The sound of hooves thundering over the ground beneath him was a constant ringing in his ears. The faded green hills and scattered trees of Hyrule Field passed him by in a steady blur.

It had taken him days to make the voyage from Lake Hylia to the outskirts of Kakariko, but he had ridden nearly non-stop, even at times through the night. His mental and physical exhaustion was small compared to the information he carried. It was vital that it reach the right people.

Even with the crucial nature of his mission, his sore muscles thanked the skies when he saw the dark, pointed shadow of Death Mountain looming in the distance.

He urged his horse still faster, determined to make it to the village before nightfall. There wasn't much time.

~oOo~

He'd checked all the usual places: the market square, the potion shop, Fayne's library, even the forest outside of town. Sienna wasn't to be found anywhere. On a long shot, he decided to run by the blacksmith's stall.

Dark jogged down the last street, ducking into the side alley where the smith could be found. As usual, the canvas awning was out, supported by two poles. The cave-like interior stretched beneath, the blaze at its heart providing ample light in the darkened space.

"Taver?" he called, ducking his head under the drooping awning. "You in here?"

A booming laugh sounded from the back room, followed by a pair of heavy footsteps. A second, stomping set of feet followed. Taver emerged, his bulky frame dwarfed by the figure that came behind him.

"Dark! Back already?" he asked, still chuckling over whatever had amused him.

Dark was busy staring slack-jawed over Taver's shoulder, at the biggest goron he had ever seen. In his time spent living at Snowhead, he had cultivated some friendships with the local Goron tribe. They were a peace-loving people, and he'd quite enjoyed their company. He knew that Kakariko had enjoyed an alliance with their mountain dwelling neighbours for generations.

Still, he also knew of the ferocity of the Goron race, and this particular one seemed to be full of nothing but ferocity. He closed his mouth and gulped, nodding his head politely at the newcomer.

"Yeah, we just arrived an hour ago," he told Taver.

The blacksmith nodded, stroking his mustache absently. "I see. Ah, where are my manners? Dark, this is Darunia, Goron Elder of the Death Mountain tribe."

Darunia's coal-black eyes swivelled to meet Dark's. "Dark, eh?" he grunted. "Heard a lot about you from my friend here." He clapped Taver on the shoulder. Dark winced, but the smith barely noticed.

The smith noted Dark's confused expression. "Darunia's an old friend. I get most of my supplies from his mines, in fact. I mentioned your interest to him," Taver explained. "How was the trip?"

"Successful," Dark replied, quickly outlining Link's latest call to heroism.

Darunia chuckled and shook his head. "Same old Link, it seems."

Dark's head spun around. "You know Link?"

"Of course," Darunia replied. "He is my sworn Brother."

Dark's eyebrows lifted. "He must have done something great for you to call him that," he commented.

Darunia's eyes glinted. "He did."

The goron giant held his gaze for a moment longer before turning to the smith. "I'm afraid I have to leave, though, my friend. I'm needed back at Goron City." Taver nodded in agreement, seeing the goron outside. As he turned to go, Darunia glanced again at Dark and chuckled, leaning down to say to Taver, "You're right; he's all Fire, that one."

Darunia's rumbling laugh echoed as he curled into a ball and rolled away down the alley. At the pace he was going, there was no doubt he'd make it up the mountain before nightfall.

Taver grunted, "Was there a reason you came by?"

His mission came back to the forefront of his mind. "Sienna," he explained. "I was wondering if you'd seen her."

"Sorry, she hasn't been around." Taver shrugged. "Did you want help looking for her?"

Dark sighed. "No, I'll…I'll find her. Thanks, Taver."

"Anytime," the smith replied. "Enjoy that sword."

Dark thanked him again, giving a quick wave before hurrying back onto the main streets. He headed north, intending to check the graveyard. By chance he spotted Impa standing near the giant well beneath the windmill. Sienna stood next to her, her skirts rustling in the wind.

"Sienna!" he called, rushing towards the pair.

"Quiet!" Impa snapped, keeping her back to him.

Dark scowled, putting an arm around Sienna when he reached her. "Nice to see you too," he said.

Impa let out a snort but didn't reply to his barb. She moved her hands slowly and deliberately through the air in invisible patterns, murmuring quietly in her native language.

"There was a disturbance here at the well," Sienna explained in a lowered voice. "Impa sensed something was off, magically speaking. She's trying to find out what caused it."

Not wanting to disturb Impa and wanting a bit more privacy for what he was sure would be a heated argument, Dark urged Sienna to a secluded corner.

He lowered his voice. "I'm sorry I was gone for so long."

Sienna frowned. "I was worried about you. Your note was not nearly detailed enough."

He flinched with guilt when her glare turned accusing.

"I wanted to help," Dark explained. At her stare, he relented. "And to be honest, I like him. I wanted to spend more time with him before he left for good."

Sienna sighed and placed her hand on his forearm. "I can't blame you for that, much as you worried me. But, Dark, he has important things to do now. And we need to get back home where it's safe. Right now isn't a good time."

He couldn't argue with her logic, but his thoughts rebelled all the same. "You're right of course." Dark shrugged a hand through his hair. "I just wish things were different."

She smiled sympathetically, stroking his arm in a soothing way. "If he is successful, they will be, won't they?"

Leaning over to kiss her forehead, he smiled. "Yes. Soon things will get back to normal. Where are your things? We can leave tomorrow."

No sooner had the words come out of his mouth than a chorus of shouts drew their attention. A horse was barreling down the street towards them at a full gallop, forcing unwitting citizens to leap out of the way.

The rider was a young man in Sheikah garb, his face covered by a head wrap. He brought his mount to a sudden stop at Impa's side, sliding gracefully onto the ground.

"Impa," the youth greeted her without preamble, his voice quiet but urgent. "Is Link here? I must speak with him immediately."

Impa turned and beckoned him and Sienna, who were already hurrying back. After introductions, Impa nodded at Dark. "He was traveling with Link. Perhaps he can enlighten us."

The Sheikah youth looked at Dark, a speck of surprise in his eyes disappearing so swiftly he must have imagined it.

"Link was enlisted to help the Lon Lon family," Dark said. "He left for the ranch a couple of hours ago. He asked me to stay behind."

"He left alone?" Impa inquired, though it wasn't really a question. She scowled. "He should have waited for me to return."

Dark just shrugged, and Sienna tactfully observed that she had had other things on her plate.

Deciding to return to Impa's house to regroup, the four of them were crossing the town's main street when a hollow boom sounded, reverberating through the air with its force.

Before anyone could ask, Impa's sharp eyes flicked to the great wooden gate, sealed at the village's entrance. A second boom sounded, and the barrier shuddered. From her hip Impa drew a curved horn instrument, detailed with rough etchings. She blasted it three long times.

"Grab your weapons," she said to Dark and Sheik in a calm voice. She turned her gaze to Sienna. "Run to the library and tell Fayne we're under attack. We need to evacuate immediately."

Sienna sprinted away without hesitation. Dark and Sheik faced the long, wide street towards the gate, weapons already in hand.

At their approach one of Impa's guards met them.

"Our scouts were slain," he informed her without wasting breath, his face pinched. "They hid just beyond the ridge until nightfall. It's a small force of Gerudo and other desert warriors. And five Darknuts."

Another bang on the gate rocked the earth beneath them. Impa clenched her jaw. Summoned by her earlier call, Kakariko's fighting men and women were arriving at the gate. Dark looked around at the faces, young and old, certain and nervous.

He tried not to think about how ill-prepared they were, holding old, heavy blades and bows that could be snapped in half by hand.

"They will break the gate eventually, Impa," Mutoh warned, sidling up to them. "No matter how superior my construction."

"I don't intend to let them break through it, Mutoh."

Fayne pushed her way through the crowd to Impa's side. "Darunia heard the noise and came back," she said breathlessly. "My warp point works, so he will make sure the others reach Goron City safely."

Impa nodded. Choosing not to announce her plans of attack, she climbed the guard ladder to the top of the gate, shouting down to those on the other side.

"Do you really think this will reach a peaceful resolution?" Dark muttered to Sheik.

Sheik turned his head. "We can hope."

~oOo~

Imara thumbed the handle of her dagger. It had been a gift from her mother. A token that many Gerudo received on the day they become fully fledged warriors.

Behind her, the other warriors waited restlessly. The Gerudo among their numbers were stoic, but she knew underneath they were uneasy. Their faith in their king was diminishing. He increasingly relied on dark magic, and evil creatures such as the Darknuts bashing away at Kakariko's gate. With every week that passed, he seemed to forget the traditions and honour of his own people.

It was not in the Gerudo code to needlessly slaughter innocents. Yet here they were, following orders.

Imara glanced at the desert nomads, mostly men but a few females, gathered behind her people. They had long ago backed Ganondorf, as he fed their desire for conquest and riches. Killing for gain did not bother them.

A shout came down from the gate. The Darknuts stopped their attack. Imara looked up to see a familiar face.

"Captain Imara," the Sheikah woman said.

"Mistress Impa. Open your gate, by order of King Ganondorf."

Impa remained silent, still as death atop the wall. Imara sighed.

"If you do not," she continued. "We have orders to slaughter every last soul in your village."

She nearly ground her teeth in frustration when not a muscle moved on Impa's face.

"12 hours," was all the Sheikah said.

Imara blew out a breath at the slight reprieve. Perhaps she could concoct a better plan in that time—one that would appease both her ruler and her conscience.

She agreed, and Impa withdrew. Imara knew her decision was considered foolhardy by the desert dwellers, but the several of the Gerudo women caught her gaze. They did not want to fight a battle against unarmed opponents.

On her command, Imara's troops moved back and made camp in the valley. It would be a long night.

~oOo~

Sleep would not come, even if he wished it to. The village had always been quiet, but this was too silent. With half her residents gone, Kakariko felt still and empty.

Dark kept himself alert at his post near the well, wishing Sienna had gone with the others to Goron City. But she had skill as a healer, and had elected to stay behind. She slept now in Impa's house.

Come morning, he thought, Ganondorf's forces would attack. At least not as many lives would be lost.

A foreboding shiver raced down his neck, making the hairs spike. Feeling as though a ghost held its eyes on his back, Dark spun, eyes searching.

A shape he'd taken for a shadow shimmered slightly in the darkness. He clenched the handle of his blade, ready for whoever might attack.

The shadow wavered and dissipated without sound. The silence was so oppressive Dark could hear nothing but his own breath.

The well exploded.

Dark's scream of alarm withered in his throat as he was flung through the air. He crashed into grass, stunned and unable to move.

Sinuous, black shadows shot from the well, coiling and writhing like a mass of snakes. The apparition left a burning pyre in its wake as it dropped and slipped over the ground, silent and deadly.

"What the-?"

Dark hurried to his feet, staring down the insubstantial, smoke-like mass. Although it had no eyes, Dark had the sick feeling it was watching him, contemplating.

It struck with blinding speed, wrapping him in its grip. Suspended by its unseen hands, Dark watched as it waved a tendril of ink before him, then plunged straight into his chest.

Agony seared straight through him. Contorted from the pain, unable to escape whatever it was doing to him, Dark screamed until his voice was hoarse.

When it swatted him away like a stray fly, he collided with the well, curling into a ball instinctively. Impa was at his side in moments, her hands on his shoulders.

"Dark!"

He wheezed and blinked his eyes, unable to see, unable to hear. His chest was on fire. It had ripped a tear in his soul.

Visions swam before his eyes, fading to allow Impa's frightened face through. He'd never seen her afraid. Impa's image was replaced with others far more horrifying. Dark lashed out, pushing Impa aside in his terror.

"They're not real, Dark! None of it is real!"

"What's happened to him!?"

Something firm pressed against his chest. Cool liquid flowed from it, soothing the white-hot burn inside. Dark gasped, blinking his eyes.

Impa and Sienna sat before him, relief and fear battling on their faces. Sheik stood nearby with his back to them, a katana in his hands.

"They've attacked early," Sheik announced. "They've broken through the gate."

Impa cursed, pulling Dark and Sienna to their feet. "You two need to leave. Now."

Sheik looked at Impa. "You should head for the temple," he advised her.

Impa's gaze was sharp. "I will not abandon my home and my people."

Sheik laid a hand on her arm. "We will do everything we can. But you know you must."

Impa's face was drawn tight, but she finally nodded. "As you wish."

Confused by the exchange, Dark and Sienna watched Impa sheath her weapon and take off towards the graveyard. Sheik offered no explanation.

"Can you fight?" he asked Dark.

"Yes," he answered, steadying himself.

Sienna glared at him, but he smiled at her reassuringly. "Whatever that thing did, you fixed it."

"It will come back," Sheik warned. "But we have other problems."

The pair of them escorted Sienna to the warehouse where Taver and a few others were keeping watch over the injured. Together, Sheik and Dark ran through the streets until they reached the heart of the brawl.

The village square was a chaotic swarm of flesh and metal. Fayne, using her magic, had taken out two of the Darknuts, but the others were advancing.

Dark and Sheik rushed to her side, three against three. Fayne whipped out her hand, a string of electricity fizzing at her fingertips. It struck the dark creature in the chest, tossing it backwards.

Sheik palmed two of the knives strapped to his leg, throwing them with unerring accuracy into the Darknut's visor. It stumbled, blinded, until Dark swung Deraphine into its neck, lopping off its head.

Fayne's Darknut howled as another lightning bolt shattered it, leaving nothing but dust behind. The final one swung its massive cleaver at Sheik, who dodged it gracefully.

Dark swung, locking its sights on him as they traded blows. Bit by bit he cleaved its heavy armour away, revealing its weakness. Sheik flung another knife just as Fayne summoned more lightning.

The magic wound around the projectile, carrying it straight to the creature's heart. The Darknut wailed as it dropped to its knees, crumbling into a pile of black armor.

"Nicely done!" Fayne cheered.

But their victory was shortlived. Even with the Darknuts dispatched, they were outnumbered. Few of Kakariko's fighters remained. The three of them surged into the throng, cutting down as many of their attackers as they could.

A curved blade landed across Deraphine, making Dark look up.

"There you are."

Imara stared back at him, her expression curiously blank. Dark tightened his grip on his sword.

"What do you want?"

"I have orders," Imara intoned. Her voice was duller than he recalled. "You and the girl are to come with me."

Dark growled. "We aren't going anywhere."

He lunged at her, knocking her blade aside. She countered, sidestepping his attack. Imara's expression didn't change, even in the heat of battle.

As they traded blows, Dark felt the change in her strength, as well. It didn't hurt his pride to admit Imara could overpower him, but when her fist connected with his face, it did hurt more than it should have.

Dark tumbled back, swiping his fingers under his nose and finding blood. She'd nearly caved his head in with one punch.

Imara swung her scimitar in a wide arc. Dark rolled aside, but the force of her blow sunk the blade into the hard-packed earth several inches.

"What in Din's name happened to you?! How the hell are you this strong?"

Her response was an impressive kick to Dark's face.

"Hell," he cursed, rubbing his jaw.

When she charged him again, Dark melted into the shadows. Thrown off, Imara spun in a circle. Dark's shadowy hands came up out of the ground and wrapped around her ankles.

She faceplanted, scratching at the ground as Dark yanked her backwards through the dirt. She growled in indignation, managing to kick free from his hold. Before he could resurface, another figure shot from a nearby roof and tackled Imara. Impa wrestled her opponent, unsheathing her katana.

The Gerudo captain and the Sheikah fighter clashed and circled each other in a familiar dance. Their movements were fluid, effortless—a flame and a shadow twirling around one another.

Dark pulled himself out of the shadows, ready to join in the fight.

From the corner of his eye, he saw movement. He raised his shield, but the black mass from the well drove right through it, pinning him down.

A flash blinded him, making the well monster twitch indignantly. A man had appeared along with the light, his thin frame draped with a hooded cloak. Over his bony shoulder he carried someone unconscious.

"Sienna!" Dark roared, fighting against the shadow monster.

Alatar chuckled, turning to Impa, who had stopped her battle with Imara. "Your anti-warping spell is getting weaker," he sneered.

Impa took a step forward, but Alatar clicked his tongue. "One more and I'll kill him."

The shapeless black cloud holding Dark pulsed. Impa halted. Imara stepped forward to relieve her of her weapon.

Alatar gave her an oily smile. "Thank you for your cooperation." He vanished with another blast of light, taking both Dark and Sienna with him.

The well shadow reared up, swung in Impa's direction, then took off with incredible speed, surging across the ground. It crashed into a dozen homes, leaving them aflame, before whipping out of sight behind a building.

Imara released Impa suddenly, stepping out of reach of retaliation. "Retreat," she commanded.

Her voice was calm, but somehow all the Gerudo and desert fighters seemed to hear her. In perfect synchronization they halted their battles, stowing their weapons and turning for the destroyed gate.

Imara, eyes vacant, turned and fled. Impa was tempted to give chase, but her priority was the village.

"Douse the flames!" Mutoh shouted above the din. Already he lead a group of Kakariko's fighters to the warehouse to retrieve their stores of water.

Sheik intercepted Impa. "You need to go," he urged her. "That thing from the well will be back."

"Yes," she agreed. Her eyes swept over the burning buildings, the carnage in the square.

Sheik pressed a hand to her arm. "I will do what I can to help. I promise."

She clasped his arm, meeting his crimson eyes. "Thank you. Guard the well."

Taking a step back, Impa tossed something onto the ground that exploded with blinding light. When Sheik could see again, she was gone.

~oOo~

Link and Malon galloped into the village at full speed, clumps of dirt flying behind them.

The village was in shambles. Rebel fighters ran in all directions, scrambling to put out the fires. Malon gasped behing him as she took in the remains of the battle.

The grass was stained red in swaths. Kakariko's square had been destroyed. Among the fallen were several piles of black armour. A handful of villagers were picking their way through, retrieving their dead.

Link pulled Epona to a stop. She whinnied, unnerved by the scents of death. Link dismounted, rushing to meet Fayne, who was looking for wounded.

"Link!" she pressed her palm to her chest. "Thank Farore, you're alright!"

Link gripped her shoulders. "Fayne, what happened?!"

The magic-user lowered her head, blond lashes spiked with tears. "Ganondorf's forces attacked us. They brought Darknuts with them." She nodded towards the chunks of black armour. "They finally left…just retreated for no reason." Fayne drew an uneven breath.

"Where is Impa?"

Fayne sniffled. "I'm not sure. She and Sheik went back to the well."

Link whipped back to Malon and Epona. Malon's face was pale, her eyes wide.

"Epona, take Malon to the mountain pass. There's a warp point there to take her to safety."

Before Malon could protest, Epona took off. Link wrapped his hand around the Master Sword's hilt and slid his arm into the leather loop behind the Hylian shield.

Two turns later, the well was in his sights. Sheik was easy to spot amidst the commotion. He was motionless in a sea of panicked bodies.

Link rushed up the steps, shocked to find the well blown to pieces. He approached Sheik.

"Stay back, Link!"

The fire's searing heat made the alarm in Sheik's eyes more intense. Behind them, a plume of smoke floated out of the well.

Link looked again. No, not smoke…

The shadow cloud flashed out, coiling around Sheik. He cried out as it carried him upwards in a torrent, tossing him away from the well.

Sheik landed hard in the grass below the stairs with a sickening crunch.

"Sheik!"

Link skated down the steps, bending to check Sheik's pulse. An uneasy pulse thrummed beneath Link's fingers. He blew out a breath of relief.

Navi shivered, the blue light of her wings paling. Link heeded the warning and renewed his grip on his sword and shield. He stepped in front of Sheik, raising the shield to protect them both.

The shadow, whatever it was, rippled around him, blocking him in on all sides. Without warning it angled and crashed into a nearby house, smashing it to pieces and leaving more burning wreckage in its wake.

Link held his ground and grit his teeth. He wasn't sure how he could defeat something noncorporeal, but he had to try.

With a spine-rippling howl, it spun and aimed straight for him—a black spear. It collided with the Hylian shield, easily knocking it away and Link to the ground.

Before he could stand, the thing picked him up, dragging him through the dirt. Link kicked and flailed but it was no use. The monster flicked him aside like a pest.

Link hit the dirt, his vision going cloudy, then spotty. Then there was nothing but blackness.