A/N: This chapter could probably be considered the calm before the storm. So, apologies for the lack of major action but, on the positive side, that will all be amended next week, I promise. I hope you all enjoy the ride. :) Thank you to all who review, follow, favorite, or just stick with this tale, because you guys are the motivation to keep going :) you are all fully awesome!
Yami no Nokutan: Thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot to me :3 well I was hinting about the Twilight realm, and I usually (as a general rule) don't introduce something unless I intend to bridge it somewhere else. I don't know about Xiphos, I think you shall just have to wait and see. I loved reading your answer it was totally awesome!
Storm Dragon Wolf Princess: Thanks! I agree with you about Ganondorf X3 Ganondorf has nothing to gain by lying, but we shall see XP
xXx skytale xXx: Thank you for the review! Link is awesome!
CupcakePride101: Ganon is not a very fair guy XD you never know, he might be telling the truth :D thank you!
silverheartlugia2000: The Pig-man is quite a bit of a jerk I think :D I do love the shapeshifter headcanon! I got it around Christmas too, and I guessed who Ravio was near the middle and was so proud of myself for being right. XP Thanks for the review!
Scarlet Curls: Well if you ever decide to, I don't think you will regret it! I really would like to thank you for what you said, it really made me feel pleased. I am always nervous as to the reception of my writing, because I still have a lot to learn, but I was more than glad that you were able to get something out of it and see what I was doing :3 Yeah, Link, I have the feeling he can be a tad dense sometimes, but I think it cute and I love him *fangirl sigh* XP Fannie does not like Demise's fabulous sideburns? X3 I don't blame her!
Start the Diversion
Zelda and Aveil stepped lightly through the tall pine forest that was covered by the thick blanket of night. General Tarsius and the others had agreed to her idea of infiltrating the castle to take out Ganondorf. They would coordinate their attacks to happen at the same time to create a diversion for both attacking parties. The rebels knew that it would not be long for word to get out of their rebellion and Ganondorf's defeated outpost. Though it was true that many of the slaves would need time to recover and their army to regroup, they also knew that the longer they prepared for a conflict, the stronger and more ready the warlord would become. This was especially true if Aveil's warnings, that the warlord was near to gaining more power, were true.
In order to keep Ganondorf from gaining such an advantage, they had decided to take the risk of attacking swiftly. The more swiftly they acted the better chance they would have of catching the warlord with his guard lowered. Because they knew that, their attack was to happen three days after the woodland fortress had fallen. Zelda had spent the past two days resting and she had lost much of the fatigue she had garnered for herself with the length of her journey and the battle. The battle was to take place at dawn the following morning and the army was preparing itself.
Aveil had taken the job of scout and Zelda's worried nerves had prompted her to go with Aveil, in order to try and take her mind off of things. Zelda was not a person who was quick to make friends and only surrounded herself with the people she really trusted, but she had found herself drawn to the outspoken confident Aveil the moment she had set eyes on her. Perhaps it was a bond made by sharing the same goal because Aveil seemed to feel the same.
Zelda avoided stepping on a dry twig and halted in the shadows next to her new friend.
"How far to Ganondorf's fortress?" she asked in a whisper.
"The clearing where it is situated is only a couple miles away," Aveil replied just as quietly, "but that castle belonged to my king and my people long before that slimy warlord took it."
Zelda admired the girl's stout loyalty and defense of her people and ruler. She wondered if her subjects thought so highly of her. As soon as she thought it, she felt the familiar uncomfortable twist of guilt shame and ineptitude knot in her stomach. Her people probably perceived her as a pathetic excuse for a princess because of her two failures, Nayru knows she did.
Aveil had told her of Ganondorf's planed coup in her kingdom and the traitors to Hyrule, so obviously some of them did not think very highly of her. She wished she could send a messenger to Hyrule and warn them but Aveil did not know the names of the traitors. So, even if she managed to send someone with a warning, it would not be complete, and that could lead to more harm than good.
"So, why the face paint?" Aveil asked while they walked, "do all the warriors of Hyrule where it to battle?"
"Long ago, some of the ancient clans did, but I wear it simply because I like it," Zelda replied as she stroked the sleeping dragon on her shoulder.
"Maybe it should become a renewed custom. You'd look pretty scary in battle that way." Aveil teased. "I only ask because Link did not speak much about where he was from, so I do not know much about your culture." She paused for a moment before she added darkly, "women had better be respected in your country or I am going to have a word with your queen."
"Women have nearly the same rights as men," Zelda laughed, "Your people are descendants of the Gerudo tribes aren't they?"
"Yes, how could you tell?"
"Your feminist attitude, your peoples' flaming red hair, and proud spirits. However, what gave it away was the fact that you just tried to pick pocket my dagger," Zelda smiled. "Fork it over," she said holing her hand out palm upwards.
Aveil giggled and handed back her throwing knife. Jade woke up suddenly and stretched, her yellow-green eyes appearing to glow in the dark. She changed her perch on Zelda's shoulder with a soft rustle of her wing membrane and nestled in close to her neck. Zelda scratched the side of the tiny reptiles head absently.
"Are you alright?" Aveil asked her softly noting how her smile had faded away into an expression of worry.
"I suppose I am just worried about Link. Based on what you said about Ganondorf and his fortress, I can't help but feel uneasy for him. He was always…" she trailed off not knowing how to explain what she felt.
Aveil nodded solemnly, "I know what you mean. When I was with him everything seemed to be less hopeless and terrifying. No matter how dark things became, he was always willing to smile or joke. You know, he had a rather smart mouth when it came to the enemy," she said with a chuckle, "it never failed to make me smile."
'A smart mouth?' Zelda wondered, thinking of her usually soft spoken friend. As she thought about it though, it was not really surprising. There was no reason he should treat the enemy with the same courtesy he gave his friends and people. She had often got the feeling that there was a derisive remark on the tip of his tongue that neglected to say. He was always teasing and a joking sense of humor could easily be turned into smart-alecky sarcasm. She hoped he had a few choice phrases left for that pig Ganondorf.
"We have to get him out before it's too late," Aveil said softly.
"I think I hear a someone coming," Jade whispered in her high voice.
Zelda and Aveil halted and crouched down low behind a cluster of ferns.
"A talking dragon seems to be quite a useful friend," Aveil whispered.
Zelda motioned for silence and they strained their ears to hear what Jade was talking about.
Suddenly, the silent forest erupted with a yowling growl followed by a scream, the sound of running footsteps, and panting terrified breath. Into the small clearing, where they crouched, ran a wiry looking man and, close behind him, charged a furious wildcat.
Zelda recognized the man immediately. He was from Hyrule. She could never forget his ridiculously pompous moustache. He was one of the wealthiest merchants in all of her kingdom. In the heat of the moment, however, she could not place his name. She did not stop to consider the fact that he may well have been one of the traitors that Aveil had mentioned; she only knew that one of her subjects was in danger. Jumping out from behind her cover, she raced to the terrified man's defense. He had tripped on a root and had fallen. The cat leaped on top of him claws outstretched. The man let out several piteous screams. Zelda charged the enraged feline knocking it off the man. She used her sword to hold the furious creature at bay; unfortunately it was a maneuver she knew she could not keep up for long. Aveil leaped out from behind her cover to help her but, before she arrived, a well placed dagger wielded by the man felled the creature.
"Malver," Zelda cried, finally remembering his name. The man gave a whimper, looked at the dead mountain cat then at a deep slashing cut on his arm, and fell over in a faint.
"He reopened his eyes about two seconds later and sat up with a moan. It was then he caught sight of Aveil. His eyes widened in utter terror.
"Don't hurt me please." He whined.
"We are not going to hurt you," Zelda started to say but was interrupted by Aveil.
"No, we will just kill you instead," she said with a snarl. "Or perhaps we shall chain you, starve you beat you, and leave you out in the cold. Serhild, he is a traitor to your kingdom, he was traveling with Ganondorf."
Zelda's face contorted in anger, "you betrayed our kingdom?"
"Before you kill me, just hear me out," Malver pleaded, "I am not on Ganondorf's side anymore, Link was right. Ganondorf only wanted to use me for his own gain. As soon as I served my purpose in his eyes, I would become disposable, I would become little more than a slave. No one does that or thinks of doing that to me and gets away with it. No one double crosses me and escapes without retribution. I want to aid the people here against Ganondorf's rule; I have certain skills and knowledge of troop numbers that might be of use. Moreover, I know the names of all the traitors and can help you identify every one of them."
"What makes you think we believe your sudden transformation," Aveil snapped. "What could possibly bring on such a change?"
"I changed my view because what Link said about Ganondorf was confirmed by Ganondorf himself. During his speech to his allies, I was ordered to guard the hallways," Malver explained.
"My intellect was far too great for such a demining job and I soon became disillusioned with my task. Along my path was a small door and my curiosity got the better of me. In leaving my post, I found that it was an old servant's hallway and it connected the main hall, the kitchen, and the throne room. There was a small crack or peephole that the servants of the previous owners must have carved into the wall to spy on the occupants of the throne room. I looked through this and, when I saw the room was empty, I went in to explore. I saw Ganondorf's throne and, deeming it worthy for myself to sit upon, I headed over.
"Unfortunately, before I reached it, I heard approaching footsteps and had to quickly conceal myself back in the servants hallway. Through the peep hole, I spied Xiphos and some darknuts drag in Link and chain him. For a while, nothing happened and I waited, deeming it unsafe to leave. Then Ganondorf burst in and I moved from the crack and huddled against the ground, for the penalty if I were caught would be steep. From my position, I heard everything Ganondorf said and I did not like what I heard. There was something about rebuilding something called a twilight mirror and stealing or combining power. Most importantly, Ganondorf considers anyone he is done using to be little more than a slave. Then Ganondorf commanded for the guards to leave and started working magic and Link started screaming. It was a truly horrible sound so I covered my ears I don't know how long I stayed like that, but after a while I cautiously lifted my hands and heard nothing. I chanced a glance through the peep hole. Ganondorf was gone and, at first, I thought that Link was unconscious, and perhaps he was nearly so.
"The Hero of Twilight has frightful powers of perception I think, because he raised his head turned to the side and looked directly at my hiding spot with those odd eyes of his, like he could see me through the wall. He probably knew someone was there, and he could easily have given me away but he didn't. Instead, he just closed his eyes and hung his head. When the truth of everything hit me, I immediately and stealthily left the servants hall and bluffed my way out of the castle and ran for it. Night had already fallen when I left and I had thought I had escaped when I was set upon by that beast," he said gesturing at the dead mountain cat. "Please believe me when I say that I want nothing more than revenge on Ganondorf for his deception. I thought I would gain everything I wanted by joining him when in all reality I would have lost all my wealth and power. Nothing is worth that. I am on a quest for revenge."
"If that is indeed your mission, I will do nothing to hinder you," Zelda said. "Release him," she told Aveil.
"Are you positive he is telling the truth?" Aveil growled, "because I would enjoy getting some revenge of my own."
"Even if he is not, he is still my kingdoms best chance of discovering the identities of the traitors. Let him go."
"Alright," Aveil grumbled, "I suppose you have more right over his fate than I have because he comes from your kingdom. If you ever happen to change your mind about it though," she added with a smile, "I would happily take care of him for you."
Aveil released the man's shirt and, without so much as a 'thank you,' he ran off.
"I am still not sure he was telling the truth," Aveil glowered at the retreating figure.
"He always was and still is a man motivated by his own greed. I don't trust him any more than you do but I believe he would do anything to protect his wealth."
Aveil scoffed, "you know, I thought he was a little girl when I heard his screaming and whimpering. Although when I saw him I knew he wasn't because no female would ever lower themselves to his level."
Zelda chuckled; "I thought he was a damsel in distress as well." Her smile faded as she thought of what Malver had said about Link. 'Hold on, Link. I am coming for you, be strong.' She thought willing for him to hear her.
"I cannot believe that man did not even try to save Link after what he saw and heard," Aveil muttered to herself as they continued on their way.
"I have often found that a selfish person hardly considers interests of others," Zelda said coldly.
It was not long before they reached the clearing where the blackened fortress was positioned. "How will I ever be able to get inside that?" She whispered, scanning the well guarded and heavily fortified castle. "I can see no weakness and I don't have time to sit around and wait for one."
"I can help with that," Aveil smiled. "I used to visit this castle a lot when I was younger."
Zelda looked at her quizzically.
"I come from a noble family," Aveil explained quietly. "My family was the guardian of an ancient power and my mother was one of the late king's most trusted advisors. When I was younger, I used to play with the prince. We were about the same age and our favorite game was exploring the castle. There was an ancient escape tunnel built into one of the cells in the dungeon. It was rumored to have been built by one of the kings of old and his people to escape the castle during an ancient siege to get supplies. They kept it out of respect for history and because they thought it might once again prove to be useful. We were forbidden from using it because the supports were very old and the passage was only wide enough for people to walk single file. Being adventurous spirits, their warnings did nothing to deter us from trying. Unfortunately, every time we tried somebody would catch us before we got far. It was hard to pull the wool over the eyes of my mother. I always hated that she could guess what I was up to without fail. She was an amazing woman, and I took it for granted up until recently. I have not seen her since Ganondorf invaded. I was separated from her the day we became Ganondorf's slaves," she finished her voice growing quiet.
"I am sorry," Zelda whispered.
"After tomorrow, you won't have to be. Our kingdom will rise against our foe and Ganondorf will wish he never set foot in our land.
"Does anyone else know about the passage you mentioned?" Zelda asked.
"General Tarsius probably knows of it but, it is hard enough for one person to use let alone an army. It would do little to help their war effort. I will give you directions to where the tunnel is rumored to let out."
"Rumored?" Zelda asked incredulously shooting Aveil a disparaging glance.
~x~X~x~
Zelda crouched in the fringe of woodland bordering the devastated plain lands. The castle sat in the middle like some dark shadow of ill omen. The sun would not rise for another few hours but the army was in position to attack. The entire troop had moved out as soon as she and Aveil had returned from their scouting mission.
She may not have been invited to attend the meeting in which they thought up a battle plan, but she had gathered enough information from the march and by the way that the army was preparing themselves to get a slight feel for their battle plan. As a princess, she could not be ignorant when it came to basic strategies and troop positions. The rebel army had organized its self into three groups; two of these were led by Tarsius and Rhydd. And the lat third, headed by Frederick, was probably intended to be the reserves. She assumed Tarsius was going to lead a head-on assault at the gate with the well disciplined resistance fighters and Rhydd would lead an assault on the other side.
She had seen a bit Rhydd's force's equipment, in passing, and deduced that their mission would probably be to scale the fortress walls by siege ladders and grappling hooks. The basics she had gathered, but any nuances or double blind schemes she could only imagine.
Aveil had opted to be part of the charge so Zelda found herself waiting alone by the large rock cluster that was guessed to be around the area when the tunnel let out. Unfortunalty any wishes for easily discovering its location were soon dashed as the assumed exit hole had either been hidden or buried. She passed the time as she waited for the armies' signal to charge by methodically scouring the ground for the fabled opening, her search becoming more and more frantic as time passed.
Jade flapped down from above to land on her shoulder. "I see how you looked at army and know you want to know of what they do, so I act like sneaky hiss-hiss and spy for you," she piped proudly her little scaled chest puffed out in pride. "Reya part of secret thief group that try to scale castle wall on other side of main gate and ladder attackers. Her job is sneak over and try open side gate for other group of army. "What you do?" she piped quizzically as Zelda sat heavily down on a cluster of rocks, her growing despair making her act distant to her dragon's pleased pride. The disgruntled princess had been searching for hours and had lost nearly all hope of ever finding the tunnel.
"I am trying to find the secret tunnel," she told the dragon irritably
"Silly, you sit on it," Jade laughed in her odd chattering manner. "Foul air seep out from there, I smell well. Push on rocks and they roll."
Shooting her dragon a venomous glare she did as her small reptilian companion commanded. "You could have mentioned this a bit sooner," she muttered darkly
"You not ask." Jade protested.
Sure enough, the cluster of boulders gave way to reveal the dark gaping mouth of the passage. The air that rushed out did indeed smell foul and musty.
'Well this is it,' she thought staring into the shadows. The fate of two kingdoms depends on my actions right now,' she thought terrified. 'I am going to sneak through a heavily armed and guarded castle and challenge the world's most powerful warlord.' She felt her hands begin to tremble and her whole boy tensed with fear. What if she made a mistake, what if she was making a mistake even now. The lives of her friends and people would be doomed if she were to fail or be killed. Cold sweat ran down her face. "I have to do this," she whispered to herself. 'How had Link found the courage?' she wondered helplessly. It was as she scanned the dark tunnel that she understood. She understood he had found the courage because of a desire to protect the ones he loved. He found the courage because he knew that what was right was worth giving everything for. She recalled the words that he had once spoken to her, which she had often used to comfort herself when she was thinking about doing something impossibly dangerous. "If there was even the slightest chance that that your actions would protect the ones you love or swore to protect, then, I believe it is worth taking risks, even if the consequences could be dangerously high if you fail."
Zelda tried to take a deep breath to calm her nerves as she looked to where general Tarsius waited in the tree fringe with his army. She was a part of a four pronged attack. They were all trying to breach the wall from every one of its four sides, and she prayed that Din, Farore, and Nayru, would favor at least one of them to break through.
Suddenly, she spied many torches being lit nearly all at once. Every single member of Tarsius's troop let out a battle cry as they charged the wall in perfect formation. The attacking force and battering ram wielders charged with their shields over their heads to guard against projectiles. The archers stayed back and prepared to fire. Zelda yelled her own battle cry silently in her mind and dropped into the tunnel. The rebels' display of courage had strengthened her own heart and she charged down the darkened path, adrenaline heightening her senses and giving her added strength. She knew that everything depended on her and that there was no turning back.
A/N: Thanks again for reading! Please don't forget to review as they fill my heart with Ghirahim-ish rainbows, and motivate me to try and strive for awesomeness (though whether or not it is ever actually attained had always been up for grabs concerning me XD)
Question: What Zelda game do you think had the best plotline? Which one do you think that the best game-play?