Labrynna
"Thank you for meeting with us, Din. It meant a lot."
Din winked at Ralph. "Anything for you, Majesty." Ralph gulped as the Oracle of Seasons strolled out the chamber, leaving only her sister, Oren, and Ralph behind. As the doors slammed shut, Ralph sighed, rubbing his head.
"Why does your sister act this way?"
"She's a natural flirt. Works well with her dancing gig."
"I bet it does." Sitting back in his chair, Ralph turned to the still-seated Sage of Water. She was unnaturally quiet, as she had ever since his meeting with the other kingdoms began, only speaking to introduce herself to the world leaders outside Hyrule.
The meeting itself could be considered a success, given it was Ralph and Nayru's first attempt to formulate an alliance. (and if you consider Oren, it is her first as well) without Ralph's parents. It took no more than 15 minutes after Ralph's speech before it ended with the others either allied with Labrynna or will be announcing their decision soon. Only Holodrum and Calatia were certain of joining, while Hytopia, Phantom Isles, and the Great Sea Alliance continued to ponder their acceptance. What made Ralph calm was that none of them denied him, which he expected going in.
But now, Ralph was concerned for his friend's wellbeing as she fiddled with the jewel that used to be on her head in her hands. Turning to Nayru, he gave her a look which she quickly understood. She bowed, leaving the chambers to the two of them. "Oren?"
"Hmm?"
"You okay?"
"Yeah… it's just that I sense more power in this world. I can feel the ancient call of the forest and the comforting warmth of light. I think… I think two new Sages have been chosen."
"Woah, really? That's great. Then we have two more to-" Ralph was interrupted by the flashing of the Gossip Stones around their necks. Oren held hers out, projecting the image inside above the table. Several formed, made of men and women scattered across Hyrule. The three leaders of the Resistance, the two Heroes of Legend, and Princess Hilda all appeared before the pair in Labrynna.
Ralph smirked as he looked at the wounded Hilda. "A fighting woman you are, Princess. A man after my own heart."
"Quell it, Raphael. This meeting is important."
"How important?" Oren asked.
Hilda turned to Link, who began to brief the rest. "The journey into North Gurgle was successful, but it wasn't what we expected. The travels to the temples weren't for the pendants, but for the medallions of the Six Sages. We have all six. I and the others currently possess five, and Oren has hers."
"I felt an awakening, Link, of these sages. Who are Light and Forest?"
"We have currently assigned Midna and Ravio to be the Sages of Light and Forest. Spirit is going to the Gerudo Chief in Mido Town, and Fire...belongs to Ralph."
Ralph smiled. "Good choice. I accept."
Link nodded, then faced General Auru. "Sir, we have also identified what the 'timeless temple' is. It's the Temple of Time."
The high general sighed. "I had my suspicions, but knowing that…that doesn't make the situation any better. Rauru Town is too close to North Castle to send our army there, and I hate to say this but my ships are delayed."
"Our ships have landed," Shade spoke, "just south of Old King's Tomb."
"Good." In the image with Link and Hilda, Zelda appeared. She folded her arms, her face the most serious Ralph and Oren had ever seen it. Even Link himself looked bewildered. "Father, Bagu, I need your forces. We are attacking Rauru Town tonight."
Everyone looked to General Auru, whose normally stern face broke. Like everyone else, he was even astonished. "I… Do you have a plan?"
Zelda nodded. "Yes, we do. Midna informed us that there are six pedestals around the city, each dedicated to a sage. The six of you will head directly to these locations. Link and I will engage the temple, go inside, get the Triforce, and hopefully, we'll come out with it. I have the Ocarina of Time, so the doors to the Sacred Realm should open. Before you ask, my plan doesn't account for an Imperial presence. They'll be there. That's why I need you, Father."
Shade turned to Bagu, who nodded his approval. "We'll be there."
Auru grunted. "Sound plan. However, it's bound to go wrong eventually. Be prepared, Princess."
"I will. Thank you, General."
"You're welcome…if only we could reinforce you."
Ralph stood up. "Don't worry about that, General. We'll be there. I can't promise I can muster all my forces, but my people will be there to assist."
"Great. Then I suggest you get prepared. You too, Father. It'll take a few short hours to get there, and the five of us will possibly be in the city once you arrive. There will be no time to waste. Is that clear?" Everyone nodded, and the adults cut off their lines. Afterward, Zelda sighed, turning to Link. "Was that too much? I felt rude."
Ralph chuckled. "You're the Princess of Hyrule! They have no choice but to submit to your desires. Though… Hilda and I can confirm that we had never seen Auru looked stupefied before."
Hilda smiled. "Truly it was quite the sight if I say so. However, that can be discussed another time. Ralph, as soon as you get here, seek me out. I'll have your medallion. Your pedestal is northeast of the Temple of Time, Oren's to the southeast. Oren, do you know the Bolero of Fire?"
"I do. I'll teach him it."
"Good. We'll see you in Rauru. May the three watch over us."
"Indeed." The link severed from their friends, Ralph and Oren exited the council chambers. Outside, they were met with the Oracle of Ages. "Oracle."
"Your Majesty."
"Form up the ranks. I want them ready in two hours. Hyrule calls for our return. And while you're at it, send that information to the other lands as well. If they plan to join us, I want their colors on my table." He stepped forward to Nayru, hoping his Zora companion didn't have excellent hearing. "When you are done, I need a moment to speak with you privately. You know where."
"I'll be there." Nayru stepped away, walking quickly down the hallway. Ralph watched her disappear, then turned to Oren, who had a knowing smirk on her face.
Ralph dismissed it. "It isn't like that."
'Uh huh. Whatever you say. I'll see you in two hours."
Mido Town
Riju paced before her throne, praying to every god and goddess she believed in. The timing of the Imperial attack was too coincidental with Ganondorf's attack on Parapa. Now she had to scramble her forces before the damned usurpers do to her home what they did to Rauru and Nabooru. Though their debate earlier in the morning most likely severed their ties, Riju definitely wished Ganondorf was here. He was the experienced warrior between them. He knew the Imperials better than any Gerudo. He knew how to destroy the beast. He could lead their people better than she could.
"Mother...Sand Goddess...Din, whoever is listening to me, please send me a sign that'll help me defeat those bastards. Any sign at all." As she turned around, she spotted a Gerudo entering the throne room. She moved to her throne, sitting in it as the woman came up. "Don't bother bowing. What's your message? Any good news?"
"I'm not sure, Chief. But we received a call from this voe on the charm. He claims to be from the Resistance, and a friend of Prince Ganondorf. Buliara told me to pass it to you."
Riju frowned, then gestured for the stone in the woman's hand to be given to her, then dismissed her. "Project." She threw the stone on the floor, and an image projected from it. It was indeed a voe, wearing a purple robe with dark pants underneath. He was no older than Riju herself, evident by his young facial features and bright green eyes.
"Chief Riju, I presume?"
"Your presumptions are correct."
"Great. My name is Ravio Sheerow, and I am a member of the Resistance. I call on you for aid in our quest."
Riju tightened her lip. "As much as I would love to help, I have a situation of my own. The Imperials are closing in on my town, so my forces must attend to that."
Ravio nodded. "My condolences. I know all too well the fear of the Imperials at your doorstep. But I didn't mean to be vague. We don't need your forces. We need the descendant of the Sage of Spirit." Ravio held up the Spirit Medallion. "I figured the owner of it should be Gerudo, and it belongs to your sect specifically."
Riju sat down on her throne, hand placed on her chest. So Ganondorf must have succeeded in attacking the Yiga… Bastards deserved whatever he did to them. But was the son of Malladus with them? Those would be her questions later, for now, she had her duties to her bloodline to consider. "How did you get it? Last time I saw it, the Yiga Clan had it."
"Then it came from there, for a reason we don't know. I understand if you can't join us, but we do need a Sage of Spirit. Whoever you send, tell them to meet us at the southern plain outside Rauru Town in a few hours. We'll explain everything to them there."
"Chief!" Riju turned away from the projection of Ravio, seeing Buliara enter the room. The young chief was puzzled by the smirk present on her guard and general's face, for it was a rarity to see anything expression besides a resting sternness. "Excuse me for interrupting your meeting, but I have great news. The Imperials are retreating."
"What! I mean, um, that's great." Riju stood on her feet, a smile growing on her face. The gods heard her plea, or the Imperials had a (temporary) change of heart. Whatever the case, she wasn't going to waste this opportunity to honor her ancestors. She turned back to Ravio. "Sir Ravio, I will be with you soon. I will not waste this opportunity the gods have graced us with. But before I leave, how did you know of the connection between me and the medallion?"
"Ah, I had a detour to Nabooru. I saw your portrait there with Prince Ganondorf there… Hey, is he there with you?"
"No. I was going to ask you the same."
Ravio nodded, sighing. "Well… Outside of Rauru. We'll meet there. See you soon, Chief Riju." The projection faded, leaving the chief alone with her guard. Riju turned to Buliara, and without even needing to ask, the chief knew the other had figured out what was going on.
"You do know why they're going to Rauru, right?"
Riju nodded. "Yes."
"Do you trust him and his Resistance."
"Yes. If they are heading there, then the rumors of the Hero and Princess are true as well. I will trust Princess Zelda with the Triforce before I trust Ganondorf now, and to a greater extent, the Imperial King."
Buliara nodded. "What are my orders?"
"Keep ranks, even when I leave, until you are 150 percent sure the Imperials will not attack."
North Castle
Queen Veran sat on her throne, watching Vaati pace back and forth in front of her. His gait was strong, posture confident, countenance readable as content. He was, for the first time since the war began, genuinely happy. When he was happy, she was happy.
However, his happiness her was nerve-racking. In the last 12 hours, the Resistance had made major moves. Zelda and her band of teenage nuisances collected the medallions, Ganondorf successfully eradicated the Yiga, and a band of rebels landed to the south of Old King's Tomb. Yet he stood here...happy. He was happy when he left Zelda, he was elated when she returned from her meeting with Link (which, as a result, earned her some late-night satisfaction), and he watched Ganondorf killed Master Kohga and his children with a blood-lust a madman can smile about. Now, just a few hours later, Vaati still had a wicked smirk, while all she could do was frown.
Vaati stopped, turning towards the grander room the two thrones face, where two rifts in space appeared. One revealed the General of Darkness, Onox, while out the other exited the Demon Lord Ghirahim. They bowed to their lieges, standing once Vaati raised his arm to do so.
"My friends, today is an excellent day."
"Why is that, my lord?" Ghirahim asked. Veran herself would love to know that.
"It just is so. Anyway, I have orders. Ghirahim, do not attack the Gerudo. Ganondorf has lost all reason to care for his people, so the plan will exclude their demise...for now. But do not fully retreat. They will slip up eventually, and thankfully, before his death, Master Kohga finished my project for them."
Ghirahim nodded. "Yes, my lord."
Vaati faced Onox. "They are coming for the Temple of Time. Guard it with your life. If Zelda enters, she will possess the power to end all we have worked for with a few words."
"Yes, my lord."
"Dismissed." The two generals walked back into the portals, vanishing from the throne room. Pleased with himself, Vaati turned around, only to be met with his scowling queen. "Veran, my love, why the face on the eve of greatness?"
"You're happy for a reason I cannot figure. You have a plan, yet you won't share it." Veran stood up and began to walk towards her king. "Your kingdom, everything you have, is because of us together. But… You let the Resistance do their thing in North and East Hyrule with minimal contest. We literally handed the Hero, the Princess, and their allies the medallions. Now I understand leaving the others out, they won't question you. But as your cohort, as your wife, as your queen, I demand to know why the hell you got that damn smirk on your face!"
Vaati's smile dropped, nodding as he understood where Veran was coming from. "Fine. You are right. I hid my grand plan from you, but for a reason. I still won't tell you, however. You will be there, though."
"You mean?"
"We're going to Rauru Town...with a bird's eye view of the battle that'll take place." Vaati reached out his hand, the smile returning. "Come, my queen, to witness the fall of the light."
Outside Rauru Town, hours later
"Yep, the monsters are here." Link lowered his spyglass, turning to Ravio. The Lorulean sighed, stuffing his arms in his cloak.
"Why can't anything be monster-less?"
Link chuckled. "It isn't fun that way."
"Your definition of fun is quite harrowing, Link." Ravio followed Link back to the girls, presenting them with the news. The reactions were expected, as everyone knew the Imperials would have quite the presence in the ruined town. There was no way the group wouldn't alarm the enemy.
"Even if we go around," Hilda said, circling a finger around the city, "Link and Zelda have to go through it. From the sight of it, the temple is in the center of the city."
"It is in the middle of the city," Midna stated, "and there's no guarantee the pedestals are exactly at the edge of the city. I only remember their general locations."
Link pointed to Ravio, remembering how the pair traversed Saria Town. "Hey, what if we use the bracelets you have? Zelda and I could travel through the walls."
Ravio nodded. "That could work. The rest of us could circle the city. Well, except me. Mine is as soon as we enter, haha."
"The coward gets the easy one."
"Total bull."
"Go to hell, Ravio."
"Hey, hey, I didn't choose the easy life. It chose me...and speaking of that, here is the Sage of Spirit." The five rebels turned to the arriving Chief of the Gerudo dismounting her horse, Ravio motioning her over. "Everyone, this is Mareeha Riju, Chief of the Sage Gerudo."
Everyone welcomed her as she joined the group. She nodded to each of them, pausing to glance at two people. "You must be Link, the Hero, and you are Princess Zelda?"
Zelda nodded. "Pleasure to meet you, Chief Riju."
"Pleasure is all mine. Call me Riju." Riju then turned to the only non-human in the group, already knowing who it was. "You are Midna Twilight. I've heard so much about you, all of you, but Ganondorf spoke about you the most. I would like to thank you for preserving his life as you did."
Midna lowered her head. "Thank you. Do you… Do you know where he is?"
"Last I heard from him, he was in Parapa Desert early this morning. He is the true reason you have the Spirit Medallion, formerly in possession of the Yiga Clan."
"Oh."
Zelda intervened, wanting to get done with this mission as quickly as possible. "Riju, do you know the Requiem of Spirit?"
"Of course."
At that, Zelda stood up. "Then we can get moving." Zelda handed the Gerudo the yellow medallion, then began to address the group. "We know the plan. The four of you will circle the city, while Link and I will navigate to its center. Hilda and Ravio will travel together to the right, Midna and Riju to the left. Hopefully, Ralph and Oren are here soon. Any questions?"
"I'm good."
"Peachy."
"No."
"Understood."
"We're ready."
"Good… Let's get that Triforce."
Onox stood on the holy steps on the Temple of Time outside its sealed doors. He stared towards the south, the sun setting down the right horizon. His legion of monsters swarmed the city, awaiting the pesky Resistance in their bid for the golden power.
They were here. They will come. They will not pass. Onox will see to that, in honor of his king...No, in honor of himself. Onox was done trying to prove himself to the throne. If Vaati and Veran will continue to belittle him, he will make them regret it. All it will take...is a wish.
So under his golden helm, Onox chuckled as he began to channel his true power. Once he's done here, Vaati and Veran will have no choice but to recognize his loyalty. Then, the King and Queen of the Imperials will recognize true strength.
