Tack and Carly had been imprisoned for a full day. The dull clinking of keys stirred them awake, echoing ominously from the Zora guard's belt as he marched toward their cell.
"Get up, inmates!" the guard barked, his voice laced with irritation.
Tack rubbed his eyes, panic rising within him. "W-what's happening?"
He shook Carly awake. Together, they followed the guard down the damp corridor, passing a wanted poster with a chillingly familiar face. They were led into the throne room, where King Zora sat imposingly on his throne. To his left sat two princes, and to his right, a serene princess. Spear-wielding guards surrounded the siblings, cutting off any hope of escape.
"The prisoners, as you requested, Your Majesty," one guard announced.
King Zora's cold gaze bore down on them. "So, you sneaked into our domain, thinking you could go unnoticed?" His voice boomed, making Carly cling to Tack in fear.
"We had no choice!" Tack snapped, his glare matching the king's. "Your guards wouldn't let us in. We were sent by Princess Zelda herself. Hyrule is in danger—everyone's lives are at risk!"
"Enough of your lies!" The king's voice thundered. "Take them back to the dungeon!"
The guards wasted no time, dragging the siblings back to their cell and locking them away once more. Minutes passed, with only the cold silence for company—until a mysterious Zora in a dark cloak appeared out of nowhere. Without a word, she unlocked their cell.
"Quickly, escape! Go to Castle Town and find a Zora named Milo. He'll sell you armor to help you in your journey." Her voice was urgent before she disappeared into the shadows.
Tack and Carly wasted no time, gathering their belongings and sneaking through the dungeon. Dodging guards at every turn, they finally made it out of Zora's Domain and sprinted toward Castle Town. Tack often had to carry Carly, but they didn't stop until they reached the gates.
As they entered Castle Town, it was eerily quiet. The streets were deserted, and the wedding preparations were nearing their climax. Tack's heart sank when he spotted the bride and groom. He recognized the groom immediately—Ganondorf.
They rushed into the wedding ceremony just as the celebrant asked, "Does anyone have a reason these two should not be wed?"
"I do!" Tack shouted, rising from his seat, his voice shaking with urgency. "Because he's wanted for attacking the Zoras!"
Gasps filled the room. Ganondorf glared at Tack, his calm demeanor cracking. "Absurd! Do you have proof, boy?"
Without hesitation, Carly pulled out the wanted poster, her small hands shaking as she held it up for everyone to see. The room fell silent as Ganondorf's face on the poster became clear.
Zelda stood abruptly. "Guards! Seize him!"
But before anyone could move, Ganondorf's hand glowed with the unmistakable power of the Triforce of Power. With a swift motion, he unleashed a blast of magic, sending everyone crashing to the floor.
"Is that all you've got?" Ganondorf laughed, his voice booming with arrogance. "This is easier than when I killed those children's parents."
Rage and grief surged within Tack and Carly as the halves of the Triforce of Courage began to shine on their hands. They charged at Ganondorf, but his power overwhelmed them. He effortlessly deflected their attacks, mocking them as they struggled.
"You think the Triforce will save you? You're still weak!" Ganondorf sneered before unleashing another wave of magic that knocked them unconscious.
"Tack! Carly!" Zelda cried, rushing to their sides as the siblings lay motionless.
"Come find me when you're ready to face a true challenge, foolish children!" Ganondorf's voice echoed through Tack's mind as he began to stir, waking up in a strange room.
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Tack sat up in bed, disoriented. "Was it just a dream?"
He wandered groggily into a nearby kitchen, still half-asleep. "Hi, Mom—" he began but stopped short when he realized where he was.
The King of Hyrule sat at the head of a grand table, Zelda and others seated around him. "Tack, come join us. Eat something. The chefs are preparing a fine meal," the king offered with a heavy heart.
"So, it wasn't a dream," Tack muttered as he took a seat, still shaken from the confrontation with Ganondorf.
Zelda forced a smile but couldn't hide the sadness in her eyes. "No, unfortunately, it wasn't."
Tack looked around, sensing something was wrong. "Where's Carly?" he asked, his voice filled with sudden dread.
The king placed his head in his hands. "Ganondorf took her. We don't know where she is. Every ally we have is searching for her, but so far… no one has found her."
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Carly woke up in a dark, damp cell. Water rose and fell around her feet, sending chills through her body. Weak and terrified, she tried to call out but her voice barely made a sound.
"Someone… help… me…" she whispered before collapsing, slipping back into unconsciousness as the water continued to rise around her.