Chapter 45: Era of Time
(Hyrule: Death Mountain)
After going through one of the portals Noel, Elena, Donald, Grace, Tails, Murray, T.J., Lucas, Impa, and Sheik arrive at what looks like a rocky mountain area.
"Huh? Are we still in Hyrule or what?" Donald asked.
"It looks like Hyrule, but different…" Elena said.
"We seem to have traveled back to the era of the mythical Hero of Time." Impa said.
"Wow. Too cool." T.J. said.
"We don't have time to gawk. We have to find the Gate of Souls and seal it." Noel said.
"Noel is right. We must make haste." Sheik said.
"Just where will we be able to find the Gate of Souls?" Murray asked.
"We'll have to find it somehow. We can start by looking here." Tails said.
"Hold on. There seems to be an evil presence around this mountain, and it doesn't feel right. We should investigate here." Impa said.
"Okay then." Lucas said.
The group start moving through Death Mountain to find the Gate of Souls.
"I'm surprised, Elena." Noel said.
"Surprised about what?" Elena asked.
"That you chose to come with me instead of Ky. Is there a reason?" Noel asked.
"Well, I figured that I should come with you, and help you out while Ken's not around." Elena said.
"You're probably gonna regret it in about two seconds." Donald said but Elena stomps her foot on Donald's head sending it to the ground.
"Keep your bill shut!" Elena said.
"Donald, you know better than to provoke Elena." T.J. said.
"C'mon. We have to keep up with Impa and Sheik." Tails said.
"You could have accompanied Link or Lana. Why did you choose to follow me?" Impa asked Sheik who doesn't respond. "I can't figure you out. How much do you really know the Sheikah tribe? Who is your leader?" Impa asked.
"Impa, which happens to be you." Sheik answered.
"Correct, but there is no one named Sheik in my tribe… Who does that make you? What are you after?" Impa asked.
"Impa, Sheik has saved us back at the Eldin Caves and helped us a lot." Noel said.
"Is there a reason not to trust Sheik?" T.J. asked.
"C'mon. It's not like Sheik is going to betray us. What would make you think…" Elena was cut off by a fairy arriving.
"Hey! Listen! I need your help! It's Princess Ruto! She's in trouble!" The fairy said.
"Ruto?" Noel asked.
"The Princess of the Zoras?" Sheik asked.
"What happened?" Tails asked.
"Ruto was abducted by the Gorons. Their leader, Darunia used to be such a gentle soul, but then someone named Zelda showed up, and…he hasn't been the same." The fairy said.
"Z-Zelda?!" Noel asked shocked.
"Princess Zelda is here?!" Impa asked shocked.
"You mean she has something to do with these Gorons' leader's change?" Elena said.
"We should go see with our own eyes." Sheik said.
"I'm concerned with our mission." Lucas said.
"So am I, but we must save Princess Ruto first." Sheik said.
"Okay. Let's go find her." Noel said.
The group make their way through Death Mountain but then they run into what look like yellow rock like creatures which are Gorons.
"Halt! No one passes here!" One of the Gorons who is a captain said.
"Those must be the Gorons." Tails said.
"Please, we mean you no harm! We just want to find Princess Ruto, and free her. We were told that she's held captive by you." Noel said.
"Can you please let her go?" Elena asked.
"So, you're with those Zoras too?! That makes you our enemy! Brothers, destroy them!" The Goron captain ordered as the Gorons charge at the group.
"Aw, man!" Murray said.
"Wait! Please, listen! We don't want to fight!" Noel said.
"It seems they won't listen to reason. We have no choice." Impa said.
"Just great…" Elena said.
"I didn't want this… I don't like these unnecessary fights…" Noel said taking out Radiant Salvation.
(Information: Fend off the Goron attack!)
The Gorons roll around to attack at the group but they dodge and Noel triple slashes with Radiant Salvation followed by a cartwheel slash while Elena casts Water to create a beam of water but the Gorons attack with their fists and then bounce around to attack but Donald casts Stop to freeze them while Lucas uses PK Love but the Gorons roll around to strike but Tails throws ring bombs while Murray uses Tornado Punch but the Gorons bounce around to attack but Grace uses Tackle while T.J. dash slashes with his knife but the Gorons continue to roll around to attack but Impa unleashes water to strike while Sheik plays the harp and casts a Water spell and the group defeat the Gorons.
"We're really sorry! I didn't want to do this…" Noel said.
"I feel so bad…" Lucas said with regret.
"I can't believe they're attacking us like this! This is NOT how a warrior fights…" T.J. said.
"You dare attack our brothers?! Then, you will be flatten by great big boulders!" The Goron captain said as boulders start to fall from the higher part of the mountain.
"Now, they're attacking us with boulders!" Donald said.
"We must find the ones who are throwing them down, and stop them." Sheik said.
"Let's climb up, and put a stop to this!" Tails said and everyone nods.
The group climb up the mountain to reach the Gorons throwing down boulders while avoiding falling boulders and later on they reach the higher part of the mountain and find the Gorons throwing boulders.
"Stop with the boulder throwing!" Donald said.
"How did you survive the boulders?!" One of the Gorons asked.
"No matter! Get rid of them!" The other Goron said.
"No!" Noel said as she casts Sleep on the Gorons making them sleep.
"This madness needs to end!" Elena said.
"At least we stopped them from throwing boulders. We should be safe for now." Impa said.
"We're not done yet. We still need to find this Princess Ruto." Lucas said.
"Yeah, we should also try to convince these Gorons to stop attacking us." Murray said.
"Who dares attack the noble Gorons?! Now you will battle against the Goron chieftain!" A voice said.
"What was that?" Donald asked.
"That sounds like their leader, Darunia." Sheik said.
"If we find him, we can put an end to this rampage, and have our answers as to why these Gorons and the Zoras hate each other." Elena said.
"More pointless fights…? Must this happen again…?" Noel asked.
"Don't fret, Noel. All we need to do is knock him out, and calm him down." Impa said.
"But where is he?" Tails asked.
Just then something comes out from underground and it's a bigger Goron with purple eyes and white hair and a beard rolling around and then takes out a giant black hammer while smirking.
"You must be Darunia. We're not here to fight you. We just want to talk to you." Noel said.
"I have no intention of talking! I talk with my hammer!" Darunia said.
"Brother Darunia, don't waste time on them! We'll handle them!" The Goron captain said.
"Very well then! Fight hard, brothers!" Draunia said as he leaves.
The Gorons attack the group again but they continue to fight back and defeat the Gorons.
"We don't have time for this!" Donald said.
"I'm sick of fighting our way! We have to find Darunia quickly." Noel said.
"Agreed. I have a plan, but I need your help to make it work." Sheik said.
"What do you intend to do?" Tails asked.
"Take me to the higher part of Death Mountain, and we'll use the boulders." Sheik said.
"You saying we'll use them to crush the Gorons?!" Murray asked.
"No. Something that will help us get to Darunia." Sheik said.
The group start escorting Sheik through Death Mountain to get back to the higher part of the mountain and they later reach the higher part.
"We're here. Now…" Sheik uses the boulder to roll down at a rocky cave and it's opened. "There. This has to be the Gorons' hideout. We'll be able to find Darunia there." Sheik said.
"Good. Let's go, and find him, then put a stop to this crap!" Elena said.
"Let's hurry!" Tails said as the group start moving.
The group make their way for the rocky cave and arrive at the Gorons' hideout and start finding Darunia.
"Hey! A boulder sirloin I had hidden in my chambers! It's ruined!" Darunia said.
"Please! Darunia, can we have a talk to you? We have no intention of fighting you." Noel said.
"Please, tell us why you Gorons and the Zoras are in conflict. Why is Princess Ruto your prisoner?" Impa asked.
"She's our enemy, and so are you! Brothers, show 'em how strong the Gorons are!" Darunia said.
"You heard him, brothers! Strike!" The Goron captain said.
The Gorons try to attack but Noel casts Zero Gravity to lift them while Elena uses her telekinetic magic to lift them.
"This needs to stop…NOW!" T.J. said.
"Either stop this, or we'll make you!" Donald yelled.
(Boss Theme: Rowdy Rumble)
"You wanna fight me?! You just got yourselves between a rock in a hard place!" Darunia said taking out his hammer.
"I knew we have to fight him still…" Noel said.
"Don't worry. We'll just knock out, and that should calm him down." Sheik said.
"Let's do it!" Tails said and everyone nods.
(Information: Help Darunia come to his senses!)
Darunia delivers two swings from his hammer at the group and then delivers a crushing bounce but the group dodge and Noel vertical slashes at Darunia with Radiant Salvation followed by a diagonal slash while Elena casts Earth to strike but Darunia swings his hammer again and this time delivers a spinning attack with his hammer but Murray uses Uppercut to send Darunia flying while Donald casts Thunder but Darunia slams his hammer three times and then unleashes lava around him making the group not come closers but Lucas uses PK Freeze to freeze Darunia allowing Tails to shoot shots from his blaster but Darunia swings his hammer again and then picks up a molten rock and throws it at the group but Grace uses Bite while T.J. uses Knife Throw but Darunia swings his hammer at the ground and then spin attacks with his hammer but Impa slashes with her giant knife and then drops down water knives while Sheik slashes with daggers followed by a spin kick attack striking Darunia.
"I'm not letting you wound my pride!" Darunia said as he rolls at the group.
(Reaction Command: Roll Bout)
Noel gets on Darunia while he's rolling around and she's making Darunia go around the area until she makes him crash into a rocky wall stunning him.
"Now's our chance to strike again!" T.J. said.
Sheik plays the harp and casts a Fire spell while Impa delivers a quick slash with her knife while Lucas uses PK Thunder while T.J. multi slashes with his knife while Murray triple punches while Tails tail swipes while Grace uses Growl while Donald casts Blizzard while Elena shoots magic concussive blasts while Noel delivers three horizontal slashes with Radiant Salvation followed by casting Aero and unleashing a tornado and after enough attacks Darunia is now dazed and then loses consciousness.
"Finally…it's over…I hope…" Noel said.
"Now, Darunia should be calm when he wakes up." Impa said.
"Chief Daruina!" The Goron captain said as he and other Gorons come rushing in. "What have you done?!" The Goron captain demanded.
"Please, listen, we had no choice but to fight your leader, but he'll be okay." Noel said.
"You'll pay for attacking our big brother!" The Goron captain said as the Gorons prepare to attack.
"Hold it, brothers!" A voice said and the group see Darunia waking up.
"Big brother!" The Goron captain said.
"Please tell me you're not violent anymore…" Donald said.
"I'm so sorry I caused you guys trouble. I didn't realize what we were doing…" Darunia said.
"What exactly happened to you?" Lucas asked.
"What made you so violent?" Elena asked.
"Someone was twisting our minds." Darunia said.
"We were told that Princess Zelda was here, and you met her." Noel said.
"Tell me is this true?" Impa asked.
"Yes. I did meet someone named Zelda, but then that was when I was feeling strange." Darunia said.
"I see. Would you kindly release Princess Ruto?" Sheik asked.
"Oh, of course. I feel terrible for what we've been doing…" Darunia said.
Later on Darrunia releases a blue young female that looks like half-human and half-fish.
"This was a horrible experience! I am Ruto, Princess of the Zoras." Ruto introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, Princess." Noel said.
"Ruto, you know who caused all of this conflict?" Tails asked.
"I do, and I'll gladly explain, but first, let's get off this filthy mountain!" Ruto said.
As the group leave Death Mountain the group start listening to Ruto.
"So, you see this woman named Zelda was responsible for the conflict between the Gorons and the Zoras. It's like she's been consumed by evil." Ruto explained.
"No! Not Zelda…!" Noel said.
"Eevee…" Grace said.
"This isn't right! I'm sure Princess Zelda would never do this…" Impa said.
"Where is Zelda? Maybe there's a way to help her." T.J. said.
"I believe she's over at Lake Hylia, where many monsters keep appearing from the Water Temple." Ruto answered.
"Monsters appearing…? That must be where the Gate of Souls is at!" Tails said.
"It would make sense! Ruto, could you lead us to Lake Hylia?" Noel asked.
"Of course. If you're here to put a stop to this nonsense, then I'll what I can to help." Ruto said.
"Let me come along! I feel bad for causing you guys trouble on your quest. Let me make it up to you, by helping you on your journey." Darunia said.
"Of course you can help, Darunia." Noel said and Darunia hugs Noel.
"Wonderful! I'd be proud to call you brother!" Darunia said still hugging Noel.
"First of all, Noel is a girl, so call her 'sister'! Second, you're crushing her." Donald said.
"Let's just hurry, and finish our mission." Sheik said and everyone nods.
The group follow Ruto to Lake Hylia and they later go for a different area.
(Hyrule: Lake Hylia)
The group arrive at a cave area and make their way through.
"Hmph. Intruders! Heartless, dispatch them!" A voice commanded and it sounds like Zelda's.
"So, Zelda is here…" Murray said.
"This is not right! The princess would never attack us of her own free will!" Impa said.
"Could the darkness be controlling her?" Lucas asked.
"I hope not. We're going to find out the truth." Noel said.
Just then Wizard Heartless appear.
"Don't get in our way!" Darunia said.
"Move!" Donald said.
The group fight their way out of the cave and continue to follow Ruto.
"Princess Ruto knows a way into the Water Temple! We must protect her!" Impa said.
"On it!" Noel said.
The group find Ruto being surrounded by Soldier Heartless and Defender Heartless.
"Someone help me!" Ruto said.
"Sister Ruto!" Darunia said.
"Protect her!" Sheik said.
"Ruto, what should we do?" T.J. asked.
"The only way into the Water Temple is to open the floodgates." Ruto said.
"We'll protect you while you go for the floodgates." Elena said.
(Information: Escort Ruto while protecting her from the Heartless)
The group fight against the Heartless while protecting Ruto who is making her way for the floodgates but more Heartless appear to attack the group who fight back and they escort Ruto to the floodgates and later on they arrive at an area that has a floodgate.
"Hear me, my Heartless! Attack these fools! Get them out of my sight at once!" 'Zelda' said.
"First Darunia and now this? This is not the right Zelda!" Impa said.
"We'll find her, and sort this out." Tails said.
The group find the floodgate and Noel opens it causing water to drain revealing a temple.
"It worked! Now, let's hurry into the temple." Sheik said.
"Yeah! Let's POUR into the Water Temple! Hahaha! Water pun!" Darunia said.
"Save the jokes for later, and let's go close the Gate of Souls." Elena said.
The group arrive at the Water Temple.
"If someone is masquerading as Princess Zelda, I'll expose and eliminate her!" Impa said.
"Let's not get too reckless, Impa. I want to handle someone pretending to be Zelda too, but we have to be careful." Noel said.
"But how can we determine if it's a fake Zelda?" T.J. asked.
"I know! We can use the Lens of Truth! A hero left it in the temple some time ago." Ruto said as she leaves.
"I hope she'll find it soon." Murray said.
The group wait for Ruto.
"What's taking her so long?" Donald asked.
"I hope that evil Zelda hasn't gotten to her." Murray said.
"You fools! I have captured your Zora ally! Surrender now, if you wish her to remain safe!" 'Zelda' said.
"You COWARD! How dare you hold someone hostage!" Noel yelled.
"You insult Princess Zelda's very name for the last time!" Impa said.
"This needs to end!" Donald said.
"We have to focus on helping Ruto first." Sheik said.
"But how?" T.J. asked.
"Hmmm…there might be more floodgates in this temple. We can use those to free Ruto!" Tails said.
"Great idea! Let's go!" Darunia said.
The group go through the Water Temple to find the floodgates and they find one floodgate and Noel opens one lowering some water and then the group make their way for the next floodgate and they later find the second floodgate and so Noel opens it lowering more water.
"Now, Ruto should be safe!" Sheik said.
"Let's hurry and find her!" Noel said.
The group hurry through the Water Temple and they find Ruto.
"You okay, Ruto?" Lucas asked.
"Yes. Thank you. Here, I found the Lens of Truth." Ruto said giving the group the Lens of Truth. "I think I should take a rest." Ruto said as she leaves.
"I'd better go with her, and keep her safe. Good luck, brothers!" Darunia said as he leaves with Ruto.
"Now, this just leaves us against the evil Zelda! Let's go find her!" Donald said.
"Hurry!" Impa said.
(Obtained: Lens of Truth)
The group hurry through the Water Temple to find 'Zelda' and later on they see a wall revealing an opening.
"Just how did that happen?" Elena asked.
"It was probably the Lens of Truth." Sheik said.
"Now, let's deal with this Zelda impostor!" T.J. said as they hurry for the room.
The group look around and they find something in front.
"There! It's the Gate of Souls!" Tails said.
"We have to hurry and seal it!" Noel said.
"Seal it? That will never do! You should not have come!" Someone said and the group see 'Zelda' who appears evil and pale. "I have no idea how you broke my spell, but you leave to no recourse!" 'Zelda' said.
"So you're the fake Zelda! You're responsible for the conflict between the Gorons and the Zoras!" Noel said.
"How dare you call me a fake! I am the Princess of Hyrule! I will not be disrespected by some insolent wretch!" 'Zelda' said.
"The real Zelda we know is nice and benevolent! You're neither!" Noel said.
(Boss Theme: Vim and Vigor)
"So, you poor, simple fools dare challenge me to battle? Very well! I shall dispatch the last insolent fools, who dare to stand against my absolute authority!" 'Zelda' said as she unleashes a rapier in her hand and prepares for battle.
(Information: Defeat Zelda!)
'Zelda' starts slashing at the group with her rapier and then delivers an upper multi slash but Noel strikes back with triple slashes with Radiant Salvation followed by casting Gravity while Impa slashes with her giant knife followed by summoning water blades and slashes at 'Zelda' but 'Zelda' slashes with her rapier again and then delivers a backflip slash followed by an aerial multi stab and then dives down to strike but Sheik slashes with daggers followed by spin kicking and then throws darts while Donald casts Fire but 'Zelda' delivers three slashes with her rapier and then dashes all over the area and then multi stabs at the group but T.J. slashes with his knife while Lucas uses PK Flash but 'Zelda' charges at the group while slashing with her rapier but Murray uses Turbo Charge while Tails shoots lasers from his blaster but 'Zelda' delivers an upper multi slash with her rapier at the group but Grace uses Tackle while Elena throws magic bombs striking 'Zelda'.
"How dare you insolent wretches attack the Princess of Hyrule! Kneel before me!" 'Zelda' said.
"Silence, you impostor! Reveal your true self!" Impa yelled.
"Die!" 'Zelda' said as she summons a giant orb and throws it at the group.
(Reaction Command: Orb Volley)
Noel slashes at the coming orb and it comes back at 'Zelda' who attacks back at Noel who strikes back at the orb and after enough volley wars Noel sends the orb striking 'Zelda' causing damage.
"You unforgivable worm!" 'Zelda' yelled as she rains down many arrows down at the group.
The group dodge the raining arrows and Impa delivers three slashes with her giant knife followed by a quick slash while T.J. uses Knife Throw but 'Zelda' slashes with her rapier followed by an upper slash and then brings down an orb at the group who dodge out of the way and Lucas uses PK Fire while Donald casts Thunder but 'Zelda' delivers dashing slashes with her rapier and then rains down more arrows at the group but Grace tail whips while Tails throws ring bombs but 'Zelda' delivers a backflip slash with her rapier and then fires an arrow down at the group and dives at them but Sheik plays the harp and casts a Thunder spell while Elena casts Earth but 'Zelda' slashes with her rapier followed by bringing down an orb at the group but Murray uses Flame Punch while Noel enters her Valor form and slashes with both Radiant Salvation and Graceful Blade followed by a double kick and then slashes with Radiant Salvation and knocks 'Zelda' back.
"This isn't over! Perish!" 'Zelda' said.
'Zelda' dash slashes all over the area and then rains down arrows but Sheik plays the harp and casts a Light spell while Elena unleashes magic pillars but 'Zelda' charges slashes with her rapier followed by unleashing a powerful magic force but Lucas uses PK Flash while Grace uses Bite but 'Zelda' upper slashes with her rapier and then fires down an arrow at the group and dives down at the group but Tails unleashes Magic Hand and it delivers a punch while Donald casts Aero sending her upward but 'Zelda' delivers a backflip slash and then brings down an orb at the group but Murray uses Thunder Flop while T.J. delivers a somersault slash with his knife but 'Zelda' dash slashes all over with her rapier and then delivers an aerial multi slash with her rapier followed by firing and arrow but Impa slashes at the ground with her giant knife and unleashes water from the ground while Noel delivers two vertical slashes with Radiant Salvation followed by a horizontal slash and then delivers a graceful twirl slash and the group finish off 'Zelda' knocking her back.
'Zelda' stands in defeat and Sheik takes out the Lens of Truth and uses it on 'Zelda' creating a blinding light and it dissipates 'Zelda' is gone and it reveals to be Maleficent.
"Maleficent!" Donald said in shock.
"You were Princess Zelda the whole time?!" Impa demanded.
"Yes. I was your wretched princess! I used her identity to create conflict with those foolish Gorons and Zoras!" Maleficent said.
"You evil…! I can't believe you!" Noel yelled.
"But how?! How did you see through my disguise?!" Maleficent demanded.
"Because, witch, you can't be Zelda. Because, you see…" Sheik stops talking as a spell is cast revealing someone and the group are shocked to see who it is and it's Zelda.
"…I am Zelda!" Zelda said.
"Z-Zelda! You were with us the whole time!" Noel said.
"Princess, you're alive!" Impa said.
"Noel…Impa…forgive me for not telling you." Zelda said.
"You had us worried." Donald said.
"It's over, Maleficent!" T.J. said.
"Now we're gonna break your face some more!" Murray said.
"You fools! You may have bested my form, and brought peace to those foolish races, but you're still too late to stop Cia! More and more monsters will appear from the Gate of Souls. Sealing this Gate of Souls will do you nothing!" Maleficent said as she disappears in green and black flames.
The group approach the Gate of Souls.
"It's time to seal it." Noel said.
"Yes. Let us seal it together." Zelda said as Noel, Zelda, and Impa close the Gate of Souls which disappears.
"We did it!" Lucas said.
"We're done with our part." Tails said.
"I wonder how the others are holding up." Donald said.
"I'm sure they've completed their mission too." Noel said.
"So, is it over?" A voice asked and the group see Darunia and Ruto.
"Yes. It's over. Forgive me for what has happened." Zelda said.
"So, you're actually Zelda? The fake one was obviously responsible." Ruto said.
"Yes. I'm glad this misunderstanding is cleared up." Noel said.
"With our mission complete, let's go back to the portal." Zelda said and everyone nods and leave the Water Temple and Lake Hylia.
There you go! New chapter done! I hope you enjoyed this! That's one group down with the split up, now there are just two more. Look forward to that. Next time, Sora, Max, Kiyo and Zatch, Lucky, Zuko, Shadow, Bentley, and Lana go for one of the portals and end up in a different era, but the era is covered in twilight while also encountering a cursed princess, and also deal with an usurper king of shadows. I'll see you all in the next chapter! Take care, and goodbye for now! Don't forget to favorite, follow, and review! Bye!