The two warriors have made their way to the final valley before they see the overview of the Land of Hyrule. Link's strongest emotions are surfacing once again as Epona, Samus, The Golden Wolf, and himself get closer to the area...
"We're almost there," said Link. Epona purred heroically as she was excited to come back to her homeland.
*They are entering from the Southwest part of the Twilight Princess map, which is close to Ordon Village/Faron Woods. Coming up one of the mountains in that location, they will be able to see the entire land from there.*
"It only took a couple of days to get here. Your horse...rather...Epona...is amazing! It's like she has limitless stamina - not to mention the 'Old Man' as well." commented the blonde space warrior as she was still hugging Link's stomach for support.
Epona roared joyfully upon hearing Samus' compliment. Both the brunette swordsman and the bounty hunter giggle as Link gently patted his horse.
"Truly, she's been with me in many battles. I trust her with my life, alongside my father." stated Link.
Epona looked back at her riders and winked. Although she was a horse, she knew what they were saying. Proof of that was when Link became a wolf and she talked to him freely.
"Here we are..." Link said as Epona stopped at the top of the mountain. Link said as he laid his eyes on his homeland for the first time in a few years.
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Unfortunately, dread flooded the Hero's face. The Golden Wolf's expression hardened upon seeing his beloved land once again in ruins. Samus herself was a was shocked as they looked on to see the torn land of Hyrule.
The Castle of Hyrule was smoking as a Space Pirates Flag hung over it all. Hyrule Castle itself was incased in a similar bronze diamond, like in the invasion of Twilight.
On the other side of the land, Blue Liquid leaked from Death Mountain. Samus took a moment and instantly knew what that meant - Phazon.
"My goodness...Link I'm sorry...I didn't know know that the Space Pirates would have invaded the land so soon."
Link took a deep breath, and then turn to his blonde companion with determination in his eyes.
"It's not your fault, the best that we can do now is regain your suit and abilities and defeat the Space Pirates together."
The blue eyed woman nodded.
Turning back around and seeing the sight, Link's mind flooded with horror as he thought back to the people of Ordon Village. Eventually his body reacted to it as he began to get chills.
"Are you okay, Link?"
Link smacked his teeth.
"Damn it! Sorry, I'm just really worried about my hometown right now, but I know that we should take care of this bigger threat first."
The Golden Wolf gritted his teeth and Epona jerked up at him. Link patted her in acknowledgement. Right, it's 'our' hometown, He said to himself.
Link shook his head, disguised with how things turned out. He turned to his partner,
"Samus, is it okay if we stop by Ordon Village first?"
"Absolutely! That's fine by me. The Kingdom is probably too heavily guarded to storm the place now. We'll stop by at your village first, let's go!" she claimed as she patted Epona.
The Golden Wolf looked around the area intensely.
"Link...Samus...Epona...I'm going to surveillance the land to gather more intel as you all visit Ordon Village. We'll meet back up once you are out of the village.
All three of them nodded, prompting the Wolf to smile.
The majestic horse purred as she kick started to their way to Ordon Village.
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They entered from an uncommon way which made them end up in Ordon's Ranch. All of the goats were hoarded up already. Fado, Link's former employer and owner of the goats, was picking flowers as he heard rustle from the bushes. He looked in the direction as birds flew out of that area. Unwanted terror ran through his veins.
"Oh Shit...!" He told himself as he braced himself for what is to come.
Then, low and behold, jumped Epona dozen of feet in the air as she landed on the nostalgic grounds of Ordon Ranch. Link almost teared up as he looked around at his childhood town for the first time in a few years. Fado looked up and saw Epona, but was blinded by the light of the sun from the ground. He moved his hand over his face as he finally saw the grown young man Link and his beautiful ally.
"By the goddesses, is that really you, Link?!" asked his former employer.
Link nodded his head, he got off Epona and walked towards him.
"Long time no see Fado." replied the Hero of Twilight.
Fado's eyes became teary as he howled in joy. They hugged each other as Samus watched on Epona with mutual contentment at the sight. She effortless bounced off the horse and petted her softly before walking over to them.
"Hot Damn, brother! You've grown so tall, what have you been eating these days?" asked Fado.
Link smiled and rubbed his head,
"Well, I guess I had a huge growth spurt." he replied.
Fado noticed the lovely woman in a skin tight blue suit behind Link. She had her arms behind her back and smiled softly. His expression widened and tugged on Link's neck.
"While I'll be damned, is that your girlfriend, my man?" he whispered to him. Link's face turned crimson.
"We're partners-"
"PARTNERS? You've really hit the jackpot, huh?" Fado said whispering a bit louder. Samus moved her head to try and see Link's face but couldn't from her angle. She was slightly was flustered and curious at what they were talking about.
"I meant that we just met! Listen Fado, we're in trouble, Hyrule is under attack again." Link whispered back.
"Oh..." Fado said finally releasing his neck.
Link stepped back at an angle where Samus and Fado could see his face.
"We need to see the mayor, and inform him on the situation." stated the former goat hoarder.
"Right! I'll get out of you two's way. Do ya thing Link, it's a pleasure seeing you after all of this time! Once you finish being a hero, you're always welcomed here at this ranch."
Link nodded his head and smiled. Fado turned his face to his companion.
"It's a pleasure to have you on my ranch as well, miss. Link doesn't usually have people around him, so you must be pretty special to him." he stated bowing his head respectfully.
"Thank you," Samus said warmly. Link felt slightly embarrassed at his comment. Wow, thanks Fado for making me seem like I'm a sad loner! He said as he motioned to Epona to follow him down the road to Ordon Village. Samus waved the man bye and followed the two.
Fado looked at them as he thought to himself.
Take care of my brother, miss, I can tell that he likes you by his side.
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As they came down the road, kids and adults occupied the area. One saw them as they walked down.
"HEY! LINK'S BACK!" said a man.
Faces old and new turned to him as they saw Link at the Ranch gate.
"Link? Oh my goddesses it's been so long!" a woman cried out.
"He's grown! He's become a man now!" an old man said.
In minutes the entire village crowed around him, giving him high fives, hugging, and shaking his hand. Samus stayed back as she felt a bit uncomfortable. She IS an intergalactic space warrior wearing a skin tight blue suit. Epona stayed at her side.
The mayor came out of his house and saw Link. He instantly made his way through the crowd of people and bear hugged Link, knocking the wind out of him.
"It's good to have you home, my boy..." he said with a raspy voice.
The young man returned the hug, closing his eyes trying his best not to cry.
"LINK!" familiar voices cried out.
The path opened up as a swarm of kids bum rushed him and tackled him to the ground.
There he saw Talo, Malo, and Beth. He patted their heads and hugged him. He looked forward as a blonde boy approached him, carrying an Ordon Sword on his back. He was accompanied by his father, Rusl, along with his mother, Uli, who was carrying his infant sister. His parents were smiling in approval at seeing Link after so long. The swordsman got off his back and then on one kneel to see Colin. The boy had a slightly shocked expression on his face as he stared at his big brother.
"Good to see you, Colin." stated the brunette young man. The kids were still tugging at his clothes and body.
Colin smiled warmly as he walked towards Link which turned into a mini jog and finally a full on bull hug. Tears streamed down his face unashamedly as he embrace his older brother. They've all grown a bit, and were almost reaching their teenage years.
"What brings you back here? How about we sit down and catch up - I'll call a mandatory festival, for Link, a Hero's Welcome!"
The village cheered.
Link took a deep breath,
"Sir, as much as I would love that, there's something important that you should all know..."
People quieted down as they heard the concern in Link's face.
"Hyrule Castle has been invaded again, we believe some aliens from other planets have occupied the Castle." He whispered to the mayor.
The bald headed man's eyes widened as he thought of something quick to say to everyone.
"Well, it seems that our boy Link has some other matters to attend to! We might have some unwanted company later on these days, so please do not come out of your homes unless it's absolutely mandatory, is that clear?!" he said with a hint of urgency in his voice.
The adults of the village instantly read in between his words. One by one, they got their loved ones and went back to their respective homes. Those who remained were the Mayor, and Rusl, Link, along with Epona and Samus.
"So what the hell is going on, son?" He said in a regular voice.
"Sir, we..." gesturing to Samus and Epona "...saw Hyrule Castle smoking with an Alien Flag over the Castle. It's safe to assume that we might see another invasion like we did with the Twilight Invasion.
The Mayor looked at Rusl, who had a concern look on his face.
"I had a feeling that you did not just come back on your 'purpose looking' journey just to say hi." commented Rusl.
Link nodded. Both of the older man glanced at the blonde woman who was standing with Epona. She's been quiet and reserved this whole time at the gathering. Sensing the timing, Link responded to the tense air.
"This is my travel partner. We have agreed to work with each other to stop the new threat." Link said loud enough for Samus to here. She nodded and simply waved at them. They waved back and nodded, feeling that they should respect her privacy.
"Very well, any friend...or ally to you is an ally is us. You both, or rather...you all take care of yourself! You know that we'll be supportive in spirit." proclaimed the Mayor as Epona purred triumphally. Samus smiled and stroked the horse' hair.
"That reminds me..." The Mayor whispered to Link as he inched closer to him.
"Since you were away, your guest that you invited to us has been staying at your place. I hope that's okay right?"
"Not at all." responded the swordsman.
"And lastly...my daughter...she is by the Ordon Spring, please...see her before you go off again." he said patting him on the shoulder.
The brunette young man nodded. He turned back to Samus and Epona and nodded at them, silently telling them that it is time to go.
They walked past the main part of the village and headed to Link's old house.
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Once they made it to Link's old residence, he looked at it with a nostalgic smile. When he looked up, he saw an alluring young woman looking out his window. Link instantly recognized her as *Anika* (For non manga readers - spoiler to Volume 7 - Anika was the lone survivor of the Hidden Village and patched Link up when he was taken there by the Hero's Shade. Once he was healed, he told Anika to head to Ordon Village by saying that Link sent her there.)
Anika was looking out of the window after seeing and hearing the entire village holler in Link's name. Link notice how much she's grown, particularly in her alluring looks and kept her black bushy hair around her ears. She saw him and smiled as they made eye contact for the first time in a few years.
"Link..." she said to herself. She ran down the stairs of his house, climbed down the latter, and ran to hug him.
"Welcome back..." she said as she hugged him tightly.
Link returned the hug, flustering her a bit. Epona cleared her throat which caught Anika's attention. She looked in her direction and saw his horse along with the gorgeous woman who nodded at her, silently introducing herself. Anika's face began to turn crimson,
"Oh uhhh..." She said as she stopped hugging him and looked down at the ground.
"Sorry..." she managed to say.
"It's fine, why the stressed face?" Link asked puzzled.
"N-Nothing!" She proclaimed.
Link just shrugged his shoulder and shook his head puzzled.
"Anika, you should stay inside as much as possible for now." he said placing a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up.
"Unfortunately, there is another invasion that threatens this land. Be sure to take care of yourself, okay?" requested the hero.
"Okay, whatever you say, Link. Take care as well." She said looking back and forth at him and Samus, who was trying her best not to make things more complicated.
Link motioned to Samus and Epona to continue on. Once they were leaving his old home's area, Anika silently talked to herself,
"He's grown a lot, more handsome too, and that beautiful woman that accompanies him, who is she?" she said as the sky becomes a bit red from the sunset.
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Link was practically sweating at this point - out of all of the people he met today again, THIS would be the most heart tugging.
"You seem to have been more than just a swordsman." Samus finally said to him.
Link looked at her as she smiled softly at him. He almost tripped on a rock as he kept looking in her direction. Both parties flustered a bit as Samus didn't intend for him to trip and because Link felt embarrassed from almost slipping.
"Well, I will say that they love their knights." responded the Hero of Twilight, returning his smile back at her.
Eventually, they made it to Ordon's Spring. That's when Link's heart pounded. He saw one of his closest childhood friend accompanied by the fairies that occupied the spring after he finished the Cave of Ordeals. She was facing the other way from them, observing the fairies.
"Do what you got to do, I'll wait here with Epona," said Samus as she walked a bit forward with Epona so that they could have some privacy.
Link took a deep breath and took a step into the spring.
The sound of his footsteps made the water splash, which eventually made Ilia turn around.
Like Anika, she has grown a bit, particular in her feminine features, and her hair was now shoulder length. Link stared in amazement as Ilia. Her eyes watered as she put her hand over her mouth.
"Link..." Ilia said to herself.
Link kept a neutral expression but tried his best to just smile. He thought back to the last time that he saw her. Out of everyone in Ordon Village, she was the most upset with Link's independent journey for a self purpose.
Ilia walked forward, and like everyone else, hugged him. Her legs felt heavy as she collapsed in his embrace. Link caught her, but not before taking a knee as he almost didn't make it.
"It's really you, you're back!" She whispered loudly. She stared into his blue eyes, which were filled with joy and relief.
"Where's Epona? Is she alright?" She asked him.
"Yes she's fine...she's just around the corner..." said Link.
"Then I want to see her!" as she got up and jogged to the entrance of the spring.
"Hold on, Ilia!" Link said as he got up and followed her.
She got to the entranced and looked both ways before noticing Epona. Her expression widened in contentment. That expression, however, transformed in slight distress as she saw the glamorous woman patting Epona. Epona looked back and saw Ilia, which Samus turned and saw the light brunette hair woman staring at both of them. Link finally caught up with them as he stared at the picture. Internally, Samus felt uncomfortable as she felt the tension in the air.
Epona strolled to Ilia and brushed her head against her's. Gladly, Ilia smoothened her and stroked her hair. The tension, however, was not over, as his alluring traveler stirred some negative emotions.
"Why did you come back, Link?" asked Ilia looking down at the ground, choosing to crash her pent up emotions at Link.
"Ilia..." Link said softly.
Ilia turned to him as her face was mixed with frustration and disappointment. Samus stood by frowning as she knew that she was indirectly upsetting this young woman.
"So did you do it, did you achieve your self for-filling journey?!" she said in a raspy voice, clearly emotional unstable.
"No, it's not that, a new threat has came to Hyrule, and we are here to stop it-"
*BOOM*
The ground shook as they heard a sound like thunder. Birds flew away as some animals went into hiding.
"Are you all alright?" Link said looking at the women and his horse. Then he looked on over the bridge and saw something that twisted his stomach.
"But that's impossible!" Link cried out.
Everyone looked back and saw the barrier that blocked off Faron Woods - The Twilight Barrier.
Subsequently, Shadow Beasts spawned from the Ordon Portal. Link drew his Ordon Sword.
"Ilia! Take Epona and get out of here!" Link demanded.
"But what about you? And..." she thought back to what troubled her.
"Just go! We'll be fine!" he stated.
Epona purred at Ilia, clearly she understood Link's orders.
Ilia begrudgingly hopped on Epona as they rushed back to Ordon Village.
Link looked at Samus who instantly drew her weapon. They looked on and saw that these Shadow Beast had Armor on that coursed blue energy through them.
Shit! Both Link and Samus said internally.
They wasted no time and got straight into the battle.
Link slashed and executed his signature moves while Samus bounced in and out of the air and shot at their enemies. Unfortunately, they were not like the Bokoblins like before, as their attacks were as effective, and didn't pierced them all of the way through. When it did pernitrate, they quickly regenerated from the cuts.
Link began to sweat. He shot bomb arrows at them once Samus cleared enough distance. They completely disintegrated the Shadow Beasts. Just when things seemed a bit brighter, more Shadow Beasts spawned in from the portal. He tried his best to rinse and repeat with them, but they only grew more in numbers, slowly overwhelming them. He took a few scratches as the fight carried on.
What is up with these Shadow Beasts?! This is bad, if push comes to shove, I may need to reobtain the Master Sword again. Even still, I got some tricks up my sleeve for now!
Link gripped his sword tightly and concentrated. In an instant, his hand that contained the symbol of the triforce glowed. A fairy that went in to hiding quickly spun around him and restored him to full health.
"Samus! Take cover real quick!" he yelled out.
"Got it!" she responded.
As she jumped to the cliff of the spring, Link released the last hidden technique past on from the Hero of Time.
"SHERRAAAK!"
A red swirl formed around him as he performed an amped great spin, which got more powerful on his prior journey. It expanded to every shadow beast present in the spring, striking them down all at once. The Space Warrior looked on in awe.
Amazing...Samus said to herself.
Link silently thank the fairies and the Great Fairy as he stood in alone in the spring. One of them somehow survived. It got up and was about to scream.
"Oh no...!" Link said as tried to draw his arrow in time.
But low and behold, Samus stunned it with her gun before decapitating it herself.
The swordsman sighed, relieved.
Then all of the Shadow Beast turned back into raw material and began to form into an glowing floating object in front of the swordsman.
The blonde woman walked to him and immediately recognized the symbol which was a slanted "S".
"Thank you, Link." she gracefully told him. Link held back a grin.
"That took both of us! I couldn't have done it without you." He said returning his own.
"Right...well now...it looks like this is for me..." Samus said as she touched the floating object.
Instantly, it turned into raw material and was absorbed into Samus. She began to levitate and closed her eyes. Link was in complete shock.
"Samus! What's happening to you?!" he said confused.
Then, energy balls swarmed around the space warrior. Eventually, she was coated back in her Base Power Suit. This time, it took on a unique color scheme - black, white, and neo green colors. Symbols and the Art of Twili formed around her arm canon and legs. Her visored was neo green.
Insert Metroid Prime Upgrade Sound Effect*
Twilight Suit Acquired!
Twili Magic has fused with your Power Suit. You are now able to remain in your physical form in the presence of Twilight!
"How do I look?" teased the space warrior.
Link was stunned, but filled with contempt.
"You look like a true badass!" he claimed.
This caused Samus to laugh. She checked her functions and realized that she was still missing every other upgrade unfortunately.
"My suit tells me that I can now withstand the atmosphere of Twilight, do you know more about that?" she said looking at the wall of Twilight.
"Yeah..." Link said. "Regular humans will turn into light spirits upon the atmosphere of Twilight..."
Upon hearing this, she frowned.
"...then what will you do?"
Realizing that it was inevitable, he held out his arm and allowed Samus to look at the glowing Triforce symbol on his left arm.
"...those who possess pieces of the triforce can stop themselves from turning into defenseless light spirits." he stated.
Samus looked at him in awe.
"I see. That's great!"
But he looked down at the water, and continued,
"However, in my case I...well I...turn into a beast."
A moment passed before Samus took a hold of his arm.
"As long as you are still you, Link, this will still be a two person mission." she said to ease his worry.
Even though she was in her suit, it felt nice.
"You're right, let's go!" as they made their way to the wall of Twilight.
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Once in front of it, Link spoke out.
"Ready?"
Samus looked over in her suit.
"Affirmative." she responded.
Together, they entered Faron Woods' Twilight.
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Once inside, Link immediately changed form and transformed into the blue eyed beast. This time, he was bigger, and stronger than before. Just like the upgrade stated, Samus walked fine in her suit, retaining her physical form and senses.
"Samus?" The sacred beast called out to her.
She turned her head and in the visored, she smiled.
"I read you loud and clear. I'm picking up reading of some of my lost items in this spot."
The wolf smiled,
"We need to restore light to this land first. That make things easier."
"Right, lead the way." commented Samus.
"Going somewhere?" A familiar voice called out to Link.
Samus immediately turned and point her arm cannon at the floating person. Link instantly recognized the woman, while he was completely shocked, he had to let Samus know that this was a friendly.
"Wait Samus! Don't shoot!" He pleaded.
She lowered her arm canon and watched as the woman with priceless jewelry and royal clothing floated down to the ground. She took a moment to examine Samus.
Who is this warrior? Why does her suit take the color of my people? And how can she survive the atmosphere of the Twilight without turning into a spirit? The Monarch thought to herself. She realized that it would be appropriate to introduce herself.
"It seems that you found a new partner. Fate has a funny way of brining us together, would you agree, Hero of Twilight?" asked Midna, the Twilight Princess.
Chapter 1 - Returned to Hyrule - Ends
Author's Note - Like and Follow if you like what you are reading. Give some comments and tell what you liked or what you'd like to see.
Thank you for all of the support that I am already getting. See you all in the next chapter!