The Dark Plague
Chapter Four: The Queen's Decoy, Ice, and the Ranger
"No way." Link objected to the idea immediately.
"She is in no condition to come with us." Tenameru explained.
"Plus she is the only blonde one here." Nikki pointed out.
"I do not think this is a good idea." Link sighed. "Talya is not exactly the epitome of courtesy. Nor do I think she will like the idea of playing princess."
"I do not think she has much of a choice." Rinéan interjected.
"What if-"
"She can take care of herself." Nikki scolded Link. "I am going to go wake her. We have to go catch these fairies as quickly as possible." Nikki stood and left the room.
"I still do not think this is a good idea." Link moaned.
"I suggest we look for ice for the next fairie." Malon changed the subject.
"I agree." Rinéan floated aimlessly around staring at the portraits on the walls.
"We have to be quick. Catch at least three tomorrow then come back here and pick up Talya." Tenameru told them.
"Talya?" Nikki called. Talya was tossing and turning in her bed. "Talya, wake up." Nikki shook her. Talya sat up straight and then wiped away the sweat dripping down her forehead. She groaned the laid back down.
"What?" Talya said quietly. Nikki explained the situation with Hoshiko the waited patiently for Talya's answer. "Do I have any say in this?" She responded after a moment's thought.
"Not really. No one else is willing to fill the part."
"You are her sister. Should not it be you instead of me?"
"Fortunately I do not resemble her." Nikki scoffed. "Come on it will not be that bad. Besides you will get to rest for a while." Nikki reassured.
"Fine. I do not have to wear that ugly magenta dress do I?" Talya finally gave in (without much of a fight I might add).
"Unfortunately, I think that is part of the deal."
"Ugh, this week just keeps getting better and better doesn't it?" She sat up again this time swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
"Hopefully it will soon be over." Nikki tried her hand at being reassuring. "Why don't you get changed and then meet us down in the throne room, all right?" Talya raised her hand in agreement then they left the room and parted their separate ways. Nikki was stopped by Tenameru as she reached the top of the third staircase.
"I need to ask you something." He started.
"Go ahead, ask me anything!" Nikki smiled.
"After all this is over.I mean when the fairies are caught and Zelda."
"Yes Tena-chan?" Nikki interrupted him.
"Well, I was hoping, well, that maybe you would.perhaps you would like to go or do something?" He asked nervously. "But you do not have to, I mean if you do not want to!" He immediately added, giving Nikki no chance to respond. "Oh man, I am so bad at this." He was taken aback as Nikki threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. She pulled away from him leaving only a few inches between them.
"I will go wherever you want me to!" She laughed at him. Tenameru kissed her in return.
"Oh, go get a room." Talya groaned at them, clutching onto the railing.
"Very funny." Tenameru laughed.
"Let us get this over with." Talya sighed. "I can not believe that I agreed to wear this hideous dress." They walked into the throne room and joined the party members who were all ready discussing a further course of action. Talya slumped down onto the throne and tried her best to keep from passing out again. Nikki and Tenameru sat in the same places they had previously.
"Well, then we should probably get going." Rinéan sighed. "We have our decoy princess, now we should head back to get the fifth fairie."
"I agree." Tenameru stated. "If we can catch three by tomorrow night we will be ahead of the game." He jumped to his feet again.
" I will catch up with you guys." Link said as they walked from the room.
"All right, but make it quick." Malon ordered.
"I can not believe that you agreed to this!" Link laughed sitting back down.
"It is not like I had much of a choice. Besides, I feel like shit anyway." Talya closed her eyes, ignoring the nausea threatening the back of her throat. "You should get going."
"Are you going to be all right?"
"I will be just fine Link."
"I mean, just say the word and I will stay here with you." Link offered, much to Talya's surprise.
"That will not be necessary. I can take care of myself. Now get going." Talya laughed, giving him an encouraging smile.
"Be careful." Link said before rushing out the door at a run. Talya immediately fell into an unconscious sleep after Link departed.
The group walked quickly to Kakariko with a newfound determination. They traveled through the runes and landed in the dark cave they had left earlier. The violent storm that had overcome the land was gone. The flood of water had seemingly disappeared. They climbed from the cave.
"It is cold!" Malon shivered.
"This land is crazy! It is different every time we catch a fairie." Nikki rubbed her hands together in a feeble attempt to stay warm.
"Well, that just means that we are going in the right direction." Tenameru placed an arm around Nikki, shielding her from the bitter wind.
"We are definitely on the right track." Link yelled out to them. He had run ahead and around past the hill and through the clutter of trees. "Come here! I found the temple!"
"All ready?" Rinéan whispered to herself. There was a warning nagging at her, but she wan not sure what it meant. She followed Tenameru, Nikki, and Malon to where Link was waiting. The land in front of them was covered in snow and ice. It was beautiful sight. The snow was untouched, unmarred by nature, surrounding a beautiful ice temple. They walked through the deep snow, butting a path along their way. The snow seemed unnatural and every footprint they made seemed to disappear moments later. They reached the temple with little trouble from the snow. The ice glistened even in the darkness of the night. Rinéan was surprised to find no crosses guarding the temple's entrance. The temple seemed barren of any decoration besides the occasional stalactite hanging from the ceiling. They reached an area of the temple that sloped upward. None of them would be able to accomplish the climb with the exception of Rinéan who could float to the top.
"Now what?" Malon said, her teeth chattering from the cold. Nikki screamed as the floor beneath her opened up. Tenameru jumped after her. He landed on a hard, cold stone floor.
"Nikki!" He yelled out, but she was nowhere to be found. "Damn it." He headed off into the dark hall in front of him.
Malon was staring down into the dark hole that her friends had just fallen into. Link jumped into the hole, he had a gut feeling that Tenameru and Nikki were in trouble. Malon cupped her hands over her mouth and closed her eyes before jumping in after them. Rinéan floated above the hole then started up the steep incline that they had pondered upon earlier. She floated through the tunnels and mazes searching for any sign or clue that would solve the mystery that was racking her brain.
Nikki had fallen into a large pile of snow. All around her the snowflakes seemed to be floating through the air, slowed by an unknown force. She scanned the area; she could see nothing through the white fog that filled the air. The fog was almost tangible and seemed to taunt her. Nikki got to her feet and began to walk. The hole from which she had fallen through seemed to be nowhere above her any longer. In fact she seemed to be back outside. She did not have long to ponder the thought. An elegant woman encased in a jagged icicle appeared in the snow in front of her. Nikki held her head in pain as she heard a loud shrill scream inside her head. It was saying something, but she could not decipher what it meant. She tried her hardest to make out the words, but the shrill scream kept interrupting her thoughts, creating a horrible worry inside her mind. Her head was swimming, dizzy from all the noise in her head. Then the scream disappeared and was replaced by a melodic, tragic voice.
"Can you save me?" She cried out. "Can you help me? Set me free Nikki!" The fairie was speaking to her now.
"Who are you?" Nikki cried out in return.
"I am Thera, the fairie of solitude!" the figure inside the icicle opened her eyes. They were beautiful to behold, yet sad and forlorn. "Set me free. Please set me free Nikki."
"How?" Nikki pounded on the ice surrounding the fairie, which had not affect.
"Heal me Nikki. Save me." Nikki leaned against the ice, trying to empty her mind of the questions bustling through her. Then a blue light surrounded them and the ice began to slowly melt, floating away solemnly, not disturbing the blanket of snow. Nikki gasped as the young fairie with cloud shaped wings hugged her tightly. "Thank you! I am forever indebted to thee! Only a friend whom hath a heart as pure as thou could free me from my prison." Thera was ecstatic. Nikki was awestruck once more as the snow disappeared leaving them in a beautiful, warm, blue room. She was thankful the warmth but now reality had set in. She was trapped with Thera.
Tenameru walked for what seemed like forever. The tunnel never seemed to end. Just as he felt he could walk no longer he found himself in a dark and atrocious room. In the center there was hideous fairie with cloud- shaped wings and she was talking to Nikki. Tenameru rushed forward calling to Nikki at the top of his lungs. The fairie turned to face him. He stepped back, horrified by the empty look in her eyes.
"Tenameru!" Nikki was surprised to see him burst into the room. He began to head towards her.
"No!" There screeched. "She is my friend! You shall not have her!" Tenameru fell back as an icy rush of wind forced him to the floor. "You cannot take her from me!" Tenameru winced in pain as the fairie burst into a bright light. He felt the blood trickle down his hands and his face, the only exposed skin. Nikki was horrified as she watched tentacles of ice grasp her love. He began to choke as the tentacles cut off his circulation.
"Tenameru! Thera pleas stop!" Nikki yelled, running to aid Tenameru.
"You dare betray me?" Thera's voice echoed through the room. More ice tentacles formed and wrapped around Nikki. She tried to scream but no sound came out.
Malon had fallen into a lake filled with ice-cold water. She screamed as she felt her limbs begin to go numb. She swam frantically, searching for an edge to climb out on. The cold water soon caused her to go limp. She could not swim any further. She felt her body sink under the water. It seemed as though a force she could not control. Then it hit her. Something was pulling her down. She swam with all the strength she had left keeping her face above the water just enough to breathe. She could only hope she could stay alive long enough to be saved.
Link landed in a dark cave. He immediately drew his sword, slicing at the creatures that lunged towards him. He rushed down the hallways and passed all of the creatures that were scratching and clawing at him. He entered a small cavern through which he had to crawl. He walked on the scene of Tenameru and Nikki being strangled by the icy tentacles. Link sliced through the ice surrounding Tenameru. He fell to the ground trying to wipe the blood from his eyes. Link then freed Nikki. Nikki ran over to Tenameru, tearing pieces of her tunic to wipe the blood from Tenameru. Link was busy slicing apart more icicles that appeared faster and faster.
Rinéan reached a room that contained hundreds of small orbs. On the wall and ceiling there were placeholders for them. Rinéan began to use her telekinetic abilities to move the orbs into the placeholders. When she finished the room shook. She felt the ground beneath her disappear. The temple was gone and she was standing once more in the snow. Before her stood the now astonished Link, Tenameru, and Nikki. Malon laid unconscious a few feet away. The fairie was very confused and angry.
"Where hath my temple gone?" She hissed.
"Everything is an illusion!" Rinéan yelled, her voice sounding almost human. "Tenameru absorb the fairie!"
"I can not see!" He yelled out.
"Just reach out in front of you and call for her!" Rinéan instructed. Tenameru extended his hand and before he even opened his mouth the fairie disappeared before their eyes. The snow disappeared from beneath them and they found themselves under the branches of a weeping willow. Their wounds had vanished and Malon was conscious once more. Nikki embraced Tenameru relieved to see him unscathed. By this time the sun had risen, not quite to high noon but maybe an hour or so before it.
Morning came at Hyrule castle. Dark Link and Neheirna approached the castle.
"Do you think anyone will be here?" Neheirna hissed.
"Someone is here." Dark Link assured her. "It should not be a problem disposing of them."
"What are you hoping to find here my lord?"
"The rightful heir to Hyrule's throne; the original descendant of the seventh sage." He whispered. "I sense that she herself is not here. But someone else is." The castle door was easy enough to open and to their surprise, no one greeted them. Upon entering the throne room they spied Talya asleep on the throne.
"Who is that? Certainly not the princess?" Neheirna croaked.
"I do not know." Dark Link whispered. Yet there was something nagging at the back of his mind. The girl seemed very familiar to him.
"Now what sir?"
"Go search the castle, kill anyone who gets in your way. Find any clue that might lead to the identity of the rightful heir. I will.keep watch." He ordered sternly, still pondering the identity of the girl in front of him. Neheirna raced through the halls beginning her search of the castle. Dark Link approached Talya slowly, contemplating where he had seen her before. He stood over her for a long moment before he realized where he knew her. His opposite, Link, must know her. He felt the same emotions as his counterpart, but he was more ruthless and had much different intentions than Link himself had. He pushed a stray hair from Talya's face. She awoke, her vision was blurry and her head was on fire. Her arm was throbbing with so much pain, she barely noticed the man standing over her. She sat up straight and rubbed her eyes. She stiffened noticing him finally.
"Who are you?" She asked him.
"I represent Hoshiko." He lied. "I am here to meet a Princess Zelda." He clutched the sword handle beneath his cloak. He struggled inwardly whether to kill her as he had originally intended.
"I thought she was coming herself?"
"I am afraid that she has fallen ill and was not able to make the trip here. She sends her deepest regrets."
"I see." Talya stood up carefully, barely able to keep her balance. "What does Hoshiko want from us? What can Hyrule probably do to assist her?"
"Well." Dark Link started. He was at a loss for words. The carefully laid plan he had set in his mind was drifting further away from him. He had to get rid of this girl before she distracted him any further. Yet for some reason he could not bring himself to lift his sword from its sheath. "The matter is not of great importance. Come, how about you tell me a little about your land or perhaps show me around your castle."
"Perhaps." Talia did not feel much like walking. In fact she wanted nothing more than to sit back down and fall right back to sleep.
"Come." He took her hand. "Show me through your castle."
"Fine." She conceded after a moments thought. "Anything imparticular you would like to see? Trust me, the castle is not that interesting." She walked with him out of the throne room. In the hallway she suddenly could not recall where anything was. She could not concentrate on anything she stopped in the center of the hallway. Dark Link watched her before realizing something was wrong. A thought passed through his mind. Why did she not recognize him in the first place? He looked exactly like his counterpart with the exception of a few minor details.
"Are you all right?" He asked after a while.
"I am fine."
"What happened to your arm?" Talya could not respond. She had not yet thought of a way to explain her wound.
"Nothing."
"That does not look like 'nothing' to me." Dark Link retorted. "Let me see."
"No." Talya moved out of his reach.
"Maybe I can heal it for you." He tried to convince her.
"No, it is fine. I do not need your help." She immediately objected. Dark Link grabbed her non-injured arm insistently. He then kissed her. For a long moment he would not release her. When he did she smacked him across the face. "You pervert! Keep away from me." Talya was so flustered she did not seem to notice the pain in her arm subside. Her vision cleared after a moment and she covered her mouth horrified. "Oh my God. you are, you are.Link!" She yelled. She ran into the throne room and headed towards the throne where her sword was laying. Dark Link grabbed her before she reached it.
"Is that anyway to thank me for healing you?" He growled.
"Let me go!" She yelled.
"Not likely." He laughed maniacally. He was at long last able to draw his sword from its sheath. Talya silenced any comments she had to say when Dark Link placed the blade against her neck.
"What do you want?"
"The heir to the throne."
"She is gone."
"Master!" Neheirna called as she re-entered the throne room. "The princess has a sister!" Neheirna informed him. "I can smell her." She hissed.
"Where is she?" Dark Link released Talya from his grip. She quickly backed away and grabbed the handle of her sword. "Tell me or I will kill you!" He ordered.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Talya lied grasping the handle of her sword tightly in her right hand.
"Tell me." He said in a gentler voice, approached Talya cautiously. "Tell me and you can help us complete our mission." He held her arms being wary of her sword.
"No way." She whispered.
"Come now. you could rid yourself of your worries; of that careless hero." He stroked the side of her face.
"Master?" Neheirna was growing angry. Envy was growing insider her, her master's admiration was no longer centered on her. "Kill her master!"
"Quiet you pathetic golem!" Dark Link hissed at her then turned back to Talya. "Join me." He pressed on. "All your dreams will come true." He kissed her cheek.
"No." Talya lifted her sword to swing but stopped as Dark Link spoke.
"Stop! If you hurt me you will hurt your precious Link as well." Dark Link warned her. Talya dropped her sword to the ground. "Ah, now that is a good girl." He ran his fingers through her hair. He then leaned forward to kiss her again but lurched back in pain. Talya had stabbed him with a small dagger.
"Master!" Neheirna yelled as Dark Link tired furiously to pull the dagger from his stomach. The golem pounced at Talya, scratching and clawing. Talya kicked her off and picked up her sword. Neheirna knocked her off her feet then with a loud fell to the ground, dead, an arrow piercing her back.
"Are you all right?" A young elf, bow in hand, approached Talya. Behind him Dark Link rose to his feet.
"This is not the end. I will not give up!" He disappeared into a dark vortex, dragging Neheirna behind him.
"Who are you?" Talya pointed her sword at the young elf.
"I am Eierthian, a ranger," He bowed. "I assure you that I mean you no harm."
"What are you doing here?"
"Searching for people to save." Talya eyed him suspiciously. She put down her sword and sat down on the floor. "Who are you fair maiden?"
"Talya, and thanks for the help."
"You are very welcome. I am always willing to come to the aid of a beautiful young lady." Eierthian sat in one of the chairs near to where Talya sat on the floor and leaned his bow against the chair. Talya rubbed her shoulder where her wound was. Her heart was pounding in her throat. That horrid man was link. But how could there be two of him. She stood up and sat back down and cupped her hands over her face, lost deep in thought.
As the group walked through the forest in search of the sixth Temple they reached a meadow blooming with beautiful blue and green flowers. Then Link fell backwards in pain. Tenameru, Malon, Rinéan, and Nikki turned to see him holding a deep bleeding wound. As hard at they looked they could find no explanation for the wound.
Chapter Four: The Queen's Decoy, Ice, and the Ranger
"No way." Link objected to the idea immediately.
"She is in no condition to come with us." Tenameru explained.
"Plus she is the only blonde one here." Nikki pointed out.
"I do not think this is a good idea." Link sighed. "Talya is not exactly the epitome of courtesy. Nor do I think she will like the idea of playing princess."
"I do not think she has much of a choice." Rinéan interjected.
"What if-"
"She can take care of herself." Nikki scolded Link. "I am going to go wake her. We have to go catch these fairies as quickly as possible." Nikki stood and left the room.
"I still do not think this is a good idea." Link moaned.
"I suggest we look for ice for the next fairie." Malon changed the subject.
"I agree." Rinéan floated aimlessly around staring at the portraits on the walls.
"We have to be quick. Catch at least three tomorrow then come back here and pick up Talya." Tenameru told them.
"Talya?" Nikki called. Talya was tossing and turning in her bed. "Talya, wake up." Nikki shook her. Talya sat up straight and then wiped away the sweat dripping down her forehead. She groaned the laid back down.
"What?" Talya said quietly. Nikki explained the situation with Hoshiko the waited patiently for Talya's answer. "Do I have any say in this?" She responded after a moment's thought.
"Not really. No one else is willing to fill the part."
"You are her sister. Should not it be you instead of me?"
"Fortunately I do not resemble her." Nikki scoffed. "Come on it will not be that bad. Besides you will get to rest for a while." Nikki reassured.
"Fine. I do not have to wear that ugly magenta dress do I?" Talya finally gave in (without much of a fight I might add).
"Unfortunately, I think that is part of the deal."
"Ugh, this week just keeps getting better and better doesn't it?" She sat up again this time swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
"Hopefully it will soon be over." Nikki tried her hand at being reassuring. "Why don't you get changed and then meet us down in the throne room, all right?" Talya raised her hand in agreement then they left the room and parted their separate ways. Nikki was stopped by Tenameru as she reached the top of the third staircase.
"I need to ask you something." He started.
"Go ahead, ask me anything!" Nikki smiled.
"After all this is over.I mean when the fairies are caught and Zelda."
"Yes Tena-chan?" Nikki interrupted him.
"Well, I was hoping, well, that maybe you would.perhaps you would like to go or do something?" He asked nervously. "But you do not have to, I mean if you do not want to!" He immediately added, giving Nikki no chance to respond. "Oh man, I am so bad at this." He was taken aback as Nikki threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. She pulled away from him leaving only a few inches between them.
"I will go wherever you want me to!" She laughed at him. Tenameru kissed her in return.
"Oh, go get a room." Talya groaned at them, clutching onto the railing.
"Very funny." Tenameru laughed.
"Let us get this over with." Talya sighed. "I can not believe that I agreed to wear this hideous dress." They walked into the throne room and joined the party members who were all ready discussing a further course of action. Talya slumped down onto the throne and tried her best to keep from passing out again. Nikki and Tenameru sat in the same places they had previously.
"Well, then we should probably get going." Rinéan sighed. "We have our decoy princess, now we should head back to get the fifth fairie."
"I agree." Tenameru stated. "If we can catch three by tomorrow night we will be ahead of the game." He jumped to his feet again.
" I will catch up with you guys." Link said as they walked from the room.
"All right, but make it quick." Malon ordered.
"I can not believe that you agreed to this!" Link laughed sitting back down.
"It is not like I had much of a choice. Besides, I feel like shit anyway." Talya closed her eyes, ignoring the nausea threatening the back of her throat. "You should get going."
"Are you going to be all right?"
"I will be just fine Link."
"I mean, just say the word and I will stay here with you." Link offered, much to Talya's surprise.
"That will not be necessary. I can take care of myself. Now get going." Talya laughed, giving him an encouraging smile.
"Be careful." Link said before rushing out the door at a run. Talya immediately fell into an unconscious sleep after Link departed.
The group walked quickly to Kakariko with a newfound determination. They traveled through the runes and landed in the dark cave they had left earlier. The violent storm that had overcome the land was gone. The flood of water had seemingly disappeared. They climbed from the cave.
"It is cold!" Malon shivered.
"This land is crazy! It is different every time we catch a fairie." Nikki rubbed her hands together in a feeble attempt to stay warm.
"Well, that just means that we are going in the right direction." Tenameru placed an arm around Nikki, shielding her from the bitter wind.
"We are definitely on the right track." Link yelled out to them. He had run ahead and around past the hill and through the clutter of trees. "Come here! I found the temple!"
"All ready?" Rinéan whispered to herself. There was a warning nagging at her, but she wan not sure what it meant. She followed Tenameru, Nikki, and Malon to where Link was waiting. The land in front of them was covered in snow and ice. It was beautiful sight. The snow was untouched, unmarred by nature, surrounding a beautiful ice temple. They walked through the deep snow, butting a path along their way. The snow seemed unnatural and every footprint they made seemed to disappear moments later. They reached the temple with little trouble from the snow. The ice glistened even in the darkness of the night. Rinéan was surprised to find no crosses guarding the temple's entrance. The temple seemed barren of any decoration besides the occasional stalactite hanging from the ceiling. They reached an area of the temple that sloped upward. None of them would be able to accomplish the climb with the exception of Rinéan who could float to the top.
"Now what?" Malon said, her teeth chattering from the cold. Nikki screamed as the floor beneath her opened up. Tenameru jumped after her. He landed on a hard, cold stone floor.
"Nikki!" He yelled out, but she was nowhere to be found. "Damn it." He headed off into the dark hall in front of him.
Malon was staring down into the dark hole that her friends had just fallen into. Link jumped into the hole, he had a gut feeling that Tenameru and Nikki were in trouble. Malon cupped her hands over her mouth and closed her eyes before jumping in after them. Rinéan floated above the hole then started up the steep incline that they had pondered upon earlier. She floated through the tunnels and mazes searching for any sign or clue that would solve the mystery that was racking her brain.
Nikki had fallen into a large pile of snow. All around her the snowflakes seemed to be floating through the air, slowed by an unknown force. She scanned the area; she could see nothing through the white fog that filled the air. The fog was almost tangible and seemed to taunt her. Nikki got to her feet and began to walk. The hole from which she had fallen through seemed to be nowhere above her any longer. In fact she seemed to be back outside. She did not have long to ponder the thought. An elegant woman encased in a jagged icicle appeared in the snow in front of her. Nikki held her head in pain as she heard a loud shrill scream inside her head. It was saying something, but she could not decipher what it meant. She tried her hardest to make out the words, but the shrill scream kept interrupting her thoughts, creating a horrible worry inside her mind. Her head was swimming, dizzy from all the noise in her head. Then the scream disappeared and was replaced by a melodic, tragic voice.
"Can you save me?" She cried out. "Can you help me? Set me free Nikki!" The fairie was speaking to her now.
"Who are you?" Nikki cried out in return.
"I am Thera, the fairie of solitude!" the figure inside the icicle opened her eyes. They were beautiful to behold, yet sad and forlorn. "Set me free. Please set me free Nikki."
"How?" Nikki pounded on the ice surrounding the fairie, which had not affect.
"Heal me Nikki. Save me." Nikki leaned against the ice, trying to empty her mind of the questions bustling through her. Then a blue light surrounded them and the ice began to slowly melt, floating away solemnly, not disturbing the blanket of snow. Nikki gasped as the young fairie with cloud shaped wings hugged her tightly. "Thank you! I am forever indebted to thee! Only a friend whom hath a heart as pure as thou could free me from my prison." Thera was ecstatic. Nikki was awestruck once more as the snow disappeared leaving them in a beautiful, warm, blue room. She was thankful the warmth but now reality had set in. She was trapped with Thera.
Tenameru walked for what seemed like forever. The tunnel never seemed to end. Just as he felt he could walk no longer he found himself in a dark and atrocious room. In the center there was hideous fairie with cloud- shaped wings and she was talking to Nikki. Tenameru rushed forward calling to Nikki at the top of his lungs. The fairie turned to face him. He stepped back, horrified by the empty look in her eyes.
"Tenameru!" Nikki was surprised to see him burst into the room. He began to head towards her.
"No!" There screeched. "She is my friend! You shall not have her!" Tenameru fell back as an icy rush of wind forced him to the floor. "You cannot take her from me!" Tenameru winced in pain as the fairie burst into a bright light. He felt the blood trickle down his hands and his face, the only exposed skin. Nikki was horrified as she watched tentacles of ice grasp her love. He began to choke as the tentacles cut off his circulation.
"Tenameru! Thera pleas stop!" Nikki yelled, running to aid Tenameru.
"You dare betray me?" Thera's voice echoed through the room. More ice tentacles formed and wrapped around Nikki. She tried to scream but no sound came out.
Malon had fallen into a lake filled with ice-cold water. She screamed as she felt her limbs begin to go numb. She swam frantically, searching for an edge to climb out on. The cold water soon caused her to go limp. She could not swim any further. She felt her body sink under the water. It seemed as though a force she could not control. Then it hit her. Something was pulling her down. She swam with all the strength she had left keeping her face above the water just enough to breathe. She could only hope she could stay alive long enough to be saved.
Link landed in a dark cave. He immediately drew his sword, slicing at the creatures that lunged towards him. He rushed down the hallways and passed all of the creatures that were scratching and clawing at him. He entered a small cavern through which he had to crawl. He walked on the scene of Tenameru and Nikki being strangled by the icy tentacles. Link sliced through the ice surrounding Tenameru. He fell to the ground trying to wipe the blood from his eyes. Link then freed Nikki. Nikki ran over to Tenameru, tearing pieces of her tunic to wipe the blood from Tenameru. Link was busy slicing apart more icicles that appeared faster and faster.
Rinéan reached a room that contained hundreds of small orbs. On the wall and ceiling there were placeholders for them. Rinéan began to use her telekinetic abilities to move the orbs into the placeholders. When she finished the room shook. She felt the ground beneath her disappear. The temple was gone and she was standing once more in the snow. Before her stood the now astonished Link, Tenameru, and Nikki. Malon laid unconscious a few feet away. The fairie was very confused and angry.
"Where hath my temple gone?" She hissed.
"Everything is an illusion!" Rinéan yelled, her voice sounding almost human. "Tenameru absorb the fairie!"
"I can not see!" He yelled out.
"Just reach out in front of you and call for her!" Rinéan instructed. Tenameru extended his hand and before he even opened his mouth the fairie disappeared before their eyes. The snow disappeared from beneath them and they found themselves under the branches of a weeping willow. Their wounds had vanished and Malon was conscious once more. Nikki embraced Tenameru relieved to see him unscathed. By this time the sun had risen, not quite to high noon but maybe an hour or so before it.
Morning came at Hyrule castle. Dark Link and Neheirna approached the castle.
"Do you think anyone will be here?" Neheirna hissed.
"Someone is here." Dark Link assured her. "It should not be a problem disposing of them."
"What are you hoping to find here my lord?"
"The rightful heir to Hyrule's throne; the original descendant of the seventh sage." He whispered. "I sense that she herself is not here. But someone else is." The castle door was easy enough to open and to their surprise, no one greeted them. Upon entering the throne room they spied Talya asleep on the throne.
"Who is that? Certainly not the princess?" Neheirna croaked.
"I do not know." Dark Link whispered. Yet there was something nagging at the back of his mind. The girl seemed very familiar to him.
"Now what sir?"
"Go search the castle, kill anyone who gets in your way. Find any clue that might lead to the identity of the rightful heir. I will.keep watch." He ordered sternly, still pondering the identity of the girl in front of him. Neheirna raced through the halls beginning her search of the castle. Dark Link approached Talya slowly, contemplating where he had seen her before. He stood over her for a long moment before he realized where he knew her. His opposite, Link, must know her. He felt the same emotions as his counterpart, but he was more ruthless and had much different intentions than Link himself had. He pushed a stray hair from Talya's face. She awoke, her vision was blurry and her head was on fire. Her arm was throbbing with so much pain, she barely noticed the man standing over her. She sat up straight and rubbed her eyes. She stiffened noticing him finally.
"Who are you?" She asked him.
"I represent Hoshiko." He lied. "I am here to meet a Princess Zelda." He clutched the sword handle beneath his cloak. He struggled inwardly whether to kill her as he had originally intended.
"I thought she was coming herself?"
"I am afraid that she has fallen ill and was not able to make the trip here. She sends her deepest regrets."
"I see." Talya stood up carefully, barely able to keep her balance. "What does Hoshiko want from us? What can Hyrule probably do to assist her?"
"Well." Dark Link started. He was at a loss for words. The carefully laid plan he had set in his mind was drifting further away from him. He had to get rid of this girl before she distracted him any further. Yet for some reason he could not bring himself to lift his sword from its sheath. "The matter is not of great importance. Come, how about you tell me a little about your land or perhaps show me around your castle."
"Perhaps." Talia did not feel much like walking. In fact she wanted nothing more than to sit back down and fall right back to sleep.
"Come." He took her hand. "Show me through your castle."
"Fine." She conceded after a moments thought. "Anything imparticular you would like to see? Trust me, the castle is not that interesting." She walked with him out of the throne room. In the hallway she suddenly could not recall where anything was. She could not concentrate on anything she stopped in the center of the hallway. Dark Link watched her before realizing something was wrong. A thought passed through his mind. Why did she not recognize him in the first place? He looked exactly like his counterpart with the exception of a few minor details.
"Are you all right?" He asked after a while.
"I am fine."
"What happened to your arm?" Talya could not respond. She had not yet thought of a way to explain her wound.
"Nothing."
"That does not look like 'nothing' to me." Dark Link retorted. "Let me see."
"No." Talya moved out of his reach.
"Maybe I can heal it for you." He tried to convince her.
"No, it is fine. I do not need your help." She immediately objected. Dark Link grabbed her non-injured arm insistently. He then kissed her. For a long moment he would not release her. When he did she smacked him across the face. "You pervert! Keep away from me." Talya was so flustered she did not seem to notice the pain in her arm subside. Her vision cleared after a moment and she covered her mouth horrified. "Oh my God. you are, you are.Link!" She yelled. She ran into the throne room and headed towards the throne where her sword was laying. Dark Link grabbed her before she reached it.
"Is that anyway to thank me for healing you?" He growled.
"Let me go!" She yelled.
"Not likely." He laughed maniacally. He was at long last able to draw his sword from its sheath. Talya silenced any comments she had to say when Dark Link placed the blade against her neck.
"What do you want?"
"The heir to the throne."
"She is gone."
"Master!" Neheirna called as she re-entered the throne room. "The princess has a sister!" Neheirna informed him. "I can smell her." She hissed.
"Where is she?" Dark Link released Talya from his grip. She quickly backed away and grabbed the handle of her sword. "Tell me or I will kill you!" He ordered.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Talya lied grasping the handle of her sword tightly in her right hand.
"Tell me." He said in a gentler voice, approached Talya cautiously. "Tell me and you can help us complete our mission." He held her arms being wary of her sword.
"No way." She whispered.
"Come now. you could rid yourself of your worries; of that careless hero." He stroked the side of her face.
"Master?" Neheirna was growing angry. Envy was growing insider her, her master's admiration was no longer centered on her. "Kill her master!"
"Quiet you pathetic golem!" Dark Link hissed at her then turned back to Talya. "Join me." He pressed on. "All your dreams will come true." He kissed her cheek.
"No." Talya lifted her sword to swing but stopped as Dark Link spoke.
"Stop! If you hurt me you will hurt your precious Link as well." Dark Link warned her. Talya dropped her sword to the ground. "Ah, now that is a good girl." He ran his fingers through her hair. He then leaned forward to kiss her again but lurched back in pain. Talya had stabbed him with a small dagger.
"Master!" Neheirna yelled as Dark Link tired furiously to pull the dagger from his stomach. The golem pounced at Talya, scratching and clawing. Talya kicked her off and picked up her sword. Neheirna knocked her off her feet then with a loud fell to the ground, dead, an arrow piercing her back.
"Are you all right?" A young elf, bow in hand, approached Talya. Behind him Dark Link rose to his feet.
"This is not the end. I will not give up!" He disappeared into a dark vortex, dragging Neheirna behind him.
"Who are you?" Talya pointed her sword at the young elf.
"I am Eierthian, a ranger," He bowed. "I assure you that I mean you no harm."
"What are you doing here?"
"Searching for people to save." Talya eyed him suspiciously. She put down her sword and sat down on the floor. "Who are you fair maiden?"
"Talya, and thanks for the help."
"You are very welcome. I am always willing to come to the aid of a beautiful young lady." Eierthian sat in one of the chairs near to where Talya sat on the floor and leaned his bow against the chair. Talya rubbed her shoulder where her wound was. Her heart was pounding in her throat. That horrid man was link. But how could there be two of him. She stood up and sat back down and cupped her hands over her face, lost deep in thought.
As the group walked through the forest in search of the sixth Temple they reached a meadow blooming with beautiful blue and green flowers. Then Link fell backwards in pain. Tenameru, Malon, Rinéan, and Nikki turned to see him holding a deep bleeding wound. As hard at they looked they could find no explanation for the wound.