"Are you absolutely insane? I must have given you too high a dose of the medication I had you on..." Doctor Garrickson spat.
"I have to go, with how long I was out I can't imagine what must have happened." Mikau replied.
"If you walk out that door you'll be spotted immediately! Someone reported that they saw a woman wearing armor that bore the Royal Family's crest escorting two Sheikah, a young blonde man and a rather royal looking woman into the village and now they have human guards patrolling the streets, Moblins on every corner, Lizalfos going from rooftop to rooftop...these creepy things called Miniblins sneaking around in tight spaces and a damned Argorok flying above us!" Doctor Garrickson said before falling into an armchair. "The only reason they haven't caught is because I've kept you hidden so well...if you go out there now, we'll both be executed."
"Why am I so important that everyone who works for Ganondorf seems to know my face?" Mikau asked.
"You were the Hero's Naval Commander from what I've gathered...Ganondorf's already crossed Admiral Ginthorne off his list...and if the rumors are true, Princess Zelda as well." the Doctor answered.
A shiver went down Mikau's spine as his mouth hung agape for a moment. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Goddesses you've been out for a good while, haven't you?" Garrickson began. "Ganondorf attempted to capture Termina by taking Clock Town...it didn't work, they fought back, Ginthorne lead the charge apparently and Ganondorf wasn't having it, leveled the entire place...and I've only heard rumors but it would seem the Princess has been captured...and then I stopped hearing anything about her."
"Then I truly have to go..." Mikau breathed.
"What would you even do? You're not even fully healed." the Doctor said, gesturing towards Mikau's stitched wound. "The weapon that did that was somehow capable of preventing red potions from healing you and it also dealt you a nasty infection, you're still no where near well enough to be fighting."
"I have to do something...is there anyway I could send a message of some sort?" the Zora man asked.
"If they see any type of bird leaving the Village with something tied to it's leg, they put an arrow in it. Hell, if they even see smoke coming out of your chimney in a strange pattern you can expect your door to be kicked down any minute." the Doctor answered.
Mikau made to answer when all of a sudden a commotion was heard, outside there was a loud crash followed by the shouting of men and roars of monsters along with clangs of metal, distant thuds and a few bombs going off.
"What in the Goddesses' names?" Doctor Garrickson said as he went over to a window and peered out after lifting a curtain, quickly falling back as an arrow embedded itself in the exterior of the house.
"What did you see?" Mikau asked.
"A lot of dust and an arrow flying at my house." The Doctor answered wryly.
oOo
Thrakon dodged a punch from a Moblin before kicking it's foot out from under it, the beast dropping to one knee before the Mercenary grabbed it's head and gave it a violent twist. Around him Lord Halland's men and the former prisoners cleared out the rest of the street, the small crew that guarded the Village being no match for them.
"That was quite impressive." Lord Halland said as he strode in behind the Mercenary.
"You give me too much credit, look at you, in your sixties and still putting down men half your age." Thrakon responded.
"I killed two men, you singlehandedly killed most of the beasts in this Village." Lord Halland replied.
"That reminds me." Trystane said, turning his attention to the fallen Argorok. "Tore it's wings off and broke it's spine but it's not dead yet." he said before picking up the dead Moblin's spear and hurling it threw the creature's head, it's motion stopping completely.
"Are you sure you're just a man?" Lord Halland asked.
"Well...I'm not. I'm half fairy." Thrakon said before gritting his teeth. "I've realized that doesn't sound too threatening after hearing it out loud."
"I've seen what you can do, so I won't question you." Lord Halland asked. "Half-Fairy you say?"
"My father helped one of Termina's Great Fairies and she was grateful." Thrakon answered. "Grateful enough to actually stick around and be a mother to me for a few years...came back recently though, saved me from certain death."
Lord Halland looked confused for a moment before nodding. "I won't push the subject any further, for now we have a job to do."
"Right." Thrakon answered as they walked down the street, their small army fanning out around them. "We're looking for able-bodied men and women to join our cause!" Thrakon shouted. "Ganondorf has destroyed the Capital of Termina and Hyrule is next if we don't stop them!" he called out. The Village remained mostly silent, some citizens coming out of their homes to talk to the Soldiers, thanking them for liberating their home, but volunteers were scarce as of yet.
"Did you...did you kill all of them?" a voice asked.
Thrakon and Lord Halland turned to find a middle-aged man standing behind them, looking around cautiously. "All of Ganondorf's minions, yes." Lord Halland replied.
"The Argorok?" the man asked.
"Yes, speared it myself." Thrakon answered.
"And the Miniblins too?" the man inquired.
"The what?" Lord Halland responded.
"The tall Weasel-looking things that carry pitchforks." the man replied.
"Yeah, stomped quite a few of them." Thrakon answered.
"Ah, fantastic. My name is Jonathan Garrickson...I'm the Village physician." the Doctor replied.
"That's great, we're in need of a Doctor." Lord Halland said.
"Before we get carried away, I have a friend who'd like to see you, just had to make sure everything was safe before he came out." Garrickson answered.
"Looks like someone's finally interested." Thrakon said as they Doctor gestured around a corner, waving someone over.
Thrakon looked on in amazement as the Terminian Zora General Mikau strode out from behind a building. "Mikau! Goddesses, I thought you were dead!"
"Seems everyone thinks I'm dead these days." Mikau said with a slight grin.
"It's good to have you back, my friend." Thrakon said, placing a hand on Mikau's shoulder. "Next stop, Zora's Domain."
oOo
Many Centuries Ago
"It was going to be one of us...I'm glad it's you." Lana said with a sincere grin.
Cia bowed her head, she could always see through her twin Sister's bright smile, Lana's feelings were never a mystery to her, even if she could fool everyone else. "You're glad I get to be sent off to the Valley of Seer's? Sure I get my very own Temple, but the Altar in the Valley isn't much to look at." she said with a quiet laugh.
"Cia, don't say that, this is a great honor we worked hard for." Lana said, dropping her smile. "You know...I envy you."
The Sorceress acknowledged this, she and her Sister, along with a handful of others were chosen as children after their exceptional aptitude for magic was revealed, for years they trained and honed their skills to become the next keeper of the Valley of Seers, Temple of Souls and the High Priest or Priestess of Ikana, with Cia eventually being chosen. "I know, I should be more grateful...but I'm not."
"Why? I would be overjoyed." Lana said, a dejected look crossing her features.
Her Sister's expression cut her deeply, Cia's eyes falling away from Lana's. "Being all alone in the Valley of Seers looking throughout time to offer prophecies and help the Spirits of the dead move on...it doesn't look like it leaves a lot of time to be around our people." Cia said, glancing around the bustling community, Ikana Castle in the distance.
"He asked something of you, didn't he?" Lana asked.
Cia raised her eyes to meet her Sister's, Lana was just as good at seeing through her as she was when it came to reading Lana's own feelings. "The King asked me to use my powers to end the war with the Garo." Cia answered apprehensively.
"You don't have that kind of power, I don't thing any of us would, even together." Lana answered.
"You were there, Lana...you were there when we first stood upon the altar in the Valley of Seers, that power we felt, the power it gave us...I could end the Garo with that."
"You're not thinking of using the Gate of Souls, are you?" Lana inquired worriedly.
"If our King asks it of me, it must be done." Cia said.
"You don't have to." Lana replied.
"Lana...it's time I go...I hope you can understand one day." Cia said as she walked away slowly, bowing her head as she could feel Lana's desire to call out and stop her, but she did what she had to, following the Guards to the The Valley of Seers.
One year later
Lana cracked open her spell book, flicking her fingers through the pages before sending a burst of electricity out in all directions, scattering the Garo warriors. She frantically looked over to her left as a dozen more circles of flame popped up, cutting off more Ikanian Soldiers. She dashed over to the nearest circle, tossing her spell book into the middle, a shield appearing between the Soldier and the Garo, the ninja's blades bouncing off of it before he turned, his glowing green eyes settling on Lana. The Soldier in the circle took this opportunity to dash around her shield and stab the Garo warrior through his eye, the ninja vanishing in a green burst of flame as usual.
"Thanks for that." the Soldier said between breaths.
Lana could tell he was of a higher rank than the others due to the colors of his armor, he might be able to answer her questions. "Why am I the only Sorcerer out here, where's everyone else?" Lana asked frantically.
"In the Castle...I thought you'd be there too." the Soldier answered.
Lana looked around, it made no sense as to why she'd be the only Sorcerer on the field seeing as the Garo themselves were well-versed in magic. "Do you know what they're doing?"
"Summoning something, said it would help us win." the Soldier replied. "Why do you need to know all of this anyway?"
Without replying Lana teleported away, appearing in the Castle's main hall, the four guards present leveling their spears at her.
"Is this how you treat me? One of your most powerful Sorcerers? I was out there fighting while the rest of you hid!" she shouted, the Guards glancing at the hallway behind them. "I demand an audience with-" she began, a loud voice cutting her off.
A man of enormous stature strode from the hall, his upper body was bare while from the waist down he was clad in red, green and gold robes, a gold helmet resembling a ribcage with two arms sticking out on top of his head. "If you were smart you'd get back out there and help my men fight like you're supposed to." Captain Keeta growled.
"King Ikana is going to make a huge mistake, summoning entities never ends well!" Lana replied.
"He knew you would act like this, that's why you're not with him." Keeta said. "I shouldn't have expected any more from the Sister of a traitor."
"A traitor? What do you mean?" Lana asked, feeling a rage building inside her.
"We called upon Cia to do the job she was given, use her power to destroy the Garo, but the entire Valley of Seers, the Temple of Souls included was blocked off, she wouldn't even speak with us." Captain Keeta snapped.
Lana turned and began walking away, balling her fist as she clamped her spell book with the other.
"You have a duty to King Igos Du Ikana and his Kingdom, so get out there and fight with everyone else!" Captain Keeta shouted.
"I have a duty to the people of Ikana, if I do not fulfill it this Kingdom will fall to ruin. I must prevent that even if it means defying the King." Lana said before teleporting away.
The Sorceress reappeared in front of the Temple of Souls, reaching out and tapping her fingers against the forcefield that separated it from the rest of Ikana. Lana took a step back as a small gap opened in front of her, closing as soon as she went through. "Sister, where are you?" Lana asked as she closed her eyes. She could easily sense Cia was nearby, but there was a large amount of interference...different times and places she realized, the Gate of Souls was open.
Lana readied herself to teleport when a portal opened underneath her, the Sorceress letting herself fall into it. She managed to land on her feet as she was deposited at the Altar in the Valley of Seers, her eyes going wide as she saw her sister, an aura of dark energy flowing over her as multiple scenes across history unfolded on the other side of the multiple Gate of Souls openings in front of her.
"Sister, you've finally come to visit me." Cia remarked.
"Cia, you have to help me, the Garo are attacking and..." Lana began, trailing off as Cia tapped her staff against the ground.
"First you didn't want me to use my powers to rid ourselves of them and now you're asking for my help?" Cia replied.
"No, it's how the King is planning on winning, he wants to summon an Entity and use it against them." Lana answered. "We have to stop him."
"Maybe if he summons whatever it is he's trying to...he will finally appear." Cia said.
"He? Who is he?" Lana asked.
Cia, still with her back to her sister, gestured at the largest portal in front of her, a blonde, light skinned young man with pointed ears being on the other side. Lana cast her eyes over the rest of the Gate of Souls openings, finding each one led to this man, images of him simply going about his life to those of him partaking in battle being visible through each and every one. "The Hero, the Goddesses' Champion."
"Cia, what you're viewing is history, who knows how long ago he lived and where he lived...you need to focus on now." Lana urged her sister. "You shouldn't even have the Gate of Souls open like this!"
"It's not history, it's the future." Cia said. "He doesn't exist yet, but he will someday and he will be mine." she continued as she turned to face her Sister
The girl gasped, taking a few cautious steps back, dark energy flowed through her sister's eyes, overtaking her once kind and gentle appearance. "The Cia I know, my sister...she would never act like this, especially for some man." Lana retorted.
"He's no man, he's an emissary of the Goddesses, reborn throughout the ages to use his might to defeat the greatest of evils." Cia responded.
"What if he does come? Who's to say he would stay with you?" Lana asked, her anger building.
"He'd have no choice...I'll take possession of his soul and he'll be mine forever." Cia said with a slight grin.
"What about your people, your home? Help me save Ikana...please." Lana implored.
"I care not for Ikana, come of it what may!" Cia called, turning to face her Sister. "I will have the Goddesses Champion and nothing else will matter." Cia said.
"All this talk of a Hero you desire and the Goddesses our people stopped worshipping over a thousand years ago has proven one thing to me...you are not my Sister...Cia is gone." Lana said.
"Fine then, leave me be now." Cia responded.
"I'll stop the King and save Ikana myself then and I will mourn for you after." Lana said before teleporting away.
Ikana Castle-The Throne Room
Gomess stood among the the other Sorcerers, each and every one at one point having been candidates to be the High Priest of Ikana and protector of the Gate of Souls, until Cia was chosen.
"How much longer will this take?" King Igos Du Ikana asked, his two body guards at his side.
"We have all the sigils ready, all we need is the sacrifices to open the door." Gomess said as he examined the summoning circle.
"Very well, then." The King said as he gestured to his guards.
The doors to the chamber were opened, six prisoners being lead in, each one with their hands bound behind them, cloth tied over their mouths.
"You are here to serve a greater purpose, take pride in the fact your sacrifice will bring an end to the Garo once and for all." Gomess said, smirking as the men began fighting back against the Guards.
"Shall we?" one of the King's Bodyguards asked.
"Go ahead." King Ikana said.
"Good, I was starting to get bored." the other Bodyguard said as he and his partner moved in, aiding the Guards in forcing the men into the circle.
"Now! Let their blood open the door to the Dark World!" Gomess announced as the men cried out through their gags as the Guards cut their throats.
A sudden flash of light filled the room as Lana teleported in, releasing a blast of energy at Gomess.
The Sorcerer summoned a barrier of shadow, blocking the attack before turning the shield into a flock of bats with a wave his hand, sending them at Lana.
The Sorceress cast a dome of energy around herself, the bats smashing into it trying to get to her. Lana placed her hand on the other side of the shield, sending a powerful shock through it, the bats falling to the ground and dissolving into shadow.
"What is this?!" King Igos Du Ikana roared as he stood up.
"Whatever it is you are summoning...it's a mistake, a mistake I won't allow you to make!" Lana said as she lowered her energy shield and strode into the chamber.
"You dare speak to the King this way?!" one of Igos' Bodyguards shouted.
"She knows no respect and cares not for her Kingdom, just like her Sister." Gomess said as he levitated down from his place atop the stairs.
"My Sister was a far greater Sorcerer than you ever were, you're just angry because she was chosen over you." Lana replied
"Chosen mistakenly." King Ikana said. "If I knew she'd refuse to aid us in our battle against the Garo, I'd have executed her on the spot."
Lana grit her teeth, looking around the room cautiously. "She refused to aid you rightfully, you wanted not just to win the war, but to destroy an entire race." Lana said, omitting the truth. "And now you're making a mistake that will doom us all."
"I'll stop her, get on with the spell!" Gomess called out.
Lana brought both of her hands together, shooting a bolt of electricity at Gomess, the Sorcerer summoning a Scythe and blocking the attack while the King and his Guards retreated and watched from the other side of the chamber.
Gomess charged at Lana, bringing his Scythe down on her, the Sorceress blocking his attack with an energy shield before breaking away and sending another blast of electricity at him, the Sorcerer redirecting it at her, Lana crossing her arms and absorbing the blast right as Gomess began slashing his Scythe in her direction, blades of darkness flying towards the Sorcererss, Lana barely dodging each one before trying to leap above the last, the blade inflicting a cut to her leg.
Lana flinched and teleported above Gomess, coming down behind him and unleashing a shockwave that knocked him off of his feet. The Sorcerer fell to one knee and sent a blast of shadow at Lana, the Sorceress holding it back with a shield, Gomess snapping his fingers and turning the blast into a pack of Bats, the creatures flying around Lana's shield, the Sorceress raising her hands to blast them. Lana released a telekinetic shockwave, blowing all the bats away with ease, when suddenly Gomess was upon her, she faded to the side, the other Sorcerer's scythe slashing the side of her neck, the Sorceress collapsing to one knee as Gomess made his way over to her.
"I've always loved Bats, so unflinching in their pursuit of prey, not averse in the least to killing, that's how one has to be in this world, it's a lesson you and your Sister could've done well to learn, but it's too late for that now!" Gomess said as he held his Scythe to Lana's neck. "Now watch as our victory unfolds."
Lana met his gaze while holding a hand over her wound, horror overcoming her as the summoning circle activated, casting a red glow over the room.
"It's coming!" King Ikana said.
Gomess watched with a grin as the glow intensified until it was almost blinding when suddenly the room started shaking, a dark red smoke emanating from the circle,
"Gomess, what is this?" the King called.
"It's fine, it's just part of the summoning." the Sorcerer said, a hint of worry in his voice.
Suddenly the other Sorcerers began screaming as they were pulled into the circle and under the smoke, the sacrificed Prisoners rising as Redeads while the same became of the Sorcerers that were pulled in.
"I told you it would end like this." Lana said.
"Shut up!" Gomess said as she raised his Scythe to strike her down when suddenly an ear splitting scream echoed through the room, a massive crimson jet of flame shot from inside the circle, two bright yellow eyes appearing in it.
"I thank you for summoning me into this world once more, I tired of my prison." a voice echoed through the room. "But more sacrifices have to be made...my hunger has not been sated in very long." Majora hissed.
Lana sent a blast of energy into Gomess' stomach as he was distracted, knocking him off his feet. She stood up and formed a shield around herself as she heard the screaming, watching as King Igos Du Ikana and his two Bodyguards were consumed by the smoke, their bodies turning to dust. Lana teleported out just as Captain Keeta ran into the room, the same fate befalling him and his Soldiers.
As soon as she made it outside, Lana collapsed to the ground, losing blood quickly from the wound in her neck.
"You did this...you or your sister!" Gomess shouted as he materialized behind her.
"No, you did this! Just you!" Lana replied.
"I'm almost tempted to let that wound end you...but this will be more satisfying!" Gomess yelled as he lifted his Scythe above his head.
Lana erected another shield to protect herself, Gomess battering it with his weapon before spinning around, Lana hearing his horrified scream through the shield as Majora's smoke spread from the Castle, his crimson mist spreading throughout the entirety of Ikana, it's mummified dead rising from the ground, the dead that lay in the open turning to Redeads as the Garo killed themselves to avoid being turned into such things. The Sorceress put all she had into maintaining the shield as the red smoke overtook her, she watched as Gomess tried to erect a forcefield of shadow energy around himself, the red smoke merging it with him, the Sorcerer turning into a Poe-like being composed of pure darkness, bats tearing their way out of him as the remnants of his soul glowed within his midsection. He looked down at her in his new ghastly form, stabbing his scythe through her shield as he growled.
Suddenly a shockwave ripped through the field, Gomess being blown away, the red smoke clearing to reveal dozens of Redeads, Gibdos, Stalfos and Poes stalking the now ruined Ikana, where there was once life and greenery now there was only sand, dust and crumbling structures. Tears began to cascade down Lana's face as she fell to the ground, her shield falling as her magic reserves were drained.
"Lana! Lana!" Cia called as she telekinetically pushed all of the undead away from her.
"Cia?" Lana asked weakly.
"Lana!" Cia said as she ran to her Sister, collapsing onto her knees and holding her up.
"You're here." Lana said.
"I...I realized you were right...I came to help but I...I was too late." Cia said as her voice shook.
"Ikana...our home...it's gone." Lana said.
Cia eyed the wound on Lana's neck, placing a hand over it. "I can heal you, you and I, we can start over somewhere else." she said, holding back tears.
"No, Ikana was my home, all of that is gone now...and I must go with it." Lana said as she closed her eyes.
Cia finally let her tears fall as she felt her Sister fade way, all the energy and life she had vanishing from her. "You always were my better half." Cia said, looking up to to find Majora pulling Gomess and a large number of the undead into Stone Tower.
Cia stood up, cradling Lana's body as she teleported them back to the Valley of Seers.
oOo
Cia blinked tears away as she looked towards the top of the Canyon while everyone's eyes remained on her. Traveling through Ikana Canyon was one thing, but actually going to confront King Ikana was something she thought she'd never had to do, something that brought all the memories of that day back.
"You're much older than you said you were if you can remember that." The Salesman said.
"I remember that." Elgon began. "That was before even I was the Hero."
"I didn't relate this story to all of you just so you'd know about it, I told you because once I meet with the King, he may not agree to help us...and that's why." Cia admitted.
"When you say 'meet the King', we're not talking about King Daltus, are we?" Naora asked.
"I'm going to go speak to King Igos Du Ikana, the rest of you can wait here for me." Cia said.
"Forgive me for asking, but isn't everything in Ikana...dead, meaning they can't help us?" Impa asked.
"Yes, but their Spirits remain." Cia answered.
"What does speaking to a Ghost have anything to do with this? We have to keep moving." Vashara said.
"We're going to offer the King and his people salvation from their undead states. If they agree to aid us, I'll resurrect them all and then we'll have an army of our own." Din answered.
"This sounds absolutely insane." Oren stated.
"It is, but it's no less crazy than walking up to the Castle and taking on Semira, Ganondorf and his armies alone." Cia replied.
"Do you even have enough strength for something of that magnitude?" Saria asked.
"It will take almost everything out of me, but I can do it." Din answered.
"So we're trading a Goddess for an army?" Elgon asked.
"I'll recover in time." Din said. "There's a Fairy Fountain in Ikana, I can use that to restore my power." the Goddess answered.
"So this plan rests entirely on the word of a King who's been dead for thousands of years?" Edward asked.
"There are a few too many 'Ifs' involved." Volga added.
"The way I see it, it's the only option I have." Cia replied.
"There are sure to be remnants of our armies somewhere, we can find them instead." Trystane urged.
"We're siding with Cia on this." Aren said as he stepped forward, indicating Trokon and Ara behind him. "We've lost too much to keep on hoping everything will turn out alright in the end, my brother didn't die just for us to walk straight into Ganondorf's hands. We have an army just over that ridge and if there's even the slightest chance that Din and Cia's plan could work...I say we try it."
"You don't speak for all of us, we have a dozen Gerudo and over twenty Kokiri to protect, we can't have the two most powerful of our number leave us down here." Naora argued.
"Well then, it's a good thing I'll be staying here." Din answered.
"I thought the whole point of the plan was for the two of you to go together." Orvik said, his wife nodding in agreement.
"I'm not allowed inside the Castle, they established some powerful warding to accomplish that back in ancient times." Din answered.
"The People of Termina turned their backs on the Goddesses after they took the Triforce from them." Cia explained.
"They were constantly warring and squabbling over it, it was for their own benefit." Din replied.
"My people accepted the Four Giants as our Gods in their stead, they constructed the Stone Tower as an enormous power battery to supply energy for the warding to make sure they could keep the Goddesses away." Cia said, glancing at Din carefully.
"You left out the part in which they also built it to try and reach us in the heavens, all they managed to find was another world we had briefly occupied before turning into Twinmold's prison...I hear that didn't go so well for them." Din said pointedly.
Cia sighed before sweeping her eyes over the group. "The point is, I have to go alone, and if I don't come back, you know why." the Sorceress stated.
"I'm not having that! I'm coming with you." Trystane argued.
"No, I can't have anyone else die for my mistakes." Cia argued.
"Ever since our fight against Ganondorf's Phantom I swore I'd never leave your side again, only death prevented me from staying with you...and I even came back from that." Trystane said, looking at Cia confusedly as she lowered her head and placed it in one hand, the Knight turning to find the rest of the group staring at them.
"What's going on between you two?" Lemuria asked.
"Uh...funny story about that..." Trystane said with a laugh.
"We've been in a relationship for a couple months now." Cia cut in.
"Well...that would explain why you to happened to be together when Ganondorf activated the Goht Mask." Naora said.
"Hate to interrupt this...shocking reveal." Elgon began. "But we're wasting time here, if you truly believe this to be our best bet, we better get going."
"He has a point, Semira has now doubt united with Ganondorf and with all three pieces of the Triforce and the Anteforce in their possession, time is running out." Din said.
Cia looked around before setting her eyes on Trystane. "Fine, you can come with, but don't blame me if you're not ready for what you see."
"We're coming too." Impa said, Volga, Vashara, Marin and Elgon following close behind her.
"All of you want to come?" Cia asked.
"As far as we see it, we have to, from the sound of it, this may just not get done if it's only the two of you." Elgon answered.
"I want to make up for what I've done, and if this is what helps you stop Semira, I'm with you." Marin chimed in.
"And my job was to protect the Royal Family of Labrynna, you are still the Queen to me." Volga said.
"Alright, let's get going then." Cia said as she opened the Gate of Souls and strode through, the rest watching.
Naora turned away and headed back towards where the Gerudo and Kokiri had set up camp.
"Naora!" a familiar voice called.
"Kyra, I've been wondering what you've been up to." the Gerudo woman said with a smile.
"Are we going back to Hyrule?" the young Zora asked.
"That's the plan, we just have to stop here first." Naora answered.
"When we get back, do you think I'll be able to see my mother?" Kyra said.
Naora lowered her head slightly, she and the Zora Princess had been through much together on this journey and it would be a lie if she said she hadn't begun to think of Kyra as her own daughter of sorts. "You know what's happened to Zora's Domain since you've been gone, right?"
"The Zola control it now...but I'm the Water Sage, I can get rid of them." Kyra replied.
"Well, if that's what you've set your mind on, then I guess I might as well help you out." she said, putting a hand on the girl's shoulder.
"You mean that?" Kyra asked with a smile.
"Yeah, it will be just like that time we fought off those witches together." Naora said.
"Or the Octorok." Kyra added.
"I was trying to forget about that." Naora said with a laugh.
oOo
A short distance away
"She doesn't deserve to be so happy." Kali hissed.
"You act like it was she who turned our son into what he is." Orvik responded.
"No, but she went with him, went along with what he was doing." Kali replied.
"Her role in this is of no importance now...we just have to use this group to get us back to Hyrule and close to Ganondorf...so we can use this." Orvik said, pulling a diamond-shaped object from his pack, an orange glow beneath it's transparent surface.
"I was worried the Goddess would sense it, seeing as it's her's." Kali answered.
Orvik checked his surroundings before sweeping a hand over the object's surface, a soft glow emanating from his palm. "Din's Fire is almost charged to where it needs to be."
"It will take out most of Hyrule when we set it off." Kali remarked.
"Yes, but if Koume and Kotake were right about this, it will be strong enough to kill Ganondorf too." Orvik answered.
"Good thing he rebuffed them when they tried to go back to them, or else we'd never have found out about this." Kali said as she eyed the artifact.
"So you're sure you want to do this?" Orvik asked.
"We have to make up for bringing him into this world by taking him out of it, no matter the cost." the Gerudo woman said.
"And if we told them, they'd never accept it." Orvik stated, watching the group stare up at the the ruins of Ikana.
oOo
Audrik ran over to his father, helping him up off the ground, stopping for a moment after he realized they were high up on a turret, a city that had long since been reclaimed by nature sprawling around them.
"That damned Rickard Gavan...I don't know if I'll be able to recover from this." Daltus said as he eyed the deep laceration the man had inflicted to the back of his knee, severing the tendons.
"I'm afraid I have no red potion or anything of the sort." Audrik said.
"Just set me down here." Daltus said as Audrik helped his father to the ground, his back against the turret's wall.
Audrik looked over the edge as his father tore off a piece of the cloth shirt he wore under his armor and wrapped it around his wound. "Where are we?" he asked.
"The old Hyrule Castle." a weak voice said.
Audrik whirled around, shadow energy generating in his palms as tendrils of shadow rose behind him.
Minister Hawkwood slowly walked out of the shadows, his frail and gaunt appearance not looking too much unlike a ReDead at this point.
"Good Goddesses! Hawkwood!" Daltus called out as Audrik ran forward and caught the Minister as he fell.
"Zelda helped you escape, too?" Audrik asked.
"The Princess, is she here?" Hawkwood asked.
"No...she stayed behind to make sure we got away...it should've been me." Daltus said.
"Neither of us were powerful enough to fend off all of them...I couldn't even fight evenly with that damned Sorcerer." Audrik said.
"It's all over now." the Minister said as he stared up at the sky.
"What do you mean?" Daltus asked.
"Ganondorf has everything he needs...he's going to destroy not just our lands or this world...he's going to wipe out the universe and rebuild it as he sees fit." Hawkwood answered.
"He has the Triforce and the Anteforce now...so why are we still alive...why is everything still...existing?" Audrik asked.
Suddenly lightning cracked overhead, a white flash lighting everything around them.
"He's found us." Hawkood said grimly.
"No, this isn't Ganondorf...I'd sense his energy if it were." Daltus said.
Suddenly a bolt of white lightning struck the ground in front of him, Audrik calling on his powers as the shape of a man became visible as the smoke cleared.
"Who are you?" the Prince called out.
"An old friend." Link said as he exited the smoke.
Audrik took a step back, the tall, armored and white haired being that stood before them looked down at him with a small smile. "Goddesses...Link is that you?"
Daltus eyed Link in disbelief. "Could it be?" he said quietly.
"What happened to you?" Audrik asked.
"I reclaimed the part of me that was lost, I wasn't powerful enough to end this as Link, I needed to be the Fierce Deity again." Link answered.
"Did you know about this?" Audrik asked as he turned to his father.
"The Knights of Hytopia possess a wealth of information, the Fierce Deity's fate was one of the secrets we kept." King Daltus said.
"You're hurt." Link said as he strode over to the King.
"Rickard Gavan struck me with that blade of his...prevents injuries from being healed through magic...I appreciate the gesture, though." the King answered.
Without a word, Link knelt down and placed a hand on the King's knee before removing the bandage to reveal the wound had healed completely. "The enchantment on that sword was strong, but it's nothing compared to me." Link said.
"Is no one going to talk about this...you're a damn God now!" Audrik called out.
"I already knew this was going to happen eventually." Daltus said as he stood up, bending his newly healed knee back and forth. "As for Hawkwood, I think he's unconscious."
The three looked over to the Minister of Royal affairs, the man lying on the ground and taking shallow breaths.
Link walked over to the man and kneeled down beside him, placing a hand on his chest.
Daltus and Audrik watched in amazement as Hawkwood's body filled out again, looking healthy for the first time in months. Link removed his hand as the Minister inhaled sharply before turning to face the Hero.
"Goddesses...I know you! I've...I've seen you in artwork...you're the Fierce Deity!" he called out.
Audrik and Daltus looked on, both beginning to smile when suddenly Hawkwood gripped Link by his shoulder.
"About damn time you showed up! We're being slaughtered out here and at least one Goddess is dead and now you're here!" he shouted.
"I apologize, I only recently got my power back...I wasn't strong enough in my mortal form." Link said.
Hawkwood looked on in confusion as his hand dropped away from the Deity.
"Minister, that's Link you're looking at...he's become the Fierce Deity." Audrik said.
"Goddesses...I see it now...how...how are you the Fierce Deity?" Hawkwood asked.
"I always have been, I split myself in half for a while...but decided it was time to become one again." Link answered.
"Well I'd say so...Ganondorf is in the last phase of his plan...all of existence could be destroyed any second now." Hawkood replied.
"No." Link replied.
"No? What do you mean 'No'?" Daltus asked.
"Once he lets go of the Triforce...which is something he'd have to do for this plan to work, the Triforce of Courage would attempt to return to me...I have to be dead for his plan to come to fruition...a feat that is now vastly more difficult to accomplish." Link replied.
"You can beat him now...right?" Audrik asked.
"Yes, but with Semira at his side I'm not so sure." Link replied.
"We have to go back now, Zelda's in danger, we can't waste a second." Daltus said.
"Zelda isn't in danger...at least not in that way." Link said.
"That doesn't sound good." Audrik replied.
"It isn't...Semira abandoned Farore's body in favor of Zelda's." he said.
"You're not serious." Daltus said in a grave tone.
"If...if that's true, what are you doing here?!" Audrik exclaimed.
"Reclaiming something I need to save her." Link replied, his glowing white eyes settling on the Prince.
"Whatever it is, I suggest we retrieve it with haste...thew thought of that monster inhabiting Zelda's body...I just can't bare it." Daltus responded.
"Then come with me." Link said, beckoning the three men closer to him.
Before Daltus, Audrik and Hawkwood could process what had happened they found themselves standing in the ruins of the Temple of Time, it's walls having collapsed long ago whilst nature reclaimed the remains.
"I'd only read about this place up until now...it doesn't quite meet expectations." Hawkood remarked.
"What's here that could help you?" Audrik asked.
"It's what was here." Link said.
"The Master Sword?" Daltus asked.
"No, the Three Spiritual Stones." Link replied. "The Kokiri's Emerald, the Goron's Ruby and the Zora's Sapphire, each one contains a portion of each of the Goddesses' power."
"Where are they, maybe we can help you find them." Audrik suggested.
"They 're not nhere now unfortunately, they were destroyed long ago, their power faded and they crumbled away, but we can get them back." Link said. "And I'll need your help."
"Just tell us what to do and it will be done." Daltus replied.
"We'll need to go back to a time in which the Spiritual Stones still existed, to do so I would need to place the Master Sword in the pedestal just beyond that door...but I do not have the Master Sword...so I need you to help me replicate it's energy." Link answered.
"How can we help you with that?" Audrik asked.
"The Master Sword contains the energy the Goddesses are composed of as well as my own, you two may not be Gods but you are descended from Hylia's first incarnation, you share her blood and with it a small portion of her power. I can help you bring it out but the rest is on you." Link said.
"Ah...and what of me?" Minister Hawkwood asked.
The three turned towards the older man, Link briefly scratching the back of his head before gesturing towards the entrance. "Do you see what remains of the entryway?"
"Yes." the Minister replied.
"Just watch it and call for us if anyone comes through it." Link replied.
"Nothing more than that?" Hawkwood continued.
"Well, you could travel back in time one-thousand years to another era with us if you so desire." Link answered.
"I'll watch the door, thank you." Hawkwood said before starting towards it.
"Well...how are we going to do this?" Daltus asked.
Link outstretched his arms, the sun and moon glyphs on his chest glowing brightly as tendrils of white energy stretched down his arms and into his palms. "Ready yourselves."
"For what?" Audrik asked.
"This." Link replied, twin streams of white energy shooting from his hands and into the chests of Audrik and Daltus, both men crying out and tensing as it coursed through them, the energy illuminating their veins and channeling itself directly into their souls. "Prepare yourselves, we won't have much time!" Link called out as he cut off both streams of energy, bringing his hands together as electricity arced over them.
Daltus and Audrik collapsed to their knees, gripping tightly at their chests as a golden aura flared up around both of them.
"This is...amazing." Daltus observed.
"I didn't know we were capable of such a thing." Audrik replied.
"You can save your musings for later, we haven't much time." Link said as an ethereal replica of the Master Sword formed in his hands.
Daltus circled around to Link's right side as Audrik stayed on the left, both holding up one hand as energy gathered in their palms.
"Ready?" Audrik asked.
"Do it!" Link called out.
A blinding light filled the Sacred Grove as both Royals channeled their remnants of divine golden energy into the replica Master Sword as Link channeled his own energy into it, the false blade stabilizing and holding it's form.
"Is it done?" Daltus asked.
"In a moment." Link replied as he drove the false Master Sword into the Pedestal of Time, the ancient resting place of the sword resisting at first before finally accepting it. Link took a step back, watching as the white and gold energies swirled inside the transparent outline of the Master Sword, his replica of the blade flickering as the energies pressed against the edges of his construct.
"Something's happening!" Hawkwood called from outside.
"Looks like it worked." Link said as he lead Daltus and Audrik outside.
The four looked on as the Temple's original doors, still held up by the original doorframe, slowly opened, a monochrome window into the Temple of Time's past appearing within them.
"Let's get moving." Link said as he headed for the portal, Daltus and Audrik in tow.
"Yes, I'll be fine here alone, thank you for asking." Minister Hawkwood called.
"We'll be back before you know it." Link said as he headed into the portal, Audrik and Daltus going in behind him.
oOo
"We have my own forces of course." Rickard Gavan said before sifting through the thin stack of parchment he held. "It looks as if House Lirien, House Shalkkon and surprise guest if you will, House Talon are loyal to us."
"Those are the only Noble Houses in all of Hyrule that have sworn fealty to us?" Ganondorf growled.
"Well, you have to understand, after the war that got us where we are not many of the Noble Houses survived, and most of those that did sided with Lord Halland." Rickard answered. "Besides, if the history books are correct, the Hero was quite close to the Talon and Malon, the ancestors of House Talon...so the fact they joined us is quite a victory in and of itself."
"Why do we need these Hylians anyway?" Kanthos asked. "We have the Labrynnians, the Holodrumites and an army of beasts."
"About the Labrynnians..." Rickard began.
"Many of them have deserted." Ganondorf said, looking down at the table before them.
"My concern it this...if what your...Mother says is true, the Hero has become even more powerful and is no doubt on his way back...your Emperor Agahnim guise failed and the Hylians know who you are-" was all Rickard was able to say before Ganondorf teleported across the room and grabbed him by the throat, lifting him out of his seat and into the air as Kanthos watched in amusement.
"My disguise was only meant as a temporary means to lull the people into a false sense of security before I destroy this entire continent and all of it's people, you could be a God with us, Gavan, or you could be destroyed with the rest of your people...it all hinges on whether or not you show me the respect I desire.
"I'm...I'm sorry." Rickard managed to say, struggling to breathe in Ganondorf's grip.
The Demon King dropped the man, the Noble landing on the floor and slowly climbing back into his seat.
"I used to desire Hyrule above all else, I wanted to rule it with the type of absolute power most can only dream of, but after being denied it time and time again I've decided in this era to forget about it and create a new world...a world built around my vision and ideals where I decide what's right...where I decide who holds the power and who serves those who hold the power." Ganondorf said, turning back to his Generals. "All of these armies I've built...they have one purpose, to eliminate the Hero, Princess and the Sages...the Princess has been taken care of, but the Hero and the Sages still evade me, but not for long."
"What I don't understand is why we haven't acted on this plan of yours yet, we have everything we need, do we not?" Kanthos asked.
"Kanthos, you're beginning to forget how to mind your tongue when speaking to me." Ganondorf hissed as his red irises settled on the foreign Sorcerer. "As long as the Hero lives, I cannot afford to extricate the Triforce from Semira...even now it tries to return to him."
"My Master, if you would allow it, I will travel to wherever the Hero is and eliminate him...I swear upon my own life I will not fail." Kanthos said as he took a knee, Rickard Gavan rolling his eyes behind him.
"You have been more successful than most of those who have served me, but this does not mean you're ready to battle the Hero...he has gone even further beyond where he was when last you faced him, you wouldn't stand a chance." Ganondorf said.
"If you could lend me the Anteforce again-" Kanthos began.
"You would still fail to use it...alas it was not your fault though, it refused to recognize you as it's Master, the only reason Erris was able to utilize it was due to Mahlik's presence within him. For now we wait for the Hero to come to us, and we'll eliminate him and all of those who stand with him when he arrives." Ganondorf snarled. "For now I have other matters to attend to, see what you can do about Lord Halland's rebellion." the Demon King said before teleporting away.
"He seems to be in a terrific mood today." Rickard said as he stood up, Kanthos glaring at him as usual.
"I've lived for nearly seven-hundred years and in that time I've developed the ability to sense even the slightest bit of fear...and you are filled with it." the Sorcerer said.
"Well, I did just get choked by a fusion of the three most powerful Demons to ever exist, so excuse me." Rickard answered aggressively.
"You don't agree with Master Ganondorf's plans." Kanthos observed.
"I signed on to rule the Five Lands, not destroy them." Rickard responded. "My House has a long and rich legacy here in Hyrule and I'd hate to see that destroyed."
"You wouldn't even sacrifice it for the promise of Godhood?" Kanthos hissed.
"Do you really believe he'll make us Gods? He promised the same thing to Shilara and Naora and look where they are now. One is hiding with Hero and the other is dead." Rickard answered.
Kanthos shot to his feet, baring his teeth as his orange irises bore into his fellow General. "You doubt the Master's abilities?"
"There you go again, calling him 'The Master'." Rickard said. "You put too much faith in him, you've only just met him but my people have had our dealings with Ganondorf for nearly two-thousand years now...in all of this previous lives he has sought to rule Hyrule and institute changes to the political structure...that's why I signed on, because I wanted things to change, to be different...I didn't want to see all of this destroyed. Despite my actions, Hyrule is my home, all I've done has been for the purpose of doing away with the Monarchy of House Hyrule and finally having a government in which all Houses are equal."
"You've risked a lot revealing this to me." Kanthos replied.
"What are going to do? Tell Ganondorf I said this?" Rickard shot back.
"No." the Sorcerer said as he strode over to the window and looked out over the vast expanse of rolling green hills, the mountain range looming in the distance. "Ever since Semira appeared, there's been a change in the Master's demeanor...at one point I sensed he was content with ruling these Five Lands...but since her arrival he's become set on destroying them."
"That whole act you put on when you started this conversation...you were testing me." Rickard stated.
"I've learned to sense people's true intentions and his resolve is absolute, Semira reminded him of his true power and purpose, he will remake this world in his image and even if it costs my own life, I will have been glad to have given it for his vision and someday you'll feel the same." Kanthos said as he strode over to the door and exited the room.
Rickard fell back into his chair and released a sigh. "He's crazier than Ghirahim."
oOo
Ganondorf appeared just outside Zelda's former chambers, the wall of shadow that covered the door parting as he walked towards it, the door opening on it's own.
"One of your underlings isn't exactly falling in line." Semira stated.
"You were watching us?" Ganondorf asked.
"I couldn't help but see what was so important you had to leave my presence." Semira answered as she hovered in midair.
"I had to make sure my armies were in order, the Hero will be coming any moment now." Ganondorf said.
"And this concerns you? You don't need armies, you and I are strong enough to destroy whatever forces he has with him on our own." Semira replied.
"I Intend to focus solely on the Hero." Ganondorf answered.
"I can't help but sympathize, I've been reaching out across this entire world and I still can't find my last remaining sister." Semira stated.
"You needn't worry about Din, she is weak." Ganondorf responded.
"She wasn't yet at full power when you fought her, she's had time to recover since then. I need to find her and end her before she becomes too much of a threat." Semira said. "But enough about that...I sense the Master Sword still hasn't been destroyed."
"Ghirahim has made progress, the warding spells on it are weakening." Ganondorf replied.
"You need to work faster." Semira urged.
"You fear the Master Sword?" Ganondorf asked.
"It was made to kill me." Semira replied. "You need to try to destroy it yourself, your Sword Spirit isn't working fast enough."
Ganondorf grimaced, for centuries he had been sure the Master Sword was created to kill him, and while it had done so multiple times, he had never realized he was only an extension of it's true target.
"Does this reveal make you feel insignificant?" Semira asked.
"Remember this." Ganondorf growled. "You are only here because I brought you here, I give the orders, I am in charge, this plan is my own."
"Last I checked I'm the one who obtained the Triforce pieces of Wisdom and Courage." Semira replied.
"And you'd be wise to transfer them to me, I already hold the Triforce of Power and the completed Anteforce." Ganondorf retorted.
"Or maybe you should hand those over to me." Semira said.
Ganondorf's eyes flared a bright red while his crimson, flame like aura rose around him. "Don't make me ask twice." he growled.
Suddenly he found himself all the way across the Castle, his back against the wall as Semira stood directly in front of him, a hand outstretched. Ganondorf made to fight against her telekinetic hold when a blade of shadow shot from beneath the Dark Goddesses and stopped centimeters from his chest.
"Just remember, I know you're having trouble holding yourself together. If at any point this fused form of yours becomes an inconvenience for me, I won't hesitate to split you, Majora and Mahlik apart and take what I need." Semira hissed.
Ganondorf bared his teeth as Semira released her grip and began to walk away before turning to face him one last time. "Remember, I've added Hylia's strength to my own, so don't try me again." she said as she warped back to her chambers.
oOo
"This is amazing." Daltus said as he took in the Temple of Time's pristine form.
"This brings back memories." Link said.
"It must be strange to be back here after one-thousand years." Audrik commented.
Link looked out over the pearl white floors and ornately carved columns that spanned the chamber and ran up the walls, intricately constructed windows between every one, the sunlight flowing in through them and illuminating the mark of the Triforce on the floor of the temple while the archway that separated the main room from the Master Sword's chamber held the gleaming crest of the Royal Family. "Actually, I was here as recently as the Twilight Invasion...so it's been about four-hundred years." Link said, strolling through the Temple in his Fierce Deity form.
"I assume these are what we're looking for." Audrik commented as he made his way over to a raised counter made of the same white bricks that the floor was constructed of, three blue gems being held together by a gold casing followed by a red gem and a green gem both encased in gold hovering over it.
"Due to both of you being of Hylia's blood, you can reach through the shield protecting them, but it will be difficult." Link warned.
"What will you do?" Daltus asked.
"I'm going to hold our Master Sword construct in place, if it disappears, we're trapped here until you and Audrik replenish your reserves of divine energy." Link replied.
"How long would that take?" Audrik asked.
"About three years." Link answered.
"Ah, well we better get started." Daltus said.
Audrik placed a hand against the forcefield and began to force it through as Link proceeded towards the Pedestal of Time.
"Almost there!" Audrik said, glancing over to see his father standing with his back to him. "I could use a little help here." the Prince said through gritted teeth as the shield held his hand back, keeping the Kokiri's Emerald just out of reach.
"Audrik...we may have an issue." Daltus said.
"Yes, the issue being this shield is very hard to reach through on my own." Audrik retorted.
A voice suddenly shouted in what Audrik knew to be Old Hylian, the Prince taking his hand away from the Spiritual Stones and whirling around to find his father being held at sword point, the green clad Hero of Time brandishing the Master Sword while glaring at the both of them.
oOo
And Chapter Fifty-Six is done! Sorry for the wait, things have been pretty busy for me these days but I'll get to the coming chapters in a more timely manner considering we're so close to the finish line. Anyway, Mikau's back in rotation, we get a look at Cia's past, what Ganondorf's parents are planning and what Link, Daltus, Audrik and Hawkwood are up to and where are villains are at in their schemes. Definitely one of my more eventful chapters.
Ultimate Blazer: Three more chapters to go, the final battle will definitely start in the next chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Gerudospirit: No need to apologize for missing a chapter, especially in your circumstances! Thrakon and his mother's relationship always felt like something that needed to be expanded upon and I can say it's not something that will end there! AS for Ghirahim and the Royal Family's battle scene, I'm glad you liked it, I'd always wondered how the fight would go if more than Zelda or Link got involved in the battle against Ganondorf, I'm glad you liked the scene! The only thing I feel like I didn't do well on was just letting Farore kind of slip through the cracks as a character. And Yes, Link has a rifle...as well as believing that there'd be technological advances after a while, especially after what we see in Twilight Princess, I always drew the idea for that from the game "Hyrule: Total War" in which the Labrynna faction wields rifles. Onto chapter fifty-five! It always seemed strange that Ganondorf just was able to sneak in to the Sacred Realm and take it, so having him actually chosen to wield it by a higher power just made sense to me. Link's tenure as the Hero coming to an end would really be an "end of an era" type event and even now I don't feel like I captured the gravitas of that scene well enough, knowing you enjoyed it has helped assuage those worries, though! He'll be reunited with Zelda very soon...her and Ganondorf! As for Erris' scene I've been waiting to write that for a while and it was really satisfying to write as well as it was nice to tie up the loose end that was his uncle. I'm glad you liked this scene! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well! Thanks for reviewing!
A special thanks to all of you who clicked follow and favorite on my profile and my story! You making writing this as fun as it is!
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Thank you for reading!
-Prometheus17