Saphira smiled in satisfaction as the Iron Knuckles locked Nabooru in her
cage. Nabooru looked ready to kill, and she gripped the bars hard as she
glared at Saphira.
"Well, Nabooru, I never thought I'd see the day when you got locked up for betraying your king," Saphira said.
"I never betrayed anybody," Nabooru snarled. "I never even liked Ganondorf. He was the one who turned Hyrule upside-down for seven years, until Link came along and got rid of him. Frankly, I'm glad Ganondorf is gone. And as for him being king, well.I never thought of him as a king. I thought of him as a raving lunatic who thought he could rule the world and had to be stopped." Now it was Saphira's turn to glare.
"Well, I'm sure I will take great pleasure in killing you once the remaining Sages have been captured, Nabooru." Saphira said. She turned to the Knuckles, who had taken position behind her. "And as for you two.I think you two would make fine bodyguards." Saphira said. The Knuckles bowed on one knee in gratitude. She waved them off, and they left. Saphira looked at each of the Sages, and went to her quarters.
"You actually know that woman?" Darunia asked Nabooru when Saphira had closed the door.
"Unfortunately, yes. Ganondorf introduced me to her while I was under the spell of those two witches. Even then I didn't like her. She knew it, too, and I don't think she liked me, either. Ganondorf tried to get us to get along, but it was a losing battle. We couldn't stand each other. A Gerudo man should not marry someone outside his own race or country-it's a common rule in our society. But he was a natural rebel. He did what he wanted, and didn't stand for opposition." Nabooru muttered, sitting down.
"But what about Link? Did he try to rescue you?" Saria asked.
"Yes. He came rushing in just before the Knuckles could take me through the portal. But one Knuckle took me through, and I looked back just in time to see the other slam Link into the wall, knocking him out." Nabooru sighed.
"Do you think he'll be able to save the others?"
"I don't think he can keep them from being taken," Navi said. "But I know he can get all of us out of here."
"Is he still out?"
"Yeah. Must have taken a hard hit to be unconscious for this long."
"Will he be all right?"
"Yeah, he'll be fine. At least until he remembers what happened, I expect." Link could barely hear these voices as he slowly awakened. He'd been unconscious before-not exactly the best thing to happen to you-and his eyes felt as though they were being weighted down. But he managed to open them, and saw several Gerudos standing around him. He sat up in alarm-and regretted it.
"Ow! Ohhh." Link moaned as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Lie down," said the Gerudo next to him. "You got a nasty bump on the head."
"I can tell. Wait a minute.I know you!" Link said as he focused on this girl's clothes.
"Yup. It's me, Maltika." She said, smiling. She wore dark green and gold clothes, with a yellow stone set in her hairband.
"Where am I?" Link looked around. He had a vague feeling as to where he was, but it certainly wasn't the fortress.
"You're in the Sprit Temple, Link. That dragon of yours brought you here as soon as you'd been knocked out. I wish I had one like that." Maltika said.
"Nabooru?" Link asked. He knew the answer already, but he asked all the same.
"She's gone. She warned us that this might happen, but.we didn't expect it to happen so quickly."
"I came too late.if I had only come in sooner, I could have stopped them."
"Link, you would have had to fight two Iron Knuckles at the same time. I know you're an excellent fighter, but I don't think you could have kept them from taking Nabooru away." Maltika said. "We know you did your best, and we definitely know you can rescue her. Just don't lose your morale- that's your fighting power."
"Yeah. Thanks, Maltika. When can I get-ow!"
"Lie down for a couple more hours and we'll let you leave. Serpentina's gone hunting, so she'll be ready for more flying when she gets back."
Saphira paced around the room, concentrating on her next plan. She would have to be very careful this time-somehow, Link had realized that Nabooru was in trouble, and had nearly kept her new servants from bringing back Nabooru. If she expected to succeed, she would have to make sure that she covered her tracks. Only two Sages left before Zelda, but how to capture them. If she decided to kill two birds with one stone, it would be much easier. But Link might be expecting that.on the other hand, would he want to go to the Sacred Realm, where Ganondorf was? Link had had a difficult time defeating Ganondorf before he was sealed in the Sacred Realm. But the key thing was, how was she going to get Princess Ruto and Rauru? Link could provide excellent protection to either.unless she used two previous adversaries against whom Link had also had trouble defeating.
She sat down at her table, and the sapphire glowed. "Tell me who Link had to defeat in order to awaken the Sages." Saphira said.
"The Four Poe Sisters and Phantom Ganon of the Forest Temple, Volvagia of the Fire Temple, Dark Link and Morpha of the Water Temple, the Iron Knuckles and TwinRova of the Spirit Temple, and Bongo Bongo of the Shadow Temple." The image ring showed an image of each boss, and Saphira looked at each one carefully. After a bit of figuring, she made up her mind. Morpha and Bongo Bongo looked very nice for capturing Rauru and Ruto, but two others in particular struck her mind as the perfect choices to help get Zelda later on.
Three hours later, Link was back at Hyrule Castle, where he reported Nabooru 's kidnapping. "I tried to rescue her, Zelda, but they just slammed me into the wall and ran out of there before I could try to recover-which I didn't, because I blacked out." Link said.
"This is getting critical, Link," Zelda said. "We've lost four of the Sages already. Now she'll be going after Ruto and Rauru."
"I know, Zelda. But how am I supposed to protect them? For all I know, they might be attacked at the same time. Unless." Link got an idea. "I know what to do. I'll send Serpentina to guard the Zoras. If she could protect the Graguns, she can protect the Zoras. In the meantime, I'm going to the Temple of Light. Right now."
"But Link.that's in the Sacred Realm!"
"And in a place that Ganondorf can't attack. I only have to worry about Saphira while I'm there. I know what I'm doing, Zelda. I know I can stop this."
"I hope you can, Link." Zelda said. She took his face in her hands, and kissed his forehead. "Good luck.and please be careful."
"You want me to stay with the Zoras?" Serpentina asked after Link told her his plan.
"Just for a little while. If Saphira attacks, I know you can stop her. You were guardian of the Graguns. I know you can be the Zoras' guardian." Link said.
"But Link, what if I fail?" Serpentina asked. "What if she gets Ruto anyway?"
"Don't worry about failing, Serpentina. Just worry about keeping the Zoras safe. I'll be going to the Temple of Light to protect Rauru, so I need to be able to count on you to guard Ruto." Serpentina sighed.
"All right. I just hope this works." She spread her wings, and flew off. Link watched her go, then took out the Ocarina and played the Prelude of Light. Ordinarily, he would have been sent to the Temple of Time. But now he was sent to the Chamber of Sages, where Rauru was waiting.
"Ah, Link! It's been a while," Rauru said. "And something is troubling you."
"Yeah. Ganondorf's got a fiancee who wants to get him out of the Sacred Realm, and to do that, she's capturing the Sages. She's gotten four of them already-you and Ruto are the only ones left besides Zelda." Rauru stared at Link in amazement.
"So.this woman is going to try to capture me?" Rauru started to chuckle a bit. "Link, you know very well that you are the only one who can enter this Sacred Realm!"
"Not necessarily." Link said, and Rauru's smile disappeared. "This woman's name is Saphira-Queen Saphira of Crastalyina-and she has a sapphire that can take her wherever she pleases, even the Sacred Realm. She's been visiting Ganondorf since he was banished here, and I know she'll send somebody to try to capture you." Rauru frowned, and he suddenly looked very worried.
"I thought I could sense another's presence here.but I figured perhaps it was Ganondorf creating monsters to guard his territory. Now I realize it was this Saphira that I had sensed. But how do you know about her?"
"Well, Zelda and I each had dreams involving her-in Zelda's dream Saphira was threatening to destroy the Graguns and even destroyed Hyrule, and in my dream, she captured the Sages, got Ganondorf back and married him, killed all the Sages, then made off with Hyrule before turning on me. She made herself known to me recently when she killed my horse. I went to Draconiara to find out who she was, and they told me that she was Queen of Crastalyina, and was indeed Ganondorf's fiancee. They told me that Saphira was planning to destroy their city, so I helped stop that. They gave me their guardian, Serpentina, as a gift of thanks. I came back in time to find that she had already attacked Kokiri Forest and kidnapped Saria and Navi. A bit later, she got Impa and Darunia, even though I tried to help them, and just earlier I got to Gerudo Valley just in time to see two Iron Knuckles kidnap Nabooru." Link stopped there, and Rauru looked very grave.
"So she has captured four of us.now there only remains myself, Ruto, and Princess Zelda." Rauru said.
"She'll be saving Zelda for last," Link said. "She wants to get the first Six Sages before going after Zelda."
"And she managed to get four of them despite your efforts.but how could she?"
"Simple. She's an expert in battle. She's fought in wars before, and knows how to weaken the enemy. And to help her do that, she's been enlisting the help of some of my old foes-Stalfos, Poes, Volvagia, and Iron Knuckles. I hate to think of who she'll call on next."
"Indeed, she does seem very intelligent. But if you're here, who is guarding Ruto?"
"I sent Serpentina down to Zora's Domain to watch over her. If I can depend on anybody to protect Ruto, it's Serpentina." "Very well. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see what happens."
Meanwhile, Serpentina had arrived in Zora's Domain and informed King Zora of her appointment as guardian. "Link asked me to protect Ruto as I did the Graguns while he keeps Rauru safe. Since it's now down to Ruto, Rauru, and Zelda, he wants to make sure that Ruto remains safe." Serpentina said.
"Very well. I know that Link cares very much for our safety, so you are welcome here." King Zora said. Ruto stepped forward and stroked Serpentina' s mane of fire.
"I know we can depend on you, Serpentina. But if I do get taken away, remember this-I'll know that you did your best to prevent it." Serpentina smiled and nodded. But somehow, she had a feeling that it wouldn't be long before the kingdom was attacked.
Link and Rauru stood, waiting. Link looked around, ears pricked for any unusual noises. He took out the Biggoron Sword, and wielded it. This was probably his favorite of the two swords-it was heavier, and did twice as much damage to adversaries. The only downside was that he couldn't arm his shield while he was holding the blade, but he was skilled enough that he could use the blade to block blows.
Suddenly, Link thought he heard something. It was very faint, but he knew he'd heard something.
BOOM.
It was a familiar sound, but Link couldn't quite place it. He concentrated on listening, and he heard the sound again.
Boom.boom.boom.
The rhythm of the sound made a chill go down Link's spine. "It can't be," Link whispered.
BOOM-boom, boom, boom.
Link looked around, trying to find the source. It was slowly coming closer, but Link couldn't see it anywhere. The music was getting louder and faster.
BOOM, boom-boom-boom, BOOM, boom-boom-boom.
Link knew that music. He'd heard it not long ago, when he'd been in the Shadow Temple. "Bongo Bongo," Link whispered. The sound he was hearing was Bongo's hands beating on a bongo drum. Suddenly, he sensed something behind him. He turned-and nearly jumped when he saw Bongo Bongo rising up from the depths of the chamber. Link saw the hands beating on something-probably invisible drums-and Bongo looked absolutely vengeful. His eye narrowed, and Link knew he was ready to fight. He whipped out his bow, and fired an arrow at Bongo's left hand. But in a quick movement, Bongo lifted his hand and grabbed the arrow right out of the air. Link heard a crunching sound as Bongo crushed the arrow into powder. Link could feel the blood leave his face as the remains of the arrow fell to the ground like sand. Arrows were no good.but how else was he going to attack? He wasn't about to try the Longshot-Bongo would just grab that and use Link as a punching bag. Link decided to rough it and use his sword. He leaped forward and got ready to bring the sword down-then one of the hands flew up and snatched him right out of the air. But Link was ready for this. With all the strength he could muster, he brought the blade up in a flash. He suddenly fell to the ground, and heard Bongo screaming in pain. He looked up, and saw that the hand that had caught him was waving wildly in the air, spouting green blood. Link looked down, and saw four fingers lying on the ground.
Before he could feel sick, Link took the chance to go for Bongo's eye, but the crippled hand flew down and practically mashed him to the floor. Link cried out in pain, and got up, but suddenly the healthy hand balled itself up into a fist and punched Link. Link flew through the air, and fell to the floor, dazed. He snapped out of it, and leaped forward just as Bongo was about to try to grab Rauru. Link tried for the eye, but the crippled hand came in front and Link ended up stabbing into the hand instead. It flew up before Link could pull it out, leaving Link hanging in the air. The other hand came and grabbed Link, and clutched Link so tightly that he couldn't move. It yanked down, breaking Link's grip on the sword. The stabbed hand waved around a bit, sending the sword flying to the ground. Link heard it clatter on the floor, but forgot it when the hands started playing catch with him. He was thrown from one hand to the other, and finally, the crippled hand slammed him against the wall and held him there. He struggled and yelled, but he couldn't move. Rauru was helpless-the look on his face said it all. The other hand went down, and clutched Rauru in its fist. Rauru cried out for help, but it was no use. Bongo had Rauru now, and there was no helping him. The crippled hand released Link, and tossed him to the floor. Link fell to the ground, and got up just in time to see Bongo descending into the darkness. He hobbled over to the edge-his ankle had been sprained from the fall-and saw Bongo descending into a bright portal, just like the one Nabooru had been taken through. Link grimaced as he heard Rauru call his name, and the portal closed. Rauru was gone. Link sat down, and examined in ankle. It was swollen, and many bruises covered his body. He reached into his tunic, and found a bottled fairy. He released it, and it flew around him, healing every wound he had. He got up, and picked up his sword. The fingers had vanished, of course, but the blood remained. Link looked away, and took out the Ocarina. He played the Song of Time, and was transported to the Temple of Time. He dashed out-if Rauru had been taken away, Saphira was sure to attack Ruto next.
Meanwhile, Serpentina had perched herself on a small cliff, watching the Zoras walk and swim around. She wondered how Link was doing-hopefully he was all right. She sighed, and looked down at the water. She watched her reflection in the water for a while.then frowned as it misted a bit. Suddenly, a Zora who was in the water cried out. "Help! I'm stuck!" Serpentina realized that the water had turned to ice. She breathed fire at the surface just in time before the ice could really solidify. The Zora jumped out of the water, and ran off. Serpentina realized all the water in the Domain, even the waterfall, was turning to ice. Serpentina flew off to King Zora's chambers, where Ruto was. She was clutching her father's robes, staring at the pool in fright. Serpentina looked at the pool-and saw that it was not turning to ice. Rather, it was turning a weird bluish-purple color. It swirled and throbbed with a very strange sound, and Serpentina glided over it and perched next to Ruto. She watched as the water swirled more and more-then suddenly a big purple tentacle rose up from the water. King Zora gasped.
"It's Morpha!" Ruto cried. Serpentina saw a weird red nucleus inside the tentacle-she had a feeling she had to destroy it-and saw Morpha turn toward Ruto. He started to lunge toward her-then he stopped and gazed at Serpentina. Serpentina snarled, and flew at Morpha. She twisted her head so that she could try to bite at the nucleus. It should have been easy, as Morpha appeared to be made of water, but suddenly she felt as though her own tail were wrapping around her. She realized that Morpha had stretched out and wrapped around her wings, and was constricting like a snake. Serpentina struggled and snapped, and finally bit through the middle of the tentacle, breaking Morpha's grip. She tried again for the nucleus, but suddenly, three more tentacles sprang up, and grabbed at her. She flew up, and whipped her tail at them to cut them in half. She dived to snap at the nucleus, but another tentacle sprang up and wrapped around her neck. It pulled her into water, trying to drown her. She wriggled, and whipped her tail around to try to find this tentacle. Finally, she decided to go to extremes. She opened her mouth and breathed fire. Amazingly, it worked-it wasn't real water, so the fire had some effect. The tentacle's grip was broken, and she flew out of the water, trying to find the nucleus. She spotted it, and opened her mouth to release fire again. But suddenly, all the tentacles combined, forming a single one that was almost sixty feet long and two that were slightly smaller. The bigger one grabbed her, and she breathed fire to try to get it to release her. But it only strengthened its grip. The smaller ones, one of which had the nucleus, lashed out so quickly that Ruto had no time to react, and grabbed her and King Zora. Serpentina roared in pain and struggled even harder, but the tentacle gripped her so hard that she started to black out. She could hear the king cry out as Ruto screamed, and suddenly, Serpentina lost consciousness.
Saphira was having a hard time putting up with Ruto. The newly arrived princess, who had just been locked into her cage, was screaming her head off at Saphira. Saphira waited until the Iron Knuckles had gone, then she fired back.
"Silence!" Saphira screamed, and Ruto shut her mouth. Ruto had been crying when she got here, but the tears now stopped. "Screaming at me will not change your fate in any way except worsen it, young lady, so you'd be wise to keep your mouth shut. You're lucky I sent Morpha back, or I'd sic him on you!" Saphira now went over to Rauru. "And you," she said. "are unusually
quiet. I don't suppose Bongo Bongo had a devastating effect on you?" "No, Saphira," Rauru said. "I just know that yelling does not solve any problems. And nor does murder."
"Oh, now he's going to lecture me. Well, go ahead, old man, but I will not listen. You forget that I have but one more Sage to capture, then your fates will be sealed. So instead you might want to decide who is going to be your replacement at the Temple of Light." Saphira sneered.
"You evil woman," Ruto snarled. "You're just as evil as Ganondorf!"
"I know. That's why he proposed to me." Saphira said with a smile.
"Link will come for us. He would never abandon us." Ruto said.
"Think what you like. But if he does come, he will have a hard time getting you out of here. Yes, I also know that he will come. In fact, that is part of my master plan to do away with Hyrule. Capture you, get my fiance back, marry him, kill you, kill Link, and destroy Hyrule." Saphira said. "Of course, I might just decide to kill Link before I kill you.it depends on how bad I feel."
"What about my people, Saphira?" Ruto snarled.
"Oh, don't worry, they're fine. I gave Morpha strict orders not to harm your people in any way. I told him to do with the dragon as he pleased, as I knew that she would interfere. As for Rauru, I did not want him to be harmed. But Bongo told me he wanted to teach Link a lesson, so I gave him free rein on Link alone. It's amazing how resurrected creatures always obey me," Saphira said. "But, since I felt Morpha and Bongo Bongo were better off just being dead, I let them go."
"Indeed. I wonder who you'll come up with next." Darunia said.
"Oh, believe me," Saphira said. "I've chosen someone very special to fetch Zelda for me."
Link raced back to Zora's Domain as fast as he could, trying to ignore the Octaroks in the river. Please let Ruto be safe, Link thought as he dashed across the bridges. He hastily played Zelda's Lullaby, and entered the Domain. What he saw nearly made him faint. Zoras were crowding around the big pool, which was just thawing out. Link looked toward the walkway that led to King Zora's chambers, and ran up it. He nearly fell over when he got there. Two Zoras were tending to an unconscious Serpentina, and King Zora was leaning against the wall, looking ready to faint. Link dashed over to him. "King Zora, it's me," Link said.
"Link," King Zora said. "Oh, Link, it was terrible."
"What happened?"
"It was Morpha," King Zora said. Link gasped. Morpha was back from the dead, too? "Morpha came just one hour after Serpentina arrived. He started by freezing the water in the Domain.then he showed himself here. Serpentina came in just before Morpha came out of the water, and tried to fight him. She was marvelous, Link, I couldn't have asked for better effort.but Morpha got so angry that he wrapped around her like a snake and knocked her out. He got Ruto, and." He broke off. Link looked down at Serpentina.
"How is she?" He asked nervously. "Is she.badly hurt?"
"I don't know. She might still be unconscious. But she's very lucky her wings and back aren't broken." King Zora said. "The good news is, from what they tell me, she'll be fine." Link watched his dragon intently, and suddenly saw her scales ripple a little bit.
"She's waking up!" Link said. He watched as she started breathing, and her eyes opened. She groaned, and slowly lifted her head. Link jumped down and hugged her.
"Ow! Easy, Link," Serpentina said, smiling.
"I'm sorry, girl," Link said. "But I was so afraid that I would lose you."
He looked up, and saw that she was bowing her head. "I'm very sorry, Link," she said. "I did my best to protect her-"
"And that's what counts. King Zora told me what happened, and I can understand why you had trouble dealing with Morpha. But right now, we have to concentrate on Zelda." Link stopped for a moment as Serpentina looked at him. "Bongo Bongo came and took Rauru. I fought as best as I could, but he was too quick for me." Serpentina nodded.
"Well, we'd better go warn Zelda," Serpentina said. She slowly got up, and for a moment Link thought of stopping her-apparently, fighting Morpha had taken quite a bit out of her, because she seemed to cringe when she unfurled her wings. But she had a determined look in her eyes, so Link let it go. He turned to King Zora.
"I'm so sorry this had to happen to you, King Zora," Link said.
"It's all right, Link. I know you'll find her and bring her back. No apologies necessary." King Zora said. Link smiled a bit and bowed, then got on Serpentina, who spread her wings and flew out. She sped back to the castle, where Zelda was anxiously waiting in the Great Hall. This was the part Link was afraid of-Zelda's reaction. He went in with Serpentina, who usually remained outside, and Zelda knew what had happened.
"They're gone, aren't they?" She asked in a wavery voice. Link bowed his head and nodded. Zelda broke down in sobs, and Link went over to hug her. She cried on his shoulder, and he tried to comfort her.
"We did our very best, Zelda. We were so close to keeping them safe.but Saphira made a fair pair of choices to attack us with-Bongo Bongo for me, and Morpha for Serpentina. I tried to defeat Bongo, but he was just too fast. He beat me down so I couldn't keep him from taking Rauru. Serpentina tried her best against Morpha, but I guess he was just too tough, and he got Ruto."
"I'm scared, Link," Zelda whispered. "I don't want to be taken away. I'm so afraid of what she'll do to you and Serpentina."
"Saphira will get you over my dead body. I don't care who she throws at me next. I will protect you with all my power."
"Well, that's nice to hear." A familiar voice said just behind them. They turned, and Link felt his blood run cold. It was Dark Link, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He had been more of a shadow the last time Link had seen him, but now he was more flesh-and-blood. He had silvery white hair, wore a black tunic, and had burning red eyes. He looked almost identical to Link. "Because I hate wimpy battles." He grinned, and raised his eyebrow cockily.
"It's so good to hear that you're prepared this time," said a second voice, this time female. Link and Zelda turned around again to find TwinRova floating in the air behind them. Saphira hadn't bothered leaving the Sorceress Sisters Koume and Kotake as separate twins-she'd had them combine into the gigantic sorceress TwinRova. TwinRova had a sly look on her face, and had her arms crossed, a wand in either hand. "I remember the first time you saw me-you nearly jumped out of your skin, as I recall." Link felt Zelda sag next to him. He knew what she was thinking: how was he going to defeat both of them? Suddenly, Serpentina slithered forward and around Link and Zelda, protecting them.
"Nice dragon you've got there, Link," Dark Link said. "Lot nicer than that nag you used to ride." Link felt ready to rip Dark Link's head off, but he controlled himself. He knew better than to attack in anger-you lost your concentration if you attacked in anger.
"Well, we're here to take the Princess back to Queen Saphira," TwinRova said. "And if you are wise, you will surrender her without protest." Zelda clutched Link's tunic, and he held her close.
"Aww, looks like Link's found a girlfriend," Dark Link sneered.
"She's not my girlfriend. She's a very close friend whom I do not want to be kidnapped." Link said.
"Same difference." Dark Link snapped. "Let go of him, Zelda, and come with us. You'll save both of them a lot of pain if you do." Link could see the logic in this-he'd had a lot of trouble trying to defeat Dark Link and TwinRova. But somehow, he had a feeling that there would be fighting whether she went with them or not. Apparently, Zelda had the same feeling. "No. I will not come. If you want me, you'll have to take me by force." TwinRova was astonished, but Dark Link looked furious.
"You're being foolish, Zelda, if you think these two will remain unharmed." Dark Link said.
"Link knows how to fight-and he swore to me that he'll fight to keep me safe." Zelda said.
"Very well." TwinRova said. "If that's the way you want it." She uncrossed her arms, and Link saw the wands power up with either ice or fire. Dark Link stood up straight and unsheathed his sword, which was an exact replica of the Master Sword. Stepping back from Zelda, Link took out the true Master Sword and his shield, and faced Dark Link. Serpentina then slithered over to face TwinRova. Link looked at Zelda.
"You'd better stay out of the line of fire, Zelda," Link said. "This is gonna be bad." Trembling, Zelda nodded, and went to the far side of the Great Hall. For a moment, everyone stood in silence. Then, the fight started. Serpentina flew up into the air to challenge TwinRova, who tried to faze the dragon with icy blasts while the dragon snapped and breathed fire at her. Meanwhile, Link and Dark Link rounded off, circling each other and glaring into each other's eyes. Suddenly, they were parrying and stabbing at each other, sparks flying off their shields. Serpentina whipped TwinRova across the face with the fiery edge of her tail, and TwinRova hollered in pain. Link made a diagonal downward cut to Dark Link's shoulder, making a deep cut near the shoulder cap. Dark Link retaliated with a sharp jab, and Link got a sharp cut in the side. Serpentina managed to wrap herself around TwinRova and bind her like Morpha had done, and TwinRova struggled to break free. Dark Link managed to pin Link against the wall, and tried to jab his sword at Link's head, but Link ducked just in time, and the sword went right into the wall. "Damn!" Dark Link snarled as he yanked it out. He suddenly screamed in pain as Link stabbed him in the side. Serpentina tried to strengthen her grip, but suddenly TwinRova fired both ice and fire from her wands at Serpentina's face. Roaring in pain, Serpentina released TwinRova, who started firing away at Serpentina. Dark Link was now very furious, and was getting more accurate in his hits. Link now had to depend on his shield for defense. Link tried to stab Dark Link when he seemed to step back for a breath, but Dark Link jumped high into the air, dodging the blow, and landed right on the blade. Link looked up in amazement, and rolled out of the way as Dark Link tried to slash at him, getting a long cut on his arm.
However, TwinRova was beginning to tire, and Serpentina was not ready to give up. Finally, TwinRova fired a combination of ice and fire, which connected with Serpentina's head. She was thrown into the wall, and Serpentina fell to the ground. She tried to get up, but fell unconscious. TwinRova turned, and saw the two young men swordfighting. This'll take forever, she thought. She looked around, and spotted Zelda crouching next to a nearby table. Just then, a portal opened nearby. Just as Zelda looked at it surprise, TwinRova flew down and grabbed her. Zelda shrieked and tried to get away, but TwinRova dragged her toward it. Link managed to find an opening in Dark Link's attacks, and kicked him square in the chest. He turned just in time to see TwinRova trying to drag Zelda into the portal. "No!" Link said. He threw his sword like a javelin at TwinRova's back-and it sunk in square between the shoulders. She screamed, and Link thought he had won. But TwinRova's grip on Zelda had tightened, and she tried to throw Zelda into the portal as she turned to ash. Link leapt forward and grabbed Zelda around the waist. But suddenly, someone rammed into him, knocking him into the wall. Link banged his head against it, and fell to the floor, dazed. Dark Link turned to Zelda and grabbed her arm. She tried to get away and spat in his face. He retaliated by pinning her against the wall. "You're so beautiful.I can see why Link loves you so much," he said, and he kissed her, pressing against her as he did so. Zelda screamed through it, and struggled against him, but he was too strong. Keeping her pinned, Dark Link pulled his face away. "That was pleasant.I could go for more," Dark Link said. Before Zelda could react, he kissed her again, this time moving his hands down her waist, keeping her pinned.
"Link, help me!" Zelda screamed as Dark Link lifted the skirt of her gown. But Link was still dizzy from the hit he had taken. Dark Link lifted Zelda, who kicked at him. He dodged the blows, and grinned. He pressed further forward, and was ready to force her downward when he felt a sharp, ice-cold pain shoot through his waist. He screamed in pain, and stepped back, dropping Zelda. Dark Link turned, and saw Link standing there, a small cut bleeding on his forehead, with his sword stabbed straight through Dark Link' s waist.
"I'm not finished with you yet, brother," Link sneered as he yanked the sword out. Dark Link was beyond angry now, but he knew that he was dying as well. In a quick movement, Dark Link grabbed Zelda by the arm, and with immense strength, threw her toward the portal. Link lost focus on Dark Link and dashed toward Zelda, grabbing her hand before she disappeared. The portal was trying to suck her in, but Link would not let go.
"Don't let go, Link! Please pull me out!" Zelda screamed.
"I'm trying, Zelda!" Link cried. He pulled with all his might, but suddenly someone grabbed his collar and turned him around. Dark Link grinned in his face before punching him. Link fell to the ground, and his head banged sharply against the floor. He heard Zelda scream as she disappeared, and saw that Dark Link was standing over him, with his sword raised.
"I've been waiting a long time for this, Link." Dark Link said, bringing the sword over his head. Link realized what he was going to do, and prepared for him to bring the point down and through him. But instead, a bright golden glow filled the entire room, and Link blacked out.
There was a dead silence as everyone watched Zelda being led into the room. Saphira had a satisfied look on her face as she watched the Iron Knuckles lock her in. TwinRova was dead, and so was Dark Link, but that didn't matter. All that did matter was that all seven Sages had been captured. For the occasion, Saphira was decked in a beautiful navy and violet gown, with a golden crown and veil. Six handmaidens were standing with her, ready for the upcoming wedding. Tyano stood nearby-he was serving as best man. After the Iron Knuckles left, Saphira watched as a golden aura glowed around each Sage. Golden beams connected them, and Saphira saw a bright white portal open in the floor. She knew what was happening-Ganondorf was being released. She watched as his body slowly came up through the portal, a smile on his face. The portal closed, and he was standing free on the floor. He grinned, and Saphira ran into his open arms. She kissed him, and he kissed her neck. The Sages tried to hold in their disgust, and watched as a priest walked in. Apparently Saphira had informed him of Ganondorf's arrival, and had told him to come soon. The priest looked at the Sages in amazement, but did not comment. He led Ganondorf and Saphira to the platform where the thrones stood, and commenced with the wedding. After an hour, Ganondorf was allowed to kiss the bride, and he and Saphira went to her chambers.
Ganondorf looked around in amazement and pleasure. Saphira's servants had worked painstakingly for hours to decorate to room with food, candles, silk drapery, and flowers. She led him to the bed, and they kissed just as they had the night they first made love. Meanwhile, in the Throne Room, the seven Sages waited in grave silence.
"Well, Nabooru, I never thought I'd see the day when you got locked up for betraying your king," Saphira said.
"I never betrayed anybody," Nabooru snarled. "I never even liked Ganondorf. He was the one who turned Hyrule upside-down for seven years, until Link came along and got rid of him. Frankly, I'm glad Ganondorf is gone. And as for him being king, well.I never thought of him as a king. I thought of him as a raving lunatic who thought he could rule the world and had to be stopped." Now it was Saphira's turn to glare.
"Well, I'm sure I will take great pleasure in killing you once the remaining Sages have been captured, Nabooru." Saphira said. She turned to the Knuckles, who had taken position behind her. "And as for you two.I think you two would make fine bodyguards." Saphira said. The Knuckles bowed on one knee in gratitude. She waved them off, and they left. Saphira looked at each of the Sages, and went to her quarters.
"You actually know that woman?" Darunia asked Nabooru when Saphira had closed the door.
"Unfortunately, yes. Ganondorf introduced me to her while I was under the spell of those two witches. Even then I didn't like her. She knew it, too, and I don't think she liked me, either. Ganondorf tried to get us to get along, but it was a losing battle. We couldn't stand each other. A Gerudo man should not marry someone outside his own race or country-it's a common rule in our society. But he was a natural rebel. He did what he wanted, and didn't stand for opposition." Nabooru muttered, sitting down.
"But what about Link? Did he try to rescue you?" Saria asked.
"Yes. He came rushing in just before the Knuckles could take me through the portal. But one Knuckle took me through, and I looked back just in time to see the other slam Link into the wall, knocking him out." Nabooru sighed.
"Do you think he'll be able to save the others?"
"I don't think he can keep them from being taken," Navi said. "But I know he can get all of us out of here."
"Is he still out?"
"Yeah. Must have taken a hard hit to be unconscious for this long."
"Will he be all right?"
"Yeah, he'll be fine. At least until he remembers what happened, I expect." Link could barely hear these voices as he slowly awakened. He'd been unconscious before-not exactly the best thing to happen to you-and his eyes felt as though they were being weighted down. But he managed to open them, and saw several Gerudos standing around him. He sat up in alarm-and regretted it.
"Ow! Ohhh." Link moaned as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Lie down," said the Gerudo next to him. "You got a nasty bump on the head."
"I can tell. Wait a minute.I know you!" Link said as he focused on this girl's clothes.
"Yup. It's me, Maltika." She said, smiling. She wore dark green and gold clothes, with a yellow stone set in her hairband.
"Where am I?" Link looked around. He had a vague feeling as to where he was, but it certainly wasn't the fortress.
"You're in the Sprit Temple, Link. That dragon of yours brought you here as soon as you'd been knocked out. I wish I had one like that." Maltika said.
"Nabooru?" Link asked. He knew the answer already, but he asked all the same.
"She's gone. She warned us that this might happen, but.we didn't expect it to happen so quickly."
"I came too late.if I had only come in sooner, I could have stopped them."
"Link, you would have had to fight two Iron Knuckles at the same time. I know you're an excellent fighter, but I don't think you could have kept them from taking Nabooru away." Maltika said. "We know you did your best, and we definitely know you can rescue her. Just don't lose your morale- that's your fighting power."
"Yeah. Thanks, Maltika. When can I get-ow!"
"Lie down for a couple more hours and we'll let you leave. Serpentina's gone hunting, so she'll be ready for more flying when she gets back."
Saphira paced around the room, concentrating on her next plan. She would have to be very careful this time-somehow, Link had realized that Nabooru was in trouble, and had nearly kept her new servants from bringing back Nabooru. If she expected to succeed, she would have to make sure that she covered her tracks. Only two Sages left before Zelda, but how to capture them. If she decided to kill two birds with one stone, it would be much easier. But Link might be expecting that.on the other hand, would he want to go to the Sacred Realm, where Ganondorf was? Link had had a difficult time defeating Ganondorf before he was sealed in the Sacred Realm. But the key thing was, how was she going to get Princess Ruto and Rauru? Link could provide excellent protection to either.unless she used two previous adversaries against whom Link had also had trouble defeating.
She sat down at her table, and the sapphire glowed. "Tell me who Link had to defeat in order to awaken the Sages." Saphira said.
"The Four Poe Sisters and Phantom Ganon of the Forest Temple, Volvagia of the Fire Temple, Dark Link and Morpha of the Water Temple, the Iron Knuckles and TwinRova of the Spirit Temple, and Bongo Bongo of the Shadow Temple." The image ring showed an image of each boss, and Saphira looked at each one carefully. After a bit of figuring, she made up her mind. Morpha and Bongo Bongo looked very nice for capturing Rauru and Ruto, but two others in particular struck her mind as the perfect choices to help get Zelda later on.
Three hours later, Link was back at Hyrule Castle, where he reported Nabooru 's kidnapping. "I tried to rescue her, Zelda, but they just slammed me into the wall and ran out of there before I could try to recover-which I didn't, because I blacked out." Link said.
"This is getting critical, Link," Zelda said. "We've lost four of the Sages already. Now she'll be going after Ruto and Rauru."
"I know, Zelda. But how am I supposed to protect them? For all I know, they might be attacked at the same time. Unless." Link got an idea. "I know what to do. I'll send Serpentina to guard the Zoras. If she could protect the Graguns, she can protect the Zoras. In the meantime, I'm going to the Temple of Light. Right now."
"But Link.that's in the Sacred Realm!"
"And in a place that Ganondorf can't attack. I only have to worry about Saphira while I'm there. I know what I'm doing, Zelda. I know I can stop this."
"I hope you can, Link." Zelda said. She took his face in her hands, and kissed his forehead. "Good luck.and please be careful."
"You want me to stay with the Zoras?" Serpentina asked after Link told her his plan.
"Just for a little while. If Saphira attacks, I know you can stop her. You were guardian of the Graguns. I know you can be the Zoras' guardian." Link said.
"But Link, what if I fail?" Serpentina asked. "What if she gets Ruto anyway?"
"Don't worry about failing, Serpentina. Just worry about keeping the Zoras safe. I'll be going to the Temple of Light to protect Rauru, so I need to be able to count on you to guard Ruto." Serpentina sighed.
"All right. I just hope this works." She spread her wings, and flew off. Link watched her go, then took out the Ocarina and played the Prelude of Light. Ordinarily, he would have been sent to the Temple of Time. But now he was sent to the Chamber of Sages, where Rauru was waiting.
"Ah, Link! It's been a while," Rauru said. "And something is troubling you."
"Yeah. Ganondorf's got a fiancee who wants to get him out of the Sacred Realm, and to do that, she's capturing the Sages. She's gotten four of them already-you and Ruto are the only ones left besides Zelda." Rauru stared at Link in amazement.
"So.this woman is going to try to capture me?" Rauru started to chuckle a bit. "Link, you know very well that you are the only one who can enter this Sacred Realm!"
"Not necessarily." Link said, and Rauru's smile disappeared. "This woman's name is Saphira-Queen Saphira of Crastalyina-and she has a sapphire that can take her wherever she pleases, even the Sacred Realm. She's been visiting Ganondorf since he was banished here, and I know she'll send somebody to try to capture you." Rauru frowned, and he suddenly looked very worried.
"I thought I could sense another's presence here.but I figured perhaps it was Ganondorf creating monsters to guard his territory. Now I realize it was this Saphira that I had sensed. But how do you know about her?"
"Well, Zelda and I each had dreams involving her-in Zelda's dream Saphira was threatening to destroy the Graguns and even destroyed Hyrule, and in my dream, she captured the Sages, got Ganondorf back and married him, killed all the Sages, then made off with Hyrule before turning on me. She made herself known to me recently when she killed my horse. I went to Draconiara to find out who she was, and they told me that she was Queen of Crastalyina, and was indeed Ganondorf's fiancee. They told me that Saphira was planning to destroy their city, so I helped stop that. They gave me their guardian, Serpentina, as a gift of thanks. I came back in time to find that she had already attacked Kokiri Forest and kidnapped Saria and Navi. A bit later, she got Impa and Darunia, even though I tried to help them, and just earlier I got to Gerudo Valley just in time to see two Iron Knuckles kidnap Nabooru." Link stopped there, and Rauru looked very grave.
"So she has captured four of us.now there only remains myself, Ruto, and Princess Zelda." Rauru said.
"She'll be saving Zelda for last," Link said. "She wants to get the first Six Sages before going after Zelda."
"And she managed to get four of them despite your efforts.but how could she?"
"Simple. She's an expert in battle. She's fought in wars before, and knows how to weaken the enemy. And to help her do that, she's been enlisting the help of some of my old foes-Stalfos, Poes, Volvagia, and Iron Knuckles. I hate to think of who she'll call on next."
"Indeed, she does seem very intelligent. But if you're here, who is guarding Ruto?"
"I sent Serpentina down to Zora's Domain to watch over her. If I can depend on anybody to protect Ruto, it's Serpentina." "Very well. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see what happens."
Meanwhile, Serpentina had arrived in Zora's Domain and informed King Zora of her appointment as guardian. "Link asked me to protect Ruto as I did the Graguns while he keeps Rauru safe. Since it's now down to Ruto, Rauru, and Zelda, he wants to make sure that Ruto remains safe." Serpentina said.
"Very well. I know that Link cares very much for our safety, so you are welcome here." King Zora said. Ruto stepped forward and stroked Serpentina' s mane of fire.
"I know we can depend on you, Serpentina. But if I do get taken away, remember this-I'll know that you did your best to prevent it." Serpentina smiled and nodded. But somehow, she had a feeling that it wouldn't be long before the kingdom was attacked.
Link and Rauru stood, waiting. Link looked around, ears pricked for any unusual noises. He took out the Biggoron Sword, and wielded it. This was probably his favorite of the two swords-it was heavier, and did twice as much damage to adversaries. The only downside was that he couldn't arm his shield while he was holding the blade, but he was skilled enough that he could use the blade to block blows.
Suddenly, Link thought he heard something. It was very faint, but he knew he'd heard something.
BOOM.
It was a familiar sound, but Link couldn't quite place it. He concentrated on listening, and he heard the sound again.
Boom.boom.boom.
The rhythm of the sound made a chill go down Link's spine. "It can't be," Link whispered.
BOOM-boom, boom, boom.
Link looked around, trying to find the source. It was slowly coming closer, but Link couldn't see it anywhere. The music was getting louder and faster.
BOOM, boom-boom-boom, BOOM, boom-boom-boom.
Link knew that music. He'd heard it not long ago, when he'd been in the Shadow Temple. "Bongo Bongo," Link whispered. The sound he was hearing was Bongo's hands beating on a bongo drum. Suddenly, he sensed something behind him. He turned-and nearly jumped when he saw Bongo Bongo rising up from the depths of the chamber. Link saw the hands beating on something-probably invisible drums-and Bongo looked absolutely vengeful. His eye narrowed, and Link knew he was ready to fight. He whipped out his bow, and fired an arrow at Bongo's left hand. But in a quick movement, Bongo lifted his hand and grabbed the arrow right out of the air. Link heard a crunching sound as Bongo crushed the arrow into powder. Link could feel the blood leave his face as the remains of the arrow fell to the ground like sand. Arrows were no good.but how else was he going to attack? He wasn't about to try the Longshot-Bongo would just grab that and use Link as a punching bag. Link decided to rough it and use his sword. He leaped forward and got ready to bring the sword down-then one of the hands flew up and snatched him right out of the air. But Link was ready for this. With all the strength he could muster, he brought the blade up in a flash. He suddenly fell to the ground, and heard Bongo screaming in pain. He looked up, and saw that the hand that had caught him was waving wildly in the air, spouting green blood. Link looked down, and saw four fingers lying on the ground.
Before he could feel sick, Link took the chance to go for Bongo's eye, but the crippled hand flew down and practically mashed him to the floor. Link cried out in pain, and got up, but suddenly the healthy hand balled itself up into a fist and punched Link. Link flew through the air, and fell to the floor, dazed. He snapped out of it, and leaped forward just as Bongo was about to try to grab Rauru. Link tried for the eye, but the crippled hand came in front and Link ended up stabbing into the hand instead. It flew up before Link could pull it out, leaving Link hanging in the air. The other hand came and grabbed Link, and clutched Link so tightly that he couldn't move. It yanked down, breaking Link's grip on the sword. The stabbed hand waved around a bit, sending the sword flying to the ground. Link heard it clatter on the floor, but forgot it when the hands started playing catch with him. He was thrown from one hand to the other, and finally, the crippled hand slammed him against the wall and held him there. He struggled and yelled, but he couldn't move. Rauru was helpless-the look on his face said it all. The other hand went down, and clutched Rauru in its fist. Rauru cried out for help, but it was no use. Bongo had Rauru now, and there was no helping him. The crippled hand released Link, and tossed him to the floor. Link fell to the ground, and got up just in time to see Bongo descending into the darkness. He hobbled over to the edge-his ankle had been sprained from the fall-and saw Bongo descending into a bright portal, just like the one Nabooru had been taken through. Link grimaced as he heard Rauru call his name, and the portal closed. Rauru was gone. Link sat down, and examined in ankle. It was swollen, and many bruises covered his body. He reached into his tunic, and found a bottled fairy. He released it, and it flew around him, healing every wound he had. He got up, and picked up his sword. The fingers had vanished, of course, but the blood remained. Link looked away, and took out the Ocarina. He played the Song of Time, and was transported to the Temple of Time. He dashed out-if Rauru had been taken away, Saphira was sure to attack Ruto next.
Meanwhile, Serpentina had perched herself on a small cliff, watching the Zoras walk and swim around. She wondered how Link was doing-hopefully he was all right. She sighed, and looked down at the water. She watched her reflection in the water for a while.then frowned as it misted a bit. Suddenly, a Zora who was in the water cried out. "Help! I'm stuck!" Serpentina realized that the water had turned to ice. She breathed fire at the surface just in time before the ice could really solidify. The Zora jumped out of the water, and ran off. Serpentina realized all the water in the Domain, even the waterfall, was turning to ice. Serpentina flew off to King Zora's chambers, where Ruto was. She was clutching her father's robes, staring at the pool in fright. Serpentina looked at the pool-and saw that it was not turning to ice. Rather, it was turning a weird bluish-purple color. It swirled and throbbed with a very strange sound, and Serpentina glided over it and perched next to Ruto. She watched as the water swirled more and more-then suddenly a big purple tentacle rose up from the water. King Zora gasped.
"It's Morpha!" Ruto cried. Serpentina saw a weird red nucleus inside the tentacle-she had a feeling she had to destroy it-and saw Morpha turn toward Ruto. He started to lunge toward her-then he stopped and gazed at Serpentina. Serpentina snarled, and flew at Morpha. She twisted her head so that she could try to bite at the nucleus. It should have been easy, as Morpha appeared to be made of water, but suddenly she felt as though her own tail were wrapping around her. She realized that Morpha had stretched out and wrapped around her wings, and was constricting like a snake. Serpentina struggled and snapped, and finally bit through the middle of the tentacle, breaking Morpha's grip. She tried again for the nucleus, but suddenly, three more tentacles sprang up, and grabbed at her. She flew up, and whipped her tail at them to cut them in half. She dived to snap at the nucleus, but another tentacle sprang up and wrapped around her neck. It pulled her into water, trying to drown her. She wriggled, and whipped her tail around to try to find this tentacle. Finally, she decided to go to extremes. She opened her mouth and breathed fire. Amazingly, it worked-it wasn't real water, so the fire had some effect. The tentacle's grip was broken, and she flew out of the water, trying to find the nucleus. She spotted it, and opened her mouth to release fire again. But suddenly, all the tentacles combined, forming a single one that was almost sixty feet long and two that were slightly smaller. The bigger one grabbed her, and she breathed fire to try to get it to release her. But it only strengthened its grip. The smaller ones, one of which had the nucleus, lashed out so quickly that Ruto had no time to react, and grabbed her and King Zora. Serpentina roared in pain and struggled even harder, but the tentacle gripped her so hard that she started to black out. She could hear the king cry out as Ruto screamed, and suddenly, Serpentina lost consciousness.
Saphira was having a hard time putting up with Ruto. The newly arrived princess, who had just been locked into her cage, was screaming her head off at Saphira. Saphira waited until the Iron Knuckles had gone, then she fired back.
"Silence!" Saphira screamed, and Ruto shut her mouth. Ruto had been crying when she got here, but the tears now stopped. "Screaming at me will not change your fate in any way except worsen it, young lady, so you'd be wise to keep your mouth shut. You're lucky I sent Morpha back, or I'd sic him on you!" Saphira now went over to Rauru. "And you," she said. "are unusually
quiet. I don't suppose Bongo Bongo had a devastating effect on you?" "No, Saphira," Rauru said. "I just know that yelling does not solve any problems. And nor does murder."
"Oh, now he's going to lecture me. Well, go ahead, old man, but I will not listen. You forget that I have but one more Sage to capture, then your fates will be sealed. So instead you might want to decide who is going to be your replacement at the Temple of Light." Saphira sneered.
"You evil woman," Ruto snarled. "You're just as evil as Ganondorf!"
"I know. That's why he proposed to me." Saphira said with a smile.
"Link will come for us. He would never abandon us." Ruto said.
"Think what you like. But if he does come, he will have a hard time getting you out of here. Yes, I also know that he will come. In fact, that is part of my master plan to do away with Hyrule. Capture you, get my fiance back, marry him, kill you, kill Link, and destroy Hyrule." Saphira said. "Of course, I might just decide to kill Link before I kill you.it depends on how bad I feel."
"What about my people, Saphira?" Ruto snarled.
"Oh, don't worry, they're fine. I gave Morpha strict orders not to harm your people in any way. I told him to do with the dragon as he pleased, as I knew that she would interfere. As for Rauru, I did not want him to be harmed. But Bongo told me he wanted to teach Link a lesson, so I gave him free rein on Link alone. It's amazing how resurrected creatures always obey me," Saphira said. "But, since I felt Morpha and Bongo Bongo were better off just being dead, I let them go."
"Indeed. I wonder who you'll come up with next." Darunia said.
"Oh, believe me," Saphira said. "I've chosen someone very special to fetch Zelda for me."
Link raced back to Zora's Domain as fast as he could, trying to ignore the Octaroks in the river. Please let Ruto be safe, Link thought as he dashed across the bridges. He hastily played Zelda's Lullaby, and entered the Domain. What he saw nearly made him faint. Zoras were crowding around the big pool, which was just thawing out. Link looked toward the walkway that led to King Zora's chambers, and ran up it. He nearly fell over when he got there. Two Zoras were tending to an unconscious Serpentina, and King Zora was leaning against the wall, looking ready to faint. Link dashed over to him. "King Zora, it's me," Link said.
"Link," King Zora said. "Oh, Link, it was terrible."
"What happened?"
"It was Morpha," King Zora said. Link gasped. Morpha was back from the dead, too? "Morpha came just one hour after Serpentina arrived. He started by freezing the water in the Domain.then he showed himself here. Serpentina came in just before Morpha came out of the water, and tried to fight him. She was marvelous, Link, I couldn't have asked for better effort.but Morpha got so angry that he wrapped around her like a snake and knocked her out. He got Ruto, and." He broke off. Link looked down at Serpentina.
"How is she?" He asked nervously. "Is she.badly hurt?"
"I don't know. She might still be unconscious. But she's very lucky her wings and back aren't broken." King Zora said. "The good news is, from what they tell me, she'll be fine." Link watched his dragon intently, and suddenly saw her scales ripple a little bit.
"She's waking up!" Link said. He watched as she started breathing, and her eyes opened. She groaned, and slowly lifted her head. Link jumped down and hugged her.
"Ow! Easy, Link," Serpentina said, smiling.
"I'm sorry, girl," Link said. "But I was so afraid that I would lose you."
He looked up, and saw that she was bowing her head. "I'm very sorry, Link," she said. "I did my best to protect her-"
"And that's what counts. King Zora told me what happened, and I can understand why you had trouble dealing with Morpha. But right now, we have to concentrate on Zelda." Link stopped for a moment as Serpentina looked at him. "Bongo Bongo came and took Rauru. I fought as best as I could, but he was too quick for me." Serpentina nodded.
"Well, we'd better go warn Zelda," Serpentina said. She slowly got up, and for a moment Link thought of stopping her-apparently, fighting Morpha had taken quite a bit out of her, because she seemed to cringe when she unfurled her wings. But she had a determined look in her eyes, so Link let it go. He turned to King Zora.
"I'm so sorry this had to happen to you, King Zora," Link said.
"It's all right, Link. I know you'll find her and bring her back. No apologies necessary." King Zora said. Link smiled a bit and bowed, then got on Serpentina, who spread her wings and flew out. She sped back to the castle, where Zelda was anxiously waiting in the Great Hall. This was the part Link was afraid of-Zelda's reaction. He went in with Serpentina, who usually remained outside, and Zelda knew what had happened.
"They're gone, aren't they?" She asked in a wavery voice. Link bowed his head and nodded. Zelda broke down in sobs, and Link went over to hug her. She cried on his shoulder, and he tried to comfort her.
"We did our very best, Zelda. We were so close to keeping them safe.but Saphira made a fair pair of choices to attack us with-Bongo Bongo for me, and Morpha for Serpentina. I tried to defeat Bongo, but he was just too fast. He beat me down so I couldn't keep him from taking Rauru. Serpentina tried her best against Morpha, but I guess he was just too tough, and he got Ruto."
"I'm scared, Link," Zelda whispered. "I don't want to be taken away. I'm so afraid of what she'll do to you and Serpentina."
"Saphira will get you over my dead body. I don't care who she throws at me next. I will protect you with all my power."
"Well, that's nice to hear." A familiar voice said just behind them. They turned, and Link felt his blood run cold. It was Dark Link, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He had been more of a shadow the last time Link had seen him, but now he was more flesh-and-blood. He had silvery white hair, wore a black tunic, and had burning red eyes. He looked almost identical to Link. "Because I hate wimpy battles." He grinned, and raised his eyebrow cockily.
"It's so good to hear that you're prepared this time," said a second voice, this time female. Link and Zelda turned around again to find TwinRova floating in the air behind them. Saphira hadn't bothered leaving the Sorceress Sisters Koume and Kotake as separate twins-she'd had them combine into the gigantic sorceress TwinRova. TwinRova had a sly look on her face, and had her arms crossed, a wand in either hand. "I remember the first time you saw me-you nearly jumped out of your skin, as I recall." Link felt Zelda sag next to him. He knew what she was thinking: how was he going to defeat both of them? Suddenly, Serpentina slithered forward and around Link and Zelda, protecting them.
"Nice dragon you've got there, Link," Dark Link said. "Lot nicer than that nag you used to ride." Link felt ready to rip Dark Link's head off, but he controlled himself. He knew better than to attack in anger-you lost your concentration if you attacked in anger.
"Well, we're here to take the Princess back to Queen Saphira," TwinRova said. "And if you are wise, you will surrender her without protest." Zelda clutched Link's tunic, and he held her close.
"Aww, looks like Link's found a girlfriend," Dark Link sneered.
"She's not my girlfriend. She's a very close friend whom I do not want to be kidnapped." Link said.
"Same difference." Dark Link snapped. "Let go of him, Zelda, and come with us. You'll save both of them a lot of pain if you do." Link could see the logic in this-he'd had a lot of trouble trying to defeat Dark Link and TwinRova. But somehow, he had a feeling that there would be fighting whether she went with them or not. Apparently, Zelda had the same feeling. "No. I will not come. If you want me, you'll have to take me by force." TwinRova was astonished, but Dark Link looked furious.
"You're being foolish, Zelda, if you think these two will remain unharmed." Dark Link said.
"Link knows how to fight-and he swore to me that he'll fight to keep me safe." Zelda said.
"Very well." TwinRova said. "If that's the way you want it." She uncrossed her arms, and Link saw the wands power up with either ice or fire. Dark Link stood up straight and unsheathed his sword, which was an exact replica of the Master Sword. Stepping back from Zelda, Link took out the true Master Sword and his shield, and faced Dark Link. Serpentina then slithered over to face TwinRova. Link looked at Zelda.
"You'd better stay out of the line of fire, Zelda," Link said. "This is gonna be bad." Trembling, Zelda nodded, and went to the far side of the Great Hall. For a moment, everyone stood in silence. Then, the fight started. Serpentina flew up into the air to challenge TwinRova, who tried to faze the dragon with icy blasts while the dragon snapped and breathed fire at her. Meanwhile, Link and Dark Link rounded off, circling each other and glaring into each other's eyes. Suddenly, they were parrying and stabbing at each other, sparks flying off their shields. Serpentina whipped TwinRova across the face with the fiery edge of her tail, and TwinRova hollered in pain. Link made a diagonal downward cut to Dark Link's shoulder, making a deep cut near the shoulder cap. Dark Link retaliated with a sharp jab, and Link got a sharp cut in the side. Serpentina managed to wrap herself around TwinRova and bind her like Morpha had done, and TwinRova struggled to break free. Dark Link managed to pin Link against the wall, and tried to jab his sword at Link's head, but Link ducked just in time, and the sword went right into the wall. "Damn!" Dark Link snarled as he yanked it out. He suddenly screamed in pain as Link stabbed him in the side. Serpentina tried to strengthen her grip, but suddenly TwinRova fired both ice and fire from her wands at Serpentina's face. Roaring in pain, Serpentina released TwinRova, who started firing away at Serpentina. Dark Link was now very furious, and was getting more accurate in his hits. Link now had to depend on his shield for defense. Link tried to stab Dark Link when he seemed to step back for a breath, but Dark Link jumped high into the air, dodging the blow, and landed right on the blade. Link looked up in amazement, and rolled out of the way as Dark Link tried to slash at him, getting a long cut on his arm.
However, TwinRova was beginning to tire, and Serpentina was not ready to give up. Finally, TwinRova fired a combination of ice and fire, which connected with Serpentina's head. She was thrown into the wall, and Serpentina fell to the ground. She tried to get up, but fell unconscious. TwinRova turned, and saw the two young men swordfighting. This'll take forever, she thought. She looked around, and spotted Zelda crouching next to a nearby table. Just then, a portal opened nearby. Just as Zelda looked at it surprise, TwinRova flew down and grabbed her. Zelda shrieked and tried to get away, but TwinRova dragged her toward it. Link managed to find an opening in Dark Link's attacks, and kicked him square in the chest. He turned just in time to see TwinRova trying to drag Zelda into the portal. "No!" Link said. He threw his sword like a javelin at TwinRova's back-and it sunk in square between the shoulders. She screamed, and Link thought he had won. But TwinRova's grip on Zelda had tightened, and she tried to throw Zelda into the portal as she turned to ash. Link leapt forward and grabbed Zelda around the waist. But suddenly, someone rammed into him, knocking him into the wall. Link banged his head against it, and fell to the floor, dazed. Dark Link turned to Zelda and grabbed her arm. She tried to get away and spat in his face. He retaliated by pinning her against the wall. "You're so beautiful.I can see why Link loves you so much," he said, and he kissed her, pressing against her as he did so. Zelda screamed through it, and struggled against him, but he was too strong. Keeping her pinned, Dark Link pulled his face away. "That was pleasant.I could go for more," Dark Link said. Before Zelda could react, he kissed her again, this time moving his hands down her waist, keeping her pinned.
"Link, help me!" Zelda screamed as Dark Link lifted the skirt of her gown. But Link was still dizzy from the hit he had taken. Dark Link lifted Zelda, who kicked at him. He dodged the blows, and grinned. He pressed further forward, and was ready to force her downward when he felt a sharp, ice-cold pain shoot through his waist. He screamed in pain, and stepped back, dropping Zelda. Dark Link turned, and saw Link standing there, a small cut bleeding on his forehead, with his sword stabbed straight through Dark Link' s waist.
"I'm not finished with you yet, brother," Link sneered as he yanked the sword out. Dark Link was beyond angry now, but he knew that he was dying as well. In a quick movement, Dark Link grabbed Zelda by the arm, and with immense strength, threw her toward the portal. Link lost focus on Dark Link and dashed toward Zelda, grabbing her hand before she disappeared. The portal was trying to suck her in, but Link would not let go.
"Don't let go, Link! Please pull me out!" Zelda screamed.
"I'm trying, Zelda!" Link cried. He pulled with all his might, but suddenly someone grabbed his collar and turned him around. Dark Link grinned in his face before punching him. Link fell to the ground, and his head banged sharply against the floor. He heard Zelda scream as she disappeared, and saw that Dark Link was standing over him, with his sword raised.
"I've been waiting a long time for this, Link." Dark Link said, bringing the sword over his head. Link realized what he was going to do, and prepared for him to bring the point down and through him. But instead, a bright golden glow filled the entire room, and Link blacked out.
There was a dead silence as everyone watched Zelda being led into the room. Saphira had a satisfied look on her face as she watched the Iron Knuckles lock her in. TwinRova was dead, and so was Dark Link, but that didn't matter. All that did matter was that all seven Sages had been captured. For the occasion, Saphira was decked in a beautiful navy and violet gown, with a golden crown and veil. Six handmaidens were standing with her, ready for the upcoming wedding. Tyano stood nearby-he was serving as best man. After the Iron Knuckles left, Saphira watched as a golden aura glowed around each Sage. Golden beams connected them, and Saphira saw a bright white portal open in the floor. She knew what was happening-Ganondorf was being released. She watched as his body slowly came up through the portal, a smile on his face. The portal closed, and he was standing free on the floor. He grinned, and Saphira ran into his open arms. She kissed him, and he kissed her neck. The Sages tried to hold in their disgust, and watched as a priest walked in. Apparently Saphira had informed him of Ganondorf's arrival, and had told him to come soon. The priest looked at the Sages in amazement, but did not comment. He led Ganondorf and Saphira to the platform where the thrones stood, and commenced with the wedding. After an hour, Ganondorf was allowed to kiss the bride, and he and Saphira went to her chambers.
Ganondorf looked around in amazement and pleasure. Saphira's servants had worked painstakingly for hours to decorate to room with food, candles, silk drapery, and flowers. She led him to the bed, and they kissed just as they had the night they first made love. Meanwhile, in the Throne Room, the seven Sages waited in grave silence.