CHAPTER 5
Fami and Nerah looked around, surveying their surroundings. They were near Goron's City, on Death Mountain. No one was around, and it was a long walk home.
They started down the mountain. "Well, we do make a good team, don't we?" said Fami.
Nerah nodded. "Yeah...but don't get any ideas. Unless you want to give up on your silly quest to win my man, then we're still going to fight."
"Your man? In your dreams, bait brains!"
"Better watch out, cause this Zora will crush you like the weed you are!"
"Why you..."
"I'll..."
The two girls bickering was silenced by the presence of another. They turned. "What are you doing here?" demanded Fami.
It was Silver Knuckle. He held his ax at ready and was walking slowly toward the girls.
"Fami! Nerah! You have to listen to me! I am not your enemy! I am Solan, Wynn's friend!" the metal behemoth said, moving closer. The two started backing away.
"Why should we believe you?" asked Nerah.
Fami's eyes narrowed. "I recognize that name. It's that of Wynn's dead best friend!"
"I'm still alive...sort of. But, I am under the control of your enemy. I can't control my body. You have to get away and warn Wynn!" His body started moving faster. "Go, now!"
"Fami, you go. I'll stay and keep this guy away while you tell Wynn," Nerah said, determination in her eyes.
Fami looked to her. "No...you can't mean that..."
"Go!" yelled Nerah, sending a blast of water at the approaching monster. He fell back under her attack, shielding himself with his ax. Fami hesitated, then ran, not looking back.
She was nearly halfway down the trail when she heard Nerah's blood-curdling scream.
She ran as fast as she could, past the entrance to Dodongo's Cavern, past the Tekitites, and was nearly to Kakariko when she was stopped.
A shadow seemed to detach from a wall in front of her. Red eyes met her own, as the shadow, the Assassin, raised a hand. Fami screamed as dark lightning overwhelmed her. Her scream echoed as she slipped into darkness.
******
Wynn looked around the chamber. He was in a well-lit hall, with an alter-like structure at the end. There, the three Spiritual Stones were gathered, shedding their pure light. Wynn walked forward.
Before he reached it, blue light shone. Appearing with the light was his father, and Zelda. They had solemn looks on their faces. Baro ran up to his son.
"Wynn..." the older man started, his eyes worried.
"What's wrong?" Wynn asked, concerned.
"Wynn...your friends were successful, but..." Zelda choked on the next words.
"But, what? Are they alright?" Wynn stepped back.
"They're dead, Wynn. All of them," Baro told him, his voice heavy, his shoulders slumped as though the weight of the world rested on them.
"No! They can't be!" Wynn yelled, sinking to his knees, covering his face with his hands.
"Baro...we are running out of time..." Zelda said, looking with sadness to the hero.
"You take care of the Hero of Time, I'll take care of my son," Baro said, starting forward.
Wynn moaned as images of his friends flashed through his mind. Nerah and Fami bickering, Tane and Shezarah working at the fortress, Jier with the Cucco Lady...He would never see them again.
Zelda set to her work as Baro tried to console his son. With the Stones in place, she merely had to open the Door of Time. She looked to the immobile blue stone as she pulled something from her robes. It was a small blue ocarina, the Ocarina of Time. She moved it to her lips, and played a song she knew by heart. As the slow, enrapturing song played, the blue stone slowly disappeared. She smiled. It was time to summon Hyrule's greatest hero.
Link...Link, we need you!
She stepped back, ready to wait.
"Wynn, listen to me! There is nothing you can do to bring them back! The only thing you can do is to stop the monster that did this!"
Wynn looked up to his father. "You're right. If it is the last thing I do, I will see the thing responsible on the end of my sword!"
"Wynn, you can't do it for revenge! You must do it for the good of Hyrule!" Baro insisted, shaking his son.
Wynn looked his father in the eye. Finally, his gaze fell to the floor. "You're right." He slowly stood, as did Baro.
Zelda gasped. Moving out of the shadows where the Door of Time had stood was a familiar figure. The young man, clad in a green Kokiri Tunic, stepped forth. His blue eyes were lit up in a smile under his blond bangs. An impressive-looking sword was strapped to his back. He stepped forward, standing in front of Zelda.
"Never fear, the Hero of Time is here!" Link declared, giving Zelda a mock bow.
"Link, this is no time for jokes! Hyrule is under attack!"
Link sighed. "What's new about that?"
Baro opened his mouth to speak. He never got the chance, as the sounds of battle came from outside.
******
The General smiled. "Gerudo's Fortress is ours! Now, we take Hyrule Marketplace!" He looked to the high walls protecting the town. The drawbridge was up, denying entry. He laughed. No matter.
"Attack!" he yelled. The Tekititons swarmed forward. When they reached the moat, they stopped. They tensed, and then jumped, soaring clear over the water, and walls. The soldiers at the catwalk were caught off guard, and easily overwhelmed.
The General sent the monsters through the town, subduing the population. The General waved a hand, summoning his greatest treasure. A large black crystal appeared. He cackled as his monsters began herding the captured residents of the marketplace to the crystal. One by one, they were forced to touch it. When they did, they disappeared, sucked into the black depths. There, they were helpless, merely captives.
It wasn't long before the entire town was vacant, all life residing in the black crystal. Now, the army's next target was clear. The General looked forward. If their insider did his job, then it would be easy to conquer the heart of the resistance. Hyrule Castle, here they come, thought the General with a sneer.
******
"What? They're attacking the market!" Zelda cried.
"I'll stop them, Princess," Link said confidently.
"If its as big an army as it sounds, you won't have a chance!" warned Wynn.
"Going chicken, hero?" asked Link.
"At least I'm not a fool!" challenged Wynn.
"Boys! Now is not the time!" interrupted Baro.
"Yes. There is a secret path nearby, leading to the outside. From there, you should go to Zora's Domain. We have already sent messengers to Kakariko, and you must warn the Zoras." Zelda stopped, regret on her face. "They already have Gerudo's Fortress."
"We have to stop them, Zelda!" said Link angrily.
"Yes, but we have no chance against the army. Instead, we must find their dark leader. If we remove the head, the body will die," said Zelda confidently.
"But where do we find it?" asked Wynn.
"I don't know. But, I am confident if we wait, he shall come to claim his prize," said Zelda darkly.
"You two are the last of the heroes that have a chance against this menace. Protect yourselves, and then you can attack when the opportunity arises. Now, go. Warn the Zoras, and save yourselves," ordered Baro.
"But, father-"
"We will take care of ourselves. Go!" yelled the older man.
Wynn and Link nodded. They followed Zelda to the passage. Baro watched.
Good luck.
******
Captain Greer looked out on the grounds before the castle. There was a dark swarm of monsters, charging to take over the castle. It didn't matter. They couldn't get in.
"What do they think they're doing?" asked Kesler, incredulous. "Don't they know they can't get past the gates?"
The Survivors, led by Greer, had finally been recalled to the castle. Rosburn had left Kakariko defenseless. But it was no matter, now. There was nothing Greer could do to help, since he and his men were trapped in the castle.
"What?" yelled Kesler, astonishment in his voice? Greer turned, looking for what had shocked his second so. "Captain, look! The gates...they're open!"
Greer drew his sword. "Come, men! We have to stop them!"
Leading the Survivors, Greer rushed forward to the gates. They were too late, as the monsters were already inside. The men entered combat, fighting to stop the flood of the spider-like creatures.
Greer searched for the man in charge of the gates. There he was, unconscious. And standing at the opening mechanism...
"Rosburn!" Greer bellowed. He rushed at the traitor, sword aiming for the man's chest.
The traitorous general shrunk back, fear in his eyes. The fear changed to triumph as a monster slammed into Greer, knocking him down.
Greer stared at Rosburn as the monster hauled him to his feet, arms held behind his back. Around him, the rest of his troops had been captured. Kesler still fought, but as Greer watched, the man was overwhelmed, landing in a crumpled heap on the floor.
"Well, Greer, it looks like I win. Too bad for you," gloated Rosburn.
Greer's answer was to spit in the cocky general's face.
"You'll pay for your insolence, scum. As you see, there will be no stopping our forces. Hyrule is ours!" Rosburn laughed manically. "Take him away."
Greer struggled as the monster dragged him towards the black crystal. As Greer was forced to touch it, he had one last thought. He, for the first time in his life, had failed to uphold his promise to protect the innocent of Hyrule.
******
Wynn and Link stepped out into the day. Wynn frowned as he noticed that instead of the pleasant blue sky, black clouds gathered over the marketplace. Link put his fingers to his lips, as if to whistle.
"What are you doing?" demanded Wynn.
"Calling Epona, my horse," Link told him, irritated.
"Two things, pal. One, those monsters will hear you, and we'll have to fight off a mob. Two, I..." Wynn trailed off. He had meant to mention his own troubles with horses, but he didn't mean to embarrass himself in front of the other.
"You what?"
"Never mind," Wynn snapped. "Let's go."
The two started the long hike up Zora's River. They walked in silence, alert and ready for an ambush. However, there was no ambush; instead, both noticed the lack of any noises what so ever. It was too quiet.
It was evening when they reached Zora's Domain. Wynn hesitated when they entered the immense cavern that was home to the Zoras. He looked over the pools of water and waterfalls, searching for a familiar face. He was mainly looking for Jaco, leader of the Zora army, and friend to Nerah. He also was seeking Zaruu, former partner to Tane.
"Wynn, you stay here. I know the Zora king, and I'll talk to him alone." Wynn nodded as Link started up the long path leading to where King Zora usually dwelled. Wynn again looked around. He caught a glimpse of a familiar face, and started toward him. To his surprise, he found himself facing the deadly tip of a sword. He backpedaled as the Zora ran at him, madness in his eyes.
******
Jaco sighed as he fell onto his watery bed. Life was hard, and he needed all the rest he could get. He slowly drifted into sleep, unprepared for the dreams that would ravage him.
Nerah...
She rejects you. She ignores you. She loves another. But you can have her. You can take her from the man that has stolen her. Kill the infidel that has lured her away. Finish him, or you will lose her forever.
Jaco jerked awake. He had to find the man that had taken Nerah! He had to kill him! He must kill Wynn!
******
The dark figure smiled.
He had finally accomplished what his deceased right-hand had failed to do. He had finally gained control of Jaco. If the Zora did his task, then one, or perhaps both, of the obstacles to his triumph would be wiped out. If the young Zora killed Wynn, or was killed, then it would hamper the resistance to the dark figure's conquest.
The shadowy figure sat back on his dark throne, content to watch the coming fight.
******
Wynn jumped to the side, Jaco's blade narrowly missing him. Wynn quickly stuck a foot out, sending the Zora sprawling to the ground. Jaco's sword bounced across the stone, finally falling off a cliff into a pool of water.
"Jaco! What are you doing?" demanded Wynn as the Zora swung at him. Jaco's face was a twisted mask of rage.
"You'll pay for stealing Nerah!" the Zora shouted, trying to punch Wynn.
"I didn't steal her!"
Jaco's answer was a roar, and he slammed into Wynn. The two rolled across the floor. Wynn gasped as he realized Jaco's intent. Soon, they would fall off the nearby cliff, taking a short fall into the main pool. There, the Zora would have the advantage, and it wouldn't be long before he would finish Wynn.
As Wynn rolled to the top, he took a chance. He dug his heels and wrists in, trying to stop the roll. Jaco tried to continue it, but Wynn stopped that with a headbutt. The Zora relaxed, his eyes glazed over.
"Jaco, listen to me. I didn't mean to steal Nerah from you!" Wynn shouted.
"You lie!" yelled Jaco, his eyes still fogged with madness. Wynn sighed as he realized what must come next.
"Jaco...Nerah's dead."
The mist that had possessed Jaco cleared. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped. "No..." The word was a mere whisper. "No! She can't be!" Jaco flung Wynn off him, nearly sending the hero off the cliff. Wynn watched the devastated Zora run away, a feeling of defeat coming across him.
"Wynn!" The hero turned, seeing another Zora run up to him. He sighed as he recognized Zaruu.
"Wynn, was that Jaco?" Zaruu panted, out of breath. Wynn nodded mutely. "I have to catch him!"
"Why?"
"We're under attack!"
"What?" Wynn yelled. A crowd of armed Zoras stormed past, heading for the entrance.
"A swarm of monsters is on its way here! Jaco has to command the army!"
"I am here." Wynn whirled. There, a frown of concentration on his face and a spiritless look to his eyes, was Jaco. "I shall lead the army. I shall avenge Nerah!" shouted Jaco.
Wynn frowned. He ran with the two towards the entrance, determined to help the Zoras.
******
"Here they come!" shouted a Zora soldier. Wynn searched the area where the soldier was pointing, straining his eyes. Sure enough, there was the dark army, rushing forward incredibly fast. It wasn't long before the monsters were on them. The two armies entered combat, but from the first it was obvious who would win.
"For Nerah!" screamed Jaco, lunging at a monster. He stabbed it furiously, literally tearing it apart. Another jumped at him, but an acquaintance of Tane's, a gambling Zora named Panu, ran to meet it. As the monster died, it grabbed Panu, sending him flying upwards. Wynn gasped as he saw Panu collide with a black crystal. In a flash, Panu was gone.
A mass of Tekititons swarmed Jaco, holding him down. Zaruu ran to his commander, cutting a swath through the mob. As he reached the one holding his commander, he jumped on it, stabbing his sword into its eye. It shrieked, jumping skyward. Wynn groaned in dismay as Zaruu slammed into the crystal, and was gone.
"Wynn! Let's get out of here!" Wynn stabbed the monster he had been fighting, and turned. It was Link.
"We have to get out of here! There's nothing we can do!" Link yelled.
"We have to help!"
"No! Remember what Zelda said!"
Wynn slashed a monster in half, frustrated and fearing for the warriors around him. He relented, following Link as they made a run for it. A monster jumped in front of Link, but the hero stopped it with a single slash of his sword. Wynn gasped, looking at the magnificent sword. At the mere sight of the weapon, the monsters shied, seemingly terrified.
"After them!" came a voice from behind him. Wynn frowned. That voice was eerily familiar...
"Up there!" Link said, pointing to a ledge far above.
"How do you suggest we reach it, superhero?" Wynn smirked.
"Simple. Grab onto him." Link pointed to a monster coming up behind them. Wynn frowned.
"What's that going to-"
"Just do it!"
Both ran at the monster as Link threw something. Wynn flinched as a bright light flashed just as he grabbed the monster. Link had thrown a Deku Nut, blinding both the monster, and, unintentionally or not, Wynn.
The monster, scared and blind, followed its first instinct: jump. It soared into the air, flying up to the ledge. "Now!" Link shouted. Wynn let go, landing hard on the rocky cliff. Link landed on his feet, and watched the monster crash back to the far ground, making a sickening splat.
"Well, that was some mess you got us into," said Link, sneering at Wynn.
"Me? It was your beloved Princess that-"
"Hey, don't you say anything, amateur-"
"Who's calling who an amateur?"
"At least I don't let all my friends get killed!"
Wynn's answer was to fling himself at Link. The two grappled, grunting loudly. They came to the cliff's edge. It was obvious that soon one, or both, would be going the way of the dead Tekititon.
Link pushed Wynn away suddenly. "We don't have time for this."
Wynn sighed. Link was right.
"Now, come on. We have places to go."
Wynn followed Link as the two climbed down off the ledge. They left what had been a battle behind them. But neither knew the battle was already over.
******
"Well, looks like Zora's Domain has joined Hyrule Castle and Gerudo's Fortress. Now, only a few towns remain. Soon all of Hyrule will be under our control!"
"You're crazy!" yelled Jaco, struggling against the two monsters that held him.
"Am I, now?" asked the General, still laughing.
"You!" gasped Jaco, recognition in his eyes. "I have to tell Wynn!"
But before he could even scream, he was thrown into the crystal.
The General frowned. That pest had recognized him. But he had never met him before! How...?