THE EYE OF THE STORM:
"The Eye Accustoms"
Link had spent much of his time relishing upon the question that grandfather never-endingly assured that he would answer: How Link beat Erwin. To achieve the answer, the Captain stood behind Link's father's father in aiding Link in becoming what was deemed the proper adult and, true to his word, along with many of the ship's crew, trained Link in many ways. The art of the sword. The complexity of the mind/body expansion, used to harness all of one's power/ability. How to fight. How to hunt. How to move yet not be seen. The old man had wisdom beyond his years and, yet, for being so far up the ladder of age, he still had the gusto, energy, persistence, patience, understanding, and agility of someone a third his age - which is what Link had steadily become.
Erwin's unending scorn toward Link intensified over time. A grudge to end all grudges that seemed apparent with every vapid glare or syllable dripping with disdain. Link let none of the childish nonsense from Erwin's behalf impede on his maturing or schooling of all the arts - including what it was to be a true pirate. Sometimes it seems inevitable that one will become what one despises most. Yet, sometimes - especially in the case of this 'pirate scum' - things are not at all what they appear to be. Stereotypes bring forth a past or legacy that precedes itself. Erwin, for example, would fall into the stereotypical category. The rest of the crew would, however, lie into the setting of a self-precedent or own niche.
Link's training and learning of the ways of the world and self-betterment aided him in more ways than just his quest for vengeance. Little by little over time, the world became consumed with various beasts and ungodly creatures beyond imagination. Abominations that would no less consume one's soul before hesitating. Darkness had almost entirely consumed every inch of land, sea, and heaven. In certain areas the rains ceased to pour down like the never-ending pithy tears of the Gods begging for either forgiveness or mercy. The waters around the world rose at an unprecedented rate, causing the lands to break apart and shift to new areas. What was once a glorious whole became pieces of a shadow of its former splendor.
Link had not seen his hometown since that fateful eve seven years ago when the darkness had breached its precious boundaries. He could have been nervous, or even a little scared, but through his training he was able to overcome those crippling emotions and push them aside, leaving only a feeling of anxiousness. Nonetheless, there he sat, in the exact same place he woke to when he first found himself upon that ship, contemplating the events that lead to the voyage back to Hyrule.
His father and Mena never left his mind for an instant, no matter what dangerous or antagonizing situation he found himself in. Sometimes one cannot let go. Sometimes some things must receive their reckoning.
The last seven years of Link's young and tortured life have let him see and understand so many things, courtesy of the high seas. Amidst his schooling and laborious duties aboard the ship, the Captain would allow the men to dock at a port and have a little leisure time before departing back to the meddlesome waters deep. Wherever they would adjourn, somehow the Captain knew exactly where to go to escape the ever-growing darkness in such 'underground' locales. There, in such places, people who wanted to escape the evil that plagued the land or remain untouched by its sinister attitude would congregate free of the blackness. How the darkness had not touched these areas were unbeknownst to Link, but they were, however, breaths of fresh air amidst the pollution. And that's where it all began, the reason for their return to Hyrule after so long.
One such stop a couple years back was an island called Isla Luna - the island of the perpetual gazing moon that casts shadows on the never present sun. The inhabitants of said land are furry, nocturnal creatures, similar to squirrels of back home, but walk upright, have more humanish facial features, and are undoubtedly much larger in stature. Their ship docked at the farthest side of the island away from all the people as a precaution to any trouble that may (or probably will) arise. All the crew, plus the Captain, all knew the drill if such an attack were to occur - their line of retreat was the safest, most stealth, and quickest way back to the vessel.
The crew, including Link and his grandfather, walked into one of the 'underground' places: a bar hidden beneath the earth whose only entrance is to insert a special stone similar to a diamond into a rock that sat on the ground. Once the diamond was inserted, the earth would open and reveal a staircase. This method of entry was fool-proof, for the diamond held a magic spell where only its rightful owner - be it still alive - is able to use it, and that owner must pass a rigorous and straining test to prove their loyalty and trustworthiness. No doubt the Captain could pass such a test. Other than that, all the safety measures one could think of were implemented.
After the flight of stairs was a long, barely lit hallway. The doors that lined the sides were rooms that were part of the inn section. At the end of the hallway was a big room full of tables, a huge bar, and a few areas for vendors. Wooden candle chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting dancing shadows over the wood floors and wood beams that kept the roof from collapsing onto the populace of the dwelling.
Those that frequented the hideaway welcomed the entire band - many of them pirates or of the such. For being a place to guard from the outside world, why did it house such criminals and the like? When it all came down to it, manyy were good people that received a very bad rapport due to fellow pirates. But for those who remained true to the code and were good-hearted, an unspoken brotherhood welcomed them into the midst.
When Link's fellow mates and he frequented a location such as this, Grandfather takes upon himself the task of gathering supplies and certain things for Link's training, along with whatever valuable information he can dig up on the outside world or the ever expanding darkness.
One thing that stuck out most for Link was meeting a Zora – a fish-like creature with gills, scales, fins - the whole nine yards – but walked upright on legs, had arms, and a human-like face. Granted, Link had seen a Zora before, but never this close - let alone actually met one… Before the waters rose and the land split, the Zoras mainly lived northeast passed Hyrule castle in Lake Hylia. It was full of deep, rich, clear, pure water. There the Zoras guarded the sunken temple at the lake's bottom, which was used to worship the spirits of the water, as well as Zora's fountain. The Zoras are longtime allies of Hyrule's Royal Family, who were the only ones that could enter Zora's domain. They served Hyrule by protecting said water source, which flowed from Zora's Fountain, through Zora's River, and eventually reached Lake Hylia. Now the Zoras tended to live out in the middle of the ocean where it is the deepest, just below the surface, yet also congregate above, but cannot survive out of the water for too long because, well, they're still fish bet prefer to be called just plain "Zoras". Link talked with the light blue Zora and was told all about the darkness spreading even to the oceans deep.
"Huge beasts like you wouldn't believe, child," the Zora said in a smooth, calm voice. "With every passing day it seems to be growing darker and darker… Colder and colder…" he added before flagging down the bartender and ordering another drink. "If one would attempt to meet the Zoras, they would only waste their time. The vast majority of us Zoras have been sealed under a thick ice sheet. The Zora princess was rescued just in time, but she has since gone missing. This ice I speak of was created by an evil curse. Unless the source of the curse is reversed, I am afraid the ice will never melt, and my people will remain trapped for the remainder of eternity…" The Zora spoke so eloquently and rarely ever showed emotion - just smooth and calm… "We did not have even the slightest increment of time to send for help - for the sea turned strangely murky in an instant and swarms of sea snakes descended upon us from every angle like moths to the flame."
It was as though Link could hear their cries for help, much like his last memory of Hyrule…
"Those that managed to flee now live in seclusion, much like the rest of us here," the Zora said as he stretched out his arms and gestured toward the others that filled the room. "If the darkness even reached our deepest abode, there is no telling where it cannot stretch it's evil fingers and grasp." The Zora leaned in toward Link slightly and said in a quieter voice, "Or when it will find us… It is inevitable… Delaying destiny or fate is only deluding one's self into a false hope… The crutch that drags one down…" Strong, pessimistic words coming from a Zora - some of the most dutiful, respectful, diligent, and loyal of all species… Never has Link seen or heard of one with an utwardly negative emotion.
Must be the alcohol…
This is also when Link began to notice Erwin's odd behavior.
Granted, Erwin had always despised Link since his first conscious day aboard the ship and had been extremely sour since, but his manner of carrying himself and blatantly odd and erratic behavior was just too awkward for his mean attitude, even for Erwin… A couple of the things that seemed out of place were his constant disappearances or seclusion from the rest of the crew. He chose to hide away in a dark corner, or nowhere to be seen. When asked what he was doing or how he was holding up, Erwin would respond with such anomalous answers and skitter off like a cockroach when a candle is lit. Odd indeed…
They all sat and enjoyed themselves before the hour of sleep descended upon them, which prompted one-by-one to take rest in the individual rooms in the hall. Some half-sleepily slinked to their bed. Some grudgingly chugged their remaining beverage and trudged to a room. Some had to be carried to their respective rooms due to the extent of their inebriation. Some closed their doors to be in solitude. Others took refuge in another with accompaniment for reasons that will remain behind closed doors. Few stayed behind to continue carousing. The remaining who lingered were to keep watch, which was a duty that was systematically circulated throughout the entire crew.
Link was among some of the men that stayed behind. He did not drink as much as the others, for he was the one who was to keep watch. Such a task required the vigilance of a wolf and the sobriety of a priest. Well, maybe a step down from a priest…
Okay, quite a few steps down…
While helping others to bed, Link discovered that there was more than one level to this quaint place of escape – about five more below his floor. About half the space was inn designated, the other half people's homes. Most of who were on the run for some reason or another, but down here, all was tranquil - all was one.
After the remaining crew and patrons drank enough (some enough for themselves and others!) the whole place quieted down.
There Link sat, thinking about what the rest of the world is going through and how he was fortunate enough to be away from it all, but ready to find this 'Ganon' and end him once and for all.
Now, that stop was not so bad - it is what happened on their next stop a few months later to Death Mountain, a mountain island mainly inhabited by the Gorons that made the prior stop significant. Death Mountain previously lay just north of Hyrule, overlooking the entire kingdom, but after the darkness came and the rains poured down, it separated from the mainland and drifted far, far away. It's locals, the Gorons, were a big, chubby, brown folk with very plump, round, smooth faces that resembled hedgehogs without the spines, and walk on two feet, baring very deep, tonal voices. They were a peaceful people, but when threatened would strike like a bull backed into a corner. t Also, to fight one Goron, meant to fight a plethora.
The secret entrance here was in the edge of a cliff on the side of mountain, behind a huge magma fall. After the 'key' slid into it's 'lock' a stone ledge protruded out from behind the lava before them, opening a gaping mouth of the lava and a walkway jut out from underneath them, connecting to the doorway which lead to the staircase to pleasantry. The inside of this place was strikingly similar to the previous underground hideout on Isla Luna, but with a lot less wood and more stone, rock, and metal.
What followed was almost as though it were scripted, for the crew did what they always did - became loud and boisterous, leading to, or as a result of, a good time. Link talked with a Goron who joined in their festivities of yelling, laughing, singing, etc. who let him know that all the Zora had mentioned prior was gradually becoming worse even as they spoke. The monsters that were mentioned of/saw were multiplying greatly, and seemed to be increasing in size and level of danger. Some even mutated into disgusting abominations that nary a man who saw one lived to tell of its atrocity. At one point in the conversation, the Goron seemed to be having a little too much of a good time, for all of a sudden he dropped to the floor and curled into a ball, in which he resembled a giant boulder. Such an occurrence is normal for a Goron when they sleep. After Link jumped back for being briefly startled, he and his fellow mates joined in a hearty laugh which was followed by friends of the Goron rolling him back into a room in the inn section.
After the laughter died down, Link took a seat at a table next to the Captain. As usual, Link spied Erwin sitting in the corner of the room by his lonesome…
Oh, wait…
He wasn't alone this time.
Link couldn't quite make out whom Erwin was with, for his companion sat in the darkest, shadowy spot in the corner of the room.
Good for Erwin, Link thought. Hopefully he will make a friend and lighten up…
"These are trying times, son," the Captain said to Link, without even looking at him, as he took a swig of his drink.
"Yes they are…" Link followed suit and took a drink of his own.
Tonight was not his turn for watch duty, obviously.
The Captain turned to Link, "No doubt as you have seen in your passed seven or so years with us, we pirates get around - we see and hear things most men go without their entire lives."
Link nodded.
"But nothing compares to this evil that has been unleashed upon our world. I have heard that the darkness can, in a sense, infect one of us from right under our very noses - like a contagious disease…"
Link leaned in closer as something caught his ear: the sound of the pitter-patter of someone running down the hall.
The Captain continued, his voice never wavering, "Someone you may have known all your life can become an instrument of the Evil Lord and you could never tell the difference -"
The footsteps drew closer.
"- until it is too late."
They're almost here…
"Always trust your instincts and yourself, Link."
In the blink of an eye, Link whipped out his sword, spun around, and pointed the razor tip of his blade in the direction of the footsteps as a man skidded to a halt in the doorway, out of breath, bleeding, and wearing clothes that were torn, burnt, clawed – completely mangled in so many different ways.
The whole room silenced as everyone turned, eyes wide, gaping at the stranger.
The unknown man's mouth opened slowly, "Th-th-they g-got Isla L-L… L-L-Luna," he said, as he abruptly collapsed to the ground from what seemed like from exhaustion.
A few of the stunned and bewildered onlookers ran over and helped the man back up and aided him in walking over to the bar where the bartender already had a glass of water ready for him. The man took his time with the water as everybody slowly crowded around him, curious as to what was going on, but not wanting to say a word. The one everyone's eyes were fixed on gulped down the liquid like he had not had anything to replenish himself with in days when, finally, after a while - and a quite few glasses of water - the man's trembling had gently set down his cup and he spoke, his voice shaking and still out of breath. "W-we all thought Lucas was Lucas, n-not o-one of those th-th-th-things… He was one of them, he wasn't Lu-L-Lu-Lucas…"
The Captain turned to his swabbie and lowered his head slightly, his eyes never leaving Link, in a way that said, "This is real…" which made Link shudder a bit.
The unknown man continued, "Lucas ha-had been sending messages to the evil be-be-behind our backs. Th-the darkness is onto u-u-us…"
Gasps and loud exhaling reverberated throughout the entire room as if someone mentioned the exact date of the end of the world.
The Zora was right…
"The monsters c-c-came. Th-they're coming a-a-after all of u-us…"
The men all looked around as if trying to size one another up – only in the advent of this newly found treachery…
"They came in waves… L-like the ocean… A s-s-sea of blood… W-we tried to f-fight back but…" his voice trailed off.
The mysterious man groaned and the ones who had helped him earlier proceeded to help him to a room while mentioning something about "… a doctor…" and that he'll "… be alright…"
The Captain locked eyes with the bartender and mouthed, "Keep an eye on him," to which the bartender nodded, looked at two men with swords and twitched his head toward the man being aided down the hallway. The two men stood up and calmly walked after him.
Right after the men left, Erwin bolted into the hallway as well.
"Run, Erwin! You coward!" one of the crew shouted.
The Captain leaned over to Link once again and said, "The clock is against us… Time is winding down…"
Something felt heavy in Link's chest, much like burden he needed to relieve himself of. All he acquired was the opposite of relief: night watch duty again… It was Erwin's turn, but Erwin also disappeared…
Tolerance and patience walk hand-in-hand and losing one meant the losing the other…
Typical.
The next morning, after more people had arrived and everyone began their normal morning bustle, many gathered by the frantic man's door, hoping for more information and a complete rundown of his story of woe and animosity. After repeated knockings, someone politely let them self in.
Wishes of a story to tell others - a story to maybe aid in the struggle…
All they found was the man.
Dead.