Chapter 3

North and South Hyrule Split

Link once again returned to Kakariko Village because he was summoned by King Ardus. Once he arrived he said, "Yes, King Ardus you wanted to see me."

"Yes. I believe that Hyrule will split."

"Are you positive?"

"Yes. In fact, it's already begun."

"I knew this was going to happen."

"Well, let's pray that things don't get worse."

"Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly." Link then returned to Kokiri Forest.

When he entered the forest he was approached by Mido and Saria. Mido said, "Well, Link it looks like Hyrule will split."

Saria added, "Yes, I guess war is inevitable."

"Unfortunately, Saria, I do believe that you would be correct in that assessment. Hyrule is most definitely going to split, but the question is how. What are your thoughts on how Hyrule will split Mido?" Link asked while pacing back and forth.

"Well, my best guess would be that the Zoras, Gorons, and Gerudos will make up North Hyrule while we will make up South Hyrule. By we I mean us, the Sheikahs, and the Hylians."

"Is the split official?"

Saria answered, "Yes, Link. I'm afraid it is. It's just a matter of time."

"Well, it looks like the civil war won't be far off."

"I agree. Well, bye Saria. Bye Link!" They both said bye to Mido.

Link and Saria then continued their conversation without him. Saria asked, "Will you be fighting alongside us Link?"

"Of course I will."

"That's good to know because we could really use your help."

"I just hope that most of the citizens of Hyrule decide to side with us."

"Me too, Link."

"Well, goodbye Link."

"Bye." Link and Saria then went to their houses and got some sleep.

The next day Link went to Kakariko Village to speak with Sir Randof. He said, "Sir Randof now that Hyrule has split I think that I should stay here, and help prepare for when we rule Hyrule again."

"I agree." Sir Randof then told King Ardus that Link was going to stay and help with the preparations for ruling Hyrule again.

"Excellent. With Link's help we can figure out how we should proceed."

"Yes, Sir."

Link then joined in on how to prepare for the war. He said, "King Ardus I will fight at the head of the army. That way I can effectively protect everyone."

"That's a good idea Link." King Ardus then turned to Zelda and said, "Zelda when the civil war starts I want you to stay in Impa's house because you'll be much safer there."

"Ok Daddy."

"Great."

"Will you be fighting King Ardus?" Link asked.

"Yes."

"Then I will make sure that I protect you Sir."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome your Majesty."

Link then remained at Kakariko Village to help in the preparations for ruling Hyrule if the South Hyruleans win the war, but before they had that meeting they had a week of normal conversations and fun so they could forget about the problems plaguing Hyrule; even if it was for a short time.

After the week of relaxation the meeting began. Link was the first to speak.

He said, "Hopefully King Zora and Darunia will realize that Baris is a corrupt leader, and they will assist us."

King Ardus replied, "I hope you're right Link."

"Me too."

Link then went over to Saria and said, "Are you going to stay in Kakariko Village too?"

"Yes, I have to. Because if I don't I'll miss out on what the Hylians will do if we win the upcoming war."

"I understand."

Link then went over to King Ardus himself. He said, "So, King Ardus when will we begin discussing what we will do when and if we win the war?"

"Soon, but first let's just take some more time to enjoy each other's company before we get into the ugly logistics of the war."

"All right. I'd rather relax first anyway."

"It's settled then. We will all take some more time to relax and enjoy each other's company. This should help us forget the upcoming hardships ahead. At least, for a little while." King Ardus said in a very cheerful voice.

Link and the other South Hyruleans then took some time to enjoy each other's company.

1

The North Hyruleans Plan For Rule

While the South Hyruleans were relaxing the North Hyruleans began their preparations for rule.

King Baris looked at his royal knights and said, "So what shall we do if the South does fight us?"

Sir Maralus replied, "Annihilate them."

"I agree. What about you King Zora?"

King Zora was distracted he said, "What?"

"I said what do you think we should do?"

"Oh, um fight."

"Is something wrong?"

"No."

"Well, then it's settled we will fight."

Immediately after the meeting was over Darunia went up to King Zora and said, "All right what's wrong King Zora? I can tell that something is bothering you a great deal. Don't lie about what's bothering you either."

"I'm having second thoughts about this war. I really don't agree with Baris's decisions anymore."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Neither do I."

"Let's secretly get a message to Link to tell him that we want to join the South Hyruleans." King Zora then sent his message to Link.

2

The South Hyruleans Plan For Rule

Before the South Hyruleans could begin to make their preparations Link burst into the room where they were conducting the meeting.

He said, "I have some wonderful news to report before we begin the meeting!"

"What?" King Ardus asked in an intrigued voice.

"King Zora and Darunia have decided to join us in our fight."

"Why?" Saria asked.

"Because they have tired of Baris's policies."

"Excellent! With them backing us our victory is assured."

"So should we fight?"

"Yes."

"King Ardus what should we do if we win?" Link asked.

"I will continue with my loving rule."

"Great. It's settled we'll fight for the throne. I'm sure that Baris's army and the Gerudos won't let go of the crown without a fight."

"Well, then we'll give them a fight." The South Hyruleans then took a long rest so when and if the war does start they will be in top fighting shape.

3

The People of Hyrule Take Sides

Five weeks after the North and South Hyruleans had their meetings the remaining citizens of Hyrule began the long arduous task of choosing which faction to fight alongside.

After a very long and lengthy campaign to try and win supporters for their respective sides the North Hyruleans ended up winning over half of the citizens while the South Hyruleans ended up gaining the other half.

Now the North and South Hyruleans are tied in the number of troops that they have.

King Baris said, "Superb! Now we are equally matched with my brother this is going to be quite interesting."

Sir Maralus said, "I agree your Majesty."

Meanwhile, back at Kakariko Village, King Ardus went over to Link and said, "Link now that we are tied with the same number of troops this could go either way."

"Yeah, I know, but I'm sure with my help we will win."

"Yes. I believe we can win with your help."

The North and South Hyruleans then began to train the citizens that they had just recruited.

4

The Preparations for War

After training the citizens the North Hyruleans had a meeting to finalize their battle plans.

King Baris said to Morus (the leader of the Gerudos), "Morus, is the entire Gerudo army ready to fight in the war?"

"Yes, Sir."

"What about the rest of you?" King Baris's army and the citizens that they had recruited nodded. King Baris continued, "Great! Soon the war can begin."

While the North Hyruleans were having their final meeting the South Hyruleans also had theirs.

King Ardus said, "All right. Is everyone ready?" The entire South Hyrulean army (including Link and the citizens) said they were ready. King Ardus went on, "It's settled then. We will await the start of the war." And so they did.

5

Civil Uprising Worsens

One week after the meetings concluded some bad-tempered Hyruleans began to torch the countryside. When Link and King Ardus were made aware of this King Ardus said, "Link I want you to stop them."

"Yes, Sir." Link set off at once.

He confronted the people that were torching Hyrule. He said, "If you don't stop you'll be arrested."

When they saw that Link was accompanied by a host of guards they left promising not to cause anymore trouble.

When Link returned to Kakariko Village he went to King Ardus and said, "I'm going to try to talk Baris into surrendering one more time, and if it doesn't work the war will begin."

"Ok Link. Good luck."

Link said goodbye, and then he headed for Hyrule Castle to make his final plea for peace.

6

The Final Chance at Peace

Link entered the castle and when he confronted King Baris he said, "King Baris I beg you now that the Zoras and Gorons have deserted you please give up so you don't plunge the kingdom into unnecessary war."

"No, now leave! I don't need the help of the Zoras or the Gorons to defeat you! My army combined with the Gerudo's army will be enough to take you out!"

"Oh, is that so Baris? Well, we aren't afraid of you! I personally believe that we will destroy you! Our army is stronger than yours. You poor pathetic fool!"

King Baris, at hearing Link's comments of superiority, became very incensed. He said, "We shall see about that Link! Now, away with you before I have one of my guards throw you in the dungeon!"

"Fine, I'll leave, but you've doomed yourself you know! I gave you one chance to avoid bloodshed, and you screwed it up! I feel sorry for you Baris. I really do. Because of your unwillingness to end this it looks like the war's on!" Link then left to prepare for war along with his South Hyrulean brothers.