The Quest of King Zora by Belgarath the Sorceror (diplogenius4@hotmail.com) Link had been dozing in his chair by the window. A knock to the head by Princess Zelda was not necessary. "Get up!!! Do you expect the Princess of Hyrule to be ignored by a young adventurer as yourself? I have urgent news for you. You have been summoned by King Zora himself. I am to accompany you on your journey and see what he requires." "Ok, I'll go," Link responds assuringly. Being the princess' royal guard sure has its drawbacks. Link thinks to himself what the good king himself could need. Impa creeps slowly into the room. "Zelda, are you sure it is right for you to be doing this on such short notice? Your birthday celebration is in a few days you realize. You do want to be in top condition of course, correct?" "Don't worry Impa," Zelda hastily responds," I have Link here to protect me!" Great, Link thinks to himself, more pressure, that's all I need... Link and Zelda leave the next day for Zora's River, his trusty master sword at his side. They crossed through the Hyrule Field and stopped by Lon Lon Ranch. "Good morning Talon! Asleep at your post again I presume?" Zelda calls out to the sleeping blob. "Huh? What.... Oh!! Good morning princess! My ranch is open to your excellency," the fat sheepherder declares. "I whipped up a nice batch of Lon Lon milk for you princess!" "Why how thoughtful! Thank you Talon, you've always been a trustworthy servant of mine. Is my steed ready?" "Ready and waiting Princess Zelda. Are you and Master Link going to investigate the creepy occurances at Zora's River the entire village of Kakariko has been mumbling about for the past day or so?" Talon inquires curiously. "What are you talking abou...." "AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" the scream uttered from the stables. chapter 2 Author's Note: Be sure to read chapter 1. It makes it much easier to understand the story. :-) Talon, Zelda and Link rush to the stables. A hideous sight lies in front of you. A Stalfos stands in front of Ingo, Talon's belligerent brother, ready to scalp him with a cutlass. Link steps up to it. "Leave Ingo alone gruesome beast! I challenge you to a battle of might and wit. The better of us two will be victorious... and I'm sure it will be me!" "I avait you voolish varrior," the stalfos responds with a heavy slur. " Be careful!" Zelda utters to Link as he engages the monster. The stalfos dodges Link's blade thrust attack and prepares to launch the cutlass through Link's throat. As the blade comes down, his mighty shield is upraised against the creature, the engraving of the triforce upon it emitting an eerie glow. "Vhat???" the stalfos declares," Vhat is this magic you possess?" "You will now find out!" Link strikes with the force of 1000 Gerudo warriors and knocks the skeleton down. He utters a cry of death. "I may not be a challenge vor you, but King Balara vill surely show you the vay of death! Uhhh....." He passes away silently, his warning echoing in Link's mind. "Who is Balara?" Zelda asks Link, her expression is one of the puzzled nature. "That name has not been uttered for a long time," Link replies. "Balara is a young kokiri warrior who used to train with me in the Magical Forest of the Kokiri. He was the one who first tried to foil the evil within our mighty Deku Tree. When he entered, a loud shriek was heard throughout the land. He was never heard from again. He was one of my dearest friends and possessed great magical ability. He was also first to receive the fairy of all the kokiri children. He was destined by the great Deku Tree to become the hero of his people, but alas he was never heard from again.... until now." "It seems that he is in control of some enormous power at the moment... and I am afraid I might know what it is," Zelda exclaimed. "What?" said Ingo, still shakey from his encounter. "Balara must have acquired the Center Power." "Center Power?" Link wondered," What is that?" "The Center Power is told of in a story handed down through the royal family of Hyrule, and now Link it seems I must tell you," Zelda said. "When the Triforce is put together, there is a space between the triangles in which the Center Power fits. The gods took it from the center of the Triforce when it was made because any normal creature could not handle this prized artifact. It was set in a chest on Death Mountain only to be opened with three magical artifacts, the ring of Din, the necklace of Nayru, and the bracelet of Farore. An aeon ago, the Center Power was stolen by an anonymous thief and he was consumed with the force and hatred of generations. The Center Power has been lost ever since. "Now I have even more news for you. The Ring of Din was entrusted to the Zoras, the bracelet of Farore to the Gorons, and the Neckalce of Nayru to the Hylians. And now for the big surprise. Around my neck I wear Nayru's necklace, and around your arm you wear Farore's bracelet." chapter 3 Link was shocked as this realization came over him. He only required one more of the mystical artifacts to access the Center Power, the Ring of Din; this was the artifact untrusted to the Zora's. Could this have any connection to the disturbance at Zora's River now, Link thought to himself? These are only some of the questions that plagued his mind during his ride to Zora's River. Zelda was silent on the ride, but Link knew that she also must be going through some inner turmoil. It had taken them two days to reach the watery kingdom, but the Lon Lon Milk and berries picked along the way sustained them. Princess Ruto was waiting at the entrance of the kingdom to greet them, her tragic appearence signifying some type of discomfort or danger. "What is the problem here, that we have been summoned on such short notice Princess Ruto?" Zelda declared commandingly. "Come quickly princess, Lord JabuJabu has had strange visions recently, and we were hoping that Master Link could help interpret them," Ruto exclaimed rapidly. "Lead the way," Link said heroically. The audience chamber of King Zora has been intricately carved with water throughout the ages, and is one of the most splendid sights in all of Hyrule. Link stood in awe and amazement as King Zora slothily crawled down to welcome them. "Greetings Master Link, and your highness, Princess Zelda. I have come to you in my time of great need. Recently, my faithful servant, Lord JabuJabu has been experiencing horrendous nightmares which have woken him and sent him into hysterical rages. Only one thing could have caused this." "Let me guess," Link interrupts," The Ring of Din was stolen." "Why, yes. How did you here of the sacred legend only descendents of the royal families of Hyrule have been told?" "I told him," Zelda declared. "But that is forbidden!" Zora declared, "Only descendents of the races of Hyrule's Royal Families can be told." "What?" Link wondered," Zelda why did you break a law that has been in existence since the beginning of time?" "I didn't," Zelda exclaims," I should have told you this before Link..." "What is is Zelda?" Link asked with an air of curiosity. "Link... you are my twin brother." Amazed and completely awe-struck Link now realizes what his uncle was trying to say to him before he died. Link thinks back to that fatal day... "Remember Link, stay inside. It is too dangerous for you out there right now. The King has summoned me." His uncle was always a brave soul. Link disobeyed his orders and set out for the castle. Zelda telepathically communicated with him and told him of her troubles. Link entered the dank, eerie passageway under the fortress grounds, and made his way to the castle. He stopped in his tracks. A gruesome sight lay before him. His uncle was battered and beaten, left to die on the stones. As Link crept closer, his uncle uttered something. "Take this sword and this shield. These have been...(cough) handed down in our family for generations....(hack) I will teach you the motion of the sacred whirlwind attack, used by our ancestors since the beginning of time. Also, I have something to reveal to...(cough)... you. Zelda... is ....y...o......u...........r......" And his body became breathless and slouched noiselessly to the ground. Link regains his thoughts and realizes his lineage has been revealed to him. So that is what the tattoo that had appeared on both his and Zelda's arms when they were sixteen had meant. They were both of the same father and mother, which means.... "I am the King of Hyrule!" chapter 4 Author's Note: As you might have noticed in Chapter 3, I have melded together sections from Zelda's 2,3, and 5. Believe me, it is for the better this way and will make the storyline run more smoothly. "Is this true Princess Zelda? If your father is dead, is Link really king of Hyrule?" King Zora inquiringly asked Zelda. "It is true." "So that means that my birthday is also in three days?" Link said. "Yes. And that is not all. We will be 21 then, and the prophets foretold that if we did not acquire the Center Force by our 21st birthday, a Kokiri warrior would resurrect Ganon and he would rule over all of Hyrule." "Are you speaking of Balara, Princess?" King Zora wondered. "Yes, he was chosen to be Ganon's apprentice the moment he entered the Deku Tree," Zelda replied, " and if he is not defeated, Hyrule will perish and the Hylian line will end forever." "So, it has been forseen," a voice called from behind Zora's throne. Link was awe-struck as the massive form of Lord JabuJabu appeared. He was taller and larger than King Zora by three times, and Ruto was dwarfed near him. "I know where the Ring of Din has been taken." "Please tell us Great JabuJabu," Link and Zelda replied synchronically. Ruto began to giggle as she saw the obvious connection between the two. "You must travel to the Desert of the Gerudo with all haste. In the center of the desert is Ganondorf's Grave. Balara has built an invisible fortress there to keep all who arrive away from his work. He is using shreds of the triforce left over from the making of the Golden Power to make copies of Nayru's Necklace and Farore's Bracelet. The only catch was he needed at least one of the Magical Artifacts. Since the easiest to steal would be the Ring of Din, he naturally decided to take it. By resurrecting Ganon, Balara will become ruler of Hyrule and Ganon will be Ruler of the Universe. There is only one thing I do not know. The location of the Center Power." "Oh do not worry about that JabuJabu," King Zora said," Zelda is aware of the object's location." "It is in a chest on Death Mountain," Zelda said. "Good. You will need to take the Ring of Din from Balara. It is placed on his finger and can only be removed with his death. Link, this will seem familiar to you. The shadow you fought when you obtained the Triforce of Courage was Balara's shadow. You just barely overcame him at that time and he disappeared with Ganon atop the parapet." "Why do we need the Center Power?" Link asked. "You must take the Center Power and give it to Ganon." "WHAT??????!!!!!!!" Zelda shouted, "How will that help us???" "The supreme force of the Center Power can only be handled by the Gods. You must take the 3 artifacts to Ganon with the chest which holds the Center Power. The minute Ganon inserts the Center Power into the Triforce, he will be incinerated by its monstrous force." "Link and Zelda," Lord JabuJabu said, "This is your quest. You must travel to Death Mountain to receive the chest of old. It is guarded by a Giant Stalfos, whom you have met before." "But I destroyed him!" Link said. "You destroyed his body, but not his spirit. He has been resurrected by Balara to guard the chest which holds the supreme force. Next, you must travel to Hyrule Castle and obtain the Triforce and the Book of Mudora. Use the book to open the way to the desert and bring you to the Grave of Ganondorf. Take these Nautical Goggles. They will allow you to see the invisible fortress where Balara hides. When you reach the fortress, slay Balara and resurrect Ganon. Give him the chest and artifacts, but don't make it so obvious that you are tricking him. He will shortly perish and the triforce will return to the Gods. Hyrule will experience a time of great peace and no danger will again fall over this land." "Go now, for your time is limited, and let this forever be known as the Quest of King Zora." "ME?" Zora wondered,"Why not the Quest of Lord JabuJabu?" "I hate attention." And with that, Link and Zelda set forth on their journey, the fate of Hyrule again resting on their shoulders. And if their quest was not completed in three days, Ganon would come forth over the land and destroy it with his minions. Zelda readied her Magical Boomerang, and Link brandished the Master Sword. They both knew that their exploits in the next three days would change the land of Hyrule forever. chapter 5 Link and Zelda hastily traveled to Death Mountain. It took them half a day to reach the summit of the monstrous crag. They gazed in awe as a massive fortress stood before them. They both knew what must be done, and they silently entered the frightening dungeon, their weapons ready at their sides. As the first room came into view a strange voice uttered a warning: "Go vack now!&ldots; Or vrevare to meet your voom!" "Stalfos! I await you!" Link cried out to the eerie emptiness. "HA HA HA!!!" the Stalfos guffawed, "You vill surely die! I have been enhanced vith magic var beyond your comvrehension!" The heavy slur was obviously annoying to Zelda's ears. The laughing faded as a group of Keese descended upon Zelda. "Die villainous creatures," and with that her magical boomerang destroyed half of the beasts while the others continued to attack. "Look out Zelda!" Link's voice echoed throughout the castle. He raised his mighty blade and cut through the oncoming bat-warriors. "That was close," Zelda said, and they both continued on into the dark doors of the dungeon. Zelda brandished a new weapon, the Hylian crossbow. She proved to be very skilled with the medieval killing device, taking out various slime-like Gel creatures. As they entered a large amphitheater inside the mountain, they stopped to gaze in wonder. Their amazed faces suddenly turned scared as a band of reptilian Ropes charged at them. Behind the Ropes, an IronKnuckle was shouting out commands to the reptiles. "Destroy them!" the IronKnuckle's voice boomed in the enormous, natural amphitheater. Every Rope in the pack was headed toward them. "Prepare yourself Zelda!" Almost as if she had read his thoughts, she was already taking out a mysterious wand and spellbook. "Mi zakhan morsht tokka mo patuu!" With those fateful words the Ropes turned against their master and tore him limb from limb. "AHHHH!" He uttered as the Ropes descended upon them. Link turned his head to avoid watching the gruesome sight. "Let's move on," he told Zelda, who was glaring in satisfaction at the spell she had just cast, "Warn me next time before you do that." They had arrived at a dead end in their journey. "Now what? Tell me Link. You do this all the time; you should know by now what to do here," Zelda asked Link in a somewhat angry tone. "I know what to do Zelda. Don't get so tense. I have seen a different side of you here in these caverns," And with that Link took out a power bomb and lit the end, "Look out Zelda! Get back!" They ducked behind a spiky rock as the bomb exploded, revealing a hidden tunnel. As the bomb exploded the rock they were resting near began to move. "That's no rock," Link said, "I've encountered these monsters before in the Golden Land. They have to be destroyed with this!" Link took out the megaton hammer he discovered in the same palace he found the rock creatures. "Prepare to be vanquished cruel felon!" Link hit the creature with the megaton hammer and it flipped over revealing its soft belly. Zelda came in then and slashed the creature with her magical dagger. It was immediately incinerated by the flaming cutlass. "Let's get moving," she said. They entered the cavern of the Stalfos. *** As they entered, the torches near them became lit. With every step they took, the torches on both sides of them became bright. They stopped as the torches began to surround a shadowy, skeletal figure. The Stalfos turned around and revealed himself. It had in its hand the Giant's Claw, the most powerful blade in all of Hyrule. "Do vou recognize me, Link? Ve've met before. I'm sure you have met ve, Zelda. Does vis help your reasoning?" And as soon as those words were uttered, the frightful image of Agahnim the wizard appeared before them. "You see?", the slur now dropped, "I have been resurrected by the great power of Balara. He will rule all of Hyrule, and Ganon will become supreme dictator of the Universe! I will rule at Balara's side, and you will be our eternal slaves! Prepare to die!" Agahnim flashed a thunderbolt at Zelda. Link jumped in front of her, and raised his Hylian shield against the light. "Ma gresha ni tookhut jickbah poutta!" Zelda uttered the sorceress words of the Hylian line and Link's Master Sword became super-charged. "What are you doing?" Agahnim shouted at Zelda. "You will see foolish sorceror! My powers exceed yours by ten-fold!" The Master Sword of Legend split in two as the words were spoken. Zelda than rearranged the pieces of the mystical object with her mind and formed two rapiers. These slick new sabers were placed in the hands of the twinsand they prepared to fight Agahnim. "The Twin Sabers of legend? How did you learn of these ancient arts Princess?" Agahnim questioned the newly found out sorceress. "You see Agahnim, I was born with these mystical arts, but they could not be used until I united with my brother Link." "Brother??? Agahnim cried, outraged and full of rage, "Well then the legend is true. You are destined to destroy the evil powers in the universe. I will do all in my power to stop you. Especially with this!!!" The Giant's Claw was flung at Link's head. He had no time to react! Suddenly Link received a message from Zelda: Use the force within you Link! Link concentrated on the mighty sword and shouted one word. "STOP!" With that word, the blade stopped and Zelda and Link plunged at Agahnim with their sabers. "Die fiend!" they cried in unison. Those were the last words the wizard heard as his form became lifeless with the force of the Twin Sabers of Legend piercing his body. Link and Zelda ascended to the summit. There in front of them was the chest which held the Center Power. It had no obvious way in which to open it, but that was not what they were concerned with. Hurrying with the chest, they rushed down Death Mountain. They arrived at their stallions and strapped the chest to the horse's back. With that, they set off into the sunset, only two days left until the fate of the universe would be decided. chapter 6 Link and Zelda, the chest with the Center Power on their horse's back, arrived early in the morning at Hyrule Castle. Zelda knew that this next part of the quest would be by far easier than the last part. Or so she thought&ldots; Link called up to the guard standing watch at the gate, "Let us in. It is Link and Princess Zelda, returning from our voyage." "Why should I do that! Ye hath no proof that thou art who thou says thou art?" "Is this proof enough for you?" Zelda said, flashing the pendant around her neck at the guard. "Well, maybe&ldots;" he replied. "Or how about this?" Link took out the Ocarina of Time and played upon it the Melody of the Royal Family. "Ye hath proof enough. Thou art freeth to enter," the guard hastily replied, "But I warn you. The rest of the guards are being controlled by something. I was frightened to let you it, because I thought you might be a zombie like the rest." Terrified, he crouched out of sight. "Take refuge at Lon Lon Ranch my friend," Zelda replied. Take this letter to them as authorization to do so. "Ha ratyh mutooki pacha," and with that, a letter of authorization appeared in the guard's hand. "I will do as you say, your majesty," he said while bowing low. And with that he was off. Link wondered what had befallen Hyrule Castle at this time. The two could only wonder as they entered the fortress. *** The market seemed normal as they entered, but something wasn't right. They both could sense it. They readied their Twin Sabers for the battle they knew would be coming. Almost as if he felt it, Link looked behind him to see a pack of Mutant Wolfos coming after them. Zelda attacked a creature, stabbing it straight through and destroying it. It disappeared in front of their eyes. Link did the same and it happened again. More Wolfos started to appear. "Do you have any ideas Zelda?" Link said as he destroyed another beast. "As a matter of fact, I do." She took the spell book from her bag. This mystical ancient book looked familiar to Link&ldots; Of course!!! It was the Book of Mudora! "How did you acquire that Zelda? I locked it away in a fairy fountain to keep it from evil's hands. "I have servants," she said, "and you told me where you hid it. So I thought to myself, 'Why not take the book handed down for generations in my family and use it for a good cause?' It seemed like a good idea. Plus it would be very difficult to get out of this situation without it. I am going to need your help to use a spell of this magnitude." Link and Zelda joined hands and uttered this spell: "Mishty warhet hjurt guort ghteroity nadkfa mastdsa matooka MI!!!" With that, all the wolfos were dispelled from this realm, and sent to dwell in the underworld. "Let's get to the Triforce Chamber," Zelda commanded, "We've wasted enough time already." Link and Zelda ascended the stairs that led to the tower which held the Triforce of Legend. The moment they opened the door to the anteroom, a batch of zombies was seen munching on the body of a fallen soldier. They turned to the door as it opened. Seeing fresh meat, they moved into an attack position, ready for dessert. "Only fire will harm these creastures," Zelda said. She brandished a rod and spoke from the ancient, Hylian text. "Mosha tryuid flamos kastew aresta!" The bolt of flame took out one of the three attacking monsters. "It's my turn," Link shouted. He raised a crystal above his head. "Let the magic of Din, Goddess of Power, flow through me." Zelda realized what she was staring at, and nodded in silent approval. Link screamed, "Din's Fire!" With those words, he was surrounded by a shield of flame. He ascended upon the creeping creatures, and rammed them. "ROOOOAAAARRRRRR!!!!" they cried out in screams of rage. The taller of the two zombies slashed at Link. Its powerful arm left a gashing wound in his side, but burned its arm in the process. "AHHH!" Link cried out in agony. Zelda rushed to his side and whispered in his ear. "Joki utiop roity ma slop," she whispered quietly. A mystical aura surrounded Link. She had activated Nayru's Love. Link had always wondered how to do it, and now he knew. The war scar was instantly healed and the zombie incinerated. "Let's get going," Link said, "The triforce is in the next room." *** As they entered the room, they saw a tall, Kokiri warrior trying to get at the triforce. "Balara!" Link shouted. "Ah, we meet again my old friend. I see I was not the only non-Kokiri among the tribe. You were also able to exit the forest we used to call home. You see, Link, I was never a Kokiri. Let me tell you." "After the Deku Tree flung me out of its large trunk, I was sent beyond the realm of earth and time. I was beyond the land of Hyrule altogether. In fact, I traveled to a far-off land. You may have heard of it. It's called the Sacred Realm." "But the Sacred Realm is in Hyrule?" Zelda retorted. "That's what you have been led to believe. But in reality, the Sacred Realm lies at the homeplace of our Goddesses. I also found out one tiny fact. There are only one true race of the Sacred Realm. And I am one of them. They are known as the Sheikah." Link gasped in horror. "So that is why you were always the most nimble of us all. And why you always felt this burning need to leave the Kokiri Forest. You were sworn to protect Hyrule's Royal Family. And thus, you were sworn to protect me." "So&ldots; let the truth be known. You are of the Hylian race. So that is how you were able to leave the forest unscathed. Well I am sure of one thing. In the final bout between us, I will NOT be protecting you." "There does not have to be a bout Balara. We can stop now." "It WILL happen Link. And there is nothing we can do about it. It is a prophecy which the goddesses have made since the beginning of time. We must duel, and we must duel to the death!" At that moment, Zelda noticed the Ring of Din on his finger. She was about to lunge for it, when she remembered it could only be removed with his death. She silently took out her dagger. She thrust it with the most stunning act of dexterity ever seen, but Balara was aware and disappeared. The dagger struck the wall and fell inanimately to the floor. "He's gone," Link said. "And to think that she is a Sheikah like Impa," Zelda said. With that, the twins took the Triforce off the stand which Balara was trying to steal before they arrived. They proceeded to get to their mounts and ride into the sunset. Tomorrow would be the day of destiny. The day the world lives&ldots; or dies. chapter 7 Link and Zelda rode quickly toward the Desert of the Gerudos, the place in which the Invisible Fortress of Balara is hidden. They stopped at Lon Lon ranch along the way. Ingo was out in the field, working as a slave after his treachery against the Princess Zelda. They knew that the battle ahead of them would be exhausting, so they took with them a battle of Lon Lon Milk. The soldier they had met at the gate was also there, and he was busy eating a leg of roast cuckoo. Zelda told the soldier, whose name is Korte, that Hyrule Castle and Market are now free of any danger and it is safe to return. "Forget it," Korte said, "I like it right here. I'm considering retiring. I'm old enough already, and it seems like a good idea." "Suit yourself," Link said, "Don't get lazy in your olden days." "I'll be fine." *** At ten o'clock, they left for Gerudo Desert. When they reached the entrance to the barren wasteland, they realized the bridge was out. "How are we going to get across?" Zelda said. "I have the hook shot Zelda, but we won't be able to get the horses across." "Well that's what we must do." They took the two chests, one holding the triforce and one holding the Center Power, and threw them across the chasm. The two chests landed safely on the opposite side. As Link was attempting to cross the gap with his hook shot, two Gerudo warriors appeared. They each had an empty gaze, which could most likely awaken a dead rat. They picked up the two chests and were gone in a cloud of smoke. All of a sudden, a greenish light appeared in the sky. "Ha ha ha!!! I must thank you Link. You have just succeeded in retrieving the two objects it was impossible for me to acquire on my own!" "Balara!" Zelda and Link shouted in unison. "How did you guess? Honestly though, did you really think that you could stop Ganon from resurfacing and taking over the cosmos? You are a stubborn character, Link. I've never really liked you very much. You will soon feel the power of the almighty Ganondorf Dragmire! HA HA HA!!!" And with that, the face was gone. Zelda held onto Link as they swung across to the opposite side of the bridge. They took only the twin sabers, nautical goggles, ocarina of time, and rations that were needed to survive. It was high noon when they entered the desert. The barren wasteland was completely clear of any vegetation whatsoever. Not a single cactus showed its spiny head from the surface. It was clear however that there are creatures living there. There were snake skins leftover from the process of shedding. And there were also eggs of some sort scattered everywhere. Link placed the nautical goggles of King JabuJabu on his head. Nothing was clear to him yet. It was evident that they had to travel a little farther. At one o'clock, Zelda and Link were getting kind of hungry. They stopped to share the Lon Lon Milk and the roast thigh of cuckoo they had received from Talon and Malon. They had a small discussion about what they thought would happen if they failed, but it would be better not to go into that. When their lunch was finished, they decided to leave their all of their gear, except the Ocarina of Time and the goggles. "Die!!!" A war cry was uttered. "Link look out!" Zelda shouted. Link turned around to see three Gerudo warriors charging at him. The twins brandished the Twin Sabers and prepared for battle. One of the Gerudo's was on horseback, while the other two charged on foot. They all carried mean-looking cutlasses. Link took a swipe with his saber and knocked the cutlass out of one of the charging warrior's hand. He than kicked him into the sand and knocked him unconscious. Zelda took aim with her magic rod and grounded the soldier on the black stallion. It lay encased in an unmeltable ice forever. Link couldn't help but notice Zelda's darker side. It was only during battle, too.Link stabbed the last Gerudo through the stomach, and he fell to the ground motionless. It was three o'clock and a glimpse of a dark object came into view. "I see something," Link calmly stated. "What are you talking about? I can't see a thing Link." Zelda was positively baffled. "That's because you are not wearing the nautical goggles," Link told Zelda "We are approaching it," Link stated. "It's about three hours until sunset. We can't waste anymore time. The fate of the world will soon be decided." Zelda seemed more aggressive than ever before. They reached Balara's fortress, but realized it was very difficult to enter a castle without a door. Link wondered what to do. "Believe in yourself Link&ldots;" It was Saria. "Saria?" Link said. "Yes. Use the melody I taught you Link. It has the power to undo Balara's curse. Remember Navi when you do it," Saria proclaimed. "I will," Link replied. "Good. Remember, if you need to speak with me, don't hesitate to call. Good Luck." And with that, she was gone. Link raised his Ocarina and thought of Navi&ldots; He was up against Ganondorf for the first time. He was struck down by Ganondorf's heavy blade and was lying in defeat on the ground. Ganondorf was above him ready to suck the life out of him, when Navi appeared and distracted Ganondorf. It was time enough, so that she was able to give up her life to save Link. Link slayed the Gerudo King, but was always in constant grief because Navi was gone&ldots; Link came back to his senses and played Saria's Song. The notes filled his heart with a warmth and the gate to the Invisible Fortress opened. The tower itself was visible now, and Zelda noticed its overwhelming height. They both entered quietly, only a short time left before the fate of the world would be decided. chapter 8 Zelda and Link have entered the towering Invisible Castle of Balara. They pause to take into the account their surrounding environment. There was something very strange going on. The tower was glowing blue. There was no sign of any creature or monster as of yet, but they both knew what would eventually happen. They entered the next room, their sabers twitching at their sides. Directly in front of them was a school of gel-like creatures. Zelda took out the Book of Mudora. Link wasn't exactly sure why they needed this reference for their journey, but he knew it must be important. "Mooka tooka lacki mussh!" the words emanated from Zelda's lips. A vast majority of the creatures melted on the spot. But then something started to happen. The slime from the gels combined into one large Zol creature. It was literally three times the size of the Stalfos they last encountered. It opened its large mouth and a poisonous gas spewed out. Link used the spell of Nayru's Love to encase Zelda and him in a protective shield. "We'll have to take this thing out with conventional weaponry," Link stated. The twins lunged at the Zol with their Twin Sabers. They slashed a gaping hole in the side of the blob, but were thrown back with its massive strength. They weren't hurt though, because the love of Nayru protected them. The hole in its side was enough to destroy the beast. The children of Hyrule moved on to the next room of the dungeon. There was A closed door at the end of the dungeon with no visual way to open it. Six statues lined the walls. Zelda could here a faint humming noise. "I don't like this," Zelda said. A fireball shot out from each statue in the wall. "DUCK!" Link shouted. He knocked Zelda to the ground as the fireballs passed over their heads. Zelda threw her boomerang at one of the statues. It bounced down lifelessly. Link tried using Din's Fire. It too had no effect. Zelda took out a magical wand. "Froza hitua ereta coldae freez!" An ice beam shot out in all directions. The statues were all effectively frozen in unbreakable glass. A chest appeared against the wall. Link and Zelda took the key inside the chest and ascended the stairs behind the locked door. The stairs climbed for a short period of time. As they were about to enter the door at the top, a sound came from Link's ocarina. "Zelda&ldots;" a voice called out. "Impa?" Zelda replied. "Yes, it is me. I wish to warn you that Balara's power can not be dispelled unless both of you defeat him together. Zelda, use a seperation spell on this Ocarina of Time." "As you wish." Zelda recited from the Book of Mudora. "Mishka hutio morea toyra geratia hmoyp tooka puwar wuzdim couragus separta maintenant!" Link and Zelda were instantly transported to a seperation in the space-time continuum. They had entered the pedestal of sages. A blinding light burst forth from the Ocarina of Time. The symbol of the triforce appeared in midair. The Ocarina entered the space where the Center Power would fit in the almost real incarnation of the Golden Power. The white light became brighter as a crashing sound was heard, as if a vase had just been shattered. When the light cleared, Zelda and Link stood awestruck at what had happened. The Ocarina of Time had split into 3 separate ocarinas! The voice of Rauru the Sage boomed. "Behold the Ocarina of Wisdom!" The precious sapphire Ocarina descended into Zelda'a hands. "Behold the Ocarina of Courage!" This emerald green Ocarina was placed in Link's hands. "Behold the Ocarina of Power!" This ruby red Ocarina floated down to the hands of &ldots; "Me?" Saria said as the Ocarina rested silently in her hands. "Yes," Impa's voice came from the Ocarina. "You have been chosen to go with Link and Zelda on their mission." "But how?" she exclaimed, "I can't leave the Kokiri Forest?" "Oh, but you can! You see Saria, I have yet another surprise for the royal family." "What are you talking about Impa?" Zelda asked inquiringly. "Zelda and Link are related to Saria. You are triplets." They all gasped in shock. "Does it not make sense. Our entire civilization is based on three. Din, Nayru, Farore. Triforce. Medallions to open the Temple of Time. All of these include 3. This is the number on which our civilization has been based. The Twin Sabers in which you hold can actually be seperated again to form the Tri-Strike Rapiers. These are the only weapons which can dispel Ganon from this realm forever." "But how is it possible?" Saria said, still under complete shock. "Oh come now. You have had the symptoms since you were born. You were all given the power to play the Ocarina, to handle the Triforce safely, and to uphold power, wisdom, and courage throughout the kingdom." "How do you know this Impa?" Link asked. "Because&ldots; I am your mother." Again the pair of three were shocked beyond belief. The realization of the days events were overwhelming. Zelda thought for a moment. "Then we are Sheikah!" Zelda exclaimed. "Quick you are Zelda. The job of the Sheikah is not what you think. The Sheikah, as Balara has told you, is the only true race of the Sacred Realm. But there is more. The Sheikah are the descendants of the Gods. The reason we have not heard from our Gods since creation is because they have locked away by the evil force of Ganon. Ganon was created when the Center Power was left. Ganon is a direct offspring of the Center Power. This is why he is immortal, and why he keeps returning. To destroy Ganon, you must destroy the Center Power. If Ganon acquires the Center Power, he will be contained with it, but he can be released. I do not know how to destroy it. That is something you must learn." "Go now, triplets of legend. Destroy Ganon and let our Gods be free," Impa and Rauru shouted. The three reappeared on the staircase. They opened the door and could not believe what stood before them. chapter 9 Their eyes were wide. Sitting there in the middle of the room was the Triforce itself. And the chest holding the Center Power was right beneath it. The triplets watched in awe as the chest began to open. "Behold the day has come! Ganon will live again and bring chaos and destruction to all the land! No one shall be free of Ganon's evil tyranny. Arise Prince of Darkness and vanquish the foes that have tried to thwart your actions for centuries." Balara uttered the Oath of Death as the Saria cried out, "We can't move!" It was true. Their legs had been rooted to the ground, held in place by the branches of Evil Desert Sprouts. "You shall now watch as he rises to life before our eyes!" Balara took the hand carved replicas of Farore's Bracelet and Nayru's Necklace and placed them into the sockets in the stone chest inside of the wooden box. The stone chest slowly revealed its contents. Laying in the chest was the Center Power. It glowed with blinding colors, all the known colors. Its mysterious power waiting to be wielded by a person worthy of it. Balara brought the Triforce over Ganon's body, and placed it over the mound of dirt on which he lay. A voice echoed from the Ocarinas. "Now is the time! Play the Song of the Royal Family! This is the reason it has been handed down for generations. All in preparation for this moment!" "But I don't know it!" Saria shouted out woefully, "What will I do?" "Have faith Saria! You know the song. You have heard Link play it before; besides every member of the Sheikah knows it. It is born with them. Now play!" The beautiful music of the Ocarinas filled the torturous tower with a feeling of happiness and wonder. The things that happen next are uncanny. The Ocarinas began to encircle Balara. The Ocarina of Power played the Song of Power and Balara became strong. A reddish glow surrounded his body. The Ocarina of Wisdom gave Balara tremendous insight. His body emitted a deep, compelling aqua color. The Ocarina of Courage gave him the power to resist evil. His body glowed a forest green, one that would make even Mido happier. The combined force of the Ocarinas dispelled the evil spirit from his body. He collapsed on the floor, but the spirit prepared for battle with Link and his siblings. Then something happened. The shadow split into three spirits and prepared for battle by brandishing three Tri-Strike Shadow Sabers. The triplets prepared for battle, brandishing the TRi-Strike Rapiers with incredible skill. Each took a shadow, and each found themselves incredibly at risk, as the shadows were at least 5 times more powerful than each of them. The blades of each clashed shockingly as sparks flew from all the swords. "That's it!" Zelda cried out. She took out the Book of Modura, at the same time dodging a thrust from the shadow warrior. "Moosha wisdumus powerusta curageus trius strikuds rapiersusa killus tues maintenant!" A golden glow surrounded the Tri-Strike Rapiers, and the Triforce was getting closer to them. Then it broke a part and the triforce was embedded in the hilt of the mystical blades. "Now we're ready!" Link said as he charged the shadow creature. Zelda and Saria did likewise, a new power at their fingertips. The power of the triforce. chapter 10 The children of the Sheikah prepared to thwart the shadows of themselves, but all of a sudden something happened. Impa and Rauru appeared to them. "Now is the time of destiny!" Rauru shouted, as Impa and he appeared before them. "You have no chance at defeating them if all of you go one-on-one against them. We will hold them back for you as all three of you attack them one at a time. We can only hold back 2 at a time, so you have to attack quickly and swiftly." With that, a golden light began to surround the shadow creatures, and the shadow of Saria came at them with it's red Power Saber. Saria led the way as the three attacked it. As they charged, it unleashed a powerful red beam of fire, which knocked Link to the ground. It also has possession of a crystal called Din's Flame, which happened to knock Zelda down to the ground. However, Saria, continued to attack the shadow, wounding it severely. "Take this!" she said as the blade descended upon its black arm. The thing came right off. Now without a right hand, it was forced to fight awkwardly and carelessly. "Now I'll finish you off!" Saria shouted to the creature. With a fearsome downstroke, the blade cut the shadow in two. The Triforce of Power on the hilt glimmered. Meanwhile, Zelda and Link were getting up as the next Shadow was unleashed, the shadow of Zelda. This time, Link and Saria were forced down with a blue wave. The triplets noticed that only the one with the Triforce that matches the shadow creature could attack it, although the many targets by them time. This creature possessed a crystal known as Nayru's Death, which it used on Zelda. Before the spell could take effect however, she uttered an omen from the Book of Modura. "Protectuss deus la magique tues kilus!" With that, the black shadow that came upon her did nothing. She struck at the figure but it dodged her attacked and swiped at her, cutting her side. "AHHHHHH!" She screamed in pain as the shadow descended upon her. She rolled out of the way as she caught the bottle of blue potion. She drank it hastily as the shadow struck again. This time she dodged and sliced the sword out of its hand. "Wahk sadhj hajdh hahska..."it uttered while crying in agony. Zelda came and stabbed it through the center. It melted in front of her eyes. The Triforce on her hilt glowed a deep blue. The last shadow came to face Link. Its body was an eerie green, unlike the others that were black. Zelda and Saria did not bother approaching it, for they would have no effect on the gelatinous creature. The Creature pulled out a jewel of its own, called Farore's Gust. This gem knocked Link to the stone- cold floor. "Are you okay Link?" Saria and Zelda asked simultaneously. "Don't worry," he said as he dodged a green ray of goo. "Be vanquished fiend!" He shouted as the sword plummeted down to the earth, missing the green monster by mere inches. It slashed back, but Link quickly raised his Mirror Shield and blocked the swipe. Link sliced again. The sword went right through it! Link was so shocked, that the creature had time for another blow. The Green Saber came down. He rolled out of the way and took out his bow. He had another idea. "Go light arrows!" He fired them repeatedly into the blob, and it melted into ooze. The Triforce on his chest glowed mysteriously. Yet they were too late. By this time the Center Power had found Ganon. "Look out!" Zelda cried, "Ganon is awaking!" It was true. The Center Power was revolving around the Prince of Darkness, and he was slowly being elevated above the rest. Ganon was back. The Center Power returned to its chest however, and Link and Zelda remembered Lord JabuJabu's words. "Then you must give him the Center Power." Link was prepared to do just that, except Ganon just happened to pick it up first..." But instead of the expected result, Ganon actually grew. "Ha ha ha! Hello Link and Zelda. And this little green one too. I bet you were expecting me to be destroyed by the Power of the Center Power. You couldn't be further from the truth! Actually you haven't heard the entire story. When the goddesses left this realm, they DID leave behind the Center Power, but they also left behind ME. I am the product of the Center Power and therefore am able to wield it. So now I'll have to say goodbye. There is a way out of this freakish land, but you'll have to find it for yourselves. Goodbye my enemies! Gya-ha-ha-ha!" With that, a strange portal opened beneath the heroes and they were transported to unknown lands. "AHHHHHHHH!!!" they all cried out in anquish. When the portal dissipated, Ganon turned to Balara. "You are a foolish leader, just like that wizard Agahnim. You deserve the same fate as him!" "NO!!!" The details are too gruesome to mention. "Now time to take the Triforce for myself." Ganon said. He searched diligently throughout the land but couldn't find it. "Wait," he finally said to himself. "What was that I saw on their hilts before I vanquished them..." "NOOOOOO!!!!!" To be continued...