Saturday
Clare yawned and snuggled into Luke's chest more, not ready to get up yet. Luke muttered something in Sheikhan and tightened his arms around her. The poor ninja yawned again though as a beam of persistent sun light came in through the still open window. It was quiet though, the only sounds were her, Luke, Lucas and Volvagia's breathing. No banging, yelling or anything odd for a festival morning. The ninja's ears twitched pin pointing the two smaller beings were behind her on her 'pillow'. The silence was quietly broken by the sound of bare feet on hardwood but nothing else.
"Sounds like Anni's running around without shoes again..." Clare yawned tiredly, awake by that damned sunlight. Luke grumbled something about a last minute rehearsal. Clare yawned and snuggled back into Luke's chest, trying to block that sun. Anni silently slipped into their room and placed Sophie on the bed without atone noticing before slipping just as silently out of their room. Clare yawned and reached over her guardian to grab Sophie and put her in between them. The nine month old was still sound asleep, but thinking Clare was Anni latched onto the young woman's front. The ninja yawned and moved one of Luke's arms, so she could rest her head on his bicep before falling back into complete sleep. At nine, Sophie started to fuss, with her mother leaving early the little girl hadn't had any breakfast. Clare stretched and woke up slightly, "Hungry?" She asked with a yawn. Sophie nodded.
"Alright...the best I can do is a warm bottle of milk, will that do?" Clare asked as she sat up. Volvagia and Lucas were up so they practically attached themselves to her neck and shoulder. Sophie yawned and nodded before grabbing Volvagia and snuggling him. Clare nodded back and shuffled over to the edge of the bed. She stood and made her way down the stairs, yawning slightly. Link and Medli were working together on breakfast while the boys chatted over the opening ceremony. The ninja got into the kitchen and ducked and weaved her way around the two people getting breakfast ready. She got the milk and started to warm up, without being noticed by the other two. Sophie was petting Volvagia's head gently and nuzzling him every so often. When the milk was warmed up Clare traded the dragon for the bottle, "You can have him back later..." Sophie ate her breakfast and soon was fighting to stay awake. Clare smiled and went over to the couch, "Just go to sleep dear..." She whispered to the child. Sophie yawned and reached up to the tiny dragon on Clare's shoulder.
"Alright, Volvagia, you have to go back to Sophie..." Clare told the dragon as she picked him up and gave him to the child. Sophie gently cuddled the dragon and soon fell asleep with her tiny hands on his back. Clare put her in her lap and covered them. She then pulled out gold and silver fabric and started to make a stuffy of the dragon. Anni came flying in the door about an hour later only to disappear just as quickly as she had appeared. Clare shook her head and kept sewing, already halfway done. Luke came over with the breakfast he'd managed to save. She looked up at him for a moment before setting the stuffy in progress aside. Luke traded her plate for Sophie and Volvagia.
"Thanks..." The ninja whispered and ate the food. Luke nodded and planted himself in front of the fire Sophie resting on his chest. When she had finished her breakfast, Clare immediately started back on the dragon stuffy.
"Having fun Angel?" Luke asked quietly.
"Eh? Yeah...I guess..." Clare muttered and kept working, starting so sew golden buttons for eyes on the head of the stuffy. Luke smiled and ran his fingers through Sophie's hair. A minute later he jumped when Ann came flying back into the Inn. Clare didn't so much as flinch as she kept sewing, until she had almost completed the stuffy, all it needed was now to be...stuffed. Anni sighed in the door frame then promptly collapsed.
"Link, your wife fell..." Clare stated. There was a bang from the kitchen as he scrambled to get to Anni.
"Anni, sweetie are you alright?" Link asked as he lifted her off the floor.
"I-I'm fine..." The young woman replied.
"I say you should take it easy Anni...But what you do is your choice..." Clare said over her shoulder as she began to stuff the silver dragon stuffy with the softest cotton in her pocket.
"Take it easy, it's the opening ceremony, I-I-I-I-I-" Anni never finished her sentence as she fainted in Link's arms.
"...Before your body tells you too..." Clare muttered and finished the stuffy, putting it on the coffee table in front of her.
"Every year..." Link sighed as he picked her up. Clare yawned and flopped lengthways on the couch. Link gently placed Anni in the chair by the couch and double checked to make sure her heart rate was coming down. Clare stretched and curled up at the end of the couch, falling fast asleep.
"Geeze, everyone's falling asleep...wait your hair's brown again..." Link pointed out. Luke pulled back his sleeve to reveal the leather bracelet on it.
"Anni finally made you a new one?" Link asked gently working Volvagia out of his daughter's hands to replace him with the plushie on the table.
"Last night..." Luke whispered.
"So that's what she was up doing..." Link mused placing Volvagia next to Clare. The dragon put himself back on the ninja's shoulder as she rolled over slightly. Johnny took Lucas and disappeared with him. The ninja yawned again and patted around for a blanket. Luke made a motion with his head towards Clare and Link gently covered his sister. She muttered something and pulled the blanket around her.
"She's so cute when she's asleep..." Link whispered as he sat back down at Luke's hip.
"Which one, Sophie or Clare?" Luke asked watching as Sophie clutched the huggable dragon stuffy to her.
"Sophie's adorable, but I'm bias since I'm her dad, but Clare's still cute..." Link replied.
"Wouldn't you bias of Clare too since you're her 'brother'?" Luke asked.
"No, not in my mind...Anni on the other hand, well you get the picture." Link said and stood up to gently push Anni back into her chair after checking to find her heartbeat was finally normal again.
"So, how do you see Clare now kid, as a sister or as a very good and very old friend?" Luke asked giving him a calculating look.
"She'll always be my sister...well until you two get married then technically she's my Aunt..." Link replied gently brushing Anni's bangs off her face. Luke smiled lightly, "You sure have grown up kid..." Link smiled, "Well if I were going to have anyone as an Uncle, you'd be on the top of my list."
"Oh, so I'm good enough to be Uncle but not brother, you're words wound me Kid..." Luke said taking a page out of Clare's book and being over dramatic.
"You would be my brother...if I hadn't married your niece so don't get you boxers in a bunch..." Link said with a sigh as he took his daughter from Luke and sat at the older man's waist.
"Yeah...says the guy who was keeping us part for three to four months..." Luke muttered and looked over at Clare who had rolled over facing them now.
"What? I was thirteen and brainwashed by an evil yellow fluff ball." Link defended quietly.
"Just teasing you kid..." Luke said sitting up and ruffling Link's hair. Link rolled his eyes, "Thanks Uncle Luke..." Link sighed as he stood up and placed Sophie in her basinet and nudged both women back onto their furniture of choice. Clare flopped onto her back, one hand hanging over the edge, the one with the ring on it. Link picked up Clare's hand and placed it on her stomach before sitting back down.
"So...tell me Uncle Luke, what happened four years ago?" Link asked the older man.
"I don't think that's my right to tell you..." Luke replied.
"Okay...so...how did you find Clare again? All I remember is her jumping into the ocean then a flash of white light..." Link asked.
"Well after you guys left...I kind of went off the deep end. I sailed in circles for I don't know how long and one day, there was this beam of white light and the next thing I know I'm pulling her onto the deck." Luke explained.
"Ohh, what happened next?" Link said clearly interested. Clare had woken up but kept her eyes shut, listening in.
"Things for me just went downhill from there...I was nervous, paranoid, I wasn't eating or sleeping, Clare pretty much had to treat me like an infant...force feeding me on a couple of occasions...I don't know why she didn't just leave me there to die..." Luke said quietly still thinking his fiancé was asleep.
"Clare's not like that...if she sees someone in trouble, weather hurting themselves or being hurt by others, she'll do anything to help those in need..." It was Sheik that spoke this time.
"How many times did you tell me that before I believed you?" Luke asked.
"Actually on that go, once. Since you saw the sorrow in Clare's eyes when she looked at you." Sheik said waving his hand in the air, brushing it off.
"Don't remind me, I'll never forget that look, broke my heart..." Luke groaned.
"So what happened after that?" Link asked.
"After that well I think it's better you ask Clare about the rest." Luke suggested. Clare made as if she were about to wake up, still pretending she was asleep. She stretched and groaned lightly opening her eyes a crack.
"Have a nice nap Angel?" Luke asked her.
"Yup...ACK!" Clare said and looked up at the green eyes hovering above her head, "Uh...can I help you Link?"
"What happened four years ago?" He asked.
"A world saving adventure." The ninja said, stringing him along.
"Really, well that makes two of us..." Link replied.
"So do you really want to know?" Clare asked adding a smirk to.
"Yes ma'am..." Link replied.
"Then get out of my face." She said and pushed him away to sit up. The pirates also wanted to know so they sat around the fire with their backs towards it. Luke shook his head and gathered Anni up and took her upstairs so she could get enough rest before the show.
"Alright you guys keep quiet as I tell the story..." Clare commanded as she made herself comfortable. She had everyone's attention instantly.
"Okay...where to start...Well I guess I could start...when I got into the temple at the Isle of Gust." Clare said. Link shivered, being a small thirteen year old on a very windy island was never a good idea. So Clare told the part of where she had gotten the map and Sheik added in the injury she sustained from it. Link nearly threw a fit upon hearing Clare had been hurt. She ignored the fuming man in front of her and carried on to the Isle of Spirits and it's temple. And yet again Sheik added in that she was even more injured.
"I'm going to hope someone had the brains to grab you and bandage you." Link muttered. Clare's eye brow twitched, "No I walked around all beat up and bruised for the rest of the trip..." She said sarcastically. Link, never one to pick up on sarcasms, went white as a sheet and passed out.
"Link, Luke wrapped me up alright, do you really think he would let me walk around like that?" Clare asked as she leaned back.
"Well..." Link said.
"Want the rest of the tale?" Clare asked. Everyone nodded, little did they know, Luke was listening from the shadows of the hall.
"Alright so we had to go back to the Isle of Gust to get the second map." Clare said and told them of her getting the second map and Sheik of course told them of the injuries, the cracked arm. In the hall Luke was shaking his head. Clare continued on ignoring the spazing Link and told the others of Luke's valiant decision on accompanying her into the temple on the Isle of Frost, that got Link's attention.
"He actually volunteered to go with you?!" Link asked.
"Yeah, so what?" The ninja questioned.
"No offence, but this is Linebeck we're talking about, the King Pansy of the Sea..." Link replied.
"Yeah, I was kinda sceptical at first too, but amazingly enough he was only scared onetime during that entire temple..." Clare muttered.
"I thought you said you made great progress, what caused the relapse?" Mako asked.
"Me." The ninja sighed. Everyone looked at each other in a very confused manner.
"During the mini boss, an Ice Chu Chu, I had gotten stuck against it and I asked Luke to get me mad...See when I get mad I combust so I don't blow anything up with my magic. I never told him this so I would imagine a woman on fire would be a pretty scary thing." Clare told them.
"I can see how that would cause a relapse, but he must have trusted you or else you never would've gotten out of there..." Mako said hoping to get the ninja back on topic.
"Right..." She muttered then continued on with the story until she got to the part where Luke got captured by the ice beast.
"You had to have beat it, so what happened?" Niko asked.
"The beast was destroyed and I activated the temple then we left to go back to the Isle of Gust one last time." Clare said, not giving details, and neither would Sheik. Luke had to sit down to keep himself from smacking his head against the wall. Clare told the others the story until she got to the part where the sludge monster made its first appearance.
"Oh that sounds gross..." Senza muttered.
"It was...the ugly thing touched me too..." Clare grimaced and kept telling her tale, including the broken arm. Link smacked his forehead, "Please tell me you let him set it without being your normal stubborn self?"
"I don't think he would've taken no for an answer...He put me on freaking cabin arrest until it healed properly." Clare told them.
"Wow, I didn't think he'd have the guts to stand up to you..." Link said.
"You try having a much taller man staring down at you...It's un nerving...But of course being me, it was after I decided to hid behind the engine." Clare said. Most of them laughed. Clare smiled and told them about how they got to the last island and twisted the first level of hell to make it sound scarier than it actually was. Luke had finally snuck back upstairs not wanting to hear Clare retell the tale from Cataline. She left out the part of him constantly coming to check on her, the part of their fight, and of her disappearance. She skipped right to the awakening to see a pile of sludge on the floor by the door.
"He went out there...by himself?" Link asked making sure he understood correctly.
"Yeah. He did." Clare said.
"Are you sure you were travelling with Linebeck?" Link asked trying to get his head around it all.
"Yup. It took me a long time to get him back to the way he was...But I guess some of my...what's the word....Fearlessness, rubbed off on him." Clare said smiling lightly. Everyone nodded.
"Anyway so we went back to Cataline and I got the third temple activated." Clare told them.
"He let you out I take it?" Niko asked.
"Of course he let me out. Why wouldn't he?" Clare asked.
"Keep you safe, everything he's done so far seems to be out of a deep caring that he refused to admit at the time." Mako added.
"That is a good point...But since the third temple was activated, it was time to fight the final boss...Darkness." Clare said.
"Were you scared Clare?" Link asked knowing how nervous being alone in the dark made her.
"We haven't even got that far yet Link..." The ninja scolded, then told them about how she fought Darkness and thought he was dead. Link was adding a few things up in his head but was still listening and so was Luke again from the shadows of the hall.
"I turned to go to Luke to see if he was alright when I felt a clawed hand wrap itself around my wrist." Clare told the group and heard a gasp from almost every member. Link looked up upon realization, "Linebeck grabbed you didn't he?"
"Yeah he did, wrapped both arms around my waist and was dragged into Darkness's world with me." Clare told them.
"You must be something special Clare, I don't think he'd do that for just anyone..." Link mused. Clare didn't answer, just zoned out for a moment...remembering. But Darkness's voice in her mind snapped her back to reality.
"Anyway, so we beat him and sealed him away forever. The end, stories done." The ninja said quickly. Link gave her a look that said, 'there's more to this than you're telling us but I'll leave it'. Clare watched the pirates scatter after the story saying thing she wasn't quiet catching, then saw Link's look towards her, 'I'm so going to get cornered and made to finish the story properly...' she thought to herself. Sophie awoke shortly after Clare finished and it was now she realized her fiancé was nowhere to be seen.
"Huh, I wonder where Luke is..." Clare said softly and she looked around as she made her way to the basinet to pick Sophie up.
"He took Anni up and I don't think he ever came down..." Link said as he jumped through the kitchen window.
"Why can't you take the door like a normal guy?" Clare asked rocking Sophie side to side. Link shrugged and set to work on lunch. The ninja rolled her eyes at him and went up to see if Anni was alright. As soon as Clare had mentioned Darkness, Luke had gone to sit with Anni who was still sleeping soundly. Clare and Sophie poked their heads into the room. The ninja smiled lightly and crept in. Luke had fallen into the devoted father role and was tucking Anni's hair behind her ears.
"There you are..." Clare whispered softly to him. Luke looked over and smiled.
"Looks like she's in good hands...I'll go feed Sophie..." Clare whispered and leaned over to kiss his temple gently before turning away. Luke pulled her back gently, "She's going to be waking up any minute..." Clare backed up and turned back around. Luke gently pulled her into his lap while they waited for Anni to open her eyes. Clare shifted, making herself comfortable. Sophie quietly reached to her mother. Clare leaned forward and put the infant on the bed, beside Anni. Even though the young woman was still sound asleep, she rolled over and curled around her daughter. The ninja smiled lightly.
"Makes me want my own even more..." Luke whispered burying his nose in her neck. Clare blushed lightly but smiled and nodded. A few minutes later, Anni opened her eyes, "Hey sweetie..." She whispered to Sophie.
"Sophie needs her lunch..." Clare whispered. Anni glanced over at Clare and nodded, "Sorry for dumping her on you this morning..."
"Eh, don't worry about it. That's what we're here for. Now we'll just go so you can feed her." Clare whispered and stood grabbing Luke's hand. Anni smiled and pulled her daughter closer as her Aunt and Uncle slipped out the door. Clare smiled lightly and walked back down stairs. Luke pulled her close when they were downstairs. Clare looked up at him in slight confusion. Luke didn't say anything just kissed her forehead and then nuzzled her neck. Luke sat down after moving the blanket that had been around Clare. Clare sat next to him and leaned against his shoulder. Automatically Luke looped one arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Clare smiled lightly and thread her fingers with Luke's. Luke idly ran his finger over the ring on her finger while placing a light kiss to her cheek. Clare smiled lightly and turned to kiss his jaw gently. He nuzzled her neck after, all together he was acting a little more affectionate than normal. Clare looked up at him again, her eyes asking if everything was alright. He nodded and kissed her forehead. She shrugged her shoulders and snuggled into his shoulder. Luke pulled her closer and rested his cheek on her head. Clare smiled lightly and closed her eyes lightly. Link called everyone for lunch.
"Come on..." Clare whispered to Luke as she stood. Luke nodded and followed her. Clare smiled again and turned to the table. Walked over it and sat at her usual spot. Luke sat next to her and let her stay in her seat. Now the ninja was getting suspicious. She ate quietly, sneaking glances at Luke every once in a while. Luke finished his lunch quickly as per usual. The ninja finished hers about her usual speed and stretched lightly. Luke leaned his head on her shoulder.
"Are you feeling alright?" Clare asked putting a hand to his forehead to brush his bangs lightly.
"Yes, Angel, I'm fine..." Luke replied removing her hand lacing their fingers together.
"Okay..." Clare muttered. Luke kissed her temple as an apology for worrying her if at all. Clare hummed lightly and shifted slightly. Luke nuzzled her neck and gently squeezed her hand. She purred softly and turned to nuzzled his neck. Luke smiled lightly and pulled her into his lap. Clare let him pull her and leaned against his chest. He nuzzled and kissed her neck. Clare smiled lightly and tilted her head back to kiss the underside of his jaw. Luke rumbled quietly and kissed her temple. Clare smiled lightly and put her hands on his arms lightly. He squeezed her gently and buried his nose in her neck. The ninja was being passive.
"I love you Clare..." Luke whispered out of the blue. She looked up at him then smiled light, "I love you too Luke..." Luke smiled faintly and hid his face in her neck. Clare smiled softly and let him hide in her neck.
"I'm sorry if I'm being clingy..." Luke whispered.
"Don't worry about it. I don't mind..." Clare whispered softly. Luke nodded and gently squeezed her tighter. Clare rubbed his arms lightly and leaned against him. His hold relaxed a little but it still kept her closer than normal. The ninja closed her eyes and let her hands rest on his wrists.
"I am being clingy aren't I?" Luke asked quietly.
"Well you are but I don't mind..." Clare whispered lightly.
"Sorry...shithead brought up some bad memories..." Luke whispered.
"Then take all the time you need..." Clare whispered. Luke shuddered slightly and retightened his hold on his fiancé. Clare didn't say anything just rubbed his arms lightly. Luke linked one of his hands with her again and squeezed it gently. She squeezed back and rubbed his arm with her free hand. After about ten minutes Luke's hold on her relaxed completely. She kept rubbing his arm. Luke sighed and pulled his face away from her neck to rest his chin on her shoulder. Clare smiled lightly and nuzzled his temple with her nose. Luke rumbled quietly and kissed the underside of her jaw. She kept nuzzling him gently before she kissed his cheek. Anni came down silently, "I really hate to break you two apart right now but well all need to get ready for the Opening Ceremony."
"Alright...Sorry Luke...but you gotta let go for a minute..." Clare whispered. Luke nodded and removed his arms with a smile. Clare stood and after kissing Luke's temple disappeared up the stairs, to get changed.
"That means you too Uncle Luke, go on..." Anni said, a dark green cloak already wrapped around her frame. He nodded and disappeared up the stairs to change. Anni nodded to her husband and disappeared with a quiet jingle of bells. Luke came down before Clare and the others were waiting for the ninja to come down the stairs. Luke was draped elegantly in a chair when the ninja finally came down. The only sound that ninja made was the soft jingle of her own bell her sandaled feet the first to show. Luke looked up from the book he'd pulled from under the couch. The ninja had the front of her skirt in one hand so she didn't trip, the other one the railing, her top was on straight, rubies replaced her usual blue earring on her lobes, rubies along the belt of the skirt and along the edges. More rubies hung off the bottom of the top. The colours were ruby red and gold.
"Wow..." Luke said as the book fell from his hand. Clare blushed slightly and smiled lightly.
"Wow, Clare you look amazing..." Link said.
"Then tell Anni she did a good job on the outfit..." Clare said blushing more.
"I will..." Link replied then looked at the clock, "Oh time to go." He scooped up Sophie and headed to the door. Clare's blush was slowly disappearing and she took a step forward intending on following the others. Luke appeared in front of her, and offered a hand. His outfit complimented hers amazingly. He wore a black and crimson jacket with deep cuffs and wine red trim over a crimson high necked shirt with a bloodstone set in the collar. He had on black dress pants and new black boots. Clare smiled lightly and gently placed her small hand in his much larger one. Luke returned the smile as he closed his hand around hers and led her out of the inn. She followed and smiled lightly again.
"You look absolutely stunning..." Luke said quietly as they followed the others.
"And you look absolutely handsome..." Clare whispered back to him. Luke smiled and led her down to the gondola's that would take them to the town square. She followed, letting the front of her skirt go to hide her sandals. Luke, as usual, hopped into the gondola first then offered a hand to her. Clare put her hand back in his gently. He gently helped her into the tiny watercraft then slipped behind her as per usual. She put her feet against each other and smoothed out her skirt. The tiny water craft glided forward and up the channel to the town square. Clare yet again dipped her finger into the water. This time the water sprites didn't appear. Clare hummed and pulled her hand out of the water lightly.
"It's because Anni called on them for help with her performance..." Luke replied answering her unasked question.
"Oh..." Clare said and fingered the locket still around her neck. Luke slowed the boat as they came to the dock. Clare felt the bump lightly and supported herself. Luke hopped out and lifted her out before tying up the boat. She waited patiently for him to finish looking up at the stars lightly, "That should be our theme..."
"Hmm?" Luke asked glancing over at her.
"Night..." Clare said quietly, still looking up at the night sky.
"I like it...come on the show starts in ten minutes." He told her.
"Alright...let's go..." Clare said looking down from the sky. When she looked down she saw how fast the people of Levious could work. Overnight a huge stage had been set up along with hundreds of chairs. Lights hung on steel cables above the crowds of people. To the side of the stage stood a lot of the performers, though Anni did not appear to be with them. Clare blinked, "Let's go find a good seat..." Clare said softly.
"It's kind of overwhelming the first time I know..." Luke said taking her hand and leading her to the seats the other's had saved for them. Clare followed and spotted the woman from the night before, she was glaring at the ninja. Luke spotted her too and promptly flipped her off before taking their seats. Clare giggled lightly at the gasp the woman gave and sat down before smoothing out her skirt. Luke locked one arm around her waist and waited. The ninja looked up at the stage and waited also. Somewhere behind the stage the symphony was tuning up as the lights dimmed. Clare looked at the stage in interest. In the middle of the stage was a man cloaked in black laughing evilly before a burning village then he disappeared in a swirl of darkness. The ninja and the others watched. A young boy, a little younger that Anni emerged with a group of 'survivors'. "I hear by swear that I will free our home from the hold of the Akaimara." The young man exclaimed and the small crowd cheered. Clare watched and looked on in interest. Lights dimmed then went back on the young man came before an older man and a young woman about Anni's age. The young man bowed in respect as these two played the part of royalty. "Your Majesty, I come before you to request you grant me honour of rescuing your fair Kingdom from his evil..."
The ninja leaned back lightly.
"This is the most boring part of this thing..." Luke whispered as the young man and the king continued to talk.
"Shh..." Clare shushed him and waved her hand at him. Luke sighed and rested his head on her shoulder. The young man bowed and left the stage as the lights dimmed signalling the end of the first scene. Clare patted his head and kept watching the stage. The next scene opened with the young man walking into the remains of a destroyed and ravaged village where only a small church remained standing. He entered the church and dropped against the wall of the church beneath the stain glass window depicting the Holy Trinity. Clare kept watching interested. The young man fell asleep and the stain glass window came to life. It was a very good imitation of the three goddess.
"Awaken young Hero, we have a message for you..." The Nayru look alike said.
"Wake up..." The fake Din added. The young lady playing Farore knelt before the young man and placed her hand to his cheek, "Awaken sweet Hero, we have news that will assist in your quest."
"This is interesting..." Clare whispered quietly.
"It's all true apparently..." Luke replied in a whisper. The goddesses told the young man of how his quest would not only lead him the freedom of his country but to his first and only love.
"And it is with her love that you will conquer this evil." The young woman playing Farore said. Clare continued to watch the performance. The stage went dark and the young Farore's voice could be heard, "Swift speeds and good luck hero..." When the stage alit once again the young hero awoke and climbed back to his feet. He exited the church and the village, in which the scene ended. Clare took that second to smooth out her skirt. Luke had nodded off on her shoulder as the next scene started. The young hero was walking with purpose towards an intimidating forest when suddenly he was surrounded by six men, all wielding swords.
"If you wish to pass you must best us all in battle." The tallest of the masked swordsmen said. Clare yawned but kept watching. The young hero drew his blade and took a stance eerily similar to Link's.
"Then let's play..." The young hero said as he swung his blade. The mock duels were quick and executed with the same flawlessness that Luke showed when they spared. The leader looked up at the young hero, "What is the name of the warrior that has bested us all?" Clare would have leaned forward if it wasn't for Luke's head on her shoulder. The young man sheathed his sword and as he walked past the felled warriors replied, "Link." And as he disappeared into the forest the stage returned to darkness and the scene ended. Luke woke up, "Anni's on soon..."
"This seems eerily familiar..." Clare muttered trying to remember but failed so she shrugged her shoulders. The young hero wandered the forest before coming upon a gypsy caravan.
"Greetings young man, what brings you?" One of the gypsies asked.
"Only passing through Miss." The hero replied.
"Why not stay with us young man, one of our youngest members means to show the leader how far she's come this night." A plump woman said looking at the hero then at a young woman peeking around the wagon. The ninja leaned forward slightly. The hero nodded and sat down on a log, an illusionary moon shone on the clearing the caravan was camped in. A moment later with a ring of bells a young woman stepped from the shadows to the light. Clare kept watching. The caravan musicians started up a haunting aria and the young woman, who upon closer inspection was revealed to be Anni, fell into the dance with an unearthly grace and not once did she open her eyes. She moved the motions gracefully and fluidly but there was no feeling behind them. The ninja just kept watching, concealing a yawn behind her hand. The bells on everything Anni had on barely made any noise as she moved, "See the difference?" Luke whispered.
"There's no feeling in her dancing..." Clare whispered back, having danced so long can make you critical about other's dancing.
"This is why I wanted you to see her when she was away from the lights of the stage..." Luke whispered. Clare hummed and kept watching. Anni's dance ended with the ribbons of her tambourine wrapped around her arm. She bowed then opened her eyes, and then turned on her heel and disappeared back into the shadows as almost all of the audience erupted in applause. Clare leaned back slightly and gave Anni a light applause. When the noise died down, the young hero spoke to the plump woman, "Who was she?" His eyes fixed on the spot where Anni disappeared.
"Her name is Crystal." The woman replied.
"She's amazing..." The hero said then rose and followed Anni as the stage went dark.
"That she is..."Clare muttered and leaned back again. When the stage relit, the hero was following Anni, "Follow me young hero of lore." She called as she danced in and out of everyone's line of vision, there was feeling behind her movements now.
"Wait!" The hero called after her. When Anni came to a stop, she was standing on the surface of the 'lake'. Clare sat up again and watched.
"Milady, tell me why have you brought me here?" The hero asked from the 'shore.'
"Come to me young hero and I shall tell you." Anni replied offering her hand to the young man. The young hero walked to the middle of the lake and there Anni whispered something in his ear.
"So like myself...the goddesses sent you a message saying you would fall in love under his moon. Who are you really sweet maiden?" The ninja rolled her eyes here, just like any legend expect hers, there was a love scene. With a skip, a jump and a spin, Anni moved to stand dead center on the lake. Then the lights flashed, and slight ripple of magic rolled over the crowd before Anni stood before the entire audience in her sage form. Yards of light blue fabric pooled around her body. In her hands was her staff which had changed since the first time Clare saw it. The ninja shook her head lightly.
"I am the High Sage and the goddesses have blessed me with the powers to assist you." And with Anni's words the scene ended.
"And that's what having kids can do to a sage's outfit..." Clare whispered and shook her head again. Luke looked at her in a 'wait what' kind of way.
"What, you didn't notice the change...Staff is different too..." Clare whispered.
"I've never seen Anni in full sage form..." Luke whispered as the next scene opened to Anni and the young hero standing on the lake. Clare shook her head once more and looked on. It was quiet before the lake exploded and an enormous water guardian appeared.
"Well, well, what do we have here? The young hero and the High Sage...Crystal it has been far too long since I last saw you." The guardian rumbled.
"I'm sorry my friend, but I only now remembered myself." Anni said as she bowed before the guardian, the hero copied her action. The ninja stared at the water guardian.
"Arise young heroes..." The guardian rumbled. "You face many challenges ahead of you and many darkness's...be careful..." Clare took her eyes off the guardian and looked over at Anni.
"We will my friend..." Anni replied as she stood her outfit shifting back to her costume. The guardian nodded and sunk back into the lake. The hero turned to Anni, "Shall we go, my lady fair?" He asked bowing and offering a hand. Anni smiled in a way that only someone who knew her well would know that it was fake before taking the hero's hand and the act ended. Clare leaned back and stretched her arms up before dropping them back into her lap. The lights over the crowd turned back on. Luke stretched and stood.
"An intermission?" Clare asked him.
"Half an hour..." Luke replied, "Care to go for a drink?"
"Sure..." Clare smiled and stood. Luke offered his arm, "Let's go, Link and Anni are going to meet us at that cafe." Clare smiled and looped her arm through his. Luke smiled and led her to the small cafe that sat on the waterside. The ninja smiled and looked around. It was small with seating outside under a ivy covered roof. Anni and Link were already waiting for them, Sophie playing with the bells on her mother's bangles.
"Anni, you danced beautifully." Clare complemented.
"Thank you..." Anni said quietly. Link gestured for the others to sit. Luke being the gentleman he is, pulled Clare' s chair out for her. She smiled at him and thanked him lightly. Anni smiled and took a sip of her tea. Luke sat next to Clare. A waitress came by and asked for their orders. "A glass of red wine please..." Clare asked.
"I'll have the same..." Luke replied and the young lady left after nodding. Link raised an eye brow at the two older couple, "You two drink wine?"
"I don't know about Clare, but I only do during special occasions..." Luke replied. Clare nodded. The young lady came back and placed the two glasses on the table. Clare grabbed hers and took a gentle sip.
"Are you enjoying the show?" Anni asked.
"Yes, It's very interesting." Clare said. Anni smiled, "It only gets better..." Anni muttered then shuddered.
"Really, then I better keep your uncle awake." Clare said and gave Luke a poke.
"What, so I don't like hearing the brat talk like an idiot..." Luke defended and took a sip of his wine.
"Then I'll tell you that's how I used to talk too, while in the Sage's Temple." Clare said. Luke chuckled and took another sip of his wine, "I think this is the last year I'm going to do this..." Anni said quietly. Clare giggled lightly and sipped her wine. Link rubbed Anni`s shoulder, "Just one more act..." He whispered.
"How long is this act?" Clare asked.
"Maybe another four scenes." Anni replied.
"Okay." The ninja said and relaxed slightly. Anni looked at the little girl in her lap, "Last year..."
"So what do we do after the show?" Clare asked sitting up again.
"There's an after party, music, drinking, dancing, you get the point." Link answered.
"Oh, the festivals I used to go to are a bit different." Clare said and took a sip of her wine.
"Oh, really do tell?" Link prodded.
"Okay, let's see, there was a performance, but it was earlier and it was of a different tale. There was drinking but only light stuff. Games and dancing no after party the performance went all day, once the actors were done they had a hour break then went back to restart it." Clare said then took another sip of wine.
"Glad I don't have to do that...the real festival starts the day after tomorrow." Anni said.
"Yeah, one time I got suckered into the show and I was not happy..." Clare said.
"It can be a pain..." Anni muttered finishing her tea. Clare nodded and sipped the rest of her wine. Anni handed Sophie to Link and then waved goodbye before disappearing into the ever shifting crowd.
"Well I guess we should get our seats..." Clare muttered.
"Yep, let's go..." Luke said placing the rupees on the table and standing before offering his hand to Clare. She smiled lightly to him and put her hand in his. Luke gently pulled her from her chair and led her back to their seats. When she sat down Clare looked around, her ear twitching slightly.
"Something up Angel?" Luke asked sitting down next to her.
"My ears were burning and I heard something..." Clare said and let her ear twitch again.
"Like what?" Luke asked quietly.
"I'm not sure...A woman's voice, I think..." She whispered.
"Probably Margret again..." Luke muttered angrily and looped his arm around her.
"Maybe...But I can't be sure, too much other noise." Clare whispered. The lights started to dim and the next scene started. Clare ignored the whispers behind her and looked forward towards the stage. The scene opened with Anni and the young hero walking into a town full of colourful dancers and entertainers. Clare had stopped her ears from twitched and tucked her bangs behind them. A young lady dressed in a very revealing outfit pulled the hero away from Anni and tried to tempt him into forgetting her and giving up his quest. But in the end the hero stood by Anni and they left the village quickly. Clare had to keep herself from snickering since her own temptress personality was fighting the ninja for control. As the next scene opened the stage went dark suddenly around Anni and the young hero. The hero unsheathed his sword and stood in front of Anni.
"Who goes there? What witchery is this?!" The hero growled.
"Even five hundred years ago we sure didn't say witchery..." The ninja muttered silently. Luke chuckled, as the person playing the Akaimara stepped from the shadows, an evil grin plastered on his face.
"Well, well, well...Link and Crystal, I've finally found you. A tricky little pair you are...eluding me this long." The evil shape shifter purred. Clare shuddered remembering her run in with the shape shifter and the licking of her ear.
"What do you want fiend?" The hero hissed.
"Oh nothing much...Just the girl." The Akaimara purred an evil glint in his eyes.
"You can't have her...I won't let you!" The hero said. The Akaimara laughed manically, "Unfortunately young hero...you don't have a choice." And with these words Anni disappeared in a swirl of darkness. The ninja let her ear twitch once before stilling it once more.
"What have you done with her?!" The hero yelled.
"Worry not young hero, I won't kill her until you've come to watch." The evil shadow purred as Anni appeared beside him bound and gagged, a blank look in her eyes.
"Come save her if you can little hero." And with that they both disappeared. The hero dropped to his knees and swore to rescue Anni as the scene ended. Clare leaned back and smoothed out her skirt. The next scene opened with the young hero walking through a forest when suddenly Anni stepped out into the hero's line of vision.
"Crystal!" The hero cried and rushed forward but Anni stepped back.
"Crystal? What's the matter...did he erase me from your memory?" The hero asked a saddened expression on his face. Clare leaned forward slightly. Anni shook her head and beckoned the hero towards her, only to dance back a few feet when she was within arms reach.
"Crystal my love...please let me take you in my arms, let me know that you are no illusion created by my lonely heart..." The hero begged his hand extended towards Anni. The ninja glanced at the real Link then back to the stage. Anni smiled and let the hero take her in his arms.
"Thank the heavens...you are real and in my arms once more." The hero said before pulling Anni into a deep kiss. Clare yet again glanced at Link. Then Anni disappeared and in her place was the young woman from the first scene after the intermission. The hero pulled back and pushed the woman away from him.
"What have you done?!" The young woman smiled impishly and laughed.
"What have I done, what have 'you' done but broken your poor gypsy's heart?" The woman laughed. The ninja shook her head sadly. And then she disappeared much like the Akaimara, the young hero dropped to his knees and slammed his fist into the stage floor, "Crystal, my sweet, my love, I'm so sorry..." The hero sobbed as the stage when dark and the scene ended. Clare's ears twitched then they stilled once more. When the stage relit, the hero stood before the Akaimara and the hollow eyes of Anni.
"Well done young hero...I no longer have reason to kill your little gypsy for she is dying of a broken heart," The shadow sneered running his finger against Anni's cheek, "Look at those empty eyes...are they not the most beautiful thing ever?" A happy glint crossed the demon's eyes. Clare looked at Anni then watched the rest of the scene.
"Give her back!" The hero cried as he crumpled to the ground, "Give me back my sweet angel...for she means the world to me." He pleased.
"Link, my love, you came for me..." Anni said quietly as she climbed to her feet and dashed to him. She was struck in the back and fell to her knees with a gaping wound in her stomach. There was a collective gasp but Clare just kept watching.
"No Crystal!" The hero dashed to her side and gathered her in his arms.
"My love, I am so sorry..." Anni said quietly as she touched the tears streaming down the hero's face.
"No Crystal please...what will I do without you?" The hero pleaded. Clare glanced at Link once again.
"Carry on my love and vanquish the shadow from these lands..." Anni said as her breathing got shallower and her body started to fade.
"No...I can't...you are the only person I could ever love...I love you Crystal...please hold on." The hero sobbed.
"I'm sorry...I love you and I always will." Anni said and disappeared all together. Clare leaned back slightly. It was quiet as the hero rose to his feet and unsheathed his sword before charging at the shadow as the stage when dark. Clare took that second to stretch her legs forward then put them back and smoothed out her skirt once more. The next scene was an all out battle between the hero and the shadow. It went on for ten minutes before the hero disarmed the Akaimara and sunk his blade into the evil's chest. Falling to its knees, the hero yanked the blade out.
"No, it cannot be...how could I have been defeated so easily?" The Akaimara gasped clutching his wound. Clare continued to watch.
"Because you underestimated us..." The hero replied as the Akaimara died. The stage around the hero went dark who stood alone in the middle of the stage, tears streaming down his face. The young women playing the goddesses reappeared from the shadows. Clare leaned forward slightly.
"Oh sweet hero, do not cry." The young woman playing Farore said as she touched the young hero's cheek.
"We have seen how hard you fought...And we have decided..." the young woman playing Nayru said.
"That you deserve a second chance." The Din look alike said and directed everyone's direction to the left of the stage. A light turned on and Anni stood in a loose white dress. Clare smiled lightly and leaned back.
"Crystal..." The hero breathed.
"Hello hero..." Anni said quietly.
"Crystal!" The hero said and took Anni in his arms and the stage went dark, the end of the show. The audience applauded. The entire cast came onto the stage and did their bows and someone handed Sophie to Anni as the rest of the crew gave the young mother an armful of red roses. Clare smiled lightly and stood up to give the performers a standing ovation. The rest of the audience followed suit and the entire cast started smiling before giving one last bow and exiting the stage. Clare smiled and sat back down. They were already taking the stage apart as Anni came down and stood to the side to wait for her family to come find her. Clare stood again and looked over the tops of the crowd trying to look for Anni, "I hate being short." Luke chuckled and took her hand and led her to where Anni and Sophie stood. The ninja followed, letting her ear twitch, this time the female voice was talking to a male one.
"What did you hear Angel?" Luke asked as they came to stand next to Anni and the others.
"Either I'm being paranoid or someone's planning a plot against me..." She whispered so only Luke would hear her. Luke pulled her tight against his chest and ran his fingers through her hair as he scanned the crowd.
"Don't worry about it Luke, it's just my over active imagination." Clare said smiling softly. Luke rumbled angrily as he locked eyes with someone across the crowd. The ninja looked around then let her ear twitch before shrugging. Within ten minutes the stage was down and the musicians were already in full swing.
"Let's go dance." Clare said and pulled Luke towards the dancers. Luke smiled at her energy and let himself be pulled. Once they were deep within the dancers, she turned and smiled at him. Luke smiled and with a proper bow, offered his hand to her. Clare smiled again and gave him a proper curtsy then put her hand in his. Luke pulled her forward and led her through a waltz. She followed with perfect timing. Out of the corner of his eyes Luke could see Anni and Link going through the steps but adding their own flare to it. Clare spotted them and gave a light smile and a shake of her head. The song ended and a tango picked up. Clare glanced at Luke and gave him a smirk. Luke smirked as well and pulled her close. She looped one arm around his neck carefully and smiled lightly. As they moved through the steps they didn't notice everyone had stopped to watch. Luke picked her up and let her hang off his neck as he took a step forward, she had one arm around his neck for support while her other hand went behind her head. As Luke pulled her into a kiss the crowd erupted into applause. Clare blushed but kissed him back. Anni and Link had taken a seat for this dance and as a very eerie and haunting waltz started Link led his wife back onto the dance floor. Clare grabbed Luke's hand and pulled him off the dance floor, "Let them have their dance..." She whispered. Luke smiled and took them to a vacant table.
"Do you want something to drink?" Clare asked as they sat down.
"No, I'm good..." Luke replied and pulled her into his lap.
"Alright then..." She said and leaned against him. Luke smiled and kissed her jaw. Clare returned the smile and turned then kissed his cheek.
"Hey you two, mind watching the little one for a bit?" Tetra asked.
"Alright, hand her over..." Clare said holding her arms out. Tetra handed a now sleeping Sophie to Clare and then was dragged away to the dance floor. The ninja smiled and held the infant close. Luke rested his chin on his fiancée's shoulder and watched Sophie sleep in her arms.
"Luke can you hold her for a minute...I'm thirsty." Clare asked.
"Sure thing Angel..." Luke replied and released her waist.
"Thanks..." Clare said while standing. She put Sophie in his arms then kissed his cheek before weaving her way to the bar. Luke leaned back on his chair and cuddled his niece against his chest. Clare had a glass of wine and was making her way back to Luke when a man stepped in front of her. He was taller and wider than Gonzo and very dark.
"Um, excuse me please?" Clare said and tried to step around the man but he stepped back in front of her.
"I'm sorry ma'am but I can't let you pass." The large man rumbled.
"Then I'll have to get around you now won't I..." Clare said and tried again. The man stepped in front of her again but not before she saw Margret moving towards Luke.
"Sir, I'd rather not hurt you but if you don't move I might have to take drastic measures..." Clare growled. The man growled and made a good impression of a gorilla. Clare huffed and disappeared into the crowd, muttering "Sometimes it's good to be short..." Back with Luke, Margret sat down in what had been Clare's seat. Luke looked over and automatically held Sophie tighter, "What do you want?" Luke growled quietly so as not to wake Sophie.
"You..." The woman said while crossing her legs attempting to look appeasing.
"I've already told you Margret, I'm taken." Luke stated flatly and adjusted his hold on Sophie.
"I don't care...I want you." She said and leaned forward pushing her breasts up.
"Well I don't want you..." Luke said rolling his eyes and running his fingers through Sophie's hair. Clare finally managed to get around the big man and she still had her wine. She smoothed out her skirt again and put her bangs behind her ears once more as she made her way over to Luke. He was doing everything in his power to ignore the whore hanging off his shoulder.
"Excuse me, but I do believe that's my fiancé you're annoying, much appreciated if you left him be." Clare said as she came to stand in front of them.
"Oh the little whore's back...too bad." Margret sighed and stood up. Luke made a 'clock her' motion. Clare smiled lightly and put the wine glass on the table. She then grabbed the woman's arm and dragged her into the darkness then came back a big grin on her face. Luke shifted Sophie to one arm and patted his lap. The ninja walked over and sat in his lap gently.
"Feeling better?" Luke asked as he handed her her wine glass.
"Much." Clare smiled and sipped her wine.
"Will she be coming back?" Luke asked with a shudder.
"Not unless she wants more than a broken nose..." The ninja said and rubbed her knuckles lightly. Luke took her hand with his free hand and kissed her knuckles. Clare smiled lightly and nuzzled the top of his head. Luke smiled and rested his head on her shoulder after settling Sophie in Clare's lap. She smiled and held the child close to her. Sophie automatically curled into Clare's stomach.
"Is it just me or is this one long song..." Clare muttered as she glanced up and watched Anni and Link dance.
"It's going to end now..." As Luke said these words the waltz came to a close. Clare shook her head good naturally and shifted on Luke's lap slightly. Anni came over with her head on Link's shoulder and his arm around her waist. The older woman smiled lightly and nodded to them. Anni smiled and sat on Luke's opposite side, "Okay, I'll take her."
"Here you go." Clare whispered and handed the infant to her mother. Anni slipped Sophie out of Clare's hands and into her own as she leaned against Link. Clare smiled lightly and leaned back against Luke.
"Shall we all head home?" Anni asked hiding her yawn behind her hand.
"Let's..." Clare said after her own yawn. Luke smiled and cradled Clare against his chest as he stood up. She smiled and yawned again, hiding it. Both men ended up carrying the women home while the girl's fought off sleep. Clare had her eyes at half mast and was trying to make herself as uncomfortable as possible but was failing horrible with her face close to Luke, who smelt of ocean waves, putting her to sleep faster. Link opened the door to the Inn and held it open for Luke and Clare, who headed straight up stairs. By the time Luke got to the top step, Clare was asleep. Luke set her on the bed and gently tapped her cheek, "Wake up Angel."
"Ugh...hmm, what?" Clare muttered opening her eyes.
"I don't think you want to sleep in your dress..." Luke said quietly.
"Oh...right..." She yawned and disappeared into the bathroom quickly. Luke smiled and stripped out of his outfit and pulled on his night pants before opening the window and staring up at the twin full moons. The ninja came out in her wind pyjamas and was already walking towards the bed again. Luke smiled and pulled the window shut and followed her. Clare crawled into bed and pulled the blankets up over her head. Luke slipped in next to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. She turned her head and looked at him over her shoulder before smiling softly and putting her head back on the pillow. Luke smiled and pulled her back against his chest before settling in for the night. Clare yawned lightly again before falling asleep.
"Sweet dreams Angel..." Luke whispered before joining her.