Wind began to blow through the narrow passages of Hyrule's lower levels as the residents closed their doors and boarded up their stands, many taking the sudden change in weather to be a bad omen, something they weren't completely wrong about.
Bastion materialized in an alleyway, glancing down at a startled cat as the animal leapt from it's resting position and darted away. "You have the right idea." the Mercenary said with a smirk as he walked out of the alley, still clad head to toe in black armor, the few residents he passed attempting to be as unnoticeable as possible.
The dark warrior paid them no mind, however, not caring if they called the city's guards upon him, it would be more fun that way. Soon enough, he came upon the elder Sahasrahla's home, grinning as he moved towards it.
oOo
Osfala carefully lifted a stack of books, slowly turning as he set his sights on the desk across the room.
"Read all of those, have you?" Sahasrahla asked.
"Yes Sir, every page." Osfala answered as he set them down, beginning to place them back on the shelf.
"I suppose it's time you move onto the next volume then." the Elder answered.
Osfala jerked to the side as he met his master's gaze. "How many volumes are there?" he asked.
"Seven, if my memory serves." Sahasrahla responded.
"I only just finished two." Osfala remarked.
"Is that a hint of regret, I hear?" the Elder said with a smirk. "I thought you enjoyed being my student."
"No, no, of course not." Osfala replied. "Trust me, I'm very grateful for the opportunity...I'm just wondering when it is I'll be learning actual spells and magic instead of just reading about it."
"To accomplish feats of magic, one must first know the history and origin of it. You must be patient." Sahasrahla said.
"You just seem to be...overly careful about it." Osfala responded.
"Sorcerers of considerable power often become targets of those who feel threatened by them." Sahasrahla answered.
"Like the Sages?" Osfala asked.
"The Sages are generally regarded to be the most powerful Sorcerers of all...aside from the actual Princess Zelda, of course." the Elder answered.
"Is that why you're worried?" Osfala said, taking a step forward. "Because of the slaughter of the Sages all those years ago?"
"It's not good that so many people know of that...some might even go looking for the new Sages now that the positions yet again need to be filled" Sahasrahla said. "The old Sages tried to avoid this by generating bodies of pure energy after their deaths to continue in their duties...but they should have known it wouldn't last."
"I can't imagine I'd be so important to people such as that." Osfala said as he proceeded to another shelf and began collecting the next volume he was to study.
Sahrasrahla rose from his chair and made his way to the stove, putting the kettle on and reaching for the tea leaves when he sensed something. "Osfala, you have to run." he said.
"Master Sahasrahla, what's wrong?" the young man asked.
"I'm sensing a malevolent energy...you have to go!" he yelled.
Osfala didn't question his teacher, running to the door and wrenching it open only to be confronted by a figure wearing sleek black armor, his face obscured by a shadow spell.
"Good evening, mind if I come in?" Bastion asked.
Osfala took a step back, looking down as Bastion grabbed a hold of his collar. "What do you want?" Osfala breathed.
"Nothing from you." Bastion said before lifting the boy off of this feet and tossing him aside. The warrior proceeded forward when all the lights in the room went out, a red circle coming to life around him, the crest of the Goddesses glowing in the middle of it.
"You'll be staying right there, servant of the Demon King." Sahasrahla called as he entered the room. "That's a sealing circle, passed down to we humans by the Goddess Din herself, it is perfectly capable of holding you."
"Very impressive." Bastion said as he drew his sword. "Lord Ganondorf didn't inform me you were so skilled. Tell me, if you know of his existence, why have you not told anyone else...is it possible...no one believed you?" Bastion asked with a grin.
"The King of today doesn't believe in the tales of the Hero, Princess and the Demon King...but once I confront him with you...well, you'll tell him yourself." Sahasrahla said.
"We'll see about that." Bastion said as he approached the line, the Elder gasping audibly as he stepped across it with ease.
Sahasrahla took a step back, reciting a line old Hylian as he raised both hands, a bolt of lightning shooting at Bastion, the warrior holding up his sword to catch it before redirecting the blast into the wall, shattering the wood. Bastion looked up to find Sahasrahla raising his hands. "I don't know how you escaped my sealing circle, but you won't have such an easy time avoiding this!"
Bastion narrowed his eyes before leaping into the air, a spike a stone shooting out of the floor directly where he stood. The warrior landed close by, quickly darting away from other stone spires that shot from the ground, Bastion being very nearly struck by a few of them as the intervals between attacks grew shorter. Sahasrahla jutted his arms out again, a stream of fire shooting from his palms and towards Bastion, the dark warrior responding with a spin attack, his sword shattering the spikes of rock around him while the whirling motion collected the flames.
Sahasrahla shielded his eyes as shattered rock flew in all directions, his flames gathering in a circle around Bastion as he finished his spin attack, the fire bursting out in a quick flash. The Elder made for another attack when Bastion responded with one of his own, the warrior shooting a fist forward, a bolt of energy flying from it and striking the older man in the chest, Sahasrahla stumbling back before Bastion tossed his sword, the blade cutting through the man's robe and pinning him to the wall.
"You know what I'm here for." Bastion said as he approached the man and grabbed him by the neck. He began to press harder as the old man refused to answer when suddenly he was struck in the head by something, his helm knocked clear off.
"Let him go." Osala said, brandishing a broom handle.
Bastion tilted his head forward, his nearly white hair draping over his face. "You shouldn't have done that."
"Osfala, you shouldn't be here." Sahasrahla choked.
"I couldn't just leave you." Osfala argued.
Bastion stood up, sweeping his hair from over his face, looking down at the Elder as he released him, the man's eyes filling with recognition.
"No...this can't be...you can't really be him..." Sahasrahla stammered.
"Who is he?" Osfala asked, getting into a fighting stance as Bastion looked back at him.
"I'm not him, but I'm quite close." the warrior explained. "I'm what you might call...his dark side."
"That's how you were able to escape my spell...your blood is the Hero's own." Sahasrahla said.
"I'm surprised it took you this long to figure it out." Bastion said. "Now, I think you know what I'm here for."
Just then Osfala took another swing at the man, Bastion fading to the side and grabbing the broom handle, twisting it out of the boy's hands, spinning him around and putting him in a headlock. Bastion raised a hand, his sword leaving it's place in the wall and returning to him, the dark warrior holding the blade to Osfala's throat. "I don't think I have to tell you what's at stake."
"Please...don't hurt him." Sahasrahla begged.
"I won't if you give me what I need." Bastion snapped.
"I don't have it any longer...I destroyed it." the older man said.
Bastion glared at the man, hardening his expression as he began to dig his blade into Osfala's neck, the boy groaning in pain as blood started to trickle forth.
Sahasrahla closed his eyes, thinking of the man before him, the elder directing his thoughts at him. Bastion winced as a sudden roar began inside his head, screams and shouts as well as the murmuring of hundreds of voices breaking out. "Let him go, or I'll use my telepathy to flood your mind until your sanity breaks."
Bastion gritted his teeth as the telepathic assault got stronger, the warrior glancing down as Osfala worked his way out of his grip. Sahasrahla raised a hand, a bolt of electricity manifesting in his palm while he directed it at Bastion. The Elder let the bolt go, hitting Bastion directly in the chest, the man falling onto his back motionless.
"Master Sahasrahla!" Osfala called as the older man fell to his knees.
"It would seem...I overexerted myself." he said between breaths.
Sudden a harsh laugh filled the room, Sahasrahla and Osfala looking on as Bastion got back to his feet.
"It's going to take a lot more than that to keep me down." Bastion said as he walked over to Osfala, the boy fighting him as he grabbed his hair and jerked his head back before placing his other hand on the side of the boy's head. "Tell me where it is." Bastion snarled as he channeled an electric shock into Osfala's body, the boy crying out in pain.
"I'll tell you! Just stop!" Sahasrahla called.
Bastion ceased his assault, Osfala falling limp. "You better not be trying to deceive me."
"Underneath the shelf in the corner and under the floorboards beneath it. You'll find what you're looking for in a box with an invisibility enchantment cast upon it." Sahasrahla said hesitantly.
Bastion pushed Osfala aside before stepping over the older man, the dark warrior striding over to the shelf and throwing it onto it's side before kneeling down and hacking at the floorboards with his sword. Bastion quickly panned his eyes over the small space he uncovered before turning his blade upside down and driving it into it, suddenly hitting an object, a blue sigil flaring to life before being snuffed out like an ember, the box slowly appearing. "There it is." Bastion said as he lifted it out of it's hiding space and lifted the lid, a shard of the Mirror of Twilight lying within.
"I must thank you." Bastion said as he knelt next to Sahasrahla. "Without you we would have had to reassemble this shard all by ourselves."
"Damn you." Sahasrahla growled.
"You too." Bastion replied, driving his sword into the older man's heart.
Osfala was woken up by his mentor's gasp of pain, the boy looking up to see their attacker exit the house and vanish into the cold night air.
"Osfala." Sahasrahla breathed.
The boy ran to his teacher and took his hands in his, holding tightly. "Please, Master Sahasrahla, be strong, I'll find help."
"No...there's no time...you must find the Hero...tell him what has happened...only he can stop what is to come." the Elder said.
"But what of you?" Osfala asked.
"I will pass on my abilities to you...you don't know how special you truly are." Sahasrahla responded.
Osfala watched as a bright white light travelled though his teacher's veins before reaching his hands and flowing into his, leaving behind a tingle as it faded away.
"You've done well and I'm sure you'll continue to do so...be safe and know I am not truly gone." Sahasrahla said, reaching up and placing a hand on his student's face before taking his last breath, his body going still.
Osfala gently set down his mentor's body as he slowly let go of his hand, shaking as a tear travelled down his cheek.
oOo
Two Days Later
Link glanced back at his friends, it was obvious this was their first time traveling outside of their community without using the King's road. They could hardly be blamed though, the night was dark and the forest was thick, trees barring the paths they walked while roots laid underfoot, waiting to be struck unexpectedly. Link looked up, it seemed as if they had just packed up their camp a few hours ago, but the sky was already fading to a dark blue, the night well on it's way.
"Goddesses, Link, you seem like you really know your way around out here." Dahlian said.
"I guess I just have a good sense of direction." Link answered, not sure himself how he knew his way around so well.
"Are you sure I can't generate a light or anything like that?" Viktor asked.
"No." Zinnia hissed. "What if Bokoblins or Bulblins see it?"
"We've been walking for hours and have yet to see anything other than the occasional Keese." Dahlian replied, a bored tone to his voice.
"Maybe I am wrongly judging your tone but it seems you want to meet one of the monsters that lurks out here." Link said.
"It would be a nice break from the usual." Dahlian answered. "I've never actually seen one before."
"That's a good thing." Zinnia said, looking around carefully.
"What's the difference between Bats and Keese anyhow?" Viktor wondered aloud.
"Bats are larger and stronger while Keese are smaller and have limited elemental magic capabilities, such as generating fire and ice around their bodies." Link answered, raising an eyebrow at his own response.
"I didn't know you were so well read on Hyrule's animal kingdom." Zinnia said with a laugh.
"I picked up a thing or two from Jek here and there." Link responded.
"Speaking of Jek, I'd like to have seen Eldrin's face the moment he showed up at his house and realized you weren't there anymore." Dahlian laughed.
"Oh come on, don't laugh at the Captain, he's a good man." Zinnia said.
"A good man who takes his job too seriously." Dahlian replied.
"You're just saying that because he always tells your father when your getting up to something...unsavory." Viktor said, he and Zinnia laughing while Dahlian merely smirked in response.
"Can you believe these two?" Dahlian called, he's smile vanishing as Link stood still. "Hey Link..." he called.
"Sh!" Link snapped, turning back to look at his friends. "There's something here." he said.
"What do you mean?' Zinnia asked, fear in her voice.
"What's here?" Viktor added.
The group's attention shot to their right as the sound of a stick snapping echoed from that direction.
"I...I think we should keep on going." Dahlian said.
As if on queue the sound of snapping twigs came from all around them, making it clear it was being done intentionally.
"Run!" Dahlian called.
"No!" Link yelled, stay here...it wants..." he said, placing a hand on his head as a pressure began to build. "It wants us to split up."
"Link, are you okay?" Zinnia asked.
Link grit his teeth as the pain began to worsen. "I'm fine...just stay behind me." he said.
Dahlian, Zinnia and Viktor backed away as Link drew his sword and stared into the blackness of the forest. "What in the Dark World?" Dahlian said with a jump.
Before them a lantern lit up, a laugh accompanying it. Suddenly a Poe raced from the forest, the Spirit wielding a scythe as it flew towards them. Zinnia, Viktor and Dahlian screamed as they ran off into the woods.
"Wait, Link's not with us!" Zinnia called.
"Did you see that thing?" Viktor exclaimed.
Dahlian turned to look back, finding Link standing up straight, looking the figure in the eye.
Link leapt to the side, hitting the ground rolling as the Poe slashed at him, the Hero dodging each strike before darting to the Poe's side and performing a stab, the ghost vanishing before materializing behind him.
"Link, watch out!" Dahlian shouted.
The Hero leapt forward, landing on his stomach as the Spirit's scythe cut through the air just above his head.
Link got back to his feet as the Poe brought it's scythe down on top of him, the Hero lifting his sword above his head and holding it's weapon back, clenching his teeth with effort. Suddenly the throbbing in his head grew stronger, strange images beginning to come to him, Link winced as he ducked out from underneath the Poe's scythe. As the Hero got ready to make another go at the Spirit, the vision of the Princess wiping a tear from her eye and propelling it through the air towards a massive mirror came to him before his vision went black.
"Link! What the hell is happening to him?!" Zinnia said frantically.
Link laid on the ground before them, his body tensed as he clutched at his head, convulsing on the ground while the Poe hovered nearby.
"We have to do something." Dahlian said as they watched the Spirit float closer to him, the Spirit raising it's blade slowly.
Just then, a ball of flame hit the Poe, exploding around it, the Spirit being slightly surprised but mostly unfazed.
Viktor inhaled shakily as the Spirit turned it's attention to him, it's glowing green eyes seeming to narrow in his direction. "That's right, over here." he continued, fear in his voice.
The Poe examined the boy for a moment before lurching forward at him when it was suddenly hit in the head by a rock, Dahlian and Zinnia standing off to the side, decent sized stones in hand.
"Back off!" Dahlian called as he through another.
"Get away from us!" Zinnia shouted, picking up a stick and whipping it at the Spirit.
The Poe turned towards them only top receive a blast of electricity from Viktor, the ghost making a pained hiss.
"Good shot." Dahlian said as he looked over at Viktor just as the other boy fell to one knee.
"His spell...it was too much for him." Zinnia said, watching as the Poe raised it's scythe above Viktor.
Link grasped at his head as it all came roaring back, his time in Skyloft, the fight with Demise, life with the Kokiri, his first meeting with Ganondorf, gathering the Sages, saving Midna, fighting Zant, Midna's return to her home, and many, many memories of Zelda. The pain began to dull, but Link stayed down, he had found that some times were harder than others when it came to his memories being restored.
"No!" Zinnia's scream echoed.
"Come on." Link thought, shaking as he pushed himself up.
"Zinnia, look!" Dahlian began. "Link's getting up!"
The Poe, having been reminded of it's first target, turned back around to face Link, finding him on his hands on knees, an easy target.
"Damnit." Dahlian said as he ran from their hiding spot among the trees and into the small clearing, a branch in hand. "Get away from him!" the boy yelled as he brought the branch down on the Poe's back.
Zinnia ran to Viktor's aid, the two watching as the Poe went still, a quietness falling over the area. The Spirit swiftly whipped to the side, slashing Dahlian across the arm with it's scythe, the boy falling to ground as a scream of pain escaped him.
Zinnia took a step towards Dahlian, the Poe looking up at her before beginning to float towards her menacingly. The girl began to step back, letting out a scream as she tripped over a tree root and fell over, looking up in terror as the Spirit hovered above her.
Link finally gathered the energy, the Triforce on the back of his hand beginning to glow a brilliant gold as he climbed to his feet. The Hero pulled his sword from it's sheath, extending it straight out before hurling it at the Poe, the ghost hissing in pain as the blade made it's mark and was embedded in it's back.
Zinnia shielded herself with her arms as the Spirit thrashed around, the girl looking up to see Link's sword stuck in it, glancing over to see the Hero was on his feet.
Link ran at the Poe, the Spirit raising it's scythe and slashing at him, Link ducking underneath it and spinning around behind the ghost, pulling his sword from it's back, the Poe giving another screech of pain before whirling around to face him, Link easily blocking a horizontal strike before fading back to avoid a downwards slash. The Poe teleported to Link's left, the hero easily blocking it's strike. Link stayed rooted to spot as the ghost teleported all around him, not even moving as he blocked it's every attack. Link dropped to his knees, a diagonal slash passing overhead before he leapt up and performed a spinning slash on the Poe, striking it across the face, the Spirit hissing as it flew backwards. The Hero stood with his back to the Poe, remaining still as the ghost charged at him, scythe raised above it's head. Right as the Poe reached him, Link spun around, slashing the Spirit through it's chest before it could even bring it's scythe down.
Link turned around as the Poe fell, it's cloak beginning to collapse as it's essence faded. The Hero stabbed his sword into the Ghost's chest before applying pressure to the end of the hilt, prying the Poe's soul from it, the spirit collapsing into green flames. Link quickly gathered the Poe's soul in a glass bottle before turning his attention to his friends.
Zinnia was stunned for a moment, ever since the night of the Mercenary's attack she had known he was a capable fighter, but this was something else. However, Dahlian laid on the ground, having gone quiet and unmoving, a more pressing concern. The girl ran to his side as Link hurried over. "What's wrong with him? she asked.
"Move over, I need to see." Link said.
Zinnia slid to the side, noting the subtle change in Link's voice and mannerisms.
The Hero grabbed the tear in his friend's sleeve made by the Poe's scythe, ripping it open further, revealing Dahlian's wound had turned black, the color spreading through the veins around it. "It's just as I thought." Link said.
"What is it?" Zinnia asked.
"That thing that attacked us, it was an Accursed Poe, they're bigger and more powerful than the normal variety...their weapons are part of them and getting hit with one causes a fast acting necrosis that will swiftly kill it's victim." Link said as he set down his pack, looking for something useful.
Zinnia looked around frantically, the darkness feeling as if it were closing in on her. "How long does he have? Maybe we can run back to the Village and find a healer."
"He has about ten minutes." Link answered. "I need a drinking glass or a bottle, do you have one?"
"Oh, yes, right here." Zinnia said in a flustered manner, taking a glass bottle out of her pack.
"That will work." Link said as she handed the bottle to him, Link quickly pouring out the water "In the absence of a fairy it has to be done this way...sorry Dahlian." Link said as he retrieved the bottle containing the Poe's soul and his cimiter knife from his pack. Link quietly uttered a verse in old Hylian as he raised the knife, pressing the bottle into the ground with one hand as he quickly undid the cap, stabbing the knife down into the bottle a screaming sound escaping from the it as the Poe's soul began to collapse into a glowing, gaseous form. "Is he still breathing?" Link asked.
Zinnia nodded as she looked over, finding Dahlian's chest rising and falling weakly.
"Here we go." Link said as he held the bottle over Dahlian's mouth, the boy breathing in the Poe's essence.
Zinnia and Link stood back as the blackness around the wound faded away, only the cut itself remaining.
Dahlian shot up off the ground, coughing as his chest heaved. "What the hell happened?"
"Not to worry, I've slain the Poe." Link said.
"Goddesses, that bastard really got me." Dahlian said, looking at his cut.
"I'd say, you fainted and everything." Link replied, Zinnia looking at him confusedly.
"Shut up, you know passed out, too." Dahlian snapped.
"True, but it wasn't for that reason, now focus on recovering." Link said as he made his way over to Viktor.
"Does he seem...different to you?" Zinnia asked.
"You mean how he's suddenly transitioned from just quiet to quiet and rude?" Dahlian replied.
"You and Viktor didn't see what I saw." Zinnia said as she looked over at Link.
"What are you talking about?" Dahlian inquired.
"After you and Viktor were defeated by that thing, Link went from losing the fight to effortlessly slaying that thing...and his mannerisms...he went from being confused and somewhat scared to...well...this." Zinnia explained.
"Maybe there's something he's not telling us." Dahlian replied.
"I know there is." Zinnia answered.
"Ready to go?" Link called, Viktor trailing behind him.
"Viktor, you're up." Dahlian said.
"Yeah, no need to worry, I'm fine now...I think." Viktor said as he rubbed the back of his head.
"We need to get moving, coming out here at night was not a good idea." Link said.
"Hey, you agreed to this whole plan." Dahlian responded as Link started moving onward.
"I know but I..." Link began before hesitating. "I wasn't in my right frame of mind."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Dahlian grumbled.
"It means follow me, stay close and don't make any unnecessary diversion from the route I'm taking. We're lucky we were only attacked once tonight." Link responded.
Dahlian adopted an angry expression as he quickened his walking pace, going ahead of Zinnia and Viktor before grabbing Link by the shoulder and forcibly turning him around. "What makes you such an expert all of a sudden?" he snapped. "You don't know anymore about this than we do and suddenly we get attacked by some monster and just because you manage to kill it, you're the boss now? You know what's right?"
"Yes, Dahlian, that's right." Link said. "Maybe that attack put things in perspective for me and it should have done the same for you."
"Can you believe this?" Dahlian called, looking back at Zinnia and Viktor.
Viktor placed a hand on the back of his head before looking down uncomfortably. "Well, I mean..."
"We agree with him." Zinnia said, completing Viktor's sentiment. "We've rarely been outside of Hylia Township and when we have been we took the King's Road...we were warned never to venture in the forest alone...and look what happened, we could've been killed...and you almost were."
"What do you want to do? Go back then?" Dahlian asked.
"No." Link said sternly, the whole group turning their attention to him. "We've come too far to stop...it won't be long before we get to Hyrule Field and from there things should be less dangerous, we won't have a problem getting to Castle Town."
Zinnia and Viktor looked over at Dahlian, the boy looking like he was about to continue his argument when the sound of a Wolfos howling in the distance pierced the night air.
"Fine then, let's go." Dahlian said, the other two following.
Link grit his teeth, the fact days were getting shorter was a sign something exceptionally bad was happening, the fact alone that he had been reborn in this area being proof of that. Also distracting him was the fact he knew he had to find the Princess, there was work to be done. "Zelda, my love, I'm coming." he thought as he trudged ahead, casting his eyes down as thoughts of Ganondorf pushed themselves in.
oOo
Zelda laid upon her bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, it's ivory white color with the golden trim seeming so alien at times. In her dreams, most of what was gold was a dark blue, the only parts that were gold was the trim right around the edges of the room. The Princess breathed in as she tossed onto her side, these dreams she had, in them she witnessed the construction of the Castle, but that would have been centuries ago, after the original Castle Town was lost. Zelda wondered how many times had this Castle and it's rooms been renovated, so as not to show it's age. It was thoughts like this that kept the looming presence over her mind at bay...Hyrule was going to war and Jakob was leading the charge, with her father's blessing of course. Zelda was roused from her thoughts as a fast knocking came at the door.
"You may enter!" the Princess called.
"As your mother, that was more of notice that I was coming in." the Queen said as she entered the room, strolling over to the bed and taking a seat on it near her daughter.
"My apologies, mother, I didn't know it was you." Zelda said as she looked away.
"You needn't apologize, I was merely trying to see if I could make you smile." the Queen said, giving a half-hearted grin herself.
"I'm not quite feeling lively enough for that." Zelda answered.
"I thought as much." the Queen said, glancing out of the window. Queen Lysandra was a woman of height comparable to most Knights, a slim frame and sharp features, black hair and blue eyes, a common trait among Hylians. Many thought her to be stern and somewhat stoic, but she cared for her one and only child and wasn't hesitant to show it. "You know, when I was a young woman, I had to watch your father march off to participate in a battle, it was a just a skirmish with Labrynna, mind you, but I was worried nonetheless...but Gustaf is still here, safe and sound, just like Jakob will be."
"How could he just leave me behind like this?" Zelda asked.
"What do you mean?" the Queen questioned.
"I could go with him, I'm gifted in the ways of magic, you know this and so does he." the Princess replied.
"Zelda, you know the battlefield is no place for you." her mother answered.
"Would it be the place for me if I were a Prince?" Zelda asked pointedly.
"Dear...that's...that's different." Lysandra answered.
"I'm being unfairly judged as unfit for battle because I was born female...but my magics place me far above most people in terms of strength...I should be going with him...it's not fair." Zelda snapped.
"I know it's not...but it's your father's decision, not mine, not Jakob's, his." the Queen said, trying to make eye contact with her daughter. "He just wants to make sure you're safe."
"How am I supposed to enjoy the Spring Ball with this hanging over my head?" Zelda said.
"Well, I may have heard that, before he goes, Jakob has something planned for you...with your father's blessing of course." the Queen replied.
Zelda shot up straight and turned towards her mother. "Surely you jest."
"I was there when he asked, so you may so I'm quite sure." her mother answered. "I wouldn't joke about something such as this."
"Whatever it is he plans for me...I'm sure I'll accept it." Zelda said, giving a small smile.
"I'm glad it makes you happy, it always brightens my day to see you this way." Lysandra said. "I'd love to discuss this further, but as of now I have some matters to attend to, I'll see you for dinner." the Queen said as she stood up.
"Mother." Zelda called.
"Yes?" the Queen replied.
"Thank you." the Princess responded with a smile.
The Queen returned the grin and waved as she left the room, looking behind her to make sure the door stayed closed and no one was watching her. She briskly walked down the hall, stopping for a moment before her door, closing her eyes as she gripped the handle and pushed it open.
"Anything to tell me, Lysandra?" a voice asked.
"Not much...you were right, though, she was quite happy with the news." the Queen answered.
"I thought she would be." Veran said as she emerged from the shadows.
"I have to thank you...the spells that maintain my youth have been useful but growing my bond with my daughter...that's what truly matters to me." the Queen answered.
"No need to thank me, we fairies are here to serve the Royal Family." Veran replied. "Tell me, Queen, did she mention any troubling dreams to you?"
"No, she did not, why do you ask?" Lysandra responded.
"I just worry for her, I may have overheard her mention such things to her guardian, Impa." Veran explained.
"Are you sure of this?" the Queen asked.
"Completely." Veran replied.
"Why would she tell Impa this and not me?" Lysandra wondered.
"Probably so as not to worry you, you shan't be too concerned." Veran answered.
"Nevra, may I ask you something?" the Queen inquired.
"Of course, what's on your mind?" Veran asked.
"Why don't you appear to Gustaf or Zelda? Surely they would also appreciate you as I do." the Queen said.
Veran put on a sad a expression as she looked down before turning her eyes off to the side. "It's a consequence of the actions taken by my sisters and I many millenia ago. You see, we bound ourselves within the aether that flows through Hyrule to make sure the magic remains strong, but as our duty was done, we realized we had inadvertently trapped ourselves within it...I only have to power to reveal myself to one person...and I chose you. You may wonder why...your husband does not believe in my kind and your daughter is just a child...but you...you are so gentle, caring and understanding, I knew you would accept me." Veran explained.
"I'm honored." Lysandra answered with a small smile. "But it troubles me that you and your sisters remain trapped...I do hope I don't sound arrogant when asking such a question...but is there any way I can help you? Science and magic have come such a long way...maybe there's something I can do."
"Oh no, I couldn't ask that of you." Veran said, looking away.
"Please, with all the help you've given me, it's the least I could do." the Queen pushed.
"Well...my Sisters and I entered the aether through an area called the Sealed Grounds...an ancient place of immense power...I must know where it is if I am to take the next steps." Veran replied.
"I...I'm afraid I do not know of such a place." the Queen answered.
"But past members of the of the Royal Family did...and I'm sure they've recorded it somewhere." Veran urged.
"The Royal Archives perhaps?" the Queen asked.
"That sounds promising, indeed." Veran answered.
"Follow me." the Queen said, making her way over to the door, Veran following close behind.
"The coast is clear, the Princess is in her room and the King seems to be elsewhere." Veran stated.
"You can see this even before we've left the room? Your powers are marvelous, truly." the Queen answered. "What about the Guards posted in the hall?"
"I've taken quite good care of them." Veran said with a grin.
The Queen exited her chambers, making her way down the hall to find all the Guards standing rooted to where they stood, frozen in place. "Will they be alright?"
"Perfectly fine, they won't recall any of this, it will just be another normal watch for them." Veran assured her.
The two quickly came upon a room with golden gilded doors, the crest of House Hyrule positioned in the middle, one half resting on each door. "It's strange, bringing someone else here, the archives are located in such a way that only the Royal family would have access to them, not even historians are allowed here."
"Well then, I'm honored you'd actually take me here, then." Veran said.
"The honor's mine, it's not every day one gets to assist a fairy with such important matters." the Queen replied as she placed her hand on the crest, the sigil glowing for a moment before a heavy thud was heard behind the door, signifying that the deadbolt had been undone. "Come, we shall find it together." the Queen said.
Veran glanced up at the door frame before looking back at down at Lysandra. "I'm afraid not even I can follow, the spell forbids anyone who is not part of the Royal Family to enter, even myself."
"That makes little sense, why disallow fairies from entering, your race are friends of the Royal Family, are they not?" Lysandra asked.
"Some fairies embraced the dark side of magic...and that...and that causes a rift between my race and yours...but not to fear, I am not one of those." Veran lied.
"Well, Nevra, I shall be back soon, pray I find what you need." the Queen said.
"Oh, I shall." Veran said as she watched Lysandra disappear into the archives. Veran couldn't believe she'd wasted so much time with Thalmont and Blackmoore, while the two were competent, they didn't have the resources required. It was only recently Ganondorf agreed, begrudgingly so, to allow her to make contact with the Queen, and what a profitable move it was. The Queen had always believed in fairies since she was a little noble girl living in the upper levels of Castle Town, but was always told they were nothing but fantasies, so manipulating her came easy, a few tricks and the Queen was hers. Veran smiled as she stood outside the room watching Lysandra move about, this was turning out quite well.
oOo
Zelda strode to her window, her mother seemed to be in an unusually good mood, the two were on good terms, but the Queen seemed to be excited about something. The Princess closed her eyes when suddenly, distantly, she heard something, she moved over to the wall and pressed her pointed ear against it, now realizing what she heard was two people speaking in hushed tones. One voice was definitely her mother's...but the other...the other she had never heard before.
The Princess felt a chill go through her body, the other voice was somehow familiar, how she knew it, she wasn't sure, but it definitely did not bring a good feeling to her.
"Who are you?" she whispered.
The Princess pushed herself away from the wall as she heard her mother's door open, followed by two sets of footsteps. Zelda followed along, walking across her room as her mother and whoever was with her traversed the hallway, just on the opposite side of the wall.
Suddenly Zelda sensed something, her eyes taking on a blue glow as she looked around, a transparent wave of energy, invisible to those without magical ability, passed through the wall, luckily not within range of her. A spell had been cast, a nefarious one at that. The Princess felt a pit open in her stomach, but still opted to follow along, closing her eyes as she tried to sense what was going on in the hallway. Zelda focused harder, opening her eyes as she projected her sight outside of her room, finally seeing who it was that accompanied her mother.
She shifted her line of sight, getting a bad feeling as she noticed the Guards were unmoving and unresponsive to everything. Zelda began trailing them, slowing down as the woman with her mother slowed. "It can't be." Zelda thought.
"She knows I'm watching."
Veran snapped her head back, looking directly into Zelda's eyes with a smirk.
Zelda fell backward, deactivating the spell, breathing heavily. "That woman...I know her...but how? she wondered, looking around her chambers in alarm. "I have to tell Impa..."
oOo
"Minister Blackmoore, I assume you'll be making the announcement soon." Jakob said as he entered the man's study.
"As soon as I figure out how to word it tactfully, yes." the Minister of Royal Affairs answered.
"Tact be damned, this is war, Laurent." Jakob growled.
"That's Minister or Lord Blackmoore, to you." the Minister answered. "And of course we need to word it carefully, a war decree is a frightening thing. I need to find a way to say it that make people want to lend their aid, not run away."
"So be it, we do need to bolster our forces before declaring war on Termina...and I am the current head of House Lirien, I'll address you however I wish." the Knight replied aggressively.
"Fine then, whatever it takes to keep you placated." the Minister answered. "It will please you know Minister Thalmont has already given his draft of the letter outlining our terms to King Gustaf, with any luck the Mayor of Clock Town will be smart enough not to challenge us."
"He won't be, they never are." Jakob stated.
"Regretfully, that is true." Blackmoore said as he adjusted his glasses.
"I didn't mean to discourage you earlier, I guess I should allow you to take your time with that, we need more bodies to throw at this." the Knight answered.
"Is that truly how you see our Soldiers? Just as arrows to loose at the enemy?" Lord Blackmoore asked, looking up from his work.
"That's all they are before they rise through the ranks." Jakob responded as he made his way towards the door.
"Great, I'll make sure to include that in my decree, I expect it to go over well." Blackmoore answered sarcastically.
"Keep on making jokes, Lord, and I'll see how permanent your spot on the council really is." Jakob replied.
"Of course, my apologies." the Minster responded.
"Hmph." Jakob snorted before leaving the room.
"Goddesses, he's such cad." Blackmoore said.
"It was hard not to say something." Thalmont said as he emerged from behind a bookshelf.
"I have to remind myself that he's become quite the useful tool when it comes to our plans." Minister Blackmoore answered.
"How right you are, unfortunately." Thalmont said before locking the door. "So, Lady Veran wants something from us?"
"I assume so, as she told me she'd come calling at this hour, I expect it to be another assignment...she admitted herself that our plan to abduct, search and subsequently wipe the memory of the Princess would be an ill-fated one, seeing as the memories she contains are held back by a wall of the Goddesses' own creation." Blackmoore explained.
"Plus the fact that people would start to wonder where she was, eventually...I admit to being relieved it fell through...the chances of it's success were...slim at best." Thalmont replied.
"Agreed...anyhow, she's due any second now." Blackmoore said as he stood up, Thalmont placing himself next to his fellow Minister, the two standing idly as they waited, he the muffled noises of Courtiers, Guards and Royal Officials passing by being the only sounds in the room.
"Standing to greet me, how polite." Veran said as she materialized in front of them.
"Ah, Lady Veran, it is splendid to be in your presence once again." Blackmoore said as he took a knee.
"Indeed, you honor us." Thalmont added.
"Of course, of course, stand up now, we have business." Veran responded, the two men rising to their feet.
"Lady Veran, I must apologize again...the Princess..." Blackmoore began.
"Was thwarted by her guardian Impa...it's unlikely the plan would have worked...we've discussed this." the Dark Fairy said.
"We promise not to fail you this time." Thalmont answered.
"My business is not to assign you a new task, it's to reward you for what you've already accomplished...deactivating the warding spells on the Castle without anyone noticing must have been quite the task...and it has allowed me entry to the Royal Wing...something that's proven pivotal to the Master's plans." Veran answered.
"The Master? What do you mean by this?" Blackmoore asked, exchanging glances with Thalmont.
"You'll see soon enough." Veran said, raising a hand and snapping her fingers, the three suddenly appearing in the oasis next to the Spirit Temple.
Thalmont looked up at the monolithic structure before them. "What in the Dark World is this place?"
"It's called the Desert Colossus, better known as the Spirit Temple." Blackmoore said before turning to Veran. "You've brought us past the Gerudo Desert and to the wastes...for what purpose? This Temple's been abandoned for centuries."
"It's always been occupied...just now it's been given a new purpose...a new life." Veran explained.
"Aye, if you know so much about this place, what's that?" Thalmont asked Blackmoore while the three walked towards the entrance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs pointing up at the top of the Colossus.
Blackmoore looked up, squinting against the sunlight, finding a bright glinting object situated at the top of the temple. "Lady Veran, if we may ask, what is that you've got on top of the Temple?"
"The Sword of the Six Sages, it's part of...another plan." she answered. "But now is not the time for me to explain it all.
Blackmoore merely shrugged at Thalmont as the three made their way inside, their attention taken by the rows of Black-clad soldiers lining the walls. "They have no faces." Blackmoore said.
Thalmont drifted over to the nearest one, jabbing it's face with his index finger. "Made of tree roots, are they?"
"Yes, animated by yours truly." Veran replied, placing a hand on her chest.
The three progressed through down the hall in silence, the two Ministers exchanging cautious glances. Finally they came upon the main room of the temple, Bastion standing off to the side, the Ministers eyeing him aggressively. Suddenly, balls of flame roared to life, levitating in the air, illuminating the space and revealing an elevated portion with a throne atop it at the center, the chair having it's back to them.
"Master, I've brought them." Veran announced.
Thalmont lurched slightly as he looked over to the right, noticing two strange looking, decrepit witches watching them.
"I've brought you here to thank you for your help." a deep, somewhat menacing voice announced.
Thalmont and Blackmoore watched as a man of strong build and imposing stature stood, white hair cascading over his shoulders, the flames glinting off of the black and gold armor he wore.
"Ministers, allow me to introduce you to Lord Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo, the Dark World and it's Demon legions." Veran said.
Thalmont stumbled back, stunned and afraid as Ganondorf turned and began making his way down the stairs.
"Even though my hair has gone white, my skin has grayed and my face wrinkled, people still fear me...and rightfully so." Ganondorf said before turning to Blackmoore and looking at him with a curious expression.
The Minister of Royal Affairs stood before him, a smirk on his face. "I wish I could say I was surprised."
"Show some respect." Bastion growled.
"Quiet, the adults are talking." Blackmoore replied.
"You..." Bastion snarled, placing a hand on the hilt of his blade and taking a step towards Blackmoore.
"Bastion." Ganondorf snapped. "I shouldn't have to tell you to behave yourself."
"I don't understand why you keep a copy of the Hero so close." Blackmoore remarked.
"He was right, though, you must address me with more respect." Ganondorf growled.
"Of course, my apologies." Minister Blackmoore said as he bowed, glancing over at Bastion, the two exchanging glares.
"You...you're...you're real." Thalmont sputtered.
"You didn't believe in our Lord?" Koume called.
"What a thick one he is." Kotake remarked.
"Where did you think Bastion came from?" Veran asked.
"I assumed you created him." Thalmont said as he got to his feet. "I assumed a lot of things."
"Why is it that you are completely unperturbed by my presence?" Ganondorf asked.
"Simple logic, if the Hero and Princess have been reborn, then chances are you're here too." Blackmoore said. "Though I admit, I did dismiss my suspicions and believed Lady Veran was working alone, well done hiding your existence."
"Why though? Why hide?" Thalmont added.
"The two of you speak too freely." Ganondorf said, furrowing his brow.
Thalmont and Blackmoore suddenly found themselves forced to their knees as Ganondorf raised a hand, clenching it as he looked at them. The two Ministers looked each other in the eyes as they began to choke, looking up to see Ganondorf's eyes glowing a blood red as he ground his teeth.
"We're...sorry. "Blackmoore managed to get out.
Veran looked around the room, finding that even Bastion wore an uneasy expression. "Lord Ganondorf, I don't think they meant any disrespect." she called.
"Hylians never learn..." he growled.
"Please my Lord, we brought them here to thank them for the part they played." Veran reminded him.
Ganondorf closed his eyes and sighed, releasing the two men, Thalmont and Blackmoore falling to the ground in twin coughing fits. "I suppose you're right." Ganon said as he knelt down and looked the Ministers in their eyes. "I thank you for gaining Veran access to the Castle, but seeing as you've not done much more than that, keep quiet and don't overestimate your importance."
The men nodded as they stood up, Blackmoore bowing to the Demon King once again. "Understood, we apologize." he said.
"Now, what news do you have for me?" Ganondorf asked.
"The Queen, she was more than willing to...share her knowledge." the Dark Fairy said with a smile. "I waited outside of the Royal Archive as she searched, it was within the atlas illustrated by a man named Gaepora that she found the Sealed Grounds...when laid over a modern day map, I've found that the grounds lye underneath the swamps of Termina, which themselves were once part of Hyrule."
"Fantastic work, Veran, soon I'll be returned to full power and the world will once again tremble at my feet." Ganondorf said with a laugh. "I'll allow the Hylians to weaken their defenses first, then...then I'll take Termina."
"If you need more forces...perhaps we can supply them." Blackmoore offered, trying to gain favor with the Demon King.
"Don't be ridiculous, I have legions of beasts awaiting my command in Peak, Desert and Faron Province." Ganondorf said as he waved a hand through the air generating a large burst of energy which shaped itself into a map. "I've never once made an attempt at a neighboring land...this will be...interesting." he said with a grin.
oOo
Captain Eldrin crested the hill that overlooked Hyrule Field, the few men he brought with him catching up as he gazed at the Castle.
"Do you see them, Sir?" one of the guards asked.
"They had a significant head start, they're most likely in town by now." the Captain said.
"Sir, how is it you're so sure they went there? Wouldn't they know this is the first place we'd look?" another guard questioned.
"Trust me, this is where they are." the Captain answered as he began forward, suddenly stopping as the sound of a wagon greeted them.
The men stopped and watched as a whole caravan crested the hill carrying at least fifty Soldiers.
"Hey! You there!" Captain Eldrin called as he made his way over, the other guards following.
A Soldier leading the caravan held up his hand, the whole group stopping behind him as he dismounted his horse and made his way over, inspecting Eldrin's uniform. "Hello there, I'm Captain Yotin of the Castle Town Guard, were you sent to assist us?"
"Nice to meet you Captain Yotin, I'm Captain Eldrin of the Lake Hylia Guard, unfortunately, no, I'm not here to assist, I'm looking for some children that ran off. You wouldn't happen to have seen them, would you?"
"Runaway children warrants the attention of the Captain of the Guard?" Yotin asked.
"At least two of them are very important." Eldrin replied.
"Wealthy parents?" Yotin asked.
"Of a sort." Captain Eldrin responded, deciding against trying to explain his true reason for seeking them out.
"Well, fine by me, seeing as you're also a Captain I really can't give you orders, just don't cause any trouble in my city." Yotin replied.
"Of course." Captain Eldrin said before starting forward, coming to halt again as he suddenly processed what was happening. "Say, where are you all off to, anyway?"
"Haven't you heard? We're going to war." Captain Yotin said.
"No...no I haven't." Captain Eldrin answered.
"Well, now you have, so if you end up finding your missing kids, send some of your guards our way, we need the manpower." Captain Yotin said before nodding at his fellow Captain while heading back to his horse.
"That doesn't sound good." one of the Guards said.
"It's not, now come on, let's go find them." Eldrin said as he started forward, a dark feeling overtaking him, Ganondorf had finally set his plans in motion and they were running out of time.
oOo
Hello everyone! Things are getting moving as Ganondorf enacts his plans, but it's not all bad as Link has his memories back and is on the right path.
For those wondering why I've included characters from "A Link Between Worlds", this is due to the fact that, in the "Hero is Defeated" timeline, "A Link Between Worlds takes place right directly after the events of "Twilight Princess" in the "Hero is Successful" timeline, so I figured this story would occur at the same time as "A Link Between Worlds" just in a different timeline, so, due to this being in the "Hero is Successful" timeline, the two worlds remain separate, but the same characters still exist. Anyway, I hope that all makes sense!
Ultimate Blazer: Dark Link is naturally always going to want to fight Link, not just because it's his purpose but because he feels drawn to the conflict, as if he has to prove who's the stronger Link, he wants Link to know who he is and that's kind of way he wasn't at his best when concealing his identity. Jakob is arrogant and he believes in himself way too much and this will come to bite him later. As you can see with Zelda, she's not quite being as reckless as she once was, but still isn't as safe as she thinks she is. Thank you for the review!
GerudoSpirit: Veran's design is great, it just screams evil fairy/villain, she was s underplayed and I wish they'd bring her back sometime. I kind of shorted this chapter of the Twinrova vs Veran material, but there's more to be had in the future, you can be sure of this! I figured that, after a certain amount of time, people would start to think of the Hero and the lore surrounding him as myth because it all seems so fantastical, that is if they don't forget about it first, Link's friends definitely learned better, though. And yes, Zelda's mother is still around! I figured after putting so much focus on the King in "The World at War" I'd write the Queen as a major character this time...as you can see something definitely came of it! Thank you for the compliments and the review! I hope you liked the new chapter!
Generala: That is great to hear! I'm glad you're interesting and grateful for the kind words! I will definitely keep going! Thank you for the review and I hope you liked the chapter!
Also, thank you to all of those who hit follow and favorite on my profile and the story! It really means a lot!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
-Prometheus17