Threat on the Horizon
Zelda slept soundly atop one of the bookcases in the castle's library. She slept so well, in fact, that she didn't notice the crowd of Toads gathering at the bottom of the bookcase to investigate the gentle snoring. Soon enough, a few guards wielding spears walked in.
"Does anyone know what's up there?" one guard whispered.
"No idea," one of the servants said.
"What's going on?" Luigi whispered, walking into the room.
"Someone's sleeping on the bookcase," Toad whispered. "Could you do your thing and check it out?"
Luigi gulped and nodded. He took a few steps back and jumped high toward the bookcase, grabbing onto the edge. After pulling himself up, he could see Zelda lying there. "Don't worry, guys. It's nothing to worry about."
"What is it?" one of the asked.
"Uh…Zelda," he said. When he saw her begin to stir, he spoke to her directly. "Zelda…Wakey, wakey." When she opened her eyes and saw him standing in front of her, she was startled and fell off the bookcase, crashing below.
"So much for keeping a secret," she muttered, shaking off the sleep as the mushroom people surrounded her in awe.
"She looks like…an elf princess," Toad said.
"What are you doing here?" one of the guards demanded. "And who are you?"
"Whoa," Luigi said, hopping down in front of the guard. "It's okay. This is Princess Zelda, from some place called Hyrule. She came back here with Princess Peach."
"What kind of princess goes so far away from home without any escort and ends up sleeping on top of a bookshelf?" the guard asked.
"What kind of guard lets the princess get kidnapped by the same person on a regular basis?" Zelda retorted.
"…That's besides the point!" the guard snapped back.
"Calm down," the other guard said. "We've got more important things to worry about." With that, the guards left the room.
"So, what were you doing sleeping up there?" Luigi asked.
"Failing to remain a secret," Zelda sighed.
"Would you like to see the Princess?" Toad suggested. "She should be wide awake by now."
"Very well," Zelda agreed, following him out of the library. Toad led her to the dining room and found Peach eating breakfast with her grandmother, Toadsworth, the Chancellor, and the Minister. There were a couple of guards standing at the door.
"Oh, good morning Zelda," Peach greeted, with surprise in her voice. "I want you to meet my grandmother, the Chancellor, the Minister, and Toadsworth.
"So, you're the girl the Lady has told us about," Toadsworth said.
"We found her sleeping on top of a bookcase in the library," Toad chuckled.
"What was she doing up there?" the Chancellor asked. "She could have slept in a guest room."
"Oh, don't mind them, dear," Peach's grandmother said. "Have a seat. You must be hungry after going such a long way."
"Thank you," Zelda said, taking a seat. She noticed that Peach looked remarkably different from everyone else. Whereas everyone else was short, beady-eyed, and wearing mushroom-like caps, Peach was about the same height as Zelda, wide-eyed, and wearing a small crown that didn't cover her ears or even the top of her head. It was at that point that Zelda realized that Peach was also the only other person in the room with a visible nose! She quickly moved her thoughts to something more relevant. "I've heard about what Bowser has done. Surely, he'll come here. What do you plan to do?" Everyone became quiet.
"The truth is," the Chancellor began, "we haven't the military experience nor strength to deal with such a threat. This is a new pattern for Bowser. He usually just takes the princess and leaves."
"Talk to your generals!" Zelda exclaimed. "They'll know what to…"
"We don't have any," the Chancellor said. "The Mushroom Kingdom hasn't been to war since the princess was a small girl."
Zelda sighed. Their extended peacetime was admirable, but she felt they should have kept up a military. "You can't just wait here and let those monsters trample your kingdom," Zelda said. "Don't you have any allies?"
"Our allies are in the same condition as us," the Minister said quietly. "None of us would stand a chance without Mario."
"So you're giving up?" Zelda said, shocked.
"Wait!" Peach exclaimed, standing up. "I know who might be able to help us."
"Well, don't keep us waiting," Toadsworth said impatiently.
"Our nearest allies are the peaceful Bob-ombs," Peach said. "Don't you remember?"
"Oh my, she's right!" Toadsworth said excitedly. "They've been fending off the Koopas for years."
"Bob-ombs?" Zelda questioned.
"Mechanical, walking, talking bombs," Peach clarified.
"Bowser has many of in his own army, but every little bit helps," the Minister said optimistically.
"What about those delightful Yoshis?" Peach's grandmother spoke up. "They've seemed to be very reliable over the years."
"Are you getting all of this, Toad?" the Chancellor asked, prompting the mushroom retainer to take out a notepad and begin writing.
"What are Yoshis?" Zelda asked, once again lost.
"Friendly dinosaurs that have big appetites," Peach answered.
"Like the Piranha Plants?" Zelda asked worriedly.
"Kind of," Peach giggled. "Oh, I just remembered! We could also contact Nimbus Land. They aren't too far off. I'm sure Mallow will be glad to help us. In fact, could someone put him on the phone right away?"
"Yes, ma'am," Toad said loyally, as he scampered out of the room.
"Now that you have some possible allies, do you have any battle strategies?" Zelda asked. Once again, everyone was at a loss. "Don't your guards know anything along those lines?" Everyone looked to the stoical guards at the door.
"How about you, Gus T.," the Minister asked the one on the left in a silver chest plate and cloak.
"Um, sir?" the guard said nervously. "I don't know much in the art of war. Our instructors only taught us to fight bravely and run like the wind when we don't stand a chance."
"How about you, then, Draf T.?" the Minister said to the other as Zelda shook her head in disgust.
"Uh, set up a base, predict the approach of the enemy, don't let them surround you…and uh…"
"Go on," the Minister said.
"I don't know!" Draf T. exclaimed. "I've never fought anyone before! The Mario Brothers were always there to do the fighting. Honestly, I think we should run for our lives."
"That's the sort of attitude that gets your princess kidnapped so often," Zelda scolded. "And from what I've seen and heard, this Bowser no longer has any interest in her life. Just where would you run to?"
"Anywhere," the guard muttered.
"It's okay," Peach consoled him. "Zelda, you have to understand; we've never had a situation like this before. This is the first time that people's lives have ever been at stake…at least under my rule anyway… so it's no wonder that what little military we have is going to be a little…panicky."
"I understand that," Zelda sighed. "And I'm sorry if I seem a bit intruding and abrasive, but panicking never won a war."
"And what would a young lady like you know about war?" Toadsworth asked. "You certainly don't have the air of a veteran."
"You're right," Zelda admitted. "I've never been in a war before. However, I have received both strategy and combat training, should a war ever spring up in my land. I'm no expert, perhaps not even a novice, but it seems that I know more than everyone in this castle."
"I believe that we have found our general," Toadsworth smiled.
"What?" everyone said.
"She said it herself," he said. "Not a single person in this entire kingdom, let alone this castle, has the knowledge of war that we would need to fend off the Koopa King and his army."
"But what about the Master at the Dojo?" the Minister suggested. "He is skilled in the martial arts and would seem to be more…"
"He is a skilled fighter, yes," Toadsworth interrupted. "However, he has always said himself that it takes a leader to direct a fighter. Though you are completely free and wise to ask him to be our general, I believe he would be more appropriate as a teacher and officer. What do you think, Chancellor?"
"The decision is not mine," the Chancellor said. "The decision lies in the hands of these two young monarchs."
"I am deeply flattered," Zelda said graciously, "but shouldn't the decision be up to the king and or queen?" Everyone suddenly got uncomfortable looks on their faces.
"Ixnay on the Ingkay," Gus T. muttered.
"Zelda," Peach said, standing in front of her. "As the Princess and sovereign ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, I ask for your aid in our time of need. Would you accept the proposed position of Supreme Commander of the Mushroom Kingdom?"
"Supreme Commander!" Zelda was taken aback. "I think you're placing too much faith in me."
"Everyone!" Toad called out franticly.
"What is it, Toad?" the Minister said. "We are in the middle of something."
"It's Nimbus Land. I called them on the phone just as I was asked."
"What is a phone?" Zelda inquired. Everyone ignored her question and let Toad continue.
"They're under attack!" Toad exclaimed. "Bowser's forces have already broken into the castle. It's a massacre!"
"Zelda, please!" Peach said, immediately dropping to her knees. Zelda was taken aback. "I beg of you. Help us defend ourselves against the Koopa Kingdom. Without your guidance, we don't stand a chance. From princess to princess, I swear upon my crown that I shall do everything in my power to help you return to your land."
Zelda looked at all the pleading stares and the gaze of Peach's tearful blue eyes. Then she saw the similar expressions on everyone else's face. "I humbly accept your offer. From princess to princess, I swear to the Golden Goddesses that I shall aid you in your time of need to the best of my ability."
"That's all anyone can ask," Peach said, wiping her tears away. "All right! Let's get to work!"
The castle was busy with activity. Outside, soldiers were either training under the guidance of Sheik or the Master. Peach, standing just outside the castle, watched with admiration as Sheik finished training the troops for the day. They had been taught basic unarmed combat maneuvers and were making slow, but steady progress. To finish the class, Sheik tossed a Deku Nut. The following flash was enough to let Sheik seem to disappear. The Master, the old, bearded mushroom person in the maroon robe and turban, applauded the trick before dismissing everyone.
"Do you approve of my work?" Sheik asked, standing next to Peach, much to her surprise.
"Yes, you're great!" Peach said giddily. "I've never seen everyone so confident in themselves."
"Your approval is much appreciated, Princess," Sheik said. "But they still need more training."
"Um, Zelda," Peach asked nervously.
"Sheik," the ninja corrected.
"Yes…Sheik. Why do you change so drastically when you dress like that?"
"It is more than just a fashion statement, Princess," Sheik said, turning to look at the sunset. "I am my own separate personality. Though Zelda and I share a body, our souls are as different as day and night. The altered form that stands before you is a product of Sheikah magic."
"So…are you a girl or a boy?" Peach asked anxiously. She could have sworn she heard Sheik hiss.
"I am…female," Sheik said shamefully. "The magic only changes my skin color, clothing, and eye color. Everything else remains the same."
"Then, what is…"
"A codpiece," Sheik answered before she could finish. "And yes, Zelda is quite flat of chest. It's best never to mention that again. I would also appreciate it if you referred to me as a male. That is what I was in my previous life."
"…O-kay," Peach said, still absorbing all of that.
There was a brief pause as they both looked into the sunset. "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?" Sheik asked.
The Master spoke before Peach could answer. "Excuse me, young man. cough Many of the soldiers would like a demonstration of our skill. Would you care to spar? cough"
"Very well," Sheik said. Then, he looked at the Master closely. "Are you sure that you are able to fight at your age?"
"Do not underestimate me," the Master said, before coughing violently. "Use any items and weapons at your disposal." They walked to a clearing, while everyone else stood far away. Peach was brought a seat by one of her servants.
Both fighters took their stance. "You may have the first attack," Sheik said. The Master coughed and walked up to Sheik. Sheik blocked the predictable, but surprisingly strong hand chop. "Ah! You age belies your strength."
"I'll go easy on you for now," the old mushroom man coughed. Sheik broke into a run that was low to the ground and tried to charge the Master. The Master only flinched slightly and chopped Sheik in the head, instantly flooring Sheik. The ninja rolled back to his feet and threw a few needles. The Master caught the needles effortlessly and tossed them over his shoulder. Sheik then tossed a Deku Nut. The Master was blinded just long enough to be kicked in the back, tripped up, tossed to the floor and have Sheik's leg slam onto his abdomen. The Master bounced into the air breathlessly just as Sheik grabbed him once again and did a handstand kick to knock him further into the air. Before the Master landed, Sheik jumped into the air and chopped the Master back down. Everyone gasped.
"You are quite skilled for an old man," Sheik said, maintaining a fighting stance.
"As are you, young man," the Master said, standing up and dusting himself off. "cough, cough, cough You have the skills of a ninja; great agility and swift attacks, but little strength. Let me show you what true strength is!" After a short bout of coughing, he tossed off his robe and turban to reveal a yellow version of the same clothing. "Fight to the best of your ability, young lady."
"I would prefer that you refer to me…" Sheik began, but was hit in the gut by a lightning fast kick. The Master had actually seemed to slide across the floor and return to his starting position in a blur. Sheik grasped his stomach and fell to one knee. He could see the Master preparing another attack.
"Am I being too hard on you?" the Master taunted without a joking smile and no longer coughing. He thrust his fists forward as a warning and dashed across the clearing. Sheik hopped to the side and tried to chop him in the back of the neck. The Master blocked the strike and did a high kick, which Sheik back-flipped away from. The mushroom man dashed once again, aiming to kick Sheik in the same spot. The ninja dodged low and swung at the Master's legs. His opponent countered by jumping up and attempting to stomp the Sheikah. Sheik tossed down a nutshell and disappeared in a puff of flame and smoke, singing the Master. The sensitive man punched behind himself only to find needles sticking out of the ground. He heard a grunt from behind and was knocked down by two surging kicks from Sheik. The Master quickly hopped to his feet, dodged a high kick, a low leg sweep, two jabs, and threw his palm toward his opponent. Sheik caught his arm and slammed him onto the ground, once again landing his leg in the Master's midsection before flipping away. Just as the Master got to his feet, Sheik dashed into him with his arms slashing in an X formation. The Master was left on the ground for a second.
"I think it is time for you to concede," Sheik said as the Master slowly got to his feet. "You have proven yourself." Everyone was silent as the Master dusted himself off.
"As have you," he finally said. "Now, I shall fight you with all my strength. At this point you cannot win." He suddenly took on a golden aura. The fire in his beady eyes showed itself. Sheik took a defensive stance. As expected, the Master zoomed toward him with a kick, which Sheik was able to sidestep. However, he didn't expect the following punch or the subsequent uppercut. Sheik was sent reeling through the air, but caught himself and landed gracefully on the ground. He readied a few needles, but the Master did not give him time to use them. He darted in front of Sheik, who instinctively flipped backward. Expecting this, the Master feigned a poorly aimed rising uppercut. As Sheik began a counterattack with his needles, the Master spun in the air, landing a roundhouse kick in Sheik's face, knocking him backwards. The Master followed up with a punch to the stomach, kick to the face, and a double-palmed thrust to the chest.
"Ugh!" Sheik grunted, falling to the ground. That last attack was a painful reminder of his gender, as much as he hated to admit it.
"Young lady, there is no shame in forfeiting to a superior fighter," the Master said, maintaining his stance. "You have already impressed me." Sheik thought about it and decided to try at least one more trick. He rose to his feet, still grasping him(her)self. He spun around as sparkles appeared, and there stood Zelda in his place.
"One more time," she said, still wincing.
"Very well," the Master nodded. He dashed forward a final time. Zelda disappeared in a green light before he could land his attack. He did not see her anywhere around him. Suddenly, he sensed her above and looked up. Her foot was inches from his face, but he grabbed it, and slammed her to the ground.
"You win," she said in a daze.
"You fought exceptionally well," he said, helping her up. "It will take more training to defeat me at my best, though."
"Are you, okay?" Peach asked, stepping forward.
"She will be fine with some rest," the Master said. "Our Supreme Commander is much stronger than she looks."
One of the soldiers stepped forward. "Um, sir, I mean, ma'am. That was a very good fight, but…what were you trying to do with that last kick?"
"Yeah," another said. "Even if you landed it, there's no way he would have been knocked out by it."
"I was trying something new," Zelda replied vaguely. "Obviously, I haven't mastered it yet."
"I sensed a great power within you," the Master said, regaining his red robe and stiff form. "You will unlock it when the time is right."
"I have seen that power in my dreams," Zelda said, looking into the sky. "That power would have made my kick strong enough to smash armor." Then she chuckled bitterly, "Heh, but it looks like he smashed by chest first."
"But how?" Peach asked innocently. "It shouldn't hurt that much if you have a flat chest." Zelda frowned and squeezed her eyes shut in aggravation.
"I am not flat," she said, containing her anger. "Besides, I meant my ribs. This martial artist's strikes are like hammers."
"Get some rest," the Master said, somewhat amused by the conversation. "I shall see you all bright and early."
"Come with me, Zelda," Peach said, taking her hand. "I'll get you healed right away." She led her into the castle and into her room.
"You store healing items in your room?" Zelda asked, studying the very pink room.
"Not really," Peach smiled. She cupped Zelda's hand into her own and closed her eyes. A pink glow began to form around her as she concentrated. A flurry of blue sparkles briefly shined around Zelda and she had a warm fuzzy feeling, as if she was in complete safety.
"You know magic?" Zelda asked as the aura subsided. All of the pain was gone.
"Yes," Peach replied, letting her hands go. "I call it Therapy. But promise you won't tell anyone! I had to sneak out of the castle to develop these powers."
"I won't tell anyone," Zelda nodded. There was suddenly a frantic knock on the door.
"Come in," Peach said.
Toad burst in through the door, tripping and falling flat on his face. After quickly recovering, he bowed and spoke, "Princess…sorry… princesses, Bowser's army has been spotted approaching from the west, south, and east. Villagers from Goomba Village and Koopa Village have already fled to Toad Town for safety."
"So, this Bowser is planning on using a pincer move," Zelda thought. "If he's attacking from every direction except the north… Is there anything significant to the north besides his Dark Land?"
"A little to the northeast," Peach thought aloud, "there's Shooting Star Summit and, further to the east of that, Mushroom City."
"Bowser might be trying to back us into a corner," Zelda said, folding her arms. "But then again, an animal is most dangerous when cornered."