Darkness invaded the lands of Termina without mercy, beginning first with endless storms and pouring cold rains, the dark gray clouds concealing the once golden sun for days on end. Worst of these storms were not only the booming of thunder, which sounded like Heaven's judgment, but the lethal bolts of lightning crashing into the earth, far too close for comfort.

It was no longer safe outdoors, and though the weather proved a somewhat minor concern, the real danger awaited them beyond the walls of Clock Town. Within just two weeks of residing in the town, after the collapse of their kingdom, horrendous beasts spewed from the shadows of the earth, and in such a short amount of time, they'd asserted their dominance. Within all regions, weaker beasts fled from their respective territories, and it was a fight for survival.

The world had collapsed. Order and Unity shattered on the wind. Only the Goddesses could spare them the hell that would soon unfold. But the heavens were ignoring their cries, ignoring the struggles as man-kind fought against these beasts. How long would Clock Town's walls hold?

Violet stood amongst the paranoid and frenzied citizens with Mayor Dotour standing beside her on a pedestal, his hands raised as he tried to calm down the hundreds which had gathered to protest their concerns. Where she stood, eye twitching, she could not fathom the amount of disrespect the citizens were displaying to their leader. If these ingrates were of her tribe, she'd punish them and without remorse, but she remained idle, on watch and irritated, her ears ringing with every shriek.

Mayor Dotour's guards and Vincent kept the panic as calm as they could manage, but even there was little they could do to ease their distress. Through the jeers and sobbing, they had no other choice but to surround him from all sides so as no harm would befall him; this alone spurred Violet to unsheathe her blades, and that forced the citizens back on their startled and trembling feet, their eyes wide in fright.

"The amount of disrespect you show your leader agitates me. Without him, who would have provided these walls? Your houses? Your way of life? And yet you hassle him, talk him down like he is nothing more than vermin? Were you showing that amount of disrespect to my royals, I'd not hesitate to end your lives. Now, I suggest you let him speak. And while I'm at it, you will give your complaints one at a time. Do I make myself clear?"

The sight of their pale expressions mixed with fear and anger did much to please her at that moment. Violet did not back down, nor did she drop her blades. Instead, she narrowed her eyes, waiting for any complaint to arise, and to her relief, none did. They lowered their heads, likely ashamed of their bothersome outbursts. From beside her, she heard the Mayor cough and, sheathing her blades, gave him her utmost attention.

For the rest of the afternoon, Violet listened to the complaints of the citizens. Those complaints ranged from their growing fears surrounding the army of monsters outside the walls to the unexpected restriction on traveling and trade. All routes were closed until those beasts submitted in retreat.

It proved troublesome for the townspeople, though the Mayor assured them it was only temporary and that he would see that his guards handled the issue. Vincent insisted upon the idea to ask that all men from ages 15-50 take part in growing their numbers, as this would prove more effective should worse befall them. And the order passed.

As the meeting in the square came to a close, one person stepped forward, a finger pointed towards Violet, and she narrowed her gaze, her hand positioned upon the hilt of her sword in a warning. The look in his eyes and that stance did not settle well with her. Thunder roared overhead, promising terrorizing showers.

"Before we wrap things up here, why don't we adress the actual issue here?" He asked.

Before he could continue, Vincent beat him to it, approaching the man with a shake of the head. "Do you not hear that? A storm has come. We must take shelter. If there are more complaints, then you can take them up with us in private at another time."

"Oh, don't worry, it will only take but a moment," The citizen assured him with smug arrogance before glowering at Violet with incredible disdain. "I think it's only right that everyone knows that all of this started the moment those heathens stepped through our walls!"

Gasps resounded, the men and women turning to one another with surprise and morbid confusion, their eyes shifting from the man in question and to Violet. When their incriminating stares settled on her, she clenched her jaw.

"Let the man finish!" Someone said. "Let's hear what he has to say!"

"What do you mean it's their fault all this happened?!" A woman asked, holding her two children close to her.

"Calm down! Calm down!" The Mayor said, followed by the guards. "I assure you it is not like that!"

"Who are they?!" Someone asked.

And it only escalated from there, from one person pointing their fingers and placing the blame, to another accusing Violet and the royal family of bewitching their leader. It took much force to quell their rage and confusion and a great deal of restraint from Violet not to lash out. The shout deafened the crowd.

Mayor Dotour cleared his throat. "Though I did not realize it would incite this much fear and ridicule, there is no reason to hide it. It reports a great disturbance two weeks ago in the Valley of Ikana. A great war afflicted the lives of many, and the Royal Family, who are with us today, have nowhere else to turn. They sought refuge here. Around that time when their kingdom fell, so too did those storms befall our lands," He said. "There is something amiss in the lands of Termina, but I assure you these people are innocent. Perhaps we should look to the Heavens for guidance. Blackening our hearts will lead us nowhere."

Vincent said, "The Mayor did not speak about this matter because he did not want to incite fear about any impending wars befalling us. We didn't realize something of this magnitude would transpire, but we will do all that we can to keep these walls up. Now, I ask that all of you return home."

While Violet watched the many countenances of the townsfolk shift from resentment to perplexed understanding, it wasn't long before they followed Vincent's instruction and dispersed like shadows. "Thank you," She said to the older man beside her.

"That worried me. But it seems my words have eased their distress. Now then, I have much to discuss with you inside, Violet. Vincent, you're dismissed."

"Yes, sir!"

"Something is on your mind?" Violet asked, noting his troubled expression, and he nodded, walking alongside her towards the stairs past the Stock Pot Inn and a few blocks from his residence.

"This is no ordinary storm," He said, the thunder booming, the storm clouds lightning. "I fear this may be an omen, and it has something to do with those monsters outside our walls. We may need someone who can handle magic."

The moment they'd taken shelter from the rain, the lightning shot from the dark skies, clamoring upon the earth wave after wave, and were it not for the heavy rain, Violet feared the spread of fires.

While the older man made himself at home within the residency, he'd provided them two weeks earlier, Violet soon found Cathleen and Julian relaxing on the sofa. The place was quaint and smelled of thick perfumes, but it held up as the storm persisted.

Upon Violet's return, Julian smiled and said, "You're back! And you're soaked to the bone!" He retrieved a blanket and wrapped it around Violet's shoulders, and she accepted it, smiling with gratitude.

"You should warm yourself by the fire, or I fear you might catch ill," Cathleen said, removing herself from the sofa before noticing the Mayor beside Violet, and she nodded her head. "Good afternoon, Mayor Dotour."

"My apologies for intruding, but I came to discuss something. It will only be for a moment."

"I see. Servants, bring us boiled tea leaves and snacks," Cathleen said.

"Yes, Princess!"

"Right away, Princess!"

Violet motioned for the Mayor to move from the living quarters and into the dining room. From there, she guided him to sit at the table; it was long with a finish of mahogany, ornate with colorful flowers spilling from a porcelain vase.

While he eased himself into the chair, rubbing his sore neck with a released sigh, she soon took a seat beside him, followed by Cathleen and Julian across from her, the two curious of the private conversation.

"Now then… where to begin," Mayor Dotour said, scratching his beard. "Now that it's come to this, I fear what may happen soon. I've done what I can to instill some hope into the people, but there is only so much we can do. When it comes right down to it, simple swords and arrows will be no match if their numbers increase."

Cathleen frowned. "It's worrisome, but your walls are strong, Mayor. Maybe your men could fortify them further within."

He only shook his head. "To attain those resources, we'd have to make frequent trips outside, and only certain soils are necessary. That will not stop those beasts. Should the moment any fly over our walls, we're doomed. I came up with a solution."

"You mentioned something about a magic-user?" Violet asked.

"Just between us, there is a mysterious man who lives in Southern Swamp. I assume him to be a powerful sorcerer; his magic is unbelievable."

"A sorcerer?" Julian asked, eyes widening. "Someone who has practiced dark magic?"

"Dark magic?" Cathleen asked. "Could it be the kind we experienced back at the chasm?"

"No, no. But depending on how it's practiced, it's use can vary from good to evil. I do not fathom his capabilities, but he's a good man. There were many instances where my family had requested his services, but only when difficulties arose. I believe he may be the solution we need to eradicate those beasts that are infesting the plains of Termina. It might not be a terrible idea to search for him. He might give us a better understanding of where they are coming from."

"Do you mean to tell me his power is so great?" Cathleen asked.

"Yes. Perhaps this man could help restore your kingdom."

"Restore our kingdom to its former glory? How can that be possible? Our kingdom is in ruin!" Julian said, clenching his hands at the thought, though a comforting hand from his sister eased his worries somewhat. "So, you're saying this sorcerer can turn all of this around? Then, can he bring the dead back?"

"Julian…" Cathleen said, scolding him.

Although not expecting such a reaction, he fell silent, his gaze downcast. Violet noted his scrunched expression on his leathery face and the manner he rubbed his palms. He was nervous. "I'm sorry, young prince. I know he is a powerful sorcerer, but I do not know the full extent of his power."

"Then I suggest you rephrase your words next time before you give someone high praise," Julian said, returning to his chair.

"I'm sorry about that. But please be understanding," Cathleen said, sighing.

"Of course…"

Although Violet wanted nothing more than to pull Julian away and talk one on one with him and reassure him that all would be well, she knew now was not an appropriate time. Instead, she turned her hard stare back to him. "So, you say this sorcerer lives in Southern Swamp? How did you come into contact with him?"

The Mayor's gaze turned away from Julian, and he cleared his throat. "There is only one person in this town that knows how to find him," He said and pointed at himself. "He is a mysterious man. Though he has helped my family for years, and when I say my family, I mean not only myself, but my father and my grandfather and his father before him. He's never revealed his name, nor have I ever seen his face, but I believe the man to be immortal."

"Immortal?" Cathleen and Julian asked.

"And what proof do you have?" Violet asked.

He lifted his hands. "His hands, though I've never seen his face, his hands never age, and his voice remains forever youthful. It's passed down to one child for generations. My father passed it down to me, just as I will pass it down to my son when he reaches the required age."

The more the Mayor spoke, the more questions which arose. The underlying truth she needed was the directions on how to find this man, and after that, then they would see to it and end all the misery. But the Mayor was dragging everything out, and it was annoying her. Curiosity got the best of her. "Why is it that only those in your family know of this man's whereabouts? No one else besides you are familiar with his magic?"

He laughed at this and said, "No, that's not it. He's just a private person. It seems he prefers his solitude. My family requested his services when they were in dire need and nothing more."

How curious. Weren't other inhabitants of Termina aware of this magic-user? Then again, if he was a private person, then how did he end up meeting his family? Perhaps it was by a chance encounter that escalated to frequent visits?

She turned to Cathleen and Julian. "What are your thoughts? Should we seek this sorcerer then? He might shine light on our situation and the relic."

"I'm sorry, what do you mean by relic?" The Mayor asked.

Violet only offered an apologetic smile. "It's a family heirloom, though I can't say much regarding it," She said, and he nodded.

Cathleen pondered the situation, and after exchanging a glance with her brother, she soon nodded. "Very well. It's settled then. The three of us will leave tomorrow morning and meet with him."

While accustomed to obeying every order, this was one particular order she couldn't follow. "No," She said, and the room fell silent. The servants who'd return to bring their refreshments and snacks looked on, stupefied. "I cannot put your highnesses in danger. I will make the journey myself. Mayor Dotour, I would like to ask that you hand us a map of his exact location."

Mayor Dotour took a long sip of his tea, and after licking his lips and setting the cup down, he offered another apologetic smile to the woman. "I cannot do that…"

"Why?"

"We pass this information to one family member of each generation. The next to inherit this is my son."

Violet almost scoffed. Did he not trust her? Did he believe she would tell the world of this so-called powerful magic-user? She had other important things to do with her time. "Why is that?"

"It comes with a price."

Now, this was becoming interesting. What sort of secrecy surrounded this man? Her curiosity got the best of her, and without even thinking, she asked, "And what is that price?"

"Once the information passes on, it will erase itself from my memory," He said, the result eliciting startled and confused gasps around the table, the servants staring. "These directions have a spell attached to them. He cast the spell long ago."

"Then how will we find him if you are under a spell?" Cathleen asked.

"Can't you just tell Violet, and then when your son reaches the required age, have her pass it on to your son instead?" Julian asked.

That seemed like a plausible idea. Then again, judging by the man's expression, he was not so keen on approving. "Let me guess. It doesn't work that way?"

He nodded. "If I have thoughts to reveal it, the memory will cease to exist. I cannot draw a map of his whereabouts either. All I can reveal that will not cause any harm is that he lives deep within Southern Swamp. You're on your own with this. My deepest apologies for not offering you enough information."

But Violet only held her hand up; the apology was unnecessary. "No. What you've provided us already is useful enough." And besides, she wasn't oblivious to the hint he gave her moment ago. It wouldn't be easy finding him. So, he dwells deep in Southern Swamp.

It'd been a week since her venture into Southern Swamp, and she'd taken only the best of her men, leaving a handful to remain behind and guard Cathleen and Julian during her absence. Before they'd left, the Mayor had given her a map of the entire region of Southern Swamp. He circled the location on the parchment and handed them a few other necessities such as food and water, enough that would last them the journey.

Violet estimated the time spent in this dreadful place would last a few days, but she found out the swamp was more than what it appeared; it was a dense jungle, surrounded by muddy swamps and thick foliage, most of which were poisonous.

Tall mushrooms varying in color and height, even taller than the trees, clustered in various areas of the land, that much she noted from her perch atop a high branch overlooking the surrounding area. There were still no sightings of a river or any drinkable water source, and she brought her canteen to her lips to drink its sweet contents.

If only she'd made the journey on her own and left the guards behind. Instead, she put their lives at risk. After arriving to this unknown location, she realized Mayor Dotour had failed to reveal the wild terrors that inhabited this region. Then again, it was likely the work of Order and Unity collapsing.

On the first day of their arrival to Southern Swamp, Violet had noted the change in weather. It no longer stormed, though the skies remained dark; it was humid enough that it attracted mosquitos and other creepy insects.

When it became clear their water source was depleting, it drew great concern, enough that Violet wasted no time scouting for a nearby water source.

One thing had led to another when they failed to locate even a lick of water. The temperature had risen enough that it had attracted a swarm of pests, and they attacked without mercy. With quick thinking, she'd led her men to an area of muddy water, and without even a moment's pause, they covered themselves from head to foot until those bugs disappeared.

And yet, those small bugs had been the least of their worries. Not only were they harassed by monsters on the ground, but giant insects attacked them from the sky. Violet assumed they were giant dragonflies with electrifying tails. By some amount of luck, they bypassed their domain without alerting them.

As the hours had progressed that first day, they still could not locate a drinkable source of water. Instead, they had stumbled upon a large body of murky water, surrounded by dead trees. There'd been some bubbles that had formed at the surface, and she had wondered if something sinister lurked under its depths.

No sooner had she thought while crossing through it with her men, she heard a cry from someone behind her. The moment she turned her head, she saw her guardsman pulled beneath the muddy water by an unknown means, and try as she could to assist him, along with the others, it proved futile.

Worst of all, the horrendous sight of that man flew from the water's depths, and all that remained was his upper torso. Devoured by the unknown.

From that moment on, it was clear to Violet that no matter what path they took, those dreadful beasts inhabited everything.

After such a terrifying experience, her guardsmen shaken up by the loss of their comrade, Violet had led them further on. There were only so many hours in the day left, but the men were growing weak and thirsty, and thus, she offered what little she had left in her canteen.

Though they had carried on past the muddy waters, staying as far away from the edge, Violet soon guided them to the trees where it would be safest, at least before any flying insects emerged. They'd transversed from tree to tree for minutes on end, for what seemed like an hour at most, and then, that's when Violet noticed it; the forest was clearing up.

The water was cleaner up ahead, and not only that, but the leaves and vibrant greenery colored the lands once more. Colors rejuvenated them, and once again, they had water to sustain them.

Violet had taken a mental note of the surrounding area; the Darkening had spread throughout this jungle, and with it, everything would soon die. Would it be the same everywhere else? Something else had weighed on her mind; where there was water, there were people.

Violet sighed from the branch she stood perched upon, recalling those memories from a week ago. If only she hadn't put her men into that dangerous situation; even knowing this, she wished she'd scouted the area first before bringing them along, or better yet, just left them behind.

Three out of five men had survived in two days. And day two, more died. A blasted giant dragonfly carried one of her guardsman out of reach. But it was too late to save him. In moments, he had lost several limbs. On that same day, another fell victim to poison by a large Venus Fly Trap. Those thorny tendrils had ensnared the young boy, and he had turned an awful shade.

"Alright," She said. "I'm sending all of you back to Clock Town. I can't risk losing any more."

"But we can continue! Look! The water is clear here! So it must be safer!"

"Those giant bugs and those man-eating plants say otherwise. We don't know what lies ahead, and I'd rather you stay in the town where it's safe and look after the Prince and Princess. I will carry on alone."

"But…"

"That is an order. Or do you wish for your comrade to suffer and die here? The poison has already spread. There are remedies in town. If you hurry back, you might just save his life. I'd rather not lose another life."

She frowned at the flashback and prayed that the Goddesses grant mercy to their souls. Leaping from the tree, she followed the winding river ahead; the map leading her further and further into Southern Swamp.