A/N: Hi guys! Ladies and gentlemen, Miniblins, fluffy winged balls or whatever you are, wecome to Chapter 7: The Train and the Tower! Yes, this is the part we've all been waiting for! (Me included!) Yup, you know what I mean. Also, before reaching... that part, you'll witness the result of the great idea I told you about back in chapter 2. Remember?

So, without further ado, I give you... *drum roll* ...Chapter 7!

A piercing sound shattered the air as Link pulled the whistle rope. Ciela covered her ears and closed her eyes tightly. When it passed, she sent a reproachful look at Link, but he was busy pulling warious levers and pressing different switches to get the train ready. She observed him quietly as he set the controls ready, wondering how he found driving a train simpler than a boat. The train was small, and made mainly out of wood. It consited only of the engine and a tiny, rudimentary wagon. Link had explained to Ciela how it was used to test the new tracks, and that it wasn't completely safe. Ciela scorned him about safety, telling him sarcastically that it was probably more dangerous than Bellum. With a final push on a large lever, the train gave a thrust into motion. The force of the sudden lurch startled Ciela and almost made her fall backwards. She held onto the door handle, and Link laughed a bit when he made sure she had not hurt herself.

"Liiink!"

Ciela and Link turned, surprised, when a voice called him, and saw Tetra running after the train. Link quickly stopped it, just as it was leaving the platform. Tetra caught up, panting, and jumped on. She was wearing a cloak that covered her head, probably so she wouldn't get noticed in town.

"What is it, Tetra?" Asked Link, confused. He put the train back into motion, as it was obvious that Tetra was coming with them on the train.

"I need to go to the Tower of Spirits. Can you take me there?" Tetra removed her cloak and hanged it beside the door. Underneath, she was wearing simple, comfortable-looking clothes, much like the ones she would wear on her ship.

"Why are you going there?" Asked Link.

"Do you really need to know everything?" Huffed Tetra. "Well, I need to speak to the Lokomo sage there. You see, I want to fix the Ocean Realm tracks next, as Papuchia Village is a great source of food like fish and other stuff, and it'd be useful to have a quick transport system. But I have no idea how those rails work above water, so I want to ask Anjean about that kind of tracks."

Link nodded, setting a route to the Tower of Spirits.

"What are Lokomos?" Asked Ciela, looking out the window at the huge tower.

"They're a race that serves the Spirits of Good." Explained Tetra, sitting on a chair and leaning back, her arms behind her head and her feet on the control panel. "There is a Temple in every land, and a Lokomo sage guards each one of them. Including the Tower of Spirits, of course, which is the most important. As the tracks were theoretically built by the Spirits, they know lots about them. Anjean, the sage from the tower, is helping me a lot with rebuilding them."

"There are Spirits that guard these lands too?" She asked, turning back to her.

"Yeah, but they are not like you. Well, I guess so; I've never seen them." Tetra shugged. "They protect these lands from above, and the Lokomo tribe watch over us humans."

"I see..." Ciela said, thoughtfull. So there were other kind of Spirits beside the Ocean King's servants?

"We'll be arriving soon." Said Link. The tower was, indeed, much closer now. "I guess I can just drop you off there, Tetra."

"Come with me, at least to say hi." Said Tetra reproachfully. "You know how much Anjean appreciates us coming to the tower. Besides, she'd like to meet Ciela, and you two are in no hurry."

"Yeah, all right." Said Link, pulling the train through a huge green archway. Ciela poked her head through the window, looking up at the high doors were. The wind whipped her hair across her face, and her eyes watered, so she took just one peek at the enormous tower before putting her head back inside. The train slowed down as it entered through another pair of large doors, and Ciela looked around. The inside was large and spacious, with high ceilings and lit with gently coloured orbs of light. The train tracks passed straight through the middle, but there was a large stone statue of a train in the centre. Link stopped the train in front of it, and hopped off. Tetra and Ciela followed. There was a large stircase that seemed to go upwards into the tower, and other large archways that led outside in different directions.

"Welcome, Princess Zelda." A voice made Ciela turn. An elderly woman in a strange wheeled device sat before them.

She had greying hair and many age wrinkles, but her eyes had a look in them that was very much alive. Ciela liked her as soon as she saw her; she could feel this was a very wise and kind person.

"Thank you, Angean." Tetra nodded, and turned to Ciela. "You know me and Link, but I'd like you to meet Ciela." Angean looked at her, interested, and Ciela just nodded in acknowledgement. "You might not believe this, but she comes from a different world, which is ruled by an Ocean Spirit. She is a Spirit herself." Ciela flinched slightly when she said all this; she prefered keeping her identity secret. Although Angean did not seem too surprised, let alone incredulous.

"Indeed, I do sense an incredible power within you." Angean adressed Ciela directly, "Although I have never heared from this world you proceed from. Please do tell me about it some day." Angean smiled, and Ciela smiled back timidly.

Steps were heared, and they all turned to look at the stircase. A young child approached them, observing them inquisitively. He must have been around the age of Lino, but his disquieting amber eyes made him look much older and intimidating.

"Byrne, Princess Zelda has come to visit us." Angean gestured towards them. "And there is someone new with them. Can you sense the power she possesses?"

Ciela blushed under his scrutinizing gaze, and awkwardly presented herself. "My name's Ciela... I come from very far away."

"From a different world, huh?" His child voice did not fit in with his serious look, and Ciela found herself slightly daunted by this young boy. "And you are a Spirit? You don't look like one."

"I am a different kind of Spirit to those from these lands," explained Ciela. "Probably not as powerful."

Byrne narrowed his eyes, and Ciela noticed Angean looking at him dissaprovingly. The old Lokomo cleared her throaght. "This is Byrne, my apprentice. He is training to become the sage in charge of the Dark Realm." She turned to Tetra. "So what brings you here, Princess?"

"I wanted to discuss with you the track restoration at the Ocean Realm."

"Ah, yes." Angean nodded. "They are slightly more complicated than the Forest tracks."

"Actually..." Link intervened, scratching the back of his head. "We two should get going. We were testing the rails..."

"True, you better go." Said Tetra, with a dismissive hand wave. "See you later."

Link nodded in farewell, and climbed onto the train. Ciela followed, waving goodbye. Tetra waved back, and Anjean smiled, but Byrne said nothing as he watched the train pull out of the station.

As the train sped away from the Tower, Ciela wondered what the young Lokomo apprentice had been thinking. There was something in him that unnerved her. Maybe it was his inquisitive stare, or maybe the fact that he was the future Dark Sage. But she could sense in him a deep hunger for power, and she was sure Anjean could feel it too.

"Link..." She asked her friend, "What's with that boy? The Lokomo apprentice?"

Link sat back from the controls, a thoughtfull look in his face. "He's always been quite sinister. He did seem to be quite interested in you when you said you were a Spirit, though."

Ciela gulped, uneasy. "Isn't he a bit young for training?"

"Well, Anjean says his job is the most important one besides guarding the tower. You see, evil is attracted by the Dark Realm, and he will have to make sure it does not become corrupted. That is why the Dark Temple is sealed away for the moment." He frowned, "Although Byrne is almost one hundred years old, in fact."

"What?" Ciela's jaw dropped.

"Yeah, Lokomos live ten times longer than humans." Link shrugged, "Forgot to tell you."

Ciela sat back, staring out the window. These lands were full of strange things she had never imagined. The train turned in a wide curve, and she held onto the door handle again.

"Do you like it?" asked Link, "The train, I mean. It's not like a boat, but it's nice enough, isn't it?"

"Well..." Ciela made a face. The train gave lots of sudden lurches, bumped a lot, and tilted uncomfortably in the curves. Ciela wouldn't exactly describe it as 'nice', or 'pleasant'. She still remembered clearly the slow, rocking movement of a boat, that always relaxed her so much. She closed her eyes unconsciously as she remembered the fresh smell of the sea, and the feeling of the wind on her face.

"Ciela?" Link waved a hand before her eyes worriedly. "Are you alright?"

"Eh?" Ciela realized she hadn't answered his question yet. "What? Oh, yeah, it's not too bad."

"It'll take us about half an hour to reach Linebeck's house." Said Link, standing and reaching for the whistle rope. "It's about half way through to Outset village."

"Really?" Ciela said, in unconscious excitement. "That's grea-!" She was cut off by the loud whistle. She covered her ears again, grinding her teeth, and when it had passed, it left a ringing sound in her head. "Hey, what was that for, Link?" She said, aggraviated.

"There were moinks on the tracks." Shrugged Link. Ciela looked out the window. Indeed, she could see little fat cows running out of their way. "What were you were saying before?"

"Oh, nothing." Ciela said causually, waving her hand in a non-concerned way. "Just... that this train is... surprisingly fast, yeah."

Link cut the engine exactly at the right spot. The train lost speed slowly, until it was barely moving at walking speed. Ciela found herself frowning in suspense as she watched it nearing the line, willing it to go just further enough. And it stopped completely right before passing the line.

"Link, you're amazing!" Exclaimed Ciela, as her friend opened the door. "How much time have you been doing this for?"

Link scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "Just a few months." Then he jumped onto the ground, and turned to look at Ciela. "You coming?"

She nodded, and followed. Looking around, she spotted a small house near the cliff, and it seemed strangely familiar. She didn't think much about it, though. They walked together to across the grass, circling a small stream to reach a wooden bridge. Soon, Ciela's knees started shaking. Out of tiredness, of course. Being in that tiny seat for half an hour could really make your legs go numb! Besides, why would she be scared, or even excited, at the thought of seeing that jerk after so much time? As if she even cared about him!

Oh, god. She thought, slapping her forehead. I'm starting to sound like Linebeck.

They finally reached the front door, which was slightly open. Link was about to step in, but Ciela grabbed his arm and whispered in his ear, "Wait, don't tell him just yet who I am." She giggled, "I want to see if he can recognize me." Link arched an eyebrow and gave her a look, as if saying 'Well, If you really have hope of that', and poked his head in through the door.

"Linebeck?" He called, and stepped in. Ciela followed, with butterflies in her stomach. The inside of the house was small, and lined with shelves. She could see various kinds of treasures and strange items displayed on them, and there was an open door to another room at the back.

"Kid?" Ciela's heart leaped painfully when she heared his voice coming from the room at the back. Such an annoying voice, full of memories. "Is that you?" Steps approached, and Ciela found heself making tight fists with her hands, her nails digging distressingly into her palms. Linebeck walked into the room, and frowned at Link. "What are you doing here?"

Ciela said nothing; she wouldn't have been able to, anyway. He hadn't changed a bit. And she was sure he was as self-centered and arrogant as always. His eyes fell on Ciela then, and her heart seemed to skip a beat as their eyes met. There was no sign of recognition in his face, but Ciela would have sworn she saw him blush slightly. "And who is this?" He asked the young boy.

Link looked away, scratching the back of his head thoughtfully. "She's... a friend." Ciela recovered from the initial surprise, and her shock slowly turned into irritation. He doesn't even find me familiar? She thought, Tetra did not recognize me at the beginning, but she had met me for a very short time! Link didn't have to think twice.

"You don't recognize me?" Asked Ciela, trying to keep the dissapointment out of her voice. "You do know me quite well, you know; you should know who I am."

Linebeck looked at her, frowning and tilting his head to the side. "Well, if I know you, I definitely can't remember you." He crossed his arms.

Ciela giggled. I was kind of fun, playing with him like this. Her anger dissolved slightly. "Oh, but I'm sure you remember me. Actually, you've never really seen me as I am now. But we do know each other."

Link laughed as Linebek stared blankly at her. "Are you making fun of me or something? Who are you?"

Ciela smiled, looking at him in the eye, and Linebeck's eyes widened slightly, before frowning again. "I- I think I do know you..." He shook his head. "But it can't be. You must be some other person or something."

"Are you sure?" Ciela put her arms on her hips, smirking. She knew he was thinking about her. "Who knows, you might be right." She took a step forwards, triwling round, and willed herself back to her fairy form. A warm golden light enveloped her, and she laughed when she saw Linebeck's jaw drop. After a flash of blinding light, she floated, airborne, in her fairy form. She looked expectantly at Linebeck, watching his reaction.

Linebeck rubbed his eyes, stared, and rubbed them again. "You must be kidding me.." He muttered, disbelieving. "It can't be... Sparkles, is that you?"

Link grinned, watching them both silently. Ciela flew around the dumbstruck sailor in circles, giggling. "Of course it's me, you idiot!"

"What- what are you doing here? Weren't you in another world?"

"Well, I wasn't really expecting anything else, but you could sound a bit more glad to see me!"

"Why would I be?" Linebeck crossed his arms, recovered, his arrogant dignity back.

"You moron!" Ciela fluttered up and down angrily, but spoke in a light tone, "I haven't seen you in years, and still, you behave like the arrogant idiot you are when we meet again!"

"Why are you human, anyway?" Asked Linebeck, ignoring her bickering. "Besides, weren't you supposed to be guarding your precious little world with that old man?"

"Supposed to be-? You idiot!" Screamed Ciela, turning human again in an eye's wink. She stepped forewards, pointing an accusing finger at the sailor's chest. "I give up everything I had on the other side just to come to see you- I mean, to come to see Link and Tetra, of course!" She blushed fiercely, fiering up even more because of her mistake, "And I take the trouble of stopping by to see your ugly face and say hi after so much time, and all I get from you are all these nasty things!" She was practically yelling at this point, stooping over the accused, who was leaning away from her with a mortified look in his face. "You are such a jerk!"

"Ciela..." Link watched the scene, wondering wether to laugh or be worried. He had never seen Ciela this angry. Well, maybe her fury was more evident when she was human. Or maybe it was the effects of not having had Linebeck to unleash her temper on for such a long time.

Ciela crossed her arms angrily and turned her back on Linebeck, who said nothing as he blinked repeatedly.

"I don't know why I bothered coming here!" Ciela said, still hot-headed. "Really!"

Linebeck seemed about to say something, but they were interrupted when a large dove flew in through the window. It flapped around, colliding into an old vase in the process, sending it crashing down to the floor.

"What the hell?" Linebeck stepped forwards hurriedly, trying to send it back out the window, but Link stopped him.

"Wait, Linebeck, it's a messenger dove from the castle!" Link held out his arm and the bird landed lightly on his wrist. Ciela walked over, and Linebeck watched, annoyed, as Link gently pulled a small piece of paper that was tied the dove's leg and unfolded it. His eyes widened as he read it.

"What is it, Link?" Asked, Ciela, worried. "What does it say?"

"I need to get back to the castle!" Link said as he ran out of the house. The dove flew away, alarmed. "There is a rebel attack going on!"

Ciela and Linebeck followed hurriedly. When they reached the train, they saw Link was already setting the train ready.

"Take me with you, Link!" Ciela protested, stepping forwards.

"Too dangerous, no time!" Link pulled the train into motion. "I'll be back tomorrow at the latest!" He shouted over his shoulder. And with that, the tiny train sped away, leaving Ciela and Linebeck staring after it in silence. Then it turned a corner and was gone.

Both of them were silent for an uncomfortable minute, until Ciela sighed heavily.

"Tomorrow... at the latest." Murmured Ciela, the thought sinking in. "Oh, great." She exclaimed sarcastically, scowling at Linebeck. He frowned back, affronted. "So I'm now stuck here with you, am I?"

A/N: ...Yup. I don't really have much to say. :3 You have, though. I know you do. Yup, you are itching to press that button that says "review this chapter". Yeah you are!

Please do tell me what you liked, what you didn't, what you missed, what you want in future chapters, ect! I don't mind negative criticism as long as it's constructive! (I'll go cry in a corner later, but it doesn't matter!) So please do review! Am I asking for too much? Come on, I give you 4000-words-long chapters! Pwease? *puppy eyes*

I've just been to London for a few days, and I went to the zoo! It was my first time ever, and it was also the first time I saw tigers, lions and other cool animals with my own eyes. It was awesome! Although I didn't like the way most of the animals were caged.
Yes, you needed to know.

Ten-year-old Byrne! *runs around squealing* Kyaaaaahhh! X3 So cuuuteeeee! (Fangirly attack! XD)
About the Lokomos... I imagine they live ten times longer than humans, (at least in their growing speed), and, if this is set one hundred years before the events in Spirit Tracks, I guess Byrne would be around... what, one hundred years old? XD Which, divided by ten, is... ten. :3 Also, he is not covering his face or wearing his gauntlet, 'cause I imagine he started doing so after he left the tower in search for power... which would be around the time of this story. ¬.¬ *looks away distractedly* I made him the future Dark Realm sage 'cuz it makes sense! I mean, there is a Lokomo for each realm, and the Dark Realm must be a land of its own, too. Besides, if Lokomo are reborn if they die, what sense would it make to have an apprentice to occupy the place of its master? Also, there are the Seven Sages in Ocarina of Time. It makes sense, doesn't it? Doesn't it? D: I've thought about that long and hard, and I've come up with that. :3