Link slowly sipped his tea and stared off at the village in the distance, Ashwick finally resuming it's normal rhythm after he had taken care of their monster. Lady Lywater had been kind enough to put him up in one of her manor's guest rooms, Link was pleased to find it was even more luxurious than his bed chamber at the Castle. He was roused from his thoughts as a light tapping came at the door.

Expecting to find a servant. the Hero was surprised to see Lady Lywater waiting for him. "Pardon me if I've overslept." Link said.

"While I wasn't expecting you to be up and about at a certain time, I've been waiting to speak with you." the Noblewoman replied.

"I'm going to assume I already know what about." Link answered.

"Please, come with me." Lady Lywater said as she gestured towards the hallway.

Link quickly obliged, shutting the door behind him before falling in step with her.

"People have begun asking questions, turns out the Guardsmen and I weren't the only ones to see you trudge out of the forest, Enna cradled in your arms...but with no Arndt in sight." Lady Lywater began. "I could see you were exhausted and, helped by the fact you managed to bring someone back alive, I decided to let you be for the night."

"I assume you want to know what happened." Link said as the two arrived at the manor's sitting room.

"Take a seat." Lady Lywater said, gently setting herself down in a black velvet upholstered wingback chair, Link dropping himself into the similar one opposite her. "I do...and I don't want the story you'll give to anyone else who asks...I want to know what really happened." she said, a glint flashing across her eyes.

Link shifted in his seat, meeting the Noblewoman's gaze. "I didn't kill the creature, I simply broke her curse." Link began. "Enna was the monster that's been haunting Ashwick, I attempted to kill her but instead I simply did away with a curse she'd accidentally inflicted upon herself."

"She cursed herself? Excuse me, but I'm not following." Lady Lywater responded.

"It happens every now and again with those who have magic but never learn how to harness it. When they're under emotional duress they unintentionally lash out with it and sometimes what they do hurts them the most." Link explained. "In her rage, Enna cast a spell that turned her into a monster called a Redead Witch, named so due to the fact they are dead bodies reanimated through magic, but unlike Redeads they still retain some of their human appearance...then there's the fact they have increased strength and agility."

"So you were able to reverse what happened to her with magic." Lady Lywater said.

"Not...exactly." Link replied. "I noticed a stab wound in her side, realized it was her weak spot and plunged my sword into it...you can imagine my surprise when she reverted to her human form. Upon closer examination, the wound wasn't fatal, so I just killed the curse, Enna was never actually dead."

"But all those children..." Lady Lywater breathed.

Link averted his gaze and sighed, resting his head in his hands for a moment before looking back up. "They're gone...I found their bones in Enna's home."

"Godesses!" Lady Lywater snapped. "What do I tell the parents? ...and what do I tell Enna when she wakes?!"

"Would you rather I have killed her?!" Link replied.

"If Enna knows what she has done as that creature...then perhaps she'd rather be dead." Lady Lywater said. "I'll be lucky if by nightfall there's not a mob with pitchforks and torches outside of the Healer's demanding her head."

"Then don't tell them." Link answered.

"You want me to hide this from my people?" the Noblewoman asked.

"Tell them Enna escaped from the creature and was lost in the forest, unless you want the pitchforks and torches." Link replied.

"It may not sit well with me, but that does seem like the better option." Lady Lywater admitted. "But what if Enna remembers?"

"I'm confident she won't." Link said.

"Before I decide to end this conversation for the sake of my mental well-being, what of Captain Arndt?" Lady Lywater asked.

Link considered his answer for a moment, deciding to tell Lady Lywater what she wanted to hear, instead of what he wanted her to hear. "I did what I had to do...my choice was to either use him as bait or lose Enna."

"He tried to kill her, didn't he?" Lady Lywater said.

"Yes, he admitted it before trying to kill me." Link replied.

"Well, at least there's a silver lining to all of this." Lady Lywater answered.

"You mean to say that you approve of this outcome?" Link asked.

"Arndt was a real cad, the way he bullied the villagers and harassed women, especially Enna...it was only a matter of time until something was done about him." Lady Lywater said.

"You meant for him to go with me." Link realized.

"I'll leave it at that...oh, and don't worry, I'll tell everyone else he died while aiding you in your fight against 'the monster'...which technically isn't a lie." the Noblewoman said as she stood up.

"Wait." Link said as he shot to his feet. "Arndt had my Silver Guantlets...I gave those to Ashei as a gift."

"What can I say? My grandfather liked to gamble, he lost them to Arndt's grandfather decades ago, the point is you have them back now, don't you?" Lady Lywater asked.

"I do...and I'm keeping them this time." Link stated.

"Fine by me, I have no use for them." Lady Lywater answered.

"I assume our business here is done." Link said.

"Yes, it is...unless you want to come with me to tell the townsfolk what happened." Lady Lywater responded.

"I'll be on my way." Link replied. He had much on his mind already and didn't fancy the idea of being yelled at by villagers, something he'd already had enough of during his many incarnations.

oOo

Zelda lay in her bed, a book held above her as she skimmed the pages, finding that somehow she already knew most of the information contained within 'Tales of the Hero'. Neither her father or mother so much as mentioned the book to her as a child, leaving the Princess to hear the tales from the servants assigned to put her to bed or care for when she was younger. When the King found out, he put a stop to it immediately, never bothering to explain why he held such disdain for the Hero of Legend. Zelda understood now, though, her father felt the Hero made the Royal Family look incompetent, but it wasn't incompetence, it was the Royal Family's continued denial that anything could be amiss in their Kingdom. As she read on, she found that every ruler continued this trend, waiting to act until it was too late.

The Princess made to turn the page when her door was thrust open, causing her to drop it directly onto her face as she cried out in surprise. She quickly picked the book up and sat upright, seeing her father standing in the room, slowly shutting the door behind him, the familiar look of anger burning in his eyes.

"F...father?" Zelda stammered.

"At first I was coming to see you because you're mother claims she was possessed and you exorcised the demon from her body...I wanted to ask if that were true." King Gustaf said, speaking in a low and foreboding manner. "But then I ran into Jakob, he'd been looking for me you see...and he was in quite the state."

"Father, you must understand, I-" Zelda said.

"Be quiet when I am speaking!" the King shouted, his breathing becoming heavier. "Imagine the feeling that came over me when I was told that not only did you attempt to end the engagement...you sent a fairy to spy on the two of us while we were having a private discussion."

"But I...I didn't end it it...I-" the Princess stuttered.

"I know about your late night escape...seeing that boy, weren't you? I set you up to be married to one of the most powerful and influential men in Hyrule second only to myself and this is how you repay me?!" the King yelled. "By picking a peasant over him?!"

"Maybe I'd be more inclined to feel affection for him if I knew he wasn't planning to murder someone alongside my own father! The same someone who saved my life!" Zelda replied.

"And how do we know he didn't put you in that situation in the first place?" the King asked. "For all we know he could be working with Blackmoore! And don't get me started on the Hero routine of his! It's no coincidence he just happened to have a sorcerer with him the entire night...this is all some game he's playing to in a bid to grab power and you're playing right into his hands!"

"Even if that were true, you would say it excuses murder?!" Zelda questioned.

"It's a quick, blameless way to get rid of him...something I wouldn't have to do if my own daughter weren't so daft!" Gustaf growled.

"At least I'm not conspiring to have someone killed! You and Jakob may as well be murderers! I know what I want and it's not a cold-blooded killer!" Zelda shouted in return.

Gustaf was disarmed for a moment, his jaw going slack for a moment before his body tensed, his shoulders rising and his fists clenching. "By the GODDESSES I envy other rulers who have had male heirs! You women are so easily swayed by good looks and mysterious attitudes! I never would so much have dreamed of disrespecting my father as grievously as you have done me!" the King seethed. "You are marrying Jakob, forgetting about Sir Link and you will never be speaking to me like this again."

"You can't tell me how to live my life." Zelda responded.

"I already have and you will do as I say!" the King said before heading towards the door. "Oh, and before I forget, at this very moment Minister Svelheim himself is casting a powerful warding spell over the council room so we don't have any uninvited guests listening in...fairies included...once I leave this room you are to apologize to Jakob and the two of you will take a nice walk through the courtyard and discuss your wedding plans...do I make myself clear?"

"...yes, father." Zelda said quietly.

"Good." King Gustaf said cheerfully before taking a step forward only to come to a halt. "I don't want to have this conversation again."

Zelda waited for the door to close, collapsing backwards onto her bed as tears started to stream down her cheeks, the Princess doing her best to stifle them. "I can't stay here." she said.

"I understand." Impa said as she emerged from the shadow cast by Zelda's wardrobe. "But what other options do we have?"

"I don't care!" Zelda replied. "I just can't stay here! I can't bare to be under my father's thumb any longer! He's a cruel man, crueler than I ever knew him to be before."

"I realize this, but for now you must do your best to...well...grin and bare it...so to speak." Impa answered.

"Why though?!" Zelda cried. "You said you'd always help me...always be here for my when I need you! I need you right now! I don't want to be here anymore! I don't want to be Princess Zelda anymore! I'd rather be anywhere else...anyone else!"

Impa closed her eyes, recalling when she had to spirit Zelda away in the middle of the night after Ganondorf killed her father and seized power in the Hero of Time era. The circumstances were vastly different, but she felt the call to duty all the same. "I have contacts in Kakariko who could shelter us for a week, maybe two, but after that we'll have to move on to either Holodrum or Labrynna, Hyrule's diplomatic relations with Termina are too close for you to go unnoticed there."

Zelda began to smile as she wiped her tears away. "Thank you, Impa...you won't regret this, I promise!" Zelda responded.

"Just promise me one more thing." Impa said.

"Anything." Zelda answered.

"When the time comes, you'll return to assert your claim to the throne." Impa replied.

Zelda cast her eyes away for a moment before returning her gaze to Impa. "Fine, but in return, promise me that you'll be by my side as my Royal Advisor." Zelda said with a small smile.

"I promise." Impa obliged, returning the smile.

oOo

"Hm." a Zora Healer hummed as he examined Princess Oren, her brother and father watching. He took a step back and tapped a finger on his chin before moving to her other side, the crystal he held glowing dimly as he passed it over her.

"She's fine, her curse has been broken." Rutelis said. "I assure you of this."

"We just need to be sure." the Healer said.

"What were you doing down there in the first place?" King Oranis asked as he pulled his son aside.

"I've been visiting her...someone had to." Rutelis responded.

"The Guards brought her food and checked on her during regular intervals, your presence wasn't needed." the King said.

"I know...but I was worried." Rutelis argued.

"I know you were worried, which is exactly why I have questions." King Oranis said. "Recently your sister wasn't able to raise a finger without a geyser forming in the middle of our domain...then overnight she gains control over it? If you had something to do with it, tell me now."

"Why can't you just be satisfied that Oren is going to be okay?" Rutelis asked.

"Because we don't know if she is, yet." the King said in a low tone.

"I have a lesson I must make it to." Rutelis said, attempting to end the conversation as he turned away.

"We'll have this conversation once you get back." the King said as Rutelis walked away.

"What did you find?" the King called.

"That energy is still inside her." the Healer answered. "It used to be a like a storm, but now it's calm and flowing peacefully."

"Did you find any evidence of spells being placed on her?" King Oranis asked.

"Do you think your son had something to do with this?" the Healer replied.

"No." the King said. "I think he brought a Hylian Sorcerer into our territory."

oOo

Osfala waited outside of the room, making sure to stand at attention just in case Minister Svelheim arrived early. He quickly leaned forward as Rutelis rounded the corner, an apprehensive look on his face.

"Rutelis! How is your sister?" Osfala asked.

The Zora boy cast a glance to the side for a moment before returning Osfala's gaze. "Her powers have stabilized...but there's another issue."

Osfala's features reflected his change in mood, his brow furrowing in confusion and concern. "If her abilities have stabilized then what's the problem?"

"My father believes her powers to be a curse and rightfully believes that I called upon outside help...specifically Hylian help, to save her." Rutelis answered.

"And what's wrong with that?" Osfala asked.

"King Gustaf offended my family by annexing part of our territory, it caused our people's relationship to sour...the only reason I'm here right now is because King Gustaf is trying to get back into my father's favor...my father wants me here as a set of eyes on the inside. He believes an attack by the Hylians to be imminent." Rutelis explained.

"I'm sorry...I didn't realize my presence could be so...harmful." Osfala said.

"It's not your fault, King Gustaf is trying to keep our deteriorating relations from the people and I didn't tell you because I knew you could help Oren." Rutelis said.

"I expect that under no circumstance will you tell him I was involved." Osfala replied.

"Of course." Rutelis responded. "That could start a war."

Osfala's eyes went wide as he stared at his friend. "Next time you ask a favor of me, please let me know beforehand if instigating a war is a possibility." he said in an aggressive but quiet manner.

"I apologize, I didn't meant to anger you." Rutelis answered.

"It's okay, just...try to convince your father the problem solved itself or something." Osfala replied.

"Already working on it." Rutelis said.

Osfala craned his neck as Minister Svelheim rounded the corner, his eyes landing on them.

"I suggest we conclude this conversation." Osfala suggested.

"Agreed." Rutelis said as they made their way into the instruction room.

oOo

Minister Thalmont stood in a clearing, checking his surroundings, finding his only company was a light breeze and a few birds here and there. He shifted uncomfortably before sighing and taking a step forward when something flew past him, narrowly missing the tip of his nose. He took a deep breath as he composed himself.

"Good to see you as always, Levesque." he stated, looking up at a well dressed, pale looking man, dark strands of hair hanging over his face as he looked down at the Minister from atop a tree branch.

"Aw, I'm hurt." a Gerudo woman said as she emerged into the clearing. "Is he the only one that gets a greeting?"

"The way you talk to us, you make it sound just like old times." a tall, gaunt man said as he approached Thalmont from behind.

"Pardon me for hoping we're still on good terms." the Minister answered.

"Good terms?" Levesque called as he leapt out of his tree, two poison spines extending from the underside of his wrists. "You sold us out to the Labrynnians."

"How many people have we killed for you? Nine...ten?" the Gerudo woman asked. "Doesn't really matter, someone found out about your little plot and you gave us to them to save your sorry ass without a second thought."

The tall man extended an arm, the appendage transforming into a snake before stretching quickly and wrapping itself around Thalmont, slowly beginning to constrict. "We've been trying to get to you for years, but here you are, just giving yourself to us."

"Hauer, please, I have a proposal." Thalmont said.

"Don't kill him just yet." the Gerudo woman said as she splayed her fingers, a fireball igniting in her palm. "Let me have some fun first."

"I say we just get it over with." Levesque said, smirking as he raised an arm and shot another poisoned spine past Thalmont's head.

"Zara, please, hear me out." Thalmont said

"No." the Gerudo woman said whilst fire engulfed her hand as she slowly raised it to his face.

"Fine." Thalmont said as he gripped the time crystal in his pocket, everything going still around him. He quickly worked his way out of Hauer's grip, positioning himself behind Zara and drawing his blade. placing it's edge upon her neck before releasing the crystal, time resuming it's flow.

"Huh?!" Hauer explained as Thalmont disappeared from within his grasp.

"How have you done this?!" Levesque snapped.

"One more move out of any of you and you get to watch Zara bleed out." Thalmont growled.

"This is impossible, you have no magic." Hauer responded.

"I'm working with Ganondorf now...he's given me some...special abilities." Thalmont bluffed.

"Even if he does exist, he wouldn't have anything to do with you." Zara hissed.

"So little faith in your own people's history." Thalmont began. "We both know you don't believe what you're saying."

Hauer and Levesque exchanged glances before the latter stepped forward. "What do you want, Halkkon?"

"I've come to hire you." Thalmont said.

Zara let out a sharp laugh before turning her head to face the Minister. "Why would we do anything for you?"

"Payment, of course." Thalmont said.

"We don't want anything from you." Hauer growled.

"Oh, the payment's not from me...I seek to hire you on behalf of the King's Hand himself...Lord Jakob of House Lirien." Thalmont said.

"You mean to say the second most powerful man in Hyrule wants to hire us?" Levesque asked.

"He didn't leave me with much of a choice." Thalmont answered.

"Dug up your past crimes and threatened you with them, didn't he?" Zara laughed.

"Will you do this or not?!" Thalmont shouted.

Zara suddenly knocked Thalmont's sword arm away before taking a leap forward, turning to aim a ball of flame at him. "How much?" she asked with a grin.

Thalmont sheathed his sword before reaching into one of the folds of his tunic and retrieving the contract. "Read it for yourself." he said as he tossed it to her.

Zara cocked an eyebrow at the Minister before unrolling the contract, skimming the document before stopping, her eyes widening.

"What is it?" Levesque asked.

"Five Million Rupees for one Knight?" Zara asked.

"Five Million?!" Hauer asked incredulously.

"We could buy ourselves a good portion of the Terminian coast with that." Levesque responded.

"Now that's a price I can't say 'no' to." Zara began. "But how do I know we'll get paid?"

"Examine it yourself, there's a binding spell upon it, once you've proved you've completed the job the Rupees will be immediately sent to a location of your choosing via a translocation spell." Thalmont explained.

"The spell on this contract is legitimate." Zara said as he gold eyes passed over it. "This is real."

"So, five million for one Knight...Lirien must really hate the guy." Hauer said.

"You could say that." Thalmont answered.

"Looks like we're friends again." Hauer said as he approached Thalmont and extended an arm.

Thalmont made to shake his hand only to retract it when he saw Hauer's hand was still in the form of a snake's head. "Do you mind?" he asked wryly.

"Sorry, I forget to change it back sometimes." Hauer said with a smirk.

"So...you'll do it?" Thalmont asked.

"Oh, trust me, we'll get it done." Zara said as she pulled a knife out of her belt, pricking herself with it before signing the contract with her own blood.

"Great, I'll let Lord Lirien know." the Minister replied.

"One more thing before you go." Zara called.

"What might that be?" Thalmont asked.

"If everything you've told us is true...put in a good word with Ganondorf for us." the Gerudo woman requested.

"We'll see about that." Thalmont said. "Depends on how well you get the job done.

Zara grinned as she met Thalmont's gaze. "This 'Sir Link' is as good as dead."

oOo

Link saddled his horse as he readied himself to leave, the opinion the people of Ashwick held about him was already mixed to begin with but after the death of Captain Arndt and Lady Lywater revealing that the snatched children's remains had been found they now had turned against him entirely.

"Leaving so soon?" Lady Lywater asked as she entered the stables.

"I must return to Castle Town, I have business to attend to...thank you for the horse." Link replied.

"I was planning to leave tomorrow, the King won't allow me to miss another Council session." Lady Lywater responded.

"Did you need me for something?" Link responded.

"Well, as...odd and somewhat foreboding as this may sound, Enna wishes to speak to you." Lady Lywater informed him.

"She's awake?" Link asked in a shocked tone.

"Yes, and no one told her of you." Lady Lywater explained.

"So she does remember." Link sighed.

"Do you wish to see her?" Lady Lywater asked.

"I should." Link said as he stepped away from his horse.

"This way." Lady Lywater said as she exited the stables, Link trailing behind her.

People glared at them as they made their way down the street, the townsfolk stopping to leer.

"Where were you when this all started?!" an older man shouted.

"Shows us how much the King cares." one woman remarked.

Link merely bowed his head as he and Lady Lywater made their way to the Healers, both relieved to be out of public eye.

"She's still awake, but not for much longer." the Healer said as they walked in.

Link said nothing as he made his way behind a curtain, the young woman lying in bed with a sheet draped over her. "You." she said softly.

"I'm sorry...sorry if I hurt you." Link said as he sat down beside her.

"I remember...all of it." she began, tears trailing down her cheeks." You saved me from that thing."

"I was told you wanted to tell me something." Link said.

"Before I...I became that monster I saw something...a dark mist swept over me and as I struggled against it I saw someone...he was standing a few paces from me..." Enna said.

"He was tall, looked strong and had golden eyes, didn't he?" Link said.

"You know him?" Enna asked.

"I do." Link began. "What else happened?"

"He looked at me...then I was no longer myself." Enna explained.

Link reached forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes meeting her's. "Understand this, what happened, it wasn't your fault...I slayed the monster in the forest and that's all the other villagers have to know. I...I know you can't go back to how you were, but you have a second chance at life, Arndt is gone and you're safe now."

"What I saw...no one's safe." Enna said before closing her eyes, losing consciousness.

Link closed his eyes, letting out a sigh before leaving her side.

"What did she tell you?" Lady Lywater asked.

"Enough." Link said as he headed for the door. "See you in Castle Town."

oOo

Ganondorf stood outside Clock Town, kneeling down and scooping up a handful of soil, holding it in his palm as he examined it.

"Something special about that dirt?" Captain Ginthorne asked.

"Yes, actually." Ganondorf said with a grin. "Termina used to be the Chosen Land, the Goddess' hand-picked home of the Triforce and the entrance to the Sacred Realm."

"So what happened to that?" the Captain asked.

"The people of Termina neglected the Triforce and the Goddesses, choosing to worship the Four Giants instead." Ganondorf said. "You can still find some of the the Triforce's energy in the soil...but only a minuscule amount."

"Well, that didn't seem to help them any." Daemus said as he looked back at the path of bodies behind him. "I guess there won't be a sacking of Clock Town."

"Don't be too disappointed, the Hylians and their armies will be here soon." Ganondorf replied.

"You think so?" the Captain asked.

"I know they will...they've wanted to take Termina for years and we've given them the perfect excuse to invade."

"I'll ready my men." the Captain said.

"As you should." Ganondorf said as he approached the walls of Clock Town, sensing a familiar energy. "My old prison...they built the city right on top of it." he said with a smirk.

oOo

Minister Thalmont walked through the large building only a few stacks of stones occupying it, the setting sun casting a dim orange light through the windows positioned right below the ceiling. He knew that the Guards and Soldiers used this area for training exercises but nothing more than that. As he walked along he failed to notice the dim blue glow that emitted from the cracks between the stones, the Minister yelping and jumping back in surprise when a Bulblin appeared before him, seemingly out of thing air.

"How did you-?!" he asked, reaching for the time crystal in his pocket only to retract his hand when he realized the beast just stood there, holding it's sword aloft and staring at him. The Minister circled around, the Bulblin's eyes following him as he did so, the Minister confirming to himself that the beast had no shadow. Thalmont breathed a sigh of relief as he drew his sword and waved it through the projection, the Bulblin dispersing into hundreds of small, glowing particles that flitted about before fading away.

"Startling the first time, isn't it?" Jakob asked as he entered the building.

"You disabled the alarm but you couldn't get rid of that?" Thalmont snapped.

"Relax, they're harmless." Jakob said, placing his foot on a cobblestone, causing a projection of a Lizalfos to appear. The Creature slashed towards the Knight, it's sword stopping a finger's length from his head. "We send trainees in with no warning and all they have to do is dispatch the projections as soon as they appear...we have a much more dangerous version utilizing Armos Knights but that's reserved for more...accomplished fighters."

"Sounds like fun..." Thalmont said wryly.

"Talking about training courses isn't why I've come here, though." Jakob began. "Is it done?"

Thalmont sighed before exhaling heavily, a short, quiet laugh escaping him. "Yes, I met with my old associates at great personal risk to myself."

"Did they agree?" Jakob asked.

"Oh, don't worry, they almost killed me and left my body in the woods to consumed by whatever animals would come across it, but I'm fine." Thalmont said sarcastically, Jakob taking on an unamused expression. "But yes, when they saw the price you were willing to pay they eagerly accepted."

"And you're sure they'll keep their word?" Jakob asked.

"I've never seen them renege on a contract...I've never seen them fail either...well, except for my last dealing with them but that wasn't their fault." Thalmont said.

"If the peasant Knight walks into Castle Town again then your assassins will be the ones being hunted." Jakob said before turning away.

"Wait." Thalmont said.

"What do you want?" Jakob asked in an exasperated tone.

oOo

Eldrin hid behind one of the obstacles, watching as Thalmont leaned forward and whispered something into Jakob's ear, the Knight nodding in the affirmative before exiting the building silently. Thalmont waited a moment before turning and making his way towards the other door.

"Stop right there!" Eldrin called as he leapt out from behind the column, blade pointed at Thalmont.

"Aren't you that Guard Captain who I see skulking around the Castle during council meetings?" Thalmont asked.

"You're working with Ganondorf...aren't you?" Eldrin said as he inched closer. "I recognize your voice...we met once before in Lake Hylia Township."

"I've only ever been once, went for some rest on relaxation on the lake's shores but left early...too many peasants, you see." Thalmont said with a smirk.

"Where is it?" Eldrin asked.

"Where's what?" Thalmont growled. "Whatever game you're playing, I tire of it!"

"The time crystal...the one you used to steal Link's sword from his belt...the one you used to make your way down here unseen...by all but me, of course." Eldrin said.

"Oh fine, you've got me." Thalmont laughed. "It's right here, secure in my pocket."

"Hand it over and come quietly." Eldrin began. "Captain Yotin's going to hear about your plans."

"You are in no place to tell me what to do." Thalmont replied with a grin.

"I'm the one holding the sword to your throat." Eldrin retorted.

Suddenly all the doors to the training compound were flung open, a dozen guards filing in through them, quickly surrounding the two.

"Good, it look's like someone already knows about your-" Eldrin said, trailing off as Jakob entered, glaring in his direction.

"Looks like you weren't just being paranoid, someone was following you." Jakob observed as he circled around the guards. "Tell me, how much did you hear?"

"Enough. You plan to kill Link to cement your position...is that right?" Eldrin growled.

"More or less." Jakob answered, stopping before turning to face Eldrin. "I've been wondering, why are you so obsessed with the boy? I've spoken to Yotin about you and he's related to me that you've followed him here from Lake Hylia Township and even took a demotion in order to stay close to him...the implications of that make my skin crawl."

"By the Goddesses it's nothing like that!" Eldrin shouted when he saw Thalmont shuffle out of the corner of his eye. "Don't move!" he yelled, turning his attention back to the Minister.

"Just scratching an itch." Thalmont shrugged.

"Look at yourself, you're clearly unstable." Jakob replied.

"I'm unstable?" You're the one who wants to kill a seventeen year-old!" Eldrin accused, turning his attention to the guards that surrounded him. "You lot are hearing this, right? You can't stand for this! You took an oath to uphold the law and protect others! I know because I did the same!"

"Actually they didn't." Jakob cut in. "These men here are my House Guard, loyal to House Lirien and only House Lirien...not even the King can command them."

"I'd like to see you claim that in front of Gustaf." Thalmont muttered, both Eldrin and Jakob glaring at him. "Fine, fine, I'll be quiet."

"Be honest with me, you're following the boy because you think he's the Legendary Hero, don't you?" Jakob hissed.

"He is...and one day he's going knock you right off that high horse of yours right into the mud and shit you belong in." Eldrin snarled.

Thalmont, Eldrin and the guards all took on confused expressions as Jakob burst out in laughter, the laughter soon giving way to a soft chuckle. "No one has ever spoken to me like that in my entire life." he said amusedly. "It's people like you who belong in the 'mud and shit'...lowbornes who gain rank through soldier training and begin too let their ego expand too far too fast."

"It's because of my place in the guard that I have friends and credibility, if your guards won't take action then Castle Town's will." Eldrin responded.

"You are such an unbelievable fool." Jakob said, rubbing his brow with his index finger and thumb. "My House has been the backbone of Hyrule for a thousand years, more often the not, the soldiers and Guards in this city are more loyal to my family than the King! The Hyrules are only in power because of tradition, They've ruled since what seems like the dawn of time, with the exception being that short moment House Blackmoore ruled, but everyone's forgotten that...they know no different and dare not dream about it...but I do. The power of the Royal family has been waning as of late, King Gustaf has ruined relations with the other people of this land and war is imminent...when this is all over, I will come out on top and the age of House Lirien will begin."

"You're even more insane than I thought you to be and that says much." Eldrin replied.

"We're done here, take him to the dungeons...give him a cell in which no one will hear his cries." Jakob said.

"I have allies, they will look for me!" Eldrin snapped.

"All of your friends are back in whatever hole you crawled out of...this city belongs to me." Jakob growled.

"You bastards!" Eldrin said, suddenly lunging at Thalmont, taking the Minister to the ground.

"For the love of the Goddesses, pull them apart!" Jakob said, his guards quickly pouncing on the men and pulling them away from each other.

"What was that supposed to accompl-" Thalmont began before going quiet and beginning to pat his pockets in a panicked manner, a look of alarm crossing his face as he dug his hands into his pockets and found nothing.

"Looking for this?" Eldrin said, holding the time crystal.

"It won't work for you, it's enchanted so that it only responds to me." Thalmont replied. "Now hand it back unless you want to dig yourself deeper than you already have."

"I figured as much." Eldrin said before raising his hand and hurling the crystal at the ground, the gem shattering as soon as it hit the cobblestones, releasing a small pulse of energy as it did so.

"No!" Thalmont called.

"Get him out of here!" Jakob shouted, the guards surrounding and grabbing onto Eldrin.

"I don't think Ganondorf will be giving you another one of those!" Eldrin shouted as he was led away.

"What does he mean by that?" Jakob asked.

"Nothing, the man is raving mad." Thalmont replied.

"For your sake, I hope that's true." Jakob said as he walked away.

oOo

"Make all the necessary preparations, the time is coming." Ganondorf said as he set himself down on his throne.

"You've found the Sealed Grounds already?" Bastion asked.

"It was far easier than I anticipated...they built their city right on top of it." Ganon said.

"Hmph, fools." Koume laughed.

"What are the chances?" Veran replied.

"I'm guessing whoever settled on the location sensed the energy and took it as a sign...fools indeed." Ganondorf answered.

"You'll be glad to know the Sword of the Sages has nearly been restored." Blackmoore said. "You really think it will end the Hero and the Princess' reincarnation cycle?"

"You doubt me?" Ganondorf growled.

"No...I just-" Blackmoore stammered before being lifted into the air, clawing at his neck as he began to choke.

"I allowed you to flee to us because I felt you may be useful in the future...not so you can question me." Ganon said, allowing Blackmoore to drop to the ground.

Veran looked down at Blackmoore, the man resting on his hands and knees. "I apologize...Lord Ganondorf." Blackmoore said.

"The sword of the Sages usually doesn't have the power required for such a thing, but with the changes I've made to it, once the Boy and Princess are struck down, they're link to the Triforce will be severed...and even the Goddesses won't be able to restore it." Ganon explained before glancing over at Bastion. "Have you initiated the next phase?"

"I sent a raven from the Mayor's office to Hyrule Castle telling them of the invasion...stamped it with the Mayor's seal and everything and framed it as a call for assistance. The Hyrule military will arrive within Terminian borders expecting to be joined by Termina's armies only to find they'll be fighting against us all on their own." Bastion answered.

"Excellent." Ganondorf said, following the sentiment with a low laugh. "Never again will the Hylians forget me, never again will they regard me as a myth, if any are left by the time I'm done, that is."

Blackmoore looked over Veran and Bastion, the two giving him a knowing glance, if he wasn't on their side already, he certainly was now.

oOo

Night had fallen and the guards were about to change, the sounds of the city ceased as the sun set and darkness was cast over the world. Impa looked up at the moon's position in the sky, noting that by this time officials and courtiers who inhabited the Castle should be asleep, it was now or never.

"Come, Princess." Impa said, beckoning towards the window.

Zelda levitated out, landing on the roof next to Impa. "You're sure we won't be caught."

"I've been watching for hours, it seems everyone in the castle has turned in for the night and the guards are going to change shifts any minute now." Impa answered.

"Are you sure this is the right thing to do?" Zelda asked.

"I can't answer that." Impa began. "Only you can...how do you feel?"

Zelda looked away, the thoughts of her enraged father, complacent mother and being forced together with Jakob, who was obviously not happy with her, filled her with dread. "Forget I asked, I've made my decision."

"Glad to hear it." Impa said, squinting as her crimson eyes zoomed in on the guards below her, watching as they turned, gestured at someone unseen and entered the Castle. "We have to go...now."

Zelda nodded, wrapping her arms around Impa and levitating them down to the ground, the two quickly darting around a corner just before the night guards took their posts. "Let's try not to cut it that close again." Zelda said in a hushed tone.

"I'm doing my best with what I have." Impa whispered back.

The two continued on their way, clinging to the side of the Castle as they went, going still as two sets of voices echoed from around the next corner. Impa pulled Zelda in close, merging the Princess and herself with the shadows.

"I was all for it when I thought she lived in Castle Town, but it turns out she's from Fernridge so it wasn't going to work out." one guard said, the other laughing before stopping and turning towards the wall. "Ey, what's going on with you?"

"You get the feeling we're being watched?" the second guard asked.

"Are you joking? With all the damned owls around here I feel like I'm watched constantly." the first guard replied.

"Yeah...that's probably it." the second guard responded, his gaze lingering for a moment before the two continued on their way.

Impa waited until the guards were out of view to emerge from the shadows with Zelda, both looking around cautiously.

"That was too close." the Princess said.

"That one guard, he must have some type of magic, usually we Sheikah can't be sensed when we use that technique." Impa said. "We still haven't been caught though, so onwards we go."

Zelda nodded in agreement, the two making their way to the edge of the courtyard, crouching behind a row of shrubs as they slowly moved towards the wall. "I can levitate us over it." Zelda said. "Do you know what's on the other side?"

"A vacant property, we'll be landing right in the backyard." Impa said.

"Good, I'm looking forward to leaving the Castle behind me." Zelda said.

"Then let's be on our way." Impa said with a smile.

Zelda too cracked a smile, the Princess extending her arms and carrying the two over the wall, coming to land a small pad of grass behind a darkened luxurious home. "Why would my family authorize a home be built so close to the Castle?"

"Probably to have their allies close." Impa said.

Zelda made to answer when something caught her eye. "You said this home was abandoned right?"

"It is." Impa said, going quiet as she followed Zelda's gaze to one of the windows, a dim glow emanating from inside the house. "No...Zelda run!"

The Princess took on a look of alarm just as the glass shattered, three orbs of white light flying out from inside the house and situating themselves above Impa and Zelda in a triangular formation, casting a bright light down upon them. Both the Princess and her guardian took up defensive postures as the backdoor opened.

"How utterly predictable." King Gustaf as he stepped out, his brow furrowed and his eyes reflecting a cold rage. "I now see that you are incapable of doing what's best for yourself."

"Setting up an innocent boy to be murdered while arranging for your daughter to be married to someone for your own political gain doesn't sound like what's best for her." Impa argued.

"And you." Gustaf said. "Here I was hoping you would know better...it's sad to see I was mistaken."

"I'm sorry it had to come to this." Jakob said as he exited the house behind the King, Minister Svelheim and Captain Yotin with them.

Zelda and Impa watched as dozens of guards poured into the backyard from the gaps between the house and the walls around it, quickly surrounding them.

"You can't do this." Zelda snarled through gritted teeth.

"It's already done." the King said. "Guards, arrest the now former Minister of Defense."

"Zelda...I'm sorry." Impa said.

"No...we can't just let them win...there...there has to be something we can do." Zelda argued.

"We can either do this the easy way or the hard way." Captain Yotin said. "I've got eighteen archers out here with crossbows trained on you...even a Sheikah can't avoid that many arrows."

"I'm sorry." Impa breathed as she knelt down, the guards advancing on her quickly, keeping their crossbows trained on her as she was shackled.

Zelda watched with tears in her eyes as the guards pulled Impa up off the ground and began to lead her away.

"Come Zelda, you shouldn't be out at this time." Jakob said, a look of concern on his face.

"I'd rather jump off the city walls." Zelda replied.

"Zelda, you will come back with us this instant." the King said forcefully.

"Or what?!" Zelda exclaimed.

"Fine then!" the King shouted, casting off the coat he wore and taking on a wide stance. He quickly extended out both arms, seizing the Princess in a telekinetic grip and pulling her towards him.

"Be careful, you could hurt her." Jakob said, an uneasy look on his face.

The King ignored him, beginning to struggle as Zelda pulled back. "How...dare...you...resist me!" he roared as he put more effort in, the strain evident in his voice.

Zelda pulled back before extending a hand forward, pushing her father back telekinetically.

"Trond...help me." the King said.

"She can't be resisting you...she's just a young girl..." Svelheim said, transfixed on the spectacle.

"Svelheim, what's wrong with you?" Jakob called.

"Zelda! Fight him! You can do it!" Impa shouted as she fought against the guards, the men pulling her back.

The King took on a stunned expression as Zelda stepped back and thrust her arms forward with as much force as she could muster, breaking the King's grip and sending him stumbling back. "You are no daughter of mine!" he roared as he extended an arm an arm, lightning gathering around his body and shooting towards her. The Princess spread her arms, the lightning bolt striking her directly in the chest.

"No!" Impa cried out as she struggled against her captors, tears streaming down her face as Zelda cried out, the electricity arcing over her.

"Gustaf! What have you done?!" Jakob called.

Zelda's cries intensified, going from a pained scream to howl full of effort and power, suddenly the Triforce on the back of her hand began to glow, a bright golden light bursting from it as a furious gold aura surrounded her body, her eyes shining with this new energy as the she took control of the lightning surging around her, arcs of electricity beginning to crackle around her body, lighting bolts shooting in all directions, taking out guards left and right as Yotin ran for cover, Jakob raising an arm and watching in disbelief as Zelda rose into the air, the wind intensifying, whipping past them with unbelievable force.

"I can't believe it." Svelheim said, standing out in the open as bolts of lighting narrowly missed him.

"Trond, snap out of it! If we work together we can put a stop to this!" Gustaf yelled.

Zelda set her eyes on her father as her gold aura flowed over her, blue bolts of lightning surging all around her. He quickly met her gaze, showing his rarest of expressions...fear. "Of all the fathers I've had across the many lives I've lived, you are by far the most wrathful and narcissistic of them all!" she boomed.

Impa couldn't help but crack a smile at the display. "She doesn't sound like the Princess anymore...she sounds like...like..." a guard near her stammered.

"Like a Goddess." Impa said.

Zelda's eyes suddenly returned to their normal form when she looked over at Impa, making eye contact with her guardian. "I'll come back for you." she said.

The King, Jakob, Svelheim, Yotin and all the guards present shielded their eyes, Impa closing her's and averting her gaze as Zelda disappeared in a blinding flash, no trace of her being left behind.

"Where'd she go?!" Jakob exclaimed.

"She's gone." the King said as he turned to look at Impa. "Take her away...make sure to put her somewhere so far from the light of day she'll forget what it looks like."

"That's the fine, my people are accustomed to the shadows." Impa said with a smirk as she was led away.

oOo

Link leaned forward, holding his horse's reins tightly as his mount dashed through the forest as fast it's legs could carry it, leaping over tree roots as the Hero ducked under branches. Aside from leaving Ashwick far later than he planned, only minutes ago he felt Zelda's Triforce activate which could only mean one thing...she was in danger.

"Come on, faster!" Link called, tightening his grip on the reins.

Suddenly they came upon a clearing, the horse coming to a stop so abrupt it almost flung Link off, but being the experienced rider he was, he held on.

"What in Din's name has gotten into you?!" he said.

The horse neighed as it reared up on it's hind legs, Link's ears twitching as he went on the alert, something had her spooked. The Hero examined the forest, his eyes combing the darkness when suddenly something shot out of the trees, Link looking down to see a serpent sinking it's teeth into the horse. Before he know what was going on he was thrown off, the Hero landed on his side but was quick to get to his feet, taking his shield off his back and drawing his sword whilst taking up a defensive stance. He watched as the snake retreated back into the forest. He expected to hear the underbrush rustle as it slithered along...instead he was met with three distinct sets of foot steps.

A sudden orange glow lit up the forest, Link dodging a ball of flame just as a man in noble attire sprinted out of the forest, a Gerudo woman covered in flames following him. The well-dressed man extended his arms, needles shooting out of his wrists, Link catching them with his shield only for a man to charge out of the tree line to his right, the Hero watching in disbelief as his skin turned to scales, his teeth to fangs, his eyes becoming serpentine in shape and, most astoundingly, his arms transformed into snakes.

"Our old friend was right, this gentleman might be a challenge after all." Levesque said

oOo

So, a lot happened in this chapter, I didn't really plan for all that but it more or less wrote itself. I hope you enjoyed it!

Generala: King Gustaf is out of his tree, the man expects to get what he wants, when he wants, exactly how he wants it, he's pretty much the worst case scenario for a King. Like you said, Zelda set her own path, she's seen Jakob's true colors and her father and wants nothing to do with them any longer. She found her way and she's following it. Thanks for the review!

Ultimate Blazer: She's showing them more than ever now, gold especially! Impa knows how to play it cool, she's one of my favorite characters to write. As you can see she finally has acted against the King and it's been a long time coming. Thanks for the review!

LoruleanHeart: Despite their difference in character I just felt that they would get on quite nicely, I'm glad you ship it! Seeing as Zelda didn't have her memories, Veran was expecting something a helpless young girl, not a the Princess of Destiny herself at full power (with an attitude). King Gustaf is extremely proud and sees the Royal family as being on par with the Goddesses themselves and believes they are far above everyone else, only Jakob truly having his respect. I'm going to explore Gustaf's motivations and mindset more in future chapters, but as you can tell, he's a few cards short of a full deck. Thank you for reading and thanks for the review!

Thank you to all of those who hit favorite and follow on my story and myself! You guys are great!

Before I sign off, I know I mentioned that I might write an unrelated story in the future but I've decided to make another entry in this series detailing the Blackmoore family's part in Hyrule's history and how they came to rule in House Hyrule's place, however brief that rule may have been. I know I made an attempt at it before but it didn't come out right the first time. I've been reworking the plot for it and I think I've found something that works, so it may get posted pretty soon. Thank you all for the encouragement when it comes to this series, I never imagined when I first started writing "The World at War" the series that would result from it!

Anyway, thanks for reading! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

-Prometheus17