Legend of the Seven Lights

49. Ruin of the Heart

Zelda: Tri-Force Heroes is the worst excuse for a Zelda game. The fact I would ever say that is astonishing. Atbash Cipher.

Chapter 49: Ruin of the Heart

Mermaid Swamp

Ineptune led Melody, Danny, and Eric (as well as Juju) to the shore of a large lake, where Hideout Helm sat in the center. "We're going to enter from the underwater entrance." The mermaid said. "You two kids are waterbenders, so I'll hope you keep up." She dove underneath. Eric and Juju held onto Mel and Danny as both waterbenders dove underneath, making air bubbles for them. Melody glowed with her hands to serve as a light for them all, trying to see Ineptune's bulky form through the fog.

Ineptune swam into an underwater gate that the kids followed her in. After they resurfaced, the kids climbed onto a metal floor. "Klubba, these children are guests of King K. Rool." Ineptune told the green, buff Kremling wielding a spiky club.

"I still need a toll." The Kremling stated gruffly, patting his club in the palm of his other hand.

"We have a snake!" Danny perked, raising Juju. Said snake panicked. "You can use him for, like, floss or something."

"No, I have 10 pythons. ...Hmmm..." Klubba reached over and picked up Eric. "But this boy could be fun to practice my balloon animal art."

"There's a couple things I don't like about that sentence!" Eric panicked.

"Deal with it or don't pass."

"Deal." Melody decided. "I can always heal Eric later."

"That won't fix the emotional trauma!" the nerd cried.

"I'll take you to King Kroctus." Klubba slapped Eric over his shoulder and let his club drag along the floor as he led the two kids through the base.

Meeting Room

"Hmmm... So it is true, then." King K. Rool said after Lehcar told her story. "The Apocalypse really is upon us. Then I guess we have waited too long. We must unite the Eight Firstborn and their Guardians. With Arceus's great power on our side, we cannot be harmed."

"King Kroctus, I think you're overlooking a few details." Eggman spoke informatively. His brown mustache was graying, and he had wrinkles. "First, remember the first time Arceus was called back? He went completely berserk, and Gnaa lost the conscience to control him. Also, even if Arceus would cooperate with us, what good is a universe that's destroyed? True, Arceus could just make a new one, but I've grown too fond of this dimension."

"It isn't only about surviving or having power." Kroctus said. "It's the powers behind all of it. Lehcar speaks of the Twenty Keys that must be gathered, and a Dark Goddess searching for them. Furthermore, this group called 'Team Gnik,' and the unreal energy Dr. Eggman has detected in the World Government's possession... I have to wonder, if Arceus, the God of Everything, would have known anything about these."

"Those same Gnik guys keep talking about Ten Firstborn, 'stead of Eight." Bowser mentioned. "I got some Koopas over in their gang, spying for them. You think it's something to be worried about?"

"Eight or Ten, I'm so confused." Gruntilda nagged. "These Firstborn were ALL over the news! You found them once, why find them again? They'd just protect everyone from the end."

"We've been keeping tabs on the Firstborn for years," Eggman said, "ever since the Guardians set them free. The fact that they would know about the Apocalypse, and aren't doing anything about it, is stifling."

"Just what are the Twenty Keys." Kroctus scratched his chin. "What have they to do with the Apocalypse and 'Team Gnik.' Mmm..."

"Kroctus." Klubba banged the side of the entrance with his club. "Ineptune brought some twerps for you."