~ Disclaimer ~ Wish I owned Zelda and the characters. Then I would have
people to write this for me! . . . wait . . . I like writing this stuff.
Well then, good thing I don't own Zelda! ^_^;;
Heh. Well, story is going at a like-like's pace, right? Not anymore. This chapter will bring the action a bit faster so, hang in there! To make a would-be long opening short, onto the dedications!
This chapter goes out to Angle1 (thanks for being patient and you will find out in this chapter what happened. Lol), Jelie36 (Hee hee, so the story has ya. Well, the ring gets back into the story line and does play an important role.), MonoChronos (Sorry you're not in high spirits. Perhaps this will cheer you up?), LunaYami (Glad you love it. Cause now it gets hectic! *Laughs insanely*), Chiru-chan7 (Well . . . tis not a matter of life or death. Just . . . I really don't know! ^_^;), catrinastars (You can replace a chapter easily with new text. It's an option under the "load new chapter" option. As for the dialogue, may as well play it out like a chapter . . .)
Soon Link spoke out again to the air, "Good. Now, what is the Minuet of Forest?" Saria answered thought her "voice" was calm and confident, "I'm afraid I can't do that, Link." Panic and frustration rose within Link's response, "What? Why not?" Saria was slightly startled by his tone. He was home, so why was he so rushed? She answered quickly, "Because that song will only take you to the temple. I can get you here more quickly." Link nearly pranced with anxiety. "Okay, okay, whatever. But please hurry!!"
(Come to think of it, that would have fit fairly well. But it was from everyone else's viewpoint, not Links' . . .), and Shadow Knight.
Shadow Knight: *Pops in wearing a Santa hat* MERRY CHRISTMAS!! *Licks Shadow Girl's cheek and gives her a candy cane before hurling a caramel pie into Kohachan's face*
Kohachan: O.O; Never thought he'd get revenge here . . .
*Rubs the cheek off* Shadow Knight is always like that. You should have known better than to slam him with a pie the other day, Kohan.
Kohachan: I'll still be getting him back. I'll go sugar crazy on him! *laughs maniacally then stalks off to the showers*
^_^; Oh well. Now then, let's see what unfolds in the revelation that is the next chapter . . . (warning, it might be long)
~~~~~~~
~ Of Gods and Legends ~
Throughout the day, Link had stayed with Navi. This fact was not missed by Tarawen as she peeked through the window often and pondered that magic she had felt coming from the forest spirit that was the Deku Tree Sprout. Her curiosity once again consuming her, Tarawen dashed off to see to the spirit.
The area grew more and more vacated as she returned to the area that was once the center of attention. Now, all the Kokiri were bustling about the village, trying to get answers and wondering what their place in all the confusion was.
After getting through the pass, Tarawen glanced back behind her to notice none were watching and none could see if they happened to look in that direction. Tarawen leaped upward easily and assumed her more humanoid form then landed and continued her easy run, her curiosity was not at all gone with the tiny fox form.
Only when she stopped running did she realize that the air was bitterly cold on her bare arms and face. So, this is what Zolaris had complained about . . . Tarawen decided to make the visit quick as she waltzed up to the Deku Tree Sprout. The forest guardian seemed distracted as she went to one knee before it and asked, "Guardian of the Forest, can you explain to me what just transpired with the young Hylian and the girl of two souls?"
Time passed and Tarawen was patient as it seemed all trees took time to reply. When nothing happened and a chill wind swept over her causing her teeth to oddly click together and herself to tremble slightly without control, Tarawen repeated the request more fervently.
Coming around from what seemed to be a trance, the Deku Tree Sprout answered her, "What happened, is simply that the girl of two souls, as you called her, is now of one soul. Her own soul."
Tarawen perked her fox ears, which had been lowered for the cold, upon hearing this news. "And what of the other one? The fairy? Where is her soul? Put to rest?" The Deku Tree Sprout considered her questions for only a moment before replying, "No, thankfully, Navi is not lost. Though, her struggle for life continues still. Her soul needs a body now. Her soul remains in me as I sustain her.
"My father, if you will, the Great Deku Tree, brought Navi and all the fairies to life and that guardian would easily have dealt with this. But I'm still new to it. Had I but the ability to sprout a Fairies Leaf, then it would be easy. But I'll be lucky to sprout a few normal leaves, as it is." Tarawen was sitting Indian style, ears still perked in attention as she wondered how she could help.
Time passed and the Deku Tree sprout went back into his meditation on Navi. Finally, the simplest and most obvious of ideas came to her and she snapped her fingers for the idea. The chill no longer affected her as she stood up and brought from her hair, behind one ear, a small seedling. She looked at I in the palm of her hand and whispered just a few soft words as a tiny leaf poked out from the seed. The beginning of it's sprouting.
"Forest Guardian, can you use this to aid in creating at least one of your Fairy Leaves?" She kept holding the seed but the cold was affecting her again as her ears began to hurt then go numb. Again the Deku Tree Sprout came back to the present and considered the option before him. "Perhaps . . . but that will aid in creating Navi. I am still un-practiced in the art so seeing her for myself would at least help."
In that, Tarawen could not help. She did not know what the fairy looked like before. She shrugged helplessly, the seed held in a half-closed hand to protect it slightly from the gentle wind that picked up again. "Then you do know how the other fairies look. We've seen a multitude of them just a moment ago with the Kokiri. If you can create her to look like them, then that should be enough. In her soul should be her own personality . . ." Tarawen lightly shrugged again as the fur on her hail and on the back of her neck stood on end and tiny bumps ran up and down her arms.
Again, the Deku Tree Sprout took his time in considering the possibility. Finally, he agreed. Tarawen gently placed the sprouted seed upon the Deku Tree Sprout's head as it was buried into his bark and that area began to glow ever so softly.
~~~~~
In her home, Saria had remained quiet around the still silent Link. The young hero (or old?) refused all that was offered to him even as Crystal slept soundly and he no longer looked at her. He was still holding her hand but now looked down at the floor.
Denying food, water, sleep, and everything he needed to live on, Link now had dark marks around his eyes and a hollow expression in them. Saria grew more than worried as she started for the door again just before getting plowed into by a small, purple light. "Link, Link!!!" The light that was a fairy, now that Saria could feel the small presence, squeaked in her high pitched voice through the room.
Flying around Link, the fairy succeeded in startling the poor boy enough that he fell backward in the chair that was set near the bed and was hugging his cheek as tears flowed down her own cheeks, though none could see them for the bright, violet light that surrounded her. Crying out a few incoherent words between her sobs, the fairy didn't take notice as Link struggled to a sitting position, at least, and shoved the chair roughly away. The fairy plastered to his cheek was nothing of a helper in his fouling mood.
Before he could snap a few very angry, scorning words, the fairy piped up again as Saria was smiling. She already knew the truth as Link was just finding out. "Link, it's me. Navi! Don't you recognize me?" Link blinked a few times in surprise, the information slowly sinking into his sleep and sanity deprived brain.
He blinked again, the thought of her being Navi, who he was certain he had lost, as well as the sight of this purple fairy calling herself that simply did not add up in Link's mind. Thus, he stayed quiet and continued to try to add it up in his mind though his brain might as well have had molasses running through it for how slowly any small thought was being processed.
Navi looked at Link with worry as well as she wiped the tears of joy from her cheeks. She looked at Crystal, wondering if that girl was the source of Link's concern, though the young girl slept peacefully. If she wasn't the problem, then why had Link gone ashen? Navi sniffed again and confronted Link with the problem, though he still didn't respond.
"Link, snap out of it!" Both Saria and Navi cried out at the same time. Only when a tiny, furry figure cheerfully trotted into the room and planted herself before Link did he glance down at the new figure.
Tarawen stretched lightly before bidding her hello's to Link and Navi then calmly explained what happened. "So, you see, Link? This is Navi but with a new look, since the Deku Tree Sprout couldn't quite get it right. Give him a few centuries then he will create more fairies the way they are supposed to be." Navi burned with a flush even as Link gained his color back slowly and the though of losing his partner for good finally dissipated.
He looked at the fairy hovering before him then a few small laughs rose in his throat. So foreign was the feeling that at first, Link began to choke on them. Saria moved behind Link to pat his back until Link burst out with a fit of merry laughter. Navi was surprised only for a moment by the sound until she realized he was laughing at her as well as with her.
The first of a line of scolds was on her lips before Navi also began laughing with him, which was joined by Saria's nervous laughter as well. Link laughed, then giggled, then chuckled as tears suddenly rolled down his cheeks and the laughter turned to small sobs as he looked at Navi, "I thought you were lost for good."
With a small grin, her own laughs quieted, Navi hugged Link's cheek again and wiped away one of the tears, "I'm not so easy to lose, Link." Saria swallowed some comments that was best the Sage of the Forest best not utter and contented herself with a smile for the reuniting scene before perking up, "Link, you have to be hungry . . ."
Before he could speak, Link's stomach confirmed the obvious with a growl that made Tarawen shift away from him and Navi to slightly chuckle as she settled on Link's hat. Saria laughed as Link grew a blush and let herself out the door to find something for him to eat.
When she returned, though, Link, Navi, and Tarawen were huddled leaning against Crystal's bed, all sound asleep. Saria smiled again and set the tray of food to the side and set a blanket over all of them, though Tarawen's fur kept her comfortable and Navi would not be affected by the cold. With a small sigh, Saria left them for the day and night. They certainly needed that rest, wherever their adventures had taken them previously.
~~~~~
"Well, this is a lovely journey. But did we have to take that long just to help unload the ship?" Matt complained as Andrake led a spanking pace away from the harbor where they had docked. Cait jogged to keep up while Matt lengthened his stride as best he could, the staff he had gained from his old hiding place now tucked under one arm as he held Cait's hand and half pulled her to help her keep up.
Knowing the question would come up and wondering the very same thing himself, Andrake gave the first excuse that came to his mind, "That red- haired Sheikah wasn't here this time to pay for your ride so it was better that you worked it off or not come at all." Only at Matt's answer did Andrake realize he had said the wrong excuse, "So, that means you wanted us to come after all. Otherwise, you wouldn't have helped us unload the ship and would have just gone on without us!" Cait cheered her agreement.
With a slight groan and a roll of the eyes, Andrake said quickly over his shoulder, "Fine, think what you will. Look, you need to check on Gramp's place. He lives off in that direction just in the woods. Watch for Wolfos. They'll be prowling the area, no doubt. I'll catch up probably before you get there." Without awaiting a reply, Andrake crouched just slightly where he was then began his own sprint. A small trail of grass blades was lifted in his wake as he was out of earshot almost immediately.
"Sure, just 'cause you're the knight, you get to order us around." Matt said in a sarcastic tone, though it was only for him and Cait to hear. Seeing nothing else to do anyway, Matt decided to show that he would be of some help to Andrake and make the knight swallow his pride a bit. He called Cait to his side as he started in the indicated direction and slightly picked up his pace, "The very least we can do is show up that cocky knight." He looked across the far field as the odd mist had swept over it again.
All around, he could not make out much of anything through the fog. With an irritated snort, Matt picked up into a jog, which Cait easily kept up with for a while before she grew tired from the running. Matt slowed down for her again though it didn't seem that they had gotten far in the new evening fog. The air was chill but, with the light run, neither was too cold.
As night settled in, Cait was just getting too tired to keep on going. She tried to rest though Matt explained he could see trees near right then. When she didn't want to move and hugged herself for the cold, Matt looked around for something, anything to help and saw a golden figure gleamed in the nearly half moonlight. He spun the staff to which a sharp head lifted in surprise and Matt could see it was a horse. A young horse but a horse nonetheless.
Matt himself never did like riding much and didn't very well want to learn to like it anytime soon but if this horse could help carry Cait . . . Would it even let him near, though? He slowly approached the palomino as the horse regarded the boy with cocked, attentive ears and wise eyes.
When he was close enough, Matt could see that the palomino was a male and he was neither bridled nor saddled. "Whoever the owner was had to know a great deal to have tamed this animal up so well." Matt whistled under his breath as best he could as he slowly reached out to the animal. There seemed no way to make the horse obey. Matt shrugged mostly to himself then went back to rest alongside Cait in the rather wet grass, even as the horse followed.
Matt fairly well glared up at the animal as he dug through a pouch to fish out a couple pieces of fruit and tossed one of them to Cait. He tried to ignore the palomino as the horse grazed on the grass just near him, the sound of the ripping blades of grass very well wearing on Matt's nerves.
Finally, Matt got up quickly enough to try and scare off the animal. The palomino didn't budge from the feeding ground, yet cocked his head up till he looked down at Matt from a startlingly high angle, just shy of rearing up. Matt backed down a bit, deciding not to push the animal into attacking him, though the palomino didn't seem concerned for him at all. He grinned lightly and stuffed the fruit into the pouch again, "okay, let's see how stubborn you are then." Calling Cait over again, Matt easily set his staff aside then lifted Cait up to the horse's back though the palomino didn't move as Cait settled herself as best she could and grabbed a couple fist- fulls of mane.
Cheering himself, Matt tested the palomino's intelligence once again and began walking in the same direction that supposedly led to "Gramp's" place. Not greatly to his surprise, the palomino followed as Cait laughed lightly for the feel of the ride. Matt grinned again and picked up his pace again as the palomino trotted up with him, too easily keeping up.
Growing only slightly bored from the run, Matt eyed the horse over his shoulder as Cait easily kept her balance on the mount's shoulders. She was small enough on the horse and Matt didn't weigh too much. He considered again that ride and stopped as the palomino stopped with him. Cait looked to Matt in curiosity, "Matt, why'd you stop? Are you tired?"
"Sort of but not enough to stop running. We need better time than this. I was thinking about riding."
"Yeah! Ride with me! Then we could run!" Cait was all for it, even as Matt eyed the palomino and was eyed straight back. "Yeah, but if I rode, who's to say this horse wouldn't go nuts on us and drags us off to who knows where?" Matt continued eyeing the palomino with little trust.
With a light sigh, Cait answered, "Matt, you just need to trust sometimes. Besides, would this horsie have come along if he didn't know where we were going? I don't think so. He knows exactly where we need to be and will take us there!" Matt stared at his very young comrade for a long time before replying with a tiny snort, "No more fantasy stories for you . . ." He brushed off the idea for a ride then started again on the path only to find a Wolfos in his way.
"Ah, great. We had to waste time in arguing." Matt growled and spun the staff from the odd holster on his back to in front of him and faced the lupine. Before he could even try a fare attack before a black and rust red figure charged from the shadows and managed to take down the gray Wolfos before it could pounce.
Though obviously smaller, the black and rust colored wolf had knocked it into a rock nearby thus injuring it further than was probably intended, though the wolf was back on his paws and glaring hard at the Wolfos before the lupine calmly retreated into the mist. Matt could only watch it leave and shake his head lightly, "Crazy. Saved by the Wolfos by another wolf. This is crazy." Before anything else could be said, the black wolf calmly approached the palomino and, Matt would swear up and down afterwards, seemed to talk with it as they were nearly nose-to-nose. Both started off again toward the direction Matt had been leading them before the horse stopped with Cait still on his back and looked back at Matt expectantly. Matt shook his head and blinked, wondering if there was a fume on the fog to make him see things.
Deciding to not question the insanity, Matt came up alongside the palomino and obligingly set away his staff before swinging himself up behind Cait. He reached around her for his own fist-full of mane just as both the horse and the wolf set into a fare run across the land, till going the same direction and eventually to the forest line. Matt perked up in the haze as he eyed the house in the slight distance as well as the old man standing out, watching the field expectantly, "At least we beat Andrake!"
~~~~~
Leading the four travelers, Malon and Talon kept up the conversation though only four spoke amongst each other. Kohachan, now walking as Zolaris rode and tried to keep his still very cold hands somewhat worm in the horse's warm mane, was not at peace with himself. The anxiety had not lessened as he entered his homeland. Rather, it became worse. An old voice laughed at him from the back of his mind though it remained wordless for the time being.
"Kohachan, I asked if you were or weren't from here before." Malon's voice barely pierced the blank screen over Kohachan's mind as he looked up then answered calmly, "Yes, this is my homeland. It is Zolaris and Toloran who are from the island. I'm afraid they won't want to comer out again for a time if they warm up again."
"Warmth is a myth." Zolaris muttered under his breath, confirming Kohachan's statement. Kohachan glanced sharply up at Zolaris, several sarcastic comments coming to mind before he could stop them. He shook his head to clear it as Malon laughed lightly, "I think you're right, Kohan. He will want to keep warm." Kohachan blinked in surprise, the malicious thoughts banished by the surprise of the new nickname. "'Kohan'?" he grinned a bit and followed along behind them, wondering briefly how Crystal and Navi were doing along with Link.
Again he was denied the luxury of his own thoughts as Toloran brought him to focus but spoke to where Malon and her father couldn't understand, "You claimed before that this Princess Zelda holds the Tri-Force favored by the Goddess, Nayru? The Tri-Force of wisdom?" Kohachan nodded somewhat absently until Toloran continued, "Well, then, that will be our next destination. Or yours at least. You have to find out all that she knows. If there is something she doesn't understand, make her understand it. This land is now in danger of being caught up in this legend. And having a land of innocent people mixed into the chaos is the last thing we need." Kohachan nodded again, more firmly. But if Toloran thought that Kohachan was going to run off to the princess just so soon, he was crazy indeed.
Zolaris spoke up again in the Hylian language, though accented, "Exactly how much farther are we going? Should we be looking for a certain group of thicker trees?" Malon blinked curiously at him before Talon provided, "No, our ranch and home lives in the center of the field coming up. The trees won't last much longer."
Again Kohachan's mind raced over the lay of the all too familiar land. He resisted the urge to race at a headlong sprint through the rest of the woods then onto the field and running all the way to Kakariko. Stepping a bit heavier for the resisted urge, he brought the attention of his mount as well as Zolaris then Toloran. A silent question passed among them to which Kohachan glowered at the hesitation then shook his head sharply and kept up the steady pace with Talon and Malon.
Still, Toloran passed a glance to Zolaris. Something was wrong with their red-headed friend. When they reached the field, Kohachan had taken a few deep breaths and his step was silent again as Zolaris came up beside Kohachan again, his hand for once away from the silky black mane to hold something toward Kohachan. Wordlessly, Kohachan took it and Zolaris kept looking ahead and rubbing his hands together quickly.
Sighing lightly, Kohachan looked at what was given to him as the silver of it gleamed under the dull but early evening sun. He looked at it with great interest and turned it over to see the writing along the band it if a bit better and said to Zolaris in Sheikahn tongue, "Zolaris, where did you find this?" He held the ring up to see the markings inside the band of it.
Even under the dull light, the light blue script was visible. Kohachan ignored Zolaris words as they were faded by the booming voice in his mind. The script set between the arcs of the crescent moons made sense to him. The words were repeated in his mind. Finally, Kohachan turned on Zolaris demanding, "What does the legend say of the three used to unlock the Moon Blade?!" When Zolaris couldn't answer, Kohachan looked away from the script, a hint of fear and intrigue in his eyes as flecks of gold dotted the usual red. "Come on! Wasn't there something about reading in an unlearned tongue?"
When Zolaris still did not answer, Kohachan insisted he got off and even helped him down by pulling before throwing himself onto the mount. Shouting for the stallion to run through the remaining forestry at breakneck speeds then dash even faster across the level grounds of Hyrule.
They set a pace only matched later by the Lon-Lon Ranch bread horse, Epona and kept that pace until they reached the rising drawbridge of the castle town market. Leaping over that easily, Kohachan guided the mount through the crowded market place.
At first, the guards to the gate of the castle did not recognize the Sheikah until they say the crest he bore on his chest. The gate opened for him as the horse kicked up sands in bearing the rider up the small hill and to the castle itself. Taking only a moment to gather himself together, Kohachan strode past the guards as they eyeballed him. Heading toward the wide doors, his sharp ears picked up a very familiar and feminine voice ringing inside.
"The knowledge is not with the guardians of the Tri-force but in the makers." This voice was that of the Princess, though whom she was talking to remained a mystery. Finally, he let himself in but upon hearing the doors opening, the voice ended and the doors were pulled open wider to let him in. Zelda turned to him in grace and smiled brightly, "Kohachan, I am pleased to see you again. Why have you taken so long? Could you find Link? Please, come and warm yourself."
The flustered Sheikah couldn't get a word in nor did he care to as he slipped the ring into his pocket and let himself be guided to a very large fireplace and set his hands over it as Zelda with a couple other attendants saw to him. Zelda waited patiently as Kohachan finally got back to the point.
Seeing the young princess again brought back a few painful events in his mind he'd rather have blocked out as he answered, "I found the hero but he didn't want to return here immediately. As it stands now, he is in the forest trying to revive his fairy partner as well as a foreign girl whom we've met along the journey. Actually . . . many have joined us on this journey."
Zelda nodded before quietly asking him to follow her and tell about it. Kohachan obliged and started from the beginning. It would do well to give the young hero some time to re-cooperate. Even as he spoke the order of events leading from his following the caravan that was the festival, Kohachan sorted out a series of events. He would need to report the visitors to the king himself. Announce their arrival, morose.
And where were Andrake, Matt, and Cait? Could they find their way to Hyrule so easily? Even the traveler, Matt, would have some difficulty if he appeared in the Lost Woods. Kohachan made a mental note to himself to try and intercept them if they came by that road. Then along with the village, thoughts of Link, Crystal, and Navi came to mind. Were all three well and safe? He paused in the story at a fare time for a breath and glanced out one of the tall windows looking across the land.
Zelda walked ahead for a bit, not noticing that the Sheikah had stopped walking until she glanced back at him then backtracked to look out the window as well. Yet, she was still taken slightly off-guard when the Sheikah spoke up, "Princess, might I ask to whom and of what you were speaking earlier? What did you mean by, 'the knowledge is not with the guardians of the Tri-force but in the makers'?" Zelda nodded, but her face was saddened once again with trouble. "I was speaking of a prophetic dream I had not too long ago. I was talking to myself, really."
Kohachan could see through that lie all too easily. Yet he decided not to point that out just yet. He was preoccupied with other worries as he continued his tale. "After that mass murder of the Wolfos, I went to see to this Katie . . ." Again he left his mouth take over by itself as he looked about the great hall they entered. Only when another thought caught his attention did he stop the dialogue explaining his story, "Princess, if it was a prophetic dream, then should it not have been brought up with the guardian, Impa?"
"Yes," Zelda answered a bit hesitantly, sounding as though she was giving a reason for getting out of lessons, "but in this case, I knew you were here and I wish to speak it out with Link. He and the other whom you spoke of, Crystal, are both involved as well as the other two Sheikah, Toloran and Zolaris." Kohachan thought a few more slightly malicious thoughts of the princess but decided to hold them in.
"So then, you will wait for them to reach this place first before telling what has happened?" Kohachan asked calmly as he hid his eyes from her by looking ahead. "Yes, I will. Also, the other sages will be gathered in a counsel. My father mustn't know of this, Kohachan. Understand?"
He hated it when she ordered him around like that. But still coolly, he replied, "If he asks directly about the prophecy or of your antics, I cannot lie to him. However, if it does not come up, then I will not speak of the events." Zelda had to agree to that requirement then they continued the meandering about as Kohachan continued telling his story, his mind still lingering on his friends as well as the mysterious ring Zolaris had given him.
~~~~~
Sleep stole over them but Link did not find rest. He was recovering from the shock of having lost one of his friends so easily only to find he was still there, if looking very different than before. His mind was freed up and he could think clearly again, see the light that was a part of life once again. But then why was everything so dark?
He could feel the Mast Sword in his hand as fatigue was washed over him. Flames from a darker magic were alight around him as the stifling heat threatened to make his muscles give to exhaustion. Still, he tightened the grip on the blade. His job . . . his purpose was not done yet.
From the rubble before him, Ganondorf hovered in the air, eyes glowing a threatening yellow/red, contrasting sharply to his shadowed, snarling features as he breathed heavily. Setting the glare onto Link, Ganondorf raised his right fist as the Tri-Force of Power glowed on the back of it. With a roar of rage and power, Ganondorf transformed into his giant pig form.
Link looked into the beady black eyes and saw the flash of the large, golden blades. He raised the Master Sword by reflex, managing to block the golden blade from cleanly cutting his head off. Consequently, the Master Sword was knocked aside. Link could only watch as the last hope for victory landed on the other side of the magically induced flames. He turned back to the creature, Ganon, and thoughts of defeat entered his mind for the first time since confronting the warlock. What chance did he have against the beast when he was alone?
A light made itself known to Link as it hovered just near him and spoke words that rekindled the flames of courage within the tired hero, "There's no way he's holding me back again! This time, we fight together!" Link looked to his fairy partner and saw the courage shining through her fear. The same fears that threatened to take a hold of his heart. But he was not alone. And he was needed for one more purpose. Everyone was counting on him to defeat this monster. And that need would be fulfilled. Link drew the next best thing to the Master Sword. The Biggoron's Sword.
Darkness, flames, pain, time, everything passed in a flash as Link saw the past going before his eyes. When he could make sense of anything again, he saw Ganon rendered to the ground, Zelda's sage powers paralyzing him. The Master Sword was once again in his possession and it began to glow blue as well, preparing to strike down the evil that was Ganon.
Something stirred beneath him as the dream faded into a more peaceful darkness. Link closed his hands as they were cupped to hold the hilt of the Master Sword but they closed over nothing. Link picked up his head and realized he had fallen asleep on Crystal's bedside, Tarawen curled up just near him. He smiled wearily then looked around to find Crystal stirring near him. She was what woke him up. He looked outside to see the sun was barely shining on the treetops.
Shaking his head, Link sat back, away from the bed and on his knees as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "How long were we out?" He blinked and looked to Tarawen as the tiny fox picked up hear head then yawned, showing off a line of sharp teeth. She stood up and shook off, her fur becoming a fuzz ball for a moment before she began licking it down as a morning ritual.
"You were asleep all of last evening then through the night." Saria said as she came through the door, carrying a tray of fresh food, the other tray having been disposed of. "Welcome back, Link." She set the tray near the bed as Link eyed the food hungrily, his appetite finally returning with a vengeance. Saria could only smile for a moment as memories of seeing him that hungry assailed her. Finally, she interrupted his feeding frenzy, "Link, when you have had enough, Princess Zelda wants you to go back to the castle. She's called a meeting with all the sages as well as yourself. Also, she wants three of your new friends to accompany her. One is already with her."
Link cocked an eyebrow to look up at Saria, half a biscuit in his mouth, then he shrugged it off and chewed on the bread, washing it down with milk from a bottle before answering, "I've met a lot of friends along the way, many of them followed me, actually." At this, Link's gave drifted back to Crystal, who was just waking up, and Tarawen as she cocked an ear back at his scrutiny, "Zel will just have to specify who she wants to speak to when we get there. But . . . that can wait." Link grinned innocently and proceeded to thrust the three-pronged fork into a fried egg and stuffed it into his mouth, barely able to chew it.
Saria decided then to find something to occupy herself elsewhere. "Link, I'm going to find some food for your friends. Call if you need anything." Tarawen nodded her agreement ad joined Saria to travel elsewhere, leaning the nodding Link behind as Crystal turned over in the comfortable bed.
~~~~~
Later in the day, all seven sages plus Link, Navi, Tarawen, Kohachan, and Crystal were assembled in a hall. Each wondered why he or she was there, though all were pleased to see Link returned safely, other than the four who sat nearest Link. Zelda stood at the head of the long table and spoke up, picking up where she left off. "As we all know, three Tri-Force pieces were made by three Goddesses. However, it seems that you, Link, have tragically learned of the fourth Tri-Force piece. The Tri-Force of War." Zelda indicated his direction as everyone muttered to each other and Tarawen looked up at Kohachan. The redheaded Sheikah seemed deep in thought.
Link called to Zelda, "Princess Zelda, being that it is the Tri-Force of War, wouldn't the bearer of such a piece be willed to cause war and chaos over the lands even without reason?" The other sages agreed to the statement as Navi landed on Links' shoulder, whispering incoherently to him and Zelda brought everyone under control once again. "Calm down, it won't cast the world into war so easily. That and the bearer of this piece is not a person . . . but a blade. It is called thus for it had two creators. There were two Gods who continuously waged war with each other. They did not appear as the three Golden Goddesses did. Rather, they were a single Hydra." Saria spoke out then, "Highness, I've heard of many creatures but never this Hydra. What is that?"
"A Hydra is a dragon with more than one head."
Kohachan interrupted calmly before Darunia had a full saying on dragons, "It would make sense as both Gods were set over a single thing. That also sounds like the blade wielded by Zolaris." He let Zelda take over as Darunia settled and everyone paid attention to the Princess again.
"Because these Gods, Shasta and Kelta." Crystal leaped up, both hands on the table, her chair was sent flying backward, as she stated, "Those are the names of Katie's wolves! Two white wolves breed from Wolfos in my home land." Link set an odd look on her as each of the sages fixed a glance at the girl, making her sit once more and Navi to try to comfort her as Link cut in, "Yeah, those wolves must have been named after the gods then. Sorry about that, Zelda. Please, continue."
Zelda picked up where she left off as everyone, even a flushed Crystal, gave her their attention, "Because they were always at war, they were not permitted to contribute to the creation of Hyrule. Though, their war-like personalities did affect the land, setting a hint of malice onto the people of the land. The Gerudo's and other warrior races were especially affected by their influence. However, this is beside the point.
"Instead of being set among the earth and holding a Tri-Force of Hyrule along with their sister Goddesses, Shasta and Kelta were set to rule over the moon instead, as Kohachan insinuated. Even there, their war continues. Shasta wants to make the moon to be a light in the darkness of the night while Kelta wants the moon to become ever-dark to blot out the stars and make the night all that much darker. It was a never-ending war they waged and still wage. Only once a month does one side taste victory over the other. When it is either a full moon, Shasta's night, or a new moon, Kelta's night."
Link nodded in remembrance and could feel Oni in the back of his mind also agreeing and added through Link, "But when Shasta's night is over with and the moon is in the even phase between both light and dark, then what happens?" Navi perked up with glee, "That is when it is a silent night! But between the Gods, it is never a silent night, is it?" This was greeted with various chuckles and a few nodding heads.
One who did not laugh was Oni, even tough Link did grin at his fairy partner. He went silent, content to listen in as Zelda calmed herself and continued with a smile to the fairy, "No, Navi, it is never a silent night for either God." Navi grinned sheepishly, though none could see this, and landed on Link's shoulder as Zelda grew somber and continued, "None know which side thought of this or if any of the Goddesses did. Yet, on the night when either side won, the other would create a last defense to last that one night. A warrior of great strength wielded a blade representing the God who chose him. Thus the war between the two Gods continued."
The young Zora princess suddenly interrupted, standing from her own chair, she asked, "Will this be done soon? We do have other things to do. What does this have to do with Hyrule anyway?" This was agreed with by Naburoo but the other four did not agree. If nothing else, it was good to know of the fourth Tri-Force piece just for the knowledge. Yet Zelda did make it seem as though it was a concern for Hyrule all together.
Zelda maintained the peace even as Tarawen glared at the Zora and Link tried to avoid her all together. Despite the time difference, Ruto seemed to remember the marriage vows she made to Link . . . "No, there is still more." Ruto didn't take her seat, though. Rather, she complained a bit sharply, "Well, then, can we take a break? It's getting to be too dry here and there are things we need to look after. Who knows what's happening while we're gone?" Darunia roared with laughter, "I can tell you what is happening with my people. Nothing! If this meeting is given a break, I'll just stay here, if it's all the same to you, Princess Zelda."
She nodded as Naburoo also rose to leave and Impa went to see to Kohachan. Saria was talking with Navi by then while Link and Crystal got into a conversation. Zelda admitted defeat, "Very well, we will finish this after a short break." She went to see to Link and Crystal as Naburoo and Ruto vanished with a flash of orange and blue light respectively. Kohachan excused himself quickly, bowing to Zelda and the others before letting himself away. Impa sighed lightly as Link and Crystal shrugged to each other. "Wait, where is Tarawen?"
~~~~~
Kohachan knew it would be a while before even Zelda managed to get the young Zora princess back from her home waters. 'Less Link was involved. He shook his head lightly at the thought but something was calling him then, as he found the old, unused, secret exit from the castle. It was an exit that led him straight underground to the cemetery. From that back-way of Kakariko, Kohachan found the way through the forestry toward the north and beside the castle. Only a bit further and he would find it. That being his own home. Perhaps then, and only then he would find the peace of mind only one other thing could bring. That one other thing was gone, so perhaps his own home would calm him.
Upon easily and silently slipping through the last of the underbrush, Kohachan's thoughts lingered on the sight of the rising sun against the side of the house, built by him so long ago between the castle and his home village. When he grew frustrated with Hylians in general or any in particular insult, he could relax in his own home.
He could feel as though he were with his tribesman in a simple, hard working village. Even his equally red-haired mother was with him in his memory held by his home. Kohachan had to admit if only to himself, he missed her too much. Even after she passed away, he kept pictures of her as well as hand carvings she made before. But one in particular was the closest. Carefully hand crafted frame made specifically for the first picture of him with his mother. He was but a babe when the picture was made but it had lasted throughout the years. He remembered her best. The sight of her eyes, gazing with love. The smell of her hair as it tumbled around him when she spoke softly in lulling tones. Even the very warmth and protection she gave him were held in that picture. Right then, that one thing was what he longed for as Kohachan quickened his already swift pace.
He could see everything in his mind as he left it in his home. How long has it been since he's been gone? Nevermind, no one should have disturbed it. Everything would be as it was. He smiled at the thought the same way that he had as a kid when he first came home from training or hunting for food. Just eager to be home and in the familiarity and comfort of the place. His place. Yet, when he could see where his house was built, the smile faded to an ashen look of disbelief.
On the ground was a square that was the frame of the house. Yet all that remained of the home were black, charred pieces of wood. Glass was shattered to the sides from the inside along with a picture frame at his feet. He could read the back of the frame. His hands clenched to trembling fists as hair shrouded his eyes.
Coming up behind him at first, Tarawen looked past his ankles at the burned down wreckage. She held her breath upon looking at the scene. Quietly, as only the tiny fox can be quiet, she crept closer to the Sheikah and looked up at him. When she could see him, he had a look of pain and rage across his face. He stared hard at the upside-down picture frame at his feet. What caught Tarawen's eye was the fact his eyes were no longer red. They were set golden to shine out from his shadowed features. The fur raised on end when looking at his eyes, set in such anger as they were.
Ignoring the tiny fox, Demon Kohachan reached down for the picture frame. He lifted it and turned it over slowly, though he already knew what it was a pictograph of. No tears came to his eye as he looked at the half-burned picture. The hand crafted frame was mostly burnt and the glass was broken mostly. The picture itself was mostly burned. Half his mother's face was burned away, the hair that brought her scent to his memory was burned with it. Half of himself was also burned from her arms, and with it went the memory of the warmth and protection found there. Her eyes were shrouded mostly by the mere heat of the flame smoldering the side of the picture and as he looked at them, they were the eyes of a stranger.
His features were set in a snarl of renewed rage as he looked again to the back of it. The sign of a particular gang of Hylian's was on the back of it. Finally, he clenched the fist the held the frame. The burnt side crumbled but the rest of it splintered free of it and bit into the flesh of his hand, drawing blood as he walked to the ruins that was once his home.
Smoke still rose from the rubble, though he was upwind of it, thus why he hadn't smelt it while in the graveyard. Only when he looked around at the ruins did the slightest of tears come to his eye. Clenching his eyes closed, letting the tears slip down his cheek, he released the bottled up anger. Crushing the frame deeper into his palm, he let out a roar of pure anguish and rage.
He swore, when he could yell no longer, that those responsible for destroying his sanctuary would pay. And pay dearly.
~~~~~
Twenty minutes had passed and there was still no sign of Kohachan or Tarawen. Ruto was once again getting to be uncomfortable so Zelda hurried herself, "After centuries of the balanced, even rhythmic, war, a compromise was made. Once every year, the moon will belong to both Gods at the same time and neither of them. On that time, both warriors chosen by Shasta and Kelta will walk the earth and battle each other to find out once and for all which is the stronger side." Link spoke up as Oni prodded him to ask, "That time is coming near, isn't? That's why you are worried for it. Yet, it has happened before, if it is to happen each year. Why is this one any different?"
"Yes, that time is drawing near. And it has happened before but not successfully. Be patient and I'll explain why we worry now and not in previous years. If either side succeeds, that warrior can take the enemy's sword to create the blade with both powers of the darkness and the light, though it's appearance will represent the 'victor'. It is the Moon Blade of which I speak." Oni shook his head lightly. It was no wonder that she was the bearer of the Tri-Force of Wisdom. Yet still he pointed out, "That's what Zolaris was doing. At lest his demon was. He is the wielder of the Dark Moon Blade. Kelta's chosen warrior, you might say."
Nodding, Zelda spoke softly in concern, as though she didn't want to know of all the facts. "So, the Dark Warrior knows of this. Yes, the reason this was not a concern comes to play now. To stall the chosen victor, the three Goddesses set a lock to the powers of the Moon Blade. It cannot be forged without three souls. The three Zolaris' demon, the Warrior chosen by Kelta, is searching for.
"The souls cannot be just any, obviously, but the three chosen to hold the traits favored by the Goddesses. These traits being wisdom, power, and courage. Yet they cannot be the same three who hold the golden Tri-Force pieces. After all, the Goddesses would be very displeased to find their favored ones no longer of the living." When she paused, Link took the opportunity to speak, the dream of Ganondorf still fresh in his mind, "Princess, would that mean that the ones he is searching for is not the bearers but others close to them? How can we tell who is safe and who is not? We can't let those individuals die!" Oni agreed and added, "The warrior was going after Crystal. Who else is a 'key' is not known. Yet they must be near for the Warrior to be so desperate to fulfill the legend."
Though his slightly deeper voice did disturb her, Zelda continued carefully for the other sages sake's as she looked to Crystal. "Yes, Link, the people who represent wisdom, courage, and power will be sacrificed, their life force going to unlock the ability to forge the destructive power of the Moon Blade. Hmm . . .never have these three been found before. If they are, then a victor will be found. Be he of Shasta or Kelta, the Moon Blade must not be made." Zelda looked out a nearby window though it did not show her land. But she could see the land in all it's peace then and loathed know what it would be like if either side of the war was won between the two gods.
"It is not only for the fact that the legend must not come true but also for the fact that there cannot be a victor. There must always be both darkness and light, a balance of the two. Without one, the other cannot exist. If both were to thrive without the check of the other, then destruction will reign and the world will be cast into blinding light or blinding darkness un-ending. We have to stop this from happening . . ." All agreed even though Zelda looked out the window, her thoughts far elsewhere. Elsewhere, where a familiar anger was in the air. It had something to do with her, she knew, as her Tri-Force slightly began to glow on the back of her hand. But if it was what she thought it was . . .
Turning quickly to Link, she asked in as calm a voice he could muster, "Link, this night . . . what will the moon be as?" Oni thought of the question before answering for Link in the slightly deeper voice, "It will be nearing the half moon. The time when both sides are equal, as you would say. Why does that matter?" Zelda paced her way to the window and looked out of it as she murmured mostly to herself, "Then it looks like we'll get the answer to what happens when Shasta's night is over with and the moon is in the even phase between both light and dark."
~~~~~~~
Well now, another demon appears. But by what an incident! If it didn't make sense near the end, I'm so very sorry. *Bows in apology* Shadow Magician knows perfectly well why it is so . . . whatever it is! ^-^;
I'm also sorry that this wasn't posted before Christmas but everything was hectic with relatives and whatever else could serve as a delay. (Including writer's block) LunaYami! Where are you? T_T Her ideas would be handy, really . . .
Kohachan: *No longer has any caramel on his face* Since Shadow Girl has gone dumb and typed late shift again, I'll take over the ending.
No, you won't!!!!!!! *Slams Kohachan into a closet and locks it* Muahahahahaa! Now he won't interfere again at all!! Yeah . . . I'm going to sleep now. Merry Christmas again!!
Until next time!
Heh. Well, story is going at a like-like's pace, right? Not anymore. This chapter will bring the action a bit faster so, hang in there! To make a would-be long opening short, onto the dedications!
This chapter goes out to Angle1 (thanks for being patient and you will find out in this chapter what happened. Lol), Jelie36 (Hee hee, so the story has ya. Well, the ring gets back into the story line and does play an important role.), MonoChronos (Sorry you're not in high spirits. Perhaps this will cheer you up?), LunaYami (Glad you love it. Cause now it gets hectic! *Laughs insanely*), Chiru-chan7 (Well . . . tis not a matter of life or death. Just . . . I really don't know! ^_^;), catrinastars (You can replace a chapter easily with new text. It's an option under the "load new chapter" option. As for the dialogue, may as well play it out like a chapter . . .)
Soon Link spoke out again to the air, "Good. Now, what is the Minuet of Forest?" Saria answered thought her "voice" was calm and confident, "I'm afraid I can't do that, Link." Panic and frustration rose within Link's response, "What? Why not?" Saria was slightly startled by his tone. He was home, so why was he so rushed? She answered quickly, "Because that song will only take you to the temple. I can get you here more quickly." Link nearly pranced with anxiety. "Okay, okay, whatever. But please hurry!!"
(Come to think of it, that would have fit fairly well. But it was from everyone else's viewpoint, not Links' . . .), and Shadow Knight.
Shadow Knight: *Pops in wearing a Santa hat* MERRY CHRISTMAS!! *Licks Shadow Girl's cheek and gives her a candy cane before hurling a caramel pie into Kohachan's face*
Kohachan: O.O; Never thought he'd get revenge here . . .
*Rubs the cheek off* Shadow Knight is always like that. You should have known better than to slam him with a pie the other day, Kohan.
Kohachan: I'll still be getting him back. I'll go sugar crazy on him! *laughs maniacally then stalks off to the showers*
^_^; Oh well. Now then, let's see what unfolds in the revelation that is the next chapter . . . (warning, it might be long)
~~~~~~~
~ Of Gods and Legends ~
Throughout the day, Link had stayed with Navi. This fact was not missed by Tarawen as she peeked through the window often and pondered that magic she had felt coming from the forest spirit that was the Deku Tree Sprout. Her curiosity once again consuming her, Tarawen dashed off to see to the spirit.
The area grew more and more vacated as she returned to the area that was once the center of attention. Now, all the Kokiri were bustling about the village, trying to get answers and wondering what their place in all the confusion was.
After getting through the pass, Tarawen glanced back behind her to notice none were watching and none could see if they happened to look in that direction. Tarawen leaped upward easily and assumed her more humanoid form then landed and continued her easy run, her curiosity was not at all gone with the tiny fox form.
Only when she stopped running did she realize that the air was bitterly cold on her bare arms and face. So, this is what Zolaris had complained about . . . Tarawen decided to make the visit quick as she waltzed up to the Deku Tree Sprout. The forest guardian seemed distracted as she went to one knee before it and asked, "Guardian of the Forest, can you explain to me what just transpired with the young Hylian and the girl of two souls?"
Time passed and Tarawen was patient as it seemed all trees took time to reply. When nothing happened and a chill wind swept over her causing her teeth to oddly click together and herself to tremble slightly without control, Tarawen repeated the request more fervently.
Coming around from what seemed to be a trance, the Deku Tree Sprout answered her, "What happened, is simply that the girl of two souls, as you called her, is now of one soul. Her own soul."
Tarawen perked her fox ears, which had been lowered for the cold, upon hearing this news. "And what of the other one? The fairy? Where is her soul? Put to rest?" The Deku Tree Sprout considered her questions for only a moment before replying, "No, thankfully, Navi is not lost. Though, her struggle for life continues still. Her soul needs a body now. Her soul remains in me as I sustain her.
"My father, if you will, the Great Deku Tree, brought Navi and all the fairies to life and that guardian would easily have dealt with this. But I'm still new to it. Had I but the ability to sprout a Fairies Leaf, then it would be easy. But I'll be lucky to sprout a few normal leaves, as it is." Tarawen was sitting Indian style, ears still perked in attention as she wondered how she could help.
Time passed and the Deku Tree sprout went back into his meditation on Navi. Finally, the simplest and most obvious of ideas came to her and she snapped her fingers for the idea. The chill no longer affected her as she stood up and brought from her hair, behind one ear, a small seedling. She looked at I in the palm of her hand and whispered just a few soft words as a tiny leaf poked out from the seed. The beginning of it's sprouting.
"Forest Guardian, can you use this to aid in creating at least one of your Fairy Leaves?" She kept holding the seed but the cold was affecting her again as her ears began to hurt then go numb. Again the Deku Tree Sprout came back to the present and considered the option before him. "Perhaps . . . but that will aid in creating Navi. I am still un-practiced in the art so seeing her for myself would at least help."
In that, Tarawen could not help. She did not know what the fairy looked like before. She shrugged helplessly, the seed held in a half-closed hand to protect it slightly from the gentle wind that picked up again. "Then you do know how the other fairies look. We've seen a multitude of them just a moment ago with the Kokiri. If you can create her to look like them, then that should be enough. In her soul should be her own personality . . ." Tarawen lightly shrugged again as the fur on her hail and on the back of her neck stood on end and tiny bumps ran up and down her arms.
Again, the Deku Tree Sprout took his time in considering the possibility. Finally, he agreed. Tarawen gently placed the sprouted seed upon the Deku Tree Sprout's head as it was buried into his bark and that area began to glow ever so softly.
~~~~~
In her home, Saria had remained quiet around the still silent Link. The young hero (or old?) refused all that was offered to him even as Crystal slept soundly and he no longer looked at her. He was still holding her hand but now looked down at the floor.
Denying food, water, sleep, and everything he needed to live on, Link now had dark marks around his eyes and a hollow expression in them. Saria grew more than worried as she started for the door again just before getting plowed into by a small, purple light. "Link, Link!!!" The light that was a fairy, now that Saria could feel the small presence, squeaked in her high pitched voice through the room.
Flying around Link, the fairy succeeded in startling the poor boy enough that he fell backward in the chair that was set near the bed and was hugging his cheek as tears flowed down her own cheeks, though none could see them for the bright, violet light that surrounded her. Crying out a few incoherent words between her sobs, the fairy didn't take notice as Link struggled to a sitting position, at least, and shoved the chair roughly away. The fairy plastered to his cheek was nothing of a helper in his fouling mood.
Before he could snap a few very angry, scorning words, the fairy piped up again as Saria was smiling. She already knew the truth as Link was just finding out. "Link, it's me. Navi! Don't you recognize me?" Link blinked a few times in surprise, the information slowly sinking into his sleep and sanity deprived brain.
He blinked again, the thought of her being Navi, who he was certain he had lost, as well as the sight of this purple fairy calling herself that simply did not add up in Link's mind. Thus, he stayed quiet and continued to try to add it up in his mind though his brain might as well have had molasses running through it for how slowly any small thought was being processed.
Navi looked at Link with worry as well as she wiped the tears of joy from her cheeks. She looked at Crystal, wondering if that girl was the source of Link's concern, though the young girl slept peacefully. If she wasn't the problem, then why had Link gone ashen? Navi sniffed again and confronted Link with the problem, though he still didn't respond.
"Link, snap out of it!" Both Saria and Navi cried out at the same time. Only when a tiny, furry figure cheerfully trotted into the room and planted herself before Link did he glance down at the new figure.
Tarawen stretched lightly before bidding her hello's to Link and Navi then calmly explained what happened. "So, you see, Link? This is Navi but with a new look, since the Deku Tree Sprout couldn't quite get it right. Give him a few centuries then he will create more fairies the way they are supposed to be." Navi burned with a flush even as Link gained his color back slowly and the though of losing his partner for good finally dissipated.
He looked at the fairy hovering before him then a few small laughs rose in his throat. So foreign was the feeling that at first, Link began to choke on them. Saria moved behind Link to pat his back until Link burst out with a fit of merry laughter. Navi was surprised only for a moment by the sound until she realized he was laughing at her as well as with her.
The first of a line of scolds was on her lips before Navi also began laughing with him, which was joined by Saria's nervous laughter as well. Link laughed, then giggled, then chuckled as tears suddenly rolled down his cheeks and the laughter turned to small sobs as he looked at Navi, "I thought you were lost for good."
With a small grin, her own laughs quieted, Navi hugged Link's cheek again and wiped away one of the tears, "I'm not so easy to lose, Link." Saria swallowed some comments that was best the Sage of the Forest best not utter and contented herself with a smile for the reuniting scene before perking up, "Link, you have to be hungry . . ."
Before he could speak, Link's stomach confirmed the obvious with a growl that made Tarawen shift away from him and Navi to slightly chuckle as she settled on Link's hat. Saria laughed as Link grew a blush and let herself out the door to find something for him to eat.
When she returned, though, Link, Navi, and Tarawen were huddled leaning against Crystal's bed, all sound asleep. Saria smiled again and set the tray of food to the side and set a blanket over all of them, though Tarawen's fur kept her comfortable and Navi would not be affected by the cold. With a small sigh, Saria left them for the day and night. They certainly needed that rest, wherever their adventures had taken them previously.
~~~~~
"Well, this is a lovely journey. But did we have to take that long just to help unload the ship?" Matt complained as Andrake led a spanking pace away from the harbor where they had docked. Cait jogged to keep up while Matt lengthened his stride as best he could, the staff he had gained from his old hiding place now tucked under one arm as he held Cait's hand and half pulled her to help her keep up.
Knowing the question would come up and wondering the very same thing himself, Andrake gave the first excuse that came to his mind, "That red- haired Sheikah wasn't here this time to pay for your ride so it was better that you worked it off or not come at all." Only at Matt's answer did Andrake realize he had said the wrong excuse, "So, that means you wanted us to come after all. Otherwise, you wouldn't have helped us unload the ship and would have just gone on without us!" Cait cheered her agreement.
With a slight groan and a roll of the eyes, Andrake said quickly over his shoulder, "Fine, think what you will. Look, you need to check on Gramp's place. He lives off in that direction just in the woods. Watch for Wolfos. They'll be prowling the area, no doubt. I'll catch up probably before you get there." Without awaiting a reply, Andrake crouched just slightly where he was then began his own sprint. A small trail of grass blades was lifted in his wake as he was out of earshot almost immediately.
"Sure, just 'cause you're the knight, you get to order us around." Matt said in a sarcastic tone, though it was only for him and Cait to hear. Seeing nothing else to do anyway, Matt decided to show that he would be of some help to Andrake and make the knight swallow his pride a bit. He called Cait to his side as he started in the indicated direction and slightly picked up his pace, "The very least we can do is show up that cocky knight." He looked across the far field as the odd mist had swept over it again.
All around, he could not make out much of anything through the fog. With an irritated snort, Matt picked up into a jog, which Cait easily kept up with for a while before she grew tired from the running. Matt slowed down for her again though it didn't seem that they had gotten far in the new evening fog. The air was chill but, with the light run, neither was too cold.
As night settled in, Cait was just getting too tired to keep on going. She tried to rest though Matt explained he could see trees near right then. When she didn't want to move and hugged herself for the cold, Matt looked around for something, anything to help and saw a golden figure gleamed in the nearly half moonlight. He spun the staff to which a sharp head lifted in surprise and Matt could see it was a horse. A young horse but a horse nonetheless.
Matt himself never did like riding much and didn't very well want to learn to like it anytime soon but if this horse could help carry Cait . . . Would it even let him near, though? He slowly approached the palomino as the horse regarded the boy with cocked, attentive ears and wise eyes.
When he was close enough, Matt could see that the palomino was a male and he was neither bridled nor saddled. "Whoever the owner was had to know a great deal to have tamed this animal up so well." Matt whistled under his breath as best he could as he slowly reached out to the animal. There seemed no way to make the horse obey. Matt shrugged mostly to himself then went back to rest alongside Cait in the rather wet grass, even as the horse followed.
Matt fairly well glared up at the animal as he dug through a pouch to fish out a couple pieces of fruit and tossed one of them to Cait. He tried to ignore the palomino as the horse grazed on the grass just near him, the sound of the ripping blades of grass very well wearing on Matt's nerves.
Finally, Matt got up quickly enough to try and scare off the animal. The palomino didn't budge from the feeding ground, yet cocked his head up till he looked down at Matt from a startlingly high angle, just shy of rearing up. Matt backed down a bit, deciding not to push the animal into attacking him, though the palomino didn't seem concerned for him at all. He grinned lightly and stuffed the fruit into the pouch again, "okay, let's see how stubborn you are then." Calling Cait over again, Matt easily set his staff aside then lifted Cait up to the horse's back though the palomino didn't move as Cait settled herself as best she could and grabbed a couple fist- fulls of mane.
Cheering himself, Matt tested the palomino's intelligence once again and began walking in the same direction that supposedly led to "Gramp's" place. Not greatly to his surprise, the palomino followed as Cait laughed lightly for the feel of the ride. Matt grinned again and picked up his pace again as the palomino trotted up with him, too easily keeping up.
Growing only slightly bored from the run, Matt eyed the horse over his shoulder as Cait easily kept her balance on the mount's shoulders. She was small enough on the horse and Matt didn't weigh too much. He considered again that ride and stopped as the palomino stopped with him. Cait looked to Matt in curiosity, "Matt, why'd you stop? Are you tired?"
"Sort of but not enough to stop running. We need better time than this. I was thinking about riding."
"Yeah! Ride with me! Then we could run!" Cait was all for it, even as Matt eyed the palomino and was eyed straight back. "Yeah, but if I rode, who's to say this horse wouldn't go nuts on us and drags us off to who knows where?" Matt continued eyeing the palomino with little trust.
With a light sigh, Cait answered, "Matt, you just need to trust sometimes. Besides, would this horsie have come along if he didn't know where we were going? I don't think so. He knows exactly where we need to be and will take us there!" Matt stared at his very young comrade for a long time before replying with a tiny snort, "No more fantasy stories for you . . ." He brushed off the idea for a ride then started again on the path only to find a Wolfos in his way.
"Ah, great. We had to waste time in arguing." Matt growled and spun the staff from the odd holster on his back to in front of him and faced the lupine. Before he could even try a fare attack before a black and rust red figure charged from the shadows and managed to take down the gray Wolfos before it could pounce.
Though obviously smaller, the black and rust colored wolf had knocked it into a rock nearby thus injuring it further than was probably intended, though the wolf was back on his paws and glaring hard at the Wolfos before the lupine calmly retreated into the mist. Matt could only watch it leave and shake his head lightly, "Crazy. Saved by the Wolfos by another wolf. This is crazy." Before anything else could be said, the black wolf calmly approached the palomino and, Matt would swear up and down afterwards, seemed to talk with it as they were nearly nose-to-nose. Both started off again toward the direction Matt had been leading them before the horse stopped with Cait still on his back and looked back at Matt expectantly. Matt shook his head and blinked, wondering if there was a fume on the fog to make him see things.
Deciding to not question the insanity, Matt came up alongside the palomino and obligingly set away his staff before swinging himself up behind Cait. He reached around her for his own fist-full of mane just as both the horse and the wolf set into a fare run across the land, till going the same direction and eventually to the forest line. Matt perked up in the haze as he eyed the house in the slight distance as well as the old man standing out, watching the field expectantly, "At least we beat Andrake!"
~~~~~
Leading the four travelers, Malon and Talon kept up the conversation though only four spoke amongst each other. Kohachan, now walking as Zolaris rode and tried to keep his still very cold hands somewhat worm in the horse's warm mane, was not at peace with himself. The anxiety had not lessened as he entered his homeland. Rather, it became worse. An old voice laughed at him from the back of his mind though it remained wordless for the time being.
"Kohachan, I asked if you were or weren't from here before." Malon's voice barely pierced the blank screen over Kohachan's mind as he looked up then answered calmly, "Yes, this is my homeland. It is Zolaris and Toloran who are from the island. I'm afraid they won't want to comer out again for a time if they warm up again."
"Warmth is a myth." Zolaris muttered under his breath, confirming Kohachan's statement. Kohachan glanced sharply up at Zolaris, several sarcastic comments coming to mind before he could stop them. He shook his head to clear it as Malon laughed lightly, "I think you're right, Kohan. He will want to keep warm." Kohachan blinked in surprise, the malicious thoughts banished by the surprise of the new nickname. "'Kohan'?" he grinned a bit and followed along behind them, wondering briefly how Crystal and Navi were doing along with Link.
Again he was denied the luxury of his own thoughts as Toloran brought him to focus but spoke to where Malon and her father couldn't understand, "You claimed before that this Princess Zelda holds the Tri-Force favored by the Goddess, Nayru? The Tri-Force of wisdom?" Kohachan nodded somewhat absently until Toloran continued, "Well, then, that will be our next destination. Or yours at least. You have to find out all that she knows. If there is something she doesn't understand, make her understand it. This land is now in danger of being caught up in this legend. And having a land of innocent people mixed into the chaos is the last thing we need." Kohachan nodded again, more firmly. But if Toloran thought that Kohachan was going to run off to the princess just so soon, he was crazy indeed.
Zolaris spoke up again in the Hylian language, though accented, "Exactly how much farther are we going? Should we be looking for a certain group of thicker trees?" Malon blinked curiously at him before Talon provided, "No, our ranch and home lives in the center of the field coming up. The trees won't last much longer."
Again Kohachan's mind raced over the lay of the all too familiar land. He resisted the urge to race at a headlong sprint through the rest of the woods then onto the field and running all the way to Kakariko. Stepping a bit heavier for the resisted urge, he brought the attention of his mount as well as Zolaris then Toloran. A silent question passed among them to which Kohachan glowered at the hesitation then shook his head sharply and kept up the steady pace with Talon and Malon.
Still, Toloran passed a glance to Zolaris. Something was wrong with their red-headed friend. When they reached the field, Kohachan had taken a few deep breaths and his step was silent again as Zolaris came up beside Kohachan again, his hand for once away from the silky black mane to hold something toward Kohachan. Wordlessly, Kohachan took it and Zolaris kept looking ahead and rubbing his hands together quickly.
Sighing lightly, Kohachan looked at what was given to him as the silver of it gleamed under the dull but early evening sun. He looked at it with great interest and turned it over to see the writing along the band it if a bit better and said to Zolaris in Sheikahn tongue, "Zolaris, where did you find this?" He held the ring up to see the markings inside the band of it.
Even under the dull light, the light blue script was visible. Kohachan ignored Zolaris words as they were faded by the booming voice in his mind. The script set between the arcs of the crescent moons made sense to him. The words were repeated in his mind. Finally, Kohachan turned on Zolaris demanding, "What does the legend say of the three used to unlock the Moon Blade?!" When Zolaris couldn't answer, Kohachan looked away from the script, a hint of fear and intrigue in his eyes as flecks of gold dotted the usual red. "Come on! Wasn't there something about reading in an unlearned tongue?"
When Zolaris still did not answer, Kohachan insisted he got off and even helped him down by pulling before throwing himself onto the mount. Shouting for the stallion to run through the remaining forestry at breakneck speeds then dash even faster across the level grounds of Hyrule.
They set a pace only matched later by the Lon-Lon Ranch bread horse, Epona and kept that pace until they reached the rising drawbridge of the castle town market. Leaping over that easily, Kohachan guided the mount through the crowded market place.
At first, the guards to the gate of the castle did not recognize the Sheikah until they say the crest he bore on his chest. The gate opened for him as the horse kicked up sands in bearing the rider up the small hill and to the castle itself. Taking only a moment to gather himself together, Kohachan strode past the guards as they eyeballed him. Heading toward the wide doors, his sharp ears picked up a very familiar and feminine voice ringing inside.
"The knowledge is not with the guardians of the Tri-force but in the makers." This voice was that of the Princess, though whom she was talking to remained a mystery. Finally, he let himself in but upon hearing the doors opening, the voice ended and the doors were pulled open wider to let him in. Zelda turned to him in grace and smiled brightly, "Kohachan, I am pleased to see you again. Why have you taken so long? Could you find Link? Please, come and warm yourself."
The flustered Sheikah couldn't get a word in nor did he care to as he slipped the ring into his pocket and let himself be guided to a very large fireplace and set his hands over it as Zelda with a couple other attendants saw to him. Zelda waited patiently as Kohachan finally got back to the point.
Seeing the young princess again brought back a few painful events in his mind he'd rather have blocked out as he answered, "I found the hero but he didn't want to return here immediately. As it stands now, he is in the forest trying to revive his fairy partner as well as a foreign girl whom we've met along the journey. Actually . . . many have joined us on this journey."
Zelda nodded before quietly asking him to follow her and tell about it. Kohachan obliged and started from the beginning. It would do well to give the young hero some time to re-cooperate. Even as he spoke the order of events leading from his following the caravan that was the festival, Kohachan sorted out a series of events. He would need to report the visitors to the king himself. Announce their arrival, morose.
And where were Andrake, Matt, and Cait? Could they find their way to Hyrule so easily? Even the traveler, Matt, would have some difficulty if he appeared in the Lost Woods. Kohachan made a mental note to himself to try and intercept them if they came by that road. Then along with the village, thoughts of Link, Crystal, and Navi came to mind. Were all three well and safe? He paused in the story at a fare time for a breath and glanced out one of the tall windows looking across the land.
Zelda walked ahead for a bit, not noticing that the Sheikah had stopped walking until she glanced back at him then backtracked to look out the window as well. Yet, she was still taken slightly off-guard when the Sheikah spoke up, "Princess, might I ask to whom and of what you were speaking earlier? What did you mean by, 'the knowledge is not with the guardians of the Tri-force but in the makers'?" Zelda nodded, but her face was saddened once again with trouble. "I was speaking of a prophetic dream I had not too long ago. I was talking to myself, really."
Kohachan could see through that lie all too easily. Yet he decided not to point that out just yet. He was preoccupied with other worries as he continued his tale. "After that mass murder of the Wolfos, I went to see to this Katie . . ." Again he left his mouth take over by itself as he looked about the great hall they entered. Only when another thought caught his attention did he stop the dialogue explaining his story, "Princess, if it was a prophetic dream, then should it not have been brought up with the guardian, Impa?"
"Yes," Zelda answered a bit hesitantly, sounding as though she was giving a reason for getting out of lessons, "but in this case, I knew you were here and I wish to speak it out with Link. He and the other whom you spoke of, Crystal, are both involved as well as the other two Sheikah, Toloran and Zolaris." Kohachan thought a few more slightly malicious thoughts of the princess but decided to hold them in.
"So then, you will wait for them to reach this place first before telling what has happened?" Kohachan asked calmly as he hid his eyes from her by looking ahead. "Yes, I will. Also, the other sages will be gathered in a counsel. My father mustn't know of this, Kohachan. Understand?"
He hated it when she ordered him around like that. But still coolly, he replied, "If he asks directly about the prophecy or of your antics, I cannot lie to him. However, if it does not come up, then I will not speak of the events." Zelda had to agree to that requirement then they continued the meandering about as Kohachan continued telling his story, his mind still lingering on his friends as well as the mysterious ring Zolaris had given him.
~~~~~
Sleep stole over them but Link did not find rest. He was recovering from the shock of having lost one of his friends so easily only to find he was still there, if looking very different than before. His mind was freed up and he could think clearly again, see the light that was a part of life once again. But then why was everything so dark?
He could feel the Mast Sword in his hand as fatigue was washed over him. Flames from a darker magic were alight around him as the stifling heat threatened to make his muscles give to exhaustion. Still, he tightened the grip on the blade. His job . . . his purpose was not done yet.
From the rubble before him, Ganondorf hovered in the air, eyes glowing a threatening yellow/red, contrasting sharply to his shadowed, snarling features as he breathed heavily. Setting the glare onto Link, Ganondorf raised his right fist as the Tri-Force of Power glowed on the back of it. With a roar of rage and power, Ganondorf transformed into his giant pig form.
Link looked into the beady black eyes and saw the flash of the large, golden blades. He raised the Master Sword by reflex, managing to block the golden blade from cleanly cutting his head off. Consequently, the Master Sword was knocked aside. Link could only watch as the last hope for victory landed on the other side of the magically induced flames. He turned back to the creature, Ganon, and thoughts of defeat entered his mind for the first time since confronting the warlock. What chance did he have against the beast when he was alone?
A light made itself known to Link as it hovered just near him and spoke words that rekindled the flames of courage within the tired hero, "There's no way he's holding me back again! This time, we fight together!" Link looked to his fairy partner and saw the courage shining through her fear. The same fears that threatened to take a hold of his heart. But he was not alone. And he was needed for one more purpose. Everyone was counting on him to defeat this monster. And that need would be fulfilled. Link drew the next best thing to the Master Sword. The Biggoron's Sword.
Darkness, flames, pain, time, everything passed in a flash as Link saw the past going before his eyes. When he could make sense of anything again, he saw Ganon rendered to the ground, Zelda's sage powers paralyzing him. The Master Sword was once again in his possession and it began to glow blue as well, preparing to strike down the evil that was Ganon.
Something stirred beneath him as the dream faded into a more peaceful darkness. Link closed his hands as they were cupped to hold the hilt of the Master Sword but they closed over nothing. Link picked up his head and realized he had fallen asleep on Crystal's bedside, Tarawen curled up just near him. He smiled wearily then looked around to find Crystal stirring near him. She was what woke him up. He looked outside to see the sun was barely shining on the treetops.
Shaking his head, Link sat back, away from the bed and on his knees as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "How long were we out?" He blinked and looked to Tarawen as the tiny fox picked up hear head then yawned, showing off a line of sharp teeth. She stood up and shook off, her fur becoming a fuzz ball for a moment before she began licking it down as a morning ritual.
"You were asleep all of last evening then through the night." Saria said as she came through the door, carrying a tray of fresh food, the other tray having been disposed of. "Welcome back, Link." She set the tray near the bed as Link eyed the food hungrily, his appetite finally returning with a vengeance. Saria could only smile for a moment as memories of seeing him that hungry assailed her. Finally, she interrupted his feeding frenzy, "Link, when you have had enough, Princess Zelda wants you to go back to the castle. She's called a meeting with all the sages as well as yourself. Also, she wants three of your new friends to accompany her. One is already with her."
Link cocked an eyebrow to look up at Saria, half a biscuit in his mouth, then he shrugged it off and chewed on the bread, washing it down with milk from a bottle before answering, "I've met a lot of friends along the way, many of them followed me, actually." At this, Link's gave drifted back to Crystal, who was just waking up, and Tarawen as she cocked an ear back at his scrutiny, "Zel will just have to specify who she wants to speak to when we get there. But . . . that can wait." Link grinned innocently and proceeded to thrust the three-pronged fork into a fried egg and stuffed it into his mouth, barely able to chew it.
Saria decided then to find something to occupy herself elsewhere. "Link, I'm going to find some food for your friends. Call if you need anything." Tarawen nodded her agreement ad joined Saria to travel elsewhere, leaning the nodding Link behind as Crystal turned over in the comfortable bed.
~~~~~
Later in the day, all seven sages plus Link, Navi, Tarawen, Kohachan, and Crystal were assembled in a hall. Each wondered why he or she was there, though all were pleased to see Link returned safely, other than the four who sat nearest Link. Zelda stood at the head of the long table and spoke up, picking up where she left off. "As we all know, three Tri-Force pieces were made by three Goddesses. However, it seems that you, Link, have tragically learned of the fourth Tri-Force piece. The Tri-Force of War." Zelda indicated his direction as everyone muttered to each other and Tarawen looked up at Kohachan. The redheaded Sheikah seemed deep in thought.
Link called to Zelda, "Princess Zelda, being that it is the Tri-Force of War, wouldn't the bearer of such a piece be willed to cause war and chaos over the lands even without reason?" The other sages agreed to the statement as Navi landed on Links' shoulder, whispering incoherently to him and Zelda brought everyone under control once again. "Calm down, it won't cast the world into war so easily. That and the bearer of this piece is not a person . . . but a blade. It is called thus for it had two creators. There were two Gods who continuously waged war with each other. They did not appear as the three Golden Goddesses did. Rather, they were a single Hydra." Saria spoke out then, "Highness, I've heard of many creatures but never this Hydra. What is that?"
"A Hydra is a dragon with more than one head."
Kohachan interrupted calmly before Darunia had a full saying on dragons, "It would make sense as both Gods were set over a single thing. That also sounds like the blade wielded by Zolaris." He let Zelda take over as Darunia settled and everyone paid attention to the Princess again.
"Because these Gods, Shasta and Kelta." Crystal leaped up, both hands on the table, her chair was sent flying backward, as she stated, "Those are the names of Katie's wolves! Two white wolves breed from Wolfos in my home land." Link set an odd look on her as each of the sages fixed a glance at the girl, making her sit once more and Navi to try to comfort her as Link cut in, "Yeah, those wolves must have been named after the gods then. Sorry about that, Zelda. Please, continue."
Zelda picked up where she left off as everyone, even a flushed Crystal, gave her their attention, "Because they were always at war, they were not permitted to contribute to the creation of Hyrule. Though, their war-like personalities did affect the land, setting a hint of malice onto the people of the land. The Gerudo's and other warrior races were especially affected by their influence. However, this is beside the point.
"Instead of being set among the earth and holding a Tri-Force of Hyrule along with their sister Goddesses, Shasta and Kelta were set to rule over the moon instead, as Kohachan insinuated. Even there, their war continues. Shasta wants to make the moon to be a light in the darkness of the night while Kelta wants the moon to become ever-dark to blot out the stars and make the night all that much darker. It was a never-ending war they waged and still wage. Only once a month does one side taste victory over the other. When it is either a full moon, Shasta's night, or a new moon, Kelta's night."
Link nodded in remembrance and could feel Oni in the back of his mind also agreeing and added through Link, "But when Shasta's night is over with and the moon is in the even phase between both light and dark, then what happens?" Navi perked up with glee, "That is when it is a silent night! But between the Gods, it is never a silent night, is it?" This was greeted with various chuckles and a few nodding heads.
One who did not laugh was Oni, even tough Link did grin at his fairy partner. He went silent, content to listen in as Zelda calmed herself and continued with a smile to the fairy, "No, Navi, it is never a silent night for either God." Navi grinned sheepishly, though none could see this, and landed on Link's shoulder as Zelda grew somber and continued, "None know which side thought of this or if any of the Goddesses did. Yet, on the night when either side won, the other would create a last defense to last that one night. A warrior of great strength wielded a blade representing the God who chose him. Thus the war between the two Gods continued."
The young Zora princess suddenly interrupted, standing from her own chair, she asked, "Will this be done soon? We do have other things to do. What does this have to do with Hyrule anyway?" This was agreed with by Naburoo but the other four did not agree. If nothing else, it was good to know of the fourth Tri-Force piece just for the knowledge. Yet Zelda did make it seem as though it was a concern for Hyrule all together.
Zelda maintained the peace even as Tarawen glared at the Zora and Link tried to avoid her all together. Despite the time difference, Ruto seemed to remember the marriage vows she made to Link . . . "No, there is still more." Ruto didn't take her seat, though. Rather, she complained a bit sharply, "Well, then, can we take a break? It's getting to be too dry here and there are things we need to look after. Who knows what's happening while we're gone?" Darunia roared with laughter, "I can tell you what is happening with my people. Nothing! If this meeting is given a break, I'll just stay here, if it's all the same to you, Princess Zelda."
She nodded as Naburoo also rose to leave and Impa went to see to Kohachan. Saria was talking with Navi by then while Link and Crystal got into a conversation. Zelda admitted defeat, "Very well, we will finish this after a short break." She went to see to Link and Crystal as Naburoo and Ruto vanished with a flash of orange and blue light respectively. Kohachan excused himself quickly, bowing to Zelda and the others before letting himself away. Impa sighed lightly as Link and Crystal shrugged to each other. "Wait, where is Tarawen?"
~~~~~
Kohachan knew it would be a while before even Zelda managed to get the young Zora princess back from her home waters. 'Less Link was involved. He shook his head lightly at the thought but something was calling him then, as he found the old, unused, secret exit from the castle. It was an exit that led him straight underground to the cemetery. From that back-way of Kakariko, Kohachan found the way through the forestry toward the north and beside the castle. Only a bit further and he would find it. That being his own home. Perhaps then, and only then he would find the peace of mind only one other thing could bring. That one other thing was gone, so perhaps his own home would calm him.
Upon easily and silently slipping through the last of the underbrush, Kohachan's thoughts lingered on the sight of the rising sun against the side of the house, built by him so long ago between the castle and his home village. When he grew frustrated with Hylians in general or any in particular insult, he could relax in his own home.
He could feel as though he were with his tribesman in a simple, hard working village. Even his equally red-haired mother was with him in his memory held by his home. Kohachan had to admit if only to himself, he missed her too much. Even after she passed away, he kept pictures of her as well as hand carvings she made before. But one in particular was the closest. Carefully hand crafted frame made specifically for the first picture of him with his mother. He was but a babe when the picture was made but it had lasted throughout the years. He remembered her best. The sight of her eyes, gazing with love. The smell of her hair as it tumbled around him when she spoke softly in lulling tones. Even the very warmth and protection she gave him were held in that picture. Right then, that one thing was what he longed for as Kohachan quickened his already swift pace.
He could see everything in his mind as he left it in his home. How long has it been since he's been gone? Nevermind, no one should have disturbed it. Everything would be as it was. He smiled at the thought the same way that he had as a kid when he first came home from training or hunting for food. Just eager to be home and in the familiarity and comfort of the place. His place. Yet, when he could see where his house was built, the smile faded to an ashen look of disbelief.
On the ground was a square that was the frame of the house. Yet all that remained of the home were black, charred pieces of wood. Glass was shattered to the sides from the inside along with a picture frame at his feet. He could read the back of the frame. His hands clenched to trembling fists as hair shrouded his eyes.
Coming up behind him at first, Tarawen looked past his ankles at the burned down wreckage. She held her breath upon looking at the scene. Quietly, as only the tiny fox can be quiet, she crept closer to the Sheikah and looked up at him. When she could see him, he had a look of pain and rage across his face. He stared hard at the upside-down picture frame at his feet. What caught Tarawen's eye was the fact his eyes were no longer red. They were set golden to shine out from his shadowed features. The fur raised on end when looking at his eyes, set in such anger as they were.
Ignoring the tiny fox, Demon Kohachan reached down for the picture frame. He lifted it and turned it over slowly, though he already knew what it was a pictograph of. No tears came to his eye as he looked at the half-burned picture. The hand crafted frame was mostly burnt and the glass was broken mostly. The picture itself was mostly burned. Half his mother's face was burned away, the hair that brought her scent to his memory was burned with it. Half of himself was also burned from her arms, and with it went the memory of the warmth and protection found there. Her eyes were shrouded mostly by the mere heat of the flame smoldering the side of the picture and as he looked at them, they were the eyes of a stranger.
His features were set in a snarl of renewed rage as he looked again to the back of it. The sign of a particular gang of Hylian's was on the back of it. Finally, he clenched the fist the held the frame. The burnt side crumbled but the rest of it splintered free of it and bit into the flesh of his hand, drawing blood as he walked to the ruins that was once his home.
Smoke still rose from the rubble, though he was upwind of it, thus why he hadn't smelt it while in the graveyard. Only when he looked around at the ruins did the slightest of tears come to his eye. Clenching his eyes closed, letting the tears slip down his cheek, he released the bottled up anger. Crushing the frame deeper into his palm, he let out a roar of pure anguish and rage.
He swore, when he could yell no longer, that those responsible for destroying his sanctuary would pay. And pay dearly.
~~~~~
Twenty minutes had passed and there was still no sign of Kohachan or Tarawen. Ruto was once again getting to be uncomfortable so Zelda hurried herself, "After centuries of the balanced, even rhythmic, war, a compromise was made. Once every year, the moon will belong to both Gods at the same time and neither of them. On that time, both warriors chosen by Shasta and Kelta will walk the earth and battle each other to find out once and for all which is the stronger side." Link spoke up as Oni prodded him to ask, "That time is coming near, isn't? That's why you are worried for it. Yet, it has happened before, if it is to happen each year. Why is this one any different?"
"Yes, that time is drawing near. And it has happened before but not successfully. Be patient and I'll explain why we worry now and not in previous years. If either side succeeds, that warrior can take the enemy's sword to create the blade with both powers of the darkness and the light, though it's appearance will represent the 'victor'. It is the Moon Blade of which I speak." Oni shook his head lightly. It was no wonder that she was the bearer of the Tri-Force of Wisdom. Yet still he pointed out, "That's what Zolaris was doing. At lest his demon was. He is the wielder of the Dark Moon Blade. Kelta's chosen warrior, you might say."
Nodding, Zelda spoke softly in concern, as though she didn't want to know of all the facts. "So, the Dark Warrior knows of this. Yes, the reason this was not a concern comes to play now. To stall the chosen victor, the three Goddesses set a lock to the powers of the Moon Blade. It cannot be forged without three souls. The three Zolaris' demon, the Warrior chosen by Kelta, is searching for.
"The souls cannot be just any, obviously, but the three chosen to hold the traits favored by the Goddesses. These traits being wisdom, power, and courage. Yet they cannot be the same three who hold the golden Tri-Force pieces. After all, the Goddesses would be very displeased to find their favored ones no longer of the living." When she paused, Link took the opportunity to speak, the dream of Ganondorf still fresh in his mind, "Princess, would that mean that the ones he is searching for is not the bearers but others close to them? How can we tell who is safe and who is not? We can't let those individuals die!" Oni agreed and added, "The warrior was going after Crystal. Who else is a 'key' is not known. Yet they must be near for the Warrior to be so desperate to fulfill the legend."
Though his slightly deeper voice did disturb her, Zelda continued carefully for the other sages sake's as she looked to Crystal. "Yes, Link, the people who represent wisdom, courage, and power will be sacrificed, their life force going to unlock the ability to forge the destructive power of the Moon Blade. Hmm . . .never have these three been found before. If they are, then a victor will be found. Be he of Shasta or Kelta, the Moon Blade must not be made." Zelda looked out a nearby window though it did not show her land. But she could see the land in all it's peace then and loathed know what it would be like if either side of the war was won between the two gods.
"It is not only for the fact that the legend must not come true but also for the fact that there cannot be a victor. There must always be both darkness and light, a balance of the two. Without one, the other cannot exist. If both were to thrive without the check of the other, then destruction will reign and the world will be cast into blinding light or blinding darkness un-ending. We have to stop this from happening . . ." All agreed even though Zelda looked out the window, her thoughts far elsewhere. Elsewhere, where a familiar anger was in the air. It had something to do with her, she knew, as her Tri-Force slightly began to glow on the back of her hand. But if it was what she thought it was . . .
Turning quickly to Link, she asked in as calm a voice he could muster, "Link, this night . . . what will the moon be as?" Oni thought of the question before answering for Link in the slightly deeper voice, "It will be nearing the half moon. The time when both sides are equal, as you would say. Why does that matter?" Zelda paced her way to the window and looked out of it as she murmured mostly to herself, "Then it looks like we'll get the answer to what happens when Shasta's night is over with and the moon is in the even phase between both light and dark."
~~~~~~~
Well now, another demon appears. But by what an incident! If it didn't make sense near the end, I'm so very sorry. *Bows in apology* Shadow Magician knows perfectly well why it is so . . . whatever it is! ^-^;
I'm also sorry that this wasn't posted before Christmas but everything was hectic with relatives and whatever else could serve as a delay. (Including writer's block) LunaYami! Where are you? T_T Her ideas would be handy, really . . .
Kohachan: *No longer has any caramel on his face* Since Shadow Girl has gone dumb and typed late shift again, I'll take over the ending.
No, you won't!!!!!!! *Slams Kohachan into a closet and locks it* Muahahahahaa! Now he won't interfere again at all!! Yeah . . . I'm going to sleep now. Merry Christmas again!!
Until next time!