Chapter five: The storm arrives
The air was growing thick and eerily still. It carried with it a strange energy, as dark billowing storm clouds began to gather on the horizon. A lone Hylian captain by the name of Gadagen leaned back lazily. He was enjoying the last few moments before his shift, while hidden away in a watchtower on Hyrule Castle Town's perimeter. He had just finished scanning over a story in his copy of 'The Hyrule Herald', which was headlined with an adoring title about the new monarch of Hyrule. Smiling softly to himself, he flipped the paper over to see a daily forecast. "Hino's predictions for tonight's lunar cycle: Full Moon. Weather Seer Seba's prediction for today: Sunshine with severe storms approaching from the south later this evening".
No sooner had Gadagen read the bad news, the first few droplets of heavy rain began to lash the ground and a loud crash of thunder almost caused him to spill is Hyrule herb tea. He let out a loud weary huff. "I should have gone for Royal Guard. Instead, I am about to get soaked to the bone guarding a town for twelve hours, where nothing remotely bad has happened since the Calamity was destroyed".
Unbeknown to him just a few minutes away, a panicked mud splattered guard known as Neilson was tearing after a runaway Oxenbeast drawn caravan, that was hurtling towards the castle town. It had come out of nowhere just moments ago and had Neilson not managed to distinguish the Oxenbeast's thunderous stomps from the rumbles of the storm in time, he would have surely been flattened. He panted heavily as he struggled through the sodden, uneven terrain and began to stagger as his sides began to cramp. Giving up on even reaching the town in time, he desperately clutched for a metal horn clasped to his side. Praying to the Goddesses it would work, he put it to his lips and drew a deep breath.
Suddenly however, the horn began to crackle and spark. All the hairs on Neilson's neck began to stand on end. No no no no noooooo! Flinging the horn to the ground, he ran and dived over a brick wall just in time as a thick column of lightning struck the metal horn; the thunderclap flinging him backwards several metres.
"Hylia have mercy that one was close!" Gadagen exclaimed hauling himself up from the floor. "Looks, like it caused a small fire too…what in the world!?". Peering out of a small window, Gadagen could only look on shocked at what appeared to be a rogue Oxenbeast drawn caravan. It was now imminently charging towards the town. Over the heavy rain and thunder rumbles he just about heard several panicked voices ring out: "Halt!", "You have no authority to enter this town, turn back!", "Turn back now!", "I said turn back darn you!", "No use…look out!" *CRASH*.
Gadagen grabbed his Soldier's broadsword and shot out of the watchtower. The gate to Hyrule Castle town had been sheared clean off the hinges, a testament to the might of the Oxenbeast which was now rampaging panicked through town. Racing down the cobbled streets, along the way Gadagen reassured the bewildered townsfolk that lingered in their doorways trying to see the source of the commotion. He could see the frightened creature circling back around, letting out distressed wails. Seeing an opportunity, he raced down a side alleyway to head off the rampaging beast.
Lingering around a corner, he waited until the caravan went tearing past and pounced. He precariously scaled the caravan and leaning over the side, slashed at the taut reins awkwardly. The petrified creature broke free, tearing off back through the damaged gates. Climbing down, Gadagen trained his sword on the mystery troublemaker; his hands trembling from adrenaline. "You…are…under arrest" he huffed. Slowly…the coachman lowered his hood and turned to Gadagen. "Help…me" a raspy voice rang out. "Hylia have mer-!" Gadagen yelped.
Oblivious to the unfolding chaos outside, the guests high up in Hyrule Castle were now in a heightened state of drunken merriment. A band had formed on a stage, consisting of: Kass the famous wandering Rito minstrel, Hestu with his legendary maracas, bongo wielding Gorons, a Zora with a stringed instrument and a Hylian woman with a flute offering vocals as well. They were playing an upbeat tune with a fast rhythm, which delighted many of the more boisterous Hyrulians who immediately took to the floor to showcase their drunken overconfidence.
Some men shot hopeful glances Queen Zelda's way hoping to impress her…but Zelda was too preoccupied to care. Despite the wise warnings of both Impa and Sidon, Zelda had once again succumbed to the irresistible callings of the Hebra Wildberry punch. She decided to sneak a couple more glasses while Sidon was away dancing and Impa was having a quiet word with Link. Impa eventually caught her out and went to go over and scold her but both ended up falling about laughing.
As the band finished their song, Kass took a proud bow and raised a wing like hand to silence the audience. "Ladies and Gentlemen! It is with my delight tonight that I play for you, the melody of the new warriors of our time!". The room applauded. "First up, I give you the proud warrior of the skies! A man I am immensely proud to belong to the same tribe as, please show your appreciation for Mr Teba of the Rito and his beloved Saki!". Teba stepped up slowly with his wife and both slowly turned to face each other, pure undying love was apparent in their eyes which broke a smile out in everyone. They danced majestically to a faster version of the sacred song that was associated with Rito Village. Eventually as the music built in intensity they took to the air, circling and weaving around each other as though they were on an invisible elevated floor. Everyone was captivated. As the song ended, they landed gracefully and kissed tenderly. A few "awws" from the audience rang out as they bowed and left the floor.
"Bravo! Superb as always!" Kass exclaimed. "Next up, I am proud to present to you, Riju the proud Gerudo leader!". Riju walked confidently to the middle of the floor. Bowing slowly, her arms suddenly whipped out from behind her back to reveal a large Scimitar which drew gasps. A slow mysterious tune rang out, known largely by women as being the sacred melody of Gerudo Town. Riju moved with both elegance and unpredictability, her movements resembling something between a well-rehearsed dance and carefully calculated sword battle. She connected slow flowing movements into sharp flicks, causing the blade to bite through the air. Some rowdy Hylian men gulped and shrank back into the crowd to soft laughter. Zelda looked on and felt her heart hurt. In that moment with the occasional lightning flashes illuminating Riju's dance, she could almost see a different woman before her…who used to refer to her only as 'little bird'.
Elsewhere, the two hooded figures were scrambling into a boat, having executed the unexpected but welcomed addition to their plan just moments ago. They had planned to take another route, but it was potentially far more perilous given the heavy rain and the latest defence additions to the castle. It appeared however, as though luck was on their side in the form of a pathetic, uninvited Hylian guest just hours ago. Crashing straight through the front gates of the enemy's territory had caught them completely by surprise. The incompetent fools the enemy had called guards turned tail and fled once the duo's new pet had shown his hideous face. Those foolish enough to try and take him on found themselves meeting a swift, merciless end. Some astoundingly tried. However, their futile preoccupation with the monstrosity before them, only helped the two other invaders slip out of the caravan and pass by completely undetected.
They were now coasting along Hyrule Castle moat, whilst sticking cautiously close to the banks on the castle side. The heavy rain and thick blanket of darkness ensured their cover. With a gleeful smile, the hooded man raised his gaze "soon…Lord Ganondorf".
Making their way slowly through a small cave, they eventually moored the boat at some small docks. Lowering their hoods, the man and woman produced two small vials with a sickly-looking liquid. They both drank the contents, grimacing at the foul taste. However, the benefits were soon felt, as they now found themselves moving with no sound whatsoever. Tapping gently on a large oak door, they waited cautiously with blades at the ready. The door slowly creaked open causing them both to tense.
They were met with a rather unpleasant looking man who rubbed his sunken bloodshot eyes before flashing them a rotten grin. "You two took yer time!" he said cheerily. "Kason, it is a…pleasure as always!" the man said in a weak attempt at friendliness. "Pleasure's all mines!" Kason said smugly. "Anyfink to take these disgusting Hylians down!". The woman glared coldly at him. "You know you are Hylian too right and a dirty thief at that?" Kason's smile faded. "…he is loyal to Lord Ganondorf my dear, that makes him somewhat…redeemed", the man said feigning praise. "And do not worry Kason, your actions will duly be recognised by his excellency". Kason's rotten grin reappeared. "Now then, do you have it?" the man said with a sickly smile.
"Maybe I does and maybe I doesn't" Kason said slyly. "Look just hand it over and stop with these stupid games!" the woman shot menacingly. "The carrot my dear…not the stick" the man replied softly. "Ugh fine!" she seethed, handing Kason a Hylian apple. "Ah, ah" Kason said with his eyes closed beckoning for more. With an exasperated huff the woman dropped a hock of meat, and two sapphires into his hands. "Pleasure doin business deary" he crooned at her, before placing his spoils in a satchel and handing the male a scrap of paper. "Follow this ere route and you will gets to the hall no worries. No guards or blasties, no trouble". "Shame..." the man said ominously. "Because trouble is exactly what we are going for". They hurried on past Kason following his sketch carefully. "Oh, and Kason?" the man said stopping and turning to him. "Don't even think about stealing the boat, or else my little friend behind you will have something to say about it". Kason turned around and whimpered as a low growl echoed softly across the cave.
Riju took a bow and left the dance floor to wide applause. "Simply majestic to witness! A perfect demonstration of the elegance and fierce nature of the Gerudo!" Kass declared. "Next up, we have the mighty power of the Goron tribe so without further ado, lets give it up for Yunobo!". The crowd parted to reveal Yunobo tucking into yet another rock roast, at first oblivious. Noticing all eyes upon him he smiled sheepishly and got up slowly. Teba looked at Zelda with a mischievous glint in his eyes. She laughed. Poor Yunobo, do your tribe proud! she willed. As Yunobo walked forwards to applause, several Gorons slapped him hard on the back, "You got this little man!" they roared. Yunobo nervously took centre stage. Struggling to read a tattered piece of paper, the band played an ancient melody sacred to the Gorons.
No one knew what Yunobo was really doing in that moment, not even Yunobo. Raising both arms in the air he simply hopped and twisted on the spot as though he was dancing on hot coals. Though awkward at first, he slowly relaxed and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself, ignoring everyone falling about with laughter. Though Zelda found his dance funny, she also found him so endearing and felt an immense sense of pride and affection towards the Gorons. For Link the melody being played…carried a strange familiar sense to it, as if from a distant past life. As Yunobo finished, people applauded him if anything for being so entertaining. Walking off the floor proudly, Yunobo punched the air uttering two words: "Saria's song!". His Goron friends slapped him hard once again on the back, "you did amazing brother!".
"Thank you Yunobo, for that…fine display" Kass said with an awkward smile. "Last up from our warriors, we have Sidon of the Zora!". Sidon made his way to the floor to thunderous applause and cheers. "Oh dear!" he exclaimed playing up for the crowd. "I don't appear to have a dance partner!". "Pick me!" "NO, PICK ME!" Hylian women squabbled among themselves. "I pick…why, you…right there!".
He pointed directly at Zelda. Her eyes widened. Surely, he cannot expect me to…in this state?! He moved smoothly over to her. "Come my dear, do this proud Zora the honour of dancing with the Queen of Hyrule". He grabbed her hand and started dragging her along. Though she tried to resist, her drunken legs stumbled along with no resistance whatsoever. "Sidon! *hic* no! *hic* I am *hic*…the elix! - *hic*". "Just trust me my dear!" he said with a grin. Kass gave the band his cue. "And one and two and three and". They played a beautiful waltz rendition of a song that came to be known affectionately as 'Mipha's song'. Though Zelda stumbled drunkenly many times, Sidon with all his charisma and grace made every misstep look intentional. The crowd chattered excitedly, completely captivated. As Zelda and Sidon swept the floor in perfect unison, she gazed into the Zora's confident eyes and grinned. "Sidon, *hic* how!?". The Zora beamed knowingly at her. "Simple my dear! I only dance with those who I truly know and have faith in. I have faith in you Queen Zelda and with me by your side you will never put a step wrong".
As the music drew to a close, Zelda hugged Sidon close and he happily reciprocated. "Sidon *hic*, you do your race proud" she said. "As do you!" he replied with a tender smile. His smile turned mischievous, as he leaned in and whispered in Zelda's ear. "I know you Your Majesty, better than you think…I also know that you will thank me later for this". Huh? "Catch!" Sidon suddenly spun Zelda around just as the music ended, extended his arm and let go. Zelda gave a startled shriek stumbling backwards. Luckily, she was caught. Turning to thank the mystery person, she found herself face to face with Link who unbeknown to her had been tricked into crossing the floor at that moment by Impa. Her face flushed scarlet and in that moment Kass and the band began to play an awfully slow song. She glanced half cross, half embarassed at Sidon who was busy high fiving Impa. However, she then felt Link's hands around her waist. Trembling, she placed her hands on his.
They began to circle each other, like an awkward young couple; unsure of what they should be doing. "Hi…" she said nervously. Link looked deep into her eyes and smiled affectionately, which made her heart do somersaults. Slowly they circled to the music. Zelda began to feel very flustered as the room seemingly melted away. Her head was now a torrent of thoughts. Link…we have both been through so much together. You have done so much for me. You…never lost faith in me after all these years…and now we are together finally…you make me feel things I have never felt before. You are just…so…wow. What is this I am feeling…is this…could it be…could I be…in…l- Ugh no! This is foolish, I am the Queen of Hyrule now. I should not let a male inflict such weakness on me. Yet, I do not want this to end…I want you to hold me like this beyond the end of the song. I... need you to know how I feel but how!? What do I do!?
Sensing the song coming to its conclusion, without even thinking Zelda's arms wrapped further around Link's waist. She was now embracing him rather than simply holding him. Ugh what am I doing?! It is just a dan- Link reciprocated. Her body trembled like a leaf. Steeling herself, she squeezed him closer. He did the same. She squeezed again; he did the same. Zelda's heart rate elevated, and her cheeks were burning. Squeezing each other more and more they could not get any closer now if they wanted to. They gazed longingly into each other's eyes circling round and round. Everyone was captivated by the chemistry that was spilling off the young Hylian pair, waiting in anticipation. Should I…may I…would you do it back…or would you think it was most unbecoming of your new Queen…to…touch your lips with hers? Her heart was pounding now. To everyone's disappointment however, Zelda lost her nerve and instead rested her head on Link's chest. She closed her eyes, as the beats of the music faded into Link's own heartbeat. You make me feel so happy Link…I never want this moment to end.
"This is too adorable; I would simply kick my own backside if I didn't capture this moment!" Purah squealed from across the room. She raised the Sheikah slate. "Click. Snap...huh!? What in the world is THAT!?". Zelda soaked in Link's embrace for just a moment longer before Sidon's voice boomed out, "Zelda! Link! Look out!". The pair were ripped violently from each other by a loud explosion. The windows in the room shattered, people were flung in all directions like rag dolls. The room erupted into panicked screams at first, followed by coughing and spluttering as the air filled with a thick purple, malice like fog.
Link pulled himself up painfully and staggered across the room frantically searching for Zelda. Suddenly, a dark figure leapt from the balcony above. Link could make out that this figure was wielding a large blade and began dancing through the air striking violently at terrified guests. Wasting no time, he pulled the master sword from its sheathe and to his surprise it glowed for the first time since the Calamity was vanquished. Racing towards the violent silhouette, he slashed but the figure somehow launched and flipped over Link with ease.
A dark blade slashed through the air towards Link's throat. The master sword was immediately raised just in time and dark metal bit against sacred metal, sending sparks spewing in all directions. "Quite the blade you've got there" a voice rang out mockingly "shame it is wielded by an amateur". Link's body tensed as he was overcome with rage towards the intruder. Letting out a warrior's cry, Link immediately slashed towards the silhouette and the two now engaged in a vicious sword battle shrouded in dark smoke. Link tried his best to focus and slow time, but this intruder was more skilled in swordplay than any previous opponents and was just too quick.
Zelda could barely see the two silhouettes now battling in the smoke as other silhouettes cowered in a corner. She knew however, that one was Link and she also knew which one was him…the one now struggling. Raising her hand towards the attacker, she tried with all her might to draw upon her sacred power. The alcohol, however, was interfering and only a faint glow emanated from her hand. "Come on please!" she pleaded to Hylia. "I almost lost him once, don't take him away from me again!". The glow grew in intensity. "Yes!" she exclaimed; every inch of her body now poised to exterminate the threat to Link without mercy. "Oh no you don't, you silly little girl!" a voice rang out before a painful crack knocked Zelda unconscious.
Link was losing the fight and deep down he knew it. He knew that if something did not turn in his favour soon, he was done for. Suddenly, as the figure bore down on him it was struck with a glancing blow. The figure flew backwards hissing in pain loudly, then let out a cold laugh. "So typical of you filthy Hylians! Always relying on someone else to do your dirty work…as it always has been". "Or maybe he is just lucky enough to have plenty of friends. Funny how barging in on unsuspecting guests doesn't make one exceedingly popular now isn't it?" Sidon's assertive voice rang out. Link could also make out the silhouettes of Riju, Yunobo and Teba closing in. "Bloodwin…we have done what we came for, that is enough!" a female voice yelled out from elsewhere. "Heh, love to stop and chat. However, we have our own little guest to entertain now" the man now known as Bloodwin responded smugly. Leaping up into the air he disappeared. Link's heart sank like a stone, as the realisation of what he just said sank in.
Gazing up, Link just about saw two figures on the balcony above…one carrying a slumped figure over their shoulder. He raced through the corridors of Hyrule Castle, the voices of the chosen warriors, trailing faintly behind him. The intruders one floor above, were making steady progress with their prize but they sensed the pesky Hylian rats closing in on them. Bloodwin ordered his female companion to go ahead as he shot out bolts of dark magic towards guards that tried to stop them. Making their way finally to the docks, they quickly bundled their unconscious kidnappee into the boat where Kason was waiting gleefully. Link managed to arrive at the docks just as they began to unmoor the boat and closed in on them.
With a calm, confident click of his fingers, Bloodwin beamed evilly as the monstrosity leapt towards Link from the shadows. As the boat began to drift out of the cave the female looked on at Link, blew a kiss and waved mockingly. "Nice knowing yer!" Kason crowed. Link now prepared to face a beast like none he had ever seen before.
?
Malice entity
The beast before Link appeared to consist entirely of malice. Its large head filled with razor sharp teeth. It had a large single eye above its gaping maw. With a terrifying shriek, tentacle like protrusions of malice exploded from its body. Each had a grotesque eye attached. They lashed towards Link, who dived out of the way just in time and collided instead with a large crate which exploded into splinters. One however, wrapped around his legs and Link found himself now dangling painfully upside down as the malice began to leach his health. The creature slowly began to move Link towards its grotesque, salivating mouth. Leaning up frantically he slashed with the master sword which cut clean through the malice like tentacle, dropping him to the ground painfully.
The tentacle simply grew back, its bulging red eye bore into Link seemingly freezing him. As the creature advanced on him once more, suddenly he heard a high pitched 'fwip!' as an arrow lodged into the tentacle's eyeball. With a deafening shriek the tenacle disintegrated into a plume of dark smoke. He turned to be met with Teba, Sidon, Riju and Yunobo who now raced to his defence. With a nod, each one of them in unison began to take on the monstrosity. Yunobo hurled a large rock which slammed into the eye of one tentacle, while Sidon launched his mighty Zora trident through the air, perfectly skewering another.
Link having now discovered a bow and some arrows hidden in the damaged crate leapt through the air with Teba, both slowing time with their focus. They pierced the eyes of several more tentacles. Finally, Riju with one great sweep of her blade, rained down a bolt of electricity on the staggered creature which howled in pain and fell to the ground stunned. Racing towards the now opened main eye, Link lodged the master sword into it right up to the hilt. A deafening shriek ran out and the malice like entity exploded into a puff of smoke…revealing an unconscious Hylian underneath that Link instantly recognised.
"Wooo! Don't we make one heck of a team!?" Yunobo yelled. "Huh!?". They all gathered around the unconscious Hylian. "Isn't that…". Link, however, did not have time to worry about that. Racing back up through the castle, he made his way to the heavily damaged banquet hall where he was met with horrified guests. Some were reduced to tears, while others were debating passionately what the situation meant and whether the new Queen of Hyrule could even be trusted to keep them safe.
Link found Purah wandering aimlessly, evidently in a state of deep shock. "Oh Linky!" She said vacantly, her body trembling. "The Sheikah slate, have you seen it? I need it right away...what!? Zelda's been…kidnapped!? No…that can't be possible!".
Under a broken table, the Sheikah slate's mysterious eye looked on, having been a quiet witness to the storm that had now passed. On the screen…words began to appear. Analysis complete…Outcome: malice-based attack on Hyrule Castle…Initiating anti-calamity protocol…stand by…
Note: Apologies for the SUPER long chapter compared to previous chapters. I was planning to split it up but I felt doing this would disrupt the crucial turning point in the story. Nevertheless, I really hope you enjoy where this story is starting to go. As always, please do feel free to engage with me in the comments, I will always reply where I can! :) Please be mindful that I do have limits on my own replies in the comment section, so if I can't address your comment here I will try my best to do so in the next chapter. OR if you really want a decent convo about your reaction, feel free to send me a PM :D