Ocarina of Time II: Parallel Symphony
Standard disclaimer: I don't own any of these people, places or things. Heck, even most of the verbs belong to someone else. :-) All characters and settings © Nintendo. Hey, they've earned it.
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Part One: Boy
Chapter One: Ten -- Second Chances
Zelda looked through the window at the black-clad desert king approaching her father. Why? Why won't he listen to me? she wondered, clutching at the windowsill. Impa refused to teach her even the least Sheikah techniques before her twelfth birthday, and no matter how free with their lore she was, the princess still felt helpless without them. Just looking at the Gerudo King, she could feel the evil energies radiating off of him. She already knew some Sagecraft, and she'd mastered all three of the basic Hylian Spells at the tender age of ten, but that hardly qualified her to challenge the dreaded Ganondorf Dragmire, Ocarina or no Ocarina. What am I going to do? I always know what to do... The only answer her talent would give her was 'wait,' but how could she? King Dragmire was almost ready to move. Impa's contact with Darunia and her own talks with Ruto were proof enough of that. A brief smile flickered across her face at the thought of Ruto, but vanished in the face of Hyrule's grave plight. Thank Nayru that the Great Deku Tree yet stands. A sudden chill struck her. Please, Nayru, let the Tree still live. She'd sensed its distress, but all she knew in that moment was that the Kokiri remained untouched...for now.
"The Kokiri..." Zelda whispered. Why do I keep seeing Kokiri? Especially that boy...so serious for one so young... A grave frown on his face, a determination in his eyes to shatter every obstacle that evil might place before him, and some deeper emotion, one she couldn't place, yet for the most part, she knew this courageous boy down to his marrow.
Something landed softly behind her. For an instant, she thought it was Impa, but something about the sound of it was just different enough for Zelda to realize it wasn't. At the same time, she didn't feel at all in danger. Indeed, she mused with surprise, I've never felt...safer...
All the same, she gasped in shock the moment she turned.
It was him, the boy she'd seen, his expression even more intense than it had been in her dreams. A moment later, his inevitable fairy flew in from above, alighting on the edge of his tail-like Kokiri hat. She then vanished under it. And here I stand, Zelda thought, trapped between a giggle and a groan, looking like a helpless, frightened...princess, she realized, deciding on the giggle. "You're the one, aren't you?" Zelda coughed politely. "I mean, the Great Deku Tree sent you, didn't he?" The boy nodded. "Then...then you wouldn't happen to have...the Spiritual Stone of the Forest, would you? That green and shining stone..."
"Zelda, this is very important," Link said slowly. Instantly, he had her attention. When he looks into my eyes...it's like he's peering into my soul. Zelda nodded. "I have the Stone, but I know what you saw, and there's a flaw in your plan."
Zelda gaped in astonishment. He knew? She was sure she'd have known if the boy was a Sage. The ray of light that dispersed the darkness, the Stone, the fairy...he was a Hero, chosen by the gods, of that she was certain. The Sages guided Heroes, they didn't become them. Yet he knew? "Flaw? I don't understand..."
"You want me to go to the Gorons and the Zoras and gather their Stones as well," he replied. Zelda gasped. How would he know that? Unless he's heard the legend... "They're in danger, and I will help them...but trust me, it's best if we leave the Stones in their own lands."
"But why?" Zelda looked away. "If you know all of this, then you must be aware of Ganondorf..." her head snapped back up, eyes drawn to his face as if by sorcery. There was such pain written in him, such grief...Zelda suddenly wanted to tell him to go home, she'd handle it, her and Impa...
"Oh yes, I know Ganondorf," he whispered. "He's right through that window, isn't he?" Zelda glanced back briefly, beyond being surprised by his knowledge. Ganondorf was just then bending knee to the King, her father. The Gerudo let an eye flicker to her, and he smiled -- an expression without humor or kindness, as harsh and merciless as the desert winds he was born to. Zelda paled, and suddenly Link was there, one hand on her shoulder and the other on his sword hilt. "I will never," he said, and Zelda could almost hear Farore echoing in his voice, "let that monster hurt you. Never."
"I'm glad to hear it," Impa replied in her usual dry voice, and Link jumped away from the princess, looking sheepish. "One who came so close to the princess with a hand on his blade without such intentions would have been dead before he touched her."
"Impa!" Zelda said, looking at her protector with wide eyes. "That's not nice!"
"It's my job," Impa shrugged.
"It's her job," Link said in the exact same moment. They looked at each other then, an understanding passing between them, and Zelda grimaced. Of all the idiotic...! For one brief, irrational instant, she'd been jealous of Impa. Jealous!
"That's not the point," Zelda replied as calmly as she could manage. "I told you a Kokiri boy would come -- well, a boy dressed as a Kokiri, anyway, and with that fairy accompanying him--"
"Navi, Your Highness," the fairy put in politely, glaring at Link as if it were his fault Zelda didn't know her name.
Zelda smiled indulgently. "An honor, Navi. Nevertheless, it is clear that the Great Deku Tree has embraced Link as one of their own."
"We're getting sidetracked," Link said, shaking his head suddenly, "and we don't have the time." He licked his lips. "Ganondorf suspects what we're planning."
"'We?'" Impa asked, eyebrow raised, the corners of her mouth twitching.
"'We,'" Link replied, scowling at the Sheikah, "seeing as I'm central to the plan, already know the plan, and have vital information about the plan."
"Touché." Impa nodded in acknowledgment. "And this 'flaw' you foresee?"
"I haven't foreseen it, Sage of Shadow," Link replied, eyes tightening, "I've lived it." He reached into his fairy-enchanted pouch and drew forth something plainly impossible: the Shadow Medallion.
Impa was still reacting to Link calling her the Sage of Shadow, expression going neutral and stance sliding to First Focus, when Zelda felt it. The Ocarina in her own enchanted pouch was humming. "Time," she whispered. "You've been through time itself."
Link nodded. "I have a lot to tell you, and not nearly as much time as I'd like to tell it. I'm connected to the Master Sword somehow. I did as you asked, healing the sacred places of the Gorons and Zoras and receiving their Stones in return." He grimaced slightly. Oh dear, Zelda thought with a faint blush, remembering in a rush that the Spiritual Stone of Water had an...unusual...tradition attached to it. "Just as I returned with the last Stone, though, you and Impa were fleeing the castle, Ganondorf right behind you. You threw me the Ocarina of Time, I used it to reach the Master Sword, and then..."
Zelda listened in horror as seven years of the most unimaginable nightmare she'd ever heard poured forth emotionlessly from the boy's lips. The princess could tell Link was leaving a few things out, but what she heard was clearly Truth. Even Impa paled during the worst parts of the story. They'd defeated Ganondorf in the end, but it was everything she was trying to prevent, and in spite of the way Link told the story, there was no mistaking how it all began. This child, no older than herself, had followed her directions into that horror. "What...what do you think we should do, then?" she asked finally, shuffling her feet.
"I'm going to need your help," Link replied, looking grimmer than ever. "We have to stop Ganondorf from reaching the Sacred Realm." The Hero's smile was humorless. "He can't touch the Master Sword, no matter how powerful he gets. Even so, we have to help Darunia and King Zora. Once we do that, they should be able to help us convince your father how dangerous Ganondorf is."
"Yet by the evidence, King Dragmire is aware of our plans somehow," Impa noted quietly. "How do you intend to claim the initiative?"
Link's smile returned, fierce with anticipation. "I have some experience with Ganondorf's twisted puzzles," he replied, his fairy bobbing a 'nod' beside him in agreement. "Just keep the castle safe for a little while longer."
Impa nodded. Zelda did likewise, but bit her lip when Link looked away. He didn't say, but the future Ganondorf must have killed...how can I stop the evil king when my own father won't believe me?
Link turned around, and Zelda immediately smoothed her expression. He placed a hand on her shoulder again, and those eyes...for just a moment, she didn't want him to leave. It wasn't fair that the gods should lay such burdens on a boy. Twice. It wasn't fair.
Zelda sighed. Well, as Impa keeps reminding me, life isn't fair. If he can do this, then so can I. She gave Link her best smile. "We'll protect the palace, Link. Don't worry about us." Link nodded. It's going to be different this time.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
What are they up to? Ganondorf thought, eyes flashing with crimson light as he brooded on his throne.
Koume and Kotake flew in slow circles around him, and his muscles relaxed at the sound of their cackling. To think, it disturbed me so in my youth. The Spirit Temple chamber, with its austere pillars and artwork, held little else. I should create a third Iron Knuckle, he thought incongruously, his mind flickering to practical matters. Perhaps that rebellious fool Nabooru will suffice.
"Yes, heh heh heh," Koume said, nodding enough to cause her flight to wobble slightly, "Nabooru would be perfect."
"Of course, hee hee hee,' Kotake laughed, "once we break that traitor, the Gerudo will be ours."
"Stay out of my mind, witches," Ganondorf replied absently. It had become a habit -- a pointless habit, the monarch added to himself -- to admonish them for their telepathy, and for them to ignore him. "The Gerudo are already mine, with a few irrelevant exceptions. The princess has changed her plans. That kid, the Deku Tree's puppet, he knows something."
"It means nothing," Koume said with a fiery snort that echoed through the chamber. Even I've never gotten used to those noses of theirs, Ganondorf mused. "The boy will do the princess' bidding, and she, unwittingly, will do ours."
Kotake scowled. "I disagree," she replied, eyes narrowing. "The Heir is right, sister. The boy knows something." She spiraled closer to the Gerudo King. "Kill him now, Great Ganondorf, before he grows in power."
"Pah!" Koume moved in closer as well. "Didn't we agree the boy would be useful? Did we not place the Stones' path before the princess? How foolish would it be to change our plans now?"
"Ungrateful wretch!" Kotake snarled back. "Did I teach you nothing? We must change our plans when events change! Great Ganondorf is right!" 'Great Ganondorf' rubbed his temples. Din, not again...
"You're heartless!" Koume wailed. "Why must you always lay everything on our boy? We can handle this false Kokiri orphan!"
"Enough," Ganondorf rumbled, standing. The two lowered and expanded their flight, bowing their heads slightly. "In the immediate matter, I agree with Kotake that we should adjust our plans regarding that child." He sighed as the four century old mistress of ice stuck her tongue out at her sister. "He defeated the Dodongo King and has reached the Zora throne. Arrogant brat though she may be, Ruto is more cunning than most give her credit for. She will use the boy well, a boy who has proven clever enough to defeat my Cavern puzzles. Nevertheless," he continued, and Koume perked up, "we shall not slay him, yet. To assassinate one child out of fear would show weakness."
Kotake slowed to a stop before the Gerudo King, eyes narrowing even further as she peered into his. "You're certain that is your only reason?" she rasped. "You wouldn't feel compassion or sympathy for the boy, a fellow orphan, would you?"
Ganondorf regarded the old sorceress for a moment. Then he casually backhanded her across the room. "You froze all the compassion and sympathy out of me long ago, witch," he said, his tone light and level. "You needn't fear on that score. It is simply that I have no intention of displaying cowardice over a ten year old kid."
Koume gulped in shock, but Kotake only laughed. "I'm proud of you, King Dragmire," Kotake cackled, levitating from the floor. "Yes, let our minions do the work. When he falls to a Stalfos, or perhaps Barinade, there will be no legend, only a foolish boy who didn't know his place."
Ganondorf nodded and strode from the room, leaving the witches to resume their argument. They did, of course, with depressing alacrity and venom. He dismissed the two from his mind, bending his thoughts to the far-too-clever Zelda and her diminutive would-be protector. No Stalfos will slay this boy, nor even Barinade, I think, the Gerudo decided. I will have to defeat him myself. Ganondorf smiled, an expression colder than Kotake's mightiest spell. When that day comes, he must be old enough that instead of disgust, Hyrule knows only despair. He laughed. "Yes, Link of the Kokiri, yet not of the Kokiri, grow clever and strong. Become the Hero of Hyrule. When I crush you, that will break the Sages all the more utterly for it!" His laughter continued as he marched forward to summon yet another phantom soul with which to create a monster...
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
High King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule turned the coin over and over in his hand. What he felt between his fingers was impossible, yet there it was: the Medallion of Light. The court murmured with concern. Sir Senza and Sir Zuko, the princess' official bodyguards, looked over her head at each other in concern, both men moving a step closer to her. "Where, daughter," he said, trying to tamp down his fear for his only child, "did you get this?"
"A Kokiri boy," Zelda said solemnly. Daphnes bit back a sigh. I'm proud of you, my child, he thought, but the king's throat still tightened. There had been a time that his daughter would have shown her emotions around her father. I've taught you too well, it seems. Daphnes shook off the feeling. Zelda would be a great queen. He could give her no more and serve his people properly.
"Kokiri?" Daphnes asked, instead of saying what he thought. "Kokiri cannot leave the forest. They wither immediately, and die within days." The diminutive Zuko scowled, while Senza made the Triforce symbol over his heart.
Zelda's eyes tightened. "He was raised Kokiri. He has a fairy companion, and the Great Deku Tree chose him. That he was born Hylian should make little difference, in light of...this," she said, holding out another wonder.
In spite of himself, Daphnes gasped, shifting in his seat. Half the court gasped far more loudly, however, covering his own gaffe nicely. "The Spiritual Stone of the Forest," he breathed. There could be no mistaking that gem, not for one of Hylian blood. He could feel the Stone's song ringing in his blood, his soul.
This was going to be a problem.
"Leave us," he said, waving the court away. As the shocked Lady Marie went through the more proper heraldic litany of dismissing the nobles and courtiers, Daphnes gestured for Zelda to step forward. Senza and Zuko withdrew with deep reluctance, leaving last save for the king's own guards. Zelda, meanwhile, obeyed, her Sheikah 'nanny' following loyally. "Impa," he said fondly once they were alone. "I do not recall making an exception for you."
Impa's lips twitched. You do not smile around me any more either, he mused, though it gladdened him that she came close today. "You bade me swear loyalty to your daughter, Your Majesty," Impa replied evenly. "Above even yourself, by your own command."
Daphnes nodded. "So I did, so I did," he agreed absently, thoughts returning to the magnificent Stone. "Then Great Deku has chosen a champion." Zelda nodded. "And said champion agrees with you that Ganondorf is dangerous." Again, Zelda nodded politely, but he noted his proper, respectful daughter starting to bounce on her toes. Daphnes himself fought back a smile. It was the most she would ever show, but her patience was starting to fray. Be a child, my princess, for just a little longer. He gestured to the step below the throne and stood. "Sit, Zelda."
Zelda blinked and approached the throne, bowing before taking a seat on the highest stair. She gasped as he sat down beside her, gently laying an arm around her shoulders. "Daddy..."
Daphnes nodded. "I know, Zelda. I have not done this in a long time. Too long, clearly." He glanced over one shoulder. Gods be good. Impa was smiling, now. It was a tiny thing, but there it was. Perhaps there is more I can give her after all. Confident he'd done the right thing, he leaned over slightly. "I know that Ganondorf is planning something. Darunia and Zora the Sixteenth are my friends, you know."
His daughter looked up at him in surprise. "Then why, father? Why did you dismiss me like...like..." she swallowed, then forced a polite expression to form. "Why did you act as if you thought my vision nothing but a dream?"
Daphnes sighed again. This is going to be difficult. He gestured at the banners. "Hylians. Gorons. Zoras. Dekus. Kokiri. The races of Hyrule have been fractious for centuries. The peace you have lived with your whole life, Zelda, is a recent and fragile one, and I am the first High King in a thousand years. Even the Gerudos and Sheikah are considered different races by most, not 'true' Hylians." Zelda frowned, but did not react otherwise. I am glad you are not so sheltered, the king thought, but I wish you did not have to see it. "If I can make peace with the Gerudo tribe, then only the Dekus will remain outside the law and justice of our ancestors, and they will not resist Hryule's writ for long."
"But father, if Ganondorf threatens our allies, how can you allow him to come here so freely?" Zelda asked. She shivered, and Daphnes caught a brief glimpse of what his goddess-gifted daughter saw, the dark clouds surrounding the Gerudo King, clouds hiding fierce, terrible flames.
"Zelda, sometimes it is more important to talk to one's enemies than one's friends." Daphnes hugged his daughter. She let out a tiny, shocked gasp. Far too long. "In public, I show him all the respect and honor due the Gerudo King, their strongest in five hundred years. Zelda, most Gerudo love their king. Aside from a rebellious 'lone wolf' and her adherents," he continued, chuckling at the contradiction, "where Ganondorf leads, they follow, without question or hesitation." His humor vanished as he remembered Darunia's most recent, desperate message. "In private, I have informed him in no uncertain terms that if he is responsible for the Gorons' food crisis or Jabu-Jabu's illness, I will show him that Gerudo are not the only Hylians who know how to fight."
Zelda's face flickered, a wide smile appearing and vanishing as if by Sheikah magic. He'd taught her the gravity of war, and even in the abstract, she clearly remembered her lessons well. "And the Great Deku Tree, father?"
Daphnes sighed. "I cannot bring the dead back to life." Zelda gasped at that, eyes wide, and tears glistened in them. He glanced down. "The boy did not tell you?" he asked, a bit surprised.
"N-no," Zelda replied, blinking. "Excuse me, father, I..."
"I am surprised you did not sense it," Daphnes said, regarding his daughter anew, then turning to the Spiritual Stone once more. There was a filter, of sorts, on the Stone. The ancient Tree had left this knowledge to his champion alone, but Daphnes was too well connected to those he'd made pacts with so long ago to have not felt the void. Impa simply regarded the pair with a raised eyebrow, but Daphnes knew that she'd been aware of it as well. #You cannot shelter her forever, Impa,# he sent to her mentally, grateful that his ability to 'path was not gone entirely.
#Zelda has burdens even you will never understand, my liege,# Impa replied quietly. #We hoped to ease those burdens a little longer.#
#Hmph. 'We?' You trust this boy quickly,# Daphnes shot back.
#I remember him,# Impa 'pathed simply. Daphnes kept his face neutral, but his mind reverberated with shock. #I am the Sage of Shadow. When the lad told me, I remembered it all. Another life, another world. Zelda will explain the specifics, but I tell you this true: even of those chosen to be Heroes, he shall be a legend among legends.# She paused. #And he loves Zelda with an intensity I did not think possible. He has died for her repeatedly, and will do so again if he must.#
Repeatedly? Daphnes thought, wondering how many times a body could handle fairy resurrection. As strong as she'd been, his own wife hadn't been able to survive the magic of the Gerudo witches. He still remembered her, burning and freezing at once, her strange, foreign armor shattered, leading the battle that broke the last Gerudo assault even as she was dying...he shook the memory aside. I cannot let myself grieve again, not now. If Impa could make her claim even remembering his golden Luda, then this boy must be extraordinary indeed. He returned his attention to Zelda, who was failing to hide her tears with a wipe from the back of her hand. For a moment, he'd thought the hand had glowed, but it had been a trick of the light, clearly. "Zelda, if my own awareness is accurate, the Great Deku Tree must have been dead before the boy ever reached you."
"It's just...not fair. He's been through so much." Zelda sniffled.
Daphnes handed her a kerchief. She wiped her face daintily, then blew her nose into it loudly. Again, he fought back a chuckle, but couldn't help a smile. "'He,' 'he,' you keep referring to this boy like some kind of phantom. Who is this super-child?"
Zelda's sorrow all but vanished, and she smiled up at him like the sun itself. "Link," she said.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
"Watch out!" Navi shouted.
Link circled the electrified monster, hefting the boomerang carefully. Well, this is different, he thought wryly. He dodged the thing as it spun at him again. It was almost exactly the same as before, but one small element was complicating the fight.
"Put me DOWN, you ugly beast!" Ruto howled, beating on the thing's...head, antenna, whatever it was that formed one of Barinade's topmost elements. She was distracting it rather nicely, but when Link used the Lens of Truth, he could see a magical force keeping her pinned to it. If he wasn't going to hurt the Zora princess, the young Hero was going to have to be careful with every throw.
Why couldn't have this been like the Dodongo Caverns? Link thought wearily. Jabu-Jabu was far more badly infected this time around than the poor old fish-god had been before -- and Link wasn't about to lose another guardian deity to Ganondorf.
The Caverns had been so easy...
"Still not very bright, are you?" Link laughed, running as fast as his stubby child's legs would carry him. Again, King Dodongo suffered an explosive case of indigestion. "Even kid-running is faster than you," he taunted as the monster bellowed in rage and pain. Again it pounded after the young Hero. Again Link ran for a sample of the 'Goron special crop.' "I just hope Darunia doesn't get overly excited again. Gods, he's more dangerous than you are." He turned as he hefted another bomb 'fruit.' "You think he'll try to hug me?" Link asked casually, tossing the explosive plant as the creature bellowed its wordless response.
Darunia had tried to hug him, of course.
Link dodged another spinning charge from the deadly anemone-thing, eyes narrowing as he focused. Mercifully, its whirling had caused its upper appendages to entangle, thanks to Ruto's presence. I really shouldn't be so glad that Ruto's dizzy too, he thought, grimacing as he let the boomerang fly. He smiled -- finally! he exulted, relieved -- as the weapon hit home and the monster fell over. Of course, the smaller beasts were swirling around it, but Link knew how that worked. He rolled past one, ran around the others, and leapt at the exposed body with his Kokiri blade.
"Hnn -- hnn -- hnn -- hey-AAH!" he roared, finishing his series of slashes with his trademark spin, unleashing a fiery ring of magical power. The creature began to shudder, its body withering. "Gotcha!" Link exulted, then gasped in horror. "Ruto!" He leaped over the parasite, driving his sword down and sending Navi with a thought to center his focus on his target. Guide my blade, Farore! the Hero prayed. If he missed that antenna...Link didn't want to think about what would happen to the Zora princess, no matter how tough she was.
He didn't miss.
Barinade thrashed for a moment, and Link forced the Iron Boots to appear on his legs -- he ignored the snapping sound, but he couldn't prevent tears from forming as his thigh bones broke neatly in the middle. His body held, though, Ruto's eyes going wide in sympathetic horror even as Barinade's tentacle-thing tore away where his sword had driven through it into the ground. He willed the boots to vanish, falling at Ruto's side and smiling through pain-born tears as he watched the beast's spectacular demise. "Are..." he exhaled in pain. "...are you all right?"
"Am I all right?! Stupid, crazy...what took you so long, anyway?" The princess grimaced as she knelt next to Link, examining his legs. "I hope you have a potion or a bottled fairy, because if we don't heal you in about five minutes, you're not walking for a while."
"I keep telling him," Navi sighed, darting into his pouch. A pink fairy emerged, immediately followed by Navi, and the pair swirled around his legs. Link stood slowly and cautiously, testing his legs carefully. His upper legs were still incredibly sore, and Link strongly suspected they would be for days, but at least they worked. "How can anyone be so lazy and so reckless at the same time?"
"Lazy?" Link shot back with a distinctly child-like pout. I'm ten, I can get away with it. "Tell that to Ganon."
"I didn't mean it like that," Navi said in a very small voice. Link's pout vanished. All at once, his heart fell into his boots. Din, Nayru and Farore. Navi's not still guilty about that fight in Ganondorf's Tower, is she? His fairy bond quickly disabused him of that notion.
#For the love of Nayru, Navi!# With a flash of inspiration, he shot a mental grin across their link. #How many times do you have to save my life before you realize how great you are?#
"Excuse me," Ruto said loudly. Link looked up, chagrined, but Navi was smiling again. "I was trying to thank you." The Hero just nodded at that, not trusting his voice just then. Ruto's idea of thanks hasn't changed. Give me Goron hugs any day. He blinked then, watching her expression change. It was...unreadable. Uh-oh. Link remembered the last time they'd been through this.
Familiar magic whirled around them. Link fell into the water all the same, Navi giggling as he splashed noisily into the river. "You..." Ruto said slowly, looking him over. "I guess you looked kind of cool." Her smile came slowly too, and this time he knew exactly what it was, sly and knowing. "Well, kind of. Anyway, you saved me, so I guess I'll reward you. What do you wish? Just tell me..."
Link licked his lips. He'd rather deal with Bongo Bongo again. Even with kid-running. "Ruto, I know you think I want the Spiritual Stone..." What drove him crazy was, for just a moment, he did. I must be losing my mind. Still, he looked at the confusion and pain slowly forming in her eyes, and his heart felt like Ganon had grabbed it. "Your Highness, please, listen to me. Ganondorf is trying to get into the Sacred Realm. We have to protect it."
Ruto's eyes cleared. Ganon's fist relented. "Oh! So you want me to hide the Spiritual Stone?"
Link exhaled in relied. "Exactly. Find somewhere even Ganondorf can't reach it. We'll need it many years from now, but if Ganondorf gets his sick hands on the Triforce..." the boy's eyes clouded over. He saw Castle Town in ruins, overrun by ReDead. He saw a boiling pit of lava where Zelda's home had been, that obscene Tower hovering over it. He saw Zelda herself, hovering helplessly in a pink crystal (Pink...why pink? the Hero wondered for the hundredth time), watching in horror as he approached the King of Evil.
He returned to the present, such as it was, with a shock. Ruto's hand was on his arm. It was a look he'd never seen on her before -- sympathy. Genuine sympathy. "Love of Nayru...what happened to you?"she asked quietly.
Link forced a smile and put his hand over hers. "One day, you'll find the right man to give your Stone to," he said. Ruto, much to his satisfaction, was speechless. "When you do, make sure you tell him to treat you right, or the Hero of Time will kick his butt from one end of history to the other." With that, he gave the stunned princess a quick peck on the cheek and swam away as fast as he could.
Yeah. The Dodongo Caverns were definitely easier. All Brother Darunia did was crack a few ribs.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Zelda smiled at the young Hero's apprehension. Holding his hand, she guided him through the narrow secret tunnel, her wimple brushing the ceiling. "It's all right, Link," she whispered. "Just keep your voice down."
"You hear that, Navi?" Link whispered behind him. Navi razzed him, but she, too, was quiet about it. "Uh, Zelda, why are we doing this again?"
"To keep an eye on the Royal Council," Zelda explained patiently. "Well, more of an ear, really, but you know what I mean." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze and tugged him slowly along. "I think you made an impression on King Zora. That letter he sent really got Father's attention."
She felt Link grow solemn. "That's a relief." He padded a little faster. "So what difference does this council make?"
"The Royal Council is more than just a collection of advisors," Zelda explained. "They're all empowered to act on the Crown's behalf in their respective fields, and have considerable authority in their own right. While the king can overrule the Council, sometimes it's a dangerous thing to do, politically." She bit her lip. "And it acts as Regent if something happens to Father before I turn 27."
"That means they're in charge, right?" Link asked softly.
"For the most part," the princess admitted reluctantly. "Certain powers devolve to the Royal Heir -- that means I get them -- when either Father grants me a seat or the Council votes me in, but they can overrule me in several areas until I reach the three-filled age." Zelda glanced back to see Link raising an eyebrow at that. "Three to the third power -- twenty-seven."
"Oh. Numerology." Link nodded ruefully. "Mido gave me the worst time about that. I'm good at normal math, but the sympathetic correspondences just don't stick."
Zelda waved him down. "Sh, we're here." She entered the small, domed room and peered through the familiar stained glass window, the Triforce surrounded by the three Creators. The Hero stretched in relief as he came in. Zelda smiled once more when Link stared in wonder at the minor Light Charm above them. "This illuminates the room below. Come up here, and look through the center of the Triforce symbol." The princess climbed to a well-worn wooden beam, and Link obeyed, following her. He gasped as they stared, the whole of the room visible to them as if by magic. It's only clever refraction, she thought with a grin, but I can tell him that later.
The Councillors filed in, radiating varying levels of authority and dignity. Zelda watched her friend more than the advisors and nobles, knowing each by heart. "They all seem really different," Link said slowly.
Zelda nodded. "Father believes that one receives better advice from a wide variety of perspectives," she explained, though her eyes narrowed as she locked onto Lady Veran. "On the other hand, some perspectives do have more merit than others."
"Is that, um..." Link began slowly.
"A no-good stuck-up snob who thinks that being Queen would be a step down from what she 'truly deserves?'" Zelda said caustically, pointing at Veran. "That would be Lady Veran, representing the nobility. Officially, she advises Father on the current state of the aristocracy, both acting as their voice and aiding the king in dealing with their unique politics." The princess scowled. "In truth, she schemed her way onto the Council. I believe Father permitted it to keep a closer watch on her."
"'Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer,'" Link whispered. Zelda blinked at him in surprise. "It's a Gerudo saying. I never liked it, but it does make a sad kind of sense."
"Actually, it's Sheikah," Zelda replied quietly. For some reason, Link chuckled at that. "The man next to her, in the armor, is Lord General Onox," she continued. "He's ambitious too, and a real stickler for tradition, but at least he's honest about it."
"Why's he wearing armor to a meeting?" Link asked dubiously.
The princess shook her head. "Tradition," she drawled. "Anyway, on Veran's other side is Lady Pompie. Ruto calls her Lady Pompous," Zelda added with a chuckle, "but she's really just kind of a busybody. That's her job, though; with Impa as busy as she is, Lady Pompie is in charge of Hyrule's information network, and she's better at it than she looks." She giggled at that. "Zuko says it's because she's the kingdom's greatest gossip." Link chuckled in response.
Again the princess pointed. "That's Lady Mila next to her," Zelda snorted. "Lady Veran maneuvered her onto the council too. Not that she's bad at what she does -- Father would never put up with incompetence -- but as advisor on foreign relations, she's best known for her ability to," Zelda paused, wrinkling her nose, "um, 'charm' certain people."
"What kind of people?" Link asked innocently. Navi giggled.
Zelda stuck out her tongue. "Men." The Hero blinked and looked up at Navi, who fell onto his shoulder, holding her belly as she laughed. Link let out a long-suffering sigh. "On the other side of Onox is Lord Jovani," Zelda continued quickly. "He's the Court Exchequer. Jovani lives for money." Strangely, Link sighed sadly at that. "It makes him very good at his job, though, and he is loyal to Father."
"Who's that?" Link asked suddenly, pointing at a tall, broad, imposing Hylian with a thick white beard. "He looks like a wizard."
"Impressive," Zelda replied cheerfully. "That's Master Lenzo, and he's one of the greatest wizards in the world. You can guess what he advises Father on." Link nodded emphatically. "He's also experimenting with enchantment. Among other things, he invented the Light Charm." She pointed at their illumination, which Link watched warily for a second. "Next to him, the shorter fellow with the goggles? That's Lord Bandam, but he tells everyone to call him 'Doc.' He's, well, he's not a witch, but he's a fantastic potion brewer. What people used to call an 'alchemist.' He advises Father on healing and brewing, but he's really more of an 'at large' Councillor."
"What makes him not a witch?" Link asked, puzzled.
The princess looked at Link with deep consideration. "Well, he can't cast spells." Link's so smart, and he knows so many things some people envy, but sometimes it's like he's from a whole other world. "I'll explain that later. They're getting started." Link nodded. "The last two are actually the most important. Mistress Agitha is the Court Chronicler, she's been around almost forever, and sometimes it's like she knows everything about Hyrule's laws and history. She's also really, really nice -- but don't get her started on bugs!" She chuckled, pointing at the large book the older woman carried. There was a pretty enameled ladybug on the cover. Finally, Zelda directed Link to the even older man walking beside Daphnes as they entered. "And that's Master Potho. He's officially the representative of and advisor on commoners, but he's also Father's closest ally and most trusted confidant." She settled back and watched, Link instantly picking up the hint and giving the meeting his full attention.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
"...Council is now officially in session," Mistress Agitha said. "By His Majesty's leave, please be seated." Everyone sat slowly and formally, the king first and Agitha last. Link kicked his feet idly, the only thing he was aware of besides the Council being Zelda and Navi. Wow.
"So," Onox said the instant Agitha had settled in. "I cannot say I am pleased with how certain matters have been handled, but what is done is done, and we now know that the Gerudos are a threat." He held up his mailed hand and made a shaking fist. "When do we strike?"
Daphnes cleared his throat pointedly. "We do not, Lord General," the king rumbled. "While we can no longer tolerate King Dragmire's actions, I would avoid open war if at all possible."
"Pah," Onox scoffed. "The Gerudo women are skilled warriors, true, but few in number. Give me a week, Your Majesty, and I will--"
"Find yourself bottled up in the narrow pass leading to their fortress," Daphnes replied mildly. "Unless you have found a sky ship in the course of your duties, Onox, we are not attacking the most defensible position in the known world." The general grunted and folded his arms, but didn't reply.
"While your point is all too valid, Your Majesty," Lenzo said, "especially when we take the Gerudo King's personal wizardry into account, we cannot permit these affronts to go unanswered. Perhaps your sky ship comment has some truth to it."
"You've rediscovered those ancient secrets?" Daphnes asked with a gentle grin. Several Councillors chuckled. Link leaned forward excitedly, but slumped when Lenzo scowled.
"I did not mean that we could literally use sky ships, Your Majesty," Lenzo harrumphed, "but where magic is the question, magic is typically the answer. Some hypotheses, if you will: one, the defensibility of the pass works both ways, two, while the Gerudo leaders are vastly powerful sorcerers, they have few mages while we have many, and three, if your daughter is correct, we have the heir to the Master Sword in reserve."
Link swallowed, but found odd comfort in Zelda's sudden grip of his hand. Then again, he ground his teeth when Veran laughed. He couldn't tell if it was mocking, dismissive, or something of both, but the Hero knew he didn't like it. "A ten year old peasant?" she asked in a parody of good cheer. "How quaint. Perhaps we could ask Ganondorf to stoop to the boy's, ahem, level the next time he visits." Zelda hissed, then smiled coolly at the sight of her father's unamused glare. "In all seriousness," Veran continued in a more subdued tone, "I gather that if the lad could draw the Blade from its resting place at his current age, he would have."
"You're a sorceress," Lenzo said with a faint rumble. "You should understand the Laws of Sympathy and Attraction. He is bound to the Power to Repel Evil, caught up in it by temporal threads and raw bravery." Link rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "That Power flows through him, if in admittedly diminished measure."
"Yeah," 'Doc' Bandam cut in. "I bet that with a little work, we could come up with a few things to even the odds."
Lady Mila sniffed. "Will someone please tell me," she said in a high, delicate tone, "that we are not seriously considering trusting the defense of Hyrule to a half-pint nobody from the Lost Woods."
"Of course not," Potho rasped testily, "but we are discussing his value in its defense. Need I remind you, young Lady Mila, that this boy, at barely a third your age, has already defeated the dreaded Gohma, obliterated the feared King Dodongo with almost pathetic ease, and rescued Princess Ruto herself from an unspeakable horror within the depths of mighty Jabu-Jabu?"
"Indeed," King Daphnes agreed with a deep chuckle.
Mila paled and fanned herself weakly. "Th-this entire discussion b-borders on the farcical." The noblewoman took a deep breath and visibly composed herself. "Surely we can find some way to placate this Gerudo King without allowing him to overrun Hyrule proper."
The king became serious in a flash. "I never said we were going to placate this tyrant, Lady Mila. That is even less acceptable than war, I fear." He glanced around the table. "As for the lad, whatever his merits, Link is secondary to the central issue here. Has anyone advice on how to deal with King Dragmire himself that does not involve a full-scale invasion of the legendary Gerudo Fortress, or exposing our throats to a rabid wolf?"
The councillors muttered among themselves for almost a minute, but no one answered the king. Eventually, they all fell silent. Daphnes sighed heavily, then swept narrowed eyes across them all save Agitha and Potho, who were on either side of him. "You are all dismissed." He waved them off.
Agitha rattled off some formal litany informing the lot they could rise and leave, which they did in knots. Wait, that can't be good, Link thought with foreboding when he noticed Veran and Onox whispering together as they left. Then he caught the king place a hand on Potho's arm. Agitha giggled girlishly, nodding to Potho, then strode after the others. "Old friend, have you any suggestions now that Veran and her coterie are gone?" Daphnes asked quietly.
"Alas, no," Potho admitted with deep reluctance. "I wish I could say that I was holding a cunning plan in reserve, but this time, I am simply at a loss." The elderly Hylian rested heavily against the great round table, running a finger along the wood's grain. "In nearly three centuries, I have simply never seen a threat like unto this Gerudo King." He chuckled bleakly. "His predecessors did not last long. Twinrova found them...less than useful."
"Hm." Daphnes rubbed his chin from beneath his beard. "Gerudo do seem to live rather shorter lives than most Hylians." He looked up, and for a moment Link felt like the king's eyes found him. "Perhaps another perspective is called for. Zelda?"
Link bounced nervously, but Zelda frantically clamped her hand over the Hero's mouth and put a finger to her lips. "Coming, Father," she called lightly, letting the Hero go and gesturing again for him to remain silent. The princess then carefully pulled open the Triforce of Wisdom panel, which turned on a well-hidden hinge, and dropped down gently to the table. "You wished to see me, sir?"
"Hear from you, to be precise," Daphnes said, eyes twinkling, "but that was the general idea, yes." He sat, and she walked innocently across the table to Agitha's chair and sat beside him. Link could barely see his friend past the table and the king, and squirmed along the rafter for a better look.
His Majesty peered at the table and sank slightly, suddenly looking very mortal. "My psychic talents have weakened abominably over the last decade, but I yet have enough clairvoyance to see a glimpse of the world my folly created the first time this history played out." He straightened, then, strength returning. Daphnes smiled at his daughter with distant pride. "I did not listen to you then. That is a mistake I will not make now. Have you any notions on how to navigate the rocks of Onox's insanity and Mila's cowardice?"
"Confront him," Zelda replied instantly. "Gather the entire court for his next visit, and make them see his power and evil with their own eyes." She bit her lip, and Link could almost feel his friend kicking her feet nervously under the table. "Make sure you have the best knights and wizards by your side. I am certain he will reveal his true intentions once you throw them in his face, but I fear he might not stop there." The princess looked up into her father's eyes with concern. "You do know Nayru's Love, don't you, Father?"
"I do not," Daphnes admitted reluctantly. Zelda gasped. "Don't you worry, my dear. There are several brave sorcerers in the court who do." He chuckled, the princess nodding to herself reluctantly. "And I imagine that we would have to lock your powerful young friend in the deepest dungeon to keep him away from this confrontation."
"Even that probably wouldn't be enough." She smiled shyly, if a bit sadly. "He's come a very long way to see to this. I imagine he'll want to protect us, even if we'd rather he remain safe." Believe it, Link thought fiercely.
Daphnes nodded, chuckling again for a moment -- then came to a dead stop and glanced at Zelda sharply. "He will not need to protect 'us,' my daughter. You will watch from the safety of the Sheikah passages with Impa."
"Father!" Zelda insisted. Link exhaled in relief. For once, she's not going to win; for once, I'm glad of it.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
"...telling you, he does so have a girlfriend!" Sir Senza insisted
"Jovani?!" Zuko laughed dismissively, patting his friend on the ribs. Probably because he can't reach Senza's shoulder, Zelda thought reasonably. "The only thing that guy loves besides money is his cat. Not that anyone who treats his cat right is all bad, mind you..."
"Then who's that woman he's been meeting at night in the tavern?" Senza said stubbornly. Zuko just laughed again. "Well?"
"How about a merchant? Or a tax collector? He's in charge of the lot of 'em, maybe you remember," Zuko pointed out, then noticed the wimple-clad princess at the Council chamber doors. "Drop it, it's Zelda."
Senza released his thousandth or so long-suffering sigh, then bent a respectful knee to the girl before them, lowering his head. "As always, Little Princess, at your service, miss," he said formally, then looked up and smiled, a twinkle in his eye.
"Oh get up, Senza," Zelda replied briskly, half-motioning, half-nudging him upright. The big knight nodded and obeyed, still grinning.
Sir Zuko rolled his eyes. "You know Senza, Your Highness." He bowed perfunctorily, yet still with respect. "To the garden, then?"
"In a moment," the princess replied happily. "My Hero must join us first."
She grimaced -- at least I hope it looks more like a grimace than a pout, Zelda thought -- when Zuko laughed abrasively. "A Hero! Capital-H and everything! Ya hear that, Senza?" The short bodyguard nudged Senza just above the belt with his elbow. "I think I'm jealous!"
Senza's smile vanished then, and he nudged Zuko in kind, on top of the shorter man's head with his palm. "Leave off, Zuko, Link's a good kid."
"Good?" Zuko laughed even harder, eyes bulging slightly as he all but wheezed. "He killed that Barinade thing and rescued Princess Ruto! I'd call that a little more than 'good,' Senza." Zelda's sour expression vanished with her mood, becoming mild chagrin. Oh. Yeah. Zuko. "I just figure the gods oughta be able to find someone a little...I dunno..." he waved up and down at Senza.
"Taller?" the larger knight asked mildly, the corners of his mouth quirking ever so slightly. Zelda forced herself not to giggle.
Zuko scowled up at his partner. "Watch it," he snapped. "I meant older, you know, maybe a bit more experience." He shrugged then, his temper ebbing quickly. "Funny you should mention it, though. There's not a lot of people who know better'n me not to judge a book by its cover." He looked at the princess. "You trust him, right?" Zelda merely raised an eyebrow at the knight. "Then that's pretty much it."
"I must've missed the part where we disagreed," Senza said with a chuckle.
"That's not my fault," Zuko shot back with a sly grin. While the bigger knight was scratching his head at that, Link jogged up.
"S-Sorry," Link gasped, leaning on his knees and panting. "I still get turned around in this place." He looked up at Zelda. "It's so...big!"
Taking Link's hand, the princess nodded with mock-severity. "Castles can be like that." Then she smiled and tugged him along, Senza and Zuko quickly falling into place behind the pair. "Now, I promised you an explanation."
"Uh, you don't have to--" Navi began.
Link glanced up. "Sh, Navi."
The fairy 'hmmph'ed and ducked under his hat. "Glutton," Navi grumped. Zelda slowed and glanced back raising an eyebrow. "You should've seen him the first time we got out of the Kokiri Forest," Navi explained. Link merely grinned, and for once it wasn't remotely sheepish. "It's a good thing we were trying to save the world when he found his first library, or none of us would have ever seen him again."
"That's not true!" Link insisted. "It's much more fun to learn about stuff for yourself!" He picked up his pace a touch to keep up with Zelda more comfortably. "Besides, it's like Navi said -- we didn't really have a lot of time to read. I wouldn't have even gone fishing if it weren't for some of the other stuff you can get there. Could get." Link shrugged. "You know."
Zelda nodded back absently. "Well, you don't have to worry about that now." She didn't bite or lick her lip, but it was an effort. Gods, please let us not have to worry about that. "Anyway, mages. 'Mage' is what we call anyone with the ability to use their innate mana." Link nodded. "Okay. A psychic is someone who can 'resonate' with their mana to create specific kinds of magical effects, like clairvoyance or telepathy or mind over matter."
"Why only certain effects?" Link asked, curiosity rippling through both voice and demeanor.
"We don't know," Zelda admitted, "but I think it's kind of like why you can't get a lute to sound like an ocarina. Strings just don't sound like flutes." She squeezed Link's hand gently. "You are a sorcerer. That's someone who can expend her -- or his -- mana to cast spells. That's the disadvantage; the advantage is that sorcerers can do a lot of things a psychic can't. No psychic can become invulnerable, no matter how powerful your kinetic, mind over matter, powers are."
"What do you call someone who can do both, like you?" Link asked immediately.
"That's a wizard." Zelda beamed proudly, though she shyly ducked her head a little as well. "Wizards can learn to do all kinds of things psychics or sorcerers can't. Only wizards can create real enchantments, and they can mimic spells they know, on a smaller scale, with a psychic effect." She held out a hand. "Like this." Forming a tiny ball of Din's Fire, she threw it at an unlit torch on the wall. The torch burst weakly into flames. Link whistled appreciatively. "I'm not very strong with it yet," Zelda admitted, "but I'm learning."
"Do you think I could learn?" Link asked enthusiastically.
The princess chuckled. "With your power level? Are you kidding?" She grinned at him. "I bet you'll make a great wizard."
Link coughed and rubbed the back of his neck. Aww. "And a witch?"
"A witch is a sorcerer who also knows how to brew potions," Zelda explained. "Technically, if someone is a psychic, a sorcerer and a brewer--"
"Alchemist," Senza put in automatically. Then he ducked his head. "Apologies, Little Princess." Zelda just smiled indulgently.
Zuko, meanwhile, snorted. "No one calls 'em that any more," he insisted.
"Doctor Bandam does," Sir Senza replied, "and he is one."
"Doc Bandam's a few bolts sort of a carriage," the smaller knight quipped back, crossing his arms. "Brighter than a castle-size bonfire, but his boat's a little leaky, if ya follow."
Zelda cleared her throat gently. Both men clamped their jaws shut, but glanced at each other meaningfully. They're going to start up again as soon as we get to the garden, Zelda thought, not quite exasperated. "The term 'alchemist' is quite archaic. A handful of scientifically-minded brewers led by the good Doctor are trying to revive it. Since most potion-makers are also sorcerers, it's really not important, usually."
The Hero chuckled. "Unless you've got an important Lord and Council member who cares about it," he pointed out gently.
"You do learn fast," Zelda said. I guess he had to, she thought, a touch sad at the notion.
"Anyway," Link said shyly, "psychic, sorcerer and alchemist?"
The princess grinned again. "Old-fashioned, huh? Anyone who masters all three is an archmage, but we haven't had one of those since forever." She shrugged as the light from the garden flowed through the door ahead. "Although I think Koume and Kotake are, and just hide the psychic part." She wrinkled her nose. "They really give witches a bad name."
"I believe it," Link agreed solemnly. "They didn't seem to be having any..." He coughed and turned considerable attention on a nearby lily when Zuko looked at him as if suddenly spotting a black widow, while Senza's eyes all but popped out. "...I mean..."
"Oh, don't worry about these two," Zelda said brightly, then glared at Zuko sternly. What's the matter with you? she thought, finally reaching exasperation. The leathery warrior leaned casually against the wall, but didn't look away or seem apologetic. Senza, on the other hand, swallowed and followed Link's example with a butterfly. "I'm sure they understand that I trust you completely." She added a bit of fire to her glare. Zuko didn't even flinch. Sear him.
With a huff, the princess returned to Link's side. "Anyway, since we have a little time, I guess we can continue your education." Link sat down instantly, looking up at her eagerly. Zelda's good humor returned, especially when Senza and Zuko leaped at the sound of a tiny explosion. "Hello, Impa," she said without turning.
"Your Highness," Impa replied evenly. Zelda turned then, catching the last part of a bow. "Senza, Zuko." They nodded to Impa and left, immediately picking up their alchemist argument where they'd left off. "So, Link, what do you wish to know?"
Link started to respond, but stopped before he said anything. Zelda giggled when he scrunched up his face. "That's Impa," the princess said.
"I guess," Link replied resignedly. "Well, in for a green, in for a red. I'm worried abo--"
"In for a what?" Zelda asked.
The Hero froze, mouth half-open. Impa strode over. "The first lesson is for you, it seems," she said, sitting cross-legged to face them both equally. "It is a phrase which means that if you have already taken a risk or become involved with something in which you cannot truly lose any more than you already will, you might as well throw yourself into it fully -- wager everything, so to speak -- in the hopes of winning more completely."
Zelda frowned seriously. "It's metaphoric, then." Impa nodded. "Yet the comparison seems weak. If you stand to lose one rupee, why would you want to risk twenty because the odds of losing are considerable?"
"If losing the 'one rupee' will somehow place you beyond the point of no return," Impa explained. She smiled faintly. "It is a colloquialism, Zelda. You're expecting too much logic."
Link grinned as well. "Well, she does bear th--" he paused, clearing his throat, "um, it's a wisdom thing." When both ladies moved to speak, he held up his hands. "Please. Ganondorf?"
"Oh," Zelda said quietly. "Yes." Impa nodded in agreement. Her Hero slowly grew a fixed, determined look. And what are you thinking, Hero? the princess immediately wondered. Whatever it is, I'm not sure I'll like it...
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
"With all due respect, Your Majesty," Ganondorf began, not quite gritting his teeth.
"I find, King Dragmire," King Nohansen replied dryly, "that when someone begins a sentence with those words, 'due respect' is typically the farthest thing from their minds." A handful of courtiers chuckled. Most of the nobles muttered among themselves nervously. Lenzo flexed his hands warily.
"I am attempting," Ganondorf said, narrow eyes almost literally burning with fury, "to remain polite, King Nohansen. You are making that difficult." He clenched his fist, and his two Gerudo warriors padded up to just behind him on either side. As one, the Hylian knights slowly, quietly rested their hands on their swords. The soldiers gripped their spears more tightly. "I am unaccustomed to others making my work difficult."
I shouldn't be enjoying this so much, a quiet observer thought with glee. ...on second thought, I've earned it.
"Now you see," Daphnes said in an almost friendly tone, "it is odd that you should bring up this topic, as it is the very matter I wished to discuss with you." He leaned forward, Elder Darunia and a Zora diplomat emerging from doors to either side of the Hylian king. Ganondorf's expression flattened slightly, but he did not otherwise react. "I have been given to understand that someone has been making your work difficult." Nohansen's mouth twitched. "A boy of ten, dressed like a Kokiri and accompanied by a fairy, but with Hylian ears, according to the reports."
Ganondorf shrugged nonchalantly. "No child has ever been a problem to me."
"Ah," Daphnes continued, "and yet my Brother here claims you had a pet in his Caverns, one slain by this boy." The King of Hyrule leaned forward, humor vanishing instantly. "A 'pet' that was threatening his people with starvation. The Zoras tell a similar tale, mind you, one of horrific monsters infesting their guardian Jabu-Jabu." At this point, the king had made a fist of his own, one trembling with an air of barely-contained fury. "Would you like to know," he said in a very quiet voice, and the king's oldest allies began to edge away from the throne, "what this boy says you did to the Great Deku Tree?" At that, even court decorum gave way to quiet, frightened murmuring.
Ganondorf's facade melted away, and he smiled as he had at Zelda several days ago. "No doubt he told you that the Great Deku Tree was cursed with a spell strong enough to kill even that mighty god of the woodlands." Several nobles gasped. One young man fainted, a lady knight catching him and fanning him worriedly. Is that Lord Shad? the silent observer wondered. Sir Ashei has him, he decided, returning his full attention to the kings.
"Though I cannot imagine accusing this boy of lying after the service he has given my Sworn Brother and royal Zora cousin," Daphnes said, his edged voice nearly a whisper, "I would give you a chance to explain yourself."
Ganondorf's smile turned into a mask of fury. "Explain myself? Explain myself! You fatuous fool! Have you the slightest idea of the power you invite destruction from?!" Dark fire gathered in his hand, and he floated into the air. Hylian warriors sprang into action, surrounding both kings immediately. The Gerudo women drew their swords, their faces impassive. "I am the Mandrag Heir!" Everyone around him except his guards gasped in horror. "I am the master of the Twinrova sorceries! I am Ganondorf Dragmire, you grassland weakling, and you live on my sufferance!"
Daphnes rose, and two of the nobles who had backed away now came to his side, swords drawn. Master Lenzo's hands came up, each glowing azure. "I am not the magical genius my daughter is," the king said evenly, "but you can be assured that I am not so weak as that."
Ganondorf's smile returned, more cruel than ever. "Oh, so? Then prove it! DIN'S FIRE!" He threw the ball of shadow and flame at the king. A flare of something else, foul and cruel, threw Lenzo back, leaving the great wizard stunned.
Daphnes' eyes widened. He started to bring up his sword, magic coursing through it. Hylian soldiers threw themselves in front of the burst of power, and fell screaming.
He's not going to be in time! "Nayru's LOVE!" a boy's voice echoed, and a blue rocket appeared in front of the king and his friends. The ball struck the boy, who likewise screamed and fell.
"LINK!" Zelda cried out from above, and Impa was there at his side instantly, needle-blades between every finger. The last Sheikah looked up at Ganondorf, and Link couldn't help but be astonished at the sheer hatred on her face.
"I'm all right," Link groaned as he rose. He forced himself not to look up towards Zelda. "Nayru's Love may protect you from harm, but you still feel it," the Hero explained, then grinned triumphantly at Ganondorf. "Isn't that right, Your Majesty?"
"He had you behind the throne," Ganondorf rumbled. Link's eyes danced as he bowed in defiant acknowledgment. "So you're the boy Kotake fears so much."
"Kotake?" Link scowled. "That evil old sorceress is still around?"
"Still going strong at almost four hundred," Ganondorf said with a sly smile, and Link kicked himself roundly. You haven't fought them yet, you idiot, Link swore at himself, Navi sighing at him from under his hat, and you just told the King of Evil you know one of his moms. Brilliant. He drew his Kokiri sword. Ganondorf laughed at him. "Very well. Today is yours." Shadows swirled around the Gerudo monarch and his two guards. "Tomorrow, however...tomorrow is MINE!" He laughed darkly as the three Gerudo vanished.
Daphnes exhaled. Link grimaced as he turned, trying not to let the awful smell get to him. If I'd been just a little faster... he thought sadly, but Daphnes shook his head. "You saved more than one life today, my lad," he said wearily as he all but fell back into his throne. "You can't save everyone."
"I can try," Link replied evenly, sheathing his blade and bowing. "Your Majesty, I would like the help of whatever spellcasters and knights you can spare. I have a friend who's going to need my help." He waddled over halfway to Lenzo, but a courtier was already helping the Councillor up.
"You mean Nabooru, don't you, Brother?" Darunia asked. Link looked up in surprise. "I remembered everything when you called me the Sage of Fire. Useful, wouldn't you say?"
"Yeah, no kidding," Link said, sagging in relief. It's nice to know I'm not alone. He blinked. Hey, wait a minute... He turned to Impa. "Did you..."
Impa regarded the Hero calmly. "You never asked."
"Hmph. Remind me to talk to Zelda about you." For a moment, Link thought he saw a smile in Impa's eyes, and several nobles laughed, King Nohansen among them. Link gasped and bowed to the king. "Forgive my familiarity, Your Majesty. It's just...I know these people. It's complicated."
"Matters involving the Temple of Time usually are," Daphnes replied with a friendly air. He grew serious again. "Go, then. Save your friend. Afterwards, however, I wish to speak with you at length." The king glanced at Impa. "You as well, old friend." The Sheikah nodded in a way that was as much a bow as any courtier's flourishing.
Darunia, two knights, a court wizard, and much to Link's surprise, Impa, came to stand next to him. "Everybody hold on," Link said as he pulled forth the Fairy Ocarina Saria had given him. "This is probably going to be ugly." He played the Requiem of Spirit, and the familiar swirling magic flowed around them. In seconds, they were gone.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Zelda paced furiously in her chambers. That does it. This time, I am going to order her to train me in...in... The princess sat down at her desk and lowered her head. She'd threatened Impa with a royal command more than once. Impa always did the same thing: she smiled that tiny, secret little smile of hers and said, "You could do that, Your Highness, but then you would not have earned it."
Zelda very dearly wanted to earn her Sheikah training.
Idly, she picked up a quill and made her secret gesture, one even Impa didn't know, and summoned her diary. Another gesture caused the quill to call ink to its point from the inkwell, and she meticulously detailed the events of the past several days. Nayru. I haven't written in my diary once since then. Since Link.
Who is he? She licked her lips, focusing on writing the facts first. That was how she wrote every entry, data first, analysis and emotion afterward. Why is he so determined to protect me? For the first time, she was having a hard time of it; her emotions kept demanding her attention. What is that...that look in his eyes? Zelda forced herself to remain disciplined. To analyze, to understand, one must first know what information one has...and what one lacks, she reminded herself. Zelda's pen obeyed her will, but her thoughts kept returning to Link, to his eyes. Din Herself could not radiate more power.
Zelda stopped writing. She put the quill down, inhaled, exhaled. Focus. Control. Mastery of self is the first mastery. All other mastery flows from... Forcing herself to be gentle, she placed the quill back in its case. She did not throw the quill or the case across the room, scream in epic frustration, or collapse on her desk crying. Impa would never forgive herself. It was hard enough to convince her to go with Link when I didn't even know when he'd leave or where he was going. She chuckled wryly. Even I'm not sure how I knew he would need her.
Oh. Of course. I'm worried. Zelda frowned at the thought. Father always insisted that Darunia was one of the mightiest Goron warriors alive, with only the legendary Biggoron (imaginative name, she thought uncharitably) being stronger. Impa was, of course, Impa. As for Link...Zelda licked her lips again. Din burn me, she cursed at herself, gritting her teeth, and reached for her lip gloss. Gods, how I hate makeup. Carefully, she repaired the damage her nervous habit had done. Normal children didn't have to wear voluminous pink dresses and apply powder to their faces. Normal children didn't have spend their days learning courtly grace and courtly intrigue.
And normal children don't have to fight the most powerful wizard in a thousand years. Zelda carefully placed the beeswax cylinder back in its box and meticulously cleaned her hands of the residue. She knew full well that normal children had to worry about the crops coming in, and raiders attacking while the army was on a different border, and bullies and weather and a thousand other troubles great and small Zelda would never have to concern herself with. It wasn't herself she was upset over. He knows the Three Spells. He's triumphed over undead monsters, giant dodongos and evil parasites that laid low even the earthly gods. She noticed her hands trembling and forced them to still themselves. Link -- will -- be -- fine!
Finally, Zelda threw up her hands, stood, and paced again. "Fine! I'm upset! I'm allowed to be once in a while!" she blurted, storming across her room. Not to mention guilty, some corner of her mind added. Never mind that it had been another Zelda in another time that had led Link down his particular road, that Ganondorf's lust for power was the true force behind their troubles, and that even if the notion of a ten year old princess traveling to the Gerudo Desert was not insanity, Impa and Link would have gone mad worrying over her. In defiance of all good sense, Zelda still felt responsible for the danger the Kokiri-raised child was facing.
"Your Highness?" Sir Senza asked in his gentle voice, question coming in time with a gentle knock. "Are you all right, Little Princess?"
"Oh, yeah, Senza, she's fine," Zuko replied caustically. "That's why she's yelling at the top of her lungs while she's alone in her room."
"No, it's okay, really," she called back quickly. "I'm just a little worried, that's all." The two knights murmured something resembling an acknowledgment and returned to their quiet chatter. Zelda could have listened with a little effort, but as always, preferred to leave them their privacy.
There was a muffled explosion and a puff of smoke, and Impa appeared in her room, new lines etched in her face. "Zelda?" she called.
Zelda 'tched' at Impa and guided the Sheikah firmly to a chair. "For the love of Nayru, Impa, the only thing I've had to worry about is you lot," she said in exasperation. "Is everyone all right?"
Impa smiled faintly and nodded. "Your Link is a living whirlwind, you know."
"He's not 'my' Link," Zelda insisted. "If the remaining Sage is safe, then his work is done." She looked up at Impa, eyes wavering. "The Sage of Spirit is safe, isn't she?"
Impa snorted. "Yes, though not through any fault of her own. Apparently, the stubborn fool woman would rather have been captured by the twin sorceresses than 'abandon' her people." Zelda's bodyguard shook her head. "I was considering taking her myself when Kotake solved the problem for me by binding her in bands of ice. Link distracted Kotake with a Deku Nut flash, Darunia gathered Nabooru under one arm, I introduced Koume to a dozen or so of my knives, and we all fled back to the Temple of Time thanks to the boy's miraculous Ocarina."
Zelda dropped herself into her chair in relief. "Everyone's okay, then?"
Impa nodded, pulling a flask from fairy space and taking a long draught. "We were lucky. That, and we had the boy with us. Rusl suffered some minor burns, but Link threw himself between the knight and Koume's second blast. Summoned the Mirror Shield to his back, which just happened to redirect the blast at Kotake."
Zelda grinned in spite of herself. "Yes, of course. Pure luck. Had to be."
"You needn't worry about him, Zelda," Impa said quietly. Zelda kept her face as still as she could, but she felt her eyebrows go up all the same. "If you had not stated outright that the boy was Hylian, I would have believed him the Kokiri champion, perhaps blessed by the Great Deku Tree himself."
"I wouldn't be surprised if he was blessed by the Great Deku, Impa," Zelda replied, looking at her hands in her lap, "and I don't think I could stop worrying about him if I was the Sage of Time herself--"
The world seemed to slow down. Impa's eyes widened, and Zelda's protector started to rise from her chair, but with each passing moment her movements were as through an ever-thickening bog. A ghostly mist began to rise around Zelda, but as the princess rose in alarm, the mist solidified into what looked like mirrors, and the world fell away to reveal an endless blue sky decorated with gentle white clouds. Each 'mirror' -- Zelda realized there were seven -- glowed gently in a different color, save for the last (how did she know that?), which shone with a pure white light.
Seven years. Seven Sages. Seven Temples. That was not coincidence, either.
Each mirror flickered with images of a year lost. The first, the golden mirror of Light, showed her a white horse tearing across Hyrule Field, Castle Town dwindling behind it...a blue jewel disappearing behind the two riders...a boy, gone as quickly as she had seen him...Link, Zelda realized, that was Link. And I was... Zelda's eyes went wide as the full moon. ...I was running away...
The mirrors flickered by, each summoning disjointed years of flight, training and privation. Each vision left behind a memory, this one of mastering a Sheikah technique, that one of living on apples and rabbit. Most relentless, however, were the first and last mirrors: Light and Time. Each flash of memory from the Light mirror showed her plotting against Ganondorf and failing, trying to guide Link, instead driving him to the Temple of Time and...
The Time mirror was worse. Her older self watched Link from the shadows, using Sheikah skill and magic to remain invisible except when she appeared to him as 'Sheik,' ever mysterious, never more than a shadow of a friend. How could she? Zelda tried to look away, but as in a dream, her body was not her own. How could I! At last, she revealed herself to Link in the Temple of Time, the one place she should have been safe...but she hadn't been. Ganondorf captured her, used her against the Hero of Time -- her Hero! -- and all she was able to do was get him out after he'd done all the heavy lifting. (She'd even needed him to rescue her from a circle of flames. Brilliant, Zelda thought sarcastically.) The only thing she'd done worth doing -- aside from the most basic part of her job in sealing Ganon away -- was sending him back home, to his own time, but now, looking at the memory, she wasn't sure Link had wanted to leave.
Hyrule returned. The mirrors vanished. Impa was a blur, catching Zelda by the arms before she could fall back into her chair. "Zelda! My child!" As the princess' vision cleared fully, she realized the Sheikah was in a panic -- in all her life, she'd never seen Impa look so frightened. It had been only once in that other life she'd seen that expression, in the instant before Impa had rescued her, spiriting her away from beneath Ganondorf's very nose. "Speak to me!"
"I'm...I'm all right, Impa," Zelda said, swallowing. "Please let me sit." Impa's face smoothed instantly as she helped Zelda into her chair. The princess shuddered briefly, forcing the memories to settle in her mind. She couldn't experience them all at once, and there was still an unreal quality to them, but she was certain that in time, at least some of those memories would be as if she had lived them. "We...we can't let that happen again," she whispered. "We can not."
"Nor will we," Impa agreed. "For now, however, you must rest. Even I required hours of meditation to force my mind to stillness, and--"
"Zelda!" Link shouted. Several guards were making unintelligible sounds as she heard the young forest warrior charge toward her door. She could sense Senza and Zuko readying themselves as well.
Zelda smiled faintly. "I will rest momentarily. First, however, I think I must calm my Hero." Her smile strengthened into a satisfied grin as she stood. "And then, Impa, we shall speak of Sheikah training." She ignored Impa's sigh. I know, I know, the 'sacred age of twelve,' numerologically returning to three. Except I already have the training up here, don't I?
Her smile faded into a mask of determination as she approached the door. If she understood what she heard, the knights were becoming more agitated. Zuko's mail clinked almost musically, the energetic figure no doubt bouncing in place. Link was getting closer. Nothing really will stop you, will it? The determination grew more implacable with each step she took. Well, this time, my Hero, you will not have to fight alone. I swear it.