~ Disclaimer ~ I don't own Zelda. Nor do I own the characters of Nintendo.
Waahhhh!!!! *Sniff* ;_;
Anyway, I'M BACK!! =^_^=
*Looks around* oro? Okay, so I am early. But still. Lost track of time and got a bit of inspiration to go off of. And found whyyy this story is going so slow. But hopefully, that will be amended soon.
Luna Yami: *Appears then tackles Shadow Girl in a hug* Shadow Girl's back!! ^_^
@_@ Luna . . . choking . . . not breathing . . .
Tarawen: *Follows after Luna Yami grinning* Luna Yami, let her breathe . . .
Luna Yami: Oh. lol Sorry. *Lets Shadow Girl go* Welcome back!
^_^;; Thankies. *Is tackle/hugged by another figure* @_@
Shadow Knight: Welcome back, comrade! Now to be random! *Licks her cheek and runs around insane*
*Wipes her cheek off* heh . . . hello. Any more surprises? *Looks around warily and relaxes* Okay then. Back to story writing I go! =^-^= Hope no one forgot about me. Speaking of which, onto dedications!
Luna Yami: I'll help!!
But you're one of the ones this fic is dedicated to!
Luna Yami: . . . so?
^_^;;;;; Okay then. This fic is dedicated to Luna Yami also known as CrysSton16. Well, I am inclined to disagree with something. You're writing does not suck!! That and this story is getting ridiculously drawn out. Hopefully, that will change . . .
Luna Yami: It also goes out to Jelie36
Hee hee. Didn't have to wait a full four months after all . . . Just close to it. This also goes out to Erinamation-limited2-nothing. Thanks! Soon, though, this story will reach its end!
Shadow Knight: *Tackles Shadow Girl and sits on her* This story is also dedicated to MonoChronos who does have Internet access now and has updated his stories.
*Manages a foot under Shadow Knight and kicks him off* Didn't think you were helping. But, yeah. I hope you don't mind my updating so soon, MonoChronos! Oh, and though he hasn't reviewed, this chapter is also dedicated to Shadow Knight. ^_^;
Shadow Knight: *Sitting upside down against the far wall* I just have a ton of things going on right now. Tis all. *Gets up and brushes himself off*
I know. Last but not least, this goes out to Angle1. lol You may have all the time in the world, Tomas, but I'd like to finish this thing before graduation ^-^;;
Thanks for the reviews everyone!
This chapter might have author inserts also. First time, probably not last. Hee hee ^-^;;;;; So, with all that said and done Let's see how this chapter goes!
~~~~~~~
~ Running Out of Time ~
Only a few candles lit the room, yet at the prompt of the storm blowing outside, the window flew open and a heavy gust blew the candles out. Already annoyed by this, Zelda moved quickly to close the window of her chamber once more. The snowstorm outside had gone on for over five hours. It should blow itself out soon, so the princess thought.
Zelda sighed to herself and re-lit the candles before seating herself at a desk and taking up the quill pen from the ink bottle. There was still much to write if she was to catch up on the recent happenings of her land. She looked over what she had written so far in the elegant script taught to her. She had to grimly smile for the date. Instead of recording the days by the sun, these last weeks had required she recorded time by the moon.
*~)*(~*
Fourteenth day after the new moon. One day remaining before Eclipse.
Much has happened over the past few weeks. Even after the business of the Sheikah, Kohachan, and the carpenters was eventually settled. I feared the hotheaded young man was going to once more shed blood in that event. Fortunately, it was decided that Kohachan would live in the palace or in Impa's home, wherever he chose.
The carpenters were charged time in service to Kohachan yet he would not have that. Nonetheless, the carpenters were made to re-pay the home and build a greater one free of charge. That minor matter being settled, attention now turns to the other two Sheikah, Toloran and Zolaris.
The legend of the moon is once more coming into play, it seems. Tomorrow will be a night of trial for Hyrule. The ancient battle amid the nightly heavens continues once more. I do not see how such troubles have managed once more to befall this land. I suppose it is once more my fault.
After all, I summoned Link back and he returned with those other Sheikah as well as Kohachan. And it seems those two other Sheikah are the chosen of the Moon Gods. Had I not summoned Link, then the other Sheikah would not have come to this land at all. Hyrule would still have been safe if not for that summons.
*~)*(~*
Zelda rested the quill in the ink bottle again. She had come to where she left off but what else was there to write? It had been her fault, no doubt. Despite Impa's trying to shake her out of that frame of mind. She glanced at the window as the gale winds set it rattling, trying to blow inward again. With a storm like this, the day after would be clear and bright. Perfectly so if not for the fact that the night following would be a night of judgment.
She sighed lightly and set the curtain over the glass to where she would not need to look out at the storm any longer. A light knock sounded at her door then. "Who is it?" Zelda called back. A voice, echoed by a smaller voice, followed, "It's Crystal."
"And Navi!"
"May we come in?"
"Certainly." Zelda moved quickly and silently to open the door for them. She had yet to shake the habits gained by those seven years. Seven years that had never happened. Crystal, still refusing to wear a dress, apparently, entered the room and glanced warily at the rattling window. Navi followed after her and stood lightly atop the curl of the feather pen.
Zelda calmly closed the door behind them and smiled at her new and old friends, "What brings you here?" Crystal parted the curtain to glance out at the storm and set her hand against the rattling glass to silence it, ignoring the stinging cold of the window. "I just wanted to visit. It gets a bit boring inside when one can't go outside. Are you too busy, though?" She set the curtain down again and removed her hand, to which the glass rattled like before.
"No, I was only writing something. It can wait for later. I know what you mean about it getting boring in here, though. Do you know the time now?" Zelda calmly closed her diary that Navi was looking at. Good thing the fairy couldn't very well read the script upside down. Navi looked up in surprise but answered the young princess, "Tis the thirteenth hour of the day. I'm surprised a storm like this has lasted so long! Since this very morning!! Link is staling the kitchen, as usual." Navi laughed at the last part.
Crystal also grinned at her fairy friend, "I'm thinking about going with Link to get something to eat. Princess Zelda, will you come?"
"In a while. I have to finish this entry first. Then I'll be down to the kitchen. Have you seen Kohachan anywhere?"
Crystal thought a moment then shrugged, "I haven't. He's probably in Kakariko again, keeping out of the storm. Might even be at that old house with the other three. Those four like to stick together. Especially Tarawen with Kohachan." Crystal grinned again before bowing to Zelda and stepping toward the door. "I'll try to rescue a bite from Link. See you soon." Navi quickly took flight after Crystal, leaving Zelda in peace once more.
Zelda once more opened the book on her desk under the candlelight. The rattling of the window seemed more distant as she once more set the quill to paper.
*~)*(~*
A solution has yet to come. I suppose to destroy one of the chosen would be a way to stop this legend from occurring but such a thing is unthinkable. There has to be another way. Perhaps this legend is to run its course, perhaps not. But I can only pray that nothing bad happens from this legend unfolding.
Should the Dark Moon God win, then a time of darkness surpassing Ganondorf's rule will fill the night. Even the day would be mere peace, not joy or healing. Peace to last until the night comes again. And if the Light Moon God wins, then all evil will be kept from the night. Yet, must there not be some evil in the world as well as some good? There are so many shades of gray, though. Yet, this is not for me to ponder or judge. Who is to judge the Gods? I suppose whatever happens . . . happens.
*~)*(~*
Zelda blew lightly on the ink, urging it to dry a bit faster, then set a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The storm outside showed no sign yet of letting up. She blinked wearily at the window as it continued its rattling. Perhaps there was one last effort even then being done to stop the legend as that shaky window stopped the storm from entering.
Zelda smiled at that thought but as if on cue, the window burst open once more, letting in the wrath of the snowstorm. She lunged at the window once more, nearly tripping, and closed it once more. 'I hope,' She thought to herself, 'that such a prophecy will not come about. Whatever force is acting against the legendary fight to begin will hold stronger than this window to the storm.'
She prayed silently to the Goddesses for such a wish then returned to gaze at her diary, though the candles were once again blown out. Knowing by then that the ink was dried, she closed the book for the night and went to find Crystal and the others, casting only one more glance at the window. It was closed again and no longer rattled.
~~~~~
The pack was dropped once more and new oaths to kill the leader of the small group were made. Matt looked around at the forestry surrounding them, knowing beyond the shadow of doubt that they had camped there before. Cait sighed deeply, she herself exhausted from riding as well as carrying the sword yet wouldn't let either Andrake or Matt have the blade. Andrake, the dubbed leader, growled in frustration and scratched the back of his neck as he glared at the trees. No doubt they had been there before but had passed it and not doubled back. Then how could they be in the same spot?!
Needless to say, spirits were not high for this group of weary travelers. Cait slowly got off of Epona's back and slid to the ground. Epona seemed to take great care with the young girl, looking over at Cait as though to make sure she was well. Cait was looking at the dragon head hilt of the sword, noticing something odd about it. Matt swung his leg over Diamond's shoulders and hopped off, quickly moving away before the horse could try anything. Diamond snorted and ducked his head to chew at the grass in the small clearing.
Matt brushed himself off and adjusted his staff and sword then straightened his vest before crouching by his pack and digging through it, "One would think that after two weeks on a trail, we would have gotten there by now. It's already noon time and we are back where we were two freakin days ago!" He pulled out of his bag a loaf of bread as well as a couple apples and tossed one of the fruits to Cait.
Cait caught the fruit but the movement nearly set her off balance with the large sword on her back. She let the shoulder strap slip and the blade to fall to the ground then looked to Matt again, "Perhaps these woods are haunted? Do you believe in ghosts, Andrake?" She took a bite of the apple and sat herself down, pulling the blade closer to her and again looked at the head of it, still going ignored.
Andrake paced the bordering trees of the clearing and answered absently, "Actually, I do. But ghosts don't have anything to do about this situation. We are running out of supplies and still have yet to hear of this Hyrule land. Matt, how many supplies do you have left?" Andrake took a water carrier from his side and uncorked it, eagerly drinking a bit of the water, careful to always leave some in the container, thus taking only enough to wet his throat.
"Not much. This loaf of bread, another apple, one half-empty water container, and a slice of fish from five days ago that I wonder is any good anymore." Matt looked warily to Cait and groaned, "Cait, don't give your apple to Epona, please. Epona eats grass, we eat apples." Matt tried to grin to lessen the scorn in his voice as Cait held her apple a bit further from Epona and gained a hurt expression.
"Okay." She sat again on the ground and pulled the sword into her lap then bit into the apple again. Matt also took a bite and watched Andrake still roaming about, "Hey, aren't you going to eat anything? And what are you looking for? Nothing here we don't already know about." He growled the last part out under his breath. Andrake finally turned sharply from the tree line and patted Diamond's shoulder before taking a seat in the grass near Cait and Matt. Matt wiped his mouth and decided to keep standing.
"Basically, there is no sense as to why we ended up here again. I'm only trying to figure out that problem." He glanced at Cait, as she seemed wanting yet hesitant to speak and attempted an encouraging smile, "What is it, Cait? You have a solution?" Cait held up the sword as best she could, picking up the hilt as the tip stayed on the ground. She set her quarter eaten apple aside and stood up with the blade then walked it to where the point was facing a different angle. When it faced back the way the group had come, the eyes of the dragon hilt seemed to darken.
Andrake cocked an eyebrow as Matt dropped his apple. "I really don't like the looks of that. Cait! How long had you known of this?!" Cait let the sword drop, still facing the way they had come. The dragon's eyes continued to be a mere black nothing in the carved head. She shrugged lightly, "Just now, really. When I got off of Epona, the eyes turned black. But when I set it down, they turned normal. I pulled it to face back again and they went black again. Then back to normal when I pulled it into my lap."
Matt rubbed at his chin in thought, completely forgetting about his apple even as Diamond roamed over to eat the sweet fruit, "Okay, so what could it mean?" He noticed Diamond and glared at the horse. "Ruled by your stomach, you are . . ." He shied away from the beast as Diamond snorted at him.
Thinking aloud, Andrake finally mused, "Seems the dragon head knows the way better than we do. It has something to do with the legend. Gramps revealed that much to us. I'd say we follow where the blade points and the head goes dark." Matt grinned broadly, "Good! Now that he have a good compass, lets get going!" He started towards Diamond to jump up onto the horse's back but was grabbed by the back of his belt by Andrake then pulled to the ground, nearly busting his tailbone.
"Give them a rest. The horses have been pushed enough for now. Let them graze and you chill out. Perhaps you can put your stamina to use and hunt for some more meat, eh?" Matt was on the verge of striking the cocky ex- knight but settled to shoot gestures and silent curses before mocking him and making faces behind his head. Only when Cait couldn't keep herself and bust out laughing did Andrake look at Matt. Matt relaxed back in the grass, his hands behind his head. A to innocent look played across his face.
Andrake sighed lightly then took another small sip of the water before going to Diamond to look the palomino over. While he checked Diamond's legs, he called to Cait, "Don't worry about being rushed, Cait. This journey is still a long one. We have to keep up our strength. Just relax, okay? And take care of that blade. The last thing we want even now is to lose it."
Cait clutched a couple straps of the swords' scabbard and nodded to Andrake before picking up her apple again and continuing to eat at it. Andrake heaved a deep breath as he finished checking Diamond over then looked to the distance of where they came. Would the sword truly lead them to where they were going? It had to of been seeking out it's true master. But who was the master of the sword? Being that it was their only clue, it was all they could go off of.
Thirty minutes later, Cait and Matt were both mounted, the pack as well as the sword both set securely to the riders. Only now the blade was set to hang at Cait's side to where she could maneuver it to point in other directions as well as see the hilt eyes easily. Andrake led the way at a jog then began to run with the horses behind him. The trees were spread just enough to allow the horses a slow steady run while Cait looked at the blade hilt every once in a while, making sure they were going in the correct direction.
The eyes suddenly went back to their golden metal color. "Wait!" Cait shrieked. Epona brayed a bit and came to a skidding stop as Andrake also skidded to a halt and Diamond nearly ran into Epona. Epona reared slightly but Cait held on tightly. Matt was thrown onto Diamond's neck but settled back onto the horse's back again without falling.
Andrake went back toward Cait's side, noticing that Epona was already sucking in air, her sides heaving a bit. "The sword changed direction?" He asked Cait. Cait nodded then tried aiming the sword in other directions. The eyes grew black once more as she pointed the sheathed blade tip to their left. Andrake nodded and set off once more in that direction. Hopefully, not the entire trip would be full of such stops. Yet, not five minutes later, Cait shouted once more and Andrake went to find the new direction. This was going to be a longer trip than even he thought.
Cait, rather than giving a new direction, pointed up to the sky and one of the taller trees. Perched at the top and looking ominously down on them was perhaps the largest owl Andrake had seen in his life. He owl turned it's head over, still peering at them then turned it over again to look down at them. Finally, with a shake of its head, the giant owl spread it's vast wings and took flight, flying the same direction the sword was directing them.
"Pretty . . ." Cait sighed in admiration of the bird's flight. The mighty wings of the owl beat at the air just as a large gust swept over them. "Okay, so that might be another sign we are going the right direction. I doubt it is coincidence that that owl is going where the sword is also pointing us." Andrake grinned to himself. Finally, they could make more progress. Yet, was the air becoming colder the farther they went?
~~~~~
Kaepora Gaebora flew with the sharp, cold wind. He was glad that the wind was at his back and under his wings to carry him along. The wise owl was becoming old, after all. Still, he had at least another good ten years in him. That much he knew for a fact. He had lived those seven years. And he remembered what happened. Kaepora was also sure of Link and Epona. Link was in Hyrule but Epona was in that small clearing with those strangers. Perhaps Link would know of them. Epona certainly seemed to.
It seemed the wind would carry him all the way back to Hyrule soon enough. The wind quickly became colder and colder. Storm clouds ahead and gathering around did not look friendly at all. But Hyrule was not much farther. Kaepora swept lower toward the ground but still a fair height over the treetops.
From that view, the trees seemed never ending. Just as they would seem in the Lost Forest. All by herself, even Epona wouldn't be able to find the way through. But if bringing Epona back meant bringing those strangers back, then Kaepora would have to know if those strangers were harmless or not. Outsiders, unfortunately, had a habit of being deceitful if their true intent was malicious.
Yet they even had a young girl with them. The young boy and the armored one didn't seem so harmless as she. Then the old owl considered the fact that the girl was carrying a large sword. The other two had swords amid other weapons. The girl could have been a young slave to them. It was too risky to make any hasty decision.
All through his musings, the storm had become steadily worse. It threatened not to carry him to Hyrule but to tumble him through the air end over end. Nonetheless, Kaepora Gaebora was determined and strong enough to ride the icy winds. Snow and hail beat at the old owl while the shocking cold doubled with the pounding wind made the flight more than a challenge.
Finally, the treetops ended. But only for a few small clearings where the trees seemed to be thinned then there was a clearing through Kokiri village. Resisting the urge to rest, Kaepora turned his fierce-looking eyes toward the north. There were not many chances of him finding a good roost in the castle. Yet there was one home in particular of Kakariko that always had an open door even for him.
Yet . . . turning his flank to the wind would have been a very dangerous thing considering no cover. Being the clever one he was, though, Kaepora dove down as son as the trees ended. He knew the land well enough that he could have done so blind. Flying just over the ground, his right wing tip nearly touching the wall beside the field, the wind was nearly nothing and it even felt a bit warmer without the wind pounding at him.
Unfortunately, such conditions couldn't last. The owl's wing span was too great to fly up the stairs and remain protected. With an imagined sigh, Kaepora flapped his great wings and forced himself higher into the frigid air. The frigid air soon became ice. He fought now against the wind, gaining very little distance toward that direction and doing all he could to keep from being blown tail over talon backward.
Finally, he made enough distance to land and sink his talons onto a ledge of a certain house. Pulling his way over, even using his beak to move, Kaepora pulled himself to the opening and passed the cover and into the house. It was much warmer inside and Kaepora decided to regain his strength before calling to them. He noticed the ball of red fur on the futon near him and forced himself to look away from the potential snack. Then heard one of the occupants already, "If I die of either cold or illness . . . no one stop me."
"Oh, come off it, Zolaris, you aren't going to die. I can't believe you are still cold!"
The old owl moved into the house and squatted down on his talons, fluffing his feathers and began to preen while the others below were in their argument. The young silver haired boy got up from his chair, still bundled in a thick blanket and shouted at the red-head, "It's a freakin blizzard out there, for Din's sake! Admit it, even you would be cold out there!"
Kohachan grinned a bit, "I might be cold, but you would be a white boe (annoying little snow puffs from MM, for those who don't know their name. I'm pulling a game guide on this one! ^-^;; ) Or else you would be a freezard (ice statue that freezes you by breathing on you. Okay, I'll stop bugging ya.)"
Zolaris turned a look on Kohachan, "Why don't we just see how long it would take for you to become cold, eh?"
"I go out, I'm taking you with me." Kohachan returned with an almost evil grin.
A sigh of exasperation left the lips of the third as a blonde haired Sheikah went up the stairs to meet with the old owl. Toloran called to the other two below him, "Would you both act at least a little mature?" He was answered by a thrown snowball as Kohachan had opened a window enough to gather the built snow on the outside ledge to throw at him. Toloran ducked the cold projectile then bowed lightly to Kaepora, "Please excuse me a moment longer." And started back down the stairs.
Zolaris broke into a roar of laughter as Kohachan bid a hasty farewell and dove through the open window then dashed across Kakariko and into the house that once was a cursed family's home. A curse that had long been broken, thanks to Link. Toloran shook his head lightly and hailed Kaepora, asking of what news he brought. Kaepora tilted his head over then turned it the other way before answering, "Where would I find Link? My news is for him though I wait out the storm here, by your leave."
"Old friend, you are twice times welcome to this house. But we are friends of the young adventurer you seek. Might you tell us of his news?" Kaepora wondered for a bit, keeping his head completely turned over and his eyes closed then answered, "On the journey to Hyrule, I came across a party of five, two being horses. One was a young girl, another a young lad, and the third was perhaps your own age or around there."
Toloran smiled and nodded, "Yes, we know of them. One horse was Epona, was it not?"
"Yes, that is why I wished to speak with the young Hero of Time." Kaepora went back to his preening while the two Sheikah spoke to each other, seemingly quite excited for the news. "Kaepora, by your judgment, when should these travelers arrive?"
"A fair day after this storm breaks or moves north and out of their way." The old owl was interested as that bit of news seemed to crush the spirits of the two. Perhaps there was more to this group than what was already assumed by the old owl. Nonetheless, he chose to keep his beak out of their business.
"They should arrive . . . with ample time before the eclipse. There has to be a reason for that. Why would they arrive now rather than even a week ago?" Zolaris asked his superior. Toloran sighed, "I don't know for certain. But if it does mingle with the legend, then it appears tomorrow night will be the inevitable."
"If it comes to that . . . you have to promise to kill me." That earned him another smack to the side of his head.
"Don't be ridiculous, Zolaris. The fight, if it does happen, will last as long as the eclipse does. It could be a simple stale mate in the end."
Zolaris rubbed his head, "But the legend continually speaks of their being a victor. One or the other. Never of a stalemate."
Toloran nodded to the wisdom of his younger friend then wished that Kohachan was back. The one chosen by Farore to be the key of wisdom would have been handy about then. That thought brought another issue to mind, "The blades must be forged as the temple of the moon is opened by the three keys. We do not yet even know who the third key even is. Or even who the chosen of the Light Moon God is"
Zolaris' eyes darkened in thought as he lowered his head in a realization, "Perhaps . . . that is why our comrades just now find their way."
~~~~~~~
Heh. Well, how was that for a coming home chapter? Even though it was a bit shorter than usual. Odd that Zolaris would be so close to the truth. There was the other thing he forgot, though. But, that will be revealed to him and everyone soon enough.
So, Zelda blames herself of all this happening and gains a prophecy that bodes ill will for the land yet shows everything should be well at the end.
Shadow Knight: *Ponders a bit* How are they supposed to get that part, comrade?
Er . . . I don't know how many people got that or not. Sowwie ;_; confusion demons plague me.
Luna Yami: So what? It doesn't matter too much. And what does happen will happen soon enough. *Grins and reveals a giant mallet once more to chase down the confusion demons*
Shadow Knight: *Sweatdrops* heh ^-^;
*Also sweatdrops but grins* Andrake, Matt, and Cait are finally making their way to Hyrule along with the Dark Moon Blade. Zolaris still holds the Light Moon Blade. How can all this confusion be sorted out in the end?! We'll just have to wait and see. ^_^ And you can always leave a review giving a suggestion. All suggestions welcome! lol
Until next time!
Anyway, I'M BACK!! =^_^=
*Looks around* oro? Okay, so I am early. But still. Lost track of time and got a bit of inspiration to go off of. And found whyyy this story is going so slow. But hopefully, that will be amended soon.
Luna Yami: *Appears then tackles Shadow Girl in a hug* Shadow Girl's back!! ^_^
@_@ Luna . . . choking . . . not breathing . . .
Tarawen: *Follows after Luna Yami grinning* Luna Yami, let her breathe . . .
Luna Yami: Oh. lol Sorry. *Lets Shadow Girl go* Welcome back!
^_^;; Thankies. *Is tackle/hugged by another figure* @_@
Shadow Knight: Welcome back, comrade! Now to be random! *Licks her cheek and runs around insane*
*Wipes her cheek off* heh . . . hello. Any more surprises? *Looks around warily and relaxes* Okay then. Back to story writing I go! =^-^= Hope no one forgot about me. Speaking of which, onto dedications!
Luna Yami: I'll help!!
But you're one of the ones this fic is dedicated to!
Luna Yami: . . . so?
^_^;;;;; Okay then. This fic is dedicated to Luna Yami also known as CrysSton16. Well, I am inclined to disagree with something. You're writing does not suck!! That and this story is getting ridiculously drawn out. Hopefully, that will change . . .
Luna Yami: It also goes out to Jelie36
Hee hee. Didn't have to wait a full four months after all . . . Just close to it. This also goes out to Erinamation-limited2-nothing. Thanks! Soon, though, this story will reach its end!
Shadow Knight: *Tackles Shadow Girl and sits on her* This story is also dedicated to MonoChronos who does have Internet access now and has updated his stories.
*Manages a foot under Shadow Knight and kicks him off* Didn't think you were helping. But, yeah. I hope you don't mind my updating so soon, MonoChronos! Oh, and though he hasn't reviewed, this chapter is also dedicated to Shadow Knight. ^_^;
Shadow Knight: *Sitting upside down against the far wall* I just have a ton of things going on right now. Tis all. *Gets up and brushes himself off*
I know. Last but not least, this goes out to Angle1. lol You may have all the time in the world, Tomas, but I'd like to finish this thing before graduation ^-^;;
Thanks for the reviews everyone!
This chapter might have author inserts also. First time, probably not last. Hee hee ^-^;;;;; So, with all that said and done Let's see how this chapter goes!
~~~~~~~
~ Running Out of Time ~
Only a few candles lit the room, yet at the prompt of the storm blowing outside, the window flew open and a heavy gust blew the candles out. Already annoyed by this, Zelda moved quickly to close the window of her chamber once more. The snowstorm outside had gone on for over five hours. It should blow itself out soon, so the princess thought.
Zelda sighed to herself and re-lit the candles before seating herself at a desk and taking up the quill pen from the ink bottle. There was still much to write if she was to catch up on the recent happenings of her land. She looked over what she had written so far in the elegant script taught to her. She had to grimly smile for the date. Instead of recording the days by the sun, these last weeks had required she recorded time by the moon.
*~)*(~*
Fourteenth day after the new moon. One day remaining before Eclipse.
Much has happened over the past few weeks. Even after the business of the Sheikah, Kohachan, and the carpenters was eventually settled. I feared the hotheaded young man was going to once more shed blood in that event. Fortunately, it was decided that Kohachan would live in the palace or in Impa's home, wherever he chose.
The carpenters were charged time in service to Kohachan yet he would not have that. Nonetheless, the carpenters were made to re-pay the home and build a greater one free of charge. That minor matter being settled, attention now turns to the other two Sheikah, Toloran and Zolaris.
The legend of the moon is once more coming into play, it seems. Tomorrow will be a night of trial for Hyrule. The ancient battle amid the nightly heavens continues once more. I do not see how such troubles have managed once more to befall this land. I suppose it is once more my fault.
After all, I summoned Link back and he returned with those other Sheikah as well as Kohachan. And it seems those two other Sheikah are the chosen of the Moon Gods. Had I not summoned Link, then the other Sheikah would not have come to this land at all. Hyrule would still have been safe if not for that summons.
*~)*(~*
Zelda rested the quill in the ink bottle again. She had come to where she left off but what else was there to write? It had been her fault, no doubt. Despite Impa's trying to shake her out of that frame of mind. She glanced at the window as the gale winds set it rattling, trying to blow inward again. With a storm like this, the day after would be clear and bright. Perfectly so if not for the fact that the night following would be a night of judgment.
She sighed lightly and set the curtain over the glass to where she would not need to look out at the storm any longer. A light knock sounded at her door then. "Who is it?" Zelda called back. A voice, echoed by a smaller voice, followed, "It's Crystal."
"And Navi!"
"May we come in?"
"Certainly." Zelda moved quickly and silently to open the door for them. She had yet to shake the habits gained by those seven years. Seven years that had never happened. Crystal, still refusing to wear a dress, apparently, entered the room and glanced warily at the rattling window. Navi followed after her and stood lightly atop the curl of the feather pen.
Zelda calmly closed the door behind them and smiled at her new and old friends, "What brings you here?" Crystal parted the curtain to glance out at the storm and set her hand against the rattling glass to silence it, ignoring the stinging cold of the window. "I just wanted to visit. It gets a bit boring inside when one can't go outside. Are you too busy, though?" She set the curtain down again and removed her hand, to which the glass rattled like before.
"No, I was only writing something. It can wait for later. I know what you mean about it getting boring in here, though. Do you know the time now?" Zelda calmly closed her diary that Navi was looking at. Good thing the fairy couldn't very well read the script upside down. Navi looked up in surprise but answered the young princess, "Tis the thirteenth hour of the day. I'm surprised a storm like this has lasted so long! Since this very morning!! Link is staling the kitchen, as usual." Navi laughed at the last part.
Crystal also grinned at her fairy friend, "I'm thinking about going with Link to get something to eat. Princess Zelda, will you come?"
"In a while. I have to finish this entry first. Then I'll be down to the kitchen. Have you seen Kohachan anywhere?"
Crystal thought a moment then shrugged, "I haven't. He's probably in Kakariko again, keeping out of the storm. Might even be at that old house with the other three. Those four like to stick together. Especially Tarawen with Kohachan." Crystal grinned again before bowing to Zelda and stepping toward the door. "I'll try to rescue a bite from Link. See you soon." Navi quickly took flight after Crystal, leaving Zelda in peace once more.
Zelda once more opened the book on her desk under the candlelight. The rattling of the window seemed more distant as she once more set the quill to paper.
*~)*(~*
A solution has yet to come. I suppose to destroy one of the chosen would be a way to stop this legend from occurring but such a thing is unthinkable. There has to be another way. Perhaps this legend is to run its course, perhaps not. But I can only pray that nothing bad happens from this legend unfolding.
Should the Dark Moon God win, then a time of darkness surpassing Ganondorf's rule will fill the night. Even the day would be mere peace, not joy or healing. Peace to last until the night comes again. And if the Light Moon God wins, then all evil will be kept from the night. Yet, must there not be some evil in the world as well as some good? There are so many shades of gray, though. Yet, this is not for me to ponder or judge. Who is to judge the Gods? I suppose whatever happens . . . happens.
*~)*(~*
Zelda blew lightly on the ink, urging it to dry a bit faster, then set a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The storm outside showed no sign yet of letting up. She blinked wearily at the window as it continued its rattling. Perhaps there was one last effort even then being done to stop the legend as that shaky window stopped the storm from entering.
Zelda smiled at that thought but as if on cue, the window burst open once more, letting in the wrath of the snowstorm. She lunged at the window once more, nearly tripping, and closed it once more. 'I hope,' She thought to herself, 'that such a prophecy will not come about. Whatever force is acting against the legendary fight to begin will hold stronger than this window to the storm.'
She prayed silently to the Goddesses for such a wish then returned to gaze at her diary, though the candles were once again blown out. Knowing by then that the ink was dried, she closed the book for the night and went to find Crystal and the others, casting only one more glance at the window. It was closed again and no longer rattled.
~~~~~
The pack was dropped once more and new oaths to kill the leader of the small group were made. Matt looked around at the forestry surrounding them, knowing beyond the shadow of doubt that they had camped there before. Cait sighed deeply, she herself exhausted from riding as well as carrying the sword yet wouldn't let either Andrake or Matt have the blade. Andrake, the dubbed leader, growled in frustration and scratched the back of his neck as he glared at the trees. No doubt they had been there before but had passed it and not doubled back. Then how could they be in the same spot?!
Needless to say, spirits were not high for this group of weary travelers. Cait slowly got off of Epona's back and slid to the ground. Epona seemed to take great care with the young girl, looking over at Cait as though to make sure she was well. Cait was looking at the dragon head hilt of the sword, noticing something odd about it. Matt swung his leg over Diamond's shoulders and hopped off, quickly moving away before the horse could try anything. Diamond snorted and ducked his head to chew at the grass in the small clearing.
Matt brushed himself off and adjusted his staff and sword then straightened his vest before crouching by his pack and digging through it, "One would think that after two weeks on a trail, we would have gotten there by now. It's already noon time and we are back where we were two freakin days ago!" He pulled out of his bag a loaf of bread as well as a couple apples and tossed one of the fruits to Cait.
Cait caught the fruit but the movement nearly set her off balance with the large sword on her back. She let the shoulder strap slip and the blade to fall to the ground then looked to Matt again, "Perhaps these woods are haunted? Do you believe in ghosts, Andrake?" She took a bite of the apple and sat herself down, pulling the blade closer to her and again looked at the head of it, still going ignored.
Andrake paced the bordering trees of the clearing and answered absently, "Actually, I do. But ghosts don't have anything to do about this situation. We are running out of supplies and still have yet to hear of this Hyrule land. Matt, how many supplies do you have left?" Andrake took a water carrier from his side and uncorked it, eagerly drinking a bit of the water, careful to always leave some in the container, thus taking only enough to wet his throat.
"Not much. This loaf of bread, another apple, one half-empty water container, and a slice of fish from five days ago that I wonder is any good anymore." Matt looked warily to Cait and groaned, "Cait, don't give your apple to Epona, please. Epona eats grass, we eat apples." Matt tried to grin to lessen the scorn in his voice as Cait held her apple a bit further from Epona and gained a hurt expression.
"Okay." She sat again on the ground and pulled the sword into her lap then bit into the apple again. Matt also took a bite and watched Andrake still roaming about, "Hey, aren't you going to eat anything? And what are you looking for? Nothing here we don't already know about." He growled the last part out under his breath. Andrake finally turned sharply from the tree line and patted Diamond's shoulder before taking a seat in the grass near Cait and Matt. Matt wiped his mouth and decided to keep standing.
"Basically, there is no sense as to why we ended up here again. I'm only trying to figure out that problem." He glanced at Cait, as she seemed wanting yet hesitant to speak and attempted an encouraging smile, "What is it, Cait? You have a solution?" Cait held up the sword as best she could, picking up the hilt as the tip stayed on the ground. She set her quarter eaten apple aside and stood up with the blade then walked it to where the point was facing a different angle. When it faced back the way the group had come, the eyes of the dragon hilt seemed to darken.
Andrake cocked an eyebrow as Matt dropped his apple. "I really don't like the looks of that. Cait! How long had you known of this?!" Cait let the sword drop, still facing the way they had come. The dragon's eyes continued to be a mere black nothing in the carved head. She shrugged lightly, "Just now, really. When I got off of Epona, the eyes turned black. But when I set it down, they turned normal. I pulled it to face back again and they went black again. Then back to normal when I pulled it into my lap."
Matt rubbed at his chin in thought, completely forgetting about his apple even as Diamond roamed over to eat the sweet fruit, "Okay, so what could it mean?" He noticed Diamond and glared at the horse. "Ruled by your stomach, you are . . ." He shied away from the beast as Diamond snorted at him.
Thinking aloud, Andrake finally mused, "Seems the dragon head knows the way better than we do. It has something to do with the legend. Gramps revealed that much to us. I'd say we follow where the blade points and the head goes dark." Matt grinned broadly, "Good! Now that he have a good compass, lets get going!" He started towards Diamond to jump up onto the horse's back but was grabbed by the back of his belt by Andrake then pulled to the ground, nearly busting his tailbone.
"Give them a rest. The horses have been pushed enough for now. Let them graze and you chill out. Perhaps you can put your stamina to use and hunt for some more meat, eh?" Matt was on the verge of striking the cocky ex- knight but settled to shoot gestures and silent curses before mocking him and making faces behind his head. Only when Cait couldn't keep herself and bust out laughing did Andrake look at Matt. Matt relaxed back in the grass, his hands behind his head. A to innocent look played across his face.
Andrake sighed lightly then took another small sip of the water before going to Diamond to look the palomino over. While he checked Diamond's legs, he called to Cait, "Don't worry about being rushed, Cait. This journey is still a long one. We have to keep up our strength. Just relax, okay? And take care of that blade. The last thing we want even now is to lose it."
Cait clutched a couple straps of the swords' scabbard and nodded to Andrake before picking up her apple again and continuing to eat at it. Andrake heaved a deep breath as he finished checking Diamond over then looked to the distance of where they came. Would the sword truly lead them to where they were going? It had to of been seeking out it's true master. But who was the master of the sword? Being that it was their only clue, it was all they could go off of.
Thirty minutes later, Cait and Matt were both mounted, the pack as well as the sword both set securely to the riders. Only now the blade was set to hang at Cait's side to where she could maneuver it to point in other directions as well as see the hilt eyes easily. Andrake led the way at a jog then began to run with the horses behind him. The trees were spread just enough to allow the horses a slow steady run while Cait looked at the blade hilt every once in a while, making sure they were going in the correct direction.
The eyes suddenly went back to their golden metal color. "Wait!" Cait shrieked. Epona brayed a bit and came to a skidding stop as Andrake also skidded to a halt and Diamond nearly ran into Epona. Epona reared slightly but Cait held on tightly. Matt was thrown onto Diamond's neck but settled back onto the horse's back again without falling.
Andrake went back toward Cait's side, noticing that Epona was already sucking in air, her sides heaving a bit. "The sword changed direction?" He asked Cait. Cait nodded then tried aiming the sword in other directions. The eyes grew black once more as she pointed the sheathed blade tip to their left. Andrake nodded and set off once more in that direction. Hopefully, not the entire trip would be full of such stops. Yet, not five minutes later, Cait shouted once more and Andrake went to find the new direction. This was going to be a longer trip than even he thought.
Cait, rather than giving a new direction, pointed up to the sky and one of the taller trees. Perched at the top and looking ominously down on them was perhaps the largest owl Andrake had seen in his life. He owl turned it's head over, still peering at them then turned it over again to look down at them. Finally, with a shake of its head, the giant owl spread it's vast wings and took flight, flying the same direction the sword was directing them.
"Pretty . . ." Cait sighed in admiration of the bird's flight. The mighty wings of the owl beat at the air just as a large gust swept over them. "Okay, so that might be another sign we are going the right direction. I doubt it is coincidence that that owl is going where the sword is also pointing us." Andrake grinned to himself. Finally, they could make more progress. Yet, was the air becoming colder the farther they went?
~~~~~
Kaepora Gaebora flew with the sharp, cold wind. He was glad that the wind was at his back and under his wings to carry him along. The wise owl was becoming old, after all. Still, he had at least another good ten years in him. That much he knew for a fact. He had lived those seven years. And he remembered what happened. Kaepora was also sure of Link and Epona. Link was in Hyrule but Epona was in that small clearing with those strangers. Perhaps Link would know of them. Epona certainly seemed to.
It seemed the wind would carry him all the way back to Hyrule soon enough. The wind quickly became colder and colder. Storm clouds ahead and gathering around did not look friendly at all. But Hyrule was not much farther. Kaepora swept lower toward the ground but still a fair height over the treetops.
From that view, the trees seemed never ending. Just as they would seem in the Lost Forest. All by herself, even Epona wouldn't be able to find the way through. But if bringing Epona back meant bringing those strangers back, then Kaepora would have to know if those strangers were harmless or not. Outsiders, unfortunately, had a habit of being deceitful if their true intent was malicious.
Yet they even had a young girl with them. The young boy and the armored one didn't seem so harmless as she. Then the old owl considered the fact that the girl was carrying a large sword. The other two had swords amid other weapons. The girl could have been a young slave to them. It was too risky to make any hasty decision.
All through his musings, the storm had become steadily worse. It threatened not to carry him to Hyrule but to tumble him through the air end over end. Nonetheless, Kaepora Gaebora was determined and strong enough to ride the icy winds. Snow and hail beat at the old owl while the shocking cold doubled with the pounding wind made the flight more than a challenge.
Finally, the treetops ended. But only for a few small clearings where the trees seemed to be thinned then there was a clearing through Kokiri village. Resisting the urge to rest, Kaepora turned his fierce-looking eyes toward the north. There were not many chances of him finding a good roost in the castle. Yet there was one home in particular of Kakariko that always had an open door even for him.
Yet . . . turning his flank to the wind would have been a very dangerous thing considering no cover. Being the clever one he was, though, Kaepora dove down as son as the trees ended. He knew the land well enough that he could have done so blind. Flying just over the ground, his right wing tip nearly touching the wall beside the field, the wind was nearly nothing and it even felt a bit warmer without the wind pounding at him.
Unfortunately, such conditions couldn't last. The owl's wing span was too great to fly up the stairs and remain protected. With an imagined sigh, Kaepora flapped his great wings and forced himself higher into the frigid air. The frigid air soon became ice. He fought now against the wind, gaining very little distance toward that direction and doing all he could to keep from being blown tail over talon backward.
Finally, he made enough distance to land and sink his talons onto a ledge of a certain house. Pulling his way over, even using his beak to move, Kaepora pulled himself to the opening and passed the cover and into the house. It was much warmer inside and Kaepora decided to regain his strength before calling to them. He noticed the ball of red fur on the futon near him and forced himself to look away from the potential snack. Then heard one of the occupants already, "If I die of either cold or illness . . . no one stop me."
"Oh, come off it, Zolaris, you aren't going to die. I can't believe you are still cold!"
The old owl moved into the house and squatted down on his talons, fluffing his feathers and began to preen while the others below were in their argument. The young silver haired boy got up from his chair, still bundled in a thick blanket and shouted at the red-head, "It's a freakin blizzard out there, for Din's sake! Admit it, even you would be cold out there!"
Kohachan grinned a bit, "I might be cold, but you would be a white boe (annoying little snow puffs from MM, for those who don't know their name. I'm pulling a game guide on this one! ^-^;; ) Or else you would be a freezard (ice statue that freezes you by breathing on you. Okay, I'll stop bugging ya.)"
Zolaris turned a look on Kohachan, "Why don't we just see how long it would take for you to become cold, eh?"
"I go out, I'm taking you with me." Kohachan returned with an almost evil grin.
A sigh of exasperation left the lips of the third as a blonde haired Sheikah went up the stairs to meet with the old owl. Toloran called to the other two below him, "Would you both act at least a little mature?" He was answered by a thrown snowball as Kohachan had opened a window enough to gather the built snow on the outside ledge to throw at him. Toloran ducked the cold projectile then bowed lightly to Kaepora, "Please excuse me a moment longer." And started back down the stairs.
Zolaris broke into a roar of laughter as Kohachan bid a hasty farewell and dove through the open window then dashed across Kakariko and into the house that once was a cursed family's home. A curse that had long been broken, thanks to Link. Toloran shook his head lightly and hailed Kaepora, asking of what news he brought. Kaepora tilted his head over then turned it the other way before answering, "Where would I find Link? My news is for him though I wait out the storm here, by your leave."
"Old friend, you are twice times welcome to this house. But we are friends of the young adventurer you seek. Might you tell us of his news?" Kaepora wondered for a bit, keeping his head completely turned over and his eyes closed then answered, "On the journey to Hyrule, I came across a party of five, two being horses. One was a young girl, another a young lad, and the third was perhaps your own age or around there."
Toloran smiled and nodded, "Yes, we know of them. One horse was Epona, was it not?"
"Yes, that is why I wished to speak with the young Hero of Time." Kaepora went back to his preening while the two Sheikah spoke to each other, seemingly quite excited for the news. "Kaepora, by your judgment, when should these travelers arrive?"
"A fair day after this storm breaks or moves north and out of their way." The old owl was interested as that bit of news seemed to crush the spirits of the two. Perhaps there was more to this group than what was already assumed by the old owl. Nonetheless, he chose to keep his beak out of their business.
"They should arrive . . . with ample time before the eclipse. There has to be a reason for that. Why would they arrive now rather than even a week ago?" Zolaris asked his superior. Toloran sighed, "I don't know for certain. But if it does mingle with the legend, then it appears tomorrow night will be the inevitable."
"If it comes to that . . . you have to promise to kill me." That earned him another smack to the side of his head.
"Don't be ridiculous, Zolaris. The fight, if it does happen, will last as long as the eclipse does. It could be a simple stale mate in the end."
Zolaris rubbed his head, "But the legend continually speaks of their being a victor. One or the other. Never of a stalemate."
Toloran nodded to the wisdom of his younger friend then wished that Kohachan was back. The one chosen by Farore to be the key of wisdom would have been handy about then. That thought brought another issue to mind, "The blades must be forged as the temple of the moon is opened by the three keys. We do not yet even know who the third key even is. Or even who the chosen of the Light Moon God is"
Zolaris' eyes darkened in thought as he lowered his head in a realization, "Perhaps . . . that is why our comrades just now find their way."
~~~~~~~
Heh. Well, how was that for a coming home chapter? Even though it was a bit shorter than usual. Odd that Zolaris would be so close to the truth. There was the other thing he forgot, though. But, that will be revealed to him and everyone soon enough.
So, Zelda blames herself of all this happening and gains a prophecy that bodes ill will for the land yet shows everything should be well at the end.
Shadow Knight: *Ponders a bit* How are they supposed to get that part, comrade?
Er . . . I don't know how many people got that or not. Sowwie ;_; confusion demons plague me.
Luna Yami: So what? It doesn't matter too much. And what does happen will happen soon enough. *Grins and reveals a giant mallet once more to chase down the confusion demons*
Shadow Knight: *Sweatdrops* heh ^-^;
*Also sweatdrops but grins* Andrake, Matt, and Cait are finally making their way to Hyrule along with the Dark Moon Blade. Zolaris still holds the Light Moon Blade. How can all this confusion be sorted out in the end?! We'll just have to wait and see. ^_^ And you can always leave a review giving a suggestion. All suggestions welcome! lol
Until next time!