(A/N) It's time you found out something about Stephanie, after all she's
telling the story. Stephanie (Aka: Avelia) is a battle crazy blonde, she
has always liked fighting, even on earth, she studied ancient warfare and
martial arts although she isn't as good at it as Debbie. (See there's even
more references to dragon ball z!) She wont take no as an answer, not that
you'd want to say that to her anyway, and she's not afraid to fight back.
(Ah sibling rivalry is a wonderful thing! ^_^)
Legend of Zelda: Next generation.
Chapter 16: past, present and future.
The other's crowded round the book to look at the page. It held a single sentence, I read aloud...
"In past resides the key to future."
"What does that mean?" asked Harley from Alex's shoulder where he had climbed to look at the page. "I think it means that history is to be repeated." Mathew was the one to reply. I realized that this was the first time that he'd volunteered any information. "But what happened last time? Who was it?" Debbie queried. I lifted my hand from the page and the book glowed as the words faded from sight and where replaced by a solitary name.
"Ganondorf?" Leila said in confusion. "From what I know Baldor's invasion holds nothing in common with that of Ganondorf's." "It does," Daniel spoke up, "Haven't you felt its power on him. The third and unaccounted for piece of the Triforce. Baldor holds it as Ganondorf did, he too has been corrupted with its power." It was obvious now that Daniel had pointed it out. We did feel the Triforce of power. It dawned on me that Daniel had matured when he'd been converted to his current state.
"We need help." I said quietly, "We don't know everything about this place like we need to." I shut the book and slid it off the stand as I turned for the door. "Stephanie, where are you going?" Debbie hissed. "To talk to someone." I replied absently leaving them in the tower room.
***************************
"I want you to tell me every detail of when Ganondorf attacked." I said before Link could speak. He was standing on the wall looking out toward the south over the hills. The early morning air bit at my skin as I stood there book in hand waiting for him to tell me what I needed to know. He didn't take his eyes off the horizon as he spoke. "I can't tell you everything." "It doesn't matter tell me what you know." "Do you really
think it would help?" He asked.
It was strange; he had become more and more subdued with every passing moment. "Yes." I said firmly without hesitation. "If I can feel it you can to. We both hold piece's of the Triforce he can't hide it from us." "But how do you know if Baldor will use it in the same way? Baldor is by far a lot smarter than Ganondorf. He knows where Ganondorf made his mistakes and has been careful not to duplicate them." "All the more reason for you to tell me." My voice was sharper than I'd intended it to be. "You know where he made his mistakes too don't you. Don't you see it? In a way we already know Baldor's plans. This has happened before with every new generation of sages but only your family has seen them all."
He flung up his head like a startled animal. "What do you know of my family?" His voice edged on desperation and urgency. I put the book down on the edge of the wall trusting it wouldn't get damaged and took his right hand in both of mine to trace the Triforce through his gauntlets. "It is common knowledge for those who have held the Triforce of wisdom that every first born member of each generation in your family has the potential to become the hero of time. Yours is an ancient blood line Link, there are mentions of the hero of time dotted through out history but they've been hidden until it came to you." I refused to tell him that he would be the last to become the hero of time; I didn't want to think what that could mean.
He gave in. He told me everything of what he knew of Ganondorf and more. In telling him what I'd known I'd knocked down the wall that hid the memories of his predecessors. That knew found knowledge added a whole new dimension to this battle...
And a new advantage.
***************************
By the time he finished telling me everything the sun had risen to its zenith and the castle had been alive for hours. Though no one had disturbed us on the wall... yet. I was just suggesting that we leave anything else until later when a disturbing sound floated over to us on the wind. The howl of a wolfos.
The eerie call put both of us on instant alert. It was uncommon for wolfos to be out of the forest, in daylight no less. Looking out over the wall we noticed that a hundred or so of the damn things had suddenly appeared and started to attack the outer guards. Calls where sounded as the guards started desperately fighting off the overwhelming force.
"It's Baldor." Link exclaimed "He's controlling them from the forest." I nodded in agreement and gave the book to Link for safekeeping. "Lets join the fray shall we." His warrior's heart took over as I jumped over the wall to the lower level. Link shouted out that I was mad before he followed my path, landing with a roll. By the time he stood up I was over the next one shouting gleefully as I hit the ground on the opposite side of the moat to join my friends where they waited eager to try out what they'd found. I noted coolly that Mathew was on the wall with Harley and Leila.
Link landed beside me as I drew my scimitars with one lightning move. He drew his own sword and shield and we where off in a flash. We headed for the largest crowd of wolfos and disappeared in to it. Amidst the white wolfos no one could see us but if they where looking down from the walls they could follow our progress where the wolfos howled and burned in fairy fire. The others deftly wielded what they had without noticing that it had taken but seconds for them to master the magic. It took just ten minutes to clear the grounds completely, not one had escaped.
People on the walls just stared at what had been done; Zelda was there fretting over who ever was down amidst the bodies of the evil possessed animals. Most had still to combust. But from the center of it all came a noise. At first it was faint building strength until it was an audible giggle but as it grew it turned into the familiar insane cackle that could only come from me.
"That was fun." I gasped. I'd had to sit down after so much running around but I couldn't have been any more happier in my life. Link came over then and muttered something like, "A great warrior enjoys the thrill of battle." Before he held an arm out to help me to my feet. Alex, Debbie and Daniel stood by the gate waiting for us.
"Do we know who was controlling them?" Debbie asked. "Isn't it obvious who was." Link retorted to the stupid question with humor. Daniel butted in next, "Baldor isn't going to show any mercy at all. Link, you and Stephanie are going to be on constant alert after this. The way most of the guards where looking at you two it looks like you'll be volunteered by them immediately. I, at least, had the sense to slow down." He said in a fake pompous manner, I grinned while Link groaned. I was all too happy to go on alert if it meant I could use my new swords again.
It took but minutes for Zelda to locate the lot of us and we found ourselves being herded inside the castle again. As soon as we where in the door Zelda took the lead and didn't notice that I'd slipped away. Impa had followed me off but the others, aside from Link and Debbie took no notice of this. I hadn't gotten far when Impa caught up. "Princess what do you know?" She asked, ever one to forget most formalities, not that I minded.
"Ah I knew that keeping any kind of secret from you would be hard although this is one for the sages." I filled her in on my new theory that we could use his own careful planning against him. Impa understood well enough, "That's making a lot more sense than the last plan. Just make sure you let Shiro know your plans." I gave her a confused look before she explained, "Shiro is my son, he was one of those sent with you to protect you."
Thought for a moment then realized that she was talking about Daniel. "Ok no problem, but where did Zelda want to take us before I took the detour?" "Don't worry about that I'll take you their now." she escorted me to the room we'd been in last night as I opened the door all faces turned toward me. "Where have you been?" Zelda bristled peevishly. "Zelda don't get like that with me." I rebuked her for letting the situation get to her. She forced herself to calm down and re-said what she'd been saying.
"Avelia I've told my...our father about you and he wishes to meet you once before he dies. He's old and I feel that his time in this world is short." She was ready to cry. Various people in the room went to comfort her while Impa lead me out again. "Follow me, I'll take you to the king." We walked in silence till we reached a tower room. Impa tapped gently on the door and stuck her head in before beckoning me in. I heard the door shut behind me as I entered the quiet bedchamber. On the back wall was a curtained bed.
"Who... Who's there?" I feeble voice called, "Come closer so I might see you." I approached nervously. "Your highness please pardon my intrusion." "Ah Zelda, So nice of you to visit again." The king coughed weakly not even having the strength to do even that. "I'm sorry but I'm not Zelda. I am another from long past sent away from my birth place." I came closer and the king said, "Welcome home my daughter, you look so much like your mother. She to was a warrior..." He broke off coughing. "It's a pity that you had to return to see me like this."
He was right in a way, it was pitiful. He had the workings of a great man weaved into his very soul and I had no doubt that he had been a good ruler. Ah fate had funny ways of rewarding the good. I felt that his illness had been long and the damage done to him by it was probably irreversible but in a flash I was tempted to try and heal him. But the clear voice of logic told me that I was just being selfish. I knelt close by and looked into his peaceful face.
"Forgive me." he said suddenly. I gave him a look of confusion, "For what you have done nothing." "I should not have sent you away from Hyrule with the fairies all those years ago, but there was nothing I could do as I realized my mistake to late..." He slipped for a second before trying to finish what he felt he had to say. "But you have returned to late and far from ready to use that which you've been given..."
This time I cut him off. "Oh no, but it didn't matter. I learnt more in the other world than I could here. The humans had dreamed of our world and made it into a game. I still had ways of being here even if you couldn't see me, and I am as prepared as I can ever be. Although it wouldn't hurt to have a bit more experience in these matters other than what I've been taught to do." The old king gave a weak smile. "Oh but if I'm not mistaken you have the Triforce of wisdom don't you." I nodded with out questioning how he knew. "Then it is assured you will go far, even though Zelda has already taken the throne." "I don't want it." My tone told him clearly that there would be no argument, as he had feared. He breathed easier at my reassurance. With his final worry proven as nothing but a silly fear he started to slip away. There was no reason to stay, I took his hand and called out silently for someone, anyone, to come. He died with his parting words embedded in my mind. "You will go far..."
If only he knew how right he had been.
****************************
They'd all come in the end, every one of the sages, new and old, but they where to late. For days after the old kings passing the whole castle had gone into a state of mourning. It bothered me; the grim air pushed me away. We all buried ourselves in work to prepare for Baldor's advance.
Since the wolfos incident there had been other happenings like it. Re- deads, Stalfos, strange skinny things that zipped around destroying what they could and even Dongo's forced out of their caves by the will of the black man.
It was obvious that he'd rather give up on getting out of the forest and concentrate on weakening us. He failed miserably at it. But by the time the forests magic had weakened enough he had conjured an army that made the world shake with the force of its creation.
But one cold gray autumn morning the clouds foreshadowed every thing. Great columns of black smoke sprang up in the south and a black, un-holy power spread in waves that swallowed the temples resurrecting the powerful foes once banished by Link himself. The time of waiting had finished and the true war had only just begun.
**************************
Baldor's power is at its peak and he's back and ready for revenge. But what are these flashes that Stephanie is having, does it really mean that Link with be killed defending Hyrule or is there a deeper magic at work on the hero of time?
Look out for the next chapter...
Chapter 17: Magical spies.
(Ah sibling rivalry is a wonderful thing! ^_^)
Legend of Zelda: Next generation.
Chapter 16: past, present and future.
The other's crowded round the book to look at the page. It held a single sentence, I read aloud...
"In past resides the key to future."
"What does that mean?" asked Harley from Alex's shoulder where he had climbed to look at the page. "I think it means that history is to be repeated." Mathew was the one to reply. I realized that this was the first time that he'd volunteered any information. "But what happened last time? Who was it?" Debbie queried. I lifted my hand from the page and the book glowed as the words faded from sight and where replaced by a solitary name.
"Ganondorf?" Leila said in confusion. "From what I know Baldor's invasion holds nothing in common with that of Ganondorf's." "It does," Daniel spoke up, "Haven't you felt its power on him. The third and unaccounted for piece of the Triforce. Baldor holds it as Ganondorf did, he too has been corrupted with its power." It was obvious now that Daniel had pointed it out. We did feel the Triforce of power. It dawned on me that Daniel had matured when he'd been converted to his current state.
"We need help." I said quietly, "We don't know everything about this place like we need to." I shut the book and slid it off the stand as I turned for the door. "Stephanie, where are you going?" Debbie hissed. "To talk to someone." I replied absently leaving them in the tower room.
***************************
"I want you to tell me every detail of when Ganondorf attacked." I said before Link could speak. He was standing on the wall looking out toward the south over the hills. The early morning air bit at my skin as I stood there book in hand waiting for him to tell me what I needed to know. He didn't take his eyes off the horizon as he spoke. "I can't tell you everything." "It doesn't matter tell me what you know." "Do you really
think it would help?" He asked.
It was strange; he had become more and more subdued with every passing moment. "Yes." I said firmly without hesitation. "If I can feel it you can to. We both hold piece's of the Triforce he can't hide it from us." "But how do you know if Baldor will use it in the same way? Baldor is by far a lot smarter than Ganondorf. He knows where Ganondorf made his mistakes and has been careful not to duplicate them." "All the more reason for you to tell me." My voice was sharper than I'd intended it to be. "You know where he made his mistakes too don't you. Don't you see it? In a way we already know Baldor's plans. This has happened before with every new generation of sages but only your family has seen them all."
He flung up his head like a startled animal. "What do you know of my family?" His voice edged on desperation and urgency. I put the book down on the edge of the wall trusting it wouldn't get damaged and took his right hand in both of mine to trace the Triforce through his gauntlets. "It is common knowledge for those who have held the Triforce of wisdom that every first born member of each generation in your family has the potential to become the hero of time. Yours is an ancient blood line Link, there are mentions of the hero of time dotted through out history but they've been hidden until it came to you." I refused to tell him that he would be the last to become the hero of time; I didn't want to think what that could mean.
He gave in. He told me everything of what he knew of Ganondorf and more. In telling him what I'd known I'd knocked down the wall that hid the memories of his predecessors. That knew found knowledge added a whole new dimension to this battle...
And a new advantage.
***************************
By the time he finished telling me everything the sun had risen to its zenith and the castle had been alive for hours. Though no one had disturbed us on the wall... yet. I was just suggesting that we leave anything else until later when a disturbing sound floated over to us on the wind. The howl of a wolfos.
The eerie call put both of us on instant alert. It was uncommon for wolfos to be out of the forest, in daylight no less. Looking out over the wall we noticed that a hundred or so of the damn things had suddenly appeared and started to attack the outer guards. Calls where sounded as the guards started desperately fighting off the overwhelming force.
"It's Baldor." Link exclaimed "He's controlling them from the forest." I nodded in agreement and gave the book to Link for safekeeping. "Lets join the fray shall we." His warrior's heart took over as I jumped over the wall to the lower level. Link shouted out that I was mad before he followed my path, landing with a roll. By the time he stood up I was over the next one shouting gleefully as I hit the ground on the opposite side of the moat to join my friends where they waited eager to try out what they'd found. I noted coolly that Mathew was on the wall with Harley and Leila.
Link landed beside me as I drew my scimitars with one lightning move. He drew his own sword and shield and we where off in a flash. We headed for the largest crowd of wolfos and disappeared in to it. Amidst the white wolfos no one could see us but if they where looking down from the walls they could follow our progress where the wolfos howled and burned in fairy fire. The others deftly wielded what they had without noticing that it had taken but seconds for them to master the magic. It took just ten minutes to clear the grounds completely, not one had escaped.
People on the walls just stared at what had been done; Zelda was there fretting over who ever was down amidst the bodies of the evil possessed animals. Most had still to combust. But from the center of it all came a noise. At first it was faint building strength until it was an audible giggle but as it grew it turned into the familiar insane cackle that could only come from me.
"That was fun." I gasped. I'd had to sit down after so much running around but I couldn't have been any more happier in my life. Link came over then and muttered something like, "A great warrior enjoys the thrill of battle." Before he held an arm out to help me to my feet. Alex, Debbie and Daniel stood by the gate waiting for us.
"Do we know who was controlling them?" Debbie asked. "Isn't it obvious who was." Link retorted to the stupid question with humor. Daniel butted in next, "Baldor isn't going to show any mercy at all. Link, you and Stephanie are going to be on constant alert after this. The way most of the guards where looking at you two it looks like you'll be volunteered by them immediately. I, at least, had the sense to slow down." He said in a fake pompous manner, I grinned while Link groaned. I was all too happy to go on alert if it meant I could use my new swords again.
It took but minutes for Zelda to locate the lot of us and we found ourselves being herded inside the castle again. As soon as we where in the door Zelda took the lead and didn't notice that I'd slipped away. Impa had followed me off but the others, aside from Link and Debbie took no notice of this. I hadn't gotten far when Impa caught up. "Princess what do you know?" She asked, ever one to forget most formalities, not that I minded.
"Ah I knew that keeping any kind of secret from you would be hard although this is one for the sages." I filled her in on my new theory that we could use his own careful planning against him. Impa understood well enough, "That's making a lot more sense than the last plan. Just make sure you let Shiro know your plans." I gave her a confused look before she explained, "Shiro is my son, he was one of those sent with you to protect you."
Thought for a moment then realized that she was talking about Daniel. "Ok no problem, but where did Zelda want to take us before I took the detour?" "Don't worry about that I'll take you their now." she escorted me to the room we'd been in last night as I opened the door all faces turned toward me. "Where have you been?" Zelda bristled peevishly. "Zelda don't get like that with me." I rebuked her for letting the situation get to her. She forced herself to calm down and re-said what she'd been saying.
"Avelia I've told my...our father about you and he wishes to meet you once before he dies. He's old and I feel that his time in this world is short." She was ready to cry. Various people in the room went to comfort her while Impa lead me out again. "Follow me, I'll take you to the king." We walked in silence till we reached a tower room. Impa tapped gently on the door and stuck her head in before beckoning me in. I heard the door shut behind me as I entered the quiet bedchamber. On the back wall was a curtained bed.
"Who... Who's there?" I feeble voice called, "Come closer so I might see you." I approached nervously. "Your highness please pardon my intrusion." "Ah Zelda, So nice of you to visit again." The king coughed weakly not even having the strength to do even that. "I'm sorry but I'm not Zelda. I am another from long past sent away from my birth place." I came closer and the king said, "Welcome home my daughter, you look so much like your mother. She to was a warrior..." He broke off coughing. "It's a pity that you had to return to see me like this."
He was right in a way, it was pitiful. He had the workings of a great man weaved into his very soul and I had no doubt that he had been a good ruler. Ah fate had funny ways of rewarding the good. I felt that his illness had been long and the damage done to him by it was probably irreversible but in a flash I was tempted to try and heal him. But the clear voice of logic told me that I was just being selfish. I knelt close by and looked into his peaceful face.
"Forgive me." he said suddenly. I gave him a look of confusion, "For what you have done nothing." "I should not have sent you away from Hyrule with the fairies all those years ago, but there was nothing I could do as I realized my mistake to late..." He slipped for a second before trying to finish what he felt he had to say. "But you have returned to late and far from ready to use that which you've been given..."
This time I cut him off. "Oh no, but it didn't matter. I learnt more in the other world than I could here. The humans had dreamed of our world and made it into a game. I still had ways of being here even if you couldn't see me, and I am as prepared as I can ever be. Although it wouldn't hurt to have a bit more experience in these matters other than what I've been taught to do." The old king gave a weak smile. "Oh but if I'm not mistaken you have the Triforce of wisdom don't you." I nodded with out questioning how he knew. "Then it is assured you will go far, even though Zelda has already taken the throne." "I don't want it." My tone told him clearly that there would be no argument, as he had feared. He breathed easier at my reassurance. With his final worry proven as nothing but a silly fear he started to slip away. There was no reason to stay, I took his hand and called out silently for someone, anyone, to come. He died with his parting words embedded in my mind. "You will go far..."
If only he knew how right he had been.
****************************
They'd all come in the end, every one of the sages, new and old, but they where to late. For days after the old kings passing the whole castle had gone into a state of mourning. It bothered me; the grim air pushed me away. We all buried ourselves in work to prepare for Baldor's advance.
Since the wolfos incident there had been other happenings like it. Re- deads, Stalfos, strange skinny things that zipped around destroying what they could and even Dongo's forced out of their caves by the will of the black man.
It was obvious that he'd rather give up on getting out of the forest and concentrate on weakening us. He failed miserably at it. But by the time the forests magic had weakened enough he had conjured an army that made the world shake with the force of its creation.
But one cold gray autumn morning the clouds foreshadowed every thing. Great columns of black smoke sprang up in the south and a black, un-holy power spread in waves that swallowed the temples resurrecting the powerful foes once banished by Link himself. The time of waiting had finished and the true war had only just begun.
**************************
Baldor's power is at its peak and he's back and ready for revenge. But what are these flashes that Stephanie is having, does it really mean that Link with be killed defending Hyrule or is there a deeper magic at work on the hero of time?
Look out for the next chapter...
Chapter 17: Magical spies.