Chapter 6: Link's Foresight
The wind blows across the lake as the heavy rain beats down on the ground. The two combatants kneel down on the shore of their small island, preparing for their first move. Their focus is so strong as if neither could hear anything, save for their own breathing as this would prove to be a trying confrontation. Finally, a lightning bolt strikes and they take it as the signal to run across the lake.
"Left!" Alm shouts.
"Right!" Sheik shouts in turn.
Both run in the directions they shouted, doing their best to rum along the turbulent waters. Sure enough, their running draws out Lord Jabu-Jabu and he begins chasing Sheik. Taking this into account, Alm turns and chases after Jabu-Jabu, hoping that Sheik's plan works. Sheik, for his part, manages to stay ahead of Jabu-Jabu's mouth and jumps on one of the wooden bridges connecting the island and a smaller island. As expected, Jabu-Jabu jumps at the bridge, breaking it, and allowing Sheik to jump on his back with the long rope of the bridge and many planks of wood getting caught on the back tentacle. Sheik hurries to get the wooden planks and rope fastened tightly so as not to have them drop. Jabu-Jabu shakes violently, signaling Sheik to get off with one end of the rope and land on the island. Moving fast, Alm reaches the island and helps Sheik quickly tie the rope four times around the tree, fastening it with several kunai. Successfully, Jabu-Jabu is restrained to the island as he violently thrashes, wanting to get loose.
"Is that really going to hold him?" Alm asks, hearing the rope squeeze down on the tree.
"That trees roots reach down deep. It'll have to hold him." Sheik answers.
"Alright then. Now what?"
"Simply put; piss him off." Sheik throws three kunai at Jabu-Jabu's face, provoking him into ramming the island. "Voila."
"Nice plan…" Alm comments, trying not to lose his footing.
"Hang tight, your part will be coming up soon." Sheik continues to throw kunai one by one, while Jabu-Jabu collides with the island in return. Frustrated, Jabu-Jabu does exactly what Sheik had hoped; he brings up the green tentacle on his left side and begins slamming it in the island. "There! I need to catch that!"
"I'll buy you some time!" Alm draws his sword and begins swinging at the tentacle. Jabu-Jabu responds by swinging it at him and Alm just barely ducks under it. Bringing it down, Jabu-Jabu tries to crush Alm and Sheik finally retrains it with a kunai connected to a silver chain, wrapping around it.
"Now Sir! Cut it before it starts electrifying!" Sheik shouts, doing his best to hold on.
"I'm on it!" Alm wastes no time in laying down several vertical slashes, digging into the tentacle's soft flesh. Nearly severed, Jabu-Jabu desperately tries to pull himself loose as Sheik buckles from the strain. Alm moves to help Sheik, using his strength to pull off the tentacle at last. Growling in discomfort, Jabu-Jabu retreats what remains of his tentacle into his body as the rest that they tore off disintegrates. "That's one down, two to go!"
"Don't lose focus! I doubt the second will be much easier!" Sheik states, retrieving his chain. "Make him bring it out!"
Just as Alm tries something, the island suddenly shakes. "Whoa!"
"What was that?" Sheik asks, nearly falling to his knees.
"I don't know…" Alm states, looking around. "Did he hit the island?"
"No, he's just tugging on the tree."
"Never mind that then. I have a plan!" Alm shouts as he grabs a discarded kunai and rushes Jabu-Jabu.
"Sir?!"
"Wish me luck!" Alm jumps up, dodging Jabu-Jabu's mouth, and clings to his head with the kunai. Using his other arm, Alm reaches Jabu-Jabu's headdress and uses the kunai to scratch his hide, aggravating him. Jabu-Jabu moves to hit Alm with his dorsal tentacle, but is unable to do this as it is still restrained. "Not happening, big fella. You've only got one option. Now, do it!" Alm shouts before plunging the kunai again. Infuriated, Jabu-Jabu roars as it brings his blue tentacle up. "Got you!" Alm drops off as Jabu-Jabu hits his own headdress, electrocuting himself.
"Impressive." Sheik complements.
"Now, let's get rid of that!" Alm commands as Sheik ties up the paralyzed Jabu-Jabu's tentacles before connecting it to the top of the tree, holding it tight. Standing parallel to the tentacle, Sheik kneels down with his hands cupped and Alm runs towards him before using his hands as a stepping stone to launch himself up and brings his sword down, severing the second tentacle. "Two down!" Alm excitedly shouts as he lands on the ground.
"Nice work! All that remains is the- what?" Sheik is cut off as Jabu-Jabu writhes in anger and, inexplicably, the tree begins to shake. "Sir?!"
"What's going on?!" Alm reacts in shock over seeing the tree being uprooted….by tentacles made out of water. "Sheik, get down!"
The tree is torn from the ground by Jabu-Jabu and the water tentacles. Sheik ducks down just in time, but Alm is thrown into the water by a tree branch.
"Alm!" Sheik shouts in distress as he watches Alm get dragged across the water along with the uprooted tree; Jabu-Jabu is unable to fully submerge with the tree still connected to him. Sheik attempts to retrieve Alm, but more water tentacles emerge and halt his progress. "What is the meaning of this?!"
Alm holds on to the tree as it's being dragged, managing to get on the top of the trunk. "Now what?!" Alm shouts as Jabu-Jabu swims around with him trailing behind. Eventually, Jabu-Jabu performs a startling move: roaring, another water tentacle emerges from his mouth; a round and red object with a transparent blue cover inside of it. "What the hell is that?" The tentacle begins to swing around in circles and more water tentacles form around the trunk, digging into it. "Oh you've got to be kidding me…"
"Sir!" Sheik shouts, struggling with his own water tentacles. "That thing is what's controlling the water tentacles!"
"Is that what's affecting Jabu-Jabu then?!" Alm asks, holding on to the rope as the tree trunk begins to fall apart.
"I don't think so, but it is part of our current problem! You have to destroy it!"
"Well, I am open to suggestions!" Alm retorts, struggling with tentacles now gripping onto him, with the intent of bringing him down to the water so Jabu-Jabu can devour him.
"How about this?" A voice calls out, catching Alm and Sheik's attention. From the water, Ruto emerges and takes Alm away as the tree is finally torn apart, freeing Jabu-Jabu. "Hey there, handsome."
"Ruto! What are you doing here?" Alm asks in surprise.
"I figured you might need some help. Sorry it took me a while to get here; I had to get dad off of my tail." Ruto answers before moving Alm to her back. "Now hold on tight and don't get frisky. It's going to be a bumpy ride!"
Ruto emerges from the water with Alm holding on, catching Jabu-Jabu's attention who now gives chase.
"This has to be the oddest thing I've ever done!" Alm shouts.
"It'll be a good story for the grandkids! Hahah!" Ruto laughs. "Alright then, what's going on? Give me the short version."
"Understood. According to Sheik, that thing coming out of his mouth is controlling the water tentacles. We need to hit it."
"Morpha…" Ruto comments.
"You know what that is?"
"Yeah, Link told me about it; that thing is Morpha's nucleus. If I can get you in close, you think you can crush it?"
"How close are we talking here?"
"The maximum." Ruto plainly states. "You up for it?"
"Eh, alright. But, let me do the planning; are you alright with that?" Alm asks, observing how fast Ruto is.
"Yes Sir." Ruto answers with a smile.
"Good. Then, hear me out." Alm points to a far corner of the lake and has Ruto lead Jabu-Jabu there. Once there, Ruto dives down in order to avoid Jabu-Jabu's maw and Alm has her swim at full speed towards the island pillar while the former chases after them. Reaching the pillar, Alm has Ruto stop as Jabu-Jabu charges at them.
"Ok, now what?" Ruto asks, breathing heavily.
"Steady." Alm commands as Jabu-Jabu charges closer.
"Uh, Alm?" Ruto begins to shake.
"Steady…" Jabu-Jabu opens his mouth wide.
"Alm?!"
"Steady…" Alm commands the same yet again to an increasingly worried Ruto. Finally, Alm sees Morpha emerge from Jabu-Jabu's mouth and water tentacles form around them slowly. "DIVE!" Ruto dives down deep as Jabu-Jabu collides with the island pillar, disorienting him and giving the added bonus of dissolving a few of the tentacles surrounding Sheik, which allows him to run across the water again. Jabu-Jabu, now completely dazed, bobs like a cork with his mouth open; leaving Morpha exposed. Alm gives the command to have Ruto, from the bottom of the lake, swim upwards to shoot herself out and afterwards, Alm drops onto Jabu-Jabu's head.
"Now, Alm! Cut into that thing!" Ruto shouts before dropping back into the water. Alm complies as he draws his sword and starts chopping at Morpha. Jabu-Jabu begins to regain consciousness and before he can retaliate, he is inexplicably shocked; Ruto had pushed his remaining electric tentacle onto his body, shocking her in the process. Alm, regaining his footing, continues to cut into Morpha's nucleus. Sheik jumps up and throws a kunai at the nucleus, pinning it to the wall and giving Alm a new water barrier to walk on the lake again. Using this, Alm runs up and slams the sword down on Morpha's nucleus, slicing it in half. The nucleus screeches as it dissolves into water and Jabu-Jabu begins to convulse, alerting Alm into running off, picking up a still paralyzed Ruto, and rejoining Sheik on the island. Soon, Jabu-Jabu's mouth opens wide as a blue, viscous liquid erupts from it and begins to evaporate and all of the water tentacles dissolve away.
"Is that a good thing?" Alm asks, holding Ruto in his arms as her movement slowly returns.
"We got Morpha's nucleus, those are its last moments we're witnessing." Sheik answers, gripping a kunai tightly.
"Then…we're done?" Alm asks expectantly as Jabu-Jabu shakes his head and looks at the three, before roaring in anger.
"No." Sheik and Ruto answer at the same time, annoyed.
"Right, I guess the tentacles don't belong to Morpha." Alm states dejectedly.
"Morpha was just part of the problem. The real culprit is Barinade." Sheik states.
"Barinade?"
"Yeah, it's a creature that feeds off of Jabu-Jabu. But now, I think it's controlling him." Ruto adds as Alm sets her down, the paralysis wearing off at last.
"Fine. Then how do we cut that last tentacle off? I don't think he's going to let us get close anymore." Alm states.
"Leave that to me." Ruto comments as she backflips into the water and Jabu-Jabu rams into the island. The two decide to let Ruto do…whatever she wanted to do and take the hits from Jabu-Jabu. A few seconds later, Ruto jumps up into the air, flattens the fins on her arms and uses her water control to blast herself at Jabu-Jabu's dorsal tentacle, slicing it off with her razor sharp fins before landing on the island with the others.
"Goddess above!" Sheik exclaims.
"Ruto, that was incredible! So, you've done this before?" Alm asks, clearly impressed.
"No, first time actually!" Ruto says ecstatically, much to their surprise. Their surprise soon turns into concern as Jabu-Jabu begins to convulse once again, growling in discomfort. "Lord Jabu-Jabu?"
Jabu-Jabu begins to retch, coughing out green slime as he waves his head from side to side. Backing up, the three watch expectantly for any eventuality. Shaking, Jabu-Jabu roars as something big emerges from his mouth and anchors itself on the island with them; a large reddish, pink fleshy creature with purple spiky spines sticking out of it, several turquoise-purple, transparent jellyfish on it, the remainder of the red, blue and green tentacles connecting to Jabu-Jabu's and three other purple tentacles with open ends.
"There! That is Barinade!" Sheik shouts.
"That thing was inside Jabu-Jabu?! Alm exclaims.
"Get the jellyfish first!" Ruto shouts as Barinade swings five Jellyfish at them, connected by electric currents. To add to their situation, Barinade uses its other tentacles to shoot electricity at them in an effort to keep them away from it. Sheik throws a kunai in between Barinade's swings, stunning it and disrupting the currents connecting the jellyfish's. Alm and Ruto destroy the jellyfish's and Sheik throws pinpoint needles at Barinade to keep it stunned as Alm moves to slash at its soft hide, leaving severe lacerations. The paralysis wears off and Barinade shoots more electricity at the three, hitting Ruto and making her shake on the ground. Alm goes over to get her to safety from the currents as Sheik jumps over to sever one of the tentacles connecting to Jabu-Jabu, weakening it greatly. The electric currents slow down slightly and more jellyfish's arrive to aid Barinade. Alm takes his turn by sliding under them and slashing at Barinade, stunning it and leaving the jellyfish's vulnerable, as well as making its tentacles unprotected again. Sheik tries to sever another tentacle, but is blindsided by another electric current.
"Sheik!" Alm shouts in Alarm.
"Forget me, cut that tentacle!" Sheik retorts as he shakes on the floor. Though hesitant, Alm grabs the silver chain off of Sheik and faces Barinade, dodging the electric currents while swinging the chain. Finding his chance, Alm throws the chain at one of the tentacles, wrapping around it and wrapping the other around his sword which he drives into the dirt and holds it down. Barinade attempts to shake the chain off, finally shooting electricity at Alm; precisely what he wanted. Jumping away, Alm watches as the electricity latches onto his sword before it travels up the chain and electrocutes Barinade, stunning it and searing the tentacle. Seizing the chance, Alm retrieves his swords and pulls the chain over his shoulder.
"Get…off!" With a mighty pull, Alm tears off the seared tentacle, causing Barinade to screech in discomfort. In an unexpected turn, Jabu-Jabu awakens and begins to shake violently as Barinade swings around on its last tentacle. "Oh, not good…" Alm abandons the fight and moves Sheik and Ruto to the other edge of the island to keep them away from any possible electricity. Sheik awakens and observes this.
"What's going on?" Sheik asks.
"I don't know, it just- huh?" Alm looks at Jabu-Jabu then at Sheik, who Alm notices that something is…off. "Sheik?"
"What is it?"
"I thought I saw…never mind." Alm shakes off that thought and looks back at Jabu-Jabu. With a mighty slam of his jaws, Jabu-Jabu bites off the last tentacle connecting Barinade to him with the latter falling on the island. Groaning, Jabu-Jabu slams his head on the island before sinking into the lake. "Whoa."
"Is it dead?" Ruto, standing up, asks. As if to answer, Barinade stands up and begins to spin around the island, frantically looking for a host. "Come on!"
"Relax, it's vulnerable now." Sheik calmly states as he throws several kunai to slow it down, throwing another kunai with a silver chain which he connects to the ground along with several others, restraining it at last. "You two, give it your all!"
"Ladies first!" Ruto shouts as she backflips into the lake, jumping towards Barinade with her razor sharp fins, retreating into the water and performing the same move several times. Barinade screeches from each hit, missing each time with its electric currents because Ruto moves too fast to counter.
"Sheik, give me some time; I need to get this ready!" Alm states, placing his sword parallel to himself.
"Understood sir!" Sheik complies, throwing a kunai at Barinade's tentacle, stopping its electric attacks from hitting them. A few hits later, Alm readies his attack.
"Get back, Sheik!" Alm shouts as he points his sword at the grievously injured Barinade. "It's over…" Alm's eyes flash as he quickly zooms over to Barinade and slashes it a devastating two times before returning to his starting point. Ruto regroups with Sheik to see what happens next. Alm stands tall and swings the green slime off of his sword; Barinade develops purple-pink polyps on its core and tentacles, before exploding into wet chunks and green gas, making one final growl as it does. Alm sheathes his sword and looks at his stunned partners. "It's finished."
Before anyone can say anything else, Jabu-Jabu emerges from the lake, resting his head on the island. "YAAAAAAAAAAAAWN! What a horrible nightmare! My body hurts all over…" Jabu-Jabu exclaims before opening his eyes, now their normal blue color instead of red. His vision refocuses and he sees the three stunned comrades and then his surroundings. "Princess Ruto? What is this? Why am I in Lake Hylia?"
"Lord Jabu-Jabu!" Ruto happily exclaims. "You're back to normal!"
"Normal? What in the world are you saying, Princess?"
"You were under the control of two monstrous creatures." Sheik adds. "We were fortunate enough to receive aid from Princess Ruto to stop you from hurting someone else."
"I see." Jabu-Jabu remorsefully answers. "I remember falling asleep one night and after that, I awakened here. May I ask why I am in Lake Hylia?"
"We used our spells to transport you here, My Lord. Otherwise, you very well could've destroyed the Domain. It was meant to be temporary until we could ascertain what was happening to you, but your rampage made it too dangerous to attempt anything. But, we have King Alm and Sheik to thank for your restoration." Ruto explains.
"I am familiar with Sheik, but who is this King Alm?" Jabu-Jabu asks and Alm steps up in front of him. "Ah, you are King Alm, I presume?"
"Yes, Lord Jabu-Jabu." Alm answers. "It is good to see you back to your normal disposition."
"Hmm…" Jabu-Jabu looks intently at Alm. "For a king, you are most youthful. Also, this is a rare instance; a king who fights his own battles? You are certainly unique."
"Uh, thank you?"
"No, thank you. You have freed me from the clutches of monsters at the risk of your own life. You have my gratitude."
"But wait; if you've been restored, then why is the lake still like this?" Alm points to the still turbulent waters and thunderstorm. "I thought this would be resolved."
"Ah, I am afraid that I am not responsible for this." Jabu-Jabu answers.
"No, you are not. The missing piece of the Triforce has allowed this to occur." Sheik cuts in. "However, there is another way to restore the lake to its former glory. Isn't that right, Princess Ruto?"
"Yep. Time for me to step up as the Sage of Water." Ruto nonchalantly answers.
"Ruto? You're a sage?" Alm asks in surprise.
"That's right; I'm one of six sages. I found out seven years ago when I was a child; Link helped me to discover that." Ruto responds fondly.
"What?! Wait a minute now, how does Link know about these things?" Alm holds his hands up to halt everyone. "He knew you were a sage and that there are six others? Before that, you all knew how to defeat Barinade and Morpha because he told you? How in the world could he possibly know about these things that he, in all honesty, shouldn't know?"
"Sir Alm, I apologize for your frustrations. But, I'm afraid only Princess Zelda can answer your questions." Sheik states. "For now, we must restore Lake Hylia. Princess Ruto, are you ready?"
"I am." Ruto answers, nodding as she moves to the stone pad on the island.
"Good, then let us begin." Sheik brings out his harp and bows while Ruto curtsies. "Princess Ruto, Sage of Water. I call upon you to fulfill your duty to protect Hyrule and all of its inhabitants, will you heed this call?"
"As the Sage of Water, I humbly give my power to Hyrule. Like the clear waters that give life, so too shall I protect the lives of all of Hyrule's people. I will not falter." Ruto declares.
"Then may your angelic voice flow like the crystal clear streams of the world; join me in the Serenade of Water."
"Oh King Alm, you are in for a treat; Princess Ruto has the best singing voice of all of the Zora's." Jabu-Jabu whispers to Alm, excited to hear Ruto sing. Alm stands next to Jabu-Jabu and awaits this supposed angelic voice. Yet, Alm's thoughts return to Sheik; when he covered him and Ruto from potential dangers, he looked deep into Sheik's eyes and though they are red, as is normal in all Sheikah according to Impa, Alm swore that for a moment that Sheik's eyes were…blue. Soon, his thoughts are finally turned to Sheik and Ruto, both performing the Serenade of Water. While Sheik played the harp well, Jabu-Jabu was right; Ruto's voice was so wonderful as she vocalized the notes and Alm was so enchanted by it that he swore he was listening to a mermaid.
"Spectacular…" Alm quietly comments. As the song continues, the pad Ruto is standing on glows blue and the rain begins to slow down, the waters become tranquil once again and the clouds begin to disappear. As the duet ends, Alm finally notices the late afternoon sun shining on the lake and the calm, clear waters. "It worked! You did it!"
"The waters of Lake Hylia are calm once again. All is as it should be here." Jabu-Jabu declares.
"We should do this again sometime, Pri- Sheik." Ruto happily states before correcting herself. "Did you like my singing, Alm?"
"Honestly, it's the best I've heard on a long while. Bravo, Princess Ruto." Alm briefly applauds Ruto, who curtsies to him. "Well, I do believe our work here is done, what comes next?"
"For now, we should return to the castle. The King will want an update on the situation and we should return before nightfall." Sheik answers.
"Aw, I hoped we could spend some more time at the Domain since the crisis is over." Ruto pouts.
"I wish we could, but we need to get all of this mess sorted out. Lake Hylia is the first of many." Sheik explains.
"I'm afraid he's the one leading this time, Ruto. I have to go where he recommends." Alm adds. "But, I'll see if we can make time one of these days; I'm actually interested in Zora's Domain."
"I would enjoy that, King Alm." Jabu-Jabu states. "I do believe that the Zora's will want to hear of your efforts to free me, as would I."
"First, we should get you back to the spring, Lord Jabu-Jabu; you've got three holes on your body, among other things. The healers will want to see you."
"Very well, Princess. I could use some treatment; I'm beginning to feel them now…" Jabu-Jabu groans. "I will return ahead of you all. King Alm, Sheik; Thank you and good luck, my friends." Jabu-Jabu dives down and jumps up, entering a portal he created in the water and disappearing from sight.
"Wow." Alm exclaims at seeing Jabu-Jabu disappear. "Now then, that's our cue to return to the castle. Ruto, we'll meet again soon."
"Thank you for all your help, Sage of Water." Sheik bows in respect.
"You better come back and see me; I'll be very upset if you don't. See you later!" Ruto winks at the two before gracefully backfliping into the lake and swimming away towards the lake entrance to Zora's Domain. With their work completed, Sheik plays his harp to form the water barrier once again on them to walk across the lake and reach their horses, finally riding off towards the field.
Reaching the Castle Town gates, the two slow their horse's strides as they cross the drawbridge. A small group of guards arrive to meet Alm and Sheik, escorting them to the castle. As they walk, Alm hears the quiet murmurs of the people, though he can barely make out what they're saying.
"Eyes forward Sir, they know you are a king. Don't disappoint them." Sheik states.
"Right. Sorry." Alm concedes, straightening up on his horse.
Hyrule Castle
Leaving their horses at the castle stables, Alm and Sheik enter the castle interior.
"This is where we part for now, Sir." Sheik comments, stopping as Alm continued further inside.
"What do you mean?" Alm asks in surprise.
"I must report back to Chief Impa. You must speak with King Daltus and Princess Zelda. Speaking of which." Sheik walks in close to Alm and whispers. "I will speak with the Princess before they summon you. Wait for another indication to see if she will speak to you. Keep this a secret from everyone." Finishing quickly, Sheik walks off in a different direction. Wanting to ask more, Alm stops as Sheik disappears down the hallway. A guard calls out to Alm and instructs him to wait in the throne room while Daltus and Zelda prepare to speak with him. Complying, Alm enters the throne room as the guards close the door behind him.
Throne Room
Some time later, Daltus and Zelda have arrived to meet Alm in the throne room. Sitting at their respective seats, Alm explains all of the events that transpired at Lake Hylia.
"So, Lord Jabu-Jabu was controlled by a monster. Most unfortunate." Daltus comments. "And the Sage of Water completed her duty to restore Lake Hylia?"
"Yes, Your Highness. She aided us in freeing Lord Jabu-Jabu before restoring Lake Hylia." Alm answers.
"I see. And have you found where the beast came from?"
"No, we have yet to ascertain much of anything. Ah yes, there is something that slipped my mind during the chaos."
"Oh? Do tell."
"A once thought dead sorcerer from my lands has arrived here." Alm declares, much to Daltus and Zelda's surprise. "His name is Jedah; he's the one responsible for mine and Link's displacement. He wants the Triforce."
"For what purpose, King Alm?" Zelda asks, growing concerned.
"He wishes to revive a long dead Dragon God and bring ruin to my home."
Daltus grips his thrones hand rests tightly while Zelda gasps audibly.
"That is why, Your Highness, I need to know everything about the Triforce."
"I'm afraid we cannot grant your request." Daltus plainly says and Zelda looks at him in disbelief.
"Why not?" Alm asks silently.
"It is information not meant for an outsider."
"But…Link is there in my lands. Don't you think that gives me some leeway?" Alm asks again, trying to keep his composure.
"No. I do not." Daltus answers.
Alm begins to internally panic. "Listen, from king to king, I think we need to work together to save our homes. We can't do that if we don't share our knowledge with each other."
"A good argument, King Alm. But my answer is still no. And I must admit, I grow tired of your insistence." Daltus answers once again, furrowing his brow. Alm, for his part, begins to lose patience as well.
"…Oh, you're tired? My apologies, you do have a great many things to do in this castle, Sir." Alm spitefully says. "While I was out there with one of your own, cleaning up the mess, you must have grown tired of watching from afar."
"I advise you to choose your next words carefully, boy." Daltus demands.
"Well, how careful should I be? With all due respect, a man has threatened my home with the horrors and desolation of war, I think I'm in my right to speak my mind."
"King Alm, please-" Zelda moves to diffuse the tension, but Daltus hushes her.
"Do you want to know why I want to know about your precious Triforce? It's because a part of it is in Valentia now, with one of your citizens who has met my queen, according to Jedah. With the kindness of her heart, I know that she is helping him however she can. This makes her a threat to those wanting to reach him."
Daltus listens intently, before giving his answer. "Then, that is her fate."
Now incensed, Alm glares daggers at Daltus. "How dare you…How dare you?!"
"You dare raise your voice to me?!" Daltus shouts as he stands from his throne. The guards move in closer to Alm to keep him from advancing and Zelda becomes worried. "As a sovereign, your queen should have known better than to go and offer aid to a stranger, let alone travel with them. I fear your queen was foolish for doing so-"
"Don't you ever insult her in front of me again!" Alm angrily points to Daltus, cutting off his sentence. The guards are nearly face to face with Alm. "She is my heart and soul, beloved by everyone in Valentia. She has seen how much the people suffered during the war over two years ago and she did everything to bring the nations of Rigel and Zofia together again. Without her, I can't be the king that Valentia needs me to be. And now, you have the audacity, the nerve, to call her foolish?!" Alm begins to seethe. "My wife is in danger! These people want that power that Link has within him and my wife is protecting him! I HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT THE TRIFORCE IS!"
Daltus, completely unmoved, breathes deeply before speaking. "Because you restored Lord Jabu-Jabu, I will overlook this outburst. But, we are done talking about this. Guards, please escort King Alm back to his quarters and make sure he stays there until morning. Come along, Zelda."
"Yes, father." Zelda quietly answers, looking at Alm in sadness as she leaves. The guards escort Alm out, angrily shaking off their grip as they leave the throne room.
Alm and the guards reach the room meant for the former.
"Your weapon, Sir." One of the guards holds out his hand to receive the Royal Sword.
"Not this time." Alm states plainly.
"We insist."
Alm turns around to face the guards, shooting them a threatening glare. "Take it from me, then."
"That's enough, everyone." They all turn around to see Impa walking towards them.
"Lady Impa." The two guards stand straight as they address her.
"You may go about your business, men. I want to speak with our guest."
"But he-"
"I can handle him." Impa declares. "Now then, dismissed." The guards heed her command and depart, leaving Alm and Impa alone; the latter of which closes the door. "Well, I heard you had a bit of an altercation with the king."
"Oh, you heard that, did you?" Alm says in an upset tone as he sets the sword down on a table nearby. "Is that what he's calling it now?"
"I make it my business to hear every event in this castle. But, I'm aware that some information is a tad exaggerated."
"Well, did he send you to tell me off?"
"No. Actually, I am here on behalf of Princess Zelda."
"The Princess?" Alm's mood changes slightly. "What does she need of me?"
"It is you that needs something." Impa retorts. "You wanted to know about the Triforce? Princess Zelda is more than willing to divulge that information to you. However, it will have to be late at night, at least two hours after nightfall. In addition, she will also tell you about Link's knowledge about many things."
Surprised, Alm stands motionless upon hearing Impa's information. "Why would she tell me? I thought I wasn't allowed to know this."
"You are not. But, she feels otherwise; you need to know if you truly want to help us."
"I don't know what to say…"
"Well, when you figure it out, tell her." Impa moves to the door and opens it. "She will meet you here. I have to lock the door as per the King's orders, but she has her own key; only she will enter."
"Ok, thank you for telling me, Impa." Alm, now in a better mood, bows his head at Impa.
"King Alm. I am sorry about your disagreement with King Daltus. But please, don't hold it against him; he is not as heartless as you think."
"I will think about it." Alm answers.
Nodding, Impa leaves and closes the door behind her, locking it. Now alone, Alm removes his armor and throws himself onto the bed as the day's exhaustion catches up to him. Breathing deeply, Alm looks out the window towards the sunset; it looked like the one that was shining on Zofia Castle when he reunited with Celica years ago. Never mind what happened afterwards, that proved to be the best day of his life; which is why that sunset causes him mental anguish as he begins to tear up, cursing the fact that he can't be where she is. The negative thoughts finally push him into falling asleep as his face relaxes.
"Alm…Alm…" A soft feminine voice calls out, awakening Alm.
"Yes…?" Alm looks over to his right and sees Celica looking at him with a warm smile. "Celica?" Alm begins to smile upon seeing his beloved. Soon however, his vision refocuses and it is revealed to be Zelda (wearing a blue night dress and a purple cloth wrapped around her shoulders), all but completely erasing his smile. "Princess?"
"Hello, King Alm." Zelda quietly greets, setting the candle down nearby.
"Just Alm is fine…" Alm half heartedly corrects as he sits up. "I'm sorry, I thought you were…"
"Your wife?"
"Yes…" Alm quietly answers, clearly still saddened. "Well, I'm ready to hear what you have to say. I can't believe I slept until this moment…"
"Oh, of course; Sheik told me that you wanted to know about the Triforce. My father does not want you to know, but I think you having this knowledge could aid you in some way, shape or form. The origin of the Triforce is as such…" Zelda flexes her hand and forms three red, blue and green wisps, surprising Alm. "Before time began, before spirits and life existed, three golden Goddesses descended upon the chaos that was Hyrule; Din, Goddess of Power. Nayru, Goddess of Wisdom. Farore, Goddess of Courage." The three wisps spread out in a triangular shape and a white sphere appears between them. "Din…with her strong, flaming arms, she cultivated the land and created the red earth." The sphere becomes a patch of red land. "Nayru…poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world." The patch of land becomes fertile grass with flowing water. "Farore…with her rich soul, produced all life forms who would uphold the law." Several small life forms appear on the land. Afterwards, the land disappears and the three wisps combine to form three golden triangles. "The three great Goddesses, their labors completed, departed for the heavens and golden sacred triangles remained at the point where the Goddesses left the world. Since then, the Triforce has become the basis of our world's providence. The resting place of the Triforce has become the Sacred Realm."
Though stunned by this information, Alm takes it all in before questioning it. "Wait, if the Triforce is in this Sacred Realm, then why do you have it? Why does Link have it?"
"You remembered." Zelda nods. "Entering the Sacred Realm is done through a complex means, but the Triforce is there for one who enters it, ready to hear their wish. If someone with a righteous heart makes a wish, it will lead Hyrule to a golden age of prosperity. If someone with an evil mind has their wish granted, then the world will be consumed by evil. But, there's a catch; the Sacred Realm is a mirror that reflects what is in the heart. The Triforce acts as a balance that weighs the three forces; power, wisdom and courage. If the heart of the one who holds the Triforce has all three forces in balance, that one will gain the true force to govern all. But, if that one's heart is not in balance, then the Triforce will separate into three parts."
"Power, Wisdom and Courage." Alm answers.
"Yes. Only one part will remain for the one who touched the Triforce; the part representing the force that one most believes in. The other two parts will be held within others chosen by destiny, who will bear the mark of the Triforce on the backs of their hands." Zelda concludes by showing the back of her right hand; the Triforce mark appearing with the bottom left triangle glowing. "This is the Triforce of Wisdom."
Alm reaches out to touch the back of her hand and the Triforce glows slightly more bright. "If Link has the Triforce of Courage, then who has the Triforce of Power?"
Zelda lowers her hand before speaking. "That I cannot answer. But, know that it is out of the reach of those who may abuse it."
"Fair enough." Alm comments, accepting Zelda's reluctance. "Now, what can you tell me about Link?"
"What about him?"
"How does he know about so many things? King Dodongo was one thing; but Morpha? Barinade? He knew how to fight those creatures and while I'm thankful for that knowledge, how is it possible? On top of that, he told Princess Ruto that she is the Sage of Water and that there are five others; when she was still a child. What is this about?"
Breathing deeply, Zelda readies herself to explain it to Alm. "This…may be difficult for you to understand, but bear with me; Link is a very special person."
Castle Courtyard, seven years earlier
It was a clear, sunny day in the courtyard. The young Princess Zelda was observing the throne room from a small window, wanting to see the approach of a certain person. She was so concentrated on this that she didn't notice someone approaching from behind until they clear their throat, making her turn around in surprise. "Who…who are you? How did you get past the guards?"
The boy in question, with blonde hair, blue eyes, brown boots and a green cap and tunic, holds his hands up to calm her. "Don't be scared, Zelda. My name is Link"
"You know my name?" Zelda questions.
"And why you're here." Link lowers his hands. "You're waiting for Ganondorf to approach the King, your father."
"What?" Zelda, now dumbfounded that he knows about Ganondorf as well, asks.
"Those dark clouds you saw in your dreams, you were right; they do symbolize that man."
"How do you know that?! Nobody knows that!" Zelda, now frightened, asks as she backs up, wanting to escape. "Don't come any closer!"
"I know…because you told me." Link explains and Zelda slightly relaxes. "You also said that from that darkness, a lone figure with a fairy was holding a green stone from the forest."
"Y-yes…" Zelda answers, still a bit apprehensive.
"I don't have a fairy…" Link sadly comments, but quickly regains his composure. "But Zelda, I'm the one you saw in that dream." Link reaches into his bag and pulls out the Kokiri's Emerald (a vibrant green stone with a golden spiral wrapped around it that held a branch like structure with jagged and sharp edges).
Gasping, Zelda's fear of Link completely disappears as she witnesses the spiritual stone of the forest, just like in her dream. Link places it in her hands and she looks deeply at it; the stone's green light reflecting on her blue eyes.
"Now, do you believe me?" Link asks, expecting good news.
Zelda looks up at Link. "How? How do you know these things?"
"I promise, I'll explain everything later. But now, we have to talk to your father. Immediately."
"But, if he sees you here-"
"I'll worry about that later. He's in the castle; if we can trap him, then it'll be over. Come on, let's go!" Link runs down the hallway nearby and Zelda has no choice but to chase after him, holding onto the stone, to make sure the guards don't apprehend him.
Throne Room
King Daltus remained seated at his throne with Impa standing at his right side. They were both waiting for the arrival of his old friend, Ganondorf. Thanks to the unification of the land after the civil war, they have been friends since they were the princes of their respective lands. Sure enough, the guards come in to the throne room and address the king.
"Your Majesty. Lord Ganondorf, of the Gerudo, has arrived." The guard announces
"Let him through." Daltus amicably answers. From the doors, a tall man with light brown skin, amber eyes, red spiked hair, an orange-red gem on his forehead, black and brown clothing, brown boots, white cloth with red squares and dark green flat zigzag pattern covering his wrists, calves, belt, clavicle and upper back, black shoulder and knee guards with yellow protrusions and black armor covering the back and sides of his neck. "Hello, old friend."
"Daltus, thank you for seeing me." Ganondorf greets. "I trust that I am not disturbing you?"
"Nonsense Ganondorf, nonsense." Daltus dismisses Ganondorf's question. "Now, to what do I owe this visit?"
"I simply wished to check on the state of affairs in Hyrule. Is everything well or should I bring my forces to police the area?"
"You do not need to worry, Ganondorf. All is well in our prosperous land." Daltus declares. "And you? How are the things in Gerudo Desert?"
"There is nothing of merit, all is well." Ganondorf answers.
"Thank the God's. Ganondorf, I knew I could count on you to help me keep the order in our lands." Daltus happily comments, unbeknownst to him, Impa rolls her eyes, not entirely convinced of Ganondorf.
"We must be united; our lands unfortunate past is a testament to it."
"Then, I have your word that you will aid us whenever we need your might?"
Closing his eyes for a moment, Ganondorf thinks it through before answering, bringing his right hand over his chest. "Daltus, my old friend, you have my-"
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" A soldier frantically enters the throne room, interrupting Ganondorf.
"What is the meaning of this?" Daltus asks, partially annoyed.
"Apologies, my King. But, we have received urgent news from the forest." The soldier walks up and offers the scroll to Daltus. Impa takes it in his stead and reads it, surprising her.
"Well, what does it say?"
"Your Majesty; The Great Deku Tree has withered." Impa answers, shocking everyone present. "It was cursed by dark magic, this was foul play."
Ganondorf hears this and twitches slightly… "Oh, that's terrible. Horrible news!"
"Who would do such a thing?" Daltus asks, at a loss for words. "Who sent that message?"
"I don't know, Your Highness. It was found strapped to one of the horses, addressed to you."
"Could this be a ploy, Daltus? Perhaps someone has plans to sow chaos by sending false information." Ganondorf comments.
"My King, allow me to confirm this; I will take a small battalion of troops to investigate." Impa offers.
"That won't be necessary, Lady Impa. I will go in your stead; you are needed here to protect the king and little princess from harm if there is a perpetrator." Ganondorf retorts.
"My King…" Impa whispers to Daltus, not wanting to accept this.
"I say…that Ganondorf should investigate this matter." Daltus answers, much to Impa's frustration.
"Thank you Daltus. I assure you, this possible perpetrator will face justice." Ganondorf declares, hiding a wry smile. Soon, they are alerted by the shouts of guards just outside the door. The door flies open and Link runs inside.
"Wait!" Link shouts, trying to breathe.
"Who let this child into the castle?!" Daltus angrily shouts and Impa stares in confusion.
"Don't fret Daltus, he probably got lost. I'll see him out." Ganondorf offers as he moves to grab Link.
"Father, please wait!" Zelda runs in, pushing past the guards. "He has something to tell you!"
"Zelda? You know this boy?"
"Later father. Link; tell him!"
"Ok." Link moves past Ganondorf and stands in front of Daltus. "King Daltus, the Deku Tree sent me here before it died. A wicked man placed a death curse on it because it didn't give him what he wanted." Link then points to Ganondorf. "It was him!"
Everyone in the room stare at Ganondorf, who looks at Link with a raised eyebrow.
"Me? That's preposterous." Ganondorf plainly states. "Surely, you are mistaken, boy."
"No, I'm not! He wants the Triforce that's in the Sacred Realm!" Link retorts.
"Silence!" Daltus shouts. "I don't know how you came to know of this, but do not speak of it out loud."
"Father, please; listen to him." Zelda walks up and stands next to Link. "Remember that dream I told you about; he's the one from it."
Exasperated, Daltus rubs his forehead and sighs. "Zelda, not this again…I told you several times already; it was just a dream. Nothing more."
"Why won't you listen to me?! Ever since he appeared, that dream has bothered me for several nights! How do you explain that?!" Zelda shouts before reaching into a pouch she has. Link, however, stops her from presenting the stone by showing her his palm, fearing what Ganondorf might do if he sees it.
"Lower your voice, Zelda; you know better." Daltus sternly remarks.
"It's quite alright, Daltus; children have a habit of fearing larger adults. Her reaction is completely normal." Ganondorf comments.
"You're such a-"
"Zelda! That's enough." Daltus shouts, finally tired of Zelda's insolence. "Now, I've entertained you both long enough. Lady Impa, please escort the princess to her room. Ganondorf, since you will be investigating the forest, please escort this boy there as well."
"Understood, Daltus." Ganondorf acknowledges Daltus' request, grabbing Link firmly by the arm. "Come along, young man."
"Hey, let go of me!" Link struggles to get loose.
"Let him go!" Zelda protests as Impa keeps her from getting close. "Father!"
"We will discuss your manners later. Do as I say, Zelda." Daltus dismissively states.
"King Daltus, he's behind all of this!" Link shouts as Ganondorf tightens his grip, causing Link discomfort.
"Let it go already, boy! I have no need for your Deku Tree's spiritual stone. Now come along, before you get in real trouble." Ganondorf says, clearly annoyed.
Just as they're all about to leave the room, Impa notices something odd. "Wait." Everyone stops in their tracks and she looks at Ganondorf. "What did you just say?"
"What?" Ganondorf questions.
"The spiritual stone." Impa clarifies.
"Yes, I said that it doesn't matter to me as this boy claims."
"…He never said that this perpetrator was looking for the spiritual stone, just 'something'. How did you know it was the spiritual stone?"
The guards look at each other before looking at Ganondorf, now feeling suspicious. Link and Zelda look expectantly at the king.
"I thought it would be obvious. What else does the Deku Tree have that someone would want to steal?" Ganondorf explains. "I mean, it is one of three needed to enter the Sacred Realm. Anyone would want to try-"
"Ganondorf." Daltus cuts him off. "Why do you know that? Only the Royal Family is privy to that knowledge."
Biting his lip, Ganondorf struggles to find an excuse. "I…"
"Ganondorf." Daltus stands up from his throne and glares at his friend. "I demand an explanation."
Ganondorf begins to collect his thoughts. "Daltus, this is ridiculous. I had free time and went to your castle library; one of your books had that information."
"No book has that knowledge in the library; only in my private study." Daltus states. "What have you been doing as of late?" Ganondorf, now cornered, remains silent as he loosens his grip on Link's arm. Now free, Link walks over to Zelda and Impa, wanting them to leave. Now convinced of Ganondorf's ulterior motives, the king snaps his fingers. "Guards, seize him."
Complying, the guards move to apprehend Ganondorf, grabbing him by the arms. However, Ganondorf exhales deeply…before smiling sinisterly. "Worthless fools…" He unexpectedly releases a dark energy that blows the guards away before closing the distance between Daltus and himself. "You should've been more careful!" Ganondorf punches out the stunned Daltus, as well as cracking the throne.
"Father!" Zelda shouts in horror as Link and Impa hold her back. Zelda manages to break free and falls to the ground, slipping the Kokiri's Emerald a few inches away from her. Hearing the commotion, Ganondorf turns around just in time to see Zelda pick it up.
"The stone…" Ganondorf says in wide eyed surprise. Impa stands in front of both Zelda and Link. Ganondorf slowly walks towards them, wanting to anticipate what ever move they could come up with.
"Link, was it?" Impa whispers.
"Yeah?" Link answers in turn.
"I don't know how you know about these things, and frankly, I no longer care; The princess trusts you, so I will trust you as well."
"Thanks." Link comments as Impa halts him and Zelda.
"I will hold Ganondorf off, you need to get her away from here." Impa states as she pulls out a dagger.
"But Impa!" Zelda decides to protest.
"No buts, Zelda." Impa firmly commands. "You cannot let Ganondorf have that. When I give the signal, you run as fast as you can. Do not look back; understood?"
"…Ok." Link answers, not fully accepting Impa's decision.
"What are you three discussing amongst yourselves? Let me in on the fun." Ganondorf smiles maliciously as he gets closer.
"As soon as I move, that's when you run." Impa readies herself. "Link, protect the princess. Take care of…my Zelda." Impa charges at Ganondorf and Link grabs Zelda by the hand as he runs out of the throne room.
"Impa!" Zelda shouts in vain as Link leads her outside. Impa grapples with Ganondorf, managing to hold him back.
"Get out of my way!" Ganondorf shouts.
"There is only one way out that door; and that's through me!" Impa defiantly states.
"Is that a fact?" Ganondorf quietly comments. "Then, I can spare a few moments."
Out in halls, Link leads Zelda out towards the main entrance of the castle, ignoring the guards running by them to reach the throne room.
"Where are we going?" Zelda asks.
"Anywhere but here." Link answers as they reach the outside. "Do you think they'll mind if I take one of their horses?"
"Wait a minute." Zelda stops abruptly as a thought crosses her mind.
"What is it?"
"If Ganondorf knows about the spiritual stones, then that means he knows about…Oh no!" Zelda shouts in realization.
"What?!"
"We have to go back! There's a room I need to get to!" Zelda explains.
"Why? What's in there?" Link asks.
"I'll explain when we get there, but we have to go now! Come on!" Zelda runs back inside as Link follows her.
Back at the throne room, Impa is facing a losing fight against Ganondorf.
"You…betrayed the king." Impa exclaims, breathing hard.
"Betrayed? That would imply actual allegiance." Ganondorf smugly retorts. "How ridiculous."
"Treacherous rat!" Impa throws several kunai at Ganondorf, who simply dodges them before throwing a ball of energy at her. Dodging that, Impa quickly slashes at Ganondorf before he seizes her by the arm.
"I expected no less from the Chief of the Sheikah." Ganondorf comments, glaring Impa in the eye. "But, you'll have to do better." Ganondorf charges another energy sphere in his free hand and shoots Impa on the abdomen at close range, throwing her back. "I think I've indulged you long enough, step aside."
"No, I won't." Impa shakily stands back up, wounded. "Not while I still draw breath."
"Very well, I'll oblige you." Ganondorf declares as another battalion of guards appear to aid Impa. "This is getting old…"
The King's Study
"It should be around here…" Zelda searches around the fireplace behind her father's desk. "It's one of these bricks, I know it."
"What are you looking for, exactly?" Link peeks outside the door, hearing the sounds of fighting distance away. "This is taking too long."
"You'll see in a minute." Zelda retorts, finally stroking a loose brick on the fireplace. "Here it is!" Pulling the brick off and throwing it on the ground, Zelda sees an indentation where it was. Pulling off the Triforce ornament on her headdress, Zelda places it in the indentation and turns it left four times and right three times before pressing it in. A portrait of a woman in regal clothing above the fireplace moves aside, revealing a square hole with a small object wrapped in a red cloth. "That's it." Zelda states as she puts the ornament back on her headdress.
Link walks over and takes the object. As he unwraps it, Link sees what it is; a blue flute like instrument with a mysterious glow. "The Ocarina of Time."
"Yes, that's it." Zelda confirms, no longer surprised that he would know what it is. "Hold on to it, we can leave now."
"Let's go then." Link puts the ocarina away in his bag and leads Zelda back outside. As they reach the half way point, someone is thrown from the room nearby through the wall, revealed to be Impa.
"Impa!" Zelda runs over to kneel down and check on Impa while Link looks inside the room; Ganondorf had defeated the soldiers, holding one aloft by the neck before tossing him aside.
"There you are." Ganondorf threateningly announces. "I was worried."
Zelda fearfully gasps and Link stands in front of her. "Just get behind me, Zelda; it'll be ok."
"Don't make promises you can't keep, boy." Ganondorf retorts. "You disobeyed Impa; why didn't you run away?"
"We got lost." Link quickly answers.
"In the princesses castle? Her home?" Ganondorf questions. "I am no fool; you have something else, don't you?" Upon hearing this, Link instinctively reaches for his bag, where the ocarina is. Slowly moving to the side, Link wants to make a run for it with Zelda, but Ganondorf throws a fireball at that direction, which makes them flinch. "WE'RE NOT FINISHED YET. Give that to me."
Link looks at Ganondorf and then at a fearful Zelda. Weighing through his options, Link reaches into his bag. "It's ok, I'm going to hand it over."
"Link, no! What are you doing?!" Zelda whispers, tugging at Link's arm.
"Don't." Link snaps at Zelda before looking into her eyes. "Trust me." Zelda slowly lets go of Link's arm after he says this. Link turns back to face Ganondorf. "If I give you what you're looking for, will you let us go?"
"…You have my word." Ganondorf answers.
"Ok…" Link slowly reaches into his bag with one hand while holding onto Zelda's hand with the other, who tightly grips it. "Here." Link throws three deku nuts at Ganondorf, creating a blinding flash and Link quickly covers Zelda's eyes.
"Argh, my eyes!" Ganondorf shouts in distress, covering his eyes with one arm and blasting fireballs with the other.
"RUN!" Link grabs Zelda's hand and leads her away from Ganondorf, running down a nearby hallway. Ganondorf shambles out and can just barely make out where they ran off towards. Unbeknownst to him, Impa begins to stir.
"Where are we going?!" Zelda asks, keeping up with Link's pace.
"This time I don't know! I just need to find a place to hide!" Link answers, looking around.
"Oh, then this way! This way!" Zelda makes Link turn towards an adjacent hallway, straight into a large library. Pushing the doors open, Zelda leads Link inside.
Castle Library
"Whoa…" Link marvels at the sheer number of books lined up on the walls, shelves and bookcases, offering ample hiding spots.
"WHERE ARE YOU?!" Link and Zelda gasp as Ganondorf bellows angrily down the hall, running down it.
"Close the door." Zelda whispers as Link helps her close the double doors. Once shut, Link pushes several tables and chairs in front of it as a barricade. "Ok, that should hold for a while…I hope."
"Link, up there!" Zelda points to the windows on the second floor. "We can get out through one of those."
"But, it's still high up." Link comments.
"We can use one of the ladders on the shelves to climb up." Zelda points to said ladders bolted to the shelves.
"Good. Let's go-" Link stops abruptly as the door handles begin to rattle. Both hold their breath as the rattling stops…followed by loud banging which make the tables shake. "Change of plans; hide." Link and Zelda quickly hide behind a large bookcase facing away from the door. Soon enough the doors fly open, sending pieces of the tables and chairs flying and Link has to cover Zelda's mouth before she reflexively screams. Ganondorf stands in front of the open doorway.
"Zelda! Boy! I know you're in here." Ganondorf shouts, looking around the seemingly empty library. "But, I'm going to give you one more chance. You can leave, just leave the stone on a table and walk out the exit. I won't go after you and our paths will not cross. But, if you make me look for you…"
"Link, just go. I won't let him have these." Zelda whispers, urging Link to save himself. "Thank you for showing my father the snake that Ganondorf is. Just go."
"I'm not going." Link declares, holding Zelda's hands. "I'm not leaving you unprotected…not this time."
"This time?" Zelda asks, confused. "But…"
"My mind's made up; we're leaving together or not at all."
Zelda looks at Link and realizes that he's completely serious. Wanting to say something, Zelda recants and simply nods and gives Link a hug. "Thank you…"
"Alright, time's up! Ready or not, here I come!" Ganondorf shouts, blasting the exit with an energy sphere, collapsing it. Link and Zelda stay in their hiding spot as Ganondorf walks in. Looking from the right of the bookcase, Link sees that Ganondorf has his back turned to them, searching behind a shelf. Link silently tells Zelda to wait while he quickly reaches a low, horizontal bookcase before Ganondorf turns around. "Where are you…?" Link pulls out a rupee from his wallet and flings it at Ganondorf's right side, catching his attention. Link gestures for Zelda to come to him and she complies, scurrying over to him. "Wrong stone, kids. But, I'll trade you." Ganondorf dismisses, discarding the rupee. "It'll take a long while for the other guards to clear out that rubble. I'll find you by then…"
"My turn." Zelda whispers to Link, before tossing a book at the entrance. Ganondorf turns to that direction and runs where the book landed. Thinking they were behind that shelf, Ganondorf disappears from sight and Link scrambles up the stairs. On the second floor, Link sees that Ganondorf is still on the other side and they are out of his sight; allowing him to gesture Zelda over. She complies, but immediately freezes as her sleeve caught an ornament and dropped to the ground, alerting Ganondorf. Link tells her to get back into cover as he backs away from the railing, Ganondorf emerges from the back of the library. Narrowing his eyes, Ganondorf slowly walks over to the bookcase where Zelda is hiding, causing her heart to beat faster.
"Are you there?" Ganondorf quietly asks as he looms over Zelda, but relents as something hits his head, making him reel back. "Argh! What was that?!" Ganondorf shouts in pain as he walks away holding his head. Another rupee lands near Zelda, making her look up to see Link on the opposite side of the second floor holding a slingshot and gesturing her to his side. Complying, Zelda runs beneath the second floor and hides behind another bookcase just as Ganondorf recomposes himself. "Now, you've done it…" Ganondorf, now angered, begins pushing down several bookcases, in an attempt to eliminate hiding spots. Zelda panics as Ganondorf inches closer to her bookcase. "Come out now!" Link readies another deku seed and launches it; however, Ganondorf turns around and catches the seed, crushing it and finally laying eyes on Link. "Fool me once, boy."
"Uh oh…" Link quietly exclaims.
"Uh oh is right, you little- huh?" Ganondorf looks at the bookcase behind him, which drops and pins Ganondorf to the ground; Zelda had climbed the bookcase and used her weight to topple it. "Damn it!"
"Zelda, run!" Link shouts and Zelda immediately runs to the stairs. Link wastes no time climbing the ladder to the window and breaks it with the Kokiri Sword.
"Link, look out!" Zelda shouts as she ascends the stairs, catching Link's attention; a piece of a bookcase flies towards him and he has to drop down to avoid it. Ganondorf had risen and thrown that at the ladder, breaking it but allowing Link to use that piece as a stepping stone.
"Come on!" Link calls out as Zelda reunites with him and he leads her up the shelf. Climbing up, Link offers his hand and Zelda takes it; while Ganondorf grabs Zelda by the leg, gripping tightly. As she screams, Link is alerted and holds her tightly to keep Ganondorf from seizing her completely.
"Dead or alive, you will give me what I want!" Ganondorf angrily declares as he pulls harder.
"Link, I'm slipping!" Zelda announces in fear, quickly losing her grip on Link's hand. "Help!"
Thinking fast, Link leans towards Zelda. "Zelda, grab on to my clothes; don't let go!" Complying, Zelda grabs on to Link's tunic with one hand and Link grabs the shelf to anchor himself. Finally gripping it with both hands, Zelda holds on as Link reaches his sword with his free hand and manages to slash Ganondorf's face, leaving a diagonal laceration on it. Screaming in pain, Ganondorf holds onto his bloody face and Zelda kicks him with her other leg, releasing his grip and sending him falling down hard on a table on the lower floor. "Let's get out of here!" Link hoists Zelda up and they both escape out the window. Ganondorf regains consciousness and seethes in anger.
Rooftops
Now outside, Link notices Zelda limping; her leg had been injured by Ganondorf. Kneeling, Link tells her to get on his back and he carries her away. Running where ever he can, Link stops abruptly as he reaches the edge of the front side of the castle, realizing that it's a fairly high drop.
"No, we have to go back." Link states to Zelda on his back, who nods. "There's got to be another way down-" As Link turns around, Ganondorf busts through the roof to face the two, stopping in their tracks.
"There you are…little rat." Ganondorf snarls as Link backs up slowly, remembering the edge behind him. "No more running, no more chances; I'm going to kill you both and take it anyway."
Link sets Zelda down and draws his sword and shield. "Come on then."
"Heheh, brave boy." Ganondorf comments, truly impressed by Link's bravado. "But, who are you to challenge me? Do you know how many people ran away at the mere mention of my name? Yet, you stand in defiance of me…Why?"
Link thinks for a minute, looking at an uncertain Zelda sitting behind him before looking back at Ganondorf with a serious expression. "Because somebody has to."
"Ah, then you are not afraid?"
"I'm terrified." Link answers and Ganondorf raises an eyebrow at this. "I know very well that I could die here. I saw things that no kid should ever see, been to places that no one should ever go to and even experienced my own growth in a flash." Link declares. "All those times, I was afraid. But, I never ran away. Just like with you, I'm not running."
"Interesting…" Ganondorf smirks. "Let me check!" Ganondorf throws a fireball at Zelda and Link blocks it with his shield. Flinching, Link throws the burning shield over the edge and shakes his partially burned knuckle. Though injured, Link stands tall, moving in front of Zelda. "Well, color me surprised; you meant it. Hey, what is your name, boy?"
"Link. My name is Link." He answers, not breaking eye contact.
"Link? Very well, I'll remember it. I'll write it on your tombstone." Ganondorf declares as he slowly walks over to them, charging energy in his left palm. Seeing Zelda frightened, Link kneels down and hold her hand in an effort to reassure her; wanting Zelda to know that he's not going anywhere. "Time to die, Link…"
"Don't miss…" Link says in a final act of defiance. Just then, an arrow hits Ganondorf on the arm, causing him pain and throwing the energy sphere to the right side. Shocked, Link and Zelda look around to see where the arrow came from. "Who is there?!" Ganondorf shouts, pulling out the arrow. However, his arm suddenly feels numb where the arrow struck. "What…?" Another arrow strikes Ganondorf on the left leg and another to his right shoulder, then several more on his back. Screaming, Ganondorf falls to his knees and finally collapses. "Who is there…?" Ganondorf asks, just barely conscious.
"That's enough out of you, Ganondorf." Impa states as she drops down between him and the kids.
"Impa!" Link happily states, relieved to see Impa alive.
"I was right to leave the princess in your care. You've done well." Impa turns around and pats Link's head, smiling. "I'm sorry I took so long; I had to bring my friends." Whistling, several people dressed in dark blue suits with white vests and covered faces (save for their red eyes) appear with bows and arrows from behind the towers.
"The Sheikah!" Zelda shouts, amazed at seeing several of them gathered.
"Damn…you…" Ganondorf half heartedly says, unable to get up.
"Amazing how the poison sets in, isn't it?" Impa, kneeling down in front of Ganondorf, comments. "It won't kill you, but it takes away all of your movement for several hours. You're done, Ganondorf." Impa snaps her fingers and the Sheikah arrive to place charms on his body to further immobilize Ganondorf before dragging him away.
"…Link…" Ganondorf repeats Link's name one final time as he succumbs to the poison and falls unconscious.
"Well then, we should get you two looked at now-" Impa turns around to address the two, only to see Link hugging and comforting a whimpering Zelda.
"You kept your word…" Zelda quietly comments, holding Link tightly.
"I said I would." Link answers, smiling over the fact that she's safe. "Come on, let's get you back inside now." Link helps Zelda up, but she is still limping and Impa catches her before she falls.
"I'll take it from here, Link. You've earned a rest." Impa states with a smile as she carries Zelda in her arms. "Come along." Link nods and walks next to Impa. "Princess, your father is safe."
"He is?" Zelda asks, unable to hold back a smile.
"Yes. He's currently being tended to by the healers. With some bed rest, he will be back on his feet in no time."
"Thank the Gods." Zelda happily states before looking at Link. "And you too. We owe you everything, Link." Zelda drops her hand down and Link, though somewhat reluctant since the crisis passed, ultimately takes her hand and smiles.
Hyrule Castle, present day
"And then? What happened next?" Alm asks, still engrossed in the story. "Who sent that message?"
"All the guards that were still able bodied took the other, more injured guards to the healers. Link, believe it or not, got the carpenters to fix all of the damaged rooms and walls; he said that they were the best of the best and he was not mistaken." Zelda answers, fondly remembering that time. "It was Link, he wrote the message to buy himself some time."
"And what about this Ganondorf? What became of him?"
"He was apprehended and tried for his crimes; he's gone." Zelda, with a spiteful tone, states. "And he's never coming back…"
"It was a bad memory, wasn't it?" Alm remorsefully comments. "I'm sorry for making you recall it."
"No, it's alright. You needed to understand how Link knew all of these things and the beginning was the best place to explain it." Zelda retorts. "Do you understand now?"
Inhaling, Alm readies his answer. "Well, the way you've explained it all to me and how Link said 'Not this time' when he refused to leave you alone, I can only think of one answer; are you saying that this little boy was from the future?"
"A future that doesn't exist anymore, yes." Zelda confirms. "I know it sounds absurd, but he knew so much; he knew about the Sacred Realm, no one else does, especially how to enter it."
"Honestly, with everything I've seen as of late, this doesn't seem all that strange." Alm dismissed, readily believing it all.
"Well, I believe that's everything for now." Zelda concludes. "Is that enough to placate your curiosity?"
"More than enough. Thank you, Zelda."
Nodding, Zelda decides to finally leave Alm so that he can sleep. "I am sorry, but I have to lock you back in until morning. Otherwise, the guards will get suspicious."
"No, it's fine; I understand." Alm answers. "Thank you for taking time out of your sleeping hours to put my mind at ease. I promise I'll bring Link back to you, somehow and someway."
Zelda assimilates Alm's words, reminding her of Link's promises, and she gives a sad smile. "Thank you." Zelda moves to leave, but stops as she opens the door. "One more thing; if Link is with Queen Celica, as this Jedah person claims, then he will protect her. I assure you that he will." With that, Zelda leaves, locking the door behind her. Alm sits back down and smiles over Zelda's assurance; strangely able to trust Link even though he hasn't officially met him.
Zelda returns to her room and places the candle on her dresser, putting it out…before sitting on her bed and breaking down in tears.
Valentia, Duma Faithful camp
In the center of the campsite, everyone becomes disturbed by the sudden appearance of a sphere of light that expands and constricts, leaving Jedah in its place.
"Master Jedah has returned!" A guard nearby announces and everyone present bows after calming down.
"Save the pleasantries." Jedah orders as the others stand back up. "Where is Matias?"
"In his tent, with Koume and Kotake."
"Good." Jedah walks off to the main tent, entering it. "Matias?"
"This had better be important-" Matias turns around in annoyance, only to relent as he sees who addressed him, bowing his head along with Fallon. "Master Jedah! My apologies, Sir; I was unaware of your arrival."
"At ease, my friend." Jedah dismisses, beckoning Matias and Fallon to straighten up. "I require reports, however."
"Yes Sir. I regret to inform you that our efforts to seize the Hero of Time have failed. He was stronger than we had imagined."
"Most unfortunate." Jedah answers, clearly disappointed as he walks off and observes the tents interior. "I suppose our forces were too much for a mere carpenter, wouldn't you agree?"
Matias, catching on to Jedah's disappointment, tries to explain further. "But, these two told us that he was a mere brawler. Our information was flawed."
Jedah turns around and raises an eyebrow at Matias. "I did not ask you to grovel at my feet, Matias."
"No, Sir…"
"You were tasked with securing the Hero of Time and you came back empty handed. This is very upsetting, Matias…"
"I apologize, Master; I promise that it will not happen again." Matias says as he bows his head in shame.
"No, it won't; I promise." Jedah smiles as he announces this. "Koume and Kotake."
"Well, you finally acknowledged our presence." Koume comments.
"How are things back home?" Kotake asks.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about; Alm is there wandering about, aiding the King of Hyrule. It could complicate our efforts to secure Princess Zelda. Therefore, I need you both to trade places with my daughters again to keep an eye on things there. Given that you know the land better than I." Jedah explains.
"Hmm, I wish I had thought of that." Koume answers, agreeing with Jedah's plan. "Kotake?"
"Yeah, not a bad plan." Kotake answers. "Is he alone?"
"No, he's traveling with someone else; His name was Sheik, I believe."
Looking at each other after hearing this, Koume and Kotake smile slightly.
"Is he now?" Koume comments quietly.
"Well, let's not waste any more time then. We're waiting on you, Jedah." Kotake announces.
"Very well, once you reach your destination, find my daughters; they will hunt the Hero of Time." Jedah states, forming two spheres in each hand. "Remember, I need your power for this part."
"Oh ho! What fun the Hero of Time will have!" Koume excitedly says as she transfers magic to one sphere.
"Shame that we can't see it unfold." Kotake pouts as she does the same with her sphere. Now complete, Jedah pushes the spheres onto the twins and they disappear in a flash of light. After they leave, Jedah feels a twitch on the back of his neck.
"Master?" Matias asks in concern.
"What is it?" Fallon asks as well.
"I have to speak with him." Jedah answers. "Leave me. Now."
Matias and Fallon nod in acknowledgement and leave the tent. Now alone, Jedah conjures a large flame in the air in front of him and recites an incantation in a peculiar language; the flame turns a magenta color mixed with the regular flames color.
"Jedah! Why do you linger there?" A voice loudly speaks from the flames.
"Apologies, My Lord. I had other engagements to attend to." Jedah explains, slightly nervous. "But, the Hero of Time is in the process of being tracked."
"What?! You have not captured him?!"
"No. It has proven difficult…But, I have a new plan; my daughters, Marla and Hestia, have grown in power. They will track him down."
"Is that a fact?" The voice skeptically asks.
"Yes, My Lord. Our forces are going to redouble their efforts as well, and we will offer bounties to all of the towns for information and even the Hero of Time's capture. Either way, he will fall into our hands." Jedah declares.
"Careful, Jedah; he's stronger than you think. The Princess as well."
"I don't leave things up to chance. No effort will be spared; we will prevail, My Lord."
"See that you do, Jedah. See that you do…" The voice concludes as the flames dissipate, leaving Jedah alone. Soon, another two spheres of light appear behind Jedah; Marla and Hestia have arrived.
"We have returned, father." Hestia declares.
"We are ready." Marla adds.
Turning around, Jedah faces his daughters. "Excellent. Then let us not waste any time; He is somewhere in the land, your task is to find out where. But fret not, we will spread our forces to each settlement to search as well and aid you on the search. Do not fail me."
"Of course, father." Marla and Hestia bow their heads in acceptance.
"Go." Jedah commands as Marla and Hestia exit the tent and look out towards the woods.
"Let us go, Marla." Hestia comments.
"Yes, dear sister." Marla answers while smiling. "It's time to play…"
Marla and Hestia levitate a few inches off of the ground before zooming off towards the woods, the hunt for Link has begun…
Outside Mycen Village
"There it is." Celica comments from the carriage, looking out from the window. "My old home."
"This is where you spent a little over a year?" Link asks, joining her at the window. "Wait, what is that?"
Celica pulls out a spyglass and sees several monsters being held back by a makeshift barricade at the entrance, along with several villagers forcing them off with pitchforks and such. "They really are attacking!" Seeing Celica's distress and the monsters attacking her home sparks something in Link, making him abandon the carriage and commandeering a horse from one of the troops. "What are you doing?!"
"Stopping them. I'm not waiting for the carriage to get there." Link answers as he rides of towards the village and draws his sword; ready for battle.
To be continued
Author's Note: *whistle* This has to be the longest chapter I've ever written. There is so much I wanted to get down that I lost track of how many words it had. But, I'm very happy with how it turned out. Before anyone asks, yes; those lines you have read are from Ocarina of Time; they were too good to leave out for the sake of the story. Alright guys/girls, take care. :)