Breath of Life
By DarkBlacknoid
Author's Note: I do not own Legend of Zelda and never will. That's a good thing b/c I think I'd screw it up. : ) Dedicated to those who have a dream.
Chapter Five:
Reconciliation
The very walls were alive with excitement and fear. Impa shuddered from all the conflicting cries and wails of the shadows. The fear of the one with her and the betrayal they felt caused them all to be in an uproar. It was so loud and hateful inside there, Impa was disoriented fighting to find the right paths through the deceitful Temple. Suddenly, she received a blunt stabbing poke to her back by Din.
"Ignore them. They are useless shadows. Gone before their time." Impa wanted more to ignore Din then the shadows as they made their way through the Shadow Temple. She knew it inside and out. There were many secret hallways and doors littering the place that someone without the Lens of Truth or knowledge of the layout would get lost or fall in a hidden pit. She wondered why Din would need her to lead the safe way into the Temple. Did not she have knowledge of it? She was a Goddess after all.
Wandering through the shadows, with torch in her good hand, Impa held her damaged hand close to her middle. There were many traps and creatures that she allowed to remain in the Temple and Impa played with the idea of leading Din, with the body of Eron, into one. Perhaps she could even take the Goddess to the boat…
"It is folly to think of such things. No mortal can destroy me now." Din poked at the Shadow Sage again and she turned her head to give her a glare.
Uninterested in her bitter thoughts, Din decided to turn her mind elsewhere as Impa resumed the journey. The shadows all around them were still shouting and screaming at them. She smiled with her stolen smile. They felt betrayed by their Sage and also fought with each to try something against Impa's captor. It was quite amusing. Din began to focus more on the exasperated Darkness. To Din's surprise, a strong voice echoed out above all the rest in the form of a familiar man's voice. She gasped knowing quite well who it was. Eron had arisen, struggling with her once more, to salvage his body.
"Kiad'Eron!" Din hissed raising her hands with twitching fingers. The shadows around her seemed to close in on her. Pushing and pulling, yelling and barking orders.
"Release him!"
"Take your nasty existence elsewhere!"
"You will face your doom!" Din waved Eron's arms about, his eyes glowing intensely.
"By Nayru lover of the world, and Farore keeper of the land, we will take you! Their power is above yours! I know you fear them!" He shouted, stumbling about in the narrow hallway. The fire in Eron's eyes disappeared as he spoke. The kindness returned to his voice but he was firm with Din.
Impa watched in awe, taking the chance to move away through a hidden doorway. She did not know exactly what just happened but she was not going to stick around to find out. She had to escape and help the other Sages with this threat. Suddenly the lonely and broken Sheikah groaned putting her good hand to her sweating forehead. Now that she had eluded Din, the Goddess would surely come after her and the Village could be in danger. She could not let that happen. There were too many innocents to be harmed. Impa's hereditary red eyes squinted as she stumbled out a hidden exit from the dark Temple. Her only answer to keep Din away from people of Kakariko was the find her company. If she could not stand alone against this Power Goddess, then perhaps somehow they could face her together.
* * * *
With a roar, Din let her burning soul engulf the shadow in heat and smoke. They retreated back but Eron still struggled with her. She lost control for some fleeting moments.
"I fear no one!" She growled, the flame flickering in her sight.
"And THAT is why you are not the Goddess of Wisdom, Din." Eron retorted at her as Din threw his body through a fake wall. He stumbled on the floor in the dreaded darkness.
"You belong to me, Kiad'Eron! Everything you are is credited to me! Obey me!" In the struggle, Din caught a weakened moment in Eron's defense using her swiftness to beat his head into an unseen wall with all the force she could muster. Eron's body lay motionless for a moment, a little blood dribbling down his forehead. When finally he pushed himself up with his hands, he kept his eyes closed. Reaching up to the bloody cut on his head, his fingers stroked the wound and instantly the blood retracted, returning to the wound it had come from and it closed up after the blood as if no trauma had been made. His eyes opened with a blaze. Din had remained in control, for the time being. She huffed, the fire blazing richer.
"They cannot save you! Why would they save you! You and no one else will deprive me of what is rightfully mine! It is mine! All mine! It was always mine!" Din threw a fist into the stone bricks of the wall, shattering the middle. Lifting her shaking fist, blood trickled down her arm. She clenched her teeth. He was gaining some control again and soon he would overcome her again. Even with all the power she still retained, she was still bound to this pathetic creature's soul. Time was of the essence. Laying her hand on the foreign knuckles, the scrapes healed. The body was his, therefore giving him rightful reign. But for now, it was hers. She would force him to do her will until she was powerful enough to be rid of him! One step towards that power was retrieving her stolen Fire. Only she could truly use the Fire for that was her core.
Choking down the last retorts of Kiad'Eron, Din shook her head, the fire in her eyes. The shadows had fallen quiet and that was for the best. Din decided the shadows needed to go once she regenerated her lost power. Looking around, she was not startled to see that Impa had taken that opportunity to escape. She balled her fists with a murky smile.
"No one can escape me…"
* * * *
Nabooru fastened the golden gauntlets to her hands, punching her fists into them. Strength wriggled up her arms into her shoulders causing her to swallow a deep breath. It felt good to feel such power in her small, yet muscular limbs. It made her remember the first time she saw Link. He was so young and happy back then. But now, like her, he had the overwhelming burden of leadership.
"Let's get moving." She said with determination. "I feel ready, how about you, Rauru?" The ancient Sage crumpled his bushy brows.
"I don't know if any of us can truly feel 'ready', but aren't we forgetting the more pressing event. The people need our help," he claimed.
"Well, we can't just sit around waiting for Din to return. We should take this battle to her. There's no more use destroying what little of Castle Town there is left."
"But what about the people? Surely, I was not the only one trapped. Can you not hear the cries? We can't just leave them," Malon cried, still shaken from the whole experience. She did not quite understand all that was going on and what all this talk about the Goddess, Din, was but a growing feeling of dread rested upon her. The destruction and death was not over.
Nabooru closed her eyes, her brows deeply indented. Her hearing had not been impaired. She could hear the people crying for help. But what was she to do first? Stop what it was killing them or not be prepared. Rauru saw her struggle and put his hand on her shoulder.
"You're right…we have to serve the people first…since Link and Zelda are not here to do it." The Spirit Sage picked up the silver gauntlets she had put on earlier and handed them to Rauru. "These should help us." The three of them climbed up over the rubble of Link's home, stumbling into the maddened streets. Malon looked around in a panic debating whom to help first. Several people were screaming and running about trying to help loved ones.
"Nabooru! Nabooru! Help us!" Rushing towards the voice calling her, Nabooru embraced a frantic Taunooru. She shook the young girl with hands at her face.
"What is it? Tell me what is it!" She tried to get the screaming girl to calm down.
"It's Ryut!" Nabooru inhaled, eyes wide staring off. Taunooru grabbed her gloved hands, taking her to what used to be the Shooting Gallery. Huge bricks and beams littered the way. Soon, the Gerudos could see Kotare and two Hylians laboring with a large piece of the wall. Taunooru cried, choking as she talked. "We did not know what was happening! But the ground quaked, bringing us out of our game at the Bowling Alley for it was no longer safe! The roof caved in and as we looked about outside we saw one of the Hylians trapped. Ryut, Kotare, and I went to him and his friends to help when another wave threw us to the ground. When it passed, Ryut was no where to be seen! The wall had fallen on her! Oh, Nabooru! She's dying!" Nabooru's ears were listening, but her mind was now on her fallen friend. The Hylian Taunooru mentioned was sitting nearby wailing in pain. The wall had crushed his legs before he could be freed. In a fleeting moment, Nabooru noticed it was the Hylian from the other day that had pushed Ryut and the others around over a sip of water. Some might call the Spirit Sage cold but Nabooru wished him dead grabbing the stone wall Kotare and the Hylians were attempting to raise. With the added power of the golden gauntlets, Nabooru picked up the shattered wall with ease. Kotare and the Hylians released their hold on the brick and stepped back in wonder of the Sage. The Gerudo woman barely gritted her teeth at the weight of the wall before throwing it off to the side. The blond-headed Hylian took hold of Ryut and carried her off to level ground beside his Hylian friend.
"Is…is she dead?" He asked in a wistful voice. Nabooru kneeled by Ryut. Her head was bent to one side and it was swollen with a large black and blue bruise. Looking upon the rest of Ryut's frail body Nabooru closed her eyes and turned her head for it was too horrible to behold. From the moment she knew what had happened, Nabooru knew Ryut had gone to join their ancestors but her emotion ran high with fear, regret, and shame. She was Ryut's leader, how could she have forgotten her duties to her own people so quickly?
Seeing the grave look of Nabooru, Taunooru, Kotare and the Hylians knew the answer to the question. The wounded Hylian, Poltz groaned and laid his head on the cracked stony streets of Hyrule Castle Town. His friend, Utuli the blonde-haired Hylian turned grimly away and the other, Weymek, unpinned his purple shawl. He laid it upon Ryut covering her face and stood silent. Kotare was holding Taunooru in her arms as she cried. Taunooru was a sensitive child having grown up on a cow farm in the desert. Troubles and death she had not faced before. Nabooru was forlorn not allowing her sorrow and struggle with herself to be witnessed. At this time, she only wanted one emotion to be in charge: and that was anger. Weymek looked at the Sage and took a deep breath. "I am so very sorry, Ms. Gerudo. Your friend was a righteous woman and we shall honor her."
Nabooru nodded her head slightly then walked away. Kotare and Taunooru watched her go. By the look upon her face, they wished not to bother her. Soon she found herself alone amidst the chaos in the town. People were running all over the place, crying for help and loved ones. Many people had been injured. In her daze, she caught an image of Malon helping a woman with a broken arm and Rauru nearby clearing away some debris with the silver gauntlets allowing others to go in fallen buildings to reach victims. Talon and Ingo must have come to the Town sometime before, for they were near Malon helping all they could. There was so many people that needed help…so many people that died, even one of her own. Her clouded eyes wandered upwards seeing the first rays of a new day flood the dust-filled air of the ruined Town. Her spirit moved and a tear rolled down her cheek. Ryut's body was dead. There was nothing she could do about it now. All was not lost; a new day had arisen! She would see Ryut again.
Taking a deep breath, Nabooru squinted her old ivory eyes following the rays of the life-giving sunlight upon a shadow approaching. In an instant, she realized who it was. "Impa!" Nabooru sprinted towards the Sheikah's panting form. Her hand was still lifeless at her middle.
"I will be followed…we must leave." Impa cried, her silvery hair a mess.
"We need to get the remaining Sages together. Link, Sheik, and Darunia still have not returned. Rauru and I are the only ones left here." Nabooru put her arm around Impa's shoulders. Her forehead was beaded with perspiration and she was breathing hard. Her scarlet eyes beheld the chaos of Castle Town. How could they have failed so miserably? Were they not Sages of the Goddesses? They were put here for a reason.
"It would be wise to take the battle somewhere less fragile." Impa said, taking a breather from the long run.
"I agree, but there are still many people that need our help."
"The people in Kakariko may be in danger being so close to where Din is, someone needs to look over that village too." Impa argued.
"I know, but most likely Din won't stop there. She's after you and she'll follow you. Though something she doesn't know is…well, I have Din's Fire that Link hid away." Nabooru smiled proudly reaching into her glove and pulling out the orange-red crystal of Din's Fire. "Now I'M the one she really wants." Impa nodded her gaze towards the ground as she thought. Din's Fire is what Din wants. She acted as if it were taken from her. Forcing herself to look back at the events of her fight with the Goddess, Impa remembered throughout the battle never did Din use fire. Sure, it was quite smoky and hot but never did any flame appear. Din still could not be underestimated. Her role as a Goddess had not dimmed much. But what of Nayru and Farore? Impa's mouth opened realizing something that might be important.
"Eron was fighting her," she said and Nabooru glanced at the Shadow Sage in question. "I think he left us a clue. He managed to speak out against Din and he said something about Nayru and Farore's power. He said, "By Nayru, lover of the World and Farore keeper of the land, we will take you." That's what he said. The love and wind spells, you have them also?" Nabooru shook her head enthusiastically taking out the blue and green crystals.
"I don't know how any of these spells work so I didn't even think to use them," Nabooru fingered the tiny florescent diamonds for before she had not realized how much power she held.
"We can protect ourselves with them then maybe we might have a better chance against Din. I'm not sure as to how they are used. Link is the only one with that knowledge." Wincing Impa lifted her hand up to examine it with her eyes. Indeed her wrist had been snapped in two and a great purple bruise circled it like a bracelet. Nabooru saw and sat her down.
"Well, we might have to figure it out on our own if Link isn't here. But for now, I need to find something to heal that broken wrist--" she started but Impa waved the notion away.
"No, we have no time. I'll be fine. Just go retrieve Rauru and move out into the Field. I know Din is not far away…" High above them, towards the west to Death Mountain, a shadow was approaching. Din was near. She was surprised the Goddess was taking her time. Most likely to savor the moment of approaching victory, she thought.
Lowering her head, Impa stared at the ground, trying to prepare her spirit and body for battle. Though now some hope had been given to them, she could not help thinking that today would be her last day in this world. But no matter how perilous it looked or felt, she would fight. It was the way of the Sheikah to be loyal, strong and righteous like the legendary Warrior, Oni The Great. Many young children looked up to the Hero that founded the Sheikah people. Even she was once one of those children, longing to make a difference in this world of fear and danger. But with her would die the Legend of the Great Warrior and to think now how it all turned out. She was the lone survivor of the Sheikah and was destined to be the Sage of Shadow that died in battle with a Goddess.
Impa sighed and stood up as the Spirit and Light Sages approached. They all were grave and they reached out to each other in the clasping of hands.
"Alright, let's take care of this unworthy Goddess," Nabooru set her jaw with determination. Though she was not entirely confident they could stop Din, she was going to show off as much courage as possible. Rauru slapped his paunch and tried to smile behind his long white beard.
"If only I knew this day was going to come, otherwise I think I would have gotten more in shape." Nabooru and Impa smiled at him, but soon their faces grew grim as the three of them headed to Hyrule Field. Rauru had put orders forth to the Town to find cover and stay there. Bouk, Kilbu, and Weymek were put in charge of the recovering of people and to make sure everyone had a safe place to go to.
* * * *
The Field was unusually quiet. A darkness hung in the air and uneasiness was in their hearts. The Shadow was very close and thick, lying between the Castle and Kakariko. Suddenly a great boom jounced the ground and the Sages became unsteady on their feet. Impa felt an overwhelming feeling of hastiness. Had the battle already begun? And if it had with whom?
"Rauru," the Sheikah pointed towards the dark cloud with her good hand. "Is there any way you can shed some light in that direction?" The old Sage stepped forward and lifted his arms spread wide above his head. His long sleeves slid down to his forearms as a bright light, like the sun, formed between his hands. With an effort, he pulled back his arms and with all his might sent the ball of light to the shadow. Like a bullet it sang, crashed into the dark cloud, stinging it with the brilliance. With part of the darkness lifted, their eyes could behold what it concealed as they ran like the Winds. In the midst was Eron, or better known, it was Din in possession of his body. Below and around Din, were Link, Sheik and Darunia on the ground but now her attention had been taken away from them. Her horrible flaming eyes could be seen from a distance and they were steady upon the Sages interrupting her.
"Ah, so they come to save me the time of hunting them down. Very good. I shall be rid of all of them together in one time." Din's mind was bent about the three Sages, probing their thoughts. Her piercing gaze fell on Nabooru and she halted unsure of what to do. "YOU!" Din screamed, stretching her arms out to the Spirit Sage. "You have my Fire!" Her eyes blazed. "Give it to me!" Din dived at her and in a panic, Nabooru grasped the spell crystals in her hands as if that would stop the Goddess from taking Din's Fire. Din stopped short, hissing when a ball of blinding light splashed into her. Rauru had come between Nabooru and Din while Impa jumped up to move her out of the way. Din floated away a few yards and brushed herself off.
"That tickled," Raising her arms, Din thrust them downward with a mass of smoke and force, knocking Rauru to the grass. With that problem out of the way for the moment, Din went after her original target: Nabooru. Link, making it to his feet, stood with four Sages of fire, spirit, shadow, and wisdom with his fairy bow armed with a Light arrow. He let it sail into the Goddess and she was pushed back but not far. A smoky hand batted a second arrow aside.
"Your power is weak compared to mine. Give me what I want and this shall be over!" She roared throwing a mass of a smoky force into their bodies. They were being crushed by the weight. "Give it to me, you parasite! Now!" Din took the chance to seize Nabooru and drove the Gerudo into the ground with massive force. Even with the aid of the golden gauntlets, Nabooru could not endure the blow. All her strength in her body went loose and the three spell crystals clinked onto the ground. The flare of Din's eyes grew larger with delight as her prize was now in view. With quick precision, the Goddess snatched up the orange crystal with both hands and a great laugh. "Yes! It's mine! All mine again!" She cupped the crystal in her hands adoring it a moment until she pressed her hands together. The crystal that contained Din's Fire melted slowly into her hands. And to the dismay of Link and the Sages a great flame arose upon the frame of Eron's body. The flame did not touch the body, but it followed the movements that Din commanded. "You fools! You have yet to see my Power! Now all will be renewed and my Kingdom restored!" A thunderous rumbling rolled over the land of Hyrule and the sky was choked with hideous black smoke. Darunia gasped looking up towards his home on the Mountain. Death Mountain had come alive with scarlet flame bursting fiercely out of the cone. Ash and molten rock spewed from it's top and sides as like never before since the Creation of the World.
"My home!" Darunia could only watch in despair as the lava rolled down the Mountain.
"NO!" A despaired cry fell out of Nabooru's face. She had failed. The World was now on its way to the End. Din had won and it was all her fault. All her people would die. The Spirit Sage curled her fists and bowed her head with anger at herself as the sun disappeared and ground shook with the forces working at Din's bidding. All were at a loss. Link stood with Sheik, her yellow hair blowing in the ashen wind and her scarf removed. The Hero of Time himself quivered with disbelief. Impa had sunk to her knees reaching out to Kakariko.
Din was in the air before them with her dreaded eyes closed and hands out with palms to the sky. Nabooru witnessed Din in her glory. Her anger rose as suddenly she noticed the struggle within. She could still sense his spirit. Eron was still there but something was strange about it. He was very quiet and subdued. Had he given up? Was he just letting his spirit rest? Somehow, she felt that was not so. He was quietly waiting, as the Goddess was busy. Nabooru closed her eyes. Eron was a brave man even now as he still held onto a hope. What hope could he possibly have? Opening her eyes, they fell upon the blue and green diamond shapes in the grass. Din had not taken those. Bending over she grabbed hold of them and remembered Impa's words. Eron had tried to tell her something in his struggle. Holding the power of Nayru and Farore in her hands, a hope was rekindled inside of her. Looking up at Din, her face was stern. The strength returning to her limbs.
"This isn't over yet. Farore and Nayru still have power in this world." Nabooru really did not know what she was doing challenging Din like this but something deep inside gave her the strength to face destiny. She held Farore's Wind in her right hand and Nayru's Love in her left. Her memory retreated to the Evil Days of her imprisonment for seven long years in the armor of an Iron Knuckle. Vaguely she remembered the brave Link standing before her deformed body in a shining blue crystal. It was the power of Nayru's Love that protected him in the battle. Nothing could penetrate that barrier powered by the love of a Goddess.
"The love of the Goddess…cannot be broken…" Nabooru looked up grabbing onto a faint hope. Lifting the blue and green crystals in front of her, Nabooru stepped up to Din. The evil feelings of Din almost overwhelmed her but deep in the midst of the hate a hope still remained in the form of a trapped soul. The light shining from the crystals seemed to scare away the smoke and grow stronger. The rumbling from the Mountain dimmed slightly as Din turned to her and made Eron's face contort into disgust.
"What is this? Are you challenging me? Well, I suppose it fits you as a hero. Most heroes want to die gloriously if they have to." Din threw Eron's arm at Nabooru with fingers splayed. The fire sizzling and gathering ready to afflict.
Nabooru's sun-golden eyes widened the light of blue and green highlighting her features. Suddenly, she felt the presence of the other five Sages surrounding her, giving her support. As if the whispers of Nayru and Farore sounded in her ear, Nabooru knew what to do now. The others stood back as if they knew what was to be done and looked upon Nabooru with the powers of Goddesses in her hands. "This is for you, Eron…"
Her clear voice rang out as she cast Farore's Wind. The emerald green light swept over her and rested in the form of a glowing orb in the spot that she had hurled it. Now all was ready.
In a flash, Nabooru jumped up at Din, wielding the two powers of Nayru and Farore. When close enough, the Spirit Sage cast Nayru's Love. With a rush of air, the white-bluish light engulfed both Din and Nabooru and encased them inside the impenetrable crystal of love. Realizing too late, the Goddess screeched out in horror of what was happening to her. The fire in her stolen eyes began to waver and Eron reached out to Nabooru grasping her hand tightly, desperately and he pulled away from the fire of Din. The golden gauntlets held Nabooru's strength in her arms and hands as the Goddess attempted to keep Eron with her. With a good strong tug, Nabooru split Eron from Din. Using Farore's Wind to take them out of the temporary prison they had made for Din, Nabooru held Eron close to her.
Nabooru and Eron emerged from the light of Farore clinging to each other and for a moment they gazed upon the true form of the Fire Goddess. Nabooru's heart quelled suddenly realizing what she just accomplished. Only Eron and Link had courage enough to look Din in the eye. Her body was clothed in brilliant fires, her eyes shining of death caught in the act and her voice was abrasive and strong, dripping with loathing. Long red hair, shining with the light of a flame, danced under crown of blazing gems.
"You fools. I cannot even express such foolishness I am forced to deal with. This will not last forever. The power of Nayru and Farore is fading and only I will surface as the undeniable Goddess of all things. I started all of this and I will be the one left to rule!"
"Shut your repulsive spout, you fool. When you broke the Pact of the Goddesses your power was spent. You have no right to this world any longer, so speaks the Goddess of Love and Wisdom." Eron faced Din through her prison of crystal, a light of strength shining in his dark eyes. Din was put in her place, glaring at Eron and Nabooru, but though her hatred was felt it did not have the same piercing effect like before. She appeared like a small bug that had lost its stinger.
The dark man with his sandy brown hair turned quickly to Sheik. "Princess Zelda, do you have the Ocarina of Time and Nayru's Harp?" Sheik's red eyes blinked with surprise with the suddenness of his request. She glanced at Link that stood nearby with an apprehensive look, his fingers held tightly to his Fairy bow. "I am sorry Princess but we don't have time to guess if I am trustworthy at this moment." Eron said and he put out his hand and shook it slightly trying to coax her. "Please give me the Ocarina and take out Nayru's Harp, please!" His eyes were desperate seemingly darkening to the color of the tattoos that outlined them.
"If you ask me, we've been too trusting of you," Link pushed Eron away from Sheik and stood between them. Nabooru came to stand by Eron and shot Link a glare.
"Listen to him, Link! He knows what he's doing!" Link looked as if he was going to shoot the request down again but he felt a hand on his shoulder. The same tender hand he had gotten so used to in the last year. The hand that he could never stand to loose.
"Link, I trust him for this." She said, looking into his sullen blue eyes and taking out the blue-hued Ocarina.
"Humph, all of you are incompetent. Trusting that liar! He's been proven to be a liar in the past, why trust him now?" Din laughed, eyeing Eron with all the hatred she could muster into it. She was trying to stall the fools as long as she could so that the power of her prison would fade and she would not be taken again.
"I would rather my fate be in the hands of a liar then a plague like you," Sheik threw back and she stepped towards Eron handing him the Ocarina of Time. He sighed a breath of relief and held the instrument carefully.
"Now, take the Harp," Eron guided Sheik nearer to Din as she slipped out the beautifully melded golden harp. "And play these notes." He cautiously placed his hands on Sheik's and guided her fingers to the right strings and he fingered the cords in a continuous pattern. After a moment, Eron let Sheik play on her own and he followed the tune. It was subtle and soothing and gave those that listened a relieved feeling with the exception of Din, who shrunk at the sound.
At the right interval, Eron put the Ocarina to his lips and played Nayru's Song. The flawlessness of its beauty and wonder filled the hearts with love and joy and hope. The song of the Goddess renewed them.
But for Din, the sound was insufferable. She had been thwarted. The Goddess of Power had been trapped again! A horrible bellow emitted from her as he flame glowed to its brightest but the song played on and her prison was fortified. Nayru's Song strengthened the barrier so that it would not fade but stay strong. Din's writhing became weaker and weaker as Nayru's Song continued. In a gasp of defeat, her head, crowned with fire, fell limp and her blaze was subdued.
With final note, Eron stopped and Sheik followed suit. Silence overtook the Field, now bright and glistening. The ash of Death Mountain faded and the lava had quickly cooled. The world no longer shook by command and all had become peaceful.
"By right of Nayru and Farore, Din shall be imprisoned forever for her evil deeds and none have right to release her except the Two Great Goddesses. And none have right to wake her for her lying tongue could still be a danger." Eron said and handed the Ocarina of Time back to Sheik. Nabooru could no longer restrain herself and she hugged Eron thankful for his presence. She looked into his eyes and they were grave. He closed his eyes stepping away from Nabooru.
"I am so very sorry…" He shook his head in dismay. "I have brought so much death here and that was never my intention…I am unworthy of your trust. I should have no better fate than hers." Eron sighed with glassy eyes looking at Din's prone form.
"Your fate will be different," Sheik answered standing in front of Eron. Link stared at Sheik in surprise. He was ready to rip Eron apart for all that he had done. Link's fist twitched as he held it tight against his side. Was she truly going to spare him?
Eron fell to his knees and lowered his head. He was ready to take any punishment. Death and pain was never anything he feared.
"You will now aid us in the aftermath of this destruction." Sheik said. "And you must pledge loyalty to Hyrule and its people and promise never to lie to it again."
"I will do as you have asked, Princess." He said, full of all the sincerity of the ages with his head still bowed before her.
Watching with arms tightly crossed, Link could no longer hold his peace. He stepped forward with bow in hand. "Princess…I usually agree with you on everything because I know full well you hold the Triforce of Wisdom and I do not…but I can't allow this. This man has committed great offenses against ALL races of Hyrule. We can't just let him roam free."
"He won't just 'roam free', Link," Sheik snapped, her red eyes flashing like tiny wildfires raging powerfully. Link had seen those eyes before but never aimed at him. He stepped back, afraid. In the back of his mind, he mentally slapped himself. Link wondered if anyone else thought it was strange that the holder of the sacred piece of Courage was shrinking at the sight of those passionate Sheikah eyes. Though he knew those were not true. They hid away the precious clear blue color that was Zelda's.
"Eron will be kept under close watch by all of us. He is to go no where without a guide and he will work as hard as any other Hylian, Gerudo, Goron, Zora or Sheikah." Sheik finished, looking at Eron, his head still bowed low.
"I can vouch for him, Princess," Nabooru stepped in. "I can sense his sincerity…" Eron slowly lifted his head to look at the fine Gerudo woman. The sun in her eyes, her beautiful red hair like the rose, her skin tan as the sand of deserts, all seemed to glow with an unearthly glow in his eyes. She was perfect as the Spirit Sage. Though he could not understand why all of them were not thinking like Link. He was right, he deserved worse but now he had been given a job to do and he would fulfill it to the best of his ability.
Finally, Eron stood and a small smile passed his lips at Nabooru before speaking. "I will uphold this law, Princess Zelda or may Nayru and Farore come down upon me to dish out their wrath." Sheik nodded and looked around at all the faces to get their approval. Link gave in reluctantly, stepping up next to Sheik.
"Alright with that said, we have many things to accomplish. Sheik, Eron, and I will decide what to do with Din. I don't think her staying out here on the Field would be very safe so we need to move her." Link said. "Darunia, Impa, I'm betting you're anxious to aid Kakariko and Goron City."
The great Goron nodded fearfully. "I'm afraid what the Mountain has done. Many Gorons were left up there…including my son. I sent him up yesterday to check on the City."
"I'll rally as many people in Kakariko as I can, Darunia. Hopefully not much damage was sustained there," Impa said looking weary.
Link finally turned to a waiting Nabooru and Rauru. "Your jobs will be the most important. I need you to keep communication open. Zelda and I will want to know the situation at Death Mountain and Kakariko. Also, I don't think anyone has been to Zora's Domain to let King Zora know about…Ruto…and what's been going on." He struggled with the Zora Princess's name. "And if he has people to spare, please ask him to let us borrow them. And lastly, check on Kokiri Forest." Link paused a moment taking in a sad breath. "They will want to know about Saria."
"Yes, indeed…they will want to know." The old man shook his sweaty head knowing the next few days were not going to be easy. But this was what a Sage was for--times like these. There were people depending on him and the others and he, Rauru was not going to let anyone down as long as he still remained on this planet.
The Spirit Sage acknowledged Link then glanced at Eron. She noticed how reserved and quiet he was. She could not imagine what he must have been feeling.
As all began to depart for their jobs, Nabooru walked up to Impa. Her hand was still limp and bruised. "Impa, I need you to do me a favor," she called. The Shadow Sage paused, giving Nabooru her attention. "While you're in Kakariko, please stop by my temporary home where the other girls are staying and find Roumi. Please tell her to go to Gerudo Fortress and gather as many people as can be spared."
"I shall."
With that taken care of, Nabooru discussed with Rauru what she would do first. It was decided that she was to make her way to Zora's Domain while he went on to Kokiri Forest. Though a great feat had been done, Nabooru suddenly felt melancholy. In all honesty, she wished she could stay by Eron and comfort him. Before when Din had possessed him, all she could feel was hatred and disgust but now that he was normal again there were only agony, sadness and regret as if his spirit was breaking and shattering to pieces. Nabooru could not help liking Eron and she wanted to be by his side to ease his pain. Though she knew it was bad of her to think so, Nabooru felt that he would make a great companion and she did not mean like a friend. She thought it was not so unheard of to think that way. He was after all half Gerudo…
* * * *
Eron silently watched the three Sages depart. An ever-aching heart throbbed more intensely in agony seeing them go--all weary and fearing the worst outcome. And it was all his fault. Had he not come, their lives would have been much better, much more peaceful, having nothing else to worry about except rebuilding from the last devastation. He understood perfectly why Link disliked him. If he could have just tried harder in controlling Din, then maybe…
Clenching his jaw, Eron made himself stop that line of thought. Din was more powerful than he. If this had not happened here, it would have been somewhere else and perhaps the outcome different or more severe.
Coming out of his deep thought and self-hatred, Eron gave his attention to Sheik and Link. They too had watched the others go but finally looked away to deal with the problem of where Din will spend the rest of her days.
Link eyed Eron with suspicion but knew now he had to deal with it. But he could not think of anything that would wash away his growing feeling of apprehension and suspicion. Almost as if it was an echo of a past memory tucked away in the deepest part of his soul. Though, he was willing to give him another very careful chance now. Compassion was granted to Eron for the time being.
"Any ideas on where Din should be kept?" Link asked Eron. He noted that the man appeared a bit surprised that Link was asking him.
"Well…I would suggest a place where little or no people are allowed access. Din is only asleep not dead. And if ever there were a way for a mortal to kill a Goddess, it would be best to keep away from her." He replied, shifting his dark tattooed eyes to Sheik and then back to Link.
Link showed no emotion. There was no way he wanted to appear vulnerable to Eron. His blue eyes gazed over to Sheik. "What do you think?"
"I know the perfect place," she said. "The Chamber of Sages." Eron stared at her.
"No!" He cried but suddenly caught his outburst before it went further. "No…not there. Too sacred and fragile against her, even in prison. It is also too close to another caged animal."
"Then what place could we put her where there would be no danger?" Sheik asked.
"The only place I can think that would not be too dangerous but not without danger would be the Temple of Time," he said looking at Link. He knew Link was analyzing everything he said and he would be wary of any of his suggestions.
"That might work," Sheik uttered. "Only Sages would be allowed to enter." Eron nodded at her then both watched Link. His head was tilted towards the earth in thought. Finally, his sky blue eyes met Sheik's, searching them for answers. She agreed with Eron so it must be safe--for now.
"Alright, let's do it."
After the debate was over, the three of them moved Din's sapphire crystal prison into the Temple of Time. It was not hard, for it hovered a foot above the ground and was light as a feather.
Zelda and Link got to see first hand the devastation of Castle Town. Most of the buildings and houses had been either destroyed or heavily damaged including their own small place.
Though the destruction had touched nearly every building, the Temple of Time stood tall and mighty. The foundation held and no visible damage could be seen.
Din was moved into her permanent home. The glow of the crystal and Din's gentle crimson radiance rippled across the stone walls of the Temple. Link did not allow Eron to enter for he did not want him anywhere near the Goddess. He waited outside with Zelda, holding open the doors watching Link. The Hylian Hero in Kokiri clothing, stood silently looking at Din a moment. He took off his green hat and placed it over his chest and whispering an oath.
"I promise to you, Saria and Ruto…I will never let anything evil ever hurt Hyrule and all its people again. I will not let evil claim anymore lives…" Link closed his eyes then placed his hat upon his head once more walking out of the Temple.
"Link," Zelda embraced the Hero of Time tightly then peered into his sad eyes. His struggle was hers. They both shared the same love and respect for life. It was their right and duty to protect and uphold life and peace. They held each other for a long moment in silence.
Eron stood back away from them, letting them have their brief moment of peace. Such peace he had once known in a time and place far, far away. He looked around so as not intrude on the moment. His dark eyes wandered to where the path up to the Castle's foundations was supposed to be. It was littered with rocks and debris from the buildings that had been thrown down upon it. Sighing softly, he knew how much work had been wasted in the last twenty-four hour cycle. Hopefully, he would be able to help in making it anew again. It was the least he could do for all the trouble he caused.
But for all the sadness and feeling of loss and guilt, there was a small twinge of calmness. A tiny bit of peace in his mind that came from a place he used to hate. There was no more banter, no more insults, threats, or fake promises. The temptations, hatred, and violent thoughts disappeared like a soul departed to meet the True Goddesses. Din, the Goddess of Power, and the torturer of his soul, was finally gone. Eron's mind was free--free of the things that clogged up his true being. Images and feelings of childhood returned in fair sense. Eron closed his dark eyes so as to shut out the world for a moment and he breathed in deep, taking in the first breath of life. Though at the moment it was not all sweet his duty to Hyrule was now outweighing everything else. Perhaps his soul could heal and be at peace like the days of young carelessness. No, not carelessness, he thought, just an everlasting peace and comfort being in the strong arms of security. Maybe, just maybe he could find that here now that he was free--free to make his own decisions and hope they were just.
Eron finally glanced back at Link and Zelda. They now were separated from their long embrace but their gazes were still quite intent on each other. They knew what had to be done next. Link flicked his gaze to Eron for a moment. Though it was brief, Eron could read all the intentions in the look. The Hylian Steward was still very cautious and suspicious of him. Trust would be hard to gain if not entirely impossible. But in the end, it really did not matter what Link thought. He had a purpose, a duty, and he would fulfill it. He owed them all that much and he would repay his debt even if it took another three hundred years of life.
Zelda released Link and walked slowly up the few ancient steps that led to the entrance into the Temple of Time. She was still dressed in the Sheikah disguise but her scarf and cap had long since been tucked into her garments. Her long flowing hair, gold as the sun, tumbled across her shoulders reminding all of her delicacy. Though it could also be deceiving. For she held great strength and wisdom in ways most did not understand--not even Link.
The Princess approached the large, age-old planks of the door and laid her hands flat against them. Then she leaned forward until her forehead touched then spoke a few inaudible words. Standing back away from the door, Zelda reached behind her to grasp Nayru's Harp and she looked at Eron and gave a small smile.
"I never knew that this was Nayru's Harp until you said so," she said softly. "I feel you will have done many great deeds for Hyrule in the future." Her smile broadened then turned back to the large doors. Eron was not sure what to make of her words but he glanced at Link who seemed more puzzled by them than he.
With great golden harp in her light hands, Zelda strummed the strings carefully. A song of intensity and revelation swirled through their senses. How mysterious the sound was that caused unnatural things to happen. A soft radiance gleamed from her harp to the doors of the Temple. It was almost like a shining finger of a goddess had reached out to the door touching it with the holiness of love. The door shimmered like water with the touch and the glow was spread around it. Zelda stopped her song and opened her eyes still tainted red.
"There," she said with a gasp. "None shall enter or exit the Temple of Time without permission from me." Link nodded but kept staring at the door.
"What did you do?" he asked.
"It's a similar song to Nayru's Song, that you taught me, Eron. It will hold the door shut." She looked at him then back at Link. "It's the Sound of Security…I composed it myself when I was hidden away as Sheik and you were locked away in the Chamber of Sages. It used to comfort me."
"Well, we might need that song again to help the people feel more secure." Link said with a sigh. "That's our next priority…making sure they are safe and then try to rebuild again." Zelda put her harp away and took Link's hand and squeezed it tightly. She smiled and he tried out a small smile to please her. Link then hid away the smile as he looked at Eron. "Come on, you can help us."
Eron followed them over the broken walls and beams littering the path up the hill to the Castle Foundations. There they would find the people that survived the last attack from Din. As they were instructed to flee to the Castle by Rauru for it was the safest place in the area. Hard work lay in the near future and Eron was ready for it or at least he thought. He had no idea what trials and tribulations would come to him in this land that most likely hated him more than welcomed him. But he had to hold on to himself. What horrible things that had happened were when the Monster was controlling him. He no longer wanted to say her name. It made him want to vomit. She still existed even though in prison and it bothered him, but he knew that she now was no match for the Sages that protected this land and she did not have a body to manipulate. But nonetheless…Eron looked back towards the Temple of Time that held her captive. The glow of the doors could still be seen even from this distance and it made him swallow some comfort. It was over. She would never return to harm this land. The True Goddesses, Nayru and Farore, had safeguarded it too well. For a final moment, Eron watched the soft glow then turned to catch up with Link and Zelda. He could leave the past behind.
* * * *
Inside the dark rooms of the Temple of Time, a light of purple hue glowed where a true red and sapphire blue met. Din hung lifeless in her crystal prison never to know freedom again. She had doomed herself with her hatred and selfishness. Her power had diminished…but not faded entirely. She twitched her hands in a deep slumber having an unknown dream. A small curl rolled over her lips--a dreaded smile from a dreaded creature.
THE END
~ Well, there you have it, the conclusion to this story. Entirely boring and not well planned? Tell me what you think. Perhaps if this story did not quite catch your interest, then perhaps my next project will. It is called, "The Legend of Oni." Everyone knows about the Fierce Deity Mask from Majora's Mask right? And we all know that when Link put it on he became 'Oni-Link.' From what I've read (and I have been trying to research this) when Link placed the mask on he was possessed by the spirit of a great warrior. Well, 'The Legend of Oni' will be about this Great Warrior and where he is today. I hope that sounds interesting. Watch for it coming up soon! : ) ~