we left Castle Town."
"You mean Strum? He's been hanging back, observing, if you hadn't noticed." Agahnim looked off to the distance, watching the sea. "He's been my bodyguard, per say. But I just sent him back to the Clan this morning. He'll be our inside man, leading the Yiga on a wild goose chase while we do what we want."
"Smart."
"Not really." Agahnim frowned, cupping his chin. "There's a chance Ganon could see through his branding, and possibly kill him. If he doesn't, all Strum has to do is do what my brother asks of him."
Link frowned and looked ahead as they came up to the ruined bridge, looking skywards at the towering structure of Akkala Citadel.
"Well, Let's hope it's not too crazy."
Strum scowled behind his mask as the Yiga welcomed him back, his tainted mind freed from the shackles of Ganon's control, he wanted to slaughter these fools that held him in such high regard.
"No." His mind rang. "Don't Kill."
He breathed out harshly, reering up his horse as he came to a stop, gazing about the swamplands that surrounded the place. He could smell the ashes that drifted with the wind, the air heating the sides of his face exposed underneath his mask. Great fires bloomed like roses on the horizon, of ruined towns that dotted the massive swamp, which in turn overtook a good majority of the kingdom.
Creatures of unknown variety skulked about the waters, unaware of the chaos just nearby, with Yiga Footsoldiers patrolling about on boats with lanterns held high to illuminate the darkest depths. Their weapons ready to strike at anything that attacked them.
Some of them didn't have their masks on, this being their main base now after abandoning the one in the Desert. Those who wore no mask had nothing but smiles of relief for him and his safety, others held a blank look, and the orange glow in their eyes and the mark of an inverted triforce on their cheek gave him no comfort, but soon they too smiled, against their own will.
He nearly snarled at their callous use of innocents, and even more at the truly-loyal Yiga's trust of him.
But no, he thought as he shook his head. His new master had made it clear, he was to lead them astray, prevent any unnecessary violence and encounters with his forces and the clan.
As he dismounted his mare, he was approached by two footsoldiers, both who bowed submissively in his presence.
"Welcome, Clan-Master." They said in union. "We are glad you've made a safe return journey."
"Is this what we are reduced to? Stalking a bunch of swamps?" He blanched openly, showing his disgust before gazing down at them. "I trust our Master is inside the manor?"
They nodded. "He is, would you like us to inform him of your arrival?"
Strum glanced up to the extravagant mansion he'd halted at, sitting among the swamp, lanterns glowing like a plantation house. He gazed up at the high window on the very top floor, there stood the Gerudo whom he called the True King and Master, meeting his gaze with a calm amber eye and a malice-covered one, that swam like muddy water.
"I think he already knows." He mused, walking past them. "Change the saddle and restock the bags, I shan't be long."
As he approached the manor, statues of towering knights in dark armor began to seemingly move, helmets turning to face him as he walked up the stairs to the main door. The Darknuts watched him with a critical eye, prepared for any sudden movements on the Clan-Master's part.
Wisely, he considered doing no such thing.
The double-doors were of fine, extravagant wood made from cedar trees that dotted the north-east of the province, bordering the Hebra province of Hyrule.
He took hold of one of the boar-shaped door-knockers, clanging them against the steel plate they were attached to. Soon, the doors gave way to a parlor, filled to the brim with trainees, servants, and Yiga Footsoldiers and Blademasters.
They all turned to gaze at him, many kneeling in his presence.
He scoffed silently, glaring hard at them.
"What, are you all daft!?" He snarled. "Get back to it!"
They all jumped in a fright, scrambling to continue their drills and schedules as Strum strode through the center and up the grand staircase.
The manor held only three floors, with the grand staircase leading to all three. Strum continued to the top floor and down a twisting hall, filled with statues and sculptures of Boars and a certain Gerudo King.
A scoff escaped his throat as he met a thick oak door, obviously not from the Country itself. As he reached for the doorknob, he felt a presence creep up behind him, sending a tingling chill down his spine.
He turned about to face a living shadow walking to meet him, that of a Hero. His entire body was black, with ashen eyes and beady red pupils, his hair dark-grey and in similar style to the Hero of Twilight.
"Strum..." His haunting voice greeted with a hint of contempt. "I see you are still of the living, quite disappointing."
"...Yes, thankfully." Strum replied in turn, gazing back at the door, one hand on the wooden surface. "What do you think he has planned for us, Interloper?"
The shadow gazed quietly, shifting across the floor with nary a sound, then shrugged.
"Whatever Ganon plans for us is not in my direct interest." He seethed, voice dripping with venom. But he eased back. "But, it appears I have no choice, he has a piece of the power I seek and I cannot leave now without suspicion."
He glared intensively at the Yiga-Master. "But maybe, you can."
Before Strum could retort, the doors flew open by their own will, giving them way to a lavish room office, fitting for a King's Study, but not the Throne room.
But given the previous King, it was a given.
There, sitting at the dark-oak desk, was the True King himself, a wicked smirk on his face.
"Strum! My friend!" He cackled with glee, body shaking with jovial mirth as he hoisted a half-full wine glass up. "Welcome to the Marsh Kingdom, or what's left of it! Ahaha!"
Strum, feeling quite indignant at the callousness he held that overshadowed the Clan, only bowed once and made his way inside, followed by the Interloper at his back.
Before, as Strum remembered, Ganon had taken on the appearance of his past life during the Era of Twilight, but it seems the spell he'd used was no longer in effect.
He wore the similar black armor, but some plates had been discarded, leaving his upper arm and shoulders bare, with spikes added to his gauntlets. The chestpiece had been buffed, removing the symbols of the Gerudo tribe while replacing them with Ganon's motif of a boar, the jagged glowing scar had been repaired and painted over to hide the one on his chest.
He was slimmer, an almost perfect twin to Strum's new master. The only difference in terms of features was Ganon's longer hair and poorly-trimmed sideburns. He looked nigh-psychotic, but held a refined air even while he informally drank his wine.
"Ah, Dāku." Ganon tipped his glass in the Shadow's direction, before addressing them both. "I'm glad both of you are in one piece, can't make a corpse do work, can I?" He cackled. Strum and Dāku looked at one another in confusion, then back to him when he calmed. "Anywho, how are things in Hyrule, Strum?"
Strum paused for a moment, then crossed his arms. "Not well, your plan is forfeit and doomed for failure." He scoffed. "We don't have the troops to hold Fifteen different fortresses, nor do we have the support of Fenrir and his Bokoblins."
"Fenrir? Pfft, damn him, I say! He has no loyalties and I'll kill him once I get the chance." He sipped his glass thoughtfully. "As for the fortresses, I never even considered a long-term plan for them, it would be far too impractical."
"Oh?" Dāku said sarcastically. "Is there a brain in that stone of a head you have?"
"Don't be so bold, my shadowy friend." Ganon warned, voice dangerous. "I am no more stone than I am brain. I simply have backups in case my plans fail, it's quite simple." He turned to Strum. "Now, I need you to bring me...Three of your most trusted, and skilled, Yiga. Generals preferably, though I'm not disinclined to a Footsolider."
"...It will be done." Strum bowed, trying hard to hide the disgust in his voice.
"As for you, Dāku." He glared up. "I need you travel to the Hebra region in Hyrule, there in the gorge that separates it from central Hyrule, is a Forgotten Temple."
"And what will I accomplish there?" The interloper snarked dutifully.
"Bite your tongue, this is important." He closed his eyes. "I have only been there once, and our scouts say the Princess and her Heroes have yet to explore it, but I need you to remain cautious-"
"Just tell me what I'm doing, you damned fool."
"...Ugh, sometimes I wish I could just kill you." He sighed. "I need you to go there and collect as many Guardian Shells as possible, bring them back here for study." He glared. "Their technology has not gone un-noticed by me. We shall use them for Phase two." He paused. "And I need to you do that 'thing' we talked about."
"Ah yes, your master plan." Dāku snarked again.
"...Phase Two?" Strum inquired innocently.
"Nothing you have to worry about, Strum!" Ganon suddenly snapped, his amber eye wide with frustration and anger. He stood up and slammed his desk with is palms. "Now, out!"
Strum backed up uneasily, slowly beginning to exit the room with Daku at his back, slowly shutting the door as Ganon slumped into his chair, murmuring Gerudo curses under his breath.
"What an impatient man." The shadow noted with indifference. "His mood swings were always getting worse, especially when you disappeared."
"But he is our master, so we serve him." Strum nodded, still quite disgusted.
He gasped when Dāku's hand met his throat, slamming him into the wall, glaring at him with his red eyes, black teeth bared in annoyance and rage. He ripped off the Clan-Master's mask, showing off the blue triforce on his cheek.
"Cut the shit, Strum." He growled, voice barely a whisper. "I know you are in contact with the Heroes and the Heretic's brother. But don't get me wrong, I'm not going to tell him..." He smiled and eased. "I want to help you, but I need you to deliver something for me..."
Strum coughed when he was released, trying to clear his throat. He snatched his mask from the Shadow's grasp and slipped it on quickly, glaring at his aggressor. Dāku dipped his hand into his pouch and withdrew a letter with a black upside-down triforce decorating the seal.
"Give this to the Wraith that circumvents time and the Spirit who lives in perpetual Twilight." His eyes narrowed. "It is for their eyes only."
Strum snatched the letter, glaring the whole time. "And him?"
"Don't worry, he hasn't heard a thing." Daku reassured with sarcasm, walking away. "He's far too ignorant for that."
As Strum watched him go, he felt a cold sense of finality to his existence. This was a one way road now.
And chances are, he wouldn't live to see the end.
Within the closed office, Ganon grinned ear-to-ear. A whisper escaping from his lips, that traveled via a spell across the swamps and tundra and back to Hyrule, entering the thoughts of a man lingering in a bar on the southside of town. His head snapped up at the command, and with an unnatural grin, moved to carry it out...
"Cryoss, spread fear."
Nothing was to be found there.
An afternoon wasted scouring through the Citadel ruins and all for naught.
Agahnim was, thankfully, prepared for the return trip. Both him and Link touching down atop the Sheikah Tower that doted above the fortress. The moon sank into the horizon, a dark hue shrouding it's figure, the light it provided bathing over the two as they carefully descended the tower.
With a slight worry, they noticed a tension among the soldiers and bokoblins. Many were awake and anxious, holding their weapons at the ready and murmuring to one another. Torches were lit and war-horns were at the ready.
Something was deathly wrong.
Soon, their walk became a run, then a sprint as they barreled through various rooms and courtyards, bursting through the doors to the one that housed their allies.
With relief, nothing seemed amiss when they jumped and looked at them in confusion.
But this was soon drowned out when Link noticed the Champions had gathered, bar Teba, with looks of concern etched on their faces. Among them was Tennessee, who must've returned while they were gone.
"About time you got back!" The lieutenant hollered, face etched in stone. "We have a serious problem!"
"Why? What happened?" Link inquired as they crossed the courtyard to them, hand coming to rest on the Master Sword's handle.
"It's quite the conundrum." Time remarked, his usual calm demeanor replaced by one of apprehension. "Someone has tampered with the 'Divine Beast', as you call it. Vah Medoh, was it?"
"What makes you say that?" Agahnim frowned, having a bad feeling already.
"Because, it just flew over us without anyone piloting it!" Twilight answered. "Teba had to fly after it!"
"What!?"
Before anymore could be said, an ear-piercing screech stung through them, a threatening shadow looming over them as Vah Medoh shrouded what little remained of the moon.
With an careful look, Link noticed that the once blue lights that shone aboard the Divine Beast had reverted to the sickly red and orange of Ganon's influence.
The implications frightened him deeply.
"Up for the second round?" Zelda jested lightly, stepping up beside him with a dry smile.
"Yeah...the second round..." He replied, with no hint of humor.
"And how exactly are we supposed to fight that thing?" Agahnim inquired. "Can that slate give you wings?"
"No..." Link gave a knowing look to Zelda. "But...I think we have something for that."
He could feel it in his bones, he was sure she could too.
Something was steering them.
A quick update for you guys, no worries.
I'm still reeling from the Agahnim Special, yeesh! 28K words just ain't my forte, but I did it. :/
Anywho, welcome to the End of the Shadow of Hyrule Saga and part 1 of the "Hyrule" arc. Next saga shall be announced this weekend, fyi.
I couldn't find a Hylian translator that allowed for English pronunciations, so I settled with using Japanese pronunciations instead. (Dāku Rinku = Dark Link)
Speaking of Dāku, I plan on having some fun with his character, especially with his relationship to the Heroes of old (Time & Twilight). Look forward to that.
Been playing Shadow of War, and it's great! Don't really plan on introducing anymore ideas from that into this though, gonna keep it a bit grounded. But, I still like the domination and branding abilities. :D
The next Saga will be dark, and I mean...REALLY dark. You shall know the evil that is Ganon, to the fullest extent.
Look forward to it. :)