Link, Gerik, and Zelda all stood there in complete shock. The arm Link was using to block the door went limp and fell to his side. No one said anything. It was so quiet that they could all hear the cries of terror coming from outside the castle as people were still just learning about the black smoke.
The woman just stood there looking down at her feet. She couldn't bear to look at any of them at the moment. The silence was unnerving, but she wasn't going to say anything more until they asked. She knew that they were shocked without looking at their expressions, but she had no idea what other emotions they were feeling at the moment.
"H. . .o. . .w," Link began speaking in a low voice at long last, "how. . .how is that possible?"
"Yeah," said Gerik, "I'm with the green boy over there. How is this possible?"
"Well," began the woman slowly, "you all know that the TwinRova Sisters are Ganon's mother, right? They couldn't exactly have had him without help if you know what I mean."
"Wait, are you telling me that this Lord Arcana guy and the TwinRova Sisters. . ." started Gerik as his face contorted as if he was about to vomit, "ugh, I just got a picture of it in my head. Get out, get out, get out! Ugh, I'm going be sick."
"I'm sure that the sisters were in their combined form when it happened."
"That doesn't matter. They're still butt-ugly in that form. How could anyone possibly; ugh there's that picture again. Excuse me."
"Something doesn't make sense here," said Zelda shaking her head trying to understand what she was hearing. "If Lord Arcana is Ganon's father, then how come he wasn't helping Ganon with his conquest of Hyrule seven years ago like the TwinRova Sisters were?"
"Even before Ganon was born, the sisters knew what his future held. They knew that he was to take the Triforce and conquer Hyrule. They feared though, that the Triforce of Power would go to his father instead since he was so powerful at the time. They didn't want to wait for baby Ganon to grow up and become stronger than his father, so they lured Lord Arcana across the ocean. Once they reached the other side, they imprisoned Lord Arcana in a huge block of ice that was both unbreakable and never to melt. It was there that Lord Arcana had been since Ganon was just a little baby."
"But why is he here now?" asked Link, his breathing heavy because of worry. "How did he escape and why has he come back?"
"My guess is that when you killed the TwinRova Sisters, their spell wore off. Since they were the ones who created it, only they could remove it with either a counter spell or with their deaths. As for why he's begun this invasion, I don't really know. It could be that he's here for revenge. If he knows why he was imprisoned though, then it's more likely that he's here for the Triforce."
"This is great, just great," said Gerik as he came back, his face a little green. "If it's not Ganon terrorizing Hyrule, then it's someone who's related to the bastard."
"Listen guys, we really need to get going. We don't have that much time to waste. We must get to the Temple of Light as soon as possible."
"Just answer me this one question," said Link. "Is Lord Arcana really that powerful?"
"Yes."
"Damn!"
Link just lowered his head and walked out of Zelda's bedroom without another word. He walked past Zelda and Gerik who had still been standing in the hallway without any word to them and continued onward toward the stables. His fight against Ganon was the most terrible fight he had ever been in. He was lucky to be alive. Though Zelda had been there to heal him before sending him back in time, the wounds he had incurred during the fight had been grievous. Just the thought of someone more powerful was enough to make him worry not only for his own life, but of Hyrule as well.
Zelda, Gerik, and the woman were walking behind him. None of them were talking either. There really wasn't that much to say after what they just learned. They not only learned about the enemy forces and their leader and how much more superior they were to their own forces, but they learned a deep, dark secret about Lord Arcana that still had Gerik looking a little green.
Even though none of them were talking, it was far from a quiet trip down to the stables. Hylian knights and royal guards were running all over the castle, obviously in preparation for the coming slaughter, and any Hylian citizens that were in the castle were running around in fear not knowing what to do. It was complete chaos within the castle walls. It was enough to make them wonder how things were in Hyrule Market considering how crazy they were right here in the castle itself.
When they reached the stables, Link, Zelda and the woman walked in to get their horses while Gerik waited outside. Link immediately spotted Epona and climbed up on top of her. Zelda walked over to her horse, Shadow, which was in a special part of the stable. Shadow, unlike his name would imply, was a big, beautiful, white horse. His saddle was also beautifully crafted and had the insignia of the royal family all over it.
The woman meanwhile walked over to this strong looking black stallion that was in the stall next to Epona. As she approached Epona moved toward her in a sign of friendship. The woman petted Epona and it was like the two of them knew each other. Link just stared in amazement at how Epona was acting. For as long as Link had known her, Epona was very picky about who she let near her. He remembered how much trouble he had had with her in the beginning until Malon had taught him Epona's Song.
"That's a beautiful horse," said Link to the woman as he, Zelda, and the woman left the stables. "What's his name?"
"His name is Chiron," she said as they approached where Gerik was waiting.
"Hang on a second; what's your name? We've been talking to each other all morning and I don't even know your name. You know all of ours' though."
"Hey yeah, that's true," said Zelda just realizing this fact for the first time. "What is your name?"
"My name?" she said in a high voice and her face looking a little uneasy. "Um yeah. . .of course. My name. . .my name is Alexis. Yeah that's it."
"That's a beautiful name," said Gerik with a big smile. "Well it's certainly a pleasure to meet you Alexis."
"Oh Gerik!" exclaimed Alexis, her cheeks red from the flattery. "You don't have a horse? Hop up her with me. Chiron is strong enough to carry a whole army on his back if he had to."
"Gerik really isn't one to ride horses," said Link, smirking down at Gerik as he did so. "He prefers to show off his special Sheikah moves by running as fast as a horse."
"I'd love to," Gerik replied to Alexis completely ignoring Link's comment.
Link just stared in amazement as Gerik climbed up onto Chiron behind Alexis. Gerik stuck his tongue out at Link as he got onto the horse, but neither Zelda or Alexis saw this. As Link sat there on Epona he had to wonder exactly what was going through Gerik's head, especially after the talk the two of them had the night before in the Kokiri Forest.
Once Gerik was fully on Chiron's back, they all headed off down the path from the castle at a slow gallop. They had to since the path to Hyrule Market was cluttered with citizens leaving the castle. Link didn't know whether they were leaving of their own accord or if this was King Hyrule's orders, but either way it was the right idea. Whatever the reasons for the invasion were, the attack would hit Hyrule market and Hyrule castle first. Evacuating these two places was of the utmost importance. As they neared Hyrule Market though, Link noticed that most of the citizens were women and children.
Link knew the reason why as soon as they entered Hyrule Market. There were Hylian knights all over the place securing provisions, determining areas of weakness, and checking defenses. The citizens looked worried by the presence of all these soldiers, but there was no panic. Every citizen from Hyrule Market was gathered around the fountain in the middle of town where one of the Hylian Royal Guards was standing with a large scroll in his hands.
"By order of King Hyrule," shouted the royal guard to the masses, "the city must empty. All citizens are henceforth required to pack up their belongings and leave. Don't burden yourself with treasures; bring only what you deem necessary. Temporary shelters have been set up in Kakariko Village, and we are asking both the Gorons and Zoras if they will accept our refugees. Go wherever you feel safest, but do not seek shelter at Lon Lon Ranch or anywhere in
Hyrule Field. Also, any man or lad strong enough to bear arms is henceforth required to head to the castle immediately. You are to be drafted into the Hylian Army. Any women skilled with a weapon would be greatly appreciated as well. You may have time to say goodbye to your loved ones, but make it quick for your training is to begin immediately."
"What exactly is going on?" shouted a frightened voice from within the crowd. "Why do we have to leave? Does this all have to do with that black smoke?"
Link, Gerik, Zelda, and Alexis didn't bother to stay behind for the answers to those questions. They already knew all too well what the answers were. Each one of them knew that this was going to happen, but still none of them were fully prepared to hear those words come out of the royal guard's mouth. It was the final blow to all of them as they realized that there was no turning back now. This was all real; it was not a dream.
As they crossed over the drawbridge and into Hyrule Field, they saw that Lon Lon Ranch was already being evacuated. Malon, Talon, and Ingo were all riding horses out off the ranch. Behind them were all of the horses, cows, and cuccos that were kept at the ranch. On the backs of the cows were all sorts of sacks that were obviously filled with food and their personal belongings. While Talon and Ingo led the cows and cuccos toward Kakariko Village, Malon led all the horses in the direction of the castle.
As Malon got closer to the castle, Epona saw her and let out a whinny of joy. Catching Link totally off guard, Epona sprinted straight for Malon. It was so sudden that Link actually fell off of her and fell flat on his face. Zelda, Gerik, Alexis, and Malon all laughed out loud at what they just witnessed.
"Hi Epona," said Malon still laughing as she reached over and petted Epona. "It's been a long time. I see that Link has been taking good care of you."
"Yeah, except she doesn't seem to appreciate it too much, now does she," Link said laughingly at Epona. "So how are you doing Malon?"
"As fine as can be expected being as we were just told to leave our home. We were told that there's going to be some huge battle here in Hyrule Field and that we would be in extreme danger if we stayed. What's really going on?"
"What makes you think I know what's going on?"
"Come on Link. We've been friends for way to long for me to believe that you don't know about some big danger approaching."
"You're right; I'm just kidding around. What you heard is the truth though. In just a few days time there will be a huge battle taking place here. I'm not sure if we'll even be able to win."
"Wow! Well that's one way to ruin someone's day."
"Hey Malon," said Zelda, "why are you bringing those horses to the castle?"
"Huh, oh because your father requested them. He wanted every horse that we could spare to go to the Hylian Army. I was a little reluctant to be giving up almost every horse we have, but now that I know what's going on I'm all for it. If just giving up these few horses will help in the coming struggle, then I'm glad to help."
"Well on behalf of my father and the Hylian Army, we thank you."
"Listen, I better get going. My father's gotten a little paranoid after hearing about the battle, and he's going to be worried sick if I take too long. I'll see you all later."
"Hey Malon!" Link cried as he got back up onto Epona. "You take care of yourself."
"Thanks," she replied with a smile. "You all take care of yourselves as well, and good luck."
Malon turned her back on them and with a tear in her eye led all the horses from the ranch over the drawbridge. After hearing the doubt in Link's voice, she didn't think that she would see any of them ever again. There was also the chance that she might not survive the coming conflict. When she and the horses were finally out of sight, Link, Zelda, Gerik, and Alexis gathered together.
"You know," said Gerik while smirking at Link, "I think she likes you."
"What?" exclaimed Link quickly. "That's nonsense. We're friends and nothing more."
"Oh, you mean just like you and–"
"So Alexis," stated Link loudly before Gerik could finish, "where exactly are we heading to? Alexis?"
"Damn!" she shouted as she looked up into the sky. "It's already past noon. If we're going to make it before nightfall, then we need to move now. We're running out of time."
"Exactly how much time do we have?" asked Zelda.
"They will breach the Lost Woods and begin their attack on the night of the full moon."
"What?" exclaimed Gerik. "But that only gives us four days including today to prepare."
"So now you know why we must hurry. The first stage of our journey lies in the desert."
"The desert?" said Link. "But that's where the Spirit Temple is"
"Only in one part of the desert. We will be taking another road; one that is not defined by flags or spirits. Don't worry though, because I know the path."
"How are we going to get to the desert though? The Gerudo aren't exactly going to just let us walk right in."
"We'll all hold hands, and then Zelda will play the Requiem of Spirit on the Ocarina of Time. By using my powers to assist, all of us, including our horses, will teleport to the Spirit Temple. From there we make our way into the desert and to our first destination."
Everyone nodded in agreement and held hands, except for Zelda since she had to play the ocarina. Everyone else just put a hand on Shadow instead. When they were ready, Zelda placed the ocarina to her lips and played the Requiem of Spirit. In a brilliant flash of yellow light, the four of them and their three horses were instantly teleported to the Spirit Temple.
Upon arrival everyone except Link stared in amazement at the huge expanse of the Desert Colossus. When they were finished staring, they started making their way to the exit. As they did so Link looked at the ground half expecting the Leevers to pop out of the ground and attack. The last time he had been here those creatures had been a real pain and almost caused some serious damage.
When they approached the exit they all stopped short. The blinding sandstorms that whipped violently across the desert were still as strong as ever. Link remembered how hard it was to see the flags that led to the Spirit Temple and now they were supposed to cross this desert without anything to guide them. All they had was this mysterious woman who appeared out of nowhere, but despite her mysterious nature he trusted her with his life for some odd reason.
"Alright Gerik," said Alexis, "you're going to have to take the reins. I can produce a spell to protect us from the storms, but it requires extreme concentration. None of you can disturb me until we reach the end."
"But how will we know where to go?" asked Zelda.
"As long as I'm performing the spell you'll be able to see this bright light. Just head straight for the light and everything will be fine."
Alexis now moved behind Gerik and began to chant a spell. As she finished this blue aura, similar to Naryu's Love, developed around them. When it finished enveloping them, they moved out into the blinding storms. The sandstorms whipped across the aura with no effect whatsoever. Inside the view was as clear as if they were still in Hyrule Field, but outside their visibility was dropped to zero. Off in the distance though was a bright light, just as Alexis had stated. Link, Zelda, and Gerik all nodded to each other and without another word headed out toward the light.
They traveled for what seemed like hours, the sandstorms outside still not dying down even the slightest. The sand was so bad that it blocked out the sun so they didn't even know what time it was. For all they knew they were traveling in circles, and in some places it actually felt as if they had traveled in circles. The more they traveled though, the more distant the light seemed to be. They continued on though, despite the doubts they were beginning to have.
As they continued along Gerik looked behind him at Alexis. Her face was looking a little pale, her body was drooping, and the glow she had back in Zelda's room seemed to have disappeared. Gerik was worried about her, but Zelda assured him that she was alright, that a spell this powerful and having been continuous this long was very tiring. Gerik just hoped that this wouldn't take much longer.
Finally, after traveling for what seemed like days, the storms began to die down and the bright light was finally getting closer. Filled with a new sense of hope, Link, Zelda, and Gerik had their horses go at a full gallop toward their destination. When they reached the light, it disappeared and before them was a magnificent oasis. When they stepped into it the storms around them just seemed to die right there. The storms still ravaged outside the confines of the oasis, but inside was completely untouched.
After traveling through the harsh desert, this oasis was a godsend to them. Different kinds of fruit bearing trees were growing all over the oasis and in the middle was a small lake of clear, cool water. For a second they thought it was nothing more than a mirage, but when Link walked over to the lake and scooped some of the water into his hand they knew that it was real.
"We made it Alexis," said Gerik turning around to snap her out of the spell. "You can quit it now. Alexis?"
Gerik shook her to try and wake her up, but instead the blue aura around them disappeared and Alexis collapsed off of the horse and onto the ground. Gerik quickly hopped off of Chiron and went immediately to her side. Link and Zelda had seen what happened as well and ran over to see if Alexis was alright. Gerik was shaking all over, so Zelda moved him away so she could see what was wrong.
"Is. . .is she okay?" Gerik asked nervously.
"It's alright," Zelda said with a sigh of relief. "She's just feinted. That spell exhausted her and it was all she could do to just keep it going. She'll be fine after a good night's rest."
"Thank the gods. What are we going to do now though?"
"We make camp," said Link as he walked over to one of the trees with a small knife. "Alexis is the only one who knows the next stage of our journey. Until she wakes up we'll have to wait here. Doesn't really matter anyway. Have either of you two looked up lately? We can see the sky again. The sun is already setting. I'd say we would've had an hour maybe two before having to make camp anyway."
"You're right," said Zelda as she looked up into the now darkening sky. "I wonder what kinds of enchantments are in place to allow this oasis to thrive in the middle of this unforgiving desert."
"I don't know. Gerik, come help me gather some fruit. Zelda, put Alexis someplace comfortable and keep watch over her. Hopefully she'll wake up in the morning and we can continue our journey."