The Dark Plague
Chapter Two: Shame and Sunrise
"Any idea where we should go next?" Nikki asked as they walked aimlessly through the forest, which seemed to become denser by the second.
"There is another temple not too far from here. Maybe another hour's walk or so." Talya said quietly.
"Two feels only ashamed." Tenameru pondered out loud. "I wonder what we are in for this time?"
"I will be damned if I get stuck in another hole." Nikki mumbled.
"Me too. My throat hurts from all that yelling." Malon rubbed her neck. Rinéan floated quietly amongst them, trying to see inside their minds. She had been quiet throughout the day's journey worrying about how well their party would fare throughout the trials to come. She had found their weaknesses, but that was not so hard for anyone to spot. Tenameru's was light, which was obvious to anyone. Nikki's weakness was Tenameru; she was developing softness towards him. Malon's weakness was the fact that she was terrified that she was going to disappear like Princess Zelda did earlier. Link was dreading the upcoming trials before them, worrying for everyone's safety. Talya was dreading this trial. For what reason Rinéan could not tell. The hour passed grudgingly and they finally reached a second temple. Crosses too guarded this.
"I do believe that someone expected me to accompany you on this quest. Again I shall not be able to assist you." Rinéan crossed her legs floating in a sitting position. The temple, this time, seemed to be made of a beautiful dark blue crystal, set in it were gorgeous pearl moons. On the air there was an enchanting song, sung in an inaudible voice. "Be careful this time. I have a feeling that this one shall prove much more difficult than the last." They all nodded in agreement. They all waked together into the temple's entrance. As the rooms got darker the pearl moons let off a pale enchanting light. Tenameru touched the pearl moons and smiled. He was greatly enjoying the light. This light though, was putting a spell on them. The further they walked into the temple the more exhausted they seemed to get. They walked until finally Malon dropped to her knees.
"I am tired!" She cried. "I am cold, my feet hurt, and I want to go home!" She whined. The party stopped and then looked at her with annoyance.
"Hey!" Link started, he looked around frantically. "Where is Talya and Nikki?" The others looked around too, now noticing their absence.
"We have to find them, they must have wandered off." Tenameru sighed.
"It could not have been that far back, they were here a few minutes ago." Link shook his head rushing past Malon. Tenameru followed, a worried look set upon his face.
"Hey! Wait up!" Malon called getting to her feet and stumbling after them.
Nikki had left the path only moments before. She had noticed Talya creeping through one of the corridors and decided to follow. The hall they were going down was gloomier than the main hall. The lights were slowly fading as the path became smaller. Then the path opened into a spectacular moonlit field. Nikki stayed hidden in the path staring at the field, taking in the beauty of the clear blue stream flowing about the field. Despite the beauty, the field filled her with a deep sorrow. She could not shake the feeling and it worsened as she sat there waiting for something to happen. Then she saw it, a beautiful blue light heading towards the stream; towards Talya. Talya was standing by the edge of the water waiting for the fairie to land. The fairie landed and in a spray of light turned into a beautiful young girl with dark blue skin and short white hair. Her eyes resembled dark pools of water and a constant stream of tears fell down her face. She had small blue wings with crescent moons embedded into the hem. She wore a long blue dress that sparkled silver every time she moved.
"I am Twyla." She spoke quietly to Talya. "Thou hast come to me to release thy shame." Talya shook her head in disagreement.
"I came to capture you." Talya said sternly yet her voice broke trying to hide her emotions.
"Thou art mistaken." The fairie said. Her voice would have sounded angry had it not been so charming. "There shalt not be any capturing here this night."
Nikki jumped as Tenameru grabbed her shoulders.
"What are you doing here?" Tenameru asked quietly. Link and Malon were right behind him.
"Shhhhh." Nikki ordered and pointed to Talya and Twyla talking by the stream. Immediately they all quieted and watched. (Although they looked very silly cramped in such a cramped space.)
"Listen Twyla. I do not know what shit you are pulling, but I am going to capture you." Talya lifted her hand.
"No!" Twyla yelled crying even harder than before. Talya's hand dropped against her will. She grasped her shoulder in pain. It felt as though she had been stabbed but there was no wound. Talya raised her hand again. Twyla screamed again and Talya this time dropped to her knees, holding her chest and coughing hard. "Thy shame is tearing thee apart"
"What the hell are you doing to me?" Talya tried to stand back up. "You are a nutcase! I am not ashamed about anything you manipulative bitch. You are going to get captured no matter what you do." This enraged Twyla further.
"Thou should not speak so foul! It will only bring upon thy death!" Twyla was enraged, no longer beautiful. Talya clutched her throat trying hard to breath.
"We can not just sit here and watch this!" Link growled.
"Hold on a minute Link!" Tenameru ordered. Link gave him a sour look but stayed where he was.
Talya got to her feet painfully, choking and jumped towards Twyla, grabbing her arm. Twyla threw her a forlorn look then disappeared. Talya fell back to the ground and continued to cough, taking in huge breathes of air, relieving her lungs. The wounds she had received earlier were now visible and bleeding onto the bluegrass. Her shoulder was torn and her chest just below her neck was bleeding. The ground shook. The temple was going to collapse just like the first. She ran out to meet the others and they all began to rush through the cramped corridor. They reached the main hall and ran, dodging falling debris. They reached the entrance just as the roof collapsed behind them. Rinéan was waiting for them; glad to see they had been successful yet again.
"Let us go now." Rinéan had been busy while they were gone. She had placed a circled of green rune stones outside the temple. "You all deserve a rest."
"You expect us to walk back all that way?" Talya coughed, then wiped the blood from her lips looking out into the forest.
"Certainly not. Step inside my circle of rune stones and I will transport us back to Kakariko village." Rinéan assure her. Malon and Link helped Talya into the circle. Tenameru and Nikki forced their way into the circle. Tenameru and Nikki forced their way into the circle. Rinéan raised her arms and closed her eyes. A very dark swirl of magic and dirt surrounded them. When the dirt subsided, they were standing in a foot of snow in the center of Kakariko village. It had been much warmer in the temples and they all shivered from the sudden chill. They started their short trek through the snow. Tenameru had let Nikki wear his black cloak to keep her bare arms warm. Talya was leaning heavily on Link trying to ignore the cold wind biting at her wounds. Malon was trying to cover her face from the rushing wind. They reached the castle a few minutes later. Tenameru immediately shut out any lights that remained on. Nikki ran to one of the huge sitting rooms and started a fire in the fireplace. Malon and Rinéan went up to check on the six sages. Talya laid herself down on one of the large couches after tossing her cape and armor to the ground.
"Damn fairies." Talya moaned holding her hand against shoulder, trying to slow the blood that was still pouring out onto the couch. "Is it too late to quit?"
"Like you said earlier: You don't have much of a choice." Link forced he to sit up. He had gone to et a warm cloth and some bandages, as well as a needle and thread. "Besides, only twelve more to go."
"You know what? You are a real bastard." She frowned turning away so he would not she the look of pain on her face as he cleaned the wound on her shoulder.
"I wonder if the princess is all right?" Nikki pondered watching Talya and Link. She disliked the princess but she was still her sister.
"I am sure she will be just fine." Tenameru reassured her. "At least I hope so." This seemed to make Nikki cheer up slightly and she leaned her head on his shoulder. Tenameru blushed a bright red. Talya laughed feeling slightly better than before. "What is so funny?" Tenameru brushed a deeper red.
"Nothing. Except for the fat that you are the color of a strawberry." Talya teased. "Got a little crush on Nikki perhaps?"
"I-I have no idea what you are talking about." He looked away. "You are being childish."
"Whatever." Then she screamed and pulled away from Link in pain. "What the hell was that?"
"I have to close your wound." He was holding a needle and thread. "Or you are going to continue bleeding all over the place."
"I do not think so, just wrap it up!"
"No can do." Link smiled. "What are you scared of a little pain?"
"No!" She yelled defensively. Then Link tackled her to the floor. Tenameru and Nikki stared with wide eyes as the two fought in front of them. Link was finally able to stopper her from squirming by pinning her to the ground, and then stuck the needle in her arm. After a few moments he finished and leaned down to tie the knot. Talya tapped her fingers impatiently against the floor. After he finished that he began to clean the wound below her neck, but stopped short, examining the wound after the blood was wiped away.
"What is this?" He leaned forward even further to try and get a better look at the wound. Talya was now gripping the carpet in pain. She was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. He sat up straight and then looked down at Talya.
"What?" She asked becoming annoyed.
"What did that fairie say about the wounds?"
"Shame is tearing you apart." Nikki recited the words of the fairie. Link threw an angry look at Talya.
"I thought you were over that whole shame crap."
"I am." Talya yelled. "Besides, what does that have to do with cleaning my wounds?" She frowned, not wishing to dwell on the subject for too long. "Just finish wrapping the damn wound and get off of me."
"That fairie was right. This wound was made from the inside out. You did this to yourself." The room's slightly amused feeling had completely vanished. Everyone was silent. Link finished cleaning and wrapping her wound and climbed off of her. Talya lay still on the floor. "You knew before we went in there didn't you?"
"No! How could I have?" Talya sat up.
"Why then? Why would you be ashamed?"
"I am not ashamed you nosy shithead! Now get off of my case. Go nag on somebody else."
"You are a damn liar." Link groaned. "I hate it when-"
"Why do you hate it so much? It is none of your damn business! Last time I checked, my life was still my own." Talya retorted. She left the room and headed upstairs. The room stayed in silence for several long moments.
"Three loves the crescent light." Nikki whispered to herself, lifting her head off of Tenameru's shoulder.
"What?" Link asked with a resounding sigh.
"The third clue. Three loves the crescent light." She reiterated. "Looks like we should look for the third one this morning."
"You are getting really good at this." Tenameru smiled at her.
"Thanks!" She returned the smile. Then she jumped up from her seat and pulled Tenameru to his feet. "If we are going to make it by sunrise, we better start now! Let's go get the others!" Nikki dragged Tenameru halfway up the stairs and he was happy to follow. Halfway up the stairs he lifted Nikki off of her feet and carried her to the top of the first staircase. She was giggling profusely.
"Tenameru." Rinéan's voice echoed in front of them. Tenameru put Nikki down and cleared his throat.
"Yes?"
"I have a tool for you" She handed him a ring that had fourteen symbols inscribed in it. "Now you can absorb the fairies as well."
"Thanks." Tenameru smiled. "We are getting ready to head out again. Will you go get Malon?"
"Sure."
"How are the sages doing?" Nikki asked as Rinéan turned to leave.
"They are in a deep trance. But they are healing with time." She floated up the stairs without another word.
"I will go get Talya!" Nikki smiled at Tenameru and ran up the stairs as quick as she could. Tenameru headed back downstairs and into the sitting room he had just left, where Link was sitting, his head in his hands.
"Ready to go?" Tenameru asked, approaching Link slowly.
"Yeah. I will be out in a few minutes. I just have to think for awhile." Link responded.
"All right. Take your time." Tenameru left the room. Nikki reached the tower only a few moments later. She knocked on Talya's door. She hesitantly opened the door.
"Time to go?" Talya sighed.
"Yup. We have to make good time, this fairie is going to come out at sunrise."
"Oh."
"Come on! Cheer up. We get to watch the sunrise." Talya did not reply at all. "Maybe you want to talk?" Nikki asked.
Talya looked away from her and back down at the floor. "Maybe later."
"Let's get going then all right?" Nikki asked more than told.
"All right."
"Who knows, maybe Link will fall in a hole this time." Nikki laughed to herself, envisioning the very thing she suggested.
"If not I will push him in one." Talya smiled.
"That is the spirit." Nikki continued laughing. Talya stood and they walked back down to the entrance hall, laughing and making aimless chatter.
Everyone was all ready waiting for them by the door. Malon had a very displeased look across her face, obviously detesting the choice to head out so soon. As they opened the doors they felt a horrible tremor underneath them. They fell to the ground and scampered out of the way as one of the crystal chandeliers crashed to the ground. The tremor soon subsided.
"That is not a good sign." Malon moaned getting slowly to her feet.
"Let us get going. We will travel by runes again." Rinéan said. Tenameru helped Nikki and Talya to their feet, and then they all rushed from the castle out into the snow. They made good time to Kakariko. The heavy winds that had greeted them earlier had ceased and the walk was much easier than before. Kakariko seemed deserted, except for the runes in the center of the town. Several trees had collapsed, but there was no sound of life within it. Just silence.
Rinéan transported them again. The same black magic that had surrounded them before surrounded them again. The black magic dissipated and they found themselves again the thick forest in front of the collapsed blue temple. They walked silently for a long while until the ground opened up in front of them. Way down beneath them was a small stone temple, looking out over the edge of another cliff.
"I do not suppose anyone here has a plan?" Talya moaned rubbing the wound on her arm. "There is no chance in hell I am climbing down there."
"I do not think we will have to." Tenameru reassured. He walked over towards the forest they had just left. "I bet that there is an alternate entrance around here somewhere." He searched for a moment. "Ah! Here we go!" He pulled open a heavy wooden door on the ground. It had a staircase leading down into the depths.
"Come on." Link jumped onto the staircase and began racing downwards. The remaining followed him as quick as they could without losing their footing. The staircase led them into a dark cave, with two different paths.
'Which way?" Malon sighed.
"Both." Link crossed his arms. "Tenameru, Nikki, and Rinéan you guys go left. We will go right."
"After the temple starts to collapse and we are sure the fairie is caught we will meet back here." Nikki added. "I hope you find a nice hole to push him in!" She whispered to Talya. Talya smiled at her and wished them luck as they walked away. Malon headed onto their path, dragging her feet through the dirt. Talya followed her as quickly as she could, with Link not far behind.
Nikki, Tenameru, and Rinéan were walking as quickly through the tunnel as they could, making small conversation. It was not long before they reached another hole in their path. Two ropes stretched across it. Tenameru crossed first, being careful to keep his balance. Nikki went next followed by Rinéan who merely floated across. Almost immediately after crossing they had to climb down a series of badly crafted ladders, which led them into a damp cold cave. It was very humid, and it was not long before they were sweating. Except for Rinéan who, being dead, did not sweat. Then they reached an opening. They were in the temple at last. It was filled with a beautiful magenta light. The room was adorned with beautiful gems, jewelry, and artifacts, all in perfect shape. One a perch in the corner was a collection of scarlet birds. They were all resting, flapping a beautiful red wing every once in a while.
"They are so pretty." Nikki stroked one of the birds.
"Do not disturb them." Tenameru took her hand leading them from the room. The room looked out over the large cliff. The sun was just pealing out over the horizon. "Looks like it is show time."
"Let's watch it for a minute." Nikki walked far onto the platform. Tenameru followed reluctantly. As the sun moved slowly higher he turned away from it, bringing Nikki with him.
"I would much rather look at you instead." He smiled then slowly, almost hesitantly, kissed her forehead. Nikki blushed then wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. Rinéan rolled her eyes then searched for the fairie on the horizon and around the temple.
Malon was leading the way through the tunnel. She was trying to ignore the bitter silence that had followed their departure, but it was getting on her last nerve. They had met no obstacles on their way and were soon in the temple. The room they entered was dark and creepy, reeking of that of a mausoleum. From the windows they could see the faintest light over the horizon. They all leaned out the window for a better look.
"Hey Talya?" Link cleared his throat. She glared at him angrily. "I am sorry."
"You better be. You had no reason to act like that." Talya frowned. Malon tried hard not to show she was listening. Link choked back the angry words he was going to say and instead replied softly.
"Did you ever think that I was worried about you?"
"Do not waste your breath."
"Well I was. I can not protect you from yourself." He sighed. Malon was trying very hard now not to giggle.
"Whatever. I am not a danger to myself Link." Talya walked away from the window and picked up one of the vases, examining the carvings. "I do not need you worrying about me."
"Stop being such a brat and just talk to me sometimes okay?" He grabbed her by the arms. She dropped the vase in surprise. Before she could respond a huge red bird flew into the room followed by a magenta light.
"Isn't there anyway to get out of here?" Zelda asked for about the twentieth time that night. Hoshiko sighed then shook her head.
"Listen Zelda, this is my dungeon in my castle, we are not getting out. No one ever has." This thought discouraged them both. "Even so, how we would escape is a while different story. With that man and that creature out there, I feel safer in here."
"Wait! They are leaving though are they not?" Zelda remembered. "To go to my castle! They are going to leave. If we could escape then it would be easy to get out of your castle."
"You might just be on to something." Hoshiko whispered. "There has got to be a way to break out of this cell. And we are going to find it." Outside the sun was beginning to rise.
Chapter Two: Shame and Sunrise
"Any idea where we should go next?" Nikki asked as they walked aimlessly through the forest, which seemed to become denser by the second.
"There is another temple not too far from here. Maybe another hour's walk or so." Talya said quietly.
"Two feels only ashamed." Tenameru pondered out loud. "I wonder what we are in for this time?"
"I will be damned if I get stuck in another hole." Nikki mumbled.
"Me too. My throat hurts from all that yelling." Malon rubbed her neck. Rinéan floated quietly amongst them, trying to see inside their minds. She had been quiet throughout the day's journey worrying about how well their party would fare throughout the trials to come. She had found their weaknesses, but that was not so hard for anyone to spot. Tenameru's was light, which was obvious to anyone. Nikki's weakness was Tenameru; she was developing softness towards him. Malon's weakness was the fact that she was terrified that she was going to disappear like Princess Zelda did earlier. Link was dreading the upcoming trials before them, worrying for everyone's safety. Talya was dreading this trial. For what reason Rinéan could not tell. The hour passed grudgingly and they finally reached a second temple. Crosses too guarded this.
"I do believe that someone expected me to accompany you on this quest. Again I shall not be able to assist you." Rinéan crossed her legs floating in a sitting position. The temple, this time, seemed to be made of a beautiful dark blue crystal, set in it were gorgeous pearl moons. On the air there was an enchanting song, sung in an inaudible voice. "Be careful this time. I have a feeling that this one shall prove much more difficult than the last." They all nodded in agreement. They all waked together into the temple's entrance. As the rooms got darker the pearl moons let off a pale enchanting light. Tenameru touched the pearl moons and smiled. He was greatly enjoying the light. This light though, was putting a spell on them. The further they walked into the temple the more exhausted they seemed to get. They walked until finally Malon dropped to her knees.
"I am tired!" She cried. "I am cold, my feet hurt, and I want to go home!" She whined. The party stopped and then looked at her with annoyance.
"Hey!" Link started, he looked around frantically. "Where is Talya and Nikki?" The others looked around too, now noticing their absence.
"We have to find them, they must have wandered off." Tenameru sighed.
"It could not have been that far back, they were here a few minutes ago." Link shook his head rushing past Malon. Tenameru followed, a worried look set upon his face.
"Hey! Wait up!" Malon called getting to her feet and stumbling after them.
Nikki had left the path only moments before. She had noticed Talya creeping through one of the corridors and decided to follow. The hall they were going down was gloomier than the main hall. The lights were slowly fading as the path became smaller. Then the path opened into a spectacular moonlit field. Nikki stayed hidden in the path staring at the field, taking in the beauty of the clear blue stream flowing about the field. Despite the beauty, the field filled her with a deep sorrow. She could not shake the feeling and it worsened as she sat there waiting for something to happen. Then she saw it, a beautiful blue light heading towards the stream; towards Talya. Talya was standing by the edge of the water waiting for the fairie to land. The fairie landed and in a spray of light turned into a beautiful young girl with dark blue skin and short white hair. Her eyes resembled dark pools of water and a constant stream of tears fell down her face. She had small blue wings with crescent moons embedded into the hem. She wore a long blue dress that sparkled silver every time she moved.
"I am Twyla." She spoke quietly to Talya. "Thou hast come to me to release thy shame." Talya shook her head in disagreement.
"I came to capture you." Talya said sternly yet her voice broke trying to hide her emotions.
"Thou art mistaken." The fairie said. Her voice would have sounded angry had it not been so charming. "There shalt not be any capturing here this night."
Nikki jumped as Tenameru grabbed her shoulders.
"What are you doing here?" Tenameru asked quietly. Link and Malon were right behind him.
"Shhhhh." Nikki ordered and pointed to Talya and Twyla talking by the stream. Immediately they all quieted and watched. (Although they looked very silly cramped in such a cramped space.)
"Listen Twyla. I do not know what shit you are pulling, but I am going to capture you." Talya lifted her hand.
"No!" Twyla yelled crying even harder than before. Talya's hand dropped against her will. She grasped her shoulder in pain. It felt as though she had been stabbed but there was no wound. Talya raised her hand again. Twyla screamed again and Talya this time dropped to her knees, holding her chest and coughing hard. "Thy shame is tearing thee apart"
"What the hell are you doing to me?" Talya tried to stand back up. "You are a nutcase! I am not ashamed about anything you manipulative bitch. You are going to get captured no matter what you do." This enraged Twyla further.
"Thou should not speak so foul! It will only bring upon thy death!" Twyla was enraged, no longer beautiful. Talya clutched her throat trying hard to breath.
"We can not just sit here and watch this!" Link growled.
"Hold on a minute Link!" Tenameru ordered. Link gave him a sour look but stayed where he was.
Talya got to her feet painfully, choking and jumped towards Twyla, grabbing her arm. Twyla threw her a forlorn look then disappeared. Talya fell back to the ground and continued to cough, taking in huge breathes of air, relieving her lungs. The wounds she had received earlier were now visible and bleeding onto the bluegrass. Her shoulder was torn and her chest just below her neck was bleeding. The ground shook. The temple was going to collapse just like the first. She ran out to meet the others and they all began to rush through the cramped corridor. They reached the main hall and ran, dodging falling debris. They reached the entrance just as the roof collapsed behind them. Rinéan was waiting for them; glad to see they had been successful yet again.
"Let us go now." Rinéan had been busy while they were gone. She had placed a circled of green rune stones outside the temple. "You all deserve a rest."
"You expect us to walk back all that way?" Talya coughed, then wiped the blood from her lips looking out into the forest.
"Certainly not. Step inside my circle of rune stones and I will transport us back to Kakariko village." Rinéan assure her. Malon and Link helped Talya into the circle. Tenameru and Nikki forced their way into the circle. Tenameru and Nikki forced their way into the circle. Rinéan raised her arms and closed her eyes. A very dark swirl of magic and dirt surrounded them. When the dirt subsided, they were standing in a foot of snow in the center of Kakariko village. It had been much warmer in the temples and they all shivered from the sudden chill. They started their short trek through the snow. Tenameru had let Nikki wear his black cloak to keep her bare arms warm. Talya was leaning heavily on Link trying to ignore the cold wind biting at her wounds. Malon was trying to cover her face from the rushing wind. They reached the castle a few minutes later. Tenameru immediately shut out any lights that remained on. Nikki ran to one of the huge sitting rooms and started a fire in the fireplace. Malon and Rinéan went up to check on the six sages. Talya laid herself down on one of the large couches after tossing her cape and armor to the ground.
"Damn fairies." Talya moaned holding her hand against shoulder, trying to slow the blood that was still pouring out onto the couch. "Is it too late to quit?"
"Like you said earlier: You don't have much of a choice." Link forced he to sit up. He had gone to et a warm cloth and some bandages, as well as a needle and thread. "Besides, only twelve more to go."
"You know what? You are a real bastard." She frowned turning away so he would not she the look of pain on her face as he cleaned the wound on her shoulder.
"I wonder if the princess is all right?" Nikki pondered watching Talya and Link. She disliked the princess but she was still her sister.
"I am sure she will be just fine." Tenameru reassured her. "At least I hope so." This seemed to make Nikki cheer up slightly and she leaned her head on his shoulder. Tenameru blushed a bright red. Talya laughed feeling slightly better than before. "What is so funny?" Tenameru brushed a deeper red.
"Nothing. Except for the fat that you are the color of a strawberry." Talya teased. "Got a little crush on Nikki perhaps?"
"I-I have no idea what you are talking about." He looked away. "You are being childish."
"Whatever." Then she screamed and pulled away from Link in pain. "What the hell was that?"
"I have to close your wound." He was holding a needle and thread. "Or you are going to continue bleeding all over the place."
"I do not think so, just wrap it up!"
"No can do." Link smiled. "What are you scared of a little pain?"
"No!" She yelled defensively. Then Link tackled her to the floor. Tenameru and Nikki stared with wide eyes as the two fought in front of them. Link was finally able to stopper her from squirming by pinning her to the ground, and then stuck the needle in her arm. After a few moments he finished and leaned down to tie the knot. Talya tapped her fingers impatiently against the floor. After he finished that he began to clean the wound below her neck, but stopped short, examining the wound after the blood was wiped away.
"What is this?" He leaned forward even further to try and get a better look at the wound. Talya was now gripping the carpet in pain. She was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. He sat up straight and then looked down at Talya.
"What?" She asked becoming annoyed.
"What did that fairie say about the wounds?"
"Shame is tearing you apart." Nikki recited the words of the fairie. Link threw an angry look at Talya.
"I thought you were over that whole shame crap."
"I am." Talya yelled. "Besides, what does that have to do with cleaning my wounds?" She frowned, not wishing to dwell on the subject for too long. "Just finish wrapping the damn wound and get off of me."
"That fairie was right. This wound was made from the inside out. You did this to yourself." The room's slightly amused feeling had completely vanished. Everyone was silent. Link finished cleaning and wrapping her wound and climbed off of her. Talya lay still on the floor. "You knew before we went in there didn't you?"
"No! How could I have?" Talya sat up.
"Why then? Why would you be ashamed?"
"I am not ashamed you nosy shithead! Now get off of my case. Go nag on somebody else."
"You are a damn liar." Link groaned. "I hate it when-"
"Why do you hate it so much? It is none of your damn business! Last time I checked, my life was still my own." Talya retorted. She left the room and headed upstairs. The room stayed in silence for several long moments.
"Three loves the crescent light." Nikki whispered to herself, lifting her head off of Tenameru's shoulder.
"What?" Link asked with a resounding sigh.
"The third clue. Three loves the crescent light." She reiterated. "Looks like we should look for the third one this morning."
"You are getting really good at this." Tenameru smiled at her.
"Thanks!" She returned the smile. Then she jumped up from her seat and pulled Tenameru to his feet. "If we are going to make it by sunrise, we better start now! Let's go get the others!" Nikki dragged Tenameru halfway up the stairs and he was happy to follow. Halfway up the stairs he lifted Nikki off of her feet and carried her to the top of the first staircase. She was giggling profusely.
"Tenameru." Rinéan's voice echoed in front of them. Tenameru put Nikki down and cleared his throat.
"Yes?"
"I have a tool for you" She handed him a ring that had fourteen symbols inscribed in it. "Now you can absorb the fairies as well."
"Thanks." Tenameru smiled. "We are getting ready to head out again. Will you go get Malon?"
"Sure."
"How are the sages doing?" Nikki asked as Rinéan turned to leave.
"They are in a deep trance. But they are healing with time." She floated up the stairs without another word.
"I will go get Talya!" Nikki smiled at Tenameru and ran up the stairs as quick as she could. Tenameru headed back downstairs and into the sitting room he had just left, where Link was sitting, his head in his hands.
"Ready to go?" Tenameru asked, approaching Link slowly.
"Yeah. I will be out in a few minutes. I just have to think for awhile." Link responded.
"All right. Take your time." Tenameru left the room. Nikki reached the tower only a few moments later. She knocked on Talya's door. She hesitantly opened the door.
"Time to go?" Talya sighed.
"Yup. We have to make good time, this fairie is going to come out at sunrise."
"Oh."
"Come on! Cheer up. We get to watch the sunrise." Talya did not reply at all. "Maybe you want to talk?" Nikki asked.
Talya looked away from her and back down at the floor. "Maybe later."
"Let's get going then all right?" Nikki asked more than told.
"All right."
"Who knows, maybe Link will fall in a hole this time." Nikki laughed to herself, envisioning the very thing she suggested.
"If not I will push him in one." Talya smiled.
"That is the spirit." Nikki continued laughing. Talya stood and they walked back down to the entrance hall, laughing and making aimless chatter.
Everyone was all ready waiting for them by the door. Malon had a very displeased look across her face, obviously detesting the choice to head out so soon. As they opened the doors they felt a horrible tremor underneath them. They fell to the ground and scampered out of the way as one of the crystal chandeliers crashed to the ground. The tremor soon subsided.
"That is not a good sign." Malon moaned getting slowly to her feet.
"Let us get going. We will travel by runes again." Rinéan said. Tenameru helped Nikki and Talya to their feet, and then they all rushed from the castle out into the snow. They made good time to Kakariko. The heavy winds that had greeted them earlier had ceased and the walk was much easier than before. Kakariko seemed deserted, except for the runes in the center of the town. Several trees had collapsed, but there was no sound of life within it. Just silence.
Rinéan transported them again. The same black magic that had surrounded them before surrounded them again. The black magic dissipated and they found themselves again the thick forest in front of the collapsed blue temple. They walked silently for a long while until the ground opened up in front of them. Way down beneath them was a small stone temple, looking out over the edge of another cliff.
"I do not suppose anyone here has a plan?" Talya moaned rubbing the wound on her arm. "There is no chance in hell I am climbing down there."
"I do not think we will have to." Tenameru reassured. He walked over towards the forest they had just left. "I bet that there is an alternate entrance around here somewhere." He searched for a moment. "Ah! Here we go!" He pulled open a heavy wooden door on the ground. It had a staircase leading down into the depths.
"Come on." Link jumped onto the staircase and began racing downwards. The remaining followed him as quick as they could without losing their footing. The staircase led them into a dark cave, with two different paths.
'Which way?" Malon sighed.
"Both." Link crossed his arms. "Tenameru, Nikki, and Rinéan you guys go left. We will go right."
"After the temple starts to collapse and we are sure the fairie is caught we will meet back here." Nikki added. "I hope you find a nice hole to push him in!" She whispered to Talya. Talya smiled at her and wished them luck as they walked away. Malon headed onto their path, dragging her feet through the dirt. Talya followed her as quickly as she could, with Link not far behind.
Nikki, Tenameru, and Rinéan were walking as quickly through the tunnel as they could, making small conversation. It was not long before they reached another hole in their path. Two ropes stretched across it. Tenameru crossed first, being careful to keep his balance. Nikki went next followed by Rinéan who merely floated across. Almost immediately after crossing they had to climb down a series of badly crafted ladders, which led them into a damp cold cave. It was very humid, and it was not long before they were sweating. Except for Rinéan who, being dead, did not sweat. Then they reached an opening. They were in the temple at last. It was filled with a beautiful magenta light. The room was adorned with beautiful gems, jewelry, and artifacts, all in perfect shape. One a perch in the corner was a collection of scarlet birds. They were all resting, flapping a beautiful red wing every once in a while.
"They are so pretty." Nikki stroked one of the birds.
"Do not disturb them." Tenameru took her hand leading them from the room. The room looked out over the large cliff. The sun was just pealing out over the horizon. "Looks like it is show time."
"Let's watch it for a minute." Nikki walked far onto the platform. Tenameru followed reluctantly. As the sun moved slowly higher he turned away from it, bringing Nikki with him.
"I would much rather look at you instead." He smiled then slowly, almost hesitantly, kissed her forehead. Nikki blushed then wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. Rinéan rolled her eyes then searched for the fairie on the horizon and around the temple.
Malon was leading the way through the tunnel. She was trying to ignore the bitter silence that had followed their departure, but it was getting on her last nerve. They had met no obstacles on their way and were soon in the temple. The room they entered was dark and creepy, reeking of that of a mausoleum. From the windows they could see the faintest light over the horizon. They all leaned out the window for a better look.
"Hey Talya?" Link cleared his throat. She glared at him angrily. "I am sorry."
"You better be. You had no reason to act like that." Talya frowned. Malon tried hard not to show she was listening. Link choked back the angry words he was going to say and instead replied softly.
"Did you ever think that I was worried about you?"
"Do not waste your breath."
"Well I was. I can not protect you from yourself." He sighed. Malon was trying very hard now not to giggle.
"Whatever. I am not a danger to myself Link." Talya walked away from the window and picked up one of the vases, examining the carvings. "I do not need you worrying about me."
"Stop being such a brat and just talk to me sometimes okay?" He grabbed her by the arms. She dropped the vase in surprise. Before she could respond a huge red bird flew into the room followed by a magenta light.
"Isn't there anyway to get out of here?" Zelda asked for about the twentieth time that night. Hoshiko sighed then shook her head.
"Listen Zelda, this is my dungeon in my castle, we are not getting out. No one ever has." This thought discouraged them both. "Even so, how we would escape is a while different story. With that man and that creature out there, I feel safer in here."
"Wait! They are leaving though are they not?" Zelda remembered. "To go to my castle! They are going to leave. If we could escape then it would be easy to get out of your castle."
"You might just be on to something." Hoshiko whispered. "There has got to be a way to break out of this cell. And we are going to find it." Outside the sun was beginning to rise.