Winter in the Summer
By Graymalkin

"Caw caw!"
A white crow sounded her call of dusk as the drawbridge to the village heightened. People shut their windows to block out the cold night air, and one by one candles extinguished into a new night.
"Caw caw!"
She spread her purple striped wings and let the zephyr help lift her into the air. She flew up towards the stars and then leveled herself, soaring quietly over the castle walls. Again she rose into the moon, than swiftly crossed Hyrule Field until she landed in a tree. She puffed her feathers to seal out the icy wind and looked down below her.
A solemn figure stood against the tree, looking in the direction of Hyrule castle. The character combed his long blonde hair with his soiled hands. Hands that had done death many times before. Hands that had done deeds necessary for survival. Hands that longed to embrace the treasure he thought was rightfully his...if it was vital, he'd soil his hands even more...
"Lord Nevis."
The figure threw back his black cape and turned around, showing off his radiant silver and black armor. To his side was his deadly falchion. He pierced the on-comer with his shining blue eyes and sharp, triangular face. The black-haired visitor stood up straight.
"Yes, Lesotho?"
"I'm afraid...not yet, sir."
"I can wait."
Lesotho bowed and left.
Nevis turned around again and faced the castle. "Don't get too comfy, dear cousin. The throne isn't yours yet."
"Caw!"

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel turned over in her bed. She did not want to be awake! It was far too early. She kept her eyes closed and tried to think of a place where people could fly... She turned over again and sighed.
Then she heard it.
That same noise she heard almost every morning: The sound of music coming from below. Not just any music, either. Some of the most challenging music ever composed in Hyrule. But it was also some of the most beautiful music. Whoever mastered this was surely a jack of all arts.
"And that jack is my kid brother, Michael. He must be at the piano again..."
Raychel yawned and slowly sat up. She did not want to be awake, but it was probably too late. She swung her feet over the side of her bed and slipped on a pair of waiting house shoes. She walked over to the mirror and smiled wryly. She picked up a brush and straightened out her long blonde bed head until it was as neat as it would get, then pulled it back into a ponytail. She studied herself for a moment. She realized how lucky she was. She was the princess of Hyrule, blessed with so many things that most people did not have. Sometimes it made her feel unequal, like she was better then everyone. Her parents had always taught her, however, that material possessions are not as important as the possession of friendship. She smiled at herself again. Everyone always told how beautiful she was.
Then she frowned.
Of course, everyone also told her how much she looked like her mother, Zelda.
It wasn't that she hated her mother; it was just that was the only thing they had in common. They both had completely different views on life and what it was all about.
She looked into her own eyes and forced herself to smile.
Of course, she always had her father's eyes. That is, his view on life. Her father, Link, had always seen life as a quest waiting to be conquered. "Never leave any stone unturned," he would say to her, "for sometimes the risk can lead to a beautiful new experience." Even to this day he would go out on adventures. It kept him fit and young looking. That's what Raychel liked about her father. Age didn't matter to him, because he believed he was still the same person on the inside.
Her mother was a bit different. She was so protective of her, always having her say where she's going and what time she'll be back, and "Don't forget to study!" Her mother was obsessed with her learning this and that about something and nothing, most of which she didn't care about or found too confusing, especially for a fourteen-year-old. She'd rather shoot arrows or practice swordplay then study.
Sometimes she wondered how her parents had met and gotten along. Maybe I should ask someday...
Raychel once again turned her attention to the music. She smiled at herself once more before opening the doors and heading downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Everyone in the castle was still sleeping, except a few guards, so she had to be quiet making her way to the basement. She slowly crept down the stairs, the music starting to crescendo. As soon as she stepped around the final bend, she could see Michael practicing intensely. He was such an expert at piano. Raychel often wondered whether or not it was innate. Then again, he did practice for many hours a day, so maybe not. But how could he practice in such a room? It was small, the only things in it were the piano, a desk, and a shelf filled with music. There was a window up high to the right side, but it was a stained glass window. The morning sun soaked in and illuminated the room in a spectral of colors, giving it an eerie feeling.
But there was also something strange about Michael. Unlike the rest of his family, he had black hair. Not very many Hylians had black hair, especially as shiny as his. It was almost metallic. Also, he seemed to have a smaller build then many Hylians his age. He was only twelve, yet many people who'd see him for the first time could swear he was younger.
Yet Raychel didn't think much about it. She loved him the way he was, as did her parents, especially their mother. He always did as she said, without a question. He was the same with their father, but Michael was always the one to make their mother proud.
Raychel smiled wickedly as she approached the engrossed musician. He was probably concentrating too much to hear her coming. Walking silently, Raychel carefully went up to her brother and crept up until she was standing directly over him. She quickly pinched him in both of his sides with her fingers.
"Aaahh!" Michael yelped as he banged the piano and turned around. Breathing heavily, he managed, "Don't do that!"
Raychel laughed. "Why not?"
"Because!" He turned back around and resumed his playing.
"Oh, don't be so serious all the time." Raychel sat down on the bench next to him. She watched as his fingers danced across the black-and-white keys. It seemed as though he was not even touching the keys, his fingers moved so quickly! It was like a magic spell. He let his fingers dangle in the air as music mysteriously came out. After a few moments, he finished his song. Raychel clapped.
"And which song was that?"
"That was Serenade of the Mystic Fish in A Minor, by Hona Yoppu. I'm practicing it for memory, but I still need the sheet music."
Raychel grabbed the music from the board and looked at it. Her eyes bulged in horror at all the notes, flats, and key changes there were. And for memory, too? The song was so long! "How can you play this?"
"Practice, patience, and more practice." He cracked his fingers and his neck.
"I could never in my dreams play this."
"That's because you don't practice."
Raychel and Michael turned around to see their mother standing in the hallway. She may have just woken up, but she always looked very elegant. In her hand she had a lavender robe. "You should be wearing this, Raychel. It's getting colder in the mornings."
"I don't need it. I'm fine without it."
Zelda rolled her eyes slightly, than turned her attention to Michael. "How's it coming along?"
"It's getting there. I have the first three pages of Serenade memorized."
"Let's hear it."
Michael took a deep breath and let his fingers do the walking. At first it started out low and slow, like a creature coming out of a misty moor. Then is steadily increased in volume, as if the creature was emerging more and more each minute. But soon after, Michael stopped playing and looked uneasy.
"That's...it. That's all I know for memory."
"Very nice. Very nice," replied Zelda, nodding. She turned to Raychel. "When are you going to practice?"
"When I want to."
"Raychel..."
"You want to hear me too, mother? Fine! Move, Michael." Michael got up and let Raychel play. Raychel positioned her fingers properly. At least she had managed to learn that. Quickly and harshly, she played the chords of C, E, and F sharp. She turned to her mother and smiled sarcastically and raised her voice. "There. There's my practice for the next week."
"Don't talk to me like that."
"Then how should I talk to you?"
"Raychel."
"Mother...!"
"Raychel, you respect your mother."
Everyone turned to see Link with his arms crossed enter the room. "You shouldn't talk back like that."
Raychel sighed in exasperation. Sometime she felt like everyone was against her, even her father. But she guessed he was right. Even if she didn't agree with her, she should respect her mother... She put her hands behind her head and looked at the ground. "All right."
There were a few seconds later a servant came down into the room. "My queen and family, breakfast is ready."
"Very well." She turned to her children as the servant left. "Raychel, what are your plans for today?"
"Umm..." She thought for a moment. Her mother eyed her. "Study?"
She nodded. "Right after breakfast."

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Laws are controlled by the law council in which one or two members of each race are present to discuss a bill handed in by a citizen of Hyrule. The bill is passed through several steps that will determine its stature and place if it becomes a law." Raychel turned the page and groaned. On the page were all the "several steps" that it took to make a bill a law. She quickly paged through the rest of the book.
"Aaahhh!!"
"Raychel?" her father said as he knocked on her door. "Are you all right? Can I come in?"
"Yes." She closed the book and turned around to see her father enter the room.
He smiled at her. "What are you complaining about?"
"Law." She almost spat it out. "I hate law. I hate economics. I hate history. All together, I hate school."
"But you like hunting, right?"
She widened her eyes and gasped. "Hunting? Are you going hunting?"
"Well, yeah..." He smiled again.
She waited. And waited. And waited. "Just ask me! Please father!"
He sighed. "Raychel, would you like to come hunting with us?"
"I'd love to!"
"You'll have to bring your books with you, though. And study."
"Did mother tell you that?"
"Yeah. But I'll help you if you need it. I don't know too much, but I'll try."
"That's good enough for me! When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow."
"How long will we be gone?"
"Eh...maybe five days."
"Who's all coming with us?"
"Well, me, you, Lady Deera, Sir Fuhr, Sir Morget, Lady Behri, a couple guards, and Takuya."
"Takuya! Why is he coming with?!"
"Because he's your sworn guardian?"
"I don't like him. Geez..." She turned around and stared out the window.
"Are you still coming?"
"I guess. As long as he stays away from me."
"Why don't you like him?"
"He's not a guardian! He's just some stupid squire that always ruins my fun!"
"He's just making sure you stay safe. And he's not stupid. For Din's sake, Raychel, I'm the one who's training him."
"But why him!? Aren't there any other Sheikahs in this world that can take his place?"
"Besides Impa, I don't think there are any in Hyrule."
She growled again. "Why does it have to be a Sheikah, anyway?"
"You'd know the answer," He walked over to her and picked up one of her books. "If you studied history."
"I said I hated history."
"Well, pack your bags. We're leaving at six-tomorrow morning. And hey, don't let Takuya get to you. Just focus on having a good time." He turned and left.
Raychel peered at her book. She set it aside and started packing for the trip.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Michael, wake up!"
"What...?"
"Come on! It's time to leave!"
"Raychel...where?"
"Hunting! You are coming with us, right?"
Michael rolled over. "No."
"What? Why?"
"What time is it?"
"About five-forty-five."
"That late? I have to practice."
"Oh, Michael! Don't you ever forget about the piano?"
"I love it."
Raychel huffed angrily. "Don't you ever go outside anymore? I think you need some fresh air."
"When the time comes." He got out of bed and put on a long-sleeve shirt. She followed him to the entrance of the piano room. Michael turned to Raychel. "Be careful, all right?"
"You sure? There's still time."
"I'm positive." He hugged Raychel, than walked down the stairs and began practicing.
"Raychel."
"Father?"
"All set?"
"Yeah. Let's go."

* * * * * * * * * * *

The ride through Hyrule Field was breathtaking, as always. She and Christopher, her chestnut horse, have passed through it many times, but every time they found something else they'd never seen before. This time it was the wind. It was getting colder day-by-day, for winter was approaching, but the breeze had a sharp bite to it. Raychel looked up at the sun. They had been riding steadily south for almost two hours, approaching the forest. The wind and its chill increased.
"Raychel! Takuya!"
She looked down forward of her. Almost the entire party was far ahead of her. She turned her head to see Takuya following her closely.
"Stop that!" she yelled at him, than cantered Christopher ahead of her. She looked back at him with an angry scowl. She first met him four years ago. She was only ten at the time, and he fifteen, but even at a young age she knew there was something enigmatic about him. Impa had found him wandering the forest when he was very young, and shocked yet relieved that he was a Sheikah, for she thought she was the last. Raychel knew the Sheikahs were a unique group of people, but Takuya was so much different than Impa. He had shiny, silver platinum hair that sharply fell into his deadly blood-red eyes. He wore a white tunic with the symbolic red eye on it, and blue pants tucked into his black boots. He donned a silver jacket of armor and a band of red across his forehead, slightly lifting his light pewter hair. He perhaps looked like any normal Sheikah, but there was something about him that made her feel uncomfortable. Whenever she was with him she felt an aura of mystery coming from him to her, and she didn't like it. Ever since she first met him she tried to avoid him, but it was never any good since he followed her almost everywhere she went.
Takuya looked up at her a moment, sighed, than cantered his white-and-gray mare, Sherry, behind her.
"Are we almost there?" Raychel asked as she approached her father and the others.
"Straight through there." Link pointed at an opening to the forest.
Raychel awed. "It's so mysterious. I don't believe I've been in this part of the forest before."
"You haven't. But, game is good here. Let's go. We should find a place to camp before night falls."
Link led the group through the forest. Raychel was surprised to see that he knew it so well! Where every twist was, and which path to take...she wondered if he'd been here before.
"Hey father?"
"Yeah?"
"Is it true that there are fairy people living in this forest?"
"Fairy people?" he mused.
"They're called something like...Ko...Ko...Koki...Ko..."
"Kokiri?"
"That's it! You used to tell Michael and I stories about them! Even though they're magical tales, are they true?"
"I don't know. Maybe."
Raychel smiled, dissatisfied but happy she at least got an answer.
As they rode on, Raychel looked to one side through the trees. Squinting, she thought she saw some sort of massive stone building below her. She tried to stop to get a better glimpse, but her father kept telling her to move forward. When she did stop, he reached over and grabbed her horses' reigns.
"Don't stop, Raychel!"
"What's down there?"
"There's nothing down there!"
"Yes there is! I believe there's a building down there."
"You're tired. Your eyes are playing tricks on you."
"But father..."
"Quiet! Keep riding!" He dragged her horse to follow his. She looked back one last time, seeing the back of a stone building through the trees.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel, Deera, and Behri had finished setting up the tents and unpacking their things. Meanwhile, Link, Fuhr, and Morget were in the forest, trying to find tracks. Raychel was staring at her book on law, but couldn't concentrate. She was still engrossed in what she saw earlier. She had to find out if it was true!
"Lady Deera, Lady Behri?" She closed her book and stood up.
"Yes, Princess Raychel?"
"I'm going for a small ride. I'll be back in an hour."
"Raychel, not without your father's permission."
"I'll be fine. Honestly. I can take care of myself."
The two women looked at each other, than back at Raychel.
"All right."
Smiling, Raychel mounted Christopher and rode into the woods.
"Hey you, boy!" Behri shouted at Takuya, who was practicing his swordplay. He stopped and looked at her.
"Aren't you Raychel's guardian or something?"
He nodded.
"She went into the forest." Deera pointed into the trees.
Takuya took a deep breath and mounted Sherry, following Raychel's path.
Raychel rode briskly through the forest path back from where they first entered. She sat up high and looked far ahead.
"Ah!" She hastened Christopher's pace as she saw the building come into view.
Seeing that she couldn't ride her horse any further, she dismounted him and walked through the shrubbery. She emerged through the trees onto a small ledge, and opened her mouth in awe.
Before her was a massive temple-like building coated in thick green vines. Its walls encased a small courtyard with a dead tree, a stump, and a mysterious platform with the Triforce and four crescent moons connected together at one end. The stairway leading to the entrance had been destroyed, so there seemed to be no way of entering it.
She felt a chill run up her spine. There's something strange about this place...she thought.
Looking down at the entrance, she thought that if she jumped far enough, she'd make it to the platform. She backed up as far as she could, and ran at full speed forward...
"No!!"
"Aaahhh!!" She screamed as she felt someone catch her as she reached the edge of the precipice and was about to jump. She fell forward, but was dragged back into the forest.
"Takuya! Let me go!" She hit him several times, causing him to drop her. "Why did you do that!?"
"Princess Raychel, you could have never jumped that far..."
"I could have!" She stood up and looked at him angrily in the eyes. "You always get in my way! Just leave me alone!" She walked away and mounted Christopher, than rode back to the forest.
Takuya sighed and watched her leave.
When Raychel returned, her father and everyone else were there, waiting for her. She dismounted, but Link went up to her and pulled her into a tent, obviously angry.
"Where were you?"
"I was out in the forest..."
"Where did you go?"
"That temple..."
Link looked away.
"Father, what's in that place? Tell me."
He held a finger to her face. "You are not allowed anywhere near that temple."
"Why?"
"Terrible things happened in that place once."
"What kind of terrible things?"
He took in a breath. "You are to stay within my or Takuya's sight the rest of the trip."
"Father, tell me..."
"Is that understood?"
She sighed and looked down. "Yes."
He turned and went to leave.
"But you know something, don't you?"
He slowly turned around and faced her.
"What father? What is it?"
He stayed silent for a moment. "Forget that you ever even saw that place." He went outside.
Raychel felt hurt and disappointed. What had she done wrong? What was her father hiding? Surely it was only a temple, wasn't it?

* * * * * * * * * * *

The next day, Raychel decided to disregard what had happened and tried to enjoy the rest of her trip. They had found some hoof prints of deer in the dirt and had been following them for several long hours. They trudged on through the forest, seemingly wandering aimlessly and into nowhere...
"Will you look at that..." Morget said as he halted the others. He motioned his head through the trees. There stood a buck nibbling on some grass, not noticing them.
"Wonder how many points this beauty has..." Behri raised her bow. Link gently set a hand on hers, making her lower it. She turned to him a little confused.
"Let Raychel get it."
She looked up at her father, surprised. Behri nodded and smiled at her. "He's all yours, Princess."
Raychel took a deep breath and loaded her bow quietly.
"Point right behind his shoulder. That's where his heart is," whispered Morget.
She aimed and held it steady for a moment, than let go. The deer quickly took off into the forest.
"You got him! Let's go track him!" yelled Fuhr.
"I did?"
"Yes! Now hurry before we loose him." Link led them through the forest, following the prints, blood, and broken twigs the buck left behind. They came into a small clearing and found the deer stumbling on the ground, breathing heavily. After a few moments, he fell and couldn't get back up. He seemed to be crying...
Link unsheathed his sword and handed it to Raychel. "Put him out of his misery."
"What?"
"Take the sword and cut the jugular vein. It's the fastest and least painful way. But be careful. They can be dangerous yet."
Raychel took the sword from her father and cautiously approached the buck. She stared at it for a moment, than quickly sliced his throat. A few moments later, his body went lifeless. Dead.
"Dead..." Raychel looked at the blood-soaked sword, than back at the creature. She began to shake, dropping the sword. She backed up a few steps and looked at her wobbling hands. She began to feel dizzy. "I killed it..." She felt sick.
"Raychel?" Link walked up to her.
She lurched as she walked away from it. She had never felt so weak before. What was happening? She buried her face in her hands. "I killed something...I took away...a life..." She felt faint.
"Raychel!" Link caught her as she fell forward.
"Father...what have...I done?" She almost began to cry as she held onto him.
"Raychel..." He hugged her and stroked her hair. "It's okay. Everything's all right."
"I killed something. I killed something." She breathed deeply and embedded her head in his chest and cried. "I killed something..."
"Raychel." He held her close and looked over at his friends, than back down at his daughter as she cried.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Her first kill?"
"What?" Link looked up from the fire at Fuhr.
"It was her first kill, wasn't it?"
Link looked back into the fire and nodded. "Yeah."
"Pro-hunter sympathy. It happens to all of us." He sat down next to Link. "I remember my first kill. It was a duck." Fuhr shook his head. "I remember thinking to myself that it would never be able to fly again, because of me."
Link nodded. "My first kill was a squirrel. I was seven at the time. Hit it with a slingshot and knocked it out of a tree."
"What did you think after you killed it?"
"I thought about death. How it comes to all of us, but in so many different ways. Then I thought how easy it was to take life away...it doesn't take much."
"No, it doesn't." They stared into the fire a little longer. Link sighed and got up and went over to his daughter. She has sitting on a tree stump looking into the forest blankly.
"Hey." He sat down next to her. "You okay?"
"What was that feeling? I was so scared...I felt so guilty. I still feel that way."
"I know. I had that feeling when I made my first kill, too."
"But what is it?"
"It's realizing that life doesn't last forever."
"Is that why you wanted me to kill it?"
He nodded. "You're young, Raychel. You still have so much to learn. But you must know that time won't wait for you. When your time comes, you have to accept it."
"But I took away a life!"
"You fed a family."
She looked deeply into her father's face. "Why do we kill?"
"To survive."
"We kill to live on. It's a paradox."
"Just like life."
She shuddered. "I'm scared."
"Why? Are you afraid his ancestors are going to haunt you in the night?"
"Father..." she tried not to, but smiled.
"There. See? You're smiling. Out of every bad experience comes something positive. That's why I always say never leave any stone unturned, for..."
"Sometimes the risk can lead to a beautiful new experience." she said with him.
Link smiled and nodded. "That's it." He hugged Raychel, kissed her cheek and left.
Raychel looked back into the forest. "We kill to live...do we live to kill?"

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel stayed behind the rest of their duration, deciding not to kill anything else. While they were out hunting, Raychel picked up her history book and, reluctantly, tried to study it.
About an hour went by before she noticed someone - or something - was watching her. She looked up over her book and widened her eyes as a bear-like creature came rummaging into the campgrounds, grunting and growling. She stayed as still and quiet as possible.
It did little good. The beast noticed her and went over to her. It sniffed and growled at her. It placed a giant paw on her book, forcing her to drop it. It stood up, rising to twice its previous height, and lifted its paw. Raychel remembered what her father said about death...
Whoosh!
An arrow flew between her and the creature. It stopped and looked in the direction the arrow came from.
Takuya ran into the scene, teasing the beast with his sword. As he stared into the creature with his blood-like eyes, it became scared. It whimpered a bit, than ran into the forest. Takuya turned to Raychel.
"Are you all...?"
"You almost killed me with your arrow!"
He sighed. "I'm sorry..."
"Being sorry would not have healed me, you idiot! Be more careful with weapons! You should know this by now!" She angrily walked into her tent.
Takuya sadly lowered his head. "Your time will come, Princess, when you realize the truth..."

* * * * * * * * * * *

"I swear he's out to kill me, father."
"Raychel..."
"It came so close!"
"It was about five feet off."
"I don't care! I demand you find me another guardian!"
Link shook his head and rode up ahead to Takuya. Raychel growled.
"I'm sorry that she treats you like that. All the time, I don't know why."
"It's all right, your majesty. I'm fine with her not liking me."
"She said you tried to kill her."
Takuya shrugged his shoulders.
"She exaggerates, Takuya. Most of the time it's best to ignore her. It can be quite funny when she does overdo it though." He grinned.
Takuya smiled wryly as they entered the gates to the castle.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"You're home." Zelda looked up from her desk at Link.
"Yeah." He stood there, expecting a hug or a kiss from her.
"How was it?"
"Raychel...made her first kill."
"Is she all right?"
"She's fine. It took awhile for it to sink in, but she'll be okay."
"Did she study?"
Link was tempted to say "Not very much.", but decided against it. "Yeah." He studied Zelda's face closely. She seemed in a daze. "What's the matter?" He walked in front of her desk.
"My father is ill. Very ill. He is expected to die within the next few days."
Link widened his eyes. "What happened to him? He was fine last week!"
"I don't know. The healers don't know. Oh Link, I don't know what to do." She began to cry a little as she put her forehead in her hand.
"Zelda," Link went over and embraced her sadly.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel smiled as she saw Michael, once again, concentrating hard on the piano. She crept up to him and went to pinch him with her fingers.
"Don't even think about it."
"Aw, damn it, Michael!" she laughed.
"I heard you got your first kill," he said as he continued playing.
"Who told you that?"
"Takuya."
"Did he say anything else? Like he almost killed me?"
"You overstate." He quickly finished his song and turned to Raychel. "What did it feel like?"
She studied his face. "It was...scary, almost. I felt so...guilty. But father said that...we kill to live. But I asked myself, do we live to kill?"
"We live to die."
"It's like a paradox, Michael, isn't it?"
"More then that. It's like winter in the summer." He began to play again.
She eyed him curiously. "Like what?"
"What would you say or do if it started snowing in the middle of the summer?"
"I'd...think that would very strange. Unnecessary. We don't need two winters in a year."
"It's like hunting, Raychel. It's rather unnecessary when you think about it. Do we really need to hunt?"
"I...suppose not. We can survive without hunting."
"We weren't really "designed" to hunt, were we?"
"No. We need to make weapons."
"Just like nature wasn't designed to have two winters..."
"What's your point?"
"It would break the inherent laws of nature..."
"Yes, it would."
"But we'd learn so much from it, wouldn't we?"
"I guess. If it ever did happen..."
"It can teach us so much." He paused. "Grandfather is very sick."
Raychel quickly drew in a breath. "What happened?"
"We don't know. No one does..."
"Mother..." Raychel ran upstairs. Michael went back to playing the piano.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Economics is defined as the science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of wealth, and with the various related problems of labor, finance, taxation..."
No, no. Too long. Maybe a little lighter here? Some more shade, perhaps...There. Well, almost. The wings could use a little more "feathery" appearance...
"...There is what is called an economic geographical scale. It is actually a branch in geography that deals with the relation of economic conditions to physical geography..."
There! Wait...missed a spot! Damn it! Now I have to erase so that the shading is even...
"And I'm sure Miss Raychel will be honored to answer my question."
Okay, there! That's strange, why is it so quiet all of a sud...
Raychel looked up from her drawing and noticed everyone was staring at her. "Yeah, what?"
"Miss Raychel, please answer my question."
"What question?"
"See me after class."
She slumped down in her chair.
:Wow, he got you this time, Raych.:
She looked over at her friend Kaity, who was communicating telepathically with her.
:Pff. Dork. I hate Economics so much. It's so boring.:
:It's okay, I guess. Sometimes his lectures are rather long, though.:
:This class is always long.:
:What were you doing, anyway?:
:Drawing.:
:Flying people, as usual?:
:Of course.:
:You seem to have more drawings than notes. But you're really good at it.:
:Yeah, well, keeps me occupied...:
A bell sounded three times.
"That's all for today. This weekend, your assignment is chapter six, questions one through twelve." The teacher looked up at Raychel.
"See you later, Kait."
"Good luck."
Raychel let out a sigh as she approached his desk.
"Well, Raychel, it seems that we have a communication problem."
"Yeah we do."
"Now, do you not like this class, or do you not understand it?"
"Both."
He nodded. "What is it that you don't like?"
"Everything."
"Is there anything I can do to make this class more interesting?"
"You can take me out of it."
He sighed. "You're being very difficult, Raychel." He picked up a sheet of paper and studied it for a moment. "Did you know that you are nearly failing this class?"
She looked down. "Yeah, I know."
"And as I look at your other classes, the only ones you are passing are art and basic defensive training. You're actually failing history, and you have the same grade in law that you do in this class." He looked up from his paper. "Now, I'm not saying that you're stupid, I'm just saying that you can do better. I think I may suggest to your mother that you have extra tutoring classes."
Raychel widened her eyes.
"Extra tutoring classes!?" beamed Kaity as she and Raychel were walking on the cobblestone path.
"Yeah. Can you believe that? My mother is going to be so mad."
"Well, you seem to need it."
"I'm almost failing school so I get punished with more school. That doesn't make sense."
"But Raychel, they're only trying to help you. And, I know you don't like to be reminded of this, but you are the princess. You have to learn this kind of stuff."
"Well there has to be a better way. This is dull. The teacher thinks he knows everything when he probably knows nothing at all! You know the old saying, those who can't, teach?"
"But that's when you have to study and find out for yourself."
"Study. I loathe that word."
Kaity giggled. "So, what are you doing this weekend?"
"I'll tell you what I'm NOT doing. That's study."
"You make it really hard, Raychel."
"Quiet now. You sound like my mother."
Kaity giggled again. "Well, somebody here has to!"
"No they don't! I get enough of it at the castle."
"Well, if you need any help with school, just let me know, okay?"
"Don't count on me asking, but thanks."
"Hey, what were you going to do this weekend? Beside not study?"
"I don't know. Swim, probably."
"In the lake?"
"Yeah! Duh!"
"Isn't it a little late in the year?"
"Nah, not really. It will be in about a month."
"Anything else?"
"Did you want to do something?"
"Maybe...I have to study first."
Raychel rolled her eyes. "Well, I was thinking about going to Death Mountain, too."
"Really? I can't believe your parents let you do that! My parents won't even let me leave town half the time! They say it can be dangerous out in the field."
"It can be if you're not careful. But I don't go by myself. I have a stupid squire following me everywhere when I don't need him, and he's never there when I do need him!"
"You mean that Sheikah Takuya? He's cute."
"Cute!? How can you say that to someone who tries to kill me every other day?"
"Well, he is."
"Did I tell you what he did to me when we went hunting?"
"Yeah..."
"And all those other times?"
"Right, right. But he's still open for the taking, right?"
"Kaity!" Raychel stopped and stared at her. "This guy is trying to kill me!"
"You can't prove that, and it's not true. You just exaggerate a lot."
"I think I can with all the things he's done to me. It's best to stay far away from him. You're one of my closest friends, Kaity. I don't want you getting hurt, all right?"
"I can still think he's cute, right?"
"Kaity, I'm serious! Just don't go near him, all right?"
"Okay, okay! I won't."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Raychel sighed. "It's getting late. I have to go home."
"How's your grandfather?"
"Not...doing too well."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"That's okay. See you in a couple days?"
Kaity shrugged. "Sure. And hey, don't forget to study?"
"Oh I'll forget, don't worry!"
Smiling dryly, she went down the stairs towards her home.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Perfect. Not a parental unit in sight...
Raychel peeked around the corridor once more before bolting for the door. Unfortunately, she didn't make it quite so far.
"Where are you going?"
Damn! Raychel squinted her face in frustration before she turned to her mother. "I'm going swimming with Zach in the lake."
"What about your studies?"
"What about my studies?"
"Raychel! Your teachers have been telling me that you are slipping farther and farther behind since you've returned from hunting a couple days ago, and even before than you weren't up to date."
"What do they know? They're such a sophists. I haven't learned anything from them."
"Maybe its because you shouldn't fully rely on them for learning. You're becoming more and more independent everyday, and you should concentrate on obtaining the knowledge yourself."
Like what Kaity said...
She took off her necklace, which had the Kingdom Ring on it, and held it out to Raychel. "You'll be fifteen in less than three months, and at that age you'll inherit this ring. The Kingdom Ring of Hyrule, Raychel. It shows responsibility and intelligence, and proves that you are ready to succeed to the kingdom. I want to be able to give this to you when you turn fifteen, Raychel, but you have to know how this kingdom works. And you'll have to do that by yourself and the only way to do that is if you continue learning."
"I learn more and more about the lake every time I go swimming."
"And where will this knowledge get you in your future?"
"I....well I find it more interesting than anything in school." She turned to leave.
"Raychel, did you visit your grandfather?"
She suddenly stopped and slowly closed her eyes.
"Raychel, I don't believe you. He's dying! And you know how much you mean to him. You should visit him every time you get the chance. Go upstairs and talk to him now."
"Yes, mother." She placed her bag on the ground and, without giving Zelda a second glance, went up to his room.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Zelda...is that you?"
"No, grandfather."
"Ah, Raychel. How you look so much like your mother. Come here, child."
Raychel entered the room and went over to her grandfather's bed. Just a few weeks ago he was a happy old man, exploding with fun and wisdom. Now, because of an unknown illness, he was dying day by day. His face was getting paler, his hair whiter, his eyes duller, his body more frail. Raychel suddenly felt a sweep of guilt as she realized she had almost forgotten to visit him. She reached out and embraced his wilting hand with her own. He spoke with a wise yet coarse voice, and it sounded almost painful to talk.
"Raychel..."
"I am here."
"Raychel...please remember..."
"Yes?"
"Do not ever take anything in life for granted, for the world can change in the blink of an eye."
"I promise you I will always remember it."
"Raychel..."
"Yes?"
"You are a good child, my dear. Don't change yourself for anyone. For you will stumble upon yourself one day, and it takes an inner knowledge of being to get back up."
"I understand," she lied.
Her grandfather breathed heavily before drifting off to sleep. Raychel carefully placed his hand down on the bed and quietly left the room. On her way downstairs, she crossed paths with Zelda.
"I'm going to Lake Hylia now," she announced without stopping to look at her.
"Be back by five o'clock. And take Takuya with you."
Raychel growled.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Takuya! Ah! Some guardian! He's never there when I need him!" Raychel called loudly and impatiently as she wandered around the training grounds. "Takuya! Get out here!!" She walked a bit more before calling out again. She turned around and walked backwards. "TAKUYA!!"
She felt herself bump into someone, causing that person to drop whatever was in his or her hands. She quickly turned around.
"I'm so sorry, princess. I wasn't watching where I was going."
"Oh, Impa, no. It's my fault. Here." Raychel kneeled down and picked up the papers for her.
"Thank you, child," the Sheikah replied as she took the papers.
"Whatch'ya got there?"
"Just some...old files on my people."
"Oh...have you found anything yet? Any clues on whether or not there are more Sheikahs alive?"
"...No. But I do believe they are alive. Takuya's the proof. Remember?"
"You found him..."
"I really don't know from whom, but I was so surprised, and relieved." She half-smiled.
"Hey, do you know where he is now?"
"He's training with your father."
Raychel rolled her eyes. "And to think he's supposed to be my guardian. He's only a squire!"
"But an excellent one, you must agree. He will be a knight soon."
"Yeah, but he's only five years older than me! I wish I had a guardian like you. You're so wise and kind. Takuya's so...so...young! You're fifteen years older then my mother, and you were her guardian. And why does my guardian have to be a male! I can't ever talk to him! Impa, can you be my guardian?"
Impa chuckled. "If I could, I would. I'm just too old."
"You are not old! You can still fight a lot better then most of the jokers around here."
"You're sweet, lass, but..."
"Yeah, but?"
Impa sighed. "I'm just not cut out for it anymore."
"Nonsense!"
"Takuya can to a much better job of guarding you then I can."
"But I can't talk to Takuya like I can to you. Besides, there's something about him that..."
"Raychel, my dear," Impa put a hand to the princess' face. "If you ever need to talk, just let me know. I'm never too busy for you."
"Thank you."
"Now go. I'm sure somewhere there's someone waiting for you."
"Oh my goddesses, you're right! Zach's going to be so mad! Takuya!" Raychel ran off to find her guardian. She didn't have to travel very far. The Sheikah was with Link practicing his swordplay.
"Takuya!" She ran down to both of them. Before Takuya could say anything, she spoke in a rather rude voice, but avoiding eye contact. "Takuya, I want to go to Lake Hylia now but mother is making me take you along. We're leaving right this moment." As quickly as she came, Raychel left.
Takuya turned to Link, who simply shrugged and shook his head. "Again, I'm sorry she always treats you like that. I don't know why she doesn't like you. Half the time she doesn't even look at you."
"I don't mind. I'm used to it. Thank you for the lesson, your majesty. I promise I'll take good care of your daughter." Takuya bowed and left.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"What are we doing here!?"
"Princess Raychel, your mother asked if I could stop by the ranch and see how her horse is doing."
"I don't have time for this! I wanted to go to Lake Hylia."
"But I got this order from your mother and your mother's orders come first." Takuya dismounted his horse and knocked on the stable door. Malon, the owner, smiled when she saw him and let him in. "Princess, do you wish to come in?"
"No, thank you. I'll stay out here." She turned her head to the sun. She was so late! She had to figure out a way to get to the lake quickly before Takuya came out. Then again, Takuya loved horses as much as Malon and would probably have a long conversation with her. She looked over at the reigns of his horse and smiled evilly. Making sure no one was near by she took the reigns and tied it to the rail using a special knot her father had taught her. This knot was used for making rope bridges and therefore almost impossible to get out. Again, checking to see if anyone was watching, she mounted her own horse. Quickly but quietly, she galloped off to Lake Hylia.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel got off her horse and tied it to the post. She looked around for her friend, but noticed he wasn't anywhere in sight. She took off her red and gold trimmed tunic to reveal her orange swimming suit. She braided her hair and put it into a bun, then took off her black boots and gold-fabric pants and walked over to the edge of the water. She let the gentle waves lick her feet as she waited for Zach. A few moments later and still no sign of him, she decided to swim without him.
"Oh well." She walked into the water. It was a bit cold, but she'd get used to it. She swam out into the middle of the lake and dove into the water. She could open her eyes under water and clearly see the bottom of the lake, whose stones where brightly reflecting the sun, and made it look like glass.
She gasped under the water as she felt something brush her feet. She quickly surfaced and looked around. No one. She nervously scanned the area, and not a thing in site.
Then she felt it again.
It had to be from under the water!
She dunked her head beneath the surface and looked around. Nothing. She threw back her head and again looked around the lake. She suddenly felt scared, like someone was watching her. She turned to see a splash from far down the lake. A fish?
Then she felt it again, only this time, whatever it was it grabbed her whole foot and suddenly pulled her under the water. She barely had enough time to take a breath before she realized she was being dragged deeper and deeper into the water. Kicking the predator loose with her other foot, she quickly surfaced the water and gasped several times for air. Then she heard laughter.
Raychel turned around to see the pair of sleek, dark blue eyes of a Zora smiling at her.
"ZACHARIAH! Don't ever do that AGAIN!!"
"Do what?"
"Zach, really, that scared me."
"Whoa, little miss tough cookie afraid of getting her hair wet."
"Shut up."
The Zoran prince smiled and apologized. Zachariah was a few years older then she, around seventeen. Like most Zoras, he had a smooth but muscular body and powerful yet beautiful aqua blue fins. The color of his "skin" was like an icy blue that radiated in the sun. Around his wrists, ankles, waist, and neck were belts of gold, symbolizing his stature as prince.
"So, what do you want to do today, Raych?"
"I don't know..." She took a deep breath and floated on her back. Zach joined her.
"How's your brother? Still obsessed with the piano?"
"Yeah. He's trying to memorize another song."
"How many songs does he know?"
"Too many. But if it keeps my mother out of my hair, I'm fine with it. She usually doesn't get mad at me if I don't practice, but my studies..."
"Are you still behind?"
"I'm not doing so good in economy. It's all a bunch of numbers and statistics."
"You'll understand it someday."
"Someday..."
"But today is not that day!" Zachariah flipped backwards and dove under the water with Raychel following. She watched, as he zipped underwater. He was so fast, no wonder he could easily sneak up on her. Then again, he was a Zora. He suddenly flew up to her and stopped in front of her face.
"Wanna go for a ride?"
"I wish I brought my Zora Tunic. A lot happened this morning..."
"Don't worry. If you need air, just give me a signal. And watch out for my fins. I don't want to hurt you. Hold on tight and take a deep breath."
Raychel put her arms around his shoulders. Inhaling deeply, Raychel went under the water with him. She marveled at how beautiful the floor of the lake was up close, even if she only saw it briefly before she needed air. But Zach didn't seem to mind the constant interruptions. He never had. Raychel couldn't remember ever meeting Zachariah; he had just always seemed to be there. He was her most trusted friend. Raychel felt it was too bad they lived in completely different worlds, but this almost never interfered with their relationship, and it didn't stop them from seeing each other as often as possible. She didn't know very many people, but she felt meeting someone like Zach and having such a strong relationship with him was worth it.
Raychel smiled and embraced him tighter as they continued exploring the depths...

* * * * * * * * * * *

"I just wish my mother would understand me, Zach."
"She still doesn't get it that you hate the piano and find your studies difficult?"
"No! And I've told her so many times..."
Raychel and Zachariah were eating lunch under the dead tree in the central island of the lake. It was around the mid-afternoon, and they had been talking for the past hour about their maternal troubles.
"Have you ever asked her for help?"
"It's not that I need help, it's that I don't want to learn this stuff. It's so dull..."
"That's what's making it harder. You're refusing to learn it."
"But I don't like it! I hate economics and law and music and history and things like that. I'd rather swim or fish or ride or swordplay or draw pictures. Do fun stuff other kids my age do." She sighed.
"I wish I understood you..."
"Ruto must be such a fun mother. She's always so bright."
"Yeah, she is. A bit pushy at times, but..."
"But not like my mother."
"No. Then again, I try my best to keep up my studies. Zoran codes are different from Hylian codes, but we all follow the same laws set by..."
"Please, don't start. I don't need a lesson today."
Zach smiled as he looked out at the lake, which was almost perfectly reflecting the shore and everything on it.
"What was that?"
"Huh, Raych?"
"You didn't see it?"
"See what?"
"That splash in the middle of the lake..."
"Raychel! It was probably only a fish."
"I don't know. I think someone's watching us."
Zach stood up and went over the edge of the shore. Scanning the lake, he turned to Raychel. "There's nothing out..."
"Behind you!"
Before Zachariah could react, a small figure jumped on his back, causing him to fall backwards into the lake. Raychel ran over and peered into the lake, watching two bluish figures roll around in the water. A few moments later, they surfaced.
"Ha ha ha! Gotch'ya, Zachy!" said a small Zora girl.
"Sofia! What are you doing here?" Zach asked.
"Mama told me to go check up on you. Make sure you weren't getting into trouble." Sofia turned to Raychel and waved her hand excitedly. "Hello!"
"Good afternoon, Sofie."
"Is Zach being mean to you?"
"No. Of course not."
"Well if he is, let me know! I'll beat him up for you!"
"Yeah, right." Zach grabbed his little sister and playfully dragged her up onto the shore. He turned his attention back to Raychel. "I want to show you something." He went across the bridge and onto the other small island.
"There he goes again..."
"What's he gonna do, Sofie?"
"He's going to try to impress you," she said with bright eyes.
Raychel rolled her eyes. Sofie was so cute. She looked a lot like her brother only she was ten years younger.
Zach got up onto the pole to which the bridge was connected and spread his arms out. He jumped up and did a twist and a somersault and then neatly dived into the water without a splash. Seconds later he emerged in front of Raychel.
"You think you're so hot, don't you?"
"Do you think I'm hot?" He said with a wink. Sofie giggled.
"You watch this time, hot shot." Raychel climbed the nearby dead tree to the top. Carefully she made her way across one of the branches, which wobbled beneath her weight, but she kept her balance. Finally she was at the tip of the branch and ready to jump. Zach and Sofia stared up silently in amazement as Raychel took a deep breath and stepped off the branch.
"Princess Raychel!!"
Raychel yelped and her other foot slipped off the branch. Screaming, she fell fast and hard into the water. When she hit it, it felt as if she was slammed into a stonewall. She couldn't see anything or breathe. It seemed as if she was sinking deeper into the water. She felt someone lift her up to the surface and lay her down on the shore.
"Raych! Raych! Open your eyes!"
"Raychel, please! Say something!"
Raychel did her best to cough out any water lodged in her throat. Breathing heavily, she opened her eyes to see Zachariah and Sofie standing over her.
"Zach..." She began to cry. She looked at her body and noticed that it was red from the impact. It felt like a million little devils had poked her with their spears.
"Raych." He pulled her up into a sitting position and embraced her heartily. "You're gonna be okay, Raych." He looked up. "You're such a stupid Sheikah!"
Raychel widened her and turned around to see Takuya looking at them. She turned back to Zach, who was giving her guardian a look that could kill.
"Princess Raychel, what were you thinking? You could have been hurt!"
"If you haven't noticed, she is hurt, and it's all your fault!" Zach retorted. He quickly got up and went right into the Sheikah's face. "You should be thankful that she fell in the water and not on the land!"
"And what was she doing up there?"
"She was trying to have fun."
"Fun? You call that fun? You're her friend! How could you even think of letting her do something as dangerous as that?" Takuya pushed the Zora aside and went over to Raychel. "Princess, it's time to go home. You should have started to leave an hour ago."
"Why? She'll go home when she wants to!" yelled Zach.
"You have no authority to tell me what to do, Prince Zachariah."
"Well you have..."
"Zach, it's okay. I'm late, anyway."
Both boys turned to Raychel. She slowly got up and walked in between them back to the shore. Takuya let out a fatigue sigh as he watched her leave.
"Quit staring at her."
Takuya turned to see Zach giving him a disgusted look. He urged Sofia into the water and followed her home. Takuya took a deep breath before making his way to the shore.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"That was a dirty trick, Raychel."
"I'm sorry, mother."
"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to Takuya. He was only trying to protect you, you understand."
"No!" Raychel got up from her seat. "All he did was get in my way! I do stuff like that all the time, mother! But whenever he's around..." she paused.
"Yes?"
"Did father ever tell you that Takuya tried to kill me when we went hunting?"
Zelda gave her a look of disbelief. "No. He told me that Takuya saved your life...twice."
"He's annoying! I don't like him and I don't want him to be my guardian! I can take care of myself!" She stormed out of her mother's study. Zelda sighed and shook her head.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Whoa! Steady, Raychel! Don't let your anger get the better of you!"
"I can't help it!" Raychel swung a wide arc with her sword at her father, but missed completely, stumbling forward. Using his own sword, Link knocked Raychel's sword out of her hand when she followed through. She quickly spun around to meet the tip of her father's blade. She gave an angry look of defeat, then walked away and sat down on a bench. Link smiled and followed her.
"What's up?"
"My life."
"Is it because of what happened earlier today?"
"It's about Takuya."
"Takuya?"
"Father..." She almost began to cry. "There is something about him..."
"What?"
"I'm so scared. Honestly, father, I think he's trying to hurt me in some way. Maybe even...kill me..."
"Kill you?" His eyebrows went up.
"I...don't know. Whenever he's around me I feel so frightened. It's what I've been trying to tell you."
"Are you being serious?" he said gravely.
"You know what happened earlier today! And when we were hunting! There have been other times, too! Like when I fell off my horse a couple years ago, and he almost trampled me with his! Or the one time we practiced swordplay together...he came so close to stabbing me. Another centimeter and I would have been seriously hurt, if not killed. And then there's the time..."
"Raychel."
"What?"
"Are you being serious? Very serious?"
"Yes!" She took a few deep breaths.
"I'll...talk to your mother. But understand that it would be very difficult to find a replacement. He is a Sheikah and his destiny is to protect the Royal Family. That is, to protect you."
Raychel nodded. "Why do I even have to have someone follow me everywhere I go?"
"Why do you think?"
She growled. "I don't want to be a princess!"
Link laughed a little. "You act just like your mother did when she was your age."
"You're kidding."
"Hard to believe, isn't it? But, as you get older, you'll realize that this is what you live for."
"Being a princess?"
"Being yourself, my child. In my life, I've learned that you may be able to change your outside features very easily, but you'll always be yourself on the inside."
"Even if I change my attitude and the way I think?"
"Yes. Deep down, you will always be Raychel. And that's important. You must never forget who you are, or else you'll be looking in the mirror one day and not recognize yourself."
"But, who am I?"
"You must figure that out for yourself. And you can only find that answer within, for that's where the most knowledge lies."
"You sound like mother."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" He smiled.
"I don't know. My mind is filled with so many things right now. I better go try and study before she gets angry at me again." Raychel reluctantly got up and went to her room. Along the way, she accidentally bumped into someone. She looked up and gave a small gasp.
"Tak...Takuya..."
"I'm sorry princess. Excuse me."
"Takuya...?" She began to feel his strange aura again as his red eyes pierced her face.
"Yes?"
"I....I'm....sorry." She brushed him aside as she went up to her room, crying as she got there. "What's happening...?" She quickly turned around and went into another room.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Impa!"
Impa looked up from her desk as Raychel went over to her and knelt beside her, tears rolling down her face.
"Dear Raychel! What happened?"
"It's....It's...I don't know!" Raychel began to sob. Impa embraced her head and pulled her in close, stroking her hair.
"Ssshh...Quiet now." A few moments later, Raychel took a deep breath and stopped crying. She looked up at Impa, who was smiling meekly at her.
"Impa, you're the only one here who would understand. Please listen to me."
"Of course, young lass. Anything."
"It's Ta...Ta...It's Takuya."
"What about him?"
"Whenever I'm around him I feel so...so strange."
"How?"
"Like...he's going to hurt me."
"Hurt you?!"
"Uh-huh."
"I've known Takuya most of his life. He would never do that."
"I don't care! I don't want him near me. Not ever!" Raychel turned away and took another deep breath.
"Look at me, child."
Raychel turned back and was greeted by Impa's warm red eyes and smile.
"What?"
"I know."
"What do you know?"
"I know what's happening..."
"About...Takuya?"
"Yes."
"Tell me! What's wrong with him?"
Impa meekly smiled.
"Please tell me!"
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because this is something you need to solve yourself."
"I don't believe you! I'd thought you'd help me!" Raychel abruptly left the room, leaving Impa smiling to herself.
"It's not time, my child. Not yet."
"What?" Takuya said as he entered from the other side.
"I said it wasn't her time yet."
Takuya slowly nodded.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel quietly opened the door to her grandfather's room. She peeked in to see her mother kneeling beside his bed and breathed quietly. She thought she heard her mother crying...
"Raychel."
She felt a hand touch her shoulder. She turned around to see Link behind her. He silently urged her in, following after. Zelda turned to see them approach. Raychel felt an urge of empathy as she noticed her mother was crying. Link kneeled down beside her and embraced her. Raychel looked at her grandfather. He was sleeping silently, but not dead. He wouldn't make it another day...
Then she heard it.
Raychel turned around to hear her brother at the piano. She turned back to her parents, who were lost in each other's sympathy. She quietly left the room and went downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * *

As Raychel approached the piano room, the music stopped. She turned the corner to see Michael staring at the piano. She made his way towards him, but felt her anger rise.
"Why haven't you visited grandfather yet?"
He remained silent, still staring.
"Michael!" She harshly walked over to him. She was standing next to him when he spoke.
"Raychel..."
"What?"
"I already have."
"...What?"
Without another word, he gently took her hand and placed it on the piano. Using his hand to guide her, he made her play a song. Michael closed his eyes and seemed to warp his mind into another world. Raychel remained silent and awed at his strange behavior. As soon as it was done, he breathed out deeply, as if he were holding his breath for a long time. He looked up at her.
"Did you feel it?"
"Feel...what?"
"No, how could you have..."
Trying to hold back her tears, Raychel left.
"I love you, Raychel."
She turned around to find him right in front of her. How did he...?
Michael embraced his sister, and, though confused, she returned it and cried.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"It will be any moment now, milord."
Nevis continued to stare at the castle. "Be ready for anything, Lesotho."
Lesotho turned as he saw a handsome young brown-haired man in a tan cloak approach and bow.
"You had a request, Lord Nevis?"
"Yes, Maseru. Inform General Madrid and Colonel Comoros to get their troops ready in the respective locations. And no matter what happens, they are not allowed to harm our hostages."
"I will tell them that, milord." Maseru bowed and left.
Lesotho turned to Nevis. "I trust you, Nevis."
"And I trust all of my men. But, sadly...not my family."
Lesotho turned to the castle to see the sun rise. "We won't hurt them, will we?"
"I don't plan on it." Nevis turned to Lesotho with a tiny smile. "Why?"
"I just...don't like to see children get hurt."
Nevis nodded. "That's understandable. I don't like to hurt children."
Lesotho took a deep breath and looked back at the forest.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Quiet...It's okay, Christopher. It's me."
Raychel gently put her horse's bridle on. She woke him up so he was a bit nervous, but Raychel did her best to keep him calm. It was very early in the morning, so sneaking out of the castle was a bit easier then usual. She wanted to go to Death Mountain and visit the Goron prince and her friend, Alanzo, but she had to do it quickly before someone caught her. She had left her parents a note on her bed saying where she was and that she'd be back later, but she didn't specify a time.
"Is there someone in here?"
Raychel quickly ducked her head behind the stable wall and hid in the shadows. She heard the footsteps of the stable hand approach.
"And why do you have your bridle on, Christopher? Hello! Is someone here?"
Raychel held her breath.
Suddenly, she heard a window shatter as a rock crashed through it. The rock hit the stable hand in the head, knocking him out. Raychel got up and crept over to him. Relieved that he was still alive, she went up to the window and looked around. No one. Though a bit confused, she jumped back down. She picked up the rock. It was large, blue, and shiny, like one found on the bottom of Lake Hylia. She put it back down and went over to her horse.
"Okay, come on, Chris." Raychel mounted her horse and silently urged him out of the stable and into Hyrule field.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Easy boy. You can't climb mountains."
Raychel dismounted her horse and tied his reigns to a post. She went over to the mountain and smiled as she looked up it.
"Here we go." Raychel reached up and grabbed a rock, pulling her self upwards. She continued to climb like this for several minutes, slowly progressing. She could have easily taken the walkway, but she always loved a challenge.
"This...is...hard...er...then it...looks..." Raychel grunted as she found herself getting weaker. No! She wasn't going to let it get the better of her! She was almost there! Just one more step!
She reached for another rock...and slipped.
"Noooo!!"
Breathing heavily, she realized someone was holding her hand! She looked up!
"Alanzo!"
Smiling, the Goron easily pulled her up. He sat down next to her as she caught her breath.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes, Alan. If I had fallen... thank you so much."
"Your welcome, Raychel."
Raychel laughed and turned to Alanzo. The Goron prince was her age, which was what she found to be great. He had an older brother, who ironically had the same name as her father. His "skin" was a dusty golden color, and his eyes a mellow violet. On his arm was the Goron tattoo, and around his wrists were golden Goron bracelets.
"So, what are you doing up so early, Alan? I wanted to surprise you."
"Well, I had to go down to the cavern and help the miners. What made you want to get up so early?"
"I wanted to see you, goofy! We haven't talked in awhile. How ya been, buddy?"
"Everything is very well up here."
"Wish I could say the same..."
Alan squinted his eyes and frowned.
"My life is upside down, Alan. I'm so far behind with school there's no use trying to catch up." She turned to him. "I wish I was smart like you."
"But Raychel, you are very intelligent. You just need to try harder, that's all."
"I feel sometimes that I'm going to crash if I do. You saw what happened earlier, when I tried to climb the mountain."
"Hmmm. That really doesn't have anything to do with your school."
"Alan! Just try to understand me!"
Alan laughed. "The way you whine, Raychel."
"What about the way I whine!?"
The Goron laughed again, and Raychel joined him.
"You two are being so silly."
Raychel and Alanzo looked up to see Link, the Goron chief, standing behind them.
"Good morning, Link."
"Are you here to help us, Raychel?"
"Sure, why not? Don't have anything better to do."
"No studying?" asked Alazno.
"Nope!" She smiled brightly.
'You're a good person, Raychel. Just like your parents," commented Link.
"Thank you."
"Well, come on, then." Link urged them up and showed them where the miners were working.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Phew! What a day! I can't believe it's so late." Raychel took her dusted hand and whipped her dirty brow. She had been lifting rocks all day long. She was exhausted, but enjoyed the time she spent with Alanzo.
"You did a good job today, Raychel. We appreciate your help. Are you going to stay for dinner?"
"Thank you Alan. But I think I should be going home now. I have to visit my grandfather."
"How is he?"
"He's..." Raychel shook her head. "He's not doing well."
"That is very sad. He and my father are good friends."
"Yeah, he's at our castle right now visiting, isn't he?"
"Yes. Did the healers ever find out what disease he had?"
"No. Not yet."
"I don't mean to be rude, but shouldn't you be seeing him and not I?"
Raychel stood still for a moment.
"Well, I pray to the Goddesses for you and your family."
"Thank you." Raychel bowed and mounted Christopher.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Zachariah floated on his back in Zora River staring at the evening sky and yawned. He was supposed to be keeping an eye on Sofia, but he figured there wasn't anything dangerous about picking flowers, so he took the time to relax his eyes and think about his life. His mother and father were at Hyrule Castle visiting the sick, elderly king. He felt so bad for Raychel, and the rest of her family. It seemed like only a few moments later when he heard someone scream. He turned his head.
"ZACH! HELP ME!!"
"Sofie!" He quickly turned over and swam to the bank of the river. He climbed out of the water and went over to where Sofie was supposed to be, but he didn't see her. "Sofie!" He walked around nervously, than stopped. Someone was watching him...
"Gotch'ya!"
Zach gasped as he felt someone lift him under his arms and around the back of his neck. Using his fin, he tried to stab the person, but someone else came up and punched him hard in the stomach, causing him to nearly faint.
"Drug him."
The last thing he remembered was a sharp sting in his arm.

* * * * * * * * * * *

As Raychel approached the stables, she noticed that there were no horses outside. They were all inside the barn. But it was very quiet. None of them were moving, except for a few twitching eyes. They seemed to be annoyed by her presence. But why?
Raychel, they're just horses.
Raychel approached the castle, noticing no one was outside. Not even any guards. Where was everyone? It was getting late. Someone had to be here! She opened the door to the castle. The hallways echoed with her footsteps. She suddenly felt scared. She went upstairs, but no one was there. She looked out a window at the stars above. But there were none. Not even the moon was out...
"Raychel!"
She spun around and met Link.
"Father..."
"Raychel, where have you been?"
"At Death Mountain. Didn't you get my letter?"
"No, Raychel."
"You didn't get it? It was on my..."
"Did you visit your grandfather today?" There was a bit of anger in his voice.
"...No."
"Raychel..." Link shook his head.
"What?"
"He died earlier today."
Raychel opened her mouth, but no words came out. She wanted to burst out saying a million different things, but nothing. She gave her father one last quick look before she ran away.
Choking back tears, she ran down the hallway that led to the courtyard, but hit someone on the way out. She took a quick breath and looked up.
"Takuya..."
"Princess..." He looked deeply into her eyes. "I'm sorry for your loss."
She looked down and noticed he had something in his hand. It was the blue rock that had broken the stable window! She stared at it with her mouth agape. With his other hand, he reached out and laid it on her shoulder. She felt like she was being stabbed, his touch was so sharp. She quickly pushed it off and ran out to the garden, praying that he wouldn't follow her.
Raychel went out to the tree in the middle of the southern garden and collapsed underneath it, and proceeded to cry. There were so many messages in her head she couldn't concentrate on any one of them. She could only cry.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Hey, Brother!"
"Yes, Link?"
"There's another powder keg in the storeroom, will you get it for us?"
Alanzo went outside the cave and over to the storeroom. He opened the door and reached up for the keg, but felt something sharp on his back. He turned around to see a man with a wobbling sword and a confused look.
"May I help you, sir?"
"It didn't work!!"
"What?"
"Use the arrows!"
Alanzo looked around and saw a rain of arrows flying at him. Though most of them missed, one hit his arm. Wincing, he turned and pulled it out. Blood was beginning to trickle from the wound, but that's all he remembered.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Sister..."
Raychel sat up and looked over at Michael. He had tears coming from his eyes and a scared look on his face.
"Oh, Michael...was it my fault?"
"No, of course not." He walked over and sat down by her. "I can't believe it, though..."
"I wish..." Raychel stared up at the sky. "I wish I could fly away."
Michael looked at her with awe. She then stared at the ground and cried again. She realized now that her parents were the official king and queen of Hyrule, and she and her brother were the next heirs...but she wasn't happy at all.
"Why...why Michael? Why does this have to happen to us?"
"Death is inevitable. You can run from it, but not forever."
"I wonder if you can fly from it?"
"You mean like fly away?"
"Mm-hmm. Yeah."
"Why would you want to? We have to accept death when it comes to us."
"Like what father told me. But what about life?"
"There's a saying that goes you can't experience being alive until you realize you have to die. You can't forget that you won't live forever, even if you try hard to think about being alive. It's like two sides of the same coin. Its hard to concentrate on being alive without knowing death will come to you, but only by thinking about death will you recognize just how beautiful it is to be alive. It's like winter in the summer..."
When she stopped crying to catch her breath, she heard a noise that sounded like someone was drowning. She got up and went towards the exit and peeked around the corner, with Michael following.
"Aaahh!" She covered her mouth. Michael gasped and took a step back.
It was a guard whose throat had been slit, blood still spilling out. Eyes wide, she backed off a few steps, shaking her head and whispering words of negation.
"No...oh no...I don't be..."
"Believe it."
They spun around to see a man with short black hair looking at them with deadly brown eyes. They paused with fear.
"Get them."
Before they could scream, several men had gripped them tightly and covered their mouths with cloths.
"Drug them."
Raychel stared up at the sky as all went black.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Zelda and Link stood holding each other closely as they stood in her grandfather's empty bedroom. Zelda had been crying for the past several hours and Link, though crying himself, did his best to comfort her.
"I can't believe this happened...did you tell Raychel?"
"Yes."
"Oh my goddesses. He was my last...I have no one else."
"You have us." He brushed away her tears, and she did the same to him.
"Zelda..."
Link and Zelda turned to the door to see Ruto. She sadly walked over to her and embraced her sorrowfully. "I'm so very sorry."
"As am I."
Darunia made his way into the room, looking at the ground. Zelda tried hard not to cry. Her father and Darunia were Sworn Brothers, something that just wasn't given away freely. There were a few moments of uneasy silence.
"Excuse me, your majesties."
The group looked over at the door to see a guard standing there.
"What is it?" asked Link.
"I hate to interrupt you at a time like this, but there's something going on outside. You had better have a look."
"No, no, not anymore..." Zelda trailed off.
"Stay here, I'll go out."
"No, it's okay, Link."
The foursome made their way outside the castle.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Oh my goddesses..." Zelda covered her mouth with her hand. Before them were a group of people she had never seen before. There was also a line of her own guards holding back the intruders, but not attacking them.
"Who the hell are you?!" Link demanded.
"Allow me to explain." A man with long blonde hair stepped forward. "Pardon my rude entrance, but there is something that needs to be straightened out now that the king, my uncle, is dead."
"Your...uncle?" asked Link in surprise. He looked at Zelda, who only stared blankly at the strange man.
"Yes. Have you not told your own husband of your family tree, dear cousin?"
"No...no...Nevis...what are you doing here? You were exiled many, many years ago."
"But I have come back to take my rightful place as the king of Hyrule."
"Zelda, what is he talking about?" asked Link nervously.
"My father had an older brother, who was supposed to be the true king of Hyrule. However, he..."
"We don't have time for stories now, Zelda." Nevis walked a few steps to his right. "All I want is the kingdom of Hyrule, which IS rightfully mine."
Zelda shook her head. "It doesn't matter that the throne is rightfully yours, you were banished from this land. Even still, you are being selfish. Your uncle just died and all you can think about is taking the throne away from me. Get the hell out of my kingdom or I shall force you out." Zelda took a few steps back.
"I wouldn't leave yet, DEAR cousin." His face remained still as he spoke his words. Zelda stopped and stared at him. "After all, you haven't introduced me to your entire families yet."
Ruto took in a deep breath and widened her eyes. Zelda's face grew curious and confused.
"But that's okay. I have already met them. In fact, they are right..."
Nevis took a step aside as did the first line of guards.
"...Here!!" Their children were faintly standing, each with a sword to their throats.
"Raychel! Michael!"
"Zachariah! Sofia!"
"Alanzo!"
"No! Let them go!" All four of them started to rush forward with a line of guards, but Nevis held a hand up in the air.
"If you proceed any closer, you only guarantee them death."
"What are you doing, you monster!!" yelled Zelda with tears in her eyes as she stopped.
"How could you do such a thing!? They're only children!!" shouted Darunia.
"Leave them alone! Please don't hurt them!" Ruto pleaded, choking in her own tears.
"I won't...if you give me Hyrule."
Zelda opened her mouth, but no words came out.
"Mother..." Raychel barely opened her eyes.
"Oh no...Raychel...what have you done to her?"
"Don't be so sad, Zelda." Nevis said sympathetically. "I'm giving you three days to decide. Either your children..." He looked over at them, then back at Zelda. "...or your kingdom. Or should I say, MY kingdom."
Zelda gave him an evil look and shook her head.
"Until then, your children will remain with me. I promise you no harm will come to them unless you force me to do so. I will be back in three days for your decision." He snapped his fingers and the children were drawn back.
"Raychel! Michael! No!" Zelda took a step forward, but Link stopped her.
"Zach...Sofie..."
"Alanzo..."
"Three days." Nevis gave them a final look before he turned around and followed his troops.
Zelda fell to her knees and buried her face in her hands. It was too much happening too quickly. Her father just died, and now her children were being taken away. She had absolutely no clue what to do, for she had to make a most impossible choice...her people for her own children...her children for her children...

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Mommy!"
"Raychel, you silly girl, what are you doing?"
"I'm gonna try and fly!"
"Raychel, dear, people can't fly."
"I'm gonna be the first!"
"You have such an imagination, child, but you know that's not rationally possible."
"I'm gonna try anyway! Someday, I will succeed and fly."
"You are a strange little girl."
"Mother..."
Raychel licked her lips, but immediately felt them crack and sting. Opening her eyes was a most difficult task. They seemed to be swollen shut. Eventually, her sense of feeling became more and more evident. She gripped her hand and felt a clump of hay. The cool night air was swirling around her. She finally managed to open her eyes and gaze around. She was in a small cage with rusted iron bars, the wooden floor littered with hay. She looked down and noticed that the cage was above the ground in the back of a horse cart. It was nighttime still. She tried her best to remember what had happened before, but only found a blank spot in her memory.
She looked to her right and almost threw herself at the iron bars. She saw her brother in a similar prison about ten feet away from her.
"Michael! Michael! Wake up! Michael!"
Michael slowly opened his eyes and turned his head. He smiled. "Raychel..."
"Oh, Michael. I'm so glad you're all right."
"Me too." He turned his head to the other side. "Alanzo, you okay?"
"Alanzo! He was captured, too?"
"Yes..." Alanzo said. Raychel couldn't see him, but hearing his voice was a relief for her.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, Raychel. My arm hurts a little, but I'll be fine."
"Oh....I wonder if..." Raychel slowly turned around, than lunged at the iron bars again. "ZACH!" Both Zach and Sofie were in another cage like to hers.
"Raychel, I'm fine..." Zach sat motionless and held his little sister close. Sofie had the most frightened look on her face as she lied in his arms.
"No. You need water, don't you?" He was getting pale.
"Sofie, are you fine?"
"Zach, where are we?" Sofie asked, crying.
"Don't cry, Sofie. I won't let anything bad happen to you."
"Zach..."
"Sshh, Sofie."
"There has to be someone here with water..." Raychel poked her head through the bars and saw a few people at a distance. "HEY! YOU!"
"Raychel!" Michael yelled at her, but it was of no use. Two men had already walked up to her cage.
"What do you want, little girl?"
"Them. They need water. Now."
"They'll get water when we give it to them."
"If you don't give them water soon, they'll die."
"We don't follow your order, princess."
"How inconsiderate."
Both men turned around to see the man with the short black hair. It was the same man who had captured her earlier.
"Lesotho, sir!" Both men bowed.
"You were instructed not to harm any of the prisoners. Go give those Zoras some water, NOW!"
"Yes, sir." Quickly, both men left to get water. Lesotho looked up at Raychel with a look of forgiveness.
"Our master wishes to speak with you. Don't be afraid, princess, I will not harm you or let harm come to you."
"And if you do, I'll shred you to pieces," Zach said while eyeing Lesotho.
Lesotho pulled out a set of keys and opened the lock to her cage. Reluctantly, Raychel allowed herself to be pulled out. Lesotho gently gripped her arm and forced her to walk at his side.
"How old are you, princess?"
She looked up at him. "Fourteen."
"So young. I'm sorry for what I did to you earlier. It was an order. You aren't hurt, are you?"
"No..."
As she walked, she noticed that many of the men present were eyeing her in a way she didn't like. She tried to ignore them. They soon approached a large tent that had a lantern lit inside. The guard at the tent opened the flap. Inside it was a man with long blonde hair sitting at a desk, writing a letter of some sort.
"Lord Nevis."
The man looked up. Lesotho urged Raychel forward a little before he left. Nevis gave her a smile and motioned for her to sit down in front of him. Though scared, Raychel did so. She felt her teeth begin to chatter.
"Don't be frightened, princess. Though being scared can sometimes be a good thing. However, I assure you I will bring no harm unto you. I wish to keep you and your friends as healthy as possible." He stood up. "Now, you are probably very confused. Allow me to explain what has happened."
"I would like to know who would be telling me this story, first."
"Oh, forgive my rudeness, dear child. My name is Nevis, and I am your mother's cousin."
"You lie. My mother has no cousin."
"So, she didn't tell you, either."
"Tell me what?"
Nevis sighed. "It was many years ago. My father, that is, your grandfather's older brother, was by Hyrulean law the rightful king of Hyrule."
"How is that?"
"You do not know?" He looked surprised.
"I hate law."
Nevis smiled. "The law says that the throne belongs to the eldest child of the Royal Family. As soon as that child's parents die, he or she becomes the king or queen of Hyrule. Do you follow?"
Raychel nervously nodded her head.
"Well, continuing. That law therefore made my father the rightful king of Hyrule. However, at that time Hyrule was not the peaceful place you know today. Do you know of the history of Hyrule?"
"I hate history."
Nevis laughed under his breath. "At that time, Hyrule was in complete turmoil. The king at that time, your great grandfather, was the most terrible monarch Hyrule had ever had. There were fights nearly every day. And not just petty little fights. Wars, princess. All of our neighboring countries hated us. They threatened to exterminate our kingdom, person by person. Then, my father stepped in. With an iron fist, he took over, and was able to make peace with the other countries. However, a spying Sheikah ratted on him, telling everyone that he had MURDERED his own father just so he could be king. The Law Council found this to be a disturbing feature of my father, and he was no longer suitable to be the king of Hyrule, and your grandfather, my father's younger brother, was made king. They banished my father to a place called Azeel. Are you still following?"
"To summarize, your father used murder to get what he wanted."
"I said a Sheikah ratted on him, telling everyone that that's what happened. But it wasn't true. The king was killed, yes, but not by my father. He was assassinated by a mob of our enemies. My father only watched. He was young at the time, and could not help in anyway. When the Sheikah came into the scene, he only saw my father with the king's sword, and assumed that it was he who killed him. Strangely, it wasn't until ten years later that the Sheikah told the Law Council what had happened. During that time, both Zelda and I were born, but I was born five years ahead of her. My father, even after he told his side of the story, was found guilty. He and my mother, goddesses bless her soul, and myself were all banished. But what disgusts me is that your grandfather did not defend my father's accusation. His own BROTHER, Raychel! My father was betrayed by his own family, and sent into exile on Azeel."
"But how could your father's actions have helped Hyrule?"
"His plans, dear child. His plans for peace were brilliant! He was a genius! When he was banished to Azeel, he gave his plans to your grandfather, who wasn't the least bit grateful. But my father did not care what he wanted. He did it for Hyrule." Nevis leaned back in his seat. "Now, your grandfather is dead. The throne goes to the eldest child in the Royal Family, which is I. You may be wondering what that has to do with you?"
Raychel cautiously looked up at him.
"Your mother is the most stubborn person I have ever heard of. Wouldn't you agree?"
Raychel didn't answer. Nevis smiled.
"Of course, there are two ways to get what you want: By talk, and by force. But talking to your mother would have been worthless. So now I'm using force."
Raychel began to breathe heavily, her eyes nervous and scared.
"That's right, Raychel. I captured the children of Hyrule's Royal Families to prove to her that I meant business here. Your mother must hand over the kingdom of Hyrule to me if she wishes to see you and the others alive again."
"How could you...you're a terrible man!"
"How you talk!" He raised a hand to slap her, but stopped when she gasped. He slowly clenched his fist. He stood up and walked over in front of her, then kneeled down to her eye level and went right into her face. "Remember the law, which comes first. It no longer matters what happened in the past. I am the present, rightful ruler of Hyrule. Your mother is not. And doing this is the only way for your mother to pay attention to me. You know that and I know that. Had I done anything else, your mother would have not given me a second glance."
"Even still, even if you are the rightful heir, she will never give Hyrule over to one who does wrong deeds to prove his stature."
"If you were any more like Zelda, I'd kill you right now. Remember that. And remember that even now your mother has done a terrible thing by marrying a peasant."
"My father is not a peasant! He is one of Hyrule's finest warriors. One of the best that has ever lived!"
"And what knowledge about law does he have? What would happen if your mother were to die? He would be a lone ruler without the knowledge of edict, and instead lead it with a warrior's point of view. This will only bring Hyrule into turmoil."
"No! My grandfather was a commander of the Hyrulean army, and he was a most magnificent king."
"Your grandfather was of noble background and blood. Your father is not."
Raychel drew in a breath. "It doesn't matter. One should marry for love and nothing else, and that's what my mother did."
"Do you believe in love?"
Raychel thought for a moment. "I believe you shouldn't love someone you can live with. You should love someone you can't live without."
"Is there someone out there you can't live without?"
"Aren't we a bit off the subject?"
"We are. Pardon me. Now, back to the rightful heir. Who would you rather see be the ruler of this mighty kingdom? Your stubborn mother, or one who has risked his life to come back to his home country to take his rightful place?"
"My mother is not obstinate but I'd rather have one like that then one that spills innocent blood to get what he wants." She swallowed before continuing. "My mother will never give up Hyrule for us. She'd have death fall upon her first."
"You forget, Raychel." Nevis stared at her for a moment. "You forget that self-sacrifice is an easy thing. It's when you threaten to sacrifice those you love that makes the heads turn." He stared at her again. "But, I should have expected nothing less from Zelda's daughter. I believe this conversation is over." He grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the tent. There, a different man was waiting.
"Take her back. And do not harm her."
Nodding, the guard took her back to where the cages were. Before he put her in, he slammed her against the outside of the iron bars, than stood directly in front of her.
"It's been awhile since I've seen a girl. Especially as one as pretty as you."
Raychel's face grew pale with fear. Oh my goddesses! This guy is a creep!
"Yeah, you're a real flower." He began to gently touch her face and hair.
"Leave her alone, you ugly freak!" Zach banged at his cage.
"Zach..." Raychel shuddered.
"Don't pay any attention to him, my dear."
"Please...leave me alone..."
"Why are you so afraid? It's not like I'm going to hurt you or anything." The guard gently gripped her arms and leaned in a little closer.
"Just leave me alone..."
"It would be hard to..."
"Hey! Didn't you hear her? She wants to be left alone! You respect a lady when she talks to you! Or do you always take advantage of young girls?"
Who was that? Someone from above? Raychel thought.
The guard looked up. "Well, does the Gerudo wench what a piece of this too?"
"Say it to my face, bastard!"
"You calling me a bastard?" The guard pushed Raychel aside and stared up at the cage that was above Raychel's. Inside it was a young Gerudo woman with very short but thick orange hair. "You'll be the ugliest whore that ever lived as soon as I come and visit you." He jumped up to her cage.
"You must be an idiot!" Quick like lightning, the Gerudo kicked her leg between the bars and into the guards face. He fell backwards and landed with a heavy thud on the ground, knocked out cold.
"Get his keys!" whispered the Gerudo.
"Me?"
"Yes! And hurry!"
Raychel quickly dug around the guard's belt until she found a set of keys.
"Up here! Give them to me!" The Gerudo reached her hand out. Raychel stretched up to her.
"Wait! Raychel!"
"Zach?" Raychel turned to him.
"You're not gonna trust that witch, are you? She's a Gerudo! A thief!"
"You're quick to judge by appearance," the Gerudo said blankly, eyeing him.
"Raychel! She's a dirty thief! She only wants to get herself out!"
"She saved me, Zach." Raychel leaned up again and gave the keys to her. Rapidly, the Gerudo freed herself and jumped down to join Raychel.
"Thanks. Here. Go rescue your fishy friends and I'll get the other two. But you must be silent." The Gerudo gave her back the keys.
"What's your name?"
"I'll answer that later. Just hurry before we're caught." She went over to Michael's cage and began to pick the lock with her pocketknife. Raychel went over to Zach and Sofie's cage and began to fumble with the lock.
"You see? She's not that bad," said Raychel as the lock opened.
"I still don't trust her. She could just be playing with us." Zach slowly opened his door and jumped out, then turned around to help Sofia out. He turned to Raychel and embraced her happily. " But I'm glad your safe."
"Are you two all right?"
"I wanna go home," said Sofia quietly.
"Sshh..." Zach kneeled down and hugged her.
"Raychel!"
Raychel turned and embraced her brother as he ran up to her. "Oh, Michael. I'm so happy..." She looked up again and smiled. "Alanzo!"
"We may have all reunited, but now we need to get out of here."
"He's right." The Gerudo peeked around the corner of a cage. "Follow me."
"Whoa! We don't need your help," retorted Zach.
"Zach!" Raychel turned to him fiercely.
"Raychel, she's a Gerudo!"
"Is there something wrong with Gerudos?" she asked.
"They're only murderous thieves."
"Sshh! Someone's coming!" whispered Alanzo. Everyone ducked beneath the carriage and watched as they saw the shadows approach.
"What the hell happened?" one man said as he kneeled by the unconscious guard.
"They've escaped!"
"WHAT!? Oh, man. Lord Nevis is gonna kill us."
"They can't have gone far! We'll get a search party on the double!"
Both men left.
Breathing, Raychel and the others stood up.
"I know how to get away from here if you'll follow me," the Gerudo said.
"Do you know where we are?" asked Alanzo.
"Remotely."
"Oh, that's going to do a LOT of good," growled Zach.
"Like you could do any better?" asked Raychel. Zach turned his head. Raychel looked at the Gerudo again. "Are we anywhere near Hyrule Castle?"
"We're near the forest northwest of the castle. We can take refuge in there. But first, I want my scimitar back."
"I thought you were going to get us out of here?" asked Zach rudely.
"That scimitar, Hard Blade, is my weapon that was specially given to me. I refuse to use anything else. Besides, the forest is filled with monsters and we'll need to defend ourselves."
"We use our fins." Zach folded his arms.
"I can use my fists," said Alanzo.
"What about you two?"
"I can use a sword," said Raychel.
"You can?" asked Michael with confusion in his eyes. Raychel shot him a look that immediately silenced him. "Uhhh, I can use a bow."
"Great. You two Zoras and Prince Alanzo." She pointed to the north. "If you go that way, you'll head straight into..."
"Oh no. We're not going anywhere you tell us unless you guide us, thief," warned Zach.
"Zachariah, please." Raychel turned around and looked at him sadly. "Please just listen to her. If you won't, then do it for Sofie."
Zach looked down at his frightened sister, then back at Raychel. He nodded, than turned to the Gerudo.
"If you go north, you should reach the forest within a half-mile. Inside the forest there will be a river. Stay by the river and wait for us."
"Thank you." Alanzo rolled up into a ball and started to roll towards the forest. Zach took his sister's hand.
"If you're lying to us, I will personally slice your wicked face in half." He turned to Raychel. "Be careful, Raych." He turned around and ran towards the forest.
"All right, then. Follow me, you two." The Gerudo silently crept forward, Raychel and Michael following. "Wait...someone's coming." They ducked behind the carriage and watched as a group of men came rushing forward, Lesotho among them.
"Who was supposed to be watching them?!" he yelled.
"Him." A man pointed to the unconscious guard.
"Shit! Don't just stand around! You two. Go in that direction. You three, check over there..."
"Now's our chance, while he's yelling orders." The Gerudo and Hylians snuck forward until they reached the camping area. There were a few men still drinking around a campfire. The Gerudo smiled as she saw Hard Blade across from them.
"Is that your weapon?" asked Raychel.
"Yes. I'm going to get it. Try to stay silent."
"Be careful," said Michael.
The Gerudo turned around and gave Michael a confused look, but went back to getting her weapon. She slowly crept around the campfire, ducking behind logs or rocks when she had a chance. Raychel watched in amazement. The Gerudo walked without sound and with cat-like agility. However, she did it rather slowly, to avoid being caught. It must have taken her years to get it right. After what seemed like an eternity, the Gerudo made it to the tent wall where Hard Blade was. She reached over to grab the scimitar, but stopped. Raychel's and Michael's eyes widened with anxiety.
The Gerudo was just inches away from grabbing Hard Blade, but she felt something was wrong. It was too easy. She stayed still for a moment. "Merida..."
"DIE!!"
The tent wall ripped open and out sprang a woman in tight blue armor and long, wavy blonde hair. Raising her long knife, she went to stab the Gerudo.
"Hard Blade!!"
As if by magic, the scimitar flew into the Gerudo's hand and she expertly blocked her attackers constant swipes.
"Oh no!" Raychel ran forward.
"Wait! Raych!"
"Michael! Go to the forest!"
Michael did as told. Raychel ran towards the Gerudo, but forgot about the other men that were waiting.
"There she is!"
"Get her!"
"Ohh damn!" Raychel picked up the closest sword and stood ready to fight.
"Oh no! The little cookie has a sword!" mocked one of the men.
"You're a little young for that, girly!"
"Here, let me hold that for you!" The men began to approach Raychel.
"So, how many did you sleep with today, Gerudo?" the armored woman asked in delight.
"You should talk!" The Gerudo thrust her scimitar forward.
"You will never be forgiven, you wench!"
"And neither shall you!" The two continued to duel.
"Ahhh...ahhhh...help..." Raychel began to back off of her challengers.
"Don't you wanna fight anymore?"
"Come on. It won't take long."
"Ahhh..."
"Don't be so scared. It isn't gonna..." but the guard never finished his sentence. Out of nowhere, an arrow came sailing into the scene and pierced the man's skull. Quickly, a second arrow followed and found its target in another man's eye. Raychel turned around to see who was doing the shooting.
"Michael?!"
"C'mon!"
"Just a minute!" Raychel ran over to where the Gerudo and the other woman were fighting. She stood and watched the two of them for a quick moment. "STOP!!"
"What the..." The woman turned to Raychel. As she did, the Gerudo threw her fist into the woman's stomach, causing her to collapse to her knees. The Gerudo raised her scimitar to deliver the final blow.
"No!" Raychel stopped her.
"What are you...?"
"We don't have time, we've made too much noise! We must leave."
The Gerudo looked down at the woman. "I won't kill you now, Merida, but I'll let you live and remember this moment of your defeat."
The Gerudo took Raychel's hand and led her over to where the horses were. "This is the quickest way. Hurry and hop on one." The Gerudo mounted a bay-colored horse and Raychel picked a gray one. "Good. Now follow me and don't slow down." The Gerudo immediately put her horse into a gallop, and Raychel did the same to hers. As they approached the forest, Raychel saw her brother running.
"Michael! Grab my hand!" She reached out a hand. Michael turned around and reached out his as she approached. He jumped as she galloped by and gripped her hand. Raychel struggled as she slowly pulled him up, her horse still galloping.
"Don't fall behind!" yelled the Gerudo. "We're entering the forest now!
"Oh no..." Raychel gave one last heave and managed to pull Michael up so that he was sitting behind her. Breathing heavily, Raychel tried to stay right behind the Gerudo, but it was almost too dark. She could only make see the outline of the trees ahead and a few flashes of orange and brown of the leaves. Suddenly, the Gerudo stopped and dismounted, then pointed her horse in another direction.
"Yah!" The Gerudo slapped the horse and it went galloping off. She nodded to Raychel and Michael, who immediately did the same. "Follow me." She quickly went over to a bed of tall, thick foliage. "Stay here. Go to sleep. We should be fine until morning."
"What are you going to do?" asked Raychel.
"Don't worry about me. Just relax."
Raychel took a few deep breaths, than looked at the Gerudo. "Thank you so very much. Now, please tell me what your name is."
"I can't, princess. Not until tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Because. Please, now. Just go to sleep."
Raychel eyed the Gerudo curiously. "Very well. Go to sleep, Michael..." She looked down to see her brother already sleeping. She smiled and lied down next to him and closed her eyes.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"WHAT!!? THEY'VE ESCAPED!!?"
"I'm sorry, milord..."
"Don't apologize, Lesotho! Get your men out there and FIND THEM IMMEDIATELY!!"
"Yes, Lord Nevis."
Lesotho bowed and left. As he did, two men in armor-like uniforms came in.
"Milord, we have already sent out search parties in every direction."
"Good, General Madrid. I want them found, but not harmed in any way."
"Sir, they are most likely in the forest. Keep in mind that the forest is very big and it may take awhile for us to find them."
"I don't care how long it takes, Colonel Comoros. I just want them found and found as soon as possible!!"
"Yes, sir." Both men bowed and left.
"Maseru!"
A few moments later, a young man appeared and bowed. "You called, Lord Nevis?"
"Maseru, find Koror and tell him to stay behind."
"I'm sorry, sir, but...Koror left with one of the groups."
"Damn! Well, find that group and tell Koror not to kill anybody!!"
"Yes, milord." Maseru bowed and left.
Nevis slammed his fist on the table.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"What happened?!" Zelda's eyes lit up.
"My queen. My scouts have informed me that the children have escaped their captors and were heading north into the forest."
"Oh...." Zelda covered her mouth with her hand and looked up at her husband, who was breathing heavily.
"Do you wish for there to be a search and rescue party?"
"Yes! Put several together at this moment!" ordered Link.
"It will be done, sir." The guard bowed and left.
"Your majesties..."
Link and Zelda turned to Takuya, who was standing by.
"If, I may, please, be allowed to lead one of the search parties?"
"Takuya..." said Zelda.
"My queen. I am Princess Raychel's sworn guardian. Therefore, I feel responsible for what has happened to her. Please, doing this would be very helpful for me."
"I think it would be an excellent idea."
Link and Zelda turned to Impa, who was in the doorway. She nodded at Takuya.
"He has proven himself to be an magnificent warrior. I feel he is ready for a task like this."
"Very well, then." Zelda turned to Takuya. "Get a search party out there immediately."
"Yes, your highness." Takuya bowed and left, with Impa following. Zelda turned to Link and began to cry silently. Link fought back his own tears and embraced his wife.
"I'm sure they're fine."
"They have to be Link. They just have to be. If I lose..." Zelda couldn't finish her sentence. She didn't even want to think about it.
"Takuya."
"Huh? Oh, Impa. I'm glad that you think I'm ready for something like this..."
"Why not?" She stopped and looked up at him. "You know what you must do with Raychel." She handed him her knife.
"Are you sure its time?"
"When you find her, it will be her time."
He studied the knife. "I've been waiting for this." He sighed and left.

* * * * * * * * * * *

I had a dream that I could fly...
I can feel each moment as time goes by...
We'd never be too far away...
You would always be here I heard you say...

Raychel yawned and stretched out her arms as she exited her dream of flying people. As soon as she opened her eyes a nut fell from above right in front of her. She widened her eyes and looked up. In the trees was the Gerudo signaling her to keep still. Raychel moved her eyes until she could see Michael. She smiled when she saw that he was still sleeping. Suddenly, she heard the wind of an arrow pierce the sky, and then a gagging noise, and then a thud. The Gerudo silently made her way down and motioned for Raychel get up.
"Michael. Michael." She shook her brother's shoulders.
"Wha...."
"Don't be so lazy! Get up." Raychel took his hand and helped him up. She looked over to where she heard the noises. There was one of the guards, lying dead on his back with an arrow in his heart. The Gerudo, with Michael's bow in hand, went over to him, took the arrow out, and lifted him back onto his horse. She took his sword and sheath, than hit the horse, causing it to canter ahead of them. She then took dead leaves and covered up any blood. Raychel went over to her and held out her hand.
"To properly introduce myself, my name is Raychel. And that boy back there is my younger brother Michael. Now, would you be so kind as to tell me what your name is?"
The Gerudo eyed her, than stood up. Raychel almost jumped backwards. She had to be the tallest Gerudo ever! Except the one Gerudo male, Gerudos were usually on the short side. But this young woman was well over six feet tall. She was beautiful, too, though she didn't dress quite like other Gerudos. She had a typical white bikini top, but over that she wore a thick, black wool jacket. Her white pants were tighter-fitting then most Gerudos, and they only went down to her knees. She wore long, heavy black boots instead of the common sleek sandals. Other then that, she looked normal for a Gerudo. Her hair was very short and a thick, deep orange color, her skin a golden bronze, her eyes a stunning chartreuse with a dark outline, and her lips large and white. She had three earrings in each ear, rings on her black-gloved hands and had a gold armlet around each arm and a beautiful gold choker. Her body was slender but strong. She must have been a great warrior.
"My name?" She began to walk forward, with Raychel and Michael following.
"Yes. Please tell me your name." She extended her hand towards the Gerudo again.
The Gerudo paused for a moment. She reached over and shook Raychel's hand. "You can call me Nairobi."
"Nairobi. That's a beautiful name."
"I never said that was my name. For now, you can call me that."
"But...what is your real name?"
"I don't know."
"Ahh....ummm...how old are you?"
"Nineteen."
"What were you doing in that camp? Why were you captured? Are you of Gerudo noble blood? If you are, then perhaps I might know you?"
"You ask too many questions."
"But it never hurts, does it?"
The Gerudo looked at her again, this time the look was impatient. Raychel decided to ask no more questions about the mysterious woman.
"If you want to know what I was doing there..."
"Yes, please!" Raychel shuddered. "Oh, sorry."
"It's because I killed several of their warriors."
"Why?"
"It's a long story."
"We've got time."
Nairobi took a deep breath. "In my culture, we have a woman known as the Grand Thief. She is the most talented in all the arts of thievery. She is the most experienced out of all the Gerudos, and the most respected."
"Are you talking about Nabooru?!" Raychel beamed. "My parents have told me so much about her! She is one of the most amazing people that ever..." Raychel looked at the Gerudo and switched her expression. "I'm...I'm so sorry. Please continue."
"Yes. Our Grand Thief is Nabooru. She is perhaps the greatest Gerudo that ever lived. Her intelligence far outreaches any of the other women's and her talents are unmatchable. However, time catches up to all of us. Her younger days are gone, but we still respect her with the highest authority. Yet, four of us Gerudos were chosen to be her sworn protectors for the rest of her life. I am one of those four."
Raychel gasped with excitement. "That must be incredible."
"It has its ups and downs. Anyway, I was told that a group of rouges had entered Hyrule about a week ago from the ocean at the edge of the wasteland. The Grand Thief put a group together to find out if they had any goods with them, and I was to lead them. Well, what I found...I mean we found, was nothing but trouble. We were caught one morning and I killed several of their men. My bandit friends got away, but..."
"They didn't come back for you, did they?"
"...No. They thought I was dead. Which is understandable."
"No, I don't think it is. I mean, for your own people to betray one of their greatest warriors. Someone like you..."
"You think I'm a great warrior?"
"Look at yourself! You saved all of us last night! And you fought off that one woman...what's she all about?"
"I prefer not to answer that."
"Oh, okay. Well, the way you fought, the way you walked...you have to be a great warrior! You're one of the best I've ever seen!"
"There are many Gerudos like me, but thank you for the compliment."
"Um, is that the whole story, then?"
"All that I wish to tell you for the moment."
"Will you tell me more later?"
"I feel that would be invading my personal life."
"Oh..." Raychel brushed any stray hairs out of her face. She looked over at the Gerudo again. What a magnificent person! She's so mysterious, but there's something about her that makes me want to be her friend...I've never really met a Gerudo before...I can tell she's hiding something painful within her. An experience, perhaps. Or a memory...I want to be her friend and be there for her...
"Um, where are we?" Michael spoke up for the first time all morning.
"We're near the river. A few more minutes' walk and we'll be there."
"You know, I don't want to complain, but I'm getting hungry."
"There's some food near the river."
"You really know a lot about this area, Nairobi. Have you been here before?"
Nairobi stopped and stared at the ground, then looked up at Raychel. "Yes I have."
"When?"
"Did I tell you that you ask a lot of questions?"
"Yes, and I responded that it never hurts to ask."
"Have you ever felt that you were intruding one's privacy?"
"...I'm sorry."
"That's all right. Let's keep going."
Raychel didn't ask Nairobi any more questions.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Is this the river?" asked Michael.
"Yep."
"Wow, it's so big!"
"This river will flow south into Zora River and then to Lake Hylia."
The trio stood on top of a small cliff overlooking the rushing white river. Raychel breathed calmly as she admired the view. It was early autumn, the leaves turning orange and brown. It was a great site to see.
"Wait."
Raychel turned to the Gerudo. "What is it?"
"There's something down there."
Raychel looked below the cliffs and turned her head in the direction of the rustling noise. She could see something dusty brown roll out of a cave. The figure then unrolled itself and stood up. Raychel beamed.
"Alan!"
The Goron turned his head around quickly and scanned the area.
"Up here, silly!"
Alan turned around and looked up the cliff. He smiled and waved his hand at Raychel. She jumped down the cliff as fast as she could and ran over to him and hugged him.
"Raychel, my heart is overjoyed to see you again."
"Alan, I'm so glad you're alive."
"I see. Is your brother here?"
"He is, and he is well." Raychel looked up at the cliffs. "Don't just stand there! Come down now, Michael! You too, Nairobi!"
"Who is Nairobi?"
"She's the Gerudo who saved us!"
"Wonderful."
Raychel and Alan watched as the two made their way down the cliffs and over to them.
"Alanzo, this is Nairobi. Nairobi, this is Alanzo."
"I am very pleased to meet you, Nairobi. My deepest thanks to you for saving my friends."
"Pleasures all mine."
Alanzo reached out a hand to her. Nairobi stared at it for a moment, than half-heartedly shook it.
"Alanzo, where is..."
"Raychel! Michael!"
Both Hylians turned to see Sofia run up to them. She jumped at Raychel, almost knocking her over.
"Sofie, calm down..."
"I'm so happy you're alive!" Sofie embraced Raychel tightly. Raychel blissfully pulled the little Zora away from her.
"Sofie, where's your brother?"
Sofie turned around and pointed down the river. "He's really sad. Probably cause he's worried about you..."
"Yeah, I'll go check up on him." Raychel steadily jogged down the river. Sofie turned to the Gerudo and looked up at her.
"My name's Sofia. You can call me Sofie. What's yours?"
"Nairobi."
"My brother hates Gerudos. One time, Gerudos killed a close friend of his. You should stay away from him or he'll kill you."
Nairobi smiled and nodded. "Thanks for the warning."
"But I don't hate Gerudos. Mama told me it was bad to hate anyone, but my brother never listens to her anyway."
"Thanks."
Sofie smiled and bowed her head.
Raychel went around a tree and found Zach sitting on a rock next to the river with his head in his hands. She smiled as she made a few steps towards him. She got within ten feet of him and still hadn't noticed her. She stopped and turned her head a little. "Zaaaaaach...Zachariah..."
The Zora quickly turned his head toward her and stared for a few moments. When he opened his mouth, nothing came out at first. Raychel waved at him.
"Raychel..." He shook his head and grinned. "Raychel..."
He stood up as Raychel ran up to him and into his embrace. She let out a deep breath, like she hadn't been breathing since she last saw him.
"Goddesses, Raychel. I thought I'd never see you again."
"I'm fine, Zach. Really. But..." She slowly backed out of his arms.
"What?"
"You should meet someone. She saved Michael and I."
Zach shook his head, his smile faded instantly. "No. I'm not going to..."
"Zach, please."
"Raychel, you know how I feel about Gerudos!"
"I understand. But maybe you should put the past behind you."
"Elise was one of my best friends! I'll never forget what they did to him..."
"That was long ago, Zach."
"It doesn't matter, Raych! They still killed him! They tortured him and gave him a long, lingering, very dreadful death!"
"So you hold a grudge against all Gerudos?"
"Yeah, I do, because they're all the same."
"What makes you so sure? Besides, this Gerudo saved my life."
Zach changed the look on his face and stared at the ground for a moment, then back at Raychel. "All right. I'll meet her."
Raychel smiled. "Thank you." She turned around and led him to where she and the others were waiting.
"Zach, this is Nairobi. Nairobi, this is my good friend, Zach."
Raychel looked back and forth between the Gerudo and the Zora. She had hoped that they would nod, say hi, or shake hands, but all they did was stare into each other's eyes fiercely. They were about the same height, making it seem even more severe. Raychel tensed up as she felt the anger rise in him. Finally, Zach spoke.
"If you go anywhere near my sister, I'll cut out what little heart you have and stuff it down your throat." He turned and walked to the river. "Hey Sofie! Get over here and help me catch some fish!" He dove under the water.
Silently, Sofie slowly went over to join her brother.
Nairobi smiled. "Well, he's pretty tough, isn't he?"
"I'm sorry, Nairobi. I kinda pressured him into meeting you. I didn't really think he'd react like that. You see, one of his friends was killed by Gerudos, and ever since then he's hated them more then anything. But I thought he'd be over it by now."
"I understand. Don't worry about me. I'm used to being hated."
"That's very sad." Michael looked at her from where he was sitting on a stump. "I mean to be put down for your whole life. That's...terrible."
"It's a tough life. But hey, it's my life and it's what I got to put up with." Nairobi went over to a shrub and began to pick any of the green leaves off. She put one into her mouth and chewed. After giving a weird look, she swallowed. She got up and walked over to Raychel. "You said you were hungry. Eat these." She gave some to Raychel and Michael.
Raychel looked at Michael and he at her. Together, they placed the thick leaves into their mouths and chewed. Though waxy and gummy, Raychel managed to swallow.
"What are they?" asked Michael as he smacked his mouth.
"They're called heather leaves. They're one of the only edible plants that are still alive this time of the year."
After a few moments of eating, Alanzo called out.
"Someone's coming from above!"
"Damn it! Get into the cave, you two." Nairobi ordered. "Raychel, wait."
"What?"
"I promised you a sword. Here." Nairobi quickly unbelted the sheath from her waist and handed it to Raychel. "Protect your brother but don't kill yourself."
"But where are you..."
"Alanzo, keep an eye on them."
"What about...."
"I'm going to see who it is."
"No, Nairobi, please." Raychel grabbed her arm. The Gerudo gave her a fierce look. "Please, you've already done so much. I don't want anything to happen to you. Please hide with us."
The rustling of hooves in the leaves grew louder.
"It's too late now, anyway." The Gerudo looked up the cliff, then back at Raychel. "Let's go."
Satisfied, Raychel and Nairobi joined Michael and Alanzo in the cave under the precipice. A brief moment later, they could hear a horse on top of the cliff. Raychel stayed as still as she could in the shadows of the cave, trying to listen to what was happening.
"Do you see them?" someone in the far distance called. Raychel widened her eyes. She knew that voice!
"No, sir. They're not here."
Another horse approached the one on top of the cliff. The familiar voice spoke again. "Such a beautiful site, but let's move on." Raychel breathed again as she heard the two horses gallop away. Nairobi dashed out of the cave and looked up. She signaled for the others that it was okay to come out. Michael ran up to his sister.
"Raychel! Didn't that sound like Takuya?"
Raychel looked at her brother. "It did, didn't it?"
"Maybe we can catch up to him?"
"I wouldn't," Nairobi warned.
"Yes," Alanzo agreed. "You must not take the risk. We have to move on now."
"Nairobi, do you know where we are?"
"Kind of."
"Do you know how to get back to Hyrule from here?"
"Yes. But we're taking the scenic route."
"Why?" asked Michael.
"If we take the direct route, we head straight into the enemy. It's much safer to go around. Follow me." Nairobi began to walk down the riverside.
"Wait! We should tell Zach." Raychel went over to the river and dunked her head in and called out his name. It sounded kind of warbled, but Zach heard her and came swimming up to her.
"What now?"
"We're moving on." Raychel stood up.
"I'll swim, thanks." Zach went back under the water.
"Zach!" Raychel sighed, as she knew it was no use. She turned to the others and followed Nairobi upstream.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Zelda slowly opened the door to Raychel's room. The fire from her candle illuminated a gentle radius of light, while the moonlight soaked through the thin curtains on the other side of the room. She took a deep breath as she walked over to Raychel's empty bed. She put the candle on a nearby nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed. She began to smooth the blankets with her hand when she heard someone else come in.
"Link," she said without even looking up. "Do you remember, when Raychel was a little girl, we used to watch her as she slept?"
"Yes." He walked over to Zelda and kneeled down beside her. "I remember it like it was only yesterday. You would sing to her, too."
"She was such an angel..." Zelda took a deep breath. "I would do anything to watch her sleep again, or to sing to her again."
A few moments of silence passed. Zelda stood up and went over to the balcony. She pulled aside the curtains and opened the glass door and stepped outside. The view was familiar to her. Raychel's room was once her room. She took off her necklace, which had the Triforce on it. She held it in between her hands and began to pray.
"Din, great Goddess of Power, give them the strength to help them find their way home. Nayru, great Goddess of Wisdom, help them be sensible in their decisions..."
"Farore, great Goddess of Courage," said Link as he looked at the stars. "Aid them with bravery, as they challenge the world and its enemies, to come back to us."
"Please...Please watch over our children. All of them..."

* * * * * * * * * * *

"I'm sorry, sir. We have not found them yet."
"Keep searching!! I want those children! But I want them alive and unharmed! Where are General Madrid and his brother?"
"They are preparing to get another search team together."
"Maseru!"
The young messenger immediately came to Nevis' attention. "Yes?"
"Tell General Madrid to keep Koror behind. I don't want anyone getting killed."
"Straight away, sir." Maseru bowed and left.
Nevis looked at the ground and shook his head. "Lesotho..."
"Yes, sir?"
"How could this have happened? Children, mere children, escaping the reign of my greatest warriors? Even Merida got a beating that night."
"From the Gerudo, sire."
"Yes. She's been quite a handful, hasn't she? Especially for Merida..." He laughed to himself, than shook his head. "I'll admit it, Lesotho. I'll admit that I wasn't expecting them to be so brazen. But young Raychel...she definitely is Zelda's daughter. I can see it in her face. And her eyes...she must get them from her father." Nevis stood up and walked over to one of the walls and stared at it. "You don't have children, do you, Lesotho?"
"No sir."
"Do you ever plan on having any?"
"I do not know, sir."
"Well, if you do, keep this in mind." Nevis turned around and faced Lesotho. "Keep in mind that they will become your most valuable riches, worth more than any amount of money ever to be mined." He paused. "But out of all your possessions, they will cost you the most, in money, time, resources, et cetera... Perhaps this is why parents love them so much..."
"I will remember that, sir, but children are not material possessions. They are living creatures and deserve life as much as we do. And children are innocent of the world around them."
"Wise in your words, Lesotho, but still, remember what I said. That is all. Keep an eye on the search parties and inform me or have Maseru tell me if anything is found."
"Yes, sir." Lesotho bowed and left.
"Nevis...Lord Nevis..."
Nevis turned and looked around his room. When he saw no one in there, he growled to the ceiling. "You can come out, Tuvula."
With a wicked snicker, a woman with long, sleek black, braided hair and a smooth black dress materialized. Her dark eyes and lips stood out on her pale face and she wore a long silver necklace.
"I've been watching you, Nevis..." she teased.
"And you think you can help?"
"Oh, indeed."
"How?"
"How will you pay me, first?" She stood in front of him and looked deeply into his eyes.
Nevis rolled his eyes impatiently. "What would you like, witch?"
"A lot of things..." she cooed. "But, for now, I want the Queen's son when you find him."
"What do you want him for?"
"He is...special..." She giggled softly.
"And how are you going to help me?"
"I know...their weakness."
"The children's?"
"Yes." She hissed her "s".
"And knowing this weakness will help us capture them?"
"Oh, indeed. But, I want the boy."
Nevis looked aside and thought for a moment. "Are you going to harm him?"
"Depends on how much he can take."
"I will not allow you to harm him."
"Oh, it won't be physical...unless he forces me..."
"Under any circumstances, you are NOT allowed to harm him."
"Fine! But, I still want him."
He looked into her eyes. "Deal."
"I knew you'd see it my way."
"What is the weakness of the children?"
"Their weakness?" Laughing again, she danced around the room. "You want to know their weakness?"
"That was the deal, if I remember correctly."
"And a good memory you have." She slithered over to him and brushed any hair away from his ear and whispered. "Their weakness is...each...other..."
"Each other?"
"Yes...if we were to separate them...do you want me to demonstrate?"
"You cannot harm them."
"It won't hurt...that much."
"If any of them has more then a scratch, I will return you to the underworld."
"Fine! I'll play it your way!" Angrily, she spun in a circle and disappeared.
Nevis rolled his eyes again.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Raychel followed Nairobi as she led the way through the forest. As Raychel looked around her, she felt like she was in a maze. Everything seemed to lead to a different nowhere. She was tired and hungry, but everyone was.
She looked over at her brother. "You okay?"
He hesitated. "Yeah..."
"Let me know if there's anything wrong, all right?"
He nodded.
After a few moments of tedious walking, Nairobi held her scimitar out, signaling them to stop.
"What is it?" asked Alan.
"There's something...here..."
"What the hell!?" Zach angrily got out of the river and looked at Nairobi. "Why are we stopping?!"
"Be quiet," Nairobi hissed.
"No! I want to know why we're stopping."
"I said be quiet."
"Look Nairobi. I don't know what your shit is, but if you're just stopping for the hell of it..."
"Zach!" Raychel warned.
"Raych, she's..."
"Both of you be quiet!"
There was silence.
The fluttering of autumn leaves caused them to startle and look at a nearby shrub. A squirrel quickly hopped away.
Zach laughed quietly. "A squirrel. You stopped us for a damn squirrel."
"It could have been anything," said Nairobi frankly.
"That's not the point. The point is that you freak us all out and waste our time every single instant you hear a little noise coming from three miles away."
"Would you rather not and take the risk of one of us getting seriously hurt?"
"From what? Squirrels?"
"Damn it Zach! You've obviously never been in a forest before. In this season the animals here can see us better then we can see them. And there are a lot of dangerous creatures in this forest!"
"You're the only dangerous creature in this forest!"
"Zach, just listen to her," said Raychel.
"Why? All she ever does is lead us around in circles. I doubt she even knows where we are any more!"
"And you do?" Nairobi retorted.
"I never said I did."
"You act like it."
"I'm just saying that every time you hear a leaf fall to the ground we all have to stop and wait half an hour to make sure there's nothing there."
"Look. I've been through here before and you haven't. I know what to expect and you don't."
"And what do you expect?"
"I expect a fight."
"Then you'll get one now!"
He ran up to her and went to punch her, but she grabbed his arm and knocked the side of his face with her palm, then twisted his arm behind his back.
"No! Zach!" yelled Sofie.
"Stop that! Both of you!" yelled Raychel. "Nairobi let him go!"
Nairobi threw Zach out of her hold. He turned around and stared at her, touching were she had hit him.
"Zach!" Sofie ran up to him and hugged him.
"Now come on you two. Don't fight..." said Alan, a bit annoyed.
"Why not? She's a stupid Gerudo, isn't she? They're always looking for fights." He pushed Sofie away. She looked confused and hurt.
Nairobi only stared at him.
"What? Are you too good for words now, too?"
"Zach! Stop!" yelled Alan.
"Or are you too good for all of us?"
"Zach! Enough!"
"No, Raychel. Let him insult me." Nairobi looked fiercely into his eyes. "Is that all you got?"
"Hell no! You think you can take anymore?"
"Bring it on, bastard."
"What did you call me?"
"This senseless fighting is getting us nowhere!" scolded Alan.
"I didn't stutter. You know what I called you."
"Both of you! Stop this!" yelled Raychel. They ignored her.
"So the bitch thinks she's got what it takes."
"And you think you can deal it out?"
"Hell I know I can!"
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"You guys! Stop it!" yelled both Raychel and Alanzo.
Michael shook his head. He blinked his eyes as he turned to a bush. He screamed. A gigantic dog-like monster jumped out at him and knocked him to the ground snapping at his arm that he held out to protect his face.
"Michael!!" yelled Raychel.
Nairobi quickly ran at the beast, her scimitar out. It turned to her and growled fiercely. Michael quickly slipped away from the beast, his arm bleeding. The creature turned to him, baring his teeth. Nairobi ran in front of Michael and held out Hard Blade. The beast grunted several times, ready to pounce.
"Earth Blade!" She raised her scimitar, than slammed it into the ground. A ripple of dirt shot up underneath the creature. It howled and ran away. Nairobi turned to Michael. His mouth had a little blood trickling from it and there were a few scratches on his body, but his arm had been bitten deeply and pulsed with blood. Raychel kneeled beside him and hugged him.
Nairobi was about to say something, but a howl sounded in the background. They all looked around cautiously, watching slowly as a pack of the dog-like monsters surrounded them.
"Oh, shit, this isn't good..." said Nairobi as she held out Hard Blade.
Raychel unsheathed her sword. "Think we can beat them all?"
"I don't know, just stay on your guard."
"Alanzo! Try to get Sofie and Michael to safety," said Zach.
"But how? They're everywhere!"
Nairobi quietly eyed the creatures. They all appeared to be huddling together. After a few growls, they jumped and ran towards Michael.
"NO! Michael!" yelled his sister.
"Light Blade!" Nairobi held up her scimitar with both hands. It began to glow a blinding white color, causing everyone to squint. The light concentrated into the scimitar. Nairobi swung it across, causing a disk of light to shoot out at the creatures. As it hit them, their bodies began to spark and illuminate. When the light faded they fell to the ground, dead.
Nairobi did a quick counting. "There should have been one more..." She turned to Raychel. "It's behind you!"
She turned as the creature jumped. Raychel was about to swipe it as it came at her, but something deep down held her back.
"Raychel!!" Nairobi thrust her scimitar into the creature's stomach. She pushed it to one side but it still charged and snapped at her. Nairobi was forced to pull Hard Blade out of the creature, but it didn't seem to weaken it at all. Nairobi kept it at bay for a little while, but the creature went back to Raychel.
"Look out! It's coming your way again!" yelled Nairobi.
Raychel held her sword steady as the creature charged. She couldn't move.
"No!" Zach slashed his fin across the beast's face, sending blood flying but not the creature. Instead, it quickly recovered and leaped on Zach, sending him to the ground.
"No! Zach!" Raychel yelled.
"Yah!" Nairobi ran at full speed and jumped at the creature. She pushed it off Zach and rolled back onto her feet.
"Ice Blade!" She held her scimitar up in the air. A small blue light began to shine. Nairobi swung Hard Blade down and quickly and the blue light shot forward, surrounding the creature in a case of ice. After a few quick breaths, she turned to Raychel.
"Who taught you how to use a sword?"
"My father..."
"Your father, huh? I suggest you take his advice next time."
"What do you mean?"
"Damn it, Raychel! You just stood there. What the hell were you thinking? You could have gotten your self killed for Din's sake!"
"I...I...I don't know..."
"Well she's not a murderer like you, thief," Zach retorted.
Nairobi took a deep breath as she looked at Zach. "You shouldn't talk. You don't have any clue how to fight either."
"Don't start this again!" yelled Alan. They ignored him.
"You wanna fight? You wanna fight? I can show you a damn good fight!"
"Michael!" Raychel ran over to him. Zach, Alan and Nairobi stopped fighting and watched.
"Are you all right?"
"No! Don't you get it?!" he yelled them. They all jumped at his sudden anger.
"What do you mean, Michael?"
"We're too busy squabbling like cuccos amongst ourselves that we don't even notice or care that danger is right around the corner! Don't any of you realize that there are people out there who want us dead, but we're more likely to kill ourselves first!"
They all looked down at the ground. Michael wiped the blood away from his mouth and continued. "Are we, ourselves, really the enemy?"
"Michael..." sighed Raychel.
"Forget it." He turned around and stormed off. Alan followed him.
"Michael!"
It was too late. He was already gone. Raychel looked at the ground.
Nairobi stayed silent. Zach stood directly in front of her.
"You may think you're the top bitch now, but we'll see through your plans, so you better watch your back thief." He went into the river with Sofie following.
Raychel went over to Nairobi. "I'm sorry, I thought..."
"No, don't worry about it. I'm used to it."
"I'm sorry."
"Let's just keep going."
"Hey, I've been meaning to ask you about your weapon."
"Hard Blade?"
"Yeah, where did you get it?"
"I found it in an underground shrine about five years ago."
"Wow! You've had it a pretty long time."
"Yeah."
"You said it was given to you. How so?"
"Well, a sign said that one with a heart of love would be able to pull it free. I just went up to it and pulled. It came out."
"So that means you have a heart of love?"
"I don't know. I usually don't believe things like that. I think I was just lucky."
"It's an amazing scimitar. It comes when you call it and it does magical tricks, too."
"I've been using it ever since I found it. Now it's kinda like my buddy. I'm sure you have a favorite weapon, right?"
"Yeah, I know how that is. Like bonding with material items. Like what little children do." She shrugged.
"I love this thing." She kissed Hard Blade. "I'll never give it up."
Raychel smiled wryly. "We should find my brother and Alan."
"It's not really your fault, Alan," said Michael as he washed his face and arm in the river.
"I know, but I don't like to fight like that. I usually try so hard to avoid it."
"We really shouldn't be fighting at all. It's what our enemy wants."
"That's very factual."
"Bickering like this only distracts us from our goal." He continued cleaning his wounds.
There were a few moments of silence before Alan spoke up.
"My, what a peculiar bird."
"Where?"
"Across the river. It's white, but it looks like a crow."
Michael looked up. He widened his eyes as he saw the white crow drink from the river. She peered up and stared at him. After a loud caw, she flew away.
"Purple stripes! Did you see that Michael? It had purple stripes on its wings!"
"Yeah..." He didn't know what else to say.
"Hey, you two," said Raychel as she walked up to them. "Are you all right, Michael?"
Reluctantly, he nodded. His arm had stopped bleeding.
"We're going to continue upstream. Follow me." Nairobi once again led the group onward.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Link and Zelda stared into the calm fire. There was nothing else to do. Except wait.
"Link..."
"Yes?"
Zelda half-smiled. "Do you remember when I first told you I was pregnant with Raychel?"
"That seems like so long ago..."
"You nearly flipped."
"Yeah..." He almost laughed.
"After she was born...to hold her in my arms was...the most beautiful thing I had ever experienced."
"Yes. A new life...was in our hands."
"A life...something that takes years to put together..." She shook her head. "Can be destroyed in an instant." She began to cry.
"Zelda..." He hugged her tightly. "They'll come home, Zelda. I know they will. They'll come back home..."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Three days...
Raychel could barely put one foot in front of the other. They had been walking for three straight days without so much as a five-minute break. Although the Zora siblings usually swam, Zach and Nairobi had been fighting whenever they were in eyesight of each other. Raychel, Alan, Michael, and Sofie usually stayed far away until their bickering ended, but Michael never said anything else about their fighting. They didn't have much food except for heather leaves and the fish Zach and Sofie caught...if they had even caught any. Raychel looked behind her to see her brother not faring any better then herself.
"C'mon, Michael. Keep it up."
"Raych...do you have any clue where we are?"
"I wish. I really wish I did."
"Do you think Nairobi even knows where we are?"
"Well, we've been following her, so I hope so."
There were a few more moments of silence when they came into a clearing that overlooked a cliff with a rope-and-wood bridge that led to the other side and next part of the forest. Nairobi went to the edge of the cliff and looked down. The river flowed downstream, but they had to continue upstream.
"Hey, Raych!"
Raychel went over to the edge and peered over. Far below were Zach and Sofia on the bank of the river looking up at them.
"There's a fork in the river up ahead!!" he yelled loudly. "Which way should we go!? Northern stream or southern stream!?"
"Go south!" shouted Nairobi.
"I wasn't asking you, thief!!"
"Zachariah! Do as she says and go south!!" scolded Raychel.
"See you later! We're going to swim up ahead!"
"Zach!"
Before Raychel could say anymore, Zach and Sofie went into the water and began swimming upstream.
"Let's hurry." Nairobi went up to the narrow bridge and inspected it. She jiggled it a few times. "It's old, but sturdy."
"What about Alanzo? How's he going to get across?"
"Do not worry, Raychel." The Goron went over to the edge of the cliff and began to climb down. "Rocks are my specialty. I will see you on the other side, all right?"
"Be careful, my friend."
Alan nodded and began to climb down the cliff. Nairobi placed one foot on the bridge and began to cross it, stopping every now and then to make sure it was safe. A few minutes later she made it to the other side and turned around. "It's okay, you two! You can cross it! But only one at a time!"
"Go, Michael." Raychel urged her brother to cross the bridge. He managed to get across half of it, but then he looked down at the river below him. Then he turned around at Raychel.
"Michael! What are you waiting for! Cross the other half!"
"Raychel, the board. If I move another inch, the board below will collapse."
"Nonsense! Nairobi crossed it fine! You can do it, Michael!"
"No, Raych, you can't see it from there, but there is something here..."
"What, Michael? What is it?" She stepped on the bridge.
"No, Raychel!" called Nairobi.
"Raychel, stay back!" yelled Michael in a scared tone as he looked below him. A few long moments later, the board beneath him broke through. He went to grab the rope and caught it with one hand.
"Michael!!"
"Raychel, stay back!" ordered Nairobi.
"No!" Raychel began to run across the bridge. She only got onto the third board when it, too, crumpled beneath her feet. She reached over and grabbed the edge of the cliff below the bridge. She turned around to see Michael dangling from the rope.
"Michael, be strong!!" yelled Raychel.
"No! Stop! Leave me alone!!" Michael shook his head back and forth quickly as if something was trying to poke his eyes.
"Michael! What are you doing!?"
"Go AWAY!!" His hand began to slip.
"Michael! Be careful!"
"Please! Just LEAVE...ME...ALONE!!!!"
He lost his grasp and began to fall into the river, screaming. There was a splash, but he didn't resurface.
"NOO! Michael!"
"Shit!" Nairobi began to climb down her part of the cliff, but it was too steep. She would have fallen herself if it weren't for her gripping boots. Even though her side was nearly as steep, Raychel began to advance down, switching from climbing to jumping to slipping against her will. She lost her footing and fell the last ten feet and landed roughly on the crunchy, leafy ground, but picked herself up and began to run downstream, opposite of their planned route.
"Michael!!" She sprinted alongside the river, looking for any signs of where he was. She couldn't see him anywhere. She continued to move down the river, slowing up a little bit with every step. Even if she saw him, she figured she wouldn't be able to keep up with the rate of the river. Out of breath, she decelerated to a stop. She rested her hands on her knees and tried to hold back her tears. Unable to, she sluggishly walked over to a tree and fell beside it, then began to cry.
"Michael...no...why...."
She realized that she was alone. No one, not even Nairobi, had heard her or seen her run away. She didn't know how long she would be by herself, but prayed that it wouldn't end this way.
"Oh, Michael..."

* * * * * * * * * *

"Not too far, Sofie. We have to wait for Raychel and the others!"
"But Zach, why are they taking so long?"
"I don't know..." Zach looked downstream. He and Sofie had been waiting for two hours for them to come. It was getting darker by the minute. Surely he hadn't swum that far ahead of them, had he?
"Zach! I'm going into the forest to look for them!"
"Stay within my sight, Sofie! I don't want you to get lost, too."
"Do you think they ARE lost?"
"I don't know...I'll bet that bloody thief has something to do with this..."
"Uh, Zach..."
"Sofie, leave me alone! I'm upset."
"Zach..."
"Sofie! Shut your mouth!"
"ZACH!!"
"What the hell did I..." Zach turned around to see a pack of wolfos looking at them with hungry eyes. A few of the wolfos had Sofie separated from Zach and where forcing her to go deeper into the forest. "Sofie!" He went to run forward, but one of the beasts growled and snapped at him.
"Zach! Help me!" She was nearly out of sight.
"Sofia!" Taking a deep breath, he ran as fast as he could through the line of wolfos, but a few of them jumped on him and dragged him to the ground with their razor-like teeth. Fighting back the pain, he stabbed one with his fin. As it howled its last breath, another wolfos jumped in its place. Zach continued to slash at his predators, but whenever one died another came and took its place. Zach's eyes filled with ravenous stares, glowing teeth, and hungry snaps as he closed them for what he thought would be the last time.
Suddenly, a gust of powerful wind blew the wolfos off of him. Zach quickly opened his eyes and sat up.
"Alanzo!"
"Stay still, Zachariah!" The creatures began to jump at the Goron, but were no match for his mighty strength. One swipe killed them instantly. Moment by moment the growls quieted, until those that were left ran back into the forest. Alanzo turned around to the Zora. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah..." He quickly turned his head around and looked back at the forest. "But Sofia..."
"Where is your sister?"
"Oh Goddesses!" He went to stand up, but soon after fell to his knees.
"Zach!" The Goron went over to the Zora and looked at him. "You are injured in many places, Zachariah. You must rest."
"But Sofie..."
A wolf howled in the distance.
"Sofie!!" Taking a last breath, Zach fainted. Alanzo kneeled down and picked him up, then carried him over to the river.

* * * * * * * * * *

Sofie looked at her predators with tears in her eyes. She had never been so scared! What did these creatures want? They had backed her up to a tree and had been barking and growling at her for the last few minutes. One of them was pacing back in forth in front of her, obviously getting ready to jump at her. Sofie crouched down as she saw the wolfos run straight towards her. She screamed when it pounced at her.
"Thunder Blade!!"
Out of the branches above, a scimitar came straight down and jabbed into the wolfos, electrocuting it and killing it. Nairobi jumped from the trees and pulled her scimitar free, then pointed it out at the other wolfos in a deadly pose. As if they could sense her intentions, the wolfos began to go back into the woods. Nairobi lowered her weapon and turned to Sofie, who was stuck to the tree in fright and crying. Nairobi walked up to the Zora and kneeled in front of her.
"You okay, princess?"
After a few sniffs, Sofie managed to talk. "I guess so." She turned to the Gerudo with large eyes. "You saved my life."
"So I did."
"Thank you!" Sofie threw her arms around Nairobi, and Nairobi gently hugged her back. Sofie pulled away and looked at her. "Have you seen Zach?"
"No, I'm sorry."
"Do you think he's okay?"
"I'm sure he is."
"I'm tired."
"Poor thing. We'll find a place to spend the night, okay?"
"I wanna find Zach."
"We'll do that too." Nairobi smiled at the Zora. Sofie, choking back her tears, smiled back and nodded.

* * * * * * * * * *

Raychel swallowed the mucus that had accumulated in her throat. Opening and blinking her eyes several times, she examined her surroundings. It was gray and slightly foggy, a common autumn morning. Many leaves had fallen the night before, and she brushed off those that had landed on her and stood up. She stared down the river with a look of hopelessness.
"I'm so sorry Michael. I am so very sorry..." She buried her head in a hand, but didn't weep. She felt all her tears had already been cried. Looking down the river one last time, she turned around and headed upstream.
She felt she had been walking for only a few minutes when she found herself back at where the bridge was. She looked around but didn't see anyone. The weather had cleared up and seemed almost cheery. It would be the perfect day for a horse ride through the field. She leaned up against the rock cliff and stared at the river solemnly.
"Raychel!"
Raychel took a quick breath and looked upstream. She saw two familiar figures quickly running towards her.
"Oh...Zach! What happened?" She ran up to him and into his arms. "Why do you have so many scratches?"
"No, Raych! You tell me what happened! Where have you been?" He wiped away the tears falling from her eyes.
"Zach...its Michael."
"Where is he?"
"I think...I think he's dead." Raychel turned her face and didn't look into his eyes.
"Raychel..." Alanzo reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Goddesses...how?" asked Zach.
"The bridge." Raychel spoke in broken sentences between sobs. "The bridge. It...it gave away...beneath him. He fell...into the river. I couldn't...I couldn't keep up...I didn't see him..." She stopped and took a deep breath.
"I'm so sorry." He paused. "Raychel..."
"What is it?"
"...I have a feeling Sofie's dead, too."
"Oh no...don't say that..."
"We were attacked by a pack of wolfos last night."
"No..."
"I would have been dead, too, if it wasn't for Alan here. But..." He shook his head.
"Zach..." Raychel hugged him tightly. Alanzo embraced both of them with his arms as they cried.
After they pulled away from each other, Zach looked into Raychel's eyes. "Do you want me to look for your brother's body in the river?"
"Oh, I don't know how far downstream it is..."
"It won't take me very long to swim downstream."
"Zach, you don't have to..."
"It would be easier for you if you knew whether or not your brother was alive, right?"
"It would be easier. Did you want us to look for Sofie?"
Zach nodded.
"Alright. Be careful."
Raychel slowly nodded. They hugged one last time before they separated.
"Are you ready to move on, Raychel?"
"Yes, Alanzo. Let's go." She walked up next to him as he put his arm around her shoulder and continued upstream.

* * * * * * * * * *

"This. This is where I found Zachariah." Alanzo looked at the ground. There was still some blood on the leaves and dead wolfos lying around. Raychel shook her head.
"I can't believe all this happened..."
"We must move on, Raychel."
"I know. Things happen. We can't change them once they've happened."
Alanzo started walking into the forest with Raychel following. They came to a tree and saw another dead wolfos beside it.
"Wonder what happened here..." Raychel breathed. "Sofie couldn't have done this, could she?"
"No. She's only a little girl. Her fins probably aren't that sharp yet."
"But, the blood is kinda fresh. It had to happen last night..."
"It did."
Raychel and Alanzo turned around to see Nairobi...with Sofie by her side.
"Sofie!" Raychel quickly went up to the little Zora and hugged her. "Sofie, you're alive."
"She saved me."
"Who?"
Sofie grabbed onto Nairobi's hand and looked up at the tall Gerudo. Raychel stood up.
"You saved her?"
Nairobi nodded.
"Zach will be happy. I hope..." Raychel looked at the ground.
"Where's Michael?" Sofia asked innocently. Nairobi looked into Raychel's face with worry.
"I think he drowned in the river."
Nairobi breathed out. Sofie wrapped her arms around Raychel's waist.
"Are you okay?" asked Nairobi.
"Zach's in the river looking for the body. I'll be fine if he finds his body."
"I understand. I know what it's like to lose a sibling."
"It's terrible."
"Yes. It is."
Raychel shook her head. "I wonder if he's found anything..."
"If we were to go back to the river, Zachariah may be there." said Alanzo.
"We'll go back, then." Raychel started to make her way to the river with the others following.
When they got there, Raychel walked down to the bank and sat down. She peered down the river, but didn't see anything. She sighed.
"Raych?"
Raychel turned her head to the other side. "Zach?"
"I'm sorry...I couldn't find anything."
"Hey Sofie!"
"What?!"
"ZACH!" Sofie ran full speed and jumped into the river to join her brother. Raychel smiled.
"Sofie! Oh thank mighty Nayru!" Zach choked back his tears as he held her close. He pulled her away and looked at her. "You're not hurt, are you?"
"No. But you...you have so many scratches."
"I'm fine, Sofie, I'm fine." He took her into his arms again. "I'm just...I'm so relieved that you're alive."
"Nairobi saved me."
"Who?"
Sofie turned around and pointed at the Gerudo. "She saved my life."
Zach looked up at Nairobi...with a look that could kill. Raychel watched in caution as he made his way out of the water and towards her. She got up and quickly went over to Zach.
"Zach..."
"Stay outta the way, Raych."
"No, Zach..."
He pushed her aside and went up to Nairobi and stared at her in the eyes. He spoke quietly. "I told you not to go near my sister."
"Your welcome."
"You damn bitch. How dare you have the nerve to go near her?"
"You really think I'm after your sister?"
"Why wouldn't you be?"
"Zach, she saved her life!" Alanzo shouted.
"What the hell do you know?!"
"Now that I think about it, you never thanked me for saving your life."
"I shouldn't have to. You didn't give a damn about my sister!"
"But if not for me, what would your sister be doing now?"
"Just shut your trap, Alanzo!" He turned to Nairobi again. "I really don't owe you anything. You told us you knew where we were. But if you knew where we were, then why the hell aren't we in Hyrule yet?"
"You should know. There's more to the river than the water, isn't there? Likewise, there's more to the forest then the trees."
"Are you now saying you don't know where we are?"
"Zach, you're being outlandish."
"Shut up Raychel," he snapped fiercely.
Raychel widened her eyes. He had never spoken to her like that before! She turned to look at Alanzo, but he was gone!
"Hey, guys, where's Alan?"
"Who gives a damn!?" Zach still stared Nairobi. "I don't know what you're up to, thief, but I don't like it. Or you. The only reason I'm letting you live is for Raychel." Zach turned around and walked toward the river. "Let's go, Sofie."
"Zach, where are you going?" asked Raychel nervously.
"I'm outta here, Raych. I don't want to be anywhere near that bitch, and I don't want my sister near her, either."
"Zach, she saved me."
"I don't care, Sofie. She's a Gerudo. You can't trust any of them." He looked at Raychel. "Take care of yourself."
"Zach, don't leave me."
"Sorry." He pushed Sofie into the river, than followed her.
Raychel sighed and shook her head. "Nairobi, I'm...Nairobi?"
The Gerudo was walking into the woods. Raychel ran to catch up to her.
"Nairobi! Where are you going?"
"I don't know. Wherever I want."
"But, what about Hyrule?"
"What about it?"
"I thought you were gonna take us home."
"I thought so, too. Seems like no one wants to go home anymore."
"Don't you want to go home?"
"Not really."
Raychel stopped. "Then where are you going?"
"I said I didn't know."
"Do you know the way back to Hyrule?"
"Follow the river upstream. There's a village ahead. I'm sure they'll know how."
"So you're leaving me, too?"
"Temporarily." Nairobi turned around. "We may meet again, princess. Until then, be careful." Raychel watched as Nairobi made her way further into the forest until she was out of sight.
"I'm all alone again..."

* * * * * * * * * *

"Michael..."
He groaned.
"Michael..."
"Hmmm?"
"Are you all right?"
"Wha..." Michael opened his eyes to see Raychel's face above his. "Raychel?"
"I'm so happy I found you. You're alive. I'm so grateful."
"Raychel how did you..." Michael shook his head. "I don't get it." He looked around. It was early dusk, the golden glow of the sun matching that of the leaves. He stared at Raychel again. "Where are we?"
"We're safe, dear brother. Nothing can harm us."
"I'm not sure I believe that."
Raychel lowered her head and frowned. "Why?"
"It's just...not right. Something's wrong."
"What is it?"
Michael breathed for a few moments. In a sudden motion, he reached out and slapped his sister hard across the face, then quickly backed off.
Raychel touched the spot where he hit her. "Ah! You're going to pay for that, you little brat."
"Just shut up, witch. You can't fool me!"
"So, you still have the eyes..." Tuvula swayed her hand and changed into herself.
"You think I couldn't see through your disguise?"
"To tell you the truth, boy, I didn't think you could."
"You underestimate me."
"You do know who I am, don't you?"
"You want to take me away."
"I want to take you back home, Michael. It would be a sign of gratitude for me saving your life from the river, and the many other things I've done for you. Your time here is up, anyway."
"NO!" he shouted loudly. "Besides, it was you who caused those monsters to attack and that bridge to give way, wasn't it? I don't owe you anything."
"You owe me your life and your learning! Don't make this anymore difficult! Come with me now!"
"I'm not going with you! Leave me alone!" Michael quickly got up and ran away.
Tuvula smirked as she saw him run. "It comes to all of us eventually, Michael. No matter how far or fast you run, I will find you, my boy. For now, I'll wait..."
A crow sounded in the background.

* * * * * * * * * *

Raychel stared at the fire she had built. She gazed at the sparks flying from the ash-covered sticks and listened to the cracks of the wood being broken. She knew she shouldn't have built a fire, but she was cold and lonely and needed something to keep her company. She tried hard to think of how this had all happened, but also tried not to think of it. All she knew was that she didn't know anything. Breathing deeply, she began to doze off...
Then she heard it.
It was a familiar melody, one she had heard recently, but now it was being hummed. She turned in the direction of the sound and gaped open her mouth. In the distance she saw someone coming closer. She slowly began to smile as she saw the outline of her brother and the sound of his voice becoming clearer. When he came into view, she was relieved that he wasn't even hurt in any way, shape, or form. Still humming he sat down beside her. He soon finished his song and looked at her with a smile.
"Oh, Michael..." She leaned over and embraced him protectively. "I was so scared...so scared I'd never see you again..."
"I'm all right, Raychel. I'm all right." He pulled away from her. "Where is everyone else?"
Raychel took a deep breath. "They got into a fight and left."
"They left you by yourself?"
"We all left each other."
"NO!" Michael stood up and looked around frighteningly. "That's just what they want! They're gonna come for us if we don't stay together."
"Who?"
"Who do you think!?" Michael took a short walk around the campfire. He kneeled down right beside her and stared directly into the fire for a while. A crow sounded in the background.
"Michael, what are you doing?"
He didn't answer her. He only looked into the fire, beads of sweat forming from the heat.
"Michael..." Raychel went to stand up, but turned suddenly when she heard someone coming. She watched cautiously as the person approached, then breathed out and smiled as Alanzo appeared through the trees.
"Forgive me, Raychel."
"No, Alan. It wasn't your fault at all." She turned to Michael and grinned. Michael stood up and smiled at Alan.
"Your brother! He is all right?"
"Yes, Alan. I am fine."
"My heart is overjoyed! I am glad you are alive and are well."
"Thank you. I'm happy to see you, too."
"Have none of the others come back?"
"Not yet."
"I'm very sorry for leaving you, Raychel. I just couldn't put up with the fighting any longer." He sat down in front of the fire next to her.
"I understand. It's hard...it's very hard. For me, too." They stared into the fire for a few silent moments. The crow cawed again.
"Sis, some people are coming."
"Huh?" Her and Alanzo looked up to see Zach and Sofie approach from one side, and Nairobi from the other.
"Raych, I..."
"Hey, I..."
Zach and Nairobi caught eyes and exchanged glances. There were a few instants of hush, than Zach stepped forward towards Nairobi. She watched him like a hawk as he came near.
"I just want to say..." He looked into her eyes with regret. "I'm sorry." He turned to Raychel and Alan. "To all of you. I'm really sorry. I know I was being a quite the bastard earlier today, and before, but I was so upset over what's been happening the past few days." He turned to Nairobi again. "Will you forgive me?"
She nodded. "Yeah. I comprehend. And I'm sorry, too."
"Thank you for saving my sister. I really owe you something. I'll try my best to repay you for that someday, even though it may be next to impossible." He turned to Alanzo. "I'm really grateful that you were there for me, even though I didn't act like it. I hope you forgive me."
"I forgive you, Zachariah."
"Hey, it's Zach, all right? No more of this 'Zachariah' crap," the Zora said with a smile. He turned to Raych to see Michael sitting next to her. His eyes bulged. "Michael! Oh my goddesses you're alive!"
"So, you survived the river? I'm impressed." The Gerudo nodded.
"Yeah, well..." Michael shrugged his shoulders. "I guess I was lucky."
"Oh, I don't care how you endured." Raychel brought her brother in closer. "You're alive, that's all that matters."
"And we're back together again." Alan looked around at the others.
"This time, let's try and stay together." Raychel suggested. The others nodded in agreement.
"Hey, Sofie. Go bring us some food."
"All right!" Sofie ran to the river and pulled up a branch with several fish hanging from it.
"You caught fish?" Raychel beamed.
"Yeah, we found a small school. Thought it might be a nice change from heather leaves and moss and algae."
"You have no clue! Let's eat!"

* * * * * * * * * *

"The bridge is down, sir."
"Do you think the children would have done this to keep us from coming after them?"
"I don't think so. This bridge was old." Colonel Comoros surveyed the area. It was midday gray, and there was no evident sign except the bridge that the children had passed through here. They were trying to get to the other side, no doubt, but if he wanted to follow them he'd have to go back and take the low road down to the river. "Move out, men."
"Where are we going, Colonel?"
"Back down. To the river, men."
The soldiers turned their horses around back to the forest when Comoros looked up to see Takuya and his search party ride into the same clearing. There were a few moments of uneasy staring until Comoros spoke up.
"Well, if it isn't her majesty's secret service out going for a walk."
"Hm. I see there are a few pigs and one fat cow in our path, men," replied Takuya slyly.
"What did you call me!?"
"Who's hungry?"
"Kill them!!"
"Eat up, boys!"
Drawing swords, the two parties attacked each other. Takuya went straight for Comoros, killing the guards that stood in his way. Takuya dismounted his horse and held out his sword at the Colonel. Smiling, he got off his horse and also withdrew his sword.
"Why waste your young life? You are only a boy."
"It has something to do with honor and loyalty."
"And with taking away one's life?"
"If it comes to that."
"Let us begin."
They held their swords tip to tip, their faces eye to eye. After a few moments of intense staring, Comoros turned around and rapidly mounted his horse, galloping it back into the forest. Takuya was left in awe and disgust as the fighting continued around him.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Two days..."
"What Raychel?"
"We've been traveling together for two days, Alanzo." She looked at the others. "We haven't fought once."
Everyone nodded as they looked at the fire.
"But...you know..." Raychel shook her head.
"What is it, Raych?" asked Sofie excitedly.
"No, it's...kinda...I don't know."
"C'mon, tell us." Nairobi urged.
"Don't keep secrets, Raych," Zach teased.
"Well, we...we've been traveling together, but...we don't know each other."
"What do you mean?" asked Michael.
"Well, we've never really had a...group discussion or anything. Just so that we know each other a little better."
"Are you suggesting something, Raychel?" Alanzo asked.
"Well, I was thinking...now, don't make fun of me. I was thinking that we could share each other's dreams. You know, what our goal in life is. Or something that we want to achieve or have." Raychel laughed to herself. "I know, it sounds kind of childish, but, just so that we get to know about each other a little more."
"No, not at all. I think it's a great idea," said Nairobi.
"Yeah." Zach nodded. "I don't mind."
"All right, Zach. You go first." Raychel smiled.
"Well," He sat up straight. "My dream is...gee, I never really thought about it before. I'm the prince, so I'm going to inherit the Zoran throne, but..." He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.
"Come on, Zach." joked Raychel.
"Don't be shy, Zach. You can tell us," said Alanzo.
"Come on, Zachy! I wanna hear!" Sofie leaned close to her brother.
Zach took a deep breath. "Okay. My dream is to have a family."
"Just...a family?" Nairobi responded, still curious.
"Well, a good one, of course. You know, find a lady I really love, have some kids...oh by Din's fire, I can't believe I'm saying this."
"Why?" asked Raychel with a big smile. "Are you embarrassed or something?"
"I've never said that to anyone before. I've never told anyone that."
"Well, you said it now. Do you feel better?" asked Alanzo.
"Yeah..." Zach nodded. "I do feel better. A lot better, actually."
"All right." Raychel nodded. "How about you, Alanzo? What's your dream?"
"Hmm." The Goron crossed his arms and thought for a moment. "To start, you all know that my older brother is the Goron Chief, and that many people look up to him, right?"
"Go on," said Raychel.
"Well, I hope someday that my brother will turn to me for advice, and others as well. I wish to be as important a person as he is, and have people look up to me. I want to be an intelligent being, and to help people by showing them what life is really all about."
"What do you think life's about?" asked Nairobi.
"Well, there are many points of view. Different people have different ideas. Some say that life only started when they came into it and ends when they leave it. Others say that life always existed even before they knew it. Some believe that they are their own being, while others think we exist in the mind of a higher being."
"Wow." Zach was surprised. "I've never really thought about life before..."
"Yeah. You have a very disparate way of thinking, Alan," commented Nairobi.
"I don't understand," said Sofie, disappointed.
"You will, dear Sofia," said Alanzo. "You are still young. You must never tire of the world around you."
"Okay."
"Maybe you should teach me some philosophy, Alan. My mother would like that." Raychel laughed. Alan shrugged his shoulders and smiled. Raychel turned to Nairobi. "Your turn."
Nairobi sighed. "My dream..." She looked up at the sky, then down at the others. "Well, my friends," she smiled at them, and they curiously smiled back. "To be respected for what I am. And for those like me to be respected as well."
"You mean, like, Gerudos in general?" asked Zach.
"Kinda. It's just...we Gerudos have a bad stereotype. So many people won't go near us because they're afraid that were gonna kill them, or rob them, or something like that."
The others nodded.
"I just want everyone to know the truth. Yeah, we Gerudos make a living by stealing, but we don't kill people unless it's for self-defense. And we hardly ever rob from common people. I'm sorry, but that's just too easy for us. We Gerudos like a challenge. We usually have "dares" to see who can steal from palaces and castles and old haunted shrines, and the like. I'll admit that not all Gerudos are like that, but...So, I guess my dream is to have everyone respect us Gerudos and our way of living."
"I understand," nodded Raychel.
"Yes. I can see why you are so upset." Alan spoke up. "It's not your, that is, Nairobi's, fault that the Gerudos have a bad reputation. And yet, even though you are obviously a very helpful person, other people treat you like scum simply because of the stereotype of being a Gerudo."
"Exactly!" Nairobi said loudly. "So, that's why I try and help people. Like you guys. I wanted to get you safely back home, so as help to prove that we Gerudos are not the massacring lowlifes many people think we are."
"Ah, gees..." Zach turned his head. "I feel so bad that...well, what happened a few days ago. The way I treated you..."
"Don't worry, Zach. Put it behind you," Nairobi assured.
"Again, I am so sorry."
"It's okay. I forgive you. But now you know, right?"
"Right." They nodded at each other.
"That's great, Nairobi. Now I understand you and all Gerudos better."
"Can I go next?" Sofie asked.
"Fire away, kiddo." Raychel said.
"Well, my dream is kinda like Nairobi's dream, only it's for all of the world." She looked at the others, than continued. "I want everyone in the world to find peace in each other. That's my dream."
"It's a wonderful dream, Sofie," commented Alanzo.
"Yes, it is." nodded Raychel.
"Do you think it will ever come true?" she asked. Everyone sighed sadly.
"We can always pray." said Zach. "I would love to see that come true."
"I think we all would." Nairobi said. Everyone looked at the ground for a moment, before Raychel looked at Michael.
"Well, bro, how about you? What is your dream?"
"Need you ask?"
"Well, some of us might not know."
Michael smiled. "I want to be one the greatest musicians that ever lived. Music is the universal language, and I hope to communicate with all beings one day. There is even talk about some music having special healing powers. I hope to compose a song that heals all one day. A song of healing."
"That's amazing," said Alanzo. "To think that we could all be healed by song and harmony."
"It's quite a dream, but I think you can do it," encouraged Zach.
"So do I," said Nairobi.
"Thank you."
"Well Raych," Zach looked up at her. "You're last."
"Okay, okay." She took a deep breath. "My dream is to fly."
"Fly? You mean, like, 'whoosh! I'm flying!'" he teased. Everyone laughed.
"Well, kind of." Raychel said. "You see, ever since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of a place where people could fly. I believe that that world exists in reality." She looked at everyone else. "I want to find it someday, and perhaps be able to fly myself."
Everyone nodded, than Alanzo spoke up. "It's a bit strange, perhaps..."
"What is?" asked Raychel.
"The way our dreams are connected." There were a few moments of silence.
"Hey, you gonna tell us or leave us in the dark?" asked Zach, almost impatiently.
"Well, we make dreams because we want to be happy, right?" Everyone agreed. "Perhaps if we take a look at our dreams again, we can realize what this happiness is."
"Go on." said Raychel.
"Well, Sofia and Nairobi both wish for peace among the people. Now, Michael said that music is the universal language. In a room filled with people, talking about this and that, something and nothing, a single person playing music can bring the whole room into a peaceful hush, right?"
"Oh yeah." said Michael. "It's kinda neat the way that happens."
"Well, then that's your song of healing. And going into my dream, when people hear this music, they almost seem to be in a different viewpoint of life. We all take a moment to appreciate what a beautiful thing life is and how we are living it. That is, their healing soul seems to be "flying" through the mind. And music can bring families together in peace, too. So, our happiness is to find peace in each other as well as in us. Do you all understand?"
"Only a genius could have figured that out!" Zach said. They laughed.
"But he is right." said Nairobi. "When we combine our dreams, anything is possible, including our happiness."
"Yes, and we must never forget our dreams." said Sofie. "They are a part of us, ya know."
"They're what makes us 'us.' If it weren't for our dreams, we wouldn't have a purpose in life, would we?" asked Michael.
"No, not at all. Not at all..." Raychel drifted off. There were a few moments of quietness as everyone thought of what each other said. Raychel spoke up. "Well, I think that worked. I feel like I'm a lot closer to all of you now."
"So do I," said Alanzo.
"Yeah, me too," responded Zach.
"This was fun!" yelped Sofie. "We should do it again!"
"I'm sure we will." said Nairobi. "If not, then we'll always remember this night."
"I'm glad we did this," nodded Michael.
"I think we all are," said Raychel. "But, it's late now. I think it's time for some sleep, eh?"
"Good idea," responded Nairobi. "If we're lucky, we'll find the village tomorrow."
"Then let's get a good night's sleep." Alanzo rolled up into a ball.
"All right, then." Raychel, Nairobi, and Michael poured dirt on the fire and smothered it while Zach and Sofie went down to the river. Sighing with relief, Raychel gazed up at the stars and closed her eyes.

* * * * * * * * * *

"What happened, Tuvula!?" Nevis shouted. "You said that the children would be easier to capture if we separated them!"
"Only if your men were there when they were split up! It's not my fault your men can't follow directions!"
"Your directions only lead them to an old bridge!" He eyed her evilly. "You know, I wonder if you're only doing this for yourself."
"Why would I be doing that, oh great Lord Nevis?"
"That boy. Why do you want that boy so badly?"
Tuvula smiled. "It's a secret."
"I think that you're only joining me so you can get him. Is that true?"
"And if it is?"
"Then I want to know what's so special about him."
"I already told you, it's a secret!"
"You aren't planning anything against me, are you?"
"No, sir. But, those children...they are more emotive then you would think, don't you agree?"
"Yes, but what's your point?"
"They are going to be harder to capture then you think. We may have separated for a little while, but their powers will keep them related until the end of time..."
"What powers?"
Tuvula smiled. "They're not just normal children, you know. Their parents..."
"What!?"
"Do you not know what happened? It was many years ago..."
"What? Tell me now!"
"I'm sure you've heard of the Sacred Realm, the Triforce, the Ocarina of Time..."
"What about it?"
"Make yourself comfortable. It's a long story."

* * * * * * * * * *

"There it is, boys and girls."
"Oh my goddesses! Nairobi! You did it!"
"No, Raych, we did it together."
After two more days of steady hiking, they now stood on a hill overlooking a rustic seaside village. It was small and modest, with people out marketing and fishing, children playing, and a plethora of animals scurrying about. The houses were similar to those in Hyrule Castle Town. Most were white with a wood, brick, or hay-like roofing.
"We did it! We finally made it!" shouted Alanzo.
"No more of that crazy forest!" said Zach.
"Yeah. Finally, we're almost home. Right, Nairobi?" asked Michael.
"Sure are. All we need to do is take a ship back to Hyrule."
"So, where are we, exactly?" asked Sofie.
"This is Portland Village. We're actually in the country of Cridalio, which is northwest of Hyrule."
"This is so amazing..." Raychel breathed. "Oh, I just realized how hungry I am. I say we go get some good food, first."
"Yes!" said Zach.
"I know of a good restaurant here, and the owner."
"Have you been here too, Nairobi?" asked Alanzo.
"Yes. Portland is like a "family" village. Everyone knows everyone else."
"So, people here know you?" asked Sofie.
"Some of them. Hey, what are we all standing around for? Let's go."
"Yeah!" Together, the group made their way down to the village. But before they could go more then about twenty feet, a little girl ran up to them.
"It's you! You're back! The Choro-Buster is back!"
"Who?" asked Raychel.
Nairobi squatted down and picked up the girl merrily.
"You came back to Portland, Choro-Buster! Are you gonna stay?"
"For a little while," answered Nairobi.
"I'm gonna tell my mommy and daddy! They love you, just like me!"
"You go tell them, then." Nairobi placed the giggling girl back down and she speedily ran back to the village.
"What's a Choro-Buster?" asked Raychel.
"I'll tell you later. Come on." They followed Nairobi into the town.
"Wow, this is kind of a small village," observed Michael as he walked through the streets. Many of the people turned and stared at them as they walked through, like they had never seen their kind before. But they also greeted Nairobi with a grateful "hello" or a cheer of some sort. Some younger kids ran up and hugged her. Nairobi simply smiled at it all.
"These people seem to like you, but why are they giving us such strange looks?" asked Raychel.
"Well, like I said before, it's a family village. There's not more then about fifty people living here, spanning all the different age groups. And don't forget, we're not in Hyrule so people here haven't seen you, or others like you, before. That's why they're staring." They continued until they were in front of probably the largest building in the village.
"What's this place?" asked Sofia.
"This is Tailbird Inn. Wait out here while I see if Regina and Carson are in."
"Are they the owners?" asked Alanzo.
"Yes. Them and their family own and operate this."
"Wait!"
"What is it, Raychel?"
"Um, if you introduce us to them, please don't tell them that we're of noble blood. Please?"
Nairobi sighed deeply. "Are you sure? You'll get home faster that way."
"Yeah, but, um..." She paused for a bit. "We, uh, might be caught that way, too."
"All right. Whatever. You guys can look around a bit. I'll be back out shortly." Nairobi opened the door and stepped in.
"I wanna go down by the ocean and swim!" shouted Sofie, pulling on her brother's arm.
"All right, Sofie! Chill! We'll go!" Zach rolled his eyes as he let his sister drag him to the shore. Happily, Sofie ran into the water and quickly dove under. Somewhat reluctantly, Zach followed her.
"Those your friends?"
Raychel and the others turned to see an old fisherman before them.
"Yes. Why?" asked Raychel cautiously.
"You should tell 'em to be careful. There be sharks in this ocean."
"Sharks?" Alanzo asked, widening his eyes.
"Yep. Lotta them. This time a' year? They be scavangin' for anythin' with meat on 'em."
"Oh my goddesses." Raychel looked out at the ocean.
"You new here or somethin'?"
"Yeah. We're from Hyrule," explained Michael.
"Same as that dark-skinned Choro-Buster lady always hanging around here?"
"You mean Nairobi?" asked Raychel.
"Whatever her name is. She's from Hyrule, ain't she?"
"Yes. And so are we."
"Heh." The old man finished tying on a tackle and cast his pole. Raychel and the others watched as it only took a few minutes for something to bite his hook.
"Holy hell! This is one big papa!" He pulled back as hard as he could and quickly reeled the string in. Straining and moving back inch by inch, he managed to pull the fish up into the shallow water...with Sofia holding onto it, too.
"Sofie!" Raychel and the others ran over to her.
"Ah, damn! I can't eat that thing!" the old man growled.
"Sofia! Are you all right?" Alanzo asked as he helped her up. The fish in her hand was actually rather small. She looked over at the old man with disgust.
"This was my fish!" She took out the hook and threw it on the ground. "I caught it before you did!"
"Sofie!" Zach came up from behind her and took the fish away.
"Zach!"
"Hush!" He covered her mouth with his hand. He held out the fish to the old man. "I'm really sorry, sir."
"Eh." The old man took the fish and examined it. "Don't worry. Can't even feed a dog with this speck."
Sofia bit Zach's hand and snatched the fish away from the old man. She quickly went hid behind a rock and ate it.
"Geez!" Zach jerked his hand back and forth. "She bites hard." He looked at his hand. "She's being such a brat today. Must be very hungry or something..."
"So, you like catchin' fish?" the old man asked.
"I'm a Zora. I do it all the time."
"Heh. Maybe I could use a boy like you to help me. What d'ya say?"
"Can't now. Sorry."
"Makes good money."
"Sorry. Money doesn't mean that much to me."
"You from Hyrule too?"
"Yeah. Who are you?"
"Name's Enoch. And yours?"
"Zachariah."
"More people like you in Hyrule, eh?"
"Lots more."
"Think any of 'em are interested?"
"Probably."
"Eh, good."
"Hey guys!"
They turned to see Nairobi running towards them.
"Well if it ain't...ah....what's yer name...?"
"Hi Enoch. Remember me? Nairobi?"
"Yeah. Whatever. Too many names. Whatch'ya doin' here now? Ain't you goin' back to that sandy place? Not that I don't mind yer company er anythin'. Hell, you be this town's Choro-Buster, ya know."
"Well, not yet. This is our last stop. We're just here for the night."
"Eh. That's too bad. Your blue friends are good at catchin' fish. Why ain't ya tell me there be people like that in Hyrule? They'd be good here. Fact, I offered this youngin' here a job an' he ain't gonna do it 'cause da devil knows why. Tell 'em it makes good cash but a guy like him ain't want cash. Wants somethin' else prob'ly. Eh, chillun' these days. Gotta be somethin' more then money. Speakin' of, ain't you got a job yet or ya still foragin' for yer life? My, my son was da same way, ya know. He ain't never gotta job. Didn' even help his old man with da fishin'. Hell, that boy had ta go cross-country to get what he wanted. Wonder if he ever survived...Ya know..."
"Enoch!" Nairobi yelled impatiently. "Sorry. We are in kind of a hurry here. We have to help Regina."
"Eh. That woman. Always lookin' fer help. Where her damn kids when she needs 'em..." Enoch walked away.
Nairobi sighed and looked at the others. "I'm sorry. Enoch will talk and talk and talk and almost never shut up once he gets going."
"That's all right," said Alanzo. "My dad can be the same way."
"Well, what's up?" asked Raychel.
"Oh, right. There are some extra rooms at the inn that Regina and Carson will let us stay for the night. But, we're going to have to help with the cooking and cleaning and stuff like that. I hope you don't mind. It was the only way. As you can probably guess, this place doesn't get much business, so we have to repay them in some way. And they won't except rupees."
"I don't think any of us have any money," said Michael. "But I don't mind."
"Neither do I," said Raychel.
"We should just be thankful we have a place to stay," replied Alanzo.
"Oh, and, Carson, Regina's husband, said that we can use his ship to get to Hyrule. A crew of his has to travel to Nissel tomorrow and they pass Hyrule along the way. They'll just let us off."
Everyone cheered.
"Let's go talk to Regina."
"You guys go ahead. I have to get Sofie." Zach went over to where Sofie was hiding and grabbed her roughly. Sofie screamed.
"Zach! Stop! Put me down!" She started hitting him.
"Sofia gees! Knock it off!"
With a few more punches, Zach dropped her. She quickly got up and ran over to Raychel and embraced her, almost knocking her over.
"Raychel! Tell Zach to stop being mean!"
"Zach, stop being mean to your sister."
"Whatever..."
"See? Raychel loves me and she doesn't love you!" Sofie grasped Raychel tightly as they continued their way to the Inn. Suddenly, a middle-aged woman with long brown hair, a blue shirt and green dress came running up to them.
"Nairobi! Nairobi!"
"Regina!" The others ran with Nairobi to the woman.
"Oh my gods, Nairobi! Adrian fell into the well!"
"What!?" Nairobi almost immediately ran towards the village.
"I don't know. He went to get some water but the bucket was too heavy...you have to save him!"
"Let's go!" Nairobi ran ahead with the others following into the center of the village. People were standing around at the well with fear. Nairobi ran over to the well and looked down it. "Adrian!"
"Help me! I'm drowning!"
"How can anyone fit down there?" asked Raychel. "It's so narrow."
"A five year old can. Hang in there, Adrian!" Nairobi turned around and looked at Sofie. "Sofia, you're the only one else here small enough to squeeze down the well."
"It's so dark. I don't want to."
"Sofia! You have to make sure Adrian doesn't drown! You're the only one here who can help him!"
"I don't wanna go down there."
"Sofia." Zach kneeled down and took her hands. "Now is not the time to argue, Sofia. You have to go down there."
"Zach..." She almost started to cry.
"Sofia." Raychel hugged her. "You can do it, Sofia. Don't forget that we're all here for you. The only way to be courageous is to stand up to your fears. I believe in you, Sofia. And so does everyone else here."
Sofie stared into Raychel's eyes for a moment.
"Come on, Sofia! We need you now!" yelled Nairobi.
Sofie nervously nodded her head and went over to Nairobi. She lifted the Zora onto the edge of the well. Regina handed her a rope, which she tied around Sofie's waist. Nairobi handed the other end to Alanzo. "Don't let go."
"I promise you I won't."
"All right then. Here you go, Sofie. We're going to lower you into the well. Have Adrian grab the rope above you and tug it when you're ready to be lifted, got it?"
"Yeah," she replied timidly.
"Okay. Don't be scared." Nairobi gently put Sofie in the well as Alanzo released the rope little by little. Michael went over and listened for anything with his keen ears.
"Wait!" he yelled. Alanzo stopped.
"What do you hear?" asked Nairobi quickly.
"Sshh..." There were a few moments of worried silence before Michael spoke again. "Okay, pull it up, Alanzo."
Steadily, the Goron pulled the rope back. Nairobi held her breath until she saw the figure of Sofia holding a little child becoming clearer.
"Adrian!" She reached in and pulled a semi-dark skinned little boy up out of the well and laid him on the ground.
"Sofie!" Zach leaned over and helped his sister over the well ledge and embraced her. "Are you all right?"
"I don't know. It was so dark."
"You're not hurt, Sofie. You're gonna be fine," he reassured.
"DAMNIT! He's not breathing!" yelled Nairobi as she looked down at Adrian.
"No!" Regina sat down, holding his head.
"Does he have a pulse?" asked Raychel as she kneeled down. Nairobi placed her finger into his neck. His skin was clammy and his lips a bit bluish.
"Yes. Yes he does, but barely."
"Okay, move." Raychel pushed Regina away and tilted his head back.
"What are you going to do?" asked Nairobi with a scared tone.
"My father taught me this. Just watch." Raychel pinched his nose shut, took a deep breath and placed her mouth over his. She breathed quickly and gently four times and then listened for a response. "Damnit. Goddesses help me." She resumed her actions.
"She's putting a curse on him!" someone yelled.
"No! She knows what she's doing!" Nairobi shouted back. "I hope."
Raychel looked at Adrian's chest. "Come on. Great Din, give me strength." She placed her mouth over his and breathed three times, then listened for a reaction. Again, she breathed into his mouth three times as people around her watched anxiously. As air left his lungs, he coughed. Raychel sat him up in her arms.
"Adrian!" Nairobi shouted with a small smile.
The boy coughed some more, then opened his eyes and looked around. "Mommy..."
"Quiet, Adrian. Just stay quiet." Nairobi reached over and gently brushed his dark hair with her fingers.
"Way to go, Raych!" shouted Zach. After that, everyone clapped and cheered. Raychel smiled as she looked around at everybody and then back down at Adrian, still in her arms. She looked up at Nairobi and almost gasped.
He called her "mommy"...

* * * * * * * * * *

"Why didn't you tell us you were a heroine in this town?" asked Raychel.
"It just didn't sound right."
"But it's true. Nairobi here saved us from that awful sea monster Choro five years ago. That beast was eating all the fish in this part of the ocean, and it was also attacking any ship we sent out. That left us with barely anything to eat ourselves! But Nairobi came along one day and slayed that terrible Choro, so we could all fish in peace again. Since then, we've cherished all of her visits to Portland. We all love her so much." Regina put her arms around the Gerudo.
"Thank you, Regina."
"So that's why people were calling you the Choro-Buster," said Alanzo.
"It's just a nickname," she shrugged.
"Well, you children must be starving. I'm sure you've had a long journey here from Hyrule." Regina got up and went into the kitchen.
"Um, Miss Regina? Do you need any help?"
"Oh, such a sweet child you are, Raychel. But no, I'll get Mira and Tyler to help me. You've already done so much today. Please just relax." She turned her head and called loudly. "Mira! Tyler! Come help with dinner!" A few moments later, a young, dark-haired woman came down the stairs. Raychel could have sworn she caught her giving Nairobi a dirty look as she went into the kitchen. Nairobi didn't seem to notice. Soon a young boy about Michael's age came in from outside. Michael went up to him.
"Is there a piano in here?"
"There's one upstairs. Do you play the piano?"
"Yes. I love it."
"I'll play it every now and then."
"If you'd like, I can teach you some things."
"Sure, why not? It's, um, up the stairs, second room on the right."
"Thank you." Nodding at each other, they parted.
"I'm gonna go watch." Sofie quickly left her seat and followed Michael.
"Hey, Alan, wanna go down by the beach?" asked Zach.
"I suppose..."
"Great. Come on." Zach quickly left with Alanzo following.
"Must be a guy thing," said Raychel as she turned to Nairobi. "So, um, what's your relationship with that little boy?"
"Adrian?" Nairobi stood up. "Follow me."
She led Raychel out back to a small fenced-off area where a woman was washing laundry. Beside her was Adrian, who was beating two sticks together. When he looked up at Nairobi, he happily ran up to her. She kneeled down and held out her arms.
"Mommy!" He jumped into her arms. She hugged him tightly.
"How's my baby?" She lifted him up into the air and rubbed his nose with hers.
"Oh, Nairobi." The woman got up and walked over to her. "I heard what happened earlier. Thank the gods a hundred times you were here."
"Hey, it was really Raych who saved him." She leaned her head towards Raychel.
"Oh, dear child." The woman went up and kissed Raychel's cheek. "You are a blessing from above."
"Thank you. And what's your name?"
"Oh, forgive me, my dear. My name is Dianelle, and I am Regina's sister."
"Dianelle. I will remember that."
"We're gonna go take Adrian for a walk, okay?"
"Nairobi, dear, you spend as much time with this child as possible. I hear you're only staying for the night?"
"You are?" asked Adrian in disbelief.
"I'm so sorry. We have to get back home as soon as possible. Carson's ship is going to take us in the morning."
"I understand, dear Nairobi. Please make yourself at home, though."
"Thank you, Dianelle." Nairobi walked through the gate with Raychel following. She set Adrian on the ground and let him walk a few steps ahead of them. They made their way through the small village and sat down on a wooden bench. Adrian sat beside Nairobi and laid his head down on her lap, drifting off.
"Isn't he sweet?" Nairobi combed his hair and smiled down at him.
"Um, is he really, uh, your son?"
"My son?" Nairobi almost choked back her laugh. "Oh, by Nayru's love, how I wish he was."
"So he's not your son?"
Nairobi reluctantly shook her head. "No..."
"Then, why does he call you his mother, if you don't mind me asking?"
Nairobi sighed. "When I first came towards this village a few years ago, I found him all by himself. He was so tiny, hardly a month old."
"Was he abandoned?"
Nairobi shrugged. "I don't know."
"What made you come to this village in the first place?"
"Sense of adventure, I guess. I'm kind of a wandering Gerudo when I'm not on duty or doing anything."
"I see."
"Well, I found this little boy floating down the river in a basket. I picked it up and saw his face, and, well, fell in love with him. I went to the village to see if he belonged to anyone, and that's when I found out about Choro. After I killed the beast no one claimed this tiny bundle of joy, so I stayed with Regina for about a year, taking care of him myself."
"Really?"
"Yep. I couldn't just let him go. I had to leave eventually but Dianelle agreed to care for him while I was away. I've made many trips here over the years, making sure to see Adrian every time possible." She stroked his hair gently. "I love him as if he were really my son, Raychel. I don't see him very often, but whenever I do it's like I'm in heaven."
"And he just, called you "mom" one day and it stuck?"
"Yeah." She smiled.
"That's amazing. He does look a bit like you, though..."
"How so?" She looked at her sternly.
"Uh...his skin? It's almost as dark as yours...well, not really. Nevermind. It's darker then anyone else's around here, though."
"Well, I don't know who his parents were, so I can't say much." She continued to pet him lovingly.
"Uh, I hate to be rude, but do you think dinner's ready yet? I am sooo starving."
"Hey, me too. Let's go back and check." Nairobi gently picked Adrian up and carried him back to Tailbird Inn.

* * * * * * * * * *

"I'm sorry. It'll be another ten minutes or so."
"That's all right Miss Regina. Do you need any help?"
"You can help me!" called Mira.
"Okay." Raychel shrugged her shoulders as she went into the kitchen. A woman a few years older then Nairobi was at the counter chopping vegetables.
"Take a knife and start hacking, like me."
Raychel picked up a nearby blade, examined it, than began to chop the lettuce head.
"So, you're the one who breathed life back into Adrian?"
"Yeah. My father taught me that."
"Interesting. You from Hyrule, I assume?"
"Yep."
"Same as Nairobi?"
"Uh-huh."
"I know secrets about her."
"About...Nairobi?" Raychel looked up at Mira.
"Don't look away when your chopping food or else you'll chop off your hand."
"Oh, sorry." Raychel went back to chopping the lettuce.
"But yes. I think I know more about Nairobi then she knows about herself."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you like her?"
"Yes."
"Do you like Adrian?"
"Yes. He's cute."
Mira smiled. "I know their relationship."
"So do I. Nairobi told me that she found him by the river."
Mira shot Raychel a look of awe for a moment. Breathing out, she went back to chopping. "You're hopeless."
"Why?"
"You wanna know something else about Nairobi?" Mira smiled wickedly.
Raychel stuttered for a moment, suddenly disliking the woman, then answered. "If I want to know more about Nairobi, I'll ask her."
Mira shook her head as she continued chopping the vegetables. "That's too bad. You're her friend, right? She shouldn't be keeping secrets from you. Give me your lettuce."
Raychel handed Mira the pile of lettuce she was cutting, and she quickly arranged the salads. "DINNER!"

* * * * * * * * * *

Zelda sat down next to Raychel's flowerbed and stared at the last, lonely flower of the year. She hadn't eaten and barely slept the last week, and her husband too was getting weaker day by day. She knew it was terrible of her to do this, but she had almost ignored he kingdom during all of this. She had gotten her Council to take care of things, but many people were upset over the deal. But it wasn't like her children were dead; it was the fact that she didn't know that made her exhausted.
"Zelda..."
Zelda looked over at Link as he sat down beside her. She nervously waited for him to speak, which seemed to be taking an eternity.
"Takuya ran into a little bit of trouble while crossing the boarder. Nevis and his army are after them too. None of our group died thankfully, but..."
Zelda looked at the ground.
"...We haven't found anything yet."
Zelda breathed deeply, trying to hold back tears. "I can't believe this happened...I feel so lost." She brought in a deep breath. "Even if I found out they had died, I would be relieved. But to just sit on the middle line like this is hell. Nevis...he's going to pay for this."
"Oh goddesses will he ever." Link brought Zelda into his arms. "But for now we just have to pray for them. They're going to make it through Zelda. I know they are. We have to have faith in them and the goddesses." He pulled her away and looked into her eyes. "Remember our adventures? When there was hardly any hope left we found it in each other. They're going to be the same way. They have each other and it's their power of friendship that will help them survive. It worked for us, and it will work for our children."
Zelda looked into Link's eyes with a little bit more prospect. "I've had so much faith in you Link. I know you wouldn't lie." She hugged him caringly and looked up at the stars.

* * * * * * * * * *

Raychel happily tilted her head back and looked up at the stars. They were so pretty tonight. So...romantic...
She laughed at herself. "Romantic? Yeah...whatever..." She looked across the ocean. She had bathed after dinner and changed into a white cotton nightdress. She didn't realize how dirty she was! Now she knew what a pig felt like. She smiled as she looked at the water. It was so pretty. The moon was large and bright and cast a line of white across the dark waters, making the ripples sparkle. She freely let her legs swing over the edge of the dock as she listened to the sounds of the waves meet the sand. She was thinking about tomorrow when she heard someone call her.
"Raych!"
"Huh?" She looked around her, but didn't see anyone. "Who's there?"
"Raych!"
"Zach, is that you?"
"I don't know!"
"Knock it off, silly."
Zach surfaced from the water below her and pulled himself halfway up onto the dock. "So, what are you doin'?"
"Thinking."
"About...Hyrule?"
"Yeah. I never realized I'd miss it so much." She shook her head.
"Hey, we'll be back in a few days." He paused for a moment. "Do you miss your parents?"
"Of course, more than anything! What made you even ask that question?"
"Well, it's because of your dream."
"My dream?"
"Well, you told us your dream was to be able to fly." He looked up at her sadly. "Raychel, if you could fly, where would you go?"
"Hm. I don't know." She shook her head. "I've never thought about it."
"You would leave Hyrule, wouldn't you?"
"For a little while, maybe."
"If you learned how to fly, would you tell me?"
"Zach! You're my best friend! You'd be the first I'd tell! Well, maybe after Michael..." She smiled to herself and looked at Zach, who still looked sad. "What is it?"
"You wouldn't leave me, would you?"
"Zachariah, you're my best friend. I'd never leave you."
"Raychel." Zach pulled himself out of the water and sat next to her. He quickly took her hands and embraced them with his own, and stared piercingly into her eyes. "Raychel, promise me. Promise me that you'll never leave me."
"Zach..."
He leaned in closer and quieted his voice. "Promise me, Raychel. Please."
Raychel slowly nodded her head and smiled. "I promise I'll never leave you."
"Thank you. And I promise I'll never leave you."
"Thanks." She softened her smile a bit as he continued to stare at her. She never realized how stunning his eyes were. He slowly brought a hand up and gently placed it on her cheek. She put her hand on top of his and pulled it away from her face, then looked away nervously.
"I'm sorry, Raychel. I didn't mean to..."
"No. Just...don't worry..." She got up and walked back to the village without looking back at him. A million things were suddenly rushed into her head.
What was he thinking? He wasn't going to...no...he...he just can't. It...just...what was he thinking, anyway? I don't think that he...no, that's silly. Of course he doesn't...no, I can't let that happen...
"Raychel?"
Raychel tensed up and turned around. "Alan. Oh my goddesses you scared me."
"Are you all right? You seem a bit shaken."
"It's...I don't know." She put held her head in her hand. "I think I'm too young for this..."
"Is it about Zachariah?"
"How...you weren't spying on us, were you?!"
"No, of course not. I would never do such a thing. But he was talking about you earlier."
"He was? What did he say?"
"I promised not to tell."
"Oh goddesses..." She buried her face in her hands.
"But I will tell you something, Raychel."
"What?"
"You must admit your true feelings to him sometime."
"If I do, I'm afraid I'll break my own heart."
"But if you don't, you might break his."
Raychel breathed deeply and nodded. "You're right, Alan. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Raychel stared at the ground for a moment.
Then she heard it.
She looked up at the inn and heard music coming from the second story of the inn. She smiled. "Ah...good ol' Michael, back at the piano..."
"Does he ever take a break?"
"If there's a piano, he's there." Raychel and Alanzo went in the inn and followed the music upstairs. Most of the people staying were in the room with Michael, simply hypnotized by the music he was playing. After he finished the song, everyone clapped. Michael stood up, smiled and bowed.
"Okay okay! It's late!" Raychel pushed herself through the crowd and went over to Michael. "I think our little musician should get some sleep."
"Raychel..."
"Michael, just say yes or you'll be here all night, and we have a big day tomorrow." She turned around to see the people already starting to leave.
Michael rolled his eyes and nodded. "All right."
"Michael!" Tyler went up to him and bowed. "Thank you for the lesson today. I promise I'll practice everyday."
"Good for you. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Thank you." Tyler bowed again and left the room.
"What did you teach him?"
"Just some advanced basics. He has potential. If he practices, he'll be really good."
"Isn't that true for everyone?"
"Only if their heart is in it."
Raychel nodded. "Well, get to bed. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."
"Yes, 'mother'."
"Hey! We'll be home soon. Until then, just do as 'I' say."
"Yeah, whatever." He smiled. Raychel hugged him.
"To think I almost lost you. Oh, Michael, I love you."
Michael changed his expression and slowly backed away. "I'm, uh, really tired." He turned around and went into his room. Raychel smiled.
"A typical little brother. Tell one that you love him and he thinks the world's upside down." She walked downstairs and into the commons to see Nairobi holding a sleeping Adrian in her arms and singing a familiar song softly to him. Raychel stared at them until she was finished.
"That song..."
Nairobi looked up. "What, Raychel?"
"That song you were singing, what's the name of it?"
"I don't know, really. Nabooru taught it to me when I was younger."
"That's strange...my mother used to sing me that song, too, when I was little."
"I see. It's very soothing."
"It is, like a lullaby."
Nairobi looked down at Adrian and sighed. "I wish I didn't have to go tomorrow."
"Do you really have to?"
"Yes. I want to see that you and your friends are home safely, and I have to go back to my duty."
"Why don't you take Adrian with you?"
"I couldn't...I just couldn't..."
"Why not?"
"I'd...think too much of him."
"It seems like you already do."
"She wasn't talking about Adrian."
Raychel turned to see Mira walking up to them. She gave Nairobi an evil look.
"Who are you to talk?" asked Nairobi.
"You don't deserve him, Nairobi."
"Why not? He loves me. Isn't that important enough?"
"No, Nairobi, it's not. Not in this case..." Mira turned to Raychel. "Ask her someday."
"Ask her what?"
"About..."
"Nairobi! Come quickly!"
The girls turned their heads to see Regina enter the room.
"What is it?" Nairobi stood up. Adrian stirred.
"There's a riot going on outside!"
"A riot?"
"Yes. A woman in blue armor is demanding to see you..."
"Say no more." Nairobi handed Adrian to Raychel. "Take care of him and stay inside. Tell Alan and Michael to stay inside, too."
"Nairobi!"
"Don't worry about me Raych." She went to the door, grabbed Hard Blade, and ran outside after Regina. Raychel looked down at Adrian, who was almost fully awake, and then up at Mira. She only shook her head and walked away, but seemed to smile evilly as she did.

* * * * * * * * * *

Nairobi went into the center of the market to find several people shuddering around the strange woman holding a long sword. Nairobi pushed through the crowd and stood before her.
"What do you want, Merida?"
Some people gasped.
"A rematch, you wench."
"Is this going to be a tongue fight or what?"
"Shut up! I knew you'd come back here."
"Where are your men?"
"They're not here. They're too lazy to keep up with me."
"How can they? You just hop from one to the next." Nairobi smiled.
Merida dirtied her look. "You should talk. You'll never be forgiven."
"Let's just finish this."
"I'll finish you first."
Both women raised their weapons. After a few moments of intense staring, Merida charged at Nairobi and clashed her sword against Hard Blade. The fight began...

* * * * * * * * * *

Raychel held Adrian in her arms and sang the same song Nairobi was singing to him earlier. He quickly fell back asleep.
"To think, I'm going to have my own children someday..."
"Raychel!!"
She looked up to see Michael running downstairs with Alanzo following. He was dressed in his newly cleaned blue tunic and gray pants.
"Michael, hush! Adrian here..."
"There's no time to loose! We must leave!"
"Michael..."
"There's something wrong...something very wrong! You must believe me!"
"What's wrong?"
"Something's not right. I was trying to go to sleep when a white-and-purple crow came into my room and told me to leave as soon as possible."
"Whoa! A purple-and-white crow? It talked to you?!"
"There's no time to explain! We must leave!"
"But what about..."
"Here, dear child."
"Dianelle!"
She reached out and took Adrian. "If the boy says you must leave, then you must leave. You must listen to him!"
Raychel gave her brother a confused look, but nodded. "I don't know what this is all about, but I trust you, Michael."
"Then let's go." Alan followed Michael out the door. Raychel picked up her sword and turned back to Dianelle.
"Thank you so much for everything. Give my thanks to Regina, also."
"And thank you, dear Raychel. Please take care of yourself."
Raychel nodded and left the inn. She looked down by the dock to see, to her surprise, a ship there, and Alan and Michael quickly making their way towards it. She was about to run to it when she thought about Nairobi.
"I have to get her." She turned around and went into the market to see most of the village watching her and that blue-armored woman fighting. Raychel shoved her way to the front just as Nairobi was kicked in the face and knocked to the ground. Merida raised her sword above her head.
"NO!" Raychel unsheathed her own sword and charged at Merida. Merida saw her and swung her sword out at Raychel, knocking the sword out of her hand. She went for a second strike at Raychel, but something made her drop her sword as she followed through. She turned around and was greeted with a punch to the face.
"Zach!"
"Let's go Raych! C'mon, Nairobi." He grabbed Raychel's arm and ran ahead with Nairobi following close behind.
"GET THEM!! NOW!!" Merida shouted.
A trio of guards jumped out from their hiding spots and ran after them.
"Don't look back just keep running!" shouted Nairobi as she pushed them ahead. She turned around and held out Hard Blade at the chargers.
"Dark Blade!"
She raised her scimitar over her head, than swiped it back and forth then horizontally across. A disk of darkness shot out of the blade and hit all three men dead on. They began to erode in their uniforms. Nairobi turned around and ran up to the ship to join the others.
"We're outta here." She looked up to see the captain. "Take us to..."
"We know, Nairobi. This is the ship that was supposed to take you in the morning. A little hasty, aren't ya? Har har."
"I'll get you!!"
They turned around and looked over the ship to see Merida shouting at them.
"Stupid Gerudo bitch! You'll pay for all you've done!"
"Just shut up!"
"I'm going to destroy this village!"
"You fool! Why!?"
"You know damn well why!! This has crossed the line, you bitch!"
"Noo!" Nairobi went to jump into the water, but the others held her back.
She kept cursing at them as she slowly became less evident. Nairobi sighed and shook her head. There were a few moments of uneasy silence when the captain came down to them.
"There's rooms downstairs. I suggest ya'll get a good night's rest. We have a long few days ahead of us."
Without a word, they went to their rooms.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"What did you say happened?"
"I'm sorry, Lord Nevis."
"No, Merida. What did you say happened?"
"I found them in Portland, but..."
"You were being selfish and only wanted the Gerudo when I, your Lord, demanded all of them to be returned safely."
"I would have had them if it weren't for that whore and her stupid tactics!"
"Yes, stupid..."
"I'm sorry, milord?"
"You did a very good job, Merida."
"Forgive me. I don't understand."
"We're changing our plans a little bit, Merida. And letting the children slip through for now was part of it."
"How so, if I may ask?"
"We're going for much bigger game now."
"Bigger game? What could be more important to the Royal Families of Hyrule then their children?"
"I wish I could tell you, but it's a legend of the Royal Family only."
"What are we going to do?"
"Maseru!"
Quickly, the young messenger entered and bowed. Merida watched him with a careful eye. "You called, milord?"
"Yes, Maseru. Have all the search parties out there stop rummaging around and back here immediately."
"Yes, Lord Nevis." Maseru bowed again and left, Merida watching him the whole time.
"You see, Merida, my cousin is an ignorant ruler. While all her guards are out searching for the children, she left her castle completely unprotected. But as long as she has "it" on her side she feels relatively secure."
"'It', milord? What are you planning to do? Just because there are hardly any guards there doesn't mean that it's completely defenseless."
"You really don't know Zelda, Merida. Just when she thinks she's the safest she lets her guard down entirely! That is when we strike."
"So, we're going back to Hyrule without the children?"
"Oh, they'll be there, I hope. Trust me. We must be patient now more than anything. If we time everything correctly, Hyrule will be under my supreme rule in the blink of an eye."
"I trust you, milord." Merida bowed and left.
Nevis laughed to himself quietly. "I'm sure your children will come back home, Zelda. But that doesn't mean they'll have a home to come back to."

* * * * * * * * * *

Raychel breathed in and coughed.
"Goddesses, why is it so musty..." She coughed again and sat up. She opened her eyes and let them adjust to the dull lighting of the small room. It had a bed and a small nightstand, nothing else. Not even a window. Any light came in from the hallway, along with the infinite dust particles. She got off the bed and opened the drawer of her nightstand. To her surprise, she found her red-and-gold outfit cleaned and mended. She slipped it on and went upstairs.
Raychel shaded her eyes from the sun as she allowed them to slowly adjust to the new brightness. It was a beautiful day out. Sunny, clear, and windy. Perfect for sailing.
"Hungry?"
She turned to see Alanzo hold out a bowl of "something" for her.
"What is it?"
"Food. It's not very good, but it's something."
Looking at it reluctantly, Raychel took the food and ate a bite of it. Alanzo was right. It wasn't very good, but it was food. She quickly ate what little there was and set the bowl down on a nearby crate. She looked around the ship. It was obviously old and a bit creaky, and had apparently been used for many trips. The metal was rusting, the wood was molding, and the sails were worn thin. But if it took them home, there was no need to complain.
"Oh, I'm so glad we're going home, Alan."
"I am too. But..."
"What is it?"
"Something doesn't feel right. I think it's the wind."
"But the wind changes. You can't rely on the wind to take us home."
"Perhaps you are right..."
"Hey Raychel! Alanzo!"
Raychel turned to see Michael run up to them. "You guys have to see the ocean. It's sooo beautiful! Come on!"
"We're coming! Hang on!" Raychel and Alanzo followed him to the upper deck and looked over the side of the ship. For long stretching miles lay the rushing ocean. It sparkled like a sea of sapphires in the sun. Raychel felt soothed by the sight and the sounds.
"Isn't it gorgeous?" asked Michael.
"It reminds me of the view on Death Mountain, strangely." said Alanzo.
Raychel only sighed. "I can't wait to get back home. I don't care how long it takes. I just want to go home."
"Well, then it's a good thing you don't care how long it takes."
The trio turned around to see Nairobi approach them.
"What do you mean, Nairobi?" asked Raychel.
"This just doesn't feel right. It's in the wind..."
"Alanzo said the same thing, but doesn't the wind change direction?"
"I'm not talking about the direction, I'm talking about the temperature. We should be going south, towards warmer winds."
"It's the middle of autumn. The winds are going to get colder."
"By the desert?"
"What do you mean?" asked Michael.
"We should be docking in the desert entrance to Hyrule."
Everyone looked at each other uneasily.
"But, you're right, Raychel. It is late in the year. Perhaps were not as far south as I thought we were." Nairobi eyed them. "In that case I suggest you get a good book from the "library" downstairs and start reading. It can get boring on a ship."
"Oh, I don't think so." Raychel turned around and stared at the ocean again. "How could anyone tire of this?"
"Yeah..." Michael also looked over the ship's edge and looked out.
Alanzo shrugged his shoulders and Nairobi rolled her eyes. "Just don't get sick, you two." She left with Alanzo following.
"Hey, where are Sofie and Zach?" asked Raychel.
"Swimming."
"I hope that there aren't any sharks...do you remember what Enoch said?"
"Yes. I don't think there are, though. If there were, we would have gotten warnings, right?"
"Yeah." Raychel gazed out at the ocean again and lost track of time.

* * * * * * * * * *

Zelda sat up in bed, startled and breathing heavily.
"Zelda...?" Link moaned.
Without saying a word, she jumped out of bed and ran over to a cabinet. She opened it up and took out a small, decorative box. Unlocking it, she let her eyes alter to the soft bluish glow of the Ocarina of Time. She picked it up and looked at it sadly for a moment, then quickly went over to her balcony door. She went outside and got ready to cast it into the night.
"Zelda!!" Link grasped her arm, preventing her from throwing it.
"Link! Stop!" She tried to release herself.
"What are you doing!?" He managed to wrestle the Ocarina out of her hand.
"Link! Give me the Ocarina!"
"You were about to throw it away!"
"I was about to destroy it!" She sounded desperate.
"WHAT!? WHY!?" He looked at her ever so seriously and in much disbelief.
"I..." She quieted her voice. "I don't know. Something came to me...told me to do it..."
"Are you having nightmares again?"
"I'm living in one, Link." She sighed. "I don't know what it was. I just felt I had to destroy it before something terrible happened."
"Like what?"
"Link..." She looked up at him forlornly. "We shouldn't tell our children about what happened thirty years ago."
"I know. I wouldn't want them to worry."
"But we have to. It's the heirloom of the Royal Family." She took off her necklace. On it was her Kingdom Ring. "When Raychel turns fifteen she is to inherit this, and the legend. She'll be fifteen in about a month and a half."
"So soon..." Link nodded. "I hate to be selfish, but did you stop to think that, if you destroyed the Ocarina of Time, you would destroy me?"
"Not at that moment. Forgive me. But..." She held back her tears. "I would have destroyed so much more as well. I would have destroyed all of us, including the Sacred Realm. Yet I don't know what compelled me to do it. It was something grave..."
"Did you have a nightmare?"
"I don't remember." She brought her hands to her mouth and her eyes lit up with despair. "But to think I almost destroyed the Ocarina of Time...now that I see myself, I can't believe it. I can't believe I almost did that. Of all things..."
Link pulled her close and kissed her. What could have made her do such a thing? She may have had the urge to destroy something, but why the Ocarina of Time? They eventually went back to bed, but neither slept for the rest of the night.

* * * * * * * * * *

Although she had been watching it for the last two days, Raychel never got tired of the ocean. Besides, there wasn't anything else to do. They had gotten a physical exam to make sure none of them were sick the other day, but other than that nothing had happened. Yet Raychel didn't care much about it. She enjoyed watching the water change as the time passed, seeing all of its different colors. She even passed up meals to continue looking at it. Not like she'd want to eat the food, anyway... Now it was nighttime and a gorgeous crescent moon shone brightly with a million tiny stars. It almost reminded her of the night when...
"Hey Raych."
She turned around and smiled. "Hi Zach. Where have you been?"
"Swimming." He leaned against the balcony.
"Is it nice?"
"Colder than what I'm used to, but it was fun."
"How's Sofie doing?"
"She's sleeping right now. But...I guess she's fine. She really wants to go home."
Raychel nodded. "Did you see any sharks?"
"No. Not yet."
"Well, you should be careful. Especially around this time of the year."
Zach smiled wryly. He looked up at the stars. "It's nice out tonight."
"It's beautiful. I just wish..."
"What?"
"That I was back home. If I could fly, I would go home now. But..."
"Yeah?"
"It just all seems so far away. I mean, Hyrule does. I've had so much fun on our little adventure. I don't think I'm ready to go home. I mean, I want to, but..."
"I understand, Raych. I feel the same way, too."
"There's a little part of me that's telling me to stay out here."
"Why? Do you know?"
"I think that it's so I can find my dream..."
"You really believe this place exists, don't you?"
"I always have. I know people can fly. They just have to! Somewhere...out there..."
"Somewhere out there our dreams do exists, Raychel. You just have to believe in them for them to be real."
"That sounds like something Michael or Alanzo would say."
Zach hid his smile.
"But still, they're only dreams."
"What did you say, Raych?"
"I'm having doubts, Zach. Yeah, it's fun to believe in dreams but we always wake up."
"Well then if this is a dream, I want to sleep forever." He stood up.
"What?" She looked at him seriously.
"Raychel..." He looked up at her. "I'm sorry if I scared you the other night."
"You didn't scare me," she said quietly. "I think I scared myself." She looked out at the ocean.
"Do you forgive me?"
"For whatever you felt you did wrong..."
"Do you think I did something wrong?"
"No, not at all. If either of us was wrong it was I."
"Why are you saying that?"
"I should have told you..."
"What?"
"That..." She looked at him again. Was he a lot closer then a few moments ago? She took a deep breath. "That you might not understand."
"I'll understand only if you explain it to me."
"I don't think I can, yet."
"Then don't. Words shrink things that are timeless in your heart and mind." He closed his eyes and leaned close.
"Zach..." She took a deep breath and closed her own eyes. It seemed to take an eternity, but she slowly felt his face getting closer, his breath warmer.
But as the sound of footsteps became louder, they quickly separated to other sides of the dock. A few moments later, a sailor came up.
"You Raychel?"
"Yes."
"Your brother Michael wants to see you."
"Thank you." Without giving Zach another glance, she headed to Michael's room.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Michael?" She peeked into his room. He was sitting on the edge of his bed facing the wall. She cautiously walked closer and sat down beside him. "Michael, what's wrong?"
"I don't know. But I feel...sick."
"Here." She turned his chin with her hand and looked at his face. "You don't look sick. Did the physicians say anything when you had your exam?"
Michael shook his head. "But I feel sick."
"Have you been getting a lot of sleep?"
"I slept all day."
"Maybe you've had too much sleep. Or maybe it's the food. That wouldn't surprise me."
Michael swallowed. "My throat hurts."
"Drink something."
"That hurts, too."
"Just relax, then. We're almost home, Michael. We'll have the healers look at you."
"Home..."
"Hm?"
"It just seems so far away."
"I had that feeling too. It's like...I'm not ready to go home. I'm having a lot of fun. Honestly. Yeah, it's a bit risky, but I've never felt so...free before."
"Well, mine's a little bit different."
"Oh? How so?"
"It's...we've been sailing for three days."
"So?"
Michael shook his head. "I think we should have been back by now."
"Well, this isn't the best ship in the world, Michael. It probably moves a lot slower then you'd think."
"Yeah." He shrugged. "I don't know...like winter in the summer..."
Raychel rolled her eyes. "Now you're talking silly. I think you just need to rest. Good night." She exited his room.

* * * * * * * * * * *

You must find the spirit within you...then you shall have the wings of the creatures of legend and be able to fly...
"Get up."
Raychel moaned. "Go away...I was dreaming..."
"Get up NOW, Raychel!" She sounded angry.
Raychel opened her eyes and sat up quickly. "Nairobi! What's happening?"
"Get dressed and upstairs as soon as possible. Meet us in the starboard."
Not knowing whether it was good news or bad news, Raychel did as Nairobi said. When she got out she saw Alanzo, Michael, Zach, Sofie, and Nairobi all staring at the ground.
"What's going on?" she asked cautiously.
Nairobi looked up at her. "Raychel, do you remember how long it took us to get from Hyrule to Portland in Cridalio?"
"Um...about...a week."
"That was by foot, too," said Alanzo.
"Now," she asked. "Do you realize how long we've been on this ship?"
"About..." Raychel thought. "Six days?"
"Six days..." Nairobi nodded. "That sounds about right. Now, if you were keeping track of how far we traveled, we walked at about two miles an hour, sixteen hours a day. That equals about thirty-two miles a day. For seven days, that comes to two hundred and twenty-four miles. Actually, Portland is only two hundred miles from Hyrule, but you can figure all the time we didn't walk into that."
"So, you're saying?" asked Raychel.
"How fast do you think this ship goes? Never mind. This ship goes at least ten miles an hour and travels constantly. Of course, some days are better than others, but you do the math."
"At ten miles an hour, this ship could travel more than two hundred miles a day."
"Exactly."
"But that means..." Zach started. He suddenly looked at each other in shock.
"Rationally, it should have taken us no more than two days to get back to Hyrule." said Alan in a strange tone.
"Precisely." Nairobi looked at the others. "I have been on ships to Hyrule from Portland many times before and it's never taken more than three days, even with a storm." She paused. "Folks, I hate to say this, but we're not going to Hyrule."
There was an uneasy silence.
"Look around you. Do you even recognize any of your surroundings?"
"It's all ocean..." Michael trailed off.
"So then...where are we going?" asked Sofia, obviously scared. Everyone looked at Nairobi desperately.
"I have no idea but I'm getting to the bottom of this." She quickly left for the captain's quarters with the others following. She burst open the door, walked straight over to him and looked him directly in the eye.
"Where the hell is this ship going?"
The captain smiled and laughed a little. "Excuse me?"
"Don't be a jackass just tell me where we are going!"
He laughed again. "I'm surprised, Choro-Buster. I would have thought you had figured this out days ago..."
She reached over, grabbed his shirt and pulled him to her face. "Answer me before I kill you. Where...are...we...going??!"
"Put me down and I'll gladly tell you."
Nairobi threw him back in his seat. He smiled.
"A little detour to..." His smiled became larger. "Midlake."
Nairobi widened her eyes.
"Midlake?!" yelled Raychel. "I thought you were told to take us directly back to Hyrule! Carson's orders! This is his ship, right? I demand we go straight home right after your little "detour" or else!"
"We won't be going home, Raychel."
"Nairobi?" They all looked at her.
"Don't you know what Midlake is?"
The captain laughed. Nairobi shot him a dirty look and continued. "Midlake is where they mine gold, ore, sulfur, and other valuables. It's all done, however, by slave drivers."
"What do you mean?" asked Raychel.
"That physical exam...it was to make sure we were in good shape, wasn't it?"
"You just figured that out?" The captain smiled.
"Good shape for what?" asked Raychel.
"We're going to be sold as slaves in Midlake to work at the mines."
Everyone gasped.
"This isn't Carson's ship, by the way. His was supposed to come in the morning. I was in Portland that night looking for those searching for...opportunity."
"Opportunity my ass you were looking for slaves!" Nairobi yelled.
"Well, slave life is better life than living in that dump, if you ask me."
Nairobi growled.
"When I saw you fine young people I knew you'd bring me a lot of money. I mean look at your selves! We have a Goron, someone of great strength, beyond that of any human. A young boy that will straight away give me some good money. Two Zoras who can breath the water...they'll be of good use in the lake itself. And two fine, lovely girls that...well...will bring great joy to many lonely men."
Nairobi punched him square in the face, causing him to fall backwards off his chair.
"We're getting out of here. LET'S MOVE!" Nairobi went upstairs with the others quickly following. They were met by a row of sailors with weapons. Thinking quickly, Zach grabbed Sofia and jumped on top of the ships railing, ready to dive.
"I wouldn't do that!"
"Why?" demanded Zach.
The captain, holding a handkerchief to his nose to stop the bleeding, held up a jar filled with crimson red liquid. "If you jump in that ocean, I will pour this pig's blood in with you. If you know anything about sharks they love the scent of blood, and you Zoras are one of their favorite treats."
Zach held his sister steady, then reluctantly leaped down onto the ship.
"Throw them in the cells downstairs."
The guards did as ordered.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Zelda could not concentrate on any letter she wrote. She got up from her desk and went over to the large front window. She peered out it, and many memories came into mind. Below was one of the courtyards Raychel and Michael would play in when they were younger. They would chase one another, play games, talk, fight...Zelda smiled. She'd do anything to give them back their innocent, younger days. Of course, they were older now, but still so naïve. She closed her eyes and could hear her children be frivolous about the huge, unknown world...
A knock came to the door. She turned around and waited for the door to be knocked a second time.
"Enter."
A guard came into the room and kneeled. "My queen, I have news."
Zelda sighed. "Speak."
"From the town of Portland we have someone here that may know of your children's whereabouts."
Her eyes lit up. "Who is it?"
"Her name is Regina, and she owns the Tailbird Inn at Portland."
"Is she here?"
"Yes."
"Have her come in."
"Yes, m'lady." He left. A short while later Regina came in with tears in her eyes and kneeled before Zelda.
"Queen Zelda...please...forgive me...I didn't know..."
"Arise. There is no need for someone like you to kneel before me."
Though a bit hesitant, Regina stood up and looked at Zelda straight in the eye.
Zelda smiled. "So, they didn't tell you?"
"No, your majesty. I honestly had no idea they were your children until your guards came into my town and told us. But by then they were gone. Please forgive me." She choked back her tears.
"I have nothing to forgive you for. You have done nothing wrong."
"But your children..."
"They didn't tell you, and, frankly, I'm not surprised."
Regina looked at Zelda with wide eyes.
"Please, have a seat." Zelda motioned for Regina to sit down at the nearby table. "Now, please dear Regina, tell me everything that happened."
Regina took a deep breath and told her about Nairobi, the children, Adrian, the attack, the ship, and how the Hylian Guard came when General Madrid attacked them.
"We owe our village to your Guard, your highness. If there is anything you wish of us please tell us."
"All I wish is that you continue to greet others with the same kindness and hospitality you've given my children. You have done much for them, and much for me."
"But the ship...it was supposed to be my husband's ship that they were to take back to Hyrule. But it wasn't. I don't know where it's headed..."
"And you must not worry about it, Regina. You have done more than anyone could have asked, and for that you will always be welcomed here."
"My queen, your children...Nairobi..."
"I appreciate you worrying about them, but please don't loose sleep over it. They will be found, and Nairobi with them. Everything will turn out if you just give it time."
"Thank you, your grace." Regina bowed her head.
There was a crash.
Zelda quickly got up and went out into the hall.
"What was that?" she asked a person walking by.
"It came from Prince Michael's room."
She went over to his door and opened it. The window was broken from the outside in, a hole smashed through it. But whatever caused it to smash wasn't there.
Zelda went up to the broken glass and looked down at it.
"What's this...?" She bent down and picked up a white feather with a purple stripe across it. "Michael..." She looked out the broken window.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Pick up the pace, you dogs." The guard cracked his whip as he passed by Raychel and Michael as they were cleaning the deck.
:Goddesses, why does this have to happen?: asked Raychel telepathically to Michael.
:Since we're going to be slaves they figured, hey, might as well get them used to it.:
:But why? WHY, Michael! We were so close to home...:
:Yet so very far away.:
:If we told them who we were, do you think it would make a difference?:
:I don't think they'd believe us, Raychel...:
:It's worth a try, isn't it?:
:I wouldn't want to...: Michael began to cough harshly and repeatedly.
"Michael!" Raychel dropped her rag and went over to Michael, kneeling beside him. He was on his hands and knees, hacking like a horse. "Michael! What's wrong?"
He couldn't answer. He pounded his chest with his hand and coughed up blood.
"Oh my goddesses..."
"What are you doing!? Get the hell back to work!!" The guard cracked his whip right next to them.
"Can't you see he's sick!?" Raychel put her arm around him.
"I don't give a damn!" The guard raised his whip and snapped it forward. Quickly, Michael pushed Raychel out of the way. The whip hit his back fast and hard, ripping his shirt and causing blood to ooze out. Michael fell onto his stomach.
"No! Stop it!" Raychel ran over to Michael, embracing his head.
The guard raised his whip again. Raychel held her brother strongly and closed her eyes, ready to endure the pain.
But it was not to be. Out of nowhere, a white bird flew in and attacked the guard, swooping at him with her sharp beak and razor talons. The guard swiped his hand about, trying to shoo the pesky thing away, but it was no use. Raychel and Michael watched in awe as their little heroine pecked at the guard.
"The white and purple crow..."
"Michael?" Raychel studied the bird. It was indeed, a white crow with purple stripes across its back. What a strange bird...where did it come from? Why was it here?
The mysterious bird flew away into the blue sky, leaving the guard cut, bruised...and angrier than before. He turned to the Hylians with a look of annoyance, but before he could take another step Zach and Sofie jumped onto the edge of the ship, exhausted and scared.
"What the hell are you two doing?! Get back down there and take off the barnacles!"
"No way. There's something down there." Zach held Sofie close.
"What you talkin' about? Shut yer trap and get yer skinny blue ass down there now!"
"No! There's something big in the water."
"Listen to him! I saw it too!" shouted Sofie.
"I said shut yer..."
But a deafening roar and the sound of water exploding silenced the guard. Out of the ocean burst a large, flat head attached to a long, snake-like body. It screamed, showing its humongous teeth and slimy tongue. It slashed its insect-like arms and claws in the air, than screamed again.
"What is THAT!?" yelled Raychel.
"It's a..." Michael trailed off.
"CHORO!" Nairobi jumped into the scene, Hard Blade in her hand. She turned to Raychel and Michael. "Get out of here, NOW!"
"But Nairobi..."
"The last Choro wasn't even half this size. This could get ugly, kids, so get out of here."
"Um, Nairobi...behind us?"
"What?" She turned around to see the Choro's spiked tail whipping about.
"Shit..." Nairobi turned around again to see its eyes staring at them. "Move slowly to your right. Crawl."
Raychel and Michael slowly crawled out of the tail's reach. The door from downstairs burst open, and the sailors ran towards the beast with their weapons in the air.
"STOP!" Nairobi tried to warn them, but it was too late. With several swift swipes, the Choro had sliced all their bodies in half. The captain came out, took one look at the beast, and cowardly ran back into his quarters. The Choro began to stab the ship, causing it to sway wildly and flood with water. It screamed.
"Nairobi!" Raychel coughed up water. "What should we do!?"
"Zach, Sofie! You two get Raychel and Michael to safety in the water! Alanzo, you stay here and help me!"
"No! We can't!" yelled Michael. "There's blood in the water and sharks everywhere!"
"DAMNIT!" Nairobi jumped back, avoiding a strike. The Choro's tail thrust through the middle of the ship, than burst through the bottom, sending wood, and Sofie, into the air.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!" She splashed into the water.
"SOFIA!!" Zach got up on the railing, but Raychel stopped him.
"No, Zach! There are sharks! They'll eat you, too!"
"But Sofie...!"
Nairobi and Alanzo were too busy fighting Choro to notice anything else. Nairobi had tried stabbing its legs with Hard Blade, but the rigid covering made it futile. Alanzo had been heaving large, sharp pieces of wood at its slim belly, but even that was useless.
"I've never seen a Choro like this...I wonder if it even is one?" said Nairobi as she caught her breath before she avoided another swipe.
"Whatever it is, nothing is working!" Alan curled up to block an attack.
"Thunder Blade!" Nairobi held her scimitar up in the air...
"No, Nairobi!" yelled Alanzo. "If you use lighting you'll shock us all because of the water!"
"God damn it! Fire Blade!" She held her scimitar up again. It began to smoke a little, then the cutting edge became engulfed in flames. She quickly swung Hard Blade again and again, sending fireballs at the Choro. It easily extinguished them with its waves.
"Sofie!"
"Zach! Help me! There's something in the water!" She looked around her nervously as she saw several fins approaching.
"NOO!" Zach pushed Raychel aside and jumped in the water.
"Zach!"
Zach quickly swam over to Sofie, but was too late. He watched in horror as he saw his sister being pulled under the surface of the water.
"Sofie!" He barely had time to mourn over his sister before the sharks came to him.
"ZACH!" Raychel yelled from the ship.
Zach sculled the water, knowing it would do no good to try to get away, and got ready for his death.
"Oh, come now, don't give up!"
"What?" Zach turned around and looked above him. It was...a flying person?
The strange, gray-black haired man smiled as he lifted Zach out of the water and flew upwards just as the sharks lunged.
Raychel and Michael stared in awe as they saw what had happened.
"Who...who are you?" Zach asked nervously as he looked at the ocean below him. He turned back to the man in heavy purple armor and beautiful, transparent long-scaled wings.
"My name is Haschel, and that lady over there with the other like you is Meru."
"Other like me?" Zach looked over to see a young lady with platinum colored hair and blue armor and same wings holding Sofie. His sister waved.
"Sofie!" Zach beamed and sighed.
"Haschel! Meru! Get them back to Bale!" Zach turned to see another person in large, heavy silver armor and a long, silver canon on his right arm. His wings were similar but larger and more spread out.
"Yes, Dart." Meru and Haschel flew towards the land with Sofie and Zach in their arms.
"Miranda! Kongol! You two get the others on the ship! Albert, you help me get rid of this beast!"
Raychel looked around to see several other flying people. She could only keep silent in amazement.
"Okay, you two are coming with me."
Raychel and Michael turned around to see a woman in white and orange armor and wings before them. She had long, wavy dark blonde hair, brown eyes and a large bow.
"Don't be scared. Just come into my shoulders and hang on tight." Obediently, Raychel and Michael grabbed onto the woman's shoulders and she put her arms around them. A few moments later they were air born.
"This isn't any normal Choro!" Nairobi fell to her knees, exhausted. She barely rolled out of harm's way.
"What now?" asked Alanzo, just as tired as she.
"You come with Kongol. Kongol bring you to safety."
"Huh?" Both of them turned to see a very strong, gigantic man with a brown Mohawk, red stripes down through his eyes, orange armor and wings before them.
"You two no be scared. Kongol not hurt you. Kongol only want to help."
"How?"
"Hold onto to Kongol. Kongol bring you to Bale."
Not having a choice, Nairobi and Alanzo grasped Kongol's arms, and flew into the air, just missing a fatal swing from the beast.
"Ready, Albert?"
"Let's do it, Dart."
"All right. You distract it while I charge up the cannon."
Albert flew straight for the beast with his javelin out, but zoomed upwards at the last moment. While he swiftly flew around the monster like a buzzing insect, Dart concentrated all of his spirit into his arm.
"Move, Albert!"
Albert quickly took off.
"Divine Dragon Canon!!" Dart raised his arm into the air, than aimed it at the creature.
Raychel looked back as she heard a dying scream. She was breathing heavily and felt a little sick. She looked up at the woman and shook her head.
"You fly...you fly like a bird..."
"Like a dragon, actually."
"No...that's not right...people don't...people don't..." She began to close her eyes.
"Don't faint, girl! I can't hold on to you!"
"Raychel! Stay awake!"
Raychel took a few deep breaths and squinted, losing her grip.
"Help! Albert! Take her!"
"I'm coming!"
A man with long, light brown hair and green armor flew up to them. He gently took Raychel and held her in his arms. She looked at him with pale eyes.
"Father..." She fainted.

* * * * * * * * * * *