Labrynna

The belly of the beast was vast in size. Numerous chambers waiting to be explored, all connecting to the large central domain. Waterwheels churned the life-giving liquid that no doubt was the source of the beast's ability to pour so much out. Ralph and Oren were simply amazed by the splendor within the elephant, yet there would be no time to explore. Once they were inside the room, Oren had spotted what could be the main control unit inside another spacious chamber. Ralph wasted no time in heading towards it, but unlike Oren, he didn't care for the lack of Imperial monsters not protecting the most crucial element of the beast.

"Ralph, this could be a trap."

Ralph kept walking but acknowledged Oren's worries by drawing steel. No monster appeared as they got to the unit, Ralph hovered his free hand over the pad of the unit. "Sense anything, Oren?"

"...No. We're good…" Oren turned around, Ralph noticing his friend's hesitation, removed his hand.

"Oren?"

"I don't see anything, the water in this room, minute in amount, possess no trouble. Yet I cannot shake the feeling we're being watched by like a hundred eyes. It's as if…" A splash of water distracted the pair. As they investigated from afar, more splashes in the swallow occurred. This led the prince and princess to look up to the chamber's ceiling, where indeed Oren's feeling of something watching them was nothing but a truth. Then a loud clang echoed across the chamber, the eyes of the more intelligent species moving towards the bars that separated them from the main chamber. Behind it was the knight they both recognized from Saria Town.

"Onox," Ralph growled.

The General of Darkness chuckled behind his helmet, folding his arms. "Prince Ralph. Heh. You know, I was surprised to see that the Labrynnians reinstated their monarchy after the crises here and in Holodrum all those centuries ago. Now while I did cause carnage in Holodrum, just knowing that Oracle of Seasons is here in Labrynna is enough for me to take my revenge."

Ralph paced himself, not going any closer to the bars, lest he'll be under the beast on the ceiling, whose eyes continuously fell. "If revenge is what this is about, then where is the Sorceress of Shadows?"

"You'll meet her soon enough. You have bigger problems in sight." Onox lifted his head, nodding to the beast above. The eye-beast, an enlarged jellyfish still hanging on the ceiling, finally dropped. The small objects that dropped beforehand, small, light-brown, puffy balls formed up and covered the large jellyfish, formed a protective barrier around it as the jellyfish rose from the waters. It hovered in place, taunting Oren and Ralph. "Prince Ralph, Princess Oren, say hello to the Scourge of the Swamp, Arrghus." As he turned away, Onox made no attempt to hide his next command. "Vah Ruta, prepare to fire at Labrynna Castle."

Arrghus floated towards the pair with surprising speed, forcing them to jump out the way. It slowed down before it could make contact with the main control unit. Oren and Ralph rejoined as Arrghus turned back around, ready for another charge. The Sage of Water raised her hand as she reached out to the liquid at her feet, then thrusted her limb forward, cascading Arrghus with a shower. It did little to no damage to Arrghus, but it revealed something: The puffballs can be removed.

Arrghus charged again, separating the pair again. While Oren prepared another water attack, Ralph pulled out his hook shot, and aimed it at Arrghus once it stopped in motion. The hook flew, attached to a puffball, and recoiled, decimating the ball with a single sword swipe. Oren fired another blast of water, exposing the jellyfish even more.

Arrghus faced the pair, eyeing the Zora Princess, and with an unprecedented burst of speed, zipped towards her. Oren quickly tried to summon her power, but the boss monster was too quick, colliding into the Zora and tossing her like a rock on a lake. She collapsed against a wall, seemingly to be unconscious. Ralph was too far away to even get to check on the woman, with Arrghus between them.

"Damn you!" Ralph fired the hookshot, but Arrghus telepathically orbiting the puff balls around it somehow made the hook implant itself in the monster. While it gave Arrghus some pain, it was not what Ralph had planned, causing the hookshot to pull him towards Arrghus. "Whoa!" Ralph barely adjusted himself to avoid face planting on Arrghus' body. The boss, however, made it hard for the prince to stay on, moving erratically in the wrong at high speeds around the room.

While trying to hang on for dear life, Ralph spotted the final patches of puff balls he needed to get off of Arrghus. They were most likely in range of his sword, which Ralph withdrew and started hacking.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

And one. When the last one disappeared, Ralph released the hook from Arrghus, landing back on the drowned floor and his back. Arrghus itself distanced itself from Ralph, staring him down before dropping into the water. The shockwaves afterward returned Ralph to his back, but he made a move to get up before the grounded Arrghus ran over him. He got back to his feet, watching as the boss moved around the room, clueless as to how he would hit the monster now. It would have to be a timed attack, but one Ralph would have to be ready for… Like a spin attack. Liking his idea, Ralph held his sword in preparation for the spin attack, the blade glowing softly with power. He watched as Arrghus bumped into a wall (the one close to Oren) and came swimming towards Ralph. He needed to time this perfectly, or risk a lot of pain...or death.

"Come on, come on, come on… Hiiii-YAH!" Ralph spun in a circle and felt the contact of skin against steel. As he finished his spin, he noticed Arrghus was gone. He looked all around for the beast, then noticed the shadow that had moved just under him. Fight or flight response kicked in, and Ralph leaped out the way before Arrghus sandwiched him. Ralph quickly attempted to strike before Arrghus moved, but was too slow on his recovery. As the monster came back around, much quicker than it did the first time, the prince prepared another spin attack and made his move once he thought Arrghus was close enough. However, he missed by a hair, but due to Arrghus bouncing back Ralph's way before Ralph completed the full spin, the boss was hit a second time. But since Ralph hadn't anticipated the second attempt, the force of his hit was enough to send falling. By the time he had noticed he had fallen, Ralph was already too late to attempt to dodge Arrghus' jump, so as the boss came falling down, he did the only thing he could think of.

Close his eyes, hold his sword up and hope for a quick, painless death.

Such a thing wouldn't happen.

Ralph could feel what could only be described as the tentacles of Arrghus smacking against his body. Once the boy opened his eyes, he could see the boss had indeed struck his blade, the tip the only partially inserted into the monster. Small puffs of dark smoke erupted from the monster, all before a light shone from inside Arrghus and the monster disintegrated into more smoke.

As the last of Arrghus' remains vanished, the Prince of Labrynna took a breath of relief and got back to his feet. Looking across the room, he could see Oren was still on the ground, and while he desired to go to her, there was one thing he had to do first.

"Vah Ruta, prepare to fire at Labrynna Castle."

Remembering Onox's last words, Ralph ran to the terminal, and stabbed the control unit, hoping it wasn't too late.


Onox stood on top of Vah Ruta, his arms folded as he looked upon the Kingdom of Labrynna. Once the castle and the capital city falls, it will be another kingdom felled by the Imperial forces. Shame he was unable to witness Calatia's fall, but this will be enough. The full power of the beast will be unleashed.

Smiling under his helmet, Onox decided to not delay any longer. Labrynna Castle was already locked as a target, all Onox had to say was one simple word. "Fire."

All at once, the targeting laser disappeared, followed by other mechanical sounds that did not sound like a destructive beam being fire. No, it was more like...Vah Ruta was shutting down. Onox glanced around, noticing the purple highlights going out, and Vah Ruta falling down to a sitting position. That could only mean one thing… The princeling had destroyed the terminal. Cursing the Prince of Labrynna under his breath, General Onox prayed that his failure won't result in painful punishment. He'll make a formal apology to the king in person.

And if he lives, the boy will pay.


Ralph quickly disembarked off Moosh and grabbed Oren, holding her bridal style. Looking to a group of Zoras, they rushed to the prince at his silent plea for help. "We'll take her, Your Majesty," one said. "After all, you not only saved our seas but the whole of Labrynna as well."

"Worthy to be its king," another spoke.

Ralph nodded, handing Oren to the first Zora. "Take care of her, and let me know when she awakens."

"Yes, sir." The Zoras moved out to a predetermined destination while Ralph turned back to the sea. There Vah Ruta stood still, the prince successful in averting Onox's nefarious plan. He didn't know how much time he had left, but it was enough for him.

Turning to the castle, Ralph headed towards the gathered group at its doorstep. It was the same party as before, the Goron Elder, King Zora, Mayor Plen, and the two Oracles. Cheering could be heard all across the castle courtyard, with some soldiers and civilians thanking and congratulating Ralph as he passed them. He welcomed them with a smile and a nod, rushing to get through the crowd to get to his fellow leaders.

"Your Majesty, you did it!" Mayor Plen said with exaggerated exuberance. "Labrynna has survived another crisis in its history."

Din nodded. "Sure has, but this time, the hero was its king. Can't forget the person who went to go get you though. She's a hero as well." The Oracle of Seasons then turned to her little sister, who had stayed quiet the entire time, elbowing her. "Nayru, don't you have something to say?"

Nayru sighed and stepped down to Ralph. She quickly turned to the gathered crowd before them. "Ralph… Your Majesty, they are expecting a speech. We...can talk later...privately."

"Sure thing." Ralph turned to the people, now realizing that he is now their king. Never had he done a public speech before, but if his mother and father trained him correctly, he knew what they wanted to hear…he hoped. Nerves began to kick in, Ralph closing his eyes and fisting his palms to try to calm himself down. The adrenaline of battle had started to drop, and every other system in the body decided to reactivate at once.

Then a warmth at his left hand immediately sent the desired calmness throughout his body. Ralph looked down at the hand to see a milk-white one slip into its grasp. Ralph looked up to the owner, none other than Nayru, who whispered, "You can do it. I'm right here"

Ralph took a deep breath and faced the crowd again. "People…of Labrynna, today, we have beaten an enemy not only a threat to us but a threat to the entire world. We have suffered many losses, including my mother, Queen Ambi. But while we suffered our losses, we are victorious. Their weapon sits in our waters, a testament to their while we are victorious, we have only won the battle. There is still a war to fight. As many knows, the Royal Air Force and I joined the civil war in Hyrule, to fight against the same oppressors that attacked our land. We were a neutral state, and I joined of my own accord. Today, however, we are at war, allied with the Resistance of Hyrule. As I speak to you, that war rages, but there is hope: The Hero of Legend, like the one who saved Labrynna many centuries ago, has been reborn, and the true heir to Hyrule's throne has been found. With those two, the light that can shine upon our world is closer than ever… I will not make a demand for war, but I ask the tribal leaders and Mayor Plen for their advice, and of course, the Oracles as well. But if we shall go to war, I will lead Labrynna to glory and honor worthy of the gods. If not, I will still aid Hyrule, and soldiers who elect to go with me may do so, and those who stay home are just as honorable. Hyrule is not our land, and we have nothing to gain in their war, but we do have a common enemy. I will make sure the blood of Labrynna's sons and daughters are repaid three times with the fall of the Imperials.I make this promise not as your prince, but as King Ralph of Labrynna."


South Hyrule

Link slugged his luggage on Epona's back, setting the pack correctly to prevent it from falling off the horse in the future. He turned to his comrades, Zelda and Hilda in a conversation already sitting up their horses, Ravio quietly standing away from the rest of the group, and Midna talking to General Auru, finally reuniting after her month-long slumber.

The five young adults will be the first rebels to enter North Hyrule officially, in a journey to find the Triforce. Link was most concerned above all on whether or not the Imperials will find them along the way. He had no plan on finding the three temples that, once completed, will forge a blessing or such like that upon the Pendants of Virtue. Then it is a search for the "timeless temple," wherever that might be. None of the older men and women knew of such a location.

So Link was leading a group blind into dangerous territory, but the Resistance wouldn't be far behind. The war for Hyrule would surely distract the defense. The Resistance would take the sea route out of Clock Town, and land in two various places. The first legion, lead by Shade and Auru, would land by Old King's Tomb, between Saria and Mido Towns. The second group lead and Error and Bagu would make a longer trip, and land just on the outskirts of Darunia Town.

"Hoy, Link." Link turned around to the older Link, an encouraging smile on his face. "How are you doing?"

"I believe I'm good."

"Heh, good answer. You're about to embark on the hardest leg of my journey. Of course, I was your age when I did it, but unlike you, I was by myself. Seven palaces of hell. Oh, and the huge threat of what death could mean."

"What did it mean?"

"The return of Ganon. So yeah, dying was out of the question. Still is, as far as I'm concern… So, you got a plan?"

Link scoffed as he climbed aboard Epona. "Heroes don't make plans."

Shade nodded, folding his arms. "You're going to do just fine then." Link smiled, then faced his companions behind him. Midna just left a hug from Auru, then found herself in Ravio's bunny hood. The Loruleans and Zelda were all ready to go, awaiting Link's order. There was just one thing missing… "Hey, where's your fairy?"

Oh, Spryte. Link reached into his hat and showed Shade the fairy resting on his head. "We had a long night making sure we were all ready."

"All right." Shade patted Link's leg and moved on down to the blond Princess of Hyrule. "Zelda."

"Father, what is it?"

Shade turned to Ravio, and held out his hand. "Sir Sheerow, I believe you still have something to give to my daughter. It's been a month, hasn't it?"

Ravio frowned for a moment, then hurriedly fished in his pockets. "Oh, I totally forget about it...Here!" Ravio held out a blue instrument, a small, polished ocarina, and tossed it to Shade. He caught it, analyzed it, and then handed it to Zelda.

"What… Is this an ocarina?"

"Not just any ocarina… This is the Ocarina of Time itself. Your mother gave it to the general for safekeeping, and in turn, I guess it was meant for you to obtain it one day. What I am to teach you… This is an ancient melody passed down by the Royal Family. Your mother was played this song as a lullaby when she was growing up, and at times, I could hear her hum it to keep herself in the peace. I am sure she would have passed it to you, but once more, I am tasked to do so. There is also a mysterious power in these notes. Now listen carefully…" Shade held up two fingers to his mou , and blew.

"Da, de du. Da, de du." Zelda raised the ocarina, memorized the notes, and carefully repeated the notes. "Da, de du. Da, de du. Da, de da, da du, dedadu."

Shade nodded, wiping his eyes. "Wow… That was amazing. You… You played notes I haven't even mentioned."

Zelda held the ocarina, amazed at her mastery of the song as well. "I… I know this song. Impa used to play it for me. She said it was my mother's favorite song."

"It was. It's called Zelda's Lullaby. Play it when you need it. You'll know the moments when you should better than I can tell you." Shade stepped aside, looking back at Link, the new Hero of Hyrule looking anxious to leave. "Alright, get going, all five of you. General, any words?"

Auru shook his head. "No, not any… Well, actually, one thing… Find Gan."

Hilda looked to Midna. "You… He's alive?"

Midna nodded. "Yes… He's alive. I was unable to contact him though."

Link bit his lip. "He'll be our secondary objective. Most likely he knows of the Triforce as well... but we'll find him."

General Auru nodded. "Then godspeed to all of you. May the Goddesses watch over you."

"Likewise." Link snapped Epona's reins, and led the group out of Kakariko.