Disclaimer:
Link: Er . . . Shadow Girl is temporarily out of order. I'll do the disclaimer! She doesn't own Zelda. And she doesn't really own me but if you ask, she does . . . And the others belong to their respective makers. Not sure who they are now . . .
Kohachan: (tic mark) Who says you get to do the disclaimer?
Link: Cause this story is really about me. You and other just stole the spotlight!
Kohachan: (sweatdrops) . . . . . . . . . .
Link: There, you know it's true. Now then, onto the-
Shadow Knight: (explodes into the room) What do ya mean Shadow Girl's out of order?!? Who got to her?! I'll smite them good! (waves Harukaze around and laughs maniacally)
Kohachan: (sweatdrops worse then points at Link)
Link: WHAT!?! (Gets attacked by Shadow Knight) Gah! I never get a break!!!
Kohachan: (shoves the crazed author and young Hylian into a closet and slams it shut then seals it with board after board after board then chains it closed) There . . . that should hold them. Now for the dedications!
Shadow Knight- heh. My charge thanks ye for the speedy review. Yeah, that chapter was late in the making. Thus the weird Cell-Link scene. But he is distracted with a slide puzzle and can't solve it. Your tea is safe, Merrick. And yes, this is the end! I thank ye for sticking it through to the end. Very much so.
Dragonkiller- Have a nice time in Canada. (Sweatdrops) And no one ever needs to tell Shadow Girl to take her time these days . . . By the way, hate to bust your bubble or anything but this is going to be another long chapter.
Angle1- Yep, the end is here. (Cocks an eyebrow at the glare) You know, writing good fights could be a bad thing in the long run. People go insane that way. (Coughs and motions to Shadow Knight running around the walls) Anyway, Shadow Girl might not stop writing . . . if she gets enough good suggestions for a new story. Thank ya kindly for the review. And for staying with us the whole way.
Mithrandir- You will remember your anger? Nicely said, I must say. But . . . what is there to review? (grins) Had to pick on the typo. Internet is out? Sounds familiar, that it does. Good luck and again, there probably will be a long break from writing for my charge but ideas for what to write about would be welcome.
Matt: (glances at the door with chains and boards covering it) Don't you think that was kind of extreme? And why is Shadow Girl out of order?
Kohachan: I don't know! She couldn't write in forever! That's all!
Crystal: Eh? And why is she not here to tell us herself?
Kohachan: Great . . . now there are two . . .
Tarawen: (crosses her arms in front of the door) Out with it, Sheikah . . .
Kohachan: (pales) Not you too! Gah! (runs for his life, pursed by the other three)
Cait: (smiles at the readers) This might take a while. So you just go onto the chapter and we'll find out about the authoress later on, okay? Oh, and stay awake. There is a nice lot of adventuring in this one too, after all!
Epilogue
Link felt himself wake up, but his body refused to move. Where he expected the cold of the open-entrance fortress, he felt pleasantly warm. A thick blanket covered him and he lay in a soft bed. What was going on?
Still, it was so comfortable. He didn't want to move. He let himself drift back into peaceful sleep.
"Hey! Link! Hey, you can't stay in bed another day! I command you to get up!!" Navi shrieked as she flew above and around the large bed Link was apparently fast asleep in. "Always such a lazy kid!" Frustrated, the now purple fairy tried tugging on strands of hair then pulling on one of his pointed ears all to no avail.
Behind the fairy and on the other side of the spacious room from the bed, the door opened again. Navi looked back to find none other than Crystal in the door frame. "So, he still won't wake up? He should get his rest, Navi."
"But he's had a full day and night of sleep! He has to wake up!" Navi fluttered emphatically, "And he is going to wake up to see everyone again!" Navi backed up in the air and took a deep breath . . . only to be caught in Link's grip before she could give a shout.
Crystal couldn't help but laugh as Navi gave a muffled shout then she ran to the bed as Link sat up and hugged him tightly. Link grinned and let go of Navi to embrace his friend back as tightly. Navi stumbled in the air for a moment then once again plastered herself to Link's cheek. Crystal finally let Link go and kept smiling at him, "Welcome back"
"Thanks. I think." Link looked at Navi as best he could as she nuzzled his cheek and resisted the urge to pull her off. "Where is everyone?" Link looked around finally at the big room.
He lay in a large bed with three feather stuffed pillows behind him and a white canopy above. A mini chandelier hung above him though the candles remained unlit. The only light in the room was the sunlight seeping softly through a curtain, just enough to see by.
Crystal nodded back to the door even as she sat on the side of the bed, "Come and see for yourself. You have a lot of people waiting."
"As of right now, I don't want to see any crowds . . ." Link muttered and hid back under the blanket then waved Crystal away while he requested in a muffled voice, "Tell them I'm still asleep!"
She laughed then grabbed the waving hand and began pulling while Navi began shining and flying around under the covers, un-plastering herself to once more pull on the blonde hair. Between the two girls, they hauled Link out of bed.
The young Hylian wore new bed clothing and what wounds he had were dressed under the clothes. Though it was obvious from the lack of pain that he had been under healing as he had slept. He scratched his head a bit and looked back at the bed longingly before getting pelted in the chest with new clothes.
"I'm going to give you ten minutes to get dressed, Link, then you are coming out so you better be ready." Crystal warned still with a challenging grin as she and Navi left him alone to dress.
"It's good that he's back." Navi said lightly as Crystal closed the door then leaned her back against it. "Yeah. At least he is okay enough to move. And grumble too." She laughed lightly along with Navi before both left down the hall to the stairs leading to the main room that branched off one way to the kitchen and the other way to where everyone else was waiting in the ballroom.
The ballroom was being more treated like a meeting area. "Navi, when Link is fully awake, where do you think he will go. The dining area or the ballroom?"
"I think he will want to see everyone first. Then stuff his face later."
Crystal grinned, "Want to take a bet on that?"
"Yeah! As for the wages . . . how about a purple rupee?" Navi smirked. She wouldn't lose anything, after all. But if she was right, Link would be fifty rupees richer.
"You're on!" Crystal smirked confidently back as the servants opened the grand doors for the duo.
Link had set the clothes over the board on the end of the bed. He stretched again and rubbed his eyes, giving out a great and satisfying yawn before crossing to the window to part the curtain, letting in as much sunlight as he could.
Back in the room he noticed a vanity table, giving him the impression that he was in a chamber meant for a female guest. This he ignored as on the vanity he saw a familiar book. Looking at the cover of the book while his vision came back completely from being blurred he smiled. It was his book about fairies.
It all began to come back and hit him then. Unintentionally, he had gone through a whole new quest. A quest for a friend. But where he had thought that friend was Navi, he had met so many more.
First was the young wolf Shekro who needed help. Shekro had led him to the new land and to Crystal and Gramps. From there he had met Andrake and Lance on that fateful day of the festival. Lance . . .
Link had wanted to learn more of the long-winded character. He seemed to be interesting. But often life takes away such things. He as well as so many villagers in that land. His thoughts turned to the two wolves that turned into the Tyrant wolf as well as their maker, Katie.
So much had happened. He even met another Sheikah when they were supposed to be killed off. The strangely red-haired young man, Kohachan. The reluctant guard sent by Zelda to find him and bring him back to Hyrule. They had become fast friends and managed to defeat the wolf and bring Crystal back from the prison of her mind. Link still felt a pang of guilt for forcing his memories on her. But he was angry at the time at her questions.
But through everything she had never turned away from him. Who could have known that she was to play such an important part in another adventure?
As they took Katie away for her punishment, they had met the mischievous stow-aways and travelers, Matt and Cait. That was another interesting encounter and two more friends to make and travel with through thick and thin. Then they had to dock on those islands . . .
Shadow fighters and the fox people known as Kitsune. A part of the red-haired friends' past came back as well as a great part of Link's own future. By then, even Oni was lending a hand.
Three more fated friends appeared on that island; the princess of the Kitsune, Tarawen, and two of Kohachan's old comrades, Toloran and Zolaris. They were near family to Kohachan and in need of help. So the band got bigger and stayed that way as they set out once more, taking the princess with them.
Link continued to stare at the book in his lap. He wondered when Tarawen would return to her people. They would need her eventually. And they would probably want the three Sheikah back as well. Two of the warriors had practically become part of that tribe, after all. But after that turn of events . . . the demons.
They couldn't afford to stay together now, not that Matt and Cait would want to stay. They were travelers, after all. Tarawen would return to her people but with which of the Sheikah? Kohachan and Crystal would probably leaving as well. But how? Where would everyone go? Was that really the end of the evil known as Katie?
What was going to happen?
The door opened again and Link whipped around to look and saw none other than Zelda in the doorway. She gave a half smile at Link as he was still in his bedclothes. "I thought Crystal gave you things to wear."
"She did." Link stated, still somewhat tired "I just got distracted. Who brought my book into here?" Link showed the book of fairies in his lap.
"I believe Crystal did sometime yesterday when we brought you here. Listen, hurry up and get dressed then everything can be explained with most everyone, okay?"
"Most everyone? Does that mean some people are already gone?"
Zelda gave an assuring smile and repeated herself, "Get dressed and you can see."
From that, Link knew everyone was still around. But they wouldn't be around for long. The Hylian set the book aside and attacked his clothes, nearly jumping out of the bedclothes and into more proper day clothes. Ironically, they didn't look too much different than his bedclothes, especially with his usual sock-hat. The only exception being his worn-in leather boots.
Link then went out of the room and joined Zelda again. She had barely reached the end of the hall before Link ran up behind her to escort her down.
Zelda nearly counted down when Link would start firing away with questions again. And sure enough, Link broke the silence of the walk as they began to descend the stairs, "Has anyone told you where they are going? Who will stay here? Will they come back you think?"
The young princess stopped Link's question but didn't offer any answers just yet. "Link, you have too many worries still, you know that? You've been through a lot. Just take it easy." The young yet veteran hero nodded and fell back into uncomfortable silence, yet was on the brink of flying apart and throwing open the doors to the room his friends had to be in.
The servants opened the grand doors with a bow to Zelda and Link. The ballroom was one well lit by windows letting the glory of the sun shine down into from the domed ceiling. In the room and wearing their usual clothes was Navi and Crystal amid a group of Hylians who were disturbed the previous night (a lot of people). They were both trying to keep from being swallowed by the crowd and make minor talk with the people until they spotted Link and Zelda.
Crystal excused herself hastily as Navi also grabbed onto her shoulder to escape the crowd. "You are late!" Crystal accused of Link. Link grinned sheepishly and half-shrugged, not offering an excuse, but the grin soon slipped from his face. "Where is everyone else?"
"This way!" Crystal grabbed a hold of Link's arm while Navi took her spot inside Link's hat in hiding from the crowd of people. Zelda went back to talking to the main people of the towns to calm them down.
Crystal dragged the young Hylian over to a part of the room where a small crowd of two armored guards and a couple other swordsmen spoke with Andrake. They all seemed to enjoy each other's company and stories until Crystal interrupted them.
Andrake grinned at Link, glad to see the hero alive and well after everything that went on. How could he not be glad? Link had also saved his sister from having her soul lost. "Good to see you still with us, Link. That's one injured down and a few more who have yet to wake up."
"Andrake!" Crystal snapped, "Link doesn't even know yet! Can't you let him relax a little bit before giving news like that?!"
"Crystal, calm down. Just tell me what's going on." Link's stomach interrupted him with a long growl of complaint making him very embarrassed. "Okay, we eat and you can tell me what's going on now."
"I'll second that." Andrake grinned. The three friends left the ballroom and the chatter behind to pass through the stairway room then to the kitchen area. Ready to wait on them, one of the chefs smiled pleasantly and asked what they would want.
Crystal was more than a little unnerved with being waited on. She just wanted to help herself but then, the castle didn't work like that. Contemplating with the others for a moment, they all decided sandwiches and milk would be okay. The chef gave compliments of the choice and led the three to the long table in the dining area before vanishing back into the kitchen.
"Okay, that was a little strange." Crystal stated while she looked at the dining wares already in front of her. "And who would need a fork to eat a sandwich? A knife I can understand . . . but a fork?"
Link couldn't help but laugh, "Don't worry about it. It's just for show. I don't know about you two but I'm going to chow down!" This brought a bit of laughter from the other two, more from Crystal than Andrake. Crystal suddenly perked up with remembering something. "Hey, I'll be right back, you guys!"
"Okay that was strange." Andrake commented. Link nodded his agreement.
The two sat in silence for a while and waited but nothing happened. Link picked up his fork to play with out of boredom until Andrake broke the silence, "What do you plan to do, Link? When Crystal and I leave, will you stay here?"
"Huh?" Link looked at Andrake. So, Crystal was going to go back to Gramps with him. That was only to be expected. Still, Link hoped things could have worked out differently. "I don't know right now. When will you leave?"
Andrake shrugged before Crystal returned. In her hand, she held a purple gem but she didn't look too happy about it. "Aright, Navi, come out here." The call sounded more like a challenge but the fairy appeared in answer.
"Ah, came to pay your loss?" Navi smirked. She suddenly yelled as Crystal took her seat and dropped the large rupee on top of Navi, pinning the fairy onto the table. Navi, despite being stuck, continued to laugh as Crystal moped and found something more interesting to look at.
Link was even more confused than before but paid it no mind as the three sandwiches were brought out and set before the trio. Taking little time, they all began to eat with small talk on the side.
Crystal told Link of most of the others still at the Gerudo fortress and of what happened after Link fell unconscious. But she couldn't say how the others faired with the proud race of women warriors. Link feared the worse for little Cait. Being so timid, she could be targeted and if Matt could be useful in that situation was questionable.
The threesome decided after eating to mount up. Yet Andrake chose to run ahead to pay the others a visit. After finishing the lunch, they told Zelda briefly that they were leaving. The princess wished them well and bade them to return with the others if they could, for she had to stay at the castle for the time being and wanted to bid them each a safe journey.
Back with the others at the Gerudo Fortress, there were not as many people but more than a little chaos. Outside of the fortress, Andrake wandered around waiting for the first sign of Link and the others and wanted to get away from the bossy women but the Gerudo were going to persist that the group of outsiders stayed until Link or one of the sages said otherwise.
Sighing and rubbing the back of his neck, Andrake decided he didn't have it that bad off. At the sound of a yell, he turned back to the fortress and saw a spear with a ribbon at the end of the spear-head fly out the window then land sticking into the ground. The shout sounded much like Matt.
Why wasn't Andrake surprised?
Heaving a sigh, he decided to play peacemaker once again and jogged past the guards on duty and into the maze-like halls of the fortress. It didn't take long until he saw one of the Gerudo women running through the hall. Assuming that was the source of the commotion, Andrake gave chase, easily keeping up with the warrior.
Both Andrake and the Gerudo ran through the halls once going outside then ducking into another room, climbing higher and higher. At one of the main rooms, they came across another Gerudo. She was looking around the room, having come from the opposite entrance.
Andrake scratched the back of his head in confusion and shrugged to them before the two women went back the way Andrake had followed through. He shrugged and decided to have a drink of water from the water vase on the table when a familiar figure dropped into the room near the wall.
Matt was chuckling under his breath and hopped onto one of the seats, grinning at Andrake. The ex-knight muttered lightly under his breath before questioning, "Okay, what's that grin for? What have you been up to?"
"Not much . . ." Matt kept grinning.
"Then why did you yell earlier and what's with the Gerudo? They are obviously hunting you."
"Hehe. All right, I was just having a little fun. But they seemed to take it too seriously."
Andrake didn't bother asking again. Soon, one of the warrior women entered the room and glared daggers at the boy. Matt yelped and jumped over the table to hide behind Andrake as the Gerudo drew her large swords from behind her back.
"Whoa, whoa, hold up! What did the boy do that makes you want his blood?" Andrake tried to question the glaring women. She pointed one of the sword tips at the ducking boy and spat from behind her mask, "He has dishonored us! Stealing a kiss and running off laughing!"
Andrake cocked an eyebrow and glanced at Matt from the corner of his eye. Matt gave an indignant look, "ONE! It was only one little kiss! Just . . . over and . . . over." He was received by a fiery look of hatred by the Gerudo. Andrake looked at both in turn, shook his head, then stepped aside from the boy, "Okay then, you can have him."
"What?!" Matt shrieked. He looked with fear back to the Gerudo woman just as she sounded a loud whistle, gathering other's attention. He tried to run past the ex-knight, swearing profusely but his get-away was blocked as one of the guards dropped from the ceiling somehow in front of him. He stumbled then fell back on his butt.
Two more women filed into the room, the same two that had run down the hall. All four of the women glared at the boy, eyes flashing, while he scrambled on the ground backwards into the room, sword hilt and staff skittering on the ground until he hit the back wall with a solid thud and could retreat no further.
Andrake half grinned to watch the hunting style of the enraged women as they formed a circle around Matt then noticed a small girl come running into the room as fast as she could. Cait, wearing garb much like the Gerudo but in her size and in light purple, ran between the legs of one of the Gerudo and stood in front of Matt, spreading her arms in front of him. The women backed slightly more from surprise than anything.
"Leave him alone!" Was Cait's only plea. Her eyes were determined despite that she was afraid of the women. She trembled slightly but stood her ground and here eyes remained steady. She was intent to protect the boy she loved like a big brother.
(AN: She loves him like a nice big brother. Not the evil and carnage kind, like mine)
The guard spoke of for the four, "Little one, stand aside now. This boy has done something . . . very rude and very mean. He deserves to be punished." None of them wanted to force the young girl to do anything. They all held a soft spot for her, though none of them knew exactly why.
Cait stood her ground and Matt, sure of his imminent death, continued to cower but also gave his best pleading eyes to the women. "No! I know he can be mean. But he is also very nice! He's my friend and I can't stand by and watch you harm him!" Though not very convincing, her words seemed to strike home with the women. They started to back off some more.
"Well, this is very interesting." Andrake murmured to himself as he took a drink of water, his eyes never leaving the scene.
Some of the women looked at each other then the spear-wielding guard raised her staff head, tapping the butt of it on the ground. "Fine. We won't punish him this time. For now. But little one, if you leave his side and he strays from you, then he will face the consequence of his behavior."
Cait stopped trembling as she dropped her arms to her sides again with a light breath of relief and smiled brightly, succeeding to win over the women even more. "Okay!" Her bright face turned to innocent curiosity then as she puzzled out loud "What's con-conse . . . what you said?"
The guard smiled slightly then shook off the smile and explained, "It means he will be punished for being bad. Understand?"
Cait smiled again and nodded as the women took their leave, muttering about what happened as they left Cait's child-like charm. Matt grinned broadly then hugged Cait tightly from behind, "You saved me!"
Cait nearly tumbled forward from the sudden hug if not for the hug holding her up. Matt grinned apologetically and set her on her feet before getting up and dusting himself off. "See? I have my lucky charm and more mad luck!" Matt cackled with victory as she pulled the silver medallion from under his buttoned up vest.
Andrake smirked and set down the water vase as both Matt and Cait took a seat, "Yeah but didn't you hear the other part of the deal? You leave this "little one's" side then your butt belongs to the Gerudo."
Matt scratched the back of his head, "Yeah, I know. But I'm alive for now! And I got what I wanted! And it was worth it!" He cackled again then took up the water vase and took a long pull from it.
Cait sighed lightly, "Sometimes . . . even I wonder why I protect him."
Matt snapped out of his fog of victory then and ruffled Cait's hair affectionately, "Well, I'm very grateful to you, Cait. You did save my life back there. A regular hero, that's what you are to me!" Cait beamed at the praise and all was right in the world. Andrake chuckled in his throat and shook his head. "I wonder what's keeping the others up."
"They were in the horse area when I saw them." Cait offered.
With a nod, Andrake started for the door then looked back, "Well, come on. We might as well stick together sometimes." He gave Matt a meaningful look then grinned.
"Oh, sure. Just because I have a little bit of fun I'm marked for it?" Matt groaned as he got up from the seat and followed Andrake. Cait giggled as she sprung form the chair to her feet and followed after the two on their heals.
It didn't take long for the trio to get outside again. Problem being they were still fairly high off the desert ground. Andrake went to the edge as he could see something running from the fortress and onto the desert grounds where the bridge and river was.
Matt joined by him, also spotting the figure. It was a black horse with a pale rider on its back. Zolaris and Trasul. Behind them were two more men, one with hair as red as the Gerudo's hair, as well as a few warriors giving chase.
Andrake blinked in surprise when he saw the red-haired young man take his black mount over the edge of the cliff, completely ignoring the bridge. He was less surprised when the Gerudo stopped their chasing but the other two men . . . Kohachan and Toloran . . . jumped after him.
"What do you suppose that was all about?" Matt asked. Andrake shrugged lightly then saw a few other familiar figures coming across the bridge several seconds after the three Sheikah had vanished over the cliff.
"Things just stay interesting around here, don't they?" Andrake laughed lightly at Link, Crystal, and Tarawen's approach. Link rode on Epona while Crystal and the tiny fox that was Tarawen rode on Diamond. He looked down, judging the distance. Not a hard fall at all.
"Matt, think you can jump down without breaking a leg?" Andrake glanced at the boy as he gained an indignant snort.
"Comrade, don't you think little of me just because I'm not insanely strong in the legs as you. I can handle it. But what about Cait?"
Andrake gave another slight grin then picked up Cait in his arms and jumped over the edge. He held Cait to his chest then hit the ground, holding the girl close and bent his knees to absorb the impact then looked back and up at Matt.
Matt snorted then took a step back before running a couple steps then kicking off the edge of the building. While in mid air, he took his sword and staff both in their sheath and loop respectfully in front of him and horizontal then dove more forward and hit the ground, absorbing the impact in a roll that brought him back to his feet. He stood tall and slung both items onto his back again and smirked at Andrake as Andrake let Cait to her feet again.
With that little fete done, they started to the stairs down to the pass to intercept Link and company, then give chase to the three Sheikah.
(AN: Time jump slightly.)
Only when Zolaris saw the cliff with the long bridge did her wonder if it was really worth it. He glanced back at his pursuers, mainly at the Gerudo guards, and spurred Trasul to run toward the cliff. At the last possible moment, Trasul tried to stop and gave out a shriek of fear then jumped over the edge. Both horse and rider plummeted towards the water far below.
"My horse!!" Kohachan yelled in anger and shock. He began to run even faster, kicking at the ground as though to fly then dove over the side.
"Hold on, Kohan! Wait!" Toloran yelled, not bothering with the redhead's full name. He knew it was too late as the angered Kohachan dove over the edge and then dove straight after him.
All four hit the water one after another. Zolaris clung tightly to Trasul's mane and tried to stay up in the water as the horse snorted and cried wildly in the rapid waters. The cold of the water hit the young man hard. He started cursing from the cold and was still cursing as he and Trasul went over the first of many waterfalls.
Kohachan dove into the water arms first and only when he started swimming upwards did the full shock of the freezing water hit him. He saw lights dancing before his eyes as he pulled his way to the surface. Feeling himself becoming more and more dizzy, the strength in his arms then his legs failed him. He felt the pull of the water alone moving him along but his lungs were burning for air.
Toloran hit the water and fought back the shock of the cold. He searched while underwater to see Kohachan trying to reach the surface but his movements grew sluggish at an alarming rate. He began working his way along with the currents then grabbed ahold of the crimson tunic and pulled them both toward the surface just before the water's flow became even stronger then the water fell around them as the fell over the falls.
Three waterfalls later, all but Trasul were wiped out and put in near hypothermia from the cold. The fiercely pulling waters slowed down suddenly and shifted into a swirl as they entered Lake Hyrule. Trasul pawed at the water and kicked his way to shore with Zolaris holding with iron grip to his mane and floating limply beside him.
Behind them, Toloran worked to keep himself and Kohachan up and continued fighting the cold as his body was becoming numb. He saw a glimpse of the shore and the black horse climbing onto it then began pulling himself and Kohachan towards it.
Trasul stopped and breathed hard while his body trembled from the cold. Zolaris' grip failed and he fell with a solid thump to the frosted grass. Toloran soon made his way to the shore then pulled Kohachan partially onto the ground then dragged himself out of the bitterly cold water and reached back to heave Kohachan out of the water further before collapsing to catch his breath.
"Don't . . . fall . . . asleep." Toloran groaned to himself and he began forcing himself off of the ground despite his completely soaked clothing. A gentle breeze blew past and made him collapse again, shivering severely. He gave a yell and gained a little strength from that. He forced himself onto his knees then onto one knee before hugging himself tightly in the attempt to bring life back into his numbed body.
At the sound of shuffling hooves, he saw Trasul carefully stepping nearer, his own body soaked and quivering in the cold. Toloran gave a weak smile as Trasul drew nearer and lowered his head toward the Sheikah. Toloran held to the mane behind Trasul's head and pulled himself to his feet with Trasul's help.
From standing, he felt a little more energy return to him but still not near enough. He looked to both young men then looked around. On the hill and on the other side of the shore he stood on was the old Lakeside Laboratory, a warm golden light shone in the window and smoke rose from the chimney. It was the most wonderful sight at the moment.
He gave Trasul a look then nodded to the Laboratory, "That's . . . where we . . . need to be." He set his arm off of the horse's neck then stood on his own, hugging himself tightly from the cold. With a small pat to Trasul's shoulder, he started a slow, shivering walk toward the laboratory then picked up the pace a little, another breeze helping to push him along.
It felt like forever but in two minutes, the Sheikah had made his way up the hill, across the frosted then snowy ground, and to the front of the laboratory. To his surprise, by the sign, a large wagon with two horses in front of it stood bearing the signs of LonLon Ranch. He shook his head slightly. Dilution must have come over his frozen mind.
Upon knocking on the door, though, a young fiery orange-haired girl opened it and looked up at him. He bright but curious smile dissipated into a slight yelp and she called to the others.
Within minutes after discovering Toloran and pulling him into the house, Malon, Talon, and even the old man became busied taking off as much soaked and freezing clothing as they dared, wrapping a blanket around him tightly, and setting him in front of a fire. (AN: Wow, long sentence.)
From Toloran, they learned of Kohachan, Zolaris, and Trasul. They ran out and saw on the bank the two men and the horse laying in a row, one young man laying by either flank of the resting horse and rushed down to them.
In less than five minutes, the trio had Kohachan and Zolaris in front of the fire by Toloran. Both were stripped to the essentials and bundled in warm, dry blankets. Even Trasul was pulled into the house and covered in heavy blankets though the horse would not go near the flames.
As soon as the two unconscious Sheikah were revived, they were given warm drinks while Toloran was busy telling them of what happened. The most pressing question came from the lips of the shocked farm girl, "Why?!"
Toloran started laughing then nodded to Zolaris. Each in the room, even Trasul, looked to the inconspicuous young man and he ducked, feeling the six sets of eyes on him then muttered lightly. Kohachan gave him a shove, "Speak up! I'm right here and I didn't catch that!"
"I said the Gerudo were going to kill me for stealing their best stallion!"
Much confusion followed and Zolaris stared into the flames and related the story of the Gerudo closing in on him, declaring that in his demon state, he had stolen their prized stallion. The very same stallion that the "Great Ganondorf" also rode. He related how women . . . especially the Gerudo women, were a force to be reckoned with.
Trasul was right there, looking at the scene while tied with a loop of rope around his neck to a post. Zolaris finally got to a part the other two Sheikah recognized. He had used a Deku Nut to temporarily blind the Gerudo then slipped past them, pulling off the loop of rope, then jumped onto the horse's back and started to flee.
At the finish of his story, Zolaris drained the last of the warm drink and asked for more. Toloran shook his head quietly as he stood a little way from the flames, blanket pulled tight around him. Malon went to Zolaris and poured him another cup-full when a knock sounded at the door.
"Why did you have to grab Trasul for that?!" Kohachan hissed in Sheikahn as the old man opened the door. Zolaris shrugged in his own defense and looked away from the red-eyed glare to see who was at the door. At first, a tiny fox dashed through the door and looked around rapidly before running at the three Sheikah. All three were bombarded with mental questions, demands, worry and all set at least one hand to their head as the next people came in.
"Ack! My laboratory wasn't mean to hold this many people!" The old man cried as Link, Crystal, Andrake, Matt, and Cait all managed to get into the house. Talon laughed and motioned for Malon to join him. "Well, we had better be off now. Looks like you have more than enough company, old man. We'll be seeing you the next time you want some milk delivered. Don't be a stranger!" The friendly ranch man made his way to the door and said their farewells to everyone then left.
Matt looked to the Sheikah still being bombarded mentally by Tarawen then called out to them, "Aright, how did you do it?! We saw you go over the cliff! How is it you made it all the way to here?!"
Link tapped Matt's shoulder, "I told you, the river leads into the lake. They just came to shore here. But surviving those waters at this time of year is impressive. Why not tell us what happened?"
{And why!} Piped up Tarawen to everyone but the old man.
Zolaris groaned aloud and rubbed his forehead, "Can we keep that story until we are good and ready to leave? It will make a perfect story then."
So, wait they did. The old man, with Crystal's help, served everyone some more of the warm, invigorating drink. When the Sheikah's clothing was dried and warmed, all three went to the back one by one to put on the clothes and returned the blankets with their deep gratitude to the old man.
The old man waved off the gratitude and all but shoved all eight people, one tiny fox, and one black horse out his door, bade them and short farewell, then slammed the door shut. "I'm assuming he likes his privacy . . ." Toloran mused then looked to the others. Tarawen agreed mentally and jumped up to Kohachan's shoulder to ride.
"Well, we're getting nothing done here. Let's head back to the castle before the cold gets to us again." Andrake suggested, his responsible side taking over. The others agreed and agreed to take turns riding and walking.
Kohachan rode on Trasul with Tarawen in front of him as a tiny fox, Zolaris walked since he felt it was his fault they took the detour anyway. Crystal and Cait rode together on Diamond. Matt, with much wariness, rode on Epona while Link, Andrake, and Toloran walked in front of the gear-less horses.
They left the laboratory, glad that the usual large gates were let down, and started into the snow-covered field. The sun was beginning to sink in the sky by that time but they knew that with a pressing pace, they would stay fairly warm and make it before the night fully set in. Through the walk, Toloran and Zolaris both told the full story of why they jumped over the cliff. In the end of the story, Zolaris was hit more than a couple times at the back of the head by a small fox fire.
(AN: yes, another one. I know it usually takes what . . . a day and a half to get across Hyrule while running but . . . this is my fic. Bear with me.)
While they walked, they soon changed to where Link rode Epona, Zolaris rode Trasul, and Cait alone rode on Diamond. Tarawen moved from Kohachan to Toloran and spoke with him silently. Despite her speaking only to him, everyone knew that it was time to make the choices. Who would go where? But none of them wanted to discuss it.
In the middle of the field, standing right by the Lost Woods, Andrake came to a stop. As though it were a signal, everyone stopped together and whatever merry spirits were present failed them. Andrake looked around then spoke up, "We've been through a lot of crazy things together, everyone. But we are all of different lands. We belong to our own homes. Some from far away," He looked to Tarawen as she leapt down from Toloran's shoulder and changed to her Kitsune self. "Some are already home." He looked to Link then. "But this strange gathering of people . . . has to come to an end."
Cait gave a slight sob. Matt moved to her side and patted the young girl's back, even while she wore a blanket over her Gerudo winter clothing. Zolaris and Link dismounted then as Tarawen spoke up, "Even if our homes are in different lands, we shouldn't lose heart. Every greeting is followed by a farewell and hopes to meet again."
The Kitsune's words brought a little heart back into the group then Matt grinned a bit and stretched, "Well, Cait and I are going to stick together. We are travelers so we go everywhere . . . but we still tend to visit some places more than once. We'll have to head on out soon but hey, there's no hurry and we are sure to swing by again." Cait nodded, attempting her own smile but she was still clearly upset.
"We have to be going soon as well. The sooner the better. I don't know how long Gramps will exactly tolerate our being gone." Andrake spoke up for himself and Crystal. Crystal was also looking terribly down fallen as she looked at Link. The young hero kept a blank face and carefully didn't meet anyone's eyes.
Kohachan crossed his arms over his chest and spoke up, "I don't know if anyone is putting this into account but everyone involved with the legend of the fourth Triforce and the Moon Gods must be separated. Tarawen, you intend to take Toloran back to your tribe, do you not? That is what your silent talk was about." The young maiden glanced way, having been accused accurately.
Kohachan nodded and went on, "I will have to stay in Hyrule, as I have for most of my life thus far. So, Zolaris. What are your plans? And you Link?"
Link seemed to snap out of it at the sound of his name but soon sank back into his state of depression. "I can't stay here. Once an adventurer, always an adventurer. Zelda wanted me back, but I know by now that she will understand that I will have to leave again. It might just be better for Hyrule that I leave." He stopped before his voice betrayed any emotion.
Crystal perked up at than and whirled on Link, "You can come with us!" He looked back to her then Crystal smiled back then turned on her older brother, "Andrake, you know Gramps favors him. And Shekro would be glad as well. Come on!"
Andrake grinned inwardly then acted as though to judge Link. He rubbed his chin and gave a low "Hmm . . ." and eyed the hero while Link didn't meet his eyes back.
Crystal pursed her lips in anger then threw a dagger at Andrake, the butt of the dagger striking him in the head then falling back into the snow. "Ow!" Andrake rubbed his head furiously from the impact and spat a few venomous curses. "Oh yeah, they are siblings." Matt snickered.
It was decided that if Zelda truly would let Link go without bothering him, he would go with Crystal and Andrake back to their home at least for a while. Matt and Cait would set out wherever chance took them. Toloran and Tarawen would return to the Kitsune tribe. Kohachan would have to stay in Hyrule possibly for the rest of his days, aside from the random small errands outside the land.
That only left out Zolaris. The silver-haired Sheikah understood very well that he couldn't go with Toloran, Kohachan, Matt, or Crystal. He would have to set out on his own. Zolaris grinned suddenly then laughed a bit. "Well, if Toloran and Kohachan will stop getting in my way, I'm going to set out and find Katie. She and I have a lot in common so . . . who knows? She's bound to get into more trouble."
Everyone else just stared at Zolaris then shook their heads sadly.
(AN: There! Katie does play more of a role! She is Zolaris' future, basically. Though, that could make things worse. Anyway!)
When the group reached their destination, it was well into the night and everyone, save the tiny fox, was well in want of a fire. Inside the castle, they were gathered around a large, merrily crackling fire and all huddled in blankets again. All except the young girl standing by the window.
The others were okay in saying good bye but she was going to have to let go of her one true hero. She knew he would want to leave again. She knew he didn't want to come back in the first place. She had to let him go. Hyrule just wouldn't be the same without him.
Zelda spoke up softly, deciding to get it over with already. But while her mind wanted to finish business with Link, her mouth chose to prolong the inevitable, "Zolaris, you have decided to set out on the oceans after a long-lost friend?"
Amid the chokes laughter of the others, Zolaris replied, "Well . . . not a real friend. Just someone I'd rather get to know better."
The young princess nodded, knowing nothing else to say. She tried again but her voice again delayed her thoughts, only making it hurt more, "And Princess Tarawen, you are going to return to your tribe along with Toloran. It's a shame you must leave so soon."
Tarawen nodded in return. She was in her humanoid form, deciding not to hide her true self from another princess. "Just call me Tarawen, please. And yes. Toloran here has been a great help among my people. He's agreed to come back and escort me home as well." To this, Toloran nodded his agreement.
A small lump was forming in Zelda's throat while her sight was beginning to blur. She swallowed the lump and easily blinked back the tears. "And you, Matt and Cait, will continue traveling? Cait, did you find anyone here you recognize?"
Cait shook her head, no, while Matt answered the other question, "Well, we might come by from time to time. This little angel is still in need of a family. But . . . I figure we have watched each other's backs for this long, we can keep it up."
Zelda nodded, somewhat calmed by the boy's carefree attitude. "Crystal and Andrake, you are going to go back to your own homes as well?"
Crystal nodded but nervously then added, "Also, if it would be okay with you, Princess Zelda, we wanted to take Link with us."
Zelda felt her heart give a faint murmur at this news. No matter how she said to herself that she was prepared, she wasn't. "Link? Is this true?" She asked faintly.
Link didn't answer at first. He could feel the shock this gave to the young princess. Finally looking up, his face set in firm resolve, he nodded. Zelda was taken aback by that face. It was the same kind he faced a true challenge or even an enemy with. But never her. Never before.
"Then . . . if this is truly what you want, Link . . . you have my leave to go where your heart will guide you. You are not bound to Hyrule, but . . . always remember that you will have a home here."
Links hard look melted away like ice on a summer day. He smiled then went over to Zelda and hugged her tightly. The princess gasped in surprise then hugged Link back a bit less tightly until he let her go.
"Thank you." The young hero said. Zelda could only nod with a light smile. It was still an empty smile, her eyes filled with sorrow. Her voice was stolen from her. "Zelda, calm down. Please cheer up. If I'm gone, then this land may be all that much safer. When I'm here, troubles keep on coming, each greater than the last. I will come back every once in a while. But if I don't live here all the time, it will be for the better, more than likely." Link spoke soothingly.
The kindness in Link's voice only made Zelda's resolve to stay strong whither. Before she could break into tars, she pushed past Link, plastered a smile despite watery eyes and bade everyone a good night, saying she would see them in the morning then left as her tears began to fall.
Andrake snorted lightly while Crystal sighed at Zelda's exit. "Maybe it would be best that you did stay, Link?"
"No." Link became firm once more then gentled once more to himself, "No, it will be okay. I'll just have a talk with her tonight. We'll be leaving tomorrow so I suggest everyone get a good sleep tonight . . . Where is Kohachan?"
At this, everyone including Tarawen looked around. But the redhead Sheikah was not to be found. "Strange, he was here just a moment ago." Crystal spoke up. Eventually, everyone shrugged it off then retired to their own rooms to sleep.
"So ends this fine adventure." Kohachan mused to the sky alone as he walked through the shadows of the forest. "The power of the fourth Triforce was revealed for a short while. The prophecy came and passed. The world was saved by eternal darkness and from blinding light. Balance once more reigns."
Behind him, Trasul followed calmly, ears searching around for any sign of danger. "The group of people, familiar and alien alike will be split up once more. The wandering hero has found his long lost friend and many more along the way. But everyone goes away eventually." The Sheikah came across a familiar clearing in the woods and not to his surprise, the burnt rubble that was once his house was still there.
"But though people do go away, friends have a tendency to never stay away. And as long as there are places to travel, the story will never end." Kohachan stopped and Trasul came beside him, nudging him lightly in the shoulder. "No . . . indeed this story is far from over, my friend. But for now, out story must end and let another begin."
He pet Trasul's forehead lightly then went to a nearby tree and slipped the katana from his belt. He sat against the tree and set the katana to his shoulder then looked up at the starry sky, saying a small prayer for his mother's soul, then lowered his head and began to sleep peacefully.
Back at the castle and in the dead dark of night . . . one small, annoying voice whimpered, "I wish I never made that bet . . ." Navi, still trapped on the table, stuck under the profits of her bet, went back to yelling in a small voice, "Help meee!!!"
Kohachan: Yeah, I wish things were peaceful right now! (gets tackled by both Crystal and Matt) Wah!!
Tarawen: (laughs lightly while the two teens hold down the Sheikah) Well now, Kohan, tell us what happened to Shadow Girl and we'll let you go free.
Crystal: And if you try to resist, we know where you are ticklish.
Matt: And we know your weak points to by now! (holds up a bar of dark fudge chocolate)
Kohachan: Aright, aright! I'll tell! She's on vacation!
Tarawen: That's all? But you said she is out of order . . .
Kohachan: Yeah. She's out of order, as in she can't work now that she is done. And she will stay on vacation until she gets ideas for a new story or is given good ideas.
Shadow Knight: (busts out of the closet and through the chains with his Megabuster) Well, she better get cracking! Sequel again! Katie tries to take over the world! MUAHAHAHA!! (runs around then runs home insane)
Link: (staggers out of the closet) Don't lock me anywhere with that or any author ever again. (passes out)
Kohachan: Well . . . that was interesting. And now we get to change the last line at the bottom. Until the new beginning of another story.
The End