"Gaepora! Gaepora!" came a call from outside, the young man waking to the call of his name. It was midmorning, he was usually awake well before this time, but excused himself due to the hard labor of the day before. He eyed the opening to his abode, pondering whether or not he should unlock, and open the door, seeing as his friend, Abin, usually awoke him for nothing more then a strangely colored bird flying overhead. Slowly he rose, deciding that he was going to attend to Abin, even if the result left him unenthused...as usual.
"What is it, Abin?" Gaepora asked as he exited his small stone home. He was located well outside of town, his only company usually being the vast plains of Lanayru, aside from when he worked as a repairman for the Mining Robots.
"Over there!" Abin said as he lead Gaepora further into the open field, placing a finger upon his lips, signaling Gaepora to remain quiet.
Slowly the two boys rounded a large stone, and to Gaepora's astonishment, there it was. They looked liked birds, but were large enough to be ridden by a full grown man, and a rather large one at that.
"Is that...what I think it is?" Gaepora asked, looking to his friend.
"Yeah, I really would have preferred a crimson one, but I'm just lucky to have one at all." Abin answered.
"You mean you've caught it?" Gaepora question.
"Well...not exactly..." Abin replied, taking out a long rope from his pack, a loop on the end.
"Are you sure you tied the correct knot? You don't want to kill the thing! They barely have reason to come down here anyway, don't make them think we're trying to murder them." Gaepora said aggressively, his silver eyes narrowed at Abin.
"I can do this." Abin said, slowly stepping out from behind the rock, rope at the ready.
Gaepora flinched as Abin flung the rope at the winged beast, the loop on the end making it's way straight towards it's head, the trajectory on which it was set almost assuring Abin's success. Gaepora and Abin looked on, the scene seemingly unfolding in slow motion as the rope fell toward the massive bird, just then, it turned, leaning to it's right as it snatched the rope in it's beak, giving it a good pull, sending Abin to the ground.
"Abin!" Gaepora yelled, the bird lifting itself into the air slightly, a threatening sight indeed.
"I can still get him!" Abin called, his black hair falling across his face as he pulled with all of his might, the massive bird merely toying with him, it's beak remaining clamped on the rope as it began to pull him skywards.
Gaepora lunged forward, taking a hold of Abin's legs, the added weight pulling him back to the ground, their massive winged "friend" coming with them.
Both boys stood up, Abin sweeping his black hair out of his eyes, Gaepora doing the same with his silver shoulder length strands. They both stood still, their muscles tightening as they found their failed target within a few steps from them, it's eyes trained on their forms. "Run." Gaepora said.
The two boys took off, the massive bird giving chase whilst emitting a series of loud squawks. It swooped overhead a couple times, but never actually took one of them up with it...almost as if it were playing with them.
Abin and Gaepora didn't take long to enter the archway into town, the giant bird breaking off it's pursuit as they did so. Turning around, they found their path blocked by a rather long spear.
"Identification." the guard growled.
Abin and Gaepora looked at each other uneasily, the man's glare beating down on them like the sun.
They dug into their packs, Abin finding a piece of parchment, handing it to the taller man, while Gaepora still rummaged through his, failing to find it.
The guard handed the piece of parchment back to Abin, directing him over to the side, his gaze settling on the silver-haired boy in front of him. "Do you have it or not?" he asked, an aggressive tone to his voice.
"I..I go through this gate almost everyday to go to that repair shop." Gaepora said, indicating the small building at the end of the street. "I work there." he reaffirmed, looking for acceptance in the Guard's eyes.
"Let him through, he's one of mine." an older man called.
The guard looked over to his right, nodding in response, allowing Gaepora to pass.
Quentin was the foreman at the repair shop, having opened it himself long ago when the supposedly indestructible mining robots began to fall apart after long hours at work in the parts of mines even the Goron's couldn't go.
"Thank you, Sir." Gaepora said to his employer.
"You really need to be more careful, boy." Quentin said, motioning to Gaepora. "There's talk of spies from other communities attempting to infiltrate ours."
"So that's what this is all about?" Abin asked as he joined them, curiosity in his eyes.
The older man stopped, looking at the duo next to him. "There are other villages out there that believe the Golden Goddesses are unfit for our prayers, they believe they are false, the only Goddess that deserves prayer being Hylia, and even further out, there's talk of a new religion, in which they pray to four giants...it's all crazy if you ask me, the Golden Goddesses are the creators of this realm, Hylia has told us so over and over again."
Gaepora looked up, regarding the bright star, that even during the day, showed brightly in the sky, Hylia watching over them from the heavens. "It's the work of Demise, I'd think." Gaepora said, glancing towards his companions.
Quentin and Abin flinched, looking back and forth to see if anyone had heard.
"Don't say that name." Abin insisted, looking distressed.
"They'll lock you up if they hear you say it." Quentin asserted, looking to the young silver-headed boy in front of him.
Gaepora never did understand why, but he just didn't fear the old legends of Demise like his fellow villagers did. He looked over to his employer, a father figure of sorts, and his best friend, feeling uncomfortable under the looks they gave him. "Sorry, I'll be more careful." he said with a laugh.
oOo
Elgon dug a knife into a nearby book, looking back to check if he was reading it or not, shrugging when he found he had already been through it twice. He cast his gaze downward, he wished he could return to those days sometimes, when he was the Hero, fighting Demise through the ages, until that one fateful era. He flinched at the memory while going to pick up the letter the Postman had delivered.
He smiled as he regarded Link's handwriting, it seemed somewhat child-like, which is strange, due to the fact he's had almost 2000 years to perfect it...but as he knew all too well, sometimes the body had more to do with certain aspects than the mind did. As he read, worry overtook him, the Zora had allied with not just their Terminian brethren, but their corrupted family, the Zola, planning to lead a direct assault on Labrynna, Link believing he can stop them with only a small group of men.
Elgon began collecting what he'd need for a short trip to Castle Town, he needed to speak with both Link and the Princess as once. Elgon faltered as he thought of her, his hand falling away from the door knob in front of him. All those years ago, when Demise broke Mahlik and Majora out of the Dark World, he, Hylia, and the Fierce Deity had faced them head on, quickly they were forced apart by their opponents, with he only being able to watch as Demise overpowered Hylia, before he was forced to turn his attention towards Mahlik again. In the end, the Fierce Deity imprisoned Majora in a mask created from the Druthilidi's own skin, while he struck down Mahlik with the Goddess Sword. With the two converging on Demise, and Hylia drawing on their power to heal the wounds she had sustained, the King of the Demons, desperate and knowing he was bound to lose, made one last stand, managing to impale Hylia, he was soon after defeated, with the Fierce Deity sealing him away into a small pocket between dimensions. With her dying breath, Hylia asked him to take care of her when she returned, the Fierce Deity even being unable to decipher the statement.
After the battle, the Fierce Deity imparted Majora's Mask unto a humble traveling salesmen he had made immortal, in order to keep it out of the wrong hands, departing for parts unknown after wishing him the best of luck. Elgon, then called Gaepora had become a broken man, having failed his Goddess, this floating Island he and the other human's lived on being a painful reminder of that. It wasn't until years later he found the meaning of Hylia's last statement, as he and his wife eventually bore a child, a child with the same glowing blue eyes as Hylia.
It was difficult for Elgon, Zelda never remembered much of her days as Hylia, the Princess seemingly being able to recall nothing of him, making it especially painful was the fact that she failed to remember he was the first father she had ever had, thinking Gaepora to be long dead...and in a way he was. The Light Sage reflected on all the names he had over the centuries, it was a vast collection, with Gaepora being the oldest and most well hidden, only referencing it once during the Mythical Age, while using his owl disguise to guide a young Link.
He had to do it in every life, though, face the Princess in order to help her and the Hero come out victorious...but in this age, with Mahlik once again present, and Ganondorf...Demise's mortal form having risen again, he couldn't help but think back to that battle, think back to Hylia's death, he wanted to keep his daughter safe, keep his Goddess safe, but he pushed these thoughts aside, it was Link's duty now, and even if he told her she probably wouldn't believe he had been her father...it was better this way, better that she didn't know.
Quickly he turned the doorknob, walking out into the Village he had taken up residence in, heading for Hyrule Castle.
oOo
Link sat at the head of the table, being crammed in next to Zelda, Audrik taking his place on her other side. The room had been silent for at least 5 minutes as Minister Hawkwood skimmed the manifest of warriors Link had compiled, he had been very thorough with detailing every member of his newly formed team, leading to quite a long read.
"Well it would seem everything is in order, Sir Link. Kallil Trevin, Elgon Cornette, and Sir Trystane Halland are excellent candidates...but this one...Thrakon Illyrios, he does not seem to be...well...good material, if you will." Minister Hawkwood said, the other Ministers turning to face Link.
"True, Thrakon was a sellsword once, but he has renounced those ways, and has promised his service to us, not to mention the fact that his strength is much greater than his outward appearance would have you believe, and he has the skill to match, you can be certain of that." the Hero said calmly.
Minister Hawkwood looked side to side worriedly, making eye contact with all in the room but Link, eventually settling on Zelda, "Princess, surely you must have your qualms about a man of such questionable morals being in the service of you, your family, and your betrothed."
"Minister Hawkwood, I have the utmost confidence in Link's choices, if he believes in them, so do I, is there anything else?" Zelda replied, smiling cordially in order to lessen the tension in the room.
"I have something to add." Captain Viscen said, looking at Link from across the room.
Link met his gaze and put in his best effort not to scowl, there was a time, after he had revealed himself as the Hero of Legend, that Viscen had been more respectful, but after Zelda announced their engagement Viscen had returned to his old ways, seeming not to fancy the idea of Link one day being his King.
"And that is?" asked Audrik, glancing at Link after the latter failed to reply.
"Are we going to allow Mr. Link to just steal one of my guardsmen from his duties? I hardly believe he has the authority." Viscen stated, seemingly having forgot the order came from Zelda herself.
"For the Goddesses' sake, Viscen, he's the Hero of Legend, it's almost assured his choice is a sound one, it would be wise to lend him the resources he needs." Minister Eltar Kendres said, looking towards the Captain of the guard.
"But I-" Viscen said before he was cut off, Zelda interjecting.
"I approve of Link's decisions, any further argument will not be had." the Princess said sternly, for now dropping her smile.
"Can we all, for a moment, just stop and think about this team's purpose." Minsiter Iann Talisk chimed in. "If a team of Hylians confronts a combined Hyrulean and Terminian Zora and Zola force, with the intention of stopping them by any means necessary, we could be facing a conflict with them also." he said, a serious look on his face.
"It must be done." Zelda responded, a somber expression across her face, "If Prince Erris is confronted with an army of Hyrulean and Terminian origin, he may advance his plans further and attempt am invasion of both Termina and Hyrule, he has shown he is not afraid to cross borders to achieve his goals, the two attacks here in Hyrule, and the invasion of Gamelon being examples."
Link scanned the room, it was a mix of different expressions and reactions, there were far more individuals present than usual, this meeting being of greater importance than usual council business, the fate of the land at being at stake. Eventually his eyes landed on the seven assembled Sheikah, there were familiar faces, such as those of Impa, Oren, and Lemuria, but the other four he wasn't well acquainted with, he had had few words with Trokon and Ara, and to this point had never spoken to the other two, a pair of twin brothers who often stayed quiet. "What about them?" Link said, indicating the two, "I'd much like to have a Sheikah present on my team." he continued with a confident grin.
The room turned to Zelda, the Princess merely pointing an arm towards the assembled Sheikah. "It is not my decision." she said, Impa stepping forward in response.
"We would be honored to have our people represented in such a way, but I fear for their safety, we Sheikah are not many, losing two of our number would be a severe detriment to our people." she replied.
"What if only one of us were to go?" the twin on the left asked, his brother nodding in agreement.
"I could make do." Link responded.
Impa looked back and forth from the two brothers to Link, her brow furrowed. "Even losing one of you would be a great loss." Impa said solemnly, the other Shiekah taking on the same look.
"I promise I'll be careful." the twin on the right said with a confident smile.
"What makes you think it's going to be you?" the twin on the left retorted, their gazes interlocking.
"Silence!" Impa called, the brothers falling quiet, along with the Ministers who whispered among themselves. "I will allow only one to go...Aren, you are my choice." she said, bowing her head. "Iren, I apologize, but I have my reasons."
"I'll serve with pride." Aren said, bowing towards Link, Zelda, and Audrik.
"And I thank you." Zelda said, a kind smile sweeping across her face.
"Is there anything else?" Audrik asked, looking across the room. "Minister Talisk?" he called as he set his sights on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the man only giving the Prince a somewhat frustrated look. When no one spoke up, Audrik turned to his sister, giving her a nod.
"Meeting adjourned." Zelda said as she, and the other occupants of the room stood, making their way through the door.
oOo
Mikau stood in the Throne Room of the Hyrulean Zora's Domain, looking down through the ornate metal work that surrounded the space. What he saw below he could only be described as chaos, Terminian Zora soldiers streamed into the room, their squad captains calling out orders as the commanders of both factions met in the middle. He hesitated at first, but found his eyes drifiting over to a separate pool Laorik had designated for their "esteemed guests" the Zola, the Zora's savage "cousins" so to speak. They were far larger than any Zora, their bodies more fish like than human like in appearance, they had fins located on the top and sides of their heads, back, and thighs, sharp claws and teeth, and green skin in contrast to the Zora's blue. The Zola were much stronger than their cousins the Zora, and knew it, which is why Laorik kept them separate from the other Zora tribes.
"A thing of beauty isn't it?" Laorik asked as he strode up beside Mikau.
"Of what do you speak?" Mikau asked pointedly.
"All the Zora races and tribes coming together of course!" Laorik responded enthusiastically.
Mikau gave a short laugh, "I thought you were speaking of the Zola."
"Why you would ever think that is beyond me, sure, they are technically Zora, but their kind are on a different branch of the family tree entirely. I called them here not as a call to arms for all Zora, but due to their deranged savagery, and the fact that they lack the necessary intelligence to realize that they're the pawns in all of this...you and I...and our respective peoples, we're the Knights." Laorik said, a serious look overtaking his face.
Mikau looked over at the Hyrulean Zora King, he was taken aback by his harsh rhetoric against the Zola, but knew that's what most Zora thought, the average individual of either the Hyrulean or Terminian tribes would scoff at the notion that they are the same people. "That staff you carry, do you really think it's powerful enough to lead us to victory? You and I have the seen Prince Erris raise the dead as his minions." Mikau stated.
"I'm sure of a great many things, such as the fact that the Hylians will attempt to stop us." Laorik replied, glaring into the distance.
"What would our course of action be in case of that?" Mikau asked curiously, not entirely sure if Laorik was being paranoid, or realistic.
"Hopefully we'll be bale to convince them to move...or join us, either are preferable to the alternative." he answered with a smirk.
Mikau turned his gaze forward again, he truly had no idea how he had ended up in a leadership position among his people, especially when Evan and Lulu were the two more prominent members of the group. It was his status as a warrior, he thought, for centuries his family line were the only Zora warriors in Termina, it was not loyalty the other Zora looked to him with, it was dependance, among the Terminian Zora he was the only one that could truly hold his own, even in a time when Terminian Zora warriors were prevalent. "So, you plan to send the Zola ahead, then have our forces converge on Erris's army after they've drawn them out?"
"While that is a simple way of putting it, yes, that is the plan." Laorik answered, tapping his staff against the ground, two geysers of water shooting upwards from below them.
Mikau looked on as the Zora stopped what they were doing, ceasing all conversation and action, turning their eyes upwards, towards the two Zora leaders. Cheers came from below, Mikau not being sure what to answer with. "What are you doing?" Mikau asked as King Laorik altered the course of the water with his staff, turning it into many different shapes and forms.
"Rallying our forces." he responded with a smirk.
While part of Mikau hated to admit it, he couldn't help but like the feel of this, legions of their people brought together into one, for a single purpose, cheering for he and Laorik as they began a campaign that was assured would never fade into history.
oOo
Prince Erris walked at a quick pace through the Great Forest, leaves falling around him as winds assaulted the treetops high above. The Great Forest was currently one of the few living forests in Labrynna, a precious commodity he wasn't planning to lose. The Great Forest and others like it were all connected to the Great Maku Tree, without her, they would die, leaving Labrynna almost completely without vegetation.
The Prince wore formal attire, an ankle length purple cape draped over his shoulders and back. He carried his blade with him though, for one could not predict what they'd find here. Slowly he entered the Great Maku Tree's meadow, it always awed him how large the Forest Deity was. The Great Maku Tree was easily over three times the size of the Great Deku Tree, having been able to grow for thousands of years, while the Great Deku Tree was forced to start over from his sprout form after being killed in the Mythical Age.
Erris smiled slightly as he saw Ganondorf had fulfilled his end of the bargain, the Great Deku's life energies slowly rejuvenating the Great Maku Tree.
"You're recovering well." Erris stated as he strolled forward.
The Great Maku Trees branches rustled as she became aware of the Prince's presence. "Prince Erris?"
"Yes Great Maku Tree, it is I." he said proudly, it had been long since he'd seen the Forest Deity in a healthy state, the usual orange and brown of her leaves turning to a deep green, her bark no longer gray.
"Erris...what have you done?" she asked, her voice booming even though she was still weak.
"What do you mean?" the Prince asked
"This life force...you stole it from my brother."
"This is true, I admit to that, but I left him alive, able to recover." Erris replied.
"If you asked, he would have gladly given his energies in exchange for my health." the Great Maku Tree answered.
"I didn't want to take the chance." Erris answered, locking gazes with the Maku Tree.
"The demon inside you corrupts you..." The Great Maku Tree said, catching Erris off guard.
"My mother says the same." Erris admitted.
"You're mother is here?" The Great Maku Tree asked, surprise in her voice.
"She's come to visit, she thinks Ganondorf is manipulating me...and that he and Mahlik are responsible for my land's desolation..." he answered. He had thought about it many times since his mother's visit, and began to realize she may be right.
"Prince...only you can return this land to what it once was...listen to your mother, she knows of what she speaks, there were times when I was her only her friend in Labrynna, without her even being able to speak honestly with your father due to that terrible man's influence."
Erris tensed, he had begun to feel like Ganondorf had broken down his entire life, just to form him into a psychopath driven by anger and vengeance, who would do anything and everything he could do get what he believed was his...and he hated himself for it. "I may look into what she has said." he replied, turning his gaze towards the ground, lifting it when the Great Maku Tree shuddered. "Are you alright?" Erris questioned stepping closer.
"I...I don't know..." The Great Maku Tree said, her form creaking as pain continued to overtake her.
"Please, let me help you!" Erris called. He knew that there certain forest creatures that subsisted on plants with magical properties, such as gohmas and skulltulas, and that the Great Maku Tree would be an excellent food source for them in her weakened state.
The Great Maku Tree lowered a branch, Erris leaping onto it, the Forest Deity taking him up among her branches.
Erris grabbed onto the branch next to him, he could see only leaves and other branches, so deep he was inside the Great Maku Tree's foliage. The Prince pulled himself along, balancing on the large branch the Great Maku Tree had extended to him. Erris slowly made his way along, working his way deeper and deeper into the tree as the beams of light that made it through the branches was blocked. He placed his hand on another branch, quickly retracting it as a small black beetle skittered across it, Erris watched as the insect fell to the ground, disturbed by his swift movement. He dismissed it being of no consequence, but soon came to realize it may in fact be the best clue he had to finding out what ailed the Maku Tree. The Prince followed the tiny beetle along the branch until it took flight to another limb not too far away. Erris leapt after it, coming to a halt when he found his path all but completely locked by formation of leaves. Pushing his way through, he almost fell back after finding what he encountered, dozens of massive beetles, the size of his head at least, were tearing into the Great Maku Tree's bark, ingesting the glowing green juices within. He walked along the branches, the smaller beetles feasting upon the remnants the larger ones left. Rage instantly filled Erris as he saw the swarm tearing apart the Forests's guardian. He raised his arms, electricity crackling across them, he readied himself to loose an onslaught of lightning, but stopped as the realization hit him that it would likely be just as detrimental to the Great Maku Tree as it would the insect swarm that feasted on her. It wasn't long before an idea occurred to him that may prove effective. Erris raised his hands, slowly bringing them close together, the hundreds of beetles of various sizes struggling to hold onto the branches they ate, but slowly succumbed to the Prince's telekinetic grasp. Erris formed the beetles he had caught into a ball in the air, the insects pulling on each other to get free, but to no avail. The Prince quickly raised his hand, shooting a blast of lightning at the mass of insects, numerous screeches coming from them as he incinerated them, Erris making sure only ash remained.
He walked over to the nearest branch, beginning to descend when he found one last beetle, smashing it underfoot. As he began to make his way down the Great Maku Tree's branches began shaking violently. Erris pulled himself back up, attempting to find the source of the disturbance.
"Great Maku Tree, this would not happen to be your doing would it?" he called, scanning the branches above him.
"It is not I." the Great Deku Tree answered, sounding distressed.
Erris began to turn, almost being knocked off his feet as a massive impact rocked the limb he stood on. He attempted to spin around, only to be struck by something massive, and as hard as stone. The Prince fell through the branches, the Great Maku Tree moving a branch to catch him not long after. Erris readjusted himself, and looked up to find a beetle the size of boulder working it's way down the Great Maku Tree, eyes set on him, roaring all the while. Erris dove from his perch, pulling himself downward through. the branches, moving as fast as he possibly could as the massive insect gave chase. He saw the ground far below him, and with little thought, leapt, levitating to the ground, a soft landing on the grass below awaiting him. The Prince strode backwards, sword drawn, keeping his eyes on the Great Maku Tree.
With one great howl, what he could only guess was the swarm's Queen broke forth, dashing across the ground to kill the being that had murdered her progeny. Erris held up his sword, noticing the enormous horn that extended from it's head, realizing that's what he had been hit with. The two charged, Erris flipping over the Queen's attack, landing on her carapace, he attempted to drive his blade in, it's point only scuffing the surface.
"Impossible, this blade is made from diamond." he thought as he was thrown off, landing on his side a distance away. Erris extended an arm, lightning blasting forth, striking the Queen head on. The large insect merely stumbled to the side, regaining her balance and continued her attack. Erris extended his other arm, a silver ring flying off his finger as Wizzro manifested.
"Master! What is your...WHAT IS THAT?!" Wizzro yelled.
"Clearly you haven't been paying attention! I need you distract it!" Erris called, Wizzro moving forward to engage the beast.
Wizzro charged the beetle, throwing bolt after bolt of dark energy at it, which only served to enrage the beast. It charged straight into him, knocking the Dark Wizard to the ground. As he regained his place in the air, Wizzro looked back, the Prince no where to be found.
Erris telekinetically dug his way through the ground, towards the vibrations. He moved large roots aside as his continued through the tunnel he had constructed. Readying himself, he turned the tunnel upwards, calling forth of forcefield around himself. Tensing his legs, he shot upwards, hoping he was right.
Wizzro extended his arm, attempting to hold back the charging monster, it's strength slowly proving to be greater than his. As soon as the beast broke through it fell to it's stomach, letting out a short shriek before falling silent. Wizzro poked the beast, with no reaction. Suddenly the Queen's corpse flew into the air, trailing a stream of green blood behind it, Erris standing where it once was.
"At least this barrier protected me from the mess." Erris said as he dropped magical bubble from around himself.
"Thank you, Prince." the Great Maku Tree's voice boomed. Erris looked behind him to see Wizzro shrink down a small amount.
Turning to the Dark Wizard, Erris looked Wizzro in the eye, "Mother, can you hear me?"
Erris watched Wizrro, the Dark Wizard remaining silent as the Prince looked on.
"Well?" he asked Wizzro, running out of patience.
"I'm here." Erris heard from behind him. he whirled around to find the same tan skinned, white haired woman that he had encountered before...his mother. "My son, please tell me you have realized the evil that resides inside of you, we can banish it together!"
"Mother...I...I do believe I have." he said, walking towards his mother as Wizzro resumed his ring form.
A smile worked it's way onto her face, Cia allowing a tear to fall as her son moved to talk her hand for the first time since he was just a child.
"Don't listen to her, Erris." a voice boomed from the entrance to the meadow.
Erris turned quickly, Cia taking up a fighting stance as Ganondorf strode over to them.
"You! You monster!" Cia roared, shooting a sphere of energy from her staff.
Ganon easily batted the projectile aside, smirking as he came closer.
"H...how did you?" Erris stammered, having been able to sense the massive power in his mother's attack.
Ganon ignored Erris, coming to a halt not far from the two. "Cia, why not tell your son why you joined his father...was it not so that he'd give you the power the claim what you wanted most...the Hero of Legend?" he asked, a deep laugh emanating from him.
"Mother?" Erris asked.
Cia gritted her teeth, growling as she looked up at Ganondorf before turning her eyes to her son. "What he says...it's true." she said, tears streaming from her eyes.
"Aaaaw, soo cute." Shilara mocked as she dropped from a nearby tree.
Erris tensed up, looking to his mother, "You...you lied to me!" he yelled, Mahlik beginning to stir inside of him.
"No! Let me explain!" Cia yelled, her eyes remaining on Erris, "When I first met your father, he had armies and power, he promised me whatever I wanted if I helped him invade Hyrule. After so many years alone with no one but the dead, I began to watch events outside of the Valley of Seers. I saw him, the Hero reborn over and over again, triumphing over great evils..over you!" she yelled, pointing her staff towards a grinning Ganondorf. "It's true I became enamored with him, I wanted him more than anything, I wanted him to love me like he loved that Princess of his, and when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it. But it was soon after that, after I had spent a large amount of time with Lannis that I realized he was a man that made fate and destiny bend to his will, unlike the Hero he was not a servant of some unseen force, he was a man that worked for himself and for the good of his people, not the Goddesses, and especially not some Princess. I fell in love with him because he made his own destiny, and did not go out of his way to work towards a preassigned one. When he showed me the power that truly resided within him, I forgot about the Hero, as I found a man that possessed his own goals, not the ones forced upon him by the powers that be...until...you...YOU KILLED HIM!" Cia roared, raising her staff, only to come to a halt as a scimitar came from behind her, brushing against her neck.
"Stay still, or I won't hesitate, I promise you my sword hand is faster than you'd expect." Naora threatened as she stood behind the Sorceress.
Shilara laughed excitedly, bouncing up and down on her toes as energy flowed around her. "We're going to have so much fun, oh so soon!" she called, her eyes on Erris.
The Prince gritted his teeth, seething with rage, his Anteforce glowing brightly as his anger increased. "What do you mean?!" he shot at the Gerudo woman.
"What she means, Prince, is that we're going to war, there's a force of 2000 Zora on their way, we will tear through them like fire, and move onto the last two free lands from there, Termina...and of course, Hyrule." Ganon answered.
"That is not my plan! You are not the ruler of this country and it's armies! I am!" he roared. "You..you...killed my father, forced my mother away, caused the downfall of my country, and for what?! Your own selfish goals! I kept you here because I thought you'd be an asset to me, but I have NEVER been so wrong in my life!" Erris continued, a red aura beginning to form around him.
"Erris don't!" Cia cried as her son called on the Anteforce's power, cringing as the blade lightly cut her neck, blood beginning to drip forth.
"Quiet." Naora hissed.
"Calm yourself, Prince, surely we can come to some type of agreement, first, we just have to do away with her." Ganon said, gesturing to Cia.
Erris turned to his mother, his eyes glowing red, teeth clenched.
"Erris..." she said as he raised his sword, walking towards her.
Ganon grinned and Shilara laughed as the Prince raised his sword, slowly walking towards his mother. Erris lunged, Cia tensing as his sword was about to make contact, opening them when it did not.
Erris turned, flying at Ganon with inhuman speed, "You traitorous beast!" he roared as he closed in, pulling his sword back. All the occupants of the Meadow raised their arms before their eyes as a bright flash filled the area. Cia raised a shield around herself, Shilara leaping to Naora's side, doing the same around her brother's wife and herself as a massive wave of destructive energy swept over them.
When the dust in the air cleared, Cia dropped her shield, the Gerudo women doing the same. Horror filled her as she saw two forms standing, her son and Ganondorf.
Erris looked on in disbelief as his sword's edge rested on Ganon's neck, he had infused it with all the power he had, but it did nothing. "Impossible..." Erris breathed.
Ganon kept his head cocked to the side, his neck unscathed by the Prince's blade, even with all the energy he had infused into it's strike. "Really? Is that all? I have to say, I expected more, I even stuck my neck out for you." he said with a laugh.
Cia turned, finding both Gerudo women standing behind her, mouths agape.
Ganon placed a finger on Erris's crimson sword, pushing away, the Prince falling to one knee as weakness overtook him.
"What a shame, you used all of your energy." he said with a laugh. Swiftly he grabbed a hold of Erris's head, tightening his grip as the Anteforce of Wrath on the back of his hand began to glow brightly. The Prince cried out in pain before falling limp, his body motionless.
Cia screamed and attempted to run to his aid, but found she couldn't move, Ganondorf holding her in place telekinetically.
"Now now, girl, wait your turn." he said with a smile.
Cia stared, tears streaming from her eyes, suddenly finding relief when Erris stood up, very much alive, but found to her horror, it wasn't just her son who had been awakened, a blue glow having taken over his eyes.
"Hello brother." Erris said, his voice almost completely inaudible underneath a louder, inhuman, and all together more threatening sounding voice. "It's been centuries since we last spoke face to face...the mortal form, it suits you."
"Indeed it has...and thank you." Ganon answered, a grin flashing across his face.
Erris, with Mahlik fully in control once again turned to Cia, "Am I mistaken, or is that the bitch that summoned me, and bound me inside a rather cramped, and quite painful sealing circle?" he asked with a smile.
"You'd be correct." Ganon answered.
"Let him go!" Cia screamed, attempting to pull herself free of Ganon's telekinetic hold.
"May I?" Mahlik asked, motioning towards her.
"Not now, we still need the Prince to think he's in control." Ganon replied.
"If you say so, but I'd like to be free, sooner rather than later." Mahlik growled.
Suddenly the pale blue glow vanished, Erris dropping to the ground again.
Cia felt Ganon's grasp release, but was instead held in place by the two Gerudo women.
"Your son, not too intelligent is he? I've told him he needs to keep Mahlik restrained inside of him because my brother just wants to destroy, not rule, but this is...well...untrue. I keep Mahlik bound inside of your son for moments like this, you see, Erris is the puppet, while Mahlik is the string, and I am the puppeteer. Your son is still alive, but after this he won't remember a thing you've said, except for what Mahlik tells him to remember." Ganon said with a grin.
Cia felt a shiver run through her, unable to speak, Mahlik had been fully aware the entire time, Erris never could control him...he had just been tricked into thinking he could.
Erris slowly rose, looking around cautiously.
"Prince! How do you feel?" Ganon asked, an almost sincere tone to his voice.
"Betrayed is how I'd describe it, of all people mother, you're the last I'd expect to make an attempt on my life." he said, meeting her gaze.
"Erris! I didn't! He's trying to fool you!" Cia cried, attempting to make him remember, but to no avail.
"Lies! You hated father and you hate me too!" he yelled, before turning to Ganondorf, "Do what you wish with her, I must rally my forces, we have 2000 Zora to kill."
"Erris!" Cia yelled as he walked away, cape flowing behind him.
"I am truly sorry it had to end like this, if you and that sorry excuse for a King had just listened to me, we'd be having a much different discussion right now." Ganon remarked, his wide grin returning.
"I'd rather die than serve you." Cia said, teeth clenched.
"That's the plan." Ganon replied.
"Want me to take care of it? I'll do it slowly, I promise it'll be fun to watch." Shilara said.
"I thought you were better than this, all those years ago when we first met...I thought you were honorable..." Cia said, locking eyes with Naora, the Gerudo woman looking away.
Ganon placed his gaze on Cia, subsequently turning to Shilara, "Just make sure she stays still, I want to make sure she doesn't come back again."
"I never get to have any fun." Shilara said with a pout, tightening her grip on Cia.
"Just wait, you will in due time." Ganon said, red electricity flowing down his arm into the palm of his hand, a crackling ball of crimson energy glowing in the middle. "This will vaporize you completely...I'm sorry it had to come to this." he said sarcastically.
Cia flinched, and with one sudden movement flipped Shilara over her shoulder, dropping to the ground to avoid Naora's blade.
"No!" Ganon roared.
Shilara fired a bolt of energy at her, Cia deflecting the attack straight at her, knocking the Gerudo woman onto her back. Naora turned ready to attack, Cia locking her gaze with hers. "You're not the person you used to be...also, your sword hand isn't that fast." Cia looked up to find Ganon directing his attack at her. She drove her staff into the ground, teleporting away right as the Demon Lord's attack struck her location, leaving a smoking crater where she had stood.
oOo
Cia found herself in a hallway with white walls and gold fringes, elegant woodwork lining it.
"This would be it." she thought. The Sorceress started forward when her vision went blurry, falling to the floor she felt a warm wetness on her neck. Running two fingers across it, she found she had been wrong about Naora's sword hand being slow, blood pouring out of her carotid artery. Quickly she collapsed on the ground, too injured to make her escape as a small group of guards ran over to her.
"We've got an intruder! She's injured!" one yelled.
"I'll send for Captain Viscen and a team of healers!" the other replied.
"Help me." Cia whispered.
oOo
Ganon stared at the crater, her escape was a minor setback, one he'd remedy soon.
"She was wrong." Naora said, eyes set on her scimitar.
"About what?" Shilara asked.
"My sword hand being slow." Naora answered as blood ran down her blade.
Ganon smiled to himself, that blonde brat and his Princess killed him or sealed him away in every life, but not this one...this is the end for them.
oOo
Sorry for the small amount of Link and Zelda! I promise the next chapters will be more focused on them! I hope you had enjoyed the read!
Chameloen Eyes: Thank you for pointing that! It annoys me too, so I went back and fixed it (among other things!)
I'm glad you're enjoying the read! I really wanted to give Link more of a backstory other than "some kid from some village" so I gave him friends, a family, and so on! His dreams about Zelda are his memories from other lives leaking through his mental dam into this life, and it is also, like you said, fates way of trying to motivate him to get out into the world to find her before evil makes it's move! By the time you've read up to this point the war's already begun, and I hope you approve so far! Thanks for the review!
Gerudospirit: I'm glad you enjoyed their interaction! I made sure to make this one a lot more meaningful, and I hope it wasn't too painful! Cia is really trying to help Erris turn his back on Ganon and his increasingly evil and psychopathic ways, and she's not giving up on that! Thank you for using the word "epic" to describe this! I've really been trying to make it a powerful story, and you flatter me so much with words like that! Also! I'm glad my attempt at comedy made it's mark! Thanks for reviewing! :)
Koolkat222: I;m so happy you liked my last chapter and looked forward to this one! :D I am DEFINITELY going to include Link bringing Zelda back to his home village to meet his family, and I will also definitely detail their reactions! It's just a matter of when. It will happen sooner rather than later though! Thanks for reviewing! You really are a kool kat! ;)
drazol: I hoped you would! I'll let you know if I get around to writing that up!
DeMoNzMaGiC: Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the read so far! Do you still have a ways to go? Or have you read up to this point? (if so I will be impressed with your reading speed.) Thanks for reviewing and I hope your enjoying my story!
Lady Kiridia: Nope! She isn't a psycho who's obsessed with Link...buuuut she was once! A happy ending would be nice for them, but you'll have to read on to see if that happens...and to see if Erris "pulls a Zuko"! :D
I'm sorry I shorted you on the fluff, I'm still kind of learning to write romantic/love scenes, as my forte' is action, but I'm committed to this, so I'll keep on trying! I hope I make you proud in the future! =]
I'm glad I didn't nerf Ganon's image, I really wanted to humanize him and make you and the other readers see him as person, and feel for him instead of just seeing him as an oh-so-evil plot device. I'm glad he is beyond the FMA homunculi...I love that show...but anyway, I'm still figuring out how to write the end for him without making things too painful, it's a challenge...and maybe I should stop trying haha.
I love your outlook on Avatar! I have to admit, Zuko was always my favorite character, and I loved Azula for her ruthlessness and power, as you know!
Thanks for the review! ;D
Shout outs to DeMoNzMaGiC, Daicha, Lord Halchyon, KelseyRain, MaelaineMel, whitworth5274, and Chameloen Eyes for favoriting and following me and my story! You're all awesome!
If you see any grammar/syntax/continuity errors feel free to point them out so I can fix 'em up! Thanks for the read and best of luck!
-Prometheus17