HYRULE'S SECOND RELIC: CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Lunar: Sorry for the sort chappie before. I figured it would be an interesting one to show everyone else's thoughts instead of just Katina's.
Within two more days Katina was fit and ready and amazingly healed. Kina was mostly responsible for that. The sword could provide healing aid to its owner.
Link had fallen asleep after taking over for Tayl and when he woke Katina wasn't in her bed and Kina was missing from its place propped against the bedside.
Link looked up, his sleepiness slipped off him and he looked around the room. He pulled himself immediately feeling the aches and stiffness of his muscles. He stood up and stretched, feeling his spine click.
"Katina?" He said.
She wasn't in the room. He looked out the window and grinned. He could see Katina in the courtyard training and going through sword routines with Kina.
"Katina!" He called down.
Katina looked up and waved for him to come down.
Link rushed down through the castle out to the courtyard. Once out he couldn't help but feel so happy that he grabbed Katina and whirled her around.
"Hey!" Katina breezed as Link put her down. "What're you doing?"
Link was panting partly because of his naught to 60 sprint and because he was so happy. "The other night you were on deaths door and now you're just fine!"
Katina chuckled. "Of course I am. Last night was the last of it, and Kina helped me."
Link couldn't keep the grin from his face. "Hey! We've got to escort Zelda to see Wiccra."
Katina was familiar with the name of Wiccra, she had been told about her before. It wasn't the first time she'd had to cross the mountains to see her. She knew the routine.
"Isn't it dangerous............I mean The King...........his life is at stake...........and Zelda's too." Katina said.
Link shrugged. "That's what I said too..............but............they say it's their duty and I suppose it's true. They have the allegiance of the land and the kingdom but deep down they're actually serving all of Hyrule by helping keep them safe. It's a circle that constantly comes back round."
Katina rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Have any plans been drafted up?"
"I drafted a few up......since you're fit and ready I'll need you as back up. Guess who's going under the title of advisor?"
"Oh great! Not Rubidium? As in I-have-to-disagree-with-you Lord Rubidium?" Katina asked.
"Yes. Suit up, we'll be heading for the shooting gallery some time today." Link said.
Katina rolled her eyes. "Where's Tayl?"
"I'm not sure...................." Link thought for a moment. "I think she went down on an errand for the King."
"Tayl, on an errand? I'm sure she'll be verrrry pleased."
They laughed and then walked off to the meeting. Inside was Rubidium. He straightened as they came in, making sure his appearance was perfection solidified. The tow bit back a cringe.
Then the meeting started.
"I think maybe we should try another path through, I've checked out various cartographers and they've helped me draft them up, it should buy us some safety since Ganon may be too familiar with the route that we normally take." Link started.
"I have to disagree with you dear boy." Rubidium said, missing when Katina mouthed and mimicked him.
Link bit his lip to stop him from laughing.
"We'll have more of an advantage going the way we know so we know what to expect and where they can hide form. If we take all the right precautions we can overcome anything." Rubidium said.
"An intriguing matter of debate we have." Zelda said. "Katina, do you have anything to contribute?"
"I think that although his Grace, Lord Rubidium, raises a good point, that all our soldiers may not be capable of standing against every possibility. I believe Link is right, and it will give us an upper hand." Katina said, not taking her eyes from Rubidium.
The meeting continued, and as always, the usual catch phrase Rubidium was an objection of: I have to disagree.
The final verdict was to take another route, possibly quicker to take advantage of time. But the debate had been a vicious one. It had been a verbal battlefield. Link after a certain point knew when he should let Katina lash out. However, had they let Tayl come she would've made some serious insults and actually hit the council members.
Katina had come thoroughly prepared when they tired to hit her with how and why and what. She answered them perfectly. It was hard to beat Katina politically. She had a natural ability all right. For a warrior.
Once they walked out they were greeted by Tayl.
"How did it go?" Tayl asked.
"I needed to hit plenty of them." Katina answered.
The three of them laughed.
"So, are we doin' Link's plan?" Tayl asked.
"Only just." Link said.
"Then I guess we'll all be suited up." Tayl said.
"After," Katina began. "We of back to see that cartographer about the quickest route we can find."
"A what-o-grapher?" Tayl repeated.
"A map maker and charter." Katina answered.
They had gotten as far as assembling the troops when Wiccra walked through the gates of the castle and the announcement went up. The old woman made her way to the courtyard where Zelda and The King were waiting for her. She slapped away any offers from the Royal Guard to help her get there.
"My Lady, Princess Zelda." Her rough voice greeted as she hobbled along, her basic brown shawl and cloak over her, a hood over her head.
"Wiccra...........we were.........." Zelda began.
"Making a dangerous journey to see me? I know. Which is why I am opting to warp you there and back, accompanied by your guardians and your father." Wiccra said. "I have been watching the stars very closely. I can feel evil rising. I knew you would try and risk your lives to get here. So I thought I'd help a little more on my part."
A circle of light appeared on the floor, a warp point. They all stepped onto it, and after a flash of light they then all found themselves in Wiccra's place.
It was like a cave, water dripped everywhere, furniture was limited and simple, but there was a huge oak table with a set of weird tubes with liquids passing through them like an alchemy lab.
"I know you have come to seek my judgement. But all I will say is this: You must find a solution form the people who are used to having dealt with what Ganon will unleash." Wiccra said. "And you need a relic. You need a Towerling Relic."
"Towerling Relic? Towerlings aren't real, are they?" Navi asked.
Wiccra chuckled. "Yes, they are a real race, or rather a lost one. There are hardly any left, their city went through an attack which made the city deserted and possibly in ruins. But the relic is still there."
"Is there a map to this place?" Zelda asked.
"Only to the portal, it existed in it's own small dimension right by Hyrule and it's dimensional fabric. Inside the city you will be alone." Wiccra said.
"We can't!" Katina burst.
They looked at her.
"There's nothing left of it! Something attacked that place and it's still there. I won't allow the Princess to go. Or the King." Katina said, aware that they were all looking at her.
"So you are familiar with the creature? Perhaps you came into contact with it as it exited." Wiccra said.
"I know more about it than any of you. Look at the stars all you want but you can't know what it's truly capable until you find it. If anybody goes then I request that just myself go." Katina turned to the King.
"Denied." The King said. "You will take Link and Tayl with you. You are one unit."
"I'm happy with that, your Majesty. But it's too dangerous for you." Katina said, bowing.
Tayl had to go and ask a cartographer to translate the directions Wiccra had written down for them onto a map. She had detailed everything and there was a cartographer who was skilled enough to make maps form description.
This left Link and Katina to pack and practise.
"Katina............." Link said.
"Yes?" Katina said, angrily throwing something into her bag.
"Is there something wrong?" Link asked.
"No there is absolutely nothing-" As she whirled around angrily she rolled into his path, causing them to be inches form each other. Katina swallowed and moved away. "I don't have a good feeling about this. I really don't."
"What aren't you telling us, what is it with you and this creature?" Link asked.
"I know all about it, Link. I've met people who have been in its path; they come out as a body without a soul. Their eyes are empty and they can't stop quaking. They can hardly eat unless you tell them to. I have travelled Link; I know things outside of Hyrule. I know what it can do and I know it remains there. I know this is a suicide mission and I know............." She watched as Link took her shoulders.
"Listen, I'm not going to pry because I know something happened to you, it's been in your eyes the second I saw you with them open. Now let me tell you my facts. I know that you're a strong girl. I know that your friends are gonna stand up for you and defend you. I know that we've come through a lot of hardships. And I know that you never like to give in." he said. "You're never alone."
Katina let her eyes wander to the floor, her head bowing. "I'm doing this because of my duty, Link. Not because I want to." And she walked away.
He watched her in silence as she packed her things, threw her pack over her back and then walk out. He slumped down on the bed.
What ever happened to her........? He thought.
As Katina stormed out she bumped into Tayl, who had her arms folded over her chest.
"This is what you get." Tayl sighed.
"Don't start on me, Tayl. I'm not in the mood." Katina snapped.
"And I'm not in the mood to be snapped at by my own flesh and blood. Even I don't know what sparked off that little display back there." Tayl said, scowling.
"You're not the only one who's doing this because they have to." Tayl said. "I didn't join this silly little Guardian scheme because I wanted to, I did it because of you, because I haven't seen you in a long time and I wanted to be with you. And I'm not trying to be a Hylian, like you are. Okay so you convinced people here that you're one of them, but try convincing yourself and me."
Katina sighed angrily making a noise like an angry horse. "I am NOT trying to be a Hylian! Tayl, don't you understand that if you're called then it doesn't matter what race, gender or age you are."
"So where ever something calls you go, ignoring your family?" Tayl snapped.
Katina sighed, this time wearily. "I thought you'd forgiven me, I thought you understood. I know about my duty, Tayl. I know you don't like it. I know you wish we could go back to the old day but I know that we can't get those back. It's here and now that counts. It never used to...............but this is now. Tell Link if he asks I might not come back but I'll be here for start off."
Tayl yelled after her but Katina didn't even turn back to face her. She just walked off. She walked all the way to lake Hylia, across the long bridge to the island and she sat down. She looked at the moon for a long time, hugging her knees.
A tear slid down her cheeks.
She barely heard when Link walked over the bridge and then sat down beside her. When she was finally aware of his presence she looked up at him the quickly wiped her eyes.
"The moon is so bright it made my eyes water." Katina said as an excuse, which Link could see right through.
"I'm really worried about you." Link admitted.
"I'll be okay..........once.......once I......." She sniffed. "Too many things remind me. The sooner we get this mission over and done with the better."
"What if I got a request for you to stay behind or do something else?" Link asked.
"I have to face this, I'm not turning away from it. I figured that one day I'd have to do this." Katina said, then she laughed nostalgically. "Well...........it's here now........." She stood up. "I'd better go now and........" Link stood up to and took her shoulders. "I have...........have to....."
"If you're sure you're okay..." Link said.
She could feel him getting closer and she looked at him, her emerald green eyes with his sapphire blue ones. As he bent his head down she closed her eyes, a pink tint colouring her cheeks.
"Link! Hello! Link!" It was Navi.
Link gave a little half sigh half grunt and opened his eyes, as did Katina. The two parted a little awkwardly and turned to see the little fairy whizzing over at top speed to them.
"Link! Zelda is looking for you! She wants to talk to you." Navi said, out of breath.
"Okay," Link said. "I'll be there in a moment. Tell her I'll only be a little while."
They watched Navi whiz away and disappear. Link looked to Katina with a grin.
"Are you ready to go......or do you want to talk........or stay here alone?" He asked.
"I'll go with you." Katina said and they walked off as though their previous little 'event' never happened.
Lunar: Sorry for the sort chappie before. I figured it would be an interesting one to show everyone else's thoughts instead of just Katina's.
Within two more days Katina was fit and ready and amazingly healed. Kina was mostly responsible for that. The sword could provide healing aid to its owner.
Link had fallen asleep after taking over for Tayl and when he woke Katina wasn't in her bed and Kina was missing from its place propped against the bedside.
Link looked up, his sleepiness slipped off him and he looked around the room. He pulled himself immediately feeling the aches and stiffness of his muscles. He stood up and stretched, feeling his spine click.
"Katina?" He said.
She wasn't in the room. He looked out the window and grinned. He could see Katina in the courtyard training and going through sword routines with Kina.
"Katina!" He called down.
Katina looked up and waved for him to come down.
Link rushed down through the castle out to the courtyard. Once out he couldn't help but feel so happy that he grabbed Katina and whirled her around.
"Hey!" Katina breezed as Link put her down. "What're you doing?"
Link was panting partly because of his naught to 60 sprint and because he was so happy. "The other night you were on deaths door and now you're just fine!"
Katina chuckled. "Of course I am. Last night was the last of it, and Kina helped me."
Link couldn't keep the grin from his face. "Hey! We've got to escort Zelda to see Wiccra."
Katina was familiar with the name of Wiccra, she had been told about her before. It wasn't the first time she'd had to cross the mountains to see her. She knew the routine.
"Isn't it dangerous............I mean The King...........his life is at stake...........and Zelda's too." Katina said.
Link shrugged. "That's what I said too..............but............they say it's their duty and I suppose it's true. They have the allegiance of the land and the kingdom but deep down they're actually serving all of Hyrule by helping keep them safe. It's a circle that constantly comes back round."
Katina rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Have any plans been drafted up?"
"I drafted a few up......since you're fit and ready I'll need you as back up. Guess who's going under the title of advisor?"
"Oh great! Not Rubidium? As in I-have-to-disagree-with-you Lord Rubidium?" Katina asked.
"Yes. Suit up, we'll be heading for the shooting gallery some time today." Link said.
Katina rolled her eyes. "Where's Tayl?"
"I'm not sure...................." Link thought for a moment. "I think she went down on an errand for the King."
"Tayl, on an errand? I'm sure she'll be verrrry pleased."
They laughed and then walked off to the meeting. Inside was Rubidium. He straightened as they came in, making sure his appearance was perfection solidified. The tow bit back a cringe.
Then the meeting started.
"I think maybe we should try another path through, I've checked out various cartographers and they've helped me draft them up, it should buy us some safety since Ganon may be too familiar with the route that we normally take." Link started.
"I have to disagree with you dear boy." Rubidium said, missing when Katina mouthed and mimicked him.
Link bit his lip to stop him from laughing.
"We'll have more of an advantage going the way we know so we know what to expect and where they can hide form. If we take all the right precautions we can overcome anything." Rubidium said.
"An intriguing matter of debate we have." Zelda said. "Katina, do you have anything to contribute?"
"I think that although his Grace, Lord Rubidium, raises a good point, that all our soldiers may not be capable of standing against every possibility. I believe Link is right, and it will give us an upper hand." Katina said, not taking her eyes from Rubidium.
The meeting continued, and as always, the usual catch phrase Rubidium was an objection of: I have to disagree.
The final verdict was to take another route, possibly quicker to take advantage of time. But the debate had been a vicious one. It had been a verbal battlefield. Link after a certain point knew when he should let Katina lash out. However, had they let Tayl come she would've made some serious insults and actually hit the council members.
Katina had come thoroughly prepared when they tired to hit her with how and why and what. She answered them perfectly. It was hard to beat Katina politically. She had a natural ability all right. For a warrior.
Once they walked out they were greeted by Tayl.
"How did it go?" Tayl asked.
"I needed to hit plenty of them." Katina answered.
The three of them laughed.
"So, are we doin' Link's plan?" Tayl asked.
"Only just." Link said.
"Then I guess we'll all be suited up." Tayl said.
"After," Katina began. "We of back to see that cartographer about the quickest route we can find."
"A what-o-grapher?" Tayl repeated.
"A map maker and charter." Katina answered.
They had gotten as far as assembling the troops when Wiccra walked through the gates of the castle and the announcement went up. The old woman made her way to the courtyard where Zelda and The King were waiting for her. She slapped away any offers from the Royal Guard to help her get there.
"My Lady, Princess Zelda." Her rough voice greeted as she hobbled along, her basic brown shawl and cloak over her, a hood over her head.
"Wiccra...........we were.........." Zelda began.
"Making a dangerous journey to see me? I know. Which is why I am opting to warp you there and back, accompanied by your guardians and your father." Wiccra said. "I have been watching the stars very closely. I can feel evil rising. I knew you would try and risk your lives to get here. So I thought I'd help a little more on my part."
A circle of light appeared on the floor, a warp point. They all stepped onto it, and after a flash of light they then all found themselves in Wiccra's place.
It was like a cave, water dripped everywhere, furniture was limited and simple, but there was a huge oak table with a set of weird tubes with liquids passing through them like an alchemy lab.
"I know you have come to seek my judgement. But all I will say is this: You must find a solution form the people who are used to having dealt with what Ganon will unleash." Wiccra said. "And you need a relic. You need a Towerling Relic."
"Towerling Relic? Towerlings aren't real, are they?" Navi asked.
Wiccra chuckled. "Yes, they are a real race, or rather a lost one. There are hardly any left, their city went through an attack which made the city deserted and possibly in ruins. But the relic is still there."
"Is there a map to this place?" Zelda asked.
"Only to the portal, it existed in it's own small dimension right by Hyrule and it's dimensional fabric. Inside the city you will be alone." Wiccra said.
"We can't!" Katina burst.
They looked at her.
"There's nothing left of it! Something attacked that place and it's still there. I won't allow the Princess to go. Or the King." Katina said, aware that they were all looking at her.
"So you are familiar with the creature? Perhaps you came into contact with it as it exited." Wiccra said.
"I know more about it than any of you. Look at the stars all you want but you can't know what it's truly capable until you find it. If anybody goes then I request that just myself go." Katina turned to the King.
"Denied." The King said. "You will take Link and Tayl with you. You are one unit."
"I'm happy with that, your Majesty. But it's too dangerous for you." Katina said, bowing.
Tayl had to go and ask a cartographer to translate the directions Wiccra had written down for them onto a map. She had detailed everything and there was a cartographer who was skilled enough to make maps form description.
This left Link and Katina to pack and practise.
"Katina............." Link said.
"Yes?" Katina said, angrily throwing something into her bag.
"Is there something wrong?" Link asked.
"No there is absolutely nothing-" As she whirled around angrily she rolled into his path, causing them to be inches form each other. Katina swallowed and moved away. "I don't have a good feeling about this. I really don't."
"What aren't you telling us, what is it with you and this creature?" Link asked.
"I know all about it, Link. I've met people who have been in its path; they come out as a body without a soul. Their eyes are empty and they can't stop quaking. They can hardly eat unless you tell them to. I have travelled Link; I know things outside of Hyrule. I know what it can do and I know it remains there. I know this is a suicide mission and I know............." She watched as Link took her shoulders.
"Listen, I'm not going to pry because I know something happened to you, it's been in your eyes the second I saw you with them open. Now let me tell you my facts. I know that you're a strong girl. I know that your friends are gonna stand up for you and defend you. I know that we've come through a lot of hardships. And I know that you never like to give in." he said. "You're never alone."
Katina let her eyes wander to the floor, her head bowing. "I'm doing this because of my duty, Link. Not because I want to." And she walked away.
He watched her in silence as she packed her things, threw her pack over her back and then walk out. He slumped down on the bed.
What ever happened to her........? He thought.
As Katina stormed out she bumped into Tayl, who had her arms folded over her chest.
"This is what you get." Tayl sighed.
"Don't start on me, Tayl. I'm not in the mood." Katina snapped.
"And I'm not in the mood to be snapped at by my own flesh and blood. Even I don't know what sparked off that little display back there." Tayl said, scowling.
"You're not the only one who's doing this because they have to." Tayl said. "I didn't join this silly little Guardian scheme because I wanted to, I did it because of you, because I haven't seen you in a long time and I wanted to be with you. And I'm not trying to be a Hylian, like you are. Okay so you convinced people here that you're one of them, but try convincing yourself and me."
Katina sighed angrily making a noise like an angry horse. "I am NOT trying to be a Hylian! Tayl, don't you understand that if you're called then it doesn't matter what race, gender or age you are."
"So where ever something calls you go, ignoring your family?" Tayl snapped.
Katina sighed, this time wearily. "I thought you'd forgiven me, I thought you understood. I know about my duty, Tayl. I know you don't like it. I know you wish we could go back to the old day but I know that we can't get those back. It's here and now that counts. It never used to...............but this is now. Tell Link if he asks I might not come back but I'll be here for start off."
Tayl yelled after her but Katina didn't even turn back to face her. She just walked off. She walked all the way to lake Hylia, across the long bridge to the island and she sat down. She looked at the moon for a long time, hugging her knees.
A tear slid down her cheeks.
She barely heard when Link walked over the bridge and then sat down beside her. When she was finally aware of his presence she looked up at him the quickly wiped her eyes.
"The moon is so bright it made my eyes water." Katina said as an excuse, which Link could see right through.
"I'm really worried about you." Link admitted.
"I'll be okay..........once.......once I......." She sniffed. "Too many things remind me. The sooner we get this mission over and done with the better."
"What if I got a request for you to stay behind or do something else?" Link asked.
"I have to face this, I'm not turning away from it. I figured that one day I'd have to do this." Katina said, then she laughed nostalgically. "Well...........it's here now........." She stood up. "I'd better go now and........" Link stood up to and took her shoulders. "I have...........have to....."
"If you're sure you're okay..." Link said.
She could feel him getting closer and she looked at him, her emerald green eyes with his sapphire blue ones. As he bent his head down she closed her eyes, a pink tint colouring her cheeks.
"Link! Hello! Link!" It was Navi.
Link gave a little half sigh half grunt and opened his eyes, as did Katina. The two parted a little awkwardly and turned to see the little fairy whizzing over at top speed to them.
"Link! Zelda is looking for you! She wants to talk to you." Navi said, out of breath.
"Okay," Link said. "I'll be there in a moment. Tell her I'll only be a little while."
They watched Navi whiz away and disappear. Link looked to Katina with a grin.
"Are you ready to go......or do you want to talk........or stay here alone?" He asked.
"I'll go with you." Katina said and they walked off as though their previous little 'event' never happened.