OLD EVIL
All she knew was how to run. She'd run for what felt like forever going from place to place, city to country sides as quickly and as quietly as she could. But she wouldn't stay for long. She would always feel a great shadow never too far behind, following as if it was like her own. In the dead of the night she could feel it getting closer, breath stinking the air, bright red eyes filling the night.
She would be gone by the next morning. Onto the next town the next sign of safety. When she stopped in the Mushroom Kingdom she expected it to be the same as every time before. But in fact it was not.
She stayed at a local place and stayed in her room, quiet the whole time. But then the dark came and shadows took over the sky and stretched across the land. She lay in bed trying to sleep but she couldn't because she feared too much.
Outside there was a noise. The sound of something heavy hitting against the earth, a shaking sound as if metal was scrapping against more metal. She took in a breath and held in it. Then she listened as the sound got louder and louder as it passed outside her window. But then it grew softer and softer, like it was going away. But she was frightened, he was here and he had come for her.
So without a moment to lose, her hood up and in the cover of the night she fled into the streets. She tried to be careful always listening for the distance sounds of heavy breathing or the scrapping of metal. But she was so preoccupied with listening she bumped into someone.
"Oh I'm so sorry." Said the man. It was none other than Luigi the younger brother of the Kingdom's hero Mario. He bent down and grabbed her, helping her up to her feet." Let me help you." He helped her to her feet and when she stood up and looked over his shoulder, she saw it.
Not more than twenty feet behind Luigi in the middle of the street was a man. He was covered in armor dark as night sitting on a horse as mean and dark as he was. She saw him and with a bird-like twist of his head he turned to her, only his red eyes visible in the night. He recognized her as soon as he turned the strange call he exclaimed showing it.
Luigi turned around now to see the man sitting atop his black horse.
"What the-" Then with a shriek the man urged his horse forward and ran towards them." Whoa!" Luigi screamed as he turned to run away. But he would not leave the girl behind." He grabbed her by the hand and ran along with her." Follow me!" he shrieked.
But they couldn't run out the horse and in only a few great strides he felt the beasts' breath on the back of his neck. But lucky for Luigi he was not alone and this time the girl pulled him into the alleyway. The two disappeared where the man on his big horse could not follow. They disappeared into the dark alley and reappeared in the street.
Luigi feeling the danger over took panted breaths and turned to the girl.
"Thank-"
"SHH!" she said covering his mouth. She scanned the roads around them, then the sky. Luigi frightened by her dramatic actions and silence shivered.
"W-We have to get out of here." He finally said."I- I know a safe place." She looked resentful, she didn't want anyone else involved in this. But like it or not Luigi took her by the hand and led her away.
They managed to slip out unnoticed but the black shadow lingered all over that town until morning. But then there was nothing left behind, not a hoof print or a single hair.
Luigi had taken her back to the castle where he lived with his brother Mario who was married to the Princess.
Peach took the girl to the living room, sat her down by the fire in a big chair and handed her a cup of tea.
"Thank you." The girl said taking it. Behind Peach several feet away was Mario talking with Luigi, trying to get to the bottom of the situation. But alas Luigi struggled to find the words.
"T-there was just darkness." He stammered so fast his brother could hardly comprehend him." But t-there was a man on a big black horse!" His arms flew out left and right as he tried to create the picture for his brother, however it wasn't coming full circle.
"Oh enough of this!" He finally grumbled. He moved past his brother and towards his wife who was 'entertaining' their guest. He'd been woken up from a very pleasant sleep for this commotion and he wanted to know why more than anything. Peach was right in the middle of a story when Mario barged in between them." You!" He said pointing to the girl."What's really going on here!"
"Mario, don't be rude." His wife said.
"No, no it's alright." Said the girl. She lifted up her head and looked at them. She was very beautiful with long brown hair, a very pale complexion and sharp eyes." You've all been very kind to me." She turned to Luigi." Especially you." The young plumber covered his face with his hat in embarrassment." So I suppose it's only right I tell you something." She stood up now from her seat." My name is Princess Zelda." And everyone watched as strangely the gold band on her head began to glow. Then the three watched as the fire began to glow and on the command of their guests it jumped out and took shape in the middle of the room." In the beginning there were three." She started." Wisdom, Power and Courage."
And she told a tale as old as time itself. About a courageous hero an evil villain and a beautiful princess, each one of them given a magical relic called the 'Triforce'." I have the Triforce of Wisdom." She pointed to the band on her head. The hero had courage and the villain had power. The goal of the villain had also been to achieve the Triforce of Wisdom because he though wisdom mixed with power would make him truly unstoppable.
They lived as part of an old prophecy where the hero would fight and defeat the villain, then they would live out their lives until death when they were reincarnated to do it all over again. But 1,000 years ago things changed.
The hero did not defeat the villain instead the villain defeated the hero. And as a token of his victory he took the Triforce of Courage. Though his goal had always desired the piece of Wisdom he was surprised when the relic of courage expanded his power to heights even he had not foreseen.
"But ever since that day." Zelda continued." He has hunted me, and he will never give up. Not until he gets what he wants." And as her story finished a cold silence filled the room.
"Can this really be true?" asked Luigi in disbelief. Zelda nodded her head. A hard story to swallow but with her nod the guests accepted it all.
"Mario." Said Peach turning to her husband." Is there something we can do?" He was silent at first, slowly turning his head towards his brother.
"There seems to be only one thing we can do." He finally answered. Everyone turned to him." We'll meet this villain and stop him." Peach smiled thinking that would solve it but Zelda jolted up in shock.
"No!" she yelled." He has great power. He is the world's most powerful sorcerer." And that statement silenced Mario. He'd faced physically powerful foes before like Bowser and Donkey Kong but never someone who utilized magic. He ran his hand along his head and scratched his mustache.
"What are you thinking?" asked Peach.
"I think we'll need some extra help on this one." Mario said as he walked past his brother and to the telephone on the wall. He dialed a number and brought the phone to his ear." Sonic." He said into it." We've got some trouble over here."
"You see." Said Peach taking Zelda's hands." Everything's going to be alright." But Zelda still looked concerned. There was something strange in the air, something that kept her on edge.
A howling wind blew swifter outside and the skies began to darken with black clouds that blocked all light. That's when she heard it, a strange noise coming from the courtyard below. A strange clanking sound, Clip-Clop Clip-Clop.
Zelda's eyes open in great shock." He's here!" she yelled. Everyone followed her line of sight to the balcony where they saw nothing. But then there was a flash of lightning and after it was gone a lone black figure stood on the balcony.
He had piercing red eyes that shined through the darkness. And they looked forward with their eyes always on her. A deep booming sound emanated from him, as if he had been humming.
" Having years of hunting I have finally found you." His voice was hard and cold. And it sent a shiver down Zelda's spine. He took a heavy step forward and entered into the room. Hid body clicked and clanked. When he came into full light he swung his arm up into the air his long dark cape flying behind him and it was revealed he was in full armor.
But then Luigi stood up and before this terror. But he was outclassed in size as the great terror of a man stood before him. His great black shadow standing tall.
"What is this?" He asked with a raised brow." What form of insect is this?!" He said looking at Luigi.
"You" He said in a shaky voice." You cannot have her."
"Cannot have her?" He repeated." Do you have any idea to whom you speak?" A gold triangle glowed on his right palm and on the breastplate of his armor.
"Luigi duck!" yelled Mario from behind him. Luigi did as instructed and fell to the ground covering his head. Mario jumped up between his wife and Zelda firing a fireball at their new enemy. The wizard simply grabbed the back of his cape and held it before himself taking the fire." Run!" Mario yelled to Peach and Zelda.
Before Zelda could object Peach took her and ran away, leaving Mario his brother and the Dark Wizard alone. The smoke of the fire burned against his cape but he himself was unharmed.
"Fool!" he yelled swinging his cape over his shoulder." Do you have any idea with whom you deal? I am Ganondorf!" He raised his arms over his head and swung them out to his sides." The Master of Masters! You stand no chance against-AH!" He was cut off as suddenly a blue blur suddenly ran by. The next thing anybody saw was Ganondorf laid out against the wall and Sonic the Hedgehog standing before them.
"Sonic!" yelled Mario in astonishment. It couldn't have been more than fifteen seconds ago he dropped the phone to the ground. Sonic must have been truly fast to cover that distance.
"Have no fear, the fastest thing in the universe if here!" He boasted.
"You couldn't have come at a better time." Chuckled Mario patting the Hedgehog on the back.
"G-Guys." Luigi spoke up managing to get their attentions." He's getting back up." All three looked together as Ganondorf rose from his spot on the wall and levitated into the air.
"Nothing will keep me from my goal!" He announced." Nothing!" His eyes began to glow and he shot lasers out from his eyes. Sonic jumped out of the way while Mario had to push Luigi out of the way. The blast hit the ground, shooting a whole straight through the floor.
Sonic curled himself up and shot himself at Ganondorf. But even with all his speed the Dark Wizard simply swatted him to the ground like he was a fly. Mario raised up his hand and shot fire at him. But by bringing his cape forward once more he was able to block the attack.
Now Ganondorf lowered himself onto the ground, his head poking out from the top of his cape. He swung his arm up and shot himself forward shooting lasers from his eyes and at Mario.
The Hero of the Mushroom kingdom jumped out of the way as the blast shot right through the wall. But then Sonic jumped out and attacked Ganondorf from behind, but with a wave of the wizard's hand Sonic shot back and into the wall. Luigi tried attacking now, running forward and trying to punch him. However Ganondorf easily dodged his punch and hit Luigi with one of his own, sending him flying through the wall. Just then Mario took Ganondorf by surprise and grabbed him from behind. Then he lifted him up and tried to slam him on the ground.
But to his surprise Ganondorf simply stopped in mid-air and hovered before him.
"You three amuse me but I'll have to cut this short." Roared Ganondorf as he faced them. Then with a simple wave of his hand all three of the heroes were trapped in his magical grasp and lifted into the air. None of their kicking or struggling could help them now." I have engagements to keep and I can't be late." He remembered the real reason why he was here and would not forget it no matter what.
Then with a wave of his hand he blasted them all out of the room, off the balcony and into the garden below. The three lay on the ground in a pile of destroyed flowers, but not for long. Ganondorf walked out onto the balcony and with the simple snap of his fingers the dead plants around them began to grow. But not into bright blossoming flowers but into dark sharp thorns. A garden of thorns grew as high as the balcony, the three were totally engulfed in it.
Then with a smug smile on his face Ganondorf turned and marched off, his cape trailing behind him.
Ganondorf was inside the castle with no one in his way. He walked down the halls with only the moonlight seeping through the windows as his visual guide. But his lust for power was the true way he could hunt. He could feel the presence of the last Triforce by the feeling of the two he already had.
He turned and opened the closest door. At first all one could see was darkness, but looker deeper in the corner he could see someone huddling against themselves. A smile formed on Ganondorf's face.
"Don't worry Princess." He said as he made his way into the room." This will all be over quickly." He reached one hand down and picked her up. But now was he held her in full view of the light he saw it wasn't the Princess he was looking for." WHAT?!" He bellowed as he saw Peach there in his grip.
Meanwhile outside Mario, Luigi and Sonic were still trapped in the thorn bush. They tried to yank themselves free but only found themselves being torn apart by the bushes. Even though Mario or Luigi could burn it all that would only put them in more danger form the fire. And Sonic could not turn into a ball and race out because he'd be ripped apart. So the three were struck there but lucky for them they had some outside help.
A gold ray of light suddenly shown through the thorns and the black magic began to dissolve. The three heroes fell onto the ground, looking up to see none other than Zelda standing there.
During the fight Peach had helped her try to escape giving her a horse and letting her ride away. It seemed like a good idea at first but Zelda couldn't run not knowing that her new friends were fighting for their lives while she got a head-start.
"Stay still." Zelda advised them as they tried to stand." Regain yourselves, for the fight is not over."
"Right." Mario said getting to his feet." The Fight is not over."
"I'm ready for another round." Boasted Sonic.
"Wait!" yelled Zelda jumping in their way." You cannot fight him. Not as you are now, he would simply destroy you."
"And what do you suggest?" Mario asked.
"Let me help you." She took a step closer." Your physical attacks will slow him down for no more than a few seconds, the only true thing that can beat him are other powerful forms of magic." She waved her hand over Mario and it looked like gold had been sprinkled onto him." My magic is weaker than his but maybe it'll give you a fighting chance." Sonic stepped up to receive the same treatment. Her magic would enhanced their abilities, giving them even footing with this powerful foe.
"AH!" They heard a sudden scream.
"Peach!" Mario exclaimed. And without another word he ran into the castle with Sonic by his side, leaving Luigi with Princess Zelda behind.
"Where is she?!" Ganondorf yelled with his hands around Peach's neck." Where is Zelda?!" Peach coughed and gagged under his hand." I swear if you don't tell me where she is I'll-"
"Put her down ugly!" yelled Sonic as he suddenly appeared in the doorway.
"And I mean now!" Mario yelled as he jumped forward and shot a fireball at Ganondorf. The Wizard dropped Peach to the ground and turned to them casually. The fire did not concern him and he put forth his hand to try and block it.
But unlike before the fire did actually hurt Ganondorf this time. He let out a loud cry of pain as the fireball shot him through the window and outside onto the balcony. Mario and Sonic stood in the window frame and saw Ganondorf on his knees outside.
Mario checked on his wife before proceeding any further. Once he knew she was alright he joined Sonic just at the right time since Ganondorf was rising to his feet. His cloths and armor were lightly colored black from the fire.
"How can this be?" he panted. They're sudden transformation confused him, since before they could hardly hurt him.
"We received a little upgrade." Chuckled Sonic." Ready for Round 2?"
"It matters not!" Ganondorf said puffing his chest out and shrugging any pain off." No matter what you have you stand no chance against me!"
"We'll just see about that!" yelled Mario. Then he jumped forward and shot another fireball at Ganondorf. But he simply jumped out of the way as the fire engulfed the ground around him. But then Sonic struck, jumping out and kicking Ganondorf in the face, stunning him briefly. Then he followed up with a second kick to the other side of his face.
Ganondorf stumbled back and leaned on the balcony. Sonic jumped forward again and prepared to strike. But when he lunged forward Ganondorf grabbed onto his wrists and held him in place. Then with his power he shot lightning from his hands and zapped Sonic, the Hedgehog screaming out as he did so.
But then Ganondorf looked over and saw Mario coming in for the attack. The Wizard swung one arm forward and threw Sonic at him. But Mario ducked under him, slid forward and punched Ganondorf in the chest. His body jolted, the attack had stunned him. So Mario punched him a second time and then a third. Despite his great master of Sorcery Ganondorf was no fist fighter, instead using his powerful magic to win fights. Mario punched him again and again, each punch harder that the last. Pounding and wearing on the armor Ganondorf wore.
"Mario!" yelled a voice from behind him. And he knew just what to do, duck. Ganondorf watched as Mario ducked right before him, looking forward he saw the feet of Sonic the Hedgehog flying right towards him. He kicked Ganondorf right in the face, it was so strong it forced him to fly over the side of the balcony and to the ground nearly 100 feet below.
The two heroes breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the battle was over. They quickly left the balcony and ran downstairs to see if it was true. The Dark Wizard lay there in a large black slump, looking like a shadow on the ground. He did not stir he did not move, indeed it all looked like it was over. But right as Mario and Sonic were about to count themselves victorious something happened.
A light showed on Ganondorf's chest, the Triforce of Courage glowing like a fire in the night. Then Ganondorf's eyes opened up. He reared his head up and his body followed. For this was the true power of the Triforce of Courage, giving Ganondorf the strength to go on no matter what. Not only that but the Prophecy he was binded to meant he could be killed by no one other than the Hero of the Triforce.
The two heroes watched as Ganondorf rose back to his feet and stood before them.
"Round three then." Huffed Sonic. And without another word he lunged in and charged, kicking Ganondorf in the chest. But something different happened this time. Ganondorf gave a slight jolt from the initial attack but other than that he was fine. A grim smile formed across his face.
"Whatever gave you the strength to fight me before has almost diminished." He told. He grabbed Sonic by the throat, hoisted him into the air and slammed him into the ground. Mario jumped in now and shot another fireball at him. But Ganondorf simply lifted his head and exhaled a powerful breath. And it was like a storm had blown, extinguishing Mario's fire. Then when Mario's feet touched the ground Ganondorf blew another breath, this time shooting ice. It wrapped itself around Mario and froze his feet to the ground. Then Ganondorf picked Sonic up and tossed him into Mario, the two colliding and falling on top of each other to the ground.
Now it was Ganondorf who stood over them triumphant.
"Now then" He turned away and began scanning the area around them." Where is she? Where is the Princess?"
"You cannot have her." Called a voice. Ganondorf turned around to find the source of the voice. There stood Luigi all by himself." I won't allow it."
"Hmph. Have you not noticed?!" Said Ganondorf." I cannot be defeated." He raised up his right arm. Luigi felt the ground beneath him shake and suddenly it rose high into the sky." I am the Master of all Things!" Ganondorf lowered his arm now and the rising earth quickly fell back to it's place. Luigi falling with it flat onto the ground." No one can match me." With a snap of his fingers the winds swirled around Luigi picking him up and tossing him around. He fell down onto the ground." You are all like toys in my little game." He raised both his arms up magically picking up Mario and Sonic. He waved his hand from side to side causing the two heroes to dance like puppets. Then he clapped his hands together and both Mario and Sonic flung forward and crashed into Luigi, sending him to the ground. Luigi pushed his brother and Sonic off of him. But when he propped himself up he saw Ganondorf standing over him." And I always win." Then he lunged down and put both hands around Luigi's throat and began squeezing." Where is the girl?!"
"HERE!" yelled a feminine voice from above. Ganondorf picked up his head and saw Princess Zelda standing on the rooftop of the castle, a golden bow in her hands. She released the arrow and it darted across the courtyard and found it's mark in Ganondorf's chest. The magic in the bow was strong enough to crack his armor and pierce his body.
At that moment Luigi jumped up and shot his own fireball into the open wound. His own attack amplifying the wound Zelda had given him. Luigi put forth all his power until Ganondorf was set fully ablaze. He stumbled back and forth as his body continued to be burned.
Zelda jumped down and stood next to him, another arrow prepared. Mario and Sonic had also come to and prepared for more of a fight.
Ganondorf raised his arms above his head. With a loud cry to the heaven's he swung his arms down and removed the fire from his body. But the attack had done it's damage. His armor nearly destroyed his skin more blackened than before. He slowly turned and faced the four that stood before them. The Triforce of Courage shined on his breastplate giving him the courage to continue the fight. But sometimes Ganondorf knew when to set aside his arrogance.
With a snap of his fingers, his dark horse appeared from a cloud of smoke. Before anyone could blink he jumped on it, took the reins and flew took off down the road. Then they watched as his horse seemed to run on the wind and took into the sky.
"I WILL RETURN!" Ganondorf's voice echoed into the sky. And everyone watched as his black figure silhouetted against the night sky. And after his parting everything seemed to lighten. The night's sky opened up to revealing the sun rising. It's golden rays shining brightly all over the land.
"Mario!" yelled Peach as she came to her husband's side." Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
"I'll be fine, dear." Mario answered. Sonic watched as Luigi approached Zelda nervously.
"T-Thank you for helping me back there." Said Luigi rubbing the back of his neck. Sonic alerted Mario to this by giving the plumber a sharp nudge.
"No." Said Zelda shaking her head." I should Thank all of you. You've all shown me that I don't have to live my life in fear." She looked at Luigi then to Mario, Peach, and Sonic." Today is a new day for me, and I have you to all thank for it."
"Then does that mean it's over?" asked Sonic." That he'll never come after you again." Zelda shook her head.
"Sadly no. He will not give up his hunt so easily. He'll fly back to his lair crippled until he finds a new way to attack. But I'm happy to say that won't be for a long time." And that seemed to lighten everyone's moods.
"W-Will you be sticking around then?" asked Luigi." There's no need for you to run off anywhere so soon, now." Zelda smiled at him.
"I have nowhere I need to be." She answered. "I could stay for a while."