"So this is it." Dahlian said, pausing as they entered Castle Town's Northern Gate, the sun having just risen upon the vast expanse of towering stone buildings, the Castle itself in the distance, the sunrise sitting directly behind it, casting a majestic silhouette over the city.
"It sure has changed since I was last here." Link thought.
"It's amazing!" Zinnia exclaimed. "I've always dreamed of coming here." she said, taking a step closer to Link, something the Hero was keenly aware of.
"Out of the way, farm boy!" a merchant shouted as he shouldered past Link and company.
"Farm boy? I'm the son of the wealthiest man in Hylia Township." Dahlian growled as the man disappeared into the ever growing crowd.
"We probably should move, the morning is the busiest time of day as all the merchants need to get in and set up...we're just getting in the way." Link said as he directed his friends to a nearby alleyway.
Viktor looked back at the throngs of people coming through the gates, marveling at the sheer number. "I don't think I've ever seen this many people in my life." he said.
"It's the only time of day the Guards don't stop you to ask about your business." Link replied.
"Is that why you were so insistent we get here as fast as possible?" Zinnia asked.
Link looked away for a moment, an image of Zelda crossing his mind for a moment. "So you figured me out." he said with a grin.
Dahlian looked down the alleyway, finding empty storefronts, an old man strolling down the other way and a closed tavern with an obviously drunk man slumped outside. "Screw hanging around in here, let's get out there, see what there is to see!"
"I doubt we'll get attacked by a monster in here! What are you so afraid of?" Zinnia asked, taking Link's hand as she pulled towards the main thoroughfare.
Link looked down at Zinnia's hand clasping his, maybe there was a time before he regained his memories he would have enjoyed this, but it just felt wrong to him now...but as his friends wouldn't understand the truth he elected to play along. "Nothing, just worried about keeping pace with the crowds is all." he said as he followed her.
Dahlian made his way after them before turning to a downtrodden looking Viktor. "Jealous, are we?"
"No, it's fine...I know Zinnia is enamored with Link." the boy said.
"Magic doesn't quite impress like it used to." Dahlian laughed.
"What about you?" Viktor asked. "You didn't seem to like it to much when Link took charge...you have to admit, when he slew that thing he made us look like helpless children."
"We fought too, it was a team effort...besides, Link was just a fisherman...and I'm the heir to the my father's harvesting company." Dahlian said, glaring at Viktor.
"If you say so." Viktor answered.
"What's this all about anyway?" Dahlian questioned.
"You called me out for being jealous...so I just returned the favor." Viktor responded.
"You're starting to make me regret bringing you along." Dahlian said as he quickened his pace to catch up with Link and Zinnia.
"Have you been here before?" Zinnia asked with a playfully suspicious tone.
"No, why would I have?" Link replied.
"You just seem to know your way around so well." Zinnia said.
"Good sense of direction, I suppose." Link responded as he looked around, the buildings might have gotten taller and more abundant, but the streets were still the same once he actually got into Castle Town, the city having expanded outward since his last lifetime.
"I think we've lost Viktor and Dahlian." Zinnia commented as she turned back.
"No, no, no you haven't!" Dahlian called as he ducked out of an alleyway. "There's a bomb shop down there...a damn shop that sells bombs!" he laughed.
"Welcome to the city." Link replied.
"There you are!" Zinnia called as Viktor emerged from the crowd, looking slightly alarmed.
"What's going on with you?" Zinnia asked.
"There are guards asking around about, and I quote 'Two young blonde men, one with black hair and a young woman with red hair'." Viktor said. "I made sure he didn't see me."
"So the bastard's already caught up with us." Dahlian complained.
"I'm sure he won't be able to find us here, right?" Zinnia asked.
"It might be busy right now, but once evening comes around the merchants and performers go home and the population thins out a bit...they won't have a problem spotting us then." Link answered.
"Then we should find some accommodations soon, somewhere they won't look." Zinnia said.
"I might know of a place." Link said as he beckoned for the others to follow.
"Seriously, though, how do you know so much about Castle Town...and don't say you've read about it." Zinnia said as she kept pace with him.
"Would you believe me if I said I'd lived here in a past life?" Link asked wryly.
"Fine, keep your secrets, I'll just assume Jek took you out here once or something." she said with a laugh.
"Where are we going anyway?" Viktor asked.
Link suddenly ground to a halt, holding up a hand as a signal to stop, Viktor almost running head-on into Dahlian. People stopped what they were doing, lining the street as a caravan of wagons came through, Link noticing the different sigils of the Peak, Ordon and Faron Province Gaurds followed by the wagons bearing the coat of arms of Houses Talon, House Rusl and house Blackmoore with a few other Houses following he didn't know.
"What is all this?" Dahlian asked.
"A caravan, it looks like for some reason the Province Guards and the Noble Houses are sending representatives to the Castle." Link replied, a pit opening in his stomach, it was already beginning and here he was, completely in the dark about goings one while showing his friends in this life around Castle Town.
"Sounds like something's happening." the boy replied.
"Definitely." Link said, a stern tone to his voice. He felt poorly about this, but he had to get away from them at some point so he could make it to the Castle, but first he had to leave them somewhere safe.
"Well, you said you knew a place we could rest?" Viktor asked.
"Yes, right ahead." Link replied as he gestured onwards, noticing even the street performers and merchants seemed captivated by the caravan that came through.
"You look like strapping young lads!" a man called. "Care to try your hand?" he asked, gesturing towards an archery game he had set up.
"Not right now." Link said as he tried to brush past the man.
"Sure, I'll give it a shot." Dahlian replied as he stepped up.
Link's ears perked up, annoyance building inside of him. "We don't have time for this."
"Oh, Link, learn to have some fun once in a while." Zinnia said.
"Yeah, you've seemed on edge since we got here." Viktor commented.
"Fine, we'll watch Dahlian give it a try then we're moving on." Link responded.
"Any worthwhile prizes?" Dahlian asked.
"Of course." the man said, waving towards his stand. "We've got a dagger made of Goron Steel, a replica of the actual Queen Zelda's necklace, that's right, the Queen who ruled the land after the Twilight Invasion." the man said in a theatrical manner.
Link's interest was at least somewhat piqued, finding the 'replica' to be nothing more than an inaccurate piece of costume jewelry. Even so, it only increased the pressure he placed on himself to find Zelda.
"And the grand prize, a Gerudo forehead gem, said to contain actual magic." the man said.
Link looked up, something having gained his genuine interest, there was only one way an outsider could get something like that and it was by taking it off the Gerudo who wore it. "Viktor." Link called.
"Hm?" the other boy hummed.
"Can you sense any actual magic coming off of that?" Link asked.
"Yeah...it has a small aura...looks like a protection spell." the other boy answered.
Link turned his gaze ahead as Dahlian took his first shot, the arrow flying straight but not even embedding itself in the target.
"There's a crosswind." Dahlian called as Viktor and Zinnia laughed.
"Win that gem for me, will you?" Zinnia called.
"I'm trying here." Dahlian said as he focused, managing to strike the target but on the very edge.
"Ooh, third times the charm." the proprietor said.
"Alright, this is it." Dahlian said, loosing the arrow and managing to get it within the third circle.
"There we go, want to accept that dagger or shall we keep on trying?" the man asked.
"I'll take the dagger, I guess." Dahlian said, the man hurrying over to his stand and handing it to him.
"Anyone else?" the Proprietor asked.
"I'll go." Viktor said.
The man gestured forward before suddenly reaching out and grabbing the boy, holding a monocle up to his eye and looking him over. "Actually, you will not be participating." the man said.
"What? Why?" a startled Viktor inquired.
"I can see your magic through this eyeglass...no magicians...you can cheat." the man said.
"I wouldn't dream of it." Viktor answered.
"The rules are the rules." the Proprietor answered.
"Eh, don't worry Zinnia, I'll go again, I've got enough rupees to try all day." Dahlian said.
Link narrowed his eyes as he saw the proprietors eyes light up, Dahlian was giving him just what he wanted. "We don't have all day...I'll take my turn." Link said.
"I though we already established I was going again." Dahlian replied.
"You had your shot." Link said as he stepped past his friend and deposited five rupees into the waiting hand of the game's proprietor.
"Alright, you get three-" the man began.
"Three shots." Link said, cutting him off. "I understand."
Everyone, the game's vendor included, watched quietly as Link nocked all three arrows at once.
"He can't be serious." Dahlian said.
In an instant, Link let go, the three arrows sailing through the air and embedding themselves dead center in the target, Link tossing the bow back to the stunned vendor.
"Aye, then...guess you get the forehead gem." the man said.
"That was amazing." Zinnia breathed as Link returned to the group.
"This is for you." Link said, handing the gem over to Zinnia.
"Really?" she asked in genuine surprise.
"You wanted it, did you not?" Link asked.
"I mean, yes...but I didn't expect..." the girl began.
"For you to be such an archery master..." Dahlian said.
Link sensed which direction the conversation was going before directing his friends down another side street, eventually stopping at the Red Wolf Inn. Link only knew of it because he and Zelda had stayed there in his previous life in an effort to get away from all the Advisors, Counselors and Courtiers that sought her attention, no one guessing to check a small back alley inn for the two of them...their stay turned out well enough for him to remember it.
"Looks...nice." Dahlian commented.
"Is it affordable?" Zinnia asked.
"I'd hope so." Link said as the four entered. Immediately they were greeted by a loud atmosphere, a whole host of people downing ale as fast as the servers could pour it.
"I didn't think it would so crowded here." Dahlian said as he carefully maneuvered his way towards the counter.
"Maybe it's the affordability." Link said as he regarded the crowd warily, he noticed a few Castle Town Guards mixed in, this inn was much more popular than it was in his last life.
"That's not something I've ever had to worry about." Dahlian replied, prompting Link, Viktor and Zinnia to roll their eyes.
"Maybe it's some kind of local holiday or something?" Zinnia posited.
"We'll see." Link said as they approached the counter.
The four stood quietly, Dahlian leaning on the desk as an older, balding man stood with his back to them, organizing room cards into the rack before him. Dahlian and Link exchanged glances, the former planting two firm knocks on the table which were barely audible with the volume of the room. The man stopped what he was doing for a moment, quickly putting down a room card as he slowly turned his head to the side, eyes widening as he spun around to greet them.
"Ah good afternoon young Misters and Miss, how can I be of service to ya?" he asked.
"We're looking for four beds." Dahlian said, the man nodding as he checked a piece of parchment sitting on the counter.
"For how long, then?" he asked.
"About two weeks, I'll be situated by then." Link answered.
"How many rooms will you be needing?" the man continued.
"Two." Zinnia answered, glancing over at the three boys. "I'll need my privacy."
"Aye, can do." the man answered as he etched down the reservations on the parchment before him. "So." he began, looking up at Link. "Said you were getting situated, did ya? Fixing to be a resident of Castle Town, ey?"
"Possibly." Link answered, glancing over at his friends. "The village life isn't for me...anymore."
"You're one of the few, most people are just here for the next week or so, you're lucky you were able to get two rooms, in fact, almost every inn within Castle Town is completely full." the man explained.
"I was wondering about that." Link began, sweeping his eyes across the room. "Why are there so many people in Castle Town right now?"
"You haven't heard? the Spring Ball is tonight and with it, the Vernal Equinox Festival takes place, games, fireworks, magic acts, it's all there." the man said. "Just wish I could get some time off for it."
Link stared at the man, feeling as if a stone had been dropped on his head from the next story of the building, he had actually forgotten about the Spring Ball. "I can't believe I didn't know about that." he said quietly.
"I can say the same." the clerk laughed. "See those Guards over there? They come in here everyday to drink their fill after their shifts, it's all they can do to tolerate all the masses coming in."
"Seems a little irresponsible." Viktor remarked.
The clerk glanced at Viktor before turning around and retrieving two sets of keys. "Aye, here you are, enjoy your stay." he said as he handed both sets to Link, who then handed one to Zinnia, the four departing down the nearest hallway.
"Looks like you were right about the whole 'local holiday' thing." Dahlian said.
"Yeah, it sounds exciting." Viktor answered. "With any luck one of the magic performers might teach me a thing or two." he laughed.
"Oh c'mon, you're not that bad." Zinnia replied.
Link walked ahead of his friends, his mind racing, soon enough he would be seeing Zelda for the first time in this life and even after all of their lifetimes and the centuries spent together, the thought still made him nervous.
"Hey, Link!" Dahlian called, narrowing his eyes as the Hero failed to respond. "Are you just going to ignore me?" Dahlian asked, walking faster to catch up to Link.
The Hero began to turn, eyes widening as two larger men rounded the corner just as Dahlian was passing by it. Link flinched as Dahlian walked straight into one of the men, the man grunting as his mug fell from his hand, splashing ale across the floor. Usually a situation like this could be salvaged, but Dahlian was never the one to apologize.
Viktor and Zinnia froze up, looking on in a stunned silence as both men turned and stared at the boy before them.
"Goddesses! Watch where you're going!" Dahlian growled as he made to step past the man he bumped into.
"You gonna buy me another ale?" the man snarled, grabbing Dahlian by the shoulder.
"I think not." Dahlian said as he jerked away from the man's grasp.
"I'm so sorry about him! Of course we'll buy you another." Zinnia said.
"Heh, she's cute, maybe we should take her as payment." the other man laughed.
"Don't even think about it!" Viktor shouted.
"Yeah, just walk away." Dahlian added.
"Oh, okay, yeah...we'll just walk away." the first man said, turning away before whirling back around and catching Dahlian across the face with a hook, the boy falling to the floor with a thud, the knife he won falling from his belt and clattering across the floor.
"How about we just take this and call it even?" the second man said with a laugh as he reached for the knife while Zinnia and Viktor helped Dahlian back to his feet. The knife was just about in the man's grasp when Link snatched it off the ground, twirling it around his finger as he stood up...if he wasn't looking for a fight one always seemed to come looking for him.
"I'm afraid this knife belongs to my friend...I'd say you've gotten even with him...we'll be heading back to our room now." Link said as he turned away.
"You little bastard! Give me that knife!" the man shouted.
Link continued on his way, the first man giving chase, gaining on Link until he stood directly behind him, the man flinging his fist at the Hero's head, Link dropping into a crouch as the jab went over his head, the Hero hero leaping back up and hitting the man in the nose with the hilt of the knife before taking a step back and jabbing him in the throat, the man falling over backwards. The second man drew his own knife from a pack suspended from his waist and let out a growl before charging at Link, the Hero standing rooted to the spot as the man made his way over to him. Link's hand twitched as his opponent stabbed his blade towards him, the Hero swiftly side-stepping it and taking hold of the man's arm, twisting it upward before sweeping his leg out from under him, knocking him to the floor. By this time, his friend whom Dahlian had initially offended was back on his feet, eyeing Link with an animalistic rage. The man dashed towards the boy, leaping over his dazed friend and throwing a series of jabs and hooks at the Hero, Link dodging and blocking every one before catching the man's fist, calling on his Triforce of Courage to lend him strength as he put the man's right arm in a hold, forcing it behind him while lifting the knife up to this neck.
"I'll get you for this." the man snarled.
"You can try." Link said, making a small cut in the man's artery, blood dripping forth as Link released the hold, the man stumbling away while clutching at the side of his neck. "You should get a bandage on that." Link said as he continued on his way, his friends following hesitantly as the two men hurried back to their room.
"Link, what the hell was that? We could be kicked out...or even arrested for that." Zinnia snapped.
"Those bastards deserved it." Dahlian said, holding a handkerchief of to his nose to stop the bleeding.
"Even so, did you really have to cut that guy's throat?" Viktor asked.
"I didn't 'cut his throat'." Link said as he turned back to the group. "I did what was necessary to make them leave us alone because one of us doesn't know how to swallow their pride and apologize."
"Oh, you mean me?" Dahlian asked. "It was their own Godesses-damn fault! Why should I have to apologize?"
"If you're going to me mad at anyone, be angry at the purveyor of that game you insisted on playing." the Hero said, handing the knife back to Dahlian. "It's not Goron steel." Link said, the blade falling off the handle as he let go.
"What's going on with him? Ever since that night in the forest he's been a completely different person." Dahlian commented.
Zinnia gave Dahlian an understanding glance before running ahead to catch up with Link. "Link, listen." she began.
Link stopped, gesturing towards the nearest door. "That one's your room." he said as he handed her the key.
"Link, I know something is going on with you...can we just talk about it?" she asked.
Link turned away, in every life there was always the friend that was overly concerned with his change in demeanor and no matter what, he could never make them truly understand. "Zinnia, I'm fine, I really am." he said, turning to face her and taking her hands in his, the gesture being solely to assure her.
"Maybe you can come over later and we can talk...just the two of us." she said quietly.
Link tensed up, evading her gaze. "Maybe, if time permits." he answered before withdrawing another key. "Dahlian, Viktor, we're over here." he called, the two other boys falling in behind him as he opened the door and let them through, looking up at Zinnia one last time before entering after them, the girl looking at him with worry, her Hylian ears drooping as Link averted his eyes and entered the room.
oOo
Ganondorf inspected the Mirror of Twilight carefully, running his index finger along the edge of the fragment Bastion had retrieved. Soon enough it would be complete and he would bring his vengeance upon the world of the Twili, it brought him great joy knowing Midna still lived, the Twilight Invasion and the battle with him being a recent memory for her.
"Any idea where the last piece might be?" Veran asked as she ran her eyes over a map of Termina's swamps, looking for any indication of The Sealed Grounds.
"If I did, I'd have had you or Bastion retrieve it." Ganondorf answered.
"Really? Still no assignment for Koume and Kotake?" Veran asked.
"The two of them can't control themselves, any indication of trouble and they'd either burn down or freeze solid the entire area...they're too destructive for their own good. There may come a time when I need such a thing, but for now we must avoid drawing too much attention." Ganondorf answered.
"I apologize for questioning you, but what about Bastion killing that man you sent him after?" Veran asked.
"It looks like a simple robbery...trust me, I was monitoring the situation." Ganondorf replied.
"And the Hylians? They've found this place, they know someone's here." Veran said.
"Exactly why we'll be vacating the Spirit Temple soon, this location has served it's purpose." Ganon said.
"Hm, and where will we go?" Veran inquired.
"The Forest Temple, we'll be even more unlikely to be found there." Ganondorf answered. "Centuries ago I made sure these Temples would remain standing just in case I needed them once again."
"I've been meaning to tell you, the Bulblin King is getting impatient, he says his forces are becoming restless...and he's not happy that he has only met you once so far." Veran stated.
"He can be as unhappy as he wishes, it does not change the fact that the Blin races have pledged their servitude to me for all time, he shall wait." Ganondorf answered.
"Are you sure, my Lord? We could benefit from-" Veran began.
"Do you think I enjoy showing myself like this?" Ganon interrupted, his booming voice shaking the halls. "My gray skin, my white hair, the wrinkles that cover my face and my clouded eyes show one thing...like everyone else...I grow old and I weaken...I will address the hordes once my true power has been returned...and I have reversed the toll time has taken on me." Ganondorf said.
"Of course, Sire, my apologies." Veran said as she dropped to one knee. The Dark Fairy held the position, her eyes flicking upwards as no answer came, silence overtaking the hall. She looked up to find Ganondorf clutching at his chest, his breathing labored and shallow.
"It's happening...again." he said before suddenly falling to the ground, his armor hitting the stone with a resounding clang.
"Lord Ganondorf!" Veran called as she ran to him, the Demon King lying on the floor motionless, his eyes glazing over as his mouth hung open.
"What's going on here?" Koume called as she materialized in the room.
"Have you done this?" Kotake asked as she appeared soon after.
"Oh yes, do blame me for your poor planning and spellwork, sisters." Veran snapped.
"You dare call this our fault?" Kotake snapped.
"All of you!" a voice called, Bastion striding into the room. "Can't your squabbles wait?"
"Yes, they can." Veran said as she glared at the witches. "Just like we've done before." she said.
Kotake and Koume eyed Veran angrily before taking their spots, the four standing equally spaced around Ganondorf. They began a chant in old Hylian, a glowing green circle forming along the floor as a square took shape inside, each line connecting Veran, Koume, Kotake and Bastion. "Druthilidi!" the four called, ending the chant as they planted their palms firmly against the ground, a bright emerald flash illuminating the room.
Veran stood, backing away as she breathed heavily, the spell nearly depleted her magic reserves every time they had to perform it, which as it stood had to be done on a near weekly basis.
"It worked, right?" Bastion asked as he leaned against a pillar.
"Of course it did." Koume said, she and Kotake's chests heaving with the effort.
Ganondorf suddenly sat bolt upright, inhaling sharply as he placed a hand on his chest. "More of my essence has been taken from me...we must locate the Sealed Grounds sooner rather than later...my existence depends on it."
"Of course, my Lord!" Koume called.
"Is there anything we can do for you at the moment?" Kotake asked.
"No, there isn't." Veran called over to them. "But there's something I can do."
"We weren't speaking to you." Koume sneered.
"I'm aware." Veran said dismissively.
"What do you have planned?" Ganondorf asked as Bastion helped him back onto his throne.
"I'll be paying our friends within the Castle a visit." Veran said as she warped away.
"Arrogant little Wench, she is." Kotake hissed.
"You talk so ill of her, yet she's done more for me in this age than you have done in all others combined." Ganondorf, growled, his gold eyes setting on the witches.
"But...my Lord...we live to serve..." Koume stammered.
"Then serve me." Ganondorf said, shifting his gaze to Bastion. "Tomorrow is an important day."
"You mean to say you want us to take part?" Kotake asked.
"Indeed...tonight, Princess Zelda dies." Ganondorf growled.
oOo
Veran appeared in the Royal wing of the Castle, finding the halls vacant as usual.
"I don't know how I keep on getting in, with how good you two are at your jobs." Veran said mockingly to the Guards, the two standing frozen, completely unaware. "I know you're waiting for me." she whispered.
Zelda laid on the bed in her room, chin propped up on her arms, carefully watching the glass of water before her. It was a basic spell, but a useful one nonetheless. With just a simple incantation and a drop of Fairy essence the water would begin to glow white whenever magic was being used or was present, the brighter the glow, the nearer and more powerful the magic.
The Princess began to think about how strange her mother had been acting lately, her unusually upbeat attitude and her sudden interest in the goings on of her life. Just a month prior her mother had a mostly apathetic and somewhat subdued mannerisms, she undoubtedly cared for her husband and daughter, but these days she just seemed ecstatic for no readily apparent reason. Zelda closed her eyes, letting her thoughts drift over to man in her dreams, his features were stunning and she was guilty to say that it pained her to know he was most likely nothing but a fantasy...she'd fallen in love with a fantasy...how ridiculous she felt. Nevertheless, Jakob was here, he was real and even though he was five years older than her she felt as if they were a perfect fit together, the Princess often daydreaming about ruling Hyrule with him as King and Queen.
Zelda opened her eyes, glancing over to the glass and nearly leaping out of her bed, the glow from the glass was blinding, the Princess barely being able to look upon it. "Let us see who is casting these spells." Zelda struggled to keep quiet as she approached her door, the glass glowing brighter and brighter the closer she got. "Goddesses." she whispered as a chill flowed through her body. Whoever it was was directly on the other side of her door...
Zelda grit her teeth, steeling herself as she called upon her magic, bolts of light traveling through her arms as she placed the glass on her desk and gripped the doorknob. She took one last, deep breath before flinging the door open, letting out a cry as she brandished a bolt of light energy in her left hand.
"Goddesses!" Minister Blackmoore shouted as he fell to the ground, raising his hands in a defensive posture.
"Minister! I...I'm so sorry...I thought you were someone else!" Zelda said.
"In the name of Din...who were you expecting?" the Minister asked.
"I...I don't know." she admitted.
"Someone menacing for sure." Blackmoore muttered.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Zelda asked.
"Your father sent me to fetch you, he wants you to sit in on the Council Meeting." Blackmoore said.
"Why would he send you and not Impa?" the Princess asked.
"Because, I managed to get on his bad side and now I'm his errand boy for the week." the Minister explained.
"Oh, I suppose that sounds like my father." Zelda said with a hint of skepticism. She had long felt uncomfortable around the man, but Impa's feelings about him made her somewhat fearful... this whole situation was strange to her.
"Oh yes, King Gustaf requested you wear this." the Minister said, taking a necklace out of his pocket. "It was worn by the last Princess Zelda...he thinks it will command respect from the Council...I of course don't think you have to worry about that."
"Oh...okay...I...I'll be back in a minute." Zelda said as she made to shut the door.
"Please, allow me to put it on...time is of the essence and I can't afford to be late." the Minister answered.
Zelda grit her teeth, looking around hesitantly, finding to her chagrin the Guards had been sent away. "I guess that's alright, but make it fast..."
"Of course, Princess." the Minister said. Blackmoore tried his best to appear calm, but internally he was shaking, one moment Veran had relieved him all responsibility but now Ganondorf's expectations rested on him, even the hands of a Goron blacksmith couldn't produce pressure so immense. He quickly strung the necklace around the Princess' neck, noticing her pull away slightly, he took great care to finally snap the clasp in place when the spell Veran had put in place took hold, the Princess going still, essentially falling asleep on the spot. "You're lucky Ganondorf needs what's in that head of yours...for now." Blackmoore placed his thumbs on the back of the Princess' head while he positioned his fingers along her temples and forehead. Purple arcs of electricity began to crackle over his fingers before the energy channeled itself into her, the Princess' veins being filled with a violet glow.
The Minister tilted his head back as his eyes lit up with the same color. He suddenly found himself within a grassy meadow, a massive tree before him, each leaf being a certain memory. "What I'm looking for won't be in there." he thought to himself as he walked over to a hill, swiftly making his way over it as he could feel Zelda's conscious mind beginning to return. As Blackmoore crested the hill he found himself confronted with a tall stone wall, a gold glow coming from beyond it.
"I've opened the path." the Minister said.
Back in the real world, Minister Blackmoore arched his back, gritting his teeth as Ganondorf himself entered his mind and began to take control.
Within Zelda's mind, the Minister fell to his knees, looking up to find Ganondorf standing over him.
"You've done well, but don't think you've earned yourself a place at my side just yet." the Demon King said as he started towards the wall.
"Of course...Master." Blackmoore replied shakily.
Ganondorf proceeded forward, smirking as he thought about how easy this was, the Princess of Destiny and the Hero of Legend had troubled him for centuries and yet without their memories they were just children. He could kill her right now if he pleased, but the time wasn't right, the Princess' sudden murder within the Castle would ignite an uproar that would eventually lead to him being found out prematurely, something similar had already happened during the Hero of Time's era, except his attempt upon her life was unsuccessful. The Demon King reached out an arm as he approached the wall, lying his hand against it and closing his eyes.
Minister Blackmoore watched Ganondorf intently, fearing any moment that the Princess would stir and he'd be discovered, he'd be lucky if he weren't killed outright...he had more to lose in this than Ganondorf did. He took a step towards the Gerudo man, coming to a halt as he began to glow a golden hue, the Demon King collapsing into a form of pure energy before being sucked into the wall entirely.
"M...Master Ganondorf!" he called as he ran towards the wall, nearly falling as he reached it. "Master Ganondorf?" he repeated, slowly reaching out and touching the wall when suddenly it felt like a spike was driven into his head, he Minister falling onto his back and clutching at his head as the pain diminished. He slowly stood up, a scene flashing through his mind in which he was staring into the eyes of a young blonde man with blue eyes, his features were striking and by most standards even stunning. "What in the Dark World was that?" Minister Blackmoore muttered.
"A memory." a voice replied.
The Minister shot to his feet as Ganondorf appeared behind him, his usual stern expression adorning his face, but there was something different about him. "Did you find what you need, my Lord?" Blackmoore asked.
"What did you find?" Ganondorf countered, an intimidating tone to his voice.
"I touched the wall and just saw a flash of something...I didn't even know what it was." the man answered.
"The Princess is nearly Seventeen, the wall that holds back her centuries of memories is beginning to crumble away, I believe you touched a crack in the wall and were able to experience one of those memories...now tell me...what did you see? This time in detail." Ganondorf said.
"It was just a grassy field with a few trees in the distance, nothing more than that." the Minister answered.
"Be glad you didn't see too much." Ganondorf growled.
Blackmoore made to respond when suddenly he was back in the real world, Zelda still standing frozen in front of him. He quickly oriented himself, taking his hands off of her head as Zelda awoke quickly. The Minister knew if he didn't say anything it would arouse her suspicions, so he forced himself to speak. "There we go, how does it feel?"
"It feels like a necklace." Zelda replied, placing a hand on her head.
"Is there something wrong, your Grace?" the Minister asked.
"No, it's just, I feel somewhat disoriented...it's passing though." Zelda said.
"I'm glad to hear it's passing, such a thing can be quite distracting during a Council meeting...shall we be on our way?" Blackmoore said.
"Yes, we shall." Zelda said, being careful to keep her distance from the man, the she knew the way she felt was no coincidence.
oOo
"As you've heard, there's been attack within the borders of Castle Town." King Gustaf said, looking out over the table.
"Are we sure they're related, I mean, it could have just been a disagreement." Minister Svelheim replied. "The victim in this attack was a well known mystic, sometimes Sorcerers get in disagreements and it, regrettably, ends this way."
"It's too similar to the other attacks to ignore, according to our witnesses the attacker was wearing the same black and gold armor survivors of the other attacks said their assailants were wearing." Jakob said.
"Just one attacker? That's ridiculous...one man couldn't do that." Minister Blackmoore said.
"With a certain level of magical ability, there's almost nothing one can't do." Impa said, making eye contact with Minister Blackmoore. "I have a feeling you know that."
"What are you trying to say?" Blackmoore questioned, narrowing his eyes at the woman.
"Enough, we must stay on topic." King Gustaf said. "Soon enough the letter outlining our terms will reach the Mayor of Clock Town and depending on his response, we'll be forced to retaliate...as you know, it's likely Termina will not surrender the men who committed the attacks or the territory we've demanded so I've appointed Sir Jakob of House Lirien to lead the war effort and as such I've made him my hand, that way he can act in my stead as I will not be on the battlefield."
"My Grace, I don't mean to question you, but wouldn't it be beneficial to the moral of our Soldiers if you were to fight beside them?" Minister Thalmont asked.
"My place is here, question me like that again and I'll throw you off the Council." the King growled.
"I understand, my apologies, my King." Thalmont said, glancing at Blackmoore.
"Before we make any rash decisions, I caution against going to war so quickly." Impa called. "The only evidence we have that Termina is responsible for these attacks is a piece of cloth adorned with the sigil of Clock Town...where are the bodies of the Soldiers that attacked you? Did you even once hear them speak? I just...I fear we're being mislead."
"Why don't you go back to the Spirit Temple?" Jakob growled. "Who knows, maybe they're still there, you can go in there and fight off three times as many of them as there are of you while the desert sun beats down upon you and sand is flying through the air...and while you're at it, drag one of the bodies back with you while you're being pursued...go ahead, I'm sure you can do it." Jakob snapped.
"Mind your tone with me, boy." Impa hissed.
"Boy? You dare refer to me as 'boy'?!" Jakob shouted as he stood up.
"Calm yourself, Jakob!" King Gustaf called. "Our Minister of Defense was just doing her job. She merely had some concerns."
"And you addressed them...in one way or another." Impa said.
"Back on the topic of the most recent attack...what do we know about the victim?" Minister Crenissa asked.
"His name was Sahasrahla...he had no family name and no family to speak of, but this was more or less expected given his advanced age." Minister Blackmoore explained. "He was actually a person of decent importance, he used to be the Village Elder of Kakariko but fled to Castle Town suddenly, since then he's become known in the eastern district for being a skilled mystic as well as encouraging people to pray to the Goddesses more often, apparently he thought the end was nigh...and on top of that he had an apprentice."
"I'd like to say something." Minister Kalwin said. "You present him like a madman but he was devoted to the faith of the Goddesses, he and I met on a few occasions to speak of it...I even invited him to the Spring Ball...if he feared something was coming...he may have been right...and for all we know that's why he was killed."
"Well, whether or not you're right or wrong, we need to find this apprentice of his, his body wasn't at the scene so I think it's safe to assume he escaped and is hiding somewhere." Minister Thalmont said.
"I already have city guards out looking for them, I believe he knows something." Jakob said.
"If you need more eyes let me know and I'll allocate some Castle Guards for this purpose, with all the goings on, we are in dire need of answers." King Gustaf said.
Zelda looked around sheepishly, she had a hard time feeling like she fit in at gatherings like these, but Impa's presence at least made her feel safe. "I...I'd like to say something." she announced.
All of the Ministers turned towards her, the King himself looking somewhat surprised, usually when she was involved in council meetings the Princess just stayed quiet and waited them out, it was rare for her to make a statement.
"Well then, let's hear it." King Gustaf responded.
"I...think Impa was right, we may be declaring war too soon." she said.
"I don't mean any disrespect, but the wheels are already in motion, we can't stop now." Thalmont replied.
"I have to agree, I've already selected the Sorcerers who are to assist the army during the coming battles, I'd hate to see all of that be for nought." Minister Svelheim added.
"I side with the Princess and Impa." Minister Crenissa chimed in. "The evidence we have against Termina is sparse at best."
"I myself wouldn't be surprised if...the Demon King himself were responsible for this." Minister Kalwin said in a hushed tone.
"Goddesses, here we go with the religious lunacy." Minister Blackmoore said.
"I just think we need to slow down...Impa has a point, someone might be trying to redirect our attention elsewhere." Zelda added.
"Zelda, dearest..." Jakob began. "I don't think you quite understand...maybe someday you will but for now I just ask that you try to see the facts...Termina has had reason to be jealous of Hyrule for centuries...we knew this was coming."
"If you say so." Zelda said, sitting back and casting her eyes off to the side.
"Does anyone have any concerns they wish to share?" the King asked.
"I think we've about covered everything." Jakob answered.
"Then the meeting is adjourned." the King said.
Zelda stood up, eyeing Minister Blackmoore as he exited the room, she felt like she was missing a small amount of time, as if there was something she couldn't quite remember.
"Did he do something?" Impa asked.
"I'm not sure." Zelda replied.
"I can make him talk." Impa answered.
"I'm sure you can." Zelda said with a smirk.
"I've followed him back and forth across the Castle, even when he leaves on business I trail him as far as I can...but I have yet to find anything incriminating." Impa said in a frustrated tone.
"Maybe he's realized you're following him." Zelda suggested.
"If so he's more cunning than I gave him credit for." Impa replied. "It's just the way you looked at him today...it's as if he did something...Goddesses, I would have been there, it's just..."
"My father called a meeting and sent him instead of you, I know." Zelda replied.
Impa stopped for a moment, looking down at Zelda, blinking in surprise. "That's not right, your father didn't call for him to rouse you, he volunteered before I could, which I was not expecting but should have been." Impa said.
"So my father didn't send him?" Zelda asked.
"No, no he did not." Impa responded, gritting her teeth.
"What's going on then?" Zelda pressed.
"It's time to make him talk...that's what's going on." Impa growled.
"Daughter!" Gustaf called as he exited the room, Jakob right behind him. "It's good to see you getting involved, it will be your job to hold Council someday."
"Yes, I, um, look forward to it." Zelda said dryly.
"Don't worry, even I would rather not attend sometimes, but it's an important duty." Gustaf said before turning his attention to Impa. "Am I interrupting something?"
"No, my King, of course not." Impa said. "I was just about to tend to some business elsewhere, farewell for now."
"Impa, one last thing." the King called.
"Yes, your Grace?" she responded.
"What's done is done, we're going to war with Termina, so don't question me again, even if you are Minister of Defense." the King said, a sudden cold tone to his voice.
Impa looked taken aback before narrowing her eyes and taking a bow. "Of course, my King, I apologize for my transgressions." she said, a hint of sarcasm to her voice only Zelda seemed to able to detect.
"It's alright, now be on your way." the King said, Impa nodding before heading off. "Tell me, why did you support Impa? She hasn't been using her position as your bodyguard to influence you, has she?" the King asked.
"No, I'm just afraid..." Zelda admitted.
"You don't have to be." Jakob cut in. "I'll be coming back."
"I'll let you two have some privacy...but not too much." the King said before heading off towards his study.
"How do you know? No one truly knows what's going to happen...what if someone comes up behind you? Or what if you're hit by an arrow? You can't always see something coming." Zelda argued.
"Don't worry, I'll always wear ample armor and make sure I'm aware of my surroundings, besides, I'll have my best men at my back at all times." Jakob said.
"We don't know what Termina has, though." Zelda replied.
"Zelda, my beloved, I'm afraid you just don't understand the workings of war." Jakob said as he placed a hand on her cheek. "You have nothing to fear...just think about the ball tonight, I'll see you then." he said.
"Yes, see you then." Zelda said, a small smile coming to her face.
"Shall I walk you back to your chambers?" he asked.
"Please." Zelda said, intwining her arm with his.
oOo
"So you did it? You actually did it?" Thalmont asked.
"Yes, it was...far more taxing than I anticipated." Blackmoore answered.
"Goddesses, I'm glad I'm not you." Thalmont laughed.
"At least I got to serve our Lord Ganondorf directly." Blackmoore responded.
"Did he say anything pertaining to us? Thalmont asked.
"Just that we shouldn't expect a spot at his side just yet." Blackmoore said.
"That's ridiculous, we're among Hyrule's elite and serving him as his underlings...a little gratitude would be nice." Thalmont snapped.
"You should be careful, he could be listening." Blackmoore replied.
"I hope not...did he find what he was looking for?" Thalmont inquired.
"I'm not sure...but he did seem pleased, he was more preoccupied with what I saw." Blackmoore explained.
"What do you mean? You saw something?" Thalmont pressed.
"When Lord Ganondorf went in to search her memories I touched the wall that separated her old memories from those of this life...and...I saw...or rather experienced one of those memories, it was just for a moment but I glimpsed the Hero himself." Blackmoore said.
"Did you tell Ganondorf of this?" Thalmont inquired.
"No, he seemed to be worried about what I saw, so I told him I just saw grass and trees." Blackmoore responded.
"Why'd you lie to him about that?" Thalmont asked.
"Because...the Hero...he looked just like Bastion...I don't think he wanted me to know this." Blackmoore said.
"Just like him? How so?" Thalmont pressed.
"As in they could be twins? I...I'm not sure but I think Bastion is some kind of dark reflection of the Hero...I know it sounds farfetched, but Lord Ganondorf is not at his peak in this lifetime...maybe Bastion is his weapon against the boy." Blackmoore said.
"Why not apprise us of this? Does it really matter that much?" Thalmont replied.
"I'm not sure...but maybe after tonight we'll be kept in higher esteem." Blackmoore said.
"If everything goes right." Thalmont added.
"Indeed." Blackmoore answered as he pulled a small bottle out of his desk drawer. "Golden Skulltula venom, it causes a quick death that resembles pneumonia, no one will know what to make of it and the poison is undetectable, even through magical means...by this time tomorrow the Princess will be no more and we'll get the respect we've been working towards."
"Hopefully." Thalmont commented.
oOo
Link quietly crept out of his window, he looked back at both Viktor and Dahlian, the two being fast asleep, he quickly cast a glance over at Zinnia's room, noticing the glow of a candle, luckily she wasn't admiring the view of Castle Town at night. The Hero gauged the drop to the ground, scanning his surroundings until he spotted on awning a meter away. Link began to shift his weight as he hung from the window sill, throwing himself from side to side to gain momentum before letting go and landing directly on the awning, he quickly fell onto his side, sliding off of it and landing on both feet.
Link whirled around to start his trek, jerking to a halt as he saw two stunned fruit vendors looking at him.
"...eh...sorry about that, I just needed to make a quick exit." Link said.
"You couldn't use the door?" one vendor asked.
"You're selling fruit at this time?" Link countered.
"It's never too late for fruit...especially with this many people in town." the man replied.
"Got me there." Link said with a shrug before heading off.
The streets of Castle Town had changed slightly over the intervening years but fortunately not to the point they were unrecognizable. The Hero weaved through the crowded alleys and thoroughfares, somewhat agitated by the amount of activity taking place at night. All things considered, it wasn't too late, though, his friends just decided to call it a night early due to not having slept much during their journey, especially after the Poe attack.
Link passed by an arms dealer's hut, catching a reflection of himself in a large metal shield that was propped up next to it. The Hero turned, looking himself over, he wore the clothes of a peasant, his hair was a fair bit longer than he usually had it and his features were sharper than they were in his last life, he hoped Zelda wouldn't mind the change, at least the smell of fish didn't cling to him like it did after the workday back home.
"Oy, eight-hundred rupees fer that one!" the vendor shouted.
"I was just passing by." Link said before continuing on his way, the man simply waving him off.
It wasn't long before he came upon a slim and dark alley, only a couple people traveling through it. Link approached a door that looked like an antique itself, a sign that read 'closed' hanging across it. "I don't know if you're still here, but might as well try." Link said quietly before raising his fist, knocking in a certain pattern. The Hero took a step back as heavy footsteps started towards the door, a large Goron wrenching it open and ducking under the door frame before looking Link head-to-toe.
"You're late." the Goron said.
"You knew I was coming?" Link asked.
"I saw the signs of your arrival, the meteors and such, I've been waiting for almost a year now." the Goron answered.
"Do you still have it all?" Link inquired.
"Did your payment clear last time you were here?" the Goron countered.
"Yes, they thought I was crazy for paying for over a century of storage...but yes." Link responded.
"Then I still have it all, crazy or not." the Goron said.
Link followed the Goron down a dark, stuffy hallway, door after door on both sides, most being open, the rooms empty. "Not too many clients these days?"
"They keep on building this city up and outward and places like this tend to get buried, you're lucky I managed to keep this business alive." the Goron replied as he handed Link a key and pointed towards a door that was covered in a layer of dust. "Whatever you have in there, you might want to brush off before you take it with you."
"Noted." Link said as he unlocked the door and threw it open, smiling as he set his eyes on the trove of items. Among them were his ball and chain, megaton hammer, Ordon Sword, his Claw Shots, his Zora tunic and his Magic armor. "Come on, I know it's in here somewhere." Link called.
"What are you looking for? Maybe I can help you find it." the Goron said.
"My formal wear." Link replied.
"Why don't you just wear that." the Goron said, pointing at the Magic Armor. "Looks nice and shiny, I think it would impress."
"What? That?" Link asked, gesturing towards the armor. "That thing has a way of draining the finances, if I remember correctly, and once their drained well...it would be like trying to walk with you on my back."
"I'll have you know I'm not eating as much anymore...trying to lose weight." the Goron spat.
Link stopped for a moment and raised both his hands. "Hey, it wasn't a jab, I was just saying, Gorons are heavy."
"Yeah, sure, find your clothes yet?" the Goron asked.
"Actually." Link said, pulling a pack out of the middle of a jumble of weapons. "Yes, and I had the foresight to pack it away so it wouldn't get dust on it."
"Great, I hope it's not out of fashion. the Goron man said.
"As do I." Link said as he began to walk away before being struck by an idea. "Wait a moment, I'll be taking this too." he said as he retrieved one of his Claw Shots.
"Hey, before you go, once you're King would you mind helping me drum up some business maybe?" the Goron asked.
"You're awfully casual about meeting the Hero of Legend, you know." Link commented.
Well, I've known you were coming for years, I was ready." the Goron replied.
"I'll see what I can do about helping you out." Link said with a grin before heading out. "I almost forgto to ask...what's your name?"
"Rosso, just my father and his father before him." the Goron man answered.
"That will be easy to remember, it was your grandfather who helped me store my belongings here in the first place." Link said with a grin. "Anyhow, I must be on my way, I'll be seeing you again soon."
"Be careful out there." Rosso said as Link left.
The Hero fastened the pack over his shoulders before briskly walking out into the street, the Spring Ball would be starting any moment now and he had to be there. Link ducked down an alleyway, heading straight for the Castle when he suddenly felt something off, the faint echo of footsteps reverberating throughout the alley. The Hero slowed his walking pace, listening as whoever was following him scurried from hiding place to hiding place. Link gave a quick glance over his shoulder, watching as a pair of eyes swiftly ducked around a corner.
"I saw you." Link said as he approached the corner.
"You shouldn't have come back." the other boy said as he revealed himself. He was dressed in a green robe, his white hair partially tied back while the rest fell in a frame around his face.
"Whoever you are, you must know I don't have much choice in the matter." Link replied.
"Your disguise doesn't fool me!" the other boy yelled as he hurled a ball of flame at Link.
The Hero rushed forward, intercepting it with his sword before charging at his opponent. The other boy used telekinesis to raise a barrel off the ground and toss it at Link, the Hero performing a spin attack and shredding it to pieces.
"Damn." the boy said as he raised both hands, firing a volley of energy blasts at Link.
The Hero darted around them before deflecting three back with his blade. The white haired boy throwing himself to the ground as the blasts flew over his head.
"Who are you?!" Link growled.
"You don't remember?!" the boy shouted in response, telekinetically ripping cobblestones out of the street and launching them at Link.
The Hero launched himself into the air, spinning horizontally as the stones passed around him, Link reaching out and snatching one out of the air before landing with a roll and shooting to his feet, the other boy raising a barrier as Link hurled the cobblestone back at him. The Hero waited for the boy to drop his shield before launching his Claw Shot at him, the boy releasing a startled yelp as it grabbed him the by the robe and dragged him over to Link.
"I'll ask again! Who are you?" Link said, placing the edge of his sword directly against the boy's neck.
"You know who I am." the boy said.
"Whoever you think I am, you're wrong." Link replied.
The other boy squinted at Link, looking over his every feature. "You mean...you're not using a glamour spell to look more...human?"
"No, this is how I really look...what the hell are you on about?" Link pressed.
"I...you...you look just like him...and it's not just that...I used a spell to trace his essence, that way I could find anything he's left a mark on just in case I couldn't find him...and it lead me to you." the boy explained as Link released him.
"Did he wear black and gold armor and have an arrogant manner to him?" Link asked.
"You've met him?" the boy asked.
"He attacked my village, the reason you found me is because I have his sword." Link said, holding up the blade.
"So you know he looks just like you?" the boy asked. "...my name's Osfala, by the way."
"Well, Osfala, what do you mean he looks just like me?" Link inquired.
"I mean, he looks like you, but his skin and hair are lighter and his eyes are red...I thought you might be him using a glamour spell to look more...normal." Osfala replied.
"Tell me more." Link demanded.
"He said he was your dark side...before he killed my mentor...so that would make you the real Hero of Legend...right?" Osfala asked.
"Right." Link said, thinking back to his fight with Bastion, realizing how hard he had tried to keep his face hidden. "So I have a copy of myself running around." Link said.
"Are you not disturbed by this?" Osfala asked.
"It wouldn't be the first time...but it would be the first time a 'Dark Link' has been anything more than a magical construct made in my image. Whoever this Bastion really is, I'm guessing Ganondorf had something to do with his creation...and the Spring Ball would be the perfect time to stage an attack." Link said.
"You plan on going to the Spring Ball?" Osfala asked.
"I'll get in one way or another." Link said, readying his Claw Shot.
"You won't be needing that." Osfala replied as he began digging in his pack. "These were for my mentor and I from Minister Kalwin, but Sahasrahla is gone, so it's you and me." Osfala said, holding up two invitations.
"Are you sure you want to be part of this?" Link responded.
"If it means avenging Sahasrahla, then yes, I'm absolutely sure." Osfala said as he stood up, he and Link making their way towards the Castle.
oOo
Veran, Koume, Kotake and Bastion snapped to attention as Ganon opened his eyes, their color returning after his trance-like state.
"How did it go?" Bastion asked.
"Did you get what you needed?" Veran added.
"It turns out part of the Sealed Grounds still exists, tell me, does the 'Woodfall Temple' mean anything to you?" Ganondorf asked.
oOo
And there's my longest chapter yet for this story, I just don't know how much time there's going to be between updates so I try to pack in as much as possible! I hope you don't mind!
GerudoSpirit: I was hoping you'd like the nod to ALBW, I hope the timeline thing makes sense, aside from it's placement I also just really wanted to use those characters again! The Queen is from outside of the royal family, so you are right in that aspect. She wants to feel as important as her husband and daughter and that's kind of how she fell under Veran's sway. I'm glad you like the chapter and are satisfied with the speed of my updates! Thanks for the review!
Ultimate Blazer: Thank you! Things are definitely coming together!
Generala: A square it is, as you've probably realized! Link and Zelda are meeting again very soon, so you have that and Jakob's reaction to look forward to! Thanks for reviewing, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Christopherprime22: Thank you for reading! I'm so glad you like it so far! Hearing that my writing is clear and the battle scenes are fun is awesome! I always wonder how they're received so that's definitely good to hear! Don't worry, that reunion is coming real soon! Thanks for reviewing!
Thank you to everyone who hit follow and favorite on myself and my story! You guys are awesome!
Thank you for reading! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
-Prometheus17