-- CHAPTER 14: Oracle of the Triforce --
After breakfast, Link had scouted the gate and the entire outer edge of the fortress. It was as Colba had said, there was no way out besides the front gates. Even the ocean out the back wasn't possible. The water had been decreasing significantly ever since he saw it for the first time at a couple feet below the edge, and now sat at least 20 feet further down the smooth cliff of solid stone, certainly unclimbable. Disgruntled, Link had moped around outside trying to pass time. He eventually came back around to the rune shop, and sure enough, not much impressed him. The only thing he found to have any real worth was a diamond that could glow creating a source of light – very similar to the one Colba had when they were in the tunnels. Link had struck a deal with Withrow to work under him for the next month to earn some money for food. He spent a couple hours working there and then returned to the rune shop with his first pay and had just enough to buy the cheap diamond. He'd been grumpy all day, and now it was getting late, he was tired and grumpy (seeing as how he spent his lunch money on a fancy light bulb); Link was ready for bed.
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It was dark and Link stood alone in the middle of the vast desert. Suddenly he fell to his knees.
They're coming.
Red eyes flickered into view as the giant deformed bodies of the Gerudo crawled into view. Millions upon millions of smaller spiders scurry about the ground towards Link.
"No! Get away from me! Don't come any closer!"
The Desert Bane squealed in delight as the smaller arachnids overwhelmed the hysterical child, completely covering him so that all could be seen was a mountain of black leathery eight-legged bugs crawling on top of each other. They dug into his ear and he tried to scream again only to have another swarm of spiders scurry into his mouth. He could feel the spiders crawling under his skin eating away at his muscles and organs. They bit at his eyes so that he could no longer see, but he could sense the Gerudo creeping closer. Great shadows in the back of his mind walked tauntingly slowly toward their victim- laughing, horrible screeches of joy. As the shadows crept closer they became more and more distinct until, hovering directly above Link's face he could see the disgusting figure with more clarity than he had ever seen anything before. He saw i's misbegotten face as well as its horrible misshapen topside full of lumps and unevenly grown in thick hair. He could see every side of each of its legs, all of different lengths and diameters. The vile creature smiled, if you could call the expression it held with it's impossibly crooked mouth a smile, and then reared it's head down just as the smothering spiders scurried away. It bit deep into Link's chest, and then brought it's head back up ripping off skin along his sides and belly, blood spraying everywhere. With the fresh skin hanging from its jaw the spider faced the heavens and howled, followed by the rest of the watching Desert Bane.
- - - - -
Another piercing howl awoke Link with a jolt. Breathing heavy his eyes darted about the dark room. And then he heard it again, the cry seemed to penetrate his body, vibrating within his bones. He could hear movement and indistinct voices outside and people rushed to attend the disruption. Link jumped out the door to meet a crowd of men hurrying over to the castle gates.
"What's that awful noise!" Link heard somebody whine groggily and turned around to see a woman poking her head out of the doorway.
"That's what I'm going to find out, Betsy!" said a man running past Link with his head craned the opposite direction.
Link turned and went with the crowd, his little legs unable to keep up as older men swarmed past him.
Another howl erupted bringing Link to his knees. He knew that howl too well.
"They've never acted like this before! What's going on!"
Link could feel the Gerudo amassing on the other side of the twin gates wildly pounding at it, apparently in hopes of bringing it down. Each pound echoed inside his head sending a searing headache throughout as if it was his own head that was being repetitively thrown against the thick wooden wall. Link held his head with both his hands and cried out in pain.
As in response to a call the other side of the gates erupted in a hail of awful screeches. And then silence.
"They stopped! I don't get it!"
Link, the one responsible for our curse, the one who banished us to the desert centuries ago, the one who slaughtered the guardian Gold Skulltullas and brought about their curse too, we have found you. You cannot hide from us forever.
Link didn't so much hear distinct voices as he felt the thoughts wreathed in vengeance of the Mindrippers. His head pulsed migraines and his entire body went limp as he was overcome with panic. Link screamed uncontrollably as his body tried to release the compounding tension.
Another wave of howls returned his pained scream as well as a maniacal laugh that echoed throughout his head.
Tears poured from Link s eyes as he rocked back and forth cradling his head. The pain was too great. For the first time since he set off on his mission to save his town he wanted to die, to end the suffering, it was just too much to bear. After mere seconds of this limitless agony (though it seemed impossibly longer) another presence entered Links mind preceded by a subtle echoing chant that seemed to dull the pain.
Do not give up Link! You must take courage! It is your birthright!
You! Link responded, The one from the tunnels beneath the castle!
Link could feel a smile wash over as the voice continued, Yes, it is I.
Yet another tearing screech wailed from the opposite side as Shadow Spiders noticed another presence defending their prey. Link screamed aloud in pain.
Come. You will be safer the further you are from them. And I have much I would like to discuss with you, Chosen One, Hero of Time.
Determination spread across Link's face as he struggled to his feet. His legs were wobbly and weak yet he forced himself to stand.
For father.
He took a step forward nearly buckling at the knees.
That's it! The blood of your forefathers flows strong within you indeed!
Another step and then another, and another...
More cries from the Gerudo brought Link crashing to the ground once more, but he would not stay down. He got up again, this time moving quicker, he reached his room just as another set of screeches sent him tumbling. He slammed hard against the outside wall, but caught himself before he fell. Leaning heavily on the wall, Link opened the door and rummaged through the dark room. Finding his staff he stumbled back out the door and made his way towards the castle until eventually he was at a sprint, a smirk of victory spreading across his face. Reaching the castle doors he found them to be wide open. Peering back toward the gate he concluded that everyone was otherwise occupied, and nobody was watching him. With several more side ways glances Link bolted into the castle, down the hallway, through the doorway, down the stairs and through the caves.
He was deep inside the maze of tunnels before he realized he was completely lost. Swinging the glowing tip of his staff slowly in a circle he surveyed his surroundings. No markings. Exhaustion finally caught up to him and he fell to the ground for a breather.
Well done, Link. Now just follow the chanting.
Link sighed and then threw his head back on the ground.
Gimme a minute.
After he was breathing more evenly again he picked himself up.
Follow the chanting...
Unsure of exactly what that meant Link trudged around the outer edge of the room he was currently in. As he passed by one of the several entrances to the room he noticed the volume of the chant pick up. Pointing his staff down the pathway he gave it a quick once-over and headed down. Eventually he was lead to a room with paintings on it very similar to the one he had seen when he first came into the caves, but careful observation proved it to be a different one entirely. He heard dripping and found, in a small nook, a pool of water. Just above the pool was a crudely drawn picture of a kid with blond hair, blue eyes, and an over grown nose. Above his head was the mark of the Triforce of Courage with big "X" thru it and a "sad face" off to the side. Looking down at his own reflection in the pool and then back up at the painting he could help but notice a vague similarity.
Interesting...
Interesting indeed.
Link jumped, and spun around. Craning his head upwards he took in the full towering statue of glowing sapphire. The apparent sudden appearance sent him tumbling backwards into the pool of water that proved to be deceptively deep.
The voice giggled, It's such a pleasure; it's been so long since I've been graced with the presence of the Bearer of Courage. You used to visit me so often too. It gets lonely down here all alone.
"You! You weren't there before!"
Another soft giggle...I wasn't glowing before.
Link tilted his head to the side, "You're...you're the picture from the painting. The Water Spirit that was on fire. Who...who are you?"
My name is Flo'ondia, Matriarch of the former race known as the Water Spirits, original Bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom. I've been here since the dawn of Hyrule. Today I'm more commonly known as the Oracle of the Triforce. Although, it is obvious that I am, in fact, not commonly known at all. Flo'ondia let out a sigh.
Pulling himself out of the pool Link inquired about the portrait behind him.
Yes, That would be the original Link. All the paintings down here are from him. He used to come visit me often, but alas, I haven't seen him in a long time.
"You mean he's still alive?"
Oh very much so, though I don't know why. None of the other original children were graced with an above average life span. None except...
"Hmm?...except who?"
Never mind. That's for another time and doesn't concern you at the moment.
"What are you talking about?!"
I said never mind, leave it at that.
"Why is it so important that I don't know?!"
Be patient child, you have much to be concerned with now. It would not be wise clutter your mind with other worries.
Link sighed softly. "That's exactly what those Deku Trees said. What does everybody know that I don't!" Link said, more to himself than to Flo'ondia
I know it's hard to be patient sometimes. Right now it is important that you rescue the people from your home. What motivation would you have for saving the future if there was nothing left for you to save?
Link blinked twice "Wha...what? The future?"
Once you have brought your people here to Fenykes I will tell you what you need to know.
Link's eyes lit up. "Wait, so is there a way out?"
...I am sorry. But fear not, you left the fairy dust in good hands.
"So everybody's still alive then!"
Yes, young Link, your father has seen to that.
Link was overjoyed, this was the first truly good news he'd had in a long time. But his emotional high was quickly washed over with fear.
"But still, it's a long time till the next full moon. I can't risk waiting that long! ...and what about Hyrule castle town? They're even worse off!"
I wish I could help more, but there is no way out. There used to be, but they've been blocked.
"So that's all you brought me down here to tell me? Just wait and I'll tell you everything later!"
...For now...yes...
"You know everything don't you?! You know why everybody is dying! And why I'm not! And why the mark on my hand is fading! You know it all, don't you!"
For an entire age I bore the Triforce of Wisdom, and for another age I have been left here with nothing but my thoughts. I know much, yes. And, you being the Bearer of the Triforce of Courage I know much about you as well. You are not ready.
Link broke down, "I just don't want anybody to die. They're all counting on me; I'm there only hope. I just don't want to fail them."
I know it is hard Link, but do not give up hope! You bear the Triforce of Courage, and such bearer's have always found a way to succeed in times past! I knew a Link that lost both his legs in an explosion and still managed to fight off a hoard of marauding centaurs! I knew Links that traveled to far places to save lands not their own. Countless Links have stood up against the Great Reoccurring Evil. Many of whom have been as young as you. You will save your people, it is simply your way as the Bearer of Courage.
"...thanks, but...that still doesn't mean I have to like waiting."
Of course not.
"...so then, is that just it, is that all you'll tell me? Could you at least tell me what's going on with the Gerudo, and why they hate me so much?"
Yes, I suppose. Sins of the fathers, that is why the Gerudo hate you. It is not anything you have done, but, rather, the generations before you. It started long ago, when a group of tradesmen had scalped one to many Gold Skulltulla. The golden plates that coat the Gold Skulltulla are considered sacred. The Goddess Din had blessed them with their golden skin, and ever since they took it upon themselves to serve as silent protectors, but once their skin stripped from them they become cursed for failing to protect the gold Din had entrusted to them. Such skinnings had been going on long before these tradesmen had started for Hylian greed is great, but Gold Skulltullas knew how to make themselves scarce and hard to find. These Hylian, though had developed significant talent in seeking out and capturing the Gold Skulltulla. Normally a peaceful race, the Gold Skulltulla knew they had to stop the tradesmen before there were no Golden Skulltulla left, so they cursed the tradesmen and saved themselves from extinction.
However, that generation's Link happened to stumbled upon the cursed tradesmen. They told him that it was the Gold Skulltulla that had cursed them, and that if the remaining Gold Skulltulla were slain the curse would be broken. They promised him great rewards if he would help them, but that wasn't necessary. Link's generous heart always had time to help those in need. With nothing but good intentions, Link killed every last Gold Skulltulla. The curse on the tradesmen did in fact break, but much greater consequences ensued. The curse of the Skulltulla was increased tenfold. More importantly though, the Gold Skulltulla had taken it upon themselves to contain the winds of the Haunted Wasteland, but with none left the winds gradually began to seep from the Wasteland and into the Gerudo Fortress.
After many generations of battleing the winds the Gerudo were forced to seek out a new homeland. For temporary purposes, Hyrule was the only valid option. But the Gerudo and Hylians never did get along. War broke out, and it was a new Link, several generations later, that led the Hylian army in a campaign to banish the Gerudo. Link and his army pushed all the Gerudo into the Wasteland and thought they had ridden themselves of the Gerudo for good, but such was not fate. Cursed Skulltulla inhabited the Wasteland in great numbers in underground tunnels. The Gerudo happened upon them, and, long having known and taken advantage of the healing powers of the Gold Skulltulla sought the same from the Cursed. The Kiss of the Skulltulla did keep them alive and able to survive in the desert, but the cursed kiss was not without its ill side affects, side affects of which, I'm sure, you have been made aware of. Such is their life that they now would happily embrace death, anything would be better than their current existence. Now, the sole driving force behind the Gerudo is the belief that if you die before you pass your Triforce Essence on to your son the curse will be broken.
There was a long pause.
"...So their only purpose in life is to kill me..."
Another pause.
Yes, it is true.
Silence.
Link, I suggest you get some sleep, You're night's rest was put to a premature stop. The Gerudo are gone now, but I don't know how long that will last. You might not get many full night's sleep for a while. You should rest up while you can.
"I suppose you're right" Link said wearily, suddenly tired from a heavy mind. As he headed off Flo'ondia called out to him one last time.
Promise you'll come to see me before you leave during the full moon. I have something for you to take on you're journey.
"Let me guess: something that I'm not ready to receive yet..."
Flo'ondia giggled, You catch on to these things quickly.
-- WRAP UP --
Hmm...another chapter mostly full of just information. Still, I think (crosses fingers) that this chapter was more interesting. I just get stuck in my conversations, I don't want them to be choppy and unrealistically "straight-to-the-point," but I don't want them to be boringly chit-chatty either. I'm afraid I might too often lean towards the latter. Well, as always, any and all comments are appreciated. If not then thanks for reading. Ya'll have a good day now!
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Dark Cross- Well, it was my pleasure to get you that update :) (even if it was a bit slow) and it is also my pleasure to bring you this update (even if it was a bit slow...o.O).
Thag- $9,100 huh? Not bad at all...I think...actually, I never really watch the show (eek!) Still, I know I could find a lot of ways to put $9,100 to use ;) Oh, and "I run for fun and am on the Track team, so I'm in really good shape..." ...heh, it's all relative, put me under a bench press and we'll se just how "in shape" I am :P. and Microsoft Word spell check lets dieing fly so thur! Hmm...ok, so that doesn't necessarily mean everything...
Fatima- Wow, the more I hear about what happens in your school...I dunno, I definitely go to a sheltered "non city" school I guess... and your in middle school/junior high? Anywho, it's good to hear you'll still get by with good grades at least. Heck, if it doesn't really effect your grades and you're out of school for it...it's not all bad at least ;).