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CHAPTER 10

NIGHT OF THE THIRD DAY

Truths and Lies.

Ilye threw her bag around her shoulder. Jace and Iris were prepared to leave, and were just waiting on Ilye. They had to drink more of the potion to stay in Watarara form. They have the whole night for the form to last now.
"What're you doing, putting on makeup? Let's go." Jace called impatiently.
Ilye came running out "Sorry! I couldn't find something, but I found it."
Jace soon turned away toward the door, then walked out with Iris, Ilye, and Skits. They walked out to meet with the Chieftess and her guards. The Chieftess glanced at Jace assuringly, before she began to her guards. "Alright. Our guests need to reach the mountain safe and sound. I'm putting you all to that job. Termina is in danger, and we must do what we can to help stop this Twilight from reaching us. Hokubu is waiting on these four, so do what you can."
"Yes, ma'am!" They all responded strongly.

Chieftess Allowette looked to the four, and cleared her throat. "Now, before you go... There is something I must give you."
Jace was about to ask what, but he wasn't able to finish since Allowette walked inside before he could answer. He was left waiting outside with everyone else, when Allowette returned again, she handed them something.

"What's this...?" Jace asked. He unwrapped it, and it was a shimmering artifact shaped like a grapevine. Little orbs sat around the artifact's sides. "Is this-?"
"This is Hokubu's Light Vessel. I was entrusted to be it's keeper, but it's time for it to return to Hokubu."
The blond boy looked over it carefully, before tying the item's string around his waist "We'll be sure it reaches Hokubu safely."
Allowette smiled. "Just be careful... Hokubu sleeps deep within the mountain Temple, and the path to him is treacherous."
Jace assured her they'd be fine, then looked to the guards "If you will, lead the way."
The guards turned without a word, and flew off. Iris stumbled a little, but took off, along with the other two's awkward take off. Skits was following them, laughing at Jace- Who still looked awkward even in flight.

A Watarara villager looked to the Chieftess in a deterred manner. "My lady, I don't mean to be rude... But you do realize you just trusted three deku strangers who've only been Watarara for a day with Hokubu's sacred Light Vessel?"
She chuckled light heartedly. "I do not worry. Hokubu called for them. Surely, they can get the job done. He warned my ancestors that one day, he'd need his light vessel returned to him. This is that time."

Jace glided along the wind, and glanced at Iris. Iris smiled back at him, leaving Jace looking surprised that she noticed him looking at her. He chuckled lightly, and spoke above the wind "You prepared?"
"No..." Iris answered nervously.
Ilye didn't say anything. She was watching the men leading them. She could see that miles beyond the canyon that there was terrible stormy weather. Ilye was suddenly very nervous, and braced herself for the blinding snow and winds, aware that they're probably gonna get beaten around like kites. She was about to know just how it felt to be a bird...

As they flew, miles passed and they saw that deep, dark clouds were surrounding a mountain ahead. The flight there was treacherous. The winds and icy weather had done a number on them all. But for Termina's sake, they had to make it to the Mountain Temple.

Once there, the mountain was barricaded by snow, as it quite literally made a barrier around the area. It was like a giant snow-globe, constantly being shaken. The Watarara guards stopped, and the three heroes came to a messy halt, and tried hard to fly in place with the guards against the wind.
"Why're we stopping!?" Jace asked above the storm in front of them.
"We cannot pass Hokubu's barrier. You all must go alone from this point." One of the guards responded.
Iris looked at Jace in a deterred manner "I was afraid of that."
Jace sighed, then nodded "Alright, we'll go on ahead... Fly back and tell the Chieftess we made it.
The Watarara men looked uneasy leaving these three strangers here. Not only were they suspicious in having just shown up the way they did, but they didn't have years of flying to back them up in this storm. Though, if Allowette was right, Hokubu would recognize them and allow them entry. They nodded back to Jace, and one added on "We wont head out until we're sure you're allowed entry... It's dangerous in there."

The blond Watarara looked to his fiance. She gave him an assuring look. He then smiled, knowing that three years ago, she'd have backed out and panicked. He respected her bravery, and then saw the same look of readiness on Ilye's face. "Alright, we're going in, guys."

They prepared themselves to fly in. Jace went in first, seemingly rippling through the storm as if it wasn't even there. He flew on the other side, watching in amazement as the storm went completely through him, and he wasn't being beaten around. He had a small light around him. The Watarara guards were astonished. It was true... These three deku must've been the one's who'd save them, Hokubu was protecting them in his storm. They kept to their word now convinced, bidding the three a safe trip in, before darting off back toward the location of the Watarara village. Ilye watched as they flew away, all the while Iris and Skits flew into the storm unfazed- now having the same glowing light. Ilye seemed confident in knowing Hokubu was protecting them, and darted in.
"AHHHH!" Ilye screamed as she instantly got swept away by the beating storm.

"ILYE!" Iris and Jace screamed at once. Why was she swept away!? Jace wasn't gonna sit around to think about it, he dove down after her. He wasn't used to this, and wasn't sure how he'd grab her while flapping his arms. He then remembered his feet... "I gotta do this like a bird..." He growled. This was going to be hard... He had to get to Ilye though, and soon. The storm would tear her apart, possibly break every bone in her fragile bird-body if he didn't grab her from it. Ilye was being thrown and beaten, as winds hit from every direction. They could see why the Watarara guards couldn't enter, for they'd suffer the same fate. Ilye was screaming for help. Jace fought to try and reach her, before finally grasping her shoulders with his feet- which made her wince. Jace forgot about his claws. But the storm stopped affecting her as soon as Jace came in contact with her. The light around Jace enveloped her, and she was finally able to breathe in relief. She paid no mind to Jace's talons anymore, she was just happy she was rescued before the storm tore her limb-from-limb.

"Oh, Jace, you saved her!" Iris flew down, checking on them both "That was amazing!"
Jace was panting from the adrenaline of flapping and sudden panic he'd just felt, not too mention supporting double weight. He looked down at Ilye, and spoke in breaths "I'm... Sorry about... The talons..."
Ilye was panting too- simply for being scared to death. Though she felt sore, as well. "It's fine..."
Skits fluttered around Iris happily. He was pretty impressed with pretty-boy's rescue. Jace smiled a little at Skits, then looked around. "I... See an entrance... Over there..." he pointed his head toward a large ledge with a cave opening on it. "Let's head over, I need a breather."
As they began over- Ilye hanging from Jace's talons still, much to her embarrassment, Ilye suddenly noticed an odd shade of color cover the vicinity. She looked up... As far as she could anyway, considering she was below Jace, so she was looking beyond him strainingly... She could see a large black-colored mass forming in the sky.
"Jace, Iris, It's-!"
They'd already noticed, but didn't know what it was. It looked an awful lot like the same weird darkness that the Twlight Realm was made of.
"Oh Great Giants, no..." Jace muttered. He looked to Iris, his panic of adrenaline beginning again "Iris, what is that!?"
Before she could give her two-rupees on the matter, Ilye answered "It's a Twilight portal!"

The pair weren't about to ask how she knew- their biggest concern was getting inside the mountain and returning the Light Vessel to Hokubu. They were expecting a large wall of Twilight to come bursting in around them from the portal. However, the portal remained, but nothing happened. Of course, who's to say what the portal was there for. Jace then noticed some creatures falling from the portal. They looked like birds of some kind, and they were. They were Shadow Kargaroks. "Crap!" He shouted.
They made it to the ledge, and began running inside. But... To their surprise, the Shadow Kargaroks couldn't make it passed the barrier. They'd get swept away into a nasty bone-crushing wind. It seemed to be doing a worse number on them than it had on Ilye. But, to stay safe, Ilye kept ahold of Jace by holding his hand to keep from being carried away again.

"C'mon, I think Hokubu's got us covered here..." Ilye spoke. The others agreed, and headed inside. Ilye seemed deeply concerned, she felt she was unwelcomed company, she'd seen enough signs to know so.
"You're safe to let go now, Ilye." Jace spoke. They were inside the cave away from the weather. Ilye let go, and shivered from nerves. Jace continued "I wonder why Iris and I weren't harmed by the storm?"
Ilye didn't know how to answer him, and just shrugged. Jace, though, was hoping she'd greet his question with an answer, but to no avail. He was suspicious of it all... Just as he had been from the moment they arrived in the Watarara village. Even then, it was evident Hokubu didn't know about Ilye's presence, especially since Allowette clearly stated that he'd only warned her of Jace, Iris, and Skits' arrival. Could it have been because they met Ilye after meeting the first Light Spirit? If Hokubu knew about Jace, Iris, and Skits from Minami, then he wouldn't know about Ilye since they hadn't met her at that time. But still, there were more than just those things that made Jace wonder about their new companion.

As they continued inside, they were greeted with a beautiful room made up of ice. The floor was made of marble, though. It was hypnotizing seeing their reflections at every turn. Their reflections warped into eachother as they walked on through the room. But now they were faced with one problem: The door. Or rather, which door. The room being made of ice, there was at least one door, but it was mimicked by it's reflections. Where ever it was, it was placed at the perfect angle to where all of it's reflections looked real and level. Iris sighed "Great..."

Ilye was about to wonder off, but Jace grabbed her by the arm "So help me, if you run off, I'm plucking your tail feathers... You got us in trouble last time by running off at the Ruina Temple."

Ilye's beak chattered as she chuckled nervously "Sorry..."
Jace looked around. He was worried about which door was real. He went to reach for one, but in the beauty of the ice of which he ended up touching, came the terrible pain of his whole hand being frozen.
"Aghhh!" He shouted as he flew back. "Don't touch the ice, it'll freeze you on the spot!
Iris and Ilye jumped, Skits flying to look at Jace's hand. Iris spoke in utter concern "Jace! Y-your hand!"
"I know..." He was grunting in pain. The ice was so cold, it burned. He kneeled down, and smacked his hand against the floor carefully. Not one chunk came off. "Alright then... The ice can't be broken..." Unfortunately, it was Jace's left hand. Unfortunate, because he's dominantly left-handed. He'd trained himself to use his right hand for his twin daggers, but still... He looked to Ilye "I may need you guys to have my back until I find out how to get rid of this."
The girls nodded. Jace tried his best to ignore the pain, and continued looking for the real door. It was scary how real all of them looked, they looked like they were sticking out. Iris finally stopped and glanced around the room... Something about the door on the left of the room seemed to pop out to her, but not literally. Rather, instinctively... She swallowed, not wanting to suffer the same fate Jace had. Ilye saw Iris reaching, and crossed her fingers... With the sound of a doorknob turning, all three of them looked relieved.

"Found it." Iris chuckled "Glad that's over."
Jace walked up to her, Ilye following. Skits landed on Iris' shoulder and cawed happily.
"It's not over yet, this was only room one." Jace added. He had a point, who knows what far worse things were in store for them. Entering into the next room, it was just a simple bridge across a large gap. With Jace's hand frozen, he feared falling since he probably can't fly with a frozen hand. The bridge was small and was made by rope and planks of wood, so they had to walk in a row rather than next to each other. They soon realized It was a rather scary walk. They'd become aware of the icy stalagmites hanging above them right over the bridge. It was all just a huge walk of faith, and pray to the gods you make it across without making much noise- otherwise you'd be skewered by a falling stalagmite. Iris was shivering violently out of fear. She'd rather go back to the fake door room. Too late, though. She was leading the group across the bridge.
"Iris, calm down... You're shaking the bridge." Jace whispered. The creaking of the wood was enough noise to make all three of them- four if counting Skits- wince with each step, so they were all a little on edge.

Crash!
Iris was frozen, terrified. A smaller stalagmite fell right in front of her, leaving a few planks with a hole in them. Jace looked up when he felt some ice shards sprinkle on his shoulder. His eyes went wide, then frantically found himself urging Iris on. "Iris, we gotta go!" Ilye was trying to keep quiet, but by now, she couldn't do it anymore.
"Iris, keep moving!" Ilye added on with Jace. Skits flew off and around Iris to get her attention.

She snapped out of it, and pressed on when she realized they were about to be shish-kabobbed. She'd been wise to start moving, because the other stalagmites began falling in a row behind them. Iris, Jace, and Ilye stepped over the hole in the bridge, and ran across. By the time Ilye made it to the end of the room with her companions, the bridge was totaled.
"Great, only way to get back is to fly across I guess." Jace complained. He laid his none-frozen hand on Iris' back "You alright?"

She took a deep breath, then responded nervously "I'm fine..."
"C'mon, we need to keep moving..." Ilye reminded, and Jace agreed. He motioned Iris to lead ahead, but she didn't seem very excited about it. Jace sighed, then walked ahead of her. The door lead into a long stone hallway lit by torches. Ilye stuck to Jace and Iris like glue- having a natural fear of normal fire. Though, they weren't deku scrubs right now, she's pretty sure their feathers are just as flammable as their old wooden skin… Actually, more likely to go up in flames sooner.

They were greeted with an old and worn sign at the end of the tunnel. Iris still couldn't read Terminian well, but Jace and Ilye could. Jace read it aloud for Iris as his voice echoed through the tunnel "Your courage hath carried you far. You fought the storm and survived, you peered straight through the lies that were carved in ice, and never faltered across the bridge between life and death. Your final test rests upon your honesty. Step forward if you are willing. Call out your name, and tell me who you are... I will be the one to judge."

"That's a cryptic message if I ever heard one." Iris seemed uncertain "What'd it mean by Your final test rests on your honesty?"
The boy shrugged "Not sure, I guess we'll find out."

Ilye suddenly seemed really scared "G-guys, maybe I should just wait here for you?"
"Oh c'mon Ilye, you're gonna be a cucco now? You're not a cucco, you're a Watarara."
Jace's words left Ilye thinking. Jace added "Unless there's some reason you're too afraid to go on?" Jace was trying to pry at whatever Ilye could be hiding.
She just shook her head "N-no... I just-... Lead the way."
Jace raised a brow, before walking ahead. It was a dead ended room, no door or anything... He remembered the sign said to explain himself, so he did so. "My name is Jacon Verin Leavance. I have traveled from the Southern Swamps, and met with Minami, who sent us on our journey to return the light to Termina. I was called here by you, Spirit of Light."
He about fell, though, when the room rippled around him. Below him was his reflection- of his true deku self. He gazed in awe, seeing memories reflected all around the room. He saw images of his father training him, images of the day he was given his twin daggers, and even a baby memory of his mother! Which he'd never remembered seeing before. He relived moments of pain and happiness by being shown all the reflections. When it all stopped, the room turned back stone and he was left completely dizzy... A door had now shown itself to him at the far end of the room.

"Jace?" Iris called. He turned to look at her, his beak open a little in awe.
"Did you see all that!?" He asked. Iris stared for a bit, and shook her head no. Jace was taken aback, and looked back to the door. "But, how-? I opened the door, at least."
Iris and Ilye were staring at Jace like he was nuts- Skits included. They saw no door. Jace began walking through, and they both couldn't believe what they were seeing. Jace just... Walked through the wall.
Iris went running after him, but she only found herself being stopped by a rock wall "Jace! Jace, I can't follow you!"
"You need to let him know who you are!" Jace called out. He could see Iris, but she couldn't see him. Iris realized she needed to undergo the test just as Jace did. "Alright..."

She looked around... Stepping back to the center of the round room, she began "My name is I-Iris, I have no last name. I'm with my brother, Skits. We originated from the land of Hyrule. We were brought to Termina three years ago by the Great Fairy of Courage, and I have since lived here in Termina with Jace. We were the ones who stopped Majora from returning three years ago. I was called by you just as Jace was to aid in returning the light to Termina."
She began witnessing the same thing Jace had- only with her memories around the room, and her reflection below her. Her memories rang true to what she told, as she was confronted with images of her life in Hyrule before. She wanted to look away, being reminded of how many times she was chased by guards, loathed by the people, how every day was a fight to survive. Seeing it all again only reminded her that her old habits would've gotten her killed... It all ended with the memories of her meeting up with Jace, as she traveled with him, eventually helping him rid his curse and defeating Majora. She was overwhelmed by the time the room returned to normal, and stumbled a bit.
"I know, it's a lot to take." Jace spoke.
Iris shook her head, "Jace, I can see the door now." she spoke as she tried getting ahold of herself.
"Hokubu recognizes you. He's letting you in. Do you see it Skits?"
Skits nodded and cawed in response. Jace added "Alright, C'mon, then."

Iris made her way to Jace, then they turned to look at Ilye. She couldn't see them beyond the door, though. "Ilye, it's your turn." Iris spoke.
Ilye sighed. She stepped into the room, and she began shaking. It took her a long time to speak, but she eventually did.
"... I am Ilye. I reign from the wildlands from a village far in the South. My v-village was destroyed by Twilight, and I h-have come to save my family by helping Jace and Iris defeat the Twili."
The images began flashing around her. By the look on her face, it appeared none of it was pleasing to look upon. The images were of a very familiar village, and people were running for their lives from Twili beasts at one corner of the room. The only good memories she looked upon were of her family and friends, and partner... Whom according to her memories, did not live anywhere nearby or familiar. Ilye clutched her travel bag, as if reaching for something, but she held back the urge. The last memory she lived was the terrible, gruesome image of coming home and finding her family murdered by the Twili... Her father laying dead with her mother, her father having a spear in his chest. It appeared he died in her mother's arms- or rather they died together like she had tried to save him. Old friends were slaughtered, laying about near the home where they tried to protect the family. There was too much carnage, Ilye had to look away.
Ilye was still in a state of horror after seeing it all again, when suddenly the reflections all cracked violently. A roar echoed through the Temple, and horror filled everyone upon the gruesome sound.

"You dare enter my sanctuary when you have not been called upon!? Trespasser, you have lied before me! You are not welcome here!"
Ilye was trembling as the divine voice roared out. Jace and Iris were holding each other, they had no idea what was happening.
Ilye shook, but answered "I refuse to leave! I did not lie to you, I told you the truth, at least everything you needed to know!"
"So be it!"
The floor beneath Ilye vanished, and she was left to nearly fall- only hanging on the ledge of the room. She screamed as she dangled. If she fell, she wouldn't be able to fly up, there wasn't enough space to fly!
"Hokubu, wait, she is with us! I swear!" Jace begged "Please, spare her!"
Ilye looked down. There were white wolfos lurking in the bottom. Now she really didn't want to fall. She probably tasted far better now that she wasn't a deku anymore.
"Please listen to us!" Iris added in desperately "Her only intention is to help, please give her a chance!"
Ilye's grip was slipping, and they were running out of time. They heard a hearty sigh from Hokubu. Suddenly, the wolfos in the bottom of the pit eased up. Ilye took notice to this, and looked around. She fought to climb back up the ledge, but couldn't. This was when an icy step protracted from the wall beneath her feet. She was shocked as she felt the cold surface touch her feet, then realized Hokubu was letting her live and was helping her back up. It helped to give her some ground to stand from, so she could jump and struggle her way back up onto ground. Once she was safe, the pit closed up, and the doorway opened for Ilye, revealing where Iris and Jace stood waiting- all looking both terrified and relieved.

"Only because you trust her..." Hokubu's ghostly voice growled. Ilye walked across to Jace and Iris, Iris reaching out for her.
"Ilye, are you okay?"
"I think..." She breathed deeply. Ilye wasn't prepared for things to go the way they had, but she did know to not expect things to run smoothly on this journey. This'd be one of many times she's likely to put herself in danger.
Jace hesitantly walked on after a moment of allowing Ilye to calm down. The girls weren't far behind. The room ahead looked familiar, much like the room back at the Ruina Temple. It was large and round. At the far back, there was a mighty statue of a large wolf creature. It's jaws were opened wide in a roar, and took a valiant and brave pose. In it's chest was a hole where Hokubu's Light Vessel was to be placed. The entire room was made up of ice like most of the Temple. Jace untied the Light Vessel from around his waist, and examined it. He looked ahead toward the statue, already knowing what to do. Though, before the statue floated a ball of light. Jace and Iris had seen this kind of light before from Minami. It must've been Hokubu. Jace froze in his walk, fearing the spirit.
"Come, place my vessel within my shrine."
With Hokubu's acknowledgment, the Watarara boy continued, his bird claws clicking the floor with echoes. This is the first room where even the floor was made of ice. Jace had to walk carefully to keep his balance and keep his delicate feet from slipping.
He reached up, pressing the artifact into the shrine. A light began flowing from the statue and throughout the room. The ice floor and walls had veins of light pulsing through them. Jace backed up, and stared at awe as everything lit up. Iris and Ilye remained silent, watching as well. Skits was hiding on Iris. He was waiting to see the spirit show his true form. This, of course, did not take long. The orb of light formed into a magnificent beast before Jace. It's form was laying down.

"I have been expecting you, heroes..." Hokubu spoke. He was a large wolf, glowing white. His size, though, exceeded that of any normal wolf. One paw was about as large as Jace's whole body. The divine spirit had two teeth sticking from it's mouth. One curled upward on each side, and one curled downward in front of it. His face was marked with complex golden lines, as they curled around his eyes and face. On his forehead, sat the Triforce mark. Gold aura burned off the creature's legs and from the end of his two-tails. White and gold aura radiated constantly from it's body.
"I'm impressed by such small creatures making the trek this far. Minami was right- You have what it takes to return the light to this land."

Jace bowed, Iris bowing soon after.
"I apologize for you having to be tested. My Temple was built to keep out intruders and choose only those worthy to make it here. If they have not been called upon, then they are not welcomed. And with the Twilight looming overhead, I've had to have my defenses tighter than usual. Shadow Kargaroks have tried to get into my domain to shatter my light, but they are no match for my storm. I did what I could to protect you all from it, though. As for the test, I sorted through your memories to see if you are who you say you are. Wouldn't want any impostors..." Hokubu was to start speaking again, before he noticed Ilye... His face suddenly curled into a snarl. "You are the one who had ignored my orders and refused to leave. What business do you have here...?"
Jace and Iris looked to Ilye waiting for an answer. The girl with the braided hair seemed hesitant.
"Do you not have a reason?" The spirit growled. "I ask that you explain yourself... Step forward."
She sighed. Jace stepped back to Iris, allowing the two to talk. Ilye shook as she approached Hokubu. He stared her dead in the eyes, patiently waiting for her excuse.

"..." Ilye reached into her travel bag without a word, and pulled out a shimmering object, to which Jace and Iris could not tell what it was. But it was the blue stone she'd shown Iris before, to ensure Hokubu of her heritage and place. The creature's snarl vanished, and he examined the item that Ilye was offering.
"... This should explain everything as to why I'm here..." she answered simply. "I am sorry that I have... Half lied..." she ended in a sad whisper.
"... You should not be here..." He responded "Go back to where you came."
"I can't... You of all people should know that. You saw my memories, and memories don't lie. My family and everyone else I know is dead, there is nowhere to return to. Please, let me help..."
Hokubu huffed "If you insist, child..." he paused, then said aloud "I apologize for my… Abrupt, actions. Minami never told me of you."

Jace and Iris were left confused in the back. Jace wanted to ask just what Ilye had shown Hokubu, but he felt it'd be rude to intrude on them. Hokubu finished "I will let Nishi, the Light Spirit of the West, know of your presence, Ilye."

"Wait... Nishi?" Iris suddenly spoke out. She then cowered a bit when Hokubu looked to her. Iris' fear of wolves made her extra afraid of Hokubu, but he just nodded lightly.
"He is who you must visit next."
"Parden me, but... What about the East Spirit?" Jace had a point, no one had mentioned him yet.
Hokubu greeted Jace's question with a look that spoke for itself. He seemed worried "I'm afraid brother Higashi hasn't been heard from for years now… Since long before the days of the Moonfall."
Jace approached Hokubu with Iris, talking as he did so "So... How do we intend to save Termina, if we're not even sure if the East Spirit is even alive?"
"Spirits don't die. He must still be alive, we just have lost contact with him. However, the East is where the Twilight Realm started from, as Minami told me. Somewhere East, is where it all started- even years ago, and I fear Higashi is somehow involved."
"Then shouldn't Ikana be our next destination?" Iris questioned "Sounds to me like Higashi is in need the most."
Hokobu shook his head at Iris "I'm afraid it's not that easy. The East is already eaten with Twilight at this point, so you cannot go there."
Jace gasped "… Pamela… And Myrtys..." Pamela was the woman who lived up in the deserted village at Ikana Canyon. Three years ago, she'd helped Jace and Iris and tended to their wounds when they almost drowned in Ikana river. Jace had come out of a bloody fight with Nejiron back then, one Nejiron having pushed Iris into the river. Jace had followed in after to save her, resulting in almost killing them both. It was a tough time, but certainly a time neither of them would forget. Though, Myrtys was a face only Jace knew... Jace looked to Iris worriedly, but Iris gave a questioning look to Jace on this Myrtys character… She'd have to ask about this person later, because she doesn't remember meeting a Myrtys in Ikana.

Hokubu cut in "She and anyone else caught in it will be fine when the Twilight is lifted."
The group nodded. The room pulsing with light made Jace speak up "... Will things be alright here now?"
"The Twilight can longer reach here now that I have my Vessel. We'd be able to do this without the Light Vessels, but without Higashi, we need all the help we can get. These Light Vessels are not only what hold our strength, but keep us together. If one of us Spirits had our light stolen, these Vessels can steal the light back and return us to power. The cursed Twili have been trying to steal my light to prevent me from keeping the North safe. Without me, this place would've already been turned to Twilight. It's thanks to you all this protection is permanent now."

It was getting rather late now... Jace was worried about the potion wearing off and them turning back into deku scrubs before even leaving. He hated cutting the visit short, but it was a must "If you will, just give us the details of what we must do next, and we'll set out first thing tomorrow."
"Go West, and find the one who currently holds Nishi's Vessel. I don't know who currently guards it, but I do know you'll have to set out to sea to an island a ways away from Great Bay. From who ever has this Vessel, should know where Nishi's Temple is. Once Nishi is reawakened to full power, Minami, her, and I can try our best to extend our reach to the East, where we can try holding off the Twilight there. It will be your only chance of trying to find Higashi.

"Very informative, thank you!" the boy smiled, feeling that the rest will be a breeze. He was starting to feel that everything was in their control now, now that they had a better grasp on what they were doing. This was even more of a relief to Iris.

"Good luck... Head through the door, my magic will take you back outside. If-..." Hokubu paused, leaving the group hanging.
"What's wrong?" Ilye asked.
Hokubu stared for a little while, but he suddenly began "I just received news from Minami... He's saying Twilight Portals are opening up over every main region of Termina... One centering right over Clocktown."
The room was filled with shocked gasps.

"H-has anything bad happened around these areas?" Jace seemed frantic in his question.
The Spirit responded lowly "No... Minami doesn't know what they're for. This could be a bad sign, though. Go, hurry. I ask that you return to the Watarara village immediately. Rest up, and head out as soon as you can. I fear the enemy knows our next move."
"Then we need to leave now." Jace uttered. He looked to his frozen hand, then looked back to Hokubu. "Before we go, though… I kinda need some help."
Hokubu was shown Jace's frozen hand. The ice had been on there so long, he couldn't feel his hand anymore. He was getting kinda worried about it. Hokubu, though, didn't look worried at all.
"I see you made a wrong choice at the first room. Nothing I can't fix."
"Huh?" the boy asked in a concerned manner.
"Do not be afraid, I wont harm you, I'll breathe some blue fire onto it, and it'll melt right off."
Jace chuckled. Sounded like a certain grumpy old Keaton he knew, who also had special fire. Though, this blue fire may be different. Hokubu breathed on Jace's hand, blue fire forming from his breathe. It wasn't hot, but rather... Warm and soothing. It melted the ice away to the floor, and brought the feeling back to Jace's hand.

"You're hand may be scarred by the ice's burns for a while, but it'll heal in due time."
The boy rubbed his hand. Some of his feathers were gone from his hand and he was in fact burnt. It hurt a little and look pathetic, but it was better than walking around with a ball of ice for a hand.
"Thank you." Came his response. "I'll be wiser to not to act so quick next time I face a situation like that." He laughed a little, then turned to the girls and Skits. "Let's head out."

"Remember, we don't have much time. Do not falter, and always be prepared. We don't know what the Twilight has planned."

Jace gave Hukubu an assuring look, then looked to Ilye and Iris. Without another word, they ran out, leaving the Temple via Hokubu's magic.

As time had passed, they managed to fly back to the village, returning hungry and tired. They were greeted by a crowd of Watarara, cheering that they'd returned with a successful mission. While the group knew that they had to hurry, they were going to take Hokubu's advice and rest up. They were given a warm meal next to a fire with the Chieftess and some of the villagers. Jace and Iris couldn't stop yawning... They had a long, long day and night. Iris was worried about what Hokubu said about the portals and the enemy- who ever it was- knowing their next move. She'd gone straight from hopeful to scared again after hearing it. Iris was leaning against the wall in Jace's arms. Jace could tell she was scared.
They were still Watarara, but they'd probably wake up a few hours after falling asleep, being in their real forms again. Jace held Iris from behind, and leaned over to press his beak against the side of hers.

"Everything will be okay... We've got this under control." Jace whispered- somewhat ignoring Ilye as she boisterously told everyone about the dangerous journey to the Temple. A lot of Watarara kids were wowing at Ilye when she reenacted what all happened.
Iris sighed, nudging her beak back against Jace's. "It'll be nice to finally go home, then we can just spend our nights like this... Minus Ilye shouting." She joked, trying to make herself seem happier.
Jace chuckled, and hugged her, laying his head on her soft feathery shoulders.

By now, Ilye moved onto another story. She was mostly trying to impress the kids now "There he was, facing the enemy dead in the face..." She began eerily, building up their excitement "My father had defeated many of them, countless!"
'Maybe over overcounting...' She thought.
"He clashed blades with his foe, standing his ground. Slash! One went down! Then slice! Another one!" Ilye was being quite animated during the story, swinging her arms like she was holding a sword. "But the enemy sprung up from out of sight... Cutting his arm clean off!"
The kids all gasped.

Jace shook his head "Yikes... These kids must be used to violent stories." He laughed.

"But that didn't stop him-" Ilye continued.

Iris added on after Jace "I'm sure they've heard worse."

To Be Continued...