Chapter 9
Mirren finally awoke at about dusk. He opened his tired eyes, and yawned. He stretched a little, and looked out into the sinking sun. He then remembered why he was resting. He remembered every single detail from the battle, even the battle with Faria. But he remembered Zelda's battle better. He couldn't believe how powerful she was, and that he actually fought back against her! He remembered slashing at her twice, and knocking her down. He also remembered when she finished him off with the golden energy beam. But he remembered what Zelda had done for him most. He remembered her wonderful words and her holding him. He thought of everything she had done for him, and everything she was doing to care for him. He then realized something.
"Perhaps, I do.love her" he whispered to himself. Really every time he was around her he grew fonder of her, and he felt great every time she'd help him. He really did believe he was starting to love her. But then he realized something, she was ten years older than him! He could never date her, or marry her, he could do nothing! And he'd feel like an idiot if he told her, but there was still that feeling inside of him telling him that he should tell her, and get the feeling off of him, and tell her the truth. He shook his head and gritted his teeth from frustration.
"I hate love!" he exclaimed, "especially when it's older girls!" He lay back in bed and just day-dreamed for a few minutes before someone slowly opened the door. "Oh no, please not her" he thought to himself considering that the person could've heard what he was saying, and if it was Zelda, he would've blabbed everything! As it finally opened completely, it was only Link with a tray of food.
"Oh, you're up!" he said happily in surprise, "I'd thought you'd be hungry, so I brought you up from food." Mirren nodded.
"Thanks, I am getting hungry" he replied. Link then walked over to his bed and set it down next to him on the table. There was a glass of Lon Lon Milk, some oatcakes with blackberry jam, and two honey baked apples. Mirren's lips smacked as he looked at the delicious food. He instantly took an oatcake and took a bite into it. Link smiled and sat down next to him on a chair.
"Feeling better?" he asked. Mirren took a gulp of his Lon Lon Milk.
"Yep" he answered. Link smiled again.
"You took quite a beating there, Zelda's pretty tough isn't she?" he asked. Mirren nodded. "Yeah, and to think I though we'd win, ha!" Link said. Mirren laughed even he ate some of a honey baked apple.
"Man, this food is good!" exclaimed Mirren after swallowing some of the apple, "who made it?"
"Zelda" answered Link. Mirren just kind of froze for a second from her name, and looked at Link.
"Really?" he asked. Link nodded.
"Yep, none other" he answered. Mirren shrugged a little and began to eat again. "Ya know, I was kinda jealous of you when Zelda held you and practically hugged you" he said. Mirren immediately stopped eating and looked at Link strangely.
"Why is that?" he asked. Link now kind of blushed, and looked away from Mirren.
"Cause I'm kinda, secretly in love with Zelda" he answered. Mirren instantly froze again, but this time, he froze from shock.
"Oh. good. God" Mirren said to himself in his head. He then looked at Link.
"Are you serious?" he asked. Link nodded and looked embarrassed.
"Yeah" he said. Mirren couldn't believe what was happening. He couldn't believe his older brother was also in love with Zelda.
"What the heck do I do now?" he asked himself in his head, "I mean, I like her, but she can actually date Link or even marry him if he told her and she liked him. But what the heck could she do with me!? Yeah, maybe a hug and one kiss on the cheek 'cause she likes me, but there is no way ever that she'd be happier with that then dating Link and being his girlfriend. Oh man, what do I do?" He kept on thinking through all of his frustrations and did his best to come up with a plan, and soon he had one. "Right now I better think not of me, but for her" he said in his head again, "If I really did like her, I'd want her to be happier, and that's by being with Link. Man, I don't how I'm gonna do this, but right now I gotta be cupid for Link. Well, here goes nothing."
Mirren then looked Link straight in the eye. "Bro, it's gonna be hard for you to do this, but you gotta tell her how you really feel" he began. Link looked at him surprised. "Yeah, it's gonna be hard like I said, but she may like you, and if you tell her, then you two can be together forever! Believe me Link, I wouldn't be surprised if she liked you too." Mirren now grinned as Link, and Link smiled back. He couldn't believe how much Mirren's words had helped him, and was very happy.
"Thanks Mirren, you really helped" he replied, "I'm still amazed at how you can be of so much help even when you're so young, but I'm glad. I'll tell her Mirren, because of you. But one problem, where and when?" Mirren smiled.
"Leave that to me, you be in the throne room at 9:00, and I'll tell her" he answered. Link smiled and laughed.
"Thanks, I wouldn't be doing this without you Mirren" he said and rubbed his little brother's head. Mirren smiled back, and soon Link left to get ready. Mirren then decided he had felt good enough to go to Lon Lon Ranch. He wanted to get some more milk, and he could just tell Zelda along the way. He finished up his meal, and left the room. He began to look around the castle for Zelda. He looked in the room, the archives, the storage rooms, the great hall, the armory, but found no trace of her. He then looked out a window and saw her in a garden in front of the castle. He went outside, and met her there.
As he got closer, Zelda finally noticed him and turned around with a smile. "Mirren, you're up!" she exclaimed. Mirren smiled back.
"Yep, and I'm feeling as good as ever, thanks for everything" he said. Zelda nodded happily.
"So, what brings you out here?" she asked.
"Well I'm going to Lon Lon Ranch for a little bit, and I have something to tell you" he said with a grin. Zelda looked a little surprised.
"What?" she asked. Mirren then pointed to one of the throne room windows of the castle.
"Link wants to meet you there, he has something very important to tell you, and he said come at 9:00" Mirren answered. Zelda looked up at the windows for a few seconds before shrugging.
"Sure, whatever" she said. Mirren smiled.
"Cool, he'll be waiting for you" he said. He then pulled out his ocarina and played Goldenfire's melody. Soon the huge golden dragon flew down and landed right next to him. He got on and began to fly away.
"See ya Zelda!" he said waving. Zelda smiled and waved back. She then turned away and thought of Link.
"Finally, perhaps I can tell him how I feel" she whispered.
Mirren's flight wasn't a long one. Goldefire flew as fast as ever through the darkening sky, as soon he dropped Mirren off and flew back off into the skies. Mirren ran into the ranch and first stopped into the house where Talon was. He found him with his three super cuccos, sleeping as usual.
"Yo Talon wake up!" shouted Mirren. Talon instantly woke up and jumped from the surprise. He looked around and grumbled.
"Can't guy get a little shut eye around... oh Mirren it's you!" he said. Mirren sighed and somehow smiled.
"Yep, none other than me" he replied. Talon laughed.
"Well good ta see ya lad!" he spoke, "whata ya need?" Mirren took out one of his bottles.
"A refill on the milk" he answered. Talon nodded and filled the bottle up.
"Thirty rupees please" he said. Mirren dug into his wallet and pulled out the correct amount of rupees. He gave them to Talon and put his milk away.
"Well I gotta go, I wanna see Malon and Artra before I leave" he said pointing his thumb to door behind him. Talon smiled and nodded.
"Well run along then; don't wanna keep ya waiting" he said, "getting ta be good friends with Malon I see, just like Link. Hey, would ya like ta marry her?" Mirren looked at him strangely and raised an eyebrow.
"Didn't you ask my brother that like eleven years ago?" he asked. Talon then burst out into laughter so much he almost cried.
"Ahhhh I was just jokin' Mirren, Malon may be old enough, but you're not!' he said before he laughed again, "You can go now for real, I won't stop ya this time!" He began laughing again as Mirren left the house shaking his head in pity for Talon's stupid joke. He then walked out to the track and saw that Malon had put away all the horses, except Artra. He walked over, and saw her grooming her mane. She then realized Mirren was there, and her face lit up with happiness.
"Mirren!" she exclaimed. Mirren smiled.
"Good to see ya Malon, how's Artra?" he asked. Malon turned to Artra who was right now resting on the grass waiting for Malon to get back to grooming her. She then noticed Mirren and neighed. She got up and trotted over to him. She began to snuggle against him as he stroked her neck.
"Well I can see she's most happy to see you" Malon answered with a laugh. Mirren laughed a little too.
"I can see that!' he replied, and kept stroking her. He then reached into his pocket and soon pulled out a sack of oats. He handed it to Malon, who looked at it strangely. "They're special oats from the castle, I figured Artra would like them!" he said with a smile. Malon then smiled back and put the oats away.
"She'll love those!" she replied, "that was very nice of you!" Link grinned.
"What da ya expect, a jerk?" he asked. Malon laughed as her red hair sparkled from the stars and moonlight. She stopped after a few moments and smiled at Mirren.
"Hey, I'm sure Artra would love it if you rode around a little before she goes back into the stables" she said. Mirren looked at Artra and smiled before looking back at Malon.
"Sounds good to me" he replied. He then hopped on Artra and began riding around a little. He trotted at first and began galloping after a few minutes. A little while later then, he began to jump the small fences, and did them with ease.
"You're doing great Mirren, keep going, you can ride still for a while!" Malon shouted. Mirren nodded as he smiled and kept on riding his pony. He was having such a great time, it was just so much fun for him. But there were two evil eyes watching him, and soon his fun would be ruined.
Ganondorf had returned from the Dark World early, and had brought back two of his old servants; Phantom Ganon and Dark Link. The two evil spirits stood back as Emralda and Ganondorf smiled wickedly and watched Mirren.
"I say, we begin the plan now" Emralda spoke, "let's start with the farm girl and the pony. Then you can send one of those two to capture his brother and Zelda's sister. Four friends in one night, sounds good to me." Ganondorf still watched but soon turned with an evil grin.
"I like it a lot my sister, then let it begin, take the farm girl and the pony, I'll find the way to get Link and Faria" he replied. They both nodded, and Ganondorf walked over to Phantom Ganon and Dark Link. The two instantly looked straight into their leader's eyes ready to attack. Ganondorf looked at them both, and thought of who would be the best for this attack. He finally decided.
"Dark Link, this'll be your mission, go to Hyrule Castle and find Link and Zelda's sister" he began, "try and bring them into the same room. Fight them off and weaken them enough so they can be thrown into our portal. They'll come here, and we can chain them up. Now, get going" Dark Link nodded and suddenly teleported away. Ganondorf then turned to Phantom Ganon. "Your mission will be in a few hours, you'll be going after Zelda, so be prepared" Ganondorf spoke. The Phantom Incarnation of the Scourge of Hyrule nodded. Ganondorf then walked back to Emralda, who was smiling diabolically. She finally turned to her brother.
"I have sent a bunch of Keese my brother" she said, "they will all take the two and bring them up to the portal, they shall soon arrive here. Then I'll let you speak to him." Ganondorf smiled back.
"Perfect, and I'll let you say something too, it's not the same without my sister" he said back. They both then smiled and looked into the magical fire.
Mirren kept on riding and riding. He had never had so much fun on a horse in his entire life! He felt like he'd never want it to end! But he knew he needed to get back to the castle soon. He knew everyone would be worried about him if he stayed out too long, and he wanted to make sure everything with Zelda and Link went alright. He got off and walked over to Malon with Artra.
"Here, I gotta get going now, thanks for letting me ride!" he said with a smile. Malon smiled back and took Artra.
"No problem, you did great" she replied, "If you need to leave, go, you can come back any time." Mirren smiled and began walking away, until he heard the most terrifying voice he had ever heard.
"Where do you think you're going kid?" it asked. Mirren and Malon instantly looked around in confusion and looked a little afraid. "Don't you know who it is kid?" it asked again, "it is I, Ganondorf, and my sister Emralda. You know, the ones you killed all those years ago!?" Mirren froze in fear. The names, the voice, it all sounded familiar. He couldn't believe what was going on, and was speechless from the fear. He knew Ganondorf and Emralda, but he was still blurry on the killing.
"Kid, after what you've done to us, after almost seven years, we've come to get our revenge" a feminine voice said (this was Emralda, and Mirren knew it), "we are going to first steal your most loved ones from you, and make both you and them suffer for your foolishness al those years ago!" Malon was shocked and afraid.
"Mirren, what's going on?" she asked quietly from fear. Mirren couldn't answer, he was just too afraid, and in deep shock also. He looked out, and suddenly saw a bunch of Keese flying towards Malon and Artra.
"Malon! Ruuuuuuuuuuuun!!!!" shouted Mirren. Suddenly the numerous Keese swooped down and all together, lifted Malon and Artra into the sky. They both shrieked in fear as suddenly a purple and black portal began to open up. Mirren pulled out his bow and tried to shoot all the Keese in time, but the remaining ones soon entered the portal, and brought the screaming Malon and Artra with them. The portal then disappeared, and the faces of Ganondorf and Emralda formed in the sky. Mirren's jaw dropped as he saw their faces. Even though he had no idea of the battle long ago, he still feared their faces and knew who they were. He dropped his bow, and gasped in fear. Emralda and Ganondorf smiled wickedly.
"So, Mirren, the brother of the Hero of Time finally paying for all of what he's done, perfect" said Emralda.
"Yes, we have captured our first victims, two of your best friends" Ganondorf said as he took over, "you will pay even more when we capture two more of your most loved ones. Your brother and Faria." They both laughed diabolically as Mirren froze in fear even worse. The two faces then disappeared as they still laughed. Mirren the realized Link and Faria were in great danger. He left the ranch, and called upon Goldenfire. He got on, and began flying back to Hyrule Castle.
Back there, Zelda was in the throne room. It was just about 9:00, and she was waiting for Link. She waited for a few minutes until she finally heard a few foot steps. She heard the door open, and saw Link. She smiled.
"Hi Link" she whispered. Link looked nervous, and Zelda felt the same way. He walked over to her, and they both kind of looked away from nervousness. But Zelda finally spoke. "I guess we're both here, now, what was it you wanted to tell me?" she asked. Link gulped and began to sweat from his nervousness. But he spoke right back.
"Zelda, I need to tell you something" he answered, "something you don't even know, and something that will be incredibly hard for me to tell you. Let me tell you though, I wouldn't be doing this without Mirren, he was a lifesaver." Zelda looked at him a little concerned, and had a slight feeling of what he was going to tell her. Link finally began to speak, and he looked straight into her eyes. "Zelda, after all these years with you, I've fallen.........." Link got out no more, and suddenly a window shattered, and Dark Link landed into the throne room. Link froze in shock, and Zelda did the same.
"What... what in the world are you doing here?" asked Link pointing to Dark Link. His evil incarnation grinned wickedly.
"Under Ganondorf's commands, I've been ordered to capture both you Link and Faria" he answered, "All for the plan for Mirren." Zelda's and Link's jaw dropped, and couldn't believe what they were hearing. "Yes, the plan for them to get revenge for what Mirren did to them six years ago" he began to say again, "so Ganondorf told me to capture Faria, and you Link" Zelda gasped in fear as Link drew the Master Sword and the Mirror Shield.
"Over my dead body" he said as he gritted his teeth. Dark Link smirked, and drew his weapons. The two then leapt at each other and began to battle. They began slashing at each other and blocking the other's every shot. As the two began their fight, Zelda backed away. She just couldn't believe what was going on. She felt so frightened. For herself, for Faria, for Link, and especially Mirren now.
Link then did a vertical slash and caught Dark Link on the forehead. He grunted in pain and stepped back. Link then went for a stab, but Dark Link leapt up and landed on the blade. He reared back, and did a stab of his own and hit Link. He yelled in pain and crashed in the floor. Dark Link jumped in the air and brought hit sword down. Link just in time raised his shield and blocked the attack. He then reared his foot back and kicked Dark Link square in the chest. He knocked him off and got up.
"I won't let you defeat me" he said incredibly angry. Dark Link slowly got up and shook his head. Link took advantage of his weakened foe and did a cut across his face. Dark Link grunted in pain and smacked against the ground. Link then recuperated a little and waited for Dark Link to get up. He charged up the Master Sword for a spin attack, and it began glowing blue. As Dark Link began to get up, Link's blade glowed orange. Dark Link was finally up on his feet and turned around. Link then spun around and did the spin attack. He hit Dark Link with incredible force and made him scream in pain. He knocked him back and Dark Link crashed on the floor. He groaned in pain for a few moments before finally going into a state of unconsciousness.
Link watched his hurt foe, and finally turned around to Zelda. "Don't worry Zelda" he said, "I defeated him, he's dead." But Link spoke too soon. Suddenly Dark Link lifted his shadow head up and grinned evilly. Zelda noticed it, and gasped in shock.
"Link, look out!" she yelled. Link tried to turn around in time, but Dark Link shot a dark beam from his sword, and it struck Link in the back. Link screamed in agony and hit the floor hard. Zelda gasped in horror as Dark Link lifted himself up.
"Nice attack before, but not enough to stop me" he spoke. He then picked up his blade and walked over to Link who was slowly getting up. After a few moments of groaning in pain, he lifted his head up, and saw Dark Link. His evil form smiled wickedly and did a slice across his face. Link screamed in pain, and Zelda also did in horror. Link hit the floor again, and groaned in agony as blood flowed from his cut. Dark Link laughed diabolically.
"I told you that you couldn't defeat me, now I will get the portal ready, and send you back to Emralda's citadel" he spoke. He then threw his hands out, and behind Link's wounded body, appeared the dark portal. Dark Link laughed again. "My mission, is a success!" he shouted and laughed even more. Zelda froze in fear, her loved one was going to be sent through a portal to Emralda's dark castle! She almost was on the verge of tears when suddenly Faria appeared in the room, and shot Dark Link in the back with a magical fireball. He screamed in pain, and collapsed.
Zelda gasped in shock. She couldn't believe Faria was actually here! And even though it might have saved Link's life, she was in great danger. "Faria, get out now, he's here to kidnap you!" Zelda shouted. Faria looked at her a little confused before Dark Link got up and hit with another dark beam. Faria yelled in pain, and was knocked down. "Faria!" Zelda shrieked. She then turned to Dark Link, and shot a blast of energy at him. He saw it coming and dodged it with ease. He then shot a blast of his own magic at her, and knocked her against the wall.
"Well, now that I have both Faria and Link here, I shall send them to Ganondorf!" He then raised his hands up, giving Emralda the signal back at the citadel to have the portal take them away. Two long streaks of dark energy came out and grabbed them. They then pulled the weakened bodies in, and the portal closed. Dark Link laughed with success as Zelda just gasped and cowered in fear. Dark Link sensed it, and grinned evilly at her. He walked over to her as she tried to escape.
But he quickly trapped her against the wall, and pointed his blade to her throat. She froze in fear as tears formed in her eyes. Dark Link smirked diabolically. "Well isn't this interesting" he began, "Ganondorf had told me to only capture Link and Faria, but I know he'll be even happier if I kill you." He then pulled the blade back, and was ready to slice Zelda's throat open to kill her. He was just about to before the door flung open, and he froze. Zelda watched him strangely until he backed off a little. He reached to his back a little and she realized an arrow was in there. She looked at the door, and saw Mirren standing there holding his bow. Soon Taursus, Jarlis, and Mardera followed. As Dark Link rived in pain, Mirren could only glare at him.
"Guys, go help Zelda" he said not taking his eyes off Dark Link. His three friends nodded and ran over to help the emotionally hurt Zelda. Dark Link still groaned in pain before looking up at Mirren. He was still glaring at him. "How dare you ever come into Hyrule Castle uninvited and try to kill Zelda" he spoke. Mirren then reached into his knapsack and pulled out the Fire Diamond. He put it right in front of Dark Link's face, and it began glowing red. "Burn in the demon world you fool, burn for eternity" he said, and he suddenly shot the blast of fire from it. It enveloped Dark Link's body, and made everyone turn away from its massive power.
It made Dark Link scream in complete agony. It scorched his body, and began burning it. Soon the blast of fire disappeared, and all that was left of Dark Link was a pile of his own ashes. Mirren then put the Fire Diamond away and turned to Zelda who was being comforted by Taursus and the others. He began walking over, and instantly she threw her arms around him, and wept terribly. She knelt down completely, and Mirren also knelt down as she still cried.
"Oh Mirren" she said tears just pouring from her eyes, "Dark Link came and took Link and Faria through some dark portal. It's taking them to Emralda's citadel, her and Ganondorf want revenge on you for the battle six years ago!" Mirren now remembered the battle completely, but focused more on Zelda. "They're going to take the ones you love from you, and he Dark Link took them. They're gone Mirren, gone!" She then couldn't speak anymore, she just began crying worse than ever before. She tightened her grip on Mirren, and he held her close. Even though he was hugging the girl he had a crush on, he totally rid his mind of that and wept with her.
A couple hours later, Taursus, Jarlis, Mardera, Mirren and Zelda were in the great hall. All the doors were locked, and they all had every weapon with them. They all wanted to make sure they'd be ready if another attack came by. The first assault was already devastating. Link and Faria were gone, captured by Dark Link and taken to Emralda's citadel.
Zelda still cried a little even though it had been about two hours since the tragedy. She just was crushed with the fact her own little sister, her only living family member, and Link, her love, was taken from her. It was the worse thing that had ever happened, it was worse than anything she had dealt with Ganondorf for. Mirren and the others had tried to comfort her, but nothing could help. Two of her most loved people were gone, to a place she had no idea was. She just sat at one of the tables alone, and wept.
Mirren stood by himself in front of a window. It may not have seen anything like it, but he was also crushed by what happened. His best friend and his own flesh and blood were gone, after all the times he had spent with Link, he was gone. He was totally silent, just tears rolling down his face, as he crossed his arms and thought of that battle six years ago. He was now remembering it perfectly, even though it frightened him even more. He knew he had to do something, but right now he wasn't in the best position to. He just kept meditating on the battle, as tears still came from his eyes.
Taursus, Mardera, and Jarlis were standing by a pillar watching Zelda and Mirren. They absolutely felt terrible for them. And it was even worse since there was nothing they could for them. They had done anything they could to comfort the two (especially Zelda) but nothing ever worked.
"Man, I can't believe it, Dark Link coming and capturing Link and Faria" whispered Jarlis, "it just doesn't sound possible, all for revenge on Mirren all those years ago with some battle."
"I wish I knew what actually happened at the battle, I'd ask Impa, if she wasn't away with Sage business" Taursus added. Mardera turned from the suffering Zelda and Mirren and looked at Taursus and Jarlis.
"I know, what happened" she whispered somewhat reluctant. The two then turned to her with surprised looks on their faces.
"Are you serious?" asked Taursus.
"How in the world would you know?" asked Jarlis. Mardera turned to Mirren and looked at him. She seemed reluctant to tell them, before Mirren though had looked at her through the corner of his eye and nodded. Mardera nodded back and sighed ready to tell the tale.
"Ok, Link had told me this a while ago before he and Mirren left for Terlon Forest" she began, "anyways though, It happened one day when Ganondorf and Emralda came to Terlon six years ago looking for a piece of the Triforce. They came to Mirren's village, and began attacking it. Mirren was only about five, but he still came out with his own weapon and tried to stop them. The two had shot him with their dark energy bolts, and thought they had killed him. They kept on attacking, before Mirren had got up and used some awesome power. He shot this beam of energy from his sword, and it destroyed them both. They had both been regenerated a couple years later, and I guess Ganondorf went to try and get the Triforce on his own for a while, and Emralda waited for his return. So because Mirren had killed them all those years ago, and supposedly stopped them from getting a piece of the Triforce, they want revenge on him, and they're doing that by capturing his friends. Which means we may be next." Suddenly Mirren turned around. He had dried up his tears, and looked enraged. They looked at him a little surprised, and waited for him to speak.
"They've already taken Malon, my pony Artra, Link, and Faria" he began, "I'm not letting get any one of you four, so they're gonna have ta do a heck of a lot to get through me this time."
"Hey Mirren, don't think you're only line of defense" said Jarlis as he narrowed his eyes a little, "We can fight too." Mirren glared at him.
"I never said you couldn't fight, I'm saying this because you guys aren't strong enough to fight them off by yourselves" he spat back, "Those two are like no other force Hyrule could ever be attack by, it's gonna be hard as heck to defeat them. But somehow, some way, I will defeat them; once and for all." Mirren then turned to the still weeping Zelda. He was now even more enraged. His eyes lit up with anger, and he gritted his teeth. He pulled out his sword, and in anger, sliced an oaken table into two. He screamed in rage.
"Even if it's the last thing I do... I will kill them, even if it means dieing myself!!!!!" he shouted. Suddenly everyone heard a voice from behind Mirren.
"Well, it seems the boy is a little angry" it said. Mirren looked confused, and turned around. His mouth dropped, and his eyes widened in shock. It was Phantom Ganon. Everyone else gasped in fear. Even Zelda, and even though she still had tears, she stopped the actual crying. Mirren couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"What... what are you doing here?" he asked pointing to him. Even though no one could see it, Phantom Ganon grinned evilly.
"I'm here because of Ganondorf, I'm here to capture your three friends, and Zelda" he answered. Everyone gasped in shock and fear, even Mirren was speechless. He had to do something, or he'd lose his last remaining friends. His eyes filled with anger, and he gritted his teeth.
"You're not getting anyone with a fight from me you freakin' phantom!!!" Mirren shouted. Phantom Ganon smirked under his mask, and got his trident ready. Mirren got his blade ready, and turned to Taursus and the others.
"Guys, protect Zelda, if something happens to me, you'll need to defend her!" he yelled. Phantom Ganon flew at the distracted Mirren and aimed a stab of his trident. Mirren just saw it and parried the attack. He lifted his sword up and slashed Phantom Ganon across the face, and knocked him flat. As Mardera, Jarlis, and Taursus walked over to Zelda, she put her hand out, and narrowed her eyes in determination. Mirren turned around and saw her, and his mouth dropped as his eyes widened in shock.
"Mirren, I have done nothing to help throughout this whole ordeal" she began, "Its time I helped you, they're after me too, and I'm going to defend myself, and you!" The others also had their jaws drop in surprise; they were shocked at what Zelda was saying! Mirren still looked into Zelda's narrow eyes, and turned his head away with a grin.
"Fine, you wanna fight, go ahead" he said, "but if sometimes to me, get the heck outta here and escape!" Zelda now kind of smiled and nodded.
"Fine by me" she replied. Phantom Ganon was now finally up on his feet angry as ever. He glared at the two through his skull mask, and lifted his trident in the air.
"Try and stop this fools!" he yelled, and shot a bolt of dark energy from it. The bolt came rushing towards them, and they jumped away just in time to dodge it. Zelda threw her hands out and shot a magical fireball at him. Phantom Ganon lifted up his trident and blocked the shot, and yelled with power as he shot another bolt of energy at her. She teleported away, and the bolt exploded on the ground. She appeared behind him and shot another fireball. He turned around, and dodged the shot. With him distracted, Mirren rushed up behind him with his blade ready for an attack. Phantom Ganon spun around and smacked him with his trident. Mirren yelled in pain and was sent flying into the wall.
"Mirren!" Zelda yelled. She then looked at Phantom Ganon and her eyes narrowed. Her eyes also lit up blue and she performed a mental attack. Phantom Ganon knew what she was doing and threw his trident out towards her. It created a force field around him and protected him from the attack. Zelda gasped in shock that he had blocked the attack. The phantom wasted no time and shot a ball of dark energy at her. She wasn't able to block it, and was hit head on. She screamed in pain and landed hard on the ground. Phantom Ganon laughed evilly.
"Even together, you two still can't stop me" he taunted, and laughed again.
Mardera, Jarlis, and Taursus gritted their teeth as they watched Zelda and Mirren get no where in their fight. They knew they had to help, or Zelda would be captured and taken to Emralda's citadel.
"That's it!" shouted Jarlis, "I'm goin' ta help my friend even if it means risking my own life!" Mardera nodded and whipped out her twin scimitars.
"I'm with ya all the way Jarlis, let's take him out!" she yelled. They were both about to then charge in, before Taursus threw his huge hands out and grabbed their shoulders. They both turned around and looked at Taursus annoyed as they struggled to escape.
"What the heck do you think you're doing Taursus!" yelled Jarlis.
"Yeah, don't you care about Mirren and Zelda!?" shouted Mardera.
"Of course I do!" spat back Taursus, "but look!" Mardera and Jarlis then looked to where Taursus was looking and saw a dark portal beginning to open. They all froze in shock and watched as the purple and black portal grew bigger and bigger.
"A portal, one to take us to Emralda's citadel" whispered Mardera in fear. Phantom Ganon then turned to them and smiled diabolically under his mask.
"Yes, there it is" he said, "the portal to take you to the one's who have plotted this whole thing. And don't worry; you won't have to wait for me to take you three." They all looked at him strangely before suddenly three Stalfos jumped out of the portal in front of them. They had their black and red armor, their round shields, their red jagged blades, but yellowish bones this time. They all let loose a toothless grin, and leapt at them.
"Well, let's fight 'em!" yelled Taursus as he drew his huge sword and slashed one across the face.
Phantom Ganon watched as they began their fight, and smiled. He knew that Mirren's friends wouldn't win, but watched anyways since he figured he had knocked Mirren and Zelda unconscious. But he had though wrong. Slowly, and with a groan of pain, Mirren got up. He glared at the distracted Phantom Ganon, and pulled out the Fire Diamond. He pointed it to the phantom, and charged it up for a blast. He waited for a few seconds before he thought it'd be powerful enough to kill him. Once it was, he yelled out "Hey Phantom Ganon!" The phantom turned around, and saw Mirren with the Fire Diamond. Mirren then screamed and fired out the blast of fire. It came soaring towards Phantom Ganon, and enveloped him with fire. Even though he didn't hear a scream of pain, Mirren kept pushing out the fire. But suddenly, Phantom Ganon appeared behind him, and knocked him flat with a smack of his trident.
Mirren collapsed on the ground and dropped the Fire Diamond. The fire stopped pouring out, and the glow slowly disappeared. As Mirren rived in pain, Phantom Ganon laughed evilly.
"So, thought you could kill me with a little surprise, wrong choice kid!" he yelled. Mirren then got up and looked at Phantom Ganon with pain and anger in his eyes. Phantom Ganon grinned and thrust his trident into Mirren's stomach. Mirren gasped in pain, and his face went pale. Phantom Ganon then lifted his trident with Mirren still on it into the air.
"Goodbye kid" he said, and fired a ball of energy from the top. It exploded on Mirren, and sent him flying up in the air. He flew up a few feet, and landed on the ground with a sickening thud. Zelda finally regained consciousness and looked around; she looked at Phantom Ganon, and saw Mirren lying unconscious next to his feet.
"Mirren, no!" she yelled as tears formed in her eyes. She had just taken enough, her loved one was taken from her, her own little sister, and her favorite boy was now unconscious from the massive beating of Phantom Ganon. She stood up as her anger and sorrow mixed; not a good combination. Phantom Ganon noticed this, and grinned evilly.
"So, Zelda's all sad that her little boy is hurt?" he began in a mocking way, "how cute! What do you think you're gonna do Zelda? Are you gonna try and hurt me?" Zelda's eyes narrowed and she looked straight at Phantom Ganon.
"No.......I'm going to kill you" she whispered. She then threw her hands out to Phantom Ganon, and shot her golden energy beam. She screamed in rage and power as she put all of her energy into the beam. Phantom Ganon gasped from the oncoming beam of energy and froze in fear. He had no way to escape it. It soon hit directly and made him scream in pain. The golden energy struck his body and scorched it. He kept on screaming as Zelda pushed in more and more power. The energy totally surrounded his body, and literally just destroyed him. His body began to disintegrate as the energy took its toll on his body. Soon, every bit of his body was gone, and Zelda stopped the attack. Her hands fell, and she breathed heavily from exhaustion. She then looked at Mirren, who was coming around. She smiled, and walked over to him.
Like before, she knelt down and helped him up on his knees. He slowly opened his eyes, and saw Zelda with his smile.
"I destroyed him Mirren, we did it" she said. Mirren smiled back and she embraced him with a hug.
Back with Taursus and the others, the battle with the Stalfos was finishing. The Stalfos had gotten a couple hits in, but nothing which anyone of them couldn't take. Soon Taursus sliced his Stalfos in two, Mardera shattered hers with a spin cut, and Jarlis blew his away with an energy blast. The remaining bones of the Stalfos soon disappeared, and they all smiled at each other. They then turned to see Zelda and Mirren, the victors of their battle. They walked over to them, and smiled at the two.
"Nice job, you guys made a great team!" said Mardera. Zelda smiled and nodded.
"We did, we do make the perfect team. She then looked down at Mirren and smiled. Mirren smiled back, and got on his knees and stood without Zelda's help. He looked at Mardera and the others, and smiled too.
"Thanks guys, and nice job to you too" he complimented, "We stopped 'em. Now all we gotta do is come up with some kind of plan to get to Emralda's citadel." Suddenly, the portal began glowing even more. Everyone looked at it in surprise, and soon, three dark tentacles came out from them and grabbed Taursus, Mardera, and Jarlis. "Guys! No!" shouted Mirren. The three kicked and struggled as hard as they could to escape, but to no avail. The tentacles flew back into the portal, and took the three with them. Mirren couldn't believe what had happened, and Zelda looked on in shock. Mirren just stood there with his mouth open in shock before he heard two familiar laughs. Soon, Ganondorf and Emralda appeared in the portal smiling wickedly. Zelda gasped in shock, and froze in fear. Mirren just still stood afraid, only worse now.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Mirren and out last person of his to capture, Zelda" taunted Emralda. Ganondorf smiled evilly.
"Isn't it just perfect how our plan worked" he spoke, "we captured all of your best friends and loved ones, and finally we'll get the last one."
"Yes, and then you'll have lost everyone, and you will suffer because of what you did all those years ago kid, you'll pay" added Emralda with a diabolical grin.
"Now, let's get the most precious of his friends" Ganondorf spoke. Zelda was now surprised by what they said. Why did he say she was Mirren's most precious friend? She thought about it, but soon looked at Mirren. His eyes were filled with rage, and his was gritting teeth.
"I'll never let you two take her!" he yelled and charged at them ready to attack with his blade. He yelled with rage, and Emralda and Ganondorf could only grin wickedly at him. As he got closer, they lifted their hands up and shot an energy bolt each. Both hit Mirren head on, and he yelled in pain and he hit the floor. Zelda gasped in fear.
"Mirren!" she yelled. Ganondorf then threw his hand out at Zelda.
"Enough waiting!" he shouted, "let's get once and for all and make Mirren sorry!" Just then one of the dark tentacles came out and grabbed Zelda. She shrieked in fear and began kicking and screaming trying to escape. Mirren slowly got up and saw it.
"Zelda! Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!" he yelled. She then let out one last scream until she had disappeared into the portal. Mirren then looked as sorrowful as ever, and tears formed in his eyes. His hands dropped to the ground, and he began weeping. Ganondorf and Emralda laughed diabolically.
"See what we can do kid?" Ganondorf spoke, "we promised each other we'd get our revenge on you, and we fulfilled it. We captured your most loved ones, and now you will suffer as we keep them as our prisoners before we kill them!" Mirren then got up and screamed in anger. He lifted his blade up and charged at them once again. Emralda grinned and pointed her staff at him. She shot out an incredibly powerful beam of energy, and it hit Mirren dead on target. It went straight through him, and he dropped his blade and was suspended in mid air as he gasped in pain.
"Mirren, if you ever want to see your friends or your beloved Zelda, come to my citadel north of Hyrule Castle in Herlassia. We'll be waiting for you" Emralda said. Her and Ganondorf then laughed evilly as the portal slowly disappeared. Mirren watched in agony as they laughed, and he soon closed his eyes and blacked out.
Mirren finally awoke at about dusk. He opened his tired eyes, and yawned. He stretched a little, and looked out into the sinking sun. He then remembered why he was resting. He remembered every single detail from the battle, even the battle with Faria. But he remembered Zelda's battle better. He couldn't believe how powerful she was, and that he actually fought back against her! He remembered slashing at her twice, and knocking her down. He also remembered when she finished him off with the golden energy beam. But he remembered what Zelda had done for him most. He remembered her wonderful words and her holding him. He thought of everything she had done for him, and everything she was doing to care for him. He then realized something.
"Perhaps, I do.love her" he whispered to himself. Really every time he was around her he grew fonder of her, and he felt great every time she'd help him. He really did believe he was starting to love her. But then he realized something, she was ten years older than him! He could never date her, or marry her, he could do nothing! And he'd feel like an idiot if he told her, but there was still that feeling inside of him telling him that he should tell her, and get the feeling off of him, and tell her the truth. He shook his head and gritted his teeth from frustration.
"I hate love!" he exclaimed, "especially when it's older girls!" He lay back in bed and just day-dreamed for a few minutes before someone slowly opened the door. "Oh no, please not her" he thought to himself considering that the person could've heard what he was saying, and if it was Zelda, he would've blabbed everything! As it finally opened completely, it was only Link with a tray of food.
"Oh, you're up!" he said happily in surprise, "I'd thought you'd be hungry, so I brought you up from food." Mirren nodded.
"Thanks, I am getting hungry" he replied. Link then walked over to his bed and set it down next to him on the table. There was a glass of Lon Lon Milk, some oatcakes with blackberry jam, and two honey baked apples. Mirren's lips smacked as he looked at the delicious food. He instantly took an oatcake and took a bite into it. Link smiled and sat down next to him on a chair.
"Feeling better?" he asked. Mirren took a gulp of his Lon Lon Milk.
"Yep" he answered. Link smiled again.
"You took quite a beating there, Zelda's pretty tough isn't she?" he asked. Mirren nodded. "Yeah, and to think I though we'd win, ha!" Link said. Mirren laughed even he ate some of a honey baked apple.
"Man, this food is good!" exclaimed Mirren after swallowing some of the apple, "who made it?"
"Zelda" answered Link. Mirren just kind of froze for a second from her name, and looked at Link.
"Really?" he asked. Link nodded.
"Yep, none other" he answered. Mirren shrugged a little and began to eat again. "Ya know, I was kinda jealous of you when Zelda held you and practically hugged you" he said. Mirren immediately stopped eating and looked at Link strangely.
"Why is that?" he asked. Link now kind of blushed, and looked away from Mirren.
"Cause I'm kinda, secretly in love with Zelda" he answered. Mirren instantly froze again, but this time, he froze from shock.
"Oh. good. God" Mirren said to himself in his head. He then looked at Link.
"Are you serious?" he asked. Link nodded and looked embarrassed.
"Yeah" he said. Mirren couldn't believe what was happening. He couldn't believe his older brother was also in love with Zelda.
"What the heck do I do now?" he asked himself in his head, "I mean, I like her, but she can actually date Link or even marry him if he told her and she liked him. But what the heck could she do with me!? Yeah, maybe a hug and one kiss on the cheek 'cause she likes me, but there is no way ever that she'd be happier with that then dating Link and being his girlfriend. Oh man, what do I do?" He kept on thinking through all of his frustrations and did his best to come up with a plan, and soon he had one. "Right now I better think not of me, but for her" he said in his head again, "If I really did like her, I'd want her to be happier, and that's by being with Link. Man, I don't how I'm gonna do this, but right now I gotta be cupid for Link. Well, here goes nothing."
Mirren then looked Link straight in the eye. "Bro, it's gonna be hard for you to do this, but you gotta tell her how you really feel" he began. Link looked at him surprised. "Yeah, it's gonna be hard like I said, but she may like you, and if you tell her, then you two can be together forever! Believe me Link, I wouldn't be surprised if she liked you too." Mirren now grinned as Link, and Link smiled back. He couldn't believe how much Mirren's words had helped him, and was very happy.
"Thanks Mirren, you really helped" he replied, "I'm still amazed at how you can be of so much help even when you're so young, but I'm glad. I'll tell her Mirren, because of you. But one problem, where and when?" Mirren smiled.
"Leave that to me, you be in the throne room at 9:00, and I'll tell her" he answered. Link smiled and laughed.
"Thanks, I wouldn't be doing this without you Mirren" he said and rubbed his little brother's head. Mirren smiled back, and soon Link left to get ready. Mirren then decided he had felt good enough to go to Lon Lon Ranch. He wanted to get some more milk, and he could just tell Zelda along the way. He finished up his meal, and left the room. He began to look around the castle for Zelda. He looked in the room, the archives, the storage rooms, the great hall, the armory, but found no trace of her. He then looked out a window and saw her in a garden in front of the castle. He went outside, and met her there.
As he got closer, Zelda finally noticed him and turned around with a smile. "Mirren, you're up!" she exclaimed. Mirren smiled back.
"Yep, and I'm feeling as good as ever, thanks for everything" he said. Zelda nodded happily.
"So, what brings you out here?" she asked.
"Well I'm going to Lon Lon Ranch for a little bit, and I have something to tell you" he said with a grin. Zelda looked a little surprised.
"What?" she asked. Mirren then pointed to one of the throne room windows of the castle.
"Link wants to meet you there, he has something very important to tell you, and he said come at 9:00" Mirren answered. Zelda looked up at the windows for a few seconds before shrugging.
"Sure, whatever" she said. Mirren smiled.
"Cool, he'll be waiting for you" he said. He then pulled out his ocarina and played Goldenfire's melody. Soon the huge golden dragon flew down and landed right next to him. He got on and began to fly away.
"See ya Zelda!" he said waving. Zelda smiled and waved back. She then turned away and thought of Link.
"Finally, perhaps I can tell him how I feel" she whispered.
Mirren's flight wasn't a long one. Goldefire flew as fast as ever through the darkening sky, as soon he dropped Mirren off and flew back off into the skies. Mirren ran into the ranch and first stopped into the house where Talon was. He found him with his three super cuccos, sleeping as usual.
"Yo Talon wake up!" shouted Mirren. Talon instantly woke up and jumped from the surprise. He looked around and grumbled.
"Can't guy get a little shut eye around... oh Mirren it's you!" he said. Mirren sighed and somehow smiled.
"Yep, none other than me" he replied. Talon laughed.
"Well good ta see ya lad!" he spoke, "whata ya need?" Mirren took out one of his bottles.
"A refill on the milk" he answered. Talon nodded and filled the bottle up.
"Thirty rupees please" he said. Mirren dug into his wallet and pulled out the correct amount of rupees. He gave them to Talon and put his milk away.
"Well I gotta go, I wanna see Malon and Artra before I leave" he said pointing his thumb to door behind him. Talon smiled and nodded.
"Well run along then; don't wanna keep ya waiting" he said, "getting ta be good friends with Malon I see, just like Link. Hey, would ya like ta marry her?" Mirren looked at him strangely and raised an eyebrow.
"Didn't you ask my brother that like eleven years ago?" he asked. Talon then burst out into laughter so much he almost cried.
"Ahhhh I was just jokin' Mirren, Malon may be old enough, but you're not!' he said before he laughed again, "You can go now for real, I won't stop ya this time!" He began laughing again as Mirren left the house shaking his head in pity for Talon's stupid joke. He then walked out to the track and saw that Malon had put away all the horses, except Artra. He walked over, and saw her grooming her mane. She then realized Mirren was there, and her face lit up with happiness.
"Mirren!" she exclaimed. Mirren smiled.
"Good to see ya Malon, how's Artra?" he asked. Malon turned to Artra who was right now resting on the grass waiting for Malon to get back to grooming her. She then noticed Mirren and neighed. She got up and trotted over to him. She began to snuggle against him as he stroked her neck.
"Well I can see she's most happy to see you" Malon answered with a laugh. Mirren laughed a little too.
"I can see that!' he replied, and kept stroking her. He then reached into his pocket and soon pulled out a sack of oats. He handed it to Malon, who looked at it strangely. "They're special oats from the castle, I figured Artra would like them!" he said with a smile. Malon then smiled back and put the oats away.
"She'll love those!" she replied, "that was very nice of you!" Link grinned.
"What da ya expect, a jerk?" he asked. Malon laughed as her red hair sparkled from the stars and moonlight. She stopped after a few moments and smiled at Mirren.
"Hey, I'm sure Artra would love it if you rode around a little before she goes back into the stables" she said. Mirren looked at Artra and smiled before looking back at Malon.
"Sounds good to me" he replied. He then hopped on Artra and began riding around a little. He trotted at first and began galloping after a few minutes. A little while later then, he began to jump the small fences, and did them with ease.
"You're doing great Mirren, keep going, you can ride still for a while!" Malon shouted. Mirren nodded as he smiled and kept on riding his pony. He was having such a great time, it was just so much fun for him. But there were two evil eyes watching him, and soon his fun would be ruined.
Ganondorf had returned from the Dark World early, and had brought back two of his old servants; Phantom Ganon and Dark Link. The two evil spirits stood back as Emralda and Ganondorf smiled wickedly and watched Mirren.
"I say, we begin the plan now" Emralda spoke, "let's start with the farm girl and the pony. Then you can send one of those two to capture his brother and Zelda's sister. Four friends in one night, sounds good to me." Ganondorf still watched but soon turned with an evil grin.
"I like it a lot my sister, then let it begin, take the farm girl and the pony, I'll find the way to get Link and Faria" he replied. They both nodded, and Ganondorf walked over to Phantom Ganon and Dark Link. The two instantly looked straight into their leader's eyes ready to attack. Ganondorf looked at them both, and thought of who would be the best for this attack. He finally decided.
"Dark Link, this'll be your mission, go to Hyrule Castle and find Link and Zelda's sister" he began, "try and bring them into the same room. Fight them off and weaken them enough so they can be thrown into our portal. They'll come here, and we can chain them up. Now, get going" Dark Link nodded and suddenly teleported away. Ganondorf then turned to Phantom Ganon. "Your mission will be in a few hours, you'll be going after Zelda, so be prepared" Ganondorf spoke. The Phantom Incarnation of the Scourge of Hyrule nodded. Ganondorf then walked back to Emralda, who was smiling diabolically. She finally turned to her brother.
"I have sent a bunch of Keese my brother" she said, "they will all take the two and bring them up to the portal, they shall soon arrive here. Then I'll let you speak to him." Ganondorf smiled back.
"Perfect, and I'll let you say something too, it's not the same without my sister" he said back. They both then smiled and looked into the magical fire.
Mirren kept on riding and riding. He had never had so much fun on a horse in his entire life! He felt like he'd never want it to end! But he knew he needed to get back to the castle soon. He knew everyone would be worried about him if he stayed out too long, and he wanted to make sure everything with Zelda and Link went alright. He got off and walked over to Malon with Artra.
"Here, I gotta get going now, thanks for letting me ride!" he said with a smile. Malon smiled back and took Artra.
"No problem, you did great" she replied, "If you need to leave, go, you can come back any time." Mirren smiled and began walking away, until he heard the most terrifying voice he had ever heard.
"Where do you think you're going kid?" it asked. Mirren and Malon instantly looked around in confusion and looked a little afraid. "Don't you know who it is kid?" it asked again, "it is I, Ganondorf, and my sister Emralda. You know, the ones you killed all those years ago!?" Mirren froze in fear. The names, the voice, it all sounded familiar. He couldn't believe what was going on, and was speechless from the fear. He knew Ganondorf and Emralda, but he was still blurry on the killing.
"Kid, after what you've done to us, after almost seven years, we've come to get our revenge" a feminine voice said (this was Emralda, and Mirren knew it), "we are going to first steal your most loved ones from you, and make both you and them suffer for your foolishness al those years ago!" Malon was shocked and afraid.
"Mirren, what's going on?" she asked quietly from fear. Mirren couldn't answer, he was just too afraid, and in deep shock also. He looked out, and suddenly saw a bunch of Keese flying towards Malon and Artra.
"Malon! Ruuuuuuuuuuuun!!!!" shouted Mirren. Suddenly the numerous Keese swooped down and all together, lifted Malon and Artra into the sky. They both shrieked in fear as suddenly a purple and black portal began to open up. Mirren pulled out his bow and tried to shoot all the Keese in time, but the remaining ones soon entered the portal, and brought the screaming Malon and Artra with them. The portal then disappeared, and the faces of Ganondorf and Emralda formed in the sky. Mirren's jaw dropped as he saw their faces. Even though he had no idea of the battle long ago, he still feared their faces and knew who they were. He dropped his bow, and gasped in fear. Emralda and Ganondorf smiled wickedly.
"So, Mirren, the brother of the Hero of Time finally paying for all of what he's done, perfect" said Emralda.
"Yes, we have captured our first victims, two of your best friends" Ganondorf said as he took over, "you will pay even more when we capture two more of your most loved ones. Your brother and Faria." They both laughed diabolically as Mirren froze in fear even worse. The two faces then disappeared as they still laughed. Mirren the realized Link and Faria were in great danger. He left the ranch, and called upon Goldenfire. He got on, and began flying back to Hyrule Castle.
Back there, Zelda was in the throne room. It was just about 9:00, and she was waiting for Link. She waited for a few minutes until she finally heard a few foot steps. She heard the door open, and saw Link. She smiled.
"Hi Link" she whispered. Link looked nervous, and Zelda felt the same way. He walked over to her, and they both kind of looked away from nervousness. But Zelda finally spoke. "I guess we're both here, now, what was it you wanted to tell me?" she asked. Link gulped and began to sweat from his nervousness. But he spoke right back.
"Zelda, I need to tell you something" he answered, "something you don't even know, and something that will be incredibly hard for me to tell you. Let me tell you though, I wouldn't be doing this without Mirren, he was a lifesaver." Zelda looked at him a little concerned, and had a slight feeling of what he was going to tell her. Link finally began to speak, and he looked straight into her eyes. "Zelda, after all these years with you, I've fallen.........." Link got out no more, and suddenly a window shattered, and Dark Link landed into the throne room. Link froze in shock, and Zelda did the same.
"What... what in the world are you doing here?" asked Link pointing to Dark Link. His evil incarnation grinned wickedly.
"Under Ganondorf's commands, I've been ordered to capture both you Link and Faria" he answered, "All for the plan for Mirren." Zelda's and Link's jaw dropped, and couldn't believe what they were hearing. "Yes, the plan for them to get revenge for what Mirren did to them six years ago" he began to say again, "so Ganondorf told me to capture Faria, and you Link" Zelda gasped in fear as Link drew the Master Sword and the Mirror Shield.
"Over my dead body" he said as he gritted his teeth. Dark Link smirked, and drew his weapons. The two then leapt at each other and began to battle. They began slashing at each other and blocking the other's every shot. As the two began their fight, Zelda backed away. She just couldn't believe what was going on. She felt so frightened. For herself, for Faria, for Link, and especially Mirren now.
Link then did a vertical slash and caught Dark Link on the forehead. He grunted in pain and stepped back. Link then went for a stab, but Dark Link leapt up and landed on the blade. He reared back, and did a stab of his own and hit Link. He yelled in pain and crashed in the floor. Dark Link jumped in the air and brought hit sword down. Link just in time raised his shield and blocked the attack. He then reared his foot back and kicked Dark Link square in the chest. He knocked him off and got up.
"I won't let you defeat me" he said incredibly angry. Dark Link slowly got up and shook his head. Link took advantage of his weakened foe and did a cut across his face. Dark Link grunted in pain and smacked against the ground. Link then recuperated a little and waited for Dark Link to get up. He charged up the Master Sword for a spin attack, and it began glowing blue. As Dark Link began to get up, Link's blade glowed orange. Dark Link was finally up on his feet and turned around. Link then spun around and did the spin attack. He hit Dark Link with incredible force and made him scream in pain. He knocked him back and Dark Link crashed on the floor. He groaned in pain for a few moments before finally going into a state of unconsciousness.
Link watched his hurt foe, and finally turned around to Zelda. "Don't worry Zelda" he said, "I defeated him, he's dead." But Link spoke too soon. Suddenly Dark Link lifted his shadow head up and grinned evilly. Zelda noticed it, and gasped in shock.
"Link, look out!" she yelled. Link tried to turn around in time, but Dark Link shot a dark beam from his sword, and it struck Link in the back. Link screamed in agony and hit the floor hard. Zelda gasped in horror as Dark Link lifted himself up.
"Nice attack before, but not enough to stop me" he spoke. He then picked up his blade and walked over to Link who was slowly getting up. After a few moments of groaning in pain, he lifted his head up, and saw Dark Link. His evil form smiled wickedly and did a slice across his face. Link screamed in pain, and Zelda also did in horror. Link hit the floor again, and groaned in agony as blood flowed from his cut. Dark Link laughed diabolically.
"I told you that you couldn't defeat me, now I will get the portal ready, and send you back to Emralda's citadel" he spoke. He then threw his hands out, and behind Link's wounded body, appeared the dark portal. Dark Link laughed again. "My mission, is a success!" he shouted and laughed even more. Zelda froze in fear, her loved one was going to be sent through a portal to Emralda's dark castle! She almost was on the verge of tears when suddenly Faria appeared in the room, and shot Dark Link in the back with a magical fireball. He screamed in pain, and collapsed.
Zelda gasped in shock. She couldn't believe Faria was actually here! And even though it might have saved Link's life, she was in great danger. "Faria, get out now, he's here to kidnap you!" Zelda shouted. Faria looked at her a little confused before Dark Link got up and hit with another dark beam. Faria yelled in pain, and was knocked down. "Faria!" Zelda shrieked. She then turned to Dark Link, and shot a blast of energy at him. He saw it coming and dodged it with ease. He then shot a blast of his own magic at her, and knocked her against the wall.
"Well, now that I have both Faria and Link here, I shall send them to Ganondorf!" He then raised his hands up, giving Emralda the signal back at the citadel to have the portal take them away. Two long streaks of dark energy came out and grabbed them. They then pulled the weakened bodies in, and the portal closed. Dark Link laughed with success as Zelda just gasped and cowered in fear. Dark Link sensed it, and grinned evilly at her. He walked over to her as she tried to escape.
But he quickly trapped her against the wall, and pointed his blade to her throat. She froze in fear as tears formed in her eyes. Dark Link smirked diabolically. "Well isn't this interesting" he began, "Ganondorf had told me to only capture Link and Faria, but I know he'll be even happier if I kill you." He then pulled the blade back, and was ready to slice Zelda's throat open to kill her. He was just about to before the door flung open, and he froze. Zelda watched him strangely until he backed off a little. He reached to his back a little and she realized an arrow was in there. She looked at the door, and saw Mirren standing there holding his bow. Soon Taursus, Jarlis, and Mardera followed. As Dark Link rived in pain, Mirren could only glare at him.
"Guys, go help Zelda" he said not taking his eyes off Dark Link. His three friends nodded and ran over to help the emotionally hurt Zelda. Dark Link still groaned in pain before looking up at Mirren. He was still glaring at him. "How dare you ever come into Hyrule Castle uninvited and try to kill Zelda" he spoke. Mirren then reached into his knapsack and pulled out the Fire Diamond. He put it right in front of Dark Link's face, and it began glowing red. "Burn in the demon world you fool, burn for eternity" he said, and he suddenly shot the blast of fire from it. It enveloped Dark Link's body, and made everyone turn away from its massive power.
It made Dark Link scream in complete agony. It scorched his body, and began burning it. Soon the blast of fire disappeared, and all that was left of Dark Link was a pile of his own ashes. Mirren then put the Fire Diamond away and turned to Zelda who was being comforted by Taursus and the others. He began walking over, and instantly she threw her arms around him, and wept terribly. She knelt down completely, and Mirren also knelt down as she still cried.
"Oh Mirren" she said tears just pouring from her eyes, "Dark Link came and took Link and Faria through some dark portal. It's taking them to Emralda's citadel, her and Ganondorf want revenge on you for the battle six years ago!" Mirren now remembered the battle completely, but focused more on Zelda. "They're going to take the ones you love from you, and he Dark Link took them. They're gone Mirren, gone!" She then couldn't speak anymore, she just began crying worse than ever before. She tightened her grip on Mirren, and he held her close. Even though he was hugging the girl he had a crush on, he totally rid his mind of that and wept with her.
A couple hours later, Taursus, Jarlis, Mardera, Mirren and Zelda were in the great hall. All the doors were locked, and they all had every weapon with them. They all wanted to make sure they'd be ready if another attack came by. The first assault was already devastating. Link and Faria were gone, captured by Dark Link and taken to Emralda's citadel.
Zelda still cried a little even though it had been about two hours since the tragedy. She just was crushed with the fact her own little sister, her only living family member, and Link, her love, was taken from her. It was the worse thing that had ever happened, it was worse than anything she had dealt with Ganondorf for. Mirren and the others had tried to comfort her, but nothing could help. Two of her most loved people were gone, to a place she had no idea was. She just sat at one of the tables alone, and wept.
Mirren stood by himself in front of a window. It may not have seen anything like it, but he was also crushed by what happened. His best friend and his own flesh and blood were gone, after all the times he had spent with Link, he was gone. He was totally silent, just tears rolling down his face, as he crossed his arms and thought of that battle six years ago. He was now remembering it perfectly, even though it frightened him even more. He knew he had to do something, but right now he wasn't in the best position to. He just kept meditating on the battle, as tears still came from his eyes.
Taursus, Mardera, and Jarlis were standing by a pillar watching Zelda and Mirren. They absolutely felt terrible for them. And it was even worse since there was nothing they could for them. They had done anything they could to comfort the two (especially Zelda) but nothing ever worked.
"Man, I can't believe it, Dark Link coming and capturing Link and Faria" whispered Jarlis, "it just doesn't sound possible, all for revenge on Mirren all those years ago with some battle."
"I wish I knew what actually happened at the battle, I'd ask Impa, if she wasn't away with Sage business" Taursus added. Mardera turned from the suffering Zelda and Mirren and looked at Taursus and Jarlis.
"I know, what happened" she whispered somewhat reluctant. The two then turned to her with surprised looks on their faces.
"Are you serious?" asked Taursus.
"How in the world would you know?" asked Jarlis. Mardera turned to Mirren and looked at him. She seemed reluctant to tell them, before Mirren though had looked at her through the corner of his eye and nodded. Mardera nodded back and sighed ready to tell the tale.
"Ok, Link had told me this a while ago before he and Mirren left for Terlon Forest" she began, "anyways though, It happened one day when Ganondorf and Emralda came to Terlon six years ago looking for a piece of the Triforce. They came to Mirren's village, and began attacking it. Mirren was only about five, but he still came out with his own weapon and tried to stop them. The two had shot him with their dark energy bolts, and thought they had killed him. They kept on attacking, before Mirren had got up and used some awesome power. He shot this beam of energy from his sword, and it destroyed them both. They had both been regenerated a couple years later, and I guess Ganondorf went to try and get the Triforce on his own for a while, and Emralda waited for his return. So because Mirren had killed them all those years ago, and supposedly stopped them from getting a piece of the Triforce, they want revenge on him, and they're doing that by capturing his friends. Which means we may be next." Suddenly Mirren turned around. He had dried up his tears, and looked enraged. They looked at him a little surprised, and waited for him to speak.
"They've already taken Malon, my pony Artra, Link, and Faria" he began, "I'm not letting get any one of you four, so they're gonna have ta do a heck of a lot to get through me this time."
"Hey Mirren, don't think you're only line of defense" said Jarlis as he narrowed his eyes a little, "We can fight too." Mirren glared at him.
"I never said you couldn't fight, I'm saying this because you guys aren't strong enough to fight them off by yourselves" he spat back, "Those two are like no other force Hyrule could ever be attack by, it's gonna be hard as heck to defeat them. But somehow, some way, I will defeat them; once and for all." Mirren then turned to the still weeping Zelda. He was now even more enraged. His eyes lit up with anger, and he gritted his teeth. He pulled out his sword, and in anger, sliced an oaken table into two. He screamed in rage.
"Even if it's the last thing I do... I will kill them, even if it means dieing myself!!!!!" he shouted. Suddenly everyone heard a voice from behind Mirren.
"Well, it seems the boy is a little angry" it said. Mirren looked confused, and turned around. His mouth dropped, and his eyes widened in shock. It was Phantom Ganon. Everyone else gasped in fear. Even Zelda, and even though she still had tears, she stopped the actual crying. Mirren couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"What... what are you doing here?" he asked pointing to him. Even though no one could see it, Phantom Ganon grinned evilly.
"I'm here because of Ganondorf, I'm here to capture your three friends, and Zelda" he answered. Everyone gasped in shock and fear, even Mirren was speechless. He had to do something, or he'd lose his last remaining friends. His eyes filled with anger, and he gritted his teeth.
"You're not getting anyone with a fight from me you freakin' phantom!!!" Mirren shouted. Phantom Ganon smirked under his mask, and got his trident ready. Mirren got his blade ready, and turned to Taursus and the others.
"Guys, protect Zelda, if something happens to me, you'll need to defend her!" he yelled. Phantom Ganon flew at the distracted Mirren and aimed a stab of his trident. Mirren just saw it and parried the attack. He lifted his sword up and slashed Phantom Ganon across the face, and knocked him flat. As Mardera, Jarlis, and Taursus walked over to Zelda, she put her hand out, and narrowed her eyes in determination. Mirren turned around and saw her, and his mouth dropped as his eyes widened in shock.
"Mirren, I have done nothing to help throughout this whole ordeal" she began, "Its time I helped you, they're after me too, and I'm going to defend myself, and you!" The others also had their jaws drop in surprise; they were shocked at what Zelda was saying! Mirren still looked into Zelda's narrow eyes, and turned his head away with a grin.
"Fine, you wanna fight, go ahead" he said, "but if sometimes to me, get the heck outta here and escape!" Zelda now kind of smiled and nodded.
"Fine by me" she replied. Phantom Ganon was now finally up on his feet angry as ever. He glared at the two through his skull mask, and lifted his trident in the air.
"Try and stop this fools!" he yelled, and shot a bolt of dark energy from it. The bolt came rushing towards them, and they jumped away just in time to dodge it. Zelda threw her hands out and shot a magical fireball at him. Phantom Ganon lifted up his trident and blocked the shot, and yelled with power as he shot another bolt of energy at her. She teleported away, and the bolt exploded on the ground. She appeared behind him and shot another fireball. He turned around, and dodged the shot. With him distracted, Mirren rushed up behind him with his blade ready for an attack. Phantom Ganon spun around and smacked him with his trident. Mirren yelled in pain and was sent flying into the wall.
"Mirren!" Zelda yelled. She then looked at Phantom Ganon and her eyes narrowed. Her eyes also lit up blue and she performed a mental attack. Phantom Ganon knew what she was doing and threw his trident out towards her. It created a force field around him and protected him from the attack. Zelda gasped in shock that he had blocked the attack. The phantom wasted no time and shot a ball of dark energy at her. She wasn't able to block it, and was hit head on. She screamed in pain and landed hard on the ground. Phantom Ganon laughed evilly.
"Even together, you two still can't stop me" he taunted, and laughed again.
Mardera, Jarlis, and Taursus gritted their teeth as they watched Zelda and Mirren get no where in their fight. They knew they had to help, or Zelda would be captured and taken to Emralda's citadel.
"That's it!" shouted Jarlis, "I'm goin' ta help my friend even if it means risking my own life!" Mardera nodded and whipped out her twin scimitars.
"I'm with ya all the way Jarlis, let's take him out!" she yelled. They were both about to then charge in, before Taursus threw his huge hands out and grabbed their shoulders. They both turned around and looked at Taursus annoyed as they struggled to escape.
"What the heck do you think you're doing Taursus!" yelled Jarlis.
"Yeah, don't you care about Mirren and Zelda!?" shouted Mardera.
"Of course I do!" spat back Taursus, "but look!" Mardera and Jarlis then looked to where Taursus was looking and saw a dark portal beginning to open. They all froze in shock and watched as the purple and black portal grew bigger and bigger.
"A portal, one to take us to Emralda's citadel" whispered Mardera in fear. Phantom Ganon then turned to them and smiled diabolically under his mask.
"Yes, there it is" he said, "the portal to take you to the one's who have plotted this whole thing. And don't worry; you won't have to wait for me to take you three." They all looked at him strangely before suddenly three Stalfos jumped out of the portal in front of them. They had their black and red armor, their round shields, their red jagged blades, but yellowish bones this time. They all let loose a toothless grin, and leapt at them.
"Well, let's fight 'em!" yelled Taursus as he drew his huge sword and slashed one across the face.
Phantom Ganon watched as they began their fight, and smiled. He knew that Mirren's friends wouldn't win, but watched anyways since he figured he had knocked Mirren and Zelda unconscious. But he had though wrong. Slowly, and with a groan of pain, Mirren got up. He glared at the distracted Phantom Ganon, and pulled out the Fire Diamond. He pointed it to the phantom, and charged it up for a blast. He waited for a few seconds before he thought it'd be powerful enough to kill him. Once it was, he yelled out "Hey Phantom Ganon!" The phantom turned around, and saw Mirren with the Fire Diamond. Mirren then screamed and fired out the blast of fire. It came soaring towards Phantom Ganon, and enveloped him with fire. Even though he didn't hear a scream of pain, Mirren kept pushing out the fire. But suddenly, Phantom Ganon appeared behind him, and knocked him flat with a smack of his trident.
Mirren collapsed on the ground and dropped the Fire Diamond. The fire stopped pouring out, and the glow slowly disappeared. As Mirren rived in pain, Phantom Ganon laughed evilly.
"So, thought you could kill me with a little surprise, wrong choice kid!" he yelled. Mirren then got up and looked at Phantom Ganon with pain and anger in his eyes. Phantom Ganon grinned and thrust his trident into Mirren's stomach. Mirren gasped in pain, and his face went pale. Phantom Ganon then lifted his trident with Mirren still on it into the air.
"Goodbye kid" he said, and fired a ball of energy from the top. It exploded on Mirren, and sent him flying up in the air. He flew up a few feet, and landed on the ground with a sickening thud. Zelda finally regained consciousness and looked around; she looked at Phantom Ganon, and saw Mirren lying unconscious next to his feet.
"Mirren, no!" she yelled as tears formed in her eyes. She had just taken enough, her loved one was taken from her, her own little sister, and her favorite boy was now unconscious from the massive beating of Phantom Ganon. She stood up as her anger and sorrow mixed; not a good combination. Phantom Ganon noticed this, and grinned evilly.
"So, Zelda's all sad that her little boy is hurt?" he began in a mocking way, "how cute! What do you think you're gonna do Zelda? Are you gonna try and hurt me?" Zelda's eyes narrowed and she looked straight at Phantom Ganon.
"No.......I'm going to kill you" she whispered. She then threw her hands out to Phantom Ganon, and shot her golden energy beam. She screamed in rage and power as she put all of her energy into the beam. Phantom Ganon gasped from the oncoming beam of energy and froze in fear. He had no way to escape it. It soon hit directly and made him scream in pain. The golden energy struck his body and scorched it. He kept on screaming as Zelda pushed in more and more power. The energy totally surrounded his body, and literally just destroyed him. His body began to disintegrate as the energy took its toll on his body. Soon, every bit of his body was gone, and Zelda stopped the attack. Her hands fell, and she breathed heavily from exhaustion. She then looked at Mirren, who was coming around. She smiled, and walked over to him.
Like before, she knelt down and helped him up on his knees. He slowly opened his eyes, and saw Zelda with his smile.
"I destroyed him Mirren, we did it" she said. Mirren smiled back and she embraced him with a hug.
Back with Taursus and the others, the battle with the Stalfos was finishing. The Stalfos had gotten a couple hits in, but nothing which anyone of them couldn't take. Soon Taursus sliced his Stalfos in two, Mardera shattered hers with a spin cut, and Jarlis blew his away with an energy blast. The remaining bones of the Stalfos soon disappeared, and they all smiled at each other. They then turned to see Zelda and Mirren, the victors of their battle. They walked over to them, and smiled at the two.
"Nice job, you guys made a great team!" said Mardera. Zelda smiled and nodded.
"We did, we do make the perfect team. She then looked down at Mirren and smiled. Mirren smiled back, and got on his knees and stood without Zelda's help. He looked at Mardera and the others, and smiled too.
"Thanks guys, and nice job to you too" he complimented, "We stopped 'em. Now all we gotta do is come up with some kind of plan to get to Emralda's citadel." Suddenly, the portal began glowing even more. Everyone looked at it in surprise, and soon, three dark tentacles came out from them and grabbed Taursus, Mardera, and Jarlis. "Guys! No!" shouted Mirren. The three kicked and struggled as hard as they could to escape, but to no avail. The tentacles flew back into the portal, and took the three with them. Mirren couldn't believe what had happened, and Zelda looked on in shock. Mirren just stood there with his mouth open in shock before he heard two familiar laughs. Soon, Ganondorf and Emralda appeared in the portal smiling wickedly. Zelda gasped in shock, and froze in fear. Mirren just still stood afraid, only worse now.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Mirren and out last person of his to capture, Zelda" taunted Emralda. Ganondorf smiled evilly.
"Isn't it just perfect how our plan worked" he spoke, "we captured all of your best friends and loved ones, and finally we'll get the last one."
"Yes, and then you'll have lost everyone, and you will suffer because of what you did all those years ago kid, you'll pay" added Emralda with a diabolical grin.
"Now, let's get the most precious of his friends" Ganondorf spoke. Zelda was now surprised by what they said. Why did he say she was Mirren's most precious friend? She thought about it, but soon looked at Mirren. His eyes were filled with rage, and his was gritting teeth.
"I'll never let you two take her!" he yelled and charged at them ready to attack with his blade. He yelled with rage, and Emralda and Ganondorf could only grin wickedly at him. As he got closer, they lifted their hands up and shot an energy bolt each. Both hit Mirren head on, and he yelled in pain and he hit the floor. Zelda gasped in fear.
"Mirren!" she yelled. Ganondorf then threw his hand out at Zelda.
"Enough waiting!" he shouted, "let's get once and for all and make Mirren sorry!" Just then one of the dark tentacles came out and grabbed Zelda. She shrieked in fear and began kicking and screaming trying to escape. Mirren slowly got up and saw it.
"Zelda! Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!" he yelled. She then let out one last scream until she had disappeared into the portal. Mirren then looked as sorrowful as ever, and tears formed in his eyes. His hands dropped to the ground, and he began weeping. Ganondorf and Emralda laughed diabolically.
"See what we can do kid?" Ganondorf spoke, "we promised each other we'd get our revenge on you, and we fulfilled it. We captured your most loved ones, and now you will suffer as we keep them as our prisoners before we kill them!" Mirren then got up and screamed in anger. He lifted his blade up and charged at them once again. Emralda grinned and pointed her staff at him. She shot out an incredibly powerful beam of energy, and it hit Mirren dead on target. It went straight through him, and he dropped his blade and was suspended in mid air as he gasped in pain.
"Mirren, if you ever want to see your friends or your beloved Zelda, come to my citadel north of Hyrule Castle in Herlassia. We'll be waiting for you" Emralda said. Her and Ganondorf then laughed evilly as the portal slowly disappeared. Mirren watched in agony as they laughed, and he soon closed his eyes and blacked out.
