The Legend of Zelda: Union of Evil Powers

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 21: The Resurrection[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After walking through the dark opening, the group found themselves being taken to a different place altogether. The area looked like a big slope with fences on the side, but had here and there openings as if the path was broken. Further up ahead was a set of giant doors that looked closed. The walls around them had stars around them, as if they were taken into a completely different realm![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Where are we?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I don’t know, but it looks like we have no other choice but to move forward; we can’t go back.” Reimu said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I never knew Termina had such technology hidden here. Then again, they are apparently more advanced than Hyrule…” Rauru said as the group moved forward, only for them to slide on the icy path.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hang on, this is going to be a tough ride!” Darunia said as the group slid onwards over the path towards the giant doors which began to open…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]At the same time, Reimu’s guards were locked in fierce combat with the attacking Gerudo, with neither side gaining the advantage so far as both sides suffered injuries, but so far no losses… It went brutal however as neither side gave each other quarter, trying to find an opening within the respective opponents, as if it was a total civil war among the Gerudo, with one side trying to get their fellows to snap out of it, while the other side wanting to end the traitors to Ganondorf and Majora’s rule. With both sides knowing of each other’s skills and capabilities, it appeared this battle was going to last for some time until either side would be too tired to continue…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Sliding over the paths carefully, with Reimu supporting her sister Leia so the glaive that impaled her wouldn’t get stuck or cause other problems, the remaining Sages slid their way over the path, eventually sliding through an ice tunnel and arriving at a safe platform where they could stand on. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is that up ahead?” Darunia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It looks like a celestial home or something… I can’t tell; the waterfall is blocking the view up ahead.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Who is it, that dares disturb the tranquility of this place?” A voice then addressed the group.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group looked ahead, they saw that a creature had appeared, which appeared to be floating. Another thing was that it had three distinctive glowing eyes and pure white armor and robes laced with black and gold. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Excuse me, sir. My name is Impa and these are my friends and companions Rauru, Darunia, Reimu, Leia and the fairies Navi, Tatl and Tael.” Impa said, trying to reason.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Those names mean nothing to me. What do you want?!” The creature asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Pardon us for the intrusion, but we’re here to see to see the Fairy Queen Venus in order to request the resurrection of our friends. They are the only hope to aid us to save this world from impending doom from the Evil King Ganondorf and his accomplice known as Majora.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How am I to know that you’re not simply thieves or otherwise try to harm the Honorable Queen? Only your strength and bravery can convince me. Prepare to fight!” It said, getting ready.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Grabbing the bows belonging to Link and Zelda, Impa gave the Link’s Bow to Reimu while she kept Zelda’s for now, before proceeding to hop on the floating platforms in order to get close to the guardian, whom attacked them by firing sword sparks at them, which they avoided with the best of their abilities. Rauru was supporting Leia, who looked worse for wear, but still carried the glaive which impaled her on the shoulder; removing it now would only make it worse as it currently somehow kept her from bleeding out.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf was getting a bit agitated. He had heard something about a group of Garo being missing from the Spirit Temple, but the inquiry to the Garo leaders was no success; they confirmed that the group had indeed arrived at the Spirit Temple itself without incidents and found it also weird that this group of five went missing as if they weren’t there. With the Garo Leaders being innocent as these Garo didn’t report back to them either, Ganondorf was pacing a bit as he stood on the platform where, in the Future That Almost Was, Link fought and defeated Twinrova, being the sorceress sisters Koume and Kotake, whom in this time period had settled in Termina in peace. There was definitely something that didn’t add up to this, but he couldn’t put his finger on what was eating at him right now. It was then that another Garo appeared before him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Master.” It said, greeting him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Report.” Ganondorf said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ve had enemy movement headed for the Lost Island. The two dark individuals you sent are in hot pursuit with their own escort force as per your orders.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What?! They are headed all the way there?”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, master. They’ve been taken there by boat.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, this is most inconvenient. But how have they known about our troops stationed there?” Ganondorf asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I doubt they know anything about the troops, master; they seem to have a different motive for heading there.” The Garo said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How are you so sure?” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I overheard the two dark people talking to each other about this while spying on them as they went underway through the forest.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This made Ganondorf think.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Keep a close watch on the area pronto; I want to know their every movements on the double! You are dismissed.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, Master.” The Garo said, before vanishing.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora was in the meantime overseeing the progress of the construction of the largest outpost, being inside a sanctuary which consisted mostly out of stone, rock and lava. Using its mask, it went to work on making an area underground, to make it real hot for the group. Oh, how he would love to see the so-called ‘Hero of Time’ and the sages writhe in torment and agony as the lava melts the flesh off their bones or burns them to cinders, as long as their rule remains unopposed, he would be happy. Perhaps it would help him to achieve his own goals after all, now that he had his mask back and could practically do as he pleased. He cackled at the mere thought of ruling the world and do whatever he pleased with the population once it was certain that their rule would remain unopposed.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa and Reimu both swiftly hopped over the floating platforms, pelting the creature with arrows, although most didn’t do actual damage, merely forcing him back, while at the same time avoiding his icicles and sword sparks he threw at the group. Even the Fire Arrows proved not effective, although they did manage to force it back. It was then that Impa caught the sight of a stalactite hanging over the ceiling at the building at the far side of the area they were in. Taking a shot, Impa fired a Fire Arrow at the stalactite, scoring a direct hit which broke the stalactite from its place and striking the creature on its head, which proceeded to give a roar of pain as apparently it did significant damage to it, causing the creature to collapse. Impa and Reimu were ready as the creature got up… only to see it holding a hand up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, sheathe your weapons, it is my loss.” The creature said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Wary, but deciding to hear him out anyway, Reimu and Impa went to rejoin Rauru, Darunia and Leia on the area with a small body of water at the bottom ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, who are you?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I am the Guardian to her Highness Queen Venus. I’ve been assigned to protect her while she resides in here. Only those worthy enough can come to see her. With your ability to defeat me and your apparent pure intentions have convinced me that you may be worthy of seeing her.” The creature said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I shall lead you to her.” The guardian then said, leading the group on as bridges appeared to safely guide the group to the chamber where Venus, the Queen of the Fairies, resided.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon arriving in the chamber, they approached a magnificent pool of the purest water they had seen in their lives. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“My Queen, these brave warriors have defeated me in combat and request an audience with you.” The Guardian said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Seconds later, something happened at the pool. Light began to shimmer from it and small light particles floated up to form the shape of a female humanoid, which then began to gain more form as the body appeared. What appeared in front of the group was a tall, extraordinarily beautiful woman wearing a green dress and bearing majestic, green-white colored, angelic wings on her back. This was the Fairy Queen, Venus. Upon seeing her appear, Impa, Darunia, Rauru, Reimu, Navi, Tatl and Tael bowed right away. Leia bowed as well, although her movements were more painful due to the glaive in her right shoulder.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Rise, brave warriors.” Venus said in a soft, angelic tone.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group rose up, with Reimu helping Leia upright.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You have journeyed from afar and faced many hardships to come and see me. What is it that I can do for you?” Venus asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Your Highness, we have come here with a humble request, which is to have five of our friends, whom have fallen by the hands of beings of pure evil, restored back to life.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh? And who is the one requesting this?” Venus asked, frowning.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I am Rauru, the Sage of Light. I hail from the Kingdom of Hyrule.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see. And who are your comrades?”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I am Darunia, Leader of the Goron Tribe in Death Mountain, Hyrule as well as being the Sage of Fire.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I am Impa, last of the Sheikah and the Sage of Shadow.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I am Reimu. I’m in command of a small group of Gerudo Guards from the Gerudo Desert in Hyrule. Next to me is my younger sister Leia.” Reimu said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Venus nodded in response to the greetings.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And who are the ones you wish to have restored to life?” She then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Rauru then got out the crystal he had in his pocket and restored it to its normal size, being a block of ice. Darunia then proceeded to use his own Sage powers to melt the ice, revealing the bodies of Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru, each of them still in excellent state due to the ice having conserved them well. Both Reimu and Leia teared up at seeing their leader like that, while Venus herself blinked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Such young people… what has happened?” She asked, in a tone that she showed interest and that she didn’t accept any lies.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Rauru, Darunia and Impa each explained in turns the events that have occurred up to this point, with Impa showing the proof of releasing the spirits of the five from her shadow, each of them floating towards their own bodies after bowing to the Fairy Queen politely. Venus listened with great interest and, using her own powers, concluded that the three Sages were speaking the truth, especially considering their emotional state. After the three Sages were done with explaining their story to Venus, the Fairy Queen crossed her arms and closed her eyes for a moment, as if either thinking or meditating. It appeared she was gathering the evidence she heard and what she concluded by the sight of the body language of the three. Eventually she uncrossed her arms and opened her eyes, the expression on her face turning into a sweet smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I understand the severity of the crisis that both Hyrule and Termina are in,” Venus began as she spread her arms, floating up a little until she was close to the five bodies, “therefore I shall grant you your request.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the spirits of Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru floated right above their respective bodies, Venus began to cite an incantation in a language that only people of ancient times could possibly understand as she closed her eyes, focusing her powers and encasing the five bodies and their spirits above them in a warm, gentle glow. Eventually, Venus opened her eyes as she spread her hands over the five bodies, the glow intensifying as the spirits began to sink into their own bodies, before they were out of sight.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great Warriors of Hyrule, your journey to reach your goals shall continue, as with this gift I give, your life force shall be restored to you. May you once more have the power to proceed your quest and liberate the world of the evil that has infested it.” She said, finalizing her incantations as the glow intensified for a moment, blinding Impa, Darunia, Reimu, Leia, Navi, Tatl, Tael and Rauru for the span of several seconds. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The glow vanished after about 10 seconds, after which the three Sages could look again. Venus, the Fairy Queen, floated backwards a bit, allowing the three Sages to look for themselves as the five bodies, once deceased, now began to stir and move… before their eyes opened as well. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Uuuhhnnn… what happened?” Link asked as he woke up, before blinking as he sat upright.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?! My heart… I can feel it beating again in my chest… and my legs, I can feel my legs again!” He said of excitement as he got up, showing no sign of any injury on his body, as he was completely resurrected.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]A couple of seconds later, Zelda, Saria, Ruto and Nabooru all sat up as well, each of them fully resurrected and their bodies healed of any injuries they may have suffered before their death. Impa was elated and held Princess Zelda in her arms soon enough, crying of happiness this time. Darunia held both Link and Saria in a gentle hug, which was for Goron standards incredibly soft and timid. Rauru smiled upon seeing Nabooru and Ruto again. Once those hugs were done, Link promptly hugged both Saria and Zelda simultaneously, causing both girls to blush a little, after which Link also gave a hug to Ruto and Nabooru, although they were more in control of themselves. At the same time, Venus then turned to Leia.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Come here, Gerudo warrior.” She said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Leia obeyed, walking towards Venus while she smiled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You have fought with honor, Gerudo. May you be able to perform your duties without hinder once more.” She said, before touching the glaive that had impaled her… which promptly vanished into nothingness, after which the injury in Leia’s right shoulder began to heal up while the Gerudo didn’t feel any pain… as if she was being soothed during her recovery, much to Reimu’s relief.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru were handed their equipment and weapons that could be salvaged from the ill-fated attack, with Link obtaining both his Master Sword and Gilded Sword.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Young hero, please come here…” Venus then said to Link.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, Your Highness?” Link asked as he approached the Fairy Queen.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“May I have your blades, please?” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link nodded and handed the Master Sword and the Gilded Sword to her. Venus then used her telekinesis to hold a mental grip on the swords.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The forces of evil have become more stronger than before, their actions more cruel and terrifying than the world has ever seen before. Therefore it is only in the right for Justice to strike twice as hard than before. Evil must be opposed, may this be the instrument to aid you in this.” Venus said, before using her magic to fuse the Master Sword and the Gilded Sword together into a single blade: The Gilded Master Sword. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Venus then handed the Gilded Master Sword to Link, whom accepted it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Gosh, thank you, Your Highness.” Link said, bowing again after sheathing his new blade. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, that’s amazing!” Princess Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I must warn you all; the forces of evil are growing more numerous by the day. You must travel through unknown lands to find the items required to finally be able to enter their final lair. The fate of the world lies upon your shoulders, may your mission be successful in the end.” Venus said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We hope so too. We thank you for granting us our request.” Rauru said as he and the others bowed to her again out of respect.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Venus smiled at this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You are polite, kind and courageous. You have my blessings to undertake this grotesque adventure that lies before you. My guardian shall guide you outside, so you can continue on your quest. I bid you farewell, until we meet again.” Venus said, before she vanished.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I shall lead you to a portal that leads to the entrance of the sanctuary, back in Termina.” The Guardian said, moving on his way, with the others following.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Glad to be back among the living?” Impa then asked the five resurrected people.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You bet.” Link, Zelda and Saria said in unison, while Ruto and Nabooru nodded in agreement.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It honors me to be in the presence of you, Lady Nabooru. I humbly apologize for my actions from earlier; the brainwashing spell inflicted onto me made me do this.” Reimu said to Nabooru.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s alright, Reimu, you’re forgiven. I know what it’s like to be brainwashed and having things done against your will.” Nabooru said to her fellow Gerudo, just as they arrived at the portal.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Just step through here and you’ll be taken outside.” The Guardian said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link, the Sages, Navi, Tatl, Tael, Leia and Reimu did so, before they were taken outside in front of the large door they had opened, seeing that the Gerudo Guards were still fighting against their hostile kin.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ve just been resurrected and already we get embroiled in a fight.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“At least we now can assist our allies, let’s go!” Link said, drawing his newly created Gilded Master Sword.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This assistance proved to be a godsend to the Gerudo Guards as their opponents began to get the upper hand on them. Using their new allies as help, the tables were turned and the brainwashed Gerudo found themselves in a tight pitch now as they fought with all they had. It was partially because of the reluctance to harm their own kin or to try and find an opening to break the curse themselves that the Gerudo Guards eventually began to sport more injuries as a result, but the fighting simply continued. The Deku Nuts that Impa unleashed proved very effective at stunning the Gerudo, which in turn allowed the others to get a strike in on the gems that held control over them. Some of them were already breaking which in turn freed the Gerudos in question from their captivity and mind controlled state. It took the group several minutes, but eventually the brainwashed Gerudo were liberated of the spell that controlled them and those who willingly joined Ganondorf’s side were captured and put inside a cell together.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, where are you going now?” Leia then asked Impa.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We have information as to where some of the outposts of Ganondorf and Majora’s troops are, so we’ll head over to them to mess up their plans and give them a big surprise.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright then.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What about you?”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“My sister Reimu and I have some unfinished business here ourselves, like persuading our comrades that their vision in following that brute is wrong. We won’t be able to come with you now, but we will try to support you in any way possible whenever we can.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright. Take care of yourself.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks. Please be careful underway.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t worry, we will.” Impa said, before she joined the other sages to go back to the beach where the fisherman would be waiting for them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you for what you have done for us.” Reimu then said to them as Link and the Sages turned to smile at them, before leaving.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Reimu and Leia as well as the Gerudo Guards and their liberated kin waved them off as they left, a genuine smile on their faces.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Climbing back in the cavern and walking back over the present bridges before exiting to arrive at the beach, Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru took a moment to take a few deep breaths before moving on.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Something wrong?” Rauru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No, we just need to get used to having our lungs work again. We have been dead for a few days after all, you know.” Link replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Point taken.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So what exactly has been happening during that time?” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, Ganondorf and Majora both relished in their apparent victory of course; while we were busy trying to get ourselves back together and/or trying to find a way to resurrect you, they have been working to spread their influence over Hyrule, of which the Spirit Temple was their primary target due to its rather isolated location. This in turn fits with with the surprise attack on the Gerudo Fortress by the combined forces of renegade Gerudo Pirates whom willingly joined the forces of Evil and the Gerudo warriors who were captured and brainwashed over the time between the invasion of Hyrule up until now.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Aveil did say something about such an attack…” Nabooru said, remembering the conversation they had with her own second-in-command.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I also learned that the tower where the ill-fated confrontation was indeed a trap, being left abandoned on purpose to make us think it would be over with quickly, but we greatly underestimated their current power as it is. I confirmed this while I was on my way to the Great Fairy’s Fountain near the ruins of Hyrule Castle, while underway retrieving your equipment.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see. So it was a trap all along.” Link said, clenching his hands into fists, before noticing that Zelda did the exact same thing. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This made it clear that Zelda hated Ganondorf just as much as he did.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We also came across a few fairies along the way.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Really?” Link asked, only to have a fairy flying against his cheek.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Link! I missed you so much!” The fairy said, as she finally realized that he was back in his normal body.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well I’ll be! Navi the fairy, I haven’t seen you since I’ve put the Master Sword back in its pedestal after defeating Ganondorf in the Future That Almost Was.” Link said, being happy to see her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, Link… I am so sorry that I left without saying good-bye and put you through all that trouble in Termina… and I’m also sorry for bothering you so much during our adventure…” Navi then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s alright, Navi. I knew you were genuinely wanted to help me during our adventure with your tips, so you’re forgiven.” Link said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Navi smiled at this, before flying with Link. Tael smiled at this, while Tatl hung around Saria for a moment before joining her brother once more.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I have one question, how were you able to keep our bodies fresh?” Ruto then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We came across a small ice cave which apparently Rauru knew about. We had your bodies sealed in an ice wall to conserve it properly for resurrection.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ah, I see. That explains why I feel like I’m warming up.” She said, causing the others to chuckle.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, where do we go from here?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Once we’re back at the Great Bay area, we’ll head for the forest again; apparently Ganondorf and Majora have let their forces set up camp there to springboard an invasion of both Hyrule and Termina.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“In the forest?! Good grief, that would allow them to attack the Kokiri Forest too, even though the Deku Tree Sprout is growing there to protect them…” Saria said, while Link was also getting nervous. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Even though he knew due to this being revealed to him in the Future That Almost Was that he was a Hylian and not a Kokiri, Link still considered the Kokiri Forest his home where he was born and raised.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Which is why we intend to trash that outpost so we all can have a bit of revenge in. Besides, with your newly powered blade, things should be easier for now, Brother.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link smiled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right, we’ll show them a thing or two.” He said as the group walked up on the pier where the fisherman was waiting for them, but he looked in a hurry.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s the matter, sir?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There’s no time; there’s a group of Gerudo on my tail who apparently think I brought you here for stealing their treasures or something! I’ll bring you to the coast as fast as I can, hurry!” He said in a panicking voice.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Without hesitation, Link and the Sages all hopped in the boat, before the fisherman went to control the boat. Then with a loud roar and a whoosh of spray on the pier, the boat began to turn around before the fisherman steered it at full speed back to the Great Bay Coast. No sooner had they left the pier, or several boats and a few of the airships that Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru had seen before appeared behind them from another corner, going in pursuit.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We have trouble coming up behind us!” Nabooru said, clocking the pursuers.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Time to get back into action!” Link said as Impa handed him and Zelda their bows and arrows.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“THERE THEY ARE! STOP THEM!” A Gerudo on one of the pursuing boats said, the guards with them instantly arming their glaives, ready to board the boat with the group on it to capture them. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group could see a total of six boats and three of those airships being in hot pursuit of them, with the Gerudo moving closer on the boats. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh man, we just got back to life and already people want us dead again!” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s not going to happen anytime soon as far as I’m concerned.” Link said, his bow and arrows ready.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What are you going to do?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll try to see if I can at least disable their engines so they won’t be a bother to us as they would need to make repairs.” Link said, taking a Fire Arrow and firing it straight at one of the boats in pursuit, scoring a direct hit on its engine, causing it to overheat and shut down, making it slow down and forcing the Gerudo who were on the boat to drop their weapons and try to make repairs.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, those boats aren’t exactly fireproof.” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, most of them are still made of wood, taking the fail safes aside. Just keep them off our back until we’ve reached the Great Bay Coast!” the fisherman said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Got it.” Link and Zelda said, using their arrows to strike the engines of the boats instead of aiming directly at the Gerudo, apparently not wanting to harm them. Saria and Princess Ruto used their Slingshot and Boomerang respectively to stun the Gerudo who were poised to strike back with their glaives or spears, before Saria clocked one wielding a bow and arrow herself. She fired a Deku Seed at her, which intercepted an arrow fired at the group, before she fired another one that hit the Gerudo in the head, making her lose the bow in the water and which subsequently got crushed in the engine after floating into it, disabling the boat in turn as well. Darunia on his turn used his rock-hard back as a shield to protect the children from being pelted by arrows from the airship-like vessels, which had also Gerudo with bows on them, after which Link and Zelda used normal arrows of their own to cause leaks in the balloons from the airships, making them move to the water and reverting the airships into boats in turn. Eventually the group managed to lose their pursuers, leaving them unharmed or slightly injured stranded on the water for a while, as the Gerudo would have to either use their glaives as oars if they didn’t have any ones with them on their boats to make them reach either the lost island or their fortress in Great Bay, much to the Gerudos’ dismay. This in turn caused the group to sigh of relief once they were certain they were safe and could proceed towards the Great Bay Coast without any further problems.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 22: Spiritual Memories[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After about 15 minutes or so, the group finally arrived back at the Great Bay Coast in the direction of where the Marine Research Lab, the Fisherman’s Hut and the Oceanside Spider House were, passing by Pinnacle Rock along the way. Once at the coast, the group disembarked from the boat and thanked the fisherman for his service, with the fisherman being given 200 Rupees as a reward, which made him smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks, it at least allows me to get some business done soon.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s alright. We wish you good luck.” Impa said as the group left.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, while we’re here anyway, can you come with me, Ruto?” Link then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sure, what is it?” Ruto asked as Link led her to the grave of Mikau.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Since I told you about my Zora form during my time here, I figured you may be interested in reading the lyrics of the songs on his grave, which are actually instructions of how his fighting techniques work. Perhaps you can learn them. Afterwards we can make a quick trip to Snowhead to give Darunia the techniques that I learned from Darmani.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, that’s really cool!” Ruto said, moving on to the grave to ready and study the lyrics.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Snowhead, huh? You told me that a tribe of Gorons live there…” Darunia said to Link.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That is correct. Their fiercest warrior, a Goron named Darmani, reminded me of you when I saw his spirit. It was surprising to him that I wasn’t scared of him, which is when I told him about you, which impressed him.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Really? I'm... touched.” Darunia said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“His grave is found in a shrine which is hidden in a cave at the base of the path to Snowhead. It turned out to also be a place where Hot Spring Water is found.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Then I wish to see that grave. It is only suitable for me to pay respect to a fallen comrade.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Consider your request granted, Brother. I did the same with Ruto when I told her what happened to Mikau, a fellow Zora who was part of a Zora tribe who live at the Great Bay.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you, Link. This does mean a lot to me.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Link, what do you want to do after we have visited the grave of Darmani?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I am certain that none of us can face our arch nemeses  right now since it would be too risky and could make things worse, so I suggest we go forth and first become better ourselves so we are properly ready to combat them…” Link said, watching Ruto study the lyrics closely, while Zelda nodded in agreement.. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Just then, Mikau's spirit appeared above the grave.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ah, young Zora Princess; you have returned to these lands.” Spirit Mikau said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Although initially startled, Princess Ruto regained her composure and smiled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, Mikau. I assume you are aware of the situation at hand, like what is happening now and what has happened to me…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, I am, as I have been watching from the Heavenly realms after this young man healed my soul,” Mikau said, pointing to Link in that regard, before turning back to the princess, “I will therefore bestow you with the Zora Fighting techniques. Use them well and you will be able to avenge your people in Hyrule and get back at those responsible for your unfortunate demise. May the spirit of the Zora hero flourish within you.” He said, before holding his arms in the air, using his magic to encase Ruto in a gentle blue glow, transferring the knowledge of this most useful and most used techniques to her. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This process lasted for a few seconds, before it vanished, making Mikau smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It has been done. For one, your swimming skills have been upgraded, allowing you to swim much faster than before. You can also walk on the bottom of any water body as if you were on land.” Spirit Mikau said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” Princess Ruto said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The lyrics in my gravestone will instruct you how to use your attacks, but I can also give you a rundown quick: First, you can use magic power to generate an electric shield around yourself to stun or defeat enemies instantly. Be sure to use it wisely, but you can use it on both land as well as water. To use it on land however, you must first extend the fin on your forearm as an actual shield first to deflect attacks.”  [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Okay.” Ruto said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Second, you can also use your hands and feet to strike at enemies; when attacking, you can lunge your right arm forward, then swing, attempting to hit something with the left fin and end with you kicking up in the air, in a three-move combo! I also enhanced your Double Cutter technique to a point where you can use it in conjunction with your normal Boomerang, so you can in a way attack with THREE boomerangs at once.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, so I can attack with my fins AND my boomerang?! That is awesome, thank you so much!” Princess Ruto said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No problem, dear princess. Now go and make your enemies tremble with the might of a Zora Hero.” Mikau said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t worry, I will.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Mikau’s spirit nodded, before vanishing, leaving the grave as it has been. Ruto smiled, wiping a tear away as this happened, before she moved to rejoin Link and the others who were waiting for her before continuing on towards Snowhead. Little did they know that they were being tailed by two dark figures, one who looked like Link and the other looked like Zelda…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, they have been brought back to life as Lord Ganondorf suspected…” Dark Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes… and they appear to head for Snowhead once more… you think they are tourists by coming back to those places…” Dark Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But they have a new destination… the outpost that has been set up in the forest.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We should warn the Stalfos Commander ahead of their approach; this could complicate our plans for eventual world domination.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. They will learn that the price for defying Lord Ganondorf is death one way or the other.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“If the forces there can’t stop them, we will have to step up to the plate.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. Let’s warn our comrades in the forest before they get there.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Dark Link and Dark Zelda then apparently vanished from sight, although their dark laughter echoed across the Great Bay Coast, causing shivers to run up the fisherman’s spine as this happened.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It took the group about a half an hour to reach their destination, even when using the shortest route possible, due to them going on foot. Thankfully the weather remained clear and the path so far remained without danger, save for one or two ChuChus and a Dodongo that tried to be a bother, only to be smacked aside by Darunia. Upon entering the Mountain village again, Link safely led the group towards the wall which had a ladder on it, leading up to the cave which had the grave of Darmani the Third. Climbing up on the ladder, using Link’s guidance to lead them in the right direction, the group climbed on top of the ledge, with the cavern in sight. There were no other Gorons around this time however as the group moved on. Entering the area, which was in fact the Shrine created for Darmani, the group was instantly welcomed by a warm atmosphere within the cavern. There was one big grave directly in the center of the area, which had a pond of water around it. Zelda went to check it out, lifting her dress a bit to step in the water.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hey, this water is warm!” She said as she felt the water around her feet being pleasantly warm and not cooling off right away, moving further into it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It's hot spring water,” Link said as he joined her after taking his shoes off, “it is capable of melting ice and can be stored in bottles, but it won't stay warm for long in there, so you gotta be quick to take it to one’s destination.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia approached the grave, stepping in the Hot Spring Water as Saria, Ruto and Nabooru soon joined him after removing their shoes to warm their feet in the water, Impa and Rauru soon followed. It was then that a ghost of a Goron appeared just in front of the grave.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So many visitors at a time? This is a surprise.” It said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Who are you?” Darunia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I am Darmani the Third. The blood of proud Goron Heroes runs in me.” The ghost replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So you are the great Darmani, huh? I've heard great stories of you from fellow Gorons who came to visit …”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. Back when I was alive, I was a renowned warrior and veteran. I was fine until I marched off to Snowhead by myself, hoping that I could drive off a demon, who had been wrecking havoc on Goron Village... then the Snowhead's blizzard blew me into the valley below... and here I am now...”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I have heard what happened to you through my Sworn Brother and friend Link.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“He was the one who managed to heal my soul and managed to fulfill my final wish, to bring peace and spring back to the Goron Village, restoring the climate in the process. I lent him my powers in order for him to overcome the challenges ahead. “[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I assume you know about what is going on out there?”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. I have felt the forces of evil gathering together once more, even from the realm of the heavens which I reside in now. It appears that the decisive battle will come soon, which will seal the fate of the world, depending on the outcome. I therefore wish to bestow upon you, the same powers I have once lent to Link. My grave contains the instructions of how to use these powers. Use them wisely.” Darmani the ghost said, after which he raised his hands to the sky, bestowing Darunia with his powers by encasing him in a gentle red glow for several seconds.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ve given you the abilities to let spikes emerge from your body while rolling forward. This will help in mowing down any enemy in your path, but it uses magic power. Your Goron Punches have been enhanced so you can unleash a powerful barrage of heavy Goron Punches to send your enemies into oblivion. You can also unleash a Goron Pound that has the force of the Megaton Hammer on the spot. This is the best thing I can do for you.” Darmani said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you, Darmani. I shall use my new abilities when I need it.” Darunia said, nodding in gratitude.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darmani nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“May you unleash the fury of a Goron Hero upon your foes.” He said, before vanishing, leaving the group alone in silence.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I wonder if the Kokiri Forest has a hot spring water area somewhere,” Saria said as the group went on their way towards the forest again, “I actually liked that water.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, perhaps the Deku Tree Sprout may know something?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Who knows…” She said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, where’s the outpost that you mentioned, Impa? All we know is that it’s in a forest.” Zelda then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ve overheard some of the villains talking about where it is, so what we’re looking for is an open field that has a few structures in it.” Impa replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, perhaps we could try to find it quicker if we had a map.” Ruto said, thinking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True, but I feel certain that we can find it soon.” Nabooru said, smiling as she patted Ruto on the head.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ruto smiled as the group went down Snowhead, taking the direct route down towards Termina Field. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, what exactly happened to you after your death? All we know is that you couldn’t pass on due to the regrets you carried with you…” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link looked at the elder Sage.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“To be very honest, all we five did was stick around a clearing with a small brook and large stones and rocks around and finding comfort with each other, until we noticed Impa arriving in the area when she needed some time for herself, which is when we approached her, with Zelda going first.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Rauru nodded at this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But that’s in the past. We should move on and see what we can do to take Ganondorf and Majora down once and for all.” Link then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True, so how are we going to handle this?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll first go to mess up their outposts to remove the threats towards our homes and the citizens around Hyrule and Termina who went into either hiding or into exile due to the situations transpired during our stay in Termina and all. Who knows what we may find there in turn.” Link replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True, then it’s only a matter of preparing ourselves for the TRUE final showdown.” Zelda said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The only thing we need to look out for is that they don’t come to us; you and I did take our respective Triforce pieces with us to our graves, coupled with the items we treasure the most…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda nodded in agreement.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We just got back to life and I don’t intend on dying again, so I agree with you on that.” Saria then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru also nodded, looking around as they entered Termina Field, after which Link played Epona’s song. Immediately, the neighing of a horse approached them… it was Epona herself, right before a few other horses approached along as well, as if they had been tailing Epona.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Looks like some of the other horses have taken a liking to the song as well.” Saria said as Epona stopped in front of Link, gently touching him with her face as if wanting to say that she’s glad to see him again. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link then mounted Epona, this time joined by Saria whom held him from behind, while Nabooru took Ruto with her on a second horse. Impa mounted another horse and took Zelda with her, while the last horse was mounted by Rauru. Darunia opted to use his Goron Roll to move fast on the same speed as the group took off towards the forest. It was as if the group was happy again to be together. Link smiled as the group rode on into the forest, as if he was genuinely happy.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Riding into the forest for about a good 30 minutes, the group stopped at a small, calm river to rest up for a bit and let the horses drink and rest for a while as well. This in turn allowed the group to do a final check-up on their gear and in turn make an inventory of whatever ammunition they have left at their disposal. Considering it was also getting dusk made the want for actual rest higher, which leaves the group around a campfire frying some fish they caught. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, where do we go next once we’ve dealt with the outpost here?” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“All we can do is try to become even stronger than we’ve ever been before. Perhaps we could also visit places where we can sharpen our skills even further in general. I remember that Clock Town has a Sword Training Center that allows the ones who wield blades to hone their skills on it and perhaps learn a new thing or two.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see you are someone who does like to be prepared properly, I expected nothing less from the Hero of Time.” Rauru said, seeing the wisdom in Link’s reasoning.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Look, we all agree that things around here have become much more hectic than before. We all now know how bad Ganondorf and Majora are and simply didn’t expect them to have become this strong as they are now, which led to initial deaths of Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru and myself by their hands. Now that we are better informed in a way, I say we should do whatever we can to rectify our initial mistakes and find ways to counteract that power of theirs.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True, I wouldn't be surprised if their forces are being made stronger as well, just to counter or weaken us again if we would go straight to them as we are now.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And I highly doubt that with our current strength and all, we would stand a chance against them as it is.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Which is why we have to take this route in order to become stronger ourselves. Given the circumstances, they know about our capabilities thus far. All that remains for us is to find a way to bring the element of surprise back to us.” Link said, to which the Sages all nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Speaking of which, that reminds me of something what a Deku once said to us back in Ikana Canyon.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What did he say?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“He said to us that he overheard this: While most enemies can be beaten easily in a group, some of the more tougher ones require more power and may need to be faced with a fighter of the same caliber. That’s what he said.” Zelda replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It confused me to be honest, since I have even now no idea what he was talking about or hinting to…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Same here.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It could be possible that he meant that some beings may require a different way to beat.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, that leads me to believe that he could be talking about the masks I used during my first time in Termina, but I’m also wondering if it could possibly hint at something else; I can recall Kotake and Koume merging into a single entity known as Twinrova when I fought them in the Spirit Temple back in the Future That Almost Was.” Link said, thinking more serious about it while he and Saria both turned over their fish over the fire.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Two beings merging into one? Well, considering that Koume and Kotake are witches, I can see that they could do something like that, but as for other people…” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is definitely something to think about.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda nodded as she too turned her fish over on the fire, wanting to fry it properly.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, what are we going to do once we’ve defeated Ganondorf and Majora?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I say we simply burn Majora’s Mask once we get our hands on it. If it burns away, Majora will have in any case permanently lost his main power source and we can then be sure he won’t come back.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s a good idea. That way we will also be sure that the mask itself will never fall again into enemy hands.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And what about Ganondorf?” Rauru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I way we kill Ganondorf,” Nabooru said, “that is, if we want to be sure that he will never come back either.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I agree with Nabooru on this,” Link said, “after all, he pretty much is the bane of our existence by making our lives miserable. Besides, he still has the Triforce of Power, so we need to take that from him first. While I also have thought about sealing him up again, I somehow can’t help to get the feeling that he may come back again after he has gained enough power.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True, but how do we extract it from him?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s likely he’ll try something with us since we contain the other two pieces, but as we all know, a wish on the Triforce can only become true if one TOUCHES it, so we need to get him off-guard in order to touch it BEFORE Ganondorf does.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda cringed at the thought of Ganondorf making his wish come true and obtaining the True Force, becoming the Evil King of the World and remaking the world in his image, defeating all who oppose him without a second thought.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So it’s getting even harder than I thought…” Rauru said, before Link and Saria both tested their fish to see if it was properly fried enough to eat, before eating.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It wasn't too long before the others went to eat as well, the eating going on silent as each of them still had a lot to think about. The horses were currently munching on the food that Malon had supplied the group with so the horses themselves were also properly looked after, before the horses laid down to rest. The group on their turn, after done with their dinner, set up a sort-of camping site using emergency supplies they bought during their short stay in Clock Town so they could have some protection from the weather. They went into their tents after wishing each other a good night.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Saria laid together in one tent. While there was no immediate danger nearby, they had a hard time sleeping. Perhaps it was because of their recent resurrection that they simply had to get used to their vital organs functioning again. They looked at each other as they turned around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Having trouble sleeping?" Both asked each other simultaneously, before they giggled at this for a moment.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yeah, I honestly have trouble sleeping actually." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Me too. So many things have happened that I almost can't wrap my head around it..." Saria replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Both Link and Saria sighed, before blinking as the zipper of their tent was moved up, before another person entered the tent, after which the zipper was pulled down again. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Can't sleep either?" The person asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"No, Zelda, we can't." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Same with me." Zelda said as she laid down at Link's other side.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"At least we have something in common." Link said, making Saria and Zelda both chuckle.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"It's funny you should say that; we have a lot more things in common than just this..." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"We have?" Link asked, blinking. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yeah. Remember the day you took us out fishing with you about four months ago?" Saria then asked...[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Four months prior to the appearance of Agahnim and the resurrection of Majora... It was a lovely day in Hyrule when Link and Saria went out of their home in the Kokiri Forest to pick up Princess Zelda, who was waiting for them in Hyrule Castle Town. After their meeting-up, the three went to the Fishing Pond in Lake Hylia to do some fishing together, mainly to relax and just catch up on things. Soon enough, the three sat at one side of the pond, with each of them keeping an occasional eye on the fishing rod while simply chatting together.
"So, how's things at the castle, Zel?" Link then asked.
Zelda blinked at that nickname, blushing even for a brief moment as she for some reason liked the sound of it, but regained her composure rapidly.
"Things are going fine actually. Everything goes peaceful as it should be, save for the punishing of the bandits that are brought in on occasion by our guards..." She then said with a smile.
"Good, as long as they're no power-obsessed thieves that try to make their move under false pretenses..." Link said, making Zelda giggle.
"And check out the weather, it is a lovely day indeed." Saria said, relaxing on the shore as she laid down.
"How's things at your place, Link and Saria?" Zelda asked.
"Things are easy lately, especially after Mido has been much less of a bully lately." Link said.
"Yeah. Perhaps he has finally come to respect you and your deeds, especially since you and I can leave the forest without harm coming to us." Saria said, smiling.
“Yeah, looking back at what happened up to where Navi first came to me, Mido really was a jerk. I bet he didn’t think I could leave the forest and come back safely myself.” Link said.
Saria giggled at this.
“This area feels pleasant too, it is different from the forest as a whole,” she said, “and it feels just as nice.”
Link and Zelda both agreed to this.
“So, I wonder what has changed here, you said you caught here a 10-pound fish once…” Zelda said.
“The owner here said something about new fish being placed in here or having otherwise grown over time. I wonder how big the catch could be…” Link said, just as he spotted the line on the rod moving, frowning.
“What’s up?” Saria asked.
“I think I got one.” Link said, carefully picking up the rod as he now caught the fish… only to have some real trouble reeling it in.
“Oh wow! This one… must be REALLY… big!” Link said as he struggled to reel it in, using a log in front of him to have some extra weight in for himself, but it still wasn’t enough!
Link almost found himself being yanked into the pond, when both Saria and Zelda decided to help him, with Saria holding Link from behind and Zelda held Saria from behind, each of the three pulling as hard as they could to reel the fish in. They tried hard and did their best, but as they were pulled forward one last time, the line broke, causing the three to fall into the water with a yelp and a loud splash. Hearing this, the owner went to take a look at his pond, only to see the three children in the pond with the rod a bit further away from them, but the three were obviously having a good laugh about it, which confused him.
“Looks like instead of us catching the fish, the fish caught us.” Link said with a laugh.
“That was something fishy.” Zelda said with a laugh as well.
“Well, as long as they’re having fun…” The fish pond owner said to himself as he went to get some towels and some dry clothes for the children.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link, Saria and Zelda laughed again at the memories of such good times, making them forget about their problems for a moment.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Those were definitely good times.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You bet,” Zelda said, “and it feels good to be just able to play outside the castle without worries for me.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Has Impa known about you sneaking out to spend time with us?” Saria then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, in fact, she actually didn’t stop me; she went with me to just keep watch over me and by extension you after all.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ah yeah, I remember. Perhaps she wanted a change in scenery as well, which is why she went along with you.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. It does feel good to be outside the castle while there’s no threat around.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I also recall the times we spent together with Ruto and Nabooru in those secret grottos all over Hyrule Field…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ah, our favorite hiding spots…” Saria said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, although some were a bit unsettling with all those spider webs around…” Zelda said, shuddering.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True, but they were fortunately out of our reach. Besides, those Skulltulas do form decent target practice.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You got me there.” She said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Anyway, I think we should try to rest. We’ll have a very busy day tomorrow…” Link said as he handed part of his blanket over to Zelda, who smiled as she and Saria snuggled against Link before the three were eventually out like a light.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 23: The Stalfos Forest Outpost[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The night was uneventful for the rest, so on the following morning, Link and the Sages woke up, refreshed and getting reach for what could probably the greatest mission ever. After cleaning up their campsite and everything, the group made their way through the forest, heading for the outpost that was said to be around the area. It was then that Link spotted some movement ahead, moving to the west and let Epona slow down.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s the matter, Link?” Saria asked as the others also slowed down. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m thinking to see some movements in the far distance…” He said, steering Epona towards where he believed the movement was heading for. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The movements were rather slow, as Link didn’t want to raise any alarm yet. The Sages could understand this kind of caution from the hero, knowing that it would be too risky to charge ahead right away. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Huh? Is that a clearing ahead?” Saria softly said to Link, seeing as the amount of trees began to lessen around them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Possibly. We should hide the horses and see where this clearing leads to.” He said, stopping Epona amongst a group of bushes before he and Saria dismounted. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Sages followed this example, while Link and Saria carefully approached a group of stones that were in the clearing, peeking over it. As the Sages joined them, they could see that there was a pathway leading to a curious structure that appeared to be set up to use as a storage facility, seeing as they saw a few Stalfos working to carry a few crates into the building.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Could this be what we’re looking for?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Possibly, or this could be the vanguard of something bigger; this looks way too small to be set up out here…” Impa replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Looks like we have the right opportunity to mess ‘em up for what they did to us.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. Let’s find a way in the area and see what we can find in this place.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nodding, the group prepared themselves to find a way into the area, with Link already having clocked two Stalfos who were working to deliver chests into the area. Link himself was being nervous, as he also had a mask with him that he hoped he would never use until they would return to the Temple of Time, but he hid this under his usual serious and determined expression.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Managing to find a safe path over the hill that allowed them to climb over the rocks that formed like a barrier over the area, the group of eight valiant heroes arrived into the area to where the building was, the two Stalfos having remained outside to guard it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So far, so good; these Stalfos haven’t seen us yet.” Zelda said as she readied her own Gilded Sword, while the rest also prepared their weapons. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. Get ready.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]When Link drew his own blade, the Sages could feel the power emanating from it, allowing them to take a good look at it, which was aptly named the Gilded Master Sword. The Gilded Master Sword itself looked like a complete fusion between the swords that Link used during his adventures in Termina, being the upgraded Kokiri Sword and the sword that he frequently used in the Future That Almost Was, the Master Sword. It retained the blue/purple colored hilt with the golden diamond with the long blade itself, which contained the mark of the Triforce from the Master Sword, but the blade itself had a pattern of diamond-shaped figures made out of pure gold in the center part of the blade, with ruby-red patches in the hilt below where it connected with the blade and the parts that stood out from the hilt were longer and made out of silver while extending more outward, like the Gilded Sword. The very bottom part of the hilt was now sporting a white-colored sphere, which in turn would give Link a greater grip on the blade itself. It was as if both of the swords had been reforged into a single blade, with TWICE the evil-smiting power from the Original Master Sword. Whether this upgrade was permanent or temporary remains to be seen. Link noticed the Sages looking at his sword, making him smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Venus the Fairy Queen gave me this to deal extra pain to our enemies.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And now we can see it in action, let’s go.” Zelda said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As soon as the group moved towards the building, the Stalfos clocked them and went on the offensive, although initially stopping when they saw the group of Link and the four Sages being back alive. This momentum allowed the group to deliver the first strike before the Stalfos regained their vigor to retaliate. The Stalfos fought with their might, but they were each outnumbered four to one, so the two skeletal warriors soon were defeated, disintegrating in sheets of green flame after being downed. This in turn gave the group access to the building. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"This looks recently set up..." Link said as he entered the building.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yeah. I wonder what we can find here." Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"There is some security out here because of the poisonous water that flows at the bottom, watch your step." Impa said as the group walked over a safe path to a room containing a cage.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Another cage?" Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I wonder who has been held here..." Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda took an arrow and shot the cage down, breaking it and releasing another Deku Scrub![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What on Hyrule do they have against Dekus?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, this one looks different…” Rauru deducted as the Deku looked around in fright, before collapsing and started so shake… as if it was crying.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Getting sad himself, Link approached the Deku Scrub, having put his weapons away to show he wasn’t having any malicious intents towards it. As the Deku Scrub looked up, it saw Link crouching down at eye level.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s wrong?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I… I have been cursed into this form by a masked figure…” The Deku said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link already had a hunch of who it was.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What did the masked figure look like?” He asked, just to be sure.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It… had so many colors… and those spikes made it look like having horns all over… but those eyes… those fiery, soul-piercing eyes…” The Deku said, shivering.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Majora…” Link said, his hands clenching into fists.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, that’s his name; I heard some of his troops naming him!” The Deku said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Right thereafter, Link grabbed his Ocarina and without hesitation began to play the Song of Healing for the Deku, instantly making it sway and glow… before the Deku face came off like a mask and the Deku itself became a child… causing Navi to gasp out.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is it, Navi?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That kid looks like the one Link gave the Spooky Mask to in the Graveyard of Kakariko Village!” She said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This information caused Link to do a serious double-take, before looking at the child. It was indeed the Graveyard Boy, with the lock of red hair on the front, wearing his plain white shirt, blue shorts and brown shoes while carrying a Deku Stick.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How did you get here?!” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I… I was captured during a surprise attack on our new village elsewhere… since Kakariko was destroyed due to Death Mountain erupting, the villagers of Kakariko as well as Goron City fled into this area. Some of us sought refuge within the Goron Village in Snowhead and Clock Town respectively, while others tried to settle in a more remote part until they could return to their homes. Sadly, this unknown location was also the spot for an attack, during which the villagers, including myself, were captured and/or killed. Only a very few people remained here as prisoners, some of them even cursed like I was, but others have been taken away, probably towards Hyrule itself…” The Graveyard Boy replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link growled in actual anger while Saria went to comfort the boy, while seeing the rather angry expression on Link’s face. Eventually he spoke.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I know how you feel, kid,” Link began, “Majora did the exact same thing to me when we met back in Termina after he stole my horse Epona as well something else…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda knew he was talking about the Ocarina of Time, but decided against naming it to prevent others from listening in, which she found wise to do so.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You have met Majora before?” The Graveyard boy asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes and after I got my normal body back myself and went through several hardships taught him a lesson he wouldn’t forget back then. It appears however that Majora is now back and get revenge on me and my friends, partially due to making an alliance with Ganondorf of all people.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The boy gasped at this, evidently getting scared now.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Look, you’re a good kid, but this place is not safe for you. My friends and I will take care of things here, you should go towards Clock Town as soon as you can, or otherwise hide until the area’s safe enough for you to make your escape.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The boy nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“They’ve been storing a lot of ammunition in this area however, I overheard them saying that they’re preparing some kind of massive attack or something.  This could be the vanguard of an assault that will probably spearhead their total rule over Hyrule and Termina and perhaps the whole world later on.” He then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you, kid. You’ve given us exactly the information we need.” Impa said, patting the boy on his head.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You can go and hide somewhere until we get back. Things are going downhill here very soon and we wouldn’t want you to get caught in the crossfire.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The boy nodded, before moving off to a place to hide, showing the group the way out of the building in turn as well as showing them where to access the storage area. Seeing another platform with a screwed tilt, Princess Ruto brought it down with her Magical Boomerang, allowing the group to climb up into the area, entering a room which had crates stacked all over along the walls.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Geez, that boy sure wasn’t kidding!” Princess Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I'll say." Impa said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link on his turn looked around the area and saw a bridge leading toward what appeared to be a hollowed tree, but it was blocked by a barrier that looked brittle, but solid.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"So much for progress..." He said as he looked at the barrier. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]But before the others could respond, a couple of more Stalfos came from a room behind the group and began to attack. Thankfully Darunia clocked them and using his new Fire Punch Barrage he punched the Stalfos' head clean off, while two more went on the offensive. One of them was dealt with by Rauru and Impa with the aid of Zelda and Ruto, putting pressure on it before dealing the deathblow, while Link and Saria kept the last one occupied so it couldn't come to the aid of its comrade. Darunia aided the two forest children in kind by shielding them from an incoming attack, the Stalfos' sword ricocheting off of Darunia's solid, rock-hard back without doing actual damage. Link and Saria made use of that momentum by striking back at the Stalfos, eventually killing it before Saria spotted yet another cage, which this time looked more like a prison cell.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Our nemeses really have taken a liking into prisoners..." She said as she located a switch nearby that she and Link stepped on, opening the cage.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia blinked as he saw a Goron in the cage, whom got up and was elated at seeing his leader. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Are you releasing me? Am I free to go?" He asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Of course," Darunia said, "how did you end up here anyway?"[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I was one of the Gorons they captured and brought here in this prison. I have something to tell you in gratitude for releasing me." He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"And what would that be?" [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"You see that barrier over there? There's multiple of these around these area, but regular bombs won't affect them. You need an explosive of a greater force to break these down." The Goron said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Come to think of it, I still have a powder keg with me..." Darunia said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"That's great! You should try it on the barrier at the far side of this room first; that is a place that holds ammunition that you can use, including additional powder kegs. I've seen them being stored in here before being locked inside this cell." The Goron said as he stepped out of his prison.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Alright, let's make it work then." Darunia said as he took his powder keg and lit its fuse, causing the others to give him a wide berth as Darunia took it to the other side of the room and laid it in front of the barrier before getting some distance himself as the powder keg began to tick faster. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It wasn't too long before the powder keg exploded with a loud explosion, destroying the barrier in the process, giving the group access to the room where several chests were present. Looking into the room, Link and the Sages didn't hesitate to move in the room to see what the chests contained. Darunia discovered another powder keg in one of the bigger chests, which he immediately put to use to demolish the other barrier. At the same moment, Link discovered a supply of bombs, Zelda found some bundles of arrows, Saria gained a new, fresh set of Deku Seeds, Impa revealed a supply of Deku Nuts, Ruto found a bundle of Deku Sticks, Nabooru found a set of Bombchus and Rauru found a couple of Empty Bottles which could be filled with things like medicines and everything. A second loud explosion then sounded in the area as Darunia used his new powder keg to break the barrier to the hollowed tree down, before rejoining the others and finding another new powder keg in the remaining chest, keeping it for the time being. The freed Goron went ahead to make his own way out of the area and hide, while Link and the Sages went down into the hollowed tree, ending up at an area that had a small brook at one side, but had a waterfall at its end. A bridge spanned over one side of the area, which had several Stalfos and Dinolfos working together to move supplies about, one of them even loading a crate onto one of their airships before it flew on its own accord towards its destination.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Looks like we came here just in time." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I agree, let's crash this little party of theirs. They deserve it." Link said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This time, it was Link and the Sages who attacked first, catching the Dinolfos and Stalfos by surprise, several of them already being taken out in the first couple of swings, while the others did what they could to fight back. Thankfully, the new Red Shields that Rauru gave the children of the group renewed their protection and defense power in turn after that fateful attack destroyed the first shields, so the group was able to maintain pressure on their enemies. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Wow, it sure feels great to get back in the swing of this." Link said, downing a Dinolfos before assisting Zelda against a Stalfos.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"You said it, Link." The princess said in agreement, while Nabooru sliced two more Dinolfos to bits, while Darunia had no troubles with tearing another Stalfos apart. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa came to the aid of Saria and Ruto against the last Dinolfos, while Rauru used his Light Magic to smite the last Stalfos into oblivion, leaving the group eventually alone in the area, save for the chests that contained some additional supplies. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]With that battle over, Link sheathed his weapons and took out one of his own bottles and put it into the water, filling it up before he brought it to his mouth to take a sip of it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Wow, the water tastes fresh here, reminds me of Spring Water." He said as he began to drink from the bottle to lessen his thirst. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Sages didn't hesitate to follow this example, lessening their thirst, before Link and Saria both went to stand underneath the waterfall to get themselves washed up. It was a common practice they did during their time in the Kokiri Forest after all. Finding it amusing, Zelda followed this example, as did Ruto, although it was logical for the latter after all. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Link, are my eyes deceiving me or do I see a set of ladders hidden here behind this waterfall?" Saria then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"They're not deceiving you, Saria, there are ladders around here. Apparently they tried to use the waterfall to hinder us in our progress. Too bad for them that it didn't work." Link said as he went to climb up the ladder, with Saria and Zelda moving on the ladders flanking the one Link was climbing on.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The other Sages also followed, being cautious but feeling that this was the only way to continue.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It took the group a few minutes before they finally reached the top of the Waterfall, finding a path that led into a cavern, which the group passed through without incidents, ending up in a clearing further into the forest. They stopped for a moment to rest up a bit and letting their clothes dry up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Wow, those ladders were the longest ones I've ever climbed up on." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I'll say, it seemed a lot higher than trying to get from the bottom to the ground floor of the Deku Tree..." Saria said as she sat down next to Link after he sat against the trunk of a tree, with Zelda joining his other side. Ruto sat next to Saria and Nabooru went to sit next to Zelda, with Rauru, Darunia and Impa sitting down in front of them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, at least we made it through this safely so far..." Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"So far, so good," Saria said, "but we mustn't grow careless now. Any mistake on our part will cost us dearly in the end." [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"True, especially with what has happened to us not too long ago..." Ruto said, shuddering.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Link, what's that in your bag?" Zelda then asked, spotting what appeared to have the contours of a mask. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link looked into his bag, seeing what Zelda meant. He saw that she was looking at a mask that appeared to have white hair and facial markings on it, coupled with what appeared to be a cyan-colored cap. He sighed deeply.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"That is the Fierce Deity's Mask I mentioned. I had it purposefully buried underneath all my other stuff, so I wouldn't be able to look at it until we had the mask purified." Link said, showing his distaste for the mask itself, which the Sages could understand. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]They could sense the energy and power coming from it, as well as Link's own distaste of the mask.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I can see why you dislike the mask. It's indeed better to keep it away until we've returned at the Temple of Time." Rauru said, nodding at Link, feeling that they should have done this sooner instead of wanting to wait until Ganondorf and Majora had been defeated according to his initial idea.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link nodded, burying the mask underneath his other items in his bag before putting it away, shuddering visibly as he resisted the mask's attempt to put it on successfully.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Don't worry, Link. We'll make sure the mask will be safe to use in the future." Zelda said, putting a hand on his shoulder to comfort him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Thank you, Zelda." He said with a smile on his face, which made Zelda smile in turn.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After a few minutes of rest, Link and the Sages got back up and readjusted their gear, after which they went on their way again. Hopping down a small cliff which was only about a very few meters high, the group made their way further into a clearing, where they encountered what appeared to be a construction site, complete with constructed bridges to form as pathways and parts of trees and rocks having been hollowed out to sport rooms for storage, as well as one cell which was blocked by another barrier which required the Powder Keg to break, being located on the higher part of the area. Darunia spotted a second barrier on ground level which would hide either treasure or another supply of ammunition in kind. For the rest, the group could see a large contingent of enemies around. On the upper area there were two Moblins looking around, standing guard, their spears ready and poised to charge at any intruder in direct sight and range. Several Corrupted Sword Soldiers were present as well, standing on guard while a group of Dinolfos were present to look after the barriers set up. The group already saw one of the Sword Soldiers leaving with an airship, which went out of sight rapidly. Another thing to note was that a camp fire had been set up at one side of the area, while close by there was a table and a couple of chairs, obviously belonging to the Corrupted Sword Soldiers[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Looks like you called it right, Impa; this camp looks bigger than the one we saw when entering this area.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There’s no Stalfos around here, but perhaps they’re further back?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s very likely; the Stalfos are known to appear on multiple places overall… I’ve seen and fought them in most of the temples, if not all of them and then there were those in ambush for us back in Termina when Majora sent the five of us there.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda, Saria, Ruto and Nabooru visibly shuddered, knowing how relentless the Stalfos can be…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, what’s the plan here?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Those Moblins are definitely going to be a bother, but their size is at our advantage to take them out from a safe distance…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. We should be able to catch the others off-guard if we sneak up on them.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Sneaking carefully closer until they were behind one Dinolfos standing on guard, with the other soldiers being elsewhere on guard on patrol, making sure they weren’t seen, Link and the Sages used a tactic to surprise their enemies. With Darunia forming up to become like a rock, Link, Saria, Zelda and Ruto hid behind him, while Nabooru, Impa and Rauru kept their distance while Link readied an arrow, aiming for one of the Moblins in the far distance. Letting an arrow fly, it struck the Moblin right in the forehead, killing him instantly. Zelda did the same with the second Moblin.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, look like your training at the Shooting Galleries has paid off, Zel.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda giggled, finding the nickname amusing.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s two major pests out of the way.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. Now we can focus on the others without worries.” Ruto added.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Zelda sneaked closer to the Dinolfos, before both used a jump attack to cleave the Dinolfos in three, causing it to howl which in turn alerted the other troops. This in turn allowed the others, who had taken their positions, in action, with Saria and Ruto both crossing blades with Corrupted Sword Soldiers, while Darunia took pleasure in making mincemeat of the remaining Dinolfos.  Impa aided Saria and Ruto, while Nabooru, Link, Zelda and Ruto charged at the remaining Sword Soldiers, which in turn triggered quite a sword fight as the sound of blades clashing against each other were heard. Fortunately, Link and the Sages gained the upper hand as the Stalfos were soon decimated and the Dinolfos were made a head shorter. Still, the group didn’t come out of the battle unscathed with the few cuts and bruises here and there, but there was nothing too serious…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whew, at least those mooks have been dealt with now.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yep. Now we can continue and see what we can find here.” Zelda said, nodding as the group moved on in the area as Darunia destroyed the ground level barrier, locating some more ammunition for the group as well as Hookshots for most of the others and another powder keg to be taken with him. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Definitely signs for an invasion considering the weaponry here…” Darunia said, handing the weapons that the others could take or need to the others along the way, just as Ruto brought another screw-stilted platform down to the level the group could climb on to reach the higher area. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And we’re pretty much putting a stop to it… at least in this part.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s right and I am certain that we will reach the other areas soon enough to cleanse them from the evil that has infested it.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia used the powder keg on the barrier that had a prisoner inside it, which turned out to be another Goron, causing him to blink and wake up at this, seeing Darunia.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“D… Darunia!” He said, blinking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yep, you’re free to go, my friend.” Darunia said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you. I have some information before I go; there is one being here which looks like a Stalfos, but looks taller and is much stronger than the average Stalfos. On top of that, he commands a legion of Stalfos himself.” The Goron said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So the Stalfos have someone higher in rank among them too?” Darunia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. He takes orders directly from Ganondorf and Majora.” The Goron said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see, so he could be quite troublesome then.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. You need someone of equal strength to take him on properly.” The Goron said, before he left.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia nodded, before waving him good-bye and moving towards where the others were, discovering another Powder Keg inside a tent, using it to destroy the barrier which allows the group to proceed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s with all the Powder kegs here?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“They could be used to demolish city walls so the enemy can flock in from directions other than the main gates or something.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True, couple that with the power that these Powder Kegs are stronger than regular bombs…” Darunia said as the group moved on through a cavern and upon exit arrived at a smaller set of waterfalls and another small brook moving over the bottom.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, at least a change of scenery…” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, is this still even part of the forest?” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It sure is, but this is definitely unknown territory.” Link said as the group made their way across the brook area to reach another higher ground which had another cage on it, which Zelda broke open, freeing a Zora![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?! What are you doing all the way out here?!” Princess Ruto asked the Zora.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ah, your Highness, am I glad to see you here. I was one of the soldiers whom participated in the initial battle to defend Hyrule from the invading evil forces, but had to make my escape once the battle was turning against us. I managed to divert troops away from the Zora River and the forest by leading my pursuers to Lake Hylia and managed to best several of them before I was captured and taken here.” The Zora replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Princess Ruto nodded in understanding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Is there anything you have noticed around here?” Zelda then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. There are platforms that have to be lowered like bridges in order to cross this area towards another enemy camp at the far side of the area, its entrance located on a high floor. Should you fall down here into the small brook, a ladder will allow you to climb back up here so you can try it again. But be careful; some of the enemies may be stronger than before.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll keep an eye out, but thanks for the heads up.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You’re relieved of your duties in order to find a place to hide or otherwise make your way back to our domain if you deem it necessary. You’ve served well, but now is not the time to stay here. Things are about to go down big time and we will see to it that this entire encampment will be liberated from enemy forces. You can even choose to rally whoever you can find on surviving soldiers and take them here if you so desire.” Princess Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“As you wish, my Princess. Your wish is my command.” The Zora said, bowing to the princess before moving off.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Seeing several switches at a distance, Link, Saria, Zelda and Ruto went to strike them from a distance in order to lower the bridges so everyone could cross the upper part of the new brook area safely. After crossing the area itself to enter the encampment made by more troops, they indeed encountered more Stalfos, as well as several Wolfos and a few Big Skulltulas along the way. Zelda easily shot down the Skulltulas using her bow, Ruto and Saria dealt with the Wolfos after Link instructed them to strike at their back with the tails as it was the Wolfos’ most vulnerable spot. Link, Nabooru, Darunia, Impa and Rauru on their turn kept the Stalfos at bay, defeating them quicker than their last encounters. The Gilded Master Sword that Link had in his possession, coupled with Darunia’s newfound strength in abilities helped big time in this, as soon the initial enemies were defeated, only for two more Dinolfos and one Lizalfos to appear in the camp after a doorway to a different prison area opened up, the Dinolfos having acted as guards for the prisoner, whom was a Hylian Soldier whom was captured during the evacuation of Kakariko Village. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you for saving me, Your Highness.” The Soldier said, bowing before saluting.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“At ease, soldier. How did you get here?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“When Death Mountain erupted and both Kakariko Village and Goron City in danger of being overrun by the lava, I saw to it that I bought as much time for the civilians to escape to safer areas as I could. I’ve managed to defeat several of those lizard creatures before a Stalfos knocked me out and captured me.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda nodded, concluding that the soldiers within the Hyrulean Army had indeed fought with honor.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I have to tell you this; I have seen a Stalfos whom appears to be in a higher level of command than the normal Stalfos entering the building to the right from here, past the campfire and straight behind the barrier that’s currently blocking it. Apparently he is on an inspection tour of some sort, checking the troops and see if everything is ready for any subsequent attack launched from their outposts into the Forest areas and Termina.” The Soldier said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Zelda turned to each other.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Looks like Ganondorf and Majora are putting some more organization into their troops than I thought.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I agree. Look, we’ll take care of things here. You better make sure you get out of here and see if you can find any survivors. There may be captured children around here too, so free them in any way you can.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I won’t disappoint you, your Highness.” The soldier said before leaving, while Darunia used another Powder Keg to blow the barrier away, presenting the group with a small area that had a block at one side of the area, with the entrance to the building the soldier talked about on the other side. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link, Saria and Zelda worked together to push the block into its proper place so the group as a whole could climb onto it and enter the building. Climbing over the crates along the way, the group proceeded onwards.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Things won’t be easy anymore now that we know of the presence of this Stalfos Commander…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed, but I feel certain that we will overcome him too. It will serve as a major blow to Ganondorf and Majora as a whole.” Darunia said as the group moved into a long hallway.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 24: Into The Arena[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After passing through the hallway, the group stopped as they saw a single round room up ahead. Inside the room itself stood a Club Moblin, while Link could very faintly see a Floormaster patrolling in the hallway behind the gate that was currently closed up, which the Club Moblin was apparently guarding. A door then closed behind the group, effectively locking them in the area in the process.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Drat, we're locked in!" Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Then our only choice is to move on and defeat the enemies ahead." Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"The Club Moblin can best be taken out from a distance so its club won't become a hinder to us." Link said, striking the Club Moblin with an arrow, hurting it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria and Zelda both took turns in striking the Club Moblin as well, with Saria eventally finishing it with her Deku seeds and Fairy Slingshot, the Club Moblin collapsing before disintegrating in sheets of green flames. However, the gate ahead remained locked, even as the group went into the main room.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Aw, geez..." Ruto said, looking around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"There's multiple eye switches around, all in the same, silver color..." Nabooru then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Some of them even are covered in ice." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"We'll deal with those switches soon; first we need to lure the Floormaster to the gate and take it out before it can become quite a bother to us." Link said, moving to the gate and, as he predicted, the Floormaster colored green and tried to charge at the group, only to stop due to the gate being in the way.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This in turn gave the group the opportunity to take out the severed, demonic, reanimated hand out properly, including its smaller versions once it split after its initial defeat. Once the tiny Floormasters had been taken out, it gave the group the time to carefully study the Eye Switches and see which one would open the gate ahead so they could proceed into the area and hopefully find a way out as well. Saria tried it first by shooting the eye switch above the entrance to the hallway they just came from. It didn't open the gate, but it did open a shaft on the floor which contained yet another Powder Keg and a bunch of Rupees which the group took.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, at least it's something." Saria commented as she waited to see what would happen now as Zelda took aim with a Fire Arrow on one of the ice covered eye-switches.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda fired the Fire Arrow and struck the switch, only for it to disintegrate in flames. Almost immediately Link heard the unmistakable eerie sound of something coming from above and spotting Zelda's shadow growing.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"ZELDA, LOOK OUT! WALLMASTER INCOMING!" He shouted, to which Zelda responded by jumping to the side, causing the incoming Wallmaster to miss its intended target, only to be slain by Nabooru.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"These traps are getting quite annoying." Saria said as it was now Link's turn to take aim, also gunning for an Iced Eye Switch, striking it, but like with Zelda's it disintegrated and another Wallmaster made its presence known, this time aiming for Link. Thankfully Link already clocked it and jumped aside to make the second Wallmaster miss its goal, before Rauru stepped in and used a Light Sphere to strike and kill the Wallmaster in response.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, one more switch to go." Link said, letting Zelda have another shot at it. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This time the switch was the correct one as it closed up and opened the gate in response. Moving on, the group then encountered a Beamos, which was soon disabled after Link threw a bomb at it, leaving the group alone with several small chests around the area.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After opening the chests to take the ammunition and the rupees they respectively contained along with them, Link and the Sages went further into the new hallway, only to find that they exited the building, finding themselves face to face with another Bomb Soldier who promptly retreated behind a large gate, while a small group of Bow and Arrow Soldiers went in to charge at the group, whom used their shields to deflect the arrows shot at them, before disabling those soldiers with arrows in kind. Darunia used the Powder Keg he found to demolish a barrier which had another small chest containing some Bombchus behind it, other than that nothing out of specific interest. Bringing another screw-stilted platform down, Ruto then led most of the group towards a small alcove that allowed Link, Saria, Zelda, Nabooru and herself to move into the area behind the gate using their respective Hookshots, but before they could open the gate itself, they already came under attack by another contingent of Sword Soldiers whom charged at them. Thankfully the group saw them coming and the Sword Soldiers were soon defeated, but then the Bomb Soldier made himself known, attacking the group from a higher platform. Changing tactics however, Saria constricted the Bomb Soldier using vines she let climb up on the platform, allowing Link and Zelda to finish it off using their arrows, while Ruto used her Boomerang to break another cage, freeing another Deku in the process, while Nabooru found and activated the switch needed to open the gate so Rauru, Darunia and Impa could rejoin them.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf was walking through his newly created tower to oversee the units guarding it when a Garo appeared in front of him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Report." Ganondorf said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Master, our outpost in the forest is under attack." The Garo said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"What?!"[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"A group of eight people have entered the outpost in the forest, freed several of the prisoners and slaughtered several of our units there." [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Eight people, you say?" [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yes. It were those three Sages you sought, coupled with five others. They have been identified as the ones you killed, but they are with them alive and well." The Garo replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"GODDESSES DAMMIT! Those five have been resurrected RIGHT under our noses! What about the Gerudo that were supposedly under our control?"[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"The brainwashed ones have been freed and are holding those who willingly went with your cause imprisoned in kind."[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Alright, that's it. Have Dark Link, Dark Zelda and the Stalfos Commander informed about this pronto and tell them to do whatever they can to stop them! I will NOT have those meddling kids and their adult companions interfere with my rule! Do as I say or I will have YOUR head!" Ganondorf snapped.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"As you wish, Master." The Garo said before he vanished.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]In utter frustration, Ganondorf hit a nearby wall, just as Majora came in the room.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Bad news?" He asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yes. It appears that those five we killed several days ago at that tower have been restored to life!" Ganondorf snapped.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"WHAT?! That's impossible!" Majora said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Apparently not, perhaps those five have fallen in good graces from the Goddesses themselves. Well, I'm not letting them get away with this that easily!" [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"What are your plans?" [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Have Dark Link, Dark Zelda and the Stalfos Commander gather at the arena which is further down in the Forest Outpost and await the arrival of the group. Then they will show them hell!" Ganondorf said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I saw a Garo Robe leaving, is he going to do that for us?" [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yes, otherwise either of us could go to do just that, showing those pests who is in charge of this planet." Ganondorf said, seeing Majora looking concerned about the current time-lapse of events that have occurred in the past several days.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Deku which was freed by Ruto thanked the group and showed them a path towards the entrance of the building of which they were now in what appeared to look like its courtyard, with the structures around them while still being in the open. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, looks like this could be the big one.” Link said as Saria and Ruto worked together to create vines strong enough to climb on towards the higher platform.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. I hope whatever we find there will be useful to us.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once the vines were ready, the group climbed on them towards the higher level, entering the building itself.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, they sure aren’t kidding with the preparations here.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“All the more reasons we have to put a stop to them.” Impa said as the group moved on, seeing a group of crates stacked in a way similar of a staircase. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Disabling a group of Dinolfos whom were guarding the crates, the group went on its way to climb their way up towards a ladder, which in turn took them to a ventilation shaft big enough for an adult to walk in upright, leading to a room where more Stalfos were waiting for them, poised to attack.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Is it a shame to say that I enjoy taking these boneheads down?” Link asked the Sages while drawing his sword.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda giggled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We enjoy it as much as you do, as long as we end up victorious here.” Zelda said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True.” Link said as the group went to engage the Stalfos present.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Stalfos were valiant skeletal warriors, but they didn’t stand a chance against the onslaught that Link and the Sages unleashed on them, mainly to show Ganondorf and Majora who’s boss. However, after the Stalfos were defeated, the group found themselves almost locked in; that is to say, a barrier was blocking their way, but this time Darunia had no powder keg with him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, now what?” Darunia asked, just as Nabooru climbed a ladder to a higher platform, before she went to cross the net that was hanging just below the ceiling area, reaching a platform that contained a switch that she spotted. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Out of curiosity, Link and Zelda followed Nabooru, who on their turn were followed by Saria and Ruto, just as Nabooru got her hands on the switch and began to pull on it, but it proved to be quite heavy as she had difficulties with pulling on it. Link and Zelda also got their hands on it to aid Nabooru, right before Saria and Ruto helped as well, the five managing to activate the switch which opened a valve on the floor, leading to a ground area with another cage. This time Darunia went down to open the cage, while the others decided to wait for him. The cage contained another Goron, who gave Darunia a Powder Keg he had been keeping safe in gratitude.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks for saving me. This should help you in freeing my brothers on the higher levels.” The Goron said, before the gate leading towards the crate-stairway opened, allowing Darunia to make his way back up again, destroying another barrier with another cage behind it along the way. This cage also contained a Goron who also gave him a powder keg in gratitude, before making his way out towards safety. Spotting another barrier on the level close to what was presumed to be the ventilation shaft to where the others were, Darunia again used the powder keg to blow the barrier to smithereens and freed another Goron, who gave him yet another powder keg.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These things must really be popular…” Darunia commented.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Goron nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ve heard rumors that a cargo of these bombs was stolen while underway to a delivery, the Gorons transporting it being captured in the process. Ever since the Powder Kegs have been stored in this area to be used in any planned invasions to wipe out multiple targets at once.” The Goron said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So the enemy knows about the power of these things… as if they weren’t be a bother enough already!” Darunia said with an annoyed grunt.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. One of my brothers is still held here. He has the last keg that you need to exit this building and be able to exit the area.” The Goron said before he left after Darunia nodded, with Darunia taking the powder keg given to him to where the others were, who in turn kept their distance as Darunia blasted another barrier away with the keg, freeing the last Goron imprisoned there who in turn gave him indeed the last keg.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Be warned, the Stalfos Commander is close by. You’ll be in trouble if he knows where you are.” The Goron said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t worry, we’ll take care of him soon.” Darunia said, feeling confident before the Goron left. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once rejoining the others and using the last powder keg with a timed throw to blast the last barrier away, allowing the group to proceed into the next hallway and exiting the building as a whole, arriving in an open field. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, we’re still in the forest area, but I do not recognize that building over there…” Saria said, looking ahead, while Link spotted a lone Iron Knuckle sitting on its throne against the wall.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, perhaps it could be something similar to what we saw in the land beyond the Woods of Mystery?” Zelda asked. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Possibly, but it could be very well a different looking one.” Saria replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Another Iron Knuckle… something’s amiss here if he’s the only one around here…” Link said as the others clocked him too.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Let’s take him out before he takes us out and stay clear of that axe of his.” Nabooru said, nodding as the others were ready. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]First the group sent either Bombs or Bombchus at the Iron Knuckle to wake him up and make him go after the group. After about an onslaught of about 10 Bombs/Bombchus or so, the Iron Knuckle lost part of its armor and went to charge at the group, only for Link, Saria and Zelda to pelt it with arrows and Deku Seeds respectively, taking it out from a distance more effectively without in danger of being hit. Eventually the Iron Knuckle was defeated and collapsed, its armor disintegrating into nothingness, revealing another Gerudo who was freed from mind control! Nabooru blinked at this as the confused Gerudo looked around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Huh?! What? What’s going on?! Why am I here?” The Gerudo asked as the group came to tend to her, sheathing their weapons along the way.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Relax, you’re free now.” Nabooru said, comforting her fellow kin as she knelt down next to her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Dear Goddesses, did you come here to save me?” The Gerudo then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That we did.” Link said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Gerudo sighed of relief, before shaking all over.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s the matter?” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The Stalfos Commander is present… here in this area… he is waiting for you down below…” She said, shuddering as the realization came into her mind.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t worry, we’ll take care of him.” Nabooru said as the group leapt down one of the holes in the ground which all came together in a single hallway, which led to what appeared to be set up in the style of an arena or coliseum. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Zelda blinked as they saw the arena-styled room and cautiously entered it first together, the Sages looking around a bit more before following. However, as soon as Link and Zelda both entered the arena first, a set of bars suddenly shot up from behind them, locking them into the arena and separating the Six Sages from them. Another set of bars came down from behind the Sages, locking them in and preventing them from so much as moving properly. Link and Zelda turned around, gasping as she saw the Sages trapped like that.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s going on?!” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So… the young boy and the princess have appeared…” A crackling voice then addressed the two from behind the large gate. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?! Who are you?!” Zelda asked, while Link instantly brought his sword and shield to bear, instinctively moving closer to Zelda.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“My name is of more importance. What I simply look for is your deaths…” The voice replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmph, that’s not the first time we heard something like that…” Link rebuked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“A cheeky one, eh? Well, we’ll fix that soon enough.” The voice said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What do you mean ‘we’?” Zelda demanded. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It was then that two dark figures appeared in the arena, both of them taking the shape… of Link and Zelda themselves. Link blinked at this, but realized he had fought his dark self once in the Illusion Room of the Water Temple, which in turn caused his brain to instantly switch into action mode, his Sword and Shield ready. Zelda on the other hand was horrified at this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What… what is this?” She asked, while the Sages on their turn blinked as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You like it? These clones were made from the blood of you which was collected from the tower where you initially met your demise. We did not expect you to get resurrected so soon, so we had to change our initial plan accordingly… let’s see if the both of you survive against those made from your own blood…” The crackling voice said with a cackle.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link growled and was ready to engage his dark self, while Zelda regained her composure and stood next to Link.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You ready?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I am.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good, we’ll focus on each other’s counterparts, perhaps we can find a way to best ourselves in a way through this.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right.” Zelda said as she too grabbed her blade, before the fight began.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Sages watched as Link and Zelda both engaged their dark selves, with Dark Zelda using her magic to force Zelda into a round of Dead Man’s Volley, while Dark Link and Link himself were engaged in a serious sword fight. Link did his best to block the furious strikes of his Dark self, while trying to find an opening to strike back at him while watching his movements closely. Zelda managed to stun Dark Zelda with her own magic attack, allowing Zelda to get in close and deal damage to her. On his turn, Link managed to break through Dark Link’s own defenses, using his Gilded Master Sword to slice away on him, while at times using his shield as a battering ram to knock him silly before striking. It appeared to the Sages that Link was adapting himself in battle, finding new tricks to overcome his dark self, while Zelda showed a similar valor, now that she was playing the same ‘game’ Link was forced to play during his fights against Phantom Ganon and Ganondorf respectively in the Future That Almost Was. At one point, Link himself hopped upward to avoid the thrusting of Dark Link’s sword to stab him, before landing on the sword himself. Dark Link looked shocked at Link pulling this off.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, not so fun now that someone is using your trick against you, huh? You did this to me in the Water Temple before. Now it’s MY turn! BEGONE!” Link snapped before promptly kicking Dark Link in the face, sending the dark copy reeling backwards, landing on his back on the ground and dropping his sword and shield in return. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]At the same time, Dark Zelda howled in agony as Zelda once again managed to stun her with her own magic attack, before striking at her with her own blade, seemingly defeating Dark Zelda in a similar way. During this moment of reprieve, both Link and Zelda wiped some blood away from their mouths, showing that they didn’t come unharmed out of this battle either, but unlike their dark counterparts, both of them were still standing and ready to fight on. It was as if Link’s courageous spirit has affected Zelda and given her the same drive to fight against evil and do what they believe is right. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You impudent fools…” Dark Link then said, getting up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“… you may have won this battle, but if you think you’ve seen the last of us…” Dark Zelda snapped, also getting up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“… then you are sadly mistaken!” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Both Dark Link and Dark Zelda then vanished in a gust of black smoke, at which the gates opened to allow the Six Sages to move towards their friends to support them. But their rest was short-lived…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Impressive… you managed to beat your dark selves at their own game… it appears you have improved a lot over the time you last fought.” The crackling voice said after the group got together.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group then heard the creaking sound of something opening. Turning to the gate, they saw that the two giant doors of it began to open inward, revealing a HORDE of Stalfos… and among them was the Stalfos Commander! Now, the Stalfos Commander looked way different from his legion. While it too was a reanimated skeleton, the major difference was that it sported a different kind of armor and appeared taller than the regular Stalfos, wielding TWO swords instead of a Sword and Shield! Link immediately went in a battle stance, gulping a bit as he was somewhat nervous. This was immediately tempered by Darunia laying a hand on his shoulder.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Brother, you’ve done well in fighting your dark self, the same counts for Zelda. This time, we’re here to assist.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks, Darunia.” Link said, as the Sages also got in a battle stance, ready for what would become a massive fight against the Undead Skeleton Warriors.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the fight began, the group made short work of the Stalfos that became too much of a nuisance; Darunia’s massive Goron Pounds were extremely helpful in knocking the Stalfos aside, allowing the others to get some reprieve and strike back. Rauru used his Light-based magic to smite the damaged Stalfos into oblivion, the affected targets disintegrating right away, while Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru and Impa clashed blades with the remaining Stalfos while at the same time defending against the Stalfos Commander. This was practically no organized battle, but more in a team-based free for all, with the Stalfos attacking everyone except each other, while Link and the Sages did the same. Saria on her turn resorted on occasion to summoning vines from the ground to ensnare several Stalfos, allowing Link, Zelda and Nabooru to cut them up. Ruto on the other hand used a water-type shockwave spell that left her friends untouched, but was very effective at knocking several Stalfos aside as well as damaging the Stalfos Commander. Impa used her Shadow-based spells to confuse the Stalfos as well as striking them from behind, while Link occasionally used a Deku Nut to stun several other Stalfos coming his way. This went on until only a few Stalfos were left, allowing Link and Zelda to focus on the Commander, who charged at the both of them. Thankfully, their shields proved resilient against the Commander’s attacks, before Link and Zelda both managed to deliver some serious strikes in themselves, right before the Six Sages joined in along with them, eventually knocking the Stalfos Commander against a wall. Then the Stalfos Commander got up…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“My, my… it appears I have underestimated your combat skills. It’s as if you’re literally driven by the desire to end this. Very well, let me not disappoint you any further… although it will be the end of YOU!” The Stalfos Commander said, as he suddenly revealed two ADDITIONAL arms, one wielding a sword and the other wielding a battle axe![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?!” Impa said, blinking as the others gasped or blinked at this. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Stalfos Commander made use of this momentum by instantly charging at the group with ALL FOUR of his arms forward, smacking the group aside like bowling pins and delivering some injuries along the way. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Landing hard on the ground and skidding along for a few meters , Link grunted as he eventually came to a stop, nursing the shield arm which got slashed during the sudden attack. Nevertheless he got up and regained his composure, readjusting his sword and shield and ignoring the bleeding cut on his arm.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Congratulations, bonehead, you wanted me angry?! I’M ANGRY!” Link snarled, actually being angry, while at the same time being unaware of a dark force beginning to feed on the anger that Link was emitting.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“HA! Be angry all you want, you little pest; once I’m through with you, I’ll take your corpse and those of your friends with me to Lord Ganondorf so he can take your powers for himself!” The Stalfos Commander cackled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll see about that, bonehead!” Zelda said as she got up, before ripping the lower part of her dress off to give her legs some more space to move in and preventing from tripping over them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Like Link, Zelda too was angry… and the Six Sages were no better off either, grabbing their weapons once again and getting ready to strike back.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Fine, don’t be surprised when I take pleasure in chopping your heads off!” The Stalfos Commander said, raising his four arms as he got ready to attack.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 25: Link’s Breakdown[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The battle resumed as Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru, Impa, Darunia and Rauru each charged at the now four-armed Stalfos Commander, who looked agitated as he was now being attacked from all sides, but nonetheless more ready to defend and strike back, wielding his weapons and making gestures to the group as to bring it on! The group first attacked en masse to keep the Commander occupied, trying to find an opening which they could use to their advantage to strike hard. The Stalfos Commander was reacting very aggressively, forcing the group to duck underneath its swings to prevent being decapitated on the spot, although they couldn’t prevent being smacked aside in turn or otherwise receiving cuts still, although they did manage to deliver damage of their own, succeeding in breaking parts of the Commander’s ribcage along the way as they continued to attack. However, a combined attack from Link and Zelda managed to knock the Commander’s helmet off, revealing a third eye as it apparently was getting too much damage. With a crackling howl, the Stalfos Commander promptly summoned another horde of regular Stalfos to assist him in his struggle, effectively making things harder for the group. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“DARN YOU!” Link shouted as he was now once more fighting for his life as well as that of saving the others in kind, cutting several of the regular Stalfos in two as he went on. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll keep these Stalfos occupied as best as I can! Go for the Commander!” Darunia said as he unleashed one Goron Pound after the other, at times substituted by an onslaught of furious Goron Fire Punches, each having the force of the legendary Megaton Hammer. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Of course, the Stalfos Commander was having none of it and fought back to aid its comrades while attempting to put an end to those who opposed Ganondorf and Majora’s rule. Still, the Sages were still a force to be reckoned with as Rauru’s Light Magic hit its mark most of the time, Saria’s vines were very helpful in restricting some of the Stalfos, Ruto’s Water Spout blasted several Stalfos in the air, Darunia’s Fire punches knocked some of the skulls off of some of them in turn, Impa used her shadow to capture some Stalfos to clobber them with her blade and Nabooru made frequent use of her Sword Spark to blast some of the Stalfos back, while Link and Zelda double-teamed the Stalfos Commander.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf looked up as he saw the wounded Dark Link and Dark Zelda come in, supporting each other.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I take it that those two bested you somehow?” Ganondorf asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, my Lord. We did manage to inflict damage, but they got the better of us somehow…” Dark Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We can confirm that they are very much alive and more battle-hardened than ever before.” Dark Zelda added.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm…” Ganondorf said, obviously thinking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Both Dark Link and Dark Zelda grunted as their wounds were beginning to take their toll on them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You two are lucky that I still have some use for you, so I will not banish you to the gap between dimensions… yet. However I do want to see some results next time! Get yourselves patched up, I’ll be making sure you’ll get some company soon.” Ganondorf then said, before leaving to where Majora was. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Both Dark Link and Dark Zelda watched him leave, sighing of relief, before moving to where they had their room to patch up their wounds.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The fight in the arena had become even more brutal than before. Where Link and the Sages first had the advantage, they were now having serious trouble as a group of Stalfos had joined the fray, turning the initial battle into a fight for survival. Sure enough, Darunia was smacked against the wall opposite of the entrance to the arena, with Rauru and Impa being callously tossed beside him, while Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru were smacked among some rubble in that same direction, the entire group having difficulties to get up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I must say that I am impressed; I didn’t expect you to hold out for so long…” The Stalfos Commander said, watching the group, “however, this is where it ends. Take comfort in the fact that you’ll at least die together, considering the way you have been co-operating in this fight so well… say good-bye!” The Commander said, getting ready to charge in for the final attack and end the opposition to Ganondorf and Majora’s rule once and for all.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Suddenly, something else happened... Link's rage and despair had reached a boiling point, when suddenly something began to float up from his pocket... it was the Fierce Deity's Mask! It moved on towards Link's face and latched onto it... the instant this happened, Link suddenly screamed in agony as he began to transform; breaking free from the rubble he laid under as a white flash covered him. Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru all winced or recoiled in horror as they could hear Link’s bones snap and readjust themselves as the magic and the power from the mask overtook the young boy’s body, making it grow to adult-sized proportions in a matter of seconds. His regular equipment was either dropped, vanished from sight or relocated and his sword began to reshape and twist itself while growing in length until it was about half to two-thirds of Link’s length as the Fierce Deity itself, its blade twisted to form the shape of a double helix. But this wasn’t what shocked the Sages the most… it was the sight of Link’s face, as his eyes turned completely white and void of pupils and irises, while below his eyes, on his cheeks and on his forehead appeared to be facial markings in red and blue, as if he became a warrior from a different or even ancient tribe of its own! The Stalfos Commander also looked on in shock as the transformation took place, seeing the young boy becoming a man. A sudden flash emanating from Link blinded everyone in sight as the transformation completed.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru, Impa, Darunia and Rauru could look again, they were horrified to see what has happened to Link. He now had white hair, facial markings, a light blue tunic underneath a metal cuirass, metallic gauntlet, black leggings, white eyes without pupils and a very large size in height and width (standing two heads taller than a normal adult Hylian) and held a large, double-handed helix-edged sword, which by itself could inflict MASSIVE damage by the mere size alone, coupled with the power that was flowing through it! It was as if Link had become a completely different person altogether… and he was BEYOND pissed, giving a glare of absolute death to the Stalfos Commander. The resident Stalfos troops also stood still, wondering what was going on as none of them made a move yet… Saria and Zelda both gasped as they saw Link baring his teeth during a rather low, menacing growl… they could have sworn to see his canines having turned into fangs, which only added to his rather frightful and intimidating appearance.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora was taking his time in torturing a young couple by turning them into two Deku and was prepared to set them on fire, when he suddenly froze in utter fear as he detected the sudden change in energy. This caused Ganondorf, who was watching this, to frown to see Majora being petrified with fear![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No! It... it can't be!!!” Majora then exclaimed, ignoring the two Deku succeeding in fleeing from him as he was fixated on something.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is it?” Ganondorf asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“He's here.... I can feel its presence!” Majora said, his body shivering all over.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Of who?!” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The Oni, Ganondorf, the Oni who has been responsible for my demise back in Termina!” Majora exclaimed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf decided to sense the energy that petrified Majora in this state.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]‘Well, this is different! I can definitely tell that someone had an increase in power, but of such a magnitude is indeed unsettling… I wonder who… wait…’ Ganondorf thought as he began to put two and two together.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Majora, you said you were being defeated by Link, right?!” Ganondorf then demanded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“He… he was… but he was wearing that mask!!” Majora said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What?!”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That mask was given to him… so we could play… but I never thought… he would use it to end me!”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Majora, you imbecile! How could you do something so stupid?! Now we need to put more work in to counter this threat because of you! Get to work on making our forces stronger, pronto!” Ganondorf then barked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Must I repeat myself, Majora? Giving that mask with such a power to someone like HIM was clearly a mistake on your part! See to it that you have the guts to rectify that mistake at all costs!” Ganondorf snapped, before leaving the room.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora trembled for another second or two, before uttering an inhuman shriek of frustration, which only Ganondorf ignored as he walked back to his central throne room at the top of his new tower.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?! What is this?!” The Stalfos Commander asked, as he then sicced his remaining lackeys onto the Fierce Deity Link... only to watch as Fierce Deity Link swung his Double Helix Blade with tremendous force, decapitating the Stalfos who were too close instantly while those who were further off were struck with the crescent shaped sword beams that the sword emanated, causing the Stalfos to writhe in pain as the sheer power of it rocked their bones and made them drop their weapons, causing the Sages to stare at the Fierce Deity in shock, Saria and Zelda even holding each other out of pure fright. Nabooru and Impa on the other hand had a jaw drop as they saw Link slaying those Stalfos like they were nothing and Ruto found herself taking a few steps back out of fear.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“By the Goddesses, he's huge!” Ruto exclaimed, now intimidated by his appearance...[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh my…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What happened to you, Link?!” Saria exclaimed in fear.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“He’s like a ferocious god!” Impa exclaimed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Where did Brother gain such power?!” Darunia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Rauru narrowed his eyes.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I can see Link struggling to maintain control of himself! Now I see why he wants that mask purified.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria and Zelda were both speechless and also could sense the struggle that Link was in. It was only fortunate that Link was focused onto his target: The Stalfos Commander.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This is intolerable! ATTACK!” The Stalfos Commander said, sending what remained of his minions and those who recovered from the Sword Beam assault began to strike at Fierce Deity and the shocked Sages in kind.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Fierce Deity Link however was having none of it and was ready.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh no you don't!” He said as he swung his sword to and fro, creating sword beams that stunned/damaged the Stalfos troops while also slashing the closest ones apart with his massive blade, the Sages assisting him as they recovered from their initial shock.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Where once the Stalfos Battle Force was superior in numbers, they were now having their bones kicked by a rejuvenated and more powerful Link, whom went completely postal on them, buying the Sages time to recover. Fragments of the Stalfos’ bones were callously tossed left and right as Fierce Deity Link rampaged across their ranks like someone whom got lost in his rage and the desire to kill! Within a matter of minutes, all of the Stalfos except for the Commander itself was completely wiped out, leaving the Commander to make a last stand in the hopes of still capturing or killing the group, although he was fighting a rapidly losing battle, despite the Commander having four arms which he utilized with great valor to no avail. Fierce Deity Link first cut the Stalfos Commander’s weapons in two, before sending several Sword Beams to the Commander himself, hitting him HARD as well as severing its four arms in kind and sending him backwards, tumbling onto the ground as it rolled over onto its ribcage, while Fierce Deity Link rushed over to it, setting a foot on its spinal column.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I have warned you, bonehead! I've TOLD YOU that you have messed with the wrong people, that I wouldn’t take kindly to you attacking my friends, but you wouldn't listen! Now it's time for you to pay the penalty! DIE!” Fierce Deity Link said as he then plunged his double-handed helix-edged sword into the Commander’s back, cutting its spinal column in two![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]A crackled outcry of pain was heard as the Commander’s lower body was being severed from the upper body.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Let this be a lesson to you bonehead, THIS is what will happen if you mess with me or my friends. As for your leaders Ganondorf and Majora, they will get their dues soon enough. I haven’t forgotten what they’ve done to my homeland, my friends and myself and I will make them PAY for what they’ve done!” He growled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“ACK! You… you haven’t seen the last of me!” The Stalfos Commander said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“DO NOT WASTE YOUR BREATH,” Fierce Deity Link snarled, “no matter HOW numerous you are, I and my friends will take you all on! You will see what will happens when Evil decides to ruin the lives of those who want to live in peace and spend time with their loved ones! But whatever happens, YOU will not live long enough to see it! HYA!” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]And with that, Fierce Deity Link decapitated the Stalfos Commander with his blade, before everything went silent for a moment, nobody making a move as the remains of the Stalfos Commander disintegrated into nothingness, leaving the entire group alone inside the arena. Then, the Fierce Deity got a hold of his face, followed by another bright light that blinded the Sages once again for a second or two, before it vanished again. As they could look again, they saw Link tossing the mask to the far side of the arena… or at least out of his grasp, as the young man collapsed on hands and knees, not moving an inch… but he appeared to be shaking and trembling all over… as if he was afraid… but afraid of what? Afraid of himself? Afraid to face them now? Afraid of the mask? These questions rang through the Sages’ heads. But then Saria and Zelda picked up something else… it appeared to be someone sniffing… and was that whimpering that they could hear? Worry and concern overriding their minds, Saria and Zelda both walked towards the trembling Link, with both Princess Ruto and Nabooru following, although keeping their distance warily…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]To say that Link was in an emotional turmoil was a major understatement. He had hoped to never use it, but now that accursed Fierce Deity Mask was now exposed, as if the dark spirit within gave the mask almost a will of its own and took control of Link, much like how Majora’s Mask was able to take control of the Skullkid. But where the Skullkid was weak and helpless to resist, Link’s own force of will, courage and determination allowed him to remove the mask on his own accord, thus not becoming a puppet like the Skullkid had been. Still, Link was scared, sad, frightened, upset and outraged altogether… how could he face his friends after showing off the power of that Mask right in front of them while he was explicitly refraining from using it until it was purified? Why did it have to show up now and take control of him like that? What would the Sages even think of him now? Was he still worthy of being their Hero now that they had witnessed this? These were questions that rang through his mind as he was shaking all over, the mere thought of being rejected because of something that was out of his control made him sick to his stomach. It was then that he felt two hands landing gently on his shoulders. Looking up, he saw Saria and Zelda kneeling down in front of him… and was that concern on their faces?[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Link, are you okay?” Saria asked in a sweet yet genuinely concerned voice.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, are you alright?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The sight of two of his best friends looking with great concern and worry on their faces, coupled with those two very questions, finally overloaded Link’s mind and triggered a reaction that NONE of the Sages saw coming. Out of reaction, he suddenly grabbed the one sitting the closest to him, which was Saria, holding her close to him, buried his face on her left shoulder… and then he wept.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Why….. WHYYYYYYYYY!” Link wailed in the embrace of his best childhood friend, who looked in absolute shock, before responding by simply holding him close to her, “WHY does this all have to happen to us… why did this have to happen to ME?! I can’t take it anymore!”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Shhh, it’s alright Link, I’m here for you.” Saria soothingly said, stroking his back, while at the same time feeling the pain that he was feeling now stabbing into her soul.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m here for you too, Link… please calm down…” Zelda said, hugging Link on his right side as the young man just threw out everything he had tried to hold back and crop up emotion wise.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This made the Sages realize that, despite his vigorous, determined and courageous spirit, Link basically had lost his childhood because of all the hardships he had to face ever since the whole affair with Ganondorf went down, followed by his travels in Termina and the ensuing quest to save that land. It was as if Link was forced to grow up quicker than they could have imagined, despite his own genuine efforts to live the life he was supposed to be living and/or catch up from the Future That Almost Was. Impa then watched the Zora Princess Ruto approaching the three, before she then hugged Link’s other side, holding him close.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There, there… we’re here for you… we’re your friends… you can confide in us…” She meekly said as she joined in on the hugging and trying to comfort the young, distraught hero.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, dear Goddesses… the pain… I can feel your pain…” Nabooru said as she hugged Link and by extension Ruto, Zelda and Saria from behind, kneeling down to make it more comfortable.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Rauru and Darunia remained firm, but they couldn’t help to understand why Link was hurting so bad on the inside. Impa on the other hand sighed in sadness as she approached the group… only to stop as she let out a soft gasp, blinking even. Not because Link himself was currently crying out his sorrows of the recent trauma he experienced as well as those of the past, but she saw that both Saria and Zelda were shedding tears of their own, crying along with Link! She could see that Ruto and Nabooru were crying themselves too as she got closer to the group, but it was certain to her that Link was very close with both Saria and Zelda, seeing that both girls were trying their best to comfort their distraught friend and yet were openly sharing his pain. Seeing the scene itself however even caused Impa herself to shed a tear, sniffing as she mustered the courage to join the group hug, but more in the way of a mother soothing their upset children as she embraced Link on the side where Saria and Zelda had embraced him…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It hurts, Saria… it hurts… so bad…” Link wailed as he cried, as if there was no end to his pain.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We know, Link… please…” Saria said, whimpering herself as she just held Link as close as she could, wanting to give him release of the torment which was a burden on his soul.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We feel your pain… but please…” Zelda said between sobs, worried if there would be an end to his pain…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t cry, Link! Seeing Link cry makes Ruto sad.” Princess Ruto then said, for the first time deeply and genuinely affected by such an emotional outburst, no less by the one she secretly liked so much…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s alright, Link, throw it all out.” Nabooru said, before noticing Impa behind Zelda and Saria, with Impa merely nodding in understanding.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]For about a few minutes, the group just stayed there in position, trying to comfort each other, but most importantly Link himself, as his pain was apparently too much to be just kept within him. The group seemed to finally understand the level of pain Link was holding within himself, the pain of all the horrors he faces, the losses he suffered, the suffering he had to endure, the crippling or better yet nigh-destruction of his childhood… it was just too much for the young hero to contain as he now bore his soul and threw out his heart to his dearest friends. Saria and Zelda both simply cried along with him in almost the same force as Link was, also feeling the sorrow they had gone through up to the point of where they were now. It pained Saria to see Link admitting to feeling miserable of never being able to see her again in the Future That Almost Was due to her duties as the Forest Sage keeping her bound into the Chamber of the Sages in turn, while Zelda felt she was responsible for the whole situation due to underestimating the power of the legend of the Triforce, although she did her best to make up for it in her attempt to make Link live his childhood out the way it was supposed to be, unaware of what would transpire in the distant land of Termina as well as the events after that up to the present. It was then that, after several minutes, Link gently broke the embrace, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself down, his crying reducing to sobbing and whimpering, then reducing it more to mere sniffing, before looking Saria in the face, who looked on in wonder and confusion, only to see Link smiling at her as the last of the tears left his eyes.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you, Saria, I… I really needed that. I’m sorry if it appeared to be troublesome, but… I… I just couldn’t hold it in any longer.” Link said, wiping his tears away, before giving her a friendly hug in return.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s no problem at all, Link. You’ve been through so much that I have wondered how you managed to hold up through all that.” Saria said, smiling as she returned the hug, wiping some tears away herself.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you too, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru and Impa…” Link then said, hugging each of them in kind.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t worry about it, kid; we’re friends after all and we’re here to support each other in any situation, no matter what. That’s what friends are for after all.” Nabooru said, patting Link gently on the back.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ruto smiled as well as she too received a hug, which brought relief to the Zora Princess as well. Impa nodded with a smile, although she couldn’t help to notice a faint blush on the faces of Saria, Zelda and Ruto as Link hugged them in gratitude. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Are you feeling any better now, Link?” Rauru asked, while Darunia approached them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, a lot better now. It appears I held in more than I thought.” Link said, smiling despite his body still shaking all over.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What made you break down like that in the first place?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, other than me having been dead before, it’s just my fear that the Fierce Deity’s Mask would corrupt me as how Majora’s Mask corrupted the Skullkid before, the fear of losing everyone I care about… and just plenty of other sorrows that I just wanted out… heck, I even feared that, during my time in the Future That Almost Was, I could never see each of you ever again with the exception of Zelda, considering your duties as Sages and all…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria teared up again, hugging Link as it clearly showed that, despite everything, Link put his friends before himself, which made him quite the selfless person. Perhaps his courage and determination to do what he believes is right played a major part in this. Zelda also came to hug Link again, showing that she too cared about him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hey, there’s no shame in letting out your sorrows every once in a while, Brother,” Darunia said as he swooped Link, Saria and Zelda up in a brotherly Goron hug, forgetting his strength for a moment, “at times it helps a lot to just let it all out. And among your friends who like and support you, you can expect all the help and comfort that you need or want; that’s what friends and brothers are for after all.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Afterwards however, he felt the three children tapping on his arms and chest…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Daruniaaaaaa… AIR!” Link, Saria and Zelda said in unison, being held a bit too tight in the Goron Leader’s well-meaning embrace as their faces began to turn a bit bluish.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia saw what he was doing and released the three, who then proceeded to take in a couple of deep breaths of air before they realized they were no longer being smothered by the Goron Leader’s strong, muscled arms.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whoops, a times I forget how strong I still am.” Darunia said, which got a laugh out of the whole group, showing that they were indeed feeling better.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s fine, you mean well.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But we now know what the Mask is like and can do regarding power…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Which leads me to my question: How do we purify it?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This can be done in the Chamber of the Sages in the Ruined Temple of Time.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, I guess we can be on our way then.” Impa said, just as Zelda got the Ocarina of Time and played the Song of Healing herself, which affected Link once more positively by relieving him from all the pent up frustrations and torment he had tried to keep for himself, but was unable to.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Out of gratitude, Link hugged Zelda again, right before giving the princess a soft kiss on her right cheek, which caused her to nearly drop her ocarina out of shock, not expecting this move.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you, Zelda. This really means a lot to me.” Link said with a genuine smile on his face, being oblivious to the blush that had crept on Zelda’s face, before walking on with the others, whom gratefully haven’t seen the kiss. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Smiling herself, Zelda decided to keep that for herself as she regained her composure and joined the rest as they moved on, out of the arena and into what appeared to be a celestial building, supporting each other due to them having temporarily forgotten about the injuries they have suffered during the last few battles. But each of them knew that so far they were still alive, which was what counted the most.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 26: The Purification[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Entering another open area with a cavern ahead, Link and the Sages mused that the cavern was also holding the entrance to the building they were heading to. This time there were no enemies nearby to bother them, which in turn brought them some relief as it allowed them to focus on taking it easy, nursing each other's injuries and making plans for their next movements. It was for them as a lot of stress and frustration had been removed from their shoulders, mainly thanks to Link suffering his breakdown which allowed him to throw out everything he had cropped up inside him and in turn would leave him much more focused on whatever the future would bring. Still, it didn't leave out the fact that the Sages witnessed first-hand what kind of power the Fierce Deity's Mask contained and it was of no surprise that Link was just as afraid and reviling of that mask as they were. But why did the group share the unanimous thought of the mask somehow being much more useful after being purified? Was it even possible to purify it in the first place? Would this demonic power affect them as much as it has affected Link? Or would it make them want to have the mask for themselves? These were questions that rang through the minds of the entire group, even Link himself. Link however was certain that Majora would have felt its presence anyhow; after all it was this particular mask that was given to him BY Majora and Link used it to end that crazed lunatic in turn, bringing peace and safety back to Termina. As Link reviewed the events of what has happened to him so far, he couldn't help to think that things would have definitely been different in the Future That Almost Was. Given that the events in Termina would have happened either way, it was safe to assume that the entire land of Termina would already have been wiped out for six years after he recovered from his slumber, reducing the lands that were present there into nothing more than a barren wasteland that stretched for miles in all corners of the wind and the entire population, from Clock Town to Goron Village to the Deku Palace to Romani Ranch to Zora Hall and the Ikana region as a whole, being incinerated in the ensuing shockwave from the moon crashing on Clock Town. The mere thought of it, coupled with what effects it may have had on Hyrule or other parts of the world in that time sent shivers down Link's spine, which was something Saria and Zelda could see as he visibly shivered.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Are you okay, Link?" Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I'm fine, just having some bad thoughts of what could have happened to Termina and how it could affect its surroundings in the Future That Almost Was." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda could understand that all too well, given the fact that Link was sealed in the Sacred Realm himself for years in that time.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Time can be very cruel at times. Even the slightest change in a universe can alter a timeline and create a new branch from where new events can unfold from." Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"How do you mean?" Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Let's say that a timeline can split whenever one event has a different outcome than what we have come to know." Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I see. Would that affect a whole timeline by itself or create a brand new one?" Darunia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"If an event has a different outcome, it would create a new timeline as a whole. A great example would be Link's fight against Ganondorf in the Future That Almost Was. We all know that Link was victorious against the Evil King, but there could very well be a timeline where Link, despite his best efforts, was defeated by the Evil King instead, perhaps even killed by him, which in turn allowed Ganondorf to lay his hands on the complete Triforce. In desperation, Zelda and the Sages managed to seal Ganondorf in the Sacred Realm, but it would already be too late for the Hero." Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Would that alone be a timeline by itself?" Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yes. It is only a speculation on my part, but it could happen." Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Would that also count for this timeline?" Zelda asked, shuddering at the mere thought of a time where she, Link, Saria, Ruto and Nabooru remained dead and were unable to be resurrected, leading to a more grotesque downfall of the once prosperous Kingdom of Hyrule.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yes, since anything is possible if the given circumstances permit such a change." Rauru said as the group entered the hallway of the building itself.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Oh dear... the mere thought of something like that makes me cringe..." Saria said.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group came across a large room where three Mad Scrubs were present, waiting to attack anyone near them in ambush. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Mad Deku Scrubs? I haven't seen any of those in a while..." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yeah; all other Deku were friendly..." Saria said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, we should deal with these then before proceeding." Ruto said as the group got ready.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nodding, the group went to engage the Deku, having no problems in having to take them down in their own fashion.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, that's that." Link said after the three Mad Scrubs were dealt with and another gateway opened, which revealed another tunnel.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Looks like this part will lead to a different place altogether again." Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I wonder where we'll end up now..." Zelda said as the group went into the new room, leading to another dark hallway.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]So far there were no new enemies in sight as they walked along the hallway, having some form of reprieve as they had their wounds bandaged before entering the building in the first place, taking it easy to prevent making it worse. Zelda sighed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“A rupee for your thoughts?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This part feels… familiar to me,” Zelda replied to her attendant, “Nabooru, Ruto, Saria, Link and myself have seen a similar structure back in the land beyond the Woods of Mystery. It had similar tiles and the polished floor…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm… what do you think regarding its use?”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I don’t know… it looks too abandoned or empty to be made into an actual command post or hideout for the greater evil troops… its appearance gives more the feel of something ancient, like a shrine that was eventually left behind in obscurity… and yet it looks too nice to actually call it abandoned.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Maybe someone could still be present to look after such buildings?” Link asked, having overheard the conversation as Zelda walked next to him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That is a possibility, but it only leaves the question of who built the whole thing in the first place.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True.” Link said, just as the group reached the exit of the area, arriving in front of an abyss with a set of platforms set in a path towards an open log to the left.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, now I’m experiencing a déjà vu.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How so?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I had to cross a similar path back when the Majora-possessed Skullkid turned me into a Deku.” Link said as he carefully hopped towards the next platform, the others following one by one to give each other enough space to make their moves, before moving into the log together.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora in the meantime was indeed working on making the minions stronger as per Ganondorf’s command. His own fear and frustration at the fact why he had been so stupid to give Link that accursed Fierce Deity’s Mask was still deep within his mind, as it made him realize that he did have the tool to at least end him quickly as well as dealing critical damage to Ganondorf. Both knew that Link and the Sages would not hesitate to try to seal Ganondorf away again, so that scenario had to be avoided at all costs in their eyes. They wanted to rule the world and not be defeated by a combined force of a forest child and what appeared to be representatives of basically every race that lives in Hyrule, led by a princess who had become more fearsome and very defensive over her land as well as that forest child. Something had to be done about the entire group, but what? It appeared that not even death could stop them from achieving their objective, treating it as if it was a mere setback in order to change their strategies. Wouldn’t they be able to do the same thing to still give those accursed Sages a taste of their own medicine? The mask-wielding lunatic howled as he tossed a vase against the wall in utter frustration, somehow unable to keep his mind under control as the outrage of the Fierce Deity’s presence in his land was intolerable in his view. Coupled with those accursed Sages backing him up made it apparent that the tide of this war could have very well be turned into their favor. Majora would see to it that this advantage wouldn’t last long…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After about 15 minutes of walking through logs and passing through a different forest area, Link and the Sages finally found themselves into a more familiar environment: The Lost Woods. In particular arriving at an area which sported the shortcut towards Zora’s River.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whew, at least it is closer to home.” Link said with a smile as he observed the area.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah. Let’s move into Goron City first; perhaps there are things that can be salvaged there, along with having a path towards Kakariko Village.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Are you certain of this?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Trust me, I’ll mostly go in there myself to give you something that will be of help.” Darunia said, while Navi, Tatl and Tael finally came out of hiding from Zelda’s pocket, seeing that the larger version of Link was gone.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon entering Goron City, the group could see that the city was mostly intact, save for the remains of the exploded Bomb Flowers, the giant Goron vase on the bottom floor laid broken against the wall and a permanent pool of lava was on ground level, able to walked in by only Gorons. Immediately the rest of the group could feel the heat emanating from the lava, except for Darunia who hopped down towards the ground floor, feeling that the lava was only at the height of his toes as he had no trouble in walking through it, entering the Goron Shop in turn.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, Death Mountain sure has messed up the crater and by extension Goron City!” Link said, looking around as he saw the remains of the vase, the faces partially melted off.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And Kakariko Village too…” Impa said, nodding solemnly as she overlooked the area, sighing.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I feel certain that the Triforce will be able to repair most of the damage done…” Rauru said to Impa.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I hope so… the worst thing about it is that this time it is worse than the Future That Almost Was…” Impa replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Soon enough, Darunia returned, carrying a stack of red clothing with him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, are those Goron Tunics?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. I figure we may need those soon, so I suggest we move to Kakariko Village first and make some of them big enough to fit a child as well as a woman, just to be sure.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others could see the logic in this, deciding to store them within their bags before proceeding to leave the ruined Goron City and head down Death Mountain Trail towards the remnants of Kakariko Village. As Rauru had observed during his own travels, the main path down the trail, including the entrance to Dodongo’s Cavern, were left mostly untouched, allowing the group safe passage, although the heat from the lava flowing down on the other side was almost excruciating. Nevertheless, the group remained firm and reached the remnants of Kakariko Village, taking temporal residence inside Impa’s old house which was left mostly intact. There, the group tended to each other’s injuries more properly, refreshing the bandages and applying medicine where needed to dull the pain or prevent inflammation of the injuries in question, giving them the time and chance needed to heal properly. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Retrieving blankets of the other homes which could be salvaged, Impa, Rauru and Darunia brought them to Impa's old house to provide cover for the others as they went upstairs to get some rest, using the equipment from their camping site to make makeshift separated bedrooms for as good and bad as it could. After having their respective measures taken body-wise, Link, Saria, Zelda and Ruto retreated into one of the tents to rest up as much as they could, while Impa, Darunia, Rauru and Nabooru went to work on adjusting the Goron Tunics for the group except Darunia himself and by extension Rauru, whom could fit a large, adult model of the Goron Tunic without troubles. Thankfully Darunia managed to discover some tools needed for making clothing in one of the houses in Kakariko Village, being the house that was partially intact close to the potion shop. After about an hour or so, Nabooru went to check on the four children inside the tents. She soon found the children inside one of the tents, huddled close together to chase each other's nightmares away as Link laid between Saria and Zelda, while Ruto laid behind Saria on her turn, each of the four children being peacefully asleep. Smiling at this, Nabooru closed the tent before joining the others in the living room once more.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It was only a few hours later that the other Sages went to sleep as well. The night went without incidents again, giving them some of the peace they needed and making them wake up in the next morning without incidents. After having breakfast together using the supplies they had with them, the group set out to return once again to the Temple of Time, this time to purify the Fierce Deity's Mask in order to ensure that the evil spirit dwelling within was vanquished. The fairies Navi, Tatl and Tael accompanied them once more, having remained around the group ever since the reunion and after they too were informed about the plans of the Sages to have the mask purified. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"So this mask that Link has can be purified... but what about Majora's Mask?" Tatl inquired as the group approached the gateway that formed the entrance to Kakariko Village from Hyrule Field.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That is a mask which cannot be purified, due to its horrific power going way back towards ancient times, where it was used in its hexing rituals and what not. Some say that the mask was carved out of a horrific beast eons ago…” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Really?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. Legends tell about an evil, demonic beast whom fed on the desires of the countless numbers of men and women who had come before it to try and claim its armor and be granted their wishes. A traveler then came forward to the place where the monster lived and started talking with the man-eating creature, where he finds that the monster itself wanted to die, being so miserable. The man then pulled out his bongo and started playing, causing the monster to go in a trance and started dancing. The traveler played for three days straight and on the third day, the beast dropped dead from dancing its heart out. He then took its magical armor, but instead of wishing upon it, he carved it into a mask in an attempt to seal the beast's power inside the mask forever. The mask was named Majora after the beast. The mask had a spirit because Majora's evil power lingered on inside the mask seeking a host, not resting until its wish was granted.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow!” Link and Zelda said in unison.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Either way, Majora’s Mask is way too powerful, or too evil to be purified, hence it must be destroyed instead.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And here I thought that its evil powers were already vanquished after I defeated it the first time…” Link solemnly said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It could appear to be vanquished as such a power can be put into dormancy, rendering the mask docile until it has found a more suitable host or someone capable of using magic for revival purposes, like Ganondorf’s avatar Agahnim has done.” Rauru replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link shuddered visibly, as did Zelda.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No wonder why he gives me the creeps.” The Hyrulean princess said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say. It is indeed a case of power corrupts on this one.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s right. Those who don’t know the danger of wielding power shall be ultimately conquered by it.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Zelda both were unnerved by this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That is something that Ganondorf has become now, especially with his desire to obtain the very Triforce Pierces that you two possess,” Rauru then said to Link and Zelda, “while Ganondorf was able to kill the both of you as you know, you two have taken your Triforce pieces with you. Whether this is done deliberately by Ganondorf or that Majora has had a part in this is something that not even I know, but either way, you two are in the greatest danger. After all, destiny as chosen you to wield the Triforce of Courage and Wisdom respectively.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Zelda both nodded, understanding this as the group entered Hyrule Field and approaching Hyrule Castle Town.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, what are we going to do after the purification?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We should head back to Termina one more time to properly prepare ourselves to enter that other sanctuary which contains more of Ganondorf and Majora’s forces. Now that we know how strong they have become, we should heed to our Hero’s advice and move to become stronger ourselves; we can’t afford another mistake like what I made back then, since I know for certain that everyone of us will die if we go to confront them now, which in turn will doom the Kingdom of Hyrule and by extension the world forever.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It sounds tedious, I know that. I want to send both Ganondorf and Majora into oblivion as much as you do, don’t get me wrong, but we mustn’t grow careless. It is fortunate that Termina has some of the facilities we need for it, so we may need to spar against each other and push each other to the limit without causing any permanent/lasting damage.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We trust you on this as much as you trust us.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You know, kid, you’ve got some undying loyalty for your friends in a degree that I’ve never seen before.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks.” Link said to the Gerudo with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s ironic that, in a way, a wish of yours is being granted for now…” Darunia then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Which is?”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You and Zelda both are coming with us into the Chamber of the Sages, since that’s the best place for us to commence with the ritual to purify that mask.” Darunia smiled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link smiled brightly at this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” He said as the group entered the Hyrule Castle Town.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf sat on his throne, thinking about what Majora has told him regarding that other mask that was given to Link by the latter. Truth be told, Ganondorf had never heard about such a being in existence, but that it was there was obvious. How else would Majora be so terrified all of a sudden when that level of power was felt all the way from the vast forest area all the way to the new tower, which was now named Ganjora’s Tower… Standing up, he went outside to the top of the tower for some close observation. As he appeared on the top of the tower, it was already clear that the tower itself was incredibly high, being as high, if not higher than the Stone Tower, with his personal throne being located on the level where in the Stone Tower the entrance to its temple was situated. Walking to the edge, he could see the Stone Tower itself faintly in the far distance, before he looked down to the south area of the tower, past the vast mountain areas in the direction of where once stood the glorious castle of the Hyrulean Royal Family. He could sense the approach of Link and the Seven Sages, but why were they headed to the Temple of Time? Something was amiss, he knew it, so he decided to perform a little spy game. Perhaps he could see the mask and the Fierce Deity in person, so he could see for himself what got Majora so riled up since yesterday. He remained silent as he moved off silently, but keeping his distance and taking his time. It gave him time to inspect the headquarters below anyway…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Entering Hyrule Castle Town, the group was still unnerved by the vast amount of ReDeads that roamed the town square. However, Link played the Sun’s Song on his Ocarina to freeze them all, allowing the Sages and himself to pass by without worries. For some reason it automatically brought relief to the group as a whole as the ReDeads were frozen in place, allowing them to reach the Temple of Time swiftly, which was in time as another group of enemies patrolling in the area were approaching their position rapidly. Passing by the Sheikah stones that stood in its courtyard, the group made the turn towards the entrance when Link suddenly stopped, spotting something in the faint distance.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s the matter?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m seeing a landscape at a far distance ahead, something I’ve never seen before… it lies way beyond of where Hyrule Castle once stood…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the Sages watched, they could indeed see dark clouds bellowing towards a very distant landscape, as if an evil presence has made its home there. They could also see a faint outline of a tower that stuck out from beyond the mountains.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think that could be Ganondorf and Majora’s true lair.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is. We have to attend to this later however.” Rauru said, as the group moved on towards the Temple of Time.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once inside the Temple, the group could see that the Temple was still ruined, the rubble that once blocked the path towards the Pedestal of Time being neatly moved aside to make it accessible again. Upon approaching the Pedestal of Time, Rauru used his own Sage powers to transport the entire group directly into the Chamber of the Sages, which fortunately looked untouched. Navi, Tatl and Tael remained behind inside the Temple itself, partially due to Tatl and Tael being in foreign land and Navi wanting to stay with her kin in order to enlighten them a bit more about the place. Inside the Chamber of the Sages, the Sages already moved to stand in a circle on top of the Triforce-shaped pedestal, with Link standing between Saria and Zelda, although a bit at the back, wondering how this ritual was going to take place, not wanting to interfere as he felt it could hinder or even fail it in turn. This event all increased his heartbeat, but he kept his calm expression.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Are you alright, Brother?” Darunia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m fine, Darunia. It’s just that it’s the first time I’m actually witnessing this first-hand and I’m also eager to finally turn the tide of this war.” Link said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Trust us in the fact that we will emerge victorious at the end. First, we will heed to your request to purify the Fierce Deity's Mask. Your courage has allowed you to withstand its evil spirit so far, but we will see to it that it will never be able to corrupt you at all. First, we will need the Mask itself.” Rauru then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link nodded as he handed over the Fierce Deity's Mask, which Rauru lays down on the Triforce-shaped pedestal among the group. Link wondered how it would go, knowing he’d be the first to witness such a ritual. The Sages in the meantime had taken up their positions around the Mask. Rauru held the hands of Impa and Darunia. Darunia holds the hand of Nabooru, while Ruto is at Impa's side, holding her hand. Ruto holds the hand of Saria, while Nabooru has Zelda's hand. At first, Link believes that this is a Sage only ritual... but then he sees Saria and Zelda smiling at him, beckoning him to join in![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You... you want me to join in on this?” Link asked, blinking in genuine surprise.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, Link. You are the Hero of Time and only the Hero is, when needed, allowed to join in on the Sages actions and rituals.” Zelda said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Besides, we need all the help we can get to prevent mistakes like what happened to you before.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link smiled and accepts the hands of Saria and Zelda, making the circle complete, the Sages all smiling back at him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now, close your eyes as we will initiate the ritual. We need absolute concentration of everyone in this.” Rauru said as he closed his eyes.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru, Impa and Darunia followed suit, intertwining their fingers to maintain grip on each other’s hands to ensure the circle would not break. Then Rauru proceeded with the incantation, citing it in the form of a prayer.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Goddesses of Hyrule, please heed our call, the call of the ancient creators of Hyrule. For the past days, The lands of Hyrule and Termina have been plagued by the appearance and reappearance of Creatures of Evil, Creatures who are bound to destroy everything we have built up. Creatures who will stop at nothing until the original inhabitants of both worlds are vanquished and replaced by creatures of their own kind. Creatures who have no mercy and will mercilessly slaughter any man, woman, child and animal who stand in their way. We have the means to combat these creatures, but our time is running short. In the middle of us is a mask, a mask which bears the spirit of an Oni, whom gives the user enough power to combat any opponent in their path, giving them the strength needed to overcome any hardships quickly. But the spirit has once been evil or believed to be evil, as the user is exposed to the threat of being overtaken by it. We ask of you, Great Goddesses of Hyrule, to make this mask pure, so the wearer will not be corrupted by its evil spirit and use its power to protect what we helped to build up in the worlds. Goddesses of Hyrule, please heed our call, PURIFY THE MASK OF THE FIERCE DEITY!”[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]For a moment, everything was silent for a few seconds... but then the chamber itself began to rumble, but neither Link nor any of the Sages moved from their spots. An enormous power build-up proceeded to fill the Chamber itself, which in turn began to emanate from the ruined Temple of Time. The rumbling began to spread throughout the Temple of Time itself, then it would be felt in the courtyard of the temple… and then Hyrule Castle Town would begin to rumble. This alerted a group of Stalfos and Dinolfos as they patrolled around in the ruined town, the Moblin Guards, Bomb Soldiers and Iron Knuckles who stood guard also looked up, wondering where the rumbling came from. The ReDeads on the other hand remained in position as if it was nothing to them. Inside the Temple itself, Navi, Tatl and Tael huddled together, obviously frightened at what was going on at the moment.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wha- what is this?!” Tatl asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It must be the ceremony they talked about! Look!” Navi exclaimed as he saw the Pedestal of Time beginning to glow…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Meanwhile, the rumbling intensified, and auras began to appear around the group of eight surrounding the Fierce Deity's Mask. It was as if there was an awakening ceremony taking place. Then, the eyes of the group seemed to open, but they were glowing... Rauru's eyes were yellow, Impa's were purple, Darunia's were red, Nabooru's were orange, Ruto's were Blue, Saria's were green, Zelda's were gold and Link's eyes were lime green, as if the goddesses were replying through them. A golden glow appeared around the Fierce Deity's Mask, the glow suddenly expanding slowly, engulfing the eight in its peaceful, warm glow, before an energy pillar shot up from it, and an energy pillar appeared from the pedestal and into the sky, piercing through the Dark clouds. It was then that an energy sphere appeared into the sky, making it reminiscent of almost forming a disc with symbols on it, but the sound coming from it seemed to be as if it was gathering energy first. It was then however that the center orb expanded along with the celestial ‘disk’, before it exploded into a single orb as a torrent of golden yellow lightning bolts as unleashed on the town AND the temple itself! Navi, Tatl and Tael remained untouched, but every creature that belonged to Ganondorf and Majora was incinerated the instant a lightning strike hit them. The Iron Knuckles however had their armors destroyed, releasing the Gerudo controlling them, each of the Gerudo being knocked out cold by the sudden attack. Those Gerudo whom were first brainwashed also had the spell casted on them dispelled, freeing them from Ganondorf and Majora’s control in the process… [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Soon enough, the light died down. The purification was a success and the Fierce Deity's Mask, now formerly home to an evil spirit, was now a mask that retained its power, but was without the danger of corrupting its user. Link and the Sages were equally drained, but satisfied at the end result as the whole ceremony was a complete success, with Link taking the mask now back after he was given the okay by the Sages. The group was of course exhausted after all this, but overall, their objective was completed. With this in hand, Rauru transported the group back towards the Temple of Time, reappearing around the Pedestal of Time. No sooner had they exited the part of what was once the Door of Time, the area began to rumble again, this time with a more evil intent. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?!” Link asked, right before he and the Sages found themselves encased in a single crystal prison, instantly causing Zelda to scream as this happened to her in the Future That Almost Was. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Just then, footsteps came into the room they were in. As the group looked forward, gazing through the crystal, they could see Ganondorf approaching… and he wasn’t pleased at all…

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 27: Deity versus King[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So… the eight pests have showed themselves once again…” Ganondorf said as he approached the crystal with the group inside.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ganondorf…” Zelda said, while Link growled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Pest?! Why don’t you look into a mirror to see the pest right there?!” Ruto snapped.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How foolish of you to have returned to my land… alive! Your little ritual did not escape my attention, but regardless of what you did, it will not help you.” Ganondorf said, his expression stern and malicious.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What do you want?!” Impa then snapped.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Very simple, Sheikah… I want the two remaining Triforce Pieces as well as whatever powers you have as Sages… and after that I want your deaths!” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Navi, Tatl and Tael had in the meantime gone into hiding, being frightened of Ganondorf’s appearance.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“If you think you can just take our powers and end us, then you’re sadly mistaken.” Link said as Ganondorf still approached.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Silence, kid! I killed you once before and I can do it again. Just take comfort in the fact that your friends will go with you, so you won’t be alone.” Ganondorf said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Where’s Majora? Isn’t he supposed to be your ally?” Zelda then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Majora’s currently out of town, checking on some business regarding our forces in Termina. I happened to sense what you were doing out here, so I decided to investigate it. Now I see you lot all together here with the same false hopes as ever…” Ganondorf said with a dark chuckle.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“False hope you say? The only one with the false hope is you, since you will never be able to defeat us!” Ruto snapped.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, really?” Ganondorf asked, amused at the Zora Princess’ defiance, “then tell me how it was to have been amongst the ranks of the dead, since you will be going back there very soon.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Not if we cave your face in first!” Darunia snapped, slamming his hands together as he was ready to deliver a serious pounding to the Evil King.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You people amuse me… just like when that forest kid confronted me as he tried to stop me from going after Zelda and Impa on that white horse of theirs…” Ganondorf said, chuckling darkly.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You evil bastard! Haven’t you done enough?!” Nabooru snarled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hm? Ah yes, the lone wolf thief whom openly turned on me back then… too bad for you that I’ve just begun…” Ganondorf said as he raised his hand in the air, beginning to generate a sphere of dark magic, which turned into a sphere of green electricity.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Time for your dreams and hopes to end!” Ganondorf said as he charged it up, intending to destroy the crystal and vaporize the group inside to nothingness.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]However, he failed to notice Link putting on the now Purified Fierce Deity Mask, the effects becoming clear as Link’s body began to grow in size and in power. Ganondorf  was about to throw the attack when he suddenly spotted Link transforming, his size and power putting pressure on the crystal from within, making cracks appear in it, right before the now-Purified Fierce Deity Link used his Double Helix Sword to shatter the crystal prison, freeing himself and the Sages and sending debris of the crystal prison around the room, some of which shattering into smaller pieces as they struck the walls. Ganondorf immediately ceased his attack as he now stared into the eyes of the new Fierce Deity Link. The purified Fierce Deity Link retained his initial appearance with the armor and everything, but where once his eyes were empty, were now the blue eyes that were definitely Link’s. But the most astonishing thing was his power, it has multiplied as if Link truly had transcended his humanity and became a deity in his own right.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?! What is this?!” Ganondorf asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The one who will show you that you have messed with the wrong people!” Fierce Deity Link said, narrowing his eyes while his Double Helix Sword was shimmering with magic power.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]‘So THIS is the form that Majora has talked about before… now I see it firsthand…’[/font][font=Verdana, sans-serif] Ganondorf thought before chuckling, smirking as he observed Link’s new form.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Cheeky, eh? Well then, let’s see what you got!” Ganondorf said as he drew his own sword, before casting a fire barrier to keep the Sages out of the fight.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Immediately Saria and Zelda protested, but Link turned to them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t worry about me, I’ll take care of this.” He said, genuinely smiling at them, before growing serious again as he turned to the Evil King, who was ready to attack.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Soon enough, Ganondorf and Fierce Deity Link engaged each other in a sword fight, with Ganondorf having it easier in a way as the Double Helix Sword did require the use of two hands, thus preventing the use of a shield. However, Link was making things very difficult as he at one point threw a few Sword Beams at the Evil King, stunning him to the point of where he could lay in several hits. Fierce Deity Link’s form as a whole was impressive as it was as even Nabooru, Impa, Darunia and Rauru had to look up to him now because of his size, but the thing that could TRULY be called grotesque in all aspects was the Double Helix Sword that Link was wielding; it proved to be very resilient and also incredibly powerful, putting the pressure on Ganondorf for once as the two clashed in this fight. It was of no surprise that the Sages watched in awe at the amount of power that Link wielded now, but the surprising thing was that Zelda and Saria both were silently rooting for their friend, Ruto found herself balling her fists in excitement and Nabooru wished she could make Ganondorf pay herself, hoping that Link could deliver blows to him in her name. The King of Evil managed to get a few low blows in, but Fierce Deity Link easily retaliated with some nasty slashes, at one point having sliced and diced Ganondorf’s cape and part of his armor to bits. This made it clear that Fierce Deity Link was definitely a force to be reckoned with, but Ganondorf’s main advantage was that he still was in the possession of the Triforce of Power, making him incredibly strong on his turn.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf was astonished that he actually found himself struggling to keep up! Where first he had little trouble in dealing with the young forest child, now it was the other way around as this transformation because of that mask gave him superior power and a massive blade to boot! But this was impossible; this child was confirmed dead by his men, but ended up resurrected one way or another! And now he was kicking his ass, but how! He was the Great Ganondorf, the Great King of Evil and soon-to-be Ruler of the World! How was it possible that this young boy managed to overcome him, including the time he bested him in the Future That Almost Was?! Was he somehow driven by a different cause? A cause that seemed insignificant in Ganondorf’s vision? And what about that blade?! It definitely wasn’t the Master Sword, yet it was inflicting damage where it could! It was as if this being was of a whole different caliber than Link and the Seven Sages combined! Now he could understand why Majora got worked up over him, but that it was giving HIMSELF a hard time was something that Ganondorf could not tolerate! But he also realized that the Triforce parts were resonating, the sensation of them trying to become one once more as the legend foretold being present within those who contained such a piece, but it was present within Ganondorf the most! Both sides were sporting some injuries, but this didn’t deter Link to continue fighting and protect his friends with the best of his abilities, something Ganondorf noticed before. Eventually managing to kick Fierce Deity Link towards the Sages while ceasing the barrier, Ganondorf lowered his weapon. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So… you have power… but do you really think you can defeat me with that?” Ganondorf then asked as Fierce Deity Link got up, with the Sages moving to him right away.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Insects, you have no idea how much preparation and power is required to beat me… yet I must admit that your teamwork and everything has gotten you quite far… not even Death can stop you, that is something I’ve come to understand…” Ganondorf said, clenching his fists in what appeared to be frustration.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Fierce Deity Link was obviously panting, but managed to stand upright, holding onto his sword tightly. The Sages all stood next to or behind him, helping him up. Link made a silent nod of gratitude towards them, indicating that the purification was a success. It was then that Ganondorf held his right hand forward, brandishing the mark of the Triforce of Power towards the group.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s time to end this however, as your powers shall be mine now! PERISH AT THE HANDS OF THE GREAT GANONDORF!” The Evil King then snarled, before unleashing another purple and black aura of evil, which then moved towards Link and the Sages as a while, causing them to grunt as the wave of darkness engulfed them completely.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf cackled as he could feel the powers of the group being sapped little by little, showcasing who was the superior one here. It wouldn’t be long before they would be weak enough for him to extract the remaining Triforce parts as well as whatever powers these Sages seemed to have at their disposal, so he could use it against them. Fierce Deity Link however wasn’t going to give up without a fight, managing to lift his Double Helix Sword in front of him in an upright position, beginning to channel whatever power he could muster inside it. Already he began to feel the pressure building up on his body, mainly due to the wave of darkness around him and the internal struggle within him to remain standing and prevent the cataclysm that Ganondorf was bringing upon them. Veins were beginning to pulse in his neck, arms and legs, but he held his position as his Double Helix Sword began to shimmer on and off. Link then blinked as he felt someone grabbing his left arm and beginning to add power to his. From the corner of his eyes, he could see that Zelda had taken the initiative and was adding her power to his, adding resistance to the group, but putting her under the same pressure as himself. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“S… Sages… we need to… help him!” Zelda managed to say between grunts as the wave of darkness was beginning to take its toll on the group.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Shifting his legs to increase balance, Link attempted to still block the incoming wave of darkness, his sword now glowing a bit more thanks to Zelda’s input. But the glow suddenly became stable. Looking at his other arm, he saw that Saria and Ruto each held themselves onto his right arm and were adding their powers to Link and Zelda’s. Nabooru aided Zelda by also grabbing Link’s left arm while at the same time supporting the Hyrulean princess, while Impa grabbed Link’s shoulders, along with Rauru, while Darunia grabbed Link around the waist to provide additional weight to prevent them from falling over, each of them also supplying Link with their powers, but putting all of them now under intense pressure as the glow intensified. Ganondorf’s eyes went wide as he saw this happening, moving to intensify his Wave of Darkness around the group, causing them to grunt even harder as they tried to maintain their position. However, Fierce Deity Link remained standing and, as if on cue, the Triforce of Courage began to glow on his hand, as did the Triforce of Wisdom on Zelda’s hand. Surely enough, the Double Helix Blade was brimming with energy which at first began to divert some of the Darkness Wave away from them, before Fierce Deity Link, with the aid of the Sages, brought the sword down so the tip was facing Ganondorf… right before a massive wave of energy was fired from the Sword, heading towards Ganondorf who looked shocked as this happened. This wasn’t just an ordinary energy beam; it was a focused beam, which promptly slammed into Ganondorf’s chest, causing him to cease his attack and was sent flying THROUGH the wall of the Temple of Time towards the mountain landscape he apparently came from. But Ganondorf wasn’t the only one who came out of this unscathed; the firing process of this Sword Beam caused a kickback onto the group itself, sending them crashing through the other wall and landing in the courtyard of the Temple, with the mask itself coming off of Link’s face due to the harsh landing, making the mask land against one of the Sheikah Stones. The group itself laid a few meters behind them, with Darunia and Rauru being the closest to the Sheikah Stones on their turn. Impa and Nabooru laid in front of them, while Saria, Link, Zelda and Ruto laid in front of them, each of them being terribly exhausted, their bodies aching all over and sweating and for a brief moment, there appeared to be steam rising from their bodies, as if they went in some kind of overheat.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“W… wow…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That… that was… something else…” Zelda said between pants.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link chuckled lightly, being too exhausted to laugh.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I… I guess we… now know… what it’s like… to combine… our energies… in a single… attack.” Link said, causing the others to grin or chuckle on their turn, even Rauru.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh wow… my body hurts… so much… I can hardly move…” Nabooru said, trying to get up, but her arms and legs gave out, causing her to fall back on the ground with another grunt upon landing.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I… I guess a short… nap… is in order…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“B… But we… we’d be vulnerable here…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It was then that Saria used her Ocarina to play the Minuet of Forest with the energy she had left, transporting the group in the calm, serene surroundings of the Sacred Forest Meadow. Then, after checking if everyone was present with her, Saria passed out from exhaustion, with Link passing out himself about a second later. Rauru managed to retrieve the Fierce Deity's Mask before the transportation began, having taken it with him in turn before he too passed out, as did the others one by one, in turn giving their bodies the chance needed to recuperate from the sudden pressure put onto them.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora in the meantime could feel the energy increase all the way down into the sanctuary he was in while moving the troops in their position, causing him to shiver once again, even more when he could feel what he suspected to be a clash between the Fierce Deity and Ganondorf... but something seemed off about the Fierce Deity in his eyes... it was as if the Fierce Deity had become more pure-hearted as it left the Sages alone... but why? How was that possible?! Majora was about to go nuts from all these questions in his mind, so he moved off to be alone somewhere...[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf on the other hand crashed right into a mountain area after being blasted with that Sword Beam, grunting as he could feel more of his armor shattering. However, his Triforce of Power enabled him to survive something like that, although it would take some time for him to recover from the blow as well...[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]'So... that is what the Fierce Deity's like... but he still had Link's eyes instead of the empty eyes that Majora had told me about not too long ago... and he left the Sages alone... something is definitely amiss... but what?!'[/font][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf mentally asked himself as he pulled himself from the mountain, ignoring the rubble falling down because of his movements.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]'This all confirms the threat that the group as a whole poses, but Link as the Fierce Deity even more... something has to be done about it, before things go haywire and they come to challenge me again. I will take the necessary measures in order to be prepared for them. They will not get away so easily... I will make sure that they will suffer deeply for defying me and defying death... I will get their powers, no matter what it takes!'[/font][font=Verdana, sans-serif] Ganondorf thought as he floated back up, observing the damage done on his armor and cape.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]'Looks like I may need to reinforce my armor and cape first; both have taken quite the damage...but at least this gives me the time to think of proper countermeasures... mark my words, Link and Zelda... your far from done with all your troubles... in fact, if you head either all the way over there or dare to come here, you will see that things will only be even harder from you...'[/font][font=Verdana, sans-serif] He said as he floated up and prepared to leave.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It took them about an hour or two, but eventually Link and the Sages woke up, their bodies having recuperated enough to allow proper movements to be made overall... although it didn't go easy, the group managed to get up and move to the tree trunk where Saria used to play her own song on her Ocarina all the time. Link recalled those times very well, having learned her song from her and, whenever he could, especially after his initial return from Termina, played the Ocarina together with Saria, the two simply having fun as they played in harmony with on occasion providing a second tone to whatever song they decided to play. It were good times that both Link and Saria enjoyed, especially when their duet became a triplet as at times Princess Zelda managed to sneak into the Sacred Forest Meadow and happily played the ocarina with Link and Saria, which no doubt was well-received by the Kokiri and the resident forest animals in general. Once at the tree stump, Link, Saria, Zelda and Ruto sat down on it, with the other Sages sitting around them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Whew, I still feel tired..." Link said, sighing deeply.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"We all are. I didn't think that something like that would be leaving such a strain on our bodies, much less us being even capable of achieving such a feat in the first place." Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"True. I think it has something to do with some kind of connection we have with each other, almost as if you lot for the time 'awakened' and added your powers to mine in turn... such a concept was something you did before when we had to defeat Ganondorf in the Future That Almost Was..." [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Indeed. I do wonder how we are going to even reach Ganondorf now. If his new lair he shares with Majora is THAT far away from the main land where once my castle stood, it would be even more of a long trip to reach him..." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"True and given with how strong he has become, it's safe to say that the upcoming time may be the hardest for us yet." Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others nodded as they sat together, resting up a bit more before moving on towards the Lost Woods, from which they could travel towards Termina again after calling their horses using Epona’s Song. Once the group (sans Darunia) were on their horses, they made their way back towards Termina through the forest, taking it easy to give them and their horses an easy time. Link smiled as he felt Saria resting against his back, apparently the forest girl was still somewhat tired. Not that he blamed her though; he was more inclined to rest some more, but decided to keep himself awake to remain alert. Impa did the same thing while holding Zelda with her on her horse and Nabooru did this with Princess Ruto as well. Thankfully their trip went without incidents, giving them the chance to still rest up…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]At the same moment Leia and Reimu had ventured off with a patrol of Gerudo at their side to investigate the forest area of where they felt a massive increase of energy first.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What do you think has happened there?” Leia asked as the group entered the outpost which was left now wide open.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I don’t know, but it felt enormous. It must have clearly swept through this whole area for sure, considering it is now void of enemy presence…” Reimu said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True. I wonder if our new allies and friends have anything to do with this… I mean the ones who helped our comrades by liberating them from that mind-control spell…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You raise an interesting point, but we can’t know for sure until we have found evidence of what has happened here…” She said, just as one of the guards spotted a child hiding among some rocks.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hey, I found someone.” She said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Graveyard Boy was startled as he saw Gerudo approaching, but they didn’t seem to make a move to attack or capture him…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Relax, kid; we’re not with Ganondorf or his entourage. What’s happened?” Reimu asked the boy.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I… I saw a group of people heading in this area, freeing me from captivity and taking out the enemy soldiers as if they were nothing. One of them looked like she was one of you, although her clothing was more white.” The boy said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That must have been the exalted Nabooru, our true leader.” Leia said, to which Reimu nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Anyways, what are you hiding out here for?” Reimu then asked the boy.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I initially wanted to go to where I was staying with my parents and all before we got captured, but I wanted to see where they were going… causing me to stick around here.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Reimu nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll take you back to your village. That way we’ll show the villagers that the Gerudo here are as much against Ganondorf as they are.” She said, before spotting a Goron heading to them, evidently having investigated the area himself and joined up with them as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you very much ma’am.” The boy said with a happy smile as the Gerudo decided to do their good deed for the day and return the child to where he belongs, hoping that this would at least get them partially into the good graces of the Hyrulean people, especially now that they had a Goron as a witness.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It took the group several hours at best to cross the vast forest that laid between the two lands, before arriving at an entrance that led to what appeared to be the bottom area of the Clock Town’s tower, similar to the sewer area Link arrived in when he came to Termina the first time after being turned into a Deku. It's one of the hidden entrances that leads directly into the center of Clock Town itself. Link shuddered as he arrived at this place, feeling memories returning to him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What's up, Link?” Zelda asked as she noted him shuddering.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Nothing, just a few memories of that Happy Mask Salesman who passed by in these parts. He was here while I was out in Termina fighting Majora and everything.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I recall seeing him back in Hyrule Castle Town. That grin of his gave me the creeps...” Zelda said, shuddering herself as she knew what Link meant.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wasn't he the one looking for the rare masks and everything?” Impa asked, “He had some of them stalled in the shop…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“He was... he had all those different masks with him on his backpack when I saw him in Hyrule Castle Town as he made his way out…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great Scott! I recall him looking for the one mask that the Skullkid had back then!” Link then said, having an epiphany [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What?! That Salesman was actually looking for Majora's Mask ITSELF?!” Zelda asked, going wide-eyed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, I recall him walking away with it after Termina was saved. He was gone before I even had the chance to stop him. Then again, I was still shaking the stars out of my head since I got pretty much launched back to earth once I destroyed Majora's Wrath. That battle took place in the moon after all...” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You told us that, that was one great adventure and one heck of a battle after all...” Saria said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And you assume that Majora himself confronted that salesman just to get that Mask back, right?” Rauru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I'm sure of that, Rauru; it's the only thing that gave Majora his powers in the first place. Being that it has been used in ancient hexing rituals and the mask itself having its powers sealed when the tribe responsible feared that the result would be catastrophic if left unchecked…” Link said[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, I think that must have been the start of the hell unleashed upon both Hyrule and Termina.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Believe me, Nabooru, I'm certain that what we have gone through is more similar to like standing in front of the gates of Hell... as far as I know, with Ganondorf and Majora planning their invasions all over the place, Hell has yet to come. Here I thought that the Mask lost its powers after I defeated Majora, but apparently I was mistaken; it could have very well laid dormant until it found its new host or a new ally all along as you said, Rauru.” Link said[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I hope the Goddess of Time can protect us now.” Princess Zelda said, shuddering.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We all hope that, Zelda. If we can't stop the evil menace that lies ahead, who will?” Impa then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We should take a rest in Clock Town, while we also prepare ourselves for a great journey. We should find out where that sanctuary is once we’re certain we’re ready for it.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great idea. We will need to adapt and plan things accordingly. If those two plan such an outrageous attack to ensure any form of resistance is crushed, we need to be prepared for something a lot worse as the place could be crawling with monsters…” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hopefully the room Nabooru, Ruto, Zelda, Saria and I stayed in is still available for us…” Link said as Darunia opened the tower doors, leading the group on into Clock Town before the doors closed again.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 28: The preparation[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Clock Town is the most prosperous and largest town in Termina, lying in the center of the land and providing the center of government and commerce for Terminans everywhere. Run by Mayor Dotour, the town is often filled with life with its numerous shops, entertainment buildings like a Shooting Gallery and also providing things that were never seen in Hyrule before, such as a Bank for rupee storage, the Trading Post and even a Lottery shop. Tourists who arrive there usually stay in the town’s only inn, the Stock Pot Inn, if they so desire and for musical performances, people can come down to the Milk Bar, the one place where townsfolk and tourists alike can congregate and chat together and providing the venue for the bands that have planned and are scheduled to play there for when they are on tour. Arriving in East Clock Town were the group of people native to Hyrule, being Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru, Darunia, Impa and Rauru, accompanied by their horses. Darunia, Impa and Rauru were very much in awe of the town, while Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru have visited the town before and are in a way more familiar with the businesses around. Around them, the daily routine of life, working, eating and sleeping continued as if it was for countless years. There were no big events in town so business was easy; when the Carnival of Time would draw near, the town would be even more busy than usual. It is this that also proved fortunate for the group as it allowed them to rent the room in the Stock Pot Inn, which was approved of by Anju, the current owner of the Stock Pot Inn, and her husband Kafei. Settling in their room, the group decided to sit together and discuss their plans of action.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, we now know that there is another outpost of Ganondorf and Majora out here in Termina, but its exact location is currently unknown to us, as is the way of how to even reach it in the first place. So it is likely we may need to ask the folks here if they know anything about the place.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is known about it so far?” Darunia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“All that is currently known is that the outpost is located in the area between Snowhead and Ikana Canyon, but it is said that we can’t enter it from those areas, as if it’s deliberately made so in order to make it into a perfect stronghold in preparation for the major invasion that is about to befall this land, seeing as Hyrule is already largely conquered by Ganondorf and Majora together.” Nabooru replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We do know that there is a path that leads to it, but where that path exactly is or where it can be accessed in the first place is something that none of us know so far.” Ruto then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is likely that we must be able to access it somewhere within Ikana Canyon or look into the Woods of Mystery once again. I thought to have seen a path going up to the right when we followed the monkey towards the unknown land that laid between Ikana and the Woods of Mystery itself.” Link said, bringing out a map of Termina and its surrounding areas, pointing to the locations he mentioned.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria and Zelda both nodded. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But what is left for us to do around here until we have that information?” Ruto then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I suggest we sharpen our sword-wielding skills in the Swordsman’s School in West Clock Town for those who need it. West Clock Town also has the Trading Shop and the Bomb Shop we can use to restock on supplies of weapons and medicines if we are in need of them.” Link said, marking the locations.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Those who prefer ranged weapons can test their skills in the Shooting Gallery in East Clock Town or even within the Southern Swamp to test it against moving targets.” Zelda added.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We could also hold sparring sessions against each other to test our skills more thoroughly, so that we know how we fight and can counter each other’s moves.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True, since I have a feeling that we may need to face our worst fears and overcome them if we are to get anywhere.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda nodded at this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Like what we went through when Majora put us in that dream world?” She asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, but possibly even worse. We could very well need to master ourselves for real if we are to make a stand now… besides, there have been dark copies made of you and me for one, so it could be very well done to the others as well.” Link replied, making Zelda shudder.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Either way, we have it going to have it very busy…” Impa said, making the others nod, while Navi, Tatl and Tael settled somewhere to rest inside the room, leaving the discussion to the group of eight…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]At the same moment, Majora felt what has happened in Hyrule and teleported to the area of where he felt the energy come from, seeing two large holes in either side of the Temple of Time, heading for the one which gave a view of the mountains close to the tower he resided in with Ganondorf, moving at high speed. Upon his arrival, he discovered Ganondorf, who looked worse for wear, despite being fully conscious as he dug himself out from underneath the rubble. Ganondorf grunted as he freed himself from his current trap, before seeing Majora floating nearby.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"What happened?" Majora asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Take a guess..." Ganondorf snarled as he got up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"You confronted the Fierce Deity..." [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"More or less, he confronted me... I almost had them beat, as the Seven Sages were with him. However the eight people combined their energies into a single attack which blasted me all the way down here." [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"They are becoming a greater threat than I thought. We need to put an end to them somehow..."[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"That is for certain. It's either that or have the group perish by our hands again... or they could die at their own hands..."[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"How do you mean?"[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Let's give Dark Link and Dark Zelda some more friends..."[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Cremia smiled as she watched her sister Romani, having done whatever she could to cure the fever that Romani was suffering from. So far, nothing else of interest has happened, not even the Gorman Brothers trying to harass her this time, allowing her to focus on helping her younger sister to get better. The results were paying off; no longer was Romani sweating or crying or even suffering from the fever, the color had returned to her face and given the way how she feels right now indicates that Romani was making a swift recovery. It brought very much relief to her to know that Romani was just going to be fine, allowing her to stroke Romani's head while she slept, taking comfort in the fact that everything would be alright after all.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Sakon in the meantime smiled as he finally was done with his work, hoping he would get revenge on that forest kid and his accomplices this way. He had set up his new security system to where he believed it couldn't be broken this time, as his old system failed as the Sun's Mask was taken from him by that forest kid and the kid he stole the mask from in the first place. He would see to it that this time he would be pulling the shortest straw and emerge victorious, so he could once more steal things without being interfered or otherwise interrupted. He had to make his own living after all as he was dependent on his earnings of the Curiosity Shop too, coupled with the other things he had stolen and kept for himself. It would only be a matter of time before he had completed his work, the pests being dealt with and he being free to do what he wanted.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Deciding to call it a night, the group decided to go to bed early in order to get fully prepared for the following days, where they could do what is necessary to prepare themselves for the journey towards the latest outpost that Ganondorf and Majora had set up, from where they would launch their large scale invasion of Termina and bring that land under their control like they had control over Hyrule. While Darunia used his own way to sleep, the others went into their respective beds, although when Link briefly woke up for a moment, he spotted Saria lying right next to him, vast asleep and with her face turned to him. Making him smile, he made the best of it and fell back asleep swiftly, although at first he had a bit difficulties doing so… it made him think about a nightmare he experienced only a few days after he returned from Termina during a sleepover, where he dreamt about himself and his friends being in Termina Field, only to be greeted with the sight of the Majora-possessed moon falling on top of Clock Town’s clock tower, making it collapse as the moon utterly crushed the town, killing all of its residents before the fiery shockwave was released from its impact, lambasting all of Termina’s surroundings and incinerating Link and his friends in the process as the Terminan Apocalypse concluded. Thankfully it was just a dream as this disaster was averted, but it was definitely confirmed that, despite his courageous bravado and his determined demeanor, Link was STILL a child and has lived through horrors that not even an adult would wish to experience. It made Link more or less extremely relieved to know that he always had friends to rely on even in the darkest of times, especially the ones he had made during his travels in Hyrule.  While he loved all of his friends dearly and would come to their aid no matter what happened, there were so far two whom Link had grown very attached to, Princess Zelda being one of them. He smiled as he remembered the times they had fun together, playing the games in Hyrule Castle Town (Bombchu Bowling being a personal favorite), fishing in the lake and generally catching up on things together. While he definitely enjoyed spending time with Zelda, it was Saria whom he also had grown close to as, especially during his time in the forest, she was the one capable of chasing his nightmares away and giving him the comfort he sought in his hour of need, just as much as he provided her with the same shoulder to cry on if Saria needed an outlet for her sorrows. This special kind of friendship also earned him the initial ire of Mido, whom had taken an interest in Saria himself, but felt that Link was trying to steal her away from him, just because he was different from them. It was one of the reasons why Mido still saw Link as an outsider and never really accepted him for who he was until his return from Termina, where words of his deeds spread throughout the land of Hyrule. It also helped that, during his travels back and forth through time in his attempts to avert the Future That Almost Was, that memories of those events were replicated within his own mind as well as those of the Sages, effectively changing them to a degree. It shocked many Kokiri to see Saria becoming far more serious as well as very nervous during Link’s initial time in Termina, which in turn explained why she was so elated when Link returned to them. Thankfully none of the Kokiri bothered to question it all, but found it rather strange that Link and Saria both spent a lot more time in the Sacred Forest Meadow together. With all those memories returning, Link couldn’t help himself to hug Saria close before falling asleep himself, making Saria stir, but she remained asleep as well…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The next morning, the group went to get some breakfast together, wanting to be refreshed before they went on to their zealous training mission, having decided to check out the Swordsman's School first in order to sharpen their skills with their blades. At the same moment, Ganondorf and Majora went inside their tower to push their own plans forward to ensure that their will would be spreading further around Hyrule and Termina. With the heroes out of Hyrule, they decided to first expand their influence in there by strengthening their existing strongholds there, before moving on towards Termina itself, knowing that the sanctuary the occupied there already would be enough to give the group trouble and in effect buy them enough time to finalize their plans for total domination. Perhaps it would finally be the realization of their dreams, to rule over everyone of the world or otherwise destroy what can't be taken. Already Ganondorf was somewhat looking forward to what could be the final confrontation, envisioning him holding Link and Zelda both high in the air, standing among the fallen bodies of the Six Sages, to extract their respective Triforce pieces of Courage and Wisdom respectively, before impaling the both of them on his sword to deal the death blow, watching with glee as the hero and the princess's death throes ceased forever, before tossing their bodies as well as those of the Six Sages into an abyss or otherwise a pool of lava so they would never be seen again. Still, there was the imminent threat of what the Fierce Deity posed, so Ganondorf felt that its power could be of use to him, unaware of the ritual that had taken place of purifying it by his arch nemeses. He simply felt that all the power that Link and Zelda both and by extension the Six Sages had in their possession should be his and his alone, so he could use their powers to enforce and enact his will all over the world, woe and behold those who dared to oppose him as they would be met with severe punishments, even the death penalty... All in all, Ganondorf knew that in any of the upcoming days the fate of Hyrule and Termina both, as well as that of the world itself, would be decided. This, coupled with the visions that Ganondorf had in front of him, proved more and more that he was evil and rotten to the core, not letting anyone stop him from achieving his goals. He chuckled as he watched Majora going off to instruct the forces present to guard their primary stronghold to guard it with their lives...[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]While Ganondorf and Majora were making their own preparations for what could be the greatest battle, Link and the Sages have proceed with their training together, holding a massive sparring session together inside the Swordsman's School, not just one, but multiple whenever their bodies allowed them to. At a few occasions, Saria and Zelda urged Link to take a rest, proclaiming their admiration for Link being so determined to keep fighting or training despite the injuries suffered, but advising him to rest as well, otherwise he would be too exhausted to continue with the overall mission. Thankfully, Link heeded to the advice of his friends, knowing that him continuing to get up after a beating did impress his friends as well as annoying his enemies to no end and telling his friends that this was also a force of habit on his side, which his friends didn't mind. It was as if the Hero of Time and the Sages had no secrets between each other, having an understanding of each other that would help in backing each other up. Impa on her turn was able to fight on equal terms with Nabooru; even though the latter was very agile and moved swiftly for incoming strikes while being ready to block another strike with her other blade, the former could make use of her ability to teleport to get in a few sneak attacks of her own. Link, Saria, Zelda and Ruto had at one point sparred with Darunia. Even though Darunia did receive some damage, he was very good in hand to hand combat, mostly in being able to repel lighter sword strikes effortlessly with his hands. Of course, Darunia held back on the power in his punches as he didn't want to hit the children too bad, but it was still enough to have them double over at times or have them struggle when blocking the attacks. At first, both Link and Zelda did hesitate at such an attack as Ganondorf brutally manhandled the both of them with his vicious gut-punches, but Darunia gave his word that he held back on his strength on that part, a word that he kept with vigor. At the end of a rather vigorous training day, Link and the Seven Sages were resting up in the Infirmary of the Training Center, their wounds bandaged and healing up quickly thanks to drinking a bit of Red Potion. It was rare to see them actually having a good time while they were fully aware of the crisis going on, but then again, having something to keep the mind a bit occupied instead of worrying all the time was healthy after all. It also took their minds off of what has happened to them so far, which in turn allowed them to maintain their focus and not get hindered by what’s in the past.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Reimu and Leia managed to reunite the Graveyard Boy with his mother, whom blinked at seeing the two Gerudo women bringing her boy back, even more so that, upon finding him, the Gerudo sisters have been looking after him while escorting him to where his new, temporal home was and guarding him with their lives. It was something that did have the desired result of the village people respecting the Gerudo for this. While they understood that some of the villagers remained distrustful, it did show that there were Gerudo who were honest and had it in their hearts to do what they believed is right. The fact that Reimu showed proof that she, her sister and their unit had sworn fealty to the Hyrulean Royal Family through a note Princess Zelda had given her before their departure after the latter's resurrection convinced most of the villagers and the guards present that these Gerudo did harbor no hostile intentions and refused to accept Ganondorf as their ruler, going against Gerudo laws in the process. As an act of good faith, the Gerudo decided to stay in the village, effectively bolstering the numbers of the remnants of the Hyrulean Army whom were assigned to guard the village of refugees, something that was appreciated as the Gerudo were known for their agility and their professional to excellent skills with handling weapons, the glaives and dual scimitar swords being favored, although some did take up archery without trouble.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon their return to their room in the Stock Pot Inn, Link and the Sages were conversing together as they were resting up from their training. While they did sport several bandages here and there, these were only for minor cut wounds on their arms and legs, which weren't severe enough to be put in plaster or, in case of the arms, having to be worn in a sling. As they were talking, each of them felt shivers down their spines... Remaining silent for a moment, the Sages wondered why there were shivers down their spines like that. However, Link wasn’t stupid and knew exactly where it came from. It was the kind of shiver that he had felt many times before, where one could feel as if they were surrounded by bloodlust or death, which in turn caused Link to look out the window to the east side of Clock Town. As the Sages looked outside the window with him, they could see the Milk Bar to the east and the Town's Wall that surrounded the entire town, complete with guard posts and everything. But that wasn't what they were specifically looking at; their attention went beyond the town walls, as in the far distance the high, looming Stone Tower and its Temple were towering high in the sky, which meant that they were looking straight in the direction of Ikana Canyon. Immediately, as they gazed upon that area, the Sages knew. All of them had information about the area, but so far, only Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru have actually been there before, if not for a short time. But even then, each of them knew all too well about the area itself... after all, History about the different lands of the world did spread to keep the many nations informed on the other nation's movements.  [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ikana...” Link began.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“... a cursed, inhospitable land...” Saria continued…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“... a land where the stench of death is overwhelming...” Zelda continued.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“... where those who live have no business there...” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“... where the foolish ones will eventually join the ranks of the dead...” Nabooru added.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“... where they will be plagued by their own regrets and misery...” Impa continued[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“... for trespassing in an area stained with a history of darkness, drenched in blood...” Darunia added[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“... And to this day it remains a place where troubled, regretful spirits gather...” Rauru finished.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Strange... how one land could be so... embroiled in such a dark, menacing history..." Zelda said sighing. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Indeed, coupled with the fact that the land itself was cursed... in fact, I also met a cursed Sharp there..." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Sharp? As in one of the Composer Brothers?" Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"His name was Sharp, but he was not of the Composer Brothers in Hyrule... when I confronted him in the Spring Water Cave, he played a death song that he composed, known as the Melody of Darkness. Anyone who listens to that will have their life force sapped away until they have joined the ranks of the dead. Thankfully I used the Song of Storms to lift the curse from him when he tried it on me, but still..." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others nodded in understanding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"And I'm definitely NOT looking forward to travel through these lands again; the Shadow Temple and the Kakariko Well are nothing compared to Ikana." Link then said, making even Impa shudder...[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Any word on the Stalfos Commander?" Ganondorf then asked a Garo that was under his control.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"He's dead, Master. He fought well and injured the group good using his four weapons on his four arms, but the forest kid suddenly transformed into this grotesque being that completely decimated the Stalfos Commander, cutting it apart. I left before any of them could notice me to bring you this report." The Garo responded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Hmmm, you've done well. This confirms the threat that the being poses to our strongest troops if it can disable one of them like that so soon." The King of Evil said, obviously thinking about it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Garo nodded as it vanished, its report completed. Ganondorf looked down at his hand, the Triforce of Power still brimming with life as it always had been. He then grunted, as he rubbed over the scars that were still present from the wounds that Link and Zelda had inflicted on him before he dealt the, albeit temporal, death blow to them. He was annoyed at the fact that those wounds actually still bothering him, even though they had already healed over...[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]'Why are those two scars bothering me so much?! They already have healed over, yet they still make me flinch whenever I touch them!' He thought to himself as he touched them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Ganondorf." A voice then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Majora... what news do you bring?" He asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Your new armor is almost ready. It'll be infused with magic so it will protect you also from magic attacks as well." Majora said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Good, that saves us some trouble..." He said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"So, what are you planning now?" [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"We'll continue to make the preparations for the arrival of our 'friends' and prepare the proper site for them on top of the tower." He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"And if they manage to best us there?"[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Then we'll take them to a different place altogether for a TRUE final showdown, of which only one party can return..." Ganondorf said, smirking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora couldn't help to chuckle at this, apparently enjoying the kind of sadism that Ganondorf was displaying, liking what he had in mind for them...[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"First we'll 'test' them inside that sanctuary, to see if they TRULY can overcome the dangers inside. They seem to make a habit of changing the impossible to the possible, so it's only natural of us to see if they truly have the courage needed to overcome the dangers..." Ganondorf said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"This is true, so we'll make sure to put ALL of their abilities to the test... along with some new ones..." Majora said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Let's depart for the sanctuary to make the final preparations." Ganondorf said, nodding as he got up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora nodded before he and Ganondorf left, using their own teleport magic to make it work.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 29: New skills[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The next day, Link and the Seven Sages have resumed their training in Clock Town after they visited the Great Fairy of Magic in North Clock Town whom had healed their injuries which had not healed (completely) over during the night, revitalizing them to continue their training. Going back to the Swordsman's School, the instructor then approached the group, presenting dummies while also having a sword of his own with him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Your skills with the sword are improving swiftly, but are you truly ready to learn the techniques that will come in great use?" The Swordsman said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Everything we can need or use to bring peace back to Hyrule and Termina and beyond will be helpful." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"You have a courageous heart, young lad. I can see that you and your friends will stop at nothing to achieve your goals in your quest for peace and prosperity. Then these special, advanced sword skills will come of great use. Use them well and make your enemies tremble in fear!" The Swordsman said as he set up the dummies around, with Rauru and Darunia helping.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others watched, their blades ready as they waited for instructions. Even Impa decided to pick up some new skills of her own in this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Now, learn quickly and learn well, for the cost of failure is death." The Swordsman then said as he stood in the center with his own training dummy.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group watched as he cast a magic spell to animate the dummies, yet kept them docile for the time being.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Enemies that are filled with energy will quickly recover and continue to attack, even when stunned by a powerful strike. To prevent this, the secret technique known as the Ending Blow will cease these attempts before they can do so." The Swordsman said, before demonstrating this by first knocking his dummy down and finishing it by jumping in the air and plunging his sword into the dummy's chest by using a down-thrust, ceasing the dummy's movements as its magic power ceased to exist, giving the perfect illusion as if he had killed an actual enemy using this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group who were wielding this watched with their full attention, intending to make good use of this technique in order to bring their most hated enemies down.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Now, put what you have seen in practice to learn." The Swordsman said, stepping back to give room for the group to perform the Ending Blow themselves.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After a few minutes, the group managed to get used to and performing the Ending Blow technique flawlessly, before the Swordsman replaced the damaged dummies with new ones.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Good, very good. You have mastered the secret technique known as the Ending Blow. But now it is time to learn more." He said as he prepared his own dummy.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link, Saria and Zelda were equally determined, ready to follow the instructions right away. Then the Swordsman spoke again.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"No matter how well-tempered a blade is, if a foe is clad in armor and bears a shield, the sword will do it no harm. When facing such a foe, you must thrust your shield against the defenses of your enemy, causing the fiend to recoil. This technique is known as the Shield Attack." He said, demonstrating it by letting his dummy attack him, only for the Swordsman to bash his shield into the face of his dummy, making it recoil and stunning it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This in particular caught the interest of Link, as he had previously used his shield only to deflect and reflect projectiles and, when he had the Mirror Shield, light or magic, but he never thought the shield could be used as a weapon in a way too.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"This Shield Attack can also help in deflecting incoming attacks that may threaten to pass over your shield." The Swordsman said, before leaving the group to practice this again.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group was training together in their new skills, Cremia and Romani prepared themselves to deliver another cargo of milk towards Clock Town, locking the gates towards their home and the barn as well as shutting the gate to the ranch, where two Guards had taken on their position to guard it. As the sisters went underway, Romani discovered the Circus Leader's Mask in the wagon, deciding to put it on for the trip, unaware that it showed a crying face. As they were underway, they were once more forced to take the detour across the Gorman Brother's Race Track, but as the Gorman Brothers went in pursuit, they spotted the Circus Leader's Mask, which in turn made them unable to attack due to the emotion that the mask showed affecting them, much like how Link tricked them before during a similar trip he made with Cremia to defend her cargo.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Two techniques are learned so far," The swordsman said after another few minutes, "but there is still much to learn. If you can successfully learn five more techniques here, then you will receive something good."[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru wondered if the techniques she learned here could eventually be combined/mixed with existing ones to add variation to it, making them more formidable. She mused that this could be put to the test once the group departs for their main objective and destination.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"While the Shield Attack may be useful to stun enemies, it is useless against those enemies who rely on a full set of armor on their bodies for defense and not just a shield. Such enemies may put the focus on defending against frontal attacks, but in turn leaving their backsides wide open. This is where the Back Slice comes in; roll past your enemy and strike the enemy from behind." The Swordsman said, demonstrating it by targeting the dummy, rolling around it so he ended up directly behind it and delivering a jumping slice to stab the dummy in the back, with the group watching on in interest.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Cremia and Romani managed to pass through the Gorman Race Tracks without problems, their cargo still intact. This in turn made Cremia very proud of Romani, hugging her sister in gratitude.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Thank you, Romani, you did good today." Cremia said, smiling at her sister after the latter put the Mask away for good measure.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"No problem. Romani is happy to have helped big sister." Romani replied, still referring to herself in third person, being happy.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Let's go back to the ranch after the delivery's done; I'll make a surprise for you tomorrow." Cremia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yay, Romani's happy!" Romani said, cheering happily while Cremia looked on in amusement.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You are doing very well in mastering the skills,” The swordsman said about 30 minutes later, “but remember that this is only the tip of the iceberg.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link nodded, being ready as the swordsman set out another dummy.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is impossible to circle around and perform a back slice against fully armored enemies that move swiftly in combat. Against such foes, you must first use a shield attack to make them flinch, but then quickly leap into the air over the enemy's head and greet them with your blade by immediately striking from behind.” The Swordsman said, knocking the dummy first in the face with a shield attack, before jumping in the air over it and striking the dummy’s head in a vertical flipping motion, landing behind it which in turn gave him a possible chance to attack from behind. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This is known as the Helm Splitter.” He said after getting up, leaving the group once again to learn it.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Reimu and Leia helped the remnants of the Hyrulean Army to rebuild and repair the destroyed or damaged homes during the attack on the Village of Refugees that led to the capture of most of its inhabitants, while also setting up a more reinforced wall around the critical parts from where the enemy could invade, using Scouting Parties to raid the Forest Outpost which was cleansed from enemy presence by Link and the Sages before, effectively re-arming the villagers and the soldiers to give them a more decent fighting chance. Another thing was that, whenever there was time, the Gerudo and the Hyrulean soldiers were training together to be more efficient in combat. This in turn made the Gerudo present abandon their initial policy that all men, except for their King, were useless completely; while Link did gain respect from the Gerudo in his own stead, this was now a more generalized stance as the Gerudo had no problems with bringing the males up to speed to be more efficient, while also giving the wives and mothers or other women present in the village pointers to defend themselves and their children for one, although they did understand whenever someone was too old or too injured to even do such a thing; instead the Gerudo still took care of them as if they were one of their own. This in turn showed more than enough proof to the villagers that these Gerudo were far different from Ganondorf as a whole; where the normal Gerudo only did what they needed or had to do in order to survive, Ganondorf was way more cruel by stealing from women, children and even killing people, something that was against Gerudo standards as a whole. However, due to Gerudo laws stating that the only male Gerudo born should be automatically their king, the Gerudo had no choice but to obey his will, no matter how much they disliked what he was doing. Now that they had more freedom to voice their own opinion, they openly told the villagers they would rather have the King of Hyrule as their ruler as opposed to Ganondorf, effectively forsaking their ‘official’ leader for someone who is more honorable, wise and above all more respectable, something that the villagers could appreciate.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You’re picking up on the skills better than I expected. Now it is time to master the more harder skills.” The Swordsman said after another half an hour, as well as after allowing the group to have a break, giving the swordsman time to set up the latest training dummies. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Zelda both smiled, feeling that they have made quite the progress. Saria wiped some sweat from her forehead, but was ready nonetheless.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The ways of the sword are known to many creatures, and some have strengthened their guards against shield attacks and back slices. Should you encounter such a foe, the mortal draw that I am about to teach you is most effective. You must sheathe your sword and cast aside the most basic of sword skills, the targeting or focus on an enemy. You must wait until your foe is upon you... Then, before the enemy can see through your ruse, you must quickly draw your blade. There is no defense for this. The mortal draw deals death.” The Swordsman said, demonstrating it by letting its dummy attack him while he apparently did nothing, before drawing his sword and stabbing the dummy in a blink of an eye, effectively startling the group, adding to the effect of the skill itself.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Sakon finally exited his hideout after being sure no one was nearby again, before moving back towards Ikana Valley, hoping to get the last things he needed in preparation for his work. Once it was done and he has the two he’s been looking for, he would make his move to lure them into a trap and get rid of them so they won’t interfere with him ever again. He didn’t care how long it would take him, as long as he got rid of the pest that has been spoiling his plans for far too long, he was happy. As far as he was concerned, if his plan worked out the way he wanted, he would have no more pests to deal with and be free to continue his path of theft without anyone ever bothering him.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Swordsman smiled after he observed the group eventually managing to succeed in the mortal draw, feeling that it was time to put another skill forward. As he gained the groups attention after a few more minutes, he spoke.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“One of the basic sword techniques is the jump attack. It inflicts great damage, but none would call it effective against multiple foes. To perform the jump strike, prepare a jump attack, but focus power in your blade. The surge the blade releases can strike all enemies around you.” He said, showing it to them as he into the air, swung his sword left and right to knock any enemies in his path, and then slammed his sword into the ground, creating a shock wave that knocked down all the dummies within range.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Meanwhile, each of the Kokiri still mourned the apparent loss of both Link and Saria, being unaware of their resurrection and the events thereafter. It was in a way for the better as this in turn gave them more reasons to remain in hiding, knowing what the enemy has done to their friends in general. So the group of Kokiri decided to hide inside the remains of the Great Deku Tree, which was fortunately cleansed from enemy presence by Link before. Some considered going in the Lost Woods, but decided against it as they still remembered what would happen to a Kokiri if they would get lost in the woods, hence they remain inside it as they saw it as their safe haven. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You have at your disposal the basic sword technique known as the spin attack. You now have in you the ability to magnify the power of your spin attack, giving it an even wider striking range. But you can’t use this Great Spin if you are weakened enough by the enemy.” The Swordsman finally said, demonstrating this by channeling his own magic power and generating a wider spin attack, slashing the dummies who were about a meter or two further away, giving him more room to attack in as a whole. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This interested Link even more, as he already knew the Magic Spin Attack, but now he could use the Great Spin to enhance that too, much to his delight. This would give him an even wider range of his spin attack and make it more devastating in general. Once more the group was instructed to practice this technique on their targets, which they did with great vigor. Darunia and Rauru both were impressed at the progress the group made, each of them making use of their respective blades as they continued.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now, be ready to put all of your newly-taught skills to the test against the last dummies I’ll be sending in. Show me how well you have mastered those new skills.” The Swordsman then said, sending more animated dummies in the room, each with training blades and ready to attack. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and his friends who participated in this saw them and got ready to continue their training this way.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf and Majora in the meantime prepared their forces in the area between Snowhead and Ikana Canyon for the potential arrival of their enemies. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I never thought this place was this big…” Majora said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf chuckled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Then this is the perfect place to send our ‘friends’ to. While they are doing their best to avoid a one-time deal of lava baths around here, we’ll spring forth our invasion of Termina and add its territory to our own land, so we can take it over without problems. The longer the group is held up here, the better.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s only a shame we couldn’t kill the other Sages before…” Majora said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hm. It’s only a setback, but knowing them, they would have found a way to get resurrected anyway. I don’t know how they have done it, perhaps by making an appeal to the Goddesses or somehow finding someone capable of doing so… which is why we have to be sure that they will be stuck here for as long as possible.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I guess you’re right.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Besides, this way we will be more than ready for them if they try to enter our domain. We will make sure that our latest stronghold will be the hardest for them to penetrate. Besides, the technology these Terminans have at their disposal have also gained a bit of interest, perhaps we can try to do something with it once we find out what use it can be for us. Perhaps we can use it for a mining operation to get resources for better weapons for us for example.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You really have been thinking things through, have you not?” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“With the threat that those eight pose together, we’d better not take any chances.” Ganondorf said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora saw the logic in this as he continued to work on making the enemies stronger.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I also saw a temple at one side of a t-junction in the lava river…” Majora then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You have? What does it contain?” Ganondorf asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“On first sight, nothing. With the right equipment, everything is accessible, but no actual treasure of any sort…” Majora said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, that could be very useful to make an additional diversion…” Ganondorf said, smirking as he had gained an idea, “let’s head for that temple for a moment and place some of our minions in there…”[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After about an hour or two, the Swordsman finally ended the training session for the now-exhausted group, who were sweating like never before, but still standing.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Very impressive. You have shown me the skills that you know before and have mastered the skills I have taught you. You have completed this Advanced Sword Skill course." He said, before handing out official certificates to the group to give them proof that they have passed the course.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"All that is needed is to write your names on it." He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nodding, the group proceeded to write their names on their respective certificates using the writing tool that the Swordsman gave to them, being the feather dipped in ink, which in turn signed and sealed the certificates, making them official.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Take this and the knowledge you have gained with pride, knowing that now you will have a greater arsenal at your disposal to best your enemies. All that is left to improve is yourself." The Swordsman said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link understood this, knowing that the Swordsman meant that they had to keep training in order to keep their skills fresh and polished and not waning them over time, even in times of peace. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Thank you, sir. We are happy to have been able to follow your course and we will make sure that these skills will be of our aid in our quest." Link said, bowing politely.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Good, very good. May your journey be a safe one." The Swordsman said, before the group left, obviously to relax after such a rigorous training session, that taught them a whole lot of new stuff.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After exiting the building, the group chatted along, deciding to move back into their room in the Stock Pot Inn to rest up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Whew, that was quite the training session." Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I'll say; I never thought that this course even existed; last time I trained there was simply cleaving all the logs he popped up for me clean in two..." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, you never know what people might learn over the course of a year or so..." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"That's true. Perhaps we could pass it on to our descendants over time to honor him..." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"That's a great idea. That way we hopefully can make the Hyrulean army more versatile and perhaps even more formidable..." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"What do you mean by that?" Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, while most of our men fought bravely during the invasion as well as guarding the refugees, I couldn't help to spot a few soldiers who showed actual acts of cowardice or incompetence during battle. While I can understand that one can be frightened when put against such fearsome creatures, that's no reason to do acts like abandoning comrades or acting like total idiots in combat..." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Hmmm, you think such a training course could be of benefit for our army in general?" [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Exactly. We could also use men who can show responsibility to be in charge of a group of soldiers and make them train to become battle-hardened for when they have to go to battle in order to defend our country. Perhaps Link can help with this..." [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"What can I do?" Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Perhaps you can give the soldiers or commanders some pointers in how to properly defend themselves against enemy attacks, what do you say?" [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I'm deeply honored to be chosen for such a task. Although most soldiers may show a bit of disdain towards me considering my age and size, though." Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Heh, you can just show them exactly what you're capable of," Zelda said with a smile, "you practially form the proverbial backbone of the group with your courageous demeanor. Besides, while you have no trouble in taking on numerous enemies by yourself, you can't be in multiple places at once and/or you may need assistance from anyone, like your friends." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Point taken. Once this is resolved and we've ensured that both Hyrule and Termina have made a full recovery, we'll bring the Hyrulean Army up to speed to make them even better and hopefully improve their overall competence and skills." Link said, nodding as the group entered the Stock Pot Inn towards their room.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I'm glad we're thinking on the same level." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa smiled, finding it a correct decision to give the Hyrulean soldiers a bigger spine for when it comes to defending their home, their land and those they care about. No matter the odds, they should at least be able to do whatever they can to give that level of protection, even if it is to buy time for their beloved ones or their (wounded) comrades to make an escape if it's necessary. Besides, with these skills in hand, the Hyrulean Army can be made more diverse if each of them learns a different skill so nobody has the same set or all of them, unless they wish to give one specific skill a greater focus, but want to keep the others in hindsight, just in case.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once back in their apartment, Link decided to take a bit of a rest; the training still left his muscles a bit sore as he did overexert them a little bit, laying down on his bed after putting his equipment at the foot-end of his bed, before he was out like a light. For what appeared to be the first time in a while, the Sages could see an expression of actual peace and calmness on Link's face as he slept, as if he was at ease and (hopefully) without nightmares. While this left the Sages initially to move to the other side of the room to try and continue to discuss their plan, they soon discovered that Saria was not among them, only for a few seconds later to spot her laying next to Link, also sleeping, finding Zelda there as well right away.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, I suppose we all rest up together..." Darunia said coyly.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, we’ve had a busy day after all, so it’s only for the best.” Nabooru said as she yawned.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa smiled as she decided to take a nap herself as well, while Darunia opted to settle between the beds to keep an eye out on the whole group, while the others rested up on their beds. The Goron Leader knew that they would have some tough times coming up ahead in the following days, so it was only for the best to rest up now…

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 30: The long trip[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group woke up several hours later after a good rest, although it was actually in the evening, almost late at night. Link, Saria and Zelda all stretched out together while yawning and decided to move to the nearby bathroom to get refreshed, soon to be followed by Nabooru and Ruto. Once the others had gone to refresh themselves, they made themselves ready to go on their trip.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Isn’t it a bit odd for us to go travel at night?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Normally yes, but with the kind of mission we’re undertaking, time is off the essence.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Point taken.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So how do we get out without alerting the others sleeping here?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There’s a door in the hallway that leads to a veranda which is unlocked all the time. It’s right next to the stairway.” Link said as he geared up, giving his Gilded Master Sword a cool-looking twirl before putting it in its scabbard on his back without even looking. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Opening the door, Link first looked around in the hallway to see if no one was awake, before softly walking towards the door he talked about, leading the way for the others. True to his word, the door to the veranda was indeed unlocked, allowing the group to move out of the inn without moving down the stairs in the dark, presenting them with a view of Clock Town during the night. After everyone was on the veranda with Rauru closing the door, Link then simply jumped down from the veranda onto the street below, rolling forward as he landed, a common practice he frequently used to keep the motion in his travels while at the same time coming along unharmed from the jump, something which Saria and Zelda both imitated while Link waited for the others.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, where are we going?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Remember that path that split up when we headed for the unknown land beyond the Woods of Mystery? I intend to investigate that path this time around to see if we can find some clues that will lead towards the area we’re truly looking for. If we use our horses to travel to as far as they can go within the Southern Swamp, it should save us on that part of the walking trip.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda nodded while Link mounted Epona, with Saria hopping on the horse behind him. After the others went on their horses as well, the group went on their way towards South Clock Town and from there to the exit which led into South Termina Field, heading for the Southern Swamp.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Watching the group leave were two of the Bomber’s Secret Society of Justice gang, who looked on in wonder why there were so many people moving on with Link and why Tatl and Tael followed them together with a third, for them unknown fairy. They wondered what the group was up to and where they were going at this time of night, but decided against following them. Still it was something to think about as they went on with their business, wondering if they would even come back…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Arriving in the Southern Swamp took about a few minutes, after the horses were simply allowed to run once out in Termina Field. As the group traveled through the field, they took notice of the pleasant night sky around them, noticing the many stars in the clear night sky.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, the area looks nice out here at night. I haven’t seen such a beautiful night sky before.” Ruto said, commenting on the view she has of the stars and everything around in the night sky. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Looking up, Link also saw the moon in the sky, which fortunately was at a far greater distance away as if it was in its normal orbit and also sported no creepy-looking face overall on its surface, much to his relief. Hopefully it would put the past nightmares he had regarding the celestial object to rest now that he was assured it would not come back down from its orbit to destroy everything. Saria sighed happily as she leaned against Link’s back, being at peace as well. Although initially startled, Link smiled as he looked a bit backwards towards her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Enjoying the trip?” Link asked his childhood friend.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. It feels like being able to get some additional rest underway.” She replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link giggled at this as the group arrived at the edge of the swamp, before dismounting the horses so they could have some additional rest, coupled with having a vast supply of fresh spring water from the swamp around as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This looks nice enough to just walk through for adults…” Impa said, looking over the swamp as Link waded into the water until he had to swim, while Nabooru simply walked inside the water on her turn. Saria, Zelda and Ruto followed, with Ruto swimming along happily, before playfully splashing Link and Zelda with some water, causing them to yelp, before playfully retaliating. Nabooru, Impa, Darunia and Rauru watched Link, Saria, Zelda and Ruto swim around happily and carefree, being carefree in that this was perhaps the last time they would be able to have such entertainment or be able to relax. Impa sighed as she was observing an obviously happy Zelda splashing Link and Zelda with water, whom returned this in kind, but all of them were laughing. Ruto was simply swimming about like a fish, refreshing herself all the way. Impa remembered that each of the children as well as Nabooru were only recently resurrected and while she mused they too remembered that, it was as if they had put those thoughts aside to focus on the task… or better yet want to leave it behind them as quickly as possible. Given that they already had stared death in the eyes before, this came as no surprise to the Sheikah woman. The entire group did keep most information concerning the Future That Almost Was to themselves, but they were nonetheless happy and relieved when the true reason of Ganondorf’s approach to the King of Hyrule had been exposed, with Ganondorf himself being tried, judged and eventually sealed away to prevent him from coming back, but they didn’t anticipate Ganondorf somehow acquiring the Triforce of Power after all, as if fate played a cruel joke… Impa had been discussing things with Rauru, the Sage of Light. He agreed that, in the case that the Sages are needed back in the Chamber, Link and Zelda both were the only ones allowed to join them at any time, but this wasn’t just because Link wanted to be with them to spend time with them as he saw each of the Sages as great friends he made during his travels… While the Sages themselves represented the ancient creators of Hyrule, having brought forth the races that inhabit it after the Goddesses Din, Farore and Nayru had given shape to the realm and given them life, Link was seen as the protector of the lands, making sure that those who seek to harm the innocent and destroy everything in their path would be vanquished, with the Sages assisting him by lending him their powers and wisdom. Even though Link and Zelda were the only ones on the battlefield themselves during the initial final battle against Ganon himself, the Six Sages themselves have witnessed everything through Zelda's eyes and were ready to imprison the Evil King once the time was right. But now that the Evil King had broken free from his prison, using the alliance he currently maintained with Majora, Impa was certain that in the following days the battle for the fate of the lands would take place. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Cry woe, destruction, ruin and decay. The worst is death... and death will have his day!” She said softly, which was out of hearing range of the others, just as they went out of the swamp and entered the area that led to the Magic Hag’s Potion Shop and to the entrance of the Woods of Mystery.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Cremia and Romani both had a safe trip back home, their ranch being still in one piece and none of the cattle disturbed nor any supplies destroyed. Suffice it to say, the two ranch sisters decided to call it a day and went to sleep, with Romani being happy in having made her sister proud, while Cremia was happy that her sister helped in defending the cargo. She was considering to hire personnel to look after the place in their absence. After all, being a ranch owner wasn’t easy for a young woman like her, especially when the younger sister was so far the only family left, which in effect forced Cremia not only to be the wise older sister towards Romani, but also play a form of a mother figure to her. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good night, sis.” Cremia then heard Romani say after putting her in bed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good night to you too, sweet dreams, Romani.” Cremia said with a smile, after which Romani settled in bed to sleep, before Cremia got into her own bed as well, which was at the far side of Romani’s bed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As Cremia laid in her bed, she couldn’t help but think of what has happened in the past few days, wondering if that nice young man with his four female friends were alright and would drop by again soon. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Entering the Woods of Mystery, Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru led the group to where the T-Junction was in the path, remembering their trip through the woods towards the unknown land beyond it. Upon reaching it, Link went up to the other path instead, which seemed to go up in a three-quarter circle as if it was like a stairway or something. Moving up the path, they found themselves entering a large meadow with another path going up as the other areas led to a dead end towards a cliff, which in turn gave them an overview of the Swamp and the Great Bay area in the far distance.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s funny; this looks nowhere near any of the fields we’ve been in so far…” Link said, blinking at the lush landscape around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah. I find it suspicious that there’s no enemies around here…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t jinx it, but I do agree with you on that.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Carefully moving towards the path that was going up, Link found himself having to climb up certain parts to eventually reach a cliff with a small building on the other side, connected to the mainland using a bridge. The building itself was sealed shut, but the wall had a big crack in its center.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh dear… it looks like a dead end…” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Allow me.” Darunia said, taking out a Powder Keg he managed to take from the outpost in the forest after the whole battle against the Stalfos Commander and lit its fuse, taking it towards the wall and put it down before moving backwards. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Right away the others went to look for cover or at least covered their ears as the Powder Keg detonated, destroying the cracked wall and giving the group access to the building in the first place. Smiling, the group continued onward and entered the building, which led into a stone tunnel.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Both Dark Link and Dark Zelda were brooding as they were left in charge of the tower during Ganondorf’s absence as they had to recuperate from the injuries they suffered by the hands of their pure-hearted counterparts, giving more of a reason to kill them and take their places in turn. But they knew that this wouldn’t be easy at all, given what they have gone through now… Then they heard footsteps approaching them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Who’s there?” Dark Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ah, there you are. I was told I’d find you up here…” another female voice said, addressing them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As Dark Link and Dark Zelda looked up, they could see a girl approaching. The girl herself had the same color palette as they had, being dark gray to pitch black all over her body, from hair to toe, save only for those blood-red eyes. But the striking appearance was her body overall, wearing a shirt with striped, long sleeves and striped collar, a pair of shorts, boots that ran up to halfway her calves and hair that had a few spikes forward from behind her ears as well as a headband on top of her head…… being a full, dark copy of the Forest Sage, Saria.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Dark Saria’s the name,” she said, “I was instructed to meet you so I could join you.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Both Dark Link and Dark Zelda looked at each other, before turning back to Dark Saria.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, considering you probably have an objective similar to ours, you’re in.” Dark Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you. So, what are you planning?” Dark Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Once these wounds have healed over properly, we have decided to train together. Apparently our goody-two-shoes selves have become stronger than initially anticipated, having bested us in combat.” Dark Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s a shame that it had to happen. But with some assistance, I’m sure we’ll have the upper hand soon enough…” Dark Saria said, grabbing a small plant which promptly withered into dust within her grasp.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After moving on a stone path from the tunnel, Link and the Sages arrived in a different landscape as they stopped next to a large tree to look around. Solid paths of grass and stone were spread over cliffs, connected by solid, tough wooden bridges, overlooking the landscape of what appeared to be a different side of the Southern Swamp and Great Bay area. It was a totally different sight as it was high above the actual normal ground, as they had a perfect view of the surroundings below.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, this is really different than what we know…” Link said, looking around as he was in awe of the surroundings.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, I never thought something like this was even present here…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There’s a lot of things that remain unknown if we don’t move around to explore.” Impa said, causing Zelda to playfully punch her in the arm.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Heading towards one of the wooden bridges next to another tree, the group took it slower and went one by one. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These bridges look tough, but there’s no railing around them. We’d better watch our step.” Link said, moving along carefully.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Aye. One wrong move and we’d do ourselves in instead.” Zelda said, nodding as she followed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group then walked over a grass path that had a safe, stone wall from a cliff to the left, but was completely open to the right, which not only gave the group a good view of the vast forest area that littered the South side of Termina, but also offered a different sight on the majestic  Stone Tower area, identifying also the Ikana Canyon area below as they moved over an arc that spanned over the path towards the direction of Ikana Canyon itself.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Something doesn’t seem right; I’ve never seen this area before…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Perhaps some people or even Ganondorf and Majora’s troops could have laid this out over some time…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I guess you’re right. It would explain why the wood of the bridges here appears still somewhat fresh and feels very tough in the first place.” Link said, nodding as the group moved onward, eventually arriving at an area that had several large stone slabs that were laid out in a circle, offering a greater area for the group to walk on.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, in any case it’s nice and calm here too.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, we could hang out in such a place.” Ruto added.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. Perhaps we can go here to enjoy the sun or just enjoy the sights in good weather.” Nabooru said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link also smiled, taking a moment to enjoy a fresh breeze that passed over the area, before continuing his way towards a stone arc that he passed underneath, leading to lush field at one end with green grass all over the ground. Directly ahead was a well and further up ahead was a lone house.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hm? There is a house here?” Link asked, scratching his head in confusion.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Who would live in a place like this? Not that I’m against it, I’m just confused.” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Only one way to find out.” Darunia said, as the group approached the house.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ganondorf and Majora finished their preparations inside the other temple, making sure that it had to be ventured through by their ‘pursuers’ in order to ‘make progress’. While there were a few things that required the group to pass through, the whole temple by itself served as nothing more than a diversion that the two vile beings needed to springboard their own, final preparation to finally invade and conquer Termina, using the group’s own plan to strike from a different angle and location altogether, as their forces have been steadily building up in the conquered Pirates’ Fortress. While the Gerudo there did receive a scolding for losing the people they were pursuing, they were surprisingly left alive, just being sent to do some more cumbersome duties as punishment for their failure. Still, it didn’t stop them from allowing enemy forces to build up in their fortress, using a new, fresh set of these airships that were created to first take over the Great Bay area, from where they could launch an invasion of Clock Town from the West side once a decent foothold in the Great Bay was secured.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Are you sure that this is going to work?” Majora asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Majora, once those pests manage to even complete the area, it would already be too late to save Termina from being invaded and conquered. Considering the size of this place would be more of an advantage to us rather than the other way around. While they believe that they can deliver a serious blow to us, we deliver an equal one by invading Termina as a whole. They’d be at the wrong place at the wrong time when that happens.” Ganondorf said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You got me there. So, what do you have planned for them in this temple anyway?” Majora asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s for me to know and for them to find out… they will see soon enough. Let’s say that this temple as a whole will make the Fire Temple seem like child’s play…” Ganondorf said, smirking.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon approaching the house, the group saw that someone was standing further up ahead, close to the cliffside. It appeared to be an elderly man with a moustache, with gray/white hair at the sides, wearing a blue robe. He was clearly enjoying the view. The group approached him cautiously.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Um, excuse me, sir?” Link then asked, causing the man to turn around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hm? So many visitors at once, I did not expect this. What can I do for you, young man?” The man asked kindly.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’re looking for the entrance to an outpost that belongs to our enemies. We have heard that this outpost is located somewhere between the areas of Snowhead and Ikana Canyon…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, I have indeed felt the presence of evil forces in this area, although they did not bother me, as if they were specifically moving to the area you spoke of. However, there is something you must know; the area you spoke of houses two temples which are hidden amongst a vast network of lava rivers and lakes in that area. You cannot reach them unless you acquire an item that allows you to create platforms on the surface of any liquid body, such as water and lava. The item lies hidden within the starting area itself. A few other travelers did manage to explore the area in a distant past, hence my knowledge of how to cross the area.” The old man said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see. It would make sense though; otherwise nobody would even know about it.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. I assume you are here to cleanse the area of the evil that has infested it?” The old man asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That we are, sir.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Very well. Follow me, I will lead you to the entrance.” The old man said, moving off towards the well with the group in tow. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Moving onto the well, the man then used a rope set in a block and tackle to lower the platform the group stood on down, effectively making it an elevator of some sort. Upon arriving at the bottom, the man got off first, using a lantern to lead the group into a cave. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, this place definitely lives up to the mystery.” Link said, looking around while following the man as he walked towards another bridge, which in turn gave the group a few of the far side of Ikana Canyon, with the mountain area of Snowhead further up ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, it’s like the area outside here is shrouded in it, just like that land beyond the Woods of Mystery.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The man led them through another stone arc before arriving at a stone area that held a wooden platform, which looked like another elevator.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Go up there and you’ll see the entrance to the area you seek around the corner. Make sure you are prepared well.” The man said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We will, sir. Thank you.” Zelda said as the group went on the platform, which lifted up to take them to their destination.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No problem. May your journey be safe.” He said before he left and the group went towards the entrance of the sanctuary they were looking for.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group soon found it, the entrance looking like an opened gate with a staircase in front of it inside the stone wall.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, looks like this must be it.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others nodded, before moving up the stairway together…

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 31: The Lava Outpost[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group entered the area through what looked like a celestial gate, they arrived in a grassy field at the edge of a cliff. Looking up ahead, they could see a volcano in the far distance, while looking down gave them a view of a lava river, the lava having an ominous red and black color in it, almost like the lava that could temporarily be walked over in Dodongo’s Cavern.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think now is a good time to change into our Goron Tunics.” Link said as he looked at the lava river.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good idea. It will at least help us resist the heat a lot better.” Zelda said.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Moving away from the cliff, the group spread out a bit while changing their outfits into the Goron Tunics they received and which have been worked on by the adult Sages. Link’s version was like the child-based variation of the Tunic he had worn in the Future That Almost Was while traversing through the Death Mountain Crater and its Fire Temple. While Zelda’s variation was similar to the one that Saria’s had, being a feminine version of Link’s outfit, it retained some things that still identified her as the Princess of Hyrule, such as the crest of the Hyrulean Royal Family on the top part of the tunic. Ruto’s variation was similar to the other girls, although hers had longer sleeves on the arms and long pants, making her in effect more fire-resistant as Zoras in general were very vulnerable to fire. Nabooru’s outfit was like her standard attire, but now in a full red-scale palette to add to the fire-resistance. Even Rauru had forsaken the long robes he usually wears for actual pants, thinking that being in such an area would require a greater maneuverability in order to cross gaps over the lava more properly and prevent from falling in the lava itself. Darunia was already fire/lava resistant in general due to him being a Goron, thus he had no need for the Goron Tunic. Impa also had a red-colored variation of her traditional Sheikah outfit. Their normal outfits were stashed in the hammer space bag that they carried with them, to change back once they were out of the area itself.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once they were done changing their outfits and re-equipping their weapons, the group gathered once more at the cliff.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, are you ready?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ready when you are.” Zelda said to him with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright then, let’s go.” Link said, locating platforms they could safely jump on towards a path below and making the first move by carefully moving towards them, taking his time in a way to prevent any mistakes due to his overzealousness. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Eventually Link arrived safely on the stone path above the lava, seeing a sign posted on a nearby wall, deciding to investigate, just as the Sages arrived. Standing at ease, Link went to read the sign, with Saria and Zelda reading along.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Warning, Labyrinth ahead! If you get lost, contact Goro-rooters immediately. By decree of the Goron Elder, Snowhead.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, does this mean that the Gorons know about this?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Maybe; perhaps it could have been something important to them in a distant past, but simply faded into obscurity as time passed.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, it could very well be an old mining system or an old residence or something…” Darunia mused.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is possible; this place lies between Snowhead and Ikana after all and there is a Goron Settlement In Snowhead…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group moved on, jumping towards a larger and wider stone path, before they were being greeted already by several Stalfos who landed in the area. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, time to put our new skills to the test.” Link said as he got ready, drawing his Gilded Master Sword and his Red Shield, ready for defense, while the others got ready as well.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Charging on, the Stalfos went towards the group, only for Link to clock the Stalfos gunning for him with his shield, stunning it before performing the Helm Splitter, leaping over the skeletal being and slicing the Stalfos on the head as he moved over him, damaging the undead warrior in the process. Both Saria and Zelda performed the Back Slice instead, while Ruto just went for a Shield Attack before just slicing away at the menace. Darunia simply grabbed two Stalfos by the necks and smashed their heads together, crushing their skulls in the process before dumping the headless bodies into the lava, defeating them instantly while Rauru and Impa both performed a Shield Attack of their own, while Nabooru preferred the use of the Ending Blow to destroy the Stalfos she faced instantly. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once the Stalfos were defeated, the group moved on towards the metal structure ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, those Stalfos went down a lot quicker; those new moves are indeed paying off!” Zelda then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Then we can happily conclude that our time in the Swordsman’s School wasn’t for nothing.” Link said with a smile, before moving to hop on a spring, which promptly launched him upward towards the metal path on the structure, landing safely on it with both feet. He then waited for the others before moving on, going up a path before striking a crystal switch, which created several floating platforms upon activation. Hopping over them to reach another large stone path below, the group made their way through a small crevice into the next area, where several Lizalfos and Dinolfos appeared to attack.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These guys are very persistent.” Saria said, narrowing her eyes.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So are we, Saria. Let’s show ‘em.” Link said, getting ready to attack.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group attacked the incoming Lizalfos and Dinolfos, making good use of their new skills to best their reptilian enemies. Both Link and Saria performed the Ending Blow, while Zelda and Ruto took their shot at the Helm Splitter on their foes. Darunia smashed one of the Dinolfos into the lava river, where it gave a short, screeching howl of agony before submerging to its doom.  Impa and Nabooru just sliced and diced at the Lizalfos, while Rauru used his Light-based magic to strike several others down. Once the creatures have been dealt with, the group waited a bit to rest up before proceeding, hopping on the subsequent platforms over the lava before coming to a stop as the path ended, the only things being a broad spider’s web on the ceiling and a large chest on the stone path’s end. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This is just great.” Ruto said, annoyed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Relax, we’ll find a way to continue.” Nabooru said, just as Link opened the chest with Zelda to see what’s in it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s weird, a cane?” Zelda asked as Link picked the item up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There’s something off about this cane…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I can sense that it has magic power within, but what kind is it?” Zelda asked as she came to investigate.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, this looks like one of the magical canes that exist, but it’s one of those that have been faded into obscurity; only the ancient people may have known about it.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Is there a note or something on it that tells us how to use it?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m not sure… wait, I’m seeing something else in the chest. It could be that note.” Link said, before Saria picked it up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is. It says here that this cane is capable of creating platforms on liquid surfaces like lava and water and that the cane can be used to actually control the directions of where you wish to go, but be warned; the platform will move in the opposite direction of where the rod is pointed in.” Saria said, reading the note over while Link read along over her shoulder.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, at least we have the means to cross it…” Zelda said before Link moved to the edge of the platform, focusing his own magic power into the cane before using a slashing motion to make it point towards the lava. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Instantly the top part of the cane began to glow, firing a sphere at the lava. The sphere didn’t hit the lava to make it splash in all directions. Instead, the sphere expanded outward once it hit the lava, its top part becoming flat, before it changed color to match the color of the stone path around them and solidified, becoming a platform big enough for the entire group to stand on.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, at least it works.” Link said, carefully hopping on the platform, which remained in place as he hopped on, not moving… not even sinking...[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria and Zelda hopped on right away, soon followed by Ruto and Nabooru. Everyone was a bit nervous when Darunia moved on, but relieved upon finding out it held his weight combined with theirs just fine, even after Impa and Rauru stood on it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, so where do you want to go?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I thought to have seen something below the spring we used to get on top of the metal building. Perhaps we can try to reach it?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sure.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll help you with steering and controlling the thing, Link. We’re all in this together.” Zelda said, before Link thrusted the cane forward, making the platform with the group on it indeed move backwards from Link’s position. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Whatever the situation was, the group now had means to cross the lava river. Saria kept reading the note as she noticed additional instructions. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Interesting, it says that the cane can also generate smaller platforms on land which can be carried to wherever we want, made stuck on a post or even used against enemies. If a platform already exists at a distance away, we can use the cane to shoot at it to make it move.” She said, while Link carefully thrusted the cane where needed to make it go in the directions the group wanted it to go.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ve heard of a similar cane capable of making platforms which could be used to hold down switches and block incoming enemy strikes,” Rauru said, “it is known as the Cane of Somaria.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Perhaps this could be that very cane or at a variation on it that is fire/lava-resistant.” Link said as he steered the platform over the lava river in the area where they first fought the group of Stalfos upon entering the area.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This is a whole new level of backtracking altogether.” Link commented as he steered the platform over the lava river, occasionally thrusting the cane on to make it move faster or at least keep the speed in.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say… wait, what’s with that crevice out here?” Saria said, noticing a crevice in the wall ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It looks more like a cavern area to me…” Darunia said as Zelda instructed Link to steer the platform into it, which he did so without question. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon arriving, the platform skidded on actual stone surface as it stopped, allowing the group to disembark as they noticed they were in a safe area, with a post up ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, at least we can walk here…” Nabooru said, before Link generated the normal platform, which he picked up with Zelda and, with her aid, tossed it towards the post, where it lodged itself onto it, in effect creating a brand new platform to cross the red-hot glowing lava below towards a higher platform safely. Once they were on the platform safely, the entire group was suddenly faced with the immense heat emanating from a lava river which was red-hot and flowing fast past the platforms that could be safely walked on. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good grief! This heat is intolerable!” Saria said, sweating immediately.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say! Glad we have these tunics on, huh?” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You bet.” Saria and Ruto said in unison as the group carefully proceeded onward, the path being safe enough to be moved over.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Arriving at the far side of the area, there was an entrance to another cavern, but it was too high for the group to reach right away. Thankfully, Link used his newly acquired cane to generate another platform at the ground in front of its entrance as the others safely backed off, making sure the platform would stay in place, before Link safely climbed up on it and hoisted himself up into the entrance area of the cavern, with Saria and Zelda following right away. The cave itself appeared cooler as they traveled down it towards what appeared to be a dead end, only for the group to encounter a pool of water at the room they entered. Blinking at this, the group approached it wearily. It was then that, in the center of the pool, a figure appeared… it was a Great Fairy![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Greetings, you have come a long way if you managed to come all the way here, young warriors.” The Great Fairy said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, we have.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I assume you know why we are here?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Of course, young princess, but I must inform you that your quest will become even harder than before.” The Great Fairy said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I wouldn’t be surprised. Both Ganondorf and Majora are hell-bent on ensuring we meet our end soon enough, but it’s not going to stop us from trying to show them who’s boss.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Great Fairy nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Since you have had the courage to come all the way here, this is what I can offer you…” The Great Fairy said, before she generated an item which looked like a glove of which the plates on the back of it was either coated or colored in pure gold.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, golden gloves?” Ruto asked, blinking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Not just ‘plain’ golden gloves. These are a special kind of power fist, infused with attack magic. I have scattered a few of these throughout here and other locations. If you pick these up, they will enhance whatever items you have to increase your strength, like your own power gloves or bracelets, with its power so all of your attacks will become even stronger than before. But use it wisely; if you are hit by the enemy or are hit by natural hazards three times, the effect will wear off and you’ll be back to your old strength once more.” The Great Fairy said, before giving the group a sample of this which colored the gloves and bracelets that they already had into gold, making it appear as if each of them had an adaptation or fitting version of the Golden Gauntlets. Darunia was given a variation in the form of  gloves that had golden-colored armor plates on the back of the hands, like the Golden Gauntlets.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh wow!” Link said, blinking as he felt the power moving through him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you very much.” Zelda said, bowing to the Great Fairy in kindness.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No problem, it’s the least I can do for you, other than soothing your weariness.” She said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What happens if we already have this on and we find another set of these gloves?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The gloves will retain the strength they can grant you, so you simply can’t stack the power of these altogether. However it will ‘refresh’ so to speak, so if you pick it up, you will once again have to be hit three times before the effect wears off.” The Great Fairy said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, thank you once again.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No problem. If you’re ever overcome by weariness, please come and see me. I will soothe your weariness once you’re back.” She said, before vanishing as she waved the group a good-bye.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Waving her off, the group then decided to move all the way back to where they came from, crossing the red-hot lava river and returning to the safe area, after which they hopped back on the platform they used to cross the red and black lava river in the first place, with Link this time steering the platform once again in the other direction.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, at least we have something that gives us a greater fighting chance.” Ruto said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s true, but keep in mind that this hasn’t changed our DEFENSIVE strength one bit, so we can still get into deep trouble if we get careless now.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You have a point there. All that has changed is our attack power, nothing more.” Nabooru said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Still, take comfort in the fact that if we play this right, we can deliver a serious beating to the enemy.” Darunia said with a smile as they approached the small tunnel to enter the area where the group fought the Lizalfos and Dinolfos on the stone platforms.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, am I seeing another stone platform on the far side of the lava lake?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, I can see one too. Link, can you steer it a bit to the left to get to that area, please?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sure thing.” Link replied, doing as he was told to do, allowing the group to reach the higher platform, climbing one by one on top of it, moving into another tunnel.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Entering the area, they saw another large area at the far side of another lava river, but this time it had already platforms to safely cross it. On the platform on the other side stood yet another Club Moblin, waiting for the group to come closer as it spotted them so it could knock them in the lava.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Darn, just what we needed.” Zelda muttered under her breath. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link however took aim using his Bow and Arrows to strike the Club Moblin from a distance, with Saria aiding him soon, taking the Club Moblin down rapidly, allowing the group to cross the area safely. But no sooner had they arrived on the main platform as suddenly more enemies arrived to attack, being Stalfos and Dinolfos in this first wave, each of them ready to strike.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Without hesitation, Link and the Sages retaliated as the Stalfos went on the offensive along with the Dinolfos, with Link pulling off a Mortal Draw against an incoming Dinolfos successfully, killing the creature instantly, while Saria clobbered another one with her Shield before performing a Helm Splitter. Zelda and Impa double-teamed a Stalfos with Zelda performing a Back Slash, while Impa moved in swiftly with a Jump Strike, knocking several other Stalfos aside in the process. Darunia made use of this by crushing the skulls of two Stalfos with a well-aimed Goron Pound, while Rauru on his turn made use of his Light-based magic, utilizing it to a great effect as if the enemies were being pelted with light shining off the Mirror Shield, which was effective in slaying the undead Stalfos instantly, while the Dinolfos were also slain without problems. But this was only the start of the battle, as a couple more Stalfos and Dinolfos, this time accompanied by their lesser cousins, the Lizalfos, joined in the fray. This didn’t deter the group however as they kept on fighting, their newfound strength proving to be a godsend to them. Link managed to roll past a Dinolfos, getting behind it, before clocking Saria rolling next to him as she too had rolled past a Dinolfos. Looking at each other, Link and Saria nodded, before using one hand to grab each other by the waist and both then jumped into the air, the arms holding their respective swords extended outward, striking both Dinolfos in the back together as they spun upward in a circle, creating a Double Back Slash in this kind, before landing safely on the ground, letting each other to before resuming their battle, this time Link went to engage a Stalfos. Darunia grabbed two Lizalfos and bashed their heads against each other, before tossing them over the edge of the platform they were on, making them land in the lava. Impa on his turn slid between the legs of another Stalfos to get up behind it, grabbing its head before snapping its neck and tossing the skeleton in the lava as well, before narrowly avoiding a strike from a Wolfos whom appeared in the midst of the fight with its trademark howl. Zelda came to her aid by jump attacking said Wolfos in its vulnerable backside, making it emit a death howl as it disintegrated into sheets of blue flame before it was gone. Ruto hopped on Saria’s shoulders, using her as a lever to launch herself towards a Lizalfos to stab it in the head with her sword, before Link used a Helm Splitter on a Stalfos whom tried to ambush her. Nabooru made her Great Spin into a Double Great Spin due to her wielding two blades, cutting several Stalfos and Dinolfos in two and beheading one careless Lizalfos in the process, giving the group some reprieve as this brief moment of peace allowed them to regroup.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These guys are getting more relentless than ever!” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say. This is definitely worthy of being a stronghold.” Link said, just as another group of enemies landed in the area, this time being two Eyegores and two Flare Dancers, much to the group’s annoyance.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group decided to split into groups of two, with Link, Saria, Zelda and Ruto moving to tackle the Eyegores, while Darunia, Nabooru, Impa and Rauru focused on the Flare Dancers. Having faced them before, Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru knew exactly how to defeat the enemies here, with Darunia having heard of the Flare Dancers before, grabbing a set of Bombs to deal with them properly. The Eyegores were easily dealt with as the group used their obvious weakness to their advantage, although they had to avoid the laser that it fired this time around. The Flare Dancers on the other hand kept moving around once blasted out of their flaming suits, creating the annoyance of having to chase them around in regards to the others. Thankfully both Impa and Nabooru were swift and agile as they tackled the beasts, but this didn’t make it any easier whatsoever. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These creatures really are a bunch of cowards whenever they’re not in their suits…” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say,” Darunia said, pounding one Flare Dancer into smithereens, “at least we can be more diverse instead of relying on a specific thing as a crutch if our abilities are really needed to be tested.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True; we’ve faced a lot of those trials after all…” Nabooru replied, cutting down the second Flare Dancer with Rauru and Impa, ending this fight.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link then saw a cage on a higher ledge and used the cane he got to create a platform in front of the platform in order to reach the cage. After breaking it, the group found a small group of Red Fairies whom had been captured or otherwise locked into the cage, causing a surprise reaction from Navi, Tatl and Tael as they approached their fellow kin for a moment.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, this is unexpected..." Link said as he hopped back down, the fairies floating around for a moment before leaving to a much safer place.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yeah. At least we helped those fairies escape." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Let's get out of here and continue our trip; it's no use hanging around here." Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Zelda both nodded as they too continued on their way with the others. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Backtracking all the way to where they entered the cavern at the far side of the lake, the group made their way back towards the area where they found the chest containing the platform-generating cane, with Link deciding to climb onto the web this time, using it to steadily climb his way across the lava river below him, before landing on top of a broad metal platform, before grabbing his bow and arrow as he clocked a few Fire Keeses, deciding to take them out from a distance, targeting those who came too close for comfort. One Fire Keese tried to ambush him, but was intercepted and killed by Zelda as she soon arrived next to Link. Link on his turn created another platform on the lava, with him and Zelda hopping onto it while waiting for the others, intercepting two more Fire Keeses as Saria arrived. Once Ruto, Nabooru, Impa, Darunia and Rauru had rejoined the group, Link steered the platform casually to the other side, which was a stairway leading to another tunnel area. Walking through it, they arrived at one side of another lava river, which went down, but also having a path going up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Great, a T-junction..." Impa said, while Link made the platform needed to cross the river. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Which way should we go first?" Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"We'll take the upstream side first. If we are to be sure that this outpost of Ganondorf and Majora is disabled, we have to make sure that none of their troops remain alive here." Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"As you wish." Link said, waiting for the rest to hop on the platform so he could steer the platform up the lava stream, being cautious to ensure nothing of the lava would spill on the platform itself. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once arriving at the top area, they noticed that they arrived at the starting point of the lava river, being greeted by an entrance to what looked like a structure buried in the ground.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"What is this?" Zelda asked, blinking as the group disembarked as Link 'parked' the platform at one side of the pathway around the temple's entrance.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"This looks like a Temple entrance to me..." Link said as he got a good look at the area.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Are you certain of this? It may not look like anything we have seen so far..." Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I'm definitely sure. It appears to me like it's a solid yet ancient temple or something similar..." He said as he approached the entrance, which was quite big.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Sages all followed him, even as he stopped for a moment to get a more decent look at it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Well, here we go then. Who knows what it might contain..." Link said as he moved on to enter the Temple, with Zelda and Saria following him right away, shortly followed by the other sages.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 32: The wrong temple[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Arriving inside the Temple, Link and the Sages were startled as the entrance gate closed behind them, before looking forward as suddenly a wave of intense heat reached them. Upon investigating, they discovered that they were standing in the main room which had lava all across the floor, with a stone path to the right, a bridge and what appeared to be a very brittle door ahead. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Good grief! The heat is almost unbearable here!" Ruto said, moaning.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"It would be unbearable if we didn't wear these tunics. Remind me to give a royal gift to whoever made this out of gratitude." Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link got an arrow out as he spotted another Fire Keese, missing the shot the first time, but getting a lucky shot the second time as the fire bat went down. Saria noticed a face in the wall to their right that was spouting a stream of fire over the path to their right at regular intervals, meaning the group had to be careful when going over that path.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Looks like we need to take turns  when it comes to going over that path to our right.” Link said, timing the intervals between each time the face was spouting fire over the path.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And there’s a second one further up ahead, just at the beginning of the bridge.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Let’s hope that nothing freaky will happen…” Saria said, seeing Link making his move towards some platforms, hopping over them to reach the path to the right after the fire spouts had ceased for the time being, timing the things herself to know when it was her cue to make her move.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]At the same moment, Link managed to stand on the center of the bridge and tossed a bomb towards the door, blowing it apart, before spotting a Bomb Flower to his left. Ignoring it, he moved onward in the new room where he waited for the others, who soon joined him one after another, before Link used an arrow to shoot at a stalactite in the wall, which moved as it was hit in a brittle part. He shot at it again, making it break off and fall into the lava as a makeshift platform for the group to cross over to the other side, the path leading to another lava filled room with another stalactite, another Fire Spouting Face in the wall. There were also several Fire Keeses and Torch Slugs around that had to be dealt with. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, they sure wanted to make it hard enough for us.” Link said as Saria and Zelda took out the Fire Keeses, while Ruto used her Dual Boomerangs to stun the Torch Slugs in the direct vicinity to extinguish their flames and make them try to flee, while Link and Nabooru brought down the Stalactite so the group could pass over to the apparent broken bridge along the way, taking care of not to be hit by the Flame Spouting Statue’s attack.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I agree, Brother; the Fire Temple looks tame compared to this.” Darunia said as they safely crossed the path in turns.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Standing on the edge of the end of the path, Link stopped, seeing two pillars that were standing upright up ahead. He also saw two Crystal Switches around, that obviously begged to be shot one way or another. Lining up an arrow to the first one, Link fired at it, making it strike the switch and causing the pillar to fall down in front of them, creating a path across its length. Saria aided him by shooting a Deku Seed at the second switch, making the second pillar fall over as well, creating a path with a 90 degree turn to the right, heading towards a lava tunnel. Spotting a third crystal switch, Zelda hit it with an arrow, which caused a pathway to rise up from the lava and connecting it with a stairway at the far side of the lava tunnel, making it in effect a slope. Once it was fully raised, Link hopped on and slid down onto the staircase, with Zelda, Saria, Ruto and Nabooru following, making room for Impa, Darunia and Rauru to join them. No sooner had the last three joined the stairway or the slope sunk back into the lava and directly ahead up the staircase was another fire spouting stature present, but this time it was continuously spouting fire.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great, how do we get over this one?” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Where there is a will there is a way.” Link said, before spotting a hookshot target on the ceiling, using his Hookshot to hit it and pull himself safely on the other side of the stairs, before turning around and spotting a cracked part at the ceiling area at the exit of the lava slope tunnel.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link then carefully stepped to the left stopping as if he was calculating something.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What are you doing?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ve spotted a crack in the stone ceiling right at the exit of the tunnel behind you. You may want to stand aside; I’ll try to reach it with a Bombchu.” Link replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Sages nodded, stepping aside while ensuring they wouldn’t fall in the lava, before Link unleashed the Bombchu, which scaled up the wall at an angle, going upwards towards the crack before it detonated, destroying the part of the wall and revealing yet another crystal switch. Link struck it with an arrow, which activated the switch… and turned the fire spout off, allowing the others to move up on the stairs to where Link was. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]At the other side of the stairway, there was another platform which was already floating in the Lava, which Link hopped on after the others had safely passed the staircase itself, in time as behind them the fire spout reactivated. Once he stood on the platform, Link wiped some sweat from his forehead while Saria and Zelda joined him, shortly followed by Ruto, Nabooru, Impa and Rauru. Once Darunia stood on it, the platform began to move, taking the group downstream to another room further into the temple. They didn’t have the time to relax however as there were several Fire Keeses up ahead, which Link, Zelda, Saria and Ruto all shot down before they could inflict any harm on the group. The Platform eventually came to a stop in front of a pathway leading to a way up to a higher floor.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This place feels linear; there is no map of the place around, yet so far we seem to be making progress…” Link said, scratching his head.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, I wonder if we’re actually supposed to be here.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I guess we’ll find out one way or another.” Saria said as the group got ready to progress, only to see several Red Bubbles jumping from the lava to and fro, meaning that they had to watch their step to avoid being hit.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“YIKES!” Ruto said, narrowly avoiding being hit by one of them. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru grunted as she managed to hit one of the Red Bubbles, defeating it instantly, before moving on after the others, although Link stopped at the second highest platform to take out a Skulltula that was blocking his path to the highest floor with his Hookshot to conserve arrows, before moving on into a room where he took out two more Skulltulas along the way. Once he felt he was safe, he stopped to take a breather, sitting down even, while waiting for the others, whom fortunately enough joined him soon.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whew, that’s quite the hot run…” Ruto said, trying to cool herself down.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link aided her by giving her a bottle of Spring Water he took along with him, having snatched the water from the Southern Swamp, knowing that its fresh and clean appearance would do wonders. Ruto smiled at this gesture, taking the bottle with glee and taking a few gulps of it, wanting to conserve as much water as possible, sharing it with the others. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” Nabooru said with a smile, taking a sip of the water.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I wonder what is actually being held here; the place looks solid yet it feels rather empty, save for the enemies that dwell here.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I guess we’ll find out sooner or later…” Saria said, shrugging.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. It’d better be something useful to us…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We all hope that…” Impa said, smiling as she patted Zelda’s shoulder.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia looked around, sitting down for a moment as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I have to admit that things really went hot out here…” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And for some reason I believe that this is only the beginning.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What makes you say that?” Nabooru inquired.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, this place must be hiding something or else we wouldn’t have gone to check it out. There is obviously something that is of importance out here… if it isn’t in this temple, then maybe it’s somewhere else around these parts.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Zelda has a point. This place looks way too suspicious too.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I guess we will find out what is hiding in here soon…” Link said as he prepared to go once more, looking around at the other side of the room on a higher path, seeing another path between gaps that had to be crossed over.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]He startled for a moment as Saria and Zelda came up from behind him, standing next to him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sorry.” Both Saria and Zelda said as they saw Link startled for a moment.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s alright, I was a bit too focused on figuring out how to cross it without falling in the lava.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Like judging your jumps in advance?” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, like that.” He said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The gap looks a bit too wide to cross it over and land with both feet on the platforms along the way…” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Not necessarily. In a normal jump, it would be a bit too large with the risk of getting hit, but perhaps with enough speed, we should be able to jump a bit further ahead.” Link said, taking a few steps back as if he was going to build up a run to get enough speed in.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Interested, the others went to see what Link was up to, just as he boldly began to run forward towards the gap. Right before he reached the edge, Link rolled forward, giving him a little extra speed and an additional boost as he then jumped off the edge, landing with a roll on the platform in between before following it up with a second jump, landing safely on the platform he was supposed to reach, the Red Bubble that came up from the side simply missed him and vanished as quick as it came. Link then moved to the side to wait for the others, seeing Zelda moving up to follow Link’s example, safely making it to the other side as well. Saria was the third one and Ruto the fourth one. Nabooru was of course an adult and in general was able to cross jumps a bit farther than the children, but still made sure she had enough speed along the way as well, while the children made room for the adults to arrive at their position.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Seeing the path moving down a bit, Link walked down it, before hopping down the edge and landing on a stone path below, waiting for the others as he saw Saria hopping down the path, followed by Zelda, Ruto and then Nabooru, before Impa, Rauru and Darunia arrived safely on the path. Only when the group wanted to move forward, a Lizalfos tried to stop them as he landed in front of them. Link used the Mortal Draw on it to defeat it right away, only for a second Lizalfos to come in. Zelda took care of it using the Helm Splitter, before the group moved on, spotting another large platform floating in the lava ahead. But there were also two Flame Spouts along the way and two Stalactites as well. Link and Saria shot each stalactite one time each, the Stalactites vibrating, but remaining in place. Link then proceeded to hop on the platform, waiting for the others once again. Once the sages had joined him, the platform began to move onward towards a staircase at the far side of the lava room. Link then shot a second arrow at the first stalactite, making it fall in the lava to make a makeshift platform which he hopped on, using this to avoid the Fire Spout to the right, before hopping back to the main platform, with the Sages following his every move. This maneuver was repeated with the second Stalactite, allowing the group to reach the staircase unharmed. At the Staircase, Link and Zelda intercepted two Keeses which had settled on a nearby wall, before noticing that the stairway went in a t-junction. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, the entrance to the left is barred with debris, so we can’t go through there…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yep. The right one is the only option.” Zelda said with a nod, before the group proceeded onward on the staircase, entering a room that had three brittle doors ahead.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once the group was inside the room, a gate closed behind them, preventing them from going back. Darunia tried to move the gate, but it wouldn’t budge. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great, locked in.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Looks like those three doors are our only option.” Rauru said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link however gasped as he once again noticed his shadow growing, rolling forward to avoid the incoming Wallmaster, which was taken out by Zelda using a jump attack. But before Link could thank Zelda, he was unceremoniously clocked to the nearest wall with a *THUD*, grunting as he landed. Zelda tried to help him, only to receive a similar treatment a mere second later, making her land on top of Link, both holding their heads in pain. Just then, Saria screamed as she was being picked up by a second Wallmaster, but Nabooru intercepted the creature before it could take Saria away, freeing the Forest Sage in the process who looked like she was about to have a heart attack. Both Link and Zelda tried to get up, only to be hit in the face together, causing them to hit the wall again, dazing them a bit, right before Nabooru, Saria and Princess Ruto also received such a treatment. Using the Lens of Truth that Link gave her, looked around right away and saw what was attacking them: not one, but TWO Floormasters, both invisible to the naked eye and had to be spotted with the eye that could see the truth! [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What keeps hitting me?!” Zelda asked, grunting as she got up.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There’s two Invisible Floormasters here! They’re- OOF!” Impa said as she too was being hit by a Floormaster, causing her to bump into Rauru. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia on the other hand rolled up and forward, before leaping into the air and smashing the ground with a powerful Goron Pound, instantly defeating the Floormasters… but the sound of rolling/trotting fingers was heard still. Recovering quick, Impa used the Lens of Truth again and noticed that each of the Floormasters had split into three smaller ones. However, having caught on to this as he had fought them before, Link moved more to the center and used Din’s Fire, encasing himself in an expanding dome of fire that left the Seven Sages alone, but was successful in incinerating the smaller Floormasters in turn. This brought a sense of relief for the group, especially Link and Zelda.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now I understand how you two felt when you were being attacked by a Wallmaster…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Both Link and Zelda chuckled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You know, of all the mooks that Ganondorf and Majora sent after us, we hate the Floormasters and Wallmasters the most, simply because of what they’re capable of…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda nodded in agreement.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But the Floormaster can be worse when it’s invisible, like the one whom tackled us.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed… hey, your nose is bleeding, Zelda.” Link said, noticing blood moving down the princess’ nose.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is?” Zelda asked, touching the area, only to yelp and wince in pain as it hurt badly and indeed noticing blood on her hand from the area.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Your nose is bleeding too, Link,” Impa said as she got some handkerchiefs to nurse the injuries of the two, both wincing in pain, “that Floormaster nailed the both of you pretty bad.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Both Link and Zelda grunted as they held the cloths against their noses to nurse it, muttering curses against the already slain, offending creature under their breaths. Impa patted their shoulders to comfort them, to which they thanked her for it with a smile. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After a couple of minutes, the bleeding finally stopped, showing that the wounds were only limited to a bruise, nothing broken so far fortunately. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, at least the doors are still here…” Ruto said, nursing her arm.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Rauru then tossed a bomb to the right-most door, destroying it as the bomb detonated, revealing a single, small room. However, Link and Zelda’s eyes went wide as they looked inside.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Are you frigging kidding me?!” They said in unison, right before Link grabbed Zelda and tossed himself to the side, taking Zelda with him, but rolling over so he took the brunt of the impact on the ground, just as a THIRD Floormaster, this time being visible for everyone, dashed past them in its green color, missing its target, hitting nothing in turn. Darunia made short work of the creature with a single Goron Punch, before using a Goron Pound to eliminate the three smaller versions before they could properly spread and try to siphon off any of the group’s life force so they could grow back to full size. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks, Darunia.” Link said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No problem.” Darunia said, smiling. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As Link helped Zelda up, the princess did something Link didn’t expect; she gave him a soft peck on his cheek.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What was that for?” Link asked blushing.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“For pulling me out of harm’s way,” Zelda said, before coming closer, whispering the next part into his ear, “and in return for that kiss you gave me back in the forest outpost.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head while Zelda smiled sweetly, after which they went to check out the room where the Floormaster came from, discovering a few chests and pots, including a big chest. Opening the smaller chests and breaking the pots earned the group some rupees and additional ammunition of arrows, bombs and Bombchus, while Link went to check out the big chest…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s this?” He asked, picking out an item that looked similar to his Hookshot, but instead of hook on the end of the chain to snatch the items, hit switches or kill certain weak enemies with, there was a set of three claws placed on the end of the chain. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hm? That’s different from the Hookshot we already have…” Zelda said as she got one herself. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How many of these are there?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“At any case enough for any of us…” Link replied. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’d better take them with us, who knows what use they may have…” Impa said, taking one herself.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once they had taken and stashed their items, the group went on to the door in the center, which was also easily taken care of with a Bomb. Inside the room there was another big chest, while a Business Scrub was present in front of it. Darunia delivered another Goron Pound to eject the Scrub from its hiding place with a squeak, before Impa confronted it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I give up! If you let me be, I’ll sell you some Red Potion, but it’ll cost 40 Rupees.” It said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Sighing, Impa handed over the money.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you very much. Here’s the potion.” The Scrub said, presenting a full bottle of Red Potion her, which Impa accepted before the Scrub left. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa then returned to the group, handing the Potion over to Link.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Here, share some with Zelda. It should help in healing your noses faster.” She said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” Link said, before he took a few gulps of the Red Potion, before giving it to Zelda, who also took a few sips of it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The remainder of the potion was divided between Saria, Ruto and Nabooru, before Rauru opened the big chest.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, here’s more of those golden-plated gloves that Great Fairy gave us earlier.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sweet, that should restore our power-charged gloves then.” Ruto said, smiling as the group took the items, before turning to the third door. This time, Impa blasted the door apart with a Bomb, only for the group to be greeted with the sight of a Big Skulltula, which Saria took out with her Fairy Slingshot. But the group couldn’t exactly progress; as they made a turn to the left, they were greeted with the sight of another enemy which they hated; an Iron Knuckle![/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Pulling back into the main room, the Sages waited while Link used Bombs and Bombchus to lure the Iron Knuckle into the room with success, making it appear in the room, right before one more bomb took out the outer armor, allowing the group to pelt it with arrows and Deku Seeds as it charged at them, once again taking it out from a safe distance, bringing relief to the group.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Let’s hope we can actually move on now…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You said it.” Link said, laying a hand on her left shoulder.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As Saria turned to Link, she noticed he was smiling at her, something which made her smile and also blush a little too, before the group moved on, down the path the Iron Knuckle stood on, entering a new path where they saw the path now going down in a curve, but broken up by patches of nettles which didn’t look too healthy to step over…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh dear, what now?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This is going to be tougher than I thought… but there must be a way to cross this…” Link said as he moved forward, trying to look for where the path would go, noticing it went away with another curve to the right, but he was unable to pass over the nettles. Disappointed, Link returned to the others, only to spot something nearby.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?!” He asked, moving closer.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is it? Did you find something?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think so, I’m not sure what it is…” Link replied as he moved towards the beginning of a path, seeing something behind the group even. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the others turned around, they saw that there was something… sleeping right behind them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What in the name of Hyrule is that?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It looks like a bigger and sentient version of the Bombchu which also has legs…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It looks surprisingly tame…” Nabooru said, scratching her head.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s so big that one or two people could even sit on it.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Cautiously, Link approached it and carefully sat on the sleeping Bombchu, with Saria following close behind him as she climbed up carefully as well. But no sooner had the two mounted it, or the Bombchu suddenly reared up, letting out a metallic squeak reminiscent of the Real Bombchus, before taking off… taking Link and Saria with it! Saria screamed as she held Link tightly at the waist, while Link himself had a firm grip on the Bombchu, holding onto it for dear life. Link blinked as it ran over the nettles with no problem, although doing his best to steer it along the path, before coming across a gap, which he forced the Bombchu to jump over, before making another turn to the left… headed straight for a looping.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh no!” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hang on tight, Saria!” Link said, just as the Bombchu made it through the looping safely! [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Making a jump across two more gaps, the Bombchu made another turn to the left and then to the right, crossing a stone pillar that acted like a bridge over a lava pit, before it went over a patch of lava that didn’t move, headed for a final gap and straight towards a door. Jumping over the gap, Link saw his chance and jumped off the Bombchu, taking Saria along with him, while the Bombchu collided with the door, destroying it and itself in the process. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I… I think we have had enough jump scares for the day…” Link said as he held his childhood friend while leaning against the wall.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think so too…” Saria said, shivering.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Just then, the terrifying screams of Zelda and Ruto were heard, coming closer.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, crap!” both Link and Saria said, fleeing into the dark area that the door had revealed for them… only for them to suddenly trip as they slid down a chasm… taking them outside on the ground above the Temple’s entrance, landing on the grass with a loud *THUD*, knocking the both of them out for a moment as both made a perfect faceplant onto the ground.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

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[size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 33: Finding the REAL sanctuary[/font]

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[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“…ink… Link? Link?! Wake up!” A female voice said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link groaned as he woke up, his movements shaky, but stable as he got up.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Uuuuhhh… what happened?!” He asked.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You and Saria made a nasty fall from the exit of that temple, are you alright?” The female voice asked.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon looking up, Link came face to face with a deeply concerned Zelda, while Ruto and Nabooru were treating a similarly recovering Saria. Impa, Darunia and Rauru were also present, having another Red Potion available which they had bought from another Business Scrub who was at the far side of the area itself, which they gave to the two as soon as they had recovered. This in effect relieved Link and Saria of their headache as the red potion once again proved its usefulness. [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” Link said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That was… quite a ride.” Saria said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say. I’d rather sit on a horse; at least horses can stop and/or go slow/fast according to our wishes…” Zelda said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, at least we’ve made it in one piece so far, that’s what counts.” Link said, now sitting upright as he felt his strength returning because of the Red Potion he drank.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That much is certain.” Nabooru said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s with the blood out here?” Link then asked, blinking at the red patches on the spots where he and Saria landed.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Both you and Saria broke your noses when you landed on the floor. We had to reset the bones and had to give you the Red Potion in order to make it heal more rapidly.” Rauru said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Blinking, Link briefly touched his nose lightly, wincing at the touch.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Just leave it alone; the swelling and all should recede shortly and your nose will be as if it hadn’t been touched.” Impa said with a soothing tone.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link smiled at this.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks, Impa.” He said, before chuckling a bit at the indent that he and Saria made in the grass because of their landing, making it apparent he was taking it in a good light.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Talk about leaving an impression.” He said, causing Saria on her turn to nearly choke on a sip of water she was drinking, making Nabooru pat her back as Saria herself laughed and coughed altogether.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa smiled, while Zelda went towards Link to sit next to him, smiling as she felt quite relieved.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, where are we?” Saria asked after she had calmed down.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“From what we can see, we’re on a grassy path at some distance above the area of where we entered the temple.” Nabooru said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, that was it?” Link asked.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Pretty much, although we still haven’t explored the other side of the lava river yet…” Rauru said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There’s only one thing left for us to do here then.” Saria said as she got up, helping Link up right after that, smiling.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link smiled back, accepting the help before readjusting his gear. Once that was done, he approached the edge of the cliff he was on and carefully hopped down at an angle, rolling forward once he landed to prevent damage. Once on the ground, he caught Saria in his arms as she hopped down, before repeating this with Zelda and Ruto, while the adults were able to jump down themselves. Once that was done, Link used his new cane to generate once more a platform on top of the lava so the group could travel onward, this time in the other direction. [/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once they were on the platform and were on their way down the lava river, the group noticed that everything else had remained in place after they had cleared it, so it was for the rest void of enemies along the way. That is, until they went further down the river and were confronted by a few Corrupted Arrow Soldiers, the archers of the Corrupted Soldiers variation, which began to fire at the group with their bow and arrows. Darunia’s rock hard backside proved vital as a cover, while Saria and Zelda took out the Corrupted Soldiers, although they had to look away as one of those soldiers fell into the lava, never to be seen again. Link had been moving the platform to a metal platform to give the others a more stable ground to retaliate from. Once the Corrupted Soldiers were dealt with, the group climbed on top of the metal platform, heading through a short tunnel and ending up at a path with the lava river below them; upon moving to where the Corrupted Soldiers stood they discovered that the lava river went around that area as they discovered a chest with some additional ammunition for arrows and Deku Seeds, while also containing a few bows big enough for Saria and Ruto to handle, much to their delight. Moving back down the metal path, they moved on over some metal platform to reach a crevice in a stone wall at the end of the lava river, a path leading into a dark room with stone pillars and a single lone tree present. In that area, there was no lava around, which initially brought relief to the group…[/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]…but their relief was short-lived, because once they arrived, they could already hear the distinct moaning sound of ReDeads nearby, coupled with the unmistakable trotting sound from patrolling Floormasters. [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Why them?!” Link and Zelda groaned as they spotted one of the Floormasters around the tree…[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Relax, this time they’re visible to us so we should be able to take care of them sooner…” Impa said in a comforting tone, understanding why those demonic, severed, sentient hands agitated both the hero and the princess.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” Both children said, before Link used the Sun’s Song to first paralyze the ReDeads, allowing the group to focus on the Floormasters first.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Let’s go in pairs again, so we can also watch each other’s backs in case either a tiny Floormaster or even a Wallmaster tries anything funny.” Link said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others nodded, before moving to engage their hated enemies. The large Floormasters were easily taken care of, which left only the smaller ones which tried to first run away before boldly charging at the group. While the group focused more on the Floormasters, Link played the Sun’s Song again to freeze the ReDeads again so the group could take them out without much trouble, having intercepted so far a total of THREE Wallmasters in the room so far. Link and Zelda in particular took delight in taking out the hands that dropped from above, as it had been the bane of their travels so far… Saria on her turn intercepted a tiny Floormaster which targeted Nabooru, while Nabooru on her turn took out another Wallmaster whom tried to ambush the Forest Sage in turn. Rauru used his Light-based spells to instantly decimate any Floormaster in his path, the few ReDeads that were in the way of his attacks were also taken out instantly, while Link kept playing the Sun’s Song just to be sure the ReDeads remain frozen to prevent them from getting in the way. [/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]After a few minutes, the last of the Floormasters was finally taken down, allowing the group to concentrate on the remaining ReDeads, as some of them were actually together in small groups of four. While scouting the area itself, the group also were on the lookout for any remaining Wallmasters that could be dwelling in the area, but to their relief, they found none. Once the ReDeads were slain, the group were able to catch their breath for a moment, before they could proceed onward to the ledge that Link saw, using the new cane he had in his possession to create an actual block which he, Zelda and Saria pushed towards the ledge and put it into its place. Once that was done, the group climbed one after the other on the platform and onto the ledge, taking out a last Skulltula along the way, before finding themselves outside again on a path in the open. The sight of the vast forest between Hyrule and Termina could be clearly seen in the far distance and the sky being a glowing blue. The area around them felt it was completely at peace, no single enemy in sight… and the fresh air was quite a relief from the excruciating heat they had experienced while traveling over the lava. The path itself also had patches of green grass ahead, where plants and bushes were growing as if a small portion of the forest had been able to reach the path there.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, it looks like we took out the outpost itself…” Impa said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, you’d think our two enemies could be smarter than this…” Ruto said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You’ll never know with those two. I honestly feel much more at peace when they’ve been properly dealt with.” Zelda said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think we all share your opinion on that, Zel. It’s just not easy to get to them as it is right now…” Link said, with Zelda blushing at hearing Link’s affectionate nickname for her. [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Deciding to enjoy the fresh air, the group stopped to rest for a bit, allowing themselves to relax and let their bodies calm down in a way as well… Both Link and Zelda stretched a bit, popping their necks a little before sitting down on the stone path to rest, with Saria sitting on Link’s other side, while Ruto sat in front of them. Nabooru smirked.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“My, my, Link. I never thought you’d become quite the womanizer throughout your adventure…” She said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Huh?” Link asked, blinking.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Face it, you’ve got three girls sitting near you and I’ve seen that Romani of the Romani Ranch was deeply worried about you as well when Zelda and you were out cold back then.” She said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link’s eyes went wide at this.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But… but why would they be… interested in me?” Link then blurted out, “I… I mean, sure the girls I’ve associated in my life so far are really good looking, no doubt about that, but why me?” [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru giggled as Link was oblivious to a furious blush having crept on the faces of Saria, Zelda and Ruto altogether.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Do you want to know the reason?” She then asked.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, I’d love to know.” Link said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s simple; it’s because of your heart.” [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“My heart?” [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yep. The fact that you simply do what you believe is right to help the people out, you don’t boast about your capabilities or you don’t show them off like most macho men tend to do around town as well as your courageous demeanor and spirit make you well-liked by the girls.” The Gerudo leader said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Now it was Link’s turn to blush, looking nervously at Saria, Zelda and Ruto, only to see them smile sweetly at him.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Besides, the girls aren’t the only ones… Navi and Tatl worried about you as well…” Nabooru then said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“H – h – hey, I am only trying to m – make the situation less stressed… it’s – it’s n – not I actually c – care about him…” Tatl furiously responded.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh yeah? That blush on your face is telling me otherwise, sis.” Tael said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, s – s – shut up, Tael.”[/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]A few minutes later, the group got back up again, having rested well enough in order to proceed. Both Link and Zelda walked next to each other along the path, with Saria and Ruto behind them. Nabooru and Impa walked behind Saria and Ruto and behind them were Rauru and Darunia.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, this is getting a bit suspicious…” Link then said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What makes you say that?” Zelda asked, confused.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s too quiet out here.” Link said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see your point. It’s like you’re actually expecting something to happen.” [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah. I’m sorry to sound paranoid, but it’s just how my past adventures have been.” [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We don’t blame you, kid. Considering what you have been through, it would have left a mark anyhow. Besides, we’re all together in this and, given our past encounters, anyone of us would feel the same.” Nabooru said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed; everyone of us here had to grow up quicker than expected due to the memories of the Future That Almost Was having been added to us.” Saria said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That is something that actually surprises me, I thought that I alone would have that knowledge passed on to me…” Link said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Time travel isn’t exactly a run-off-the-mill thing. I believe that our counterparts there must have transferred the knowledge they had at the time to us the moment you would be sent back in this time after Ganondorf’s defeat. This in turn would explain why we initially suspected that Ganondorf was up to no good at first; your warning to me simply confirmed this suspicion and allowed us to act accordingly.” Zelda said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link nodded at this, seeing the logic behind her reasoning. [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“At least it allowed us to catch Ganondorf by surprise at that time, but to see him taking the Triforce of Power with him once we sealed him away here as he attacked us after his lies were exposed…” Impa said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The only thing that we must do is to take that Triforce piece from him so we can restore the Triforce itself and bring peace and prosperity back to Hyrule before we end him. If he relies on the Triforce of Power so much, it will critically weaken him once we take it away. That way we can ensure he will NEVER come back.” Rauru said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. Once we have gained the extra power we need, we should be able to take them down, once and for all. That way Hyrule and Termina will be safe once more.” Link said, eager to defeat the menaces once and for all.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s the spirit! We shouldn’t dwell in the past and let bad memories get to us; we need to focus on the now.” Zelda said, smiling at seeing Link in high spirits again.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]For a few minutes, the group continued along the path, coming closer to the edge of the cliff that showed the forest in full view. But as they went on, they noticed several broken or turned over stone pillars along the path.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, looks like those fiends made a mess out of this place.” Link said, carefully climbing on a pillar to move over it and gently land on the path so they could continue on their way.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah. Why would they even do something like this out here?” Saria asked, following after Link along with Zelda and Ruto.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“They obviously want to obstruct our progress this way.” The Zora princess replied.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see your point, but to do it so obviously out here like that…” Zelda said, scratching the back of her head as she moved next to Link, who seemed rather cautious now as he walked over an obvious crack in the path itself…[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria could have sworn she felt the path shake a bit, causing her to shiver as she walked to Link’s other side, with Ruto behind her. Nabooru and Impa looked around the area, while Rauru got off from the pillar and onto the same path as the others. [/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Just as Darunia stepped on the path however, a large snap resonated through the area.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What was that?!” Ruto asked. [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Right before any of the others could answer, the path on which the group stood on began to sport more cracks. [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh no… RUN!” Impa shouted. [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Just as Link wanted to run to safety, one of his feet fell through a crack, causing Link to lose his balance and land on the ground, causing the stone he landed on to break completely, falling down a hole which it previously had covered, causing Link to scream in terror as he grabbed the edge of the nearest piece of stone, trying to pull himself up, only for that piece to break as well, causing Link to lose his grip and fell down the hole, causing him to land on a lower ground with a *THUD*. This time however, Link remained fully conscious, although he was dazed from the impact. Saria and Zelda soon fell through similar holes as more parts of the stone cover broke off, eventually taking the other Sages with it as well, each of them landing on a stone pathway where Link landed on previously, with Saria and Zelda helping him up.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“One of these days I’m REALLY going to fall apart if this keeps up.” Link said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You’re not the only one who thinks like that…” Zelda said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But wait, are we underground now?!” Saria asked.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It looks like it. It’s like a cavern out here with lava all around us as well as a path we obviously have to go over to get out of here.” Impa said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Strange, this part reminds me of the temple we’ve been in about an hour ago, but there’s no way we could be all the way back there…” Nabooru said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The only differences are those stalactites and the apparent stairway thing out here…” Ruto said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, looks like we have no other choice but to move on in here.” Darunia said, while Link already begun with shooting the stalactites down to create makeshift platforms for the group, hopping over to them to where the staircase was that led to a familiar bridge, before moving to platforms in the center tunnel area, moving to a pathway that had yet another Fire Spouting Statue in the wall to the right. Waiting for the flame to go out, Link moved on towards another stalactite, with the Sages following close behind him as they journeyed onward through the hottest region of their world. A bigger stalactite was shot down which the entire group could stand on, which carried them over the lava towards a bridge which the group climbed on, shooting down two pillars through its connecting Crystal Switches to make a makeshift path that led towards a net spanning over the ceiling area, this time having rotating Fire Spouting Statues in the center of that net. Sighing, Link jumped up and grabbed the net, gradually making his way to the right while studying the pattern of the Fire Spouting Statue, getting the pattern of the flames down and making sure he was between the fire streams without being hit. Once he made it safely to the other side, Link let go of the net and landed on a stone bridge spanning the room right below, shooting at another Crystal Switch that brought a third pillar down while he waited for the others to arrive. Once the Sages had joined him, Link moved on over the now-downed pillar, before making his way up into a small room, where he spotted a grating in the ceiling.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Let’s see how this works…” Link said as he took out his new Clawshot, which he fired towards it, the claw snagging the grating and allowing Link to shoot forward and hanging on the grating through the Clawshot itself. He carefully lowered the chain until he spotted a target for the hookshot, firing it on the hookshot and it took him towards a new platform, the Clawshot letting go and retracting back into its gun safely. The others all followed this example, although Darunia instead took a few steps behind and used a charged Goron Roll to propel himself to where the others were.[/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once they had gathered once more on a pathway, Zelda shot down several stalactites to make a makeshift path, while Saria shot down a 4th pillar with the same crystal on it to make it easier for the group to pass over to a more solid path. This led them upward to a floating platform containing a cage, which released fairies after Link and Saria broke it, much to Navi, Tatl and Tael’s surprise. The three fairies on their turn had remained silent and/or sought a hiding place to escape the heat while following the group. The group itself then hopped on another platform that was floating on the lava, which took them over a vast lava pool while on the way the group avoided two more Fire Spouting Statues.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, I never knew this place was so complex… it really is like a labyrinth.” Link said as the group moved along.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. The worst thing is that there’s no map around, so we have no idea where we’re going.” Zelda said, nodding as the group approached three stone platforms.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, low bridge!” Impa said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Timing their jumps carefully, the group got on the platforms and hopped back on the floating one before they would miss it and become trapped. Link also shot down more of the Stalactites after they went over the final platform, the four stalactites total giving the group a path towards a staircase. [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh man… any deeper and we may reach the planet’s core…” Ruto said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That would be a bit too deep, but I see what you mean…” Impa said, before the group moved on the staircase and entered the open, dark hallway, right before they went on a slope, but this time they were more prepared and maintained balance as they slid down the path along the way…[/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group slid down the path and entered a very large and wide lava room, with a path going in a reversed ‘S’ pattern and two flame-spouting statures which rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, meaning that the group had to jump over the flames to avoid them. Moving along the path as best as they could, they jumped over the flames before hopping over the gaps between the smaller platforms, before climbing a ladder to a higher floor of the room, using the Hook- and Clawshot targets to take them to the different platforms that were present.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Is it me, or are we going in a U-turn here?” Saria asked.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We are going in such a turn, kid,” Nabooru said, seeing a large chasm at the far side of the room they were headed to, “Whoever designed this must have been quite inventive. I never thought that someone would even be able to make something this big.”[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think I may need a word with the Goron Elder in Snowhead. If this is supposed to be a mining facility, it definitely lacks maintenance with the broken paths and everything, provided he knows about this in the first place.” Darunia said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Do you think this place could have been here for a long time?” Rauru asked.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I consider that a decent possibility, seeing the state of the area itself as a whole…” Darunia replied.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Eventually landing at the platform at the edge of the chasm, Link first moved to feel the platform, feeling his hand easily sliding over it.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The path is slippery… and considering how wide this path is, this could be risky…” He said, getting back up.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But this is the only way we can go on, right?” Ruto asked.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is. I suggest we go in turns and wait several seconds between each other before we go. That way we won’t run the risk of bumping into each other along the way.” Link said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good idea. It gives us room to react accordingly in case one of us messes up or slows down…” Darunia said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, let’s see where this heads to…” Link said as he went in first, mostly to keep his friends safe by scouting the area for them as he hopped from the platform, landing on the slope which caused him to slide down along the way, automatically hopping from platform to platform once he reached the edges.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whoa! This goes quite fast- what the- ?!” Link then said, right before he slid right on top of another legged Bombchu, which instantly took off with him on it.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ah crud, not this again?!” Link exclaimed as he was headed right for a looping when the Bombchu took off, the Bombchu making it safely through the looping.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whew, for a moment I thought that was going to- OH FOR THE LOVE OF FARORE!!” Link then exclaimed as he went onward, heading straight for a SECOND looping as he went on, also making it safely, before he went towards a door.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link jumped off the Bombchu before it collided with the door, blasting it open in turn, which in turn allowed Link to pass through the door, before he sat down in a safer part of the room where he waited for the others. It took about two minutes before the group was reunited again, each of them having been riding a legged Bombchu in turn, having done their best to stay on the track of where Link had gone to. [/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, at least we made it through here safely…” Ruto said after the group calmed down.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yep, now it’s only up to us to continue on this trip… I wonder if we’ll be reaching the exit anytime soon…” Saria said.[/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][size=small][font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Only one way to find out.” Link said, hopping down the hole, with the others following him.

[/font][/size][/font][/size]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 34: Going deeper…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and the Sages landed on a platform with a lava tunnel directly ahead, on which Link took out his cane to make a platform appear on the lava. But before he went on it, he went to observe the path ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good grief, this goes even further down…” He said, noting the downward streaming of the lava and the curve ahead going downward…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say. This requires a lot more caution.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We need to help Brother Link with supporting him as in keeping his balance while steering the platform, perhaps we can even aid him with it directional-wise…” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“A great idea; one mistake could make all of us become one with the lava.” Impa said, causing Link, Saria and Zelda to shudder at the mere thought of this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“If we concentrate our powers on this, I am confident that we will make it to whatever destination lies ahead of us alive.” Rauru said, to which Link nodded, regaining his composure rapidly.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Concentrating our powers, as in sharing it?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, at least on the focus.” Rauru said as the group got on the platform, with Link on the back. Being the heaviest, Darunia stood in the center and was able to use his posture to be the center of the area for the group to have a good grip on.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, are you all ready?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah. Let’s make a go for it.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll support you in this, Link.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. Well, here goes nothing.” Link said as he thrusted the cane forward, making the platform with the group on it move on the lava, in effect creating a trip one would make with a raft down a river, but with water instead of lava. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As they went down that lava path, the group would come across patches of lava that were a bright yellow in color with flames appearing from its surface.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I believe those patches are WAY TOO HOT for this thing…” Ruto said, gulping.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. Make sure to avoid them at all costs!” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m doing the best I can, just be my eyes forward on this one!” Link replied, thrusting the cane where needed, with Saria and Zelda helping him in directions per instructions of Nabooru and Impa, while Ruto was shivering. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Thankfully, the group made it past a curve down to the left, before approaching another one which went back to the right while still going further downward. They safely avoided the patches of the yellow lava, but their troubles weren’t over yet…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’re approaching a lava-fall!” Impa exclaimed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Everybody, hang on!” Darunia said, pushing his weight down in the platform while holding a grip on everyone’s hands as the platform went over the edge of the lava-fall and fell down it, fortunately the platform itself remained in an upright position with the group on top of it, which in turn ensured that they made it safely down it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whew…” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t rejoice too soon, Ruto; there’s another ride downstream coming up!” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And why are there holes in the walls ahead?” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The answer came soon enough as what appeared to be tentacle-like vines burst out from the wall, becoming an actual hindrance like nettles or parasitic tentacles. Thankfully, Impa and Nabooru were prepared as they shot the vines down while Link, aided by Saria and Zelda, kept going as the platform went further and further downstream and down a second lava-fall, arriving in a larger room where the lava was flowing more slowly, but there were patches of the incinerating hot yellow lava around further up ahead, as well as a stone platform to their left. This slow speed allowed the group to catch their breath for a moment while continuing on the lava river. But being in such a foreign area wasn’t exactly comfortable for everyone after all…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“My kingdom for a map! Just a simple map so we finally know where we are or where we are even going!!” Ruto exclaimed, observing the area.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Relax, once we get through this, we may finally be able to find out where this is.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link remained determined, guiding the platform over the red and black lava, using Saria’s help to guide the group around the yellow lava safely, before the group came across what appeared to be a doorway with an opening the group had to climb into after disembarking from the platform on the stone path in front of the door. Saria sighed as the group came closer to the door.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“A Rupee for your thoughts?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Nothing much, just trying to get my mind off the heat out here; if this keeps up we all will melt on the surface.” She replied, to which Link nodded in understanding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think we should all take a cool dip in a pool or something once we get out of here; this way we will be able to cool off rapidly.” He then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I agree.” [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After climbing up into the opening one by one and sliding down the path it had, Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru, Impa, Darunia and Rauru arrived in a totally different room… The whole area was completely pitch black, with the only light coming from a glowing, golden sphere on a lower platform ahead and fire-spouting statues on a few platforms ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great… just what we needed…” Nabooru said, noticing the platforms were surrounded by almost infinite blackness, like an abyss.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now we need to be careful that we don’t fall down.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, in the name of Din, you have to be joking! They REALLY spread these around to spite us!” Link then exclaimed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Huh?!” Impa asked, only for Link to point out the unmistakable outline of yet ANOTHER Floormaster present on the platform that the sphere on its turn stood on, the creature just moving to and fro around the pedestal the sphere laid on, as if it was patrolling around it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa blinked at this, not exactly at the appearance of the Floormaster itself, but the fact that Zelda was audibly growling at the sight of the disembodied hand, clearly showing that the Princess hated these creatures to the core. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good thing that there’s a way to take these freaks out safely from here!” Link said, taking out a Fire Arrow and aimed carefully at the Floormaster, before firing the arrow, scoring a direct hit at the creature which in turn split into three… and subsequently ran off the platform to their doom in the abyss below.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Phew…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I wouldn’t be surprised if Ganondorf and/or Majora placed these around; it definitely proves their sadism to the core.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I second that.” Zelda said.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group moved one by one on the platform that contained the golden-yellow sphere. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This puzzle again…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Looks like this kind of thing is popular…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What do we do with this?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll take it with us and see where its corresponding pyramid pedestal is so we can put it on…” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But there may still be dangers ahead…” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Then I suggest this: Some of us will go ahead and eliminate all sentient enemies around; the Fire Spouting statues can be avoided by walking between the flames so they won’t be bothered by it.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great idea. That way we’ll also eliminate the threats ahead and can pass onward to our destination.” Link said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, who goes ahead?” Rauru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll go first for sure; I need to let off some steam anyway.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll go with you.” Zelda said, taking up arms herself.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right, let’s go.” Link said, getting ready to tackle the dangers ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll come along, so I’ll watch your backs, just in case.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Zelda nodded at this, before hopping down to a platform with the first rotating flame spouting statue, which fortunately had only one part which spouted fire out. Moving past it, Link, Zelda and Impa hopped down to an apparent empty platform, only for Impa’s shadow to grow after a few seconds.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Impa, watch your shadow!” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Looking down, Impa indeed noticed her Shadow growing and hopped to the side, just as another Wallmaster landed on the ground, which was soon defeated by Zelda herself. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks, princess. I understand your animosity for these sneaky creatures.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No problem.” Zelda said, before the three moved on to a platform that had another Fire Spouting Statue, but this time with TWO sides spouting fire. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Approaching the edge of the platform, they noticed that the final platform before the path contained TWO more Floormasters, which Link and Zelda took out with Fire Arrows while Impa was on the lookout for the flames coming up from behind them. While most of the tiny Floormasters ran off the platform or fell off of it due to the splitting, Link and Zelda used regular arrows to take out the two tiny Floormasters that remained on the platform, before they and Impa moved onto the platform, where they signaled for the others to come.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]A few minutes later, Saria, Ruto, Nabooru, Darunia and Rauru, with Rauru carrying the sphere, joined the three on the last platform, after which Link and Zelda hopped on the path just below, entering a hallway. There they saw a platform already present in the lava, but at the far side of the lava ditch it was in. Link then used his cane to shoot at the platform, making it bounce off the side and float towards them. Once it was at their side of the ditch, the group moved onto the platform, after which Link used the rod again to make it float to the other side, where the group felt they had to go. Saria stretched and yawned as this went on, while the others were more eager to get out of the whole place…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once at the other side, the group climbed up on the pathway, with Rauru handing the sphere to Darunia so he could climb up on the path, before proceeding towards the next room. Link and Zelda went on ahead, before using their bow and arrows to take out several Fire Keese that were present in the room, safeguarding Darunia as he went to place the sphere on the pyramid pedestal which the group had seen in a crevice to their left. The second Darunia laid the sphere on its pedestal, a door on the far side of the room began to turn around in a counter-clockwise direction for a full 180 degrees, making the opening now on the upside instead of on the downside. Now free to look around the room, the group looked to their left and eventually spotted a large statue that looked like an elderly person in appearance. It was nowhere near the looks of Rauru however, this one had a nigh-ethereal appearance to it, yet it was still solid. But the striking thing was that this one had an emblem on the down-center piece of its robe… the emblem that was also present on the Fire Medallion which Darunia had![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?! Is this supposed to be a Sage?” Darunia asked, blinking as he compared the emblem with his medallion.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Possibly. It could very well be one of the Ancient Sages that existed in Hyrule many years before you were even born.” Rauru said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, so this statue must have been made in its honor, right?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That could be possible, or it could have passed its initial duties on to its successor and settled to guard these parts, I don’t know for sure.” Rauru replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm…” Link said with a nod, thinking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hey, I found the silver pedestal; it’s on the other side of this lava path.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But where’s the sphere?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I don’t know; it’s could be on a higher area or a different place we haven’t been in yet.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see. Well then, I guess we should move to the other opening then and see where the sphere is…” Zelda said, before the group moved on, hopping over the lava ditch and moving to the opening in the door, climbing up the stairs and entering the opening, which led to another slope. Sliding down it, the group arrived in a very different lava room. While a platform was already present, the red and black lava was flowing downward, while at the sides flowed the incinerating hot yellow lava. At the far side of the room was a cracked door.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Moving on the platform, Link and the Sages carefully made their way to the door, the platform moving slowly so Darunia, Impa, Nabooru and Rauru had the chance to toss a couple of bombs at the door to make it burst. Once the door was open, the group hopped into the next room before they turned around upon hearing a bubbling sound, seeing the platform they stood on topple over into the yellow-hot lava, submerging into it in a matter of seconds, never to be seen again.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yikes, good thing we jumped off of it in time.” Saria commented.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say…” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’d better not fall down from here either…” Ruto said, looking ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the others looked on as well, they could see they were standing on top of large, solid, stone pillars that stood apparently VERY high, as they saw yellow lava flowing several tens to a hundred meters below their position. Undeterred, Link made his way over the platforms while watching his step, entering a tunnel on the far side of the room. Once there, he again waited for the others, something which the Sages did appreciate. After the group was back together, they went down into a tunnel, only for Link to step on a slope, causing him to slip and, although he rapidly regained his balance, he now began to slide on the path he was on, down towards a curve to the left. The Sages followed him one after the other, intent on following him to see where he would end up as well as following his movements.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link managed to jump over a flame that another fire-breathing statue was spewing over the path, before he shifted his weight to the right to prevent him from going off the path and falling into the lava, which was now a boiling red/orange. He wanted to scream as he headed right for a pool of that red/orange lava, until he also spotted a swinging vine moving to and fro over it slowly. Timing his jump well, he then leapt right off the edge of the path, grabbing the vine and using its momentum to swing safely to the other side, before he let go of the rope and landed on a last bit of the slope, before he jumped down a large hole, ending up in the room with the statue of the Ancient Sage, but now on a higher floor of the room. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, one of these days I’m going to be a professional adventurer to the next level…” He said to himself, just as a female yelp came closer. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Looking up, he spread his arms forward and promptly caught Saria in his arms.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Gotcha.” He said, causing Saria to blush, before Link set her down, in time for him to catch Zelda in the same fashion, making Zelda blush in turn, after which Link repeated this gesture with Ruto, just as Navi, Tatl and Tael approached. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Being the more swift and agile ones, Nabooru and Impa landed gracefully on their feet  once they arrived in the area, with Rauru and Darunia being the last to arrive.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Okay, so we’re back in the Statue Room… and I have located the Silver Sphere.” Impa said, pointing to the other side.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There’s Hookshot targets around as well, so we can come back to the higher floor.” Link said, while Impa went to ‘collect’ the Silver Sphere to toss it to the lower level, where Nabooru went to put it on its pedestal.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once the Silver Sphere was in place as well, the statue began to move, stepping straight into the lava ditch, but unbothered by the lava itself! Eventually it stood still between the platforms, waiting.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Huh? It stopped…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Is it waiting for something?” Ruto asked[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Maybe we have to get on top of it?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s worth a try.” Link said, spotting a Hookshot target on the back of the statue and used his Hookshot to pull himself to it, standing on top of the statue shortly, where he waited for the others. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]He didn’t have to wait long though as the others soon used either their own Hookshots or jumped on top of the statue’s head to join him on top of it. Once everyone stood on top of the statue, it began to stir and move again, walking steadily through the red/orange lava without melting itself, taking the group to a staircase at the far side of the lava ditch. Once it had arrived there, the group  hopped off the statue, standing in front of the staircase, before turning around to face the Statue.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you, sir.” Link said out of politeness.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is an honor to serve heroes such as yourself, even when one of them happens to be my successor.” It replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So you have been a Sage at one point after all?” Darunia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. In fact, I was the Sage of Fire before you were born, Darunia. Back then, I was charged to safeguard the Fire Temple itself, but when the time of finding a successor came near, I retired of my duties and chose to settle here in what used to be a mining facility for the Gorons in Snowhead, until the area itself became nigh-impassable when evil forces manifested themselves in here.” It said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I understand. Can you help us to get out of here?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The exit can be found right on top of the staircase behind you. It hides a portal that will take you back to the stone circle in the area from where this sanctuary can be accessed. But before you leave, I must warn you of something. While your exploration in here proved successful in wiping out the forces occupying this place, the evil beings known as Ganondorf and Majora have successfully staged an attack from the Great Bay area and conquered most of Termina. The only ‘safe’ areas that remain there are Romani Ranch, Zora Hall, the Deku Palace and Goron Village. The rest was taken over swiftly.” It said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“WHAT?!” Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru, Impa, Darunia and Rauru exclaimed in unison.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Your travel here was a diversion created by those two in order to conquer the land known as Termina. Their forces are largely concentrated in the Ikana Region, in particular the Stone Tower Temple. The only way to deal significant damage to them there is when you have, among other weapons, arrowheads that burn, freeze and/or carry the sacred golden light. I have deciphered the auras of the beings, hence I was made aware of them and your presence.” The Ancient Fire Sage said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ve been played for fools… we’ll get them for this!” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Your quest will be getting harder as you go, but do not fear. I will be giving you something that will come of good use to you all. Receive it now.” The Ancient Fire Sage said, before a set of eight red/orange spheres were generated by him, each of them vanishing in one of the group members respectively. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Huh?! What did we get?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“From now, once you’re in a stable position to attack the enemy, you can hold back on your strikes to increase the damage done. Remember, while you will be able to inflict more damage, the charging position leaves you vulnerable, but regardless of this, this kind of ‘burst’ works with most of your weapons, not just your blades, but also with certain ranged weapons, like arrows.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So now we can inflict more damage with arrows too? That’s cool!” Link said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now go and save Hyrule and Termina… and the world.” The Ancient Fire Sage said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t worry, we will.” Link said, before the group left to ascend the staircase.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Take care, young ones.” The Ancient Fire Sage said, before the group was gone.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ascending up the staircase, the group came across a pillar on top of a pedestal. The room itself had lava flowing around the path that was leading only to the staircase above. Once the group stood in front of the pillar however, the pillar began to tremble, before it magically dragged itself backwards, as if a mechanism underneath it had been triggered. Upon locking itself at the far side of the platform, the part where the pillar first stood on then began to emanate a glowing blue circle on the ground. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Reminds me of the temples and dungeons I explored before, they got me outside like this too.” Link said as he stepped inside the blue circle, with Saria and Zelda following him right away, Ruto being next. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru, Impa, Darunia and Rauru joined in as well, after which the light from the circle seemed to move upward to the ceiling, taking the whole group along in the air, teleporting them to just beside the Stone Circle they had seen from where they had located the old man’s house. Looking around, they could already see dark clouds bellowing over Ikana Canyon, the clouds being the darkest and more menacing around and above the Stone Tower Temple. The only places with clear sky were indeed visible over the ranch, the swamp, the Goron Village and around Zora Cape, but for the rest it was cloudy to dark, as if the evil that has infested it affected the climate once more. Link grew visibly frustrated, which Zelda noticed by the way Link had formed his hands into fists, the knuckles turning slowly turning white. If he would have nails, he could have easily penetrated through the skin of the palm, drawing blood. She tried to put him at ease by laying a hand on his shoulder, causing Link to turn to her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I know how you must be feeling right now, Link…” She said, to which Link nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The worst thing about it is that they are obviously laughing their heads off about this, as if they are having little to no trouble in doing things their way at their own leisure, while we have to work so hard to get everything back the way it was.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda nodded in understanding, sighing herself. Impa looked at the two, being concerned for them. It was then that she noticed something odd; upon the two holding hands, both of their respective Triforce Pieces, being the ones of Wisdom and Courage, were glowing briefly on the backs of their hands in pure harmony. This caused Impa to look around, but she didn’t sense Ganondorf’s presence around the area overall. But why were their pieces glowing like that? Was it some kind of connection between them? Or was there something else going on altogether? This confusion with her only grew when she felt her own Medallion, the Shadow Medallion, glowing in a similar fashion. She wondered if this had something to do with the current state of affairs, or that something else had been the cause of this, like awakening powers or perhaps another untold legend? It brought confusion to the Sheikah woman in a way where she decided against revealing it to the others until she had sufficient answers to find out which of her questions were feasibly plausible in any form or fashion or otherwise had done some research of her own on this. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We should head back to Termina and see what we possibly can save on this instant… if the enemy has concentrated their forces around Ikana, we should figure out a way to cleanse the least occupied parts first to secure the area as a whole…” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see you have returned from the sanctuary safely…” The old man then said, approaching the group.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. We cleansed it of the evil monsters…” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“… but we learned before we got back here that we were lured into a trap; by having us distracted with cleansing the sanctuary, Ganondorf and Majora attacked and conquered most of Termina.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, this is most inconvenient. However, all is not lost, as you have most of the tools to combat the evil forces within Termina itself. I also got word from a messenger of the Zora Tribe whom managed to find his way up to here during the attack. He told me that the Zora Tribe in Termina has pulled back into Zora Cape as they have gathered several items for you to use in this. The quickest way to get there is to go down the well and find a path that goes around and over the forest area to reach the Zora cape from there. Also, the main source of the evil in Termina has been concentrated around the Stone Tower Temple, so be very cautious. I have been watching the dark clouds gathering over the Stone Tower area and I could feel a dark presence emanating from it.” The Old Man said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you. We will proceed to the Zora Cape as soon as possible.” Rauru said, nodding, before the group departed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Take care, young ones. May the Goddesses give you the power, wisdom and courage you need to undertake this quest.” The Old Man said, waving them off.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group once more traveled towards the well, using its elevator to move back into the cavern, this time moving down towards a beach area of a different part of Termina altogether. To their surprise, a Goron was waiting for them. They moved to him to see why he was here.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, this is a surprise.” The Goron said as they approached him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is a Goron like you doing out here for?” Ruto asked, blinking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m more of a wanderer, I like to travel around places. But with the current state of affairs, I’ve been taking up some more risky tasks, like helping fellow travelers and warriors alike.” The Goron said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see.” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Anyway, I met the old man shortly before you exited the sanctuary and asked me to help you get to Zora Cape without taking the proverbial long detour. I’ll show you a path will lead you to the cave quickly, but watch out; I’ve heard that the forces of evil are preparing an attack.” He said, before balling up and rolling forward, straight through a wooden barrier as he moved on over the stone path there to a large cavern-like area, squashing an unsuspecting Lizalfos along the way…

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 35: Wisdom and Courage against Insanity[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group followed the traveling Goron, they entered a large, wide area within the stone cavern. The Goron itself dashed onward, squashing a few more Lizalfos while causing the others to flee. But just as the Goron had made it to the other side and passed through the building, the door closed, while a barrier locked itself behind Link and the Sages, trapping them inside the large room![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?!” Rauru and Darunia exclaimed as this happened.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group itself looked around as the area itself darkened a little, wondering what was going on, right before a spotlight was shining on the group from above.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, you managed to survive the lava outpost,” a dark, chilling voice said, addressing the group, “too bad you couldn’t prevent our conquest of Termina…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group looked forward, they could see something floating ahead in front of them. It had the appearance of a mask, but it was heart-shaped with spikes on top and the sides, while at the front were two, soul-piercing eyes! It was Majora, or better yet, the MASK of Majora![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You!” Link growled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Surprised to see me again? I am also surprised to see you back in the flesh as well…” Majora’s Mask said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link’s hands twitched, out of instinct moving to grab his sword and shield, but before he could even do so, a set of tendrils lashed out to the group, keeping them suspended for the time being as they struggled to get free.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You eight have been quite a thorn in the sides of both Ganondorf and myself, hence I decided to take matters in my own hands. It’s high time you’ll come to understand that you are powerless to stop us, no matter how much you love to try to prove otherwise.” Majora said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh yeah? You’ll be eating those words once we’re through with you!” Link snapped.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Really now? I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Let’s see how you can do anything when you can’t even MOVE!” Majora said, right before it began to shake all around, a malevolent aura emanating from the mask, striking the captured hero and promptly turned him into a stone statue, petrifying him![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“LINK!!” Zelda exclaimed, right before she too was turned into stone, much to Impa’s horror.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What have you done?!” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Those two simply wouldn’t shut up. Might as well let you join them.” Majora said, cackling as he also turned Saria into stone. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“CURSE YOU!” Nabooru snapped.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Curse me? Funny you should say that, since I am the one who is capable of cursing people!” Majora laughed, before promptly turning Nabooru into stone, quickly followed by Ruto, Darunia and Rauru, leaving only Impa.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?! This is intolerable!” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Maybe so. Too bad you can’t do anything against it.” Majora said, before turning Impa to stone as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once he was done with petrifying the entire group, Majora retracted the tendrils it used to hold the now-petrified group on.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Heh, heh… this reminds me of the time I turned that young Deku boy into a tree and used its soul to curse that forest boy with… hopefully this will put an end to your pointless battle against Ganondorf and me…” Majora said, laughing…  before he stopped as a glow appeared on the back of Link’s right hand.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?!” Majora asked, just as the glow intensified… before a magic sphere appeared from it, beginning to engulf the petrified group until the bright light hid them from sight. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Creaking sounds followed, right before a dull explosion was heard, sending stone fragments all over the area. As the light shrunk after about a minute or two, the Six Sages were standing there, back to normal as if nothing happened, but the glowing sphere remained…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Huh?! What’s going on?!” Saria asked, looking herself over to see that she was perfectly fine, as were the other five Sages.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s what I want to know, too!” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, where’s Link and Zelda?!” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Before any of the others could answer, the entire group then heard the unmistakable sounds of bones snapping and/or twisting around, before a humanoid shape appeared from the sphere, moving in a standing position. As the light eventually faded, the group could see that there was one person standing there… whom had the distinct appearance of Fierce Deity Link and looked like him in every way, complete with Link’s eyes, the prominent facial markings on his forehead and around his eyes, the lunar crest and triangle on the breast plate of his armor and the crest of the Hyrulean Royal Family underneath it, coupled with… wait what?! [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, where is Zelda?!” Nabooru asked, just as Rauru spotted something glowing on the back of the Fierce Deity Link’s hand… it were not one, but TWO pieces of the Triforce… the ones of Wisdom and Courage![/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Before Rauru could even comment, he could see that Majora’s Mask was trembling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No, no, no, no, NO! THIS CAN’T BE!!” It howled in fear, making Fierce Deity Link growl, before dashing forward and struck the Mask with his Double-Helix Sword, severing the tendrils at its back in the process which promptly disintegrated into nothingness.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora’s Mask was sent wobbling downward to the back, obviously heavily damaged, before it emitted a shriek that opened the door on the far side of the area, before an armada of Dinolfos and Stalfos entered the area, ready to attack, while Majora’s Mask went in retreat. Fierce Deity Link narrowed his eyes, his sword beginning to emit the glow that meant that a Sword Beam was ready to be fired on the target.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll try to explain things later, but now is not the time!” He said to the Sages, who then got ready to attack as well, although blinking at the fact that, while Fierce Deity Link retained his voice, it almost appeared as if there was a different pitch to it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the Dinolfos and Stalfos attacked, Fierce Deity Link and the Sages retaliated with great vigor, plowing through the enemy forces with ease. Their new powers did help in this as the Dinolfos were taken out with one hit (although their powered Swords and the use of their skills like the Ending Blow, Mortal Blow, Jump Strike and Great Spin contributed a lot to this) and they also had lesser trouble in dealing with the Stalfos, as they went down in about two to three strikes altogether. Several of the more unlucky Dinolfos were literally cut in two, either horizontally or vertically, just as more of them came in, this time accompanied by two Eyegores, four spear-wielding Moblins, five Ball and Chain Troopers and two trident-wielding Taros. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Everybody, hang on!” Darunia said as he balled up, rolling a bit forward as he apparently charged at the incoming enemies, right before jumping up and smashing onto the ground with an enormous Goron Pound, crushing several Stalfos and Dinolfos in its wake and sending two of the Moblins down, right before Fierce Deity Link used his Sword Beams to down the two other, charging Moblins, in effect protecting Saria and Ruto as they tackled the Eyegores. Impa clashed her daggers with the tridents of the Taros that attacked her, turning and twisting around with great flexibility and agility to keep the two occupied, before stabbing one of them in the neck, cutting its jugular vein which killed the Taros instantly, after which Impa slashed the trident of the other in two, using the momentum to catch the creature’s neck between her legs in a scissor-like motion, twisting her legs to snap the neck in question, ceasing the struggles of the other Taros as well. Rauru used his Light-based magic to disintegrate a decent portion of the Stalfos and Dinolfos to give the others some reprieve and the chance to properly recover and focus on the remaining attackers. Saria managed to trap several enemies among her vines, after which she and Ruto worked together to create a waterspout that sent them flying and crashing around the area, to the point of even crashing against other enemies. Just then, Nabooru clocked several Iron Knuckles entering the room, making her nervous, but retained her determined composure.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We have Iron Knuckles up ahead!” She shouted.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Got them!” Fierce Deity Link said, beginning to blast them with his Sword Beams, magically burning them to get rid of the outer armor. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa did her best to beat as many enemies as she could, but at times when she had some reprieve, she couldn’t help to wonder what has happened to Zelda as she was absent from the battle.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You worry about Zelda?” Rauru then asked after nailing a Dinolfos trying to pull off a sneak attack on her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah…” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“She’s still with us, but it appears that Link somehow has gained her Triforce Piece for the time being…” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What? Link has her Triforce of Wisdom?! But how?!” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That is something that only Link can answer. I do not exactly know how, but I believe that this is definitely Zelda’s doing…” Rauru said, just as Majora’s Mask re-entered the field after Fierce Deity Link decimated the Iron Knuckles and Saria and Ruto finished off the Eyegores, while the remainder of the Stalfos and Dinolfos were finished off by the remaining Sages.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So… you are more persistent than I thought…” Majora said, getting angry as he observed the group.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So are you for being an obnoxious prick that takes pleasure in making other people’s lives a living hell!” Fierce Deity Link retorted.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmph, whatever. If you think you can take us on still…” The mask then said, before emanating a glow of its own as it apparently began to transform.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Fierce Deity Link and the Sages had to shield their eyes for a moment until the glow diminished, but where Fierce Deity Link remained serious, the Sages were either in shock or scared, as Majora’s Mask became Majora’s Wrath, a grotesque humanoid form with many colors littered across its body, with a face that had a third eye on the forehead and long tentacles on its hands. While the Sages were horrified at this tall, grotesque form of Majora, Fierce Deity Link was more than ready to attack.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now, I will make sure you will STAY dead!” Majora roared.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Fat chance, freak, have some of this!” Fierce Deity Link snapped as he unleashed a Sword Beam to magically burn Majora, before dashing at him and used a jump attack to strike at him, slashing his leg.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora howled in pain as Fierce Deity Link kept slashing away at him before he recovered, ready to strike Fierce Deity Link with his long tentacles, only to be intercepted by an arrow courtesy of Saria, giving the others the opportunity to get some blows in themselves. Darunia charged up ahead with a spiked Goron Roll, dashing into Majora and slamming him against the wall, striking him a few times so that the others could come closer and deal some damage in themselves. Saria just smacked him with her sword several times, Ruto preferred the use of her Boomerang to stun him. Rauru used his Light-based magic attacks to burn him with the power of Light, where as Nabooru and Impa both used their blades as well, in effect making Majora suffer quite a beating before Majora threw the group off, growling.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Majora was heavily injured, some of its tendrils had been severed, but he was still alive![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t think that this is over yet, you fools,” He snarled, getting up, “you may have won this battle, but this is only a minor setback compared to what we have achieved!”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Save your breath, maniac! You will get your dues and Ganondorf will also pay for what he has done to this land AND to us!” Fierce Deity Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh yeah? Then how about you come to our new castle to find out if you can do just that?” Majora then taunted.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, trust us, we will.” Darunia said, slamming his fists together as he was eager to deal some pain.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’d love to see you try… if you even can GET there, that is…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We will see, you filthy animal, but whatever happens once we do, YOU will not live long enough to see us beating Ganondorf once and for all!” Fierce Deity Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Impudent fools… you haven’t seen the last of me!” Majora then snapped, before vanishing altogether, leaving the group alone in stunned silence.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Did he just… flee like a coward?!” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Maybe, or it is simply a tactic of his, as if he wanted to see what we’ve been capable of so far…” Fierce Deity Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria, Nabooru and Darunia nodded at this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Link, what happened to Zelda?” Impa then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hm? Oh, I’m sorry…” He said, before taking the Fierce Deity Mask off, reverting Link back to his normal state… while at the same time a glow appeared right next to Link… which then turned into the aforementioned Hyrulean princess herself, making the remaining Sages blink.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What happened to you, Zelda?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda however smiled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, what technically happened is that, for a brief moment, I lent my powers to Link.” She said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What?! But how?!” Rauru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think these might explain it…” Link said as he and Zelda both showed their still-glowing Triforce pieces on their hands.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I… see…” Impa said, still confused.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What basically happened is that, while we all were turned into stone by Majora, my Triforce piece activated itself and began to envelop me in a glow, as if restoring me back to normal. This in turn engulfed Zelda as well, triggering her Triforce piece in kind.” Link began.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“While Link put on his Fierce Deity’s Mask as he wanted to deal pain to Majora for what he did to us, I felt that he could use some extra help with this, so I decided, much to Link’s own surprise, to lend my powers to him which in turn turned you lot back to normal.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How is that even possible?” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, according to the legend of the Triforce, those who bear part of it have benefits of its power; it could protect them from specific curses or areas, have the curse affect them temporarily or it affects them in a different fashion. Either way, while either piece gives the wielder their own set of mystical abilities and powers, it appears that Wisdom and Courage hold an equal share of power within them; whereas Link’s determination to save us and the lands around us while defeating the enemy gives him the courage to do whatever it takes to achieve those goals, Zelda’s wisdom allowed her to make the right decisions to do what she feels necessary to aid others in any field, including battle and recovery. On top of that, The Triforce of Courage has proven to protect Link from evil magic to some extent.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Sages could see the logic in that; it explained why Link was able to return back to normal on his own accord and, with Zelda’s added power and wisdom, the Triforce of Courage could expand its own influence over to the Sages in turn.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But how come you weren’t here with us physically? We saw Fierce Deity Link with us, but not you…” Saria said to Zelda.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, I have to tell you that I did notice Fierce Deity Link having Zelda’s Triforce piece as well as the crest of the Hyrule Royal Family on his armor…” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That was actually a bit of a mutual agreement between us, as an adaptation to my initial plan…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You see, when I wanted to transform into the Fierce Deity using the purified mask after I turned back to normal, Zelda stopped me for a brief moment, telling me that she wanted to give me her powers in order to save you and beat the living daylights out of Majora. I initially was against the idea as it would leave her vulnerable or even worse than that, something that Zelda herself was aware of.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Which is why I decided to pull off a tricky and risky maneuver. Once I told him about this plan and that it would be certain it would help in our goals of saving you, beating Majora and keeping me safe, Link conceded and allowed me to do what was necessary to pull it off. When Link put the Fierce Deity Mask and was about to transform, I transferred my powers as well as my soul into him, which in turn caused my body to initially vanish.” Zelda replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, technically speaking, you used your powers to fuse yourself with Link to give him the power needed to revive us and beat Majora?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes,” Zelda said, “once Majora would be beaten, we would reverse this process so it would bring us back to normal, as you can see here.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa sighed of relief.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I didn’t know you could actually do something like that.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“To be honest, I was initially having some second thoughts about it myself, but it appears my own status as well as the determination of Link convinced me to go through with it.” Zelda said, to which Link sheepishly grinned.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Sages all smiled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“At least we’re fine for now…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, what about that Goron who wanted to guide us?!” Ruto then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh no! Let’s find him!” Link said as he moved off with the Sages in tow to the opened door, moving to the right to look for the Goron.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Moving through the stone cavern in their rush to find the Goron guide, the group eventually arrived in a different landscape, as if they had taken a detour and ended up at the coast. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Where is he?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Beats me; he could have rolled onward while we were busy dealing with Majora.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Look, I can see Zora Cape up ahead! We must have reached a different side of the Great Bay Coast altogether!” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“There’s a path leading downward towards a small dock. Let’s go, perhaps the Goron must have gone that way.” Link said, hopping down to the path and ran downward.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Sages followed Link as he moved towards the dock, with Link noticing a few boats out once they were closer to it. The area appeared to be secluded, ideal for a hermit or someone like that. Once they arrived at the house, the Goron was waiting for them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What happened?” The Goron asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We got ambushed by Majora once you had a lead on us. We managed to defeat him this time, but he fled before we could deliver the killing strike.” Link said, feeling that would be enough information.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Goron nodded.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You can use these boats to reach Zora Cape. Just be careful not to be spotted by enemy soldiers on the coast.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks for the heads up.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t mention it.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]With that, the group got on one of the boats and, once it started, Darunia steered it towards Zora Cape. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Already the group could feel the effects of the cursed environment as the air seemed a bit more dense than usual and the water had regained its murky appearance. Link sighed in sadness, knowing that his efforts to cleanse this land had apparently become undone. Saria and Zelda both put a hand on his shoulder to comfort him, to which he smiled, acknowledging it with a nod of gratitude. Watching this, Impa realized that the children of the group were a lot more mature than they apparently seemed in appearance. Then again, the recent events aren’t something one could take for granted. Thankfully, the trip towards Zora Cape was uneventful as Link chose to go around the back, where he had to play the New Wave Bossa Nova in order to gain access to the Great Bay Temple in the far distance. Upon arriving on the back entrance, the group went off the boat and entered the Zora Hall, where the Zora people, including the Indigo-go’s, the most famous band in Termina, had gathered. The Zoras saw them and, recognizing them, were elated to see friendly people around. Upon being asked why the Zoras had pulled back inside the hall, the explanation was simple; the corruption of the area as well as the conquest done by Ganondorf and Majora led them to pull back into their safe haven, but this did leave Lulu unable to go out to the Marine Research Laboratory at the Coast in order to check on her children. On top of that, the rivers now saw an expansion of their more hostile counterparts, the River Zoras, whom have attacked several of the Sea Zoras, of which Ruto was its princess, as well as other denizens, mostly for being just too close to their territory and also because Sea Zoras and River Zoras don’t get along with each other as well… [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“… and now you plan to put an end to the threat that Ganondorf and Majora pose?” Lulu, the singer of the Indigo-go’s asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. We wish to bring Hyrule and Termina back into an era of peace and prosperity, the way it should have been.” Princess Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Lulu nodded at this, understanding what Ruto was getting at.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“However, equipped as you are, you may not be able to do much as it is; security has been ramped up a lot ever since word got out of you having raided some of their outposts. Fortunately, we managed to raid several items from those areas as spoils of treasure when we pulled our comrades back. I believe they will be of great use to you.” She said, just as a few Zoras came, carrying a chest to the group. Opening the chest, the group blinked at what they saw.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ve been working to prepare these items properly for you. One of which being arrows that can be combined with Bombs, creating Bomb Arrows, which can be used to detonate targets at great distances which can’t be reached by either Bombs or Bombchus.” Lulu said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s cool!” Link said, taking the arrows as he felt that they could use them well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We also have Ice Arrows for you, to freeze enemies and create ice platforms on water-based surfaces.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sweet!” Zelda said, as she and Link took the Ice Arrows as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“For our Princess, we give this Medallion.” Lulu then said, giving Ruto a medallion that had a lightning-bolt like image on it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is this?” Princess Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This is known as the ‘Ether Medallion’. It can be used to strike at airborne targets due to it launching an attack in the atmosphere. Ground-based enemies or enemies that aren’t directly killed will end up frozen, as if they’re frozen with Ice Arrows or an Ice Rod, which is something we have here.” Lulu said, taking the Ice Rod out, while Ruto accepted the Ether Medallion.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh? Another Powder Keg for me?” Darunia asked, taking one.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Not just this one; we’ve learned that these things have been scattered throughout Hyrule and Termina within Treasure Chests and through Goron Merchants whom have hidden themselves well. Find them to restock if you so desire.” Lulu said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s great to hear.” Darunia said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, is this the book of Mudora?” Rauru asked as he picked up a green book.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think so, it has some ancient text and translations inside…” Lulu, showing confusion.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is. This book is filled with Hylian lore and stories and also offers translations to text that are written in the Ancient Hylian Language… this could come in handy indeed. Where did you find this?!” Rauru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“One of the villagers took this book with him as something he felt salvageable when he had to evacuate Kakariko Village. He took it with him to the Village of Refugees and hid it before he was ultimately captured by Ganondorf and Majora’s Troops during the attack from the Forest outpost. Oh, before I forget, there’s a smith around here that can upgrade your gloves and/or bracelets so you can push and pull heavier stuff along the way. Some obstacles may require a combined effort to move however.” Lulu said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So that will be like everyone having a variation of the Silver Gauntlets then? Those gloves were also useful in lifting heavy objects and all…” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“In a way, yes.“ Lulu said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And what about these capes?” Impa asked, picking up a set of capes.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These are a special kind of Magic Capes that will, when its magic is activated, will render the wearer invisible to the naked eye, allowing them to bypass certain enemies, barriers and hazards at will. However, it won’t work against tougher or more intelligent enemies, against people whom have eyes that can see the truth and it drains the wearer’s magic power greatly upon prolonged use; once their magic power runs out, it’ll be like they’re wearing a normal, old-fashioned cape and makes them visible to everyone and everything once more.” Lulu said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, we’ll take them anyway; they could be useful to us some time…” Impa said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright.” Lulu said as the items were taken by the group.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These Bomb Arrows look really cool! We could wreck some distant havoc on enemies.” Zelda said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Use them wisely though; despite your plans, keep in mind that Bomb arrows will combine and through that CONSUME an arrow AND a bomb together. So be on the lookout for things that can help in increasing your ammo capacity before you run out of either bombs, arrows or both.” Lulu said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, we’ll keep that in mind.” Link said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Lulu nodded with a smile, before giggling as she saw Ruto spending some time with the other band members Evan, Japas and Tijo. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, how have things been around here?” Link then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Lulu turned to Link.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ve been holding out as best as we can. We’ve been working on a song whom we have decided to dedicate to Mikau, our former guitarist whom had regrettably passed away after being gravely injured by Gerudo Pirates while he tried to get the eggs they stole from me back. Although I didn’t realize it at first, it was thanks to you and his spirit that the eggs, as well as my voice, have returned.” Lulu said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link nodded, as the group decided to relax for a bit inside Zora Hall, which in turn gave them room to change back in their normal outfits, seeing as they had still been wearing the Goron Tunics during their trip through the sanctuary…

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 36: Back to the land of the dead[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]In Zora Cape, Link and the Sages decided to split up for a moment so they could rest and hopefully cool down from their adventure in the lava-filled land and the short encounter against Majora. Link, Saria and Zelda sat together alone on a higher floor, with Impa watching over them from a distance. She could tell that the girls were worried, while Link himself looked as if he was preparing to face death itself once more. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, we have to go back to the Stone Tower, where our long trip began in the first place…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed…” Zelda said, remembering the words of the old man well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But we can’t scale the Stone Tower itself right away; the puzzles there are very complicated, some of which require the use of the ‘Elegy of Emptiness’ song. I have mentioned this to you back when we were in Clock Town with Ruto and Nabooru…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, I remember you talking about the song, but I’ve never actually heard of it.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Then I think the time has come that I teach this song to you, since I believe we will need it in the Tower itself.” Link said, getting up. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa moved closer, deciding to listen in so she could memorize the song herself in case her assistance is needed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s kinda ironic now…” Zelda said, giggling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Saria and I have been teaching you songs, and now you’re teaching us one in turn.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link chuckled at this, before grabbing his Ocarina, the one that Saria gave him. Saria grabbed her own Fairy Ocarina, while Zelda brandished the Ocarina of Time.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, listen closely. The Stone Tower Temple is almost like an impenetrable stronghold; hundreds of soldiers of Igos du Ikana himself could not scale it. This is why he gave me, in his words, ‘a soldier who has no heart, one who will NOT falter into darkness’. This is the Elegy of Emptiness.” Link said, as he then began to play the seven-note intro of the Elegy of Emptiness.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The instant after Link played the song, a glow appeared around him, which became a green-colored pillar that grew smaller and vanished as quick as it came in the span of a few seconds, but once Link moved away, a statue that looked like Link appeared on the place where he once stood. This time, the statue of Link looked a bit different from the one that he had used when scaling the Stone Tower during his first adventure in Termina. Visible on the arms and legs were small lines that represented scars from previous battles, while the grin that first had on the face had turned into a mere smile, one that seemed either more melancholic in nature or had the appearance that, no matter what happened, it tried to look at the bright side of things, as if hoping that the sacrifices he made wouldn’t be in vain. Although blinking at this at first, both Saria and Zelda regained their composure and played the Elegy of Emptiness themselves, both of them feeling the same glow around them that Link had experienced before. Upon stepping away, statues of Saria and Zelda respectively appeared on the places where the two once stood. Like the one of Link, the Saria and Zelda statues had a smile on the face, although Zelda’s appeared much more melancholic in nature, and here and there on the statues were the same lines that represented scars on the bodies, in particular on the hands, arms and legs. Impa herself blinked at this, wondering how her statue would look like if she played the song herself. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The only thing that baffles me is that the statues could appear here too; normally we would have to be inside Ikana Canyon for that to happen…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think the cause is simple…” Impa said, approaching the group.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And that is?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The three of you actually have been dead not too long ago. While you were resurrected and everything is now apparently fine, I believe these statues represent the state of your former self, perhaps from before your death…” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I see what you mean; the statues that I could form in my Deku, Goron and Zora forms respectively looked more like the bodies of those whose souls I had healed and of which I used their corresponding masks to inhabit their bodies rather than looking like an exact image of yours truly in those forms.” Link said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How many of these can actually be made?” Zelda then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Only one statue of each form of one who plays the song can exist at a time. So while multiple statues can be made, it’s limited to one statue per form.” Link replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So I can’t make two statues of myself in that form?” Zelda asked, pointing to her statue.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Nope, just one. You can summon a statue at any time you like, but it will always appear on the spot you’re standing on while playing the Elegy of Emptiness; any statue you have made previously in that form will automatically be dispelled.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda, Saria and Impa nodded at this.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Rauru in the meantime was talking with Darunia, while Nabooru was watching Princess Ruto.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The situation has become more complicated than I anticipated; Ganondorf and Majora are more dangerous than I thought…” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed; Ganondorf has immense power, while Majora is outright insane and yet also quite strong in his own right.” Darunia said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The next few days will without a doubt be the hardest, as we can’t afford any failures now…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That is true, especially in Ikana Canyon…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We all need to remain strong once we traverse through that area; otherwise we’ll be joining the lingering spirits to roam around, full of regrets…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll make it, Rauru. As long as we have the others with us…” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I guess you’re right. Link’s courage will help us through…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Exactly.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia and Rauru watched as Nabooru went in the water with Ruto, before they were joined by Link, Zelda, Saria and Impa.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After about 30 minutes, the group decided to make a go for it towards Ikana Canyon, so they said their good-byes to the Zora people inside Zora Hall, moving back into Zora Cape where their boat was. Once outside into Zora Cape, Princess Ruto then drew her blade, spinning it around before holding it in the air, invoking the power of the Ether Medallion she received. A bolt of lightning hit her sword as the medallion’s power was activated, shooting the bolt back in the air and striking at the clouds surrounding the area. Immediately the darkened clouds began to split open and spread apart, revealing clear, blue sky with here and there a normal cloud around. It was as if the princess herself had cleared the damp atmosphere around the Zora Cape and let in fresh, cool air to restore the climate around the area itself. Link smiled at this, watching Ruto do her job in order to save her people in Termina at least, before joining the group once more as they entered the boat, with Rauru steering it towards the mainland.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We should call the horses once we get on land, that way we can save up on travel time by far.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great idea, it’ll save us energy too.” Zelda said, nodding as the coast came in view.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hopefully we can decimate some of the enemies underway…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That gives me an idea; if Darunia goes first with his Spiked Goron Roll, we should be able to follow as he can plow through enemy defenses with ease.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now you’re speaking my language. I’ll gladly mow down those goons for you.” Darunia said, patting Link on the back, making Link yelp a bit at the force of it.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once the group arrived at the coast and left the boat, Link and Zelda used their Fire Arrows to take out two Like-Likes that could form a potential hinder to them, before Link went to play Epona’s Song on his Ocarina. In less than a minute, Epona and the few horses accompanying her came galloping across the sandy coast, taking out a Leever and a Red Tektite along the way before slowing and coming to a halt in front of the group. Link smiled, patting and stroking Epona over her back and manes, making Epona neigh in satisfaction, before Link mounted the horse, with this time Zelda hopping on behind him. Saria took Zelda’s spot on Impa’s horse, while Darunia himself got ready to take off. While Nabooru had Ruto with her, Rauru sat alone on his own stallion. Once Darunia was given the signal, he charged up his Goron Roll and charged ahead, with Epona and the other horses following behind, taking the other Sages and Link with them. Zelda looked around while holding onto Link, just to be sure no one was trying anything funny. Thankfully, the only sounds that were heard were the sounds of Tektites and Leevers being defeated as the group ran over them without troubles. Zelda held Link from behind as they rode on, following Darunia, which made Link blush with a smile. Eventually the group went to the right past the Fisherman and the Oceanside Spider Houses, going up the sandy path towards Termina Field…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once in Termina Field, the group simply moved onward, deciding to move straight to Ikana Canyon through the southern route, bypassing the Dodongos and Eenos on the northern part of the field itself, finding the ChuChus easier to deal with. On top of that, moving through the bushes allowed them to snatch some spoils they could find on ammunition for bombs and arrows along the way, obviously being left behind by slain enemies. Zelda looked in the direction of Clock Town, seeing that the town itself remained intact, although the town’s walls showed signs of battle damage due to several holes and cracks being present along the wall, here and there were black patches that indicated there was a fire burning there, which had been extinguished. The atmosphere around took on a more darker tone as it began to rain as the group traveled onward, a distinct rumbling being heard in the air as if a storm was passing over. Zelda shivered, which in turn caused Link to shiver as well. Passing by the Astral Observatory, the group then turned to the right as the grass of the field was replaced by the sand/stone-like ground visible in Ikana, with the group entering Ikana Valley.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon arriving in Ikana Valley, Link noticed that, where once the fences stood to keep anyone on foot from entering the valley in the first place and thus had to use a horse to jump over them, were gone, being reduced to broken stone and broken and bent metal that stood outward, as if the invasion had come from Ikana itself. Stopping their horses close at the cliff they had to climb at, hiding them from sight, the group then dismounted the horses and proceeded to use their Hook- and Clawshots to climb their way to the higher area using the wooden tree that stood there, helping each other further up as they went. Passing by the boulders and rocks that remained on the path, the group could feel that the air was getting denser and also a bit darker, while at the same time, the stench of death began to creep around the area. It was then that several boulder-like creatures emerged from the ground.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s this? They look a bit like Gorons…” Darunia said, noticing the rocky surface on their bodies.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And they smell like gunpowder…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“WATCH IT! Those are Nejirons; they will explode if they touch you!” Link said, pulling Saria out of the way as one Nejiron rolled by, missing her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda then shot the Nejiron with an arrow… making the Nejiron explode upon being hit with the arrow![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“YIKES!” Ruto exclaimed, rolling out of the way of another Nejiron whom aimed at her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We have to make a run for it, let’s go!” Link said, grabbing Saria and Zelda by their hands, the three proceeding to run onward, not looking back as more Nejirons emerged from the ground. The others followed right away, doing their best to avoid the Nejirons as much as they could. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Eventually the group arrived at the bank of Ikana River, being the main part of Ikana Canyon itself. Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru were visibly unsettled, seeing as they have been here before, but moved on nonetheless. Freezing the resident Octoroks with Ice Arrows to encase them in blocks of ice, the group used these to cross Ikana River and, once more using their Hook- and Clawshots, made their way into Ikana Canyon itself, on the area with a now visibly damaged Music Box, the still deserted and ruined Ikana Castle and the monstrous Stone Tower not too far. There were now several Gibdos and ReDeads around in the canyon, accompanied by Blue Bubbles which were flying around. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Dang, things have definitely changed around here…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, it’s as if this place has gotten worse since the last time we were here…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Once this is all over we’ll need a vacation.” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You got that right.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Let’s check that music house first, it may give us clues as to what has happened here…” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right, but watch yourself; we have ReDeads and Gibdos around, next to the Bubbles and the Guays…” Link said, intercepting a Guay whom was aiming for Ruto.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others nodded, before Link knocked on the door of the Music Box house… but no one answered the door.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Maybe nobody’s at home?” Zelda asked, just as the door itself fell down on the ground… as if it had been torn off its hinges before and someone unceremoniously put it back in its place, startling the group.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now THAT is what I call ‘flattening the door’.” Link said, blinking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say.” Zelda said, blinking as well.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group then cautiously went inside the house, looking around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Anybody home?” Link called in the house, but received no reply.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Look at this; this place is a mess! Who lived in such a dump?!” Ruto asked, looking around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This used to be the home of a man who was researching the supernatural and his daughter…” Link said, moving downstairs to where the research tools were.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria and Zelda followed, wondering what could be in the basement. Upon arrival, they could see that the basement by itself was a mess; papers laid scattered across the floor, some of them crumpled, torn, folded or anything in between, as if someone must have had put up quite the resistance against the aggressor.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Geez, talk about a struggle having taken place here…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say; it’s likely they must have taken the researcher and his daughter captive… or even worse… but there is no blood around…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Could they have been cursed too?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Possibly, which would suit the nature of this area well. Makes me wonder why they actually live here in the first place…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, field studying here is quite risky…” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Should we actually try to rest here for a moment so we are truly prepared to scale the Stone Tower?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It would be best; scaling the Stone Tower isn’t easy at all and if this is the current source of evil in this area, we may need to be refreshed more than ever.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We can place a seal around the place that can prevent any malevolent force from coming in and take us by surprise…” Zelda said.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s a wise idea. That way we can have some decent rest in too.” Link said, as he and the others went back upstairs.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After talking about it with the others, the group agreed to use the house as a temporal shelter, since it apparently was unoccupied. Perhaps this could also give them precious time for a more thorough investigation, to find out what has happened to its regular occupants, where they have gone or been taken to and what relation it has with the goons that were currently occupying the Stone Tower and its Temple. After they placed the door back in its place and put the seal on it to prevent outsiders from coming in, the group prepared themselves to get some rest. Using what was available, they made makeshift beds for Rauru and Impa downstairs, since they opted to watch over the area regardless, while Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru went to occupy the beds of the researcher and his daughter, the latter of which was named Pamela as the group found out from some of the papers they investigated. They also noticed the papers of the father having done his research on the Gibdos and Garo and other supernatural phenomena in the area as those contained their pictures. Link remembered these as he had seen them before after using the Song of Healing to lift the curse on the man was he apparently was going to turn into a Gibdo. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Later on, the group was resting, making sure they would put the things they used back to where they found them so no one would see that they had even been in here. As they rested, Link, Saria and Zelda occupied Pamela’s bed, while Nabooru and Ruto laid close by in the father’s bed. However, the slumber of Link, Saria and Zelda wasn’t easy, trying to find comfort in each other. Thankfully, Ruto and Nabooru were close by and assisted the troubled trio in chasing the nightmares away. Even though they were resting as well, Impa, Darunia and Rauru were being on guard, just to be sure nothing was trying anything funny. Throughout the night, the entire place remained quiet, as if giving the group some peace in turn, even though the overall atmosphere of Ikana didn’t ease them overall…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The next morning however, the group woke up as the sun was rising, but its only noticed through the thick air becoming a lighter shade in color, with the Sun itself unable to penetrate through the clouds properly. After getting themselves tidy again, the group set to bring the house back to its state before they entered it to erase any traces of their presence. As they were done with the tidying, the group eventually began to hear a song resonating through the house, as if someone had turned on some kind of music box on. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hm? Is someone playing music?” Zelda asked, looking around as if to see where it came from.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think so… the tone seems familiar, but I can’t exactly bring it back to mind…” Link said, scratching his head as it sounded nowhere near the ‘Farewell to Gibdos’ song that usually played in the house once it was turned on by the Ikana River…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It seems rather low in tone…” Saria said, looking around as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Those low piano chords are a bit unsettling to me…” Nabooru said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And why do I feel as if something’s being sapped from me… as well as from all of you too?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Something being sapped?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“As if someone is draining our powers?” Darunia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Not just power… it feels as if it’s draining our life force…” Impa said, feeling her legs wobbling, while Saria and Zelda collapsed on hands and knees, gasping for breath.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link felt his chest getting heavy, but managed to hear Impa’s last line…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Draining our life force… this song… oh no!” Link then said, eyes widening in absolute horror. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is it?!” Impa asked, feeling her own chest getting heavier as she was beginning to sweat.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We have to get out of here right now!! This is the Melody of Darkness, a song that will mean our deaths if we keep listening to it!!” Link exclaimed in near-panic.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But the… door still… has the seal!!” Zelda said, trying to hold onto Link as her chest felt heavy.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We can dispel the seal, but with this rate, we won’t be able to make it in time.” Rauru said[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Allow me!” Darunia said as he charged up a Goron Roll and smashed himself through the door to outside in Ikana River, breaking the seal in the process with his own magic as the door was reduced to splinters, allowing the group to escape the house while covering their ears as best as they could as the song apparently kept growing in volume. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once they were out of the house, the music itself died down, much to the group’s relief, but the effects remained, as if they narrowly prevented themselves from having a cardiac arrest, their chests and bodies feeling heavy, almost as if they had participated in a long distance run without resting once.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“C… Curse you, Majora!” Link said between gasps, struggling to move towards the others, before he looked at an opening in a nearby stone wall, close to the side entrance to Ikana Castle.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“W… where are you looking at?” Zelda asked, trying to get up, but feeling her arms and legs struggling to maintain strength.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“T… there’s a… Great… Fairy nearby…” Link said, doing his best to stay upright, helping Zelda and Saria up, while Nabooru helped Ruto up, moving towards Link, Saria and Zelda.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]With Link’s guidance, the group entered the Great Fairy’s Fountain, where the Great Fairy of Kindness helped in restoring the group’s health with her magic, much to the group’s relief.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What was that for a song that was draining our life force like that?” Impa then asked Link, being puzzled as to why a mere song could have such a devastating effect.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That was the Melody of Darkness. It was composed by the composer Sharp here in Termina, intended to let anyone who listens to it ‘sleep gently and join the ranks of the dead’ as he put it.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, you mentioned something about him here…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. The reason I didn’t recognize the song first hand is, although I did confront Sharp in the Spring Water Cave where he played that song too, I immediately tried to heal his soul with the Soul of Healing, but when that had no effect, I went to play the song that Sharp’s brother Flat made me remember: The Song of Storms. It apparently has an increased magic power here as the Song of Storms can cleanse specific curses of its own, as it helped break the curse placed on Sharp and it can help us recover from being jinxed by a Blue Bubble quicker.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Jinxed?” Ruto parroted.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. It’s a type of curse that will render the affected victim unable to draw their main weapon, in our case our swords, for a certain amount of time. Only the Song of Storms can wash it away in an instant.” Link replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But why did he compose that song?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sharp was on his turn cursed by Majora, having foolishly ‘sold his soul to the devil’ as Flat told me. Majora apparently has used the song in that house to kill us when we were awake… perhaps Ganondorf could have had a hand in it too.” Link said, right before Zelda came up to him and hugged him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Zelda?” Impa asked, while Link was also concerned.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you again, Link. I think I lost count on this, but again you have managed to save our lives…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hey, it’s no problem, Zel.” Link said with a warm smile, right before Saria and Ruto hugged him as well, much to the amusement of the adults as they saw that Link was getting a bit nervous.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I almost wanted to ask if there’s anything to repay you for it…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No need for the payments and all, I just do what I believe is right.” Link said, being modest.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Great Fairy smiled at this affection between the group as they remained in the Fountain for a while to recuperate properly from their near-death experience, before they finally went off to scale the Stone Tower.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 37: A favor returned[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link led the group towards the entrance to the Stone Tower area, having played the Sun’s Song to freeze the resident ReDeads and Gibdos along the way, although the hero was shivering as he went up the path.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Bad memories, huh?” Zelda asked, seeing it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Pretty much. When it combines with the feeling of feeling weird underneath your feet or just feeling lighter, you know you are in a high place.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“True that.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Just a warning ahead, when we scale the tower, don’t look down.” He said, taking out a map of the Stone Tower he had conveniently taken with him. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group entered the area, they could already see the massive height of the tower itself.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“By the Goddesses, this tower is HUGE!” Saria said, blinking at the height of the tower[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We never had a chance to get a good look at it before, even though we were close by when we landed inside that spider/Skulltula-infested cavern before, but I agree…” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Just what on Hyrule did the people who made this tower plan to do?! Try to reach the heavens where the Goddesses reside?!” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I actually haven’t put much thought into that; I guess I was too occupied in saving Termina…” Link said, blinking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Rauru and Darunia already noticed boulders rolling around, as well as several Beamos around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, didn’t Termina have any deities of their own?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Those are the Four Giants, or at last I think that they must be for Termina, considering that they did help in stopping the moon from falling on Clock Town. I honestly haven’t known much about Termina itself, other than that these Giants obviously have a level of importance to it.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This would make the situation rather complicated for us… if Ganondorf and Majora have occupied this place, then it could very well be their intention to insult the three Golden Goddesses themselves,” Rauru said, putting two and two together, “coupled with the fact that Ganondorf actually has the Triforce of Power…”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So we are also dealing with a couple of blasphemers too, if those theories are true…” Link said, getting upset.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed.” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, we have no time to waste, we’ll show them!” Zelda said, taking the initiative this time and hopping onto the floating platforms, with Link right next to her, reaching the other side safely with the others.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, now we’re going to have to deal with a complicated puzzle. For this, I need the remaining Sages to stay here near the switch, but be careful of the boulders around. Zelda, I need you to come with me to a higher level, Saria, I need you to stay alert for when I call you.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sure thing.” Saria and Zelda said, nodding while the other Sages were confused.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s going on?” Rauru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These floating blocks can be moved into position by means of the switches on the floor, obviously a mechanic invented by whoever made this tower in the first place. I will need the assistance of Saria and Zelda with this, as I have given them the means to help in solving the puzzles up ahead.” Link said, before he took Zelda and used his Hookshot to take him with her to the ledge above. Link however came in full sight of a Beamos as he led Zelda to the switch, but the Princess intercepted it and destroyed it with a bomb before it could strike Link, who blinked at this.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whoa, thanks.” He said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t mention it. At least we’re somewhat even for now.” Zelda said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link smiled back.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, what do you want me to do?” She then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I want you to stand on that floor switch over there, while I go to an even higher ledge up there to hit another one.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nodding, Zelda went to stand on the switch, keeping a close watch on the Boulders rolling around, while Link went to the higher ledge to stand on the switch there, the two blocks that were connected to it moving into place on a higher level from the bottom.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Saria, can you hear me?” Link then shouted down.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Loud and clear, Link.” He heard her voice several meters below on the lower ledge.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Stand on the floor switch on where you are and play the ‘Elegy of Emptiness’. The statue you’ll make will keep the switch in place.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Gotcha.” Saria said, doing as requested, causing the third and final floating block to move into place.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Zelda, play the Elegy of Emptiness to keep the switch down with your statue.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Understood.” Zelda said, nodding as she took the Ocarina of Time.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link grabbed his own Ocarina to play the Elegy of Emptiness himself, creating his own statue that held the switch in place. The other Sages, except Impa, blinked at the Statues that were created of Saria, Zelda and Link as the song was played and the group proceeded onward to the second floor, crossing the floating platforms there in turn. The same procedure was repeated with the second switch puzzle, with the group avoiding the boulders as best as they could while crossing the area. They also spotted a platform that had several ReDeads on it as well as several jars, but with the way it was out of their reach unless they used their Hookshot on the post, they decided to ignore it. It would save them a lot of trouble anyway. Eventually the group arrived on the platform that held a broken Owl Statue, with at the far side the entrance to the Stone Tower Temple, the entrance looking like a mouth with a stone face around it. with two Fire barriers burning in the black patches that appeared to be eyes.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So this is the Stone Tower Temple itself?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The entrance to it at least…” Link said, shuddering as he, Saria and Zelda solved the final block puzzle to create a bridge that would let them reach the entrance of the Temple itself.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link himself felt another shiver going down his spine as he hopped over the platforms, while the others followed one by one, with Impa being the last to follow as she was quite mesmerized by the statues that Zelda made, wondering how her own statue would look like considering she overheard Link teaching the song to Saria and Zelda in the first place.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now I understand how you felt when scaling this frigging tower the first time.” Zelda said after the group safely reached the other side, with Saria nodding in agreement.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The only thing I’m happy about is that the tower is right side up.” Link said, bracing himself for what was to come.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon entering the Temple, the group could see some parts being upside down, in remembrance of what Link had told them before about his adventures in the Temple before. They could also notice several enemies around, including a Real Bombchu on the small, separated pathway ahead, two mutated Dragonflies who were flying around, several Mad Scrubs which were located around the area, but remained in place, four Corrupt Assault Spear Soldiers with their trident-like spears wearing red-colored armor with horned helmets patrolling around to and fro, four Ball and Chain Soldiers with gold-colored armor, whom were apparently guarding the doors to the left and right and finally two Stalfos who were guarding the door directly ahead. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, crud.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“They definitely increased security out here…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good thing we have some new weapons to deal with them.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. We’d better take out those Dragonflies to make sure they don’t become a bother; those tails are electrically charged so you’ll get zapped the moment you’ll be hit by them.” Link said, using his bow and arrow to attack one of the Dragonflies, missing two shots due to the erratic pattern, but scoring a hit on his third attempt, defeating the Dragonfly.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria and Zelda double-teamed the other Dragonfly, defeating it. However, two of the Assault Spear Soldiers clocked the group and began to throw their spears at them. The group narrowly avoided the incoming spears, with Zelda using an Ice Arrow to strike one of them, freezing him solid, while Link fired a Fire Arrow at the other, setting him ablaze. This gave the group some reprieve as it allowed them to properly recover and get prepared for another fight. The Real Bombchu was running around in a frenzy, its Bomb on the tail lit, but forming no real danger yet. Zelda took out the Spear Soldier she froze with an Ice Arrow, while Impa, Ruto and Nabooru took out the Spear Soldier that Link set on fire, although the other two Spear Soldiers came to the aid of their comrades. Link managed to reflect one Deku Nut projectile back at the Mad Scrub who fired it, before shooting an arrow at it to take it out, only for Link to be pushed out of the way to the ground by Saria, saving him from an incoming spear which grazed her side, causing Saria to hiss in pain as it left a cut there. Grabbing the spear, Link tossed it back at the Assault Spear Soldier, intercepting another spear in the process before Link fired an Ice Arrow of his own at it, freezing him. But no sooner had Saria helped Link up, when suddenly both of them were clocked in their backs by the spiked ball from one of the Ball and Chain Troopers, sending them back to a wall near the entrance, leaving a slight imprint on it there. Seeing this, Princess Ruto went in Shield position to activate her Electric Barrier, zapping the Assault Spear Soldier and the Mad Scrubs she was attacking in the process, before moving over to where Link and Saria were, intercepting the Ball and Chain Trooper with her Magic Boomerang to stun it, before she unleashed her Ether Medallion to freeze all other enemies around instantly, giving the group some time to recover while she tended to Link and Saria. The freezing proved to be a godsend, since it allowed Darunia to clobber one of the Assault Spear Soldiers onto the real Bombchu, defeating them both, thus killing two birds with one stone. Rauru, Impa and Nabooru took out the remaining Assault Spear Soldier and two Mad Scrubs, leaving just the Stalfos, three more Mad Scrubs and the Ball and Chain Troopers. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Despite their injuries, Link and Saria got up with Ruto’s help and, with the assistance of her and Zelda whom had taken out one Mad Scrub by herself, began to take out the Ball and Chain Trooper that attacked Link and Saria both, with Link going so far as taking out the Ball and Chain itself out of its hands, while Saria, Ruto and Zelda defeated it. At the same time, Nabooru, Impa, Rauru and Darunia engaged the two other Ball and Chain Troopers, dealing with them with more ease since Darunia just clobbered one of them with his Goron Punches, while Rauru, Impa and Nabooru teamed up on the other one. Link, Saria, Zelda and Ruto then attacked the final Ball and Chain Trooper that was present, with Saria yanking the Ball and Chain out of its hands, while Link, Zelda and Ruto defeated it in turn. This also gave Link and Saria a brand new weapon; the Ball and Chain they looted from the Troopers, taking it with them, while Zelda and Ruto took out the remaining Mad Scrubs, which only left the Stalfos, which were fortunately confined to the small path ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Are you alright?” Link then asked Saria.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m fine, it’s not as bad as it looks.” Saria said, right before Link gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, making Saria blink and look at Link.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thanks for saving me from that spear that had my name on it.” Link then said with a smile, which made Saria smile as she absent-mindedly rubbed the cheek that Link just kissed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s… it’s no problem at all…” Saria said, blushing even before regaining her composure and waited for the others as they returned, but not before giving Link a quick hug and a soft kiss on his cheek in return. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru gasped at seeing a few red patches on the backs of Link and Saria.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What happened?!” She asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s not as bad as it looks, Nabooru; one of the Ball and Chain Troopers nailed the both of us in our backs.” Saria said, with Link carefully stretching a bit.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And what’s that on your side?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“A spear just grazed me there.” Saria said, smiling as the group gathered again, moving towards the left door which apparently was the only one directly available at the time, considering that the other ones were blocked with iron bars…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon entering the next room, the group noticed some more Real Bombchus around, coupled with two Dodongos. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, man… we must have really entered the big boss’ lair in here…” Nabooru said, while Link made one Dodongo eat a Bomb, blasting it from the inside in the process and defeating it, its detonation taking out two of the Real Bombchus out with it. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“In Termina, yes… but there’s still the one in Hyrule we need to deal with…” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Point taken.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda used a bomb of her own to kill the second Dodongo, with Saria and Ruto taking out the remaining Real Bombchus, using Link’s advice to keep the shield ready to defend against them if necessary. Surprisingly, there was no switch puzzle in here this time around, something which surprised Link as he expected to continue the routine of playing the Elegy of Emptiness again to progress. As he moved on, he saw that the gate that was normally blocking the path wasn’t present at all, as if it had been removed or something. This was something that unsettled him, but he remained focused as the group moved on to the next room.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon arriving in the open area, they already spotted the open hole in the ground that was left open, while up ahead in the room were just two Eyegores. Seeing one of them approaching them, Link took out his Bow and lined up an arrow, but he stood in position, waiting. While the Sages looked on in wonder, Link suddenly felt a rush going through his body, which began to focus on the arrow he was holding. When the Eyegore’s eye colored yellow again as he was now close enough, Link let the arrow fly, which struck the Eyegore with a force that instantly killed it, causing the Sages, as well as Link himself, to blink![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?! How did you do that?!” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I… I don’t know! I just waited for him to come closer, although I did feel a rush going through me…” Link replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, didn’t that Ancient Fire Sage give us this ‘burst’ thing he told us about?!” Darunia then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I remember now! I think what I did must have been what he gave us, which allowed us to inflict more damage than normal, although the cons of it makes it kinda useless for arrows. With swords on the other hand…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I think we may have the right chance to beat this Temple after all. It’s a shame we ran out of Light Arrows back during our fight against the Army of Darkness when the invasion of Hyrule began…” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s right.” Link said, while Saria took out the second Eyegore.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Should we drop down the hole?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No; there’s a staircase at the other side that leads to the same room below that leads to a single room; there’s another door at the far side of the room here though... It’s only a shame I don’t have the Mirror Shield with me now…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll find our way around, don’t worry. And we’ll see what every room contains so we are sure we haven’t forgotten anything.” Saria said, patting his shoulder, before moving on with him and the others to the stairs, going down.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon arriving in the room, there was a pool with lava ahead, but seeing the two Armos Statues inside the lava made it appear as if the pool was very undeep, which was further proven by Darunia as the lava didn’t reach up to halfway his toes, with Darunia himself being unaffected by the lava, due to the Goron’s natural resistance to it. Darunia took out the two Armos Statues, just as a few Nejirons appeared, which Darunia also took out.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Makes me wish I was lava resistant.” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, the Goron Tunics makes us somewhat lava resistant, mostly to ponds like that. Against the more lethal lava we have seen in that Sanctuary as well as what is in Death Mountain Crater, all the Tunics would do is make us resistant to the heat; if we would fall in the lava there, we’d be lava soup.” Link said, with Ruto nodding in understanding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I got us a new map here.” Darunia said, having located a chest with the map of the Stone Tower Temple, moving back to the group so they all could look at the Temple’s overview.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, where do we go now?” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We need to go back up the stairs and head for a door that is on our left once we enter that open room again.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right, let’s go and see what else is hidden for us.” Zelda said as the group went on towards the staircase and back in the open room, moving to the door on the left as Link said.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Entering the room, Link noticed that there were ladders present on either side of the area which was once filled with water, the water level itself having been reduced to about chest height for a child. To their left was a pathway going to the right with a dead end that had a Beamos standing by, ready to attack anyone within its range. On the far side of the room was yet another Ball and Chain Trooper, flanked by two Bomb Soldiers and two Bow Soldiers, while on their direct right was a single Stalfos, who was ready to attack. In the water area itself were several Shaboms and Stingers, coupled with a few Octoroks. Darunia engaged the Stalfos by himself, while Link, Saria and Zelda used the projectiles fired by the nearest Octoroks at them to their advantage, using their shields to deflect them to the other side, taking out the patrolling Bow Soldiers after a moment as well as one of the Bomb Soldiers. Ruto on the other hand used Deku Nuts to defeat the Shaboms and stun the Octoroks that were too close, allowing the group to take them out safely, while Nabooru used her Sword Spark to take out the second Bomb Soldier. Impa used one of the Bombs to take out the Beamos for good measure, while Rauru was standing by to assist Darunia to stun the Stalfos for him. Shortly after that, Link, Zelda and Saria worked together to take out the Ball and Chain Trooper, making him drop his own Ball and Chain which rolled into the water, ready for Zelda to collect this time, before he was taken out with a charged Arrow shot. After that, the group jumped down into the water, with Darunia using the Goron Pound to shake up the Stingers and defeating the Octoroks, with the others striking at the Stingers with Arrows, Deku Seeds, the Boomerang Fins and the Boomerang itself and even the Hookshots to defeat them all. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whew, that was quite a fight.” Saria said as Zelda indeed collected the Ball and Chain that was lying on the bottom of the water pool they were in.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, but there’s a lot more coming up soon…” Link said, waiting until Zelda joined the group again while carrying her new weapon with her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Moving on, the group made their way into a corridor where there was previously a Dexihand present, using a ladder to reach it. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This place really has become different; perhaps the adaptations were made to house the proper materials for making this into a stronghold?” Link said, scratching his head.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s likely.” Zelda said as she and Saria were walking at Link’s sides, with Ruto behind him and behind her were the adults of the group. Upon arriving in the next room, they saw that there too the water level had been lowered, but it would still make Darunia fall to the bottom, unable to escape. Fortunately, Saria helped out by generating vines to attach themselves to the wall, making them strong and tough enough to be climbed on towards a pathway that Link mentioned to them as the group observed the area. Upon arriving there, they saw the sun shining on the center of the path with a mirror at the far side of the room. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That mirror looks weird…” Zelda said as she went to check it out.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It is; it is capable of absorbing light from the sun when it’s pointed directly at it, before it releases the light of its own to solve specific puzzles with. Fortunately these have been solved already…” Link said, smiling as he and the others joined her, with Nabooru checking out a nearby chest.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great, a compass! Now we should be able to see where we are on the map.” She said, which brought quite a relief to Ruto.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Studying the map, they saw that the door ahead would bring them back to the entrance, so they went the other way instead. After going through the door and entering the room, they noticed that there were several Sun faces around, with one of them being already active in a happy smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Check that out, more of those mirrors… and what are those black things around here?” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Black Boes. Easy to defeat, but quite an annoyance in numbers, especially when they jump at you.” Link said as the group moved on, killing the Black Boes where necessary. Just as they were about to reach the next room, a couple of Nejirons suddenly appeared, ready to roll into the group. However, the group responded quicker and let loose some arrows or their Hookshots to blow the Nejirons to pieces, allowing the group to proceed. Upon arriving in the next room, the others gulped as there was again some lava around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Don’t worry, there should be a shortcut in the form of a ladder that allows us to bypass the lava.” Link said as he went to a ladder to climb down, after which he waited for the others while taking down a few Fire Keeses along the way. Darunia on the other hand just jumped down and waded through the lava as it was nothing to him, deciding to make use of it and help Link in guiding the others safely around the lava. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“At least my feet are getting nicely warmed up…” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Heh, lucky you.” Nabooru said, giggling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Moving onward, the group made their way to the other side, where they smiled as the ladder Link mentioned was indeed present, allowing the group, including Darunia, to climb up towards another doorway, with Zelda taking out another Fire Keese before she climbed up the ladder. A Real Bombchu spotted them as well, but since it was once again on a place where it couldn’t reach the group, the Real Bombchu just kept on running until its bomb detonated, killing it while the group ignored it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hm, so far only the Fire Keese and that suicidal Bombchu…” Impa said, narrowing her eyes as the group rested up a bit again, trying to calm themselves down despite the atmosphere of death around them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes, apparently this room and the few we’ve been in before were apparently of little importance.” Link said, taking a sip of some Red Potion he had taken with him, before giving some to Saria, who also eagerly took a sip of it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Whew, so far we made through it alive…” Rauru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So far, so good indeed. But now is not the time for overconfidence.” Impa said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed. If this is supposed to be a stronghold, I believe that what we have been through so far is only a tip of the iceberg.” Link said, while Zelda took a sip of the Red Potion.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. We should keep our guard up at all times.” Zelda said after handing the bottle over to Ruto.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After a few minutes, the group got ready to enter the next room. Upon entering the next room however, the door closed behind them with iron bars, trapping them in the room. As the group looked around, they could hear a dark chuckle from within the room itself, instantly making them draw their weapons, before looking straight ahead…

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 38: Making twisted progress[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group looked ahead, they could see another enemy looking at them in the room. It appeared to be a large, armored reptilian, probably a relative of the Lizalfos and Dinolfos, wielding a Ball and Chain itself! [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m surprised you even made it this far, given the circumstances… I expected that you would be driven to eternal sleep in that music box house…” It said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What?! So it was YOU who played that Melody of Darkness in the house!!” Link said, getting furious.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You could say I did. Then again, it would be a shame for you to perish so easily…” It said, twirling the spiked ball around.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great, another sick, twisted maniac!” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The creature laughed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The Great Ganondorf and Majora will be very pleased when I, Darkhammer, can report of your demise by my hands. I’ll make this short and as little painful as I can.” It said, before swinging the Ball and Chain towards the group, intending to crush them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]However, before it could impact against the faces of Link, Saria and Zelda, someone intercepted the Ball and Chain, catching it with his bare hands! It was Darunia whom acted accordingly![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ve had enough of such crap of you and your leaders, begone!” Darunia snapped as he tossed the ball and chain back, slugging it into the Darkhammer’s gut. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Darkhammer grunted as the ball and chain hit it, sending it back a few feet and making it fall on the ground with a *THUD!*, after which it stood up…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Okay, forget about the short and less painful… I’ll gladly make you suffer instead!” It then hollered, regaining his ball and chain and swinging the ball around like a lasso, intending to inflict serious pain on the group.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others already drew their weapons and were ready to assist Darunia, just as several Dinolfos and Lizalfos came in the area to assist what appeared to be their leader, as if the Darkhammer was like a commander to them like the Stalfos Commander was within the Forest outpost, commanding large numbers of Stalfos at its leisure. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll handle this Darkhammer, you’d better keep those Dinolfos and Lizalfos off my back when I do.” Darunia said to the others.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Gotcha, Brother, we’ll provide the back-up you need.” Link said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s the spirit. Now let’s show this freak who’s boss!” Darunia said, rubbing his hands together as he was quite eager to deliver some pain on the offending Darkhammer.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The battle began shortly after as the group engaged the enemies. Link, Saria and Zelda brandished their own ball and chains which they had looted from the Ball and Chain Troopers whom they defeated earlier in the Temple, swinging the ball around while ensuring they weren’t in each other’s way before tossing it at the incoming Dinolfos, with great effect as it practically caved their skulls in right away. Princess Ruto made use of her Electric Barrier to stun several Lizalfos, allowing Nabooru and Impa to slash them to pieces, with Rauru blasting several other Dinolfos with his Light-based attacks. Darunia himself engaged the Darkhammer, using his own strength to block the incoming Ball and Chain when it was tossed at him, sending it right back at him, which in turn began to damage the Darkhammer’s armor in a style reminiscent of the Iron Knuckles. While the Lizalfos and Dinolfos were easy to deal with, the Darkhammer was a tougher cookie to crack. Still, Darunia was a formidable fighter in his own right, even though he welcomed the assistance of the remaining Sages as well as Link himself. Darunia kept the focus on keeping the Ball and Chain occupied, while Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru went in close range to strike at the Darkhammer to get rid of its armor, being backed up by Impa and Rauru. The Darkhammer then kicked Nabooru and Ruto to the side, before pulling the Ball and Chain out of Darunia’s hands, swinging it to knock Darunia to the side, taking Rauru and Impa along with him. It then kicked Saria right into Link and Zelda both, making them fall to the ground, before it raised its Ball and Chain into the air and smashed it right on top of the three children, with the remaining Sages clearly hearing the painful yelps of the three as the ball and chain hit its mark, creating an indent in the floor as well. Immediately Nabooru responded by charging at the Darkhammer, only for it to swing its Ball and Chain to her, catching her in the side, breaking a few ribs in the process, after which it smashed the ball back on the three children, taking pleasure in torturing them like this. Impa could hear the moans coming from underneath the ball, which meant that the three were hurt badly…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You monster!” Impa snarled, charging at the Darkhammer, only to be smacked aside as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait your turn, woman; once I’m done with these three…” The Darkhammer said, preparing to smash the ball and chain back on Link, Saria and Zelda, but as it landed, he was suddenly met with resistance… before the ball was being lifted up by one pair of arms… followed by a second pair… and a third pair… [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Darunia, Rauru and Ruto looked on in surprise, as the ball and chain was then tossed right into the Darkhammer’s face, sending it to the far side of the room, shattering its armor in the process as he landed. Darunia immediately went to the impact area of where the ball and chain had landed on, the other Sages following right away, although Nabooru winced due to her broken ribs. Out of the small indent however climbed Link, before he helped Saria and Zelda out together. The three suffered major injuries, seen as their outfits were partially torn and sported several red stains around that was obviously blood, but the three were still alive and, by the looks of it, were still able to fight. The Darkhammer however recovered swiftly, rubbing its head.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“GET THEM!” He then said as a call to someone else out in the room.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It was then that the door on the other side of the room opened up, revealing several Iron Knuckles, Stalfos, Assault Sword Soldiers and Moblins, while from the sky came a Garo Master, who summoned several of its Garo Robe comrades in response. Seeing this, Darunia responded by invoking his own Sage Powers through his Fire Medallion and, after spreading his arms wide, he created a dome of fire around the group as if creating a Fire Shield around them. Seeing her chance, Saria responded by activating her Forest Medallion, summoning vines that began to wrap themselves around the group in general, leaving the Darkhammer and the other enemies stunned…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Inside the barrier of vines, Saria then let some newer vines touch herself on her right shoulder, as well as making it touch the shoulders of Link, Zelda and Nabooru as well as the others, attaching themselves to them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Saria?! What are you doing?!” Link asked, blinking.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Shh.” Saria said, meaning for Link to be silent for this. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link wisely shut his mouth, when a green glow began to envelop the entire group, after which whatever injuries they had suffered so far were being soothed… as if it was healing their wounds! Link did a serious double-take as he could feel his wounds closing up and healing over, while there was no sensation of pain at all. Nabooru winced a little as she could feel her broken ribs being set back into place, the apparent painful feeling being rapidly soothed by a feeling of comfort washing over her as the damage done to her was being repaired. She blinked at this, while Zelda also had her powers active around the group, with Link relaxing in the glow. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After several minutes, the glow dissipated and the group was healed over, although Saria collapsed to her hands and knees, being exhausted as the vine barrier started to whither, revealing to the group that only a couple of seconds had passed, as Zelda had invoked the aid of the Goddess of Time for this. Link managed to give Saria some of the Green Potion he had with him, restoring Saria’s powers along the way.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” Saria said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No, I should be thanking you for using your powers like that.” Link said, hugging Saria while Darunia exploded his barrier outward, damaging the enemies around them, just like how Link deploys his Din’s Fire magic attack. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Saria smiled, returning the hug before she let go, with Link brandishing the Purified Fierce Deity’s Mask, putting it on in order to transform to Fierce Deity Link, wielding his Double Helix Sword as he was ready to make mincemeat of the enemies. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now it’s our turn.” Fierce Deity Link said as the group now went on the counteroffensive. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Fierce Deity Link focused on the Garo Master, with Zelda and Saria assisting him to keep the Garo Robes at bay, using the knowledge they had about them from possessing one each in the Gerudo Fortress back when they were spirits to their advantage to take them out swiftly, each Garo Robe disintegrating in sheets of green flames as they held on their policy of dying without leaving a corpse. The revitalized Nabooru let loose her frustrations on the Assault Sword Soldiers, her twin Gilded Scimitar Blades being more than enough to attack multiple of them at once. Darunia grabbed one of the Stalfos by his leg as the latter attempted a jump attack, swinging the skeletal warrior around before tossing him into the mall group of Iron Knuckles, smashing the Stalfos to pieces in this regard as well as damaging the Iron Knuckles. Princess Ruto used her Ether Medallion to freeze all enemies in place, which in turn allowed Impa and Rauru to aid their comrades by decimating the Stalfos and Moblins. Knowing how it fought, Fierce Deity Link avoided the incoming Garo Master, rolling behind it and performing a Back Slice against it, damaging the Garo Master in the process. He repeated this maneuver again a second time, this time defeating the Garo Master, after which the Garo Master brandished a bomb to commit its ritual suicide, which in turn gave Fierce Deity Link the opportunity and freedom to aid his friends, using a Great Spin to destroy a few more Garo Robes to relieve some pressure onto Zelda and Saria, before engaging one of the Iron Knuckles once he knew the two faced the last ones of the Garo present. Darunia, Rauru and Impa joined Fierce Deity Link shortly after while Ruto and Nabooru assisted Saria and Zelda, after which only the Iron Knuckles remained, which were soon stripped off their armor and then defeated using the newly acquired Bomb Arrows. The Darkhammer was shocked at seeing the group rejuvenated and decimating the troops like that, before the group turned to face it, making it angry and brandishing the Ball and Chain again, charging at them. This time however, Saria intercepted it by firing an Ice Arrow herself, freezing the Darkhammer solid, after which she, together with Zelda and Link, used their own Ball and Chains to smash the frozen Darkhammer to pieces, defeating it and FINALLY ending the brutal fight, after which the group relaxed a bit, ignoring the chest that appeared in the room for now. Fierce Deity Link returned back to normal as he took off the mask, reverting back to Link himself as he leaned against the chest, sitting down against it. Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru soon joined him, with Impa, Rauru and Darunia following. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow… any more battles like this one and we’ll have one workout that will definitely test us to the core.” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You got that right.” Link said, nodding at her as the group rested together.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]A few minutes later, the group got back up, with Link opening the chest where, to his surprise, he located an item that they initially had ran out of at the start, but now had regained for the moment: The sacred Light Arrows.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright, Light Arrows!” Zelda said, smiling with joy.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I have a feeling we will be needing them soon.” Link said, making Zelda nod as the group went on its way again into the next room. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]When they arrived in the next room however, they blinked at what they saw. They had arrived in what appeared to be a small hallway, this time there were no enemies around as they had decimated them in the previous room already, but what surprised them was the amount of crates and chests around, which looked different from the ones they had seen before. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is this place?!” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This must be some kind of storage room for them…” Link said, checking out one of the chests where he discovered several bombs, arrows and spears, obviously meant for the Corrupted Soldiers to be used as ammo during their battles.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And what is that sound I hear, as if something sharp is colliding with a hard surface?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s from a Spiked Roller moving around on a lower part of this area. We’re above it in this room, so we won’t be bothered by it in this regard.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The others nodded as the group decided to use some of the arrows and bombs present to replenish their supplies, after which Darunia laid down a powder keg with a long fuse to destroy what was left in order to deprive the enemy of some of their weapons, with Impa and Rauru taking on some of the spears as well to have a melee/ranged weapon of their own other than their own daggers/blades. Once the group restocked on ammunition, they carefully ventured one after the other over the path towards the door on the far side of the room, which was a hallway with guardrails at the side and a single Eyegore at the far side of the room. Zelda and Saria took care of the Eyegore by shooting it in its eye when it was yellow, defeating it together after which the group went towards the next door, which took them back to the now cleared entrance of the Temple. Once there, after taking out the Stalfos that remained there, they felt the room shaking a bit as the Powder Keg exploded, doing its job into crippling the enemy’s supply of ammunition. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, this was it, right?” Zelda asked as they went outside to the Stone Tower area itself.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I hope so…” Link said, seeing that the bridge they had made to enter the Temple was still in place, allowing the group to hop over it and back towards the platform they saw as a safe area, although this puzzled Link as the statues they had made were gone, seeing that rocks had replaced them. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Just as the group arrived on that platform however, a small band of Gerudo Pirates arrived in the area, surrounding them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You have made it this far, but this is where your trip ends.” One of the Pirates said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh yeah?! Who says?!” Nabooru said, holding her blades tightly.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Lord Ganondorf won’t be happy when he learns of you penetrating his stronghold here…” The Pirate replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How about this?!” Zelda then asked, charging up a Light Arrow and shot it at the Pirate, whom deflected it to the side…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hah! That didn’t help you much did you, what do you think-“[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Gerudo Pirate didn’t finish her sentence as there was a golden flash for a moment, indicating the Light Arrow hit a target, followed a split second later by a chiming sound.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What was that?” The Pirate asked, while the group looked around. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Suddenly, Link gasped out in horror, seeing what has caused the chiming sound.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is it?” Saria asked, just as the tower began to rumble.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“W – What’s going on?!” Impa asked as the Gerudo Pirates looked around as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Step back everyone…” Link said in a shaky voice, taking a few steps closer to the wall behind. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Confused, the Sages did so… just as the whole area seemed to move… as if it was turning… [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is happening?! Why are we-?!” Zelda asked, unable to finish her sentence as the entire Stone Tower suddenly flipped upside down, with the entire group suddenly screaming as they fell from the ground-turned ceiling onto the ceiling turned ground, although a few screams sounded more terrified and longer before fading altogether. Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru, Darunia, Impa and Rauru as well as a few Pirates whom were initially surrounding them were dazed from the landing, while the Pirate Group’s Leader and a few of her underlings were nowhere to be seen…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link held his head, shaking the stars out of his vision as he tried to get himself together, before he blinked as he sat up. He noticed that the entire Stone Tower area had been flipped upside down, trapping the group inside the area with directly ahead the flipped entrance to the Stone Tower Temple, with four blocks that served as a bridge floating in the air. He also noticed that these blocks had the image of the Triforce on them, but had no connection to Hyrule’s Royal Family in turn… [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, dear Goddesses…” He said, “please guide us safely through this ordeal…” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Just then he heard Zelda moan as she recovered. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What happened?!” She asked as Link crawled to her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I have some good news and some bad news…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Start with the good…” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The good news is that you and I, as well as the Six Sages, are still together and alive.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s terrific, but what’s the bad news then?”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The Stone Tower area is now flipped upside down.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What?! Are you kidding me?!” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No, just look around…” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda looked around and saw that the Stone Tower area itself was now up into what was used to by the sky… and that the sky was now BELOW them…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh no! How could this have happened?” She asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“One of the Pirates deflected the Light Arrow you fired and it struck the Red Emblem at the Temple’s entrance by mere coincidence. I’m afraid our duties concerning the Stone Tower Temple aren’t concluded just yet.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda looked down as if ashamed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hey, don’t look so down; none of us could have seen this coming. Take comfort in the fact that I know where we have to go in this Temple, so we should be able to move through it safely.” Link said, putting a hand on Zelda’s shoulder.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Are you certain of this?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I am.” Link said, confidence shining in his voice, just as Saria and the others recovered…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once Link and the Sages had recovered and Link informed the Sages of what has happened, they prepared themselves for the inevitable, which was that they had to move through the Stone Tower Temple now it was upside down. Just then, the four Pirates whom were with the group on the main platform also recovered, with the group noticing that the jewelry on their foreheads had cracked or were even completely destroyed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ugh, what has happened here?” One of the Gerudo asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Why is everything… upside down?” Another asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The Temple area had been flipped upside down.” Nabooru said to them. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Seeing Nabooru, the Gerudo all bowed down to her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Lady Nabooru, please forgive us… we were put under a spell by Ganondorf himself in order to guard this facility.” One of them said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wait, where is our commander here?” A second Gerudo asked. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link walked to the edge of the platform they were on and looked down into the sky. There he saw partially broken glaives sticking into the wall, as if they had been stabbed in there as a form of a last ditch attempt to get a grip on a wall and save themselves to climb up. Sighing, Link turned to the others and shook his head. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m afraid you won’t be seeing her, as well as a few of her comrades, again.” He said, causing the group to move to the edge and looking down, seeing what Link had seen, causing the four Gerudo to gasp in horror, two of them silently weeping even, while Nabooru looked on solemnly. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Then, Nabooru saw Link hopping on the blocks, heading towards the Temple.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Link? Where are you going?” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m going to end this; the sooner this place is cleansed from the evil inside, the sooner we can get out of here and we won’t have to return to this place ever again. I don’t like this place as much as you do, but this is a case of having to face and overcome your fears.” Link said, before moving into the entrance of the Temple.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Entering the Temple in its inverted state, Link looked around, sighing as he resigned himself to what has to come, seeing the path going down to an opened chest and a safe platform ahead. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Link, wait up!” He heard Zelda say. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link turned around, seeing Zelda, Saria, Ruto and Nabooru enter the Temple, shortly followed by Impa, Darunia and Rauru. Also joining in were the four Gerudo Pirates, whom wished to join up for this to give the group extra manpower for this area. Link smiled at them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Glad you could join.” He said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No problem; if you wish to finish the job here, we’re here to help.” Zelda said, smiling as well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link nodded in appreciation, before carefully moving down the path and towards the right, where he moved towards the door that was present there, remembering where he had to go.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You know, it may seem weird but the shape of the stone statue ahead looks like an idol of Majora’s Mask…” Impa said, taking a good look at it as she waited her turn.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link looked towards the statue.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You know, you’re right. I never noticed that up until now…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Maybe the ancient tribe has made this into their home?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Possibly, but it could also allude further to the theories that go with this temple, I don’t know for sure.” Link said, before he entered the door, arriving in a hallway where the first light-absorbing mirror was found.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon moving into the larger room, the group could see that the water was now gone and that the holes in the ceiling from which the sunlight came through had been turned into air currents, blowing air from below which was strong enough to lift even a Goron up in the air.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Where do we go from here?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“The door to continue here is on the top left, close to the ceiling. Saria, can you make us something that will make us reach it with the aid of these air currents here?” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sure thing.” Saria said with a smile, focusing her powers to create large leaves of a large tree, big enough to make it like a makeshift umbrella. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link smiled at this, taking one of the leaves and held it above his head, gripping the sides tightly before jumping in the air current to the left… which blew air in the leaf from below, making it become a makeshift parachute that first lifted Link upward to the ceiling and in turn making him glide towards the door he wanted to go in. Zelda, Ruto, Nabooru and Saria herself followed shortly, while Link opened the door  to make room for the others to join in. Darunia was given a stronger leaf that would help in getting him join with the other Sages, while the four Gerudo Pirates obediently followed as well.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon arriving in the next room, the group, excluding Link, blinked at seeing lava flowing at the ceiling, which didn’t fall down, but it did release burning rocks from it, which could form a hazard in the room, especially for Ruto. They also noticed a door directly ahead, coupled with the blood-stained red emblem above it. Link waited until everyone was in the room. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This is going to get tricky, so brace yourselves.” Link said, preparing a Light Arrow.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What are you doing?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll be turning this room around once so we can cross the lava, which is at toe-height here, to the center of the room, after which I’ll flip it again upside down so we can get through the door. I’ll be also carrying Ruto to the center area as well.” Link said, making Ruto blush a bit. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Are you certain of this?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Trust me, I’ve done this before.”  Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hey, I’ll be glad to carry you to the other side as well.” Darunia said, “this lava doesn’t hurt me.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sweet!” Saria said, feeling relieved.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“In fact, let me carry you in groups to the other side at once, this will let us bypass the lava and the debris and will let us safely get to the other side.” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Alright then. Brace yourselves since now we’re going right side up again.” Link said, firing a Light Arrow onto the Red Emblem, which turned the room (and by extension the Temple) right side up again, although this did momentarily trap the group inside the room. Everyone grunted as they fell from the floor-turned ceiling to the ceiling turned floor, while the lava was now on the ground and had no debris falling from it. Recovering swiftly, Darunia then picked up Link, Saria, Zelda and Ruto and safely carried them to the other side of the room, wading through the lava without injuries or other problems, setting the four down at the other side. Darunia then returned and repeated this with Impa, Nabooru and two of the Gerudo Pirates, after which he returned again to pick up Rauru and the two remaining Pirates. Once everyone was safely at the other side, Link shot a Light Arrow in the Red Emblem again, turning the room back upside down with everyone landing again on the ceiling-turned floor, but in turn did allow them to exit the room as they were now at the door.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Seriously, whoever built this must have had quite a sadistic mind…” Zelda said, grunting as she got back up from the ground.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I was thinking along the same lines when I first explored this temple.” Link said, helping her up before doing the same with Saria and Ruto. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once everyone was up again, the group entered the next room which already had an unlocked door, a block that was in place, the red emblems above the door and a yellow and a green ChuChu that were guarding the door ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Good thing this puzzle is already solved…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“How so?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, to solve this puzzle, I had to push that block into place, while flipping the room over and over again just to get it into its proper place.” Link replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Wow, that must have been quite tedious.” Zelda said as the group moved to the door, taking out the ChuChus along the way and climbing up using either the block as a stepping stone or just climbing directly on top of the platform before heading for the door, moving through it to enter the next room…

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 39: Another old enemy…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group arrived in the next room, the first thing they noticed was that they were now in the room where Darunia collected the map, with the lava on the ceiling and it unleashing burning debris at regular intervals. On top of that, a Wizrobe appeared in the room, with fire sticking from the top of its cane.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh for Nayru’s sake, not THIS guy again!?” Link said, facepalming in utter frustration.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You have faced him before, huh?” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, this is the SIXTH time I’ve encountered him.” Link replied, seeing the Wizrobe dancing around before teleporting away, appearing again on one of the pads that were laid out spread throughout the room. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link immediately saw where he was and blasted him with a Light Arrow, making him vanish and reappear on a different pad, this time Saria shot him with a Light Arrow. Then, the Wizrobe tried to trick the group into making illusionary copies of himself, but the group saw through the trick and struck him again twice with a Light Arrow, defeating it and making the pads vanish.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That was way too easy.” Zelda commented. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I agree.” Saria said, as the group made their way to the other side using their Hook- and Clawshots to get on the other side with the aid of a chest that was standing there, with Darunia, Rauru and Impa each taking one of the Gerudo Pirates with them as a passenger to ensure no one gets left behind. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Moving down the staircase, the group arrived in the open room where there was a hole in the floor to let sunlight through, but now they were on a small platform… There were however small bridges made to the other side of the area instead of being just an open floor that would make one fall into the sky.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These bridges are new… apparently the two know about this place and its history…” Link said, moving on the bridge to the right, while Saria covered him by shooting an arrow at one of the Poes that appeared, defeating it. Once the group reached the other side, they climbed into the alcove, finding themselves in the room where they had defeated the Real Bombchus and the Dodongos before… although they were now facing Death Armos, the floating Armos Statues that were waiting for something to move underneath them to crush the unfortunate victim.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These freaks will crush us if we pass underneath them!” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I know, which is why we can use this to our advantage.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Huh? How?” One of the Gerudo Pirates asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Take a look on their bodies; they sport the same red emblem we saw elsewhere in the Temple.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, I see them!” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I can see them too, so what’s your idea?” Saria asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Simple, fire a Light Arrow underneath them to make them flip over and then taunt them into trying to crush us. If done right, they should crash in the floor instead, which critically damages them to make them explode like the normal Armos. You can use your shields to defend against it.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right.” Ruto said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link demonstrated the tactic by moving to a Death Armos, using a Light Arrow to make it flip over, before moving underneath it on purpose. The Death Armos fell for it, moving to slam down on Link, only for Link to move out of the way, causing the Death Armos to hit the ground head-first instead, making it flash red as it was damaged before detonating in an explosion, never to be seen again.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Now THAT is an explosive headache.” Link said, causing Zelda, Saria, Ruto and Nabooru to laugh, while Impa, Rauru and Darunia were highly amused. The four Pirates were confused, but chuckled nonetheless.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]With the remaining Death Armos being given a similar treatment, the group went on to the next room, entering a room that also had bridges around to connect the areas better. With this in mind, Link shot an arrow to move some Spike Mines out of the way before proceeding to a door at the far side of the area. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh man, I’ve seen some crazy stuff, but this is ridiculous!” One of the Pirates said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah; I mean, we’re basically upside down now, doesn’t this affect the other regions out here?” A second one asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That thought occurred to me as well,” Link said, “but as I used the Song of Soaring to move towards a different location back when the Owl Statues were around, the whole area automatically flipped back to normal, as if negating the effects of the magic that allows the Stone Tower to be flipped like this.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So what happens if you do fall down here?” The third Pirate asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Beats me; you basically fall into the sky and probably land somewhere else. Either way, you’re a goner if this happens.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda shuddered as the group entered the next door, which led into a safe corridor with numerous crates stacked against the walls, the area being guarded by Two Blue Bubbles and one Green Bubble. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Watch yourself around these Blue Bubbles; they can jinx you at the slightest touch!” Link said once the others were in the room, with Saria using a Light Arrow to instantly kill one of the Blue Bubbles. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Ruto did the same with the second Blue Bubble, while Zelda took out the Green Bubble once its green flames were temporarily extinguished. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I wonder what’s in the crates…” One of the Pirates said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Definitely some ammunition…” Link mused, opening one crate to see another multitude of arrows. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“At least they’ll be put to good use… for us.” Zelda said as she restocked along with Saria, while Nabooru discovered a crate with sealed bottles containing red and green potions.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We should take these, just in case.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right, some extra medical supplies can be useful,” Link said, nodding, “although we should probably invest money into acquiring Blue Potions once we move back to Hyrule to take down Ganondorf and Majora once and for all.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Blue Potions?” One of the Pirates asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yep. Blue potions basically combine the effects of the Red and Green potions, they can help in recovering from injuries quicker AND they will restore magic power if the one who drinks it is both wounded AND drained at the same time.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“A wise idea to invest in them then.” Zelda said, nodding.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m also considering to get us some Chateau Romani as well, so we’ll have infinite magic power for the next three days.” Link then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group nodded as they entered the next room, after which the door closed behind them…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s going on here?!” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hmmm, I fought Gomess the last time I was here…” Link said, drawing his blade as he was ready to confront whatever was ahead.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You have exceeded my expectations…” A dark voice then sounded… it was Ganondorf![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ganondorf!” Link and Zelda said, with Zelda also drawing her sword, just like Link…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I never thought you’d be foolish enough to enter our domain here in Termina’s Stone Tower and yet here you are, in complete defiance of my destiny as King of the World…” Ganondorf said with a dark chuckle.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Screw you! All you want is power, while the people of Hyrule and Termina languish in poverty and starvation!” Zelda snapped.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And don’t think we’ve forgotten what you did to us not too long ago!” Nabooru snarled, also drawing her weapons, as did the other Sages and their Gerudo Pirate allies.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It would be foolish of me to think just that, Nabooru… now that I know that death has been unable to stop you so far…” Ganondorf said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Then come here and show your face so we can put you in your place!” Link then said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, sounds like you got a talent for rhyming too, boy… a kid of many talents and with such a fighting spirit…” Ganondorf said as the area began to turn dark.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Immediately the Sages, Link and their allies were at full alert, keeping a close watch on each other, just as a figure approached them. It was as tall as Ganondorf himself, but instead of his face, it wore a skeletal-like helmet and was wielding a staff. It was Phantom Ganon! [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Out of all the beings…” Saria said, remembering how Phantom Ganon had captured her and trapped her within the Forest Temple, causing Link to go in and defeat him which in turn awakened her as a Sage in the first place.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Brings back memories, huh?” Phantom Ganon said with a dark chuckle, twirling his staff around as if he was ready to attack.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and the Sages were ready to fight back, right before Phantom Ganon charged an electric sphere and fired it at the group, which Link intercepted and reflected it with his sword, which was returned again by Phantom Ganon. Link swatted it back again, which was again returned by their foe, with Link striking it back again. This time however, Phantom Ganon didn’t strike it back, but wasn’t hit by it either, even when it was directed towards him. Instead, Phantom Ganon moved to the right and charged at the group, staff forward with the intention to strike them directly. The group saw him coming and moved out of the way, with Link rolling to the side, recovering and, seeing he was now behind Phantom Ganon, fired a Light Arrow at him, striking the evil spirit from beyond, whom roared in pain as the light of justice struck him with force. Saria then used this as a ticket to slash Phantom Ganon several times before he knocked her aside with an electric punch. Saria yelped as she was hit like that, causing Link to retaliate with a second Light Arrow, although Phantom Ganon blocked it this time. However, this left him open for Nabooru who charged from the side, slashing at the fiend with her dual Gilded Scimitar Swords, doing substantial damage, before Phantom Ganon whacked her in the face with his staff, before using it to knock Zelda right into Link, after which he used and electric sphere to strike Link and Zelda both, causing the two children to scream in pain as the volatile electricity racked over their bodies. Ruto however used her Dual Fin Boomerangs to attack Phantom Ganon, with the latter avoiding the Fins, but leaving him open for a strike with the Magical Boomerang, stunning it so Rauru could strike it with his Light-based attacks, shortly followed by Darunia pounding on the evil spirit and Impa slashed at it using her daggers. The four Gerudo pirates assisted the group by smacking and stabbing Phantom Ganon with their glaives. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You traitors!” Phantom Ganon snarled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Traitors?! Hah! Your eyes tell us that you simply were hungry for power! How can someone who even let people of their OWN KIND suffer be our King?!” One of the Pirates snarled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Putting us in your control to make us do your bidding is also an insult to what we stand for; we may be thieves or pirates, but even WE have standards, unlike you!” The Second pirate snapped.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Pah! So you would rather stay confined to the desert or isolated into your fortress at the coast rather than being able to live in the other parts of the world without the harsh climate of the desert?!” Phantom Ganon asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That is of no concern; our way of living is within OUR hands!” The third Pirate said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So be it then, you were always stubborn fools for defying me first time, but this time your defiance will cost you EVERYTHING!” Phantom Ganon said, swinging his staff like a bat or a club to knock the Pirates aside, right before Link and Zelda performed a Dual Back Slash on him, causing him to roar in pain before turning to face them, blocking their further strikes.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You meddlesome kids! If you would have just stayed dead and given your powers to me, you wouldn’t be dealing with this pain!” Phantom Ganon roared as he then moved his staff down in a stabbing motion to the two. Link and Zelda both avoided it, but the staff hit the ground near them, unleashing an electric force field that zapped Link and Zelda simultaneously, right before a Light Arrow courtesy of Saria stunned him, ceasing the field, after which Darunia grabbed Phantom Ganon by the neck and, with a fierce Goron Fire Punch, clobbered the fiend to the far side of the room, making Phantom Ganon grunt.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Angered, Phantom Ganon decided to deploy a new tactic and, in a style reminiscent of Meg, one of the Poe Sisters, summoned a total of three copies of himself to keep the group occupied and giving himself the chance to properly fight. These copies were just as tangible as he was, which in turn would make things harder. One of his copies faced the four freed Gerudo Pirates, the second one went up against Impa, Darunia and Rauru and the third clone faced Saria, Ruto and Nabooru, allowing the REAL Phantom Ganon to solely focus on Link and Zelda, who just got up after recovering from the electric force field that was unleashed on them. Phantom Ganon chuckled at seeing the angry expressions on the faces of the hero and the princess.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Why so angry?” He taunted.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You’ve done enough!” Link snarled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hyrule and Termina are not yours to control!” Zelda added.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“On the contrary, Hyrule is already mine. And what I may lose here will be taken back.” Phantom Ganon said, laughing.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Not if we have anything to say about it!” Link and Zelda defiantly shouted, their blades ready.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You two definitely have guts. I shall remember that when I end your pitiful lives and hand over your powers to my creator. He’ll be very pleased to obtain those pieces of the Triforce that you have. Time to end this!” Phantom Ganon said, before rearing back and tossing his staff to the two. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Link and Zelda avoided the staff impaling them, but  were too late to get out of the way in time; the staff landed between the two, with the outward spikes trapping the arms that held their respective swords against the wall, causing the two to grunt as they hit the wall, in effect making them drop their swords as Phantom Ganon approached them. Both Link and Zelda sent a glare of absolute death to the approaching fiend, subconsciously holding each other’s hand as if giving each other some form of support for each other. Phantom Ganon merely chuckled.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You two must have heard those cheesy children’s stories during your upbringing, right? Those old stories of bad guy kidnapping or cursing princess, hero beats bad guy and rescues princess, princess kisses hero and they all live happy ever after, right? Well, THIS story will have the hero and the princess together… but this time in death!” Phantom Ganon said, grabbing his staff to make the bladed parts press tightly against the trapped arms, cutting a bit into them before letting loose another discharge of electricity on the two. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda screamed in agony as the electricity ran over her body, but Link was merely grunting, gritting his teeth. He was in the same pain as Zelda was, but it didn’t stop him from trying to resist it, summoning all the power he could muster as he gave yet another glare of death at Phantom Ganon, who paid no attention to it. Link used this however as he loosened the grip on his shield which was at his right arm, letting the shocks and shaking to make it loosen from the arm… right before Link grabbed the last handle of his shield and swung his shield to his left, clobbering Phantom Ganon in the face, stunning him which in turn ceased the attack of his on the two. Dropping his Red Shield for the moment afterwards, Link then grabbed the staff and began to pull it out of the wall, which was aided soon by a recovering Zelda, freeing their trapped arms which had now a fresh, bleeding cut, Fortunately the cut wasn’t really deep, which in turn allowed to pick up their swords after tossing the staff aside, before both charged at Phantom Ganon and slashed across his chest together, as if dividing it in columns, before smashing their elbows in his face to make him fly to the far side of the room once again, giving the two some breathing room to pick up their shields, using the opportunity to aid the others by stunning the Phantom Ganon Clones by firing Light Arrows at them, giving their wounded friends the opportunity to finish the Clones off, regaining the focus on the Real Phantom Ganon.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Phantom Ganon himself got up and, being now furious after seeing his clones being defeated, he grabbed his staff and began to charge up a larger electric sphere, intending to electrocute everyone of the group to death. Link and Zelda however were having none of it and, seeing the sphere grow in size, they both launched another Light Arrow at the fiend, striking him and making him lose control of the sphere, making it hit him instead, giving the group a good view of Phantom Ganon’s skeleton as he was zapped by his own attack. The group winced as the attack in particular was agonizing, hearing Phantom Ganon’s distorted screams as he was being electrocuted for several seconds, before he laid still on the ground, his body still twitching due to the electric currents still zapping him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Is it over?” Nabooru asked as the group gathered once more, each of them showing injuries, one more than the other, but still alive.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I hope so…” Link said, although he still had his Gilded Master Sword ready.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You lot keep surprising me,” Ganondorf’s voice said, “it’s as if you have become better… at a quicker rate than I expected at that.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group remained silent, although Link and Zelda held onto Saria for support, with Saria using a lighter spell of hers to heal them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This is really something that I cannot ignore any longer, I guess I’ve gotten somewhat careless by underestimating your skill, a mistake that I do not intend on making again. The fact that I managed to kill some of you must have gotten to my head, although I did suspect that you would find a way to return to life. You managed to defeat my Phantom again and it is clear that you may succeed in cleansing the Stone Tower Temple… but don’t think for a moment that your labors are completed! If you are really bent on ending all of this, then come to the new tower in which Majora and I reside… then we will see what the fate of Hyrule and Termina will eventually lead to.” Ganondorf said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Your tower, huh?” Link asked, narrowing his eyes as the Phantom vanished into nothingness.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. I’ll be generous this time and let the Princess stay with you lot,” Ganondorf said, making Zelda blink, “considering that you care so much about her, she will simply share your eventual fate. Either way, our new lair awaits you. Come and get us, if you dare…” Ganondorf said, before his voice died off, the area becoming lighter again and the doors unlocking. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Finally the group could relax at this point, leaning on each other or their weapons, to rest up a bit and have their wounds checked, with Link and Zelda finally able to nurse their bleeding arms due to the staff having cut them there.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Let’s get out of here and finish the job, so we can prepare ourselves for our trip to Hyrule.” Link said after a minute or two.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. The sooner we have disabled this place as a stronghold, the better.” Zelda said, as the group made their leave, moving back into the corridor with the Blue Bubbles, using the already opened crates to restock on Magic Power as well as arrows, while killing the Blue Bubbles along the way, ending back up in the Sky Room where they used the bridges to cross the area, heading for the other door they didn’t access yet.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once in the new room, they found themselves in the entrance of the Temple, bit this time at a lone platform at the opposite corner. Using his Light Arrow, Link flipped over a single Death Armos, before moving to it to taunt it into attacking him, making it crash into the ground while he used his shield to defend himself from the subsequent detonation. Then, he used his Hookshot to lock on a chest that was standing upside down above an upper platform in the middle of the room, hooking to it which took him to that platform, waiting for the others while moving on ahead to make space. Zelda and Saria both soon joined him, followed by Ruto.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“These things definitely have come in handy…” Saria said, observing her Hookshot.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed, huh?” Link said with a smile as Nabooru came towards them, having one of the Pirates with her. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The other Sages each took one of the Pirates as a passenger along, before they moved on in the next room, which was another bridge room that contained yet another Eyegore, but this time the door at the far side also had TWO Iron Knuckles guarding it. This time, Link took out the Eyegore using a charged Arrow shot, before the group focused on the two Iron Knuckles, letting them move forward one at a time so the group had the proper focus to take them out, using projectile attacks to take them out safely. Once that was done, the group moved on towards the room with the Spiked Roller, this time the room was more empty and had cracks and holes as well as burn marks in the wall, obviously from the detonation of some of the weapon supplies there. Using the Hookshots to move to the path on the higher area, they avoided the Beamos while moving on to the large door, entering it.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The group now found themselves in the same room as where they had fought the Darkhammer and its minions before, but now the room was flipped, with the hole in the center of the room now containing a sandpit. Having no other choice, the group hopped down into the sand pit and entered a vast desert area, where Link had once fought Twinmold with the aid of the Giant’s Mask. Fortunately Twinmold wasn’t present, but what they did see several Corrupt Soldiers around, as if they were here for a reason… it appeared they were guarding a device or something.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What is this place?!” Link asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It appears to be a sophisticated generator, but for what?” Zelda asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I don’t know for sure, but if those soldiers are around, it must be of importance to them as well as our nemeses.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Uh oh, they’ve clocked us!” Ruto said, seeing as several Assault Sword Soldiers indeed spotted the group and went on ahead to charge at the group. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Time for a combined assault; some of us concentrate on taking down that device, the others will keep these soldiers off their backs!” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And now is a good time to test these out…” Link said, setting up a Bomb Arrow to use as he took aim at a part of the device, firing it while Darunia, Zelda and Saria covered him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Bomb Arrow hit its mark, exploding upon impact and damaging the device. This did alert the other Soldiers, which in turn ignited the battle ahead.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The four Gerudo Pirates provided assistance by keeping several Assault Sword Soldiers at bay as the group fought, allowing Link, Saria and Zelda to take out other targets from a great distance using their arrows. The ‘Burst’ ability that the Ancient Fire Sage gave them proved very helpful as not only it allowed to take out a target with a single strike, it also allowed taking out multiple targets within the arrow’s path, giving them some breathing room before using Bomb Arrows to take out Bow Soldiers and Assault Spear Soldiers, before firing at the device to damage it from a distance. This proved to be quite helpful as the machine was now taking damage enough for parts of it to come off and fall down to the ground, as if the outer part was a form of armor for the machine’s core, that held a sphere inside in place, as if it was placed there with magic. Darunia, Rauru, Impa and Nabooru aided the Gerudo Pirates with fending off the Sword Soldiers, while Ruto used her Boomerangs to stun any of them that came too close for comfort, giving Link, Saria and Zelda the time needed to pelt the device with Bomb Arrows, which began to gradually take more damage as multiple explosions were seen during impacts of each Bomb Arrow, with the core itself beginning to take damage. The assault kept going until Link, Saria and Zelda simultaneously fired a Bomb Arrow directly at the core, striking it perfectly which in turn caused the core to take critical damage, beginning to shut down and get showered in explosions, which began to destroy the machine, causing the remaining Corrupted Soldiers to watch in horror as their machine was destroyed. In anger, the remaining Soldiers tried to attack the group, but were struck down without much trouble. Once the battle was over, the group would notice a portal appearing that would take them back to Ikana Canyon, this time back in the normal, non-flipped/inverted state. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Once back in Ikana Canyon, the group breathed a sigh of relief as they saw the dark clouds around the Stone Tower dissipating, indicating they had destroyed the root of evil there so far…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s one trouble less.” Link said, taking off his cap for a moment to scratch his head there before wiping some sweat away.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ll say.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru then turned to the four Pirates that were still present, seeing they had a look of sadness and/or resignation on their faces, making the Gerudo leader sigh.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’re sorry for the loss of your comrades…” She said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” The first Pirate said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Do you have an idea of where to go next?” Link then asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“No… we would have gone back to our Fortress in Great Bay, but it’s still heavily guarded by comrades whom either willingly or forcibly serve Ganondorf and his cronies, so with our state of being now, we can’t go there.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What about we’ll let you meet up with a similar band of Gerudo that is also wandering around? Maybe Reimu or Leia can be of assistance to you.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You really want to do that for us?” The second pirate asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sure; it’s on our route anyway.” Zelda said with a smile.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Thank you.” The Gerudo said, smiling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Then let’s go. I have no intention to stay here any longer.” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You took the words right out of my mouth.” Link said as he moved on towards Ikana River.

[/font]

 

[Z-Fighter]

Spoiler

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Chapter 40: A Dark Theft[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]After climbing out of the Ikana River and using the ladder to reach the mainland of Ikana Valley.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Hopefully we can leave this land of the dead behind us forever…” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We all hope that, Link. After all, we have no business in such a land with a blood-stained history.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Indeed.” Link said, sighing.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You seem quite upset.” One of the Pirates said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, to be fair, I’ve had my share of traumatic experiences during my first visit here. The only thing I’m happy about now is that we didn’t have to go through the Ikana Well this time.” Link replied.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Ikana has a well too?” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yes. The only time I had to go in there was to find a way into Ikana Castle and had my own share of horrors there. Doors being guarded by Gibdos, spike rollers left, right up and down, respawning Wallmasters, rooms being blocked by spider webs… it makes the atmosphere of the Kakariko Well much more pleasant in comparison.” Link said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Zelda shuddered at this, as did Saria.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“At least we’re now much better equipped than when Majora sent five of us, including myself, here into that Skulltula-infested cavern…” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You got that right, Ruto. All I hope now is that there won’t be any webs blocking our path any time soon. They can be handy as catching nets or to treat injuries, but the itch of those threads on the bare skin is intolerably annoying.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I second that.” Saria said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I third that.” Zelda said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You got stuck in a web?” The second pirate asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, Majora decided to give us a trip of a life time by sending us into that cavern not too long ago, which caused us to end up landing directly into a giant web that was big and strong enough to simply hold the five of us while we were out cold.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yikes, that sounds nasty.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It was. Then again, Majora’s practically a lunatic who doesn’t care what the consequences of his actions are.” Link said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You got that right.” Zelda said.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Just as Nabooru wanted to talk, Link was hit by an arrow in his arm, causing him to yelp in pain, right before a second one struck his leg, causing him to fall down on the ground.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Link?!” Saria asked, just as another arrow flew by, shortly followed by a scream of Zelda as she was hit by it in the back.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?!” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“OVER THERE!!!” The Third Pirate said, clocking the culprit just as another arrow flew by, striking Saria into her stomach.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru turned into the direction her fellow Gerudo said, seeing the person. It was a bald person with a white sweater and blue pants on, brandishing a bow and arrow. Immediately she recognized him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“SAKON! YOU BLOODY IDIOT, NOW I’M REALLY PISSED!” Nabooru snarled as she suddenly charged at him, her blades drawn as the thief made a run for it to his hideout. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sakon?!” Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“He’s a thief that stole a few items of ours and also knocked out Link and Zelda some time ago when he created a diversion using a bomb that scared Epona, causing her to throw Link and Zelda off of her…” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Narrowing her eyes, Impa let her Shadow Medallion glow as she was now getting royally pissed herself…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Sakon ran to his hideout again, his bow in hand.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“GET BACK HERE SO I CAN CUT YOUR HEAD OFF, YOU VILE, PRANCING MAROON!” Nabooru roared as she was gaining ground on him, having launched several Sword Sparks at him while he was running like crazy to avoid her strikes. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Sakon managed to enter his hideout in time, locking the door so Nabooru couldn’t get in, leading her to strike the boulder-shaped door with her blades.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“OPEN UP, YOU DIRTY COWARD! SHOW YOUR FACE SO I CAN CUT YOU UP!” Nabooru snarled from behind the door.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Try as you might, but you won’t break the door,” Sakon taunted, “those arrows I used have been tipped with a venom that will soon paralyze your little friends… that will teach them to stay out of my business…” Sakon said, taunting Nabooru, which caused the Gerudo woman to growl in anger more.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Poison Arrows, you said?!” She asked, growling.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yep. And only I have the antidote, which you’re never gonna get. Those three will learn what kind of price there is to messing with the great Sakon.” Sakon replied, taunting her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh yeah?” A stern, female voice then said from behind him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Sakon blinked at this, before turning around, coming face to face with a VERY pissed off Impa…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What the-?! How did you get in here?!” Sakon asked, bewildered.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That’s not of your concern. What IS of your concern is the amount of your bones that will remain intact once I’m through with you if you don’t tell me right now where the antidote is.” Impa said, making the motions of rolling up her sleeves which showed she was ready to inflict serious pain.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And why should I tell you that, woman? Those kids shouldn’t have meddled in my affairs!” Sakon defiantly said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This made Impa smirk.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I was hoping you’d say that.” She said, approaching him…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru, having placed an ear against the boulder-door, suddenly startled as she heard some crashing, punching and kicking from behind the door, coupled with painful grunts and outcries of a male and the cool, collected, charging strikes from a female, which made Nabooru realize that Impa was laying the brutal smackdown on the prancing thief known as Sakon, which she knew he deserved it. It was then that one of the Pirates hurried to her. Nabooru looked up to see her.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What’s going on?” She asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It’s the three children… they’re barely moving…” The Gerudo said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Then the poison must be taking effect!” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Poison?!” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Yeah, Sakon used Poison Arrows in an attempt to paralyze Link, Zelda and Saria. Impa’s gone after him to get the antidote and Impa sure doesn’t mess around.” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I hope it’s quick…” The Gerudo said in worry.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I hope so too.” Nabooru said. [/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Soon enough, Impa returned with a small bottle in her hands.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ve got it, now let’s go.” Impa said, rushing back to where the others were, with Nabooru and the Gerudo in tow. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon reaching the group, they could see that Princess Ruto was practically in hysterics, with Darunia looking worried as Link, Saria and Zelda laid rather limply on the ground, still alive, but unable to move a muscle![/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This would better work…” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It will; I told Sakon that if it doesn’t, I’ll come back for him and take the others with me to end him.” Impa replied as she rushed over to Zelda, who could barely move her head, but the three children did acknowledge her presence; their eyes were the only things they could still freely move… [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Kneeling down, Impa put the tip of the bottle against Zelda’s lips after opening it and made her drink her part of it, using gentle massages to make her swallow it and prevent her choking on it. She repeated the same maneuver with Link and Saria respectively, before the bottle was empty.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“It may take some time for it to take effect, so we can rest up here to be sure it works.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Great idea. It’ll also let us keep an eye on Sakon…” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Where is Sakon anyway?!” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I simply messed him up and he now lies in a crumpled heap somewhere in his hideout.” Impa calmly said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh wow!” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“And I told him I would take you to him to make things worse for him if this antidote doesn’t work. By all accounts, regardless of what he thinks of himself, he’s actually quite a coward that knows when to value his own life, no matter how pathetic it is.” Impa said, making Ruto chuckle lightly.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Then they could hear the three moaning. Looking at them, they could see that they tried to move, but were unable to do so; to them it was as if everything had gotten stiff except for their eyes. Even their speech was currently impaired for the moment.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Should we take them to the Great Fairy in Clock Town though? Maybe she can help in fixing them completely?” Rauru suggested.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We will visit her soon, I first want to make sure that the antidote is working good enough for them to stay alive long enough in order for us to reach her in the first place.” Impa said, now noticing that the wounds have been bandaged and the arrows that inflicted the pain having been pulled out and cast aside.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]The Gerudo Pirates adjusted the children to a more comfortable lying position to prevent them from swallowing their tongues and choking to death because of it. Zelda on her turn managed to look at Impa, who was gently caressing her face. Zelda’s only response was a single tear rolling down her face. Link and Saria were facing each other, the both of them also silently crying as they were unable to do anything at the time. Nabooru gently stroked their faces to comfort them, knowing that everything will be alright. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We should get going. We can use the horses to help in carrying them. The area remains uncomfortable to me…” Darunia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. We’ll head to Clock Town then.” Impa said, leaving a shadow clone behind, just to be sure. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]While Impa picked up Zelda to carry her, Darunia picked up Saria while Nabooru picked up Link. It broke Nabooru’s heart to see the once energetic, heroic young man being so ruthlessly deprived of any form of movement for the time being… using her own spiritual powers, she made a quick check on the three before they went on their way.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Let’s take it easy; the antidote is currently in the process of neutralizing the poison within their veins.” She said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Right. Let’s hope the Goddesses can aid us…” Impa said, nodding.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Sakon in the meantime was scared, upset, terrified, angry… he was basically in a turmoil. He succeeded in striking those meddlesome children with his self-created Poison Arrows, but he underestimated the immediate response of what he presumed to be guardians of those children, with him being chased all the way into his hideout and being beaten into a severe mess, to the point of being FORCED to give the antidote to her. So his revenge would end up being short-lived after all. He growled in frustration as he wanted things to be WORSE for them. Sighing, he tried to get up and move to his quarters.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Where are YOU going?!” A dark, female voice then called out to him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Huh?! Who’s there?!” Sakon asked, turning around. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Due to the darkness in his hideout, as well as his vision still being somewhat hazy from the beating he took from Impa, he was unable to see the person with him clearly, as if shadows were talking to him.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“A simple-minded, yet cunning thief… quite resourceful from what we’ve seen…” A dark, male voice said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“However your transgressions have gone too far…” A second dark, female voice said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What do you mean? All I wanted was to teach those kids a lesson for meddling in my affairs, they should know better!” Sakon protested.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So, you resort to such a vile action… Those three you targeted are not yours to take care of!” The dark, male voice said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, what are they to you then? Friends of yours?” Sakon scoffed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Not exactly friends, but more like people whom we have our own score to settle with. Having done what you did was absolutely rude!” The first dark female said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh cry me a river. You’re lucky that they’ve been given an antidote.” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh, yes. But you did it reluctantly, seeing your expression tells us all.” A third dark female voice said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Like you can do anything against it now. They’re not with you right now, so what’s the point of coming here?” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“You’re right about them not being with us at the moment. We will meet them soon enough however.” The second dark female said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“As for why we’re here, you shouldn’t worry about that. In fact, you won’t have to worry about anything anymore.” The first dark female said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Suddenly, what appeared to be dark vines shot from the walls and shot around the prancing thief, wrapping him up tightly in what appeared to be a cocoon-like fashion. Sakon tried to fight, but his weakened body was unable to resist against it as he was soon encased inside the vines. A dark hand of a pre-teen girl then appeared in the light, as if controlling the vines, leaning in a relaxed state, before it moved upright and went in a clenching motion, as if creating a fist slowly. Sakon’s shouts of protest turned into screams of pain as the vines began to press tighter against him, putting pressure onto his body which grew and grew more intense with each second, before a loud *CRUNCH* ceased the outcries in an instant, with a dark liquid oozing from between the vines… when it dripped on the ground in the light, it was apparent that this liquid was a crimson red in color. A few seconds later, the vines vanished, causing Sakon to fall to the ground, his arms and legs bent and twisted in different angles, his mouth open in a silent, agonizing scream, his eyes empty and his face and body showing similar contortions as if the bones in there have been completely snapped, the crimson-red liquid soiling his outfit. He didn’t move a single muscle after his landing… nor did he even breathe. Sakon was dead. Stepping into the light, holding the hand into a relaxed state now, was none other than Dark Saria, accompanied by Dark Link, Dark Zelda… and another dark female with the same dark gray to black color palette all over, save for the crimson to blood-red eyes, whom was more of an adult. She also had the different jewelry on her that was befitting of a Gerudo. This was Dark Nabooru, a nigh-perfect clone of the leader of the Gerudo Tribe, but this one was, like the other dark clones, loyal to the forces of Evil. Walking over to Sakon’s corpse, she extended a hand to it, lifting something that looked like a sphere from it, guiding it in the air. Letting it float still, she then raised her other hand in the air, before bringing her hand down to her face while also clenching it into a fist. In an instant response, the sphere burst apart with a *SPLAT*, causing Sakon’s body to give one final jerk before it laid still forever, after which the four Dark figures vanished from the hideout in a plume of black smoke, letting Sakon’s corpse decay within his own hideout, never to be discovered… except for one person who hid in the shadows… appalled at what she just witnessed…[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Safely moving down the cliff from Ikana Valley after dealing with the resident Nejirons, the remaining Sages joined up with the horses that were still waiting for them close to the pathway that led to the Ikana Graveyard. Epona was still standing still, although she was worried about her master. She neighed when she saw the group approaching, galloping towards Nabooru who held Link, butting its head against the young Hyrulean warrior. Link merely grunted weakly, which worried Epona.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We’ll fix ‘em up for you, girl.” Nabooru said to Epona, laying Link on one of the large horses along with Saria and Zelda, with two Pirates aiding them to ensure they wouldn’t fall from it as they made their way towards East Termina Field. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]With Princess Ruto already eliminating the Real Bombchus and Blue Bubbles up ahead, the group took their time while the remaining Gerudo Pirates, as well as Darunia, were watching the group’s back, ready to intercept enemies coming from behind if necessary.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“So many things have happened the last few days…” Nabooru said in a lamenting tone.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I know… it’s not easy to actually cope with such affairs in such a short span of time… and yet the fate of Hyrule and Termina both lies on the shoulders of Link and the Sages, including you and me.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“We definitely can use some time off once this is all over. Otherwise it would drive us completely nuts.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I agree. Perhaps we can make plans once the fight is actually over, but until then…” Impa said, sighing.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Nabooru nodded as the group continued on their way.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group arrived in Termina Field, they saw that there was a carriage up ahead at East Clock Town, seeing two people inside, who also didn’t look well… it were Romani and Cremia! Although the two ranch girls looked fine in regards to having no injuries whatsoever, they did look quite exhausted, as if they had just managed to make a daring escape or went through another chase scenario, the latter being apparently more plausible as the milk bottles they had with them were damaged, but not broken. Seeing the group coming, the two recognized Princess Ruto and Nabooru, waving at them as the group approached them, before blinking at seeing Link, Saria and Zelda lying limp on one of the horses. Nabooru was constantly checking on them and was relieved to find out that at least their breathing had become stable; the poison was neutralized in time before it could affect the lungs and the hearts…[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Oh my, what happened to them?!” Cremia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“That thief named Sakon nailed them with Poison Arrows. We managed to give them antidote in time though…” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]At the same time, Impa’s Shadow Clone dispersed, giving Impa her knowledge, which made her eyes widen in shock for a moment.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Well, it looks like Sakon won’t be much of a bother to us anymore.” She said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What do you mean?” Ruto asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Sakon’s been killed.”[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“What?! How do you know?!” Nabooru asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I left a Shadow Clone behind to keep an eye out on the thief so we can be informed ahead in case he tries anything funny. However something happened which I didn’t expect; dark, evil voices addressed the thief before he was wrapped into what appeared to be vines and then crushed to death and after that something was removed from him and destroyed… I assume that was his spirit… since I saw who did it.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Who?” [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’ve seen the Dark clones of Link and Zelda in the room, this time accompanied by two more Dark clones, one of Saria, the Forest Sage… and one of you, Nabooru.” Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]This information shocked Nabooru to the core, making her go in a state of briefly experiencing a Heroic Blue Screen of Death, staggering backwards before falling on her rear on the ground.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“This… this can’t be happening…“ Nabooru said, clearly upset.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“Then I wouldn’t be surprised if they would make something similar with me…” Ruto said, annoyed.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I’m afraid so… “ Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“But why would they kill Sakon?” One of the Pirates asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I don’t know. Sakon is however not in league with Ganondorf and/or Majora, making him more of a lone wolf thief whom operates on either his own accord or when he can get some profit off of it; Link told us about him before.” Ruto said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]“I remember now; he said that Sakon was once seen in the Curiosity Shop to sell the goods he stole to the shop owner, in the case where Link witnessed it, the offering was a set of Big Bomb Bags that Sakon stole from an old lady…” Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"How rude!" The First Gerudo Pirate said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"And now the thief's dead?" The Second Pirate asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yep and as far as I know, he won't ever come back." Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Then we have something to watch out for." Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"The only advantage that Link and Zelda had was that the clones were made from the time where they hadn't learned those moves from the Swordsman’s School yet, so the same will count for those of Saria, Ruto and Nabooru. But this doesn't make them any less dangerous; Dark Saria can summon vines with the intention to constrict and crush a victim, much like a snake and she could be more affiliated with killing people, as the Saria herself is practically the embodiment of life due to her being the Forest Sage..." Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Gosh, I bet Saria won't like that..." Ruto said, shocked as the group carried on to North Clock Town, with Romani and Cremia following them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"So, what happened to you?" Nabooru then asked the two Romani Ranch sisters.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Nothing really major, just the Gorman Brothers being a pain in the butt again, now that I've realized who's behind all of the assaults in trying to put me out of business..." Cremia said, clearly annoyed at them.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Have you considered taking steps against them?" Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I have, but they claimed innocence and seemed insulted at that. It's simply them playing it so they pass off to the others as normal people and giving me a bad name." Cremia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"At least Grasshopper believes my sister." Romani said. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Grasshopper?" Impa asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"That's Romani's affectionate nickname for Link." Ruto said, causing Impa to chuckle.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"At least we managed to make the delivery in time..." Cremia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Hmmm, perhaps you can work together with Malon and Talon in Hyrule's ranch?" Impa then offered.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yeah, that way you will be able to reach out your Chateau Romani to more public as well..." Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Are you sure?" Cremia asked.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I'm sure Talon would understand. Perhaps it could retain you a place to work on in case it does come to the worst and you won't be bothered by those Gorman Brothers..." Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Hmmm, this does deserve some thought. Who knows what it can bring for us; perhaps we can actually get a more sustainable income to at least take care of the basic needs of us and our animals without having to look out for potential saboteurs..." Cremia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Exactly." Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I'll be definitely thinking about it. It may take some time though, since this is the first time that I've been given such an offer, but nonetheless consider it a point of interest." Cremia said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Alright. We're off to North Clock Town to get our friends healed up again and then we're off to Hyrule to finally put an end to this whole situation." Impa said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Alright. Perhaps I can make an arrangement for you to get a special discount of Chateau Romani for being genuinely trying to help me." Cremia said as she went off the cart to help load the jars of milk inside the milk town.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Thank you." Nabooru said, nodding as she went on her way with the others again.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Romani went to help her sister to bring the jars into Clock Town, looking around the area while having her bow and arrow ready as if she was like a security guard for her.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]As the group approached North Clock Town, they could hear the three children grunting and/or moaning, indicating that they were trying to talk, but the remnants of the poison still kept their bodies docile and paralyzed, although they could at least look around a little more.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Relax, please. We'll get you fixed as soon as we can. It won't be long now." Impa said, stroking Zelda's face, getting a little saddened when she felt a moist area on her cheek, which indicated that Zelda had been crying, yet she knew she was fighting to pull through.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"It's getting a bit more drafty here..." One of the Pirates said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"The mountain region known as Snowhead is directly ahead. It's mountain tops are usually covered with snow, although the snow reaches all the way down North Termina Field when it's winter..." Ruto said, shivering a bit. [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I see... wow, it's like traveling around the world for a bit." She said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Yep, we've pretty much seen most of Hyrule and Termina in the span of time we've been traveling to help in saving the lands, even to areas that are not exactly known to public with the exception for ancient stories and everything." Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"Oh? What places have you seen, my Lady?" [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"We've seen places that enemy forces occupied in areas between the Swamp and Ikana, within the vast forest between Hyrule and Termina and  a dangerous, lava-filled country between Ikana and Snowhead. It's been quite hectic for us I tell you..." Nabooru said.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"That I can see." [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"We were fortunate to have the horses which have save quite a lot of the normal traveling time. Otherwise we'd still be in either the Forest outpost or the lava one..." [/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"I see what you mean." The Pirate said, nodding as the group entered North Clock Town, with Ruto and Nabooru leading the way to the resident Great Fairy's Fountain, the guard looking on in worry.[/font]
[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Impa stroked Zelda’s face again as the group climbed the pathway going up the entrance to the fountain, leaving the horse outside to carry the three children inside the fountain. Both Link and Saria looked as if they were asleep, but their faces and all said otherwise, hoping they would soon recover from this ordeal…

[/font]