Link stood, shield at the ready waiting for the Garo to attack, this was just how he remembered them, hopping around on the very fringes of the circle of fire they'd generate, waiting for you to attack. Link glanced over at Zelda, her light bow at the ready, waiting for an opening, the Garo gave no openings though, he had only limited experience with them during his time in Termina, but he had acquired quite a distaste for them, they were faster, more agile, and far more skilled than the common low level monster he usually fought.
A light arrow suddenly flew past his shoulder, with the Garo flipping out of the way and then charging, Link placed himself in it's path, holding his sword up, the Garo's twin blades met his, and almost faster than the eye could see one blade made it's way passed his defenses and managed to pierce his sleeve, nicking his forearm before he could move out of the way.
"Link! Are you alright?" Zelda asked as she placed herself beside him, her bow replaced with her rapier.
"Yeah, just a cut." he replied.
"Whatever magic it's using, I can't suppress it." Zelda said, her tone serious.
"The fire will go out once we defeat it...I've faced these things in Termina, you can't attack them directly." Link answered, the Garo were small and light, one good shove would knock them over, and Link was waiting for just that opportunity. As if hearing his thoughts the Garo leapt into the air, coming down towards Zelda, she blocked it's slashes with a light barrier, which she followed with a downwards slash, then a stab, the Garo blocking both, Zelda made a horizontal rightwards slash, the Garo flipped forward over the slash, crossing it's swords, with it's two thin blades lighting up with flame, it bounded forward in Link's direction. Link put one hand behind his back, taking a firm hold of his shield, with the Garo was less then a stride from him, Link quickly took out his shield, slamming it into the oncoming Garo warrior. It fell backwards, it's glowing green eyes flicking from him to Zelda, Link raised his sword, and without hesitating plunged it into the the Garo's hood, the Garo making a strange sound before going limp, green flames consuming it's body as a whisper emerged from the shadows inside it's hood.
"To die without leaving a corpse...that's the way of us Garo."
"What does that mean?" Zelda asked, looking to Link inquisitively.
"They always say it, it's just part of their beliefs I suppose." Link answered, casting his gaze over the chaos that had erupted inside the Great hall, Erris's forces had closed and locked the doors, intending to keep them in.
It was evident by looking at her that Zelda felt quite betrayed, she had invited Erris into her home, and he had turned on her. Could he be blamed though? After what's been done to him and his land? "Link, we have to stop this, we have to go after Erris!" she said, her gaze communicating the severity of the matter.
"Agreed." Link said, setting his eyes on the Prince, his form moving through the room slowly, with a lightning bolt shooting from his body every time an opposing soldier attacked or just came near. Link noticed a Labrynnian guard charging Zelda from behind, with the Princess swiftly turning and putting her rapier through his chest.
"Underestimated me because I'm female, didn't you?" she asked the Guard as he collapsed on the ground. She turned, to find a Guard coming up quickly on Link, before she said anything the guard fell to the ground, with Link turning, sword and shield at the ready, behind him was the Terminian Zora from earlier, holding an enormous fish bone that had been molded into an instrument of some sort.
"Mikau! Thank you!" Link said, stunned he had let a Guard get so close.
"No problem, third guy I've clubbed with my guitar tonight." he said with a smile.
Zelda ran up to the two, regarding the newcomer, "Thank you for saving my Fiance', he has a tendency to be reckless." she said, shooting Link a short glare.
Mikau looked around, surveying the room, "Princess, what's happening here? All of a sudden we were just attacked, I thought it may be an assassination attempt on us at first, until I saw everyone else getting their weapons ready." he asked, his eyes still sweeping the room, no doubt looking for his friends.
"It's Princess Erris of Labrynna, he's betrayed us." Zelda answered, Mikau's expression turning grim.
"So I assume this means war." he stated, his eyes making contact with hers.
"Not if we stop him here." Link said, still watching Erris.
"Indeed, my love." Zelda said, placing a hand on Link's shoulder as he turned to face her.
Across the room a jet of flame erupted, sending soldiers from all nations running.
"The Dragon Knight." Link said, feeling his Triforce of Courage begin to tingle as it reacted to his memory of their last encounter.
Zelda turned to Link, a look of seriousness on her face, the type of look she usually only presented him with when the two came face to face with Ganondorf himself. "Link, you've defeated him before...you were the only one who ever has..." she said quietly looking over to Link, his thoughts being obvious to her.
"I know...he's mine." Link said, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.
"And Erris is mine." Zelda replied, her rapier beginning to glow as her magic flowed through it's blade, granting it the power of light.
"Wait..we can't split up..not here..it's not..." Link trailed off, her look of determination not faltering.
"Link, you know that I'm just as proficient of a warrior as you, if not more so." she replied, an aggressive tone to her voice.
"I know.." Link replied, deciding not to argue. "At least call Impa." he stated, hoping she would agree.
"You think me in need of help?" she asked, frustration growing within her. "Where's your help?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at Link.
Link felt uneasy, he and Zelda had quarreled quite a bit, but no matter what he always found arguing with her difficult. Suddenly link felt a hand grip his shoulder.
From behind him Mikau looked on, "Right here."
"Mikau will have my back." Link said, smiling at Zelda.
She couldn't help but smile back, before she resumed her serious expression, "Good to know, good luck!" she said as Link and Mikau started toward the Dragon Knight.
Link looked back as Zelda waved towards the rafters, with Impa dropping down at her side, looking back at him before the two headed in Erris's direction.
Link ran with Mikau at his side, "I thought fire presented an even greater danger to Zoras than it does to us Humans." Link remarked, concerned.
"I'm not afraid." Mikau said, smiling at Link.
It wasn't long before the two came up on him, he was still in his Labrynnian armor, deciding to reveal his identity rather than wear the armor he had upon Link's first meeting with him. To Link's delight, they may have an easier time fighting him then he would have thought, all around the Dragon Knight were Gorons. Gorons were known for their resistance to the elements, during every one of Link's lives, he had witnessed Goron's resistance to heat and fire, as they lived in the most volcanically active regions of every land they resided in.
"Is that all you've got?" Chief Darbrakus called as he charged Volga again, his hammer at the ready. Volga raised his spear, catching the Goron Chief's hammer in midair...oh how he hated hammers. Volga intercepted another downward strike as the Chief continued his attack, from his side more Gorons approached, he landed a kick on Darbrakus's stomach before retreating back. He began gathering heat around his body, readying himself to release it in one giant pulse of flame, before he could though, a sudden impact came, akin to an enormous boulder flying into him. He looked up to see Chief Darmani V uncurling into his normal bipedal form. Darbrakus approached, punching Darmani V in the shoulder.
"Nice once, brother." he said, as the two Goron Chieftains closed in on Volga.
"Ready to surrender?" Darmani V asked, raising a fist as he regarded the Dragon Knight.
"...You think you've won don't you? You think that in my future is only defeat...you are wrong!" Volga exclaimed as he spread his arms, a large ball of fire forming in front of his chest. "Your ancestors feared me! And they were right to! I am the monster of Death Mountain! I am Volvagia reincarnate!" he shouted as he threw the ball of flame towards the advancing Goron force, the resulting explosion shaking the Great Hall. Volga smiled to himself, spinning his spear before turning his back on the Gorons, knowing there's no way the could have survived such an attack.
"Nice to see you again." Volga heard from behind him, turning around, he saw the Hero, standing in front of the Gorons, a Zora warrior at his side, a forcefield generated by his Triforce of Courage protecting them.
"You dare to jest with me, boy?" Volga asked, feigning a calm demeanor, while inside himself he barely restrained a growing rage at the Hero's interference.
The glow from the back of Link's hand began to dim as he dropped the magical barrier from around the Gorons, Mikau, and himself. Link usually didn't have much of an aptitude for magic, but in this life he was happy to find he had a talent for it, even if the Triforce's power played a large part in his spells. "Tis not a jest, but a challenge." Link answered, looking off toward the now exasperated looking Dragon Knight.
Volga allowed a smile to form on his face, regarding the Hero with a type of respect he usually reserved for Erris. "Fine Hero, I promise that this battle's outcome will be far different than the last." Volga rose into the air, flame engulfing his body, he spread his arms, a scream of rage escaping him. As the flames subsided he was left with his Labrynnian armor gone, his crimson dragon like armor in it's place. "Come hero, have your "challenge"."
oOo
Zelda extended her arms upward, her hands beginning to glow, she brought her arms down, the glow now enveloping her entire body, as it began to fade Zelda was left in armor tailor made to fit her, the only suit of armor in the land made for a female warrior she thought it might be.
"Nice to see you came prepared." Impa said with a smile as the two continued their journey towards Erris.
A ring of fire suddenly formed around them, with the familiar sound of a Garo warrior jumping around behind them.
"Damn." Impa said as she eyed the Garo, the glowing red of her eyes meeting it's glowing green. She charged the Garo, with the robed being flipping out of the way every time she attempted to bring her great sword down on it.
Zelda formed a small orange ball of flame in her hand, subsequently sending it towards the Garo, the being avoided a strike from Impa, and attempted to dodge Zelda's attack, but the ball of flame followed. Zelda watched, controlling her magic projectile's path, the Garo, realizing it couldn't avoid the attack slashed at the ball of flame, causing it to burst upon contact with it's blade. The Garo warrior began it's routine of jumping side to side, charred pieces of it's cloak falling to the ground, it crossed it's blades and bounded toward Zelda, recalling Link's actions she summoned a magical barrier and pushed it towards her assailant, knocking the being over, before it could even lift itself from the ground Impa was upon it, slicing straight through it's midsection with her great sword.
"To die without leaving a corpse...that's the way of us Garo." it still managed to whisper as it disappeared into the green flames slowly moving across it's body.
Impa cocked one eye at the spot it laid in before turning to Zelda, "We must move swiftly, lest we be caught by another.
Zelda nodded at her bodyguard as the two resumed their journey, Zelda had only just begun running when she collided with none other than Erris himself, having teleported to intercept her.
"Princess! I saw you and your bodyguard heading towards me, and well...I just couldn't wait! Where's your fiance', the "Hero of Legend"? I was quite looking forward to meeting him too!" the Prince exclaimed, a joyous tone to his voice.
"I showed you kindness and good will! And this is how you repay me? By attacking my home? My poeple?!" Zelda yelled, her anger growing, she had never been one to be temperamental, but the circumstances sent her over the edge. She raised her rapier, a bright white glow coming to it, she slashed at Erris, downwards diagonally to the left, then rightwards horizontally, followed by two stabs. The Prince avoided each strike, moving out of the way with inhuman speed.
Impa approached from behind, bringing her great sword down directly onto Erris. To the shock of both the Princess and her bodyguard, Erris, with nothing but a gauntlet covering his hand caught the blade, shoving it into the air before spinning out from under it.
"You know what I want Princess, surrender them to me and my forces and I shall leave." the Prince said, pointing one arm at Impa, the other at the Princess.
"What are you talking about?" Zelda questioned, looking at the Prince.
"The Triforce of course, if you give yours willingly, and convince the Hero to do so also, I will spare this land." Erris said, a manic smile forming on his face.
"Princess, that's out of the question!" Impa exclaimed, her great sword at the ready.
Zelda glared at the Prince, her body tensing up as she readied another attack, "You're insane." she said, her eyes trained on the Prince.
"Yes...yes I am...thanks to your father, the oh so noble King Daltus Nohansen Hyrule." the Prince said, sarcasm in his voice.
"Don't insult my father!" Zelda yelled, sending a bolt of electricity at the Prince.
Erris smiled, folding one arm behind his back, he stood straight with one arm outstretched. Zelda's bolt of electricity found it's mark, but did nothing as it first came into contact with Erris's fingers, then reached up his arm to his shoulder, stopping there. The Prince smirked, the electricity staying confined to his arm.
"Princess, Princess, don't you know? Electricity is my element!" he said with a smile.
Zelda readied herself for his counterattack, but none came, the Prince teleporting away. Zelda lifted herself from her fighting stance, frantically scanning the room for the Prince's presence. While looking a contingent of Castle Guards joined her, lead by Viscen himself.
"Princess, why didn't you come to us when the attack occurred? We've bern searching for you for the last hour!" he called, standing straight, spear at his side.
"Do you doubt my skills?" Impa asked, "I've kept the Princess safe on my own many times."
"Of course not but-BEHIND YOU!" Viscen yelled as the Prince reappeared behind Impa, grabbing ahold of her neck.
Impa fell as Erris let the electricity loose into the Sheikah, grinning as she fell to the floor, unconscious. "Strange...I did that to a man named Krin Gavan and he, well, it didn't go so well for him, these Shiekah are just as resilient as I've heard." he said with a smile.
"How dare you!" Zelda screamed, rage filling her voice as she charged Erris, swinging her rapier madly, the Prince producing a blade from seemingly no where, countering all of her strikes.
Viscen and his Guards made to surround Erris while two other guards helped Impa away from the battle. Erris raised a hand, shooting a red bolt of magic into the air, within a second two Garo warriors and three Labrynnian Guards converged on the Castle Guards, pushing them away from the fight between the Prince and Princess.
Zelda glanced back with concern as she saw a large ring of fire form around the Guards, with the Labrynnian guards locked in combat as the Garo danced around the circle, awaiting their moment to strike. Zelda didn't look long though, as the Prince readied another strike with his blade.
"Really is shame though, it was your spell I used to attack her." he said with a smile.
"I'll kill you!" Zelda yelled, her fury burning within her.
The Prince turned fast to intercept the blade of none other than Lemuria, Impa's daughter. "I'll make you pay for attacking my mother!" she exclaimed as she stabbed her blade at Erris.
The Prince caught her blade, while blocking a downward strike from Zelda with his blade, he pulled Lemuria toward him, pushing the young Sheikah into Zelda while he himself spun away from the two. "Hm, I'm quite popular with the ladies today." he said, his manic smile returning. "The Princess's guardian was your mother, was she? So where is you father? he asked, his smile growing even wider.
Zelda and Lemuria lunged forward, the Prince blocking both their blades with his.
"Maybe he's with the Prince? I'll find out soon enough when I show the Prince what his insides look like!" Erris called, his voice deranged.
Lemuria continued on, slicing diagonally downwards to the right, then performing a jump attack, followed by a stab, all blocked by the Prince.
Zelda wanted to attack, especially after his remark about Audrik, but she found she couldn't. Her rage had distracted her, but the Triforce of Wisdom had been reacting strongly the entire time, burning brighter the closer she was to the Prince. She hadn't seen it before, but the Prince's skin had become a pure white, his eyes now had a strange pale blue glow to them. Zelda listened, and when blocking out the sounds of the battle she could hear Erris taunting Lemuria as she attacked, but the voice wasn't that of the Prince, his calm, collected demeanor was completely gone, in it's place was something insane, something evil...what was it? Just as she moved to rejoin Lemuria the hall shook, heat from an explosion greeting her, she made a short prayer to the Goddesses for the safety of Audrik and Link before she left to face Erris.
oOo
Link righted himself, Volga had a thing for explosions, that much was true. Link ran at the Dragon Knight, performing a spin attack. His sword found it's mark, cleaving through the Dragon Knight's chest armor, sending him staggering back, not letting his wound affect him.
"I've received worse than this, boy!" he called, readying his spear for an attack.
"Sorry about that." Link said, smiling as he readied his shield and sword.
Volga roared as he charged Link, his staff erupting in flame, he was forced to turn to the side as a Goron Guard attacked him, his hammer nearly making contact. Volga pushed back, releasing a blast of flame that knocked all of the nearest Goron's onto their backs. He spun around to block a strike from a harpoon, the Zora warrior had returned with reinforcements, Volga looked around him, though some of his assailants were preoccupied with fighting the Garo and Labrynnian Guards, he was still vastly outnumbered, he smiled as he realized what might be his wisest course of action. Using jets of flame from his hands he propelled himself up into the air, once there he came to a halt, beginning his transformation, his body elongated as orange scales grew, his head and helmet merged into the fearsome head of a dragon while his cape split in two, transforming into two wings, covered in flame.
Link held up his shield as Volga, in dragon form, swooped over he and his allies, he stood, watching Volga release torrents of flame from his mouth, sending the Zora and Goron forces running, even their strong hides being unable to protect them. Volga swooped towards Link, with the Hero readying his shield to protect himself from the flame, but Volga had something else in mind.
Link held his shield close, bracing himself for the heat, but before he could realize what was happening, Volga's claws appeared above him, grasping him tightly. Link looked down as the ground below grew further and further away, he silently cursed the Castle's architects for making the ceiling so high. Link struggled, slashing at Volga's talon.
"Stop struggling, boy! It's no use!" Volga called out, his voice sounding twisted and monstrous in his dragon form.
Link paid no heed, continuing his assault on Volga's claw.
Far below, Cheif Darbrakus stood next to Mikau, watching helplessly as Link was dangled from far above.
"What are we gonna do, brother?!" Darbrakus asked, following Volga with his eyes.
Mikau didn't answer, having no idea how to help the Hero.
A Hylian Guard walked passed them, drawing his bow, "I've got this." he said quietly, nocking an arrow as he aimed his bow.
Link had stopped slashing, he wished he had his hookshot, that way he could attack Volga's weaker areas as well as safely lower himself to the ground, unfortunately that wasn't the case. Thinking of Zelda he continued fighting Volga's hold, hoping the power of the Triforce would save him from the fall. Without warning, Volga suddenly roared in pain, beginning to plummet downwards to the ground. Link jabbed his sword into Volga's underbelly, pulling himself onto Volga's stomach as the dragon fell backwards through the air. Link, while maintaining his hold, looked up to see an arrow embedded in Volga's chest, Link's attention wasn't held for long though, as the ground was approaching rapidly. Bracing himself, Link was nearly thrown off when Volga crashed to the ground, going limp as he made contact. Link pulled his sword out of Volga's hide, jumping from the dragon to the ground. Behind him Volga's transformation reversed, his dragon form growing smaller, it's scales dissolving into ash, it's wings forming into a now torn cape, leaving Volga in his Knight from, lying on the ground, motionless.
"Hero! Are you alright?!" A Zora guard asked, running to Link's side.
The Zora and Goron guards gathered around Volga's motionless body, Link walking up next to them, casting his gaze upon the Dragon Knight.
"So, who is it that saved me? I believe a thanks is in order."
Walking out from between the Guards was Link's old friend from his home village in the Lanayru Province, Kallil. Link ran forward, embracing his childhood friend.
"Kallil! It's been too long!" Link said, releasing his friend.
"You never came to visit." Kallil said, a smile adorning his face.
"You two know each other?" Mikau asked, having just walked up.
"We've been friends since we were children!" Link answered, excited to see his friend again.
"I've been saving him our entire lives, it's no surprise I had to do it again." Kallil said, showing a new, more confident side to his personality.
"Brother!" Chief Darmani V called, "What should we do with him?" he said as he motioned to the Dragon Knight's body.
Link approached, noting Kallil's arrow in the Knight's chest. "I'm not sure." Link looked around, the battle seemed to be coming to a close, Prince Erris had relied on Volga and the Garo to be able to take on the massive combined force of Gorons, Zora, and Humans from all four other lands, but they still proved too many.
Link turned towards Kallil, a question burning inside of him, "Kallil, where's Oreck?"
Kallil looked taken off guard, "I haven't seen him since the day you two got in a fight at the Eastern gate, he's always been one to hold onto anger, I've tried finding him, but he hasn't been anywhere I've looked." Kallil said, casting his gaze downwards.
"We parted under bad circumstances, but he's still my friend, we'll find him together." Link said, smiling at his friend.
"Hero, as heartwarming as this is, we must know what to do with Dragon Knight's body." Mikau said, motioning towards Volga's motionless form.
Link walked over to Volga, as the highest ranking Hylian official present in the area, the decision was his, he scanned Volga's body, noticing to his shock, all of his wounds had healed, Link turned towards the Goron and Zora guards behind him.
"RUN!" he shouted as he readied his shield.
Volga bolted up off the floor releasing a massive blast of fire, knocking everyone present onto their backs. Volga walked over to Link, ripping the arrow out of his chest.
"I am not felled so easily!" he roared, raising his spear.
Link slid out of the way as Volga jammed it into the ground, a puff of flame forming upon it's impact.
Kallil nocked arrow after arrow, with Volga deflecting them all. Link got to his feet when Volga turned, his cape transforming into wings, propelling himself at Kallil.
"You're the archer who's arrow found me!" he yelled, readying his spear, Kallil, reaching for his sword.
Link watched, knowing that Kallil wouldn't be able to react fast enough, panicked, Link knew there was but one thing he could do, calling on all the power the Triforce of Courage contained, he felt his body grow stronger as the familiar gold aura surrounded him, his eyes glowing the same color.
"No!" Link called out, with inhuman speed Link placed himself next to Volga, placing a hand on the stunned Dragon Knight's chest, with a thrust throwing him high into the air. Kallil stared out Link, the gold aura around him blinding.
"Link, what's happening to you?" Kallil asked, never before having seen Link, or anyone for that matter, in a state like this.
Without answering, Link shot into the air, opposite Volga, as Volga began to fall, Link pointed his sword at him, a beam of golden light hitting the Dragon Knight in the chest, the light expanded around Volga, forming the outline of the Triforce.
"What...what is this?" Volga exclaimed as a three dimensional magic construct of the Triforce formed around him.
"You're fate." Link said, with a flash of light, Link appeared directly in front of Volga, he raised his sword, the blade glowing a bright gold. Link began slashing, seemingly in every direction at once, his blade following the outline of the Triforce construct, his slashes unbelievably fast. Link looked down, drawing his sword back before one final strike, he spotted Zelda far below, with Lemuria, fighting Erris. Link had confidence in his Princess's fighting prowess, but decided he would help after all. Link struck Volga once more, shattering the construct, sending Volga hurdling toward Erris.
oOo
Zelda slashed at Erris, following said slash with a bolt of light energy, she wouldn't be foolish enough to use his own element against him again. Before he could counter, Lemuria darted in, slashing diagonally upwards to the right, with Erris leaping backwards to avoid her strike. Oddly enough Erris hadn't begun to slow, even as Zelda and Lemuria were becoming worn down. Erris's attention was divided now though, most of his forces had been defeated, he now found himself fighting off five Castle Guards, and six Clock town guards, along with the Princess and Lemuria, even Ministers Farin Zant and Eltar Kendres had joined the battle having been seen besting a few Labrynnian guards.
"Incoming!" a guard yelled.
Without time to avoid whatever assault was coming, Zelda braced herself and looked up, to her surprise it looked to be a man plummeting towards them. Before anyone could move the man slammed into Prince Erris with great speed, knocking him to the ground.
Righting himself, Erris stood up, his natural skin tone and eye color had returned, his voice regaining it's usual tone. He retreated back to where his forces had gathered, telekinetically taking his bodyguard with him. "Volga! Of all the incompetent...Volga?" The Prince placed himself on one knee, shaking his bodyguard's motionless form, attempting to wake him. The Prince's attention was taken though, when two of his own men put their swords to his throat.
Prince Erris rose, just 3 meters away from him the opposing forces were gathering, not yet bridging the small gap between he and his gathered forces. Erris looked at his two men, his other Guards not making a move, fearing they wouldn't be fast enough to stop the Guards who held Erris at sword point if they did.
"Not two of mine, are you? Erris asked, his tone calm.
The two guards glanced at each other, taking off their helmets, underneath were the familiar faces of Audrik and Oren, both having been noticeably absent from the battle.
"You're analytical skills are quite impressive." Oren said, keeping his sword at the Prince's throat.
"End this Erris, many innocents have lost their lives tonight because of you, surrender to us, take the noble path." Audrik said, behind him two Garo began to move. "Stay right there!" Audrik commanded, pressing his sword against Erris's throat.
"You would kill my bodyguard...my closest friend...and ask me to surrender? Just kill me and get it over with." Erris said, his voice monotone.
Link appeared, a single Castle Guard, and the entire delegation of Terminian Zora's and Gorons from all lands at his back.
Link used all the strength he had left to stagger forward, his extensive use of the Triforce having taken nearly all that he had. "It's over Erris, have your men lay down their arms." he said, Chief Darbrakus brandishing his hammer behind him.
"Do it" Erris said, his Guards and Garo dropping their weapons.
Viscen and Sir Ginthorne began making their way over, a contingent of Castle Guards behind them, suddenly they were propelled back, a telekinetic shockwave ripping through the room, pushing all but Erris's allies away. Without any warning whatsoever the Holodrum Guards turned on their allies, killing those next to them before moving to Erris's side.
"What is this!?" Zelda asked, looking over at all of the individuals the Holodrum Guards had just ambushed.
"The Psychic Shockwave, it's a technique I pioneered." Erris said with a smile. "I'd lull you all into a fall sense of security, then release it, giving my allies the perfect opening in which to strike...isn't it great when a plan comes together, uncle?" Erris said, the Chancellor of Holodrum joining him at his side.
"No! Not you! I refuse to believe this!" Zelda cried.
"Oh but it is true." Chancellor Lawrence said, "9 years ago you're father's forces killed my brother, and orphaned my nephew, and adding insult to injury he left his land in ruins."
Having joined Link nearby, Audrik, still in his Labrynnian Guard disguise stepped forward, "Chancellor Lawrence! How could you betray us like this! What about our alliance? What about your family?!"
"My family was escorted out of town right after we got here, can't say they liked the idea, but I will see my brother's vengeance through." he said with a laugh.
"We should thank your father really." Erris said, locking eyes with the Princess, "If it wasn't for what he did to me, I would have never had the means to accomplish this." he said.
Zelda and Audrik looked at each other, concerned. "What do you mean? she asked, an uneasy tone in her voice.
Erris glanced at Chancellor Lawrence, a smile forming on both of their faces, "Needs to read up on her lore, doesn't she Uncle?"
"Indeed." Lawrence replied, "Where do you think these came from?" he said motioning towards the Garo.
Before Zelda could reply, another voice spoke up.
"That's what I'd like to know!" Mayor Thaddean Met of Clock Town shouted as he walked forward, the four remaining Clock Town Guards at his side. "Those damned things have killed eleven of my finest Guardsmen! Before now the Garo were most recently known to have existed during the age of King Igos Du Ikana, in my homeland of Termina!" he called out, his anger clear.
"The Garo are creatures of a far darker origin than you can imagine, they go where they are called, they did not originate in your land, and existed long before the Kingdom of Ikana came to be, even if that was thousands of years in the past." Erris answered.
"This needs to end! You've made your point, if anyone has a right to angry it is the people of Termina, we are by far the most ancient of all the five lands, we existed as the only country for millenia! If the runes we found in the ruins of Ikana kingdom are true, that would mean we once had the Triforce, but it was taken from us, and given to the Goddess's new chosen land of Hyrule, we realized our mistakes, the constant warring, the segregation of Humans, Zora, Goron, and Deku, we only have ourselves to blame, the desolation of our land was our fault, and waiting for life to once again flourish was our punishment. You must do the same! Your father attacked Hyrule without provocation, and now you must realize, and pay for your mistakes...like we Terminians have."
Zelda walked forward, locking eyes with Erris, "Please, listen to Mayor Met, end this Erris."
"It was a rousing speech, but this IS NOT MY FAULT!" Erris roared, he looked down at Volga's motionless body, his anger growing, "I won't let you take my victory from me! I WON'T!" Erris flew forward, his the pale blue glow in his eyes returning, brighter than before. Faster than anyone could respond he was upon Zelda, all nearby guards ran to protect her, but were too late, Erris's sword pierced her chest, moving straight through, emerging out through the other side. Zelda inhaled sharply before looking down, coughing blood onto Erris's blade as he pulled it out.
"Sister!" screamed Audrik as he ran to her aid, all of the nearby Guards doing the same, holding her upright, doing their best to keep her conscious.
Link went numb, looking over at Zelda, he couldn't believe what he'd seen, in the blink of an eye, Erris had killed his Princess, his eternal love, With a roar Link charged Erris, his strength returning, adrenaline pumping through him. Following his lead the forces of Cheif Darbrakus, Darmani V, and Mikau did the same, being joined by King Laorik and the other Hyrulean Zoras, the Castle Guards and all the remaining guards of Clock town and Gamelon converged on the combined Labrynna-Holodrum force, vastly outnumbering them.
Erris stood awaiting Link's attack, Link raised his sword, bringing it down on Erris, with Erris blocking the strike with his own blade.
"You son of a-" Link cried out. "I'll kill you! Slowly! I'll make you pay!" Link yelled as he clashed with Erris!
"Yes, yes, I'm sure you will Hero." Erris said calmly, "But I'm afraid you have to wait, a certain ally of mine would like to have a word with you first." The Prince raised a hand, pushing it forward, telekinetically throwing Link back, before he could get back to Erris the Prince extended his arms, a bolts of energy shooting out from them, wherever they touched a portal opened, heavily armored Moblins marching through them.
Link stood, Kallil and Mikau running to his side.
"What are those?" Kallil asked, with both he and Mikau looking to Link for an answer.
Link stared, his voice devoid of any emotion, "Servants of an old friend of mine."
oOo
Zelda was floating in and out of consciousness, the pain in her chest feeling dull, but still painful, the warmness of her blood flowing out being a reminder of it's presence, as though they were far away she could hear the screams of Audrik as he was held back by Oren. The field healers had arrived and were doing their best to save her, but could she be saved? She reflected on her parents, her last memories of them, her memories of friends, Knights, courtiers she was fond of, Link...Link!
Zelda felt her power returning, she recalled her pain when eight lifetimes ago Ganon had murdered Link, leaving her an empty shell of what she used to be, she wouldn't let that happen to him, she couldn't! She called upon her Triforce, not to use it's power, but to use it as a key, unlocking the power within herself.
Audrik looked on as tears streamed down his face, Oren holding him back.
"Oren! Let me go!" He yelled to no avail.
"Prince, please! We must let the healers do their jobs free of distraction, it's her only chance of survival!" Oren said, pushing back against the Prince.
The healers stood, quickly backing away from Zelda, a glowing gold Aura surrounded her as she rose into the air above the Great Hall.
Below Audrik, joined by Oren, Lemuria and the other Sheikah looked on amazed, above them Zelda's eyes snapped open, a bright gold glow emanating from them.
oOo
Link stabbed his sword through a weak part of the Moblin's armor, it stumbled back, readying it's spear to charge, Link side stepped the charging Moblin, using it's own force against it, plunging his sword into the Moblin's chest, the Moblin's momentum driving Link's blade deeper into it's chest. Link stepped over the dead Moblin, readying himself to run, he needed to make it to Zelda, no more distractions, she needed him! He heard two loud metallic clangs to his right, looking over to see that Sir Ginthorne had knocked a Moblin's spear away, losing his sword in the process, to Link's surprise, Sir Ginthorne wasn't just holding his own while fighting a Moblin hand to hand, he was winning. Link turned, looking out across the unfolding battle, had Erris been planning this all along? Erris seemed too arrogant to accept help like this, this had to be a desperation move, he overestimated his force's power, and even with the addition of Holodrum's Guards, the battle was still far from being in his favor, forcing him to ask for help.
Behind him Guards of all species and nationalities fought side by side to bring down the newly arrived Moblin army, with the Gorons faring the best due to their similar size and superior strength, but even that wouldn't win the battle...they needed a miracle. Link continued his trek towards Zelda, sword and shield at the ready.
Link looked up, noticing the bright gold glow filling the room...at the center was Zelda, Link was filled with hope, but deep inside he had a bad feeling about this, he had never seen her in this state before, he wondered to himself what the consequences of using this much power might be while she was so grievously wounded.
The Moblin's ceased their fighting, the Labrynnian and Holodrum Guards along with the Garo stopping too, all eyes in the room fixated on Zelda.
"I am the Goddess Hylia." Zelda said, her voice booming throughout the Hall, "You have committed an act of great evil towards my people and I will not let this go unpunished!" her voice sounded different, it was deeper, had more authority and power, and was overall quite frightening.
Zelda raised her arms, wind began blowing through the room, growing into a powerful gust.
"I will not be intimidated by this trickery!" Erris yelled, standing his ground.
Link looked up, it had been many lifetimes since he had seen her identify herself as Hylia, and even then she couldn't draw on her power.
Zelda waved her right arm over to her left, a massive golden energy wave swept over the room, vaporizing all enemy forces upon contact, healing those who fought against them. The Magically generated light in the room flickered as the Moblins and Guards of both Labrynna and Holodrum ran from the wave of golden energy, but it was faster, catching them, reducing them to nothingness.
Link looked back, the Garo gathered around Prince Erris, and to Link's frustration they teleported away before the wave hit them. He had greater priorities though, he ran through the room, feeling rejuvenated, dashing towards Zelda, passing captivated Knights and Guardsmen, finding himself next to Audrik.
"Hero! We've won! My sister, she's actually a Goddess! I..I had no.." Audrik stopped there, stunned into silence.
"Goddess Hylia!" Link called, "The battle is won! Please release Zelda to us!"
Zelda hung in the air, the gust blowing through the room gaining power, the ground started to shake, cracks developing in the floor, while torches burst into jets of flame.
"Zelda, you must let go! This power, it's too much!" he pleaded.
"This power! I can't!" Zelda yelled, wind swirling around her.
Link looked over the Great Hall, windows shattered as portraits and masonry fell, wide chasms opening in the floor. His allies tried to keep their balance as the wind nearly blew them over, the shaking bringing them to their knees, a table was blown over by the wind, revealing a terrified Minister Hawkwood hiding underneath, he instantly stood up, running for cover.
Link felt a hand on his shoulder, turning around to see Lemuria.
"Hero, please! You're the only one that can bring her out of this!"
"The quakes will spread to the rest of Castle Town if this doesn't stop soon!" the Sheikah Ara exclaimed.
Link looked to Audrik, who was lying motionless on the ground, staring in shock.
"Zelda! This power, it could destroy the entire city, you must control it!" he yelled.
Tears streaming from her eyes, Zelda remained in the air, her power not faltering. "I can't!" she cried out.
"Yes you can! I believe in you! I love you!" Link exclaimed. "Remember! Our wedding during the First Age! All of Hyrule came to see it! Remember all of the times we've fought against enormous odds and won! Remember our love lasting throughout all of our lifetimes!" Link called, his words reaching Zelda.
Zelda's aura began to diminish, her arms dropping to her sides, "I remember." she said quietly. Her power faded, the quakes stopped, the wind ceasing. Link caught her as she fell, holding her tight in his arms. The crowds of Gorons, Zora, and Human began to cheer, raising their weapons high.
Link turned towards the grand staircase, breaking into a sprint, with the healers in pursuit, he had to get her to the Castle's infirmary before it was too late, her wound remained, and her transformation into Hylia left her completely drained. Link ran, Zelda limp in his arms.
Upon reaching the infirmary Link laid Zelda down in the nearest bed, the Healers already present running to her side while the Healers from the Great Hall ran in, tending to her also. Link watched them work, it was hours before they thought she was in stable condition, but upon inquiring, the Healers never truly told Link whether or not they thought she'd be able to make it.
King Laorik, Mikau and the rest of the Indigo-gos, Darbrakus, Darmani V, Chief Elder Magnar, all of Hyrule's Ministers, and even Princess Kayala came to see Zelda, thanking her for saving them, and wishing her well. At the moment the only other presence in the room remaining was Audrik, vowing to remain until his sister made a full recovery.
Link moved a chair close to Zelda's bed, watching her chest rise and fall, her wound sealed through the application of many red potions, even though, a scar remained. Link laid his head near hers, tears welling up in his eyes as he silently pleaded with Zelda to wake up, she was always like this, always sacrificing herself for others, for once he wished they could just live a normal life together, no monsters, no one like Erris or Ganondorf, no dungeons. Link wished they could just live a normal uneventful life, have children and such, and die at an old age, not ever having to worry about a threat to Hyrule. Link found himself wishing their cycle of rebirth might end, with he and Zelda, perhaps finding peace together in the afterlife. Slowly Link let sleep take him, focusing on the sounds of Zelda's breathing. For the first time since he regained his memories he had the dream, his Princess running away, and his inability to catch her, but this time everything turned white instead of black, Link turned to find the Hero's Shade waiting for him.
"You wish to fight no longer?" he asked, his eyes on Link.
"I tire of this." Link admitted, failing to meet the Hero's Shade's gaze.
"Hero, you are necessary to the survival of Hyrule, you cannot forfeit."
"This is exhausting." Link stated, still averting his eyes, "Every lifetime is more trial and tribulations, more missing my friends and family from the past, more worrying about her, I just want peace, I want Zelda and I to be able to be together without having to fear for our futures."
"Allow me to show you what will happen if you choose not to fight, if you give up." The Hero's shade replied.
Before Link could answer, everything faded to black, he had the dream again, Zelda walking away, catching her being impossible. He awakened slowly, feeling a gentle rocking, and a cold wind sweeping over him.
Link tried to go back to sleep, feeling water gently splash against him. Link shot upright, his eyes snapping open, he found himself in a boat, a vast ocean being all he could see, with only a few silhouettes off in the distance that could possibly be islands.
"Where the hell am I?" Link thought, his heart racing.
oOo
With that Chapter 15 and part one come to a close!
A lot of things have happened, along with Link being left in quite the strange situation.
Lady Kiridia: I'm glad you liked the background story, I wanted to inspire a little sympathy for Erris, before dropping this chapter. Garo Warriors are just a little something I picked up from Majora's Mask, they're quite interesting. As for who "he" is, I'll make the reveal soon, if this chapter didn't already spoil it haha! There will be a Gerudo presence too, I look forward to working that in! Thanks for the review! =]
I've noticed that recently the pace of my updates has slowed and I apologize for that, life has a funny way of getting in the way haha.
Shout out to Minaly22, runemidnight45, Alyssa3324, and Link The Hero of Light for favoriting and following, thank you!
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it, until next time, best of luck!