~ Disclaimer ~ None of the Zelda or Nintendo projects belong to me nor do I
own any share of the company. Translation: I don't own Zelda! Don't sue
meeee!!!!
Fwah! Gomen (sorry) for the last chapter. Never again (unless deemed absolutely necessary) will a chapter be that long! Or confusing for that matter. It was an all nighter of a project ~_~;
Hmmm . . . the war between Shadow Knight and Omega Zero seems to be forfeit. Or else Omega can't get a review in. Thus Shadow Knight is getting restless.
Kohachan: You are telling me?!?
Ah . . . I was telling everyone else. You already know. Anyway, onto the dedications. This chapter goes out to MonoChronos (Yeah, glad you feel better. You're welcome, me thinks ^_^;), Jelie36 (As usual, you are on top of things. But I still won't reveal them yet! *Insane laughter*), Angle1 (Don't hurt MEEEEE! But this is a major problem of the redheads'. You'll see. Hi Tomas!), Shadow Knight (I don't know why I called you by your Yahoo name before . . . But now you have a whole new fight to deal with. Ah . . . hang on you two, at least until the chapter almost finishes, neh?), CatrinaStars (Gladly. Zelda will explain herself at last in this chapter. The moon is waning to the new moon and will be at a half moon very soon. That is good enough, right? Just ask.)
Now that that is over, let's see about that fight, neh? *A viewing screen comes down so Nisiko, Rei, and Merrick can see as well. I hold up a microphone* Hello! And welcome to the "mad man author" vs. the "chaotic character"! Place your bets if you will cause this starts today!
Kohachan: Great. So the boy wishes to fight me now?! Fine. I haven't had a fine fight in a while. *Draws the katana and watches for SK to appear*
Shadow Knight: Prepare thyself! *Holds up the Harukaze and swings at the Sheikah like the mad man he is*
Kohachan: *eyes narrow in anger* This is not a day to play with me, Matt! *Dodges the initial swing easily, drawing back only slightly. Brings the katana around to knock aside the blade. Eyes flash in anger and focus as he turns straight to the boy, bearing one fist curled in a tight fist to deck him across the jaw. Watches him stumble back a moment then attacks again with a high kick to his chest. Awaits his counter strike in a defense position.*
o.0; Kohan's not to happy this day . . . Let's see how it is with the chapter.
~~~~~~~
~ Filling the Holes ~
The black wolf led the way at a gentle run as Cait and Matt rode on the palomino. Seeing the old man calmly filling a water trough nearby an old house part way in the woods, Matt stopped puzzling about the animals and turned all attention to the old man. When the horse stopped, Matt was the first off as he drew his staff, just to be armed as Cait slid off the horse's back behind him.
The black wolf went toward the old man, panting lightly and happily grinning, his tongue lolling to one side of his jaw. "Well now, Shekro just look what followed you home. Hello, youngins. Can I help you?" Through his smile, Gramps regarded the staff and wondered how well the young one could wield it.
Taking note of the scrutiny, Matt twirled the staff and rather unabashedly claimed, "The name's Matt. This is my younger partner, Cait. We've come by some rather interesting events but would you know of a man known as 'Gramps'?"
"As a matter of fact I do. Why would you want to know of him, though? A wanderer such as yourself doesn't seem the type to be interested in any one person." Gramps stated matter-of-factly as he scratched behind Shekro's ear.
He couldn't help but grin inwardly as his observation had somewhat humbled the boy. What brought back memories was when the young girl's face lit up in a smile of surprise and she bounded forward, "How did you know we were wanderers, mister?" He excitement wasn't at all masked or contained. Gramps laughed lightly, images of Crystal in her own youth coming back to mind. Though she and this young Cait looked very much different.
"Yeah, exactly how could you tell?" Matt interrupted Gramp's musing, "And where is Gramps? We don't have all day. Pretty soon, another of our comrades will be returning so we kind of have to hurry. Its concerning Gramp's granddaughter, if that helps any." The news might have well been a splash of cold water to the old man.
Turning to Matt once again as Shekro perked his ears in attention, Gramps pressed, "Exactly how does it concern Crystal?" He had ignored the previous question in his worry for the girl. Matt also grew suspicious as Cait fell back to his side. "One answer depends on the other. This only involves Gramps and no one else."
They continued to face off.
~~~~~
Stopping his dash only when he had reached the wall of the city, Andrake looked up at the tall wall, his cape whipped past and around his knees before settling down to his ankles again. He kept one hand confidently on his sword and sheath. Yet, there was no time to spend with just observing any changes.
Taking a breath of the familiar air, Andrake went toward the gates, saluting the guard at the central gate as the guard returned a rigid salute and let him pass. The area was much cheerier than he remembered previously.
Then again, when he had left, the city was trying to recover the dead and wounded after the attack of the Wolfos. Glancing around as he kept up a quick walk, Andrake couldn't find any he recognized from the event, other than a few other knights trying to help with rebuilding and cleaning the streets.
He pauses again only when he reached a site of upturned earth in the middle of a grassy area, standing out as a sore on a fair maiden's face. As though to make it a slightly better sight, the grave was covered with flowers. Yet when the wind was strong enough, many flowers were quick to fly away. Andrake took a deep breath and tore his eye from the sight to hurry in his pace again, only to nearly bowl straight into a young person.
Taking a few quick steps, Andrake steadied himself and caught the arms of the person he had ran into, holding him steady as well. He muttered a few apologies then hurried off, not wanting the effect of the mass grave to be seen upon him.
The castle was a glorious sight despite all that was behind him. Andrake kept up his quick walk, containing himself all that much more till his face was an unreadable mask. It could have been mistaken for grief or emotion held back, though it was the latter. Sweeping past the next set of guards at the tall iron gates surrounding the castle, he requested entry, giving his name and rank. A short salute was his greeting as he was permitted inside the gate.
Another sight caught his eye. He cursed himself as soon as he turned to look at it. Several smaller replicas of the mass grave were standing beside the castle. Even from the distance, Andrake could see them all too clearly. Over each was a large grave stove holding the name and information as well as a short, heart felt statement for each of those who had passed. Again tearing his gaze away and before his wandering feet could make him take a closer look, Andrake headed into the castle itself to seek out the king whom he served.
The castle was silent through and through with only the soft whispers to break the mourning silence. Looking around, Andrake could see sorrow in the eyes of several guests as well as attendants, though the attendants continued their goings and comings. A few nobles huddled together speaking of the happenings. One word that Andrake was able to catch from them was the word "wolves". Remembering that the wolves were captured but that's all, he wondered what had become of them since their mistress was gone.
After passing through two more great double doors, Andrake found the line of guards on either side of the throne in the great hall. A large table and a burning hearth was in the center, off to the left of the carpet leading to the throne. The King could be seen, a golden goblet in one hand as he looked to Andrake in question. Eyes of the guards gazed to him though they didn't turn their heads to see Andrake fully.
Andrake took to one knee before his king and then looked up at him, trying to find the words he had rehearsed to himself only to find that they had flown away. The king wore his traditional, deep violet and black cloak, though it held a white and black spotted fur lining on the hem of it. Under the cloak, silver and golden armor shone with stains of black-stained indents and patterns depicting a lion with eagle's wings along its back. It was roaring and clawing forward, its claws easily seen on the paw as it's main flared with royal majesty. It was the crest the royal family lived under, the roaring, winged lion.
Finally, the king spoke with his fairly deep yet still glad voice, "Andrake, welcome home. It has been a long time since you left on the journey to rid this land of that evil girl. Was it successful? Come, relate us with your story."
Andrake found his voice then when he was bidden, "Yes, my king, I was a success. However, another of our people was nearly lost in the process of delivering Katie to another land. Katie, your highness, is now a slave sent to farther away lands. Yet a young girl named Crystal was attacked and poisoned. She has been sent to the land of Hyrule to gain the healing medicines she needed."
As usual, the wise king seemed to look straight through the knight before him. He spoke somewhat sternly but not cruelly, "And this girl who was sent to Hyrule was someone of great importance to you."
"Yes, your highness." Andrake hesitated then but with a grip of one fist, he continued, "I would ask for the permission to go after her to see she returns here safely if at all." He waited for the answer, his eyes trained on the floor just before him. The answer came but carefully, "Young man, you do realize that you cannot do so."
"I would ask only for a short while . . . a seven days at most . . . to go to her and bring her back. It would not take long at all. I have earned that much time-"
"You have used the time you've earned and I will remind you that you have sworn loyalty to the throne and this kingdom. If she means that much, you may send another in your place to go after this girl." The case was settled. Andrake stood up, bowed at the waist, but looked at the king once more and spoke again, despite it was out of line, "And if I took the liberty to go without permission granted?"
"Then that would be treason. Your life as a knight would be forfeit if not your life as a human."
Andrake thought of Matt but the ache to go after his own sister was stronger. Besides, being a knight only brought back memories of his "services" to Katie. He grinned cynically to himself and felt the eyes of the guards as well as his king upon him.
"Then it is forfeit." With that, Andrake ran as his life depended on it, for it did.
~~~~~
"So, Kohachan has left for good. Well, until he decides to return to report to my father." Zelda said as she walked with Link and Crystal while the purple Navi flew over-head hovering around Link. Crystal nodded, though her head still felt light, "Yes. So has Tarawen. Something tells me, though, that there is more to that than meets the eye. Where would Kohachan go?" Link shrugged.
Thoughtfully looking to the windows of the hall, Zelda looked to east of the castle. She had heard about a fire going there only one the other night. "He might have gone on a feeling of trouble brewing. There was a large faire to the east of here. What was burned and who burned it remains a mystery. Saria said that no trees were burned so it had to have been something else out there. A house perhaps." Link nodded but felt restlessness with Oni within him.
"Well, to get to a key in a mystery, one has to find out the 'why' of the mysterious act. In the beginning, Kohachan lived here. Did he live in the castle?" Crystal asked calmly. Zelda shook her head, "My father might know where he lived but it didn't seem to matter. He was here when he was needed."
Link thought for a moment longer when an old question came to mind, "Zelda, why did you send him off in the first place? Only to find me?" She blinked in confusion of the question then nodded, "Basically, yes. Link, you are the hero of this land, even if you feel you are not. If anything was to arise, you will have to face it." Why wasn't Link satisfied with the answer? He shrugged it off but frowned at the thought of being any sort of hero. A hero who was unknown to those he saved.
Navi broke the slightly rising tension with her shrill voice, "If Kohachan doesn't live here, isn't it obvious that he went to see to his home? And wherever Kohachan is, Tarawen must have followed him. We have to find out where that is! Princess, doesn't anybody know?" Link nodded his agreement to Navi's deduction as Zelda thought for a moment, "Impa might know. I don't know if my father would know or not. But Impa should."
As though summoned by the questionings, Impa appeared before them in a flash of violet light and a bow to them, "I heard my name. Is there something wrong, Princess?"
A look of surprise crossed Link's, Crystal's and Navi's features as Zelda seemed indifferent and asked the Sage of Shadows, "Yes, Impa. Can you please tell me where the young Sheikah, Kohachan, might live?"
Impa smiled lightly then pointed to the east of the castle, "He lives in that direction, north of Kakariko village, as is customary of one of the guardians of the royal family. Though, his family is gone weather by death or by moving elsewhere, he still is known to take care of that house. Princess, you seem ashen. Are you well?" Zelda didn't hear Impa's question. She understood then what was most likely burned not too long ago at all. Just a week after Kohachan's departure. She turned to Link who was staring in that direction as well, his eyes narrowing slightly and gaining a hint of silver in them, his face also going a bit white but not for shock or illness.
"I don't like it at all. Perhaps it would be best if I went to take a look." Link took his leave with haste, not bothering to be permitted as he brushed past the sage. Even Navi stayed behind with Zelda and Crystal. The three girls looked to each other with worry. There was more sliver than in Link's eyes than blue as he left. "Link, be careful." Zelda said softly as Crystal wished him luck as well.
~~~~~
The sun shone down with midday light, though it did nothing to warm the area. Yet the area was warm anyway. If it was warm by the burned ruins around them or by the white-hot rage the demon before her was showing, Tarawen didn't know. Without a second glance around, she became her more human form and ran up to Demon Kohachan. Taking his injured hands in hers, she stared at it, deciding to keep her focus from his eyes.
With a snort, Demon Kohachan pulled his injured hand away from her before pushing her away and jumping onto the burned and collapsed roof of his once was home. Tarawen watched him carefully, determined to heal that wound nonetheless. She finally spoke to him, "Kohachan, what are you looking for? Come down here!" She tried not to flinch as he turned sharply on her with enraged, gleaming eyes shining out from his dark features and against the gray sky. "I'm looking for vengeance." His voice was deeper and coated with malice.
His voice was so different. Tarawen wasn't sure if he was the same person at all. Shaking off the slight chills coursing through her then leaping up to him with ease, Tarawen turned him around to face her completely only to find his uninjured hand tightening on her throat. She hadn't even seen it move much less have been able to avoid it! She gasped only for surprise as the pressure increased before she took a hand as a fist and rammed it into his stomach. Yet, unlike before, this only made him more irritated and left Tarawen both still strangling and feeling as though she had hit petrified wood.
"Ko . . . ha . . . chan . . ." She found he soon couldn't even gasp as she flailed her legs in growing panic then finally she managed to gain a kick at his leg and thigh, trying to kick at the universal weakness of men. Yet his eyes darted toward the castle in the west and his grip slightly loosened. Another power was coming. One all too familiar and very strong was heading their way. The silver eyed and white-haired Deity was poking his nose into another demon's business. Figured.
Scowling at Tarawen again, Demon Kohachan threw her to the side and off the roof by her throat. He scoffed harshly before looking for the telltale signs of those who would have to die as well as kept an ear open for the sound of another coming. Yet he knew that the pesky fox girl was not going to leave him be as his blood flowed around his fingers then. Some vein or another must've been cut. He cared not.
Coughing and messaging her throat, Tarawen also growled in anger. That boy had tried to really hurt her! Taking a few more swallows as her throat seemed to re-open, she coughed once more then stood up, the fall having only served to dirty her somewhat in the still warm ashes. "Kohachan, you- " She coughed again ten forced out, "Yirrch!"
The name caused Demon Kohachan to pause his searching, his eyes widening from the name than blazing with more rage. And to think, he was almost calmed down from his searching his destroyed home. He looked to Tarawen again, glaring at her steadfastly only to meet her own glare at him. All thoughts of unwanted company were out of his mind for the moment.
Her deep green eyes seemed to gain a deadly hint. Many have backed down or flinched at Tarawen's glares but as he was, Demon Kohachan would not be made to back down. Instead, that return glare was a mere challenge to him. He drew the katana and leapt down to her level on the ground again.
Seeing the flashing blade of her friend, Tarawen drew her own long knife from the side of her waist, glad she had thought to bring that on the journey. The Sheikah's eyes flashed in the thought of battle as the red- haired demon crouched slightly only to launch himself at the Kitsune, katana at his side.
Tarawen took a step back as she could see he was faster than before. Than ever before that she has seen him fight. She closed her eyes, focusing on bracing herself and brought up her long knife only to catch the katana. She opened her eyes again to see Demon Kohachan directly before her face, just between the blades locked. His golden eyes burned into hers, making the features of his skin and face seem all that much darker. She tried to shove him off but he pushed back harder.
Growling from being fought against in the first place, Tarawen threw his blade to the side then dropped to a sweep kick. Demon Kohachan leapt over the would-be sweep kick. He came down on top of her, kicking as he did. Tarawen held both forearms up to block him but the kicks pushed her back onto her tail as she was already crouched. She leaned back onto her neck then jumped clear to her feet to swipe the long knife at her once was friend.
The long knife once again met Katana but it was a ricochet of a swipe. The blades sparked momentarily but came around again to meet. Several times, the sound of the two blades sounded in the air. Tarawen avoided another horizontal slash of his blade then came around with a high kick to his chin. Demon Kohachan's eyebrows raised in surprise as his eyes dilated again but he caught the foot that was aimed at him then grinned unpleasantly at the Kitsune princess.
Tarawen spat several curses at him before jumping up again and kicking him in the face with her free foot. This he also caught but the grin was replaced by a glower as he shoved her off and onto her back, her head stopping her by hitting one of the mostly burned-out boards. She tried to orient herself again but she still saw two identical Sheikah coming toward her, both with the look of death in their burning gold eyes.
She gripped her hand in the ash, only to find that the long knife was out of her hand and out of her reach. She looked up at the demon again in pure fury. Ready to dodge the two katanas, she steadied herself. The blade flashed and then flew with speed Tarawen could barely keep up with. Right before she made her move, another blade was known.
"I think this senseless fight has gone on long enough." A deep, stern voice of the deity said calmly. Demon Kohachan and Tarawen both looked in half surprise but mostly rage. Oni Link held his blade intercepted with the katana as he looked back at the demon. Demon Kohachan relaxed his features somewhat, wondered slightly as of how he had forgotten the Deities presence, and easily sheathed the blade. His eyes faded from a burning gold to dull amber once again, his pupils more in focus as he regarded Oni Link.
Tarawen also got up and held a hand to her head until the world stopped tilting under her and there were no more twin items around her. Demon Kohachan glared at her again before going back to the ruins of the house and leaning casually against one of the burned support beams, hoping it wouldn't collapse from behind him. That would be a nice show, Demon Kohachan though bitterly to himself.
Oni Link patted the ash from one of Tarawen's shoulders only to have his hand smacked away. "I never asked for your help! I could handle him myself, thank you, Oni Link. Yes, I know about you from the redhead over there." Oni shrugged then turned to Demon Kohachan, "Exactly, what brings you here and not our old friend?"
"Revenge. The desire to get those nullfits back whom have done this."
"I thought it was that the demons of the legend only came out on a certain time of the lunar alignment." Oni set his sword to the side and crossed his arms over his chest casually as he looked lazily back at the somewhat calmer demon before him.
"That is only if such power is needed. Feh, Zolaris hates his demon so badly that he has bottled him up to the point that the demon loathes him right back yet can only escape to do mischief and create trouble. Thus the power of the dark God helps his warrior escape through the power of his sword." He laughed then in pure amusement, "Isn't it interesting, though, that Demon Zolaris had the wrong sword?"
"Wrong sword?" Oni looked up as Link also paid attention. Tarawen finished brushing herself down and became her tiny fox form for the warmth provided.
"Yes. The wrong sword. He is the Dark Warrior. So why did he have the Light Blade? Because on the nights before and after the eclipse, both swords are changed even if both Warriors are not brought out. It's a warning. Yet, on the night of the lunar eclipse . . . that will be nine nights from now . . . the Warriors will both be present. It would be best that the Light Warrior has his sword by then, Deity."
Oni Link stared hard at Demon Kohachan as Tarawen waded her way through the ash about her paws to his side and looked up at him, wondering if he was still her friend. She was ignored as Oni continued, "How do you know all this?"
Demon Kohachan shrugged indifferently and took a ring from his pocket as he looked at the script upon it once again, "Three demons, three phases of the moon, three forces of the triangle. Call it the wisdom of the demon."
~~~~~~~
Well now, is anyone surprised? Demon Kohachan makes the scene and what is his first act? I'm sure LunaYami wasn't too surprised *whistles innocently* As for why this chapter was late to upload . . . Internet connection was gone from this area for a while. Not my fault! @_@;;
So, who did expect that Kohachan was the key of Wisdom? And what about the blades getting switched, neh? Neh?? *Laughs madly* Demon Zolaris was confused as to why the blade behaved that way, right? He had the wrong one! But then, where is the Dark Moon Blade? Find out next time! So . . .
Until next time! *Goes to beat the tar out of the connection service for making this chapter late*
Fwah! Gomen (sorry) for the last chapter. Never again (unless deemed absolutely necessary) will a chapter be that long! Or confusing for that matter. It was an all nighter of a project ~_~;
Hmmm . . . the war between Shadow Knight and Omega Zero seems to be forfeit. Or else Omega can't get a review in. Thus Shadow Knight is getting restless.
Kohachan: You are telling me?!?
Ah . . . I was telling everyone else. You already know. Anyway, onto the dedications. This chapter goes out to MonoChronos (Yeah, glad you feel better. You're welcome, me thinks ^_^;), Jelie36 (As usual, you are on top of things. But I still won't reveal them yet! *Insane laughter*), Angle1 (Don't hurt MEEEEE! But this is a major problem of the redheads'. You'll see. Hi Tomas!), Shadow Knight (I don't know why I called you by your Yahoo name before . . . But now you have a whole new fight to deal with. Ah . . . hang on you two, at least until the chapter almost finishes, neh?), CatrinaStars (Gladly. Zelda will explain herself at last in this chapter. The moon is waning to the new moon and will be at a half moon very soon. That is good enough, right? Just ask.)
Now that that is over, let's see about that fight, neh? *A viewing screen comes down so Nisiko, Rei, and Merrick can see as well. I hold up a microphone* Hello! And welcome to the "mad man author" vs. the "chaotic character"! Place your bets if you will cause this starts today!
Kohachan: Great. So the boy wishes to fight me now?! Fine. I haven't had a fine fight in a while. *Draws the katana and watches for SK to appear*
Shadow Knight: Prepare thyself! *Holds up the Harukaze and swings at the Sheikah like the mad man he is*
Kohachan: *eyes narrow in anger* This is not a day to play with me, Matt! *Dodges the initial swing easily, drawing back only slightly. Brings the katana around to knock aside the blade. Eyes flash in anger and focus as he turns straight to the boy, bearing one fist curled in a tight fist to deck him across the jaw. Watches him stumble back a moment then attacks again with a high kick to his chest. Awaits his counter strike in a defense position.*
o.0; Kohan's not to happy this day . . . Let's see how it is with the chapter.
~~~~~~~
~ Filling the Holes ~
The black wolf led the way at a gentle run as Cait and Matt rode on the palomino. Seeing the old man calmly filling a water trough nearby an old house part way in the woods, Matt stopped puzzling about the animals and turned all attention to the old man. When the horse stopped, Matt was the first off as he drew his staff, just to be armed as Cait slid off the horse's back behind him.
The black wolf went toward the old man, panting lightly and happily grinning, his tongue lolling to one side of his jaw. "Well now, Shekro just look what followed you home. Hello, youngins. Can I help you?" Through his smile, Gramps regarded the staff and wondered how well the young one could wield it.
Taking note of the scrutiny, Matt twirled the staff and rather unabashedly claimed, "The name's Matt. This is my younger partner, Cait. We've come by some rather interesting events but would you know of a man known as 'Gramps'?"
"As a matter of fact I do. Why would you want to know of him, though? A wanderer such as yourself doesn't seem the type to be interested in any one person." Gramps stated matter-of-factly as he scratched behind Shekro's ear.
He couldn't help but grin inwardly as his observation had somewhat humbled the boy. What brought back memories was when the young girl's face lit up in a smile of surprise and she bounded forward, "How did you know we were wanderers, mister?" He excitement wasn't at all masked or contained. Gramps laughed lightly, images of Crystal in her own youth coming back to mind. Though she and this young Cait looked very much different.
"Yeah, exactly how could you tell?" Matt interrupted Gramp's musing, "And where is Gramps? We don't have all day. Pretty soon, another of our comrades will be returning so we kind of have to hurry. Its concerning Gramp's granddaughter, if that helps any." The news might have well been a splash of cold water to the old man.
Turning to Matt once again as Shekro perked his ears in attention, Gramps pressed, "Exactly how does it concern Crystal?" He had ignored the previous question in his worry for the girl. Matt also grew suspicious as Cait fell back to his side. "One answer depends on the other. This only involves Gramps and no one else."
They continued to face off.
~~~~~
Stopping his dash only when he had reached the wall of the city, Andrake looked up at the tall wall, his cape whipped past and around his knees before settling down to his ankles again. He kept one hand confidently on his sword and sheath. Yet, there was no time to spend with just observing any changes.
Taking a breath of the familiar air, Andrake went toward the gates, saluting the guard at the central gate as the guard returned a rigid salute and let him pass. The area was much cheerier than he remembered previously.
Then again, when he had left, the city was trying to recover the dead and wounded after the attack of the Wolfos. Glancing around as he kept up a quick walk, Andrake couldn't find any he recognized from the event, other than a few other knights trying to help with rebuilding and cleaning the streets.
He pauses again only when he reached a site of upturned earth in the middle of a grassy area, standing out as a sore on a fair maiden's face. As though to make it a slightly better sight, the grave was covered with flowers. Yet when the wind was strong enough, many flowers were quick to fly away. Andrake took a deep breath and tore his eye from the sight to hurry in his pace again, only to nearly bowl straight into a young person.
Taking a few quick steps, Andrake steadied himself and caught the arms of the person he had ran into, holding him steady as well. He muttered a few apologies then hurried off, not wanting the effect of the mass grave to be seen upon him.
The castle was a glorious sight despite all that was behind him. Andrake kept up his quick walk, containing himself all that much more till his face was an unreadable mask. It could have been mistaken for grief or emotion held back, though it was the latter. Sweeping past the next set of guards at the tall iron gates surrounding the castle, he requested entry, giving his name and rank. A short salute was his greeting as he was permitted inside the gate.
Another sight caught his eye. He cursed himself as soon as he turned to look at it. Several smaller replicas of the mass grave were standing beside the castle. Even from the distance, Andrake could see them all too clearly. Over each was a large grave stove holding the name and information as well as a short, heart felt statement for each of those who had passed. Again tearing his gaze away and before his wandering feet could make him take a closer look, Andrake headed into the castle itself to seek out the king whom he served.
The castle was silent through and through with only the soft whispers to break the mourning silence. Looking around, Andrake could see sorrow in the eyes of several guests as well as attendants, though the attendants continued their goings and comings. A few nobles huddled together speaking of the happenings. One word that Andrake was able to catch from them was the word "wolves". Remembering that the wolves were captured but that's all, he wondered what had become of them since their mistress was gone.
After passing through two more great double doors, Andrake found the line of guards on either side of the throne in the great hall. A large table and a burning hearth was in the center, off to the left of the carpet leading to the throne. The King could be seen, a golden goblet in one hand as he looked to Andrake in question. Eyes of the guards gazed to him though they didn't turn their heads to see Andrake fully.
Andrake took to one knee before his king and then looked up at him, trying to find the words he had rehearsed to himself only to find that they had flown away. The king wore his traditional, deep violet and black cloak, though it held a white and black spotted fur lining on the hem of it. Under the cloak, silver and golden armor shone with stains of black-stained indents and patterns depicting a lion with eagle's wings along its back. It was roaring and clawing forward, its claws easily seen on the paw as it's main flared with royal majesty. It was the crest the royal family lived under, the roaring, winged lion.
Finally, the king spoke with his fairly deep yet still glad voice, "Andrake, welcome home. It has been a long time since you left on the journey to rid this land of that evil girl. Was it successful? Come, relate us with your story."
Andrake found his voice then when he was bidden, "Yes, my king, I was a success. However, another of our people was nearly lost in the process of delivering Katie to another land. Katie, your highness, is now a slave sent to farther away lands. Yet a young girl named Crystal was attacked and poisoned. She has been sent to the land of Hyrule to gain the healing medicines she needed."
As usual, the wise king seemed to look straight through the knight before him. He spoke somewhat sternly but not cruelly, "And this girl who was sent to Hyrule was someone of great importance to you."
"Yes, your highness." Andrake hesitated then but with a grip of one fist, he continued, "I would ask for the permission to go after her to see she returns here safely if at all." He waited for the answer, his eyes trained on the floor just before him. The answer came but carefully, "Young man, you do realize that you cannot do so."
"I would ask only for a short while . . . a seven days at most . . . to go to her and bring her back. It would not take long at all. I have earned that much time-"
"You have used the time you've earned and I will remind you that you have sworn loyalty to the throne and this kingdom. If she means that much, you may send another in your place to go after this girl." The case was settled. Andrake stood up, bowed at the waist, but looked at the king once more and spoke again, despite it was out of line, "And if I took the liberty to go without permission granted?"
"Then that would be treason. Your life as a knight would be forfeit if not your life as a human."
Andrake thought of Matt but the ache to go after his own sister was stronger. Besides, being a knight only brought back memories of his "services" to Katie. He grinned cynically to himself and felt the eyes of the guards as well as his king upon him.
"Then it is forfeit." With that, Andrake ran as his life depended on it, for it did.
~~~~~
"So, Kohachan has left for good. Well, until he decides to return to report to my father." Zelda said as she walked with Link and Crystal while the purple Navi flew over-head hovering around Link. Crystal nodded, though her head still felt light, "Yes. So has Tarawen. Something tells me, though, that there is more to that than meets the eye. Where would Kohachan go?" Link shrugged.
Thoughtfully looking to the windows of the hall, Zelda looked to east of the castle. She had heard about a fire going there only one the other night. "He might have gone on a feeling of trouble brewing. There was a large faire to the east of here. What was burned and who burned it remains a mystery. Saria said that no trees were burned so it had to have been something else out there. A house perhaps." Link nodded but felt restlessness with Oni within him.
"Well, to get to a key in a mystery, one has to find out the 'why' of the mysterious act. In the beginning, Kohachan lived here. Did he live in the castle?" Crystal asked calmly. Zelda shook her head, "My father might know where he lived but it didn't seem to matter. He was here when he was needed."
Link thought for a moment longer when an old question came to mind, "Zelda, why did you send him off in the first place? Only to find me?" She blinked in confusion of the question then nodded, "Basically, yes. Link, you are the hero of this land, even if you feel you are not. If anything was to arise, you will have to face it." Why wasn't Link satisfied with the answer? He shrugged it off but frowned at the thought of being any sort of hero. A hero who was unknown to those he saved.
Navi broke the slightly rising tension with her shrill voice, "If Kohachan doesn't live here, isn't it obvious that he went to see to his home? And wherever Kohachan is, Tarawen must have followed him. We have to find out where that is! Princess, doesn't anybody know?" Link nodded his agreement to Navi's deduction as Zelda thought for a moment, "Impa might know. I don't know if my father would know or not. But Impa should."
As though summoned by the questionings, Impa appeared before them in a flash of violet light and a bow to them, "I heard my name. Is there something wrong, Princess?"
A look of surprise crossed Link's, Crystal's and Navi's features as Zelda seemed indifferent and asked the Sage of Shadows, "Yes, Impa. Can you please tell me where the young Sheikah, Kohachan, might live?"
Impa smiled lightly then pointed to the east of the castle, "He lives in that direction, north of Kakariko village, as is customary of one of the guardians of the royal family. Though, his family is gone weather by death or by moving elsewhere, he still is known to take care of that house. Princess, you seem ashen. Are you well?" Zelda didn't hear Impa's question. She understood then what was most likely burned not too long ago at all. Just a week after Kohachan's departure. She turned to Link who was staring in that direction as well, his eyes narrowing slightly and gaining a hint of silver in them, his face also going a bit white but not for shock or illness.
"I don't like it at all. Perhaps it would be best if I went to take a look." Link took his leave with haste, not bothering to be permitted as he brushed past the sage. Even Navi stayed behind with Zelda and Crystal. The three girls looked to each other with worry. There was more sliver than in Link's eyes than blue as he left. "Link, be careful." Zelda said softly as Crystal wished him luck as well.
~~~~~
The sun shone down with midday light, though it did nothing to warm the area. Yet the area was warm anyway. If it was warm by the burned ruins around them or by the white-hot rage the demon before her was showing, Tarawen didn't know. Without a second glance around, she became her more human form and ran up to Demon Kohachan. Taking his injured hands in hers, she stared at it, deciding to keep her focus from his eyes.
With a snort, Demon Kohachan pulled his injured hand away from her before pushing her away and jumping onto the burned and collapsed roof of his once was home. Tarawen watched him carefully, determined to heal that wound nonetheless. She finally spoke to him, "Kohachan, what are you looking for? Come down here!" She tried not to flinch as he turned sharply on her with enraged, gleaming eyes shining out from his dark features and against the gray sky. "I'm looking for vengeance." His voice was deeper and coated with malice.
His voice was so different. Tarawen wasn't sure if he was the same person at all. Shaking off the slight chills coursing through her then leaping up to him with ease, Tarawen turned him around to face her completely only to find his uninjured hand tightening on her throat. She hadn't even seen it move much less have been able to avoid it! She gasped only for surprise as the pressure increased before she took a hand as a fist and rammed it into his stomach. Yet, unlike before, this only made him more irritated and left Tarawen both still strangling and feeling as though she had hit petrified wood.
"Ko . . . ha . . . chan . . ." She found he soon couldn't even gasp as she flailed her legs in growing panic then finally she managed to gain a kick at his leg and thigh, trying to kick at the universal weakness of men. Yet his eyes darted toward the castle in the west and his grip slightly loosened. Another power was coming. One all too familiar and very strong was heading their way. The silver eyed and white-haired Deity was poking his nose into another demon's business. Figured.
Scowling at Tarawen again, Demon Kohachan threw her to the side and off the roof by her throat. He scoffed harshly before looking for the telltale signs of those who would have to die as well as kept an ear open for the sound of another coming. Yet he knew that the pesky fox girl was not going to leave him be as his blood flowed around his fingers then. Some vein or another must've been cut. He cared not.
Coughing and messaging her throat, Tarawen also growled in anger. That boy had tried to really hurt her! Taking a few more swallows as her throat seemed to re-open, she coughed once more then stood up, the fall having only served to dirty her somewhat in the still warm ashes. "Kohachan, you- " She coughed again ten forced out, "Yirrch!"
The name caused Demon Kohachan to pause his searching, his eyes widening from the name than blazing with more rage. And to think, he was almost calmed down from his searching his destroyed home. He looked to Tarawen again, glaring at her steadfastly only to meet her own glare at him. All thoughts of unwanted company were out of his mind for the moment.
Her deep green eyes seemed to gain a deadly hint. Many have backed down or flinched at Tarawen's glares but as he was, Demon Kohachan would not be made to back down. Instead, that return glare was a mere challenge to him. He drew the katana and leapt down to her level on the ground again.
Seeing the flashing blade of her friend, Tarawen drew her own long knife from the side of her waist, glad she had thought to bring that on the journey. The Sheikah's eyes flashed in the thought of battle as the red- haired demon crouched slightly only to launch himself at the Kitsune, katana at his side.
Tarawen took a step back as she could see he was faster than before. Than ever before that she has seen him fight. She closed her eyes, focusing on bracing herself and brought up her long knife only to catch the katana. She opened her eyes again to see Demon Kohachan directly before her face, just between the blades locked. His golden eyes burned into hers, making the features of his skin and face seem all that much darker. She tried to shove him off but he pushed back harder.
Growling from being fought against in the first place, Tarawen threw his blade to the side then dropped to a sweep kick. Demon Kohachan leapt over the would-be sweep kick. He came down on top of her, kicking as he did. Tarawen held both forearms up to block him but the kicks pushed her back onto her tail as she was already crouched. She leaned back onto her neck then jumped clear to her feet to swipe the long knife at her once was friend.
The long knife once again met Katana but it was a ricochet of a swipe. The blades sparked momentarily but came around again to meet. Several times, the sound of the two blades sounded in the air. Tarawen avoided another horizontal slash of his blade then came around with a high kick to his chin. Demon Kohachan's eyebrows raised in surprise as his eyes dilated again but he caught the foot that was aimed at him then grinned unpleasantly at the Kitsune princess.
Tarawen spat several curses at him before jumping up again and kicking him in the face with her free foot. This he also caught but the grin was replaced by a glower as he shoved her off and onto her back, her head stopping her by hitting one of the mostly burned-out boards. She tried to orient herself again but she still saw two identical Sheikah coming toward her, both with the look of death in their burning gold eyes.
She gripped her hand in the ash, only to find that the long knife was out of her hand and out of her reach. She looked up at the demon again in pure fury. Ready to dodge the two katanas, she steadied herself. The blade flashed and then flew with speed Tarawen could barely keep up with. Right before she made her move, another blade was known.
"I think this senseless fight has gone on long enough." A deep, stern voice of the deity said calmly. Demon Kohachan and Tarawen both looked in half surprise but mostly rage. Oni Link held his blade intercepted with the katana as he looked back at the demon. Demon Kohachan relaxed his features somewhat, wondered slightly as of how he had forgotten the Deities presence, and easily sheathed the blade. His eyes faded from a burning gold to dull amber once again, his pupils more in focus as he regarded Oni Link.
Tarawen also got up and held a hand to her head until the world stopped tilting under her and there were no more twin items around her. Demon Kohachan glared at her again before going back to the ruins of the house and leaning casually against one of the burned support beams, hoping it wouldn't collapse from behind him. That would be a nice show, Demon Kohachan though bitterly to himself.
Oni Link patted the ash from one of Tarawen's shoulders only to have his hand smacked away. "I never asked for your help! I could handle him myself, thank you, Oni Link. Yes, I know about you from the redhead over there." Oni shrugged then turned to Demon Kohachan, "Exactly, what brings you here and not our old friend?"
"Revenge. The desire to get those nullfits back whom have done this."
"I thought it was that the demons of the legend only came out on a certain time of the lunar alignment." Oni set his sword to the side and crossed his arms over his chest casually as he looked lazily back at the somewhat calmer demon before him.
"That is only if such power is needed. Feh, Zolaris hates his demon so badly that he has bottled him up to the point that the demon loathes him right back yet can only escape to do mischief and create trouble. Thus the power of the dark God helps his warrior escape through the power of his sword." He laughed then in pure amusement, "Isn't it interesting, though, that Demon Zolaris had the wrong sword?"
"Wrong sword?" Oni looked up as Link also paid attention. Tarawen finished brushing herself down and became her tiny fox form for the warmth provided.
"Yes. The wrong sword. He is the Dark Warrior. So why did he have the Light Blade? Because on the nights before and after the eclipse, both swords are changed even if both Warriors are not brought out. It's a warning. Yet, on the night of the lunar eclipse . . . that will be nine nights from now . . . the Warriors will both be present. It would be best that the Light Warrior has his sword by then, Deity."
Oni Link stared hard at Demon Kohachan as Tarawen waded her way through the ash about her paws to his side and looked up at him, wondering if he was still her friend. She was ignored as Oni continued, "How do you know all this?"
Demon Kohachan shrugged indifferently and took a ring from his pocket as he looked at the script upon it once again, "Three demons, three phases of the moon, three forces of the triangle. Call it the wisdom of the demon."
~~~~~~~
Well now, is anyone surprised? Demon Kohachan makes the scene and what is his first act? I'm sure LunaYami wasn't too surprised *whistles innocently* As for why this chapter was late to upload . . . Internet connection was gone from this area for a while. Not my fault! @_@;;
So, who did expect that Kohachan was the key of Wisdom? And what about the blades getting switched, neh? Neh?? *Laughs madly* Demon Zolaris was confused as to why the blade behaved that way, right? He had the wrong one! But then, where is the Dark Moon Blade? Find out next time! So . . .
Until next time! *Goes to beat the tar out of the connection service for making this chapter late*