The Mushroom Kingdom Wars

Chapter 19

The air in the Mushroom Kingdom was heavy with the weight of loss as the forces led by Zelda, Donkey Kong, and Proto Man limped back to Peach's castle. Their heads hung low, their bodies battered, and their spirits crushed by the devastating defeat at Ganondorf’s armory. The proud army that had marched out with such determination had been reduced to a weary, broken force.

Toads rushed forward to tend to the wounded. Their small hands trembled as they bandaged injuries and applied healing mushrooms to the soldiers, their usual cheerfulness replaced by somber determination. Even the colorful scenery of Peach’s castle grounds couldn’t dispel the gloom that had settled over the returning warriors.

Proto Man, limping slightly from the damage sustained in battle, sparks flying from the exposed wires and scorched metal of his frame, maintained his characteristic stoicism. He didn’t complain, didn’t seek repairs—his mind was still fixed on the battle. He silently replayed the events in his head, analyzing each mistake, every misstep, trying to figure out how they had been outmaneuvered so thoroughly.

Beside him, Zelda sat atop her horse, her posture rigid despite the ache in her muscles. She forced herself to maintain a brave face, but the weight of the loss gnawed at her like a growing shadow. She had led her people into a trap, and she couldn’t shake the shame that came with that realization. Ganondorf had played her, used her tactics against her, and it had cost them dearly.

As they reached the courtyard, Zelda spoke up, trying to mask her pain with determination. "We’ll regroup," she said, her voice strained but resolute. "I need to return to Hyrule. I’ll rally more troops—we’ll mount a counterattack. We have to keep fighting."

But even as she said the words, doubt lingered at the edges of her thoughts. She had been so certain before—so confident in her plans. And where had that gotten her? Zelda could feel the weight of each decision pressing down on her. How many more lives would be lost because of her choices?

Before she could say more, Peach, who had been waiting anxiously for their return, stepped forward. Her face was pale, and her eyes were haunted by the burden of the news she had to deliver.

"Zelda," Peach said softly, her voice laced with sorrow. "There’s something you need to know."

Zelda turned sharply, her heart pounding. Something in Peach’s expression sent a chill through her, making her blood run cold.

"Hyrule has fallen," Peach whispered, her voice trembling. "Ganondorf took the castle while we were distracted at the armory."

Zelda’s breath hitched, and for a moment, she simply stared at Peach, unable to process the words. Her mind raced, trying to grasp what this meant. Hyrule—her home, her kingdom—taken by Ganondorf? It couldn’t be true.

"No…" Zelda’s voice trembled. "No, that can’t be. We had forces protecting the castle! Impa was there! How… how could this happen?"

Her voice rose in panic, each word carrying a growing sense of desperation. Zelda's hands trembled as she tried to make sense of the catastrophe. She had trusted in the defenses of her kingdom—trusted her allies—trusted herself. But now, it had all crumbled.

Then, it hit her fully. The realization struck with the force of a hammer, shattering her composure. She had failed them all. Her people. Her kingdom. The Goddesses. She had believed in her own strength and wisdom, only to watch it all slip away. How could she have been so blind?

With a choked sob, she screamed—a raw, agonizing sound that cut through the air, making those around her flinch in shock.

"This is my fault!" Zelda cried out, her voice cracking with anguish. "I should’ve seen it! I should’ve known! How could I let this happen? How could the Goddesses allow this?!"