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The Legacy of Z
Topic Started: Nov 6 2008, 10:17:55 PM (858 Views)
Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(The snow was beginning to let up as they walked toward the old Castle Town. Although visibility was still low, the improvement gave them all a tremendous morale boost. During this time, Z and Elias were deep in conversation...)

Elias: They are a product of Hyrule's past corruption.

Z: Past corruption?

(Darunia rolled his eyes.)

Elias: Regardless of what your peers may have told you Z, Hyrule is not or rather was not exactly what you would call a squeaky clean world power. In fact, they were one of the dirtiest.

Darunia: You have no evidence to back up that claim!

Elias: Evidence? The evidence is all around you. None of this would have ever happened had Hyrule not wanted to put it's hand in the rest of the world's affairs.

(Darunia stayed quiet.)

Z: So what kinds of stuff did Hyrule allegedly do?

Elias: Everything from extortion to kidnapping. After Ganondorf's defeat, Hyrule became an extremely prosperous nation but apparently, that wasn't enough for the King of Hyrule, he wanted more. He wanted to dominate rival nations and flex his muscle to prove his power.

Z: And Johan was one of the nations that was affected by this.

Elias: Of course. Johan is the fourth largest nation in the world and Mr. King as I liked to call him wanted us to know just who ran the world. And boy did he...

Z: What did he do?

Elias: About 19 years ago, I'm guessing before you were born, Mr. King sent his best out to...

Darunia: Lies! Stop talking right now!

(Darunia got in Elias' face and shook his head.)

Z: No, tell me.

Elias: ...Well, needless to say, our people were deeply affected by his actions. A large sum of rupees had been taken as well as a few lives, it crippled our economy and forced Johan to become almost solely dependent on Hyrule for our economic stability. We had to sign agreements stating that if we were not able to fix our economic crisis within 11 years, we would become a permanent colony of Hyrule.

Z: Really?

Elias: Yes. We knew that we wouldn't be able to restore ourselves within that time frame but Alvius' father, Carrogen IV begrudgingly accepted the terms.

Z: So that's why you guys attacked when you did. You didn't want to become a colony of Hyrule.

Elias: Who would? They robbed us of our fortune and were now giving us ultimatums, no, we would not have that. Alvius Sr. would not have that...

Darunia: Hmph.

Elias: But although we wanted to do something, Hyrule was too strong and secured in all areas. We had nothing compared to their resources. So things were looking quite grim on Johan until we got something rather unexpected happened...

Z: You mean...

Elias: The return of Ganondorf. But at the time, we on Johan thought nothing of it. Link had beaten him once before and this time would be no different or so we thought....

Darunia: ...

Elias: The three of them, Ganondorf, Zelda, and Link were all killed. We were stunned to hear this but after that moment of shock, Alvius Sr. realized that this was his chance. Shockwaves were felt all over the world but none harder than in Hyrule. From what I understand, the King cracked and became extremely paranoid that the long list of enemies he had built up would now come after him with two if not three of his main assets gone.

Z: Three? You're saying Ganondorf worked with the King of Hyrule?

Darunia: Blasphemy!

Elias: Calm down. But no, Z. Hyrule's King wasn't that corrupt but Ganonodorf's presence in Hyrule alone was enough to deter anyone from trying to pull a fast one against Hyrule. I don't know if you realize this but even with all of Alvius' current actions, Ganondorf is still the greatest threat the world has ever seen, there was nothing like him... Although I'm beginning to think that Alvius may not be far behind in terms of absolute fear. And with Ganondorf's return, ha, nobody would dare get in his way of power so in a weird way, the King's worst nightmare protected him.

Z: I get it now.

Elias: So at this point, Alvius Sr. is plotting against this now weakened Hyrule as payback for what Hyrule did to Johan as well as liberating the rest of the world from this bully of a country...

Z: This all sounds pretty grimy...

Elias: *Chuckles* ...It was. But we thought we were doing the right thing, can you blame us?

Darunia: Err...

Z: Tell me more. Why did you guys wait so long to attack?

Elias: The majority of the people within Johan did not know about the agreement that we signed or the fact that Hyrule had stolen a fortune from us. They thought the failure of the economy was just a matter of bad leadership on Alvius Sr.'s part.

Z: But why would your leader keep that from the people?

Elias: Alvius Sr. was an ambitious man, I believe he was a visionary myself but anyway, in his heart he felt that Johan would one day conquer Hyrule and that he would be at the helm of it all. Comeback stories are often the most memorable and he believed that if the people saw him lead Johan to world supremacy after such a colossal failure then he would be seen as an icon.

Darunia: Sounds to me like he was just a greedy dog himself.

Elias: Alvius Sr. made mistakes but he knew what he was doing even you have to accept that.

Darunia: ...

(Elias continued telling his story while they continued on their way. They were now about halfway to the Castle Town ruins....)

Z: So because most of the people in Johan didn't know about Hyrule's corruption, Carrogen IV felt that they didn't have enough ambition to attack Hyrule.

Elias: Not enough anger is what he thought but yes, that's exactly it. So, he sends me out along with another associate to put together an "elite" group that had hatred for Hyrule.

Z: And how did you guys manage do pull that off?

Elias: The associate that I was talking about was a man named Byran, an expert in espionage and he was able to break into Hyrule's battle records to find out where and when Hyrule had attacked a variety of places as well as other confidential information.

Darunia: So what happened to this criminal!?

Elias: A criminal? Byran is a hero. And I assume he still lives in Johan but don't quote me on it.

Z: I'm guessing this leads into the birth of that group of Zora freaks, huh?

Elias: I'm getting to that. We received word that there were some people on some small swampy island, the name slips my mind at the moment, but anyway we were told that there were some people interested. So we went and found this assortment of angry Zora youths...

(Elias put his hand over his forehead and started shaking his head.)

Elias: Larry Bundy, Justin Gacy, Brian Manson, Ritchie Gein and the leader, George Eagles otherwise known as the Outlawz. *Sigh* ...I knew from the start that they were bad news.

Z: You recruited them?

Elias: Sort of. They demanded a very large sum of rupees from me as payment, right from the beginning we had a very rocky relationship.

Z: And how did your boss feel about them?

Elias: He initially rejected them. They were only 17 at the time and Alvius Sr. didn't want to send children off to die.

Z: I guess he had a heart.

Elias: Of course he did. But he did like their potential and anger, he believed that they would come back or that they would do something radical to force their way into our army. And he was right. Not long after, we heard that 10 Hylian noblemen had been killed, slaughtered as they were coming back from some meeting with the King himself.

Darunia: I remember that. That's the thing that threw his Highness over the edge, you're telling me those guys are the ones who did that?!

(Darunia's face was boiling with anger.)

Z: Chill out, Darunia.

Darunia: Argh.... I can't believe it. Those punks!

(Darunia crossed his arms and tried to cool down.)

Elias: Either way, the Zoras then unleashed a raid on us. They even took little Alvius, who was just one years old at the time. ...When I think about it now, I almost wish they would've killed him then. *Sigh* But anyway, long story short, they were recruited and Eagles was promoted to General instantly.

Z: But why? If he was so young.

Elias: He was gonna get the title regardless. He was easily the best of the group.

Z: Eagles is that tall one I saw you talking to, right?

Elias: Yes.

Z: So were they always a...

Elias: Freakshow? No. Aside from their obvious anger issues, they were quite normal. They wanted revenge against Hyrule, no doubt but they wanted money more than anything else. At least 4 of them did.

Z: Except Eagles?

Elias: Yes. Gein, Manson, Gacy and Bundy were all originally from that island that I found them on. They were orphans at a young age and grew up together on the island with the people from the village. Eagles didn't show up until he was 8.

Z: Why?

Elias: He was living in Hyrule up until that time. His father was a Captain in Hyrule's Navy. More corruption from the King led to more death. When Eagles was 8, his father, a loyal soldier to the crown was assigned along with 10 other men to go and rob Koholint Island's Rupee Reserve so that they King of Hyrule could stuff his pockets with more money.

Z: Are you serious?

Darunia: That's...not true. They were a rogue group of war veterans who operated under their own free will...

Elias: There were no rogues and you know it, Darunia.

(Darunia didn't say anything else.)

Elias: The plan went wrong because a young officer, probably no older than 20 discovered some messy footprints in the building. He alerted his higher-ups and the men were discovered. The King needed to keep his cover so he had the 10 men involved executed, Eagles' father was one of them. The families of the men involved knew the truth of it all and before they could even blink, they were abducted and shipped off to various remote islands separated from each other so there could be no group action against the King.

Z: Wow. I had no idea...

Elias: How would you? But that wasn't the only thing that set Eagles off.

Z: More? They did more to him?

Elias: Yes. The next year, while Eagles' family was beginning to get some type of structure back in their life on their new home, Hyrule performed a little raid on that particular island. During the raid, Eagles' mother and older brother were killed by the soldiers involved. How did 9 year old Eagles manage to survive? His future Outlaw comrades pulled him under a little trap door that was under one of the cabins that was destroyed during the raid. And from that point on, they became like brothers. But as you can see, there were obvious differences right from the start between Eagles and the other four.

Z: ...That's a terrible story, Elias.

Elias: The worst part is that it's true. And those differences that I mentioned were only further exposed the longer they worked with each under Alvius Sr.

Z: What happened?

Elias: I suppose you already know about when we took over Hyrule.

Z: ...Of course.

Darunia: Hmph.

Elias: Eagles is the most talented pure fighter I've ever seen. In hand-to-hand combat, I'm not sure that anyone in the world is better. Alvius Sr. knew this and he favored him, the two of them developed a very close relationship with one another over the years almost like a father and son. He was the best, he completed almost every assignment that Alvius Sr. had given him flawless.

Z: Almost? So he had a few screw-ups?

Elias: One. One screw-up.

Z: What?

Elias: Alvius Sr. knew what happened to Eagles' father in Koholint Island. He did some research and found the man who discovered the footprints that led to their capture. The man was now a magistrate in Mabe Village. Alvius Sr. ordered Eagles to kill that man and get his revenge. Eagles accepted of course and did the assignment flawlessly, made the entire thing look like an accident.

Z: So where's the problem?

Elias: Eagles came back and Alvius Sr. said that that wasn't enough. He wanted the man's entire family dead. Eagles had his issues with the order but he reluctantly accepted and traveled back to Mabe Village but when he saw the family, a mother and daughter, he couldn't do it. He was sick and thought himself no different from the people who murdered his own family. When he returned and told Alvius Sr. about it, Alvius had no sympathy for him and distanced himself.

Z: So the relationship went downhill from there?

Elias: Yes. Eagles was distraught and to make up for it, three years later, he went back to Mabe Village to do the job but the mother and daughter had packed up and left only a few days before.

(Z started thinking.)

Z: Um, Elias, how long ago did this happen?

Elias: Oh...Uh...I'd say about 5 years ago. It was right before Alvius Sr. died, actually.

Z: The second time Eagles went?

Elias: Yes. Why?

(Z's eyes widened.)

Z: ...Nothing.

Elias: Alright... You sure?

Z: Yeah. Uh... T-tell me more about the uh...Outlawz.

Elias: You're really interested in this aren't you?

Z: Yeah.

Elias: Well, after that the rift between Eagles and Carrogen IV grew as well as the rift between him and the other Outlawz as well.

Z: Why?

Elias: They viewed him as getting "soft" and also for not following the orders that little Alvius barked. His reasons for such were that he thought the orders were just senseless violence. The others didn't see it that way, they just saw rupees.

Z: Sounds like Eagles was the only one who had any sense...

Elias: The others personality completely changed around this time, the murders must of gotten to them because they lost it. Gacy became this sideshow who was fascinated by this idea of being some "storybook hero," Bundy simply wanted to torture his victims, Manson was obsessed with controlling the opposite sex and Gein just wanted to kill in the most violent way possible.

Z: There was no room for Eagles in that freakshow.

Elias: No. And that's part of what we talking about that day you saw us.

Z: Yeah, I remember.

Elias: And I guess that's where we are now.

Z: Is Eagles still alive?

Elias: I assume... I haven't seen him since that day, why do you ask?

Z: I saw him get pelted with arrows in Lake Hylia about 5 years back.

Elias: Really!?

Z: Yes. He got hit with a lot but he crawled out of there screaming something.

Elias: I don't know anything about that... But... *Sigh* Oh boy.

Z: Do you think he's dead?

Elias: That's a tough man. But I don't know. I'm more interested in who shot him.

Z: No idea.

Elias: Damn.

Z: Oh, Elias, while you were captured, was there ever a girl there with you guys?

Elias: A girl? There were a few Goron females but if you mean like a Hylian, no.

Z: I see.

Elias: Why?

Z: Nothing worth talking about.

Elias: If you say so.

Z: Anyway, what's the deal with Alvius?

Elias: The younger one?

Z: Yes.

Elias: Honestly. I don't know. He doesn't have a heart. Maybe he was jealous of his father's relationship with Eagles but honestly that kid has issues unfortunately I don't know the root of them. And if you're wondering why I was kicked out of the castle, there was nothing more behind it then what you saw, just a random act of insanity on his part.

Z: I see.

Darunia: You two done talking?

Z: I guess.

Darunia: Good, cause we're about to enter the Castle Town.

(They crossed the old drawbridge and entered the Castle Town ruins, looking for signs of Saria and Impa who were supposed to lead an evacuating group to the port...)
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Notorious
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(A group of faint footprints could be seen in the snow heading towards the port. The group immediately believed them to be from the evacuation group and started walking faster through the ruined town.)

Darunia: No guards?

Z: They said that they were gonna take care of the guards before coming in.

Darunia: Couldn't have been many then.

Elias: There's not much to guard in these parts...

Darunia: You've got a point.

(They continued making their way into the port and were able to make out a silhouette of a ship pulling off.)

Darunia: You think that's one of the ships?

Z: I hope so.

(They walked down to the dock and finally saw Saria and Impa.)

Darunia: Hey!

(The two of them turned around and waved while Z and the others came towards them.)

Z: I see you guys were able to get a ship out of here successfully.

Saria: Don't speak too soon but yeah so far so good. How was Death Mountain?

Z: We got ambushed in Kakariko.

Impa: Not many survivors I see.

(Darunia put his head down.)

Elias: It wasn't your fault Darunia.

(Saria looked at Elias.)

Saria: Who are you?

Elias: My name is Elias. They rescued me on Death Mountain.

Impa: You were the only one?

Elias: Yes.

(Impa gave Elias a closer look.)

Impa: You look familiar... Have we met before?

Elias: We have. I used to be the assistant of Sir Carrogen IV and had a hand in capturing you and the other Sages 10 years ago.

Impa: Now I remember. But how exactly did you end up in captivity?

Elias: Long story...

Impa: I'd like to hear it.

Z: Impa, don't worry, Elias is a good guy.

Elias: I apologize deeply for what we've done to you all and Hyrule in general. We were wrong in many ways and I certainly did not intend for all of this to happen so believe me, I want Alvius out of power just as much as you do. He took everything from me...

Impa: And you took the lives of thousands of people.

Elias: ...

Impa: I won't deny you the chance for life after this mess has hopefully been resolved but don't expect sympathy or friendship from me.

(Just before Elias was going to reply, Saria interjected.)

Saria: Alright, enough. On a happier note, looks like our ship got out of here without a hitch.

(Everyone looked out at the ocean, they weren't able to see much aside from a small blip that was apparently the ship out in the distance.)

Darunia: That's a relief.

Z: So who exactly are the "captains" of these evacuation ships?

Saria: Oh, well, we got lucky enough to have a few refugees who knew a thing or two about ships. That last ship that got out of here was headed by the last civilian "captain" that we had.

Z: So tomorrow, you guys are gonna start clearing out?

Saria: I'll be leaving tomorrow.

Darunia: Percentage-wise, about how many refugees are left that need to get out of here?

Saria: Uh... I'm not good with math. *Turns to Impa* Impa?

Impa: I'd say about 50%. We got a good chunk of them out of here on this ship.

Z: So how did you guys get rid of the guards so easily?

Impa: There weren't too many of them to begin with to tell you the truth.

Z: ...That's a little odd.

Impa: In this storm, I don't think they'd risk losing able-bodied men just to patrol a bunch of ruins.

Z: Maybe...

Impa: What? Do you know something we don't?

Darunia: Every since that ambush they set up for us at Kakariko, Z's got this theory about a traitor or something.

Impa: Traitor? You're still worried about what that Bundy guy said?

(Z shrugged his shoulders.)

Impa: Listen, it's a war. Surprise ambushes are going to happen, that guy was just trying to psyche you out because of your inexperience.

Darunia: Exactly. That's what I was trying to tell you earlier but I couldn't get the words out.

Z: ...*Sigh* I hope you're right.

(Z started looking around from side to side nervously. Seeing this, the others were starting to get worried about his mental state.)

Impa: What's wrong?

Z: You guys don't hear that?

Impa: Hear what?

(Everyone paused for a moment to listen but all they heard was the wind blowing. Z stopped looking around and took a few deep breaths.)

Saria: Z, I don't hear anything. Are you feeling ok?

Z: Uh... Yeah. Yeah. I guess it was just my imagination.

Impa: What did you think you were hearing?

Z: Thought I heard marching.

Impa: Like soldiers marching?

Z: Yeah. ...I can't believe you guys didn't hear that.

Impa: There wasn't anything there, Z.

Z: ...I'm not crazy. I heard something.

(Impa and the others just looked at each other with their eyes widened while Z continued to take a few more paranoid looks behind his back.)

Saria: Z, I can assure you, nothing is coming our way.

Z: Ok, ok. I believe you.

Darunia: You need a break, kid. You've been working overtime, this stuff is starting to get to you.

Impa: We'll head back to the ranch. It's late anyway.

(They left the port and walked through the castle town ruins. Z looked toward the path leading to the back alley and stopped.)

Saria: What's wrong, Z?

Z: Rauru. Has anyone heard anything from him?

Impa: Not that I know of but he can take care of himself. We've got to get you back to the ranch.

Z: I'm fine. Really.

Saria: Seriously, you need to rest. Rauru is ok. Believe us, he's fine, no reason to worry.

Z: ...Alright. Let's just go.

Saria: Good. The faster we get there, the faster you can get something in your stomach and get to sleep.

(They exited the castle town ruins and traveled to Lon Lon Ranch. Just moments after they crossed the drawbridge, clanking armor could be heard walking.)

Aston: Why is it that kids always seem to know more than the adults? Lord Alvius is a perfect example.

Manson: What do you expect from a group led by women? They know nothing about the intricacies of combat.

Aston: *Laughs* I guess you would know what you're talking about. It's a shame they have so much faith in the old man, though. Maybe they could have saved his life. Ah but anyway, he's ancient history regardless, might as well let him suffer with us a little before he kicks the bucket. Hasn't done much else in his pathetic life.

Manson: Why haven't we attacked yet?

Aston: Tomorrow. The fun begins tomorrow. This storm isn't going to last much longer. Besides, we have to give the "heroes" a small margin of hope before they die, right?

Manson: You're starting to sound like Gacy now.

Aston: Hmph. Speaking of which, what's his status?

Manson: No idea. But judging by the fact that the kid is still alive...

Aston: Sounds like you guys have lost your touch. Two, no three members of the esteemed "Outlawz" taken out of action. Ha, ha, ha...

Manson: Do not link their failures with me. Besides, I've never laid a hand on my victims.

Aston: You proud of yourself?

Manson: Of course. Have you ever killed someone by shouting a few words? Ha, ha, ha....

Aston: Sounds more like a coward who's afraid to get his hands dirty.

Manson: Have you ever tasted blood-soaked snow?

Aston: What?

(Manson quickly pulled a small knife from his side and stabbed Aston in the thigh.)

Aston: AHH!!! You... You... I thought you never laid a hand on your victims!? Ahh...

(Manson pulled the knife out of Aston's leg and blood dripped into the snow.)

Manson: I've never laid a hand on my victims. It's only a stab wound. You're not a victim....Yet.

(Manson grabbed some of the blood-soaked snow, licked some of it and then put his hand with the rest of it in Aston's face.)

Manson: You should try some... It tastes good. And tomorrow, there will be an entire field of this. Acquire a taste for it now and you'll enjoy the artwork tomorrow that much more. Ha, ha, ha....

(Manson walked away while Aston was still grabbing at his wounded leg...)

Aston: ...Freak... Ahh... Damn it...
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Notorious
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Day 2

(Z woke up the next day sweating and anxious, he had slept in Julius' tent due to the limited available space in the ranch house. He took a few deep breaths before sitting up and looking at Julius, who was still sleeping.)

Z: *Under his breath* ...Glad you could sleep so well.

(Z then quietly maneuvered around and put his coat on before stepping outside. Outside, he immediately noticed that it had stopped snowing though the sky was still overcast. Julius popped out of the tent and called after Z.)

Julius: Z! Z!

(Z walked back towards the tent and began speaking with Julius.)

Z: What's the matter, Julius?

Julius: Did you sleep well last night?

Z: ...I guess.

Julius: Oh, well good. I didn't know you were going to sleep in my tent. Had I known I would have...

Z: Yeah, you didn't come in until late last night.

Julius: There was a card game in the stable. I wanted to make a few rupees before my number comes up for evacuation.

Z: Oh, I see. You win anything?

Julius: Nothing as great as my dignity.

(Z looked at him funny.)

Z: ...So were you playing cards for rupees or to get your reputation back?

Julius: I told you already, rupees. I was playing for rupees. And since you did ask, I won about 25 rupees.

Z: I'm guessing you lost a lot more than that.

Julius: ...

Z: *Laughs* Stay right, Julius.

Julius: Yes, yes.

(After a short walk, Z entered the ranch house where the Sages had slept. As he walked in, he heard arguing...)

Darunia: The snow has stopped falling, we leave now! Before Alvius' men start preparing for another assault!

Impa: If they were going to ambush us, they would have done it already! We are sticking to the plan. Early tonight, Saria will lead another group out of here.

Darunia: That is foolish! You are just allowing the enemy time to strike!

Impa: The enemy forces are weakest during the early evening hours due to the shift changes! The morning hours are when they are strongest!

Darunia: You are being ridiculous! Your passive attitude is sickening!

Impa: And your reckless attitude will or rather has already led to several deaths!

(That comment sent Darunia into a rage. He slammed his fist against the table and destroyed it before storming out of the ranch house. Z had been standing across the wall watching as the entire thing played out.)

Z: Well uh...good morning to you all too.

(The Sages raised their eyebrows at him but he simply looked away before speaking again.)

Z: So what was that all about?

Impa: Darunia is an idiot.

Z: ...Had you just said that, that might have solved a...

Ruto: Quiet!

(Z threw his arms up in the air and took a few steps back.)

Saria: Nice to see you're feeling better.

Z: I guess I just needed a little bit of sleep. Anyway, really, what was all of that about?

Impa: *Sigh* Darunia wants to start today's evacuation right now. He feels that we should get these people out of here before the patrol gets heavy in the town.

Z: Because it stopped snowing?

Impa: Yes.

Z: Well he does kinda have....

(Z looked at Ruto, who was telling him to shut up with her eyes...)

Z: ...Forget it.

Impa: You think he's right?

(Z looked at Ruto again before answering.)

Z: Uh...You know, I just woke up. I'm not thinking straight. Ask me later.

(Saria smiled and at that moment, Nabooru came downstairs from the bedroom.)

Nabooru: All that screaming woke me up. *Yawn* ...What's going on?

Impa: Darunia believes that we should start today's evacuation right now. I disagreed with him.

Nabooru: From what I heard, that was a little more than disagreeing and uh... *Looks at smashed table* judging by that table, Darunia's in a really bad mood.

Impa: He'll get over it. We're sticking with the plan and that's it!

Nabooru: Calm down, Impa. Save it for Darunia. Anyway, maybe we can make both of you happy.

Impa: How?

Nabooru: By going with both plans.

Ruto: By splitting the group into two?

Nabooru: Yeah. We separate today's group into halves. One half leaves with Darunia right now and the other half will leave with Impa tonight.

Impa: That wouldn't work.

Nabooru: Why not?

Impa: You're forgetting a few things. One is that Saria is leading the ship out of here tonight and what is the morning group supposed to do until evening when the others come? Wait? Not in heavily guarded enemy territory they won't. Especially now that the snow is no longer coming down.

Z: She does have a point, Nabooru.

Nabooru: Well, I guess I hadn't thought of that. We should just stay with the original plan then.

Impa: Exactly. It's settled then. We're sticking with the plan.

(Julius walked into the ranch house and started talking with Z.)

Julius: So what's going on Z?

Z: Not much. They're just going over some of the plans.

Julius: I see. Is everything alright, though?

Z: Yeah. Why do you ask?

Julius: Plans haven't changed, have they?

Z: No. The next group is still leaving early tonight. You can relax.

Julius: Well, I don't leave until tomorrow anyway but I was just wondering because...

(A large group could be heard walking across the path out of the ranch house. Hearing this, the Sages, Impa especially, became alarmed and ran outside to see what it was.)

Impa: What? What is this!?

(The evacuation group was being led out into Hyrule Field. Impa grabbed one of the people marching out and questioned them.)

Impa: Who told you all to go?

Man: Uh... The big Goron told us that the plan had changed.

Impa: Argh... Darunia. You idiot...

(Impa let the man go and ran through the crowd to reach Darunia. The other Sages along with Z chased after her...)

(Now out in Hyrule Field, she managed to reach Darunia, who was leading the group and questioned him. The evacuation group stopped and watched the two Sages argue. Z and the others reached the scene not long after and watched as well.)

Impa: Darunia! What are you doing!?

Darunia: The right thing.

Impa: This isn't the plan.

Darunia: Yes it is. Our plans have changed.

Impa: Why are you being so pigheaded!?

Darunia: I could ask you the same thing. These people deserve a chance.

Impa: This isn't smart, Darunia...

(While the two of them continued to argue, hiding in the distance at the top of the town wall were Manson and Aston watching them with a telescope.)

Manson: ? They're a little early.

Aston: Bad information from our pal, I see.

(Manson zoomed in on Impa and Darunia.)

Manson: Heh, heh. I don't think so... Dissension among the ranks seems like a more likely scenario.

(Aston focused on Impa and Darunia now.)

Aston: Ah...I see. Yes, paranoia can cause even the greatest of allies to turn a suspicious eye on one another.

Manson: Hmm... I don't see the boy.

Aston: You don't think he stayed behind, did he?

(Manson searched the entire crowd thoroughly and then spotted Z among the crowd.)

Manson: No. I've found him.

Aston: Wonderful. So, I suppose you can do your part now?

Manson: It's not my part. *Laughs* It's hers.

(Manson pointed down at a Hylian woman who appeared crossing the drawbridge heading into Hyrule Field.)

Aston: Oh, this should get interesting.

(Manson started laughing uncontrollably as the woman reached a point between the drawbridge and the evacuation group and stopped. Although Darunia and Impa were still arguing, most of the evacuation group focused their attention on the woman...)

Impa: ...That is completely unacceptable move on your part, Darunia and you know it! I can't believe that you would...

Darunia: I've had about enough of your talk about what's acceptable and what's not, who the hell do you think you are?!...

(The crowd began chattering among themselves about the woman.)

Man 78: Who's that woman?

Man 65: She looks like another refugee!

(With the crowd chattering, Darunia and Impa stopped arguing and looked at the crowd pointing. Both of them finally turned and noticed the woman and decided to question her but before they could do so...)

Man 3: T-t-that's my wife! I can't believe it! That's my wife! Honey, I'm coming!

(The excited man cut through the crowd and ran after his wife. While he was running, Z noticed something odd...)

Z: That... That scar. No...

(Z had a flashback of the female Zoras he had encountered when he met Manson and remembered that each of them had the same odd cross-shaped scar across their chests... The woman had the exact same incision on her.)

Z: Hey! Stop him! Stop that guy!

Ruto: Z, what's wrong!?

(But Z had already zipped through the crowd, chasing after the man but he had already reached her, extending his arms for a hug...)

Man 3: Honey! Honey! You're alive.... I'm so glad to see you.

(The man hugged his wife and she embraced him back. Their arms were wrapped together for a few moments making Aston a bit suspicious as he watched with Manson, who was still laughing hysterically...)

Aston: What is this? The man is still alive! I thought you said...

Manson: *Laughing* ...Just watch. This is where it gets good!

(The man and the woman were still hugging each other tightly while everyone continued to watch, a few women in the crowd were saying, "Aww...." while Z shook his head.)

Man 3: I love you. We're going to get out of Hyrule soon and start over. Ah, I love you so much...

(The man closed his eyes and prepared to kiss his wife but as his lips got closer to hers...)

Man 3: ...!!

(The woman held her husband by the throat and started squeezing the air out of him. The crowd's "Awws..." turned into paranoid screams. Z pulled out his bow and tried to steady his aim at the woman but before he could find a good shot...)

Man 3: Ugh... Ugh... Ugh...

(The man was blue in the face gasping for air as his released some of the pressure, allowing her husband to take a few deep breaths but she did this only because she wanted his mouth open...)

Man 3: *Huff* *Huff* ...N-n-no....!!!!!

(The woman pulled out a miniature bomb and shoved it into his mouth before she kicked him towards the evacuation group when...)

BOOM!!!!

(The bomb exploded in the man's mouth, his head and his arms flew into the air while the rest of his body burned in the snow. The evacuation group had went into a complete panic while Manson laughed at the carnage and mass frenzy.)

Z: Everyone get back in the ranch! Move!

(Z and the other Sages were yelling at the civilians, telling them to go back into the ranch but with the panic, only a few listened, the rest scattered across Hyrule Field unknowingly running into Manson's other women and to their deaths. Rather than fight, Z was focusing on getting as many civilians inside of Lon Lon Ranch as he could. While they were doing that, Manson was still watching with a glow in his eyes as the body count was piling up and the snow was turning a bloody red color just as he predicted.)

Aston: Those women are impressive. What is that you've got on them, some kind of spell?

Manson: I simply awaken the natural murderer that rests in all women.... *Laughs* Look at the fat boy run!

(Manson and Aston both focused on an overweight kid who was desperately running for his life from one of the women, he was running out of breath and started slowing down while the woman pounced at him like a hungry lioness and prepared to stab him in the throat when...)

Woman: Ahh....!...

(The woman fell on her back and died... In her forehead was a bolt from a crossbow. Seeing this, Manson became infuriated...)

Manson: What was that!? Who was that!? Aston, did you see!?

Aston: I didn't see the shooter.

Manson: Damn it... Who was that?! There's nobody in that area!

(Aston continued to search the area from which the bolt came but there was nothing...)

Manson: Argh...Fine. Fine. This is no issue...

Aston: What's the matter? Why did that bother you so much?

(Manson didn't answer and continued to watch his women attacking the group. The field was filled with blood and bodies but Z and the other Sages were still hard at work trying to help the civilians and fight off the brainwashed women....)
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Z fended off one of Manson's women with a quick, nonlethal slash to the legs and helped three civilians back into Lon Lon Ranch. The Sages were having less ease not with Manson's women but getting the refugees to stop panicking and go in the ranch.)

Darunia: You need to get in there!

Man 45: AHHH!!!! She's coming!

(The man pointed at one of the women who was stalking Darunia from behind before he smashed her face in with his thundering fist.)

Darunia: Now get in there!!!!! NOW!!!

(The man pissed his pants while he ran back to the ranch. Darunia then focused his attention on a woman and her child, laying next to a dead body in the fetal position.)

Darunia: Get up! And get your asses in there!!

(The scared women and child got up quickly and ran through the crowds to get inside of the ranch. After a few more minutes of fighting, the number of Manson's women started to decrease considerably thus allowing the Sages to more easily manage the panicked living civilians while they rushed them inside of the ranch.)

Impa: Saria, you and Ruto go back to the ranch and make sure the refugees are ok.

Saria: No problem.

(Saria ran to give Ruto the message and then the two of them went back to the ranch. Nabooru with a little assistance from Z had taken out another of the women. Seeing the number of women decreasing rapidly, Aston questioned a less smug Manson...)

Aston: Are you watching this? Those women of yours are losing!

(Manson sneered at him and then replied...)

Manson: More are on the way.

(Manson looked back at the path from the Castle town ruins that led to the drawbridge.)

Manson: They'll be here very soon....

(But as Manson watched, his women never came and as soon as he was beginning to worry...)

Manson: Ooof...!!!

(A bolt to the leg sent Manson flying off the wall and into the frozen moat.)

Aston: Manson! Manson!? ...What's that sound?

(Aston turned his head to the right and saw that the drawbridge was now being raised. Confused, Aston began looking for the person raising it but before he could spot whoever it was....)

"AHHH!!!"


(Aston was hit with a bolt in the side of his armor, the impact knocked him not into the moat but within the castle town walls...)

(Manson swam up from the bottom of the frozen moat and climbed out of the hole he had made on the way down. With his women wiped out and his leg severely injured from the bolt, Manson took the cowardly route and looked to see if Z or any of the Sages had spotted him and seeing that they hadn't, he limped as quickly as he could in the direction of the Kokiri Forest while the others were distracted with civilians.)

Nabooru: Z, you can head back inside and help your mom and Saria with the civilians in there. Impa, Darunia and I can handle the rest.

Z: No problem.

(As Z turned to head for the ranch, he noticed a figure limping away in the distance.)

Z: Nabooru.

(Nabooru gave Z her attention.)

Nabooru: Yes?

Z: ...You see that?

(Z pointed in the direction of Manson limping.)

Nabooru: Yeah. That, that kinda looks like a Zora doesn't it?

Z: Son of a...

(Before Nabooru could get out another word, Z had run off toward Manson with his blade in hand. Impa took notice of this.)

Impa: Where is he going?

Nabooru: Out for blood.

Impa: What?

Nabooru: Just watch.

(The two of them watched the younger, quicker and healthier Z go after the injured, limping Manson who hadn't taken realized he was being chased yet.)

Z: Manson!

(Stunned, Manson looked behind and saw Z coming at him full speed with his sword. Terrified, he picked up some snow from the ground as he was limping and hurled it at Z who easily avoided it.)

Z: You can't run away this time, Manson. Your little games are finished.

(Fearing for his life, Manson stumbled and fell into the snow and backed away with each step Z took.)

Manson: ... My... *Looks toward Sages* Your women are calling you!

Z: What?

Manson: Look!

(Manson pointed toward Nabooru and Impa, who were jumping up and down screaming for Z to come back.)

Z: ...What do they want?

(When Z looked back at Manson, he got a pile of snow tossed in his eyes and using this time to his advantage, Manson got up and hauled ass limping in the snow toward the Kokiri Forest.)

Z: Damn... Damn!

(Z took another look at Nabooru and Impa, still yelling for him and Manson, who was limping away and made his decision....)

8 Minutes Later...


Z: What do you guys want!?

Nabooru: The refugees are rioting in there. We need help.

Z: But Manson!

Impa: Manson can wait. The people have gone insane.

Z: You mean to tell me you couldn't calm them, yourselves!?

Impa: Z. You can deal with that guy later, our goal is to get the people out of here safely not to kill Alvius' generals!

(Frustrated, Z slashed into the air with his sword and followed Impa and Nabooru back into Lon Lon Ranch, now in a violent uproar...)


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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Chaos ensued at Lon Lon Ranch with the refugees demanding answers from the Sages using violent means. Z had entered the ranch in an already bad mood, knowing that he let Manson get away but even his presence couldn't stop the angry mob of refugees.)

Woman 26: What do you all call what just happened?! How do you explain that!? You said we would be in no danger!

Saria: Ma'am, just please..

Man 89: Please nothing! She's 100 percent right, we're lucky to be alive right now! And if you can't protect us from Alvius, nobody can!

Ruto: ...You have to understand, we've done everything we can...

Man 40: Bull! Everything you can, hah! If that's everything you can do, we should have just stuck with Alvius!

Ruto: As slaves?... You're mad!

Man 40: Mad!? Mad!? Mad is having possessed demon women out for blood chasing you in the middle of an open field! Mad is seeing friends and family brutally slaughtered while those who claim to protect us simply watch and do nothing!!

(The man lifted a crate above his head and tossed it at the Sages, nearly hitting Impa before it crashed to the ground. Angered, Impa stormed into Darunia's face and began another shouting match.)

Impa: You see what you've caused!? You big fool! I told you what the plan was and you deliberately...

Darunia: Oh shut up! That was a planned attack, those women were gonna be out there no matter when we came!

Impa: You don't know that! And if we had followed the plan...

Darunia: The same damn thing would've happened only at night it would've been much worse!

Impa: Argh.... I can't take your blatant insubordinat...

Darunia: Insubordination!? I'll tell you just like I told you before, who the hell do you think you are, Sheikah!? You're a dying breed! You couldn't even save your own people, how the hell are you gonna save anyone else!?

(Everyone silenced including Impa who's red eyes burned with rage at those words but Darunia didn't back down.)

Impa: You.... You...

"ALRIGHT!!! That's it!"


(Everyone became silent once again and turned to Z, who shouted those words and held his bow in hand ready to shoot the next person who spoke.)

Z: ...That's enough everyone. No more arguing, no more rioting... This is sickening. Don't you get it!? That's what he want!!

Nabooru: Who?

Z: Manson.

(Elias popped out among the crowd. Z looked at him and nodded his head.)

Darunia: And how do you know that this is what that Manson wants?

(Z closed his eyes to pause for a brief moment and let out a sigh before speaking.)

Z: ...Because I've seen it before. First hand, as a matter of fact and last time... *Sigh* Something really bad happened.

Impa: What are you talking about?...

Z: Elias can explain what I mean. I need a break.

(Z aimed his bow at the sky and shot an arrow into the clouds.)

Z: Nabooru.

Nabooru: Yes?

Z: Come with me inside. I need to talk to you.

Nabooru: Sure.

(Z and Nabooru started walking toward the ranch house when Darunia asked...)

Darunia: Only you two need to speak?

Z: That's what I said.

Impa: About what?

Z: It's between me and her. Don't worry, the rest of you will hear it too.

Impa: And why not now? Why are you not letting your mother hear this?

Z: Because the rest of you need to cool down a bit and get some structure and order within our group.

(The rest of the Sages stood there with stunned looks on their faces while Z and Nabooru went inside the ranch house to speak.)

Nabooru: Z, that was pretty rude of you.

Z: Yeah, well, they weren't exactly too concerned about manners earlier, were they?

Nabooru: ...I guess not.

Z: Anyway, what I wanted to talk about was protection.

Nabooru: Protection?

Z: Yes. I remember you saying that there were some Gerudo still back in the Haunted Wasteland, right?

Nabooru: Yes. But are you asking me to get those Gerudo out of there for protection?

Z: Basically, yeah.

Nabooru: Z, you don't think that's asking for a lot?

Z: Manson lived. I'm sure he's got more women out there ready and willing to strike, I just want to have a few more fighters, real fighters, around us that can help us out. What just happened... It was a massacre. Those people have a right to be angry and they should be. That was disgusting...

Nabooru: Are you afraid there will be another attack?

Z: Yes. That and I believe that we'd be killing two birds with one stone in that we'd get a few more fighters here and when we do start evacuating again, we can get those Gerudos on the boat as well.

Nabooru: Hmm...

(Nabooru thought about Z's plan for a moment before answering...)

Nabooru: Z, I think that's a pretty good idea, actually. The hardest part is going to be getting the Gerudos over here, with no blizzard to shield us...

Z: You're gonna have to fight your way through. But do you think Alvius still has troops in Gerudo Valley knowing that there's no way beyond the Haunted Wasteland?

Nabooru: I wouldn't deny the possibility especially now with no snow falling.

Z: True. And we also can't rule out the possibility of another ambush like the one we just had. Manson is still alive...

Nabooru: That's really bothering you, isn't it?

Z: ...Manson just rubbed me the wrong way, that's all...

Nabooru: Is that all? Because to me, you seemed hell bent on killing that man at any cost. I've never seen that look in your eye, that was the look of someone who had a vendetta to fulfill.

Z: ...

Nabooru: But I won't push this any further. We should focus more on this plan of yours.

Z: Alright. Listen, we can definitely get everyone out within the next three days. To tell you the truth, with such a low number of refugees left, I believe we could all get out of here on the next boat and that's including your Gerudos.

Nabooru: But we'd need a large ship. Honestly, by now with the storm over and all, they've probably destroyed all of the civilian ships in the dock.

Z: I agree. But they haven't destroyed those warships.

Nabooru: You're not saying that we should try and take one of their warships, are you?

Z: That's exactly what I'm saying.

Nabooru: Ha. I'm beginning to think you're a little more than just brave.

Z: Now are you saying I'm crazy?

Nabooru: A little craziness isn't such a bad thing.

(Nabooru laughed while Z shook his head and started speaking.)

Z: So, do you really think you can handle all of this?

Nabooru: I don't know, Z. That's the honest answer but I can try.

Z: Well, I'd like to go with you.

Nabooru: As backup?

Z: Yes.

Nabooru: And the others?

Z: Another Sage along with the two of us wouldn't hurt but no more than that. The refugees need protection as well.

Nabooru: I agree. So when do you want to leave?

Z: ...Tomorrow. I'm tired now and I'm gonna assume everyone else is... Besides, we still have to explain all of this to the others.

Nabooru: We? No, you.

(Nabooru laughed and then stepped outside to inform the others to come in and speak with Z. They did just that and Z began explaining his plan once again...)
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Z finished informing the Sages of his plan and now listened to their responses.)

Impa: I don't agree with this. It's far too risky to be plausible.

Z: And your plan isn't?

Impa: The majority of the original plan was a success minus a few lost ships.

Z: People were on those ships, Impa! They died just like those who died just now...

Impa: No! The massacre that just occurred was the fault of one fool's inability to follow the set plan. Had his brash actions not occurred, we wouldn't even be having this discussion.

(Darunia's blood was beginning to boil with anger but he kept silent as the others talked.)

Z: How can you be so sure, Impa? That attack was a planned ambush, it was going to happen regardless and you know it!

Impa: There's no proof for your statement.

Saria: Guys, please, we have to stop arguing... It's not helping the situation!

(Impa looked at Saria with a harsh glare in her eyes and began shaking her head.)

Impa: Our plan is what it originally was. And that's what the refugees will follow!

Z: But don't you understand? Those ships are probably destroyed! There is no blizzard anymore! The troops will be out in full force!

Impa: I will go with what has worked in the past. As will the refugees.

(Impa crossed her arms and turned her back to Z. Nabooru then confronted her.)

Nabooru: You do realize that this is a team effort, right Impa?

(Impa turned and looked at Nabooru.)

Impa: Of course. But I'm in charge of seeing that this team effort goes about in the best possible way.

Nabooru: That is correct. But... There are 6 of us including Z and now I believe we should have a vote to see just what the majority wants to do.

Saria: That's a great idea!

Impa: And if we tie?

Z: If we tie, we'll figure something out.

KNOCK! KNOCK!


(Darunia opened the door and Julius stepped in.)

Z: Julius? What's the matter?

(Julius took a good look at the Sages, who were all puzzled by his appearance before answering Z.)

Julius: Well, you all were so loud, I was wondering if everything was alright in here.

Z: I see. Well, everything is fine.

(Impa gave the former beggar a cold look, telling him without words to leave but Julius ignored her look.)

Nabooru: Uh...Wait a minute. Maybe we could use you, Julius.

Julius: Huh?

Nabooru: Well, since you are already here, that makes seven of us so we can vote without fear of a tie.

Impa: Nabooru! He's a refugee, not a Sage. If we let him make a decision that affects us all then...

(Nabooru ignored Impa and decided to gauge the feelings of the others.)

Nabooru: So what does everyone say?

(Z as well as the other Sages except for Impa all nodded in agreement.)

Nabooru: Alright, then. Julius, the majority think it's alright for you to vote so you can vote. Z explain the situation to him.

Z: Ok, Julius...

Julius: There's no need for that. I heard everything. You guys were pretty loud, remember?

Z: ...Oh. Oh, ok...

(Z gave the others a funny look but just shrugged his shoulders and moved on.)

Nabooru: So then, all in favor of Z's plan, raise your hand.

(Z, Nabooru, Saria and Julius raised their hands. Ruto, Darunia, and of course Impa did not.)

Nabooru: We have a majority in favor of Z's plan so it's settled...

Impa: It is not settled! Not even in the slightest. Julius is no Sage, I will not accept his vote.

(Z and Nabooru became frustrated with Impa's refusal to acknowledge Julius's vote and then questioned Darunia and Ruto for their lack of support.)

Z: Mom, why didn't you go with my plan!?

Ruto: Lower your tone, Z. You're still a child. My child. And to answer your question, I believe you've gotten lucky enough throughout this mess. I will not allow you to test your luck anymore by going into a suicide mission.

(Z let out a deep breath and gave his mother a cold look while his head filled with her disapproving words. With Z silently angry, Nabooru questioned Darunia about his non-vote.)

Nabooru: And you, Darunia, what was your reason for not supporting us? You're not in support of Impa's plan, are you?

(Darunia grinned.)

Darunia: Of course not. Impa is an old hag whose best days are far behind her.

(Impa expression went from one of disapproval to one of complete rage...)

Impa: ...Your foul tongue will get you in trouble, Darunia.

(Darunia continued to grin while he ignored Impa and answered Nabooru.)

Darunia: I just have my own plan. It's not so much that I think Z's plan is bad, I just believe mine to be better but I'll not share it to spare you all from more of Impa's senile words. And because of that, I now am also in favor of Z's plan.

Impa: ...I can't believe you!

Darunia: *Laughs* Now you can't argue with the result, Impa.

Impa: ...Hmph. But we'll go with Z's plan since there was a majority in favor of it...

(Darunia smiled and gave Z a thumbs up.)

Z: Ok, then, it's settled. Tomorrow, Nabooru and I as well as... Uh... Who wants to come?

(The only eager Sage was Saria.)

Z: Um, alright then. I guess it's us three then. We're gonna head out tomorrow morning, if all goes well, we'll be back by tomorrow evening hopefully.

Impa: ...

Z: Now that that's done, I guess we can go tell the refugees about the change in plans.

(Aside from Z and Julius, everyone left the ranch house to inform the refugees of the new plan.)

Julius: Man... Being a Sage seems tough.

Z: I'm not a Sage but I've seen what they go through. It is a tough job, probably tougher than it appears.

Julius: I like your plan, Z. I want to get out of Hyrule as soon as I can. You know, it'll be a new start for me. Maybe I can rebuild my reputation in another country...

Z: Your reputation means a lot to you.

Julius: It's all I've got.

Z: I understand.

(Julius left the ranch house and now Z was alone to think. He began thinking about the plan as well as other things like how they would manage to steal a warship from Alvius' troops. But before he could get too caught up in his thoughts, Nabooru walked in.)

Nabooru: You happy?

Z: Glad we're going with my plan but still, we are going into dangerous territory.

Nabooru: We don't have to do this, you know.

Z: But I wouldn't feel right not giving those Gerudo a fair chance to get out of here like everyone else.

Nabooru: It's going to be a big change for everyone if we do make it out of here with our lives. And I'm sure that it will end up even more bloody before it's all said and done.

Z: Yeah. I was just thinking about that. Alvius won't just allow us to take one of those warships without a fight and even if we do get one and set off, there's a good chance, we'll still have a fight on our hands.

Nabooru: ...*Sigh* I am not comfortable with simply running away like we are doing...

Z: You want to fight Alvius head on?

Nabooru: Getting away from him doesn't change the fact that he's still here. Hyrule is where I was born, I enjoy living here, leaving it is hard enough without having a tyrannical monster dominating the land.

Z: I get what you're saying but I think that getting the innocent people out of here is the first step in correcting all of this.

Nabooru: I know. My feelings will not get in the way of what we're trying to accomplish.

Z: Good. If there's any hope in all of this, we've at least taken out two of his top generals.

Nabooru: True. But that does remind me...

Z: What?

Nabooru: About that Manson character. While you were chasing him, he was limping, right?

(Z thought for a second.)

Z: Come to think of it, he was. Strange...

Nabooru: Yes. I didn't realize it then because of all the confusion but he was definitely limping. You didn't injure him beforehand, did you?

Z: No. Unless he sprained his ankle or something while running but... I don't know. It just seems odd. You think one of the refugees got to him?

Nabooru: The refugees were unarmed, remember? And I doubt one of them could take on a general of his status.

Z: And none of the other Sages encountered him either... Hmm...

Nabooru: Still got that bad feeling?

Z: Yeah.

Nabooru: Well, I don't think it's gonna go away any time soon.

(Z sighed and Nabooru left the ranch house again. Alone once again, Z took a seat on one of the chairs and started thinking about everything from Manson to Maria....)
Edited by Bx, Jan 21 2009, 11:16:54 PM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
Day 3

(The sun beamed through the windows of the ranch house early the next morning. The glare woke Z, who was relieved that there was no retaliation from Alvius' soldiers during the evening. He sat up and looked around at the group of refugees still asleep in their sleeping bags. When he sat up, he saw both Nabooru and Saria quietly coming downstairs...)

Z: *Whispering* You guys already up?

(Nabooru and Saria stepped over a group of sleeping bags and stood in front of Z.)

Nabooru: What did you say?

Z: Shh... I'm trying to keep quiet. But I asked if you guys were ready.

Nabooru: Oh. Well, we could...

(Z gave Nabooru a look telling her to quiet down.)

Nabooru: *Whispering* Sorry. But Yeah, we're ready, we were coming down to get you up.

Z: Ok. No problem. Let me just rinse off and put my stuff on.

(Z crept up the steps as quietly as he could and entered the wash room where he rinsed off and got out of his sleeping clothes and into his battle gear. Once he was finished, he quietly walked back downstairs and saw that Saria and Nabooru had gone outside but standing by the door was Julius, who seemed eager to get his attention.)

Z: *Whispering* What's up, Julius?

(Julius held up a relatively small metal instrument with a hook sticking out it.)

Julius: I wanted to give you this. It's a hookshot.

(Julius handed Z the hookshot. Seeing the instrument made him think of Maria and how she had found it just lying in the water in Zora's Domain. The flashback of these memories caused Z to forget where he was and he began thinking aloud.)

Z: ...That was the first time we met Manson.... If I had any sense... *Looks at Julius* Oh. Sorry, I was just talking to myself. Um...It's nothing really.

(Julius nodded his head slowly but still gave Z a confused look though he simply ignored talking about the awkwardness of the situation. Z's own thoughts were being filled with questions but he only asked one.)

Z: Where did you get something like this?

Julius: Found it right before you had helped me escape from that prison in Johan during recess. It was just lying on the floor and nobody claimed it so I took it. I'm no fighter and I just figured it'd be better in your hands. You'll get more use out of it then I would.

(Z smiled and put the hookshot away.)

Z: Thank you, Julius. This could definitely be useful somewhere down the line. *Chuckles* You know it's funny...

Julius: What?

Z: An old friend of mine tried to give me one of these a few years back but I didn't accept it then. I just think it's funny that I'm getting one of my own now.

Julius: Must've been a nice friend.

Z: ...Yeah.

(The door of the ranch house opened and Saria popped her head inside.)

Saria: Z. Come on.

(Julius looked at Saria and greeted her.)

Joshua: Hello, Saria. Pleasant morning to you.

Saria: Same to you. Now let's go, Z.

(Z thanked Julius on the way out and saw that Nabooru was saddled up on a dark gray horse and another light brown one with a white mane was right beside it.)

Z: We're riding horses, Nabooru?

Nabooru: Yes. The sun is out and the snow is no longer falling, riding horseback is our best course of action.

Z: Alright. I've got no complaints.

Nabooru: Also, since we are riding horseback, do you have plenty of arrows? Just in case we run into trouble.

Z: I guess. My sword is an option too so...

Nabooru: If you're running a little low on arrows, check inside the stable, I left some by the door.

Z: Ok.

(Z walked over to the stable house and entered quietly, trying not to wake the sleeping refugees. He immediately spotted the extra arrows Nabooru had left and placed them in his quiver, they were fine-tipped and a few even had special elemental effects like fire and ice. Once he acquired the arrows, Z went back outside and saw Saria sitting behind Nabooru on her horse.)

Z: Saria, you can't ride a horse?

(Saria looked down at Z and shook her head.)

Saria: No. I've always been too afraid of falling off to try and ride one on my own.

(Z laughed and saddled himself up on the brown horse next to Nabooru's.)

Z: You guys ready?

Nabooru and Saria: Yes.

Z: Alright, then.

(The three of them galloped towards the exit but through the path leading out, they saw Impa standing alone with his arms crossed and immediately stopped.)

Nabooru: Impa... What are you doing?

(Impa looked up at Nabooru.)

Impa: Do not worry. I am not here to try and stop you. I simply wanted to see the three of you off. ...My actions yesterday were totally uncalled for but it was only because I was worried and wanted to help the refugees in the best way I thought possible. *Sigh* ...I've already apologized to Darunia, now I want to do the same to all of you.

Nabooru: I understand.

Z: Me too. And Impa, keep a good watch over the refugees. We don't need another yesterday.

Impa: Of course. But I extend that same concern to you as well.

Z: Thanks.

Saria: ...Whew. Glad everyone is back on normal terms again!

Nabooru: Thank you for telling us that Impa, we will go now.

Impa: Don't let me stop you. Good luck.

(They galloped off once again as Impa watched them in the distance while they circled the ranch heading for Gerudo Valley.)

(Although the snow on the ground was melting slowly under the beaming sun, traveling on horseback was much easier than it had been while the blizzard was still raging and the warmth of the sun on their backs made the trip to the desert that much easier.)

Saria: *Looking at the sky* It's such a nice day... I love the snow but that blizzard was too much. Especially with the way things are now. All we have to do now is get out of here...

Nabooru: My people feared the snow when they first witnessed it. But in time, they grew to cherish it, I don't foresee another freak blizzard hitting the desert for another lifetime.

Z: Yeah. When Rauru sent me that letter about the weather, I was shocked to hear that Gerudo Valley got snow.

Nabooru: Speaking of which, have either of you been in contact with Rauru?

Z: I haven't.

Saria: Neither have I.

(The mood of their conversation changed from almost cheeriness to worry and uncertainty.)

Z: ...You guys aren't thinking the worst, are you?

Saria: Uh...

Nabooru: It is something to think about. I haven't heard anything about him from the others and while Rauru is his own man free to go as he pleases, I don't believe he would be so reckless as to leave us without word from him within the last two days.

Z: You think Alvius' men got him?

Saria: Don't say that, Z.

Z: If something happened to him, Saria, we've got to do something about it.

Saria: But...

Nabooru: He's right, Saria. Rauru knows powerful magic but...he's still a world-weary old man. You and I aren't exactly spring chickens anymore and Rauru's much older than us.

Saria: I know but that's exactly why I don't want to think anything's happened to him...

Z: But we can't just sit around and wait for him to show up, Saria.

Nabooru: You're right, Z. But at the same time, we have no lead as to where he might be or anything like that, we don't know anything. And that's the scariest part.

(They continued traveling through the snow in Hyrule Field, passing over dead bodies that littered the area from Manson's attack. Two hours passed and they finally reached the outskirts of Gerudo Valley.)

Z: Nabooru, you said that there were still soldiers stationed at Gerudo Valley when you left?

Nabooru: Yes.

Z: Do you have any idea how many?

Nabooru: No. There was too much snow falling for me to tell.

Z: But you're sure there were soldiers?

Nabooru: Yes. I know for sure that a few were trying to break through the Haunted Wasteland, though.

Saria: And what are we gonna do if there's a lot of them?

(Nabooru looked at Z.)

Z: ...Wing it, I guess.

Saria: ...Great plan...

Nabooru: Err... I think we're gonna have to do a little better than "Wing it" Z. Anyway, Gerudo Valley is my home, if there are a ton of soldiers around, there are passages that we can use to bypass them.

Saria: Why didn't you tell us about these before?

Nabooru: It's only for Gerudo to know but this is a crisis and I trust both of you. Hopefully, we won't have to use them.

Z: Them? There are more than one secret passages under Gerudo Valley?

Nabooru: *Laughs* What makes you think they're under?

Z: ...I just...

Nabooru: You'll see. Maybe.

(The three of them rode into Gerudo Valley only minutes later and the surreal landscape of a snowy desert mesmerizes both Z and Saria. Seeing the equally enchanted look on their faces, Nabooru commented.)

Nabooru: Ha, ha. That's the same way I looked when it first started coming down. The others didn't see take it as well, though.

(Nabooru continued to laugh while Z and Saria snapped out of their gaze.)

Nabooru: You guys ready now?

(Z looked at Nabooru and nodded his head.)

Nabooru: Good. Also, seems that we're in luck. No soldiers directly across the bridge.

(The three of them rode across the bridge and took a good look down at the flowing water below...)

Z: ...That's a long way down.

Nabooru: The water flows all the way to Lake Hylia.

Z: Yeah. But... That's a really long way down.

Nabooru: Scared of heights?

Z: ...I'm not a fan of them.

Saria: Don't worry about it, Z. The bridge is pretty sturdy.

Z: I'm not worried about it. I'm just commenting on it, that's all.

Nabooru: *Laughs* Sure. But we've got to get moving, just because nobody is here doesn't mean the fortress area is safe.

Z: I thought you said the fortress was destroyed?

Nabooru: It is. When did I say it wasn't?

Z: Just now.

Nabooru: I said, "Fortress area" not "fortress."

Saria: Ok, guys, lets just go.

(Z continued watching the water below.)

Saria: Z?

(Z hawked back and spit down at the water. Watching to see how long it would be before it hit the bottom, it never did.)

Saria: ...Disgusting.

(Wide-eyed, Z turned around and looked at Nabooru and Saria, both of whom were shaking their heads disapprovingly...)

Z: It didn't hit the bottom! Guys, it didn't hit the bottom!

Nabooru: Do you realize how cold it is down there? Your saliva probably froze on the way down....

Z: Oh. Oh, ok.... But wouldn't I have still seen it hit the water?...

Nabooru: Come on, Z!

Z: Alright, alright.

(Z took another quick look at the water before he steered his horse toward Nabooru's...)

Z: You've gotta admit, though, that's one heck of a drop.

(Neither Nabooru or Saria responded and the together the three of them entered the heart of Gerudo Valley, it's fortress area....)



Edited by Bx, Jan 21 2009, 11:19:59 PM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(The area where the Gerudo Fortress once stood was now a great ruin, like much of Hyrule at the time. The snow covered remains of the fortress were battered and stained with dried blood from previous battles. Nabooru looked at what was the fortress and blankly stared at the remains.)

Z: Nabooru?

Nabooru: ...Huh?

Z: Are you ok?

Nabooru: Yes. I'm fine.

Z: Well, it doesn't look like there are any soldiers around. They must have cleared out.

Nabooru: That's what it looks like. Um...I suppose there's no reason to stick around here then.

(Nabooru let out a sigh and galloped her horse toward the gate leading to the Haunted Wasteland. Z stayed behind and continued looking at the fortress' remains.)

Saria: *Looking back at Z* What are you doing?

Z: *Startled* Oh. I don't know. Just daydreaming.

Saria: Well, come on.

(Z rode toward the gate as Nabooru was beginning to finish the procedure to open it.)

Z: You got it?

Nabooru: *Struggling* Err.... I think...so. It's just.... Err!... Frozen.

(Seeing Nabooru struggle, Z got off his horse and helped her pull the lever up but even with his help, the two of them struggled with it.)

Z: *Struggling* Err....Ah! *Huff* *Huff*

(Z panted for air while Nabooru continued working with the frozen lever.)

Z: ...*Huff* *Huff* It's tougher than it looks.

Saria: Do you guys need any help?

Nabooru: ...Unless you can unfreeze this thing, there's not much you'll be able to do.

Saria: Well, I can at least try.

(Saria got off the horse and walked over to where Nabooru was struggling with the frozen lever. Z took a few steps back and looked up at the gate before going in his bag and pulling out the hookshot Julius had given him.)

Z: I have an idea.

Saria: What is it?

Z: I've got this hookshot, it reaches the top of the gate, we can use this to get over. I'll go up first and then throw the hookshot down to you guys so you can use it.

(Nabooru stopped struggling with the lever and looked at Z.)

Nabooru: That's a good plan.

???: I believe it is as well. Just as he said, these three are here.

(Startled, Z and the others whipped around to see a massive figure standing about 15 feet away, a Zora who was only a few inches shorter than Eagles but with a much more muscular physique wearing an executioner's mask. His presence sent a chill down Z's spine who called out to him...)

Z: Who are you!?

???: The executioner and personal bodyguard of Lord Alvius but you can just call me Gein.

Z: *To himself* Gein?... Another one...

Gein: We have not met before but I have heard much about you. My friends have shared interesting stories about their experiences with you. You are a very lucky boy.

Nabooru: Z, we have to stop him before he we go any further.

Gein: No. I was sent here only to inform you on the status of your friend.

Z: What?

Gein: The old one. He is hidden within the walls of Lord Alvius' palace. Only myself and Lord Alvius know of his whereabouts at this moment. I can tell you this, if you continue with your plan, your friend will die by my hand!

(Z's body filled with rage with Gein's words. The adrenaline flowing through his body caused him to begin shaking.)

Gein: Get mad. Get furious. But you have been warned. This is no game. I have executed many men in my lifetime, that old man will be no different if you do not submit to Alvius' will. Punishment has already been given to your party, the sea of bodies laying in Hyrule Field are evidence enough as well as those who've died at sea. And more will come if you try anything else, I guarantee you that.

(Nabooru, unlike Z, remained calm and collected and further questioned Gein's motives.)

Nabooru: You give us an ultimatum to surrender but you come with troops to try and coerce us?

Gein: I am alone. The armed forces are busy tending to other matters. This is no trick or ruse, I am warning you to stop now if that old man means anything to you.

Saria: Don't kill Rauru!

Gein: His life means nothing to me. I will kill as deemed necessary by my Lord. And I will give you one more piece of advice before I leave. We know of your plans to escape Hyrule, we know of everything that you are going to do right down to your current, desperate escape plan to use one of our warships.

(Nabooru and Saria's eyes widened at his words while Z's rage was growing with every second.)

Gein: There is no way for you to win! I hope that you understand that now and that your actions will display that understanding. Remember, Rauru's life hangs in the balance.

Nabooru: ...

(Z turned to Saria and Nabooru and began speaking.)

Z: Continue with the plan. We need to find out just where exactly Rauru is. And I'm going to find out. You two, just keep going with our plan.

Nabooru: But Z... They know.

Z: Just do it!

Gein: Your defiance just gives me more incentive to kill the old fool. I thank you for your choice.

(Gein pulled out a warp gem but before he could use it, he received an arrow to his shoulder and let out only an annoyed grunt.)

Gein: ...We'll play it that way then.

(Gein pulled the arrow out of his shoulder and began clenching his fists. Z handed Nabooru the Hookshot and told them to continue with the plan.)

Saria: Nabooru, how will we get back?

Nabooru: It can be done. Z, I don't want to leave you alone to fight him.

Z: I can handle it. Just get out of here!

Nabooru: No. This isn't smart. We will fight him together.

(Z became even more angry and frustrated and lashed out at Nabooru.)

Z: Just go! GO! Get the hell out of here! Freedom is our goal! The lives of the people are most important, not me!

(Nabooru closed her eyes and pulled Saria towards her while she held the Hookshot pointing at the top of the gate.)

Nabooru: ...Be smart, Z. Don't let your anger destroy your good judgment.

Saria: Z...

(Nabooru released the trigger and the two of them shot up to the top of the gate where they looked down at Z and ahead at Gein, who was now standing as still as a stone staring into Z's eyes and into his heart....)

Nabooru: ...Let's just go.

(Nabooru and Saria climbed down the ladder at the side of the gate and ran for the Haunted Wasteland after taking one last look at Z and Gein, still staring directly at each other...)

Gein: You've done your best to be a hero but you're reckless. And it is because of that, you will die.

(Z put his bow away and pulled his sword out.)

Z: Where is Rauru? What are you doing to him?

Gein: I have no reason to tell you that information. You've killed my friends. *Laughs* But... Is Rauru that important to you? You'd give your life for him? Would he do the same for you? I don't believe that you simply want to save Rauru's life so much as you want to solve the mystery that lingers within your head and your heart.

(Z clenched the handle of his sword tighter and began to slowly move closer to Gein, who continued talking.)

Gein: As you move closer to me, I will tell you that among you is one who desires power, great power from Lord Alvius himself. The answer may have just left you. Ha, ha, ha....Now an even more perplexing mystery clouds your mind....

Z: What are you talking about?

Gein: Figure it out yourself. Heh. I am unarmed. Now I want to see what my friends saw!

(Z closed in on Gein and delivered a vicious vertical slash but Gein quickly maneuvered out of the way and gave Z a thunderous shot to his kidneys, knocking him off balance and allowing Gein to take control from the onset.)

(Gein allowed Z no rest as he kicked the boy in the chest while he was panting for air. Z now laid on the ground and struggled to get up while Gein delivered a few more crushing punches into Z's midsection, leaving the boy gasping for both air and help.)

(Gein circled around Z for a moment, deciding how he was going to hurt him even more. He made up his mind soon after and grabbed Z's sword and held it high above his head.)

Gein: Goodbye, Z.

(Gein brought the blade down to impale Z but he only stabbed the sword into the snow/sand mixture as Z had managed to barely roll out of the way. Furious, Gein dropped Z's sword and started another violent attack on him.)

(Z was able to get to his feet before Gein could finish his flurry of blows to his side but even as he stood, he stumbled and punched wildly at his monstrous opponent. With his punches failing to connect, Z left himself open to Gein's worst attack to this point, four straight uppercuts directly to his chin, the last of which knocked him to his back as he was falling forward. Z was out cold and Gein took this time to grab Z's sword.)

Gein: An impressive sword. Finely crafted. I'll kill Rauru with it, in your name. Heh.

(Gein put Z's sword in his own sheath on his side and now started dragging the completely unconscious Z toward the bridge area.)

(Now at the edge of the cliff leading down to the Gerudo River, Gein stood and watched the water flow into Lake Hylia and began speaking again.)

Gein: I guess karma has a funny way of working out. Your father was an executioner in his own right and now his son, the son of an executioner will die at the hands of one of his father's own kind. But I'll wait until you wake, Z, because I want this to be as painful as possible....

(Gein sat down along the edge of the cliff and waited for Z to regain consciousness. A half an hour later, Z began to cough and gasp for air, he was conscious once again.)

Gein: Good. You're up.

(Z began to panic as he realized where he was at and who he was with but he could do nothing about it, his body was not allowing him to move on his own will.)

Gein: I hope you're not afraid of heights... Cause it's gonna be a long way down!

Z: No! No! NO!!!

(Gein used his extreme strength and grabbed Z by his ankles and began spinning the boy around several times before....)

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...... Ugh.....


(Gein released Z, sending him down into the water but before he splashed into the water, his entire neck and backside took a bone-crushing hit as he smashed into the other side of the cliff.)

(Gein looked down at Z's lifeless body being pushed by the Gerudo River into Lake Hylia....)

Gein: The end.

(Gein used a warp gem and disappeared while Z ended up in Lake Hylia, still lifelessly floating in the water....)
Edited by Bx, Jan 21 2009, 11:21:06 PM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Z floated through the water aimlessly for several minutes before he regained consciousness and started choking...)

Z: *Cough* *Cough* *Cough*

(Z coughed up the water he had swallowed and lifted his drenched head out of the water and looked at his surroundings through his bloodshot eyes. He blinked several times before he realized that land was near. Tired, he slowly swam toward land and upon getting out of the water, he shook off some of the water on his soaked clothes before gazing at the bright sun...)

Z: Where am I?

(Z walked through the sandy white beaches and searched for any people around. To his relief, he found a young couple tanning in the sun. Although he had the off putting appearance of a raggedy sea urchin, he walked up to the couple and asked them about his whereabouts...)

Z: Excuse me?

(The young couple looked at Z as though he was merely bacteria at the bottom of the sea but they gave him their attention.)

Harold: My wife, Rena and I are tanning. We don't have any rupees to spare for...

(Shocked by their response, Z immediately stopped the man's sentence with a wave of his hand.)

Z: No. I'm not a beggar. I...

Rena: You have the look of a beggar.

Harold: Listen, sport, I understand that hard times have befallen you but interrupting good...

Z: Listen! I am NOT a beggar!!!!

(Harold and Rena both scoffed at him and sent him off in the same way one would do a pestering insect. Distraught, Z looked around for any other people and saw a young girl, about his age, playing with the sand. He approached the girl the same way he had done the young couple and questioned her.)

Z: Hey, can you tell me what island this is?

(The girl gave Z a strange, though not hostile look but answered his question.)

Mika: Yeah. This is Sandraudiga. Um... Is everything ok with you?

(Z paused for a moment.)

Z: ...Uh... No. ...Everything is pretty bad actually.

Mika: What happened?

(Z paused once again but answered as he did before.)

Z: I got shipwrecked. And washed up here, that's why I look like this.

(Mika scratched her head and looked at Z from head to toe once more, taking a double look of his face.)

Mika: Shipwrecked, you say? How?

Z: Uh... A bad storm.

Mika: Hmm.... I see. And you were traveling alone?

Z: No. I was with my friend.

Mika: And where is he?

Z: She. But I don't what happened to her....

Mika: Oh really. Well...

Z: I don't mean to interrupt you but are you going to help me or not?

Mika: You never said anything about help. And how old are you, little boy?

Z: Ten.

Mika: I'm twelve but I'll tell you what, in town, the village preacher might be able to help you. He's my friend's dad so I'll go talk to my friend now. Just wait here, I won't be that long.

(Mika got up and turned to head into the town but Z grabbed her by the shoulder.)

Mika: What?

Z: What's your name?

Mika: It's Mika. And yours?

Z: Zeno. But I'd rather be called, "Z."

Mika: Alright. Can I go now?

(Z let go of the girl's shoulder but before she ran off she took another good look at his face and said...)

Mika: You know... You kinda remind me of the "Vir."

(Mika ran off and left Z confused about what she had said.)

Z: ...What's the "Vir?"

(After about 45 minutes, Mika came back, this time with a boy.)

Mika: Z!

(Z looked at the boy before acknowledging Mika.)

Boy: ...Yes. He does kinda look like the Vir?

Z: Ok. Who is the "Vir?"

Boy: First of all, I'm Kaleb. And secondly, what backwater island are you from to not know of the Vir?

(Z shrugged his shoulders.)

Kaleb: *Sigh* The Vir is our greatest hero! He helped save our land from the vicious Anka many years ago.

Z: Alright, alright, what did the preacher guy say?

Kaleb: ...You could give my father's name a little more respect.

Mika: His dad said you can come.

Z: Great. Let's go.

(At first Z led the way until he realized he didn't know where he was going at which point Mika took the lead and led him to a large house within the confines of the magnificent village.)

Mika: His dad wants to see you alone, Z. Be respectful.

Kaleb: Yes. My father is very powerful man and...

(Z sighed and rather than hear Kaleb's words, he opened the door and walked inside of the house.)

Mika: He really looks like the Vir.

Kaleb: ...But with no manners.

(Mika and Kaleb ran off while Z, inside the house, walked through a long corridor filled with miniature stone figurines depicting a warrior with a sword and shield slaying a gigantic bird-like creature. Past the corridor were two sets of doors, Z tried to open the one on the right but it was locked so he turned the knob of the left one and entered the room where a man dressed in impressive robes stood reading a large book at a podium.)

Z: Uh....Are you the preacher?

(The man fixed his eyes on Z and then turned and looked at a life-size stone replica of....)

Z: My father?...

(The man's eyes widened at Z's words but Z, realizing what he had said, quickly tried to cover his mouth but it was too late, the man was already approaching him with a grin from cheek to cheek on his face.)

Preacher: You are his son. Incredible. The son of the Vir has come to our island.

(Z took a small step away from the man and put his hand over his forehead.)

Preacher: You seem distraught. Mika has told me your story and I am here to help you, for you are the son of a man our people are indebted to.

(Z uncovered his forehead and looked up at the man.)

Z: So you're willing to help me? But first of all, why do you call him the "Vir?" I don't get it...

Preacher: "Vir" means "hero" in our old language, when your father saved us, Hylian was not yet the universal language of the world and we simply called him "Vir" or "hero" as you would say now. It's just a traditional thing, we think it in bad taste to speak his true name.

Z: ...Ok.

Preacher: I can read the grief on your face. Please, tell me what's ailing you.

(After a brief moment of internal debate, Z explained to the preacher everything that had happened up to that point involving him and Maria.)

Preacher: Incredible. The son adventures much like his father. ...And I have heard the terrible plight that has befallen the great country of Hyrule but we here in Sandraudiga have no military, we are a theocracy, ruled by the word of our peaceful gods. We have no way to help other than prayer.

Z: But do you at least have a boat that I can use to get out of here?

Preacher: Yes. We can provide you with that. But I believe you should rest here for a while before venturing out to Johan.

Z: Yeah... I am kinda tired.

Preacher: You look it. You may stay in my home for as long as you desire but a boat will be ready for you by tomorrow, you have my word on that.

(Z let out a sigh of relief and thanked the preacher for his generosity.)

Preacher: Before you leave, I have something for you.

Z: What?

Preacher: Follow me.

(Z followed the preacher, who led him to the now unlocked door that he had tried to open earlier. Inside, there was a long, shiny, sword hanging in a display. The preacher walked to the display used a key to open it.)

Z: I thought you were a peaceful island?

Preacher: We are. But after your father defeated the evil bird, Anka or what Hylians know as the Helmaroc, we felt it necessary to make him a gift. What better gift could you make for a warrior than a sword, right?

Z: I guess.

Preacher: Unfortunately, your father only returned once after he defeated Anka and by that time our smiths had not yet completed the weapon...

Z: Why did he return?

Preacher: He asked if we would sign an agreement from the King of Hyrule, stating that we would become a colony under Hyrule.

Z: And you signed?

Preacher: No, we refused. But your father was a hard man to say no to and in the end, he made a few adjustments to the deal that would allow us to become like a "subsidiary nation" for Hyrule. We have our own government but Hyrule was to receive 40% of the rupees we received in trading with other nations. The agreement also stated that the Knights of Hyrule would guard us at all times....*Under his breath*But that end of the bargain never came.

Z: Huh?

Preacher: Nothing. Anyway, I would like for you to have the sword in your father's place.

(The preacher pulled the sword out of it's case and handed it to Z. But Z could barely hold the sword and the preacher's mind swirled with thoughts.)

Preacher: You know... A man by the name of Uriel trains boys in the art of swordplay on this island. You might be able to use some of his help.

Z: But I really need to get to Johan.

Preacher: Well, it was just a suggestion. Your business in Johan is very important but do you have a plan?

Z: For helping the Sages?

Preacher: Yes.

Z: ...No. Not really...

Preacher: Uriel is an experienced warrior who taught your father a few valuable techniques, a few years under him and...

Z: What are you trying to say?

Preacher: *Sigh* I don't want the Son of the Vir to simply rush into a dangerous situation head on the way you're saying. Uriel is a great warrior and strategist... You could use his help if you want to free your friends.

Z: ...And where is this Uriel?

Preacher: On the outskirts of town. His house is the last one you see traveling north, it's by a gate leading out.

Z: Ok. I'll go.

Preacher: His techniques will be very valuable, I'm sure. By the end of it, I know you'll be ready to use "Justice."

Z: Justice?

Preacher: The name we gave the sword. It symbolizes what the deed your father did for us. The pommel of the blade has the feathers of Anka attached to it and the grip was made using his skin. Anka terrorized the weak and defenseless like a coward, this sword represents the hope of the downtrodden. Only a worthy champion of those weaker than him, a man like your father, would be worthy of this weapon. Though it seems the gods may think it to be more suitable in your care.

(Z didn't think too much of the preacher's philosophical babble and ran off for Uriel's house.)

(For the next four years, Z grew as a fighter and as a person under the tutelage of Uriel, learning deadly sword techniques that were once taught to his father. He honed his skills with a blade designed for his father in a village that idolized the man. But even with the memory of his father surrounding him at every turn, Z began to realize how little he knew of the man separate from his legend, this realization left a void that could only be filled by knowledge and left Z to question whether something was being hidden...
Edited by Bx, Jan 27 2009, 07:08:31 PM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Stronger, faster and more confident than ever before, Z left Uriel's guidance a different person. He had lost the fear of failure and in his heart, he truly believed that he could stop Alvius and win Hyrule's freedom back. But even with his new found confidence, Z knew that there were still several demons that he needed to confront, the first of which being, to save the Sages from captivity as a test to both himself and his teachings...)

Z: Uriel. I want to thank you not just for the training but...

(The old swordsman put his hand on Z's left shoulder and began speaking.)

Uriel: Z. The past 4 and half years have been refreshing. I hadn't had a student since the days of your father and I was afraid that these skills that I had to pass on to another generation would be wasted. You have no reason to thank me, I am the one who will give you thanks and sing your praises. I needed you far more than you needed me.

(Z looked up at Uriel and just nodded his head without saying a word.)

Uriel: You should go now. Nothing more should be said...

(Z smiled and continued to nod his head before walking off in the direction of the dock. The preacher kept his word and left Z the boat he had requested, it was a bright red sailboat, large enough to hold a maximum of about 12 people. Z packed his belongings inside quietly as the moon glowed down upon him and hopped in for his voyage. Before he could launch, a voice called out to him.)

Z: *Looking back* Who's that?

(Out of the darkness, a figure approached, it was Uriel.)

Z: Uriel? What's up?

Uriel: Are you certain you do not want my help? You have given yourself a dangerous task, remember Z, a prideful and rash warrior usually ends up a dead one.

Z: I remember. But this is something that I need to do alone, Uriel. We've gone over it several times, I understand the danger but I need to know if I'm ready.

Uriel: Readiness and willingness are two different things. You may be willing to go forward with this task but are you truly prepared for it?

Z: I'll find out.

Uriel: I taught you everything I believe you should know but even with that, I cannot be at peace of mind with you going forward with this. *Sigh*

Z: Just trust me. I'm going to come back, Uriel. And I'm not stupid, I know you'll worry about me until that day comes but again, all I can say is trust me.

(The moon shined on the center of town where a great, copper statue stood honoring Link or "Vir" as the island folk called him. And at the base of the statue, another, smaller, incomplete one was being erected, honoring Z only as the Son. Uriel looked back at the structures and then looked at Z again.)

Uriel: When you return, that statue will have been completed. Now go.

(Resentment could be felt in Z's eyes as he looked at the statues before launching his sailboat and waving Uriel goodbye.)

(The journey to Johan was a harsh one, a massive rainstorm had drenched him on each day of travel and the task of sailing through the crosswind completely absorbed any energy he had during his journey. Despite the rough conditions, Z made it to Johan safely, though a day later than his original calculation had suggested.)

Z: Johan....

(As Z sailed closer to the country, memories began to flood his mind. This was where his story had begun, this was the place where he had spent days watching the ocean and playing with other children. In spite of the fact that he slept in a jail cell, this was the place where his mother had instilled values in him that he would keep for the rest of his life and also where he had met a dear, invaluable friend. And for these reasons, coming back to Johan felt like coming back home. He knew that it was enemy territory and that the people were his enemies but he began to question even that.)

(Were the citizens of Johan, those who do not govern, really his enemies? Was he supposed to hate them because of their leader's actions which were not necessarily dictated by their feelings? And was he supposed to kill Johan soldiers, soldiers who probably fathered many children he had played with in the past? All these questions and more caused Z to make a conscious decision within that would affect his future as he docked at Johan's shores...)

Z: The prison is in the eastern part of this city if I remember right...

(Z traveled east and entered the heart of the city, full of life with bustling streets swarming with people doing their daily errands and such. Witnessing the energy of Johan's streets for the first time in years gave Z a rush of excitement but it was soon followed with the same uneasy confusion he had felt before he landed...)

(He entered the eastern section of the city and immediately spotted the dark, brooding prison that dominated the entire area. The dreariness of the prison drained the life of this part of the city and just walking near it reminded Z of some of his dark memories of Johan. Regardless, Z did his best to shut off his memories, good or bad, and focus on the task at hand. He scanned the area surrounding the prison and noticed that guard patrol wasn't very tight considering the circumstances...)

Z: *Looking around* Hmm... Over there isn't gonna work, there's too many of them covering that side.

(Z moved around frequently, trying to figure out the best route to take to get inside.)

Z: *Looking around* No. Not there either. But... Wait a minute.

(Thinking he had seen a dog sleeping on the ground near the prison, Z got close to the area where he thought the dog was and found it, sleeping, just as he thought.)

Z: A stray. Just like I thought. *Sigh* ...Alright...

(Z took a deep breath and lifted his shirt just above his torso area with one hand and began bashing at the dog's head with the other. Suprised and angry, the aggressive dog jumped at Z's stomach and gave him a vicious bite.)

"AHHH!!! Damn! Ahh..."

(Though, in pain, Z let out an exaggerated scream to alert the guards of his presence.)

Guard: What was that?

(The other guards looked and saw Z, screaming in the ground in pain while the dog growled at him. The guards immediately rushed to his aid and put the dog to sleep, violently while they attended to Z's wounds.)

Z: AHHH!!!!! Don't touch me!!! Don't touch me!!!

Guard: Sir, you have to calm down!

Guard 2: Yes. You'll be alright, just...

Z: AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! My stomach!!! Please!! AHHHH!!!!!!!

(The guards were beginning to get frustrated with Z's uncooperative behavior.)

Guard: Sir, we're going to take you to...

Z: AHHHHH!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!!!!! HELP ME!!!!

Guard 2: We're trying to!

Guard: We're taking you to the hospital right...

Z: AHHH!!!!!!! NO!!!!!! My stomach! I'm dying!!

Guard 2: I can't take his screaming from here all the way to the...

Z: AHHH!!!!

Guard: ...Hospital. ARRGH...I totally agree with you, we'll take him to the jailhouse infirmary and from there, they can do whatever the hell they want with him...

(Z continued to scream as the guards ran in to dump him inside of the jailhouse infirmary as fast as they could. Once inside, they dropped him in a bed and left him to fend for himself while they went back to their posts. Now that he was inside, Z first needed to get himself patched up before continuing his plan...)

(He placed a bandage across the wound after dousing some alcohol over it as a disinfectant. Now that he had cleaned up his wound, he sat up and looked around at the room he was in. It was dark, dreary and damp like the rest of the prison but he was the only one in the room so he used this to his advantage and peeked through the window on the door. With nobody in the area, Z opened the door and stepped into the actual infirmary area.)

Z: Ok. Who would have the key to the cells?...

(Z walked out of the infirmary area with little information regarding the whereabouts of the person holding the jail cell key. Walking through the cold corridors left an unsettling feeling within Z while he continued his search. He reached a familiar staircase at the end of the corridor and went down.)

Z: ...The holding cells.

(Straight ahead were the cells where the Sages were being held. To the left however was a door, Z knew he couldn't help the Sages without a key so he went towards the door. He listened in for guards before heading inside. The room was empty and it looked like an office for the head prison cell guard.)

Z: *To himself* Nobody's here.

(Z wasted no time in searching for a key in the desk and cabinet but found nothing of use besides a map of the prison and a piece of an incomplete letter...)

"...not to be harmed. And that goes for other types of mistreatment as well. This is a delicate though simple assignment, mishandle it and you will suffer a horrific fate. Thank you."

(Z's was initially confused by the contents of the letter but before he could think about it, the doorknob was turning...)

Z: Shi...

(Z put the torn letter back on the desk and put the map in his pocket and scrambled to hide but it was too late.)

Head Guard: !!! Who are you!?

(The Head Guard pulled out his spear and readied for attack while Z pulled out his sword as well.)

Head Guard: I don't know how you got in here but you were a fool to go snooping through my stuff. Theft is an offense punishable with death!

(The clanking of the guard's heavy armor echoed through the entire holding cell, alerting the captives of a disturbance while the battle between Z and his foe began.)

(The guard first tried to corner Z into the wall but his lack of agility made it nearly impossible for him to keep Z in one place for long. Using his quickness to his advantage, Z unleashed a few quick thrusts into the guard's heavy armor to keep him off balance and unable to counterattack. A series of downward slashes followed by a strong horizontal slice left the guard stunned and staggering for help.)

(Z followed up with a leg sweep that sent the guard on his back....through his desk. With the guard down and struggling to get to his feet, Z started pummeling him with right hands to the jaw and finished his fight the guard by jamming the hilt of his sword into the man's solar plexus, knocking the air out of him and purposely leaving him unconscious but still alive.)

(Now that the fight was over, Z searched the guard's body for the key to the holding cells. He found it and rushed out into the corridor leading to the cells where he could hear the prisoners getting rowdy. Running down the hall of cells, he heard prisoners hollering and cheering various things but Z wasted no time with them, he only wanted to get the Sages out of there and finally after a few minutes of running through the hall, he reached the Sages....)

Darunia: !!! Oh my.... Z! Z!

(Z waved at Darunia and unlocked his cell. Darunia immediately grabbed him and gave him a big hug, squeezing him as tightly as he could. With Z gasping for air, Darunia released him and smiled.)

Darunia: You're back... I can't believe it. You're so big now!

Z: It's great to see you too, Darunia. Come on, we've got to hurry.

Darunia: Yeah, yeah. You're right!

(Z and Darunia ran through the corridor unlocking the Sages' cells as they saw them. Now with the entire group nearly free as well as a few other prisoners, only one was left to free, Ruto.)

Z: How is my mother doing, guys?

Nabooru: Haven't seen her in a while. But we know that they did give her a cellmate just like they gave me and Saria.

Darunia: Yeah. It's some guy, looked kinda familiar but eh.... I'm just glad we're getting outta here!

(Clanking sounds could be heard coming from the other end of the corridor, Johan guards.)

Saria: Those are guards! Z, we've got to hurry up!

(Tension rose with the guards presence and Z along with the others ran for Ruto's cell at the end of the hall and reached her though the pressure of the guards approaching made the reunion a bittersweet one...)

Z: Mom!

(Ruto sprang up and looked at Z with tears in her eyes while he unlocked her cell. Once she came out of the cell, she hugged Z as tightly as she could and held him in her arms. The two stayed like that for a moment but they were immediately interrupted by the sound of the guards boots getting closer.)

Z: Mom. We have to get out of here now!

(Still speechless, Ruto didn't say a word and Z looked at the other Sages who were all looking into Ruto's cell.)

"Z."

(From the darkness inside Ruto's cell, a man approached.)

"It's been too long, Z."


(Finally able to see the man's face, Z immediately recognized him.)

Z: Julius! They sent you here?!

(Before Julius could answer, Nabooru tugged at Z's shoulders.)

Nabooru: We have to get out of here!

Z: Ok, ok.

(Z pulled out the map he had snagged from the Head Guard's room and looked at it for any exits.)

Z: Uh....

(Rauru studied the map over Z's shoulder and spotted an emergency exit route near them.)

Rauru: There! Get moving!

(The emergency exit was at the halfway mark at the other side of the corridor, this meant that the group was going to have to meet the guards head on. Z took the lead and charged into the guards coming after them, knocking several to their feet with a swinging horizontal slash. A few guards were still standing but not for long as Darunia knocked them out with a big right hand.)

Z: Nice one!

Darunia: It's been a long time coming.

(They all ran through the door which led to another short staircase leading up. Another pitch black corridor awaited them once they reached the top of the stairs and they ran through it as fast as they could. After running through the long corridor for nearly 15 minutes, they reached the end and another door. Opening the door, they realized that they were no longer within the prison confines and instead had entered a dark, musty cave....)

Edited by Bx, Jan 24 2009, 02:45:38 PM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Enemy pursuit was no longer the greatest obstacle facing their escape plan now. It was simply getting through the darkness of the cave...)

Impa: That map show any kind of route out of this cave?

Z: Can't really see the map anymore but no. I don't remember seeing anything about the cave...

Impa: ...Not good. Well, at least we know that there is an exit otherwise why would they're escape route lead here. So.... I say we split up into groups.

Darunia: What? Groups? Are you kidding me!?

Impa: What's wrong with groups?

Darunia: ....It's a cave! A dark cave! We have no idea where we're at or how big this thing is and you want to split into groups!?

Impa: We'll cover more ground!

Darunia: Wrong! How are we supposed to find the other if one group gets lost?

Impa: Fine, then. What's your bright idea.

Darunia: We stick together the way we've been doing.

Impa: And who's in favor of that?

(Everyone raised their hands. Impa shook her head in disbelief but went along with it.)

Darunia: Let's keep moving.

(Now Darunia took the lead as they deeper into the heart of the cavern. For what felt like hours, the group traveled over the rough terrain of the cave unaware of where they were at or how to get out. All they saw and felt was darkness... How this could be an emergency exit route, they didn't know...)

Saria: *Sigh* ...What if there is no exit?

Z: ...I'm beginning to think that's the case...

Nabooru: Stay focused guys.

Z: ...Yeah. But hold on, Rauru?

(The old man looked at Z.)

Rauru: Yes?

Z: You're the Light Sage, can't you just create some light thing for us using magic?

(Rauru frowned as he answered...)

Rauru: It would drain the little bit of energy that I have left in me now.... *Cough* My age is catching up with me, Z...

Z: ...I understand.

(While they walked through the cave, Z spoke with Julius, who like the other 2 unexpected prisoners in the Sages' cells remained quiet.)

Z: So why did they ship you all the way over here?

Julius: They said that because I was the cause of that riot, I was to be exiled from Hyrule... I can never return there so long as that Lord Alvius is ruler.

Z: We'll see about that.

Julius: ...That is why I was initially reluctant to step out of the cell. I-I am scared, Z.... He said he would have me killed!

(What Julius said made Saria sad and she tried to console him.)

Saria: Listen, Julius. Everything is gonna be alright... You...

Julius: *Nervous* I-I just don't want to d-die.... Please... Don't let them kill me...

Saria: Nothing like that is gonna happen to you, you'll be alright. We'll make sure of that.

(Tears began to roll down Julius' face but he picked himself up and nodded his head in agreement.)

Saria: Just stick with us, Julius and we're all gonna make it out ok.

(Julius smiled and they continued their journey through the cave. After another hour or so of aimless wandering, they saw it....)

Darunia: There's light! We're near the exit!

(Darunia looked back at Impa and remarked...)

Darunia: Told ya, we should stick together.

(Impa rolled her eyes but didn't say anything in response to his comment.)

Nabooru: *Sigh* Can we stop the fussing, already?.... Jeez.

(With no more comments from either Darunia or Impa, the group excitedly ran toward the light and reached it within only a few minutes. Looking outside from inside the cave, they saw water, ocean water.)

Nabooru: The cave led to the ocean?

(Impa looked down at the water and then turned to ask...)

Impa: Can everyone swim?

(All nodded their head except Julius...)

Saria: You can't swim, Julius?

Julius: ...I never learned how to... Sorry.

(Julius put his head down in shame.)

Saria: No, no it's alright, Julius, really.

Julius: ...I should have just stayed....

(While Saria tried to make Julius feel better and the others worried about how they were gonna swim all the way to Hyrule, Z was hit with another past memory, this time of the beach...)

Z: ...This is the Oceanside Cavern.

Impa: Huh?

Z: We won't have to worry about swimming all the way to Hyrule. We'll only have to swim a little ways to get to Johan's shore where my boat is.

Ruto: You came on a boat alone?

Z: Yes.

Ruto: Wow... What else have you done in all this time?

Z: Eh....Enough for a lifetime.

Ruto: My...

Impa: Z. How do you know of this "Oceanside Cavern?"

Z: I remember playing on the beach with the other kids when I was younger and we used to try and scare one another with stories of the ghosts inside of the Oceanside Cavern. This is it. Ha. I guess the ghost stories weren't true after all.

Saria: ...Good thing you didn't tell us about the ghosts earlier....

(Z smiled.)

Z: So we can just dive in and start swimming to the left, it should only take a few minutes to get to the shore.

Julius: What about me?...

Saria: Just hold on to my hand. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise.

(Julius smiled and grabbed Saria's hand. The two of them dived in first followed by the others and they all began swimming to the left and toward the beach as Z had said.)

Impa: I see the beach. Your instinct was right, Z.

Z: Yeah. Lets not waste any time, we're almost there.

(They continued swimming toward the sandy beach but their efforts met with yet another obstacle...)

Darunia: Damn it... They've got guards all over the beach.

Saria: Are we ever gonna catch a break!?

(Julius tugged at Saria's arm.)

Julius: *Terrified* W-w-we have to get out o-o-of here....!!!

Saria: Julius. We won't be much longer, just relax. You're fine.

Julius: ...Please....

(Saria groaned while everyone else was going through a frenzy of emotions. With nothing left to lose, Z dived underwater and looked for something that could be of use but he found nothing. He came back up, though empty-handed but not without an idea. He swam toward Darunia.)

Z: Darunia! Darunia!

(Darunia gave Z his attention.)

Darunia: What's up, Z?

Z: You feeling ok?

Darunia: Considering the circumstances...I guess so. Why?

Z: But you're not tired or anything are you?

Darunia: I can manage. What are you up to?

Z: How long can you breathe underwater for?

Darunia: A little while. Just what are you up to?

Z: Ok. I was thinking that the two of us could maybe move the boat, slowly over here. Everyone is too tired to fight so we can let these guys see us. What do you think?

Darunia: ....Sounds crazy. What about air? For me, anyway.

Z: You stay on the side of the boat opposite the guards and drag the anchor so you can come up for air every so often. I'll watch the guards from the other side and tell you when to stop.

Darunia: Jeez.... Alright. *Sigh* Just getting that anchor out of the sand is going to wear me out.

Ruto: Then don't do it.

Z: What?

Ruto: Z. I don't like that plan, it's too dangerous! You're putting yourself out there for those guys to spot you. They outnumber us tenfold...

Z: Well, what else are we gonna do!?

Ruto: Calm down! There's no need to raise your voice!

Z: But you're just not getting it. We don't have another choice.

Ruto: What's the matter...

(Nabooru interrupted Ruto.)

Nabooru: Ruto, I understand but he's right. His idea is all we've really got. It's dangerous but just let them go through it.

Ruto: But you don't understand, that's my...

(Ruto didn't even finish her sentence when she saw that and Darunia had already swam for the boat. Z watched as Darunia approached the anchor and tried to pull it out of the ocean ground.)

Darunia: *Struggling* Errrr......Ah.... Ah....Err..... I.... Errr.....

(From his position, Z couldn't really see the guards so instead he swam to the other side to try and help Darunia. Together the two of them tugged and tugged at the anchor for a few minutes before they finally felt it coming loose. Darunia, however, needed to get some air and swam up and held his mouth out for air...)

(Once Darunia came back down, he gave Z a thumbs up and pulled the anchor completely out held it in his arms. Z swam to the other side and checked on the position of the guards, they were still looking around but none solely focused on the boat. Z swam back around the boat to give Darunia the "Ok" and Darunia started tugging, slowly....)

(Z continued watching the guards while Darunia pulled the anchor and caught his breath every so often. The two of them did this consistently for the next hour or so until they reached an area close enough to where everyone could swim for the boat while the guards weren't looking. While Darunia held the anchor, Z swam out toward the group and waved for them to come to the boat.)

Nabooru: See, Ruto? They did it.

Ruto: ...

(Everyone swam toward the boat and got in, it was a tight fit but everyone including Z and Darunia would be able to squeeze in. Z swam on Darunia's side again to let him know that everyone was on board. Both Darunia and Z hopped in the ship and the wind blew them off....)

Guard: What the...!?

Guard 4: That's them! Stop them!

(The guards saw the boat moving and the passengers aboard and started firing arrows at them but it did no good as a hard western wind blew them straight toward Hyrule....)

5 Months Later...

(Since that day, the Sages were making strides within Hyrule to liberate the country from Alvius who had turned most of it into a messy ruin. Realizing that Hyrule's immediate fate was to be one of catastrophe, the Sages devised a plan to save the enslaved citizens of the nation by rounding them up and shipping them off to a great power overseas so they could rebuild what was left of their lives. The Sages had made contact with that nation and told them of their plan, the nation agreed to take the citizens in but could do nothing else for fear of sparking a global war leaving the Sages to deal or not deal with Alvius in the best way they saw fit....)

(During this period, while taking refuge in the old Kakariko Village, Z received a mysterious letter in his bag and read it...)

"Z, I won't write my name for fear of this letter getting into the wrong hands but I'm sure you know who this is. Mericah Island... Where the roses bloom. I'm alive. I need you."

(Z studied the letter intently and noticed the "i" in "alive" was dotted with a heart. He did not tell the Sages the true content of the letter, only the he was looking for a valuable item in Mericah Island. Though a bit suspicious of his reasons, the Sages trusted Z and he sailed off for Mericah Island leaving his sword, "Justice" and bow in Rauru's hands.)

(Upon reaching Mericah Island, Z approached an elderly man.)

Z: Sir. Sir. Excuse me.

(The old man looked at Z.)

Z: Please, Sir. I need your help.

Old Man: I'm just an old man. I can do nothing for you...

Z: I just need you to tell me where the "Roses bloom."

(The Old Man scoffed at Z but still answered.)

Old Man: To the west. You can't miss it.

(Z traveled west and immediately spotted a small field of roses, it was in a very sparsely populated section of the town, probably because it was in the middle of...)

Z: A graveyard?.... Roses are blooming in a graveyard?

(Z walked over to where bed of roses were at and immediately spotted a girl's body lying within the roses. Z's heart sank into his stomach and he became queasy, it couldn't be who he thought it was....)

Z: No.... No....

(Z's knees became weak with each step he took toward the girl's body. He finally came to her body and noticed her neck area immediately... The girl had been strangled to death and then Z noticed her face, it was covered. A note had been pinned on the girl's face with a knife that stuck out of her forehead. Horrified, Z picked up the note and it read...)

"You killed me..."


(The girl was not Maria. Someone had played a cruel trick on him, Z looked at the letter once again, it was in the same handwriting as before but unlike the other letter, the "i", this time, was dotted with a broken heart. Distraught and confused, Z walked off for the into the livelier part of the island and checked into an inn, where he stayed for nearly a month until he received a letter from Rauru....)
Edited by Bx, Jan 24 2009, 11:02:04 PM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
Day 4

(Back at the ranch, Nabooru and Saria along with the Gerudos they found at the Desert Colossus had finally returned. Dawn had just broken and the ranch was quiet with the only sound coming from a steady light breeze....)

Nabooru: I don't think anyone is up, Saria. We should keep quiet. *Looks back at the Gerudo* And that goes for you all, as well.

(While looking back at the Gerudo, Nabooru noticed the frown on Saria's face.)

Nabooru: *Sigh* ...I'm sure he's alright, Saria. He's probably in there right now sleeping or something.

Saria: ...We shouldn't have left him...

(Nabooru just stared into the distance without responding. Rather than open the door and disturb the others sleeping, they decided to simply wait inside of the stable until everyone woke up.)

2 Hours Later...


(Inside the ranch house, a groggy Darunia begins to stretch as he's getting up from his sleep, he turns his head and notices Ruto, sitting on a chair just staring at the door.)

Darunia: Eh....You ok?

Ruto: ...They haven't come back.

(Ruto didn't look at Darunia while answering but he could see the bags under her eyes from stress and lack of rest.)

Darunia: Give them some time. I'm sure they'll be here soon.

Ruto: ...

(Impa appeared with the same concerned look on her face that Ruto wore.)

Darunia: Don't tell me you're losing hope too?

Impa: I haven't lost anything, I'm concerned Darunia and you should be too.

Darunia: But it hasn't even been a day yet, Nabooru knows the desert better than anyone, they're fine.

Impa: But it's not just Nabooru and the others that I'm worried about, it's Rauru too...

(Darunia's expression slowly changed from one of confidence to one of blankness as the thought of Rauru's unusually lengthy absence began to settle in.)

Impa: It's been too long. Rauru wouldn't just disappear without telling anyone. Something's wrong, I'm really worried...

Darunia: But...

Elias: They're here.

(Darunia and the other Sages looked at Elias, who had appeared in front of them.)

Impa: Where are they?

Elias: In the stable hou...

(Ruto quickly got to her feet and rushed over to the stable with the others following right behind. Outside, Ruto and the others saw Nabooru and Saria coming out of the stable door.)

Darunia: Ha, ha! I was right!

(Z obviously hadn't been with them but not knowing this, Ruto scanned for her son before asking...)

Ruto: Where's Z?

(Saria, who was already frowning, simply put her head down while Nabooru avoided eye contact by looking away.)

Ruto: What happened? What happened!? Tell me!

(Saria didn't the courage to answer but Nabooru quickly got it over with.)

Nabooru: We don't really know. *Sigh* One of those Zoras came, Z told us to continue with the plan and said that he'd deal with the Zora himself...

Ruto and Impa: And you left him alone!? What's wrong with you two!?

(Saria started crying and Nabooru closed her eyes and placed her hand over her forehead. Ruto angrily stormed back into the house and Impa let out several deep breaths out of frustration while Darunia nervously played with his fingers...)

Nabooru: ...That's not it....

Impa: There's more?

Nabooru: It's about Rauru.... We found out where he was at...

Darunia: Where is he?

(Nabooru closed her eyes again.)

Nabooru: ...Captured.

Darunia: ARGH!!!!

(Darunia furiously threw his arms into the air and stomped off toward the ranch house door, which Julius was coming out of.)

Julius: What's the matter?

Darunia: Bah!

(Darunia shoved Julius to the ground and went inside the ranch house. Impa helped Julius to his feet.)

Impa: I apologize for him, he's not thinking straight.

Julius: Sheesh. Tell me about it.... The guy nearly took my head off!

Impa: But you're ok so don't worry about it too much.

Julius: I guess. ...What's eating him, though? *Looks at Saria* And Saria, why are you crying?

(Saria looked at Julius but merely continued to cry.)

Impa: Not too be rude, Julius, but can you just let us be for a little while?

(Julius was shocked but walked off without a response. Saria ran inside the stable, still sobbing from guilt, leaving Nabooru and Impa alone outside now.)

Impa: ...Where do we go now?...

Nabooru: It's all falling apart... Z was right, they know our plan....

Impa: No. No... How? How could they know?! Are you sure!?

Nabooru: The Zora described our plan exactly... Maybe there is a traitor.

Impa: But who? We don't allow anyone to leave the ranch! We'd know if anyone had left!

Nabooru: I don't know... *Sigh* I want to believe in what we're doing but even that's becoming a struggle.

Impa: We have to our next course of action together. Time isn't going to stand still for us, Alvius may be well on his way to delivering his coup de grace. We have to act now. Go get Saria and calm her down, I'll take care of Darunia and Ruto but also...

(Impa pulled Nabooru close to her and whispered in her ear....)

Impa: I don't want anyone else listening to us so we'll meet at the other end of the ranch. If anyone is trying to listen in or doing anything else suspicious, we'll know who our traitor is, if there really is one...

Nabooru: Great idea. I'll go get Saria now.

(Nabooru and Impa did their respective tasks and the Sages now stood at the far end of the ranch beyond the horse fence. They each scanned the area intently to see if anyone was around, they saw no one and began speaking...)

Impa: Well, how do we start?

Ruto: We start by finding my son!

Darunia: And just forget about Rauru? Ruto, don't be so selfish!

Ruto: No! You're forgetting about Z. Rauru has lived a full life, Z still has his whole life ahead of him and I'm not about to have a hand in sabotaging that! You all can do what you want, I will find my son!

Nabooru: We can't be divided like this! We must figure out...

Ruto: Shut up, Nabooru!! Your actions may have caused my son's death, I don't want to hear anything you have to say!

Nabooru: ...

Darunia: And that's why we should focus on Rauru!

Ruto: What?

Darunia: We don't know what happened to Z. If he's dead, looking for him would just lead nowhere and if he's alive, he'll find us. This is war, the final hours of a war, this is the point where you can't take action on assumptions, you have to make decisions based on the concrete facts!

Ruto: But we don't know what happened to Rauru! I don't care what that guy says, I want my son!

(Darunia clenched his fists and took a swing into the air...)

Darunia: Damn it! I'm tired of this!! Everyone can do whatever the hell they want, I'm through, I'm done, it's over! I'm tired of the arguing! Every day, every day, I have to hear shit from you *Points at Impa* and now I've gotta listen to your shit *Points at Ruto* and I can't take it anymore!

Nabooru: Darunia, calm down!

(But Darunia's rage just increased...)

Darunia: How do you think I felt?! Huh!? How do you think I felt when I had to find out that my son was killed because of that little prick in that castle!? You think I was happy? Huh!? Did you!? ....*Huff* *Huff* *Huff* As a parent... I understand your grief but as a friend, I can't agree with your mindset.

(And just as quickly as his rage boiled over to its limit, it cooled down and a much more somber, defeated Darunia began speaking...)

Darunia: ...It's over. Like Nabooru said, if we can't agree to a plan...We're finished, it's that simple....

(Darunia extended his arms towards Ruto and embraced her for a hug.)

Darunia: I love you. And I love your boy but I can't just let anything happen to my friend, either...

Ruto: ...I'm sorry.

Darunia: Don't even worry about it, now, it's all behind us. Let's just focus on what we have to do.

(Ruto looked around at the others.)

Ruto: ...I extend that apology to you all as well. ...It's been hard. ...I don't know how much longer I can do this.

Impa: It's alright, Ruto. I think we all understand, right?

All: Yeah.

(Ruto smiled.)

Saria: I'm glad everyone is back to normal but I'm wondering...What about the refugees? We can't just leave them here.

Impa: A valid point. ....*Sigh* Z's plan was to steal a warship but if Alvius already knows that what we're trying to do then we can't do that but... I don't see how we can do anything else.

Nabooru: We don't have another day to just sit here and plan. Today's the day that we have to take action, our food supply is nearly gone and the morale of the remaining refugees has taken a complete dive after that massacre.

Impa: She's right. I'm at a loss for words, everyone, I really don't know what to do.

Saria: ....*Sigh* I wish Z would come back...

Ruto: ...

(Darunia thought for a moment and took a deep breath...)

Darunia: I'll go. I'll go up to the castle and find Rauru. The rest of you, do what you can to load the refugees on a ship. And as far as Z... *Sigh* Pray.

Nabooru: Darunia... That's crazy, you can't do it by yourself.

(Darunia nervously grinned.)

Darunia: I know. ...But the refugees are our priority. I can only hope that destiny smiles down on me in the same way that it did Link.

Saria: But... Why would you even think of something like that? I won't let you do it!

Darunia: You wouldn't be able to stop me. You'll have your hands full with those soldiers. If you try to stop me, they'll kill you and nobody benefits from that.

Saria: Your plan is suicide!

Darunia: It's all we've got.

Saria: *Looking around* Guys? Come on!? You're not gonna let him actually do this, are you!?

(The other Sages only looked away. They had given Saria their answer...)

Nabooru: I guess it's settled, then...

Ruto: ...

Impa: We'll leave by noon.

(Impa walked off and now the Sages were reluctantly preparing to carry out their plan as the hour drew near...)

Edited by Bx, Jan 27 2009, 07:02:51 PM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Around noon, Z started coughing loudly as he began to wake up sore from the fall...)

Z: *Cough* *Cough* *Huff* *Huff* ...Ugh....

(Z was just beginning to remember what had happened during his encounter with Gein and tried to sit up but the soreness in his body wouldn't allow it.)

Z: Man... My back.... Ah....

(While the soreness was settling in, flashbacks of Gein tossing him into the river played in his mind over and over again until he realized something...)

Z: ...I'm dry? Urgh...

(Being completely dry, not damp at all, even though he had floated through a lake bothered Z and he gave his best effort at trying to sit up. He was able to for only a second but noticed a bottle filled with a blue liquid next to him before falling on his back again. While still lying flat, he reached over for the bottle, grabbed it and gave examined it more closely...)

Z: A note?

(Attached to the bottle was a note, Z managed to pull it off and read it...)

"The blue stuff will perk you right up. You're welcome."

Z: Huh...?

(Z was reasonably alarmed by this mysterious bottle and the even more mysterious note attached to it and simply placed it back where he had found it.)

Z: ...I don't need anymore unwanted surprises...

(Z continued to battle with himself as he tried to get up but his body was winning and he was beginning to shut down completely as he felt his eyes getting heavy as every second passed.)

Z: *Huff* *Huff* ...Urgh.... Oh...You've...gotta be kidding...me....

(As his eyes were closing, his nose was picking up food, cooked food. With the last of his strength, he sat up and got a glimpse of what the smell was, some animal leg had been roasted and placed at his feet. He tried to grab the leg but a sharp pain stung him in the back just as he was about to get a hand on it. Needless to say... Again, he was flat on his back empty-handed.)

Z: ...Come on, man....

(With his hunger causing him to think irrationally, Z reached for the bottle filled with the blue liquid and popped the top open and got a whiff of it...)

Z: Eww.... Gross. ...That's definitely not something you're supposed to put in your stomach but....

(The wind blew the powerful smell of the cooked leg into his nose and that was enough...)

Z: Ahh.....

(Z had drank the terrible tasting blue liquid and true to the note, the pain in his body was slowly going away and he was able to move freely again. He leaped to his feet and munched on the cooked animal leg...)

Z: *Munch* Oh... *Munch* Oh, that's good. *Munch*

(Just as soon as he had put it in his mouth, he was tossing the leg or bone rather to the side. Now fed and feeling as strong as ever, Z's mind was clear to think about everything that had happened rationally and he did just that, starting with Gein's words....)

"I will tell you that among you is one who desires power, great power from Lord Alvius himself. The answer may have just left you."

Z: *To himself* Only Saria and Nabooru were with me... Either he was just messing with me or one of them isn't who they're claiming to be. Hmm... But that doesn't make any sense. It can't be Saria but Nabooru maybe?

(Z thought for a second but dismissed any suspicions about Nabooru immediately.)

Z: *To himself* It can't be her... There's no way. *Sigh* ...But who then?

(Z attempted to block any thoughts about Gein out of his mind but then remembered that his sword had been taken.)

Z: Damn it!

(Frustrated, Z looked up at the sky and saw thick clouds slowly moving across the sun...)

Z: ...Here's to hoping it doesn't snow again...

(Z turned around and started running towards Hyrule Field when he noticed the dead Tektite behind the old laboratory house. One of the legs had been chopped off...)

Z: Sick....

(Z's stomach turned at the thought of eating Tektite so he hurried off into Hyrule Field to get the image out of his head. It was past noon, the Sages were already carrying out their plan but Z had no idea of any of this and his less than speedy pace was a great indication of that. He walked at a moderate pace because he was in heavy thought, thinking of the situation from his outdated perspective...)

Z: *To himself* I hope Saria and Nabooru are doing alright. It's probably only a little past noon so their definitely still in there. But what was that whole bottle thing about?... And that Tektite leg... Err... was no coincidence either...

(Z continued going over everything in his head while he walked but all of that changed when a powerful blast of wind rushed through and carried a series of chattering voices with it.)

Z: ...People are out and about?

(Both alarmed and confused, Z started walking more briskly and cautiously toward Lon Lon Ranch. As the wind blew, he continued to hear the voices though in each gust, the voices became fainter and it wasn't before long until he realized that the group was moving away from him. Curiosity took over and Z started running...)

Z: !!! Oh shit! *Breathing heavily*

(Z was spooked after unknowingly stepping on one of the victims of Manson's massacre who's body had been hidden by the snow. After taking a short breather to regain his composure, Z looked around and saw the field of pale mutilated bodies, slowly decomposing due to the cold temperature...)

(Calm again, Z got back on track and started running up the hill near the outer edges of Lon Lon Ranch, when he reached the top, he had a clear though distant view of the drawbridge leading into the old Hyrule Castle Town. That was area from which the voices were coming from and seeing nobody from this vantage point, Z became a bit concerned though undeterred and ran for the nearby Lon Lon Ranch...)

(He reached the outer area of the ranch not long after and became worried when he didn't hear the usual chatter of voices heard inside the actual ranch area. Noticing the plethora of fresh footsteps leading out along the ranch's path increased Z's worries. And walking in the ranch didn't quell his concerns as the entire area had been cleared out, there was nothing and no one, only the wind blowing through....)

Z: *To himself* Why would they leave without us?

(Z stayed in thought, trying to piece everything together and every conclusion was leading back to Gein's words of a traitor...)

Z: *To himself* ...Could they have found something out about Nabooru or Saria being traitors? But that doesn't explain why they would leave without me.... Something happened. ...Why else would they just leave like this?...

(The more he thought about it, the angrier and guilt-ridden he became... He dug his knees into the snow and banged at the ground like a beaten man who had just lost everything he knew and loved...)

Z: Everybody.... Everybody loses because of me. Because I'm too selfish... They trust me and I let them down, always... I always let them down. They follow like lions but I lead them to slaughter like lambs... And the only reason they trust me is because of him... Because they want to believe that he lives on in me and that my will is his will....

(Z stayed on his knees and dived into a swirl of deep thought and self-evaluation. After being lost in his emotions for a second, Z pulled himself together and the feeling of self-hatred and doubt morphed into old-fashioned anger. Z stood up and looked around, spotting a quiver full of arrows rested on the door of the stable house. Naturally curious, Z grabbed them and saw another note, in the same handwriting as the previous note, attached to the quiver, it read...)

"Get the job done."

(Z looked more closely at the arrows in the quiver and noticed the finely crafted tips.)

Z: Ice arrows. Why Ice Arrows?...

(Z took the bundle of Ice Arrows out of the quiver and stored them in the own he had on his back. After taking another glance at the note, Z couldn't figure out what it all meant but he put it out of his mind and simply trusted that the information was good just as it had been before. Z nodded his head and followed the trail of footprints to the Castle Town ruins...)

(Walking across the drawbridge, he heard the echo of voices again but they were no longer just chattering voices, the voices were now accompanied with clashing metal, explosives and broken screams; it was the voice of war. Skies darkening, heart pounding and adrenaline rushing, Z walked into the Castle Town ruins....)
Edited by Bx, Jan 29 2009, 09:42:34 AM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(The battle was near, Z could hear the clash between soldiers and refugees louder than ever as he walked through the ruined city.)

Z: The port!

(Finally picking up on the exact point of where the battle was taking place, Z rushed through the heart of the ruins and ran down to the port. On the path down, Z saw a collection of weapons and bodies scattered across the area, mainly soldiers but a few refugees as well. He continued to follow his ears as well as the bloody footprints leading to the port...)

Z: ...Whoa...

(Z watched in awe as he saw the silhouette of the horrific full-scale battle between outnumbered Sages and Alvius' massive army. There was no mistaking it, this was it, Hyrule's freedom would be decided here and everyone involved needed to perform at their highest level. Knowing this fact all too well, Z snapped out of his trance and ran down toward the actual battle site.)

(The combination of burning ships, explosives and other fire-based equipment helped fill the air with a thick, congesting cloud of smoke that made just breathing a feat for the mighty. Not letting this deter him, Z covered his nose and mouth with his left hand and used his other arm as a stiff arm. He could feel the group of soldiers near him and ran in the direction opposite of where he heard them, believing this his best chance to reach the Sages though he couldn't actually see their position.)

Soldier 7: Die! Die you scum!!! Arrgh!!!!

Soldier 83: Ahh!!! Ahh!!!!!!!!

Soldier 12: You can't win! You fools can't win!

Soldier 55: Argh!!! Disgusting men!

(Hearing these voices made Z aware of the Sages' position, ironically enough, they were actually closer to the ships than he had originally imagined. He continued moving through, doing his best to avoid combat and reach the Sages safely.)

Soldier 72: Give....Argh!!! Up already!!!

Soldier 29: *Laughing* No weapons?

Refugee: Ugh..... I....

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


"AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

(The power of the blast knocked Z to his knees but did nothing else in the way of damage. Luckily, the actual bombs had landed in an area northwest of his position though according to Z's instinct, it was probably filled with refugees. His heart was racing, he could feel the arrows flying over his head and bodies falling at his feet as he ran through the smoke toward his destination.)

Refugee: ...Help! HELP!!!!!

Impa: You're safe.

Z: Was that?

(Anxious, Z hurried through the smoke toward the voice.)

BOOM! BOOM!


"Whoa!!!!"

(Another wave of explosions rained down, this time it was too close for comfort as Z was not only knocked down by the blast but covered in soot. He lost his sense of hearing and laid on the ground breathing heavily while the battle raged on over his head.)

Soldier 311: Ugh...

(The body of a dead soldier fell at Z's face. Frightened by both his inability to hear and the dead soldier's presence, Z got to his feet and brushed some of the soot off of his body before moving again.)

Nabooru: Move out of the way! I'll take care of this!

(Z was slowly regaining his ability to hear but he still knew how dangerous the situation had become. Unable to hear clearly in a low-visibility battle meant almost certain death but Z marched on...)

(There was no sign of any of the Sages though he believed he was still on the right track as he nearly tripped over a group of dead refugees lying on top of each other. He continued in this direction for the next few minutes...)

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Z: Bombs?! ...I can hear again!

(A massive series of explosions to the west had rocked the area but despite what it may have meant for the refugees and possibly Sages, Z couldn't help but be overjoyed that he heard it...)

Saria: Impa?! Impa, stop!

Z: Saria?... She's here?

(Z's ears perked up as heard that voice, Saria's voice calling out to Impa. He turned around and listened in to further pinpoint her location.)

Saria: ...it's not worth it! Don't!!!!

(He picked up on the general vicinity of her location and ran as fast as he could through the smoke toward her. Before he could reach Saria, however, another silhouette appeared before him...)

Z: Impa?

Impa: Z?

Z: What are you doing?

Impa: When did you get here?

Z: Not too long ago. What's going on?

Impa: No time to talk, I'm glad you're alive but I can't let that girl die.

Z: What are you talking about?

Impa: ...A little girl, one of the refugees, was lost during this commotion... She was under my care, I'm going to save her!

Z: Are you crazy? You're gonna go into the heart of their defenses to save some kid?

Impa: ...How can you be so heartless?

Z: You'll kill yourself and the girl is probably dead anyway, Impa, this is no time to let your emotions get the best of you...

Impa: ...

Z: ...Is my mom alright?

Impa: ...Yes.

Z: And the others?

Impa: All alive. But...We can't do this much longer, Z... The refugees are defenseless and our power is draining fast.

Z: Damn. Have you tried loading up on the ship?

Impa: They've destroyed all of their warships except one, although even that one has been damaged. Each one we've tried to get in, they destroy, we can't risk losing that last one.

Z: ...Ok. All of the Sages are here?

Impa: Yes. Why wouldn't they be?

Z: How did Saria and Nabooru manage to get here before me?

Impa: ...What?

Z: They got here really fast.

Impa: Z. They were gone only returned this morning, they had been gone all of yesterday.

Z: Yesterday? ...I was out for...

Impa: What?

Z: ...Nothing.

Impa: Z... It's Darunia.

Z: What happened?!

Impa: He insisted on going to the castle alone to deal with Alvius...

Z: Why would he do that?!

Impa: Rauru...

Z: ...

Impa: Z...I'm worried.

(Z remained silent.)

Impa: ...I'm not sure how much more we can take, most of the refugees are dead but Z...

(Z let out a deep sigh and finally broke his silence.)

Z: Ok.

BOOM! BOOM!

(More explosives crashed into the grounds near them and Impa's disposition became more urgent.)

Impa: ...Quickly! ...But please, see your mother. She should be near...

(Z nodded his head and ran off toward where he had heard Saria's voice. Nabooru, Saria and Ruto were all standing together when Z arrived.)

Nabooru, Saria and Ruto: Z!!

(Z's tone was less jovial than usual as he answered.)

Z: ...I heard about Darunia.

(They each gave him that same, worried look but wanting to keep the meeting brief, he ignored their looks and held back his emotions.)

Ruto: ...You're going to go *Sigh*...Aren't you?

(Z continued to avoid direct eye contact while answering...)

Z: ...Yes.

Saria: But you can't! It's too....dangerous....

Nabooru: *Sigh* ...Did you beat that Zora?

Z: No.

(Z finally looked at each of them and focused on his mother...)

Z: Mom, I...

Ruto: ...Don't say goodbye. ...Just come back.

(Z's only response was a non-verbal one, he simply looked at each of them one last time before running off to the north where a shortcut to the castle was...)



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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Out of the thick cloud of smoke, Z uncovered his mouth and ran up the path leading to the castle area. Still hearing the sounds of the unnerving sound of explosions and bone-chilling screams, he stopped, looked back and turned to run back but immediately stopped himself when he realized just how little he could do to help them. He switched his focus back on helping Darunia in the castle and continued up the path...)

Z: *Looking up* ...It's snowing again.

(A light snow began falling as Z finally reached the castle area. Alvius' dark, imposing, stone castle dominated the area's backdrop but even as anxiety and fear caused his hands and legs to shake, Z remained steadfast and continued walking toward the castle.)

Z: *Looking around* No guards?

(Strangely enough, the gate leading up to the castle was unsecured and open. Though he thought it strange, Z entered the open gate but stopped as soon as he crossed to scout the area some more.)

Z: ...Nothing.

(Again, nobody was around, the sound of battle that rang in his hear on the path up was gone and now only the winter breeze and lightly falling snow could be heard. For anyone else, this would have been viewed as a blessing but Z knew that his sudden streak of "good luck" meant that either a trap was in place or things had gone uncharacteristically right for him. Knowing this, Z still cautiously walked up the path leading to the castle until a glimmer of light to his right caught his eye.)

Z: Err....What's that?

(Before doing anything, Z stood still and thought for a moment...)

Z: *To himself* ...Do I really want to find out what that is?...

(Curiosity however got the best of Z and in spite of his own suspicions, he walked toward the glimmering light he saw, looking behind and to the sides with each step before he finally reached it and saw...)

Z: !!! ...The guards? Darunia must have taken these guys out.

(The guards had been carefully buried within the deep snow along the path. The glimmer that Z had seen was the shining helmet of one of the dead guards. All in all, Z was more than relieved that the shine wasn't part of some trap though on further inspection of the guards had fairly large holes through their chests.)

Z: ...Hmm... I didn't realize how strong Darunia was.

(Z reburied the bodies in the snow and began walking toward the castle once again. Along the way, he noticed more glimmers of light in the snow but figured it was more guard bodies though he was impressed at how well Darunia handled them. Now only a few feet from it's entrance, Z could finally gauge the full scale of Alvius' massive castle as it completely dwarfed him. A violent blast of wind blew through the area as Z took a look at the castle from top to bottom, about twice of the size of the original Hyrule Castle in width and at least 3 stories higher, Alvius' Castle could only be seen as an impenetrable monstrosity.....)

Z: Windows everywhere, I guess Alvius likes to keep a tight watch over things. ...Man, Darunia could be anywhere and then there's Rauru... *Sigh* Looks like this might be a while.

(Armed with only his bow and the Megaton Hammer Darunia had given him, Z pushed open the large wooden door of the castle and entered...)

(It was dark and dreary on the first floor but aside from the statues of Alvius and a few other items, it was completely empty, no guards or anything.)

Z: ...Great...

(Apparently his luck hadn't run out yet but Z was still worried, this was Alvius' stronghold, there was no reasonable explanation for the lack of guards. Concerned but not ungrateful, Z took this opportunity to inspect the first floor more closely and discovered a few intriguing aspects of the large hall starting with the lack of light...)

Z: *Looking at a blown-out candle* This candle still be burning.... Hmm...

(Each of the candles in the hall had prematurely burnt out. Suspicious, Z continued searching the area. After a thorough inspection of the statues led to nothing of interest, he ran across to the right side of the hall and found a door. It was locked but Z attempted to pick the lock with one of his arrow tips but it was no use. Giving up on this particular door, Z located a few more but like the first one, they were all locked. The next door he approached however was more intriguing... As he twisted the knob...)

"Who's there!?" *Panting* "Is it you!?"

(Shocked, Z remained quiet...)

"Hello!? ...P-p-please!! Before you release me... I-I... must conf-f-fess... I gave up the key!!! ...The others are dead... I'm so sorry!!! Please! S-s-pare me...."

Z: Ar...

(Z stopped himself and thought it better to simply leave the scene though the man's words left him as befuddled as he'd ever been. But his thoughts of the situation had to move aside once he reached the second floor of the castle.)

Z: *Looking around* ...Oh boy. ...They're everywhere.

(The number of guards on the second floor more than made up for the lack of any on the first. Z watched in a crouched position from the steps as the soldiers patrolled the grounds like a well-oiled machine without a single misstep.)

Z: *To himself* These aren't the Grade B guys from before.... There's no way Darunia could have made it through this. *Looking around* No sign of a disturbance or anything... Hmm... Something's not right. Either way, how am I gonna get past these guys?

(Z studied the soldiers movements intently to find any type of weak point or blind spot in their march but there was none, sneaking through was not an option. And fighting was just suicide. Without a sensible option, Z simply quietly crawled toward where the soldiers were patrolling but still out of sight and scanned for anything that might help him.)

Z: *To himself* Hmm... Can't use that. Eh... But if that soldier would move, there might be a way... It's a risk but all of this has been a risk.

(An enemy soldier was standing in front of what appeared to be a switch of some sort. Z hadn't seen this from his other vantage point and although he didn't know exactly what the switch was for, the fact that someone appeared to be guarding it made him curious. The first task, however, was simply getting the soldier to leave his post.)

Z: *Sigh* ...This could be bad....

(Z quietly posted his back to the wall, still out of sight of the guards and pulled his bow out. He began to breathe heavily while he aimed but as soon as he felt he had a good shot, he released the arrow.)

"Huh!?"

"What was that!?"

"...Ooof!!"


(The patrolling guards saw the arrow flying towards the soldier guarding the switch but they couldn't stop it from hitting him. The soldiers nearest to the fallen one rushed to his aid while the others ran in Z's direction...)

Z: Shit...

(They hadn't spotted him yet but Z panicked, he fumbled around with another arrow before setting it in place to fire. His hands shook tremendously as he tried to aim.)

Elite Guard: You!

Z: Damn it!

(They spotted him. With the guards rushing toward him, Z had no clear shot for the switch. Out of fear, Z launched the arrow unintentionally but with the guards almost completely surrounding him, he couldn't see where it went but not a second later like magic...)

Elite Guard: ...The lights!?

(Complete darkness filled the entire floor, the only possible explanation was that the switch had been a light switch of some sort and Z's arrow had in fact miraculously hit it. The soldiers seemed to be just as stunned as Z, who used this lucky occurrence to his advantage by punching the guard nearest him and running through the dark toward the steps or what he thought were the steps. Truth be told, Z had no idea where he where he was going as the fear of nearly being killed essentially erased whatever he remembered about the second floor's layout.)

"Where is he!?"

"Someone hit the damn switch!!!"

"If he gets away, I swear...."


(Despite the turmoil, Z was happy to know that the guards were having a hard time seeing as well. And after numerous failed attempts, he finally reached the staircase leading to the third floor and crawled up as quickly as he could while the light came back on...)

Z: *Huff* *Huff* ...Man.

(Z knew he couldn't catch his breath for very long as he heard the soldiers running up the stairs after him...)

"He went up here!"

(The third floor was nothing like the second floor, there were no switches and guard patrol was minimal at best and under normal circumstances, this would have been great but with soldiers trailing him, Z had to think fast to avoid both sets of soldiers.)

Z: *Looking around* Only 3 guards and they're all on the far right. Great.

(Z glanced behind and saw that the soldiers from the second floor were nearly on the third. He got into a crouched position so it would be difficult for the guards at the right side of the room to spot him and hurried off to the left. Like the other floors, there were plenty of doors but most were unlocked. To fool the soldiers after him and possibly buy himself some time, Z opened the doors to all of the rooms on the left side and hid himself in the room before the last on the left.)

(The room was some type of storage closet and Z hid himself behind a few crates and breathed a sigh of relief. As he regained his composure, one of the crates began to rumble...)

Z: ...What now?...

(A pleasant surprise appeared from inside the rumbling crate...)

Darunia: Z!

Z: Darunia?... Whoa. What were you doing inside of that box?

Darunia: Shh. They'll hear you. *Whispering* I was hiding... And tired.

Z: Good to know you're ok, though. Everyone was worried. Any news on Rauru?

Darunia: No reason to worry about me but sadly no, I can't find Rauru but this a huge castle, he could be anywhere.

Z: Yeah... Hey, Darunia, how did you manage to get all the way up here without disturbing the guards on the second floor?

Darunia: Huh? I just used the back steps. You didn't use them?

(Z's eyes widened.)

Z: Back steps? Where were those?!

Darunia: First floor. On one of the doors. You didn't try any of them?

Z: ...They were all locked when I tried them.

Darunia: You tried them all?

Z: Yes.

Darunia: I guess the guards must have locked them after I came through.

Z: Wait a minute... Guards? You mean you didn't take out all of the guards on the first floor?

Darunia: No. I was lucky when I came through, the guards were all preparing in the training grounds for something.

Z: How do you know that?

Darunia: Saw 'em out the window.

Z: So it wasn't you then.

Darunia: You found guards knocked out?

Z: No. Not actually knocked out but one guard was locked in a room, he must've thought I was one of them because he thought I was gonna let him out. But he said that the other guards were killed and that he had given up the "key." Sound familiar?

Darunia: No. ...Nothing like that happened while I was around.

Z: Hmm... Something funny is going on here.

Darunia: Sounds like it.

(Guard footsteps were heard coming closer.)

Z: Damn.

(Darunia unexpectedly grabbed some of the crates and stuff behind Z and tossed them on him before diving back into his crate to hide from the soldiers who opened the door right after to inspect the room.)

Elite Guard: ...*Looking around* Hmm... The guys on the third floor can do a better job of keeping this place clean. Not here, guys, we'll check the next room and head on up to the fourth floor. If we don't find him on the fourth floor, we're gonna have to go back down to second to continue our routes for the day.

(The Elite Guard shut the door and the others followed behind him as they went next door to inspect. Darunia and Z could hear their frustrated grunts for their failure in finding him. When they heard them run off toward the fourth floor stairs, Darunia got out of his crate and lifted some of the boxes off of Z.)

Darunia: You ok?

Z: *Annoyed* Err...Yeah.

Darunia: Sorry, I just figured they would have caught you had I not done that.

Z: You could have given me a heads up...

Darunia: Yeah... Well, you're alive so it's no big deal. Glad their gone, though, I was sick of talking so low.

Z: Darunia. Do you know how far up the back steps will take me?

Darunia: No. I assume they'll take you to the top of the main part of the castle. The tower might require something else.

Z: You think Rauru is in the tower?

Darunia: Maybe.

Z: ...Only one person knows for sure.

Darunia: Alvius?

Z: Yes.

Darunia: You're going to try and find out from him?

Z: ...It's the only way we'll know for sure.

(Darunia gave Z a skeptical look.)

Darunia: ...I don't doubt you Z but... I see you don't even have a sword and things seem to just be getting weirder and weirder... I don't think it's safe for you try this.

Z: You sound like Saria...

Darunia: Saria is usually right, though, Z... You're going to do what you want but killing Alvius is not part of our goal...

Z: Yet. But I just want to know where Rauru is and Alvius is the only one who really knows. You and I both know that trying to search every area of this castle would be nearly impossible.

Darunia: ...

Z: We both know I'm right.

Darunia: And what does that mean for me?

Z: The other Sages want you to go back and help with the battle.

Darunia: So everyone was alright?

Z: Yes. But when I was down there, things weren't looking good for us. They could use your help.

Darunia: ...And you'll take care of finding Rauru then?

Z: Of course.

(Darunia sighed.)

Darunia: Alright... I'll go. But before I do, have you been using the Megaton Hammer?

Z: No. Not since that thing at Kakariko.

Darunia: ...Ok.

Z: Why?

Darunia: Nothing.

Z: No, really, why?

(Darunia grunted.)

Darunia: Alright, alright. ...I was just wondering if I could use it.

Z: Sure.

Darunia: No, you need it, though. It's the only short range weapon you have.

Z: But I don't even use it. It's heavy and kind of awkward to drag around.

Darunia: ...Alright. If that's what you really think I'll take it, then.

(Z handed Darunia the Megaton Hammer.)

Z: Why did you give it to me in the first place?

(Darunia looked to the ground.)

Darunia: ...Nothing. I was wrong, that's all.

Z: About what?

Darunia: Nothing you should bother yourself with.

Z: ...Ok.

Darunia: I'm going to the battle site now. Follow me, though, I'm going through the back door too.

Z: Alright.

(Darunia led the way as the two of them sneaked toward the back door of the third floor. Z looked at the staircase...)

Z: ...This certainly would have made things a lot easier.

Darunia: You're probably better for going through the first two floors the way you did, anyway. I won't say "farewell" but good luck, Z.

Z: Same to you, Darunia. Be careful out there.

Darunia: You do the same. And don't forget Rauru.

(Darunia walked down the stairs while Z headed up...)

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Bx
Notorious
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(Z moved quickly but cautiously up the stairs. He passed through the forth and fifth floors without a hitch but the sixth was a different story...)

Z: *Looking up* How many floors are there?...

"...the basement. There's..."

Z: Hmm...

(Z leaned on the door and listened to the voices.)

Aston: ...the Great Lord wants us to place our primary focus on the basement. With all of those valuables, who could blame him.

Lieutenant: And what about the kid that was just spotted?

Aston: *Laughs* The Great Lord simply told me to and I quote "Make it worth his while."

Elite Guard: So he doesn't see him as a threat?

Aston: You should know better than to ask questions like that. The Great Lord has a greater level of foresight than a lowly fly swatter like you could ever hope for. If he is not concerned with an issue, then you certainly shouldn't be. And I suggest that you do not do it again, remember, questioning the motives of our Lord will get you sent to the guillotine.

Elite Guard: ....But I never ques....?

Aston: Need I remind you of the end of the Great Lord's inaugural speech? Everyone is expendable, worthless men do not live long lives if they even get to live at all. The Peasant Doctrine exemplified that perfectly, any newborn peasant children were to be slaughtered just as soon as they were out of the womb. Ha, ha, ha.... So if little infants can be put to death, what's so special about you? Now get down there!

(Z could hear the soldier mumbling angrily as he marched down to the basement level. With the conversation over, Z started up the stairs again but as he walked, Z felt something was different about this set of stairs, they were too loose and creaked with each step.)

Z: ...Talk about my luck...

(Any sudden or hard movements would cause the entire staircase to fall but Z tip-toed slowly up the stairs.)

"Get 'em boys!!! Ha, ha!"

Z: Oh shit!

(Alarmed, Z tried to run down the steps as fast as he could not realizing that...)

Z: ...Whoa!

THUMP!

(The stairs were going to give as he crashed through the steps and they in turn, crashed down on him...)

"What was that!?"

"Forget that rat, guys, that kid must be down there!"


(Ironically enough when Z heard the guard yelling, "Get 'em" they were referring to a rat that was wreaking havoc on the 7th floor. But after hearing the crash, they hurried into the back stairwell to see the wreckage.)

Elite Guard Captain: *Laughing* Stupid kid...

Elite Guard 2: He almost got away. *Laughs*

Elite Guard 5: Yeah, well, let's go find the body. Come on guys.

(The guards didn't move. Confused, the guard captain looked back at them.)

Elite Guard Captain: ...What are you all waiting for?

Elite Guards: ....

Elite Guard Captain: Well, spit it out!

(Only one brave guard dared to speak...)

Elite Guard 9: Captain... Uh.... That's a long way down.

(The guard captain was stunned.)

Elite Guard Captain: ...Excuse me, soldier?

Elite Guard 9: It's a long way...

Elite Guard Captain: *Outraged* WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S A LONG WAY DOWN!? What kind of a damned soldier are you!?

(The guard put his head down and the captain looked at the nervous looks the other men wore on their faces...)

Elite Guard Captain: Is it the same for you all, as well?...

(The guards remained silent.)

Elite Guard Captain: ...*Laughs sarcastically* UNBELIEVABLE!!!

(The guard captain sighed and then looked at the guards once again...)

Elite Guard Captain: Get your sorry asses moving! RIGHT NOW! Sixth Floor!

(The guards rushed out of the room and ran down the steps... Throughout all of that, Z had managed to get out from under the rubble and hid behind a giant statue of a Moblin King on the Sixth Floor to catch his breath.)

Z: *Looking around* Hmm.... There's 6 guys. A couple of arrows will do me some good here.

(Z readied his bow but just as he was about to lean out to take a shot...)

Elite Guard Captain: MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!

(The guards led by the harsh command of their captain came down the stairs and ransacked the back stairwell looking for Z. The guard captain had was supervising the job from outside the room, standing only a few feet away from the statue Z was hiding behind.)

Elite Guard Captain: I don't give a damn if you're back is hurting or not! You lift every plank that's fallen and find the little bastard!

(Z peaked out from behind the statue and looked at the guard captain. He had no idea Z was there and at this point, Z realized this might have been his best opportunity. Taking a peak on the other side of the statue, he saw the normal sixth floor patrol coming toward the guard captain.)

Elite Guard 13: Have you found the boy yet, Captain?

Elite Guard Captain: *Disgruntled* Arrgh.... No! My men here don't seem to want to put their backs into it!

Elite Guard 2: We're givin' it our best effort, sir!

Elite Guard Captain: How dare you! No rest for any of you tonight, we'll be in the Training Grounds ALL NIGHT!!

(The guards looking through the rubble let out loud groans, this only infuriated their captain further.)

Elite Guard Captain: Sixth floor patrol, will you please show these men how it's done?!

Sixth Floor Patrol: Yes, sir!

Elite Guard 2: ...But the kid ain't here Captain! We're trying to tell you that!

(The captain merely scoffed and the Sixth Floor patrol went in to help them out. This was Z's chance, he took another peak out at both the guard captain and the other side to make sure the coast was clear, seeing that it was, he crouched down again and made a run for the staircase leading up.)

Z: *Under his breath* Boy those 7th floor guys are nothing like 2nd Floor Patrol, those guys had it together. Heh, heh.

(As expected, the 7th floor was empty. Figuring the guards would be a little while, Z used this time to do a bit of snooping around. In one of the empty storage rooms, he managed to snag a map of the entire castle and took a look at it.)

Z: *Looking at map* So the 11th floor is the last one before the tower. And then Alvius's chambers are on the 2nd level of the tower. *Sigh* ...And Rauru could be anywhere in here...

(Two other levels above Alvius' chamber in the tower were marked with a big red "X". This made Z very curious...)

Z: He could be in there. It makes sense that they would put him up there.... I've got my main point of interest now.

(Z put the map in his pocket and looked for the door leading to the back stairwell. He opened it very slowly so that he wouldn't alarm the soldiers working just below. But as he stepped through, he didn't hear the angry grunts or anything...)

Z: ...They must've realized I'm not there.

(He shrugged off this discovery and went up the stairs. When he reached the top of this flight of stairs, he discovered a huge statue blocking his path back up the stairs as well as the entrance to the 8th floor.)

Z: Son of a....

(Z attempted to push the statue out of his way...)

Z: *Struggling* Err.... Urgh.... *Huff* *Huff* ...Err...

(The statue was too heavy and wouldn't even budge...)

(This was a frustrating setback but Z remained undeterred and ran down the stairs back to the 7th floor. Unlike last time, however, the area wasn't completely empty as the soldiers from the 7th floor were coming back up the stairs.

"...And boy oh boy, you sons of a bitches have got it coming! You've got it coming to you! You let the little prick..."

(Doing the only thing he could, he ran for the main stairs and went up to the 8th Floor. Before getting to the top, he spotted a two glimmers of light similar to those he had seen buried in the snow earlier.)

Z: *To himself* ...Guards. They're waiting for me.

(The guards on the 8th Floor had laid a trap for him, getting through the back stairwell was impossible and now two guards were waiting to ambush him at the top of the staircase. He couldn't risk being spotted by going back down to the 7th Floor so Z stayed crouched at the halfway point of the staircase and tried to figure a way out of this.)

Z: *To himself* The back stairwell is useless so I can't even think about using that even I if do make it past these two guys. But that's the real issue... Getting past these guys.

(Z looked tried to get a better look at the guards waiting for him but it did no good, he couldn't see anymore than he could before. He continued deliberating his next course of action...)

Z: *To himself* Ok so there's no better viewpoint or safe one at least. Hmm...

(Z felt behind his back and touched the quiver.)

Z: ...I've still got those Ice Arrows. They might come in handy now.

(Z put his left foot on the previous step and pulled out his bow and readied it with an Ice Arrow. He took a few moments to get a steady aim and fired....)

Elite Guard 28: Huh?!

Elite Guard 20: Ahh.....

(After seeing his comrade instantly turned into a human ice sculpture, the other guard on post froze....Naturally.)

Elite Guard 28: *Stunned* ...W-w-wha....?

(Completely terrified at this occurrence the soldier had forgotten everything he knew about combat and war as another arrow....)

Elite Guard 28: ...Ahh...

(Pierced his armor and left him frozen. Z put his bow away and climb to the top of the steps, standing next to the man-made icicles while he surveyed the 8th Floor...)
Edited by Bx, Feb 1 2009, 01:03:29 AM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(The 8th Floor was a little different from the previous ones, there were no candles to light the area instead a large goblet-like object held a fire that lit the area. The architecture was also different, the area's main hall was smaller than the others making it more difficult for Z to escape unnoticed and a gate stood in front of the staircase leading up.)

Z: *Looking around* Not as many guards as the sixth floor but that gate is probably my biggest concern right now...

(Z continued moving around to get better viewpoints of the area and found what appeared to be a relatively small raised level on the floor of the hall. He wasn't sure what it was but he became curious about it. One of the patrolmen passing by spotted the frozen soldiers and started running toward them, in response, Z rushed back down to the halfway point of the staircase and watched.)

Elite Guard 30: Frozen?... Oh boy...

(The guard wiped the sweat from his forehead and called for the others to check the scene. With all of the 8th Floor guards in one spot, Z took a chance...)

Elite Guard 31: ...That kid! That's the only explanation for this... Argh!! I want that kid now myself!!!

Elite Guard 36: Is there any way to thaw them?

(The guards continued checking the frozen bodies but came to the same conclusion...)

Elite Guard 30: ...No way to unfreeze them. At least not without some type of fire...

Elite Guard 39: But that might kill them!

(The guard simply shrugged his shoulders without an answer. The other guards continued touching the icy texture of the frozen guards' skin. While the guards were doing this...)

Elite Guard 39: Ooof!

Elite Guard 30: Ahh...

(And one by one, Z froze each of the guards with Ice Arrows. After the last one froze, he walked back upstairs to survey the damage and maybe do a little more snooping around. Before he could do that, though, he had to push the frozen soldiers out of his way, a feat easier said than done.)

Z: *Struggling* Urgh...!! Urgh...!

(Sweat began to drip down his face while he pushed the frozen soldier out of his way, they were twice as heavy now and Z felt it as he continued pushing.)

Z: *Struggling* Urgh...!! Urgh... There! *Huff* *Huff*

(Z took a few minutes to catch his breath before searching the area for any unlocked doors. He only found one and opened it.)

Z: Aw, man.

(He found the door leading to the back stairwell, unfortunately, like the previous floor, it was sealed off with a huge statue of a dragon of some sort. Z shut the door and fixed his gaze on the raised platform in the floor he had seen before. He walked over to it and saw a strange symbol on it.)

Z: What is this thing?

(He continued to look at it and not long after started touching it.)

Z: It's kinda loose.

(He realized that the platform could be pressed down but simply using his hand wasn't heavy enough so he decided to jump on top of it.)

Z: That was it!

(And just as he did that, the gate blocking the staircase lifted and Z hopped off the "button" happily until...)

Z: Huh?

(As soon as his weight was off of the platform, it immediately shot back up and the gate closed with it. Z tried jumping on it again and like last time, it worked...until he got off. He became frustrated with the device and started stomping it with the hope of jamming it in. It didn't work. Yet another obstacle blocking his way, Z sat on the ground to think...)

Z: This thing is ridiculous. You need two people to...

(And light flickered in his head. The guards. He stood up and walked over to where the frozen guards were posted and remembered the hell he went through just to move one a few feet...)

Z: *Sigh* ...Not this again....

(Z began pushing the frozen soldier as hard as he could moving it a few inches with each strained grunt that he let out. He did this until he reached about halfway to where the "button" was at and took a breather...)

Z: *Huff* *Huff* *Huff* ....Rauru's gonna owe me everything he's... *Huff* got after this... *Huff* *Huff*

(After his short rest, Z started pushing again and little by little he got closer to the device until he finally reached it and...)

Z: *Struggling* URGH!!!!

(...Shoved it onto the "button." Sweat was pouring from his face and he was completely out of breath but despite all that, Z was extremely pleased to see that it all paid off as the gate blocking the staircase lifted and stayed that way. Done resting, Z quietly walked up to the 9th Floor.)

(Aesthetically, the 9th Floor was completely different from the other floors, the room was a dark reddish-brown color unlike the dark blue-green color of the other floors. This area also had strange symbols and designs plastered all over the walls and the ceiling had large metal holes over each tile. Another thing of note on this floor was the lack of doors, there were no doors on this floor. The other interesting aspect of this floor was that it was empty but the jaded Z knew that empty didn't always mean good...)

Z: This is a strange room...

(Looking around, he stepped on a tile and...)

Z: WHOA!

(Out of the ceiling, a huge burst of flame came down and nearly incinerated Z who quickly rolled out of the way but was left shaking in fear from the experience...)

Z: *Breathing heavily* ...Damn. Damn that was close...

(Z shakily got to his feet and looked at the ceiling. Seeing that every ceiling tile was perfectly in line with ever floor tile, he started thinking that every tile activated the fire...)

Z: ...But that doesn't make any sense. How do they get through?... The back door maybe?

(Z continued looking around at the room and started focusing on the strange designs on the walls.)

Z: Could those mean something?

(Z realized what one design was. It was a letter, the letter "A" but he couldn't decipher the others, they didn't make any sense to him.)

Z: Think, Z, think...

(His search for clues within the designs continued, eventually leading him to realize that there was another letter he recognized within the design, an "I".)

Z: Ok. So we've got an "A" and an "I," what the hell does this mean?...

(With two clues that didn't seem to make any sense, he looked for more until his eye caught another symbol.)

Z: Hmm.... Where have I seen that before? I know I've seen that somewhere before.

(He couldn't put his finger on what the symbol meant but he did know that he had seen it somewhere before, a long time ago...)

Z: Come on, Z, come on, come on... Think, think, think... What is that? I've seen that before, what is it?...

(He just stayed there racking his brains until it finally dawned on him...)

Z: Uriel! That's an "I" in the old language of Uriel's people.

(Z was ecstatic that he finally figured it out until he realized that he still hadn't really figured anything out. If anything, he was confused even more...)

Z: So I've got an "A" and two "I's," what does it all mean?

(He studied the walls even further and found another letter in the old language of Uriel's people. The letter "A" once again.")

Z: "A" again? The hell does mean?...

(This perplexing puzzle was beginning to give Z a headache and he sat down as far away as possible from the dangerous tiles of course and started thinking again. After coming to no reasonable conclusion, he pulled out his map to see if it had any information on but again, nothing.)

Z: A I A I A I... It doesn't make any sense!!

(He was frustrated and annoyed at this seemingly nonsensical puzzle and got up to head back down stairs to try the back stairwell again but he immediately stopped once he saw it on the wall near the staircase.)

Z: An eye! Could that be it? Is it a switch of some sort?

(There was an eye located on the wall, Z had missed it earlier because it had been behind him. He pulled out his bow and shot an arrow through the eye, it immediately closed and a flash of light came from behind him, he whipped around and saw in the floor, certain tiles were lit up and together each lit tile formed....)

Z: An "A." So that's what it meant...

(Z tossed an arrow at one of the lit pieces of tile that formed the "A," fire didn't spew out of the ceiling, he then toss another arrow at one of the unlit tiles and fire shot out. He knew exactly what he had to do now and did it, hopping across the lit tiles as carefully as he could and reached the staircase leading to the 10th Floor.)

Z: Almost there, Z...

(Like the previous floor, the 10th Floor had no guards and was very different in terms of structure and design from the other floors including the 9th Floor. This level was a gloomy dark purple color and the floor was littered with trip wires. The wires themselves were so fine and there were so many of them that just trying to avoid them by jumping was out of the question.)

Z: More traps...

(Z found out what would happen if he were to walk into one of the wires when he used his bow and shot an arrow through one of the wires... A very large pendulum swung out from the ceiling and continued swinging steadily for a few minutes before coming to a stop.)

Z: Ok... So walking isn't gonna happen. What now?...

(Z took another shot at another wire and again a pendulum swung out. There were now two pendulums hanging in the ceiling. Trying to go under them was impossible as it would trigger another trap and lead to certain death.)

Z: Damn. This could be a problem...

(There were no secret codes or anything on this floor, Z simply had to think his way through to continue. He went over several ideas in his head but each of them ended in the same result, death.)

Z: So I have two pendulums out right now. Who knows what else will come down or let's face up if I even think about trying to go under. But there has to be a way... None of these things are foolproof, they can't be.

(Z took a quick look around the room and made out one door, which figured to be the door to the back stairwell but he was already on the 10th Floor plus trying to get to the back stairwell would have been a lot harder than simply using the main staircase.)

Z: *Thinking* Two pendulums, can't go under.... Two pendulums, can't go under... Two pendulums... Maybe. Maybe.

(An idea popped into Z's head and he once again used his bow to shoot one of the trip wires. As before, another pendulum swung down. There were now three relatively large pendulums hanging steady on the floor, each hanging only a few feet away from the other.)

Z: Ok. So if I can jump onto the blade of the first pendulum then I can do the same for the rest of them and get up the stairs. ...Oh boy.

(The plan sounded a lot more dangerous to him once he said it out loud and he started trying to rethink it. After moments of deliberation, he came to the conclusion that this was his best, if not only chance to make it to the other side. He posted himself on the back wall and prepared to make the leap onto the pendulum running.)

Z: *Sigh* ...Here goes.

(Z ran and as soon as he reached the edge of the safe part of the area, he leaped onto the pendulum's blade and...)

Z: Ahh...

(...Made it. Though he nearly fell as he had a loose grip on the rod of the pendulum, swinging wildly in the air. He got a better grip and held on tight as the pendulum came to a slow swinging motion, this was extremely dangerous as he had almost no platform support for his feet, both his toes and heel were hanging off the edge of the blade.)

(Though his nerves were shot, Z leaped onto the other pendulum and just as before barely escaped with his life as he nearly missed the rod altogether though he steadied his balance once he had a strong grip.)

Z: *Huff* *Huff* ....Shit, this is crazy...

(One more pendulum to go and he was home free. Sweat was dripping from his dripping from his forehead again while he regained his composure and made his next leap to the other pendulum.)

Z: SHIT!!!

(This leap was nearly a leap of death with Z having to do acrobatic moves with his legs to keep from touching the wires. Once the pendulum's swing steadied, Z balanced himself and made one final successful leap to the other side of the room.)

Z: *Huff* Huff* ...Crazy, that's all I have to say... Crazy.

(Z wiped the sweat from his forehead and pulled out the map to make sure that the 11th Floor was the final one before the tower, it was and he started heading up the stairs, only this level and the next were between him and his goal...)

Z: The 11th Floor, finally.

(Z made it up to the 11th Floor. The first thing and really the only thing to notice about it was that it was pitch black. Nothing could be seen. Z, uneasy about this started taking slow, cautious steps into the darkness. Within the main area, Z started to see a glow...)

Z: Huh?

(Then another glow.)

Z: *Looking to his right* Who's...?

(And another glow.)

Z: *Looking to his left* ...Wha...?

(And finally...)

Z: *Looking up* Holy...!!

(The lights came on and standing to his left, right and directly in front of him... Three giant men completely protected in an armor suit. The one in front of Z held a sword, the one to his left held an axe and the one to his right held a whip. With no sword, Z's first instinct was to run. He dived under the legs of the guard in front of him, stumbled to his feet and ran for the main stairs but they were sealed off with a huge gate and a door that required a key. With no sword and no exit, his only option was to try and fight...)

(Z pulled out his bow and readied an Ice Arrow. He launched it at the one with the sword but it did no good as the warrior somehow caught it before it could hit him.)

Z: Are you kidding me?! How did he do that!?

(The one with the whip hurled it at Z like a lasso to strangle him but Z dodge it with a quick roll to his right and into the legs of the one with the axe.)

Tower Guard 2: Argh!

(The axe wielder nearly sliced Z in two but was only able to put a scratch on Z who again rolled out of the way. Far away enough away from the slow-moving Tower Guards, Z got back on his feet and readied another Ice Arrow and launched it. The whip wielder swatted it like a fly and another arrow went to waste as Z circling his big, slow enemies thinking of his next move...)

Z: *Thinking* ...This is it! I've got it! They're slow. Tire them out, that's the way I'll do it.

(With a plan now in place, Z circled around his foes, dodging their attacks (typically by the skin of his teeth) and kept them moving, using his speed and stamina to his advantage while his three foes were beginning to move slower and slower with each step.)

(Z continued doing this until the men were moving at a snail's pace and once this occurred, he pulled out his bow and readied another Ice Arrow and launched it at the one carrying the whip first.)

Tower Guard 3: Ahh....

(The guard stood frozen. And Z did the same to the other two and made it out of this battle safely...)

Z: Whew... Almost lost it.

(Z looked at the frozen bodies of the towering guards and smiled. But he was a little disappointed when he realized that the weapons each guard had was frozen as well. He was planning to use one of their weapons for the time being but this obviously could not be the case so he left for the door.)

Z: Damn it. I forgot about the key...

(Z looked back at the frozen guards but none of them had pockets or any type of place where they could hold a key.)

Z: The key has to be somewhere else.

(Z searched the area for any type of key but found none. All that was there was a statue of a beast of some sort with a ring in his nose and a shiny glimmer in his eye...)

Z: His left eye. It's glowing, the other one isn't.

(Z touched the glimmer left eye and tugged at it. It snapped off and revealed the hiding place for a shiny gold key. Z smiled and unlocked the door to the staircase. Before going through, he went on ahead and found the back stairwell door.)

Z: No statue to seal it off? Guess they didn't think I'd make it this far. Heh, heh. But I guess this is also as far as it goes... It doesn't go up to the tower.)

(Z noted that in his head, shut the door and went off for the staircase. He slowly walked up the stairs, figuring that the tower security would be unimaginably tight but once he reached the base level of the tower, he was pleasantly surprised.)

Z: No guards? No traps? *Laughs* Nothing. But this right here.

(The only thing on the base level was a platform and connected to some ropes. Z got on the platform and found a loose rope, he tugged at it and the platform started to raise, it essentially a basic elevator. He raised himself to the next level of the tower and stepped off, the air smelled like something burning but Z only thought of Alvius now...)

Z: ...His chambers.

(Z took another look at his map and made sure he was in the right place, he was. He put the map away and started walking down the extremely long corridor, a thousand thoughts racing in his mind....)

Edited by Bx, Feb 2 2009, 01:05:54 AM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(The narrow corridor was an eerie dark green color lit by several candles placed each side of the wall. After a few minutes of walking, Z finally reached the large black sliding doors decorated with Alvius' insignia. He grabbed the two handles on each door and took a deep breath...)

Z: ...This is it.

(He slid the doors open and saw them, watching him as though they had been waiting for him to arrive at any moment, he felt their gazes piercing through his skin...)

Alvius: *Smiling* You came all this way, I suppose you can step inside.

(Alvius' smug attitude really dug under Z's skin but he did as his foe said and stepped inside the room. The chamber was different from the other areas of the castle, it was bright and well lit and several paintings of various figures decorated the walls along with Alvius' insignia. Unsurprisingly, both life-sized and over-sized statues of Alvius also decorated the room....)

(The first formal meeting of these two rivals, Alvius sat in his throne with a smug grin on his face, next to him on his right was Gein, wearing his executioner's mask and watching Z's movements intently. Next to Gein stood Aston, in his familiar gray armor also watching Z as he approached them. And finally, also sitting in a throne to Alvius' right was a girl... A girl wearing a lot of makeup and covering the top half of her face with a mask, she too was watching Z's every move.)

(The other three Z knew existed from previous experience but this girl had never been mentioned or even seen before, he was very curious about her but he did his best to try and focus on Alvius though he found himself shifting his gaze to her every so often...)

Alvius: *Laughs* I guess you're a pretty tough guy, Z. You made it up here, in relatively good condition. Quite the feat.

Z: It was all thanks to the stupidity of your guards. You molded them well, they're all arrogant, stubborn pricks, just like you.

(Alvius' eyes widened but only for a moment as his expressed reverted back to his usual grin.)

Alvius: You trespass in my home and you insult me? ...That's not good etiquette, you're in the presence of a woman. Show some respect. Heh, heh.

(Z looked at the girl, she was still staring at him. He focused back on Alvius.)

Alvius: I don't think she's pleased... I don't think she's pleased at all.

Z: Shut up! Where's Rauru!?

Alvius: Rauru?

(Alvius legitimately looked confused and turned to Gein, who whispered in his ear, once he was finished, he looked at Z again.)

Alvius: Oh. You mean the old fat bastard, did someone tell you here was here?

(Alvius started to laugh and then looked at Gein.)

Alvius: *Sarcastically* Gein. Are you the guilty one?

(Gein nodded.)

Alvius: *Sarcastically* Well then, I suppose you must be punished for such a cruel, cruel lie!

(Z was extremely annoyed and lashed out at Alvius now.)

Z: Stop joking around! Why do the hell are you toying with me!?

(Alvius' leaped out of his chair.)

Alvius: Because we've been toying with you this entire time! Don't you get it you idiot?!

Z: What are you talking about!?

Alvius: You've been a puppet, a pawn, a toy soldier all in my little game. Your suspicions of a traitor were well-founded, however, your big mouth and overall stupidity are the prime culprit in your downfall.

(Z stayed quiet while Alvius continued to speak.)

Alvius: Malleable people. Those out there who's purpose is to simply be controlled, molded into whatever entity that we see fit. It is an ironic situation, malleable people are needed for control yet it is the one being controlled who truly controls the situation without knowing it.

Z: What?

Alvius: *Laughs* Your suspicions about one among your group were not unfounded, Z. The pauper wants to be a prince. It is power, false power, "promised" power and the quest for vengeance that leads men to become malleable. What does all of this mean?

(Alvius' displayed a twisted grin.)

Alvius: Gein.

(Gein went into one of the back rooms and a minute later, he came out with another person in chains...)

Z: Julius!

(Z started to run after him but Alvius' words stopped him.)

Alvius: You sure you want your last moment to be saving a man who sold his countrymen including you for his own life and a promise of power? Ha, ha, ha. You are truly special if that is the case, far beyond the level of stupidity that I originally thought you had.

(Z looked at the girl who was no longer looking at him instead staring at the ceiling. He then focused on Alvius, who continued speaking.)

Z: Julius is the traitor?

Alvius: Correct.

(Julius began wrestling with Gein and started speaking.)

Julius: Z! ...Help! I... I'm sorry...

Alvius: He lost everything Z. Branded a pedophile, he was beaten and ridiculed in a town that he once loved, beaten by his countrymen who he thought loved him. All because of you. *Laughs* Worthless scum of a human who no longer had a purpose in this world, until Manson brought him in.

Z: ...The raid.

Alvius: That's right. You told him of your plans so you could leave Kakariko with an excuse and when we offered him a death sentence, he squealed like a dirty little pig bathing himself in mud, mud is a grimy substance, fitting for a man of his principle.

Julius: ...Z... Don't...

Alvius: Knowing that we would want such information, he decided to play hardball with us. Humorous, indeed, a "pedophile" trying to haggle the Great Lord? Ha, ha, ha.... I don't think so. But Manson... Manson is truly a genius, he decided that we could use him, offer him a position of great power in Hyrule so long as he do something for us....

(Z was now in a trance listening to Alvius' every word, things were finally beginning to tie together in his head.)

Alvius: Knowing your plan to try and "rescue" the Sages, we sent him to the prison and used him as a mole just in case you did somehow manage to reach the prison in Johan. You succeeded nearly 5 years later and we now had our mole right within your ranks, he told us everything, everything about what you all were planning to do. He would come in just as soon as he would learn the information and squeal like the little pig that he is and like he will in only moments.

Z: But how... How did he give you guys the information without us seeing him leave?

(Alvius dug in his pocket and pulled out a warp gem.)

Alvius: This. We supplied him with plenty and he would use them to teleport over here without anyone noticing. Again, more of Manson's ingenious planning.

(Julius began sobbing just as Alvius had finished speaking. Seeing this pathetic display of emotion and weakness, Alvius turned to Gein, who was holding him, raised his right arm in the air and brought it right back down; it was a fatal command.)

Gein: Of course, Lord.

(Gein started strangling the screaming Julius but rather than help, Z simply watched; he couldn't bring himself to do anything. He looked at the girl but she held her head down, it was obvious to him that she wasn't enjoying this...)

Julius: NO! NO!!! LORD PLEASE!!!!

(Alvius was unmoved by Julius' plea for mercy while Gein dragged him to one of the other rooms. His screams became louder and more agonizing the closer Gein got to the room.)

"Z!!!! Z!!!!! PLEASE!! PLEASE!!! SOMEBODY!!!!"

(Z did nothing. Alvius then sarcastically remarked...)

Alvius: I'm fulfilling my end of the bargain, Julius. Hyrule is a dead country, only a dead king can rule over his deceased subjects.

"AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


(Julius' final scream was drowned out by the maniacal laughter of Alvius, who turned his attention back toward Z while Gein stepped out of the room with Julius' head in hand.)

Alvius: You did nothing. You simply let a man die on your watch. Quite cold for a "hero," don't you think?

Z: ...

(Alvius looked at the girl and smiled.)

Alvius: You're not pleased with the results?

(The girl lifted her head up but did not answer or even look at Alvius, instead she looked at Z. Z felt her stare and did the same to her. Alvius nodded his head and then started speaking again.)

Alvius: Well, our culprits or culprit rather *Smiles* should feel guilty. But Julius, as helpful as he was, is not the only one to blame for your downfall Z. If not for you, well, we would have never learned of your boat scheme.

Z: But how? We were in the woods! Nobody was around!

Alvius: Nobody you saw, anyway. Your good friend Bundy overheard this information rather unexpectedly, he was simply stumbling in the woods when he learned of your "brilliant" idea to steal a boat from some gullible citizen so we planted someone at Lake Hylia for you to "dupe" as well.

Z: But...

Alvius: You didn't really think anyone could be that gullible to believe that stupid "school project" story, did you? Did you honestly think that the Outlawz showing up was just bad luck?

(Z's expression was complete shock, he couldn't believe it and Alvius ate it all up, laughing uncontrollably while Z struggled to grasp the fact that Alvius was always a step ahead of him....)

Alvius: *Laughing* ...You are really a piece of work. I guess that rotten fish blood flowing within you tainted the brilliance that your father could have bestowed upon you.

(Alvius continued to laugh while Z was still putting it altogether. Throughout this, the usually snobbish Aston had remained silent until now...)

Aston: The weak son of a great man. Seeing such dismal results from him makes me all the more in awe of your greatness, Lord Alvius. You've built your own path out of your father's shadow while he simply drowns in his father's.

Alvius: That's exactly right, Aston. Is it finally starting to marinate within your thick skull, Z? You never had a chance. You were always playing catch up right from the start. It was never a matter of "if" you were going to die but when would it occur or who would do it? Whether it was Bundy or Gacy or me, it was always simply a matter of when. You're a loser, Z. They tried to paint you as some great hero but you could never save anyone not your friends, not the girl, hell, you couldn't even save your own sword! Ha, ha, ha....

(Z was completely demoralized. And just as Alvius said, his revelations were marinating in his mind, the more he thought, the worse he felt but the unsympathetic Alvius simply kept talking...)

Alvius: Your best bet was to simply stay gone when you disappeared 5 years ago. Returning to Hyrule to play "hero" was a joke and a death sentence all wrapped in one. And by that time, we treated you just as that, a joke, Manson devised a scheme to break you mentally by attacking your heart. *Smiles* I think you know what I'm talking about.

(The girl incidentally was now shaking her head. Oddly enough, she too seemed distraught and disturbed by Alvius' words but neither he nor Z paid her any mind.)

Z: ...Maria.

Alvius: That was her name, wasn't it? *Laughs* Anyway, since we're going over dirty little secrets let's continue with this one! You see, Gein murdered a girl via strangulation for Manson's enjoyment one evening and Manson being the genius that he is, thought that this girl looked like your dear, "Maria" and told me his plan to trick you into thinking this little bitch was still alive.

(Z remained silent while Alvius turned to the girl and looked at her as he spoke.)

Alvius: So to make the letter authentic, as authentic as possible, we had her write a bogus letter to deceive you and once you got there, we had an informant describe us of the details of your stay, you were so shaken you became a hermit in a hotel for a month. Pathetic. But we enjoyed it... We truly did. Thank you, Zeno.

(Any sign of liveliness in his face was gone, his entire world had crashed onto his shoulders but focused his attention at the girl now, staring right through her mask as she stared back at him and put her hand by her mask as if to pull it off but she stopped herself.)

Alvius: Roses are red, violets are blue...

Z: ...Shut up!

(Alvius' eyes widened again but as always, he replaced his shock with a twisted grin.)

Alvius: Still have a bit of fire in you, I see. Don't lose it or I suppose I'll just have to burn you...

(Alvius looked to the ceiling and laughed to himself. Once he stopped laughing, he started talking again.)

Alvius: Must've been quite a girl for you to get yourself all wrapped up in your emotions. Very touching, you've experienced some form of love, a very empty meaningless form of love but a form of love no less, before your premature death but Z...It doesn't have to be that way. You don't have to end up like Julius. He had nothing to offer me but you do... Listen to me now, Z, I am offering you your life.

(Alvius began to talk about his own agenda while each eye in the room was fixed on Z, who remained motionless and quiet as he listened....)

Edited by Bx, Feb 3 2009, 01:17:05 AM.
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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Alvius pulled two books from beside his throne and held them up for Z to see. He was no longer grinning, his expression had changed to one of complete seriousness as he spoke...)

Alvius: ...It wasn't uncommon for leaders in the past to keep diaries or journals of their exploits and ambitions, in fact, I believe most of them did. My father did as well as the King of Hyrule and even the tyrant Ganondorf. These two books that I have in my hand are the diaries of Hyrule's former King and Ganondorf. Two of the most important figures in modern history and I have their thoughts in my hand.

(Z was puzzled and his expression didn't hide it.)

Z: What are you saying?

Alvius: I spent most of my childhood reading, studying the books in the basement of what used to be known as Hyrule Castle. There were four books that peaked my interest in particular, two of them I have in my hand, the other was the diary of the late Princess Zelda, hers was filled with fairy tales that did not interest me but the other three... The other three, the other three were magnificent.

(Z was very interested in what Alvius had to say now although admittedly, he still had no idea where he was going with this but he had one suspicion about what Alvius was saying...)

Z: Four books. You said there were four books, one you disposed of and now you have two in your hand, what's the other book?

(Alvius put on that smug grin for a second but quickly became serious again...)

Alvius: Who else, Z? Link. Link's Memoirs. He was the King's right hand man, aside from Zelda, he was probably the person who knew him best.

(Z closed his eyes and started rubbing his forehead. Alvius was still speaking in riddles but Z knew that whatever he was speaking about had to be bad. Alvius relished in Z's grief and continued delivering the details of his motive....)

Alvius: Since we are on the subject of your father, you'll be glad to know that his equipment and his tomb underneath these grounds in the basement have all been kept intact.

Z: Err...

Alvius: You don't seem pleased. Oh well. I had the utmost respect for Link, he was a man of principle, a man of vision, he knew what he wanted and he always succeeded in getting it.

Z: ...Yeah. Get to the point, Alvius. You're dragging this out...

Alvius: Impatience is a disgusting trait, Z. Anyway, as I said before, I found the book of Hyrule's former King first, it was an interesting look at politics, principles, warfare. My father loathed him but my father was also a man without the vision necessary to dominate on a long term basis. I grew to love the old King's principles, they made sense to me. He was deceptive, conniving and paranoid, extremely flawed as a human being, he would make for a terrible standalone ruler, he needed someone else to balance his rule.

Z: ...Link.

Alvius: *Smiles* You got one right.

Z: ?

Alvius: The other and more important figure was Ganondorf. Ironically enough, without Ganondorf, Link would be useless, wouldn't he? What purpose does a great hero serve if he has no villain to conquer? And it would be this, that would form the basis of Global Imperialism.

Z: What the hell is that?...

(Alvius chuckled.)

Alvius: The blueprint of the ingenious plan to lay domain over all the world. Hyrule and the rest of the world fell to their knees during Ganondorf's reign of terror, Link showed up to save the day and did just that...

Z: ...I don't want a history lesson! Tell me what it is?!

Alvius: Truly disgusting. You fail to realize that it is the past that you must return to, to understand the present. You are at mercy, Z, I have and know all of this information, you are desperate to hear it. Be thankful that I am revealing all of this to you.

Z: ...

Alvius: Your silence is well-taken my friend. *Laughs* So I shall continue. With Ganondorf defeated, Hyrule was promised a "great prosperity" for the ensuing years, a prosperity that never actually came although the history books will write it another way.

Z: Huh?

Alvius: It is analogous to the situation in which a person only eats and gets used to subpar food for decades, when that person finally receives an average meal after all that time, they swallow it as if it were the greatest meal out there when in reality it wasn't that good to begin with.

Z: Ok, so in regular terms, you're saying that because times were so bad during Ganondorf's reign that when things actually became just a little bit better, the people ate it all up and believed it to be some "great prosperity."

Alvius: Exactly. It is pure psychological genius. The King never created this prosperity, the citizens lives were simply back to normal. Nothing special ever occurred the way those textbooks would tell you, at least nothing special in that way. But something special did happen after Ganondorf's defeat, the King came up with the idea of Global Imperialism. The premise is very simple, create havoc on the various nations and territories of the world and have the "great hero" swoop in to save the day.

Z: ...And what would they gain by that?

Alvius: The nation would be indebted to the hero and in turn to the will of Hyrule, the King in particular. This would allow Hyrule to do anything they wished to that country. They started small, small demands such as military support and such but eventually they became far more greedy and began demanding profits, natural resources and things like that. This policy went on for years, Z. And that is how Hyrule became the most dominant nation on the planet.

(Z felt ashamed and guilty after hearing this... He was completely disgusted by the entire thing.)

Alvius: *Smiles* You look terrible, Z. Cheer up. It could be worse.

(Z didn't respond...)

Alvius: That was the King's book. That was his plan. ...The other diary was Ganondorf's.

(Z looked up at Alvius.)

Z: ...Why was Ganondorf's book here in the castle?

Alvius: Apparently your friend Nabooru brought it to the King after Link first defeated him. Interestingly enough, the main content of his book was similar to the King's.

(Z's eyes widened.)

Alvius: That's right. He too had a plan. He wanted to have the greatest warrior the world would ever see lie dormant until his death. And at the moment of his death, this warrior, carrying his deceased blood would strike the world to continue his legacy. That plan obviously never came to fruition. *Laughs* Both the King and Ganondorf seemed to know that alone they would inevitably fail, they needed another piece to their puzzle to succeed.

Z: *Sigh* ...And what did the contents of Link's book say?

Alvius: Link? Sadly I was never able to read his book. The book was apparently stolen before I could ever get to it.

Z: Stolen? But you said that the three books were magnificent!

Alvius: I assumed Link's book would also be filled with marvelous content regarding his exploits with the King. A different perspective, if you will.

Z: And what does all of this mean for you? Or really, what does all of this mean for me?

(Alvius set the books down on the floor and looked at the girl next to him, she was staring at Z, but he wasn't paying her any attention. Alvius shook his head disapprovingly and turned to Z.)

Alvius: You still haven't gotten it yet? I want to continue and improve upon what the former King started!

Z: ...And you need me.

(Alvius chuckled again.)

Alvius: I don't need you. You're just the flavor of the hour, the son of the great hero, it's convenient for my plan. But all I need is a figure head, I already have a bona fide catastrophe, I just need a "hero". Malleable people, remember? Heh. You could carry on the legacy of your father!

(Z closed his eyes and firmly said...)

Z: No.

Alvius: You're still fighting for Hyrule? *Laughs* Can it be any clearer? Hyrule is a DEAD COUNTRY! There's nothing left to fight for!

Z: ...Your father hated the King of Hyrule and you, his son, are trying to carry on his rival's own ambition!?

Alvius: I have already succeeded in carrying out my father's ambition, he wanted to see Hyrule crumble and I have done that, I have destroyed this nation bit by bit, I did what he wanted... This country was only a stepping stone for my ultimate plans and it is the old King's ideas that will allow me to accomplish them!

Z: I won't be a part of your plans, Alvius. Find another "hero" to manipulate, you twisted son of a bitch.

(Alvius didn't smile like he usually does, his face was completely blank as he sat next down on his throne.)

Alvius: ...We will see where your friends loyalties lie.

Z: What?

(Alvius turned to Aston, who was standing next to Gein.)

Alvius: Aston. Go down to the battle site and call our guards off. Tell them to retreat, allow the Sages to board their ship.

(Z was stunned.)

Z: ...Wha...?

(Aston nodded his head and hurried off. Alvius glared at Z.)

Alvius: You fight for this land so "honorably" but we will see how much your little companions think of you when they're given the opportunity to run away like cowards. The people are the first priority, correct? Ha, ha, ha..... There are no other ships. You have no escape now, this is it, Zeno. You're going to be the only one here still fighting... Ha, ha, ha.... Well, almost. I guess you still have the fat man to count on but he's not here, he's in the Kokiri Forest.

Z: Rauru? But...No. *Looks at Gein* You lied!

(Gein shrugged his shoulders.)

Alvius: This entire time you could have saved the fat bastard, he was right there for the taking. Too bad, Z. You lose again!

(Z couldn't believe it. The only thought in his head was that he had let another friend down. While he was having doubts about himself, Alvius motioned for Gein and whispered in his ear...)

Alvius: In case things don't go right at first, you know what to do...

Gein: Are you sure of this?

Alvius: Of course.

Gein: I do have his sword....Heh, heh.

(Z looked up at Gein.)

Z: What are you guys talking about!?

(Gein didn't answer and used a warp gem to disappear leaving only Alvius, Z and the girl in the room. Alvius got to his feet and now started walking toward Z...)

Alvius: You've been a joke to me since I've known of your existence and after 10 years, you're just not funny anymore.

(As Alvius approached Z, he pulled out two swords from each side and swung them around. In response, Z did the only thing he could and put up his fists. The girl was also on her feet now but she only stared at them, Z was this and commented....)

Z: What about her?

(Alvius flashed his trademark smile...)

Alvius: Don't worry, she won't hurt you. HAH!!

(Alvius slashed at Z with the sword in his left hand but Z grabbed his arm and threw him across the room. The two of them looked at each other and their battle began...)

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Bx
Notorious
[ * ]
(Alvius and Z both circled around each other, Alvius was swinging his swords around while Z held his fists up ready to strike. Alvius then took no time unleashing a double upward slash sending weaponless Z to the ground in pain...)

Z: Ahh.....

Alvius: Did you honestly think you were going to kill me with your bare hands? Ha, ha, ha.... I offered you a position, I extended my hand to you and you refused, I'll give you one more chance....

(Alvius extended his hand to Z but it was only a sarcastic gesture as he put his foot over Z's right hand and crushed it....)

Z: AHHH!!!!

(While Z was anguishing in pain, Alvius turned to the girl, who was on her feet watching.)

Alvius: Like watching people suffer? Heh, heh, heh.

(The girl remained silent while Alvius put his attention back Z, still rolling on the ground in pain...)

Alvius: Come on, Z!

(Alvius laughed to himself and then started kicking Z like he was just some dog in the road. Alvius kicks were hard but the pain in Z's chest and hand was beginning to numb as the adrenaline of the situation started to kick in and finally Z rolled out of Alvius' reach and got to his feet.)

Alvius: *Smiling* Feeling better?

(Z's responded by charging at Alvius who quickly slashed at his back while he was running into him. Z let out muffled scream and fell to one knee. Alvius tried to take charge of the situation by slashing at Z's chest wounds but this failed as he was once again pushed away by the wounded Z...)

Z: *Huff* *Huff* ...Not again, Alvius. *Huff* ...Not again..

(Z stood on both feet again and came face to face with Alvius who wrapped both blades around Z's back but before he could slice, Z gave him a hard knee to the gut putting him to the ground. Having gained control, Z stomped Alvius in the gut and now grabbed Alvius' hair and started bashing his skull into the ground.)

(In desperation, Alvius let go of his swords and managed to grab Z's hand and stop the bashing. Z fought Alvius' hand off and tried to grab his hair again but he couldn't as Alvius continually swatted his hand away. Noticing that Alvius no longer held his swords, Z dived after them but Alvius delivered a hard kick into the side of his head before he could grab them...)

(With Z on the ground holding his head in pain, Alvius got up and went after the swords but Z saw him and extended his left hand to grab Alvius' ankle before he could get them. Alvius tried kicking Z's hand away but it was no use, Z held a firm grip. Furious, Alvius turned and dived into Z's neck with his elbow forcing him to relinquish his grip.)

(Forgetting about the swords, Alvius just started pounding the back of Z's head with his fists until Z elbowed him in the gut. Alvius was on one knee holding his stomach while Z barely on his feet, staggering to stand tackled Alvius to the ground and began hammering him with left and rights over and over again.)

Z: *Breathing heavily* You son of a bitch!!

(Technique was thrown out the window, this had turned into an old-fashioned fist fight. Primal instincts had taken over as the adrenaline rapidly pumped through their veins. Z continued delivering his barrage of punches to Alvius' face but Alvius was not giving in and managed to give Z a taste of what he was feeling with a huge haymaker to the jaw which sent him on his back.)

Alvius: *Huff* You... Stupid motherfu...*Huff*

(Alvius wiped the blood from his face and pulled Z to his feet only to swing him into one of the statues in the room.)

Girl: ! Sto...

(Neither paid any attention to the girl. Alvius had posted Z on the wall and began to blast him with a series of hard rights to his jaw. He started to mix in knees to the gut to go along with his punches while blood started draining from Z's mouth. The unrelenting punches were beginning to really take their toll on Z, his vision in his right eye was completely gone and in the left it was blurry. But Alvius just continued the blows until Z fell on his behind, a bloody mess.)

Alvius: Nothing left in you *Huff* *Huff* is there?

(Alvius hit Z with a brutal right across the jaw that sent Z flat on his face. Relishing this moment, Alvius decided to end it all and walked to get one of his swords.)

Alvius: *Holding his blade in the air* Nice job, Z.

(Alvius walked to over to Z, still laying on his front, and held the tip of the blade over Z's back and brought it down but Z wasn't finished yet, he sent Alvius to the ground with a leg sweep. Both on the ground, Alvius was the first to get his feet while shaky-kneed Z nearly fell trying to stand.)

(On their feet once again, Z and Alvius grappled with one another until Z gained the upper hand, sending Alvius to his back with another hard sweep of the leg. Alvius got right back up and unleashed a vicious uppercut that left Z stunned but still standing for a few moments. Alvius tried to build on this and unleashed a few more blows to the body which left Z coughing blood.)

(Alvius grabbed Z by his neck and began strangling him. Able to overpower Z, he backed him into the statue again and started bashing his skull onto the gold figure. Once he saw that Z had completely stopped trying to fend him off, he threw him to the ground and stomped on his midsection causing more blood to involuntarily gush from Z's mouth.)

(Seeing Z laying motionless, Alvius stumbled across the room to grab his sword. Unable to watch anymore, the girl hurried to Z's aid.)

Girl: Z!?

(Z could barely make out the girl in his "good" eye and he wasn't completely sure about what was happening but he listened...)

Girl: It's me, Z! Get up, come on! Get up!

(The girl finally revealed her face....)

Z: Mar....

(Maria. Maria was alive and well, Z tried to smile as best he could but only ended up coughing more blood.)

Maria: Now get up!

(Maria extended her hand for Z to grab but as he did...)

Maria: Ahhh!! ...You...

Alvius: ...Stupid bitch.

(Maria fell to the ground, Alvius had stabbed her in the leg. He moved on to Z now and again attempted a finishing stab but Z held the blade off by grabbing it while it was coming down. Blood was starting to fall from Z's hands, the blade was slicing his hands as he held it. The more Alvius pushed, the deeper the cuts became, with the pain reaching an unbearable level, Z's grip was loosening...)

Alvius: *Breathing heavily* ...This... is your last moment!

(Z released his grip and Alvius brought the blade within an inch of his neck before...)

Alvius: OH!!!....Shit...

(Alvius other sword was sticking out of his midsection... He slowly turned his head and saw Maria holding the blade. His expression erratically switched between rage and laughter until he fell to his stomach. Able to stand even with her bad leg, Maria lifted Z to his feet. He was groggy but knew what was going on...)

Z: ...Thanks....

(Maria nodded her head and grabbed her leg while Z regained his grasp on the situation.)

Z: Maria... Your leg.

(Maria looked at Z and smiled.)

Maria: We both know I've had worse.

(It hurt to laugh so Z only smiled and rubbed his eyes, he was slowly beginning to regain his vision. He regained about 85% of his normal vision back and was finally able to see relatively clearly again. He looked at Alvius and then at Maria...)

Z: ...Aside from that leg, you look pretty good.

(Maria looked at Z from head to toe and remarked..)

Maria: ...You look terrible.

(A little more blood came out as he chuckled. He looked at Maria again, she wasn't smiling...)

Z: Maria, why were you...?

Maria: *Sigh* ...It's not over yet, Z.

Z: What?

Alvius: You're damn right, it's not over yet!

(Still on the ground, Alvius started speaking, his voice was cracking as he laughed...)

Alvius: Ha, ha, ha..... You didn't smell it burning while you were up here?! Ha, ha, ha.... Making that Biggoron squeal was the best idea Manson ever came up with... Ha, ha, ha...

(Z's eyes widened, he looked at Maria for an answer but she only shook her head while Alvius continued...)

Alvius: Good luck. Ha, ha, ha...

(Alvius used a warp gem and disappeared. Before Z could say anything, Maria looked at him and said...)

Maria: RUN!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


(The entire castle began to shake and the ceiling was falling. The ceiling pieces that fell were in flames and not long after a huge roar was heard and they finally saw it...)

Z: !? A...A....!?

(The huge fiery beast swooped down, challenging Z with an ominous stare... Volvagia, the legendary terror that Link defeated years ago had returned. Quick thinking Maria grabbed Z by the arm and together they ran out of the room and started down the long corridor while the dragon flew outside and started destroying Alvius' palace from the top down....)



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