MaLink

Bobbo... you're so brutal to the adorable Link.

---

Tom

Very nice. Adding Link's ego to the mix was a very good choice. All of a sudden he's not so much a brooding, moody fallen hero as much as he is a brooding, moody fallen hero with a bruised sense of pride. It makes his character all the more interesting and his motives and actions all the more unpredictable.

How far would a man go to reclaim his pride? Would he sacrafice those he loves? FIND OUT NEXT WEEK, SAME WRATH MANIA TIME, SAME WRATH MANIA CHANNEL!!

MaLink

Bobbo, this is for you! It's Link after Ilia just told him off.

I forgot the bottle though. And the rain. And the building. And the colors. And the quality.

OH WELL ITS LINK KINDA SO THERE.

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Wrath Mania

Holy shart Malink, that's awesome. What's odd is, it's pretty much how I pictured him sitting. That's really good though, the other details aside. I love it.

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

MaLink

A tribute to your awesome story.

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Wrath Mania

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

MaLink

Hmmm... very mysterious, this Rome. And his title is very impressive, Grand Vizier... a snobby title for a pompously handsome man. It fits. xD

I'm curious about what Link's walk may find, and doubly curious about his past history with Rome.

---

Tom

Versus Magna? Very cool name.

This chapter was fantastic, probably the best one so far. Rome is already established as the guy everyone loves to hate.

However I did notice, Mr. Honors College Elite, that you had a lot of grammatical mistakes. Next time don't stay up so late to write, or at least drink some coffee! You'll fry your brain out.

"on the floor him to sleep on"

What does that mean Bob?! What does that mean?!?!

Just kidding, I know what it means. Just don't kill yourself to write these chapters, as good as they are.

EDIT: 2:56 AM? 2:56 AM??? I'm giving you a cerfew.

Wrath Mania

Eck, thanks for the heads up. Those mistakes are unacceptable (and classic Wrath Mania). I'll try to clean them up.

For now, read this:


Chapter Six: The Last Option

It was around midday when Grand Vizier Rome, riding his stallion and accompanied by his soldiers, returned to Castle Town. As usual those in the town square that noted his arrival erupted with welcome. As usual many offered gifts and services, while others simply stared in awe of him.


Somehow Rome never got sick of it. The clamoring for his attention was a reminder to Rome of how far he came, and how hard he walked to get away from where he was only a few years ago. He believed it was an example that ambition could allow someone as gifted as himself to accomplish anything, and to defeat any challenge. It was, he mused, his fate to reach this.


Rome had come to Hyrule from Teres, a land far north to the north, beyond the Northern Range of snowy mountains. Rome had been born into royalty, and by blood he was Prince of Teres. The kingdom however had fallen on hard times. Very hard times. It looked that Rome’s life would be full of hardship.


Until he stumbled upon this land.


Upon Hyrule.


Now Rome knew what prosperity meant. He had been welcomed into the Royal Family as a guest, and, knowing that Hyrule was still weak from its recent war with the Twilii, quickly made an impact in the political arena. He became very popular with many people, including the king himself. This had allowed him to be granted permission to pursue other areas that were of interest to him. Areas that others claimed were meant to stay off-limits…


Rome passed into the gardens of the magnificent Hyrule Castle. The initiating of a Grand Vizier was a rare happening in the governing body of Hyrule. It only occurred when there was no male of royal blood to take the throne following the death of a king. It had occured less than a handful of times in Hyrule’s history, and yet here was Rome: an outlander who had been in Hyrule for less than a year, voted in by the overwhelming majority of those on the Royal Court to take the throne as Hyrule’s acting leader. And so Rome had ruled Hyrule for the past three years, becoming one of the most revered leaders in the land’s history. He had not officially reached all the powers and status of a king yet; he could only obtain that title if someone of royal blood agreed to join him in wedlock.


Which hadn’t happened yet, Rome thought with a smile. But he and Princess Zelda were close. Soon, Rome would find himself not only to be heir to his homeland, but king of its neighbor as well.


Fate, he told himself. And for Vizier Rome, Prince of Teres, fate had not yet reached a carrying capacity for him. For in this land of Hyrule, there was still something he sought dearly. Sometimes, the princess would note concerned, that he seemed to obsess over. It was the same thing he had asked for clearance to seek years ago, something he had yet to find.


Soon though, Rome promised himself. Very soon. After all, he had fate on his side.



Rome strode through the great entranceway into the castle, soldiers saluting as he passed. He ignored them and strode down the great entrance hall. Lavish and extravagant, chandeliers hung from the ceiling and paintings of various Hyrule landscapes and legends adorned the walls. One day, he mused, I may be on that wall as well.


How utterly fitting, he thought with satisfaction.


Moving up the wide flight of stairs at the end of the hall, he continued his brisk pace down a hall until he reached an open entryway. Inside was a great expanse of furniture and tables, and beyond that a large balcony overlooking the courtyard. It was his quarters, and sitting on one of the sofas was his beautiful companion.


“There you are,” Princess Zelda said, standing up to kiss him as he walked over. “How did it go?”


“The shaman was helpful enough,” said Rome as they sat down on the sofa, “Unfortunately, the portal on Death Mountain is unreachable. And there are no others in that province.”


Rome frowned. He had yielded similarly unsuccessful results when he had journeyed to the Faron Woods a week ago. He was unable to ever find the portal believed to be in the sacred part of forest there, mainly due to the maze-like design of the woods and the mischievous indigenous imps that resided in them. The same thing could be said for the supposed portals in the Lanayru Province beneath Lake Hylia and beyond the northern Zora’s Domain. It appeared all the portals in Hyrule were either inaccessible or unable to be opened.


There was one exception.


It was the one that Rome had been holding out on. The portal wouldn’t be opened without some archaic measures that would be long and arduous. Because of that, Rome was still reluctant to go through with it until he was sure there were no other options. Now it seemed very clear to Rome that it was the only option left on the table.

“It appears we have no other choice,” he said, “We have to go through with the Versus Magna.”


Zelda shook her head. As Rome expected, she wasn’t pleased about it. “It’s such a brutal undertaking. It goes against everything this kingdom has stood for since then.”


“I know,” Rome replied with a great sigh, “But it seems I may have to bend the norm to reach what I desire.”


“I understand,” said Zelda, “And you know I want you to succeed, Rome. But I just hope you realize the consequences of bringing back the oldest, bloodiest tradition in the history of this land.”


“I know there will be some,” Rome said. Just how hard it was to find information about the Versus Magna was proof of that. As he had told the shaman earlier, almost no wizards or scholars he approached were willing to speak about portals. Even fewer even knew what the Versus Magna was, and those who had an idea were especially fearful to speak about it. Rome vividly recalled the laughable conversation he had with a historian named Shad. The overenthusiastic man nearly fell out of his chair when Rome uttered the two words to him, and had given marginal help at best.


In the end Rome was forced to rely on a vein of knowledge that gave him the information he needed, though still not all of it. It was a source that, if Zelda ever knew Rome had tapped into, would not be approved of by the princess by any stretch of the imagination, perhaps rightfully so.


But as with the Versus Magna itself, the ends would justify the means. And of course, some things were better left unsaid.



Princess Zelda stared at the man sitting next to him. Zelda had grown fond of Rome not long after his arrival to Hyrule. He was brilliant, and Zelda would agree among the scholars that considered him the greatest visionary Hyrule ever had as a leader. He was wise and courageous and seemed genuinely interested in bettering the nation. And most importantly to Zelda, Rome had been there for her, during her darkest and most hopeless hour…


And it was because of the caring that Rome had shown for her, along with the other overwhelmingly good qualities that he had that allowed Zelda to accept the quest that he had been undertaking for so long. Zelda had voiced her concern of Rome being nearly obsessed on the matter a few times, but he had assured her that was not the case. Furthermore, Zelda knew that, if Rome were to succeed, there was not a better person in Hyrule to accomplish it. Still, the route he was taking to do this troubled her. The Versus Magna was blood and barbaric, and people would certainly die. And there were other reasons, not all of which she had voiced to Rome.


Among the secrets Zelda had kept from Rome was that she had once bore a piece of the very sacred treasure that he was seeking. She was among three chosen wielders, the identities of which Rome had been under the impression Zelda did not know. The reason Zelda suspected she had not yet brought herself to tell this to Rome was intrinsically linked to the second secret she was keeping from him, related to the fact that another one of the chosen wielders was-


“We will have to move it to the desert eventually,” Rome was saying.


“You can’t expect the courts to agree to you doing this at the Arbiter Grounds,” she pointed out.


“No, of course not,” Rome replied, “At least, not yet. Since that is where it was done in ancient times, we will have to move there for the final stages. But for now, we will use the arena here in the city.”


Zelda searched for other issues. “Surely there’s another way the portal there can be opened. After all, it is where the six sages-,”


“You said you have been unable to make contact with the sages,” Rome pointed out.


“Yes, you’re right,” said Zelda. The six sages were a mystical group of wise ones who were deemed with protecting all the portals throughout Hyrule, but most notably in the chamber above the Arbiter Grounds in the western desert. They would be able to open that portal with ease, but since they had gone dark, it was a dead end. It seemed Rome’s way was the only option.


“You have to trust me, Zelda,” said Rome as he stroked her golden hair, “I know you are unhappy with the bloodshed this will bring. I wouldn’t have exhausted all other options if I thought otherwise. But you have to believe me this will be worth it in the end. Trust me.” And as Zelda looked into his sharp yet caring eyes, she knew that she could not refuse.


“You know I have and will,” she replied as they kissed again. And she certainly did, perhaps more than any person she had ever met. “The tournament will work,” Rome said. “We will find the one strong enough, and then the door to the Sacred Realm will at last be open.”


[font=Book Antiqua][size=2][font=&quot] As they came close, Zelda knew, with dread, that this would inevitably lead to her second secret coming back to haunt her. That the man Rome was seeking would likely turn out to be that second wielder of power, whom Zelda had once knew and loved almost as much as Rome. It was someone who Rome would likely recognize. The ghosts of the past were going to come back to Zelda. And she had a feeling this wonderful life that she had rebuilt the past three was in danger of shattering yet again.



****

Comments yeah?

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"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

MaLink

Oh the secrets we keep. xD It's funny that they were thinking almost the same secrets.

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Wrath Mania

Chapter Seven: The History of Versus Magna

Link was taking the steep climb up the rocky slopes of Death Mountain without much notice. He had been trekking for a few hours now in the bright sun, though he was still a ways away from the great, fiery top of the mountain. The most recognized yet feared landmark in all of Hyrule, Death Mountain was given its name for several reasons. One was the complete lack of vegetation growing from it safe for the explosive Bomb Flowers. The second, and far more noteworthy reason, was that Death Mountain was Hyrule’s lone active volcano. Eruptions were rare, yet Link had once heard that the last time Death Mountain erupted it had buried entire villages in molten ash. The aftermath of the eruption destroyed what was once a cone shape to the volcano; instead the top of Death Mountain was an uneven, steaming crater that was heavily exposed facing the rest of Hyrule. From his lower altitude Link could clearly see lava flows running through the collapsed surface. All in all, it was a dangerous place to say the least, a place that only one indigenous race, the large, tough-skinned Gorons called home.


Link had no intention of visiting the bumbling Gorons today. After what had happened this morning he had felt it necessary to get out and have some time to think, and the isolated Death Mountain slopes was perfect to do this. He had come so close to doing something so terrible. Yet, deep down, he also knew he wanted to do it.


He is the reason for all of this, Link told himself.


Link came to a bluff overlooking everything he had climbed so far. Looking beyond it he could see Kakariko, relatively small at the base of the mountain, and beyond that the plains of Hyrule. On the very horizon he could make out the spires of Hyrule Castle.


Where this all happened, Link thought.


Rome’s appearance had brought back the memories, all in sharp images. Suddenly he could remember when Rome swept into the high tower, and Link spun around since he had been gazing over the ramparts after what had just happened, and he suddenly realized his emerald tunic had been covered in blood, his sword drenched in it.


His sword. Link drew it and held in his hands. What had it brought other than suffering to others? Sure, Link justified his deeds under the actions of a hero, and he had told himself any killings he made were for the greater good. But how could that be true? How could that be true when the whole world thought he was a murderer, and indeed he had come so close to committing one just earlier?


Giving a shout, Link swung the blade over his shoulder. It symbolized everything that had fallen apart. It was if its sharp edge was the very thing that had ripped his life to shreds. Giving a great cry, Link swung his arm forward and sent his sword hurtling down the mountain, to land unseen in the rocks below.


Link felt himself feeling sick for the second time today. Staring over the cliff, he suddenly felt compelled to look down, to the sharp rocks far below.


And immediately, he dismissed the wild thought that came to head. No, Link told himself. No matter how low this gets. Or at the very least, not today.


Collecting himself, he made the trudge back to the village.



It was early evening by the time Link had returned. He saw the lights in Renado’s house and knew they were having dinner. Link had not eaten, so he walked inside. He was surprised to see that, along with the kids, Renado had a guest.


“Link, welcome back,” Renado said, gesturing to the man sitting next to him. “Surely you remember Shad the Adventurer.”


“Link!” Shad said excitedly, getting up so quick he nearly stumbled into the fire in the center of the room. He walked quickly across the room, nearly stumbling again when Malo held out a leg to trip him (he quickly withdrew it after Beth jabbed him with an elblow). Shad was certainly an enthusiastic man. With blonde hair and oversized glasses, he was five or six years older than Link. Shad was part of the Adventurer’s Guild, a small band of warriors that had aided Link during the Schism of Twilight. Shad however was not as much a warrior as he was a scholar. He was fascinated by Hyrulean lore, having been brought up by father who was a historian.


“How have you been?” Shad asked as he grabbed Link’s hand to shake it, although Link had not raised it. “Everyone in the group hasn’t seen you in a while.”


“I’m fine, thanks.” Link said. Behind Shad, Link noted Luda, Colin and Talo were openly mocking Shad’s expressive gestures. Link barely suppressed a smile. He knew all of them thought Shad was a bit of a nut, Luda especially did after Shad became obsessed with their basement a few years ago, believing it held archaeological value. Hell, Link thought, I think he’s a creep too.



“Renado invited me for dinner to talk about this Versus Magna,” Shad explained, and Link’s interest was slightly aroused.


“Do you know anything about it?” he asked as the rejoined the circle around the fire.


“Just some rudimentary knowledge,” Shad explained, “The Grand Vizier himself approached me on the subject a few days ago. I was a bit shocked of course, considering it’s a very arcane subject, yet I was conflicted about my dirty to enlighten others. After all, that is why I study these things: so I can share my knowledge to those who are-,”


“Shad,” Renado kindly interrupted, “If you could perhaps continue about the Versus Magna.”


“Oh,” Shad said, looking annoyed that he had been interrupted, “Well, the Versus Magna is a very ancient event. It dates back to before Hyrule was even ruled by kings. That was obviously ages ago, back when all the races of Hyrule were in constant war. So as you can see it’s pretty obvious as to why there isn’t much information circulating around about it. Even many of my peers don’t know what it is. Which is not to say I’m superior to my colleagues, although judging from the award I received last-,”


“Shad, please.”


“Alright, if I must. Even so long ago, there were those that were aware of the general lore of the Sacred Realm, and-,”


“Wait a minute,” said Talo, “What’s the Sacred Realm?”


Shad looked horrified, “You don’t even know what the Sacred Realm is?”


“Well we don’t sit around doing school work,” Talo replied, “We, you know, have lives.”


“Well,” Shad said, “It’s only one of Hyrule’s most treasured legends. I figured even a simple village boy such as you would know about it. But I suppose I often forgot not everyone is as knowledgeable as I.”


“Or as much of a dork,” Malo offered. The children laughed. Shad’s face turned red. He looked annoyed.


“Please,” Renado said, waving a hand, “Let Shad continue.”


“Thank you,” Shad muttered before regaining his academic tone, “As I was saying, the Sacred Realm is a blessed Golden Land where a great and omnipotent power lies hidden, a power some say embodies the Gods’ own might. The only entryway to this Sacred Realm is said to be through Hyrule. And this is indeed the case, in fact, we believe there are multiple entryways, or portals throughout Hyrule that lead to the Sacred Realm. The ancient wise ones sealed these portals off, and they cannot be opened without great power.


“Now, the ancient peoples of Hyrule knew of these legends. And because everyone was eager to enter the Sacred Realm, they began to quarrel and fight to enter it first. In one particular case it was decided that only the strongest and most courageous of men could possibly be worthy enough to open the seal. And so to determine who that worthy person was, they began holding contests of great danger and violence, trying to eliminate as many people unworthy as possible so they could determine who was worthy.”


“Did people die?” Colin asked.


“Of course. It was the a bloody event. They erected a great stadium to hold these battles in. We now know this to be the chamber above the Arbiter Grounds in the Gerudo Desert (Link’s head perked up when Shad said this). This was also likely the location of the actual portal these men were interested in. At any rate, blood was spilled endlessly. They swore they would find the one they started to call the Hero of Men, a title that could be given only to someone strong enough to somehow survive such a brutal event.”


“Did they find him?” Beth asked.


Shad smiled. “No. The King of Hyrule eventually came to power, ended the Great War, and swiftly put a stop to the contest. Many of those involved were imprisoned. In fact, we believe that’s why that stadium became the Arbiter Grounds; they were simply imprisoned on location.


“So this Versus Magna that Rome is interested in, it’s this ancient tournament,” Link said.


“Yes,” said Shad, “From what I know, he’s been looking everywhere for tidbits about it. What’s more intriguing, some tell me he’s been renovating the old arena in West Castle Town. Like, major renovations.”


“So he’s going to continue where the ancients left of,” Renado said, “He hopes to find this ‘Hero of Men’ and use him to open the portal.”


“That may be the case,” Shad shrugged, “I don’t know how he would figure to do that, since even if he did find a victor out of the Versus Magna, to my knowledge no one knows how the victor is supposed to open the seal. Though my theory is since human sacrifices to appeal the Gods were common at the time that the ancients intended to-,”


“Do you think Rome could curry the support he would need to pull this off?” Renado asked.


“The whole governing body loves him. The people love him. Renado, Rome could propose a mandatory Dodongo riding act tomorrow, and at least half of Castle Town would go along with it.”


“Will people even want to enter if its so dangerous?” Luda pointed out.


“There are always those willing to put their necks on the lines: Warriors, mercenaries, the downright foolish. Ultimately it comes down to fortune and glory. And I assure you, if Rome does go through with this, he’s not going to advertise the reward of winning as getting to partake in some ancient ritual. It will be all about obtaining fortune and glory.”


“You should enter Link!” Talo said excitedly. “You could win it hands down.”


Link smiled but said nothing.


“Well Shad,” said Renado, “Thank you for stopping by to explain this all. You have been most helpful.”


“Oh, it’s been my pleasure. After all, education is one of my most treasured values and-,”


“Thank you,” Renado repeated.



Later that night Link was outside giving Epona good wash when Talo and Colin came running up to Link holding their wooden swords. “Want to get a quick practice in?” Talo asked, “You’ll need to train if you’re going to enter this thing.”


“I’m not going to,” Link replied.


“What?” Colin said, and both he and Talo looked as if someone had punched them in their youthful faces, “You have to! You know you’d win.”


“I couldn’t care less about fortune and glory.”


“But it’d be an adventure!”


“My adventure days are long over,” Link replied, and with that he walked back into Renado’s house and slammed the door behind him.

****

Danke for the comments as always. I'm concerned about these two previous chapters. Is everything being presented clear enough? I'm also curious about their logistical order. Frankly I think they could work in the opposite order. Thoughts? Comments?

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

MaLink

Good chapter, ol' chap. But one thing-- dunno if I would use the word "bleating" in reference to the sun.

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Tom

Bob, I tell you, each chapter is better than the last. This entire thing has come together so expertly, and blends with the game universe so seamlessly. You're doing a fantastic job.

I think you've run out of holes to pave, too. I can't find a single gap! Success!

Wrath Mania

A brief chapter for the time being.



Chapter Eight: Advertising

The next morning in Castle Town Raphael woke up a little after sunrise. A crowing cucco somewhere in the alleyway had forced him out of sleep. Raphael gave a groan as he sat up on a ripped couch. It was just as well that he got up this early; he had chores to do around the house as it was.


House of course was a liberal world for Raphael’s adobe. It was a row house in the eastern district of Castle Town, on one of the backstreets. The house was somewhat cramped, with one bedroom and a main room. Raphael slept on the main room’s couch while his grandfather took the main bedroom. Of course his grandfather had left for work without a word hours ago. The room was poorly lit and messy, with papers all over the floors and tables. Raphael knew his grandfather probably wanted him to clean this mess up.


If his job was so important, why didn’t he get a better house? Raphael growled to himself. He had been living here since his parents’ death, and yet he doubted he spoken with his grandfather for beyond five minutes once. Once. Deep down Raphael would admit it was a lonely way to grow up.


But at least he was learning self-reliance.


He trudged over to a large mirror on the side of the couch and tried to tidy up his hair, but to no avail. He sighed and threw on a white shirt. Glancing back at the disaster behind him, he decided the chores could wait for a little bit. Right now he wanted to take a walk.


Raphael walked outside into the desolate alley street. It was partly cloudy and a bit breezy. A lone cat scurried away as he stepped onto the cobblestone. A cloth line hanging from Raphael’s row house had snapped, and he and his grandfather’s attire had landed in a muddy puddle. Cursing, Raphael picked up the soggy clothes and placed them on the railing of the front steps, hoping they would dry off. He then headed down the alley towards the main streets.


The last few days since returning from Kakariko had been a bit rough. Marion had been angry with him for missing the party, and furthermore had refused to listen to him when he tried to partly explain what had happened. It was a crazy story, Raphael admitted to himself. Brutus took as many times as humanly possible to boast about what a great time they had. Raphael shook his head, kicking a tin can as he walked.


It was easy for them to look down upon him, Raphael thought. They were better off than him in all facets of life, whether it was financially or residence. He was in a far deeper hole to climb out of them then. Raphael yearned for an opportunity to finally do so, yet as long as he was stuck in that smelly hovel with his grandfather it seemed unlikely that he ever would.


Raphael reached the main street and noticed there seemed to be groups of people clustered in huddles. Curious, he ambled over when a soldier stopped him and handed a flyer in his hand.


“An invitation from the Grand Vizier,” the soldier said, and continued walking on. He was holding a whole stack of them.


Curious, Raphael read the flyer:



Raphael read the pamphlet over a few times, thinking. Sure, he technically wasn’t an adult, but he could get around that pretty easily… and he knew he could fight better than most kids he knew…


“Hey Ralph, who accidentally let you read that?”


He looked up. Brutus and his group of lackeys stood across the street, leering. “Like you’d have the balls to enter,” Brutus continued, “They’d be scraping you off the arena floor after the first round.” They laughed.


“So are you going to enter?” Raphael asked coolly.


“Well, uh,” Brutus paused, his dumb face scrunching,


“…Yeah, sure, I’d kick some arse you know, including yours!” With that, he and his group walked away chortling.


Raphael paid little attention. It would be dangerous, he admitted. Yet somehow, the idea of at least being recognized as a great warrior… or a knight… it was his dream. And the award… he could finally get out of this place.


Raphael turned back home. He knew there would be much to do.



Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Grand Vizier Rome stood in the center of a huge amphitheater, the ceiling of which torn out so the heavens could look down at him. The floor was caked in dust, and the seats were high above the arena floor, a four meter wall separating them.


It would be perfect, Rome thought.


A soldier ran up from the gates to him. “Grand Vizier Rome, the pamphlets are being distributed at a rapid pace to the Castle Town and locales beyond. All of Hyrule will soon be aware of the contest.”


“Splendid,” said Rome, nodding in approval. The guard left, and Rome turned back to regard the arena.


Yes, everything would indeed be perfect. He had gone over every detail with extreme delicacy, continuing to pry his main vein of information until he had enough to get the Versus Magna started. Soon he would have the participants he needed. Then the games would begin.


And Rome, ruler of Hyrule, would have another notable accomplishment in his reign: having brought back the most exciting event to this kingdom. The economy would soar, the people would love it, and he would be given credit for it. Yes, Zelda was right that it was barbaric, but sadly most people enjoyed just that.


Besides, at the end of it, the ultimate prize would go not to the victor, but to Rome.


It would simply be perfect.

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

Wrath Mania

Haha yeah, I think I meant blazing. Good spot.

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

MaLink

Awesome chapter. Wonder how Raphael is going to get in. I'd also like to meet this mysterious vein of information Rome is talking to.

---

Wrath Mania

Chapter Nine: In The Ashes

Around the same time the Grand Vizier’s pamphlets were reaching Kakariko Village, Link was strapping a bag of supplies Renado had offered him to Epona’s back. He was fairly oblivious to the small crowd of villagers reading the pamphlets the soldiers had just delivered. Link was planning on returning to the forest.


“Link,” Renado said next to him as he finished tightening the final strap, “Are you sure this is the right time to leave?”


“It’s midday,” said Link, “I’ll get back to the woods well before sunset.”


Renado smiled, “You know that’s not what I mean, my friend.”


Link rolled his eyes, annoyed. If that isn’t what you meant, why don’t you try asking your questions more clearly?


“Renado,” he said wearily, “I appreciate you risking everything to harbor me every so often. But I think it’s better if I stay in seclusion for a while.”


Link thought Renado would protest, but after a moment the shaman simply nodded, “I understand. You know you are welcome back here anytime, Link,” he patted Link on the shoulder, “have a safe trip.”


“Thank you,” Link said, patting Renado on his other shoulder. Renado went back into his house, and Link mounted his horse.


“Link, wait!”


He glanced down the road. Talo, Colin and Beth had broken off from the crowd further down and were running towards him.


“You we’re going to leave without saying goodbye?” Beth said accusingly.


“I didn’t want to bother you guys,” Link said quickly, though truthfully he was simply tired of having to constantly say goodbye, and desperately wished to just keep it unsaid.


“But Link, take a look at this!” Talo said as he handed Link the flyer.


Link read it over briefly, then shook his head. “So they are going through with it,” he said quietly.


“Yeah,” Talo said excitedly, “So here’s your chance! You see that question at the end? ‘Will it be you?’ It can be you, Link!”


Link shook his head, and to the childrens’ despair, he crumpled the flyer and handed it back to Talo. “It’s just a brute contest, Talo, nothing else. I already told you fame doesn’t interest me.”


“But y-you said that man… he could be planning something bad,” Colin said tentatively.


“And let’s hope to the Gods he doesn’t succeed,” said Link, grabbing Epona’s reins, “But for the last time, I will not enter. Do you understand?” He looked to see all three children had adopted crestfallen looks.


“Look,” Link said, “I appreciate that you all think this highly of me, but I’m not this great knight in shining armor. I never was, and I certainly am not now. I’m no hero.”


“That’s not true,” Talo said angrily, “What about all those times you save the three of us? When you saved this village?”


“And how about when I was the reason they destroyed Ordon?” Link asked coldly, but he was surprised when Talo shot back. “I don’t give a damn what the rest of Hyrule thinks. You're our hero, Link! We know who you really are.”


There was silence. “I’ll tell your parents you said hello,” Link finally offered. And with that he snapped the reins, and Link was off, leaving Talo, Colin and Beth behind him in defeat.



The Faron Woods was the most immediate sector of forest coming from Hyrule Field. Part of the Faron Province, the forest at first seemed pretty docile, but digging deeper to the east or west would lead one into the twisted sacred forests and eventually the Lost Woods. Fortunately, directly was south was the relatively open Ordona Province, were Ordon Village used to stand. It was the southernmost annex of Hyrule, for beyond it was the tall Crescent Mountain Range, which protected Hyrule from the harsh Maradu Seas.


Epona had torn across Hyrule Field quickly, and the sun had barely begun to shift towards the west when Link had reached the border of the Faron Woods. To prevent novice travelers from wandering into the dangerous portions of the forests, a path had been smartly blazed that led directly to the Ordona Province. The trees were lush with leaves, and life was teeming all around them. Link was immediately at peace in the nature dominating forest. It was, after all, his home parts.


They passed an abandoned house not too deep in, and Link knew this once belonged to a gatekeeper who sold various products for those journeying into the woods. He had been among those that were forced to flee when it happened…


Link continued on through a tunnel the path ran under a hill, before coming up in a deeper section of the woods. The entrance to the deeper parts of the forest would be on his right, but Link felt an uncontrollable desire to go left, towards his old home and where Ordon Village used to stand. Heading this way he and Epona passed a small but lovely spring where it was said the light spirit of the Faron Woods resided, much similar to the spring at Lake Hylia where Link had confronted Scar a few days ago. They crossed a wooden bridge that was hung over a gorge containing a small river, and Link brought Epona to a slow pace as he knew they were nearing Ordona.


A second spring could be seen half-hidden by the trees off the side of the path. Link knew this was the light spirit spring of the Ordona Province. It was where some of his earliest memories with friends, including Ilia, had taken place. Link was suddenly reminded about Scar’s unusual behavior of stealing the sacred water from the Lanayru spring that night, and he wondered just what-


Something hit Link in the side, hard. He went flying of Epona and landed roughly into the ground. Epona neighed, coming to a halt.


Trying to overcome the pain in his sides, Link tried to stand up, but a sharp booted kick to the gut brought him back to the earth. Gasping for air, he stared up at his ambusher.


“Scar,” Link gritted his teeth, “I should kill you right now.”


Scar smirked as he stood over him. “I would certainly like to see you try, considering you aren’t even carrying a sword. You’ve decided to take a stroll in the woods and you didn’t bring your weapon? You’ve certainly lost your edge, forest boy.”


“Yes,” Link groaned, “I guess I should have been prepared for bastards like you waiting to jump me.”


“Please,” Scar said, “Don’t flatter me.”


Link crawled over to the nearest tree and used it to give him a crutch as he stood up. Link said, “What have you been doing, tailing me this whole time?”


“Now you flatter yourself. Don’t: you really are as worthless as it appears right now.”


“Or maybe you’re just interested in this spring too, is that it?”


“Well, it is a refreshing drink, if you’ve tried it…”


Scar obviously wasn’t going to tell Link what he was doing in the area. Instead, Scar said: “I’m sure you’re aware of this game being set up in Castle Town.”


“If you’re just here to chat, then I suggest you let me go.”


“Surely you’re entering.”


“Are you?”


Scar smiled, “Fifty thousand rupees to win a contest that’s purely about combat. Forest boy, it was tailored for me.”


“Yes, and judging from the other swine likely to sign up, you’ll have plenty of friends.”


“Swine would be a step above what you currently are, forest boy.”


Link glared at Scar. If the Zora was looking for a fight, Link was suddenly ready for it. He didn’t care he no longer had his sword; if Scar wanted to take down Link right now, Link was willing to go down with fists flying. He didn’t have time for this anymore.


“Go and seek your prize,” Link growled, “You’re a heartless mercenary, and fame and glory is all you seek.”


“No, forest boy,” Scar said, “Glory is what all of us seek.”


Out of nowhere Scar swung his merch-arm first at Link, and Link went hurtling to the ground, seeing stars. Had Scar protruded his wrist blades, Link’s face would have been ripped to shreds, but instead he was merely knocked senseless. It seemed like minutes had passed before the world came back into focus. Painfully, he sat back up, ready for more.


The path was empty, safe for Epona who was standing still. Scar had vanished.


Link frowned. That son of a bi tch, he thought. He obviously had ambushed Link just to discuss the Versus Magna, but why? Perhaps it was just the Scar’s bloodthirsty need for a fight and he wanted his arch rival to eventually face off with him in an arena. Or maybe Scar had his own agenda that Link wasn’t aware of…


Slowly, he managed to get back onto Epona and headed for Ordon Village.



The first thing Link noted when he entered the clearing that Ordon Village used to stand in was a bare, black tree. The middle of it was completely split because a home used to fill it up. Link knew this because it had been his home, the home he had been known from a very early age after he wound up as an orphan in the forest. His name was still engraved on a small mail box on the side of the house. The tree on a whole however was charred completely from the razing that took place.


Link continued on, entering the clearing. Most of the houses, even the ones built in the remnants of trees, no longer stood. All that was left was barren, dark plains and a few fallen logs. The small pond on the side of the village had become brown and muddy from the debris of the town polluting the water. In short, nothing was left. It pained Link to know that, yet again, the people that had raised him from birth, and the ones he had in turn watched after since their births, no longer had this home village solely because of him.


Darker concentrations of charred wood and debris were an indicator of where houses use to stand. Link stopped Epona by the largest concentration towards the end of the clearing and dismounted. He walked into the site, knowing that this is where the house of Bo, the mayor of Ordon, used to stand.


And vividly, Link remembered.





He remembered earlier that crazy night, when he stood shackled before the Royal Court, faces of horror and betrayal staring him into nothingness. He remembered Rome’s accusing finger as he listed an endless amount of evidence pointing to Link’s dark deed. He remembered a declaration for his immediate execution, and how Link had given up pleading for someone to let him make his case when he saw Princess Zelda’s face. Zelda’s face, usually full of compassion, was full of nothing but despair over what had just happened and a blatant loathing towards Link.


So Link gave up, and he found himself being roughly dragged to the courtyard, where citizens had gathered by the gates to cry their hate towards Link. He watched as they readied the guillotine, and as Link stood waiting to die, he realized one of the guards was not being attentive, and he took the opportunity to bash the soldier senseless with his head, using the spear to break his shackles. And then Link was off into the night, bolting for the castle moat. Ending up outside the Castle Town, he made a whistle for his steed and tore for the woods, his home. It was the only place that could have possibly made any sense on a night so crazy, and so horrible.


Exhausted and still in shock, Link told the adults of the village what had happened. They were his family and of course sided with him. But not even Link was ready for when the squad of soldiers came in, being led by the ivory clad man himself.


“People of Ordon!” Rome had shouted as his soldiers prepared torches, “You are currently harboring a man named Link, the murderer of King Lazrus Hyrule and a traitor to our country. Hand him over to me now, and your village will be spared!”


Hiding inside Bo’s house with the others, Link had begged them to let him surrender. “They will consider you as bad as me,” Link pleaded, “If not for your sake, then for your children’s sake, let me turn myself in.”


And oddly, the barrel-chested Bo had smiled at him. “Link, you are one of us. You’re sake is our sake.” And so Bo and Rusl hatched a plan to fend off the soldiers while everyone else retreated into the woods. Rome gave one final warning before Bo and Rusl, weapons drawn, charged out of the house. Link hopped onto Epona and assisted as the rest of the village populace darted into the woods.


Under the early dawn light, the fighting was fierce. Torches were flung, and every house in Ordon Village was engulfed in red flames. Link saw the faces of those retreated, terrified of the massacre. Remarkably, Link, Rusl and Ordon had managed to keep Rome and his men at bay. Until it happened.


Link could still see the arrow hit Bo in the chest. He heard his daughter, watching from the woods, scream in terror. Link tried to come to the mayor’s aide, but then more arrows flew their way, and Rusl led him away. Link saw Ilia’s horror, and turned back to the flaming village just as the future Grand Vizier drew his rapier and ran Bo through.



Link opened his eyes, back in the present. He was kneeling in the ashen clearing, so unsteady that he placed a hand on the ground. Shaking his head, he knew he should head towards the Lost Woods, where he could reach the place where those who used to live in Ordon Village now resided. Slowly, he got up, pressing his hand deeper in the ground. Surprisingly, he felt something very smooth, like a handle.


Link pulled it out of the ground, rubbing the dirt off of it. He was surprised to see it was a slingshot, not unlike the one he used to fool around target practicing with the children. He examined every part of it, surprised it was still in such good condition.


We know what you are.


Link sighed. No matter what Talo or the other children said, he still took the full blame of what happened here three years ago. Yet the merciless pillaging that had happened here had gone unpunished, the merciless pillaging led by Rome. Rome, the man who executed Bo, who had sent Ilia into despair and to ensure Link lost her forever. The same Rome who brought Link’s life to pieces just hours before…


For three years, Link thought, Rome had soared while Link and everyone he had affected here plummeted.


Then he remembered the pamphlet. The winner of the Versus Magna got to face the Grand Vizier himself…


Scar was wrong. Link didn’t seek glory. He did, however, seek not letting things go unpunished forever.


Slowly, he stood up, stuffing the slingshot into his belt. Then he got back onto Epona and turned around, heading away from the Lost Woods, back towards Hyrule Field.



That evening Talo and Colin were sitting on the roof of the Elde Inn in Kakariko Village. Admittedly they were both bored, although they had agreed to help Beth clean the inn later. That wasn’t exactly something to look forward to.


Two long objects hit both of them in the back. Both boys twisted around to find their wooden swords lying beside them. They looked up, surprised to see the face of the person who had tossed them.


“Get up,” Link said, “We’ll only be able to get some time in before nightfall.”


“Y-you’re back,” Talo said.


Link smiled. “Well, I thought about what you said earlier, and I realized you were right.”


“That you’re our hero,” Colin said.


“What?” Link said, aghast, “No, I still think you’re wrong about that. I meant what you said last night after the dork was over,” he flourished a grin, “I could use a good adventure right now.”


The boys got to their feet, excited. “Well what are waiting for?” Talo said, “Let’s get down there and spar!”


“Well, wait a minute,” Link said, “I kind of lost my sword the other day. I’m going to need a replacement and a lot of other equipment to get ready for this thing. We only have four days to prepare.”


“Where are you going to buy all the stuff you’ll need?” Colin asked.


“Oh, I think the answer’s right here in town.”

****
So we're starting to get past what you could call the first curve. Thoughts and comments so far? Are things proceeding smoothly? Does everything regarding the Versus Magna seem to make sense? Are the characters drawn-out well?

All comments and thoughts are appreciated.

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"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

MaLink

"Not far in an even spring could be seen to the side of the path, hidden only be a few branches. Link knew this was the light spirit spring of the Ordona Province, and it at that spring some of his earliest memories with his friends, most notably Ilia took place."

That sentence was the only fatal thing this time around, I got jarred from the story trying to piece it together. Other than that, everything flowed well.


I love the mystery surrounding all of this, Wrath. It never even occurred to me that Link had murdered the King of Hyrule, but that would make sense that something like that would be the one thing to turn everyone, even Zelda, against him. I'm sad that Bo died, I loved that sumo-wrasslin' dude. x( I wonder if the slingshot will have some importance later on, and if Link will pull some sort of Robin Hood type of entrance.

Post more soon!

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Wrath Mania

Thanks for the comment my friend. And for spotting that disaster. Classic Wrath Syntax Cluster****. Hopefully it looks better now.


I'm glad you told me this was the first time you realized what had turned everyone against Link. I indirectly mentioned it in his fight with Ilia earlier on (where she more directly implied Link killed her father), but I thought it wasn't so subtle that it wouldn't be picked up on. So I'm glad it was fully realized here.

I encourage you and anyone else to keep telling me when you realize certain things in this puppy's plot. Because I am aiming for mysterious, so I'm thrilled you find it that way so far. But not so mysterious as to leave people missing any information.

***

Robin Hood, indeed When I told Tom (firecheetah) the gist of the premise, that was one of the first things he said, it sounded a lot like Robin Hood. Without giving too much away, the idea of a protaganist attempting to come back to prominence in his land through a contest is as old as the idea of a protagnist seeking a great item on a quest. Whether it be Robin Hood or Russell Crowe, it's a compelling story to tell, I think. Definetly something new for Zelda.

So let's see what I can do with it.

And since I'm on a roll, you'll likely have one more chapter before the end of the ngiht here

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"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

MaLink

Sweet beans, I can't wait! I'll go work more on mine to make waiting for yours easier.

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