Chapter 21

Shadow

Shadow stopped his running, and looked around. This area was Mobius, it seemed. He recognised the city where he and Sonic lived. But, it was very dark and depressing. People miserably shuffled back and forth, grumbling. They were all walking in and out of some form of factories. Shadow wondered how this future could have happened. Everything that everyone was fighting for, back in his time. Was it all for nothing? Would they all fail? Shadow refused to believe that. This was some form of trick, he told himself.

"There he is!" A voice yelled. Shadow looked around.

"Alone? Out of his fortress?" Another voice asked. "Something's up."

"Well, I'm taking this chance." Shadow finally saw the owner of the voice. Sonic. "Shadow, I'm taking you down!" He roared, rushing at him. Shadow gasped, then quickly dodged to one side. Sonic skidded to a halt half a moment later, and dashed back at him. Behind Shadow, Knuckles was running at him, as well.

"You're finished, traitor!" He howled. Shadow neatly dodged the attacks from both assailants.

"What's going on here?" He asked, confused.

"Like you don't know." Knuckles growled. "You sold us out, you betrayed us!"

"I did?" Shadow didn't like the sound of this.

"Playing dumb, are you?" Knuckles clenched his fists tighter. "You even tricked me into helping you. We will destroy you, Shadow. And reclaim Mobius."

"But I didn't-"

"SHUT UP!" Knuckles threw a punch at him. It landed squarely on Shadow's temple, rocketing him to the side. Shadow landed in a crumpled heap, and achingly propped himself up on his elbows. Knuckles and Sonic charge again, ready to finish him off.

"Stop! Stop stop stop!" A female voice cried. Someone's arms wrapped around Shadow's head. Looking up, Shadow recognised Amy. "Don't do it!" She said tearfully. "Don't hurt him!"

"Amy, move." Sonic growled. "He's a traitor. You know that."

"There must be a reason." Amy protested. "Why else would he come here, unguarded, alone? He wants to talk with us!"

"The time for talk is over! Get out of the way!"

"NO! I won't let you hurt my Shadow!" Her Shadow? This was getting strange. Since when were Shadow and Amy...? "Please, Sonic. Give him a chance."

"Amy..." Sonic stared at her helplessly. "Fine. But, the moment he tries anything, he's dead."

"Thank you, Sonic." Amy released Shadow, and offered him a hand. Shadow took it warily, and got to his feet. "Are you alright, my love?" She asked tenderly, gently stroking his bruised temple.

"I'm... fine." Shadow told her, brushing her hand away. "What... is going on here?"

"Knuckles, you hit him too hard!" Amy said harshly. "Now he can't remember anything!"

"Feh." Knuckles spat. "He deserves it."

"Deserves what?" Shadow asked. "What did I do?"

"You joined Eo, sweetie." Amy told him. "I know there's a reason, though. Will you tell me why?"

"I joined... no, I'd never." Shadow shook his head. "I refuse to believe that I'd do such a thing. I thought we were all trying to stop him?"

"That's old news, Shadow." Sonic cut in. "You betrayed us. Three years ago yesterday."

"Not... possible."

"Very possible." A familiar voice sounded. The four looked and saw a very familiar face. A very familiar hedgehog.

"Shadow?!" Amy gasped. "But then, who..." She looked at the Shadow next to her, and the Shadow behind Sonic and Knuckles. "How is this possible?" Future-Shadow sneered.

"Amy. As beautiful as ever, I see. Ah, and the old me." He chuckled. "Mitrea told me about you. You came from the past, I believe. So, are you from the time where Amy and I are becoming a couple?"

"What are you talking about?" Shadow asked, confused. "Who are you?" Future-Shadow chuckled again.

"I know I'm not stupid."

"Fine. You're the future me. But, why did you join Eo? Right now, in my time, we're all fighting against him. What makes me change my mind?"

"Why, this. Right now." Future Shadow said, spreading his arms to indicate everything around him. "I came here once, just like you. I was in your exact position. I saw that Eo was bound to take over. There was no stopping him. There still isn't."

"But... I'd never give up hope. I'd never just roll over like a dog."

"Oh, so you're not there yet? No, no, of course you're not." Future-Shadow said with a sigh. "Amy, my dear, come over here."

"No way!" Sonic stood in between him and Amy, blocking his view of her. "I'm not trusting her to you."

"You have my promise not to harm her. If she doesn't come over here, then you'll never learn my reasons."

"I'll do it, Sonic. It's okay." Amy said, stepping forward. Shadow reached a hand to stop her, then withdrew it. For some reason, he didn't want to see Amy walking away from him.

"And there it is started." Future-Shadow said, almost happily. Amy stood next to him, a meek expression on her face. Future-Shadow put an arm around her shoulders. "This divine girl right here is my reason." He said loudly. "I offered to join Eo under the promise that he wouldn't hurt her. Three years on, he has been true to his word. I'm not about to betray him when my beloved's safety is at risk." He sighed. "If we had carried on fighting Eo, then Amy would have been seriously hurt, or worse. I couldn't bear to face that. I wouldn't face that. So I swore myself to Eo, in exchange for her safety."

"So that's why nothing ever attacks her." Sonic mumbled. "I thought that was strange."

"Yeah." Knuckles agreed. "But, what's stranger is that Eo kept his promise."

"I'm a valuable servant to Eo." Future-Shadow said, almost proudly. "He won't do anything that'll jeapordise my servitude to him."

"It all makes sense." Amy whispered, staring at Future-Shadow. "You did it to protect me..." She cupped his face in her hands. "Oh, my love... thank you." She kissed him soundly on the lips. Sonic and Knuckles turned their heads away.

"What did you mean," Shadow spoke up, "When you said 'here it is started'?"

"You didn't want Amy to come over here, did you?" Future-Shadow asked. Shadow shook his head. "I didn't want that either, when I was in your shoes. That's how my relationship with her started." He smiled, then looked at Amy. "Amy, dear, will you come with me to my fortress? Or do you want to stay with the others?"

"Um... I don't know." Amy muttered.

"The choice is yours to make. You'll be safe either way. As long as you're safe, I'm happy."

"I'll.. stay with them a while longer." Amy said with finality, though her voice quivered. "I want to overthrow Eo, so you don't have to be his servant any more. Then we can be happy again."

"Alright, then." Future-Shadow hugged her, then gently pushed her over to Sonic. "I'll see you all later." He dashed away.

"Wait!" Sonic snapped, but he was already gone. "Dammit. Well, at least we've made some sense of this." He turned to Shadow. "So, how did you get here?"

"I think a Chaos Emerald sent me here." Shadow replied.

"Ah, yeah. That red one, in the desert. I remember that. You came back a little later, but you were different. Now I know why."

"Sorry I hit you, Shadow." Knuckles apologised. "But how was I supposed to know that you were from the past?"

"You weren't." Shadow said. "It's alright, Knuckles."

"Shadow, let's go to the house." Amy said, holding his hand. "Let's work out a way to get you back where you belong." The pair were about to turn and start walking, when a short, pale girl appeared. "Adia!" Amy hissed. "Get out of here, you traitorous witch!"

"Adia betrayed us, too?!" Shadow gasped. Adia smiled happily at them, swaying side to side as always. "What do you want here?" Shadow asked.

"Greetings from a different time!" Adia cried, like an over-excited child. "I got just one thing to say to you all!" She punched the air.

"And what might that be?" Amy asked, frowning.

"Spirit Mage!" Then she waved and disappeared.

"Spirit... what was that about?" Amy pondered. "Oh, whatever. She's weird. Never makes sense. C'mon, Shadow, let's go home. Oh, and when you get back to your own time, don't betray us. I want us to be happy together. Don't worry about me. If I die fighting Eo, then so be it. I'm happy to die for a chance at freedom."

"But... Amy..." Shadow began. He didn't want her to die at all.

"No buts, Shadow." Amy said sharply. "We're all in this together. We all knew, and still know, the risks. I don't expect special treatment."

"If... you say so, Amy. I'll see what I can do."

"No!" Amy snapped, yanking Shadow's arm. Shadow stumbled backwards, and almost fell over. "You didn't listen! You will NOT betray us! Understand?"

"P-perfectly."

Future Link

"I'm off, Malon." Link called into the house, tightening his boot straps. "Fionie, take care of your Mother while I'm gone." He scratched large scar on the left side of his face.

"Yeah, Dad." A voice replied.

"Hey, don't I at least get a hug?" Link asked. There was a scuffing of chair legs, a pattering of bare feet on wood, and a little girl appeared next to Link. She had long blonde hair, petite features, deep purple eyes, wore a loose green gown, and had a surprisingly muscular build, considering she was only two and a half years old. Technically. Due to a side-effect of Malon teleporting to Mobius three years ago, while still pregnant, Fionie was growing quicker than she should. She retained the body of her technical age, but had the mind and strength of someone more than twice that. "Fionie, couldn't you at least get dressed properly?" Link sighed, exasperated.

"Why? It's not like I'm going anywhere." The tiny girl said, almost defiantly. "Not while you're out fighting bad guys, anyway. I gotta take care of Mum, so what's the point in dressing nicely?"

"Fine, fine. But, what if someone comes round? What will people think of me if I can't even clothe my own daughter properly?"

"Okay..." Fionie sighed, brushing a lock of her blonde hair aside. "I'll go change."

"Atta girl. C'mon, give me a kiss and a hug." He said, falling to one knee. Fionie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

"Take care, Daddy. Come back alive." She whispered. She gave her Father her tiny smile, the only kind of smile she could manage.

"You take care, too." A bell rang from upstairs, making Link and Fionie look at the ceiling. "Oop, better see to your mother. I'll back in a few hours." With that, he walked out of the door, and into the small part of Hyrule that remained after Eo's takeover. A few steps out of his front door, a red-headed girl appeared in front of him with a dark flash.

"Ready to go, Link?" She asked.

"So, who's stirring trouble this time?"

"That blasted Ganondorf and his people again."

"We've always been on opposite sides." Link said with a sigh. "But, I never thought it'd be him fighting the good fight."

"Hey, c'mon." The girl moaned. "We don't have a choice here. Eo has Luigi and Malon's lives in his hand. We can't disobey."

"I know, Mitrea. I'm sorry. Let's go and stop them, then." The two walked toward Ganondorf's hideout.

"How's, uh... Fionie?" Mitrea asked as they walked.

"She's fine. Behaving like a normal six-year old girl. Except she's two and a half. And, thanks to Eo stealing her before she was born, is convinced that we're the good guys, fighting villains."

"Nothing's perfect, Link." Mitrea said supportively. "At least you've got her at all, eh?"

"Yeah. I'm grateful for that. I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world."

"Is Malon getting any better?"

"No, I'm afraid not. She still can't move her legs, or her right arm."

"Fionie knows it's her fault, doesn't she?"

"NO!" Link exploded, making Mitrea wince. The two stopped walking. "It's not her fault. She didn't do it on purpose. Don't you dare blame her."

"I... I didn't mean it like... I-I'm sorry, Link..." Mitrea whimpered. Link glared at her, then sighed.

"I know, I know. Sorry, Mitrea. Yes, Fionie knows she's responsible. She hates herself for it. That's why she looks after Malon, whether I ask or not. She's trying to make up for it."

"She never will, though."

"What?" Link asked, his voice hardening.

"I mean... as far Fionie's concerned, she'll never make up for it. She won't be able to forgive herself."

"Yeah, I know that." He started walking again. "How many people has Ganondorf got with him this time?"

"A small rabble of angry villagers. In his position, you take what you get, I suppose. Lucky Nerra's not with him."

"Oh, please don't remind me of her." Link groaned. "After what happened to her, I'm not surprised Ganondorf's been so edgy."

"I know. Awful, isn't it?" Mitrea sighed. "Sometimes I feel like transforming into her for a while, to make him happy. But it'll just make things worse."

"Completely. Have you figured out a way to bring her back? Or send him there, at least?"

"Eo doesn't let me look at the Scholar's books. He doesn't trust anyone but Adia, now."

"Yeah, I guess. I can't believed she turned like that, though. She doesn't seem to be protecting anything, since Lakitu's dead, and she has no family left. She just... turned."

"Don't let it worry you, Link. Look, there they are." She pointed to the group of angry elves marching toward them. "So, what am I being today? A Dodongo? A Gohma? Ooh, how about a Wolfos?" She stared at him expectantly.

"Go for a Dinalfo." Link said with a grin. "Why the heck not?"

"Yeah, why the heck not." Mitrea giggled, then transformed into a tall, two-legged scaly green dinosaur-like beast, clutching a pair of swords.

"Don't they only have one?" Link asked. The Dinalfo shrugged, then charged at the elves with an ear-splitting roar. Link smiled and shook his head, then followed suit.

The Seperationists

"Is he gone?" Malon asked her daughter. The two were in Malon's bedroom.

"Yeah, Mum. He's gone."

"Good." Malon sat up and stretched her arms. "It's killing me, lying here like this all the time." She got to her feet. "When are the others getting here?"

"Any minute now." Fionie said. "I'd better go change." Fionie pattered out of the room. Moments later, Adia, Erk, Mighty, Maria and Eraf appeared in Malons' room.

"Shadow and Daisy couldn't make it." Erk announced. "They send their apologies."

"The Rebels have their own meeting." Mighty said. "So, Sonic and the guys can't make it, either."

"That's fine." Malon replied with a nod. "Could we take this downstairs?"

"Will Fionie be joining us?" Eraf asked. Malon nodded. "Good." The six walked downstairs, with a fully-dressed Fionie following a minute later.

"How's it been going?" Malon asked the assembled as they sat on the sofas in the living room.

"The Scholars' books are a little vague." Adia said. "And half the library was destroyed during that fight two and three-quarter years ago. I'm not sure if I'll be able to find anything solid. At least, not solid enough to attempt bringing Nerra back." She sighed. "I have ideas and possibilities at best."

"Better than nothing." Mighty assured her. "I haven't been able to track down Espio and Tekno. Tails is slaving away with his machine, trying to outfit it for the other worlds' strange energies."

"Vahlia's still stuck in her half-life." Erk spoke up. "We can't reach her properly. The best I've managed is a pitiful little spit of flame."

"We've been trying to locate Majora and Gaea." Maria said, speaking for herself and Eraf. "But they seem to have disappeared."

"What about you?" Eraf asked Malon.

"Link's still being forced to do Eo's work. Ganondorf's been rallying resistance armies to draw attention away from us." Malon told them. "Fionie's been working on her magic, but she still hasn't managed something near Eo's strength."

"I have been trying, though." Fionie said, sounding hurt. "It's hard, using a magic that goes against your very existance."

"Against your existance?" Adia asked. "What do you mean?"

"I'm Link and Malon's child." Fionie explained. "But Eo stole and incubated me for a while, using his dark magic. Some of that lingers inside me, as a part of me, but it shouldn't be there. It's not me, it's not who I am, it's not part of my genetic make-up. Imagine trying to use a virus that you've got like an antibody. That virus goes against your system, and your system tries to destroy it. It's tough."

"I know it is, dear." Malon said gently. "But, it means so much that you're trying."

"Thanks, Mum." Fionie gave a tiny smile. For some reason, Fionie seemed incapable of big smiles. "Daddy said he'll only be a few hours, so we should wrap things up quickly."

"Alright." Adia agreed. "But, what's the next step? I'll keep looking in the libraries, for sure. That's about all I can do right now."

"I'm kinda free until Tails gets that machine working." Mighty offered.

"I'm busy trying to bring Vahlia back." Erk said.

"Eraf's better for looking for Majora and Gaea than me." Maria said. "She has fairy magic. So, I guess that frees me up."

"I think..." Malon said thoughtfully. "Someone should go see Adia's grandma. She's the only person Eo hasn't touched yet. It makes me curious. Maria, I think you should go. Sorry, Adia, but you'll be too busy. And, Eo might suspect if you go see her."

"I know, don't worry." Adia replied.

"Something interesting happened in Mobius Side." Mighty spoke up. The others looked at him.

"Do tell." Maria urged.

"A Shadow from the past appeared." A gasp washed over everyone.

"Hey, know what this means?" Fionie said. "There's a chance to change something!"

"I'm not so sure." Erk said slowly. "I mean, what's to say we haven't already tried to change something? Maybe our attempts to change things are what made it turn this way. We have to be careful." Fionie stared at the man. Once, he had been a studious boy Mage. Always serious, and somewhat taciturn. Now, he looked more like a world-weary wreck. His face was dark, his eyes always slightly bloodshot, and dark lines under his eyes that seemed to get thicker every time she saw him. He was exhausted, in every way possible. Also, this man was the main brains in this resistance group. Even Adia bowed to his wisdom, which he didn't have three years previously. Something had happened, something that no-one but Erk knew, to make him this way. Everyone nodded solemnly.

"We should be cautious." Adia agreed. "Maybe we did try something, or will, rather, and that's what creates this outcome?"

"I wish Lakitu were still alive." Maria moaned. "He'd know what to do."

"Yes, but he's not here any more. We have to do this outselves. So, what could we have said to make now happen?"

"There's only one way to find out." A hoot said from the door. A huge owl stood there.

"Kae!" Adia cried. Everyone gasped. "Any luck finding your brother?"

"He's good at hiding, is Gaea." The owl chuckled. "He'll show up when he's ready. He and Majora are probably together right now, planning a little something of their own."

"So, how do we find out, Sir Kae?" Fionie asked the owl. She always addressed others as 'Sir' or 'Miss'.

"Why, ask our Shadow. If we said anything, he should remember." Kae replied.

"I'll go!" Adia gasped, teleporting away.

"Impatient girl." Kae muttered. "Do you agree with this, Erk? Is this a good idea?"

"It's the only way to know for sure." Erk said carefully. "Adia should take care, though. Both she and Shadow are supposed to be on Eo's side. If she says too much regarding the Seperationists, then we're in trouble." Everyone nodded.

"Then, I'll go and warn her. I should be getting back anyway." Mighty declared. He teleported away.

"I guess we should get going, too." Maria said, taking Eraf's hand. "Mario's waiting for us." The two teleported. Kae hooted and disappeared. Erk, Malon and Fionie were left in the living room. Erk regarded Fionie with a serious expression. Or at least, as serious as he could get, considering his haggard face.

"Something wrong?" Fionie asked the wise mage. "Sir Erk, what's wrong?"

"I have a theory as to why using that magic is so difficult for you." He said, as slowly as ever. "I'll have to speak with Nino to confirm this, however."

"Is that a good idea? She works for Eo, after all." Malon pointed out.

"Against her will, I must add. Don't forget that Fionie technically works for Eo, too. She is partly his daughter. There will be no suspicion. In fact, with a bit of luck, we'll get an answer from the mouth of Eo himself."

"Can I at least hear the theory, Sir Erk?" Fionie asked.

"By all means. Just don't go testing it until I say so, alright?" Fionie nodded. "I believe that you are in a magically weak place. Or rather, the brand of magic you have is almost non-existant here. However, on Top Side, that style of magic is very strong."

"Erk, no!" Malon cried. "You're not seriously considering sending Fionie to Eo!"

"Not in the least, Malon." Erk said, a faint smile dawning on his lips. No-one had seen one of those on Erk for two years. "If all goes well, I will be able to personally teach Fionie how to use her magic. Magic is never a part of one's self to begin with. It takes time to make it your own. In Fionie's circumstances, this is somewhat more difficult. So, I would take Fionie to Top Side, teach her the art of magic... or at least, teach her how to make it part of her, then return her here."

"Could you convince Eo into that?"

"Of course. Most of the resistance, and the worse kind, comes from Hyrule Side, and it's neighbours Elibe and Corneria Sides. Eo would be happy to have her here."

"Alright." Malon sighed. "I'll try to smooth this with Link."

"Speaking of who." Erk said, standing with a sigh. "He should be home in a short while, correct? Perhaps Fionie should start making a meal. Good day to you." He teleported away.

"He's changed so much." Malon sighed, getting to her feet. "He was so different three years ago. Sure, he still had the serious, heavy persona, but he wasn't so... tired. Or tiring. Or depressing. And he looked healthier, too." She walked into the kitchen as she spoke. Fionie trotted behind her.

"If I can learn to use this magic, I can help the Seperationists, can't I?"

"Yes, dear, you can. But, I'd rather you stay out of this. I don't want to put you in danger."

"But, Muuum!" Fionie moaned. "I wanna help! I want me and Mummy and Daddy to be happy and together!"

"I know, my sweet." Malon patted her on the head. "But it won't stop me being concerned about you." She set about preparing carrots.

Future Adia

Adia appeared near Shadow's fortress, a few metres from the door. It was a rule, in Eo's army, to never teleport directly to another's room, or even within their building. Paranoia on his part, Adia assumed. As she took a step toward the fortress, Mighty appeared beside her.

"Be careful what you say. Don't mention us. At least not too much." He whispered.

"I know." Adia assured him. Mighty nodded, then teleported away again. Adia approached the huge doors, and was stopped by two guards. "How dare you!" She snapped.

"Our apologies, Ma'am, but we must be thorough. Lord Shadow would have our heads if we let anyone through at any time." One of them said meekly.

"Oh, shut up!" Adia growled. "You all know that Mitrea and Eo are the only ones who can take on another appearance, and Mitrea would never dare copy me! Now move aside before I move you!" The two guards shivered. "I'm counting." Adia said darkly, glowering at them. The guards looked at each nervously at each other. "One." She raised a finger. "When I've got a full hand, I'm blasting the door down and you with it. Two." She raised another finger.

"S-sorry, Lady Adia! Please, go right through!"

"Three. Better." Adia said as they opened the doors. She walked through, and they closed it behind her.

"Wonder what's got her back up?" One of the guards asked the other.

"No idea. She's usually so nice." The second said.

"Remember last time she got this mad?"

"Poor Lord Shadow was shaking for four days afterward." He shuddered. "We couldn't let anyone in."

--

"Shadow, so good to see you." Adia said when Shadow greeted her.

"Always a pleasure, Adia. So, what brings you here? And yelling at my guards, too." He chuckled. Adia shrugged.

"Sorry. I guess I lost it a little. I've kinda got something important to ask."

"What is it?"

"Can we go someplace more private?" Adia asked, casting her eyes around the corridor outside Shadow's study. It was full of patrolling guards.

"Alright, step inside." Shadow said, inviting her into his study. Adia nodded politely and entered. Shadow followed and closed the door. "How can I help you?"

"... your past self is here, right?" She asked, not really a question, spinning gracefully on the spot.

"Right." Shadow nodded. "I told Mighty about that."

"That's why I'm here. You remember everything that happened to you, right?"

"Yeah, clear as day."

"Did we... that is, we, say anything to you before you left? Y'know. Back to your own time?" She stared at him, waiting for the answer. Shadow frowned in thought for a few moments.

"Not... that I recall. I think I'd remember you, or a giant owl, or something, saying something odd. No, you didn't say a word to me. In fact, I was watching my past self go to the Rebel's hideout with Amy, and something happened to him that I don't remember."

"What was that?"

"You should know."

"Why?"

"You appeared in front of him."

"I haven't been here for two days, Shadow. This past you only showed up this morning, right?"

"Yeah. So, it wasn't you?"

"No. What did 'I' say?"

"Greetings from another time. I got just one thing to say to you all." Shadow shrugged. "Spirit Mage. You never appeared before me saying that. So, something's happened already."

"Okay, good. I'm gonna go talk to Erk about this. We might be able to say some things that can change the past. Therefore changing now."

"If you do, then won't it have happened already? After all, it's in the past. It's before us. So the changes should have happened already."

"No, Shadow. They won't change yet because we haven't caused the change yet. When the change happens, it'll seem as though it's always been that way. For all we know, something may have changed already, but we don't realise because it's always been that way to us."

"Oh, don't start with time synapses, or whatever they're called."

"Time Syntax. The correct arrangements of fragments in the lines of time." Adia told him. Shadow waved his hands in the air.

"I said don't! Please. I don't understand it."

"I would consult the sand, but Eo won't let me near the stuff. He still doesn't trust me completely. I doubt he ever will." She sighed. "Anyway. I'd better get going. Come to the next meet, won't you?"

"I'll try. The Rebels have been keeping me busy, though. But, with the old me showing up, they should take it easy for a while. I'll try to be there next time, alright?"

"Good." Adia grinned. "See you later." She waved and teleported. Shadow gave a half-wave in return.

Majora

Majora dragged himself, with great effort, back to the modern day. Immersing one's self in the future for too long can result in you being stuck in the dream-like state. This time, the Sand had shown him more than he had expected. Certainly more than he had bargained for. Was this truly the future that awaited? Eo in control, resistance groups against him, with people from Eo's inner circle? Lakitu dead? No, he couldn't let that happen. Already, the future was trying to change the past, so perhaps there was a chance that things could still turn out well. And maybe Lakitu would stay alive. Yes, of course that could happen. The future isn't set in stone. He leapt out of his seat, and cast him mind around for Lakitu.

Lakitu! He called. Lakitu, my darling, are you there?

Calm down, Majora. Lakitu's voice answered. You sound like I'm leaving you.

Oh, thank the Stars. Majora sighed. I've just looked into the future, darling. I think you should hear about this.

I'll be with you shortly, my love. I have a few things to sort. I'm still a little busy with the Nerra conundrum.

No, dear, I think you should hear this now.

Alright, alright, I'm on my way. A moment later, Lakitu appeared on his cloud by Majora's side.

"Good heavens, Majora." He grumbled. "I haven't seen you this worked up for a long time. What happens in the future that's so terrible that I had to abandon my deciphering?"

"Lakitu, have you ever had what's called a 'Repleted Vision'?"

"You mean, like a feature-length movie style vision?" Lakitu asked. Majora nodded. "No, can't say I have."

"I just did. Things don't look brilliant in the future."

"Care to tell me?"

"No. I recorded it all with a spell. You should jump in here and watch it." He tapped his head. "It's huge."

"Alright." Lakitu adjusted his seating position on his cloud, making himself comfortable. "There we go." He closed his eyes, and entered Majora's mind.