Chapter 10: Light vs Darkness
Once again, a clap of thunder crashed out across the land, as rain lashed the windows of Hateno. The small town was plunged into an eerie darkness. Its lanterns had been illuminated earlier that night, but a frigid gale had long since extinguished them. The air was freezing cold, leading many of the residents to huddle together within their homes trying to seek out what warmth they could.
For one silent wanderer in the darkness, the cold, knife like wind and icy rain stirred up no unpleasant sensation in his dead flesh and bones. Nor did the dreary, cloying darkness have any impact on his already blackened, unhallowed soul. For this was a person already forged from darkness. A person who had long since given his existence to an evil cause. This cause if his leader were correct, would soon be realised. He just had to play his part in ensuring that the ones who threatened it, stood no chance. Unluckily for them tonight, any chance they had would be swiftly stamped out, along with their pathetic existence in this world. Their broken souls would then pass over, only to be forever tormented under the immense power of the one they imprisoned…just as the Sheikah girl's soul was being at that very moment.
The wanderer smiled coldly in the darkness, as they approached a grotesque statue. 'Granter of boons' this statue is known as to the townsfolk. Tonight however, it will come to be known as dealer of death. The wanderer threw its head back and laughed, as a lightning bolt lashed across the sky like a whip letting out a sharp crack of thunder. The wanderer's unnatural, gaunt, skeletal like face illuminated in that moment through the darkness. "Trapped spirit hear my voice, the voice of Necrus!" the wanderer declared to the statue.
"What is it you desire, o wandering nomad?" the 'Granter of Boons' said in an unnaturally low, gruff voice. "I can grant you whatever your heart desires: Power, wealth, eternal life…all you have to do is tell me". "What I desire…". "Yessss?". "…Is for you to remember who you were, a proud demon warrior who once fought alongside us. To remember what that filthy false Goddess did to you. To burst forth from this stony prison, that she sealed you within and slay every last person in this town in revenge. Spill their blood and cool their bodies…but only after you have done so first, with the current Queen of Hyrule and her cohorts!".
"Heh, heh, heh. You truly are a strange one! No one has ev"- the statue's voice trailed off. "I…remember" the statue growled. "Good, feel your stony body coming to life, feel your veins burn with the hatred in your blood for Hylia and her disciples! Feel your lust to maim and kill grow!" Necrus commanded. "I remember…" the statues eyes burned red, and a dark aura began to build around it. "I remember!" the sound of grinding stone rang out as the statue groaned to life. "I remember!" it bellowed furiously as the stone it was made of exploded away to reveal the grotesque horned beast underneath. "Excellent!" Necrus hissed. "Now…kill them all!".
Earlier that evening, Link and Zelda had been up at Hateno Ancient Tech lab where the gravely injured Impa lay whimpering on the table. "What did she just say?" Purah repeated turning to Zelda and Link, her eyes wide with shock. "It sounded like Skulltula" Zelda said softly. "She was bitten, by a giant…thing" she continued with a grimace. "Well, it cannot be a Skulltula! Those things are just a fairy-tale our grandmother used to tell us way to close to bedtime. There is no evidence they ever existed!". Zelda produced a bundle of cloth and thrust it into Purah's hands. "Then maybe this will be the evidence you need" she said softly. Purah looked down at the unknown item in her trembling hands. Slowly and shakily, she began to unwrap it before getting to a large, black, glistening dagger like object which she let clatter to the floor in shock.
"This was one of its fangs" Zelda responded. "Then, if the legends are true…something far more threatening than Calamity Ganon is here. These beasts were said to be the result of an immensely powerful sorcerer! It also means…" her voice quavered; her eyes welled. "I-Impa may very well die soon". "No!" Zelda sobbed. "Purah she can't die, there must be something we can do!" she pleaded. "We came to you because you are her only hope, you are a woman of so much knowledge! If anyone can help her beat this it is, you!". Purah looked caught off guard by this comment, considering how she had treated Zelda and Link just moments ago. A look of determination crept across the young looking Sheikah woman's face.
"Well, first we need to locate and heal the wound", Purah responded. "We have already done that; the wound is right here…wait it has healed?" Zelda said in surprise. Purah's panicked expression softened slightly. "Good, then we have given her the best head start we can. However, we have now done all we can do for her". "What does that mean?" Zelda asked. "Well, if memory serves correctly, according to the legends, Skulltula attacks were a double-edged sword. The first is the bite that obviously causes a huge amount of physical damage. We have now reversed that damage".
"However, the second is that venom has a weakening effect on the spirit and mind of the victim". She gazed down anxiously at Impa who gazed up at nothing now with vacant eyes. The colour had drained from her face and she looked as pale as a ghost. "The 'venom' of the Skulltula is concentrated dark energy which causes progressive damage to her body, spirit and mind. Her heavily weakened body means that her spirit has loosened from it and the venom acts as a barrier preventing her spirit from fusing fully back into it". Purah took a deep shaky breath.
"She is therefore stuck between this world and the spirit world and is vulnerable to the dark forces that linger there. Right now, as we speak, some dark spirit also in limbo may well be feeding from and diminishing her will to fight back and survive" Zelda looked horrified. "If it succeeds, she will die…and her body will be resurrected as a Redead" Purah said with a tone of finality. "What is a Redead?" Zelda asked with fear in her voice. "In Sheikah folklore, they are the reanimated corpses of victims that have succumbed to dark magic. Their spirits are forever tormented in a dark realm while their tormentors gain control of their bodies and use them to attack, kill and claim more victims, thus continuing the curse" Purah answered. "No! We cannot let that happen Purah!" Zelda yelled back. "It is not down to us anymore" Purah responded softly. "Pray to Hylia that Impa is strong enough to hold off whatever is coming for her, until the venom runs its course".
"Get away!" Impa screamed, hurling crumbling objects at the approaching monster which was starting to become more agile. "Poor little Sheikah girl! To think you were revered as quite the example to your kind in combat, look now at how you cower and mewl" the corpse hissed. "You are dying Impa, your life force is slipping away, and you will be trapped here with me forever! I will drink your suffering for an eternity even when I am resurrected! I will meditate when alive and return here many times, just to hear you suffer!". Impa sobbed as the corpse took deep inhaling breaths. As it did so, she felt herself growing weaker. The corpse became more animated, as new sinews began to form and reinforce its decrepit body.
On the outside, Impa's physical form grew ever weaker in appearance. Her breathing became increasingly shallow. "She is losing, she isn't going to make it" Purah murmured, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Impa" Zelda said softly. "You never gave up on me, not for a second" she continued, bowing her head and closing her eyes. "So, I am not going to give up on you either!" she rose to her feet, her hands clenched into fists. I am sick of being the weak one everyone risks their lives for!
She marched over to Impa and placed a hand on her chest. She drew deep inside her own soul with all her might. "Zelda it is no use, you cannot fight this battle for her!" Purah said. "Maybe I can't!" Zelda shot back. "However, I won't let her fight alone! Impa, if you can hear me, I want you to know I am right here by your side as you have been for me all these years! Whatever this vile spirit is, you can beat it! Believe in yourself Impa because I believe in you!" Impa jolted and her breathing became erratic as she started murmuring to herself aloud.
In the dingy old house, Zelda's soft words reverberated loud. The corpse let out a low demonic laugh. "How utterly pathetic, do you really think you and that other silly little girl can stand against the king of evil?!" it hissed. "Y-you…y-your…-" Impa stammered, suddenly realising who she was trapped with. "Yes child…I am Ganondorf!" the corpse hissed. "The 'desert man' who has left a scar on the tiny minds of your pathetic kin for countless aeons! Possessor of the Crest of Power and imminent to have this land under my foot once more, this time for eternity!".
Impa's immense fear at the realisation, accelerated 'Ganondorf's' strength further, as he became more whole and muscular in appearance. No longer lumbering and slow, he raced towards Impa striking her hard across the head and knocking her backwards several feet. Her vision went funny as she staggered disorientated back to her feet, only to be struck once more. "You have an eternity of this to look forwards to, you pathetic little fool! Take comfort in knowing your kind will soon be joining you!".
Zelda, Purah, Link and the rest of the scientists looked on horrified as Impa's body convulsed violently with every blow she received by her unseen tormentor. Her mumbling became more panicked. "Impa, who is the person tormenting you?" Zelda asked, as she suddenly remembered what Beedle had said earlier that day. "What does it matter who is doing it to her?!" Purah yelled at her in distress. Zelda continued pressing undeterred. "You know who it is Impa, tell us his name. Identify him to us!".
"G-g-g" Impa stammered. "Yes, just a little more Impa, call him by his name!". "G-g-g". "Don't let him beat you Impa, he is not stronger than you are. Identify his pathetic existence, call him by his common name!" Zelda pleaded. "Ganondorf!" Impa yelled out loud, as a stunned silence crept across the room. "Who is that Zelda and how do you know his name?" Purah asked shocked. "He was terrifying another Hylian back at the castle, I do not know who he is, but I suspect he has been behind all of this…possibly even the Calamity itself!" Zelda replied.
"You…dare to utter my name?!" the corpse-like Ganondorf seethed drawing a blade upon Impa. He began to advance upon her. Pinning her under a foot and raising the blade above her neck, he suddenly stopped mid strike as Zelda's voice rang out once more. "Ganondorf I know you can hear me. I want you to know that the whole of Hyrule stands against you! You may use your power to trick and deceive but for as long as I am alive, you will never succeed in bringing this kingdom down. The righteousness of Hylia will shine through your darkness and we will wipe you from this land just like we did with your pitiful creation, we are not afraid of you!".
Ganondorf appeared to stagger backwards, as Impa used the opportunity to scramble away. Sensing her fear, he regained his strength and advanced upon her once more. "Those fools may not be afraid of me now, but I will soon change that!" he hissed. "Besides, they are not trapped in here with me, like you are. You are still afraid of me little Sheikah girl, I sense it!".
Zelda's voice rang out once more. "Impa, I know you can hear me too. You have already named the person tormenting you. He is no better than a common man. You are a mighty Sheikah warrior, do not let him beat you. The fact he can only terrify you in a weakened state goes to show how utterly powerless he is! Stand against him, because even if you feel alone right now you are not! We all stand with you!". Impa was now cornered as Ganondorf raised his blade once more. He slashed downwards as Impa closed her eyes and instinctively raised a hand to defend herself. The sound of metal against metal rang out loud.
Opening her eyes, Impa found herself clutching an eightfold blade which was locked against Ganondorf's. The somewhat corpse like Ganondorf looked stunned as he went to take another blow. Impa deflected it with ease. He swiped again and it was deflected yet again. "So…it seems that the little girl from the world above has some effective leadership after all. At least things have gotten a little more interesting now!" he growled with a creepy smile. The house suddenly peeled away, revealing a large open space surrounded by an endless dark horizon.
Ganondorf circled Impa who readied her blade, her fear giving way to determination. "I can teach you to fear me again girl!" he hissed. "You can resist all you like but you will languish in this place for all eternity! Let me tell you a little secret too. As everyone frets over your pitiful existence right now, all four Divine Beasts have fallen completely under my control! They all march forth ready to bring the destruction to your land that the Calamity could not. Your little friends are completely unaware too!" he let out an evil laugh. Impa lunged forwards blade in hand, with newfound determination to slay him.
Locked into what was quite literally a fight for her life, Impa ducked and dodged and countered every blow but was unable herself to land any on Ganondorf. He was simply too skilled. "I have had countless years more experience than you Impa, you cannot defeat me child!" he yelled. As the battle raged on Impa began to tire. Suddenly, she found herself stagger as Ganondorf bore down upon her. "You fought with spirit child, but this is where you succumb to the power of darkness!" laughing triumphantly he struck Impa hard with his sword…it broke clean in half.
Looking at his blade incredulously, he roared in anger and went to strike Impa with a fist. His forearm snapped clean in half, as it also struck what appeared to be a magical barrier. He stared in horror at the broken, decayed stump that was the remainder of his previously regenerated arm. He gritted his teeth. "Zelda!" he snarled, realising Zelda was lending her protection to the vulnerable Impa. Suddenly the world began to peel away as the venom began to fade from Impa's body. Ganondorf pointed to her. "You have…not…seen…the…. last…of…me" he rasped as his body began to wither and crumble into a pile of dust and shattered bones.
Impa's breathing began to stabilise, she still looked very weak, but her aura suddenly felt stronger. Zelda went to rise to her feet and stumbled backwards. She was caught by Link, before suddenly passing out in his arms. Nayra whined anxiously. "Link, Impa should be okay. It looks like she has pulled through". Purah said softly, smiling through her tears. "Go! Take care of Zelda". As Link lifted Zelda in his arms, Purah called out after him. "Linky?" … He turned to face her. "I am so sorry for earlier, please tell Zelda that too, okay? We are all so lucky to have you both!". Link smiled reassuringly and nodded. He hurried out as quickly as he could into the rain followed by Nayra and laid Zelda into the caravan as Nayra jumped in too. She nuzzled Zelda and licked her face, but Zelda did not respond. Her loyal friend then resorted to resting her head on Zelda's stomach and whining. By the time they made it back down to his house, Link was drenched to the bone.
He bundled Zelda in thick blankets and carried her across the bridge to his house. Going indoors, he struggled up the steps with her and set her down upon the bed. She was thankfully nowhere near as drenched as he was, but she was evidently cold. He bundled her further in his blankets and sat watching her for a moment. She really looked so pure and beautiful. He stroked her hair gently and leaned in giving her a soft kiss on the head. He then went down the steps, grabbed some firewood he was grateful he had stored away earlier that year and lit it. He grabbed a pot of water, filled a metal kettle and hooked it above the fire. Shivering, he unbuttoned and removed the top half of his tunic and wrapped himself in spare blankets. Nayra approached him and rested her wet head into his lap, he sat there stroking her. There was silence for a few minutes as he contemplated what may lay ahead for Hyrule.
His mind trailed off to the Great Calamity and the immense price the land had paid in having to stand against it. He realised from Zelda's thoughts earlier that Calamity Ganon itself may well be just another puppet blighting the castle, in much the same way the blights were with the Divine Beasts. What would that mean if there were a being powerful enough to summon all those vile entities? Link did not know but he had a sinister feeling that whatever lay ahead would make the Great Calamity look like a minor struggle. The whistle from the kettle made him jump. He heard Zelda stirring above and raced to take the kettle off boil, burning his hand slightly in the process. He laid the water to simmer dropping a small bundle of Hyrule herbs into the pot and letting them steep, before pouring the tea into a cup. He drank the hot liquid in silence, sighing as it soothed his tired body.
His eyes grew heavy as he began to slip into a deep sleep. Unbeknown to him in that moment, Zelda awoke and made her way silently down the steps. As she saw Link, she smiled groggily to herself. He cannot be comfortable like that surely. She made her way over to him and tapped him gently on the shoulder. He jumped falling backwards off the chair with a painful thud. "Link! Are you okay?" she yelled in concern. However, as Link struggled now tangled up in the sheets with his legs poking out, she smiled and let out a soft giggle. "You look like a ghost!" she chuckled uncontrollably. Suddenly, a soggy mud-soaked ball of fur pounced on him barking and splattering him in the process.
His tired, disorientated and slightly grumpy looking face popped out, only to be bathed in licks from the attacking Nayra. Zelda was now in hysterics. Link looked up at her and her smile instantly melted him. "I'm so sorry, I can't help it I don't know what has come over me" she laughed. However, her apology was too little too late. Link shot her a playfully mean expression and immediately rose to his feet and lunged towards her, she let out a playful shriek as Link trapped her in the blankets with him and buried his fingers into her sides tickling her. "No Link stop please!" she said half squealing half laughing whilst trying to squirm out of his grip. "Remember who you are brutally tickling here!". Link relented and they embraced, staring longingly into each other's eyes and smiling softly at one another.
For a moment, their woes did not matter…until Zelda looked at Link's chest, brushing her hand gently across one of his many old scars. Returning her gaze to him her eyes filled with sudden concern as she remembered, the gravity of what had happened. "Impa?" she asked anxiously. Link gave her a reassuring look and she sighed. "Thank Hylia" she said softly. She closed her eyes and rested her head onto his chest. "When is this going to end Link?" she said sadly. "Why must we be punished so?". He stroked the back of her head gently. Suddenly a growling sound rang out startling them both. Zelda let out a soft giggle. "Link…I cannot believe the Queen of Hyrule is having to ask you this, but I don't suppose you have any food, do you?".
They returned to the table where Link corrected his chair and set a place for Zelda. He poured some tea out into a spare empty cup and offered it over to her along with a wrapped slice of carrot cake. She took it from him thanking him and took a small sip. She then shakily took the slice of carrot cake, took a bite and sighed contently to herself savouring the sugar boost. She looked around at where she found herself now, trying to take it in. "So, this is where the great hero of Hyrule lives?". Link nodded. "Its…nice…very cosy" Zelda responded sounding slightly mortified. Link smiled warmly at her knowing what she was really thinking deep down, he did not blame her. She was royalty after all. How strange it was in that moment, that he had the most powerful woman in the land in his home and yet she seemed more nervous than he was.
They sat in silence for a few awkward moments Zelda drinking her tea and eating her slice of cake, not knowing what to do with herself. Suddenly she took a deep breath. "Link…" she said setting the cup down. "I…we…" she stammered. "What is happening between us, I am not sure if it is such a good idea". Link held his breath as he felt as though he had been struck in the gut. "I…I am meant to be the Queen of Hyrule and just look at how well that is going!". She closed her eyes. "Wherever I seem to go, death and destruction follow me! I feel…cursed somehow. Whoever this Ganondorf is, he seems more powerful, evil and dangerous than anything we have faced so far. I already lost you once Link" she said shakily, staring once again at his scarred body. "What if I lose you again but this time for good?". She sighed deeply looking down.
Link took one of her hands in his, caressing it gently and they locked eyes, gazing softly at one another. She realised in that moment; she could not keep him away from her no matter how much she felt she should. She knew he wanted her far too much to listen and she wanted him just as much in return. In that moment, both felt as though an unseen thread was being wound around them pulling them towards one another. They leaned towards each other closer and closer, until they accidentally bumped heads. Zelda let out an embarrassed giggle, as Link rubbed her forehead smiling awkwardly while she rubbed his.
Undeterred by their clumsiness they tried again, remembering to turn their heads this time. Their lips finally locked gently. Time seemingly slowed to a halt in that moment, as they suddenly felt the weight of over one hundred years of pain and longing come crashing down around them. Nothing mattered to them in that moment, as they kissed each other softly. Nayra looked on at them, wagging her tail and whining softly while tilting her head from side to side. They separated momentarily looking at her and laughing to themselves. "She is probably thinking, "about time!"" Zelda giggled returning her gaze to Link. Smiling, they leaned back in and kissed for a second time. Their hearts racing in that moment, as their gentle romantic kiss deepened into a more passionate one.
A loud bang pulled them out of their intimate moment, as they both shot up panicked, while Nayra let out a low growl. "What was that sound?" Zelda said anxiously. Link quickly replaced his tunic and grabbed the master sword and they both hurried outside. The wind bit deep, almost singing eerily as it whipped across the rooftops of the houses. Loud thuds approached along with some raspy breaths. Link readied his sword as Zelda held her breath. They could just make out in the darkness a figure stumbling forwards for a couple of steps before collapsing on the ground. Link took a couple of steps forwards. "Link please be careful", Zelda pleaded. Herself and Nayra following closely behind him. As they approached the figure, Zelda raised her hand. A soft golden glow shone gently, illuminating the fallen person. Zelda gasped.
The bloodied, exhausted face of Robbie stared back at them. "G-guys. I am…so sorry" he spluttered. "Robbie try not to talk!" Zelda said. "Link get him back to the"-. A loud bang rang out. Link and Zelda whipped around in time to see Link's house appear to completely disintegrate before them. All they could make out initially in the darkness were two burning red eyes. Suddenly a flash of lighting revealed the creature to be a winged beast, with two large horns. "What now?!" Zelda yelled. The beast swooped down upon them and extended a clawed hand ready to impale them. However, Link raised his Hylian shield just in time deflecting the creature's hit as sparks went flying. The creature swooped up, perching on a nearby cliff. The townsfolk began to pour out and upon seeing the beast fled screaming into the darkness. One man promptly bundled his wife and young children into Link and Zelda's caravan and began to leave with Moonga.
The winged creature fixated solely on Link and Zelda as it leaned forwards menacingly waiting for their next move. Zelda paused for a second glancing down at Nayra and back at the departing caravan, before bundling her in her arms. "Link, please protect us!" she pleaded. She rushed towards the caravan and the creature swooped towards her. Once again, its attack was deflected by Link's shield. It landed behind him and began to stalk them like a wild predator. Zelda raced struggling to keep up with the caravan, as Nayra began to wriggle in her arms. Suddenly the frightened face of a young child popped out then a woman's as she pulled them away. Upon spotting Zelda however she leaned forwards frantically and held out her arms. "Take her!" Zelda yelled, before launching herself forwards with one final push. Nayra landed in the woman's arms who promptly seized her. She beckoned for Zelda too but Zelda slowed down. Nayra's head popped out as she let out an anxious howl. "Be good...little one" Zelda said softly with a heavy heart, as she was separated from Nayra for the first time since she was a puppy.
Zelda was about to turn around as Link grabbed her arm and pulled her just in time as the creature lunched forwards crashing into a house and half demolishing it. Thankfully the resident had fled. "Help me get Robbie to safety Link!" she yelled. They hurried back on themselves, both lifting Robbie up and struggling a few paces. Link did not let the creature out of his sight. It readied itself on another high point and prepared to swoop again. He let go of Robbie and Zelda was dragged to the ground. Link raised his shield a third time, protecting them both and deflecting the attack. They continued along further still, until the creature landed in front of them, blocking their path ahead. Link dragged Zelda and Robbie back stumbling as the creature advanced on them. Suddenly his sword and shield began to spark and crackle. He immediately hurled both towards the creature as lightning struck and arced between them. The creature was wrapped in a blanket of electricity and collapsed to the ground convulsing and screaming out in agony. Zelda raised a hand and shot a clear bolt of light at the beast hurling it into some cliffs and burying it under rock.
Link helped Zelda and Robbie to their feet once more and they began making their way towards the ascending path to the Ancient Tech Lab. A loud roar rang out as the creature exploded out from under the rocks. Without thinking, Link advanced towards the creature. Raising its clawed hands, a barrier of dark magic separated Link from Robbie and Zelda. Letting out an evil laugh the creature took to the skies once more, swooping over the barrier and descending upon the struggling Zelda. Link let out a panicked cry as the creature readied its razor claws down at her. A brilliant golden light shone out, as Zelda created a sphere of magic around herself deflecting the creature's attacks.
Undeterred, it circled back around and continued its assault. Link knew Zelda could not keep this up for long without succumbing to exhaustion, as she had done earlier. He raced back to what was left of his house and prayed to Hylia that his weapons survived. Clawing frantically through the rubble, he breathed a sigh of relief when he found an intact ancient bow and a single undamaged ancient arrow. He grabbed them promptly along with some bomb arrows. Racing back just in time, he saw the barrier give in around Zelda and Robbie. Zelda lay still on the ground as Robbie leaned over her, trying to shield her. The creature prepared to swoop in for the killing blow. Running up a nearby incline Link dived off and focused his mind as time itself slowed down. He let the ancient arrow fly, hoping the severe wind would not disrupt its trajectory.
It struck the creature's wing which promptly disintegrated. The creature howled in pain as it crashed to the ground. Link ran forwards to Zelda and collided painfully with the barrier which flung him backwards knocking him momentarily unconscious. Suddenly, the creature clawed its way back up the slope and was once again advancing on the now moving but weak Zelda. She prepared herself, yet again to meet a gruesome end…and yet again, Hylia smiled upon her. The creature lurched forwards only to be slashed by a familiar Sheikah blade. It tumbled backwards off the ledge, but used its remaining single wing to awkwardly save itself from plummeting. Zelda turned to be faced with Impa, who had now more or less fully recovered. "Sorry I took so long!" she yelled beaming
Zelda rose to her feet and launched herself into Impa's arms. "I am so glad you are okay!" she cried. As Impa held her back she looked behind Zelda wide eyed. "Link…no!" she yelled. Zelda span around to see the beast below now charging towards the unconscious Link. "Link!" Zelda screamed. In that moment calling upon her power once again, Zelda made the motion of an archer drawing on a bow. Focusing all the energy she had, she let an arrow of pure light fly. Link came to and saw the creature in a mid-air pounce. It was suddenly pierced with an arrow of light and flew off course crashing dangerously close to him on the ground. Zelda tuned to Impa. "Impa get Robbie out of here, I will go and assist Link!". Impa went to tell her not to but knew arguing with her would just prolong the danger they were all in. Nodding, she hauled Robbie to his feet and made her way up the slope. Sensing the barrier was down, Zelda raced towards Link and launched herself at him holding him tight.
The creature began to stir yet again. Link quickly retrieved his sword and shield. The creature began to regenerate its lost wing, as Link sheathed his sword momentarily and took Zelda by the hand. They raced upwards towards the lab. Zelda immediately understood why. Noting the sheer drop behind the lab. As they went, Link deflected the creature's attacks, whilst Zelda carefully followed up with a light arrow. She tried not to overexert her power, as her head occasionally went fuzzy. Finally, they held off the beast reaching open space on the cliff outside of the lab and prepared for a showdown.
The beast landed in front of them and let out a mighty roar. In that moment they were joined once again by Impa as all three prepared to take on the demon. "For so long I have been enslaved by your kind! Forced to bend my power to your will!" the creature hissed. "No more! I will spill every drop of your blood and your kind will all come to fear me as Gargos, dealer of destruction and death!".
~Gargos~
Resurrected vengeful demon
Gargos immediately launched into a frenzied claw attack as Link and Impa cautiously backed away. Zelda let a carefully timed arrow fly through the flurry of claws as the creature was preoccupied with Link and Impa. Gargos fell stunned as Link and Impa hacked at him but seemed to do little damage. The creature took to the skies once more and Zelda let another light arrow fly which seemed to whip just shy of the creature. She let another fly before having to stop to recover. Gargos suddenly summoned a ball of energy straight for her and Link rushed in just in time blocking with a perfect guard. It went hurtling back towards Gargos who was stunned falling from the sky but using his wings to sail gently down. "Link!" Impa yelled. "The wings! Target the wings!". They rushed forwards in unison hacking at the wings and shattering them.
The creature was temporarily downed and resumed to flurried attacks. The wings simply regrew again in that time. Impa looked up at the mountain of debris on the roof of Hateno Ancient Tech lab and took on board how fragile the creatures wings seemed. "Link, Zelda! I have a plan but we all need to work together!". Gargos took to the skies, unbeknown to him for the final time. He tracked the trio mid-air, with an energy bolt at the ready. Flinging it towards them, Link deflected it at the creature once more. Impa used the Sheikah slate to stasis the creature, while Zelda let two light arrows fly. As the creature broke free from stasis, both wings crumbled from Zelda's arrows and it plummeted to the ground far below the cliff with a screech. Impa then used magnesis to haul a large chunk of metal free from the roof of the tech lab. With a massive crash, the mountain of junk and the guardian, along with some of the lab's roof came crashing down the cliff right on top of the weakened creature. In a large plume of dark smoke, the creature finally departed from the world of Hyrule.
Necrus looked on from a distance and clenched his spindly hands, enraged. He did not like failure and swore that the next time he encountered the trio, it would truly be the last.
Stopping momentarily to regain their breath, the trio then rose to their feet. Impa and Zelda approached the lab while Link volunteered to go and collect Nayra, who was thankfully quite a forgiving captive. Making his way back up, he found Robbie halfway through being scolded by Purah. His face was pale, as his trembling bloody hands struggled to grip a tumbler of Goron Spice Rum. As Zelda and Impa turned to face Link they had an expression of pure horror on their faces. Link was soon to learn that, yet another threat was beginning to unfold.
~Edit: Added caravan placement with Moonga as a suggested improvement by my loyal reviewer. This actually allowed me to further the action sequence, by having some of our residents escape and take Nayra with them. Thanks so much loyal reviewer for the suggestion!~