The Hero of Time
The Koopa King Bowser was up to his old tricks again. He'd kidnapped Princess Peach in the dead of night and taken her back to his lair. And as usual Mario was hot on his trale. But the Plumber wasn't alone this time, he was accompanied by his good friend Sonic the Hedgehog.
And together they fought bowser in the heart of his domain.
The two heroes stood side by side as the Dragon Like creature stood before them. Bowser turned his head and gave out a mighty roar. Several hundred feet above them was Princess Peach in a steel cage. But below and all around them was burning hot lava.
With another roar and a great stomp Bowser dashed forward, faster than Sonic had expected. The two heroes jumped in different directions as Boswer swung his claws at them. The two were separated with the giant between them.
But that was of little concern to Mario as he looked up to his wife hanging high above him. Usually he'd have to defeat Bowser first but this time he was not alone.
"Sonic!" He yelled across the battlefield." Handle him, I'm going for Peach!" And before the Hedgehog had any time to agree Mario had already jumped across the pits of lava and onto the rock wall, starting his climb.
"Yea, Yea no problem." Sonic replied cocky as ever. But that was quickly replaced with fear as the King Koopa lunged at him once more. His big body flying through the air and slamming down on Sonic and would have crushed him like a pancake if he hadn't moved.
With one hand and then the other Mario grabbed a handful of dirt and the began to climb. Each one bringing him closer and closer to Peach above him.
The Koopa King came slamming down once more but this time he managed to land on Sonic. But the Hedgehog managed to get both his hands on Bowser's stomach. Then pushed him off him and onto his turtle shell back.
And Sonic thought like a turtle he'd be helpless there. But then his arms and legs swung into his body and he began spinning around on his shell like a top.
"Oh boy!" Sonic groaned as he jumped into the air and away from him.
"Don't worry my dear." Mario grunted as he continued up the rock wall." I'm coming."
"Please be careful." He heard her respond. The heat below him continued to rise, covering the air in a thick smoke. To clean the air somehow Mario put his shirt over his nose and continued to climb.
But then he saw something past him. It had gone by so quick that he thought it must have been Sonic running up the wall. He looked up further to see someone standing on Peach's cage. But then the next moment he saw the chain that held her cut in two. Causing her to scream as she started to plummet.
"NO!" Mario yelled as he reached out to her. But there was little he could do. But that figure was still on the cage. With one hand around the cage he lifted it over his shoulder and jumped down onto the battleground.
Bowser had picked up a big bolder and tossed it at Sonic only for him to dodge it.
"Monster!" a voice called. The King Koopa turned around to this strange new figure. There was a tall, thin boy. With blue hair, a long red cape. And in his right hand was a big golden sword pointing into the ground. While in his left he supported the cage and Peach in it. This was someone none of them had ever seen before. He took that big sword and pointed it at the Koopa King." Face me Beast!" he demanded.
Bowser turned away from Sonic and to this new foe. With a roar he jumped into the air and down at him. But as he came crashing down the boy jumped up avoiding the rumbling of the earth.
But that shaking of the Earth causing Peach's cage to rattle and almost made it fall into the lava below. But the young Hero forgetting the danger of battle reached out, grabbed the cage and saved Peach.
Sonic was on the other side of the crater and Mario watched from the rock wall above.
Now Bowser reared his head back and unleashed his greatest weapon of all. He opened his mouth and out shot a ball of fire.
But the boy stood there with that same stern look on his face. He raised his golden sword and with one swing created a gust of fire of his own. The fires flew forward and mixed with each other but neither singed or burned their opponent.
But when the fire died down the boy gripped his sword in both hands and lashed out at the monster. With both hands gripping it he swung his sword, running it across Bowser's belly. The King Koopa let out a terrible roar as he turned and fell back into the lava pit below.
Beating Bowser in record time, making both Mario and Sonic look like novices the boy turned back to Peach. Then taking his sword in one hand he hit the lock on the cage, shattering it with one soft blow.
"Peach!" Mario yelled as he jumped down to her. The lovebirds ignored the stranger as they were more preoccupied with each other. Sonic however had no distractions.
"Good work out there kid." Sonic said to him. He put out his hand." You sure made quick work of that guy." The boy's expression did not change. He didn't even reach for Sonic's outstretched hand causing him to hold it there awkwardly for a few seconds. Finally he put it down.
"Thank you for saving me." Peach said stepping up and towards the boy. As she spoke Mario moved up next to Sonic." What is your name?"
"Ike." He answered.
"Well Ike, thank you very much." She looked him over." You're not from around here are you?"
"No." he shook his head.
"Then what brings you out here?"
"I'm looking for a woman." He told.
"Heh." Chuckled sonic." Aren't we all?"
"A Princess." He corrected turning his full attention to Peach. And Mario did not like the look of that.
"Find your own, kid." He said stepping in front of his wife." Cause this Princess is taken."
"You misunderstand me. I seek a certain Princess in particular."
"Define particular." Sonic began." Hair, eyes-"
"She's the Princess of the prophecy." Ike cut in." Gifted with an ancient weapon of awesome power." This was starting to sound familiar.
"Zelda." Peach said." Are you taking about Zelda?"
"Yes." He nodded." if she is the Princess of the Prophecy I must meet her." Peach was more than happy to agree but Mario and Sonic remembered something else. Another character involved in this prophecy.
"We could-"
"Wait a minute!" Mario jumped in." How do you know all of this? What's your angle?"
"How do we know you're not Ganondorf in disguise?" Sonic questioned." Just trying to lure us into a trap?!"
"I seek only the Princess of Hyrule. That is my quest."
Mario and Sonic shared a skeptical glance. How could they be so sure he was who he claimed to be. More like he was a play-acting spy for the Dark Wizard or even the Wizard himself.
"We can take you to her." Peach smiled.
Needless to say there was a fourth wheel back to the Mushroom Kingdom that day. And now the supposed Hero of Time stood before the Princess who wielded the Trifoce of Wisdom. If anyone could figure out the truth of this matter, it was her.
"What makes you think you are the Hero of Time?" Zelda asked. Ike turned his attention to her. Mario and Sonic stood back listening to everything. Mario with his arms crossed across his chest. Sonic casually chewing on a chilli dog.
"It came to me in a vision." He told." In a dream I heard a voice crying to me saying to seek out my destiny. To seek out the Princess with the power of Nayru." That was specific enough as far as Zelda was concerned. But it was also mysterious. "That is why I have come to you, my Lady." He said." To offer you my sword and offer you peace against our Dark Enemy."
It was odd to be sure. The last Triforce Hero hadn't been seen in a thousand years. Could it be possible he had come back? Zelda herself couldn't tell, but perhaps with her powers she could uncover the truth.
Zelda put up her hands and set them beside Ike's head. Her own headress began to shine in the process. The Triforce of Wisdom, and perhaps it would give them the wisdom to unravel this mystery.
After a few minutes the light subsided and Zelda sat back down.
"Well?" Sonic asked. "Did that light show tell you anything?"
"Yes." she answered." I could see what he spoke was true. The vision, the dream was real."
"Then it's true?" Luigi asked." He's this, this Hero of the Prophecy?"
"I don't know." Zelda admitted." Even with my powers, I cannot tell all. But one thing is for sure, he is here to help."
"As you say." Mario let out.
"I always love a twist." Sonic added. He popped the last piece of chili dog into his mouth then licked his fingers one after the other.
Peach moved forward and spoke next.
"You can stay with us for the time being." she told.
"What?!" Mario let out confused.
"Well you didn't expect him to stay with me, didya?" Sonic asked popping his pinky out of his mouth.
"Time being?" Ike asked. Peach nodded with a smile." You misunderstand. I have to end this. "Ike told looking to Zelda." It is my destiny." And without another word he turned and ran off.
"Hey, wait!" Mario called out to him. "Where are you going?!"But Ike was already gone." What's gotten into him?"
"I know. "Zelda answered." He's gone to seek out Ganondorf." A cold silence suddenly fell across the group. And Luigi gulped down a breath of fear." If he believes what he says, then it's his destiny to defeat Ganondorf."
"His destiny huh?" Sonic said wiht a click of his tongue.
"So the prophecy says." Zelda told." Long ago-"
"Yes, yes" Sonic clapped. "We've heard the story before. But the real question is now what to do about it." He rolled his shoulders and turned to Mario." Cause we've dealt with that guy before and he's no chomp."
"Yes, yes." Mario agreed running a hand across his face." But if this propechy is to be believed, then it means that Ike will win." Sonic chuckled as he reached up and ran a finger through Mario's mustache.
"I never knew you believed in destiny." He said as he did so.
"I don't. "Mario replied.
"Well neither do I." Sonic said crossing his arms." But I do know that he's gonna need help. So what do you say?" He winked to Mario. "Cause that's what hero's do right?"
Ike had become acustomed to traveling in open country like this. Even before he became the Hero of Time he had traveled far and wide on dangerous quests. But this one would unlike anything he'd ever done before.
Ganon's castle was not on any map. Or marked down in any form in history. But after many days of wet and weary travel in the wildnerness he'd found it. A floating castle of darkness.
It's drawbridge was down, it's gates completly open. But could see nothing inside. No light illuminated the halls, only darkness. If the Villain was home he feared no visitors. For none have been able to surpass him in a thousand years.
Ike marched forward and stood in the gate, for even in the shadow of this evil he feared nothing.
"GANON!" He raised his head back and yelled." Come out and face your DOOM!" His voice echoed around the castle and into the sky. Ike could even hear it fade across the courtyard. But no response came. Except for the low rumblings from inside the shadows. The shadow slowly moved and took the form of a person.
"Dark Villain!" Ike commanded getting Ganondorf's attention. The Sorcerer turned to face him.
"Who is this to bark at me without fear?" he questioned with a raised brow. He had never laid eyes on the boy before.
"I am the person you fear most." Ike responded. He gripped his sword with both hands and pointed it at the Dark Wizard." I am the wielder of the Triforce of Courage, the Hero of Time!" But that only confused his foe. How could he be the wielder of courage when looking at his own chest Ganondorf could see it's mark still burning bright. If this were it's true wielder would it not simply return to him? Even with all his knowledge even he could not guess in this situation.
Ganondorf had often questioned himself if it were possible. That what if, one day that boy that was prophesized to defeat did finally appear? It had been a thousand years since he'd seen that face. And he would have liked to think if it did appear again he would know. Simply from a look or a feeling deep down in his stomach that would warn him.
All the same he didn't know what to expect from this boy.
Ike jumped forward swinging his sword with both hands. But Ganondorf disappeared by the time he came down and Ike's sword plunged into the ground.
"The previous Hero of the Triforce wielded a sword." Came the Sorcerer's voice. Looking across the room Ike saw Ganondorf reappear from the shadows." Perhaps what you say is true. " As more and more darkness surrounded him he appeared to grow and grow, until he towered above Ike." If you are who you say you are then I will slay you just as I did before. And then I will become completely invincible."
Tightening his grip on his sword Ike stepped forward and swung his sword. And it clashed with Ganondorf's own. The Sorcerer reached his hand on the hilt, having drawn the blade straight from it's scabbard to block Ike's.
The Dark Wizard appeared to be taking this seriously. He would not toy around or allow himself to be distracted in this fight. Ike jumped forward swinging his blade once more, this time clashing against the Wizard's sword. They circled and clashed, neither giving ground to the other as they clashed their mighty blades together. But Ganondorf had more than just his sword.
He suddenly released his sword but the blade continued to move as if wielded by an invisible swordsman. Ike stepped back as the sword swung at him, left and right. Even worse was having to deal with Ganondorf.
The sorcerer raised his hands causing the stone chunks of the floor to levitate into the air. Then we swung his arm forward and the stones went flying. Ike jumped out of the way as one crashed at his feet. Then again in the air to avoid the others. But he had been so preoccupied with dodging he forgot about the sword.
The blade came from behind and slashed him across the back.
"AH!" Ike screamed while Ganondorf chuckled from the darkness. But Ike quickly got control of himself. He gripped his sword even tighter, with a great swing he turned around and hit the floating sword. It fell to the ground and stayed there, the magic undone.
He rested his foot on Ganondorf's blade. The Sorcerer had taken a step forward but then took a careful step back. It appeared he would have to do without his weapon. But then Ike put his foot under the blade and with a swift motion put the blade into the air, letting it land at Ganondorf's feet.
Ganondorf raised his head and eyed his opponent carefully but the boy simply nodded to the sword at his feet. Slowly Ganondorf reached down to retrieve the sword, the top of his bright orange head looking right at Ike. His fingers were just tracing over the hilt of the blade but Ike would wait until his hand was fully around it.
Ike expected him to suddenly move quickly and slash him in two. But Dark Magic was his game, and there was nothing he couldn't do with it. His orange hair suddenly grew and lashed out like a whip.
Ike stepped back, managing to cut one of the strands reaching for him but the second took him by his arm. At the same time his legs and feet were covered. His sword was dropped to the ground as he was forced into the air.
"HeHe." Ganondorf smiled as he looked up at him." A good attempt boy, a good attempt." He held his sword up, aiming it right for Ike's heart. And he would have struck the killing blow too, if he wasn't stopped. Because suddenly the gates came crashing open getting both Ganondorf's and Ike's attentions.
"Now what?" He groaned. Looking over he saw two familiar faces standing in the gateway." YOU!" He shouted upon seeing both Mario and Sonic there.
"That's right." Sonic said. "We make house calls now."
"Order up!" Mario yelled as he swung his arm forward and out came a fireball.
The fireball came at him but Ganondorf opened his mouth and with a puff, blew a gust of wind to silence the blast. But now while he was distracted was Ike's chance. He reached down and bit at the hair that held his right arm. And once that was free he ripped his other arm free, then finally his legs. All until he came crashing down to the floor.
Ganondorf had been too busy to notice. He hadn't seen Ike until he was right in front of him, sword in hand.
With his sword Ike swung down and it appeared as if he's cut Ganondorf right down the middle. But it seemed that Ganondorf had spilt himself in two to avoid Ike's sword and the possibility of death. Now there were two dark enemies to face. Making the situation more complicated. If he killed either would the other perish or would he have to kill the true Ganondorf for that to happen?
The two lunged forward both swinging their swords. But Ike put up his own and blocked them both. With a roar he swung his blade knocking them both back.
Mario and Sonic couldn't watch anymore. They knew the power of Ganondorf and knew the only way to beat him was too outnumber him. Together they jumped forward and prepared to attack.
One Ganondorf pointed a finger at Ike and out of that finger came a lightning bolt. It shot out and struck Ike in the chest, knocking him back and into the castle wall.
At the same time Sonic came crashing down as a ball, bashing into both Ganondorf's. The first disappearing into shadow while the other fell to the ground.
But then with a wave of his hand Ganondorf propelled Sonic off him and across the room. Turning his head he saw Ike was back ready to face off with him once more.
Standing before him Ganondorf reached back and grabbed a handful of his cape in both hands. Then he swung it up and into the air, making it expand the entire room. And then it came down on Ike, surrounding him in darkness.
It was so dark Ike couldn't even see his hands in front of his face.
"Are you frightened?" he heard in the darkness. With the voice came a force that knocked Ike off his feet.
With a roar Ike swung his sword releasing the fire and destroying the magic darkness. And in this attack he managed to take the Sorcerer by surprise and knock him off his feet. But quickly moved to get back on his feet.
But by the time he did it was already too late.
With both hands on his sword Ike stepped forward and swung. The blade flashed in the night moving so fast to seem to catch fire. And this mighty swing had done the trick. Ganondorf's head rolled off his shoulders and onto the ground.
"He did it." Sonic watched in awe." He really did it."
The Hero let out a deep sigh as his task was finally done. Or perhaps not.
A sharp pain sprang out through his body and looking down Ike saw a sword poking through the center of his chest. Behind him the body of Ganondorf had drawn it's sword and stabbed Ike hilt deep in the back.
"No!" Mario yelled. A dark chuckling roared throughout the halls. The Head of Ganondorf began to float into the air.
"An excellent attempt." He opened his mouth wide and expelled a deep breath forcing a gust of wind to blast the two remaining heroes into the walls." But it appears you've chosen the wrong hero."
The body pulled it's sword from Ike and then moved to it's head, prepared to become whole again. Sheathing the sword he took his head in both hands and placed it on his neck. Then running his hand across his wound and the help of magic Ganondorf was hole again.
"Much better." He said after the process was complete. Then he turned to Mario and Sonic. "Not that this night hasn't been interesting. But I will have to repay your transgression in the same." He raised a hand and aimed at Mario. And before the plummer knew it the Wizard's dark magic was on him. Surrounding him, hurting him until finally it propelled him back. Slamming him from through the way he came and out into the wilderness.
"NO!" Sonic yelled. Ganondorf's eyes went to him now. The Hedgehog's quick witted remarks and speech were what the Wizard hated most about him.
"And I have something special in mind for you." He raised a hand and pointed at the Hedgehog surrounding him with his magic. And despite how fast he was he couldn't outrun this. He spoke words Sonic couldn't understand in a dialect lost to history.
And then everything went black.