Author's Notes: It was a long time coming, but I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter Seven: The Great Fairy's Soul
Kaepora Gaebora gently deposited Link and Archimedes near the gate between Death Mountain Trail and Kakariko Village amidst a small whirlwind of dust being swirled about by the force of his wings. Link squinted against all the dust in the air while Archimedes clung blindly to his Hylian companion, eyes tightly shut against the onslaught of dirt. Soon the dust riding on the air began to settle as Kaepora rose higher in the air, his wings gracefully cutting through the sky. "Good journey, young heroes!" the wise owl hooted jovially.
"Many thanks, Kaepora!" cried Link as he watched the owl glide on the currents and arc around to fly in the direction of Lake Hylia. Archimedes leapt down from Link's shoulder and shook himself indignantly before curling around to clean his back leg.
The gate between Death Mountain Trail and the rear entrance to Kakariko Village remained shut in the growing light of morning. As Archimedes cleaned between the toes on his back right paw he managed to ask, "How long until they open the gate?"
"Not long now," Link mused. "I just hope that my hunch is right. Not many in Hyrule know how to handle Odd Mushrooms." He rubbed as his chin thoughtfully. "It seems reckless to leave behind such an obvious clue."
"What do you mean?" Archimedes mumbled as he began to clean his side.
"Well when I wanted Biggoron's Sword repaired, I had to run a lot of crazy errands; one involved Odd Mushrooms and it led me to the hag at the Potion Shop hidden in Kakariko Village."
"But Link," said Archimedes as he paused to rearrange himself to lick at his pudgy belly, "who all knows about your traipsing into the future?"
"Me, Zelda, you, and," Link paused to sigh, "Ganondorf."
"Then why would he have left that clue?" Archimedes asked as he continued to clean his furry tummy.
"But it was Koume and Kotake. Perhaps they didn't realize."
"Perhaps," murmured the feline as his tongue was obstructed by the white fur on his massive belly.
Link shook his head dismissively and wiped his hands symbolically. "It doesn't matter. I don't know why I'm bringing it up now. The mushrooms are our only lead!" Almost assuring his sudden determination to continue on his present course, the gate to Kakariko Village creaked open invitingly.
Archimedes finished his bath and stood, aiming his short, raccoon-patterned tail skyward. The feline turned his opalescent blue eyes to Link and saw his friend filled with fresh resolve for the task at hand. Link met the cat's eyes and nodded in a somber fashion. "Let's go."
The two strolled casually into the village, hoping to be at least somewhat inconspicuous. Unfortunately for our heroes, new travels fast in Hyrule, and bad news travels like lightning. Link and Archimedes smiled and greeted the guards at the gate lightheartedly, but were met by reverent salutes and patriotic encouragement. They continued into the village and wove through the heart of the town, hearing many greetings and a great deal of praise. Link was surprised to hear how far – and how accurately – the tale of the interchange between he and Prince Kalidor had traveled, and, though he didn't have time to revel in it, enjoyed how unpopular the idea of a marriage between Hyrule and Prelone seemed to the citizens of Kakariko Village. The pair wove their way between the busy villagers and flocks of cuccos until they stood near the well facing the gate that obstructed the hag's potion shop from view. Link unhooked the Longshot from his belt and motioned for Archimedes to jump into the crook of his free arm. "Alright, after I reach the fence you will have to move along the top of the fence so you can jump down to the shop. I'll meet you at the door."
"But how will you – ?" Archimedes asked but was cut off as Link raised the Longshot and took aim for the top of the fence.
"Don't worry about me," Link bluntly stated and pulled the trigger on the spring-loaded grappling hook. The hook secured itself in the links of the gate with a metallic "Ca-Chink!" and Link's mouth curled into half an adventurous smirk as the grappling hook recoiled, pulling him and the feline straight towards the gate. Halfway to the fence Archimedes saw that his companion needed him to leap to the fence so that Link would have a free hand to catch himself. The cat watched the gate draw closer and positioned himself to spring. With the tell-tale wiggle from shifting his weight from one rear foot to the next, Archimedes timed his leap and launched himself to the top of the metal fence. As the feline left his arm Link reached for a top wrung of the gate and gripped tightly as the Longshot recoiled completely. Link pulled himself up gracefully and swung over the top of the tall gate. Now hanging from the other side Link assessed the drop and let go. He landed on his haunches but then rolled in a somersault to minimize problems with a difficult landing. Link stood, hooked the Longshot back to his belt and began to brush himself off.
Archimedes, who had already run along the top of the fence and jumped onto the lawn around the Potion Shop, yowled at Link, "You're insane! Why didn't you just cut through this house beside the shop?"
"How would you feel if people just came running through your house?" Link asked bluntly.
"Oh," the feline said with new understanding.
Link climbed the ladder beside the Potion Shop and arrived at the same area that feline prowess allowed Archimedes to reach sooner. "Are you ready?" Link asked.
"Ready to interrogate an old hag? As ready as I'll ever be," Archimedes quipped with a playful shrug.
The companions approached the door and Link knocked firmly. From behind the door they heard an old, wizened voice call, "Come in!" Link turned the knob and swung the door inward. Archimedes streaked inside with his usual cat-like paranoia as Link strode across the threshold with an aura of authority.
"Good morning," croaked the old hag behind the counter as she added a fine powder to the cauldron sitting on a stove beside her. She stirred it carefully and asked, "What can I do for you today?"
Link stepped to the counter and spoke in an even, serious tone, "I need to know about anyone who has been in here with Odd Mushrooms."
The old hag let her spoon clatter onto the stovetop in mid-stir. "What did you say?" she muttered, not even noticing the wooden spoon begin to smolder as it caught on fire.
"Odd Mushrooms. Who has brought them to you lately? I need to know," Link repeated slowly, purposefully.
"Why did you come here?" the hag demanded in her raspy, croaking voice, "to harass me?" She finally caught the scent of burning, charred wood and tossed the spoon into a nearby sink of water.
"I am here to investigate a lead on the attempted abduction of Princess Zelda and I want answers," Link stated baldly.
"What? Kidnapping! I had nothing to do with it!" the hag howled as her already bushy hair became even more frazzled.
"For an innocent person you sure act like you have a guilty conscience," Archimedes drolled lazily as he leaped atop the counter.
The hag bristled more indignantly than before. "Petrified, more like!"
"Petrified?" asked Link.
"Those two!" sputtered the old hag. "Swooping in here like bug-eyed bats with the black cloaks trying to intimidate me! The nerve! Asking about Keese hearts and Skulltula eggs, as if I'd carry such garbage. But the other one, she made my blood run cold. Pure evil, she was."
Link's eyebrows flew upward so fast and far that they almost retreated under his cap. "Other one?" asked Link carefully. Archimedes' eyes suggested a tiny stenographer in the back of his brain ravenously taking detailed notes on every word the hag spoke.
"Yes, wearing a black cloak and hood. I didn't see her face, but I didn't need to see it to tell they were up to creating chaos."
"What happened? What did they want?" Link pressed.
The hag reached into a pocket and pulled out a long pipe and some homemade matches. She struck a match, put the pipe to her lips and took a long draw from it. The smoke smelled sweet, like cloves and currant. "It was about five days ago now. It was the day before Zelda's big celebration, now that I think about it. They came in at about dusk. I was getting ready to close up when they walked in …"
The hag had just finished corking and wax-sealing flasks after bottling a new batch of Life Potion when a rap upon the door resounded through the shop. "Come in, but make it quick! It's almost dark!" the hag called.
Koume, Kotake, and a third, veiled woman entered the shop and began to browse at the bottles and jars of potions and various ingredients lining the outer perimeter of the establishment. The hag asked, "Is there anything I can help you find?"
"Oh, nothing in particular," Koume cooed shrilly as she examined a vial of Fairy Fountain Water.
"Perhaps some Skulltula eggs," Kotake cackled.
Koume put the vial back on the shelf and shuffled to the counter. "Or maybe some Rope Fangs?"
Kotake scuttled to join her twin at the counter and ran a finger along the counter as she asked, "Keese hearts? Maybe some powdered Stalfos ribs?"
The hag grew uncomfortable. "I'm sorry, but I do not deal in contraband. I'd appreciate it if you would leave now."
"No need to worry," Koume cackled.
"We're trustworthy," Kotake added with a vile laugh as the cloaked woman now approached the counter.
As the mystery woman drew nearer the hag felt a dread chill slide down her spine. Her instincts willed her old legs to run for the hills, but fear held her steady. The hooded figure slid a pale hand into her cloak and revealed three Odd Mushrooms. She tossed these onto the counter; they lazily rolled to rest in front of the hag. "These are about as hard to find as some of the items my associates have mentioned," spoke the cloaked woman. Her voice was elegant and haughty, but dripped with the poison of ill-intent. "However, we are searching for something even rarer, and are prepared to pay handsomely for one." Her hand retreated into the cloak once more and came out bearing a black sachet. The sachet was flung onto the counter and clattered with rupees.
The hag slowly reached for the sachet and pulled it open. Purple and red glittered at her from the depths of the large pouch and thoughts of a new potion shop slithered through her mind. "I'm listening," she stated plainly.
"Good," the hooded woman said; you could hear her smile. It wasn't a pleasant effect. "I am looking for a Great Fairy's Soul."
The hag dropped the sachet back to the counter, spilling the rupees across the countertop and floor, and she blanched in terror and disbelief. "Wh-what?" stammered the hag.
"I need a Great Fairy's Soul," the cloaked figure repeated.
The hag didn't bother to demand for them to leave. She didn't attempt to throw them out. The danger was too great. She pried herself from where she stood and ran from the shop as if an entire hoard of Peahats were on her heels.
"I didn't even bother closing up. I didn't even come back until last night I was so terrified they'd still be here," the hag concluded.
"Was anything missing?" asked Link.
"Just them, the mushrooms, the rupees, and a few neutral potion ingredients."
"Neutral potion ingredients?" asked Archimedes.
"Potion ingredients that can be used in almost any concoction, unlike their request of a," she paused mid-sentence to shudder, "a Great Fairy's Soul."
Link steeled himself for his next question. "What is a Great Fairy's Soul used for in potion making?"
The hag took another long, aromatic draw from her pipe and softly chuckled. "My dear boy, I sometimes forget how woefully ignorant some are of potioncraft. I'm sure that even you can understand that there is something dreadfully evil about using a Great Fairy's Soul in magic." Link nodded solemnly. "Now, what I can tell you that many can't is that a Great Fairy's Soul is the chief ingredient in the evilest potions to perform some of the darkest magic involving souls."
Link was liking this conversation less and less by the second and despised the fact that this information was useful to his purpose. "What do these potions do?" he asked, wholly dreading the answer.
The hag dramatically held up three fingers. "Banishing souls into the Abyss," she said as she laid down a finger, "corrupting souls," she laid down another finger, "and erasing souls," she finished grimly as she clenched her fist.
Archimedes gasped, "Din, Farore, and Nayru be merciful."
Link's eyes dilated for a moment and then with a new fire he whispered, "Zelda," before he pivoted and ran from the shop with Archimedes close behind.
The pair ran just to the lush lawn beneath the hag's shop before Link stopped and began rummaging through a small pack. Archimedes, sensing the utter urgency, quickly asked, "Where is the nearest Great Fairy's Fountain?"
Link pulled the Goron Tunic from the pack and held it up by the shoulders. "Death Mountain." He set the pack and tunic on the ground and began to unlace the Kokiri Tunic.
"Undressing in public!" the cat hissed in a panic, "Are you mad?"
"I don't have time for this! Besides I do have chain mail and under-linen on as well," Link grumbled as he pulled the green tunic over his head and tucked it away in the pack. "Besides, you've never been in the fiery depths of Death Mountain Crater. It will cook us alive without this on," Link continued as he pulled the Goron Tunic over his head. He quickly swapped his hats, yet left the garment unlaced at the neck and sides.
Regaining his feline tenacity Archimedes smirked. "Classy. Are we setting a new trend?"
"No. If I laced it you wouldn't fit."
"What?" the cat demanded as Link crouched down to him.
"I don't have a cat-sized Goron Tunic to protect you from the heat. You will have to hideout in my tunic. Now come on," Link said as he gestured the cat inside the garment.
Archimedes walked forward glumly and grumbled, "Oh, the indignity." The feline crawled into the tunic and settled himself by his companion's belly. "This is going to look so silly."
Link arose with the cat nestled in the tunic and looked down. "It does, but you'll be safe." He secured the pack back onto his shoulders and reached for the Ocarina of Time. Link brought the magical instrument to his lips and aligned his fingers for the tune to carry them to Death Mountain Crater. He played the Bolero of Fire flawlessly and as the music swept around them red lights created a small whirlwind, taking them above the lawns of Kakariko Village. Higher and higher they were carried until the vortex whisked them to the majestic heights of Death Mountain. The lights continued their mystic purpose until it brought them into the very heart of the fiery chasms of Death Mountain, setting them carefully on the Triforce inlaid platform before the Fire Temple. Without hesitation Link took off at a jog veering left. He withdrew the Longshot again as he approached the broken bridge and took aim. His boots began to clunk against the planks of the intact half of the bridge and Link pulled the mechanism to activate the Longshot. As his feet neared the end of the broken bridge the chain recoiled, pulling our hero and his feline companion across the gap of boiling lava to the rocky ledge beside the back entrance to Goron City. Link landed at a jog as if the interlude with the Longshot never even occurred. He veered left once again towards an open cave. He sprinted now down the darkened corridor, his heart hammering in his ears and Archimedes jostling unceremoniously in the tunic. Suddenly lights began to wink and twinkle from all around and the glittering brilliance of the Great Fairy's fountain sparked to life around our heroes.
Link stopped at the Triforce plinth before the fountain and let Archimedes out of the tunic. "You'll be safe in here," said Link. Archimedes shook himself to straighten his fur and the young Hylian again pulled the ocarina from the pouch at his belt. Link played Zelda's Lullaby and with fear and apprehension thick in the air waited for some sign from the Great Fairy. Each heartbeat felt like a millennium slipping by and each breath that passed was an eternity until finally Link's long, pointed ears heard the shrieking laughter that heralds the arrival of a Great Fairy. Relief coursed through his veins as the Great Fairy of Death Mountain Crater spun into sight, her violently pink hair flowing in her wake.
"It's good to see you again, Hero of Time," she spoke benevolently. "Great danger lurks over Hyrule. A grave evil has been resurrected."
"How do you remember me?" asked Link incredulously.
"A fairy's memory is cyclical, not linear. We remember all that was, has, could be, and ever will be. While those who walk in this land do not know of the peril from which you saved them, fairies remember all, just as the Goddesses do."
Link felt much more at ease, even more so at not having to explain the eminent danger to Zelda and Hyrule. "Great lady," said Link reverently with a courteous bow, "if you know so much of my errand, then I beg of you, have you any news of the other Great Fairies around Hyrule?"
"Indeed, I hear of my sisters often," said the Great Fairy, "and lately we have felt a great unrest at the unwavering silence from Zora's Domain."
Archimedes now found his voice. "How long has she been silent?"
"Three days," answered the Great Fairy. "There was a great clamor of shock, then fury, and then pain followed by silence."
Link found himself struggling for words. He only managed to sputter, "It can't be."
"Oh, but it is, Hero of Time. The darkness comes, threatening to consume all, and you must be the light to hold it at bay," the Great Fairy spoke as she reached into the hip of her foliage garment. She produced a small pouch and held it out to Link. "To help you fend off the darkness."
Link carefully took the soft, leather pouch from her, automatically asking, "What is it?"
"My tears," she answered softly. "It takes a great deal to cause a fairy to feel sadness; the result is a collection of highly magical crystals. They'll be able to fortify something with a great, holy energy."
Link tucked the pouch safely inside a breast pocket behind his chain mail. "I don't know what to say."
"Say nothing now, but continue your journey and protect this land. Goddesses speed you on, Hero of Time." The Great Fairy, her task done, raised her arms and withdrew into her fountain once more.
It was nearing midday when Link and Archimedes stood breathless in front of the waterfall concealing the entrance to Zora's Domain. The mist from the falls clung to the cat's whiskers like dew and cooled the duo after their long run from the heights of Death Mountain. Archimedes shook himself, splattering small specks of water about, and asked the young Hylian, "So how do you open the door?"
"Zelda's Lullaby," said Link as he once again produced the Ocarina of Time from his hip pouch. He quickly played the song to prove his ties to the Royal Family and the waterfall split, revealing the entrance to Zora's Domain. With a satisfied smirk Link deposited the magical instrument back in the leather pouch. "No matter how many times that happens, it impresses me," said Link.
"How many doors require a musical password?" asked Archimedes.
"At least three I can think of right now. Darunia's chamber, Zora's Domain, and the Door of Time," answered Link as he stepped back to gain momentum for the jump and the cat mimicked his actions. The pair rushed forward and sprung across the chasm into the tunnel to Zora's Domain. They jogged down the tunnel, and as the light from Zora's Fountain faded into darkness only the eerie light from the feline's eyes was visible. But soon the tunnel grew steadily brighter as the light from Zora's Domain drew nearer. The forms of two Zora guardsmen were silhouetted at the foyer to Zora's Domain. Their spears were crossed, barring the entryway, and the hair on the back of Link's neck stood on end. Archimedes noted the defensive atmosphere as well for the feline's tail bristled slightly. "Something has made the Zoras uneasy."
"It seems the Great Fairy's fears are true."
The pair slowed their pace as the entryway came closer as to not startle the guards. The Zoras turned as the sound of Link and Archimedes' footfalls indicated they were in sight.
"Halt!" called the guard on the right.
"Stand down," countered the guard to the left. "It is Master Link, ally of the Royal Family and King Zora." The guards withdrew their spears from the doorway.
Link and Archimedes stopped before the guards. "What has happened?" asked Link.
The guard on the left answered. "Zora's Domain has entered a state of lockdown. There was an attack by unknown intruders three nights ago."
"How were we able to breach the falls, then?" Link inquired.
"Only Zoras or an emissary from the Royal House can gain entrance when security is tightened; hence why we are stationed here."
"What happened?"
"Three intruders flew in to Lord Jabu-Jabu's Sanctuary. On sight they murdered six guards and proceeded to a cave behind Lord Jabu-Jabu. When back-up arrived at the cave they exited, killed two more guardsmen, and flew off."
"Did they have anything when they left?"
Both guards shrugged and the guard on the right answered, "We were both on duty guarding King Zora and Princess Ruto."
"Did anyone inspect the cave?" Link asked.
"No," the guard on the left answered. "They blasted the cave entrance upon their escape and resealed it in the process. We do not possess bombs and haven't been able to investigate it further."
Archimedes shivered and Link sighed with a sense of dread. "I have bombs," said Link, "May I investigate the cave?"
"I shall escort you to King Zora to request entrance," the guard on the right said as he inclined for them to follow. The trio proceeded into the heart of Zora's Domain in silence. Soon they came to the throne room before the great King Zora. The guard leading them stopped to kneel and Link and Archimedes mimicked his actions out of reverence. "King Zora, Master Link and his feline, Archimedes, emissaries of the Royal House, have come to request access to the cave blocked by the attack."
King Zora waived his hand signaling all to rise. "Link, how did the Royal Family get word to you so fast? Aren't you investigating the attempted abduction of Princess Zelda?"
"Indeed I am, your majesty, and the trails of clues to the identities of the culprits lead me here only to find that you have been attacked. It seems that the attack is linked with my errand."
"Golden Goddesses!" King Zora exclaimed. "This conspiracy runs deep. By all means, dear lad, you have leave to inspect the cave if you can enter. Please, take with you two of my guards as well so we may further investigate the slayings of eight Zora guardsmen." King Zora motioned to two guards standing in wait. The guards marched to stand before Link and Archimedes and courteously bowed.
"Ratu at your service," said the guard on the left.
"Vari at your service," said the guard on the right.
Link nodded in respect and spoke firmly, "Let's go." He pivoted on his heel towards the path leading to Lord Jabu-Jabu's Sanctuary. The Hylian strode up the path with cat and Zoras in tow. The party moved along in silence through the remaining cavern of Zora's Domain and out to the sunlit lagoon of Jabu-Jabu's Sanctuary. Link moved quickly and lifted Archimedes into his arms as he proceeded to the narrow ledge that provided a dry path to the cave.
"Master Link," spoke Vari, "wouldn't it be faster if you swam the lagoon?"
Link smirked. "You tell Archimedes that he has to swim."
"Fair enough," Vari conceded.
"You two can swim ahead if you want," Link suggested.
"No, Master Link," Ratu said, "We stay with you."
The quartet trooped down the narrow path along the rock that composed the rear wall of Zora's Domain. Link looked ahead to the cave entrance, or where it should have been, and observed the serrated rocks blasted before it. His unease grew as he thought of the power it would take to reseal the Great Fairy's Fountain. It didn't take long for them to traverse the path and cross the lagoon to the jagged boulders and rocks that now barred their entrance to the cave. Link set Archimedes on the ground and reached for the bomb bag secured to his belt. He pulled a single, blue bomb from the bag fashioned from a Dodongo's stomach and one homemade match. Link struck the match on his belt and commanded all present to, "Stand back." The Zora guards and Archimedes retreated to the water's edge as Link lit the fuse. It hissed like an angry Rope as Link tossed it into the very heart of the displaced rocks. The young Hylian moved to join the others in safety while awaiting the soon-to-come blast. Like clockwork, a cacophonous "KA-BOOM!" filled the lagoon with chaotic noise. Chunks and bits of rubble flitted over the group. Archimedes shook himself clean of dust and rock as Link brushed rogue particles of debris from his tunic. When the clouds of dirt dissipated it revealed a newly cleared path into the Great Fairy's Fountain.
Link stepped forward and without a single word uttered the group made their way into the cave. As they crossed the threshold they were all swallowed in darkness, and none of them knew what to expect. With all his fears affirmed, Link knew not to expect the usual, sparkling grandeur that is associated with a benevolent, ephemeral being such as a Great Fairy. What was worse was that he did not know what awaited them within.
Dim lights began to flicker along the walls, but they did not sparkle and were muted, as if shrouded in static. They were gray and dull, the magic of color sapped from them by some unholy force. The dais housing the Great Fairy's Fountain did not shine like finely carved crystal, but was as if transfigured into ashen stone. The Triforce before the fountain, once golden and bright as hope itself, was now black and grim as if seared by the atrocities committed here. The water in the fountain was stale, stagnate, and contaminated by horror. Link's heart pounded within his ribcage, fighting against the blasphemy his eyes witnessed. His eyes peered into the fountain's depths and Archimedes hissed as never before, his fur bristling into a fearful Mohawk. Link's sapphire eyes locked upon the contents of the fountain and he shrieked in icy terror as his mind registered what floated within. His screams intensified as the Zora guardsmen backed away in horror and nausea, muttering prayers to any deity that may listen. Archimedes yowled as tears of fear, rage, disgust, sorrow, and slight madness gathered in Link's eyes.
Drifting motionless, lifeless, and soulless in the water was the Great Fairy of Magic. Her form was as twisted and colorless as her fountain. Her now lead-gray hair floated lazily along her cold, white body. The foliage of her garments, once vibrant green and lush with life, was now dry, cracked, and ashen. The Great Fairy's face was contorted, frozen in an expression of shock and pain, and her eyes were blank globes of onyx.
Link, horrorstruck and weeping, stormed into the fountain and shivered as he waded through the slimy, icy water. The Great Fairy's body bobbed on the disturbed water as Link sloshed through to her. He reached out and pulled the Great Fairy close to him. His hand shook slightly as he gently placed his fingertips on her eyelids and shut her eyes. Link put one arm behind the Great Fairy's back and hooked the other under her knees. He lifted her from the stagnate pool and carried her away from the fountain. He gently laid the Great Fairy's body on the path leading to her fountain and made to fold her arms over her chest when he noticed a sear mark upon her flesh. Link gently shifted the wet hair clinging to her to reveal a burn wound that formed a strange pattern. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the burn as the malevolent eye the Skull Kid drew for him. He folded the fairy's arms carefully but his attention was soon ripped from the tragic scene by a furious growl from Archimedes.
"What is it?" asked Link.
"There's something here," growled Archimedes as he crept around the fountain.
Link rose and made to follow the cat. Before he took two steps Archimedes pounced and cornered something behind the fountain. Link rounded the fountain to see Archimedes, back arched and fur on end, keep a Poe soul in the darkened corner. Thinking quickly, Link found an empty bottle and scooped the Poe into it.
