Black and purple clouds were swirling around in the dark, starry sky. Rocks floated among them, seemingly in their very own gravity in this weird vacuum of space.

In the middle of it all, they were standing on the biggest floating rock, serving as their surface. Their group of eight had been trying to reason with Mithos for what felt like hours. But he refused to hear them. Instead, he attacked.

The Cruxis leader was no joke, for he was incredibly strong, hitting all of them hard. Even with the aid of the summon spirits, Mithos was a force to be reckoned with.

Since their speeches did not reach him, there was no other choice. Finally, after a long, drawn-out battle, Lloyd had driven his swords right through the Cruxis leader.

"You could have lived with us, in our world. Damn it."

Colette had noticed Lloyd twisting and turning in his sleep. She could still clearly understand the words he had muttered. And she remembered that moment very vividly. The last stand against Mithos which sadly had claimed his life.

It was clear to all of them there was no other way around it. Still, it hit hard, for Genis and Lloyd especially.

Carefully, she took Lloyd's hand, giving it a light squeeze. "It wasn't your fault. You did all you could, don't feel guilty. He knew what was to come and he accepted it. Try to find comfort in the thought that he is finally together with his sister."

His eyes finally opened, blinking the heavy sleep away. "Colette..."

"Yoh, get your ass up! How can you even sleep with those darn chickens constantly going off like that?"

Who other then Zelos would talk like that? He was clearly doing better, up on his own and moving around. He smiled as he ran a hand through his red, wavey hair. On cue, a loud crow could be heard outside.

"Would you please watch your language?" Sheena looked up it him from her seated position. She was already dressed, just putting on her boots.

Rubbing his eyes, Lloyd stretched out afterwards. He looked at Colette and smiled. "I'm okay. Thank you."

She shared the smile, but still couldn't help still feeling worried.

"How about some breakfast?" Zelos suggested.

They all agreed to this idea and went downstairs. A table was set up in the corner, with bread, cheese, tea, those kinds of things. Vera, Kratos, Robby and Purah were already having their share of it.

"Whada you mean, I can't come with? That's just not fair!" Purah exclaimed, puffing her cheeks while looking at the two other gentlemen.

"First of all, there is no need. Second, I doubt either of you are capable to participate in a fight. Am I wrong?"

Kratos his red eyes looked at the two in question. How ever much Purah wanted to deny this because she was a proud Sheikah, she couldn't really do so. She was still trapped in a child's body after all.

"You've done your part, coming along would only give us more work." The man added.

"You're very rude, you know that? Shame for such a pretty face."

"Dont let the old grump get you down, little lilly. Besides, my face is way more beautiful." Zelos mixed in the discussion, showing his confident, wide smile. He winked at Purah.

"You are absolutely shameless, saying that to a little girl." Sheena gave him a harsh poke between his ribs.

"Auch! She isn't a kid though. That don't count!"

"I'm sorry, but I have to agree with mister Kratos. For you two staying here, that is. I don't want to put anyone in unnecessary danger. So please..."

Colette pleaded as she folded her hands together, looking at the two of them. The scientists shared a look. This girl's actions and words were very reminiscent of their own princess Zelda. And she looked a lot like her too. It was almost eerie.

"I suppose you're right." Purah finally said, having lost her composure.

"But you still need to teach me how to fly that thing." Lloyd remarked, sitting down with them with a full plate of food. "Tech still isn't really my strong suit."

Robby raised a brow as he was taking a sip from his coffee. The steam fogged his comically large glassed for just a moment.

"You took down all four Beasts. They have that same kind of tech, you know."

"Oh, I see. Good point, doc!"

"You seem to be in good spirits." Purah observed.

"Thats because we are getting so close to the end."

"We can go back home. I'm sure your dad would be happy to see you." Zelos remarked.

"Yeah..." The teen's smile faded a little, as he looked over to Colette. She had a very modest breakfast, holding a warm cup of tea in her hands. Curiously, she tilted her head at him.

"Something on your mind, Lloyd?"

"How was he doing, last you saw him?"

"He doesn't easily worry. Dirk was sure you were just fine wherever you were. 'He's my son, after all. Always lands on his feet.'" Colette tried imitating his heavy voice and chuckled.

"Heh, yeah." He smiled at her attempt, thankful she was trying to put his mind at ease.

The chief walked in, her granddaughter by her side, who was carrying some bags. Impa looked over the group, nodding to them.

"Goodmorning. These are the supplies we can spare, for your trail towards the castle. I wish it could have been more..."

Lloyd shook his head. "Don't worry about us. Just take care of your people and leave the rest to us."

"Yes, our hopes and prayers are set on you now." The chief nodded.

"We'll set out after breakfast. If you all are ready?" Lloyd looked over to the others, but mostly at Vera. "You've been with me this whole time. Wouldn't you rather stay here with your people, to help them out?"

"Helping them means defeating Ganon. The Sheikah need to be represented as well. I am coming with you."

Impa nodded approvingly. "Make us proud."

She bowed deeply to her chief. The others of the group made clear they were ready and Robby handed over the flying Guardian. It was a rather large contraption, but Kratos would have no trouble taking it along.

Making sure they had a filling breakfast, the group made to set out to their final destination. Walking along with them to see them off, the chief was surprised by quite a sight once outside.

A whole flock of Rito were gathered or in the middle of landing between the rubble. Teba stood out, being the only white one as he stepped forward.

"Heil, chief Impa." His yellow eyes glanced over to Lloyd. "I was informed of your predicament. We come with rations and to help you."

"Oh my." Placing a hand over her chest, it seemed to have taken the chief by surprise. "This is heartwarming indeed. Thank you."

"Wait... Lloyd, you are going to the castle, arent you?"

Teba stepped closer, coming up the stairs. He had his typical, fatherly concern face on. The teen couldn't help but smile.

"Yeah, we are. Thanks for getting help so quickly, Teba. You've really done so much. Please help the people here, as we take on Ganon."

The master sword was strapped on Lloyd's back. Mostly because it was a large weapon and he preferred to use his Guardian dual swords. Fighting with a two-handed weapon wasn't really his thing, so he figured he'd safe that until the very end.

Curiously, Teba looked him over, and then to the others with him. Of course, he recognized the faces of the friends he had pointed in the right direction. But one face was new to him. Still, he could tell right away; this must be the boy's father.

He had so many questions, Lloyd was able to tell. He gave the Rito an apologetic smile. "I'd love to stay and catch up, but we really need to get going. After Ganon, we'll talk, I promise."

Here he went making promises again. Kratos gave his son a glance.

"Let's get going."

"Take those horses." Impa gestured at the animals, saddled up and ready to go. "Good luck, all of you. Our prayers are with you."

Waving and saying their goodbyes, the group finally set off for Hyrule field.

Under the cover of trees and the underbrush, the group observed Hyrule field. Many Guardians were walking around, seemingly patrolling. A couple of drones floated in the distance, closer to the gate. Well, gate was generous. It was more a stone arch, half crumbled away either due to decay or suffering damage.

The castle seemed to be a combination of the two, looking rather beat up. Large, ominous black rocks with red glowing dots were scattered around it. They were close now, and yet it felt like they still had to go quite a distance. Zelos eyed the castle, mostly the very top of it.

"Lemme guess; the princess and Ganon are there."

"Very likely," was Kratos' dry response. He then looked at the drone his son was holding. "Will that reach?"

"Only one way to find out."

He set it down, taking out the slate next. Robbie had shown him how it worked; it was simple enough. The screen showed what it was seeing, and Vera had pencil and paper ready. It flew over the Guardians easy enough, closing in on the castle fast. If only they could do this too.

As the front was inspected, it was clear that there was a lot of security. Not only Guardians, but big moblins too, armed to the teeth (those were also an extra weapon). As it scanned the way, it became clear that many obstacles were in the way. Not only in the form of enemies, but also rubble, ruined roads and even full walls that had come down.

"Looks dangerous," Colette said while leaning in. She accidentally hit Lloyd's elbow gently, and as he moved, the drone went along with the movement, causing it to go another direction. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing! Look, because of that, we found something new." The drone had gone down the moat and showed a way inside at the back that did not seem guarded at all.

"The old harbor. We thought it was dried up like the rest of the river." Vera commented.

"Do you know the way to it?" Kratos asked.

"That's easy enough. Well, we need to avoid the Guardians here."

"They seem to come and go in intervals. We can time it." Sheena had observed.

"Alright! Let's see what this thing can find further." Imagine the disappointment when the drone almost directly lost signal and the last thing they saw was it dropping down.

"I guess it was too far away. Bummer." Zelos said.

"We still know of a better way in now. Let's move." At Kratos his suggestion, the group did just that.

To not stand out too much, they traveled further on foot, dodging the Guardian's line of sight. About an hour's walk later, the back of the castle was reached. Most of it was just sheer cliffs and high walls, but along the dried river, fallen rubble offered them a way in. It took some climbing, but they eventually made it over, walking alongside the water through a passageway. It was clearly carved out to receive ships and ahead, the large dock area was waiting.

"Lit torches. Something will be waiting for us." Kratos warned.

On their guard, they moved on, already spotting some big moblims walking around. They were no real challenge as their group was greatly outnumbering the couple that were there. Following the stairs up, they quickly come to a place that seemed to have bars and chains everywhere.

"What's this, some kind of dungeon?" Zelos joked.

"Close. This was where prisoners were kept." Vera answered. "They likely starved to death when the castle was taken." Not a nice image to have.

The group hurried along, ascending several stairs before they reached the main hallway. Like with everything, it was dirty and a real mess. Walls were crumbling, there were cobwebs everywhere and the creatures roaming around weren't even bothered.

The first room they came across was more of an entrance. Shaped like a big rectangle, it was open to show the next floor up. Once there were two grand stairs leading up to the walkway, but one was completely destroyed by large rocks. Many doors offered several directions and they all looked around at the options.

"Well, I think we at least should go up, right?" Sheena remarked.

Lloyd looked at the slate, or rather the map it had of the castle. But all that gave him was a grand overview, nothing up close. "Man, this is useless."

"Is anyone against splitting up for just a moment, to scout out?" Vera suggested.

"I suppose that's the best bet. Just yell if something is wrong." Zelos told everyone.

So, the group split up, each of them going through a different door. Lloyd found another long hallway that eventually had stairs going up to the door. The wall had a big, gaping hole which gave views of outside. A flying Guardian was hovering around, as behind it, part of the cliff could be seen as well as the top of the tower he was about to go into.

Gingerly, he pushed open the door that was rotting away. Part of the roof of the tower was gone too: the top of the castle seemed not that far away. But the sheer cliffs would proof difficult, and flying was way too risky.

The tower seemed to be a dead end. About to turn back again, he stepped on a small book, hidden between dirt and ash. He picked it up, curiosity getting the better of him. He went to random passage.

I set out for Goron City today to make some adjustments to Divine Beast Vah Rudania.

I still recall feeling his eyes on me as I walked ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary.

It is the same feeling I've felt before in his company. And still, not a word passes his lips.

I never know what he's thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what he is thinking but will not say.

What does the boy chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know?

Then, I suppose it's simple. A daughter of Hyrule's royal family yet unable to use sealing magic... He must despise me."

There was another passage that drew Lloyd's attention.

Bit by bit, I've gotten Link to open up to me. It turns out he's quite a glutton. He can't resist a delicious meal!

When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did.

With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden.

A feeling I know all too well... For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings.

I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was.

Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world. I was so absorbed with my own problems, I failed to see his.

I wish to talk with him more and to see what lies beneath those calm waters, to hear him speak freely and openly.

And perhaps I, too, will be able to bare my soul to him and share the demons that have plagued me all these years.

Man, they both seemed to have it rather rough, Lloyd thought to himself. Oh, geez, I'm reading the diary of a princess.

Gently, he placed it on the desk and turned to go back. He had no intension to break into some one's privacy like that. He could only hope he would be able to find them both and apologize to them in person.

However, in front of the doorway, a figure now stood. Pure darkness, paired with white hair and glowing, ruby red eyes. They glared at him intently. This was the shadow that had attacked before. And for some reason backed away in the end.

"You again. Who are you, what do you want?" Lloyd wanted to know.

The eyes narrowed. "Funny," a dark, male voice, dripping with malice. "I wanted to ask you the same thing."

Fighting a shadow was difficult, Vera had explained that much already. Still, Lloyd held his hands on his swords, seeing his opponent had a dagger ready.

"Give me your name and I will give you mine."

"That line again?" He scuffed, not liking the teen's confident stance. "I am Shade and I am going to kill you if you don't turn around right now."

"No can do. I promised to help, and so, I will. Dwarven vow number two: never abandon someone in need."

What the hell was this teen on about? Frustrated, Shade was ready to charge, but when he heard footsteps, he stopped. For a second, he stared at the teen intently. "I will end you, just you wait."

Shade retreated, not wanting to be outnumbered. He'd rather have this teen all to himself and was willing to wait for the right moment.

Lloyd watched the shadow disappear into the dark, wondering if this was a sort of tactic. Then, Zelos poked in his head.

"Joh bud, what you hanging out here for? We found the main dining hall, come on." Zelos gestured him along.

"That shadow is here too." Lloyd remarked, still on edge as he looked around before he decided to follow behind his friend.

"Not really a surprise now, is it? That's why we should keep together as much as possible. He didn't hurtya, did he?"

"No, nothing like that."

"Okay, good."

The place turned out to be more of a grand hall. Many tables and chairs were scattered around and there was even a feast on one. A few big moblin bodies lay freshly killed on the once grandiose rug, coloring it even redder.

"Looks tasty, don't it?" Zelos gestured to the food.

"Wouldn't eat it as I were you. Who knows how long it's been here."

Zelos made a face. "Good point."

"There is a route outside, I see some baileys on the way, then it winds behind the cliff." Kratos said, looking out.

"Uh, what's a bailey?"

"A structure made of stone," Vera patiently explained to Lloyd. "They could be holding anything, or nothing at all."

"But no enemies going around? Well, take what we can get."

They nodded to Lloyd's remark and started following said road. The baileys were open, only its higher windows had bars. The group walked in, intending to just pass through to the other side.

However, as soon as they all were in, barred gates dropped down both sides, locking them in. A roar sounded, one that Lloyd now was rather familiar with: a Lynel. All drew their weapons as it jumped from a higher place, as it itself was wielding a double-bladed sword.

"Careful, these creatures are rather tough," Vera warned the others.

"Pah, we fought dragons. This is nothing, white blossom." Zelos winked playfully.

Frowning to that statement, they both had to roll out of the way as the Lynel came charging. A fast and feisty one for sure. Zelos slashed at it with his roll, but it seemed the skin was hard to pierce.

Sheena decided to trap it with one of her seals, using her cards, to prevent another charge. Its roar brought down lightning out of nowhere however, breaking it easily. Where did that even come from?!

Vera set up with her bow, as she looked to father and son. "You two keep it busy, try to keep it in one place so I can shoot it in the head."

During this short conversation, Colette throw both of her chakrams, charged with some light magic to keep the Lynel busy. This seemed to be just a bit more effective than normal weapons.

Nodding to Vera's plan, the two went for their combo after just exchanging a look. Armed with their respective weapons, it was their turn to charge, attacking the Lynel at the flanks in a crossed manner.

It bucked and roared in anger, trying to swing its weapon to each of them. In one motion, they both made a sonic thrust at the bared chest as it was bucking. An arrow flew in at the same time, landing deep inside the Lynel's skull through its temple.

After all this, the creature staggered, fell on its side, and life faded from its eyes. "Hah see? That was easy."

"You barely did anything, Zelos." Sheena shut down is boastful exclaim.

"Let's move on." Keeping the kids in check and focused as always, Kratos took the lead.

No one noticed the pair of eyes that was watching them. Shade had been watching the fight. Now he had seen some of the strength of the whole group. It was something he did not account for. He truly feared Ganon would have trouble dealing with all of them.

He would have loved taking them down one by one, but even for him the castle was hard to maneuver through. And they were smart enough to stick together now. Next to that, he couldn't help looking at the blond girl.

Would you stop it? She is nothing like her. Just go back to sleep, you are good at that.

Could he help Ganon in some way? Was it possible to split this group apart? He'd rather not take any risks, even though they were very close to the end. There was no other option but to wait for just the right moment.

Next to a grounded Guardian, which they easily dealt with, nothing was in the group's way on the last stretch to the main castle's entrance. The slate was pointing to this place, saying that it would be the place where Zelda would be, but also, where Ganon would lie in waiting.

At the bridge towards the big gate, Lloyd stopped and looked his companions over. "This is going to be it. Do any of you need rest?"

"I'm good to go, bud." Zelos.

"Ready as always." Vera.

"I'm up for a fight." Sheena.

"Let us finish this." Kratos.

"I'm fine, but what about you, Lloyd?"

He smiled at Colette, who'd always put others before herself.

"Yeah. Let's all work together for a peaceful world." He wanted the spirit of Dirk, his father, to be with them too.

Moving towards the main gate, he was about to open it, stopping when he heard a weak voice. One he hadnt heard for a long time.

"You're here."

Zelda. She was there, inside. He could feel it, even though it was no strong presence, it was there non the less.

"Bud, why did you stop?" Zelos asked worried.

All Lloyd did was gesturing him to be quiet. "Zelda, are you there?"

"Is he going crazy? Who is he talking to?"

"Be quiet, Zelos." Sheena shushed him by poking him in the ribs.

"I am, holding on, just barely." Zelda answered him softly. "Thank you all... for coming all this way."

"Thats just what we do. I'm sorry I wasn't able to find Link."

"He...is lost. Hopefully, after this, he will find the way back."

Lost. That's how Fi called it too. It seemed to have more meaning to it, but Lloyd couldn't figure out what.

"Ganon waits inside. The power of the Divine Beasts will weaken him. You and your companions will have to do the rest."

"Gotcha. You just save your strength. We will take care of this."

Lloyd went to look at the others, giving them a confident smile. Most nodded at them, Zelos being the only one slightly frowning. At that, they stepped in.