Disclaimer: I still own nothing!
"Heh heh heh."
"Why are you acting like you're about to do something bad," Link warily questioned the imp by his side.
"Because I'm about to completely destroy this pathetic little barrier that's blocking our way into the castle."
Link nodded his head. With a gallant bow, he swept out his arm towards said barrier.
"If the lady would be so kind."
With a haughty sniff, Midna flies over to the castle gates and lands at the large doors. She looks back at Link as if to say something, when the three fused shadows appear and begin circling her and snap into place, forming a helmet. After a small struggle, Midna's body fall limp as the magic of her ancestors begins to take over. The power of the Twili seems to surround the immediate area as the helmet begins to shake with power. As if looking for a way out, the helmet begins bashing itself up along the surrounding walls, taking an unhappy Midna along for the ride. With one final leap, the helmet throws itself over one of the rooftops. A strong silence fills the air, before the ground begins to shake. A long glowing arm reaches across the rooftop and latches on. Using the roof as leverage, the arm pulls itself up to reveal an enlarged helmet. Another arm takes hold and pulls the rest of itself up.
Link's eye widen as he sees the giant monster the ancient helmet has turned Midna into.
A seemingly round body is surrounded by six attachments, including the two arms. With a great leap, the physical form of the ancient's power brings itself near the top of the diamond shaped barrier. After slipping a bit, the creature is able to stabilize itself before drawing on of its appendages back. The appendage curled itself around a giant spike the creature created out of pure magic. With a powerful thrust, the power of the ancients breaks through the barrier. As the two powers clash, a blinding light flares, completely destroying the barrier.
As Midna regains consciousness, she finds herself held by Link.
"You alright?"
"I'm fine." She paused as she felt something land on her nose. "When did it start raining?"
"Just after you brought down the barrier."
The two looked up at the unprotected castle, anticipating the battle ahead. Cautiously, they begin to make their way to the door that would lead them into the castle itself. Reaching out his hand, Link pulls on the large handle. Letting out a breath, he turns to the imp beside him.
"It's locked."
Midna rolls her eye.
"Of course it is." She looks around and sees a path leading to the western part of the grounds. "Let's try going that way."
Link shrugs in acceptance before making his way over. Peeking around the corner leading further into the grounds, they are not very surprised to see a large cluster of barricades. With no visible way to get through.
Midna growls in anger.
"This is just like the Gerudo Desert!"
Looking around, Links sees something that causes him to smile in a very 'bad little boy' sort of way.
"It is like the desert, isn't it?"
Needless to say, Midna is a little worried.
Following his line of sight, she gets a lot worried.
"Don't even think about it!"
Link's smile just got bigger.
~* Two Minutes Later *~
"I TOLD YOU NOT TO THINK ABOUT IT!"
"I didn't!"
"Obviously!"
The two tore through the barricades with ease as they rode on the stolen bullbo.
Yes, you read that right.
Just like at Gerudo, some genius bokoblin left a loose bullbo right near the entrance.
Hence Link's happiness and Midna's panic.
Leaving a path of destruction in his wake, Link led the bullbo through the grounds before it fell over in exhaustion.
"Never again!"
"Admit it, that was fun."
"No, that recklessly stupid!"
"Like I said, fun!"
During their squabble, the two barely took note of the enclosed clearing they wandered into. Of course, they noticed when a barrier formed around them.
Midna gave Link a dry look.
"This was old a long time ago."
Nodding his head, Link looked up, waiting for some monsters to drop from the sky. A small earthquake brings his attention back to the ground.
"You have got to be kidding me!"
"This is almost as old, but not quite."
There, standing directly across from Link, was King Bulblin. Swinging his large weapon, he yells to Link.
"I have come to play!"
Link drew his sword and shield.
"How many times do I have to beat this guy?!"
His companion just shrugged and moved out of the way. Since he didn't have Kagome helping him this time, it was a little harder to fight. Thankfully, his large opponent had an equally large weapon, so it slowed him down enough for Link to have a decent advantage.
"Ahhhhhh!"
*crash*
"Ow, that hurt."
Hey, I said 'decent' advantage, not 'complete' advantage.
"You're supposed to dodge!"
"Really?! I thought I was supposed to get hit!"
More than a little upset, Link charged at his enemy once more.
Ducking under as the giant axe came at him, he was able to get behind King Bulblin and injure him enough to drop his weapon. Link puts himself on the defensive as his opponent turns to him and …smiles?
Link and Midna both stand there blinking in shock as King Bulblin limps past them. Just before reaching the door, he turns and looks at Link over his shoulder.
"I follow the strongest side! ...That is all I have ever known."
Tossing the castle key towards Link, King Bulblin leaves.
Midna and Link are still in shock, Midna even more so.
"Link... He...He spoke."
Link shook himself out of his stupor and retrieved the key.
"Let's get going, we're getting closer."
Going through the unlocked door, they enter a grand entryway. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling, each resting above its own balcony.
Midna let out a whistle.
"Nice room, but how do you get out of it?"
The two looked around, hoping to find an exit.
"Well," began Link. "I imagine at one point that was a full set of stairs leading up."
The Princess of the Twili looked to the left, and sure enough, there sat a broken set of stairs.
"Now isn't that nice, how are we supposed…" She paused as an idea came to her. "Link?"
"Hm?"
"If you climbed up the stairs, would be close enough to latch onto one of those chandeliers?"
Pulling out his clawshot, he made his way over.
"Only one way to find out."
Climbing the stairs as far as he could, he took careful aim at the nearest chandelier and fired. The pull of his clawshot told him that the plan was a success.
The little imp was happy.
"Great! Let me check those balconies and see if I can find the door out of here!"
Link hung on as he heard the opening and shutting of various doors.
Finally, Midna returned.
"The third balcony looks like the one we want."
The young Hylian nodded as he reached for his second clawshot and took aim. In no time at all, he finally landed back on solid ground.
Rotating his stiff shoulders, he turned to Midna.
"Let's not do that again for a while."
He received a smile in response. Muttering under his breath about 'evil little imps', he opened the door and walked through.
~* Elsewhere within the Castle *~
A large figure sat upon an elaborate throne watching the warrior through an enchanted bauble, the upper half of his body obscured by shadows.
With an amused expression, he spoke into the shadows.
"I want you to go and greet our guests. Don't hurt them, just play for a bit and then return here."
Without a word, a figure within the shadows bowed and made their way out the door.
"I hope you enjoy your little surprise, Hero."
A cold laugh echoed throughout the room.
~* With Link *~
The room beyond the door turned out to be a curved hallway. The walls were covered in tapestries and portraits depicting the royal line of Hyrule.
"You know," began Link. "I'm surprised."
"About?"
"Well, usually when we enter an enemy stronghold, the bad guys are pretty quick to attack."
"And?"
"Not one enemy since we entered the castle."
"Are you complaining?"
"Not really."
"So why do you think we haven't been attacked."
"Isn't it obvious?"
"I'm afraid to ask."
"We've beaten everything we've come across. They're probably scared and hiding, or there are none left."
"Oh, really?"
"Yea…"
Link was interrupted by a kick to the face that had him skidding across the floor on his back.
Midna's sarcastic voice penetrated the fog covering his mind.
"Or maybe, they are waiting for you to let your guard down before attacking."
Using his hand to wipe the blood from his mouth, the blonde warrior brought himself back to his feet, a low growl sounding from his throat. Upon seeing the identity of his attacker, the growling stopped.
"Uh-oh."
Link paid no attention to the floating imp.
Kagome stood before him once more, looking more like a warrior than the last time he had seen her. Her legs were protected by a pair of black pants that clung to her like a second skin, which tucked into a pair of armor plated heeled boots that reached up to her knees. An open crimson skirt held up by an intricate armored belt rested low on her hips. The shirt she wore was made of the same material as her skirt. The shirt had a low collar and was sleeveless. Silver plating acted as armor that protected her shoulders and the back of her neck. Her left arm was covered in the same style armor that protected her legs, while a leather strap around her wrist was all that adorned her right arm.
Her face held no make-up, but a simple gold circlet with an inverted tip adorned her brow. In the center of the headpiece was a yellow sapphire, framed by two strands of hair. The ends of the circlet were hidden within her hair which was pulled back in a high ponytail, held back by a golden headpiece that resembled the sun.
Instead of the blood red eyes she held in the Twilight Palace, her eyes were a shadowed amber.
A loud screech brought Link's mind back to the task at hand.
'How did I miss that?!'
It would seem that while Link was busy 'checking out' the competition, he failed to notice the pretty little sword held in her right hand (look up Ganondorf's sword for this game and imagine it more feminine).
As if sensing that his mind had returned, Kagome picked up her speed and Link was barely able to block her sword with his shield. Drawing the Master Sword, the Hero Chosen by the Gods began to fight back. While she did not have a shield of her own, the gauntlet she wore was more than enough to deflect the half-hearted blows from her opponent. Following her master's orders, Kagome palmed a flash bomb in her hand. As Link's sword made contact with her arm once again, she threw out her arm, causing Link to stumble back. Taking advantage of his pause, she threw her bomb to the ground, enveloping the room in a bright light.
"Dammit!"
Link was seated on the floor, the heels of his palms digging into his eyes.
"Did she really have to do that?!"
"Of course she did, she wanted an easy get away."
"Not helping Midna."
"Just letting my opinion be known."
The Hylian sent a glare towards the imp. Heaving a sigh, he got back on his feet.
"Let's get going."
The floating imp followed.
Hiding behind a corner, Kagome waited for their footsteps to fade before opening a secret panel and entering the revealed passage.
~* Sometime Later *~
After many grueling hours of chandelier hopping and enemy bashing, Link and Midna finally made it to the large doors that would lead them to the throne room.
Midna turned toward her friend.
"This is it, you ready?"
"As ready as I'm going to be."
He turned to her with a smirk on his face.
"This would be so much easier if Kagome was fighting with us instead of against."
Midna snorted.
"No kidding. Those two times you fought, she seemed to smack you around pretty easily."
Giving her a dry look, Link looked towards the doors and pushed them open. Through the doors, they once more found themselves outside. The wind was blowing hard and the thunder was deafening. Slowly they made their way up the stairs to the castle's peak. The doors were open wide in invitation. Cautiously they entered. As they walked on the blue carpet of the room, they came across a stone woman's head, as big as Link. They looked up to see where it had come from and soon found its origin. A large monument of the Triforce, surrounded by the three Goddesses, stood tall. What lay within the hollow center of the golden triangle, made their breath hitch in their throats. Princess Zelda, looking for all world to be simply sleeping, was suspended within the Triforce.
Link moved to help her, but was stopped by Midna's tiny hand. Glancing at her, he saw her looking straight ahead. Moving his eyes forward, he saw the throne of Hyrule. And the two figures sitting upon it. A deep voice echoed throughout the cavernous room.
"Welcome to my castle."
A large man sat upon the red velvet of the throne. His skin was a shade of dark green that could be mistaken for black. The hair on his head and beard was a flaming orange-red. Upon his body, he wore black armor with gold trim. He sat upon the throne, leaning forward. One arm lay across his knee while the other held up his head upon its fist. A cruel smile decorated his face.
Kagome sat to right of him on one of the wide stone arms.
Her legs were crossed, left over right, with her left arm draped lazily across her lap. Her right hand supported her upper body as she gazed at the duo with an almost bored expression.
Since Midna was a princess herself, she decided to take over the diplomatic talks.
"So you're...Ganondorf."
The now named man stood tall. The two could now see the crimson cape adorning his shoulders, and the sword that glowed within in his hand. A mocking smile now adorned his face. Link saw Kagome follow Ganondorf's movements with her eyes, before returning her gaze to him and Midna.
Midna continued with a snarl.
"I've been dying to meet you."
Taking a few steps forward, the dark figure spoke.
"Your people have long amused me, Midna. To defy the gods with such petty magic, only to be cast aside... How very pathetic. Pathetic as they were, though, they served me well. Their anguish was my nourishment. Their hatred bled across the void and awakened me. I drew deep of it and grew strong again. Your people had some skill, to be sure...but they lacked true power."
He turned his body to the side and moved his gaze towards the unconscious form of Zelda.
"The kind of absolute power that those chosen by the gods wield."
Turning back towards his guests, he raised one of his hands so that the back of his hand faced them. They watched in shock as the Triforce appeared. The top triangle glowed more brightly than the others, indicating that he held the Triforce of Power.
"He who wields such power would make a suitable king for this world, don't you think?"
The Princess of Twilight scoffed.
"Ha! Such conceit! But if you are one of the chosen wielders of power, as you claim..."
A fire began to burn within her eye.
"I will risk everything to deny you!"
"Shadow has been moved by light, it seems...How amusing. Very well... Deny me, then! Yes, try to deny me... You and your little friend..."
With a blast of power, Midna was thrown from the room.
Ganondorf sat back down on the throne and signaled for Kagome to make her way towards Link, her sword in hand. The self-proclaimed dark King erected a barrier around the two; he had no plans to drop it until one was dead.
"Both of you, faithless fools who would dare to take up arms against the king of light and shadow...So you choose. And so you shall feel my wrath!"
Taking this as a signal, the two charged each other. Sweat covered their bodies and blood flowed from the wounds they inflicted upon each other. For just one moment, Link's guard fell, but it was enough. The possessed Kagome was able to dislodge the Master Sword from her opponent's hand, and at the same time knock him onto his back. It was a testament as to how fatigued his body was, when he was unable to get back up.
Kagome chose to ignore him for now, instead turning her attention on the fallen sword. Reaching down, she grabbed hold of the Sword of Evil's Bane and froze.
~* Kagome's Mindscape *~
"This getting really old, really fast!"
Dressed kimono much like the one she wore in Feudal Japan, Kagome paced within the cage she had been in since she awoke in that dungeon.
"When I get out of here, someone is going to get hurt."
Without warning, her cage disappeared. The landscape around her changed to match that of Kaede's village, just without the people.
Which she found real creepy.
"If this is some sort of trick, I will be so not happy."
A voice came from behind her.
"This is no trick, young priestess."
Whirling around, she came face to face with a woman, slightly older than herself. The mark on her forehead was all she needed to identify her companion. Dropping to her knees and bowing low to the ground, she addressed the woman.
"Lady Midoriko, you honor me with your presence."
The elder priestess chuckled.
"There is no need to bow to me, I am here to help."
Kagome stood back up with a confused look on her face.
"How can you help me?"
"I can help free you mind from its imprisonment and restore your power for a brief period of time."
Kagome was a little hesitant.
"When this is over, will I have to leave?"
"The choice is up you. You can either stay here or return to your own world."
"How much time has passed back home?"
"Almost five years."
Kagome was silent as she thought about her choices.
"How have they been?"
"It took some time, but they eventually continued with life. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru both care for the Western Lands, and Inuyasha has been courting an ice demon. Sango and Miroku married and expecting their third child. Shippo stayed with them for a time before leaving for the Academy, he seems to have his eye on a young thunder demon named Souten. As for your family; your grandfather passed on a year ago," here she paused before continuing on. "Souta has different colleges vying for his attention for a soccer scholarship and your mother is being courted by an old friend of hers from her childhood."
Kagome smiled.
"Returning now would cause so much chaos and confusion. Besides, I think Link needs me more than they do."
Midoriko's face took on a soft expression. Bringing her hand up, she placed a single finger on Kagome's brow.
"I wish you luck and happiness in your new home."
The last thing Kagome felt, was her powers bursting forth.
~* Back in the Real World *~
More curious than concerned, Ganondorf released the barrier and made his way down to his puppet. Standing over her, he reached out his armored hand to shake her from whatever caused her to pause.
"Don't you touch her."
The snarl came from the Hero Chosen by the Gods.
When he saw Ganondorf approaching, he used whatever strength he could find to pull himself onto his knees. With a dark smirk, he held up one finger and proceeded to place it on her shoulder. The instant he touched her, a flare of power burst forth, filling up the whole room. Ganondorf was thrown back towards the open doors and Link fell over onto his back once more. Once the light disappeared, Link found himself healed and refreshed.
"What in the seven hells am I wearing?!"
Snapping his head over to where the voice came from, he saw Kagome looking down at herself. Not taking his eyes off her, he slowly stood and began making his way towards her. Seeing movement from the corner of her eye, Kagome lifted her head and saw Link walking her way. His pace soon sped up and in a few strides he had reached her and brought her into his arms.
"I'm glad you're back."
Kagome smiled.
"Glad to be back."
"Hey! I want a hug too!"
Link pouted as Kagome pulled away in order to embrace Midna.
"Have to say, as much as we missed you, it was funny watching you kick Link's ass every time you fought."
Eyes widening in shocked horror, she quickly looked up at him.
"I'm fine, don't worry about it."
Midna smiled before speaking.
"Well, now that that's over, let's get Zelda down and leave this place."
Getting two nods in agreement, they turned toward the throne and stopped short. Somehow, Zelda was taken from the monument and placed on the throne. She was still unconscious.
Link turned toward his companions and scratched the back of his head.
"I wonder how…"
His question was cut short as Kagome's face took on a look of horror. Quickly turning around, he drew his sword and shield. The place where Ganondorf had landed was surrounded by black magic, slowly changing his form. Kagome reached into Links pack and grabbed the bow and quiver and moved to stand beside him, bow ready to fire. Midna came to his other side and rested on his shoulder, giving him a wink.
As the transformation finished, a giant boar like beast stood before them. He charged at them, before disappearing. Portals began forming as they waited for him to reappear. They didn't have to wait long before he came charging once again. Seeing this reminded Kagome of something.
"Hey Midna?"
"Yeah?"
"Think you can toss big guy over here?"
What she was asking slowly dawned on the imp.
Link, however, was confused.
"What?"
"Just aim for that mark on his chest when we bring him down."
Midna changed Kagome into her wolf form before plopping on her back and fixing her hair into a giant hand. When the dark beast reached them, they were able to throw him to the side. Link rushed over and attacked the beast's chest. They used this pattern twice more before the he fell and stayed down.
Changing Kagome back, still in the same outfit, the three watched as Ganondorf's magic slowly ate away at his monstrous form. Their attention was diverted, however, when Midna began to glow white. Piece by piece, the strange light left her body and flew to the still body of Hyrule's princess.
Zelda's eyes opened, as the last of the light reentered her body.
Link and Kagome stood back as Midna floated over to her.
"Pr-Princess... I... I..."
Zelda shook her head, causing Midna to stop.
"Say nothing, Midna...Your heart and mine were as one, however briefly...Such suffering you have endured..."
A burst of fire caught their attention. From within the flames, formed Ganondorf's head. Everyone backed away from the site. Feeling the warmth of her power once more, Kagome moved in front of Link and held her hands out towards the fiery head and formed a pink barrier around him.
Catching Midna's eye, she nodded with a sad smile on her face. Floating beside her, Midna closed her eyes and focused on the power of her ancestors. Link's eyes widened in panic as he finally understood what they were doing. As if time itself slowed down, Link moved towards them with his hand outstretched, intent on stopping them. He was just about to grab Kagome's shoulder when he felt the familiar pull of Midna's magic transport him and Zelda away from the castle. The two women watched them leave with sad smiles.
Turning towards Kagome, Midna spoke.
"You know what's probably going to happen, right."
A single tear fell from Kagome's eye and made its way down her cheek.
"As long as he goes down with us, it's worth it, right?"
"Yeah."
With no words left, the both turned their attention on focusing their powers. Midna's form was once more replaced by the six legged creature. Floating into the air, the magic of the Twili formed a type of trident. Kagome focused on keeping Ganondorf's head in one place. Midna brought down her weapon with as much strength as her form could muster.
A large explosion was the last thing they saw.
~* After the Final Boss Fight *~
Ganondorf was finally defeated. Link and Princess Zelda felt as though this was a hollow victory.
Four balls of light from behind caught their attention. The lights slowly shaped themselves into the four Guardians of Light. They kept their focus on the ground in front of them and let their power flow. They turned and looked at the two Hylians before fading away.
Link squinted into the distance and could barely make two shadows. One of the shadows held a familiar shape.
Hoping against hope, Link ran up the hill as fast as he could, Zelda following at a more sedate pace. Reaching the top of the hill, Link's eyes found a figure in a large black cloak. Beside the cloak sat Kagome, back in her regular clothes. Not wasting anytime he ran and dropped to his knees before her. Bringing her into his arms once more, he tilted her head back and kissed her for as long as he could. Finally catching her breath, Kagome was able to speak.
"Aren't you going to say 'hi' to Midna?"
With a confused look, the blonde male looked over to where the large cloak was and dropped his jaw in shock. The imp he had come to know was gone, and in her place was a beautiful woman. He just sat there with his jaw hanging open until she spoke.
"What," she laughed. "Say something! Am I so beautiful that you've no words left?"
The laughter of Kagome and Zelda woke him from his shock. Soon, all four were laughing together as the sun set.
