Well here's chapter four. I'm sorry that it took so long to post, I've been spending all of my free time playing the wicked new Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance! It's a sweet game and once I turned it on I couldn't do anything else until I beat it. Now all I have to wait for right now is LOZ: Twilight Princess. Man I can't believe it was delayed! Ah well, I'm back now and writing with a vengeance. Thanks to everyone that reviewed so far!
To Phoenixfire1389: Thanks for your review! I hope my fic will continue to interest you and amuse you!
To Dairokkan: Hahaha! Oh mayhem indeed. Everybody loves mayhem...the only question is, when will the spell be cast?
To Didactylos: I'm glad you like my last chappie. I try my best to come up with good fight scenes, I just hope the old pool of creativity doesn't run dry. So you want a Link/Florina pairing, eh? I greatly appreciate your input and I giveyou a very special thank-you for being the first to express your opinion!
To Serina: Welcome to my fanfic Serina! Thanks for your review! So, you want me to bring Zelda in do you? Hmm...interesting idea. Thanks for your opinion and congrats! Newest reviewer and second to give voice to Link pairing ideas. Please keep reading and reviewing!
To XS3: Ah my good friend the smasher...how's it going goofball? Albeit a special goofball...I say I agree with you! And I also say hi to your friend Gildholen Eledolin.
Well that's all the reviews for this chapter. I will try to give personal responses to all reviewers so please R&R!
Whom She Found
Chapter Four:
The Sword's True Master
"AAAAAHHH!" Sain dashed forward with his lance aimed at his foe. The figure in front of him leaped aside as Sain thrust his lance forward. Sain spun around on his feet swinging his lance as he did. His opponent ducked under the attack and then jumped back as Sain turned his spin into another thrust. He lunged forward again and in response to his newest attack, Link grabbed onto the shaft of his lance and pulled Sain forward. Sain stumbled past him and tripped over an outstretched leg. Sain's face hit the dirt.
"GAHAHAHAAAAHAAA!" Kent burst out laughing and slapped his knee. Normally he wasn't one to display such things but in this case he couldn't help himself.
Link squatted down next to the man he had just beaten. "You ok?"
Sain lifted his head and spat dirt out if his mouth. He rolled over and stared at him. "Come on! Best 13 out of 24!"
Link shook his head. "Sorry Sain, I don't think the poor ground can take much more of your face."
He grinned and helped the green knight up. The four of them were taking a break next to a calm stream. Lyn had asked if they could take a detour to a sacred shrine outside of a small village on the outskirts of Bulgar's borders. The shrine was known throughout Sacae and was said to have a powerful bond to the spirit world. Many Sacaean travellers would come to this shrine to pray before starting a long journey. Lyn was no exception.
Sain had wanted to challenge Link to see how good he was since neither he nor Kent had seen him fight. He drew his weapons the moment they had stopped and Link simply shrugged and excepted. It didn't take long for the tally to add up in Link's favour. Kent, normally a gallant and polite man, couldn't help but laugh at his friend's continuous defeats. Lyn herself was hiding her own amusement by covering her mouth with her hand. Kent walked up and slapped a hand on Sain's shoulder.
"You are a glutton for punishment!" he laughed. "Come. We should be on our way."
"Yes." Lyndis agreed. "It is not far from here."
"Ah, fine!" Sain grumbled. "But I'll get even. Just you wait, Link."
Link grinned as he sheathed his sword. "If you say so, Sain."
The group started off again. Since neither Link nor Lyn had horses of their own, Kent and Sain walked along with them while leading their own steeds, much to Sain's displeasure. Riding doubled up on the knights' saddles over long periods would get uncomfortable. This logic didn't stop Sain from complaining though, at least until Lyn kindly told him to shut up.
Link walked in silence as his thoughts drifted to his own beloved horse, Epona. He missed his faithful friend who was not with him for the first time on a long journey. Epona had carried him through thick and thin and he owed her his life on many occasions. Link had seen nothing that could catch his horse if she did not want to be caught and she could run for hours without stopping or slowing. Epona was truly one of a kind, just like the woman who had raised her, Malon.
"Is something wrong, Link?" Lyn's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, Lyn…no," he shook his head. "I was just thinking. Nothing to worry about."
"Alright." Lyn replied.
The shrine they sought was within their sights as they walked towards it unbeknownst to the shocking events that would take place. For within the shrine sleeps a sacred sword famous throughout the land. A sword said to be a key to the world of spirits. It has been said that the sword awaits its one true master and no one else may wield it. Many a swordsmen have triedand failed to draw it from its scabbard until the priests who inhabit the shrine forbade anyone to try again believing it to be sacrilege. Even so, there are those who still believe themselves to be the ones destined to draw the spirit sword and one man will go farther than ever before in his vain attempt to try.
Glass stepped forward, grinning as he spat on the ground. The entrance to the shrine was staring him in the face beckoning him to step inside. He turned to his men who were standing behind him.
"Alright, boys! It's time!"
Glass charged into the shrine followed by his men. The men cornered the priests inside and blocked the door. Glass walked up to the head priest who was standing in front of the altar where the sword rested.
"Old man! Stay where you are and hold your tongue!" He yelled.
The ageing priest stood his ground.
"Threaten me as you will," he replied. "But I'll not give up the Mani Katti! It is a sacred blade under divine protection and it cannot be moved from its place of rest!"
"You're a fool, old man." Glass smirked. "What good is a sword if you don't use it?"
"Use it? In combat?" the priest said aghast. "Sacrilege!"
Glass glared at him. "Sacrilege? Hah! I am Glass! The gods fear my name! My swordplay is peerless!" He roared. "And if I want this sword, then this sword I shall have! Now get out of my way!"
He shoved the head priest out of the way and grabbed the Mani Katti from its stand.
"This is it." He breathed rubbing his hand along its scabbard. "It's more magnificent than I had imagined!" He rested his hand on the hilt. "This sword was made for a swordsman of my skill."
He pulled on the sword to draw it, but found that he could not move it.
"What's this? Why can't I draw it from its scabbard?"
The priest rose calmly. "The spirits of the blade have judged you. You have been found wanting and they have rejected you. You are not the sword's master!"
"What!" Glass glared at him again. "Listen you senile old fool! If you value your own life, you'll get out of my sight!"
He lunged towards the priest but the old man slipped through a hidden passage he had inched himself towards and disappeared.
Glass punched the wall where he had vanished. "CURSES!" he roared. He stormed backto the alter where he had taken the sacred weapon. He raised his own sword and cleaved the alter in two."Miserable spirits! I care nothing for you! I will tare this shrine down stone by stone until I can wield this sword!"
An old woman backed away from the crack in the wall she had been staring through. The shrine was in need of repairs after lightning had struck the western wall awhile back and though the wall was not destroyed, there were a few cracks that showed through to the interior. The woman had witnessed the events that had taken place through one such crack and now searched for help. She soon spotted a group of travellers coming towards her and from the looks of them they were also warriors. What luck! She ran towards the group and addressed the lady in the lead.
"I beg your pardon, milady" she said panting. "Are you headed towards the altar?"
Lyn nodded. "Yes, we are indeed."
"Oh bless the spirits!" The woman cried. "Please, you must hurry and help the priests there! I saw a band of ruffians head in there and their leader was intent on stealing the sacred sword!"
"What?" Lyn gasped. "The Mani Katti…they're going to steal it? I cannot allow this to happen!"
The woman sighed with relief. "You look like a virtuous group. Please, help them!"
Sain took a step towards Lyn. "Lyndis, what are you planning?"
Kent spoke up as well. "If you hope to go to their aid, you'll need to prepare."
Lyn took a calming breath. "You're right…"
Link stared at the building ahead of them. His Hylian senses were better than his companions' and he could see the thugs guarding the entrance.
"They appear to have the entrance guarded." He said. "We could probably defeat them but that would alarm the ones inside and put the priests in danger."
"So what should we do?" Lyn asked.
The woman who had pleaded for their help spoke up. "Perhaps you can get in through the side. The western wall is damaged and in need of repair, you might be able to force your way through there."
"Hmm…that is an idea." Lyn nodded. "Thank-you. We will do what we can."
"Bless you all." The old woman bowed before hastening to her home.
"Alright!" Sain cried as he mounted his horse. He twirled his lance over his head. "Let's go!"
Kent shook his head as he mounted his own steed and the four of themrushed towards the shrine.
They stopped just outside the wall the woman had told them about and they saw that it was indeed damaged enough for them to possibly force their way through.
"Ok! Here I go!" Sain charged forward with his lance ready to smash into the wall.
"WAIT!" Link yelled.
Sain, startled by the sudden command, reigned his horse so fast that he was unprepared for the sudden change in momentum and flew out of his saddle to hit the ground.
"What did you do that for!" He yelled as he stood up.
"You'll only damage your weapon that way and there is no guarantee that you'll break through on the first attack." Link replied as he walked up to him. "If we don't destroy this wall with the first strike then those inside will be alerted to our surprise attack."
"So then, Sir Link," Kent inquired. "What do you propose we do?"
"Leave it to me."
Link walked up to the damaged wall and ran his hand along it. He felt for the weakest part before reaching into his satchel at his side and thrusting his hand into a large crack. Lyn briefly saw a round, blue object in his hand before it disappeared from view. Link snapped his fingers over something and then turned and ran back to where the others were standing.
"Get ready!"
He drew his sword and shield. The others followed suit and readied their own weapons though somewhat confused. A loud boom erupted from the crack as powerful explosion tore through the wall and left a gaping hole through the smoke.
"HOW THE…."
"WHAT DID YOU…"
"WHAT WAS…"
Three bewildered voices rang out towards Link who only grinned.
"No time for that now! Let's go!"
He leapt through the hole in the wall followed quickly by his friends who had recovered from their initial shock. Slightly.
Inside the shrine Glass spun wildly to where the explosion had come from to see a green clad man followed by a young woman and two knights charge through the newly created hole.
"WHAT!" He yelled. "Get'em boys!"
The other men in the temple ran to meet the new intruders. Link was the first to strike as he dashed forward and tackled one of the large brigands. They rolled a few times before Link slammed the man he was holding into the ground and bashed his face with the hilt of his sword effectively rendering him unconscious. Another man turned to aid his fallen comrade only to find the tip of Lyn's sword slice through his neck. Kent and Sain charged towards the men guarding the door while Link dispatched another man after getting up. Still caught up in the sudden attack, the guards at the door fell quickly to the knights' attack. Lyn faced off against another subordinate who clumsily attacked her with his axe. She easily side-stepped the attack and slashed down the man's back. He screamed in pain before Lyn spun around and lopped his head off. The four companions gathered together again before turning towards the leader, Glass.
Glass spat towards them and readied his blade. "Who do you think you are?" He glowered at them. "What chance do you think you have against me? I am Glass and you will die at the end of my blade!"
Link sheathed his weapons and crossed his arms. "He sure is confident with himself isn't he?"
Sain nodded. "Perhaps he failed to notice how easily we defeated his men. Alas, it seems he also fails to notice he is outnumbered."
Link grinned. "Yes indeed, that does seem to be the case. Perhaps he is blind?"
Sain mock gasped. "Oh heaven forbid! If that is true than I simply cannot fight him. It would tarnish my good name."
"Oh we wouldn't want that now," Link turned to him. "You tarnish it just fine on your own without extra help."
Sain sighed and held a thoughtful hand to his chin. "Ah, tis true. But it is not something I can help, it is in my nature."
Both of them looked at each other and burst out laughing while Kent shook his head in exasperation while Lyn suppressed a giggle.
"How DARE you mock me!" Glass bellowed.
Sain stared at him. "Mock? Us? Were you mocking this good man, Link?"
"I'm not to sure, Sain. How do you define mock?" Link asked him seriously.
"I believe the definition of mock is to make fun of." Sain replied in an equally serious tone.
"Then I would have to say that I was indeed mocking him, Sain." Link replied.
"Ah," Sain nodded. "I must admit to it, too. It is truly shameful."
"Yes," Link agreed. "But ever so much fun."
"That it is, my friend." Sain grinned.
The two of them burst out laughing again, by now Glass was shaking in anger. Lyn stepped forward.
"Glass," She glared at him. "You have desecrated this shrine and threatened the lives of those inside. You are not worthy to even glimpse the Mani Katti, let alone wield it. I will see to your downfall."
"Heh," Glass smirked. "You think to challenge me, woman? Fine I will send you to your grave."
Lyn held her sword in front of her with one hand and rested her wrist in the palm of her other. Link and Sain had stopped laughing to watch the duel.
Glass gripped his large sword with both hands before leaping in the air towards Lyn. He flipped twice to add speed and power to his swing and brought down his blade towards Lyn's head. Lyn raised her sword to block the attack and braced the blade on the dull side with her left hand. Her knees bent under the force of the blow, but she withstood the attack. She grunted as she pushed Glass's weapon back and swung her own sword towards him. Glass parried the blow and swung his blade low towards her legs. Lyn caught the strike and deflected it aside before thrusting her sword forward. Glass pulled his sword up just in time to deflect the stab with the broadside of his sword. Lyn, however, spun on her right heel to turn her deflected stab into a clockwise spin slash aimed at Glass's neck. However the larger man ducked under the blow and thrust the hilt of his sword towards Lyn's stomach but Lyn's spin allowed her the momentum needed to twist away before the attack connected. She continued her spin again, transferring her weight to her left heel, and planted her right heel into the back of Glass's head. He staggered forward under the reeling blow. Lyn stopped spinning with her back facing his. Without wasting a moment, she bent her knees and backflipped over Glass's hunched form and threw both feet into his face. Glass flew back and hit the ground hard while Lyn fell on her hands and sprung back to her feet before dashing forwards to point her sword at Glass's neck.
"You lose." She declared to him.
Glass groaned as blood poured from his broken nose. He conceded his defeat. Lyn sheathed her sword and turned away from him. Glass rolled over and grabbed his fallen sword his anger pouring through every breath
"You…urghh…" he grunted before spinning around and leaping in the air towards the wretched woman who had defeated him.
"YOU DIRTY CUR!" Sain yelled
"LYNDIS LOOK OUT!" Kent roared.
Lyn turned too late to do anything, her eyes wide with fear as she glanced the triumphant smirk on Glass's bloody face.
"DIE!" He screamed.
A green blur darted past Lyn faster than she could follow. Link grabbed her assailant by the neck and slammed him into a stone pillar. Glass dropped his sword as both hands grasped the arm that held him above the ground. He gasped for air as he futily tried to escape Link's steel grip.
"You dirty, miserable, piece of tektite slime!" Link's voice dripped with malice, his eyes seethed with anger. "How dare you…you lost to her in a fair fight and she gave you a chance to live. You could have walked away; you could have lived with your humiliating face with reality. But you chose to attack from behind while she was defenceless."
Link wound up and punched Glass hard in the stomach. "You filthy bag of scum! Is this how you treat those who show you mercy?" He punched him again. "Is this how you repay an act of kindness? You make me sick!"
"Link…" Lyn held a hand to her mouth while she watched the frightening scene.
Link toed the sword that Glass had dropped and flipped it up to his free hand. "It is people like you whom I can not forgive! NOW YOU CAN BURN IN HELL!"
He thrust the sword through Glass's chest. Glass's eyes widened as a squelching groan escaped his mouth. His body tensed for a few seconds before going limp as his life drained away. Link released his grip on the man's throat and slowly pulled the sword from his chest, the body sagged to the ground in a pool of blood.
Link sighed as he dropped Glass's sword and turned back to his friends, who watched him in silence. Normally he would not have displayed such a feat of rage and cold-hearted killing, but the man's despicable and cowardly actions infuriated the young hero.
"I'm sorry," He said as he walked up to Lyn and the others.
Lyn just stared at him, lost for words. His actions had both frightened and saved her. Kent was also at a loss for he was both shocked and impressed. Sain on the other hand…
"Bravo, Link!" Sain clapped. "That's showing the miserable cur! Couldn't have done any better myself."
Kent nodded. "I agree," he said. "That man deserved no better."
"Thank-you, Link." Lyn bowed her head to him.
"Hmm." Link nodded. "We should see if the priests are all safe."
"Yes," Lyn agreed.
The priests were all unharmed, shaken, but unharmed. The head priest had reappeared from his hiding place and was walking towards them. He had retrieved the Mani Katti and held it delicately in his hands.
"You…" He addressed Lyn. "Your clothing…are you of the Lorca tribe?"
She nodded. "I'm Lyn, the chieftain's daughter. Are you hurt, sir?"
"Ah, no my dear," he smiled. "Thanks to you and your friends, I am unscathed. You have my eternal gratitude for ridding us of these intruders and protecting our shrine."
"And the sword? Is it safe?" Lyn asked.
"Yes, the sword is sealed safely away." He held up the sword in his hands. "Until the seal is removed, it cannot be drawn."
"Now," he continued. "As a token of my gratitude, I shall allow you to lay hands upon the Mani Katti. Touch blade's pattern and pray for a safe journey."
Lyn bowed her head in gratitude. "Oh thank you so much! It is more than I would have asked."
She gently laid her hands on the hilt and scabbard of the sacred sword. The instant her fingers touched the sword a bright flash burst from the blade. The light faded to a dull, humming glow around the sword.
"Hmm?" the head priest blinked.
"What? Did…?" Lyn was confused as well.
Another flash, brighter than the last, shone from the sword and faded to a brighter glow.
"The sword…It's…glowing." Lyn breathed.
"What's going on?" Sain spoke bewildered.
"Hmm, it is the power of the spirits. Oh my!" The head priest had happiness in his voice. "Lyn, they have looked into your soul and they call out to you."
Lyn blinked. "What does that mean?"
The old priest smiled. "You are its rightful owner. You are to wield the Mani Katti."
Lyn's hands reflexively snapped away from the sacred weapon. "No…I can't…I couldn't…"
"It is the sword's wish." The priest insisted.
"But it can't be me. Why would the sword chose me?"
"If you require proof, then draw it from its sheath. The blade can only be removed by its rightful owner."
Lyn stared at him unsure, then stared down at the weapon he held.
"Um…" she didn't know what to do.
"Go for it, Lyn." Link urged her.
Lyn turned her head to him. He smiled and urged her on. Lyn turned back and then slowly reached her hand towards the hilt in front of her. She touched the hilt and then wrapped her fingers around it before pulling. The blade slid out of its sheath smoothly and easily. Lyn held the sword with both hands, awed and breathless. The glow from the blade illuminated her face.
"It came out…effortlessly…"
The priest sighed with satisfaction. "I never dared to hope that I might meet the wielder of the Mani Katti in my lifetime. I am indeed fortunate to see your sword reach your hands."
"My sword?" Lyn lifted her head.
"Yes, your sword." The priest smiled and bowed to her. "It is time for you to go, Lyn. You face a great many ordeals. Grip this sword and meet your destiny head-on."
"Yes…" Lyn nodded then said more strongly. "Yes, sir!" She bowed, took the sheath from him and slid the sacred Mani Katti back into its sheath before she strapped it to her waist. She then turned and left the shrine followed by her friends. They walked in silence until the shrine was behind them. Lyn drew the sword again to look at it. Sain glanced, down at the beautiful blade.
"So this is the Mani Katti…a blade with no equal…" he said.
Lyn nodded. "This is all so unbelievable." She breathed. "Perhaps the most famous sword in all of Sacae…in my hand."
Kent smiled and shook his head. "It's not so strange. In fact, many legends tell similar tales. Special blades all over the land call out to their proper owners. Yet, when I saw you draw that blade, Lyndis…I felt something extraordinary."
He stared at her. "That sword was waiting for you. You were meant to draw it."
Lyn shook her head and glared at him. "Stop it! I…I'm nothing special!"
Sain interjected. "Think of it this way: some weapons feel more comfortable in your hand, right? Well the Mani Katti itself feels very comfortable with you. Does that make it any easier to accept?"
He reached his hand towards the sword in her hands then stopped as a mild shock reached his fingertips.
"It doesn't appear that either of us can use it."
Lyn hefted the sword in one hand, it was light and felt like an extension of her arm. "It…does feel right in my hand." Then she smiled. "A blade that only I can wield. That seems reasonable enough. I can understand that."
She turned to Link. "Look at it, Link. This is the Mani Katti. This is…my sword. I must care for it well."
Link grinned at her. "I'm sure you will. And don't worry too much about the sword choosing you as its wielder. In my world, there is a great legend that revolves around one such event."
Lyn blinked. "Really?"
"Uh-huh." He nodded. "It's the legend of the Hero of Time and his quest to save Hyrule from an evil sorcerer."
"Would you tell me it some time?" Lyn asked him.
"Of course," Link grinned. "It's a well known story in Hyrule. I'd be glad to tell you."
Lyn smiled at him and sheathed her sword again. "I'd like that, but for now we should carry on."
"All right then," Kent said. "Let's go."
The group set off again towards Caelin where Lyn would meet her grandfather, the marquess. Along the way, Lyn brought up a forgotten question.
"Link, how did you destroy that wall?" She asked.
"Hey yeah," Sain piped up. "I've been wondering that, too."
"I agree," Kent said. "Would you tell us, Sir Link."
Link grinned. "Oh, that. That was no big deal, I just used one of these." He reached into his satchel and retrieved another bomb. "These bombs are fairly common throughout my world ofHyrule. Anyone can buy them. As you saw, they pack quite a punch."
"Amazing." Kent said as he stared at the blue ball. "So much power in that little thing...how many more do you have?"
"Quite a few," Link replied. "And if I run out I can always make more, as long as I can find the materials for it. I learned how to make these a few years ago, but buying them is usually more conveniant."
"Interesting." Lyn said. "That's handy."
"Handy? That's bloody cool!" Sain laughed.
"Heh," Link grinned as he put the bomb away. "I was amazed the first time I saw them too."
They continued on for about another hour in silenceuntil something dawned on Sain.
"Hey wait a minute!" He turned to Link. "YOU'RE FROM ANOTHER WORLD!"
A/N: Chapter four done! How did you like Link's little fit of rage? That was fun. Heheh. I figured it was time for Kent and Sain to learn Link was a stranger to this world, I'm not quite sure how I'm going to reveal it to the rest of the FE gang, though. Well so far I've gotten a vote for a Link/Florina pairing and one reviewer thinks I should bring Zelda in! Don't be afraid to tell what you think! Until next time...