~ Disclaimer ~ Aright, I don't own it. There! I said it. Now let us just
move on with life.
^_^;; I just wrote an itty bitty chapter and am drowned with reviews. This is great! Thank you, thanks to everyone who reviewed! Well, with reviews comes questions but those are answered in the chapter if you look closely.
CrysSton16: *wearing Lens of Truth* Where are the answers? I don't see them . . .
-_-;; Smart aleck. Well, on with the dedications! I hope no one minds but these will be done individually ^_^
OK, so FantasyGamer9 is changed to C] 20W3. That can take some getting used to. As I said, all answers will come. -_^
Angle1, this isn't too soon, is it? I'll take a couple of days on this so even the end isn't spoilt or whatever.
Dragonkiller, you aren't mad at me? I really don't like to yell at people but don't like dumb questions either. So glad you stayed ^_^ Even if you do reek horrible vengeance.
Jelie 36, yes, the fighter is dead. Even his soul is taken so, yeah, he is no longer in existence. That is one of the few questions I don't mean to answer in the story.
Great Divide, you have another name? ^_^;; And how the heck do you know that I am an artist?!? *Is kinda scared and quickly moves to the next review*
SunMoonKnight, can't help but like that name. =^_^= Well, even before the full moon, one must take into account the other opponent. Hmm.what will happen on the night of a new moon? Muahahahaa!
Farmerboy, HEY! Did you update? Huh huh huh? I like your story but my computer is acting stupid again *pouts* Anyway, there must be one more review ^_^
Wait . . . That is all? But . . . Where is Shadow Knight? I'm gonna hurt him if he doesn't see the last chapter before I update this one! Maybe Kohachan can do that for me, though.
. . . . . HA! I knew it! He did review . . . later. OK, I'm obligated to dedicate the chapter to him as well. Good to have you back, Shadow Knight! *Gives a salute Marines style*
~~~~~~~
~ And Life Goes On ~
Toloran ignored the sounds of valuables breaking as he looked to the rising sun. Breathing in deeply, he calmed himself. It was not yet time, after all, for destiny to run its course. At least the night was over and everyone was still alive. Everyone who was supposed to live, anyway. This he could feel without having to see for himself.
Never before had the sun's healing rays felt so good as it melted the ice- like fear that had gripped Toloran through the night. That and the major headache acquired by the "love-birds" antics.
Speak of the devil, Kohachan jumped up to the plank, never minding the ladder and half ran, half stumbled across the walk, laughing like a maniac and yelling in fear at the same time.
Toloran sighed as his headache reached another peak but he knew that was not over. Sure enough, Tarawen, eyes glittering in her rage as well as fun in chasing the Sheikah, wielded a heavy, well-decorated pot over her head as she easily leapt the five feet to the ground level walk and began chasing him once again "Get back here!"
With a deft snatch and firm grip, Toloran snatched the vase out of her hands and she came to a halt to glare at him, her rage renewed at the interruption. He began walking away with it before she could reprimand him. She should know better than to throw her father's ancient inheritance at her temporary opponent.
"Kohachan, you still aren't getting away! I'll make you pay for thaaaat!!" She continued her run after him.
~~~~~
Oni had returned to Link's subconscious. The Hylian was asleep. Oni looked at Link for a moment, realizing how exhausting it must have been to try and take over Oni's command. He sighed and relaxed in the shadows, leaving against an invisible wall, he let the unconscious Link return to normal and fell asleep.
Yet, even in sleep, his mind was restless.
The Moon God Blade. How long has it been since he learned the legend? He remembered the legend of the Temple that resided in the power of the moon. It could only be opened by three sacrifices. Each representing a Triforce piece without being the bearer of the piece.
Crystal . . . Power. Her ability to see the soul. It was a wonder that she did not look past Link's memories to see him as well as the other three mask spirits residing in Link's mind. She was one sacrifice but who were the other two? If he could figure it out, Link could stop it before it began.
He focused on the second Triforce piece, Courage. If it wasn't Link, since he bore that piece, then who could it be. That young girl, Cait, did show promise but she was a mostly meek girl. Not Andrake. He hadn't even gotten involved yet. But the boy who Cait came with . . . he was the same who saved Crystal. If he was still alive, could it have been him? Possibly.
That left one last element. The Triforce of Wisdom. One would think Crystal bore wisdom but it is her gift that resides in her being that gives her what wisdom she has. The only clue he held was the one of Wisdom could speak in an unlearned tongue. A language he or she had never seen before yet could speak and understand upon being exposed to it.
Oni set a hand to his forehead, all this was giving him a headache. If that Darmani played his drums that night . . . Oni was too tired to even give out threats. Link would wake up eventually, Oni didn't need to worry about it. But when he gained enough strength, he would tell Link of what he discovered.
But there were two last pieces to the giant puzzle. The swords. The Light Moon Blade, its powers awakened on the night of a full moon, and the Dark Moon Glade, its powers awakened on the night of a new moon. Zolaris was the owner of the Light Moon Blade, entrusted to the Sheikah race.
Speaking of which, the blade had enhanced the demon's powers. Was that why there wasn't a hint of Zolaris within him? Even then, if they were to fight once more, could the demon be killed to free Zolaris? Even then, neither Oni nor Link were the ones to do it. It had to be the wielder of the Dark Moon Blade.
Who was that?! And how could the wielder be found before the thirty days till the next full moon? The ship would need to sail soon. They had to go back to the place where the legend originated. They needed to go to the Sheikah's homeland. Wherever that was. Yet, taking the Sheikah with them was not unmanageable.
Leave Katie and Andrake, Oni did not care but he would have to bring all three Sheikah in order to get the coordinates right. Link could talk to Kohachan easily. Zolaris' spirit of rebellion would be broken for a while. It was Toloran that could be difficult to come to an arrangement with . . .
He finally decided to rest but yet another though disturbed him. The gates. Legend had it that when both blades were united within the gates and the proper spell was spoken by the One of Wisdom, then the blades could be brought together.
The other two of Courage and Power would be sacrificed to open the light and dark gates. Courage for the dark, Power for the light. It made only slight sense but the fact remained that those special individuals would be killed.
Finally, Oni banished any more irritating questions to contemplate and closed his eyes to rest. That was when it could be heard. A sound deep in the shadows where the other three were staying dormant until then. A soft, sharp tune. The plucking of fish boned on the guitar. Then the sound born of softly tapping a drum. Finally, the slight whistle picked up into a loud but low note. The three were playing their cursed instruments!
"SILENCE!!" He roared at the shadows. The three jumped at the order but the sounds stopped, followed by noisy complaining. Oni sent a death glare to the shadows, the origins of the muttering until they too shut up.
All was peaceful once again. Oni smiled slightly and let his mind rest once again.
~~~~~
Matt continued to lead the gang as Crystal aided his steps and Zolaris, shaken from his near case of murder, looked around, daggers in hands.
He wouldn't be drawing the Hydra blade for a long time. Not for until he knew it was safe. He would have to tell Toloran of what happened. Not to mention Kohachan. But how would his childhood friends treat him if they knew of the close call?
Navi took over as Crystal was too tired, she glared at Matt and groaned, "Exactly, where are we going? Do you even know anymore? That tree looks familiar. Hey, are you listening to me?!" Matt looked to her, eyes shaded by weariness and he answered, "If you know a shortcut, why don't you lead?"
Navi bristled and pursed her lips in annoyance, "Maybe I will! We can get out of here faster that way! You're as useless as Link in a maze, you know that?" She stood in front of him only to face a wall of trees, vines, and bushes with no possible way through. She felt her eye twitch until Zolaris started laughing.
Whirling around on him, eyes flashing with fury, she was about to reprimand him when he was just behind her, an amused gleam in his eye as he silenced her with a finger to her lips. It worked. Navi shut up real quick as he said, "We should join my friends then. The Kitsune. They are the good side of this war, after all. Though, I do believe the war is over."
Zolaris shrugged as Matt nodded with a slight grin, slight cause his face still hurt from the fight a couple hours ago. Navi stayed quiet then even as Zolaris began to walk away, nodding in the direction they would be going.
As Navi followed behind, neither Matt nor Zolaris noticed as she was caught by strong arms from behind, silenced and pulled away before making one more sound. Three voices slightly snickered in the bushes as they dragged the squirming Navi away.
Matt rubbed the back of his head, wishing it would stop throbbing. He had hit that tree harder than he thought. At least his neck wasn't so stiff anymore. He was lucky, though, and knew it. Had his neck cracked a second time, that would have been bone cracking.
He chuckled nervously at the thought, catching Zolaris' attention once again. Without turning, Zolaris asked him what was so funny. Matt shrugged, hanging both hands behind his head he said, "Oh, just that I almost did die back there. That was crazy, really. Not that my life has never been threatened before but that was a close call!"
Zolaris slightly hung his head but quickly hid his shame and said conversationally, "You were brave back there. How did you know the sun would get rid of the demon?" Matt felt a bit of sweat bead and not because of the humid jungle.
He laughed nervously but said loudly enough, "Well, when you come from as many places as I have, you just know these things. I know plenty of demons! After all, the saying goes, know yourself, know your enemy and you hold the key to victory!"
Zolaris chuckled. He kept on chuckling at the confident lie that Matt demanded why. When his chuckles became giggles after pure fear, Matt joined with him until the odd spell wore off. Zolaris looked back at Matt, "Kid, you're okay. You know that? Keep up that attitude and you will fit in well where we are going. Just don't let anyone . . . out-fox you, neh?"
He laughed slightly at his own joke but stopped as something was missing. He grew serious, his eyes lost the amused gleam as he pondered aloud, "Where did the girl go?" Matt turned around, noticing it was quite peaceful. Sure enough, she was gone. "What the heck?!" Matt ran back the way they had come, ignoring Zolaris warning not to get separated.
With a sigh of frustration, he began after the youth when a hand grabbed at his shoulder and quietly whispered into his ears. Zolaris grinned in understanding and followed the warrior into the shadowed brush, his laughter echoing behind him accompanied by that of his "kidnappers".
~~~~~
Toloran walked the boards for long minutes at a time. How long would it take for Zolaris to get back? He knew the Kitsune were already planning their festival to rejoice the defeat of over three-fourths the fighter's population.
True, the Kitsune aided with those numbers, having seen foolish lines of fighters marching to the main base. Easy target practice for the quick- eyed Kitsune archers and even easier prey to hunt down after being surprised.
Now that that whole mess was over, all that remained was the regrouping. Kohachan was staying put if only because Tarawen blocked off his escapes.
For the first time since yesterday evening, Toloran chuckled. He could still hear Kohachan's pleading apology as he was facing the fiery tempered princess but he always would escape before blade, arrow, or flying cooking pot could scar him.
Kohachan appeared again. He walked to Toloran, sweat pouring down his face and matting his red hair as he collapsed near Toloran, "Any ideas for me to get away this time?" Toloran laughed again and said, "Kohachan, this is just like six years ago when you left. You got yourself out of these messes back then. Why can't you get out of them now?"
Kohachan gave him a death glare and said darkly, "One word, old friend: speed. She's gotten faster! Do you know that last cooking iron brushed my hair? Not to mention it left a real big hole in the wall it hit. Well, true that did get her in trouble and gave me the opportunity to escape but- " he was cut off by the enraged war cry of the enraged princess.
With a small yelp, he scrambled to his feet and began running once again. Toloran had to step in, at least a little. Standing full front in the walkway, he undid the clip holding the cloak around him and set it aside, revealing once again the protective, skin-tight suite he wore underneath the cloak.
Tarawen stopped only because she couldn't get past the tall Sheikah without shifting to fox form. Her eyes burned with rage as she stared at the Sheikah leader, a large book clutched in one hand and an elegant dagger in the other. Toloran held out a hand and twitched the fingers, asking silently for her to hand over one item. She held glared at him but gave him the book.
He nodded and stepped aside, "Just don't harm him permanently, got it?" Tarawen snarled, "He doesn't need all his hair. I'm going to cut some off. That's all . . . " She continued her hunt. Toloran shook his head. There was no way Kohachan would let her cut his hair. Then again, there was no way she would let herself cut it. However, Toloran easily predicted a swollen something or other in the near future.
He shrugged as his mind returned to the problem at hand. Zolaris. He picked up his cloak and decided to go off to find the fellow Sheikah. More than likely, a band of clever Kitsune had found them and were playing harmless tricks. It was always a possibility, after all. Not a probability, but a possibility was good enough. He could hope his nightmare was over for at least thirty days more.
~~~~~
Link finally began to wake up. He felt a warm, soft surface around him. He slowly sat up, shaking his head in confusion of what had happened. He could see easily and was no longer inside his own mind. What had happened to Oni?
He closed his eyes again and tried to think of the deity. In the back of his mind, he could feel Oni sound asleep and completely exhausted. Then Link felt it. Every single part of his body ached.
Clenching his teeth, he tried to move but failed. Taking one arm, he slowly began trying to push himself up into a sitting position but failed miserably. He groaned from the effort and realized even his magic was completely diminished. "Oni, what did you do to me?" he asked silently, knowing full well that Oni would not reply.
Silently cursing, Link tried again. Trying to ignore the fact that it felt his arm could pop off at any moment, he pushed himself up into a sitting position. Groaning from the new pain, he realized his other arm would not respond. He wondered if his legs would forgive him for letting Oni take over.
His back, at least, felt better for the cool breeze blowing on it. It was then that he realized he was back to wearing the black pants alone. Slowly, he dragged one bare foot under himself as best he could. His leg shook, but he dragged the other one closer as well then pushed himself to balance in a crouched position.
"Okay, just one push. That is all I ask. One push to get off the ground." He gave that one heave, got one inch before his legs collapsed then sprawled backward, gasping at the new pain he felt.
"Bad . . . bad idea. Okay, plan B. What is plan B? Dang it, the one time Navi would be useful . . ." A large, black bird cried overhead. Oddly enough, it sounded dark and ominous rather than the cheery songs of the tropical birds hiding in the trees. He thought of the bird picking at his bones and tried again, this time using his sword nearby as leverage to get up.
Tottering on his slightly shaking knees, he used the long sword as a walking stick of sorts and slowly started toward the jungle once again as the sun seemed to make the shadows of the green foliage steamy. He walked through the sauna of a forest ever so slowly and was soon engulfed in the mist.
Sweat sticking to his entire torso and pouring down his forehead, he continued through, leaning heavily on the sword hilt, he muttered of every little thing that was bad had happened to him and swore up and down that things couldn't get worse. Yet, it somehow did.
The next step he took sent him falling into yet another pit. Exactly like the one he was captured in the first time. Time passed in odd silence before the air in and around the pit shook with a roar of pain and rage. It was made clear that the Hero of Time was having a very bad day.
~~~~~
Matt was beginning to panic. He had turned his back on the silver-haired Sheikah for only a moment. Where had he gone?! Tracking back and forth in the same area, there was neither sign nor scent of him to be found.
"Sheikah, this isn't funny anymore! Crystal!! Where are you two! GUYS!!" He continued shouting until the Kitsune nearby both covered their ears in agony but held their breaths to keep from laughing aloud. Zolaris among them, he began his old tricks of magic once more, his odd sense of humor coming into play. Whispering a few words in the middle of Matt's next bellow, he blew on his open palm and sent an illusion of flame floating towards Matt.
Matt turned at the wrong time. Running straight into the illusion, Matt shrieked shrilly and fell backwards onto his rump. Getting up as the flame grew ten times as large, Matt ran away as the flame gave chase.
Zolaris chased Matt only for a while through the jungle. One Kitsune fell over and onto Zolaris breaking concentration but as Matt ran through the jungle, all five characters laughed until their sides ached, each recalling and re-enacting Matt's scream and terror on his face.
In the distance, a roar from a young boy's voice sounded. Each of them silenced mid-laugh, they all ran to see what the scream had been about. Leaping stone and tree trunk, all five came around one of the pits.
Among the pile of sticks and leaves, a figure, bloodied and hurt with a sword beside the injured hand. One tore his gaze away and began whispering prayers of safe passage to the after life. The other three Kitsune followed through but Zolaris wasn't so sure this was a death just yet.
Pursing his lips in concentration, he set one hand palm forward to the fallen person and chanted just slightly, closing his eyes in concentration. Yes, there was life still very much present. He called the praying Kitsune to help him as he followed the net walls to the rope above. The figure inside was badly injured so they couldn't just spring the trap and jerk him up. This was a delicate situation.
He grabbed hold of the four corner ropes and began pulling it upwards. The Kitsune also grabbed on and it was a suddenly easy task to haul up both the boy and his weapon. The four Kitsune held tight as Zolaris used the Hydra blade to cut through the magic ropes and free the boy.
"Aright, let's hurry. This kid needs help and fast. His ears are like mine so he isn't a fighter. Must be one of the hostages taken after Matt." He managed Link onto his back and all five of them started double speed to the tribe, completely forgetting about Matt.
~~~~~
Kohachan slumped miserably in his hammock. Did Tarawen have to be so vengeful? He lovingly cradled the ice pack to his slightly swollen cheek where her fist must have been imprinted. But still . . . it was worth the pain to see her that surprised.
He leaned his head back and crossed his ankles comfortably as the dull ache was subsiding to the freezing touch of the ice. Quite suddenly, the long lost, silver-haired Sheikah barreled into the room, bearing an unconscious blonde boy with him. "Kohachan, move. I need to use that hammock to help him."
"What?! Nuh-uh. I'm not moving. Use a potion. We won't need the emergency supply now that the war is pretty much over. The Kitsune are planning a celebration in honor of the event." Zolaris glared at him but Kohachan shot him a glare accompanied with a scowl until Zolaris snorted, Fine. I'll set him on the floor but if his back comes out of place, you're to blame. Also, I will use one of your potions. The normal kind."
"WHAT?! No way! Use the tropical kind! You know I can't stand those!" Zolaris grinned, "I know" Kohachan clenched his fist and shook it at the younger Sheikah but sighed, "Whatever. I'll be leaving soon anyway. Dang it, it won't stop throbbing!" He pressed the ice to his cheek a bit harder.
Zolaris paused in his digging for a good red potion when he stopped and looked up at Kohachan. Shaking a finger at the man, he suddenly waved it off, "We will talk later. Ah-HAH!" He pulled the vial out victoriously then returned to Link's side, uncorking it.
Kohachan hummed slightly as Zolaris ordered a nearby Kitsune for a bowl of warm water and a clean cloth. The Kitsune darted off to comply as Link began to stir. Zolaris shushed the boy and made him stay still as the heat of the healing potion eased the stiffness and soreness from his muscles.
Link blinked in confusion. His sight blurred but he saw silver hair over dark eyes set in slightly tanned skin. He glared then and said, "You won't win demon, I will fight you as long as I draw breath!" the wave of exhaustion took Link as Zolaris blinked in confusion. Kohachan laughed slightly, "Zolaris, you look like your demon, I suppose. Link probably got in that condition from fighting."
"Link. So that is his name. Well, I healed him so that should make amends, right?"
"Yeah, just like letting me get beat up amends your humiliating Tarawen at the stream."
"OK, her punching you. I'm going to guess that is what happened. Well, that was for something of your own doing, I'll wager."
Kohachan shrugged and kept humming as Zolaris bit his tongue off. "Dang it all!" Kohachan slightly jumped, his ice spilling to the floor. He growled at the accident then glared wearily at Zolaris, "What is wrong now?"
Zolaris hung his head, "I forgot about the other kid. The one who saved Crystal. Crystal should be in the city and being well off right now. But . . ." Kohachan laughed at his friend's forgetfulness as an image of a very lost Matt came to mind. "Well, Zolaris, go after him. I'll watch Link for now. What you come back to supply wise, well, you'll have to wait to find out."
Zolaris stood, shooting looks of hate at Kohachan, "Touch my things and die, Kohachan."
"After you, Zolaris. After you." He closed his eyes and relaxed, the throb of pain finally subsiding enough for him to rest.
~~~~~~~
*Five hours, two sodas, and three cinnamon gum sticks later* YES!! Another one bites the dust! I'm done with the chapter! Woo-Hoo!!
So, what did you think of that one? Should Link finally catch a break? Heh, this is getting a bit out of hand with Link never catching a break . . .
OK, it is 1:10 a.m. so, yeah. GOOD NIGHT WORLD! lol
Till next time!
^_^;; I just wrote an itty bitty chapter and am drowned with reviews. This is great! Thank you, thanks to everyone who reviewed! Well, with reviews comes questions but those are answered in the chapter if you look closely.
CrysSton16: *wearing Lens of Truth* Where are the answers? I don't see them . . .
-_-;; Smart aleck. Well, on with the dedications! I hope no one minds but these will be done individually ^_^
OK, so FantasyGamer9 is changed to C] 20W3. That can take some getting used to. As I said, all answers will come. -_^
Angle1, this isn't too soon, is it? I'll take a couple of days on this so even the end isn't spoilt or whatever.
Dragonkiller, you aren't mad at me? I really don't like to yell at people but don't like dumb questions either. So glad you stayed ^_^ Even if you do reek horrible vengeance.
Jelie 36, yes, the fighter is dead. Even his soul is taken so, yeah, he is no longer in existence. That is one of the few questions I don't mean to answer in the story.
Great Divide, you have another name? ^_^;; And how the heck do you know that I am an artist?!? *Is kinda scared and quickly moves to the next review*
SunMoonKnight, can't help but like that name. =^_^= Well, even before the full moon, one must take into account the other opponent. Hmm.what will happen on the night of a new moon? Muahahahaa!
Farmerboy, HEY! Did you update? Huh huh huh? I like your story but my computer is acting stupid again *pouts* Anyway, there must be one more review ^_^
Wait . . . That is all? But . . . Where is Shadow Knight? I'm gonna hurt him if he doesn't see the last chapter before I update this one! Maybe Kohachan can do that for me, though.
. . . . . HA! I knew it! He did review . . . later. OK, I'm obligated to dedicate the chapter to him as well. Good to have you back, Shadow Knight! *Gives a salute Marines style*
~~~~~~~
~ And Life Goes On ~
Toloran ignored the sounds of valuables breaking as he looked to the rising sun. Breathing in deeply, he calmed himself. It was not yet time, after all, for destiny to run its course. At least the night was over and everyone was still alive. Everyone who was supposed to live, anyway. This he could feel without having to see for himself.
Never before had the sun's healing rays felt so good as it melted the ice- like fear that had gripped Toloran through the night. That and the major headache acquired by the "love-birds" antics.
Speak of the devil, Kohachan jumped up to the plank, never minding the ladder and half ran, half stumbled across the walk, laughing like a maniac and yelling in fear at the same time.
Toloran sighed as his headache reached another peak but he knew that was not over. Sure enough, Tarawen, eyes glittering in her rage as well as fun in chasing the Sheikah, wielded a heavy, well-decorated pot over her head as she easily leapt the five feet to the ground level walk and began chasing him once again "Get back here!"
With a deft snatch and firm grip, Toloran snatched the vase out of her hands and she came to a halt to glare at him, her rage renewed at the interruption. He began walking away with it before she could reprimand him. She should know better than to throw her father's ancient inheritance at her temporary opponent.
"Kohachan, you still aren't getting away! I'll make you pay for thaaaat!!" She continued her run after him.
~~~~~
Oni had returned to Link's subconscious. The Hylian was asleep. Oni looked at Link for a moment, realizing how exhausting it must have been to try and take over Oni's command. He sighed and relaxed in the shadows, leaving against an invisible wall, he let the unconscious Link return to normal and fell asleep.
Yet, even in sleep, his mind was restless.
The Moon God Blade. How long has it been since he learned the legend? He remembered the legend of the Temple that resided in the power of the moon. It could only be opened by three sacrifices. Each representing a Triforce piece without being the bearer of the piece.
Crystal . . . Power. Her ability to see the soul. It was a wonder that she did not look past Link's memories to see him as well as the other three mask spirits residing in Link's mind. She was one sacrifice but who were the other two? If he could figure it out, Link could stop it before it began.
He focused on the second Triforce piece, Courage. If it wasn't Link, since he bore that piece, then who could it be. That young girl, Cait, did show promise but she was a mostly meek girl. Not Andrake. He hadn't even gotten involved yet. But the boy who Cait came with . . . he was the same who saved Crystal. If he was still alive, could it have been him? Possibly.
That left one last element. The Triforce of Wisdom. One would think Crystal bore wisdom but it is her gift that resides in her being that gives her what wisdom she has. The only clue he held was the one of Wisdom could speak in an unlearned tongue. A language he or she had never seen before yet could speak and understand upon being exposed to it.
Oni set a hand to his forehead, all this was giving him a headache. If that Darmani played his drums that night . . . Oni was too tired to even give out threats. Link would wake up eventually, Oni didn't need to worry about it. But when he gained enough strength, he would tell Link of what he discovered.
But there were two last pieces to the giant puzzle. The swords. The Light Moon Blade, its powers awakened on the night of a full moon, and the Dark Moon Glade, its powers awakened on the night of a new moon. Zolaris was the owner of the Light Moon Blade, entrusted to the Sheikah race.
Speaking of which, the blade had enhanced the demon's powers. Was that why there wasn't a hint of Zolaris within him? Even then, if they were to fight once more, could the demon be killed to free Zolaris? Even then, neither Oni nor Link were the ones to do it. It had to be the wielder of the Dark Moon Blade.
Who was that?! And how could the wielder be found before the thirty days till the next full moon? The ship would need to sail soon. They had to go back to the place where the legend originated. They needed to go to the Sheikah's homeland. Wherever that was. Yet, taking the Sheikah with them was not unmanageable.
Leave Katie and Andrake, Oni did not care but he would have to bring all three Sheikah in order to get the coordinates right. Link could talk to Kohachan easily. Zolaris' spirit of rebellion would be broken for a while. It was Toloran that could be difficult to come to an arrangement with . . .
He finally decided to rest but yet another though disturbed him. The gates. Legend had it that when both blades were united within the gates and the proper spell was spoken by the One of Wisdom, then the blades could be brought together.
The other two of Courage and Power would be sacrificed to open the light and dark gates. Courage for the dark, Power for the light. It made only slight sense but the fact remained that those special individuals would be killed.
Finally, Oni banished any more irritating questions to contemplate and closed his eyes to rest. That was when it could be heard. A sound deep in the shadows where the other three were staying dormant until then. A soft, sharp tune. The plucking of fish boned on the guitar. Then the sound born of softly tapping a drum. Finally, the slight whistle picked up into a loud but low note. The three were playing their cursed instruments!
"SILENCE!!" He roared at the shadows. The three jumped at the order but the sounds stopped, followed by noisy complaining. Oni sent a death glare to the shadows, the origins of the muttering until they too shut up.
All was peaceful once again. Oni smiled slightly and let his mind rest once again.
~~~~~
Matt continued to lead the gang as Crystal aided his steps and Zolaris, shaken from his near case of murder, looked around, daggers in hands.
He wouldn't be drawing the Hydra blade for a long time. Not for until he knew it was safe. He would have to tell Toloran of what happened. Not to mention Kohachan. But how would his childhood friends treat him if they knew of the close call?
Navi took over as Crystal was too tired, she glared at Matt and groaned, "Exactly, where are we going? Do you even know anymore? That tree looks familiar. Hey, are you listening to me?!" Matt looked to her, eyes shaded by weariness and he answered, "If you know a shortcut, why don't you lead?"
Navi bristled and pursed her lips in annoyance, "Maybe I will! We can get out of here faster that way! You're as useless as Link in a maze, you know that?" She stood in front of him only to face a wall of trees, vines, and bushes with no possible way through. She felt her eye twitch until Zolaris started laughing.
Whirling around on him, eyes flashing with fury, she was about to reprimand him when he was just behind her, an amused gleam in his eye as he silenced her with a finger to her lips. It worked. Navi shut up real quick as he said, "We should join my friends then. The Kitsune. They are the good side of this war, after all. Though, I do believe the war is over."
Zolaris shrugged as Matt nodded with a slight grin, slight cause his face still hurt from the fight a couple hours ago. Navi stayed quiet then even as Zolaris began to walk away, nodding in the direction they would be going.
As Navi followed behind, neither Matt nor Zolaris noticed as she was caught by strong arms from behind, silenced and pulled away before making one more sound. Three voices slightly snickered in the bushes as they dragged the squirming Navi away.
Matt rubbed the back of his head, wishing it would stop throbbing. He had hit that tree harder than he thought. At least his neck wasn't so stiff anymore. He was lucky, though, and knew it. Had his neck cracked a second time, that would have been bone cracking.
He chuckled nervously at the thought, catching Zolaris' attention once again. Without turning, Zolaris asked him what was so funny. Matt shrugged, hanging both hands behind his head he said, "Oh, just that I almost did die back there. That was crazy, really. Not that my life has never been threatened before but that was a close call!"
Zolaris slightly hung his head but quickly hid his shame and said conversationally, "You were brave back there. How did you know the sun would get rid of the demon?" Matt felt a bit of sweat bead and not because of the humid jungle.
He laughed nervously but said loudly enough, "Well, when you come from as many places as I have, you just know these things. I know plenty of demons! After all, the saying goes, know yourself, know your enemy and you hold the key to victory!"
Zolaris chuckled. He kept on chuckling at the confident lie that Matt demanded why. When his chuckles became giggles after pure fear, Matt joined with him until the odd spell wore off. Zolaris looked back at Matt, "Kid, you're okay. You know that? Keep up that attitude and you will fit in well where we are going. Just don't let anyone . . . out-fox you, neh?"
He laughed slightly at his own joke but stopped as something was missing. He grew serious, his eyes lost the amused gleam as he pondered aloud, "Where did the girl go?" Matt turned around, noticing it was quite peaceful. Sure enough, she was gone. "What the heck?!" Matt ran back the way they had come, ignoring Zolaris warning not to get separated.
With a sigh of frustration, he began after the youth when a hand grabbed at his shoulder and quietly whispered into his ears. Zolaris grinned in understanding and followed the warrior into the shadowed brush, his laughter echoing behind him accompanied by that of his "kidnappers".
~~~~~
Toloran walked the boards for long minutes at a time. How long would it take for Zolaris to get back? He knew the Kitsune were already planning their festival to rejoice the defeat of over three-fourths the fighter's population.
True, the Kitsune aided with those numbers, having seen foolish lines of fighters marching to the main base. Easy target practice for the quick- eyed Kitsune archers and even easier prey to hunt down after being surprised.
Now that that whole mess was over, all that remained was the regrouping. Kohachan was staying put if only because Tarawen blocked off his escapes.
For the first time since yesterday evening, Toloran chuckled. He could still hear Kohachan's pleading apology as he was facing the fiery tempered princess but he always would escape before blade, arrow, or flying cooking pot could scar him.
Kohachan appeared again. He walked to Toloran, sweat pouring down his face and matting his red hair as he collapsed near Toloran, "Any ideas for me to get away this time?" Toloran laughed again and said, "Kohachan, this is just like six years ago when you left. You got yourself out of these messes back then. Why can't you get out of them now?"
Kohachan gave him a death glare and said darkly, "One word, old friend: speed. She's gotten faster! Do you know that last cooking iron brushed my hair? Not to mention it left a real big hole in the wall it hit. Well, true that did get her in trouble and gave me the opportunity to escape but- " he was cut off by the enraged war cry of the enraged princess.
With a small yelp, he scrambled to his feet and began running once again. Toloran had to step in, at least a little. Standing full front in the walkway, he undid the clip holding the cloak around him and set it aside, revealing once again the protective, skin-tight suite he wore underneath the cloak.
Tarawen stopped only because she couldn't get past the tall Sheikah without shifting to fox form. Her eyes burned with rage as she stared at the Sheikah leader, a large book clutched in one hand and an elegant dagger in the other. Toloran held out a hand and twitched the fingers, asking silently for her to hand over one item. She held glared at him but gave him the book.
He nodded and stepped aside, "Just don't harm him permanently, got it?" Tarawen snarled, "He doesn't need all his hair. I'm going to cut some off. That's all . . . " She continued her hunt. Toloran shook his head. There was no way Kohachan would let her cut his hair. Then again, there was no way she would let herself cut it. However, Toloran easily predicted a swollen something or other in the near future.
He shrugged as his mind returned to the problem at hand. Zolaris. He picked up his cloak and decided to go off to find the fellow Sheikah. More than likely, a band of clever Kitsune had found them and were playing harmless tricks. It was always a possibility, after all. Not a probability, but a possibility was good enough. He could hope his nightmare was over for at least thirty days more.
~~~~~
Link finally began to wake up. He felt a warm, soft surface around him. He slowly sat up, shaking his head in confusion of what had happened. He could see easily and was no longer inside his own mind. What had happened to Oni?
He closed his eyes again and tried to think of the deity. In the back of his mind, he could feel Oni sound asleep and completely exhausted. Then Link felt it. Every single part of his body ached.
Clenching his teeth, he tried to move but failed. Taking one arm, he slowly began trying to push himself up into a sitting position but failed miserably. He groaned from the effort and realized even his magic was completely diminished. "Oni, what did you do to me?" he asked silently, knowing full well that Oni would not reply.
Silently cursing, Link tried again. Trying to ignore the fact that it felt his arm could pop off at any moment, he pushed himself up into a sitting position. Groaning from the new pain, he realized his other arm would not respond. He wondered if his legs would forgive him for letting Oni take over.
His back, at least, felt better for the cool breeze blowing on it. It was then that he realized he was back to wearing the black pants alone. Slowly, he dragged one bare foot under himself as best he could. His leg shook, but he dragged the other one closer as well then pushed himself to balance in a crouched position.
"Okay, just one push. That is all I ask. One push to get off the ground." He gave that one heave, got one inch before his legs collapsed then sprawled backward, gasping at the new pain he felt.
"Bad . . . bad idea. Okay, plan B. What is plan B? Dang it, the one time Navi would be useful . . ." A large, black bird cried overhead. Oddly enough, it sounded dark and ominous rather than the cheery songs of the tropical birds hiding in the trees. He thought of the bird picking at his bones and tried again, this time using his sword nearby as leverage to get up.
Tottering on his slightly shaking knees, he used the long sword as a walking stick of sorts and slowly started toward the jungle once again as the sun seemed to make the shadows of the green foliage steamy. He walked through the sauna of a forest ever so slowly and was soon engulfed in the mist.
Sweat sticking to his entire torso and pouring down his forehead, he continued through, leaning heavily on the sword hilt, he muttered of every little thing that was bad had happened to him and swore up and down that things couldn't get worse. Yet, it somehow did.
The next step he took sent him falling into yet another pit. Exactly like the one he was captured in the first time. Time passed in odd silence before the air in and around the pit shook with a roar of pain and rage. It was made clear that the Hero of Time was having a very bad day.
~~~~~
Matt was beginning to panic. He had turned his back on the silver-haired Sheikah for only a moment. Where had he gone?! Tracking back and forth in the same area, there was neither sign nor scent of him to be found.
"Sheikah, this isn't funny anymore! Crystal!! Where are you two! GUYS!!" He continued shouting until the Kitsune nearby both covered their ears in agony but held their breaths to keep from laughing aloud. Zolaris among them, he began his old tricks of magic once more, his odd sense of humor coming into play. Whispering a few words in the middle of Matt's next bellow, he blew on his open palm and sent an illusion of flame floating towards Matt.
Matt turned at the wrong time. Running straight into the illusion, Matt shrieked shrilly and fell backwards onto his rump. Getting up as the flame grew ten times as large, Matt ran away as the flame gave chase.
Zolaris chased Matt only for a while through the jungle. One Kitsune fell over and onto Zolaris breaking concentration but as Matt ran through the jungle, all five characters laughed until their sides ached, each recalling and re-enacting Matt's scream and terror on his face.
In the distance, a roar from a young boy's voice sounded. Each of them silenced mid-laugh, they all ran to see what the scream had been about. Leaping stone and tree trunk, all five came around one of the pits.
Among the pile of sticks and leaves, a figure, bloodied and hurt with a sword beside the injured hand. One tore his gaze away and began whispering prayers of safe passage to the after life. The other three Kitsune followed through but Zolaris wasn't so sure this was a death just yet.
Pursing his lips in concentration, he set one hand palm forward to the fallen person and chanted just slightly, closing his eyes in concentration. Yes, there was life still very much present. He called the praying Kitsune to help him as he followed the net walls to the rope above. The figure inside was badly injured so they couldn't just spring the trap and jerk him up. This was a delicate situation.
He grabbed hold of the four corner ropes and began pulling it upwards. The Kitsune also grabbed on and it was a suddenly easy task to haul up both the boy and his weapon. The four Kitsune held tight as Zolaris used the Hydra blade to cut through the magic ropes and free the boy.
"Aright, let's hurry. This kid needs help and fast. His ears are like mine so he isn't a fighter. Must be one of the hostages taken after Matt." He managed Link onto his back and all five of them started double speed to the tribe, completely forgetting about Matt.
~~~~~
Kohachan slumped miserably in his hammock. Did Tarawen have to be so vengeful? He lovingly cradled the ice pack to his slightly swollen cheek where her fist must have been imprinted. But still . . . it was worth the pain to see her that surprised.
He leaned his head back and crossed his ankles comfortably as the dull ache was subsiding to the freezing touch of the ice. Quite suddenly, the long lost, silver-haired Sheikah barreled into the room, bearing an unconscious blonde boy with him. "Kohachan, move. I need to use that hammock to help him."
"What?! Nuh-uh. I'm not moving. Use a potion. We won't need the emergency supply now that the war is pretty much over. The Kitsune are planning a celebration in honor of the event." Zolaris glared at him but Kohachan shot him a glare accompanied with a scowl until Zolaris snorted, Fine. I'll set him on the floor but if his back comes out of place, you're to blame. Also, I will use one of your potions. The normal kind."
"WHAT?! No way! Use the tropical kind! You know I can't stand those!" Zolaris grinned, "I know" Kohachan clenched his fist and shook it at the younger Sheikah but sighed, "Whatever. I'll be leaving soon anyway. Dang it, it won't stop throbbing!" He pressed the ice to his cheek a bit harder.
Zolaris paused in his digging for a good red potion when he stopped and looked up at Kohachan. Shaking a finger at the man, he suddenly waved it off, "We will talk later. Ah-HAH!" He pulled the vial out victoriously then returned to Link's side, uncorking it.
Kohachan hummed slightly as Zolaris ordered a nearby Kitsune for a bowl of warm water and a clean cloth. The Kitsune darted off to comply as Link began to stir. Zolaris shushed the boy and made him stay still as the heat of the healing potion eased the stiffness and soreness from his muscles.
Link blinked in confusion. His sight blurred but he saw silver hair over dark eyes set in slightly tanned skin. He glared then and said, "You won't win demon, I will fight you as long as I draw breath!" the wave of exhaustion took Link as Zolaris blinked in confusion. Kohachan laughed slightly, "Zolaris, you look like your demon, I suppose. Link probably got in that condition from fighting."
"Link. So that is his name. Well, I healed him so that should make amends, right?"
"Yeah, just like letting me get beat up amends your humiliating Tarawen at the stream."
"OK, her punching you. I'm going to guess that is what happened. Well, that was for something of your own doing, I'll wager."
Kohachan shrugged and kept humming as Zolaris bit his tongue off. "Dang it all!" Kohachan slightly jumped, his ice spilling to the floor. He growled at the accident then glared wearily at Zolaris, "What is wrong now?"
Zolaris hung his head, "I forgot about the other kid. The one who saved Crystal. Crystal should be in the city and being well off right now. But . . ." Kohachan laughed at his friend's forgetfulness as an image of a very lost Matt came to mind. "Well, Zolaris, go after him. I'll watch Link for now. What you come back to supply wise, well, you'll have to wait to find out."
Zolaris stood, shooting looks of hate at Kohachan, "Touch my things and die, Kohachan."
"After you, Zolaris. After you." He closed his eyes and relaxed, the throb of pain finally subsiding enough for him to rest.
~~~~~~~
*Five hours, two sodas, and three cinnamon gum sticks later* YES!! Another one bites the dust! I'm done with the chapter! Woo-Hoo!!
So, what did you think of that one? Should Link finally catch a break? Heh, this is getting a bit out of hand with Link never catching a break . . .
OK, it is 1:10 a.m. so, yeah. GOOD NIGHT WORLD! lol
Till next time!