Generations

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Chapter 5: Reanimation

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He watched, warily.... A shadow moved in front of him, two glittering flames for its eyes, all his dark thoughts given form... It - he - regarded him in return, a blade of darkness in its hand. How was he supposed to defend against this attack?... A yell broke through his thoughts. The shadow was screaming...

Or singing? With a start, he realised he knew the words...

"...And that was the latest single from Fusion, here on Kakariko's one-oh-two-point-four FM, Peak Radio! Now here's a new one by Sara Forester, the lead singer of..."

Ungh. What was that about? Okay for those other heroes, Link thought, staring at the alarm clock on Monday morning and letting the DJ's voice wash over him. Most of the weekend had been spent slightly dazed. He knew that he must have eaten, slept and lived in general over Sunday - all under a cloud - but he was finally growing to accept what his fate was. That last nightmare had only brought things into focus. Probably born with a sword in their hand - owch! Probably never had to go to school... don't think they had schools in those days, did they? Lucky for them. Unfortunately, I do.

He was met downstairs by a slightly pensive Zelda, and his father looking extremely tired out. Not in the mood to argue for once, their eyes briefly caught across the breakfast table. I can't let him know, Link thought. If there's one thing... they'd both freak out if they knew what we've been going through.

There was nothing to say that morning. Link and Zelda were quiet as they headed out the doorway to the bus stop, neither wanting to mention what was happening. It still seemed all too strange. Zelda couldn't help but notice that her brother seemed a little uneasy. She put it down to his newfound troubles. I don't blame you, she thought. If it was up to me...

-

Dr. Hunter knew he shouldn't have been looking in Link's room, as he quickly looked up the stairs. If his son had known, it would have been cause for part two hundred in the feud between generations. But, he thought, the way things were going it would be the last chance he would have. For the most part, it looked like any average teenager's room, for whom keeping things tidy was of less importance than keeping them where they were wanted. Clothes and books waged war over the limited floorspace available, while the computer, television and video games console conducted their own battle.
One thing caught his eye, however, amid the general chaos. A notebook sat by the computer. He swallowed as he read the title.
Diary of a (possible) hero, by L. A. Hunter... what is this about? Unless...
Feeling slightly guilty, he quickly read the first page. His heart sank. All the things I've been, we've been doing... they're all happening to you? I had... I had no idea... damn it, Rob! He even asked about them, and you didn't twig? Call yourself a scientist!
He flipped the thin book shut, and turned his attention to a pile of papers underneath. Most of them looked like plain printouts. Mostly text, and mostly covering the same ground. One page caught his eye, though. Green ballpoint sketches of artifacts, surrounded by Link's handwriting. Someone had been doing his research thoroughly. If only he was that keen about his homework, he thought, and read on.

...Master Sword... mythical blade, used by most of the heroes, but hasn't been seen in nearly 1000 yrs. ... Silver Arrows - what's the point? Freaky magnifying glass, 'lens of truth' - supposed to reveal the truth to anyone who looks thru' it (Hyrule City National Museum)... magical ocarina - what? Zelda's doesn't look anything like that, too many holes... Fierce deity mask (?) - first hero used this to transform into a warrior god, yeah, right (Kakariko Archaeological Museum)... hookshot, haven't I seen this in outdoor supplies store?...

The list continued in the same fashion, but Robert's eye kept swinging back up towards the top of the page - the image of the mask. Maybe it was his imagination, but the face depicted bore a noticeable resemblance to Link's own. Something was annoying him about it. With a start, he realised. If that's in the Archaelogical Museum, I used to work there, I've got contacts...
If there's a way I can help you... I will.

-

The morning went past quietly. Link thought he had never seen his History teacher look so surprised as when he dropped the essay on his desk. It would probably get a D, knowing the rushed state it was in and his luck, but he doubted that 'I couldn't do my homework because monsters are attacking me and I'm the destined protector of this country' would pass muster as an excuse for extra time on it.

At the first opportunity, he found himself in the library, trying to further research the legends he found himself in. Not that the resources there were much use. As far as they were concerned, history seemed to start at the same time as science. He had asked the librarian, but she had been of no help either. She had never seen Link in there of his own accord, and wasn't sure he was entirely honest about his reasons for being there.

A voice disturbed Link from his browsing. "Well, this isn't like you..."
He looked up. "Hey, Lyn'? Just trying to dig myself out of a hole..."
"Okay," she laughed. "Who are you, and what have you done with the real Link?" He caught himself joining in, recognising the truth in what she'd said. But, in some ways, 'who are you' cut closer to the bone than he imagined such a simple question could.
"Heh. There was just... some stuff I wanted to check out."
"Not like you... I can't stop to chat. 'Specially not here... Got band practice in a couple of minutes. Guess I'll be seeing you after..." With that, Lynna smiled softly and left. Link's eyes followed her out the door.
Damn, he thought. Thanks, mouth. I could've told her there while it was quiet... how hard can it be to put together the phrase 'I want to go out with you?' Smooth move, mr. hero... Stuff this. She's only out...

Earning a surprised look from the librarian, Link bolted for the door. "Lynna, wait!"
"What is it?" she asked, surprised.
He shook his head. "Uh - I was wondering. Would you, you know, like to go out sometime?"
She chuckled. "Is that you trying to ask me for a date?" Link nodded. "There's no need to come on all tongue tied. I'd love to. Where were you thinking of?"
He thought for a second. "Sheesh - I hadn't really thought about it!" Lynna gave him a sly look. "I know. What about Creamy's? In the old town?" She gave him a brief nod, and he paused for a second. "Thursday night be okay?"
"Better than okay. Thanks." She put her hand on his shoulder. "I'll see you there, then."

It was later in the day that it suddenly occurred to him.
Please, no. I haven't dragged you into this, too, Lyn'?

-

"Excuse me? Does this library have a section on mythology? Legends? That sort of thing?"
"Certainly, young man," the librarian replied, not noticing the amused flicker in the visitor's pale eyes. He wasn't the sort of person she would have expected to be dropping in for a little light reading, that was for sure. "Over in that corner. Numbers 313-319. Only the books there are a bit out of date..."
"The further out of date, the better. Thank you." Surprisingly quietly, Oni span on his heel and walked away. He didn't feel at ease here. It was too peaceful, somehow - and walking past the history books felt strange, considering he knew the facts they contained better than they did.

At random, he picked a selection of books from the shelf. The titles struck chords in his memory. The Adventures of... The Legend of... The Guardian of... The Hero's... Aha. Prophecies.

This sounds interesting... Oni'kara thought, flipping the book open at the index. His eyes flickered quickly down towards his own name, out of habit. That wasn't what he was there for, however. A word caught his eye. Inheritors. What does that mean? He quickly paged through the volume, drawing in a deep breath as he read and committed the words to memory.

"Eternal power, from heavens bound, in halls of knowledge shall be found... Where dark takes light, whose blood its bane, to raise the old times once again... Yet they shall come, far, near at hand, to one whose fate spans all the land... By all their sight, to finally see, the meaning of true destiny..." He shook his head.
What's that supposed to mean? These things are never that logical...
Wait. The first line. I'm sure I've never been to any 'halls of knowledge', unless I count this. But... that's right! Didn't I see a sign for a university near here? That must be it. Something's happening there. I have to look.
Dammit, Oni'kara, it might not even mean...
What else could it be? You're in the middle of this, too.

-

The Hunters' car almost screeched to a halt in the parking lot of the archaelogical museum. You'd better have got the message, Robert thought, running as quickly as he could to the back entrance. They're going to kill me if they find out I've been pulling strings. And lying my butt off. I'm a physicist, not a historian, so what am I doing here?
'They'? What about 'him'? If 'he' realises what you're up to...
It probably won't do a thing. But I need to at least try.

The curator gave Dr. Hunter a strange look as he unlocked the cabinet. "You're a lucky so-and-so, Rob. I shouldn't really be letting this out of the museum. But you say you've found an expert on these sorts of things?"
He nodded, swallowing, picking up the smooth wooden mask. "I don't know how long he'll take with it, but if there's anyone who knows what to do with this I know just the person. Thanks so much, Rich."
"Fine. I just want it back in one piece eventually."

His heart racing, the scientist walked away.

-

The school day was over. Pupils crowded out of the gates and across the school grounds. Among them, a distracted Link. He could only hope that he hadn't put Lynna in danger with his actions.

A voice laughed behind his back. "Oh, hello. You know, I made you a promise on Saturday. I keep my promises."
He span round. "Get lost, you jerk."
"I don't think so. I'm where I want to be. You're the one who's going to be wishing he was lost."
Link glared, angrily. "Shut up. Why can't you ever leave me alone?"
Cal's eyes flared with a nameless anger. There had never really been any logical reason behind their rivalry. Perhaps, in their first years in school, something had started it. But now, it was quite simply bullying and fighting because things had always been that way. "What would be the point?" he spat, and with a quick kick cut Link's legs away from under him. Link only retaliated by kicking back, sending Cal down to the floor and getting dust in his dyed-black hair. For once, Cal didn't seem to be interested in calling for the cavalry, just in causing as much pain as possible.
The fight continued for some time, gathering an audience rapidly. Unfortunately, a teacher was among them to break it up. Angrily, he waded in to drag the boys apart.

"I am going to kill you, Link Hunter! You hear me?" Cal hissed, as the teacher walked away. "One day, soon... you are dead meat!"
Listening to Cal's words, Link shook his head. You're probably not going to get the chance.

-

It was strange, Oni'kara thought. The last time he had been to Kakariko, the whole of the city had probably been smaller than the campus complex he found himself walking across. Then again, that hadn't been the same Kakariko, but another world's variant. The more things changed, the more they stayed the same...

He knew one thing for sure. This was the right place, for certain. A feeling of dark magic saturated the air. It almost surprised him that none of the students, professors or tutors that he could see could feel it. Then again, maybe they could - everyone seemed edgy. He could pick up stray thoughts in their minds. A wall of light that would let no-one pass, strange experiments that had been going on all weekend, and unusual behaviour from one of the most important people around.
Trusting his instincts, he headed in the direction that most of the people around seemed to be leaving. As he drew closer, it got increasingly quiet, and the magical aura that surrounded him became stronger. There was no doubt that he was approaching something important.

The problem was that there was no way to get inside. All the doors he could see were locked by key cards and codes. There was no-one around to get the appropriate information off. It would have been possible to break down the door easily enough, but that was a last resort. He paused for a moment, thinking. There's got to be a way round this. There always is. But how do I...
As he wondered, a door opened into the courtyard where he stood. Oni looked round to see who it was. The figure who had appeared looked almost familiar, in some strange way. With a start, he realised. If he had ever aged, he suspected he would have looked a lot like the surprised scientist who stood there.

"You're not one of my students, are you?" the scientist asked. "I've never seen you here before."
"No," Oni'kara started. "I'm..." His words were cut off as his companion dropped to his knees, holding his hands in his head. "What's wrong?"
A pair of deep blue eyes looked up to meet pale grey. With that, he knew what the problem was. "The dark power's affecting you, isn't it?"
"How... how did you know? You couldn't have any idea what's been happening to me!"
"I've got a feeling. Put it this way. Here - do you need a hand?"
The scientist reached gratefully up. "Thanks." He paused. "Can I... can I trust you?" he whispered.
"What for?"
He shook his head. "It's hard to explain. But... do you know a boy by the name of Link Hunter?" Oni'kara froze. "He's my son, and in terrible danger. This package I'm carrying - I was planning to take it to him tonight. Only I don't think that I'll be able to make it..." The word 'alive' followed in his thoughts. "Here. I can't believe I'm doing this - but if you know anyone who can get this safely to... Here. This is our address," the scientist remarked, grabbing a ballpoint out of his pocket and scribbling it down. "Please. I need your help."
"I'll do it," the immortal interrupted. "I know - who you're talking about."
"You've met?"
"Not quite. Don't worry. You can trust me." We're in this together. He picked the parcel out of the scientist's hands, and walked away. There was a strange feeling coming through the wrapping. Quickly, surprised, he realised what he had been given. Underneath the wrapping, he could feel the contours of something he would have thought impossible. No. That all happened in another reality. The lost timeline - two thousand years ago... my original home. This belongs here.
Will it even work? After what I did to my counterpart here, this power could be useless.
Maybe. Maybe not.
If it does... I hope you're up to this, Link...

-

"Where were you?"
Dr. Hunter swallowed. It had all seemed like such a good idea that morning, to get whatever help to Link that he could. But, now, his plans had collapsed. The artifact had reacted violently to the magic field around the laboratory, and there had been no chance he could have sneaked it past Ganondorf's vision. He could only hope that it would get to its destination safely. "I had some equipment to deliver to the rest of the labs. You were the one who said this had to be a secret - I'm just trying to make it look like everything is normal..."
Ganondorf glared. "You lie, Hylian. You were with someone."
"I was asking one of the research students to take it off me! Honest!" It wasn't a lie, he thought. Whoever that was had to have been a student, even if what he'd been given to deliver wasn't exactly 'lab equipment'.
"We'll see. Here... you have a device which allows you to watch what occurred in the past, do you not?"
The scientist sighed with relief. "I don't know how you knew that, but, yes. I should have video footage that'll prove what I'm saying. Hang on..." He began to search through the computer's files, trying to remember where the security camera program was. Technically, he shouldn't have had access to the camera, but a skill with computers seemed to run in the family. "October twenty... three pm... this should be it. Just watch."

The video was slightly blurry, as any surveillance camera would be, but clear enough. He watched himself walking down the corridor, to the door where he had met the student he'd given the package to...
His jaw dropped. Trying to recover his composure, he paused the video.
"That's not right! Who is that?"
Ganondorf's eyes flared in brilliant crimson. "You were talking to him! That... that is the figure who exiled me to that wasteland in the first place..."
"No. No. That's wrong. The person I was talking to didn't go in for the whole armour and very large swords look.... I haven't seen him before!"
"You were the one who said this... video, would show us the true events. Your guilt is clear, Hylian. You were a good servant - but you have betrayed me!" He squinted at the image. "How is he here? That... that... once, he went by the same name as your son. But the last time I saw him, he was someone else - yet always my nemesis. You were telling him where I was..."
"I swear I didn't! If I was trying to deceive you, I wouldn't have told you that you could find out the truth..."
"What is the 'truth'? What you are passing him - that is not your ...alchemical apparatus, is it? More likely a weapon, a map..." Dr. Hunter swallowed. "For this betrayal, you must pay!"

A blazing violet fireball formed between the spectral dark king's hands. "Prepare to say goodbye to your dreams."
"Wait!" the scientist protested, in a vain effort to hold on to his life. "The way I understood it, you needed me! You can't break through the worlds on your own - you can't destroy me here!" It sounded weak, but he could think of nothing else to say.
Ganondorf paused. "No. Perhaps you are telling me the truth here." He smiled, sending a cold shock down Dr. Hunter's spine. "I need your mind. It is true. But more importantly... your body."

The shadowy form of the Gerudo began to fade out of his field of view. The danger seemed to have passed. Has he gone? Dr. Hunter thought, cherishing the faint hope the thought gave him. But where? And what did he mean by...
Immediately, he knew. A stabbing headache flooded through his system. Equally strong pain came in from his hands and feet, coursing upwards through his limbs, followed by a total numbness - as though they were no longer under his control. The feeling of losing himself rushed over his body. His mind was the only part of him still behaving as it should, and it rapidly came to the only possible conclusion.
This is what he meant... he meant to...
I've failed you, Link...
Try and forgive me when...

Robert Hunter passed out and crashed to the floor.

Unsteadily - unused to a human body - Ganondorf got to his feet.

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A/N: Phew... got this one out a bit earlier than chapter 4... still not as fast as I'd have liked, but I'm trying...
I'm glad to know the last chapter was alright in the end. I rewrote it loads, that's why it was so delayed. Thanks for waiting.

Okay. For everyone who asked, this chapter's longer than the last, hope this is what you're looking for. I don't know that I'll be able to manage it every time, but I can only try...

Thank you! And please review... I know this chapter was a bit slow-paced, but I'd really appreciate feedback. Things ought to pick up speed in the next one. Thanks again, everyone.