To Sheikah Ninja: Hey its cool, just glad to have you back. I'm still hoping for one of these days where I can access the internet just by a snap of my fingers lol.
To Xqueezme: You never know what the future will hold, though in this case it's pretty obviously lol. I thought Epona needs more of the spot light since where would the hero be without his noble steed?
To Emperor Celest: I try to make it as intone with the "Zelda" atmosphere as much as I could, but you really like the chapters with the "kid" in purple? Cool, he definitely becomes an important character later.
Maelstrom galloped into Hyrule Field, eager for a run after such a long wait. Sheik slowed him though and turned just in time to see Epona canter passed with Link giving Maelstrom a glare as he went passed.
"Why are you so angry at him? Maelstrom doesn't have any kind of diseases or anything. You have nothing to worry about," said Sheik as he caught up to the grumbling hero. Icesis rubbed her face against Link's neck from her perch on top of his shoulder, trying to cheer him up.
"It's nothing personal…It's just the fact that their little rumble in the hay will make her fat soon. That will make her moody, which will get me moody. Eventually I can't take her out because I won't want to take the risk of hurting her, and that will piss her off even more. Then finally when the bun comes out of the oven what the hell am I going to do with it? I can't just take a break from being the Great Hero to raise a horse and it's not fair to just dump that kind of reasonability on Renado," said Link as he slowed Epona to a walk. Sheik had Maelstrom walk beside Epona.
"Is there any of your friends that might want a horse?" asked Sheik.
"I don't think so. Most of my good friends aren't even Hylian. I can't think of a reason why Ralis would want a horse. It would be faster to take the waterways though most of Hyrule. Any Goron would crush the poor thing. I could ask the guys at Telma's Bar, heck Telma might even need a spare horse," said Link.
He jumped when Icesis suddenly swung her head to the right and hissed. Narrowing his eyes, he dug out one of his Clawshots and then sent the chain hurling toward a Bokoblin that stood near a tree. Epona trampled over it as they went past.
"Thanks girl," said Link as he scratched Icesis behind the ear.
"You could always just sell it," said Sheik as he brought out one of his daggers and then threw it at an approaching flying Kargarok.
"What? Are you crazy?! I couldn't just sell it to some random person! What if they don't treat it well? Epona would kill me anyway," said Link as Epona gave a snort as if agreeing with him.
Epona suddenly bolted to the right as a boar came charging passed her. The jolt threw Icesis off his shoulder. Link tried catching a hold of her but missed. He looked behind him just in time to see Sheik bring his arm back and chuck another dagger at the boar before it could even turn around. The boar screamed in pain as the blade pieced its right leg, causing the Bulblin riding him to fly off its back as the boar hit the ground.
"What the hell? These guys are never over on this side of the field…and are there more monsters around here or am I seeing things?" asked Link. He urged Epona into a canter when he noticed a trio of flying Kargarok circling the area. Icesis ran up a tree and then jumped into Sheik's arms. The Sheikah quickly followed Link, keeping a keen eye on anything he thought was a threat.
"There wasn't this many monsters here before we entered the forest. I guess is that what the Hero of Time meant when he said this shadow would be willing to do anything to be rid of you. That includes going to the extreme to achieve that. Just how many creatures does this enemy control?" said Sheik as he hurled two daggers at an approaching pair of Bokobins.
"I need to get to Kakariko to check if everyone's okay," said Link urgently. He quickly urged Epona into a gallop. Sheik followed, having to continuously throw daggers at approaching aerial and ground monsters while Link lead the way.
They sped around a corner and onto the bridge leading to Kakariko, but both horses skidded to a stop at the center because of what they saw in front of them. The gates of Kakariko were closed, and they plainly saw why. A mass of Bokoblins and Bulblins were attempting to bash it open. Some were mounted on boars and were ramming into it. Time seemed to freeze as the monstrous group turned and saw them. As if awakened by the now growling Icesis, they suddenly charged at them. The boars quickly took the lead as they all but trampled over those in front of them.
Sheik got ready to turn around, but Link suddenly had Epona rush forward. Panicking, the Sheikah clutched Icesis to his chest and then had Maelstrom bolt after the hero. He was about to yell what a reckless thing he was doing but Epona suddenly veered to the left. He completely avoided the swarm of monsters. Confused, Sheik followed and ran through a narrow passageway that he now recognized once they reached the open field. This was where he and Maelstrom were attacked. Epona suddenly made a sharp right.
"Maelstrom can jump pretty high, right?" yelled Link as they sped down another path.
"To a degree. Why?" Sheik yelled back.
"You may need him to soon," yelled Link as the closed northern gates came into view. Link urged Epona on. Just as they were about to crash, Epona jumped and cleared the gate. Sheik held Maelstrom's mane in a death grip. Oh, Nayru help him…
He urged his stallion forward and held on tighter to Icesis and jumped. Maelstrom soared above the gate, barely clearing the top and landed on the other side. He quickly caught up to Link, who had waited for him. They both looked back at the mass that rammed into the northern gates of Kakariko. The view of the field was soon blocked as the monsters piled together to try and force their way through the gate.
"Bastards are lucky I can't wield my bow properly…"muttered Link. He turned Epona around and cantered into town with Sheik trailing behind him. Sheik let Icesis roam when they entered town. As they came down the road, they saw Renado come rushing toward them.
"Thank Goddess! You're both alright. Well, I guess you've seen our uninvited guests outside then?" asked Renado as they both stopped near the stairs of the bomb shop. Sheik jerked his head in the direction they came from when he heard several explosions.
"How long have those guys been out there?" asked Link. He didn't seem worried about the explosive sounds that was making Sheik rather nervous.
"They haven't been here more than ten minutes. We've never had such a large number band together to raid before. Not even during the Twilight Incident," said Renado. Link frowned as he glanced back the way they had come. They could easily hear the yells of the monsters as they tried to break down the gate into town.
"They aren't smart or coordinated. The only time they show this kind of cooperation is when their king is there to lead them," muttered Link.
The Bulblin King rode a boar that could break these gates down on its own but he wasn't here. What the hell is going on?
"That's Barnes being rather creative with his bombs," said Renado when Sheik jumped and spun around toward the third explosion. The Sheikah nodded, relaxing a bit. At least they were making the sounds and not the monsters.
"That's the only way we have of hindering them for now I'm afraid. Aside from the Goron's throwing rocks over the gates and such," said Renado. He looked up toward Sheik and clasped his hands together in a pleading gesture.
"I must ask for your aid, Sheikah. I fear that by the time Hyrule Castle Town hears that we are under attack it will be too late. You're the only one that can get help fast enough because I doubt those gates will hold much longer. Don't worry Link. We've already sent those who cannot fight up toward Death Mountain," said Renado. Link gave a sigh of relief. Sheik quickly called Icesis back to him. The hero yelped as the white cat run toward Epona and climbed up Link's leg before jumping into Sheik's arms. He shot a glare at her but then faced Sheik.
"Alright, Sheik you go tell Zelda. I'll stay here and help everyone keep those bastards at bay and barricade that gate," said Link as he dug in his pouch for one of his Clawshots.
"No, it's too risky for you to be handling such a large scale of enemies when you can't wield a sword properly," said Sheik as he urged Maelstrom closer to the hero.
"Sheik, I'm not hiding or running away from these bastards. I can handle them just fine," growled Link as he pulled Epona's reins so she faced the Kakariko's northern gate. The gates started to make a sound that pierced the ears of all who were near as the metal and wood began to crack and bend under the intense weight.
"You really expect me to abandon them!? I don't need you by my side every second of every day! They need my help!" said Link angrily. Sheik's hand shot out and gripped Link's wounded arm, making the hero hunch over and wince when he put pressure on it.
"If you would stop being so reckless like you said you would, then maybe I would have had the chance to tell you that no one is abandoning them! I'm taking you to inform the princess while I return to help!" Sheik growled back at him. Link was about to respond but Icesis was suddenly shoved into his arms.
"She never has liked the princess, but she still can find her much faster than you can," said Sheik neutrally. He loosened his grip and then teleported them away, leaving the horses behind. The princess's private garden suddenly came into view, but the princess herself was nowhere to be seen. Sheik quickly released Link and looked down toward the sharp green eyes that looked up curiously from Link's arms.
"Find Zelda. But behave, understand? Make haste Link. Kakariko will be overrun in a matter of minutes," said Sheik. He quickly teleported away before Link could say a word. The hero cursed as Icesis leapt from his arms and took off. He sped after her, running through Zelda's bedchamber.
Holy crap! This room is bigger than my entire house!
Link was now rather happy that he had a guide that knew her way out of this maze of a room. They suddenly burst into the hall of the castle and Link barely missed a collision with several maids. He quickly shot after the white streak that disappeared around a corner. He ignored the surprised voices that must be talking about the man that just burst from the princess's private bedchamber. He skidded around a corner just to see a flash of white turn another corner.
Good Goddess! She could at least let me catch up every now and then!
As they rushed by room after room, the yells from the workers had all the guards chase after Link. The hero rolled his eyes at the lot. Even though he was out of breath, he was still faster than them.
Some guards…
Link finally managed to follow her right up to a wide double door. Link leaned over his knees gasping for breath as Icesis stood on her hind legs with her front paws up against the door. She meowed at him as if to say, 'what are you waiting for?'
Link gave her a pointed look, and then walked up and threw open the doors. He immediately spotted the princess far at the other end of a large table of people that became silent at his entrance. Icesis leapt on the table then sprinted across it, not touching a single glass, to stand in front of Zelda. She looked back at Link to give him an impatient look. It went unnoticed though as he was still busy trying to catch his breath.
"Finally…found…you….we ne…need help in…Kakariko…" wheezed Link as he gripped each of the doors to steady himself. Zelda quickly stood up from her seat, making everyone else stand with her. She strode toward Link as Icesis sprinted back across the table and jumped to the ground to stand by Link's side.
"Meeting is adjourned!" Zelda said as she reached the end of the table and faced everyone standing.
Link jumped when someone suddenly came up from behind him and threw an arm over his right shoulder and pushed him backwards in an attempt to restrain him. Reacting on instinct, Link grips the arm with his left hand then hurls his body weight forward, flipping his attacker over his back then crashes him to the ground. Guards started to fill the doorway, finally catching up with Link, but none would approach the heaving hero that now stood with a defensive stance in front of the table. A growling Icesis near his feet seemed to make it even worse.
"Stop! There is absolutely no reason all of you should be in my court room assaulting the Great Hero. Now get out!" shouted Zelda as she reached Link's side. The guards quickly stumbled over each other as they tried to obey her command. The princess sighed, placing her hand on Link's shoulder as the guards continued to stumble out the doorway.
"Now what's wrong with Kakariko, Link?" asked Zelda as the nobles began leaving the room muttering to themselves. Link took a deep breath, and then shook his head.
"No time to explain, just send help to Kakariko before it's too late," said Link. He then turned curiously to his right when Icesis started to growl again. He looked up to lock on with a pair of blue eyes framed with dark blonde hair. Link could easily tell that this man was related to Zelda in some way.
"Oh this is my brother, Victor. The one I told you about last time? Take Link to the stables, will you Victor? Since I'm sure the stubborn man won't stay out here and out of trouble," said Zelda. She gave Link a pointed look, and then strode from the room and shouted for the guards to come back.
"Well, it's a pleasure to finally meet the Hero of Twilight. It's a shame our meeting happened on such an inconvenient time though," said the prince as he strode from the room with Link in tow.
"Yeah, that tends to happen around me a lot. It's nice to meet you too. I would have more to say but I'm a little stressed at the moment," said Link as Icesis stayed glued to his left side, hissing whenever Victor would venture to close to him. Link finally picked her up and held her in the curve of his left arm, but she still managed to bend her body so she was always facing this new person that she obviously didn't like.
"Gather the archers and send them immediately with the troops my sister is gathering near the front gate," commanded Victor as they passed a sentry, "That is understandable. From what I gathered in the courtroom, something is wrong with Kakariko? You are a courageous and compassionate soul indeed to go out of your way to help," Link noticed how quick the sentry reacted to the prince's command. It wasn't out of fear, but respect. He turned to peer at Victor curiously.
Ashei had always said that was Zelda's problem. The people love her but don't respect her as a ruler. I can't see it though. She seems like a fine ruler to me. Hell, she willingly stayed in the damn Twilight for this kingdom.
Link also found the man wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention to Icesis despite how much she made it known that she didn't like him. He thought he even saw the man roll his eyes when she swiped at him when they descended down a long staircase. It almost seed like he was familiar with the angry cat.
Does he know Sheik then…?
They reached the bottom of the stairs and Link scowled once they opened another set of wide double doors to reveal dozens of soldiers bustling around the lobby leading outside. Every solider paused suddenly and then stood up straight and saluted the prince. Link looked closely at these soldiers. They weren't like the normal bumbling idiots that he saw populating the castles grounds. They held themselves confidently and wielded their weapons as if they actually knew how to use them properly.
"Rupee for your thoughts?" asked Victor with a grin. Link looked around in surprise again at the soldiers before returning his gaze to Victor. He couldn't help but laugh, astonished.
"These guys are so different then what I'm used to seeing around here," said Link. Icesis seemed to be less concerned with Victor and more concerned with the large number of people now surrounding her.
Sheik was not kidding when he said Icesis doesn't like people…
"They were trained by the same mentor I had. My father had wanted to assign several of his own soldiers to be my body guards at the time of my birth but luckily my mother put a stop to it. Here we are though," said Victor once they approached the stables.
The sentries standing by the doors of the stables immediately hurried to open the doors wide as they walked passed. Rows of horses suddenly came into view, some lifting their head over their stall to observe their new visitors. Victor went straight to the other end of the huge barn where a stable boy held a chocolate colored mare as it stood regally awaiting her rider. The Prince strode up to the mare and hoisted himself onto its back.
A bay stallion was brought up next, his ears perking up when Link went to stand near his face.
"Hey there buddy. You mind giving me a ride?" asked Link softly to the horse. It tilted its head, and then nuzzled his hand. The stable boy stared wide eyed at the hero.
"Damon hasn't liked many people…so the rumors is true? Do you really ride a wild horse made of lightning that was sent to you by the Goddesses?" asked the boy excitedly. Link just snorted amusingly as he hoisted himself on the stallions back. Icesis was held close to his chest as the hero steered the horse toward where the prince was speaking to one of the guards outside.
"Oh, please. Epona may run like lightning, but she certainly isn't made of it. I'm sure she'll love to hear that people think that of her though. Anyway, we need to get going," said Link. He patted the neck of the stallion and then bent over Damon's back and kicked the stallion into a gallop. He easily cleared the fence the sentries had barely began opening. Victor chuckled as the stable boy gawked at the hero.
"And Damon has always been afraid of jumping fences! He really can do anything!" exclaimed the boy. Victor turned toward him.
"Yes, our hero has quite the impressive skill set. Now, have Lilith's and Star Fire's stall ready before we return Adam," said Victor. He then turned and had Lilith gallop after Link, followed by an escort of ten soldiers.
Link barreled through the gardens around the castle, avoiding people even as some of them threw themselves out of the way. He finally reached the front gates where Zelda sat on top of a beautiful white mare. She turned toward him, raising an eye brow as he had Damon skid to a halt in front of her.
"I knew you couldn't wait to join the fray, but sprinting through the gardens? That's supposed to be where people take a peaceful stroll, not where they have to avoid being trampled by stampeding horses," said Zelda. She chuckled as Link rolled his eyes.
"Not my fault if they don't pay attention to their surroundings. Now, why again aren't we heading to Kakariko?" Link asked as he stared at the band of soldiers near the front gate. Icesis wasn't liking being near this many people at all. She squirmed in an attempt to try and escape but Link held her tighter.
"Stop that. They aren't going to do anything to you," said Link sternly to Icesis.
"You just missed Sheik actually. He just informed me that the monsters had left right after breaking through the northern gate without harming one person. They just turned around and fled. I've sent a squadron to chase them across the Great Bridge of Eldin then another to head them off once they make it back to the northern part of Hyrule Field. I guess your wanting to go join them?" asked Zelda as Link was already looking for a clear route through the mass of soldiers.
"They aren't getting away with this crap anymore. I mean I thought their king would have them behave now, but instead it seems like they are getting worse! Who the hell did this guy team himself up with this time?" growled Link. He moved Damon to the other side of Zelda's white mare to try and spot a clear route of escape. Icesis gave a low growl in her direction. Victor then galloped up with his escort staying a few feet away. Icesis immediately swung in his direction and hissed, but the prince ignored her as he had Lilith stood by Zelda's white mare.
"Well, it seems Star Fire has healed rather well which is a relief. I was afraid I would have to start and win yet another debate where I had to convince you not to ride a crippled horse," said Victor once he gave Link a nod. He smirked as Zelda gave him a glare, but then swatted at him playfully.
"Oh hush you. Star Fire is nearly indestructible, much like Link here," said Zelda. She laughed when Link swung around to give her a pointed look, but then had to lean over a severally pissed off Icesis to keep her from pouncing on the royals.
"Geez girl, what's your problem? You got a bone to pick with them or something? Hey, where is Sheik anyway?" asked Link. He backed Damon away as he tried smoothing the hair that stuck up on every inch of the cat's body. Victor finally seemed to acknowledge Icesis's presence, but gave her nothing but a snort before returning his attention back to his sister who looked at Icesis sadly.
"She never has liked anyone from my family, especially Victor and our father. I think she needs to be with Sheik right now. He should be back any minute," said Zelda. Link looked up at her confused.
"Back from where?" asked Link.
"He went with the squadron that chased the monsters over the Great Bridge of Eldin. Don't ask me why Link," she said as Link closed his mouth, "That's something Sheik will tell you if he wishes,"
"Perhaps if the Sheikah didn't bring his destructive pet then it wouldn't such a nuisance now would it?" muttered Victor as he turned to look darkly at the white cat wrapped in Link's arms. She spun in his direction and gave a low hiss as if to say, 'come say that to my face'.
"Don't start Victor. I'm already getting a headache from this mess," said Zelda as she rubbed her temples. Link gave Victor an inquisitive look. He was about to ask Victor about his sudden change in attitude when Icesis abruptly swung to her left then struggled to escape his arms, meowing frantically. Turning, Link then caught sight of Sheik as he strode toward them. He let Icesis leap from his arms and sprint to the Sheikah's side. Zelda followed his line of sight and also caught sight of him, but then swung toward Victor.
"Have these soldiers gather out in Hyrule Field alright?...Victor?" said Zelda sternly as Victor glared at the Sheikah that now stood by Link's side. He humphed, and then kicked Lilith into a canter, heading toward the mass of soldiers.
"What the hell is his problem?" asked Link as he stared after Victor. Zelda sighed while Sheik merely stayed silent as he stroked Icesis's back.
"It's nothing you need to worry about Link. Now, are you going to join those who will try to get a reason why these beasts attacked Kakariko?" asked Zelda. Sheik lifted his head to speak before Link could respond.
"They are gone princess," said Sheik. Zelda looked furious.
"What?! I told them not to kill them all! Did they at least capture one of those Bulblins? I know they can talk now!" shouted Zelda frustratingly.
"No one killed a single creature princess. We chased them toward the northern part of Hyrule Field, but once they rounded a corner, they simply disappeared. We eventually ran into the other squadron that awaited us at the other end but they claim that nothing passed them. I don't think it was possible for the retreating enemy to pass that point before they got there," said Sheik. Zelda stared at him in astonishment, while Link narrowed his eyes.
"There's no way…those boars they rode aren't that fast and those Bokoblins aren't the sharpest tools in the shed. Bulblins aren't much better. I can't even fathom how they could just vanish without some help from an outside source…Midna was actually the only one that I saw doing something like that. But the mirror is destroyed so I doubt anyone form the Twilight is aiding them," said Link as he scratched his chin in thought. He turned as Victor came cantering back on top of Lilith.
"Did you hear? They say that those creatures all but disappeared! What is with this nonsense?" asked Victor as he had Lilith stand beside Star Fire.
"Yes, I just heard. By Din, this is a disaster! Listen Link, I'm sure your worried about everyone back in Kakariko so why don't you go with Sheik and catch up with everyone while I try to make some kind of plan of action," said Zelda. She nodded to him, and then kicked Star Fire into a canter. Victor approached Link.
"Well, one of these days I would like to have a real conversation with you. Perhaps test this rumor I hear about you being an excellent swordsman, hm? Until next time, Great Hero," said Victor. He bowed his head slightly and then turned his chocolate colored mare to follow his sister. Link watched him leave, trying to decide if he liked the guy or not.
He's not as much of a stuck up noble as I thought he would be. Don't know what's going on between him and Sheik though. Who knows…maybe a friendship with a royal other than Zelda isn't such an impossibility…
He finally sighed, and then dismounted.
"You ready to go Sheik? I think I'll just leave this guy here. I'm sure someone will take him back to the stables," asked Link as he ran a hand down Damon's neck. He turned around when he didn't get an answer but found that Sheik wasn't even there.
What the hell? This is the second time he's done this to me!
Link grumbled, about to climb back onto the stallions back but then jumped when someone placed a hand on his back.
"Forgive me. I just thought you got off your horse for a reason," said Sheik as Icesis meowed irritably from his arms, obviously not wanting to be here anymore.
"Damn right I was! How do you always manage to vanish when I'm talking to you? I look like some kind of idiot just standing here talking to myself!" said Link as he jabbed a finger toward Sheik. He then sighed and stepped closer to him.
"Sorry, that was harsher then I meant it to be. I'm just frustrated. Can we just get out of here?" Asked Link. Icesis meowed sharply again as if to agree with him.
"As you wish," said Sheik. He held out his hand. Link grasped it, and then they teleported away.