~ Disclaimer ~ Nope, I do not own Zelda. Nor am I responsible for my
actions in this opening.
*The room is empty and darkened. One voice rings through the shadows followed by the stow tapping of light steps as the authoress reveals herself*
Well, I'm sorry Dragonkiller but I asked for an apology. Your well being is no longer my concern nor will you affect me. Except for one last interesting tid bit. You challenge me to war? *Amused grin* And how shall you battle me? I am the authoress, after all. Not to mention, I have good friends to back me in this.
*Steps stop and a snap of fingers is heard. Gentle blue light fills the room showing a faint mist across the ground, stirred behind the authoress where she came from. She is dressed in a simple white T-shirt with a picture of a bald eagle and plain blue jeans with white running shoes*
I don't need to look impressive to be impressive, now do I? Nor do I need to surround myself with friends to face my battle. This right here right now is between you and me. I'm sorry to CrysSton, Matt, Merrick, Jelie, SunMoonKnight, and anyone else wanting to get at this guy but this time, the privilege is mine. You can get him in the reviews if you wish. So, you claim your fast words have not helped you?
Feh.
Your words were well typed but ill meant. I only wanted for you to stop being such a depraved vulgar by cussing or flaming while reviewing my story. Such things hurt the authoress' soul, as Jelie36 pointed out.
I would advise that you do not vex me to further irritation for I may act more vehemently to your unjust disdain. Now, once again, the ball is in your court.
Well now with that messy business behind, shall I move on?
Okay, one last thing to everyone: I'm so sorry I took so long to update! And I will comment reviews next time. If you don't mind, that is.
~~~~~~~
~ Ultimatum ~
Nearing noon, the sailors were already preparing cast off procedures including loading the vessel. Katie smiled as the wind filled the sails. Finally she could get off the wretched island and find some civilization. He grinned then and drew from behind her back the silver dragon medallion. Not knowing perfectly why, the disk made her feel safer, even though it only brought Andrake's temper on her.
Cait gave an ear-piercing scream as the medallion was gone from under her pillow. Barreling out the door, leaving Andrake to give chase, Cait nearly well tackled Katie to the ground if not for Andrake picking her up from the ground. Cait squirmed and kicked and glared venomously at Katie even as the woman ran a few fingers through her thick, blonde hair and grinned innocently back as the screaming elf child.
With a few sharp orders, Andrake made Cait calm down a bit before setting her down and facing Katie yet again. "We've been through this countless times over, Katie. That medallion is off-limits. Now give it back."
Katie sighed sadly and caressed the smooth, bright surface of the silver medallion while putting on her best pouting face. A tactic that had been failing as of late. Once again it did fail. Katie growled to herself as she surrendered the silver dragon. Andrake was much easier to control when his dear sister was in check.
A light came on in Katie's mind.
"Oh, Andrake. Where is your dear sister, anyway? It has been a fair three days." Andrake paused in his turning away and faced her again, cold fire burning in his eyes. He answered in an icy tone, "They will be back. All of them. You cannot threaten Crystal, either. Neither of us are bound to protect you anymore, should you prove to be too much a hassle."
He cut off her remark, stepping closer to her, he held up his right hand, two finders an inch apart as he continued, lacing his words with acid, "I'm this close to cutting you down where you stand. Don't push me. Leave Cait and myself be for the remainder of the day, understand?!" Before she could make a comeback, he turned sharply enough to where his cape flared, wrapped around his ankles, then slid into step behind him once again.
He stepped off the ship back to the dock and toward the tavern once again, leaving a stunned Katie behind. One sailor brushed past her, whispering a few words as he brushed past. Katie understood him and with a fierce scowl, vowed to herself that Andrake would pay for his words. She snorted then followed the sailor to below deck.
A candle lit the room along with the light streaming through the small, round window. Katie sat on her knees and before the crate to look at the sailor as he began explaining his plan. "Now, Lady, are you certain you wish to go through with this? There is no guarantee of a full recovery from this type of poison." He stared her in the eyes, almost hoping she would decline.
She held forth the bad of coins, a pert smile on her lips as she set it across the crate between them. He sighed lightly then revealed the black vial he had hidden in his shoe. The tube with the cork easily secured as to not touch the skin. He coughed lightly, drawing her string eyes and explained in one last effort to sway her choice, "It is called Obsidian Bane. When this poison touches the skin, the person will feel slightly feverish and that part of the skin will become numbed. But it is when the poison reaches the blood that this poison goes into full-effect."
When he paused Katie said quickly, "Go on."
His eyes darkened, knowing she would not be swayed. Whoever her intended victim was, that person was going to need prayers to save him. He obeyed and continued, "The person will go into a brief arrest of the heart, which will render him to the ground, paralyzed, too shocked by pain to make a sound. When the arrest happens depends on the wound's location and death. A scratch will take some time but the poison burns the blood it travels with. Thus the victim is tortured before the arrest.
"Depending on the victim's will to survive, he will last against death and may pull through but in a very slow, painful time length. My Lady, I must warn you that if you are caught with this poison in your possession, you can be put to death." Again his effort failed as Katie ignored his warning.
Setting the crystal prism to the light, Katie saw the mix of colors all within the black liquid flare and shine appealingly. So, she couldn't threaten Crystal anymore? This vial proved Andrake wrong. So very wrong.
~~~~~
The feeling of foreboding would not be so easily shaken from the red-headed Sheikah. Even as the small troupe passed through the clearing. Going around the stumps as Tarawen, still a fox, jumped to as many as she could, a bit of magic flowing from her into the remainder of the trees.
She deposited a seed into each one from the ground, whispered her own words of magic then watched the tiniest of a green sprout imbed itself into the stump before performing the same spell onto another stump. She got most all of them as the six others went through.
Satisfied in her work, the ache in her heart from the destroyed trees gone, she ran back to Matt, crawled to his shoulder then leaped up to Toloran's shoulder before easily climbing to the top of his head as they completed the final leg of the journey. Soon the trees thinned and the pathway to the tavern was clear. Matt ran ahead followed close by Crystal then Link.
Zolaris spoke quietly to Kohachan, "Do you think they will let us come? I mean, I know you will but what of this Andrake? He is a knight, I understand, but does he know of Sheikah?"
Kohachan shushed his questions and answered briefly, "Maa tal, Andrake is a good guy to those who would be friends to him. Katie is the one you have to worry about. If she likes you, she will try to charm you." Zolaris grinned, his eyes gleaming in mischief, "Then I would like her to meet a certain demon. He might change her mind!"
Toloran quickly put in as Tarawen hissed her fury, "We will NOT be mentioning that demon before we are on a set course to Hyrule at the least. The island that is Katie's final stop will be a place to re-supply and get the young ones some proper clothing. Then and only the we will bring the legend to light and only if it is deemed necessary."
Kohachan sighed but looked ahead at his friends as Matt knocked on the door, waiting to engulf Cait in a hug. "It cannot be ignored any longer. I have been having a dire feeling of this whole deal. The closer we get to going to Hyrule . . . the more I even think of it, a feeling of foreboding comes over me and grows greater." He looked to Toloran, "It has to be told. They have to be warned of it." Toloran nodded grimly as Zolaris drew his eyes to the ground. This was going to be a long journey.
The door opened to Matt to reveal Cait, eyes wary as she clutched the silver medallion in her hands tightly, fearing Katie had come to reclaim it again. Seeing Matt, she let out a gasp as a smile lit her face but se could think of nothing to say or do. Matt laughed outright and swooped her into a hug to spin her around in the air.
She finally laughed in delight as well. It was a laugh that died into sobs as she fell into his arms and against his shoulder, telling him in nearly incoherent sobs how much she missed him. He carried her inside, feeling like the guardian that he was once again.
Link and Crystal grinned but shrugged and followed to find Andrake staring at a drink before Crystal landed a dagger in front of him, ordering him to stop moping. He snapped to attention, hand flying to the hilt of his sword before he recognized Crystal and Link. He quickly changed to a look of surprise before grinning broadly then grinned and began softly laughing, which soon grew to giggles. Crystal, who expected a bit of a warmer welcome, grew stern, "And WHAT is so funny?"
Near in tears with laughter, Andrake pointed at Link who was still dressed in the vest and long pants with the gold belt and slipper shoes. He blushed lightly then went to the rooms where he spent the night last to search for a decent tunic and shorts.
Crystal reclaimed her dagger and punched Andrake's shoulder, "You could be a little more nice, you know." Andrake stood from his chair and quickly embraced Crystal as she finished. "I'm glad your back, Crys. You know I am." Crystal flushed slightly at his sudden show of emotion but drowned it as three more figures entered the doorway. Andrake was back in his chair as Crystal forcefully dislodged the dagger and re-sheathed it.
Andrake glanced warily at the trio but recognized two as Kohachan and Toloran. The third was new, though. Kohachan smiled shortly as he went to the keeper and ordered three drinks. Mild ones since they were going on a journey very soon. "So, where is Link now?" Toloran asked as he noticed Matt and Cait still there, the young Hylian girl clutching Matt closely.
Crystal tried futile not to giggle and pointed to the back rooms where the sleeping quarters were. Toloran nodded shortly as Kohachan carried two drinks to his friends then went back for his. "When do we cast off?" Andrake shrugged calmly and took another pull at his own cup. "Not sure but last I saw, the sailors are pretty much ready. That should be your only round of drinks, friends."
Zolaris nodded in agreement before rising from his seat, "I'm afraid we have yet to meet." He walked to Andrake as the knight stood to greet the silver haired Sheikah. "The name is Zolaris. You must be Andrake whom I've heard so much of." They clasped hands as Andrake nodded but then asked, "Might I ask why you are here? I mean no offense but am curious since as far as I remembered it was only Kohachan who came with us."
Toloran spoke up, his voice easily drowning that of Zolaris', "About that. Well now, six years ago Kohachan was a part of our little troupe. We lived on this island for those six years after Kohachan was called to Hyrule. Now that he is back, and Goddesses know we are like brothers, we will go with him. Getting off this island and refreshing ourselves is beyond an appealing idea." Zolaris resisted laughing as Toloran lifted his drink. He wasn't done with his speech yet.
"For this occasion, I would toast fine fellows, fair travels, and forgotten troubles!" Andrake cheered heartily at this as all four lifted their drinks in toast. Crystal went to find Link as Matt set Cait down at last and went off to find his own change of clothes. Seeing a sudden glint in Andrake's eye, Matt slipped the rope of his medallion over his head and whispered a few words upon leaving that room.
Tarawen watched all the happenings in amusement. Toloran had taught her the language on request so she knew she could fit in. Though, she refused to let herself be known as the Kitsune princess. For as long as she could. Hearing one cheer die down quickly, she turned to look over her shoulder at the all too somber Kohachan.
Kohachan drained his cup, letting it thump emptily on the table while Toloran and Andrake went into a new swing of stories where Zolaris joined in every once in a while. He noticed Tarawen staring at him with an unreadable expression. With a small blink of confusion, he shook off whatever it was that was bothering him and started for the ship. At the very least he could keep himself busy. Tarawen silently followed him.
The sea breeze still filled the sails as Kohachan looked at the vessel. The stitches on the sail were nearly invisible on a glance but studying it revealed the tiny stitches and the fact that they were well mended. A single figure stood out of place on the ship of busy sailors and the storming captain. A figure wearing a dress that blew slightly with the breeze.
He grimaced. Katie was not the person he wanted to see right then. Nonetheless, he couldn't simply turn around only because she appeared. He kept walking. Even as she smiled brightly and demanded his attention, he walked past, giving a silent casual greeting.
Tarawen saw the woman as well and felt something within her as Kohachan passed by her. The woman had smiled brightly with insight. With a low growl, Tarawen doubled her casual pace to catch up with the Sheikah. Ducking past the woman without even looking up, she did stop and stare back at the blonde haired woman who continued her slow walk to the tavern, humming to herself in delight. A glint of metal on the woman's wrist caught Tarawen's attention. Thinking it to be a simple bauble of a bracelet, she shrugged and started trotting after the Sheikah once again.
~~~~~
Link finally revealed himself from his room. He sooner decided to go bare- foot than with the slippers. He looked around to find Crystal waiting for him at the end of the hall. "Feel better?" Her tone was an affectionate mocking. Link shrugged, "Beets showing the hairs I don't have." This caught Crystal off-guard and it was Link's turn to grin.
Upon entering the main room past Crystal, Link acknowledged the two new Sheikah still talking with Andrake while Cait was at one of the tables swinging her feet, waiting for Matt. It seemed odd that Kohachan was gone but Link knew what it was like to want to be alone.
What did catch his interest even more was that the Kitsune princess was gone as well. Putting two and two together came out with two solutions. Either they were at each other's throats again or trying to be alone together. Neither came to a pretty picture and Link shook his head violently of the image.
Then yet another figure appeared, one he hadn't expected to. Katie. Realizing it had been peaceful most the morning since he'd been there, he had the sudden wish that Katie was already taken care of. Well, her arrival set everyone into motion once again, Cait fled the room at a trot to hurry Matt up while Zolaris cocked an eyebrow in surprise and Andrake scowled in detest. Toloran looked at the two and shrugged in indifference.
Swinging up from his chair, Zolaris went to meet the beautiful young lady even as the look in her eyes reminded him of a deceiver. Therefore, he remained alert even as he took her hand and gently kissed it in introduction. The look in her eye wavered, proving she had not expected that even as Zolaris subconsciously spoke courtesies to her.
Every expression change deceived her, served as Zolaris spy, and revealed her to be the self-centered but longing woman she was. He almost felt pity as there was an obvious emptiness in her. One brought of her own evil and of the justice done to remove that evil. She was empty without it as Zolaris knew he would have been empty without his demon half.
Question is, he thought as he led her to a chair, would she have been happier with that evil? He knew he would want to be rid of his demon even though that would kill half of him. He wondered how it would feel to be half a person. Wondered and feared. Yet her was half a person before him. In the shape of a woman who seemed to have done some heinous act against a group of people who disbanded her for it.
Yet she can't be blamed, he thought further as he talked pleasantly with her, since this evil did it all it's own. If the evil was gone, then this was a whole and good person with only the potential to be so evil. Yet Zolaris knew the others would never be swayed by his judgment in only a five-minute talk. Matter of fact, he questioned his own judgment on her.
Katie was, to say the least, surprised to find such a handsome gentleman. He reminded her of Andrake before that boy had become so cold. It was refreshing to be treated like a true lady again. Katie considered the dagger pressing to her forearm. Was the poison necessary if she could have this handsome, young Sheikah rather than the arrogant knight? Even as Matt entered the room dressed normally, the pendant under his second shirt and vest once again, Katie didn't taker her eyes off of the silver haired young man before her. Why was he being so kind?
Toloran and Andrake quickly picked themselves up and called Katie and Zolaris to hurry along as well. They were leaving. Zolaris rose and helped Katie up but was taken by surprise as she claimed his arm and slipped her arm under his for him to lead her out. Well, this is unusual. His mind said shortly as he fought the flush coming over him. Trying to remain cam, he walked her out the door and toward the boat as she walked beside him.
The flush was held in check until Crystal and Link ran past, giving Zolaris very odd looks before trying to hide their gazes. Then the blush was in full force for both of them. Zolaris was red with embarrassment since he was with the lady whom they all seemed to despise. Kind of as though he was betraying them. For Katie, it was of pure rage. They had no right to insult her like that around this young man! Well, looks like her plans were not going to change after all. They boarded the ship in silence.
The sails were opened with a bit of help from the three Sheikah and the anchors weighed as the large ship finally took to sea once again. Now on deck, Crystal was speaking with the Sheikah while Cait refused to budge from Matt's side. From the port side, Katie kept a watch on Crystal through the corner of her eye, the dagger pressed to her forearm in the clever thong feeling all that much warmer in anticipation.
Zolaris saw her point of view. Why was she so intent on the young girl? They were from the same place. That could be why. He shook his head lightly and tried to get her attention off of whatever malicious thoughts she was having, "Mind my asking what got you into this situation, Lady Katie?"
Distracted from her plan, Katie looked back at him, the half-faked smile on her face once again, "Well, it is a long story."
"We have time, if you want to tell it."
She nodded slightly then began telling him of the Wolfos, which he knew a lot about, then about her hybrids. Zolaris listened, commenting only when expected, and keeping quite the rest of the time. Katie was surprised as he listened to her but she finally finished and he shook his head in amazement. "So they are taking you to where you cannot cause anymore 'trouble'. But what will you do without those pets, those creations you used to surround yourself with?"
Katie lowered her eyes, her sorrow truly catching her and finally lifted her eyes to look at him and said resolutely and clearly, "I'm not sure but I will survive. Thank you for your company but I think I will retire early now. Good day, Zolaris."
"Well, we are coming close on the destination, if what Kohachan told me is true." Katie paused and looked back at him, not angrily but curious, "What do you mean? Everyone seems to believe this will be a long trip." Zolaris shook his head and brought her to the side of the ship, standing behind her, he pointed past her ear to the island and made sure she could see the small but growing land mass that would be her new home.
Katie tried to ignore how near Zolaris was to her and broke away from him to go below deck and retrieve the poisons. If she were to act, it would have to be soon. Seeing the small crystal vial near her berth, she quickly claimed it and hid it as best she could in her fist.
With a bit of forethought, she uncorked it ever so carefully then cleverly flicked her wrist as the sailor had taught her, freeing the dagger into her hand. Dipping the tip of the blade into the black liquid, she carefully wrapped her arm where the dagger would be hidden before letting the sleeve down and re-tying the blade in place once more. Redoing the cork securely, she set it under the pillow once again.
For the first time that day, her conscience began to prick at her. Since she met the younger Sheikah and he seemed to be the gentleman she really wanted. Even more than the knight. Especially since Andrake was no longer holding his hatred of her inside anymore. She nearly growled but checked herself, running her hands on her sides to smooth her dress, she began her walk to the top deck once again.
On first glance, Andrake was not in sight. Katie walked along the starboard side away from Crystal for the time being. She decided that she was in a good mood and would give the knight one last chance to apologize to her. She highly doubted he would but then that would only be the final straw to validate her decision. Finally she saw him. He was calmly practicing simple sword maneuvers at the stern, far enough from the side to be in danger of dropping his blade but close enough to keep out of everyone's way.
Despite the feel of eyes watching her, she called for the knight's attention. Andrake finished the final stance and strike before acknowledging Katie and standing normally and sheathing his sword, giving her a curious but not hateful glance.
Coming up beside him, she asked him to walk with her a bit. "Andrake, when we get to the place where you will be rid of me, what will happen? I'm not worried or anything, just curious."
With a small shrug, Andrake answered, "I planned to leave you for good, actually, and hope you start your life over again with a clean reputation. You'll have to find a place to live though and I can help you with that but I won't stay." Katie nodded, much to Andrake's surprise.
"I see. I didn't expect you to come but what if I ask you to. Would you please come with me? I'm too used to your company." Katie was trying to be totally honest with him. Somehow, that was working. He sighed, the pressure quickly building for him.
Finally he spouted his answer, "I'm sorry but I can't. I too plan to make a new start with my sister. Actually let her know who I am and hope she will still accept me." Katie noted where Crystal stood as the want to have Andrake near still was strong. She didn't even know why but she wanted him with her in this new place. Him more even than the Sheikah.
"So, if it weren't for your sister, would you still come with me? I mean is it only because of her or do you truly hate me?" Katie had to admit, she knew the answer but was loath to hear it. Thus it came to her as a surprise, "I don't hate you, Katie. Just your tendencies to get on others nerves, is all. If you would behave a bit better, I wouldn't even dislike you but you were very much in the wrong to create those wolves and have the Wolfos angry enough to attack the town. Many died partly because of you, Katie."
Katie swallowed her suddenly flared anger and retorted sharply, "That was not my question. If it weren't for your sister, would you stay with me through this and help me through?" He paused in speaking for a long time and eventually both stopped walking. Crystal started to go to them as Toloran and Matt were trading travel stories. Katie kept her eye on the girl then flicked her wrist, the poison stained dagger falling to her hand.
When Crystal was just in reach, Katie grabbed the girl and held her with strength not even Katie knew she possessed. Andrake reacted, grabbing and half-drawing his sword until he saw the dagger held at Crystal's chest below her throat. He saw the black liquid and felt pure rage and fear raise in him as Katie hissed, "If it isn't for your dear sister here, will you go with me?"
~~~~~~~
YESSS!!! Just where I wanted to end it. Well now, what will be more interesting? The reviews or the chapter itself?
Okay, will Katie actually go through with it? Will Andrake kill Katie if she does? What of the Sheikah and Link? Can they help? You'll have to wait until . . .
Until next time!
*The room is empty and darkened. One voice rings through the shadows followed by the stow tapping of light steps as the authoress reveals herself*
Well, I'm sorry Dragonkiller but I asked for an apology. Your well being is no longer my concern nor will you affect me. Except for one last interesting tid bit. You challenge me to war? *Amused grin* And how shall you battle me? I am the authoress, after all. Not to mention, I have good friends to back me in this.
*Steps stop and a snap of fingers is heard. Gentle blue light fills the room showing a faint mist across the ground, stirred behind the authoress where she came from. She is dressed in a simple white T-shirt with a picture of a bald eagle and plain blue jeans with white running shoes*
I don't need to look impressive to be impressive, now do I? Nor do I need to surround myself with friends to face my battle. This right here right now is between you and me. I'm sorry to CrysSton, Matt, Merrick, Jelie, SunMoonKnight, and anyone else wanting to get at this guy but this time, the privilege is mine. You can get him in the reviews if you wish. So, you claim your fast words have not helped you?
Feh.
Your words were well typed but ill meant. I only wanted for you to stop being such a depraved vulgar by cussing or flaming while reviewing my story. Such things hurt the authoress' soul, as Jelie36 pointed out.
I would advise that you do not vex me to further irritation for I may act more vehemently to your unjust disdain. Now, once again, the ball is in your court.
Well now with that messy business behind, shall I move on?
Okay, one last thing to everyone: I'm so sorry I took so long to update! And I will comment reviews next time. If you don't mind, that is.
~~~~~~~
~ Ultimatum ~
Nearing noon, the sailors were already preparing cast off procedures including loading the vessel. Katie smiled as the wind filled the sails. Finally she could get off the wretched island and find some civilization. He grinned then and drew from behind her back the silver dragon medallion. Not knowing perfectly why, the disk made her feel safer, even though it only brought Andrake's temper on her.
Cait gave an ear-piercing scream as the medallion was gone from under her pillow. Barreling out the door, leaving Andrake to give chase, Cait nearly well tackled Katie to the ground if not for Andrake picking her up from the ground. Cait squirmed and kicked and glared venomously at Katie even as the woman ran a few fingers through her thick, blonde hair and grinned innocently back as the screaming elf child.
With a few sharp orders, Andrake made Cait calm down a bit before setting her down and facing Katie yet again. "We've been through this countless times over, Katie. That medallion is off-limits. Now give it back."
Katie sighed sadly and caressed the smooth, bright surface of the silver medallion while putting on her best pouting face. A tactic that had been failing as of late. Once again it did fail. Katie growled to herself as she surrendered the silver dragon. Andrake was much easier to control when his dear sister was in check.
A light came on in Katie's mind.
"Oh, Andrake. Where is your dear sister, anyway? It has been a fair three days." Andrake paused in his turning away and faced her again, cold fire burning in his eyes. He answered in an icy tone, "They will be back. All of them. You cannot threaten Crystal, either. Neither of us are bound to protect you anymore, should you prove to be too much a hassle."
He cut off her remark, stepping closer to her, he held up his right hand, two finders an inch apart as he continued, lacing his words with acid, "I'm this close to cutting you down where you stand. Don't push me. Leave Cait and myself be for the remainder of the day, understand?!" Before she could make a comeback, he turned sharply enough to where his cape flared, wrapped around his ankles, then slid into step behind him once again.
He stepped off the ship back to the dock and toward the tavern once again, leaving a stunned Katie behind. One sailor brushed past her, whispering a few words as he brushed past. Katie understood him and with a fierce scowl, vowed to herself that Andrake would pay for his words. She snorted then followed the sailor to below deck.
A candle lit the room along with the light streaming through the small, round window. Katie sat on her knees and before the crate to look at the sailor as he began explaining his plan. "Now, Lady, are you certain you wish to go through with this? There is no guarantee of a full recovery from this type of poison." He stared her in the eyes, almost hoping she would decline.
She held forth the bad of coins, a pert smile on her lips as she set it across the crate between them. He sighed lightly then revealed the black vial he had hidden in his shoe. The tube with the cork easily secured as to not touch the skin. He coughed lightly, drawing her string eyes and explained in one last effort to sway her choice, "It is called Obsidian Bane. When this poison touches the skin, the person will feel slightly feverish and that part of the skin will become numbed. But it is when the poison reaches the blood that this poison goes into full-effect."
When he paused Katie said quickly, "Go on."
His eyes darkened, knowing she would not be swayed. Whoever her intended victim was, that person was going to need prayers to save him. He obeyed and continued, "The person will go into a brief arrest of the heart, which will render him to the ground, paralyzed, too shocked by pain to make a sound. When the arrest happens depends on the wound's location and death. A scratch will take some time but the poison burns the blood it travels with. Thus the victim is tortured before the arrest.
"Depending on the victim's will to survive, he will last against death and may pull through but in a very slow, painful time length. My Lady, I must warn you that if you are caught with this poison in your possession, you can be put to death." Again his effort failed as Katie ignored his warning.
Setting the crystal prism to the light, Katie saw the mix of colors all within the black liquid flare and shine appealingly. So, she couldn't threaten Crystal anymore? This vial proved Andrake wrong. So very wrong.
~~~~~
The feeling of foreboding would not be so easily shaken from the red-headed Sheikah. Even as the small troupe passed through the clearing. Going around the stumps as Tarawen, still a fox, jumped to as many as she could, a bit of magic flowing from her into the remainder of the trees.
She deposited a seed into each one from the ground, whispered her own words of magic then watched the tiniest of a green sprout imbed itself into the stump before performing the same spell onto another stump. She got most all of them as the six others went through.
Satisfied in her work, the ache in her heart from the destroyed trees gone, she ran back to Matt, crawled to his shoulder then leaped up to Toloran's shoulder before easily climbing to the top of his head as they completed the final leg of the journey. Soon the trees thinned and the pathway to the tavern was clear. Matt ran ahead followed close by Crystal then Link.
Zolaris spoke quietly to Kohachan, "Do you think they will let us come? I mean, I know you will but what of this Andrake? He is a knight, I understand, but does he know of Sheikah?"
Kohachan shushed his questions and answered briefly, "Maa tal, Andrake is a good guy to those who would be friends to him. Katie is the one you have to worry about. If she likes you, she will try to charm you." Zolaris grinned, his eyes gleaming in mischief, "Then I would like her to meet a certain demon. He might change her mind!"
Toloran quickly put in as Tarawen hissed her fury, "We will NOT be mentioning that demon before we are on a set course to Hyrule at the least. The island that is Katie's final stop will be a place to re-supply and get the young ones some proper clothing. Then and only the we will bring the legend to light and only if it is deemed necessary."
Kohachan sighed but looked ahead at his friends as Matt knocked on the door, waiting to engulf Cait in a hug. "It cannot be ignored any longer. I have been having a dire feeling of this whole deal. The closer we get to going to Hyrule . . . the more I even think of it, a feeling of foreboding comes over me and grows greater." He looked to Toloran, "It has to be told. They have to be warned of it." Toloran nodded grimly as Zolaris drew his eyes to the ground. This was going to be a long journey.
The door opened to Matt to reveal Cait, eyes wary as she clutched the silver medallion in her hands tightly, fearing Katie had come to reclaim it again. Seeing Matt, she let out a gasp as a smile lit her face but se could think of nothing to say or do. Matt laughed outright and swooped her into a hug to spin her around in the air.
She finally laughed in delight as well. It was a laugh that died into sobs as she fell into his arms and against his shoulder, telling him in nearly incoherent sobs how much she missed him. He carried her inside, feeling like the guardian that he was once again.
Link and Crystal grinned but shrugged and followed to find Andrake staring at a drink before Crystal landed a dagger in front of him, ordering him to stop moping. He snapped to attention, hand flying to the hilt of his sword before he recognized Crystal and Link. He quickly changed to a look of surprise before grinning broadly then grinned and began softly laughing, which soon grew to giggles. Crystal, who expected a bit of a warmer welcome, grew stern, "And WHAT is so funny?"
Near in tears with laughter, Andrake pointed at Link who was still dressed in the vest and long pants with the gold belt and slipper shoes. He blushed lightly then went to the rooms where he spent the night last to search for a decent tunic and shorts.
Crystal reclaimed her dagger and punched Andrake's shoulder, "You could be a little more nice, you know." Andrake stood from his chair and quickly embraced Crystal as she finished. "I'm glad your back, Crys. You know I am." Crystal flushed slightly at his sudden show of emotion but drowned it as three more figures entered the doorway. Andrake was back in his chair as Crystal forcefully dislodged the dagger and re-sheathed it.
Andrake glanced warily at the trio but recognized two as Kohachan and Toloran. The third was new, though. Kohachan smiled shortly as he went to the keeper and ordered three drinks. Mild ones since they were going on a journey very soon. "So, where is Link now?" Toloran asked as he noticed Matt and Cait still there, the young Hylian girl clutching Matt closely.
Crystal tried futile not to giggle and pointed to the back rooms where the sleeping quarters were. Toloran nodded shortly as Kohachan carried two drinks to his friends then went back for his. "When do we cast off?" Andrake shrugged calmly and took another pull at his own cup. "Not sure but last I saw, the sailors are pretty much ready. That should be your only round of drinks, friends."
Zolaris nodded in agreement before rising from his seat, "I'm afraid we have yet to meet." He walked to Andrake as the knight stood to greet the silver haired Sheikah. "The name is Zolaris. You must be Andrake whom I've heard so much of." They clasped hands as Andrake nodded but then asked, "Might I ask why you are here? I mean no offense but am curious since as far as I remembered it was only Kohachan who came with us."
Toloran spoke up, his voice easily drowning that of Zolaris', "About that. Well now, six years ago Kohachan was a part of our little troupe. We lived on this island for those six years after Kohachan was called to Hyrule. Now that he is back, and Goddesses know we are like brothers, we will go with him. Getting off this island and refreshing ourselves is beyond an appealing idea." Zolaris resisted laughing as Toloran lifted his drink. He wasn't done with his speech yet.
"For this occasion, I would toast fine fellows, fair travels, and forgotten troubles!" Andrake cheered heartily at this as all four lifted their drinks in toast. Crystal went to find Link as Matt set Cait down at last and went off to find his own change of clothes. Seeing a sudden glint in Andrake's eye, Matt slipped the rope of his medallion over his head and whispered a few words upon leaving that room.
Tarawen watched all the happenings in amusement. Toloran had taught her the language on request so she knew she could fit in. Though, she refused to let herself be known as the Kitsune princess. For as long as she could. Hearing one cheer die down quickly, she turned to look over her shoulder at the all too somber Kohachan.
Kohachan drained his cup, letting it thump emptily on the table while Toloran and Andrake went into a new swing of stories where Zolaris joined in every once in a while. He noticed Tarawen staring at him with an unreadable expression. With a small blink of confusion, he shook off whatever it was that was bothering him and started for the ship. At the very least he could keep himself busy. Tarawen silently followed him.
The sea breeze still filled the sails as Kohachan looked at the vessel. The stitches on the sail were nearly invisible on a glance but studying it revealed the tiny stitches and the fact that they were well mended. A single figure stood out of place on the ship of busy sailors and the storming captain. A figure wearing a dress that blew slightly with the breeze.
He grimaced. Katie was not the person he wanted to see right then. Nonetheless, he couldn't simply turn around only because she appeared. He kept walking. Even as she smiled brightly and demanded his attention, he walked past, giving a silent casual greeting.
Tarawen saw the woman as well and felt something within her as Kohachan passed by her. The woman had smiled brightly with insight. With a low growl, Tarawen doubled her casual pace to catch up with the Sheikah. Ducking past the woman without even looking up, she did stop and stare back at the blonde haired woman who continued her slow walk to the tavern, humming to herself in delight. A glint of metal on the woman's wrist caught Tarawen's attention. Thinking it to be a simple bauble of a bracelet, she shrugged and started trotting after the Sheikah once again.
~~~~~
Link finally revealed himself from his room. He sooner decided to go bare- foot than with the slippers. He looked around to find Crystal waiting for him at the end of the hall. "Feel better?" Her tone was an affectionate mocking. Link shrugged, "Beets showing the hairs I don't have." This caught Crystal off-guard and it was Link's turn to grin.
Upon entering the main room past Crystal, Link acknowledged the two new Sheikah still talking with Andrake while Cait was at one of the tables swinging her feet, waiting for Matt. It seemed odd that Kohachan was gone but Link knew what it was like to want to be alone.
What did catch his interest even more was that the Kitsune princess was gone as well. Putting two and two together came out with two solutions. Either they were at each other's throats again or trying to be alone together. Neither came to a pretty picture and Link shook his head violently of the image.
Then yet another figure appeared, one he hadn't expected to. Katie. Realizing it had been peaceful most the morning since he'd been there, he had the sudden wish that Katie was already taken care of. Well, her arrival set everyone into motion once again, Cait fled the room at a trot to hurry Matt up while Zolaris cocked an eyebrow in surprise and Andrake scowled in detest. Toloran looked at the two and shrugged in indifference.
Swinging up from his chair, Zolaris went to meet the beautiful young lady even as the look in her eyes reminded him of a deceiver. Therefore, he remained alert even as he took her hand and gently kissed it in introduction. The look in her eye wavered, proving she had not expected that even as Zolaris subconsciously spoke courtesies to her.
Every expression change deceived her, served as Zolaris spy, and revealed her to be the self-centered but longing woman she was. He almost felt pity as there was an obvious emptiness in her. One brought of her own evil and of the justice done to remove that evil. She was empty without it as Zolaris knew he would have been empty without his demon half.
Question is, he thought as he led her to a chair, would she have been happier with that evil? He knew he would want to be rid of his demon even though that would kill half of him. He wondered how it would feel to be half a person. Wondered and feared. Yet her was half a person before him. In the shape of a woman who seemed to have done some heinous act against a group of people who disbanded her for it.
Yet she can't be blamed, he thought further as he talked pleasantly with her, since this evil did it all it's own. If the evil was gone, then this was a whole and good person with only the potential to be so evil. Yet Zolaris knew the others would never be swayed by his judgment in only a five-minute talk. Matter of fact, he questioned his own judgment on her.
Katie was, to say the least, surprised to find such a handsome gentleman. He reminded her of Andrake before that boy had become so cold. It was refreshing to be treated like a true lady again. Katie considered the dagger pressing to her forearm. Was the poison necessary if she could have this handsome, young Sheikah rather than the arrogant knight? Even as Matt entered the room dressed normally, the pendant under his second shirt and vest once again, Katie didn't taker her eyes off of the silver haired young man before her. Why was he being so kind?
Toloran and Andrake quickly picked themselves up and called Katie and Zolaris to hurry along as well. They were leaving. Zolaris rose and helped Katie up but was taken by surprise as she claimed his arm and slipped her arm under his for him to lead her out. Well, this is unusual. His mind said shortly as he fought the flush coming over him. Trying to remain cam, he walked her out the door and toward the boat as she walked beside him.
The flush was held in check until Crystal and Link ran past, giving Zolaris very odd looks before trying to hide their gazes. Then the blush was in full force for both of them. Zolaris was red with embarrassment since he was with the lady whom they all seemed to despise. Kind of as though he was betraying them. For Katie, it was of pure rage. They had no right to insult her like that around this young man! Well, looks like her plans were not going to change after all. They boarded the ship in silence.
The sails were opened with a bit of help from the three Sheikah and the anchors weighed as the large ship finally took to sea once again. Now on deck, Crystal was speaking with the Sheikah while Cait refused to budge from Matt's side. From the port side, Katie kept a watch on Crystal through the corner of her eye, the dagger pressed to her forearm in the clever thong feeling all that much warmer in anticipation.
Zolaris saw her point of view. Why was she so intent on the young girl? They were from the same place. That could be why. He shook his head lightly and tried to get her attention off of whatever malicious thoughts she was having, "Mind my asking what got you into this situation, Lady Katie?"
Distracted from her plan, Katie looked back at him, the half-faked smile on her face once again, "Well, it is a long story."
"We have time, if you want to tell it."
She nodded slightly then began telling him of the Wolfos, which he knew a lot about, then about her hybrids. Zolaris listened, commenting only when expected, and keeping quite the rest of the time. Katie was surprised as he listened to her but she finally finished and he shook his head in amazement. "So they are taking you to where you cannot cause anymore 'trouble'. But what will you do without those pets, those creations you used to surround yourself with?"
Katie lowered her eyes, her sorrow truly catching her and finally lifted her eyes to look at him and said resolutely and clearly, "I'm not sure but I will survive. Thank you for your company but I think I will retire early now. Good day, Zolaris."
"Well, we are coming close on the destination, if what Kohachan told me is true." Katie paused and looked back at him, not angrily but curious, "What do you mean? Everyone seems to believe this will be a long trip." Zolaris shook his head and brought her to the side of the ship, standing behind her, he pointed past her ear to the island and made sure she could see the small but growing land mass that would be her new home.
Katie tried to ignore how near Zolaris was to her and broke away from him to go below deck and retrieve the poisons. If she were to act, it would have to be soon. Seeing the small crystal vial near her berth, she quickly claimed it and hid it as best she could in her fist.
With a bit of forethought, she uncorked it ever so carefully then cleverly flicked her wrist as the sailor had taught her, freeing the dagger into her hand. Dipping the tip of the blade into the black liquid, she carefully wrapped her arm where the dagger would be hidden before letting the sleeve down and re-tying the blade in place once more. Redoing the cork securely, she set it under the pillow once again.
For the first time that day, her conscience began to prick at her. Since she met the younger Sheikah and he seemed to be the gentleman she really wanted. Even more than the knight. Especially since Andrake was no longer holding his hatred of her inside anymore. She nearly growled but checked herself, running her hands on her sides to smooth her dress, she began her walk to the top deck once again.
On first glance, Andrake was not in sight. Katie walked along the starboard side away from Crystal for the time being. She decided that she was in a good mood and would give the knight one last chance to apologize to her. She highly doubted he would but then that would only be the final straw to validate her decision. Finally she saw him. He was calmly practicing simple sword maneuvers at the stern, far enough from the side to be in danger of dropping his blade but close enough to keep out of everyone's way.
Despite the feel of eyes watching her, she called for the knight's attention. Andrake finished the final stance and strike before acknowledging Katie and standing normally and sheathing his sword, giving her a curious but not hateful glance.
Coming up beside him, she asked him to walk with her a bit. "Andrake, when we get to the place where you will be rid of me, what will happen? I'm not worried or anything, just curious."
With a small shrug, Andrake answered, "I planned to leave you for good, actually, and hope you start your life over again with a clean reputation. You'll have to find a place to live though and I can help you with that but I won't stay." Katie nodded, much to Andrake's surprise.
"I see. I didn't expect you to come but what if I ask you to. Would you please come with me? I'm too used to your company." Katie was trying to be totally honest with him. Somehow, that was working. He sighed, the pressure quickly building for him.
Finally he spouted his answer, "I'm sorry but I can't. I too plan to make a new start with my sister. Actually let her know who I am and hope she will still accept me." Katie noted where Crystal stood as the want to have Andrake near still was strong. She didn't even know why but she wanted him with her in this new place. Him more even than the Sheikah.
"So, if it weren't for your sister, would you still come with me? I mean is it only because of her or do you truly hate me?" Katie had to admit, she knew the answer but was loath to hear it. Thus it came to her as a surprise, "I don't hate you, Katie. Just your tendencies to get on others nerves, is all. If you would behave a bit better, I wouldn't even dislike you but you were very much in the wrong to create those wolves and have the Wolfos angry enough to attack the town. Many died partly because of you, Katie."
Katie swallowed her suddenly flared anger and retorted sharply, "That was not my question. If it weren't for your sister, would you stay with me through this and help me through?" He paused in speaking for a long time and eventually both stopped walking. Crystal started to go to them as Toloran and Matt were trading travel stories. Katie kept her eye on the girl then flicked her wrist, the poison stained dagger falling to her hand.
When Crystal was just in reach, Katie grabbed the girl and held her with strength not even Katie knew she possessed. Andrake reacted, grabbing and half-drawing his sword until he saw the dagger held at Crystal's chest below her throat. He saw the black liquid and felt pure rage and fear raise in him as Katie hissed, "If it isn't for your dear sister here, will you go with me?"
~~~~~~~
YESSS!!! Just where I wanted to end it. Well now, what will be more interesting? The reviews or the chapter itself?
Okay, will Katie actually go through with it? Will Andrake kill Katie if she does? What of the Sheikah and Link? Can they help? You'll have to wait until . . .
Until next time!