Hahahaa!! I'm back!! And loving it!! Whoohooo!! Oh man I am SO sorry about my tremendously long absence, man it felt like forever. Due to some personal business that I had to attend to for awhile I've been on hiatus for quite some time but now I am back and here to pick this project right back up where I left it!
I would like to personally extend my gratitude and appreciation to all those who have read my this fic thus far and have given me their support, praise, and encouragement. I absolutely love it and it gives me the inspiration and motivation to write. It just makes my day whenever I get an alert saying that somebody has reviewed or favorited my work.
And so as my extended hiatus comes to an end I would like to dedicate this chapter to:
Didactylos, Shadow Rave, Tiny Moths, One Sided, OniKiDD, The Legend of Soul Emblem, N13, R Omega, WildfireDreams, Knives91, JLink, Archsage Soren, Herr Wozzeck, Ghost140, MidnightRayne13, Cimikat, Serina, Ardonious-Servant-Of-Zeta, Pheonixfire1389, Tim, XSierraX, Overdrive1, DarkFictionWizard, Hakan Jataru Kurohi, I.K.A. Valian, Link13PGF, Ranma Uzumaki, Rini Tsukino, Shoujokrm26, Spiral Feather, TakaRaiIshikawa, ANBU captain Itachi, Dark Lady Lina Inverse, Genocideking Archfiend, Infinite Freedom, Micellaneous, SSJ-Jolt, Self-Proclaimed KingofDDR, Zacharias Ringweaver, animeflunky, moonlit-leaf, and dude
My wonderful reviewers and people who have added this fic to thier favourites or alerts. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and I hope you continue to enjoy this fic. Normally I would write a personal response to each of you but I've sort of lost track of a few things with updating and with name changes and stuff so I decided to settle for a mass thank-you and dedication. Please don't kill me...I will do personal responses from here on out once again.
I would also like to dedicate this chapter to
SmashToPieces and Erenriel
Two of my good friends and the ones who introduced me to fanfiction in the first place.
I still need to go through all the votes for Link pairings as well as reread all my reviews so I can remember everything that's been going on and stuff and solidify everything back in order but I'll get that done later, I think you've waited long enough.
Thank-You all once again and now without further ado I present (about time)...
Whom She Found
Chapter 8:
Trust
"There it is!" Kent pointed to a mountain pass from the ledge of a cliff. "We've almost reached the Lycian border. Once we make our way through this forest, the pass marks the end of Bern."
The Legion had left the old fort early that morning as soon as the quiet Dorcas had returned. The forest eventually combined with the mountains surrounding Bern. Kent led the way along a trail up the mountain through the trees until they came to ledge where they could see the land below.
"Once we cross, we'll be safe from the bandits, right?" Lyn asked as she gazed at the pass that led to her new home.
"We should be." Wil replied. "I doubt they'll be willing to pursue us across the border."
"If that is true." Link said. "Then we should be ready for another attack. If they will not pursue us then they will try to stop us if they catch up."
"Agreed." Kent nodded.
Sain however was not paying attention as usual.
"Lycia at last!" He spread his arms into the air. "It's been a long time. Tomorrow we shall dine on a feast of Lycia's finest foods! And the mistress of the inn at the crossing is said to be a beauty."
"Ah yes…" he sighed. "Food and love. No better way to restore a man's soul!"
"This is going to be a fine evening, eh, Kent?" he clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder.
Kent shook his head in exasperation. "If your behaviour is as deplorable as ever, we'd best stay elsewhere. We are not here for sightseeing!" he said firmly.
Sain's face fell faster than a landslide. "What?!! Oh, come on! That's not fair!"
"Pleeeaasse!" Sain clasped his hands together and begged with a pitiful face.
"Kent," Lyn spoke up slowly. "The inn will be fine."
The red knight bowed. "As you say, milady."
Sain immediatly leaped into the air. "Lyndis! You are truly an angel from on high!"
"It's nothing. Forget it." She smiled lightly. Though she did not approve of Sain's philanderous behaviour he was a knight who had risked his life for her as well as endure humiliation and ridicule at his expense. Lyn thought that he deserved a break for a change so she had decided stay at the inn. Besides, it would be a refreshing change from sleeping outside.
Sain whooped for joy and began dancing around the area merrily singing a happy tune as he did.
Wil and Link watched him for a minute with expressionless faces.
"Doesn't take much to make him happy does it?"
Link shook his head lightly. "Nope."
Florina walked up to Lyn with excitement as well. "Ah! We'll finally be able to get a good night's sleep."
Lyn smiled down at her friend before turning her attention to their newest member, Dorcas. The large axe fighter had not spoken a word since they had left the fort. Link said that it was in his nature and that he also had a lot to think about so it was best not to disturb him until he was ready. Still she was a little concerned for him.
"Let us continue." Kent said. "We will arrive well before dusk, but we still have a ways to go."
"Right." Lyn nodded and the group carried on.
With their destination coming closer and closer with each step, Lyn's heart began to race as her excitement grew and her mind tried to piece together the face of a grandfather she had never seen.
Sensing her anxiety, Link walked up to her.
"Something wrong, Lyn?"
The Lady of Caelin shook her head. "No, I'm fine. It's just that we're getting closer to the end of our journey and I was just trying to imagine what my grandfather will look like."
"Hmm." Link chuckled lightly. "That's understandable. Are you worried?"
"A little," Lyn replied. "The only family I have left is a man I have never seen before. I guess I'm going through a few "What if" questions."
"Would you like me to describe him, milady." Kent asked.
"No," Lyn replied. "I will wait to see his face with my own eyes."
Kent nodded in return. "Do not fear, your grandfather is a kind man. I am sure you will get along just fine."
"Thank-you, Kent." Lyn smiled at him. "That helps put my mind at ease."
"Think nothing of it, milady."
Lyn smiled again and returned to her thoughts.
"Link," she said abruptly. "What is your family like?"
This caught the attention of everyone in the group. Every piece that was chipped away at the enigma known as Link fascinated the Legion's members. The Hero of Time merely shrugged.
"I don't really know." He replied simply. "I never knew my parents."
"What?" Lyn blinked in shock. His response sent guilt coursing through her veins at bringing up such a topic.
"I grew up living on my own until I was of the age of about ten. That was when I first grasped a sword and set out into the world."
He grinned as he turned to the group. "It's nothing you need to worry about, though. I can't be sad over what I don't know. It doesn't bother me."
That left everyone else, even Sain, deep in thought as they walked. None of them could fathom what it must be like to have never known their family. Mothers, fathers, siblings, relatives; some people lose them, but they still have the rest or at least memories. Link had nothing. It was a humbling thought that made them all a bit more thankful for their own families and memories.
A little over an hour later brought the Legion down off the mountain close to the end of the forest. It was about here that the hawk in Lyn's arms began making a fuss.
"Huh?" Lyn blinked as she tried to calm the bird. "What's wrong?"
"We are being followed." Link replied casually.
Kent instantly began surveying the area, analyzing everything around for anything suspicious. Link, however, caught his eye and shook his head lightly. The red knight relaxed somewhat, when he caught his silent message; they weren't assassins.
"Oh, no…" Lyn sighed, nobody noticing the silent transaction between them. "Those bandits are persistent. I'll give them that much."
"Ugh!" Wil groaned. "Not again! They're still after us? I guess it was just wishful thinking…"
"We should expect an all out attack, this time." Link informed the group as he tried to pinpoint the location of their ambushers. "I believe the one who was following us ran ahead. He must have been a scout sent to find us."
Link smirked. "They're not taking any chances it seems. Overconfidence cost them their previous fights with us, now they're taking precaution."
"It matters not." Lyn stated firmly. "Nothing will stop me from reaching Caelin!"
xxx
"Heh heh heh! Don't think you'll be getting away so easily! This is the end for you!"
Another ugly bandit stood before the Legion in front of a small group of men. His dirty gray hair, squashed face, and a gap between his teeth made him the ugliest yet. However, he was also slightly bigger than the other bandit leaders they had fought. The same mousy faced bandit that was with Carjiga stood next to him.
"You leave alive and everyone will think that the Ganelon Bandits have gone soft!"
"So?" Lyn replied in disgust. "We care nothing for you or your reputations. Haven't you hounded us enough? Let us pass."
Knowing the fight was inevitable, however, Link decided to have some fun.
"Gone soft? Gone soft???? Oh dear…" He shook his head. "Hey, Sain? I think this tough gentleman is worried that going soft is a bad thing."
"You don't say?" Sain, catching on, looked shocked. "Then they severely overestimate themselves."
"I agree." Link nodded. "How bout you, Wil?"
"Absolutely, Link." Wil nodded. "Why the very suggestion astounds me."
"Ah yes." Link sighed. "Last time I checked, a fruit was tougher soft than when it's mush. You shouldn't complain about going soft, as you say, because that means your moving up in the world."
Veins popped on the foreheads of the bandits.
"Why you…" the leader growled before Lyn stepped forward, hand on hilt.
"We must get to Lycia!" She proclaimed. "Get in our way and you'll pay!"
"Feh! Cheeky little thing, aren't you?" the bandit leader spat. "Let's get'em, lads! And no holding back just cause there's women with'em! Wipe'em out!!"
xxx
Meanwhile in a part of the woods not so far away…
"Oooh… We're lost. This makes me so mad!"
A pink-haired cleric stood among the trees wearing an annoyed expression. One hand rested on her hip while the other gripped a staff with a light blue jewel head. She was dressed in a modest cleric dress with lilac trim as well as a pair of long white gloves one of which went to her elbow, the other to her shoulder. A lilac shawl that wrapped around her shoulders and fell down her back and completing her look was a loose belt similar to Florina's hanging around her waist.
Trudging up behind her was a young man with dark purple hair. He was wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt, tan pants, brown boots and a red cloak with gold trim as well as a pair of brown half gloves. Around his waist was a belt that had a large rectangular pouch on the side.
He approached the annoyed cleric with an exasperated expression.
"You told me you were certain this was the correct path." He sighed.
The pink haired women whipped around and glared at him.
"What's your point, Erk? What are you trying to say? Hmm?"
The man called Erk sighed again and shook his head. "…I swear, you are NOT the woman I agreed to escort…"
"What?!" the Cleric huffed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I heard someone was needed to escort a frail Lycian priestess to Ostia…" Erk replied.
"Yes, and I'm that priestess." The woman smiled.
"Frail?! You?!" Erk almost shouted. "Serra, you have absolutely no need of any escort to protect you. Even the most hardened criminal would flee in terror after five minutes in your company."
"I'll return your money. Gladly." Erk practically begged. "Now will you please go on to Ostia alone?"
"NO!!" Serra shouted. "You're MY escort, Erk! MINE!"
"You're so clean and tidy." She calmed down a bit. "A noblewoman such as myself can't be seen without a proper escort. Your personality's nothing special but you're not bad to look at."
"I believe that's my line." Erk rubbed his forehead with his thumb and index. "And I have to take you all the way to Ostia?"
He groaned. "I only hope my nerves can endure the journey."
"What are you mumbling about?" Serra demanded. "You're so gloomy!"
She was just about to chastise the poor mage further when the sound of shouting caught her attention.
"Hm? What's that?" she stared in the direction it was coming from. "There's something going on over there. Oooo, let's go take a look!"
She dashed off towards the noise while Erk groaned yet again and not for the last time.
"Ah. Of course." He grumbled. "The first opportunity to get involved in trouble and she jumps right in."
"No amount of money is worth this. Hoo…" he moaned before hurrying to catch up.
Serra squealed with delight as she saw a woman with a drawn sword as well as what looked like a few soldiers facing down a group of unruly and dirty men.
"Wow!" She clapped her hands with delight. "A fight! A fight!"
"Erk! Take a look!" She gestured to her approaching escort. "Fighting those bandits…it's a young girl!"
Erk quickly clasped a hand over her mouth.
"Fool!" he hissed. "Keep your voice down!"
Serra, however, was not the person to take such treatment lightly.
"How dare you!" she screeched trying to break free from his grip. Unfortunately her struggle caused her to slip and fall backwards taking the hapless Erk with her. The two of them tumbled out in the open and landed in a rather…awkward position.
Serra stared at Erk in a daze for a second before quickly regaining her senses. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!!!
A nearby bandit turned at the sudden outburst.
"Eh? What's this?" he stared at the no longer concealed pair.
"What be going on here?" he asked.
"Hm?" Serra craned her neck towards him.
"Ah…this is so wrong…" Erk moaned as he tried to get back up.
"You in league with that she-devil?" the bandit asked the now standing Erk.
Erk nodded. "Unfortunately, I am her escort. Please kill me."
"What did you say?!!" Serra jumped up from the ground.
"Not her!" The bandit yelled. "Her!"
He jerked his thumb to the sword-wielding girl.
"I demand that you take that back!" Serra glared at Erk, neither of them paying any attention to the man.
"Feh!" He spat as he brought up his bow. "Whatever! I'll take care of you both in one swift stroke!"
At this Serra turned back to the man as he drew his bowstring.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!" She screamed.
"Erk!!! Help me!!!!"
"So…loud…" Erk rubbed his ears. "Serra behind me!"
He leapt in front of her while simultaneously opening the pouch at his side and withdrawing a book.
"You there!" He challenged. "See if you can match me!!"
With the book open in his left hand, Erk quickly formed a ball of fire in his other. Thrusting his hand forward the fireball flew towards the bandit archer with deadly power. Both startled and afraid the bandit hurriedly released his bowstring before the fireball struck his chest and burst over his body. The magical flames scorched his flesh and burned a deep hole where the Erk's fire had struck. The arrow flew forward and grazed Erk's arm at his shoulder. Crying in pain the mage dropped his tome and grasped his wound.
"Erk!!" Serra screamed again.
xxx
"Ow!" Link winced and grabbed his ears. His Hylian hearing sensitive to the sudden noise.
"Hmm?" Lyn looked at him. "What's wrong? Oh, that scream…"
She turned in the direction that the high-pitched cry originated.
"Link! Someone is over there!"
She quickly dashed towards the sound. She soon found the source of the scream just in time to see a bandit fall in flames as well as a man and women close by. The man was on his knees clutching a wound, while the girl stood over him.
"Um, excuse me…Hello?" Lyn stepped forward.
"Hm?" The pink-haired woman turned to her.
"Why are you fighting these bandits?" Lyn asked.
"It just happened." The purple-haired man stood up.
"That's not true!" Serra protested angrily. "Those ruffians thought that we were with you!!! You got us into this terrible situation! Now, how are you going to get us out?"
"Serra," Erk turned to her an annoyed expression. "If you'd not been so meddlesome this all could have been avoided."
"My apologies." He turned back to Lyn. "Please trouble yourself with us no more."
He turned, hoping to leave the situation without any further trouble and praying that Serra wouldn't draw any further attention to them. However Lyn stopped him.
"But…if you're going to have to fight anyway, shouldn't we team up?" Lyn suggested. "It will end things faster, right? And it will also prevent you from stumbling into more of them alone."
"That's true..." Serra nodded. "Yes! That's a good idea. Erk! Go and help this lady."
A look of pure shock plastered itself to Erk's face. Did he really just hear that? Please say he did not just hear those words.
"But, I…" Erk looked at his wound and then looked at the two women in front of him, one the nightmare of his life the other giving him a curious look. He sighed.
"Fine!"
"Very good." Lyn turned around. "My companions are over this way. My name's Lyn. So tell me will you join arms with us?"
"Yes we'd be glad to." Serra followed after her. "My name is Serra and this is my escort, Erk. Be a good boy and go fight now, Erk." She flourished her hand in the direction Lyn was headed.
Erk heaved a great sigh before following after the two women. Lyn brought the two of them back to the company where her friends awaited her. Upon there arrival, Kent immediately grabbed Sain's ear when he saw the pink-haired cleric and muttered to save it for after the battle. Sain pouted a bit but said nothing.
"Everyone, this is Serra and Erk." She gestured to them both in turn. "They've agreed to join us in this battle."
"Erk, Serra, these are my friends. Kent, Sain, Wil, Dorcas, Florina and Link."
"AHH! His ears!" Serra screamed jumping back. Link in turn clutched his ears again and winced at the high pitched noise.
Everyone turned to stare at the Hylian. The Legion had all gotten used to his long ears and had pretty much forgotten about them and even though Dorcas only joined the other day, he hadn't made any notice that he ever cared. After all it was because of Link that he was where he was.
A moment of awkward silence descended over the group as Link rubbed his ears and the rest tried to decide what to say. Being the knowledge hungry person that he was, Erk's shocked expression, unlike Serra's, quickly turned to curiosity.
"Ah well…" Lyn hesitated a minute, unsure of how to proceed. "Link's…not from around here. I'll tell you about him after the battle."
"Oh, ok. Well it's nice to meet you all." Serra smiled recovering surprisingly fast. "I'm sure I will be of great help to you all. You see this contrary mage here with me?" She indicated Erk. "His name is Erk. He is really hopeless without me and seems to have gotten himself hurt." She shook her head in a manner similar to a mother at a child who just did something stupid.
"I am his employer. "Master," I suppose you could say and since he's been injured I am going to demonstrate the remarkable talent that I possess and heal him free of charge."
Everyone stared at her in shock, especially Erk, whom she was talking about like he wasn't even there. Unfortunately Serra misinterpreted the stunned silence.
"I know. I know." She sighed dramatically. "I'm generous to a fault."
The silence deepened.
"Hm?" Serra looked at everyone, stunned. "Why are you looking at me like that? Praise my generosity!"
Getting no response she turned to Erk and waved her staff.
"I'm going to use my staff. Watch in wonder!" She thrust the head of the stave towards Erk. "Heal!"
A pair of shimmering beams of light snaked down her arm as she channelled her magic up the shaft of her staff where they gathered in the blue gem at the top. The blue crystal began to glow as Serra's magic power was focused and directed at Erk. An ethereal blue light washed over the mage and closed the wound on his arm.
"There! As good as new!" Serra proclaimed.
Erk stretched his arm a bit before nodding. The others although still shocked at Serra's ego and audacity marvelled at the display of magic. Perhaps she would be useful after all.
"No injury can withstand my healing presence!" Serra boasted loudly.
"Any injury?" Lyn asked her interest perked as an idea formed in her mind.
"Of course!" Serra said. "As long as the person is not to far gone, I can heal anything!"
"Then, could you heal this bird's wing?" Lyn asked retrieving the hawk from the log she had placed him on.
"Oh my!" Serra squealed with glee. "A hawk! Have you been carrying him? Of course I shall heal him! A creature blessed with flight should not be stuck on the ground."
Serra once again called forth her magic and restored the hawk's broken wing. Lyn gave her thanks to her before she removed the splint and raised her arm. The hawk stretched out his wings and flapped them a few times before he leapt from Lyn's arm and soared into the sky with powerful strokes.
"Thank-you, Serra." Lyn bowed to her. "He is back where he belongs and now I don't have to worry about him while I fight."
"Milady," Kent addressed his liege. "Sain and I will take point and engage the bandits head on."
"Alright." Lyn nodded. "We will fan out and follow you. Be careful."
"You need not worry." The red knight replied. "We will be fine. Let's go Sain."
He reined his horse and took off through the trees.
"HUZZAH!" Sain cheered as he followed. "Into the fray we go!"
"Ok then." Lyn turned to the rest of the group. "Everybody ready?"
"Of course." Wil grinned bow and arrow in hand.
"Yes." Florina nodded from her mount her battle adrenaline once again giving her resolve.
Dorcas merely hefted his axe over his shoulder while Link crossed his arms and gave her an "are you serious?" look.
"I'm not sure how I got in this mess..." Erk shook his head he readied his Fire Tome. "If I'm going to fight, however, I will show you the true power of magic!"
Lyndis grinned herself. "Then let's crush these fools once and for all!"
xxx
"Gah! They're inhuman!" Bug cried as he watched another one of his brothers fall to the speed and grace of Lyn's sword.
"What are we gonna do, Bug? They're wiping us out!"
"Relax! Stick to the plan!" the boss said. "All we gotta do is draw them in closer and then we'll have them."
"Oh, right." The bandit calmed a little bit. "Sorry boss."
"Go make sure they're ready! If we miss this than we're through!" He turned back to watch the group come closer and closer, destroying all in their path.
xxx
"This is too easy." Sain said as he trampled down a swordsman in his way.
"I agree." Kent said, dispatching his own adversary. "Almost too easy."
"Aw come on Kent!" Sain moaned. "We've fought these guys so much that they aren't a match for us anymore. Why don't you just admit that?"
"Such attitude may one day cost you your life, Sain." The red knight warned.
Sain just sighed as he turned his attention to where Erk was facing down another archer. The mage, tome in hand, was standing in one spot shifting his weight smoothly from foot to foot while carefully watching his opponent. The bandit armed his bow and shot at the mage hoping to kill the magic user quickly. Erk swayed to the side, pivoting on his foot and crossing his arms as he did. As he completed his spin, Erk whipped his arms outward sending a fireball at the archer, killing him in a burst of fire. The mage smirked slightly before approaching where Kent and Sain stood, he was followed closely by Serra. Wil dropped out of the trees and joined the group as well.
"Where are the others?" Erk inquired.
Wil jerked a thumb over his shoulder to where Dorcas was facing a fellow axeman. The fighter swung his axe crushing his opponent's weapon then striking again with a finishing blow before continuing on his trek to join the others.
"Hmm." Kent thought to himself as he watched the large man. "Dorcas fights with sheer offence. I don't see any defensive form in his attacks."
"What does that mean?" Serra asked him curiously.
"It means that he fights with a double edged weapon." Sain replied. "If Dorcas doesn't take his opponents down in his first move, then he is completely vulnerable to a counterattack that could kill him."
"Quite risky." Erk agreed.
Florina swooped down from the sky in a graceful spiral having finished scouting the area.
"I…don't see any more bandits in the immediate area, b-but there was an archer further east… so I was unable to scout beyond that point."
"Alright," Kent nodded. "Where is Lady Lyn and Sir Link?"
"They're on their way." Florina replied.
"How many has Link killed?" Sain asked eagerly. "Has he fought more than me?"
"Er…actually…I-I don't think that he has even drawn his sword yet." Florina replied a bit startled.
"WHAT!" The green knight cried. "You mean he's fighting unarmed?!"
Florina shook her head. "No, Lyn is doing all the fighting."
xxx
"Hmph." Lyn smirked as another axe-man fell. "They're not much of a threat this time around."
Link laughed lightly as he strode up behind her. "That's because you've gotten stronger, Lyn. It hasn't been very longer but you're already much stronger than you were when we first started out."
The Lorca survivor smiled at him. "It's all thanks to you and your training Link."
"Hey now," Link put up his hands. "Don't sell yourself short, Lyn. Even if I wasn't here you'd become stronger."
"Maybe," Lyn said. "But you ARE here and it's because of YOUR help that I've grown so quickly."
Link just shrugged. "I see you still aren't using the Mani Katti." He gestured to the other sword at her waist.
"No," She shook her head. "Not yet. Maybe someday, but not now. But then again these fools are not worthy to face the Spirit Sword, so a normal sword is just fine."
"You have a point there." Link agreed. "Come. Let's join up with the others and see how they're doing."
It didn't take long for the Legion to group together once again, nobody having much difficulty with the foes they faced. But now they were forced to move much closer together through the mountain pass.
"Be on your guard everyone." Kent declared. "The mountain pass will make us more vulnerable to a surprise attack."
Lyndis's Legion moved cautiously through the pass, anxiously awaiting any surprise movement, but none came.
"I thought you said there was an archer around here." Serra told Florina.
"There was." The Pegasus knight said nervously. "He-He was around here somewhere."
"Perhaps the cowards have run off." Sain suggested.
"It would seem logical." Erk agreed. "Although there numbers were great we were easily superior to them in strength and that pass would have been the ideal place for an ambush."
"Still…something is not right." Wil said as he looked around.
"It's too quiet." Link answered him.
"You worry too much." Serra said loudly, waving her staff. "They obviously thought that they were no match for us and retreated."
No sooner were the words out of her mouth when several bandits leaped out from hiding behind them shouting loud war cries. The Legion turned to face them only to have more bandits erupt from groves of trees to the right and left. The bandit leader, Bug, who had addressed Lyn earlier emerged from behind a large rock formation with several followers; effectively surrounding the Legion.
"Hah! Now we got you!" Bug roared in triumph. "You thought you were out of danger didn't ya? Well now you're going to learn to fear the Ganelon Bandits."
Lyn cursed as she looked around. They had fallen right into their trap. This time it was they who were overconfident and now they were at a severe disadvantage grouped together with no mobility. Nevertheless the melee fighters formed a circle around Serra, Erk, and Florina who was grounded due to a couple of archers among the bandit ranks.
"So uhh…" Sain swallowed grimly as he looked around. "You got any special tricks in that magic bag of yours that can get us out of this one, Link?"
Link shook his head gravely. "If I was alone, yes, but not in a group like this."
"Oh great!" Serra yelled. "Now we're all going to die! I'm too young and beautiful to die! Erk why did you get us caught up in this mess! I should be on my way to Ostia right now! Not surrounded by ugly lowlifes ready to kill me!"
"SHUT UP!!"
Everyone froze as they stared at Link who was clutching his ears from Serra's high-pitched voice.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!!!" Serra shrieked at him.
"I SAID SHUT UP!" Link yelled back. "I can't concentrate with you constantly whining! This is going to be hard enough as it is so if you want to live to see tomorrow then keep your voice down!!!!"
His words and anger silenced even Serra who gaped at him with a shocked expression as their eyes locked. Serra swallowed lightly as she felt the fear brought on by Link's cold gaze.
That said Link turned back to face Bug.
Everyone was stunned especially Erk who also had a mixture of awe at the fact that Serra was silent and wonder at how in the name of Elimine he did it. However the rest of the Legion knew. Link was angry.
"Haha!" The bandit laughed. "You seem to be getting frustrated! Fighting amongst yourselves won't help your situation at all."
"Hmmph." Link grunted. "I will admit to you that you had a good plan here. I can see that you're experienced in mountain ambushes something to be expected from mountain bandits."
"However…" Link continued as he glared at Bug. "You picked the wrong group of people to mess with. I have sworn to see this woman," he indicated Lyn "to Caelin and not you nor anybody else will stand in our way! I know what your answer will be and I do not wish to say this but I will extend this warning to you anyway – Leave us now and you will live to see another day; hinder us any longer and you will regret it with your lives!"
The silence that followed felt louder than the crack of a whip. The Legion just stared at their comrade not believing the words they heard. Erk and Serra aside they all knew Link was good but even they couldn't see how he could get them out of this one.
Needless to say Bug was outraged but he was also slightly curious.
"Oh really," He replied with anger. "And what do you plan on doing, boy? Your're surrounded with no where to hide or maneauver. It doesn't matter what you do or how good you are! You will all die here!!"
"Not today we won't." Link replied coldly as he stepped back into the middle of the group. He bent his knees and crouched while cupping his hands at his sides. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes readying himself – this was not going to be easy.
"Everyone…do you trust me?" Link asked, slowly opening his eyes and marking where everyone was standing in his mind.
"Huh?" Lyn blinked confused. The others made similar expressions, silence once again filling the air as they stared at him.
"Do you trust me?" Link repeated louder.
"Of course." Kent nodded.
"Y-yes." Flroina replied remembering when Link rescued both her and Lyn.
"Sure." Wil grinned.
"I can't believe you would doubt me." Sain grumbled.
Lyn looked at the Hylian hero. "With my life."
Erk and Serra did not reply. Erk was puzzled at the sudden question while Serra was mad at him for yelling at her.
Link breathed out slowly. "Then no matter what happens, DO NOT MOVE!"
With that, Link began focusing his magic power into his hands. A bright red ball of light gathered in the space between his hands, small at first but quickly growing larger until it filled his hands. Everyone around stood in awe at the sight, especially Erk who was fascinated by the strange display of magic. The bandits around stared in silence as well, wondering what was going to happen next.
Arms that carve the earth
Hair that scorches the sky
Eyes that burn with fury
Passion that bends the seasons
O Goddess of Power grant me thy might!!
With a loud cry Link swung his right arm over his head and slammed the ball of light into the ground.
"DIN'S FIRE!!"
A dome of magic fire erupted from the ground and covered his body. Gasps spilled out from his friends, all of them taking a quick step back fearing the fire would burn them and turning their backs on their foes.
Bug snapped out of his stupor. "Now!! Get them!!!"
The bandits sprung forward with murderous intent. The Legions members began to panic, staring around in confusion unsure of what to do, bandits on the outside, magic fire inside. Florina and the knights began to lose control of their mounts and the others tried to ready themselves for battle.
"DON'T MOVE!!!" Link screamed at them. The Legion froze and stared at him with fear in their eyes.
All but Lyn. Though she was afraid, she was true to her word, she trusted Link. After his scream stopped her initial panic, she remembered her own words and turned her back to the charging bandits to stare at the dome of fire.
"Everyone calm down!" She demanded causing everyone to look at her.
"Milady…" Kent said.
"We all said we trusted him and he told us not to move!" Lyn declared.
"Y-your right." Kent said mimicking her while covering his horses eyes and turning to the dome.
Wil, Florina, and Dorcas nodded and followed suit.
"Ahh, what a fool I am." Sain shook his head and joined them.
Seeing the rest of them turn their backs on danger and putting all faith and safety in their comrades hands; Erk and Serra also turned to the wall of fire, though much more nervously.
"I'm going to die, I'm going to die…" Serra babbled repeatedly while Erk stared with fascination completely entranced with the display before him.
With the bandits now seconds away, the entire group stood around the kneeling Hylian encased in fire. Just before they were about to strike, the swirling flames burst forth and the dome spread at remarkable speed. The force of the flame blew the air around with frightening speed and bathed the entire area with heat and fiery light that blinded everyone. When the light died down, the members of the legion slowly opened their eyes and looked around. Gasps escaped the lips of many as they surveyed the scene around them. Everything was burnt away leaving nothing but smouldering ashes and scorched mountain rock as black as night. The bandits were nowhere to be found for all that remained of them were the metal parts of their weapons that were now melted beyond recognition.
The only spot that had escaped the hungry flames was the immediate area around Link, who was still kneeling and panting heavily. He slowly craned his head towards his friends to find them looking back at him bewildered and shocked, but safe.
"Hah…" He breathed heavily. "I did it…"
He smiled with relief before collapsing on the ground.
"Link!" Lyn shouted and rushed to his side.
Link eyed her tiredly. "Thanks…for trusting me…" he said before his world went dark.
xxx
"Ugh…" Link groaned and slowly opened his eyes.
"Hey! Everyone, stop! He's waking up!"
"Link! Are you alright?!" Lyn spoke with concern.
Link leaned forward to discover he was lying on a makeshift travois being pulled by Kent's steed. He groaned again and rubbed his temples with his finger and thumb.
"I'm fine." He replied groggily and tried to stand up. His footing faltered and he began to fall but was caught by Wil.
"Whoa there." He said to the Hero of Time. "Take it easy."
"I'm ok." Link insisted and stood on his own and looked around. "Is everyone unharmed?"
Lyn nodded. "Yes, everyone is fine, but you've been out cold for a few hours now. What happened?"
"I cast a spell." Link replied simply.
"Yes." Lyn nodded. "We knew that; so is that why you haven't cast any spells until now? Do they drain you that much?"
"I would imagine it would." Erk stepped forward. "That was no minor fire spell you used back there. Such powerful incantations can only be used sparingly by even the strongest magic wielders."
Serra nodded her agreement for although she was not as well versed in Anima magic as him the same rules applied to her holy Light Magic as well.
However, Link shook his head. "No. The spell itself is easy to do; I could cast it multiple times on my own if I needed to. But normally it's a spell used when one is surrounded by enemies. It's not a spell meant to be used in the midst of allies. Din's Fire calls forth violent flames that consume all around the caster. Casting the spell and controlling the fire so as not to harm any of you is extremely difficult and taxing on the mind and body, especially with a group this large."
"Controlling a spell such as that to that degree requires tremendous concentration, would it not?" Erk thought for a moment, fascinated by a form of magic he had never seen before.
"So that's why you told us not to move." He continued catching on. "If we had then…"
"I would have been unable to alter the flame as needed. And…" Link nodded. "You would all be dead."
A moment of silence descended over the group as they each thought about this and a renewed and strengthened faith and trust filled their hearts.
"Hey! I thought you said you didn't have any tricks that could get us out of that situation." Sain broke the silence.
"I didn't." Link grinned. "I don't keep my spells in my bag."
He turned to Serra. "I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier, but your screaming kept me from focusing my mind."
The cleric regarded him for a second before shrugging and flourishing her hand again. "Well… I guess I can forgive you this time… since you did save us and all."
"Looks like you saved the day again." Wil laughed. "Though it's nice to see some form of weakness in you for a change."
"Weakness?" Sain's eye twitched. The green knight quickly leapt for his horse, grabbed a training sword and lunged for the weary Hylian, all in the space of about two and a half seconds.
"This is my chance!!" Sain cried swinging his sword over his head.
Link turned his head to him and casually side-stepped away sticking his leg out as he did causing Sain to fall on his face again. Laughter erupted from everyone as Sain suffered yet another defeat.
"Serves you right, Sain." Link grinned at him.
Sain grumbled and cursed as he stood up and trudged back to his horse.
"What a character." Wil chuckled.
Lyn held a hand to her mouth to stifle her laughter before turning to Erk and Serra.
"Thank-you so much for your help earlier today." She smiled at them.
"Oh think nothing of it, it was fun…wasn't Erk?" Serra waved dramatically.
The young mage looked at her in disbelief.
"Your staff is a wondrous thing," Lyn continued. Healing powers amaze me and I also have to thank-you again for helping the hawk."
"All in a days work for a great priestess like myself." Serra smiled drinking in the praise. "After all only those in the service of good can utilize the wondrous healing power of St. Elimine."
"Thank-you again." Lyn smiled. "And you as well Erk. Your power helped us out greatly in that fight."
Erk let a slight grin tug at his lips despite himself and nodded in response. "I was glad to help, but now we had best be off. We must reach Ostia as soon as possible." The sooner I'm rid of Serra the less time there is to fall into another one of these messes, he thought.
"And we must be on our way as well." Lyn agreed before bowing to them lightly. "Thank-you again, perhaps our paths will cross in the future."
"Take care," Serra smiled as she turned away. "Goode-bye Lyn."
The Legion watched the two of them walk away before turning to the matter at hand concerning there next move. Nobody noticed Sain slip away from the group.
"Alright." Kent spoke up. "That should take car of our bandit problems from here on out. The lands we traverse now belong to Araphen, the first territory of the Lycian League. But who knows how things will turn out now. Sooner or later news will reach Lundgren that you are in Lycia, Lyndis, and he may even send soldiers to stop us."
Lyn blinked. "Soldiers? From Caelin? But how can he do that?"
"Lord Lundgren may not be the marquess but he still has a lot of authority in Caelin. In fact with your grandfather ill and bedridden Lundgren can virtually act as such. Commanding the Caelin army would be a trivial thing for him."
Kent sighed before he continued. "Worst of all if that be the case, then these won't be mere bandits that we will face next but trained soldiers prepared for battle."
Lyn lowered her head as she pondered this new bit of information. "Then from here on it will only get harder."
Kent nodded. "I'm sorry Milady, but the closer we get to the castle the more desperate Lord Lundgren will be to stop you."
A short silence left Lyn alone to her thoughts for a moment before Link broke it.
"Don't worry Lyn." He put a hand on her shoulder. "We'll be fine, after all you're not fighting this alone. All of us here want to see you safely to your grandfather."
"That's right," Wil piped up eager to spread some cheer. "Lyndis's Legion exists to get you to your home."
Everyone in the group gave their agreement.
Lyn looked around at her friends and smiled. "Thank-you everyone, with friends like you I shouldn't be worried."
"Hmm?" She looked around. "Where's Sain?"
"Hark! Your shining knight is here oh my beauteous lady liege!!" Sain cheerfully called to her as he approached followed by Serra and then Erk.
"Sain?" Kent looked at him. "What have you been up to?"
"Well you see my dear friend," Sain answered dramatically. "With our approach to Caelin becoming closer and closer I thought it be prudent to strengthen our legion as much as possible."
"And while our merry band has the best fighters around," He continued. "I'm afraid it is lacking in the area of second line support. And just when we were in sure need to for reinforcements it so happens that we meet the lovely Serra and her dashing friend Erk. And so I thought what better way to fill the gaps in our lines than with these two wielders of the arcane arts, so I've asked them to accompany us and they have agreed! Oh how destiny brings us all together!"
Sain spread his arms wide as he finished his explanation leaving everyone to stare at him in bewilderment. Both at the fact that Sain had managed to get some much needed help for them and at the fact that he was smart enough to do it on his own.
"Well Sain..." Kent stared at his fellow knight. "I…I'm impressed."
Sain smiled joyously at the praise. "Oh it was nothing my friend."
Lyn looked at the two magic users. "Uh… is this true?"
Erk looked like he was about to throw-up, but Serra giggled.
"Of course it is! Lyn you should have told us you were the marquess of Caelin's granddaughter."
"What?" Lyn blinked again and stared at her.
"Sain told us of your dilemma and I must say, my healing staff and Erk's magic will be invaluable to you on your quest. And I won't hear of you turning us down. We're coming with you and that's that."
Lyn was at a loss for words when a shrill cry pierced the sky. Everyone looked up to see the hawk that Lyn had cared for descending down from the clouds. As if on instinct Lyn held up her arm as the regal bird swooped low and perched itself on her forearm.
"Huh?" Lyn looked at the bird in surprise as it ruffled it's feathers and twittered lightly.
Link laughed. "It seems we have three new members joining us now. This proves he likes you Lyn."
Everyone else in the Legion chuckled as well as Lyn's head snapped from Erk and Serra to the hawk then to the rest of her friends and back again.
"I...don't know what to say." Lyn stammered at a loss.
"Just accept it." Wil replied cheerfully. "The Legion is growing and that's all there is to it."
Florina stepped up to her friend. "Pl..please d-don't worry Lyn. We're all here to help you."
Lyn smiled at this as she looked around at everyone. "Thank-you everyone."
She then turned to the direction of Caelin. "It doesn't matter what happens." She spoke firmly. "Try all you can Uncle, it won't stop me. I will reach Caelin!"
Cheers from the rest of Lyndis's Legion echoed her statement and carried her resolve into the sky.
Erk was the only one to remain silent as he still tried process how this nightmare happened and keep himself from feeling ill. His thoughts caused him to look towards the one responsible for dragging him through this mess and it was then that he noticed something.
"Uh…Serra?"
"Hmm? What is it Erk?" Serra looked at him.
"Umm…I think…you have a spider in your hair."
The high-pitched result of this announcement left Link unconscious for the second time that day.
xxx
Author's Note
Whew...finally. Man that felt good. Well what do you think? I hope I managed this chapter well, it's been a little while, I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things. I thought a couple of things were a little corny and cliche but I had fun with it. I'm really excited about the future chapters when more characters come in particularily Matthew to name just one. Heheh. I'm pretty revved up. So that's it for now but I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can. Please Review! Contructive critisism appreciated but no flames. Flamers will be assassinated. Oh and for those of you who don't like it I will be using the game script a lot as you can tell from this and previous chapters but I will be altering it as I see fit. I cut out Sain't recruitment of Erk and Serra cause I didn't want to mess with it or figure out how I was gonna get it in, but you get the picture. So anyway, until next time happy reading!!