Yo, this chapter is SO late, I'm sorry! I won't be surprised if not a lot of people catch this one. I'm afraid it's too boring but I hope you like it still, thanks for the reviews last time people! Ooh! I finally got Microsoft word! Yay for html!! Oh yeah just for the record if anyone disagrees
Crescent-Wish-Forever: Thanks I'm glad you like it so far
LainieG304: Eeee! You said muy, it was cute. .
Briana: Well here it is, still up for it?
Shadow Fox 05: Sorry, it takes me forever to get a short one out, the poor readers might have to wait even longer…
Hylian Heroine: Sorry I missed you on the internet, I forgot to turn it off again… ; thanks for the review! And yes the modem is still busted…
Lost Soul 01: Yep, you're right on the ball are you getting too smart for my stories? ;)
Chapter 6: Escape
Link felt sick to his stomach, he wanted this to be a dream, a fantasy. Anything but reality! Nevertheless he knew what needed to be done. Anyone who would dare lay a hand on Zelda or Taira would taste the cold steel of his blade. His sword was firmly gripped in his hand as he made his way down the stairs close to the altar.
"Bring out the child!" he heard the announcer yell.
The next thing Link saw just about sent him over the edge. The elder was carrying Taira kicking and screaming into the view of the audience; her cries reaching Link's sensitive ears against the roar of the crowd. He ran down the stairs now leaping over the edge to land nimbly on his feet. He calmly strode over to the elder as the crowd quieted in amazement. The elder didn't notice him until it was too late, Link had taken Taira in one arm and pressed the edge of his blade a millimetre from the man's neck.
The words he spoke were calm but filled with hatred for this man. "Where is Zelda…"
The older man remained silent for a few long seconds before finally stuttering out an answer. "I… I… don't know…"
Link pressed the sword a little harder drawing a small trickle of blood. "Either you tell me or start praying to the Goddesses for your life…"
The elder saw the determination in Link's eyes and knew he was serious. He complied only because in his mind it wouldn't change a thing. "Second floor!"
Just as he said this Link removed the blade knowing he'd regret it later but right now Zelda was the most important life on his mind. He reached the second floor sneaking around corners and softly calling her name. "Zelda… are you alright? Give me a reason to keep looking for you…"
The princess had been locked away in a jail cell. She sat on the floor crying a little bit but willing herself to be strong. Suddenly feeling Link's presence she jumped up to call his name. "Link! I'm in here!"
Taira pricked up her tiny pointed ears and cried out in delight. She must know where Zelda is… Link thought. He turned a few more corners until he saw her, looking scared and forlorn completely locked away in this prison-room.
"Zelda!"
Link felt relief wash over his entire body as he ran over the bars to hug her. Zelda felt as if just the sight of him held more value than any of the finest jewels within the castle.
"Link… thank the Goddesses…" she said while returning the hug.
"I'll get you out of here."
He pulled out a piece of metal and proceeded to pick the lock until she was freed. Again she hugged him and held Taira hugging her as well filled with joy that she was all right. Yet, she turned to Link her face lined with sorrow.
"I'm sorry… I lied to you Link and to Taira. I didn't protect her, I couldn't."
Link shook his head giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I don't blame you for any of this, how could I? You've got nothing to be sorry about."
"As soon as you left they overpowered me, they blocked my magic, captured me and took Taira away… I remember her face. She looked at me as if to say 'why are you letting them take me away' I felt horrible…"
Zelda felt fresh tears clouding her vision; she turned away from Link so he couldn't see her like this. She felt ashamed. Link gently turned her towards him and looked deep into her sapphire blue eyes.
"Zelda, it's not your fault. Look at me, does my expression tell you otherwise?"
She shook her head and gave him a small smile.
"They kept on saying 'sacrifice' taking Taira away like that." She hated retelling the incident which had caused her so much grief.
"I should be the one who's sorry… I should have been here to protect you. Instead I was away fighting their… distraction."
A little ball of white light came zooming out of Link's hat as he said this. "You found me though."
Zelda gasped in shock. "You found Navi? Where was he?"
"Locked within the monster. They sealed him away in there, though I'm not sure why."
"Obviously they knew we were coming, though I'm not sure they knew Navi was your fairy or if they even cared. But there had to have been someone overlooking this whole thing. Somebody smart."
"Or the people here are just insane…" Link suggested.
Suddenly a new voice pierced the calmness of the hallways.
"Hero of Time… Not insane are we, no. but you're so close… you'll get it next time."
Link stood protectively in front of Zelda and Taira. He did not recognize the man that stood in their path. He had silver hair streaked with black yet he was not an old man he looked quite young. Not more than 25 years old. He wore a suit of black armour with a black cape inset with silver markings and a silver interior.
"Who are you…?" he carefully asked.
"Now is not the time for questions… ask me again sometime. Oh, and don't forget the child. She is the key in all of my plans and you don't want to wreck those."
Zelda was getting pretty ticked off, nobody was giving her any answers and she was close to losing her temper.
"Tell me one thing. Why? Why her of all people!? She's just an innocent child."
The silver-haired man gave a slight laugh.
"A child yes, innocent? No, she is the very reincarnation of all three goddesses. With her lies the ultimate power of the Triforce. The legend says all our wishes can be fulfilled if we obtain that power. She is far more powerful than the triforce powers that lie inside of you, Link and of course you Princess."
"You obtain this power, by killing her?" Zelda asked bitterly.
"A cruel fate, but yes, unfortunately. She would grow up to be beautiful otherwise. Now it's been lovely chatting with you but I must go, have fun."
With that he disappeared in a flash similar to one made by a Deku nut. Link felt a slight sting in his neck but ignored it seeing they had bigger problems on their hands; in his place stood hundreds of angry torch-bearing villagers. Thinking fast Link took out his Longshot and fired it through a glass panel causing the shattered pieces to scatter everywhere. He took Zelda in one arm and retracted the device with sent them flying upwards and onto the rooftops.
"Sorry to be leaving so soon…" turning to Zelda he said. "We have to run, now."
Together they jumped from roof-top to roof-top before exiting the horrible town. Zelda soon spotted the same cave they stayed in when Link was injured. They gladly took refuge in there now.
Little Taira was almost oblivious to what just happened. She seated herself on the floor and tried to catch a beetle that was crawling close by to her. Zelda rushed into a hug with Link as she slightly shivered. He winced as she did this while he slightly eased himself onto the cave floor.
Zelda quickly pulled away. "Are you hurt?! Did he do anything to you?"
Link said nothing but pulled a needle-like object from his neck. "A dart…"
"Let me see that." Zelda examined the item before giving him a look of dismay. "This is not good… you've been poisoned Link…"
"No…" he growled before throwing the dart across the cave.
Taira was slightly startled by this action and started to cry a bit. Link quickly felt resentful of his actions and pulled out the Ocarina to play "A Distant Shore". Taira immediately calmed down and laid her head on the makeshift bed before falling asleep.
"Do you know of how I will be affected by the venom Zelda?"
She slowly shook her head. "I am not clear on the symptoms of the poison but I know you don't have much time… that man in black must have done it before her disappeared."
"He was nameless… I have never sensed such an evil since I banished Ganondorf."
"He must have been leading those villagers, feeding them a false truth of the Triforce so he was able to get it for himself."
Link agreed, he felt great anger towards that town with its broken trust. "If you can't trust a seemingly innocent town then does the trust even exist in this world?" he said before he realized he was thinking out loud.
"I agree with you, Link…" Zelda said quietly. "I can't explain the changes that have befallen this world of ours."
Link glanced over at the sleeping Taira and felt his heart soften. "I sense no evil from her, Zelda. Was she really created for…"
"No Link, never believe that. Only a corrupted mind would search for such a malevolent reason."
Link yawned it had quickly become dusk causing the sky to turn deep violet. He lay down close to Taira shifting into a more comfortable position. Zelda nervously approached him with a small request.
"Stay with me tonight Link."
Saying nothing but slightly smiling Link drew Zelda close to him as he put his arm around her waist. Zelda sighed happily feeling safe and secure in his strong arms. They both fell into a rather deep sleep filled with questionable dreams.
Dream
Link… Link…
"What? Where am I?"
Do not be afraid… you are safe.
Link could not recognize his surroundings; it looked as if he resided on the Hylian field close to the castle. A strong golden light was shining from above he had to shield his eyes but the sight caused him to gasp. The three goddesses Din, Nayru and Farore were floating above him. Nayru had blue flowing robes the colour of ice, Farore had green robes similar to the leaves of the Deku Sprout. Din had a fiery red attire and a mischievous grin.
"Goddesses…" was all Link could murmur.
You know of the tainted world Link, don't you? It is up to you and Zelda to reveal the truth.
"Please, tell me how Taira fits into all of this."
Nayru spoke, her blue azure eyes downcast.
The sacred child was not meant to arrive on the planet at such a young age. A great evil stole her from us, forcing her to live and grow among the humans. At her current state she is unable to unlock the powers of the Triforce by herself. Evil has found a way to use her against us, you must prevent this at all costs.
Link nodded in full understanding of the seriousness of this problem. "I was meant to find her, wasn't I?"
Farore was the next to speak, she touched down on the grass nearby Link.
We had enough power to send her to you, Link. We knew you, the Hero of Time and Zelda the future Queen would be most appropriate to care for her. Until the evil is destroyed she must remain in your care. Be warned though, Link. Do not grow too attached to her, such emotions could make you vulnerable to the fiends.
"One more question, the town on the pendant?"
Din narrowed her fiery red eyes with a look of annoyance.
An elaborate plot to terminate the child and in turn destroy the only chance of peace in Hyrule. Do everything you can Link, you and Zelda.
We know you will find a way. Be true to your hearts and never give up hope.
A/N: Hey everyone… ducks for random items being thrown Yes, yes I'm sorry it's a really, really, REALLY late chapter. But at least it's finished right? Tell me if you want more and I'll try my best to get it out to you soon ok? Ja ne everyone!
