Chapter Thirty-Five
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General Torris returned the next day, and cursed himself for not listening to his inner voice. He was forgiven, though, when his troops flushed out over a hundred Tophetians hiding in the guest chambers all over the castle. The elderly Selintan grasped Link's hand and shook it fervently.
"Link, Selinta and her people are forever in your debt for what you've done! This war is over, but the battles aren't. I wager we'll still be fighting the Tophetians long into the years. Yet we've no need of your services anymore. This is far more than we had wanted you to do."
"Thank you, general," the Hero of Time replied with uncertainty. He was still unused to accepting praise freely.
"I'm sure King Edward will be returning victorious, as he is nearly as passionate about fighting as you are. My subordinate officer has sent a messenger bird to Hyrule, telling them of this victory. We will have quite the celebration when King Chandler and Princess Zelda arrive. Please, take this time to rest and recuperate. My troops have already begun rebuilding the town. It seems that not all of the people were slain; many, actually, made it to safety."
"That's good to hear. When will they be here?" Link asked, following the general into the sunny courtyard.
"Given the time it takes for the bird to arrive, and for them to pack and sail here, I should say perhaps two or three weeks. But you and your friends must rest. Take this time to relax." The general nodded his head and smiled. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a city to rebuild."
-----------------------------------
Zelda sat in her garden, gazing up at the cerulean sky. It was a lovely day, and she had had plenty of restful sleep the night before. No dreams of bathing in blood, and no grief at setting her heart past Link.
"Greetings, princess," a gruff, bass voice hailed. The blonde monarch looked up to see Darunia approaching her in the garden.
"Thank you, Darunia," she acknowledged, indicating that the mighty Goron should have a seat. "How are the Gorons? And your son?"
"Our city is flourishing, and Link is as adventurous as his namesake." The mountain creature chuckled at the thought of his son's antics. "Why, yesterday I had to stop him from tacklin' the Lizalfos in Dodongo's Cavern. He's still got a lot of growing up to do, but when he does, oh ho, look out, evil-doers." They shared a friendly laugh. "Well, what news of our hero in Selinta?"
"Oh... we've not heard from them yet." She looked down at her hands. The Sage of Fire nodded quietly.
"Don't worry, Link's a strong man, he can take care of himself and everyone around him. I heard..." Darunia hesitated. "I heard that you two will not be wed." Zelda closed her eyes and shook her head.
"No, we will not." The Goron sat in silence, frowning in thought, then smiled.
"Don't worry, Zelda, I'm sure you'll find your happiness. The goddesses meant for everyone to find their happiness, one way or another."
"Thank you," she murmured. The Sage of Fire pattered her hand gently. Before she could speak again, a guard was running willy-nilly towards them.
"Princess Zelda! Princess!" Both sages stood up, looks of concern on their faces. "We've news from Selinta!"
"Oh! What is it?" The guard paused for a moment to catch his breath.
"The king says they've won! Link slew King Viru, and they've called for you and your father to go to Castle Dythia for a great celebration!" Zelda clasped her hands in relief and Darunia thumped himself on his chest, hooting with excitement.
"Wayhey!" He lifted Zelda clear off the ground and spun her around wildly, both of them laughing. "I knew Link could do it!"
"When are we to leave?" asked the princess breathlessly when Darunia had set her down again. The guard grinned happily.
"As soon as you're ready, Your Highness."
"Then we leave today! Tell Impa to meet me in my chambers! I'll pack now, tell my father to hurry!" Zelda fled towards the castle, laughing happily. The guard turned to Darunia, but the Sage of Fire disappeared in an explosion of red.
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Link lounged in Castle Dythia's garden, enjoying the sunshine as much as possible. The day was made even better when Miyako joined him.
"You're looking better," he remarked as she stood above him, looking down. She gave him a quick smile and seat herself beside him. "...It doesn't seem like it's been a week, does it?"
"No, it doesn't," she agreed, gazing across the pond. "I was looking out my chamber window, and I saw the city. General Torris' troops, they work so fast. In a few months, it'll be hard to believe the city ever burned to the ground."
"Aye." That syllable made her grin. "So... you've plans to go to the Temple of Life?"
"That I do," Miyako replied, picking at a blade of grass. "I still need to talk to King Edward about arranging a ship. I hope it won't be too much trouble; there's not many ships that can make it through the waters around the Island of Light." He reached out and held her hand with his.
"I'm sure he can convince a captain to take us there," he replied softly. "Perhaps Lance's father will." She smiled at that.
"It's been so long since I've seen that old waterdog! Tell me, is he still just as big and craggy as a mountain?"
"He is," laughed Link. "Listen..." Miyako turned her body to face him. "I've never felt this way about anybody before, and--"
"Oh, hush," she muttered, putting her free hand to her face and flushing. Link shook his head.
"No, let me say this. When I was... attracted to Princess Zelda, I didn't feel this way. I never believed in love at first sight, and I still don't, but I think I believe in true love now. I saw you dash into the Throne Room, and Lance told me how you fought Viru, and I think that made me love you a little more. I don't want to have to play the hero around you, and now I know I don't have to. Now I can finally do what I've wanted to do; travel and see the world. I don't have to worry about leaving you behind, because... you'll be with me."
"I'm glad for you, Link, and for me, but it's not always going to be travels and adventures. One day, we'll be old and toothless, and the only fantastic trips we'll be making will be to the privy." He laughed quietly.
"I know that. I don't plan on wandering forever. Didn't I tell you? I've always wanted to be a blacksmith or a silversmith in a small town, maybe raise a family... But right now, I want to see more of the world. There's still evil, and there's still a need for heroes. I may not like what I am, but I've accepted it. In time, I think I'll learn to love it. I know I love fighting already, that much is true... But it's like you said, we can't give up the violence and adventure. It's too much temptation." Link reached up and touched the side of her face.
"You know, from the way Lance talked about you while we were in the sick bay, about just before you came here, it's like he's talking about two people."
"How?"
"He said you never talked much, and you didn't make much for jokes. I think I like the new Link better. He's more... complete."
"That's because he is," the Hero of Time laughed, taking her hand and placing a kiss on it. "He's much happier now that he's got good friends and a sense of belonging."
"And Miyako is happy because she doesn't have to go to the Temple of Life alone. She likes the idea of having a companion along with her adventures."
"You mean Link's adventures," Link corrected.
"No, this story is about Miyako, didn't you know that?" Miyako winked at him. "Why, she's the most important character."
"You must have had your brains rattled, girl, Link is the most important character in this narrative," chuckled the nineteen-year-old, sitting up and pulling her closer.
"All right, I renege," she breathed as he kissed her neck, his hands lingering dangerously near her waist. "But only because I don't want to crush your ego with the truth."
-----------------------------------
Lance sat alone in his chambers, brooding. This... "seriousness" business was a lot harder and lonelier than he'd thought. No wonder Link changed from brooding hero to carefree spirit; it was an unpleasant and unhappy affair. Never in his life had he spent so much time thinking about things. He was more apt to go out and do them. But... the sailor didn't want to shatter the peace that the three of them found at the castle. Sure, and it would be shattered when Miyako got restless enough to continue heading to the Temple of Life, but that wouldn't happen until after the celebration.
Saving the Aquarians, however... was an entirely different matter. And so was him being related to royalty. He now recognized the sigil on the medallion; it was the sign of sovereignty, the sea with the moon above it. He put it away and sighed, resting his head in his hands.
No doubt he would have to tell Link about Kellen's death, but his friend seemed to have forgotten about his little expedition out of the castle, and Lance didn't want to remind him. He still needed to think about it, and what his mother hadn't told him.
-----------------------------------
That night, the dreams began for Miyako.
-----------------------------------
She walked through the crumbled hallway, picking around stone and marble carefully. Tendrils and vines of plants curled and hung about the narrow corridor. She could feel the evil radiating from the center of the temple, like heat from a fire, spreading outwards and corrupting everyone that didn't know of it.
Miyako approached the Sacred Altar Room. She didn't know how she knew this, or why, but only that she did, and that was all that mattered. A dark figure bathed in purple light stood in the center, over a fallen, bloody body.
He pointed at her, marking her, and laughed cruelly. She looked at the body. Link's sightless eyes gazed back at her, an mixed expression of shock and accusation in his slack face. She brought her hands to her mouth to scream, and the evil presence laughed again.
A thick, clawed appendage shot from the ground beneath her, grasping around for a handhold. The stone floor deteriorated, giving way to a creature that looked like neither creature nor man, but a little of both. Dark gray eyes studied her, and a voice whispered
-- Grineth, Ganondorf --
and she was screaming again, as the claws shot out and grabbed her. Five figures stood in the background, their voices lost in her screams, but she could make out one word
"--Lilliath--"
before she woke up.
-----------------------------------
End of Part One
-----------------------------------
Yahoo! Part One is finé, kaput, over with, finished. For credits, thank yous, references, etc., check out the Author's Notes after this chapter. Bwahaha. Or, skipping that, head directly to The Legends of Link, Part Two: The Temple of Life. ^_^ The choice is yours, Faithful Reader.
-----------------------------------
General Torris returned the next day, and cursed himself for not listening to his inner voice. He was forgiven, though, when his troops flushed out over a hundred Tophetians hiding in the guest chambers all over the castle. The elderly Selintan grasped Link's hand and shook it fervently.
"Link, Selinta and her people are forever in your debt for what you've done! This war is over, but the battles aren't. I wager we'll still be fighting the Tophetians long into the years. Yet we've no need of your services anymore. This is far more than we had wanted you to do."
"Thank you, general," the Hero of Time replied with uncertainty. He was still unused to accepting praise freely.
"I'm sure King Edward will be returning victorious, as he is nearly as passionate about fighting as you are. My subordinate officer has sent a messenger bird to Hyrule, telling them of this victory. We will have quite the celebration when King Chandler and Princess Zelda arrive. Please, take this time to rest and recuperate. My troops have already begun rebuilding the town. It seems that not all of the people were slain; many, actually, made it to safety."
"That's good to hear. When will they be here?" Link asked, following the general into the sunny courtyard.
"Given the time it takes for the bird to arrive, and for them to pack and sail here, I should say perhaps two or three weeks. But you and your friends must rest. Take this time to relax." The general nodded his head and smiled. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a city to rebuild."
-----------------------------------
Zelda sat in her garden, gazing up at the cerulean sky. It was a lovely day, and she had had plenty of restful sleep the night before. No dreams of bathing in blood, and no grief at setting her heart past Link.
"Greetings, princess," a gruff, bass voice hailed. The blonde monarch looked up to see Darunia approaching her in the garden.
"Thank you, Darunia," she acknowledged, indicating that the mighty Goron should have a seat. "How are the Gorons? And your son?"
"Our city is flourishing, and Link is as adventurous as his namesake." The mountain creature chuckled at the thought of his son's antics. "Why, yesterday I had to stop him from tacklin' the Lizalfos in Dodongo's Cavern. He's still got a lot of growing up to do, but when he does, oh ho, look out, evil-doers." They shared a friendly laugh. "Well, what news of our hero in Selinta?"
"Oh... we've not heard from them yet." She looked down at her hands. The Sage of Fire nodded quietly.
"Don't worry, Link's a strong man, he can take care of himself and everyone around him. I heard..." Darunia hesitated. "I heard that you two will not be wed." Zelda closed her eyes and shook her head.
"No, we will not." The Goron sat in silence, frowning in thought, then smiled.
"Don't worry, Zelda, I'm sure you'll find your happiness. The goddesses meant for everyone to find their happiness, one way or another."
"Thank you," she murmured. The Sage of Fire pattered her hand gently. Before she could speak again, a guard was running willy-nilly towards them.
"Princess Zelda! Princess!" Both sages stood up, looks of concern on their faces. "We've news from Selinta!"
"Oh! What is it?" The guard paused for a moment to catch his breath.
"The king says they've won! Link slew King Viru, and they've called for you and your father to go to Castle Dythia for a great celebration!" Zelda clasped her hands in relief and Darunia thumped himself on his chest, hooting with excitement.
"Wayhey!" He lifted Zelda clear off the ground and spun her around wildly, both of them laughing. "I knew Link could do it!"
"When are we to leave?" asked the princess breathlessly when Darunia had set her down again. The guard grinned happily.
"As soon as you're ready, Your Highness."
"Then we leave today! Tell Impa to meet me in my chambers! I'll pack now, tell my father to hurry!" Zelda fled towards the castle, laughing happily. The guard turned to Darunia, but the Sage of Fire disappeared in an explosion of red.
-----------------------------------
Link lounged in Castle Dythia's garden, enjoying the sunshine as much as possible. The day was made even better when Miyako joined him.
"You're looking better," he remarked as she stood above him, looking down. She gave him a quick smile and seat herself beside him. "...It doesn't seem like it's been a week, does it?"
"No, it doesn't," she agreed, gazing across the pond. "I was looking out my chamber window, and I saw the city. General Torris' troops, they work so fast. In a few months, it'll be hard to believe the city ever burned to the ground."
"Aye." That syllable made her grin. "So... you've plans to go to the Temple of Life?"
"That I do," Miyako replied, picking at a blade of grass. "I still need to talk to King Edward about arranging a ship. I hope it won't be too much trouble; there's not many ships that can make it through the waters around the Island of Light." He reached out and held her hand with his.
"I'm sure he can convince a captain to take us there," he replied softly. "Perhaps Lance's father will." She smiled at that.
"It's been so long since I've seen that old waterdog! Tell me, is he still just as big and craggy as a mountain?"
"He is," laughed Link. "Listen..." Miyako turned her body to face him. "I've never felt this way about anybody before, and--"
"Oh, hush," she muttered, putting her free hand to her face and flushing. Link shook his head.
"No, let me say this. When I was... attracted to Princess Zelda, I didn't feel this way. I never believed in love at first sight, and I still don't, but I think I believe in true love now. I saw you dash into the Throne Room, and Lance told me how you fought Viru, and I think that made me love you a little more. I don't want to have to play the hero around you, and now I know I don't have to. Now I can finally do what I've wanted to do; travel and see the world. I don't have to worry about leaving you behind, because... you'll be with me."
"I'm glad for you, Link, and for me, but it's not always going to be travels and adventures. One day, we'll be old and toothless, and the only fantastic trips we'll be making will be to the privy." He laughed quietly.
"I know that. I don't plan on wandering forever. Didn't I tell you? I've always wanted to be a blacksmith or a silversmith in a small town, maybe raise a family... But right now, I want to see more of the world. There's still evil, and there's still a need for heroes. I may not like what I am, but I've accepted it. In time, I think I'll learn to love it. I know I love fighting already, that much is true... But it's like you said, we can't give up the violence and adventure. It's too much temptation." Link reached up and touched the side of her face.
"You know, from the way Lance talked about you while we were in the sick bay, about just before you came here, it's like he's talking about two people."
"How?"
"He said you never talked much, and you didn't make much for jokes. I think I like the new Link better. He's more... complete."
"That's because he is," the Hero of Time laughed, taking her hand and placing a kiss on it. "He's much happier now that he's got good friends and a sense of belonging."
"And Miyako is happy because she doesn't have to go to the Temple of Life alone. She likes the idea of having a companion along with her adventures."
"You mean Link's adventures," Link corrected.
"No, this story is about Miyako, didn't you know that?" Miyako winked at him. "Why, she's the most important character."
"You must have had your brains rattled, girl, Link is the most important character in this narrative," chuckled the nineteen-year-old, sitting up and pulling her closer.
"All right, I renege," she breathed as he kissed her neck, his hands lingering dangerously near her waist. "But only because I don't want to crush your ego with the truth."
-----------------------------------
Lance sat alone in his chambers, brooding. This... "seriousness" business was a lot harder and lonelier than he'd thought. No wonder Link changed from brooding hero to carefree spirit; it was an unpleasant and unhappy affair. Never in his life had he spent so much time thinking about things. He was more apt to go out and do them. But... the sailor didn't want to shatter the peace that the three of them found at the castle. Sure, and it would be shattered when Miyako got restless enough to continue heading to the Temple of Life, but that wouldn't happen until after the celebration.
Saving the Aquarians, however... was an entirely different matter. And so was him being related to royalty. He now recognized the sigil on the medallion; it was the sign of sovereignty, the sea with the moon above it. He put it away and sighed, resting his head in his hands.
No doubt he would have to tell Link about Kellen's death, but his friend seemed to have forgotten about his little expedition out of the castle, and Lance didn't want to remind him. He still needed to think about it, and what his mother hadn't told him.
-----------------------------------
That night, the dreams began for Miyako.
-----------------------------------
She walked through the crumbled hallway, picking around stone and marble carefully. Tendrils and vines of plants curled and hung about the narrow corridor. She could feel the evil radiating from the center of the temple, like heat from a fire, spreading outwards and corrupting everyone that didn't know of it.
Miyako approached the Sacred Altar Room. She didn't know how she knew this, or why, but only that she did, and that was all that mattered. A dark figure bathed in purple light stood in the center, over a fallen, bloody body.
He pointed at her, marking her, and laughed cruelly. She looked at the body. Link's sightless eyes gazed back at her, an mixed expression of shock and accusation in his slack face. She brought her hands to her mouth to scream, and the evil presence laughed again.
A thick, clawed appendage shot from the ground beneath her, grasping around for a handhold. The stone floor deteriorated, giving way to a creature that looked like neither creature nor man, but a little of both. Dark gray eyes studied her, and a voice whispered
-- Grineth, Ganondorf --
and she was screaming again, as the claws shot out and grabbed her. Five figures stood in the background, their voices lost in her screams, but she could make out one word
"--Lilliath--"
before she woke up.
-----------------------------------
End of Part One
-----------------------------------
Yahoo! Part One is finé, kaput, over with, finished. For credits, thank yous, references, etc., check out the Author's Notes after this chapter. Bwahaha. Or, skipping that, head directly to The Legends of Link, Part Two: The Temple of Life. ^_^ The choice is yours, Faithful Reader.