Hey readers! It's been, what, two days since I've updated? That's way too long! I've been really busy lately. I moved just today, and I ready to fall over and pass out. Goddesses, moving all those boxes were a heckuva job! I wanted to cry, and my feet hurt sooooooooooooo bad right now! (grumble grumble gripe)
Holy cow, I need to take a breather or something from my writing , but I JUST CAN'T STOP!! XD I've been in a writing frenzy for the past few days since I've decided to do a Kingdom Hearts fanfic. That one is still in the "What the heck am I doing?!" category, so that won't be up for a long time.
Moriko: So, Lekki12, this is the last time Tanner will show up for a long time. And we're also introducing to new characters!
Me: This is soooooooooo much fun! (starts doing the Lucky Star dance)
Moriko: You took something, didn't you?
Me: Nope! Just happy I got some reviews! Thank you so much to you, Lekki12! I don't own anything except Moriko and the ever annoying Tanner, as well as Taiki. Happy reading!
Chapter 12: Moving On
"As Gor Cormon and leader of the Gorons, I thank you, Brother Tanner. You as well, Moriko of the Forest," Gor Cormon said loudly. Cheers erupted all around Goron City, punching the air with their huge fists. They had been celebrating ever since Tanner and Moriko had returned, revealing the Rod of Seasons, as well as slaying the beast of Death Mountain. Such a feat had not been accomplished since the last hero had appeared, and everyone was rejoicing.
Gor Cormon help up his hands for silence, gaining it quickly.
"The slaying of the beast of Death Mountain has signified a new change in the Goron ways! We shall patiently await the hero while you awaken him," he said to the two Hylians.
Moriko turned red and Tanner shook Gor Cormon's hand warmly. "We will find the hero as soon as we can. But the truth is, I'm not the one looking for the hero. My friend Moriko is." He put his hand on Moriko's shoulder, pushing her forward a step. Moriko could feel her face flush as Gor Cormon looked her over. When she looked up at him, he was smiling gently.
"Well, then if she's the one who searches for the great hero, we shall award her bravery justly. Moriko of the Forest! I, Gor Cormon, and the entirety of my city welcome you into Goron Society. You are now one of us, and you shall be known as Sister Moriko!"
The entire seemed to shake with the whoops and shouts of the Gorons. They surrounded her and congratulated her, shaking her hands and crushing her in huge hugs. Moriko smiled through it all, a warm feeling developing in her chest. She felt nice, if she ignored the constant snapping noise her bones were making.
It was noon by the time the Gorons dispersed to go about their daily lives. Gor Cormon and Brother Raga saw Moriko and Tanner off, watching them make their way down the mountain until they were out of sight.
Moriko couldn't stop smiling all the way down, running her hands over the Rod of Seasons with as much fascination as she could gather.
"It's strange," she mumbled, "It's as if it has a life of its own or something."
"The Rod of Seasons…I never thought it'd be like this…," Tanner said, trailing off. Moriko glanced at him, then looked back at the rod.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, the Rod of Seasons I've heard of is about that size, but it's made of metal and it has four markers for the four seasons."
"Wow…it sounds amazing," Moriko said, hugging the rod to her chest. She was never going to let go of it. At least, not until the hero of legend could wield it. Moriko hoped that time would be a long way off.
They reached the village gate after another hour of walking, and it looked as if the village had been unaffected by all the small quakes. A few stands in the market were disheveled, but the people were safe. Moriko breathed a sigh of relief and headed for the spring, finally relaxing after spending an entire night cooped up in a mountain. And what a difference in air! She could breathe easily again, and she didn't have to wear the scarf anymore!
"So what do you plan to do after this?" Tanner asked, interrupting her thoughts. She began pondering that question, though it was really obvious.
"I'm going to head to the spring now, so the light spirit can tell me where to go next. After that, I don't know."
"Hmm…sounds like fun. I need to do a little packing, so I'll meet you later."
"Okay. See ya!" Moriko said. Tanner grinned and waved, heading towards the inn. Moriko smiled and kept walking, heading for the spring. Navi was resting on Moriko's shoulder, immersed in her memories. She remembered Goron City and Death Mountain from her past, the way the Gorons had accepted her Link into their ranks with great celebration. This girl was following in his footsteps, and she would be there to see her join the great hero in his journey. With her help, the kingdom's safety was guaranteed. This was going to be one heck of a journey.
Taiki, on the other hand, was imagining what sort of place they'd visit next. He wanted to see Hyrule Castle, and the lovely Princess Zelda. He knew he'd meet her, since she'd been mentioned in almost every legend of the ancient hero. Princess Zelda and the great hero Link went together like…like something that fit together well. Like puzzle pieces or something similar. Anyway, he hoped she was as beautiful as the stories described her.
They'd reached the spring now, and Moriko was nervous. She was so excited to find out where she'd be going next that she didn't see the crowd gathering behind her. She quickly made her way into the center of the spring, then called out to Eldin. The light spirit appeared, causing the small crowd to murmur in confusion. The light spirit had appeared! Was the world going to end? This had never happened before.
The group in the spring ignored the people, focusing their attention on the Rod of Seasons that Moriko held in her hands. Eldin nodded with approval when he saw it.
"So you did succeed. Did you speak to Din about your next destination?"
"No, she failed to enlighten me that detail. I was hoping you might clarify it for me," Moriko said. She'd never really had a chance to talk to Din or Link after the skirmish with the giant Dodongo. There'd been no time to, considering that the Gorons had practically swept them off the volcano summit and back into their city to rest and celebrate. Since Moriko had left her home, her life had taken a drastic turn. She'd gone from herding goats and collecting food to fighting monsters and saving innocents. Wow, what a change.
"Well, I know the next item, the Harp of Ages, resides in Zora's Domain. That place is on the other side of the kingdom, so I suggest you pack your things and head out soon."
Moriko nodded and turned to go, but Eldin stopped her.
"Wait, child. I must return the item to its true form," the spirit said. The Rod of Seasons lifted out of Moriko's grasp and floated to the spirit, who encased it in a sphere of light. When the light dispersed, the Rod of Seasons looked exactly how Tanner had described it earlier. It was metal, and the orb on top had four round gems that each held a different symbol for each season. The green one for spring was in the shape of a four leaf blossom, the orange one for fall was a bar with three orbs on each side of it. The red summer gem was a blazing sun, and the blue winter gem was in the shape of a snowflake. It was beautiful to look at, and it emanated power.
Eldin gave it back to Moriko, who grasped it in amazement. This was the sacred item of Din, the Sage of Earth, the Goddess of Fire and Power. She felt a sudden burst of strength as she gripped the rod in both hands. She was about to swing it when Eldin stopped her.
"Beware child, the seasons are not to be played with."
"Of course," Moriko said, bowing to the spirit. Eldin nodded approvingly and disappeared, leaving Moriko to set off to her next destination.
Unfortunately, before she could even get out of the spring, she was set upon by the children of the town.
"How'd you make the spirit appear?!" "What was its name?!" "What's yours?" "Where'd you get the cool staff?"
Moriko calmed them down and explained to them what happened, drawing some adults over as well. Her story entranced even those older in years. They all sat quietly and listened as she wove her story out of her memories, even going so far as to demonstrate how she'd shot Dodongo in the eye. Every child present was fascinated to the point where they started reenacting it after she'd finished. She watched them run in circles, swinging sticks and posing as if they'd just killed the great reptile itself. She felt extremely comfortable here, and she promised herself that she'd come back with Gabe in tow.
The children protested when she had to go get packed, but she promised them another story once she completed her journey. All she had to do was go and explain to the Zora's what was going on, as well as convince them to give her the Harp of Ages. She only hoped it would be that easy.
She made a quick stop in the market, refilling her bottle and purchasing a wooden shield for safety. She also grabbed an extra bottle of red potion, just in case, and refilled her quiver of arrows until she couldn't fit anymore.
As she packed her things into her bag, having returned to her inn room, with thoughts of home filling her head. She thought of Gabe, who would love the dagger she'd bought for him. She thought of Laura, who'd probably scold her for buying such a thing for a little boy. She thought of Tabatha, who would probably confiscate the thing, then scold her as well. Moriko grinned at the thought. Tabatha's scolding always ended with them eating something sweet. She was never one for harsh punishments.
Her thoughts drifted to her father, who she hadn't seen in years. He'd never been a really great father. Sure, he'd taught her how to defend herself, but that left an empty hole where his fatherly love should've been. She remembered him always talking about the army, the royal family, and how his duty was more important than some of his treasures. She'd always thought he'd lumped her in with them.
But what was really sad was the fact that he never mentioned her mother. Whenever she'd asked about her, her father would brush it off and tell her to do her chores or go play. He always avoided her questions, ducked her every accusation, and ignored her if she became persistent. After so many tries, she just gave up. Why bother talking about someone you've never even seen. There'd never been any pictures of her in their house, no diaries, no letters, and no trace of there ever being a woman in that house. Her father never acted as if a woman had come into his life, and that'd really bothered her.
After her father had left for the army, Simeon had stepped in to act as "Foster Father". What an idiot. He didn't even like kids; anyone could see it. But her father had insisted he come into the picture. Too bad he'd never stuck around to see the damage Simeon had truly done.
Moriko tugged her fresh tunic into place and slid out the door, stopping at the bar for a second. She needed to return the room keys he'd let her keep.
"I'm sorry I kept the m so long, Roland. Here're the room keys," she said, placing them on top of Roland's hand. He took them from her, smiling sadly.
"So you're heading out, are you?"
"Yes. Thank you for putting up with me."
"Oh, don't say it like that. It was nice to have you around to keep Tanner company. He's had a rough time since he left the army. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. Things will be real quiet now, but you'll come back to visit right?"
"Of course. Once I find the hero, I'll come back," she said, shaking his hand. He grinned and released her, going back to his cleaning.
"Have fun, Moriko. And stay out of trouble!"
"I will, Roland! See you soon!"
Moriko was smiling as she exited the inn, heading to the stables to pick up Meryl. She'd never make it to Zora's Domain on foot if it was clear across the kingdom.
"So that's it?"
Moriko flinched as Tanner spoke, his words hitting her like rocks.
"What do you mean?" she asked, turning to him. His hair was in his eyes, but you could still tell he was peeved.
"I mean, are you just going to leave?"
"Well, what do you expect of me? I have something I have to do, like you and your job."
"That's different! My job is only meant for one person. What you have to do is suicidal if you do it alone!"
"She's not alone, doofus!" Taiki shouted, flying from the spring's direction. "Moriko has us to rely on!"
"Then why did I come along on your little trip up the mountain?" Tanner asked. Moriko frowned.
"Your coming with us was entirely up to you. I am grateful you came along, but there's no reason for you to get all possessive."
"Possessive?! Is that what you see this as?! I'm worried about you, okay?! Worried!" he shouted, drawing the attention of a few passing people. Moriko flinched. She'd never seen Tanner so angry. "If you'd take your blonde head out of the clouds for a few seconds, you might get my point!"
Moriko glared at him for that. "So what?! You want me to just drop what I'm doing now and ride off into the sunset with you?! I don't think so!" She sighed angrily, rubbing her forehead. "I don't have time for this. I'll see you around."
"I doubt it," he growled. Moriko watched him stalk off, his hands in his pockets, grumbling about her.
"Forget him, Moriko. He's being weird," Taiki said, attempting to lighten the mood. What he was greeted with was a stern glare from Moriko. He retreated back into her bag, and advised Navi not to go out.
Moriko twisted on her heel and headed for the stables. The boy saw her coming and ran to get Meryl ready. She could tell from his face that he was slightly frightened by her. She used the time the boy took to get herself calmed down. Tanner was just one boy. He was just a guy who happened to be heading the same way as her. It was by pure chance they met, and they'd probably never see each other again.
The boy came back to her, leading Meryl by the reins. He seemed less frightened now. Moriko took Meryl's reins, stroking the mare's nose.
"Did you miss me, Meryl? I missed you too," Moriko whispered. She mounted her horse and got her trotting. She missed the feel of riding her horse, since she'd been stuck on a mountain the whole dang night. She'd have to stop and rest sometime, but hopefully not outside. She didn't trust the outdoors anymore, after Elrond.
She was at the north gate now, and Meryl was getting restless.
"I'm sorry, girl, but we have to ride by night. If we don't, we might run out of time. Let's go," Moriko said, snapping the reins. Meryl neighed and set off at a gallop, putting plenty of distance between them and Kakariko Village, which was currently one of the last places she wanted to be.
Kaiser sat on his throne, being tended to by a few of his followers. His wound from the scuffle with Moriko was healing badly, because of the light that had seeped into it afterwards. He'd been sitting there for the past two days, getting needled with questions by his younger sister, Suzume. She wanted to know everything about this girl that had wounded her brother, and she wasn't taking any crappy excuses, as she put it.
"For the last time, Suzume, I don't want you near her!" Kaiser shouted. His sister may have been almost thirteen, but this was ridiculous. "I swear, if I hear one more question about that girl, I'll send you to the other side!"
Suzume closed her mouth, swallowing her next question instantly. She'd seen the people her brother had sent to the other side. They came back shadows of their former selves, literally. That's where he'd gotten his shadow army from, and that's where he'd found all of his dark power.
Suzume left the room and headed for the terrace, built high over her brother's domain. Sand blew all around her, nearly blinding her as usual. She knew that if she got high enough, the sand wouldn't reach her in such dense amounts. She climbed the last ladder, the air freshening without the sand.
Suzume had always wanted to explore Gerudo Desert, but her brother had caught her last time, accused her of treason, and locked her in the lower dungeons for a week. It hadn't gone well after that. She'd gotten ill afterward, and had been bedridden for weeks. He'd blamed her the entire time, saying that it was her fault and she should've listened better. She'd tried running away, but she'd always chicken out before she left her room. She knew that if she left, her brother probably wouldn't go looking for her, but she couldn't stand leaving her family. After their parents had died, Suzume had taken on the job of looking after her brother, who tended to get extremely violent.
She finally reached the top level of the terrace, watching the swirls of sand create odd shadows on the ground far below. She sat down on the edge and rested her chin on the railing, on top of her arms. This was her favorite place to be, besides her room or the archery arena. Everywhere else was just boring for a girl her age.
She looked out at the desert, noticing the familiar shadow frozen in place a few miles to the east. She'd always noticed it, but had always forgotten to grab her telescope. She wanted to know what it was really badly, but her brother had never leant her a horse to go there, or even explained his reasoning. It was always "Do as you're told or no leaving your room."
Suzume pushed her brown hair out of her steel grey eyes and squinted at the shadow, trying to focus on it, but the sands were getting too thick to see through. She looked at the sky. There was going to be another sandstorm soon, and she'd be stuck inside for the entire time. Judging by the distance of blue sky between her and the storm, she'd say it would hit tomorrow or later.
Suzume gritted her teeth and stood up, finally deciding. It was either now or never, and never wasn't an option. She needed to leave by sunset, or she'd never see Hyrule. She'd ask for a servant's help, and then she'd ride her horse all the way out of the desert. She wanted to meet the girl who'd injured her brother, and she wasn't going to be delayed any longer.
Suzume slid down the ladders and ran into her room, grabbing her secret stash of food from behind her bookshelf. After that was her rucksack from her closet. She then began shoving her stuff into it, trying to fit as many personal items inside as possible without it ripping at the seams. She rang the servant bell halfway through packing, needing a bit of help.
When the servant came, she was surprised to find her friend Takeshi standing there, his arms crossed over his chest. His sandy blonde hair and dark blue eyes made him dreamy, and every servant girl in the fortress had a crush on him. But Takeshi had pledged his allegiance to Kaiser and Suzume.
"Takeshi, get in here," she whispered, her tone a forced calm. He sighed and stepped inside, closing the door silently behind him. He stood there for a few minutes and watched Suzume pack her things, if that was what you'd call it. It looked more like a monkey throwing everything within arm's reach into a bag that was already full.
"Are you leaving then?" he asked simply. He was rewarded with a groan. He flinched as Suzume began bashing her forehead against the nearest wall, looking scared out of her mind.
"I can't do this…," she mumbled. "There's no way I can do this…can I do this, Takeshi?" She looked at him pleadingly, and he gave in.
"No, you can't," he said. She groaned again. "Not without some help."
Suzume looked at him in surprise, then grinned. She zipped across the room and glomped him.
"Help me, Takeshi! I have no idea what I'm doing!" she said with an oblivious grin on her face. Takeshi shook his head and began helping her pack, starting with her bags.
"I'm coming with you," he said after a while. Suzume froze on the spot, staring at her friend.
"I can't let you," she said. "I only have enough food for one."
"Do you have any money saved up?"
There was an awkward silence, followed by a quiet, "No."
"I thought so. You're going to need help with this journey. You said it yourself. So I will be that help. Calm down and keep quiet. Do you want to get caught before you even leave?"
"No…okay, let's hurry."
With that, the two kids finished their packing and began making their way down and out of the fortress.
Yahoo! Chapter 12 is DONE! I had a bit of fun with the part about Suzume. Bet you didn't see that coming! If you did, then crud. This story is finally taking the shape I wanted it to take from the start! Hurrah!
Moriko: God, Tanner is anoying.
Me: Exactly. He the kind of character you can't stand, but he was neccessary for the plot. He'll show up again, but not for a L-O-N-G time. I won't tell you anything about that time, since it might give some spoilers. Anyhoo, Okami is driving me nuts (stuck trying to find 4 ingredients for demon dish in Orochi's lair) and I'm still stuck in consplay mode.
Moriko: Stop unloading your problems on the readers.
Me: Quiet you, or I'll kick you.
Moriko: I'm scared...pft.
Me: Shut up...see you all later! I'll update on Friday, or maybe tomorrow...I'm tired. (falls over in deep sleep)