Chapter Twenty-Five

Woodfall

Tatl and I walked along the river's edge in silence. The rotten stink was quickly getting worse with each step, and I heard the churning of a waterfall up ahead. I pulled the hood over my nose in an attempt to stifle the odor, but it did little good.

The river eventually twisted to the right, around a dense cluster of trees and ferns. After we turned the corner, the careful walk soon turned into a tiresome climb up a large hill with steep, ancient stairs cut into the side of a small mountain. More of the dreary sky opened up as trees and vegetation grew more sparse as we climbed higher.

We passed by shattered statues and dilapidated pillars of limestone with deep cuts, like something raked massive claws along them. Waterfalls of deep violet spilled over the cliffs above us, and I caught the acrid scent of fires burning. We must've been getting close to the lizalfos base camp. I could hear raspy chatter and metal clanging ring out over the roar of the falling water.

"It's probably a good idea to hide again, Tatl." I quietly muttered, "Or you can go and get a peek at what's at the peak."

"I'm tired of being stuck suffocating under that thing, so I choose the other option. Stay here so I don't lose you, I can barely see you as it is."

"Fine by me, just be careful."

I leaned against a broken stone pillar covered in dead vines, and Tatl rose up to take a cautionary look over the ridge. She soon returned with a disheartened expression fixed on her features.

"So? What did you see?" I anxiously inquired.

"Uhh.. You aren't going to like it. There's at least one hundred of those lizards up there, camping on platforms over a lake." The fairy replied, "And…something else that I couldn't fully see, but it was pretty big."

"Well, an army of lizalfos is a challenge, but I bet I can defeat them or scare them off like before." I scratched my chin in thought. "I wonder if that big thing is the 'boss' they mentioned."

"You think it could be what the deku queen was talking about? That dino-whatever?"

"Only one way to find out for sure. This could be that temple where Odalwa's lurking." I started walking up the stone steps, making sure the cloak was properly draped. "I think I've got a plan forming already…"

"But, I didn't see any buildings except for a few huts and maybe a cave where the big guy was?" Tatl squinted to see where I was heading, quickly following. "Are you sure this is the place?"

"Yep, so let's get this over with. You can watch my back again, OK?"

"Hey, someone has to keep you alive right? Haha!"

"Heehee…. the hero's hero…"

We both giggled, but quickly grew silent when we neared the top. Levity aside, this would be a dangerous task, and we would need total focus.

I knelt down beneath a columned threshold of cracked marble when we reached the last step. A large crater flattened the mountaintop, and was filled with a lake of poisoned water. Rocky ridges made up the sides like the caldera of a volcano. Bright, purple sludge gurgled up like a spring in the very center of the basin, concentrating the toxin befouling the lake water. The landscape was devoid of life save for the monsters that made the basin their cursed home. Lifeless husks of trees sat like gravestones in the lake. Leaves, branches, carcasses, and other detritus floated along the walls, pushed there by the poisonous spring.

Crude structures, sitting on wooden poles and large boulders, were built over the water. The large host of lizalfos milled about with a variety of cruel weapons, making armor, feasting on carrion, or bickering amongst themselves. Near the burbling liquid at the center was what looked like a ceremonial pillar of stone on which images of deku, monkeys, and humans were carved. At the top stood a more elegant and ancient platform with an outcropping hanging just above the poison spring. There was no sign of any temple though, maybe Tatl was right and this wasn't the right place, or maybe the entrance was through the small cave on the opposite side of the lake. Only one way to know for sure, we had to go through the army of lizard soldiers.

"So… you said you had a plan?" Tatl whispered after she found where my head was.

"Ummm….I did. But, that's way too many for me to handle. Looks like this cloak is going to be of use after all…"

"No, I'm sick of hiding beneath that thing. It's even worse than your other one!" Tatl chimed in annoyance. "Think of another way!"

"Oh come on, it can't be that bad." I berated and ducked behind a crumbled wall. "Unless you can think of another way, it's best that you stay out of sight. It looked like some of them are carrying bows and arrows."

"Pfft, like they can hit a tiny little fairy. Besides, if I fly out there and distract them, it'll let you sneak past."

"And…. you're ok with putting yourself in harm's way?" I dubiously asked.

Tatl looked toward the sound of my voice, trying to make eye contact beyond the nearly invisible hood.

"I, er...yeah I guess I am. Seeing you in action, ignoring any fear, has kinda inspired me. And helping you at the camp back there was quite thrilling, I can't just sit around and hide behind you anymore." She replied in a nervous tone. "It's time I learn to fight anyway, so that I can repay Skull Kid for hitting my brother like he did…"

I removed the hood, briefly, so that she could see my somber expression.

"Fighting isn't an easy path to take. Look where it's gotten me, for example. And it takes a lot of practice to get any good at it. This really isn't the time-"

"Hey I didn't say I wanted to conquer the world!" Tatl interrupted. "I just don't want to be so helpless anymore."

"Ugh, fine…" I flung the hood up again, shaking my head. "Just be careful, I won't be able to save you if you get in trouble."

"Sheesh… okay mom! I'll be careful." Tatl snarked and flew off into the crater.

"She just can't help herself…"

I grumbled and walked toward the first platform sitting on the ridge. A few lizalfos were sitting around a campfire, cooking what appeared to be the remains of a hog. Sneaking past them was simple, since they were occupied with tearing apart their meal with gnashing fangs. The second platform was just as easy, but the group was sparring and one errant swing of a polearm just barely missed gashing my face open. I silently dodged and quickened my pace.

When I reached the third platform, Tatl decided to start her distraction by tossing small pebbles onto a few of the confused monsters.

"Ha! Take that, you wart-faced toads!" The fairy taunted and dropped another pebble. "That'll teach you to mess with me!"

The lizalfos hissed and shook a clawed fist, spurring on its brethren.

"We gotsss target practice again! Shoot the twinkly! Winner getsss double ration!"

I took advantage of the opportunity and tiptoed around the lizard bowmen as they fired off crude, unbalanced arrows at the offending fairy. Thankfully, their aim was terrible and Tatl danced around the projectiles with little difficulty, dropping more pebbles and taunting the monsters.

The third platform had multiple bridges connecting to different paths. One way led to the cave, another led to their sleeping quarters, and the last seemed to lead to the ancient pillar in the center. I decided to explore the cave, and stepped onto the narrow wooden bridge. One of the lizalfos jumped on it from the other side, focusing on shooting down Tatl. I gave it a little shove just before it released its arrow, and it shrieked as it fell into the dark water below. The toxic liquid bubbled and steamed around the monster as it screamed in pain. Its former comrades laughed as they watched the hapless lizalfos dissolve and dissipate.

"Hehhhehh, ssstupid! Watch where you walk next time!" One of them mocked the sinking body.

"Hahhhh! No next time for you!" Another laughed and pointed.

Such barbarians… I thought to myself as I snuck around them.

The others resumed their clumsy target practice on Tatl just before I reached the rocky ground of the cave, still making a game of it. I hoped that the fairy wouldn't get cocky and take an arrow, but judging from their atrocious aim it would literally be a long shot.

I stepped into the cave, which was lit with torches made of tough-cut wood. Piles of bone and burnt, half-eaten carcasses were scattered all over the floor. I could hear jeering insults coming from further within, and I decided to investigate. Taking care not to disturb the bones, I soon discovered where the deep, raspy tones originated.

"Fool! Ignorant, halfwitted coward! An entire camp defeated by a lone swordsman?" The brusque voice growled.

"N-no, your Fierceness!" The voice sounded just like the lizalfos from the camp. "He was sword Master! He moved like demon and kill-"

"Enough, pondslime! No excuses, you know what happens to those that fail me!"

"Please, Lord Grixos! N-n-nooo! Give me- AAUUGHHH!"

Sickening sounds of tearing flesh and cracking bone resonated through the cave as the screams of the lizalfos abruptly ceased. I reached the innermost cavern just to see the upper half of the lizard beast being thrown towards me, and I sidestepped quietly as the body sailed past and splattered against the wall.

Two armored spearmen cowered at the entrance, and looking past them I could understand why. A very large creature, nearly ten times my size, covered in spiny scales and a long, spiked tail, was feasting upon the other half of the ill-fated lizalfos with its back towards me. Chandeliers made from a variety of skulls were bolted to the top of the cave by chains, and what looked like a fountain of foul, brackish water lay at the back. Black scorch marks lined the walls as if something had blasted the stone repeatedly with fire.

That must be the dinolfos… I thought to myself, sneaking past the guards. If I can slay him, maybe all the others will run.

As soon as I entered the room, the huge lizard lord paused in its feast, sniffing around.

"Wait… What's that smell?" It boomed at the shaking underlings. "Smells like….a human. Where is it!"

"No human here, boss! We see no one!" replied one of the spearmen.

"I can smell it, you idiots, it's in here somewhere." The leader stood, sniffing closer and stomping towards me. "Come out, little human! No use in hiding, accept your fate!"

Slitted, yellow-green eyes focused on right where I was standing, and a hissing laugh escaped from its fanged jaws.

"Hhhhaahhhaaaa… very very clever. Why don't you remove that odd cloak and show your face, or I'll flambé you where you stand."

The game was up, and I knew my cover was blown. I urgently formulated a plan as I removed the hood and placed the cloak on the filthy cave floor. The dinolfos crouched down to get a closer look, and I squinted back welling tears as it's putrid, hot breath burned my eyes and nostrils.

"Interesting… I wasn't expecting such a tiny creature like you. I wonder…. What's your purpose here, young one?" The dinolfos mused, clearly thinking I was helpless.

"Oh you know, just taking in the sights. Nice place you have here." I remarked sarcastically. "The bones give it a good, homey feeling!"

If the great lizard had lips, they would be smiling. Grixos breathed a heavy, sweltering laugh.

"Hhhhaahhhaaaa! You have great courage, I'll give you that! Much greater than those sniveling toads out there. I can appreciate your bravery… In fact I'll even grant you a quick death, which I assure you is preferable to facing the mighty Odalwa. Yet you have not answered my question."

"Ah, right…well...umm"

I frantically thought and suddenly remembered the circus performers

"I heard about your greatness from the weak and pitiful deku, and I seek to entertain your lordship!" I bowed.

The beast glowered at me, narrowing its gaze.

"A tiny human girl, comes all this way, merely to entertain me? Do you think me brainless? That is the most ridiculous story I've heard today… and that's saying much."

"It's true, your fierceness! I am but a humble performer aspiring to entertain those who can't witness it anywhere else! See?"

I leapt into the air with a twisting backflip, wincing slightly as my bow knocked against my head, and landed with a flourish.

The huge reptile raked a talon along its jaw in thought, a growled menacingly.

"If you are being truthful, and really are an entertainer, you have still thoughtlessly wasted your life. Why don't you just be a good little human, and let me hastily end you. It's been a long while since I've tasted the sweet flesh of a human…"

Dribble flowed from the scaly mouth as its clawed hand began to reach down. I rolled to the side quickly to avoid being dinner.

"Oh I'll be more than happy to accept your kindness." I said and slowly started going for my mask. "But at least let me entertain you first, Great Lord!"

The dinolfos lunged at me once more, and I leapt back and held the mask to my face. The claws drew close and, as soon as I felt the sword return, I drew the blade across the lizard's open palm. The beast halted and clutched at its bleeding hand, hissing in pain. It glared at me as tendrils of smoke began to rise from its nostrils.

"Ahhh… Now that is a trick I've not seen before. Very good, human. But you have sealed your doom!"

A stream of fire erupted from the dinolfos' mouth, singeing my tunic as I barely managed to escape. The spiked tail swung towards me and I raised my shield, bracing for impact. The strike wasn't forceful enough to knock me away, so I brought down my sword and cleaved a deep gash through the tail. Scalding flames burst toward me once more as the dinolfos roared with furious slashing. I leapt before the entrance with the flames following close behind, and the lizalfos' standing guard fled the cavern to avoid being roasted alive.

"Arghhh! You must be that swordsman that destroyed my scout camp! What kind of creature are you?" The dinolfos bellowed.

I didn't bother answering, opting to press my advantage instead. I ducked inside the dinolfos' reach in order to slash at its heavily muscled legs, but the monster lizard jumped away releasing another blast of flame from its mouth. I was trapped, and the fountain of tepid water behind me was the only way to escape being torched. I quickly rolled into the water just before the flames reached me.

The fountain proved deeper than I thought, and it thankfully saved my skin. A light suddenly appeared in the dark depths, and it's green glow intensified. I immediately regretted my decision of jumping into the fountain. I was trapped, the water above beginning to boil from the ferocity of the flames, and the ghostly light beneath getting brighter. I needed to get out, feeling my lungs straining with the lack of oxygen, and glanced around for any odd openings.

"Young warrior, have you come to free me?" A musical voice chimed clearly in the deep.

The light encompassed me and suddenly I could breath again, even though I was still submerged. I gulped in precious air and answered.

"Uhh...I don't know -cough cough-. Who are you?"

The green glow dimmed for a second, then shimmered as the voice spoke again.

"It's not safe to talk. Defeat Grixos and I can tell you all I know…"

The pool darkened once again, but as the light faded so did my air supply. I glanced up, hoping the river of flame ceased, and was relieved to see my hope fulfilled. I watched the dinolfos peer into the pool, then it turned to stomp away in satisfaction.

Now was my chance for a surprise attack! I rushed up and out of the steaming water with a splash, sprinted to the monster and plunged my blade into its spiked back! Grixos loosed a thunderous roar and fire spewed from its mouth. A massive claw grabbed me, and flung me at the wall.

The impact of me pounding against the wall knocked the breath from lungs, possibly breaking ribs, but remaining still would result in certain death. A wall of flame surged towards me and I jumped away with all the energy I had left. When I landed on the ground, still winded and gasping, I reached for my sword to find it gone. I panicked and searched the disgusting cave floor, only to notice my hands and body had transformed again. I groaned in frustration.

"Ohhh you have got to be kidding meEEEAGHH!"

I shrieked in surprise when my feet lifted from the ground, plucked up by the furious dinolfos like a tiny kitten.

"You are truly a unique little human!" Grixos bellowed, dangling me before its eyes. "I've never had such a worthy challenger before, and I must congratulate you! But the battle is over, you have no sword to strike with now. Before I devour you whole, however, I would very much like to know your name."

The pain in my chest was amplified as I hung there, coughing up a tiny stream of warm liquid as I fought for breath.

"Why *cough* ugh… why do you want to know?"

"Consider it an honor, by all means you deserve that at least." Grixos rumbled.

I reached behind, struggling to grasp my bow. When I finally got a solid grip, I defiantly stared the great lizard in its huge slitted eyes.

"It's Link!"

In one swift motion, I fronted the bow, drew the string back, and loosed a bolt of energy into the dinolfo's eye. I dropped to the ground and landed in a crouch when Grixos wailed and released me to clutch at its blinded eye. Wasting no time, I shot arrow after arrow into the gaping mouth until all sound ceased from the monster, and everything was silent.

I collapsed to the ground, utterly spent from the intense battle. I blinked away sweat and blood, still breathing heavily, when I remembered my fallen mask. I moaned and stood to my feet, saw the wooden visage laying next to a broken pile of bones, and limped over to retrieve it, stepping over a dark green pool of blood forming around the fallen lizard's body.

"Ugghhhh…. so that was a dinolfos. If only I had some bombs…urgh."

I grunted as I leaned over and fastened the mask to my belt again, then sat back down. I didn't care if the floor was covered in decaying bodies, I just needed a chance to catch my breath. I shut my eyes momentarily to calm the adrenaline, and tried to slow my pained, shaky breathing.

Yup, there must be a few ribs broken. Fantastic…

A pale green glow emanated from the fountain, soon expanding to the entire cavern. A few dozen fairies emerged from the waters and flitted over to me, cheering in unison.

"Strange, but courageous hero, you have freed me from the cruelty of Lord Grixos! How can I repay you? Your valor must be rewarded!"

"Ah great… more shattered fairies." I muttered, holding a hand to my damp forehead. "Umm…look. I appreciate the sentiment, but I've really gotta get going. Unless you know where to find the temple around here, or at least heal me, I'm not sure how you can help."

"The temple? You must mean Woodfall…"

"Yes, that's where I need to go. From what I've gathered, it's the lair of the monster that's terrorizing this swamp."

"That monster is actually the guardian of this land. A masked child of the forest stole his power, and transformed him into the very thing he was called to protect against. A very cruel joke... but with that act, my power was also sapped away and I was broken. I am quite useless now, unfortunately."

"Well, I suppose that seems to be how Skull Kid uses his powers… to him, his actions are nothing more than pranks. I assume I can't just slay Odalwa now…"

"No you cannot slay a Guardian. But by destroying his cursed form, you would free his spirit, thus restoring peace to the swamp." The fairies twinkled in unison. "The temple lies beneath the lake, but it will rise if the ceremonial bell is rung."

"I'm guessing that's at the top of that pillar…" I sighed and stood up. "Hokay then, guess I'll be going now."

"Oh, wait! I have to give you something for destroying that infernal creature. Wait just a moment…"

A single fairy flew back into the fountain, and quickly returned holding a small, shiny trinket.

"Humans fancy things like this, yes? It was given to me as an offering, I've got no use for it." The tiny green fairy dropped the item into my hand. "Please take it as a token of gratitude!"

The trinket was actually an elegant, gold ring with small rubies laid all around the middle. The metal band looked a little big, yet I slipped it on my left ring finger anyway. It was a very loose fit, but just before I moved to take it off, the ring glistened and somehow shrunk itself into a perfect fit.

"Hmmm… interesting." I mused as I lifted my hand. "Magic rings are always nice, thank you."

"I'm afraid that's all I can give. But should you be victorious and return this land to normal, please return to this fountain. I will be able to bestow some of my power to you, which will surely assist in the future."

"Umm...ok. That's better than nothing I-"

I paused and raised my bow at the sound of footsteps coming down the corridor.

The two lizalfos guards returned to the entrance, looked around in horror at the massive body. I drew back the bowstring and was very astonished to see a red bolt of flame appear instead of the white light. The rubies within the ring were ablaze with tiny flames themselves, and I accidentally released the fiery arrow in my surprise. The bolt exploded in an inferno right beside the lizalfos guards, and they screeched in terror, dropping their spears and tripping over each other to flee for their lives down the corridor.

"Ha! That's more like it…urrgh." I grimaced in pain and lowered the bow.

"Oh my, you're hurt! You must rest, hero friend!" The fairies swirled around me in concern.

"No, I'll be fine. I think this other mask will heal me, so don't worry." I reassured, "But thank you again for the added... 'firepower'.. haha!"

"I honestly had no idea, it was always just a piece of metal to me. I'm very glad that I was able to help though."

Nodding my gratefulness to the fairies, I hobbled over to the corner where I dropped the hide, which was definitely living up to its name. After a few seconds of scrounging around the vile ground, I found it and hoisted to my shoulder. It would definitely need a good cleaning after all this...

"Oooff… Alright, I need to get a move on. I'll return if I survive this fight."

"Very well, I like your attitude. Such a go-getter!" The fairies giggled together and drifted back to the fountain. "Again, I wish you luck. I have faith you'll succeed!"

And with that the fairies vanished into the dark waters. Seeing nothing left to do, I made my way towards the exit, ready to be out of the stinking cave. It was finally time to face Odalwa.