Veran crept through the dark and barren landscape, taking care to avoid the strange black trees that looked like dead, tangled masses of branches, the ground beneath her feet rocky and uneven. The Dark Fairy tried to pull her clothing tighter over her body for warmth, but in the ragged and torn condition they were in, it didn't do much for her. She gave one last pleading glimpse up towards the sky, turning away when she was only greeted by a black cloud cover, crimson lightning crackling across them. She recalled the first time she had tried to escape the Dark World, transforming into a raven and ascending towards the clouds above only to be knocked back by the blood red electricity that coursed through them, it was only after she had attempted escape a dozen times that she finally realized that the overcast skies were not just clouds, but an impenetrable barrier though which no dark soul could pass. Veran hung her head, having long past the point of trying to bargain her way out of this situation, despair filling her as she resigned herself to her fate.
The Dark World was not as it was believed to be by many. When one who lead an evil existence met their end, they were reborn in the Dark World exactly as they were when they died, thus Veran still wore her Sorceress' robes, the garments still baring the damage from the Hero's blade. "The Hero..." she thought, gritting her teeth and shaking at the thought of that boy...she was trapped here because of him, she had endured this for centuries with no end in sight because she hadn't been strong enough to defeat a mere child. The Dark Fairy trudged along, looking off into the distance as other lost souls aimlessly wandered their cold, dark prison.
Suddenly a screech was heard overhead, a chill traveling up Veran's spine as the beat of it's wings drew closer. "Dragon." she whispered as she dashed towards the gnarled branches of a nearby tree, the few other individuals in sight attempting to do the same. The Dragons were the Dark World's guards, the creatures having emerged from the burning fissures that lined the Dark World's outer boundaries, patrolled the skies, looking for souls to consume. Veran knew from experience that it was extraordinarily unpleasant, for when one died in the Dark World, they woke up right where they started, the Sorceress having been foolish enough to challenge a Dragon once, only to find her powers were not as great here as they were in the living world and was summarily devoured, feeling every bite and gnash of teeth when suddenly everything went black, Veran finding herself lying on the ground, right where she began, she never made that mistake, on purpose, again.
She watched as the beast swooped down and picked up an unlucky soul, the Sorceress quietly thankful that it wasn't her. Dragons were native only to the Dark World until Ganondorf opened a rupture between the Earth and the Dark World in the First Age, the Dragons pouring out onto the Earth, some evolving into their smaller but fiercer cousins, the Argoroks. The Dark Fairy stepped out from underneath the tree, her ears twitching as she heard the sound of footsteps behind her, turning to find Koume and Kotake standing behind her, the two wearing amused expressions.
"My, my, haven't you seen better days?" Koume crooned.
"I thought Ganondorf resurrected you...shame to see you wasted a second chance at life." Veran replied sarcastically.
"I see even the Dark World hasn't cooled you down at all." Kotake remarked.
"Take your leave of me, even in a place as dismal and lonely as this, I find your company undesirable." Veran said.
"You wound us." Koume began. "We're here to make you an offer."
Veran narrowed her eyes at the Witches, there was only one offer she was interested in hearing, and she was sure they knew that. "Speak, then."
"Contrary to what you believe, we didn't waste our second chance...instead we worked out of sight, helping to create monsters and manipulate events, so that even when Ganondorf was struck down yet again, even the boy, the Hylian Princess and the Twili Princess were unaware of our involvement."
"Did you say Twili?" Veran asked.
"Yes, they'd found a way back to our world...the portal to theirs has been destroyed, though." Kotake answered.
"That would explain why I've seen one wandering down here, crying out Ganondorf's name." Veran said.
"Ah yes, that would be Zant...he was quite hard to control, but he served his purpose." Koume laughed.
"With all that said, I'm guessing you want my help bringing back your 'son' again...don't you?" Veran asked.
Both witches went quiet, the only sound being the wind whipping across the barren plains of the Dark World and the distant screeches of beasts both sent and born there. "Waiting for him to reincarnate would waste a fantastic opportunity."
"How so?" Veran asked.
"The Royal Family has ruined their relations with the Zora, the Goron and the other lands...in this time period, we don't have to cut off Hyrule's allies as it has none." Kotake explained.
"And you think you can recruit them to your cause?" Veran responded.
"Maybe so...but even if not, no one will help Hyrule and if we need to attack another land, they won't be ready." Koume explained.
"So what do you think?" Kotake asked.
"If it gets me out of here, I'll do whatever you need." Veran said.
"Very well...let's get to work." Koume said as she and Kotake tapped their broomsticks on the ground, a beam of blue light descending from the Dark World's black clouds, striking Koume, Kotake and Veran, returning them to the living world.
oOo
Veran was roused from her thoughts by a pounding at the door to her chambers, the Dark Fairy giving it an irritated glance.
"What do you want?" she asked.
"The Hero...he's going to arrive sooner than expected." Bastion's voice answered through the door."
"Damn, let Lord Ganondorf know I'll be joining you shortly." Veran answered.
"Be quick about it...he's not in a good mood." Bastion said before departing down the hall.
Veran raised her arms, a set of sleek, black armor taking form over her body, she made for the door before looking outside, the weather in the Lost Woods reminding her too much of the Dark World. "I'm not going back...never again."
oOo
Link, Osafla and Jakob fell to the ground the moment they materialized, Link being the first to get back to his feet.
"A little rough on the landing?" Link asked.
"I had it, I just wasn't expecting him to jump in." Osfala said as he stood up, gesturing past Link.
The Hero turned quickly, hand on his sword to find Jakob standing behind him, his Goron Steel blade at Link's throat.
"Where in the Dark World are we?!" he shouted. "...And what is that noise?"
"I don't remember inviting you along." Link said in a low tone.
"Magic is forbidden within the Castle unless permission from the King himself is given...I will have both of you thrown out of Castle Town for this...but until then, answer my damned questions!" Jakob said as he placed the tip of his blade against Link's jugular.
"These are the Lost Woods and that music you hear is the song of the Skull Kids." Link replied.
"Song of the what?!" Jakob questioned.
"Skulls Kids, spirits of Kokiri that became lost and never found their way out of these woods, they play their song to lure in more children and they turn them into Skull Children too." Link said. "If you're an adult...you're lucky if they kill you quickly."
"This is ridiculous." Jakob growled, turning his attention to Osfala. "You, Sorcerer, take us back. Now."
"Considering you've threatened us with punishment you'll undoubtedly be able to carry out if we go back...I refuse." Osfala said.
"Now you listen to me!" Jakob roared as he moved away from Link, the Hero eyeing him as he stalked towards Osfala, sword at the ready. "I am the King's Hand and the most powerful person in Hyrule behind the King himself-"
"Except for the Queen and Zelda." Link interjected.
Jakob whirled around, sword still aloft. "You stay out of this and my betrothed's name out of your peasant mouth!"
"I'm no peasant...I'm a Knight now...or have you forgotten?" Link said.
"Oh, yes, Sir Link the Unnamed...the nameless Knight, the Knight with no family...the lowborn bastard Knight." Jakob sneered.
"Fellows, we need to calm down. Link you said we were here for a reason?" Osfala said, trying to defuse the situation.
Jakob and Link, however, were not listening, their attentions fixed on each other.
"It's true, I have no family...I may literally be a bastard." Link began. "But when it comes to speaking figuratively...you're the bastard here." Link hissed.
"Goddesses help us." Osfala said as he backed away.
Jakob's face went blank as he stifled a gasp. "No one...not one single person has ever DARED DISRESPECT ME SO!" he roared, his voice echoing through the Lost Woods and rousing birds from their perches. "You! You are nothing but a low-born, farming, peasant with no family who thinks that he's somehow involved with the Princess...I've stifled myself for this long at the King's behest...but we're in a place where no one can see us...no one will stop me as I take your peasant head from your shoulders." Jakob snarled.
"This is getting out of-" Osfala began.
"Stay out of this!" Jakob yelled. "How about this...wait right there and once I'm done with him you and I can go back and we'll be done, you can go off and do whatever you were doing before you got caught up with him and I'll forget all about you...sound good?"
"I...I can't..." Osfala stammered.
"Listen to him." Link said. "Stay out of this."
"Fine, you'll have a moment or two to make your decision while I kill Link the Peasant Knight." Jakob said.
"Well?! Are you all talk?" Link shouted. "Come if you're coming."
"Such arrogance!" Jakob shouted as he charged at Link, performing a downwards strike coupled with a leftwards horizontal slash.
Link avoided both, but found himself surprised at the speed with which Jakob performed the maneuver. Link blocked a stab before fading back from a diagonal slash. The Hero darted in and performed two diagonal slashes, Jakob blocking the first and dodging the second before racing at Link and making two stabs followed by a vertical dowanwards slash, Link blocked the stands and sidestepped the slash before throwing a kick into Jakob's side, knocking the Noble back a step.
"Damn you!" Jakob shouted as he charged at Link.
Hero readied himself, block a barrage of slashes from Jakob, the Noble becoming visibly irritated at how easily Link was keeping up.
"How are you doing this? You should be dead by now!" Jakob shouted.
"I've dueled better than you." Link answered.
"There's no one better than me!" Jakob bellowed as he brought his sword up to his opposite shoulder, his armored arm guarding his chest.
Link thought this to be a chance when he looked upon the sword, runes inscribed along it's blade had begun to glow, a blue flame-like aura building around it.
"Link, watch out!" Osfala said as he raised a barrier around himself.
Jakob cried out as he swung his sword, Link crossing his arms in front of himself as a shockwave of blue energy blasted out of his blade towards him. Jakob smirked as it exploded in a brilliant flash, sending dirt, grass and remnants of vegetation everywhere. "You did this to yourself." Jakob said as he began to sheath his sword, pausing as a bright golden glow began to emanate from the dust.
"So that's how you want to play it?" Link said.
Jakob gasped as Link rushed from the dust cloud, his eyes glowing gold as the same aura surrounded him. The Noble brought up his blade to defend himself, the runes along it's length starting to glow once more but Link was upon him too quickly. the Hero performed a horizontal rightwards slash, Jakob attempting to block it only to have his sword knocked out of his hand, embedding itself in the dirt near Osfala. Link swung his sword back as Jakob watched the blade, only for Link to slam his palm into the Noble's chest, sending him flying across the meadow and onto his back.
Link's breathing slowed as the aura dissipated around him, the Triforce going dormant once more.
"Link...are...are you okay?" Osfala asked.
"I'm fine, just exerted myself more than I thought I'd have to." the Hero answered.
"What about him?" Osfala asked.
"He'll be fine, just knocked the air out of him is all." Link said as Jakob attempted to get up before falling back to his knees, holding himself upright as he coughed.
Jakob shook as he pushed out his last cough, slowly getting back to his feet as he breathed heavily. He stared forward at the wall of trees and bushes in front of him, his eyes wide. He steadied himself as he turned to face Link, meeting his gaze. "What are you?" he breathed.
"I know some magic." Link replied.
"I've seen a lot of magic in my time...and that was no magic." Jakob said.
"Can we talk about this later? My friends were abducted and taken here...we've already wasted too much time." Link argued.
Jakob felt his anger begin to well up inside of him when an unusually large Raven perched on a rock near him, it's eyes human in appearance.
Link felt a chill go down his spine as he looked up at it, he knew that form. "Jakob, step away from that-"
The raven let out a squawk before swiftly transforming into it's true form, Veran.
"What the-!" Jakob said as he stumbled backwards in surprise.
"Hero...you've finally come...and you've brought friends." Veran said with a grin.
oOo
"Listen, I don't know what you want, but whatever it is, my father can afford it." Dahlian pleaded through the bars.
"They can't hear you." Zinnia said quietly.
"What do you mean, they're right here." the boy said gesturing at the Guards.
"They're pretty much scarecrows brought to life, I can see the magic that animates them." Viktor answered.
"Well then, that means whoever this is can't afford actual guards which in turn means they can be bribed." Dahlian replied.
"Is it not clear to you now that they captured us for something else?" Zinnia asked.
"Like what?" Dahlian said.
"I don't know, but...that man...he looked almost identical to Link." the girl answered.
"Yes, yes he did...it was probably a glamour spell meant to lure is in." Dahlian replied.
"It wasn't...I could tell he wasn't using magic." Viktor replied.
"Well, okay Mister Sorcerer...if you're so damn skilled why can't you get us out of here?" Dahlian growled.
"This cage has an enchantment cast over it, I can't even perform a simple trick in here." Viktor said dejectedly.
"What do you want with us?!" Dahlian shouted as he threw himself against the bars.
Outside Bastion and the witches glared at the door while Blackmoore paced behind them.
"Are you sure I can't go in there and silence them?" Bastion growled.
"Maybe, but not right now." Koume answered.
"Not even the loud one?" Bastion replied.
"We don't plan on letting any of them live, they're here to lure the boy and once their purpose is served...that's that." Kotake said with a grin.
"I'm glad you three are enjoying yourselves." Blackmoore said pointedly. "I lost my position, my reputation, my lands and my wealth today...and so far we aren't any closer to our goal."
"Be patient." Bastion replied.
"Easy for you to say, you have nothing to lose." the former Minister responded.
"We know you're stressed, but with final piece of the Mirror of Twilight, our goals have already been furthered far beyond where they were even one day ago, one must only have faith." Koume said.
"Right...say you do succeed." Blackmoore began. "When Veran first recruited me, she promised me that my House would become Royalty once again...but now that I know...Lord Ganondorf is actually in charge, I doubt this...why would he give Hyrule to me?"
"You dare question the Master's plans?!" Bastion snapped.
"Calm yourself, boy!" Koume called.
"It may sound disrespectful, but he has a valid question." Kotake said. "Lord Ganondorf has far greater plans than just conquering Hyrule...someday all five lands will be his, it is his will that he will bring them all under his banner as the Dragmire Imperium."
"The Dragmire Imperium?" Blackmoore repeated.
"Dragmire was our Lord's surname during his first rebirth...he's quite attached to it." Kotake responded.
"Well, that explains one thing...how is he so sure he can conquer all five lands? The Ambii family has a firm grip over Labrynna and Holodrum while Gamelon has been ruled by it's Royal family since prehistory and Termina...it's politics may not be the same as the the other nations, but it's larger, more advanced and has more manpower than Hyrule does."
"Lord Ganondorf has taken control of Labrynna, Holodrum and Gamelon before...though Termina has managed to hold it's own, but it will soon be broken of that." Koume said.
"If you say so, but I still have my reservations." Blackmoore answered.
"And you're free to have those." a voice boomed.
Bastion, Koume and Kotake were quick to straighten up, Blackmoore jumping in fright.
"No need to be so fearful, Minister." Ganondorf began. "I'll come through on my promises as you have come through on yours."
"Master, does the Mirror of Twilight near completion?" Koume asked.
"I've encountered a slight delay, there are small chips missing, but I will be able to craft them myself...then I will be able to take my vengeance on that damned Twili Princess." Ganondorf answered.
"Surely we can help you." Bastion said.
"Only I know how to construct these missing pieces." Ganondorf replied. "Tell me, does the boy draw near?"
"Veran is leading him to us we speak...but he has brought two unexpected guests with him." Kotake responded.
"One of them is the apprentice of that old man I killed in Castle Town, the other is the King's Hand...apparently he wasn't brought along intentionally." Bastion replied.
"Veran relaying what she was seeing to us before she had to interact with them...the Hero and the Hand...they don't get along, you may be able to use this to your advantage." Koume explained.
"With any luck, I won't need an advantage." Ganondorf replied.
oOo
Zelda paced outside of the infirmary, the sound of Healers rushing about inside muffled by the door. She had tried to help only to be sent away by her father.
"I'm sure she'll be fine." Impa said, placing a hand on Zelda's shoulder.
"This all happened because of me...if I hadn't intervened..." the Princess began.
"Then who knows what that entity would have done to your mother, sometimes possession is not the worst thing that can happen." Impa answered.
"Do they know what was stolen?" Zelda asked.
"No, not yet, but that room your mother was forced to open...it hadn't been opened in hundreds of years and it wasn't noted in any official documents." Impa said.
"You'll tell me if they find out, right?" Zelda said.
"Of course." Impa responded.
The two looked up as the King exited the room, the man looking slightly surprised.
"Oh, you two are still here." King Gustav observed.
"I want to wait until mother's well...I know it's my fault this happened...but I want to be here for her." the Princess admitted.
"Goddesses." the King breathed as he looked down and stroked a hand over his face. "Zelda, I apologize for the mood I've been in...I just feel as if I'm losing control of everything. First my country and now my Castle."
"No one blames you, father." Zelda said.
"I know, but I blame myself, you were just trying to help heal your mother and I sent you away even though days ago you were recovering yourself...and now that boy and his friend who intruded on the ball are missing along with Jakob and apparently Blackmoore is a traitor..." the King said.
"That's an understatement." Impa began. "He attacked Zelda, he could have killed her had I not been watching him."
"It's not a problem." Zelda said. "I'm fine, I really am."
"I'll find Blackmoore and he'll be lucky if he's executed right away." the King said.
"My King!" Captain Yotin called as he ran up to the three, quickly taking a knee.
"This better be worth my time." Gustav said.
"Minister Crenissa found something in the library she thought you might like to see." the man said.
"Fine, but if she's taken me away from my family for something arbitrary, I may be looking for a new Minister of Education soon." the King responded.
"Father, I can come with you." Zelda offered.
"Where she goes, I go." Impa added.
"Fine." the King said, cracking a small smile. "Come along then."
The four ventured down the halls and stairways until they'd found their way back to the Great Hall, courtiers being kept at a distance by Guards as Sorcerers and historians investigated the rediscovered chamber.
"My King, thank you for coming so quickly." Minister Crenissa called as Gustav, Zelda, Impa and Yotin arrived.
"What is it you've found?" the King asked.
"Straight to the point then." the Minister said. "This way."
The King, Zelda and Impa followed her into the library, all three nearly choking on the stale, dusty air, allowed to circulate freely for the first time in centuries.
"All of these books are mainly about lineages, mythology and history, but among them are a few personal journals authored by Royals in the past." the Minister explained.
"How many have you read?" Zelda asked.
"None yet, we're afraid they'll fall apart of taken off the shelves, the Sorcerers you see down here are trying to restore their structure to a point at which we can freely remove them." Crenissa answered.
"Is this the reason you brought me down here?" the King asked.
"No, I wanted to show you this." the Minister said as she led them to the end of the chamber.
Spheres of light energy had been generated around them room by Sorcerers, bathing the room in a natural light, allowing the three to easily see the portrait hung on the wall.
"Who are they?" the King asked.
Pictured was a young man with blue eyes, golden hair and a beard of the same color with a woman at his side who had the same hair color, yet her eyes were a brighter blue than his. In front of them stood a small child, her features being a composite of their own. All three wore the royal attire of a time long past.
"The Queen in the portrait, she looks like you." Minister Crenissa said, looking at Zelda.
"That's to be expected, House Hyrule's genetics are strong, most men and women greatly resemble each other." the King said as he approached the portrait.
"Do you know who they are?" the Minister asked.
The King leaned in closer, examining the painting. "No, I don't...and to be honest that bothers me greatly...apparently I don't know my lineage as well as I thought."
Impa shifted uncomfortably behind them, she knew exactly who they were and when the portrait was made and she was having difficulty not saying so.
"They seem...familiar." Zelda said.
"They should, they are our family." the King said before turning back to Vera. "Once you've managed to mend some of these books, send for me, I would like to read them myself." he added before turning back towards the entryway.
"Father." Zelda called after him.
"Yes, dear?" he asked as he stopped, turning his head to face his daughter.
"May I stay here? I wish to look around some more." Zelda answered.
"I'll allow it, just be careful not to damage anything." the King began before shifting his gaze to Impa. "And you, make sure to watch her closely this time."
"Yes, my King." Impa said, gritting her teeth as she bowed, not letting her annoyance show.
"Thank you, father." Zelda said, bowing her head and waiting for the King to disappear from sight.
"Is there anything in particular you'd like me to show you, Princess?" Minister Crenissa asked.
"No, no...I'm fine, please, go about your business as usual." Zelda said with a sincere smile.
"As you wish, your grace." the Minister said before heading off towards another set of decrepit shelves.
"Is there any specific reason you wanted to stay down here?" Impa asked.
Zelda took a few steps away from her guardian, her eyes fixed upon the portrait. "I feel like I know who they are...but at the same time I know I've never seen them before." the Princess admitted.
"Well, the Queen in the portrait does resemble you greatly," Impa responded.
"All members of House Hyrule resemble each other...it's just...there's something so much for familiar about them.
"Well, maybe someday it will come back to you." Impa said.
oOo
"What?! Wh...who are you?" Jakob shouted.
"My, my, don't you need to learn to mind your manners?" Veran said with a smirk.
"Her name's Veran and she's here for me." Link said as he stepped forward.
"You have dealings with a witch, eh? I should have known." Jakob snarled.
"We have 'dealings', just not like that." Link said, eyes set on the Dark Fairy. "I thought you were dead."
"I was, but apparently I'm just too useful for them to let me stay that way." Veran replied.
"What are you two talking about?" Jakob interrupted.
"Hm, I can't help but notice you've brought a Knight and a Sorcerer with you...much better company than you had last time we met." Veran mused.
"Link, who is she?" Osfala asked as he eyed her.
"Her name is Veran, she's a Dark Fairy who wants what all villains want." Link growled.
"I may be a 'villain' to you, but your people have done much worse to this world than I have." Veran replied.
"This...this is insanity...and I am leaving." Jakob said.
Link's focus was taken momentarily from Veran as he turned to face Jakob. "Wait, they call these the Lost Woods for a reason, you'll likely never find your way out!"
"I'll take my chances." Jakob said before turning towards Veran.
"What?" the fairy asked. "Are you thinking I'll try to stop you?" she asked before letting out a sharp laugh. "None of this has anything to do with you. Run back home if you must, I care not."
Jakob grit his teeth for a moment before tossing up a hand and walking away, Link watching him as he disappeared into the trees.
"One down, two to go." Veran laughed.
"Can we finally cut to the chase now?" Link began. "You have my friends, I want them returned...safely...so what is it you want from me to make this happen?"
"Only to follow me." Veran said as she teleported from her perch to a spot on the ground a few paces from them. Link and Osfala watched as she gestured to her right, a portal opening beside her.
"Ladies first." Link said.
"Are you sure we should be going in there?" Osfala asked.
"If you want to leave now, I won't blame you, this is my fight." Link responded.
"I'm not going to abandon you now." Osfala answered. "Not like that cad who just walked away from us."
"Away we go then." Link said, walking after Veran, the Dark Fairy giving him a devious grin.
Link and Osfala entered the portal after the Fairy, both readying themselves as the portal closed behind them. The Hero placed a hand on his sword as Osfala called upon his magic. Before them stood Twinrova, fire roaring over one hand while a freezing mist coalesced around the other.
"Koume and Kotake." Link said as he narrowed his eyes. "So you two are also back...tell me, are you the ones in charge this time?"
"Don't worry about us, worry about your friends." the witch said.
Link jerked his head to the right as Zinnia, Dahlian and Viktor were lead of a room in chains by Minister Blackmoore and another man, a man who looked just like him.
"Link...that's him...the man who killed Sahasrahla." Osfala said.
Bastion smirked as he looked upon the two. "Well, I didn't expect to see you here, Osfala."
"You know my name?" the Sage asked.
"Of course, I was right there when your Master told you to run, said your name quite loudly right before I killed him." Bastion laughed before turning to face Link. "As for us, I think some introductions are in order."
Link stood rooted to the spot, hearing about his duplicate was one thing, but seeing him in the flesh was something different entirely. He looked exactly like his Twilight Era self, only with red eyes, a lighter skin tone and hair color. The Hero expected a Dark Link almost, not a real, living version of himself.
"What? Nothing to say?" Bastion asked.
"How...how's...?" Link stammered.
"How's this possible? Well let me-" Bastion began.
"How's the leg?" Link interjected.
"Wha...what?!" stuttered.
"Your voice, I should have known we've met before...I remember severing your lower leg...and I hadn't even remembered who I really was yet." Link began. "Tell me, the other warrior with you, was that him?" Link asked, nodding towards Blackmoore."
"What's he doing?" Dahlian asked.
"It doesn't even seem like he knows we're here." Viktor answered.
"You should pay more attention to these three." Blackmoore said as he leveled a sword upon Zinnia's neck, the girl trying to move away. "She's a strong one, not even a whimper."
"This isn't going to end how you want it to." Link growled.
"Kill them all, Link!" Dahlian shouted.
"Shut up!" Blackmoore spat, shoving Dahlian to the ground and holding the tip of his blade against his throat.
"Your move, Hero." Twinrova said mockingly.
"So, this is how it's going to go?" Link began. "A couple of old villains trying to scrape Ganondorf's empire back together? Sounds pretty cut and dry, but it's good to know you needed my help." he said, nodding at Bastion.
"Shut up and make your choice." Bastion responded.
"Either you can let your friends die and try to fight your way out, or give your life for theirs." Veran stated.
"Right." Link said, nodding as he took a step forward.
"What's he doing?" Viktor whispered.
"I think he's planning something." Zinna replied hopefully.
"Made your choice, have we?" Twinrova asked.
"Oh, I have." Link said. He quickly drew his sword before breaking out in a sprint towards his friends. "Osfala, now!"
Osfala lifted a hand, a dome of energy rising around, Dahlian, Zinnia and Viktor.
Blackmoore took a step back and began striking the barrier with a barrage of blue flames. "This thing isn't giving."
"You need to attack him!" Bastion shouted, pointing at Osfala.
"I have him!" Veran called as she warped behind the Sage. She quickly raised her hand and charged a blast of dark energy, but the boy was just as fast, turning and countering with a blast of light.
"I will avenge my Master!" Osfala yelled as he began to feel the power of a Sage rush through him, his light magic growing stronger by the second.
"No, there's no way." Veran said through gritted teeth as Osfala pushed her back, all while being able to still hold the barrier around Link's friends in place.
Link ran directly at Bastion, his dark copy baring his teeth as he stood opposite him, sword at the ready. The Hero smirked, Bastion giving him a confused glare. Suddenly Link ground to a halt, behind him Twinrova summoned twin blasts of flame and ice, tossing them both at the Hero, Link dropped into a fighting stance waited for both blasts to close in, performing a spin attack just as they reached him, the motion sucking in both, Link taking care to keep them separate before hurling them back at Twinrova, the witch letting out a scream as the blast of ice one side of her body just as the ball of flame struck the other, her own two attacks knocking her to the ground.
"What the..?" Bastion breathed.
"Don't just stare!" Blackmoore shouted as he ran past him.
Link leveled his sword at the former Minister, Blackmore shooting blasts of energy at him from his blade, the Hero easily deflecting all of them, the last of the barrage flying past Blackmoore's head, the former Minister slowing down for a moment only for Link to charge him, the two locking blades for a moment before Blackmoore broke away and made two vertical slashes at Link, the Hero blocking the first and darting away from the second only for the Minister to follow, jumping at Link with a stab, the Hero easily parrying it before dropping to one knee with a spin and slashing Blackmoore across the thigh, the man dropping to the ground with a yelp of pain before Link smashed upside of the head with the broad side of his blade, knocking him unconscious.
Link turned to his friends, their gazes fixed on him. "When the forcefield drops, run!" he shouted, all three nodding quickly.
"Does he not deserve the honor of being slain by the Hero?" Bastion asked.
"He'll answer for his crimes." Link growled.
Across the room Osfala and Veran continued their struggle while Twinrova lay behind him, using her magic to rapidly heal herself. The young Sage looked over to see that the Heroes friends were safe, he dropped the barrier and diverted the energy and focus he used for it towards Veran.
The Dark Fairy's eyes widened as Osfala's strength suddenly grew his light energy growing closer to her by the second. She tried to summon more dark energy to combat it, but it was futile. "You...you can't overpower me...even if you are a Sage...I killed the Sages!"
Osfala's eyes began to gleam with light as he gritted his teeth. "Their time was over, but mine has only just begun." he spoke.
Link watched as Dahlian, Viktor and Zinnia fled, Dahlian having to be pulled as he kept looking back at Link. The Hero turned away, closing his eyes once and asking the Goddesses for his friend's safety before he ran at Bastion, bringing his sword down upon him, Bastion blocking it before whirling around and stabbing at Link, the Hero deflecting it and trading his twin a vertical upwards slash and a diagonal downwards slash, Bastion dodging before and leaping back in with a jumping slash, Link parrying it and performing a spin attack, Bastion responding in kind, the attacks colliding and knocking the Hero and his dark doppelganger onto the floor, both jumping back to their feet at the same time and in the same stance.
"Those memories you have of your previous lives...I have them too, not in my mind, but my body...every technique you've ever learned, every fight you've ever fought...so have I." Bastion said with a smirk.
"But you weren't actually there, you didn't live them!" Link shouted back at him.
"We were both there." Bastion replied. "I was once a part of you but now I am you." he said as he raised his sword and pointed it at Link, a bolt of energy forming at it's point.
"Thought that may be true, I'd never be so foolish as to give away my next move to this extent." Link hissed.
"Oh, you mean this?" Bastion asked, nodding at his blade. "No, this isn't for you." he said as he loosed it.
Veran was losing ground as Osfala had begun stepping towards her, his stream of light energy nearly upon her as he strength began to fade. The young Sage had become sure of his victory when suddenly a blast struck him in the ribs, searing into his flesh and bursting.
Osfala cried out has fell to the ground, looking over at his wound as the blood began to soak into the clothing around it. Veran strode over to him, stopping a foot onto his chest causing him to inhale sharply.
"Not so arrogant now, are we?" the Dark Fairy asked.
"Hero!" Veran called.
Link turned, grinding his teeth as Bastion began to chuckle behind him. He growled as he saw Osfala lying on the ground with a wound to his side, Veran standing over him.
"Now that we've played your little game, let's get on with this." Veran said as he summoned a blast of dark energy, leveling it at Osfala's head.
Link scanned the room when he realized that Twinrova was missing, the witch suddenly reappearing with Zinnia, Viktor and Dahlian, the witch levitating to the ground and dropping the three in front of her, none of them being conscious.
"This little one right here." Twinrova said nudging Viktor with her foot. "He tried to fight my fire with his and all three of them lost."
"Link..." Viktor said weakly. "I...I'm sorry."
The Hero looked around quickly as Veran, Twinrova, Bastion and a recently awakened Blackmoore stood around him.
Twinrova placed a hand above his friends, fire igniting over it. "It's either these three and your friend over there." she said, nodding towards Osfala as he was held down by Veran. "Or you."
Link's heart was pounding as adrenaline coursed through him, he considered using his Triforce again, but knew there was no possible way he'd be fast enough. He sighed deeply as his heart slowed, a coldness washing over him. "Zelda...I'll see you in our next life." he whispered. "You win...take me...but please...keep your end of the deal."
"We may be the villains in your story, but we are not without honor of our own." Twinrova replied.
"On your knees." Bastion said as he placed a hand on Link's shoulder, quickening his descent to a kneeling position.
"Head forward." Blackmoore said telekinetically pulled Link's arms back.
Link tilted his head downwards, this is why he never asked for help, this is why he declined all offers, he never wanted this, he knew it would happen...he knew it would happen.
"Shame it has to end line this." Bastion said as he placed his sword on Link's neck, positioning it before lifting the blade into the air. "Killing you in a fair fight would have really made my day."
Everything felt so distant, Link could hear Twinrova and Veran laughing as Dahlian and Zinnia screamed, but all he could do was sit there and trust that his friends would be safe if he made this sacrifice.
"And so dies the he-" was all Bastion had the chance to say when a blue wave of energy swept over the room, causing the Hero's dark twin to fall his knees, Blackmoore to fly halfway across the room and Twinrova and Veran to stumble backwards.
Link got back to his feet and ran to his friends. "Are you alright?" he asked.
"Better now that we know we're not going to watch you get beheaded in front of us." Dahlian replied.
"Link, Viktor is fading fast...that woman, she hit him directly in the chest with a blast of flame." Zinnia said.
"It's okay, just hang on, I'll take care of this...then we'll get him out of here." Link said before standing up and turning towards the source of the blast, finding to his shock, Jakob striding out of the dust cloud, holding his sword in front of him, a blue aura surrounding it.
"Quite a fine mess you've gotten yourself into!" Jakob shouted.
"Thank you for coming back, I'm in your debt." Link replied.
"Saving you was less of a courtesy and more of an obligation." Jakob said as he and Link traversed the room carefully.
"What do you mean?" Link asked.
"When I was trying to find my way out of these damned woods I noticed this place in the distance...the sword on the roof, it's the same one that was atop the Spirit Temple when my men and I raided it...I realized these must be the same people I faced in the desert...so I had to investigate." Jakob explained.
"Why not just let me die then?" Link said.
"Because, though I loathe to admit it...I may need your help." Jakob replied.
The two walked through the haze carefully, centuries of dirt, dust and stone as well as more recent debris from their fight hanging densely in the air.
"There!" Link called. He and Jakob ran over to Osfala, a puddle of blood around the Sage. "He's almost gone."
"Here." Jakob said, producing a vial of red potion from his belt. "We'll need all the help we can get."
Link took the vial and poured it into Osfala's open mouth, the two waiting for a moment before the Sage sat bolt upright, coughing violent for a moment before looking around and placing a hand on his side, feeling that the would was gone.
"Feeling better?" Link asked.
"It's still sore...but I'm not dying anymore, so there's that." Osfala said before he noticed Jakob, both going still for a moment. "Oh...you're back"
"Yes, yes, never mind the fact I just saved both of your lives." the Knight answered.
"I tire of this." Twinrova's voice boomed. A sudden gust blew through the room, clearing the dust and blowing it out down the corridors.
Before Link, Jakob and Osfala stood Twinrova, Veran and Bastion, all three eyeing each other aggressively.
"Where's Blackmoore?" Link asked.
"What? Blackmoore's here?" Jakob asked.
"You didn't see him when you came in?" Link asked.
"I wasn't paying attention to who was in the damn room, I just trying to avoid hitting your pathetic ass." Jakob growled.
"He's over there...he's not quite as resilient as the rest of us." Bastion said, gesturing at the crumpled heap that once was the Minister of Royal Affairs.
"Goddesses, that man looks just like you" Jakob breathed, looking between Link and Bastion repeatedly.
"I know what you're thinking, he and I are not family and he's not a shapeshifter...there's for more to this than you know." Link explained.
"If we make it out of this alive, you're telling me everything." Jakob growled.
"Fine, let's just finish this." Link responded.
"It was only supposed to the boy here, not the two of you nuisances." Twinrova snarled. "But if you insist on dying with him...then we are happy to oblige!" she shouted as she, Veran and Bastion charged at Link, Osfala and Jakob.
Osfala met Veran once again, the two engaging in another struggle of light energy and dark energy.
"You got lucky last time!" Veran called.
"We'll see about that." Osfala growled.
Jakob took on Twinrova, the witch throwing balls of flame and bolts of ice at him, the Knight deflecting them with the help of the charm placed on his sword.
"You are a mortal, you stand no chance!" Twinrova shouted.
"I'm the most skilled swordsman in Hyrule, witch!" Jakob shouted as he charged at her.
Twinrova unleashed twin blasts of ice and fire, Jakob raising his blade and slashing it through the air, blue flames blowing away both attacks.
"Where did you go?!" Twinrova shouted as the smoke cleared and Jakob wasn't there. Suddenly she was struck from behind by a blast of blue energy, knocking the witch to the ground.
"Begone, witch!" Jakob called as he stabbed Twinrova in the back, driving his blade through her chest. "My blade feeds of the latent energy that flows through Hyrule and absorbs any that's thrown at it, before you die I just wanted to know you contributed to your own demise." Jakob said, Twinrova crying out as he thrust his sword through her, it's tip clanking agains the stone floor as it went all the way through.
"The first time we fought I underestimated you and you caught me off guard! It won't happen again!" Bastion shouted as he and Link clashed.
Hero leapt back before darting in with a downwards slash, then a diagonal slash, two stabs and a vertical slash, Bastion matching him blow for blow.
"Maybe you're right...maybe you are me...you definitely know how to fight like me...and you can definitely hold your own...but there's one thing you don't have." Link growled.
"Oh, really?" Bastion asked.
"Yes, really." Link said as he called on his Triforce of Courage, the power of the Golden Goddesses flowing through him, a gold aura surging over his body as his eyes glowed brilliantly of the same color.
Bastion called on his own magic, a crimson aura building around him. "You don't scare me, He-" he said when suddenly Link was upon him. Bastion held up his sword, stumbling backwards and nearly tripping over himself as Link pursued him. The Dark Warrior barely managed to block the attacks.
"It's over for you!" Link shouted.
"No!" Bastion yelled as he and Link clashed, the Hero forcing him back and with one mighty slash knocked the blade from Bastion's hand, the two locked eyes before Link struck Bastion three times, cleaving through his armor and flesh, blood pouring forth as Bastion fell to the ground. "It..wasn't...wasn't supposed to be like this." he breathed.
Jakob pulled his sword free, taking a step back when Twinrova stirred, bracing both her arms against the ground as she pushed herself up. "Pathetic mortal, you know not what I am." she said as she got to her feet.
"Whatever you are, I'm more than willing to finish the job." the Knight said as he brandished his sword.
They began to circle one another when something grabbed their attention, both finding Link, surrounded by a gold aura charging in. "Run to your death, Hero!" Twinrova said as she pointed both hands at Link, fire and frost shooting from them and towards the Hero.
"Hero?" Jakob whispered to himself.
"Damn you!" Twinrova cried out as Link ran through her attack before unleashing a series of slashes upon her, the witch falling just Link moved on to Veran.
The Dark Fairy struggled against Osfala's torrent of light energy when suddenly the Sage stopped and side stepped her dark magic, the blast exploding agains the wall behind him. "What is this?!" she shouted when suddenly Link charged in, a blinding aura surrounding him.
Veran's breath hitched as the Hero leveled his blade at her, her years of misery and torment in the Dark World flashing through her mind. "No, I'm not going back!" she cried as she leapt into the air before transforming into a raven and flying out the hole her blast created in the Forest Temple's wall.
Link breathed heavily as his aura dissipated, his eyes returning to normal.
"I had her." Osfala said.
"We'll get her soon, trust me, her type never stays gone for long." Link breathed.
"What in the Dark World was that?" Jakob called, a hint of shakiness in his voice. "And that witch...she called you 'Hero'. Explain everything, now."
"Can this wait? Veran is still out there and as long she's free, Hyrule is still in danger!" Link argued.
"You said you would explain yourself!" Jakob snapped.
"I said I'd do so once we finished this, Veran is still out there, so this is not finished." Link said.
"That's not what you meant!" Jakob shouted as he drew his sword.
"What's the use in explaining myself to you? You wouldn't believe me anyway." Link answered.
"Try me." Jakob growled.
Link stood up, staring down Jakob. "Maybe after I get them out of here, okay?" Link said as he made his way around the Knight and towards his friends.
"How are you holding up?" Link asked as he approached.
"Viktor still needs help." Zinnia said.
"What are you?" Dahlian asked pointedly.
"I'm Link, your friend." the Hero answered.
"No, you're not." Zinnia said. "You haven't been for a while, when we left Lake Hylia, you were still our friend, but after that fight in the woods, you've become someone else...and this...after this I don't know who you are."
"Listen, I can explain." Link replied.
"I feel like it would be better if you didn't." Dahlian said as he stood up. "You abandon us in Castle Town, get to know those fellows over there and then we get kidnapped and held hostage in this...I don't even know what this is..."
"And we don't want to be part of that anymore." Zinnia added. "Now can we please get out of here so we can get Viktor some help?"
Link cast his gaze downward, this happened in nearly every life but it never got easier to bare. "Fine, I'll fetch Osfala and we'll be off."
Link made it halfway to Osfala before a sinister booming laugh filled the chamber, seeming like it emanated from no where and every where all at once.
"So the Hero has returned once more." the voice said.
Link felt as if he had fallen in a pool of dark, freezing water, every part of his body tensing as he struggled to keep on moving.
"What in the Dark World?" Jakob breathed.
"Osfala! Get them out of here!" Link shouted. "This can't be true...he can't be back."
"The Nobility, the Knights of Hyrule and even your friends have turned on you...and it has brought you back to me." the voice said, resounding through the Temple's interior.
"Link, what's going on?" Osfala asked. "Who is that?"
"Just take them and go." the Hero said before turning to Jakob. "You should leave, too."
"I think not." Jakob said.
"Suit yourself." Link responded before turning back to Osfala. "Please, get them out of here."
"Link are you-" Osfala began.
"Yes, I am sure, now please, go!" Link said.
"Good luck with...whatever is going to happen." Osfala said before running over to the three.
"Who are you then?" Dahlian asked.
"A friend of your friend, now hang on." Osfala said, Zinnia and Dahlian exchanging glances before grabbing onto each other before hanging onto Osfala, Viktor already situation across Zinnia's lap.
Link watched as they disappeared in a golden flash before turning back to Jakob. "You have no idea what you just signed on for."
"I'm no coward, Hero." Jakob sneered.
"So, one of the gallant Knights of Hyrule has come to face me to." the voice said.
"Show yourself!" Jakob shouted.
The room went silent, unnaturally silent, suddenly Twinrova, Bastion and Blackmoore revived, all three standing up and locking eyes with the two of them before vanishing in a flash of green flame.
"But they were..." Jakob began.
"Dead?" the voice called, though this time it emanated from the corridor at the end of the chamber, Link's heart skipping a beat as Ganondorf himself entered the main hall of the Temple, slowly descending the stairs towards he and Jakob.
"They weren't quite gone, merely on the verge...and I brought them back." Ganondorf said.
"You can't be back, it's not possible, I killed you!" Link shouted.
"I have come back before." Ganondorf replied.
"I struck you through the heart with the Master Sword and you'd already been struck with the Sword of the Sages...we didn't seal you, we put an end to you, for good." Link said, Jakob giving him a perplexed look.
"Apparently my end was not as permanent as you believed." Ganondorf said.
"What's the purpose of bringing me here?" Link asked.
"To measure your power, I must say, it's grown since I saw you last, you can call on the Triforce in a way I didn't think you were able to...but it still won't be enough."
"There are two of us and one you." Jakob said as he started forward. "And we killed your minions once, we can do it again."
"There will not be an 'again'." Ganondorf said as he bared his teeth. "Even in my advanced years, you are no match for me! In this life there will be no searching for you, there will be no waiting until you're ready to face me, it ends here!" he called as the entire Temple began to shake, dust and rock falling from the roof and walls as cracks spider-webbed throughout them.
Link called on his Triforce, the aura beginning to build around him Jakob activated the spell cast over his blade, both beginning to charge forward. Ganondorf merely raised his hands, both Link and Jakob stopping and lifting into the air as if gripped by two massive fists.
"I no longer have the patience for the Goddess' games." Ganon hissed before shooting bolts of crimson lightning from his fingers, both Link and Jakob crying out in pain as it coursed through them. With one push Ganondorf shot the two across the room where they crashed into a wall before falling to the ground.
Jakob's chest heaved as his breath shook, the Knight tried to pick himself up off the ground but his arms wouldn't cooperate, he managed to summon what power he had left to roll onto his side, seeing like lying not for from him. Jakob's attention was taken by Ganondorf, the Demon King descending the stairs down to them, paying no mind to him. Jakob's eyes went wide as Link placed his hands on the floor and staggered to his feet, raising his sword and locking eyes with Ganondorf.
"You're not ready, boy." The Demon King said.
"I can't let you win." Link responded.
"Then come." Ganon said with a smile.
Link charged at Ganondorf, performing a downwards diagonal slash, then an upwards vertical and leftwards horizontal followed by a swift series of stabs, the Demon King dodging every one before hitting Link with another bolt of crimson lightning. Ganondorf watched as Link still forced himself back to his feet.
"Persistent as ever." Ganondorf said.
"Shut up." Link replied before charging at Ganon.
The Demon King readied to bat Link away when suddenly he was hit by a blast of blue fire, Ganon turning to find Jakob had risen to his knees, his sword still aloft.
"Why you-" Ganondorf began.
Link called on his Triforce of Courage, it's power flowing through and surrounding him once more as he lunged forward.
Ganondorf turned, seeing Link just in time and dodging to the side, Link still managing to slash him across the chest. The Hero ground to a halt and spun around, charging back at Ganondorf, the Demon King roaring as he seized the boy telekinetically and flung him into Jakob, both of them falling to the ground.
"You okay?" Link asked.
"How in Hyrule were you able to get back to your feet?" Jakob asked.
Both Link and Jakob looked up as Ganondorf strode towards them, a blast of energy gathering in his hand.
Link forced himself back to his feet, lifting his sword and standing opposite the Demon King.
"So ends the Hero of this era." Ganondorf said as he loosed the blast at Link and Jakob, his eyes going wide when the two suddenly disappeared, the blast blowing another hole in the Temple's hall. "No...where have you gone?!" Ganondorf shouted. "Damn you!"
oOo
Link and Jakob materialized in the ruined house that Sahasrahla used to occupy, the cold evening air flowing through it.
"Looks like I got you two just in time." Osfala said between breaths.
"Where are we?" Jakob asked.
"Castle Town." Link answered.
"This is no part of Castle Town I've never seen." the Knight replied.
"Thought so, Mr. Noble." Osfala said.
Jakob got up and eyed Link, the two standing silent as they locked eyes, something Osfala had seen many times that day.
Link was taken aback when Jakob suddenly extended a hand, giving him a nod.
"We fought well together back there. I realize I was not supposed to have come along with you so it was not your fault I found myself in that situation and I would not have survived if not for you." Jakob said. "From here, you and I can start anew and I can find someone else to command the front lines like Ashcroft or Dearing."
"You mean this?" Link asked.
"Of course." Jakob answered.
Link reached for the Knight's hand only for him to pull it back. "Of course I have one condition."
"What might that be?" Link asked.
"I want you to put a stop to whatever this thing is between you and Zelda. My desire is that you only speak to her if you are addressed by her or absolutely have to and make sure it's short and impersonal." Jakob said.
Link stared at the Knight, hesitating for moment before dropping his hand. "I can't do that."
"Why the Hell not?!" Jakob shouted. "What is this thing you have for Zelda? She is my betrothed! She is promised to me! What relationship do you believe you have with her?"
"You heard all the things Ganondorf said to me, do a little research and things just may start coming together for you." the Hero said as he began to walk away.
"Ganondorf is a myth! The Hero is a myth!" Jakob cried out, Link stopping a short distance from him.
"You were there, after seeing everything that happened today...I know you don't quite believe what you're saying, not anymore." Link said before starting back on his course, Osfala close behind.
"Whatever, have fun on the front lines!" Jakob called before starting to walk off.
"Castle's that way." Link said, pointing in the opposite direction.
Jakob gave a growl and waited for Link and Osfala to take a corner before changing his direction.
oOo
Osfala took a step back as Link opened the doors to his storage space, taking off his sword and utility belt and placing them aside.
"You think my Clawshot is still in the Castle's gardens?" he asked.
"Probably not." Osfala said. "What are we doing here anyway...and where's Rosso?"
"I'm here to see if I have a better sword lying around, that Knight's blade is just that, a normal blade and if I'm to fight Ganon again I'll need something better...and you can't expect Rosso to be here all the time, he has to sleep." Link replied.
"So that was actually Ganondorf?" Osfala asked.
"Yes, unfortunately it was...now that we've found him though, he's going to change location." the Hero answered.
"So what, being impaled by two sacred swords wasn't enough to kill him?" Osfala asked.
"No, apparently not...so...I don't quite know how to kill him and make it stick...and now I have to worry about Ganondorf being out there among other things and Jakob...Jakob will never tell the King that...he needs this war with Termina to cement his place in the hierarchy of the Kingdom." Link said. "All that in addition to my three closest friends in this life, ones I've had since childhood not wanting anything to do with me anymore."
"You were the one who told me this road was a difficult one." Osfala replied.
"That is true." Link answered.
"I've got another question." Osfala said.
"And what's that?" Link asked as he rummaged through his belongings.
"You locked the door, right?" Osfala asked.
"Yes, why?" Link responded, looking up to find a robed figure enshrouded in darkness approaching them.
Link leapt to his feet, picking up his blade and holding it out while Osfala summoned his magic, his hands glowing with light energy.
"Who are you?" Link asked.
The figure continued walking towards them before stopping a couple meters away, standing silently for a moment before the newcomer placed two gloved hands on their hood, hesitating for a moment before pulling it down.
Link's breath caught in his throat for a moment and Osfala took a step back, the Hero dropping his sword and Osfala discharging his magic.
"I'm Princess Zelda of House Hyrule, and I have questions for you."
oOo
It's been a while, but I hope this chapter was worth the wait! I made sure to pack as much in as I possibly could, so please pardon the length!
Generala: You don't need to be sorry, you can say about Jakob what you want, he has a superiority complex and that leads him to put his foot in his mouth sometimes without realizing it. As you can see, Zelda's taking her life into her own hands and doesn't care what other people think anymore! Jakob did see Link's abilities firsthand, but it lead to some short-lived respect for him, until the topic of Zelda was brought up. You can bet the drama doesn't end here! Thanks for the review! I hope you had fun with this chapter!
LoruleanHeart: I'm glad you're liking the interpersonal drama, I feel like that's something my other stories lack. Zelda's mom has a tendency to think she knows what her daughter is feeling as well as what is right for her, which would annoy anyone, but with what's been happening recently, Zelda's been sent over the edge. As you can see, things have gone quite poorly for the Heroes so far, but this is far from over. i hope you enjoyed the chapter! Thank you for reviewing!
Thank you to all of those who hit follow and favorite on both this story and myself! I hope you are all liking the story so far!
Before I go, I was asked in a PM how old Jakob is, just to clarify, he's twenty years old, so a bit older than Link and Zelda.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed!
-Prometheus17