Chapter 32: A Link to the Keyhole
Sora and Link stared down the evil king with their fortitude – a weapon sharper than their own blades. Ganon unleashed an ear shattering roar to express his dominance; he marched over to the two and swung his blade inward; they leaped back to avoid the strike.
Link threw his boomerang straight at the beast's nose. While Ganon did flinch, he didn't take any damage. It was like being hit by a pebble. But the distraction gave Sora just enough time to leap into the air; he prepared to bring the Keyblade straight down on the evil king. Despite the size, Ganon's reflexes were lighting fast, as he caught the Keyblade with his own sword.
He pushed Sora to the left, who went flying, but was fortunate enough to land on a castle structure. The boy launched his spiral attack in retaliation. Ganon swung both blades inward, destroying every single beam. Sora tightened his fist in frustration; even as a hulking monster, he was still a nuisance.
With an opening in sight, Link threw a bomb into Ganon's stomach, which exploded on impact. The two waited for a moment as the smoke cleared to see if it did any damage. The king's mighty roar pushed the smoke away in terror. He slammed a sword into the ground, producing a dark energy wave that headed straight for Link. The Hero of Time rolled left to avoid it.
Next, Ganon summoned dark energy to the tip of his blade, and thrusted it straight at the hero. Sensing the danger, Link jerked his head right to avoid a purple blade of energy. Ganon made one of his swords vanish and punched the structure Sora was standing on, causing him to lose his balance.
As Sora plummeted towards the ground, the monstrous king grabbed him by the throat. The boy's windpipe constricted from the tight squeeze. Breathing became next to impossible. Any second his neck would snap like a twig. He felt like his lungs were going to burst from the build up of carbon dioxide.
Tossing all rational thought aside, Yoshi tried running into the flames, but Luigi and Zelda restrained him. The world started morphing into dull watercolors around Sora; he could not loosen the king's grip.
However, Navi flew in front of the king's face, singing in an obnoxious tone, "Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow. Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellows."
Annoyed by the spry fairy, Ganon tried snapping at her with his mouth. Navi flew backwards, continuing to goat him into following her eradicate flying. This made him loosen his grip on Sora. Feeling energy return to him, Sora placed both hands on the king's arm, unleashing a fire spell. Ganon shouted from the pain, and dropped Sora in the process, who took a moment to catch his breath after landing on the ground.
Link launched a light arrow into the king's face; he howled in anguish, and covered his eyes. Sora took the chance to slash right across his stomach. The king stumbled backwards somewhat, but it appeared he didn't sustain any damage. If anything, he was growing furious with them for being a minor inconvenience in the middle of his rampage.
He charged right for them with his horns. Sora and Link both caught them with their weapon, but could not hold the position. The king's weight started pushing them backwards. Their knees started to buckle from exhaustion. Ganon unleashed a burst of energy from his horns, sending the two flying across the arena.
After they both landed on their backs, Ganon leaped into the air, and prepared to stomp on them with his hooves. The rolled aside as he landed, but felt the ground shake from the power. Link scrambled to his feet, bringing the shield up to block an incoming sword strike. Ganon turned to deliver another one to Sora, who did a backflip to avoid the attack. He retaliated by throwing the Keyblade, to which Ganon deflected with his blade.
The king felt something pierce the back of his shoulder like a small bee's stinger; looking over his shoulder, he saw that Link had stabbed him with the hookshot. Link pulled himself onto Ganon's back, and wrapped his arms around the beast's neck; he held on for dear life as the king swung him around like a flag.
Link stuffed a bomb into Ganon's mouth. "Here! The perfect meal to quell a king's appetite!" And he leaped off just as it exploded, and heard the king ear-shattering screech from the shock.
Both Link and Sora regrouped. Deep down, they knew the blast barely harmed him. Their suspicions were right as Ganon emerged from the smoke, snarling at the two insects that caused him grief.
"He has to have some weakness!" Sora said, growing tired and frustrated.
"Then this is where I come in!" Navi said.
Link looked at her in concern. He'd never forgive himself if something happened to his most faithful companion. "Please, be careful."
Navl flew around Ganon, making sure she wasn't in his peripheral vision. Nothing out of the ordinary was noticeable. It was like the skin had been forged from the strongest material in existence. But, then, she noticed a weakness on his backside.
"The tail!" Navi said. "It has to be his tail!"
Upon hearing Navi, Ganon tried to swing, but Navi was fortunate to avoid it just in time. Sora and Link devised a plan in a hurry, as the king turned back to face them. He ran at full force, pointing both blades at the two. Sora held the Keyblade with both hands; he felt his heart bounce everywhere, praying this plan worked. It was like staring down a fire truck – the siren roared at him with unstoppable rage.
When the king was close, he slammed one of his blades into the ground. Sora ran up it, and leaped over his shoulder, shouting, "NOW!"
Link unleashed another light arrow, stunning Ganon again. Sora faced his feeble tail and began an onslaught of strikes, not once relenting. For the first time in a while, a massive amount of pain discharged into Ganon's body like electricity. Every blow made his muscles tremble; his body didn't know how to process this windstorm of physical suffering.
Finding some strength, he spun around to knock Sora onto the ground. Then, livid, he brought his blade into the air, preparing to shred every piece of skin off Sora's body. But Link launched a fire arrow into the tail, making it burst into flames of rightful vengeance. Ganon once again roared as the intense heat overwhelmed him.
Link pulled out an iron hammer ("Seriously, where does he keep these things!?" Luigi asked), ran over, and slammed it on the king's tail nonstop. Sora could sense the repressed aggression disperse with each hit. Link had been through so much hardship because of Ganon; he understood why the hero was acting so barbaric.
He needed a moment of retribution.
Finally, unable to withstand the overbearing agony, the king collapsed onto the ground. The ring of fire vanished before everyone's eyes. But their victory was only temporary. Only the Master Sword could cut through the dark weeds and make the once prosperous kingdom grow again.
Luigi picked up the Master Sword. "I'll bring this to them. Yoshi, stay here with Zelda."
"No," Zelda said. "Both of you go. They need your help."
"What!?" Yoshi asked in shock. "But what about you?"
With a gentle smile, Zelda stroked his head. "Worry not, young one. I'll be fine. It wasn't just the Master Sword that defeated Ganondorf before; it was your combined effort. Comradery is something he'll never understand, which is why you'll succeed. Please. For the future of Hyrule."
Luigi and Yoshi gave each other hesitant looks. They didn't want to leave her unprotected. Ganondorf's words about her being integral to a greater plan continued to linger like shells in their stomachs; they were uncomfortable. But they also didn't want to stand by and watch their friends struggle against Ganon. They had to trust Zelda's judgement.
The two entered the battlefield and reunited with the others. Luigi handed Link the Master Sword.
"Thanks," Link said, but he looked anxious, "but why are you here!? What about Zelda?"
"Says she'll be fine," Luigi said.
Link glanced back at her. That trusting smile never left her face. Even as a child, something about it was reassuring – like she knew that, while her decisions may lead to consequences, they were for the greater good. She may be young, but, deep inside, there was a solar system of knowledge. Each star gleamed with her endless wisdom.
She had put her trust in him all those years ago. It was time for him to do the same.
"Giant piggy can't beat all four of us!" Yoshi said with confidence. "We show him together!"
Link smiled, grateful for his new friends. "Okay! I have faith!"
Their moment of respite was scorched before the flame wall. Ganon, through awkward motion, rose to his feet, and faced the four with nothing but pure resentment for their very existence – for trying to extinguish his ambitions along with the flaming wall. He roared once again, discharging a wave of darkness.
The group stood ready. This was it. Hyrule's fate was in the hands of four strangers from different worlds. But they were brought together by one desire:
To slay the darkness.
Ganon swung a spinning disk of energy from his blades. The four rolled to avoid the attacks. Utilizing the darkness, he vanished, and appeared in front of Luigi and Yoshi, bringing his blade straight down on them. The two leaped away just in time. Yoshi wrapped his tongue around the beast's wrist, to try and restrain the hand holding the blade. But Ganon pulled him forward, delivering a punch to the stomach.
Luigi leaped into the air, preparing to attack with his hammer, but Ganon caught it. Then, he knocked Luigi to the right. Ganon recalled his other blade, and swung towards the ground, stopping Sora from reaching him. The king saw Link prepare another light arrow; this time he was prepared. He vanished before the arrow made contract with his face.
Link saw Ganon appear above him, and started running for his life. The king landed, just missing him, but produced a powerful shock wave that made Link fall onto the ground. He spun around to witness Ganon raising a blade, preparing to eradicate the source of his misery. But the king then noticed Yoshi curl into his egg form, and Sora hit it like a golf club. Ganon brought both blades up to catch the rolling egg.
He knocked Yoshi away, unaware that the dinosaur was nothing more than a diversion. Luigi appeared right below him, charged his fire punch, and delivered it straight to the jaw. The force from the attack knocked his head upward. Link used this opportunity to slash right across his chest at a diagonal angle. The king roared from the sharp pain.
What's worse, the ethereal energy from the blade lingered within his wound, causing a burning sensation, as if enraged fire ants were meandering inside of it. The king fought through the maddening pain, and regained his focus as Sora flew straight for him. Ganon vanished, reappeared behind the boy, grabbed the back of his shirt, and threw him onto the ground.
He marched over to Sora, preparing to stomp on him with his hoof. But Yoshi wrapped his tongue around Ganon's leg, holding him in place for the moment. Sora rolled out of the way, pointed the Keyblade at his chest, and launched a fire spell at the open wound.
Tears of agony burst through Ganon's ducts like a hose. He reeled back, trying to compose himself. But the group refused to cease their assault. Luigi swung his hammer at the king's knee, which made him kneel over as a result. Link sheathed The Master Sword, ran over, punched him in the face with his iron gauntlet.
Then, Link gripped The Master Sword tightly, charged it with magical energy, and unleashed a spin attack right into the king's wound. Ganon had become a prisoner to unrelenting aches. His mind went numb, unable to process a counter measure. He was nothing more than an anthropomorphic punching bag being thrashed around the area.
Yoshi rammed his head into the wound next. Finally, Sora used the same technique he used against Stealth Sneak and delivered one focused slash to the chest. Ganon collapsed to the ground, exhausted, trembling from the pain. The fire wall disappeared again. But everyone refused to let their guard falter even an inch. They wouldn't relax until his breath was silenced.
But something rumbled inside of the king's body – a perpetual torrent of hatred pumped through his veins, reinvigorating every malicious desire to conquer Hyrule. He wasn't ready to let his soul sink into the soil – the gateway to the underworld. Not after everything he strived to achieve. His will served as a crutch against the tyranny of suffering.
Everyone watched in stunned silence as the king struggled to his feet. Was Link right in him being immortal? It was discouraging, but he'd find some way to win – even if it meant sacrificing himself, because losing his world was a greater punishment than death. But, before Ganon rose, a powerful stream of energy forced him back onto the ground. He was paralyzed.
The group turned to see that Zelda was responsible for the energy. "I'm using my power to hold the evil king back. This is your chance to finish him."
Zelda struggled to maintain her grasp on Ganon. She winced from overexerting herself, as the king fought against her. Link turned to face his adversary; now, he was at his mercy, and pointed the Master Sword at him. Sora saw an outpour of rage from Link's blue eyes; he had to endure Ganon's oppression for so many years. Every day brought a new hardship.
Sora knew how Link would be able to experience that sense of liberation, and closure. "Link." He turned to him, and Sora held out the Keyblade. "You deserve this one. Use my power."
Link held the Keyblade in his hand. It reacted to the Master Sword's power, and started glowing, engulfing the murky atmosphere in a confident light. The Master Sword followed suit; both weapons had forged an alliance, to purge this world of both darkness and hatred. Link's heart pounded against his chest as he faced Ganon again.
Without a second thought, he slashed both blades across the king's face, unleashing every ounce of resentment with each swing. Green blood splattered onto the ground. Yoshi covered his eyes from the horrific sight. Link continued, shouting, hearing the king's screams. Finally, he thrust both blades into Ganon's forehead.
Time froze. The air's howling had stifled. It was like the entire world waited in suspense to see the conclusion. Link removed both blades from the king's forehead. Ganon stood up, screaming, flailing his swords around. He had lost control of everything. Pain had erupted throughout his body. He felt the suffering Link had experienced many years ago.
Zelda outstretched her arms. "Six sages, come hither!"
She unleashed a ball of energy that flew into the clouds, serving as a distress beacon. Overcome with exhaustion, she kneeled onto the ground. The Princess of Hyrule prayed that they'd finally be able to wake from this endless nightmare.
In a mythical plane that co-existed along with Hyrule, the sage Rauru stood on a light blue, hexagonal platform. Water moved outward from the ground, and poured over the edge, falling into an endless abyss. Six small pedestals rested on the platform, each baring a mark of the sages. In the middle of platform was the Triforce symbol.
"Ancient Creators of Hyrule," Rauru said. "Our time has come. Open the sealed door, and lock the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!"
The call to action was heard, and the other sages appeared on their pedestals: a young girl from the forest; a headstrong king with a soft heart beneath his thick skin; a princess that ruled over the sea; a proud ninja warrior that dwelled from the shadows; and a desert thief with an insatiable appetite for adventure.
Together, they were Hyrule's unseen guardians – individuals with completely different ideals and backgrounds. But they had one common interest: to purge the immoral virus that infested their home. The sages transformed into six orbs of light, and merged into a giant white vortex, growing stronger, eager to devour a wicked soul.
Everyone watched in amazement as the vortex appeared below Ganon, and pulled him in like a violent undertow – unrelenting, merciless. His pitiful roars echoed throughout the vicinity; it would be the only remaining residual of his anger. And soon, it faded from existence, being replaced with a peaceful melody from the wind.
The Evil Realm – silent, empty. No matter where one would look, they'd be greeted by pure whiteness. Only the sounds of one's breathing and heartbeat kept them company. And the beats became louder, to the point of eating away at their sanity. But Ganondorf drifted through the void, undeterred from the notion. His thoughts filled the silence with bombastic noise of irascibility.
"You….Curse you….Zelda! Curse you….Sages. Curse you….Sora. Curse you….Link!" But he refused to accept defeat. "Not even this seal can contain my power. I will escape one day, even if it takes centuries! Thus, forcing your descendants to carry the burden." He closed his eyes, imagining that prosperous future. "As long as I wield the Triforce of Power, no one will be safe from the hatred that lies in my heart."
And so, Ganondorf waited, with that belief being his only companion as he drifted through the endless void. One day, he'd be able to hear the people of Hyrule's cries for mercy again.
Zelda was exhausted. Not just from the energy she exerted, but relief. The burden she had been forced to climb was no longer steep. It was starting to form a straight line. She hadn't experienced those feelings of contention in forever. Finally, her kingdom was safe. No one had to live in a dark dome of fear anymore.
But something didn't feel right. A sudden chill brushed against her blond hair. The dome started to reform. Danger was close. She spun around to face it….
…only for everything to go black.
The group waited for what felt like hours. They wanted to be sure Ganondorf was gone. Nerves refused to crawl into a blanket of serenity. Given how resilient the king had been, they refused to believe it was over. But nothing ever ensued.
Luigi started to relax. "Is he gone for good?"
"Hopefully." Link sighed, experiencing the same sinking sensation of calm. "He was sealed away. The sages will make sure to keep a close eye on him." He gripped his sword; swirling within that state of composure was his undying, heroic resolve. "And if he ever does return, I'll be waiting for him."
Sora grinned. "Maybe he should consider staying in that seal. Not sure if he'd be up to losin' again."
"Thanks," Link said with a smile. "Let's check on Zelda." He turned to face her, and he was greeted by vast mountains in the distances.
Everyone helped him scan the area. She was nowhere in sight.
"Where'd she go?" Luigi asked.
Link felt those nerves return with unrelenting force. Peace meant nothing without her. He continued searching, refusing to believe his eyes. "No….no…please tell me this isn't happening. She can't be gone! It's impossible! Did she rejoin the sages?"
"She probably would've told us," Sora said.
Link gave a dejected sigh. "Good point. I just hope…no one has laid harm to her."
Sora's eyes met with his friends in worry. They had a strong inkling as to how the princess disappeared. Or rather, who took her. Luigi could tell Sora wanted to say something. It was inequitable to keep her whereabouts a secret – to loosen the screw that held their trust together. Before another word was uttered, the ground started shaking again.
"Me want a break already!" Yoshi said in aggravation.
Giant cracks started to form on the floating island.
"I think now would be a good time to get out of here!" Sora said in a hurried tone.
Link agreed, despite being weighed down by an anchor of concern. He pulled out the ocarina, played a tune, and they vanished as the last remains of the castle fell into the lava.
In a vibrant forest, a massive tree stood tall above everything else. It appeared to have a face; even its mouth was wide open. However, the eyes were closed, and were in a perpetual state of dejection. Holes were scattered through the tree; its trunk appeared wither. Leaves had fallen off its branches. This tree had completed its pilgrimage in the circle of life.
It was no more.
But, while we mourn the deceased, new life will always emerge from the soil. Quite literally. In front of the tree was a growing little sprout. He was having a pleasant nap. But it came to an end when Sora and his friends appeared right in front of him.
"The woodpeckers are back!" the sprout said, startled. "Bring it, woodpeckers! I'll give you so many splinters that you won't know what to do!" He then noticed the group, and smiled in relief. "Oh, Link! You're back! Glad to see you again!"
Sora blinked in bewilderment at the tree sprout. It talked!? Just when the Keyblade wielder thought he was adapting to the oddities of this journey, something else came along to defy his expectations. Well, trees are technically living things, Sora rationalized to himself.
"This is a Deku Tree Sprout," Link said. "One day he will grow up to become the guardian of this forest." He glanced up the deceased tree with a crestfallen look. "Unfortunately, the original Deku Tree passed away."
Navi flew up to face the tree, experiencing the same disheartened feelings. "Such a wise tree he was."
"Sorry to hear that," Luigi said.
"Mourning can be hard," The Deku Sprout said. "But life moves on, and we must remember the joys it can bring to everyone. So, what brings you here? Who are your friends?"
Link explained the whole story. The Deku Sprout listened with wonderous intrigue. It seemed like an incredible adventure. He was glad the threat of Ganondorf had passed, but felt the bittersweet resolution ruffle his leaves.
"I hope Princess Zelda is alright," The Deku Sprout said in a sympathetic tone "I've heard many tales about her wisdom and kindness."
Link sighed, as sadness wrapped around his stomach like branches. "Those stories are true."
Sora knew what Link was going through. He still worried about Kairi every day. The possibilities of her whereabouts were about as endless as the forest itself. And sometimes he worried that she was in danger. He hated being left in the dark. Then again, given his situation with Riku, sometimes maybe not knowing would've been ideal.
"While this might be a bad time," The Deku Sprout said in an awkward tone, "I was hoping you could help me with something."
"What's wrong?" Link asked.
"As a Deku Sprout, I can sense things inside of my predecessor despite his state of existence. A strange object has appeared." He closed his eyes. "I can see an image of it in my head. It appears to be…a keyhole."
Sora's eyes widened in shock. "Did you say a keyhole!? Link, we need to check it out! This world isn't completely safe until we seal it."
"Not sure I understand," Link said, somewhat confused, "but I trust you. Follow me."
"Forget it!" Luigi said in a firm tone. "I've had enough excitement for one day! I'll just wait here!"
Sora shrugged. "Fine by me. It shouldn't take long." He, Yoshi, and Link walked towards the Deku Tree.
"Will you keep me company, mister?" The Deku Sprout asked. "It's been so long since I've talked to someone."
Luigi smiled. "Don't see why not."
"Hooray!" The Deku Sprout said in glee. "I can share with you all my tree related jokes."
"What?" Luigi said in a flat tone.
"Okay, okay! What did the King sign to bring peace between the Hylians and Gerudos? A 'tree'ty!" He laughed at his own joke. No one else responded. Luigi was gone. "M-Mister?" He heard bushes rustling. "Woodpecker!?"
The Deku Tree's innards were just as lifeless as his outward appearance. Link saw decay at every turn. He sighed in dolor; the Deku Tree was like a father to him – always offering sage advise when he needed it most; always providing a comforting voice to dry his tears. Ganondorf placed a terrible, irreversible curse upon him, which led to his demise.
At least, with the king of evil sealed away, the Deku Tree could finally be at peace. Ahead of them was the keyhole. Its white, glowing edges provided a small source of light for the dark tree.
"What a strange power," Navi said, fascinated. "Did the Great Deku Tree have this here the whole time?"
Sora summoned the Keyblade and sealed the keyhole for good. The familiar locking noise reverberated throughout the tree.
"What happened?" Link asked.
"To make a long story short, sealing the keyhole will definitely keep this world safe," Sora said.
Link had no reason to doubt his words. Ever since the beginning, Sora and his friends have been trustworthy allies, never retreating despite how grim the battle became. Loyal till the very end. How they were willing to trust a stranger was baffling. To put their lives on the line for him was laudable. He could never express his gratitude for their kindness.
Link led the group to his house located in a small village nearby the Deku Tree. Every building was made from tree trunks. Sora noticed a random set of bridges in the middle, and a lake right next to it. Something about this setup reminded him of his island – where it appeared as one huge playground.
Link explained that the villagers were all children. They never aged passed a certain point. This led to the assumption that Link must've been adopted by the forest. There were a few kids wandering the paradise they created for themselves, but didn't seem to take notice of Sora and his friends.
For the few that did, they looked at Link, and then went about their business; it was a small acknowledgement that, despite the gaps in age, he'll always be a part of their family.
The inside of Link's house was small and circular. Essentials were scattered throughout the room: a wooden bed, table, closet, etc. There were some farming tools resting against the wall as well. Everyone found a spot to sit (Link sat on his bed). It had been a long day. But Link's mind refused to rest. It was amid an everlasting battle of sorrow.
Navi hovered over to his face. "You miss her, don't you?"
"She's become such a good friend," Link said. "I feel somewhat empty without her around. Her kindness and encouragement always helped me through the rough times, even when she was Sheik."
Sora squirmed from the uncomfortable guilt. He didn't want to outright tell him who took her, but it wasn't right to conceal the truth anymore. "Guess you kinda figured out that we're not from around here. In that case, we might as well tell ya that she's most likely in another world."
"Then let's go rescue her!" Link said, standing up, eager to leave. But the others didn't share his enthusiasm. They stayed silent. "What's wrong? Clearly the four of us together can overcome anything. What's stopping us now?"
"The laws of world traveling, that's what," Sora said, as a guilt rose to uncomfortable lengths. "Sorry. I can't take you with me."
Link was prepared to argue, but he could see the conviction in their eyes. Despite adventuring to many different exotica locales, something inside him said that even he wouldn't be able to comprehend the various worlds that lay beyond Hyrule. Besides, this was his home. He needed to protect it incase another threat spread malevolent venom upon the land.
Sighing in defeat, Link sat back down on his bed.
"Me wish we could take him along," Yoshi said.
"But if we do, we'd be…" Luigi started to say.
"…watering." Yoshi said.
Luigi turned to him, exasperated. "You weren't even trying that time! Meddling!"
"Link, we'll find Zelda," Sora said, determined. "I promise."
"Alright, Sora," Link said, a little bit at ease. "I have faith in you."
"What's next for us?" Navi asked. "Adults aren't really allowed to stay in this forest."
"I'll figure something out." Link paused for a moment, in deep thought. He was compiling a group of sentences together. They were heavy, too, as they would leave an impact. "But as for you, Navi, I don't want you following me around for the rest of your life. A fairy is only given to a child who needs it. I'm no longer that child. I want you to be free."
Navi gasped, taken aback. "L-Link!? I-I'm not sure I can. I've grown too attached to you!"
"I know," Link said. "I'm not going to force you. But do you really want us to be together all the time? Sometimes, even the closest of friends need a break from each other."
Navi pondered his words for a moment. The scale kept tipping back and forth. "Well, I suppose it would be nice to see the rest of Hyrule on my own. Are you sure?"
"Positive," Link said with a gentle, sincere smile. "You're like a mother to me, Navi. Our bond will never be broken."
Navi turned bright red. Her emotions had been expelled from a geyser of flattery. Nothing could ever puncture the love they shared with one another. Link would forever cherish her boundless devotion. Navi flew into his arms, and the two embraced, cherishing every moment they had together – not just as friends, but family.
Luigi started sniffling from the tender moment. He then noticed Sora and Yoshi smirking at him. "It's allergies. I'm allergic to wise guys like you."
After the two pulled away, Link asked, "Navi, can you do me one last favor?"
"Anything."
He gestured towards the others. "Can you go along with them and help Sora find Zelda?"
"But what about—" Luigi started to say in protest.
"She's a little fairy, Luigi," Sora said. "I don't think she'll do anything crazy."
Luigi stopped and contemplated this situation for a moment. Although a bit skeptical, he said, "I guess that's okay."
"Link, if any child in this forest asked me to do something like that, I'd call them crazy." She paused, as if unable to process what she heard. Going to other worlds sounded intimidating. "But you're not a child – you're my closet friend. How could I say no?"
"Thanks, Navi," Link said, grateful. "Fairies have healing capabilities. She can restore your strength in battle.
Sora was delighted by the news. While he wished Link could join them, Navi would make a fine addition to their crew. She joined them as a request from a Link. His influence would still be a part of them, and that's something Sora would always appreciate.
Navi flew up to Sora. "Hopefully you won't have to put up with my nagging. I have a tendency to do that." She glared at Luigi. "After all, my MOUTH is my greatest weapon."
"What?" Luigi asked with an innocent look. "What did I do?"
The others laughed. It was nice to experience elation in times of peace. But Link had a strong hunch that Sora and his friend's journey was far from over; it was just the end of a chapter in an incredible tale. One that was filled with excitement, danger, and fascination. He just hoped that finding Zelda would be written in the forthcoming pages.
Link walked over to his closet and pulled out a blue shield. Imprinted on it was the Triforce. Beneath it was a red bird, which symbolized the rising strength of the Hylian race. "Yoshi, I want you to have this."
"For Yoshi?" Yoshi asked, startled. "N-No. Me couldn't!"
"I think it suits you," Link said. "I was impressed with the way you used mine against Ganondorf's duplicate. Use it to protect your friends in times of need."
Yoshi blushed. He was honored to receive praise from a true hero. "Okay. Me promise to put it to good use."
It was time to leave. Sora hated saying good-bye – Link had been such a stalwart ally, and a great friend. But the fragments of his island still hovered in the vacuum of space. One of them was fractured, but he hoped to mend it through his words.
"I hope we meet again soon," Link said. "Your heroic deeds will not be forgotten."
Sora approached Link. "Thanks. Stay strong. We'll bring her back."
Sora grabbed Link's hand. He would never forget their time together. But, more importantly, he would leave today feeling inspired by Link's selfless acts of valor. It would encourage him to fight harder against the denizens of the dark.
"It's a promise," Sora said.
And so, the heroes of two different worlds parted, hoping to reunite one day for another adventure in the mystical land of Hyrule.
The room of darkness seemed less cramped these days. In fact, with the denizens of the dark's numbers dwindling, the area seemed to be a bit brighter. Only Bowser and Giovanni were present, watching Sora and his friend's progress. They were both baffled by Ganondorf's defeat. How did someone infused with the power of a god get tossed into an inescapable cage as if he were a common rodent?
Bowser felt as though cold slime was crawling down his neck. Did he make a mistake in underestimating Sora and his friends? They've obtained the third Star Spirit, and many of his colleagues have been vanquished. Small holes of light started punctuating the thick walls of his schemes. But he tried patching them with band-aids of denial. Everything was fine. He had both the Heartless and the Star Rod.
And, he had a backup plan, too. Also present was Riku. He had been watching Sora engaging in conversations with his friends – like telling Link about his promise to find Zelda. Riku's spirits sunk towards the bottom of a dark, gloomy sea. It was like Sora didn't care about his whereabouts. Nor was he in any hurry to find him. He and Kairi were nothing more than illusions – figments forever stuck in the past.
But Riku refused to let Kairi be a memory. She meant too much to him. He would never be satisfied until they reunited.
With or without Sora.
"How tragic," Giovanni said with an indifferent tone. "That so-called King of Evil let such trite get the better of him. Perhaps this could've played out differently if someone stuck around to help."
Riku gave him a disgruntled look. "Hey, I did my part. I brought the princess, didn't I?"
"You still have much to learn about hard work, boy," Giovanni said with in an arrogant tone. "This is how I became a criminal mastermind."
"Hey now," Bowser said, trying to diffuse a potential argument. "Ganondorf worked his way to the top, too. But he let that unruly hatred of his cloud his judgement."
Giovanni laughed. "I'm surprised you know what 'unruly' means."
"Watch it, pal!" Bowser said with an angry snort (so much for diffusing a potential argument). "Unless you want to be floating around in an empty void like him."
"No thanks," Giovanni said, unconcerned. "I have no need to rely on the power of something ridiculous as magic or gods. A stable mind goes a long way. But enough about me." He turned to Riku with a smile. "A reward should be in order for our young friend here?"
"What do you mean?" Riku asked, suspicious.
"We had a deal, remember?" Bowser said. "You scratched my spiky shell, and I scratch you….shell? I'm no good with metaphors."
Could've fooled me, Riku thought.
The Koopa King grinned. "But I believe I've come through for you. Check this out!"
Bowser held his hand up towards the magical hologram. An image of a young girl lay in a comatose state. Riku felt like his windpipe had been closed by a lid of shock. Breathing became difficult. For a second, he thought someone placed deceptive binoculars in front of his eyes. But as he approached the image, the girl was unmistakable. Especially that bright red hair he had seen his entire life.
"Kairi!" Riku said, and he tried reaching for her, only for his hands to pass through the hologram. He should've been excited, but noticed she was unconscious. The image of her pale skin had been engraved into his mind; it was a concerning picture. What happened to her? He started to feel anxiety squeeze his shoulders with iron grips.
"It'll be even better when it's ACTUALLY her, kid," Bowser said, sarcastic. "Go get her, tiger!" He gestured towards his left. "Old Validar will be escorting you."
Riku turned to see the dark sorcerer slither in from the shadows. He frowned upon looking down at the boy. "We will be traveling to my world. Let these words penetrate your ears, child: this journey will not be fraught with whimsy, and don't expect me to act as your nursemaid."
"Why are you doing all of this for me?" Riku asked as he turned back to Bowser. Something about this seemed too perfect. He had a strong hunch that the Koopa King knew of her whereabouts this whole time, and was waiting for the right moment to pull back the curtains. Was there a trap waiting to lunge out from behind the stage? "What's the catch?"
"The catch?" Bowser asked in an innocent tone. "Aw, come on. You think I'd label you as a sucker?" Riku gave him a dubious glare. "Seriously! What's your deal? Did someone punch your kitten or something?"
Bowser towered over the boy, and kneeled in from of him. Riku felt the Koopa King's smoke-filled breath twist his nose hairs. He was right in his personal space. Every scale on his tough skin was viewable. Riku thought he was going to be devoured in one gulp.
"Kid, you're like a second son to me," Bowser said he placed a massive, friendly hand on his shoulder. "And any child of mine always gets what they want."
Jr called out from the distance, "Papa, can I get that new kart with the flame throwers?"
"Son," Bowser said, exasperated, "I told you that we don't have room for that!"
"No room?" Jr asked. "There's like a bajillion rooms in this castle!"
"Daddy's busy, Jr!" He turned back to Riku with a wide smile. The boy saw his own reflection in his teeth. "Okay, maybe that wasn't the best example, but, hey, once awhile I like to give back, alright?"
Riku pushed Bowser's hand away, still defensive. "I seriously doubt that."
"Whatever," Bowser said, standing up, scowling. "Just let this sink into that mop you call a head: I held up my end of the bargain. Would be wise of you to not try anything careless."
The two glared at each other for a moment. Despite how suspicious Bowser appeared, he had been helping him since first arriving at the castle. At this point, he didn't seem to have anyone else. Sora would continue shifting through unnecessary aisles filled with diversions. He never got anything done without initiative (or, to quote Kairi, "Nothing but a lazy bum.").
Riku had always been the hardworking one. Good fortunate comes to those who are proactive, and now, he would reap the benefits. Validar cleared his throat, and Riku followed him towards the exit.
After they left, Bowser rolled his eyes and groaned. "Thank goodness my kid's not a teenager yet. So much defiance."
And he hoped Riku's defiance wouldn't interfere with his plans to be with Peach forever.
Sora inhaled the fresh spring air that drifted throughout Hyrule Field. It was nice to roam through the terrain without a care in the world. The dark cloud that once hung over the marketplace had vanished. Although still in ruin, it would be rebuilt, along with the confidence of the citizens. They, too, would be able to wander through the field again, not once feeling like a foreboding eclipse was hovering over their heads. Peace started to bloom like a fresh rose.
It was later afternoon. The sun was taking a slow stroll towards the horizon. They still had time to visit Malon and inform her of the good news. Before they proceeded, Luigi released Skolar from his imprisonment, and he granted them a Thunder spell. Sora beamed in enthusiasm; he couldn't wait to show Pikachu. Not only would the mouse be amazed, but it'd strengthen their bond – make them feel like a miniature power planet that could light a whole city.
After visiting the ranch (in which Ingo was quick to welcome them. One rude gesture and Yoshi would expand those dimples until it crushed his cold soul), the three headed back towards the ship, tired but content for liberating an entire kingdom. Sora couldn't help but feel smug; even Riku would HAVE to be impressed by this feat.
Yoshi was admiring his new shield. "Me can't wait to try this."
"You can try it out tomorrow," Sora said, as a yawn squirmed through his voice box. "I'm beat. Let's head back to Traverse Town."
"Yes," Luigi said. "I refuse to spend another night with those chickens."
A high pitched, squeaky voice called out to them. "Excuse me?"
The three turned to see who was addressing them. Fear immediately began pulled against their feet like quicksand. A harsh, frightening wind assaulted their skin. The person standing in front of them was unsettling. He was a slender gentleman that was dressed in all purple. His smile was long, twisted, and perpetual.
Strangely, he had his eyes closed. How was he able to see them? His head was twisted at an angle; any moment they expected it to completely spin around like a wheel. He wore a medieval backpack that held his personal belongings. But Sora noticed an array of masks hanging from the side of the pack.
Air flow ceased behind Sora, as he felt Luigi and Yoshi hide behind his back, trembling. To say his presence was unnerving would be an understatement. It was like someone tried lulling their victim into a sense of false security, right before they struck with a knife through the chest.
Sora heard Luigi say, "What is up with his face?"
"Me finally know what nightmares look like," Yoshi said.
"Forgive me for startling you, gentlemen," the man said in an exaggerated, yet pleasant tone. Somehow, though, his words felt genuine. These contradictions only heightened the terror. "I'm nothing more than a traveling salesman. I was wondering if you could help me with something."
Despite his eccentricities, Sora sensed that the stranger meant no harm. He didn't appear dangerous. Still, a tingle of caution prickle at his palms.
Sora formed a half-hearted smile. "Sure." He looked over his shoulder to see the others still cowering together. "Get out here!" While reluctant, Luigi and Yoshi rejoined him from each side. "Sorry about them. It's been a long day. We're all kind of on edge."
"Don't worry about it," the salesman said with a chortle. "I extend my gratitude. Anyway, one of masks went missing. Have you seen it? It has two large eyes and various colors."
Sora winced. He remembered that distinct, haunting appearance without a second thought. Those nightmares still spun through his mind, forming shaken, disoriented images. Luigi refrained himself from scoffing; no wonder the salesman was so creepy. He and that mask belonged together.
Sora muscles tightened. "Actually, I did."
"Really?" the salesman asked, excited. "Where?"
Sora let the words crawl out of his mouth like a child confessing a misdeed to their parents. "I threw it. Into that lake over there."
"Oh?" the salesman said, tilting his head in intrigue.
"And later," Sora said, swallowing the nervous lump in his throat, "it vanished."
"So you lost my mask?"
There was a long, uncomfortable silent.
"Y-Yes?" Sora said in a meek tone.
The silence stretched longer, like a rubber band. Sora didn't know what to expect next. The salesman froze like a statue, still exhibiting that wide smile.
Without warning, he grabbed Sora's shoulders, and started shaking him; he was livid. His eyes opened; the whites were almost completely red. Still, he kept that same face. It was like staring into a wooden marionette – every feature was unmoving. Sora was stagnant in a narrow, dark closet of fear. His childhood nightmares had been personified.
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU'VE DONE!?" the salesman shouted, hysterical. "THAT MASK IS MORE VITAL THAN YOU CAN COMPHREHEND!"
The salesman released Sora's grip; he was visible shaken. His skin was had been bleached with petrified terror. He had fought intimidating monsters, but none of them made his hairs want to float away into the sky.
Sora got into the fetal position, rocking back and forth. "I'm in my happy place. Just look at the flowers, Sora. Just look at the flowers."
"Hey, he didn't know!" Luigi said, gaining some courage. He then shelved it as the man's eyes targeted him like lethal crosshairs. "Please don't kill me in my sleep."
The man's expression immediately changed back to pleasant. It was disturbing how quick the emotional switch flipped. Luigi started to wonder if this man was an alien struggling to comprehend human behavior. Or, given his connection to the mask, something minacious that couldn't be properly defined.
"Ho, ho, relax," the salesman said in a cheerful tone. "Perhaps I overreacted a bit. Accidents happen, right? I'll have to look elsewhere, I suppose. I should give you something for your troubles."
And what reward did they receive for enduring this one-man horror show? A…piece of paper.
"That's all I have, sadly," the salesman said, guilty.
Luigi inspected the paper. His eyes widened in surprise upon recognizing some red markings on the page. It didn't seem possible – the chances of finding one were minuscule. But a stroke of luck had been painted across an empty canvas.
"This'll do!" Luigi said, jovial. "Thanks!"
"Glad to hear it," the salesman said, grateful. "At least, that's what they gathered from his fixed expression. "Take care gentlemen. The help was much appreciated."
Luigi kept a close eye on the man as he strolled through the fields. He was worried the salesman would try something malicious if their backs were turned. And that was one less thing he had to worry about when drifting into a peaceful night's sleep.
After the man was a great distance from them, Luigi and Yoshi turned Sora, who was still agitated. He brushed his spiky hair, trying to take the focus off his nerves. This man must've been scary if Sora, of all people, feared him.
"Is Sora okay?" Yoshi asked.
"I'm so sorry I didn't take a hint from you guys," Sora said; there was a slight tremble in his voice. "That was…horrifying. Let's get back to the ship!"
He sprinted for its location. Luigi and Yoshi were left in stunned silence from Sora's uncharacteristic display of cowardice. Although, in his defense, the visions produced by the mask didn't help in creating an unnerving model of the salesman.
"Wow," Yoshi said. "He run faster than Luigi when he see ghost."
"Never thought I'd see the day," Luigi said.
Returning to the ship provided relief for everyone. It was like coming home after a long business trip. They could unravel the heavy emotions wrapped to their waists like a belt. Once everyone settled in their seats, Luigi started the ship, and they began their journey back to Traverse Town.
Luigi held out the paper for everyone to see. "That paper we got is a missing page from the Paper World. Tomorrow morning, we should return it to Kraden."
"Yeah," Sora said, grunting, stretching his tired arms. "After a good night's sleep." Minute fear rattled in his spine. "Although it'll be hard after dealing with that guy."
"He seemed so irate over you losing that mask," Isabelle said.
"I can almost see why." Sora shuttered upon seeing the abstract images flash across his vision again. "There was something strange about it."
"We'll worry about it some other time," Luigi said, trying to change the subject in a hurry. "I want to forget that guy as quickly as I met him."
Yoshi was the most exhausted out of everyone else. There was only so much excited a baby dinosaur could ingest. He found himself swaying, unable to keep his balance. Sora was startled as Yoshi leaped into his arms; he rested his head against the boy's chest, hearing a heartbeat. Sora smiled and scratched his head in response.
A warm aura covered them both. All their worries were stuck on the outside of that heat; no matter how hard it tried penetrating the aura, it would not shatter. Their bond was too strong.
"Me so sleepy," Yoshi said in a quiet tone. "Will Sora tell Yoshi a story?"
"Gee. Can't think of one off the top of my head." Sora thought of something, and pulled out a piece of paper. "Hey, we have the Ansem Report. If anything will put a little guy you to sleep, research oughta do it."
He lay back in his seat, adjusting himself into a comfortable position, and held up the report. Sora was curious as to what was recorded. Would it contain the answers to eradicating the Heartless once and for all? Or maybe it held the secret to restoring his world.
In the back of his mind, maybe it would hold the secret to loosening the Heartless' influence on a person.
Ansem Report Number 1: Much of my life has been dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. That knowledge has guarded this world well. Not a soul doubts that. I am blessed with people's smiles and respect. But though I am called a sage, there are things I do not understand.
I believe darkness sleeps in every heart, no matter how pure. Given the chance, the smallest drop can spread and swallow the heart. I have witnessed it many times. Darkness...Darkness of the heart. How is it born? How does it come to affect us so? As ruler of this world, I must find the answers. I must find them before the world is lost to those taken by the darkness.
Sora heard snoring, and glanced down to see Yoshi was fast asleep. He was a bit disappointed in the report; it seemed Ansem was just as uncertain as they were about the darkness, and how it correlated to the Heartless. But this was something he should've expected. Maybe he just wanted a detailed instruction on how to reverse everything: to be with Riku and Kairi again, back on their island.
Yoshi exhaled deeply; Sora noticed how content he was to be in the safe arms of his big brother figure. Well, okay, maybe not reverse EVERYTHING. He cared too much for his new friends, and couldn't imagine a world without them. Especially Yoshi. Sora stared out the window to see the stars blinking in the sky.
This may not be the adventure he wanted, but Sora would never trade a minute of it.
A/N: And so we reach the end of the Hyrule Arc. Thanks to everyone who has been reading! I want to release more chapters, but I want to save them for when ACT II is entirely finished. I'm sorry again for the wait. 2020 really took a toll on everyone. And you better believe I was sandwiched right in the middle. Things are getting a bit better for me, but there are still some attributes of my life that require mending. I'm grateful for every one of you for the tremendous support you've been showing. I promise to finish ACT II as soon as possible. Sometime later this year, hopefully.
Wishing everyone of you love!
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