~ Disclaimer ~ Zelda's owner is not I. Sue me for this and I may cry.
^_^ Had to be a bit clever now didn't I? Sorry, in a good mood. First in a while soooo, this chapter should be a swell one.
OK, real note to take note, this is going to be THE last chapter for a while. I need a bit of a break from writing (say a month, 'kay?) but I will type one more after this one. Details will be in the footnote. One thing to smile about is if I get enough reviews, I'll post a chapter answering any and all questions (Jelie, here's your chance) you have for me or any of the characters. So just send in anything you want to ask and have fun! =^_^=
Kohachan: What? Questions for us, neh? Fine, we can take a bit of time out for that but not too much. Got that, Shadow Girl?!
-_- Hate to say it but he doesn't have a choice. This is my decision. Now then, on to the dedications.
This chapter goes out to:
Shadow_Knight (Hee hee, you were tired when you wrote that review)
MonoChronos (May I please call you SunMoonKnight? Anyway, thanks for the compliment! And I will try not to disappoint you)
Dream] [Walker3 (I am. lol)
Dragonkiller (Ok, bye bye. No grudges still *shrugs*)
Angle1 (0_0 You're adamant about that, aren't you?! Ok, worry not, it's all going according to plan *grins and rubs hands together*)
Jelie36 (War is such a strong word ^_^;;; I never planned to actually fight him, just throw words around. Especially since that's all I can do 0.o)
FarmerBoy (Who does have a good chapter and a nice story going)
Thanks for helping me get through this thing, guys. It really does help to know you are appreciated, as FarmerBoy said. =^_^=
Wah! Waaiiittt!!! One more reviewer, last second! crOwe! Thought you wouldn't make it in time ^_^ Well, no more wondering, check it out for yourself! lol
~~~~~~~
~ Unfinished Business ~
Tension hung thick among the three in the tight situation. Link glanced over but only saw Andrake standing before Katie and Crystal. Though it did seem odd, he couldn't see any harm of the situation. But he continued watching them. None were speaking. Or even moving. He hummed to himself in thought then started over in that direction.
A hand gripped his shoulder before he could take one more step. Zolaris guided Link away but the look in his eye told Link of great troubles brewing.
Kohachan took a deep breath as he listened from behind Katie. That dagger she held was far too close for any sort of quick attack. He nodded to Link and Zolaris though they agree silently there was nothing to be done. Link looked between the two, confused and worried to no end.
Tarawen sat on the rail of the ship beside Kohachan's elbow as he leaned angrily against it. Where was Toloran and what was he doing?! It couldn't end like this. Zolaris silently agreed. True, Crystal was a key and if she was lost, the legend could not be fulfilled but still. Not like this.
Tarawen looked at Kohachan for a moment. If they wouldn't do anything against the cocky, crazy blonde, then she would. Perhaps a distraction was in order . . .
Standing in perfect balance, her tail countering the tottering boat as she made the quick catwalk to Katie and them. Just as she was behind Katie's ear, the woman's hair serving as a blind spot, she knelt down, listening in to Katie.
"Answer me already!!" The woman hissed in growing irritation and desperation. Andrake held still, his lips slightly parting but his voice was mute. Crystal, alive and well to witness it all, watched Andrake carefully to see his actions. He seemed a different person now. Not only was he her brother but by the situation, he had lost all traces of a calm exterior.
Tarawen flashed her tail over her head to catch Andrake's eye. All concentration was on him but he would have to be the one to act. Andrake's pupil twitched only slightly but it was enough. Tarawen knew she had his attention.
"Katie, you know you go to far with this. Why do you want me to come with you. Give a legitimate reason and I will consider it, without using Crystal."
Katie felt her heart throb even in her own confusion. Why did she want him to go? She finally broke out with her answer, "I don't know!! I just know I want you to be there with me. To help me out and to catch me if I fall. I no longer have my pets but I still have you. You are a piece of my old life and I don't want to lose everything!!"
Everyone in earshot of the cried out response either ignored it or froze to watch. Toloran watched from his position descending the net of the crow's nest. He leaned against the rope and watched the scene play out. Zolaris had expected nothing less. No one can live with half a life. Kohachan felt his fury slightly subside as the first dawning of understanding swept in.
Though, it remained true that such acts Katie was using were completely wrong. This would not end well with or without bloodshed.
Andrake drew a breath. He had wanted an answer but never expected that. He recalled how many times she had used him in her dirty work, how many times she had demanded his service for apparently no reason, and how many times she had come too close to him. Far closer than he would permit.
Were all those times only so she would have some company? Come to think of it. The only times she was not around him was when the castle called on him or when she was in her laboratory working on her pets and creating a potion to enhance their strength without changing their appearance. Was she just lonely without another human friend?
He felt a battle waging within him as another factor came to mind. This was Crystal's life they were dealing with. He had to accept the terms to save her at the very least. But the look in Crystal's eyes told him specifically not to do it. She frowned at him and gave her head a quick shake even as Katie held her mouth shut.
Yet the other side of his mind yelled at him, she is a beast! Katie is no better than any of her creations! She means to murder and has probably rehearsed this sob story only to get what she wants. Just as she does for the castle officials, just as she did to her parents, she is doing it now to you! The only reason she created the story was because she doesn't want blood on her hands.
But what to do? What can be done to avoid losing my little sister? She knows now and would never, ever forgive me if I let her down. I have to give in.
You will still be letting her down! She sees you with anger now, her eyes glow brightly in her fury of you, idiot!
Wait, Crystal's eyes were glowing. Perhaps not glowing but a circle if silver tint around the pupil was indeed there nonetheless. Could it be . . . that fairy?
He saw Tarawen still staying put, waiting for his go ahead. He mentally slapped himself, searching for a plan even as Katie grew impatient. Finally he glanced at Tarawen and blinked before returning his gaze on Katie's eyes.
His mouth began to speak calmly but his mind raced going through the impossibilities of this working. Nonetheless, his hand itched for the precise lunge, the feminine hand holding the dagger was perfectly in sight, and already Tarawen was crouching for her distracting tactic.
Tarawen lunged at Katie, pouncing on the woman's head. Just as she let out the first cursing statement, Andrake's hand flashed to Katie's wrist, his fingers digging sharply into her wrist and the tendons there, forcing her fingers to release their grip and the poison tipped dagger to fall. Crystal drew away from the falling blade as it landed on the deck.
Andrake kicked at the hilt of the dagger, sending it skidding to Link. Link seized it but Kohachan quickly wrapped his cloak around the thing, making sure there was no way it could seep or cut through. Tarawen gave the treacherous woman a good slice with her claws before jumping off to the mast where Toloran had dropped from the net, throwing daggers in hand. Seeing they wouldn't be needed, he re-sheathed the blades on his belt.
Sailors had hastened to the uproar and were tearing Katie off of Crystal while Andrake helped. Soon, Katie was on her knees, two strong Sailors holding her down and Andrake held Crystal to him, she was back to normal as Navi went dormant again. Crystal wasn't sobbing, nor did she seem even afraid but he held onto her anyway. No words were said but too things were clear in the silence between the two.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
The captain himself came to see to the commotion on his ship as Kohachan and Link brought forth the dagger as proof. Though they could not find the vial from where the poison came and the liquid was quickly drying, staining the blade. They threw the dagger over-board as Kohachan folded his cloak, keeping the poison inside. He would wash it quickly enough as soon as it was decided what to do with Katie.
The woman stared at the deck before her knees, not meeting any eyes even as Andrake and Crystal also turned to her. The captain demanded answers as Tarawen hissed her complaints as well. Even as they roughly pulled her up, she neither replied nor met any eyes. Finally it was decided that she would be taken below for tried murder and the courts of the new land would decide her fate.
Matt chuckled nervously as he watched the scene from the port side. Even though he didn't have the best view, he saw the glint of the blade ad so had Cait as she stayed half behind him. He gave the silver pendant under his vest and shirt one last grip before smoothing the fabric over it then running down to see what exactly had happened.
The furious captain pointed to a trap door leading to below deck beyond the room they slept. Link followed the sailors as they led Katie away.
Kohachan, Matt, and Zolaris began speaking of the incident and how that could change the plans of the trip. It wouldn't change much for them but for Andrake and Crystal, it could change a lot. One main question passed among them. Now that Crystal knows the truth, would she want to stay with Andrake?
Zolaris spoke his own concern, "She is no doubt one of the three needed in the legend. Thus she cannot simply stay behind and let the three scatter again. She is the only one we know for sure about."
Matt piped in quickly, "It sounds to me that you want her to be with the other two, whoever they are, so that the demon can try again. What's with that? You are on our side, right? To avoid the legend coming true."
Raising his hand in peace, Zolaris continued, "I mean to say if we know where she and the other two are, then we can be sure of their safety. The demon won't be able to get to them if they are locked up."
"Wrong, Sheikah. I saw that demon just appear in that cell then vanish again just as quickly. Locking someone up won't do any good." Matt made his point and Zolaris half-closed his eyes in thought. What if Crystal did stay? What were the odds that the other two keys would be in the same place? Too small for logical reason.
Still something nagged at him, "Okay, but if we can't lock her up, we at lest know someone can fight the demon. Now that the power of the Light Moon Blade can be estimated, it can be resisted."
"True, I did see someone all banged up from fighting the demon but I only saw him once. He could have vanished like the demon does, he could be hidden, he could even be dead on the island for all we know!"
"I doubt that. Somehow.I do doubt that."
Matt shrugged then went to find something to eat. Breakfast was fading fast. Zolaris stared down at the waves hitting the flank of the ship then closed his eyes. He could feel it still. That power in and against his blade. He felt the power through the night after the celebration. As a vivid dream, it returned. He shuddered lightly when someone threw a blanket over his shoulders.
He looked in mild surprise as Crystal smiled to him, "It is a cold wind we're riding. You should get in the cabin room if you're cold." He waved it off and said softly, "No, not cold. Just remembering things I wish not to recall, that is all." He shrugged, trying to shake that odd fear and thrill even as Crystal leaned against the rail beside him.
He took a deep breath, the question welling in him, "What will you do now? Now that you know Andrake is your brother. Will you stay with him?"
Crystal blinked in confusion then answered brightly, "Certainly. He isn't staying with Katie, he is going with us, naturally. There is no way he is staying with Katie. I'd teach him better if he tries!" She drew her daggers with a grin and a quick wink to the Sheikah.
He shrugged and looked out at the horizon before looking forward at the island where Katie was to be placed. He couldn't help but wonder how the trial would go. She would be found guilty. She would have to be found guilty. Justice would prevail.
Crystal left his side to return to Link. Link smiled a bit sadly, "Katie is locked up tight and under guard. But she still isn't talking to anyone or even looking around much. Like all the life was drained from her."
"It's only one of her tricks to earn pity, trust me on that." They both turned to find Andrake. He had a thoughtful look in his eyes as he told them, "Believe me, she has used the same technique for a good many years to get what she wants. I know." Crystal stopped him with a raised hand, "There is one way I can find out, if I can see her eyes. I can tell if she is telling the truth or not about wanting you to go with her. Well, if she needs you or if she just wants you to go so she can have her way."
It was agreed among the three to give it a try. Too bad the guard had to object. Below the decks, the iron cages were set almost like support bars rather than cells. Katie sat in the middle back of one of the cells while the guard sat outside it at the corner nearest the steps. Crystal stepped up to the bar and Andrake quickly moved to her side as Link caught up behind and went to Crystal's other side.
Katie didn't acknowledge them. Keeping her knees to her chest and her head bent, she avoided all gazes. "Katie, can we talk?" Crystal called gently. No response. Andrake nearly barked a command but Crystal held him off then turned to the guard, "Can you let me in, please? I need to talk to Katie."
He shook his head without looking at them and said, "There will certainly be no visitors going in there and soon all three of ye will be needin' to leave here."
"But-"
"Captain's order, young miss." Crystal nodded then led the way out even as Link looking into the cell a moment longer before leaving with a light sigh. Katie opened her eye but didn't pick up her head. In an inaudible whisper, she said to herself, "She wanted to talk to me. She really did. Probably to mock me. She will pay." Silence ruled except for the creaking of the ship and the occasional humming of the cell guard.
Zolaris watched as Crystal emerged but her eyes were fairly downcast in disappointment. Andrake followed her, a look of distrust about him. Finally Link came onto the deck with a look of indifference about him. Zolaris called Crystal over as Tarawen made herself present, having nothing else to do as Kohachan and Toloran were playing a small game of wits.
"So, did you see Katie?" Crystal sighed lightly, "Yeah but that's all. She wouldn't even look at me much less talk. I think she is sincere in the statement she doesn't want to lose all of her old life. Can you understand that?"
Zolaris nodded, "Yes, I do understand. Mostly, her old way of living, all her pets and creations, and even with Andrake. All that made up nearly all of her life, it seems. Take them all away and you have a half-life. This can be either mended over time or painfully endured. I think she wants to avoid it all together. She is hurting and doesn't know how to stop hurting other than by keeping Andrake for herself."
Crystal thought of this even as they drew closer to the land. {Well, nonetheless, I do not trust the woman. She held that blade to you, young girl, so I would advise you stay away from her. Interesting point of view, though, Zolaris.} Crystal was surprised before spotting Tarawen on the ground once again. She smiled and nodded to the fox, "Yeah, I'll steer clear. Well, see you two later, Zolaris, Tarawen. I think I might take a bit of a rest in the cabin."
They both nodded to her as she left then looked at each other. "Tarawen, she has the gift, there is no doubt she is the key, right?"
Tarawen nodded {Though many do have a type of the same thing, hers is exceptionally keen. You know Kohachan can see dreams when he means to and Toloran can read emotions by the aura of a person but Crystal can read everything the soul has to offer when she means to.
{No, Zolaris, there is no doubt. However, how she is the key and to what remains a mystery to me! You three have to get together to tell everything at long last!} Zolaris scratched the back of his head with a small grin before walking off to find Kohachan. "Perhaps some other time, eh?" {Hey, no you don't! You WILL tell me!} Zolaris broke into a trot.
Kohachan sighed. It was de-ja-vu all over again. He studied the board, looking for that one vital move Tarawen always managed to find. Just the one move to turn the whole situation around was all he needed . . .
Toloran yawned again. Trying to shake away the boredom gaining on him as Kohachan searched for his next move. Why did it always take so long when playing the red head? He glanced at the board, saw the move that could thwart his plans and shrugged. No way was Kohachan going to see it. Not with the way he thought and saw situations.
Finally, hovering a hand over the board, Kohachan searched for his move. He set his fingers around the head of a promising piece and moved it to the left seven paces. A long shot but just maybe . . .
With a quick, tolerant sigh, Toloran moved another piece, wiping out that one then gave a quick "check" signal. Kohachan let his jaw drop slightly. Where had that come from?! Was it even in the rules?!
The door opened and Zolaris observed the scene. Tarawen came fully in soon after him and looked at the board. "Oh no you don't, Tarawen. He has to finish this game himself." Kohachan glared at Toloran and saved his main piece from being toppled. Toloran laughed lightly at the ill thought-out move. He calmly moved a different piece then rose, saying, "Check-mate."
"No, wait, wait. This isn't checkmate. This is not check mate!" Kohachan studied it closely then punched the floor with a quick bit of anger. "Check-mate." Tarawen shook her head with a sad sigh and began walking around him as Zolaris settled on the floor and began collecting the pieces. Kohachan sighed loudly, "Why do I keep losing?"
"Keep your eyes on the threat. It's as simple as that."
"SIMPLE?!? It's not simple at all!"
{Yes it is, Kohachan. You're just making it complicated. See the whole picture. HEY!!} Tarawen agilely avoided the thrown play board as it clattered against the wall, bending a couple edges then fell to the ground. Kohachan got up a bit angrily and went above deck before Tarawen attacked his ankles, yelling at him, {You are not going anywhere. I want all three of you Sheikah to tell me about this blinkin' legend that I keep hearing about!!}
Kohachan suppressed the yelp as Tarawen's small, sharp teeth nearly broke the skin over his Achilles tendon as Toloran picked her up, prying her jaws open to release him.
"There will be time later. No rush anymore, not really. Now, we have to see about helping with the docking plans, okay?" He nodded to Kohachan and Zolaris for them to follow as Tarawen's fur bristled in annoyance. With a flick of her tail, she pivoted back and went to one of the top bunks with agility befitting a fox and curled up for a nap.
Katie lifted her head as a sound from above deck announced her time was up. The trip was over and she had only one final chance. She let the guards enter and pick her up, guiding her to the stairs, her arms held firmly behind her back. She let them think that was her only dagger. She let then believe all was peaceful.
The island before them held a city on the port. The dock made of carefully set stone stretched into the bay while a town of obvious prosperity waited the new vessel. Well, it was quite a common vessel with regular runs to the island. But among the other regular ships, it was new. Link and Crystal beheld the island with awe.
To Link, it was a regular Kakariko village but set on a stone ground instead of grass and earth. Even some places were set on plateaus that required stairs to reach while most were side to side. No doubt some hills hid the major areas. He couldn't wait to explore it.
Crystal tried to look closer at the shops even as the ship floated into the bay. The sails were raised and the cargo was already being unlatched from the deck. She couldn't wait to see their types of daggers. Being of a different origin, the daggers would be made for different purposes or for different enemies altogether. She couldn't wait to duel again!
The tow guards emerged from below deck with Katie closely in front of them. They let her walk freely as she was harmless and she wandered to the bow to see her new home. It wasn't as bad as she had thought it to be. Though, it didn't matter when one's life was about to end.
Tarawen felt an acrid smell fill her nose. She pulled away from the pillow quickly, her eyes dilating in suspicion and surprise. Digging under the pillow, she came across the item that had the smell in it.
Very faint but very pungent, it was a small black vial hidden under the pillow. Her memory flashed back as she recognized the liquid death and she ran down from the berth and above deck, hoping it wasn't too late.
The plank was lowered for the passengers and sailors to walk freely to the dock as the captain greeted the harbormaster. Good friends, the captain was glad to see the man, not only for the lowered fee for extended docking. Matt and Cait waited behind as Katie was the first taken ashore. Crystal remained wary but didn't expect as Katie stopped on the middle of the walk.
With a sharp glare, Katie turned fast and threw her second poison tipped dagger. Through some fluke, it flew true and managed to scratch Crystal's arm before flying toward Cait's head. Matt quickly reacted, taking the dagger to the chest for her. Katie nodded, "My business here is done." She flashed a cruel grin then fell into the water below before the guards could catch her.
Andrake yelled in rage and surprise, his mind racing as Crystal fell to her knees and Matt stumbled back from the blow. Cait howled in pure fright as Matt nearly fell over her. Andrake dashed to Crystal, leaving small dents in the wood where his feet had flashed and caught Crystal before she could fall the rest of the way.
A flash of dark blue and silver flashed toward the water. Zolaris dove from the side after Katie, a rope in one hand as Kohachan caught the quickly unraveling free end. Within only a few moments as Tarawen dashed to the deck and froze. Two were down already. She ran to Matt as he had the dagger hilt poking from his chest.
Link unfroze himself as Zolaris resurfaced with a choking, fighting, screaming Katie. He quickly ran to Kohachan's side and began pulling on the rope to hoist up both Zolaris and Katie. Toloran was soon at Crystal's side, checking the wound as the area around the cut was already turning black. He looked to Crystal, something felt different about her. Seeing her eyes, it was not Crystal at all but the fairy inside her. Navi grinned slightly, "I saved her once . . . you guys hurry and we can save her again."
The poison took affect over her and she fell into shudders of pain and feverish temperature, her head rolled forward in unconsciousness. Toloran shook her firmly, "Stay awake now. You must stay awake!!" His fierce words were reinforced by Andrake and slowly Navi opened her eyes and nodded slightly.
Toloran picked her up in his arms as Andrake shuddered with pure fury. Zolaris and Katie finally made it aboard deck once again where Zolaris quickly dropped her to the ground. Seeing her face, though soaked and covered with a mat of hair, Andrake snapped.
He drew his blade, his eyes glazed with the desire to kill the woman. He began marching forward but Kohachan caught one shoulder and a soaked Zolaris caught the other. It took both Sheikah to hold Andrake from his target. "LET ME GO!! I'LL KILL HER MYSELF!!!" His roars of rage and pain brought attention from all sides of the dock and all ships with crew working aboard them.
The captain of the Evening Star leveled his spyglass to see the seen of a girl held in the arms of a odd man, the knight marching for the soaked woman on the deck but caught by two other odd men. Then he noted the head of a boy leaning against the rail. Another strange girl was crying to the boy. Putting the seen together, he called three of his stronger men and started toward the vessel.
"What's going on here?!" He bellowed to the ship from the dock. The three men started up and one of them took a grappling hold of Andrake, pinning the knight's arms to his sides. The captain was welcomed aboard amid all the mayhem. It didn't take long for everything to calm down except for one thing. Navi/Crystal.
The captain of the Evening Star studied her for a moment before recognizing the poison. He questioned the cause only briefly before five people pointed to Katie. He nodded and sent one of his men to take care of her himself. Andrake redoubled his efforts, crying for justice. Though, against his captor, his efforts were useless.
Katie was hoisted up roughly, shaking a few sobbing cries from her throat before she was taken away. "Now, what of laddie there?" The captain pointed to Matt. Matt gave a small victory sign and pulled the dagger point out with a sound of metal on metal. He revealed from his vest and tunic the metal medallion that had caught the blade. Cait embraced him, tears of relief freely flowing down her young cheeks.
The captain nodded to him in approval then turned serious to the girl. She was babbling of something. "I can't understand ya, Lass. Speak up!" He listened closely as her faint words reached him.
"Deku . . . sprout . . . separation . . .revival . . ."
He pulled away from her, stroking his well-kept beard in concern before calling over a young boy clad in green as he nearly well hovered over the girl anyway. "Lad, can you make anything of her babbles?" Link listened eagerly, clenching her hand as tears began filling his eyes.
He jumped back and caught the captain of the Evening Star and shook him, "Captain, is your vessel fast? Is it ready to launch? Please! We have to get her back to Hyrule!! PLEASE!!!"
"Woah, there, lad. We have to be sure of this case first. That girl who was taken-"
"PLEASE!!!!"
The captain finally was swayed. He ordered his third man back to the boat and signaled Link and the three fittest free men, odd though they were, to follow him. Toloran shouted orders to Kohachan and Zolaris, calling them to follow as he carried Navi in his arms and Link ran ahead. Tarawen landed square on Kohachan's shoulder {You are not leaving without me, no matter how hard you try!}
"Andrake, are you coming?!" Zolaris called over his shoulder. Andrake was freed from the sailor's grasp but he yelled back roughly, "You will sail faster without me. Save my sister and I will be sure rights are made here. NOW GO!!" Zolaris nodded before scrambling to catch up again.
Indeed they would have to sail fast and far if Navi was to be saved. Setting her on the deck of the rather smaller ship, Toloran saw to the sails while Kohachan pulled the anchor up by strength born of adrenaline and desperation. Zolaris helped shove off before jumping aboard. The captain spun the wheel, praying for a strong wind and hoping that the boys aboard knew where they were going.
Link whispered as Navi's breath remained level, "Hold on, Navi. Hold on Crystal. We're on our way. You just have to survive now. Please, stay with me. Hold on."
A high wind filled the sail and the ship lunged through the waves and across the waters, racing back to the land o Hyrule.
~~~~~~~
And that is where this segment ends. I will probably be expecting plenty of death threats, no? Well, I stand by my choice but you can all demand why or whatever you want for the next chapter. That being that characters and me all answering the questions, of course.
Well now, Navi is saving Crystal again but will they make it back in time? Strong gusts usually blow themselves out fairly quickly, you know.
Until next time!!
^_^ Had to be a bit clever now didn't I? Sorry, in a good mood. First in a while soooo, this chapter should be a swell one.
OK, real note to take note, this is going to be THE last chapter for a while. I need a bit of a break from writing (say a month, 'kay?) but I will type one more after this one. Details will be in the footnote. One thing to smile about is if I get enough reviews, I'll post a chapter answering any and all questions (Jelie, here's your chance) you have for me or any of the characters. So just send in anything you want to ask and have fun! =^_^=
Kohachan: What? Questions for us, neh? Fine, we can take a bit of time out for that but not too much. Got that, Shadow Girl?!
-_- Hate to say it but he doesn't have a choice. This is my decision. Now then, on to the dedications.
This chapter goes out to:
Shadow_Knight (Hee hee, you were tired when you wrote that review)
MonoChronos (May I please call you SunMoonKnight? Anyway, thanks for the compliment! And I will try not to disappoint you)
Dream] [Walker3 (I am. lol)
Dragonkiller (Ok, bye bye. No grudges still *shrugs*)
Angle1 (0_0 You're adamant about that, aren't you?! Ok, worry not, it's all going according to plan *grins and rubs hands together*)
Jelie36 (War is such a strong word ^_^;;; I never planned to actually fight him, just throw words around. Especially since that's all I can do 0.o)
FarmerBoy (Who does have a good chapter and a nice story going)
Thanks for helping me get through this thing, guys. It really does help to know you are appreciated, as FarmerBoy said. =^_^=
Wah! Waaiiittt!!! One more reviewer, last second! crOwe! Thought you wouldn't make it in time ^_^ Well, no more wondering, check it out for yourself! lol
~~~~~~~
~ Unfinished Business ~
Tension hung thick among the three in the tight situation. Link glanced over but only saw Andrake standing before Katie and Crystal. Though it did seem odd, he couldn't see any harm of the situation. But he continued watching them. None were speaking. Or even moving. He hummed to himself in thought then started over in that direction.
A hand gripped his shoulder before he could take one more step. Zolaris guided Link away but the look in his eye told Link of great troubles brewing.
Kohachan took a deep breath as he listened from behind Katie. That dagger she held was far too close for any sort of quick attack. He nodded to Link and Zolaris though they agree silently there was nothing to be done. Link looked between the two, confused and worried to no end.
Tarawen sat on the rail of the ship beside Kohachan's elbow as he leaned angrily against it. Where was Toloran and what was he doing?! It couldn't end like this. Zolaris silently agreed. True, Crystal was a key and if she was lost, the legend could not be fulfilled but still. Not like this.
Tarawen looked at Kohachan for a moment. If they wouldn't do anything against the cocky, crazy blonde, then she would. Perhaps a distraction was in order . . .
Standing in perfect balance, her tail countering the tottering boat as she made the quick catwalk to Katie and them. Just as she was behind Katie's ear, the woman's hair serving as a blind spot, she knelt down, listening in to Katie.
"Answer me already!!" The woman hissed in growing irritation and desperation. Andrake held still, his lips slightly parting but his voice was mute. Crystal, alive and well to witness it all, watched Andrake carefully to see his actions. He seemed a different person now. Not only was he her brother but by the situation, he had lost all traces of a calm exterior.
Tarawen flashed her tail over her head to catch Andrake's eye. All concentration was on him but he would have to be the one to act. Andrake's pupil twitched only slightly but it was enough. Tarawen knew she had his attention.
"Katie, you know you go to far with this. Why do you want me to come with you. Give a legitimate reason and I will consider it, without using Crystal."
Katie felt her heart throb even in her own confusion. Why did she want him to go? She finally broke out with her answer, "I don't know!! I just know I want you to be there with me. To help me out and to catch me if I fall. I no longer have my pets but I still have you. You are a piece of my old life and I don't want to lose everything!!"
Everyone in earshot of the cried out response either ignored it or froze to watch. Toloran watched from his position descending the net of the crow's nest. He leaned against the rope and watched the scene play out. Zolaris had expected nothing less. No one can live with half a life. Kohachan felt his fury slightly subside as the first dawning of understanding swept in.
Though, it remained true that such acts Katie was using were completely wrong. This would not end well with or without bloodshed.
Andrake drew a breath. He had wanted an answer but never expected that. He recalled how many times she had used him in her dirty work, how many times she had demanded his service for apparently no reason, and how many times she had come too close to him. Far closer than he would permit.
Were all those times only so she would have some company? Come to think of it. The only times she was not around him was when the castle called on him or when she was in her laboratory working on her pets and creating a potion to enhance their strength without changing their appearance. Was she just lonely without another human friend?
He felt a battle waging within him as another factor came to mind. This was Crystal's life they were dealing with. He had to accept the terms to save her at the very least. But the look in Crystal's eyes told him specifically not to do it. She frowned at him and gave her head a quick shake even as Katie held her mouth shut.
Yet the other side of his mind yelled at him, she is a beast! Katie is no better than any of her creations! She means to murder and has probably rehearsed this sob story only to get what she wants. Just as she does for the castle officials, just as she did to her parents, she is doing it now to you! The only reason she created the story was because she doesn't want blood on her hands.
But what to do? What can be done to avoid losing my little sister? She knows now and would never, ever forgive me if I let her down. I have to give in.
You will still be letting her down! She sees you with anger now, her eyes glow brightly in her fury of you, idiot!
Wait, Crystal's eyes were glowing. Perhaps not glowing but a circle if silver tint around the pupil was indeed there nonetheless. Could it be . . . that fairy?
He saw Tarawen still staying put, waiting for his go ahead. He mentally slapped himself, searching for a plan even as Katie grew impatient. Finally he glanced at Tarawen and blinked before returning his gaze on Katie's eyes.
His mouth began to speak calmly but his mind raced going through the impossibilities of this working. Nonetheless, his hand itched for the precise lunge, the feminine hand holding the dagger was perfectly in sight, and already Tarawen was crouching for her distracting tactic.
Tarawen lunged at Katie, pouncing on the woman's head. Just as she let out the first cursing statement, Andrake's hand flashed to Katie's wrist, his fingers digging sharply into her wrist and the tendons there, forcing her fingers to release their grip and the poison tipped dagger to fall. Crystal drew away from the falling blade as it landed on the deck.
Andrake kicked at the hilt of the dagger, sending it skidding to Link. Link seized it but Kohachan quickly wrapped his cloak around the thing, making sure there was no way it could seep or cut through. Tarawen gave the treacherous woman a good slice with her claws before jumping off to the mast where Toloran had dropped from the net, throwing daggers in hand. Seeing they wouldn't be needed, he re-sheathed the blades on his belt.
Sailors had hastened to the uproar and were tearing Katie off of Crystal while Andrake helped. Soon, Katie was on her knees, two strong Sailors holding her down and Andrake held Crystal to him, she was back to normal as Navi went dormant again. Crystal wasn't sobbing, nor did she seem even afraid but he held onto her anyway. No words were said but too things were clear in the silence between the two.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
The captain himself came to see to the commotion on his ship as Kohachan and Link brought forth the dagger as proof. Though they could not find the vial from where the poison came and the liquid was quickly drying, staining the blade. They threw the dagger over-board as Kohachan folded his cloak, keeping the poison inside. He would wash it quickly enough as soon as it was decided what to do with Katie.
The woman stared at the deck before her knees, not meeting any eyes even as Andrake and Crystal also turned to her. The captain demanded answers as Tarawen hissed her complaints as well. Even as they roughly pulled her up, she neither replied nor met any eyes. Finally it was decided that she would be taken below for tried murder and the courts of the new land would decide her fate.
Matt chuckled nervously as he watched the scene from the port side. Even though he didn't have the best view, he saw the glint of the blade ad so had Cait as she stayed half behind him. He gave the silver pendant under his vest and shirt one last grip before smoothing the fabric over it then running down to see what exactly had happened.
The furious captain pointed to a trap door leading to below deck beyond the room they slept. Link followed the sailors as they led Katie away.
Kohachan, Matt, and Zolaris began speaking of the incident and how that could change the plans of the trip. It wouldn't change much for them but for Andrake and Crystal, it could change a lot. One main question passed among them. Now that Crystal knows the truth, would she want to stay with Andrake?
Zolaris spoke his own concern, "She is no doubt one of the three needed in the legend. Thus she cannot simply stay behind and let the three scatter again. She is the only one we know for sure about."
Matt piped in quickly, "It sounds to me that you want her to be with the other two, whoever they are, so that the demon can try again. What's with that? You are on our side, right? To avoid the legend coming true."
Raising his hand in peace, Zolaris continued, "I mean to say if we know where she and the other two are, then we can be sure of their safety. The demon won't be able to get to them if they are locked up."
"Wrong, Sheikah. I saw that demon just appear in that cell then vanish again just as quickly. Locking someone up won't do any good." Matt made his point and Zolaris half-closed his eyes in thought. What if Crystal did stay? What were the odds that the other two keys would be in the same place? Too small for logical reason.
Still something nagged at him, "Okay, but if we can't lock her up, we at lest know someone can fight the demon. Now that the power of the Light Moon Blade can be estimated, it can be resisted."
"True, I did see someone all banged up from fighting the demon but I only saw him once. He could have vanished like the demon does, he could be hidden, he could even be dead on the island for all we know!"
"I doubt that. Somehow.I do doubt that."
Matt shrugged then went to find something to eat. Breakfast was fading fast. Zolaris stared down at the waves hitting the flank of the ship then closed his eyes. He could feel it still. That power in and against his blade. He felt the power through the night after the celebration. As a vivid dream, it returned. He shuddered lightly when someone threw a blanket over his shoulders.
He looked in mild surprise as Crystal smiled to him, "It is a cold wind we're riding. You should get in the cabin room if you're cold." He waved it off and said softly, "No, not cold. Just remembering things I wish not to recall, that is all." He shrugged, trying to shake that odd fear and thrill even as Crystal leaned against the rail beside him.
He took a deep breath, the question welling in him, "What will you do now? Now that you know Andrake is your brother. Will you stay with him?"
Crystal blinked in confusion then answered brightly, "Certainly. He isn't staying with Katie, he is going with us, naturally. There is no way he is staying with Katie. I'd teach him better if he tries!" She drew her daggers with a grin and a quick wink to the Sheikah.
He shrugged and looked out at the horizon before looking forward at the island where Katie was to be placed. He couldn't help but wonder how the trial would go. She would be found guilty. She would have to be found guilty. Justice would prevail.
Crystal left his side to return to Link. Link smiled a bit sadly, "Katie is locked up tight and under guard. But she still isn't talking to anyone or even looking around much. Like all the life was drained from her."
"It's only one of her tricks to earn pity, trust me on that." They both turned to find Andrake. He had a thoughtful look in his eyes as he told them, "Believe me, she has used the same technique for a good many years to get what she wants. I know." Crystal stopped him with a raised hand, "There is one way I can find out, if I can see her eyes. I can tell if she is telling the truth or not about wanting you to go with her. Well, if she needs you or if she just wants you to go so she can have her way."
It was agreed among the three to give it a try. Too bad the guard had to object. Below the decks, the iron cages were set almost like support bars rather than cells. Katie sat in the middle back of one of the cells while the guard sat outside it at the corner nearest the steps. Crystal stepped up to the bar and Andrake quickly moved to her side as Link caught up behind and went to Crystal's other side.
Katie didn't acknowledge them. Keeping her knees to her chest and her head bent, she avoided all gazes. "Katie, can we talk?" Crystal called gently. No response. Andrake nearly barked a command but Crystal held him off then turned to the guard, "Can you let me in, please? I need to talk to Katie."
He shook his head without looking at them and said, "There will certainly be no visitors going in there and soon all three of ye will be needin' to leave here."
"But-"
"Captain's order, young miss." Crystal nodded then led the way out even as Link looking into the cell a moment longer before leaving with a light sigh. Katie opened her eye but didn't pick up her head. In an inaudible whisper, she said to herself, "She wanted to talk to me. She really did. Probably to mock me. She will pay." Silence ruled except for the creaking of the ship and the occasional humming of the cell guard.
Zolaris watched as Crystal emerged but her eyes were fairly downcast in disappointment. Andrake followed her, a look of distrust about him. Finally Link came onto the deck with a look of indifference about him. Zolaris called Crystal over as Tarawen made herself present, having nothing else to do as Kohachan and Toloran were playing a small game of wits.
"So, did you see Katie?" Crystal sighed lightly, "Yeah but that's all. She wouldn't even look at me much less talk. I think she is sincere in the statement she doesn't want to lose all of her old life. Can you understand that?"
Zolaris nodded, "Yes, I do understand. Mostly, her old way of living, all her pets and creations, and even with Andrake. All that made up nearly all of her life, it seems. Take them all away and you have a half-life. This can be either mended over time or painfully endured. I think she wants to avoid it all together. She is hurting and doesn't know how to stop hurting other than by keeping Andrake for herself."
Crystal thought of this even as they drew closer to the land. {Well, nonetheless, I do not trust the woman. She held that blade to you, young girl, so I would advise you stay away from her. Interesting point of view, though, Zolaris.} Crystal was surprised before spotting Tarawen on the ground once again. She smiled and nodded to the fox, "Yeah, I'll steer clear. Well, see you two later, Zolaris, Tarawen. I think I might take a bit of a rest in the cabin."
They both nodded to her as she left then looked at each other. "Tarawen, she has the gift, there is no doubt she is the key, right?"
Tarawen nodded {Though many do have a type of the same thing, hers is exceptionally keen. You know Kohachan can see dreams when he means to and Toloran can read emotions by the aura of a person but Crystal can read everything the soul has to offer when she means to.
{No, Zolaris, there is no doubt. However, how she is the key and to what remains a mystery to me! You three have to get together to tell everything at long last!} Zolaris scratched the back of his head with a small grin before walking off to find Kohachan. "Perhaps some other time, eh?" {Hey, no you don't! You WILL tell me!} Zolaris broke into a trot.
Kohachan sighed. It was de-ja-vu all over again. He studied the board, looking for that one vital move Tarawen always managed to find. Just the one move to turn the whole situation around was all he needed . . .
Toloran yawned again. Trying to shake away the boredom gaining on him as Kohachan searched for his next move. Why did it always take so long when playing the red head? He glanced at the board, saw the move that could thwart his plans and shrugged. No way was Kohachan going to see it. Not with the way he thought and saw situations.
Finally, hovering a hand over the board, Kohachan searched for his move. He set his fingers around the head of a promising piece and moved it to the left seven paces. A long shot but just maybe . . .
With a quick, tolerant sigh, Toloran moved another piece, wiping out that one then gave a quick "check" signal. Kohachan let his jaw drop slightly. Where had that come from?! Was it even in the rules?!
The door opened and Zolaris observed the scene. Tarawen came fully in soon after him and looked at the board. "Oh no you don't, Tarawen. He has to finish this game himself." Kohachan glared at Toloran and saved his main piece from being toppled. Toloran laughed lightly at the ill thought-out move. He calmly moved a different piece then rose, saying, "Check-mate."
"No, wait, wait. This isn't checkmate. This is not check mate!" Kohachan studied it closely then punched the floor with a quick bit of anger. "Check-mate." Tarawen shook her head with a sad sigh and began walking around him as Zolaris settled on the floor and began collecting the pieces. Kohachan sighed loudly, "Why do I keep losing?"
"Keep your eyes on the threat. It's as simple as that."
"SIMPLE?!? It's not simple at all!"
{Yes it is, Kohachan. You're just making it complicated. See the whole picture. HEY!!} Tarawen agilely avoided the thrown play board as it clattered against the wall, bending a couple edges then fell to the ground. Kohachan got up a bit angrily and went above deck before Tarawen attacked his ankles, yelling at him, {You are not going anywhere. I want all three of you Sheikah to tell me about this blinkin' legend that I keep hearing about!!}
Kohachan suppressed the yelp as Tarawen's small, sharp teeth nearly broke the skin over his Achilles tendon as Toloran picked her up, prying her jaws open to release him.
"There will be time later. No rush anymore, not really. Now, we have to see about helping with the docking plans, okay?" He nodded to Kohachan and Zolaris for them to follow as Tarawen's fur bristled in annoyance. With a flick of her tail, she pivoted back and went to one of the top bunks with agility befitting a fox and curled up for a nap.
Katie lifted her head as a sound from above deck announced her time was up. The trip was over and she had only one final chance. She let the guards enter and pick her up, guiding her to the stairs, her arms held firmly behind her back. She let them think that was her only dagger. She let then believe all was peaceful.
The island before them held a city on the port. The dock made of carefully set stone stretched into the bay while a town of obvious prosperity waited the new vessel. Well, it was quite a common vessel with regular runs to the island. But among the other regular ships, it was new. Link and Crystal beheld the island with awe.
To Link, it was a regular Kakariko village but set on a stone ground instead of grass and earth. Even some places were set on plateaus that required stairs to reach while most were side to side. No doubt some hills hid the major areas. He couldn't wait to explore it.
Crystal tried to look closer at the shops even as the ship floated into the bay. The sails were raised and the cargo was already being unlatched from the deck. She couldn't wait to see their types of daggers. Being of a different origin, the daggers would be made for different purposes or for different enemies altogether. She couldn't wait to duel again!
The tow guards emerged from below deck with Katie closely in front of them. They let her walk freely as she was harmless and she wandered to the bow to see her new home. It wasn't as bad as she had thought it to be. Though, it didn't matter when one's life was about to end.
Tarawen felt an acrid smell fill her nose. She pulled away from the pillow quickly, her eyes dilating in suspicion and surprise. Digging under the pillow, she came across the item that had the smell in it.
Very faint but very pungent, it was a small black vial hidden under the pillow. Her memory flashed back as she recognized the liquid death and she ran down from the berth and above deck, hoping it wasn't too late.
The plank was lowered for the passengers and sailors to walk freely to the dock as the captain greeted the harbormaster. Good friends, the captain was glad to see the man, not only for the lowered fee for extended docking. Matt and Cait waited behind as Katie was the first taken ashore. Crystal remained wary but didn't expect as Katie stopped on the middle of the walk.
With a sharp glare, Katie turned fast and threw her second poison tipped dagger. Through some fluke, it flew true and managed to scratch Crystal's arm before flying toward Cait's head. Matt quickly reacted, taking the dagger to the chest for her. Katie nodded, "My business here is done." She flashed a cruel grin then fell into the water below before the guards could catch her.
Andrake yelled in rage and surprise, his mind racing as Crystal fell to her knees and Matt stumbled back from the blow. Cait howled in pure fright as Matt nearly fell over her. Andrake dashed to Crystal, leaving small dents in the wood where his feet had flashed and caught Crystal before she could fall the rest of the way.
A flash of dark blue and silver flashed toward the water. Zolaris dove from the side after Katie, a rope in one hand as Kohachan caught the quickly unraveling free end. Within only a few moments as Tarawen dashed to the deck and froze. Two were down already. She ran to Matt as he had the dagger hilt poking from his chest.
Link unfroze himself as Zolaris resurfaced with a choking, fighting, screaming Katie. He quickly ran to Kohachan's side and began pulling on the rope to hoist up both Zolaris and Katie. Toloran was soon at Crystal's side, checking the wound as the area around the cut was already turning black. He looked to Crystal, something felt different about her. Seeing her eyes, it was not Crystal at all but the fairy inside her. Navi grinned slightly, "I saved her once . . . you guys hurry and we can save her again."
The poison took affect over her and she fell into shudders of pain and feverish temperature, her head rolled forward in unconsciousness. Toloran shook her firmly, "Stay awake now. You must stay awake!!" His fierce words were reinforced by Andrake and slowly Navi opened her eyes and nodded slightly.
Toloran picked her up in his arms as Andrake shuddered with pure fury. Zolaris and Katie finally made it aboard deck once again where Zolaris quickly dropped her to the ground. Seeing her face, though soaked and covered with a mat of hair, Andrake snapped.
He drew his blade, his eyes glazed with the desire to kill the woman. He began marching forward but Kohachan caught one shoulder and a soaked Zolaris caught the other. It took both Sheikah to hold Andrake from his target. "LET ME GO!! I'LL KILL HER MYSELF!!!" His roars of rage and pain brought attention from all sides of the dock and all ships with crew working aboard them.
The captain of the Evening Star leveled his spyglass to see the seen of a girl held in the arms of a odd man, the knight marching for the soaked woman on the deck but caught by two other odd men. Then he noted the head of a boy leaning against the rail. Another strange girl was crying to the boy. Putting the seen together, he called three of his stronger men and started toward the vessel.
"What's going on here?!" He bellowed to the ship from the dock. The three men started up and one of them took a grappling hold of Andrake, pinning the knight's arms to his sides. The captain was welcomed aboard amid all the mayhem. It didn't take long for everything to calm down except for one thing. Navi/Crystal.
The captain of the Evening Star studied her for a moment before recognizing the poison. He questioned the cause only briefly before five people pointed to Katie. He nodded and sent one of his men to take care of her himself. Andrake redoubled his efforts, crying for justice. Though, against his captor, his efforts were useless.
Katie was hoisted up roughly, shaking a few sobbing cries from her throat before she was taken away. "Now, what of laddie there?" The captain pointed to Matt. Matt gave a small victory sign and pulled the dagger point out with a sound of metal on metal. He revealed from his vest and tunic the metal medallion that had caught the blade. Cait embraced him, tears of relief freely flowing down her young cheeks.
The captain nodded to him in approval then turned serious to the girl. She was babbling of something. "I can't understand ya, Lass. Speak up!" He listened closely as her faint words reached him.
"Deku . . . sprout . . . separation . . .revival . . ."
He pulled away from her, stroking his well-kept beard in concern before calling over a young boy clad in green as he nearly well hovered over the girl anyway. "Lad, can you make anything of her babbles?" Link listened eagerly, clenching her hand as tears began filling his eyes.
He jumped back and caught the captain of the Evening Star and shook him, "Captain, is your vessel fast? Is it ready to launch? Please! We have to get her back to Hyrule!! PLEASE!!!"
"Woah, there, lad. We have to be sure of this case first. That girl who was taken-"
"PLEASE!!!!"
The captain finally was swayed. He ordered his third man back to the boat and signaled Link and the three fittest free men, odd though they were, to follow him. Toloran shouted orders to Kohachan and Zolaris, calling them to follow as he carried Navi in his arms and Link ran ahead. Tarawen landed square on Kohachan's shoulder {You are not leaving without me, no matter how hard you try!}
"Andrake, are you coming?!" Zolaris called over his shoulder. Andrake was freed from the sailor's grasp but he yelled back roughly, "You will sail faster without me. Save my sister and I will be sure rights are made here. NOW GO!!" Zolaris nodded before scrambling to catch up again.
Indeed they would have to sail fast and far if Navi was to be saved. Setting her on the deck of the rather smaller ship, Toloran saw to the sails while Kohachan pulled the anchor up by strength born of adrenaline and desperation. Zolaris helped shove off before jumping aboard. The captain spun the wheel, praying for a strong wind and hoping that the boys aboard knew where they were going.
Link whispered as Navi's breath remained level, "Hold on, Navi. Hold on Crystal. We're on our way. You just have to survive now. Please, stay with me. Hold on."
A high wind filled the sail and the ship lunged through the waves and across the waters, racing back to the land o Hyrule.
~~~~~~~
And that is where this segment ends. I will probably be expecting plenty of death threats, no? Well, I stand by my choice but you can all demand why or whatever you want for the next chapter. That being that characters and me all answering the questions, of course.
Well now, Navi is saving Crystal again but will they make it back in time? Strong gusts usually blow themselves out fairly quickly, you know.
Until next time!!