Ganondorf strode up a grassy hill in Hyrule Fields, overlooking the battlefield from atop his steed. The black horse shook its body, appearing anxious. Ganondorf placed a patient hand on the horse's red mane, calming it in an instant.
"Be patient, my friend. We will begin soon enough."
With an army of Gerudo warriors and loyal monsters at his back, the King of Thieves grinned as Hylian troops marched onto the field. Yes… The time for trickery and guile was over. Now was the time for war, and by his will, Ganondorf would take back what was rightfully his.
This time… This time it will be different.
In that moment, Ganondorf thought back to his past. It felt like his whole life was leading up to this moment. Once upon a time, he was not a fearsome ruler sitting upon the Gerudo throne. Instead, he was a closely guarded secret, living in the shadows.
"Pick up your sword, welp!" shouted Kotake.
The young Ganondorf wiped the blood from his face, his entire body shaking from the pain. Standing over him was a shadowy version of himself, created by Koume and Kotake's magic. The shadow leered at him with bright orange eyes behind a horned skull mask.
Grabbing his scimitar off the ground, Ganondorf said, "I will not let you best me, phantom!" Then he charged, howling a war cry. Ganondorf and the shadow clashed, and the training continued.
By the day's end, the young Gerudo's body was riddled with cuts and bruises. The twins' training was harsh and grueling, and while potions and tonics helped him heal, he would have to do it all over again the next day, and the next day, and the next…
Ganondorf Dragmire, born to a lowly Gerudo soldier, was taken under the wing of Koume and Kotake the day he entered into this world. He knew nothing of his father, and his birth mother died in battle not even a week later. Only a select few were told of Ganondorf's existence. Gerudo society was strict, secretive, and militant. It had to be that way, after all. It had been at war for countless generations.
While a woman named Nabooru led the Gerudo as a chieftain, the truth was that she was a mere figurehead. Koume and Kotake were the true rulers of the Gerudo, guiding their people from the shadows for centuries. Through their acquired wisdom and brutality, they kept the Gerudo alive during the Hyrulean Civil War. Their enemies, the Hylians, were allied with the Gorons and the Zora, and the Sheikah Tribe aided the Hylians as well, working for the Royal Family as spies and assassins. This war of one versus four required the utmost care, and only through careful planning and tactics did the Gerudo hold the line. But after fighting for so long, their numbers were dwindling. It seemed like every day more Gerudo left the valley, never to return…
Sitting on the edge of a stone rooftop, the wounded Ganondorf drank from a waterskin and overlooked Gerudo Valley. It was a warm night, but his body felt cold. In the far distance, he could see dust and smoke wafting into the starry night. The winds carried the smell of war all the way to the valley. It was a smell he would not soon forget.
How long must this nonsense go on for? Ganondorf thought. Are we truly destined to be stamped out of existence?
These thoughts and more swirled around in his mind. He was once told by the twins that he was meant to be the King of the Gerudo, but first he would have to earn his place on the throne. If he did not prove himself worthy, he would be discarded. There was no room for useless kids in their society, let alone useless men.
But will we live to see that day, I wonder? Will I even have the chance to look upon that throne?
The days carried on. Ganondorf was taught many things. Swordsmanship, archery, horse riding. Before he knew how to read, he knew how to sneak, and he was often tasked with pickpocketing shadowy guards in the Gerudo training grounds in order to earn his food and water for the day. If he was caught, he was beaten and dragged to a special prison prepared by the twins. Every important lesson in his life was instilled into him through force. Nothing was given. Everything had to be taken.
One day, Ganondorf learned he had the ability to use magic. He kept this hidden from the twins, practicing in secret. He put his training to use, sneaking into their inner sanctum and studying recorded spells. Little by little, Ganondorf honed his skills as a mage until he could no longer hide it. On that day, he challenged Koume and Kotake for the throne, and when he bested them in spell combat, the twins revealed something to him.
"Finally, you've completed your training! Well done, Lord Ganondorf!" said Koume.
"What do you mean? Was this all a part of your plan?!" shouted Ganondorf.
"Quite so!" said Kotake. "We always knew you were capable of using magic. We simply bided our time, waiting for the day your powers would show themselves."
"Now that you have bested us, there is nothing left for us to teach you," said Koume. "The throne… Is yours."
The truth enraged Ganondorf to no end. It made him feel like a puppet on strings, and even when he thought he had gained the upper hand, he was still dancing to the tune of another. After telling the twins to get out of his sight, he revealed himself to his people at last, declaring himself King of the Gerudo. Nabooru stepped down, becoming Ganondorf's right hand (for a time), and when Ganondorf could finally make his own decisions…
He kneeled before the King of Hyrule.
"What have you done? Are you mad?!" shouted Koume.
"This is an outrage! The Hylians have been our enemy for centuries! You can't do this!" shouted Kotake.
The twins had visited him in his throne room after Ganondorf returned from Hyrule Castle. Seeing them angry delighted the Gerudo King.
"Do not fret. This is but the first part of my plan," said Ganondorf.
"Your plan?" said Koume. "Explain yourself."
"Now that King Emmerich thinks I am subservient, I will be able to travel all across Hyrule without question. One day when the time is right, I will go to the Temple of Time."
"Then you seek the Triforce?" asked Kotake.
"Indeed! This war is far from over. While the Kingdom of Hyrule grows soft from peace, we shall use that time to recover, sharpen our blades, and prepare for one last assault."
Hearing this, the twins cackled in unison.
"Wonderful!" said Koume. "I see now the genius of this, Lord Ganondorf! If you can acquire the Triforce, then the Hylians, nay, the whole world will have no choice but to bow to you!"
"We will support you as best as we can," said Kotake. "If ever you need anything, just let us know."
"For now, let the Gerudo rest. I have already written up trade agreements with the king. With our plentiful jewels, we will not want for food or water."
"Of course, of course. We shall watch and wait, my lord," said Koume.
The twins disappeared in a cloud of smoke, and then Ganondorf was alone. From his throne room, he looked out to the valley once more. His decision to kneel before the King of Hyrule was not a popular one by any means. A considerable number of the Gerudo opposed him, and it would take time to win them over. He would have to establish his authority through force, striking down his enemies without mercy. While he did not wish to rule with fear, that was the only way he knew how. Nothing was given. Everything had to be taken.
With Ganondorf swearing allegiance to King Emmerich, Gerudo Valley became a part of the Kingdom of Hyrule. Though there was still considerable tension between the Gerudo and the other people of Hyrule, the fighting had finally ended, and an era of peace and prosperity followed. Naturally, Ganondorf took advantage of this. He had sought out monster tribes in secret, offering them whatever they wanted in exchange for their services. Then, mysterious monster attacks happened across Hyrule. Ganondorf and his most trusted warriors would always appear to strike them down. Though the supplies Hylian merchants carried were not always recovered, the merchants were nonetheless thankful for Ganondorf's aid, and the Gerudo King built up a reputation as a capable and fearsome hero. Behind the scenes, monsters funneled the stolen supplies to Gerudo Valley, and this allowed the Gerudo to slowly recover. While the last of the remaining Sheikah, Impa, had grown wise to his schemes, little could be done due to his political allegiance and reputation.
"Welcome back, my friend," said King Emmerich. "What news do you bring from the valley?"
"Things have been settled with the moblins, your grace," said Ganondorf, kneeling on the ground. "We've beaten them back to the Haunted Wastes, so trade routes should be safe once more."
"Excellent news!" King Emmerich stood up from his throne. "Would you care to join me on the balcony?"
"Of course. I would be delighted."
The two kings walked out to the balcony high up in the castle. From there, the entirety of Castle Town, Hyrule Fields, and even the borders of other distant lands could be seen. The sun was bright, the breeze was cool, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. This time, the winds carried the scent of flowers.
"Isn't it marvelous?" said King Emmerich. "To think, in less than a decade, not a hint of that horrid war can be seen."
"It truly is a wonderful view," said Ganondorf. "You've done well."
"Do not be so modest, my friend. Were it not for you, my men would still be scurrying around in the fields beating back monsters. Now there is so little to do, they're growing fat!"
"And you are okay with this? You, a seasoned warrior yourself?"
"Why not? This peace is what all true warriors strive for!"
The two kings laughed together, and after a servant brought them drinks, they sat down, enjoying wine from goblets. Goblets encrusted with Gerudo jewels…
"King Emmerich… Do you ever wonder what the rest of the world is like?" asked Ganondorf.
"All the time," said Emmerich.
"I've heard that if you travel far enough south, you can eventually reach the sea. Have you ever been?"
"Once, but only when I was a child."
"What was it like?"
"Blue… Blue as far as the eyes can see. It's like a lake without end. Waves lap up against the sandy shore or crash against distant rocks, the air smells of salt, and at noon, the sun makes the water sparkle like diamonds."
Ganondorf swished around his wine goblet, staring into the dark red liquor. "That sounds… Mesmerizing. I wonder what kind of fish can be found there?"
"Fish? Why do you concern yourself with the fish?"
"I've taken up fishing recently. I tried my hand at it in Lake Hylia, and it's quite relaxing." After saying this, Ganondorf looked up, realizing Emmerich was chuckling. "What's so funny?"
"Oh, just the idea of a king sitting by a lake with a fishing rod sounded funny to me. Could you not get your servants to fish for you?"
"But my king, where is the fun in that? Do you sit idly by during your yearly boar hunts?"
"Only so my men have a chance of snagging the boar themselves!" The two kings laughed once more, and when their laughter grew quiet, King Emmerich walked to the balcony's edge, setting a hand on the beautifully carved balustrade. "Perhaps now that things have quieted down with the monsters, we can expand further south. We could even establish a town at sea! Once we've built boats sturdy enough for seafaring, we can set out and find new lands together. What do you say?"
Ganondorf, who had joined the king by the balustrade, looked at Emmerich's outstretched hand. With a grin, he shook with the king and said, "I would love nothing more."
You were always a fool, Emmerich. You thought you had the whole world in your hands, and that's why you felt so at ease. Your arrogance will not be forgiven.
Sitting atop his black steed, Ganondorf looked around. The Hylian forces had all gotten into position, but there was no sign of King Emmerich.
"It seems the king can't even be bothered to meet you on the battlefield. What a coward," said a Gerudo lieutenant.
"It matters not," said Ganondorf. "While he hides behind his walls, we will slaughter his men to the last. Make ready!"
The lieutenant nodded, signaling to the others. Once Ganondorf drew his scimitar, he charged down the hill, and his forces followed in his wake, washing over those green fields like a flood. Gerudo archers were joined by moblin spearmen and lizalfos swordsmen, and when Ganondorf's forces met the Hylians, a squadron of iron knuckles crashed into the Hylians' western flank. The battle had finally come underway, and with every slain soldier, Ganondorf grew closer to Castle Town's walls.
I wonder… Can you see me from that lofty balcony, my friend? Perhaps it matters not, thought Ganondorf. We will see each other again very soon.
Horses galloped across the battlefield while the Gerudo riders harried their foes with arrows, circling about the enemy and staying out of reach of retaliation. Moblins crushed soldiers with clubs or ran them through with spears, howling in a mad fury. Then a squadron of armored cavalry road from the gate, joining the Hylian infantry on the field. With halberds and shields, they struck the moblins down one by one.
"Support the armored cavalry! Don't give those monsters an inch!" shouted a Hylian field commander.
Lizalfos snuck through the ranks, attacking the cavalry by slicing the legs of the horses. The Hylian infantry did their best to halt this, stabbing the lizalfos with their spears, but the spearmen were felled by incoming arrows. Every time it seemed like the Hylians took a step forward, they were forced two steps back. This is to say nothing of the troops that were being crushed by the iron knuckles on the western flank.
Ganondorf cackled like a madman as he cut down soldier after soldier, racing across the battlefield. He set his eyes on one of the field commanders and was ready to strike, but then boulders came falling down. Ganondorf's steed reared back from the sudden rockfall.
"What is this? Catapults? No… It's them."
Ganondorf turned east. Goron troops were rolling across the fields in spiked armor while others hucked rocks at the monsters. Smashing right into the iron knuckle squadron was none other than Darunia. With a massive metal hammer, he struck down an iron knuckle with a single swing. Ganondorf and the Goron chieftain locked eyes from across the battlefield in that moment. The unspoken challenge was made, and to this, Ganondorf grinned. He flicked the blood off his scimitar, sheathed his blade, then drew a trident from his back, spinning it around in a flourish before charging towards Darunia. When the two warriors clashed, the battlefield quaked.
"Finally done sneaking through the grass, I see!" said Darunia. "I'm glad. Your defeat shall bring my people great honor!"
"Honor among whom? Your cowardly king? You may see him as a brother, but to him, you're nothing more than a tool!" shouted Ganondorf.
The two warriors exchanged blows, their weapons lighting up the field with sparks every time they clashed.
"Your words mean nothing to me! You're nothing but an overgrown child! As I recall, you threw a tantrum when I refused to give you the Goron's Ruby!"
"Perhaps I did, but let me ask: did the king even raise a finger to aid you? Or was it not an outsider that had to come to your aid?"
Darunia growled and smashed his hammer into the ground. Before the shockwave threw Ganondorf from his steed, he made his horse leap through the air towards the Goron chieftain. Ganondorf slashed at Darunia with the tips of his trident, cutting the Goron's cheek, and after landing behind him, the two warriors turned around, ready for another exchange of blows. The fight between Ganondorf and Darunia proved so dazzling, some of the monsters and Hylians were left in awe, halting their own battle for a moment. This is when the Kokiri joined the fray, sneaking into the ranks of the enemy and striking with treated wooden weapons.
"Even the forest children are fighting?!" shouted a Gerudo captain. Before the woman could even react, the straps of her saddle were cut, and she fell to the ground. Nearby, a Kokiri boy with a dagger and a wooden shield could be seen.
"We can't let those big guys have all the fun," said Mido with a grin. "Otherwise, what was the point of all that training?"
The Gerudo captain stood up and readied her scimitars. "You insolent welp! You'll pay for this!"
The battle raged on, with Gerudo, Hylians, Gorons, Kokiri, and monsters entangled together, and in the center fought the King of Thieves and the Chieftain of the Gorons. Despite the arrival of enemy reinforcements, Ganondorf's confidence never waned. He merely continued his fight with Darunia, laughing all the while.
Saria gripped Kaepora Gaebora's ankles tightly as she was carried over Hyrule Fields. The great owl flew south and east to avoid the worst of the fighting, making his way around to Zora River. Despite the owl's warnings, Saria could not avert her eyes from the bloodshed taking place below. She had lived a long time, but never had she seen such violence before. With sorrow in her heart, she hoped Sheik was all right.
Flying over Zora River, Saria scanned the ground for any sign of Sheik. Finally she saw a familiar face fending off attacking moblins.
"There he is! Bring me closer!" said Saria.
After she let go, Saria drew her sword, driving it right between the shoulder blades of a moblin. The beast collapsed into flame, and Saria fell to the water, with all eyes on her.
"Saria! What are you doing here?" said Sheik.
"I came to get you. We were tricked!" said Saria. She dodged the stabs of a moblin's spear and spun around, slashing its ankles before finishing it off with a stab to the back. Together, she and Sheik made short work of the remaining moblins, and the monsters' spears drifted down the river, fading from view.
"It seems I'm not the only one who was led astray," said Sheik. "The-" Before Sheik could finish, Saria hugged him tight.
"I'm glad you're okay. I'm sorry about what I said…"
Sheik pushed Saria back. "You're apologizing to me?! I'm the one who should-" Sheik paused, shaking his head. "Never mind that. We need to stop Ganondorf!"
"Right!" Saria then looked to the air and shouted, "Kaepora Gaebora!"
The great owl flew back down to the ground and said, "Hoo hoot! Glad I am that your friend is safe. Shall we get a move on?"
Saria gave the owl a nod and said, "Grab on, Sheik. He's never led me astray."
The Sheikah boy seemed hesitant, but he grabbed hold of one leg all the same, and when the pair were in Kaepora Gaebora's grasp, he took to the air and left Zora's River behind.
"So what happened in Zora's Domain?" asked Saria.
"A Gerudo witch had taken control of a great whale named Lord Jabu Jabu using a monstrous parasite. Channeling its strength, she froze all of Zora's Domain, including the king and the princess."
"Then she's…?"
"The princess is fine. I've already taken care of everything. What of you?"
"Well… It turns out the rumors of the princess's capture was just a trap meant to lure in agents of the Royal Family. I was captured and almost died, but a woman named Nabooru saved me. She was the ally among the Gerudo Impa spoke of."
"I see… It seems your decision to leave the Goron's Ruby with Impa was a wise one." In that moment, Sheik's expression turned grim. "Wait… Something has changed."
"What is it?"
"Kaepora Gaebora, you need to take me over Castle Town's walls. I have to… Save the Royal Family!"
Saria looked at Sheik. The normally calm and collected boy was sweating and breathing heavy. He almost looked sick. She spoke up, saying, "Can you do it, Kaepora?"
"I'll do that and more!" said the owl with gusto.
Kaepora Gaebora changed course, swerving over Hyrule Fields and heading straight towards Castle Town. After flying over a rooftop, Sheik let go of the owl, landing on the building.
"Thank you. I'll take care of things from here."
"Sheik… Tell me you'll be all right," said Saria.
"I'll… I'll be fine," said Sheik, turning away. The boy looked in the direction of the castle, and even Saria saw the plumes of smoke coming from that place. Before they parted ways, Sheik said, "Saria… I'm sorry." Then he was gone.
"So… What will you do now?" asked Kaepora Gaebora. "I would not fault you for going after him."
"He'll be fine on his own. He's proven that much… As for me, I need to help the others."
"Then let us be off!"
Kaepora Gaebora took to the air once more, flying over the walls and bringing Saria to the battlefield. When the time came, Saria let go of the owl, and as she fell, she channeled that special technique once more. Sword in hand, she cut down a swathe of enemy monsters before even touching the ground. Landing in a clearing, her enemies fell before her, fading into flame.
"Who in the blazes are you?!" shouted a nearby field commander.
"She's the girl who's gonna save your sorry butts!" shouted Poppy.
"Where's Ganondorf?" asked Saria.
"He's there, fighting the Chieftain of the Gorons," the commander gestured.
Saria looked across the field. Ganondorf rode a great steed while clashing with Darunia. The Goron chieftain looked wounded. Gripping her sword tight, Saria said, "Enemies have already made it inside the wall. Send who you can spare into Castle Town and make sure the people are safe. I'll try to make up the difference." When the field commander hesitated, Saria shouted, "Give the command now!"
The commander shrinked back from this and then shouted, "First Formation, return to Castle Town and defend the people! Strike down every last monster you can find!"
"Yes sir!" several soldiers shouted in unison.
While the troops reorganized, Saria ran headlong into battle. Lizalfos blocked her path, but they were felled one by one, their armor and swords destroyed by Saria's superior blade. When the Gerudo took notice of her, a captain ordered a squadron of horse archers to attack. Saria threw a pair of bombs at the squadron in response, diving out of the way of the incoming arrow volley. Dirt and smoke kicked up into the air as riders were blown away, with others falling to the ground as the horses stumbled over their brethren. A surviving archer leaped across the fallen and fired her bow, but a Goron soldier dove in front of Saria, blocking the arrow with his thick armor.
"Saria! I got your back!"
"That voice," said Saria. "Are you…?"
The Goron soldier knocked the Gerudo archer to the ground and Saria finished her off. With a moment's respite, the Goron said, "You probably don't recognize me! I'm the one that kept trying to jump you on Death Mountain!" the Goron chuckled. "You really saved us, so I'll do what I can to help you!"
"I need to get to Darunia. Think you can make a path for me?"
"Can and will!"
The Goron soldier rolled up into a ball and bulldozed through the crowd of enemies. Saria ran close behind, striking any monster that got too close. But just when things were going well, a gigantic moblin with a club knocked the Goron soldier away with a single strike. Angered by this, Saria dodged the moblin's next few swings and sliced the monster's ankles. When he stumbled, Saria hucked a bomb at his face to finish him off. She had no time to rest, though, for another pack of lizalfos were charging her.
The Kokiri ducked and dodged the flurry of sword swipes from the attacking lizalfos, but with so many enemies, even Saria couldn't avoid them all. Cuts across her leg and her side met their mark, and even after felling several lizalfos, more joined the fray, forcing her on the defensive. It was then that she heard a familiar voice.
"Saria, duck!"
The Kokiri did so, dropping to the ground before a hail of deku seeds shot across the field, pelting the lizalfos into submission. Saria stood up, realizing it was Fado leading a group of Kokiri with slingshots.
"You're all here too?" asked Saria.
"There's no way we'd sit back again when so much is at stake!" said one of the Kokiri boys.
"And Mido would never let us hear the end of it," smirked Fado.
"Mido is here too?" asked Poppy.
"He's somewhere around here. Although… I must admit, it's a bit hard to tell with so many tall folk," Fado looked around. "Wait, there he is!"
Saria turned and saw Mido fighting an iron knuckle some distance away. He was dodging the warrior's attacks well enough, but he couldn't get a hit in, and it was clear he was growing tired. The problem was that Mido was in a different direction than Darunia and Ganondorf.
Wait… If I don't intervene, Mido might-no, I can't let that happen. But Darunia… Saria looked back at her brethren, feeling unsure. Deku seeds would never penetrate armor that thick. I can't send them into a losing battle either.
"Fado, can you and the others back me up? I need to help Mido!" shouted Saria.
"We'll do what we can," Fado nodded, looking to the other Kokiri. "All right, you heard the lady. Make sure none of those other monsters get close to her!"
"Yes ma'am!" the Kokiri shouted in unison.
Fado giggled. "I quite like this position."
Saria charged back into the fray, dodging incoming attacks from monsters and Gerudo. The Kokiri led by Fado fired on these attackers and helped keep Saria safe until, finally, she dove in front of Mido and blocked the iron knuckle's axe.
"S-saria?! What are you doing?" asked a sweating Mido.
"I'm helping you! What does it look like I'm doing?!" Saria shirked the iron knuckle's axe to the side and pushed it back with a flurry of sword swings. When she saw an opening, Saria struck the iron knuckle's helmet, splitting it open. The Gerudo inside breathed fresh air at last, and she fell to her knees in a daze.
"I… I didn't need your help." Mido struggled to stand. Saria helped him up all the same.
"Your shield arm… It looks like it's broken," said Saria.
"I blocked one of that thing's attacks and paid for it. I-I'll be fine, though." Mido gritted his teeth in pain.
"No, you can't fight in this condition. Get to Fado and get this arm treated." Saria then looked to Mido's fairy. "Macho, take care of him for me."
"Of course!" the muscular fairy saluted. "Come along, then!"
As Saria readied to leave, she looked back at the wide-eyed Gerudo woman in the iron knuckle armor. The Kokiri was filled with disgust, cursing Ganondorf under his breath. She continued her trek across the field, fighting her way to Darunia. As she struck down another moblin, she looked up at the sky. The sun was setting.
"No… Not now!" A bloody dinolfos rushed her, and Saria blocked, struggling against the lizardman's strength. She growled, shouting, "Get out of my way!"
Knowing her time was short, Saria did everything she could to hurry. Her defense grew sloppy, and she took more damage. Even so, she pressed on, slaying every monster that tried to stop her. But when she grew close to the battle between Ganondorf and Darunia, the sun finally set, and stalchildren burst from the ground, attacking everyone indiscriminately. One of the skeletons managed to grab Saria by the arm and yank her back. Saria spun around and punched the head off the stalchild, but it continued to fight. More stalchildren attacked, dogpiling onto her.
"No, get off of me! Darunia!" Saria reached out a hand.
Up ahead, the wounded Goron blocked another strike as Ganondorf rode past. Several small cuts and bruises covered his body. Saria could tell he was being worn down.
"You fight well for a coward," said Darunia. "I might have to take this seriously after all."
Ganondorf laughed, saying, "Even a child could see through your bluff. Submit yourself to me, or you shall die!"
"Ha! I'd rather be dead than kneel before you!"
Ganondorf made a gesture with his free hand. "So be it!"
The Gerudo kicked his heels into his steed and charged, trident at the ready. Darunia put his dominant foot forward and stood his ground, gripping his hammer. Behind the Goron, a shadowy manifestation of Ganondorf had appeared, riding a phantom steed towards him. Saria punched, kicked, and sliced at the stalchildren surrounding her, all while shouting after her friend.
"Darunia! Darunia, behind you!"
In that moment, Darunia hesitated. He looked back, swinging his hammer at the phantom. Only, this proved to be his downfall. In that moment, he left himself open, and that was when the real Ganondorf struck. The Gerudo's trident struck true, mortally wounding the Goron. Ganondorf left his weapon behind, riding away from the fallen chieftain.
Saria's blood went cold at the sight. As Darunia fell, Saria cried out Ganondorf's name in a rage and used up the last of her magic energy to cast Din's Fire. The surrounding stalchildren were blown away, their bones reduced to ash. She didn't even consider going after Ganondorf. Instead, she ran to Darunia's side.
"Darunia!"
"Sister…? Is that you?"
"Poppy, can you treat his wounds?"
"I can try, but-"
"Just do it!"
With a stalwart look in her eye, Poppy nodded, looking over the Goron and applying fairy dust.
Holding her blood brother in her arms, Saria said, "Darunia, I'm sorry. If I hadn't shouted, you'd still be…"
"No, don't say that. Either he would have done me in or his shadow. Either way, I met my match." Darunia looked out across the fields, catching Saria's attention. She looked as well, seeing that Ganondorf was leading a charge on Castle Town's gate. "You need to stop him," Darunia continued. "His eyes… There was something strange about his eyes. He truly is a madman. If he gets the Triforce…"
"That won't happen!" said Saria. "I'll make sure of it."
Despite Poppy's best efforts, Darunia was still bleeding fast. The Goron clasped his large hands over Saria's and said, "Blood sister… I have a son back on Death Mountain. He's… A timid boy. Small, weak, and cowardly… Someone needs to be there for him, to help him find his courage… You'll help him, won't you?"
Tears in her eyes, Saria nodded, saying, "I'll watch over him. Don't you worry."
Darunia smiled. "Ha ha… I knew I could count on you. You're a true friend." Darunia's grasp grew weak. He then said, "It's strange… We hadn't met that long ago, but I feel like I've known you for years. Maybe… I'm just… A little tired…"
The Chieftain of the Gorons breathed his last. His body fell limp, but… He died with a smile on his face. Saria didn't know how to respond. She looked at the man, dumbfounded, doing everything she could to shake him awake. She tried calling his name, but he didn't answer. Never did that smile fade.
"Saria… We need to go," said Poppy.
The Kokiri girl sniffled, drying her eyes with the back of her good sleeve. "You're right. The fight isn't over yet." Saria stood up, turning to face the stalchildren looking at her. Gripping her sword, she rushed them, striking the skeletons down in a flash. Then the ground rumbled, and a giant stalchild dug its way out of the dirt, towering over the Kokiri with its great claws. Saria gripped her sword and walked towards the giant.
"Out of my way," she muttered. The giant stalchild tilted its head, then readied to strike. Saria then screamed. "Out of my way!"