All right! Lydia scores again! I have for you a nice, LONG Chapter 25, and I even got it to you in the two weeks I promised. How's THAT for cool, huh? Enjoy, everybody, this is for you.
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Worlds Apart
Part II
Chapter 25
The constant, unwavering sun crept over the eastern horizon, pouring its brave sunlight across Hyrule Field. That sun was a beacon of hope for many Hyruleans. No matter what terrible thing befell the land, no matter what kind of damage that Evil King in the north did, that sun always rose every morning without fail. However, on this abnormally dark day in Kakariko Village, the dark clouds in the sky blocked most of the sunlight. It was surely an effect of what had occurred there the day before, and it certainly was not helping the distraught villagers lift their spirits.
In the wake of the attack of the shadow spirit, the village seemed unusually empty. Almost everyone was gathered in the damaged Kakariko Tavern, since it was the largest building. The west wall was mostly gone, but the old building still served the purpose of a temporarily shelter for the wounded and the distraught. Lit by ceiling lamps, the old Tavern housed several concentrated groups of people. Some were talking worriedly amongst themselves, others were concentrating on wounded villagers. Considering the havoc the shadow had caused, there wasn't that much physical injury among them. Kakariko Village had been lucky.
In the quiet corner of the Tavern, Lydia sat at an empty table, keeping to herself as best as she could. She had been up all night healing injuries, and the sight of the sun attempting to rise in the village made her feel suddenly exhausted. Time for a break, she thought, and crashed into the nearest wooden chair.
The girl kept her gaze on the broken west wall, mainly to avoid the constant glances of the people in the Tavern. She didn't really blame them for staring – they had probably never seen offensive magic like that before – but she just needed a few moments to herself. So she concentrated on watching the sun fight to creep through the dark clouds over Kakariko this morning. Link and Gordon had left a few hours before, during the night. They seemed intent on trekking straight to the Shadow Temple, especially Link. But Lydia wanted to stay behind and help out as much as she could, so she sent them ahead, just to check things out. They had yet to return, and she was starting to feel a little agitated by their continuing absence.
Before she could help it, her forehead was down on her arm, and she was close to falling asleep. She was the type of person that enjoyed sleep as much as some people enjoyed their favorite dessert, and hadn't stayed up all night since a slumber party her friends had thrown years before. And that time she had spent the night watching movies, not expelling almost continuous magical energy.
A solid clunk on the table suddenly jarred Lydia out of her sleep-deprivation trance. She threw her head up to find the bartender standing over her. He was a middle-aged, plump man with the most charming black mustache under his nose. His apron was always dirty, giving a person the impression that he constantly had his hands into something. Sitting in front of her on the table was a big mug, the type of ale mug she had only seen in renaissance festivals back home. She smiled with appreciation at the man, then leaned back in her chair and tried to force her fingers into her pocket. Before she could produce a few rupees for him, the bartender smiled warmly, shook his head, and walked away.
Lydia smiled warmly at the man's retreating back as he wandered back to the bar to go back to whatever he was doing. Her heart felt strangely warm at that moment. The people of Hyrule were really very kind people overall. She had to admit she wasn't very familiar with the Gerudo race, but they were under the rule of the real bad apple of Hyrule – Ganondorf. Her smile fell down to a grimace and she gritted her teeth. She had never before felt so ready to face Ganondorf. He had done way too much to this peaceful place she didn't know how much longer she would be able to bear it.
She gripped the ale mug, which turned out to be so heavy that she needed two hands hold it. The warm drink slipping down her throat was the best feeling she'd experienced in days. She had emptied the class within minutes, and before she could help herself, she lowered her head back down on her arm. She was asleep in seconds.
The catnap wasn't long, nor was it at all restful. The moment her eyes closed, she immediately began to see familiar images. It started with a familiar scene of her standing in a desert area. Link was there, as was Gordon, a little off to the side. Her arm suddenly appeared and a spell blasted her brother yards away. Her sword materialized in her right hand and she swung repeatedly at Link. The Hylian blocked each blow with his own sword, but never fought back. A sudden burst of unnatural strength came from somewhere and she knocked Link away with a strike with the blunt end of her sword. Before she could stop herself, her arm threw a powerful spell that struck Link in the head, killing him instantly. The ground fell away, and she plunged into the darkness screaming with anguish.
Lydia suddenly snapped awake again, sitting straight up in her chair. After a few panicked seconds, she found herself safely back in the Tavern. The villagers were still huddled in groups, the wall was still broken
There it was again. That awful dream that had almost emotionally destroyed her that time. She was taking it remarkably better this time, calmly stabling her heartbeat, very aware that people were looking at her. The last thing she needed to do was make a scene by crying, even though she wanted to more than anything.
She glanced to the side and realized that her ale mug was full again. The bartender must have refilled it for her at some point. Still in calm-down mode and very grateful for his generosity, she gripped the mug, but didn't drink right away. She stared into the mug absently. That was the second or third time she had watched that scene. Something was going to happen, and she was the center of it. She tended to deny it, but she really did care for Link very much and what was happening each time that dream came was her absolute worst nightmare. Then again, having it actually happen would be an even worse nightmare. Lydia was prepared to do whatever she could to make sure it didn't.
With perfect timing for the moment, Link appeared through the broken wall of the Tavern, followed closely by Gordon, quietly talking with each other. Lydia caught sight of them and raised her arm. As soon as they spotted her, they started wandering her way, weaving through groups of people. It wasn't an easy voyage – people that wanted to shake their hands assailed the two at every turn. Lydia used the extra time to decide that she wouldn't tell them about the dream unless the subject came up. They certainly had enough to worry about.
With an up-all-night sigh, Link lowered himself sorely into the chair next to Lydia, and Gordon took the seat across from them. Neither of them said anything right away, so Lydia sucked up a breath and got the ball rolling.
she said as cheerfully as she possibly could. Did you guys already beat the spirit without me?
Didn't get that far, I'm afraid, her brother replied. There's some kind of ward on the temple. Well, not really a ward more like a
A warning, Link cut in. He and I didn't get five steps into the temple before a voice spoke to us.
Lydia raised her eyebrow. A voice?
Before Link could continue, the bartender had appeared again. In his hands he held a mug of ale for each of the boys. As Link reached into this tunic, the man once again politely refused and walked away.
The Hylian took a swig of the drink, and then continued. I don't know where it came from, but both of us heard it from somewhere deep inside. It said we needed the Lens of Truth, basically. The actual saying was far more prophetic than that, but that's the shortened version.
Lens of Truth? the girl asked. Have you ever heard of it?
No, I can't say that I have.
Setting his mug down on the table, Gordon said, I'll bet Zelda has.
Lydia leaned back in her chair. That settles that, she said. After we're done here, we should head back to Lon-Lon. We probably should have checked in last night she's probably wondering what happened.
Link suddenly leaned back in his chair and looked past her, toward the broken west wall. Looks like she's come to find out for herself.
The two sorcerers immediately followed his gaze. Standing in the gaping hole in the wall was Princess Zelda, scanning the dark Tavern, obviously looking for them. Malon was behind her, holding the reins of two horses. The horses seemed unusually jittery. Perhaps they sensed remains of the shadow spirit from the day before.
Zelda caught sight of them almost immediately and raised her arm with a smile on her face. As the trio stood up, the Tavern suddenly got noisier. The villagers realized who was standing at the wall. Zelda suddenly had one of those looks on her face – she had forgotten that most of Hyrule believed her to be dead. Showing herself like this certainly would be a shock to them, wouldn't it?
A mob quickly formed at the west side of the Tavern, with good intentions of course, but still a mob. Before she could even decide what to do, Link and the two sorcerers flew right over the crowd and landed in front of her.
Hey there, Princess, Lydia said cheerfully, getting jostled by one of the villagers that wanted a good look at Zelda. We've got things under control here.
Link wasn't as cheerful. You shouldn't have left the ranch, he said. You know Ganondorf could appear any time! We can't let that happen before we're ready!
Lydia leaned over to Gordon and gripped his shirt sleeve. Hey, take care of the crowd, will ya? Sick em, boy.
Gordon did his best to gather the crowd and move them back, jumping from side to side with his arms spread wide. Okay, everybody, this is a serious situation! We're really going to need your cooperation right now. Move back, move back. As he continued to plead with the crowd and slowly move them back, the other two moved Zelda back outside.
Malon was laughing. Well, well, she chuckled, stroking her horse. Created quite a scene there, didn't you?
Zelda blushed slightly. I didn't mean to.
No harm done, Lydia declared with a careless shrug. Come on, let's duck into the house. We don't need to get mobbed quite yet. Let's wait until after we save the world for that.
The group retreated into the house, and once Malon tied the horses to a post nearby, she followed. After everybody found a place to sit down, Gordon came in as well.
You're back in one piece, Lydia observed.
Yeah, they're tamed for now, he said. The bartender gave them a round of drinks. I explained to them that the fact that Zelda is alive is supposed to be a secret. They all swore to me that they wouldn't let word of it leave the village.
Link spread out on his bed in an effort to get his tired muscles to quit cursing at him. Well, that's good. One less thing to worry about.
I'm sorry about that, Zelda said. I just felt awful for hiding at a time like this.
A tiny ball of light eased its way out of its hiding place in Zelda's long hair and spoke matter-of-factly. I told her she shouldn't leave, said Navi, but she just insisted on coming here.
Hey, we understand, but you'll need to be noble a little more discreetly from now on, Lydia said. We have something to ask you about, and after that, you're going straight back to the ranch. She glanced at Malon. It's okay, isn't it?
Malon almost laughed. Of course. She can stay there as long as she needs to.
The princess blinked once. Something to ask me? she asked. Her face brightened considerably and she leaned forward excitedly. If there's anything I can do to help you, I will gladly!
Gordon settled himself on the foot of Link's bed, quickly cracked his tired back in a few places, and then faced Zelda with a serious face. We were wondering if you'd ever heard of the Lens of Truth. Link and I went to the Shadow Temple, but it seems that we'll need it to do any good there.
After thinking briefly, Zelda's face brightened again. I do know about it! she proclaimed. It's an old Kakariko legend, actually. At the bottom of the old well is a cavern, and hidden inside is the Lens of Truth. Once she had made her initial point, her face became a little more solemn. The Shadow Temple, even before the spirit inhabited it, was filled with tricky illusions meant to confuse any intruders and get them lostor worse. The only way to see through these tricks is with the Lens of Truth.
Always quickest to act, Lydia jumped straight up and held up a fist enthusiastically. Well, isn't that lucky! The well is right here in town! Come on, you guys, let's go find that Lens!
Link tried to say.
No time to lose, no time to lose! Go, go, go!
Before either of the boys could react, Lydia was pulling them up and toward the door. She shoved them outside, but before leaving herself, she turned around and looked Malon in the eye. I suggest you two stay here until nightfall to avoid any extra attention. Don't let anybody bother Princess Zelda.
Malon stood up straight and saluted. In one swift motion, she grabbed Lydia's hairbrush off the table and held it like a sword. I'll fend off any intruders!
Yeaah, you do that. We shouldn't be long. With a chuckle, she waved to Zelda and disappeared through the door.
As she followed the boys around the house toward the well, she tried to keep her spirits up. She wasn't exactly excited about going down in an old, smelly well. She had faked it back there to make Zelda feel better about things in general. She wasn't sure why she had – it was just a well. It's not like the well was dark and bottomless or anything. How bad could it be?
Yep, nothing to worry about.
Keeping that thought in her mind, she jogged ahead to meet the boys, standing at the mouth of the old well. It was a beat-up old thing, made of chipped stone with a wooden beam crossing over the top. This well was empty – the water had completely drained sometime during that seven years they had missed. Lydia was happy about that. It only made the task easier.
she shouted, skipping up to the well. Let's do this!
However, she took one look over the side and immediately changed her attitude. She could almost smell the evil energy wafting through the air in the well. It was very dark and looked bottomless.
The sorceress cursed under her breath, and then backed up. uh, who volunteers to go down there? I don't want to! She started to walk away, but Link grabbed the back of her shirt and held her fast.
What's this? Link asked sarcastically. I thought there was no time to lose' and we should hurry on down there and get the Lens.
No one in his or her right mind would go down in that thing! she shouted back, pointing at the well with her entire arm. It's so dark in there! And what if the bottom's gone or something! I couldn't see it!
Gordon shook his head, almost shamefully.
Did you forget that the well once held water? Link asked her. How could it hold water if there was no bottom?
the girl muttered, I guess
Someone's scared.
The helpless look on Lydia's face immediately transformed into anger and she gave the Hylian a swift kick in the knee.
Speaking of which, Gordon said suddenly, Why doesn't it hold water anymore? Did something happen to it?
Link's gaze landed on the Kakariko windmill, and he said, I'm not sure. But I'll bet the man in there does. We'd better find out before going down there. Without waiting for either of the sorcerers to reply, he started to limp toward the stairway that led to the windmill door, muttering various curses under his breath.
The two sorcerers caught up immediately, and Lydia poked Link's shoulder and asked, Okay, so who are we talking to?
The windmill guy. I remember he kept the well filled when I was young.
Windmill guy?
I only call him that because I don't know his name. Gee, I wonder if anyone does.
What is he, a hermit or something?
The trio was climbing up the stairs toward the windmill now. As Link painfully dragged his sore leg up the steps one at a time, he replied, Oh, not really. Just a weird one. Keeps to himself most of the time. He should know what happened to the well.
Gordon moved ahead when they reached the top of the stairs. The door was in ruins, since Lydia had plowed through it the day before when the windmill was on fire. The frame and doorknob was still there, but the center was pretty much gone. The hole was large enough for them to just step through, but Gordon grabbed hold of the knob anyway, completely out of habit. Before he could laugh at himself and let go of the knob, the hinges of the door suddenly snapped, and the remaining frame fell into the windmill and exploded into little splinters of burnt wood.
The sorcerer stood there in surprise with his hand held at knob-height. From the side, his sister laughed at him.
Well, aren't you just the Master of Disaster? she teased.
Look who's talking, Link and Gordon both said at the same time.
Lydia growled. Oh, shut up.
Before any of them could say anything else, an angry, highly agitated, raspy voice echoed off the inside walls of the damaged windmill. Oh, thanks a lot! it shouted. Now I have to fix the whole door! Now that you've done your damage, get outta here!
Gordon stammered, finally lowering his hand.
The sorceress looked at Link. That him? He sounds pissed.
Link raised one of his eyebrows and said, Can't be I would never have guessed that the windmill guy had a single mean bone in his body. He always had this creepy smile on his facebut he wasn't That can't be him.
Lydia and Link pushed past him and peeked through the doorframe. The inside of the windmill, while charred and blackened from fire damage, didn't seem too worse for the wear. The huge column in the center connected to the fan blades was still turning slowly. At the far end of the windmill, standing on the top of a tall ladder, was a stringy, average looking Hylian man. He was making repairs to the wall, but when the door fell in, he had dropped his hammer, and was on his way down the ladder to fetch it.
The sight of the three of them crowding the doorway angered him further. I said get outta my windmill! he shouted at them. I've got better things to do than to entertain a bunch of kids. Either leave me be or pick up some tools and help me fix this place up! Darn loiterers
Link almost laughed in a half-shocked way. I'll be damned. That is him. Seven years sure can change a person.
Lydia suggested, maybe there's a reason for it. I volunteer you to talk to him. I really don't want to deal with it. If he talks to me like that, I'll end up blasting him or something. So I'll probably just hang back.
The three stepped over the broken timbers that used to be the door, and stepped onto the rotating platform. Gordon and Link continued forward and stepped off the other side to meet with the windmill guy, but Lydia leaned against the middle column and rode the platform in circles, intent on just listening in. She wasn't in the mood to deal with someone uncooperative. And, just like she had said, it probably would not be healthy for the uncooperative party involved.
The windmill guy was preparing to go back up the ladder when Link tapped him on the shoulder. E-Excuse me, he began. I was wondering if I could ask you something? Uh.. About the well.
With swiftness and speed unlike an aged man, he turned square around and put his
face right up to Link's. And what
do you know about that?!
N-Not a whole lot! Link stammered back.
That's why I want to ask you about it. I've
been, uh, away for the last seven years, and there was water in
that old well when I was last here, but now there's not. Do you know why?
The man narrowed his eyes, not moving his face even an inch back. Keeping his gaze set directly on the boy, he said, Aye, I do. He finally backed off and gathered himself. Gordon found it apparent that this was a story this man loved to tell to people.
It was almost exactly seven years ago, the man started, his voice strangely stronger with enthusiasm. Here I was, minding my own business, playing my trusty music box, when he came in. It was a boy from the forest that had been hanging around town often with a couple of other kids. He came in that day, and played a weird song on his little ocarina. He threw up his hands to illustrate the climax. And suddenly, the windmill went wild! That very platform that the girl is standing on now went crazy, going in circles way, way too fast! It just kept going around and around and around and around and the well couldn't keep up, and just drained! The well was completely empty before I could do anything and it hasn't refilled since. Damn that kid! I know it was a prank amongst the youngsters, because the very moment that boy was out the door he was shouting at his hiding friends to run for it!
The windmill guy gave the ladder a swift kick, and it slid along the wall, crashing to the floor. DAMN it all! I'll never forget it!
From her position at the rotating column, Lydia crossed her arms. Link, how could you do such a thing to the poor old guy.
Link turned straight around to face her with the most shocked, confused looked on his face. he shouted at her as the column rotated her away from his sight. I don't remember doing any such thing! It wasn't me!
How strange Gordon whispered to himself, his hand on his chin in contemplation.
The windmill guy was now wandering over to a dusty crate at one end of the windmill. With a solid pull, he yanked it open and pulled out an old crank music box. Yesss, I'll never forget the song that kid played! It still angers me to hear the notes. He gripped the crank and started to turn it. A simple but strangely eerie song began to flow from inside the old box. The sound echoed off the damaged walls, and sent a shiver up Lydia's spine.
How creepy, she thought. I'd prefer not to hear THAT ever again
To her disappointment, Link almost instinctively reached into his tunic and pulled out the Ocarina of Time. He smoothly matched the song without missing a single note.
Other than sending eerie vibes around the room, the music box had no real effect. But when the Ocarina of Time mimicked the song, something completely different happened. Thunder rolled overhead and it began to rain inside the windmill. The spinning platform suddenly increased in speed, leaving poor Lydia to hang on for dear life to the center column.
Oh, GOD!! she screamed. Make it stop!! Make it stop!! Aaaaaahh--!!
Once the spinning column was done playing with the girl, it used its momentum to throw her off. She landed on the floor near the broken door and rolled a few feet. The angry sorceress tried to stand immediately, but was too dizzy to get very far. So dizzy she was seeing double, she glowered across the room at the two Links and muttered, get youfor that
Link was laughing too hard to take much notice to her death threat. Gordon was gazing up toward the top of the wooden column. Well, that was interesting, he said with obvious fascination. A song that makes rain A Song of Storms
Aaaarrrgghh!!!
The two boys jumped away with surprise as the windmill guy howled at them. He had his bony finger pointed firmly at Link. I knew it! I knew I recognized you--! You're that damn kid that came in here seven years ago! How else could you have played the song perfectly the first time?! I'll get you for messing up my windmill! His fiery eyes flared and he raised the music box over his head.
Oh, geez! Run for it! Link shouted.
He and Gordon bolted for the door, each grabbing one of Lydia's arms as they streaked past. Once outside, they turned sharply to make the dash for the stairs, barely missing getting creamed by the music box as it flew out the door after them.
Standing once again next to the old well, Lydia grumbled. So, what did we find out? We found out that Link is responsible for screwing up the well, and—
I'm telling you, Link cut in, It wasn't me. I don't remember doing any such thing.
We found out that the windmill guy thinks Link is responsible for screwing up the well. And for our trouble, we almost got killed by a flying music box. Does this really get us anywhere?
Gordon sat on the edge of the well. Well, at least now we know that some big old monster didn't empty the well, and is waiting down there to eat the first person to go down.
is why Link should go first.
Link crossed his arms and looked at her teasingly. Are you too scared to go first?
No one's to say that there's no monster down there! What if there is?
Then you'll fireball it, what else? He agily swung himself over the well and shoved his boot into one of the nicks in the stone that served as a ladder rung. Come on, you chicken. It's just an empty old well. With that, he started lowering himself down. Gordon chuckled at his sister, and then climbed in and followed Link.
Lydia sat on the edge of the well and dangled her legs down inside. Hmph. I'll show you who's a chicken, Mr. Wise-Ass-Triforce-of-Courage. She pushed herself off the edge and let herself fall past the two boys before catching herself with magic.
She paused next to Link long enough to say, Look at you, coming down here the hard way. Don't you wish you could do this? With that, she lowered herself down into the darkness and disappeared.
Seconds later, there was a loud thump and an angry groan. The sorceress' voice shouted up to Link and Gordon another moment later. Found the floor!
As Link continued to lower himself farther and farther down, he shouted down to his companion below. That, crazy girl, is why we're coming down the hard way'. So that the floor doesn't suddenly come up and bite us like that.
The sorceress' voice came again. Shut up, Long Ears. Just hurry and get down here. As she spoke, a light spell activated below.
From the position of the spell, Lydia and the floor weren't much farther down. Now that Gordon could see the floor, he jumped off the ladder, catching himself with magic. He gripped the back of Link's tunic and lowered the both of them down to the bottom.
When they touched down on the floor, Gordon added a light spell of his own, significantly brightening up the surroundings. The circular wall was stone most of the way down, but at the bottom, it appeared to be more packed dirt than stone.
Link looked around, confusion written across his face. I thought Zelda said there was supposed to be some kind of a cavern down here. I don't see anything.
His two companions weren't really listening. He quickly noticed that they seemed to be preoccupied with something else. Each of the sorcerers were glancing suspiciously around them, eyes darting back and forth.
Lydia finally whispered to her brother. You feel that, kid?
he replied with a dark, monotonous voice. That's dark magic if I've ever felt it.
Instinctively, Link's left hand grasped the hilt of the Master Sword. Dark magic? he repeated. Ganondorf-type dark magic?
Lydia's gaze suddenly turned to the right, and she tossed her light spell toward that wall. Over there!
The light spell bounced off the dirt wall and hung there like a tiny sun. The wall, in that spot, was dirt just like the rest of the bottom of the well, but it was darker dirt and looked much thicker.
Link quickly moved over there and put a hand on the wall. The dirt was unnaturally solid here. He pressed his left ear against the wall and knocked on it a few times with his fist. After a few moments and a few more knocks on the wall, Link pushed away and looked at his companions.
The sound echoes a long way, he said, like it would in a tunnel.
Lydia said. It's a sealed tunnel?
Possibly. Very sealed
The sorceress suddenly laughed. Nonsense! No wall can stand up to the great Lydia. Move back guys, let the expert do her work. She pushed the two boys toward the far side of the well and stood right in front of them to put as much distance between herself and the wall.
Lydia? Gordon started to ask.
A column of pink colored magic blasted from the sorceress' outstretched hands and slammed into the dirt seal. Dust flew everywhere as Lydia worked to carve a several-foot-tall tunnel through the wall.
The boys kept their eyes shielded from the flying dirt until she finally let the spell die out. Once everything had settled, they glanced over her shoulders, hoping to indeed see a gaping hole where the wall had been.
Although a bit charred, the wall was still intact. It was still so strong and solid that it almost seemed to be mocking Lydia. The sorceress shook with anger, her cheeks flushed red.
Very impressive, Miss Expert, Link muttered.
Lydia whipped around and grabbed his shirt collar with both hands. I outta slug you!
Her brother stepped between them and pushed her away. Like I was about to say, he said, lifting a finger, that seal is reinforced by dark magic, no doubt Ganondorf's. He obviously doesn't want anyone getting the Lens of Truth. It'll take more than a strong earth shamanism spell to blast through it.
Lydia whined.
We'd better ask Zelda if she knows how to break the seal. Let's head back upstairs. He quickly found the ladder and started up again, with Link close behind, discouraged by this setback in their seemingly perfect plan.
Before following them up, the sorceress pointed an angry finger at the wall. You're mine, she said to it. Ray Wing! With an angry blast of magic, she rocketed past her companions and back toward the sunlight above.
A seal? Zelda asked.
Yep, a darn vicious seal at that, Lydia replied. Even I couldn't blast through it. It felt like dark magic. No doubt Ganondorf's work.
I have no doubts, either. Ganondorf has done so much damage.
Link sat down on the bed next to the princess. Do you know how to break a seal like that?
Zelda shook her head. I'm afraid I don't There might not even be a way to break it at all at this point.
Malon said, coming into the conversation. There's no way to get that Lens thing now?
Lydia bit the tip of her thumb angrily. It looks like the only way we could ever get our hands on it would be to go back in time, before Ganondorf sealed the cavern.
Sitting on one of the chairs, Gordon sighed. I wish we had known about this while we were still kids
Suddenly, Zelda's eyes widened and she stood straight up. That's it! she shouted. You all need to go back in time!
What now? Lydia asked.
The Master Sword! When Link pulled it from the Pedestal of Time, he was propelled forward in time seven years. If you were to return the Sword to the Pedestal, you can return to your original time! ThenThen you could come to the village, and the cavern in the well should be open, and you could retrieve the Lens! And to come back, Link could just pull the Sword out again! It's perfect! We can still win!
Lydia was really close to becoming excited if she hadn't suddenly remembered something rather important. Oh, dear she whispered. We forgot to tell you.
Zelda's face fell.
Gordon decided to answer, but tried hard to avoid eye contact with the princess. Back when you came out of hiding and Ganondorf captured you, Ilost my temper and cracked off a Dragon Slave.
Dragon Slave? You mean that spell that Her eyes fell to the floor and she sat back on the bed.
I doubt there's much left.
Link and Lydia both sighed at the same time. Just when things were looking good for them, too. They'd have to look for another option, or simply risk navigating the Shadow Temple without the Lens of Truth.
But the Temple of Time is protected by the Triforce and the Sacred Realm! Zelda said suddenly, standing up again. It can't be completely destroyed! There must be something left!
The three looked at each other, but didn't say anything right away. They all knew what a Dragon Slave was capable of. When Lydia had casted it seven years before, it had destroyed a nasty chunk of Hyrule Field. Plus, Gordon was now three years older than she had been then and had a brand new Triforce of Wisdom to back him up, meaning his spell had been more concentrated and powerful.
Link stood up and strapped the Master Sword to his back and started toward the door. We should at least take a look. He glanced at Zelda and gave her a reassuring smile. Don't worry. Like Lydia likes to say, things have a weird way of working out. With that, he disappeared through the door. The sorcerers nodded to each other and followed him outside.
Ray Wing!
So what do you think? Lydia shouted over the rushing wind. Any chance that there's anything left?
I'm trying to stay optimistic! her brother shouted back.
Link didn't say anything as the sorcerers carried him through the air. He was too angry at the situation and at Ganondorf to say much of anything.
The site of the Temple of Time came into view right about then. Where there should have been a tall roof, there was empty air. An enormous Dragon Slave crater was immediately apparent, the second scar on Hyrule's landscape. It was a depressing sight.
As Link fought to come up with a Plan B, in case the Temple of Time really was completely demolished, the sorcerers suddenly wavered and dropped their flying height. They weren't even quite out of Hyrule Field yet – why were they going down?
Lydia groaned loudly What is this!?
Gordon also seemed to be having trouble staying in the air. I don't know! He tightened his grip on Link's arm. Dark magic again! I can't keep my own magic going!
Let's get on the ground, quick!
The sorcerers took a nosedive toward the ground in front of Hyrule Market, leveling off a little ways up. They dropped Link, who landed as gracefully as he could. The other two flew past him and hit the ground at the same time, rolling several feet before coming to a stop.
By the time Link got to them, they were already climbing to their feet, with their gazes glued to the sky.
Are you two all right? Link asked worriedly. What happened?
Lydia brushed herself off and looked at her brother. That was weird
he replied wonderingly. Our magic got really weak all of a sudden when we got close to this area. But now that we're down here, I feel just fine. How bout you?
Me, too I feel strong enough to cast a Dragon Slave. Why couldn't I fly just then?
Link planted his hands on his waist. I'll bet I know.
The two sorcerers looked at him, interested in his idea.
On the ground, your magic is strong, he continued, but in the air, it's weak. I'm willing to bet Ganondorf somehow cursed the sky with anti-magic recently so we couldn't fly in and hit him with a sneak attack.
Gordon hummed. That would explain the dark magic up there.
Lydia crossed her arms. It pisses me off, but you gotta give him credit smart move on his part.
Link said, walking toward the entrance to the Market, that doesn't mean we can't walk in. Let's go.
They crossed the broken bridge and entered Hyrule Market. Eager to see if any of the Temple of Time remained, Lydia ran ahead. Gordon hung back with Link.
What if I really did completely decimate the Temple? he asked the Hylian. What will we do then?
Link sighed. We may just have to try to navigate the Shadow Temple without it. We certainly can't give up because of it. Too much is riding on our success.
I don't like the sound of that.
Somewhere up ahead in the Market, Lydia's shrill scream pierced the chilly air and echoed off everything in sight.
I don't like the sound of that, either! Gordon shouted, dashing ahead. Link followed closely.
When they reached the square, they found it once again full of Redeads. One of them was clinging to Lydia's back, attempting to chew on her neck. All the while, she was shrieking with terror and disgust, trying to throw it off in her sheer panic.
she screamed. Get off me, get off me!!
Oh, no! Link shouted. I forgot about these guys!
Elmekia Lance!! Gordon threw a white arrow of magic into the Redead's side, knocking it off his sister and away. Before he was even finished with his spell, Link had the Ocarina of Time out and was playing the Sun's Song, freezing the remaining zombies in place.
Link was the first to reach Lydia's side, and she wasted no time attaching herself to the front of his tunic, fighting to keep herself from crying.
I've been attacked by countless zombies in videogames, she muttered through clenched teeth as her whole body shook, but I've never had it actually happen.
As the Hylian tried to comfort her, he lifted her hair and checked her neck, which seemed fine. All of her thrashing around during the attack must have thrown off the creature's aim. You all right? he asked anyway.
I..I think so. But I think I'm officially terrified of Redeads now With a shudder, she buried her face as far as she could into Link's shirt like a frightened child.
Can't say I blame you, she heard her brother say. Let's get out of here before they come around again.
They pressed on toward the Temple in a tightly huddled group. Lydia tightly held Link's hand as she tried to slow her heartbeat back to normality. Having a gross zombie climbing up her back trying to take a bite out of her had easily been one of the most terrifying experiences of her life, and she knew she wouldn't be quick to forget it.
After weaving through the group of frozen monsters, the site of the Temple of time became visible once more. Now that they were no longer in the air, it was much easier to see the real condition of the area. The Dragon Slave crater was so large that it had even blown away the upper western area of the Market. The Temple looked like it really was gone from where they were standing, on the edge of the damage.
In southern Hyrule, Lydia's Slave crater was a huge, empty hole. Absolutely nothing remained within range of the spell. But this time, there was something different. Indeed, there was almost nothing left. But where the Temple of Time used to stand, there was an enormous pile of rubble spread around the crater. It looked like instead of being reduced to dust, the Temple had simply fallen apart. Even the great Door of Time had crumbled to pebbles.
But that's all that was there – rubble. Nothing even resembling the Pedestal of Time could be found. Nevertheless, the group started toward the center of the crater.
If this much of it survived, Gordon suggested, There's got to be something left
Lydia didn't feel as hopeful. Considering the power of that spell, I wouldn't be willing to bet on it. But we should look anyway, huh?
After a few minutes of walking, they reached the outer edges of the rubble pile. The center area of the crater was littered with rocks about as large as a human fist. This was all that was left of the great, legendary Temple of Time. Lydia was starting to actually feel the first pangs of hopelessness. In light of what they were seeing, even her usual optimism was wavering. But after only a few steps through the rock pile, Link and Gordon both stopped suddenly, paused, and looked at each other.
Startled by their sudden behavior, Lydia turned around. What's up? she asked them.
Link said nothing at first, and then turned to look at Gordon. Do you feel that?
the sorcerer replied wonderingly. My Triforce piece is reacting to
They suddenly looked ahead, then dashed past Lydia. Before she even realized what was going on, they were scrambling up the dirt pile. They both dove on the same spot and started digging frantically through the rocks, throwing debris to each side.
Without a Triforce piece of her own, Lydia was quite in the dark as to what they were doing, but scaled the rocks and helped them dig anyway. They were obviously on to something and she wanted a piece of it.
After several minutes of digging and several cuts on their hands, they caught sight of something that reflected even the ultra dim light of northern Hyrule. Link and Gordon both smiled, very satisfied with themselves, and Lydia just gaped in shock.
Sitting there in a cradle of tiny pebbles, completely intact and unscratched, was the Goron Ruby, the Spiritual Stone of Fire.
By the gods! Lydia gasped, carefully picking up the Ruby and holding it up. It's undamaged! It's even still shiny!
Link's gaze suddenly turned toward another end of the rubble pile, and without a single word, he got up and ran that way. Gordon, on the other hand, ran off in a different direction. Both were digging through the rocks again seconds later.
Lydia stayed behind, seated on a rather large rock, cradling the stone in her hands. She still couldn't believe that it had survived. Even though it wasn't much on its own, she looked at it like a brand new symbol of hope. Just when she thought the smile on her face couldn't stretch out any farther, Gordon and Link trailed back at about the same time and sat next to her. Gordon held the Zora's Sapphire, and Link held the Kokiri Emerald, both also completely undamaged.
All three Spiritual Stones were undamaged. That made the chance obvious that other things had survived, too. Right when that very thought ran through Lydia's head, Link and Gordon both once again turned their attention elsewhere.
Hold this, they both said to Lydia, each pushing their stones into her arms. They ran off back more toward where they had come from and started digging again. This time, cradling the Spiritual Stones in her arms, Lydia got up and followed. As she got close, Link shouted, It's here!
What is it? she asked excitedly, picking up her speed.
Back up, I'm gonna clear this thing off! Gordon shouted, motioning Link to move back. He stood up on the rock pile they had been digging through and aimed his hands downward. Bomb Di Wing! With a blast of wind energy, the rocks flew effortlessly in all directions.
Lydia couldn't believe what she saw next. Gordon was standing on top of the Alter of Time. It didn't have a single crack in it.
Link gave her an inviting look, and then glanced down at the Spiritual Stones.
she said. Here, and here. She handed the green stone to Link, and the blue stone to Gordon. The three of them lined up in front of the alter and placed their stones into the hallows at the same time. Knowing what was supposed to happen next, the two sorcerers backed off and let Link do his part.
Link pulled the Ocarina of Time out of his tunic and began to play the Song of Time. The music was so soft and beautiful; the sorcerers couldn't help but feel their hearts warm. The song almost even seemed to have an effect on the barren surroundings. Everything seemed somehow brighter.
As soon as the final note finished wafting through the air, there was a bright flash of light up ahead, past where the Door of Time had once stood. Lydia immediately began jumping up and down with excitement!
she shouted. I know what that is!
All three of them dashed past the Alter, their hearts filled with new hope. They all began to frantically dig at the spot where the light had flashed, ignoring the sharp little rocks cutting into their palms.
Please let it be there, please let it be there Link kept repeating as he threw rocks off to the side. Finally, his fingertips brushed against a familiar piece of stone. He pointed at it happily. Lyd, right here!
You got it! the sorceress shouted. Back up!
The two boys backed off and hid behind Gordon's magic barrier, waiting to watch their plans fall back into place.
Bomb Di Wing! Lydia shouted, with an usual flare in her eyes. Walking as she kept the spell going as long as possible, she manipulated it as if she were blowing leaves out of her front yard, clearing away a fairly large area of the rocks. When she was finished, an entire platform had surfaced from the debris.
In the center was the Pedestal of Time, no worse for the wear.
Come on, guys! she shouted, slapping her brother a high-five. We've got a Lens of Truth to find!
Gordon ran ahead to look at the Pedestal closely, as he always liked doing, and Lydia hung behind with Link. So, Hero, she said. Looks like things really do have a way of working out.
Link said. Actually, I was really worried for a while there.
We all were. But now the path is clear again. We'll go back in time, get that Lens, come back, and kick Ganondorf's butt!
Link stood over the Pedestal of Time, and memories flowed back suddenly. He remember pulling the Master Sword from this very spotwhen he opened his eyes again, he had aged seven years. Would replacing the Sword really send them back in time?
Lydia could see the doubts on his face. I trust Zelda, she said. Let's give it a try.
Her companion looked at her, then nodded, and slid the Master Sword out of its sheath with inhuman grace. Gordon and Lydia stood just behind him, each with a solid hold on one of his arms. They were determined that if Link was going anywhere, they were going, too.
Link paused momentarily, holding the Master Sword above the Pedestal. Then, with a determined shout, he rammed the Sword downward, plunging the blade as far as he could into the Pedestal of Time, back where it belonged.
Almost instantly, the platform Lydia had cleared off was covered in bright blue light that shot up to the sky. The brightness blinded them, and a rush of wind deafened them. In spite of herself, Lydia rammed her face into the back of Link's tunic and clung to him for dear life.
In a bright flash of white light, all three of them disappeared, and the Master Sword once again slept peacefully.
The light and wind eventually died down, and Link cautiously opened his eyes. His hands were still tightly gripping the Master Sword, and the first thing he noticed was that he was no longer wearing gauntlets, and those hands were a lot smaller.
It can't be! he said out loud, surprising himself with his own young, childlike voice.
Looking down at himself, it was immediately apparent that he was indeed a child again. The Kokiri Sword and shield were once again hanging over his back. But that wasn't the only thing. Something was clinging to him.
When it detached itself, he turned around and saw Lydia. But it was the little girl he had remembered meeting all that time ago. She was a lot shorter, her hair was longer, and her glasses were gone. Gordon was standing next to her. He was even smaller. The sight of him being shorter than his sister again was very strange.
the little sorcerer shouted, looking at himself. The sudden high-pitched ness of his voice made the other two want to laugh. It worked! Zelda was right!
little Lydia said, if we're like this again does that mean that the Hyrule outside is okay, too?
Well, judging from the fact that we're surrounded by the once-again-intact Temple of Time, I'd say so!
Come on, let's go look!
The two siblings ran ahead. Lydia paused long enough to turn and wave to Link. Let's go, Long Ears! We've got things to do!
Link smiled and started forward, but turned around after a few steps and gazed upon the sleeping Master Sword. The proper words for the moment wouldn't even come to him, but his heart was filled with admiration for the Sword's magnificence. It looked like they still had a chance to beat Ganondorf, and he was once again fully confident that they would set things right again.
The little Hylian gave the Sword a respectful salute, then ran through the open Door of Time and disappeared.
*~*~*~*
Lydia: It has come to my attention that I
mentioned up there somewhere that Lydia wears glasses (Thanks, Jedi Warrior. You get
a cookie!). And, apparently, I forgot to mention somewhere that, like the real me,
she gradually stopped wearing contact lenses. That what I went through, see. I
wore contacts E-V-E-R-Y day my freshman year of high school, then started to tone it down,
and eventually stopped wearing them all together. They just annoyed the living heck
out of me and I said "Ah, forget it." So I'm mentioning it NOW, to avoid
the trouble of working it into a previously written chapter. I hate doing that.
Why make unnecessary changes to my stable little world? Lydia, like her
brother, wears glasses as an adult. It doesn't really matter, since it's just a
little detail... but I thought I should at least mention it.
Link: ...*pokes Jedi Warrior* Hey, can I have some, too?
Lydia: Back off, you mooch! That's HIS cookie. Touch it and I'll blast you.
Link: What do I have to do to get a cookie?
Lydia: You could be my slave for a day or something.
Link: ...And... how would that be any different from any other day?
Gordon: *comes in munching on a similar cookie* ...Hey, what's going on in here? Is it time for the next chapter already? What happened to our break?
Link: ...What the...? Where'd he get that?! Lyd, why do you always hide cookies so I, and only I, can't find them? *walks up to Gordon* Hey, where'd you find that?
Gordon: Well, I'd tell you, but Lydia said she'd do painful things to me if I did.
Link: Ooh, I see. *points past him* By the gods, what's that?!
Gordon: ....Oh, come ON. Lydia may fall for that but--
Link: *swiftly steals the cookie and runs like hell*
Gordon: HEY!
*both run into the next room* *sounds of shouting* *furniture crashs to the floor*
Lydia: ...Yes...Well, anyway, thanks for the heads-up. I'll get Chapter 26 re-written as soon as I can. Take care, everybody. May the Triforce be with you.
Gordon: *pokes his head back into the room* Hey, just so you know, Link found your cookie stash and wants to know where your car keys are so he can make a quick getaway.
Lydia: Damn it, Link, those are M-I-N-E!!! *runs out and disappears*