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Wolf Link

Wolf Kagome

Walking into the bar, they saw Rusl talking to Telma. The group in the back turned when they saw the door open.

"Hello Rusl, hello Telma."

Telma looked at how pale Kagome was.

"What's wrong honey?"

"Giant spider."

"Oh, I'm sure it wasn't that big."

"I think it would have been too big to fit in the bar."

Telma's eyes widened before sitting Kagome down and getting her something to drink.

Rusl turned to Link.

"So? Did you find the power of the ancient civilization? If you discover anything, could you be sure to also tell Shad? He has been researching the Oocca, who are said to be the ancestors of the Hylians. As we speak, he is in Kakariko Village investigating these sky beings. Perhaps you should go see him? He is an avid scholar, so I am sure his knowledge could be helpful."

"We actually came here looking for him. Just as well he's at Kakariko; I've meaning to check up on the kids."

Telma once more made her presence known.

"Well, when you get there, make Kagome lay down a bit before anymore adventuring. Poor thing still seems a little shaken."

Link gave a sad smile.

"If I had known that thing was there, I would have left her behind."

Rusl and Telma nodded their heads in understanding.

Saying their goodbyes, the two left to a secluded place and had Midna take them to Kakariko. Meeting up with kids, they learned the Shad was in Renado's basement. Taking Kagome to their borrowed house, Link sat with her until she fell asleep before setting off to talk to Shad.

"Oh my... Color me surprised... If it isn't Link! What a coincidence, meeting you in a place like this. How very odd... Say, old boy, do you remember what I told you before about the legend of the sky beings known as the Oocca? Yes, well, there's something about it that's been bothering me, so I came here to snoop about... To think that you would appear here with such perfect timing! You really are a rather extraordinary fellow, aren't you? I've found it at long last... Observe this statue! It's the same as the one in the manuscripts my dear father left me. There are many similar statues around Hyrule, but this one seems to be different. Here, look at the belly... There's something written there, you see? This, too, was in my father's notes... It is called Sky Writing, I believe. 'Awaken us with the word that breaks the seal.'... Yes, indeed, that is what it says. Wait a moment... Isn't that Ilia a friend of yours? It's simply tragic how she lost her memory. And that rod of the heavens she mentioned... I'm sure it has something to do with the word that breaks the seal. Hmm... Isn't there any way to restore her memory? I'm certain it would help us figure this all out... Statues, the word that breaks the seal, and the rod of the heavens... It just gets odder and odder... Now Ilia's memory is the last clue we have to solving this strange puzzle about the heavens... Link, what shall we do?"

Link let out a breath of air.

"If Ilia's memory is the key to this, then we need to find some way to recover it."

"Yes. I'll stay here and try to figure out more."

"Alright."

Returning to Renado's living room, Link saw Gor Goron and Darbus.

Renado look their way when he heard the door open.

"Ah! I have been waiting for you. Fortune has smiled upon us! If things go well, we should be able to help Ilia recover her memory! Do you know Telma's friend, Shad? Well, it seems he is researching the heavens, and he has come here to see the statue in the basement of the sanctuary. And, as I have learned, when Ilia was saved, she overheard someone talking about the rod of the heavens, or something like that... The Goron elder believes that to help her regain her lost memories, we must piece together the fragments of her past... Which means... If we work our way backwards from the very place where she lost her memory, we may find something that will restore it. Now we must retrace Ilia's path... I am certain it was Telma who cared for her before she arrived in this village, was it not? It would be best to speak with her first. Please take this to Telma! It shames me to say it, but to be honest, I cannot abide Telma's company... We have a fighting chance, Link! Shad is still down there in the basement, investigating that statue. Now get going! You must deliver my letter to Telma immediately! I just cannot do it myself... The race to recover Ilia's memory is on, Link!"

After assuring Renado that he would move quickly, he made his way to check on Kagome. Entering the house, he saw that she had just finished getting dressed and was in the process of putting her choker back on. Hearing the sound of footsteps, she looked up and saw him.

"You're looking better," he said as he walked over and helped her.

She smiled.

"That nap helped. So did you learn anything?"

Link spent the next few minutes relaying what all has happened since they arrived. Kagome's eyes were wide as he finished.

"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Going just outside the village, they quickly called Midna to take them to Telma. Running into town, they dodged and called out apologies as they weaved through the crowds. Bursting into the bar, they startled Telma. Without wasting time, they give her the letter.

"Oooh! Well, if it isn't from Renado the shaman! All this writing, and he doesn't even bother to mention a thing about little ol' me? Honey, that is what I call RUDE! Well, there's no accounting for the foolishness of a man. And at least I understand Ilia's situation now. Of course I can lend a hand for that adorable little girl! Hmmm, what else do I know... The first one to bring Ilia to this shop was that doctor... Maybe he knows something, but he's a crusty old bat, that's for sure... Ah... I've got it! Honey, you go ahead and take this to him. This magic little paper will get that codger talking! It sure would be nice if she started remembering things soon, eh, Link? Don't you worry, honey! That girl's memory will come back! But don't just wait around for things to happen, you hear me? You make sure you take care of what needs doing, OK?"

Kagome turns innocent eyes to Telma.

"You want us to bully the good doctor?"

With an eyebrow raised in amusement, Telma nodded. Kagome's grin turned feral, which made Link nervous. Taking the paper from Telma and grabbing Link, she made her way to the door.

"Let's go Link, time to have some fun!"

Walking along the back alleys, they soon made it to the doctor's residence. Hearing the door open, the doctor looked over to see who entered.

"Eh? What's that? Just as I wondered who it might be, I see it's the admirable young lad and miss who were willing to help the Zora boy for nary a single Rupee... Just what is it you want? A physical? You've some money, don't you? By the way, that girl Ilia didn't mention anything about me, did she? I'll be honest, it'll cost you a fair bit for an examination. It's not that I'm having trouble making money... Not at all! Why, I'm so skilled, they call my hands 'The Golden Mitts'! If you don't have any errand here, then begone, you scoundrel! ...Did she really not say anything at all about me? If you don't have any money, then you're just a bother! A bother! And I'm too busy for bothers!"

Kagome gave a dark smile as she showed the doctor the slip of paper she held.

"AIIIGH! L-Look! I can't pay this off right now! I can see Telma's hired you as some sort of heavy to strong-arm me, but she'll have to wait! Look, lad, if I'd been able to sell the wooden statue that young lady had, I would've been able to get the money... But see, I accidentally spilled medicine all over that little carving, which made it stink awfully. I put it outside to dry...but then... Well, it was stolen. Who goes around stealing people's stuff like that? What a world! You always have to be on guard, eh?...Uh, look, Mr. Heavy, at any rate, neither the money nor the carving is here, so I can't repay you. Now, to work, to work... You're a persistent little bug, eh?! I said I have neither the money nor the wooden statue, you great lout! I can't return what I don't have! Ugh! I can't get rid of that medicine stench, I don't have any money... When it rains misfortune, it pours! Remember that, lad!"

They walked out in foul moods.

"He was going to sell it?!"

"Now Kagome…"

"Don't you 'now Kagome' me! He's a crook!"

"And while I agree, I think you're missing something."

"And just what would that be?"

"He couldn't sell it because it smelled."

A look of understanding crossed over her face.

"And if we get the scent, we could find it!"

Link nodded with a smile.

"I'll sneak in and get the scent, you stay here and wait."

"Alright."

In next to no time, Link came back out, sniffing the ground.

Kagome followed closely behind as he tracked the statue. The scent led them back to Telma's bar where they met up with Louise. Since Kagome was still human, she missed the conversation, but was ready to go when Link set off again. Following Link out the south gate, they found themselves in a small field. Leading Kagome to an out of the way corner, he lied down. Seeing as he wasn't turning human anytime soon, she asked Midna to change her. Once more a wolf, she curled up beside Link.

What did Louise say?

She had taken it, and then this pack of demon dogs stole it from her. She said they only show up here at night.

So we're playing the waiting game?

Yep.

She looked up at the sky.

We still have a while before nightfall; it's your turn for a nap.

Link shook his head.

I'll sleep when we get back to Kakariko; I'm too anxious right now.

The two just waited in a comfortable silence until the moon took charge of the sky. Seeing some of the ground move, they stood and waited for the pack to show. They didn't have to wait long.

I'll take one half and you take the other.

Fine by me.

Together, the two tore through the pack until they were all gone. Picking up the statue, they went back to Kakariko. Walking through the village, they saw no lights. Kagome took Link's hand and began leading him to their house.

"It's too late to do anything now; when we wake up we can give it to Ilia."

"That's probably best."

~* Time Skip *~

As the sun slowly rose through the sky, so did the villagers rise from their beds. Dressing quickly, they made their way over to Renado's. Giving the statue to Ilia, they all watched as her eye took on a faraway look.

"What...is this?! I... I remember something... I was confined somewhere... Yes, and I was saved by whoever was confined with me... And when that person set me free, they gave me this statue... Yes, yes, I remember that much! But that means...that person is still in trouble! Oh, what is WRONG with me?! I can't remember where that place was!"

Gor Goron was studying the figure in her hands closely.

"I REMEMBER!"

Everyone jumped at the sudden noise.

"I thought I had seen that before somewhere... That belonged to the tribe that protected the Hylian royal family long ago. They worked in secret, so they lived in a lonely, forgotten place. But I heard that tribe dwindled in the prolonged wars... If you want to find that hidden village, look for a path leading to the Lanayru province on the far side of the Bridge of Eldin. But...a rockslide blocked the way to the village long ago, so you can't get there anymore. What? Oh, I do not mean to worry you, little human. Problems like these are not problems to Gorons. Our patriarch, Darbus, will be waiting for you up ahead. Look at your map to see where. I would try to find the path beyond the Bridge of Eldin that leads to Lanayru Province. I have marked your map. You must go to the path beyond the long stone bridge that leads to Lanayru Province. Find the hidden village! You cannot forget that even now, some innocent is confined there!"

The two quickly set off at once. It was only a short distance passed the Eldin Bridge where they met with Darbus.

"There is a hidden village up ahead, little humans. The elders call it a forgotten place. This scent that has been burning in my nostrils...it is the scent of evil. There is one powerful creature I have seen about...but under that beast are many minions who attack and plunder like a pack of hyenas. There are 30... No... At most, 20 of them ahead... They are probably just a small band of survivors... Ragged remnants who have settled, leaderless, into this village. If that is all there are, little humans, then you alone are more than enough for them. But you will have to defeat them ALL to save that girl's benefactor. Before you go, I will tell you the secret to besting them: destroy them all before they spot you! Got it, little humans?"

Thanking him for his advice, they set off to help whoever was left in the village.

"This sounds like a job for me!"

"Oh?"

"'Destroy them all before they spot you', that's what he said. With my bow, it should be fairly simple to do just that."

"Then by all means, fire away."

Just like Kagome thought, it was fairly simple to take them all out before they could fight back. As the last one fell to her bow, a door creaked open at the house at the end of the village. Walking to the house, they are greeted by a small woman.

"The howls of the beasts... They've faded into silence...Wait, are you... The savior! It's you, the savior! Please, please forgive me...for not opening up the door. My name is Impaz. I'm the last resident of this poor village. My name comes from the great one who built this village so long ago... This village was once the secret home of a proud tribe who served the royal family... But it fell into decline, and became infested with dangerous beasts. It's become an awful place... Excuse me for asking, but is your name...Link? Ah! I knew it... So then, you saved that nice girl? ...How lovely. When she was here, she would often cheer me up by saying that you would come to help. That sweet girl... She worried about this old woman even as I helped her to escape from here... By royal order, I can't leave this place until a certain person arrives… No matter what terrible fate is visited upon it... Oh, but listen to me blather on! I have a favor to ask: would you help me return this to her? I think she always kept it close to her heart, but even so, she didn't hesitate to part with it in order to protect me... I believe in my heart that it's kept me safe all this time... So please... I ask that you return it to that girl. That dear girl deserves her charm back... And tell her that this old biddy was very grateful. Hey! That rod... Is that the Dominion Rod? Ahh... Could it really be? Are you the messenger to the heavens?! Among the legends of my clan, there is a story from the time when the Oocca still maintained contact with the royal family. Yes, it said that a mysterious rod was handed down from the people of the sky, and it was called the Dominion Rod... The rod was only to be carried by the messenger to the heavens when the royal family needed to communicate with the Oocca. From generation to generation, my ancestors have guarded the book that, by royal decree, was to be given to the messenger to the heavens. This is that book. Please, take it. This book is written in the ancient language of Sky Writing. I am so glad I stayed in this village... If I had not met that young girl, what would have become of me? Meeting that girl must have been ordained by the gods, so that I could be here today to pass on this knowledge... Yes, I was meant to pass on that ancient book from the heavens to you...Please, take care of yourself."

Thanking the old woman, they made their way back to Kakariko Village. Once they returned, they went straight to Renado's house. Kagome stood back against the wall as Link gave Ilia back her charm.

"I... I knew you once...Yes... This feels so familiar... The scent of hay... Long ago... When we were young, you and I... You were always there... You were always beside me...Link. This gift was meant for you. It was something I wanted to give you before you left on your journey. Please, Link, take it. You don't need to worry about me any longer. Whenever you return... I'll be waiting for you. Link... Do you remember what I was saying about the rod of the heavens? Well, actually... It was about the messenger to the heavens who held the rod... The nice woman who saved me told me about it... Apparently, in this woman's village, they've guarded something for the heavenly messenger for generations, so they await him. But they can't give this item away until the messenger arrives with the rod... That's why the lady couldn't leave her village, you see... Say, Link... Do you have any idea who this messenger to the heavens might be? Or even what the rod is? Is that Shad fellow down there a friend of yours, Link? I need to give him my thanks!"

Link smiled and held her tightly, glad to have his friend back. Still smiling, he looked down at Ilia.

"I want you to meet someone; she's been helping me since you guys were taken."

He lifted his head and saw who he was looking for.

"Kagome, come here and meet Ilia!"

Kagome walked over with a smile on her face. As she reached the two Ordonians, she held out her hand to Ilia.

"It's nice to meet you; Link has been very worried about you since I met him."

Ilia returned the smile and shook Kagome's hand.

"It's nice to meet you as my normal self."

Kagome let out a little laugh. Link interrupted their meeting.

"Hey Ilia, why don't you tell the kids you're back."

"Will you come with?"

Link shook his head.

"We need to get this to Shad and try to figure out what our next move will be."

Ilia gave him a small smile.

"Alright, we'll talk later then?"

"Of course!"

"Ok, bye Kagome."

"Bye, Ilia!"

The three separated, one to the door and the others to the basement. As the two warriors made their way down, neither noticed a set of green eyes narrow in suspicion and jealousy.

Finally reaching Shad, they showed him the book they were given.

"What's this? Ah! It's Sky Writing! Where in blazes did you get this? You don't suppose this could be the word that breaks the seal... R-Right! Let's try it out!"

[He repeats the ancient incantation]

"...No reaction. So it is not this statue... Urgh... Link, thanks ever so. You have brought me one step closer to solving this puzzle. I shall give the book back to you. Now! I shall try out this word on other statues! I have made the rounds of these statues so many times that I have memorized their locations. I will place marks on your map so you can find them, in case you wish to track them down. Remember, every one of those marks is near an owl statue! Now, if you'll excuse me!"

As soon as Shad left, they noticed a glow coming from Link's pack. Reaching in, he pulls out the reawakened Dominion rod.

Midna made an appearance.

"The writing in the book was a spell that imbued the staff with magic! Now you can do to the other statues what you did before... So... He did say he would mark your map wherever there was a statue, didn't he? Then we should go check out those spots, right, Link?"

Kagome looked at the Rod, then back at Link.

"Something tells me that we'll have better luck than Shad."

"Does this count as cheating?"

She raised an eyebrow at him.

"The Goddesses left this stuff for you, are you accusing them of cheating?"

Link snorted.

"Of course not, but you did accuse me of cheating when we got into the Fire Temple."

"You got those boots from a man who really wanted to win at wrestling," she countered.

"Let's just agree to disagree," Link suggests.

"That would be in your best interest."

Together they looked at the map.

"That one looks pretty close."

Kagome was pointing to a spot just outside of Kakariko village.

"We can take Epona to this one, and then Midna can take us to the others. It will save a lot of time that way."

Link studied the map, thinking over what Kagome said.

"That's actually a good idea."

"Of course it is; it was my idea!"

My, aren't we the humble one?"

She ignores him.

Following the plan, the two went all around Hyrule collecting characters, with a hiccup or two along the way.

~* Eldin Bridge *~

After Link moves the statues, Kagome would hop up and find the book character. This was the plan they used to help the search go faster. As one may guess, this got kind of boring after a while. While moving the statue at Eldin Bridge, a slow grin spread across Link's face. Once Kagome was on the statue, Link activated it and moved it just enough to shake Kagome. The small scream from Kagome made the smile on Links face get bigger.

We won't get into details, but let's just say that Link wasn't smiling when Kagome finally got a hold of him.

~* At a Random Location *~

"Hey, Link?

"Yes?"

"Something just occurred to me."

"What's that?"

"Well, that funny looking bird we keep running into is trying to get home to the sky, right?"

"Yes."

"And according to Shad, whoever lives up in the sky is who you're descended from, right?"

"What are you getting at?"

"If that bird is one of the sky people Shad keeps talking about, we might have been talking to one of your relatives this whole time!"

"…Please don't say that."

~* Time Skip *~

After finding the last character, they made their way back to Renado's basement to speak with Shad. When they found him, they handed him the book.

"Is that the book from last time? ...Hm? Are there more letters in the word than the last time I looked at this? How did you investigate the... Link, this is amazing! Amazing! Now THIS must be the word we need! Let's try it immediately! Ah! It has taken on the same shape as the other statues...What can this mean? And I thought we had solved the last of the riddles... Blast! How confounding!...I must apologize, Link. I need to cool off a tad before I mull the problem further... Blast it! This thing has confounded me thoroughly..."

While Shad's back was turned, Link quickly moved the statue using the Dominion rod.

"Link?! How in blazes did you move that statue?! And...what's this… Amazing! Spectacular! This must be the Sky Cannon I read about in my father's notes! I knew that my intuition was onto something when it led me here! ...But how can one use this to get to the City in the Sky? Stunning... I feel almost...nervous! Just think, if we could get this to work, we could actually reach the City in the Sky..."

Behind the statue, a room had been hidden. Within the room, rested a large broken cannon. Midna appears before them, careful to stay out of Shad's sight.

"You might figure something out if you try to move it... Oh, what to do, what to do? I'll carry it for you. I don't mind. Why don't we show it to someone who might know something about it?"

Link turns back to Shad.

"Hey Shad?"

"...Ahh! Perhaps... I am in your way? Well, forgive me for not realizing! I should just disappear at times like this, really. So... Let me know the results another time, Link. ...Ah yes! Let me give you one last piece of advice... That seems to be broken, so you'd do well to show it to a cannon expert first, I should say! Farewell!"

A dejected Shad leaves the room. Kagome looks at him sadly.

"Poor Shad."

Midna looks at them both.

"...I wonder if I put him off."

Both Hylians give her a dry look. Kagome looks at Link.

"Our best bet would be to take it to Fyer."

"That's what I was thinking."

And off they went.