Sheik, the tale the scribes missed
Disclaimer: Me no own nothing - but, I do like playing around with stuff that isn't mine *grin*. I still see Sheik as a person in his own right, and nothing will change my mind, so nah to all who think its Zelda. He's taller, has different coloured eyes, hair, and no amount of bandaging and compressing could give Zelda that thin silhouette!
Sheik has now so far retrieved the Minuet of Forest and Bolero of Fire. And, as you can tell by the chapter title, he's after the Serenade of Water in this one. Enjoy, and leave a review on the way out.
Bleep, warning - there is insinuation of man-on-man lust. Well, I have warned you, and it's nothing graphic! All insinuated. Again, you have been warned!
~*~*~*~
Please excuse my scrawling handwriting, but I am writing this as hurriedly as I can. Apparently, Link and Princess Zelda have chosen today to grace the Ranch with their presence. I must go; I cannot be seen. I have my lyre ready to play the Winged-Harmonic, and I'll be off to Gerudo valley - I am well liked there, and should be able to get some peace. I shall write again when I arrive - oh, Goddesses, they are coming!
*
That was very close - why wasn't any notice given for a Royal visit? I barely got away from them; surely Zelda has some clue that I might still be in Hyrule? No matter - I promised to tell my tale, and I cannot let it be too cluttered by today. Today's events told now would only confuse you - I must tell it in the correct order.
~*~*~*~
Malon was thrilled to see me again, and showed her feelings by once more throwing her arms around my neck. I believe I was starting to get used to all this overt emotional action now, and hugged her back gently. Then, I pulled out the gift I had bought for her with the golden rupee I had found in the underground room; a bow and arrows from the archery shop, along with a tiny quiver to store the ten arrows, which came with it in. She strapped it on immediately, and refused to take it off all day - I will admit, I was very touched by her attachment to it.
This time, I did not delay so long - I gave myself only a week in Kakariko before heading back out to Zora's Domain. Malon stood at the gate and waved goodbye - Eloise and Talon were in some kind of council in Impa's house on the hill, so did not come to see me off. I know that Malon remained at the gate long after I left; as I could feel her prayers flutter after me. I can see that you are finding this a strange sentiment from me; but, I am merely telling you of my attuned sixth sense, which most Sheikan people are born with.
It was the first time I had been in the field since my confrontation with Ganondorf, and I wasn't nearly prepared to see how much it had changed. It was - devastating is the only word I can think of, but it doesn't seem quite a strong enough description. The trees were charred and blackened, from an obviously recent tantrum of the dark Gerudo himself. None of the usual wildlife was around - either the creatures did not venture out, or all had perished.
I remember feeling physically sick as I strolled by the bloodied carcass of a nameless traveller. They lay facedown, in a pool of their own blood, gashes running across their back. To give them a little dignity in death, I pulled off my cloak and laid it over the body - at least that would prevent it from beginning to smell in the summer sun. How odd it was that everything around was so devastated, and yet the sun shone down both warmly, yet coolly at the same time.
I followed the river along to the gate of Zora's Domain. The rocks were still there, and cautiously, I listened for any noise. Hearing none, I pulled myself up the boulders and dropped down on the other side.
The scene was surprisingly peaceful, but lacked the usual Zora guards; instead, the river was populated by blue tektites and octoroks. I stumbled forwards, and used my hook shot to pull myself to the pathway onwards, covering myself with my shield against the octoroks' attacks. As I drew closer, they sank below the water, and I hopped back over to the left bank to carry on.
At one point, I was forced to wade across the river to reach the hill leading upwards to a rickety wooden bridge. Not-so-fond memories of the last bridge I had crossed firmly in the forefront of my mind, I ran across it, and didn't stop until I reached a great clearing. There were great stone ledges criss-crossing the place, reaching from one cliff to the next. The cliffs themselves rose up high above my head, lost in the mist of the waterfall ahead of me.
There was a ladder to my left, and I paddled over to it, climbing up a few rungs to get myself away from the main current of the water. Above me was the scratching sound of a skulltula, and I looked up to see how far up it was. There were about ten rungs between us, and I knew that if I got any closer, it would begin to attack. So, killing it from here seemed like a good option.
I pulled out a fairy slingshot that I had acquired in Kokiri village, I fired two deku-seeds in rapid succession at the creature, which exploded in a mass of flames, and I leant close to the ladder to let its burning carcass fall into the water. Then, I carried on my ascent to the stone ledge that led to the highest platform.
Walking up, I noticed a pool, and ran up to read the signpost next to it 'Shortcut to The Lost Woods'. So, that was where the tunnel had led. That reminded me of Saria, and after a furtive look around to check for any unwanted company, I sat down, and bought out my lyre. Quickly, I plucked the notes of Saria's Song, and waited for the transition so that I could speak to her.
It happened quicker than I would have thought, and I found myself in a misty area, whether or not it had walls, I could never tell. Saria's shadowy figure came up to me, and I could hear her joyous laugh when she saw whom it was. "Sheik! It's so nice to see - well, hear from you again!" she said, standing before me.
"And you also. I just thought I had better contact you, so that you would not begin to worry."
"Oh; well, to be truthful, I have been worried ever since you left the village. But, it was a kind thought for you to have!" she admitted, and I smiled slightly at her honesty.
"I was just wishing to tell you how I was getting on with my mission - after all, you did say to tell you how I got on." She nodded, and I carried on. "Well, after I left you, I went to find the Melody of the Water, but I was thwarted by Ganondorf,"
She gasped, "The bad man from the desert? What happened?"
"I foolishly tried to protect the Zora guards he was trying to hurt, but I got off easily. After that, I went to Kakariko village, and saw my friend Malon again,"
"The one who's picture I saw?" Sari asked, and I nodded. "She looked like a very nice person. Do you like her?" there was coyness in her tone which I chose to ignore.
"She's a good friend, yes. Well, to cut a long story short, after a few clues and misadventures, I eventually found the Bolero of Fire."
"Really? How many songs does that leave you to gather now?"
"Three, I believe, unless I am given more to find - but I doubt I shall be. I've done very well so far, but I don't know how long it could take me to gather the rest of them."
"Oh. Do you think you could perhaps try to come and see us again one day at the village?"
"I give you my word that I will try - it may not be for a while. And, you may not recognise me as I am bound to have grown some more!"
"What is it like?"
"What?"
"Growing, of course. From some things I have heard, it sounds terrible, and from others, it sound wonderful. What is it like for you?"
"Well - I don't really know," I had never really thought about it before, but now I did, I still did not know how I felt. "I - I suppose I see it as a mere learning experience, if you understand what I mean?"
She nodded wisely, and then turned around; looking over her shoulder, I could see the twinkle of her fairy Murl. "Oh dear - here's Murl to tell me I need to come back. You will contact me again?" she looked so desperate that I would, that I agreed immediately. "Oh, good. I suppose its farewell for now then; Goddesses be with you!" And with that, she disappeared into the mist, and I was instantly back in the real world.
Night had come on, and there were a few strips of purple in the western sky. The moon shone down, providing me with all the light I would need, and I climbed to the highest ledge. Inscribed on it before the waterfall was the very same symbol that I had seen on Darunia's chamber doors. Now, I knew what it meant, and played Zelda's Lullaby whilst standing upon the inscribed stone.
I watched in amazement as the waterfall stopped flowing, and a tunnel appeared in its wake. There was nothing for my hook shoot to grab onto, so I gritted my teeth, and soared over the gap between the ledge and tunnel. I landed, and sprawled forwards; oh, if my battle teacher had seen me then, he would have cuffed me around the ear and sent me away from class! The waterfall began to fall normally again, the spray soaking me through within a few seconds.
As I walked forwards, I felt a chill run through me - the tunnel was pitch black, and I ran my hand along the wall to prevent myself from falling down any randomly placed chasms. Again, a chill ran through me, and I realised it was from an icy wind coming from ahead of me. The wall I was using to guide me was cold to the touch, and when I came out into the vast main chamber of Zora's Domain, I found out why.
The whole chamber was filled with the glistening light of thousands of ice crystals. I had been here once before, and I knew that even the waterfall that had once fallen on my left had been frozen. Icy stalactites resided where the roaring water once had, and I called out, shivering slightly. "Hello? Is anyone there?" I walked up the ramp towards the king's throne room, and almost fell headfirst onto the ice of the frozen lake, when I slipped on a small patch of frost.
Going more cautiously, I called again. "Hello? It's Sheik of the Sheikah. Is anyone here?" A small body hurtled towards me, and clutched onto me, shivering. "Princess Ruto?" I said disbelievingly looking down at the small Zora before me. She had always been such a stuck up, 'I hate everyone and everything' sort of child, and here she was clutching onto me as though she would die if she let go.
She eventually let go of me, and looked up at me teary eyed. "The - the bad man came and made everything covered in ice!" she wailed, her tears freezing as they travelled down her face.
"What did this bad man look like?" I asked, although I was already pretty sure who it had been.
"Well, he was really tall, and," she sniffed, "he had round ears, nothing like yours, and really dark skin. And, he fired all this magic everywhere, and the water turned to ice. And everyone ran away, but they forgot about me, and my daddy is frozen!" I laid a hand on her shoulder, and she stopped talking immediately.
"Take me to your father, I might be able to unfreeze him."
"Really?" she asked, taking my hand, and leading me up the many steps.
"I said 'might'. The magic might be too strong for me to break."
"But you will try?"
"Of course."
We made it up to the throne room, where I saw King Zora had indeed been frozen - in red ice. Immediately I knew I could not help him - having never seen red ice before, there was no way I could break a spell. But, I did try; I lit a magical fire of green flames beneath him. The ice beneath him melted a little, but the red ice, if anything, thickened under the heat. Ruto seemed to know I couldn't do anything, and stood morosely next to me, staring up at me with fright plainly etched on her face.
"Where will I go? Everything here's all frozen!" she wailed, and I gently took her by the shoulder, and steered her out of the room.
"Would you like to go to lake Hylia? You should be safe there, and there's water," she nodded. "Hold onto my arm," I told her, and she wound her thin, sinewy scaled arm through mine, looking up at me with admiration, and something akin to caring.
I pulled her out of the place, which was laced with dark magic, and carried on until we reached the waterfall. We plunged straight through it, and landed on the other side. Ruto never let go of my arm, which made it a little difficult to navigate the river back to the field. I pulled her onto my back, which made it a little easier, and carried on.
It was when we came to the octoroks that we came across the first trouble. They kept hitting me with their missiles, as I couldn't hold my shield up with Ruto there. It got to the point that I thought we wouldn't be able to get onto the field and use my magic. Then, Ruto, showing amazing initiative for someone bought up without any sort of warrior training, pulled my shield, and held it before us.
She dug her heels hard into my sides, and I stumbled forwards in shock, smashing the octoroks into oblivion with the shield before us. Still feeling in a lot of pain in my sides, I splashed through the fast flowing water, eventually just letting the current carry me into the field.
Then, I climbed out, and dropped Ruto, rubbing my sides and glaring at her; she just smiled at me, and I contemplated growling at her. However, I decided I would not, after what she had already been through; she didn't need a Sheikan bearing down on her. So, I just grabbed her by the arm, and pulled out my Lyre. As I prepared to play it, I thought, 'How strange; I have had this for years, but in the past few months, I have played it more than in my whole life before!'
I played the Winged-Harmonic, and we arrived at lake Hylia. Immediately, I saw that Ganondorf had been here too, and tried to prevent Ruto from seeing. But, she was very quick on the uptake, and burst into tears. "The water! He took away the water!" she bawled, lying full length and banging her fists on the floor. I hurriedly sat next to her and clamped a hand over her mouth. Then, I leant down, and hissed into her ear,
"Shush. For all we know, he may still be here." She stiffened, and allowed me to pull her up and under the cover of some small shrub-like plants on the shore of the lake. Then, I walked out, and gazed around, squinting to see any signs that he was still there. "It's all right, he's not here," I called, and Ruto came out of her hiding place, trembling and gibbering in fright.
I had a sudden thought, and even though I knew it was cruel to ask her, I had to; a chance like this could not slip through my fingers. And, after all, if I did not, who knew where I'd find another Zora? "Princess Ruto," I said, bending down on one knee before her, as I had for Darunia.
"Yes?" she asked curiously.
"Would you happen to know the whereabouts of the Water Temple, through your wise father?" I saw her lip tremble, and then the resolute mask she pulled up to hide it.
"Yes. I will take you to it, though it will be a different way now that the water is gone. Why do you want to find it anyway?" she asked, even as she walked away onto the dry bed of the lake.
"I must find the melody that opens it for the Great Sage of Light Rauru," I told her. It was what I had told Darunia, and seemed to be a good explanation to use. She merely nodded, and carried on leading me through the devastation which had been one of the most beautiful places in all Hyrule.
Eventually, we came to a part of the lake which had managed to retain some water, and she pointed to a crystal hovering on the level at which the water ended. "I know there's nothing written on the outside though," she told me as I was about to dive in. At my quizzical look, she said, "I used to come and sit here when I wanted to be alone. But, now-" she vaguely indicated the wreckage around us, and I felt my heart go out to her.
"Well, where do you propose I look then?" I asked exasperatedly. I could see that she was thinking, and remained quiet.
"Well, Father might have kept some old records in Zora's fountain, on the island," she said eventually. "Jabu-Jabu's asleep, so I could take you there."
"Sounds like a plan!" I said, and warped us back to Zora's Domain. We once again scaled the steps, and then walked carefully around the frozen king, into Zora's fountain. Everything here was cold too, but the main part of Zora's fountain was still liquid, dotted with a few floating icebergs.
Princess Ruto showed me the island in the centre of the lake, and I prepared to dive in and swim to it. "Stop!" she shouted, grabbing my arm and pulling sharply. My left side came down under her tug, and I bent both legs to be on the same level as her.
"What?"
She just pulled a scale from herself, and gave it to me. At the questioning look, she said, "It will keep you warm in the water. I don't want you to freeze - like - like everything."
"Oh - thank you. Do you want to come with me?"
"No - I'll just wait here," she answered sarcastically. "Of course I'm coming with you, I have the key remember?"
I just smiled, and dived in. Even with the scale, the water was - bracing, to say the least. I rose back above the water, and set off at a steady stroke towards the island, teeth chattering all the way. Ruto reached it well before I did; well, she had fins, so what did you expect?
When I finally reached the island, I pulled myself out, and shivering, followed Ruto through the door of an elaborate coral building. Looking around, I could see scroll after scroll lining the walls, and there were another two floors below. 'Oh' I thought, 'this is going to take some time'. Ruto ahead of me was looking around amazed as well. "There's more here than I thought!" I just nodded, dumbstruck by the sheer volume of papers I was going to have to read. "Do you want me to help?" I nodded again, and we began to search through the scrolls.
The ones that bore no significance were flung from one side of the room to a large pile in the other, and ones that might bare relevance were piled into another mountain of paper. We carried on like this for a longer while than you would think; we would find scrolls that seemed promising, only to find them useless after about and hour's worth of reading.
We completed the first floor in a month, and then moved onto the second. That was another month. It was when we got onto the third floor that I began to despair of ever finding anything.
*
"This might be it!" I yelled hopefully, hurriedly reading the scroll before me. "Yes - here it is!" Ruto hurried over at my elated calls, looking exhausted, yet still managing to pull up a mask of excitement. "The Serenade of Water can be found in the song of - oh no. They have to be kidding!"
"What is it?"
"The song of the great Jabu-Jabu's lullaby. The lullaby is to be known only to a few, including the great Jabu-Jabu's previous carer, and they are to be found - oh, I don't believe this!" I slumped back in my chair, and sighed.
"What's wrong?"
"The last sentence has been written in something I don't understand. It's gibberish!" I read it out to her as best I could, and she came to stand behind me to see just what I was reading. "thrae eht sevael revir dercas tsom erehw, niatnuof s'aroZ htaeneb evac eht nI." All the letters were backwards as well, which made it hard to even make out the strange language.
Ruto just laughed behind me. "What's there to laugh about? The only clue, and I cannot understand it!" She handed me a small mirror, and made me take it to the sentence; suddenly, I realised why the letters were backwards. "In the cave beneath Zora's fountain, where the most sacred river leaves the earth. Mirror writing, of course!" I jumped up, and strode out of the door, to look around the frozen fountain. It was early autumn now, and about nine months since the Hero of Time had fallen asleep.
"Where are you going?" Ruto asked, leaning against the doorframe. "If you're going to look for this cave, you can't look for it now." My look was enough to spur her on. "Look behind you," I turned slowly around, and was confronted by the shadow of a giant creature just below the water. "Jabu- Jabu will be awake for about three months, and we're stuck here. After eating me, he seems partial to trying to eat people," she looked downcast, and I just laughed.
"I can transport us away from here with the Winged-Harmonic!" I pulled out my lyre, and she grabbed onto my arm, seemingly knowing how the spell worked. I played the melody, and kept a tight grip on her arm; nothing happened. Slightly perturbed, I played it again, and this time, a sudden shock ran through me. As I fell heavily onto the icy ground, Ruto bent over me, looking worried.
"Sheik? Sheik, are you all right?"
Sitting up was a slight challenge, but I did, and nodded, feeling pain lace up and down my body. "Ganondorf's magic blocks it."
"How did we get in?"
"I don't know - perhaps it only prevents people from leaving. Ow!" I had tried to stand up, but it proved impossible, so I sat down again. "That evil Gerudo scum!" I cursed under my breath, and Ruto sat down next to me. "Right, we're stuck here for how long did you say?"
"Three months - and," she looked as though she didn't want to carry on, but did anyway, "there's no food here. I suppose we could fish, but Jabu-Jabu's probably eaten all the fish, and if we send down a line, he'll get it caught and be awake even longer."
"Oh, thank you Goddesses for making me well prepared," I called to the heavens, and went back into the coral records house. Ruto followed me, looking confused, and even a little worried for my mental state - at least, I think it was worry. It might have been anger for all I know - it's always hard to read a Zora's face. I motioned for her to sit down, and bought out a bottle of purple potion.
"What's that?"
"Sleeping potion," I pulled out another bottle, this one with clear liquid in it, and measures down the side.
"And what's that then?" she asked curiously.
"Timer," I said, looking at the measure, and pouring the same amount into two cups I had also taken from my never-ending bag. Then, I poured half of the purple potion into each cup. "This will keep us asleep for three months - maybe a few days off, if my measuring is a little off." I took the cup myself, and Ruto took hers, and peered into it suspiciously. I guessed what was on her mind, and sighed in annoyance.
"Majesty, if I had wanted you dead, I would have done it long ago. This is just so that we will not die of starvation," I drank my potion, and went to lie in the corner, the potion taking effect quickly. She did the same, and went over to the other corner, yawning as she walked.
"See you in three months," she said sleepily.
"Yeah," I yawned, and drifted off into blackness.
~*~*~*~
Amazing to think what I carried around with me back then - perhaps my bag was magical too? Larger on the inside than it appeared outside. It may as well have been all the things that I found in it. I didn't measure the potions as well as I had thought, and we did in fact sleep for four months - I missed celebrating the first year into Hyrule's time under Ganondorf the tyrant. I don't remember what dreams I had, but I suspect most were nightmares, as I remember being more than happy to wake up.
Oh, to the present day, Nabooru is being very kind; she has told me I can stay as long as I wish. I'm thinking of not more than a few days though - not that they are not hospitable or any such thing. I just don't want Malon to worry about me - even in peacetime; she doesn't like it when I travel. For now though, I can return to the telling of my story, from when we woke up.
~*~*~*~
I sat up suddenly, and whacked my head against the edge of the table. I must have rolled under it during my sleep. I noticed that my sleeves were a few inches too short as I pushed my shaggy hair out of my eyes. Over in the other corner, Ruto was beginning to stir too, and I sat still, waiting for her to fully awaken. "Welcome back," I said dryly when she finally sat up, and she glared at me, rubbing a blue fist over her sleepy eyes.
"How long were we asleep?" she asked, and I shrugged. "Well, I need to know, so that I can tell if Jabu-Jabu is asleep yet!" she said, stamping her foot angrily. I sighed, and pulled out my watch, which showed the days.
"We were asleep for four months," I told her, realising my mistake in measuring, but not telling her. I also realised that I was now thirteen, and the child in the Chamber of Sages would be eleven now. "Now," I began, pulling out the scroll with the directions on from the table, "I must go find this cave."
"What do you mean, you must go find the cave?" Ruto pouted, accentuating the 'you'.
"I mean, I need to find the cave, what else would I mean?" I answered, setting out of the door. She followed after me, stomping agitatedly.
"I meant, you can't go alone. I'm coming with you!" I looked back at her, and saw that she was serious. Shrugging indifferently, I carried on off the island, and didn't stop swimming until I got to water shallow enough to stand in. Glaring down at the scroll, I deciphered the writing again, and looked around for an entrance. Flipping the paper over, I saw more mirror writing, and with the aid of Ruto's mirror, discovered directions to the cave itself.
Ruto took it on herself to swim down and check the tunnel, as, if it were blocked, I would not have the energy to swim back up through the freezing water. She came back, gave the all clear, and we both swam through the tunnel, and out of the other side, into a resplendent chamber.
Within it was an intricately built dwelling, made completely of coral, as the record house on the island had been. I left Ruto by the tunnel, on the pretence that I needed her to watch for anyone who may try to stop us getting the melody. I ploughed on into the chamber, shadowing my way towards the dwelling, and then circling it once to look for traps; of which there were none.
Feeling that I had checked all I could, I traversed the three steps to the door, and lifted the heavy latch before letting myself in. "Who's that?" A sharp feminine voice asked, and I could see them silhouetted against a bright light, crouched to attack.
I raised my hands above my head, and hurriedly answered, "I come meaning no harm! I am here for Rauru!" I slowly lowered my hands, and the light was switched off - as my eyes grew used to the sudden change, I could see who it was in front of me. I was more than a little surprised to see a Zora stand before me, but even more surprised by her colouring. Her scales were completely purple, apart from the tips of each fin, which were deep scarlet.
"Why has Rauru sent you?" she asked, moving swiftly over to me, and sliding fluidly into a chair next to me. "Do sit down - now, what on in all Hyrule does Rauru think he is doing, sending a boy to do his dirty work? Speak boy, I'll not bite - I gave up meat long ago," she finally stopped speaking, and I gathered myself enough to speak back.
"I look for the - uh - Serenade of Water, and this scroll says that you know it."
"Know it, know it boy? I wrote it young lad, don't be so presumptuous. I may not look it, but I was here when the Temple was first made. I'm not this colour for no reason, yes I noticed you looked a little curious when you came in; don't worry, I don't get many visitors, so I'm more than happy to tell you how it came to be." From there, she launched into an account of her life from the making of the Temple, up till when I had walked through her door.
I was relieved when Ruto came barging in, hackles raised, moaning about being cold, and why had I left her out there for so long. Then, she spotted the purple/red Zora, and said, astonished. "Who are you?"
"My name's Quetzal. And who might you be young lady? Put your fists down, it's not very ladylike. So, young man, where were we?" Ruto hmphed angrily, and interjected,
"My name is Princess Ruto, and I believe you've kept Sheik long enough."
"Sheik? Oh, this young man, oh, how rude of me, I didn't even think to ask your name, did I? Perhaps we should start this over?"
"No, just tell him the stupid melody so we can get out of here," Ruto yelled.
"No need to be so rude, and I'll have you know, I wrote that melody with my own two fins..."
I couldn't take it anymore, and I screamed as loudly as I could - which still wasn't very loud. "Just be QUIET, both of you!" They both looked at me scandalised, but fell immediately silent. "Sorry, but you were giving me a headache. Now, if you please, could you relate the melody of the Water Temple to me, miss Quetzal?"
"Oh, yes, of course young man. Sorry, once I get talking, I just can't seem to stop. A habit of mine, never did manage to get over it you know. My mother always used to say-" Ruto glared at her, and she stopped. "Yes - I'll just go get my lyre," she conceded, and left the room. I rubbed my temples delicately, before looking up and smiling when she came back in.
"Well, here it is, my pride and joy this melody - haven't played it for so long though. Perhaps I should play more, I was always praised for my wonderful-" Ruto glared again, and she shut up. I was thankful for that glare right then, and sat next to the strange Zora to learn the Serenade of Water.
When I had learnt it, and written it down, Ruto pulled me hurriedly out of the house, with a curt goodbye to Quetzal. She shoved me into the tunnel, and I swum hurriedly to the edge of the fountain. She leapt out after me, and made an aggravated sound. "I thought we'd never get out of there!"
I just laughed, and then put a hand to my head. "Ow - all that gave me a headache," I moaned, and we both walked out of the fountain. Ruto trailed after me, looking ramose again, not even noticing when an octorok almost hit her with a missile.
When we got out onto Hyrule field, I was glad to see that it hadn't worsened in all my time away. Ruto sat down on the grass behind me, and I turned around to bend down next to her. "What's wrong, majesty?" I asked, and she looked up at me with teary eyes.
"Well, now that you've found the Serenade of Water, you can't take me with you!" she said, and I saw a tear trickle down her cheek. "What am I going to do, I have nowhere to go!" I sat, and stared out across the field, thinking about that question.
"Princess!" A voice startled us both, and Ruto looked up; her face cracked in a smile. I turned to look, and saw a Zora running awkwardly towards us; awkwardly because of his long tail fins. "Princess, we've been searching for you for a long time! We were beginning to think you had been frozen away somewhere!" The male Zora (I could tell by the voice) picked her up, and hugged her fiercely. I obviously must have looked a little bemused, as Ruto came back over to me.
"This is my cousin, Yaryt. Yaryt, this is Sheik, of the Sheikah," I nodded to him, and he waved a fin. "Cousin, where have you been? Everyone left, and I couldn't find anyone!"
"We all went to the sea - the Zaros are letting us stay for a while, until Zora's Domain unfreezes once more. Come along, we had better get going, you never know when that Gerudo man may come back!" He lifted her onto his shoulders, and ran off. I saw Ruto turn to wave, raised a hand to wave back, and then they were gone.
"Well - that solved that problem," I said out loud to myself, and laughed slightly. I pushed my hair out of my eyes, and thought to go back to Kakariko; after all, I had been gone a long time again. And, whilst I was there, I would be able to get a haircut.
I set off towards the village, swinging my knives in my hands. They felt a little odd - perhaps too small. I had obviously grown more than I had bargained for in those four months asleep. Things obviously called for new equipment as well as a haircut. I left my knives at my waist for now; they would have to do for weapons until I got some new ones.
I stopped around noon, near a grove of trees, and feeling strangely annoyed by the bare skin at my ankles and arms, from growing to big for my clothes, I went into them. There, I exchanged my bandages, and put on the clothes I had made from the spare material I had thought to buy. They were a little big baggy, but fit my new height perfectly. Feeling that my appearance was a tad more respectable, I set off again to Kakariko.
~*~*~*~
A guard has just come by to light the torches for the night. I have been called by Nabooru to accompany the Gerudo for the evening meal. I don't really want to leave, but I suppose you can't really tell time, seeing as you will be reading this as a whole. And, it would not be polite to turn down such hospitality. I shall return to writing this as soon as may be.
*
Looking at what I last wrote makes me feel a little strange. When I said as soon as may be, I meant to come back to it after eating. But, I suppose I must have fallen asleep from all the food. I am, however, wide awake now, and fully intend to get on with writing.
~*~*~*~
It was as I walked up the many steps to Kakariko that I realised something must be wrong. There were sounds of screaming, and I hurried up the steps, taking them at leaps of three at a time. Rounding the bend to see the gate, I could see flames shooting into the late afternoon sky. A figure I knew all too well, and hated just as much, was standing in the centre of the chaos, laughing.
His dark servants held many people in chains; they were struggling, but all to no avail. Even from where I was standing, I could see the dark magic sizzling across the metal. I could not see Malon or Talon however, so I could at least hope they had escaped.
A girl clutching the hand of another young girl, tripped, and was grabbed roughly by one of his servants, and then thrown roughly down to be chained. I let out a feral howl of rage, and rushed towards him. My knife plunged deep into his chest, and he fell at that one blow. Ganondorf turned, and I could see his eyes narrow in surprise at the sight of me.
"You again?" he bellowed, chuckling heartily. "You just don't know when to give up boy!" I played up to his expectations, to allow more people to escape, and advanced on him, my knife raised. As I pushed my hair from my eyes with a bloodstained hand, I remember the thought, 'go on, rise to it. You're just giving them time to escape, you stupid fool,' running through my mind.
He did indeed rise to it, and stood still. "Give it your best shot little boy." I flew at him, propelled by immense rage. When I was only a few inches away, he swept me aside like a fly with his great arm. I cannoned to the floor, knocking over many crates and boxes with my tumble. He laughed heartily, and I could sense him coming over to me. I tried to roll out of the way, to get up and fight again, but he pinned me to the ground with one large, strong hand.
"Oh no you don't. You'd make a fine slave," he looked up to his dark creatures. "Chain this one too, and leave. We don't need anymore from this weak village. They have to send boys to fight for them," he looked contemptuously at me, grinning savagely. I remember my hatred, and I remember stupidly allowing it to get the better of me.
I spat directly in his dark glowing eyes, and he wiped it away with a look of cold fury in his eyes. "That's for the Zoras!" I hissed, and he caught me by the folds of my over-sized bodysuit. Coolly, he backhanded me; once, twice, three times. Each time, more and more blood poured from the scratches his nails dug across my face. At last, he dropped me back to the floor, and red rivers ran across my vision.
"On second thoughts, shackle this one on the legs as well; he might try to run off," he bellowed, and stood up. I turned my face to the side, and bought my hands above my head, curling into a ball.
The servants came all too soon, and when I refused to uncurl, one kicked me hard in the small of the back. I remember screaming, and uncurling to try and reach the source of pain. They grabbed both my arms and legs, and forced them into shackles laced heavily with magic. It burned - I was not used to the touch of dark magic against my skin, and I admit, it damn well hurt!
Through the haze of everything, I somehow knew that I still had my pack, and with my pack was hope for everything. I had to get away - I had to find the other melodies. But, the excruciating pain shooting through me from my chains made it more than a little difficult to plan an escape route.
*
He took us prisoners to Gerudo Valley, where he was welcomed as a hero. (How strangely things turn out, that they turned against him). But, then, they were all for Ganondorf, their great and mighty king, who had taken Hyrule to belong to the Gerudos. All, apart from Nabooru; but, she was always a good actress.
Anyway, we were dragged across the gorge, on a bridge, which disappeared as soon as we were over, and pulled into the fortress itself. When there, all of us were placed into cells; Ganondorf had me placed alone, and still, he did not remove my bag. All weapons, however, were taken. All that was left was my bag; in that were the book, pencil, spare clothes and my lyre. I was thrown in the cell, and fainted as the door closed.
When I awoke, I didn't even try to play the Winged-Harmonic. The magic was tangible in the air; at least, though, it didn't touch me with the searing pain. To make sure that all the work I had done so far wasn't for naught, I scurried about on the floor, and found a slight crack in which to hide my bag. I covered it with sand and dust from the floor, then leaned against the stone wall, looking up and out through the high window above me.
After a few minutes, and no sound from the guards I knew would be stationed outside, I began to try and scrabble up the wall, to the window ledge. I managed to get about two metres up, and there was only one more to the ledge, when the ledge beneath me crumbled. It sent a great mass of stone falling to the floor, and the door crashed open. It was a Gerudo thief, and she hurried over to pull me from the wall.
She put a foot on my chest to prevent me from getting up, and held a sword to my throat. "No need for that," a deep voice rumbled, and I gritted my teeth. It was him again! What did he want with me that he had placed me in a cell alone? I had no clue, and just scrabbled up, and managed to stand again, albeit shakily. "Leave!" he barked, and the woman hurried out, closing the door. I gulped, looking up at the man on the other side of the room, having to crane my neck even from this distance to stare him in the eye.
He just stood there, and stared at me, and I felt intense fear build up within me, coupled with hatred. New sets of bruises were appearing across my fingers, and I clenched and unclenched them to try and ease some of the pain. A smirk lifted the corner of his lip, and I returned it with a low, almost non-existent growl. To my surprise, he laughed, and I shivered at the icy sound. "You're brave, little wraith," he said, staring at me once more. I did not like the way that he looked at me at all.
~*~*~*~
Oh, Goddesses! I never thought I'd end up writing about this. What am I thinking? Have I gone completely mad? No, I haven't - I was not the one at fault, why am I worrying like this? The scum deserves to be known for what he is - along with every other terrible, dark, evil thing he did.
He did not manage to do anything - but he was close enough. It makes me feel shivery even now, and it's been years. Damn it, I resolved at the beginning to tell the truth - even though in truth, I never thought I'd get this far. Right - on with it.
~*~*~*~
He advanced on me, with no signs of attack, nor harming me; that was what got me worried. There was no way he would come towards me as such, which meant he was able to hide his true intent from me. Nervously, I balled my aching fists, and waited for him to make his move. It was sudden - I didn't even manage to hit him. As I swung up, he caught my hand, and placed it back by my side. "Don't be stupid, little boy."
I swung with the other, and he grabbed that too, and lowered it to my side again, albeit a little more roughly this time. "Damn it, stop that!" he hissed, and I didn't swing again - I knew next time he would do more than just stop my punch mid-swing. "Do you have a name child?"
"You asked me before, and I did not tell you. What makes you think I will now?" I spat back, glaring at him. He just smiled, and bent down before me.
"Tell me your name." I remained silent. "Please child, before I loose my temper," he ran a long finger down the side of my face, and I jerked my head away. The cuts there still hurt, and tingled slightly from the evil in his touch. He stood up again, and backed away. "I will make you give me your name, one way - or the other." With that, he left the cell, leaving me alone with my thoughts, which were, of course, in complete turmoil. Thrice now, I had met him; thrice I had defied him. Why was I still alive?
~*~*~*~
No, I cannot complete it all today. I must go - some archery should take my mind away from fear, and back to the fact that I must write this. For now though, I must go settle. Farewell for now.
~*~*~*~
I'm sorry - I had you all keyed up for some action, but then I just kinda flopped at the end. The next chapter however, will really deserve it's warning. It could warrant the putting up of the rating, but, at least for now, it remains PG-13, cos I have kept the swears minimum, and there has been nothing too graphic - yet. Until next time - it's bye, bye from me!
Thanks, Soda.
R+R
Thanks review people!
Purple Boy - hobble off back to your corner you silly boy... [Grumbles about useless ex-author pal thing]
Snowsilver - Wow. Do you actually mean that, cos if you do - wow. From what I've managed to read of yours so far, it blew me away...and, yeah, my reviews are all a little odd, I know.
Tikimoof - [bows down before the bringer of the most beautiful Zelda poetry I have seen in a long time] All of you go read it now! NOW!
Fortuna - Well, I don't need to tell people you're good - you already have 60 reviews, plus my ones when they come up - that's information enough!
Cassidy dell - Good to see you in the review box again!
Shae - I hope you liked the more Sheik! LOL.
BUT, I must warn all of you - this will be remaining without chapter four for a few days, as I have to actually write it [hides from a barrage of various weapons].
Disclaimer: Me no own nothing - but, I do like playing around with stuff that isn't mine *grin*. I still see Sheik as a person in his own right, and nothing will change my mind, so nah to all who think its Zelda. He's taller, has different coloured eyes, hair, and no amount of bandaging and compressing could give Zelda that thin silhouette!
Sheik has now so far retrieved the Minuet of Forest and Bolero of Fire. And, as you can tell by the chapter title, he's after the Serenade of Water in this one. Enjoy, and leave a review on the way out.
Bleep, warning - there is insinuation of man-on-man lust. Well, I have warned you, and it's nothing graphic! All insinuated. Again, you have been warned!
~*~*~*~
Please excuse my scrawling handwriting, but I am writing this as hurriedly as I can. Apparently, Link and Princess Zelda have chosen today to grace the Ranch with their presence. I must go; I cannot be seen. I have my lyre ready to play the Winged-Harmonic, and I'll be off to Gerudo valley - I am well liked there, and should be able to get some peace. I shall write again when I arrive - oh, Goddesses, they are coming!
*
That was very close - why wasn't any notice given for a Royal visit? I barely got away from them; surely Zelda has some clue that I might still be in Hyrule? No matter - I promised to tell my tale, and I cannot let it be too cluttered by today. Today's events told now would only confuse you - I must tell it in the correct order.
~*~*~*~
Malon was thrilled to see me again, and showed her feelings by once more throwing her arms around my neck. I believe I was starting to get used to all this overt emotional action now, and hugged her back gently. Then, I pulled out the gift I had bought for her with the golden rupee I had found in the underground room; a bow and arrows from the archery shop, along with a tiny quiver to store the ten arrows, which came with it in. She strapped it on immediately, and refused to take it off all day - I will admit, I was very touched by her attachment to it.
This time, I did not delay so long - I gave myself only a week in Kakariko before heading back out to Zora's Domain. Malon stood at the gate and waved goodbye - Eloise and Talon were in some kind of council in Impa's house on the hill, so did not come to see me off. I know that Malon remained at the gate long after I left; as I could feel her prayers flutter after me. I can see that you are finding this a strange sentiment from me; but, I am merely telling you of my attuned sixth sense, which most Sheikan people are born with.
It was the first time I had been in the field since my confrontation with Ganondorf, and I wasn't nearly prepared to see how much it had changed. It was - devastating is the only word I can think of, but it doesn't seem quite a strong enough description. The trees were charred and blackened, from an obviously recent tantrum of the dark Gerudo himself. None of the usual wildlife was around - either the creatures did not venture out, or all had perished.
I remember feeling physically sick as I strolled by the bloodied carcass of a nameless traveller. They lay facedown, in a pool of their own blood, gashes running across their back. To give them a little dignity in death, I pulled off my cloak and laid it over the body - at least that would prevent it from beginning to smell in the summer sun. How odd it was that everything around was so devastated, and yet the sun shone down both warmly, yet coolly at the same time.
I followed the river along to the gate of Zora's Domain. The rocks were still there, and cautiously, I listened for any noise. Hearing none, I pulled myself up the boulders and dropped down on the other side.
The scene was surprisingly peaceful, but lacked the usual Zora guards; instead, the river was populated by blue tektites and octoroks. I stumbled forwards, and used my hook shot to pull myself to the pathway onwards, covering myself with my shield against the octoroks' attacks. As I drew closer, they sank below the water, and I hopped back over to the left bank to carry on.
At one point, I was forced to wade across the river to reach the hill leading upwards to a rickety wooden bridge. Not-so-fond memories of the last bridge I had crossed firmly in the forefront of my mind, I ran across it, and didn't stop until I reached a great clearing. There were great stone ledges criss-crossing the place, reaching from one cliff to the next. The cliffs themselves rose up high above my head, lost in the mist of the waterfall ahead of me.
There was a ladder to my left, and I paddled over to it, climbing up a few rungs to get myself away from the main current of the water. Above me was the scratching sound of a skulltula, and I looked up to see how far up it was. There were about ten rungs between us, and I knew that if I got any closer, it would begin to attack. So, killing it from here seemed like a good option.
I pulled out a fairy slingshot that I had acquired in Kokiri village, I fired two deku-seeds in rapid succession at the creature, which exploded in a mass of flames, and I leant close to the ladder to let its burning carcass fall into the water. Then, I carried on my ascent to the stone ledge that led to the highest platform.
Walking up, I noticed a pool, and ran up to read the signpost next to it 'Shortcut to The Lost Woods'. So, that was where the tunnel had led. That reminded me of Saria, and after a furtive look around to check for any unwanted company, I sat down, and bought out my lyre. Quickly, I plucked the notes of Saria's Song, and waited for the transition so that I could speak to her.
It happened quicker than I would have thought, and I found myself in a misty area, whether or not it had walls, I could never tell. Saria's shadowy figure came up to me, and I could hear her joyous laugh when she saw whom it was. "Sheik! It's so nice to see - well, hear from you again!" she said, standing before me.
"And you also. I just thought I had better contact you, so that you would not begin to worry."
"Oh; well, to be truthful, I have been worried ever since you left the village. But, it was a kind thought for you to have!" she admitted, and I smiled slightly at her honesty.
"I was just wishing to tell you how I was getting on with my mission - after all, you did say to tell you how I got on." She nodded, and I carried on. "Well, after I left you, I went to find the Melody of the Water, but I was thwarted by Ganondorf,"
She gasped, "The bad man from the desert? What happened?"
"I foolishly tried to protect the Zora guards he was trying to hurt, but I got off easily. After that, I went to Kakariko village, and saw my friend Malon again,"
"The one who's picture I saw?" Sari asked, and I nodded. "She looked like a very nice person. Do you like her?" there was coyness in her tone which I chose to ignore.
"She's a good friend, yes. Well, to cut a long story short, after a few clues and misadventures, I eventually found the Bolero of Fire."
"Really? How many songs does that leave you to gather now?"
"Three, I believe, unless I am given more to find - but I doubt I shall be. I've done very well so far, but I don't know how long it could take me to gather the rest of them."
"Oh. Do you think you could perhaps try to come and see us again one day at the village?"
"I give you my word that I will try - it may not be for a while. And, you may not recognise me as I am bound to have grown some more!"
"What is it like?"
"What?"
"Growing, of course. From some things I have heard, it sounds terrible, and from others, it sound wonderful. What is it like for you?"
"Well - I don't really know," I had never really thought about it before, but now I did, I still did not know how I felt. "I - I suppose I see it as a mere learning experience, if you understand what I mean?"
She nodded wisely, and then turned around; looking over her shoulder, I could see the twinkle of her fairy Murl. "Oh dear - here's Murl to tell me I need to come back. You will contact me again?" she looked so desperate that I would, that I agreed immediately. "Oh, good. I suppose its farewell for now then; Goddesses be with you!" And with that, she disappeared into the mist, and I was instantly back in the real world.
Night had come on, and there were a few strips of purple in the western sky. The moon shone down, providing me with all the light I would need, and I climbed to the highest ledge. Inscribed on it before the waterfall was the very same symbol that I had seen on Darunia's chamber doors. Now, I knew what it meant, and played Zelda's Lullaby whilst standing upon the inscribed stone.
I watched in amazement as the waterfall stopped flowing, and a tunnel appeared in its wake. There was nothing for my hook shoot to grab onto, so I gritted my teeth, and soared over the gap between the ledge and tunnel. I landed, and sprawled forwards; oh, if my battle teacher had seen me then, he would have cuffed me around the ear and sent me away from class! The waterfall began to fall normally again, the spray soaking me through within a few seconds.
As I walked forwards, I felt a chill run through me - the tunnel was pitch black, and I ran my hand along the wall to prevent myself from falling down any randomly placed chasms. Again, a chill ran through me, and I realised it was from an icy wind coming from ahead of me. The wall I was using to guide me was cold to the touch, and when I came out into the vast main chamber of Zora's Domain, I found out why.
The whole chamber was filled with the glistening light of thousands of ice crystals. I had been here once before, and I knew that even the waterfall that had once fallen on my left had been frozen. Icy stalactites resided where the roaring water once had, and I called out, shivering slightly. "Hello? Is anyone there?" I walked up the ramp towards the king's throne room, and almost fell headfirst onto the ice of the frozen lake, when I slipped on a small patch of frost.
Going more cautiously, I called again. "Hello? It's Sheik of the Sheikah. Is anyone here?" A small body hurtled towards me, and clutched onto me, shivering. "Princess Ruto?" I said disbelievingly looking down at the small Zora before me. She had always been such a stuck up, 'I hate everyone and everything' sort of child, and here she was clutching onto me as though she would die if she let go.
She eventually let go of me, and looked up at me teary eyed. "The - the bad man came and made everything covered in ice!" she wailed, her tears freezing as they travelled down her face.
"What did this bad man look like?" I asked, although I was already pretty sure who it had been.
"Well, he was really tall, and," she sniffed, "he had round ears, nothing like yours, and really dark skin. And, he fired all this magic everywhere, and the water turned to ice. And everyone ran away, but they forgot about me, and my daddy is frozen!" I laid a hand on her shoulder, and she stopped talking immediately.
"Take me to your father, I might be able to unfreeze him."
"Really?" she asked, taking my hand, and leading me up the many steps.
"I said 'might'. The magic might be too strong for me to break."
"But you will try?"
"Of course."
We made it up to the throne room, where I saw King Zora had indeed been frozen - in red ice. Immediately I knew I could not help him - having never seen red ice before, there was no way I could break a spell. But, I did try; I lit a magical fire of green flames beneath him. The ice beneath him melted a little, but the red ice, if anything, thickened under the heat. Ruto seemed to know I couldn't do anything, and stood morosely next to me, staring up at me with fright plainly etched on her face.
"Where will I go? Everything here's all frozen!" she wailed, and I gently took her by the shoulder, and steered her out of the room.
"Would you like to go to lake Hylia? You should be safe there, and there's water," she nodded. "Hold onto my arm," I told her, and she wound her thin, sinewy scaled arm through mine, looking up at me with admiration, and something akin to caring.
I pulled her out of the place, which was laced with dark magic, and carried on until we reached the waterfall. We plunged straight through it, and landed on the other side. Ruto never let go of my arm, which made it a little difficult to navigate the river back to the field. I pulled her onto my back, which made it a little easier, and carried on.
It was when we came to the octoroks that we came across the first trouble. They kept hitting me with their missiles, as I couldn't hold my shield up with Ruto there. It got to the point that I thought we wouldn't be able to get onto the field and use my magic. Then, Ruto, showing amazing initiative for someone bought up without any sort of warrior training, pulled my shield, and held it before us.
She dug her heels hard into my sides, and I stumbled forwards in shock, smashing the octoroks into oblivion with the shield before us. Still feeling in a lot of pain in my sides, I splashed through the fast flowing water, eventually just letting the current carry me into the field.
Then, I climbed out, and dropped Ruto, rubbing my sides and glaring at her; she just smiled at me, and I contemplated growling at her. However, I decided I would not, after what she had already been through; she didn't need a Sheikan bearing down on her. So, I just grabbed her by the arm, and pulled out my Lyre. As I prepared to play it, I thought, 'How strange; I have had this for years, but in the past few months, I have played it more than in my whole life before!'
I played the Winged-Harmonic, and we arrived at lake Hylia. Immediately, I saw that Ganondorf had been here too, and tried to prevent Ruto from seeing. But, she was very quick on the uptake, and burst into tears. "The water! He took away the water!" she bawled, lying full length and banging her fists on the floor. I hurriedly sat next to her and clamped a hand over her mouth. Then, I leant down, and hissed into her ear,
"Shush. For all we know, he may still be here." She stiffened, and allowed me to pull her up and under the cover of some small shrub-like plants on the shore of the lake. Then, I walked out, and gazed around, squinting to see any signs that he was still there. "It's all right, he's not here," I called, and Ruto came out of her hiding place, trembling and gibbering in fright.
I had a sudden thought, and even though I knew it was cruel to ask her, I had to; a chance like this could not slip through my fingers. And, after all, if I did not, who knew where I'd find another Zora? "Princess Ruto," I said, bending down on one knee before her, as I had for Darunia.
"Yes?" she asked curiously.
"Would you happen to know the whereabouts of the Water Temple, through your wise father?" I saw her lip tremble, and then the resolute mask she pulled up to hide it.
"Yes. I will take you to it, though it will be a different way now that the water is gone. Why do you want to find it anyway?" she asked, even as she walked away onto the dry bed of the lake.
"I must find the melody that opens it for the Great Sage of Light Rauru," I told her. It was what I had told Darunia, and seemed to be a good explanation to use. She merely nodded, and carried on leading me through the devastation which had been one of the most beautiful places in all Hyrule.
Eventually, we came to a part of the lake which had managed to retain some water, and she pointed to a crystal hovering on the level at which the water ended. "I know there's nothing written on the outside though," she told me as I was about to dive in. At my quizzical look, she said, "I used to come and sit here when I wanted to be alone. But, now-" she vaguely indicated the wreckage around us, and I felt my heart go out to her.
"Well, where do you propose I look then?" I asked exasperatedly. I could see that she was thinking, and remained quiet.
"Well, Father might have kept some old records in Zora's fountain, on the island," she said eventually. "Jabu-Jabu's asleep, so I could take you there."
"Sounds like a plan!" I said, and warped us back to Zora's Domain. We once again scaled the steps, and then walked carefully around the frozen king, into Zora's fountain. Everything here was cold too, but the main part of Zora's fountain was still liquid, dotted with a few floating icebergs.
Princess Ruto showed me the island in the centre of the lake, and I prepared to dive in and swim to it. "Stop!" she shouted, grabbing my arm and pulling sharply. My left side came down under her tug, and I bent both legs to be on the same level as her.
"What?"
She just pulled a scale from herself, and gave it to me. At the questioning look, she said, "It will keep you warm in the water. I don't want you to freeze - like - like everything."
"Oh - thank you. Do you want to come with me?"
"No - I'll just wait here," she answered sarcastically. "Of course I'm coming with you, I have the key remember?"
I just smiled, and dived in. Even with the scale, the water was - bracing, to say the least. I rose back above the water, and set off at a steady stroke towards the island, teeth chattering all the way. Ruto reached it well before I did; well, she had fins, so what did you expect?
When I finally reached the island, I pulled myself out, and shivering, followed Ruto through the door of an elaborate coral building. Looking around, I could see scroll after scroll lining the walls, and there were another two floors below. 'Oh' I thought, 'this is going to take some time'. Ruto ahead of me was looking around amazed as well. "There's more here than I thought!" I just nodded, dumbstruck by the sheer volume of papers I was going to have to read. "Do you want me to help?" I nodded again, and we began to search through the scrolls.
The ones that bore no significance were flung from one side of the room to a large pile in the other, and ones that might bare relevance were piled into another mountain of paper. We carried on like this for a longer while than you would think; we would find scrolls that seemed promising, only to find them useless after about and hour's worth of reading.
We completed the first floor in a month, and then moved onto the second. That was another month. It was when we got onto the third floor that I began to despair of ever finding anything.
*
"This might be it!" I yelled hopefully, hurriedly reading the scroll before me. "Yes - here it is!" Ruto hurried over at my elated calls, looking exhausted, yet still managing to pull up a mask of excitement. "The Serenade of Water can be found in the song of - oh no. They have to be kidding!"
"What is it?"
"The song of the great Jabu-Jabu's lullaby. The lullaby is to be known only to a few, including the great Jabu-Jabu's previous carer, and they are to be found - oh, I don't believe this!" I slumped back in my chair, and sighed.
"What's wrong?"
"The last sentence has been written in something I don't understand. It's gibberish!" I read it out to her as best I could, and she came to stand behind me to see just what I was reading. "thrae eht sevael revir dercas tsom erehw, niatnuof s'aroZ htaeneb evac eht nI." All the letters were backwards as well, which made it hard to even make out the strange language.
Ruto just laughed behind me. "What's there to laugh about? The only clue, and I cannot understand it!" She handed me a small mirror, and made me take it to the sentence; suddenly, I realised why the letters were backwards. "In the cave beneath Zora's fountain, where the most sacred river leaves the earth. Mirror writing, of course!" I jumped up, and strode out of the door, to look around the frozen fountain. It was early autumn now, and about nine months since the Hero of Time had fallen asleep.
"Where are you going?" Ruto asked, leaning against the doorframe. "If you're going to look for this cave, you can't look for it now." My look was enough to spur her on. "Look behind you," I turned slowly around, and was confronted by the shadow of a giant creature just below the water. "Jabu- Jabu will be awake for about three months, and we're stuck here. After eating me, he seems partial to trying to eat people," she looked downcast, and I just laughed.
"I can transport us away from here with the Winged-Harmonic!" I pulled out my lyre, and she grabbed onto my arm, seemingly knowing how the spell worked. I played the melody, and kept a tight grip on her arm; nothing happened. Slightly perturbed, I played it again, and this time, a sudden shock ran through me. As I fell heavily onto the icy ground, Ruto bent over me, looking worried.
"Sheik? Sheik, are you all right?"
Sitting up was a slight challenge, but I did, and nodded, feeling pain lace up and down my body. "Ganondorf's magic blocks it."
"How did we get in?"
"I don't know - perhaps it only prevents people from leaving. Ow!" I had tried to stand up, but it proved impossible, so I sat down again. "That evil Gerudo scum!" I cursed under my breath, and Ruto sat down next to me. "Right, we're stuck here for how long did you say?"
"Three months - and," she looked as though she didn't want to carry on, but did anyway, "there's no food here. I suppose we could fish, but Jabu-Jabu's probably eaten all the fish, and if we send down a line, he'll get it caught and be awake even longer."
"Oh, thank you Goddesses for making me well prepared," I called to the heavens, and went back into the coral records house. Ruto followed me, looking confused, and even a little worried for my mental state - at least, I think it was worry. It might have been anger for all I know - it's always hard to read a Zora's face. I motioned for her to sit down, and bought out a bottle of purple potion.
"What's that?"
"Sleeping potion," I pulled out another bottle, this one with clear liquid in it, and measures down the side.
"And what's that then?" she asked curiously.
"Timer," I said, looking at the measure, and pouring the same amount into two cups I had also taken from my never-ending bag. Then, I poured half of the purple potion into each cup. "This will keep us asleep for three months - maybe a few days off, if my measuring is a little off." I took the cup myself, and Ruto took hers, and peered into it suspiciously. I guessed what was on her mind, and sighed in annoyance.
"Majesty, if I had wanted you dead, I would have done it long ago. This is just so that we will not die of starvation," I drank my potion, and went to lie in the corner, the potion taking effect quickly. She did the same, and went over to the other corner, yawning as she walked.
"See you in three months," she said sleepily.
"Yeah," I yawned, and drifted off into blackness.
~*~*~*~
Amazing to think what I carried around with me back then - perhaps my bag was magical too? Larger on the inside than it appeared outside. It may as well have been all the things that I found in it. I didn't measure the potions as well as I had thought, and we did in fact sleep for four months - I missed celebrating the first year into Hyrule's time under Ganondorf the tyrant. I don't remember what dreams I had, but I suspect most were nightmares, as I remember being more than happy to wake up.
Oh, to the present day, Nabooru is being very kind; she has told me I can stay as long as I wish. I'm thinking of not more than a few days though - not that they are not hospitable or any such thing. I just don't want Malon to worry about me - even in peacetime; she doesn't like it when I travel. For now though, I can return to the telling of my story, from when we woke up.
~*~*~*~
I sat up suddenly, and whacked my head against the edge of the table. I must have rolled under it during my sleep. I noticed that my sleeves were a few inches too short as I pushed my shaggy hair out of my eyes. Over in the other corner, Ruto was beginning to stir too, and I sat still, waiting for her to fully awaken. "Welcome back," I said dryly when she finally sat up, and she glared at me, rubbing a blue fist over her sleepy eyes.
"How long were we asleep?" she asked, and I shrugged. "Well, I need to know, so that I can tell if Jabu-Jabu is asleep yet!" she said, stamping her foot angrily. I sighed, and pulled out my watch, which showed the days.
"We were asleep for four months," I told her, realising my mistake in measuring, but not telling her. I also realised that I was now thirteen, and the child in the Chamber of Sages would be eleven now. "Now," I began, pulling out the scroll with the directions on from the table, "I must go find this cave."
"What do you mean, you must go find the cave?" Ruto pouted, accentuating the 'you'.
"I mean, I need to find the cave, what else would I mean?" I answered, setting out of the door. She followed after me, stomping agitatedly.
"I meant, you can't go alone. I'm coming with you!" I looked back at her, and saw that she was serious. Shrugging indifferently, I carried on off the island, and didn't stop swimming until I got to water shallow enough to stand in. Glaring down at the scroll, I deciphered the writing again, and looked around for an entrance. Flipping the paper over, I saw more mirror writing, and with the aid of Ruto's mirror, discovered directions to the cave itself.
Ruto took it on herself to swim down and check the tunnel, as, if it were blocked, I would not have the energy to swim back up through the freezing water. She came back, gave the all clear, and we both swam through the tunnel, and out of the other side, into a resplendent chamber.
Within it was an intricately built dwelling, made completely of coral, as the record house on the island had been. I left Ruto by the tunnel, on the pretence that I needed her to watch for anyone who may try to stop us getting the melody. I ploughed on into the chamber, shadowing my way towards the dwelling, and then circling it once to look for traps; of which there were none.
Feeling that I had checked all I could, I traversed the three steps to the door, and lifted the heavy latch before letting myself in. "Who's that?" A sharp feminine voice asked, and I could see them silhouetted against a bright light, crouched to attack.
I raised my hands above my head, and hurriedly answered, "I come meaning no harm! I am here for Rauru!" I slowly lowered my hands, and the light was switched off - as my eyes grew used to the sudden change, I could see who it was in front of me. I was more than a little surprised to see a Zora stand before me, but even more surprised by her colouring. Her scales were completely purple, apart from the tips of each fin, which were deep scarlet.
"Why has Rauru sent you?" she asked, moving swiftly over to me, and sliding fluidly into a chair next to me. "Do sit down - now, what on in all Hyrule does Rauru think he is doing, sending a boy to do his dirty work? Speak boy, I'll not bite - I gave up meat long ago," she finally stopped speaking, and I gathered myself enough to speak back.
"I look for the - uh - Serenade of Water, and this scroll says that you know it."
"Know it, know it boy? I wrote it young lad, don't be so presumptuous. I may not look it, but I was here when the Temple was first made. I'm not this colour for no reason, yes I noticed you looked a little curious when you came in; don't worry, I don't get many visitors, so I'm more than happy to tell you how it came to be." From there, she launched into an account of her life from the making of the Temple, up till when I had walked through her door.
I was relieved when Ruto came barging in, hackles raised, moaning about being cold, and why had I left her out there for so long. Then, she spotted the purple/red Zora, and said, astonished. "Who are you?"
"My name's Quetzal. And who might you be young lady? Put your fists down, it's not very ladylike. So, young man, where were we?" Ruto hmphed angrily, and interjected,
"My name is Princess Ruto, and I believe you've kept Sheik long enough."
"Sheik? Oh, this young man, oh, how rude of me, I didn't even think to ask your name, did I? Perhaps we should start this over?"
"No, just tell him the stupid melody so we can get out of here," Ruto yelled.
"No need to be so rude, and I'll have you know, I wrote that melody with my own two fins..."
I couldn't take it anymore, and I screamed as loudly as I could - which still wasn't very loud. "Just be QUIET, both of you!" They both looked at me scandalised, but fell immediately silent. "Sorry, but you were giving me a headache. Now, if you please, could you relate the melody of the Water Temple to me, miss Quetzal?"
"Oh, yes, of course young man. Sorry, once I get talking, I just can't seem to stop. A habit of mine, never did manage to get over it you know. My mother always used to say-" Ruto glared at her, and she stopped. "Yes - I'll just go get my lyre," she conceded, and left the room. I rubbed my temples delicately, before looking up and smiling when she came back in.
"Well, here it is, my pride and joy this melody - haven't played it for so long though. Perhaps I should play more, I was always praised for my wonderful-" Ruto glared again, and she shut up. I was thankful for that glare right then, and sat next to the strange Zora to learn the Serenade of Water.
When I had learnt it, and written it down, Ruto pulled me hurriedly out of the house, with a curt goodbye to Quetzal. She shoved me into the tunnel, and I swum hurriedly to the edge of the fountain. She leapt out after me, and made an aggravated sound. "I thought we'd never get out of there!"
I just laughed, and then put a hand to my head. "Ow - all that gave me a headache," I moaned, and we both walked out of the fountain. Ruto trailed after me, looking ramose again, not even noticing when an octorok almost hit her with a missile.
When we got out onto Hyrule field, I was glad to see that it hadn't worsened in all my time away. Ruto sat down on the grass behind me, and I turned around to bend down next to her. "What's wrong, majesty?" I asked, and she looked up at me with teary eyes.
"Well, now that you've found the Serenade of Water, you can't take me with you!" she said, and I saw a tear trickle down her cheek. "What am I going to do, I have nowhere to go!" I sat, and stared out across the field, thinking about that question.
"Princess!" A voice startled us both, and Ruto looked up; her face cracked in a smile. I turned to look, and saw a Zora running awkwardly towards us; awkwardly because of his long tail fins. "Princess, we've been searching for you for a long time! We were beginning to think you had been frozen away somewhere!" The male Zora (I could tell by the voice) picked her up, and hugged her fiercely. I obviously must have looked a little bemused, as Ruto came back over to me.
"This is my cousin, Yaryt. Yaryt, this is Sheik, of the Sheikah," I nodded to him, and he waved a fin. "Cousin, where have you been? Everyone left, and I couldn't find anyone!"
"We all went to the sea - the Zaros are letting us stay for a while, until Zora's Domain unfreezes once more. Come along, we had better get going, you never know when that Gerudo man may come back!" He lifted her onto his shoulders, and ran off. I saw Ruto turn to wave, raised a hand to wave back, and then they were gone.
"Well - that solved that problem," I said out loud to myself, and laughed slightly. I pushed my hair out of my eyes, and thought to go back to Kakariko; after all, I had been gone a long time again. And, whilst I was there, I would be able to get a haircut.
I set off towards the village, swinging my knives in my hands. They felt a little odd - perhaps too small. I had obviously grown more than I had bargained for in those four months asleep. Things obviously called for new equipment as well as a haircut. I left my knives at my waist for now; they would have to do for weapons until I got some new ones.
I stopped around noon, near a grove of trees, and feeling strangely annoyed by the bare skin at my ankles and arms, from growing to big for my clothes, I went into them. There, I exchanged my bandages, and put on the clothes I had made from the spare material I had thought to buy. They were a little big baggy, but fit my new height perfectly. Feeling that my appearance was a tad more respectable, I set off again to Kakariko.
~*~*~*~
A guard has just come by to light the torches for the night. I have been called by Nabooru to accompany the Gerudo for the evening meal. I don't really want to leave, but I suppose you can't really tell time, seeing as you will be reading this as a whole. And, it would not be polite to turn down such hospitality. I shall return to writing this as soon as may be.
*
Looking at what I last wrote makes me feel a little strange. When I said as soon as may be, I meant to come back to it after eating. But, I suppose I must have fallen asleep from all the food. I am, however, wide awake now, and fully intend to get on with writing.
~*~*~*~
It was as I walked up the many steps to Kakariko that I realised something must be wrong. There were sounds of screaming, and I hurried up the steps, taking them at leaps of three at a time. Rounding the bend to see the gate, I could see flames shooting into the late afternoon sky. A figure I knew all too well, and hated just as much, was standing in the centre of the chaos, laughing.
His dark servants held many people in chains; they were struggling, but all to no avail. Even from where I was standing, I could see the dark magic sizzling across the metal. I could not see Malon or Talon however, so I could at least hope they had escaped.
A girl clutching the hand of another young girl, tripped, and was grabbed roughly by one of his servants, and then thrown roughly down to be chained. I let out a feral howl of rage, and rushed towards him. My knife plunged deep into his chest, and he fell at that one blow. Ganondorf turned, and I could see his eyes narrow in surprise at the sight of me.
"You again?" he bellowed, chuckling heartily. "You just don't know when to give up boy!" I played up to his expectations, to allow more people to escape, and advanced on him, my knife raised. As I pushed my hair from my eyes with a bloodstained hand, I remember the thought, 'go on, rise to it. You're just giving them time to escape, you stupid fool,' running through my mind.
He did indeed rise to it, and stood still. "Give it your best shot little boy." I flew at him, propelled by immense rage. When I was only a few inches away, he swept me aside like a fly with his great arm. I cannoned to the floor, knocking over many crates and boxes with my tumble. He laughed heartily, and I could sense him coming over to me. I tried to roll out of the way, to get up and fight again, but he pinned me to the ground with one large, strong hand.
"Oh no you don't. You'd make a fine slave," he looked up to his dark creatures. "Chain this one too, and leave. We don't need anymore from this weak village. They have to send boys to fight for them," he looked contemptuously at me, grinning savagely. I remember my hatred, and I remember stupidly allowing it to get the better of me.
I spat directly in his dark glowing eyes, and he wiped it away with a look of cold fury in his eyes. "That's for the Zoras!" I hissed, and he caught me by the folds of my over-sized bodysuit. Coolly, he backhanded me; once, twice, three times. Each time, more and more blood poured from the scratches his nails dug across my face. At last, he dropped me back to the floor, and red rivers ran across my vision.
"On second thoughts, shackle this one on the legs as well; he might try to run off," he bellowed, and stood up. I turned my face to the side, and bought my hands above my head, curling into a ball.
The servants came all too soon, and when I refused to uncurl, one kicked me hard in the small of the back. I remember screaming, and uncurling to try and reach the source of pain. They grabbed both my arms and legs, and forced them into shackles laced heavily with magic. It burned - I was not used to the touch of dark magic against my skin, and I admit, it damn well hurt!
Through the haze of everything, I somehow knew that I still had my pack, and with my pack was hope for everything. I had to get away - I had to find the other melodies. But, the excruciating pain shooting through me from my chains made it more than a little difficult to plan an escape route.
*
He took us prisoners to Gerudo Valley, where he was welcomed as a hero. (How strangely things turn out, that they turned against him). But, then, they were all for Ganondorf, their great and mighty king, who had taken Hyrule to belong to the Gerudos. All, apart from Nabooru; but, she was always a good actress.
Anyway, we were dragged across the gorge, on a bridge, which disappeared as soon as we were over, and pulled into the fortress itself. When there, all of us were placed into cells; Ganondorf had me placed alone, and still, he did not remove my bag. All weapons, however, were taken. All that was left was my bag; in that were the book, pencil, spare clothes and my lyre. I was thrown in the cell, and fainted as the door closed.
When I awoke, I didn't even try to play the Winged-Harmonic. The magic was tangible in the air; at least, though, it didn't touch me with the searing pain. To make sure that all the work I had done so far wasn't for naught, I scurried about on the floor, and found a slight crack in which to hide my bag. I covered it with sand and dust from the floor, then leaned against the stone wall, looking up and out through the high window above me.
After a few minutes, and no sound from the guards I knew would be stationed outside, I began to try and scrabble up the wall, to the window ledge. I managed to get about two metres up, and there was only one more to the ledge, when the ledge beneath me crumbled. It sent a great mass of stone falling to the floor, and the door crashed open. It was a Gerudo thief, and she hurried over to pull me from the wall.
She put a foot on my chest to prevent me from getting up, and held a sword to my throat. "No need for that," a deep voice rumbled, and I gritted my teeth. It was him again! What did he want with me that he had placed me in a cell alone? I had no clue, and just scrabbled up, and managed to stand again, albeit shakily. "Leave!" he barked, and the woman hurried out, closing the door. I gulped, looking up at the man on the other side of the room, having to crane my neck even from this distance to stare him in the eye.
He just stood there, and stared at me, and I felt intense fear build up within me, coupled with hatred. New sets of bruises were appearing across my fingers, and I clenched and unclenched them to try and ease some of the pain. A smirk lifted the corner of his lip, and I returned it with a low, almost non-existent growl. To my surprise, he laughed, and I shivered at the icy sound. "You're brave, little wraith," he said, staring at me once more. I did not like the way that he looked at me at all.
~*~*~*~
Oh, Goddesses! I never thought I'd end up writing about this. What am I thinking? Have I gone completely mad? No, I haven't - I was not the one at fault, why am I worrying like this? The scum deserves to be known for what he is - along with every other terrible, dark, evil thing he did.
He did not manage to do anything - but he was close enough. It makes me feel shivery even now, and it's been years. Damn it, I resolved at the beginning to tell the truth - even though in truth, I never thought I'd get this far. Right - on with it.
~*~*~*~
He advanced on me, with no signs of attack, nor harming me; that was what got me worried. There was no way he would come towards me as such, which meant he was able to hide his true intent from me. Nervously, I balled my aching fists, and waited for him to make his move. It was sudden - I didn't even manage to hit him. As I swung up, he caught my hand, and placed it back by my side. "Don't be stupid, little boy."
I swung with the other, and he grabbed that too, and lowered it to my side again, albeit a little more roughly this time. "Damn it, stop that!" he hissed, and I didn't swing again - I knew next time he would do more than just stop my punch mid-swing. "Do you have a name child?"
"You asked me before, and I did not tell you. What makes you think I will now?" I spat back, glaring at him. He just smiled, and bent down before me.
"Tell me your name." I remained silent. "Please child, before I loose my temper," he ran a long finger down the side of my face, and I jerked my head away. The cuts there still hurt, and tingled slightly from the evil in his touch. He stood up again, and backed away. "I will make you give me your name, one way - or the other." With that, he left the cell, leaving me alone with my thoughts, which were, of course, in complete turmoil. Thrice now, I had met him; thrice I had defied him. Why was I still alive?
~*~*~*~
No, I cannot complete it all today. I must go - some archery should take my mind away from fear, and back to the fact that I must write this. For now though, I must go settle. Farewell for now.
~*~*~*~
I'm sorry - I had you all keyed up for some action, but then I just kinda flopped at the end. The next chapter however, will really deserve it's warning. It could warrant the putting up of the rating, but, at least for now, it remains PG-13, cos I have kept the swears minimum, and there has been nothing too graphic - yet. Until next time - it's bye, bye from me!
Thanks, Soda.
R+R
Thanks review people!
Purple Boy - hobble off back to your corner you silly boy... [Grumbles about useless ex-author pal thing]
Snowsilver - Wow. Do you actually mean that, cos if you do - wow. From what I've managed to read of yours so far, it blew me away...and, yeah, my reviews are all a little odd, I know.
Tikimoof - [bows down before the bringer of the most beautiful Zelda poetry I have seen in a long time] All of you go read it now! NOW!
Fortuna - Well, I don't need to tell people you're good - you already have 60 reviews, plus my ones when they come up - that's information enough!
Cassidy dell - Good to see you in the review box again!
Shae - I hope you liked the more Sheik! LOL.
BUT, I must warn all of you - this will be remaining without chapter four for a few days, as I have to actually write it [hides from a barrage of various weapons].