Entry Ten
Belly of the Beast
After lunch, we spent a few more hours experimenting and meditating on our planned movesets. I was able to locate more of the shaded power that accompanied the phantom knight that I have previously summoned. I was getting close, but not quite enough to summon him completely. I tried not to stay discouraged, however, as Din's Fire was coming along swimmingly, and Nayru even blessed me with a fraction of her love as I began to form a sort of force field around me that broke into magic shards as I shattered it offensively. It was great for deflecting objects and defense against multiple, surrounding enemies. I just needed some guidance from Farore as well, but time ran out for real when Master Hand collected us for the evening meal. Somehow, the day went faster than expected.
Back into the dining hall we went.
"So I've decided besides swordplay of course, to pick my Hero's Bow, Gale Boomerang, and bombs. And clawshot for grappling people I suppose. They would be the easiest to wield," Link explained to me as we chewed our surprising luxurious meal consisting of steak and steamed vegetables. It was a relief to be at his side again, and I could do nothing but hang on every word he said to me. Normally he was rather quiet, but getting to use his skills again seemed to have him a bit hyped up.
"At least you get to use different things," Midna whined. "All I get to do is stand still until someone walks close enough to me for me to grab them with my hand-hair and whip them around."
"At least you do not have to stress about winning," I muttered.
"Winning? As a princess with everything and then losing it all only to regain it again, I can speak on both sides of the spectrum. Why would you want to win?" Midna asked, a little taken aback by my comment.
"I do not mean for the money."
"Then what for?"
I shrugged, not even sure what I meant either. What if the losers met a terrible fate?
"Is everything alright, Princess?" Link wondered.
I wish you wouldn't call me that. "Yes, why?"
"You seem troubled, more than usual anyway."
"I am just concerned about doing well," I said.
"I have to ask as well, why?" Link pressed, and Midna waited for the answer as well.
"I cannot explain it. I just… I do not know."
Link nodded patiently while Midna seemed to lose a bit of interest in the conversation until I stated, "Another part of my mood was the fact that the arena I was in was in Hyrule."
Both of their gazes whipped to me and I explained everything I had experienced.
"That's almost cruel," Midna huffed.
I shrugged, "It is not so bad I suppose. At least I got to see it again." The thought of never returning home dawned on me. What if we were stuck here? "Excuse me for a bit," I said, removing myself from the table and heading off to the restroom on the same level as the dining hall. I just needed a few minutes of silence to recollected my thoughts. Only once before in my life did I ever feel so mentally exhausted; when the War of Darkness had ended, I had thought the rest of my life would pan out rather peacefully. I had never been so wrong…
I rested my arms on the counter, looking at my reflection and allowing my mind to wander.
"Having a staring contest with yourself, are we?"
I jumped a little when a friendly face appeared in the mirror next to mine. She had long, white hair and carried some sort of book with her. It took me a few moments to remember her as Robin.
"Oh I-" I stumbled over my words.
"No worries. This is a stressful time for all of us. Would you mind holding this for me for a second?" She held out her book.
I nodded and then she stepped into a stall to do her business. Quickly my mind debated the impulse to snoop, and something inside me said when given the chance to know who you could be up against, it could save a lot of harm; I quietly scanned a few pages and discovered it was a tome filled with spells. She, too, knew magic.
I closed the lid as soon as the lock jiggled on the stall door, and to my dismay, Robin inquired as she washed her hands, "Get a good look?"
"I- what?"
She smiled genuinely and laughed, "Oh come now! I know you looked. Besides, there are cracks in the stalls, you know."
Utterly embarrassed, I wasn't sure what to say.
"Why, might I ask?"
"I am sorry. I just figured getting to know my enemies was a smart strategy in any battle."
"Wise words, except why do you consider me an enemy?" Robin frowned.
"No, I mean… Ugh it has never been so hard for me to find my words until lately. I am just trying to understand all of this and be prepared as much as possible for what is to come," I explained. "I have no idea why I was chosen, nor do I feel worthy."
Robin smiled, "I think you are worthy."
"How could you know?"
"Well for one, even though I can see a small amount of fright in your eyes, it's the way you carry yourself. Not many who experience inconfidence can hold their head so high, even if it's faked."
"I guess I have had loads of practice."
She continued, "Also, your willingness to help and learn as much as possible seems like something to reckon with. Just keep your head high, and I'm sure you'll do well." She patted my shoulder, her fingertips tapping on my pauldrons. "Now, I should get back to my daughter. It was nice speaking with you, Princess Zelda."
Alone once more, I was a little surprised that she had remembered my name so instantly. Robin seemed like the sort of person that quietly observes and knows more than she lets on. No matter how genuine she came across, she was one to watch out for.
I followed her out of the bathroom to find that most everyone had left the dining hall, including Link and Midna. I ran into the ballroom to find them gathered in front of the large dimensional doors in groups of ten or so. Finding Rosalina, I asked, "What is going on?"
"Some sort of activity to keep us busy? I'm not entirely sure," she pondered.
"Hey! You two! We need to more! Come 'ere!" Someone called from one of the nearest pods. He looked like Pit, except different. He held an air of discontent and sarcasm as his arms crossed challengingly over his chest.
"What's going on?" Rosalina asked as two of her Lumas, one red and one black, fluttered around her had.
"A scavenger hunt or something stupid like that," he scoffed. "The name's Dark Pit, and I swear to Hades if you call me Pittoo I will sew your entire face shut."
"You know how to sew? How convenient. I have some gloves that could use fixing." A blue figure answered.
"Shut up, Sonic." Dark Pit shot back.
Rosalina and I just looked at each other and shrugged, unsure of what to say.
"You losers better not mess this-a up! I want that prize!" A short, round, yellow version of Mario shouted.
"Wario, do you even know what the prize is?" A man I recognized from the pamphlet as Marth.
"No! But I'm sure it's good by tha looks of this place!"
I heard a little scuttling by my feet as I found Pichu trying to bury into my dress. The commotion was frightening him.
After carefully picking him up to comfort, I frowned, asking, "Can someone please explain what we are supposed to be doing?"
A kid in a blue, metal suit stepped forward, "We are waiting for further instruction, Princess Zelda."
Someone has also been reading the information packet. Our entire team consisted of me, Rosalina, Dark Pit, Wario, Mega Man, Pichu, Sonic, Marth, Diddy Kong, and Duck Hunt Dog with his bird friend. Judging by the descriptions I had previously read of them, our personalities were very diverse. Whatever we were doing, it was not going to be easy. Finally, I spotted Link on a team with Midna, Samus, Palutena, Lucina, Robin, and a few others. Knowing their personalities, I could already see them winning.
Master Hand appeared overhead and announced, "Alright Ladies and Gents and everything in between! We have an event tonight and it's rather simple: A scavenger hunt! Sounds lame? Well too bad. Our evening events will to keep you all healthy and distracted from the work you all do during the day. No need to stress out and be focused on fighting 24/7. Also, make friends. You'll enjoy yourselves more. Anyway, the rules for this are simple: Divide into teams of ten and come grab a list. Then, you'll be free into our five stages that we've picked for you to head into. Two teams per world at a time to start with."
Marth took initiative to retrieve the list. I had a hard time keeping my attention away from Link and Midna's whereabouts.
Stop it, I told myself. Your comfort zone is gone. Get used to it.
"Ugh, are any of you good at riddles?" Marth asked.
"I can try!" Mega Man offered. He took the letter and read aloud, "The first one describes that it is in Palutena's Temple. 'Soft and light is what I am. As I'm falling, I defy gravity. Once given a master, I have since been separated from the fledge and now am forgotten forever.' Hm…" He scratched his head, making a scraping noise.
"Is it an object or a person?" Marth asked.
"I'm so confused," Sonic shook his head.
I heard laughter from Link's group. "This is so easy! I already know the answer, and since it's my temple, we already have a head start," Palutena roared. So to make things worse, or better, depending on how one would look at it, Link's group was to be sent to the same area as my group. I racked my brain for the answer to said puzzle, but nothing came.
I was about to comment on how Palutena seemed to know the answer, so we should follow her, but Dark Pit cut me off with another complaint. "This is so stupid! Why can't we just be allowed to go to our rooms or something!"
"If there is no option, then deal with it," Marth said bluntly.
"Guys let's try to make the most if it!" Mega Man pleaded.
"Get away you filthy monkey!" Wario growled at Diddy Kong when he crawled on the greedy man's back.
Pichu nuzzled into me, shaking a little. This was already a mess.
Before I could say anything, Rosalina tapped me on the back, motioning to the groups. Link's was gone entirely, and the rest were on their way out.
"Hey! Everyone! We have to go. Now!" I said. Thankfully, they abided, and we ran after everyone. The Hands sent us to Palutena's Temple, and I could see why they picked this as one of the locations. Stone walls stretched on either side of me, yet the ceiling was completely subject to the open air and sun. A light, yet sturdy gust of cool air awakened my senses. Even Pichu perched himself on my shoulders, sniffing the fresh air curiously. Ahead, I could see Link's team rushing behind Palutena to find the first object until they disappeared onto a lower level of the palace.
"Palutena know what the first object is, so we should follow her," I concluded.
"Finally! Some useful information," Dark Pit sneered, and with a flap of his wings, led the charge after her. I ran next to Duck Hunt Dog and Rosalina, clutching Pichu to my chest. We climbed down various levels, and corridors, filled beautiful rays of light. I had to admit, her temple was beautiful.
Unfortunately, they must have completed the first task, for I found out by running headlong into Link as we rounded a corner too quickly. I landed flat on my back, and Pichu squealed, struggling to wriggle out of my arms, for he was pinned under Link in my embrace. Scared he would shock me in the chest and Link in the face, I carefully pulled my hands free, letting the little rat go, yet leaving my swordsman and I in an awkward position, everyone staring.
I blushed fiercely, making eye contact with the dazed hero as he began to realize why his landing was so soft. The blood drained from his face at first and he rolled off of me.
"Princess! I'm s-so sorry! I-i didn't see you," he stammered, his blush matching mine.
I let him help me up, reassuring, "It is alright! Do not feel bad."
"Ha-ha! Get up in that!" Bower called from Link's group. Both of us glared at him, making him laugh harder, smoke seeping from his nose.
"Come on!" Palutena protested. "We need to move on."
"As should we," Mega Man agreed calmly.
With one last awkward glance at the green-clad warrior, we were off.
"How did they find it so fast?" Mega Man worried.
"Who cares? We can easily catch up!" Sonic whizzed past me.
"We don't even know what we're supposed to find! Where the heck are you going?" Dark Pit yelled after him, flapping his black wings to catch up, losing a couple feathers in the process. They fluttered in the breeze, distracting Pichu so that he ran into Diddy who shrieked in surprised, and bopped the Pokemon on the head in retaliation. Pichu stood up for himself for once and zapped the monkey in the butt so that the primate hopped onto Wario again, continuing to aggravate the man.
Sighing and rubbing my temples, I tried to think, running the words of the first riddle in my head. 'Light, fledge, defying gravity as it falls…'
Amongst the black feathers produced by Dark Pit, I noticed that one of them was white.
"That is what we need!" I shouted, making everyone jump. I bent over to pick up the white, lonely feather.
"Is that… PIT'S!? GROSS! Also totally unfair. If he figured it out, he doesn't even have to come here!" Dark Pit huffed.
Rosalina disagreed, "I have a feeling the Hands would make sure it has to be found here."
"We should not being worrying so much and move on to the next thing!" Marth added.
Mega Man read the second riddle on the list. "'In the Great Offensive you will find a shard of the sky in a sea of death. Much teamwork will be needed to dive into the belly of the beast."
"Could they get any less descriptive?" Sonic complained.
"Let's just go," Marth said, leading us away and back into the mansion.
The next place we were sent was also very large and full of gorgeous crystals and lava seeping from cracks in the walls. It was such a hosh-posh of things, I was afraid of running into something dangerous. Link's group was long gone, as we were the only ones around.
"Those crystals must mean something about the shard," Rosalina observed.
"But I see no 'beast,'" Marth said, gripping his sword tighter.
Mega Man flicked some lava off of his shoulder. "Watch where you step."
We searched the area until Diddy Kong nearly stumbled over the edge into a sea of lava.
A sea.
"Hold on, everyone," I said, nearing the cliff as well. Just barely could I make out some sort of bubble hovering over the burning lake, but my eyes began to water as if smoke from a beast was forced into my face. "It is a shard, in that bubble!" I pointed.
"How are we supposed to get down there?" Megan Man pondered.
Sonic suggested, "Dark Pit can just fly down there."
"No way! That's too close to the bottom. There is no way I could stop myself fast enough without dying," the dark angel growled.
"We can't die here, remember?" the hedgehog argued.
"Guys look!" Marth interrupted, motioning to Diddy Kong who hung by his feet on a floating platform, clapping his hands.
"There is no way he can hold all of us," Sonic said.
"Monkies are stronger than they seem," I replied, yet agreed.
Marth stepped forward. "No, Diddy and Zelda are right. Wario, you hold the monkey's feet. The rest of us will make a human chain into the belly of the beast."
A/N: Hey guys! I'm still as busy as every up until Christmas break but thanks for bearing with me so far! For those of you who follow Zelda - Holder of Wisdom on FB, this entire, pre-edited chapter has basically been up already and I also made the announcement today that this story might pause or slow down just enough so that the December Sm4sh ballot announcements can enter the fray :) Yes! That means Cloud will appear soon and whoever else was invited to come along into the tournament of death ;) Thanks for being patient with me so far and I believe waiting to see who else I need to write for might save some awkward entrances. Best case scenario, I can pretend they were there the entire time and Zelda just hasn't met them yet. Let me know what you think! Have a great Thanksgiving my lovelies 3~