Okay, so it's been a while. You guys have been amazing with the review, I've never gotten so many for a chapter than the previous one. I can't thank you enough, and it took me forever to bring you the next chapter, so I feel even worse. The reason why it took me so long is because this chapter, and the next one, I wanted it to be only one total chapter. But it was passed 15,000 words and I figured that was even too long for me. So I split it up. The reason why I didn't want split the chapters up is simply because I don't want this dragging on. The whole 'Escape from the castle to Ordon'. I wanted it one chapter, and then move on. Well…that didn't work out. So now you have this chapter, then the next one and hopefully by the end of the next one, the new arc will began.

Also, I am still beta-less. I read this over more than once but I was also writing two other papers…so you can understand my eyes are tired. I apologize if there are mistakes, I do, I know if I wait another week and look at it again I'm sure I'll catch more, but I don't want to postpone this chapter any longer. You guys have waited long enough, and so I'll get this one out so you can enjoy.

"Hold the lines! Do not let these Desert Rats take this castle!" Lex shouted swinging his shield around to knock a Gerudo off his feet. He jabbed his sword down into his chest, stealing the life away from the soldier.

"Captain!" A soldier shouted running up behind Lex. "It seems their numbers are growing shorter."

"Not for long," Lex answered strongly.

He knew invasions; he studied them, planned them, and fought them. And with his experience, he sadly knew this wasn't looking good. They were taken by complete surprise, almost an entire army already inside the castle. The point of a castle was to stay safe inside and fight from the outside. Once the army gets in the castle, there is almost no hope. It was whether from the simple moral of defending soldiers, the King and Queen being slaughtered (even if they weren't aware yet), or the practical reason that an invasion force is always larger; this was looking worse and worse as time went on.

Lex was held up with the main force in the Main Hall. He was standing on the bottom step that would lead up to the thrones. There were two thin lines of soldiers in an arc facing towards the large doors. The soldiers were previously spread out while fighting but now that the enemies were eliminated they were reforming the lines. Touching the shield ends to form one wall with spears sticking through. They could only take on a defensive role, and keeping lines was the key. The last wave broke their line and it was almost the end but Lex was able to take most of the fighting on himself and postpone the inevitable.

"How many more do you think there are?" One soldier asked Lex.

Lex peered down at the man, no boy. He glanced around and noticed they all watched nervously for the next charge. Some were even beginning to cry while others were visibly shaking. They were standing over dead bodies and were trying to push them with their feet out of the way to get a steady ground. Their friends were dead or dying – they saw no hope – and they knew they were all going to die soon. This was the very reason why a single soldier like Lex is more important than a hundred rookies.

Lex let out a booming laugh. "What? Are you boys afraid of rats?" He let out another loud laugh. "Let's stomp these vile creatures so we can go back to our busy lives. My wife told me to fix that one step and she'll be upset if I haven't finished that by tomorrow."

Lex could see the tension lift, if only just a little. It was enough. A fearless leader was inspiring to troops, it would give them renewed strength, and moral. But even that wasn't enough in this case.

With a sudden roar erupting in the halls, the soldiers saw a mob of Gerudo charging. There were even more than the last wave. They were common soldiers, some with just whatever weapons they found out in the battle. A couple even held Hyrulian shields since they probably didn't have their own. They were only about fifty feet away and not stopping. Weapons raised high above their heads, eyes glared death, and war cries pierced terrified ears.

"Hold!" Lex shouted from behind the line. "Brace!"

He shouted just as the enemies collided with the wall. The Gerudo didn't stop or slow the tiniest bit. They did what they were trained to do. Swipe their weapon to the side to block the spear and crash straight into the shield. With only two lines there wasn't much strength to hold them back. It only grew worse when the second Gerudo wave dove over the first and on top of the Hyrulian soldiers. They took on a spasm, swinging and kicking in every direction to break the line. With more piling on top and the others still pushing, the line crumbled in seconds.

Lex recognized that tactic in sheer terror. It wasn't Gerudo style, it was Ordon based.

It was utter chaos. There were no lines and everyone was fighting anybody they saw. Lex didn't hesitate to charge into the fray and begin fighting. He was a flash of deadly power. Killing two before one could raise a weapon. Many Gerudo charged him but all fell dead seconds later.

One came at him with a horizontal swing and he ducked under it rising up to strike a different Gerudo in the back. He twisted his arm to put his shield behind him and blindly block an attack he could feel coming. He spun around and slashed the opponent in a reverse grip. He flipped his sword back around and raised it in time to parry a high slash. He kicked the Gerudo in the gut, having him double over. He bought down his shield knocking the man to the ground while simultaneously pushing a spear away with his sword. He spun around stepping closer to the spear-wielder and jabbed his sword in the man's gut. Turning around he saw another charging. He bent his knees, raised his shield and flipped the man over him before ripping the sword out of the pervious man's gut.

"I am Lex!" He shouted to all. "Captain of the Guard! This is Hyrule! Face me, see my steel, for it will be the last your despicable eyes see!"

He was going to fight again when his eyes saw something…someone. Entering into the chamber was a large shadow. Lex's eyes narrowed and his teeth grinded. "Ganondorf."

The Desert Lord walked slowly and calmly into the chamber. He was hunched over like usual and his black cape covered him completely. His troops ran past him to enter the battle.

"Ganondorf!" Lex shouted above all the fighting, spit flying from his mouth. The evil man lifted his head and smiled.

Lex began running. He was going to kill that man, he didn't care if he died or the castle was lost. He was going to kill that cripple even if he had to fight hell itself to stay alive. There was even a chance that if Ganondorf died, the castle could be saved. He had to do it, especially if Ganondorf was foolish enough to enter the castle now, while the battle was still raging. He was overconfident and that would be his downfall.

Lex slid on his knees when a Gerudo swung at him. He didn't bother striking back, no one else mattered anymore. He continued to run around people and parry an attack here and there. He hissed when Ganondorf was simply watching him. Standing there hunched over with his black cape covering him. His fire hair seemed dark and his eyes glowed with blood and delight.

Lex spun around the last Gerudo before only having Ganondorf left. He was only yards away and he raised his sword.

"You shall die!" He screamed.

Ganondorf smirked. In a flash he kicked his foot straight out. It was like Lex ran into a solid rock. The Captain of the Guard went from full speed to a dead stop, his feet lifted off the ground before his entire body fell straight down. He gasped for breath at the Lord's feet.

Ganondorf smiled wickedly. Lex sensed something terrible and quickly rolled to the side. A second later an enormous sword – some sort of mix between a cleaver and a broadsword – crashed into the tile, hard enough to chip it. Lex scampered backwards away from the Lord.

He jumped to his feet and couldn't formulate any thoughts. Lex watched in terrified awe as the sinful man chuckled straightening his back. He stood at his full six, three height, with the biggest cleaver Lex had ever seen. It seemed to be black steel with two skinny razor points sticking out adjacently to the top. It must've weighed at least fifty pounds…and he swung it with one hand.

"Your injury?" Lex barely uttered.

Ganondorf shrugged, "All part of the plan."

Lex couldn't stop the gasp. "You…no, that's not-?"

"What? Possible?" Ganondorf let out a loud abrupt laugh before cutting it short. "What's not possible? That I've been planning this invasion for over fifteen years? That I've known everything about everyone in this castle. That even down to faking an injury to put everyone at ease, at rest, to ensure a surprise attack."

"But…no." Lex's eyes downcast.

"Oh so you realize," Ganondorf squatted down swinging his enormous cleaver onto his shoulder casually. "You realize this castle is lost, you are there hero and even if you didn't fight that Ordonian today, you'd still lose to me. And when you die, you will watch from hell as all your friends come tumbling down after you."

"The King-" Lex protested but was cut off.

"He's probably already dead," the Dark Lord waved it off as if nothing. He noticed Lex's unbelieving stare. "That's the other thing," Ganondorf chuckled. "Everyone thinks I'm cocky and arrogant, with an ego that needs to be satisfied. You charged me thinking I entered too early and would take advantage of my mistake. Trust me, I do not make mistakes, never have and I never will. I do not need to feed my ego either. I already know I'm better than anyone else." He let out smile, "Oh come on, that was funny."

"The King is not dead." Lex repeated.

"That may be true, I don't know. That's the beauty of this all. I bet everyone thought I wanted to kill the King and take his little precious daughter. I could care less about either of that. I just want power, which means total extermination of the royal family. I don't need to kill the king myself, I don't need to be cliché and take the beautiful princess. I want her dead as well, and as soon as Slazenger has his way with her…she shall be."

"Never," Lex hissed. "Never!" He screamed and jumped to his feat. He lunged at the still squatted Dark Lord with a powerful straight jab.

Ganondorf released his sword and easily parried Lex's strike using his armbands. He knocked it to the side with his left arm and simultaneously grabbed Lex's neck with his right. He jolted his feet straight now holding Lex off the ground. The Captain was planning another swing at the Gerudo but before he could Ganondorf grabbed his right wrist, preventing anymore swings.

Ganondorf pull Lex close to his face. The Captain could feel the Desert Lord's breath as he spoke such frightening, terrifying, horrifying, and worst of all, truthful words.

"You are going to die Lex," Ganondorf smiled his wide sinister smile. True delight was shining in his eyes as the Captain struggled for his life. "The King is going to die, the Queen is going to die, the Princess is going to die. Any who oppose me are going to die."

Lex tried kicking Ganondorf but they were too weak against the giant. He couldn't swing his sword since Ganondorf easily overpowered him. Maybe if he wasn't so tired, if he didn't fight Link earlier. But the fact remains that he did, and with one free hand gripping Ganondorf's arm trying to get some leverage…there was no hope.

Ganondorf smiled, "Look at you squirm…wobble, bite, claw, do it all Lex!" Ganondorf roared eyes wide with passion. "Die with no dignity, being strangled by one hand. That is no warrior's death. You will sit in hell with no honor, no sword or shield by your side. Just by yourself with a crushed neck as a sign of your weak disgraceful death." Ganondorf chuckled. "Do you know why you are dying? Because you fear me. You fear me and you fear death. Everyone knows Lex, that fate favors the fearless."

Lex choked out a laugh, it was painful but he couldn't help it.

"You have gone insane," Ganondorf remarked.

"What wise…words," Lex continued to laugh with a raspy voice through small gasps. "They…shall be your…demise."

Ganondorf tipped his head like a curious puppy mocking the Captain. "Oh? Enlighten me?"

"The fearless always win…always." Lex stared dead and true, unafraid of the demon in front of him. "And everyone knows…Ordon is fearless…above all others."

The fire-haired man simple shrugged. "I have a feeling they will see my light, after all, they surely don't love you."

"They like...who Link likes." Lex could feel the hand on his neck tighten meaning two things. He didn't have much longer to live, but he was aggravating Ganondorf to the last breath. "And Link…" He continued. "Doesn't like anyone…who harms the Princess…who you…have harmed."

"Then let him try and kill me." Sneered Ganondorf.

"Oh he will," Lex smiled the best he could. "Because…he has no fear…and even I know…you…are in fact…afraid of him." Lex cried out in hysterics. "You! You said it yourself! Fate favors the fearless. You will lose to him."

"The laughter of a dying man," Ganondorf commented off handily as he put all his might in his arm to end the Captain of the Guard. He dropped Lex to the ground and his body crumbled like a doll.

"My Lord?"

Ganondorf turned to one of his subordinates. "Yes?"

"The King and Queen are dead."

"Excellent."

"However there is some bad news, my Lord."

"Oh?" Ganondorf bent down and picked up his large weapon. "I'm having such a lovely day, don't ruin it."

"Well we have found Slazenger's body."

"Where?"

"Well…all over."

The Desert Lord only arched a connected eyebrow in response.

"We think he was thrown from the Princess' window…"

Ganondorf let out an abrupt laugh. "This only teaches us one thing."

"What's that, my Lord."

"That weasels can't fly." Ganondorf casually draped his enormous cleaver over his shoulder and began walking towards the throne.

"One more thing, my Lord!" The Gerudo called out.

"Make it quick, I'm rather hungry."

"It seems the Ordonian, has also escaped. At some point during the fray."

"Hmm," The Desert Lord thought a moment. "Close the city gates."

"We're trying, my Lord, but the knights are making their last stand there."

Ganondorf turned out surprised. "I assume they are letting all the citizens out while they can."

"Uhh yes, exactly how'd you know?"

Ganondorf didn't answer the idiotic notion of not knowing and instead turned and walked away.

"Does this teach us a lesson?"

Ganondorf smirked. "Yes, a wolf can't be kept in a cage."

"Link what's going on!" Zelda cried.

Link didn't answer. He was too focused on where they were going. He was running in front, still with no shirt, and his unkempt hair waving around. His hand gripped Zelda's tightly afraid to leave her out of his touch for even a second. He had to know where she was at all times, it was simply too dangerous. Every corner could be a full ambush. The master sword, sheathed, bounced on his back. His adrenalin pumping causing all his senses to be awake. His mind was rushing with thoughts of survival and every skill he had was being put to use.

"Link, answer me!" Zelda yelled again. She yanked her hand back and stopped running.

"Princess!" Link urged.

"I'm not moving until I know what is going on." She demanded.

Link took a breath not wanting to yell. "No more yelling, and don't interrupt."

"Promise." She agreed.

"Your castle has fallen." Link told her seriously.

"No-"

"Don't interrupt." Link cut her off. He gently took her soft hand in his rough one. He brought her close and their blue eyes connected. "Zelda, your mother and father are gone. The Castle is being taken over by the Gerudo and you are not safe."

"But…" Tears were beginning to form in her eyes.

Link gently grabbed her other hand and brought them together in front of them. "I promise, I will keep you safe, I promise"

She nodded as the tears were starting fall down her fair skin. Not daring to speak and too afraid to ask Link if he was telling the truth. She wished it was a lie, that the Castle was attacked but gaining back control. It just couldn't be taken over…it just couldn't. Her father would stop any intruders. She use to run to him if she had a nightmare and he'd always say how strong the castle was. How safe she was and that he would always be there to protect her. But now…now she felt alone. Even if Link was there, she didn't really know him. How could she trust him, from what every person has ever told her is to never trust an Ordonian. He slew a two people in front of her eyes. He was just as bad as every other fighter out there…and yet, he was standing here, helping her.

When she felt his hands on hers, she felt safe. When his eyes stared into hers, she felt he was telling the truth. When he promised her that he would get her to safety, she believed him.

She nodded again sniffling as she did. She pulled her hands away from Link and reached over him to draw his sword taking it into her hands. It was heavier than she thought and she held it clumsily. Link gave her a questioning look but she ignored it. She didn't try to stop her tears, she knew that wouldn't happen. She wasn't embarrassed to cry, she lost much and no one would judge her. But she wouldn't give up. She would make it and live. She used the sword to cut into her night-gown making it into a skirt so she would be able to run faster.

She straightened herself and gave the sword back to Link. She looked him dead in the eye, tears staining against her face but eyes shining with determination. "Let's go."

He took her one hand again and began leading the way. "Now we have to be quiet, and do exactly as I say." He looked back to see her nod again. "Good…also, I don't know where I'm going."

"We're we going?"

"Stables."

"Go straight down this hall until you hit the stairs."

Link took off again making sure he wasn't running too fast for the Princess. It wasn't just about letting her keep up, it mattered that she didn't become completely exhausted. He had to find the right amount where she could maintain the speed without needing too many breaks. Link was hoping her adrenalin was going and she wouldn't even feel exhaustion until they were safe.

The passage would weave back and forth in right angles. They would come to a wall and be forced right, then back left. It was very dangerous because they were all blind corners and Link knew any smart warrior would wait before turning blindly around the corners. However, they were in a rush and couldn't take all that time on each corner. They just had to hope they wouldn't go around one of those corners that happened to have enemies on the other side.

It so happened that the next corner was 'one of those corners'.

Link and Zelda sped around the bend and were faced with three Gerudo. One just pulled his spear out of a knight on the ground when he noticed Link and the Princess. He turned but before he could do anything, Link was already in action.

He threw his sword at the man.

He didn't expect it to do any damage, you can't throw a sword and think it will be deadly. He was simply setting up for the next move. A reason why his fighting ability was above the rest. Making a bad move knowing that soon it would turn into a spectacular one.

The man held up his shield in time for the sword to hit it. The sword bounced off the shield and into the wall before it fell to the ground. As the man watched where the sword fell, he didn't see Link charge him jumping into the air. He jumped turning his body horizontal while kicking out with both feet. His feet landed square on the Gerudo's shield and the desert man was sent flying backwards. Link fell to the ground with his hands first to break the fall. Link grabbed the sword he previously thrown and sensed the next attack. He rolled away just as a sword came down where he was.

He lurched to his feet facing the wall with an opponent behind him. He jumped at the wall kicking off it and spinning around. He was higher than his opponent who was just lifting his sword back up from the first strike. The Gerudo had no chance as Link slashed downwards cutting right between his neck and shoulder. The man fell down dead.

Link spun around and parried a strike he knew would be there. He punched with his right hand, connecting with the man's nose. The man took a blind swing at Link hoping for a hit but Link easily ducked under it and rose up while swinging hard. The man took the blade up and across the chest, spinning with the blade before he fell down dead.

Link turned to face the last opponent, the one he attacked first with his double kick. The man struck with a javelin and Link knocked it to the side. Unexpectantly, the man swiftly kicked out catching Link in the stomach. The boy fell to his back at a loss of air. The man raised his javelin ready to strike down. Link was about to move when another action, even more unexpected, happened.

He saw Zelda jump onto the Gerudo's back, latching on. She dug her nails into his face. His eyes, cheeks, mouth, anything she could. Then she pulled back hard and the man roared in pain. He swung an elbow back and smashed Zelda in the face. She fell onto the ground holding her face in pain.

Link sat up and rammed his sword into the man's gut. With a twist and a rip, the man dropped dead.

Link instantly cast the dead man aside and hurried over to Zelda. He knelt down next to her and carefully pulled her hands away from her face. "Let me see."

She allowed her hands to be removed and revealed a bloody nose. "Getting punched hurts like hell." Zelda cursed not being very noble. "How do you do it?"

Link chuckled a little, "Well, that's the point of dodging."

He helped her up and the little moment of humor passed. They both nodded knowing they had to keep moving, so they did. They began running again this time stopping at most corners to be safe. Stopping at them all would take too much time. The key to survival if they ran around a corner and there were enemies – like the pervious time – is to not wait and attack. It worked last time and Link would know it would work this time. Hesitation in a battle was the cause of a warrior's death many times.

"Link," Zelda whispered sharply. "You wounds have opened."

No surprise there, Link thought. With all this running and fighting they were bound to reopen. He expected it and was thankful they weren't that serious. Still not good, but he could deal with them.

He flashed a smile over his shoulder. "No worries."

They reached the stairs and darted down them. They were a tight spiral with almost every step a blind spot. Link was worried he'd crash straight into an enemy but even so he couldn't slow down. He was skipping two at a time and Zelda rushing as quickly as she could. She never did so much running in her life or ever moved down stairs this quickly. One of the reasons why she tripped and fell. She let out a short scream and Link turned and caught her. No words were said, Link didn't even think it was a good time to make a joke about her clumsiness. They simply nodded and continued on their way. They saw the entrance and Link was relieved they were out of the tight space.

Link sped out of it first and when he did, he saw a flash of black on either side of him. Panic filled him and he let his feet fall out from under him while turning around. So instead of falling onto his back he was falling onto his stomach. He reached out his with his free right hand and grabbed Zelda's grown, the now makeshift skirt. He yanked her down with him, with all his strength. She gasped in surprise but realized what happened when she saw the two Gerudo on either sides of the door. They swung their swords, both horizontally at the doorway. Any slower and Zelda would've been cut in half.

Link lurched to his feet keeping his free hand on Zelda as he did. He noticed there were three more Gerudo down the hall watching the other end. They didn't notice them yet and Link had to kill the first two before moving on the other three.

"Hey!" One of the first Gerudo shouted. The other three turned around. They realized what was going on and instantly began to charge.

Link cursed, they were in serious trouble. He grabbed the back of Zelda's gown and dragged her just in time for a sword to miss her and hit the floor instead. He kept pulling her as she tried to crawl on her hands and knees to keep up. She was screaming in terror again which affected Link more than he wanted to admit. He yanked her upwards and she got to her feet, thankful to be off her knees. Link forced her behind him as he faced the first two.

"Tell me when the others are close enough to attack!" Link ordered.

"Now!" Zelda yelled back.

Link cursed, this was seriously starting to look impossible. One of the first two took a swing at him and he parried it. He kicked the man onto his back and hoped to finish him but the other stepped in front. The man held his sword high and brought it down in a slash. Link held his up high, horizontally to block it. With both their swords high their bodies were open. Link grabbed Zelda knowing the other three were extremely close now. He pulled her around to his front and literally threw her at the Gerudo's legs. The Gerudo fell forward and Link twisted his sword so the point lodged itself into the man as he fell.

He pushed the falling body behind him, at the three oncoming Gerudo, as he took a big step forward. He looked over his shoulder to see a jab that didn't reach him by inches. The dead Gerudo fell to the ground causing the full sprinting Gerudo, that just jabbed, to stumble. Link ignored him for now, he had to keep switching opponents, it was the key. He grabbed Zelda off the ground for a moment before throwing her back down. A sword slashed over her and the follow through was sloppy since the man expected it to hit Zelda. So his arm was across his chest leaving him open for an easy jab by Link. The Ordonian ripped his sword out and shoved the body back at the advancing three, like he did before.

They stumbled around it but kept advancing. Fear struck Link at the realization that Zelda was on the other side of the hall from him. Link's mind cranked hard thinking of what to do. One of the Gerudo in front of him jabbed outward. Link parried it into the wall while stepping closer to the Gerudo. He grabbed him by his shirt and ran at the other two. He threw the first at the others. One caught him while the other took the time to rush at Zelda. Link sprinted at the one charging Zelda on the ground. The Gerudo stopped, turned towards Link, and slashed at him. Link pushed it to the side but did not stop running. He plowed the Gerudo hard into the wall before dropping to the ground and rolling backwards. A sword swung right where he was but since he moved it dug into the Gerudo against the wall.

Link jumped to his feet and jabbed the Gerudo who had his sword stuck in the unfortunate ally. The last opponent slashed downwards at Link's arm. Link had no choice but to release his sword and hop back. The Gerudo followed through with a step and was heading towards Zelda. The man knew it was the Princess and if he could kill her he'd be a hero…even in the afterlife. He brought his sword back for a strong jab at the horrified Princess sitting on the ground to scared to move. However, he couldn't bring his arm forward since Link had his arm looped around his elbow.

Link pulled his head back. One, two, three head-butts right in the back of his head. The Gerudo went cross eyed as the back of his head's hair slowly became drenched in blood. The man dropped and leaving Link rubbing his forehead.

"That's dangerous for you to do," Zelda reprimanded weakly.

"The front of the head is stronger than the back," Link answered quickly. He hurried over to her and helped her up. "We need to keep moving."

And so they did. They luckily didn't run into any other trouble. They almost did but Link would duck into a nearby room, dragging Zelda along with him. She would always give him a sharp look for the sudden yanking and pulling. Link ignored it though, he would throw her out a window if in the end it kept her safe. That was his main goal, he wasn't even worried about his own life anymore. They descended down many steps until they were on the ground floor and almost at the stables. Things were going well up until that point. Then something happened Zelda and even Link, wasn't prepared for.

"What's that smell?" Zelda asked.

Link sniffed and stopped in place. He sniffed again. It was a familiar smell, but it was strong. Stronger than he ever remembered it. It took him a moment to rifle through his brain digging out the connection. But when he did, his eyes popped open in terror.

"It smells like iron," Zelda noted, "And very thick feeling in the air." She shook her head. "That was silly of me, this place is filled with iron from all the fighting."

Link didn't respond but hurried to the next corner. He peeked around and whipped his head back. He hurried back to Zelda. He leaned down so his face could be close to hers. Once again their eyes connected sending a serious message.

"Zelda," Link's voice was urgent and worried. "I need you to close your eyes and get on my back."

"What?" Zelda exclaimed. "No, I will do no such thing."

"Princess please," Link begged.

"No." She crossed her arms.

"Why are you being fucking stubborn," Link shouted.

"Don't curse at me!" Zelda demanded.

Link ran a hand down his face. He paced back and forth angrily. He stopped, took a breath, and turned back to Zelda once more. "Please, just listen to me."

Zelda eyed him for a couple drawn out seconds. "I'll close my eyes but I'm running myself."

Link tipped his head in consideration. "Fine," He agreed. "Just don't stop."

Link held out his hand and Zelda softly took it before closing her eyes. She couldn't see anything and she always kept her word. She would not peak or open her eyes, but being carried like a child was just a ridiculous notion. She felt a slight pull on her arm and took steps following it. She felt herself being pulled until she was finally running again.

"Here's the corner," Link warned. "And don't stop." Link urged strongly.

They rounded the corner and Zelda felt the smell attack her nostrils strongly. The next thing she felt was something wet and thick touching her bare feet. It made a small splashing sound at each step. Her mind cranked hard thinking about what it could be. She wanted to open her eyes but she promised Link she wouldn't. Link's paced quickened and Zelda pushed her legs to keep up. Her nostrils were starting to string from such an intense smell and she could feel whatever it was getting high on her legs. Now she just wanted to get out of this hallway.

Then she caught something with her foot and began to tumble over. She yanked her hand free from Links so she could catch herself on the ground. From sheer subconscious she opened her eyes just when she collided with the floor. She felt the liquid splash on her face and all over. Her nose flared from the stinging of the scent. Her eyes shut tight as she wiped them before she opened them back up.

She would've screamed if she had the breath to do so. She was lying in a corridor of death. Hundreds of dead soldiers all around her. Lining against the walls and toppled onto of each other. Some with limbs missing and faces smashed. Some with terrified wide eyes that look as if they saw death itself coming to steal their spirit. And the blood…there was so much. It covered Zelda, on her face, her clothes, it sunk through to her skin. There wasn't anywhere to look without seeing death.

She took a big breath, then another one, and then an enormous agonizing coughing fit ensued. She felt her stomach lurch into dry heaves. Before finally it caught and she vomited. She couldn't control it and couldn't move. Lying in blood that she so wished to get out of but nothing would listen, she just laid there gagging.

Link dropped to his knees and wrapping his arms around Zelda. He knew she wouldn't be able to handle it, he could barely handle it. But they had to keep moving. He had to get her to safetly.

"It's okay," He whispered softly slowly lifting her up. She didn't respond except more vomit. It was getting down to the bile as Link slowly lead her away. "Close your eyes." He told her and she gladly did.

She kept taking deep breaths trying to get under control but it was no use. She could just see it all in her mind and she continued to gag. Link held her close as he helped her walk out of the corridor that represented true war.

Once they got out of the terrifying hallway, he set her back down and wiped away her mouth with his right hand. She opened her eyes and looked horrified. Tears began streaming down again as she gripped Link's arms for support. Physical and moral. He gently pushed her hair behind her ears with his left hand. She dug her head into his body and he simply held her for a moment. He couldn't imagine going through what she was going through. He could handle it, he was use to war and death. Maybe not this much, but he could at least handle bloodshed. He killed himself and it was fine for him.

But Zelda, she never experienced death until recently. Now it was like death was dancing around her. Teasing her with the life that was taken no matter where she went. Laughing behind her, at her dismay she was being tormented with. She couldn't handle death's presence in her life, and she wanted it gone more than anything. What could she do against it? She was powerless, even as a princess. Even as the technical current ruler, she couldn't fight death. She couldn't do anything when it came to her, she had nothing.

"I can't fight death," Zelda whimpered to Link.

"Don't worry," Link responded quietly but his voice was strong. "I've met death a couple times, and it's afraid of me."

She looked up at him to see him let out a courageous smile. She wiped her eyes.

She didn't have to fight death. She wasn't alone in this. Link was here, and he was here to help her. He had the ability to save her and keep her safe. She didn't have to worry as long as Link was with her. He proved time and time again that he would stay by her side and that he could do something. He had the power. Even if she was powerless and weak, she knew she wasn't by herself anymore. She had Link, and when she looked into his eyes. She knew she would be safe and he would help her.

"Let's go," She said, her voice hoarse from earlier.

Link smiled at her courage and helped her up. They hurried town the hallways again and Link repeated to himself in his head, for the millionth time that day, that he would never live in a place that had more than two rooms. He looked back at Zelda, she seemed more shaken up and was having a hard time concentrating now. She kept zoning off and stumbling. Link knew the earlier events still bothered her but he couldn't do anything about it now.

They reached a heavy wooden door and slowly pushed it open. They went down a dirty, dark corridor and appeared in the stables.

"Thank the heavens," Link sighed.

"Whose there," Someone called out.

"Oh come on," Link groaned.

Two Gerudo stepped out both with short blades.

"Ahh, what do we have here," One taunted.

"Yes, how lovely." The other jeered. "We could have fun with her."

"Yes we-"

"No time," Link exclaimed frustrated cutting them off. He swiftly grabbed a nearby pitchfork and threw it at one of the Gerudo. It dug into his chest and he fell down groaning in pain. His friend watched him and when he looked up he was met with a sword slashing up in his chest. He fell down as well bleeding out.

"I am so sick of this place," Link growled. He reached behind him without looking. He felt Zelda's hand be placed in his and he gently lead her away from the bodies.

He let out a whistle and was replied with a neigh. He turned his head left to see Epona knocking against the gate. He ran up to her and opened the gate. She came out and rubbed her head against Link happily.

"I know, I missed you too girl."

She pawed at the ground excitedly.

Link nodded. "Yes there is a huge problem, but good news, we finally get out of this place."

Epona let out an enormous neigh that could've been heard back in Ordon. Link laughed and quickly grabbed her saddle. He began preparing her when he looked over his shoulder at Zelda.

She was standing there holding herself with her arms. No shoes, lengthy hair fell lose and wild around her head. Her gown was ripped just above her knees and her top half of the gown was stretched from all the yanking Link did. One side fell loosely exposing her shoulder. The worst part of all, she was covered in blood. Her soft gentle blue eyes seemed to be pleading towards Link, looking for some kind of comfort. Her eyes beginning to show the signs of the crying she'd done throughout the night. She looked pitful, and it tore at Link's heart more than he thought it would.

Link figured it was better not to address that currently. "Can you ride a horse?"

"Y-yes," She responded as if she was caught off guard.

"No," Link looked her dead in the eye. "Not prance around in a circle while someone holds the reigns. Can you gallop through a street with crowded people and control your horse?"

She puffed her cheeks and huffed for a moment but deflated when she realized that she couldn't. "…no."

"That's fine." Link reassured her. "You can just ride with me."

He finished with Epona but ran up and down the stables. Zelda watched curiously. He stopped at a stable and led a horse out. He did it again and found another horse. He grabbed the two new ones and led them back to where Zelda and Epona were. Zelda realized they were both already saddled so he wouldn't have to do it.

"These horses are probably tired but they will do," He explained. He led all three horses and Zelda to the stable's main doors. Before he opened them he turned back to Zelda. "Now, we cannot stop."

"I know."

"No," Link shook his head. "We cannot stop." He said strongly. "It will be carnage outside these doors, but we cannot stop for anyone."

Zelda realized what he was saying and nodded.

Link took a breath and then slid the large doors open. Zelda gasped at the site. There were fires and smoke throughout the city. The dark stormy sky was lit red like hell's fires were surrounding the town. Taking all the citizen's lives, and those that were surviving, it took the last thing they had, hope. Screams were constantly being heard. Screams of fear, terror, and death. The cry of a mother seeing he child slain, the cry of a boy watching as his mother was abused in front of him. The terror that the citizens must've been feeling…Zelda couldn't imagine it.

But Link gave her no time to.

"Let's go." He said.

He stepped next to Epona and held out his hand. Zelda walked over and accepted the help onto the horse. She sat in the saddle and grabbed the horn in the front of the saddle. She wondered where Link would be but was answered right away when he hopped up behind her. He shoved his feet into the footholds, leaving Zelda's to just dangle. He sat on Eponas back and Zelda knew this wouldn't work.

"Riding double is bad for the horse," Zelda said.

"I know," Link admitted. "But she can handle it. I'm going to be standing the whole time, like this." He stood up and leaned forward over Zelda and grabbed the reins. "So we'll both be centered. Try not to bounce too much, I know it will be hard without the footholds but just bounce against me."

"Link this is crazy," Zelda urged over her shoulder.

Link didn't answer but instead just kicked Epona into gear. She obeyed eager to get out of this crazy stone forest and back to the one she knew. The two horses followed Epona without attitude. They could feel her strong presence and Link's dominate ability. It was an animal thing, and they knew to listen to this boy and this new horse.

The three horses raced out of the stables. Down a stone path that was layered with bodies. They reached the gates and surprised to see no fighting at the immediate spot. After another minute they entered the streets and Zelda couldn't stop her gasp. She knew it would be bad, she knew…but that didn't mean she would be prepared to see it up close. Innocent men and women being slaughtered gruesomely by Gerudo. Kids being tossed off roofs and women being dragged into houses to be taken advantage off. Tiny children sitting on the ground crying, not knowing what else to do.

It made Zelda's heart wrench.

Link didn't like the scenery any more than Zelda but he knew they couldn't stop. They sped on as fast as the horses could. It didn't take long for people to notice them. In an instant everyone recognized that it was the Princess. Only a few people could have three horses storming down the street at full speed. They didn't, however, recognize Link. He could just be any soldier, he wasn't dressed in Ordon gear, and that was how most recognized him. It was for the best, otherwise many would think he was with the Gerudo trying to capture her. The Gerudo gave chase but no man running could keep up with them. Link knew they had to keep this speed and maybe they'd make it out. Anything less and their chances decreased dramatically.

Zelda starting leaning for Link to turn left to head towards the southern gate but he kept going straight.

"Link," She shouted, "This is the wrong way."

"Just bare with me," He answered back.

Zelda had no idea where he was heading, he wasn't even heading to an exit now. He was just heading to a poorer apartment area. She didn't have much time to ponder since the horse to her right let out a dying cry before collapsing. She looked back, as well as Link, and saw archers on the roofs shooting at them. When they turned back, they realized the buildings in front of them were on fire.

Link skillfully lead the two horses around burning fallen objects and was able to keep their cool. Many horses lost control when near fire but Link knew Epona wouldn't, he just hoped the other horse wouldn't either.

Link smiled for the first time that day. He was close to his destination, he could see it. He felt something whip passed his head and he saw more archers. To make it worse he saw some mounted Gerudo on horses they probably just found. They were bearing down and Link had to move fast.

"Link!" Zelda screeched in terror.

Link snapped his head back to see an entire building collapse into the street. It was on fire and now just resembled a large burning pile. Not only that, but it completely blocked off their path that he had to go. Link pulled on the reigns causing his horses to screech loudly. Link felt the horse to his left collapse and he knew they were in serious trouble. Epona spun in circles eagerly to get out of there but did not dare move until Link told her too.

"Link!" Zelda shouted, "Link! We have to move!" Zelda saw his face twisted in thought. "Link, there's no time."

"Damn!" He shouted pulling Epona to the left and taking off down the street. He looked over his shoulder at the apartment building he was trying to reach. He cursed again before looking forward and tightening his hands on the reigns. "I'm sorry Kristi," He whispered to himself defeated.

He only had Epona left and had to make it all the way back to Ordon with two people on her. Two riders cut an average horse's travel time in half, and that's when they are just trotting. Galloping, a normal horse wouldn't be able to last it much out of the city. They were in serious trouble.

Only to make matters worse a line of Gerudo blocked the street in front of them. All with pikes and spears so charging through would be deadly. Link pulled Epona to a stop looking for another direction. There wasn't a right or a left and behind more Gerudo were chasing them.

They were trapped.

"Link?" Zelda called back nervously.

"We have to get off and run into a building." Link told her. "Hide out until it settles then sneak out."

"What?" Zelda exclaimed, "That's crazy!"

Link didn't answer and Epona kept spinning. They saw the other Gerudo chasing them appear. Link seriously had to think of something.

"For the Princess!"

Link saw as Hyrule soldiers jumped off of roofs onto the guards with spears. Many died from the fall alone but with the armor, and landing on someone else. They were taking a life along with sacrificing theirs. They were giving their life to simply give the slightest chance that their Princess would escape. They probably didn't know Link was the Ordonian, or if they did, they didn't care. He was obviously helping the Princess if the he was running from the Gerudo. There wasn't any real time to think about it. The Knights saw their Princess in danger and did what they could to help her.

"Princess!" one soldier shouted from the ground. It seemed he survived with only both his legs broken. "Run, go! You must escape!"

Link didn't need a second bidding. He kicked Epona into gear and she took off. She dashed through the mess of Knights and Gerudo. Because of Link's chance at getting to Kristi caused them to be worse off than before. He pushed Epona hard, he might slow down once they were outside of the city…that is if they aren't chased. He glanced down at Zelda to see her head whipping back and forth at all the carnage. He couldn't imagine her thoughts right now, seeing her home like this. Link couldn't imagine what he'd do if this ever happened to Ordon.

Link saw someone far ahead stand in the middle of the road. He peered to see what she was doing and he cursed. She was holding her baby up. He cursed again when Zelda saw it as well and prepared to grab it.

"We can't!" Link shouted grabbing Zelda's arm.

"Let me save someone!" Zelda cried out. She reached out again. She had to save at least someone, she was useless and helpless.

"It won't survive!" Link grabbed her arm once again bringing it back. "It has a better chance being hidden in the city than on a sprinting horse."

"Link please!" Zelda looked over her eyes pleading with him

"We can't." Link wasn't budging and made sure to hold her hands against her stomach so she couldn't reach out as they passed. He could feel Zelda struggle as hard as she could against him but it didn't matter.

The mother cried out and fell to her knees when they didn't take her baby. Zelda peered back and felt a tremendous amount of shame. She was the person in charge of this land now, and she was running away. It wasn't right damn it! She should be fighting or at least helping. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if she couldn't even save one innocent life. Being whisked away to safety wasn't right. She should be the last to be saved of all the people in the city. Why should her life be more important?

"Stop!" Zelda commanded.

"You aren't getting off," Link stressed knowing exactly her line of though. He turned down a street and thank the Goddessess he could see a gate in the distance.

"Let me off!" she demanded.

Link didn't answer except keep his arms tight around her so she couldn't do anything stupid. He just had to make it through the gate, then he'd be on his way to Ordon, to safety.

"Do not let the gate fall!" A Knight yelled fighting around the wheel that held the chain to the last open gate. "We must allow as many citizens to escape as possible."

There were only a handful of soldiers left, and he was the only Knight. They stood on top of a tower that was slightly taller than the gate. It held the rotating wheel that controlled the gate. Once this gate fell, everyone in the castle was trapped. They couldn't let that happen, but the Knight was wise enough in battle to know they weren't going to last long.

The Gerudo were storming them from all over. They came from the main ladder and then also darting across the top of the wall to reach the outpost. They were surrounded and the Knight knew they weren't getting out alive. But if that was the case…he'd go down fighting.

During the fighting he saw a boy hiding in the corner. He was surrounded by dead bodies and the Knight knew he was trying to go unseen. The boy made eye contact with the Knight and the Knight knew the fear on the boy's face. The boy was afraid that the Knight would call to him. He'd call him to fight and help and that would draw attention to him. If that happened, the boy knew he was going to die. He didn't want to die.

He was just a gate keeper. He was barely a soldier, he tried to be one to be more popular but he didn't make the cut. He was stuck on gate keeper and he figured at least he wouldn't have to worry about dying. However, that seemed very plausible right now, but he wasn't going to fight. He'd hide until it blew over and then surrender, why should he die? When he made eye contact with the Knight he feared he'd be outted. However, he just watched the Knight snort and go back to fighting.

The Knight was going to allow the boy to hide and live. The boy didn't feel relieved…he felt shame. All he could feel was shame. He watched as more soldiers fell until it was only three left, not including the Knight or himself. One more soldier fell and he knew this was it, there was no hope. No reason to bother, why keep a gate open for people? He watched as another soldier fell. The Knight was barely able to fight them off since there was so many left. The boy wanted to be known, he wanted to be a hero, but he wasn't. He was a cowering kid in the corner. He never did anything great in his life, and this was it. The tower was about to fall.

"The Princess!" a voice was heard from below. It bellowed out with such hope it sent goose bumps throughout the boy. "The Princess is coming! Don't let the gate fall!"

"For the Princess!" The Knight roared and went on a rampage. Doing absolutely everything he possibly could to keep the Gerudo from unlatching the pivot holding the wheel in place, thus keeping the gate up.

The boy watched as the last soldier fell and it was just the Knight left. He spun, twisted, ducked, dodged, parried, he did everything he could…but it was useless, there were too many. The boy saw as a Gerudo spear pierced his armor. The Knight fell down to his knees looking at the boy. Two more spears jabbed into him and the boy covered his mouth in horror seeing the Knight die.

"Hold the gate!" the voice form below shouted. "Just a little long! Hold it! She's almost here!"

But there was no one, they were all dead. He was the only one left, everyone gave their life for others and he just hid like a coward. He didn't want to die like this, hiding in a corner. He wanted to be known, he wanted to do something important in his life. But he couldn't…but he could.

The Gerudo turned to the wheel and saw the latch to unhook the wheel and cause the gate to drop. A Gerudo grabbed it.

"For the Princess!" The boy shouted charging the group of Gerudo. He plowed right through them, pushing them out of the way and even knocking some over. He dove onto the vertical latch, gripping it tightly to his chest. He stuck his feet straight up between the spokes of the giant wheel. He completely entangled himself into the wheel. Then he clenched his teeth, closed his eyes, and waited for his death.

He felt something stick into him and he felt weak, but he didn't give up. He held on and not until another three stabs did he finally begin to weaken. He felt a Gerudo pull him off the latch and then release it. The wheel spun quickly but stopped right away. The boy's body was wedged in, getting it stuck. It crippled him, bent awkwardly in the gears. He didn't feel the pain, he didn't feel scared, and he didn't feel shame. He felt proud, he saved the Princess. He shut his eyes knowing his life was worth it…he saved the Princess…he was a hero.

Epona galloped under the gate and no more than ten seconds later did it come crashing down. Link and Zelda passed many commoners running, literally for their lives. Link pulled Epona to a stop far outside the city on top of the hill. There were over a hundred people standing around them looking back at the city as well.

They looked back and Link heard Zelda begin weeping. Not crying, not sobbing, not small droplets of tears. She wailed to the heavens with her head tipped back for her city in flames. She was hysterical, tears and spit running down her as she shouted as loud as her lungs would allow her, pleading with the Goddess for help, bewailing in such sadness with no heed for her dignity. Her throat swelling in pain as her breath began giving out. Her heart felt like it would burst looking at the hellish city with the tongues of fire lapping at the crimson sky. Her head pressed against Link's neck looking for comfort. Her small shaky hands gripping Link like cold claws begging for help. Her body trembling uncontrollably in agonizing anguish.

"Goddess why! What have we done to wrong you, to upset you!" Zelda screamed to the red sky. "Tell me! Please, I beg of you, tell me!" Her chest pumped largely with her heavy breaths.

Link had no words, for once in his life he didn't have anything to say. He didn't know what to do. He tried holding her but it wasn't working. What should he do? What the fuck should he do! He had no idea, the death, the pain, the torment he saw, the fear he felt seeing it. He was panicking, unsure of himself, of what he still had to do. What the future would be now? He wanted someone to tell him, to give him the answers. He was too young for this, he didn't have the experience for this. He needed Rusl to be here, or Bo, someone that knew what to do. Someone that could make a decision that could make a plan in the pressure that was crushing him.

He wanted his father.

"Why all this death!" Zelda continued to bare her soul. Her body twisted so her eyes were buried into Link's neck. Her jaw rubbed against his chest for a moment before she had a strange convulsion facing back forward shouting again. "Tell me! I do not understand! Please, answer me, please!"

Link closed his eyes trying to think. He felt Epona walk forward and back anxiously. The Princess pressing against him with her shouts in his ear. He needed advice, he needed it now.

And that's when he thought back to something his father said to him long ago. When he was only seven, his Dad was already telling him fighting strategies.

"Son, if you ever find yourself in a situation where the mind is gone, where it can't keep up with whatever is going on. Cast it aside, you are from Ordon, born from the wolf, rely on your instincts, they will keep you safe…they will, trust in them, trust in yourself."

Link snapped his eyes open. He saw as Zelda completely fell apart. Her body wrecked from the stress of tonight and her mind twisted from exhaustion and torment. It was freaking him out as well watching. He looked around and saw people falling to their knees crying as well. The Royal Family was never to lose hope or show fear. They were of a heavenly decent, not to give into emotions like this. It was touching that Zelda cared so much, but this was not a good time to show it this way. They were looking to Zelda for guidance and she wasn't giving it.

"Fear not Hyrule!" Link shouted before he even realized he was. All the people turned to him, hundreds around him, listening to him. Waiting for someone to lead them, and Zelda wasn't going to be that person in her state. She didn't even hear Link's call, she was still in her hysterical stupor. "The Princess is safe, I will make sure of it. As long as she lives, hope lives!" Link shouted raising his sword. "Be safe and wait, she will come back for her people!"

Epona, feeling the emotion that was surrounding the area, stood up on her hind legs and let out a loud roar. As soon as she landed, Link sheathed his sword and steered her south, towards his home, and he sped off to safety. Link forced her to gallop hard to try and get as much distance as possible in a short amount of time. Then they'd have to rest for a moment, even if only five minutes. It would make all the difference. Epona needed people off her back for a moment and Link needed Zelda to come back to her senses. He knew of a good place to rest for a moment. It was only a three hour hard ride.

They'd have to make it there and rest before continuing to Ordon…to safety.

So, originally, this chapter was going to be them reaching Ordon as well, but it went too long and I didn't simply want to say. "they rode for hours until finally reaching Ordon" and that be it. In a way it does deserve its own chapter, but I know this could drag out and cause many people to lose interest. I just ask you to bare with me, after the next chapter it will be about Link and Zelda mostly, in Ordon. That's where all the fluff and romance comes in…the reason most are probably reading the story.

Anyways, I hope you liked this chapter. I know there has just been a lot of fighting for a while, but I promise the fighting will die down for a bit soon enough. And please review, you guys have been amazing with it and it makes my day. I'm already halfway done with the next chapter (obviously since I split the original chapter) so hopefully, and I say that loosely, I will be able to get that chapter up much, much faster.