Link narrowed his eyes as leaned back against the wall. "Excuse me if I'm somewhat skeptical."
"What reason would I have to lie to you abut this?" Lady Lywater asked.
"To secure me as a political ally or maybe just to use me to take care of whatever problem your village is facing to grow your influence." Link replied.
"I know you're feeling like the entire world is working against you in this life but you can trust me." Lady Lywater answered.
"Tell me, if Ashei is your great grandmother is Ashei, then who was your great grandfather?" Link asked.
"His name was Shad." Lady Lywater answered.
Link cracked a small smile, well, that's certainly unexpected." he answered.
"You believe me now?" Lady Lywater asked.
"I believed you from the start, you have her eyes, there aren't many people with that kind of look." Link said. "I just didn't think you'd be as forthcoming if I told you that from the start."
"So all of those questions were just a matter of curiosity for you?" Lady Lywater asked.
"Indeed." Link answered. "So, going to get me out of this cell, then?"
"Are you going to help me?" Lady Lywater responded.
"It's why I'm here." Link answered.
"Good." Lady Lywater said with a grin. "We'll be leaving shortly.
oOo
Osfala stood in a line with his classmates, repeatedly levitating and stacking blocks of stone in different formations, something that came naturally to him but not to the others. He glanced over at Rutelis, the Zora classmate he had become acquainted with earlier, watching as he once again lost control of the blocks and let them topple to the ground. He quickly averted his gaze as Minister Svelheim passed by, tossing a glare at him before coming to a halt.
"Showing off, are we?" the Minister asked.
"Just doing what you've asked." Osfala answered.
Minister Svelheim hardened his expression before moving on. "Just keep at it."
"You know." Osfala said, turning to face the Minister. "You could always move me to the more advanced ranks of the academy if you think I'm learning too quickly."
"Don't get too ahead of yourself." Minister Svelheim said before continuing on.
Osfala sighed, continuing the exercise for another ten minutes until the class ended. He began on his way when a webbed hand clasped his shoulder.
"Our Instructor really has it in for you." Rutelis said.
"He thinks I don't deserve to be here." Osfala replied.
"Why's that?" Rutelis asked.
"Because, all the students here are nobility of some sort. I mean, you're a Zora Prince for Goddesses sake and I'm just Osfala, son of no one, former student of a no one." Osfala explained.
"You have no parents?" Rutelis asked.
"They died from plague when I was just a child, my former instructor Sahasrahla took me in soon after." Osfala said.
"What happened to your instructor?" Rutelis asked.
Osfala found himself beginning to become annoyed by the Zora boy's questions but due to his shortage of friends within the Castle, thought it wise to answer. "He was killed in a robbery, I wandered the streets afterwards until I found Sir Link, now I'm here."
"How fortunate for you." Rutelis said with a laugh.
"Sometimes I wonder about that." Osfala answered, memories of their fight in the Forest Temple flashing through his head.
"Well, if you ever need him to be...motivated to treat you better, my parents are paying well for me to be here and he's well aware of that." Rutelis said.
"Thanks, but I'm satisfied with seeing the look on his face when I learn what he's teaching faster than his advanced students." Osfala laughed.
"Your former mentor, he taught you well." Rutelis said before turning his gaze downwards. "You've probably wondered why I approached you the other day."
"I'll admit." Osfala said, stopping and turning towards the Zora boy. "It has crossed my mind."
"I hope you don't think I'm using you, it's just, I noticed your aptitude for magic immediately, as did many in the class...and I...I mean to ask for your help." Rutelis explained.
"My help?" Osfala asked. "Why not Minister Svelheim? Or just...any other Sorcerer?"
"Because they'd want to talk to my parent's first, but that's not an option." Rutelis replied.
"Tell me what's going on." Osfala responded.
"It's my sister, Princess Oren, she recently discovered she has the ability to control water." Rutelis said.
"So she has magic too and is especially talented in hydrokinesis?" Osfala asked.
"It's...not...it's not a talent, it's a curse." the Zora boy answered. "She can't control her abilities, she's caused much damage to our domain and put our people's lives at risk. My parents imprisoned her in the old Lakebed Temple to keep her and our people safe."
"Excuse me if I'm misunderstanding, but what is my part in all of this?" Osfala said.
"I just want you to visit her, to see if you can do anything, I'll take you there myself." Rutelis said.
"Fine, I'll help you." Osfala answered. "But, I'll have to speak Sir Link first."
"Do you think he could help my sister like he did Princess Zelda?" Rutelis asked.
"I don't know, but he may know something about this." Osfala said.
oOo
Link knelt while reaching into the compartment that, for nearly two-hundred years, had been hidden underneath the floor of the likewise hidden Royal Library, finding nothing but dust.
"I take it you didn't find what you hoped you would." Lady Lywater said.
"The warding Zelda and I placed on this...it wore down over time." Link stated.
Behind Lady Lywater stood Captain Yotin, Lord Ashcroft, Minister Crenissa and Minister Kalwin, all staring down at the Hero.
"If I may ask, what was in there beforehand?" Minister Crenissa asked.
Link simply stood up and began walking away, shouldering his way through the crowd.
"Hey! The Minister asked you a question!" Yotin shouted.
"Quite an angry one, isn't he?" Lord Ashcroft said. "I heard about he and Jakob coming to blows while deciding to settle matters on the floor of the throne room."
"I'll never understand why you called in one of your favors to bail him out." Yotin said, turning his gaze to Lady Lywater.
"Because he is the Hero! The Will of the Goddesses incarnate!" Minister Kalwin snapped.
"I just...have faith in him." Lady Lywater said before heading after Link.
"As do I." Minister Kalwin said before walking away.
"Looks like I won't be getting those answers I wanted." Minister Crenissa fretted. "I may as well be going too, there's a council meeting starting soon and Jakob would throw a fit if the King has to delay his theatrics due to my tardiness."
"Best of luck with that." Lord Ashcroft said.
"Send my regards." Yotin added.
"Very well." the Minister said as she made her way to the council chamber.
"Is it just me or has the world gone mad?" Yotin asked.
"The world's always been mad, except now it's being more overt about it." Ashcroft laughed.
"Say, is that former Captain still here or did I send him away?" Yotin asked.
"You mean that Eldrin fellow from Lake Hylia Township?" Ashcroft replied.
"Aye, that's the one." Yotin answered.
"I believe he's practicing in the training yards with the rest of the Lieutenants right now." Ashcroft said.
"Good, I have questions for him." Yotin responded.
oOo
"Mind telling me what that was about?!" Lady Lywater shouted. "You made me look like a damned fool back there!"
"I hope you can excuse me...the object that was there...I needed it to be there...because now that it's not I've realized his plans and how close he must be to completing them." Link answered.
"What in Hyrule are you talking about?" Lady Lywater snapped.
"The Twilight Mirror shards." Link said as he came to an abrupt stop. "Princess Midna shattered it into pieces in our last lifetime to prevent travel between the two realms but that mirror...we had no idea the magic it contained...it began to pull itself back together. By the time Zelda and I found it, it was in four pieces, to stop it from completing itself Zelda and I took the four shards and hid one with the Gorons, another with the Zora, one within the Castle and we gave the last to a friend of ours named Auru...I believe that the man who was killed in Castle Town recently was the student of Auru's student and thus had the mirror shard passed down to him...and who knows how many shards Ganondorf has now."
"What if he has all of them?" Lady Lywater asked.
"He can't." Link answered. "Before giving the last shard to Auru I managed to use the Master Sword to break off a fragment of it...and I've kept that shard hidden away all these years."
"Where is it?" Lady Lywater asked.
"That knowledge stays with me and only me...not even Zelda knows." Link replied.
"Well, as long as you're still going to solve my Village's monster problem, I don't much care." Lady Lywater answered.
"So you know it's a monster that's taking these children?" Link asked.
"What else could it be?" Lady Lywater asked.
"You'd be surprised." Link answered.
The two made their way through the courtyard and out into the street, a carriage awaiting them.
"Link! Wait!" a voice came, both the Hero and Lady Lywater turning to find Osfala sprinting towards them.
"You can slow down now, we see you!" Lady Lywater called.
Osfala slowed to a walk, stopping for a moment to catch his breath. "Link, may I speak with you for a moment?"
"Sorry, friend, but I'm doing this one on my own." Link replied.
"Oh no, that's fine by me, after the whole Forest Temple thing I'm kind of...worn out." Osfala replied.
"The whole what thing?" Lady Lywater cut in.
"I'll explain later." Link said before turning back to Osfala. "What is it you need?"
"A friend of mine, a Zora, he says his sister is being held prisoner in an old temple by his own family because she...can manipulate water but cannot control it...I believe she may be a Sage." Osfala said.
"I take it you're going to find out?" Link asked.
"I intend to...but how will I know?" Osfala replied.
"Trust me, you will now." Link answered.
"But what about her inability to control her magic?" Osfala said.
"I've never heard of a Sage being unable to control their power, but stranger things have happened." Link responded. "I really must be going now, but good luck."
"Link." Osfala began. "They're holding her captive in Lakebed Temple."
The Hero paused in his steps, not even looking back at his friend. "In that case, please solve this so I don't have to go back there, I've already visited one old Temple too many."
"I'll do my best." Osfala said.
"Good to hear." Link replied. "Best of luck."
Osfala nodded as he watched Lady Lywater and Link climb into the carriage, the former eyeing him curiously.
oOo
Zelda sat on her bed, back against the wall staring out of her window, Jakob had been attempting to see her, but after his display with Sir Link in the Throne Room she didn't quite feel inclined to see him at the moment. Many attributed her fainting in the Throne Room to be in response to the two young Knights fighting over her, but in reality, when Sir Link called upon that strange power of his, the kind he used to save her from Blackmoore's poison, she felt a response within her, scenes from a life that was but was also not her's beginning to floor her mind...it was simply too much for her to take.
These moments she witnessed were not the same as her dreams, though. She saw visions of her, bloodshed, monsters the likes of which shouldn't exist and him, the fearsome and intimidating Gerudo man she had glimpsed in her dreams, but now she saw him clearly, his might and power on full display, even the most massive of the creatures bowing to him.
"Impa, why is this happening to me?" Zelda asked.
The Princess' guardian stayed in the corner of the room, also leaning agains the wall. Her ears perked up as she heard her name. "You haven't spoken in hours, I feared you catatonic."
"I'm not in the mood for humor, Impa." Zelda replied.
"And I wasn't joking." Impa responded.
"What's happening to me? It seems like my life has been spiraling out control ever since my father sent Jakob on that ranging mission." Zelda explained.
"These are uncertain times, I'm sure many people feel this way." Impa said.
"Those people aren't experiencing memories that aren't theirs!" Zelda replied. "Am I even who I believe myself to be?"
"I can assure you that you are Princess Zelda Nohansen Hyrule, I've stood guard for you since you were born." Impa said. "Maybe these dreams you experience are prophetic visions, it's not unheard of for those in the Royal Family to experience them."
"I certainly hope they are not." Zelda answered, scenes of a war-torn Hyrule with the green-skinned Gerudo man stalking through them coming to mind.
"You're thinking about Sir Link, aren't you?" Impa asked.
"I shouldn't be, he hurt Jakob." Zelda answered.
"To be fair, Jakob did start the fight." Impa answered.
"He and I...undoubtedly have a connection, I'm forced to acknowledge this." Zelda stated.
"You both bare the mark of the Triforce on your hands and when he calls upon his, yours becomes active as well, I'd say this is worth looking into." Impa recommended.
"I refuse to do any research." Zelda replied.
"I mean, maybe we should talk to Sir Link again, maybe within the Castle this time, making sure you made it out of and back into the Castle without anyone noticing was...quite the task." Impa said.
"No, I shan't speak to him again, if Jakob or my father were to find it there would consequences." Zelda responded.
"But Zelda, you're the Princess, what's the worst that could happen?" Impa pressed.
"Jakob could break off our engagement and father could limit my privileges even further." Zelda explained.
"Well, that is true." Impa said. "But your father must get used to Sir Link's presence because he will not be dying any time soon." Impa added, speaking from experience.
"You have faith that he actually is the Hero, don't you?" Zelda asked.
"Do you not?" Impa countered.
"I don't know what to think anymore." Zelda replied.
"In any case, Sir Link seems to be a good man." Impa replied.
"Tell me, is he still in the dungeons?" Zelda asked.
"I heard that Lady Lywater bailed him out, apparently she has a task for him." Impa asked.
"A task you say?" Zelda asked. "Of what kind?"
"As far as I know she's enlisted his services in ridding her family's territory of some type of threat." Impa explained.
"Who did he choose to bring with him?" Zelda asked.
"To my knowledge, he went alone." Impa responded.
"This Link must be insane as he seems." Zelda said.
"Indeed." Impa said as she cracked a smile. "I must be going, the Council meeting is to begin soon and if I'm late once more your father may replace me."
"As yes, of course, you may be on your way." Zelda said.
"You're more than welcome to come." Impa added.
"I'm afraid I have to decline, I'm going to visit mother." Zelda said.
"Well, give her my regards and let her know I wish her well." Impa said.
"I shall." Zelda answered.
"I'll return soon." Impa said with a bow before leaving the room.
Zelda waited a moment before she knew her protector was gone, going to the door and peering down the hall, only the Royal Guards present. The Princess swiftly made her way down the hall, nodding to the Guards as she went by, the two guards bowing as she did so. She continued a short distance down the hall before reaching her mother's chambers, two Knights posted outside.
"Princess." They said as she approached.
"Sir Nikolas, Sir Leonid, I'm here to see my mother." Zelda said.
The two Knights exchanged glances before Sir Nikolas spoke up. "No one in or out other than the the King, the Minister of Health, or Healers hand-picked by King Gustaf himself. I'm sorry, Princess."
"But she's my mother." Zelda argued.
"And those are the King's orders." Sir Leonid said.
So I cannot see my own mother?" Zelda pressed.
"If it were our choice, we'd let you in, but I'm afraid you'll have to speak to your father." Sir Nikolas answered.
"Right, well, thank you for your loyalty." Zelda said as she turned away.
"It's out pleasure to serve, Princess." Sir Leonid replied.
"Oh, one more thing." the Princess said.
"Yes, Princess?" Sir Leonid asked.
Zelda whirled around and unleashed a blue wave of vaporous energy, the spell engulfing the two men as they fell back against the well and slowly slid to the ground, fast asleep. The Princess telekinetically moved them aside before attempting to open the door, finding that it wasn't just locked, but magically warded. Zelda stepped over to Sir Nikolas, examining his belt before finding and removing the key, with a deep breath, she inserted and turned the key before slowly pushing the door open.
The room was dimly lit, soft magically generated lights casting the room in a dull orange glow.
"Mother?" Zelda breathed as she neared the bed, a silk canopy draped over it obscuring her view. She paused for moment, waiting for a response, her ears twitching as she heard her mother's shallow breathing. The Princess glanced back at the door before steeling herself and proceeding to her mother's bed, placing her hands on the canopy and pulling it apart before gasping and stumbling backwards. Her mother's skin had turned a pale green color and her eyes were a glazed white, her hair matted and scattered across the pillow beneath her head.
"It was that Demoness, she did this to you, didn't she?" Zelda asked, tears in her eyes. "I tried to tell people but no one will believe me." Zelda said as her breath caught in her throat. "They won't listen and that's why they can't help...but I can." the Princess said as she recalled the spell Blackmoore had used on her, she slowly raised her hands to her mother's head and splayed her fingers. "Tuum in corde meo." she said as purple lightning crackled along her fingers before leaping onto her mother's forehead and arcing it to her temples.
Zelda's eyes took on a purple glow, her surroundings melting as a new environment built around her. The Princess found herself in dark hallway, the only light coming from violet glow behind her, the bridge between she and her mother's mind. The Princess began down the hallway, torches lighting as she passed, she suppressed the apprehension that filled her, she found herself wanting to walk back until she saw it, a single barred cell, and within was her mother, chains holding her close to the wall.
"Mother!" Zelda cried as she through herself against the bars, gripping them tightly. "Mother! Wake up! I'll get you out of here!"
"Zelda." the Queen mumbled.
"Yes, mother, it's me!" Zelda called. "Don't worry, I'll release you from this!" the Princes raised her hand and concentrated, the bars beginning to bend and war until they were spread open more than wide enough to accommodate her.
"Zel..da." the Queen breathed.
"Come, I'll get you out of here." Zelda said as she tried to hoist her mother up when the glow of the torches suddenly turned green, a shiver creeping over her.
"You are becoming quite an annoyance." Veran said as she appeared behind Zelda.
"You!" Zelda said as turned.
"Me." Veran responded, clapping her hands together and causing the bars to return to return to their normal shape, imprisoning Zelda and her mother. "When they find you, they'll just assume you fell victim whatever it is they think has infected their mother.
"You mean the essence of some demonic whore!?" Zelda hissed as she stared daggers at Veran.
Veran scowled before taking a step towards the presence. "My, what a mouth you have. I figure it will go away with time. I hope you enjoy your stay, imprisoned in your mother's head while they bury your body back in the waking world."
"I won't let you do this!" Zelda called.
"If only you lived another year, then I might have to take you seriously." Veran laughed as she began to walk away. "So goodbye to your way home." she said as she snapped her fingers, the faint violet glow at the end of the hall fading to blackness.
"No! No! You'll regret this!" Zelda shouted.
"Scream all you want, in a moment there will be no one to hear you." Veran replied.
Zelda gripped the bars, shaking as tears cascades down her cheeks. "I won't let you do this!" she screamed, a gold aura roaring to life around her has her Triforce of Wisdom began came to life.
"What? No!" Veran shouted. "This shouldn't be possible, you haven't remembered yet!"
Zelda cried out and thrust her hand forward, a wave of golden energy tearing down the corridor and erasing the illusion as it went.
Veran raised both arms, aiming a torrent of dark energy at the advancing golden wave only to have it snuffed out upon contact.
Zelda watched as the Demoness was thrown into the darkness by her energy wave as the hallway illusion crumbled around them.
oOo
Bastion reached out and caught Veran as she fell, the Sorceress blinking rapidly as she took in her surroundings.
"What happened?" Koume asked.
"The Princess used Blackmoore's spell to enter her mother's thoughts." Veran replied.
"Impossible, a child can't master magic that advanced without even trying." Blackmoore argued.
"Have you forgotten who she is?" Kotake asked. "It's becoming clear that even without her memories she's going to be a threat to the Master's plans...if only someone had done their job and gotten rid of her."
"The Hero intervened! What was I supposed to do? Stop him from saving Zelda right then and there in front of everyone?" Blackmoore countered.
"Now is not the time for squabbling!" Bastion called. "What did you find out while you were in her mind?"
"Enough." Veran said. "The King may doubt Termina's involvement, but he wants the war anyway, the boy has come out as the Hero but few believe and the layout of the Castle, it's changed since Lord Ganondorf's last lifetime."
"Is that all?" Kotake asked.
"It's more information than Blackmoore gathered and he was Minister of Royal Affairs." Bastion remarked.
"One of these days I'll make you regret your words, boy." Blackmoore replied.
"I'll hold you to that." Bastion said with a smirk.
"Enough out of you two!" Veran cut in. "That's not all I found."
"Oh really?" Kotake said.
"Out with it then!" Koume yelled.
"The Hylians aren't ready for a war, their relations with the Zora and Gorons are tenuous at best while the none with the Deku people whatsoever." Veran explained.
"So with Captain Ginthorne's pirate armies and the beasts we wouldn't have much of a problem." Blackmoore said.
"Especially if we manage to take control of Termina's armies." Bastion said.
"The Captain's already on his way to negotiate a truce with the Gerudo Pirates of Termina." Koume said.
"When Lord Ganondorf awakes he will be most pleased." Kotake responded.
oOo
"So she's made one Council session and now she's away on 'personal leave'?" Minister Thalmont asked.
"Word is something appeared in her lands that needed attention." The King said. "And being a reasonable man, I allowed her to tend to it."
"You know she took Sir Link with her, do you not?" Minister Thalmont asked.
"You mean to say she allowed him out of the dungeons?" Jakob growled.
"If you think he should be there then logically you should be there too." Impa replied.
"You seem to think because of your position in the Castle and your race's relationship with the crown you're safe, but I'll see to it you're removed from all your positions in the Castle and sent away if you continue to speak to me like this." Jakob hissed.
Impa shifted her eyes to the King but he spoke before she did. "Jakob is my hand, Impa, show some respect."
"Yes, my King." Impa said, suppressing the urge to scowl. Jakob had been in quite the mood all day, no doubt because Zelda refused to speak to him.
"Why do we even keep Link around?" Jakob asked. "He may be half-decent with a sword but so is any peasant with a day of training. He's disrespected me, he broke into the Castle and he continues to shirk his duty!"
"Lord Lirien and I are of the same mindset. Being forced to teach the boy's accomplice is nothing short of humiliating." "Minister Svelheim began. "And worse yet, the other students have begun taking a liking to him, I know the Zora Prince, Rutelis has struck up something of a friendship with him."
"I've already informed you all of my plans." the King said in a low tone, interlacing his fingers as he stared down the table at his Ministers. "Sir Link will be sent to command the front lines and his friend the with him as a support-mage, they won't last an hour."
"Listen to all of you!" Minister Kalwin said. "You saw it! We all saw it! That boy is the champion of the Goddesses, the-"
"Oh cram a boot in that hole of yours, would you?!" Jakob shouted as he stood up. "The boy is nothing but a fraud! What we saw was nothing more than a clever display of magic, just like when he 'healed' Zelda! I have know doubt his Sorcerer friend performed the spells himself through Sir Link...they've probably been planning this for years.!"
"You felt it, though." Impa said.
"Felt what?" Jakob asked.
"That wasn't magic that began flowing in the room when he called upon the mark of the Triforce on his hand." Impa said.
"It was divine energy from the Goddesses themselves!" Minister Kalwin said.
"And I do not care!" the King shouted as he stood up. "I've listened to all of you bicker long enough but defending this boy! I won't have it! Just like all of you I was taught theology when I was younger and do you know what the Hero does? He saves the land from evil, makes the royal family seem incompetent...and then marries into it."
"My King, I believe we're all aware of the Hero's stories." Minister Thalmont answered. "Who's to say there's any truth to them?"
Impa narrowed her eyes at Thalmont, he was Blackmoore's closest friend within the Castle, she just needed proof of his treachery.
"As much as I loathe to admit it, I've seen him perform feats I once thought impossible." Jakob said. "His combat prowess outclasses many Knights with years of experience even though he has very little. I find myself forced to believe that he is indeed the Hero...and thusly he must be sent away from the Castle at once."
"I disagree!" Minister Kalwin responded.
"No one cares about your thoughts on the matter!" Jakob said. "Sir Link is meddling in our affairs, I'm quite fine with him going off on his own and putting an end to this Sorcerer but we can't have him here."
"Because he endangers your marriage to Zelda?" Minister Talon asked.
"If I'm not mistaken, we're here today to discuss what's to be done about this Sorcerer and it seems Sir Link knows what's happening." Minister Crenissa added.
"We don't need him for this!" Jakob shouted.
"I agree with Jakob." the King said, silencing the table. "Hyrule has existed for thousands of years and has faced threats the Hero hasn't appeared to take on and we will continue to do so."
"With all due respect, my King, what is your plan?" Impa asked.
"Jakob will lead more ranging missions into Hyrule's more remote areas to hunt down this Sorcerer, I already have a team assembled." the King answered.
"But I-" Impa began.
"My say is final!" the King shouted. "I acknowledge your role as the Minister of Defense, but it seems lately all you try to is undermine me...this does not make for a good Minister."
Impa suppressed a growl as she bowed her head, grimacing when the others couldn't see her face. "I apologize, my King, I'll be a more dutiful servant from here on out."
"I'm glad to hear it." King Gustaf said before gesturing towards the door. "You are all dismissed, aside from Lord Lirien.
Jakob watched as the other Minister bowed and filed out of the room, waiting for Minister Svelheim to close the door behind him before turning to the King. "You wish to discuss Sir Link, do you not?"
"You must understand my actions." the King replied. "He and his accomplice were intruders in the Castle and during a Royal Ball no less, but therein lies the problem. Scores of Hyrule's Nobility saw what the boy did, how would it have looked if I were to punish him for breaking in or send him away?"
"But you're the King." Jakob argued.
"Not a very popular one." King Gustaf responded. "These people are looking for any reason to fault me and unfortunately for you and I Sir Link caught their attention and piqued their interest, they wanted to know more about him...I could see it on their faces. I wanted him gone, away from my daughter whom he seems to have an unnerving fixation on."
"You're telling me." Jakob began. "I offered to end hostilities between us and help him if he agreed to stay away from Zelda...he declined instantly."
"This I did not know." King Gustaf said as he rose from his seat, making his way over to the window and looking out over Castle Town. The Council room was located in one of the Castle's towers that was intentionally placed to look out over the city below. "I gave the public what they wanted, a show, gave Sir Link and his friend hollow rewards and soon enough, once we mobilize our forces into Termina, they'll be out of our hair for good."
"What about the Sorcerer though?" Jakob asked. "I've seen him, faced him myself...he has allies as well."
"This is nothing we can't take care of!" the King replied. "Come over here for moment, Jakob." Gustaf said, beckoning the younger man to his side.
Jakob took on a quizzical expression and strode over to the King's side, glancing out the window. "Castle Town looks nice this time of year."
"That it does." Gustaf replied. "All this could be yours one day, all of this and more."
"Could be?" Jakob asked.
"Keep my daughter interested and keep Sir Link in harm's way. The union of our Houses is destiny...I will not have my daughter be seduced by some farmboy, regardless of who he is." King Gustaf said. "No more starting fights in front of her, it only serves to alienate her and for the Goddesses sake show you appreciate her."
"Are you actually scared she'll favor him over me?" Jakob laughed even though he wasn't so confident himself.
"Zelda went somewhere the other night, she left the Castle in the earliest hours of morning with Impa, they think I don't know but a guard happened to spot them from afar and alerted me. I thought about confronting her, but decided it would be best to keep this to myself...children love nothing more than vexing their parents it seems."
Jakob turned his gaze away from the King, a rage swelling inside of him as his face began to contort in anger. "I...was not aware of this." Jakob breathed. "You have my word he will not survive our first engagement in Termina."
The King nodded, the two going silent when a knock at the door came. "Come in." Gustaf called.
The door flew open, a winded Captain Yotin standing on the other side. "My King, it's the Queen, she's awake!"
The King took on a stunned expression before shifting his gaze to Jakob. "I'm afraid we have to cut this this short, I must tend to my wife."
"Of course." Jakob said, giving the King a nod.
"Think about what I've told you." Gustaf said as he departed with Yotin.
Jakob sighed as he turned back to the window, the many voices of the residents of Castle Town being only the faintest of murmurs. "This can all be mine...this will all be mine." Jakob said, not noticing as a small fairy lifted off of the window's overhang.
oOo
Zelda waited by her window, holding out a hand as a fairy flew in through it, flitting about for a moment before coming to rest on her shoulder.
"Thank you for doing this, Ari." the Princess said as she heard the sound of Courtiers and Nobles passing by, the commotion no doubt being caused by what they'd believe to be her mother's miraculous recovery.
"Are you sure you want to know?" Ari asked.
"Yes, tell me what they said, tell me everything." Zelda responded.
oOo
Link stepped out of the carriage, turning back to offer a hand to Lady Lywater, the woman looking surprised for a moment before accepting his aid.
"I apologize, I should have expected such chivalry from a man of your age." she remarked.
"I try to keep the old traditions alive." Link answered as examined the Village. It had stone streets lined with lamps and structures that stood up to three stories tall. "This must be the largest village in the Ordon Province."
"It is indeed, when it was founded it was nothing more than a small clearing among the trees. I'd like to welcome you to Ashwick" Lady Lywater said.
"So Ashei and Shad built all this?" Link mused.
"Well, yes, but they had help." Lady Lywater laughed as she lead Link through the streets.
The first think Link noticed was the complete lack of activity, people looked out from their windows but did not venture into the streets, the cobblestone paths being completely deserted. "Your people, they're afraid."
"Did you expect anything else?" Lady Lywater asked. "There have been twelve disappearances over the past two weeks, all but one being children...everyone's afraid their child is next."
"Whatever this thing is, stealth must be it's forte'." Link remarked. The more he thought about, the less he believed this to be one of Ganondorf's monsters, they usually stayed within their lairs and awaited whoever may enter, but this thing, it was leaving to hunt.
The two walked until they reached the Village Square, a group of Guardsmen waiting for them.
"Sir Link, this is Captain Arndt, head of the Ashwick Guard, Captain Arndt, this is Sir Link, a young Knight from Castle Town who's agreed to help with our...problem." Lady Lywater said.
"Pleasure to meet you, Sir Link." the man said as he strode forward and extended a hand.
"Likewise." Link said as he accepted the handshake. Captain Arndt was a slightly tall, well built man who had his hair trimmed short and sported a thin beard, he looked to be in his late twenties, which was quite young for a Captain.
"I thought we'd be able to handle this ourselves, but she insisted on getting some help from the King...I mean no disrespect but I expected more than one Knight." Captain Arndt explained.
"He's not just one Knight, he's the-" Lady Lywater began.
"Front lines Commander, when there's a battle I lead the charge." Link interjected.
"Well, can't say you're not brave." Captain Arndt admitted.
"Sir Link, a moment, please?" Lady Lywater requested.
"Yes, of course." Link said as he looked back before turning back to the Captain. "I'll return shortly."
"Understood." the Captain answered, eyeing Link has he walked away.
"Interrupting me now?" Lady Lywater asked in a hushed tone.
"I had to." Link responded.
"The people in my lands have been raised on the stories of the Hero, they would believe me if I told them that you are him!" Lady Lywater protested.
"The only reason I told the King that is because it was the only way out for Osfala and I." Link replied.
"Don't pretend that's your primary reason, I know you did it to stir something within Zelda." Lady Lywater said.
Link began to feel anger welling up inside of him, taking a deep breath to quell it. He knew it wasn't a reasonable reaction and it wasn't as if she was wrong. "Maybe, but right now, I'm focusing on this...and I'll just be Sir Link, if you don't mind."
"Suit yourself." Lady Lywater sighed.
Captain Arndt was waiting for the two of them as they rounded the corner, bowing as head. "So are we ready?"
"Yes, I'll be going shortly." Link replied.
"We...we will be going shortly." the Captain said.
"I...uh...usually do this kind of thing alone." Link said.
"You hunt things that steal children often?" the Captain asked.
"I am a Knight, during my travels I lend my services to those in need." Link replied.
"Whether you like it or not, I'm going with you." Captain Arndt argued.
"Captain, I suggest you mind your manners, Knights outrank Guard Captains after all." Lady Lywater said.
"Yes, my Lady." Captain Arndt replied while narrowing his eyes. "Whether you like it or not, I'm coming with you, Sir." Arndt replied.
"Alright then." Link Acquiesced. "Brief your men, pack up and we'll start the hunt." Link said. "I'll be waiting for you at the edge of the forest."
"Yes, Sir." Arndt said as headed away from them.
"So that's the one you told me about? He seems none too happy about all of this." Link said.
"Yes, he's the one. i suppose he doesn't like that a teenager is not just a Knight but is giving him orders, he's hardheaded and downright rude sometimes but he knows how to organize the Guards and keep them in line." Lady Lywater said.
"I'll take your word for it, but if he gets in my way I'm sending him right back here." Link said.
"I'd expect nothing less." Lady Lywater answered.
oOo
Castle Town-Training Yards
Eldrin side-stepped a blow from a sword before darting in and striking his opponent across the chest, knocking the man to the ground.
"Mind going easy on us?" the trainee asked as Eldrin helped him up.
"You won't learn if I do that." Eldrin said.
"Most of them were farmers before coming here, you know. Most of them only have practice handling pitchforks and other such tools." Captain Yotin called.
"Ah, Captain!" Edlrin replied. "Nice of you to stop by."
"I'm not just stopping by, I have some questions for you." the Captain answered.
"Ah, I see." Eldrin replied before turning to the other trainees. "You're on your own for now, gents!" he called.
"If you'd please come with us." Captain Yotin said.
"Fine with me." Eldrin said as he followed along until they reached the Guardhouse.
"After you." Yotin said.
"Mhm." Eldrin hummed slowly, cautiously entering the room. "You want me to get down on my knees and bow my head next?" Eldrin asked.
"Calm down, this isn't an execution." Yotin said. "Now take a seat.
"I was merely joking...but I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel worried about this." Eldrin answered as he set himself down in the one chair placed in the center of the room,.
"I'll just get to the point." Yotin began. "You first came here looking for some children from your village and you found them, correct?"
"Yes." Eldrin replied.
"You gave me the impression you were going to take them home." Yotin responded. "But instead, you have one of your subordinates take them home and you decide to stay here with the other...why?"
"Because Link has a greater destiny ahead of him, after what you saw in the Throne room you can't deny that." Eldrin explained.
"Okay, fine, say that's true and it wasn't some magic trick his Sorcerer friend helped him pull off...how are you part of all this?" Yotin argued.
Eldrin laughed while shaking his head before looking up at Yotin. "Even a non-magical individual such as yourself could sense that energy, you know that it wasn't some trick."
"Just shut up about that!" Yotin snapped. "I'm asking what you have to do with all of this!"
Eldrin shot to his feet, knocking the chair over. "In our village! We were attacked by raiders! They hurt people, burned down homes and stores and Link managed to stop them both...he and I are here to find those men and whoever they work for so we can stop them...which isn't something we can do from Lake Hylia Township."
"So that's what this is...you accepted a demotion from Captain to Lieutenant for that." Yotin said.
"I swear it upon the names of the Goddesses." Eldrin replied
"One last question, how the hell is the boy so skilled?" Yotin asked. "It certainly doesn't seem natural."
"Quit it, would you?" Edlrin said. "You already know the answer, you just have to accept it."
"Don't talk down to me." Yotin said.
"Have I done anything wrong, Captain? Do you have reason to hold me against my will?" Eldrin asked.
"Fine, you can leave, but be aware that I am watching you." Yotin replied.
"That doesn't seem to be any different from what you usually do." Eldrin said as he got up, Yotin glaring at him as he left.
"Did you get everything you needed, Sir?" a Guard asked.
"I saw him speaking to Sir Link's Sorcerer friend the other day...there's more going on here than he'll admit." Yotin said.
oOo
The wind swirled and the water rippled as Osfala and Rutelis warped onto Lake Hylia's shores. The area around them contained scattered structures, small houses and fishing huts here and there, but on the other side a large town had formed.
"That's where Link is from." Osfala thought to himself before looking down at the deep waters. "So, all the way to the bottom?"
"It should be easy." Rutelis said.
"For you, maybe, but I generally need to see or be able to visualize something to warp to it I have no idea where we're going." Osfala replied.
"I'm not talking about warping." Rutelis said with a smirk.
"You don't mean..." Osfala answered.
"We're going to the old-fashioned way." Rutelis laughed.
"How? I'm not a Zora, if you haven't noticed!" Osfala argued.
"See the tail on the back of my head?" Rutelis asked.
"Wait...are you saying..?" Osfala responded.
Osfala strode into the water until he was waist-deep before turning back to Osfala. "Come if you still feel like coming, if not I'll go alone."
Osfala thought about warping away, but the thought crossed his mind that Rutelis' sister may in fact be a Sage and part of his Goddesses given purpose. "Can't argue with that." Osfala muttered as he slowly made his way into the tide, the cold water quickly working it's way through his clothing.
"Ready?" Rutelis asked.
Osfala reached out and took a firm hold of Rutelis' cranial tail. "Go for it."
"Hold your breath and hang on tight." Rutelis said.
Osfala made to answer when Rutelis suddenly dove forward, the Light Sage struggling to hold his breath as he whipped through the water, lake Hylia's lower levels getting darker and darker as they went. Osfala began to struggle not to breathe, trying to focus on the fish they sped past when Rutelis came to an abrupt halt and shot to the right, Osfala beginning to lose his group as his vision started to fade.
"Hey! Osfala!" a voice called.
The Light Sage shot upright, coughing violently as he cleared the water from his airways. "What happened?" he asked between breaths, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
"I may not have gotten us down here fast enough, you took in a rather large mouthful of water and blacked out, I was able to drag you up here to the entrance, though." Rutelis explained.
"So this is it?" Osfala asked.
"The entrance, yes." Rutelis answered.
"No guards?" Osfala replied.
"No, my people think this place is cursed, even monsters, the variety that can survive down here, steer clear of it." Rutelis explained
"And they keep your sister down here." Osfala said wryly.
"Well, they think she's cursed too." Rutelis said as he helped Osfala to his feet.
The two turned towards the nearest hallway, both traveling down it until they found themselves inside of a massive chamber, pillars and staircases carved from stone scattered throughout while a large chandelier hung from the roof, casting a dim glow over the space.
"This is larger than the Castle's Great Hall." Osfala breathed.
"My people built this temple as a place of worship for the Gods of water and the oceans after the original water temple was corrupted and collapsed seven-hundred years ago...but then this Temple was corrupted too." Rutelis said.
"Your people definitely found somewhere hospitable to keep your sister." Osfala replied as he strolled to the edge of the platform they stood on and looked down. "Where is she?"
"All the way down." Rutelis answered.
"Down we go then." Osfala said as he placed hand on Rutelis shoulder. He slowly levitated the two off the platform, the Zora boy shooting him nervous glances as they floated down to the bottom. Osfala slowed their descent as they reached the floor, the two touching down softly and silently.
"There." Rutelis said, indicating a door.
"Don't we need a key?" Osfala asked.
"I have everything we need." Rutelis replied as he walked over to the door, Osfala following. "Stand clear."
Osfala nodded as he stepped to the side, Rutelis looking back at him before placing his hand upon a carving of his family crest on the door. He removed as it began to glow, lines of energy spreading across the door, slowly making their way to the edge and the moment they did the door shot open, a torrent of water pouring forth that swept Rutelis off of his feet.
Osfala extended a hand, telekinetically catching Rutelis and pulling him over to where he stood.
"I was wondering where all the water in the Temple went." Rutelis said.
The two waited until the water tapered off, only a small stream exiting the room.
Osfala and Rutelis exchanged glances before going in, both looking around as water poured from every orifice, small spouts springing up from the spaces between the stones while a fine mist obscured their view of the room.
"Sister?" Rutelis called. The two waited a moment before a faint call replied.
"Rutelis?"
"Oren!" Rutelis said as he ran through the room, water splashing with every step.
"Rutelis, wait!" Osfala called as he dashed through the water after him, stopping as he found Rutelis facing a makeshift cell.
"She's here." Rutelis said quietly.
Osfala slowly approached the cell, eyes widening as he observed the emaciated Zora girl inside of it. "They're trying to starve her, aren't they?"
"Who are you?" Oren breathed.
"Sister, this is my friend, his name is Osfala and he's here to help." Rutelis answered.
"I just need to get her out of there." he said as he turned to Osfala. Rutelis stood up, extending his hands and attempting to bend the bars out of the way only succeeding in shaking the water droplets off.
"Here." Osfala said as he reached out, closing his eyes and visualizing the lock before closing his fist, a sudden click sounding before the door slowly opened.
Rutelis ran in, placing a hand on his sister's shoulder. "We'll get you out."
"Father will just put me back in." Oren answered.
Osfala's mouth fell slightly open as he stepped closer. The Zora girl had a blue aura around her.
"You...you're glowing white." Oren breathed.
"You're a Sage." Osfala stated. "That's why you have your abilities."
"But I can't control them...that's why my people put me here." Oren explained.
"I don't know why but I...I think I can help with that." Osfala said.
Rutelis watched as his friend knelt down and held out his hands. "May I?"
Oren nodded cautiously, holding out her hands as Osfala took them. He closed his eyes, sensing as his energy came into contact with her's, the two merging into one as for a moment, their shared their auras.
Rutelis stepped forward nervously as Oren took a sharp breath in, her eyes glowing white for a moment before transitioning to blue then back to normal. Osfala released her hands, Oren looking around in shock as the water that poured from the walls and leaked through the floor suddenly ceased, the room going quiet as the mist began to dissipate.
"You...what did you do?" Rutelis asked.
"Her energy was...it was all over the place." Osfala answered.
"It's finally over." Oren said, a smile adorning her face as she closed her eyes.
"Sister!" Rutelis said as he cradled her, gently rocking her shoulder.
"She's still alive." Osfala said.
"How do you know this?" Rutelis argued.
"I don't know...I just can, alright?" Osfala said.
"...is something wrong?" Rutelis inquired.
"I didn't realize it until now but...the energy all throughout Hyrule...it's in chaos." Osfala answered.
"What could cause that?" Rutelis asked.
"I don't know." Osfala replied.
oOo
"And I have to watch you why?" Blackmoore asked irritatedly, only being bothered further by Bastion's semblance to the Hero.
"So you can earn your keep." Bastion replied.
"Relaying information to you from inside the Castle itself wasn't 'earning my keep?!" Blackmoore exclaimed.
"It was at the time, but you're not doing that anymore, are you?" Bastion asked.
"I could have been executed for treason." Blackmoore growled.
"Could you please just come over here and watch." Bastion said as he set down the sheet-wrapped object he held.
"What's the purpose of this exactly?" Blackmoore replied.
Bastion removed the sheet, revealing the Sword of the Seven Sages, it's form darkened and corroded. "We're revitalizing the sword while also giving it an increase in power." he answered as he affixed a pedestal with old Hylian scrawled across onto the roof of the Snowpeak ruins. "Now this is the important part." Bastion added as he inserted the hilt of the blade into the pedestal. "Solem ac terram tuam dabo potestatem hanc ad ferrum!"
Blackmoore stepped back as Bastion stood, a column of light shooting from the sky and striking the sword as streams of energy began to flow from the ground to the blade. "How is it that no one will find us here? Every Sorcerer in Hyrule is going to feel a magical distortion of this scale!" Blackmoore shouted.
Bastion ignored him for a moment, staring at the sword until the streams of energy ceased to flow, the sword glowing for a moment before going dormant again. "We give it short but high doses of energy, by the time any Sorcerer would know what to look the signs they'd use to trace us would already be gone."
"What do you plan to do with that sword once the process is finished?" Blackmoore asked.
"In it's normal state it won't do much, but once we're done with our...modifications, we're going to kill the Hero and the Princes...once and for all." Bastion answered.
oOo
Link hacked off a tree branch as he and Arndt trekked through the forest, so far having found nothing but birds and other woodland animals. "You're sure all signs pointed to the creature living in this direction?"
"Do me a favor and don't doubt me." Arndt replied.
"Goddesses, he reminds me of Jakob." Link thought as he stopped for a moment. "
"What is it?" Arndt asked.
"Did you just feel that?" Link responded.
Arndt looked confused for a second before he felt a shiver go up his spine. "Yeah, what the Hell was that?"
Link made to answer when the day went from mid-afternoon to dusk in an instant, both men staring up at the sky in a stunned silence.
"What just happened?" Arndt asked.
"Nothing good." Link replied.
"It couldn't be the monster, could it?" Arndt asked. "Maybe we should go back."
"Unless we're hunting a Sorcerer or a God, then I highly doubt what we're after could have done this." Link said. "This is something else entirely.
"Should we even be hunting a monster while it's getting dark?" Arndt argued.
"That's the best time, this is their element, we may not have to look for it...it may come to us." Link explained.
"And that sounds like a good thing to you?" Arndt answered. "You don't have any idea what you're doing, do you?!" he shouted.
"I'm more experienced with this than you think." Link responded.
"We've been looking for hours and we've found nothing!" Arndt replied.
"Maybe because you've been purposely leading us in the wrong direction!" Link countered.
"That's ridiculous." Arndt growled. "I'm going back to Ashwick and telling Lady Lywater you're a fraud."
"What don't you want me to know?" Link asked, his hand finding his blade.
Just then, a high pitched shriek echoed through the forest, a cold gust of wind following it.
"This way!" Link said as he ran off in the direction of the scream, looking back to see Arndt hesitate for a moment before following.
The two dashed through the forest, ducking branches and hopping over tree roots until they happened upon a clearing.
"Do you see anything?" Arndt asked as the two stopped on the edge of the clearing.
Link drew his blade, Arndt doing the same as they slowly stepped out of the tree line. The two walked carefully into the open.
"Stop." Link whispered as he felt his ears twitch. "There's something on the other side of the clearing.
Arndt turned to look, gripping his sword tighter as he saw what Link was speaking of. A Deer laid on it's side, it's body torn and broken and something was still feeding on it. "By the Goddesses..."
Link strode into the center of the clearing, holding it sword aloft. "Hey you!" he shouted.
"Are you mad?!" Arndt called.
Whatever was feeding on the Deer stopped, it's form going motionless for a moment before it began to rise to it's feet. The creature was gaunt with desiccated grey skin hanging from it's limbs, long claws stretching from it's fingers and toes while long knotted black hair fell from it's scalp and obscured all but the creature's mouth, both it's top and bottom rows of teeth being crooked and jagged.
Link and the monster stared at each other for a moment before it let out an ear-splitting shriek, leaping over it's prey and sprinting at Link, claws and teeth bared.
"Get out of the way!" Arndt shouted.
Link charged at the creature, meeting it a few strides from where he stood. It slashed at him with it's claws, Link avoiding the attack before dropping to one knee and slashing at it's lower legs, the monster pouncing towards him. Link leapt out from under it before delivering a kick to the creature's shoulder, knocking it over. Link dove in with a stab, the creature quickly crawling away on all fours before jumping back to it's feet, it's limbs popping back into place with a series of sickening cracks.
Arndt breathed heavily as he looked at the creature when suddenly it's head snapped towards him.
Link watched as the creature went still, it's eyes now set on Arndt. "Your fight's with me!" Link called. The Hero took a step forward but before he could react the creature shot towards Arndt shrieking the entire way. Link chased after but he couldn't match it's speed, being forced to watch as it pounced on Arndt.
The Captain screamed as he was brought the ground, his sword knocked from his grasp. The creature dug it's claws into his shoulders and opened it's mouth wide, preparing to sink it's teeth into him. Arndt composed himself, grabbing the creature by the arm and yanking it away from him before throwing a punch into it's chest, the creature releasing it's a grasp only for Arndt to grab it by the neck and toss it across the clearing.
Link watched as the creature hissed before retreating into he woods. "Arndt, how did you do that?"
The Captain lifted his hands, his silver gauntlets gleaming in the moonlight. "I almost forgot I had these...their ancient...been passed down through my family for generations."
Link felt annoyance build up inside of him. He had given those to Ashei as a gift, how they got away from her family he did not know. "You panicked when you saw that thing."
"Yeah, I'll admit it, I did, it was a damn monster!" Arndt argued as he retrieved his blade.
"It wasn't that kind of panic...it was a panic like what one would feel when a secret unexpectedly comes back to haunt them" Link said.
"What are you saying?" Arndt growled.
"Do you know what that thing was?!" Link shouted. "It was a Redead Witch, they and their male counterparts Redead Lords are created when someone dies so full of rage and fear that they still retain control of their decaying body, they're anger twisting it into the monstrous thing you saw."
"So you know your monsters, what does this have to do with me?" Arndt asked his voice beginning to shake as he lifted his sword.
"Lady Lywater told me about all of those who have gone missing over the past two weeks, they were all children except for the first, a village woman by the name of Enna. She made medicine to sell at the market and she also told me that she had caught your eye."
Arndt sputtered as he tried to reply to Link before lowering his head, his breath catching in his throat before he looked back up at Link. "I may not be the wealthiest man but I have a title and reputation but she never cared!" he cried. "I tried to ask her about her interests, brought her flowers, gifts but she always turned me away!"
"So you murdered her?!" Link shouted. "That's why you've been leading us in the wrong direction! You knew I'd found out!"
"You...you don't understand!" Arndt yelled. "I went to her home, she...she told me to leave but I just wanted to tell her how I felt because...maybe she'd understand but she kept on telling me to leave and threatened to tell Lywater if I didn't...she had no right to turn me down! She didn't even give me a chance!"
"She had every right, you bastard! What happened is no one's fault but your own!" Link replied.
"I was going to find her, stop this on my own, then you showed up and ruined it all!" Arndt roared. "And now...now I have to kill you!"
"Well then, come if you're coming!" Link responded.
The two men cried out as they charged forward, Link blocked a strike from Arndt's blade before fading away from another downward slash. Link darted in and slashed the Captain across the chest, Arndt staggering back before running at Link, the Hero dodging a downwards slash and a stab before parrying a leftwards slash, darting to the side and cutting Arndt across the bicep.
"Ah!" the Captain cried out, seething with rage as he glared at Link.
"You're finished." Link said.
"Damn you!" Arndt roared as he charged at Link.
The Hero easily caught his stab, knocking it to the side before stabbing Arndt in the shoulder, the Captain crying out in pain and dropping his blade.
Link approached carefully, lowering his guard for a moment only for Arndt to leap to his feet and smash a fist into his chest, sending Link flying into the center of the clearing.
"Forgot I had these, didn't you?" Arndt asked, raising his gauntleted fists.
Link quickly got back to his feet, meeting Arndt's gaze. "Thanks for reminding me."
"What? How are you standing?!" the Captain yelled.
"I'm more resilient than I look." Link answered before sprinting at Arndt, the Captain responding in kind. The two met near the tree line, Link dodged one punch before deflecting the other with his blade before delivering a kick to Arndt's midsection that sent him stumbling back. The Captain charged back in, swinging madly at Link, the Hero swiftly dodging all his hooks and jabs before calling on the Triforce of Courage, a golden aura surrounding him as he's eyes glowed gold with the Goddesses' power.
"I'm not scared of your tricks!" Arndt roared as he threw another punch.
Link caught his fist effortlessly as the Triforce glowed brilliantly on the back of his hand. The Captain tried to throw another jab only for Link to bat it away with his sword before wrapping his right arm around Arndt's, bracing his sword against his elbow and wrenching it back, the Captain crying out as Link felt the bone's within his lower arm break in two. As Arndt fell to the ground Link stood over him, leaning over and roughly pulling the gauntlets off of his hands.
"Please...don't kill me...I'll confess!" Arndt exclaimed.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you." Link said.
"You're not?" Arndt asked.
"You're going to show me where she lives." Link replied.
oOo
Link stood among the trees as the night grew darker, the moonlight shining on a house that only showed recent signs of abandonment, the gardens that were once lovingly tended were starting to become overgrown while the door had been broken from it's hinges.
"You can't leave me like this!" Arndt called, firmly bound to a tree.
Link watched, a solemn expression his face, tensing as he heard a shriek in the distance, the Hero quickly pulling the Silver Gauntlets onto his hands.
"No, no, no!" Arndt yelled. "You've heard the stories of the Hero haven't you?! Do you think he would do this to someone?!"
Link lowered his head, he hated to do this but it was the only way to lure the Redead Witch back before it struck again and the life many innocents outweighed that of one man...especially Arndt.
"Please! Help me! I'll do anything you-" Arndt pleaded, suddenly going silent.
Link emerged from his spot among the trees quietly moving alongside the house and peering around the corner, watching as Arndt trembled, the creature slowly advancing towards him.
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to..." Arndt begged.
Link winced as the creature pounced, Arndt letting out one final scream that was cut short as the Redead Witch ripped into him with her claws.
"Hey!" Link shouted as he rounded the corner, the creature turning to face him, it's claws dripping with Arndt's blood. "Enna, are you still in there?" Link asked.
The Redead Witch let out a short growl as it observed Link, the Hero taking care to stay out of range it's scream.
"Can you understand me?" Link asked, his eyes scanning every inch of the creature's body before finding a pulsating stab wound in it's stomach from which a black substance dripped. Link took a step back as the Redead Witch's white eyes glared at him from underneath her matted hair. Suddenly she let out a shriek, Link feeling his body begin to tense, but was able to resist it as he ran forward. The Redead Witch leapt at him, Link dodging the side and knocking the creature into the house.
Link charged in, looking around for the creature only for it to drop from the ceiling and shove him across the room. The Hero landed in a mound of bones, small ones. He righted himself only for the Redead Witch to tackle him the ground. She shoved her claws at him, Link dropping his blade and and grabbing her wrists, the creature struggling against his grasp and snapping her jaws at him. Link narrowed his eyes, quickly letting go of her wrists and pulling her close with his right arm before retrieving his sword with his left before plunging it into the wound on her stomach, the Redead Witch crying out before rolling onto her back, her breathing shallow and quiet.
The Hero stood, breathing in sharply as he looked down, his opponent had managed to make it past his armor and claw his side, blood soaking the tunic underneath. He looked over at the dying Redead Witch, slowly walking over to her and kneeling at her side. "I'm so sorry." Link whispered as he called on his Triforce. He placed a hand on Enna's head, the golden glow enveloping her. "Be at peace." he said. Link closed his eyes, getting ready to leave when the Redead Witch shot a hand at him and grabbed his wrist, Link's head whirling back around to face her only to find her skin healing, her claws falling off to reveal fingernails underneath, her glazed white eyes returning to a clear brown as she breathed in sharply, her chest heaving.
"E...Enna?" Link asked.
"Who...who are you? Where am I?" she asked, fear in her voice."
"Come with me, I'll get you help." Link said, extending a hand. As he helped Enna up, Link looked down at his other hand, had he broken a curse or was he able to use the Triforce to revive her? He didn't know the answer to either question, but he did know they warranted investigation.
oOo
Jakob adjusted his attire in the mirror before taking leave of his chambers. Opening his door the first thing he saw was Zelda, a sensation of relief filling him. She had come to see him for once.
"My dearest Zelda, I was just on my way to-" Jakob began
"You have my word he will not survive our first engagement in Termina." Zelda responded, cocking her head to the side while holding a straight face.
"I...I'm afraid I don't understand." Jakob replied, an uneasy feeling replacing replacing the relief he had felt shortly beforehand.
"Your conversation with my father...conspiring to kill the man who saved my life." Zelda said, narrowing her eyes.
"Zelda darling, you misunderstand." Jakob said.
"I misunderstand?!" Zelda shouted. "You and my father discussed putting Sir Link in harms way in no uncertain terms...how could you?!"
"Who told you all this?" Jakob asked. "Was it Impa? If so, she's not a reliable source of-"
Zelda tapped her shoulder, a small fairy appearing from behind her and perching on her shoulder. "This is Ari, she listened in on your conversation with my father...listened in on your plot to kill someone."
"Zelda, darling, please, you have to understand, he's some lowborn boy who sneaked uninvited into the Castle and then approaches you as if he knows you...if he weren't so Godesses-damned arrogant then maybe I'd look into getting him mental help for his delusion but when I asked that he leave you be he declined."
"You've spoken to him about this...about me?! You admit you've been meddling in my affairs behind my back this entire time!" Zelda exclaimed. "Where is he? I must warn him about you!"
"Not here." Jakob said. "Last I heard he went off with Lady Lywater to go on some monster hunt...didn't say a word about you as he left."
"And in your mind that's supposed to mean something." Zelda replied. "You seem to think me a foolish child, but I am anything but!"
"Zelda, please..." Jakob begged.
"I was thrilled when my father arranged our union, but now...I realize I didn't know you then and I certainly don't know you now." Zelda said as she walked away, Ari flying along behind her.
"Zelda, dearest, wait!" Jakob called after her, coming to a halt as she warped away in a flash of light. He stood for second in disbelief, a feeling akin to complete devastation filling him. "Okay, okay." he said to himself. "She hasn't called off the engagement...she's just mad right now but she'll come to her senses." he said, his breathing hitching for a moment as he went completely still...then there was rage, a rage like none he had ever felt in his life filling him. Jakob charged into his chambers, grabbing a chair and smashing it against the wall before grabbing his sword, unsheathing it and violently chopping at his desk until it was split messily in two, the Knight screaming in rage all the while.
Jakob braced himself against a pillar, his chest heaving as he stared at the desk when his eyes suddenly went wide. He ran to the door and flung it open before racing down the hall, up a flight of stairs and down another hall past many stunned and curious Courtiers. Jakob soon came upon door, hesitating before knocking firmly.
Minister Thalmont opened the door wearily, eyeing the visibly agitated Jakob with caution. "Do you need something, Lord Lirien...perhaps a potion to calm the nerves?"
Jakob instead forced his way in, pushing past the Minister and taking a seat in his sitting area.
"Excuse me!" Minister Thalmont called. "Oh yes, just take a seat without even being invited in..."
"I have...a favor to ask." Jakob said.
"And that might be?" Thalmont replied.
"Those Foreign contacts of yours...do you still have their information?" Jakob asked.
"You don't mean those assassins...do you?" Thalmont responded.
Jakob sighed as he nodded in the affirmative. "Yes, those gents."
oOo
Termina-Clock Town
"But where did they come from?!" Mayor Grennan exclaimed.
"From what we can tell they've allied with the Gerudo Pirates and were mooring their ships on the other side of their fortress." Captain Timos replied.
"How did we not find out about this sooner?" the Mayor said.
"Time is of the essence, Sir, we must send out the evacuation order!" the Captain urged.
"Fine...get word out that we're evacuating the city." the Mayor said.
"I'll get to work on that at once, Sir!" Captain Timos said. Just as he was about to leave the Mayor spoke.
"You know, Timos, this reminds me of a story our people tell..." the Mayor explained.
"The one about the moon falling from the sky?" Timos asked.
"That's the one." Mayor Grennan said.
oOo
The Great Bay
Terminian soldiers and Zora civilians attempting to flee fell left and right as ship after ship landed on the shores, Gerudo Pirates and Mercenaries in black armor streaming from them and cutting down everyone in their way while bombs launched from cannons rained down on soldiers holding the line further inland, scattering them further.
"We can't hold the line much longe-!" a Soldier called before receiving a sword through the head.
"By the giants." General Anthor said as he watched through a telescope. "We're getting slaughtered out here!"
"We need to call a retreat." a Captain suggested.
"We can't. Not until Clock Town is evacuated and everyone has made it far enough away." General Anthor replied.
Out to sea on the Mercenary flagship 'The Black Wyvern" stood Daemus Ginthorne, the Mercenary commander, Captain Saahirah of the Gerudo Pirates and Ganondorf stood, watching the invasion.
"Are you satisfied with our services?" Daemus asked.
A smile cracked alone Ganondorf's lips as he observed the carnage. "Very much so."
oOo
Hi everyone! Demise's Gate has finally reached the double digits! I realize it's been a while so sorry for the wait! I decided to make an extra long chapter to tie up any loose ends from the last!
LoruelanHeart: Not much in the way of Zelda and Link action in this chapter, but I hope it still satisfied anyway! Zelda finally is coming to terms with who she is, even if she hasn't yet remembered her past. Jakob will always be a jerk and he really got his in this chapter due to Zelda finding out his attentions, but he's not done yet. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, thank you for the review!
Generala: Some redheads? Possibly! As you can see, Zelda's starting to realize who she is and is beginning to believe Link and doubt Jakob completely. As Link explained earlier, he felt as if it was the only way out of that situation, doing something so crazy it actually made sense, but his activation of the Triforce triggered more memories in Zelda, but not the ones she wants. And yes, Jakob was brought up from a young to believe he was going to be King someday and believes that he has to accomplish this to honor his deceased father's memory...but now there's a wrench that's been thrown into his plans and he's not taking kindly to it! Thanks for the review! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Queen Emily the Diligent: Thank you so much! And yes, Lady Lywater is his ally and she'll see to it Link's back is watched! Thank you for reviewing, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Ultimate blazer: The plot is speeding along indeed and Zelda will remember her lives eventually! I just wanted to take what I usually do, with one of them remembering only to find the other already remembers straight out of the gate and give it a little twist so that Link has to go through some of his journey while also struggling with Zelda not completely recalling their past lives. And yes, Old Man Ganon has some traitors around him, but they vastly underestimate him! Thank you for reviewing! I hope you liked the chapter!
Alright everyone! Thank you very much for the follows and favorites! They really help to keep the story going!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you've enjoyed the story so far!
-Prometheus17