Hello, sorry it took a while. I thought I lost all my work at one point! But I got it back, 'cause I'm smart. ^_^ Thank you so much to everyone that reviewed! I appreciate it more than you might believe.. :D
The kingdom of Hyrule had finally fallen into the corrupt hands of the king of evil. He was in control and nobody could do a thing to stop him. His power outmatched all that tried to oppose him. There was now little hope left for the Hylians. He planned to vanquish them from the entire land. The only thing he needed to become truely ultimate was the princess Zelda, and the key to the Sacred Realm. He'd already had the courageous boy from the start. And now it wasn't long before he had the princess in his possession, thanks to Link himself. And then finally, the king would break down and give in to his almighty ruler.
He could see it now: Every pathetic creature that existed in his Hyrule, bowing before their all-powerful, immortal God.
Nothing could stop him.
Many of the people that had been fortunate enough to escape the oblivion that was Hyrule castle town, now took refuge in Kakariko village. Which had yet to be destroyed by the supreme lord. Though, unfortunately, the king had been locked within the confines of his own dungeons. Which is the place he'd live for the rest of his days untill he agreed to the demands of his superior.
It was all in a matter of time...
...
Zelda
I climbed a ladder, leading out of the sewer just on the outskirts of the town. It was dark, with the black clouds covering the night sky, concealing the land in a fearful mist. The chilling air caused me to shiver. Impa had taken my cloak, which only made matters worse for the weather- let alone a disguise.
I also had no means of transport since there was no possible way I could head back to retrieve my horse. I hope she'll be okay... Maybe she'll escape?
I sighed. I really can't keep this up. What am I supposed to do? I have no idea how I'm going to save Impa. This is pointless! I'd lost everyone: My father, Impa, Telma, Navi, Tatl, all the people of Hyrule, Link...
That demonic Ganondorf is destroying our land and there's nothing we can do about it...
Does any hope remain at all?
Link
I climbed upon to my horse's back and gripped her reins. She was a chestnut coloured horse with mostly a white mane, named Epona. Her head and chest were adorned with black armour, making her appear menacing.
Vaati was also sitting aloft his own horse, whilst the Twili carried the stone Sheikah. We had decided it would be best to return to our own castle, as we rode out of Hyrule castle courtyard with the Sheikah, for one reason in particular...
Zelda
I quickly placed my back as far behind the castle towns stone wall as possible when the sound of hooves beating against the ground rang through my ears. They approached quickly and were riding through the fields in the next instant, luckily not detecting my presence. Though I didn't fail to see two beasts carrying a stone statue...
Impa! I must go after them, as ridiculous as it might sound. I can't stand here doing nothing, knowing my friend is in trouble at my expence.
I held the sides of my dress away from the ground as I ran after the distant horses. They were getting further away with each passing second. But I will not give in if Impa is in trouble. The vast fields of Hyrule were quite sparse, so it wasn't too difficult to see where they were going. What was difficult was keeping up. My legs were already aching from this entirely exhausting day. My breathing was uneven, but I pushed on. I had to do this for her.
Why must Ganondorf ruin everything? Only this morning the land was perfectly peaceful, and just look at it now... It's amazing, the sort of things that can happen in such a brief amount of time. Almost terrifying...
I caught sight of them heading straight through a mass of trees. They had gone into the woods and out of my view. I quickly ran as fast as I could towards where they had entered a few minutes before me. There was a small pathway of dirt leading through the tree I noticed as I approached. I decided it would be best to stick to a specific route than to wander through the creepy woods on my own. The lifeless trees seemed intimidating as I looked up to see them hovering menacingly above my head, as if they were looking down at me with scorn. Why did this place feel so... broken? Everything appeared so dark and gloomy, it almost made me want to turn on my heel and head back the way I'd come. But the thought of Impa pushed me onward.
The path eventually came to a hault nearby a pond. The sound of gentle splashing water, as the small waterfall collided with the pond, and the winds rustling eerily through the leaves of the tree were the only sounds that could be heard. The moon became visible through the suffocating clouds, casting a gentle glow against the water, causing it to sparkle as if blessed. Such a mysterious sight for a place so bleak... Perhaps a light exists deep down even within the most darkest of places... My thoughts shifted to Link, and the glow I saw deep within his eyes...
No, I need to concentrate. The path trail had come to a stand still. Would it really be wise to venture forth without a guide? I know it wouldn't be in the slightest... Even though I'm supposedly wise, I had to continue. For Impa's sake. Wisdom didn't matter in a time like this. I knew deep in my gut what I was planning to do was complete lunacy, but I at least had to try, reguardless. I left the trail and travelled through the disorienting woods at my own accord. However, to little avail. I wasn't even sure what I should be searching for... But I won't give up. I promised Impa I would help her, and I won't go back on my word.
After a while, there had been no hopeful signs that I was getting anywhere near to Impa. The woods seemed so complex and confusing- I couldn't even be sure if I hadn't passed the same place ten times already! I could've walked straight past where Impa was being kept and not have known at all. I seemed to just be continuously climbing over fallen tree logs, hopping over stepping stones of a gently flowing river and walking hopelessly through long blades of grass. Across it all, I hadn't even seen an ounce of wildlife. I've never actually explored a woods. It was quite intriguing to say the least. Yet I expected a place like this to be filled with life- Instead, it appeared quite the opposite...
I eventually came to a clearing, which I felt I must've passed a couple dozen times already. I sighed in defeat, stopping in my tracks. I need to plan what I should do; I can't keep wandering like this. I haven't even came across that dirt path, I had started on, once! I wouldn't've minded seeing it again to at least feel a mere moment of ease.
I took a few steps forward into the centre of the clearing whilst pondering on which direction I should search (Which didn't help much since it was pretty much the same wherever I turned.) when I managed to pick up the faint sound of shuffling leaves from above, which slightly went against the natural sound of rustling leaves caused by the wind. It was vague, yet I could sense another presence... Unless the puzzling woods is finally getting to my head and sending me paranoid.
A more define sound of a snapping twig caught my ears. I reacted quickly, twisting around and looking up into the cluster of dreary leaves, searching for any monstrous figures. Seconds later, a large thud sounded from close behind my back. The noise caused me to jump before quickly swivelling round. My gaze rose slowly upwards untill I reached the blood red eyes of a large, gruesome monster that towered a metre above my head. The goblin-like creature held a giant spiked club in one hand, which he raised high above his head so that the moonlight caused the metal spikes to glimmer. The creature glared down at me menacingly and appeared to smirk before he sent the club crashing downward, right to where I was standing. Fortunately I moved fast enough and just about managed to jump backwards out of the weapon's range as it smashed against the earth, causing the ground to shudder and a large dent to form from the force of the collision as the monster withdrew his club.
I gaped in astonishment towards the dented earth, then up towards the monster's red piercing eyes. He huffed and took a step forward, continuing to glare down threateningly. I mechanically stepped backwards, terrified by the beast's ominous presence. More shuffling sounded from aloft the trees. I glanced upwards, mentally praying to the Goddesses that there wasn't more of them. But unfortunately, luck was not on my side as two more gruesome looking, colossal sized, goblin-like creatures dropped to the ground.
The three now began advancing towards me with their weapons held tightly in their hands, positioned for attacking. With each slow step they took, I stepped backwards, unsure of what to do. My mind went blank with fear as I stared wide-eyed at the approaching demons, unable to avert my gaze, which made it impossible for me to think clearly. As I continued stepping backwards, my back eventually collided with something hard. I froze, in fear that it might be another monster. After a second I turned sharply to see that my back was pressed against a tree trunk. I exhaled roughly- It wasn't one of them at least. But as I looked up, I realized they now had me surrounded as they continued to move closer. I pressed back firmly against the tree trunk as if I could somehow merge into it and get away. What am I supposed to do now? This was a stupid idea! There was never any hope of me being able to save Impa from the start. I should've just listened to my head... I'd pray to the Goddesses for help but that would be pointless. What could they do? There's no one here to rescue me. I'm alone in this...
The monster's grinned wickedly down at me, before the one in the centre took a single step forward, holding his club in both hands and raising it high above his head. I cringed, turning away. Is this how I am to die? Alone, in these woods? But then, what would become of Impa? And the people of Hyrule? I wanted to help them... Help them rid the world of all evil. Of Ganondorf...
Of Link...?
I sighed miserably as I waited for the end. I heard a swooshing sound and knew this would be my final second of life.
One second...
...?
Two? Three?
I opened my eyes and gazed up in confusion. Only to see the monster hadn't even moved from his fixed position with the club held high above his head by two hands. I tilted my head to the side questioningly, studying his expression. His eyes seemed to bulge out in shock, and he seemed frozen to the ground. A moment later the giant beast dropped his club and fell forwards. He hit the ground, causing it to vibrate from the impact briefly. His head landed only inches away from my feet.
I stared down at the monster in shock: Eyes wide; Mouth agape. An arrow struck straight through the back of his head. I wasn't sure whether I should be relieved or even more afraid! Who shot the arrow? Had Impa managed to escape and save my life? Or was it someone else? My gaze slowly drifted upwards towards the direction the arrow had came. It was too dark to see anything beyond the clearing. The other two monster's appeared panic-stricken and were glancing towards the same direction as me nervously.
One of the monsters growled and began creeping towards the initial direction of the arrow, his crimson red eyes glued to the darkness beyond, studying it carefully. It seemed they had both forgotten about my presence since the distraction. I could easily get away now. Yet my body wouldn't follow my mind's orders, and I found myself frozen to the ground, staring blankly into the darkness ahead, just as distracted as the two beasts.
A second arrow came whizzing out of the dark and struck the beast that had been moving stealthily towards the edge of the clearling. He jolted before dropping backwards and hitting the floor, the arrow fixed directly between his widened eyes.
The third monster roared in the direction of the trees before taking off frantically, leaving me alone with the mysterious stranger. I wasn't sure what I should do. Do I trust the person who seemingly saved my life? Please Goddesses let it be Impa! Or at least someone I know.
I stared into the darkness for what seemed like a lifetime. My heart pounding against my chest, unable to move from my position leaning against the tree. After a moment I was able to make out the silhouette of an approaching person.
"Impa?" I asked in a quiet voice, as if saying her name would cause her to miraculously step forward. But as the person approached through the shadows, it appeared as though they were holding a bow and arrow stretched out, with the arrowhead aimed straight towards me. They continued to move slowly forward, never lowering their weapon. The person eventually stepped out of the shadows, under the moonlit clearing. The moon's light reflected through piercing cerulean blue eyes that glowered beneath blonde hair.
Link? Link saved me? But then why would he be pointing that arrow in my direction...? Is he going to kill me? Very funny Goddesses... I meant someone I know that is good, and would help me! Not someone like Link.
He continued to move closer, untill he was stood at the opposite side of the monster's motionless body that lay between us. He still held the bow and arrow outstreched, causing me to wonder why he hasn't killed me like he did with the two monsters.
What am I meant to think of him... Is he helping me? Or is he here to capture me? I stood as still as possible. I wanted to ask him so many questions, but no words would reach my mouth- The same as when I first saw him again at the castle. I stood speechless, feeling slightly queasy as I waited to see what he would do.
To my surprise he lowered his bow, without averting his steel gaze from my eyes. He seemed to be studying me skeptically for a moment. I shifted nervously on my feet, unsure of what he could be thinking.
"You walk into my every trap far too easily." He stated, seeming more annoyed than pleased by this statement. He raised his bow and faced it towards me again.
"W-what?" Was the only thing I could muster in reply.
"The reason we returned here is because we knew you would follow. And we knew you would get yourself lost in these woods. I purposely sent the Moblins after you, but I didn't expect they'd try and kill you."
"Why...? W-why would you kill them if they are on your side...?" I questioned quietly.
"They do not matter to me." He answered simply.
"That's insane! You can't kill just because the person doesn't matter to you! They'd matter to somebody! Is that really what you've become Link? As heartless as Ganondorf! Have you no mercy? Why would you become this way...? The Link I used to know was kind... And was always willing to help people..." I sighed, lowering my head as I realized my speech was not actually intended towards the monsters he'd killed, but also to whatever else he willingly took the life of.
"I've never met you in my life. What do you mean "the Link you used to know"?"
My head shot up at his words and I looked straight into his eyes. He was staring back at me, confusion etched into his features as his bow was, once again, lowered to the ground. It was clear in his face he was telling the truth... But I thought he had just turned on us...
It suddenly dawned on me that Link must not remember who I am. Ganondorf must've whiped his memory and turn him aganist us... Of course Link wouldn't've change this way if he knew of his past.
"You don't remember..." I mused, more towards myself as I glanced towards the ground.
"Don't remember what?" He asked.
"...Me." I replied, looking up to meet his confused gaze.
"How could I remember you if I don't know you?"
"Link, I don't understand this either, but Ganondorf must've done something to you." I said as I walked around the monster that lay on the ground, so that I was stood only two feet away, facing him.
His eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement for a moment before he stepped backwards. "You're lying!" He growled. "You're just trying to get to me so you can escape."
"Then why aren't I running?" I replied gently.
"To confuse me!"
"Link look at me! Don't I seem familiar to you at all?"
"No! You Hylians are all just rotten liars! And you all deserve to die! Especially you Princess." He snarled disdainfully, raising his bow and aiming the arrow straight between my own eyes.
I watched him carefully, my face fixed with a frown. I don't understand him... How could he say people deserve to die when he doesn't know any of them? It's crazy. What on earth has any Hylian ever done to him? He's Hylian himself- how can he turn against his own race...?
"But... Why?" I asked dismally. One word that could reflect so many unspoken questions...
Link
Why is she so confusing? It's frustrating! She should count herself lucky I can't kill her. Unfortunately she was needed alive... And how can she think she's in any way familiar to me? I've never met her. I refuse to believe a word she says! ...Yet what is it about her that seem different to any Hylian I've ever met...?
I shook the thought aside before pinning my focus back towards her own fear-filled, confused eyes. "You think you're all the Goddesses chosen people, so you take everything for yourselves! But you think of yourself above all Hylians, just because you're their princess."
"Link, you know nothing about how I think! That's not true! I respect all races that are of good nature."
"So no Twili or Gerudo are of any worth to you?" I questioned, sounding more like a statement.
"That depends on whether they are good people. You cannot expect me to judge people based on what they are." She said calmly.
Cannot judge people based on what they are... Is that what I'm doing? Not that it would matter, Hylians are our enemies... Why is she saying this? Her kingdom's judgement of us is what lead us to become outcasts...
"Link, you know I'm right. I know you can help us-"
"Enough! I don't want to hear what you have to say!" I replaced my bow on my back and grabbed her arm tightly. She jumped slightly before struggling against my grip as I dragged her away.
"Please Link! Let go!" She cried as she tried to pry her wrist free of my hand. I ignored her complaints and continued to drag her through the woods untill we finally reached the entrance to the secret Fortress.
She stopped fighting my grip and gazed up at the dark Fortress, towering above the trees in wonder. "How did I miss this!" She whispered to herself abscentmindedly as I guided her effortlessly towards the doors.
"These woods are enchanted with dark magic." I answered simply as we ascended the steps.
"Dark magic..." She mimicked in reverie.
The two Twili stood on either side of the door. As we approached, they both moved forward and took hold of the Princess' arms. She snapped out of her trance as soon as the Shadow Beasts touched her, then proceeded to struggle against their hold on her to no avail as I opened the doors to the Fortress.
"Link please, listen to me." She said calmly, giving up with her struggle.
I ignored her and continued to press forward. I hadn't turned to face her, but I could tell she was now walking with us rather than fighting to get away... Wise decision...
I lead the way down to the dungeons with the Princess following silently behind, guided by the Twili. Though as we reached the cell, her quiet mood diminished.
"Impa!" She cried out in worry.
The Sheikah sat inside the dark cell with her back against the grey, stone wall and knees drawn to her chest. She glanced upwards at the sound of her name, her eyes widening with shock as her focus fixed onto the Princess.
"Zelda." She breathed.
Zelda...?
Flashback
"Zelda quickly!" I heard a woman call from behind my back. Her footsteps got louder as she came rushing forward.
xXxXxXx
The Sheikah had said her name before. Why hadn't I realized?
I closed my eyes tightly and clutched my forehead at a sudden surge of pain. It lasted a few seconds before subsiding. I slowly opened my eyes as my vision returned to focus.
"Link?" I turned to see the Princess... Zelda staring at me quizzically, fake concernment evident upon her features.
I turned away, continuing to ignore her as I unlocked the door to the cell. The two Twili then brought her forward - and she still made no effort to get away.
They dropped her onto the ground and retreated from the cell before I locked the iron barred door with the keys.
"So you actually managed to capture the Princess. That's quite a surprise!" A snicker sounded from behind my back. I furrowed my eyebrows in anger, clutching my hands into tight fists before turning and fiercely punching Vaati in his face, then proceeding to walk solidly past him and out of the dungeons. I had too much on my mind, the last thing I need is Vaati's irritating presence.
Zelda
Impa and I both watched from the cold, stone ground in shock as the lilac skinned boy stumbled backwards and hit the wall behind him, clutching his face as Link left.
"Stupid Link!" He growled indignantly, pushing himself away from the wall. "Watch them while I return to Hyrule castle and inform Ganondorf!" He demanded violently towards the dark beasts before stomping away, still clutching his face and muttering angrily under his breath.
I watched him leave before facing Impa, "What is he informing Ganondorf about?" I whispered in worry.
"Most probably that you're in their possession. How did you get here Zelda?" She asked disappointedly.
"I followed them. I didn't want you to be held captive because of me Impa..."
She closed her eyes and shook her head, smiling lightly, "I appreciate your concern, but this was a foolish choice. You should know better than to head straight for trouble." She stated, opening her eyes and watching me carefully.
"To be honest, I don't know what I was thinking when I came here. I knew I wouldn't be able to rescue you, but for some reason that thought didn't stop me..."
"You wanted to see Link, too." She stated gently.
"Wh-what?" I asked dumbfoundedly.
"You want to know what happened to him. Correct?"
"...Yes. Impa, I spoke to him but he doesn't remember who I am. I think Ganondorf must've done something to him."
"That would be the logical assumption. But listen Zelda, you shouldn't be worrying about Link right now: The Link you knew seven years ago has gone- he's fallen victim to Ganondorf. You need to think clearly on how we're to escape- without thoughts of Link distrupting your focus."
"I understand... But it's hard to ignore any thoughts of him."
"Just try." She said reassuringly.
Link
I sighed as I wandered through the woods, heading further away from the Fortress. I needed time to think, yet nothing seemed clear to me. It's as if I'm trying to remember something but no matter how hard I focus, I can't seem to find what I'm looking for. It has to be something to do with the princess. Something about her name causes my head to ache, like it's trying to tell me something, but that message is blocked by an invisible force of some kind.
Why must she be so confusing? I shouldn't feel so lost around her. This should've been a simple mission: Capture the Princess. Why must such a simple task turn out to be so complex?
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't pay attention to where I was going. I stopped and glanced around obliviously, vaguely noting where I was. I could see a lake in front of me, gently glowing as the ripples grew incessantly over the surface from where the gentle waterfall collided with the lake. Yet no sound of splashing water reached my ears. The only thing I could hear was the faded sound of lost thoughts that formed no words...
I gazed at the self-illuminated lake absentmindedly.
"What am I supposed to think...?" I mused rhetorically. Are the Goddesses mocking me? ...Who is she? Who is Zelda?
"About what you have caused?" A small voice echoed through the woods. At that I snapped back to the present, taking in my surroundings. I twisted around trying to find the source of the voice, glancing in every direction.
"What have you become...?" The voice sounded. I was now alert to the sound and able to follow it to the initial direction. Glancing upwards, I caught sight of a small, brightly glowing fairy, fluttering delicate wings in rhythmic beats. She fluttered closer, becoming level with my eyes.
"Who are you?" I asked sternly.
"You don't know?" She replied. Oh great! Another person that thinks they know who I am... Deluded fools...
"No." I answered, turning and walking in the opposite direction. I do not want to waste my time listening to more confusing lies.
"Hey wait! Link listen, you may not remember me but you need to know that you're not who you think you are!"
I paused in my tracks, turning slightly to face the fairy, "You may know my name, but that doesn't mean you can tell me who I am. I know who I am!" I snapped, before resuming my pace.
"That's exactly my point: You think you know but you don't. Do you remember seven years ago when Ganondorf came after us in these very woods? You told me to get away and inform Zelda. From there we never saw you again... untill today."
I stopped. What she says couldn't be true, so why couldn't I move? I kept my focus straight ahead, pondering on her words, unable to turn and face her.
"Do you remember?" She repeated gently.
"...No, I don't." I answered truthfully.
There was a gentle sound of tinkling bells as the fairy fluttered forward, once again, flying into my line of vision.
She seemed to be studying me quizzically, yet her features were too small to be seen accurately. She sighed after a moment. "I don't understand..."
"There's nothing for you to understand. Now leave!" I ordered angrily.
"Where's Zelda?" She asked, ignoring what I'd previously said.
I glared at the fairy with growing impatience. "So that's why you're here. You thought you could try and trick me into believing your pathetic stories, then run off with the Princess and the Sheikah?"
"Hey, that wasn't my plan. I came to talk some sense into you after I saw you helping Ganondorf to capture Zelda. I thought you'd gone insane!"
"How thoughtful of you..." I replied sarcastically, holding back the urge to snap at the little white ball of irritation. I walked past the fairy and trudged away, hoping that maybe she'd give up and leave.
"Hey, where are you going!" She called.
I ignored her and quickened my pace- But she was obviously too stubborn to leave. I could hear the gentle melodic bell sound she made as she flew, approaching from behind.
"Link, listen!" She demanded- I continued to refuse to pay attention. Though my eyebrows were furrowed darkly as her rants proceeded. It remained this way untill we reached the Fortress.
I stomped up the stairs to entrance bitterly as the fairy's incessant rambling persisted.
"Hey Link, is this where you're keeping Zelda? You know, your clothes used to be green-" I slammed the door shut behind me once I was inside, locking out the annoying fairy.
I sighed in relief as I then carried on walking more calmly, thankful that doors existed in this rotten world.
"How dare you slam the door in my face!" Came a loud, squeaking noise. I looked up to see the fairy flying towards me furiously, batting her wings more viciously.
"How in Hyrule did you get in here!" I demanded in bewilderment.
"Maybe you shouldn't've left the windows open!" She retorted, her temper boiling.
I growled out of annoyance, grabbing an old looking jar off a nearby desk and clamping her between the lid and the opening. I screw the lid on tightly as she bounded around the inside, trying to break the glass.
"Hey let me out of here! You Ganondorf lover! I'll kill you!-" She continued to make threatening statements about how gruesomely she was going to torture me once she escaped as I placed her in my pouch. (Which was fortunately sound proof...)
Once that nuisance was out of the way I headed down to the dungeon. I knew Vaati would have already left to inform Ganondorf by now, so that left the Twili to take charge.
The room was dark and eerily quiet as I entered. I haulted briefly as my eyebrows furrowed with confusion: In front of me lay two unconscious bodies of the Twili beasts. My eyes widened in shock as I ran towards the cell. I gripped the bars, glancing around the inside. But, to my dismay, Zelda, nor the Sheikah, were anywhere in sight.
But how is that possible! There are no smashed in walls or dug up tunnels...
You know, a little can say a lot... Anyway... So what's your opinion of my story? Was it bad to add the little bit of humour? I don't know what I'm best at, but I think I'm more of a comedy writer for the simple reason that I personally find this story awkward to read back to myself.. It just feels so dark and dreary, and even a little cheesy... XD