Hyrule's Heroes Book 1: Destiny of a Hero

by Wynn of Hyrule

Set after Ocarina of Time, a new menace arises to threaten Hyrule, and it is up to a new hero, along with his friends, to save the day.

2. Default Chapter Title

Interlude

Silver Knuckle ascended the stairs leading to the chamber of his master. Once he reached the top, he looked around. It was hard to think that one of Ganondorf's own lieutenants had existed in this chamber, in this temple.

The chamber was large, and the dim light was shed by the torches his master had set. The walls were dark stone, and were decorated with pictures. However, many of the pictures were damaged, with tears in them.

He then saw his master. He was preparing for his powerful spell. Silver Knuckle bowed, and waited for his master to notice him. After a few minutes, his Master's powerful voice rang through the chamber.

"Stand, my servant," he demanded, "and report."

"My liege, our scouts have reported that several adventurers attacked King Dinolfos. He died in battle, killed without taking any with him, like the incompetent he always was. Knowing that king, he probably told the adventurers of our location. They also said," he told his Master with a gleam in his eyes, "that he was with them."

His master stared at him in wonder. "He...is coming here? Perfect! Now my plans near completion. Leave me, so I can finish my spell."

"Yes, master." And with that, Silver Knuckle turned and walked down the stairs.

After he was gone, Icarnos chuckled evilly. This was going exactly as planned. Even though the king had perished, the elusive son of Baro was coming here, to the Forest Temple. Once he controlled the son of Baro and Ganon's lieutenant, his power would be unmatchable. He turned, and set to work on his spell. Soon, he would rule Hyrule, and no one could stop him.

CHAPTER 7

Wynn and the others made their way back to Goron City. When they reached the city, Biggoron was standing outside, as well as the Goron that had hired Wynn and his friends. Wynn called out to the Goron that had told them about King Dinolfos. "He is dead." Wynn told him.

"You killed him? Great! Here are your rupees." the Goron said, and handed him a bag of rupees. Wynn examined the contents of the bag, counting to see if all were there. Satisfied, he shook the Goron's hand.

"Thanks." he said.

"Good job, Wynn. Since you were kind enough to help us, I will help you. I will sell you my newest sword for one thousand rupees. For a limited time, you can have it for half-price." Biggoron told him.

Wynn thought for a second. He wanted that sword badly, but he didn't have enough rupees. Anyway, he knew that the Gorons needed the rupees more than he did, since their bomb-flower crop had been ruined by the king. "Sorry, Biggoron, but the city needs the rupees more than I need that sword." he said, and handed the bag back to the Goron.

"Thanks!" the Goron said, and turned to enter the city. "Come on, Link. Let's go home."

Link turned to Wynn. "Thanks...for giving me a chance to prove myself." he said to Wynn. He then walked into the city.

Biggoron thoughtfully rumbled, "You would give all that money to help the Gorons? How generous! You deserve this sword, for your kindness to the Goron people." he said, and held a large sword out to Wynn.

"I can't take that," Wynn said, not wanting to take a source of profit from Biggoron.

"No, I insist. It is a gift, between friends," Biggoron told him.

Wynn hesitated, then took the sword from his hand. "Thanks!" he said, a grin lighting up his face. He hefted the sword, admiring its smooth, angular shape, its sharp blade. It was longer than his arm. He slashed the air, not believing he owned this magnificent sword. "Thanks a lot!"

"You're welcome. Well, I am going to return to my home now. See you." Biggoron said, and left.

"Where to now, Wynn?" Tane asked.

"The Forest Temple. I have someone I need to talk to there." Wynn said, and started toward the bottom of the trail. The others followed him.

******

They arrived in Kakariko Village. Wynn looked around, searching for someone. Fami also seemed to be looking for someone. "Who are you looking for?" Tane asked.

"I can't find Seron." Wynn stated.

"Is he supposed to be here?" Nerah asked.

"He was supposed to be. I was going to tell him that I wouldn't be getting his rupees anytime soon." Wynn said, still searching. After a few minutes, they finally gave up and left. "I guess I will see him later."

******

So they went back to the Lost Woods, where they had first met Fami. It was late afternoon when they arrived at the entrance to Kokiri Forest. "Fami, it is up to you to get us past the Kokiri." Wynn said.

"Yeah, those annoying brats hate Wynn and me." Tane said.

"Well, I can understand some of their sentiment," Shezarah said. Tane frowned.

"Don't worry. They are all good friends," Fami said confidently.

However, they had nothing to worry about. They saw several Kokiri, but they were all asleep. Fami walked to one, and shook him. No matter how hard she tried, she could not wake up any of them. Suddenly, Wynn stopped her. "They are under a spell. I bet this is the doing of a powerful wizard. If we want to free them, we had better stop the wizard."

Fami nodded. They walked into the Lost Woods. Following Tane's map, they made their way back through the forest. After they reached the point where they had met Fami, she led them into the Forest Meadow. The meadow was a giant hedge maze. There they were surprised to hear grunts echoing in the meadow. "He posted guards!" Wynn yelled, surprised.

One of the guards stepped into view through a gap in the maze. It was very tall, nearly twice as tall as Fami. It was human-shaped, but its face resembled a pig more than a human. It was carrying a giant spear. It turned, saw them, and charged at them with a roar.

Wynn drew his sword and, dodging the spear, slashed the beast. It fell to its knees, and then to the ground. It was dead. Tane looked at it closely.

"A Moriblin. They are dumb, and slow, but fierce fighters." he said. Wynn nodded, and led them into the maze. They cautiously peered around every corner, watching for any more monsters. Around one corner, they saw another monster. Fami gestured, and a vine wrapped itself around the monster's arms. The monster grunted in confusion. Jier attacked it. It was unable to defend itself, and died. They progressed through the maze, teaming up to destroy several more Moriblins.

Finally they reached the stairs that lead out of the maze. They climbed them slowly, preparing to combat any last guardians. They were surprised at the sight of the final guard. It was much taller than even the Moriblins. "A Monblin!" Tane yelled, shocked. The Monblin carried a club that was bigger around than Wynn. It roared when it saw them, and, to their surprise, it spoke, "You no pass. Me guard. You die if try to pass."

Fami gestured. A vine wrapped itself around the club, but the Monblin tore its weapon from the vine. It growled at her. Tane sighed, and, with a yell, charged at the Monblin. The Monblin smashed its club into the ground, creating a shock wave that knocked Tane flying through the air. He landed at Wynn's feet. He groaned, and stayed on the ground. Wynn thought for a second, then whispered in Jier's and Fami's ears. He then yelled loudly, getting the Monblin's attention focused on him. "Hey, you know, you must be tired. How about you take a break, and let me guard for you?" he said. While he had the monster's attention, Jier hid behind Nerah and Shezarah. The Monblin grunted, and shook its head, not noticing Jier's actions. Wynn looked back at his friends. "Hey, my friend seems to have gotten past you. See him? He's right there, behind your back." The monster turned, and searched for Jier thoroughly. While he was occupied, Wynn ran toward him. The monster turned and saw him. It started to swing its club, but Fami's magic created another vine that wrapped around the weapon. While the Monblin was preoccupied, Wynn attacked it, swiping with his new sword. After a few hits, the monster groaned, and fell to the ground, dead. Wynn smiled at the others, and motioned them to follow him.

After climbing more stairs, they reached the entrance to the Forest Temple. However, they couldn't reach it, since the stairs to it had eroded away. Fami looked exhausted, but started to make another spell. Wynn stopped her, "Don't worry, I can get us up there. Save your magic, we might need it later." She nodded. Wynn looked around for some way to reach the door to the temple. He saw a dead tree limb hanging over the entrance. He pulled out the chained mace he had received at the lake, and shot it at the bough. It wrapped around it, and stayed there. Wynn let go of the mace, and it hung from the tree like a rope, enabling them to ascend to the temple and go inside.

Once inside, they were in a small walled-in space. It the other end, a door beckoned them. Halfway there, two wolves appeared out of thin air. After a brief combat, they were dead. The heroes walked through the door.

The next room was surprisingly large. It had a small elevator in the center, with four lit torches around it. Standing in front of the elevator was the figure of a human. He turned. "Seron!" Wynn yelled. Fami smiled.

"Wynn, Fami. Hello. How's life been treating you, Wynn?" Seron said, a giant grin on his face. Oddly, he did not move away from the elevator.

"Great, just great. Say, why are you here?" Wynn asked, suspicious. His hand dropped to the hilt of his sword.

Seron raised his right hand so the palm was facing Wynn, and said, "Well, that is because my master, Icarnos, ordered me to stop you." And with that, a bolt of energy leapt from his hand and slammed into Wynn, knocking him to the ground. Fami and the others stared at him, shocked.

"You...work for Icarnos?" Fami said, incredulous.

"Yes, Fami, I am apprenticed to Icarnos, the great wizard. He told me to prevent you from going down this elevator. I am to capture Wynn, but the rest of you I am to dispose of." He raised his hands to face towards Jier and Tane. "Fami, move away from them." When she hesitated, he mumbled a spell. An invisible hand picked her up and moved her away from the others. While he was occupied, Wynn stood, and leaped at Seron. Seron dodged, and drew his sword. "That was foolish. I may not be able to kill you, but I can hurt you."

Wynn laughed, and swung his sword. Seron blocked with his sword. The two broken halves of his sword flew through the air after Wynn's sword made contact. Seron looked at his broken sword in confusion. "Sorry, Seron, but you can't do anything about me now, can you?" Wynn taunted.

Seron sneered at him. "I may have lost, but you won't defeat Icarnos. I will see you later, and you too, Fami." His cape swirled around him, and he disappeared.

Wynn stared at the spot he had been standing, and said, "Yes, you will, traitor."

The group took the elevator down to the basement. They could see the chamber Icarnos was probably in. It had a long path, adorned with a red carpet and guarded by two Stalfos. Tane and Wynn charged at the surprised Stalfos, swinging their swords. Seconds later, they were standing over the remains of the two monsters. "Onward to Icarnos." Wynn said with a grim smile. They walked into the chamber.

When they entered, they climbed stairs. They then saw their foe. He was tall, with silver hair all askew. He was wearing a black tunic, over armor from the looks. He was unarmed, but they all knew that it didn't matter to a wizard. He looked at them. His eyes were a piercing blue. They were the eyes of a madman.

"Eh? Who dares...oh. It is the son of Baro. You came to be my apprentice, correct?" he said.

Wynn drew his sword. "Hardly. I came to demand you tell me of my parents." Wynn said angrily.

Icarnos laughed cruelly. "Your parents? You think they are dead, don't you? They are not dead, little one, but my prisoners."

A gleam of hope entered Wynn's eyes. "Release them now," he demanded.

Icarnos laughed again. "Join me." he demanded. Wynn and Icarnos stared into each other's eyes, sizing up their opponent. Suddenly, Icarnos broke off. "You will regret your decision. As will your friends. You are too late, anyway. My plans are in action; I will rule Hyrule. You can't stop me!" he said, and laughed maniacally.

"Well see about that!" Wynn said, and drew his sword. He charged at Icarnos. Suddenly, his rush was stopped as he hit an invisible barrier. He flew to the floor. Icarnos chuckled.

"You cannot harm me. Goodbye, son of my nemesis." A black light seemed to come from Icarnos, and soon it concealed him in darkness. When the light dissipated, Icarnos was gone. However, a bolt of energy flew into one of the pictures on the wall. Suddenly, all the pictures repaired themselves, the tears vanishing. As they watched, a figure appeared in one picture. It walked toward them, coming out of the picture. It was a human male, wearing black armor. However, the figure wore a skull-shaped mask. He carried a spear.

"Who dares intrude on the presence of Phantom Ganon? Who has resurrected me?" he asked.

Icarnos's voice sounded, seeming to come from everywhere. "I brought you back. You will serve me in my quest for power since your former master, Ganondorf, is dead."

"And we are here to stop him, so I guess that means you have to fight us." Tane stated.

"Child's play. Against the power of my magic, you stand no chance. I cannot be defeated," the phantom bragged.

"What, are all magicians this egotistical? Time to fight, ghosty!" Wynn taunted.

"Those are your last words, foolish one." Phantom Ganon threatened. He raised the spear, and said an incantation. A ball of light appeared, and from it came lightning, striking Jier, Tane and Wynn. They fell to the ground. Icarnos' laughs could be heard, then faded. "Now, for the easy part. These females shall die with less fight then those weaklings."

Nerah snorted. "So, you can beat a few adventurers. But can you take on two magicians and a trained Gerudo warrior?"

"With pleasure." Phantom Ganon charged another lightning attack.

Nerah and Fami stood together. A barely visible magic barrier formed between them and the ghost. He released his magic lightning, but it hit the barrier and reflected back at him. The lightning slammed into him, and he fell to the ground. Shezarah leaped, slashing with her scimitar. It stabbed into the ghostly monster. He collapsed to the floor, and was still. Shezarah walked over to the others. Wynn, Tane, and Jier were slowly waking up. "Simple. Hardly a worthy opponent." she bragged.

"You are mistaken. You haven't won yet." Shezarah turned at the sound of the phantom's voice. He was standing, energy gleaming on his spear. A bolt of lightning nailed her, and she collapsed. "You cannot defeat me!" he gloated.

"Maybe she can't now, but we can!" Wynn shouted, awake and climbing to his feet.

Phantom Ganon glared at him. He roared in anger, and sent a lightning bolt at Wynn. Wynn slashed with his sword, hitting the bolt. It reflected back at the ghost, and hit him squarely. Phantom Ganon fell to the floor. Wynn stabbed him, over and over. Phantom Ganon, weakened by his own magic, was defenseless. However, Wynn's attacks did no damage.

"What do I do?" Wynn asked Fami.

"I...I don't know!" she said, desperate.

Phantom Ganon shoved Wynn. "I...I...I cannot be...defeated!" he stuttered weakly.

"You have been." A green aura surrounded the phantom. The voice seemed to come from the walls of the fortress. It was that of a young girl. Fami looked up, as if she knew the voice. "You have been destroyed, and you will exist no more."

"Noooo!!!" Phantom Ganon howled. He slowly vanished. "I cannot be defeated!" He disappeared into the air, leaving only the echo of his unearthly scream. In his place another figure appeared. It was a Kokiri girl, dressed in green.

"Saria!" Fami yelled, and ran to her.

"Fami! How are you?" Saria asked.

"Great, now that that ghost is gone! Why are you here?" Fami asked curiously.

"I am the Sage of the Forest Temple. I am here to protect the Temple. However, the magic of the wizard kept me from interfering. Once the phantom was weakened, I could finish him. Thanks to you and your friends." Saria told her.

"Oh, that's right! I forgot to introduce my friends. He is Tane," Tane stood, and nodded, "he is Jier," he bowed, "she is Nerah," Nerah smiled, " she is Shezarah," Shezarah was on the floor, unconscious, "and he is Wynn, the hero." Fami explained.

"Wynn? I have heard that name somewhere..." Saria thought. After thinking a few moments, she gave up with a sigh. "Perhaps I should ask Rauru, Sage of Light."

"I can't believe it! You, a Sage! Wow!" Fami said.

"I know, it is hard for me to believe as well. It has been a long time since I saw you. Have you seen Link yet?" Saria asked.

"Link? I haven't seen him in seven years." Fami told her,

"Well, you could say he has grown up since then." Saria told her.

"Grown up? But Kokiri never grow up...oh." Fami thought out loud.

"Yes, Link is not a Kokiri. He, like you, was brought to our village by his parents." Saria told her.

"Where is Link, anyway? I haven't seen him since...we..." Fami cut off, smiling at her memories.

Wynn looked at her curiously. "Go on." he prompted.

"Forget it. So, Saria, what should we do now?" Fami said, anxiously changing the subject.

"Your next stops are the Shadow and Water Temples. The Shadow temple is in Kakariko. It is hard to get to, but when one gets there, they must face traps and monsters at every step. It is one of the most dangerous temples. The apprentice of Icarnos has gone there, to resurrect the monster that once plagued the temple."

"Seron is the wizard's apprentice." Wynn growled.

"Yes, he is an apprentice magician, but still very powerful. He must be stopped!" Saria said, urgency in her voice.

"What about the Water Temple?" Tane asked.

"The Water Temple is known as the Puzzle Temple, full of impossible traps for the mind. However, one strong in magic can possibly skip these puzzles, and proceed to the Boss Chamber. However, since the temple lies at the bottom of Lake Hylia, only one equipped with the Zora's Tunic can enter it. However, since you have a Zora as a companion, it should be no problem at all."

Nerah smiled. "I am sure that Uncle, I mean King, Zora will give you the tunic."

"Yes, and then you must stop Icarnos. If he succeeds in reviving all of Ganon's lieutenants, he will become very powerful."

"Don't worry, Saria. We will stop him, no matter what." Wynn said, his chin set in determination.

"Yes, you will, Wynn. Fami, I must say goodbye. Remember, if you see Link, say hello for me." And then she was gone, vanishing before their eyes. Suddenly, a brilliant light flashed, and they were standing at the exit of the Lost Woods, on the cliff overlooking Kokiri Forest.

"What? How did we get here?" Tane asked.

Fami smiled. "Magic."

Together, they climbed down the wall, and walked toward the exit of the village. "Fami!" a child's voice yelled. She turned. It was a Kokiri, running towards them.

"Oh, no," Tane groaned.

Fami was talking to the Kokiri, and several more were running to her. Wynn listened in on their conversation. "It has been a long time. So, who are they?" one child asked.

"Them? Oh, they are my friends. He is my boyfriend." she said pointing at Wynn. Nerah laughed coldly, and Wynn blushed.

"Him? But I thought Link was...oh, yeah, I forgot." the child said.

Wynn stepped into the conversation, eager to find out what they were discussing, and slightly jealous. "Go on, please."

"Never mind that, Wynn. Well, I must go now. I will visit soon, I hope." Fami said, pulling Wynn away from the Kokiri and out of the village.

******

They were in Hyrule Field. The sun had set, and they were preparing for bed. Shezarah and and Tane were talking to each other about the temples. Jier had fallen asleep. Nerah was following his lead, laying on some grass. Fami was preparing supplies for the next day's adventures. Wynn was alone, thinking about the day's fight, and the traitor Seron. Fami, done with packing, interrupted his thoughts. "So, Wynn, how did you know Seron?" she asked gently.

"Seron. He came to me in the village, telling me that my parents were alive. He said if I gave him one thousand rupees, he would lead me to my parents. I believed him." Wynn confessed. "He tricked me."

"It's okay, Wynn. He tricked me, too. I fell for his charm. It is another reason to stop him, so he can't trick anyone else." Fami comforted him.

"He has to be stopped. Him, and Icarnos. Before they can hurt anyone else." Wynn said.

"What about your parents?" Fami asked, concerned.

"I have to save them. The only way to do that is to kill Icarnos. I will not stop until Icarnos is dead, and my parents are free." Wynn pledged.

"I will help you, Wynn," Fami told him, "no matter what."

Wynn smiled at her. "Thanks, Fami. I knew I could depend on you." He thought for a second. "Say, what was that Kokiri talking about in the village? You know, about Link."

Fami sighed. "Seven years ago, Link and I were a couple. He was nice, but suddenly, one day, he disappeared. Around that time Mido started saying that Link had killed the Deku Tree, guardian of the forest. I know he didn't, though. He wouldn't do anything like that. A while later, I went to my home in the woods, and stayed there, alone. However, I gave Saria a map to my cavern before I went, and told her to give it to Link if he ever returned. I guess somehow Tane got it instead."

"I'll have to ask Tane how he got the map sometime." Wynn said thoughtfully. "I wonder, why would he have gotten it instead of Link?"

"Well, I am glad he did. If he hadn't, I never would have met you," Fami said, smiling at him.

Wynn blushed, and smiled back, looking at her. She kissed him. His smile got even bigger. She returned his smile, stood up, and walked to where she was going to sleep, leaving him alone. "Goodnight, Wynn," she said as she went to bed.

"Goodnight, Fami," he said. He sat there, and thought. For once in a long time, things were going well. Silver Knuckle had been defeated, Icarnos was on the run, and he had his friends. He went to bed, and soon fell to sleep easily.

******

Unknown to Wynn and Fami, they were being watched. The eyes of Nerah were focused on them. As she watched the progressings, her determination strengthened. She would not lose Wynn to Fami! Tomorrow, Wynn would change his mind. Tomorrow...

A lone figure watched the adventurers as they fell to sleep. A small chuckle escaped from him as walked away as quietly as he could. That child was very lucky. He, and those amateurs, had defeated Phantom Ganon. As he proceeded toward Hyrule Castle, the figure had to admit a grudging respect for the one called Wynn. He had not only defeated the ghost, but also the worthless apprentice, Seron. He had almost won at Lake Hylia. Yes, he, Silver Knuckle, would never underestimate the skills of Wynn again.

Chapter 8

The next morning the adventurers discussed their plans. "So, we know that Nerah has to go to the Water Temple. Who else needs to go there?" Wynn asked.

"I will go to the Shadow Temple. I grew up in Kakariko, so it would be logical for me to accompany whoever goes there," Jier said.

"Wynn, you should come with me to the Water Temple," Nerah suggested.

"What about me?" Fami asked.

"You should go to the Shadow Temple. They will need someone who can use magic there," Nerah said.

Fami started to protest. Shezarah thought for a second, and spoke up, "My servant and I will go to the Shadow Temple."

"What? No way!" Tane yelled.

"Do as I say, servant," Shezarah commanded.

"Hey, I take orders from no one! Not anymore!" Tane informed her.

Eager to interrupt the fight, Wynn stepped in. "Tane, she is right. You two seem to make a good team. Anyway, your fighting skills will be needed to defeat Seron, and Fami's magic will be needed to stop Icarnos."

Everyone nodded, even Nerah, who looked upset. "We will meet in Hyrule Marketplace this evening," Wynn said, and turned towards Zora's River. Fami and Nerah followed him. "I will see you later."

"See you later, Wynn," Tane shouted. Under his breath, he added, "I hope."

******

The three adventurers walked up the Zora's River path. They had little trouble from the octorocs, and soon made it to the entrance to the domain. "How do we get in now, Wynn?" Fami asked.

"Simple," Nerah said. She made a sweeping gesture with her arm. The waterfall blocking the entrance slowed, then stopped. "That is better than any old vine," she taunted, and jumped to the entrance. Wynn and Fami followed, although Wynn noted Fami wasn't too happy about it.

Wynn was still surprised at the size of the cavern that housed Zora's Domain. Nerah started down the path to the King's room. They followed her. Nerah waved at several Zoras, but did not stop to talk to them. She soon reached the King's chamber. The King looked at her, and smiled.

"So, Duchess, how goes your adventure?" he asked.

"Fine, just fine. We defeated several monsters, and we are on a quest."

King Zora looked surprised. He had obviously not expected them to have such adventures.

"Your Highness, we are on a journey to stop the wizard Icarnos. He has gone to the Water Temple, and we need a Zora Tunic to go there. We are here to ask you to lend us two: one for Fami and one for me," Wynn stated, advancing to the point of their visit.

"Hm. Wizard? Icarnos? I have heard that name somewhere," the old king rumbled, stroking his chin in thought. After a few seconds, he remembered the reason they had come. "Oh, yes, the Zora's Tunics!" he said, and called out. A Zora entered the throne room, and handed the heroes two blue tunics. The servant then exited the room.

"Thanks, Your Highness." Wynn said.

Suddenly, a Zora walked in from outside the fountain. He was carrying a sword, and looked vaguely familiar to Wynn. "Sir, Jabu-Jabu has been fed," he told the king.

"Thank you, Zaruu," the king said.

"Zaruu? Good to see you again!" Wynn said, recognizing the Zora that had fought against the Zess.

"Same to you,...uh..."

"Wynn," Wynn reminded him.

"Yeah, Wynn. See you 'round," Zaruu turned, and was gone.

"How did he end up being the one that has to feed Jabu-Jabu?" Nerah asked.

"I had originally told Panu to feed him. However, Panu and Zaruu gambled, and Zaruu lost. For a year, he is the one that has to feed Jabu-Jabu. After that year, Panu has to feed him, but until then it is Zaruu's task. Perhaps next time, he won't be so quick to gamble," said the king with a twinkle in his eye.

"Oh," Wynn said, surprised.

"Uncle...excuse me, King Zora, I have thought of one other thing I need. I wish to go to the school," Nerah suggested.

"Certainly," the king said, and motioned her on to the fountain.

******

They made their way to the school. The gate opened in front of them, and they walked down the path. They came to a pool of water. This was the source of the river, and this place was being fed by the fountain. A small waterfall roared from the fountain. Nerah waved them after her, and dove into the water. Wynn looked at Fami, shrugged, and slipped on his tunic. He jumped in the water, and swam under the waterfall. Fami watched, then growled. "She is the worst show-off...." She slipped on her tunic, and dove into the water.

******

They surfaced in a small chamber behind the waterfall. Wynn pulled himself out of the water, and looked around. The chamber was actually a hallway, and at the end was another chamber. Nerah lead them down to the chamber. It was a small room, with rock platforms to sit on. The platforms created a half-circle with a podium at the center. Students were sitting on the benches, and a teacher was lecturing. Nerah looked around, as if searching for someone, and then loudly cleared her throat.

The teacher stopped, and turned. "Nerah!" he said, "I thought you had gone adventuring."

"I did, and I am here for a short while." Nerah told him. "I came here to ask about the Water Temple." She and the teacher talked quietly together, meaning Wynn could not hear the conversation. Instead, Wynn turned, and looked at Fami, who was yawning.

"Who are you?" asked a voice from beside him.

"I am Wynn." Wynn said, looking at the speaker. It was a Zora girl, a little younger than Fami. She smiled at him.

"I am Bera. Are you an adventurer?" she asked innocently.

"I am."

"Wow! Really?" Her smile got bigger.

Wynn nodded, and looked back at Fami. She was dozing, leaning against the wall. "Have you killed many monsters?" He nodded again. She giggled, and said, "Neat." Wynn realized she was probably flirting.

Suddenly, there came the sound of a throat being cleared from behind Wynn. He turned. It was Nerah. "We need to go. We have to stop Icarnos." she reminded Wynn.

"Okay. I'll go wake Fami." Wynn walked to Fami. As he went to her, he could her Nerah whisper to the girl, Bera.

"He's mine."

Wynn pretended not to hear her, and shook Fami. She nearly fell, unbalanced, then regained her balance, and opened her eyes. "Good morning." She stretched.

"Come on." Nerah motioned to them. "We need to leave."

Together they walked back down the path back to the waterfall. Nerah seemed to be in a hurry, wanting to avoid something...or someone.

"Hey! Nerah! Wait up!" A voice came from far down the corridor. Nerah practically dashed to the water, and jumped in. Wynn and Fami looked at each other, shrugged, and jumped into the water, leaving the voice behind.

******

A young Zora watched them leave. He sighed. "I only wanted to talk to you." he said, and turned to leave. One day, he, Jaco, would catch Nerah, and she would be his again. That day would be soon.

******

Meanwhile, Jier, Tane, and Shezarah were walking toward Kakariko Village. They soon reached it. But to their suprise, they did not hear the normal noises coming from the town. Silence had replaced the sounds of people talking. When they entered, they saw the people of the village. However, they were motionless, frozen standing. Jier ran to the nearest townsperson, one of the goof-offs at the tree. He shook him, and when he didn't move, he looked into his eyes. Jier could see the pure fear in the eyes of the goof-off, but he could see no life with it. "Split up. Explore the village, see if you can find anyone that can tell you what happened to these people. And watch out for monsters, too." he demanded.

Tane searched all the houses he came to. Everyone he had found had been frozen. He knew what had happened; Seron and his magic had assailed the village, and Seron had decided to practice his evil spells on these people. The spell would only stop if Seron was killed or hurt badly, so he couldn't concentrate on the spell. That Seron deserved it anyway, for whatever he had done to Wynn.

Tane looked around for Jier, wanting to report his findings. He found him at the cucco pen. Even the annoying cuccos had frozen. Jier was standing next to the poor Cucco Lady. He was looking at her intently. Jier reached out and tenderly touched her face. "My dear, I will free you." he said quietly.

Tane coughed loudly, getting his attention. He could see Shezarah coming towards them. "We need to go."

"Yes," Jier said, looking again at the Cucco Lady, "Seron must be stopped."

******

They followed Jier to the graveyard just outside Kakariko. Tane drew his sword, not knowing quite what to expect. He never could have guessed what was in the graveyard.

"ReDeads! Poes! Gidbos!" Tane said, suprised. Obviously, Seron had decided to stop anyone before they could delay him in his cause by posting gaurds. And plenty! The monsters swarmed over the graveyard. The zombie-like ReDeads walked around aimlessly, paying no attention to to other monsters. The Gidbos, which resembled mummies, stood still. The ghostly Poes flew over the land, swinging their lanterns, searching for intruders. Tane looked at Jier. Jier nodded. Shezarah nodded as well. Together, they charged into battle.

******

Wynn, Fami, and Nerah made their way back to the domain. After climbing back up the hill, they walked back into the cavern leading to King Zora. When they reached him, they said their farewells and followed Nerah down to the water of the lake in the domain. "Down in the water is a shortcut to Lake Hylia. It would save us the trip across Hyrule Field, but we have to swim down there first." She motioned toward the water, which was still cluttered with ice.

Wynn shrugged, and replied, "Let's take it." Fami agreed.

"Then we had better go. Follow me, Wynn." Smiling at Wynn, Nerah waded into the water, visibly shivering. She swam towards the entrance of the shortcut. Wynn followed her, slowly stepping into the water. The water was freezing! He swam after Nerah, hurrying as much as possible to get out of the frigid water.

Fami glowered at the receding shapes of Wynn and Nerah under the water. She waded into the water, trying to ignore the coldness. Nerah, she had noticed, was trying harder than usual to get Wynn. Fami knew, however, that she wouldn't succeed. Not with her around...

******

They emerged at Lake Hylia. Wynn was pleased to notice the water was much warmer here than it had been in Zora's Domain. The lake was calm, with not even a single disturbance. "Follow me, Wynn." Nerah spoke, once again ignoring Fami. She moved towards the island Shezarah and Tane had practiced their swordplay on. Wynn identified it as the Water Temple. Nerah dove, swimming towards the entrance, which was at the bottom of the lake. Wynn followed her, with Fami close behind.

They entered the temple. Once they got out of the water, they looked around at the interior of the temple. It was huge, much larger than Wynn had expected. Wynn stepped to the edge of the platform they were on. Below him was water, and Wynn could see that the there was several entryways to unexplored rooms under it. "This is the Water Temple. From here, the monster Morpha was able to freeze the domain. But someone killed it, enabling Zora's Domain to melt. However, if the monster here is revived, then the domain may once again freeze over. We must prevent that!" Nerah said, urgency in her voice. Wynn nodded.

"We will." he assured her. Fami consented, nodding. Nerah smiled at Wynn.

"Follow me." Nerah swam to the center of the temple. It was a huge pillar, with a platform running around it. The other two followed her. She climbed up on the platform, and made her way around it. She consulted a map that Wynn guessed the teacher had given her. She then pointed. "Up there." she said, pointing to a ledge a good distance away with a statue on it.

"How do we get there?" Fami asked.

"Simple." Nerah looked at the water in concentration. Slowly, a pillar of water rose, rising tall enough that anyone that rode it could climb up on the platform. Then the pillar collapsed into the water. Nerah turned back to Wynn and Fami. "We can get in the water, and I can use my magic to get us up there like that."

Wynn smiled at her. "Good job, Nerah."

Fami smiled sardonically. "Yeah, just absolutely wonderful."

"Let's go then." Nerah said. They jumped back into the water and swam to the place where the pillar had risen. When they reached it, Nerah once again fell into a deep concentration. Slowly, they were lofted high into the air by the water. When the pillar reached its highest point, they jumped off. Without Nerah's attention, the water fell back into its original shape.

"Good job, Nerah." Wynn said.

Without warning, they were attacked. Four monsters leaped out from behind the statue. "Tektites!" Wynn cried. The monsters did resemble the earlier Tektites of Kakariko Village, but were blue in color, rather than red. They lunged at the heroes. Wynn drew his Biggoron-made sword and gored a Tektite, but another knocked him to the ground. One monster leaped at Fami, but she dodged, and the Tektite fell into the water. The Tektite leaped, nearly climbing back onto he platform. Fami kicked it away. Nerah snapped into action, using her magic. The water below the platform suddenly drained, the water level sinking quickly. A spider-like Tektite jumped at her, but she grabbed it and pushed it off the platform into the water, two floors down and sinking toward the floor. The Tektite landed with a loud splash. Wynn, who was still battling a Tektite, got a sudden inspiration. He grabbed his chained mace, and used it on the Tektite. The spiked ball bounced off the hard, armor-like carapace. He used it again, wrapping the chain around one of the monster's four legs. He swung it, flinging the monster of the platform. It plummeted three floors, and then smashed into the floor, and one of its companions, rather messily. Wynn smiled. "On to Icarnos."

Together they advanced to the door out of the main room, and entered the next room. It was a steeply sloped path, with several bladed spike traps sliding back and forth across the floor, and a flat platform just beyond the traps. "How do we get up that?" Fami asked.

Wynn thought for a second. He pulled out his chained mace, and cast the ball at one of the traps. It bounced off. Wynn stopped to think again, and sighed. "Any ideas?" he asked, his attempt unsuccessful. Fami smiled. Nerah had shown off all day, and now it was her turn. She waved her arms, and vines sprouted from the floor behind them. They intertwined, winding around each other, and formed a rather steep flight of stairs, leading to the flat area beyond the spike traps. Wynn smiled at her. Behind his back, at the edge of Fami's vision, Nerah sneered at her. They ascended the stairs. At the end of the platform was an ornate door. It had probably been locked before Icarnos had arrived, but the lock had been melted off. Wynn stepped up to the door, and cautiously opened it. He peered inside. He could see the form of Icarnos hunched over a book. He was standing on a pillar jutting out of a pool of water. The pool of water was quite large, and probably deep. Icarnos mumbled to himself absent-mindedly, reading the glyphs in the book. Wynn walked through the door. "Your attempts to revive the lieutenants of Ganon have failed. Prepare to battle!"

Icarnos looked up quickly. "Who...oh, not you! Not now!"

Wynn looked past him. He could see something behind the wizard. It was a small sphere, floating in the air. It was colored in patches of red and blue, and wiggled in the air. Wynn had a sinking suspicion this insignificant creature was actually Morpha, the abominable monster that had frozen the Zoras.

Icarnos frowned. "You are too late. I have revived Morpha, and even though it is weak now, it can still deal with a few third-class adventurers."

Wynn snorted. "Then send on your mighty monster, magacian." he said, sneering as he said Icarnos's title.

Icarnos hesitated. The revived Morpha was indeed powerful magically, but could it stand up to a physical assault? He decided to risk the monster to rid himself of those pesky females and capture the son of his old enemy. "Morpha! To prove your might to this weakling, destroy," he pointed to the Kokiri girl, "her!"

Wynn drew his sword, and stood in a defensive stance in front of Fami. "If you want her, you have to go through me first!"

Morpha plunged into the water. Wynn laughed. "Your monster seems to be rather cowardly."

"Wynn, be careful." warned a terrified Nerah.

Suddenly, a tentacle shot from the water, wrapping itself around Wynn's waist. It appeared to be composed of the water in the pool. It hoisted Wynn into the air, and threw him against the wall, narrowly missing spikes that he hadn't noticed were lining the wall. The tentacle retracted back into the water. Wynn slowly got up, trying to stand. He could only watch helplessly as the monster extended its watery tentacle again, reaching for Fami. The hero drew his chained mace. He could see the nucleus of the monster in the water. As he prepared to attack the beast, the tentacle wrapped itself around Fami and picked her up. It reached back, aiming to throw her into the spikes. But Wynn's mace made contact with the spherical nucleus of the monster, and Wynn pulled it out of the water. The tentacle fell apart, splashing back into the water. Fami fell to the floor. Wynn drew his sword, and slashed quickly. His sword passed through the nucleus, and the two halves of Morpha fell to the floor. Nerah cheered ecstatically.

Icarnos stared in shock at the remains of his former monster. "That is impossible! How?" He looked carefully at Wynn, and spoke to him, "You! I underestimated you this time. You are as powerful as your father, at least physically. You must join me!"

Wynn laughed. "Never. You are just a worthless old man." Nerah and Fami nodded.

Icarnos stared him in the eye. "How dare you! You are insolent, young one." His eyes gleamed. "Perhaps you will reconsider your decision when you see my true power." He raised his hands and pointed them towards Wynn. Black lightning leaped from his hands, slamming into Wynn. Wynn fell to the floor, eyes clenched shut in pain. Icarnos's power ravaged him for a minute, two minutes. Fami and Nerah watched, helpless to stop the wizard. Suddenly, Icarnos stopped. "Join me now or die!" he shouted.

Wynn raised his face to Icarnos. He laughed humorlessly. "No."

Icarnos's face lit up in rage. "You...you refuse me? Then your friends will come to regret your decision." He turned to Fami and Nerah. "But only as long as they live, a short while."

The girls flinched. The lightning leapt from Icarnos's hands, bearing them to the floor.

Wynn's face fell. He could not stand to see them die! He reached into the pouch at his side, trying to find something to help them. He spoke out, coming to a decision. "Stop!" The lightning died, and Icarnos turned to Wynn. "Stop. I will join you."

******

Fami heard his words echo over the chamber. She could not believe her ears! Wynn, giving up? It was impossible! "No, Wynn, don't! Get away! Don't worry about us!" she yelled desperately. Wynn looked at her imploringly. His gaze seemed to say, Don't worry, I'll be fine. Fami, not understanding, closed her eyes in despair.

Wynn turned back to Icarnos. Icarnos walked toward him, walking on air off the platform to the place Wynn was standing. When he reached Wynn, his face lit up in a giant smile. "You will be my servant? Then you will truly become as powerful as your father!" Fami sobbed.

Wynn looked him in the eyes. "I will be. But I will not join you."

Icarnos's face twisted in confusion. "But..." He never got the chance to finish his sentence. Wynn threw something, a nut?, to the ground, and covered his eyes. A bright light exploded from the object, blinding Fami and Icarnos. When Fami opened her eyes, she saw Wynn slash Icarnos with his sword, stabbing him in the side.

"Tell me where my parents are!" Wynn ordered. He raised his sword, preparing to stab Icarnos again. Icarnos fell to his knees.

"They..." he said quietly.

"Go on." Wynn said, looking at the fallen magician. He was unprepared for the blast of lightning that caught him in the stomach. Wynn fell back, dropping his sword.

Icarnos stood again, sneering at Wynn. "You are foolish. You will perish for your decision."

Suddenly, he broke off. Fami could feel a power enter the room. Icarnos howled. "No! I...No one is more powerful than I!" He disappeared suddenly. In his place a blue light appeared. The figure of a Zora girl appeared in the light. Nerah sat up, her mouth dropping open.

"Ruto!"

Wynn faced the girl, Ruto. "Thank you for helping me."

"Don't worry. That wizard had no business in my temple. I am Ruto, sage of the Water Temple." Ruto responded.

Nerah stood, and ran to her friend. "Ruto!" she cried.

"Who...Nerah!" Ruto hugged her old friend tightly. "It has been forever!"

Wynn stood back, watching the two Zoras. After a few seconds, they broke apart, laughing and chatting. They talked for a while, forgetting about the other two. Fami looked on, not interested, and Wynn bent to pick up his sword. After the Zoras finished, Nerah turned to Wynn. "He is my boyfriend, Wynn, and she is called Fami." Nerah introduced, pointing to her friends.

Ruto laughed. "He is your boyfriend? What about Jaco?" she teased.

Nerah's face turned pink, blushing. She pushed her friend lightly, embarrassed. Wynn smiled at this piece of gossip. "So, that is who you were trying to avoid at the school." Nerah blushed even more, and growled at Wynn.

Ruto laughed pleasantly. "So, how is everyone in the domain?"

Nerah smiled. "Everyone is back to normal, thanks to you. Were you the one that stopped Morpha the first time?"

Ruto's smile grew even bigger. "No, it wasn't I. It was my betrothed."

Nerah's mouth dropped open in shock. "He came back, after these seven years? What was his name?"

Ruto nodded, saying "Link."

Fami gasped. "Link? Betrothed?"

Ruto smiled weakly. "Yes, we were to be married. But since I am now a Sage, it cannot be."

Nerah shook her head. "So that is why you weren't at the domain. You are actually a Sage!"

Ruto nodded. "Yes, I am. I must protect the temple from people like that wizard. I am glad you came. He is extremely powerful. If you hadn't shown up, I would have had a difficult time stopping him! Now he is gone, left for who knows where. Thanks to you, uh...Wynn."

Wynn nodded. "Think nothing of it."

"Now, you must stop the wizard. If he wishes to revive the lieutenants of Ganondorf, he cannot succeed. You are Hyrule's only hope to stop that menace. I must depart, and you as well. Goodbye, Nerah. I will see you again, and Wynn as well."

The blue light surrounded Ruto again, and then Wynn, Fami, and Nerah. Then they could not see, and they had the impression of flying through the air. As they flew, they could her Ruto's voice, as if heard from a distance, saying, "Goodbye, my friend, and good luck."

The next thing they saw was the beaches of Lake Hylia. They turned, and walked to leave the lake, going towards the Hyrule Marketplace. Nerah turned back for one last glance at the Water Temple. Beneath her breath, she said, "Goodbye, my dearest friend." And then she was gone, walking to catch up with the others.

******

Someone was watching them go. A black cloud hung over the Water Temple. If anyone had looked hard enough, they could have seen it was in the sinister shape of the face of Icarnos. But too quickly the cloud dissipated, and the lake returned to its peaceful quietness. Except for the echo of one last maniacal laugh.

******

Tane swung his sword again and again. The ReDeads just didn't give up! He was careful to cover his eyes, to prevent his being paralyzed by the monsters. Finally, the last ReDead fell, and he was able to look at the progress of his companions. Shezarah was still picking off the Poes with her bow, although most were defeated. Jier was still finishing off Gidbos, burning them with a torch he had made from a stick on the ground, lit afire. Most of the monsters were dead, and it took little time for Jier and Shezarah to finish off the remaining few. They walked up to Tane when they were done. "Now where?" Tane asked.

"Now, we enter the Shadow Temple." Jier stated confidently, pointing up the hill. Together, they turned and walked to the entrance of the temple. They came to a dead end, the entrance on a cliff high above their heads, with a fence. Without a word, Shezarah reached into a pouch at her side, and pulled out a rope, with a grappling hook on the end. She whirled it around her head, and threw it at the fence on the cliff. It hit it, and stayed there. Shezarah smiled. "Up we go."

******

They came to the entrance of the temple. In front of it was a dozen torches, each lit. The massive door to the temple was open, beckoning them. They entered it without a word. The interior of the temple was dark and forbidding, but they progressed on, until they came to a large gap in the path. Tane stepped to the edge, and looked down. He whistled, surprised at how far down the pit went. "How do we get across?" asked Tane.

"That is my job. Quiet, I must concentrate." Jier said. He stepped to the edge, and closed his eyes in concentration. He then made a gesture with his arms: raising them, one elbow above the hand of the other. The passage was lit by a mysterious glow. A bridge, glowing with that mysterious light, formed across the gap. Jier crossed it without another word, leaving his companions to stare in wonder at his back. Shezarah then followed Jier, with Tane right behind her. After they crossed the bridge, it disappeared.

They entered the next room. It was large, with a statue of a menacing bird in the center. Jier ignored it, walking towards another pit, although this one was much larger. A huge statue of a face with its mouth open was at the other side, and the mouth looked like the exit. Jier made the gesture, and another bridge formed. Tane shook his head, amazed at his ally's previously unknown power. They crossed the bridge, and entered the mouth. They proceeded down a passageway that had a dirt floor and walls. It sloped down, leading deeper into the ground. At the end was a gold statue. It consisted of two parts: an egg-shaped bottom with a mouth, and a spherical top. When Tane stepped too close to the statue, two parts of the top opened, and they were looking at an eye, which was looking back. "Look out!" Jier yelled. Tane moved away, but the eye shot a beam of energy, narrowly missing Tane. Tane stared down at his scorched armor. Shezarah leaped into action, charging at the thing and swinging her scimitar. Her weapon clanged off it without causing even a scratch. Once again, the monster narrowly missed its target. "Follow me!" Jier told them. He ran directly towards a flat wall. Tane and Shezarah followed, dodging the blasts from their enemy. Jier disappeared through the wall, Tane and Shezarah close behind.

After they went through the door, they stopped, panting for breath. Tane looked quizzically at the wall, which he could see, but could not touch. He shook his head in wonder. Jier murmured under his breath. Tane could make out, " That blasted Beamos!" After a short break, they continued on. The next room was large, with two identical statues in the center. The statues were of the Grim Reaper, and were holding scythes. They slowly turned in place, the blades outstretched. Anyone who stepped close would either have to dodge or become much shorter, real quick. Jier ran towards the statues, dodging the twirling blades. "Come on!" he yelled to the others. He went around the statues, and then to a small side passage. Shezarah ran after him, flipping over the sharp blade that sliced at her. Tane followed, ducking under the sharp scythes. When he caught up with Shezarah, she was staring at the wall at the end of the passage; it was a dead end. Jier was nowhere to be seen.

"What do we do?" asked Shezarah.

"Wait here. I'll check the end." Tane said, and walked toward the wall. It had some kind of odd decoration, a face carved into the wall. Suddenly, the ground wasn't under Tane's feet, and he plummeted straight down. He landed on his shoulder with a loud thud, and stayed on the ground. He was face up, and could see Shezarah fall down the pit. However, she landed on her feet, and smirked at Tane. He slowly stood, gently feeling his arm. It wasn't broken, but in the morning he would have a nasty bruise. He looked around him. They appeared to be in a cage, but Tane could see Jier below them through the grating, outside the cage. He motioned to them. Behind Tane, Shezarah was exiting the cage by a hole in the bottom. Tane followed her out. Together, they followed Jier to a wall, and started climbing. The wall was rough, and provided plenty of hand- and foot-holds. When they reached the top, Tane could see what Jier had been leading them to. It was a large boat, complete with a captain, a Stalfos. Jier leaped onto the boat, ignoring the fact that there was no gangplank. Tane and Shezarah hesitated, but the captain noticed them, and the boat started moving forward. They jumped to it, barely catching the side. They finished climbing the side, and drew their weapons. The captain looked at them, and roared. Two Stalfos fell from the roof to the boat, and attacked. Tane leapt at the captain, and the other two attacked the remaining Stalfos. After a few moments, Tane's sword made contact with the captain, and it crumbled. He looked at his companions. Shezarah finished off her opponent with a flash of her blade. Jier was defending himself from a series of attacks from the last Stalfos, but ended the attacks with a quick kick. The Stalfos tumbled off the side of the boat and into the murky darkness. Suddenly, the boat stopped and started shaking. Jier leaped off the left side onto firm ground with a cry. Tane followed, and Shezarah narrowly missed falling onto him. They turned, and saw the boat sink into nothingness.

Tane saw something from the corner of his eyes. He whirled, and stared at shock at the figure standing behind them. "You!" he cried.

It was Silver Knuckle. He was standing on what had been a column, but had fallen, creating a bridge between two flat areas. Behind him was a decorated door, probably leading to the final chamber. He laughed evilly. "Where is your little friend? I was looking for a challenge." he taunted.

"Well, right now he is probably finishing off your master, pal. Anyway, I can take you out just as well as he can!" Tane responded.

Silver Knuckle chuckled. "You, weakling? You aren't fit to clean my armor! That female is probably a better warrior than you!"

Shezarah stepped in front of Tane. "Yes, I am. You stand no chance against me."

Silver Knuckle beckoned her on. "Come on then, little one."

She stepped out onto the column, her scimitar at the ready. Silver Knuckle swung his massive ax at her, attempting to knock her off the edge into the gap, which seemingly had no end. She dodged, somersaulting over the head of her enemy. She swung her scimitar, but he showed no acknowledgement of the blow. He slowly turned to face her, trying to keep his balance. Tane saw his opportunity. Silver Knuckle had his back to Tane. Tane drew his ax, and climbed onto the column.

Meanwhile, Silver Knuckle was amusing himself by threatening Shezarah with his ax. He never heard Tane come up behind him, and swing his ax. Caught by surprise, Silver Knuckle toppled off into the dark chasm. Tane watched him fall. Suddenly, he stopped in mid-air. A purple light surrounded him, and he disappeared. Tane groaned. "He got away again!"

"He is not our worry. Follow me to the chamber of our true enemy." Jier ordered.

They walked across the column, and to the decorated door. Tane opened it with a savage kick. They walked into the chamber. Tane was shocked to see nothing was there with them. However, Jier walked to the center of the room. He paused, and then leaped. He fell into a hole Tane had not noticed. Tane hesitated at the edge, but Shezarah pushed him, and he fell. And for once, it was a soft landing. He bounced back up into the air, and then stayed down. Shezarah landed next to him. They looked at their surroundings. They stood on a giant drum, and the land surrounding it was coals, shedding green light. They were also not alone. Standing at one side of the drum was a young man, cape twisting in the gusts of the air in the chamber. He was the apprentice wizard, Seron. He was staring at them intently.

"Where is Fami? And that fool Wynn?" he demanded.

"None of your business, scum. We are your worry, not him." Tane warned Seron.

Seron smiled. "You are an idiot. Do you really think that you can defeat me?" Seron asked merrily.

Shezarah stepped directly in front of Seron."I will finish you myself!"

Seron stepped back and drew his sword. "En guarde!" Shezarah swung at him. He blocked, but he fell back. He laughed. "Impressive. But of no matter. I am a magician, not a warrior." He raised his palm to face her. She leaped, her blade arcing toward his chest, but her attack was stopped in mid-air by Seron's blast. She collapsed to the ground.

Tane watched furiously. When he saw Shezarah fall, he charged into action, attacking Seron relentlessly. He pressed Seron back to the edge of the drum. Seron blocked with his sword, but was losing the fight. Suddenly, he kicked Tane away. He raised his arms above his head, and a dark power entered the room, summoned by Seron. A shadowy figure could be seen at the opposite end of the drum. Slowly, it came into focus. It was the one of the biggest monsters Tane had ever seen! It consisted of a limbless body hanging from the ceiling. It had a long neck, at the end of which was its lone eye, a giant red sphere peering at the adventurers. Two huge, decaying hands descended from the ceiling. They were floating, the wrists not connected to arms. They reached the drum, and, to the surprise of the heroes, started beating the drum. The drum rose and fell in time with the beats. The monster was the infamous Bongo-Bongo, the shadow monster that had plagued this temple. Jier turned to the monster, then to Seron, and back again. Tane yelled to him, "Fight that monster! I'll handle Seron!"

Seron chuckled. "You, mercenary? I will enjoy this."

"It is good to know that you will enjoy your last breathing moments, slime." Tane taunted. And with that last comment, he met his foe in battle.

Shezarah and Jier attacked the monster. "Attack the hands! The Bongo-Bongo attacks with them!" he yelled, warning Shezarah. She nodded, and they attacked. Their blades bounced off the hide of the beast, only serving to make it madder. It swung at them, trying to make contact. Jier dodged one hand, but the other caught him. It tossed him across the drum. Shezarah drew her bow, and carefully aimed at a hand, with difficulty due to the rising and falling of the drum. Perhaps an arrow could damage this creature. Her bow hummed, and her arrow imbedded itself in the hand. The hand pulled back, injured. The other hand came at her, but she stopped it with a careful shot. The head descended to the drum and charged at her. She wanted to stop it with a shot, but she was paralyzed in fear. Suddenly, she was flying through the air, propelled by the force of the monster's collision with her. She looked up, and could see the monster change direction, and then Jier leaped at it. He buried his short blade deep into the eye. The beast roared in pain, and knocked Jier away. Shezarah stood, and rejoined the battle. .

Meanwhile, Tane was battling Seron. Seron was skilled with his sword, but Tane was more experienced. Seron was losing his ground. Finally, Seron stepped away, lowering his sword. "I tire of this. You will perish by my magic!" He raised his palm. Tane tried to dodge, but was too slow. A lightning blast caught him in the chest, and he fell to the ground. Seron stood over him, smiling cruelly. "You are weak." Seron taunted. He was rather surprised when Tane's boot caught his leg, and he tumbled to the ground. Tane stood, a small grin on his face. Seron climbed to his feet, watching Tane cautiously. Tane raised his sword, as did Seron. They lunged at each other, again battling to the death.

Jier stared up at the enraged Bongo-Bongo. It had covered its eye with its hands, but as he watched it uncovered the eye. The eye was glowing oddly. The body lowered, and the eye pointed at him. He jumped to the left. Barely missing, a red beam of light shot through where he had been standing. It he hadn't moved, the beam would have burned right through him. The two hands attacked, trying to clap together with him in the middle. He timed the rising of the drum, and used it as a springboard. He leaped clear of the hands.

Tane was busy attacking Seron. Seron blasted with his lightning, but Tane caught it on his sword. Tane lunged at Seron, swinging his sword wildly. He knocked Seron's sword flying. Seron glared at him, and then spoke. "You are foolish for coming here. I will let you leave alive, if you wish." Tane merely shook his head. Seron growled. "Then die!" He raised his hands above his head, generating some sort of power. Tane turned to Shezarah, and caught her eye. He pointed to the monster, and she nodded, understanding. She stood facing the monster, Tane and Seron in line behind her. She shot three arrows, each landing in the eye of Bongo-Bongo. The monster rushed at her, furious. Seron released his spell, an orb of black light, at Tane. Simultaneously, Tane and Shezarah dodged to opposite sides. The orb flew past them, and made contact with the eye of Bongo-Bongo. There was a brilliant flash of light, and then the monster collapsed, roaring in mortal pain. Seron stared at the monster, horrified at what he done. Tane took advantage of his distraction and slashed. His blade was buried deep in Seron's side, and Seron fell to his knees. He looked blankly up at Tane, and then his cape swirled around him. He vanished.

"Blast!" Tane yelled. "He got away again!"

Meanwhile, Jier was looking at Bongo-Bongo. The beast was injured, but not finished. "Help me." Jier pleaded under his breath. He felt the power enter him, and he pointed to the monster. A blast of light left his finger, and hit Bongo-Bongo, decimating it. He smiled proudly, nodding a thank-you. The other stood next to him, and then the temple disappeared.

Chapter 9

They emerged outside. Tane turned to congratulate Shezarah, and she nodded. "Satisfactory." she remarked, speaking of his performance. Tane blushed. Jier faced the temple. Suddenly, a purple light appeared in front of them. A figure appeared in the light. It was a woman, muscular, with silver hair. Her features were elegant, stately. She was looking at Jier. "Good job. You are as powerful as I had thought."

Jier's eyes brightened at that. "Thank you...Impa."

"Impa! Of the Shiekah?" Shezarah asked, shocked.

"Yes. I am the Sage of the Shadow Temple. I was able to help Jier banish that monster, forever hopefully." she said. She smiled at Jier, with something in that smile...pride, Tane realized. She then added, "If it hadn't been for Jier, then I would have had trouble ridding the temple of that bothersome wizard. Thank you, my son." she said.

Tane started to take offense at not being acknowledged, but then stared at her in shock. "He is your son?" he asked.

Jier turned to him. "It is time for you to know the truth." He reached up, and pulled off his mask, revealing his face. He had a large nose, jet-black hair, and dark eyes. "I am Jier, son of Impa, the youngest Sheikah. My mission is to protect the royal family. However, my mother told me to journey with you. She knew that eventually we would face Icarnos, and that I could help you defeat him."

Tane shook his head in wonder. "You mean, you knew we would go up against that wizard?"

Impa nodded. "Yes, and that you would need all the help you could get. It is the destiny of your friends, and Wynn's destiny to defeat him."

Tane just stood there, amazed beyond words. Impa nodded to her son, and then spoke. "Now, I must leave. I must finish cleansing the temple of the monsters." And with that, she was gone, the purple light reappearing. Tane yelled at her to stop, he had more questions, but she didn't return. The adventurers returned silently back to the village of Kakariko.

******

Once again, Kakariko was back to normal. The people of the town were moving, talking, doing business. It was if Seron had never cast his evil spell. Suddenly, someone rushed toward them. When he turned, Tane could see it was the Cucco Lady. She grasped Jier in a fierce hug, not willing to let go. Tane could see Jier's face light up in a smile. Then she let go, and started talking to Jier rapidly. Tane motioned Shezarah to follow him away from Jier and the Cucco Lady. Those two needed some time alone.

******

A while later, they left the village. Jier and the Cucco Lady had said their good-byes, promising to see the other again soon. Now the three adventurers journeyed to the marketplace. When they entered it, the sun was making its descent in the west. They walked around, ignoring the stares of the carpenters, until they found their companions in a reconstructed shop. They were in a diner, eating hardily. They looked up in surprise. Nerah stared at Jier's exposed face. Tane, Shezarah, and Jier sat down next to them. They broke into conversation. Wynn interrupted the talking by clearing his throat loudly. He turned to Jier. "Were you successful?" he asked.

"We were. The beast was defeated, as was Seron. However, Seron escaped, and Sliver Knuckle attacked us, but was defeated. He, too, got away." Jier answered.

Wynn sat up quickly. "Silver Knuckle? Alive?" Jier nodded solemnly. Wynn grimaced, and sat back. "We were successful as well. But Icarnos nearly defeated me, and then vanished. We saw no sign of him afterward."

"Where do we go next?" Nerah asked.

One of the diner's few other occupants approached their table. Wynn stared up at him. He was in his late teens, about Tane's age. He was dressed in a green tunic, in a style that looked Kokirish. He was blond, and had blue eyes. A silver earring was in each of his ears. A sword and shield were on his back. His large ears identified him as a Hylian. He spoke to Wynn. "Greetings. I was wondering, have you seen anything...strange... happening around here?"

Wynn snorted. "You could say that. My companions and I have just gone up against a wizard that was trying to revive the lieutenants of Ganondorf. That is pretty strange, in my book."

Fami stared at the newcomer, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. "Hey, don't I know you..." she started.

The newcomer interrupted her. "The lieutenants of Ganon? You joke!"

Wynn shook his head. "I have fought two myself, and my friends destroyed one."

The newcomer looked at him curiously. "You? Say, do you know where this villain is going next?" he asked.

Wynn again answered no. The newcomer sighed, and turned to leave. "Good luck, then, and farewell." Fami sat up, wanting to call out to him, but he was gone. Wynn looked at her curiously, but she said nothing.

They finished their meals, and went out into the marketplace. They rented a room for the night, and settled into bed, all exhausted. They all fell asleep quickly, except for Fami, whose own thoughts and memories keep her awake.

******

The next morning, they left the Hyrule Marketplace. They could see the carpenters walk up the path to the castle, or where it had once existed, before Ganondorf. They exited the marketplace, and then stopped in the field. Tane walked up to Wynn. "Where to now?" Tane asked.

Wynn thought for a second. "I don't know. Perhaps-"

He was cut off by a brilliant red light shining in front of him, appearing from nowhere. He gasped. "A Sage!"

A Goron stepped out of the light. He was tough-looking, and had a beard. Wynn ran to him, shouting out, "Darunia!" The Goron clutched him in a bear hug, squeezing Wynn tightly. When they broke away, Wynn gasped for the breath the Goron had knocked out of him. Darunia smiled proudly at him.

"You have grown much since I saw you last, little hero!" Darunia said, shaking Wynn. Wynn nodded.

"Well, you have become a Sage since then, you old lug!" Wynn responded.

Darunia nodded solemnly. "Yes, I have. And you seem to have gotten yourself into trouble, as always."

Wynn frowned. "That I have. Do you know about my parents?" When Darunia shook his head, a look of concern in his eyes, Wynn went on, "They were captured by the evil wizard Icarnos. He is trying to revive-"

"I know." Darunia interrupted. "I know. That is why I am here."

Wynn stared at him quizzically. "But, why?"

"I am here to tell you that Icarnos journeys to Death Mountain. I feared he was destined for the Fire Temple, but he passed it. He has gone to fortress behind the mountain instead."

"Fortress? What fortress?" Tane spoke up.

Darunia launched into his long tale. "Long ago, the races of Hyrule warred against one another. For many years, the battles ravaged Hyrule. Massive fortresses were constructed, to use in the war. However, the King of Hyrule was able to bring the races together peacefully, and put an end to the war."

"However, one group didn't want peace. They were magic users, and made a fort behind Death Mountain. They came up with an idea to rid themselves of their peaceful enemies; they created a dragon. It was meant to be used to kill all the life on Hyrule. However, a lone adventurer made his way into the fort, and fought his way to the dragon. They clashed for hours, but finally the beast fell, dead." Darunia placed his large hand on Wynn's shoulder. "That brave man was your father. He is an old friend. He was once a magician, working for the King of Hyrule with his partner. They helped the king bring the war to a peaceful end. However, your father's partner was not completely loyal to the king. He later swore fealty to Ganondorf, after the king's fall from power. His name," said Darunia venomously, "was Icarnos. He betrayed your father to Ganondorf. However, your father escaped, going to his family, you and your mother. Ganondorf was not pleased, and nearly killed Icarnos. In the end, I think Icarnos went insane."

"Now, Icarnos has gone to the last remaining fortress, beside that of the Gerudo, on Hyrule. He plans to resurrect the evil dragon there, the Verr Dragon. It is up to you to stop him before he can, or slay the dragon. I cannot go, but you are not alone." Darunia pointed to the others. "You have your most trusted friends as allies, and, with their help, can put an end to Icarnos and his evil plans. Farewell, young hero. I must depart. Good luck!" The old Goron was again surrounded by light, and then was gone.

Wynn turned to his friends. A new determination burned in his eyes. "On to Death Mountain." And so they left, going on to what may be their final battle.

******

They climbed up the Death Mountain Trail. While undertaking the long climb, they discussed their earlier battles. Jier explained to Nerah, Fami, and Wynn his true identity. When Wynn told of his battle against Icarnos, Jier stopped him. "You said that you used a nut to blind him, correct?" When Wynn nodded, Jier laughed. "That is what is called a Deku Nut. They are common tools of the Sheikah, when we wish to escape." Wynn smiled at that.

"It works pretty well to fight, as well as escaping." Wynn informed him.

They climbed up to the summit of Death Mountain. When they reached the point where

they had battled King Dinolfos, they were surprised to see two Iron Knuckles standing guard. The battle was fast and furious, but the guards fell quickly, without incident. They progressed to the side of the mountain, and Shezarah passed out the gear necessary to scale the mountain. They climbed the side of the mountain. Wynn blinked, the fierce winds blowing dirt into his eyes. After a long period of time climbing, they reached their destination. They marched down a path, the fortress looming closer and closer. They finally reached the entrance of the fort. And to their surprise, there were more guards posted in front of the fort. Humans. Wynn recognized the one standing in the front, and called to him. "So, Agno, why are you here?"

"It is obvious, little one." Agno said, a sneer on his scarred face. "I am to stop you, no matter what."

Wynn looked at the other guards. There were seven of them, all armed. Wynn and his friends were outnumbered. Wynn drew his sword. "You will move, or we will have to move you. Or your corpse, it makes no difference."

Ango glared at him, and then charged. The battle that ensued was lengthy. The mercenaries had the original advantage, but with the fighting skill of Tane and Wynn, the magic of Nerah and Fami, and the prowess of Jier and Shezarah, that advantage quickly eroded. Finally, all that remained of the mercenaries were Agno and two others, who had retreated from the battle. The others were on the ground clutching wounds or unconscious. Agno looked back at the standing mercenaries. "Get over here!" he ordered. They shared a glance at the other, then turned and ran. Agno watched them flee, and then turned to his enemies. They surrounded him. He hefted his sword, and said, "I am a mercenary. A mercenary fights to the death, only cowards run."

Tane laughed. "Then be a dead mercenary, or a live coward."

Agno looked at him appraisingly, and then ran the path his two companions had just used to escape. "You haven't seen the last of me!" he yelled to Tane. He turned, and Wynn watched his back recede into the distance. Then Wynn turned to face the fortress. It was much larger than the Gerudo Fortress. It was made of dark stone, and the parapets and watchtowers were high above his head. The openings in the walls stared blankly, empty holes that allowed Wynn to see into this long-forgotten place of war. Wynn could almost feel the hate and anger of the magic-users, all long-dead now. It was if the evil emotions had stained this monument of the old times. Wynn hesitated, fearing what may lurk in this old temple of war.

Wynn turned to his friends. Each eyed the fort warily. When he caught the eye of each one, they nodded, and went to enter. Wynn entered last, looking back to the Death Mountain, afraid that this may be the last time he would see it.

******

They stood together right inside the entrance of the fort. They were standing in a large room, with several halls branching off from it. Jier turned to Wynn. "What is our strategy?" he asked. Wynn stopped to think.

"I think that we should split up. I-" he started. He was cut off by the entrance of two guards, wolves. They resembled the monsters inside the Forest Temple, but their fur was red in color. Their fangs gleamed in the dim light, and the instinctual intelligence of the beasts shone through their bright eyes. One lunged at Wynn, claws outstretched and reaching for Wynn's throat. Wynn's quick swipe with his Biggoron's Sword finished it. Shezarah joined the fight, her scimitar striking down another of the beasts. Jier and Tane attacked, and the guards were soon defeated. Wynn turned his back on the corpses of the slain beasts. "As I was saying, we should split up. Tane, Shezarah, you two need to scout ahead for more guards. Jier, you lead the girls, and search for Seron or Icarnos. Their power in magic might be able to search him out. I will go to the resting place of this dragon, the Verr." Wynn explained, a gleam in his eyes. "I need to see this fearsome monster that my father killed, so long ago. And see if I am able to stop it."

And so they separated. Jier lead Nerah and Fami, taking a path to the right. Shezarah and Tane went straight, taking the path dead ahead. Wynn turned to his left, and started walking. He took one of the two paths on the left side.

Wynn traveled down the path. For hours, he explored, fighting off the occasional intruding guard. Finally, he reached a large room. It had many paths possible to explore, one of which led outside. Wynn's face became dismayed when he caught sight of the dead wolves lying on the ground. He was back at where he had started! He emerged from the path he had traveled, and then saw the path he had first entered a short distance from it. He sighed, and walked to the center of the room. Suddenly, a vision flashed before his eyes.

His father, looking years younger than he had the last time he had seen him, was standing in the center of this room. The room was lit by burning torches, and the walls had much less cracks. Standing next to Wynn's father was a older man, maybe in his thirties. He was tall, and had black hair, already turning to gray. Wynn could hear the voices of his father and the other man.

"Listen, my friend, I say we destroy this place. It is a place of evil!"

The older man turned to the impatient man Wynn knew as his father. "Don't be too anxious, Baro. This will serve as a lesson to those who decide to disrupt the peace of Hyrule."

Baro frowned. "Still, the magic-users may use this place as a stronghold again, when we are too old to stop them."

The older man laughed. "Then your little son will have to stop them. Or his son. As long as the blood of Baro exists on Hyrule, then we have nothing to worry about. Anyway, I have seen your son. He is strong enough that he could take on a Verr as a toddler!" the older man joked, gesturing to an opening in the wall. The opening was the path to the Verr, Wynn knew without knowing how he knew.

Baro smiled, lightly. "Then we must seal the path to the lair of the dragon, in case anyone ever decides to attempt to revive the horrible beast. Join me, my oldest friend, and we can insure no one can enter the pit the beast once dwelled in." And with that, they turned to the opening, and raised their hands to it. A glow entered the room, and then the opening vanished. The two men clapped each other on the back, and turned to leave. As they left, Wynn could hear the name of the older man be mentioned by his father. The older man was Icarnos!

Wynn returned to his senses. Had he just seen the distant past? He shook his head in confusion. He looked around the room, searching for the way to the dragon. He somehow knew it to be on the left, yet he had explored the only two doors on that side...

Then he realized his mistake. There had been a door in the center of the other two, the door his father had sealed! That was the way to the Verr! He knew it to be! But how could he get past the barrier his father had placed there? He stepped up to the seemingly-solid wall. It was normal stone, yet a feeling nagged Wynn. He stepped back, and raised his palm. A bright light flashed, and then the wall did not exist. Wynn smiled, and then walked down the path to the Verr.

******

Meanwhile, Jier was leading Nerah and Fami down a path to find Icarnos. Conversation was sparse, since Jier was quiet by nature and the girls weren't on the best of speaking terms. Heedless of the lack of talking, Jier walked on. His mission did not require chatting. However, Fami spoke up suddenly, gesturing to a wall, "We have to go this way. Icarnos is there, I know it!"

Jier looked at her, making sure if she was certain. The look on her face told him; excitement, anxiety, and fear. Jier touched the wall. It was solid, but he, too, felt Icarnos's presence. "Can you get us past this wall?" Jier asked. Fami nodded uncertainly, but Nerah shoved her aside.

"Let me." she demanded, and cast her spell. An orb of blue light appeared, and then struck the wall forcefully. The old wall crumbled. Behind it was a dirt passageway, dark and unlit. Jier entered first, leading the way to their enemy.

******

Tane slipped his sword back into its sheath. The wolf guards were dead, as was many of their relatives he and Shezarah had met on the path to here. Their job had been to destroy any guards they came to find, and they had done their job very well, with many of the wolven creatures destroyed or near death. Also, a pair of Stalfos had appeared once, but they had been surprised, and fell to quick swipes of the heroes' weapons. Tane lead the way around another corner, reaching for his sword. He could hear something around here...

And then he saw them. It was a group of Iron Knuckles, standing around a door. They numbered four, as Tane found in his cursory count. He stepped back behind the corner before he could be seen, and motioned Shezarah to be silent. She immediately stopped, and glanced to his face, curious. He peered back around the corner, making certain the guards had not noticed him. The guards had not moved. He drew his sword, and whispered to Shezarah, "Big trouble. I count four guards, Iron Knuckles, grouped around a door. Two are next to the door, two are standing back from it. They nearly saw me, but we're safe. But we can't sneak up on them."

Shezarah grimaced. "Then there is always the direct approach. Just hope this is all of them, and they don't have back up down the hall."

Tane nodded, frowning. This wasn't going to be easy. "On three." he said, and counted down. When his last finger dropped, he and Shezarah stepped around the corner simultaneously, their battle cries splitting the air. They dashed into battle, tackling the defenders. The sounds of battle could be heard all over the fort.

******

Jier dashed up a flight of stairs. He knew their enemy was near; he could sense it. His hand dropped to his short sword. For the good of Hyrule, this wizard must be stopped. Jier glanced back at the girls, who were a short distance away, and losing ground. That was good. They would just get in his way if he found the wizard. He opened a trapdoor, and peered out. He was on the roof of the old fortress. And right there, a short distance away, was Icarnos.

Jier dashed at the old man, his sword clutched in his hand. The wizard saw him coming, and raised his hand. Jier rebounded off an invisible barrier, falling back. The wizard laughed humorlessly, and then spoke, "You are here to destroy me. You have failed. You will die for this."

Jier stood, staring at the wizard defiantly. "I will not. I will kill you!"

The wizard chuckled. "You are as foolish as the son of Baro. You, however, do not have the blood of my nemesis running through your veins. I have no reason to spare you." He slowly raised his hand again to chest level. Jier charged again, but was stopped by the bolt of lightning cast by Icarnos. He fell to his knees, the darkness covering him.

******

Fami watched Jier fall. She could see the wizard smirk at Jier's fallen body, and then he dissolved into a dark cloud. The cloud drifted away. Fami and Nerah ran to Jier, fearing for him. Fami looked at his face. It was contorted in pain. Jier was unconscious. Fami stood near him, but Nerah pushed her away. "Stand back! I have had more training as a healer."

Fami watched, anxious for her friend. Nerah went to work, and within moments, she was done. She stepped away from his still-lifeless body, and turned to Fami. "I can do nothing more. Either it will work, or I have failed. All we can do is protect him until he awakens."

Suddenly, a howl rose from behind them. As Fami watched, two of the wolf-monsters emerged from the shadows, and she realized that protecting Jier wouldn't be easy at all.

******

Wynn walked alone through a dark, musty cave. There was no light beside that shed by his improvised torch. He felt as if the walls were closing in on him, and could not see any exit. And then suddenly he was out. However, he wasn't in the fort, nor in the open air. He was in a large cavern. The cavern was so big, it could hold the entire village of Kakariko. The heat in this place was incredible! Wynn felt as if he was roasting alive. He then saw why: the bottom of the cave, far below the narrow shelf of stone he stood on, was molten lava. In the middle of the cave was a large rock jutting up from the lava. The stone was as wide as the massive room in the Water Temple. It was also flat on the top. This was probably done by the magic-users, to provide a place to address the dragon. Across the platform was an isolated corner that was shadowed. As Wynn looked at it, he realized that that was where the dragon must dwell. Also, Wynn noted that the only way to that niche was to cross a narrow rock bridge to the huge stone, and then cross another bridge to the shadowed area. And so he started across to his enemy.

He walked carefully. If he took a bad step, he would plummet into the lava far below. Suddenly, four guards appeared from nowhere. They were Lizalfos, armed with short daggers. They had been concealed by Icarnos's magic, and had probably been ordered to stop Wynn at all costs. Wynn knew this battle would be extremely dangerous; it was hard enough to fight these creatures without having to worry about falling to his death. He drew his sword as the lead Lizalfos ran recklessly toward him. The monster slashed rapidly, leaving Wynn to fend off the blows with his Biggoron-made blade. Then Wynn took the offensive, driving the beast back. The monster leaped over his head, trying to trap Wynn between him and his compatriots. Wynn spun, holding his sword out. The next Lizalfos in line was injured, and the leader, which was behind Wynn, was propelled off the bridge, screaming in rage as it flew to its destruction. Wynn stabbed the other Lizalfos, and moved menacingly toward the next in line. The injured Lizalfos, which Wynn had assumed was dead, grabbed his leg, the claws digging into his calf. Wynn kicked it, and it fell off the side, letting go of his leg. Another monster took advantage of his distraction, and stabbed at him. Wynn dodged, but the blade left a score in his armor. Wynn nearly lost his footing, but balanced himself and attacked. The Lizalfos was nearly beheaded by his strike. Wynn stepped over it, certain it was slain, and moved to the last creature. It growled, uncertain. It stepped back, and hissed. Wynn pounced, his sword arcing at the monster. The monster was dead long before it fell into the fiery bottom of the cavern.

The hero then moved on to the huge stone in the middle of the cavern. He stared into the darkness across from his position, fear clutching his chest. He stopped at the center of the flat area of the stone, and called out. "Where are you, dragon?" he yelled, his voice cracking. He could not now control his fear, yet he knew he must, in order to survive. "I am here to destroy you!"

A pair of yellow eyes watched the human on the platform. The eyes belonged to an ancient creature, one that knew only hate for humans. The last human to come here had been impudent, and had tried to kill this beast. He had stood no chance against the dragon's might, but the dragon had erred. He had underestimated the speed and agility of the pest. The lone adventurer had been able to avoid his power, and had attacked the old one. The wounds were insignificant, but even the small wounds had sapped the dragon's power. Eventually the dragon could take no more, and had fallen.

But now was different. The dragon was wiser. It would not underestimate this human. He would die quickly, and then the dragon could complete its task: the elimination of all life on Hyrule. It would even destroy that foolish wizard that had revived him. The dragon roared, and emerged from the shadows. This would be the hero's final battle, and the Verr would finally avenge itself.

Wynn watched with trepidation as the dragon emerged from its den. It was huge, as wide as a house, and very long, nearly so long that from head to tail it could cover a quarter of the length of the cavern that was its home. It was scaled, each armored one a dark red color. It had wings, but they were folded up in a neat bundle. The dragon's head was frightening; it was long, with a eyes of a sickly yellow. The pupils were slitted, reptilian. A bone beak was on the end of the face, and behind it was fangs. The dragon's ears were perked. Wynn glanced at the feet of this monstrosity as it stalked toward him. They had claws, each nearly as long as a dagger, and as sharp. The tail twitched. It was covered in sharp spines, and at the end was a spike.

The dragon came to a halt in front of him. It roared, and glared down at him. Wynn gripped his sword white-knuckled, and tried to prepare himself for the battle that would soon ensue. The hero and the dragon watched each other, knowing that one of them would soon stop breathing, or even both. They attacked at the same time, and the battle began.

******

Tane looked at the remains of the last Iron Knuckle. He sighed. What evil magic had caused these to exist? After killing this guard, Tane had noticed something. The armor, which was the only visible part of those enemies, was in fact empty. Icarnos must be powerful, to bring these creatures into existence. Tane turned to Shezarah. She was uninjured, but was slightly bruised. Her face had smudges of dirt on it and several scratches. Tane probably didn't look too clean, either. Shezarah spoke up to him. "I have seen no sign of remaining guards. Perhaps we have defeated the last of them in this area."

"I hope." Tane said nervously. He motioned to the door the Iron Knuckles had stood around. "Maybe we should what ole' Icarny thought needed so many guards for." Shezarah nodded. Tane motioned the door again, this time with a gentlemanly sweep of his arm. She granted him a brief smile for his chivalry, and patted him on the back as she walked by. Tane beamed as he followed her.

They proceeded down the path. When they emerged at the end, they saw they were in a giant cavern. The platform that led from where they stood to the bottom had been destroyed, blasted into splinters of stone. Icarnos had came this way, and probably wanted to prevent anyone from following him. Tane looked down. Far below them was a huge stone, and two figures doing battle. Tane recognized them. One was Wynn, and the other was the infamous Verr dragon. Tane frowned, unable to help his partner. From here, they could only watch the battle unfold.

******

Wynn watched the dragon carefully, sweat running down his face. They had battled for what felt like hours, yet probably was only minutes. The dragon had attacked by lunging at him, jaws open, or slashing with its horrible claws. Wynn had dodged these, and responded with slashes of his sword. However, the beast's scales were too hard, and his sword had merely bounced off. Now, they stood apart, reevaluating their respective foes. Neither would grant the other any mercy, and both knew that they would not survive if the other lived. The dragon then charged, stopping in front of Wynn and clawing at him. Wynn jumped to the side, but was too slow. He flew through the air for a moment, and then landed with a thud. Wynn looked down, dismayed, to his armor. Several deep tears in it marred the surface. "Hey! My father gave me this armor!" he yelled. The dragon snorted.

Wynn growled, and ran at the dragon, yelling. The dragon, surprised, just watched him. Wynn slammed his sword into the softer-looking underbelly of the huge monster. It roared in pain, and its forepaws flailed, trying to strike down the pest that had hurt it so. One smacked Wynn, and he again was airborne. He slowly stood. The dragon was calm now, but fury burned in its eyes. It roared, and charged at Wynn. Wynn ran at it, ducking the claws. He prepared to stab again, but the dragon used its head to knock Wynn away. Wynn looked up into the gaping maw of the beast as it tried to make a meal of him, but rolled to the side. The dragon's jaws clacked together, their target not inside. Wynn quickly climbed to his feet, and slashed at the side of the dragon. Once again, his sword bounced off. Without warning, the dragon attacked, using a new method. Its tail raised into the air, and it hurtled toward Wynn. Wynn rolled out of the way, and the spiked tip smashed into the stone. Splinters of rock flew everywhere. Wynn ran back, then turned. The two combatants faced each other, and then charged once again.

After a short struggle, Wynn's sword again found its target, and Wynn thrust it deep into the belly of his foe, trying desperately to kill it. The dragon cried out, and its claws again found Wynn. When he landed, Wynn looked down. He was bleeding now, from several deep gashes. He stood, ignoring the agony that movement caused. The dragon screamed, and then reared back. The wings unfolded, and flapped, beating the air. It slowly floated into the air, and then flew away.

"Get back here!" Wynn called hoarsely, "I haven't killed you yet!" As if obeying, the dragon turned back at the end of the cavern, and flew at Wynn, gaining speed as it came closer. Wynn realized what probably was going to happen if he didn't move. He ran, sprinting for the edge of the platform. As it came close, the dragon roared, and exhaled its fiery breath. The pyro chased Wynn, right behind him. Wynn didn't notice how close the edge of the stone was, but found out rather quickly. The ground under his feet suddenly wasn't there, and Wynn looked down into the lava. He flailed, trying to make contact with the stone he now missed so much. Finally he grabbed the edge. Pain shot through him, emanating from the wounds in his side. He could hear the dragon land, satisfied it had won and Wynn was falling into a very hot place. Wynn grinned, and hoisted himself up onto the stone's top. The dragon wasn't looking at him. He charged at it, his sword at the ready. The dragon saw him when he got near, but it was too late. Wynn stabbed deep into the dragon, trying to hit the beast's heart. The dragon screamed out. Wynn ran back from it, and watched the monster swing its paws, in rage and pain. Wynn smirked. "I have succeeded. Like my father before me, I have killed the Verr." His words did not seem to be heard by the dragon, but finally they sunk in. The dragon glared at him, hate in his eyes, along with a sudden realization of an irony, one that had killed the beast today.

The Verr lunged at Wynn, trying to bite its slayer. Wynn dodged, but the beast charged, trying to trample Wynn. Wynn rolled out of the way, but barely. The dragon was enraged beyond hope or reason, just wanting to avenge itself to the one that was responsible for his death, and the descendent of the one that had done it in so long ago. When it reached the edge of the platform, it turned, and then the tail came at Wynn. Each time, it came closer to hitting Wynn. He was tired, and hurt. This would have to end soon, one way or the other. Wynn finally decided on a course of action, and took it. He hurled his precious sword at the dragon, aiming for its throat. The sword sliced it the tender neck, plunging nearly completely through it. The dragon roared, beyond pain, grasping at its own neck. It knocked the sword away, and then reared, standing on its back legs, coming to its tallest height. And then, so-slowly, as if in a dream, toppled. It fell off the stone, and crashed into the bridge leading to the place where it had rested. The bridge crumbled, and the dragon fell far down, into the lava. The Verr was dead, no more a threat to Hyrule.

Wynn stood there a while, lost in thought. He then turned, picked up his sword, and left the chamber.

******

Tane watched him leave the cavern. That kid was powerful, more so than even Tane had given him credit for. He cheered Wynn silently, and then turned to Shezarah. She was smiling, and her expression was mirrored on Tane's own face. They then left, leaving the cavern to be again devoid of life, as it was meant to be.

They walked out into the hall, and started toward the exit, wanting to be free of this fortress. However, one obstacle stood in there path. As they turned a corner, they were face to helmet with the infamous Silver Knuckle. He laughed evilly as the pair drew their weapons. "You two are pitiful. Why, it will take me no time to kill you both."

"You again! Why won't you die?" Shezarah moaned.

Silver Knuckle nodded to her. "You, warrior, might be a challenge worthy of one of my underlings. Show me to Wynn, so I won't become bored."

"Ah, so we are afraid? Letting our inferiors do our dirty work?" Tane taunted.

Silver Knuckle advanced at him. "I will finish my task myself. You won't even cause me to break into a sweat."

Shezarah rushed at him, scimitar out. The metal-clad warrior merely swung his ax. Shezarah was knocked into a wall, hit by the flat side, and slumped to the floor.

Tane frowned. It wouldn't be easy to kill his enemy in this enclosed space. Silver Knuckle took up most of the space, but had his weapon in front of him. To get to his foe, Tane had to pass the ax. Tane positioned his sword in front of him, hoping for some defense. Silver Knuckle released a chuckle, and advanced at Tane. Trying to surprise the evil knight, Tane charged, his sword swinging. It hit his enemy, but it did no damage. The last thing Tane saw was the flat side of the ax.

Silver Knuckle watched Tane fall. It had been easy to defeat these adventurers. Now, he had to return to his master, with two captives in tow. The magic of Icarnos surrounded him. As he disappeared, Silver Knuckle took a last look at the fort. He might be the last to see it.

******

Fami and Nerah returned to the entrance of the fortress, carrying Jier. Their mission had failed, Icarnos had escaped. Even worse, Jier had been hurt badly and was still unconscious. Fami and Nerah hadn't been hurt as badly, but they, too, were injured, due to those bothersome wolves. They had decided to take another path to exit the fort; there was a staircase leading down to the ground near their location. They had taken it, and were walking around the fort to the entrance. Soon the entrance was in view, and there they waited. Nerah and Fami started work on healing themselves, and Jier, still snoring, was left to himself.

Soon Wynn emerged, holding his side protectively. Fami ran to him, crying out. He held up a hand, warding her off. "How is Jier?" he croaked.

Nerah grimaced. "He will be fine, he just needs rest. However, you need more attention than he does."

Wynn shook his head. "It can wait till I see we are all okay." he insisted. The girls frowned, but obeyed. Suddenly a rumbling arose from the fort. They all turned to watch, not conscious of what was happening. The fort collapsed on itself, utterly destroyed. Wynn could sense it was Icarnos's magic that did this. But then he realized they had a bigger problem: Tane and Shezarah were still inside!