Ruler of Twilight
Chapter 4. I wonder if people forgot about this story. Anyway, my computer was down so I had to wait six months to get it fixed. Let's just hope I can still write.
Summaries:
Chapter 1: The first battle of the war takes place in Hyrule field with Link and Co. emerging victorious. Later on, Kakariko gets attacked by Zant and his shadow monsters. Link gets captured and sent to the Twilight realm.
Chapter 2: Nabooru decides to infiltrate Hyrule castle (where MajoraGanon currently resides) in an attempt to rescue Zelda. Her efforts where futile however and both of her comrades die in the hands of Aghanim. As for Nabooru, she has an encounter with MajoraGanon which results in her disappearance. Meanwhile, Link and Navi awake in the Twilight realm and meet Midna who explains to them about the Twilight and Zant.
Chapter 3: As the war erupts, Malon is locked away in her own ranch under the vigilance of the Hylian soldiers and Adol (Hyrulian Royal Knight). One night, she decides to escape but is caught by Adol who in an attempt to please her, takes her to Lake Hylia where they spend the entire night talking. The following day, the ranch gets attack by Aghanim and his moblin forces who wipe out all of the Hylian soldiers. Malon, her father, and Adol manage to survive and escape but the ranch falls to MajoraGanon's forces.
Just what exactly is going on?! One second my life is as ordinary as it gets, and then a war suddenly erupts. My father often talked to me about the Great War that took place several years ago and the tragedy it brought but I never once thought it would be this bad. The ranch has been destroyed, the farm animals are probably dead and the only friend I have is severely wounded. It barely begun and I can't stand it. Link, wherever you are, please come home soon. We need you!
Malon
"So, Midna was it? Where exactly in Hyrule is this Twilight?" Link asked. The young hero felt odd, out of place. He didn't know whether the cause of his uneasiness was the strange atmosphere or the small imp floating before him. Either way, he knew he had to get home.
The small imp known as Midna let out a small giggle. "Silly Hylian, the Twilight is in another realm."
Navi began to fly hysterically around the imp. "We were sent to another REALM?!"
Midna crossed her little arms and nodded. "Seems that way."
Link took a moment to let the information sink in. It was a hard hit but it did explain some of the things he was questioning before. He took a deep breath before speaking, "Ok, so how do we get out of here?"
"Well," Midna took some time to ponder, "it's simple, you just don't."
"What?!" Navi was beyond hysterical at this point. "Listen here you little imp, if you don't tell us a way to get out of here I'll…" she was cut off by Link who grabbed her by her petite wings.
"Navi, quit it," he turned to face Midna. "There has to be a way out of here."
"Well," Midna placed her hands behind her back and smiled. "You could always ask our ruler, Zant."
Link shot up at the mention of Zant. "Isn't that the guy who brought us here? Where is he?"
Midna pointed at a huge structure in the background. "He's in there but if you want to get to him you're gonna need my help."
No way!" Navi shrieked. "We don't need your help! Beside, you could very well be with the enemy."
Midna placed a hand on her chest and made a face. "Ouch, that accusation really hurt," she said in a mock tone.
"Why you…"
"Enough," the young hero spoke. He had to admit, Navi had a point but there was no other way. "Midna, lead us in."
The young imp smiled victoriously. "He, he, he no problem."
Navi mumbled to herself as she followed the two into the building.
The trio reached the complex in a matter of minutes. They entered the building and examined its interior. It was much like the other structures but this one had an ominous feeling to it. A feeling of darkness.
"Can you sense it Navi?" Link asked as he touched the cold wall of the building.
"Yea," Navi shivered. "It's so cold and lifeless."
"Nah, you're just hungry," Midna stated as she floated down the corridor.
Link and Navi exchanged glances before following the imp.
The group navigated through the maze like building until reaching a grand door leading to the throne room. It was a rather short walk with no enemies or problems of the sort. Everything was pretty straightforward. Navi was relieved but Link was tense, something was not right.
Without a second of hesitation, Link opened the door to the throne room coming face to face with the ruler of twilight, Zant.
The masked sorcerer stood up from his throne and extended his arms into the air laughing maniacally. "You fell into my trap!"
Link, Navi, and Midna looked around the room, complete and utter silence.
Navi flew towards Link and whispered in his ear. "What is he talking about?" the young Hylian simply shrugged.
Midna flew forward, hands on her hips, "Cut the crap, what are you talking about?"
"If it isn't my sweet Midna, how long has it been my little imp?" the ruler asked in a amused tone.
Midna clenched her teeth and growled. "Link! Kick his ass!"
The Hylian nodded and unsheathed his sword and shield. "My pleasure."
Zant began floating in the air. "Do you honestly believe you can defeat me? Now that I have you where I want you, you'll be begging to die by the time I'm through with you."
Link scoffed. "Please, I've heard better. Do you worst!"
Zant smirked as a purple aura began surrounding him. He waved his arms and mumbled something that Link couldn't quite understand. "Let this game begin!" the sorcerer extended his arms to his side and a huge flash of light engulfed the room, blinding Link and the rest.
"What the hell?! Link cursed as he shielded his eyes.
"Crap…," Midna mumbled. "Hold on to something!"
Link groaned slightly as he laid on the ground. He began moving his hands; they seem to be in tact. He pushed himself up and rubbed his eyes. "What happened?" He was standing in the middle of a clearing with trees all around it. And it was dark, too dark for him to see clearly. "Where am I?"
"Be careful," a voice whispered.
Link was startled by the voice and turned around to find Midna floating behind him, her face held a serious expression. "This is an illusion. Zant uses this type of magic to fight however he pleases. Just stay on your guard."
Link nodded. "I understand," he turned to face the trees. "I have a feeling he's watching us."
Navi suddenly appeared next to Link and cuddled his neck. "This is pretty creepy," she whined.
Suddenly, a purple ball of energy shot out from the tree branches flying straight a Link. The young hero quickly raised his Mirror shield and the attack bounced off. "You coward! Come and face me like a man!"
Zant's evil laughter could be heard from the trees but Link couldn't find the exact location. "How can you fight, if you can't even see me?"
Link growled in frustration. "This isn't good."
As soon as he said that, another ball of energy flew towards him but this time, from behind. Link quickly rolled out of the way and dodged it but the onslaught was just beginning. Multiple energy blasts shot out from different directions catching Link off guard. The Hylian managed to dodge a few but it was futile, he was hit on the leg which caused him to lose balance, and another attack caught on square on the chest, sending flying back against the ground. Link flinched at the pain but dismissed it and stood up again.
"This isn't good; you can't beat him if you keep getting hit!" Midna shouted. She was surrounded by a purple barrier.
Link glared at her. "Easy for you to say, you have a barrier protecting you. Can't you cast on me?"
Midna shook her head. "It's only for me, sorry kid."
Link sighed. "I thought as much." He turned to face the trees once more. "Where are you?" he mumbled to himself.
"Ready for round two?" Zant spoke with a soft chuckle.
Multiple black tentacles sprouted from the ground towering 8 feet in the air. They wiggled around, surrounding Link from all sides.
Link bent his knees and assumed a defensive position. The tentacles shot at him at the same time but Link quickly leaped in the air avoiding their strikes but the tentacles quickly shot up towards him. The young hero began hacking and slashing away at the tentacles one by one but he was quickly overwhelmed. He was surprised by his back and was brought down hard on the floor. Link groaned in pain as the tentacles surrounded him once more, ready to finish him off.
"Dammit kid, get up!" Midna shouted from the sidelines, Navi next to her.
The tentacles became stiff like razor sharp swords pointing down at him. In unison, they shot down at him in an attempt to impale him but Link quickly retaliated with his own attack. "Din's Fire!" giant flames shot out from around him burning the tentacles into the ground.
Link took a deep breath as he slowly stood up. "You're gonna have to do better than that Zant!" he spat.
"We'll see," Zant chuckled.
Midna quickly flew towards Link. "This is not good, you're losing!"
Link glared at her once more. "Can you blame me?! The only light here is…..NAVI!"
The little fairy popped up in front of him. "Yes?"
Link leaned over to her and whispered something into her ear. The little fairy nodded and flew away.
Midna watched as Navi left. "What did you tell her?" She raised an eyebrow.
"You'll see," Link replied as he slowly took out his boomerang. He waited for a few minutes in silence. Midna crossed her arms as she stared at the young Hylian.
Zant watched the hero from one of the tree branches. "He he he, this is way too easy," he mumbled to himself.
"AHA GOTCHA!"
"What?!" Zant turned and found Navi floating behind him.
"Link!" she began to glow brighter and brighter, exposing the evil sorcerer's hiding spot.
Link quickly noticed the glow from the trees and saw Zant perched up in the tree shielding his eyes from Navi's light. He quickly threw his boomerang hitting Zant's forehead, sending the sorcerer falling against the ground.
He quickly ran at him and placed his sword against Zant's throat. "Check… and Mate!"
Zant rubbed his head as he flinched in pain. "This…. Isn't over!" He extended his arms and the same bright light as before surrounded Link and co.
"Not again!"
Link opened his eyes slightly, a weird sensation overtaking his body. He could only hear the wind rushing past him. It wasn't until he fully opened his eyes that he realized he was falling.
He turned in the air, trying to see where he was. The sky was weird shade of orange, like a never ending sunset. He looked down and saw an endless pool of water. "The ocean?" His body suddenly came in contact with the water and Link found himself sinking.
He desperately tried to swim towards the surface, just because the setting seemed artificial did not make it so. He broke the surface of the water, taking in deep breaths of air.
"Midna! Navi! Where are you?" he shouted. He tried to make out the form of his friends but all he could see was the endless ocean surrounding him.
"Liiiiiink."
It was faint, but Link was sure someone had called him name. Squinting his eyes to improve his eyesight, the young Hylian managed to spot Midna, hovering over the ocean waves with Navi close beside her.
"Midna! Navi! Over here!" he waved his hands in the air.
Midna began waving at Link frantically. "Link be careful! Zant is…"
Link did not have time to process what the small imp had said. Zant suddenly appeared behind him, hovering over the water. "Hello, hero."
Out of instinct, Link tried to jump backwards but it was no use. He was a sitting duck in the middle of the ocean. There was no way to defend himself. His movements were severely limited and most of his weapons could not be used. Now he was in trouble.
Zant smirked, enjoying the predicament Link found himself in. "What's wrong? Having a little problem?"
"If I don't find a way to defend myself I'll die," he thought, frantically trying to find a solution.
"How bout we go for a little swim?" Zant extended his arms grabbing Link by his shoulders and plunging him into the water.
Link tried desperately to get free. All he could see was air bubbles all around him. He began feeling light headed, the deeper he sank. The water began getting colder and his vision was beginning to blur. "Not… like this…."
He tried desperately to get free but it was no use. Zant's grip was too much for the young Hylian. With the remaining strength he possessed, Link took out his hook-shot. He aimed it at the ocean surface. "Please don't let me miss…." He pulled the trigger and the chain suddenly shot out towards the surface.
Zant laughed maniacally, too busy celebrating his victory to noticed the weapon thrown at him. He looked down and noticed the chain, but it was too late. The hook-shot tied itself to his waist. "What the hell is this contraption?!"
Link noticed the hook-shot had hit something. Without a second thought, Link withdrew the chain, propelling him upwards with incredible speed. "Just… a… little…more."
Zant felt himself being dragged down towards the water but managed to stay hovering in the air. "Hmph, if he thinks he can bring me down with this he is greatly mistaken." Zant had yet to realize that it was not Link's true intention. The young teen broke the surface of the water flying towards the sorcerer.
Zant's eyes widened. "What?!"
Link collided with Zant, the momentum propelling them both upwards.
"You… will not win," Zant charged up an energy blast, ready to shoot Link point blank. "Die!"
Link anticipated his move and countered with his own strategy. "Farore's Wind!" the spell instantly transported Link away from Zant's attack.
"Where did he go?" Zant began looking around until he noticed the blonde above him.
Link's hands began to glow red. "It's over Zant. DIN'S FIRE!" A massive wave of fire magic shot down towards Zant causing to yell in pain. The attack sent him flying down towards the water, bits of ember soaring in the air.
"Not… by a long shot!" As Zant's body hit the water, the bright flash appeared as well and Link found himself disappearing once more.
Link, once again found himself in a completely different scenery. It was a vast plain as far as the eye could see. The soft wind that blew over the grass made it seem as they were alive and the sound of the birds chirping gave it an almost pleasant atmosphere but the young Hylian was not fooled. It was all just an illusion. Navi and Midna appeared behind the teen staring out into the endless plain.
"Wow, this is so beautiful!" Navi exclaimed.
Midna scoffed and crossed her arms. "You simple fairy, can't you see that this is yet another illusion created by Zant?"
Navi turned to the small imp. "Yea… yea, I knew that!"
Midna sighed and shook her head. "I can sense him near. Are you ready hero?"
Link nodded and gripped his sword and shield tightly while staring at a distant figure which made its way towards them.
"Evil sorcerer at 12 O' clock!" Navi shouted earning a glare from Midna.
Zant stood about 12 feet across from Link bearing that all knowing grin. "We meet again hero."
Link sighed. "Just cut the crap and get it over with."
Zant flinch at the comment but smiled nonetheless. "Ok." He extended his sleeves at his sides. Two scimitar like weapons suddenly shot out from his sleeves, the golden blades shinning under the sun. "Should I attack first or do you want the honor?"
"I'll make it easy on you!" Link shouted as he charged at the sorcerer.
Zant simply smiled and bent down. He leaned forward, taking one step and suddenly disappeared. Link's eyes widened as he dashed towards the nonexistent enemy but before he could say anything, a sudden sharp pain crossed his shoulder and the young Hylian found himself falling on the ground.
Navi and Midna were dumbstruck, eyes trying to process what had just happened. "What the hell just happened?!" Navi shouted.
Midna shook her head. "I… don't know."
Zant suddenly reappeared a few feet behind Link facing the opposite direction. "What's wrong? You couldn't see my attack?"
Link stood up and noticed a trail of blood on his right arm. He looked at his shoulder and quickly realized that it was bleeding. He turned back towards Zant. "What did you do?"
Zant began to laugh, enjoying the look of confusion on Link's face. "This is my world. Here, I do whatever I want. You cannot beat me, I am too fast."
"I've been beating you so far, what makes this any different?" Link said as he stood in a defensive position.
Zant grinned. "Allow me to demonstrate." The sorcerer took another step forward suddenly disappearing.
Link tried to brace himself for the impact but it was too late. He felt himself being cut once more, this time, on his left shoulder. The sorcerer was so fast that the aftershock of the attack caused a gust of wind which sent Link flying backwards towards the ground.
Zant reappeared once again a few feet away from Link. "Do you see now? No… you can't see," the sorcerer began to laugh maniacally.
"Dammit, I crawl out of one hole and into another. How am I gonna get through this one?" Link thought to himself as he stood up, brushing the pain aside.
"Link is having a tough time," Navi turned to Midna. "We have to do something."
Midna kept her gaze at the fight before her. "What can we do?"
Zant prepared himself for another assault. "I think I'll cut you up limb by limb so I can enjoy this moment. What do you think?"
Link took a deep breath and shoved his shield aside, gripping the Master sword with both hands. "Just shut up and fight."
"Ooh, confident aren't we?" Zant said in a mocking tone. "Well, prepare yourself!" He commenced his third attack.
Link closed his eyes in focus. "Concentrate." He suddenly sensed Zant's presence in front of him ready to attack him with a thrust. Link opened his eyes and brought his sword down blocking Zant's attack. He followed up with a high kick in the sorcerer's face sending him tumbling back.
"Woohoo!" Navi cheered as her partner delivered the blow.
Midna on the other hand wasn't that convinced. "He may have blocked that attack but for how long can he keep it up?"
Zant stood up, swaying from side to side in dizziness. He shook his head and snapped back into reality. "So you managed to parry one of my attacks. It seems I can't go easy on you," he extended his swords at his side. "Fine then, time to show you my final attack!"
Link stood back, preparing himself for the oncoming assault. A purple aura began to emanate from Zant's body, making its way towards his scimitars. "Get ready cause now you DIE!"
Suddenly, the scenery began to change color. Link stood dumbfounded. Everything around him was now black and white but not only that, all the noise was gone as well. It was as if he stumbled into nothingness. He tried to move forward but noticed that his movement was limited. He felt his body become heavier every second. "Shit!" he cursed.
Zant once again disappeared. Link's eyes widened as he felt the cold sting of the blade touch his skin but the attack was not over. He suddenly felt as if many needles were being impaled on his body. He tried to scream in pain but it was no use, he couldn't hear anything. As soon as the attack was done, the scenery returned to its normal state.
Navi and Midna were once again lost at the scene before them. Link stood in the spot, not moving. His eyes were dull and distant, almost as if he had turned to stone.
"What just happened?" As soon as Navi said that, Link's shirt ripped revealing many bloody gashes and cuts. The young Hylian got down on his knees and collapsed on the floor.
"Oh no, Link!" Navi flew towards her partner. She tried to call his name but he wouldn't answer. She frantically pushed him trying to get a reaction from him but the pain had left the teen out cold.
Zant suddenly reappeared in front of the injured hero with a satisfied grin. "All talk and no action," he chuckled as he licked the blood off his scimitar.
Navi paid no attention to the sorcerer. She was too busy crying over her dear partner but something suddenly called her attention. Link's fingertips began to move slightly. "Li… Link?" she whispered.
Zant ceased his laughter and raised his sword in the air. "I think it's time we call this little play date over!"
Midna quickly flew towards Zant, hovering in between them. "I won't let you hurt him any longer!"
Zant held and amused expression. "Well, well. What do we have here? Little Midna actually protecting someone? That's unheard of!"
Midna growled. "You won't hurt anyone any longer Zant!"
"Oh really? Who's gonna stop me? You?!"
Midna shook her head. "Not me…"
Link suddenly stood up, his triforce piece glowing in a bright golden light. He raised his sword in the air. "I will."
Zant's eyes widened in shock. "How is it even possible?!"
"Don't forget Zant, this is just an illusion," Midna smirked. "Finish this Link!"
The young Hylian brought his sword down in one final attack. "Kaitengiri!" The sword pierced Zant's upper body diagonally making the sorcerer scream in agony.
"IMPOSSIBLE!"
A flash of light engulfed everything and the group found themselves back in Twilight castle. Link kneeled on the floor regaining his breath with Navi hovering next to him.
"I'm so glad you're ok!" Navi hugged Link's cheek making him smile in return.
"You brought me back Navi, so thank you." Navi blushed at his comment.
The moment was short lived however when Zant appeared behind Link, standing in a puddle of his own blood. He had his sword high above his head. "You… can't defeat me… I am… the true ruler… of Twilight."
Link's eyes widened. "What?!"
Midna suddenly appeared once again in between Link and Zant. "No Zant, I'm the true ruler of Twilight!" A flash of purple light shot out from Midna's body temporarily blinding Link and Navi.
After the light subsided, Link opened his eyes and saw before him a beautiful woman wearing a long black cloak that barely covered her body. She had flaming orange hair and red eyes that could make anyone flinch.
"Mid…na?" Link asked, still awestruck.
The woman looked back at Link and winked before turning back to the injured sorcerer. "The curse has been broken Zant. You have lost all of your power."
Zant growled in anger. "I will never give up my throne!"
Midna sighed and extended her hand. "Then I shall cast you to the eternal void, never to return to either Twilight or Hyrule." A black Twilight portal suddenly appeared behind Zant sucking him into the darkness.
"MIDNA!" Zant shouted as the portal closed in front of him.
"Well, that's over with," Midna smirked and turned back towards Link who was trying to stand using his sword as a cane.
"You did good hero," the queen complimented.
Link looked down in embarrassment and nodded. "Thank you your majesty," he mumbled.
Midna let out a small chuckle. "Don't go all formal on me kid, I'm still the same little imp you knew except more beautiful of course."
"Midna, how did this all happen?" Navi asked.
"Well," the queen of Twilight placed her hand under her chin in thought. "I suppose I do owe you an explanation. Zant was my advisor but ever since I met him I knew he was a power hungry fool. It wasn't until he met MajoraGanon that he began to be threat to me and my people. You see, MajoraGanon gave him the power he needed to turn me into an imp and take over the Twilight."
Link nodded. "Zant wanted power and MajoraGanon promised him power in exchange for my death. Tsk, typical."
"Nevertheless, you came and broke the curse placed on me. Now you must return to your world and finish this fight once and for all. On behalf of my people and myself, thank you, Hero of Twilight," Midna bowed.
Link blushed and scratched the back of his head.
"It's all in a day's work!" Navi smiled.
Link looked back for a second. "But… how do we get back?"
"I was getting to that," she walked forward towards Link and grabbed his face with both of her hands. Leaning forward, Midna kissed the young teen softly on the lips.
Link blushed intensely as she broke the kiss. "That was for luck." She then waved her hand and a portal appeared behind Link. "Take care hero."
"Oooooh, wait till Saria hears about this!" Navi giggled to herself.
Link smiled and nodded, stepping into the portal. "Navi, let's go home."
"Yes sir!"
Midna smiled and waved at the pair. "May the Goddesses shower you with their blessings."
Link found himself flying through what seemed like a black tunnel at high speed. "What is this place?" he asked Navi.
Navi shrugged. "I think this is the bridge that connects both worlds. Hyrule must be at the other side!"
The young Hylian nodded but suddenly he sensed something. "This presence… it can't be!"
He looked back and saw Zant flying towards him with his hands outstretched. "I won't die without making sure you can never hurt my master!"
The sorcerer collided with Link sending both of them tumbling away from Navi.
"LINK!" the little fairy shouted but the young teen was lost in the eternal blackness.
"Get off me!" Link shouted as he fell into the dark void, struggling to get free.
Zant suddenly took out a small black stone and placed it on Link's forehead. "Now I place my curse on you. So long hero, see you in the after life," the sorcerer laughed maniacally as evaporated into nothingness.
Link screamed in pain as the stone sank into his skin. He suddenly closed his eyes and everything went dark.
Link awoke with a start, "Wha… where am I?" he looked around and noticed the familiar lake. "Lake Hylia… I'm home!"
He tried to stand but found it hard to keep himself balanced. "What is this?" he looked up. "Why does everything seem so bigger?"
He managed to make his way towards the lakes edge and looked down into the water. What he saw before him almost shocked him to death.
"HOLY GODDESSES! I'M A WOLF!"
A/N: I can't believe it took me almost seven months to rewrite this chapter. I hope the cliffhanger caught everyone's attention. I didn't mean to be… well, mean but it was necessary.
Till Next Time!