The Search For Answers Begins
(It has been awhile since the last chapter folks, and let me say, Welcome Back! When we left off last time, Link and Company had just completed the final trial, by defeating the monstrous Imprisoned. Let's return to our heroes as the gather in the Temple of Time.)
Link: We're back.
Yuna: Yes, but what about your sword?
(Suddenly, a bright light begins to emanate from the Pedestal of Time, where Link had previously sheathed the Master Sword. The light is so bright, our heroes have to cover their eyes. A mysterious figure appears in the light and speaks to Link.)
?: Well done, Hero of Light. You have completed each trial, and successfully returned the power of Evil's Bane to the Master Sword.
Link: That voice... Z..Zelda!
Zelda: That is right, Link. You have once again proven yourself to be the true Hero of Hyrule.
Link: But... Hyrule is... gone.
Zelda: No, Link. You mustn't think that way. Ancient Hyrule may be nothing but a distant memory, but you are still it's Hero. You have returned to the legacy that is only for you and you alone.
Link: Right. I must stop Ganondorf. He will not continue any longer.
Zelda: Now Link, climb to the pedestal and draw forth the Master Sword.
(The image of Zelda vanishes and the light fades revealing the Pedestal of Time. Link begins to approach and the mark on his hand begins to shine with the glow of the Triforce of Courage as he reaches for the hilt of the Sword. Link looks up and sees everyone waiting.)
Yuna: You can do it.
Rikku: gives Link a thumbs up
Lulu and Wakka: We're with you.
Auron: nods
Kimahri: Make Ronso proud.
(Link pulls on the hilt of the Master Sword, and the pedestal releases its grip on the blade as the sword leaves its stone casing. Link lifts the sword up and points it high into the air and focuses on it; awakening the power of Evil's Bane with the shear force of its power blowing away the dust and lighting the basement of the Temple of Time. Link steps away from the pedestal and three moblin appear; and as if by muscle memory alone, Link readies the Master Sword and his iconic Hylian Shield.)
Rikku: What's going on?
Auron: Quiet. Just watch.
(The moblins attack. The first comes barreling toward link, but he just side jumps avoiding the moblin. The second one sees this as its chance to hit Link from behind, but as it runs forward, gerudo simitar raised, Link back flips over it out of danger. The third moblin, runs forward now, and takes a stance as the other two come back, surrounding Link. They get ready to attack him at once, but Link crouches down, extending the Master Sword outward while holding his shield in front and Link begins charging energy into the sword. The moblins attack but as they get close, Link unleashes his Great Spin attack, knocking them back and causing them to burst into a cloud of pyreflies.)
Wakka: Whoa!
Auron: Not bad.
Link: I'm rusty.
Auron: Don't worry, it will all come back to you, when the time is right. Let us return to the Airship.
[Our heroes leave the Temple of Time behind and make the trip to Bevelle. When they arrive at the Highbridge, they are greeted by two warrior monks.]
Warrior Monk: Infidel!
Wakka: Man, don't these guys ever give up?
Warrior Monk: You'll regret showing your face here! We'll strike you down in the name of Yevon!
Link: enters a defensive stance So, they want a go? What's the verdict guys?
Rikku: If they want a fight, let's give 'em one!
Warrior Monk: Prepare to charge!
(as our heroes prepare to fight off the monks, they hear a voice come from the doorway nearby. Shelinda comes running out to try to intervene)
Shelinda: Stop!
Warrior Monk: Captain?
Shelinda: Lady Yuna is not to be harmed! She's no traitor! That is an evil rumor spread by the Al Bhed!
Rikku: What?
Link: Seriously?
Shelinda: Maester Mika himself told me.
Warrior Monk: Then...what are we to do?
Rikku: Stand down!
Shelinda: As she says!
[The monks back off.]
Rikku: What was that about evil Al Bhed?
Shelinda: I... Truly, I do not understand it myself. All Yevon seems to be in a state of confusion. Why, yesterday they called me out of the blue and made me captain of the guard!
Auron: Short on believers?
Shelinda: Yes, the chaos in the temples is worse than I'd imagined. It's horrible! And all the priests do is blame each other. I worry what will become of Yevon. But no! I must be the rock that stands against the swirling tides, right? Lady Yuna, I must tell you, your courage has been a great inspiration to me.
Link: Can we cut straight to the point? Wheres Maester Mika? We need to speak with him.
Shelinda: Yes, I shall arrange an audience. Please wait in the courtroom.
[She runs off.]
Rikku: Hey, hey, wait! What was all that about the Al Bhed lying and stuff?
Auron: Simple. Yuna has become Mika's only hope.
Rikku: Oh... Okay.
Lulu: Just what does he think he can get away with?
Link: Time to teach him some manners!
Yuna: Yes, lets.
(and with that, our heroes enter the courtroom; the very same courtroom where they were first condemned to die on the Via Purifico. Tune in next time, dear readers, to see what Mika has to say for himself!. Next time on... Shadows …. Over... Spira!)
