17 years ago
The boy sat on a large rock, it's surface made flat after centuries of being battered by the desert's winds, his skin glistening with sweat brought on by the day's harsh heat. The sun was beginning to set, looking as if it were sitting on the mountain ridge that lay on the horizon, the cold night winds would be coming soon. He cared not of the cold that approached, nor the heat that beat down upon him during the daylight, all he cared for was having time away from the place he called home, the only home he ever knew. Looking back he could see it, the large stone fortress with tents set up around it for the guards, torches burning in the windows, he didn't hate it, but for him there wasn't much to love, he had felt like an outcast ever since he had reached the age when children started to notice the differences in others, and the different ways people acted towards them. Rumors had swirled about the moment he was born, his people believed he was destined for something, something he could not escape, they constantly whispered about him, calling him a by a name that wasn't his, a name he found familiar, yet alien, it's times like this he cherished, times when he could be alone in the desert, looking up at the stars with no one to bother him, no one talking behind his back.
He stood up slowly, walking across the rock's surface, scouring it for a stone, when finally he found one, he clenched his fist tightly around it, focusing all of his rage into his hand. With all the strength he could bring forth he threw the rock into the sand, the small granules bursting into the air around the stone as it made contact, a Leever briefly emerging to judge if the source of the vibrations was edible, retreating back underground after figuring it was not. He turned around and clenched his fists, casting his gaze downwards before closing his eyes tight, trying to rid himself of the frustration brought on by the constant talk of his supposed destiny. He turned quickly, focusing his thoughts onto something else, he had only done it twice before, but was confident he could call it forth on purpose this time, the other two times being accidents, brought on by emotional duress. Slowly he adjusted his stance, spreading his feet apart, and extending his arm. The boy closed his eyes, he thought of how the older girls picked on him and the way the adults whispered about him, never telling him what they were speaking of, even though he knew. He tensed his muscles rapidly, a short "Ah!" escaping from him as a bolt of electricity shot from his hand, disappearing the instant it reached the sand.
It caused him slight pleasure, knowing he had such power, but in the back of his mind he knew it only further reaffirmed what they said about him.
"Kai! Kai!" he heard from behind him, an older man running towards him.
"I'm here father." the boy said, slightly upset his alone time had come to a close.
"What in Hyrule are you doing out here so late? You know Leevers come out in greater numbers once the sun sets." he said as he made it onto the rock his son was situated upon.
"I just wanted get away from them...they all talk about me, they think I don't hear them, but I do." the boy answered, looking at the ground.
"Pay no mind to them." his father replied, smiling to his son. "Besides, you're destined to be their King when you're an adult, of course they're going to talk." his father said with a laugh.
Kai furrowed his brow, keeping his gaze forwards, his father was a dark haired Hylian, a former mercenary who had been captured by the Gerudo while he ventured to Termina through the desert, he wasn't too certain on the story, but from what he understood, once he proved his fighting prowess, the Gerudo allowed him to stay as a member of their society, with he and his mother eventually falling in love and having him, one of the most talked about days in recent Gerudo history. "It's not that, they say that one day I'll do bad things...they call me evil." he responded, dropping his head further.
"Kai...don't listen to them, you're my son, they have these fears about every Gerudo male that's born, when the last male was born they said the same thing, but he was a great leader that healed relations with the Hylians." his father said, patting his son on the back.
Kai considered this, but his people seemed sure this time, they said that his rise was long overdue, and then there were the witches Koume and Kotake, who often tried to barter with Kai's parents to raise him into "The man he's destined to be."
"Father...you and mother won't let the witches take me, right?" he asked, an almost pleading tone to his voice.
"Of course not, your mother would sooner challenge them to combat then give you up, and I'd be right there with her." his father assured him.
Kai looked down, his green skin no longer glistened with sweat, the sun having slipped over the distant mountains, it's bright orange still extending beyond their peaks. "Will I ever get to go to those mountains?" Kai asked, pointing towards the horizon. He had never left the desert he called home, he wanted to travel to Hyrule more than anything else he could imagine, his father had described grass, trees, and rivers to him, but he wanted to see them for himself, it all sounded marvelous.
"When you're the King you could do whatever you want." his father asked, Kai watched as his father pointed towards the mountain range, his finger indicating the largest peak. "You see that one there? That's Death Mountain, home of the Gorons, giants made of stone." he said.
Kai smiled as he thought about it, one day he'd venture out of this place, and he'd see the world for himself, meet the Gorons, the Zora, the Deku, and other Hylians like his father. "Do you think Naora would like to go?" Kai asked, smiling as he thought of her. Naora was Chief Aveil's daughter, ever since birth the two had been promised to each other, Aveil wanting to maintain her family's political influence by marrying her daughter to the future King. Kai cared not though, he and Naora spent much time together, having developed feelings for each other long before they had been aware of the plans their parents had made for them. Kai began to think about her before being snapped back to reality.
"Come on, Kai, let's get back home before it gets completely dark out here, you know your sister can't get to sleep unless everyone's home." he said with a laugh.
Kai rose to his feet, running after his father, who had already started back towards the Gerudo settlement.
13 years ago
Kai looked at the bridge, it hung over a deep chasm, the bottom of which could not be seen. He stepped towards it, staring longingly at the other side, crossing the bridge was the first step towards leaving the desert and venturing into the land of Hyrule.
"Can you imagine it, if it's anything like our parents described it will be wonderful." Naora said, catching up to Kai, her bare feet sinking into the sand as she jumped onto him, draping her arms over his shoulders.
Kai took her hands, smiling as his gaze remained on the bridge. "When I am King and you are Queen, I will take you there." Kai said as Naora rested her head on his back.
"You two make me sick, sometimes!" Kai's sister Shilara said as she ran passed them, stopping just before the bridge, coming to a halt before she made one tremendous leap onto it. Kai was 16 and Shilara was 12, but she still managed to come out dominant sometimes with her confident, and somewhat sadistic mannerisms. "You always talk about crossing this bridge, why don't you just do it!?" she asked, laughing loudly.
"Shilara, you know we're not ready to venture out there yet, we know nothing of the lands beyond aside from what father has told us." Kai answered, feeling Naora's fingers clench around his, he knew she didn't like Shilara, but nothing could be done about siblings.
"Helloooo? Is there someone there? Hiding behind my big brother?" Shilara asked, a mocking tone to her voice, it was easy to see how much she loved tormenting her brother's betrothed.
"I'm not hiding from you, you little brat." Naora said as she stepped out from behind Kai, feeling slightly unprotected without his well muscled frame in front of her.
"I know you called me crazy, I don't like that." Shilara said as she flexed her fingers, a small ball of energy forming between them.
"Shilara, stop this!" Kai yelled as his sister waved the ball of energy around, slowly walking towards Naora.
The older Gerudo girl drew her scimitar, brandishing it in front of the completely unfazed younger girl. "I won't hesitate to put you in your place, in one piece, or not."
"Brave words from someone with no magic." Shilara responded, throwing her arm back.
Kai darted in front of Naora as his sister threw the ball of energy, catching it in his right hand, the projectile bursting in a flash of white light as he closed his fingers on it. He and Shilara were among only four Gerudo capable of using magic, the two others being the witches Koume and Kotake.
"Come on, brother, I wasn't planning on hurting her." Shilara teased, poking out her tongue as Naora emerged from behind her future husband.
"You aren't crazy, you're insane!" Naora shouted as she pointed her curved blade at the younger Gerudo.
Kai smiled and began to laugh quietly, the two Gerudo girls looking at him inquisitively as he did so. "Shilara, no matter what you do, I'll always see you as the little girl that would cry all night whenever mother or father was assigned night watch." he said teasingly.
Naora laughed loudly, in order to further irritate the already angry looking Shilara.
Shilara gritted her teeth as she drew her hand back, jabbing it forward as a bolt of electricity was released from it, striking Kai in the chest with a great flash of light.
"What have you done?!" Naora screamed as Kai fell to the ground, the sand around him flying up as he impacted upon it's surface.
"I..I...didn't think it would hurt him this badly." Shilara said, dropping her usually overconfident mannerisms.
"It didn't." Kai said, laughing as he sat up, Naora embracing him tightly.
"Thank the Goddess of Sand." Naora said, embracing Kai tightly. "I thought that little wench killed you!" she continued, shooting a glare towards Shilara.
Kai stood up, dusting himself off before looking back and forth between the two girls, the coming fight not being a challenge to sense.
"We should get back, before it gets dark." Kai said, Naora and Shilara begrudgingly agreeing, walking on either side of Kai as they headed back home.
Nightfall
As Kai, Naora, and Shilara approached the large structure they and the other Gerudo called home, they were greeted by none other than Kai and Shilara's parents, their anger clear.
"Where have you been?!" The older Gerudo woman shot, looking up at Kai, "You know how dangerous the night can be, aside from the creatures that come out, there are people out there that attack Gerudo for no reason other than centuries old prejudice!"
"No matter how proficient a warrior you, Naora, or Shilara may be, you can't stand up to opponents that outnumber you." their father chimed in.
"I'd like to see some Hylians try to assault me." Shilara laughed, electricity darting between her outstretched thumb and index finger.
Their mother relaxed for a moment, "I'll take Shilara and Naora home." she said, nodding at Kai's father.
The Hylian man moved close to his son, narrowing his eyes, "You're supposed to become a man tomorrow, you're the leader of the Gerudo, but you put your sister and Naora in danger when you wander that close to the Hyrulean border. Hylians still have a grudge against the Gerudo because of..well...him...you know who it is I speak of, imagine if they saw you, a Gerudo male, they'd probably attack you on sight, prejudiced or not, you and your sister may have magic, but you can't stand up to a whole gang of Hylians." his father said, "I should know, I used to be on their side, afraid of the Gerudo, believing every one of them to be evil, believing that they all worship the "Evil One". You need to rid yourself of these fanciful notions you have of running off to Hyrule and prepare yourself for the duties that come with being the King of your people!"
"The Hylians haven't been seen near our borders for ten years, you know that father, and besides, the Gerudo's last male was a great leader, what's to stop them from thinking the same of me? Maybe the Evil One is no longer reborn into our society." Kai retorted, his father's agitated expression growing.
"Kai, these shouldn't be chances you're willing to take, if you love Naora and your sister, stay away from the border, and keep them safe here, as you would the rest of your people once you're King." his father responded.
"Understood." Kai said quietly, walking towards his home silently, long red hair flowing in the cold desert wind.
Kai tossed in his sleep, his dreams growing in intensity as the moon neared it's apex in the sky, his seventeenth birthday being merely minutes away. The moon crept across the heavens, Kai's movements becoming faster, his body beginning to spasm. Slowly the moon found it's zenith, Kai becoming still for a moment, when suddenly he arched his back, greeting his teeth, releasing a quiet scream through them.
It hit him hard, memories from different times, different lives flowing through him like the rapids of a river, he came to remember strange things, names coming to him Ghirahim, Zant, Onox, Veran, Koume, Kotake, The Great Deku Tree, anger rose within him as he remembered, Saria, Rauru, Nabooru, Darunia, Ruto, and Zelda, the Sages responsible for his imprisonment long ago. He tensed more as the pain grew, resisting the urge to scream, inside his head though, he remembered everything, up to his last life, watching it unfold in his mind. A boy clad in a green tunic, locked blades with him, both of them baring their teeth at each other as they did so. The boy jumped back, suddenly unleashing a spin attack, his past self barely avoiding it, when suddenly a wave of light energy hit him, he turned to see her, the Princess, clad in armor, as shot another bolt of energy at him, he dodged it, sending a ball of dark energy at her, the Princess raising a magic shield around herself to repel it, before he could attack further, the boy was upon him again, sword at the ready. That sword, how he hated that sword, the Master Sword, it had felled him many times..too many times. Arching his back one last time, he dropped into his bed, relaxing, suddenly sitting bolt upright, he couldn't believe he'd let himself remain here for so long, he laughed to himself about how he thought he could never be who he was now before regaining his memories, but pushed the thought aside as he went to the window, leaping out of it. He strode across the sand, making his way towards the stables, he had no intention of staying here any longer, he needed to move before the boy and his Princess became old enough to remember.
He melted the lock on the door with a quick heat spell before leading the horse that was his in this life out of it's stall, pulling on it's reins as he walked it out into the cold night air.
"Where are you going?...What are you doing out here?" he heard a feminine voice ask.
He turned to find Naora staring at him curiously, "Go back to your bed chamber, girl." he said, fixing his gaze on her, as soon as he did so he felt something inside him, a twinge of regret. A hurt expression took over her face, and for the first time he could remember, he actually felt guilt for saying such a thing.
"Why would you address me like this...?" she asked, his words clearly having hurt her.
He flinched, it was hard to say it, even if it was only to himself, but even with his memories, he cared for her, no matter how much he didn't want to. He turned quickly when he heard footsteps in the sand behind him, finding Shilara standing there.
"Finally had enough of her whining?" Shilara asked, smirking at the older girl.
Naora was silent, her eyes fixed on her betrothed.
"I'm..sorry." he said, locking eyes with her, feeling slightly relieved as her expression turned from pain to curiosity.
"What are you doing out here so late at night...are you...running away?" Naora asked.
"Not running away, so to speak, just, deciding to take what's mine." he said, beginning to smile.
"What do you mean "take"? You're supposed to be King of this place soon, everything should be handed to you." Shilara said.
"Stay here and be King of the sand and Leevers? Oh yes, what an attractive prospect." he said sarcastically, "But no! I have waited too long, being denied at every turn! I will take what I really want, what we all really want...Hyrule." he said, looking off towards the mountain range he so desired to visit as a child, remembering now that he had visited it many, many times.
"Wait..take Hyrule? How do you plan to do that? Even if our people follow you, we wouldn't stand a chance against the Hylians!" Naora responded, becoming quite distressed.
Shilara on the other hand, was nearly bouncing with excitement, "I can't wait, we'll show those Hylians who the true masters of this realm are." she said, electricity beginning to arc over her body.
"You two sound insane! You can't just take Hyrule!" Naora exclaimed, looking at her betrothed and his sister incredulously.
"I can." he said confidently, "I have armies waiting for me, they have been without my leadership for too long." he continued while mounting a saddle on his steed.
Naora's eyes widened, shock washing over her, "Kai...what are you talking about?"
"That's not my name." he answered, focusing on saddling his horse.
"Ganondorf..." Shilara said, looking at her brother in disbelief.
Ganon began to laugh, turning to face the two stunned Gerudo girls, "Indeed, now the question that must be answered, will you follow me, or stay here while I become the King of this entire land?" he asked, grinning ear to ear.
Shilara instantly ran to her brother's side, grinning all the while.
Ganon held out his hand, Naora looking at him cautiously, "Your decision?"
Naora drew her sword, twirling it while approaching him, Ganon lowered his hand, readying himself for combat when suddenly she darted to his side, spinning her scimitar once more.
"Where you go, I go." she said, looking up at him.
"Good, good." Ganon said as he took her hand, leading her to his horse.
Ganon helped Naora onto his horse's back as Shilara rode up, already being prepared.
"To Hyrule we go?" she asked with a smile.
Ganon smiled, turning to face his sister, "No. not yet." he replied.
"Where, then?" Naora asked from atop his steed.
"A far away land called Labrynna." he answered, smiling.
oOo
"Are you the leader?" Link asked the small being that had confronted him.
"Oh no! Our leader is much older than I!" he responded, looking at Link.
"What's your name?" Link asked, smiling as he regarded the small being.
"Makar." he answered, locking eyes with the Hero.
"It's nice to meet you Makar." Link said with a smile, looking out over the village, his smile slowly disappeared as he looked upon the devastated area, few homes were left standing, fallen soldiers of all nationalities and races were strewn about the ground, the living survivors slowly gathering them up. He turned away from all this, reaffixing his smile as locked eyes with Makar, "Where is your leader?" he asked, careful not to intimidate the small being.
"Right here." a familiar voice answered.
Link stood up, his jaw nearly dropping as he looked upon the individual that stood before him, he had half expected Mido to be the one to greet him, and while he was relieved it was who it was, he still felt stunned, and for good reason.
"Welcome back, Link." Saria said with a smile, her warm demeanor ever present.
"How can this be? When I died...when I almost died...you were there in the afterlife to greet me..." he said, the other Kokiri looking back and forth in confusion.
"Every Kokiri's soul is marked in a way that allows them to sense how far their brothers and sisters are, so that they can find their way home if lost, but over time that mark becomes something more, a way that we Kokiri can communicate over vast distances, even without words. Though you may not have been a Kokiri, the Great Deku Tree enacted this spell upon you too, when you fell in battle, we all felt it. I used the abilities the Goddesses gave me to reach out to you, to convince you to go on." Saria explained.
"But, what about the others, all those present were...deceased." Link said, not being able to find a way to phrase it gently.
"It wasn't I who called upon their spirits, I believe that was your Triforce that did so, for what is courage if not the love you have for those you care for?" Saria asked, her smile ever present.
Link looked upon her, she had aged slightly, which meant she had left the forest, obviously not for long, though. "Saria, what of the other Kokiri, the ones I called my brothers and sisters when I lived among you?"
Saria took up a serious expression, looking away from Link for a moment, "After you left, they followed, slowly at first, but soon many had departed, deciding to live a life outside of the forest. I tried to follow, but knew that someday you'd return, I wanted to be here for you when you did." she said, looking to Link.
Link was used to there being some friends he'd never see again, but the fact that the Kokiri were immortal, but not exclusions to this made the feeling slightly worse.
Link glanced over the ridge, he saw the Prince talking to other leaders once again, every now and then glancing up towards Link, Kallil had joined the other soldiers in gathering the fallen, as did Trystane and Mathias, Sir Ginthorne directing the task.
Link turned quickly, the Kokiri having taken up a defensive posture.
"Wait! He's a friend!" Saria exclaimed.
Link spun around, finding Elgon approaching.
"By the Goddesses, if I didn't see it with my own eyes!" Elgon exclaimed, looking on at Saria, "Oh, pardon me, this may be hard to believe but-" Elgon said, being cut off by Saria.
"It's good to see you again Rauru, you look different, but your spirit never changes." she said with a smile.
Elgon looked down, laying a hand on his stomach. "The Goddesses finally allowed me to be born closer to Link here." Elgon said, clasping the Hero's shoulder. "All those lives before, I wished I could aid you in combat, but I was too old, too out of shape." Elgon said, turning to Link.
"Is Impa present?" Saria asked, looking over the surviving allied forces below.
"She's guarding Zelda." Link answered, becoming distracted as he began to think of her, his desire to see her burning within him.
"Has something happened?" Saria asked, a worried tone to her voice as she observed Link's facial expression.
"She was nearly killed a week ago, she was run through, but survived, not to mention she identified as and used the power of Hylia for the first time in 2,500 years, it drained her to such an extent that she has been asleep ever since." Link answered, casting his gaze downwards.
"I was wondering about that...I felt a massive disturbance around that time, I knew it had to be something powerful...but I had no idea." Saria said, her expression hardening.
"Saria, are you a Sage in this life?" Elgon cut in, looking at the Kokiri girl intently.
"My powers have manifested again, that's how I was able to project my consciousness into your mind when you nearly died." Saria said, glancing at Link.
"You nearly died...for good?!" Elgon asked, stunned.
"Yes, but Saria, and the spirits of my friends from other lives convinced me to hold on." Link answered.
"Next time, bring a fairy with you." Elgon said, "We can't afford to lose the Hero, especially not at a time like this." he continued, locking eyes with Link.
"So three of us are accounted for." Saria spoke up, seemingly having ignored Link and Elgon's exchange.
Elgon turned to Saria, "You, Impa, and Myself." he said, sweeping his eyes over the crowd.
Link joined him, his eyes settling on the Goron Chief Darbrakus, "Darbrakus wouldn't happen to be Darunia reborn, would he?" Link asked, glancing towards the Sages of Light and Forest.
"No." they answered in unison, much to Link's amusement. He turned to face the Kokiri, and while they made no show of it, it didn't take much to realize the sadness they felt over their home's destruction. "Saria, would you like to meet the Prince?" Link asked.
oOo
"I'm just saying, if this happened within my own borders-" Mayor Met said, Audrik cutting in.
"Attacking Labrynna is no more appealing to me now then it was a few hours ago." he said, massaging the bridge of his nose with his thumb, index, and middle finger.
"I think you're being an awful coward about this." King Laorik said, setting his eyes on Audrik.
"What did you say?" Audrik asked, beginning to show his anger.
Oren drew his blade slightly, tightly gripping the handle as he looked at the Zora King, "I'd advise you treat your Prince with respect." the Sheikah man said, a threatening tone to his voice.
"Everyone! The day has been stressful, but that's no excuse to turn on each other like this." Evan of the Terminian Zora delegation said, attempting to quell the conflict.
"It's nice to see you've recovered." Link said as he approached, noticing Audrik was back on his feet.
"Mr. Link, Sir Elgon, good to see you've returned, we were all quite ready to tear into each other." the Prince said, Link being unable to tell if this was meant to elicit a laugh.
"We have someone who'd like to speak with you." Elgon said, showing Saria forward.
The Kokiri girl looked at Audrik, carefully examining him as the Prince walked forward to meet her.
"I am pleased to meet you, are you the leader of this Village?" The Prince asked, smiling as if to reassure the small being before him.
"I am, and I have been for centuries." Saria answered, emphasizing her age.
Audrik looked taken aback, obviously believing her personality would match her appearance. "Well, it is my honor to meet you, the Kokiri leader." he said uncomfortably, placing a hand on the back of his head. "Thank you for saving my men and I, we wouldn't have stood a chance without you." Audrik continued, bowing his head in recognition.
"It's we who should be thanking you, if you hadn't come, our village would have been destroyed and the Lost Woods burned." she said, a sad look taking over her face.
"We wouldn't have known if it wasn't for the fairy you sent, right Mr. Link?" Audrik asked, finding to his surprise the Hero was no longer present.
oOo
Link looked back, it was good to be back in Kokiri Forest, one his many homes, but he never imagined it would be like this, bodies of Human, Zora, and Goron alike strewn about the ground, slowly being picked up as if they were nothing more than debris. Link turned forward, heading towards the enormous breach in the wall that separated the Great Deku Tree's meadow from the Village. As he approached, he couldn't help but think about how the damage had occurred, it troubled him greatly that at least two Demon Lords walked the land at the moment, what made it worse was the fact that Erris held a power that opposed his in every way, spreading fear and panic as opposed to the Courage and strength Link's piece of the Triforce represented. He rid himself of these thoughts as he emerged into the Great Deku Tree's meadow.
The Forest Deity looked weak, his leaves falling, his bark grey. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry I failed you again." Link said, casting his gaze downwards.
"You have saved me from a terrible fate, there is nothing you should be sorry for, Link." the Great Deku Tree replied.
"During the Mythical Age, Ganondorf killed you, and I wasn't able to save you, I swore I'd never let that happen again, but Erris...he drained so much of your life force...I...I should have been here sooner..." Link said, looking up at his former guardian.
"Erris did not take all of my life energies, it will take time but I will recover...and I can be happy knowing that it will be used to restore my sister." the Great Deku Tree said, referring to Labrynna's Great Maku Tree.
Link focused on the Forest Deity, wincing as he found the mark in which Erris had buried Mahlik's sword. "Are you in pain?" Link asked as he walked about the meadow.
"It's nothing I can't overcome." the Great Deku Tree answered.
There was a time Link thought himself to be older than the current Great Deku Tree, believing the sprout that was born during the Mythical Age to be a completely Deku Tree, later finding out that he was the same one reborn, or regrown, rather.
Link slowed as he found what he was looking for, a black shard that glowed white met his eyes, the Hero crouching down to pick it up. Link took the fragment in his hand, noting that it was quite heavy, the weightlessness charm obviously being a necessity rather than a feature to make it more attractive to buyers. The Hero sighed as he stood up, turning to the Great Deku Tree. "Why did you seal yourself and the Kokiri away, why did you have to hide yourselves?" Link asked.
"After Ganondorf's attack I grew wary of the outside world, as did the Kokiri, when Saria returned we spoke of all that had happened, after her part in the battle against Ganondorf she felt the same way, we used our magic to grow the forest around the entrance to our domain, hiding ourselves from others that would seek to do us harm. We waited for you to return, to speak with you on the matter, but you did not come back."
He had spent a number of lives believing that the Kokiri were gone, the village and the Great Deku Tree being nothing but distant memories of things that once were. "If I hadn't Proxi to guide me here and tell me how to enter I may have never found you again." Link replied.
"There's a mark placed on every one of my children, not on their bodies but their spirits, no matter how far they go, their brothers, sisters, and I can find them, and guide them home. Due to your rebirthing cycle the call of your mark was weakened, it took me centuries but during this life I found you, and sent Proxi, not just because we needed your aid, but because I wanted to show you that one of your homes was still here."
Link couldn't think of what to say, there were many things that came to mind, he almost felt like asking the Great Deku Tree why he hadn't led him there sooner, Link realizing that since regaining his memories he hadn't been too available to all except Zelda. "Thank you." Link said, deciding on being polite, it was a grand gesture, Link had many homes, only a few of which still stood, with Link not even being able to recognize them anymore.
"Please return at your leisure, I would like this to once again become a home for you. For now though, I believe you're needed elsewhere." The Great Deku Tree said, his voice sincere.
"Thank you." Link repeated, walking out of the meadow, still holding the shard of the White Sword he had found, with Mahlik's strength, Link wouldn't be surprised if this was all that was left. His thoughts again rested on Zelda, had she awakened? Or did her spirit reach out to him while her body continued to sleep? He didn't have much of a chance to ponder these thoughts before he was met by Saria.
"Link! Where did you go?"
"I wished to speak with the Great Deku Tree, it's been centuries since I last spoke to him...and you." Link said, looking down at the small Kokiri girl.
"Before you left our village all those years ago, I told you I'd always be there for you, that I'd always be your friend, I hold myself to that promise." she said with a smile.
It may have bee life times since they last met, but to Link it seemed like he had only recently departed from Kokiri Forest. "I'll hold you to that." Link replied with a smile. Suddenly Link adopted a more serious demeanor, Saria taking notice.
"Link, what's wrong?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Be careful, since your a Sage again the evil that threatens our land may attempt to-." Link said before Saria cut him off.
"Kill me?" I'm well aware of the fact that I'd be a target for those willing to harm our land, but the Great Deku Tree will protect me." she said with a reassuring smile.
"Erris was able to get he and his forces in here, he saw through the disguise, and bypassed your magical defenses, if he came back, how would you keep him out?" Link asked, starting to become nervous. "You can come back to the Castle, we can keep you safe there, we've improved our magical defenses and all." Link suggested, locking eyes with his old friend.
"Link, my place is here with the Kokiri, you know that, I can't leave until it is time to play the part the Goddesses have assigned me, your offer is kind, but I cannot accept." she replied, looking slightly uncomfortable.
"I understand." Link replied, earning a surprised look from Saria. "Stay safe, I'll do my best to end the threat before it can become more than what it already is." he assured her...and himself.
"Thank you, Link, I wish you luck." she said as she started towards the Great Deku Tree.
Link smiled to her as he proceeded forward, it wasn't how he imagined a reunion between he and Saria happening, but then again he never imagined an actual reunion occurring, outside of the near death experience he had managed to live through.
Making his way back through the village, he was relieved to see that the Kokiri had relaxed, helping the Knights and soldiers clean up and rebuild, it was truly something he never thought he'd witness, even when the Kokiri made no attempt to hide themselves interactions between they, and the other peoples of Hyrule were rare.
"Mr. Link." a voice said from behind him.
Link turned to find a rather exhausted looking Oren stepping towards him.
"The Prince requests my company?" Link asked, predicting the reason the Sheikah man had come to find him.
"Yes." Oren answered plainly, starting back towards the Northern part of the village.
oOo
Audrik paced, reading the letter he had received over and over, it's contents troubling him greatly.
"Audrik!" Link called as he neared, Oren walking slightly ahead.
"Mr. Link, a scout from Castle Town has arrived, bringing a letter with him." Audrik explained, his expression looking grim.
"How did he find us?" Link questioned, Kokiri Forest's location being unknown even to him up until this point.
"As soon as we arrived I sent a scout back to Castle Town, just so he could lead the way for reinforcements had we needed them, but instead he returned with this." Audrik said, holding up the letter.
"I assume something within it troubles you." Link said, taking note of the Prince's current mannerisms.
"It's not just that, as you may have noticed King Laorik and his Zora have marched back to their domain, your friend Mikau has joined him, leaving with a small force a little while ago. I fear the Zora of Termina and Hyrule are forming an alliance, and are planning to march on Labrynna with or without us." The Prince said, placing a hand on his forehead.
"And what of the letter?" Link asked inquisitively.
"Oh yes, the letter, well the good news is that they finally located Minister Hawkwood, he'd gotten himself stuck in a broom closet while hiding during from the chaos in the Great Hall, and also, something that almost lifts my mood completely, and should do you some good too Mr. Hero, is the fact that my sister has finally awoken, seemingly having made a complete recovery." the Prince explained.
Link felt relief and joy flow through him as Audrik informed him of Zelda's recovery. "If she's awake we should go to her!" Link exclaimed, his excitement obvious.
"Mr. Link, I share your enthusiasm, but one more moment is needed, the reason for my less than energetic disposition is the fact that, well, it would seem Erris..or whoever he's been working with has been busy...about 13 hours ago the forces of Holodrum marched on Gamelon, their entire army having crossed the border." Audrik said.
Gamelon was by far the smallest of the five lands, lying on the northern border of Termina, and the eastern border of Holodrum. "So Erris is making his move." Link said, his gaze meeting Audrik's.
"Erris or whoever he's working with." Oren interjected, looking back and forth between the two younger men.
Link hated to think that Ganondorf was playing a role in this, but it was something almost unavoidable at this point. "If Ganondorf is pulling the strings here, than we're in far more danger than we would be if it was just an overconfident Prince with a poor grasp on the powers of a Demon Lord." Link said, a dark tone to his voice.
Before Audrik or Oren could answer, Mayor Met approached, waving his right hand to get their attention. "My men have got all the wagons hitched and ready to go, whenever you're ready, we may leave." he said, looking in Audrik's direction. As he came closer he bowed his head at Link, "Hero, it's good to see you." he said with a smile, "And you, Mr...Sheikah." he said, extending his hand to indicate Oren.
"Your continued presence would most likely mean you have something to tell us." Oren said, catching the Mayor slightly off guard.
"Well, when you're right you're right." Mayor Met said, setting his gaze on the Prince. "Prince, you and Lady Zelda have been very generous, my men and I could not have asked for better treatment, but with the way things are going, I can't see us staying here much longer, I really do hate to say it but it would seem a war has begun, Gamelon is already under attack, and it won't be long before Erris attempts to take Termina too." Mayor Met said, his expression hardening.
"Are you sure about this? Termina's military might is well known, choosing to invade at this point might be a mistake." Audrik replied, meeting the Mayor's gaze.
"It's not just that, Prince...I am planning to come to Gamelon's aid, if Holodrum occupies it, they'll gain a foothold in the north and I can't let that happen." Mayor Met said.
Audrik nodded his head at the his fellow leader, "I understand, I wish you and your soldiers the best of luck." he said with a smile.
"No chance the Hero would join me to help scare them off, eh?" Mayor Met said with a laugh.
"My place is here, maybe I'll come visit after all of this is over." Link said with a smile.
"And what a day that will be! Thanks for your hospitality, you're welcome in my land any time." Mayor Met said to the trio in front of him, before departing hastily.
"Oren, let Sir Ginthorne know we're moving out, we should make it back to Castle town before my sister sends someone to retrieve us." The Prince said with a smile.
Link felt good, it had been a full two days they had spent in Kokiri Forest with minimal sleep, he looked forward to returning to the Castle, finding comfort with Zelda.
oOo
Gamelon
Volga outstretched his spear, a jet of flame being discharged from it, sending the soldiers in front of him scattering in all directions. He had only recently been revived by the Demon Erris had sealed inside of him, it had pulled him back from the verge of death many times, something he was grateful for.
Without Chancellor Lawrence, Holodrum's general had been hesitant to hand control over to Volga, but as soon it was made clear it was Erris's order, he did so immediately, with Volga's pyrokinetic abilities also being useful in convincing the man. He marched forward, knocking away charging Knights and Soldiers with ease, he could have left the front lines of the invasion to the Black Knights, but as he saw it, he'd been down for too long.
Volga charged forward, shooting a jet of flame from his mouth as he did so, blasting a line clear through the opposing force in front of him, he raised his spear, about to leap into the air as a powerful gust knocked him to the ground. The Dragon Knight righted himself, throwing himself out of the way of another gust that blew passed him. He kept his eyes forward, dodging blasts of wind all the while. Quickly he identified the source, a Mage dressed in traditional robes stood off to the side, surrounded by soldiers. Volga focused his energies, two large reptilian wings sprouting from his back on his command. He quickly took to the skies, the gusts generated by the Mage's wind magic barely affecting his ascent, soon he found himself high enough to escape the Mage's assault. Seeing his target far below, Volga dropped, free falling closer and closer to the ground.
The Mage looked up in time, attempting to blow Volga off course, but his attempts only softened the Dragon Knight's impact. Volga crashed to the ground, a burst of flame exploding out from beneath him, throwing all the soldiers, and the Mage onto their backs. Volga walked passed the injured soldiers, jabbing his spear into the still living ones, finishing them off. To his delight the Mage still lived, albeit severely wounded. Volga grabbed the man by his robes, pulling him up to eye level.
"Where is it?" Volga growled.
"Wh...where is...where is what?" he stammered in response.
Volga's hands ignited, the flames spreading onto the Mage's robes. "You know well what I speak of, where is the Scepter of Gamelon?!"
oOo
Erris walked slowly, a very curious Oreck at his back. Erris had paid little to no mind to him though, he wasn't showing it, but he was suspicious, he had spent the night at Labrynna Castle, being unaware that they had left Hyrule.
Erris had spent the night planning the invasion of Gamelon with Volga, not wanting to leave it in the hands of Holodrum's General. The Prince remembered when he first learned to contain Druthulidi inside the physical bodies of certain beings, it was knowledge he had managed to pull straight from Mahlik, after the latter had finished making attempts at ripping his way out of the Prince's body. Volga had been dead for an entire year, but the Prince knew he had to try. He summoned the Demon dragon Volvagia, containing it in a summoning circle until he could retrieve Volga's remains. After his servants had done so, he began the ritual, slowly he sealed Volvagia into his former guardian's body. Soon after the demon's presence began repairing it's host, the advanced decomposition turning back into living, healthy flesh, Volga's heart resuming beating, circulating the newly created blood that filled his veins. Volga was disturbed at first to learn he'd been dead for a year, and even more disturbed to find he had a demon locked inside his body, but easily came to terms with this as he discovered his new abilities. Erris began reflecting on the mission he'd assigned Volga, before his thoughts were interrupted.
"Where are you taking me?" Oreck demanded.
"We'll be there soon, this is a large Castle, and my friend would like to meet closer to his quarters." Erris answered.
"Aren't you in charge here? If so, shouldn't you should be the one telling people where to meet?" Oreck asked, an annoyed tone to his voice.
"Mr. Oreck, as a Prince I have to be gracious to my more valuable allies, so please, do not speak of matters you do not understand." Erris shot, clenching his teeth after realizing just how much he had revealed.
Oreck drew his sword, having refused to be parted from it upon arrival, "Prince? You don't look like the Prince! Who are you?!" he demanded, holding out his blade.
Erris sighed, locking eyes with Oreck, "I am Prince Erris...of Labrynna, the land in which we are now located." he admitted.
Oreck held his sword tighter, pacing backwards. "Labrynna? We were at war with you...you...you want me to betray Hyrule, don't you?" he asked frantically, Erris massaging his forehead as he went on.
"Mr. Oreck, you vastly overstate your role in this, all I want you do is get rid of the Hero, something you seemed intent on doing, something I'll give you the power to do." Erris said, losing patience with his new ally.
Oreck dropped his sword, looking Erris in the eyes, "Aside from defeating Link, what do I get out of this?" he asked.
Erris groaned internally, but maintained his composure, "You have family you care for I assume, if you help me they will be wealthier than you could ever imagine and will be among the greatest of nobles when I take Hyrule." Erris explained, hoping that would calm the other man down.
"How did you find me?" Oreck asked, seemingly calmer.
"I have abilities you have yet to understand, I can find anyone I would like to, now, shall we move on?" Erris said, resting his gaze on Oreck.
"Sure." Oreck answered.
"Alright, we're already quite late, I was trying to ease you into this gently, but..well...hold on." Erris said, grasping Oreck's shoulder, teleporting the two across the Castle.
Erris materialized standing straight, looking ahead, only to find Oreck had not faired as well, stumbling over to the corner of the room to regain his balance.
"What the hell was..." he started as he turned around, going silent as terror gripped him, he heard all the stories, every tale, but it never could have readied him for the seeing him in person.
Ganon sat at the head of the table, lacing his fingers, watching closely. "You're late, Erris." he said, setting his gaze on the Prince.
"My apologies, I had to get my friend here, ready." the Prince said, motioning to Oreck.
Oreck was frozen, being speechless as Ganon's gaze fell on him. "What's wrong with you, boy?" he asked, smiling all the while.
"I think he's scared, poor kid." a Gerudo woman said, "Maybe I can get him to speak up." she continued, a devious smile adorning her face.
"Shilara, you're just frightening him further." another Gerudo woman who sat across from her said.
"Excuse me, but can we just get to the matter at hand?" Erris interjected, his patience having run out. "Come Oreck, sit down."
Oreck followed the Prince, sitting down next to him stiffly.
"What's your name, boy?" Ganon asked, locking eyes with Oreck.
Oreck couldn't find the words, being under the gaze of the greatest evil sorcerer in the history of the five lands terrifying him into silence.
"Mr. Oreck, I'm going to have to ask you to speak, or else I will drop you right back where I found you." Erris said calmly, hoping it would elicit a response.
Oreck swallowed hard before gripping the table tightly, looking on at the green skinned man at the front. "Oreck...sir." he said quietly.
"Well, Oreck, I hear you're willing to get rid of the Hero for me, is that right?"
"Yes." Oreck answered.
"Him?! Get rid of the Hero?! How?!" a gaunt man at the end of the table said, clearly in disbelief.
"Ryos! You are on the thinnest of ice with me right now, do not think you are irreplaceable on my council, because you are! You failed your mission in Hyrule Castle, so do not act like you have the right to speak anytime you want!" Erris shot, the man falling silent.
"It is a good question brother, how do you plan to give him the ability to beat that blonde brat?" Shilara asked, casting her gaze on the Hylian.
"Have you heard the tale of Majora?" Ganon asked, looking around the table, finding recognition in only Erris's eyes. "Majora is a powerful Druthilidi that is known as the Lord of Chaos, being the first Demon to tamper with the Goddesses creations, the Goddesses sent one of their children, a god known as the Fierce Deity to slay him. Majora took this opportunity to test the God, creating four powerful beings to challenge him before he could face Majora himself. After slaying them, the Fierce Deity sealed the beings inside of masks...one of which I have here." Ganon explained. He held his hands up, distancing them apart before a bright orange flash filled the room, a strange horned mask appearing in his hands. "This belonged to the entity known as "Goht", who ever wears this mask will gain control of his powers and abilities, and will be nearly unstoppable." Ganon continued, a wide grin on his face. "Mr. Oreck, will you take this mask and use it's power to defeat the Hero?"
Oreck looked at the man, his fear had diminished slightly, but was still strong. "You want me to betray my land, this man...he's..he's." he stammered at Erris.
"Evil?" Ganondorf suggested, "History is written by the victors, you know, vilifying his enemies is a thing every man does, in this specific case I speak of a woman though, Princess Zelda isn't all she seems, she seeks to take what she wants, annexing other lands and territories, imposing her rule over people who only seek to rule themselves. The Hero is no hero, he's just her enforcer, her attack dog, going where she commands, killing as she commands, all the while writing me, the only being to ever stand up to them, into history as an insane sorcerer bent on domination."
"It's true, every word he says, I wish I could show you, but you have to trust us, you're the only man that will." Erris said, looking to the young man next to him.
Oreck gripped the table tightly, looking down at the ornate woodwork beneath the glass that was situated on top of it. "I knew Link abandoned my friend and I for selfish reasons, but I'd never imagined this would be what he actually wanted...I'll help you." Oreck said, looking up at Ganondorf.
"Good." the Demon King said, teleporting the mask in front of Oreck.
Oreck took up the mask, looking at it intently, "This will give me the power to defeat Link?" he asked.
"Most certainly." Ganon said, smiling broadly.
"I won't fail." Oreck responded.
"Take Mr. Oreck here to his quarters, we want him well rested if he's to battle the "Hero of Legend" himself." Erris called to two guards at the door, the individuals guiding Oreck out of the room and down the hall, Oreck looking back once before leaving.
Erris smiled, almost unable to stop himself from laughing, "Do you actually think he'll be able to kill the Hero?"
"Of course not! That is my privilege." Ganondorf answered, "I just want him to break the boy's spirit, it's more effective than you might think." he continued.
"Where do we play into this?" Naora asked, gesturing towards herself and Shilara.
"You my dear, will dispose of the Princess's wretched Sheikah companion, while you, little sister, get to dispose of the Princess herself.
"I'll make her scream." Shilara said with a loud high pitched laugh.
"If the Sheikah is anything like I've heard, I'll have fun with this." Naora said, before gesturing towards Erris, "What about him?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at the Labrynnian.
"I'll tell you "about me"." the Prince said, locking eyes with the Gerudo woman. "I will help wherever needed, I have provided two armies for you, and have staged two large scale attacks within Hyrule's borders, when all of this is said and done, I expect to be aided in revitalizing my land, a process which I have already begun." Erris said with a smile, teleporting a a glowing green orb into the palm of his hand.
"The Great Deku Tree's life force." Ganon said, observing the object Erris carried.
"Indeed." the Prince responded.
Ganondorf looked at the Prince, his smirk returning. "Well then, let's get started."
oOo
Ganondorf joins the brawl! Zelda's awake! And Volga's leading the invasion of Gamelon! What's a Link to do?
Please forgive me for referencing the CD-I games, it was the only option I had, and yes, when I mentioned the "Scepter of Gamelon", I am talking about the "Wand of Gamelon", but to be honest, I think the word Scepter can be taken more seriously, as a big intimidating guy like Volga demanding a wand is a bit ridiculous.
...but I digress...
drazol: Thank you! Here is more! :D
Gerduospirit: I'm glad you enjoyed the Skyward Sword scene, writing it was difficult, due to the fact it's been a loong time since I've played the game, so I'm pretty happy I did (your favorite) Zelda justice! Yes, Elgon has been many people, whenever there was a character that helped Link, mentoring him throughout the his adventure, that was Elgon watching over him...but Impa's just been Impa, haha. The Scene with Erris in the slums was more or less meant to show that he really has no regard for life except for the very few he holds close, which is pretty much only Volga and Wizzro at this point. You are right about Oreck it would seem, things aren't looking too good for him right now. Thanks for reviewing! :D
Koolkat222: Thank you! I'm glad you loved my last chapter, and I hope this one didn't disappoint! Thank you for reviewing!
Lady Kiridia: Thank you very much! *gladly accepts your high five* Writing this is indeed proving to be far more of a challenge than I thought it would be, but I'm making it through!
I'm happy that you liked this chapter, the fact you'd call it superb flatters me truly. I'm also very happy you liked the Skyward Sword scene, it had been a while since Link and Zelda had any real interaction in this story, so I decided to work some in as a memory, I hope that's not cheating, haha. I hope I'm not stealing any as of yet, unrevealed story elements! Say no more, now that I know they're in there, I'll be examining your story very close to find these concepts! Thanks for reviewing! =)
Also, thanks to BrandonBGamer and Fictionreader100 for favoriting and following me and my story!
I hope you all enjoyed the new chapter, thanks for reading!
Best regards,
-Prometheus17