CHAPTER 8 A WALK IN THE WOODS


Mitch was sitting in front of the entrance to the Kokiri Village. He hated guard duty, it was so boring! Nothing has happened in the village since Link had broken the curse on the Forest Temple. How long had that been? He asked himself, twelve, thirteen years? He was never good at math.
He yawned and stretched out his arms but nearly flew in the air when someone tapped him on the shoulder and said his name. "Mitch?"
"Aaahh!!" Flustered, he turned around to see Saria and two strange looking adults. One had green hair and brown armor, while the other had blue hair and blue armor.
"By Deku, Saria! You scared me!" Mitch panted holding his chest, trying to catch his breath.
Saria giggled girlishly and apologized. "I'm sorry Mitch." Mitch gave her a smile and looked at the two men. "Oh, I nearly forgot! These are my friends, Rowen," She pointed to the one with blue hair. "And Sekhmet." She pointed to the other.
"Umm, won't they be turned into a stalfos?" Asked the know-it-all brother taking a step back from them.
"Nope!" The green haired Kokiri smiled and shook her head. "Their hearts are as pure as Link's."
Mitch looked at the two skeptically. "All ri-i-ight, but of they do, I'm blaming you!"
"Yes, yes fine." Saria said walking away with her companions.
"So what now, Saria?" Sekhmet asked.
"We go to-"
"Saria!" An angry voice screamed.
Saria rolled her eyes. "Oh, great." She looked over to see a red haired Kokiri with freckles running at them.
"What do you think you are doing?! Bringing outsiders into the forest?! And adults to boot! Don't you remember what happens to outsiders when they come into the forest!"
"Mido," Saria started. "don't you think they would have turned into monsters by now if something was going to happen to them?" She put her hands on her hips.
"That isn't the point-"
"Mido," She interrupted impatiently. "we have more important things to do than to argue with you!"
Mido crossed his arms. "Yea, like what?"
"Oh, just the fact that Ganon is back with someone more powerful than him helping him get back the other parts of the Triforce." She said matter-of-factly. Mido scowled at the Ronin and Warlord and walked away mumbling. As Saria led them up to the entrance to the Lost Woods, Sekhmet asked.
"Friend of yours?"
"Hardly, he's the boss of the Kokiri. He bullies everyone around!" Saria led them through the natural maze that is the Lost Woods and stopped at the stairway that led to the Forest Temple. Stopping halfway up the stairs, they heard a scream.
"What was that?" Sekhmet asked.
"Don't know, we betta armor up just in case." Rowen suggested.
Sekhmet nodded. "Armor of Venom! Dao Tei!"
"Armor of Strata Dao Inochi!"


***


"Eat arrow, Beth!" A tan girl shouted drawing an arrow at the purple poe. Beth cackled evilly and shot out a purple fireball at the girl, hitting her hand. She shouted in pain and the bow flew out of her hand. As Beth floated toward the now crouching female, she was stopped short of her target.
"Arrow Shock Wave!!" A loud whistling sound pierced the air as a golden arrow glowing with yellow energy and having a trail if the same color hit Beth and blew her apart.
The blue eyed girl turned her head to see a man in blue armor holding a golden bow in a ready position. Beside him stood a green haired Kokiri girl and a man in purple and green armor that made him look serpentine. "The boy in blue..." She whispered.
The three stepped over to her. "Hey," Rowen asked as he kneeled down beside her. "you okay?"
"You're cuter than I thought you'd be." The girl smiled.
"C-come again?" Rowen stuttered out.
"You heard her!" A fairy yelled in its high-pitched voice as she flew out of a pouch belted to the mysterious woman's waist.
"Akana!" She scolded. "Behave!" Akana pouted and flew back into the pouch.
"Fine!" she said, her voice muffled.
"Umm, just who are you?" Rowen asked. Her face was very beautiful, carved from the goddesses themselves with large crystalline blue eyes that peered into him, and a small strait nose. Black hair with blue streaks came all the way to her feet in three thick braids. Her ears were pointed, so she had to be Hylian, and her thin body had a tan, but not as deep as a Gerudo's. She wore knee high leather boots and green leggings that covered the rest of her legs. She had a black glove on her left hand with the fingers cut off, and on her other arm she had a tattoo of a vine of ivy winding all the way up her well toned arm to her shoulder. Her top was a tree brown with leather armor strapped to her right shoulder and wrapped around her breasts. "And what do you mean 'cuter that I thought you would be'?"
"Name's Angakita Hinako, but call me Kita. Its so much easier on the tongue." She said with a smirk. "You've already met my associate and guardian fairy." Akana 'hmmfed' from her hiding place. Angakita laughed and shook the pouch causing the fairy to become rather agitated and flew up to her face.
"Arg! Why are you so mean to me!?" Akana said throwing fairy dust at the tan Hyrulian's face, and flew back into her hiding place.
"Mine's Sekhmet, Warlord of Venom." He said giving her a small bow at the waist.
Angakita smiled at the Warlord and turned to Saria. "You're the Forest Sage are you not?"
"Yeah I am, and how come you have a fairy? You're not a Kokiri!" Saria crossed her arms over her chest, her own fairy perched on her shoulder.
"She's tagged along ever since I saved her from a wolfos trying to make her his lunch. Now I can't get rid of her!" Angakita laughed.
"Hey, stop being so mean to me! If you don't I'll leave, I mean it!" The fairy threatened inside the pouch.
"Sure you will." Angakita waved off the threat and turned to Rowen. "So, Boy in Blue, I'd like to know what the name of the man I'm destined to be with."
"Wh-w-what!!" Rowen could have easily been knocked down by a feather at that moment "D-destined?" His destined laughed and nodded with a shy grin.
"His name is Rowen Toshiba." Sekhmet said smacking Rowen on the back. "And why is it that you said that you two are destined?"
"That is what the Three said to me when I was created by them." She said simply picking up her bow and examining it for damage.
"You are a divine being?" Saria asked incredulously. The way that Rowen was looking at her, Angakita thought that he certainly thought so.
"Rowen certainly thinks so, at least I think so by the way he's looking at me." When they started laughing, Rowen looked down at the ground and blushed which caused them to laugh all the harder. After a few seconds, the Ronin held up his hand for them to stop.
"Just why are you here anyway?" He asked de-armoring down to his subarmor, Sekhmet did as well.
"Exterminating the poe sisters." Came the simple reply.
"B-u-u-u-u-t, Link killed them already years back." Saria said suspiciously.
"Well, apparently not," Angakita tied a rope around an arrow and notched it. "since you just saw me trying to kill Beth."
"What are you doing?" Sekhmet asked.
The Hyrulian warrior aimed and fired at the tree branch. The arrow whizzed through the air and sunk into it's target. Pulling on the rope to get out the slack and make sure that it was steady she began to climb. "Going back in, of course." She said standing on the broken platform that led to the temple. "Any one care to join me?"
As soon as the words left Angakita's mouth, Rowen squatted and leaped up beside her. "Gladly."
"Well, since it is my temple, I should go." Saria said somewhat uncertain. "But how am I going to get up there?" A cry of surprise escaped from her tiny lips as Sekhmet grabbed her waist and jumped up to where the other two were waiting.
"Like that." Sekhmet said with a snake like grin on his face as he set the Sage of Forest down.
"C'mon," Angakita ordered. "I want to get this over with as soon as I can."

***


Back in the library Sage was reading one of his favorite Hyrulian tales, his eyes were finally becoming heavy. Although the thought of all the death that befell his clan that day kept coming into his mind. Seeing a cousin gutted by a gerudo, an uncle having his arm sliced from his body and then his head, the wound to his arm still stung like hell and it showed signs of not letting up for a while. He was not going to have fun tomorrow at the funeral back at his village. That fact made him abit jumpy, since Ganon was still creeping around. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he did not hear the doors open, then close and the lock clicking. "Hello, Sage."
"Hmm?" Sage looked up to see Kayura in a white kimono with a purple stripe down the front and around the cuffs. Her cheeks where rouged and her long black hair was up in a bun. "Oh, hello Kayura. Didnae hear ye come in, what brings ye here? Couldnae sleep?" He said with a smile, looking back down at the leather-bound book.
"Actually," She untied the sash of her kimono, exposing abit of her full, round breasts. "I came to see you."
"That's nice...wha-come again!?" He looked up and saw what she had done with her clothing. "Jesus, Mary, an' Joseph, Kayura! What dae ye thin' yer daein'!?"
Kayura smiled and let out a lithe laugh. "Why coming to thank you." She began to walk seductively over to him, swaying her hips as she went. "That, and getting a bit of payment for saving your family."


***


Zelda was lying in bed, the events of the day replaying themselves over and over in her mind. Making her doubt herself as an effective ruler of her country. The continuos thoughts of how much she missed Link weight heavily upon her mind as well. The troubled queen placed her hand on the bed where Link should have been, but felt nothing but the linens that covered the mattress and let out a sigh. She got up and pulled on her white woolen robe and slippers and opened the oak door, heading to her destination.
When she arrived at the library doors, Zelda was about to open them when she heard Sage's raised voice. "Jesus, Mary, an' Joseph, Kayura! What dae ye thin' yer daein'!?" 'What the heck?' She thought pressing her pointed ear to the door.
"Why, coming to thank you, that and getting a bit of payment for saving your family." Came the response. Zelda leaned down and looked through the keyhole, blowing a strand of golden hair from her eye. Kayura was now sitting beside a very nervous Sage.
"Umm, I dinnae thin' sae Kayura, we're both married, tae other people." He added hurriedly.
"Yes, but they aren't here right now are they?" Kayura undid her hair and let it fall over her shoulders. 'That tramp!' Zelda scowled furiously.
Sage was doing his very best to stay away from Kayura, and edged over to the end of the couch. "But, someone may hear us!" His mind was racing, anything to get her to leave!
"Oh, I doubt that seriously." 'Wanna bet?' Zelda thought as Kayura let the kimono fall about her waist, her breasts partly obscured by her long flowing dark hair. Sage turned his head immediately and Kayura smiled. "You may say no," She ran her hand up Sage's kilt. "but your body says yes."
Sage grabbed her hand and forced it away. "Get out." He commanded coldly, his face meaning every word of it. 'Good for you Sage! Tell her!' Zelda was quite impressed by her Scottish friend, most men wouldn't given a second thought about Kayura's invitation.
The bare chested Kayura shook her head. "Tsk, tsk wrong answer. If you don't let me get what I want from you, I shall cry rape."
Sage, who was half way to the door by now, turned around and narrowed his eyes. "Ye widnae dare!" He said calling her bluff.
"Wouldn't I?" She stood and let the kimono fall to the floor exposing her body entirely. Sage turned his head once more. 'Nae, I can't, think man think! Oh, got it!' "But are ye nae worried I will make ye wi' child?" 'That should dae it.'
Kayura pressed her naked body against Sage. "Well, that's just a change we'll take." Both Zelda's and Sage's hearts sunk. 'That's it, I'm breaking this up!' Zelda tried to touch the door knob but couldn't. 'She does think ahead, I'll give her that much.' She said noticing the spell on the door.
Sage turned his head and looked straight into Kayura's eyes with hate. "Good boy," She strutted her way back to the couch and sat down crossing her legs. "now, take them off." Kayura commanded pointing to Sage's clothing. Sage sneered as he took of his gray shirt, exposing his muscular chest and arms. "Good, now that." She pointed to Sage's kilt with her toe, and he did so very grudgingly. Kayura's eyes widened when he saw him. "This is going to be so much fun!" Sage answered her with a silent frown. "Aww, wassa matter Sagie?" Kayura asked teasingly, running a finger up and down his chest seductively. "I think I know how to make it a-l-l-l better."
"Does that mean yer gaun tae leave?" He asked with a twinge of hope. For an answer, Kayura kissed his neck and started a trail of kisses down his chest. "No, I'm not." she breathed seductively. 'Oh Nayru, I can't watch.' Zelda turned her head away from the keyhole. 'Wait a second,' Zelda stood up and blasted at the spell with her power. The spell absorbed her power like a sponge. 'Damn it!'
"I guess this means nae..."
By this time, Kayura was on her knees infront of Sage sucking on his ever hardening manhood. "Mmmmm. I see that your claymore isn't the only very long thing you own." He was doing his best not to enjoy it, but accidentally let out a small moan. 'Damn, why did I have tae dae that?' Kayura looked up at him pleased. "I see that you're finally starting to come around." She began to stroke his shaft and sucked on it harder, causing Sage to lean back his head, his mouth slightly open. Sensing that Sage was near climax she gave one last long suck and felt him release in her mouth. "Yummy!" Kayura licked her lips and swallowed with a seductive smile and got up. Walking back over to the couch she spread her legs widely. "Now its your turn."
Sage sighed. He didn't want to go through with this at all, but what choice did he have? If she did as she threatened to do, it would ruin his marriage, his reputation, and his life, since rape was punishable by death in Hyrule. Maybe if he just went along with this, Kayura would leave him alone. Maybe. A resigned Sage knelt infront of her open legs and ran the tip of his tongue gently around her clitoris instantly making her wet, and a small moan to emerge from her throat. Reaching down she ran her hand through his brown hair while she squeezed gently on her breasts with the other. After a moment of teasing with his tongue and teeth, Sage stuck his tongue deep inside her, causing a long moan of pleasure to escape from Kayura's glistening red lips. "Oh, gods, Sage AH!, you are good at this!" She cooed sliding off the couch alittle to have his tongue slide in even farther. His wiggling tongue felt so wonderful inside her, and she squirmed alittle. It was almost tickling her, but in a marvelous way. Dais was never this good. Sage's movements hastened inside her and Kayura felt a wave of ecstasy shoot through her whole body, eliciting a creshendoing scream from her as she shattered in orgasm. She pulled him up from his current position. "Take me, now! I need this so bad!" She said huskily. Sage with a half pleased and half sorrow filled face did as was commanded of him and slid into her, filling her completely. A delighted Kayura gasped yet again at the feel of Sage in her body and moaned, putting her hands on his butt and trying to make him thrust into her, an action which was readily granted as Sage's manly instincts now took over for his logic. The temptress forced Sage's head down to her breasts and the now lust filled man sucked on each one passionately. "Aaa, harder, oh, pleeease! Haaarderrrr!" Kayura nearly begged in-between moans. Sage, who had lost all control of his senses by this time thrust forcefully and quickly in and out of her. She was so tight and wet that it made Sage hurt. Kayura moaned with each movement of Sage and she found herself thrusting against each one of his. Sage kissed all over her tiny soft frame until he could no longer hold himself and exploded hard into her as he heard her exploding in orgasm for the second time. After a moment to catch his breath, Sage withdrew from Kayura and warped his kilt back around his waist, his logic now residing in it's rightful place once again.
"Happy noo?" He frowned, tying the laces up on his shirt.
"Oh, very much so!" Kayura smiled wryly tightening the sash of her kimono about her slim waist.
"Guid," He snapped walking to the door.
"I can't wait to see you here again tomorrow night."
"Wit!?"
'What!'
"You heard me." She then noticed Sage's perplexed look. "Oh, you must have thought this was a one time deal!" Kayura laughed belittlingly.
"But, b-but," He was utterly confused at the moment. Kayura swayed her hips making her way to the door. 'Uh, oh.' Zelda rushed off a little ways and hid behind a corner until she knew that the scandalous woman had left the library.
"I will see you tomorrow night, or else." She warned sweetly. With that she left the room with a smug smile on her sweat covered forehead. "And not a word of this to anyone." She said darkly.
Sage stumbled over to the nearest chair and felt the tears of guilt rise into his eyes. "By God, what ha'e I dane?" He looked up quickly as he heard the library door open, then close once more.
"It isn't your fault." Zelda said with a warm and caring look upon her face.
"Zelda, I-" She walked calmly over to him and sat, holding the guilt-ridden McIntire in her arms, and feeling the hot tears of his sadness upon her shoulder as he asked. "How much?-"
"It is going to be all right, my friend." She interrupted calmly. "I heard it all, that wench won't be able to carry trough with her threats now."
"Mommy?" Cheyan asked from the doorway, still holding onto the brass handle of the door and a teddy bear with the other. "Why is Uncie Sage crying?" She asked rubbing the tiredness in her eyes
"Oh, uh, Uncle Sage is just sad about losing a lot of his friends today."
"Is he going to be okay?" She asked with a yawn.
"Yes, he will be. Now go back to bed sweety." Zelda said with a small smile. "Okay, Mommy."
When the future queen left the room, Sage looked up at her mother. "Zel, what am I gaun tae dae? How the hell am I supposed tae tell Em? Should I e'en tell her?"
"I think that we are going to have to."
"We, as in both of us?"
"Yep, besides, when Em blows up you're gonna have to have someone to hold her back from killing Kayura the moment she hears the news." Zelda giggled.
"Aye," Sage mumbled, still in a sulk.
"C'mon, let's go." She said helping him up from the chair.
"Wit, noo!?"
"Of course, you do want to get this off you chest, don't you?" Zelda guided him to the door with her hands on his shoulders.
"Zelda?"
"Yes?"
"Yer one helluva dancer." Sage suddenly burst out laughing through the tears.
Zelda politely laughed at Sage's obvious attempt to lighten their spirits. "Why thank you Sage. Thank you..."

Emily was awakened by a tapping at the door to her's and Sage's bedroom. "Ung, who could that be at this hour?" She asked furrowing her brow while putting on a robe that hung on the bedpost. She walked over and opened the door. "Oh, Sage!" She smiled. "You know that this is our room, you didn't have to knock." Emily noticed Zelda behind him. "Sage, what is going on?"
"Emily, ye might wanna sit doon." Sage led her to their bed and sat down, taking his callused hands in her soft ones and looked into her eyes. "Em, ye ken that I love ye, right?"
Emily looked at him questioningly. "Of course I do!" She noticed then that Sage had been crying, for his eyes were bloodshot. "Sage, what is going on?"
"Umm, Emily,...Em,..." Sage looked over at Zelda.
"Uh, Emily, I don't know how to tell you this but," After a slight pause she continued. "but, umm well, Kayura she forced Sage to um, kinda, havesexwithher." The words tumbled out. Upon hearing this bit of news, Emily started to feel dizzy and put her hand to her head under her dark bangs.
"But, why?" Emily turned to Sage, who was looking down at her small hands.
"She said that it was 'payment' fer her saving yer's an' Connor's lives." He replied softly.
"But she said that your 'thank you' was enough..." Emily was beginning to shake.
"Obviously she had other ideas as well." Zelda put in.
"It's only the beginning me lass." Sage explained, "She said that if I didnae dae it again tomorrow night, she will try an persecute me fer rapin' her."
"What! She wants more! Damn it, I'll give her more!" She shouted angrily starting to stand.
"Em, please." Sage kissed her cheek and Emily was calm once again. She sighed happily every time he did that. That kiss always magically worked on her, for some strange reason.
"But Zelda, how do you know all of this?"
Hyrule's queen let out a tired sigh. "I heard everything, but I turned away when things got..."
"I get the point! But if you were there, why didn't you stop her?"
"She must have put a spell on the door, or something. I tried to open it, but I couldn't even touch the doorknob." Zelda explained shaking her head, the blond locks swaying on her shoulders. "Not even a blast of magic would break it."
"I see,"
"But," Zelda smiled shrewdly, "I've got a bit of an idea."
"Huh? Wit's that, Zel?" Sage asked.
The cunning Zelda leaned her back against the door frame. "You're going there again tomorrow night, all right." She laughed smugly. "But me, Emily, Matrim and a few other guardsmen will be hiding in the shadows to come and take her away."
"Brilliant!" Sage said smiled relieved. No more of this hellish experience for him.
"But make sure you don't give anything away, act just as you did tonight, else the plan shant work."
"That shouldnae be tae hard." Sage said, disgusted.
"Well, it is late, and I must take my leave now, see you two tomorrow."
"Good night Zelda, thank ye fer this." A relieved Sage breathed. The Hyrulian ruler nodded and shut the door. After she had left, Sage wrapped his arms around his wife and held her close against him. "I'm sae very, very sorry this had tae happen, lass." He whispered. Emily ran her hands up and down his back. 'That bitch is going to pay for this!' She thought scornfully as she kissed the top of her husband's head. 'Oh yes, she is defiantly going to pay...'

***


After searching the Forest Temple for nearly and hour, Sekhmet was growing short on patients. "Kita are you sure there are any poes left?"
"Shhh." She raised her hand slowly and drew an arrow, knocking in. Walking forward slowly, she looked around the corner and saw Amy, the green poe sister. With her hand she motioned to the others to duck down and for Rowen to come foreword.
"Yeah, Kita?"
"Rowen, look in that next room." He did, and saw Amy.
"Okay, now what?" Rowen whispered.
"What else? armor up, quietly, and draw an arrow."
"All right. Armor of Strata! Dao Inochi!" He drew a golden arrow. "Next?"
"Now, run interference for me while I line up a shot to blast her away."
"Right." Rowen dashed into the room. 'Great, why do I have to do this?'
"Good luck." Angakita whispered after him. She then felt a strong hand on her shoulder.
"Do not worry Kita, Rowen will be fine." Assured Sekhmet.
"Hey!" Amy turned to Rowen. "Yeah! You!" The green poe cackled, firing a green fireball from her torch at the Ronin of Strata.
"Oh-" The fireball zipped by his face as he ducked out of the way. "-crap! That was way too close!" He rolled out of the way of another and another. "Kita, you can come on in anytime now you know!" Rowen shot an arrow that Amy flew under and shot back at him. She screamed as an arrow stuck out of her back.
"Ha! Got ya!" Angakita said with her beautiful smile. The poe screeched in anger and flew straight at her. Angakita dropped her bow and stared in terror as the angry poe flew at her, it was mere seconds away from her. 'Oh, no. I can't move, why the hell can't I move!' Her blue eyes widening, she prepared for her end.
"Kita!"
"Snake Fang Strike!" A energy powered chain of swords cut straight through Amy's glowing body. She screamed, burst into flames and disintegrated before four pairs of relieved eyes. Sekhmet sheathed his six swords. "Was that cutting it too close?"
"Duh," Saria walked over to a door and opened it, and was thrown back, hitting the wall hard.
"Saria!" Sekhmet kneeled down by her side and looked through the door way. He saw ten plants with blue chomping heads.
"They're Deku Babas." Angakita monotonely said crossing her arms, closing her eyes.
"Hmf, well I guess its time for some gardening!" The Venom Warlord drew his swords and rushed forward, slashing away at the mad plants. It didn't take more than two seconds for them to become mulch. He turned back to the trio who were now standing in the small open aired courtyard. "That was easy." He sheathed his swords. "I guess-aaaah!! oof!" Sekhmet flew through the air and hit face first upside down into the dark gray stone wall, causing an outline of his body to be imprinted on it. He fell onto his back with an "Unnnnggg."
Thoom! A rock came hurtling at Rowen and hit him in the chest, causing him to stumble backward then fall on his back. "Rowen!" Angakita called.
The women looked around and saw an octorok bobbing up and down in the water. It spit another rock at the two and they jumped in two separate ways, the rock hitting the ground were they once stood.
Sekhmet got up slowly. His head was swimming and he held it in his hand. "Oh, man." He closed his eyes, trying to stop the room from spinning. He opened them once again and shut them instantly. 'Oh, how the light hurts!' But when he slowly opened them, despite the pain, he saw a purple octopus looking thing spitting rocks at Saria and Angakita. He looked over at Rowen who was leaning against the doorway with his hand to his chest. The Venom Warlord reached back for a sword and winced in pain. "Great, probably broken." He unsheathed the sword with a painful grunt, then gave a relived sigh. Slanking along the wall, he avoided the view of the rock throwing octopus and dipped the sword into the water up to the hilt. Streams of light purple waved through the water. Sekhmet sat back against the wall, breathing hard from near exhaustion. A few seconds later, the octorok squealed and thrashed around. It became suddenly silent and sunk beneath the surface of the water. The women stood silent and confused at the water, then saw Sekhmet sitting against the wall with a snakefang sword in the water.
"He poisoned it." They turned around and saw Rowen, a small dent in his chest armor. He pointed to the water. "See the purple? That's the venom from his swords, nothing will be able to live in this water for a while. You two okay?" They nodded. "All right, I think that Snakey needs some help."
"Don't call me Snakey!" Sekhmet whined from the wall.

The four were standing in a room after climbing a twisting flight of stairs. A faded painting of the Triforce was in the black marble floor with paintings on the wall. Strangely, they were all of the same thing; a path winding into the distance with a black sky. "End of the line I guess," Angakita said looking closely at the pictures. "we've searched the rest of the temple with no more problems."
"Guess we better leave then," Saria said walking to the stairs. Three spear tipped poles stuck out from the ground and she jumped back with a small yelp, the others turning to her.
"Saria! are you all right?" Sekhmet asked.
They heard a horse snort. "What the?" Rowen gasped. Upon a coal black steed, sat Ganon in his black armor and a smirk in his face.
"Ganon! What are you doing here?" The Kokiri demanded. Rowen and Angakita knocked their bows as Sekhmet drew a snakefang sword with his good hand. Ganon chuckled evilly and grabbed his neck and started pealing away his face. "By Din! What is he doing?" When Ganon was done, a new face came to their stupefied eyes; yellow orbs for eyes and a black snout. The creature, with a "Hirya!" spurred the coal black steed forward and disappeared into one of the paintings. Akana flew from her pouch.
"Its Phantom Ganon! Shoot his horse when he flies from the painting!"
"Sounds easy enough!" The fairy's companion boasted as clomping hooves were heard. "He's over here!"
"No, he's over here!" Rowen shouted, firing into the painting he was facing. The image turned back laughing madly. "Arg, wrong one!"
"No! Its this one!" Saria yelled as a magic bolt came hurtling to her head. Sekhmet rushed over and blocked it with his sword as the mounted phantom dove into a different painting. "Too close!" She breathed.
"Here he comes again!" Rowen warned aiming for one of the paintings that 'Ganon' was riding out of. Angakita aimed and fired at her's and the horse whinnied and bucked, then galloped back into the painting it came from.
"Not so fast!" Angakita drew a boot knife and flung it at the fleeing phantom. It bellowed in pain as the knife sunk into his back and fell off the horse onto the ground.
"My turn!" Sekhmet drew all his swords and placed them in the air infront of him. Grabbing the hilt of one of them, they formed a golden chain and whirled them above his head. "Snake Bite Strike!" The sword-whip hit the enemy surrounding him in yellow energy bolts, crackling with electricity. "Ha! Not so tough as you thought you were huh?" Phantom Ganon bellowed in rage and flung out his arms dissipating Sekhmet's attack. The Warlord blinked a few times in disbelief. "How!?" The phantom hovered back into the air chucking evilly.
"I'll bring him down! Arrow Shock Wave!" Rowen charged his arrow and let it fly. The phantom laughed and twirled his staff, knocking the arrow away easily. "Wha-"
Akana was flying around Angakita's head. "You have to hit the magic he flings at you!"
"Then I guess it is up to me, since I'm the only one who has anything to block it with!" Sekhmet sheathed all but one sword.
"Don't be too sure about that." The black haired Hyrulian corrected. When she held out her right hand, a golden blade with diamond edging and a sliver, ruby studded handle appeared in a puff of smoke. It glowed eerily in the hollow light. She looked up and sneered. "Bring it on!"
The entity flung a sphere of light-blue magic, heading straight for her. Angakita wielded her gold sword like a baseball bat and hit it back at the floating menace. He swung the double ended trident and it came back at her even faster. But, she timed it perfectly and the missile flew right back up. The action continued like this for sometime, the other three present watching it like a deadly tennis match. But, Ganon's shadow swung to early and the magic hit him, making him sink to the ground. With a terrifying shriek the blue eyed beauty leapt forward and cleaved off the phantom's head, her diamond tipped blade making it as easy as a hot knife through butter. The evil spirit didn't even have a chance to feel it. "I told you that was the way!" Akana said, smugly lying on top of the blue and black hair of Angakita.
"Oh, shut up." Angakita said breathing heavily, rotating her right arm. The magic had hit hard so many times she thought that she would never be able to raise it again.
"'Kita that was wonderful!" Saria praised running over to her with the two men in tow.
"Yeah, a real bang-up job!" Rowen said with a wink, which caused his destined to blush slightly. 'Heh, she looks even cuter when she's blushing!'
She could only stammer. "Oh, it was nothing."
Rowen continued his praise. "No, it wasn't! The way you handled that sword would make Seiji jealous! I bet Link as well!"
"I wouldn't go that far..." Saria pouted, crossing her arms. The two weren't even listening for they had their hands entwined with each others and they were staring into each other's eyes wistfully.
"Oh come on lovebird." Sekhmet grabbed Rowen's arm and dragged him down the stairs they had climbed before facing the phantom of Ganon.
When they had left the temple and jumped from the platform, the sun was setting painting the sky with reds and purples that could be seen through the thick canopy of trees. Saria walked over to the rumor stone across the small meadow and smacked it. The stone giggled strangely and said. "The current time is 18:51!"
"Hmm, close to 7 p.m.," Sekhmet put in shooing away a fairy buzzing by his ear. The fairy let out an offended "Hmf!" and flew away after pelting the green haired man with fairydust eliciting a sneeze from him.
"If we started now, it would take until midnight to get back to the castle." Saria thought aloud. "I don't think it would be too much of a problem to spend the night in my village. Me and Kita could sleep in my house, while Sekhmet and Rowen bunk in Link's old house."
'Man, I was hoping that me and Kita could 'sleep' in the same house!' Rowen thought with an inward frown. Angakita had the same look and apparently the same thoughts as his own. 'Maybe a walk in the woods later on is in order...' The corner of his lips formed a smile. They all agreed and made their way down to the village.

"You're pushing it Saria!" Mido warned.
"Oh come off it! Kita and I will be staying in my house and those two will be staying in Link's old house, its not like they'll be putting anyone out Mido." Mido rolled his eyes and walked away grumbling, hands thrown in the air and his head cast skyward.
"Guess that means Mido has graciously accepted our presence." Angakita smirked.
Saria frowned. "Sekhmet, would you please come with me to the shop for dinner supplies?" She said walking off.
"It seems that I have no choice in the matter..." As he was catching up, he called over his shoulder. "You two going to be all right?"
Angakita coiled her ivy-covered arm around Rowen's waist. "Oh, I'm sure that we'll make due." Sekhmet exhaled loudly and rolled his eyes walking off as she giggled. "C'mon Rowen!" Rowen was dragged along into the woods behind Angakita, her braids sweeping across the emerald grass. When they were far enough in to the woods, she stopped.
"Kita-" Rowen was interrupted by a long and deep kiss by the accompanying female. After breaking the kiss she giggled like an excited little girl and kissed him again. Rowen was all smiles as he led her to a tree. Sitting up against it, Rowen held her in his arms and stroked her cheek lightly with the back of his hand.
Up in a tree, two pairs of eyes were watching. One set was a glowing yellow, the other slits of blue.

"So, where did they go off to?" Saria asked Sekhmet as she was looking over two deku nuts she held in her hands.
"Kita literally dragged him back into the Lost Woods." He laughed.
"Well, I guess if those to are destined as Kita says, I suppose that they should get to know each other better." Saria responded, placing both the nuts into a wolfos skin bag.
Sekhmet smiled mistievously. "Define 'getting to know.'" Saria hit him playfully on the arm and went over to pay for the nuts.
"Thanks Saria!" Pip, the shop keeper thanked as Saria handed him the necessary payment. Saria nodded and led Sekhmet back to her house for a deku nut dinner.

Rowen and Angakita were once again in a lip lock when he sensed the evil of a Dynasty agent and tensed up. "Rowen, what is it?" She asked as Rowen's body tensed.
"Shh." Rowen's eyes scanned the trees. "You still have your sword?" He whispered into her pointed ear.
"Yeah,"
"Good, you may need it." He spotted the two pairs of eyes and stood, donning his armor once more. "All right, whoever you are! Get out here and fight!" A black tiger with white armor jumped out of the darkness. "What! Blackblaze! Then that means-"
"Yes, it is I, Lord Saber Stryke." The goddesses' creation formed her sword and shifted her weight from foot to foot.
"Why are you helping Talpa, Saber Stryke? Weren't you fighting against him when Ryo killed you?"
"Well," Saber Stryke began drawing his kitanas from the sheathes on Blackblaze's armor. "I felt I owe him at least something since he brought Blackblaze and I back to life. After I kill you two however, I will take my own path once more." He swished the swords menacingly at them.
"I'm thinking differently." Rowen drew an arrow, aimed for the armored swordsman's head.
"Feh, Blackblaze, go and have fun with those children." The tiger roared and bounded out of the woods toward the innocent forest people.
"He ain't goin' anywhere!" Rowen shot an arrow at the black tiger, hitting him in the leg. Blackblaze cried out in pain and sunk to the ground.
"Arg, you die for that Strata!" Saber Stryke leaped high in the air. "Winged Angel of Death!" A glittering beam shot straight at the couple and they had precious little time to dodge the attack as they leaped in opposite ways as the move blew a hole in the ground.
"By Nayru he is fast!" Angakita said as she landed. Feeling a blow to her back she stumbled forward and turned around to see a dozen Dynasty soldiers. "Ung, friends of yours?"
"Not for much longer! Arrow Shock Wave!" The Ronin's move struck the ground infront of the soldiers and the blast disintegrated them in a bright golden light.
"I won't be so easily taken down." Saber Stryke boasted.
"We shall see!" Angakita exclaimed attacking him. Saber Stryke blocked the swings of the diamond edged blade easily and swung back. Rowen watched on as the two danced in death. 'She's as fast as he is!' He suddenly found himself on the ground looking up into Blackblaze's eyes. He looked hungry and Rowen thought that Blackblaze was thinking he was dinner. As the tiger started for the Ronin's neck, Strata stuck out his bow and it plunged through the tiger's heart. The former bearer of the Soul Swords howled in pain and fell onto Rowen.
"Blackblaze! No!" Saber Stryke turned his attention away at the wrong moment and the tri-braided Hylian sunk her blade deep into the side of him and moved the blade up his body. Saber Stryke growled and elbowed her in the head. Saber Stryke turned, staggered a few steps and fell face first to the ground dead. His cape fluttered in the air for a moment and down around his body. Panting, Angakita jumped out of her skin when she felt a hand in her shoulder. When she turned around to see it was Rowen, she threw her arms around him and drew him close, hugging him tightly.
He kissed the top of her head. "Ya did good Kita, heh heh, I was amazed at how well you could keep up with his attacks!"
"Well, I guess its easy when you are a divine being. She said modestly.
"Let's get back to the village." He said de-armoring completely revealing his normal clothing. Taking Rowen's hand in hers, they walked slowly back to the awaiting Sage of Forest and Warlord of Venom.


***


"Great, another loss." Ganon said propping his head in his hand.
"It seems your vaunted warrior has been defeated."
"Silence! Yours didn't exactly have a stunning performance either you know!"
"It matters not what you think of them. Strata and the girl actually saved me the trouble of killing Saber Stryke after his assignment anyway. He was far to dangerous to have around."
"So, what next?" Ganon said lazily sniffing a goblet of wine.
"Badamon and your witches are preparing a nasty little spell, in the mean time, we still have many warriors left. And if they strike them down, we still have more. They can't beat them all."


***


Saria looked up to see the returning couple walking through the door. "Well, good to see two again." She said with a hint of laughter. "Did you have a good time?"
Rowen shook his head. "Yeah, until Saber Stryke and that stupid tiger of his showed up." He and Angakita walked over and sat down in a corner of the abode.
"Why?" Sekhmet's interest had suddenly perked.
"He felt that he owed Talpa something for bringing him from the dead." Angakita said while her fairy flew out of the pouch and landed on her shoulder.
Saria and Sekhmet turned to each other, then back to the destined lovers, who had fallen asleep in that short time. "You don't mind if you and I sleep in Link's house do you?" She asked Sekhmet.

Early the next morning, after the sun had barely shone above the horizon, Saria and Sekhmet climbed down frown Link's house and made their way silently to Saria's were they found Rowen and Angakita sleeping in the same position they were in last night. "Aw, how cute." Sekhmet said sarcastically, walking over to wake the couple up.
"Well I think its sweet." Saria said matter-of-factly.
"Right," He leaned down right next to Rowen's ear and shouted. "HEY ROWEN! WAKE UP!"
"Ahhhhh!!!! I'm awake, I'm awake the answer is twelve!" Rowen leaped up and caused Angakita to have a rather rude awakening. "Why the hell did you do that for!"
"Time to get up and head back to the castle," Sekhmet explained monotony helping a cross Angakita to her feet. After she was up Angakita promptly shoved Sekhmet down.
"Come on Rowen, we should get going. Its a long walk."


***


Zelda, Sage, and Emily were tensely quiet at the long table at breakfast. Zelda sat at the head of the table. Emily, Sage, Connor, Saan, and Haag sat on her right while Cheyan, Angus, Kayura, Nabooru, Marilyn her twins, Kento and his little 'harem' of Shi'tah, Bryna, Athenia, and Rassa, and Mia on her left. There was a tense silence near the front of the table were the McIntires and Zelda sat, and no-one knew why save them. "Sage?"
"Aye Angus?" Sage asked poking at his cucco eggs with a fork.
"Uh, ye fellin' all right?"
"Huh? Aye, I'm fine, just a bit tired is all." He said distantly.
"Didn't get much sleep last night?" Kayura asked with a knowing half smile. Sage winced and Emily shot her daggers.
"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Emily asked warningly.
"Why, just what its supposed to mean." She replied sweetly. Sage placed a hand on Emily's thigh and patted it softly to calm her down. Zelda looked nervous. 'She needs to stay calm or else Kayura will suspect something. I have to keep them separated.'
"Emily, could you please come and help me...pick out an outfit for today?" Zelda requested standing up.
"Umm," Emily glanced over at Sage who nodded slightly. Sighing, she got up at left with Zelda.
"What was that about?" Kento shoved a huge bite of cucco egg.
Sage kept silent through the whole thing, for Kayura had been sliding her bare foot up and down his leg the whole time.
"Da',"
"Dinnae chew wi' yer mouth full Connor."
"Sorry," Connor finished chewing, then continued. "Me an' Cheyan are dane, can we gae outside an' play noo?" The children's faces were beaming, the opposite of Sage's as he stood up.
"I daen see why nae, let's be off then."
"You comin' too Uncle Sage?"
"Seems that way widnae it?" Sage gave smirked, "Besides, I have tae teach ye swordplay sometime, might as well be noo ye know, fer when Connor gets in trouble an' needs yer help."
"I daen see wit's sae funny." Connor said reacting to all the laughs at the table.
"Aww, poor guy." Ariana said with a fake frown. "But I'm sure she would be better, she is a female."
"Yeah right I'll show ye! C'mon Cheyan!" Connor said grabbing her hand and running out side, with Sage right behind them with a cheery smile.
"Works on men every time." Rassa smirked.
"Bruise their egos, and they do what ever you want!" Shi'tah and Bryna high fived each other.
"Now Cheyan," Arkanian called after them, "Don't let them be filling your head with all that Gerudo nonsense!"
"Heh, that is all we need, more woman that think like them." Trang said wearily.
"And why is that General?" Nabooru asked. "Afraid of one of us taking your beloved position?"
"I'm too old for this," Came the soft reply.


***


Midday had fallen on Hyrule as Sage, Connor, and Cheyan were still in the courtyard, wooden swords in hand. Sage had one the size of his claymore while the kids had much shorter ones. Sage stood off to the side while his son and 'niece' stood face to face about four feet apart.
"Noo Cheyan, dae ye remember wit I been teachin' ye?" Cheyan nodded nervously, gripping the wooden sword with both unsteady hands. "Good, attack whenever ready. Connor willnae attack until ye dae." Sage instructed leaning on his wooden claymore. "Keep as little as yer body showin' as possible, bend yer knees slightly an' keep yer balance equal on baith yer feet." She nodded a bit more sure of herself and turned her small frame and stepped her left foot back, for she was left handed as Link was. Connor was shifting foot to foot waiting. Then the silence was broken be the whack of wood on wood. Connor had easily blocked the girl's blow and swung one back at her. The heiress barely had the chance to block his blow but somehow managed to do so knocking the sword from her hand. Cheyan held her hand in pain as the shock hit her bones. Connor held the point of the sword to Cheyan's throat as her sword tip sunk into the soft ground.
"That was very guid Chey'." Sage said picking up the practice sword from the ground.
"That was tae easily." Connor descended the blade from her throat.
"Connor, there is only tae be constructive criticism, nae insulting is aloud, unless ye want a bardy. Understood lad?"
"Aye Da'." Connor looked quickly to the ground. Applause broke out behind them.
"Good job, sweety!" Zelda said as her daughter came into her arms. "Sage certainly is a good teacher!"
"Well," Sage stuck the long piece of wood into the ground and walked over to Emily and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Haein' a fither as the Hero o' Time an' a mither who is the Princess of Destiny doesnae hurt." After giving Emily a small kiss, he asked. "What brings ye two here?"
"All is prepared for us to be on our way to the funeral back in your village."
"Us eh? It almost sounds like yer comin' wi' me an' Em."
"That's because I am." She said crossing her arms.
'Uh oh I ken that look, I better tread wi' care.' "It's tae dangerous lass." Sage shook his head. "All o' us McIntires are leaven' fer the day and that leaves Hyrule at abit o' a disadvantage even though it is only fer a day."
"No, you listen Sage. Those men fought and died for my country, not doing so would be very rude!"
"How sae?" The Scot was still not convinced.
"Well, if I don't go, just think how it would seem that Hyrule did not care about their sacrifice and I am not about to let your clan think that!" Sage finally gave in.


***


Eighty-five new graves stood in line in the graveyard in the shadow of Cruachan mountain. As the village priests conducted the ceremonies, many a sob and shudder could be heard from the widows and family of the slain men. As the piper played the funeral dirge, all the participants turned and began to walk away. After they all left, Sage walked and made amends to all the men now lying in the ground. It took him nearly an hour and a half. "Let's gae tae the house," Sage said nearly exhausted. Zelda, Emily and Angus nodded silently.
When they arrived at Sage's house, there were men waiting on steeds. Sage's eye twitched alittle as he recognized one of the men. "MacInnes!" The five men turned to see Sage and Angus with drawn dirks walking towards them. "What dae ye thin' ye are doin' on McIntire land?" He demanded.
"Put doon yer weapons, Sage. We arenae here tae fight wi' ye." The man laughed. "The news o' yer plight has reached the surroundin' clans. Campbells, MacGregors, MacKenzies, MacDonnald, an' us the MacInnes along with many other clans represented." Each of the clan leaders nodded their heads slightly at the mention of their names.
"We did a little roundin' up." Ian MacGregor spoke looking at Zelda. "Took us a while, but we managed tae get tegither."
"How does three thousand extra soldiers sound tae ye, Miss uh, Zelda was it?" Robert Campbell said.
"Yes, and it sounds wonderful!" Zelda thanked the men on horseback.
"An' just where are these reinforcements ye speak of?" Angus said sheathing his dirk warily.
"O'er oan the other side o' Cruachan, along with added McIntires." Colin MacKenzie elaborated. "But daurnae think that ye will be leadin' our men, that will be our call."
"Done!" Zelda said almost too quickly. "I am just glad that you have decided to help us all."
"But dinnae think that I willnae be watching ye, MacInnes." Sage warned, holding out his hand.
The MacInnes chief took the McIntire chief's hand and squeezed tightly. "Dinnae think I willnae be doin' the same, McIntire."
"Um, I think we should be getting back now," Emily said sensing the frustrations between the two clan leaders.
"Guid idea." Campbell said.


***


Kayura was meditating in the study as Perrin and Anubis faded into her vision. "You called for us, Kayura?" Anubis asked calmly.
"Yes, I should have done this a long time ago," Kayura stood and faced the two, the orb on the staff of the ancients began to glow intensely. The rings started clanging wildly and the kimonoed Kayura placed her hand sideways infront of her face. "I had to conserve much energy for doing so, and I'm afraid that this will take a lot out of me."
Anubis and Perrin straitened up sharply and Perrin screamed out in pain. "Kayura what are you doing?!" The spirits' shine started to fade and something felt very strange to both the men. Their bodies became less opaque and the clothing began to fill out. Inside the bodies, innards and blood started to form and muscle began to wrap its self around bone and newly formed tendon. Finally, skin grew covering the now living former Warlord and Hyrule hero. "I'm, I'm alive?" Perrin asked looking puzzled.
Kayura nodded and exhaled deeply, wiping her brow of perspiration. "Yep," She giggled. "'Nubis, catch!" Kayura tossed the rusty haired man a small orb. "I think it missed you."
"As I have missed it," Anubis played with the ball in his hand and the armor of Cruelty formed over his now living body. Anubis had a playful smile underneath the mask. "I've got a fun idea,"


***


It wasn't until a hazy late afternoon when the grievers returned to Hyrule. "See Sage, nothing happened."
"Fine, I guess ye owe me an 'I told ye sae', eh?"
"Hah! that I do!"
"Hey it's Saria!" Connor shouted rushing over the Kokiri.
"Hi Connor! Did you enjoy your trip?"
Connor gave her a sour look. "Heck nae! It was sae boring! Me an' Cheyan barely could stay awake, huh Chey'?" A motherly glance from Zelda kept the princess from replying.
Rowen and Angakita strolled in holding each others hands and swaying them back and forth. "Well, if it isn't the two-" Sekhmet was cut off by a jab to his side from Saria.
Noticing the questioning stares Rowen said rather dreamily, "Her name is Angakita Hinako,"
"But you can call me/her 'Kita." They continued together.
Saria rolled her eyes. Explaining further she said. "We found her in the Sacred Forest Meadow hunting poes. Rowen saved her from getting torched by Beth."
"Is that why she is acting like that?" Emily asked.
Sekhmet shook his head. "Nope, she told us that when the three goddess created her that a 'boy in blue' would be her destined lover."
"Then, then that would make you a-a-" Zelda was so awestruck she couldn't finish her sentence.
"Divine? Yes, you could say that."
"Where are the wings?" Sage joked.
Angakita gave him a cold look. "I'm not immortal." She looked over to Rowen. "But I can be an angel sometimes." All present groaned.
"Well then I see you have returned, Queen Zelda?" Emily growled as Kayura walked in on the conversation. Sage gave her a warning look and whispered her name into her ear. "I've got something to show you." 'Like what? your naked body you evil temptress?' An evil thought came into Emily's mind.
"What's that Kayura?" Sekhmet asked.
"QUAKE WITH FEEEEAR!!" 'Anubis?' Strata and Venom thought at the same instant. A chain sunk itself into the ground infront of them and an amrored mass landed with a loud clank.
"Anubis it is you!" Sekhmet gave his compatriot a handshake. "Great to have you back!"
Anubis de-armored fully leaving a pair of gray pants and a deep red button down shirt. "Thank you, it is quite good to be back," He grinned evilly. "Snakey."
The Warlord growled. "I'll ignore that, but only this time."
Arrows whizzed by Zelda's Emily's and Sage's ears and they quickly turned their head to see; "Perrin?" Zelda breathed placing her hands to her mouth as she saw Perrin leaning on his longbow with his playful smile. He walked over to his ruler and bowed, kissing her hand.
"Bet Link'll be surprised." Zelda nodded with a tear of joy in her eye and hugged Perrin tightly for a moment.
"I'm a bit hungry, will dinner be prepared soon?"
"Anubis I do believe that you are starting to sound much like Kento."
"Now that was uncalled for, Sekhmet!" Anubis said faking hurt. "I haven't eaten in two years you know!"
"Well, let's just say that was payback for the 'Snakey' thing."