Chapter 9 – Voices

Oh yeah
Still don't know what I was lookin for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Don't want to be a richer one
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Just gonna have to be a different one
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
They're immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're going through
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Don't tell them to grow up and out of it
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Where's your shame
You've left us up to our necks in it
Time may change me
But you can't trace time
Strange fascination, fascinating me
Ah changes are taking the pace I'm going through
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Oh, look out you rock 'n rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Pretty soon now you're gonna get a little older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
I said that time may change me
But I can't trace time

- "Changes" – Butterfly Boucher

"Sir." A young maid handed Link a towel. He smiled at her while he attempted to make himself look presentable. This would be the second time he would appear before the king looking like a mess. At least this time he wasn't covered in dirt and grime.

"Thank you." He ran the towel through his hair roughly before handing the now damp towel back to the maid. He then continued to wring out his tunic and hood, shaking out his boots while he waited for King Harkanian.

Apparently there had been a sudden matter that needed attending to. But as soon as the meeting was over, the king was to discuss with Link just why he had been summoned from Termina. He wondered if the two had any connection.

The throne room's temperature didn't help Link's situation much. He began to shiver. He covered his chest with his arms, moving one hand beneath both his tunic and shirt to rub some warmth into his skin. Though he was uncomfortable being wet in such a cold place, he wouldn't trade what had happened with Princess Zelda for anything.

Link couldn't believe how good of a swordsman – or swordswoman – the princess had turned out to be. He had been impressed by her fierceness. He thought that she was a bit rash and didn't think her technique through completely, but she was tough. He hadn't expected such a beautiful woman to be such an intimidating fighter.

But how quick she was to become herself again. Although Link wasn't quite sure if the laughter he had heard was normal for the princess. She had seemed surprised to hear herself so happy. The sound of her laugh could have brightened any dark day he had ever had.

And yet, the moment had been even quicker to change again. He had to admit that even he had been spooked by the images he had seen in his head, the voices too.

"What are you doing Zelda?" He asked, trying to see around her.

"Well since I have a tiara, I figured you should have a crown." She presented him with a circlet made of flowers, giggling infectiously as she placed it on his head.

He wondered if Princess Zelda had seen and heard the same thing. She had wanted to get as far away from him as possible. And he got the feeling that she absolutely detested his touch. She had practically thrown his hand away after he had helped her out of the water.

The door to the right of the king's throne opened. King Harkanian appeared, and his guest was right behind him. Link's eyes widened at the sight of the huge creature following the king. He stood a head taller than the king, or maybe it was his wild, spiky hair that made him look so. The muscles in his arms bulged as though melons were hiding beneath his skin, straining his veins. He wore strips of material around both wrists and ankles, and also around his waist, though his belly covered everything. It was a Goron.

"Ah, Link. You're just in time to meet my guest." King Harkanian motioned for him to come forward. "This is Darunia, the leader of the Goron tribe."

"It's nice to meet you br-…kid." Darunia boomed, a grin spreading across his face. Link was instantly reminded of the king: big and intimidating, but only looks wise.

Link couldn't help but feel as though Darunia wanted to hug him. Perhaps it was because Link was used to the Gorons hugging strangers. It was just their friendly nature. But Darunia merely shook Link's hand, nearly breaking every bone. He let go at once, smiling apologetically.

"It's good to meet you Darunia."

"Darunia, I hope you don't mind showing yourself out. I have things to discuss with Link." The king put his arm around Link.

"Not at all King Harkanian." Darunia turned towards Link one more time. "I have a feeling I'll be seeing you around soon kid. Until then, take care." He suddenly took one of his large hands and patted Link on the back with such ferocity that he nearly fell down.

When he had gone through the doors, King Harkanian led Link into the room that he had just come from with Darunia. It was a smaller room in comparison to the throne room. There was a long table that stretched from one side of the room to the other with dozens of chairs. Maps were spread out over the table and in picture frames on the walls.

"Have a seat boy." The king pulled out a chair for him on his way to a bureau in the corner. Link watched him fishing through different scrolls, muttering to himself.

When he had found whatever he had been looking for, the king returned to the table. He spread out a map in front of Link. He then set about pointing things out. Whenever he did, he took a quill from a nearby inkpot and labeled the area.

"This is where Hyrule Castle and Hyrule Castle Town are. Now, if you take this bridge right here, there is a set of stairs that have been carved out of the mountainside. These stairs lead to Kakariko Village." King Harkanian labeled the village and then pointed to a mountain towering over the little houses. "This is Death Mountain. The only way to get there is through Kakariko Village. The gate protecting the entrance to Death Mountain is guarded by our very own men."

"Why is it guarded King Harkanian?" Link asked.

"We guard it to protect the Gorons. If it weren't for the gate and the guards, any old person could take the trail leading up the mountain and into Goron City." The king labeled Goron City a bit smaller than the other places.

"If you were to cross the bridge but not take the stairs, you could walk the length of the water and end up finding your way to Zora's Domain. But that's very unlikely."

"Why is that?"

"Well…the entrance to Zora's Domain is hidden. The only way to find it is to play a song that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Royal Family." King Harkanian straightened up and began to walk around to the other side of the table. "Which is why this is so troubling…"

Link waited patiently for the king to explain himself. In the meantime, he eyed the map. The only places he had ever been to were Lon Lon Ranch, which he took the liberty of labeling himself, and Kokiri Forest, which he also labeled. His writing looked like scribbling next to King Harkanian's elegant scroll.

The king sat in the chair across from Link.

"There was a horrifying atrocity committed at Zora's Domain about four days ago. Thirteen Zoras were murdered. The Zora Princess, Ruto, was at the old ice caverns the day that it happened and was unaware of what was going on. Her father, the king, was one of the thirteen murdered."

Link couldn't imagine anyone wanting to kill a Zora. They were such peaceful creatures. Link thought about finding Mikau in the water…dragging him to shore…how he had died selflessly trying to save Lulu's eggs…

"Why?"

"Something was stolen. It is called the Spiritual Stone of Water."

"You...you're late! What took you so long? You're useless! I was just lonely, that's all…just a little! You! You looked cool…cooler than I thought you would, anyway...just a little! Well, anyway, you saved me, so I guess I'll reward you. What do you wish? Just tell me..."

Link pressed his fingers to his temples. Now it wasn't just Princess Zelda's voice or his own that he was hearing in his head. It was another woman. What was happening to him? Why was he hearing these voices? Why was he seeing these images?

"Are you alright Link?" King Harkanian asked worriedly.

"I'm fine. I was just thinking…and wondering what the Spiritual Stone of Water is." Link removed his hands from his head.

The king didn't look convinced but he continued talking anyways.

"There are three Spiritual Stones. The first is the Spiritual Stone of Forest, the Spiritual Stone of Fire…"

"Hey! What a nice tune! Just like that, my depression is all gone! Something just came over me! I suddenly wanted to dance like crazy! I am Darunia! I'm the big boss of the Gorons! Was there something you wanted to ask me about? What? You want the Spiritual Stone of Fire, too? The Spiritual Stone of Fire, also known as the Goron's Ruby, is our race's hidden treasure... But hold on--I'm not going to give it to you that easily. If you want it so badly... Why don't you go destroy the monsters inside of the Dodongo's Cavern and prove you're a real man? That way, everybody will be happy again! If you do it, I will give you anything you want, even the Spiritual Stone! I have something for you. I'm not really giving you this in return for anything, but take it anyway. If you wear this, even a little fella like you can pick up a Bomb Flower. Destroy the monsters in the Dodongo's Cavern and become a real man! Then, we can talk about the Spiritual Stone!"

Link suddenly stood up, his hands flying to his head once more. The chair overturned when he got to his feet. He felt confused and dizzy. He felt embarrassed to be making a scene in front of the king who had summoned him to help.

King Harkanian looked worriedly at Link, quickly going to his side. He placed a hand on his back and felt him shaking.

"Let me help you Link. Are you ill?"

"I…I don't know. I apologize King Harkanian." Link continued trying to soothe his head by rubbing circles into his temples.

The king crossed the room to the small gong hanging on the wall and sounded for a maid. When she came running into the room, he ordered a bath and a hot meal to be prepared for Link immediately.

"Link, let's get you upstairs." King Harkanian said gently. He put his arm around Link's shoulders once more and assisted him in getting to his room.

Impa had gone to the Temple of Time after seeing the way Link and Zelda interacted in the courtyard had been the final straw after witnessing what had happened between them the night before. She had to speak with Rauru.

Rauru spent his days in the Temple of Time and his nights in the Sacred Realm. His life was full of prayer and reverence towards the goddesses, and keeping their treasures safe.

Impa saw Rauru kneeling before the altar on the other side of the temple. She felt guilty for interrupting his prayer but she knew that there were two people counting on her to make things right.

"Rauru I need to speak with you." She went to his side, bowing her head for a moment to show her respect.

"What is wrong Impa?" He asked without opening his eyes.

"I need to tell Link about everything." As soon as the words left her lips, Rauru stood slowly and turned away from her. "He needs to know."

"Why the sudden change of heart?" He asked calmly, keeping his hands folded and his back turned.

"I have seen many things since he has been here Rauru. He is remembering his past and…"

"And?"

"And so is she. They are head over heels in love with each other and they have no idea as to why. I don't know how it is affecting Link but it has frightened the princess." Impa got tired of talking to Rauru's back and so she moved to stand in front of him. "They have suffered enough. And I have let them. We have let them."

"I know Impa. I spend many hours in prayer, begging the goddesses for forgiveness and praying for Link and Zelda's happiness." Rauru finally opened his eyes and unfolded his hands.

Impa could see that he didn't seem to be in her favor.

"Before I came here, I got word that Link is ill. I know it's because of his memories trying to get back to him. If I don't tell him what happened, I fear his mind will be lost forever."

Rauru nodded. Although the Sages had kept the secrets for seventeen years, he could see that it would have to end at that moment. Link still had things to do and a destiny to complete.

"If Link is becoming ill, I would have to agree with you Impa. We cannot jeopardize his life or his health anymore than we already have." He took a step forward and put a hand on her shoulder. "You have my blessing to tell Link and Zelda everything."

"Wake up Link."

He opened his eyes slowly. He wondered if the voice had been inside his head. But as he looked around he saw Impa seated in a chair beside him. When she saw his eyes open, she removed the washcloth from his forehead so that he could sit up.

"I didn't realize that I had fallen asleep." Link said, running his fingers through his hair. He hung his head. "I'm sure King Harkanian is rethinking his decision in asking me for help."

He was surprised when Impa lifted his chin. He was even more surprised when he saw her smiling. Well…it looked more like a smirk but he knew that she was trying to smile.

"Link…do you know why King Harkanian summoned you?" She asked, taking her hand from his face. She sat forward in her chair.

"He was telling me about the Zoras. I don't know if-"

"No no. I mean…do you know why he summoned you?"

"No."

Impa took a deep breath and put her hand on Link's.

"I told King Harkanian to bring you here." She saw the look on his face and gave his hand a squeeze before letting go. "You might want to lay down for this."