~ Disclaimer ~ I don't own Zelda, plain and simple.
Heh, no one's reviewing. No, I take that back. I dedicate all these chapters to Angle1, CrysSton16, Shadow Knight, and the Primagen always, even if I forget to mention any one of them.
As for my reviewer, I'm sorry for stressing you out, Dragonkiller (GSfreak), but you know we all have times like those. I hope you recover soon.
Kohachan: *pinned to the wall* Perhaps I have some apologies to make as well.
*Unpins Kohachan*
Kohachan: Sorry for bothering you, Dragonkiller. And Shadow Knight, or Merrick, I'm glad you can spar with Tarawen anyway. If it pleases everyone, I'll stay out of these openings. Fair thee well, all. *Vanishes into shadow*
Well, so much for him as well. Okay, despite your bout of wearing skulls or whatever, Dragonkiller, I still dedicate this chapter to you, thank you for reviewing. I'm glad you didn't rip mine ^_^. As well as Hyliansage and farmerboy.
Fwah! I've slowed down haven't I? I'm sure it is because I've not gotten any new reviews. Please, if you are new to reading this story, please tell me that you like it or hate it, just let me know you've read it! Please!
~~~~~~~
~ Plans and Problems ~
Despite the problem of getting into the base, there was also the problem of getting to the cells without being detected and getting the captives free. With three known people to save, Toloran and the other three (Kohachan, Zolaris, and Tarawen) all determined it best to save any else who could have been held captive.
Yet, no matter where they turned, what approach to solving the problem they took, there was still the problem of how to get in. Zolaris provided every imaginable way of sneaking in but in the end, there were simply too many guards. Toloran thought of civil ways to get in, talking to the leaders but he was all but laughed at for the impossibility of that plan. The fighters could never act civil, or so it seemed for all six years of the war.
Kohachan remained silent mostly, trying to take their plans and twine them together, taking the good points from either plan. He finally spoke up as he stared hard at the red setting moon, "So, what if we follow the original plan somewhat, give in to their demands but be as the cunning Kitsune and overcome them once we are in their heart. Or at least the heart of the compound." Toloran didn't move from his spot on the floor as Zolaris stayed up on a rafter beam, swinging one leg and leaning against the counter beam. Tarawen sat on the windowsill, leaning onto her knees as he pulled away.
Kohachan continued and turned to appeal to them directly, "I mean, we give in but it'd be a lie naturally. Once inside, I can simply . . . talk to them as Zolaris works his magic of stealth and Toloran, you are real good at finding ways around a place, not to mention go unnoticed."
Toloran shook his head, his hair, mostly clean from the sap, touched his face as he said, "I don't think so, Kohan. Not this time. It was a long time ago that such a plan would work, long ago when they didn't expect such a stunt from us. We need something to surprise them once again."
Zolaris nodded his agreement but Kohachan snorted at their stubbornness, "How long has it been since either of you have performed the suicide attack and yet survived? We all together have done such things but what of apart?
"Not at all, right? Given how long it's been, this could very well surprise them." He stood from the window and walked well into the center of the room, "I say we remind them who they are dealing with. I say we remind them exactly why we are known as the elite!" Toloran was indeed stirred by the younger warrior's passion while Zolaris' eyes gleamed with a dark, deadly light in them.
Kohachan held up one hand, trying to settle tam before continuing, "We have three days. Tarawen," He turned to her as she sat on the windowsill, "do you think the fighters will dare harm any of the prisoners? Or at least Matt who they mentioned in the letter." Tarawen thought for a moment before saying, "They never have had a ransom before. If they had, I'm not aware of it. If you're wondering about their honor, I don't think they would harm him while the terms are to be met.
"I don't know about Link and Crystal or whoever they are. The fighters could know about their being one of the party whom Kohachan came with. But, if not, it's quite possible they will be left out of this safety that is guaranteed to Matt." Kohachan nodded, not liking the thoughts that came to his mind.
He remembered well enough that the fighters held magic. And mostly magic could only be fought against with other magic. Link had magic. A dang wave of it sitting right there inside him. The Kitsune had defensive magic all their own. All three Sheikah could hold their own though Zolaris was the most talented through his sword.
Toloran pointed out they had till the dawn of the third day to comply. This was going to be a crunch on time. It was rumored among the scout Kitsune that the base could not be found during the day.
Finally, Toloran announced they should get some sleep as well. If they had only two nights, they would have to rest during the day. That night, they would scout it out thoroughly, only looking, no attack. Not yet anyway.
~~~~~
Link was the first to be interrogated. Blindfolded he and Crystal had been led to wherever they were being taken. He was led through a series of dark halls. Naturally, his sword was taken away as well as his hat but also his tunic was taken away and he was given a pair of long, loose black pantaloons. The place reminded him of the Gerudo grounds but much, much darker. He concluded it was a mix of the Gerudo Fortress and the Shadow Temple.
He was stopped at a cull de sac of a room. Only one entrance. A heavy wooden door closed behind him with an echoing rumble. He was forced into a position with his arms set in a "Y" and roped of the same materiel as the net wrapped constricting around his wrists of their own accord.
The two guards left as two more fighters, these ones garbed less concealing stepped before him. Both had dark brown skin. Skin to rate with the Gerudo but the fact that these were men was apparent. One had a black and gray tipped beard growing all on the lower half of his face, his cheeks scored with dents and three deep cuts as though a cat had scratched him. The other bore no facial hair but the dark gleam in his eye from the gold torch light spoke of a warrior.
The younger on still wore the cap but his face was set in a straight line as he regarded Link then his elder. Link twisted against the ropes testing but was reprimanded against moving with a hard blow of the crop set in the crook of the elder's arm. The blow would no doubt leave a mark on Link's face as the pain throbbed fully into the area.
The elder brought the crop around and under Link's chin, leading the boys face to face him. He regarded Link thoughtfully, regarded his fair skin and bright blonde hair. One such as this did not belong nor did originate from the islands. He spoke a few simple words to the boy but Link only gave him a confused but enraged look. He sneered at the child's ignorance. If he couldn't understand the native language, what was he doing here?
He pulled his crop away and pivoted on his heals. Stepping away a few paces he stopped and said in a different language, "What are you called?" Again no answer. He pivoted sharply to face the boy once again but again was given the same look.
He breathed harshly, the breath only slightly grinding in his throat. He spoke a fe quick words to his young assistant but was answered negatively. Link decided they wanted him to talk but was going to refuse tat. If he could delay, saving Matt was Kohachan's job. Perhaps he could get help and come for Crystal and him as well.
He just had to delay. Just a little longer. The elder whirled on him once again and after the brief words went up close to Link, his foul breath poured over the Hylian and again he spoke with the heavy accent and words that made no sense to him. Link finally answered in his own language, "Better step back and give me back my sword!"
The dark eyes widened till the flames once again reflected in them. He smirked then and called down the hall. Link cursed quietly at himself and realized all too well the call was a summon for a translator.
He waited somewhat patiently and a slight giddiness for his situation came over him. A song drifted to Link's idle mind and he was soon humming Saria's Song. Another blow from the crop silenced him well enough. He glared fiery daggers at the tormentor but was unable to do anything in retaliation about it.
Sooner than expected, a person appeared in the doorway, bowing to the elder, he was permitted full entrance to which he said to Link, "Welcome to the Hall of Cries. You'll hear plenty of them in your stay. Even from your own throat if it is not slit before then.
"Here, we have discovered a way to slit a throat, destroying the vocal chords, without killing the guest. Oh, you don't have to worry about that. What we want of you is information. Since none of us are exactly mind readers, we'll have to get what we want the old fashioned way.
He turned to his elder and in the complete voice accent and everything, explained the same dialogue. The elder smiled, a sick and twisted grin revealing his yellowed teeth. Link slightly grimaced and the leader laughed slightly before mentioning something to the translator.
The translator laughed as well and said to Link, "He says you already quiver in anticipation. We won't keep you long. You see, we only want to know how . . . tough you are first. Then we plan to have some fun with you, young swordsman."
Link met his gaze easily, leaning his head against one arm he said in the Goron tongue he familiarized himself in Darmania's form, "Do your worst and I will do mine ten fold. You know not who you are dealing with." The translator's eyebrows shot up in surprise but Link switched to a more smooth language of the Zora's, "Awe, what's wrong? Can't keep up with me? You haven't been through half of what I've been. You know not who you deal with." At that, he rested his eyes, practicing the total confidence he had seen in Matt.
He grinned as they chattered to each other, neither knowing even faintly what he had said when he switched from one rough, heavy, deep voice to the other lighter, smoother, even bubbly voice. With a fierce growl, the elder gave the silent, young guard a quick order. He nodded and drew from his thigh a short dagger. He stepped toward Link and Link lifted his head, all calmness fled him at the sight of the black knife blade.
Without emotion or hesitation, the guard pushed the dagger deeply into Link's right side. He bit his tongue hard to keep from crying out. The blade bit deeply into his bare side, between the ribs almost ticking his lungs. But the blade did not pierce anything so vital. He hissed in pain again as the blade was pulled roughly away. He felt the blood flowing and falling down his side as he met the gaze of the passive guard.
Link hung his head, the pain was fiery in his side but not enough to pull him into the retreat of sleep. He heard the elder say something to them. The translator saluted and quickly retreated. Why didn't Link like the sound of the elders order? He drew a deep breath and drew his head up. His acquaintance to such pain and much worse buoyed his resolve. When his binds released him, he gasped at the sudden pain of his arm dropping and the young guard roughly took hold of his left shoulder to take him away.
~~~~~
Kohachan was restless. He took a post on one of the highest roofs, one that reached the tree line and a little above. With one leg hanging over the edge, he observed the sunset. The sun sat on the horizon with the bright red of a fresh wound. Above it was a blanket of purple and blue clouds. The same shade of purple of a new bruise. The bruised clouds were descending to cover the wound on the sea. He sighed at his horrid thoughts when a hand grabbed his ankle.
Tarawen pulled herself up using his leg and the edge of the roof. "You could have just become a fox." Kohachan said quietly. She shook her head, "Then You would have ignored me when I got up here. This way, I can say you started it." He slightly chuckled at her whimsical way of thinking. She punched his back with a solid thump and he knelt away from her. She sat on her knees staring hard at him until he was silent.
The bruise was descending lower, depleting light from the wound. The alit of red was glowing then. Glowing with the promise of bloodshed that night. She followed his line of vision. "Beautiful, isn't it?" She suddenly said. He fell against one upraised knee and stuttered a moment. The thought of it being beautiful had never crossed him. Not before a battle. Not before any mission.
He drew his katana from the sheath set against his back and set it beside his knee, stabbing into the roof. The sword flashed the reflection of the dying light.
The dying light.
The healing wound.
He gripped the katana firmly and raised it into the sky. It caught the last light of the sunset and in the sword he watched it die away. "Blood will be spilt this night. If not by our hands and weapons, by other means regarding us. I can't see anything of beauty, Tarawen. Not when I know my friends are in danger."
She lowered her eyes, not able to even look at him. She knew she would have melted if she had to meet his ruby eyes. His were eyes that could gleam without the aid of any light, other than the light of the demon within him. He had told her a long time ago that when he was too weak to carry on, there was a stranger within him. One that has been buried in his soul since he first set foot upon Hyrule.
The demon had flourished in that land where he was an outcast underneath all the formalities. He had felt their distrust, their hate, and their fear. And the demon had fed from those malice emotions. When Kohachan had need of the ability to kill, whether it be a true enemy or one testing his spirit, the demon took control. Kohachan's eyes would gleam with the deadly beast and he would be fearful just as he was vengeful.
Tarawen shuddered, remembering the night he had revealed himself to her. Having friends had changed him, if only slightly. Now if any of them were threatened, this demon inside Kohachan would take control. It would use Kohachan to try and claim what Kohachan wanted, their safety. Even if cold blood was spilt in the process.
Without thought, she came behind him and wrapped her arms around him. Setting her chin on his shoulder, she nuzzled his cheek in comfort. He slightly sighed but didn't pull away. If anything, he leaned into her cheek, knowing better than to do anything to return the feelings. Kitsune took many things too seriously. He wasn't even allowed to kiss her hand in formality.
Finally, she pulled away, his warmth was still seeped into her. Though she knew it was the heat of the anticipation of possible death again. When it came to fighters, no death was ever important. She crawled beside him and took his hand in hers. He regarded her in surprise as she looked with deep, watery eyes at the intertwined fingers. "Kohachan, why are your hands so well defined? Why are they so delicate looking? Most men have large, strong hands."
He said, careful to mask any emotion from his voice, "My hands have lost no strength. They have to be as they are to perform some moves. Remember the Sheikah trademark? The deku nut I told you about?" She nodded and stood up. Another person was on the roof as well. He stood behind them, regarding them with eyes matching the night sky.
Kohachan set his katana away and stood to face Zolaris, "Time yet?" determination tainted with fatigue was obvious in his voice. Zolaris shook his head, "Toloran is drawing up back up plans. What 'special attacks' to use. I wanted to know if you wanted to warm up first. I don't know about you but I'd prefer to warm up before risking life and limb. Too bad all we're doing is sneaking around."
Zolaris regarded Kohachan with a challenging grin. The look had not changed even over the six years. Kohachan returned the grin and set one hand on his katana, the other hand just over the hilt. Zolaris drew his own double bladed Hydra blade. It gleamed with the magic laced in it.
Kohachan began as Tarawen quickly jumped off the roof, landing on the walk just below. Kohachan drew his sword at the last moment, leading along Zolaris sword to its hilt, Zolaris tried to push it aside but as he was able to shove the blade aside, Kohachan's fist followed through. He stopped leaning over Zolaris, his fist pressing just against the young Sheikah's stomach.
Zolaris looked down at it and Kohachan laughed, "I made that one up in Hyrule." Zolaris nodded and leaped back, chanting quick, unintelligible words, he thrust his sword upward. It replied with a sharp rain of pins that hailed from the blade tip as Zolaris pulled it into a vertical cut.
Kohachan back flipped over the edge of the roof and then leaped onto the wooden rail, he balanced thought the rail was a scant three inches wide. He looked up to see Zolaris bearing the glowing sword at his side, the eyes of the hydra gleamed white with the power it felt. He grinned at Kohachan and commented easily, "I have improved as well. Let's try not to kill each other though." Kohachan nodded his agreement.
Together, they fell from the treetops. Tarawen watched in amazement. How long has it been since she's seen these two particular Sheikah duel? She was not going to miss it! She leaped after them, knowing full well that they all three would land on one large, bent over tree in particular. Sure enough, Kohachan landed near the palms and Zolaris near him, making the tree sway only slightly. Tarawen landed near the base of the half arch and held with hands and feet on it. She didn't want to distract them too badly.
Through the shadows of the Kitsune village, the sparks of both steel and magic flared and flew. Kohachan blocked Zolaris' assaults as Zolaris blocked his. Kohachan's blade went slightly astray, pressing the attack further into the gleaming magic blade. Zolaris cried in pain as the magic was washed against his hands. He held fast, despite the burn of the flames.
Kohachan pulled away too sharply. Zolaris pushed with all the might he could muster as the tree swayed under him. He was stopped by Kohachan's superior strength. He growled in frustration before muttering a few words of magic. The blade of his sword widened with a white glow. The light pressed closer to Kohachan's face. Kohachan shoved him off, breaking his concentration.
Zolaris worked to regain his balance as Kohachan leaped easily backward then up and away from the young opponent. He landed lightly on the walk as Zolaris regained himself and with a yell, dashed headlong along the tree, it swayed sharply upward after Kohachan's dismounting, flinging Zolaris upward to the same ledge.
Kohachan met him with a clash of blades, a flash of light. He was forced to back away from the flaring white light, his own blade was glowing but only with reflection. Zolaris leaped away and whispered a few words to the sword before sending it into a horizontal slash.
A thin, solid line of magic floated past the wood of the houses and beams and walks but Kohachan knew better than to assume anything. He drew his sword high and slashed hard against the frail seeing line of magic. It broke easily and Kohachan leaped through it, caught Zolaris off guard, and pushed his sword against the Hydra blade once more.
With his advantage of height, Kohachan twisted his ankle around Zolaris, preventing the boy from taking a step backward. He pushed to boy further with his sword until Zolaris was fallen onto his back. Even then, Kohachan leveled the blade to his throat. Zolaris looked at the blade. He saw his mistake with magic, then. The blade was made with the same qualities of the mirror shield. It negated magic.
Zolaris snorted at his own mistake then soothed the magic of the sword, showing his surrender.
Kohachan smiled and pulled away the sword, offering a hand instead. This, Zolaris took and was hauled to his feet once again. Tarawen applauded the show but then Toloran appeared. He was clapping as well but only shortly. "I hope you two are warmed up. It's time to go now." Zolaris wiped a bit of sweat from the side of his head before nodding.
~~~~~
Link rested with Crystal only shortly. The wound was not bleeding so openly but it was itching like mad. Crystal prevented his making the injury worse while Navi ranted in her head, swearing every possible pain imaginable to those who captured them and gave Link the dishonorable wound. Link had to grin at the fierce loyalty of his fairy friend as Crystal translated the fairy's words to him.
The room opened though Link and Crystal were kept behind cold, iron bars in the room. The young guard returned, holding Link's sword with him. Link looked at it in surprise. The guard set it across the room from the cell. It was a hopeless distance to close. The guard said something before he left though Link could not understand it.
Crystal grabbed his gaze with her own. They locked and Crystal read him as best she could. The darkness was distressingly shadowed with dark thoughts and a dark life but she read his words, read the emotions behind them, and read what was to be Link's future.
She broke the gaze easily, as though it was never locked to begin with. Without another word, the passive guard left them.
Crystal waited until she was certain he was gone, even though he would not have been able to understand her anyway. She leaned close to Link and said, "He's not too happy about this. He said, 'if you can take this, you will have to, soon. You won't have long to wait before your fate string is cut'. Link, does that mean what I think it means?" He stared holes into the ground as he kept one hand gingerly over his right side.
He knew then, why they cut him. He knew why his sword was still in existence. He was to fight. He was to be played with. They wanted him to fight. They didn't know he was not fight handed. This could work to his advantage. A smile of pre-victory confused Crystal and Navi to no end. Link spoke softly in thought, knowing his next move, "I think I'll be the one to play. Oh, yes. That I will."
He clenched his fist, the pain in his side nearly forgotten in his moment of realization. He turned to her, both Crystal and Navi in the same body. He held a fire in his eyes, fires of his newfound magic and said, "Crystal, Navi, don't worry but that what he said was what you think. They want to kill me, or kill my spirit. Well, they underestimate me. Tomorrow, this game is over. Now, I can play by my own rules. They lose!"
~~~~~~~
Hey, that went faster than I thought it would! Anyway, I had to finish this kind of quickly. At least there is a fight in this one, kind of. So, do we think Link I bluffing? Ha! Never!
The fighters are about to have a bad day. Or will Link's plan be like hitting a beehive with a stick? We shall see soon enough. Well, not too soon. Due to a rather painful appointment, my chapters will be delayed after this one. When I do recover, I WILL try to update again.
*Bows in apology* Sorry, but I can't guarantee that will be soon.
Till next time!
Heh, no one's reviewing. No, I take that back. I dedicate all these chapters to Angle1, CrysSton16, Shadow Knight, and the Primagen always, even if I forget to mention any one of them.
As for my reviewer, I'm sorry for stressing you out, Dragonkiller (GSfreak), but you know we all have times like those. I hope you recover soon.
Kohachan: *pinned to the wall* Perhaps I have some apologies to make as well.
*Unpins Kohachan*
Kohachan: Sorry for bothering you, Dragonkiller. And Shadow Knight, or Merrick, I'm glad you can spar with Tarawen anyway. If it pleases everyone, I'll stay out of these openings. Fair thee well, all. *Vanishes into shadow*
Well, so much for him as well. Okay, despite your bout of wearing skulls or whatever, Dragonkiller, I still dedicate this chapter to you, thank you for reviewing. I'm glad you didn't rip mine ^_^. As well as Hyliansage and farmerboy.
Fwah! I've slowed down haven't I? I'm sure it is because I've not gotten any new reviews. Please, if you are new to reading this story, please tell me that you like it or hate it, just let me know you've read it! Please!
~~~~~~~
~ Plans and Problems ~
Despite the problem of getting into the base, there was also the problem of getting to the cells without being detected and getting the captives free. With three known people to save, Toloran and the other three (Kohachan, Zolaris, and Tarawen) all determined it best to save any else who could have been held captive.
Yet, no matter where they turned, what approach to solving the problem they took, there was still the problem of how to get in. Zolaris provided every imaginable way of sneaking in but in the end, there were simply too many guards. Toloran thought of civil ways to get in, talking to the leaders but he was all but laughed at for the impossibility of that plan. The fighters could never act civil, or so it seemed for all six years of the war.
Kohachan remained silent mostly, trying to take their plans and twine them together, taking the good points from either plan. He finally spoke up as he stared hard at the red setting moon, "So, what if we follow the original plan somewhat, give in to their demands but be as the cunning Kitsune and overcome them once we are in their heart. Or at least the heart of the compound." Toloran didn't move from his spot on the floor as Zolaris stayed up on a rafter beam, swinging one leg and leaning against the counter beam. Tarawen sat on the windowsill, leaning onto her knees as he pulled away.
Kohachan continued and turned to appeal to them directly, "I mean, we give in but it'd be a lie naturally. Once inside, I can simply . . . talk to them as Zolaris works his magic of stealth and Toloran, you are real good at finding ways around a place, not to mention go unnoticed."
Toloran shook his head, his hair, mostly clean from the sap, touched his face as he said, "I don't think so, Kohan. Not this time. It was a long time ago that such a plan would work, long ago when they didn't expect such a stunt from us. We need something to surprise them once again."
Zolaris nodded his agreement but Kohachan snorted at their stubbornness, "How long has it been since either of you have performed the suicide attack and yet survived? We all together have done such things but what of apart?
"Not at all, right? Given how long it's been, this could very well surprise them." He stood from the window and walked well into the center of the room, "I say we remind them who they are dealing with. I say we remind them exactly why we are known as the elite!" Toloran was indeed stirred by the younger warrior's passion while Zolaris' eyes gleamed with a dark, deadly light in them.
Kohachan held up one hand, trying to settle tam before continuing, "We have three days. Tarawen," He turned to her as she sat on the windowsill, "do you think the fighters will dare harm any of the prisoners? Or at least Matt who they mentioned in the letter." Tarawen thought for a moment before saying, "They never have had a ransom before. If they had, I'm not aware of it. If you're wondering about their honor, I don't think they would harm him while the terms are to be met.
"I don't know about Link and Crystal or whoever they are. The fighters could know about their being one of the party whom Kohachan came with. But, if not, it's quite possible they will be left out of this safety that is guaranteed to Matt." Kohachan nodded, not liking the thoughts that came to his mind.
He remembered well enough that the fighters held magic. And mostly magic could only be fought against with other magic. Link had magic. A dang wave of it sitting right there inside him. The Kitsune had defensive magic all their own. All three Sheikah could hold their own though Zolaris was the most talented through his sword.
Toloran pointed out they had till the dawn of the third day to comply. This was going to be a crunch on time. It was rumored among the scout Kitsune that the base could not be found during the day.
Finally, Toloran announced they should get some sleep as well. If they had only two nights, they would have to rest during the day. That night, they would scout it out thoroughly, only looking, no attack. Not yet anyway.
~~~~~
Link was the first to be interrogated. Blindfolded he and Crystal had been led to wherever they were being taken. He was led through a series of dark halls. Naturally, his sword was taken away as well as his hat but also his tunic was taken away and he was given a pair of long, loose black pantaloons. The place reminded him of the Gerudo grounds but much, much darker. He concluded it was a mix of the Gerudo Fortress and the Shadow Temple.
He was stopped at a cull de sac of a room. Only one entrance. A heavy wooden door closed behind him with an echoing rumble. He was forced into a position with his arms set in a "Y" and roped of the same materiel as the net wrapped constricting around his wrists of their own accord.
The two guards left as two more fighters, these ones garbed less concealing stepped before him. Both had dark brown skin. Skin to rate with the Gerudo but the fact that these were men was apparent. One had a black and gray tipped beard growing all on the lower half of his face, his cheeks scored with dents and three deep cuts as though a cat had scratched him. The other bore no facial hair but the dark gleam in his eye from the gold torch light spoke of a warrior.
The younger on still wore the cap but his face was set in a straight line as he regarded Link then his elder. Link twisted against the ropes testing but was reprimanded against moving with a hard blow of the crop set in the crook of the elder's arm. The blow would no doubt leave a mark on Link's face as the pain throbbed fully into the area.
The elder brought the crop around and under Link's chin, leading the boys face to face him. He regarded Link thoughtfully, regarded his fair skin and bright blonde hair. One such as this did not belong nor did originate from the islands. He spoke a few simple words to the boy but Link only gave him a confused but enraged look. He sneered at the child's ignorance. If he couldn't understand the native language, what was he doing here?
He pulled his crop away and pivoted on his heals. Stepping away a few paces he stopped and said in a different language, "What are you called?" Again no answer. He pivoted sharply to face the boy once again but again was given the same look.
He breathed harshly, the breath only slightly grinding in his throat. He spoke a fe quick words to his young assistant but was answered negatively. Link decided they wanted him to talk but was going to refuse tat. If he could delay, saving Matt was Kohachan's job. Perhaps he could get help and come for Crystal and him as well.
He just had to delay. Just a little longer. The elder whirled on him once again and after the brief words went up close to Link, his foul breath poured over the Hylian and again he spoke with the heavy accent and words that made no sense to him. Link finally answered in his own language, "Better step back and give me back my sword!"
The dark eyes widened till the flames once again reflected in them. He smirked then and called down the hall. Link cursed quietly at himself and realized all too well the call was a summon for a translator.
He waited somewhat patiently and a slight giddiness for his situation came over him. A song drifted to Link's idle mind and he was soon humming Saria's Song. Another blow from the crop silenced him well enough. He glared fiery daggers at the tormentor but was unable to do anything in retaliation about it.
Sooner than expected, a person appeared in the doorway, bowing to the elder, he was permitted full entrance to which he said to Link, "Welcome to the Hall of Cries. You'll hear plenty of them in your stay. Even from your own throat if it is not slit before then.
"Here, we have discovered a way to slit a throat, destroying the vocal chords, without killing the guest. Oh, you don't have to worry about that. What we want of you is information. Since none of us are exactly mind readers, we'll have to get what we want the old fashioned way.
He turned to his elder and in the complete voice accent and everything, explained the same dialogue. The elder smiled, a sick and twisted grin revealing his yellowed teeth. Link slightly grimaced and the leader laughed slightly before mentioning something to the translator.
The translator laughed as well and said to Link, "He says you already quiver in anticipation. We won't keep you long. You see, we only want to know how . . . tough you are first. Then we plan to have some fun with you, young swordsman."
Link met his gaze easily, leaning his head against one arm he said in the Goron tongue he familiarized himself in Darmania's form, "Do your worst and I will do mine ten fold. You know not who you are dealing with." The translator's eyebrows shot up in surprise but Link switched to a more smooth language of the Zora's, "Awe, what's wrong? Can't keep up with me? You haven't been through half of what I've been. You know not who you deal with." At that, he rested his eyes, practicing the total confidence he had seen in Matt.
He grinned as they chattered to each other, neither knowing even faintly what he had said when he switched from one rough, heavy, deep voice to the other lighter, smoother, even bubbly voice. With a fierce growl, the elder gave the silent, young guard a quick order. He nodded and drew from his thigh a short dagger. He stepped toward Link and Link lifted his head, all calmness fled him at the sight of the black knife blade.
Without emotion or hesitation, the guard pushed the dagger deeply into Link's right side. He bit his tongue hard to keep from crying out. The blade bit deeply into his bare side, between the ribs almost ticking his lungs. But the blade did not pierce anything so vital. He hissed in pain again as the blade was pulled roughly away. He felt the blood flowing and falling down his side as he met the gaze of the passive guard.
Link hung his head, the pain was fiery in his side but not enough to pull him into the retreat of sleep. He heard the elder say something to them. The translator saluted and quickly retreated. Why didn't Link like the sound of the elders order? He drew a deep breath and drew his head up. His acquaintance to such pain and much worse buoyed his resolve. When his binds released him, he gasped at the sudden pain of his arm dropping and the young guard roughly took hold of his left shoulder to take him away.
~~~~~
Kohachan was restless. He took a post on one of the highest roofs, one that reached the tree line and a little above. With one leg hanging over the edge, he observed the sunset. The sun sat on the horizon with the bright red of a fresh wound. Above it was a blanket of purple and blue clouds. The same shade of purple of a new bruise. The bruised clouds were descending to cover the wound on the sea. He sighed at his horrid thoughts when a hand grabbed his ankle.
Tarawen pulled herself up using his leg and the edge of the roof. "You could have just become a fox." Kohachan said quietly. She shook her head, "Then You would have ignored me when I got up here. This way, I can say you started it." He slightly chuckled at her whimsical way of thinking. She punched his back with a solid thump and he knelt away from her. She sat on her knees staring hard at him until he was silent.
The bruise was descending lower, depleting light from the wound. The alit of red was glowing then. Glowing with the promise of bloodshed that night. She followed his line of vision. "Beautiful, isn't it?" She suddenly said. He fell against one upraised knee and stuttered a moment. The thought of it being beautiful had never crossed him. Not before a battle. Not before any mission.
He drew his katana from the sheath set against his back and set it beside his knee, stabbing into the roof. The sword flashed the reflection of the dying light.
The dying light.
The healing wound.
He gripped the katana firmly and raised it into the sky. It caught the last light of the sunset and in the sword he watched it die away. "Blood will be spilt this night. If not by our hands and weapons, by other means regarding us. I can't see anything of beauty, Tarawen. Not when I know my friends are in danger."
She lowered her eyes, not able to even look at him. She knew she would have melted if she had to meet his ruby eyes. His were eyes that could gleam without the aid of any light, other than the light of the demon within him. He had told her a long time ago that when he was too weak to carry on, there was a stranger within him. One that has been buried in his soul since he first set foot upon Hyrule.
The demon had flourished in that land where he was an outcast underneath all the formalities. He had felt their distrust, their hate, and their fear. And the demon had fed from those malice emotions. When Kohachan had need of the ability to kill, whether it be a true enemy or one testing his spirit, the demon took control. Kohachan's eyes would gleam with the deadly beast and he would be fearful just as he was vengeful.
Tarawen shuddered, remembering the night he had revealed himself to her. Having friends had changed him, if only slightly. Now if any of them were threatened, this demon inside Kohachan would take control. It would use Kohachan to try and claim what Kohachan wanted, their safety. Even if cold blood was spilt in the process.
Without thought, she came behind him and wrapped her arms around him. Setting her chin on his shoulder, she nuzzled his cheek in comfort. He slightly sighed but didn't pull away. If anything, he leaned into her cheek, knowing better than to do anything to return the feelings. Kitsune took many things too seriously. He wasn't even allowed to kiss her hand in formality.
Finally, she pulled away, his warmth was still seeped into her. Though she knew it was the heat of the anticipation of possible death again. When it came to fighters, no death was ever important. She crawled beside him and took his hand in hers. He regarded her in surprise as she looked with deep, watery eyes at the intertwined fingers. "Kohachan, why are your hands so well defined? Why are they so delicate looking? Most men have large, strong hands."
He said, careful to mask any emotion from his voice, "My hands have lost no strength. They have to be as they are to perform some moves. Remember the Sheikah trademark? The deku nut I told you about?" She nodded and stood up. Another person was on the roof as well. He stood behind them, regarding them with eyes matching the night sky.
Kohachan set his katana away and stood to face Zolaris, "Time yet?" determination tainted with fatigue was obvious in his voice. Zolaris shook his head, "Toloran is drawing up back up plans. What 'special attacks' to use. I wanted to know if you wanted to warm up first. I don't know about you but I'd prefer to warm up before risking life and limb. Too bad all we're doing is sneaking around."
Zolaris regarded Kohachan with a challenging grin. The look had not changed even over the six years. Kohachan returned the grin and set one hand on his katana, the other hand just over the hilt. Zolaris drew his own double bladed Hydra blade. It gleamed with the magic laced in it.
Kohachan began as Tarawen quickly jumped off the roof, landing on the walk just below. Kohachan drew his sword at the last moment, leading along Zolaris sword to its hilt, Zolaris tried to push it aside but as he was able to shove the blade aside, Kohachan's fist followed through. He stopped leaning over Zolaris, his fist pressing just against the young Sheikah's stomach.
Zolaris looked down at it and Kohachan laughed, "I made that one up in Hyrule." Zolaris nodded and leaped back, chanting quick, unintelligible words, he thrust his sword upward. It replied with a sharp rain of pins that hailed from the blade tip as Zolaris pulled it into a vertical cut.
Kohachan back flipped over the edge of the roof and then leaped onto the wooden rail, he balanced thought the rail was a scant three inches wide. He looked up to see Zolaris bearing the glowing sword at his side, the eyes of the hydra gleamed white with the power it felt. He grinned at Kohachan and commented easily, "I have improved as well. Let's try not to kill each other though." Kohachan nodded his agreement.
Together, they fell from the treetops. Tarawen watched in amazement. How long has it been since she's seen these two particular Sheikah duel? She was not going to miss it! She leaped after them, knowing full well that they all three would land on one large, bent over tree in particular. Sure enough, Kohachan landed near the palms and Zolaris near him, making the tree sway only slightly. Tarawen landed near the base of the half arch and held with hands and feet on it. She didn't want to distract them too badly.
Through the shadows of the Kitsune village, the sparks of both steel and magic flared and flew. Kohachan blocked Zolaris' assaults as Zolaris blocked his. Kohachan's blade went slightly astray, pressing the attack further into the gleaming magic blade. Zolaris cried in pain as the magic was washed against his hands. He held fast, despite the burn of the flames.
Kohachan pulled away too sharply. Zolaris pushed with all the might he could muster as the tree swayed under him. He was stopped by Kohachan's superior strength. He growled in frustration before muttering a few words of magic. The blade of his sword widened with a white glow. The light pressed closer to Kohachan's face. Kohachan shoved him off, breaking his concentration.
Zolaris worked to regain his balance as Kohachan leaped easily backward then up and away from the young opponent. He landed lightly on the walk as Zolaris regained himself and with a yell, dashed headlong along the tree, it swayed sharply upward after Kohachan's dismounting, flinging Zolaris upward to the same ledge.
Kohachan met him with a clash of blades, a flash of light. He was forced to back away from the flaring white light, his own blade was glowing but only with reflection. Zolaris leaped away and whispered a few words to the sword before sending it into a horizontal slash.
A thin, solid line of magic floated past the wood of the houses and beams and walks but Kohachan knew better than to assume anything. He drew his sword high and slashed hard against the frail seeing line of magic. It broke easily and Kohachan leaped through it, caught Zolaris off guard, and pushed his sword against the Hydra blade once more.
With his advantage of height, Kohachan twisted his ankle around Zolaris, preventing the boy from taking a step backward. He pushed to boy further with his sword until Zolaris was fallen onto his back. Even then, Kohachan leveled the blade to his throat. Zolaris looked at the blade. He saw his mistake with magic, then. The blade was made with the same qualities of the mirror shield. It negated magic.
Zolaris snorted at his own mistake then soothed the magic of the sword, showing his surrender.
Kohachan smiled and pulled away the sword, offering a hand instead. This, Zolaris took and was hauled to his feet once again. Tarawen applauded the show but then Toloran appeared. He was clapping as well but only shortly. "I hope you two are warmed up. It's time to go now." Zolaris wiped a bit of sweat from the side of his head before nodding.
~~~~~
Link rested with Crystal only shortly. The wound was not bleeding so openly but it was itching like mad. Crystal prevented his making the injury worse while Navi ranted in her head, swearing every possible pain imaginable to those who captured them and gave Link the dishonorable wound. Link had to grin at the fierce loyalty of his fairy friend as Crystal translated the fairy's words to him.
The room opened though Link and Crystal were kept behind cold, iron bars in the room. The young guard returned, holding Link's sword with him. Link looked at it in surprise. The guard set it across the room from the cell. It was a hopeless distance to close. The guard said something before he left though Link could not understand it.
Crystal grabbed his gaze with her own. They locked and Crystal read him as best she could. The darkness was distressingly shadowed with dark thoughts and a dark life but she read his words, read the emotions behind them, and read what was to be Link's future.
She broke the gaze easily, as though it was never locked to begin with. Without another word, the passive guard left them.
Crystal waited until she was certain he was gone, even though he would not have been able to understand her anyway. She leaned close to Link and said, "He's not too happy about this. He said, 'if you can take this, you will have to, soon. You won't have long to wait before your fate string is cut'. Link, does that mean what I think it means?" He stared holes into the ground as he kept one hand gingerly over his right side.
He knew then, why they cut him. He knew why his sword was still in existence. He was to fight. He was to be played with. They wanted him to fight. They didn't know he was not fight handed. This could work to his advantage. A smile of pre-victory confused Crystal and Navi to no end. Link spoke softly in thought, knowing his next move, "I think I'll be the one to play. Oh, yes. That I will."
He clenched his fist, the pain in his side nearly forgotten in his moment of realization. He turned to her, both Crystal and Navi in the same body. He held a fire in his eyes, fires of his newfound magic and said, "Crystal, Navi, don't worry but that what he said was what you think. They want to kill me, or kill my spirit. Well, they underestimate me. Tomorrow, this game is over. Now, I can play by my own rules. They lose!"
~~~~~~~
Hey, that went faster than I thought it would! Anyway, I had to finish this kind of quickly. At least there is a fight in this one, kind of. So, do we think Link I bluffing? Ha! Never!
The fighters are about to have a bad day. Or will Link's plan be like hitting a beehive with a stick? We shall see soon enough. Well, not too soon. Due to a rather painful appointment, my chapters will be delayed after this one. When I do recover, I WILL try to update again.
*Bows in apology* Sorry, but I can't guarantee that will be soon.
Till next time!