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CHAPTER 2

DAWN OF THE FIRST DAY

A Day To Remember.

The black bird, Skits, stood, beak open and wide eyed as he stared at his grinning deku sister in front of him. "..."
"Surprised...?" The autumn leaved girl asked, showing off her necklace. Jace simply stood, hoping he wasn't about to be attacked or something... Skits' silence made him a little nervous.
Skits glanced at Jace, before flying in front of him. Jace leaned back slightly, eyeing the bird. Skits looked at the necklace Jace wore, and continuously looked at Iris' and Jace's back and forth, before he began cawing, not angrily, but more-so warningly to Jace, who could only stare in confusion. Iris glanced over at Skits.

"... I'm sorry, but I have NO idea what you're saying..." Jace scratched his head.
"From what I got, he said you better take care of me and be responsible..." Iris answered. Skits continued to caw and shout, before finally stopping, as if getting his point across. Iris added "I'm not repeating that last part..."

Jace blinked, not even sure how Iris understands him. "Since when has she never been safe with me?"
Skits cut his eyes. He knew very well Jace was a danger-magnet sometimes... And so was Iris... To Skits, that was a scary combination. But he also knew how close they were, so still, he knew things would be okay. His inner brotherly love for Iris made him protective.
Iris knelt down, and looked Skits in the eyes "Are you not happy?"
Skits jumped. He gave her the "OH no no no... I am happy." look. Some low bird sounds made Jace's leaves twitch slightly.
"It'll be no different than before, Skits. We'll just be..."
"Married." Jace finished.
Iris nodded "And look, I'll always be living with Jace, so I'll be safe."
"And we'll be home more, so less worry, right?" Jace decided he'd throw that in, seeing as Skits often stays at the swamp when Iris and Jace are out. Most of the time, that is.

Skits gave a smile. Iris continued "Please don't worry, things will be fine. And It's not like we're getting married tomorrow."
Skits looked at Jace when he began speaking "There's things to plan out. What day, what time, what we plan after all this..."
The deku girl let Skits up on her arm, as she smiled again "We're going to Clock Town later if you want to come?" Skits nodded.
"Speaking of that..." Jace walked off and into the other room across from them, where he kept all of his things. Mostly swords collected over his travels. He approached a cabinet, and began digging through it.
"What're you doing?" Iris asked as she walked into the room.
"Looking for three hundred and... Thirty-rupees." Jace answered with his face still facing the cabinet.
Iris blinked, before asking "For what?" she paused, and soon added "... The necklaces?"
"..." Jace winced, then glanced back "... Maybe." He gave a nervous chuckle, before pulling out a silver rupee. "Well, there's a hundred..."
Iris shook her head "Jace, I can't believe you! I'll lend you some rupees if you need them..."
"Uh-... No, you're not paying for something I took."
"Who's wearing half the necklace?" Iris paused "Least I can do to help out..."
Jace soon replied. "No, Iris, I got this."

"What happened to your wallet?" Iris asked "You were taking it with you everywhere."
"Truth be told: I kinda have no money." Jace responded lowly...
Iris stared "You what? Not exactly a good time to propose, y'know..."
Jace waved his hand "I have things under control."
"You say so... Jace, how're we going to afford anything? I mean, I know we're not exactly living in a town, we don't have to pay for a house and water and all that junk, but we do still need to buy things every so often. You never know what we'll need living here, and everything in the deku markets are all over priced! They're all desperate for money. How do you not have any?"
"I don't know... I think someone took it." Jace scratched his head "... I had it yesterday when I walked into town, then suddenly, it was gone, okay? I lost it yesterday..."
"Ughh... JACE! See what I been telling you? You're so careless, people can steal things right from under your nose!"
Skits shook his head. Though, he was interested to see where this argument went...
Jace turned away and closed the cabinet and groaned. He wasn't prepared for a lecture.
"... I hope you don't do this when we are married... These are risks we can't take." she crossed her arms and looked off to the side.
"I know."
"And if one of us gets sick, we can't buy medicine!"
"I know…" Jace's tone fell a little, sounding a slight irritated. He believed she was overreacting about that last bit. Just because it happened once, doesn't mean it'll happen every time.
Iris continued "And what if we do-"
The blond boy sighed loudly in an exaggerated manner to cut her off. "Iris, chill out. We're going to be fine, I promise. If something happens, I-I'll figure something out."
"Jace. You can't act like you know what you're doing all the time. You're smart, yes, you're very clever. But some times, you're so carefree and clueless. From now on, if you need help with something, just ask... It's not like I'm a stranger. You always try to do everything yourself."
"No offense, but you don't have much money either. Plus, it's my mess up, I need to learn from my own mistakes. I'm the man here and I should be responsible, I need to take care of those problems myself." Jace added. Taking care of his own problems was all he did for years before meeting Iris, he didn't like troubling people with them.
His response didn't set well with her, and actually made her a little angry… Though, putting aside her usual slap to the back of the head, she responded rather calmly- surprising both Skits and Jace. "Being the opposite sex doesn't say squat about having to do things by yourself. And what am I? Who says I can't throw myself in to help you? You're the one who taught me not to go in alone, so why're you always trying to do everything yourself?" Iris looked down. "This wont go far if we don't help each other out. We're living under the same ro-… Ground, and we're a team. I have enough knowledge to know what it takes to make what we are about to have last... That should be enough as long as we both know them."
Jace stopped and stared at her, a silent "What?" on his face.
"Trust, communication, honesty, devotion, team-work, and both of us. We need to accept each other's help. Besides, you'd be giving me the same lecture if this situation was turned around..." Iris answered, grabbing his hand. "… Geez, I can see why that was your curse's cure, acceptance of another person's care and assistance is like pulling teeth for you. I know you feel that way because you worry about being a burden to the other person; but in retrospect, it makes you look selfish."
Jace was taken aback. She's given him a lecture like this once, but it was her calm attitude and more mature wording this time around that made it sink in for him. He never even noticed her grabbing his hand was her putting rupees in his hand.
"You taught me these things, you should know them. Just remember them, and maybe you'll also remember I will not just be your partner, but your wife. And was even your partner back in battle at one point. Don't you forget I'm here to help you as you helped me." Iris walked away and out of the room, being followed by a hesitant Skits. The bird was thoroughly dumbstruck, for he was expecting leaves to start flying.

Jace stared as she walked away. She was right, he'd been pushing her away in the past. If she tried to help, he'd take charge and try to get things done on his own without really noticing sometimes… They worked perfectly together, they were an amazing team. But sometimes, habits kicked him in the keister. Even when they met, he was pretty in-compliant as far as asking for help went.

But he did know what he was bringing on himself. It was a whole new story for him, Iris, and maybe even Skits. But after what she just said, he was a bit concerned. He certainly didn't want to screw things up, and he swore to make what years they share the best. He was blown away that she'd sounded so familiar with what's coming. Living together, and what was bound to come eventually was constantly playing in his head from the time he'd first thought about it, but now he was starting to open his eyes and see the rough points of his actions- like what he just did. And even though he was mostly focusing on now, he'd have to accept the fact that it probably wont always be only him and Iris in the long-run. It wasn't what he intended, but pushing people away when he needed help was selfish. Probably looked like he did it out of arrogance. Heck, that's why he never spoke of his curse in the past, he felt he was the only one responsible for it, so refused to burden others… But at a glance, it could also look like he felt he was the only one WORTHY of finding a solution.
He soon looked at his hand, and saw the silver rupee and a few others she'd handed him, surprised he hadn't noticed them... "She did it anyway." He sighed. "Can't really tell her 'no' now. Let that be a future lesson." He chuckled "Stubborn as always."

"You coming or what?" Iris shouted from the den.
Jace jumped, and soon reached up on a shelf, and pulled down a small cloth that was laid over the surface of the shelf and dug through his cabinet to find some string. He put the rupees in the cloth, and tied it up. "Yeah, I'm coming." He did so, and walked into the den. He spotted her sitting on the couch waiting.
"Took ya' long enough. The day's only progressing."
"I know, I know." Jace answered.
Skits hopped ahead and toward the cavern hole.
Jace smiled, and switched off the little lamp, the only bright light visible now in the cavern was the sunlight peering through the entrance. And then there were the little otherworldly glowing mushrooms growing all around, and Iris' flared eyes looking from him and soon to the cavern hole that lead outside.
He followed her out, and closed up the hole with the big dead log that's been there for who-knows how long. He stopped Iris before progressing and gave a simple "Thanks." As he waved his makeshift wallet at her. She shook her head with a smirk.
"Thank you for not being stubborn, and actually taking them." Iris added.

Half the people they passed in the village didn't notice their necklaces. But those who did, were all muttering and mumbling about them... Jace went ahead and dropped by the Palace, and as he was told to do, he informed the Queen and her family that they were officially engaged. They'd been supporting it the whole time. After that, they left and continued on.

Time flew as they finally reached the wide field. As they walked, Iris looked back, hearing the clip-clopping of hooves approaching. Iris tugged on Jace's vest, and pointed out the mule-drawn carriage. He smiled, and waved the person down.
The man driving the mule tugged back on the reigns to stop the mule-drawn carriage, and looked down at the two. He had dark brown hair and wore coveralls. Sitting behind him in the carriage was a woman with orange hair, wearing a pretty cream and tan colored dress with hints of blue. The woman asked "Hey Jace, on your way to town?"
"Yep, got some things to tend to." Jace replied with a smile in his tone.
"Need a lift then? We're heading to town to drop off some milk." She added.
Jace looked back at Iris, Iris began "That'd be nice."
"Okay, then hop in."
Jace and Iris walked around the back as Skits flew off and landed inside, and couple assisted each other up into the carriage. Jace sat down near a tall can of milk, and leaned over to look at the woman "Thanks Romani."
She just smiled, and then looked to Iris "So, how's life in Termina treating you?"
"Wonderful, and only getting better." Iris looked down and began to pet Skits.
"Anything new? We haven't seen you two in a long while." Romani added, as she stopped some milk from tipping over when the carriage hit a bump.
Jace answered "Well, yeah. We're engaged."
"Oh really!? Congrats to you both, then!" Romani sounded delighted to hear so "I remember when you two came over to my Ranch, you had to spend the night."
"Oh how could we forget that?" Jace glanced at Iris, who gave a low chuckle.
Iris added onto the conversation "Yup, that was a lot of fun..."
Romani giggled "At the time, I could tell you were new around Termina. When y'all told me the story of how Iris got here, I was amazed. But If you ask me, she makes a perfect Terminian, too." She winked.
Iris couldn't help but laugh, she couldn't believe how freaked out and awkward she herself always was. Always complaining- "I don't like this guy, I wanna go home..." and her reactions to half the things Jace always did for her. Though, there were moments in the past she didn't quite like remembering, but it gave her more of a reason to notice how lucky she is to even be alive right now.
The rest of the way was quiet as usual. They eventually reached one of the Town's gates. Iris and Jace climbed out carefully, when Skits flew out and on Iris again.
"Thanks for bringing us, Romani!" Jace called, as he began to walk forward to town.
"Come by the Ranch sometime, I'll let y'all try our new type of milk." Romani finished.
Iris laughed "Will do."

When they did step into town, Jace immediately went to the marketplace to pay off the necklace to the angry merchant. And after a small verbal squabble between the young man and the merchant, Jace soon met with Iris again at the laundry pool, as she was talking with elderly Anju. Anju always had a story to share about her and her husband, Kafei. Jace had to wonder if Iris knew so much because she spent too much time with Anju now? Anju and Kafei were probably the closest couple you'd ever meet in Clock Town; Though they did have an amazing story behind them, as well.
"Kafei was always so stubborn, but it was that stubbornness and the help of the kind young boy who helped him get his wedding mask back that saved our marriage. He continues to talk about it to this day-" Anju continued on, possibly forgetting that she'd repeated this story to the couple several times in the past. With this, Jace had heard it enough times, that he could recite it at random if he wanted to, and sighed… It was inspiring, it was, but still.
Jace leaned to Iris and whispered. "I'm going to North of Clock Town for a bit, okay?"
"Okay." Iris answered, before she continued to listen to Anju's story.

Jace left, and headed straight to North Clock Town to meet with Keaton again, since he'd cut their visit short the other day. He arrived, expecting to see him; And he did. The keaton was actually waiting for Jace.
"You knew I was here already?"
"I could hear your thoughts before you even got to town." The Keaton chuckled. "You got a lot going on in that huge head of yours, Jace."
Jace added sarcastically "That's not the slightest bit creepy that you're stalking my thoughts... You ever heard of privacy? Not all things I think are for you to be hearing."
"Eh. When you're a hundred and five years old, you run out of things to do." The Keaton snickered, trying to be a bit annoying for old times sake.
"Whatever. Anyway, I guess you already know then?"
"Know what, young one?" The Keaton asked curiously.
Jace figured he was lying about being clueless, but went along anyway "Iris accepted my proposal!"
Keaton stood on his hind legs and clapped his front paws together "That's wonderful! I'm quite happy for you. It's going to be a whole 'nother road, though."
"I know, Iris mentioned that."
"The Hyrule girl's giving you advice?" Keaton added on.
Jace raised an eyebrow "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe that she's usually the one taking your advice? I see a twist down the road." Keaton chuckled light-heartedly. "... But, that's a good thing. Change is always a good thing, I just hope you're ready for it? Are you not giving heavy thought to this now?"
"...Why're you as-"
"-Asking you that? Whilst I could read your mind? You've come to me for advice, I can see it. I already heard it."
Jace scratched his head.
"You thought you were ready, but something in you just can't accept the fact that thing's may change dramatically. You feel you may not be able to support Iris and your home and even other future things. You don't want to disappoint Skits, after you and Iris will depend on one another for the rest of your lives. You and Iris had a small discussion this morning after finding out you had no money. And this being the case, she tried to offer you some, but you refused. Soon, you also realized you sometimes push your soul mate away when she tries to help, That isn't good... You fear you'll do it again without notice, since you've always lived only fending for yourself before she came. You love her dearly, however, and would do anything to prove you'd put aside this habit in order to accept her open arms when they're outreached to help you. You're well prepared, and even excited to marry Iris, and you would do anything for her… But Jace, fear seems to be creeping up on you, for once."

Jace blinked... "...You're scary sometimes, you know that?"
"Love is beautiful, it is strong. But Iris is right; It can't last unless you know what it's about and know how to handle it. Life throws it's worst at you, but when in love, it's like sunshine everyday and a skip on a cloud- At first. But, you realized after your first experience with Iris and the Dragalfos that there's trials you must face. Sacrifices to make. Debts to be paid. Knowledge to be known. Tread lightly, and keep eyes open."

Jace listened closely, and Keaton gave a genuine soft smile. "Together you're stronger, when you cooperate together. The lovely Hylian ball of fire has been teaching you just as much as you've taught her. Though, seems her lessons have been a bit more… Subliminal. Defending each other and reading each other so closely makes you a fierce family because you both are prepared for what's coming and you're in sync- and from fierce, loyal hearts; creates an even more resilient heart all in itself." He paused to float a bit, and rested in the air. "It's like dancing. But a few wrong steps can ruin the pattern, and it can take a while to recover before finding that beat again. You need to realize, that you pushing her away like that could easily make things harder, and she knew that because you taught her not to do that. She used to push you away when you reached for her, and it usually got you both in a sticky situation. So learn from that. She did. There is never such thing as weakness in a cooperative relationship."

Jace looked off, feeling extremely guilty… He didn't do it often, but he did want to completely toss the habit.
"Funny how something as small as money shortage could get you right here where you are now. It seems lessons come in odd ways, huh?" Keaton smirked, and swished his nine tails. "This is only one of many lessons life has to give. And most of them are hard to face, and need to be faced. I can't help you through them all, all I can say is that you need to keep your eyes open, and tread lightly with a strong and accepting heart..." The keaton seemed to sound more serious upon continuing. "There will come a few times that will try and tear you two apart, testing how strong you truly are. Keep that in mind..."
That last part sent a chill down Jace's spine, like it was a… Serious warning. "... Is there something you're not telling me?"
The keaton gave a short pause "...Nothing worth my foretelling. It is for you and your, 'fiance`, to learn. Just be prepared, and keep each other close..."
"No, Silver... I need you to tell me, what is it?" Jace could feel it, something was wrong, just by hearing the nine-tailed foxe's tone.
The Keaton sighed, and gave a sharp glare, one where his slanted and beastly eyes stared Jace down to the point of being quite chilling and almost warningly, as if looking into his soul, his tails stopping. "When the dark falls, embrace the light you see close to your heart... That is all I can give."

Jace gulped. Perhaps he meant nightfall? Or something else? He's known Silver Keaton to only give half the story... He knows a lot more than he lets off, and still, so much is unknown of him. Jace hated it when he did that.
Keaton soon added. "You'll know what I mean sooner or later."

"Hey!"
Jace jumped at the sudden voice approaching from far off, his leaves standing stiff like a scared cat. He turned, his form straightening to stand tall as he faced Iris, whom was approaching. "Oh, hey babe. I didn't see you there." Jace chuckled, as he pulled her close to him. She honestly just got there, so hadn't heard the conversation before.
The keaton smiled, as if forgetting about before. He bowed joyfully. "Hello, Iris, and soon-to-be wife of Jacon Verin Leavance. Or shall I call you Ms. Leavance?"
Jace gave a chuckle at the mention of his full name. He never told many people, so it was a bit odd hearing.
Iris giggled "Hey, Keaton. It's been so long."
"Yes it has. It's wonderful to see you." Keaton answered sincerely. "You certainly have changed since we first met."
"How so?" Iris asked as she crossed her arms.
The keaton flicked an ear "You've matured. The way you look, walk, and talk. Everything."
"Ah." Iris chuckled. "I'm glad you think so."
"I know so."
Jace soon added "Believe me, he knows so."
Iris looked up to Skits, whom was finally flying down to land on her head.

Keaton looked around himself. "By the way. While you two are here, there's something I need to give you."
"Oh?" Iris stood up straight, giving Keaton a curious glance. Jace looked at Iris, and back to Keaton.
The keaton turned. He lifted his center tail from his other tails, and pointed the tail toward the two deku scrubs, and tied to the end of it, was a strange looking piece of jewelry shaped like what seemed to be a silver metal grape vine with what appeared to be neatly placed crystal grapes along the vine that were hollow and see through. Though, a few had liquid in it... Jace lifted an eyebrow, and leaned back some as he examined this strange item that Keaton was offering them. It looked to be an old necklace worn by a human or someone of larger body than a deku... It was tied around the large foxes tail by the worn out string that would be worn around the neck on a person.
"... And why're you giving us this?" The blond boy questioned.
The keaton put the object in Iris' hand when she reached for it. The Tail moved in a fashion that caused the string to gently unwrap so Iris could hold the necklace-like object. "Another necklace...?"
"This necklace has been passed down to me by my leader. The whole 'you and Jace necklace' thing reminded me."
"Leader?" This is the first Jace had heard of a leader "Is he a keaton?"
The fox nodded 'yes' "Yes. He's an old, and wise keaton. A number of us keaton around Termina are under his leadership."
"Whoa, whoa. There's a pack?" Jace was surprised.
"More so a tribe or clan than a pack." The Keaton corrected. "I was instructed to hold onto this necklace. But, I'm trusting you two with it."
Iris held it up to the sun as Skits gazed curiously at his reflection. It was quite old and beat up. Scratches and scuffs here and there. "Why trust us? We can't keep something like this, what're we going to do with an old piece of... Jewelry?"
"This isn't just a piece of jewelry. This is an artifact of Terminian legend called the Light Vessel. This is a part of Termina's history you're holding in your hands. It's worth a lot of value." The keaton added trustfully "I want you both to have it."
"And... Your leader wouldn't be mad that you just gave two deku scrubs an artifact of world history, of which you were told to hold onto?" Jace deemed that as quite the stupid act, as he crossed his arms. That, and he was well-read on Terminian history, and never heard of Light Vessels before.
"I'm sure my leader can understand... Consider it my congratulatory gift to you both." Keaton's white canines flashed in a grin. "You'll thank me somewhere along the road, I assure you."

"A walking riddle as usual." Jace muttered.
"Thank you." Iris nudged Jace in the arm real hard. "We're honored that you'd trust us with something like this, but even I can agree that... It's probably not safe in our hands."
The Keaton snickered "Nonsense. I know two trust worthy youths when I see them."
Jace rubbed his arm and glanced at Iris with a look that said "Why'd ya' do that?"
The Keaton pointed his piercing red eyes to the sky, as a cloud moved over the sun... He soon yawned and stretched, his nine long tails curling before unfolding in unison slowly. He shook his fluffy thick-manned neck as it gleamed a bright silver. "I believe it's time for me to go young ones. I've got business to attend to before the day is done."
"Uh- Okay." Iris responded.
"Take care, and be safe on your trip home. And congratulations to you two." The keaton gave a much softer and much less mischievous smile.
Jace shook his head, and smirked. "See ya' then. I'll try an drop by more."
"That'd a be a delight. Not many come by anymore..." The keaton stood up tall, before adding. "... Be on your way."
Iris shrugged at Jace, before turning around "Thank you, we'll take care of this..."
Jace honestly didn't know why, but something about the object given to them made him feel... concerned. Before he turned to follow Iris, a small rattling sound made a leaf twitch. He looked to his feet, where a familiar wallet now lay, filled with rupees. He blinked, before bending down and picking it up slowly... He looked forward, and the large silver fox was now gone without a trace. He looked at this wallet before opening it. It was his old wallet he'd lost yesterday... He began in thought '...The Keaton had it the whole time? He planned all this!'
'Fun and games? or a Lesson to learn? That is for me to know and for you to decide.' A friendly voice chuckled in Jace's mind. Jace rolled his eyes, before turning around.
'Real funny Keaton, I hope you enjoyed making me have a coronary.'

After that, The keaton's voice grew silent. Jace looked ahead again, and caught up with Iris.

"So... What exactly are we going to do with this?" Jace asked, pointing his hand to the necklace Iris held onto.
"I don't know... But it's cool."
Jace sighed "Something seems off... Why on earth would he lend us something like this just for any old reason?"
Iris shrugged slightly "Just be glad he didn't try and twist our thoughts into each other again."
"I'll have to admit; it is awesome hearing what you're thinking..." Jace winked. "But... With us being, well, us. Who needs him to hear each other's thoughts? I can read read your mind, no problem."
"Really?" Iris laughed "What am I thinking now?"
"That I'm crazy."
"I always think that, that doesn't count." Iris responded as she glanced ahead of herself, passing by a few Terminian teens.
"Oh, that's nice." Jace smirked "So you love a crazy person?"
"As do you."
"..." Jace paused. "But I like crazy."
"Then you're just equally insane. Well, I'm everything but normal, I know that much." Iris replied, shoving Jace.
He stumbled a little, before bumping into Iris on purpose. Jace looked around, some of Clock Town's people passing by caught his eye, before answering to Iris. "The only thing that seems off about you is that you don't obsess over really odd things like most of the girls at the village. I mean, you do have your odd quirks, but they're not like most girls. There's not one person out there like you. Not that I've met, anyway. You're not really even all that girly to be honest."
"... Something wrong with that?"
Jace smiled "No, I love you for it."
"Well, that makes me happy to hear." Iris smiled "At least you're not one of the villagers saying 'Start acting like girl and be ladylike'... It gets irritating. Makes me wanna punch someone."
Jace simply laughed. And he knew she really would, too.

They walked to South Clock Town. It was much calmer today, not as many people out. The children's group, the Bombers, were out playing in front of the Clocktower with a dog. Iris kept her gaze ahead of herself to avoid any eye contact with said canine. Given dogs and deku don't mix normally...

It was soon before reaching the South exit, that Iris heard a slight growl. She jumped, and looked around, before Jace gave a low chuckle. "Sorry. Stomach."
"..." Iris blinked before laughing. "Wow, I thought the dog was stalking us... Want to get something before heading back?"
"Sounds good to me... I haven't even had anything to drink all day." Jace scratched his head, before throwing his gaze around town. "Where too?"
Iris stopped to think for a moment or so, before replying "It's up to you."
Jace smirked, as he turned and started forward once more whilst Iris followed. He lead toward East Clock Town. Moments passed before coming up to the bar.

Iris stared at the doorway, speaking in disinterest "... The bar?" Instantly, Skits flew off elsewhere, aware that he probably wouldn't be able to go in the bar as he did last time.
"It's not like I'm getting something alcoholic. We've only been in here once, but we're at least old enough to order some Milk." Jace answered.
"Okay, but don't we have to be members to get in, genius? That last time was only because we were invited to see the Indigo-Gos perform." Iris crossed her arms.
Jace had that smug look on his face that usually showed he'd known what he was doing. "Leave that to me." Jace walked ahead, as Iris simply shrugged.
Jace knocked on the door, when it opened enough for him to gaze up to a tall Terminian man. He was dressed neatly. The man asked casually "Age?"
"Nineteen." The blond deku scrub responded.
"I cannot let you through, unless you are a member. Please show proof of membership via passcode."
Iris twitched a leaf, and scoffed.
Jace heard her scoff, and gave her a look that just said "I got this.". He glanced around- Acting as if he'd tried to keep quiet, before answering "Five, three, nine, nine, four, two."
The man seemed slightly taken aback, seeing as he'd never seen the deku scrub before, but he knew the password, so he figured he'd been a member. "O-Oh. Welcome sir."
"Thank you." Jace turned to Iris, and motioned his hand toward her for her to follow him, before turning to face the man once more "She's with me."
"Certainly. Come right in."
Iris walked in, as the man closed the door behind them. Iris' orbs were fixated on the neat polished interior of the neat bar as she walked down the stair way with Jace. They'd added onto the place since three years ago. Iris glanced at Jace, whom continued on with that smug smirk in his eyes. Iris soon began "How'd you-?"
"Overheard it. They changed the rules of the bar a while back, you have to know a password. The other day when I came to Clock Town, some guy came out of the bar after having a little too much to drink, and ended up spilling the password out loud.." He whispered in response.
Iris shook her head with a low laugh "You're going to get us in trouble!"
"What's a day without a little trouble?"
"You're awful." Iris looked ahead, she sounded rather excited than worried. There weren't many people there, but enough to say the bar wasn't calmingly silent.
Jace chuckled "I know."

Jace walked up to the long shiny counter. Iris sat down on a low chair. It was just a little too low, she couldn't really reach the counter. Jace caught her attention, and said "Let's just sit over there." He pointed to a lower side of the counter. It had chairs that could even be lowered and elevated. It was a lot easier to reach to. Iris nodded, and moved down a few chairs before sitting down again. She was able to lean on the counter here. Jace sat down, and leaned back some.
"So, why here?" Iris asked.
"Hm?"
"This fancy-pants bar rather than some cheep little stand outside?" Iris added.
Jace turned his head to look at his reflection on a glass in front of him on the counter, as his blond ponytail swung over the back of the chair. "C'mon, we just got engaged, gotta have some time worth remembering before the big day, right? Though, I wouldn't really consider this place to be a bar. It's more like a Cafe."
"Same difference, I guess." Iris responded.
Iris had to admit: For two people like her and Jace, going to a nice place like this wasn't exactly common, so it made sense as to why he'd want to come here.
"Something tells me that today marks the day things change. New life." Jace smiled and closed his eyes "You and me. It'll be like old times, except you actually like me."
"And except you're actually going to live." Iris leaned on the counter with her elbows, as her eyes looked over him affectionately. "I'm looking forward to it all..."
Jace looked toward her, having that feeling she was looking at him. He returned the gaze with a thankful smile. "Don't get all mushy on me."
"Heh, I was expecting you to get all mushy on me. With something like 'It's all thanks to you, my love.'" Iris answered with a smile in her voice. He usually did say something like that...
Jace laughed. He looked up to see the bartender approach the two. He gave the two a skeptical glance, never seeing them before in his time working there. Jace thought they were going to get kicked out for a moment, but the bartender's face changed to one with a smile and asked "I never seen you two around here."
Jace scratched his head "Yep, we're new here, heheh..."
"So, what can I get you two?"
Iris glanced at Jace, who then sat up to nearly lean on the counter "Just plain old Milk for both of us." Iris nodded after.
"Alright." The bartender left.
Iris glanced around, her eyes looking over the redecorations. It was so tidy, it looked like an expensive place to keep together.
As they waited, Iris began to overhear two men a few seats away, as they talked.

"I'm telling you, I saw them."
"Oh yeah? Where?"
A man in a gray tunic and only had one arm, who looked like he'd been in a fight a few monsters recently spoke in a terrified manner"... In the wild lands of the South."

"South...?" Iris repeated lowly...

The beat up man continued "These monsters covered in glowing runes... They came out of nowhere... Killed all my men, I barely got away. There were several. Every time we'd slay one, the shriek of another would bring the dead ones back… I just can't forget that scream..." The man buried his face in his palm, seeming as the memory itself was enough to leave him scarred. "Those beasts that came out of the shadow, and behind them came a wall of darkness eating everything in sight."
The other man he spoke too, who was wearing simple town attire, a man probably from Clock Town, asked "What do you suppose they were?"
"... Demons? I don't know... But they're coming."

Iris gulped, she was so drawn into this conversation, she couldn't even hear her fiance` telling her that their drinks were here.

"There's something dark at work... They stopped at nothing to slaughter my men or try to pull them into the darkness, and even now as we speak, that darkness is eating the land, as we all sit here not even knowing! I? I escaped, they only got my arm... That's all they're getting, too... I just pray that no more poor souls come in contact with these demons, they will stop at nothing to kill..."
The bartender put a tall glass down in front of the man, almost slamming the mugs had they not been glass, and spoke "Stop with your stories, you'll scare the customers."
"They're not just stories, I tell you! It was true! I have the proof all over me! It's coming!"

"Iris?"

"... Hon?" Jace tapped her shoulder, as she jumped, and snapped her attention toward Jace. For a moment, she looked as if she'd seen a ghost...
Jace continued "... Are you okay? You look terrified..."
Iris took a deep breath, before answering "I-I'm fine..." She looked ahead, seeing her drink. She reached for it, and took a sip.
Jace looked beyond Iris, he'd noticed she'd been watching the men across from them, before looking at her. "Overhear the conversation about the demons?"
Iris jumped "You heard?"
The blond boy grabbed his drink "Yeah I heard. I wouldn't worry..."
"Are you crazy?"
Jace shrugged "I just know that humans often overreact with forest monsters... I've seen some pretty terrifying ones that travel in groups. Not saying that the man's experience with them isn't tragic, but sounds to me like he might've gotten a little too close to a group of Dekydras or something of the like."
"Dekydras?"
"Yep. He said the wild lands of the South. Dekydras are a prehistoric species of deku baba that reside there. Each head lost, two more grow back. You can't kill one, you have to kill 'em all, or they'll come back like weeds. They all thrive off one major root system. To kill a weed, you gotta go to the source. These beasts get gruesome and violent when hungry... Them being rare would explain why the guy'd never seen them before."
Iris still seemed worried... The way the guy explained them, though, they didn't exactly sound like Dekydra's. She remembered he said there was a darkness following these monsters, eating the land, so Jace obviously hadn't been listening too closely... She didn't bring it up anymore though, and didn't want to worry...
Jace did think it sounded a little odd, but he wasn't going to be too concerned unless he had some proof that this was something serious.

Jace managed to change the subject. They stayed for most of the day just sharing stories of memories from their past and talking with the bartender. Iris was hiding her worry, as the conversation from before still sort of lingered in her mind.
The time finally came that the two got up after paying for their drinks. Iris smiled "That was great..."
"Told ya'. So what do you say we head home and enjoy the rest of the day in peace?" Jace asked.
Iris sighed "Sounds good."
"I'm tired... Plus, gotta make plans, right?" Jace lead Iris up the stairs and to the door. The man smiled at the two and bid them both farewell on their way out. Iris found herself greeted by the black bird she knew as her brother as she stepped outside. Iris scratched his head, earning a birdy purr from Skits, as the trio began toward South Clock Town, finally heading home.
Jace only just now noticed that Iris had tied the Light Vessel that Keaton gave them around her waist. It was so big, she couldn't have worn it as a real necklace. He stifled a chuckle.

They left the town and began passing through the field, as they by now found themselves growing closer to the South Swamp a ways off, though they themselves paid no attention to how close they actually were, seeing as they'd been talking the whole way. Iris' flared orbs were set on Jace.
"Jace?"
"Yes?"
Iris began "Does today feel… Weird to you?… In a good way of course. "
"It does. Can't quit thinking about last night, actually, haha..."
The Autumn leaved girl soon grew quiet... But her soft voice soon continued "I know you've heard me say this a lot... But, I'm still to this day, so happy I stayed here. It's been amazing..."
Jace could only smile lightly. I agreed with her, of course.
"I have you to thank for that."
He gave her that reassuring grin. He took her hand and grasped it lightly as he walked close to her. Skits landed on the ground next to them, and gave a sort of bird smile.
"I just hope things go alright for our start." Jace began. "I know it can be hard to set up these types of things. A lot of time, stress, and worry goes into planning weddings. And sitting in one place for a long time just thinking isn't exactly easy for me. I just gotta be working and moving."
"You'll be the one pacing a circled hole in the floor… But I hope things go well, too. Like your money problem?" Iris paused "I still can't believe Keaton had your money the whole time..."
Jace laughed "I can believe it... That's the kind of old coot he is..."
"I can see him giving us a lot of trouble later on down the road..."
"I'm afraid you're right." Jace cut his eyes at the ground.

Iris was looking down at the Light Vessel, when a change in Skits' behavior caught her eyes... He looked scared. She looked up. "...Jace!"
He jumped, when her terrified tone forced him to look ahead. He'd stopped dead in his tracks, forced to gaze upon a black wall ahead of them... "What the-..."
"What's happening!?" Iris' voice cut in.
Where the forest should be, there was nothing but darkness... Jace moved ahead of her to examine it. He was hesitant about it, but he finally reached to touch it. A large shock caused him to give a quick pained shout. Iris and Skits came up to him. "Are you okay!?
"Yeah..." He felt sort of stupid for not really being careful. This had to have been what that man was talking about... That darkness eating the land has now eaten their forest home and what seemed to be most of the South.
Iris looked around... The movement of something made her quiver. She saw otherworldly beasts easing out of the shadows like water.

They all were covered in tribal markings and glowing runes, and had strange unnatural, twisted looking bodies, and appeared to be of mutated human anatomy- Some anyway. A few looked like beasts, different types of animals, from birds to things that couldn't quite be described easily. They wouldn't go near the light, but they crept toward the deku scrubs and black bird in a stalking manner among the shadows of the trees that remained out of the dark wall. They made otherworldly sounds and low cries. It was enough to make Jace shiver. Pure horror was boiled up at it's best for all of them, Iris was even shaking so much you could hear her leaves.
Jace was about to turn around and run off with Iris, but they were behind them, backing them in against the black wall, though not touching the black wall... He didn't know where they came from, but they were now surrounding the three. Jace cursed under his breath. He didn't have his sword. And if what that man said was true, then trying to kill these things would be pointless anyway...
They continued to creep toward them, forcing the three to back up toward the dark wall even more. Skits noticed a change in the darkness, which concerned him. Before too long, it began to grow without Jace or Iris even knowing. Before Skits could even panic, it sucked him in. Jace moved in front of Iris, and reached for his knife that sat in a sheath around his belt.

"AHHH! J-JACE!" Iris cried out painfully.
He twisted around. Terror fell over him, as Iris was being sucked into the dark wall just as Skits had. She reached for him, half of her body already in. "IRIS!" He cried back. He reached around, and tried to pull her out, but it only forced him in with her. The beasts stopped, as their pray disappeared.

It was as if he'd been asleep now, as Jace opened his eyes, only to feel an excruciating pain surging through him and all around him... And only surrounded in darkness.
It felt that the darkness itself was crushing down on and around them. Eventually, after finally growing weary, Jace nearly fell to his knees after attempting to stand up straight. It felt his very spirit was being pulled from him. He looked ahead, Iris was gone, no where in sight. All he could see was darkness. He began to grow even more so terrified. He managed to mumble a low "I-Iris...? Skits?"
His eyes began to close, but when a low light grew in front of him, he forced himself to keep his gaze fixated on the light. It was Iris as she opened her eyes, as she weakly reached for him.
"Jace..." She coughed as the darkness continued to try and pull her back. She forced against it... She didn't know what was happening, but she tried her best to fight away from the gripping black that engulfed her. The only thing she could see were Jace's eyes as they lit his worried and sudden weak face. His orbs seemed to hold a deep sense of fear, but he looked at Iris, and saw a hope. It was immediately what he began to hold on to. He forced himself to stand up against the heavy shadows, and walked to Iris.

He reached without a word. They both struggled to move toward one another, until they finally felt the warmth of one another's hands meet and grasp. Jace soon pulled Iris to him, and held her in a close embrace as he pulled her away from the darkness that had been wrapping around her. Iris whimpered, pain still surging through them both. It was an unexplainable pain, and the pain couldn't quite be located… It was just there.
"We'll be okay." His struggling voice tried to comfort. "J-Just stay close!" Iris was shaking when Jace tightened his embrace. It was so sudden that all this began happening. Jace turned his head to look for a way out, but there was nothing around them, not even an actual ground! It was just black nothingness. Iris wanted to know where Skits was... She was so worried, but the pain had grown so terrible, she couldn't bear to move. Jace gulped heavily, 'Is this the end?' is what repeated in his mind in response to the pain he felt, it was agonizing, and only intensified... He eventually allowed the pain-forced tears to escape his tightly shut eyes as his voice finally gave to release a slightly-loud cry. Iris felt a tear hit her arm, it was surprisingly easy to feel, despite her burning feeling. Her eyes grew hot with tears. It was then she held him in return, and said "Don't let go... please stay with me..." Her voice cracked, you could hear the crying in her voice... This was like nothing they'd ever been through...

To Be Continued...