Kanthos teleported into Minister Hawkwood's former office, making his way towards the door, Shilara's body slumped over his shoulder.
"Stop! Are you insane?" Rickard Gavan hissed quietly.
"What are you going on about this time?" Kanthos said wryly.
"Ganondorf is holding court out there...I don't believe he'd think very highly of you walking right out there with his sister's body slumped over your shoulder." Rickard answered.
Kanthos glanced at the Gerudo woman's form before looking back at the Nobleman. "It was on his orders I killed her." he replied.
"I know, I know, I was there when he gave the order...giant head made of fire and such...real scary, but that's not the point. Our King is attempting a new approach, he wants to win the support of the Hyrulean populace...not make them think he's the type of King who orders the death of women." Rickard said.
"So what do you suggest I do with her?" Kanthos asked.
"Just leave her on the desk, it's not as if anyone's using it." Rickard said.
Kanthos strode over to the piece of furniture, unceremoniously dropping the woman's body onto it. "I'll see you in the next council meeting." Kanthos said, teleporting away.
Rickard walked over to Shilara, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I don't know why you did what you did, but it was foolish. Heh, if you were alive right now you'd threaten to kill me for touching you...should've married me when I proposed it." he said before striding over to the doors and exiting.
oOo
Ganondorf, in his Hylian guise, levitated an object to the man in front of him, resting his arm back on his throne once the man caught it. "A seed from the Great Deku Tree, it will revitalize your crops and ensure you a good harvest." he said, the man thanking him profusely as he went.
Most women watched him adoringly while the Noblemen viewed him with a mix of envy and intimidation, the company he kept not helping too much, the richest noble in Hyrule, Rickard Gavan and his mysterious bodyguard Kanthos at his side most times.
"What do think? Do you believe he lies about the Hero and the Princess?" a Noble asked the man next to him.
"I know he lies, I stood with House Hyrule when he laid siege to the city...I saw what he truly is." the man answered.
The Nobleman cocked his head to the side in puzzlement as the men stepped forward.
"You Sir." Emperor Aghanim said. "What is it you ask of me?"
"I've come to ask about the fate of my son...Ganondorf." he said.
The room went silent, each and every eye turning towards the man, even Hawkwood stirring in his prison.
"Damn." Rickard muttered.
"You seem to be confused, I am Emper-" Ganondorf began, the man cutting him off.
"Lies!" he shouted, an audible gasp escaping most courtiers. "I am Lord Halland, of Snowpeak Province, my son, Sir Trystane Halland fought against you, I want to know what's happened to him and I want the truth."
Ganon mustered all the restraint he could manage to keep from killing the man, fighting back a grin when he heard the name of the Hero's friend. "Ah, Lord Halland, I assure you there was a letter addressed to you on it's way...but seeing you in person works well enough." he began. "Sir Trystane fought bravely alongside the Hero and Princess, I regret to inform you he was killed, so sad too, considering he only fought for House Hyrule because of lies they told."
"No..no! I refuse to believe this! The only ruler guilty of telling lies is yourself!" Lord Halland proclaimed. the crowd gasped once more, stepping back as the older man withdrew a blade and charged Ganondorf, the Gerudo man not so much as flinching.
Two Black Knights were upon Lord Halland in an instant, each grabbing one of his arms.
"Unhand me!" He killed my son! He killed him!" Lord Halland cried out."
"War is never easy, death is a heavy price but is a toll that must be paid, I truly am sorry, Lord Halland...I think it's about time you returned to Snowpeak, you seem to be in need of rest." Ganondorf said as he stood up, walking away from his throne as Lord Halland was dragged outside by the Black Knights.
"Out with you all! You're dismissed!" Rickard Gavan called out, waving the nobles out the doors.
As Ganondorf returned to his chambers Kanthos teleported directly in front of him, a smirk on his face.
"Kanthos, I sensed your return, I trust you haven't failed me." Ganondorf said as he dropped his facade, taking on his true demonic appearance.
"For you." Kanthos said, taking a knee and raising the Master Sword on both hands.
Ganon grinned, pulling on the strings that held the cloth together, watching as the the two flaps fell away, the blade of the Master Sword glinting as soon as the light struck it.
"Excellent, you have done well." Ganondorf said as Kanthos stood. "Take the sword to my..." Ganondorf began, his body freezing on the spot.
"Lord Ganondorf?" Kanthos asked.
"What in the hell is happening?" Rickard Gavan asked as he ran over to them, two Soldiers behind him.
Ganondorf attempted to move but a deafening shout filled his head and froze him where he stood, finally his body obeyed one command, Rickard and Kanthos stumbling back as he teleported away.
Ganondorf reappeared in Hawkwood's former office, his body shaking and shuddering as smoke poured off of his skin, the horns on his forehead turning to dust and falling away while the green tone to his skin returned, his golden irises with it. "Shilara." he breathed, grabbing onto her hand as she lay lifeless on the desk. "It's me, your brother...Kai." he said. "What have I done?" he asked, staring at her as he stood.
Kanthos teleported into the room, having taken Rickard along with him.
"A little warning would be nice next time." Rickard said, sending a sideways glance at an unamused Kanthos.
"My Lord, what's happened to you?" Kanthos asked.
Ganondorf resumed his normal grey-skinned, horned appearance as he turned to face the two men. "Confirming that she's actually dead."
"You doubted me?" Kanthos asked.
"I just had to be sure." Ganondorf said as he made his way towards the door, sending one last glance back, the apparition of Kai still on his knees next to Shilara.
"I'll fight you, with everything I have." Kai said as he turned towards his physical body, the amalgamation of Majora, Mahlik and Demise simply smirking back at him.
oOo
Audrik stared in disbelief, the King simply smiling and extending his arm.
"Look at you...you're a man now...last I saw you, you were just a-" he began, Audrik cutting him off.
"Just a child." the Prince finished.
"Audrik, is everything alright?" Zelda asked.
"I was just a child...who was afraid...because of you." Audrik said.
King Daltus dropped his arm, locking eyes with his son. "Audrik, what do you speak of?" he asked.
"From the moment I showed my powers, displayed my control of darkness, you shunned me, told me people would hate and fear me, you forced me to try and adopt fire as my new element...you made me feel ashamed of who I am...my true self." Audrik replied.
"Audrik, please, father has been gone for so long, he's changed." Zelda insisted.
"It's true, I grew up a spoiled Prince and matured into a cruel man, but my time with the Knights of Hytopia changed me, I'm sorry, I truly am. Please forgive me, I've been gone from your life for so long and I know I can't make up for that, but please, let me try." the King pleaded.
Audrik grit his teeth. "You abandoned me long ago." the Prince said as he turned and walked away.
"Father I'm sure he's just in a mood right now...I'm sure he'll come around." Zelda said as she chased after her brother.
"Can't help but notice you haven't spent much time with Zelda." Trystane said as he approached Link.
"Her father just returned from the dead, I thought I'd allow them time to catch up, this is honestly the first moment we've had in a while in which we're not fighting off a murderous Sorcerer." Link said.
"True enough." Trystane replied.
"Besides, after reuniting with Audrik, it would seem things have taken a turn for the worst." Link observed.
"Look at you, not just the Hero of Time but a man who can respect a family's private matters." Trystane remarked.
"Mhm." Link agreed.
"I came over because I noticed that something's on your mind...something aside from the obvious, that is." Trystane said.
"Speaking of returning from the dead...didn't you do the same, shouldn't you be catching up with Thrakon?" Link asked.
"Eh, he and Ginthorne developed quite the friendship in my absence...they're currently discussing strategies to take back Termina...now back to you, what's on your mind?" Trystane asked.
Link sent the Knight and unamused glance before turning towards him. "Fine, if you absolutely have to know, that woman there, who is she?" the Hero asked.
Trystane followed the Hero's gesture to find Marin, the woman speaking with Ralo and Vashara. "Well, she appears to be a Knight of Hytopia, but I am not yet acquainted with her, I only just joined the ranks myself."
"She seems familiar." Link said as he got up and walked off.
"Wait, where are you going?" Trystane asked.
"To get answers." Link replied.
"So, what are we up to now?" Traegen asked, looking off towards the sea.
"Don't know, Daltus is too caught up with his kids to give orders, suits me just fine, though, I've needed a break." Aquos responded.
Traegen made to respond, quickly raising a hand and pointing behind his Zora comrade instead.
Aquos rotated his head to find Link and Trystane standing behind him. "Ah, the Hero of Legend!" Aquos said excitedly. "I've been looking for an opportune moment to introduce myself...but I well-" Aquos started, jumping to the side as Traegen barreled passed him.
"Honor to meet ya, brother!" the massive Goron said, taking Link's hand.
"The honor's all mine." Link said through gritted teeth, checking to see if his hand was broken after Traegen released it.
"We've heard about all that you've done for our people, Zora and Goron alike in your past lives...needless to say, we are grateful." Aquos said.
"So what can we do for you and our new brother, here?" Traegen asked.
"That woman, who is she?" Link asked, gesturing towards Marin after making sure her back was turned.
"Oh, well that's Marin, she's been one of us for about ten years now." Aquos answered.
"Turns into a Seagull, it's pretty strange to watch, brother...strange...but interesting." Traegen explained.
Link tilted his head down, placing a hand over half of his face as he wracked his brain, the woman looked familiar and he couldn't figure out why and for some reason the Seagull remark only made the feeling stronger, as if it were a long lost memory or a mostly forgotten dream trying to break through.
"Everything alright?" Trystane asked.
"Yeah it's just...how did she become a member of your organization?" Link asked.
"Come to think of it, her recruitment was a bit different from everyone else's...kind of like Trystane." Aquos answered. "Ralo and myself are legacy members, our fathers were Knights of Hytopia and their fathers before them, but Traegen here-" Aquos began.
"Ah c'mon brother, do you have to tell that story?" Traegen complained.
"You know the story about the how the mountains in Hyrule came to be?" Aquos asked, Traegen groaning behind him.
"It's said the Great Fairies created a stone called the Mountain Seed, and once planted in the ground, grew the entire range." Link answered.
"Well, five years ago Traegen was a miner, he found the damn thing and ate it" Aquos said with a laugh.
"What? It looked tasty..." Traegen explained.
"It integrated itself into his body and gave him the ability to create and control rock." Aquos explained. "As for Vashara, she was one of the Gerudo Pirates here in the Great Bay, but she was exiled once her ability to see through walls manifested, when traveling through Clock Town, Ralo and I heard the stories about her, she'd been using her abilities as an act during the Carnival of Time, so we paid her a visit and she decided the use of her abilities for the greater good was a decent enough prospect. Marin on the other hand, was found when we were investigating a possible sighting of Ganondorf in Holodrum, we made it to the Capital City only to find nothing. On our way back through the gates she ran out of an alleyway and stole the Ralo's wallet, we pursued her to a dead end and as you can imagine it was quite the surprise when she turned into a Seagull to get away, Ralo was able to catch her after teleporting into the air right in front of her. From there we took her to Daltus, he offered her a better life than thieving on the streets and she accepted. Strangest thing about her is; she doesn't seem to age."
"Thanks, that's all I needed to know." Link replied, turning away.
"Any time." Aquos said before turning back to Traegen.
"I wasn't expecting you to ask them." Trystane said.
"What? You expected me to go directly to her?" Link asked.
"Well, you were headed off in that direction." the Knight replied.
"That's how you get stabbed, Trystane." Link responded.
"You've lead some interesting past lives." Trystane answered.
"This was just a few months ago." Link stated.
"Um...oh." the Knight said.
"Speaking of past lives..." Link began. "Aquos said she doesn't seem to age...if that's true I could have met her in any one of them...the question is why can't I remember it?"
oOo
Naora knelt next to her mother, placing a hand on her cheek. "Mother, it's me, I've come back."
Aveil turned her head slowly, squinting as her daughter looked down at her. "Naora...is that really you?" she asked weakly.
Naora tried to hold back tears, while she had been at Ganondorf's side, her mother's health had declined, the former Cheiftain lying on a mat with a blanket over her, barely able to move. "Yes mother, it is, it's me, Naora." she said, a tear running down her face.
Sandrine watched from the side, crossing her arms.
"I thought...I thought I'd lost you." Aveil said.
"I'm so sorry, I...I was young and foolish, I let my feelings cloud my judgement, but so is not the case anymore, I've abandoned Ganondorf, he was a terrible man and it was a terrible decision to follow him." Naora stammered.
Sandrine leapt from her place against the wall as Aveil raised her arm, placing her hand on her eldest daughter's shoulder.
"I haven't seen you since you were so young...you're so beautiful now...I've dreamt of you returning many times and I...I forgive you." Aveil said.
"Mother, please, you need to rest." Sandrine said, taking her mother's hand and helping her set it down slowly.
"I won't leave again, I promise! I'll stay right here by your side." Naora said.
"I must...I must let the tribe know...know that you've returned." Aveil said, closing her eyes, her head falling to the side.
"Mother...?" Naora asked.
"Don't worry, she's just asleep...she tends to get exhausted easily. You'd know that if you hadn't abandoned us." Sandrine hissed.
Naora chaffed at her sister's accusation, but couldn't argue with it. "You know I didn't leave Ganondorf by choice...why didn't you say anything?" Naora asked.
"Oh yes, I'm sure it would improve mother's health drastically if she were to learn her daughter only ran back to her because her evil overlord of a betrothed tried to murder her." Sandrine said dryly.
Naora sighed, looking away. "Are you ever going to let go of what I've done?" she asked.
"Why should I? Who knows what you've done in Ganondorf's service, leaving us was just your first thing you did wrong, and I doubt it was the last or the worst thing you have done."
"Fine, but you can at least try to keep it civil, the circumstances we're in are bad enough without us fighting constantly." Naora replied as the two emerged from Aveil's room onto a walkway overlooking the interior of the Gerudo Pirate's fortress, the Hyrulean Gerudo having set up their tents in the middle of it.
"Mother's losing touch with what's real." Sandrine said suddenly.
Naora turned to her sister, raising an eyebrow.
"I know it's kind of...out of no where...but I thought you deserved to know...when she said she was going to tell the rest of the Tribe you were back...it's because she's starting to forget things...and think the past is now...things like that." Sandrine said.
Naora took up a concerned expression before turning and walking away.
"Where are you going?" Sandrine called out.
"I'll be back soon." Naora replied.
oOo
Cia focused, Erris doing the same behind her. "Have you found it?" she asked.
"I've glimpsed it a couple times, but the warding enacted on it and Ganondorf's suppression spells are making this much harder than it has to be." Erris said through gritted teeth.
"I've got it." Cia said, the Temple of Souls coming into view through the Gate of Souls.
Erris ran over, extending his hands, a violet stream of energy shooting forth and stabilizing the Gate.
Cia couldn't but help feel a wave of anxiety wash over her as the Temple of Souls, her home, came into view through the portal, she had taken to living among in the cities of the outside world, attempting to escape her life as the 'Queen of the Dead' centuries ago, but now she had no choice but to go back.
oOo
"You think he'll come around?" Link asked.
"He always forgave Father and I in the past, why wouldn't he now?" Zelda asked, leaning her head on Link's shoulder.
"It's a weight he's been carrying for a long time." Link said as he looked off into the distance, Audrik sitting on a piece of driftwood with his head down, while Lemuria attempted to console him.
"I know...I for a moment thought we could just go back to being a family...it was foolish." Zelda admitted.
"Could be worse." Link responded, nodding his head to the side.
Zelda turned to see Ganondorf's parents. Orvik and Kali walking along the beach, both sharing a downtrodden expression.
"We should talk to them." Zelda suggested.
"Should we...really?" Link sighed.
"Link, they've been through much, 'twas not their fault Ganondorf and his sister have done what they have, but they want to do whatever they can to help, and that's what counts." Zelda replied.
Link closed his eyes and nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Well excuse me, Princess." he said.
Zelda gave Link a glare. "Please don't start with that again." she asked before walking away.
Link gave a small laugh before following, Zelda had always been his moral guide, so to speak.
"Hello there." Zelda said pleasantly as she greeted the older couple, Link behind her.
Orvik and Kahli looked up apprehensively, failing to make eye contact.
"Good evening, Princess." Orvik said with a bow, Kahli following suit.
"What can we do for you?" the Gerudo woman asked.
"We've come with an offer." Link responded.
"We want you to come to the Temple of Souls with us, Cia and Erris just opened the way there." Zelda explained.
"We couldn't...impose on you like that." Orvik said.
"Especially after...after..." Kahli said, trailing off.
"What's happened, it's not your fault." Zelda said.
"She seems to think so, and her opinion is the end all be all of opinions." Orvik said.
Link and Zelda turned, following the man's eyes to Din, the crimson-haired Goddess standing atop a building overlooking the shores of the Great Bay.
"She didn't mean what she said, she's just been under a lot of pressure." Zelda said.
"And that's an understatement." Link added.
"You really want us there?" Kahli asked.
"It would be safest." Zelda answered.
"You think our...son...will come after us?" Orvik asked.
"I've known Ganondorf for centuries, we've fought time and time again and one thing that has always stuck out to me is his pride." Link began. "He wants to appear as a godlike being who's responsible for his own creation and is so far beyond any mortal...aside from that, he may think you're telling us about his weak points and ways to get to him he's forgotten about...you truly don't want him to find you." Link said.
"But we need to find him...to get our daughter back." Kahli said.
"Do you really think that's possible?" Zelda asked.
"Shilara's always had a dark side, but once freed from her brother's grip she won't be as bad as she's been...we've heard the stories." Orvik stated.
"We promise that if you come with us, you'll get to see them both soon." Zelda said anxiously.
"For better or for worse." Link muttered.
Kahli and Orvik exchanged glances before turning back to the Hero and Princess.
"We'll come with you...but under one condition." Kahli said.
"And that would be?" Zelda asked.
"That we be the ones who put an end to our son." Kahli answered.
oOo
"So, how many do we have coming through?" Cia asked.
Saria looked back with a smile. "Well, there aren't too many of us Kokiri, we number around seventy-three." she said.
"And the Gorons?" Cia asked.
"Five hundred and thirty-six." Saria answered. "But they will not be coming."
"And why is that?" Cia asked.
"Chief Darbrakus wanted to stay here with the Gorons of Termina, so they could combine their forces just in case Ganondorf tries to force them to follow him too." Saria answered.
"Why do I feel like that's not all?" the Sorceress asked.
"They also await the arrival of Chief Elder Magnar and the rest of the Gorons from Holodrum...but they're..." Saria began.
"Gone." Cia said. "I felt it too, a loss of life that massive doesn't go unnoticed, especially to me."
"I just couldn't tell them." Saria answered. "They tried to fight when Ganondorf installed a new government, but they were vastly outnumbered." the Forest Sage explained.
"Ganondorf will be served vengeance for what he's done, you can be sure." Cia said, flexing her fingers, dark energy enveloping them.
"I'm glad you're on our side, I've seen what Erris can do, and I can sense you're more powerful than he is." Saria stated.
"I've seen what happens to me if I take up arms against Hyrule, it never ends well." Cia answered.
"What do you mean?" Saria asked.
"There are other timelines out there, much like ours to begin with, but twisted with one major difference. In most timelines in which I exist I wage war on Hyrule...but I was fortunate enough in this one to meet Lannis, he more or less salvaged my sanity after spending so many years in the Valley of Seers with only the dead."
"Do you think there are other timelines out there where everyone is at peace?" Saria asked.
"Undoubtedly." Cia said with a smile.
oOo
Link waved the remainder of the Kokiri through the portal, Zelda standing opposite him, Impa, Oren, Ginthorne, Ceryn and Thrakon standing further down whilst Cia and Erris stood off to the side, holding the doorway open.
"Alright, that's all of them." Link said.
"We suggest you all go next, we need to speed this up." Admiral Ginthorne called to a group of Gerudo.
Captain Shekilah stepped out of the group, eyeing him aggressively. "We're not going, well, not all of us." she said.
"What do you mean? Do you know what type of danger you're in?" Daltus asked.
"Yes...we do, and if Ganondorf comes here to menace our people once again, I'll be damned if I run from him."
"That's your decision, and we'll respect it." Vashara said.
"Ah, sister, you know, my predecessor was the one who exiled you...you're welcome to come back and put those talents of yours to good use." Shekilah answered.
"Thanks for the offer, but I'm putting my abilities to the best use possible." the blonde-Gerudo woman replied.
"Suit yourself, I'm just here to see some of my people off." the Captain said as she stepped to the side.
Naora, Sandrine and a small group of Gerudo warriors emerged from the crowd, carrying and older woman with them.
"It's good to see you again." Saria said with a grin.
"You haven't gone through yet?" Naora asked.
"Had to make sure my people made it before I did." the Forest Sage answered.
"You're going in with a smaller flock than you came here with." Ralo commented.
"We're staying behind in case of an attack, Ganondorf will know the fury of the Terminian and Hyrulean Gerudo." Sandrine answered.
"We?" Naora asked.
"I'm staying behind." Sandrine answered.
"No, out of the question, you have to come with." Naora said.
"You know one of us has to stay, and while it pains me to say it, as a Sage, your life is worth more than mine." the younger Gerudo woman said.
"This is what you really want?" Naora asked.
"It's not what I want, it's what I need and what our people need." Sandrine answered.
"You've grown up too much." Naora replied.
"Keep mother safe." Sandrine answered with a smile.
"I will, you keep yourself safe." Naora replied, embracing her younger sister."
"I will." Sandrine said as they parted.
"I say we get a move on before night falls." Captain Shekilah said. "Don't you all get yourselves killed." she called out as she turned and walked away, the Gerudo following her, Sandrine looking back and nodding at the group before joining the rest of her people.
"How's Kyra doing?" Naora asked as she and Saria started toward the Gate of Souls, the other Gerudo entering before them.
"She's on the other side waiting to see you." the Kokiri girl said as the two passed through.
Soon enough all had gone until only Erris, Cia, Link, Zelda, Ginthorne, Cerys, Thrakon and the Knights of Hytopia remained.
"See you on the other side." Trystane quipped as he went through.
Link smiled in return, the rest of the Knights following, the Hero watched as King Daltus passed through, a chill going up his spine as Marin went next, the woman's eyes darting to meet his for a moment before she went through also.
"Can't hold this open all day!" Erris called out.
"I agree, we need to speed this up." Cia said.
"Your turn?" Zelda offered.
"Actually, we were going to stay here, in Termina." Thrakon said.
"Wait...why?" Link asked.
"Those are our men out there holding off Ganon's invasion, you all are Heroes chosen by a higher power, but I'm an Admiral, my place is with the military." Ginthorne answered.
"Many of the warriors back in Clock Town are old Sellsword friends of mine I convinced to join our cause, I can't just leave them." Thrakon answered.
"I just feel as if I've been completely useless to you all these past couple of days, besides, I have a battalion I have to get back to." Ceryn chimed in.
Link approached Thrakon, reaching into his pack and withdrawing an object wrapped in cloth.
"Listen, whatever your going to offer me, it doesn't matter, my mind is made up, I am going back to Clock Town." Thrakon said.
"I know, if you want to go, that's your decision, but I want you to have this." Link answered.
"Link, is that the..." Zelda began as Thrakon unwrapped it.
"The Ocarina of Time." Link said.
"I...thank you...but...why would you give this to me?" Thrakon asked.
Link withdrew a piece of parchment from his belt, handing it to the man. "If you're in trouble, play this song, it's called the 'Oath to Order', it'll turn the tides, I guarantee it."
Thrakon grinned, throwing an arm around the Hero. "You all stay safe, you hear?" he said.
"You all better do the same. All of you." Link said.
"No promises." Admiral Ginthorne said with a grin.
"Best of luck." Zelda said with a smile.
Link looked back as he and Zelda entered the portal, Cia and Erris going in after, the gateway closing behind them.
oOo
Mayor Met cowered under his desk, the sounds of conflict outside had long been over but at any moment some manner of beast could come crashing through his door and do terrible things, he had the feeling that Ganondorf's representative Kanthos didn't care too much what became of him.
Suddenly his desk overturned, slamming into the wall next to it, a massive hand grabbing him by the throat and raising him into the air.
"Please, I did everything you asked!" Mayor Met called out before he was slammed into the wall nearest him.
"What do you mean, I didn't ask you for a damn thing." a gruff voice answered.
"Is that you Admiral?! Oh, thank the Gods you're here!" the Mayor said ecstatically as Ginthorne dropped him to the floor.
"What did you mean when you said you did everything 'you' asked?" Thrakon pressed.
"Oh you know, heat of the moment...didn't know it was you was all. thought you could be some manner of horrible beast that had come to harm me and I just said anything that came to mind." Mayor Met said with a nervous laugh.
"Really? Because we spoke to some of the men outside and they said they were given the order to stand down and let Clock Town be taken." Admiral Ginthorne said.
"Our friend Ceryn is out there spreading the news right now." Thrakon added.
"What news? What do you mean?" Mayor Met asked.
"That you're not in charge anymore." Ginthorne growled.
"Come on in." Thrakon called out.
A group of Clock Town guards entered, two grabbing the former Mayor by his arms and dragging them behind his back while the other shackled his wrists together.
"You have a dungeon around here?" Ginthorne asked.
"No, but we've got somewhere real nice for him to stay." a guard answered as they led the Mayor out.
"Traitors! You'll lose your jobs for this! I'll...I'll have your heads! Yes! YOUR HEADS!" Mayor Met could be heard screaming in the distance.
"Hm, didn't peg him as being this degree of dramatic." Thrakon remarked.
oOo
"What of the Mayor?" a Soldier asked.
"He's been dealt with." Ceryn answered as he walked along the top of Clock Town's southern wall. "Have the gates been closed and reinforced?" he asked.
"Yes Sir, we've fortified the City, we'll be ready this time." the Soldier answered.
"What's your name?" Ceryn asked.
"Amon, Sir." the man answered.
"You've done a damn good job, Amon, survive all of this and I might put a good word in for you to be Knighted." Ceryn said.
"Really Sir?" Amon asked excitedly.
"Of course, you're the only man out here I've gotten a decent answer from all day." Ceryn answered.
"Just trying to do my best Sir." Amon answered.
"Well, you've done a better job than..." Ceryn began.
Amon, as well as all of the men around him turned, a legion of beasts and dark grey armored men marching towards the city, a line of enormous Knights most in Black but one in Crimson Armor leading them.
"Are all the civilians evacuated?" Ceryn asked.
"Yes Sir, we've sent them to the mountains and the coast." Amon replied.
"You head towards the east, I'll take the west!" Ceryn called out, Amon nodding before heading off.
"Arm the catapults and the ballistas!" Ceryn shouted as he ran along the wall. "Archers! nock your arrows!"
"Ceryn, what's going on?" Admiral Ginthorne asked as he and Trystane joined him on the wall.
"Their second wave has come." Ceryn answered.
"I'm not staying up here." Thrakon said before leaping down to the field below.
"I need to be down there to lead the men, you have command of the wall." Admiral Ginthorne said as he followed Trystane.
"Remember, target the Knights specifically!" Ceryn called out. "Loose!"
All Catapults and Ballistas let loose, slinging their projectiles through the air as the archers let their arrows go, the sheer number blocking the sun.
The Black Knights raised their shields, enormous flaming rocks smashing through them while ballista bolts tore through the lines behind them like parchment, dozens of men and beasts falling as the arrows found their marks. A Crimson Knight stepped forward, leaping into the air and catching a ballista bolt, tossing it straight back at Clock Town's defenders.
"Get out of the way!" Ginthorne yelled as he dove to the side, the surviving Black Knights following suit and tossing the projectiles back at them.
"Reload!" Ceryn yelled.
Thrakon pulled a Ballista bolt from the ground and tossed it back, taking out another Black Knight.
"We can't just sit here!" Ginthorne yelled. "Charge!"
The Soldiers, Guards and Mercenaries drew their swords, charging towards the invaders. Both armies crashed into one another, the clangs of metal meeting metal filling the air.
Ginthorne brought his blade down on a Lizalfos, killing it with one strike while Thrakon kicked a Moblin into a group of Soldiers behind it and ran in to perform a spin attack, taking them all out at once.
Arrows and ballista bolts flew overhead, landing on the enemy lines further back.
Ginthorne caught a Moblin's club before delivering a punch to it's snout, knocking it to the ground where a Castle Town guard finished it with his spear.
Thrakon raised his shield and charged headlong into a group of human Soldiers, scattering them with ease.
"Get out of the way!" a group of Hylian Soldiers called, Thrakon moving to the right as they pooled their magical energy, launching a blast of energy into the enemy forces, the explosion blowing a sizable whole in the opposing ranks.
Ginthorne stabbed his sword through a Dinolfos before being jumped by another, the man grabbing it by the neck and tossing it into a group of Bulblins nearby.
"That'll show them." he said with a smirk before an armored hand gripped his shoulder, the Crimson Knight tossing him a short distance away.
Ginthorne got to his feet and charged the Knight, performing a downward slash, the Blade landing on the Knights helm with a clang, but to no effect. The Admiral roared, sending a series of stabs at the Knight, leaving nothing but a scratch here and there. "Damn." the Admiral breathed.
The Knight pulled back a fist slinging it into the man's stomach, Ginthorne falling to the ground.
"Son of a bitch." Ginthorne said as the Knight raised it's blade, readying to strike.
Thrakon crashed through a group of Lizalfos, grabbing the Crimson Knight by the wrist as it brought it's blade down.
"I don't think so." he growled. With one swift motion Thrakon tossed the Knight away. "Are you okay?" he asked as he helped Ginthorne to his feet.
"That thing took me out like I was nothing." the Admiral answered.
"I'll take it from here." Thrakon said as he dashed towards the Knight, ducking under it's blade and delivering a kick to it's knee, the Knight stumbling back before stabbing at him, the mercenary deflecting the strike with his shield before flipping his sword upside down in his hand and tossing it through the Knight's chest.
The Crimson Knight fell to one knee, pulling the blade from it's chest only for Thrakon to run in and deliver a knee to it's head, knocking it onto it's back.
"I know what you are, a form of pure darkness created through blood magic...just like my mother, blood magic has no effect on me!" Thrakon yelled as he dropped to one knee, his fist being enveloped by green energy as he drove it through the Knight's chest, it's body stiffening for a moment before it went motionless.
The mercenary picked his sword up from the ground, turning to the face an astounded Ginthorne.
"How did you...?" he asked.
"Seeing my mother again reminded me where my strength came from." Thrakon answered, looking around to find the enemy forces steering clear of him.
Ginthorne gave a hearty laugh before clapping Thrakon on the shoulder. "With you here we could win this thing." he said.
"Watch out!" a Soldier yelled, both forces fleeing as a massive blast of crimson lightning struck the ground, smoke rising from the area as cinders floated around it.
"What in the hell is this?" Ginthorne asked.
Thunder boomed overhead as the smoke cleared, Ganondorf stepping out.
oOo
As Marin stepped through the portal she found herself somewhere else other than the Temple of Souls, she whirled around only finding blackness on all sides.
"Don't worry, you're safe." Farore said as Marin turned to find her.
"Would you mind giving me some warning next time?" Marin growled.
"I'm sorry, even if I contacted you telepathically Din, Hylia and the Sorceress would have noticed.
"Fine then, can you at least tell me why you've brought me here and where here is?" Marin asked.
"This is my home, the Great Darkness, the only place my 'sisters' won't find me." Farore answered.
"Won't they notice we're missing?" Marin asked.
"Dear Marin, time doesn't work the same here. One hour here is one second there." Farore said with a smile. "So, having any second thoughts?"
"Are you?" Marin growled.
"I've come through on the first part of your payment, the Wind Fish is dead." Farore responded.
"Why can't you do this yourself?" Marin asked.
"I made the mistake of possessing Farore when Demise split the boundaries between worlds open, as long as he holds her part of the Triforce I can't harm him." Farore said, turning towards Marin.
The woman instantly shuddered as Farore's black eyes settled on her. "So you think the time is right?" Marin asked.
"It has to be now, so, I ask again, are you having second thoughts?" the possessed Farore asked.
"No, I will have my vengeance." Marin answered.
"Good, let's go back then, you'll know when it has to be done, the Hero must die." Farore said with a grin.
Marin suddenly found herself walking along with other Knights through a massive rose garden full of ornate statues, a domed structure that looked as if it were falling apart on one side lay ahead of them. She turned, seeing Link and Zelda off to the side. "Father, Koholint, you will live again."
oOo
Good day everyone! There's chapter 52! Ganondorf takes the fight to Termina!
Gerudospirit: I feel like if Link had been an adult, or had the option to put on the Goron mask, would have done that in the actual game, glad you liked it! And for me the Happy Mask Salesman being some sort of higher being guarding Majora's Mask makes sense due to his abilities to travel between worlds and teleport (as he did in the epilogue) and his extensive knowledge of magical masks and spirits. He was just a very mysterious character who needed to be explored more, but unfortunately I don't think that's something that will ever happen in-game. Audrik and Lemuria, I feel like I need to explore them more as a couple as the last time I really referenced it was when Link caught her leaving his room waaaay back. Also, this isn't the last you'll see of Doctor Garrickson! I haven't made this as clear as I've wanted to, mainly because most of Kanthos' appearances are him being smacked down by Link, but in his own country he was thought of much the same way that Hylians think of Ganondorf, just he was a constant threat with no one to match him until he came to Hyrule where a variety of more powerful beings exist. If Fi had granted Shilara full access to the Master Sword's power, she could have won, but in the end Fi couldn't bring herself to deem Shilara worthy after all she'd done...I hope that clears things up. As for Fi and Ghirahi interacting, it will happen soon, I have plans for it. Thank you for reviewing! You always leave great feedback!
A great thanks to all who checked off follow and favorite on my story and my profile! Thank you all for the support!
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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed the read!
-Prometheus17