If the Boot Fits

Courage

Two maids held the dress trail off the ground. Zelda's shoulders shook as she anxiously waited for the door to open, praying it never would. In one night, Ganondorf had set up the entire thing. He and his followers hung the decorations, planned the vows. He gave Zelda her revealing dress in the morning. He hired the priest. After he and Zelda were married - she couldn't think the word without blanching and gagging - Rhoam would have to give the crown to him, proclaiming him king. And then. . .

"Little Bird."

Zelda slowly turned to face Urbosa. The corset was tight, strangling her. Or was that her own body choking off her air supply?

Urbosa stood tall and mighty, one hand resting on the hilt of her Scimitar. "You don't have to do this."

"But I do," Zelda whispered. She should be practicing those words. A fresh wave of tears streamed down her face. Urbosa wrapped her arms around her. She gratefully accepted the meaningless comfort.

"We can leave," Urbosa proposed. "Impa, Daruk, and I - we'll protect you."

"That's kind of you, but he would find us. He would kill you, and then me. At least this way you'll be safe, and I'll have a small chance."

"Alright. Is there anything you want before. . . ?" It was unlike Urbosa to trail off, even in the most perilous situations. This must be excruciatingly hard for her as well.

Pondering her question, Zelda could only come up with one thing. "Free Aryll from Ghirahim. He somehow managed to obtain possession of the Master Sword. Take that and Aryll to free Link. Ask him to help. Beg him if you must, on my behalf."

Without question or hesitation, Urboss nodded, marching down the corridor. Zelda trusted her to do whatever it took to fulfill her request. She had to admit, a small part of her hoped that required ending Ghirahim.

The grand double-doors were opened by two servants. Ganondorf's hideous smile waited for her on the other end of the raised terrace. The people were gathered below, watching the exchange of dead vows. Zelda took a steadying breath when the organ picked up, and took the first step on the white lace carpet.

_____

Urbosa stormed through the crowded streets of Castle Town, stopping for no one and nothing. The roads were bursting with the people who would watch their princess be married to a demon. Some kids had even climbed to the shop rooftops, pushing their friends out of the way to see.

Urbosa didn't care who she trampled out of the way. She would carry out Zelda's order with her life, determined to finish it through. She sprinted across the thinning outskirts of the town, taking the road to the big house by the edge of the woods. In the front yard stood Ghirahim, yelling at his sons to get a move on. His swords were strapped to his sides.

Sprinting passed the screaming man, Urbosa shoved the door open. She barreled through one of the sons, flinging him to the floor.

"Hey!" he cried.

"Stop her!" Ghirahim shouted from behind.

Rounding a corner, the second son stopped in front of her. Urbosa only paused for a second, taking in his red hair and gold eyes. She was about to shove him aside as well when he flattened himself against the wall. Shaking it off, she leaped up the stairs, taking two at a time. The boy stumbled up the stairs after her.

"Watch out for the-!"

His cry was cut off as a dagger shot at them. Urbosa dodged, not caring if it impaled the boy behind her. She continued through the hall, swiping flying daggers out of the sky with her Scimitar. The blades were glowing a mysterious red around the hilt, suspended by nothing. Somehow, they were controlled by dark magic. Urbosa bounded up the second flight of stairs, following the sound of a crying young girl. This time, a line of daggers waited for her. They spun, zipping with a frightening speed. She barely missed getting run through. Urbosa reached the door concealing Aryll, kicking it down with her foot. The boy stopped short behind her, unharmed by the blades.