~ Disclaimer ~ I do not own Zelda. And I need more material! At least for
a better disclaimer. Running out of ideas . . .
I'M BACK!!! Okay, that was obvious in the previous chapter but I decided to shout it out now. *Shrugs* ^_^ And when I did update . . . New reviewers came! Cool!! Without further ado, I would like to welcome the new and say hi to the old.
Kohachan: -_-; She means "onto the dedications"
Yep! First up is Shadow Knight, (You forgot?! You didn't forget . . . not even your memory is that bad. But I'll keep quiet ^_^;), chiru-chan7 (Hello there! And I'm glad you caught on that Kohan has his own demon. As for the wielder . . . that is still hush hush. *Glares at shadow knight and everyone else who knows* Don't spoil it!!), MonoChronos (Yep, I glared at ya too cause I know you know. And Katie . . . has a long way to go.)
Kohachan: Ah, Shadow Girl. Isn't that a spoiler you just gave?
No, it is stating the obvious. Now the next I'd like to dedicate to is Angle1 (I didn't leave you out in the cold too long, did I? *Hands Angle some hot coa-coa*), Omega Zero (Maa maa, try to get along with your character. I've had enough fights in these openings before ^_^;), Jelie36 (Good to hear from you again! Hmm . . . Gramps does have a good blade also . . . *grins*), and last but most certainly not least, I'd like to dedicate this whole kit and caboodle to CrysSton16, who has helped me through a nice lot of the confusing parts @_@ Thankie!! =^_^=
Kohachan: Can we start this chapter today? This is your longest opening yet, Shadow Girl.
Shadow Knight: And only getting longer! What's up, Vixen?
~_~ Again with the nickname . . . *scratches back of head* ^_^;; There's a couple new reviewers and one of them left a review as long as yours, nearly. Omega Zero and his pyromaniac half-elf are worse than you and your characters, Matty!
Shadow Knight: Don't call me that. Wait, they are?! NO! I MUST BE THE MOST INSANE!
Oh? *Lets him read the review*
Shadow Knight: Hmm . . . . I must challenge him to the insanity! MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! *Vanishes*
Well, there ya have it, Omega Zero. And good luck to you if you choose to accept Shadow Knight's challenge.
Kohachan: *Holding head* The boy is going insane again. This is going to be a long story from here on in. So long as this challenge of reviewers is going.
This challenge might not even stand though. We'll see. Man, this was a long opening. But it's still good to be back. Now, on with the chapter!
~~~~~~~
~ Comebacks ~
Night fell and it soon became cold. Link was shivering as he set his makeshift blanket over Crystal to try to keep her warmer. Despite being covered in four coats and even with Tarawen over her, Crystal still shivered with her fever. The poison was still strong in her and held her in thrall.
Link squeezed her hand again but the pressure wasn't returned. He snapped his eyes open, "Crystal! Crystal, Navi, come on, stay awake!" Kohachan looked from under the cowl of his cloak. He had tried to rest himself as keeping her awake had taxed his concentration.
He stood from the side of the boat and walked easily to them, the cold enfolding him anew and stirring him from anything like rest. "Link? Is she . . ." He trailed off as Link tried shaking Crystal awake and checked her pulse. It was slowing.
Setting Link aside, Kohachan set both hands on either side of her head and closed his own eyes. He was conscious of around him as Zolaris and Toloran watched him closely, prepared to act if anything went wrong. Link kept yelling but Kohachan was soon deaf to them as he sank into shadows of Crystal's mind.
In the darkness, she was slipping. Kohachan held onto her, reaching through the shadows of her mind, pulling her back when Link's words could not reach her. Hands gripped each other and a pair of scared blue eyes looked back at Kohachan.
She was still slipping, though. A flare of anger swelled in him as Kohachan reached further, yelling, "Don't let go!" He reached down a bit further, grabbing hold of her arms and pulling back on her even as whatever was pulling her began tugging him downward as well into the darkness.
When the shadows touched him, he felt a great peace coming over him. It was welcoming him in. The peace of night and the fatigue he already endured only aided him to sink deeper. He looked at Crystal once more and mentally slapped himself to get a grip. And yet the shadows drew him inward, welcoming the member of the Shadow Folk to join the girl in peaceful rest and solitude. He felt himself giving once again.
"NO!" He would not be taken down and would not give up the girl. He could feel others behind him then. Four other powers seemed to be pulling back on him as more strength joined his own. He redoubled his efforts, snapping awake himself and gave it one more try. One last effort and Crystal was pulled free of the darkness . . . for the moment.
He released the young girl and opened his eyes to see Toloran, Kohachan, Link, and Zolaris all near him, two hands on either of his shoulders as they had helped him pull Crystal free. Kohachan felt the shadows coming to steal him away to restoring sleep but said jut before being over-come, "We have to hurry. Can't let her slip again."
Toloran set the cloak over Kohachan once again as the exhausted Sheikah let his chin to his chest and his body went limp in sleep. His breathing became deep and rhythmic in rest.
"He earned his rest, that is for certain." Zolaris also rested back but was still kneeling and looking at Crystal as her eyelids fluttered then opened. Pulling his cloak tighter around himself, Zolaris added, "The closer we get to the place, the colder it gets . . ."
Link answered without looking up from Crystal, "It will be nearing winter in Hyrule right about now. We might even see snow."
"Snow?"
Toloran laughed lightly and patted Zolaris head with a brotherly affection as he said to Link, "Zolaris here can't remember such things as snow. He was too young when we went to the tropical islands whence we are coming from. I remember but then I'm three years older than Zolaris." He laughed again then went to the bow of the boat as Tarawen watched him with equal confusion.
What was this snow they were talking about?
She fluffed up her fur then went to rest with Kohachan as he slept. Toloran nodded to them, "Zolaris, Tarawen, Link, get some rest. I'll watch Crystal then wake one of you when I must rest."
Finally, the captain spoke up again from watching them silently and keeping a lantern lit. "Not so wise an idea, that. One never knows what the sea will do when eyes are closed to her. It would be better to keep three awake at the least. I'm used to this so I will stay up with two others. So, who will it be?"
Link spoke up, "I can stay awake. Too used to it from Termina. I have to stay with Crystal." Toloran nodded, "So it is decided. I'll stay up with you two as long as I will. Then Zolaris will keep watch after me. Then Kohachan. And by then, we should be in Hyrule. Are you agreed, Zolaris?"
They looked to the silver haired boy only to see him with his head rested back, eyes closed in sleep. Toloran pointed out one last thing, "We have to be careful. When one falls asleep in this cold, sleep steals quickly and for a long time." He looked to Crystal, knowing she was awake. But for how long?
~~~~~
Again she was in the cell. Again she stood near the wall. Again there seemed to be no escape for her. But this time, this time she would not roll over and let them do whatever they wanted. No, she would have her voice heard through actions. She would let them know all she wanted them to know. And what she wanted them to know . . . was her want for revenge.
As though they were right beside her, reading her thoughts, Shast and Kelty could be heard in the back of her mind, growling their approval. They would follow her orders as she gave them and they would fight for her as she told them. Loyal even past the end.
But if only she could see them as well and feel their fur as they stood close to her. She missed them, as she knew she would. They kept her company when that treacherous knight was gone. They stayed with her when no strangers were intruding. Then they acted to protect her. But never . . . never did they betray her. And they would carry out her plans even if they were not with her. So, she spoke to them and knew they listened.
"Shast, Kelty, I want you to run one more errand for me. This that has happened. You both know it is wrong. I do not like this. And you two can fix it for me. I know you can. All you two have to do is find that wretched one who got me into all this. That brat, Crystal. You can get her as she is. Then come back to me. Understand? I want you to finish what I started. Kill her!" The last part she spoke fiercely but in a whisper so none could hear her.
She felt them agreeing all the more fiercely, showing to her that they listened and would obey. If knot she would take care of herself? Yes, she would take care of herself as they were gone. She always took care of herself when everyone else was gone.
She sat against the wall with a deep sigh. The waning moon still shone through the window but she kept out of the light then lied down on the hay strewn on the floor of the cell. At least the hay was somewhat clean. Yet the hay and the stone beneath was cold. Bitterly cold.
Sleep, unrestful and full of horrid memories, was stealing upon her as she hugged herself in trying to keep warm. With a wave of relief, warmth stole over her body, soft and gentle, the heat seemed to come from two furry bodies resting near her. She smiled gently as she realized Shast and Kelty cared at least enough to know better than her.
They would give chase when she did not need them. For the moment, they stayed with her when no one else would. They stayed with her and guarded her rest. The memories and pains of the past few days were driven away by the point of the wolves' fangs and the gleam in their eyes. Nothing would get past them again. Nothing would harm their mistress. Katie was eased to dreaming and she was not alone. Finally, she was not alone.
~~~~~
Dawn was rising. The captain, unfazed by the night, bit deeply into his share of bread. Toloran and Kohachan were still asleep in the bed of the small but speedy ship. Link also ate though he made sure Crystal didn't give up on him. He urged her to eat as well but she denied food with weak effort. Link chose not to try to force the issue.
With a bit of shivering, Zolaris made sure the blankets were tucked around Crystal. He didn't deny that he envied her warmth, but he never thought of stealing the blankets away from her. Such a selfish act was unfathomable to him. He rubbed some warmth into his arms then peered at the horizon, willing that land mass before them be the shores of Hyrule.
As though responding to his will, the land showed telltale signs to indeed be their destination. It was the coastal shore just beyond the lake of Hyrule, if what Kohachan had described was accurate.
Through a spyglass, Zolaris could make out the carving on the shore tree that too well resembled a large bird of flame as was imprinted upon the Hylian shield, as so Kohachan said there would be. The carving was no doubt man-made, though who made it so long ago remained a mystery. One Zolaris could not focus on as his bare hands and arms were very well going numb.
Setting the spyglass away, he rubbed furiously at his numbing limbs and looked to Link who was just barely shivering in the cold. A sudden pounce and a small furry thing had landed on Zolaris shoulder. He glanced at the fur to find Tarawen perched and looking at the land with intensity as though to will it to come to them.
{Please tell me that that is our destination.} Zolaris nodded, "It is. And we'll be there within the hour as the wind keeps up. With this vessel, we'll be able to dock on the beach, isn't that right?" He looked to the captain who was examining the sail and finishing off his bread.
The captain nodded, "Aye, that will be our port right upon the sand. I'll need a few of you again to gain a bit of cargo I've been thinking of that is famous to this Hyrule. But someone else can take the girl with all speed to this Deku Tree she spoke of."
"Link should take her. If he is fit to. The only problem is how to get Crystal from here to the forest area safely . . ." Zolaris began going through ideas in his head.
"I'm fit to aright." Link spoke in a loud, clear voice. Proving he wasn't art all fatigued from a night of missed sleep. He looked up at Zolaris, his eyes bright with only a hint of red to show his slight strain. Even ten, it was more from stress over Crystal than of neglecting himself.
"Might I ask how then? Carry her on your back, I suppose. That would work but that so unconventional." Zolaris rubbed the back of his head, discovering warmth there as well, but pictured the image and decided it wouldn't work.
Yet looking at the determined young Hylian, he saw strength and courage he had never seen in such young eyes. For a bare moment, he thought he was looking into the eyes of a man who had seen much. Perhaps much too much. Yet it was clear that Link would not be swayed in the matter. He would take Crystal and have her healed even if it would tax his body to the breaking point, so it seemed.
Not one to stew over a subject till it dies, Zolaris rubbed at his arms in renewed vigor and began to pace even as Link continued speaking with Crystal. The girl was still shivering under the layers of cloaks and a blanket yet still she stayed awake, periodically switching with Navi.
This change was only apparent to Link as he looked into her eyes, locking with them, telling by voice, by thought, by memory of the hardships he himself has gone through and what he held onto to keep him alive. To make him not give up. He told her of his friends and all who relied on him.
He even told her of the bleakest of moments, when the darkness was about to steal over him and even then it didn't seem he was even needed, how he was just going to give up and let this pain and confusion that was his life leave his body.
On the final moment when Zelda was watching and he was encircled in the ring of flame with the monster, Ganon, he was on the ground again. His body beaten and bruised as the castle was leveled and upon the ruins he fought his last battle, so he thought at the time. Pain was all he felt. Pain and the dying embers of determination within him. He was spent from using too much magic, tired from constant battle and blood shed, worn by the non-stop pleas of help that had finally let him rest.
"I wanted rest then as you want it now. But then one last thought came to me. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw a different face looking and smiling at me, wanting me to return to them. Each one depended on me then, even if all else was safe.
"My friends all of Hyrule made me stand up again. The sages, my allies of that war, helped me wield the blade once again. Then, thinking of all the pain that would be stopped on every person of the land, I took that blade and made the final effort that annihilated the monster." He did not tell her of hoe that monster still hunted him. She already knew of that. But then the monster could only affect him, and no others. That, to Link, was worth living for.
"Crystal, you have to fight your own monster now. Think of those still counting on you now. Your grandfather, your brother, Matt, Cait, Zolaris, Kohachan, Toloran. Crystal, think of me! We will not let go of you. Do not let go of us."
Crystal heard his words as Navi confirmed them and she held on all that much tighter. She could see him clearly in her minds' eye. She could see him as they sparred, as he rested, even as they ate under the tables with that swordsman, Lance.
Feeling the darkness beginning to give away, Crystal's shaking eased if only a bit and she felt more conscious and finally returned the pressure of Link's hand on hers. Link quietly cheered her on as the shoreline became more and more visible through the lifting dawn mists.
~~~~~
Katie awoke to the sound of the same great door opening down the hall. For a millisecond, the warmth around her stayed but the was gone as though the gust of wind from the door blew it away. Katie smiled to herself. Her pets were off to do her bidding.
As expected, though not totally feared, the guards from the courthouse unlocked the cell door as she got up herself ad brushed that hay from her hair and faded dress. It was not likely that she would be getting a new dress for a while. That is, unless she managed herself once again.
Now that her pets were back to help her along in her goals, Katie felt her fighting spirit within rise. She would get a new dress and all the respect she earned and deserved. It would simply take a bit more charm than what she usually gave.
Then it came to her as a surprise. This whole event of being a slave was a simply one more challenge for her. A challenge she was not going to back down from. Another surprise was what the guards then tightened over her delicate wrists.
Irons!
Chained irons to lead her by down the street, supposedly. She bit her tongue and played subdued, though the angry glint in her eye was all but subdued.
A hand on either of her shoulders and her hands bound by irons before her, she was led out of the building of cells and to the street. She winced at the sudden sunlight as the sounds of the town filled her ears.
Momentarily blind but not deaf, the sounds of the town were similar if not perfectly alike to that of Dondoran that for a moment she felt a pang of homesickness. It soon passed as another annoying sound reminded her of how far away from home she actually was.
Gulls. Birds of the sea so unfamiliar to her caused a raucous and constant noise that all others seemed to ignore but were driving her mad.
Quelling the urge to scream at them to shut up, she finally blinked away the shadows of the building and became accustomed to the light. Children were on the streets, chasing each other in play, as she had heard long before. Marketers were selling their wares and produce to every passerby they could attracts. And upon a closer look, pickpockets were aplenty to the keener eye as they passed among the crowd a bit too nonchalantly.
At this, she smiled genuinely. At least this place was so much like the town she came from. So full of the same kind of ignorant people. They would be able to handle with ease. All she needed was a foothold. Her pets gave her one boost, now she needed to find the next.
They walked up the street as it led a gentle incline to a small bridge with walls on either side of it. The bridge passed over a chasm that went straight down to ocean spraying up over rocks. The sudden gust, though surprising, was refreshing and renewing as they passed over the middle of the rather short bridge.
Katie decided that if she were to stay here, it would be just as good as that open plains area. But with much, much less ground to cover all the time. Still, a personal carriage was a must, or at least an elegant mount of the finest breed.
Come to think of it, she thought as she chanced a longer look around, this place doesn't have even horses. Not around the marketers as their stands were built of a simple table where the trinkets and wares were set up and a simple sheet of a carpet was set over them to keep the sun off of the merchants. Not one of the stands had wheels, unless they were indeed selling wagon wheels.
She scoffed to herself at that, deciding that there would indeed be a few changes if she were to stay on such an island. Yes, changed indeed.
Something caught her eye then. The thing she was being led to. One major factor she had forgotten about her sentence. A long boat on the harbor already being loaded with others all ironed and set on rows of benches where oars dipped into the sea's surface. Already she did not like the look of this.
The long walk to the boat was made short as her thoughts were distracted. She thought of as many excuses and offers as she could and tried several of them upon the guards taking her down to the boat but none of them got a reaction from the stone-faced escorts.
With a mean thought of them, she finally fell silent and stood on the dock in a shortening line to get on the long boat. The man in front of her was one of the few without a shirt on. Finding this to be an entertainment, she indulged herself with looking at the man's bronze skin of his well- muscled back and shoulders.
He couldn't have been more than eighteen as he stood in front of her, legs slightly braced in obvious impatience. He was thin at the waist and only slightly thicker at the ribs but still athletically built enough to suite her tastes. He finally turned, having felt her eyes on his back for some time. Their eyes met then, though a faint flush appeared on Katie's already slightly burnt cheeks.
Her hair was a mess that she couldn't get from her eyes if her life depended on it and no doubt there was still some hay stuck in it from the cell yet the look in his eyes she recognized all too well. It was a look she received often and now returned. Admiration.
He grinned at her and spoke in an odd accent, "So, you'll be boarding as well? 'Tis a shame that a young one like yourself would be boarding such a vessel. You won't last the first five minutes out to sea, I know it." Katie's cheeks burned in growing irritation at the tease even as his voice flowed smoothly into her ears, making them tickle and her heart flutter again.
"And what makes you say that? I can last just as well on the sea as anyone else." She made an attempt to cross her arms though that was proved futile as she just thought of the gesture.
Covering the awkward motion, she quickly added with every once of scorn she could muster, "And whom are you calling young? You aren't exactly to be considered a wise elder yourself, Mr. . . ." She caught herself as a few choice words tried to weasel their way out. Words more admiring and complimenting than insulting.
He laughed thickly yet lightly at the same time, another pleasing tone that nearly brought Katie's scorning glare to a simple stare as he returned smoothly, "For one thing, I take it you are new to this kind of living. Well, this, my lady, is a rowboat. The oars you see are to be rowed in the water,"
He indicated with motions as he calmly explained as one would to a chastening child, "By us. I'm saying that you seem far too delicate a person to have been on one of these before. Perhaps then I will help you through this journey. It would be a most welcome partnering." He held her chin on an elegantly placed hand as he looked into her eyes and made her look straight back.
She soon realized this called not for scorn but for a game of another level. Instead of using anger, which was getting her no where, she decided to be more friendly as her eyes wandered to the muscles now seen easier as he was turned to her.
Taking a step forward, a purring compliment on her lips, she saw him slightly shift and then she leaned forward, expecting to be caught in his arms despite his binds. Instead, he turned back to the vessel upon a sharp order and she was sent to awkwardly stumble.
Recovering herself with cat-like agility, she glared at his back. Her face flushed anew with embarrassment and fury. Yet, as he looked steadfastly at the boat, he was still speaking softly to her, looking back at her through the corner of one eye. It seemed he was totally unaware of what he had done. Or was he? She listened only faintly to his speaking as he told her of the chill of the water, warning her to not stumble in. She grew livid within. He had known perfectly well what he did! He had done it on purpose, though the faint hint of a grin was well held. He would pay!
Holding herself well enough on the outside, she soon followed him onto the rocking vessel, surprised when his iron bound hands came back to her. One foot on the dock and the other on the boat, the mysterious youth was helping her aboard the vessel, despite the harshly snapping words of the slave drivers.
Taking his hand almost modestly, all signs of anger gone, she allowed herself onto the vessel with his help and they both were taken to a free bench where the long oar was set before them.
Touching the wood of the oar then wrapping one hand around it, she could feel the rough wooden pieces threatening to leave her splinters. The boy took the oar in his own hands and tightened his grip, telling her not to worry about it as he sat on the other side of her, away from the edge.
She watched him handle it for awhile, his muscled rippled pleasingly under his slightly sweat coated skin. She could only watch as he said something about his taking care of it so she would not have to worry any.
Snapping to attention, she responded quickly and held onto the oar just because as the boat was continuing to load. Perhaps sticking with this new guy would prove to be both useful and entertaining after all.
Katie smiled as she saw a plan unfolding in her mind. Wherever she was going, this guy could no doubt help her escape from it. Then they could both make a comeback. Ah, then there would be the wolves by her side as well. Things would not be as good as before. They would be better! She knew it now in her heart and soul that things would be okay as the first drum beat pounded over the boat and the first oar-stroke was taken.
~~~~~~~
*Holds up an umbrella against any possibly drooling girls out there* Yes, yes, we have . . . dare I say? . . . A major hottie in the mix now. See? SEE?!? Her evil cannot die!! It just keeps going and going and going . . .
Yes, I am tired, yes it is late so on a final word, I give a nice lot of credit for this chapter out to CrysSton16 for coming up with a nice lot of material within it. Thankie again, CrysSton!! =^_^=
Well now, Link and them make it to Hyrule yet could it really be that the two white wolves are back?? Or has Katie finally lost her marbles? More on this in the next chapter. It will be worth sticking around for. More bronze skin and rippling muscles as well, neh? -_^ LOL Couldn't help it!
Until next time!
I'M BACK!!! Okay, that was obvious in the previous chapter but I decided to shout it out now. *Shrugs* ^_^ And when I did update . . . New reviewers came! Cool!! Without further ado, I would like to welcome the new and say hi to the old.
Kohachan: -_-; She means "onto the dedications"
Yep! First up is Shadow Knight, (You forgot?! You didn't forget . . . not even your memory is that bad. But I'll keep quiet ^_^;), chiru-chan7 (Hello there! And I'm glad you caught on that Kohan has his own demon. As for the wielder . . . that is still hush hush. *Glares at shadow knight and everyone else who knows* Don't spoil it!!), MonoChronos (Yep, I glared at ya too cause I know you know. And Katie . . . has a long way to go.)
Kohachan: Ah, Shadow Girl. Isn't that a spoiler you just gave?
No, it is stating the obvious. Now the next I'd like to dedicate to is Angle1 (I didn't leave you out in the cold too long, did I? *Hands Angle some hot coa-coa*), Omega Zero (Maa maa, try to get along with your character. I've had enough fights in these openings before ^_^;), Jelie36 (Good to hear from you again! Hmm . . . Gramps does have a good blade also . . . *grins*), and last but most certainly not least, I'd like to dedicate this whole kit and caboodle to CrysSton16, who has helped me through a nice lot of the confusing parts @_@ Thankie!! =^_^=
Kohachan: Can we start this chapter today? This is your longest opening yet, Shadow Girl.
Shadow Knight: And only getting longer! What's up, Vixen?
~_~ Again with the nickname . . . *scratches back of head* ^_^;; There's a couple new reviewers and one of them left a review as long as yours, nearly. Omega Zero and his pyromaniac half-elf are worse than you and your characters, Matty!
Shadow Knight: Don't call me that. Wait, they are?! NO! I MUST BE THE MOST INSANE!
Oh? *Lets him read the review*
Shadow Knight: Hmm . . . . I must challenge him to the insanity! MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! *Vanishes*
Well, there ya have it, Omega Zero. And good luck to you if you choose to accept Shadow Knight's challenge.
Kohachan: *Holding head* The boy is going insane again. This is going to be a long story from here on in. So long as this challenge of reviewers is going.
This challenge might not even stand though. We'll see. Man, this was a long opening. But it's still good to be back. Now, on with the chapter!
~~~~~~~
~ Comebacks ~
Night fell and it soon became cold. Link was shivering as he set his makeshift blanket over Crystal to try to keep her warmer. Despite being covered in four coats and even with Tarawen over her, Crystal still shivered with her fever. The poison was still strong in her and held her in thrall.
Link squeezed her hand again but the pressure wasn't returned. He snapped his eyes open, "Crystal! Crystal, Navi, come on, stay awake!" Kohachan looked from under the cowl of his cloak. He had tried to rest himself as keeping her awake had taxed his concentration.
He stood from the side of the boat and walked easily to them, the cold enfolding him anew and stirring him from anything like rest. "Link? Is she . . ." He trailed off as Link tried shaking Crystal awake and checked her pulse. It was slowing.
Setting Link aside, Kohachan set both hands on either side of her head and closed his own eyes. He was conscious of around him as Zolaris and Toloran watched him closely, prepared to act if anything went wrong. Link kept yelling but Kohachan was soon deaf to them as he sank into shadows of Crystal's mind.
In the darkness, she was slipping. Kohachan held onto her, reaching through the shadows of her mind, pulling her back when Link's words could not reach her. Hands gripped each other and a pair of scared blue eyes looked back at Kohachan.
She was still slipping, though. A flare of anger swelled in him as Kohachan reached further, yelling, "Don't let go!" He reached down a bit further, grabbing hold of her arms and pulling back on her even as whatever was pulling her began tugging him downward as well into the darkness.
When the shadows touched him, he felt a great peace coming over him. It was welcoming him in. The peace of night and the fatigue he already endured only aided him to sink deeper. He looked at Crystal once more and mentally slapped himself to get a grip. And yet the shadows drew him inward, welcoming the member of the Shadow Folk to join the girl in peaceful rest and solitude. He felt himself giving once again.
"NO!" He would not be taken down and would not give up the girl. He could feel others behind him then. Four other powers seemed to be pulling back on him as more strength joined his own. He redoubled his efforts, snapping awake himself and gave it one more try. One last effort and Crystal was pulled free of the darkness . . . for the moment.
He released the young girl and opened his eyes to see Toloran, Kohachan, Link, and Zolaris all near him, two hands on either of his shoulders as they had helped him pull Crystal free. Kohachan felt the shadows coming to steal him away to restoring sleep but said jut before being over-come, "We have to hurry. Can't let her slip again."
Toloran set the cloak over Kohachan once again as the exhausted Sheikah let his chin to his chest and his body went limp in sleep. His breathing became deep and rhythmic in rest.
"He earned his rest, that is for certain." Zolaris also rested back but was still kneeling and looking at Crystal as her eyelids fluttered then opened. Pulling his cloak tighter around himself, Zolaris added, "The closer we get to the place, the colder it gets . . ."
Link answered without looking up from Crystal, "It will be nearing winter in Hyrule right about now. We might even see snow."
"Snow?"
Toloran laughed lightly and patted Zolaris head with a brotherly affection as he said to Link, "Zolaris here can't remember such things as snow. He was too young when we went to the tropical islands whence we are coming from. I remember but then I'm three years older than Zolaris." He laughed again then went to the bow of the boat as Tarawen watched him with equal confusion.
What was this snow they were talking about?
She fluffed up her fur then went to rest with Kohachan as he slept. Toloran nodded to them, "Zolaris, Tarawen, Link, get some rest. I'll watch Crystal then wake one of you when I must rest."
Finally, the captain spoke up again from watching them silently and keeping a lantern lit. "Not so wise an idea, that. One never knows what the sea will do when eyes are closed to her. It would be better to keep three awake at the least. I'm used to this so I will stay up with two others. So, who will it be?"
Link spoke up, "I can stay awake. Too used to it from Termina. I have to stay with Crystal." Toloran nodded, "So it is decided. I'll stay up with you two as long as I will. Then Zolaris will keep watch after me. Then Kohachan. And by then, we should be in Hyrule. Are you agreed, Zolaris?"
They looked to the silver haired boy only to see him with his head rested back, eyes closed in sleep. Toloran pointed out one last thing, "We have to be careful. When one falls asleep in this cold, sleep steals quickly and for a long time." He looked to Crystal, knowing she was awake. But for how long?
~~~~~
Again she was in the cell. Again she stood near the wall. Again there seemed to be no escape for her. But this time, this time she would not roll over and let them do whatever they wanted. No, she would have her voice heard through actions. She would let them know all she wanted them to know. And what she wanted them to know . . . was her want for revenge.
As though they were right beside her, reading her thoughts, Shast and Kelty could be heard in the back of her mind, growling their approval. They would follow her orders as she gave them and they would fight for her as she told them. Loyal even past the end.
But if only she could see them as well and feel their fur as they stood close to her. She missed them, as she knew she would. They kept her company when that treacherous knight was gone. They stayed with her when no strangers were intruding. Then they acted to protect her. But never . . . never did they betray her. And they would carry out her plans even if they were not with her. So, she spoke to them and knew they listened.
"Shast, Kelty, I want you to run one more errand for me. This that has happened. You both know it is wrong. I do not like this. And you two can fix it for me. I know you can. All you two have to do is find that wretched one who got me into all this. That brat, Crystal. You can get her as she is. Then come back to me. Understand? I want you to finish what I started. Kill her!" The last part she spoke fiercely but in a whisper so none could hear her.
She felt them agreeing all the more fiercely, showing to her that they listened and would obey. If knot she would take care of herself? Yes, she would take care of herself as they were gone. She always took care of herself when everyone else was gone.
She sat against the wall with a deep sigh. The waning moon still shone through the window but she kept out of the light then lied down on the hay strewn on the floor of the cell. At least the hay was somewhat clean. Yet the hay and the stone beneath was cold. Bitterly cold.
Sleep, unrestful and full of horrid memories, was stealing upon her as she hugged herself in trying to keep warm. With a wave of relief, warmth stole over her body, soft and gentle, the heat seemed to come from two furry bodies resting near her. She smiled gently as she realized Shast and Kelty cared at least enough to know better than her.
They would give chase when she did not need them. For the moment, they stayed with her when no one else would. They stayed with her and guarded her rest. The memories and pains of the past few days were driven away by the point of the wolves' fangs and the gleam in their eyes. Nothing would get past them again. Nothing would harm their mistress. Katie was eased to dreaming and she was not alone. Finally, she was not alone.
~~~~~
Dawn was rising. The captain, unfazed by the night, bit deeply into his share of bread. Toloran and Kohachan were still asleep in the bed of the small but speedy ship. Link also ate though he made sure Crystal didn't give up on him. He urged her to eat as well but she denied food with weak effort. Link chose not to try to force the issue.
With a bit of shivering, Zolaris made sure the blankets were tucked around Crystal. He didn't deny that he envied her warmth, but he never thought of stealing the blankets away from her. Such a selfish act was unfathomable to him. He rubbed some warmth into his arms then peered at the horizon, willing that land mass before them be the shores of Hyrule.
As though responding to his will, the land showed telltale signs to indeed be their destination. It was the coastal shore just beyond the lake of Hyrule, if what Kohachan had described was accurate.
Through a spyglass, Zolaris could make out the carving on the shore tree that too well resembled a large bird of flame as was imprinted upon the Hylian shield, as so Kohachan said there would be. The carving was no doubt man-made, though who made it so long ago remained a mystery. One Zolaris could not focus on as his bare hands and arms were very well going numb.
Setting the spyglass away, he rubbed furiously at his numbing limbs and looked to Link who was just barely shivering in the cold. A sudden pounce and a small furry thing had landed on Zolaris shoulder. He glanced at the fur to find Tarawen perched and looking at the land with intensity as though to will it to come to them.
{Please tell me that that is our destination.} Zolaris nodded, "It is. And we'll be there within the hour as the wind keeps up. With this vessel, we'll be able to dock on the beach, isn't that right?" He looked to the captain who was examining the sail and finishing off his bread.
The captain nodded, "Aye, that will be our port right upon the sand. I'll need a few of you again to gain a bit of cargo I've been thinking of that is famous to this Hyrule. But someone else can take the girl with all speed to this Deku Tree she spoke of."
"Link should take her. If he is fit to. The only problem is how to get Crystal from here to the forest area safely . . ." Zolaris began going through ideas in his head.
"I'm fit to aright." Link spoke in a loud, clear voice. Proving he wasn't art all fatigued from a night of missed sleep. He looked up at Zolaris, his eyes bright with only a hint of red to show his slight strain. Even ten, it was more from stress over Crystal than of neglecting himself.
"Might I ask how then? Carry her on your back, I suppose. That would work but that so unconventional." Zolaris rubbed the back of his head, discovering warmth there as well, but pictured the image and decided it wouldn't work.
Yet looking at the determined young Hylian, he saw strength and courage he had never seen in such young eyes. For a bare moment, he thought he was looking into the eyes of a man who had seen much. Perhaps much too much. Yet it was clear that Link would not be swayed in the matter. He would take Crystal and have her healed even if it would tax his body to the breaking point, so it seemed.
Not one to stew over a subject till it dies, Zolaris rubbed at his arms in renewed vigor and began to pace even as Link continued speaking with Crystal. The girl was still shivering under the layers of cloaks and a blanket yet still she stayed awake, periodically switching with Navi.
This change was only apparent to Link as he looked into her eyes, locking with them, telling by voice, by thought, by memory of the hardships he himself has gone through and what he held onto to keep him alive. To make him not give up. He told her of his friends and all who relied on him.
He even told her of the bleakest of moments, when the darkness was about to steal over him and even then it didn't seem he was even needed, how he was just going to give up and let this pain and confusion that was his life leave his body.
On the final moment when Zelda was watching and he was encircled in the ring of flame with the monster, Ganon, he was on the ground again. His body beaten and bruised as the castle was leveled and upon the ruins he fought his last battle, so he thought at the time. Pain was all he felt. Pain and the dying embers of determination within him. He was spent from using too much magic, tired from constant battle and blood shed, worn by the non-stop pleas of help that had finally let him rest.
"I wanted rest then as you want it now. But then one last thought came to me. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw a different face looking and smiling at me, wanting me to return to them. Each one depended on me then, even if all else was safe.
"My friends all of Hyrule made me stand up again. The sages, my allies of that war, helped me wield the blade once again. Then, thinking of all the pain that would be stopped on every person of the land, I took that blade and made the final effort that annihilated the monster." He did not tell her of hoe that monster still hunted him. She already knew of that. But then the monster could only affect him, and no others. That, to Link, was worth living for.
"Crystal, you have to fight your own monster now. Think of those still counting on you now. Your grandfather, your brother, Matt, Cait, Zolaris, Kohachan, Toloran. Crystal, think of me! We will not let go of you. Do not let go of us."
Crystal heard his words as Navi confirmed them and she held on all that much tighter. She could see him clearly in her minds' eye. She could see him as they sparred, as he rested, even as they ate under the tables with that swordsman, Lance.
Feeling the darkness beginning to give away, Crystal's shaking eased if only a bit and she felt more conscious and finally returned the pressure of Link's hand on hers. Link quietly cheered her on as the shoreline became more and more visible through the lifting dawn mists.
~~~~~
Katie awoke to the sound of the same great door opening down the hall. For a millisecond, the warmth around her stayed but the was gone as though the gust of wind from the door blew it away. Katie smiled to herself. Her pets were off to do her bidding.
As expected, though not totally feared, the guards from the courthouse unlocked the cell door as she got up herself ad brushed that hay from her hair and faded dress. It was not likely that she would be getting a new dress for a while. That is, unless she managed herself once again.
Now that her pets were back to help her along in her goals, Katie felt her fighting spirit within rise. She would get a new dress and all the respect she earned and deserved. It would simply take a bit more charm than what she usually gave.
Then it came to her as a surprise. This whole event of being a slave was a simply one more challenge for her. A challenge she was not going to back down from. Another surprise was what the guards then tightened over her delicate wrists.
Irons!
Chained irons to lead her by down the street, supposedly. She bit her tongue and played subdued, though the angry glint in her eye was all but subdued.
A hand on either of her shoulders and her hands bound by irons before her, she was led out of the building of cells and to the street. She winced at the sudden sunlight as the sounds of the town filled her ears.
Momentarily blind but not deaf, the sounds of the town were similar if not perfectly alike to that of Dondoran that for a moment she felt a pang of homesickness. It soon passed as another annoying sound reminded her of how far away from home she actually was.
Gulls. Birds of the sea so unfamiliar to her caused a raucous and constant noise that all others seemed to ignore but were driving her mad.
Quelling the urge to scream at them to shut up, she finally blinked away the shadows of the building and became accustomed to the light. Children were on the streets, chasing each other in play, as she had heard long before. Marketers were selling their wares and produce to every passerby they could attracts. And upon a closer look, pickpockets were aplenty to the keener eye as they passed among the crowd a bit too nonchalantly.
At this, she smiled genuinely. At least this place was so much like the town she came from. So full of the same kind of ignorant people. They would be able to handle with ease. All she needed was a foothold. Her pets gave her one boost, now she needed to find the next.
They walked up the street as it led a gentle incline to a small bridge with walls on either side of it. The bridge passed over a chasm that went straight down to ocean spraying up over rocks. The sudden gust, though surprising, was refreshing and renewing as they passed over the middle of the rather short bridge.
Katie decided that if she were to stay here, it would be just as good as that open plains area. But with much, much less ground to cover all the time. Still, a personal carriage was a must, or at least an elegant mount of the finest breed.
Come to think of it, she thought as she chanced a longer look around, this place doesn't have even horses. Not around the marketers as their stands were built of a simple table where the trinkets and wares were set up and a simple sheet of a carpet was set over them to keep the sun off of the merchants. Not one of the stands had wheels, unless they were indeed selling wagon wheels.
She scoffed to herself at that, deciding that there would indeed be a few changes if she were to stay on such an island. Yes, changed indeed.
Something caught her eye then. The thing she was being led to. One major factor she had forgotten about her sentence. A long boat on the harbor already being loaded with others all ironed and set on rows of benches where oars dipped into the sea's surface. Already she did not like the look of this.
The long walk to the boat was made short as her thoughts were distracted. She thought of as many excuses and offers as she could and tried several of them upon the guards taking her down to the boat but none of them got a reaction from the stone-faced escorts.
With a mean thought of them, she finally fell silent and stood on the dock in a shortening line to get on the long boat. The man in front of her was one of the few without a shirt on. Finding this to be an entertainment, she indulged herself with looking at the man's bronze skin of his well- muscled back and shoulders.
He couldn't have been more than eighteen as he stood in front of her, legs slightly braced in obvious impatience. He was thin at the waist and only slightly thicker at the ribs but still athletically built enough to suite her tastes. He finally turned, having felt her eyes on his back for some time. Their eyes met then, though a faint flush appeared on Katie's already slightly burnt cheeks.
Her hair was a mess that she couldn't get from her eyes if her life depended on it and no doubt there was still some hay stuck in it from the cell yet the look in his eyes she recognized all too well. It was a look she received often and now returned. Admiration.
He grinned at her and spoke in an odd accent, "So, you'll be boarding as well? 'Tis a shame that a young one like yourself would be boarding such a vessel. You won't last the first five minutes out to sea, I know it." Katie's cheeks burned in growing irritation at the tease even as his voice flowed smoothly into her ears, making them tickle and her heart flutter again.
"And what makes you say that? I can last just as well on the sea as anyone else." She made an attempt to cross her arms though that was proved futile as she just thought of the gesture.
Covering the awkward motion, she quickly added with every once of scorn she could muster, "And whom are you calling young? You aren't exactly to be considered a wise elder yourself, Mr. . . ." She caught herself as a few choice words tried to weasel their way out. Words more admiring and complimenting than insulting.
He laughed thickly yet lightly at the same time, another pleasing tone that nearly brought Katie's scorning glare to a simple stare as he returned smoothly, "For one thing, I take it you are new to this kind of living. Well, this, my lady, is a rowboat. The oars you see are to be rowed in the water,"
He indicated with motions as he calmly explained as one would to a chastening child, "By us. I'm saying that you seem far too delicate a person to have been on one of these before. Perhaps then I will help you through this journey. It would be a most welcome partnering." He held her chin on an elegantly placed hand as he looked into her eyes and made her look straight back.
She soon realized this called not for scorn but for a game of another level. Instead of using anger, which was getting her no where, she decided to be more friendly as her eyes wandered to the muscles now seen easier as he was turned to her.
Taking a step forward, a purring compliment on her lips, she saw him slightly shift and then she leaned forward, expecting to be caught in his arms despite his binds. Instead, he turned back to the vessel upon a sharp order and she was sent to awkwardly stumble.
Recovering herself with cat-like agility, she glared at his back. Her face flushed anew with embarrassment and fury. Yet, as he looked steadfastly at the boat, he was still speaking softly to her, looking back at her through the corner of one eye. It seemed he was totally unaware of what he had done. Or was he? She listened only faintly to his speaking as he told her of the chill of the water, warning her to not stumble in. She grew livid within. He had known perfectly well what he did! He had done it on purpose, though the faint hint of a grin was well held. He would pay!
Holding herself well enough on the outside, she soon followed him onto the rocking vessel, surprised when his iron bound hands came back to her. One foot on the dock and the other on the boat, the mysterious youth was helping her aboard the vessel, despite the harshly snapping words of the slave drivers.
Taking his hand almost modestly, all signs of anger gone, she allowed herself onto the vessel with his help and they both were taken to a free bench where the long oar was set before them.
Touching the wood of the oar then wrapping one hand around it, she could feel the rough wooden pieces threatening to leave her splinters. The boy took the oar in his own hands and tightened his grip, telling her not to worry about it as he sat on the other side of her, away from the edge.
She watched him handle it for awhile, his muscled rippled pleasingly under his slightly sweat coated skin. She could only watch as he said something about his taking care of it so she would not have to worry any.
Snapping to attention, she responded quickly and held onto the oar just because as the boat was continuing to load. Perhaps sticking with this new guy would prove to be both useful and entertaining after all.
Katie smiled as she saw a plan unfolding in her mind. Wherever she was going, this guy could no doubt help her escape from it. Then they could both make a comeback. Ah, then there would be the wolves by her side as well. Things would not be as good as before. They would be better! She knew it now in her heart and soul that things would be okay as the first drum beat pounded over the boat and the first oar-stroke was taken.
~~~~~~~
*Holds up an umbrella against any possibly drooling girls out there* Yes, yes, we have . . . dare I say? . . . A major hottie in the mix now. See? SEE?!? Her evil cannot die!! It just keeps going and going and going . . .
Yes, I am tired, yes it is late so on a final word, I give a nice lot of credit for this chapter out to CrysSton16 for coming up with a nice lot of material within it. Thankie again, CrysSton!! =^_^=
Well now, Link and them make it to Hyrule yet could it really be that the two white wolves are back?? Or has Katie finally lost her marbles? More on this in the next chapter. It will be worth sticking around for. More bronze skin and rippling muscles as well, neh? -_^ LOL Couldn't help it!
Until next time!