Sorry, this chapter took longer than expected......(spots angry fans with grenades) Don't hurt me! What should make you all happy is that this chappy happens to be insanely long......although it's only a filler so it might not be worth the wait. You decide. Thanks to everyone, as always, and especially thanks to Arcia and AJ Taylir, for understanding my torment! (shoves a smore in mouth and grins) Thanks, Arcia! ^_____________________^ Here, you have one! (hands Arcia smore while trying to dodge more fan explosives) Sorry........it's kinda burnt........

Disclaimer: I got nothing, absolutely nothing. Not even my sanity. Kinda sad, ain't it?

The Missing Link

Chapter 6: Disturbing Finalities

It was a weary, stressed, and unkempt Saria that made her way up Death Mountain that day. Differing greatly from the usual forest guardian, Saria was not vibrant and smiling. Her head pounded mercilessly, her emerald hair was tangled and her clothes disheveled, damp from spending the night on a frigid patch of dirt. She was dour and silent, speaking only when she had to. When words actually managed to escape her tight lips, they were strained and irritable. Navi had long been resisting the urge to mock her, having countless gibes about her ensemble dancing teasingly through his head. However, he bit his tongue every time a snide comment attempted to make itself heard, knowing instinctively that if he were to lash out at Saria, no matter how lightly, she'd lose everything. She was dangerously raw and vulnerable. Navi would have to give her sufficient recovery time before he indulged in his insults once more.

They hadn't discussed the strange and unexpected events of last night, though Navi was well aware of what had taken place. Saria's bloodcurdling screams had torn him from his peaceful sleep, as well as the rest of the village, judging from the volume of her panic. He remembered jolting out of an erratic dream, only to find a greater disconcerting scene before his very open eyes. Saria was sobbing and screaming uncontrollably, shaking and tearing out her hair, pounding the bed in fury and hysteria. At first Navi was convinced that an intruder had stolen into the house in the cover of night, and was posing as the young forest girl, for surely the Saria he knew wouldn't shriek and rage so savagely. A closer look revealed that this was indeed his young companion, which seemed to render Navi speechless. He hovered above his empty bed, stunned into a rare silence, as he watched Saria bolt for the door and struggle with the knob, all the while screeching in frustration. Finally the door was flung wide open, leaving Navi alone listening to a few strangled sobs before his comrade fell silent.

The episode had left him uneasy, and the sun rose before he found repose once more. He slept for two unsettled hours before waking again, his breathing shallow, and gathered his companions for the tedious trip up the mountainside. At first he'd toyed with the thought of delaying their journey and taking an extra day's stay in Kakariko Village, if only to give Saria adequate time to regain her composure before she took on the fatal hazards of Death Mountain. While considering this, though, it slowly dawned on Navi that they had no time to trifle with. The fate of Hyrule was in serious question, and it was imperative that they keep moving. The completion of Navi's plan was crucial.

He intended to enlist the assistance of the Sages, hoping that they would offer all they had in order to save Hyrule. Only when he had gathered all seven of the Temple guardians could they begin an assault against the potent forces of evil that had settled heavily upon the land. Navi could only pray that the Sages would willingly comply. They were a motley bunch, these seven, and their current destination housed one of the most difficult. Darunia, King of the Gorons, was as hotheaded and fiery as the lava sea he watched over. Navi had engaged in many a battle of wits with this quick-tempered king, and had emerged victorious in several of them. He suspected winning Darunia's favor wouldn't prove difficult for, despite his contentious nature, the King of the Gorons also exhibited kindness towards strangers, which is where Saria came into play.

[If she ever lifts her morose silence, that is.] Navi thought grimly as he eyed the forest girl, trudging along sullenly. She hadn't even raised an eyebrow when they came across the Red Tektites early on in their travels; simply walking past them as though they were common house flies. Navi had been disappointed, having hoped for at least a shriek of terror and surprise, as she had emitted when they were confronted by a ghastly Poe in Hyrule Field. But no sound was uttered, and they marched on in uncomfortable muteness. Navi glanced once more at his companion, bleakly wondering how long her misery would drag on. It troubled Alia also, for she hovered worriedly around her master, only to become frustrated when Saria ignored her. Eventually the fairy gave up and flew solemnly behind the girl, occasionally getting caught in rising dust aroused by Saria's dejected footsteps.

The earlier midnight incidents played back in Navi's head once more, never losing their appalling quality. The entire situation had the fairy rather on edge. Saria didn't seem like the type to suddenly become consumed with panic. Granted, he hadn't known her very long, having only met the forest guardian a mere four days ago. As far as he knew, this just might be another display of Saria's quirky, temperamental personality. Random spaz attacks could be a daily occurrence in her life.



This only served as false reassurance. Navi sensed that Saria's sudden terror stemmed from a deeper, darker power, a force far beyond the young girl's control. Saria could be easily frightened, but she'd never go insane with fear. She could be sour at times, but stony silence didn't suit her in the least, Navi concluded. Therefore, her hysteria must be rooted in something far more potent, a strength far more threatening. [What could it possibly be?] Navi mused, carefully examining all possibilities. Saria had been perfectly fine, after recovering from the initial shock of Link's disappearance. A little irritable from sleep deprivation, perhaps, but otherwise her usual happy-go-lucky self. What could have caused such a profound change of character?

Suddenly, for a reason beyond his comprehension, Navi's mind snapped back to yesterday, before they'd arrived in Kakariko Village. The happenings started to replay slowly, fuzzy from being forgotten. A revelation was surfacing, but it was coming indistinctly, and Navi struggled to compose it. His eyes widened as the pieces started to fall into place, and he was forming a conclusion when a flat voice broke into his mind. The sudden interference startled him, and the thought took flight, leaving behind only blurry remnants and unfinished ideas.

"Is this the place, Navi?" Saria repeated testily, annoyed that he hadn't answered her first interrogation. Alia lingered at her side, relieved that her master had finally spoken, indifferent to Saria's ignorance.

It took a second for Navi to recognize that Saria had indeed spoken, and a moment more before her question registered in his brain. Her voice had stunned him, being the last thing he had expected to hear, and his amazement mounted when he fully freed himself from his mind and realized that they were indeed standing before the entrance to Goron City. It seemed he had gotten so lost in his speculations that he'd lost track of where they were. He shook his head, remembering that he still hadn't responded to Saria. "Yeah......we're here. I'll lead the way in, I guess." The words were slow in coming, trying to make their way out of his jumbled mind. He took to the front, guiding Saria and Alia into the cavern. The almost-realization was already forgotten.

They emerged from impermanent darkness to come face-to-face with a breathtaking sight. Though he'd seen the city of the Gorons countless times before, Navi still managed to be astonished at the beauty and detail of the metropolis, at the carefully winding tunnels and firm rocky structures. The magnitude of the city even served to surprise Saria, who took everything in with wide, unbelieving eyes, her glowering expression temporarily disappearing. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen before. Navi had always poked fun at her childlike amazement before, but now it somewhat eased him to see her acting more like herself. He brushed off his relief, feeling stupid for finding comfort in such a thing.

"Darunia should be on the lowest level. We'll take this tunnel," Navi decided, gesturing to an opening in the rock with his wing. Saria nodded, the look of incredulity not leaving her face. Whatever it was about this place, it had awakened her. Navi started to smile, then shook his head and began leading the pair down a series of caverns and pathways, wondering where his sarcasm had disappeared to. They passed several residents of Goron City, and Saria stared in wonder. There was nothing like these creatures in Kokiri Forest. Despite their intimidating size, their large violet eyes were innocent and friendly in their plump faces, and their toothy smiles wide and welcoming.

Saria found her gloomy spirits beginning to lift as she took in these magnificent creatures, and the life they had created for themselves deep inside the mountain. The world outside the boundaries of the wooded forest never ceased to amaze her. There were countless fantastic things to be found, and it saddened her that the rest of the Kokiri would never experience them. She felt a pang of heartache when she remembered that it was supposed to be Link who was discovering these phenomena, rather then herself. For an instant her face clouded over as she entertained the occurrence of the night before, thoughts of Link having grimly reminded her.

She hadn't been allowing herself to recollect the events, to call back the feelings of severe terror. Instead she had attempted to stifle them, trap them in the back of her mind where they couldn't threaten her. She hadn't spoken for fear of the horror escaping her control, only confined herself, becoming cold and silent. Now she felt herself beginning to panic as the memories pressed down on her, and she shook her head violently to drive them away. [I have a job to do here] she told herself firmly as they reached the entrance to Darunia's den. [I'm not letting anything distract me.]

In front of them was a sealed door, bedecked with various carvings. Saria looked up at Navi curiously. "How do we get in?" she asked, noticing that there were no knobs or handles of any kind. She fingered the designs, admiring their complexity, her cerulean eyes wide and interested, carrying none of the cold emptiness present earlier that day.

Navi's face was just as perplexed, though he wasn't staring at the entrance. [She seems to be reverting to her usual temperament. Why?] Navi studied the young girl. Perhaps the child's wonder and fascination with Goron City had worn away the after-effects of her nightly delirium. He struggled to grasp understanding, suddenly recalling thoughts lost earlier. He was searching for these confused reflections when he felt a pair of amethyst eyes glance up at him, wondering why he hadn't answered her inquiry. Saria fidgeted slightly as she felt the fairy's gaze sweep over her, questioning the scrutiny with which he examined her. "Navi?" she asked softly. She glanced over her shoulder at Alia, searching for answers. Her fairy simply fluttered her wings, in a gesture of oblivion.

Noticing Saria's interrogative expression, Navi tore himself from his mind once more. "Do you have an ocarina?" was all that came from his mouth. He offered nothing in the way of explanation.

Saria's eyes widened in surprise. "Yeah....." she managed to say as she dug the small wooden instrument out of her tunic pocket, giving Navi another interested look. "What for?" She always carried it with her, and had never expected to use it for anything more than entertainment. The fact that it might be useful otherwise had never occurred to her.

"Play it," Navi told her simply, giving no other instruction. Saria looked up at him, with an expression of oncoming annoyance. "Play what?" she asked in exasperation, rolling her eyes.

"The ocarina, stupid," Navi grinned, pleased to find that his attitude had not deserted him. The girl's annoyance put him at ease, reassuring him that Saria had indeed returned. Perhaps his unfinished conceptions weren't important, after all.

He sensed rising anger from the Sage, noting her narrowed eyes and hands that reached upward to emerald locks. He saw an indescribable look cross her face, and for a split second he worried that he'd spoken too soon, that she hadn't yet been ready for his mocking. After a moment of fuming, she finally spoke, her hands falling back down to her sides. "What do you want me to play on the ocarina?" she snapped, choosing not to exchange insults with the fairy.

Navi smiled, feeling sufficiently relieved. Truly, this was the Saria he knew. "A song," he told her jeeringly, knowing full well she was clueless as to what he was talking about. Saria glared daggers at him, and opened her mouth to tell the fairy just where he could shove it. As much as he enjoyed torturing the forest girl, Navi decided to cut her a break for once, only because she'd just recovered. "Play 'Zelda's Lullaby'," he explained, rather surprised at himself for letting her go so easily. [Tomorrow she won't be so lucky] he thought smugly.

Saria's furious expression quickly turned to one of astonishment. Apparently she couldn't believe Navi's leniency, either. [What's with him today, anyway?] she wondered as she lifted the ocarina to her lips, shooting yet another perplexed look at the fairy. All she got in return was a flap of the wings, indicating "Go ahead, play". She complied without a second thought, deciding to deal with Navi's odd behavior later. The gentle, harmonious notes of "Zelda's Lullaby" resounded clearly throughout Goron City, heads turning at the sonorous sound. It was a song Saria had learned long ago as a inexperienced child, when she first began learning what her duty as a Sage would entail.

The memories were lucid; even now she could imagine Impa standing beside her, guiding her through the melody, urging her to concentrate when she stumbled over the notes. As the last few mellifluous sounds wound their way around her, the door that stood before the heroes began to open slowly, revealing a shadowy entrance. Saria closed her eyes, inhaling deeply as she brought the ocarina down. The ghost of Impa slowly faded away, and when the forest guardian viewed the world again, her amethyst eyes were wet.

Wordlessly, she returned the ocarina to its place and stepped forward, entering Darunia's chamber without Navi and Alia. Navi watched her retreating figure, her fairy scurrying after her, and felt a swelling sadness deep within. It seemed some were not meant to find peace. No, they were forced to live with the pain, survive amidst the agony. Saria.......she didn't deserve such a cruel fate. Navi shook his head heavily, trying to drive away the sympathy. He wasn't a fairy of pity. Compassion weakened him. He felt strange to himself as he realized the unfamiliar feelings of empathy. [This isn't me] he thought faintly as he floated into the King's den. [Who am I?]

Darunia looked up from where he stood in the back of the room, staring at the three with a look of distress. When he noticed Navi he managed a weak smirk and stepped forward. "Ah, Navi! It's been a long time. I was beginning to think you'd finally realized who your superiors are and decided to steer clear of them," he remarked, eyeing the fairy and waiting for a comeback.

Navi put aside his identity crisis long enough to respond. "Not exactly. I just thought I'd give you a chance to perfect your tactics, seeing as how I've won the last several engagements." Saria's gaze shifted between the two, studying them with amusement. Her glance came to rest on Darunia, surely the most powerful Goron of them all. She'd heard of the Sage of Fire many times before, of course, but she'd never actually met him. At the moment she wasn't sure what to think. She'd always been told that Darunia was rather quick-tempered, but he didn't appear to be. He simply looked troubled, although he seemed to be taking pleasure in his verbal combat with Navi. Speaking of Navi......Saria looked over at the fairy. [What's he waiting for? When is he going to inform Darunia of the situation?] she wondered. [Could he be waiting for me to speak?] Almost as if he'd read her thoughts, Navi glanced at the girl. "Don't say anything," his rapidly undulating wings seemed to say. Saria nodded silently, puzzled at the fairy's methods, but knowing better than to contradict him.

Darunia laughed heartily at Navi's comment. "In your mind, perhaps. It takes more than words to win a battle of wits, my friend. You mustn't let your mouth do the talking." The King also shot an interested look at Saria, quickly sweeping over her with an intent gaze. [Could this be.....] he thought curiously, studying the elfin apparel and the fairy that hovered lightly above the girl's shoulder. [I never thought I'd see the day.] He shook his head in disbelief.

Navi ignored the gesture, as well as Darunia's examination of Saria. "I didn't come here for inexpert advice. We're looking to ask a favor-" he began, but was cut off almost before the words fully emerged.

"First you shall introduce me to your companion, Navi. Where are your manners? You should know how to act properly when in the company of your victors. After I have been rightly acquainted, then I shall decide whether or not to grace you with my noble assistance," Darunia ordered, pointing a finger at Saria. Navi rolled his eyes. [And I thought no one could surpass me in arrogance!] he thought sourly as he approached Saria.

"This is Saria, Sage of the Forest Temple. She's accompanying me on an extremely important journey, a quest that calls for your unfailing aid. Saria, this is Darunia, Sage of the Fire Temple. Act like you appreciate him." Navi sighed and looked at Darunia. "Satisfied?"

"Very. Although I could do without your ridicule, Navi," the Sage said sternly. He then turned his gaze to Saria, offering a inviting smile. "Sage of the Forest Temple, is it? Why yes, I suspected as much, judging by your appearance. I've heard many respectable things about you, many honorable things indeed."

Saria, not sure of how to take the compliment, simply curtsied slightly. "Thank you. I've heard much about you, as well." Her cheeks colored mildly, conveying embarrassment at her own behavior. Saria usually handled first meetings well, not being afraid to speak to strangers. As far as she was concerned, being apprehensive of new experiences just wasted time. Darunia was different, though she wasn't sure how, exactly. [He's a Sage, same as I am. What's there to be nervous about?]

The Fire Sage simply laughed at the girl's anxiety, finding her diffidence humorous. Navi only rolled his eyes at the vapid formality of both Sages. "There's no need to be afraid, child. After all, we both command a great deal of power, correct? We are, in fact, equals. Kinsman, of a sort, wouldn't you say?" Darunia reasoned, voicing Saria's earlier thoughts. His response was a grateful nod from Saria and a scoff of disdain from Navi.

"You haven't changed a bit, Darunia. Always falling back on your status to conceal your lack of mentality; the routine is all too familiar," the fairy spoke with a hint of acidity. Darunia had a habit of talking himself up, and Navi could never resist an opportunity to scorn the haughty King.

Darunia simply looked at the fairy, unmoved by his bitter tone. "You remain unchanged as well, old friend. Headstrong and critical, just as always. I suppose some things always stay the same," he glanced back at Saria. "You mentioned.....a favor, did you not? What sort of request do you have in mind?"

"Well, it might be rather difficult for you to comply with, Darunia, seeing as how you'd actually have to offer your services to others. Care to fit us into your ridiculously busy, egotistical schedule?" Navi's voice was leaded with sarcasm. Saria shot him a warning look of sorts, and he simply rolled his eyes at her. As far as he was concerned, the Sage was no threat. Let her make faces at him all she pleased; it was simply a waste of time.

"Navi!" Darunia thundered. The den shook with his rage, shaking loose pieces of rock and shale that rained around them, kicking up great amounts of dust and sediment. Saria's short-lived mental image of the Fire Sage being moderate and slow to anger was tossed into the wind, and a true character description took its place. [So this is the famous fiery attitude of Darunia] Saria reflected as she shielded her face from debris. [I suppose Navi was waiting for this.] She glanced over at the fairy, and his uppity stance told her that he was indeed pleased at the King's outburst. Saria wasn't the only one he delighted in tormenting.

"If you don't wipe that smirk off your face and drop the attitude, then I shall be forced to do so for you! I can assure you, Navi, you will not enjoy my methods. Now, share with me this request of yours before you meet with an untimely end." Darunia's voice was firm and threatening, though he lowered the volume of his menace considerably. "I would advise you to remember your place, impudent fairy, and keep in mind the necessary protocol when speaking to your betters. Else, if I must remind you again, the consequences will be extremely unpleasant." He waited for Navi's acknowledgment. "Do you understand, Navi?" he bellowed ominously.

Navi sighed, emitting a slight flick of the wing. He hated admitting to Darunia's power and displaying his inferiority in the process. Mockery danced tauntingly on his tongue, urging him to trump the Sage and regain his pride. Resistance was grueling, oh, those insults would be gratifying. Nonetheless, he kept his head, and refused indignantly to let his combative spirit do the talking, because he knew the results of doing so. Shortly after a brief taste of victory, his argumentative impulses would slink away, leaving Navi to suffer in their wake. He'd done it before; let his mouth run away without his mind. The aftermath was nothing short of painful. He took considerable time to think before opening his mouth to speak, a rare occurrence for such an outspoken fairy.

"This favor is nothing trivial, Darunia, as most of my past appeals. Hyrule is in grave danger; I'm sure you've guessed as much by now. There is a certain child by the name of Link. He is the sole hero of the land, and I was sent to accompany him on a quest to rid Hyrule of evil....." Navi went on, telling Darunia a shortened version of the past struggles endured by himself and the Sage of the Forest. Saria flinched every time Link's name came up, and nearly gagged when his disappearance was mentioned. She knew Navi was taking care to leave out the details of the missing hero, if only to spare her grief, and she was grateful. He said nothing about her panic attack, and she didn't bother to fill in the gaps.

When Navi had finished, there wasn't a hint of the former rage on Darunia's face. He simply appeared concerned, and seemed to be thinking hard. After several long moments, he finally found his voice. "You say this child, this Link, is the only one who can save us?" he asked. Navi waved his wings in clarification. "Link......Link.......now where have I heard that name before?" he mused. Navi noticed Saria paling beside him, and decided to wrap up his business before the young girl was overwhelmed.

"That's really not important at the moment. Now, do you understand your part in this, Darunia? Do all you can to ensure the safety of the Fire Temple, and your people. We'll contact you again in due time, when we've gathered all the Sages. With the help of all seven we should be able to save Hyrule," Navi paused, as if unsure whether to continue. His next request would not please the Sage in the least. "Oh yes, one last thing. It's a matter of little importance, I'm sure. We......we need the Spiritual Stone of Fire." He stared unflinching at the King, waiting for his response.

Darunia's eyes narrowed, and he looked at the fairy disapprovingly. "As usual, waiting until the last possible second to acquire what you truly want. Indeed, some things never change. Well, Navi, under any other circumstances, you know I'd refuse without negotiation. However, due to the extreme crisis that has befallen Hyrule, I shall accede without complaint. That is, if you'll grant a minor favor for me, in return." He eyed Navi expectantly, wondering if he would be refused.

Navi's elation at having secured the Spiritual Stone faded, replaced with full-fledged annoyance. [What?! Since when do I have to do anything? God, you'd think the guy would want to save his own hide, but no, he has to get something out of it, same as always. Why must I pay people to spare themselves?] "What is it, Darunia? And if you think I'm marching into Dodongo's Cavern and kicking out all those freaks just for you, you're sorely mistaken. That was intended to be Link's task. I'm no savior; I'm simply a sidekick, and sidekicks don't do the hero work." Navi made his argument loud and clear, wanting no misinterpretation on the King's side.

"Ah, so you are aware of the troubles in Dodongo's Cavern. How kind of you to flatly refuse your services," Darunia's voice was sour, but his expression not one of irritation. Saria supposed he was simply proving he was capable of sarcasm, too. "I'm doing a fine job of handling the Dodongos at the present time, though it would be helpful to have someone wipe them out completely." He glanced at Saria, and she prayed he wasn't considering the thoughts in her mind. "And you? Are you a sidekick as well, or could you possibly prove to be a hero?"

Navi snickered, and in time his innocent snigger became loud, extreme laughter. "H-her?! Taking on the Dodongos?! It's so incredibly unthinkable, it's funny! Have you taken one look at the kid?! She's nothing!" His words were barely conceivable, considering they were fighting to escape between his mocking cackles. "And all this time I thought you couldn't make a joke, Darunia! What a guy!"

Saria glared at him, seething. She could deal with him insulting her alone, maybe, but public humiliation?! That was something she refused to let slip, particularly when it was in front of a King, a Sage, no less! She noticed Darunia watching her, a look of amusement playing on his lips. He was clearly interested to see how she handled herself. [Well, if they're so eager to see me lose it, then I'll gladly show them!] she fumed, instinct bringing her hands to her head. The insults flew out of her mouth before she realized what they meant. "Oh, like you'd do a better job?! You think I'm worthless?! All you've got is a big mouth and a bad attitude towards just about everything! How's that going to help anything? How would you get rid of those Dodongos, Navi?! Throw out random insults until they get tired and give up? Talk about a failure! If anyone's nothing around here, it's you!" The words were coming faster than she could keep up with them. It was strange to find the tables turning: now Navi was the one who thought before speaking, while she raged on in blind fury, with intelligent thinking calling in sick.

Navi's jaw dropped. He faintly observed Darunia's triumphant smile out of the corner of his eye, but he chose to ignore it. [I-I can't believe.....she.......] For a second he was incapable of coherent thought or speech. When the initial shock at Saria's outburst finally wore off, he grinned widely. [Well, well, well. I must be more of an influence on the kid than I thought.] "And all this time I thought you didn't have it in ya," he told her, smiling broadly.

Saria's ferocity was slowly turning to confusion, and the common disappointment that Navi was unaffected by her words. She thought he'd at least retaliate, after she threw out so much ridicule. Didn't he have anything to scream about? Anything to protest? She comforted her wounded spirit remembering the stunned look in Navi's eyes immediately after she'd finished. Apparently he never thought she'd scream in front of Darunia. [I guess I'm not as shy and quiet as he thought] she decided victoriously, standing a little taller. Her confusion was instantly replaced by pride, and she smiled back at him without speaking. At the moment, words weren't needed.

"Well done, my girl! An excellent performance, indeed!" Darunia roared, clapping her on the back appreciatively. Saria managed to stand her ground, and flashed yet another conquering grin. She crossed her arms haughtily over her chest, feeling intensely invigorated. She'd never been very aggressive, but this feeling of rivalry, this newly born contentious spirit, was incredibly rejuvenating. [Perhaps the quiet ones miss out....] she speculated on her former character.

Navi found the arrogant look in the girl's eyes comical. [Now the pure of heart are going to be full of themselves? What's this world coming to?] "It's a start, possibly. Her presentation could have used a touch more scorn, and maybe a tone of sarcasm, rather than just screaming. Her insults were rather lukewarm, but, considering it's her first time, I'll let it slide." After reflecting on it, he could see that her outburst hadn't been particularly spiteful. It had just caught him off guard.

Darunia shook his head at the fairy's denial. "So now you're cross-examining her style of mockery, is that it? Consider yourself an expert in the art of ridicule? The best should be competent of admitting defeat, Navi."

Navi rolled his eyes. "Defeat? Hardly!" he scoffed. Then he sighed. He did have to give the Kokiri girl some credit. He'd never expected her to be harsh, and he certainly hadn't anticipated her accusing screams in front of Darunia. She had what it took, however tepid her first argument had been. "I did say it was a start," he admitted. "Not a particularly forceful start, but a start nonetheless." He couldn't go increasing Saria's ego. It seemed to have swelled enough on its own.

Saria smiled, recognizing Navi's regret to express his approval. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Navi," she told him, careful to add a note of sarcasm to her statement.

"Sure thing, forest chick," Navi shot back, hoping to get her rage worked up again. Saria refused to be angered a second time, however, and simply stood firm, tossing her hair back disdainfully. Navi rolled his eyes once more. [Don't flatter yourself, elf girl. It's really nothing to celebrate.] "Anyway, we don't have time to waste on Saria's combative abilities. Are you going to give me the Spiritual Stone?"

Darunia smiled once more at Saria before turning his gaze to Navi. "I believe you're the one wasting time, my friend. I shall request nothing more of you in return for the Stone; that little show you put on was satisfaction enough." He walked to a small wooden chest adorned with tiny, shimmering pebbles and stuck a key in the intricate hole. The chest opened, revealing a gorgeous stone resembling the fires of Death Mountain, nestled on violet silk. Deep ruby flames were supported by shining gold, and the stone sparkled with a technicolor flourish as Darunia lifted it from the chest. Saria gazed in awe at the creation, her hand instinctively reaching to her pocket, where she kept the Spiritual Stone of the Forest. It was an attractive work as well, showing skilled craftsmanship in the gilded wave that held a sparkling emerald in place. It was sometimes difficult to believe that she had been entrusted with such a royal treasure.

Navi watched jubilantly as Darunia handed the precious stone to Saria, and she stored it safely in the pocket of her tunic. "I trust you'll take excellent care of it," Darunia remarked as he closed the chest.

"I believe that will be all. Thanks for your cooperation, Darunia. As you know, it is greatly appreciated. We shall speak with you again when the time is right. At the moment, we must depart. Our quest awaits." Navi spoke with professional diplomacy, hoping to leave an impression of greatness on the Sage. He motioned to Saria to follow him out of the den.

"Not another step," Darunia ordered suddenly. "What did you say that hero's name was?"

"Uh, it's Link," Navi mumbled quickly, shooting a glance at Saria. He saw her eyes twitch, but that was all.

"I knew it!" Darunia snapped his massive fingers in realization. "I knew I'd heard that name before!"

"Yeah, I said it only about a million times, Darunia," Navi told him, becoming rather irritable. They'd already stayed far longer than was necessary here; it was past time to move on.



"Silence, Navi. I'd advise you to recall my earlier warning," Darunia spoke rigidly. He turned to Saria, sensing that she'd take him more seriously. "The day before yesterday, my messenger Goron brought me some rather disturbing news from Kakariko Village. There was a house that was violently broken into, and the occupants were found dead that morning. Only one was still living, and she was in poor condition. The villagers who found her said that she was in shock, shaking violently and mumbling incoherently. The only word they could make out was power. She repeated it several times, her eyes glancing about the room wildly, as though she was expecting to see someone. They attempted to learn more, but the victim's body eventually shut down due to trauma and critical wounds. Her last word before she passed.......was Link."

Saria swayed slightly, her head spinning as she tried to process the information. The very mention of Link's name made her ill. She reached out a hand, grabbing at the air as she searched desperately for something to steady herself. Realizing there was nothing to provide support, she simply put a hand to her head, willing away the dizziness and the rising pain in her chest. Alia flitted about nervously, seeking to comfort her master, but finding her attempts to be in vain. Darunia seemed to be waiting for Saria to speak, so she opened her mouth. Nothing came out.

Navi, sensing her nausea, attempted to draw Darunia's attention to himself. "What house was this in the village?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly due to disbelief.

Darunia looked at him solemnly. "I believe it was the house closest to the entrance of the village, next to the stone wall with the first staircase to the Death Mountain trail. I hear the owners were quite kind, often offering up most of what they had to wandering strangers."

Navi paled noticeably, as did Saria beside him. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse, barely audible. "That's the house we stayed in last night." He felt slightly sick as he remembered thinking the residents had been on vacation. [Yeah, the vacation you never return from] he thought shakily. He noticed Saria beginning to crumble mildly as a strangled sound somewhere between a sigh and a moan escaped her lips.

"There's one last thing," Darunia commented heavily. "They were able to discern a third word; the victim spoke it a few minutes before she succumbed to her injuries." He paused, reflecting grimly on the facts. "Moments before she spoke Link's name."

"What was it?" Navi inquired, his voice barely above a whisper. At the moment, he wasn't sure he wanted to know.

"Death," Darunia revealed quietly.

The second the word registered fully in Saria's dulled brain, her knees gave way. She fell against the wall, slid, and collapsed on the floor, emitting a stifled cry. A glacial shiver passed through her, and her sapphire eyes glazed over. "Velak," she muttered flatly as her head dropped forward, lolling about limply. Navi and Darunia watched with anxious, confused expressions as the girl's eyes rolled back into her head. Disturbing images flicked across Saria's memory, blurry from being suppressed. "Ecrofirt," she murmured, flinching. Her head shot up suddenly, smashing against the stone wall. The girl's mind went blank and her world turned dark, thoughts fading away into a silent world of things unknown.

"Velak."

The chapter's finally done! Yay! (dances around and throws confetti) That was a hard one. So, are you all terribly confused? Or have you figured out anything new? I know you guys wanted a clue about Link........maybe next chappy, if I can figure out how to do it without giving away the entire plot.......I've been known to do that. (sighs) Anyways, hope you liked it, even if it took a bizillion years to read. I'm not making any promises on the next one, but hopefully this will keep you somewhat occupied........just remember to review! See ya! (runs away before getting caught in another crossfire)