I'm changing my update schedule. Normally I have a backlog of chapters. Right now I'm stuck on chapter 22 and have lost inspiration. I'm also in a very stressful semester of college. I'm giving you this chapter for now even though 22 is NOT done. Prepare for some angst this chapter. Also, as warning, there is a public execution scene later in the chapter. If you don't want to read that, by all means, skip it.

19

A Safe House Falls. Zora's Domain. Princess Zelda's Grief.

Princess Zelda gripped the arms of the throne tightly. She had changed into her white and pink dress and had gone into the throne room, only to hear news that infuriated her. The rebels had stolen valuable jewelry from the Lurise Auction House. Sheikah in Kakariko had also reported that Link had managed to flee.

The auction house's owner was standing below the dais, fuming. A few other nobles who had been there during the raid were behind her. Some looked angry, others looked fearful.

''So their leader was there?'' she asked the owner, not quite managing to keep the anger out of her tone.

''Yes, Princess,'' Lady Lurise confirmed.

Another noblewoman, Dame Sharon, stepped forward. ''I can confirm that as well. To think that I was so close to that dangerous man...''

The Princess stood up. ''They will not go unpunished. I will not stand for this.''

''What will you do, Princess?'' Lady Lurise asked.

Princess Zelda took a minute to let her anger fade so that she could plan logically. ''We will send them a message. If they wish to do battle, I will oblige.'' She turned to Captain Rusl. ''We know the location of a rebel safe house or two, correct?''

He nodded. ''Yes.''

She smiled coldly. ''Captain Rusl, conduct a raid on them tomorrow morning. Arrest everyone you find so we can make an example of them.''

When early morning sunlight filtered in, Link shifted in bed. He sat up, pushing the soft covers off. He slipped out of bed, getting himself dressed. He left the bedchamber and then opened the sitting room door, stepping into the hallway.

A few minutes later, Ashlyn came out of her chambers. ''Hey. Did you sleep well?''

''Yes.''

''So... What should we do?''

Before Link could answer, the door to Glurak's chambers opened. ''Good morning. Shall we go down for breakfast?''

They both nodded and followed the mage down to the first floor. Glurak entered the dining room. The servants, having anticipated their master's habits, had already prepared.

''Good morning, Young Master. Breakfast is ready.''

''Thank you,'' Glurak said. He sat down in a chair.

Ashlyn and Link sat next to him on either side. All three of them started eating the freshly baked biscuits. There were several, each with a different jam.

''Mmm. These are good,'' Ashlyn said. She looked to Link and Glurak. ''So, we're going to Zora's Domain. We have enough supplies, right?''

''I should think so. However, I am going to take the liberty of packing more,'' Glurak replied.

Link nodded. ''Good thinking.''

When they had finished eating, a kitchen girl took their plates. Glurak left the mansion briefly to arrange for supplies. After a few minutes, Ashlyn and Link went outside as well.

A stable boy had brought out their horses as well as a third for Ashlyn. Glurak walked over to them. ''Everything is ready.''

''Glurak... I don't want to take a horse from your parents,'' Ashlyn said.

''She isn't used by either of my parents. She was supposed to be for my cousin Roland, but he didn't want her. There is no problem with giving her to you,'' Glurak said.

The stable boy brought the brown mare over to her. Ashlyn mounted the horse. ''What's her name?''

''Clarion. Do you want to change it?''

Ashlyn shook her head. ''No.'' She took the reins in her hands.

Glurak climbed into Storm's saddle while Link mounted Epona. ''Let's go.''

Johann was sitting in his small office, reading a few papers. It was about six forty five in the morning. Last night the headquarters team had raided an auction house in the wealthy part of the city. In their escape, Risbon had been injured, though. He was still recovering in the Mages' safe house.

He set the paper he was reading down, grabbing another. The paper was recent, detailing Link's discovery in the castle. The Princess was under a spell. He was tempted to tell the other members of the safe house, but he wasn't supposed to.

The door was suddenly flung open. ''Johann, a bunch of soldiers are coming! Captain Rusl himself is leading them!'' Solaris said, fear coating her voice.

He stood up, almost knocking the chair over. ''Get everyone ready to evacuate!''

She nodded and ran back out. He could hear her telling the others to gather their things. He quickly grabbed all the papers off his desk, throwing them into the fireplace. The soldiers could not get the information on them. He went through the desk drawers, tossing more papers into the fire.

When every last document had been burned, Johann ran out of the office and to his room. He grabbed his sword belt and put it on hurriedly, grabbing other necessities and putting them into a bag. He slung it over his shoulder and left the room.

The rest of the safe house members had gathered their things quickly and were exiting the building. Johann followed them outside. They would head to the Ironsmith safe house for shelter. Once they regrouped, they'd make a new safe house.

Then he saw the soldiers marching down the street, led by a dirty blond man wearing armor and a cape. ''Split up, go!'' he shouted.

His team members started running towards different streets and alleyways, attempting to confuse the approaching soldiers. They would all meet up later.

''Johann, the streets are all blocked off! They knew we would try to run! It's an ambush!'' Richard, the second in command, called.

Horror replaced any feeling Johann had, turning his veins to ice. ''Dear Goddesses...'' he uttered. Swallowing, he drew his weapon. ''We'll have to fight! They won't get us without one!''

''You got that right!'' The rest of the Southgate safe house team drew their weapons, ready to stand against the oncoming company of soldiers. They formed two lines, blocking the east and west, where the most soldiers were. The once peaceful early morning calm was shattered by the sounds of battle cries and screams that filled the street as the Resistance members fought for their lives.

Richard swung his axe, blocking a spear thrust his way. Solaris nocked an arrow and fired her bow, shooting a soldier in the collarbone. Carter lashed out with his metal staff, backed up by Nene and Ravis. Lampert charged at a soldier.

Johann disarmed a soldier and kicked the man's sword away. Then he turned to parry another man's strike. As he fought, he noticed that none of the man's attacks were meant to kill. He glanced around, seeing the same with the other soldiers.

As he was fighting yet another soldier, he heard someone scream. A soldier had disarmed Nene and was trying to put her in shackles. Ravis was attempting to stop the man, all while Nene struggled vainly. A second soldier engaged Ravis, distracting him as Nene was chained and hauled off.

''Oh Goddesses. Johann, they... They want us alive. You know what that means,'' Richard said fearfully.

It certainly wasn't a good thing. Johann took a breath. ''We need to get out of here, no matter what! Break through!''

His teammates tried, but they were getting overwhelmed. Carter was dragged off by two soldiers. Solaris shot more soldiers, killing some of them. Richard stayed by Johann, backing him up. Ravis fought ferociously, enraged at the loss of Nene. Lampert battled two soldiers at once.

Johann heard a terrified voice rising above the sounds of battle. Beppo, an orphaned boy who had joined them a while ago, was being cornered by a soldier. He ran towards them without any further thought; they couldn't take the kid. He wasn't fast enough.

Beppo screamed as he was taken away. Johann tried to go after them, but he lost sight of them in the chaos. He turned back to the battle at hand, determined not to let anyone else be taken. He fought with increased vigor.

Other members were arrested and hauled off. Soon only a few of them were left. Johann came to the sick realization that they were fighting in vain. Lampert was captured, finally overwhelmed by the numbers. Ravis was taken down by four soldiers and arrested. Richard was dragged off, trying to break free and rejoin Johann's side.

Johann noticed that Captain Rusl, who he hadn't seen for most of the battle, was approaching. He bit his lip and turned to Solaris. ''I see an opening. Run.''

''But you... You should flee! You're the head of the safe house!''

''There is no Southgate safe house anymore. Run, dammit! I'll hold them off as long as I can!'' He turned to face the Captain.

Solaris shot one more soldier. ''Johann.''

''Solaris, we've fallen. Run, dammit! Someone needs to survive and I want that to be you! Run! That's an order. My last order, so obey!''

The orange haired girl nodded and took off for the opening, tears falling as she ran. A few more soldiers were felled by her bow.

Johann held his sword at the ready as he was surrounded. He tried to keep his hands from shaking. There was no point in fighting. The outcome would be the same. He dropped his weapon.

Captain Rusl stepped closer. ''In the name of the Princess, I arrest you for treason.''

Solaris ran through the city streets until she came to the Mages' safe house. She flung the door open and ran to the northern room. She bent down to the panel and pounded on it.

''Let me in, I'm Resistance!'' she cried out.

After a moment, the panel slid open. She went downstairs and it closed again behind her. Kunine was standing in the hall. ''What happened?'' the mage asked, seeing the tears on her face and the disheveled state of her clothes.

''I... I need to see the leader. It's urgent!''

Kunine nodded and walked to the medical room. She opened the door and stuck her head in. ''There's someone to see the boss.'' Then she turned back to Solaris. ''Go in.''

Solaris walked in, approaching Risbon's bed. He looked at her kindly. ''What is it?''

''...The Southgate safe house has fallen. We were ambushed by...a large force of...soldiers. They were lead by Captain Rusl...'' She took a pause, shaking. ''Everyone has been captured! I'm the only one left!''

There was a shocked silence...and then the others reacted. Lux gasped. Tancred clenched his fists. Yost grasped a curtain. Nettie cried out. And Risbon turned pale.

''Oh Goddesses...'' the Resistance leader's voice was horrified, soft and pained.

Solaris broke down into sobs. Nettie walked over and pulled her to one of the beds. ''Sit down. You're in shock. Shhh...''

''They'll probably execute them all today. We need to move,'' Risbon said.

Doctor Petra shook her head. ''Not you.''

''...Damn. Lux, Tancred, Yost... Gather as many people as you can on short notice and go. Try your best...''

Johann looked straight ahead. Princess Zelda stood in front of the dais, surveying them. They had been made to stand in a line, shackles around their wrists. This isn't her fault... She's a victim here. Whoever put the spell on her is our true enemy... But that didn't stop him from being afraid.

She walked forward to get a closer look, stopping in front of each person. Some of his comrades were shaking, others held their heads up defiantly. The Princess stopped in front of Beppo, who was crying.

''You're a child. How old are you?'' she asked, voice mostly flat but with a hint of softness.

''...F-Fourteen...''

Princess Zelda shook her head. ''Much too young.'' She turned to a guard. ''Take him to the dungeon, please.''

The guard took ahold of Beppo and escorted the crying boy out of the throne room.

''Well, at least you're moral enough to spare a kid,'' Ravis said.

''Do you think me a childslayer?'' Princess Zelda asked. ''I certainly do not approve of executing children. There is a law to that effect that's been in place since Hyrule was founded.''

Nene bit her lip. ''Ravis, shush.'' Her voice was full of fear.

Princess Zelda scanned them. ''Which one of you is the head of the safe house?''

''I am,'' Johann said.

She walked towards him. He could hear the clicking of her shoes. Such a normal sound, but it filled him with fear at the moment. ''Your name?''

He swallowed. ''Johann.''

''Hmm. Well, I suppose there is a use for you.''

''If it's information you want, my answer is no.''

She looked directly at him and he had to force himself not to look away. ''If I want information, I have easier ways of getting it. Keeping you alive does have its merits, however... It sends a message.''

He flinched. The rest of his comrades were going to die, he knew it. That was the main message to the Resistance and the citizenry. Leaving him alive was just another show of power.

''...Thank you...'' he said. A part of him had wanted to say nothing or something defiant, but the sentiment had slipped out. He didn't want to die and so a sense of gratitude, as much as he didn't want to admit it, had welled up.

''Take them away. Make the necessary preparations.''

Link, Ashlyn and Glurak had been riding at a trot for most of the morning. Eventually they came to the Zora River. A beautiful, winding river fueled by the Zora's Fountain, it connected to streams that fed Castle Town's moat. They led their horses along the river bank, enjoying the scenery.

''So what do we know about the Zora people? We don't want to offend anyone,'' Ashlyn said.

Glurak nodded. ''Quite. The Zora species is split into two groups, the peaceful Sea Zoras and the more hostile River Zoras. Thankfully, we'll be seeing the Sea people. They have been allies with our Royal Family for a long time.''

''Why are they called Sea Zoras when they still live in a river?'' Ashlyn asked.

''A mistake made centuries ago. Zoras don't just live in Hyrule; other countries with access to the ocean named them, and we copied it. Here, they prefer to be called Fountain Zoras, actually.''

Link glanced back. ''We'll be able to meet their ruler, then?''

''I should think so,'' Glurak responded.

They reached a higher area where a waterfall was crashing down nearby. A path led behind it. Link dismounted his mare and took her into a nearby cave. Ashlyn and Glurak followed suit.

Link walked behind the waterfall. His friends went after him, the three of them entering Zora's Domain. Pools of clear water were below them, filled by a waterfall. A smooth rock path led around the place. Zoras swam about the pools skillfully. They looked almost human, but with clear aquatic features such as fins. Most were blue or gray, but others were red, brown or pale green. Some wore clothes; graceful, flowing garments.

''Oh, hello,'' a blue male Zora said, noticing them. ''Welcome.''

''Thank you. Could we speak to your ruler?'' Link asked.

The Zora climbed out of the pool. ''Yes. Come this way.''

They followed him along the path, passing areas that looked to be dwellings. Zora's Domain had a laid back and peaceful air. At some point, they passed a few stores. The path wound up to another pool.

''Here's the throne room.''

The throne room's pool fed the waterfall. The throne was actually a ledge with water running over it, fed by the Zora's Fountain. Sitting on it was a tall blue-silver male Zora wearing a foam colored robe and a crown. Link knelt before the King, followed by Ashlyn and Glurak. The Zora gestured for them to stand after a brief moment.

''Welcome. It's nice to have visitors, especially a Link.'' The King sighed, fingering his robe. ''Although, with the state of things, I'm assuming you're not here for relaxation.''

Link shook his head. ''You're right about that, Your Majesty. We need the key for the Temple of Time.''

''Of course. It's in a shrine nearby. I'll have someone take you to it.'' He suddenly looked appalled. ''Oh, where are my manners? I'm Cress De Bon. Everyone just calls me King Zora XVII, though.''

Glurak looked thoughtful. ''It is a tradition, isn't it? Calling every male ruler Zora?''

King Cress nodded. ''Yes. I actually became King a few years ago after my mother, Queen Ruto, died from illness. She would still be alive today if not for that; we Zoras can live for a long time.''

''She knew my ancestor,'' Link said.

The Zora monarch nodded. ''She did indeed. I was told stories of the Hero of Time, sitting on her lap.''

Ashlyn grinned a bit. ''Heh.''

The King shrugged. ''But you need to get to the Sapphire Shrine. Letula!'' he called.

A pale lilac female Zora wearing a silver dress emerged from a doorway. ''Yes, father?''

''I need you to take our guests to the Sapphire Shrine, please.''

She nodded and beckoned for them to come with her. The King got up, allowing access to the entryway to the Fountain. They followed the Zora Princess.

Everything had been prepared. The city square was full of people nervously awaiting the executions. Soldiers lined the exits, preventing any of the condemned rebels from attempting escape. It also prevented anyone from mounting a rescue.

Princess Zelda had decided to come. She had never attended before, but since a safe house had been brought down, she found it necessary. A platform had been set up for her. She stood from the chair, looking out at the citizens. A hush fell over the square. They were surprised to see her.

''My people. Standing here before you are dangerous criminals. People who have not only stolen and vandalized...they have attacked our military staff and planted seeds of chaos in this city!''

She turned her gaze to the line of condemned rebels. Richard was first in the line. ''Bring him forward,'' she ordered.

Richard was hauled onto the scaffold, forced to stand on the trapdoor as they placed the noose around his neck. He gazed out at the crowd defiantly.

Princess Zelda swallowed. What am I doing? The thought entered her head and she paused. These men and women...are innocent. She kept still. ''Read the charges,'' she finally said.

The herald nodded. ''Richard Selind, for the crimes of treason, vandalism, theft of government property, assault, obstruction of justice and general lawlessness, you have been sentenced to be hanged. May the Goddesses and all the deities have mercy on your soul.''

You can't do this. These people are innocent! Stop. I need to stop. I want to stop! The thoughts swirled around in her head. She took a breath, about ready to issue a pardon. But something stopped her and she knew what it was. ''Executioner, you may proceed,'' fell from her lips, despite her internal protests.

The man gave a curt nod and pulled the lever. Richard fell through. There was the sickening crack of his neck breaking. The Princess flinched. A soldier took down Richard's limp body and placed it on a cart.

Nene was hauled up next. The short haired woman was trembling. ''Nene Belet, for the crimes of treason, vandalism, theft of government property, assault and resisting arrest, you have been sentenced to be hanged. May the Goddesses and all the deities have mercy on your soul.''

Princess Zelda clenched her fists. Again, the words ''executioner, you may proceed'' were forced from her lips. Nene was too light and dangled from the rope for several minutes before she suffocated to death. The Princess bit her lip, sickened with herself.

For every other rebel, she gave the go ahead to the hangman. Barely anyone noticed that her fingernails were digging into her palms through her gloves. Each time the lever was pulled, her face became more strained. Internally she was screaming. Her very being was crying out.

The last person died and was placed on the cart. It came over her again and she stepped forward. ''Justice is done,'' she announced in a monotone. The cart was driven away. She watched it go hollowly. Those brave men and women would never know that she had never wished for their deaths.

''Your Royal Highness, would you like to return to the castle?'' The voice of one of her soldiers broke her out of her thoughts.

She nodded. ''Yes.'' She walked down from the platform, almost hurrying. She got into her carriage and shut the door herself.

When the carriage arrived back at the castle courtyard a few minutes later, she opened the door and stepped down without waiting for anyone to help her. Ignoring everything else, she hurried across the courtyard and into the castle.

She went into one of the lifts and yanked the lever up. When the lift reached the twelfth floor, she returned the lever to its original position. Exiting, she rushed down the marble halls, paying no attention to the Royal Guardsmen saluting her. All she could focus on was the clacking of her heels on the floor and her heavy breaths.

When she reached her chambers, she threw one of the doors open and went inside the sitting room. She dismissed her maids and ran into her bedchamber, shutting the doors. Trembling, she sank to the floor, her dress billowing out around her.

Some of her hair came over her shoulders. Where she was, she could still see into her mirror. As she watched, some of her roots turned back to their normal color. The spell was wearing off again. But that gave her no joy. Soon her body would be taken control of and she would be forced to go up to the roof, where it would be put on her yet again.

Thinking of the people who had died, she bowed her head. There was nothing else she could do for them except pray for their souls and mourn. Mourn the loss of innocent lives, the lives of her people. Mourn all of Hyrule.

So. I did want to demonstrate that Princess is Zelda is fully aware of what she's doing while under the spell. She is a prisoner of her own mind and body, all because of the spell. Her real self/conscience/whatever is still there. It gets stronger as the spell wears off. She knows everything that's going on and hates every minute of it. It's tormenting her. When I came up with this concept for the story, I didn't want her to come off as evil, obviously. She's a victim...that makes victims out of others unwillingly. I also wanted to explore what's going on in her head as all this is happening. Causing pain to her people and nation causes her emotional pain. She really wants to be freed.

The Resistance members introduced here were supposed to get more characterization, but I was feeling rushed and didn't want more filler. Ravis is a tough guy (fiery redhead) and is a couple with Nene. Carter is the healer and I based him off of a warrior monk, since he has a staff. Lampert dual wields swords. Richard is Johann's second in command. Solaris has feelings for Johann (and maybe he returns them~). I may write a short story about the Southgate safe house to include their stories. I feel bad that they're more like NPCs that just died for plot reasons...

Next chapter will cover the Sapphire Shrine and what's going on in the Resistance in the aftermath of this chapter.