Breath of Life
By DarkBlacknoid
Author's Note: Again, I own nothing except my created characters. And if anyone is wondering why I named this chapter, "The Last Meeting of the Eight Sages," is b/c I count Link as sort of a Sage. For he gained some power from holding the Triforce of Courage, therefore that is how I came to that conclusion. I don't know for sure if that's possible, but I think it works. Besides, he IS or WAS the Hero of Time. : )Dedicated to those who have a dream.
"For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life." Proverbs 2:18-19
Chapter Four:
The Last Meeting of the Eight Sages
Nabooru could feel the glares pecking at the back of her skull by the few Hylians and Zoras pilling around Castle Town, but the Spirit Sage could care less. Her business was with Link and Zelda now that they had called a meeting with the Sages. Nabooru gave her friends the choice of staying in Castle Town or heading back home in Kakariko Village. They chose to stay in Town, just in case things got nasty.
She walked up the steps to the Temple of Time, somberly. She really didn't feel like seeing anyone. At the top of the steps she almost convinced herself to go back to the Colossus when a familiar voice snapped her out of it.
"Nabooru! Everyone's wondering where you've been." It was Princess Ruto with her usual attitude of holier-than-thou. Nabooru wondered if she even cared about other people at all sometimes. Giving the Zora Princess a glare, Nabooru ignored her attempt to make her feel bad but Ruto persisted. "So, where were you?"
"Away. I don't need to explain myself to you, Ruto," she snapped. Ruto did not take that well, putting her hands on her hips.
"Well, wherever you and your little followers went off to play, WE were all busy back here searching for your mystery man." She paused and frowned a bit. "I understand why you trusted him, Nabooru. He's very polite." This caught Nabooru's attention and she flipped around to look at Ruto mouth agape.
"What do you mean he's polite? You saw him? When? Where is he?"
"Of course I saw him. I brought him back here a few hours ago." Ruto looked down at the ground. "But Link had him locked up. He doesn't trust him. That's what this meeting is about, so we can figure out what to do with him. Link says it's urgent." Nabooru stared off into space for a moment thinking before trying to speak.
"I have to see him," she finally said, blowing off everything in an instant with a very unhappy look.
"I think we should hear what Link has to say first. You've done enough running off lately," Ruto scolded. Nabooru gave her an awful look but knew she was right. All she really wanted to see Eron for was to give him a nice new lump on his head. Turning on her heel in a proud fashion, Nabooru marched into the Temple of Time. All of the other Sages were already there, waiting for her and Ruto. Saria and Impa were present along with Rauru. Scanning the faces, some were pleased she made it and some weren't all that happy to see her. Link's face was neutral. To her surprise, however, Zelda was not present, but Sheik was. Her mind wondered whatever for?
"I'm glad you could make it, Nabooru," Link said without any emotion. She felt judged by his unfeeling eyes, but she knew he had something awful to say. But who cares? She took a seat next to Saria who always seemed to be compassionate and merciful.
After a few minutes, Link stood up, his face grave like he was about to tell everyone their doom. He always was dramatic like that, Nabooru thought propping up her head with her fist.
"I have some very important things to tell everyone about our visitor. He told me his real origin and his real story. And unfortunately, it's not very pleasant and it could endanger all of us and all of Hyrule. So tonight, we must decide what to do about him and the problem he brought with him." A little murmuring waved through the Sages as Link recounted the tidings Eron had told him the best that he could remember.
After he was finished, all was silent. Link scanned the room with his ever-blue eyes waiting for any kind of response. All were in deep thought, considering Eron's story. Link laid his eyes on Sheik.
"What Eron told me, do you think it really applies to your dream?" He asked and Sheik shifted while thinking up an answer.
"I'm not sure…a shadow was more prominent in my dream…but is he the shadow?"
"His story would seem to fit my vision more," Saria added quietly. "Mine was all about fire…and if he has this Pyre Soul as he calls it…then that has to be who I saw in my vision."
"But there's a shadow that surrounds this man. I see it clearly, though none of you may be able to sense it…I've felt it since he came here." Rauru noted and Link nodded.
"I have not seen him face to face, but I feel something heavy in the air. The shadows are restless," Impa added.
"I think he's still keeping something back. He has to know about this shadow in the dreams," Link stated.
"Maybe we should question him again," Darunia, speaking up, suggested.
"I think we should too," Link said. Nabooru shook her head standing up, finally breaking her silence.
"Wait just a minute." Everyone turned to look at her. Saria scooted away a little sensing an outburst coming on from the Gerudo. "Why are you all ganging up against him? All of you are going on suspicions and jumping to conclusions. Eron has not tried to hurt us; he came to us for help! Are we that unmerciful?" She paused looking around the room and frowned deeply. "Oh yeah, I forgot, we are! If there's anyone different in the world it has to be treated differently…like the Gerudos." Sheik then stood up.
"It is not everyone that treats your people that way, Nabooru. You only see what you want to see. I understand what you mean about Eron. When I met him and talked to him, he was very disarming and polite but there's still this matter of an evil soul inhabiting him…THAT makes him a risk. It is nothing against him as a person, but he needs to be handled."
"Oh yeah? Just like you're handling the Gerudos? You just let us get stomped on! And I'm not going to let that happen to anyone EVER again," Nabooru seethed ready to start a fight when Rauru stood up between her and her target.
"You're right Nabooru. We shouldn't jump to conclusions but Eron himself declared himself dangerous. He knows what he's battling, but we don't. We will all try our best to find a solution everyone will be satisfied with." Nabooru crossed her arms but finally sat down again. Rauru, the old bag of bones, he always knew best, she thought bitterly. Sheik returned to her position as well giving no more thought to Nabooru's persistent urge to cause trouble.
* * * *
The hours past, it was the middle of the night and the Sages were all still discussing Eron's future. The two Zoras, Bouk and Kilbu were left to watch Eron. They leaned onto the cold stone wall a few yards from his cell.
"When are they going to be done in there? It's been forever!" Kilbu groaned stretching his fins.
"I don't know…but I hope it's not too much longer or I won't be able to stay awake long enough to make sure HE stays awake." Said Bouk pointing towards Eron who sat quietly in his cell.
"Yeah, tell me about it…and being out in the wind all day has dried out my scales," whined Kilbu. They stood silenced for a moment when Bouk leaned over trying to peek between the bars to see Eron's face.
"Are his eyes still open?" Asked Kilbu with a bored tone.
"Yeah," Bouk went to his original position and sighed. "This is the most boring job the Princess has EVER had us do." They were silent for several minutes when suddenly, to their surprise, Eron spoke to them.
"Then maybe, you should leave me to my fate." The two Zoras jumped up looking at Eron through the bars. They had not heard him speak since Link left and it had a strange tone to it.
"We wouldn't disobey Princess Ruto…her wrath is worse than being eaten by Lord Jabu Jabu," Bouk answered nervously wiping his brow. It had abruptly gotten a lot warmer in the cell. Tilting his head, the Zora peered at Eron getting a creepy feeling. He gazed at Eron and instantly noticed his eyes were shut. "Hey, he fell asleep! We…we should wake him!"
"Hey, you! Wake up! You said not to let you fall asleep," Kilbu yelled at him, trying to rouse Eron's attention but it failed. The Zoras looked at each other and shrugged. "Let's open the cell and try to wake him," he suggested. He unlocked the door and cautiously kicked Eron's boot. There was no response.
"Is he dead?" the other asked. Kilbu shook his tailed head.
"No, he's still breathing," he wiped his brow. "Do you think it's getting hot in here?"
"Yeah…" Bouk paused looking at Eron with confusion. "Well, I'd say he's dead asleep. You think we should tell someone?"
"You go ahead and tell Princess Ruto. I'll stay here to watch the prisoner," the Zora panted, wiping his brow again. Bouk nodded and headed out. He ran up the steps to the Temple rushing in. Much conversation was still going on when he approached his Princess quietly. He kneeled and whispered in her ear. When he was done, Ruto stood up quickly.
"Link, Bouk has just informed me that Eron has fallen asleep and they cannot wake him." Link stood with wide eyes for a moment, not sure of what to do.
"Is everything alright?" He asked finally.
"Well, he's just asleep, that's all," Bouk said as Link came up to him followed by Sheik.
"I will go to see him," he said. Nabooru watched them and she ran after Link.
"I'm coming too!" Link did not try to stop her. He knew she was just in that kind of mood.
* * * *
When the four of them approached, they saw Kilbu outside waiting for them. He looked a bit distressed. Link ran up to him feeling concerned. "What's going on?" The Zora, Kilbu, looked up at him panting and his friend, Bouk, watched him worriedly.
"I'm sorry…I just could not stand to be in there any longer. It was so hot! I almost could not breathe anymore." He heaved feeling useless and about to faint from heat exhaustion. However, Link looked straight ahead, his suspicion growing. He passed by Kilbu and walked into the dungeon ready to jump at anything. The air was thick and hot making him remember his journeys through the Death Mountain Crater. Nabooru followed behind him closely.
"It feels like the Wastelands in here," she complained and paused grabbing Link's green tunic to stop him. Her expression deep and concerning. "Wait." Link looked at her nervously.
"What is it?"
"Evil…" she said in a whisper and Link grabbed his Fairy bow in an instant. Sheik stepped forward next to Link ready with her darts. They inched slowly into the depths of the dungeon ready to attack anything that moved. Finally, the cell was in view and to their surprise the cell was empty. Link gasped. Before he or anyone else could turn back a crushing unseen force flung them out of the dungeon. Link fell back onto Sheik hitting their heads together from the force. Nabooru had been scuffed along the side of the wall and had many bruises and scrapes on her right side. Kilbu and Bouk jumped up in surprise running over to them. Bouk tugged on Link's arm, getting him to his feet then checked Sheik who had a large bloody bump on her head. She was barely conscious. Link shook off the pain coming from his head fearing for Zelda.
"Zelda!"
A shadow fall over him and a quiver wormed its way up Link's spine. A dark and powerful presence was in the air. Looking up in shock, Link witnessed Eron hovering in the air above him but yet it wasn't Eron. His dark eyes were flaming like small fires in the dark and his body seemed to radiate with heat. A deep hatred filled the air around him as Eron looked down at Link.
"Well, if it isn't the famous Hero of Time," Eron jeered with a strange tone that he had never heard before. Link started to raise his bow but like the crack of a whip Eron had him by the cuff of his tunic. As he was pulled to Eron's hateful face, Link was paralyzed by the darkness coming from him. He turned his face pinching his eyes shut to block his eyes from the dark fire. Why was he so afraid? Does he not hold the Triforce of Courage?
"Some Hero you are," Eron laughed dropping him back to the ground wanting to have time to probe Link's mind and those minds around him. But Sheik grabbed Link pulling him away from Eron with much effort.
Nabooru stood up groaning and stared in disbelief walking towards the evil. "Eron…? What is going on?" She demanded trying to look intimidating. Eron's fiery gaze turned on her and he hissed.
"Eron is not here anymore Nabooru, Gerudo Thief…and Sage of…SPIRIT," he growled acting as if he detested her and quickly shifted his look upon Sheik. "And Princess Zelda…who do you think you're fooling with that disguise? I can see your thoughts…but you don't have it. My business is not with you…YET." Link jumped up in front of Sheik aiming his Fairy bow at him again.
"I won't have mercy on you! No matter who you are!" Eron narrowed his eyes at Link and touched down on the ground right in front of him. Nabooru inched towards Link and Sheik watching Eron the entire time. The hatred coming from him almost was causing her to be dizzy. It was strange the feelings she felt from him. There was another person in control and she could only guess who that was. But Eron was still there…the real Eron in pain…pleading.
"Link…don't…" she called to him.
Eron smirked slightly taking a step in Link's direction. Thinking of that as a threat, Link unleashed his arrow aiming for Eron's heart. Whipping a hand out, Eron caught it nonchalantly.
"I have no time for this, I must find them, and I KNOW you have it. My Fire, Din's Fire! But where is it! Where is it! I want it! I want my fire back! I want Din's Fire!" Before he could react, Link struggled in a smoky mass force that held him up in front of Eron. His breath was choked. Link tried to call out but he couldn't breathe. His vision was clouded with smoke and he knew that soon he would be unconscious. He heard voices around him. The other Sages had come but they had no time to react. Suddenly, there was a rush of fresh air whipping around him. Opening his eyes, the lands of Hyrule Field rushed by beneath him. Death Mountain loomed up in front of him and then the Crater circled under him with the heat filling his clothes. Without warning he was released from the black smoke, sailing down into the Crater. With a yell, Link crashed into the blistering ground in front of the entrance to the Fire Temple. Finally, he came to his senses choking on the ash filled air of the Crater. His body was limp beating with pain and the heat was intolerable. Before on his adventures, Link had always been prepared but he thought he had left those days behind. Apparently he was wrong. Now he feared for his people, Hyrule and especially Zelda. Nearby, he could hear someone pacing towards him. He had one guess as to who it was. Looking up, Eron stood a few yards away looking out over the molten magma. He took a deep breath and let it out slow. Link noticed he did not seem to be having any trouble with the atmosphere.
"It is good to be here again," he reminisced looking over to Link. "Its name has changed and it has been inactive for many, many years but it still says, 'home'." Link pushed himself into a kneeling position, trying to get away from the heat. He did not have a clue what he was talking about. Eron laughed at him, his eyes flashing. "Oh yes, of course. I can see you're utterly confused. Eron did not give you much information about me. He was afraid you would reject him and try to destroy his miserable existence if he told you the truth." Eron walked up closer to Link. "What a fool I have been bound to for so many long years. I've barely been able to enjoy real freedom."
"I won't give you what you want," Link grunted. "Eron did tell us about you."
"He told you about a pyre soul. But he's not even close. He wanted to make me seem less than I am so that you would help him. Because he knows as well as I do that you small creatures cannot fight the will of a Fire Goddess." Link made a face looking at Eron.
"And I thought Ganondorf was crazy…" he coughed roughly his eyes watering and it was getting harder and harder to breathe.
"Ganondorf was crazy…crazy to think he could control the entire Triforce. He can barely control the Triforce of Power by itself. No mortal can truly understand the Triforce and use it properly. The other two Goddesses and myself created it but it was never meant to be in the hands of mortals." Din's fiery eyes looked upon Link with disdain and Link looked away. The feeling of true hate stunned him again. "It especially was not meant to be in your possession. You, who does not know real COURAGE. You cannot even look me in the eye." Din watched Link shrink lower and she smirked. "Now you must be ready to submit to me, Din, Goddess of Power and Fire. Do not let this body I am in now fool you. Listen to the feeling inside of you that's telling you that this is all very true. I sense the fear and awe coming from you. That alone should be proof enough of what I am." She swung Eron's foot forward knocking Link in the jaw. He fell back with a grunt, the scorching surface burning his face. He barely had the strength to get into a sitting position again. "Now, reveal to me…where is my Fire!"
Link sat with head down and rasping breath. The only thing he could think of was Zelda at this moment. She would not want him to give in to this. He was stronger than that. He held the Triforce of Courage created by the Goddess, Farore! Or was it possible, like Din said, he could not comprehend the power that was held in those small, tangible triangles. How could he expect the Goddesses to help him now? Was it possible, that everyone had gotten the wrong idea about the Creators from the beginning? Were all three of them as cruel as this Goddess before him, claimed to be?
Through the eyes of Eron, Din, Goddess of Power, listened to Link's thoughts. Was he caving in to the pressure? If not, then she could add more onto his shoulders.
"You are so foolish as to refuse me once more? Very well then, let me paint you a picture of your very near future. Not just for you, but for all the world!" Din gestured towards the magma pits surrounding them. "That Temple over there is MY Fire Temple. This is my throne. This mountain that you call Death Mountain. I suppose it's an appropriate name for it. It is the foremost of my creation…my creation…of the Great Forge. There are many, many more forges littering the world but this one…yes, this one is the Beginning." She turned quickly to Link with an evil smile in her stolen burning eyes. "And it could be the End as well, Link. I can call this mountain back to life and let it devour the world and make it new. Everything you know and love will be gone, forever and it will be YOUR fault. You're right when you question Nayru and Farore. They will not come and save you. You may be their creations but they do not care. They will not come for you."
"And I can imagine no one will come for you when I'm done with you." The Big Brother, Darunia made a pass with the Megaton hammer nearly missing Eron's head. But with Din in control, Eron's body had become enhanced in every way making it easy to avoid the attack. Din's spirit reigned and she manipulated Eron's body to do her will.
"Darunia, you fool of a Fire Sage! I'm disappointed in you. I had once played with the idea that I might like the Fire Sage…" Eron's hand stretched out and Din's power surrounded Darunia. He swung around trying to land a hit with the Hammer but it only bounced off the force. He helplessly looked around knowing he couldn't fail his sworn Brother! But the power coming from this being…He shook off the feeling as best he could.
"Release Link now!" He wielded the Hammer like a bat trying to look as fierce as he possibly could.
"How insolent you are! You will be the first to go!" Walking forward, the possessed form of Eron pushed Darunia back with the power of Din. "Into the sacred Fire you will go."
Link struggled to his feet watching the battle and grasping his arm. He could not let his friend die! "Darunia!" Dashing forward, Link attempted to tackle Din only to slam right into a mass of smoke. Now, Din held Darunia over the fire pit and Link in the air nearby.
"I can see some courage shining through…but it will not be enough, Link," Din stated jerking Link. "However, the choice remains the same. And this is to show you, that my threats are never idle. Tell me what I want to know and I will spare your friend and…sworn brother." Darunia struggled in the smoke above the pits. This turned out worse than he thought it would and he coming by himself only made the situation worse.
"Don't Brother!"
"It's all up to you, Link. Does he die now or not? I'm not a patient Goddess." Link struggled with his inner thoughts. What kind of Hero of Time would give in to this? One that knew he cannot defeat a goddess. Link bowed his head. He knew exactly where Din's Fire was. After defeating Ganondorf, he felt the three spells that granted him to use a Goddess' power would be best left in his possession. He kept Din's Fire hidden with the other valuable items he acquired on his journey. With Impa's help, they used shadows to hide them and only the person who owned the Lens of Truth could ever find them and Link had given the Lens of Truth to Impa. But if Link told Din where her fire was, he'd be endangering Impa.
"Yes! So that's where it is. Very clever of you, but don't worry, Link. If Impa is cooperative, then no harm shall come to her." Link gasped then choked in surprise.
"How did you--"
"I'm a Goddess you fool. Your measly bodies cannot hide your thoughts from me. But that is of little importance to you now…" Without warning, Din flung Link over the edge and released Darunia from her smoky grip. They tumbled through the air with surprised howls. Din, in possession of Eron's body and the knowledge of the whereabouts of her Fire, quickly made use of her power to return to Hyrule Castle Town.
* * * *
"You cannot go alone! Let me come at least," Impa, held onto Sheik's bloodstained fingers trying to talk some sense into the disguised and enraged Princess. Eron had taken Link away and without warning Darunia followed the smoky mass that was heading to Death Mountain. Though the Fire Sage should have waited for help, he was the only one that could handle the life-threatening environment of the Crater indefinitely. But Zelda, under Sheik's disguise, insisted on saving Link.
"No! Impa, stay here," Sheik said in gruff voice. "It's too dangerous and besides, what if he comes back? Just let me go alone!" She yanked her hand free and using the Sheikah style, Sheik disappeared in a flash of light. Impa shielded her eyes; her stomach twisting and turning. She was the most likely person to keep watch over Hyrule. She had done so for all her life. It was what she was trained to be…a protector.
Saria walked up beside Impa with her hands up over her mouth. "I have an awful feeling…my vision is going to come true…" She swallowed hard trying to keep back tears. "I hope Link will be okay…" Impa sighed and nodded her head in agreement.
Nabooru sat nearby on the ground with Princess Ruto tending her cuts and bruises. Her head pounded not only from the pain, but also from the evil that had been set free. It made her sick…the spirit from within Eron was omnipotent, powerful and hateful. How in the world did Eron put up with it for so long?
"That being…I can't believe the power it has…how could such a thing have been created and continue to live? I thought the Goddesses punished evil things like her." Nabooru winced when Ruto touched up a big scrape on her arm.
"I don't know, Nabooru. But I'm not worried about that now…oh…I wish I could be up there with Darunia and Sheik. If she can go, why can't I go too?" Ruto questioned with a whine.
"Because the Crater would kill you faster than it would kill me. Sheik has garments that will keep her safe in the Crater for a limited time. And Darunia is there…she will not be completely alone…" Impa was trying her best to be convincing but she wasn't sure if it was working. Ruto turned her head with a fixed look on the ground. She wasn't happy to be left out of this situation but all they could do now was wait.
"But we can't hope that they can stop him on their own," Saria argued worriedly.
"And they will not be on their own. There's nothing we can do right now. If they had gone somewhere else then maybe we could help, but we can't. We're stuck here until we get some word."
"What if that word is death?" Ruto exclaimed waving her hands.
"Then we will continue on," the Sheikah said in a whisper.
"Link, Zelda and Darunia would not want us to give up so quickly or be too hasty," Rauru stated, folding his arms together.
"Too hasty? Too hasty to go and save them?" The Zora Princess stood up seething with frustration. Impa shook her head with a hand on her forehead trying to sort all of this out. Out of everyone, she was best suited to help Sheik and Link. But Sheik told her to stay behind but for what? To find out later they are dead?
"Your questions, Impa, shall be answered now." Impa jumped and looked up. Din had arrived in Eron's body seeking Impa. "Shadow Sage, I have some business with you." Impa drew her long knife, wielding it with all the skill of her dead people, the Sheikah. Eron's possessed body rested in front of her, with intense eyes shifting around at the four other Sages standing ready. Din noted Sheik, or Zelda was no longer present.
"Where is Link? And Darunia? You will answer!" Impa shouted, but something kept her back. The shadow over Eron was deeper now and it had a paralyzing effect on her. She wondered if the others felt the same way.
"They are not here, but they do not matter. I have come here to speak with you, Impa." An eerie smile was on Eron's face. "Link told me that you have access to something I want…something that is mine…and you will cooperate with me."
"And why would I do that? I'm not afraid of you. I have trained all my life to fear nothing."
"And that's why YOU are not the Sage of Wisdom, Impa. If you were, the whole world would be in chaos." Din laughed but Impa narrowed her eyes. She hated this playing. It made her feel like he was only batting them around like a cat does before eating the mouse. "I know how much Hyrule and protecting its people means to you, Impa." Din watched her closely with her burning eyes, pacing around her. "If you want to continue to do so, I demand you tell me where the Lens of Truth is. I know you have it…I had a trustworthy source."
"No one touches the Lens of Truth but me or Link." Impa stated simply. Eron's brow lifted showing Din's distaste.
"Such stupidity I am forced to deal with! And to think, you all have fast tongues when it comes to something you don't want, but with the same tongue you bring the bad tidings to yourselves! Insolent spawns of Farore…" Din's eyes flashed even brighter and she clenched Eron's fists. Suddenly, with one foot, she stamped the ground and a rumbling groaned out of the depths. Followed by a burst of energy rippling through it, it caused the Sages to fall on their faces. Giant wounds opened in the soil around Ruto and Nabooru. Ruto lost her footing slipping into the abyss opening up under her. With a scream, she grabbed hold of the loose soil.
"Ruto!" Nabooru reached out to Ruto, grasping her hand. With all her might, she tried pulling the panicked Princess out of the crevice. Bouk and Kilbu rushed to her aid. Kilbu seized Ruto's other hand. The both of them started to lift her out when another wave sent them sprawling. Ruto screamed again sliding further into the hole. Impa attempted to run to them but a large fissure separated her and Saria. Rauru was on his knees trying to stable himself on the shaking ground. His knees had given out on him. Saria clutched at her face in fear hearing Ruto's shrieks. Turning around swiftly, Impa faced Eron. Her face like stone and her movements fierce.
"You will stop this at once!" Impa cried. Din smiled with Eron's smile but in a twisted, cruel way. "Why should I? What could YOU possibly do?" Impa's stonewall face faltered somewhat but it regained quickly as she lunged at Eron. She twirled her knife, aiming for Eron's face and chest but he had moved before she made it to him. Impa tried again, catching his current position to her right. Another expert move he dodged with blinding speed. Getting frustrated, Impa pushed her body to go faster trying for another attack from behind. Din took the time to watch her this time. Manipulating Eron's body, Din snatched Impa's weapon hand, twisting it back and hearing an ear-pleasing snap. She held Impa's hand in the position, making sure to look her straight in the eye. Impa did not move. Her eyes were drawn helplessly to those burning eyes and she was afraid. Pulling down, Din twisted Impa's hand even further and she fell to her knees, crying out dropping her dagger.
"Yield to me! Yield to your Goddess!" Din stared at her, the flame coming from Eron's eyes flashed brighter as he held Impa's twisted and broken hand. Impa bit her lip, trying with all her might to not give in. Sweat starting to pour into her eyes and she tried desperately to blink it away. What seemed like a faraway land, she could still hear Ruto's cries for help and the shouts coming from Nabooru, Rauru, Saria and Ruto's guards. The weight of the world seemed to be upon her. She should not give in!
"Release her!" Saria stood firm near Impa and Din. Feet planted and arms raised horizontally, Saria called her power as the Forest Sage towards Eron and Impa. A summery breeze passed over them and out from the ground tall vines with little blue flowers sprung forth, wrapping around Eron's legs. This action distracted Din long enough to let Impa crawl away, but it did not beguile Din for long. She ripped away at the vines until Eron's body was clear. A deep growl came from Eron's throat as Din's anger rose. She was tired of their futile attempts to stop her. This was taking enough time as it was and she still did not have her Fire back!
Din's attention now was fixed on the irritating Forest Sage. Saria's defiant composure disappeared as those frightful eyes locked onto her. She took a step back and retracted her arms full of fear. Impa watched nearby holding her broken wrist. "Saria! Watch out!" The little Kokiri stared up into those paralyzing eyes that showed the hatred and will of a goddess. Din, forcing Eron's every move, continued to stare down Saria walking closer and closer to her. With every step Din took, Saria stepped back. "Little Forest Sage…your legends tell you that all life came from the earth with the Courage of Farore's wind…if that is so, then you shall now go back from whence you came!" Din raised her foot, sending it downward with the greatest wave yet to hit these foundations. Buildings and houses that were in range rattled and began splitting open falling into the new cracks wrought in the ground. People began to come from their houses and businesses trying to run from the debris and some being taken down by them.
Saria almost being at the very epicenter of the earth wave stumbled on the edge of the great fissure. She grabbed at the air helplessly, gasping. With that last breath, she used it to scream as all stability fell away with her in the pit of darkness.
Impa lifted her head, eyes pinched shut and a heart-sorrowing cry spilled out. "SARIA!" With her good hand, she pounded the rocking earth as her ears unwilling caught another wailing cry, as the Zora Princess, Ruto, tumbled into the clutches of the world. Cries of other Sages drowned out all other sounds except Din's laugh as Eron.
Impa set her jaw getting to her feet as the tottering of the ground lessened and her senses came back to her. Din stood before her with a half-amused grin. "Will you cooperate?" The Sheikah Sage breathed deep peering into the flames of Eron's eyes.
"I…will…not!" She went to strike him, but Din stopped her with the smoky force. She struggled helplessly in a rage, trying with all her might.
"Such a pathetic creature you are! It has been said those who believe in Farore accept her Courage…but not her stupidity!" More ripples of energy flowed through the ground, keeping Nabooru and Rauru at bay. "Cooperate or I will kill you all and ravage the land until I find what I'm looking for! Don't be a fool! Tell me where the Lens of Truth is!" Impa hung limply, suddenly noticing how much her hand hurt. Saria and Ruto were gone. This creature had killed them and now she had little hope that Darunia, Link and Sheik were still alive. All of them would want her to find a way to stop this evil. She needed to preserve what was left before this evil consumed them all! Just like her dream and Zelda's dream predicted. But if she gave in, what did this goddess want with the Lens of Truth? What evil would be done with it? "Your time is running out by asking all of those questions, Sheikah!" Din's eyes burned red for a moment and Impa passed a sigh slowly.
"The Lens of Truth…is in the Shadow Temple." She finally said and Din's eyes returned to their former orange essence.
"Then you and I are going to take a small detour to the Shadow Temple and you will get it for me." Impa only hung her head, not answering. "Yes, you must feel awful now…having caused all this pain, death and destruction." Din smiled as Impa lifted her head to stare at her incredulously.
"How dare you say--"
"Enough of the talk." The smoke surrounding Impa leaped into her face and a fit of coughing kept her from speaking. As the smoky mass billowed up, Impa and Din, with Eron's body disappeared going off to the Shadow Temple behind Kakariko Village.
Nabooru landed with a running jump on the other side of the wide fissure. She grunted, holding onto the loose soil finally pulling herself to safety on the other side. Looking back, she saw Kilbu and Bouk wailing over the loss of their Princess. She had to close her eyes a moment and focus so she herself would not start bawling.
"Come on you, three! We have to do something!" She cried to them desperately.
"What can we do against that monster! Look what he's done!" Bouk shouted back in anger.
"He has killed Princess Ruto! Our leader! Our Sage! That monster can kill Sages! What can we do to stop this madness!" Kilbu threw his head in his hands, shaking it in despair. Rauru, with a covered hand to his head, looked at Nabooru.
"They are right. If we go into another battle unprepared then the Goddess, Din, will see through with the threat to destroy us all. Yes, I do know you heard him…or her say what she was. Eron must have been wrong when he told us of the Pyre Soul within him for it surely could be no less than a Goddess."
"I did hear what he said but…it can't be possible! Why would a Goddess do this? Especially one that helped create our world!" Nabooru shouted, clenching her fists.
"I don't know, Nabooru…I really don't know…but we must try coming at this threat in a different way or we'll all end up like-like…" the old Sage could not finish for the grief was still too new. His hand fell to his heart for it ached with the loss of Ruto and Saria. Nabooru sighed and closed her eyes then she opened them with a thoughtful look.
"Eron must know how to stop Din."
"Yes, that's more than likely true, but there's one problem," Rauru said.
"Huh, yeah, he's not really accessible right now." Nabooru frowned, pushing her frayed hair out of her face. "What if we found Din's Fire first?" Rauru, Sage of Light peered at her curiously.
"What makes you think we could find it without the Lens of Truth?"
"Why not? It's possible, we just have to know where to look…Did Link ever tell you where he hid them?" Rauru shook his head and Nabooru sighed.
"He didn't tell me either…he was probably afraid I might try to steal them," she grumbled crossing her arms. They stood silent for a moment thinking of ways to find Link's hidden spells when in the distance a cry came to them. "Hey, that sounds like Malon." Rauru found a long way around the fissure and joined Nabooru making her way towards Link and Zelda's now shattered home. Nabooru kicked in what was left of the front door and wall gaining her access to the mess inside.
"Well, it's not really the 'inside' anymore," she said walking through the debris. The roof had caved in and the walls were all split apart. About the only thing left halfway standing was the stairs that used to lead up to Zelda's room. The cry came again and Rauru felt something grab his ankle. He retracted it with surprise.
"Nabooru! Here!" Rauru leaned down as far as he could to clasp the small hand in his. The Spirit Sage jumped over to him, feeling the frightened soul trapped beneath.
"Don't worry, Malon! I'll have you out of there soon!" She began throwing off the pieces of roofing soon getting the young woman of the Lon Lon Ranch clear. Malon coughed and was shaking. She had been crying and she clung to Rauru.
"What has happened? Where is Link?" She asked in a fright.
"There's not much time to explain that now, Malon." Rauru gave her a reassuring hug. "She and I need to find something of Link's quickly, but I hope we can explain to you soon." Malon nodded her head and rubbed her nose. Rauru looked up and saw Nabooru had made her way across the room. She was inspecting what was left of the twisted stairs and a mark of reflected light shining directly across from them. "What is it Nabooru?" He asked as she, surprisingly stuck her arm into one of the sides of the steps.
"I think I found something." Retracting her arm, Nabooru pulled out Link's Mirror Shield. She held it up with a smirk. "Good going Link. I don't think anyone would have ever found this with the shadow trick hiding it. Though apparently it's not full proof." She set the shield down and reached inside the hollow once more. Her hand fell on several things and she pulled them out, one-by-one. Link's gold and silver gauntlets were in there, along with his hover boots and iron boots. Reaching back even further, her fingers stroked the side of a wooden box. With some trouble, Nabooru finally pulled the box out. Malon and Rauru were by her side watching and Malon let out a small gasp.
"What a beautiful box," she claimed and Nabooru blew off the dust on the top. The stylized Triforce symbol in silver dominated the top of it, with elegant, intricate designs flowing out from it along the edges of the box. Nabooru tried to open the box but soon found out it had been locked. She grunted with frustration.
"Now what?" Malon asked.
"We don't have much time. Din might be back any moment." Rauru stated.
"I know!" Nabooru frowned looking at the floor then suddenly spotted the silver and gold gauntlets. "Ah ha!" She bent over grabbing the silver pair and put them on hastily. "This ought to do it!" With the silver gloves on, Nabooru felt the silver strengthening her arms and hands. She pried open the box with little effort. Now that it was open, Rauru, Malon and Nabooru stared in awe of the shining little crystals.
"The Goddess' power," Rauru whispered. Nabooru plucked each power from the box they laid in.
"And now that we have it, we are in trouble. Din is after her Fire, that means we're next on her list once she finds out." Nabooru reminded Rauru and he sighed.
"Perhaps with the added powers of Nayru's Love and Farore's Wind, we might have a chance…"
* * * *
The heat was overwhelming. He felt like he was being cooked…very slowly. Link was positive now he was going to die but somehow he managed to hang onto Darunia. After Din had thrown them down into the pit, Darunia used the Megaton Hammer against the rocks on the way down creating a safe place to land on. But they were still very much in danger. The rocks were beginning to sink into the magma.
Darunia shook Link hard trying to rouse his attention. "Brother! You can't quit now! Do you have your hookshot with you?" Link dangled in his grasp, but the heat made it impossible to breathe or talk. Darunia looked around helplessly when suddenly something tapped against his head. Tilting his head up, Sheik was on the cliff above with her chain over the edge.
"Quickly!" She called and she held on with all her might as Darunia, carrying Link, climbed up the chain. She almost lost them at one point, but soon she saw Darunia's large hand reach the top and he pushed Link on to it. Once they were both safe, Sheik took hold of Link in her arms. He took a deep rasping breath then suddenly he went limp. Sheik cried out. "He's unconscious!"
"Let's get him to Goron City where the air is fresher." Darunia picked him up and led the way to the entrance to his quarters. Once there, they put Link on Darunia's rock-hard bed. Though it wasn't very comfortable, it suited the main purpose. Sheik removed her scarf so that she could breathe the free air. She could see many burns and hot spots all over Link.
"We need to cool him down somehow," she said to the Fire Sage. He nodded and went to speak with the door guard. After a surprised and joyous conversation, Darunia sent him off to find water. He came back to Sheik and Link and found her with her head on the back of his hand, praying.
"Oh, Farore…please send him back on your gracious winds…he is so loved…please do not take him from us now…Please Nayru…heal him with your love…" She sighed, removing her cap, letting her hair down. Darunia walked over to her and put his gigantic hand on her back. With her head bent over his body, Sheik, the disguised Princess of Hyrule wept over Link's prone form.
* * * *
Nothing was visible. Link could barely tell if he really even perceived the darkness. What was happening? Was he dead? Was this what it was like to be dead? Surely not, he thought. To his right, what was that? A green light…and over there, a blue light also. He felt himself drawn to those hints of light. Perhaps if he came to them, he would know where he was. Homing in on the lights, Link saw two figures. He gasped with delight, but then something dreadful stung him. A sadness surrounded him.
"Saria? Ruto? What's going on?" Link hovered in front of his two friends. His gut twisted with the feelings that he was sure was coming from them. Saria's face was sad but she still smiled. Ruto had no emotion on her face, as she stood with her arms loose at her sides. His long time friend, Saria, spoke first.
"I know by now you must be guessing what has happened, Link," the little Kokiri girl started with head to the side with eyes closed. Link's mouth was agape. What was she saying? She didn't mean that she…she…she was dead?
"But you cannot despair." She looked up at him and smiled reaching out to his face now streaked by a single tear.
"There is still hope. The power of Farore and Nayru still exist while you and Zelda live. What Din said was not true…Nayru has so much love and faith for all of us. And Farore would be a coward to leave us without help against Din." Ruto said, finally smiling at Link. "We are…happy now to be in the place Nayru and Farore created. Its called heaven."
"But though we are happy here, we could never forget our friends and loved ones in Hyrule. So we were allowed to visit you and encourage you. You must be vigilant and not lose hope. One day, all will be of peace. We will see each other again," Saria smiled lifting Link's bowed head.
"Though you will be faced with many trials…you must remember this. There was a beginning to Death, but there is also an end. Do not let the Fire fool you. She has the power of the Lie and she uses it well." Ruto stood before Link with intense violet eyes then smiled. "Cheer up young warrior. Tell my father not to grieve for me. I am alright and I will help as much as I can in these trying times."
"And so will I," Saria added with her own smile. Link just looked at them. He felt his heart had just died with the knowledge that his best friend and the precious Ruto were dead.
"How…how will I be able to do this? If you could not stop Din?" He asked in a choke.
"Have faith. We are not alone in this," Ruto brushed back his hair and cuffed his chin. Then a faint cry could be heard calling Link's name.
"You must go now, Link," Saria gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Zelda's calling you."
"Zelda?" Link looked away from Saria and Ruto for a moment searching for Zelda somewhere in the outer darkness. When he turned back, his friends were gone. He inhaled quickly trying to hold back his sorrow. He heard his name again; stronger now and he floated about. "Zelda? I'm here." He called out. Then suddenly before him, he saw the image of Sheik.
Sheik's eyes widened in delight as she saw Link's blue eyes reappear finally. She rubbed his forehead with a wet cloth that the Goron guard had retrieved. Link was mumbling her name along with Saria and Ruto's.
"Shhh, it's alright. You're going to be okay," she said softly trying to calm him.
"No…no, they're gone," he mumbled.
"What do you mean?" Sheik frowned as Link shifted into a half sitting up position.
"Din must be stopped." He finally said looking sternly into Sheik and Darunia's faces.
"Well, we know that…but how?" Darunia asked. "You and I had a bad enough first round against the Goddess."
"I don't know how!" Link suddenly burst out and the two before were surprised. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean that…I…I just…" He sighed and looked up at them. "Saria…and Ruto…they're gone…" The Hero of Time, holder of the Triforce of Courage found his courage lacking and he could not help his eyes welling up with saline but he kept them from falling. Sheik covered her face with her hands, shaking them. Darunia frowned deeply looking at the ground.
"You're right, Brother…Din must be stopped," the Goron fiercely looked into space as if the Goddess was there before him.
"However, I think…if we are to stop this, we're going to need the rest of the Sages and somehow make a plan." Link got up on shaky legs but managed to keep himself erect. Sheik, coming out of the daze, put her arm around Link's shoulders. "Now, let's find Impa, Rauru and Nabooru."
* Whoa, how was that for a chapter? Sad perhaps? A little intriguing maybe? Or even stupid? If it were any of those, I'd like to know so I can keep it interesting! But anyway, a little note, sorry it took awhile for this chapter. It was the most complex up to this point so I was slow at typing it up. I had to make sure I did things right. I don't know if anyone else noticed, but I did get the Goddess' powers mixed up a bit. Nayru is the Goddess of Wisdom, not courage and Farore is the Goddess of Courage…so sorry, my boo boo. _o Anyhow, I hope someone finds this story interesting but either way I'm still going to write it! I'm having fun with it but I hope someone else is too. : ) Hopefully the next chapter will be typed and posted soon. And to those of you who love Ruto or Saria or both, do not fear! They will not be totally written out of this story! I don't really like to give anyone the short end of the stick so they'll still be around even though they are now dead. ^_;; Next chapter, we see what Din does when she acquires the Lends of Truth with Impa's reluctant help and what she does when she finds out her Fire has been moved by some certain Sages. How will they stop the evil Goddess Din? Where are the other two Goddesses? Will more lives be lost? Let us find out in the next chapter! *