(The legend of Zelda: the Mirror of Crossing: chapter 10: The forest ends)
Part 1
After making my way through the poisonous fog and a path of deku baba's, I found myself where I am now. In a hidden room with a angry deku scrub yelling at me.
Deku Scrub: "How could you have gotten in here?! You're not a deku scrub! No one could have gotten in here, not with the entrance hidden!"
There was a lot of frustration in the deku scrubs voice. He really didn't like the idea that I was here.
It's not really surprising that I'm unwelcome here. Amapola did say that the deku were going crazy. Not only are they untrusting to those who aren't deku, but from what he said they aren't too trusting to each other as well. Not with the fact there's cannibals amongst them. Wait a minute. Did he say no one should be able to get in here? With the entrance hidden? What's that suppose to mean?
Deku Scrub: "I don't know how you got in here, but I can't let you live after finding this place! Nor can I let you live for finding the key to the center!"
This guy really likes to ramble on. And did he just say this is the key to the center? I look at the key in my hand. It is big, and I was told that the lock was big. So I guess it wouldn't be to surprising if it was the key we need to open it. But why is it here, how is it here? I thought the deku had no clue where it was. Not even a clue whether it was in the temple or not.
While I was thinking about all that for a moment I realize he just said he can't let me live! I look away from the key and look forward to him. He's pulling his neck back.
(Spiting noise)
He suddenly spit something out of his mouth. It came flying at me and I quickly got out of the way. I saw what he spat out as it was passing by. It was a deku nut. After all the times I've seen one I recognize it even at that speed. It was in that split second I realized the deku nut was about to go off. It hit the table I was standing right next to and went off.
Even though I realized it was a deku nut, I didn't have enough time to look away by the time it went off. Thus my eyes took on a bit of the flash! I was lucky that I saw it coming somewhat. But now my eyes need time to recover!
(Spiting noise)
I heard the same sound of the deku scrub spiting again. So I quickly move away from where I was standing. I managed to avoid getting hit by the nut.
Although the deku nuts shouldn't hurt that much if it hits me, getting a flash that close wouldn't be good. But why is he trying to kill me with deku nuts? Or with anything in any manner at all?
I then heard him spitting at me some more. Only this time it was in multiple bursts. I try my best avoid them, but I can see where I'm going and trip. From what I felt it looks like I tripped over one of the plant pots that were put in here.
I got hit by several deku nuts. Although it didn't hurt to much, I could still feel the flash effecting my eyes. This is making it even harder to recover my eye sight. And now without it I can avoid so many deku nuts. Why does he have so many?
(Sound of leaves)
I heard something far from me. It sounded like a bush being moved or falling over. I then hear what sounds like Shady's wings approaching me.
Shady: "Link, hurry and get up. I hit him from behind and knocked him over. Get back up before he does."
Link: "Thanks Shady!"
I hurry and get back up like she asked me to.
(Sound of leaves)
Shady: "Link, he got back up. Be ready, I'll be your eyes in this fight."
Link: "Alright."
Deku Scrub: "You stupid little bug! That fucking hurt! I guess I'm going to have to kill you both!"
Shady: "Link, to your left."
Before I even heard him spit, Shady gave me a warning. So I moved to the left. Shady flies into my chest trying to make me stop. So I do, and I heard a deku nut go off a few feat to my left. She stopped me from running into the line of fire.
(Sound of spiting)
Shady: "Duck!"
I duck my head down like she asked. And the sound of another deku nut going off hit my ears. I managed to avoid it yet again.
Deku Scrub: "Hold still you pointy headed bastard!"
Shady: "Link, shield."
Shady says that while flying to random position next to me. I instantly realized she meant for me to raise shield to where she's flying. So I do just that. I hear a noise go off against my shield just a moment later.
Shady: "Here."
Shady flies lower to where I'm holding my shield. I bring my shield down there, and the deku nut hits my shield. He was aiming for my feet since they were unprotected.
(Sound of leaves)
I hear him approaching me by the sound of the leaves on his body. He must be trying to get a better shot with less distance. After he made his way a bit I use this as a chance to rush him.
Link: "Shady, just continue to show me where the deku nuts are going."
I say that and start running toward him. He tries to run away from the sound of it. But the fact he makes so much noise when I can't use my eyes only makes it all the more easy to hear him.
He continues to shoot deku nuts at me, but Shady flies in front of me to where it's coming. My head, my arms, my stomach or my feet, I know when it's coming. He tries to make some sharp turns to throw me off. But I still manage to keep up with him.
Shady: "Link, he's picking up a flower pot. It's coming this way."
Shady shows me where it's coming again and I move to the right to avoid it. I then run a fast as I can to where he stopped. I then hit my shield against him.
Deku Scrub: "AH!"
After letting out that yell he fell to the ground. I could hear the sound of his leaves as he fell.
Shady: "He's out cold. You can start recovering your sight in peace."
With that being said I just wait for my eye sight to return. It shouldn't take too long given how much I'm use to a deku nut flash. I start to get blurry images. And eventually my eyes sight comes back completely.
Link: "I can see again. Now what was with this guy. Why was is so important that this room and the key be kept secret?"
Shady: "I don't know. Not only that, but as crazy as he was, he wasn't on par with the rest of the deku when it comes to being crazy."
I wouldn't know since I've only met one of them. Except for Amapola, but he was sane.
Link: "What do you think this crazy bastard was up to? Hiding the key to the center and this room. What reason could he have for this? Did he lose trust in the rest of the deku scrubs?"
Shady: "Well the fact he kept this room and the key secret might mean he uses this as a hiding place ."
Link: "A hiding place?"
Shady: "It's possible. It wouldn't be the craziest thing the deku have done of late. And it wouldn't be too surprising that one of them would do something like this. Not with all the cannibalize and lack of trust."
Then everything in this must have been set here for his use along. That explains all the deku baba's. I knew there was to many to naturally be there.
Link: "But why would he hide the key here, instead of using this key to get to the center of the temple? If anything, using this key to open the door may have helped his people. Was he just to insane to realize that?"
Shady: "That's a good question. Something's not right here. But right now we need to make our way to the center of the temple."
Yeah, now that we have the key that is the best place to go. But there are two problems with doing that. The first being that I have to get through that poisonous steam again. And the second is that if this guy wakes up he might tell the rest of the deku about us.
If the deku find us before we get to the center, there's no way I'll be able to fight back. Not just because I don't want to kill any of them, but because I'm already in enough pain as it is. Not to mention if I go through the poison again, I'm going to get another huge batch of soul shot effects! Followed by the effects of using it to get up through the hole and even get that far through the temple!
If I kill him, maybe we won't have to worry about that. But I can't just kill him. He's only like this because of the temple. And I came back in here hoping to save Amapola and all the deku scrubs.
Link: "Wait, Amapola! That's it! Shady, can you fly back through the steam and go find Amapola."
Shady: "Amapola? Why?"
Link: "All deku scrubs can use these flowers right? So if you can help him find the flower that leads here, then maybe he can help us. After all, the fact that we're this close to where the deku scrubs and there's a way in here from there, it can be coincidental."
Shady: "You're right about that. The deku flower system doesn't create that big a gap between flowers. So where ever the flower leading here is, it must be close to this area."
Link: "Exactly. He didn't want to help us before. But now that we plan to help him now, and since we have the key, he must."
I don't mean we're going to take advantage of him. I just believe we need his help and that he will help us.
Shady: "Fine. But I need you come back down with me to open the door. And we need to make sure that this guy doesn't get back up."
Link: "I got that part handled."
Part 2
I sit here on the chair waiting for Shady to come back. I keep an eye on the deku scrub who I knocked out and tied up with grapple. Once she gets Amapola here he can help us deal with this guy and get back. Meaning I won't have to go through the poisonous steam again that is.
Deku Scrub: "Ah! Ow, my head."
Looks like the deku scrub finally woke up.
Link: "Did you have a pleasant dream?"
I say that sarcastically as I get up to approach him.
Deku Scrub: "Wait, what? What the hell! Gah! I can't move!"
Link: "Of course not. I tied you up while you were sleeping. Couldn't have you try to shoot deku nuts at me again."
For that reason I also turned away from me. Tied up or not, if he's facing me he can start shooting again. Unless I stuff his mouth with something. But doing that would suffocate him.
Deku Scrub: "Let me go!"
Link: "Forget it my friend. You tried to kill me just for finding this room. And both me and my fairy friend both know somethings not right here. Once Amapola gets here you have a lot of explaining to do."
Deku Scrub: "You're friends with Amapola?! God fucking dammit! I should have know that little wood rot couldn't be trusted anymore then a xylem vessel with an embolism!"
Link: "Oh, and you're one to talk?"
I didn't really understand that last part he mentioned. But the fact he insulting Amapola while taking about trust is just wrong.
Deku Scrub: "I'm warning you right now pointy head! Either you let me go or I'm going to bury you alive and grow a deku baba from your grave spot!"
Link: "Interesting. You wanna know what's also interesting? The fact that a guy with a mouth full of nuts talks so much! Laughing!"
I couldn't help but make that joke! I just needed to say it when I thought of it! And as I'm laughing something came out of the flower. I turn to face it when I heard the noise. When I turned around I saw a deku scrub. It was Amapola.
I didn't really notice any personal features when I first saw him. But after seeing him and this deku scrub up close, I've noticed some. What I mostly noticed was their hair styles. Or in their case leaf styles. Amapola had six leaves coming out of his head and two of them were sticking upwards a bit from the top of his head. This guy had seven leaves sticking out of his head and they were standing straight up like the two Amapola had. Only his leaves were shorter then Amapola's.
Amapola: "Finally found this place. Now where are-Link."
Link: "Hey Amapola. I suppose Shady told you all the details. Well here's the guy who was hiding the key. He knows you so I suppose you know him."
Amapola: "Nawar?! You're the one behind this treachery?!"
So Nawar is this guys name.
Nawar: "You're one to talk about treachery. Partnering up with this thing and the bug!"
I really hate this guy! Not just what he says, but the tone in which he says it makes me want to kick him senseless!
Amapola: "Where's the key to the center?"
Link: "Here it is, Amapola."
Amapola: "So this is the key. Both its size and color match the lock. Why would you hide this from us, Nawar?"
Nawar: "Hahahahahaha! You think I give a damn about you and the rest of our people?!"
Amapola: "What?"
I'm on Amapola's side here! He seemed like quite an ass hole to begin with! But saying that so straight forward like that?! What hell is wrong with this plant fucker?!
Amapola: "Hey Link? Where's Shady? She should be taking this long?"
The moment Amapola asked me that I remembered something really important.
Link: "Oh god dammit! I forgot Shady can't open the door down there. Amapola, you keep an eye on this guy while I go get her."
Amapola: "OK. Hurry back with the key. From what I was told we both need each other right now!"
I rush back down the downward walkway to open the door.
Part 3
Shady: "I know you can't remember things as well as us fairies. But was it really beyond you to remember I'm too little to open the door?"
Shady's flying next to me while scolding me. Although she's right that I shouldn't have forgotten, I still feel she's taking it a little too hard. It's not like she could have been waiting that long.
Link: "How many times do I have to say I'm sorry? Look, I know you can fly pretty fast, but there's no way you were waiting that long."
Shady: "It wasn't the matter of me waiting that was the problem. You need to keep track of things if you're going to survive. I can't always help you after all."
I know that all too well, Shady. I still haven't forgotten our fight with Shoushitsu. If it weren't for the cross shadow having the power to come back to me, I'd be dead! Not to mention I let my guard down back there with Nawar. I still have much to improve on!
Amapola: "I see you two have arrived. Now that we're all together, why don't you start talking Nawar."
Nawar: "Talk? Are you serious about that?"
Amapola: "What's that suppose to mean? Of course I want you to tell us. First off, why were you pretending to be insane like the rest of the deku? Every time I crossed paths with you for the last mouth you'd either ignore me or act all paranoid."
So this guy has been hiding his sanity just like this room and the key. But why did he resort to all this is still a question. What possible reason could he have for all this secrecy?
Nawar: "Ha, hahaha!"
Me, Shady and Amapola just stare at him as he makes he laughs like a mad man! Seriously, what in god damn hell is wrong with this guy?!
Nawar: "You seriously can't figure it out on your own?! The simple answer is, I was waiting for you all to kill yourselves!"
The moment he said that me and Amapola just stared at him intensely! Shady just flies there like nothing happened. Does this come as zero surprise to her?!
Link: "Why in gods name would you want that!?"
Nawar: "It's my mission of course."
Link & Amapola: "Mission?"
Nawar: "That's right, fools! I am a servant of god himself! I have been granted the mission of wiping out my people for him! But not by my own hands, instead by my own actions!"
Shady: "Your own action? Nawar, who's this god of yours? What actions and why?"
Nawar: "You wish to know his name?! Why, such little bugs like yourselves should not have the right to even hear his greatness name! Although, perhaps since you have me helpless beneath you, you deserve to hear it!"
This guy is really starting to get on my nerves! He was easily knocked over by Shady and knocked out with one hit from my shield. Not to mention he was unconscious almost the whole time it took me to send Shady for Amapola, and for him to get here. Yet despite all that he thinks he's above us! This little deku nut shit!
Nawar: "The name of my lord is, Shi!"
The moment I he said that I looked at him with intense shock! Not just me, Shady also reacted to what he said! Then what Shady said earlier was right! Shi is responsible for all that's happening to the deku scrubs! After hearing that Shady rams right into him!
Nawar: "OW!"
Shady: "Listen to me right now you little nut spitting leach! You better tell all of us everything you know about that wretched slim puddle you call a god, right now! If you don't, there's steaming hot poisonous water behind a door down that way, and we're going take our time drowning you in it!"
The moment Shi's name got involved in this, Shady just lost it! I don't know what Shi did to her in her world, but for her to just break her streak of keeping her cool like that! I can only imagine what happened!
Nawar: "You dare speak ill mannered about the great and powerful-Ow! OW! OW! OW! Stop it!"
Shady just kept smacking him over and over again. I see two deku nuts that came out his mouth after that. So they can be knocked out, huh?
Link: "Look, Nawar, how ever strong your so called god may be. The fact remains that you're pathetic. This little fairy here whom you call a bug earlier is hurting you with ease. So skip all the shit and get straight to what she asked!"
Amapola: "Agreed Nawar. Do as they both ask of you and what I ask of you. What ever plans you had against are people have been put to end anyways."
Nawar: "Ha! Is that what you think?!"
Amapola: "What's that suppose to mean? You're tied up and helpless. You can't do anything now."
Nawar: "It's not a matter of what I'm doing, but what I've already done! The deku will soon be dead!"
I don't where this wooden ass hole is taking all this, but I don't like it! What could he have done?!
Amapola: "What have you done, Nawar?!"
Nawar: "Are seriously asking me that, Amapola?! For someone who claims to care for his people so much, you're short sited of their suffering!"
Amapola: "What are you talking about?!"
Amapola's starting to lose it with this guy too. Not that I can blame either him or Shady for it! I really hate this guy! He hasn't said one thing I don't hate hearing!
Nawar: "I have turned the deku against each other of course! I have already killed them across countless worlds! This deku tribe will meet the same fate as the rest!"
Shady: "What do you mean across worlds?!"
Shady asked what I was thinking. Is this guy from another world?
Link: "Hey Amapola? How long have you known Nawar?"
Amapola: "Since we were kids. He never seemed like this until now."
So it's not like he could have just walked in from another world. Or could he? I look at Shady, and she flies up and down to symbolize nodding yes again.
Shady: "So Shi asked this of you in another world did he?"
Amapola: "Another world?"
Link: "Yes Amapola. What Shady mean is the reason Nawar is acting like this is because his mind is being linked to another world. More specifically to someone else in another world."
Amapola: "I see. Shady did tell me long before you came here that this temple connects minds to others across different worlds."
Nawar: "And my mind is no different! In the many different worlds my mind has visited, I have brought down countless tribes of deku! Just by being in this temple with them gives me great influence over them! Both by connecting my mind to theirs and by what I say to another! In fact, what I make one feel helps me further effect another in this place!"
In short he's been connecting his mind with others thanks to his experience doing so. For every deku scrub in the temple it's harder to effect them all at once. But doing it one at a time increases how easy it is as the numbers of insane people spread the effects faster!
Amapola: "You treacherous little crabgrass! Do have any idea how many deku scrubs are dead at the hands of there own because of you Nawar?!"
Amapola picks up Nawar and talks to him face to face. Hey, be careful there Amapola! He might shoot you with another deku nut. If he still has any left.
Nawar: "Yes as a matter of fact. I enjoy every life I take in the name of my lord so much! So much in fact that I've kept count of them all! Ha, if i'm right, a total of 10, 369 men amongst the deku scrubs have died because of me! And that's just the men I've killed across worlds!"
He can't be serious! He's not only killed more then that, but he has counted that many kills?! How dried out is the part of his body that gives one sanity!? The fact he had so much enjoyment in his voice while saying that just leaves me speechless!
(Thud noise)
Just three seconds after hearing that, Amapola throws him back the ground and jumps on him!
Amapola: "My mother and sister died at my father's hands! I saw my father be sentenced to death for drinking them to death! And I've seen so many others die before and after them. And not only are you responsible, BUT YOU DON'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT IT?!"
Amapola's completely lost his mind to hate! He jumped Nawar while on top of him three times per sentence! After jumping on him a total of twelve times, he then drags him to the wall! He puts him face first against it and start kicking the back of the head!
Amapola: "How does that feel, huh?! Go back to the polluted waters of hell you worthless little canker!"
I start to see green slim coming out from Nawar's mouth as Amapola kicks him! This is bad, if he doesn't stop he's going to kill him! I run over to Amapola and pull him away from Nawar!
Amapola: "Let go of me, Link!"
Link: "No! Listen Amapola, you can't just kill him!"
Amapola: "Why not?! Just killing someone is all he did! So it's only fair that I do back at him!"
There's nothing but intense emotion in his words! I can't blame him for that given what's happened! But I can't let him kill Nawar!
Link: "Listen to me right now, Amapola! You don't want to kill him! Believe me, I know this to be a fact!"
Amapola: "What could you possibly know!?"
When I first grabbed him he was facing away from me. But now he's turned his face towards me. I see this green liquid flowing down from his eyes. He's crying! Amapola you're-
I look into his eyes, and I can understand how he feels! It's not just what's happened to his family. Nor what's happened to the rest of his people as well! The fact that Nawar has shown this side of himself to Amapola is also bothering him! Being a deku scrub he doesn't even show the same facial expressions I do. Yet for some reason I don't understand I can tell how he feels!
Link: "Listen to me, please! You don't know what path killing him will send you on! Besides, you said you've know him since you were a kid right! So that means he's been your friend for a long time! Don't let that end here!"
Amapola: "But! But...how can I...sniff...forgive him?!"
Amapola starts crying some more after trying to make words!
Link: "you've got to let him live! Listen, just a day ago I killed a man! He was unbelievably heartless, that's why I did it! But because I did, this ended up finding me!"
I reach into my pouch and pull out the cross shadow!
Amapola: "What kind of sword is this? It's all black and has a glowing red jewel at the hilt."
Link: "Shady, why don't you explain what this sword is to him."
Shady: "If you insist."
After she agreed I put the cross shadow back in my pouch.
Shady: "Amapola, the blade that Link showed you is known as the cross shadow. Do you remember when I told you about it?"
Amapola: "Yes, you said the cross shadow was a cursed blade that shows the worst that any world has to offer. That any living creature who touches it is forever bound to the emotions of hate, lust, greed and much more."
After finishing that sentence he suddenly just stops and stares at me. It looks like he realized where this conversation was going.
Amapola: "Are you telling me that sword is-
Link: "Yes! The sword I just showed is the cross shadow!"
Amapola: "Where did you get it?"
Link: "It's not a matter of where I got it, but how I got it! The other day I chased after a man who kidnapped this little girl. So I followed him to the center of the woods to get her back, and I found his gangs hideout. The leader of said gang was the original wielder of the cross shadow."
Amapola: "So you took it from him?"
Link: "Yes, after I killed him."
The moment I said I killed him, Amapola put this serious look on his face. No surprise there at all. The words I killed him can't be taken likely! Just thinking about what I did fills my head with so much regret! Not just because I killed him, but because I have no idea if that man was a true killer! I start to feel something wet come down the side of my face. I've started to cry yet again!
Link: "You see Amapola, not only may I have killed an innocent man, but another terrible fate befell another man!"
Amapola: "I can imagine that. Given that you've fallen under the curse of the cross shadow. How come you're still sane to the point you can cry over something like that?"
Shady: "Amapola, when Link said a terrible fate befell another man, he wasn't referring to himself."
Amapola: "What? Then if not him, then who Shady?"
Shady: "Well."
Without saying a word Shady faces me. I look at her, then I look at Amapola. Shady must be thinking I'm the one who should say it. I don't want to talk about it, but I can't run from it! Especially not now, not when Amapola is so close to making the same mistake I did! I wipe my tears and begin explaining everything!
Link: "You see Amapola, thanks to Shady I found a way to resist the cross shadow. But before that, I fell slightly under it's control! It was during that time I killed someone!"
After bringing that up I start to cry even more then before.
Amapola: "Who did you kill, Link?! For you to be crying this much, it must have been someone important to you!"
I try my best to say it, but It's so hard just to utter those words!
Shady: "He killed his best friend! Who was also the one who raised him from an orphaned child!"
Shady just came out and said when I couldn't! And Amapola just flinched big time when she said that!
Amapola: "Is that true Link?!"
Link: "Yes! Sniff-sniff, it's true!"
I say that while crying like hell! I think all my crying is actually endangering my health! Given all the abuse I took earlier! But now's not the time for crying! I wipe off all my tears and continue talking!
Link: "And that's why you can't kill Nawar. First off, you don't even know if this new personality is really his. If he really is as old as you, then I seriously doubt he's the start off point for killing over ten thousand deku's. Second off, if he's really your friend, then regardless of what he's done, killing him will still haunt you for life! And who knows what effect that will have on the rest of your tribe, who's minds are connected to yours and his."
I let go of him after saying that. Both these reasons on there own should be good enough for him not to. Let alone both all together.
Amapola: "Then what do I do with him then?! If I don't kill him, his presents in this temple alone will make things worst!"
Link: "Don't worry about that. We have the key now, so I can go to the center and find a solution."
Amapola: "But I thought Shady said there was no way except to defeat Shi. Shady?"
Shady: "The only thing in this temple we could find to suit our needs failed to do so. It only has the power we require while inside the temple."
Amapola: "I see. But if you're going in there, then you should be at full strength when you do. Just looking at you shows me you're not in your prime."
So he can tell just by looking at me? I guess I have been wobbling more then I care to notice.
Amapola: "Well then I should get you a potion."
Link: "A potion?"
Shady: "Yes Link. The deku scrubs own these potions for fixing up injuries and refilling ones stamina."
Link: "Really! Yes! Oh yes, yes, yes! Oh thank god! I was so tired that I wanted to go back home and lay down in by bed the rest of my life!"
Amapola: "Glad to see you're so happy, Link. But the deku scrubs are on guard all the time over there. When someone asks for a potion their only allowed to get one if their injured. If you tell them you just wanna get one for a friend, they'll say they need to come here personally. So if I'm going to get you a potion I'll need to steal it, and I can only get you one."
Link: "Is that a problem, just getting me one? Does it take more then one to fully heal what you see when you look at me?"
Shady: "No, what he means is that the potion for healing injuries and for recovering stamina are two separate potions. Meaning you can either heal your injuries, or recover your stamina. But not both."
Well that's a let down!
Amapola: "So which one do you want me to get, Link? Do want a health potion or a stamina potion?"
I think about that question for a second and then answer.
Link: "I'd like a health potion please. I have loads of stamina to begin with, and I recovered quite a bit of what I've lost. So a health potion is really all I need right now."
Amapola: "Very well. Wait right here, I'll be right back."
Amapola then goes back into the flower.
Part 4
After waiting a few minutes Amapola comes back. And he's holding this glass bottle with a red liquid in it. That must be the health potion.
Amapola: "Here you go Link."
As I start drinking it, for every sip I feel quite a bit of strain be take off me. By the time I was done the whole bottle it was as if none of my injuries ever happened!
Link: "This stuff really works! How do you deku make this stuff?"
Amapola: "I'm not the one who makes it. I don't know about you humans, but we deku take different departments in what we are professional at."
Link: "No, we humans are the same when it comes to that. I was just curious about how these are made. I wasn't trying to claim that all you deku scrubs were all the same."
Amapola: "Well OK then. Just as long as we're clear about that."
It gets really personal for him when his race is involved. But that just shows how much he cares. I finished the whole bottle and try handing back to Amapola. But he puts his hand up in a stop position before I can.
Amapola: "Keep the bottle, Link. The potions all gone, so it's not like you need to return it. Beside, even if it's just an empty bottle you can still use it to carry water bottle in the future."
Shady: "That's actually a very good idea. Given are recent experience with poisonous steam, we should prepare for if you get dehydrated again."
Both Shady and Amapola are in agreement on this. I have no reason to decline, so I put the empty bottle in my pouch.
Link: "All right then, we need to head for the center."
Shady: "And how do you plan to do that? Amapola can't take you with him through the deku flower. He couldn't even take me with him."
Link: "That's true. But I have to ask, how do you go through it anyways? Why does the flower only let a deku scrub go through it?"
Amapola: "It's not a matter of the deku flower only letting us in, we go into it."
I was confused when he said that. I didn't understand, but he continues.
Amapola: "You see, we deku scrubs actually have the power to compress ourselves into a smaller being."
Link: "Compress?"
I was not familiar with that word a t all. I look towards Shady and she start explaining.
Shady: "You see Link, compression is when something at one size is pushed down into a smaller size. Think about this, if someone took a pare of pants and fold them up to fit them in a bag to small for them to fit in. It may look smaller, but it's still just as big."
I think I'm starting to follow what she means.
Link: "So compression is making something look small, but it's still just as heavy?"
Shady: "That's a way to put it. Another example would be putting more water in a bottle then its size should allow. If you can get it in there, and the bottle doesn't break, then it'll feel heavier then it looks. Because it will have more water then it should be holding."
Yeah, I get it all now. So Amapola can shrink himself down while still being as heavy? That's amazing!
Link: "So how do your people do that?"
Amapola: "It comes from our ability to suck up water into our xylem vessel. We press it down an compress the water in our bodies."
Link: "But what about the wood on your bodies? If you just compress the water, then how does the wood compress?"
Amapola: "By liquefy the wood in our bodies. After that we compress it and then we solidify the wood back."
Liquefy? Solidify? I don't really understand those words. I'm about to ask more questions, but Shady stops me.
Shady: "Enough questions! We've wasted enough time as it is. Let's get a move on please."
Me and Amapola look at each other when she said that. We both nod yes in agreement.
Shady: "Now like I said before, how do plan to get through the steam? Do you want to go through it again like before? I guess you could handle it better now. But I'm not comfortable about you heading to the center in that condition."
Link: "I don't think we'll have to. Amapola, you brought the bottle of heath potion through with you. If that can be brought through, could you take something else? Like if one of the animono kumo webs were attached to you, could you bring it through?"
The moment I said that Shady suddenly turned to me quickly. It seems like she figured out what I'm planing to do.
Amapola: "Well you see there's something you two don't seem to understand. The deku flowers hold similar property to us deku scrubs. We don't just make ourselves small and go through it. We actually bend the flower to our will in a manner."
Shady: "What's that suppose to mean."
Amapola: "We deku scrubs don't just use the flowers for things like hiding and transportation. We use it for flight and storage as well."
I'm confused now. I got storage when he said that. But I didn't get it when he said flight.
Amapola: "Some deku flowers are deku made. You see how this one here is all yellow, and the one you saw me use earlier was green with pink pedals?"
Me and Shady nod yes to his question.
Amapola: "These deku flowers are made by us for different purposes. Unlike the normal batch of deku flowers these ones can liquefy glass."
Link: "Glass? You mean like the bottle?"
Amapola: "Right. They're an improved version that can liquefy things unrelated to there nature."
Link: "So wait, the deku flower can compress anything it wants down?"
That was a question that needed answering. As I was greatly confused.
Shady: "Well as it doesn't think like you deku scrubs, I imagine its ability to do so is stronger?"
Shady decided to ask that. Although I didn't understand how it not thinking made it better.
Amapola: "Yes Shady. We deku scrubs can't liquefy glass like what the bottle is made of. So since we couldn't bring things like that through the regular deku flowers, we made types like these."
So now they can bring anything with them. That's how he brought the health potion through.
Amapola: "So to answer your question, Link, yes. If I had one of those webs attached to me I could drag it through. But why would you ask me something like that?"
Link: "I'll show you why."
I reach into my pouch and take out my soul shot.
Link: "This is why. Watch what this thing does."
I aim it away from us and shoot. The soul web is shot out and when it lands where I was aiming I activate it. I move through the web while looking back at Amapola. He fell over from shock after seeing this. After I reappear I walk back over to him.
Amapola: "That's just like those webs the spiders make! How did you get your hands on something like that?"
Link: "Now not the time to explain things like that. My plan is to shoot the web line onto you, and you go through the deku flower. While you move through it I'll disappear into the web and follow."
Amapola: "Well normally we deku can't bring living things through the deku flower network. But whether or not I can bring one through like that I don't know."
Shady: "Link doesn't have a body when he's moving through the web. So it should be fine. The only problem is that if something is pulling on the web, like say you made a sharp turn through the deku flower, he would reappear upon reaching said spot. Can you get through there without coming across any big turns in your movement? And if so, is it that far? Because the soul shot has a limit to how far it can go."
Amapola: "That shouldn't be a problem. The way through was made pretty smooth. It's also just a few feet down and then just on the other the side of that wall But after that, we'll need to get him past all the other deku over there."
Shady: "That shouldn't be a problem. Right Link?"
I nod yes to Shady's question. I can handle sneaking around, I've done my whole life.
Link: "But before we go, I'd like to get my grappling hook back."
I point to the unconscious Nawar when I say this. I used my grapple to tie him up.
Shady: "But if he wakes up he'll warn the deku about us. We need to keep him restrained."
Link: "Remember how I used my grapple to combat the animono kumo in the woods? My grapple can be used against those who use soul webs. I didn't realize that when I was fighting Shoushitsu. But I realize it now, and I should have it with me."
Amapola: "Then what about Nawar then? I need to guide you through, so I can't stay here and watch him."
That's a good point. We need something else to restrain him. While I was thinking about what to do, I remembered the deku baba.
Link: "There are deku baba's down there. There's many of them that I killed without the stems going stiff. We can use those to replace the rope."
Amapola: "I see. Well let's get to it then."
Me and Amapola start walking down to gather up some stems. While we're doing so I decide to question him about some things.
Link: "Hey Amapola? I have some questions I'd like to ask you while we're doing this."
Amapola: "Shoot away."
Link: "I'm guessing Nawar grew these deku babas himself. Probably to use there deku nuts. But for him to grow this many just for ammo, I find highly unlikely. So I'd like to ask you what other purposes a deku baba could have for your people?"
Amapola: "He probably grew them for photosynthesis."
Link: "Photosynthesis? What's that?"
Shady: "It's the process of converting the energy from sunlight into a chemical energy. That energy is then preserved to fuel the one collecting the energy later. That's how trees and plants tend to live."
Shady just came out and answered my question.
Amapola: "What Shady said it true. You see deku babas stores that chemical energy into the deku nuts that grow from their bodies."
Link: "Wait, deku nuts have energy from sunlight inside the?"
Amapola: "Yes."
That explains the flash of light that's admitted from them. It also explains how farmers were able to keep their vegetation alive by flashing them with deku nuts. The farm was the reason I got into deku nuts in the first place. To protect what they grow from thieves a farmer would often have to hide them in doors. While growing them in doors they would use deku nut flashes to replace sunlight. No one ever knew why deku nut flashes could replace the sun, while lantern light could not. But I guess I just found out why.
When me and Daichi took up residents in at the farm we found all the deku nuts the farmer had stored for such usage. We also found his map for finding where deku babas grow. I was because of that-that I grew up using deku nuts to help Daichi steal. As I start to think about it I feel something wet coming down the side of my face. Looks like I'm crying again!
Shady: "Are you OK, Link? It looks like you're crying."
Link: "I'm fine. Let's cut this loose."
I unsheathe my sword and use it to sever the deku baba stem from its roots. I roll it up and start walking back up.
Link: "So you deku scrubs eat deku nuts to feed off the chemical energy from it?"
Amapola: "That' and using them for defence like you mentioned. I heard from Shady that you had deku nuts spat at you?"
Link: "I definitely did."
While we're talking about this I wonder where these deku babas are getting sunlight in here. It was then that I realized something. How is there light in here at all? While making my way up this the narrow pathway I was too exhausted to think that much. But now I realized there's so much light in here. Not in one part of the area did I have trouble seeing. I look up to see what's up there. There were these cracks in the ceiling, letting light shine in. So that's where the light is coming from, and where the deku babas get their sunlight.
Link: "I always wondered why deku babas didn't use them for defence. So do all trees and plants store their light energy in what they grow?"
Amapola: "No, deku babas are the only exception as far as I know. The reason for this isn't fully known. But it's believed that it does so in order to have a deku nut go off when it's low on the stored energy. That's why the nuts go off in the first place. Because deku babas release a special chemical into one of their deku nuts that set them off and release a big flash of sunlight."
I think I get it now. Deku nuts aren't use for defence because their used for a different kind of emergency.
While storing the chemical energy they require, they can also act as an extra source of sun light. I mean, there are so many situations where not enough sunlight is given. We walk up towards Nawar after talking. We then start to untie my grapples rope and start tying him up with the stem.
Link: "So Amapola, if you can , uh, compress yourself to fit in a deku flower. Does that mean you can shrink yourself for any situation?"
Amapola: "No. Although we have liquefy and compress our bodies, we lack the ability to do so on our own. We need something around us to help squeeze us in. Like the small pathway leading through a deku flower. The narrow gap helps us get and keep ourselves at said size."
Link: "So does that mean anything, not just a deku flower can help you? Like say this empty bottle you gave me? Or is the glass to fragile?"
Amapola: "No, it would work. The thing that helps us stay compressed doesn't need to be that hard. We deku scrubs just need a slight bit of assistance when it comes to keeping our bodies compressed."
Link: "Then does that make the deku flowers ability to liquefy and solidify things is pointless?"
Amapola: "Dear heavens no. Even it you have something to help keep you compressed, it's still not enough to help you move at that size at the same time. Once a deku scrub compresses a part of their body they lose the ability to move that part. But inside the deku flower, while it keeps us in that state we don't need to disable our nerves."
I get it. Because if you're not the one doing it, then what ever happens to relieve you of your movement doesn't need to happen. Meaning a deku scrubs ability to compress their size is just for getting into the deku flower.
Link: "But wait, then how do you-
Amapola: "Enough! Less taking, more tying!"
Shady's becoming impatient with how long we're taking. I guess we should speed things up. We finished untying my grapple and replaced it with the deku baba stem. Now Nawar should be restrained long enough for Amapola to get back.
Amapola: "OK, now to get you through with me Link. You said you wanna use that magic web on me to get you through?"
Link: "Yeah. But first I want you to go through the deku flower as far you can with this attached to you. We'll see if it can make it to the other side."
Amapola: "Alright. If I make it to the other side with it still attached, I'll give it tug so you know not to get yourself crushed. After all, I don't believe flesh creatures are made to survive the liquefying process."
Link: "Nor do I want to find out. But first I need to open the door for you Shady. I'm not forgetting again."
Shady: "It's a good thing you remembered, but it won't be necessary this time. I can just go inside your pouch while you go through."
Huh, I didn't think of that. She's is definitely small enough to fit in it.
Amapola: "Well then, Link and Shady, if that's all let's get going."
Part 5
After making our way through the deku flower we made it past the rest of the deku scrubs. Now Shady, Amapola, and myself are at the front of the temple. I look forward and see the giant tree before me. Straight along the path in front of me is a hole in it's trunk.
Amapola: "When Shady said it shouldn't be a problem for you to get past, she wasn't kidding. You got through a whole crowd of deku scrubs with almost total ease. Where did you learn to sneak around like that?"
Link: "Sneaking around has been my life. Although I'm not proud of it, I have lived as a thief until today. I've often snuck around to get things off people."
I really, really don't wanna think about my past! Not just because I was never proud of being a thief, but because it reminds me of Daichi!
Amapola: "Well what ever you were before is irrelevant I say. After the speech you gave me about Nawar earlier, how could you be anything less the a good person?"
It makes me feel good to have Amapola tell me that! Especial after how bad we started off earlier!
Shady: "Like I said before, enough taking. We've wasted enough time on that when we should be getting things done."
Link: "I know, Shady, I know. Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long."
Amapola: "So we have the key now. That means we can get to the center of the temple inside the tree. Let's get going!"
The last three words Amapola spoke were filled with determination. I could hear in his voice as well as see it in his eyes. But we have no idea what's in there. Bringing Shady along is one thing, but Amapola? I don't want to get him in any more danger then his people already are.
Link: "Actually Amapola, I would like you to go back to Nawar instead."
Amapola: "What? Why?"
Link: "We did tie him up good, but he might get loose. It's already bad enough going to the center not knowing what's in there. We don't need the entire deku scrub tribe coming in after us."
Shady: "I agree with Link on this one, Amapola. Not to mention if we find a way to cure your people, as unlikely as it is, Nawar should return to how he was before. You should be there to talk things out with him when that happens. Because unless he forgets everything that he's done, well, let's just say it's pretty easy to commit suicide when there's steaming poisonous water near by."
Shady joins in and helps me convince him. And she's doing a better job at it then me. Just the thought of what Shady said makes me feel unpleasant!
Amapola: "...OK. I can't say no when you gave me a reason like that."
Good! He listened to what we said. Not that I blame him, the reason Shady gave him makes me wanting to keep him safe irrelevant. He really should go back for Nawar.
Amapola: "But in return for me not going in there, you have to promise me that neither of you will die."
Link & Shady: "Of course!"
After promising him we'd stay alive, Amapola went back into the deku flower.
Shady: "Alright Link, it's time to head for the center. But remember, I have no idea what's beyond that door. If we go in there's no telling what we'll find, or if we'll even be alone."
Link: "After all the crazy shit we've had to deal with, I won't be surprised if we aren't. But if there's anyway to help the deku and ourselves it's in there. Or do you disagree?"
Shady: "No, you're right about that. But you need to also realize that after your fight with Shoushitsu that other worldly powers are nothing to laugh about. So if you really plan to go in there, you'll need the cross shadow yet again."
The cross shadow again?! Even though this is the third time shes told me that I still can't get over it! Even though this tunic provides me with protection from it's power like that of the temple, it still gets worst every time I use it! I fear what's going to happen to me more and more every time I use it.!Hell. every time I think about it-it increases the fear!
But when I fought with Shoushitsu I almost died. Even though I was wielding the cross shadow at the time. No matter how much I hate it, no matter how much it makes me feel like dying, the fact that remains is that I need it! I can't just walk away from all this. Not just the deku, but everyone across the land, or even across worlds. If I'm really the only one who can stop Shi, then this must be done. I'm not going to turn my back on others ever again!
Link: "Very well, I'll use the cross shadow. But let's at least open the door before I take it out again. I don't wanna hold on to that thing for even one second longer then I have to."
Shady: "Yes, yes, you can open the door first. I don't like the idea of you wielding the cross shadow anymore then you do. But it's better then you going in there and risking your life more then you need to. That's if there's anything that poses a threat in there."
If there isn't and god I hope there isn't, I can quickly return it. Let's hope that ends up being the case. I start waking along the pathway to the tree. Shady flies right next me as I move forward. I walk inside the tree and arrive at the door. It and its lock were both enormous and now that I take a closer look, I see the door is a lot like a mirror. I could see myself as I look at the door.
Shady: "The reflective surface on the door is probably here to symbolize the temple of crossing's power to connect across worlds. Just as there's one of you here, there's another somewhere else."
Link: "You think walking through this door will lead me to another world?"
Shady: "I don't know. I was able to find my way to this world after all. And I wasn't even inside a temple when the portal and I came in contact with each other."
Link: "So you're saying my chances of not leaving this world are slime!?"
Shady: "I never said that. But it's not impossible either. I found my way to this world the very same day mine was attacked by Shi. And thanks to Nawar we now know that Shi have visited this place before."
I see. Then I can only hope if there is a portal in there, I don't get sucked in. And if I do I can at least get back to this one. I reach into my pouch and take out the key to the door. I reach up to the lock and place the key inside. After unlocking the lock, the chains that binded the door were released. After that the giant lock fell from the door. I jumped out of the way to avoid getting crushed. The ground greatly shook after it fell. That lock is even heavy then it looks. It was then that the door began to rise towards the ceiling. So this door isn't normal just like that last door.
I quickly reach into my pouch and bring out the cross shadow. I ready myself for what ever's inside. Once the door had opened I looked inside. But I didn't see anything in there. I take a good look inside, but it just looks like the inside of a giant tree. There was nothing special inside at all.
Link: "Don't let your guard down, Link! Up until now I wasn't able to sense anything out of the ordinary inside the temple! But I'm feeling something massive from the inside of this room! Ready the cross shadow!"
Shady was dead serious about what she was saying! Is what she sensing invisible then?! I keep my sword and shield ready for combat! I walk inside, but as I did the door quickly shut behind me!
Link: "What the?!"
I quickly turn around as I jump forward from the door! The huge thud caught me completely off guard!
Link: "Why did the door just shut behind us?!"
I walk over to see if it would open with my presence near. But it wouldn't open no matter how close I got! And there's no way for me to open it myself as far I can tell!
Link: "Shady, how do I open this door?!"
Shady: "I don't know, I've never seen a door like this before. Maybe it's like the door to Shoushitsu's chamber. If that's the case then it must only open when something in here has been done."
Link: "Something in here? But there's nothing in here at all."
I take another look around, but all I see is the inside of a giant tree. While the inside is big enough to hold a battle like the one we had with Shoushitsu, I don't see any soul webs in here. Not around me or above me. I keep my sword and shield ready for anything that may appear. But I really don't see anything alive in here. The floor has grass covering on every inch, but besides that there's just tree bark. I start walking around as I search the place. I take my time moving step by step and looking back and forth. As I walk toward the center don't I see or hear anything around us. But as I was moving my foot fell into this hole.
Link: "What the?! What the fuck is this?!"
I look down and I see that my foot fell into this little hole that was hidden under the grass. I wasn't injured but it didn't feel like I was stepping on solid ground or soft dirt underneath. I quickly pull my leg out after realizing something weird was under there. If it's a trap I can't afford to take chances.
Link: "I think I found something right here, Shady."
Shady: "I can't see what's there with all those pieces of grass in the way. Did you feel something under there?"
Link: "It wasn't my bare foot touching down there. But either way I can definitely tell if I've stepped on solid ground or soft dirt. And it wasn't either of those two."
Shady: "Well move the grass aside and see what's there. But do it with your sword not your hands."
Link: "Exactly what I was thinking."
After all if it's a trap then keeping my body as far a way as possible would be the smart thing to do. I put the tip of the cross shadow against the grass an start pushing it aside. As I do I see an even smaller hole inside it. There's also something yellow around the hole.
Shady: "What's all that yellow stuff around the outlining or the hole?"
Even Shady doesn't know what it is. I take a look around the yellow area to what it is. As I move more of the grass aside I notice something else about it. The yellow area looked like the sun. Not the actually sun in the sky, but the image of the sun that you see in man made drawings. Where you see pointed edges around the circle that is supposed to be the sun. I move aside more and I start to see green and pink coming out from the yellow center. It was after seeing those two new colors that I realized where I had seen this before.
Link & Shady: "This is a deku flower."
Both me and Shady realized the same thing at the same time. It was just about a second after saying it that something popped out of the flower.
Link: "Ah!"
I managed to knock off what ever came out of there with my shield a bit. But just at its side as it managed to land a hit on my stomach! I was knocked on to my back after losing my footing. To make matters even worst, since I put the cross shadow right in front of me at the hole it was knocked out of my hand. I look forward to see what came out. It was a deku scrub. Although it's not surprising that one came out of a deku flower, I am still surprised to see one in this room! But that wasn't the strangest thing about it. The deku scrub was dressed just like me. The same green tunic and hat, just smaller to fit his size.
Shady: "Link, look out!"
(Sound of spitting)
While I was distracted by what I was seeing the deku scrub shot a deku nut right at my face!
Link: "Ah!"
I just managed to close my eyes in time to not take to much of the flash. But now I couldn't see again! While I'm down on the ground I felt something hard hitting my legs!
Link: "OW! The fuck you little bastard?!"
What ever he was hitting my legs with, he hit me with three times before I kicked him away. Since I had lost my sight the pain was even worst then it should have been! So it took me longer react with a counter attack due to the pain taking up my focus!
Shady: "You alright there, Link?!"
Link: "I think I'll manage. But what the hell is going on here?! Who the hell is this guy?! Ah, and why in gods name is he attacking me?!"
Deku Scrub: "It's not polite to talk as if someone's not here. As for your question on who am I? Ha ha, ha, ha! I was going ask you the same thing!"
All of a sudden I heard the deku scrub talk from across the room. Since he was so light I managed to kick him pretty far. From the sound of his voice I can tell it's a male deku scrub.
Shady: "What in the mirror of crossing is this?!"
Well that was random. Shady was just completely out of charter there. I wonder why she said that, nothing he said was weird. My eye sights returning since I'm so use to deku nut flashes. I look at the deku scrub in the tunic now. All I see is him getting back on his feet, but nothing strange is going on.
Link: "Shady, what was that sudden outburst for?"
Shady: "Link, this deku scrub doesn't just dress like you. His voice is identical to your own."
!?
That was in no way a answer I could have saw coming. Especially since it doesn't make any sense.
Link: "What are you taking about, Shady? This guy sounds nothing like me."
Shady: "Link, no ones voice sounds the same to others the way it sounds to the owner of the voice."
Link: "What, really?"
Shady: "Take it from someone who has experience with the temples of crossing. It's not exactly unheard of to hear your voice through the ears of another."
I guess I can't argue with that. But for this guy to sound like me? He's not even human, and I doubt the clothes make the voice. Otherwise I would have noticed at some point in my life.
Deku Scrub: "Of course I sound the way I do. I am Link after all."
The deku scrub just randomly decides to say he's me!
Link: "What are you talking about? I'm Link! Are you saying that's your name as well?"
I say this I get back on my feet.
Deku Link: "I know your Link. And I'm also Link. You're you and !'m you. You get it? Or should I ask do I get it?! Hahahah!"
What in hell is wrong with this psycho?! Is he drunk or something?! Can a deku scrub even get drunk.
Link: "What's he talking about, Shady?"
Shady: "I think he's saying you and him are on in the same."
One in the same? How does that work? He's not even human like me. I took a look at him when she said that. And before I had the chance to look at Shady and ask another question, I saw him take something out from behind him. I tried to see what he was now holding. But before I could he shot something out from it! I reacted as fast as I could and blocked what ever he shot with my shield. It wasn't a deku nut since there was no flash of light. If I'm right, what he shot was a soul web.
I was about to look at the front of my shield, but before I could even I suddenly got smacked in the face by something! I fell over again after that and the deku scrub suddenly fell on my stomach! He just appeared out of no where! Like I thought, he has soul shot! I can even see in his hand right now.
He quickly tried to hit me with his hat. But I was fast and hit him with my shield first. Doing so sent him flying again since he was so light. I see him flying across the room, but before he could land he shot out a soul web against the ground. He then disappeared into it and then reappeared on the ground unharmed.
Deku Link: "For a me so big, I'm pretty fast when I'm you."
He start taking more about how we're the same person. Is that even possible?
Link: "Hey Shady, you said before that in different world you could find another you there. Is it possible for that other you to be from a different species?"
Shady: "No, not that I know of. If I had to guess, I'd say this deku scrub was created here and now."
Link: "Created?"
Shady: "I'm not sure how, but perhaps this room has made a copy of you in the form of a deku scrub. Meaning what he's saying about being you is not far off."
I take another look at this guy. He is dressed like me, has a soul shot like me, and according to Shady he has the same voice as me too. Is this guy really suppose to be me?
Deku Link: "Like looking in a mirror, right?! Doesn't it make you feel like you're going nuts?!"
Right after saying that last word he began shooting more deku nuts at me. This time it was rapid fire. I prepare my eyes for the flash. But now I can't see once again!
Shady: "Link, he's right in front of you."
I try to react to what Shady said. But I was suddenly struck in the kneecaps!
Link: "Ah!"
I managed to stay on my feet despite the sudden pain! But then he strikes me in both my shins this time! I then fell to the ground since I couldn't stay up any longer! I expected him to strike me again while I was down. But his next strike was delayed for little while. It was then that I got struck in the face! I put my hand out hoping to catch the hat he was hitting me with. And I did catch it. I then pulled him in close by the hat and grabbed him!
Link: "Ha, got you little weed!"
Since his hat was the same as mine it was strapped on. So pulling on his hat dragged him over to me. Best of all, there's no way he's strong enough to get out of my grip. So the fight ends right now.
Deku Link: "Yeah, you got me. So you better hold on tight."
Link: "What's that suppose to mean?"
Shady: "Link, the soul shot!"
Once again something happened before I could react. Suddenly I could not longer feel my body. I could see again, but that was because I was moving through a soul web. When he shot out his soul web I disappeared into it with him. After reappearing I was sent rolling into the wall of the tree!
Link: "Ah! God dammit!"
I look back at the deku scrub me and he shot the soul shot to get away. He then reappears on the other side of the room. This guy is smart, that's for sure. He uses the deku nut flash to take away my sight and increase my sense of feeling. That way I feel more pain when he strikes. He also struck in the knee caps and then the shins right after. By having me focus on one type of pain he left me unprepared for another. The fact that he used his hat as a hitting weapon was creative as well. Normally chain mail is used just to make a durable yet flexible armor. But to use a hat made of it like that, I've never seen or heard of that.
Shady: "Link, you need to get the cross shadow back!"
Shady came flying up next to me to whisper that to me. I start whispering something back.
Link: "I got it. If he flashes more light I need you to guide me. And can you help me fight him as well? You managed to knock over and hurt Nawar. So him being about the same size should allow you to do the same."
Shady: "Yes, I'll help you in combat and be your sight. Just be ready for anything this guy throws at you."
That's for sure. I take a look at him and he's doing nothing. He must be waiting for me to make my next move before making his own. He's trying to keep things safe between us. After all even if he blinds me with a deku nut the only way to reach me in time would be to use his soul shot. But if the effects it has on him is anything like it is on me, then it burdens his well being and can leave him vulnerable. Meaning he has to be sure he can get at me when he uses it.
Come to think of it, I didn't even no the soul shot could drag other along. When I was holding on to him he disappeared into the web, and I did to. He didn't touch me with the soul shot, so that mean if someone is holding on to the one who disappears into the web so do they. Knowing this new thing about the soul shot could come in handy later. But right now I need to get the cross shadow and fight. Wait a minute, I just realized something. Why didn't I think of that when I fought with Shoushitsu?
Deku Link: "So do you plan to come at me or not? Or should I say do I plan to come at me? Ha, get it?!"
Link: "Hey Shady, do we have to kill this guy?"
Shady: "Why do you ask? We already established this room is probably the same as Shoushitsu's chamber. So if there's something that must be done in here I imagine it's to kill this piece of wood rot. It seems even more obvious given that he tries to kill you upon meeting."
I guess that's the case. But after coming here to save the deku scrubs I'm now trying to kill one? It just doesn't seem right. But I guess I don't have a choice. It looks like only one of us is leaving here alive. I run for the cross shadow as fast as I can. It was then that he started shooting deku nuts again. I brace my eyes from the flashes and keep moving forward.
Shady: "This way. "
Shady's guiding me like she said she would.
Shady: "To your left."
He reappeared to the left of me this time. But this time I'm ready. I realized this time that I have two swords. And my other one is still in the sheath on my back. So I quickly draw it out and slash it to my left.
Deku Link: "AH!"
I heard him scream and I felt my sword hit something. It didn't hit much from what I felt, but it must hurt for him to scream like that. I try to slash him again, but I hit nothing. Did I miss him or did he dodge? I can tell without my eyes.
Shady: "He got away with the soul shot again. Now's your chance to get cross shadow."
I listen to what Shady says and continue following her.
Shady: "It's right here."
Link: "I know. My eye sight's back."
It came back just in time. I put my other sword back in it's sheath and pick up the cross shadow. I look towards the west side of the room, there he was. The same place I was earlier. I take a look at him and see where he was cut. I got him right on his left shoulder.
Link: "I guess you don't need a pat on the shoulder now! Ha, get it?!"
I decide to give the little wooden bastard a taste of his own medicine! Although I did it to get even I don't exactly mind doing that. It looks like the cross shadow is taking effect!
Deku Link: "Very funny ass hole! But you're going to regret making fun of me soon enough!"
He starts spitting out more deku nuts. How many of them does he have? I need to shut my eyes again as he's shooting deku nuts. And while I do that I just have Shady guide me.
Shady: "OW!"
That was Shady I just heard!
Link: "Shady, what's wrong?!"
Shady: "Your front!"
I hear Shady's voice coming from the ground this time! The deku me must have shot her down! I realized while I was distracted Shady said my front! He's coming in for another attack! But I quickly get on guard and strike with the cross shadow. I slash all across my front hoping to get him, but fail to due so. Where did he go? I didn't find him but I did see Shady on the ground. She was right next to me, so I kneel down to check on her.
Link: "Are you alright, Shady?! He didn't hurt you to much did he!?"
Shady: "Link, below the grass."
Link: "What?"
Just about half a second after I said that the deku me popped out of the ground not far from me. Before I could fully react he shot a deku nut right in my face!
Link: "AHHHHHHHHH!"
I took a good flash to the eyes this time! How many fucking times am I going lose sight today?! While my eyes are in pain I hear something hit the ground to my left. I quickly react and slash down at the spot I heard it from. But it didn't feel like I hit a deku scrub. A second or two later I felt something grabbing my arm. It feels like his hand is on me. Before I could slash back again I suddenly lost all feeling in my body. But I could see again, and I couldn't shut my eye to.
I was once again moving through a soul web. He drew me through the one in his soul shot again. We were now moving upwards to the wall of the tree. We reappear on a wooden platform I didn't notice was above earlier. When we reappeared I was lacking my sight again and I was feeling a massive sting from the soul shots effect.
Link: "You...f...u..ck...fucking bitch plant! I'm gonna-
Before I could finish what I was going to say he pushed me off the edge. I was laying down on it in pain and sightless, so it's not like it was hard for him to do. I started falling, but before I hit I though quickly and took out my soul shot. I quickly fired down wards and disappeared into the web. This broke my fall since I didn't have a body to take impact with like before. I was about four feet off the ground when I disappeared. So when I disappeared it didn't even take a second for me to reappear.
Link: "Oh god!"
But since I was already in pain from the soul shot up there, disappearing and reappearing in one burst like that didn't go well for me! Not only was I dragged through his soul web with out seeing it coming, but I did so with lack of eye sight! With that being the case my sense of feeling was heightened! So the feeling of both disappearing and reappearing was also heightened as well! And now I did both of those again even faster and only a few seconds later after the first time! My body feels like that of an old man waiting to die!
While I was down on the ground in pain I felt something hit my back. Even through my tunic I can tell by the impact and size of what's touching me to know what it is. It's the soul web, he's coming back down. I reacted without wasting a second and slash against it up above me with the cross shadow. I meant to pin it against the wall. But I felt the web on my back fall to the ground, meaning I must have cut right through it. Since the end of the web he was coming to was above me, instead of next to me, he fell on top of me. And he hit me in the face with his chain mail hat again!
Link: "AH!"
He hit me in the teeth a bit this time! I could taste blood in my mouth as I fell back down!
Deku Link: "So that's what human blood looks like. I'm not a perfect copy of you, so I don't know what everything you have looks like."
Link: "Get off me you wooden shit!"
I swing my sword again. But before I could we disappeared into the soul web again. I was prepared for that this time and tried to get loose. I try to move around inside the soul web. I then reappear outside the soul web a few feet off the ground and fell toward it.
Link: "Ow!"
Now I'm in even more pain then before! I was lucky to have gotten out of the web this time. Since he was only touching me by his feet it wasn't hard to get away. And since I've learned how to maneuver my body through a soul web despite the lack of feeling, I was able to move away from him. Just like when I moved around in a soul web to position myself to sword slash a animono kumo.
Link: "God...dammit!"
I was in a lot of pain, but had to get moving before he got me again! My eye sight was coming back, and I could see him up above aiming his soul shot at me! I quickly roll out of the way to avoid it and put my shield and sword up for protection. But he hadn't disappeared into the soul web yet. I look up and he was still standing up there. I look at his face and recognize the look on it. He was going to shoot again.
I push my body to the limit and get up and started to run. I covered the back of my head with my shield and made sure my eyes weren't too opened as I looked forward while running. I also make sure to run in a zigzag pattern so he can't accurately shoot where I'm going to be. I managed to make it to the other side of the room. I carefully look back, not wanting to get flashed again. I see him standing up on the wooden platform poking out from the tree.
Shady: "Are you OK, Link?"
Shady was flying next to me now. Looks like she's recovered.
Link: "I feel like a dog getting put down! What about you, Shady? Are you doing OK?"
Shady: "He hit my wings with two deku nuts, but there feeling better now. He must have decided to strike me down since I was helping you."
I guess that's no surprise. I would have done the same thing if I was him. But being on the other side of things I didn't see it coming. Mainly because my enemy haven't been very smart since I got to the temple.
Shady: "I'll be careful from this point on. Don't worry about me, just keep yourself ready for his next move and what I tell you to do next."
She says that, but there's no way he's going to let her help me! If he sets off anymore deku nut flashes I won't be able to see! If she's focused on guiding me it will make it easier for him to hit her! And if she focuses on keeping herself safe it will make it easier to get a hit on me! I'll have to think about that later. Right now I need to focus on the enemy. I take another look at the deku scrub that was copied from me. He's just standing up there staring at us. He's waiting for me to try something before making his move again. But why would he wait when I'm so vulnerable? Unless! Maybe he's waiting for not just me to get closer, Shady too! That way he can shoot her down again!
Link: "Shady, maybe you should stay out of the fight and leave it to me."
I whisper that to Shady. And she whispers something back.
Shady: "Are you crazy?! I get shot down once and you think I should just stay out of the fight all together?"
Link: "Why do you think he's waiting for us to make a move when I'm so weak? He must be waiting for you to get closer. So he can shoot you down again!"
Shady: "I'll avoid it this time then. I told you not to worry about me."
Link: "But if he gets you down again he might try to keep it that way! I won't be surprised if he tries to kill you the next time! You can't be that hard to kill given your size!"
Shady: "Fine, I'll keep my distance and help you from said distance."
Link: "But with a distance between us that will only make it easier for him to get you! Since I won't be next to you to protect you!"
Shady: "So what do you want me to do? What, should go hide inside your pouch while you fight?"
Link: "That would work. And you come back out when the fight is over."
Shady: "Forget it, Link. You're being paranoid. I'll be fine, there's no way he's going to catch me. I fly way too fast for his soul shot to help him."
She says that, but I think other wise! But maybe she's right. It will be pretty hard to get her when she can fly. Not to mention having to worry about her could easily distract him and thus help me. That aside now I need to think of a strategy to use against him. Now that I think about it, why did he delay his attack earlier? When he got me down on the ground by attacking me at the legs he took longer striking my face then he should have. Unless maybe! I keep my eyes on him up there while I whisper some more to Shady.
Link: "Hey Shady, earlier when he struck my knee caps and shin he took awhile to hit my face. You could see what was going on, so what was he doing?"
Shady: "He used his soul shot to move a bit before striking you. Why I'm not sure."
Link: "I knew it!"
Shady: "What is it?"
Link: "His eyes aren't any better for taking deku nut flashes then mine. That's why he moved through the soul web."
Shady: "So he could see without the use of his eyes. I get it now."
In that case I can fight fire with fire. Deku nuts against deku nuts. I refilled my supply of deku nuts earlier thanks to all the deku baba's Nawar grew. But that aside, I need a free hand to use my deku nuts and my soul shot. I stick the cross shadow in the ground while continuing to look at the deku scrub. I then unsheathed my other sword and put it in my pouch. Now I can put the cross shadow in the sheath instead.
I reach into my pouch for a deku nut and fire my soul shot to the other side of the room. I'm now moving through the soul web, although I hope my body can handle it. I look at him as I move through. He's not doing anything. He's waiting for me to make a move before making his own. I reappear right below him and throw a deku nut up there. It went off and got him in the eyes.
Deku Link: "AH!"
It's just as I thought. His eyes have no resistance against deku nut flashes. Shady goes flying for him. She must be planing to knock him off the edge. I quickly draw out my blade just as she hit him and wait to cut through him. But just as he's going over the edge he suddenly disappears. He then reappears right back up there and then grabs Shady by the wings!
Deku Link: "Got you!"
Link: "No!"
I yell that as I see Shady in his hands! He must have let out his soul web from behind him! Was he planing this from the beginning?! There's no way he did this based on reaction speed. Somehow he saw it coming.
Deku Link: "Did you two really think I would fall for something like that?"
He did know what we were planing. How could he have known what we were going to do?! Wait, he said earlier he wasn't a perfect copy of me. That must mean he has more memories from my mind in his own then just my name. He must have my memory of when Shady knocked over Nawar. If that's the case, then he expected me to use my own deku nuts and that Shady would probably try to attack him off guard.
Deku Link: "It's time to relieve your fairy friend of her wings other me."
Link: "NO! Let her go you bastard!"
Shady: "Ah!"
He starts pulling on her wings. But then all of a sudden Shady transformed.
Shady: "Hissing!"
Shady turned back into her Eri self and started scratching him.
Deku Link: "Ah! Fucking feline!"
It was smart of Shady to do that. He almost ripped her wings off! But the deku me got her by the neck and starts strangling her! I need to get her away from him before he kills her! I think fast and come up with a plan. I put the cross shadow back in my sheath and put my left hand into my pouch.
Link: "I'm coming, Shady!"
I aim my soul shot up there and wait for him to react. He got his eye sight back so he could see again. He shoots his soul shots web to another wooden platform. Just as he'd disappearing into the web I whip out my grappling hook and throw it up to a web point in front of him. I tug on the web and he and Shady reappear at the point I'm tugging on. At that moment Shady got loose from his grip and got away in her fairy form. But as the other me was falling down he got the grapple off the soul web and continued to travel through it. He was on another platform and Shady flying next to me again.
Link: "You OK, Shady?! It looked like your wings were really going to be torn out!"
Shady: "I'm fine, Link. But I definitely didn't see that coming. He's just as unpredictable as the real thing it would seem."
The real thing being me that is. But that being the case is why you shouldn't be helping me! I just managed to get her back from that ass hole! She could've been killed just a moment ago! I need to keep her out of the fight! But she won't listen to me, her "I'm fine" retort is a dead give away in that regard! There's only one way to keep her out of this fight! I put both my hands into my pouch as I put my grapple back in. While doing that I ask Shady a question.
Link: "Hey Shady, I just realized something. Why didn't the cross shadow fly back to me when I dropped it earlier? Come to think of it, how is it that the cross shadow's just staying quiet in my sheath?"
Shady: "Because there's two of you now. The cross shadow memorizes the spirit of its current user. After that it's drawn back to said user when separated from him or her. Remember when I told you the cross shadow can't tell the difference between you and the inside of the magic satchel as you wear it? It's the same when there's two of you in a given area."
While Shady's distracted I quickly bring out the bottle Amapola gave me and put her in it.
Shady: "Hey! What are-
I quickly close the lid on the bottle. While I had my hands in the pouch I call for the bottle. I then took the lid off with my right hand and brought the two out separately. That way I could catch her in the bottle with one hand and quickly put the lid back on with the other.
Shady: "Link! What are you doing!? Let me out this instant!"
Link: "No can do, Shady. I knew you wouldn't listen to me if I asked you to stay out of the fight. So this is my only other option. Since you don't need to breath you won't suffocate in there, so there's nothing to worry about."
Shady: "Link, let me out! You need my help-
I put Shady into my pouch where she will be safe. As long as I don't die that is. I keep my eyes on the other me. I need to be careful in this fight. Unlike what happened in the fight with Shoushitsu the cross shadow won't come back to me. So no more miracles in mid fight. After I put Shady away it didn't take long for him to start shooting deku nuts again. I get out of the way of fire and start running. Now that Shady's out of the picture I have no one to help me when I can't see. It's no wonder why he started attacking so abruptly.
I know now that the reason for the delay in his attacks earlier was because he used the soul shot. That was because his eyes can't see through deku nut flashes and moving through the soul shot changes that. Meaning I can see through the deku nut flashes by moving through my soul shots soul web. I'm currently moving around the room in a zigzag pattern again. But this time he shoots deku nuts all over the room. Now there are deku nut flashes filling up the whole place. Since none of them were right in front of me, my eyes didn't take to much of it. But I still can't see very well. So I shoot my soul shot to a random area and go through it. Now I can see what's going on.
I see the deku me moving along the different platforms above. He was moving from place to place while shooting his deku nuts. Not to mention he's shooting a deku nut and then disappears every time. I reappear after seeing what he was doing and start running again. I'm not in my prime as it is and I just started running after using the soul shot. I've grown use to it a bit, but it still drains me to use it too much. So I unsheathe the cross shadow to increase my stamina and push myself even further.
After recovering a bit from the last time I used it I used the soul shot again. And I see him him doing the same thing up there. Going from platform to platform while shooting deku nuts along the way. I don't get it, if deku scrubs get their deku nuts from deku babas and don't have them naturally, then how come he has so many of them? Wait, if he has my tunic does that also mean he has my pouch? A magic satchel must be where he was keeping his soul shot and all the deku nuts. While avoiding all the deku nuts I think about what Shady said. She said there was a limit to how much stuff could be put in the magic satchel. That must mean there's a limit to how many deku nuts he has.
But given that Shady said I could at least afford to have forty of them myself means he must have a lot of them. Being that I needed room for plenty of different items means he must have more then forty of them. Come to think of it, how come he can hold that many to begin with? The reason I only hold twenty is because when I call for the deku nuts in my pouch they all come at once. Going beyond twenty would have them go off upon impact. That must mean you can control it to make only one come at a time. I've gotta figure out how that works later.
After recovering enough I move through the soul shot again. This time I look around and I see him move to another platform through the soul web. But when he got there he stopped shooting deku nuts. I doubt it was because he ran out of deku nuts, he wouldn't be dumb enough to do that. He must have realized he was getting no where and stopped.
Link: "Give up yet short sprout?"
Deku Link: "You wish white meat. I'm going to bury your corpse in this rooms soil and grow a garden over your grave."
He's trying to sound frightening. But after all the things I've been through since yesterday up to now, he'll have to do better then that. But I'm amazed when I look at him. After all the times he's used the soul shot he doesn't look tired in the least. When he was created was his body made to be fully adapted to soul webs effects? Unless, maybe it's not that he has better resistance, but has something to refill his energy. He must be feeding on the chemical energy inside the deku nuts. While also either leaving some of his deku nuts untouched or leaving enough inside the ones he fires.
If that's the case he can keep this up longer then I can. Meaning I need to hurry up and find a way to beat him before I run out of stamina. Him and I are just staring at each other right now. We're both waiting for the other to make the first move. When I untied Nawar earlier to get my grapple back it was because I realized something. Earlier out in the forest I used it to stop the animono kumo from moving through there webs. I didn't use that in the fight against Shoushitsu, but I did in this tight. Although I can stop him from moving through his soul web with the grapple it only worked so well. I managed to get Shady away from him, but he managed to get the grapple off before falling to the ground. If I could get my hands on him again it wouldn't be to hard to stop him, but how do I do that?
Wait, the reason I was even more vulnerable to soul shots effects earlier in the fight was because I was blinded by a deku nut. Just like with the animono kumos I blinded earlier. If someone is blinded when going through the web when their senses are heighten, then they feel what it's like to lose their body and get it back even more. Same goes for what they feel if they're blinded upon reappearing. That's what I need to do. I need to hit him with a deku nut the moment he reappears or get him with one before he can disappear. But he's not going to leave himself open for another deku nut getting thrown after I reappear from the soul web.
If I throw one at him out in the open he'll see it coming. If I try throw one at the end of his soul web while he's moving through it, he'll see it coming. He's not stupid enough to fall for those tricks like the animono kumo. So how can I- Of course! Why didn't I think of that sooner?!
Deku Link: "Aren't you gonna try something else big man? Or is just standing there the only option left for you? I guess you're worn out quite a bit. Am I right?"
He's one to talk. All he's been doing is standing there and staring too. OK, this time when get a chance to get close to him, I need to go blade first. After that it should all be over. I stick the cross shadow into the ground and reach into my pouch. I take out one of my deku nuts and he prepares his soul shot at the same time. He's expecting what I'm going to do next I imagine. But that's all apart of my plan.
He's aiming his soul shot to the right the right. I get my soul shot ready as well. I get closer to him and then I threw the deku nut. He blocks his eyes while shooting the soul shot and disappears into it. But while he shot his soul shot I shot my own. The end of my web attached itself to his web. I quickly grab the cross shadow with my left hand, disappear into the web with my right and start moving towards his. I remembered that Shoushitsu and the rest of the animono kumo were moving through their soul webs. Even when there were different web lines leading in different directions. But there's no way even spiders like them to make lines going in different directions at the same time. Meaning each of those webs were made separately.
That means when moving through one web line and come in contact with a different one you can move through either one. At least if it's from the same spider. But if the cross shadow can't tell the difference between him and me, then the soul webs should be compatible. While sticking to his soul web mine was pulling on his as we moved through them. Since he's a deku scrub and a copy of me he shouldn't be able to control which web he goes through. And given how much my web is tugging on his he should come this way. As long as one soul shot can travel away from the web that came from it.
The moment he crossed paths with the end of my web he started moving along it towards me. And when he did the rest of his soul shots soul web disappeared as well. Since the web line is connected to its soul shot it had to follow it. And since it doesn't have its disappearing powers until the soul shot crosses it-it was able to disappear in another web. Him and me are now approaching each other through the same web. And now that the web I attached mine to disappeared, the web is now falling. We're now coming towards each other in the same falling web.
Just as we were about to crash into each other we reappeared mid air. Without wasting even half a second I swing my sword left after reappearing while holding it to my right. Just as I swung he retaliated with a quick deku nut shot.
Link & Deku Link: "Ah!"
We weren't too high from the ground when we reappeared, so it wasn't too rough a landing. But just after reappearing I swung a sword full force and took a deku nut flash to the face at the same time! And now I had to take a fall just a second after that! If the cross shadow wasn't pushing me beyond my normal limits I wouldn't be able to get back up!
I heard him yell out in pain at the same time I did. But his scream was much louder. That could be because I have better hearing with the lack of my eyes. But from what I felt my sword hit him, so I imagine his louder scream was the real thing. I get back on my feet and my eye sight starts to come back. I take a look at the deku scrub me and it was a pleasant sight. Well not really, I'm just partially thinking that because of the cross shadow! When I looked at his I saw that he was missing his left arm! I see a trail of that green blood deku scrubs have leading from his severed arm to him. And I see him holding onto his wound as the blood dripped down from it.
I tried to end it in one slash, but I failed. The plan was to come right up to each other, but he reappeared before we reached each other. And because of my reflexes I did the same thing and reappeared early. Because of that I had less reach and only got him by the arm. But with one of his arms cut off I can say with full confidences that I'm going to win. I mean what could this little guy do with just one arm?
Link: "Sorry to tell you this, but it looks like fate isn't lending you a hand! Ha, get it?! A hand?!"
I've gone from feeling pity for him to laughing at his pain. Even though it can tell between him and me who the real Link is, the cross shadow is still getting to me! I'm not apologizing to him for that joke, but I feel bad now that I made it!
Deku Link: "I guess not! BUT FATE ISN'T LENDING YOU ANYTHING! Not when I'm done with you!"
His voice and facial expression have massively changed. No surprise there. I mean it surprised me when it happened, but given what's happened to him it's no wonder he suddenly changed.
Link: "You can't be serious. How are you going to do anything to me like that?"
Deku Link: "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
After yelling out like a beast he picks up his soul shot and start running towards me. I'm standing up on both feet and prepare to slash him. Just as he approached me I swung with full force. But he jumped over my blade just when it was about to cut him. After that he struck the arm I was holding it in with his chain mail hat! I dropped the cross shadow after he struck my hand. I couldn't believe how high he jumped when he avoided my sword. And since I swung low to hit someone his size, it only made it easier for him to avoid. When he jumped up he went higher then me and struck my left shoulder! After landing he jumped again and headbutted my stomach! And after that he stuck my crotch with his leg before returning to the ground!
Link: "Ah!"
I drop to the ground holding my stomach with my right hand while holding the soul shot at the same time, and my crotch with the left! The wood he's made of definitely wasn't soft! I was on my knees in so much pain! Even more so since I dropped the cross shadow!
Deku Link: "How that?! Still think I can't do anything to you with one arm?! I'm better then you, you get that now?!"
I hear nothing but anger in his voice. And I feel nothing but his hat hitting my face right now! My mouth started bleeding after awhile!
Deku Link: "It's time to end this! They say that unfortunate souls once fell into hell. So why don't we end this by those words!"
Without letting me say a word he jumps on my head and puts his legs around my neck. He aims his soul shot upward and shoots it. I'm still holding on to my soul shot, but I couldn't get the cross shadow back. We disappeared into his soul web and move to one of the upper platforms. But we didn't stop there, he shot his web even high and we disappeared again.
Part 6
Every time we reappeared we started falling, but then he would shoot his soul shot up higher again. We just kept going higher and higher. Soon enough we were moving through these branches up above. They were full of leaves. But why are there branches inside the tree? If only Shady was out here helping me right now. I could use her help so badly! After countless times using his soul shot, me and the other me reached the top of the tree. Which was outside the tree. It turns out there was an opening to the tree from up above. No one could have know that since it was too high for anyone to see from down below, and it was hidden by so many leaves. Not to mention no one without wings could have gotten up here, unless they had a soul shot.
I've been struggling to get loose this whole time and I finally do! I managed to slip my neck out of his chock hold. But then I was falling from where I was! Fortunately some of the branches down below break my fall. Hell, they stopped me from falling that much at all and were strong enough to keep me from falling any further. But when I landed I could honestly say I was never in more physical agony in my life! I vomited half way up here and vomited again while laying in these branches! My insides felt like they were trying to tear themselves apart! I just wanted to die so the pain would be over! My vision's very blurry, but I could somewhat see my surroundings. I'm still inside the tree, just by the end of the trunk. And despite the pain I'm in I still managed to keep a grip on my soul shot!
Deku Link: "You see me up here, other Link?! I'm on top and you're going to be on the bottom soon!"
I hear the other me but can't see him. But from the sound of it he's talking to me from above.
Shady: "LINK! Are you OK?!"
I suddenly heard a familiar voice.
Link: "Shady? Is that you?"
Shady: "Yes Link, I'm right here."
Shady touches the right side of my face to show she's there.
Link: "How did you get out?"
Shady: "It seems you were imagining me at some point while coming up here. Because of that the pouch brought me to the opening and I fell out while you were moving up. The bottle shattered down below and here I am."
That's right. I was wishing Shady was here while being brought up here. That must have been when it happened.
Shady: "What were you thinking putting me in a bottle like that?! Just look at you, you look like the gods themselves are preserving your life when you should be dead!"
Link: "I'm sorry for what I did, Shady. But can you please tell me where the deku me is?"
Shady: "He's right above you outside the trunk. There's a giant branch extending upwards like a smaller tree."
Link: "OK, so where do I shoot?"
Shady: "No wait-
Without thinking I point the soul shot upwards and shoot. It hits something and I disappear into the web. It was just a second after that I reappeared and fell back to the branch!
Link: "AH! What the hell was that!? Why did I reappear so early?!"
I just yell out in pain! In reality, I never should have tried to use the soul shot again! Given my condition I'm lucky that didn't kill me! But I just wasn't thinking when I did that because of all the pain!
Shady: "You're soul shot stopped working once you tried to leave the tree trunk. Outside the trunk must count as outside the temple."
Link: "Then how did the other me use his outside the temple? Him and I were outside the trunk when we were inside his soul shot."
Shady: "I'm not sure. But if I had to guess, it's probably because of his tunic."
Link: "His tunic?"
Shady: "That's right. His tunic was created from this the temple like himself. It and him were forged from the center of a temple that connects to what is practically a limitless supply of worlds. Meaning it's possible his tunic has the power to connect to everyone and thing inside the temple. Meaning he can use the soul shot out side the temple since he can connect to what ever world has Shoushitsu."
Link: "Are you sure?"
Shady: "Well it's either that or it's himself. But then there would have been no way for the cross shadow to have gotten confused between you two."
That makes sense. I don't hold the presence of a world different from this in me. So if he did the cross shadow should have been able to tell the difference between us. While we were talking it crossed my mind that the deku me is going to try and kill me! What's he been doing with all this time?
Link: "Shady, the other me."
Shady: "He's on top of the tree now. He was exhausted by over use of the soul shot. So he had to climb up there instead."
Link: "Why haven't you gone up there to stop him?"
Shady: "Because I need to check on you first."
Deku Link: "OTHER ME!"
My vision has finally come back and I could see the other me as he called out to me.
Deku Link: "Here I come! This is where you die, faker!"
It looks like he's going to jump off of there. So he plans to land on me from that high?! That will definitely kill me as I am!
Shady: "Hold on, Link! If he jumps I won't let him get near you! I'll fly up there and push him off course from you, and you can try and move a bit if you can other wise."
Shady says that, but she doesn't sound to confident about it! She like me is probably thinking I don't have much chance of surviving! I really think I'm about to die right now! While I was thinking that I felt something come into my left hand. I also felt stronger all of a sudden!
Link: "Can it be?!"
My left hand was in the branches hidden from sight! So I might be able to catch him off guard!
Shady: "What is it, Link?"
Link: "Shady, the cross shadow came back to me!"
Shady: "It did?!"
Link: "Yeah, it's in my left hand right now!"
Shady: "I guess that only makes sense. The reason it didn't fly back to you earlier was because there was two of you in the room. But now that both of you have come up here, why wouldn't it come up here and to the closest one?"
Link: "Now's not the time to think about why. He looks like he recovered enough to make the jump! He was probably refilling on deku nuts. I'll continue to look helpless and strike when he jumps down."
Shady: "OK, I'll stay out of this for now. Make sure you don't miss, OK!"
Shady flies a bit away from me after saying that. I continue to watch the other me up above. I'm not going to miss my chance, Shady!
Deku Link: "This is the end for you over sized aphid! Like the story of the worlds creation, hell is going to fall from the heavens onto you!"
After saying that he jumped. He's falling this way and trying to land on me. I can't strike to soon, I've learned my lesson when it comes to that. But I also can't strike to late or I'm dead! I gotta get him at just the right moment. Just as he's about to hit me I quickly swing the cross shadow at him. Upon doing so I took his head off. After doing that his green blood spewed out all over me! And his body and I fell through the branches after that!
Shady: "LINK!"
As Shady yelled my name above I fell back to the bottom of the tree with the body! I'm falling and as I see the bottom not far away I point the soul shot down and shoot it towards the ground. I disappear and reappear down on the ground. And when I did I saw this black aura explode from the deku me's body. It passed over me, but I didn't feel a thing from it. Although it did make me uncomfortable for some reason! In mere seconds the explosion was over though. All I see now is the corpse of the deku me a few feet from me.
Shady: "Link, are you alright?!"
Link: "You don't want me to answer that!"
Shady: "Oh god you're alive! I thought you'd be dead for sure when you fell!"
Link: "That aside Shady, what's happening to the other me?"
I look at him and I see his body disappearing. It was turning to little bits flying up into the air.
Shady: "His body is not of this world. The connection between the two of you is what kept it here. Now that he's dead the connection is broken."
So his body is going to vanish entirely?! I need t hurry if I'm going to try it! I put all my remaining energy into getting up and getting over to him!
Shady: "Link, what are you doing?"
Link: "You said it was the tunic that allowed him to use the soul shot out there right?"
I thought of this only moments ago. I look down at his belt buckle and take out the figure inside it. It was in the form of a deku scrub, but I can only hope it works. I can see the figure disappearing a bit too! I think fast and take out the figure in my buckle so I can put this one in. When I did that my tunic disappeared, but then it reappeared when I put the other one in. The deku scrub figure also flashed inside my buckle. When the light inside cleared, it looked just like the one I took out. It looks like my plan worked!
I look at the deku me and his body finally burst into bits. After it revealed this bright light just like the one inside my buckle. I shield my eyes from it, and when I open them I see this huge red glowing crystal in the shape of a heart.
Link: "What's this?"
Shady: "I know what that is! That's a heart container!"
Link: "A what?"
Shady: "Just hurry up and touch it! I'll explain why to you later."
I don't know why she wants me to, but I do it. I lay my right hand on this heart container as she calls it. But just as I do I start to feel faint all of a sudden! It looks like I've finally reached my limits!
Shady: "Link! Hold on-
I can't hear Shady speak anymore as I pass out!
(To be continued)
