Fan Fiction ❯ The Legend of Zelda: The Ballad of Fallen Angels ❯ Preparing For Battle ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Chapter 8: “Preparing For Battle”
The Southern Swamp looked much the same as it had seven years ago. The ground was wet and squishy underfoot. The actual land extended a mile past the gates before turning into the actual swamp. Clear water extended through the giant tree trunks shooting up from the ground. Army camps dotted the visible ground. Companies of Deku soldiers drilled and practiced their skills. At the water's edge, a large wooden dock started, which eventually led up to a large building built on stilts in the middle of the water. Along the docks, long, decorated ships were anchored. The ships were Deku war frigates.
Saetoushei was impressed at the amount of military strength present. “What's with all the artillery?” he asked Sergeant Splittwig.
Splittwig shook his head. “Ikaylimu Descrod's forces have been threatening Her Majesty for some time now. I don't know much myself, however, I know the general idea is that the Ikaylimu wants to hold a base in each section of Termina. He owns all of Ikama, now he wants a hold in the Queen's swamp.”
“Augustine Descrod is power-hungry,” Cremina said. “We fought some of his Dark Hordes on the way here. They were battling with Corporal Drywood's company.”
Splittwig was startled, “You did what? This is terrible! This could be considered a declaration of war! Corporal!” The Deku shouted, turning and running off towards Drywood. “Corporal, report on any activities that happened in the woods!”
“Sir, earlier today my company was on patrol when a compliment of Dark Horde soldiers attacked us without provocation. We were nearly overwhelmed completely when Captain Saetoushei and his party intervened and assisted us.”
“Were there any survivors of the Dark Hordes?” Splittwig demanded.
“Sir, no sir.”
Splittwig swore and hurried off, calling to a Deku drilling with a company further along the swamp. “Corporal Astrig, take your company and Corporal Drywood and his company. Load everyone onto the Greenfang. Commodore Trikg, get your crew to your ship and get to the palace. We must warn the Queen at once of what has happened!”
Turning to Saetoushei, he pointed at the stilted building. “Captain, please take your party into the witch's dwelling. There is much to be done and, in all do respect sir, you will just be in the way.”
Saetoushei nodded. “Fine. Come on everyone.”
The former Photo Contest and Boat Cruise headquarters had been turned into a little home. A pair of beds rested against one wall, a stove against the opposite one. Little knick-knacks stood here-and-there on shelves nailed to the walls. No one was at home.
“Is it really alright that we barge in without asking?” Tael asked.
Saetoushei shrugged, leaning against a cupboard and sighing. “I don't know anymore. Lord, what a mess this is. Ladies and Tael, I think we've got ourselves involved in a war.”
Romani tossed herself onto one of the beds, stretching. “Well obviously! Thank you, sister. What was it you said? You wanted to fight someone?”
“Place not this all on me, sister.” Cremina reprimanded sharply. “You were equally ready to fight.”
“Oh shut up the both of you, please?” Saetoushei groaned. “ I really can't stand arguing right now.”
Romani sighed. “Should we have stayed on the ranch, then?”
Cremina shook her head. “It's probably better this way. We had nothing left for us on the ranch. We probably would have just starved to death there anyway. At least this way, if we go, we'll be doing something worthwhile.”
The door creaked open an hour later. Tael looked up from where he had been dozing on a chair to see two dark robed figures stride into the room.
“Everyone up!” Tael shouted.
Immediately Saetoushei leapt up, sword in hand. Cremina's javelin swung up into her hands. Romani tried to rise from the bed, tripped over her own feet, and fell facedown onto the floor.
“Hehehehe, impotent intruders, eh?” one of the shapes cackled, throwing back it's hood. A gnarled old head appeared amidst a long ponytail of gray-white hair with a large blue stone set into it. The other shape followed suit, identical to the first except a large red stone replaced the blue. Turning to Saetoushei, they cackled in unison. “Hehehehe, you've grown up little boy. My, you're a big one now!”
Saetoushei blinked in surprise, then sheathed his sword. “It's just the witches.”
Some time later, everyone in the little home was sitting around a little fireplace, drinking hot tea as stories were exchanged.
“Those blasted little shrubs really do need to be taught some manners.” Kobei said, keeping her tea hot by resting it in her palm and producing a fireball underneath it. “Seriously, they burn down their own swamp, chase away all of my well-paying customers, and ruin my business.”
“I must admit, though, they do keep my business doing well.” Kotake countered. “My healing potions work fine on the little wooden fools. Always hurting themselves, they are. Setting themselves on fire and all that. Must not be kind, being made of wood.”
“What brings you back to Termina after such a long time, young Link?” Kobei asked.
Saetoushei rolled his eyes. “Why don't I write down what I'm doing here? That way I won't have to repeat myself to much.”
Kobei cackled again. “Touchy, touchy you are. Never were like that before. The fates haven't been kind to you, I take it.”
Saetoushei replied. “Obviously, something is wrong in Termina. I'm here to stop it.”
Kotake laughed. “Stop the Ikaylimu himself? Stop him and his army? By yourself? Ha! It cannot be done.”
“I seem to recall that the last time I was here, I was told by you that the moon couldn't be stopped.” Saetoushei countered the witch's sarcasm. “I don't supposed the night sky is dominated by a moon any longer.”
Kobei laughed at her sister. “He has you there, sister. Young Link was successful in destroying both the demonic mask and the evil moon. He has done the impossible before. Perhaps he can do it again.”
A loud knock sounded at the door. Romani opened it to find a rotund, pompous-looking Deku standing there. Behind him, Sergeant Splittwig and a full company of soldiers stood, swords drawn. The Deku strode into the dwelling.
Kotake leapt to her feet, a finger pointed at the Deku. “You know full well you're not allowed into this building without invitation!”
“This is under direct orders of Her Majesty the Queen, witch.” The Deku replied, sounding every bit as arrogant as he seemed. Turning to Saetoushei, he asked, “Are you the famous officer that all my troops are whispering about?”
“That depends.” Saetoushei replied coolly. “You are?”
“I am General Dispurcro, Queen Melondia's commander-in-chief of all her armed forces. Now, depending on that, who are you?”
“I am Captain Saetoushei, BCTB, retired, sir.” Saetoushei replied, saluting the superior officer.
General Dispurcro returned the salute, nodding. “Her Majesty wishes to speak with you, Captain, and your allies as soon as is possible.”
Cremina stood up, bowing gratefully to the witches. “Thank you for your hospitality, madams. We won't forget it.”
Kotake waved with her hand in an almost-grandmotherly manner. “Away, away with you all. Don't let those walking dead branches bully you around.”
“When this is all over, witch, we will have a reckoning.” The General warned her.
“I look forward to it, firewood!” Kotake called after them as they left.
The party was hurried onto one of the Deku war frigates, the Greenfang, and the warship began it's journey to the Deku court. Splittwig and his company seemed much more respectful to them than General Dispurcro was. They met Commodore Trikg and his crew onboard the ship, and Corporal Drywood was there as well.
“Where are they taking us?” Romani asked the Corporal as they left the witches' home behind and sailed off into the darkness.
“We are headed to the Deku Palace. To the court of the Queen. It has already started.” Drywood moaned.
“What has already started?” Saetoushei said from behind Romani. “Tell me.”
“The war, Captain.” Drywood said softly. “Ikaylimu Descrod has declared war on Queen Melondia.”
It was some time later when the vessel slowed and docked outside the perimeter of the palace. Saetoushei had been here twice before; the first time to rescue the monkey Kiki when he was falsely imprisoned and sentenced to death by the late King Spintick, and the second time, when he returned victorious from the Woodfall Temple with the rescued Princess Melondia.
The palace itself looked exactly the same as the last time. Built long ago from multicolored rock, the palace was situated behind the perimeter wall in the center of a good-sized lake, completely covering the island that it was resting on. The great building boasted some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Termina, and the royal court stood in the center of the building, where torches would bring light to the great hall.
The only thing Saetoushei noticed was different was the increased security, and there was a lot of that. Deku guards and soldiers patrolled every nook and cranny of the palace, archery snipers stationed on all the walls and columns, waiting and watching.
General Dispurcro marched forward towards the main palace gate. The six Dekus standing guard snapped to attention and saluted the General. With a wave his hand, Dispurcro ushered aside the guards and gestured to Saetoushei and his allies. The party walked through the gate into the Queen's courtroom.
Melondia was seated at the throne that had once belonged to her father. She wore the ceremonial robe and cloak of her rank. The gold crown that had been passed down through the line rested comfortably on her head. She was taller and had an air about her that made her seem tired and worn-out. Her large bright eyes had dimmed somewhat.
General Dispurcro marched forward and bowed to the Queen. She raised her head to gaze tiredly at the General and the party behind him.
“General,” Melondia said. “What news do you bring to me?”
“Nothing that Her Majesty does not know already, M'lady.” Dispurcro replied, bowing low.
“Well I have news for you, then. The Ikaylimu has already mobilized his troops against me.” Melondia said, her voice slowly rising. “His flying ships have already entered the space above my domain. They have landed in the Woodfall. The Temple of Woodfall has becomes his new base. After everything I have done to prevent him from entering the swamp, it is already done. His troops are now closer to this palace than the army is. If they discover the top entrance to the castle; the secret entrance that leads right through the perimeter walls right up to the castle gates, then we are finished!”
Melondia was screaming now. Cremina noted with grim satisfaction that General Dispurcro was almost cowering on the stone floor under the verbal beating of his Queen.
The Queen finished her tirade and turned her gaze at the party, her eyes fixing on Saetoushei. “You! Who are you and why were humans allowed to enter my swamp?”
Saetoushei spread his hands wide in a gesture of peace. “No harm is meant by us coming here, Your Majesty. I am the Master Warden of the Gerudo Fortress, hoping to meet with Your Majesty in order to work out a peace with the Dekus. I am hoping to raise an army against Ikaylimu Descrod. I decided to begin with the Dekus.”
Melondia scoffed. “The Gerudo Fortress? I don't know of any such fortress in Termina.”
“On that your are indeed correct, Your Majesty. For the fortress I control lies not in any of Termina's realms, but in Hyrule.”
Melondia laughed. “Hyrule? That legendary land? The lost country? I believe that you are wasting my time, crazy one. Guards, remove them!”
Romani tensed as the Dekus around the room strode forward, hands reaching for their swords. “Link, if you're going to do anything, do it now!”
Saetoushei yelled to Melondia. “I am Captain Saetoushei, of the Clock Town Bombers! You knew me once as Link; I saved you from the Woodfall Temple when it fell to Okinawa's forces! I brought you back here to the court of your father, where we saved the life of an innocent monkey named Kiki that your father was going to execute for your kidnapping!”
Melondia called to her troops. “Hold back. Hold back, I say! You!” she said, pointing at Saetoushei. “If you truly are who you say you are, then answer me one final question. When you supposedly rescued me, what was it that you carried me in from the temple?”
For the first time that day, Saetoushei grinned. “A glass bottle, M'lady. A small glass bottle.”
The Dekus' war room was a large stone room behind Melondia's throne room. Maps outlining every region of Termina and the political boundaries of the domains of the other rulers of Termina were outlined in black. Saetoushei was disturbed to see that the Deku maps were up to date and accurate: Descrod held the entire Eastern Canyon, the entire country of Ikama was under his control. His boundary line was the Ravine of Ghosts, the place where the Bombers made their last stand.
Something else on the map caught his eye, and he asked Melondia, who was now practically fawning over him. “Why is the map incomplete? The boundaries of the Western Sea aren't there.”
Melondia replied. “To be honest, we haven't completed the map simply because we don't know what the situation on the water is. Before the swamp was closed to outsiders, we received word that war had broken out between the Zoras and the Wave Pirates.”
“We have not heard of the outcome of the war. Last we heard, it was still going on.” Cremina said. “Has Her Majesty heard anything beyond that?”
“No,” Melondia said, shaking her head. “No, Cremina, we have not.”
As General Dispurcro and another Deku officer entered the room, no one saw the look that passed Cremina's face.
The other Deku was Admiral Epstig, commander of Melondia's naval forces. He was taller than Dispurcro and thinner and had a look of youth about him. He saluted Saetoushei smartly, bowed to Melondia, and nodded to the girls and Tael.
“Greetings, Yer Majesty. An honor to meet you, Captain. The General tells me that yer goin' to be attackin' Woodfall. I've been summoned to supply yer with troops and cover.”
Tael started. “What? We haven't been asked to do anything like that!”
“Captain,” Melondia said. “I'm sorry, but I do not know what else to do. Neither the General nor the Admiral, nay, no one else that lives knows the temple as well as you do. You have seen all of it, have fought your way through all of it. I desperately need a commander that can lead my troops straight to the strongest points of the temple and retake control of Woodfall.”
“But I'm not a commander, I'm a captain. And a retired one at that. Your Majesty, what are you asking of me?” Saetoushei demanded.
Melondia looked him straight in the eye. “I'm asking that you come out of retirement. You know that you're the most experienced one here, Link. You've fought for everything you've ever had, since you were ten. You claim to be here in Termina to save us, yet you do not want to take control of the situation. Will you take this command, Saetoushei?”
Saetoushei looked at her. Then he asked quietly. “Do you know how long it's been since I commanded anything, Melo?”
Epstig looked outraged. Dispurcro blanched. “How dare you refer to Her Majesty the Queen like that! I-“
“It's my old nickname, General.” Melondia said softly. “A name that an old friend used to call me in my youth. Yes, Li, yes, I know it's been a long, long time. You know I would never ask this of you if it wasn't the last thing I could think of. Li, will you do it?”
Saetoushei stared at her for a long time. Then, straightening up, he said. “I'll do it, Melondia.”
Queen Melondia waved her hand in front of her. “Then I promote you to the rank of commander, and give you permission to lead my forces in battle against those of Ikaylimu Descrod to reclaim the section of my realm knows as Woodfall. Lead on, and may the mother fairy guide you, Commander Saetoushei.”
Two hours later, Saetoushei and the party strode out of the palace, heading for the water's edge. A full platoon of Deku soldiers awaited them in their lines. Drywood and Splittwig waited in front of them.
Romani giggled as she fingered the insignia pinned to the front of her tunic. “Lieutenant, eh? I'm higher in rank than Drywood! Watch out, sis, or I'll make you do laps.”
Cremina turned her stern gaze on her sister. “Maybe it's you who should be careful, sis. We're both the same rank, you can't direct my activities.”
A nervous sounding cough came from above their heads. Tael floated there. “Um, please be quiet you two.”
Romani replied. “And if we don't?”
“Then I'll demote you both to Private, since I'm a Sergeant.”
Tael sped off towards Saetoushei and the Dekus as Romani and Cremina cried from behind, “Sergeant!? Why did she make the firefly a Sergeant?”
Drywood and Splittwig greeted them at the water's edge. Behind him the Dekus were loaded up into five frigates.
Drywood briefed them on the plan as they boarded one of the frigates while Splittwig hurried off into another. “These ships will take us to the hidden entrance to the upper levels. We'll disembark there. We will take the path around the outside of Woodfall to the entrance of Woodfall. While we are climbing, Admiral Epstig and Commodore Trikg's armada will shell the inside of Woodfall, while archers will cover us to the entrance. Once inside, the shelling will stop, and we're on our own. Any questions?”
“Just one,” Tael said. “What happens if we fail?”
Drywood replied. “We're hoping that won't happen. If it does, Corporal Astrig and his company will pull back and return to the palace. There, the Queen will enter the Deku Shrine and the underground shelters. The rest of the army and navy will move to inside the perimeter walls and defend against any and all who try to breach the shrine and the Queen.”
Drywood looked around at everyone on the ship. He had served with many of these Dekus for a long time. He turned back to Saetoushei and saluted. “Commander, the command is yours. Awaiting orders, sir!”