~ Disclaimer ~ Written in what looks like blood but is tomato sauce: "I
don't own Zelda"
*Cleans up the sauce* Don't blame me. It's morning and I'm a morning person =^_^= Bit hyper. Aaaaanyway. It's about time for another chapter, right? Let me get done with the dedications first and we'll get to it.
Dedications for this chapter go out to CrysSton16 (hola, mi amiga), Chiru- chan7 (Not . . . exactly like Oni but you are close.), Tailfeather (*blushing* Ah, you think so? I'm still in high school! ^_^; I'm glad that you like it but look around the site and you'll find a whole lot of other works better than mine.), Jelie36 (I didn't know he was your favorite. Well, hang in there cause all the attention is being put on Crystal, you know? We'll get around back to Andrake in no time though.), Shadow Knight (*shakes head* You should know evil never really dies . . .), and catrinastars (Yes! Thank you! I thought I mentioned that Oni wasn't the one! ARIGATO!! Oh, and welcome also ^_^;)
Shadow Knight: *Appears with a crazy grin while wielding the Harukaze* Evil would if you just killed her already! Now you die!
Merrick: *chasing after Matt while wielding two pies. Bows to Shadow Girl* Sorry about this, missy. *Hurls the pies at Shadow Knight but manages to hit Rei and Nisiko again* o.o; umm . . .
Nisiko: *evil eyed through the cream* MERRICK!! *Hurls several kunai at Merrick, pinning him to the wall*
Rei: Gah! I wanted to do that! *Shows her sharpened sais*
Matt: *wipes a bit of cream off of Rei's face and tastes it* Mmm . . . banana! ^-^;
*Locks them in the room and goes to an empty room* Heh. Shadow Knight's short-term memory ^_^ He forgot about attacking me. Crazy kid. Wonder where Omega Zero is. *Shrugs* One last note. I'm sorry it took so long to update. See I wrote it, it was crappy, so I re-wrote it. Hope you find it good now. Enjoy!
~~~~~~~
~ One Step Closer ~
Hyrule's shore seemed to greet the vessel with the cheering cries of gulls as it docked onto the shore. Tarawen was the first off as she jumped to the sand and shook a bit of sea water from her fur. The next was the captain with Toloran soon after.
Zolaris and Link worked together to help Crystal off as the two already on shore pulled the small ship further onto the sand then tied it to a tree. Link managed to get Crystal onto his back even as Zolaris rubbed his hands together, trying to get feeling back into them.
"Does it have to be so cold here?!" He demanded in sorrow and agitation, his breath clearly visible in the dawn light. Toloran shook his head in disappointment of the complaint then looked to Link as the young Hylian went further onto the shore while digging into a pouch on his belt.
Oblivious to the others, Link was running notes through his head. It had been too long since he's used the ocarina at all, much less this particular tune. He thought to ask Navi only for a second then mentally winced at the realization of the situation.
The captain calmly called out to Link as Tarawen went unnoticed to his side, "Lad, what're you up to there?" Link closed his eyes and could hear his ocarina as he had heard it countless times over before. A mix of notes and songs flew in a cacophony of confusing music. Which was the Minuet of Forest?!
Disregarding the voices of the others and even Tarawen's mental voice, Link listened to Crystal's shallow breath and forced himself to concentrate. Flashes of green forest, the other Kokiri, deep underbrush, life in its prime. Slowly a single song made itself known clearly to Link.
Yet it was not the one he sought.
Nevertheless, Link was growing desperate. He carefully kept Crystal from falling and clearly played the song. Three simple sounds, six notes, and a voice came to him on the wind. "Link! Is that really you?"
Recognition of the voice was like a bucket of cold water thrown onto him to wake him up. Green eyes, green hair, and green clothes. The Sage of the Forest and his first best friend, Saria, answered his calling song. He spoke out hurriedly but then calmed himself, growing serious once again, "Saria! It's good to hear you again. Please, listen a moment. I don't have much time."
Tarawen tilted her head in wonder of the Hylian's odd behavior. Who was he talking to? She could feel a spirit of the forest close by but she could not hear words for Link to answer. Growing suspicious and NEEDING to know what was going on, Tarawen stuck close to him.
Soon Link spoke out again to the air, "Good. Now, what is the Minuet of Forest? . . . What? Why not? . . . Okay, okay, whatever. But please hurry!!" He could feel Crystal becoming weaker and had a very bad feeling anyway.
Before Tarawen could move from the spot, so engulfed was she in her curiosity of what was said, a green light formed around Link and included her. "Tarawen!!" Zolaris was about to run after her when Toloran caught his shoulder, keeping him still.
"Calm down, they are quite safe." Zolaris tried to shake the grip off but he did calm himself. He could only watch and hope the young princess of the Kitsune would be okay in this new place.
The green light intensified and lifted Link, Crystal, and Tarawen off the ground. Tarawen yelped out in surprise from it but was carried away as the magic of the Sage of the Forest took them away.
~~~~~
Stay awake. Thus was all that existed for them. Stay awake. It echoed in several voices while hands grabbed that at them kept them from peace, shaking them to keep hold. Crystal? Navi? There was no longer a difference.
Shadows lingered still within the field, circling through the confusion as the Wolfos had before. They glared at the entity before them with snapping yet silent threats. Often had the girl run from them only to find herself running into them. So often had the girl wanted to sink into the shadows, end their plaguing of her, yet the voices kept her where she was. She could not go.
How long has she been there? She no longer knew. Pain existed but as a dull ache that only intensified whenever she tried to move. Images were there also, faces for the voices though only few had eyes to watch her.
Blue and red eyes were the most recognizable. The red eyes had been with her, stopping her from running blind into the shadows and to help pull her away when they grabbed her. The blue eyes stayed trained on hers. For once, she could not see the soul within them and the memories there but she could not look away from them.
Slowly, she realized that she could see them not with the shadows and light, but actually see them. She was not lost in herself yet she could still feel the shadows behind and around her. She held onto those eyes.
At least, she did as long as she could.
The eyes were gone now. She could feel herself being moved but in her mind, there were shadows gaining on her now. And there was something else. Something familiar. Flashes of darkness were taking form as the threats were becoming audible. No longer were they simple nightmarish images. They were becoming real.
Where were the one's who helped her? Where was that calming voice telling her he was there? Helping to define the images of why to hold on? Was she truly alone now?
Shuddering at the thought, she ignored the sudden feel of magic all around her. The shadows, now in wolf form, finally came to her. She looked at them in her mind now. She could see them both, monsters from the past. They were supposed to be dead and yet they saw her then and wanted their own revenge.
Something snapped in her then. A want to stay now. She would fight for that. If she could . . .
Yet again, she was not alone. There was another there. A familiar presence was again within her. A young man whom had helped her before to come back to the light, though he was of the shadow folk and held his own shadows within him, was with her still.
A blade flashed and the shadows backed away in surprise. The strong spirit of the Sheikah held its ground and stood between the girl and the shadows now. If the shadows would gain her, it would take him first. She wondered if he would drive it off or not, even as she could feel herself being laid down.
A cold wave passed over her as the shadows faded. She opened her eyes even as the dull pain seemed to intensify. New eyes. Forest green. A young face that she couldn't recognize. And yet, she knew that face all her life. Confusion still held in her. She couldn't make sense of any of this.
Closing her eyes again, she could see better the Sheikah holding off the wolves though they didn't seem to want to attack. Why were they holding back? Her eyes opened again as the voice was back, now accompanied by another voice. She was being carried again but to where? She closed her eyes again.
The wolves circled around the Sheikah as he slightly stepped closer to her. One wolf lunged at the Sheikah as the other circled around behind the girl. Their spirit bodies were smoky and hazed when they moved but still the heads of them were clear enough to be solid.
The first was held back by the flashing katana as it sliced through the creatures solid head easily then the Sheikah turned to attack the second as both settled away and reformed as they were. The Sheikah spoke forcefully to her then, "Wake up!" just before he vanished.
~~~~~
Toloran and Zolaris had their cloaks back, since Link could not carry them with Crystal bundled so. They were unloading the small ship and noticed one problem still. Kohachan was still asleep. It was already late in the morning. Zolaris, still trying to keep feeling in his fingers, was beginning to complain about the red head.
Patience among the foursome was growing weaker by the moment. A small wagon was produced from one of the crates that wad to be assembled with the wheels. This was easily taken care of but they still had to load the cargo onto it.
"All I say is he's had his share of sleep already! How can he sleep in this cold so soundly?! The only thing giving that he is alive is his breath which we can all clearly see as plain as our own." Zolaris nearly well whined as he emphasized it with a snort that let a cloud of steam before him, which soon blew away.
Trying also to ignore the fact that it was bitterly cold, Toloran explained, "Kohachan has worn himself out with keeping hole of Crystal and Navi. Heck, he is still in somewhat of a contact with them. But on their level now. He can drive her out of sleep, hopefully, while he is in it."
With a skeptical arch of one brow, Zolaris strode over to the ship to look at Kohachan a bit closer, though he was then wading through ankle deep, ice cold water. Kohachan's face was smooth in restful sleep, not a sign of concentration or any dream wrinkled his brow or made his eyes twitch. Clearly, he was just being lazy. "How can you tell, Toloran? His eyes are closed so you can't read his thoughts or emotion."
"Call it a hunch." Toloran called back as he helped the captain lift a particularly heavy crate.
Snorting softly again, Zolaris muttered to himself, "A hunch. Right. I'm supposed to believe that." As much as he respected the Sheikah leader, Zolaris only knew that slaving in bitter cold air on unfamiliar ground while Kohachan rested blissfully was absolutely unfair. He glared at the sleeper then grinned evilly as a thought came up. "Time to wake up." He whispered semi sweetly.
Only five more crates to go. But how would they pull the wagon? Toloran stretched himself out and wiped at his forehead. The only reason it was cold to Zolaris was because he wasn't working his fair share. It was only slightly chilly to Toloran thanks to the work.
He turned to call for Zolaris again only to find the silver haired Sheikah throwing the once was sleeping Kohachan into the deeper water. He slapped his forehead. The last ounce of patience was quickly fading.
In a spray of icy water, Kohachan reared up yelling incoherently at first then in several variety of blasphemous curses and every threat he could spout in the span of three full minutes. All the while, Zolaris nearly collapsed into the water if not for his arm on the ships' side holding him up. He was laughing till he was no longer cold for the blood rush and his sides ached all the more for it.
The curses and threats died down quickly and Zolaris looked up only to find an angry Kohachan nose to nose with him. Taking one of Zolaris arms and spinning his back to the silver haired one, Kohachan pulled on the arm and sent Zolaris flying over his shoulder and head first with a great splash into the icy waters as well.
"You know, revenge doesn't become you, Kohachan." Toloran pointed out plainly as he came to the shore near the boat. "Yeah well, it makes me feel better." He said as a second spray and shrill curses pierced the air from the younger throat. "Well, now that you are awake, perhaps you can find a horse to pull the wagon?"
"What wagon?"
Toloran cocked his thumb to the bank where the rather large, two wheeled wagon sat under the heavy load. Kohachan nodded, "I know just a place to find one." He grinned at Zolaris as the younger Sheikah shivered and hissed curses further for the cold as he trudged toward shore.
Kohachan pulled the now soaked cloak off of himself to wring the water from it as he calmly started for the forest, averting his face from the leader as it grew serious. He thought to himself, "I hope Crystal and Navi are okay. . ."
Toloran sighed lightly. Despite not hearing Kohachan's thoughts, he felt a great worry within the young man. Trying to shake the feeling, he turned to Zolaris who was just reaching the sand out of the sea water, "Have you learned a lesson, Zolaris?"
"Feh. Yeah. Let the lazy one lie." Zolaris glared daggers at the back of Kohachan's head as Toloran shook his own with another light sigh and lead Zolaris to help with loading the rest of the crates. They had a bare twenty-seven days left before the full moon. Then on that night it was also to be an eclipse. That was when things would get complicated.
~~~~~
Through the entire morning, Andrake had helped as best he could along with the three burly sailors in unloading and reloading the traded goods of the Percheron. Finally, at mid-day, they set out. Though, Hyrule was not exactly Andrake's first destination.
As much as he wanted to see his sister and see to it that she was well, there was still some duty in Dondoran he had to take care of. He was a knight and it was his duty to report the mission a success before requesting to go out on his own again. He could only hope they would allow him that privilege.
One problem remained for him, though. The stowaway wanderer and the young Hylian girl. They would probably stick with him as often as they could, after all. He couldn't have them driving him to madness the entire way, though! Then again, leading two very young horses across several foreign lands when he probably wouldn't be able to read their writing or pay in their currency would be a handicap.
He took a deep breath of the fresh breeze from the bow of the ship as he thought through the problem. Matt had been through the areas before so he would understand most of what was being said and done. And his apparently adopted friend, Cait, was from Hyrule to begin with. That gave those two another reason to follow him.
Still, Andrake couldn't help but growl in his throat. He'd make better speed by himself while leading the two yearlings, Epona and Diamond. He could run just as fast and far as the two horses. Though, being on a ship then in the jungle area back to the ship, he hadn't exercised his speed in a while. Then again, that just gave with slightly swollen ankle time to heal up completely. Staying off of it had paid off.
He looked up from his thoughts to see Matt practicing with his sword, since he had it again. Apparently, he had cleverly hidden it along with his traveling pack and the staff he used in fighting. Andrake had to admit that the boy wasn't half-bad with a blade. Not nearly good enough to be a challenge, he quickly added to himself, but not bad.
Shaking off the distraction, he realized they were getting close to the same dock they had left only the day before. It was only around noon, though. The wind had stayed with them the entire trip. Taking another deep breath, Andrake took his place below deck to get out of the way of the sailors.
He grinned, though, and shot a glance at Matt before drawing his sword and dashing toward the young man, breaking his stance with the end if his sword hilt under Matt's swinging blade and pushing him off his balance to fall backward on his butt.
"Ow! Hey, what the heck was that for?!" Matt groaned as he glared up at Andrake. He could hear Cait trying to stifle her giggles as he got up carefully and rubbed his backside before sheathing his sword. He continued to glare as the knight shrugged, "To see if you were on guard. Apparently, you were not."
Matt tried to protest and defend himself but was cut off, "Being that you aren't prepared for the unexpected, I don't see why you should travel with me to Hyrule."
Cait jumped down from her seat on the rail of the ship and ran up to Andrake, "That's not fair! He couldn't have been prepared cause you weren't supposed to attack him and he was just practicing. If he were on the field or in any other situation, of course he would have been ready for anything!
"Besides, you're his comrade and you had no right in attacking him at all without at least warning earlier you would test him or anything!" With each shouted accusation, Cait waved a finger at the knight and stepped closer to him, to which Andrake nervously backed away from the young girl. He soon found himself pressed against the door of the cabin.
Cait's look of anger changed to one of hurt as she added softly, tears welling at the corner of her eyes, "Unless you just said that because you want to get rid of us. That is it, isn't it?" She sniffed in holding back tears as Andrake was beginning to stutter in the awkward situation.
Matt leaned back on the rail, admiring Cait's act. She had, in one rave, brought the knight off his high horse, backed him to a wall, and was weakening his resolve in record time. Was it any wonder he kept her as a traveling partner?
Andrake finally got his voice back as it seemed Cait was going to break out in sobbing tears, "Okay, okay! You two . . . can follow along. But get in my way, and the deal is off. Fair enough?" Cait's face didn't change as she looked up at Andrake with pleading, puppy eyes and held out one hand, the other at her face to wipe at her nose. "You promise?" Andrake shook her hand, "I promise, you can come."
Cait's terribly sad face then cleared into a bright smile as though nothing in the world was wrong. "Good then! Remember, that is a promise!" She chirped happily before skipping back over to the grinning Matt as he patted her head.
Now how did that happen? Andrake asked himself. He also wondered exactly when he had lost control of the situation to begin with. With a small shrug, he started down the stairs just as the captain began calling the first order in docking procedure. Perhaps the added skill and company of those two wouldn't be so bad after all. If nothing else, they could ride Epona and Diamond while Andrake ran. Yes, perhaps it would work out after all.
~~~~~
In the Kokiri forest, Saria had guided Link to the Deku Tree Sprout. There was little time for words or to catch up on times. "Deku Tree Sprout! This young one needs your help!" Saria ran ahead into the valley as Link carried Crystal on his back still. A small red ball of fur followed quickly, looking all around herself at the small forest people. Ageless and apparently young though they were infinite in youth.
Catching up easily to his long time friend despite carrying Crystal, Link set Crystal down on the forest floor before the Deku Tree Sprout. Tarawen stopped as well, finally showing she was a tiny fox, not a ball of red fur with a tail following. She cocked her head as she sat up straight and looked at the forest spirit. It was one of the first times she had seen such a guardian and wished she could speak with it. Yet other, more important matters were currently at hand.
The small Deku Tree Sprout shook it's leaves in surprise as it seemed to have been sleeping. Waking fully, it looked down at Crystal and easily could recognize the fairy within her, keeping her alive. They both were terribly weak.
The Deku Tree Sprout knew what was wanted of it but wondered if it was too late to help. Did the fairy have enough strength to survive? Only one thing would tell and their strength was still draining in the early winter air.
"Link, do you know what it would mean if they are to be helped?" The Deku Tree Sprout spoke softly to the young Hylian hero as Link looked up at it again. He still knelt by Crystal, still willing her to stay with him. He shook his head. He had only hoped it would be a quick spell or potion. Now that he thought about it, he didn't know at all what to expect in saving Crystal and Navi. The option of the possibility of losing one or both of them entered his mind and chilled his blood.
As though to confirm Link's horrid thought, the Deku Tree Sprout continued in the same soft voice, "They are both weak in spirit but sharing that spirit at the same time. To heal them, the fairy, Navi, must be separated from the young one.
"The question lies with if this young girl has enough left in her to survive such a separation. If she can pull through, then she can heal completely. If the girl dies as Navi is separated, it is possible that the fairy will also fade away." Link's face was ashen as he fully absorbed the information. He could faintly feel Saria setting a gentle hand on his shoulder but his thoughts were of his own and he was not conscious of his surroundings.
Could he risk losing one or both of them? If he didn't, then he would lose them anyway. There was no choice, but was there a way he could make sure Crystal pulled through? There had to be a way.
Setting his jaw and narrowing his eyes in absolute determination, he stood to nearly equal height with the Deku Tree Sprout and demanded, "Is there a way I can send my own life energy to help her? Just as Navi did?"
If anything, the Deku Tree Sprout grew grimmer. "Link, the ability to fuse with anothers' life energy is a gift bestowed upon the fairy folk and few others. It is a blessing granted to them by their queen." Link gripped his fists, "Then if I find a Fairy Queen and plead her give me the ability to help her, would she? Would I be able to keep Crystal here?"
"Yes, however . . . there isn't enough time." A long pause followed that statement. Link could feel himself growing ill for the news. He looked down at Crystal's face. Her breath was short and shallow even as eyes were slightly open to look at him. Was it his imagination, or were they pleading to him for help? They had grown so dim, they seemed a deep night blue rather than their usual bright azure. He kept his eyes on hers and said in a level tone, "Can I at least try?"
Another pause was taken as the other Kokiri, unnoticed at first and now observed surrounding the scene, spoke among themselves in frantic whispers. They hushed quickly under the Deku Tree Sprout's voice, "There is no reason not to. But it might not make a difference."
"I think it will."
"Very well then. Prepare yourself and we will begin immediately. Saria, my child, you will have to get all that is needed post-haste. Understand?" Saria nodded. She already knew what was required and immediately ran off to get them, calling for Mido to follow her as well.
Link took no notice as they ran off. He sought into Crystal's eyes. She was pleading to him. Both she and Navi, for he could no longer see a difference within her. Yet there was more to her in her eyes. There was fear. Fear and determination. She wanted to live. She wanted to survive. Link decided, no matter how much it took, he would at least grant her that wish.
~~~~~~~
You know, I'm glad I re-wrote this now. Things are moving quickly now. Yet hold on cause they are going to pick up in some areas and cool down in other areas. I'm not going to tell what areas' though.
Oh, great. I gave Shadow Knight and others a right to attack me. Please don't! All good things must come to an end eventually (this great thing being a cliffie!) Just . . . at least give me a chance in the next chapter! ^_^;;
Hey . . . we didn't even glance at Katie and her situation this time! Well, perhaps the next chapter we will see about her and this mysterious guy, neh?
Unlit next time!
*Cleans up the sauce* Don't blame me. It's morning and I'm a morning person =^_^= Bit hyper. Aaaaanyway. It's about time for another chapter, right? Let me get done with the dedications first and we'll get to it.
Dedications for this chapter go out to CrysSton16 (hola, mi amiga), Chiru- chan7 (Not . . . exactly like Oni but you are close.), Tailfeather (*blushing* Ah, you think so? I'm still in high school! ^_^; I'm glad that you like it but look around the site and you'll find a whole lot of other works better than mine.), Jelie36 (I didn't know he was your favorite. Well, hang in there cause all the attention is being put on Crystal, you know? We'll get around back to Andrake in no time though.), Shadow Knight (*shakes head* You should know evil never really dies . . .), and catrinastars (Yes! Thank you! I thought I mentioned that Oni wasn't the one! ARIGATO!! Oh, and welcome also ^_^;)
Shadow Knight: *Appears with a crazy grin while wielding the Harukaze* Evil would if you just killed her already! Now you die!
Merrick: *chasing after Matt while wielding two pies. Bows to Shadow Girl* Sorry about this, missy. *Hurls the pies at Shadow Knight but manages to hit Rei and Nisiko again* o.o; umm . . .
Nisiko: *evil eyed through the cream* MERRICK!! *Hurls several kunai at Merrick, pinning him to the wall*
Rei: Gah! I wanted to do that! *Shows her sharpened sais*
Matt: *wipes a bit of cream off of Rei's face and tastes it* Mmm . . . banana! ^-^;
*Locks them in the room and goes to an empty room* Heh. Shadow Knight's short-term memory ^_^ He forgot about attacking me. Crazy kid. Wonder where Omega Zero is. *Shrugs* One last note. I'm sorry it took so long to update. See I wrote it, it was crappy, so I re-wrote it. Hope you find it good now. Enjoy!
~~~~~~~
~ One Step Closer ~
Hyrule's shore seemed to greet the vessel with the cheering cries of gulls as it docked onto the shore. Tarawen was the first off as she jumped to the sand and shook a bit of sea water from her fur. The next was the captain with Toloran soon after.
Zolaris and Link worked together to help Crystal off as the two already on shore pulled the small ship further onto the sand then tied it to a tree. Link managed to get Crystal onto his back even as Zolaris rubbed his hands together, trying to get feeling back into them.
"Does it have to be so cold here?!" He demanded in sorrow and agitation, his breath clearly visible in the dawn light. Toloran shook his head in disappointment of the complaint then looked to Link as the young Hylian went further onto the shore while digging into a pouch on his belt.
Oblivious to the others, Link was running notes through his head. It had been too long since he's used the ocarina at all, much less this particular tune. He thought to ask Navi only for a second then mentally winced at the realization of the situation.
The captain calmly called out to Link as Tarawen went unnoticed to his side, "Lad, what're you up to there?" Link closed his eyes and could hear his ocarina as he had heard it countless times over before. A mix of notes and songs flew in a cacophony of confusing music. Which was the Minuet of Forest?!
Disregarding the voices of the others and even Tarawen's mental voice, Link listened to Crystal's shallow breath and forced himself to concentrate. Flashes of green forest, the other Kokiri, deep underbrush, life in its prime. Slowly a single song made itself known clearly to Link.
Yet it was not the one he sought.
Nevertheless, Link was growing desperate. He carefully kept Crystal from falling and clearly played the song. Three simple sounds, six notes, and a voice came to him on the wind. "Link! Is that really you?"
Recognition of the voice was like a bucket of cold water thrown onto him to wake him up. Green eyes, green hair, and green clothes. The Sage of the Forest and his first best friend, Saria, answered his calling song. He spoke out hurriedly but then calmed himself, growing serious once again, "Saria! It's good to hear you again. Please, listen a moment. I don't have much time."
Tarawen tilted her head in wonder of the Hylian's odd behavior. Who was he talking to? She could feel a spirit of the forest close by but she could not hear words for Link to answer. Growing suspicious and NEEDING to know what was going on, Tarawen stuck close to him.
Soon Link spoke out again to the air, "Good. Now, what is the Minuet of Forest? . . . What? Why not? . . . Okay, okay, whatever. But please hurry!!" He could feel Crystal becoming weaker and had a very bad feeling anyway.
Before Tarawen could move from the spot, so engulfed was she in her curiosity of what was said, a green light formed around Link and included her. "Tarawen!!" Zolaris was about to run after her when Toloran caught his shoulder, keeping him still.
"Calm down, they are quite safe." Zolaris tried to shake the grip off but he did calm himself. He could only watch and hope the young princess of the Kitsune would be okay in this new place.
The green light intensified and lifted Link, Crystal, and Tarawen off the ground. Tarawen yelped out in surprise from it but was carried away as the magic of the Sage of the Forest took them away.
~~~~~
Stay awake. Thus was all that existed for them. Stay awake. It echoed in several voices while hands grabbed that at them kept them from peace, shaking them to keep hold. Crystal? Navi? There was no longer a difference.
Shadows lingered still within the field, circling through the confusion as the Wolfos had before. They glared at the entity before them with snapping yet silent threats. Often had the girl run from them only to find herself running into them. So often had the girl wanted to sink into the shadows, end their plaguing of her, yet the voices kept her where she was. She could not go.
How long has she been there? She no longer knew. Pain existed but as a dull ache that only intensified whenever she tried to move. Images were there also, faces for the voices though only few had eyes to watch her.
Blue and red eyes were the most recognizable. The red eyes had been with her, stopping her from running blind into the shadows and to help pull her away when they grabbed her. The blue eyes stayed trained on hers. For once, she could not see the soul within them and the memories there but she could not look away from them.
Slowly, she realized that she could see them not with the shadows and light, but actually see them. She was not lost in herself yet she could still feel the shadows behind and around her. She held onto those eyes.
At least, she did as long as she could.
The eyes were gone now. She could feel herself being moved but in her mind, there were shadows gaining on her now. And there was something else. Something familiar. Flashes of darkness were taking form as the threats were becoming audible. No longer were they simple nightmarish images. They were becoming real.
Where were the one's who helped her? Where was that calming voice telling her he was there? Helping to define the images of why to hold on? Was she truly alone now?
Shuddering at the thought, she ignored the sudden feel of magic all around her. The shadows, now in wolf form, finally came to her. She looked at them in her mind now. She could see them both, monsters from the past. They were supposed to be dead and yet they saw her then and wanted their own revenge.
Something snapped in her then. A want to stay now. She would fight for that. If she could . . .
Yet again, she was not alone. There was another there. A familiar presence was again within her. A young man whom had helped her before to come back to the light, though he was of the shadow folk and held his own shadows within him, was with her still.
A blade flashed and the shadows backed away in surprise. The strong spirit of the Sheikah held its ground and stood between the girl and the shadows now. If the shadows would gain her, it would take him first. She wondered if he would drive it off or not, even as she could feel herself being laid down.
A cold wave passed over her as the shadows faded. She opened her eyes even as the dull pain seemed to intensify. New eyes. Forest green. A young face that she couldn't recognize. And yet, she knew that face all her life. Confusion still held in her. She couldn't make sense of any of this.
Closing her eyes again, she could see better the Sheikah holding off the wolves though they didn't seem to want to attack. Why were they holding back? Her eyes opened again as the voice was back, now accompanied by another voice. She was being carried again but to where? She closed her eyes again.
The wolves circled around the Sheikah as he slightly stepped closer to her. One wolf lunged at the Sheikah as the other circled around behind the girl. Their spirit bodies were smoky and hazed when they moved but still the heads of them were clear enough to be solid.
The first was held back by the flashing katana as it sliced through the creatures solid head easily then the Sheikah turned to attack the second as both settled away and reformed as they were. The Sheikah spoke forcefully to her then, "Wake up!" just before he vanished.
~~~~~
Toloran and Zolaris had their cloaks back, since Link could not carry them with Crystal bundled so. They were unloading the small ship and noticed one problem still. Kohachan was still asleep. It was already late in the morning. Zolaris, still trying to keep feeling in his fingers, was beginning to complain about the red head.
Patience among the foursome was growing weaker by the moment. A small wagon was produced from one of the crates that wad to be assembled with the wheels. This was easily taken care of but they still had to load the cargo onto it.
"All I say is he's had his share of sleep already! How can he sleep in this cold so soundly?! The only thing giving that he is alive is his breath which we can all clearly see as plain as our own." Zolaris nearly well whined as he emphasized it with a snort that let a cloud of steam before him, which soon blew away.
Trying also to ignore the fact that it was bitterly cold, Toloran explained, "Kohachan has worn himself out with keeping hole of Crystal and Navi. Heck, he is still in somewhat of a contact with them. But on their level now. He can drive her out of sleep, hopefully, while he is in it."
With a skeptical arch of one brow, Zolaris strode over to the ship to look at Kohachan a bit closer, though he was then wading through ankle deep, ice cold water. Kohachan's face was smooth in restful sleep, not a sign of concentration or any dream wrinkled his brow or made his eyes twitch. Clearly, he was just being lazy. "How can you tell, Toloran? His eyes are closed so you can't read his thoughts or emotion."
"Call it a hunch." Toloran called back as he helped the captain lift a particularly heavy crate.
Snorting softly again, Zolaris muttered to himself, "A hunch. Right. I'm supposed to believe that." As much as he respected the Sheikah leader, Zolaris only knew that slaving in bitter cold air on unfamiliar ground while Kohachan rested blissfully was absolutely unfair. He glared at the sleeper then grinned evilly as a thought came up. "Time to wake up." He whispered semi sweetly.
Only five more crates to go. But how would they pull the wagon? Toloran stretched himself out and wiped at his forehead. The only reason it was cold to Zolaris was because he wasn't working his fair share. It was only slightly chilly to Toloran thanks to the work.
He turned to call for Zolaris again only to find the silver haired Sheikah throwing the once was sleeping Kohachan into the deeper water. He slapped his forehead. The last ounce of patience was quickly fading.
In a spray of icy water, Kohachan reared up yelling incoherently at first then in several variety of blasphemous curses and every threat he could spout in the span of three full minutes. All the while, Zolaris nearly collapsed into the water if not for his arm on the ships' side holding him up. He was laughing till he was no longer cold for the blood rush and his sides ached all the more for it.
The curses and threats died down quickly and Zolaris looked up only to find an angry Kohachan nose to nose with him. Taking one of Zolaris arms and spinning his back to the silver haired one, Kohachan pulled on the arm and sent Zolaris flying over his shoulder and head first with a great splash into the icy waters as well.
"You know, revenge doesn't become you, Kohachan." Toloran pointed out plainly as he came to the shore near the boat. "Yeah well, it makes me feel better." He said as a second spray and shrill curses pierced the air from the younger throat. "Well, now that you are awake, perhaps you can find a horse to pull the wagon?"
"What wagon?"
Toloran cocked his thumb to the bank where the rather large, two wheeled wagon sat under the heavy load. Kohachan nodded, "I know just a place to find one." He grinned at Zolaris as the younger Sheikah shivered and hissed curses further for the cold as he trudged toward shore.
Kohachan pulled the now soaked cloak off of himself to wring the water from it as he calmly started for the forest, averting his face from the leader as it grew serious. He thought to himself, "I hope Crystal and Navi are okay. . ."
Toloran sighed lightly. Despite not hearing Kohachan's thoughts, he felt a great worry within the young man. Trying to shake the feeling, he turned to Zolaris who was just reaching the sand out of the sea water, "Have you learned a lesson, Zolaris?"
"Feh. Yeah. Let the lazy one lie." Zolaris glared daggers at the back of Kohachan's head as Toloran shook his own with another light sigh and lead Zolaris to help with loading the rest of the crates. They had a bare twenty-seven days left before the full moon. Then on that night it was also to be an eclipse. That was when things would get complicated.
~~~~~
Through the entire morning, Andrake had helped as best he could along with the three burly sailors in unloading and reloading the traded goods of the Percheron. Finally, at mid-day, they set out. Though, Hyrule was not exactly Andrake's first destination.
As much as he wanted to see his sister and see to it that she was well, there was still some duty in Dondoran he had to take care of. He was a knight and it was his duty to report the mission a success before requesting to go out on his own again. He could only hope they would allow him that privilege.
One problem remained for him, though. The stowaway wanderer and the young Hylian girl. They would probably stick with him as often as they could, after all. He couldn't have them driving him to madness the entire way, though! Then again, leading two very young horses across several foreign lands when he probably wouldn't be able to read their writing or pay in their currency would be a handicap.
He took a deep breath of the fresh breeze from the bow of the ship as he thought through the problem. Matt had been through the areas before so he would understand most of what was being said and done. And his apparently adopted friend, Cait, was from Hyrule to begin with. That gave those two another reason to follow him.
Still, Andrake couldn't help but growl in his throat. He'd make better speed by himself while leading the two yearlings, Epona and Diamond. He could run just as fast and far as the two horses. Though, being on a ship then in the jungle area back to the ship, he hadn't exercised his speed in a while. Then again, that just gave with slightly swollen ankle time to heal up completely. Staying off of it had paid off.
He looked up from his thoughts to see Matt practicing with his sword, since he had it again. Apparently, he had cleverly hidden it along with his traveling pack and the staff he used in fighting. Andrake had to admit that the boy wasn't half-bad with a blade. Not nearly good enough to be a challenge, he quickly added to himself, but not bad.
Shaking off the distraction, he realized they were getting close to the same dock they had left only the day before. It was only around noon, though. The wind had stayed with them the entire trip. Taking another deep breath, Andrake took his place below deck to get out of the way of the sailors.
He grinned, though, and shot a glance at Matt before drawing his sword and dashing toward the young man, breaking his stance with the end if his sword hilt under Matt's swinging blade and pushing him off his balance to fall backward on his butt.
"Ow! Hey, what the heck was that for?!" Matt groaned as he glared up at Andrake. He could hear Cait trying to stifle her giggles as he got up carefully and rubbed his backside before sheathing his sword. He continued to glare as the knight shrugged, "To see if you were on guard. Apparently, you were not."
Matt tried to protest and defend himself but was cut off, "Being that you aren't prepared for the unexpected, I don't see why you should travel with me to Hyrule."
Cait jumped down from her seat on the rail of the ship and ran up to Andrake, "That's not fair! He couldn't have been prepared cause you weren't supposed to attack him and he was just practicing. If he were on the field or in any other situation, of course he would have been ready for anything!
"Besides, you're his comrade and you had no right in attacking him at all without at least warning earlier you would test him or anything!" With each shouted accusation, Cait waved a finger at the knight and stepped closer to him, to which Andrake nervously backed away from the young girl. He soon found himself pressed against the door of the cabin.
Cait's look of anger changed to one of hurt as she added softly, tears welling at the corner of her eyes, "Unless you just said that because you want to get rid of us. That is it, isn't it?" She sniffed in holding back tears as Andrake was beginning to stutter in the awkward situation.
Matt leaned back on the rail, admiring Cait's act. She had, in one rave, brought the knight off his high horse, backed him to a wall, and was weakening his resolve in record time. Was it any wonder he kept her as a traveling partner?
Andrake finally got his voice back as it seemed Cait was going to break out in sobbing tears, "Okay, okay! You two . . . can follow along. But get in my way, and the deal is off. Fair enough?" Cait's face didn't change as she looked up at Andrake with pleading, puppy eyes and held out one hand, the other at her face to wipe at her nose. "You promise?" Andrake shook her hand, "I promise, you can come."
Cait's terribly sad face then cleared into a bright smile as though nothing in the world was wrong. "Good then! Remember, that is a promise!" She chirped happily before skipping back over to the grinning Matt as he patted her head.
Now how did that happen? Andrake asked himself. He also wondered exactly when he had lost control of the situation to begin with. With a small shrug, he started down the stairs just as the captain began calling the first order in docking procedure. Perhaps the added skill and company of those two wouldn't be so bad after all. If nothing else, they could ride Epona and Diamond while Andrake ran. Yes, perhaps it would work out after all.
~~~~~
In the Kokiri forest, Saria had guided Link to the Deku Tree Sprout. There was little time for words or to catch up on times. "Deku Tree Sprout! This young one needs your help!" Saria ran ahead into the valley as Link carried Crystal on his back still. A small red ball of fur followed quickly, looking all around herself at the small forest people. Ageless and apparently young though they were infinite in youth.
Catching up easily to his long time friend despite carrying Crystal, Link set Crystal down on the forest floor before the Deku Tree Sprout. Tarawen stopped as well, finally showing she was a tiny fox, not a ball of red fur with a tail following. She cocked her head as she sat up straight and looked at the forest spirit. It was one of the first times she had seen such a guardian and wished she could speak with it. Yet other, more important matters were currently at hand.
The small Deku Tree Sprout shook it's leaves in surprise as it seemed to have been sleeping. Waking fully, it looked down at Crystal and easily could recognize the fairy within her, keeping her alive. They both were terribly weak.
The Deku Tree Sprout knew what was wanted of it but wondered if it was too late to help. Did the fairy have enough strength to survive? Only one thing would tell and their strength was still draining in the early winter air.
"Link, do you know what it would mean if they are to be helped?" The Deku Tree Sprout spoke softly to the young Hylian hero as Link looked up at it again. He still knelt by Crystal, still willing her to stay with him. He shook his head. He had only hoped it would be a quick spell or potion. Now that he thought about it, he didn't know at all what to expect in saving Crystal and Navi. The option of the possibility of losing one or both of them entered his mind and chilled his blood.
As though to confirm Link's horrid thought, the Deku Tree Sprout continued in the same soft voice, "They are both weak in spirit but sharing that spirit at the same time. To heal them, the fairy, Navi, must be separated from the young one.
"The question lies with if this young girl has enough left in her to survive such a separation. If she can pull through, then she can heal completely. If the girl dies as Navi is separated, it is possible that the fairy will also fade away." Link's face was ashen as he fully absorbed the information. He could faintly feel Saria setting a gentle hand on his shoulder but his thoughts were of his own and he was not conscious of his surroundings.
Could he risk losing one or both of them? If he didn't, then he would lose them anyway. There was no choice, but was there a way he could make sure Crystal pulled through? There had to be a way.
Setting his jaw and narrowing his eyes in absolute determination, he stood to nearly equal height with the Deku Tree Sprout and demanded, "Is there a way I can send my own life energy to help her? Just as Navi did?"
If anything, the Deku Tree Sprout grew grimmer. "Link, the ability to fuse with anothers' life energy is a gift bestowed upon the fairy folk and few others. It is a blessing granted to them by their queen." Link gripped his fists, "Then if I find a Fairy Queen and plead her give me the ability to help her, would she? Would I be able to keep Crystal here?"
"Yes, however . . . there isn't enough time." A long pause followed that statement. Link could feel himself growing ill for the news. He looked down at Crystal's face. Her breath was short and shallow even as eyes were slightly open to look at him. Was it his imagination, or were they pleading to him for help? They had grown so dim, they seemed a deep night blue rather than their usual bright azure. He kept his eyes on hers and said in a level tone, "Can I at least try?"
Another pause was taken as the other Kokiri, unnoticed at first and now observed surrounding the scene, spoke among themselves in frantic whispers. They hushed quickly under the Deku Tree Sprout's voice, "There is no reason not to. But it might not make a difference."
"I think it will."
"Very well then. Prepare yourself and we will begin immediately. Saria, my child, you will have to get all that is needed post-haste. Understand?" Saria nodded. She already knew what was required and immediately ran off to get them, calling for Mido to follow her as well.
Link took no notice as they ran off. He sought into Crystal's eyes. She was pleading to him. Both she and Navi, for he could no longer see a difference within her. Yet there was more to her in her eyes. There was fear. Fear and determination. She wanted to live. She wanted to survive. Link decided, no matter how much it took, he would at least grant her that wish.
~~~~~~~
You know, I'm glad I re-wrote this now. Things are moving quickly now. Yet hold on cause they are going to pick up in some areas and cool down in other areas. I'm not going to tell what areas' though.
Oh, great. I gave Shadow Knight and others a right to attack me. Please don't! All good things must come to an end eventually (this great thing being a cliffie!) Just . . . at least give me a chance in the next chapter! ^_^;;
Hey . . . we didn't even glance at Katie and her situation this time! Well, perhaps the next chapter we will see about her and this mysterious guy, neh?
Unlit next time!