CHAPTER 17

The next day at breakfast, Azura is speaking to Yashil. "How many times did you get slapped while you were out?"

"Twice" says Yashil.

"Did you ever feel a little dizzy or light headed?"

"I suppose I did, when I first saw the Berry Oasis I felt like I was in a dream."

"That is because you were under the effects of the mirage," she says. "Now that you're back in reality, hopefully you haven't lost any memories. That has sometimes occurred to people who have been subjected to the Sea of Trees for too long.".

Yashil begins pondering what he can remember, thinking rather hard.

"My name is Yashil, I am the Chief of Yoshi Island and the Green Toads, I have a beautiful wife named Birdo" he says pausing. "I'm also on an adventure to save the lands from Bowser and Ganon's influence...I think that's all the memories I need".

Azura giggles at Yashil's simplicity.

"What is so funny?" Yashil asks.

"Nothing" she replies. "I just thought about how odd it is that someone with such a simple personality would be the leader of a whole tribe.".

"The Green Toads are a very simple tribe" Yashil comments. "They love peace and only strike when they are struck first. That is our modus operandi ever since the Great Toad War ended. We didn't win the war but we won the peace".

"Yashil, I wanted to ask you something," Azura says looking into his eyes. "I know you are worried about your friends and family back home but what do you really want to do here?"

"What do I want?" Yashil asks, thinking for a moment. "I would like for the whole of both our kingdoms to live in harmony. No more war means that we do not have to consider peace to be a temporary concept."

"That is a wonderful goal to have. However, what if it isn't that easy?" She asks. "What if it takes time to achieve? What if you never get there?"

Yashil thinks for a minute before answering. "I accept that it is not easy, our kingdoms are too unique to properly co-exist. There is a place for all rulers. Everyone brings something good to the table for someone. I believe the best way for myself and my people to thrive is to be accepting of all visitors who come to our island. Nature is as Nature does."

"That's a pretty lofty ideal," Azura remarks. "Are you sure you can handle it?"

"It will take time, but I think it is worth it. What is the alternative? What about you? Why have you decided to accompany us on this journey?" Yashil turns to Naranjo, chowing down on some cooked fruit. "Naranjo may not know this, but I've known for a long time. His ideals have been set in stone in his lifestyle. He is someone who loves war." Yashil turns back to Azura. "You, however, are a princess. One very much like Peach and Zelda. I do not recall seeing you near the frontlines. What is your motivation for joining us on this pilgrimage?"

"Let's see," she begins. "I want to defeat Ganon and restore peace to the lands. I want to continue the legacy my father began. I want to help the people of Hyrule find happiness and fulfillment in their lives again."

"I see," Yashil states. "You know that is not easy either. Speaking Hyrulian to Hyrulian, it will take time to achieve as long as the Gerudo exists in our lands. What if Hyrule cannot reach a truly blissful lifestyle?"

"As long as there are good people, it can be achieved" she answers. "I have faith in your abilities to accomplish it".

"I appreciate that," he replies. "Then I believe in your abilities to accomplish your goals as well".

The two shake hands and give a friendly hug to one another.

Later that day, the Rainbow Alliance headed out in a pack of six into the Sea of Trees.

"Our destination is the Shrine of Resurrection," Zelda says.

"Remember everyone," Azura reminds. "If something seems out of place, tell us first before you go wandering off."

"Yes ma'am!" the group shouts in unison.

Up above, the airship looms.

About an hour into their search, Link notices Peach walk off from the group into the forest. He calls out to her but she doesn't respond and keeps walking deeper into the woods. He follows her path and finds her sitting alone by a stream.

Link approaches her cautiously. However he notices her acting strangely, she begins to remove her clothes until she is completely nude. "Ah this looks like a good place for a bath" she says. She folds her clothes neatly on a rock and dips into the stream, cleaning herself.

Link begins to notice strange things about Peach. Her skin is glowing brighter than usual, and her hair seems to have gotten longer, her skin shines brightly and seems to be translucent. He decides to approach her and help her cleanse and purify herself.

However as he touches her bare shoulder, she turns to face him, and bites into him! Revealing that she is a ReDead!

Up in the airship, Dark Mario, Burnscar, and Phantom Ganon laugh as they puppet this ReDead to attack Link

"That landlubber Link!" Burnscar says "He be head over heels for that Princess!"

"Finish him off!" yells Phantom Ganon

"With pleasure!" Says Dark Mario

The ReDead jumps up and begins attacking Link with its teeth, he tries to run away but it paralyzed him and begins to lick his blood.

Link fights back using his sword, slashing at it. He manages to cut off one of its legs. The ReDead screeches in pain and flings itself onto the ground. It crawls over to Link and begins biting and clawing at him. He runs back the way he came back onto the path, hoping to lose it.

Eventually he follows some footprints back to the original group. They seem shocked to see that he wandered off. As he catches his breath, he looks up at the true Peach and begins to blush. He turns his face away and quickly rejoins them.