For some reason, I felt compelled to update sooner than I wanted so here's chap 2.
HIGHLY (notice its in caps) recommend reading 'Skyward Arrival' before reading this any further. 'Skyward Arrival' is located under chapter whatever of SSS: CHI. You're smart. You can find it.
"Will you calm down?"
"B-But…there are so many!"
Brunette sighed as Sky continued to look on like the helpless noob he was. Why did he have to baby-sit the new guy? Sure, he didn't exactly hate the Link but… He didn't want to play 'Navi' either, especially today.
Zelda had thrown another get together and all the Links were invited. Most of them were there already. Others however, had yet to arrive.
Sky mentally counted to himself as he went over the Four Sword Links and everyone else. "Five…Six…Seven! Wha- Why are there seven Toonies?" He stared on just as confused as when he had first arrived. "Are they all related or something?"
Brunette resisted the urge to groan. He was the friggen first Link of all Links! Why did he have to suffer? "No, Sky. They are not related. Toony's his own Link and- You know what? Why don't you go on over there and ask them yourself." He folded his arms, a set frown on his face.
"But you're so smart, Brunette. I'm sure you can make it understandable even for a hopeless noob like me." He smiled. It was one of those smiles that made it hard for the other to resist. Sincere. Charming. Honest. One which there was no saying 'no' to.
Brunette cocked his head to the side in a show of defeat as he lowered his guard. "Fine…"
"Thanks, Brunette. You're the best!"
He grinned, "Yeah, well-"
Over by the refreshments, Ocarina couldn't help but smile. He was a little unsure how the others would take Sky and after his introduction his worry only continued to grow. But now it seemed the initial shock was wearing off and things were beginning to settle down. He glanced at Twilight who stood next to him glaring daggers at the skyward Link. The Hero of Time sighed, "Then again…"
A somewhat feral growl escaped Twilight as he watched the oldest and newest Link converse. "Damn…Damn punk! Who does he think he is? Marching in here and acting all casual like? And Brunette! That bastard acting all chummy with him. Hmph, wasn't chummy with me."
"Twilight, if you crush that cup any more you're going to spill it."
"Hmph." Twilight downed his glass, slamming it on the table. "It just pisses me off is all." He glanced around the room. No one else seemed bothered by Sky's presence. Was he just being…a hard ass? No. No way. Hell no. He shook his head. Why did that guy bother him so much?-!
Ocarina could tell he was having some inner breakdown. Over the course of their adventures he had learned that Twilight was a very independent Link, giving his loyalty only to those he trusted and even then they had to earn that trust. He was very in-tune with his wolfish nature and just like in a pack when a new guy shows up… "You…wanna talk about it?"
"No, because I know what you'll say. 'Give him a chance'. 'Get to know him'. Well not everyone can like everybody you know."
"I never said-"
"Tch. Where's Young Link?"
And with that, he was off. Ocarina sighed. He definitely had his work cut out for him this time around. Perhaps Twilight just needed…more time, the thought of which made the Hero laugh.
"What'cha laughing at?" asked a smiling Red as he came over for refreshments.
Ocarina almost had to do a double take as he recognized who it was. "Oh, nothing. Just the thought of me, the Hero of Time, giving someone else more time or something." He smiled, "It was amusing."
"That would be so cool if you could give people extra time and stuff! Like when you have to rush in the bathroom because Blue is banging on the door for you to hurry up or when Vio wont go out adventuring with you because he wants to finish up his book or even when Green is working on his training and wont go out to get ice cream!" He grinned as he filled up four cups. "I think that would be totally neat to be able to control time."
"It does have its advantages…" Ocarina eyed him for a minute. "You going to be able to carry all four of those?"
"Nope! No help! Its punishment!"
He raised an eyebrow, "Punishment? For what?"
"For losing rock, paper scissors! I have'ta get the drinks. Solo!" He hefted the four glasses, attempting to wave. With his hands full however, he only managed to move three fingers, "See ya, Ocarina!"
He nodded back, a smile on his face. At least some of them were having a good time.
Leaning up against the door, Tracks was frowning in disapproval. It hadn't been his idea to come. Why would he want to come to some get together of a bunch of people he barely liked? He had better things to do with his time. A certain curly topped Link however, thought it would be 'a hoot' and had proceeded to drag him along until there was no chance of turning back. Tracks glanced at his companion, a dull expression on his face. Sometimes…he questioned why he even hung out with that Link.
Minish bobbed his head from side to side, humming some variation of Zelda's Lullaby and the Gold Saucer. Seeing everyone all together like this was like, so totally awesome! Even the blackies had come! Minish grinned as Shadow continued harassing Young Link in a corner while Dark Link tried to blend in with a far wall. Then there was the new guy and everyone else…! "Hey hey, Tracks, we should totally go over there and introduce ourselves so that everyone can all become friends and stuff! That would be so much fun and then we could all discuss our adventures and become even closer buddies!"
"I would rather spend…my entire life…at that silly rabbit place…than do that." His glare was returned by a wide smile making his glare deepen. There had to be some explanation for why Minish was so happy all the time. Being that chipper…it was unhealthy.
"Got it!" exclaimed Minish suddenly, causing Tracks to take a step back in surprise. "We can all introduce ourselves and then go spend our entire lives at the silly rabbit place!"
Tracks facepalmed.
Just then Seasons and Knight arrived. The two Links were the last to show seeing as Oni only appeared where he wanted and right now, right there was not where he wanted to be.
Knight surveyed the large greeting hall, a fixed smile on his face. "Hmm…sure brings back memories…"
"If you're referring to the time when Dark, Ganon, and that mage showed up, I'd rather forget such things." Seasons spotted Sky in the crowd and instantly his mood darkened. The Link was resolved to never like the newest addition to their team. He had overstepped way too many boundaries for them to ever meet half way. Try as he might, Sky would find nothing but a solid barrier of hate if ever he tried to make friends.
"Oh…I don't know. I think it might be fun to be flung off on another wild adventure. After all, three is the magic number, at least when it comes to the Zelda series. We've had two adventures so far and with the Fierce Deity running around I'd say adventure number three is right around the corner."
"How can you be so happy about that…?"
His smile barely faded as he replied, "I'm not."
Seasons sighed, "Whatever, Knight."
"It is suspicious though…" He eyed the crowed, lingering on Dark and Young Link specifically. "Oni appears. Young Link says nothing. Odd occurrences begin happening. Dark's behavior changes. Something is definitely happening in the world though I don't know what, and just like that, the princess throws another party." He glanced at Seasons, "It cant be a coincidence."
"Be on guard, huh?" Seasons scanned the crowed. This was just like before. Everyone together, happy. He frowned. Okay maybe they weren't exactly happy the first time it happened, but everything else was the same. "Does Ocarina know?"
"One would think."
He nodded. If something did go down, they would need someone to lead them out of it. But things were different now. With everything that had happened, Seasons wasn't sure if the Hero of Time was up for it. Especially with the other Links present as well. They had their own system of dealing with things. The Four Sword Links had Green. Tracks and Minish had themselves. Was it even possible for them all to cooperate? Somehow, he seriously doubted that.
"Green, Green! Hey, Green. Yo!" Blue pulled Green close, half whispering as he eyed the Hero of Time with a sneaky sneer. "Hey, that guy, he's the leader of those other guys right? Go challenge 'im."
"W-What?" Green tried to pull away but was locked tight in Blue's strong grip. "Why would I do something like that?"
"Be-cause! If you win, that would prove that we are way better, man! Think about it! We would become the reigning champs! Don't you see?"
"Sorry, all I can see is your blue hat in my face." Green finally pulled away, fixing his own hat as he stared at him sternly, "No one is better than anyone here. We're all Link. You of all people should understand that. You're a Four Sword Link."
"Yes. But we all have different strengths! As a Four Sword Link, you, Green, should understand that!"
"Uh-oh… Are Green and Blue fighting again?" asked Red worriedly as he brought over the drinks.
"Just a difference of opinion," answered Vio. He took one of the glasses from Red and took a sip.
"No one is going to fight anyone, Blue." Green took a glass of his own.
"I beg to differ!" Blue took his glass then, pointing it in Twilight's direction. "That guy is just itching to fight! See the way he's glaring at the noob? The guy's like…stalking his prey or something!"
"Well if he gets in a fight so be it." Green glared at Blue, "We are not going to fight. Got it?"
He glared back, "Fine!"
"Fine."
Red watched the two down their drinks as Vio sighed beside them. The crimson Link smiled slightly before taking a sip of his own drink. Just another day with the Four Swords, he thought happily. But… He looked up from his glass. Where was Shadow?
The Link in question had turned his attention to the Hero of Winds. To him, Young Link was just too easy to mess with. The guy was no fun. Toony on the other hand…
The small waker of winds frowned pathetically as Shadow recounted all the mistakes he had made on his journey. From letting his sister get kidnapped to not being able to save Greatfish Isle, even going so far as to say the King's death was his fault as well. To the sensitive Toony, all of it was just too much and he was about to break out in tears. "Why are you so mean…?"
Shadow laughed through a grin, "I'm not mean. You're just a wimp." He poked him in the chest, causing Toony to stumble backwards. "Ya cant let this emotional stuff get to ya. Gotta harden up, kid. Or else…"
"O-Or else..?"
"Or else your buddy there is going to get taken by the noob." Shadow jerked his thumb in Brunette's direction. The Link was recounting some part of his journey while a starry-eyed Sky listened intently.
Toony took one look at them and instantly flew into defensive mode as he ran over to them, "H-Hey! Back off, buddy!"
Shadow laughed to himself as Toony confronted the two. Man these guys were fun to mess with! Screwing over the Four Swords and Tracks 'n his boyfriend got old after awhile but now… Heh, he had even more chums to trick. "Heh heh…and next on the list is…"
"No one."
Shadow turned around and spotted Dark. The guy definitely looked like he didn't want to be there. Shadow glared at Ocarina in the distance, blaming him for Dark's attendance. "What about the Hero of Time?"
"Leave him alone, Shadow." He sighed as he folded his arms tiredly. Though he was grateful for Shadow's return, dealing with him was almost like scolding a child, a responsibility he most definitely did not want to have.
A large pout quickly made its way to Shadow's face as he too folded his arms, "Why do you protect them and all that? You don't owe them nothing, Dark! If you don't want to be here then leave. You don't have to listen to what those jerks say! And why cant I mess with anyone, huh? You cant tell me what to-" Shadow cut himself off. Although they were no longer in Ganon's service, the memories of those times were still fresh in his mind. Back then they were all each other had and for him to be arguing with Dark like this…
"Shadow."
He stared at the floor gloomily, "What?"
"Do what you want with the others, but leave the Hero of Time out of it. Both of them."
"Why?-!"
Dark remained silent. It wasn't as if he cared for the two Heroes. That wasn't it at all. But if something were to happen… Dark recalled the various flares of darkness, of the sightings of Oni. If something were to happen, the Links would need the Hero of Time to see them through it. That's why he needed to be protected. And he did owe him. He owed him his life. Shadow's as well. As for Young Link… The two Heroes were one and the same. They were connected. If something were to happen to the other… Memories of their first adventure, when he had kidnapped Young Link, surfaced. Back then, that was the defining moment when Ocarina had stepped up to become the leader of the Links. And during their second journey, the two had been connected. Without Young Link, Ocarina had lost hope but once reunited…
"Fine. I just wont mess with anybody! You happy now?-!" yelled Shadow angrily. He stalked off, mumbling under his breath. To him, everything was all that stupid Hero of Time's fault. Dark was the coolest guy ever when they worked for Ganon. Then that green wearing wannabe showed up and beat him. After that, Dark had changed. He no longer followed orders, no longer cared. It was partially because of this change that he… Shadow punched the wall next to him, "Its all his fault!"
It wasnt until later, after another half hour or so had past, that the more worrisome of the Links began to question. Zelda had thrown this party and still she had yet to show. What was keeping her? Had something happened? Where was Hyrule's fair princess?
"Ocarina, something's wrong." Seasons shifted his gaze from Link to Link as he tapped his foot impatiently.
"The fact that Zelda has yet to show?"
"Yeah."
He nodded. This wasn't like her. Sure, she enjoyed being late from time to time but this was too late. She should have been here by now. He mentally went over his inventory, making sure he was well stocked. Anything he didn't have he could always rely on Young Link for. He had to question though, who would be reckless enough to start something when they were all gathered like this?
"Think I should check the castle?"
"No. If something's at work here, it'd want to present itself to all of us. Best stay together."
"If you say so…"
Even Tracks was feeling uneasy. This party had gone on long enough with no sign of its host and with the way that Hero of Time was acting with the Oracle guy… The conductor stood up, scanning the area. "Minish. We should go."
"Aww…! But we just got here!" he whined.
"I don't care. We're leaving." He pushed against the door expecting it to open easily. When it held fast he knew something was wrong. He turned to Minish seriously, "You brought your weapons, right?"
He cocked his head to the side in confusion, "Why would I need to bring my weapons to a party?"
"You have got to be kidding me…"
Green could feel the unease in the room and quickly brought his Links up to speed. If there were to be a fight, they were ready. The only question was: Who would they be fighting?
Dark quickly crossed the room to the Hero of Time, "Ocarina, you ready?" A quick nod was his only answer as all the other Links prepared themselves. "Here it comes."
Darkness began to encompass the room, blocking out all light. It exuded a cold, fearful aura, making it feel almost alive. A sense of dread swept over the Links as they awaited what came next.
A single spotlight illuminated the throne as a solitary figure moved out from behind it, placing himself upon the chair. He looked out upon the Links half in amusement, half in resentment. "Having fun, are we?" The demon lord exposed his serpentine tongue, stretching it, curling it, before licking his lips in anticipation. This was going to be amusing.
Most of the Links were stunned, paralyzed by this strange figure and the darkness, but some knew exactly what was going on.
"Ghirahim!" Sky quickly unsheathed his sword, bringing it before him in one fluid motion. "I thought I defeated you for good, you fiend!"
Seasons rolled his eyes, "Hey. Noob. All the bad guys come back. Deal with it."
Sky glared at him before pointing his blade in Ghirahim's direction, "I don't know how you managed to survive, but I'm going to end it here and now!"
"Go ahead." Ghirahim summoned a small diamond, giving it his full attention as he said in a nonchalant manner, "I'll just come back you know. Again and again and again. So long as one of you silly Links pulls forth the Master Sword."
"W-What…?"
Toony stiffened knowing exactly what he meant. It was the same for Ganondorf as well. His power was sealed within the sword. Once the sword is pulled…the seal breaks, unleashing the demonic energy. "What have you done with Zelda?"
"Nothing. I havent done a thing to the goddess." Ghirahim laughed. "Which is far less than I will do to you." The demon lord pushed himself off the throne as his sword materialized before him. "Any volunteers?"
Ghirahim quickly vanished as Ocarina fired off a light arrow from his bow. He had heard enough. This Ghirahim guy had just picked the wrong party to crash. "Show yourself!"
Laughter resounded throughout the room as the darkness increased.
"D-Dammit… What the hell?-!" Twilight searched around, his lantern equipped, but all he could see was darkness in all directions.
"Green! Blue! Vio! Where are you?" shouted Red desperately. This wasn't right. They were the Four Sword Links. Not the One Link Stuck in Darkness Links!
"Minish! Minish, where the hell are you, you useless-" Tracks was cut off as he felt cold hands wrap around his throat. Desperately he tried to loosen his attacker's grip but when he reached to his neck, all he felt was his own throat as if whoever was responsible for cutting off his air didn't exist. He was choking though he didn't know why. It was almost as if- Slowly, the young Link began to lose consciousness, his thought half finished.
Dark Link remained still. This darkness…it wasn't natural. He couldn't sense what was giving it off and he didn't know of any creature capable of this kind of power. It wasn't Ganon. Not Vaati. Nor was it any villain whom he had knowledge of. It was then that he felt it. A large surge of darkness right behind him. Dark Link quickly turned only to come face to face with the Dark Lord Ganondorf. Slowly he stepped back, his eyes narrowing in concentration."No… You're not Ganon. You're just a figment of my imagination." What was happening…it couldn't be real.
"Oh am I?" The King of Evil continued to glower down at Dark, an amused smile on his lips, and as he did so, his dark creation began to feel weak, powerless, as if his entire being were fading away. "I created you and now…I shall destroy you."
"N-No…" Dark Link fell to his knees as he felt his mind slipping away. Not like this. Not after he had gained his freedom after so many years of servitude.
"Good bye, Dark Link."
Dark Link slipped to the floor and remained there, his eyes staring out vacantly as the darkness moved in around him.
"Twilight! Red! Green! Young Link! Sky! Minish! Knight!" Over and over, Ocarina called out to his friends through the darkness only to receive silent replies in return. They were all gone. It had all happened so fast and he didn't…
"Couldn't do a thing, could you?" Ghirahim's smooth voice surrounded the lone Hero from all sides as he continued smugly, "This isn't the end you know. Its just going to get worse from here on. Oh how I will enjoy shedding the blood of your comrades, painting the most beautiful portraits of my master from their dripping corpses…"
"Bastard!" The Hero of Time swung widely with his sword in hopes that the villain was near. "Why don't you show yourself, you coward?-!"
"Hee hee hee, what a fun little thing this one is," came another voice. "Reminds me of my old toy…"
"All toys are made to be broken," came another.
"Drained of their force…" said one lightly.
Desperately, Ocarina tried to find some kind of backing so that he was not so exposed, but it was futile. He was surrounded by darkness, alone, unguarded.
"Oh how the mighty have fallen…" This voice, female.
"Ha, only the weak fall." Male, and somewhat…familiar…
"Unlike Master!"
"Hm, I have to admit, this plan worked better than imagined. Still, there is room for improvement."
Ocarina had no idea who this last voice belonged to, but the next one, he had no doubts about whom it belonged.
"I look forward to the day when next we meet, Hero of Time."
"Ganondorf!" Ocarina clenched his sword tightly. So, he was back. Like he should be surprised, he thought bitterly. All this was Ghirahim's doing, he was sure, but only Sky could answer his questions on that matter. For now…
The Hero of Time felt the presence materialize behind him but was too slow to counter the blow. Darkness clouded his vision as he began to lose consciousness. The last thing he remembered seeing were two ghostly eyes staring back at him through the darkness.
"Time to awaken, Hero."
Gasp! What is this? Cliffhanger the Triquel? Lolz.
Expect more Links in the Future. A LINK TO THE FUTURE!
Link: Doc! :C
Doc: Linky!
Till next Chap!
