A/N: Sorry for such a small update last time.

SSG: Hey, best things come in small packages!

Link: O.o What does that have to do with anything!?

SSG: Absolutely NOTHING!! :)

Link: -.- I miss Skywise and Redlance...

They'll be back soon, don't worry. Anyway, here's the chappie!!

Rise of the Heroine of Time: Chapter 5: Preparations for War

Soon after, the message of war soon got out across the entire country. After speaking with each tribe, they all agreed to aid Hyrule in its time of peril. The Kokiri were too peaceful to fight, but they would gladly take in as many evacuated Hylians as they could fit in their forest home. The Gorons had already started making new armor and weapons for the Royal Army. After much thought, the Zoras agreed to send in their best archers to the battlefield. The Sheikah as well would help in the battles with fighting and healing the wounded. The Gerudos, being caught in the middle, couldn't fight for either side, but agreed to send any secret battle plans to Hyrule, since their win guaranteed the defeat of their evil ruler. Every tribe made a contribution, and the looks of this war seemed less threatening.

In a matter of days, the Gorons had finished their work, and the people were being evacuated to places like Kakariko Village, Zora River, and Kokiri Forest. Outside the castle, Link and Zelda watched their army fit into the well-made armor from a distance.

"I have to admit," Zelda sighed. "This is going better than I thought it would. The people aren't panicking as much as I thought."

Link smiled at Zelda. "Like rumors, the facts get around quite quickly. They know the different tribes are helping us. They know there's still hope. They have confidence in you and I."

"More so you," Zelda smiled softly. "You're their king, their warrior. You'll be the one to lead our army into battle against the most frightening of creatures. You and our army's strength will prevail, I can feel it."

Link warmly returned the smile and wrapped an arm around her waist, looking back out into his vast army. Just then, he noticed Florence hastily stepping through the front gate. She approached her parents calmly.

"The women and children are all evacuated," Florence stated, looking out into the army. "And I see the army's getting well prepared."

Remembering something, Link turned to his daughter. "And the ranch...?"

Florence smiled. "Everything's been evacuated. The livestock are in Kakariko, and Malon and Lalon are in Saria's care in the forest."

Link smiled at his daughter. "Thank you, Florence. Is your blade ready?"

Florence nodded, pulling out her new sword from its sheath on her waist. It had a bright red hilt that much resembled the Master Sword, and a bright blade with a barbed-like tip at the end. It was her new, adult-sized sword, dubbed "Northern Star."

"Ah, good." Zelda looked at her husband oddly.

"Wait, Link, are you saying she's...?"

But before she could finish, two workers from the armory approached with two special suits of armor. "Here are the suits of armor for the king and princess, as you have requested, Your Majesty." One of them bowed.

Zelda was shocked. "Florence! You're fighting, too?"

"Yes, Mother," she admitted. "If I can serve the army, then I shall."

Zelda looked at her in shock as Florence was fitted into her silver, purple, and green armor. She turned to Link, who was getting fitted into his own armor of gold, red, and blue.

-Link! Can't you do anything, beloved?- she sent desperately. -Can't you stop her?-

Link gave her a solemn look. -How, with my fists? I can't force her to change her mind, and I can't force her to stay. She wants to help, and she's old enough now. There's nothing we can do, Zelda.-

Zelda knew this, but was desperate enough to try her own methods. "Florence, you must reconsider...!"

"My mind is made up, Mother," Florence responded. "I'm fighting alongside Father."

"But Florence!" Zelda cried, gently gripping her shoulder. "What if you get injured? What if...?"

"Mother, don't worry about me! I'll be fine!"

"Florence, you're going into war," Link explained heavily. "Your mother has every right to be worried about you."

Florence sighed. "I-I know, but..."

"Florence, don't you know what you're getting yourself into?" Zelda continued. "This isn't another one of your practices; this is real war! You could get killed!"

"That's right," Link added. "You'll be surrounded by the enemy, and one mistake could lead to your death." Before that settled in, he added, "And you do realize how serious this war is, and how much it'll affect Hyrule, don't you?"

At that moment, Florence's eyes flashed with slight anger. She didn't need a lecture! "Are you saying I can't handle this?"

"No, no, not at all..." both tried to speak, but she continued.

"Are you saying I'm not serious enough to fight in a war!?"

"Florence..." But Link stopped, and Zelda gasped.

Florence had just taken her sword and cut her hair, just above the ties that held the ponytail in place. Her hair flopped down to chin-length, and the thick locks drooped in front of her ears. Twenty years of ever-growing hair was chopped off in an instant.

"Would I do that if I wasn't serious enough?"

The parents stared at her in shock. They both looked at each other and sighed, defeated. There was no way of convincing her otherwise. Florence was going to battle.


Jurich stayed in his bedroom, alone. Nabooru had left a few days before, and he was slightly afraid, but stayed strong, just as he promised. He sat staring at the eternity gem in his palm, when a heavy, menacing send called out to him.

-Jurich, my son! Come see our army!-

Jurich shivered at the evil send that hit him with the force of a raging sandstorm. Still, not wanting to anger Ganondorf, he stood and left the sanctuary of his room. He met his half-father at a balcony that overlooked a large field. Jurich looked over the side in shock and horror.

Every monster thinkable was training in the field: Stalfos, Moblins, Lizarfos, Wolfos, Redeads, Armos, and so much more. And they were in such a vast number that they seemed to be infinite. Jurich straightened up in shock, but kept calm, loudly clearing his throat.

"It's... quite impressive, Father."

Ganondorf nodded, then turned to his half-son. "Jurich, I have a task for you."

The half Gerudo hesitated. "...Yes?"

"Tomorrow at dawn we attack. During the battle, I want you to find a man and capture him."

"...Who?"

"He is both the Hero of Time and the King of Hyrule. I need him for a plan of mine. So? Will you do it?"

"Yes, Father..." responded Jurich, with thoughts of his own. He knew the legend of the Hero of Time well, but Nabooru told him that the Hero of Time was quite important in the fall of Ganondorf. So how could he NOT capture the hero, and NOT anger his father...?


Night. The army was ready to depart for the battle at dawn in Hyrule Field. Florence had already given her tidings to Zelda, and now the royal couple lingered alone in the halls, unwilling to say farewell as they embraced.

-Even through this cold armor I can feel your warmth, beloved,- Link whispered in a send. -Will it be hard for you to stay here?-

-Harder than you'll ever know! But I understand that the battlefield is not my place. I must stay, but...-

-...Yes?-

-Say again... that you will live. You and Florence are everything to me. Please, Link...- She held him tighter. -If you can draw strength from love, then add all of mine to yours! Don't let you or Florence die in this horrible war!-

-I won't, Zelda, not ever. We will win this war, Ganondorf will be defeated, and peace will reign in Hyrule once more.- he assured softly.

Zelda smiled softly, but then locked eyes with Link. -There is, perhaps, a way for me to give you strength. Impa told me long ago... I give you a name that strengthens your resolve... and keeps you alive...-

Link was silent. Was this the name he thought? Was it her...?

-May this give you strength, beloved,- She then mustered up all she could, and... -I... I am... Gwen... I am Gwen!-

Taken literally by surprise, Link couldn't speak as he slowly turned away. He had hoped one day this moment would come... but not in this manner, or for such a grim reason. The treasure he had been given- Zelda's soul name- gave him strength already for the battle ahead. If only he could give her his... but no, it was hard enough already.

He retrieved his helmet, which was decorated with ornate designs and a large tuff of fur and feathers hanging out from behind. Before placing it on, he turned to look at Zelda one last time.

-I'll survive, Gwen. I'll come back. I promise.-

Zelda watched him leave quietly. Many emotions were running through her at the same time, but one thing was certain; she hoped everything she had done would help bring her husband and daughter home safely.

She turned back to her bedroom, looking upon the bed at an extra suit of armor. Next to it was the bow of hers she had received so long ago, before the two were even married.

War was upon them, but was it worth risking her life...?

A/N: For any and all who are confused about soul-names, refer to either Elfquest or the last chapter of my story "Before it All Began."

Link: Ooh, what's my soul name??

You should already know.

Link: (blinks) ......Oh yeah...

SSG: Is the next chappie gonna be the big battle scene, like in Lord of the Rings?

You bet!! ;)

SSG: YAY!! How I love thy fight scene!!

Link: I better kick butt!

You will, don't worry. For the rest of you, review!!