Ganondorf
Blazing sconces lined a long, stone hallway, fighting valiantly against the permeating darkness of Ganondorf's castle. Link's footsteps were muffled by a brilliantly red carpet, its decadence marred by the occasional smudge of mud or blood. Still, he stepped lightly, keeping alert as he crept to the end. The hall opened into a large, open courtyard, a grand tower twisting far into the sky at the center.
"That has to be where we're going, right?" Link whispered, pointing towards the tower.
"It makes the most sense," Navi replied. "We'll start there."
As they approached the entrance, crossing over a stone bridge, Link felt his hand heat up, followed by a tingling that spread through his body, like the buzz before a lightning strike. He paused, raising his hand to look at the Triforce insignia. Was it glowing brighter? Or was he imagining it?
He shook his head, huffing, and reached his hand towards the door.
Sharp pain shot through his fingertips up his arm and spread to the rest of his body. He yelped, pulling back and shaking his hand, sending fresh waves of pain from his burn wound.
"Link are you okay?" Navi rushed towards him, only to stop short. "Oh goddesses, be careful! Can you see the shimmer in the air? There's another magical barrier here!"
Now that she said it, he could just make out the faintest waver in the air, warping the form of the doorframe. That explained the tingling sensation.
"What do we do, then?"
"Hm… This one is probably weaker than the last one. Try placing a medallion down. The light one, perhaps. Rauru is the most knowledgeable about magic like this. If he can't dispel it, he should at least be able to tell us what to do."
Link nodded, shifting through his bag, all while casting furtive glances across the courtyard. As far as he could tell, he was alone, but it did little to alleviate his nervousness. He pulled the familiar golden medal free, placing it on the ground just outside the barrier. For a moment, nothing happened, then a light shone from the medallion, blinding at first, then fading to a dull glow.
Link. Rauru's voice echoed in his head. I see you've hit a block. I should be able to dispel this, but I believe there are more barriers as you ascend. Leave my medallion here. It will do no good if you're trapped on the other side. I will hold this open. Use the remainder to break each barrier as you pass.
"I understand," Link answered, stepping over the medallion. "Thank you."
Good luck, Link.
A small foyer greeted Link as he entered the tower, red-carpeted stairs heralding him higher. All the while, he paid close attention to the growing itch in his hand, and for more hints of magic in the air.
He reached the next barrier at a brief landing, the slight waver blocking a doorway. He placed the Fire Medallion down next, and Darunia's booming laughter filled his head.
You're doing amazing, Brother! Keep going, we believe in you!
The door led through a large room, roughly the same size as the tower, Link would guess, save for the space for stairs. No enemies, no guards of any kind, stood by in the room, a thought that unnerved Link for some reason he couldn't place.
But there was something odd. Something that he could just make out.
"Music?"
"What was that?" Navi asked.
"Can't you hear it? Someone is playing music. But where?"
Navi grew quiet, landing on Link so that she wouldn't be distracted by the sound of her wingbeats. "You're right," she said after a moment. "It sounds like... pipe organ? I think it's coming from above. We should keep moving.
Link nodded, crossing the room with a hurried stride. Another barrier blocked the exit, so he pulled out the water medallion next.
Link, came Ruto's voice. I know we haven't seen eye to eye, but I believe you can end this. Go on now, hurry!
Link's climb continued up another flight of stairs so long, he'd lost track of time. Stained glass windows lined the walls, casting the hall in a bright mosaic of colors. It did nothing to alleviate his unease.
Another door. Another barrier. He gave up the shadow medallion next.
You've done well, Impa told him. I know you can save the princess. And together, the two of you can defeat Ganondorf.
He certainly hoped so.
Another room, just as empty as the last. Another door. Another barrier. He gave up the spirit medallion.
Good luck, kid! Slug that Ganondorf once or twice for me!
Nabooru's words filled him with warmth.
The organ music nearly rattled the walls now, as he ascended one final set of stairs, opening into a landing. The sound of his boots echoed on tiled floors, drowned out by the music. Golden gemstones created lines and runes along the wall and on an oversized door, with one final shimmering barrier separating it from Link.
Link held the forest medallion tight. His last one. The one gifted to him by Saria. He felt a longing beneath his wood, an ache that might not ever fully heal. With a long, drawn-out sigh, he placed the forest medallion on the floor.
Link? Saria's voice was quieter than the others. I'm proud of you. I hope you know that. I know you've been through a lot. And that your journey isn't over yet. But I believe in you. Now go, save Skull Kid. Save Zelda.
Save Hyrule.
"Saria," Link croaked. "Thank you."
He stood silent for a moment, absorbing her words, letting his mind linger on them. Then he strode forward and pushed the door open.
Colorful light briefly blinded Link as he stepped into the room, plush carpet muffling his steps once again. As his vision cleared, awe filled him. Opalescent stained glass windows lined the walls, sending a cascade of oranges and reds, and yellows across the floor.
At the back, a huge organ took up nearly the entire wall. A man sat on a bench at the center, his hands pressing keys with practiced, fluid motion.
On one side, a crystalline prison held Sheik, who stood as Link took a step forward. On the other two stalfos held Skull Kid, his arms and legs bound tightly in front of him as he struggled in their grip.
Link opened his mouth to call Skully's name, only to freeze as the man turned. A man he'd seen before. The man that took his freedom away. The man that forced him to kill Saria. The man who ruined everything.
Ganondorf.
"So glad you could finally..." The words died as Ganondorf gave Link a close inspection. "You're the one that's been a thorn in my side? A mere child?" He stood, his hands balled into tight fists at his sides. His lip twitched into the beginning of a snarl. "And not only that, I remember you."
Link drew the Master Sword, hiding a wince as he shouted back, "You used me! But you can't do that anymore!"
Ganondorf's disbelief turned to a smug grin. He held a hand up, dark magic dancing at his fingertips.
Link felt the slightest of tugs in his chest. Whispers sounded in his head, orders to submit. Panic briefly flashed through his mind. Was he not pure? Was there still some splinter of darkness in his heart, something for Ganondorf to tug at?
But Courage pushed the fears away. He took a step forward.
"I am not your puppet!"
Surprise briefly crossed Ganondorf's face, but then he returned to that smug visage.
"I know not how you escaped my possession, boy, but it matters not. I think you will bow to my will anyways."
With a sharp gesture of his head, the stalfos holding Skull Kid repositioned themselves. Skull Kid let out a shriek akin to an angry cat and lunged to snap at their bones.
At the same time, Ganondorf strode towards the captive, fire combusting in one hand.
"No!" Link raced toward Ganondorf, but he spun and slung the fire at Link instead. He dodged in the nick of time, the magic leaving behind a scorch mark on the floor.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Ganondorf's hand caught alight again. "Nothing needs to happen to your precious companion. I may be cold, but I am not without mercy. Hand over your piece of the Triforce without a fight, and your friend goes free."
Fear rushed through Link. And to his horror, indecision. No. He couldn't give the Triforce up after everything he'd been through. But he couldn't let harm come to Skull Kid, either!
If he gave up the Triforce, he ran the risk of handing everything over to this cruel man. But if he didn't, Skull Kid would die. He felt it with terrible certainty. There was nothing here to save him if Ganondorf set him alight.
He looked at Skull Kid and the fear in his eyes as he struggled.
He looked at Sheik, who stared back at him with eyes that gave away nothing. They almost seemed to be saying, "This is your decision. Your fate. What will you do?"
Ganondorf's hand grew closer to Skull Kid, who struggled more frantically but failed to break free.
He couldn't do it.
"Stop!"
Link's voice echoed across the room. He dropped the Master Sword. He dropped Skully's spear. His gaze dropped to the ground as he took step after heavy step forward.
"Link!" Navi's voice sounded behind him, distressed, causing him to flinch. "Link, don't do it, it's got to be a trap."
"I have to," Link mumbled, pausing, but not looking back.
Each step felt like an eternity. Each step felt heavier than the last. Like lead weighed down his boots. But still, he soldiered on, across the room, unable to meet Sheik's gaze.
He knew he was letting everyone down. Proving everyone right. Sacrificing everyone for the sake of one person, when he couldn't even guarantee his safety.
He really was a monster.
Link slowed to a stop as soon as he could see Ganondorf's boots. The Gerudo's laughter echoed around the room, echoed in his head.
A hand, firm and crushing, closed around his wrist, and he felt himself be lifted into the air. Pain shot through his injured arm; he bit back an agonized scream. He would not give Ganondorf the satisfaction of seeing his pain.
The glow from his hand — from both of their hands — intensified. Strength left his body, and he felt exhaustion setting in. He could feel every crack of his wood, every painful injury, and suddenly realized just how deadened his pain had been. Was that an effect of the Triforce?
Just when he thought he might pass out from exhaustion, Ganondorf dropped him. But at the same time, he felt a concussive blast strike his abdomen, sending him flying through the air and tumbling across the carpet. His mouth gaped in a soundless scream as he came to a stop and struggled to climb back to his feet.
His vision blurred, he heard Ganondorf grunt, then watched Skull Kid fall to the ground. His friend yelped, sprang to his feet, kicked the stalfos in their shins, then dashed over to Link's side, helping him to his feet while keeping a close eye on Ganondorf.
"Do not let them leave," Ganondorf said, addressing the stalfos. "I want them to witness me at my full power before I kill these meddlesome Triforce holders for daring to defy me."
Link tiredly draped his good arm over Skully's shoulder for support, wincing as Ganondorf laughed again. Then winced further as he felt Navi touch him on the cheek.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled. "He was... I couldn't..." Words failed him. "I didn't deserve the Triforce."
"Don't say that," Skull Kid chided. "What were you supposed to do?" He looked back to the approaching stalfos. "Come on, we got to get out of here."
Link agreed with Skull Kid's observation, but he didn't know how to escape. His head still felt foggy, and he struggled to think of a way out of their situation. And it didn't feel right to abandon Sheik, but what hope was there in his condition?
Now that his vision cleared, he stole a grateful glance at Skull Kid. It didn't make him feel any better. His attention returned to Ganondorf, who now approached Sheik's prison.
He held up his hand, and the prism shattered and disintegrated into nothing, dropping Sheik to the ground in an unceremonious heap. Sheik stumbled to his feet, only for Ganondorf to snatch up his arm as he had Link's.
The sheikah winced, eyes shut tight. Link imagined Sheik was feeling the same pain and exhaustion he had. But he struggled in the man's grip, unlike Link. He swung, kicking Ganondorf in the gut. Armored as he was, the blow did nothing, but before Ganondorf could retaliate, Sheik brought up his other arm, surrounded by bright white light, and released a spell.
It was almost like a bomb. The light exploded in Ganondorf's face, bright with a concussive boom. Instinctually, he reached up to clutch at his face, dropping Sheik in the process. Despite his clear exhaustion, he landed lightly on his feet, racing away to regroup with the two skull kids.
"Go, grab your weapons. Link allow me to use your bow."
Link did not hesitate to hand it over. But for his own weapon, he was less sure. "But—"
"This battle is not over. Ganondorf can still be defeated." Sheik flashed his hand, giving Link just enough time to see the golden glow of his Triforce. Ganondorf failed to take it. Then he turned his attention back to the bow. Magic swirled around his palm, manifesting as an arrow that glowed bright like the dawn. He aimed at Ganondorf.
"Hurry!"
Uncertainty clouded Link's mind. But he forced himself to turn and stumble towards the Master Sword, Skull Kid helping him along as he felt every ache and injury. How was he supposed to fight like this?
Scooping up the sword, he felt the familiar tingle of power. But he felt no shock, no burn. The sword still accepted him.
There was a flash of light behind from behind. He spun just in time to see Sheik knock another arrow, aiming it towards the ceiling. Link followed the path of his aim, letting out a gasp.
Ganondorf was flying.
Link couldn't help but gape in awe, but he quickly pushed the feeling away. No, he needed to focus. Shifting his stance, he took up a position just behind Sheik, only to dive out of the way as Ganondorf shot a bolt of energy in their direction.
He shot an anxious glance in Sheik's direction. "What are we supposed to do?"
"Stay behind me," Sheik instructed. "But be prepared to strike as soon as there's an opening. Skull Kid! Can you take care of those stalfos?"
"You got it, Shiekie!"
Nodding, Link raised his sword defensively, keeping his gaze on the floating man, who stared down at him and laughed.
Each hand came alight with a fireball, then Ganondorf swung, aiming one at Link and the other at Sheik. Both sprang out of the way, Link yelping and waving his leg when a few embers managed to land on him. Hot, fresh pain sprang up where they landed, but he did not catch fire.
He tore his gaze from Ganondorf for just a second to check on Skull Kid.
Wait, where was Skull Kid?
Link's head swept back and forth, eyes darting for any sign of his friend. Stalfos bones littered the floor, but no Skull Kid. Had he run after defeating them?
No. As he turned back to Ganondorf, he caught sight of Skully in mid-air, swinging his spear down with both hands.
At the last second, Ganondorf turned, firing a bolt at Skull Kid's chest. He yelped, blasted back in an arc, and landed smoking on the ground. He groaned, shifting, but didn't rise.
"SKULLY!" Horror bubbled in Link's chest, quickly turning to rage. How dare he hurt Skull Kid?
"I let you live, granted you mercy, and this is how you repay me?" Ganondorf growled. He brought his hands together, a huge ball of electrical energy forming between them. Then he tossed it in Skull Kid's direction.
Link acted on instinct. He dashed toward his fallen friend, the tip of the Master Sword trailing the ground. Then, with a yell and a mighty heave, he swung.
Blade connected with energy. He wasn't sure what he expected, but he hadn't expected to reflect the energy strike back at Ganondorf.
Ganondorf clearly had not expected it either; he froze with eyes wide, unable to react in time, the electrical strike hitting him in the chest. Before he could recover, one of Sheik's magical arrows struck him, piercing his armor with pure, powerful magic. At once, he tumbled through the air, landing hard on the ground.
Link gave him no time to recover. Even as he was falling, Link rushed to meet him. But Ganondorf was faster, even as he tumbled through the air, he shot a stray bolt, striking Link in the shoulder, disarming him as his hand seized.
But Link wouldn't give up that easily, either. He didn't bother stopping to retrieve his sword, a guttural growl in his throat as he sprang at the man, tearing into him with needle-like teeth and splinter-sharp digits like a feral beast.
He would pay. He would pay for what he'd done to Hyrule, to him, to Skully, to everyone. Tooth and claw found purchase on his face, his throat, and weak points in his armor as the man thrashed below him. Link tasted flesh and blood, and felt skin rip beneath his fingers. But he didn't care.
A palm planted on his chest. There was a painful, concussive blast, throwing him from Ganondorf. He tumbled through the air, landing hard on his back. He lay stunned for a moment, eyes wide as he struggled to his senses. Then he rolled, pushing himself to his knees using his good arm.
Ganondorf climbed back to his feet, taking in deep, heaving breaths. Blood trickled down his face and painted his neck red. He coughed, then spat out a mouthful of blood.
"I. Will not. Be—"
However he planned to finish that sentence, he did not get the chance.
Another light arrow pierced his armor, straight through his chest. This time, as it struck, it exploded into thousands of tiny filaments, each one wrapping around to pierce the Gerudo. He let out a long, agonized scream that echoed in the empty chamber and rattled in Link's head. Instinctively, he placed his hands over his ears, but it did little.
And then, just when Link felt his head might explode, Ganondorf stopped, going deathly silent, and slumped face-first onto the ground.
Slowly, Link lowered his hands and climbed to his feet. "I-is it over?"
"I am uncertain," Sheik replied. Though he lowered his bow, he still kept an arrow at the ready. "You should take your piece of the Triforce back, while you have a chance."
Link visibly flinched, turning his head. "I... I don't deserve it. I gave it to him, even knowing what that meant."
"Nonsense." Sheik shook his head. "You made a hard, emotional decision in a tough situation. And yet, even after you gave it away, you still chose to fight. Is that not courage?"
"Mmm..." Link didn't know how to answer that. A groan from behind saved him from having to. Spinning, he saw Skull Kid shift, trying to climb to his feet.
"Remind me to never do that again," Skully grumbled, scraping at his chest. The blast left a small hole in his clothing, and beneath it, charred bark crumbled away with each stroke of his hand. But it seemed most, if not all of the damage was just to that top layer. "Do we get to go home now?"
"Soon," Shiek replied. "There's just a few loose ends that need cleaning up. The sages will need to seal Ganondorf away, somewhere where he cannot hurt anyone ever again."
"Won't have that problem if he's dead," Skull Kid said, before pausing to look at himself. "Oh, right. This place has a problem with people not staying dead like they're supposed to, huh?"
"Indeed, though that's only part of it." Sheik turned back to Link. "You should take the Triforce back. The goddesses chose you for a reason."
"But—"
"Do it, Link."
Navi's voice sounded just beside his ear. He expected to see contempt and disdain when he turned to her, but instead, he only saw kindness.
"Hey, we fought really hard for that," Skull Kid chimed in. "Don't just leave it with that stinky adult."
Warmth fluttered in Link's chest. Everyone still believed in him. "You guys…" Slowly, his expression shifted to appreciation. Then he beamed, showing off his sharp, blood-stained teeth. In his excitement, he missed the mild disgusted reaction that passed between Navi and Sheik. "Okay. I'll do it." There was just one problem. "But, uh, I don't know how."
Sheik took a step forward. "Take Ganondorf's hand — the one with the triforce insignia — with your marked hand. Hold it up and focus. You'll know what to do from there, I promise."
Link wasn't sure of that. But he nodded, approaching carefully. Ganondorf didn't move. If there were any signs of life, they were faint. He shuffled around until he could reach the hand in question and picked it up in both hands.
Two of the Triforce markings, the top and the right, gleamed golden. He put out his eyes, focusing on the warm feeling of Ganondorf's palm in the darkness... And now?
That warmth spread, his body tingling with energy, dulling his aches. The feeling swelled, hotter and hotter until it felt like it might burn. And yet, he still held on, until he no longer could. He stumbled away with a gasp, swaying. The feeling of heat faded, except from the back of his hand. He brought it up for closer inspection.
The Triforce of Courage glowed back at him.
"Well done," Sheik said, giving him an approving nod. "Now, you should gather up your sword. We'll be leaving shortly."
"Sheik," Navi began. "What about the other piece of the Triforce? His piece?"
"I will deal with that. I can take that piece. And later, once we're sure that Ganondorf can no longer do harm, we'll return them to their proper place.
Link lifted the Master Sword, testing its weight. Did it always feel this light to wield? Or was this a side effect of reclaiming his piece of the Triforce?
"Hey, Sheikie..." Skull Kid waggled his fingers at the Sheikah, drawing his attention away from Ganondorf. "Are you... are you really that Zelda person everyone keeps talking about? Link said the sages said so."
Sheik nodded. "I am. I apologize for keeping it hidden for so long. Between your curse, Link, and the general danger of that information leaking out, I felt it wisest to avoid that possibility." He paused, casting a disdainful look in Ganondorf's direction. "Not that it did too much good, as it turns out. As soon as I revealed my piece of the Triforce, Ganondorf was able to piece together my identity."
"It's okay," Link mumbled, turning towards Sheik. "I do understand your reasons. I wouldn't have trusted myself, either."
"It's not that I didn't trust you," Sheik corrected. "I believed that you would do good, in the end. But I had to be careful. It was not wise to reveal my identity too soon. But you two have known me as Sheik for longer than you've known me as Zelda. You may continue to call me that."
Whatever Link planned to say in response, he didn't get a chance. As he opened his mouth, the ground shook below him. He froze, as did everyone else. The ground rumbled again, and Shiek said a naughty word under his breath that Skull Kid would surely mimic later.
"Never mind the third piece, we need to go!" Sheik called, turning away from Ganondorf and dashing towards the door.
Skull Kid stumbled after him. "Why? What's wrong?"
Sheik did not stop. "The tower must have been trapped somehow, tied to Ganondorf. If we don't hurry, it is going to collapse beneath us!"
A quick reminder: 6/25 is the last day to submit questions to go in the afterword!
