Chapter 11: The Chained Darkness.
"Are you sure this is where you last saw him?" Calix asked as he followed Sara down the dimly lit path of one of the lower hallways of the palace.
"Yeah. Councilman Raphael wanted me to bring him a few tomes about the early days of the Twili late last night. Don't know for what reason though." Sara replied as the two made their way to the door at the far end of the pathway. "But it's weird that he's looking up stuff in that traitor's office when he has his own. What do you think he's doing?"
Calix frowns. "I don't know. Whatever it is, he spent the whole night down here doing it and did not return to his chambers." He then looks around the hallway at the dim lighting and long pathway as they come to the end of it. "I don't like being here, gives me a bad feeling and reminds me too much of that bastard. Let's just get him and go."
Stepping up to the stone door Calix pounds twice on the entrance to the old office of Zant.
"Councilman Raphael, are you in there?" He said in a loud voice.
There is no answer.
"Maybe he's still asleep?" Sara opined.
"Councilman Raphael, please respond!" Calix said a little louder.
Again, no answer.
"If you do not respond I will have to force my way in there!"
Still no answer.
Putting his hand on the door Calix feels around the magic. Finding what he's looking for and using his authority as a royal guard, he forces his own mana through the lock, destroying it and letting the door slide open.
"We are coming in; I hope you are decent."
Walking into the well lit study the two twili see one wall lined with bookcases. While all sorts of magical instruments are against the other wall. And on the far wall across the room, leaned forward with his face on the desk resting on an open book, dressed in the ornate black and cyan robes that cover his slender body and long red hair tied in a pony tail, is councilman Raphael.
"He fell asleep at his desk?" Sara asked as she and Calix approached the elder Twili.
"...No, I don't think so." Calix said, voice heavy. "Wait." He said putting his hand on her shoulder, causing her to stop in her tracks.
Rushing over to the unmoving twili, Callix gently moves his head to the side off the illustration of a horned silhouette of a man beneath a crescent moon with two protrusions coming from the back, and stares into his face with vacant wide open eyes and mouth agap.
"Oh gods! Is he...!?" Sara shrieked horrified, hands flying to her mouth.
Snapping his gaze to her quickly he demanded. "Quick! Go get some of the healers! Now!"
Heeding his order Sara runs off back down the pathway.
With her doing that he puts two fingers onto the councilman's neck trying to find a pulse. Finding nothing he quickly moves his body to the ground and starts to press on his chest, hoping to by time until the healers get there.
Five minutes later they will get there. And fifteen minutes after that they will unfortunately pronounce the elder twili's death.
Councilman Raphael, forty-two, dead by heart attack.
Coming out of the portal the black squares descended on the white platform. After their bodies form atop the stairs of light, Link raises his hand to block the blinding midmorning sunlight.
"Damn, its bright today." Link said as Midna looked around the mirror chamber. She then turned her head to the sky and closed her eyes as she let the warm rays of the sun wash over her face.
"Feels nice to me." She replied to him.
He then looks over to her with a concerned look on his face. "Are you going to be ok out in the light for a long time without Zelda's power?"
Turning her head back to him, she gives a shrug. "I'm not sure. I should be fine with my full power restored. Pulse I have the Triforce. I'm still not even sure what exactly Zelda gave me back then anyway. I think maybe, it was her Triforce piece? So the same effect should work with the one I have." Unwanted, the memory of why Zelda needed to do that comes to both their minds.
"It wasn't." Spoke the god of twilight in Link's head. "Well, it wasn't it exactly. What the Princess of Light gave the Twilight Princess was the protection of the Triforce of Wisdom. Or it's 'blessing' would probably be a better term. It's what allowed Zelda to maintain her human form inside the curtain of Twilight. And for Midna to not be harmed by the light of the golden gods. Or the sun, as you call it."
"Eclipse said Zelda gave you part of her Triforce." Link relayed to Midna as they walked down the stairs. Stepping onto the platform the white marks on the black rock and stairs of light vanish. Sealing the way into the twilight realm once again.
As Midna walks up to the stand that once held the Mirror of Twilight, Eclipse once more speaks in Link's mind.
"That does raise a concerning point. While her own power can keep her safe for the time being, it would be better that weakness is removed. We don't want our enemies to use it against us, like Zant did to you two."
With a hard look in his eye Link askes the dark god as Midna runs her hand along the stand. 'What do we need to do?'
"Allow me to take over for a moment, I will remove it."
Link considered that for a moment before saying. 'Ok.'
Coming into control of the hero's body Eclipse stretches out Link's right hand and flexes his fingers a few times. Frowning at his hand, the god in mortal flash considers that. 'Being corporeal after so long is still going to take some getting used to.'
"Whoa, this feels weird.' Thought the hero at him. "It's like I'm floating."
"Yeah, it's definitely an odd feeling at first."
Lifting his head to Midna he opens his mouth to speak, before he pauses as he sees her turn around and stare at him and her eyes widen.
"You good, Link?" She asks him.
"Yes, I am fine. Why wouldn't I be?" Eclipse said through Link's voice, smiling with a playful tilt of the hero's head.
"Well, your eyes are purple, and your pupils are slitted again, only this time your whites are black as well. And also, you got fangs." She said pointing to Link's eyes then mouth.
Link's face pouts. "Guess those were a bit too obvious. Your no fun, you know that? You could at least pretended to be none the wiser. And here was me just wanting to play around a bit." He sighed.
Midna gives a confused look at him for a moment, before clarity strikes her and she lifts her hand to point a finger at him. "You, your...your!"
Bringing Link's finger to his lips in a smirk he silences her, Midna's mouth closes with a small pop. Putting both hands behind Link's back he spoke. "Approach your deity, twilight princess, Midna Umbral."
Cautiously taking the few steps to the god in her boyfriend's body, the twilight Princess stands before him. He doesn't say anything for a moment, just staring into her eyes. And to her credit Midna doesn't look away. After a beat he finely speaks.
"Kneel."
With a glint in her eye Midna opens her mouth in a smirk, but then pauses, closes her mouth with a small pop, and shakes her head. Giving him a confused look for a moment she slowly lowers herself onto her knees. Reaching up he pulls the Twilight Sword from its sheath. Holding it out, he points it at her chest and says as he feels Link 'tense up' inside his mind.
"By my divine authority, as the Dark God of Twilight, Eclipse. I grant the twilight princess Midna Umbral the right to once more walk in the goddesses light."
The gem on the sword glows bright as a loud clap of thunder rocks the clear blue sky above the mirror chamber. Barely noticeable translucent golden chains wrapped around Midna's body shine into existence before crumbling away into dust, Link wonders what they were.
"What was that?" He asked the god as Midna examines her body.
"The chains of banishment that the goddesses locked around their ancestors, so that they could never return to the Light Realm."
"Will they be mad you removed them?"
"If they are, they can come to me with their complaints. I can't very well have her adventuring in the Light Realm with the threat of burning to a crisp at any moment hanging over your heads. Plus she might not fit into your shadow anymore, and I doubt she would want me to turn her back into an imp just for convenient travel."
"...Um, I probably should have said this before, but thank you for all you have done for us so far."
"You're welcome. But I'm not sure how thankful you'll be later. This journey has only just begun, and it's not going to be easy."
"I don't really know what you just did. But thanks, I think?" Midna said looking up into Link's black and purple eyes.
"You now have the freedom to take this quest without the fear of the light." He replied as he sheathed his sword.
Eyes widen in surprise she looks at her hands once again in astonishment. Lifting her head once again she opens her mouth to speak, before he raises Link's hand stopping her.
"I don't need any more of your gratitude. If you wish to show how thankful you are then give your all to this quest I have for you. Do we have a deal?" He said holding out Link's hand to help her up. "You may stand now." He adds as an afterthought when he realized he didn't tell her she could stop kneeling.
Standing up she grabs Link's hand and says. "Of course, Eclipse. I will do everything in my power to not fail you."
"Good. Just one last thing." He said.
"What?" Midna asked.
"Catch Link." He said. Before either Link or Midna could question what he meant, the hero suddenly found himself shoved back into control of his body. And not even a second later he got hit with a feeling a vertigo so strong it felt like he was body slammed by a goron.
Pitching backwards the hero nearly falls off the platform, before Midna pulls him toward her with the hold she still has on his hand. Unfortunately in her sudden panic she put too much strength into her pull and caused Link to collide with her hard. Losing their balance both of them fall to the ground, with Link falling on Midna's chest with a small oomph.
"Link?" Midna said after a moment of catching her breath and for the dizzy feeling to leave the hylian.
"Yes?" The hero responded lifting his head from her chest to look at her face.
"Can you give a little warning when you switch places with Eclipse?" She asked as he stood up off her.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Link said as he reached out and offers his hand to her.
Grabbing his hand the hero helps the twilight princess stand back to her feet. Looking him over with a concerned look on her face Midna opens her mouth.
"Are you ok now?"
"Yeah." Link replied looking himself over as well. "I'm guessing that's what Eclipse meant when he said that 'It would drain me greatly.' Wasn't expecting to feel that dizzy. Almost felt like passing out"
"I hope it won't always be that bad of an after effect." Midna said as she placed a hand on Link's forehead.
"It won't be. The more you become used to my magic, the less of a strain switching will be. Although it will take some time." The god said.
"Eclipse said that it will get less exhausting the more I get used to his power." Link relayed to his lover.
Nodding her head, Midna keeps her hand on his forehead a few moments longer. With one last nod the twilight princess removes her hand and speaks.
"Well you seem to be back in normal health, aside from your mana wells being much more active than they were before. So if you're feeling up to it, I can try and warp us to the castle now?" Midna said with an unsure look on her face at the last part.
Link looks up into the clear blue sky. "Will you be able to warp outside the twilight without the portals?"
Midna looks up as well. "I'll admit that It would have been better if they stayed, they made the cost of mana to warp so much less, and it was easier with them. But I should be able to." Looking to the black rock Midna frowns. "Only downside is it will be a one way trip. We won't be able to just come back here."
"We could try to reopen the portals?" Link said starting to reach up for the Twilight Sword.
"That won't work." Said Eclipse, causing Link to halt before he could grab the black sword. "Those portals were maintained by the mana of the Twili you slain and anchored to Midna's life force. When she was killed by Ganondorf, the magic holding the portals open was broken, and they vanished like they should have originally."
"But I can reopen the way into the Twilight Realm, why can't I reopen the warp portals?" Link said out loud.
"It's not the same thing. The magic from the warp portals has long faded into the mana flowing throughout the world, and I do have my limitations. You also aren't technically reopening the portal. That level of magic is much too advance for you at the moment." The god said confusing the hero.
"Wait, how am I technically not reopening the portal? That doesn't make any sense?!" Link said looking back to the black rock.
"What you are doing is reigniting the residual magic from the Mirror of Twilight that was absorbed by the black rock. That's why I brought you back here when you pulled the sword. It was the easiest way to get you back into the Twilight Realm."
"If I'm only using the left over magic from the mirror, does that mean that I won't be able to open the portal anymore?" Link said with a concerned look on his face as he turned to look at Midna and saw her worried as well.
"...Yes, if you just stick to using the residual magic, you will be unable to travel between the worlds anymore. However, that's not really a big concern at the moment."
"It isn't?"
"No. With the magic left you should be able to open the portal about three more times. And eventually you may be able to truly open the portal yourself."
"Link?" Midna said after a few moments of him not saying anything.
The hero of twilight shakes his head and refocused on her, he then pointed to the giant stone and said. "Ok, real quick; unless I train, I can only open the portal three more times." He then pointed to the sky. "The warp portals are gone for good and not even Eclipse can bring them back."
Midna sighed and she too looked to the sky, then to the mark on her hand. "Well, that sucks. I hope I'll be able to do it with this thing messing with my magic." The princess said with a worried look on her face.
Grabbing both of her hands in his Link said with a reassuring smile on his face. "Hey don't worry. You're the most talented sorceress I have ever seen, I have complete faith you'll be able to handle this like it's nothing. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"
"Severe bodily injury, limbs torn off, accidental displacement into solid objects, reappearing hundreds or thousands of feet in the air or underground, bodies being fused together into some kind of horrific crime against the divine that would need to be put down out of mercy, or just not ending up where you want to be. Take your pick." Chimed in the god.
"You're not helping!" The hero thought at the deity.
"If mistress Midna where to error in her teleportation I calculate a 60% chance you both would be displaced into a solid object, master Link." Spoke Fi.
"And neither are you!" Link thought trying very hard and failing to keep the grimace off his face.
"My apologies, Master. I assumed you would have liked to have known the most likely outcome should the attempt fail." Fi said only sounding a little sorry.
"I apologize for nothing." Eclipse said completely un-sorry.
Noticing the look on his face Midna gives a humorless smile and said. "Let me guess. Eclipse told you the worst that could happen?"
"Doesn't matter." Link said shaking his head. "None of it is going to happen. And nothing he said can shake my faith in you."
Looking into his eyes for a moment Midna gives a nod and steals herself. Letting go of his hands she takes a step back. Concentrating she raises her right hand and snaps her fingers. Their bodies then break into dozens of black squares and fly into the air then disappear. The two being so focused on each other during the warping neither one of them noticed that the mark of the triforce of power, didn't glow once.
Nestled in a realm away from the goddesses light, placed on a barren and lifeless land, incased in a barrier of orange light rests a massive pyramid, radiating with power and darkness. A thick green miasma curls around the land snuffing out any signs of life, while ancient echoes of long forgotten memories claw at the wall of light, seeking entrance.
In a flash of light demon lord Ghirahim appeared at the foot of the structure. Glancing toward the blackened sky he observes the lightening racing across the swirling storm clouds above, a foreboding wind sweeps across the ground, curling around the walls of the barrier.
'The barrier that my lord setup is holding well against that storm of death and madness.' Looking out into the distance the demon tries to peer beyond the storm. To the presences that lurk beyond the darkness just out of sight. 'Seems for now they still aren't a threat to us, but we will have to keep an eye on them.'
Sweeping his eyes across the dead land a frown makes its way onto his face. 'The gods certainly didn't give this realm a chance, dumping those things here. Not that it's of any real concern of mine what happens to this decaying realm.'
Turning around he makes his way up the stairs and into the pyramid. Walking down the large main hallway Ghirahim doesn't even glance to the branching pathways, his focus solely on the chamber at the end. Coming into the massive space the demon sword spirit stops and looks around at the chamber.
leading fifty feet down is a flight of stairs into a huge room. Twelve large black pillars line the walls of the chamber supporting the roof sixty feet up while the far wall stands seventy feet away. All sorts of ancient runes and symbols lit up the chamber with an eerie orange light. The most prominent being a horned skull engraved into the ceiling. Lines of blue light run along the walls, crisscrossing across the stones like blood veins. A ten foot pool of bubbling green liquid sits carved into the dark red stone floor about twenty feet away from the stairs. But that's not the most eye catching thing in the room.
Standing thirty feet in the center of the room is a massive skeleton, bound in black chains emitting a violet light. Any remains of the clothing that it used to wear is reduced to rusted armored gauntlets and pants. The tattered remains of the fur cape it had hangs off it's back in scraps. Two large, curved horns sprout out of the skull, while its fanged jaw is tightly clamped closed. The black shackles and chains flowing with a purple light are clamped around it's wrists and ankles, with the chains from them wrapping around the body, are pulled tight into the ground. A collar blacker than a moonless night is fastened around its neck. With three thicker chains embedded tightly into three of the walls of the room. A final shackle is clamped around the skeletal remains of a tail. Placed in the center of its chest where all the black chains originate from is a thick circler crescent moon lock, but unlike others this one doesn't have a keyhole. Instead in the place of that are three indentations inside the empty space of the moon, each one in the shape of the three personal marks of the golden goddesses.
The motionless remains stood forever frozen leaned forward, right arm extended and clawed hand reaching for the weapon in front of it. Rammed into the ground halfway down its three blades, just a few inches away from the hand that reaches for it, is a black trident. In the center of the head resting at the base of the thicker middle spearpoint is a circler red gemstone, with the other two thinner points sticking out of the head. Sitting forty feet up on the pommel of the weapon is a horned skull.
As he goes down the stairs and gets closer to the skeleton and trident, Ghirahim can feel the power of darkness cover and surround him. Like the feeling of being plunged into the depths of the ocean in the middle of a starless night. Walking halfway across the chamber the demon lord stops ten feet away from the trident and kneels.
"My lord Malladus, by your command I have returned." The sword spirit said bowing his head.
A heavy shadow falls over the chamber, coming from the skeleton and seeming to dim the sources of light.
"I have not found its location, the sheikah pest known as Impaz was of no use. The Isle of the Goddess still eludes us." He said slightly cringing.
The shadow seems to get much heavier around the demon, forcing him to get on his hands and knees as many of the glowing symbols start to flicker, but the black chains never moved an inch, and the violet light didn't waver once.
"Forgive me lord Malladus! That insect didn't have any information! But we know where to look next!" Ghirahim managed to get out before the weight could crush him.
The weight lifts slightly, allowing him to lift his head. "There is someone who can lead us to the last of Hylia's bird statues. We get his trust; he will lead us right to it. I only ask for a little more patience from you, your eminence. It will take just a little bit longer." The shadow lifts completely, returning the lights and finally allowing Ghirahim to stand.
"I thank you for your patience and mercy, my lord." Ghirahim said as he dusted himself off. With that done he turns back to the skeleton. "Now I must inform you of some troubling developments. The Tw-"
Clang!
Interrupted Ghirahim looks to the top of the staircase and see Veran helping a heavily wounded Onox down the stairs.
"Heh, when you sent word that Onox was wounded fighting the princess of light, I didn't expect it to be so, severe." Smirked Ghirahim as they made it to the bottom.
"Shove it, Ghirahim." Onox said as they made their way to the green pool.
"Now, now, don't get testy with me. You were the one that was confident that you could take both the hero and the princess at once." The demon said as he made his way over to them. The smirk never leaving his face.
"You know damn well I didn't even get to fight the hero! Instead, I had to deal with our little 'renegade'!" Snapped Onox at the sword spirit. He then looks over both of them. "Just when were either of you going to tell me that not only is he still loose, but he still has the gods damned Light Force!"
That causes the white haired demon to pause and look over to Veran for conformation.
The woman in purple shrugs as she helps the dragon into the pool. "He's right. I felt it's holy power when I appeared on the battlefield."
Ghirahim holds both his hands up in surrender. "I'll admit, that was a bit of an oversight on my part. I didn't think after what happened in the Hell Frost Forest that the Light Force would still rest within him. So you have my apologies for that." He said as Onox sinks up to his neck in the sickly green liquid. "However, we intentionally stopped looking for him after I sensed him heading for Castle Town. With any luck he's found himself in an advantageous position for us."
Veran brings a hand up to her lips to hide the cruel smirk she has. " You should have been there. It seems our little wayward sorcerer has gone and made himself friends with the princess of light. How wonderfully delicious. I for one, can't wait to see what comes of this little 'meet cute'. She has no idea the 'fox' she's let into the cucco house."
Ghirahim put a hand to his chin. A cruel smile of his own lights up his face as his mind races with the possibilities. "I don't think things could have worked out better for us." He then looks down to the dragon soaking in the green liquid. "Except that Vaati was able to use the Light Force to such an extent. He probably would have killed you if he had more control over it."
A growl rumbles from deep in his chest. "I swear on our lord, the next time I see him I'm going to rip out his spine and use it to clean my teeth!"
"Well, is-that the-thanks I get-for fixing Bellum's fuck-up." Said a male voice from the stairs.
Looking behind them the three see Vaati leaning against the stone steps, face pale and clutching his chest where there are five large gashes staining his purple tunic a darker shade.
"Well, don't you look horrible." Veran said walking over to him, a predatory gleam in her eyes and a hungry smirk on her face.
"Thanks, Varan. I didn't notice." Vaati deadpanned at her.
"Now, now, no need to be hostel." Coming to stand in front of him she runs her index finger lightly across the largest gash on his chest. "My, Onox got you good." She said bringing her finger up to her face. Veran then sticks her blood covered finger into her mouth, and after a moment pulls it out completely clear of any blood. "But your still as sweet as ever, my darling."
"Whatever." Vaati said moving around her and going to the pool.
"Give me one good reason on why I shouldn't incinerate you where you stand." Onox growled out raising from the pool completely healed, but his armor still in tatters.
Dropping to his knees at the edge of the pool Vaati pulls out something from his cloak. "Would this suffice." Held in his right hand is the glowing goron ruby.
"Oh yes, that will very much do." Said Ghirahim reaching over and taking the gemstone from the injured man.
"I still want to rip out his spine." Growled Onox as Vaati leaned forward and began scooping liquid into his hands and drinking it.
"Too bad. He's useful. And he managed to salvage this defeat. When lord Malladus brings back Bellum you can rub it in his face all you want, Vaati."
"Good." He said as he finished drinking and stood up, the wounds on his chest completely gone. "I almost got torched again getting that."
"Would have made my day." Onox said under his breath as he got out of the liquid. In a flash of orange light his broken armor is replaced and a brand new set was covering his body once again.
"You want to go again, dragon boy?! Bring it on! This time I'll beat you without the Light Force!" Vaati said summoning two orbs of orange energy.
"Fine by me!" Onox said summoning his axe in a flash of light.
"Oh, dear." Varan said completely unconcerned. "There they go again."
"It's of no concern to me what they want to do. Let those fools fight it out if they want to." Ghirahim said still looking over the ruby.
Suddenly the shadow falls heavier than it was last time, forcing Onox and Vaati to their knees, magic orbs vanishing in a flash of light, while Verran and Ghirahim double over from the pain. An unhearabul high pitched feeling streaks through all of their heads.
"Lord Malladus, forgive our foolishness!" Cried out Vaati, hands grasping at his head.
"We were out of line!" Exclaimed Onox, one hand clutching his head the other using his axe to keep himself up right.
The intensity of the feeling increases massively for a moment, then a second later the feeling is completely gone. But the shadow darkening the chamber remain.
Standing straight up Ghirahim clears his throat. "Lord Malladus is correct, now is not the time to be fighting amongst ourselves." He looks over the ones gathered before him. "With us failing to obtain the twilight princess and killing the princess of light and the hero, especially before he somehow got his hands on lord Eclipse's sword, now's the time for unity. Whatever objections you have with each other, you can settle them after we rule everything."
"Very well. But know this isn't over, Vaati." Growled out Onox as they all stood back to their feet.
"Oh, you can count on it!" Hissed Vaati in reply.
"What's got you boys so riled up this time?" Said a new voice behind the group.
Turning around the group of four see a shimmering image of a dark skinned woman dressed in desert clothes with a cloak draped over her shoulders. Her hair is styled in two twin tails, the right one blazing hot with red and orange fire, the left chilled frozen with blue ice, fell down her sides. A gold circlet sits upon her forehead, with a empty space in its middle. Eyes as golden as the sands look over her fellow generals with barely contained amusement.
Ghirahim stepped forward and addressed her. "You're late, Twinrova." He then looks her up and down and said with a frown forming on his face. "Lord Malladus ordered us back here in person. You better have a good excuse for not obeying." The shadow once more falls on the chamber, with its weight focused on Twinrova.
The gerudo woman puts a hand on her chest and bows at the waist. "My greatest apologies to lord Malladus, but I have heard about a promising rumor from the cobble king that may lead me to the Zora Sapphire. Disappearing would look suspicious. I need just a bit more time to find it."
"Oh, dear." Verran said with a hand on her cheek and a smile on her lips. You've been in that desert for a month now and you still haven't found them? Poor thing."
Twinrova shoots the blue skinned woman a dirty look, then says. "Forgive the delay, my lord. But this desert is so massive compared to my homeland that it is taking some time to locate the factory."
The shadow lingers for a moment, then vanishes, allowing Twinrova to let out a breath of relief. "I thank you for the mercy, my lord." She said as she stood up straight.
"So, why did our lord call us all back here? And where's Bellum?" Twinrova said looking at the others and noticing their one short.
"Dead." Said Onox gruffly while crossing his arms.
Twinrova's eyes widen in surprise. "How?" She asked.
"Killed by the hero wielding the Twilight Sword."
"What!? How does the hero have that?! I thought we burned all records related to that sword?!"
Before Onox could answer, Ghirahim cut in.
"There will be time for you to be caught up later. For now, you all will help me with this." He said holding up the goron ruby.
With the others agreement Ghirahim levitates the stone up to be level with the lock.
Stepping back the five of them all form a half circle in front of the giant skeleton. Ghirahim stands in the middle, with Verran and Onox on his left side, on his right stood Vaati and Twinrova. Raising their right arms an orange light ignites from them as the familiar skull mark shines from the chests of both Onox and Twinrova.
On Verran's forehead the mark glows brightly with light. While only the right half of the mark gleams from Vaati's forehead.
The skull mark on Ghirahim's right hand radiates with both light and power.
As one, five beams of orange light shoot from their hands and ingulf the red gem.
Grimacing Verran spoke up. "This is going to be harder to do without Bellum and with Vaati's 'condition'."
Frowning Vaati said. "I am perfectly able to handle this, my dear. We can ring his neck together for getting himself killed after he is brought back."
A hungry look shines in her eyes at the proposal. "I have been wanting sea food lately."
"Enough talking." Ghirahim commanded. "Focus on the ritual."
With that all five of them pour more power into the stone causing red lightning bolts and gusts of wind to shoot out as they force it to obey.
"This isn't working!" Onox yelled to be heard above the noise as the very realm began to shake, but the black chains remain still.
"Don't quit yet!" Shouted Twinrova as her image began to flicker. "I can feel it! We almost have it!
With one final faint flash of red light the gemstone is engulfed by the energy of the five. From the point of convergence a red and orange beam of light shoots out and into the top mark within the crescent lock.
"Yes! We did it!" Exclaimed Verran, before a burst of power exploded out and knocked the three of the four present off their feet.
As they lay there with the sound similar to grinding bone and metal echoing in their ears Onox spoke up. "That, hurt."
Verran sat up holding her head in her hand and said. "What did you expect? Without the other two stones that one is going to resist us. Not to mention doing this so far before the day of prophecy."
"So, we failed?" Questioned Vaati standing to his feet and helping Verran up as well.
"No." Said Ghirahim.
Looking back at the skeleton they see floating in the place of the goron ruby is a new gemstone. Hanging in the air, giving off a twisted and dark magic power, is a bright orange gem in the shape of a skull with two blood red horns sticking out of it.
Walking up to the gem as it slowly floats down to him the demon lord says. "My fellow generals, I present to you the new spiritual stone of darkness." With it in hand he turns to face the others. "The Zuna Spinel!"
Coming closer to look they all admire their handy work.
"It's magnificent." Said Twinrova, her image stabilizing.
"Thats one down and only two-" Began Onox before a loud crack comes from the gem making him pause.
Looking at the stone, they see it begin to shake as many web like cracks form on its surface. Suddenly the gem bursts in a flash of light causing everyone to cover their eyes. When they can see again, they look back at the gem and are surprised by what they saw.
Sat in Ghirahim's hand was not the zuna spinel, but a heavily cracked and no longer glowing goron ruby.
"What? How?" Questioned Verran.
With a growl of anger Ghirahim clenched the gem in his hand. "Curse that sage of light, Rauru!" The demon lord swore and began to pace around.
"What do you mean Ghirahim?" Asked Onox.
"He must have put some kind of counter measure on the stones that would destroy them if someone were trying to change them!" Spat out the demon lord.
"So does that mean our goal was worthless from the beginning?" Questioned Vaati with a worried look on his face.
Before the demon sword spirit could reply a new, dark and heavy voice spoke.
"Calm yourselves, my minions. All is not as bleak as you think."
Stopping at the sound of the voice the five of them look to the giant skeleton, and all let out a gasp at what they see.
In their focus on the spiritual stone the generals of darkness failed to notice one of the black chains from the collar become slack, and the fanged jaw of the giant hang open.
"My lord." Said Ghirahim as all five of them dropped to one knee. "Forgive us for failing to loosen your chains anymore then that."
"You have high opinions of your power, my minions, to believe that my bonds could be released so easily by ones such of your strength." The voice hissed out of the skeleton. "Do not forget these are not mere chains that bind me!"
"Of course, lord Malladus!" Said Verran. "We would never presume that our strength could hold a candle to you!"
"Enough. Your groveling grows tiresome. On your feet." Commanded the god of darkness.
Standing to their feet he says. "I harbored no illusions that I would be freed now. So, it's accurate to say you failed. " The goron ruby was covered in a orange aura then floated out of Ghirahim's hand and in front of the skeleton's face. "Still, you all did well enough with only having one stone."
"My lord?" Questioned Onox.
"You all were too impatient. Without at least one of the other stones, your attempt was always going to fail. Your fortunate that trying to remold it with just one didn't destroy it."
Looking at the stone with an analytical look on his face Vaati speaks. "So what do we do now, my lord?"
A black fog comes from the mouth of the skeleton and engulfs the gem. "The spiritual stone of fire will take some time before we can use it fully again. In the meantime, we will acquire the other two, and pry my brother's sword from the cold dead hands of the hero!" Hissed out the voice and the others felt an ice cold bloodlust go down their spines and lower the very temperature of the chamber. "However, that will be put aside for the moment. We have a certain matter to attend to right now."
"What matter is that my lord?" Ghirahim said.
"Bellum's revival and severe punishment for failing to capture the twilight princess!" The growl that came from the dark god shook the chamber and the five generals did not envy the fate that awaited the lifeforce devourer.
Gathering around the perimeter of the glowing green pool the five generals place their hands together as if in prayer. As the marks on their bodies shine once more the black trident glowed with an other worldly orange light. A heavy shadow falls on the chamber, dimming all the lights on the walls and shrouding the room in near complete darkness. The sickly green light from the pool casts the five generals in a eerie light as a fowl wind blows through the chamber.
"Hear me and obey, phantom Bellum! Your deity takes pity on you and grants you new life!" An orange beam of fire shoots out of the skull shaped pommel of the trident and strikes the green pool as the god of darkness speaks and the room starts to shake. "I command you, my dark general, to arise once more and tighten my grip on this universe!" The green pool begins bubble and churn as it takes on an orange tint from the flames.
The five general's wait with bated breath as the beam stops and the revival begins to take place.
After a few moments they are still waiting.
And waiting still.
And again.
A little longer still the shadows in the room lift and the pool returns to normal as it loses its orange tint, and a heavy silence falls on the chamber.
The silence was so foreboding and heavy that none of the generals wanted to break it.
Twinrova decided that she would fall on the proverbial sword.
"My lord. Did... Did we do something wrong?" She questioned to the dark god with a fearful look of apprehension on her face.
"...No." Replied the god, his voice heavy with confusion. "The ritual was perfect, the revival just outright failed."
"How can that happen, my lord?" Asked Ghirahim as they all went and stood in front of the skeleton again.
"It shouldn't." The god said with suspicion beginning to leak into his voice.
The five of them watch as an orange bolt of lightning shoots out of the horns of the tridents pommel and into the green pool.
After a moment the lightning stops, and the generals sense a dark mood within the skeleton of the god of darkness. What he says next shocks the five gathered.
"Bellum's soul is not anywhere within the afterlife of all three timelines." The god spoke with barely contained rage.
"How...how can that be, lord Malladus?" Said Verran as they all turned back to face the deity's remains. She then turns to Vaati and askes. "You're sure that the hero of twilight killed him, right Vaati?"
"Yes, I'm positive." The purple haired man said shaking his head. "I felt his lifeforce vanish myself."
Onox speaks up then as another bolt strikes the pool. "Could he have already been revived?"
"No." The god said with a dark tone of finality in his voice. "Only I am able to revive those who bare my mark! But that doesn't matter now, his very soul has been erased!"
"How can his soul be erased, my lord?" Questioned Ghirahim with a look of intrigue on his face.
"Because someone wanted him away from my grasp so I cannot revive him and hinder our conquest!" Growled the dark god. "It must have been those damn traitorous golden goddesses! I'll bet it was the doing of that worthless courage goddess!" The slack black chain glowed purple then grew taught once more, causing the god to growl again in anger.
"But my lord." Spoke Verran. "The golden trinity cannot directly interfere with the affairs of mortals yet. The divine laws say-"
"Do NOT parrot the divine laws to me, little fairy!" The rage fueled voice of the god causes them all to cover their ears. "I was there when they were spoken into being! We gods are not as limited as you mortals think. Even the divine laws do not hold absolute authority over us!"
"Of course, my lord. My apologies!" Verran said stepping back a little and ducking her head in fear.
"So, what do we do now, my lord?" Ghirahim said stepping forward.
"I will need time to consider if we need to recruit a new sixth general." The god said with some of the anger leaving his voice. "If the golden trinity is going to directly oppose us, we may need the full set of generals."
"If I may, my lord." Spoke up Onox, causing everyone to turn to him. "What if, it wasn't, the golden goddesses that erased Bellum's soul?"
"What are you suggesting, Onox?" Questioned Ghirahim as he put one of his hands on his hip and let the other one hang to his side.
"Well, let's go over what we know." Onox said counting off on his fingers. "The hero of time somehow knew when we went after the twilight sword the first time and stole it right out from under us. He somehow knew he had to/where to hide it and the three spiritual stones. His descendant, the hero of twilight, somehow found his way to the Mausoleum of The Night, right at the perfect time when we made our move. Even after we torched every record even vaguely mentioning it we could find. He was able to use it to a degree and preform such high level spells without any practice and killed Bellum with it. And now we find out that Bellum's very soul is completely erased, none of which really fit with the work of the golden trinity."
"Enough prattle, Onox." The dark god growled out. "My patience grows thin. You're point."
"Sorry, my lord." Onox said then turns to face both his lord and fellow generals. "What if we are looking at all this the wrong way? What if, it's lord Eclipse that is hel-"
"YOU DARE TO SUGGEST THAT MY OWN BROTHER WOULD WORK AGAINST ME!" The power of the god's roar knocked three of the present generals back into the wall of the chamber and almost made the desert woman's image vanish. An invisible force slams down onto Onox, forcing him to crash to his knees, then fall forward. Using his forearms to keep his face from being buried into the stone floor, he nearly buckles under the weight of the god of darkness's rage.
The god continues as the force of his power and rage begins to heavily crack the stonework of the ceiling and walls. "YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO THINK THAT ECLIPSE WOULD EVER AGAIN SIDE WITH THE GOLDEN GODDESSESS?! ESPECIALLY AFTER WHAT THAT WHORE OF A COURAGE GODDESS DID TO HIM?! I SHOULD SHRED YOUR SOUL FOR THE MEAR SUGGESTION! FLAY YOU FOR A MILLENIUM! DEVOUR YOUR VERY BEING AND MEMORY SO THAT YOUR FINAL MOMENTS ARE SPENT IN ABSOLUTE AGONY!"
The dragon knight cannot even muster the strength to plead for his life as the stones break apart and he is slowly forced into the ground. Suddenly he can feel the sensation of an ice cold hand clamp tightly around his neck.
"GIVE ME ONE EXCUSE ON WHY I SHOULDNT SHATTER YOU APART AND TOSS YOU BACK INTO THE BURNNING HELL FROM WENCE I PULLD YOU!"
"...Lord...lord Malladus please." Ghirahim's strained voice could barely be heard above the high winds and cracking stone as he lifts his head to speak. "Onox... overstepped but... we can't be down a general now. Not... when... the hero-"
"I WILL HEAR EXCUSES FROM ONOX ONLY, GHIRAHIM! TRY TO SWAY MY JUDGMENT AGAIN AND YOU WILL BE THE ONE I TURN MY WRATH UPON NEXT!" The god raged as the demon's head was forced back onto the wall and throughout all of this force of power the black chains don't even budge.
Using all the strength he has left the dragon knight manages to get out. "My...lord! ...I offer ...no... excuse! I am...in error! Of course... there is no... possible way in any universe that the lord... of twilight... Eclipse would ever work with those... traitorous goddesses. I must have fallen for their deceptions." He slowly began to sink deeper. "Please! I beg of you! Have mercy on one of your most loyal servants!"
As the moments tick by the other four thought this would be the end of the dragon, when suddenly the wind cut out and the three of them were released from the wall. Onox is still struggling underneath the invisible weight but thankfully no longer sinking when the god of darkness speaks.
"Very well. You may keep your life for now. However, as punishment I'm adding another millennium onto your contract. Do not test my mercy again." Finally, the weight vanishes from Onox.
Standing up on shaky legs Onox breaths out. "Of course, my lord. Thank you for your forgiveness."
"Enough. I grow tired and you all have tasks to accomplish." The god said stopping any further groveling. "We may have failed to end the champions of the goddesses, but we can still beat them to the last two stones. Verran, you will fallow the last lead we have on the key to the Isle of the Goddess."
Said woman bowed and said. "Of course, lord Malladus. I have already taken the initiative to open up the opportunity for me to learn its location."
"Good." The god then turns his attention to the dragon knight. "Onox, you will create obstacles for the goddess's chosen ones. Do what's necessary to kill the hero and princess of light, but bring the twilight princess here alive."
"Of course, your eminence." Onox said slamming his hand onto his chest.
"Vaati, you will go assist Twinrova in obtaining the zora sapphire."
"But my lord!" Spoke up the wind mage. "I must go to Hyrule. We finally know where my-"
"No Vaati!" Growled out the god and silencing the picori. "There will be time for that later. The stone is the first priority."
"Yes, my lord." Vaati says through clenched teeth.
"What about me, my lord?" Ghirahim said. "Shall I help Onox do away with our foes?"
"No." The god said and the black smoke disappears from around the red gem, revealing it with several of the smaller cracks gone. "You will stay here and assist me. It is time my weapon is released from its shackles. Now away with all of you. You have work to do."
"Yes, lord Malladus!" The rest of them say in unison, before Veeran and Vaati disappear in a flash of orange light and the image of Twinrova vanishes.
Still recovering from his ordeal Onox was slightly slowed in his departure. Right as he was about to leave, he is stopped by the voice of his god.
"One last thing, Onox." Malladus said as an orange light shot out of Ghirahim an into the goron ruby.
"Yes, my lord?" Questioned the dragon looking up into the skull face of the god.
"While you are attending to the task I gave you, you are to look for the Sol Scepter. Failure will not be tolerated."
Needing no more than that vague threat the dragon disappears in a flash of orange light. As a beam shoots out of the ruby and into the trident, the only thing that can be heard in the now silent chamber is the slow click of a lock.
A cool soft wind blows across the ground in front of east castle town gate. Small animals scurry through the grass looking to find food before the winter comes fully. Despite the horrors of the previous night, it is a peaceful moment in time. It is this peace that is disturbed when a black and cyan portal opens in the sky above the gate and dozens of black squares rain out of it forming two bodies.
Link takes a look at the surrounding area to make sure they are where they want to be. Confirming they are indeed standing in front of one of the gates to castle town he turns back to his princess with a huge smile on his face.
"See, I knew there was nothing to worry about!" He said as his smile somehow got bigger.
"...Yeah. I did it." Midna said with some astonishment in her voice as she looked at her non glowing hand.
"Of course you did!" He said as he gathered her up in his arms and spun the both of them around. Causing Midna to let out an involuntary laugh at his antics.
'Still as excitable as a puppy.' She thought with a lot of affection. "Ok! Ok! You can put me down now."
Link obliges and sets her back on her feet, however before he releases her the hero plants a big kiss onto her cheek.
'And still as shameless!' She could just feel her cheeks burn from his blatant PDA as he let go and stepped back.
Clearing her throat she said. "Well it looks like you were right. So, thank you, Link."
"You're welcome." Link said with all the sincerity he could muster. Then added as his nose twitched. "Anyone ever tell you you're really adorable when you blush?"
Midna slowly brought her right hand up to her face and rested her much hotter face in it, hiding her stupid smile and said. "Please, tell me that this isn't going to start being a thing?"
Link shrugged. "Probably not. I just felt like pointing it out right now."
After Midna regained her composure, she started walking to the wooden bridge to enter the city. "Come on." She threw over her shoulder. "We have a princess to see, and please keep the blatant flirting to a minimum, we have to be serious now."
"You say that, but I can still see your smile!" Link said as he hurried to catch up with the twilight princess.
Matching her pace he said. "Be happy I didn't go with Eclipse's suggestion. He wants me to serenade you with poetry."
"Really?" Midna asked raising an eyebrow as she looked at him.
"Yup." Link said nodding his head and flicking his nose with his thumb. "He's been reciting them since I picked you up, he's on number seven. And Fi's joined him too." He added the last bit with a slightly haunted look.
For the first time since she learned about Link's guests, Midna doesn't envy the predicament her boyfriend has found himself in and all she can say to that is. "I see."
Making it halfway across the bridge, Link stops in his tracks as something tickles his senses again. Looking around as Midna comes to a halt a few paces ahead the hero of twilight takes a big sniff of the air and notices something off about it.
"What's the matter, Link?" She said as she walked back over to him.
Taking a few more sniffs he asks her. "Midna, do you smell that?"
Sniffing around herself, the twilight princess gains a confused look on her face as she detects something faint on the wind. "What is that?" It's so faint that she would have missed it if not for Link. "It kind of has a coal and iron tone to it. But not quite. It kind of smells like..."
"...Black Powder." Link finishes for her as she trailed off. They both look at each other as they come to the conclusion of what that means.
Bombs were used recently, a huge number of bombs.
Sprinting down the rest of the length of the bridge the two come to a stop at the closed wooden gate.
Hammering his fist on the door Link only stops when a panel slides to the side revealing a knight's faceplate on the other side.
"Castle Town is currently closed to all merchants and visitors." The knight said sounding vary exhausted. "If need be, I can direct you to the nearest vill-"
"I am special commander, Link, the hero of twilight!" He said in a firm voice interrupting the knight. "I order you to open this gate and inform us on why Castle Town is closed and why is the smell of Black Powder hanging in the air!"
"O-of course sir! Right away!" The knight said suddenly sounding wide awake. He quickly vanishes from the view hole and the two can hear his voice shouting from the other side to get the gate open.
"'Special commander', huh?" Midna asked with a smirk on her face as she nudged him in the side with her elbow.
Link shrugged as the gate opened. "Princess Zelda gave me a position. Said I 'Needed to be recognized for my achievements. And have proper authority in case of impending doom.'"
"I think the current situation counts." Chimed in the dark god and together they walk into castle town.
Stepping into the town the pair get a look around as the gate closes and locks behind them once again.
Dozens of knights and towns people walk through the streets carrying all sorts of items. The city itself looks to be undamaged, but the hero and princess can sense a heavy feeling of melancholy coming from the people.
"What happened here?" Midna asked the same knight from before as they turn to face him.
He looked at her for a long moment in what Link guessed was shock. Right before he was about to repeat her question the knight spoke up.
"To be honest, I'm still unsure. Last night we were suddenly attacked by this huge army of undead monsters. Princess Zelda led a charged to fight them and we somehow managed to drive those things back, but not without suffering heavy losses."
"Is the princess ok?" Link asked him.
"Yes." The knight said nodding his head. "From what I heard she only sustained minor injuries. General Impa on the other hand, wasn't so lucky."
Before Link could ask what he meant by that, a new voice interrupted them.
"Sir Link Kokiri?" Said a male voice behind him and Midna.
Turning around Link comes face to face with...
"What do you want!?" Link spat out looking into the green eyes of Florence as he moved in front of Midna with his hand going to the master sword.
"Wait, wait! I'm not who you think I am!" Florence? said as he held both hands up in surrender. Bringing his right arm balled into a fist he places it against his heart and bows at the waist. "Now maybe is not the best time, but I would like to deeply apologize for the actions of my twin!"
"Your 'twin?'" Link said not sounding convinced and keeping a grip on the blade of evils bane. Midna put her hand on his shoulder, her fingers dancing with magical energy, ready to back him up if needed.
Still bowing, Florence? said. "Yes. Florences behavior is a stain upon our family. I am the second youngest son of lord Goerge, William Crowwing."
Taking a closer look at the man Link notices that there are some differences between this 'William' and 'Florence'. While they have the same build, height and faces, William's hair is cut shorter, ending just at his chin, he has a scar that begins at the center of his nose and goes diagonally across his cheek. Glancing at his body the hero sees he's dressed in a full suit of armor like one of the knights. The only difference with his is that the gray piece of cloth that covers the chest is replaced with a black one and instead of the red insignia of the royal family, a blue one takes its place. Signifying that he is a member of the royal guard. A sword and shield are strapped to his back.
"Ok, William." Link said letting go of his sword and Midna dropping her hand along with the magic she gathered in it. "Apology accepted. Is that all you needed?"
"No, sir." The amount of respect in his voice caught Link a little off guard as he stopped bowing and looked him in the eye. "Princess Zelda informed all members of the royal guard to escort you and any companions you have with you to the castle as soon as we learn of your return. I assume this lovely young lady is with you?" He said the last part looking at Midna.
"Yes, she is." Link said as he stepped to the side and Midna stepped forward.
"Midna Umbral, princess of the Twili." She said as she extended her left hand.
"'Princess of the Twili?'" William said back with a slightly confused look on his face.
"Is that a problem?" While Link's voice was the same calm and even, the underlining threat was there for all who could hear their conversation.
"No, of course not." William said taking the extended hand. "It is an honor, your highness." He then lightly presses his lips to the back of her hand.
Straighten up he spoke. "Now then, if you two would be so kind as to follow me, princess Zelda is eagerly awaiting your arrival."
The three start to weave through the crowd and make their way through to the castle. Luckly with it being so busy the presence of the hero and twilight princess went largely unnoticed by the people of castle town.
Passing under the arch to the castle ten minutes later, they make their way to the main gates. Approaching, William waves off the two guards in front of the large wooden door to let the three of them pass.
Walking into the courtyard of hyrule castle, William comes to a stop causing the other two to halt as well.
Turning to them he bowed and said. "This is as far as I can take you. I must get back to my men. Princess Zelda is right inside the castles main entrance hall."
"Thank you, William." Midna said as she gave a slight bow in return with Link nodding in agreement.
Without further word the noble stood straight and walked briskly back out the gate.
"He seemed, nice?" Midna said to Link.
Narrowing his eyes at where the man disappeared out the door the hero said. "I don't know if I believe him."
Midna gave a shrug. "Considering what you told me about his brother, I don't blame you."
"I detect that 87% of what sir William said was the truth, Master." Fi chimed in.
Link only gives a hum, not sure what to make of what Fi said.
Walking to the door of the castle Link opens it and for what felt like years, the twilight princess and the hero of twilight step into hyrule castle.
Coming into the entrance hall the two take a look around. The hall itself looks much the same from when they first entered the castle to save Zelda, the only change is that stacks of crates, and racks of weapons now fill the hall. Walking passed a stack they see the hylian princess they are looking for with her back to them, talking to a group of five others. One of them he knows, being Impa with her right arm wrapped heavily and in a sling. Three others are some random older gentlemen he's seen around the castle sometimes.
And the last one being the most out of place. Stood next to Zelda is a young man with light gray skin and purple hair. Dressed in orange pants and a dark brown shirt. If he looks closely, he can see the beginnings of bandages near his neck. Some familiar feeling rings out from the deepest part of his mind, like he recognizes this man, but he just can't place it.
Walking a little closer the two can hear Zelda talking about resupplying the knights with fresh bombs and ramping up their recruiting. Stopping about twenty feet away Link is about to get her attention, before Midna beat him to it.
"Well Zelda, you certainly know how to have all the fun. I'm sorry we missed the excitement!" She said a little louder than necessary.
Spinning around at the sound of her voice, the princess of hyrule's startled expression turns to wide eye shock when she gets a look at who called out to her.
After standing there for a moment not doing anything, the princess of hyrule drops the clipboard that was in her hand and makes a mad dash the twenty feet to them.
Not expecting that reaction from the normally composed princess the couple was caught off guard long enough for Zelda to reach them and throw her arms around both of their necks, pulling them in close for a hug.
"Oh, thank the goddesses you two have returned!" Zelda exclaimed like a heavy burden was just lifted off her shoulders.
"What am I, fried cucco?" Remarked the dark god, but the hero noted that there wasn't any real bite in his statement.
"Looks like you missed us." Midna said as both she and Link gave Zelda some pats on her back.
"You have no idea." Zelda said before she released them and stood back. Quickly marking off a few things from the clipboard one of the older guy's hands back to her as the rest of them catch up, Zelda dismisses the three of them to go fulfill the items on it.
Turning back to them she says. "You remember that knight from your dream, Link? Well, he attacked us last night with about a thousand undead. We got into a fight with him and most of our powers did little to nothing. He's also a dragon, so that was fun to find out. Darbus and Impa got badly injured during the confrontation. If it wasn't for my new friend here, I don't know if we would have defeated him." She said as she gestured to the purple haired man.
Grabbing his arm the princess pulls him forward. "Link, Midna, this is my new friend, Vaati. Vaati these are very goo-" A flash of silver cuts the princess off.
Then a loud cling is heard in the room as the master sword slams into the spinning blue barrier of Nayru's love.
A stunned silence falls in the room as Zelda holds back the blade of evil's bane from finishing its arc and removing Vaati's head.
A confused white hot fury fills the princess as she demands. "Link! What in the seven hells are you doing!?"
"Back away from that man, Zelda." Link said in a cold voice.
"I will not! Explain yourself!" Zelda said not backing down even though she can feel an incredible pressure on the barrier.
"Do as he says, Zelda." Midna said from Link's left, hands raised with a orb of black and cyan energy charging.
Impa stands to the side with a dagger in her good hand, ready to stab the hero, twilight princess or purple haired man at a moment's notice.
"What's gotten into you two!? Since when do you attack an innocent man!?" Zelda said in a mix of confusion and anger.
"He's the farthest thing from 'innocent', Zelda!" Link said letting some anger into his voice. "Last knight we were attacked by a monster calling himself the sorcerer Vaati. He nearly got us with a lightning spell then took the Goron Ruby, said he was working with Malladus!"
"What? No, that can't be?" Zelda said in shock looking back at the terrified eyes of her. 'Friend?'
"It is." Link said in a dark voice.
"Vaati, is one of the Generals of Darkness!"
I HAVE RETURNED BITCHES!
In all seriousness, sorry for not updating for so long.
Life got hectic then I got hit with a bad case of writers block in this chapter. I knew "what" I wanted to do but didn't know "how" to do it, but I'm happy with how this chapter turned out and hopefully it being so long makes up for not updating.
I should have the next chapter out soon and not in nearly a year.
Thats all for now!
Leave a review and let me know how you are liking the story! I'm always open to constructive criticism.
Join us next time for.
Chapter 12: Friend, or Foe?