As Link and Ravio exited the warehouse, they immediately set course for the alleyways the three girls had taken the two armored knights, calling out for them. Oren's alley came up first, and both boys stopped in shock. Their worst fear was coming true. There was no Oren, and no knight. While Link was dissecting the thought, Ravio rushed over to the alley that Zelda and HIlda had went down.

There was no knight nor any of the human princesses. There was, however, damaged boxes and black spots on the ground and walls. This was little relief to Ravio, but knowing the girls fought back was a much better thought than them being captured easily. The lack of blood of any kind was a much better stress reliever.

"Ravio." Link entered the alley, walking calmly towards his partner. "I think Oren is alive."

"I'm sure Zelda and Hilda are as well. They cannot be far. We were only in the warehouse for a few minutes, ten at best." He folded his arms across his chest, pondering over every best case scenario. "I could have Sheerow search from the sky, but that'll be no help if they're inside a building. Spryte would be helpful finding their magical signatures, but we'll be wasting time if you get her now. I don't have any item of the sort on me… Hey, do you know if the Pendant of Courage can act as a tracker?"

Link took out the pendant, frowning. "I don't know. Never tried."

"Give it to me." Link took off the pendant, handing it to Ravio. The bunny boy gazed into it,Link stepping aside to not break his concentration. "I think I can do it, so it is going to be a while. Dowsing for signatures is much harder when you have little magical talent."

Link sat on an unbroken box, rubbing his face. "Well… What do you think?"

"If they know who they are, we're in trouble. Best case scenario, the girls are not known, but because of their…'occupation,' they're going to a more private place. Not so good scenario would be...much more defiling, or they are found out and imprisoned. Worst case, they're on route to North Castle. As much as I hope they're in the best case, I rather not think that Princess Hilda is in a…"

Link nodded, thinking the same for Zelda and Oren. "Yeah."

"Ralph would call us 'lovesick fools' for this. We're risking our lives here."

Link chuckled and shrugged. "Am I not the Legendary Hero? This is my job."

Ravio lined his mouth, refraining from speaking his mind. Link was the Hero, no doubt about it, but the boy could be reckless. How Ravio ended up becoming pals with him was unknown. Then again, his rivalry with Ralph had ceased after the victory on Death Mountain, and against the odds and his words, the prince was a much better man than before. The thrill of war had replaced his desire for women, except for one in particular. "Link, if I may ask, if we win the war, because it is not certain, and Zelda takes her throne… What will you do?"

Link mentally admitted that he didn't know. He never gave thought to his life if the rebellion was successful, never mind that, in one way, it had only begun more than a month ago. Ordon was gone, and even if it wasn't, Link would be a national figure. There would be no way he could return to the village the same way, not without Zelda. She would be ruler of Hyrule, and though it was when they were children, they swore never to separate. Link didn't know what he could do at the castle, hell Zelda didn't know a thing about running a country. What would she do? "I… I have no clue."

Ravio must have thought what he had asked, for he looked over his shoulder. "No, not like that. I mean… Excuse me for presuming, but do you...actually...have feelings for Princess Zelda?"

That was a much easier question, though Link didn't answer as quickly as he processed his answer. "Oh...well...yeah."

"Thought so. I'm rooting for you two, not because you two are some legendary pair and at one point you saved Lorule, but because I see parts of you two in Hilda and I."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You and me, them two, we're not so different. Lost kingdoms, they're princesses, we're the most trusted boys in their lives, and here we are, risking our own to save them. Maybe we are lovesick fools after all." Ravio smiled as he held the pendant in his hands, looking back at his reflection. "You'll make a perfect King for her."

Link coughed. "Let's not get too far ahead, Ravio."

"Do you really think I should ask Hilda about the truth of Lorule? Is it worth it?"

Link nodded, rising to his feet. "Yes it is. You have the right as one of the two last survivors of your land to know how it went down. If it is true, maybe you should find out why she hid it from you."

"Yeah, I guess. Woah." The pendant began to flicker in Ravio's hands, and the bunny boy handed it back to Link. "It is ready. If I had to guess based of the flickering, they headed north, towards the river. Watch the pendant. The brighter the glow, the closer we are." Link nodded, and began heading back out into the street. But before the Hero made it, Ravio whisked him back, covering his mouth as he held a finger to his ears. "Listen."

Both boys heard the incoming clattering of steel coming from the north. Ravio gasped and immediately searched for his communication charm. "Ralph!"

"'Hoy, it is Knight Charming #2. How goes the search for our beauties?"

"We're getting there, but you got some armored units heading to the warehouse now."

"That means the girls were captured. Oh great. Luckily we're done here… Ravio, Link if you're there, please bring our girls home. Especially Oren."

Link held back a scoff as he walked to the other end of the alley. "We'll make her priority just for you." Link turned his head around the corner, pulling it back as he glanced at Ravio. The hero's alarmed frightened and confused Ravio.

"What?"

"Monsters. Actual monsters."

"And? What are they to you?"

"Definitely not of the Moblin or Bokoblin sort. They're like centaurs with bushy manes." Ravio's eyes went so wide Link thought the sclera would fall out. "Ravio?"

He looked towards the main street, the armored knights coming closer. He quickly searched his pouch, finding an item and throwing it at Link. "Put this one." Link did so with some hesitation, but before asking why, Link found himself pushed into the wall by Ravio. However, he felt no pain from the impact, only a weird sensation of...flatness. Ravio vanished from sight, and soon the maned beasts call Lynels came into Link's field of view. The lead was silver in color with a black mane, with a blue Lynel with white hair and a black one with red hair followed behind. They passed the hero as if they couldn't see him, and based of their sniffing, lost his smell as well. But how? And where the hell was Ravio?

A kick to his leg got Link's attention, and he looked forward, seeing a flat figure in front of him. It looked like Ravio, but… How did he become part of the wall? Ravio must have understood Link's confusion, for he began to explain. "Remember how the Hero of Two Worlds traveled between them?"

Oh… Oh. Link finally figured that he, like the named hero, was a 'picture' on the wall. Bet he had a similar look too. Nodding, Ravio turned in the two-dimensional space and began 'walking' towards the street. Link followed behind, pausing as both boys watched the assembled warriors stand in front of the warehouse. The three Lynels were not the only monsters here, as there were several lizards present as well-Lizalfos, if Link remembered their name correctly. But they were outnumbered by the knights, either wearing red armor or blue armor. Only one was an exception, a gold armored knight sitting on a horse, the de facto leader of this group. The Imperials lined up at the door, ready to barge it down at the gold knight's command.

"Who is that?"

"I have no clue."

"Rebels," the leader finally said, "we know you are in there. Now, I have no desire to shed blood, but do know that I have three of your own in my possession. I don't know if they're important or not, but I do have a mind to turn them in to Lord Ghirahim, and he's not in the best mood as of late. But I'm willing to negotiate for the moment. Leave the warehouse, and I'll let you and the girls go. I have them here with me." The knight moved his horse aside, and while their viewpoint didn't allow for the best view, Link could confirm the girls were close by due to how he could feel the pendant. He didn't know if it was glowing or not. "You have to the count of three to exit."

"You think Ralph got everyone out of there?"

"One!"

"Ravio, I pray he did."

"Two!"

"Me too."

"THREE!"

The warehouse doors opened, and to the utter astonishment of Link and Ravio, the Prince of Labrynna stepped out, with all the royal swagger he could muster. He stood proudly in front of the golden knight, his cape waving heroically. They both heard one of the girls, Oren, confusingly call Ralph's name, to which didn't ignore as he nodded his acknowledgement of her, Zelda, and Hilda. He turned back to the knight, whose complexion was hidden by his helmet. "Well… I'm here. I see the ladies are here as well, you brought your monsters… Don't you think this is overkill?"

The knight scoffed. "Overkill? Please. Now, I am not stupid. Where is the rest of your group?"

Ralph pointed to the girls. "You got them. You see… I think you have us confused for the rebellion, what do they call themselves, the Resistance? No, that is not true. Don't you see how they're dressed? Sluts, I tell you."

"Really?" The Hero and the Lorulean Knight couldn't tell if the leader was actually deceived or that he was impressed Ralph could come up with such a story. They were impressed, as if Ralph had this idea in mind. He probably had this in mind beforehand.

"Yes. let me tell you about them. The blondie and the darkie are actually lovers, and for due payment, can make any guy or girl the lucky third person in a sensual night. The Zora...well, they're Zora. They love an aquatic environment, and so will you. But the best part is, and I can never convince them otherwise, is that they think they're of noble blood." Ralph chuckled as he wrapped his arms around all three while whistling a tune.

"Is that so?"

"Yep. Zora thinks she's the Zora Princess, darkie thinks she's Princess Hilda of Lorule, and blondie thinks she's the long lost Princess Zelda. They call me Prince Ralph. Oh, excuse my manners, but who are you?"

"They call me General Onox." Ralph stood still for a moment, his face blank.

"Oh really?... Then Holodrum and Labrynna says hi, directly from Prince Ralph of Labrynna." Ralph chuckled as he tightened his grip on the girls. "Hold on to me."

The golden knight pointed at the four, snarling orders to attack. The knights behind Ralph and the girls made their move, but were toppled to the ground as Moosh, Ralph's flying blue bear, crashed into the scene, picking up all four rebels and quickly flying away. "Shoot them down. NOW!" The Lynels and Lizalfos raised up bows, firing arrows at the retreating group of rebels. Link and Ravio were still in shock over Ralph's risky but successful getaway, but realized that they were still within the city, albeit safe. While the Imperials were distracted, the pair moved back into the alley, shifting back to the three-dimensional plane once they were hidden.

Ravio was first to say what they both had on their minds. "We got duped by a horny prince."

"It was an excellent plan, for him. Now we must get out of here." Ravio nodded, and they went around a building before gazing back at the Imperials. They were still concentrating on Ralph and company. Link had the unagreed upon idea to run down the main street, which Ravio immediately protested against but followed along.

"Link!"

"It isn't like they'll see us-"

"Look out!" Ravio pushed Link aside and fell to the ground, barely escaping the impact of a rogue lightning blast. They looked at it, then to the sky (a clear night), then to the sparkle that haunted their eyes down the road. It was the Silver Lynel with a Electric Arrow. The golden knight had noticed them as well. He paused the second shot for a moment, getting a good look at the two boys, especially Link.

"You… KILL HIM. IT IS THE HERO."

Link looked to Ravio, who was much more scared than Link, being a natural coward. "This is where we run for our lives."

Link smiled. "Couldn't agree more."

It was another hour or so before Link and Ravio escaped from Saria, returning to Ravio's purple Loftwing on the outskirts of town. Thanks to the bracelet Ravio put on Link and the one he had on himself, they we're able to navigate the city safely on the walls, only fighting when it came to need. To their knowledge, they weren't followed, and if they were, they were just escaped rebels who'll be caught another day.

As they came up to Sheerow, they saw the rest of their team awaiting them. Once Zelda and Hilda caught sight of their respective boy, they ran away from Ralph and Oren and into the arms of Link and Ravio. The boys, their safety on their minds, had forgotten how the girls were dressed.

After many moments of happiness between the four, Ralph took the reins of Moosh, gesturing the four over. "Alright, that's enough. We're still in danger as long as we are here."

Link nodded, releasing Zelda. "He's right. We got to go." Ravio, Hilda, and Zelda mounted Sheerow while Link joined Ralph and Oren on Moosh. As he found a comfortable position, Link tapped Ralph on the shoulder. "How-"

"I had a feeling the Imperials would return, not with the girls though. Matter of fact, I figured that you'll need some help. Seems I am the hero today."

"Asshole."

"You're welcome, Link, for I saved your lady. Now, can we go, sir?" Link nodded, ignoring Ralph's emphasizing his leadership role. The two flying beings took off for the south, scouring over the demonizing Death Mountain, over the mystical Lost Woods, and down to the hidden town of Kakariko. Once they landed at the Resistance Base, they could see their work already shaping things up. Weapons were sorted and passed around, and as they passed by, many of the other rebels congratulated the group on a successful mission.

Some dared to stare at the three women of the group, for they hadn't changed their attires yet.

Once they arrived at their quarters, the place Ravio and Hilda had called home alongside a former member of their group, Gan Dragmire, and a recovering member, Midna Twilight, the six began a well-deserved period of relaxation. They were the first invaders of North Hyrule, totally under Imperial reign.

They will not be the last.

General Onox walked calmly down the long throne room, his armor shifting making the only noise in the room. He passed pillar after pillar, his eyes facing the large throne, the four stone blocks surrounding it, the blue carpet leading up to it, and the broken Triforce above it. As he came to the bottom of a small staircase, he bowed deeply to the lone figure on the throne, his eyes casted down. He didn't know what would happen, but if it came to the worst, he would accept his punishment as the general he is. "Your Majesty."

The king's voice echoed across the room, not as deep as Onox's, but like a mischievous teenage boy. "Rise, General. What brings you here?"

The general rose to his feet, but kept his head down. "My king, I have failed you immensely. Rebels infiltrated a warehouse with arms in Saria, and took nearly everything. I, unknowingly, had two of the Sages and the Princess herself in my hands, but confusing them for street women, let my guard down as they and their rebel boys escape."

"Hmm… Was the Hero there?"

"If the boy I saw, that I painstakingly remember, was him, then yes. I can never forget the green tunic."

The king chuckled, then turned over his shoulder to the person standing beside him. "Lord Ghirahim, it seems our old friends are ready to join us in the north. I say it is time we prepare."

Ghirahim's smile almost reached his eyelids. "Yes, my lord."

"Ghirahim, you are in charge. Fight the Resistance, but do not interfere with the Hero and Princess. Whatever plans they have, it will lead me to the golden power. Vah Naboris is at your disposal." Ghirahim nodded and left the throne room to prepare. The king faced Onox, and faced a dark corner in the room. "Lady Veran." From her corner, the one called Veran marched out. She wore red armor at various places on her body, leaving her blue abdomen and upper bosom exposed. The parts of her legs not covered in armor were clothed in a black dress, and the clicking of heels gave away her footwear. Half her stunning face was covered by her black hair, a streak of red where her eye would be. She blinked red eyes at Onox as she passed, taking her place at the right side of the king, sitting on the arms of the chair. Onox and Veran shared another lingering glance before they faced the king.

Feeling uncomfortable, Onox addressed the king. "Your Majesty, do I have any orders?"

"Yes, you do, General Onox. Were they any other people of importance there?"

"Besides the Hero and Princess, the princesses of Lorule and Zora, and…Prince Ralph of Labrynna."

Veran chuckled. "Really? The Ambi lineage still thrives?"

The king nodded. "Yes it does. But it won't much longer." The king's blood-red eyes sparkled as he stood, walking down to Onox. Despite the height over the king, merely a head taller, Onox felt so small compared to his liege. Not even the twin witches of another period in history which he (and Veran) made their mark upon the Hero and Princess had he felt such...fear. Not even the prospect of meeting the Demon King made the General of Darkness unnerved. The king patted Onox's armored shoulder, and turned him around. "You will have your revenge, Onox. On both Holodrum and Labrynna. I want both countries to be washed out, flooded by torrents of rain by the power of my creation. Take Vah Ruta, and may Queen Ambi drown with her lands."

General Onox put his fist to his heart, and bowed. "I will do as you please."

The king shook his head. "Not my idea. It is hers, Lady Veran's." The king gestured to the woman now seated on the throne, her legs crossed. Onox scowled under his helmet. "Or shall I say, Queen Veran?" A crown suddenly appeared upon Veran's head, marking her status as the second most powerful person in the kingdom.

She smiled as she adjusted her crown. "Thank you, my king."

"Anything for the woman who was by my side when I first laid plans for Hyrule 22 years ago, after Zelda was crowned, then when Zelda breathed her last in my hands, who was there to crown me as the winner of Hyrule? Oh, how could I forget democracy in the Council chambers?"

"Sir?" Onox had had enough of the lovefest. He was ready for vengeance. "May I be dismissed?"

The king nodded. "Drown them all, for my throne." Onox nodded, and swiftly escaped the throne room. Ignoring his wayward knight, the king stepped back up to his throne, sharing the seat with Veran. He was quiet for a moment before turning to his cohort. "Veran, I have a job for you."

"What is it, V-"

"Don't say that name. As for your job, I have to focus on making sure the Hero and Princess get to their destination. You will make sure the Resistance are utterly demolished."

"Isn't that Ghirahim's task?"

"He leads the troops, but I cannot oversee him and Onox while focusing on the chosen pair. No, I need you to make sure what we worked for in our early years does not suffer."

Veran nodded. "Very well. I will not fail you."

"I know. But one more thing, and this is important. I need our...friends to do a little spying for me. I have a great fear that someone who should be dead is still alive. If he lives, he'll be instrumental to my grand plan."

"Who are you looking for?"

The king stood up, gazing out the large window opposite of him. "The one evil that outshines us all in Hyrule's history…We were pawns in his games, yet now, he hides, waiting to strike. He knows we are stronger, smarter, superior to him in every way. So, in a last resort, he will assemble and nuture our nemeses. Think on that, Veran. For the first time in their bloody history, The Hero, the Princess, and the Thief could stand against us as one. Blood, Spirit, and Hatred. Courage, Wisdom, and Power. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf. It will be glorious. It will be magnificent. It will be worthy of the gods." He turned around, staring at the hanging bust of the Triforce above his throne. "To ensure Hyrule is ours, my queen, we must solve its lasting problem. I only know one solution."

"What is that?"

"It's time for the legend of Zelda...to end."