Chapter 33: Attack on Zora's Domain
The next morning, the sun was just beginning to rise over the sparkling waters of Zora's Domain. The light danced across the waterfalls, casting shimmering patterns on the walls. Link, Roll, and Knuckles prepared to depart, their bags packed and ready. Sidon stood with them at the edge of the plaza, a wide smile on his face, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"Do you really have to leave so soon?" Sidon asked, his voice carrying a playful tone but laced with genuine disappointment. "It's been far too long, and I was hoping you'd stay a bit longer. At least promise me you'll return soon, okay?"
"We will, Sidon," Link said with a small smile. "Thank you for everything."
Sidon's grin returned, bright as ever. "Excellent! I'll hold you to that. And I insist on walking you out. It's the least I can do."
The group began to make their way toward the main exit of the domain, Sidon chatting with Roll about her impressions of Zora's Domain, and Knuckles quietly observing the serene environment. But just as they reached the central plaza, the air crackled, and a familiar, ominous purple streak began to tear across the sky.
The Zora stopped and stared as five robotic figures dropped through the rift, landing with a heavy thud on the wet stone. Napalm Man, Ring Man, Centaur Man, Splash Woman, and Bubble Man stood in formation, their metallic eyes glowing as they scanned the area.
"What in the name of Hylia..." Sidon muttered, his eyes widening as he took in the strange sight. "What are those things?"
Before anyone could respond, Napalm Man's weapons began to whir, and he unleashed a barrage of rockets and explosives, sending them scattering throughout the domain. Explosions erupted across the plaza, shattering stone, and sending water spraying into the air.
"They're Robot Masters!" Knuckles shouted, quickly moving to a defensive stance. "They are dangerous and nearly indestructible."
Splash Woman and Bubble Man dove into the waters surrounding the domain, disappearing beneath the surface. Moments later, explosions began to rock the supports holding up the platforms, shaking the entire structure.
Sidon's expression hardened, and he grabbed his trident. "I don't care what they are. We can't let them destroy my home!" He turned to the Zora around him, raising his voice. "Protect the civilians! Get them to safety, and hold the supports!" Sidon and his guards dove into the water, striking at the robot master, but their attacks had little effect.
Roll stepped forward, her eyes narrowing with determination. "Then we'll just have to take them down one by one." Her armor began to glow, energy crackling around her as she activated her Double-Gear system. Her speed and power surged, and she dashed forward, firing at Centaur Man with rapid precision. Sparks flew as her shots hit, but she had to pull back quickly, deactivating her gears before they overheated.
"You think you can win?" Centaur Man taunted, stepping forward. "Give us the emerald, or this place becomes rubble!"
Roll gritted her teeth and charged at him again, managing to land a few solid hits, but she had to retreat, gasping as her systems cooled down.
Link drew his Master Sword, his eyes sharp with determination. "We won't let you take it," he said, charging at Napalm Man. With a swift series of slashes, he managed to deflect some of Napalm Man's missiles, but the Robot Master's firepower was overwhelming. Explosions rocked the ground around him, and Link shielded his face as debris flew. "Knuckles, we need to keep them distracted!"
Knuckles nodded, his fists clenched tightly. "Got it! I'm not letting them tear this place down!" He lunged at Ring Man, the ground beneath his feet cracking from the force of his launch. His punches landed with the sound of thunder, but the Robot Master's enhanced armor resisted. Gritting his teeth, Knuckles barked, "Why is it always robots?" as he narrowly avoided a counterattack. He swung again, deflecting a blast aimed at Link. This isn't just about the emerald—it's about keeping everyone safe, he reminded himself, refusing to back down. Ring Man countered with a series of rings, knocking Knuckles back, but he got up and charged again, bruised but undeterred. "You're not beating me that easily!" he shouted, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
Despite the odds, Link and Knuckles kept attacking, determined to slow the Robot Masters down. Link deflected blasts with his shield, rolling to dodge explosives, while Knuckles kept pounding at Ring Man, refusing to let him advance. They knew they couldn't win, but they weren't going to stand by and let Zora's Domain fall.
Just as things seemed to be getting worse, a sudden flash of red light appeared in the sky, cutting through the chaos. A new figure teleported down, landing in the center of the fray. The sleek, red armor, long blonde hair, and glowing green eyes were unmistakable. Zero.
The Robot Masters froze for a moment, their attention shifting. Centaur Man's eyes widened. "We need to retrea...?"
Before he could finish, Zero moved. With a swift motion, he drew his Z-Saber and dashed toward Centaur Man. Before Centaur Man could even react, Zero's saber cleaved through him, cutting him down in one fluid motion. Sparks flew as Centaur Man crumbled to the ground, his systems shorting out.
"What—?!" Ring Man stammered, barely raising his guard before Zero was upon him. With a series of quick, brutal strikes, Zero dispatched Ring Man, leaving him in a heap of broken metal.
Napalm Man turned his entire arsenal on Zero, launching a hailstorm of missiles, grenades, and bullets. But Zero was fast, weaving and dodging through the onslaught with ease. He closed the distance in a blur of motion, and with a final, powerful slash, cut Napalm Man in half. The Robot Master's systems failed, and he exploded, sending shrapnel scattering.
"Zero!" Roll shouted, still stunned by his sudden appearance. "In the water! There are two more—"
Zero didn't even wait for her to finish. He dashed to the edge of the platform and leapt into the water, his movements swift and precise. A few moments later, there was a flash beneath the surface, followed by a pair of explosions. Splash Woman and Bubble Man were destroyed, their remains sinking to the bottom of the domain's waters.
As the fires and smoke cleared, Zero climbed back up, his expression cold and unreadable. His eyes locked onto Roll, who stood at the ready, her buster arm raised but shaking slightly. She had been waiting for this moment, but now that it was here, she didn't know what to do.
"Zero, please!" she called out, her voice wavering. "Come back with me to Dr. Light. He can help you... he can give you back your free will!"
Zero's eyes flickered, the green glow bright but unstable. He raised his head slightly, as if struggling to process her words. "I... have my orders," he said, his voice distorted, as if two voices were speaking at once—his own and something darker. "I have to destroy you."
"No!" Roll shouted, stepping forward despite the threat. "Fight it, Zero! You're stronger than this. You can fight for your free will. I know you can!"
Zero's entire body began to tremble, his Z-Saber clutched tightly in his hand. He raised his free hand to his head, clawing at his helmet as if trying to tear away the unseen chains that bound him. "Get out... of my head..." he snarled, his voice breaking. "Wily... he won't stop..." He squeezed his eyes shut, his hands shaking violently. "I don't want this..."
Roll's heart ached as she watched Zero struggle. She could see the agony on his face, the way he fought against the orders forcing him to act against his will. "You're more than just Dr. Wily's machine, Zero. You have a mind of your own, and you deserve to choose your own path," she said, her voice cracking. "I can see how much this is hurting you. Please, let us help you. I don't blame you for Mega Man. Please!"
Zero's eyes flickered again, the green light dimming as he seemed to regain control for a moment. His Z-Saber lit up, the blade glowing as he raised it high. Roll gasped, frozen in fear as he dashed toward her with blinding speed. But as he reached her, the blade deactivated, stopping mere inches from her chest. She could feel the heat from the saber's hilt, but she was unharmed.
Without a word, Zero placed the Z-Saber into Roll's hand, his eyes filled with a mix of pain and determination. The gesture was sudden, almost desperate, as if it was the last thing he could do to fight against the commands tearing at his mind.
Roll looked down at the saber, stunned, and when she looked up, Zero was gone, a flash of red light marking his teleportation.
"Are you okay?" Link asked, kneeling beside her.
Roll didn't respond immediately. She looked down at the Z-Saber still clutched in her hand, its weight heavy with meaning. As she traced her fingers along the hilt, she realized it wasn't just a weapon—it was a sign of Zero's struggle, a desperate plea for help. The warmth of it, left by his touch, felt like a small, fragile connection between them.
For a moment, a dark thought crossed her mind—a desire to hurt Wily for what he had done to Zero. She was surprised at herself, knowing that as a robot, she was programmed not to harm people. It was a line she was not supposed to cross, yet the feeling lingered, heavy and unsettling.
"We need to hurry back," she finally said, her voice quiet but resolute. "We have the emerald, but Zero... he's not going to stop. We have to find a way to help him.
Link and Knuckles nodded, understanding the urgency. "We'll leave right away," Link said. "Sidon, we're sorry, but we have to—"
Sidon placed a reassuring hand on Link's shoulder, the strength in his grip a silent promise. He glanced over the wreckage, the once-glittering pools now marred with debris and smoke. This isn't the first time we've faced ruin, he thought, his jaw tightening. But as long as we breathe, Zora's Domain will rise again. "I understand," he said aloud, a fierce determination shining in his eyes. "You must do what's necessary. We will begin repairs and ensure Zora's Domain stands strong." Sidon looked Link in the eye, with a smirk on his face. "The Zora will be ready to stand by you, when you need us. But, Link... don't forget your promise to return."
Link gave a small smile. "I won't."
As they began to leave, Sidon looked out over his home, the waters still rippling from the aftermath of the battle. He knew they had narrowly avoided disaster, but he also knew this was only the beginning. As he rallied the Zora to begin repairs, Link, Roll, and Knuckles began their journey back to Hyrule, the weight of the battle heavy on their hearts.