Link crested the hill, the edge of the tree line finally in sight after half a night of near constant running.
"If you go any slower, the battle will have happened, and gotten over with by the time we arrive." he said as he looked back at his team.
"Easy for you to say, you have the Goddess's power on your side!" Trystane responded as he caught up with Link, the rest of the group still making their way through the trees.
Link looked over the vast expanse beneath them, it was another sunny day in Hyrule, the waters of Hylia's river and Zora's River sparkling blue, picking up speed as they met.
"So this is it, eh?" Thrakon asked as he approached.
"It looks so...peaceful." Kallil added as he joined them.
"Don't expect it to last too long." Aren replied as he leapt from one tree to another.
"Not if we can help it." Link added as he started down the hill, bracing himself against trees as he went.
As the group made it through the tree line and into the meadow, they were greeted by an unexpected site...nothing. The field was empty of everything with the exception of birds and the occasional insect.
"Did they stop along the way or something?" Thrakon asked as he stepped forward.
"Even if they stopped twice a day, with the amount of time they had to march before we got moving they definitely should have been here by now." Trystane answered, looking down at a map he had unrolled.
"We can't be too late." Kallil said, scanning the field for any movement.
Link looked over to the meeting point of the Hylia's and Zora's rivers, the realization hitting him when the flow began to quicken. "Trystane! Freeze the rivers!" Link yelled, frantically pointing at the rushing waterways.
"Sir Link, I-." Trystane said before Link interrupted.
"Just do it!" Link demanded, his hurried mannerisms getting the better of Trystane's curiosity.
The Knight extended his arms, shooting two simultaneous blasts of ice into the rivers, creating identical walls that blocked each flow.
"May we now ask why that was necessary?" Aren asked.
"And why you had foregone using your manners?" Trystane added, Aren shooting an unamused glance at him.
"You'll see." Link said, keeping his vision trained ahead of him, his teammates joining him, watching in silence.
Before long, the walls of ice began to shake and crack, the blades of harpoons becoming briefly visible as their wielders swung them up through the water's surface, and down into the blockage.
"Of course, the Zora weren't marching, they were swimming." Kallil said, watching as the barriers shook, the Zora soldiers carrying on their submerged assault.
Link made to answer when three Zora soldiers, dressed in traditional armor and headdresses leapt from the water, slowly walking towards Link, Thrakon, Trystane, Kallil, and Aren, harpoons pointed.
"May I ask why you have seen fit to deter us, Hero of Legend?" a voice called.
"King Laorik, you must listen..." Link began, trailing off as the King continued.
"No, Hero! You must listen! I had Hyrule's best interests in mind when I set my eyes on toppling Labrynna, but your Princess failed to come through when her people needed her! As it now stands, we are no longer your allies, and we no longer bend to your will." Laorik said, a threatening tone to his words.
"If you cross that border, you will be declaring war on Labrynna, Erris deserves to have his Kingdom toppled, he deserves to be removed from power, trust me when I say this, as Erris has wronged me deeply, but marching on his land will only lead to you fighting on his terms! He will win, and once he's destroyed your army, he will march on the rest of Hyrule." Link warned.
"Ha! Labrynna is in deplorable condition, you think his army can withstand the full force of the Zora imperium?!" Laorik retorted.
Link scowled, "So that's what they're calling it now?" he thought, trying to find a way to sway the Zora King.
"Have you forgotten what Erris is capable of, did you forget what he did in Kokiri Forest?" Mikau called as he pulled himself from Hylia's River, a contingent of Terminian Zora at his back.
"It matters not! We have 2,000 soldiers with us today, though he may be using the power of a demon, he still stands no chance!" King Laorik replied.
"He's made alliances, powerful ones that you'd do well to beware of." Link stated. "Turn back, come back to the Castle with me, and we can discuss this with the Princess, and strike as a combined force of Zora, Hylian, and Goron when the time is right." Link said, nodding towards Mikau, the Terminian Zora returning the gesture.
The Zora King grit his teeth, growling in exasperation, "This...this sorcery." he said, indicating the walls of ice, "Is an attack on we, the Zora people, and I will not have it! In my eyes, you and your band of "merry men" here have declared war on us, and if we have to get through you to get to Erris, then so be it!" Laorik yelled, raising the staff he carried high.
"Laorik, wait!" Mikau called, his call going unheard by the Hylian Zora.
Link and his teammates drew their weapons as the rivers rose into waves, water crashing across the meadow as Hylian and Terminian Zora leapt out of walls of water, weapons at the ready.
"What the hell are those things?" Thrakon said, pointing his blade at the newly arrived Zola.
"That's a tale for another day, but for now, we'll just call them relatives of the Zora." Link said, stepping back while holding the Master Sword high.
"Ready yourselves to be washed away." Laorik growled, swinging his staff at the the group.
Link and company tensed as the two walls of water merged into one, roaring towards them as one massive wave, only to have it dissipate, the water losing it's form and falling to the ground, slowly trickling back into the riverbed from whence it came.
"Damn!" Laorik yelled, swinging the staff madly.
"Maybe it doesn't work because you're not the one meant to use it." a disembodied voice boomed through the meadow.
Link tensed, slowly turning in the direction of the voice, the Zora soldiers behind him beginning to falter, some slowly moving away while others began to shake, only the bravest holding firm.
"What sort of trickery is this?!" Laorik roared, holding the staff aloft.
The ground shook beneath them, cracks working their way through the ground below their feet, jets of fire and molten rock shooting into the sky as an enormous black monolith rose from the ground, the grinding sound it made against the rock around it deafening.
Link tightened his grip on the Master Sword while his teammates readied themselves behind him. He was too late, Erris had come.
The black tower reached it's full height as the force below looked on, the structure casting an immense shadow across the meadow. "I have to say, I am flattered that you would all come to visit me, Hylian and Terminian Zora as one, and hell, even the Zola are here! I am one grateful man, let me say that!" Erris exclaimed with a laugh. He swept his eyes over the scene below him, eventually finding Link and his team. "While I am glad you all managed to be here, I am disappointed with the Hylian turnout! I thought for sure the Princess would send a much larger group to say "hello", I suppose you lot shall do, though! Oh, and Hero, how is she recovering from that dreadful laceration she sustained? I wish I could say I felt guilt over that, but alas, I do not!" he continued, releasing another booming laugh, the magically increased volume of his voice carrying his words over the entire field.
"This is ridiculous." Laorik growled, turning back to face his army. "Fire at will!" he shouted, an enormous wave of arrows flying from the lines of Zora archers, the sheer number of arrows near blotting out the sun.
Link tensed as it began, scowling as the arrows began pelting Erris's tower, the Hero turning to glare at Kallil as the latter even released his arrow.
"Disappointing...I expected more." Erris said, shrugging. With one swift movement, the Prince swung his sword skyward, a red flare shooting forth, "Attack!" he exclaimed, the thunder of thousands of feet answering his call.
Link looked up at Erris, next to him hovered his wizard, and on his other side was the Gerudo woman from earlier. He didn't have time to ponder this, as legions of monsters crested the hill, Link looked on in shock as Bulblins, Moblins, Garo and even Lizalfos and Dinolfos charged the Zora force, all being lead by a large purple skinned, white haired creature that resembled a cross between a Moblin and a Bokoblin, but much larger than either.
"What do we do?" Kallil asked, stepping back.
"We fight." Link answered.
oOo
Zelda walked at a quick pace, ignoring the calls of courtiers and nobles as she walked by, the individuals being deterred from approaching by glares from Impa.
"Princess, to where are we going so urgently?" Impa asked. Zelda remaining silent as they turned another corner.
Impa followed closely as they found their way into the guest wing, Zelda slowing as she came upon an unoccupied room, waiting for Impa to enter before telekinetically shutting and locking the door.
"Sorry for the secrecy, I couldn't risk anyone overhearing...I needed to find a place where I knew we would not be interrupted or overheard. Zelda said, her expression hardening.
"Princess, what is wrong? Please, tell me!" Impa asked, looking at the Princess with concern.
"Impa, for hundreds of years, your family have been my family's most loyal guardians, that is why I have chosen you, and only you to accompany me." Zelda answered.
"Accompany you on what...to where?" Impa questioned, growing increasingly worried.
"I wish to travel to Labrynna Castle...it came to my attention that Link's former instructor and former Captain of my father's "King's Guard" has been captured by Erris...and Ganondorf." Zelda said, clenching her teeth.
"You are sure of this...sure that the Demon King has risen again?" Impa asked.
"Yes." Zelda stated, meeting her guardian's gaze. "I must inform you of something...the reason why I'd risk so much to save Elgon." Zelda said, trailing off.
Impa cast her gaze downwards, an internal battle waging inside her, the Sheikah woman finally settling on revealing the truth to her forever ward. "I...I should have told you sooner, but I was afraid, afraid of what you'd think, afraid that you would worry." Impa began.
Zelda slowly stepped towards her guardian, gaze trained forward. "Impa, of what do you speak?"
"I am guessing the Hero has informed you of this...but I already knew...Elgon has been reborn throughout the ages as many different people...but before he was those individuals...he was Gaepora, your father." Impa admitted.
Zelda clenched her fists, feeling a mix of emotions welling up inside of her. "You knew...why did you not tell me? Did Elgon reveal all of this to you?" Zelda asked, her head spinning with questions.
Impa tensed, looking up at the Princess, "Please, don't be angry with me...I know all of this, because I was there when your father made the decision to be reborn to guide the new Hero, after his time as the Hero was over...I made the same decision, to always be here to guide you, Hylia reborn."
Zelda felt a chill travel through her body, clenching her hands tight as she looked upon the Sheikah woman. "Through all these years...you have been here...Am I to believe you are indeed the same Impa that kept me safe during the age of the Hero of Time, and during the other eras before and after that?" Zelda asked.
"I know...it's hard to believe, but-" Impa said, being cut off as Zelda wrapped her arms around her.
"You have succeeded as a mother when even my actual mothers have failed...you should have told me sooner." Zelda said, releasing the Sheikah woman.
"There were many times when I wished to do so...but I thought to burden you with the truth would be unwise." Impa admitted.
"This knowledge is no burden...it just proves that I am correct in placing my faith in you...Impa, I need you to help me save my father, will you join me?" Zelda asked, extending her hand to her guardian.
oOo
Cia lye upon her bed, attempting to read a rather boring novel that had been supplied by a guard she now considered quite clueless when it came to literature. She barely finished the page she was on as she heard a shuffle of feet outside of her door. She stood, attempting to hear the guard's words when the door suddenly flew open, a Sheikah woman standing opposite her.
"I see the Princess has taken leave of me, and left me in your hands." Cia remarked, placing her book on the nightstand next to her bed.
"Suit up." Impa said as she tossed a suit of feminine structured armor onto the bed.
"For what?" Cia asked curiously.
"You wish to save your son and slay Ganondorf, do you not?" Impa answered.
Cia snapped her fingers, the armor replacing the dress she wore as she turned to face Impa. "When do we leave?" she asked, a determined expression taking over her face.
oOo
Link dodged out of the path of a Moblin's spear, darting within arms reach and plunging the Master Sword into the creature, stepping back as it fell. To his right Trystane created a platform of ice under his feet, shooting up into the air as he froze the monster's below him, their body's being smashed to pieces as a Lizalofos flew through them, courtesy of Thrakon.
"Link!" Kallil called as he caught up to his friend.
"Now is not the time, Kallil!" Link said, pulling his sword from a recently felled Bulblin.
Kallil loosed two arrows, each finding their mark in a Dinolfos. "Where is everyone?" Kallil asked, seemingly unfazed.
"Last I saw, Trystane and Thrakon were working together, over there somewhere." Link said, swiping the Master Sword through Bulblin as he directed his friend's gaze.
Kallil drew his sword, side stepping an attack from another Bulblin before driving his blade through it's head. "And Aren?"
"Not a clue." Link said, fading back as a Lizalfos spat a fireball at him. Link ran forward, dodging a strike from it's sword, and bisecting it with a spin attack.
"Good to know we're sticking together." Kallil said sarcastically, letting an arrow fly into the back of a Garo.
oOo
Shilara let loose blasts of fire and energy as she tore through the Zora around her, the soldiers proving to be no match. She performed a flip over a harpoon, sending a bolt of energy straight through the nearest Zora, and using telekinesis to steal a harpoon from another Zora and impale him with it. She was about to do the same to another when water washed over her, knocking her to the ground.
"Who dares?!" she screamed as she stood up.
"I am the King of all Zora, you will address me with respect." Laorik said as he walked towards her, loosing blasts of water from his staff.
"What are you going to do? Bathe me to death?" Shilara taunted, only to be met with a high pressure blast of water, barely dodging it as it skimmed her shoulder, drawing blood. The Gerudo woman let loose a scream of rage upon finding the wound, running full force towards the Zora.
King Laorik, swung the staff, the girl somersaulting out of the way before leaping into the air, flinging fireballs at him from every direction. King Laorik blocked each with a wave of water from his staff. "You can't win, girl!" Laorik called, sending another torrent of water at her.
"Oh, I think I can." Shilara said quietly, two flames igniting in her palms. She leapt skywards, flames erupting from her hands the moment her feet touched the ground
King Laorik pointed his staff forward, tensing as the blast made it's way in his direction. He stepped forward, jabbing his staff into the air before him, the water heeding his call. Twin geysers shot from the ground, the Zora King directing them towards the flames. The two forces made contact, steaming pouring forth as the opposing elements fought in mid-air.
Pushing with all her might, Shilara began to grin as she felt the stream of water weaken, her flames only growing stronger. "Give up, and I promise not to burn you to death!" she yelled gleefully.
King Laorik tensed, the flames inched closer as his water magic began to fail, fear gripped him as he realized what Mikau and Erris said was true, he had no magical abilities and the staff was not his to command, thus it couldn't obey him. Quickly he readied himself as the geysers died, the water falling to the ground and turning to steam as the torrent of fire above evaporated it, the blast quickly heading towards him, only to burst once it was within a meter. King Laorik inhaled sharply as he hit the ground, opening his eyes to realize he hadn't been burned, slowly, his confidence came back to him as he stood. "Was my power too much for you or-" he said, going quiet as he felt a sharp pain in his chest.
"No, I just came up with a more enjoyable idea." Shilara responded, her left hand impaled through Laorik's back. "Don't fret about leaving your daughter behind, I'll make sure she's soon to join you." Shilara taunted quietly, quickly ripping her hand from inside the Zora King, his heart clenched firmly in her fingers. Laorik opened his eyes wide as he took one last breath, falling to the ground motionless. Shilara let out a sharp laugh, only to have it cut short as was forced to dodge a projectile, the object cutting her shoulder.
"Step away from him." Mikau commanded, his fin returning to it's place on his arm.
"Ooooh, another Zora leader to kill." Shilara replied, dropping Laorik's heart onto his lifeless body.
Mikau brought up one arm, calling on his magic to cast a shield around himself.
"Fool, THAT WON'T SAVE YOU!" she roared, flying upwards as a blazing ball of energy manifested in her hands. "Die!" she yelled, eyes glowing orange as she leapt into the air.
Mikau flinched, knowing his shield wouldn't save him, the Gerudo Woman released the blast of energy, only for it dissipate against a thick wall of ice that seemingly appeared from no where. Turning to his left, he found a dark haired Hylian man holding his hands aloft.
"That's enough out of you." Trystane said, shooting a glare towards the Gerudo sorceress.
"Thanks." Mikau said as Trystane strode up to him, the Hylian man breaking the ice barrier into shards and shooting them at the Gerudo woman.
Shilara generated another torrent of flame, melting the shards that pursued her. "Is that the best you have, Hylian?" she taunted, beginning to smirk.
"Ah, you would hope so! But no! I am merely warming up...or should I say, cooling down?" he said with a smile. Trystane raised his hands upwards, clouds converging above them, snow beginning to pour down as a blue aura manifested around him, his eyes turning pure white as clouds of frost surrounded his hands. "If you believe your heat can beat my cold, then have at thee." he said calmly.
Shilara clenched her teeth in rage, "I'll show you heat!" she screamed, letting loose a blast of fire in Trystane's direction.
The Knight raised one hand, the snow that fell swirling around it, the Hylian Sorcerer letting it loose upon the flame, steam rising as the two elements met, the cloud of frost slowly pushing back it's opponent.
Shilara growled as she began to falter, her legs shaking as the jet of flame she produced pushed her backwards. She tried adding more of her magical energy, but was stunned when the Knight responded, putting more force into his blast of ice. "You...you...can't WIN!" she roared, giving one last push.
Trystane narrowed his eyes as she Gerudo woman put all of her effort into one final burst. Quickly he stepped to the side, summoning a tube of ice through which the flame traveled, shooting off to the side. "It would seem your fire cannot melt my ice." Trystane taunted. With a wave of his hand a wall of frost shot upwards, intercepting a ball of energy she had thrown at him.
Trystane ran at full speed, Shilara matching as she made to meet him. Trystane faded to the right as she threw a bolt of electricity at him, answering with a snowball, the likes of which made contact with the Gerudo woman's face at Trystane's command.
"You can't be serious!" Shilara yelled, subsequently gasping in pain as the Hylian sorcerer appeared beside her, jabbing an icicle covered index finger into her right arm. "What is this? She growled, pulling her left arm back in preparation for another assault, only to recoil in horror as her arm went numb, the flesh quickly turning black.
"It's called frostbite...I wouldn't move if I were you." Trystane said as he leapt back, the icicle melting away from his finger.
"And why the hell not?!" Shilara said as she took a step forward, pounding her foot against the ground. She suddenly felt something in her arm, looking down to see cracks begin to shoot throughout the appendage as it froze solid. "What have you done to me?!" the Gerudo woman screamed as she stumbled back, looking on in terror as her right arm shattered to pieces. Her shocked gaze meeting Trystane one last time before teleporting away from the battlefield.
Trystane turned his gaze downward, he disliked using that spell, but she deserved it, he thought as he looked upon the Zora King's motionless body, his heart lying atop his chest.
"I'm sorry." Trystane said as he strode over to Mikau's side, the Terminian Zora kneeling next to his Hylian brother.
"Don't be, this is no one's doing but hers." Mikau said as he grit his teeth.
"But if I had come sooner." Trystane argued.
Mikau made to respond, only to look up as a loud crack, followed by a crash filled the air as Erris's black tower crumbled to the ground. "What the hell?" he said, as even their enemies turned to see what was happening, the battle pausing momentarily.
oOo
Ten Minutes Prior
Thrakon sprang out of the way as the Blin Emperor brought his mace down on the spot he formerly stood, he couldn't afford a close call like that again.
"Come on!" he yelled, charging the beast.
The Blin Emperor snorted in response, swinging his mace at the former mercenary. Thrakon leapt over it, kicked off of it's handle, and managed to land a punch to the Blin Emperor's snout before hitting the ground with a roll. He rose just in time, drawing his sword to block another strike from the creature.
"I'll make you pay for that, Hylian." the beast growled, making three quick swipes across the ground, Thrakon barely escaping the path of each one.
He brought up his sword, only to have it knocked away by the Emperor's mace, with the creature emitting what he could swear was a laugh. Unwilling to yield he charged the beast weaponless. The Blin Emperor raised his mace, smashing it down as Thrakon darted away, only to turn back immediately. The beast began to raise his club as Thrakon caught up, grasping the weapon with both hands and pulling to the extent of his abilities.
"No! Impossible!" the Blin Emperor roared as his hoofed feet began to slide forward, the Hylian man pulling him by his weapon.
"What? Not used to being overpowered by a Hylian?!" Thrakon roared as he pulled one last time, the mace being ripped from the Emperor's claws, the beast falling on his face, looking up just in time to see Thrakon bring his own weapon down on him, the Blin Emperor being killed instantly. Thrakon grinned, dropping the club, only to find multiple snarling Bulblins and Moblins closing in on him. He reached for the mace again, ready to fight back when his attackers were all blown away by a flash of light, the rest fleeing as none other than the Hero of Legend strode up to him, Master Sword glowing brightly.
"Need some help, Thrakon?" Link asked with smirk.
"I just killed their Emperor! You'd think they'd be more afraid of me than they are of you." Thrakon said.
"True, but I've killed their Emperor's superior many times over." Link answered, his gaze drifting upwards.
"Fine, fine, true enough." Thrakon admitted, looking at the Hero curiously. "What are you-" he said, being cut off as Link unsheathed his Knight's Sword.
Link flipped the sword in his hand, clenching his fingertips carefully around the broad sides of the blade. Stepping back, he closed one eye, adjusting his aim, and with one swift motion, tossed the blade through the air, watching it spin towards Erris's tower.
"What was that all about?" Thrakon asked.
"Thrakon, you possess strength far greater than any normal Hylian, correct?" Link asked.
"Greater than any normal human." Thrakon corrected, looking at Link curiously.
"Fantastic, throw me." Link said, positioning himself in front of his comrade.
"Throw you?" Thrakon asked incredulously.
Link turned to his comrade, narrowing his eyes, a serious expression taking over his features. "Kallil and I tracked down Aren, he had retreated to the tree line in order to find higher ground so he could see the battle from above, what we're fighting now is just their first wave! He was able to see thousands of their number marching to our location, the Zora only number 2,000, a count that dwindles by the second! To end this fight, I must take it to Erris, lest we all die." Link replied, a dark tone to his voice.
"Good luck." Thrakon said, seemingly convinced as he gripped Link by his armor's back plate, and with one mighty heave, sent the Hero soaring through the air, praying his aim was accurate.
oOo
Erris smiled as he strolled along his perch, below he saw more and more Zora fall as hundreds of Garo, Bulblins, Moblins, Lizalfos, and Dinolfos poured into the valley, the creatures he commanded now being almost all he could see. He laughed quietly to himself, what were 2,000 Zora against nearly 10,000 of the worlds fiercest monsters? It did not matter that the Hero and his band of misfit warriors showed up, they'd fall too, and if all went according to plan, he'd be able to take the Hero captive and present him to Ganondorf to be executed. Erris continued forward, coming to a sudden halt as a sword flew from below, embedding itself deep into the pillar directly in front of him. The Prince examined the blade, a shocked expression on his face as he turned to find it's place of origin, only to fall over as he dodged another projectile, a much larger one.
Link slammed into the wall, his shield barely breaking the impact. Quickly he stood up, Master Sword at the ready, his eyes set on the Labrynnian Prince.
"Hero!" What a pleasant surprise! Was it you who threw this blade? Impressive aim indeed!" Erris exclaimed, sarcastically applauding.
"It's a shame I missed." Link said, charging the Prince, Master Sword held high.
The Hero charged, letting loose a downward slash as Erris leapt to the side, drawing his crimson blade. Link blocked a horizontal slash from Erris, responding with a diagonal downwards slash to the left.
"You can't win this! Call off your forces!" Link yelled as he dove in for a stab.
"Such arrogance, it's unbecoming of the Goddess's champion." Erris replied, sweeping the stab away.
Link hopped back, drawing on his Triforce's power, the golden energy flowing through he and the blade, a brilliant aura manifesting around him. Erris responded by letting out a yell, the bright red glow of his Anteforce appearing around him. Link flew at his opponent, their blades crashing together with loud clang, the Hero performed a spin attack, Erris fading back and countering with a jump attack, Link blocking the blow and sending a series of stabs at Erris, the Prince finding his way around each one.
"It seems as though the tales of the Master Sword have been exaggerated!" Erris yelled, charging a ball of energy in his hand and letting it fly at the Hero.
Link took this opportunity to prove Erris wrong. He charged the projectile, swiping the Master Sword through it, a blinding flash of energy being released as the blade cleaved it. Erris blocked his eyes, bringing up his blade in defense as the Hero emerged from the explosion.
"How did you?!" Erris exclaimed, stopping short as the Master Sword came down on his blade, reducing it to shards.
Link took advantage of the Prince's surprise, continuing his attack as Erris was caught off guard. The Master Sword cut through the Prince's armor, only managing to lacerate his shoulder as he teleported away.
"Running again?!" Link exclaimed, his rage growing.
"I will not run from you." Erris growled from behind him.
Link turned to find the Prince had teleported across the floor of the tower, now standing opposite him. "End this Erris! Too many have lost their lives! Does this not weigh heavy on your conscience?!" Link called.
"The only thing that weighs heavy on my mind, is what Hyrule has done to me and my people!" Erris roared as he flew at Link, summoning a long spear into his hands.
Link cast himself to the side, rolling as he hit the floor. Link took notice as his Triforce began to burn, looking towards Erris he could see it only faintly, but noticed the blue glow of Mahlik's eyes had taken over his, he couldn't let Mahlik emerge again.
Erris charged Link once more, electricity crackling along the spear as he slashed it horizontally at the Hero.
Link swiftly dodged the slash, darting to the side as the Prince went by. The Hero felt his adrenaline rush as Erris turned, flashing Mahlik's sharp-toothed smile at him before the real Erris took control again...he had to end this now. Link pulled the Master Sword back, charging it with the Triforce of Courage's portion of the Goddess's energies. Quickly he released a stab, a beam of energy hitting Erris in the stomach, binding him where he stood.
"What is this?!" Erris roared, unable to move.
"Necessary." Link responded quietly, watching as Erris and Mahlik struggled for control. At inhuman speed, Link short forward, and upon reaching Erris, loosed a horizontal slash across his chest, the blade easily traveling through the armor, with Link stepping back as Erris fell to the ground.
The Labrynnian Prince cried out in pain as did Mahlik, the wound burning from the Master Sword's touch. "I'd really love to stick around and finish this, but I have a meeting I must attend, have fun." Erris said as he stood. With one tap against the nearest column, the tower began to shake, large cracks shooting through it.
"No!" Link yelled. He ran at Erris full speed, not wavering as pieces of stonework fell around him. Erris was soon enveloped by an orange glow, his trans-location spell, almost complete, but not soon enough. As Link reached the Prince, he tackled him to the ground, holding onto Erris's armor as if his life depended on it, which in this moment, it did. In the blink of an eye, the two teleported away, the last thing Link saw being the collapse of the tower they stood on.
oOo
The halls were boring this time of day, and even with the natural light coming in, quite dark. The guards stood in formation, not moving or talking as they carried out their duty of guarding all entrances and exits in this particular room.
Suddenly something quite unusual happened, the guards raised their spears as they approached it, A small purple orb had appeared in the middle of the room, seemingly generated by nothing. The guards looked to each other, shrugging in unison as one of their number reached out to touch it, all members of the contingent being thrown back as it expanded to the size of a full grown man. The guards all looked up, the last thing they saw being a female form exiting before they fell into unconsciousness.
"Well that's that." Cia said as she stepped out of the portal, Zelda and Impa close behind her.
"Are you sure this is Labrynna Castle?" Zelda asked, scanning her surroundings.
Cia shot the Princess an offended glare before speaking. "Of course I am, I've visited this Castle many times, and besides, if that isn't Labrynnian architecture, I don't know what is." the sorceress said, pointing towards a nearby pillar with her staff.
"Well, now that that's settled, shall we move on?" Impa pressed, looking around for incoming threats.
"Before we go, we must break the protection spell around the Castle, I managed to break through it this time, but once Ganon realizes we're here, he'll strengthen it to make sure the only way we can't escape. One of us has to find the source of the protection spell's power and destroy it. Cia warned.
"True, our objective is to retrieve Elgon and Erris, and leave immediately, without the Master Sword we cannot slay Ganondorf, so we must make a quick exit." Zelda said, she and Cia looking to Impa.
"No, you can't be suggesting that you go on without me! I am your guardian! I will not let any danger befall you." Impa argued.
"Impa please, Cia and I must remain together, and you're the only one I can trust with this." Zelda replied.
Impa dropped her gaze, clenching her teeth as she spoke. "I'll do what you have asked, but once I have accomplished it, I will return for you!"
"And I welcome you to do so." Zelda said with a smile.
"Take this." Cia said, tossing a dagger to the Sheikah woman. "I've cast a spell over it that will enable it to find the source of the protection spell, just follow where it points you."
"Thank you." Impa answered, nodding her head at the Princess before she took off down the nearest hall, the dagger levitating in front of her.
"Shall we?" Zelda asked, gesturing towards one of the many halls."
"How do you know it's that one?" Cia questioned.
Zelda remained silent, holding up her hand to show Cia her Triforce mark, the Triforce of Power glowing faintly.
"I may have forgotten about that." Cia responded, following as Zelda started down the hall.
The two had walked along numerous corridors and climbed many stairs before they found it, a wide open room with bronze chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, an eerie quiet settling over it.
"I don't like this." Cia said quietly.
"There." Zelda cut in, pointing to a figure that laid on the ground, twitching intermittently.
Zelda and Cia walked slowly across the room, the individual coming into the view as they made their way into the center.
Zelda felt a mix of fear and joy grip her as she observed him, it was Elgon, but he was not looking good. "Father! I've found you! I know now...Link told me...I know who you really are." Zelda said as she ran to him.
"Father?" Cia asked, her eyes wide in confusion.
Zelda kneeled beside Elgon, nearly falling when she reached for him, the presence inside him overpowering her.
"You..shouldn't...have...come..." Elgon said , turning to the Princess and the Sorceress, revealing his half disfigured face, Zelda instantly recognizing it as Majora's likeness.
"What have they done to you?" she gasped, placing a hand on her chest.
"Run..." Elgon said, blood trailing from his mouth as he screamed in pain as another spasm took hold of him.
"Where's Erris? We need to find Erris!" Cia called out, her voice sounding panicked, Zelda remaining silent as her eyes were fixed on Elgon's shaking body, his eyes turning a bright yellow.
"He's right, you shouldn't have come." a voice boomed.
Zelda felt a chill travel up her spine as a Ganondorf appeared, the invisibility spell he had cast over his side of the room falling. The Princess summoned her rapier into her hand, her blue eyes locking with Ganondorf's gold. "So you have returned." she said, gritting her teeth.
"You! Where's Erris?!" Cia yelled.
"Overseeing the battle that the Hero himself is fighting in...your little team was too late, I'm afraid." he taunted, turning towards Zelda.
The Princess felt her breathing growing heavy, she wouldn't let Ganon see it, but his presence caught her off guard, he was a sight she thought she'd cease to fear over time, but never had managed to do so. Zelda turned when Cia suddenly screamed, jabbing her staff forward in Ganon's direction, releasing two powerful blasts of energy that shook the room.
Zelda looked up as the dust settled, tensing as the rest of Ganon's invisibility spell collapsed, he was flanked by a Gerudo woman, a tall Black Knight and a small team of Stalfos.
"If that is all you can muster, worry I must not." he said. With a wave of his hand Cia was thrown across the room, crashing into the opposite wall. "Now Princess, it's been so long, we must catch up." Ganon said as he turned to Zelda.
Zelda clenched her fists, determined not to let him get any further. "Away with you!" she yelled, releasing a blast of light energy from her rapier. To her surprise, Ganon seemed unaffected, a smile forming on his face.
"Teach our guest some manners." he said, motioning at the Stalfos.
oOo
Impa tore through the dungeons, pursuing the dagger as it moved faster and faster along the corridors, the sorceress hadn't told her it could move on it's own. The Sheikah woman eventually came to a screeching halt, almost toppling over as the dagger stopped, turning to it's left. She examined the door, it certainly didn't seem out of the ordinary. Slowly she grabbed the handle, clenching her fingers around it, and with all the force she had, flung it open, the two guards inside jumping in shock.
"Flee or die!" Impa called, scanning the room for the protection spell's source, the swirling sphere of white energy not being difficult to find.
The two guards nodded at each other, their eyes glowing a deep red as they levitated upwards.
"Shit." Impa thought, recognizing the eyes of the demons inhabiting the guard's bodies.
She darted away from a blast of energy, and barely faded back in time as a lightning bolt struck the ground in front of her. Turning, she lunged at the nearest guard, the man and the demon inside of him screeching as she slashed his leg. She turned and ran at the wall, the other guard teleporting in front of her, he brought his sword down, Impa meeting it with her great sword, she pushed back only for the Guard to jump into the air, coming down on top of her. The Sheikah woman ran out of his path, leaping behind his back as his feet touched the ground. Swiftly she put her sword through the guard, a flash emanating from his eyes as the demon and man perished. She followed the other guard with her eyes as he paced opposite her, the Sheikah woman using the other guard's body as a shield. Without warning the guard lunged, blade crackling with energy, Impa responding by tossing his comrade's body into him. The Sheikah woman dropped to the floor as he flew over her, focusing as she outstretched a hand. The guard began to jerk back and forth, running his hands over his eyes and ears as Impa cast Shadow Immersion over him.
Impa yelled as she charged him, running him through as soon as she was within reach, pulling her blade free as the man fell to the ground, the same bright red flash emanating from his eyes as the demon bound in his body was destroyed. Impa ran to the spell's source, bringing up her blade to attack, subsequently smashing her sword down on the sphere of energy, only to have it bounce off, the impact almost knocking Impa to the floor. "Maybe this will get you." she growled, a blast of shadow energy erupting from her outstretched hand, the ball of magic remaining unharmed. "Damn!" Impa shouted, throwing the dagger at it in frustration, her eyes opening wide turning as the runes on the blade flashed, the dagger cutting into the sphere. Impa wasted no time in running over, hammering the dagger in with the hilt of her blade until one long crack ran along the ball of energy, the Sheikah woman being thrown back as it burst.
oOo
Zelda spun, her sword slicing a Stalfos in half while also releasing a blast of energy from her other hand, the projectile blowing an approaching skeleton to bits. Bringing her sword in front of her, she shot forward, shattering the last Stalfos with a powerful stab.
"Very impressive!" Ganon said as he clapped, "Now, let's see how you fare against a more powerful opponent." he said as the Black Knight stepped forward.
"Enough!" Zelda snapped, energy flowing along her arm as she prepared to attack Ganondorf himself when the room shook, the protection spell around the Castle shattering like glass outside. "Thank you, Impa." Zelda thought.
"No! How have you done this?! Tell me!" Ganon roared, breaking into a run at Zelda.
The Princess brought up her blade, meeting Ganondorf halfway as he brought forth his longsword. "You die today! For my father! For Link! For Hyrule!" she yelled bringing her rapier down on Ganondorf with all the force she had.
Ganon pushed back as he locked eyes with her. "It's that damned Sheikah of yours, isn't it?!" he roared.
"She's mine!" the Gerudo woman yelled, drawing her scimitar.
Zelda leapt back, shooting a blast of light energy at Ganondorf, the Demon King easily slicing through it. Zelda backed up, stopping as a hand gripped her, the Black Knight taking her by the neck and tossing her halfway across the room. She righted herself, as she called upon her piece of the Triforce, a gold aura surrounding her. As she chose which enemy to attack first, the Black Knight suddenly fell into a portal that had appeared underneath it.
"I guess we'll be seeing if one of your Black Knights can survive a 30 kilometer fall!" Cia shot as she staggered to her feet.
"I have had enough of you!" he shouted, bringing his hand up, palm pointed toward Cia.
"Look out!" Zelda called, the Sorceress bringing up a shield as Ganon discharged a continuous bolt of red energy at her, Cia's shield beginning to weaken immediately. The Princess, seeing no other option, shot towards her nemesis. To her shock, even with her Triforce empowered assault, he easily fended her off with his longsword, while using the other hand to continue his assault on Cia. Zelda dodged to the right of one of his strikes, managing to bring down her sword on his forearm, leaving a deep cut, causing the Demon King to lose focus.
Cia dropped her shield as Ganon ended his attack, turning to face Zelda as she charged again, the Triforce's energy flowing around her. Both the Princess and the Sorceress let loose a blast of energy towards the Gerudo man, a bright light filling the room as they detonated upon reaching him.
"There's no way he could have survived that." Cia said as she approached Zelda.
"I'm afraid you're incorrect." Ganon growled, telekinetically clearing the smoke around him.
Zelda met Cia's gaze as they backed away, bringing up their respective weapons.
"I tire of this game." Ganon said with a smirk. He brought his arms up, the Anteforce of Wrath appearing on one hand while the Triforce of Power manifested on the other. "Time to end this!" he yelled, a red aura rising around him as shadow energy extended along his arms. Ganon reached forwards, grabbing the Princess and Sorceress.
"I can't break free." Zelda said through gritted teeth.
"We have to keep trying." Cia responded as Ganon's grip tightened.
Zelda called upon her Triforce of Wisdom, and was stunned to find the Triforce of Courage reacting strongly.
Below them, an orange flash of light went off, a figure stumbling out of it.
Zelda used the distraction to break free of the shadow arm's grip, shooting a ball of light energy at the hand that held Cia, freeing the Sorceress.
"Shilara! What has happened to you?!" Ganondorf yelled, his sister falling to the floor, one arm absent.
Zelda and Cia watched in confusion, barely having enough time to take in the sight before another orange light flashed throughout the room, Erris and Link rolling out of it, the two men grappling on the ground.
"Link!" Zelda called, a mix of happiness and concern in her voice.
"Zelda?" Link said as he looked up, Erris taking the opportunity to throw Link off.
Link quickly ran to Zelda, embracing her as they met.
"I have worried for you." Zelda said, the two releasing their hold as a tremor was sent through the room.
Link turned towards the center of the hall, his eyes eventually landing on the source...Ganondorf...Link felt a chill as adrenaline flowed through him, upon every meeting with Ganondorf he'd feel the familiar pain in his chest, from where Ganon's tusk had impaled him so long ago, he felt anger slowly rise inside of him as he locked his gaze on the Demon King, encountering something he also didn't feel often, fear.
"He's returned." Zelda said, bringing up her sword.
"I can see that...what are you doing here?" Link shot, his happiness at their reunion giving way to the reality of the situation.
"I'm here to save my father...my first father." Zelda replied.
"Erris!" Cia yelled, stepping forward.
"Lana?!" Link said in disbelief.
"Mother?" Erris shot from across the room.
For a moment all was silent as the occupants of the room looked to each other, taking in the situation unfolding around them.
"My, my, how nice is this, mother and child reunited, and my old friend, the Hero of Legend himself has decided to pay us a visit." Ganon said, a dark tone to his voice. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long...I would've liked for our meeting to be on my terms...but oh well." he said with a smirk.
"I'll cut that smile off of your face!" Link roared, bringing up the Master Sword.
Erris brought up his spear, beginning in the direction of the Hero when Ganon extended a hand.
"Stay back, boy!" Ganon yelled, Erris begrudgingly agreeing.
"I find myself, attacked in my own abode by you, yet again, and I'm guessing it was one of you that had to do with my sister being left in this condition." Ganon said, gesturing towards the Gerudo girl, Shilara barely acknowledging as she lay on the ground, her breathing heavy. "But! I am glad you are here! For today, you will not just witness my victory, but will witness my transcendence from man...to god." he said with a wide grin. He gestured towards Shilara, the Gerudo girl levitating into his arms, lightly he grasped her wound, and to the shock of all those in the room, her severed arm reappeared as he withdrew his hand. "You see, I am almost there as it is." he added as he set the girl down.
"Sister?" Link questioned, his voice easily portraying his shock.
"Now, witness my rebirth as your new god!" Ganon yelled. Slowly he extended his arms, a red glow following them, only for the energy to diminish as Impa entered the room.
"You might want to heal this one too." She growled, tossing a motionless Naora onto the ground.
"You dare-!" Ganon began, stopping as he laid his eyes on his wife. "Naora!" he yelled, slowly walking towards her.
Shilara rose from the ground, awakened by her brother's yells. "What's going on?!" she screamed, looking across the room. "Princess!" she yelled as she set her eyes on Zelda.
Zelda brought up a protection spell as the Gerudo woman threw a bolt of electricity at them, lowering it as she sprinted towards her. "Go after Ganondorf!" Zelda called as she engaged the Gerudo girl.
"Right." Link responded, running towards the Demon King.
Cia took advantage of the chaos, teleporting in front of her son. "Erris, you have to listen to me, Ganon is manipulating-" she said, being cut off as Erris slashed at her with his spear.
"Lies!" Erris said as he threw a bolt of energy at her, followed by a series of slashes. "You tried to kill me!"
"Allow me to show you!" Cia yelled, She faded back from a slash, subsequently diving into a portal she generated.
"Where have you run to?!" Erris yelled, Cia emerging behind him.
The Sorceress placed her hand on the back of her son's head, binding him in place telekinetically. "Remember!" she said as she tried to force away the fake memories, the real ones being hidden deep by Ganondorf.
oOo
Zelda teleported out of the path of a bolt of dark energy, reappearing next to Shilara.
"I will kill you, I'll make my brother proud!" she yelled, throwing a fireball at the Princess.
Zelda dodged it, staying silent as she darted in, slashing at the Gerudo woman, Shilara backflipping out of the sword's path. Shilara tensed as she tossed another ball of flame at the Princess, Zelda dodging to the left, charging the other woman full speed.
The Princess performed a horizontal slash followed by a diagonal upwards slash to the right, the Gerudo woman teleporting beside Zelda.
"Goodbye Princess!" Shilara yelled gleefully, shooting a bolt of electricity at the Princess.
Zelda caught the attack with her sword, and before the Gerduo woman could react, threw it back at her, Shilara falling to the ground, twitching as the electricity coursed through her.
"You're strong, but your skills need work." Zelda remarked, searching the room for Link.
oOo
"What have you done?" Ganon growled.
"Don't play games, you don't care for anyone, Demon King." Impa growled, brandishing her great sword.
With a yell, Ganon threw a blast of energy at the Sheikah woman, Impa batting it away as she charged the Gerudo King. She performed a spin attack, coming to halt unexpectedly, looking up to find Ganon gripping her sword's edge, his bare hand unscathed. Ganon gripped the sword tightly, pulling Impa straight into him, quickly delivering a punch to her chest, smiling as he felt her sternum break, the Sheikah woman crying out in pain as she fell to the cold stone floor.
Ganon started towards Naora, turning quickly to intercept a slash from the Hero. "Attacking me while my back is turned? Your morals have corroded over the centuries, Link." he growled. Pushing with his longsword, he ran full speed across the room, Link gritting his teeth as he pushed in retaliation, skidding backwards against the Demon King's assault.
"Let this be our last bout!" Ganon roared.
The Gerudo King brought his sword down, Link intercepting the slash with the Master Sword.
"You won't win." Link growled, performing a series of slashes, Ganon deflecting them all.
"I shall prove you wrong, boy!" Ganon replied as he leapt back, Zelda bringing her rapier down on the spot he formerly stood in.
"So nice of you to join us, Princess!" Ganon taunted.
Link and Zelda exchanged glances, both charging Ganon, gold auras rising around them. Ganon brought up his blade, performing a spin attack, Zelda teleporting away as Link flipped over it, the Gerudo man steadied himself, unleashing a darkness empowered stab at Link, the Hero barely keeping upright as he blocked it with the Master Sword. Zelda reappeared behind the Demon King, her light bow manifesting in her hands, she loosed light arrow after light arrow, Ganon dodging them all while while blocking a horizontal rightwards slash from Link.
"Just like old times!" Ganon called with a smile.
"May it be the last!" Link yelled, performing a jump attack, only to be struck from the air by a ball of energy.
Ganondorf spun to deflect a slash from Zelda, forcing her to dodge a lightning bolt as he levitated over a spin attack from the Hero. Zelda nodded at Link, the couple charging their eternal nemesis in unison. Ganon brought his sword forward to block a slash from the Princess, only to have Zelda hop back, shooting light arrow instead.
Ganon failed to block the attack, the arrow bursting into light energy as it made contact, disabling him momentarily, but that was all Link needed. The Hero sprinted forward at breakneck speed, and with one mighty thrust, shoved the Master Sword through Ganon's chest, the Demon King inhaling sharply and screaming out in pain.
Link was breathing heavily, his hands still on the Master Sword, he yelled out once more as he thrust the sword further into Ganon's chest...it was over.
"I won't let you end me...not like this." Ganon said as he staggered to his feet.
Zelda readied a light arrow, only for Ganon to toss her away telekinetically.
"Zelda!" Link yelled, watching as she hit the ground.
"You should be more concerned with yourself, boy!" Ganon exclaimed, slowly pushing the sword from his chest, his hands burning as he gripped the "Blade of Evils Bane" his blood running down it's blade.
Link pushed back, but was ultimately thrown to the floor as Ganon removed the sword from his chest, staggering to the center of the room.
"The reason...I needed hosts, was because I needed a place to keep the Demon Lords while I prepared the ritual. " Ganon explained. The Gerudo man tore off his upper body armor, numerous scars in the shape of ancient sigils cut into his skin." I needed time, to ready myself...and the time is now."
Link stood up, shielding his eyes as a red flash filled the room, a giant circle filled with lines and symbols roaring to life around Ganon, the scars on his body glowing as they reacted to the circle's activation.
"You're too late!" Ganon yelled. He extended his arms, a read beam of energy striking Elgon's motionless form, the other heading straight for Erris.
"Lana!" Link yelled, only to watch as she was blasted away by Ganon, the red beam of energy striking Erris in the chest. Link charged the Demon Lord, only to be thrown into the nearest wall upon contact with the circle he stood in.
"Ganon don't, this is a mistake!" Zelda yelled as she got to her feet, finding Ganon's sister had recovered too, but stood still, captivated as she was by her brother's display.
"Erris..." Cia groaned as she lost consciousness.
The Prince slowly became aware, he remembered, he remembered everything...he turned to face his mother, only to encounter a sharp pain in his chest, looking down to find a beam of red energy, not unlike what he and Ganon used to capture Majora, shooting into his chest.
"What is this?!" he exclaimed, rage overtaking him as he realized his own mistake...Ganon had actually turned on him.
"I'm sorry our alliance had to end this way." Ganon said with a short laugh, green blood pouring from the wound on his chest.
"Stop this, now!" Link yelled as he charged again, Master Sword gleaming with divine light. The Hero dashed within an arms reach of the circle before bringing the Master Sword down on the sigil's edge, the energies within escaping as the legendary blade broke it's form.
Ganon turned, looking on in disbelief as the Hero forced himself into the circle. "This is impossible." the Demon Lord said, teeth gritted.
"How can you still be living? I put the Master Sword through your chest!" Link growled, fighting against the circle's efforts to protect it's occupant.
"The Anteforce of Wrath gives me what I need to hold on for a short time...which is all the time I need to finally claim my victory." Ganondorf answered, a grin edging it's way across his face.
Link had finally had enough, with all the power he could bring forth he launched himself forward, Master Sword at the ready. Ganondorf responded with a roar, pulling both hands towards himself, the red beams of energy following, a great shockwave throwing Link from the circle as Ganon became consumed by a red aura.
"Link!" Zelda yelled as she ran to him, kneeling next to the Hero.
"I'm alright.." Link answered, looking up to find the two red energy beams that Ganon emitted dragging Erris and Elgon towards him, the former trying to fight as he was dragged closer.
All in the room flinched as two crimson flashes of light shot out from both Erris and Elgon, the Prince of Labrynna screaming in pain before falling to the ground. In their places, two entities stood, the pale blue, horned form of Mahlik, and a ball of red fire Link could knew to be Majora.
"Witness...my ultimate victory." Ganon exclaimed, the two bound Demon Lords turning into pure energy, and flying into Ganon's circle. The heavens thundered as the remains of the Castle shook and fell apart, lightning arcing across the sky as fire erupted from the ground. A jet of blue flame and a jet of red swirled around Ganondorf before both shot into his body...then all went quiet.
"What has he done?" Link asked, looking cautiously as the Gerudo man stood completely still in the center of the room.
Zelda on the other hand, wasted no time. She grabbed Link, teleporting the duo to Impa, and after grabbing ahold of the injured Sheikah woman, teleported to the unconscious Erris and Cia.
"What about Elgon?" Link asked urgently, standing in order to make his way to the Light Sage.
"Link, stop, I can do this, I just need to focus." Zelda answered, closing her eyes as she extended her arm, a golden glow surrounding her as Elgon vanished, reappearing behind them.
Link turned, looking disbelief, Zelda had always been talented at trans-location, but had never performed it from a distance, a feat he was sure many would not be able to copy. He didn't have long to ponder before he sensed it...a massive power building around Ganondorf...or rather...inside of him, Link taking note of the fact that, even Ganondorf's sister fled to the other Gerudo woman, raising a shield around her as Zelda had done with he and the others.
Ganon's eyes opened, now enveloped by complete blackness, a blood red iris in the center of each, his green skinn suddenly turned to a dark gray, and his red hair faded to black. The Demon Lord's breathing became heavy as his veins pushed against his skin, a glowing red showing through as two horns breached his forehead, black wings unfurling from his back whilst golden spikes jutted from his chin and knuckles.
Link looked to Zelda, their eyes, words failing to come to them before their attention was drawn forward, a bright red light gleaming as the completed Anteforce assembled on Ganon's chest, the Triforce of power situating itself in the middle.
Ganondorf suddenly outstretched his arms, the ground quaking as he did so. "I am a GOD!" he roared, two voices joining him as he laughed maniacally, the ground shaking as the sky seemingly tore open above them.
Link and Zelda stared wide eyed at the display, neither knowing what action to take as a funnel of wind and leaves rose up around them, Ganon's laughter fading away as the familiar sounds of the forest greeted them.
oOo
And phase two has come to a close, with this being my longest chapter yet (10,628 words). Zelda, Impa and Cia struck out on their own, the Zora monarch has fallen, and Ganon has ascended to new heights of power! I can only hope you all enjoyed as well as I hope I may hear your thoughts on this chapter!
Lady Kiridia: No problem! I am honored you would call my work a "good read"! ^_^ Ganon has enacted his endgame here, and unfortunately Elgon had to unwillingly help him get there, but, as the Heroes have reclaimed him, there is hope for him yet! I hope you enjoyed the new chapter, and thank you for the review!
Gerudospirit: Thank you! I'm glad I can help you connect with the characters on an emotional level! I really wanted to humanize Ganondorf, and show a side to him other than the domination craving villain he usually is! Thank you for the review and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
drazol: Yes! Link has the Master Sword and things have gotten as real as real can really be! I hope you enjoyed the chapter and thank you for your review!
Also, high fives to Pvt. Noah, Batch03, Phoenix Crimson, and 3xtrememaster! You are all quite amazing!
If you spot an error, point it out and please leave a review, you're thoughts are always welcome! :D
Now...this is something I've meant to address for a while now and has become long overdue! Link's "finisher" if you will, in which he binds his opponent inside a magical construct of the Triforce and slashes the living hell out of them is inspired by his final smash on Super Smash Brothers: Brawl. I hoped that helped answer a question or two!
As always, thank you for reading and best of luck!
-Prometheus17