Chapter 6 – Link's journey
Inside Ganon's Tower, Ganon planned to get the army to be enhanced. He snarled a command.
"Iron Knuckles, burn every village!"
All the Iron Knuckles rushed to invade Aboda Village. All the inhabitants fled while some were killed by Ganon's army. Later the attackers moved to Minish Village, Subrosia Village and later Mabe Village where more refugees were forced out of their homes. The Iron Knuckles hurled a spear with fire. It streaked through the air, and crashed with devastating accuracy into the little house with oil, smashing timbers. The tattered villages collapsed burning to the ground. The stricken flag split apart, its unlucky occupants cast helpless to the hot ground. Smoke filled the air, rising from torches and spears with fire.
The workers kept on building Spirit Tracks.
"Why am I always stuck with this duty?" grumbled Ariston.
"Ariston, I may have a plan." Alfonzo gathered everyone in circle.
Dawid rode his horse towards and saw everyone were exhausted while the Gorons still worked.
"WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO TAKE A NAP?!" shouted Dawid.
Everyone were unable to get up. "I said OFF TO WORK!"
Dawid started whipping them. They were unable to withstand such punishment. The gorons came to their aid and punched Dawid for such atrocities. One of the Gorons dropped Dawid in the Eldin Gorge.
The voice of the narrator continued.
"History reiterates. It's as though Ganon's conquest never ceases as he cheated death. Link rushes forward, intending to rescue me. Can Link do this? Can Link find me?"
Link rode on his mare, Epona. Something came to Link's mind.
"What if… What if I head back to Sacred Grove? Perhaps, I can find a way to get to the Temple of Time." the orb put Link's words on view. "Once I go to this dungeon and find the Ocarina of Time. I assume, I can restore the Twilight Mirror. Then I can get to Zelda. My goal is clear. Hang in there, Zelda!"
"Excuse me, a mirror similar to the Twilight Mirror is built." said Proxi.
"What?" gasped Link.
"A Twili came out along with another." said Proxi.
"Midna."
"That's right, Midna." said Proxi.
"Who is the other Twili?" asked Link.
"His name is Ibun, an adviser."
He rode to Lanaryu Province and crossed a bridge over Lake Hylia. Through the rocky gully, Link was attacked by a goriya which he easily subdued. More of them came.
As much he showed patience, they seemed in haste and began to impede each other in the blind rage to destroy him. Ground strikes could knock him temporarily off his horse, but also on occasion each other, and as each fell to the ground he leapt in to snatch away their arrows and gems. These would not turn up again.
In the manner of a samurai, Link stalked each target bravely, matching them on each strike and taking advantage of his athleticism to avoid the swinging attacks of their swords. If he kept his guard as they moved to strike, then made his own stoke, the result was a mighty clang of steel as he blocked and unleashed his vast spin attack. By these methods, one by one this group of Sand Creatures was vanquished. He couldn't help thinking that it might have been simpler to run past the lot of them.
Link clambered back onto Epona and raced to the Bridge of Eldin. As he made his way gladly toward it, the bridge began to crumble under Epona's hooves. He made Epona run to safety while he desperately tried to turn back and grab for shelter, but it was too late. The stone ran away like sand through the fingers, and he plunged into the depths below, masonry cracking and tumbling all around.
"LINK!" cried Navi.
"Hang in there!" Tael was desperate to save him.
"You expect me to do everything." grumbled Tatl.
He fell heavily, and lay prone, battered by falling rubble. As he recovered, he looked around and beheld a ghastly place of terror: spikes, bars, flaming brands and low animal growls from Bulbins.
King Bulblin moved to check on the intruder and recognised him.
"You…"
Link remembered his duel with him. Link remembered King Bulbin's fight on Eldin Bridge and outside Hyrule's Castle.
"What?"
"You are the strongest Hylian I met before. Since you bested me many times, we have no quarrel with Hylians. What are you doing in my domain?"
Link explained to King Bulblin.
"Hyrule is now under attack by Ganondorf…"
"Ganondorf? I thought you killed him."
"No, Ganon has been brought back from the underworld. He gains new minions and mounts an assault. If we don't hurry... Never mind! We cannot risk losing more of my minions like you killed them." said King Bulblin.
"A new army grows in number. It is only a matter of time they'll overwhelm us and destroy us all. For the sake of Hyrule, I…"
"Then why not get the Master Sword? If you were able to fight all the enemies by Masked figure, perhaps you'll be able to handle the war. There are rumours that an object can enhance the Master Sword. It is said to be found inside The Temple of the Sacred Sword." explained King Bulblin.
"What object? What sort of enhancements?" asked Link.
"Why don't you go there and figure out?" King Bulblin rolled a huge rock, blocking an entrance or exit. "This tunnel will get you to the Temple of the Sacred Sword. Go through, take the right exit and head straight!"
Link headed through the tunnel, used the lantern and proceeded.
"By the way, a minion of Ganon is looking to kill you." warned Proxi.
"What?" gasped King Bulblin.
"He said he wants to execute you for treason."
Link placed a finger on Bulblin's forehead and voiced his incantations. His voice was mute.
"You did something to me." he pointed out.
"Yes. I did it." replied Link.
"What did you…"
"You'll figure it out when the time comes." said Link, leaving him to wonder.
Through an arched open doorway he entered a rough passage hewn from rock. It ended abruptly at a precipice, a barrier to all but the agile Link. He sprang off where a platform faced another doorway.
Two humanoid alligator soldiers stood sentry on a rock platform across a second gap. In thin mist he crept up as stealthily as he could, and jumped behind the nearest sentry to cut it down unawares. In such close proximity he could hardly hope to surprise the second also, and was forced to join battle. As it somersaulted away to draw an arrow with its bow, Link launched his sword which thrust into its face, and while it died, he extracted it from the face. He took on the second one which he vaulted overhead, and tossed it to the depths of the abyss. He caught his breath, then scaled steep steps on the cliff.
He finally emerged into the light and found himself in a large forest area.
"The Fairies' Woods." Navi reflected. "Hey, Listen! This is where we live. I'm afraid we must part ways."
"We must leave now." said Tael. "Who know's if we'll meet again."
"If you all are leaving, I'm staying with him." said Proxi.
"No, you're coming with us." Navi became insistent.
"I am staying on Link's shoulder as his guide." Proxi fired back.
They were gone and Link trudged away.
"Good riddance!" Proxi uttered. "Navi have been nagging us. Finally we can-"She broke off, aware of Link's pointed silence as came to a halt. "What?"
"Something could happen to Zelda." The troubled Link turned to look back. "I cannot lose her again."
"But…"
Epheremelda and Ciela returned a weakened Zelda to the area where Link stood.
"Zelda?"
The anguished Link sank to his knees at his beloved's side in surprise and confusion. He held Zelda in his arms. "My goodness, what have I done?"
"It's seems we're too late." said Ciela. "Ganon has used her to strengthen his army."
"Why did it have to be this way?" cried Link in frustration. "I guess… wait I told Lady Farore that I'd keep her words."
Link carried a near-dying Zelda and knew he was running out of time. He emerged to a place familiar to him. Link cannot carry her for too long.
"Finally. Sacred Grove."
He got to the inner portion and placed her on a Tri-Force symbol and he heard a voice of a girl singing. He encountered a girl with blue hair, pulled back into a ponytail. She was seen wearing a blue kimono with gold trim and had a book in her hand. When she saw Link, she appeared behind him and punched him. The fight was initiated and was concluded with Link pinning her down. Lana started laughing.
"You attacked me and you laugh. What's with that over sudden?" asked Link.
"So Link, chosen by the goddesses embarks on a quest." remarked Lana.
"Who are you?" asked Link.
"I am Lana." She tried to seduce Link.
Her attempts failed as she discovered his love for Zelda. At the same time, a 30 ft tall stone golem smashed into the Sacred Grove. It roared.
Its unearthly form seemed partly composed of vegetation: thick knotted green sinews twisted around its body. Yet it might have been fashioned from stone for the impression Link's blade made as it attacked. It gripped Link in its giant fist and disdainfully threw Link. The young Hylian staggered to his feet and ran aside. Though he slashed with all his might he could not injure it, and faced death from its crashing feet and thick meaty fists that pounded down to flatten him where he stood.
"If there's one way to defeat this beast, bring it to its knees!" urged Proxi.
He saw the logic in that. He dived between its legs and slashed at its calf. Enraged, the creature stomped about and tried to crush the attacker at its back. He fought to subdue it, rolling aside to assail it again, and finally managed to bring it to its knees.
Lana bound to his side against that giant. She also recited words from her book while unleashing a whirlwind of ice to weaken it. Link had the chance to slash at its left heel. She created an ethereal barrier to contain the golem and unleashed lightning and destroyed it.
"Oh, that went well." sighed Lana. "Who is that?" asked
"Zelda, matriarch of Hyrule." said Link. "Hurry! She doesn't have much time left."
"Ooh, why should I?" Lana refused.
"If we don't, who else will rule Hyrule?" asked Link. "Zelda is Hyrule's last hope."
"Why don't you do it, Link the chosen one?"
"Lana, I know you're jealous at me, but still isn't there someone you want to love?"
"No, just you. You cannot be replaced and now you're already have Zelda." Lana expressed jealousy.
"Lana, just a favour." Link tried to convince her to save Zelda.
"Hmpf, fine, I'll do it, but you owe me."
Lana turned a few pages and recited words from her book. Her hand glowed white. Zelda got up and saw Link and next to him was Lana.
"Link, wha… what happened?" Zelda got up groggily. "Ah yes, it's coming back to me. Ganon used my Tri-Force powers and your blood for his own gain."
"Zelda, I heard…"
"Who is she?" asked Zelda.
"Lana, I am a sorceress of Faron Woods and the leader of Faron Resistance."
"I thought Faron Resistance was extinct a long time." said Link.
"No, it's not…" said Lana in a manner of a child.
"These elements Ganon used was to amplify his army in strength and durability." said Zelda.
"But, Zelda…"
"Listen, we don't have that much time. Ganon has raised several allies from the dead. Now, he finally gained one decillion creatures for his army."
"One decillion?" Link's eyes were wide with immense jolt
"Ganon said he will conquer Hyrule, starting with the villages and later my kingdom. He said they'll have until six days." explained Zelda.
Link pondered while Lana waited for his answer in anticipation. Link remembered his entire journey in Hyrule.
"Let them come!" said Link with determination. "I need to get to the Temple of Time. You should go on Epona to Hyrule Castle Town and tip off the Resistance about the incoming threat."
"Be careful." Zelda and Link hugged before going separate ways.
Lana followed Link upwards through an entrance, guarded by the two defunct statues. He was eager to snatch a sword that appeared to be plunged on a raised pedestal. The arrival of a black robed figure with black hood pulled over his invisible face startled them from getting to their prize.
"Aninonyinyo, another shadow creature by Cia." remarked Proxi.
"Who is Cia?" asked Link.
"Let's defeat it and I'll explain." said Lana.
Aninonyinyo took out a giant cleaver in its black gloved hand and brought it down, separating Lana and Link due to the impact.
"Let Lana weaken it with the powers of light!" urged Proxi.
Without any other choice, Link allowed Lana to handle the shadow being since his attacks otherwise seemed useless. Lana unleashed a beam of light towards it. With the smoke gone, Link had a small advantage.
Avoiding its sudden lunges and constant sweeping slashes, Link moved in close and applied the sword fight techniques, again and again. The creature gasped and stumbled at each blow, bent double trying to keep up with the agile Link. Soon enough, and though he caught a few blows between, the young Hylian brought the Titan down. Without remorse, Lana lunged in with the Dagger of Light and the creature was no more.
Link snatched the Master Sword from the pedestal. "Good, at least the Master Sword is safe from wrong hands."
"As I was saying, Cia is the other half of me. Like your dark side, Cia is now a servant of Ganondorf. She is also jealous of you due to being with Zelda. However she seems happy to have met your darker half. Like me, she too is a sorceress."
"So how were you separated?" Link craved for answers.
"Ganondorf separated me from my other half. Due to my jealousy, Ganondorf took advantage due to my inattentive thoughts. Cia sought to aid him in a quest all for the sake of winning your love. But since she noted your love for Zelda, she will unleash her curse upon Hyrule."
They rushed to the Door of Time. Going through the Door of Time, Link and Lana fancied they heard the harmony of angelic music. They found themselves in a long solemn hall with walls covered in white marble. At the centre of the floor was the Tri-Force symbol. At the opposite direction were two tall statues on either side an arched doorway. Sunlight poured through a row windows.
Upon her arrival in Hyrule Castle Town, Zelda rushed into her castle and warned everyone she knew. An old woman in dark coloured robe greeted her.
"Zelda, dear, I heard you were kidnapped."
"Impa, I almost died but thanks to someone called Lana and Link, I am saved." said Zelda.
"Lana? The leader of Faron's Resistance?"
"Yes, I'll explain later. For now, Hyrule is in danger. We need to get our soldiers on the ramparts." said Zelda.
"There are refugees who went in a city, underneath Hyrule Castle Town." Impa pointed out. "The Resistance from Telma's bar escorted these refugees. Where is Chancellor Cole?"
"He betrayed us to Ganon just like Duke Onkled."
"What?" Zelda was even more shocked about such news.
"Cole left for Gerudo Desert where Ganon's stronghold is."
The Resistance led the soldiers in various directions and garrisoned inside every building.
In Snow Peaks Mansion, the refugees under the guidance of Ashei, helped renovate the once decrepit mansion. Yeto felt happy while preparing the same soup which Link helped him with.
"Hahaha, I never felt so happy since visitors came to stay, uh. No one make the house a bright and warm place from besides my wife, uh."
"Ah, me feel happy. I can imagine them be friends since boy left, uh."
"Same boy who used to race us and drink soup, uh?" Yeto remembered the familiar face in his mind.
In the intervening time, Darbus and his uncle Godan helped blocking the entrance to the Hidden Village with a huge boulder. All the refugees led by Shad used stone and metal to improve Hidden Village. Impaz felt happy due to such company.
"I spent my lifetime in loneliness." she lamented. "No one kept me company from besides my cats and my cuccoo."
"You will never feel lonely. Some of these refugees are homeless and perhaps will live in these houses. Then you won't feel lonely." said Shad.
"Are you sure they are safe?" asked Impaz.
"I am certain, the Gorons are helping out."
"Little human!" roared Godan. "You should leave now since we're blocking this entrance."
"I must return to Hyrule before they completely block the entrance. I hope we meet under different circumstances."
"Good luck, young man."
"Name's Shad."
"I'm Impaz."
Inside the Temple of Time, Lana and Link found themselves inside a chamber where found a circular metal plate on the wall with a slot. Link plunged the Master Sword and felt his body wracked with a spasm of blue light, holding him in its grip. His eyes became white. In a flash his health was visibly improved and his Master Sword glowed blew.
"What is this?" asked Link.
"You're getting stronger than I thought." said Lana.
"Let's get out of here! I'm sure everyone needs us."
As they emerged from the Door of Time and back to the present, Lana shook hands with Link.
"Link, you must press on! I'm needed in Faron Woods. My men need me some of them are defending Ordon Forest."
Lana disappeared through a portal. Proxi appeared.