~ Disclaimer ~ *carving into wall* I don't own Zelda.
Kohachan: Gahhhh . . . this is frustrating!
Kohachan, save it for the story . . .
He wants to know how to get Matt back. I'm wondering too! Okay! *Rolls up sleeves* No time like the present to find out!
Kohachan: Before you get riled up, why not give the dedications?
^_^ Good idea! Okay, I dedicate this chapter to Shadow Knight (Howww did you get the last chapter before it was uploaded?!?), Angle1 (I'm open to suggestions, by the way, fellow authoress), GS freak-
Kohachan: Hang on, Shadow Girl, I'm going to interrupt you for a second. GSfreak, WHAT are you TALKING about? I have too much stress . . .
Yes, he does! ^_^ Now then, lastly, I dedicate this to the Primagen (good morning or afternoon to you too)
NOW, on with the chapter!
Kohachan: Wait one more second . . . nevermind ^_^
-_-;;
~~~~~~~
~ Mission Improbable ~
Kohachan saw the city once again, he knew he had been followed but had lost the duo on the way. Anyway, the Kitsune would make sure they didn't get in, if only by their cunning magic. He climbed the ladder this time, trying to think of a plan but coming up with nothing. Tarawen jumped from his shoulder and onto the walk as he reached the top.
She changed to her humanoid form, her hair tumbling down her back once again but her ears drooped, wishing she knew a way to solve the problem. Kohachan walked past her, dragging a hand on a wall of a building, the wood was smooth enough that it didn't threaten to give him a splinter.
He soon got to the round room once again, the room that served as their temporary living area and conference room. By the smell of it, it was lunch-time already. He strode around the corner, bringing out the ransom note and saw Zolaris minding the stew while Toloran leaned against the wall, a look of absolute focus on his face, his eyes were tightly closed.
Zolaris looked up from the steaming iron bowl and snapped his fingers. Toloran looked at him in annoyance but went to Kohachan as he held out the note. He read it but almost crumpled it as well. Tarawen began to leave to find her father but Kohachan caught her arm and said softly, "Stay. This concerns you as well."
Zolaris smiled and offered her a bowl of the soup. It seemed to be chicken broth with rice soaked into it. She easily declined. Toloran sat cross- legged and Kohachan did the same opposite him. Altogether, they formed a loose square around the soup.
Zolaris quietly served Toloran but Kohachan also refused. Zolaris stared at him a moment as did Tarawen. "Hmm, Kohachan not eating. This IS serious." She covered her smile as Kohachan glared at her. Toloran gave him a bowl, ordering him to eat. They'd need their strength later if the plan to save the boy was to work.
Grudgingly, Kohachan began to eat when Tarawen spoke up, "So, how does this concern me? As much as I like being with you guys . . ." Toloran took the note up and read it aloud. Tarawen thought for a moment. If she was turned in as well as the trio, the Kitsune would be over-run by the shadow fighters. That would be the end. As fierce as her warriors were, they were still outnumbered three to one.
Toloran nodded at her reaction and whispered a few words before the note went up in blue flames. When it was a satisfying dash of blackened ash, he brushed it away and said to the others, "The obvious choice is to invade their camp. Tarawen, can you direct me to the maps?"
"I'll do it!" Zolaris piped up. He had accompanied the leader plenty of times to the map room where the masses of fighters were clearly posted. Before Toloran could say otherwise, Zolaris vanished. Moments later, he returned carrying a bundle of maps under one arm and holding one open before him. He set the soup iron aside, cleared the floor of the conjured fire and set the map onto the cool floor. "We are here, obviously as it is the center. Now here, north of us," he traced his finger between the two points "is their original camp. Right in the heart of the mass. You can see how the fighters are spanning to surround the Kitsune tribe. He traced the map in a wide semi circle where more marks were. They were all over the island.
Kohachan was half done eating already but he pointed at it with his spoon, "What about this point? It's clear."
"No one dares go to there. It's the poison bog. Nice big area, eh? Now, as I was saying, The boy will be kept here. The terms, as we all know by now, is we give ourselves in as well as you, Tarawen. We can't do that." Zolaris leaned against his knees in annoyance. After a deep breath he continued, "Like you said, Toloran, the obvious solution is to infiltrate the compound but . . . well, they thought ahead. There are traps, guards, and magic barriers.
"Quite frankly, I'm a bit honored that they took precautions." He grinned with anticipation for a challenge but Toloran cut him off, "An attack could only be successful at night. We'd all three have to go to attack and that'd leave the Lord unprotected. No offense to your people, Lady Tarawen, but you understand how powerful the fighters magic is."
Tarawen slightly stiffened at her being called "lady" but said for the hundredth time, "Toloran, it's just Tarawen. As for my people, you know very well that we have our own magic. Even if it is just for casting illusions. You know, we do have warriors stealthy enough-"
Toloran cut her off with a raised hand, "No, this Matt person being caught in the firs place is purely our problem,. We won't have you getting involved. However," and he smiled at everyone as he looked at the map. He drew a short throwing knife into one hand said as he traced around the center of the main base, "If you take the leader, the rest will crumble. This war could possibly be taken out of their hands at last."
"How long has it been going?" Kohachan asked with interest as he set the empty bowl aside with the cooking pot. Zolaris fumed for a moment but said with a snort, "It's been going on since you left. All six years! I'm wondering what a NORMAL life is right now! Okay, Kohachan, old pal, remind me. Why exactly did you have to leave right when this war started to heat up? I'm trying to remind myself that you weren't acting the coward."
Kohachan suddenly caught Zolaris in a headlock and began scraping knuckles on the boy's silver-haired scalp, "I had to leave because Zelda specifically commanded my return to Hyrule and you know that. Zelda and that royal family has been my clan's charge forever so I could not decline."
Tarawen was rendered helpless with laughter as Toloran rubbed his temples. He finally yelled in his deep voice, "CHILDREN! We have a rescue mission to plan." Both straightened up and Zolaris began slicking back his hair once again. "Now, I highly doubt any sneaking would help. Yes, Tarawen, even with the Kitsune's power of illusion. Even these cloaks you gave us wouldn't be able to hide us from their eyes. Kohachan, through six years, the fighters have gained total mastery of shadows and stealth. I hate to admit, but they have become a formidable foe." As one, the three Sheikah heaved a sigh.
Tarawen stood up, "You can't just give up like that! 'Oh no. They're too powerful to us! We've been separated for too long!' NO! This kind of attitude is unacceptable . . ." She slowly stopped as Zolaris leered angrily at her, Kohachan refused to meet her gaze, and Toloran stared at her coldly as though she didn't know what she was saying.
Under the gaze of two Sheikah, her resolve crumpled and she sat in her place once again. Kohachan sighed gruffly and said, "She is right. Though we won't give up even if we had to, there has to be a way. Giving up gave me an idea." He grinned at Tarawen who nervously smiled back, not sure if his plan was okay or not.
Zolaris and Toloran leaned forward to listen. Tarawen was about to lean away but Kohachan and Toloran both pulled her back in and Kohachan began to tell his plan. Slowly, the other two's grin broadened but Tarawen grew more distraught. The plan had too many risks for her liking.
~~~~~
Navi was in control as Crystal was tired. She paced about, eyes snapping with fury as Link tried his best to climb the limb-less tree. "Link, explain slowly. HOW did you manage to get us lost?" Link slid down once again, painfully scraping his already scraped hands. He hit the sand and pranced around for the pain. He knew being on the shore was a bad idea. It was obvious that Kohachan had cut through the jungle like it was his homeland.
He snorted and glared at Navi. "Look, unless you have any better ideas, we're just going to have to try and spot him! I mean, a crimson tunic among all this green? It can't be all that hard!"
"That's exactly what you said an hour ago!" Navi shrieked. Translated to Crystal's voice, it was a horrid sound that sent away what birds were left in the area. Link groaned as his ears rang with the sound. He glared at Navi for a few moments before saying in a cold voice, "Then why don't you lead?"
Navi stomped toward the jungle and through the bushes. Link sighed, he regretted speaking to her in that tone but his ears wouldn't have stood much more of her whining. Reluctantly he followed, the worse to happen was to get lost and separated. He admitted to himself that he was lost, Navi never let him forget that, but with knowledge of the shoreline, it would not be too hard to reach the docks once again.
He caught up with her as a crevice appeared before him. A sturdy trunk was set up to cross it and had obviously been used often and well. Claw marks gave the trunk even more textured to where Link's boots couldn't have slipped even if he wanted them to.
Navi did just as well and started jogging across ever so eagerly. When she reached the other side, she yelled back at Link to hurry as he calmly walked along. He was beginning to realize there was no way they could catch the wayward Sheikah.
Navi fumed as he finally reached her side and then passed her. With a shout, she ran past him, glared at him and walked ahead. Her foot suddenly fell through the sticks and leaves in the ground. She looked down, terror leaped into her throat as Link knocked into her from behind. The ground collapsed, pulling her leg down and Link fell after her.
It wasn't a long fall but Navi was knocked out. Crystal woke up and looked around. On top of her back was Link. He groaned in pain as he struggled to get off her. She got up on her knees, pushing him up as the sticks cracked and snapped under their shifting weight. Finally they were both on their knees.
Link looked at her apologetically but she shrugged, "It's me again. Crystal." Link sighed in relief and nodded to her as she looked up.
She began to get up when a face appeared on the rim of the hole. It was a fox, a tiny one at that. Crystal quietly said, "Please can you help us?" The fox cocked its ears to her but just as quickly, was frightened away by another sound.
Crystal set one hand against the wall of the hole as another, different face appeared. This one was shaded by black. It regarded them bored and tired. It drew a black, serrated knife for it's outfit somewhere nonetheless. With a quick jump, it threw the blade against one of the vines. The vine snapped and the floor beneath Crystal and Link leaped up, dragging them with it.
She toppled over onto Link once again as the bent and held sapling stood erect once again and the net cleverly hidden in the hole closed at the top and dangled in mid-air. Without a second glance, the fighter jumped away again. Both Link and Crystal knew, to their fear that they'd be seeing it again.
Link winced as a stick poked his thigh roughly but Crystal cried out in pain as her knee twisted sharply underneath her with a low pop. She gasped in shock and pain and shoved herself forcefully off of Link. He felt the wind pushed off of him and the stick dug deeper into his thigh. He was very glad then for both his shorts and tunic to protect him.
The net continued to swing as she struggled to straighten her knee and dull the throbbing pain. Finally, she could reach it as it was braced against Link's chest. Mixed with pain and worry, Link remained speechless as Crystal whimpered.
Finally, he grasped her knee with firm, persistent fingers and forced it to stretch straight. It popped again back into place and Crystal drew a deep breath as the pain was reduced to a remembered ache. She looked to Link as she bit back the welling tears of pain, "How did you do that?"
He shrugged as best he could as he then reached for the annoying twig, "It popped out of place. I've done that before and worse." She nodded, knowing very well what he's gone through before. He started poking at the net but the holes were tiny, small enough to hold one of the foxes captive. Yet despite the almost non-existent weight of the intended prey, the net held strong against his own pulling and tugging.
He began reaching for his sword but it was no good as the hilt was hopelessly tangled. Crystal already had one dagger and was sawing at the ropes. It seemed impossible but the tines would not give way. She growled in frustration but kept busy until the muscles in her arms were sore. Still, not a scratch shown on the netting. She leaned back, tired, thirsty, and her stomach reminding her bitterly of food. Link hummed in boredom as he too suffered the same.
Night slowly fell, the stars shone out above them, winking between the palm branches. Soon, the night fell completely nearly choking Link and Crystal in its darkness. Link felt his senses prick at the approach of a stranger. It was a chill feeling that sent the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end.
He woke Crystal as she drowsed on his shoulder. She picked up quickly, blushing as she realized she had fallen asleep on him. He nudged her and nodded to a thicket of bushes as it gave a slight hush of movement. She drew her dagger again, rubbing her still sore arm. Suddenly, a hand grabbed the net at Link's shoulder. Link yelled aloud at the startlingly chill touch on his shoulder.
He swiveled to look around and came eye-to-eye with one of the various fighters surrounding them. There were roughly a dozen as one pulled the net away from over the hole and another was ready to say at the rope and let them drop.
Link pulled Crystal onto his lap as he realized these black clothed men did not mean in any way to be gentle. Crystal protested quietly and tried to push away from him as the rope gave a sharp snap. Link didn't relinquish his grip on her waist as the net dropped quickly under them, letting them plummet to the ground, a good fifteen-foot drop.
The ground met him hard as he fell on his back. The breath was knocked from his lungs completely as he was sandwiched between the ground and Crystal. The fighters were quick and silent as the pulled the net away and roughly captured Crystal, shoving a cloth in her mouth and tying it in with another longer cloth.
Link gasped for a few breaths but the same gag was placed onto him. The net was hidden in the hole and both Link and Crystal were pulled and shoved away from the area. Crystal tried to scream through her muffling bind.
~~~~~
Toloran paused in sharpening his blade. The silver-like, double-sided broadsword gleamed in the moonlight streaming into the armory, the crescent moon and star seemed to gleam ebony under the moon. He grinned at his reflection and said to his companions, "I tell ya, this isn't a mission impossible." Kohachan leaned against the window, unsheathing his sharpened katana and said, "No, just mission improbable. I hope you guys are prepared to die if this doesn't work." It was a ritual and they felt perfectly comfortable before setting out.
Toloran felt his heart weaken slightly, it was a horrid feeling like something was grabbing his attention by squeezing the blood from his heart. He gasped for it. Zolaris finished polishing the edges of his throwing knives and looked up to Toloran. Toloran kept an unsteady hand on his chest, "Why did I get a bad feeling just now?" He asked. Kohachan looked from the window at him, his blade easily carving a divot in the glass-less windowsill.
They all knew to trust Toloran's sense of intuition. A bad feeling almost always meant misfortune for the trio. At that moment, a small fox raced into the room, startling Zolaris and drawing Tarawen's attention. The fox panted from the run and changed to its human form. Soon, a young boy with rust red-brown hair looked up at them with fear dancing in his large eyes. He bowed quickly to each of them and pointed out toward the jungle where he had just run.
Tarawen tried to calm him, "Kyou, calm down. What is it? Is it an attack?" He shook his head hard and took a few deep breaths. Drawing himself up straight, he said hurriedly, "I saw two strangers out there. They were stuck in a drop hole. I think the fighters got to them though. I think they may be lost." He looked to the Sheikah, his face paled in fright as he said to them, "One was dressed in green and had the same ears as you, Toloran, sir."
None chuckled in amusement for the unnecessary formality. They looked gravely to one another. Kohachan freed his blade from the wood only to stab it in deeper for frustration, accompanying the gesture with a sharp, biting curse.
~~~~~~~
Muahahahaa! I'm going to have to end it there. Oh, what to do, what to do? Thing is, I don't know and I'm open to suggestions. Heh, I'm going to have to buy a Hylian shield, aren't I?
Heh, Well now, things are all foiled for the plan. It's going to have to be completely re-thought out! Nooo! lol ^_^
Till next time!
Kohachan: Gahhhh . . . this is frustrating!
Kohachan, save it for the story . . .
He wants to know how to get Matt back. I'm wondering too! Okay! *Rolls up sleeves* No time like the present to find out!
Kohachan: Before you get riled up, why not give the dedications?
^_^ Good idea! Okay, I dedicate this chapter to Shadow Knight (Howww did you get the last chapter before it was uploaded?!?), Angle1 (I'm open to suggestions, by the way, fellow authoress), GS freak-
Kohachan: Hang on, Shadow Girl, I'm going to interrupt you for a second. GSfreak, WHAT are you TALKING about? I have too much stress . . .
Yes, he does! ^_^ Now then, lastly, I dedicate this to the Primagen (good morning or afternoon to you too)
NOW, on with the chapter!
Kohachan: Wait one more second . . . nevermind ^_^
-_-;;
~~~~~~~
~ Mission Improbable ~
Kohachan saw the city once again, he knew he had been followed but had lost the duo on the way. Anyway, the Kitsune would make sure they didn't get in, if only by their cunning magic. He climbed the ladder this time, trying to think of a plan but coming up with nothing. Tarawen jumped from his shoulder and onto the walk as he reached the top.
She changed to her humanoid form, her hair tumbling down her back once again but her ears drooped, wishing she knew a way to solve the problem. Kohachan walked past her, dragging a hand on a wall of a building, the wood was smooth enough that it didn't threaten to give him a splinter.
He soon got to the round room once again, the room that served as their temporary living area and conference room. By the smell of it, it was lunch-time already. He strode around the corner, bringing out the ransom note and saw Zolaris minding the stew while Toloran leaned against the wall, a look of absolute focus on his face, his eyes were tightly closed.
Zolaris looked up from the steaming iron bowl and snapped his fingers. Toloran looked at him in annoyance but went to Kohachan as he held out the note. He read it but almost crumpled it as well. Tarawen began to leave to find her father but Kohachan caught her arm and said softly, "Stay. This concerns you as well."
Zolaris smiled and offered her a bowl of the soup. It seemed to be chicken broth with rice soaked into it. She easily declined. Toloran sat cross- legged and Kohachan did the same opposite him. Altogether, they formed a loose square around the soup.
Zolaris quietly served Toloran but Kohachan also refused. Zolaris stared at him a moment as did Tarawen. "Hmm, Kohachan not eating. This IS serious." She covered her smile as Kohachan glared at her. Toloran gave him a bowl, ordering him to eat. They'd need their strength later if the plan to save the boy was to work.
Grudgingly, Kohachan began to eat when Tarawen spoke up, "So, how does this concern me? As much as I like being with you guys . . ." Toloran took the note up and read it aloud. Tarawen thought for a moment. If she was turned in as well as the trio, the Kitsune would be over-run by the shadow fighters. That would be the end. As fierce as her warriors were, they were still outnumbered three to one.
Toloran nodded at her reaction and whispered a few words before the note went up in blue flames. When it was a satisfying dash of blackened ash, he brushed it away and said to the others, "The obvious choice is to invade their camp. Tarawen, can you direct me to the maps?"
"I'll do it!" Zolaris piped up. He had accompanied the leader plenty of times to the map room where the masses of fighters were clearly posted. Before Toloran could say otherwise, Zolaris vanished. Moments later, he returned carrying a bundle of maps under one arm and holding one open before him. He set the soup iron aside, cleared the floor of the conjured fire and set the map onto the cool floor. "We are here, obviously as it is the center. Now here, north of us," he traced his finger between the two points "is their original camp. Right in the heart of the mass. You can see how the fighters are spanning to surround the Kitsune tribe. He traced the map in a wide semi circle where more marks were. They were all over the island.
Kohachan was half done eating already but he pointed at it with his spoon, "What about this point? It's clear."
"No one dares go to there. It's the poison bog. Nice big area, eh? Now, as I was saying, The boy will be kept here. The terms, as we all know by now, is we give ourselves in as well as you, Tarawen. We can't do that." Zolaris leaned against his knees in annoyance. After a deep breath he continued, "Like you said, Toloran, the obvious solution is to infiltrate the compound but . . . well, they thought ahead. There are traps, guards, and magic barriers.
"Quite frankly, I'm a bit honored that they took precautions." He grinned with anticipation for a challenge but Toloran cut him off, "An attack could only be successful at night. We'd all three have to go to attack and that'd leave the Lord unprotected. No offense to your people, Lady Tarawen, but you understand how powerful the fighters magic is."
Tarawen slightly stiffened at her being called "lady" but said for the hundredth time, "Toloran, it's just Tarawen. As for my people, you know very well that we have our own magic. Even if it is just for casting illusions. You know, we do have warriors stealthy enough-"
Toloran cut her off with a raised hand, "No, this Matt person being caught in the firs place is purely our problem,. We won't have you getting involved. However," and he smiled at everyone as he looked at the map. He drew a short throwing knife into one hand said as he traced around the center of the main base, "If you take the leader, the rest will crumble. This war could possibly be taken out of their hands at last."
"How long has it been going?" Kohachan asked with interest as he set the empty bowl aside with the cooking pot. Zolaris fumed for a moment but said with a snort, "It's been going on since you left. All six years! I'm wondering what a NORMAL life is right now! Okay, Kohachan, old pal, remind me. Why exactly did you have to leave right when this war started to heat up? I'm trying to remind myself that you weren't acting the coward."
Kohachan suddenly caught Zolaris in a headlock and began scraping knuckles on the boy's silver-haired scalp, "I had to leave because Zelda specifically commanded my return to Hyrule and you know that. Zelda and that royal family has been my clan's charge forever so I could not decline."
Tarawen was rendered helpless with laughter as Toloran rubbed his temples. He finally yelled in his deep voice, "CHILDREN! We have a rescue mission to plan." Both straightened up and Zolaris began slicking back his hair once again. "Now, I highly doubt any sneaking would help. Yes, Tarawen, even with the Kitsune's power of illusion. Even these cloaks you gave us wouldn't be able to hide us from their eyes. Kohachan, through six years, the fighters have gained total mastery of shadows and stealth. I hate to admit, but they have become a formidable foe." As one, the three Sheikah heaved a sigh.
Tarawen stood up, "You can't just give up like that! 'Oh no. They're too powerful to us! We've been separated for too long!' NO! This kind of attitude is unacceptable . . ." She slowly stopped as Zolaris leered angrily at her, Kohachan refused to meet her gaze, and Toloran stared at her coldly as though she didn't know what she was saying.
Under the gaze of two Sheikah, her resolve crumpled and she sat in her place once again. Kohachan sighed gruffly and said, "She is right. Though we won't give up even if we had to, there has to be a way. Giving up gave me an idea." He grinned at Tarawen who nervously smiled back, not sure if his plan was okay or not.
Zolaris and Toloran leaned forward to listen. Tarawen was about to lean away but Kohachan and Toloran both pulled her back in and Kohachan began to tell his plan. Slowly, the other two's grin broadened but Tarawen grew more distraught. The plan had too many risks for her liking.
~~~~~
Navi was in control as Crystal was tired. She paced about, eyes snapping with fury as Link tried his best to climb the limb-less tree. "Link, explain slowly. HOW did you manage to get us lost?" Link slid down once again, painfully scraping his already scraped hands. He hit the sand and pranced around for the pain. He knew being on the shore was a bad idea. It was obvious that Kohachan had cut through the jungle like it was his homeland.
He snorted and glared at Navi. "Look, unless you have any better ideas, we're just going to have to try and spot him! I mean, a crimson tunic among all this green? It can't be all that hard!"
"That's exactly what you said an hour ago!" Navi shrieked. Translated to Crystal's voice, it was a horrid sound that sent away what birds were left in the area. Link groaned as his ears rang with the sound. He glared at Navi for a few moments before saying in a cold voice, "Then why don't you lead?"
Navi stomped toward the jungle and through the bushes. Link sighed, he regretted speaking to her in that tone but his ears wouldn't have stood much more of her whining. Reluctantly he followed, the worse to happen was to get lost and separated. He admitted to himself that he was lost, Navi never let him forget that, but with knowledge of the shoreline, it would not be too hard to reach the docks once again.
He caught up with her as a crevice appeared before him. A sturdy trunk was set up to cross it and had obviously been used often and well. Claw marks gave the trunk even more textured to where Link's boots couldn't have slipped even if he wanted them to.
Navi did just as well and started jogging across ever so eagerly. When she reached the other side, she yelled back at Link to hurry as he calmly walked along. He was beginning to realize there was no way they could catch the wayward Sheikah.
Navi fumed as he finally reached her side and then passed her. With a shout, she ran past him, glared at him and walked ahead. Her foot suddenly fell through the sticks and leaves in the ground. She looked down, terror leaped into her throat as Link knocked into her from behind. The ground collapsed, pulling her leg down and Link fell after her.
It wasn't a long fall but Navi was knocked out. Crystal woke up and looked around. On top of her back was Link. He groaned in pain as he struggled to get off her. She got up on her knees, pushing him up as the sticks cracked and snapped under their shifting weight. Finally they were both on their knees.
Link looked at her apologetically but she shrugged, "It's me again. Crystal." Link sighed in relief and nodded to her as she looked up.
She began to get up when a face appeared on the rim of the hole. It was a fox, a tiny one at that. Crystal quietly said, "Please can you help us?" The fox cocked its ears to her but just as quickly, was frightened away by another sound.
Crystal set one hand against the wall of the hole as another, different face appeared. This one was shaded by black. It regarded them bored and tired. It drew a black, serrated knife for it's outfit somewhere nonetheless. With a quick jump, it threw the blade against one of the vines. The vine snapped and the floor beneath Crystal and Link leaped up, dragging them with it.
She toppled over onto Link once again as the bent and held sapling stood erect once again and the net cleverly hidden in the hole closed at the top and dangled in mid-air. Without a second glance, the fighter jumped away again. Both Link and Crystal knew, to their fear that they'd be seeing it again.
Link winced as a stick poked his thigh roughly but Crystal cried out in pain as her knee twisted sharply underneath her with a low pop. She gasped in shock and pain and shoved herself forcefully off of Link. He felt the wind pushed off of him and the stick dug deeper into his thigh. He was very glad then for both his shorts and tunic to protect him.
The net continued to swing as she struggled to straighten her knee and dull the throbbing pain. Finally, she could reach it as it was braced against Link's chest. Mixed with pain and worry, Link remained speechless as Crystal whimpered.
Finally, he grasped her knee with firm, persistent fingers and forced it to stretch straight. It popped again back into place and Crystal drew a deep breath as the pain was reduced to a remembered ache. She looked to Link as she bit back the welling tears of pain, "How did you do that?"
He shrugged as best he could as he then reached for the annoying twig, "It popped out of place. I've done that before and worse." She nodded, knowing very well what he's gone through before. He started poking at the net but the holes were tiny, small enough to hold one of the foxes captive. Yet despite the almost non-existent weight of the intended prey, the net held strong against his own pulling and tugging.
He began reaching for his sword but it was no good as the hilt was hopelessly tangled. Crystal already had one dagger and was sawing at the ropes. It seemed impossible but the tines would not give way. She growled in frustration but kept busy until the muscles in her arms were sore. Still, not a scratch shown on the netting. She leaned back, tired, thirsty, and her stomach reminding her bitterly of food. Link hummed in boredom as he too suffered the same.
Night slowly fell, the stars shone out above them, winking between the palm branches. Soon, the night fell completely nearly choking Link and Crystal in its darkness. Link felt his senses prick at the approach of a stranger. It was a chill feeling that sent the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end.
He woke Crystal as she drowsed on his shoulder. She picked up quickly, blushing as she realized she had fallen asleep on him. He nudged her and nodded to a thicket of bushes as it gave a slight hush of movement. She drew her dagger again, rubbing her still sore arm. Suddenly, a hand grabbed the net at Link's shoulder. Link yelled aloud at the startlingly chill touch on his shoulder.
He swiveled to look around and came eye-to-eye with one of the various fighters surrounding them. There were roughly a dozen as one pulled the net away from over the hole and another was ready to say at the rope and let them drop.
Link pulled Crystal onto his lap as he realized these black clothed men did not mean in any way to be gentle. Crystal protested quietly and tried to push away from him as the rope gave a sharp snap. Link didn't relinquish his grip on her waist as the net dropped quickly under them, letting them plummet to the ground, a good fifteen-foot drop.
The ground met him hard as he fell on his back. The breath was knocked from his lungs completely as he was sandwiched between the ground and Crystal. The fighters were quick and silent as the pulled the net away and roughly captured Crystal, shoving a cloth in her mouth and tying it in with another longer cloth.
Link gasped for a few breaths but the same gag was placed onto him. The net was hidden in the hole and both Link and Crystal were pulled and shoved away from the area. Crystal tried to scream through her muffling bind.
~~~~~
Toloran paused in sharpening his blade. The silver-like, double-sided broadsword gleamed in the moonlight streaming into the armory, the crescent moon and star seemed to gleam ebony under the moon. He grinned at his reflection and said to his companions, "I tell ya, this isn't a mission impossible." Kohachan leaned against the window, unsheathing his sharpened katana and said, "No, just mission improbable. I hope you guys are prepared to die if this doesn't work." It was a ritual and they felt perfectly comfortable before setting out.
Toloran felt his heart weaken slightly, it was a horrid feeling like something was grabbing his attention by squeezing the blood from his heart. He gasped for it. Zolaris finished polishing the edges of his throwing knives and looked up to Toloran. Toloran kept an unsteady hand on his chest, "Why did I get a bad feeling just now?" He asked. Kohachan looked from the window at him, his blade easily carving a divot in the glass-less windowsill.
They all knew to trust Toloran's sense of intuition. A bad feeling almost always meant misfortune for the trio. At that moment, a small fox raced into the room, startling Zolaris and drawing Tarawen's attention. The fox panted from the run and changed to its human form. Soon, a young boy with rust red-brown hair looked up at them with fear dancing in his large eyes. He bowed quickly to each of them and pointed out toward the jungle where he had just run.
Tarawen tried to calm him, "Kyou, calm down. What is it? Is it an attack?" He shook his head hard and took a few deep breaths. Drawing himself up straight, he said hurriedly, "I saw two strangers out there. They were stuck in a drop hole. I think the fighters got to them though. I think they may be lost." He looked to the Sheikah, his face paled in fright as he said to them, "One was dressed in green and had the same ears as you, Toloran, sir."
None chuckled in amusement for the unnecessary formality. They looked gravely to one another. Kohachan freed his blade from the wood only to stab it in deeper for frustration, accompanying the gesture with a sharp, biting curse.
~~~~~~~
Muahahahaa! I'm going to have to end it there. Oh, what to do, what to do? Thing is, I don't know and I'm open to suggestions. Heh, I'm going to have to buy a Hylian shield, aren't I?
Heh, Well now, things are all foiled for the plan. It's going to have to be completely re-thought out! Nooo! lol ^_^
Till next time!