Chapter 12: Hyrule's darkest day…
It took the group several hours on foot, but eventually they entered the Kokiri Forest, right in the area behind Link's tree house. The village itself seemed practically untouched, as if the Deku Tree Sprout did its job of watching over the Kokiri well. It had been growing steadily over the time Link went towards Termina and came back, up to the point of where Ganondorf and Majora launched their attack. The Kokiri themselves were elated at seeing Link and the others back in their forest, welcoming them with open arms. Even Mido was happy to see them all safe and sound, welcoming Link back even with more respect than when Link first went to the Deku Tree to liberate it from its curse. It also allowed the group to have some decent rest as well, being now in a more safe environment as they relaxed.
"Whew, that was quite a trip." Saria said as she sat on the bed next to Link while staying in his house.
"Yeah, it was. We've managed to get through it so far, but the main challenge lies before is." Zelda said.
"We should be able to pull through, although we mustn't get stressed up. I freely admit, I am just as nervous as you are, but we just need to clear our heads and maintain focus." Link said.
"True, the fate of Hyrule and Termina depends on our actions… or what Ganondorf and Majora will do…" Nabooru said.
"Yeah. It brings shivers down my spine to know what he's capable of…" Ruto said.
"I honestly can't tell who's the worst out of either of them…" Link said with a shudder.
"Probably Majora from what I learned, but Ganondorf is just way more powerful…" Zelda said, shuddering as well.
"Maybe a good night's sleep can clear our thoughts a bit," Nabooru said, "after all we need every help that we can get."
"True. Let's hope that we won't have nightmares that may make things worse…" Zelda said.
The group then prepared themselves to go to bed. While Nabooru and Ruto temporarily went into Saria's house for the night, both Saria and Zelda had a sleepover inside Link's house, which in turn would ensure that either of them could seek comfort by the others, in case a nightmare did come through…
The next day, the group set out towards Hyrule Field, making their way to the ruined Hyrule Castle Town through the day, finding it somehow more at peace over the day, although a few Poes tried to be a bother, but were taken out rather quickly. Still, the field itself looked as if hell had rained down on it. Even though most of the blood from the fallen soldiers and all have been washed away by the rain over time, it was still evident through the ruins and the enemies present in the distance that the once glorious field wasn't what it used to be anymore. It saddened Zelda to see the field in such a ruined state, observing the ruined castle walls and the debris that still laid around in front of the moat. Seeing this, Link put a hand on Zelda's shoulder.
"I'm sure we can eventually fix this once it's all over… but until then…" He said.
"I know, it's just that so many good men and women perished in this attack…" Zelda said.
"Then we must make sure they did not die in vain." Nabooru said.
The only odd thing was that Lon Lon Ranch still remained intact, but only time would be able to tell for how long that would stay, considering Ganondorf did want to take over ALL of Hyrule first, before heading to Termina…
As the group reached the Castle Town, they dealt with the ReDeads with Link playing the Sun's Song, freezing the ReDeads, allowing Link and Zelda to take out those ReDeads that were in the way by using Din's Fire, effectively clearing a path to the Ruined Temple of Time. There they began to work together on clearing the path to the Pedestal of Time, using their Power Gloves (and for Link the Goron's Bracelet) to their advantage as they all worked together to move the rubble aside, clearing the path in a span of about an hour or two, partially due to also taking breaks to prevent becoming too tired or too sore.
"Man, they really wanted to destroy our only chance of re-sealing Ganondorf up again…" Zelda said as she carried a big stone to the side with Link.
"Yeah, which makes it possibly harder to find an alternative." Link said.
"Perhaps the other Sages may know more about it…" Nabooru said, helping Saria and Ruto with a bigger piece.
"Maybe. Where there is a will, there is a way." Saria said.
"True indeed." Nabooru said again, her spirit flaring with determination.
Eventually they came across the Pedestal of Time and, after getting close around it, they were transported into the Chamber of the Sages, where they were FINALLY reunited with Impa, Darunia and Rauru, whom welcomed them back with open arms, happy to have them back among them. During this reunion, the group explained their adventures up to the current point, where Majora had sent them, the Stalfos Ambush in Termina Field, the encounter with Sakon in Romani Ranch, the cursed dream Majora placed on Link and Zelda, the visit and the cavern in Snowhead, their battle against the Iron Knuckle, the following trip to the Southern Swamp and the Deku Palace and their trip to the unknown land featuring the tower of Light. The three remaining Sages listened with interest as the five explained their trip and the troubles that came along with it, but having prevailed through it so far.
"You truly are heroes for having pulled through all that." Rauru said.
Zelda and Link both went to Impa, hugging her.
"Why the hug?" Impa asked.
"It's our thanks to you for having saved us of becoming a Dead Hand's snack in that cursed nightmare courtesy of Majora." Zelda said.
"It's no problem at all." Impa said, smiling as she returned the hug that Link and Saria both gave her.
Saria was touched at this, while Nabooru laid a hand on her shoulder, making the forest girl smile.
"As much as I would love the reunion to continue, we have more important matters to deal with." Darunia said.
"Right, beating Ganondorf and Majora is our main priority. Now that we're united once again, we can ensure that we will be victorious. Once that is over, we will attend to what is left, which includes the purification of that cursed mask you carry, Link." Rauru said.
Link nodded.
"Apparently you must have heard my plea to have the Fierce Deity's Mask purified." He said.
"That we have and rest assured that the evil inside will be vanquished, so you will be free to utilize its power for what you're fighting for." Impa said.
"Brother, you're the greatest hero this world can wish for. This mission may be risky and perhaps even suicidal, knowing what our nemeses are capable of, but to save our people… songs of this day will be sung for EONS to come!" Darunia said, showcasing his fighting spirit as a Goron leader.
"Right." The others said, preparing to move out.
With the reunion of Link and the Seven Sages complete, the group set off towards the lair of Majora and Ganondorf, with Link having taken the Master Sword with him.
"How come I could accept the Master Sword now?" Link then asked.
"Apparently your deeds in Termina have made you more than worthy of being a hero, since you simply do what you think is the right thing to do." Impa said.
"At least we have a chance to beat them now." Rauru said, confident that Ganondorf and Majora both will meet their demise soon enough.
The group moved through the ruins of the desolated town, on the pathway to the ruins of Hyrule Castle, of which a few towers appeared to have been rebuilt or otherwise survived, just remodeled into something that would fit Ganondorf more.
"Are they up there?" Saria asked.
"It's our best guess, the dark clouds bellowing here are really strong." Impa said.
"Alright then, let's go." Link said, as the group made their way towards the tower, while wishing each other the best of luck while underway.
This time there was a bridge that led to the tower, as if they were simply 'invited' in. This did unnerve Nabooru a bit, but she kept moving with the others. She seemed rather suspicious of the whole matter, as if she had made plans of her own. Link was ready to take out any enemy that came his way, but to his surprise, there were no enemies around… there wasn't even a barrier blocking the central shaft leading to the staircase to the top. This only unnerved him more as his fingers were itching to grab his sword and shield at a mere moment's notice as the group scaled the stairway to what they believed to be the final battle.
"They're coming, Ganondorf." Majora said, observing the group entering the tower.
"Good, everything goes according to plan. We'll make their little reunion rather short-lived…" Ganondorf said, standing up as he moved towards the top of the tower, Majora following.
"Are you certain this will keep them off our backs for a while?" Majora then asked.
"Of course. Knowing them, it's only a matter of time they will snap or find another way to try and beat us… but as long as time is on our side…" Ganondorf said, chuckling.
A dark chuckle echoed across the room as the two had made their leave, indicating that the trap was set…
Link and the Seven Sages were surprised at one thing; they didn't come across a single form of opposition as the ascended the tower.
"This is weird, normally we would have come across some of their strongest forces by now." Darunia said.
"Then either they are overconfident or they want us at our best…" Zelda said.
"…or it could possibly be a trap." Rauru said.
"Keep your eyes and ears open." Impa said.
"I suddenly have a bad feeling about this…" Link said.
"We all have, kid. Just be strong; we'll make it." Nabooru said as they continued on and on…
"Now I understand what you meant with the staircase in that Light Tower we ventured in." Zelda said, noting the long stairway.
"Yeah. It's best not to fall down from here." Saria said.
Rauru seemed rather calm, while Nabooru gulped a little.
After what seemed like an hour, the group finally arrived at the top of the tower, standing on a platform on the outside, the dark clouds bellowing above them. Each of them were on guard, their weapons drawn, although Darunia pumped his fists and Rauru was ready to cast his Light-based spells on the enemy.
"Where are they?!" Impa asked.
"Looking for someone?" A dark voice rang above.
It was then that the group looked up, seeing Ganondorf and Majora floating above the ground.
"How lovely, a reunion between a forest kid and his closest friends… how poetic, don't you think?" Majora said.
"It is indeed… It's too bad we have to put an end to it so soon." Ganondorf said, smirking.
"Why don't you go back to that cursed realm you broke out from and stay there?!" Darunia snarled.
"My, my, what a temper. It is fitting however for someone like you." Ganondorf said.
"You monster!" Zelda shouted.
"Tut-tut princess, that's no way to talk to your new King this way." Ganondorf then replied.
"Maybe we should teach you some more discipline! HYA!" Majora said, before firing a lightning ball at the young princess.
Before Zelda could react however, Link pushed her out of the way, taking the shot for her. Link yelped as he felt the electricity surging around his body, but he remained standing, his grip on the Master Sword tightening.
"HOW DARE YOU!" Saria then snarled at Majora, while Zelda helped Link up.
"Awww, is our forest child hurt because of seeing her friend in pain?!" Majora cooed teasingly as if mocking her.
"Majora! That is no way to attack someone while you know people who care a lot about that person can take the shot for them like that out of pure reaction!" Ganondorf then said.
This made Link and the Sages blink, effectively dropping their guard. Ganondorf scolding Majora for what he did? What was going on?!
"If you want to bring them pain, you should make them SHARE it!" Ganondorf said, before launching a larger electric blast, that struck the group head on.
Darunia was able to resist it in a way, as did Rauru, but the others were screaming as the electricity surged through their bodies, the pain being nigh unbearable. As the group collapsed, Majora used a binding spell that kept the Sages to the ground, while Ganondorf himself picked up Link.
"I have to admit this, kid; you're one of the bravest people I've faced in my life. It is only a shame that this must end." Ganondorf said, right before slugging Link in the stomach, causing Link to double over in pain.
"LINK!" Saria and Zelda both shouted, trying to break free of the spell.
"The… pain…" Link said, trying to stand upright, only to get hit in the stomach again, causing Link to lose his lunch in the process.
Ganondorf didn't stop there as he hit Link in the face twice, nearly breaking his jaw, before smashing him down on the ground, causing Link to bounce off the floor and landing in front of Zelda. The princess watched in horror as Link was now visibly injured, blood seeping from wounds on his head, arms and the stomach area, but then she saw Link still trying to get up. This made Ganondorf go wide-eyed.
"Even after all this you're still determined to fight? You're one persistent fellow. Very well then, take your best shot." Ganondorf said, spreading his arms wide.
Majora blinked at this, as did the Sages. What was Ganondorf up to?! Link himself however gathered the courage that he had, before he charged at Ganondorf, at this time only seeing red.
"GANONDOOOOOOORF!" Link hollered as he charged with the Master Sword in hand, ready to strike hard!
"LINK, WAIT!" Impa said.
Link however was now really mad and charged at Ganondorf, plunging his sword into Ganondorf's abdomen… or he believed so as Ganondorf's face did show an expression of pain… that was, before Ganondorf let out an evil chuckle.
"Heh, heh, heh… nice shot, kid. You nearly got me. Actually, you got me in my side, quite a feat for such a brave kid…" He said, savoring the look of horror on the young hero, even more when Ganondorf simply grabbed the Master Sword on the blade, not even caring that the tip had some of Ganondorf's blood on it… he simply took the blow as if it was nothing to him!
"You won't be needing this anymore." Ganondorf said, before ripping the sword out of Link's hand and callously tossed it off the tower without even looking, depriving the hero of the one blade that could possibly harm him fatally, making Link watch in shock as the Master Sword was just thrown aside like it was a piece of scrap metal!
"I'll come to get your powers later… but for now…" Ganondorf said as he gripped Link by the neck, holding him up in the air, before sending a wave of dark electricity onto the young hero.
Both Zelda and Saria were crying as they helplessly watched Ganondorf torturing Link like this, his agonizing howls tearing into their souls. Ruto and Nabooru were struggling to get free, but they too were tearing up at hearing Link's outcries. Their horror was even amplified as Link's body momentarily went limp in Ganondorf's grasp.
"So much for Hyrule's hero… what a shame. You could have been something else in life… too bad. Nonetheless, I do have some form of respect for you, kid; you were definitely one of the more interesting opponents. However, it's time to end this… and you shouldn't worry about where you'll be going… you won't be alone for long…" Ganondorf said with a dark chuckle, before tossing Link in the air, before kicking him straight off the tower and out of sight within seconds, traveling through the air rapidly… and then he was gone, as if he was never present to begin with…
"LINK! NOOOOOOOOOO!" Saria screamed in horror, while the other Sages watched in utter shock, although Majora was laughing his head off, being his usual sadistic self.
It was then that they heard someone else breaking free of the binding spell, before promptly charging at Ganondorf, striking him with another blade in the leg. Ganondorf winced at this, before looking down. At the same time, Impa's eyes widened in horror as she saw who did it.
"ZELDA!" She shouted.
"You vile, wretched monster!" Zelda snarled at Ganondorf… who looked rather amused at seeing the princess having gone into action like that…
"Well, it appears that Link has been teaching you a thing or two… I even suspect you like him a lot… considering you did this after I dealt with your friend…" Ganondorf said, before pulling Zelda's blade out of his leg, after which he gut-punched Zelda in the same fashion as he did with Link, before lifting her up in the air, amused as Zelda was gasping for air, being now at his mercy.
"Since you like him so much, I've decided to not capture you this time… instead… you can join him!" Ganondorf said, before using his dark magic to blast Zelda away in the same direction as Link, much to the horror of Impa, who couldn't even shout as Zelda's scream of fear and pain went through the bones of her very being.
"As for you, Forest Girl…" Majora then said, using his tentacles to hoist Saria up in the air, "You can keep them company as well."
With that, Majora first released a surge of electricity through Saria, causing the Forest girl to scream in agony as she was electrocuted, before being tossed away after Link and Zelda as if she was a mere piece of garbage. As Saria was sent flying, she could see that Ruto was being picked up next by Majora, while Ganondorf was punching Nabooru in the stomach… which could only mean that they would be next…
Link was unable to think because of the pain he was feeling throughout the descent he was making now, straight over the Lost Woods and towards the forest area between Hyrule and Termina. He didn't just land in the area, however; his body was skidding over the ground, rolling and tumbling backwards, right before he crashed with his back and head against the rocky surface of a cliff, which also destroyed his shield in the process as he felt it shatter into numerous pieces. The impact against the rocky cliff already dazed Link pretty much, but it didn't stop there as he fell all the way down the cliff with the fragments of his shield around him, losing most of his other equipment along the way, one of which being his bow and arrows…
'He's…. too… strong…' were Link's last thoughts as he fell all the way down in a darker part of the forest, straight into a shallow pond of water. He didn't move after he landed… although the water around him began to color a faint, crimson red… as he laid there on his back, blood seeping from the newly made injuries, coupled with a small stream of blood seeping from his mouth, he couldn't help to release his emotions as tears fell from his eyes, feeling himself growing weaker with the second…
After seeing Ruto and Nabooru being sent flying was more than Impa could stand. Gathering her own energy, she brought her hands together, which began to glow a deep purple.
"Shadow Medallion, release!" She then said, as her own shadow grew and enveloped Darunia and Rauru in turn, covering them in gusts of purple smoke to distract Ganondorf and Majora, before she let Darunia, Rauru and herself sink in the grown shadow, before vanishing altogether, leaving Ganondorf and Majora alone on the tower as the smoke vanished and the giant shadow was gone as if it wasn't there to begin with.
"What?! They escaped!" Majora said.
"Hmph. No matter, we'll deal with those three in time. For now, let's go back to our real fortress and relish in the fact that we have beaten Link." Ganondorf said, before he left.
"And you're letting them just go?" Majora asked.
"I'll deal with those three later, I said. Let them mourn their losses for a while before they will join them. Once there, we'll take all of their powers and make Hyrule and Termina ours forever. And even if they decide to try anything, we'll just make sure that we're more than ready for them. As long as I have the Triforce of Power in my hand, they can't stop me." Ganondorf said, apparently satisfied for now and determined to make his rule over Hyrule absolute. Once Hyrule was completely under the control of Majora and himself, Termina would be the next to follow.
Impa, Darunia and Rauru found themselves back in Hyrule Field, as Impa had used her Shadow Medallion to pull herself, Darunia and Rauru in the shadows and through this take them away from the tower, re-emerging back in front of the castle, as if she had been using her Sheikah abilities together with her Shadow Sage powers to teleport the surviving group to safety. However, the three were unable to rest, as Impa was frantically making a dash for the forest area, forcing Darunia and Rauru to follow.
"This is preposterous; how did Ganondorf get so strong?!" Darunia asked.
"I think the alliance with Majora must have given him a power boost, but what unsettles me more is that he simply attacked us like that; normally he would try to take the Triforce Pieces that Link and Zelda have in their possession." Rauru said.
"Perhaps Majora must have held some kind of influence over him… besides he did say that he would come and get those powers later on… he just…" Darunia said, unable to find the words that would properly express what he had witnessed.
Rauru said nothing as the three entered the Lost Woods area, making their way along to what Impa believed the others were sent to. On their way, a few Stalfos tried to be a bother, but in her own frantic state, Impa simply tore them apart without even looking and just continued on, although she did thank Darunia and Rauru for providing her cover as she went to search herself.
The search continued on for about an hour or so, but not a single trace was found of the group, which in turn nearly drove Impa insane with worry, causing her to fear the worst. She still kept looking nonetheless, but then she heard Darunia calling to her.
"Impa, take a look at this!" He said, apparently having found something.
When both Impa and Rauru came to take a look, they could see a small brook running along softly… but the water had an unsettling red color to it. Darunia bent a little to touch the water, before bringing it up to his mouth to taste it…
"What the- this has a rather metallic taste to it… as if this water is mixed with blood!" Darunia said, his eyes going wide.
"No… oh no…" Impa said, looking at the stream before running in the opposite direction as she intended to locate the source.
Darunia and Rauru also followed, worry being etched on their faces. Both men didn't say anything, the labored breathing of Impa pretty much speaking for them. The search continued on for about a few minutes, until Impa finally found its source. She immediately froze in her tracks, gasping in utter shock and horror as she stood there, hands in front of her mouth. As Darunia and Rauru came to investigate, they too froze in horror at what they saw. The small brook started in a pond, also containing red water… and in the center of the pond laid five bodies… their outfits tattered and torn, their bodies broken… and each of them laid still, not moving an inch… their eyes and mouths were closed… but their appearance was unmistaken… they had found the missing five…
"No… dear Goddesses, no!" Impa said as she walked on towards them, moving to the body of Princess Zelda, whom laid still on her stomach, one of her hands lying onto one of Link's.
Impa picked Zelda's body carefully up, cradling as if she moved to try and find a pulse… she found none.
"Zelda..." Impa then said, trying to get her to react, but Zelda remained unresponsive, even after Impa gently shook Zelda's body, praying to herself that she was alive, resulted in no response.
Checking once more for a pulse, Impa was horrified that she once again found nothing… and that Zelda wasn't even breathing at all. Then the realization struck her like one of Ganondorf's dark magic attacks… Princess Zelda was dead. She already began to tear up at this, but then she saw Darunia standing over Link's body. Seeing her, Darunia sighed and shook his head sadly… which meant that Link too was dead.
"And the others?" Impa asked with a hoarse voice, shuddering.
Rauru shook his head, having investigated the still bodies of Saria, Ruto and Nabooru one by one.
"I'm sorry, Impa… they were gone before we could get to them." He said, which was more than enough for her to break down and cry, cradling Zelda's deceased body closely, feeling as if she had failed her duty as her attendant.
Darunia on his turn gazed sadly upon Link's body, noting the injuries he had suffered before his death. He also noted that Saria laid next to him, almost as if she had spent the last of her powers to try and reach Link before succumbing to her injuries, the end result being, like Zelda, succeeding in placing one of her hands on top of his. Darunia shook his head again, remaining firm despite he was hurting on the inside more than people could see.
"You've been one of the bravest people I've ever seen in my life, brother," He said, referring to Link as his Sworn Brother after he had opened the road to Dodongo's Cavern and got rid of the Dodongo infestation that was plaguing the cavern and depriving the Gorons of their primary food source, "rest in peace."
Rauru on his turn looked at the fallen bodies of Princess Ruto and Nabooru, both of them also showing multiple lacerations and wounds on their bodies. Nabooru's right arm also laid in a rather unnatural angle, which indicated that it was broken because of either Ganondorf or upon impact on the ground. Ruto on the other hand sported several burning marks, as if she was nearly fried to death because of Majora, as he witnessed the masked villain picking her up after tossing Saria away like a rag doll.
"I've been a fool," Rauru lamented, "I thought that, united as one group, we would be able to defeat our nemeses once and for all. I have underestimated Ganondorf and Majora both, as well as the strength the former has because of the Triforce of Power, which fueled his dark desires. But be sure that I will not rest until the damage done to you has been repaired. This I swear as the Sage of Light."
Darunia then went to Impa, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Let's go and relocate elsewhere. We'll take their bodies with us so they won't fall in enemy hands." He said.
The mourning Sage of Shadow nodded, picking up Zelda's body, while Darunia carried Link and Saria's bodies and Rauru took the bodies of Nabooru and Ruto with him. As the three left, carrying the bodies of their fallen comrades, they gazed sadly upon the pond where they have met their demise one more time, before retreating further in the forest. Oddly enough, Rauru was taking the lead, as if he knew a place to settle for the time being. Darunia also took the bags that contained most of the equipment that was able to be salvaged from the remains, but the group's shields being damaged beyond repair and were left behind as a memento of the tragedy that had befallen the group and in turn the land of Hyrule itself.
Unaware to the three remaining Sages, they were being watched by three other beings, whom appeared from behind one of the trees. It were three fairies, one in blue, the other in yellow and the third one being in a dark crimson red. The blue fairy had her wings down in sadness, causing the other two to fly next to her and try to comfort her. No words were spoken between them as they moved to fly after the retreating group, intending to join them. The blue one was shaking along the way, as if she was visibly crying and the yellow fairy wasn't too far off either…