"The Destiny Stone"
Disclaimer: I don't own it, so lay off already! Of the original characters, I came up with Timbre, Kat, Aka, Benz, Vulcan and some various bit characters here and there. Chiron is © to himself. Sond owns most of the rest. Thanks Sond! Rej is © FogFrontier, now go read The Kindred, King of Pawns, and Grifter and Snatch!
*****
Author's Note: Exams are almost up. And that means that I'll be going home for a month. Don't you worry though; the computer is coming with me. I think I'd go insane without it for that long. Besides, I might be getting some actual speakers for this baby^_^ Oh yeah, I received a review from one STLN CAR,' and as they didn't leave an email, I'll have to reply to them here. Unfortunately, I cannot use your characters in this story as I've already thought out most of the plot, sorry. If you want me to draw them or something, I could always manage that. But this story is pretty much filled as far as characters go. Sorry bout that.
*****
"The Destiny Stone" – Chapter 11: Out of Towners
Kat stared forward with an intensity that caused Aka and Benz to take a step back from her. The waxen grass beneath their feet rustled listlessly in a symphony of the breeze.
"S-shouldn't we run?" Aka said.
"No," said Kat firmly, staring at the thirteen shapes bearing down on them. "Whoever it is he's after, he cannot succeed."
"But there's *squeak* a dozen Gerudo thieves with him!" Benz protested. "We can't stop that *squeak* many!"
Kat still refused to move, even as the Gerudo and their assassin drew to a halt at the other end of the bridge. Chiron, guitar, cape and all, strode forward.
"What's this?" he demanded. "Some kind of welcome party?" Around his ears hovered an orange glowball. A fairy? Dink, similarly agitated, hovered about Kat's head.
"Alright Chiron," Kat said firmly. "What do you want here? You have no business in our village."
Chiron smirked in a condescending way. "I'm on a job, not that its any of your business, girl."
"Who're you after?" Kat demanded.
"Will you move if I tell you?"
"No."
"Stubborn girl, aren't you?" Chiron said softly, and several of the Gerudos drew their scimitars menacingly. "I'd run home if I were you," said the assassin, the Gerudo jewel on his forehead glinting in the overcast light. "Someone might gethurt, otherwise."
Benz tugged on the hem of the brown haired girl's skirt. "He's right, *squeak* let's just go."
"No." Kat shook the Deku off gently. "If you want to help, Benz, go get Impa."
"That old-timer won't stop us," Chiron boasted, though Kat noted a slightly less cocky glint in his eye. Impa might be several decades their senior, but she was still a credible and fit fighter when the need arose.
"Then I guess I will." Kat crossed her arms. Turning an eye to Benz and Aka, she advised them. "I'd step back abouttwenty yards," she said in an aside to them.
"You? Stop a baker's dozen of trained warriors?" Chiron snorted, arms akimbo as if scolding a naughty child. "Stand aside, you silly girl. Don't make me kill you to clear my way. I'd rather leave my blade sharp and unstained for my task."
"Don't make me angry," Kat warned. "Just go away. You have no business here."
"I'm here on Ganondorf's orders!" Chiron shouted, putting a hand to his guitar.
"I don't answer to your King," Kat spat stubbornly. "He might rule the land, but he doesn't rule the people." Her brow furrowed. "Does he rule you, then?" she taunted.
"That's it!" Chiron roared. The orange fairy bobbing around the Gerudo's head finally spoke up.
"Ooh, you're gonna get it now!" it taunted squeakily, though by its voice it was clearly a male. Benz and Aka's eyes widened in panicked unison, afraid for Kat.
"Is she gonna *squeak* be alright?" Benz asked, looked genuinely concerned.
Aka and his companion were standing far back, as Kat had requested. "Dunno, she seems to have some kind of plan. I just got one question"
"Yeah?"
"Why twenty yards?"
Dink, who had floated over to join them, said simply, "You'll see."
Kat didn't seem to mind the death threats. In fact, she smiled. Her right hand slowly curled into a tight fist.
"Prepare yourself!" Chiron charged across the bridge, and the deadly katana slowly revealed itself as the Gerudo assassin prepared to strike down the one who stood in his way. The twelve Gerudos closed in, pausing at the start of the bridge, scimitars ready.
Benz and Aka turned away, thinking that their friend was about to die. However, the next sound that reached them was not one that they expected. It was Kat's voice, raised louder than they'd heard her speak yet so far.
"DIN'S FIRE!!"
A huge eruption of flame encircled the woman as she punched the ground. She remained unsinged as the pillar of fire spread outwards hungrily, increasing its circumference faster than any of the Gerudos could react. With a yell, Chiron was enveloped by the wall of searing fire, closely followed by the bridge, and the rest of the Gerudos. Aka and Benz especially hopped backwards, although Kat's prediction of twenty yards had kept them well out of range.
Kat stood up as the fire abruptly died away. Chiron lay on the charred bridge, his clothing smoldering and his face blackened. He twitched several times, his bare arms showing shiny red burns. His katana lay in front of him. The Gerudo behind him fared better as they hadn't been blasted as badly, but they too looked rather stunned and scalded. The bridge had suffered the most, however. It was charred completely black in some places, and was slowly crumbling under Chiron's unconscious weight.
Although she had a triumphant look on her face, Aka couldn't help but notice Kat was breathing heavily. Apparently this had taken a lot out of her.
"Consider yourself lucky," she said, trying not to look fatigued. "That was only at half power. Full power, you'd be lucky if there was anything recognizable."
"You should've done it, then," Chiron gritted his teeth, using his sword to pull himself upright by thrusting it deep into the ruined wood. The damaged bridge began to crumble more violently, and he half-rolled, half dragged himself back to the opposite side. "I don't need your pity, or your mercy, girl." As the assassin spoke, the bridge collapsed into the river with a dusty groan.
The orange fairy, which seemed to have either dodged the blast or been unaffected, couldn't help but add his two cents. "Wow! Did you see that pillar of firethat was likeFOOM! And wow, Chiron, look at those burns, they look like they hurt-"
"Pedro," Chiron said darkly to the pyromaniac fairy. "Do shut up."
Even as Chiron spoke, the entire squadron of Gerudos, their assassin, and the fairy started to glow faintly red. A second glow, a blue one, joined with a small hum, and then the entire group vanished with a huge flash. Aka and Benz stared.
"T-that was a teleportation spell!" Aka spluttered, recognizing the magic similar to his own. "B-butnone of them did thatwhere do you think they went?"
Benz shrugged. "Maybe it is *squeak* a defense spell," he theorized. "You *squeak* know, only *squeak* activates if its needed. And they were all *squeak* pretty badly burnedor maybesomeone else summoned them back"
"Maybe," Aka said uncertainly, looking over to Kat, who'd sunk to her knees. "You alright there?"
"Yeah," Kat said wearily. "It just takes a lot out of me when I have to control it that much," she murmured. "Wish I'd found out who he's after. He'll be back, you know." She stood up shakily, trying to reorient herself.
"Woah, rest a bit before you stand up," Dink chided, taking her place beside Kat's ear.
"I'mfine," Kat said, right before her knees nearly buckled again.
"Want me to teleport us back to the village?" Aka offered. "I know the place well enough that I could manage it."
"Okay," Kat agreed slowly, and the three of them clasped hands as the Skull Kid closed his eyes. Dink hurriedly sat on her charge's shoulder.
There was a flash and a pop of air, and the second, smaller group, teleported away, leaving only a circle of scorched earth, a collapsed bridge, and an abandoned water bucket to show they'd ever been there.
*****
Later that same day, Timbre and Link stood triumphantly upon the sandy shores of Great Bay. As the Alicorn had closed in on the shores of Termina, they'd alerted several of the small coast-hugging pirate boats, which had sailed out to greet them. The pirates were female, dark-skinned, and round-eared, apparently very closely related to the Gerudo. However, these pirates fortunately had no allegiance with Ganondorf, and remained strictly neutral.
Aveil, an older Gerudo, apparently had dealt with Nick and his ship in the past, as the two roared friendly insults back and forth. When she was satisfied that the Alicorn was in no way there to bother her order, she let them pass by. Link felt this was fortunate. Had they somehow managed to get there on their own in their boat, they would have had difficulty trying to get past the pirates.
So it was a short time later that Ruto's newly repaired boat, containing Link, Nick and Timbre, was rowed towards the shore. With the wind blowing against them, it was easier for them just to row it, instead of hoisting the sail.
The Destiny Stone, which had remained more or less inert since their voyage began, surprised them both with a rhyme halfway to shore. It started to glow when Nick asked them how they were going to recover the missing shard of the Master Sword. The Volcanian's eyes widened as the stone flew into the air.
"C-c-crimeny!"
Your direction you might find,
Through insight in eyes of the blind,
An old ally does in shadows dwell,
Another cruel victim of the spell.
What lies in wait? What spies in shade?
Banner strong, though the edge is frayed,
A city besieged for two pair year,
Where those who live do so in fear.
Nick leaned back, recovering from his surprise. "How d' y' know y' c'n trus' t'at thing?"
"Hasn't steered us wrong yet, has it?" Link looked to Timbre.
"Not yet, anyway. Wonder what it meant. Eyes of the blind.'"
Link shrugged. "Sounds like we're gonna meet another friend though."
"Yeah, in the shadows dwell,'" Timbre said. For a brief moment, he thought of the Gerudo woman who'd shown them the way out of Castle Town. He'd almost forgotten that incident in the wake of last night, but not totally. Still, he had his doubts that their ally' could have made it to Termina before they did.
Could she? He thought idly. I've got a funny feeling-
Nick nudged Timbre. "'Ey lobo, wak' up. Y'gotta row on y'side." True enough, the boat was curving crazily to one side without Timbre's rowing. He'd paused while trying to think.
"Sorry," Timbre mumbled, picking up his oar again.
A while later, the boat nudged up onto the sandy beach with a wet scrape, and minutes after that, the two stood in the loose sand, saying goodbye to Nick. Again, Link felt frustrated that they'd regained an ally only to have to leave again. But Nick had business off in Holodrum, and although he was glad he'd helped his friends, he couldn't simply ignore duty. Whatever this duty' was, Nick wasn't saying. However, he did promise them something.
"'ll be back in a ew days, y'watch out f'me, will ye? I'll tak' y'back t'Hyrule."
Waves lapped gently at the restored boat that they had ridden to shore. The Alicorn herself floated out further in the bay, anchored as it was too large to navigate directly to shore.
Link nodded, feeling the Sword's pull stronger than ever. "We're really grateful you brought us here."
"Yeah," Timbre agreed.
"Don' mention it," Nick grinned. "Jus' do m' one favorrip tha' slimy Gerudo King a new un f'me, won't ye?"
"You can count on it," Link said with a genuine smile.
As Nick shoved, off, they stood on shore awhile and waved as the Captain of the Alicorn became smaller and smaller, heading towards his prized ship.
Timbre felt more at ease than he had in days. Part of it was that he had his feet on solid ground again. Another seemed to stem from the fact his trenchcoat and sword was back where they belonged. The wind ruffled his hair rather playfully as he turned towards Link.
"So, that thing's pointing straight to Clock Town?"
"Yeah," Link said. "Dunno how to explain it, but I can tell we're much closer."
"I wonder why the sword piece ended up here? Better yethow?"
"Guess we'll have to find out, eh?" Link grinned and turned his back on the sea. Then he paused and looked from the boat to Timbre. "I jus' got one question for you, though"
"What?" Timbre tried to sound amiable.
The Hylian's gaze focused back on the Alicorn in the distance. "rats?"
Timbre looked confused a moment, then realization dawned on his face. "Oh. Yep."
"Aww, that's so gross" Link muttered. "How could youyou know"
"Well, it was either rats, or Nick's cooking," Timbre said in defense. "If you had the choice" He trailed off and inclined his head.
Link blinked. "You do have a point," he admitted.
It was just starting to become dusky out as Clock Town's walls came into view. Unlike Hyrule Castle Town, or Kakariko Village, Clock Town stood out on it's own in the middle of Termina Field, surrounded by high parapet-like walls on all sides. The Western Gate was that closest to Great Bay, and so they found themselves approaching that particular gate.
Termina Field looked to be in better shape than Hyrule Field, although the lush greens that they both remembered from their childhood seemed to be somewhat dampened. Timbre sighed and he aimed a frustrated kick at a green Chu-Chu. The gelatin like blob exploded when he did so, sending slippery green goop everywhere.
"Aww, eww Timbe" Link grimaced at the gelatin monster's remains. "That's gross."
Timbre bent over and picked up a rather slimy red rupee from the remains of what had been the Chu-Chu's stomach. "You know, for a hardened warrior, you sure are squeamish about things." "Hey, I don't mind stabbing thingsbut I don't go picking through their remains!"
Timbre shrugged, pocketing the small jewel. "Fine, I get to keep the money, then."
Link just made a face at the dead Chu-Chu. "Funny how Ganondorf manages to suck everything that's good out of the land, yet conveniently manages to leave the bad things completely intact."
There was no more talking after that, and Link was relieved that no more Chu-Chus approached them. As they reached the gate though, they suddenly realized something was definitely off-color. For one thing, there were two Guards at the Western Gate.
For another, they weren't human.
"Oh great," Link mumbled as they approached the gate. "Clock Town has been taken over."
"I think that was to be expected," Timbre murmured. "Remember what Nick said? And what Vulcan said? Ganondorf's here."
The non-humans guiding the gate resembled giant humanoid rats crossed with terriers. Their bodies were covered in a light reddish colored fur, save for white patches that served as bushy eyebrows and long white moustaches' along their snouts. Both wore crude armor over their brown tunics, but they looked uncomfortable as if they weren't used to wearing metal skins. Both had twin boomerangs tucked into their belts, and one of them stepped forward aggressively as the two young men approached.
"Stop," it grunted gruffly, baring pointed teeth.
The two stopped with eyebrows raised. The creature was about three feet shorter than the both of them, yet it still tried to be intimidating as it stared up at them with dark eyes and a furrowed brow.
Timbre raised an eyebrow. "We're just trying to get in."
"Toll," said the rat-dog, holding out a clawed paw.
"A toll to get into Clock Town?!" Link spluttered indignantly. "Since when?!" He was feeling impatient. That tug was getting stronger and stronger, and making him antsy.
"Toll!" It grunted considerably louder this time.
Link breathed heavily through his nose impatiently. He was working his way into having a fine tempter. "Fine. What do you want?"
The creature looked to its companion, who eyed them both up. After a moment, it spoke in a slightly higher-toned grunt. "Ten. Each, ten."
Timbre raised the other eyebrow. The one with the higher voice apparently was a female, while her gruff companion was a male. Both were eyeing them rather unpleasantly. With a sigh, Timbre withdrew his newly acquired red rupee. "So much for easy money," he groaned, flipping it to the male.
The creature caught it, and grimaced distastefully. The rupee was still a bit greasy from being in the digestive system of the Chu-Chu. Scowling, he waved them through as if he would rather have kicked them out. Link and Timbre were still on their guard as they passed into Clock Town.
As they passed under the gate, Link mumbled. "Goriyas."
"Gory-what?" Timbre twisted his head to one side like a confused puppy.
"Goriyas," Link said, looking behind him to make sure the two guards wouldn't overhear him. "Kind of like Moblins, though maybe a touch smarter. Can actually manage a word or two of Hylian. And they're boomerang throwers, stead of spears. Ruddy midgets."
"Hey," Timbre said. He might not be short as an adult, but he still took insult. "Size isn't everything"
They glanced around as they stepped back into the light, squinting.
Clock Town looked, well, empty. Sure, they were only in West Clock Town as opposed to the more residential areas, but things still seemed almost desolate. There had been, a decade ago, many busy stores lining this particular area. Many of those stores now had darkened, boarded-up windows, signaling their emptiness. Then again, some people probably would not have wanted to stay around in a city that had been taken over.
"Sheesh," Timbre said aloud. "Nick wasn't kidding, was he"
Nick had warned them that Termina had taken a rather bad turn in the few years since its fall to Ganondorf. Although the desolation wasn't as shocking as Hyrule, it was clear to see that things were heading that way, and quickly. The few people that did still seem to be here were showing that same kind of dull-eyed manner that those in Castle Town had. A few looked up at them interestedly, as if they hadn't seen anything like them before.
"Keep on your toes," Link warned. "Remember that Ganondorf's somewhere around the area. And seeing that Clock Town is one of the biggest settlements in Termina, there's a good chance he'll show his face."
They both had an unspoken agreement as to where they were headed: the Stock Pot Inn. Anju, the innkeeper when they were children, was a nice enough person, and also their friend Kafei's sister-in-law. Ten years ago she'd married Kafei's older brother (coincidentally also named Kafei'), and the two had settled down to married life.
As the duo walked, they passed several more Goriyas, some of whom ignored them, others whom stared at them suspiciously. When a Goriya's suspicion was aroused, it immediately turned to its compatriots and started growling and squeaking away to them in what could only be their native language. A few looked like they wanted to stop them, but desisted at the sight of their swords.
"Nosy little buggers, aren't they?" Timbre mumbled.
"Don't let em hear you insult them," Link warned. "They might be little but they can crack your head open with one well placed boomerang shot."
"Nasty," remarked Timbre, as they rounded on the Stock Pot Inn's door. It looked the same as it had always been, though maybe a little smaller now that they were adults, so they let themselves in quietly.
Apparently even a takeover couldn't stall completely the business of the Stock Pot Inn. Anju looked up sharply as they entered, with a feature on her face that resembled slight alarm. This slowly turned to slight curiosity as she sized the two guests up. "Hello," she said after a moment, looking uncertain.
"H'lo," Timbre mumbled, not sure what to say.
"Are you here for a room for the night?"
"Iyeah, sure," Link stammered.
Anju smiled. "Travelers?" She beckoned them over to the register with a slight smile. There was slight age in her face, framed with curly reddish hair. "We get a few every now and then, probably one of the only things keeping us in business"
"Glad to help, ma'am," Link grinned. Suddenly, something poked into his ankle, and he jumped, looking behind him.
"Excuse me," said a small boy's voice.
The Hylian and Timbre each sidestepped, figuring that in a doorway was a rather bad place to stand. As the way became unobstructed, a wooden staff came into view, swinging from side to side. When nothing else obstructed it, it was followed by the holder of the staff, a small Hylian boy wearing a slightly familiar violet tunic with long sleeved, billowing white sleeves. The boy's head was bent slightly downwards, and was covered in a mess of reddish brown hair. His eyes were concealed by a huge pair of thick leather-lined goggles that were firmly placed over the bridge of his nose. A strap ran behind each pointed ear, keeping them in place.
"Daray!" Anju said, stepping from behind the register and approaching the small boy. She bent to her knees in front of him, and embraced him like a mother would. "Where have you been?" she chided, pulling the goggles so they rested on his hairline.
The boy smiled and put a hand to Anju's cheek. "Sorry, Mom" Daray turned his head towards Link and Timbre, and immediately they knew that he was blind. His eyes were a very light shade of purple, but they remained unfocused and dim. This and the walking stick were a giveaway. "Sorry for poking you."
"Oh yes." Anju smiled and stood up. "This is my son Daray. Daray, meet" Anju chewed her lip, looking forgetful. "I don't believe I've learned your names yet."
Oops! "Er, I'm Link," said the Hylian.
"And I'm Timbre," said the other, as Daray nodded in the direction of their voices.
"Nice to meet you," said the boy. "Are you staying here for long?"
"They're travelers, staying here for tonight," Anju said to her son.
"Oh. Is Dad home yet?"
Anju looked slightly concerned. "No, he's still busy down at the Mayor's office."
"You mean Big Kafei's the Mayor now?" Timbre looked astonished.
"No, his father is." Anju said shortly, walking back behind the register. Daray followed her, clinging to the end of her skirt. "Though I think these past few years have been wearing on him-wait, how do you know my husband?"
Link and Timbre followed to the desk, and Link signed the register busily while he thought up an answer. "I've heard his name around," he said finally.
Daray's small head popped into view as he clambered up onto a stool. He had the goggles back on over his eyes, and seemed to be craning forward, staring directly at Link. Then after a moment, the blind boy grinned slightly.
"Wowthat's a pretty rock you've got there, mister!"
Link looked down at the Destiny Stone about his neck in surprise. How was a blind child able to randomly see the Destiny Stone?
Anju smiled, tapping Daray's goggles. "Give those a rest, won't you?"
"But MomI wanted to find out if I could see our guests for once," Daray said, pulling the goggles back up.
"What-" Timbre started.
Anju smiled again. "Daray's goggles allow him to sometimes see a little, though it isn't very much of an improvement, he can perhaps see shadows of movement-"
"I like it," Daray said stubbornly. "Though sometimes I get a headache."
"Yes, it has been a bit of a goddess-send," Anju agreed. "They allow him a little bit of independence."
"Dad got em for me," Daray explained. "As a present for my tenth birthday last month. They work best when there's a lot of magic around, or something." Then, he changed the subject. "Where are you two from?"
"Hyrule," Timbre replied wearily.
"Really?" Anju said, sounding interested. "Refugees?"
"No," Link said. "We're just looking for something." As he was reminded, Link became aware of the pull. It was so strong now he almost had to force his left arm from moving on its own.
"Well, good luck," said Anju. "There's not much left here, what with the Goriyas and the takeoverMayor Dotour may still be around but everyone knows he's not in power anymore."
"Ganondorf?" Timbre prompted.
Anju nodded, and Daray piped up from his seat on the stool.
"I hate him, he killed-"
"Hush," Anju said to her son. "And don't wobble so much, you'll fall over."
Timbre and Link looked at each other.
"Ganondorf's been paying Termina a visit," Anju said shortly. "He hasn't come around for this long since he first took over. He lets his minions and generals take care of his business, usually."
"So then why is he here?" Timbre said to himself.
"Rumors say he's been out in the wilds trying to squash some rebels, or some such nonsense," Anju sighed. "I don't see Cremia that often anymore, and I rarely leave town, so all I hear are stories. Can't afford to leave. What with the Inn, and Daray, and the tolls. Plus, it's dangerous outside. Ganondorf's minions aren't as well-behaved past these walls..."
Link nodded. He'd have to remember that in the future. "Oh, how much do we owe you?"
"Fifty for the two of you for the first night. It'll be ten for any additional nights."
"Alright, then." Timbre's tongue stuck out of the corner of his mouth as he rummaged in one of his trenchcoat pockets. After a moment, he withdrew two red rupees and two blue ones. He'd pocketed money here and there a while back (more than a decade now, actually), and now that was proving useful. "There you go."
"Thank you." She handed Timbre a small brass key with a number 1 engraved in it. "Enjoy your stay."
Daray waved at the sound of their retreating footsteps. "Bye!"
The two wound up the rather familiar staircase, and walked wordlessly down the hall to Room 1, corresponding to their key.
Timbre opened the locked door, and Link immediately flopped down on one of the cots after he entered, flinging his sword and shield aside. "Whew! At lease we've got a real bed for once."
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with sleeping out in a bedroll," Timbre muttered. "Or in the grass if it's not the bristly kind."
"Yeah, but it sure beats straw, dunnit?"
Timbre leaned his sword against the door and had to agree. "So, now what?"
"Well, I'm chilling for a moment here, but after I catch my breath, I say before it gets too dark we go find that swordthing. What would you call it, a shard?"
Timbre shrugged. "Works for me. Can you still sense it? Where is it?"
Link sat up, held his left hand out straight like a pointer. He concentrated, and his arm practically twisted out of its socket as it whirled, pointing steadily northeast. "Ouch!" He grabbed his shoulder, glaring down at the Triforce mark. "That Sword won't be any good to you if you manage to twist off my sword arm!" he yelled at his hand.
Timbre ignored this for the most. Many people would be concerned if their friends started yelling at their hands, but Timbre's Hylian friend was far from normal. Timbre shut his eyes, trying to mentally picture their current positions. "Northeast then. The Mayor's Office, or some random residences."
"I'm thinking the Mayor's Office," Link said, lying down again on his cot and yawning sleepily. "But how did it get there?"
Timbre sat down on the other bed and flopped backwards. "Beats me."
He might as well have been talking to the ceiling, as Link had instantly dozed off. "So much for any exploring tonight" Timbre grinned and leaned back.
*****
Unknown to the travelers at the Stock Pot Inn as the night poured on, something sat quietly on the roof around midnight, standing as still as a statue, or better yet, the shadow of one. The cloaked figure was somewhat tall, but the shadow was hard to discern from the night, making any other observations quite difficult.
With a silent leap, the shadow hurtled off the northern edge of the roof, landing catlike on the ground. It slipped by a pair of dozing Goriyas unnoticed, practically slithering. It was the work of a moment as the figure leapt again, landing impossibly on the roof of the Mayor's Office. There was a slight twist of movement, and the shadow seemed to melt into the topmost window. In reality, it had lifted the latch, but it was so swift and silent it might as well have fazed into the wall suddenly.
There was little movement for five minutes, then suddenly the shadow reemerged from the window, this time carrying a small bottle. Inside the container there glowed a bright golden light, which seemed to be thrashing violently. The light should have lit the contours of the male's face, but it oddly did not.
The figure deftly put a finger to his lips, looking down sternly at the bottle. The golden light abruptly stopped thrashing. Nodding once, he stowed the bottle away in his cloak.
With a flash of crimson eyes, the figure catapulted wordlessly from the roof, vaulting straight over the Clock Town wall as if he had never existed.
*****
The next morning, the two left the Stock Pot Inn, and headed towards the Mayor's Office. Anju, concerned that they weren't staying for breakfast, insisted on at least giving them some jerky. Neither of them was very hungry, and they'd experienced Anju's cooking before. Link wondered idly if there were any people he knew that were actually good cooks. He couldn't recall any off the top of his head.
So they took the jerky out of politeness, and were waved out of the Inn by Daray, who although he couldn't see them, could hear the sound of their retreating footsteps.
Link spun on his heel, passing another pair of Goriyas. The small creatures stared after him, sniggering quietly to themselves. The Hylian rolled his eyes. Who knew what those grubby little monsters thought was funny.
"Duck!" Timbre hissed.
The Hylian's sense flared, and he quickly dropped. There was a loud swish right above his head, and the boomerang flew past them in a graceful arc. Link knew better to stand up right away. The boomerang's trajectory curved heavily, and it whirled, passing over his head again.
"Watch it!" he yelled at one of the Goriya as it caught the boomerang skillfully.
The Goriya just shrugged, looking disappointed. "Missed!"
The Hylian was about to get up and teach the little creature a thing or two when Timbre grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. Timbre had a rather forceful grip when he felt like it, and Link winced.
"Not now," Timbre warned. "We don't need to start trouble."
Link allowed himself to walk away, though that didn't abate the sniggers behind his back. He rubbed his shoulder balefully. "When I get my sword back, ooh, they'll rue the day they messed with me"
There was a bit of a thick silence until they reached the Mayor's Residence. Since Anju had been so suspicious when they mentioned her husband, they hadn't dared ask about younger Kafei. "I wonder if he's here too," Timbre murmured, leaning a hand on the door.
"Where else would he be?" Link smirked.
"True, that." The door creaked open and the two stepped in.
The first thing that they noticed was that instead of a secretary, a Goriya leaned nonchalantly behind the desk, probably on a stool. Otherwise the creature's eyes would have barely been above the counter. It glared at the both of them fiercely. "What want?" it chirruped. "Be quick now!"
"Uh," Link looked at Timbre. "You talk."
"Why me?" Timbre replied.
"Stop whining and justtalk to the thing!"
"But why me? Why not you?"
"Well," Link said. "It kind of looks like a canine, and yo-"
"Whatever," Timbre mumbled, as the Goriya looked on, confused and offended.
"Talk," it demanded, brandishing its boomerang. "Talk, or go." Apparently this particular Goriya had an astonishingly good command of the Hylian tongue for its kind, thus its position.
"We want to see the Mayor," Timbre said shortly.
It raised one white furry eyebrow sarcastically. "No," it said with a smirk, noting the crestfallen faces.
"Why not?" Link demanded, his temper flaring slightly. Link had a good temper, though he wasn't as touchy as some people, like Ty. Timbre hoped he wasn't going to blow his top in the Mayor's office.
The Goriya put its claws on its hips. "Busy," it said condescendingly. "No time talk." It flipped its boomerang skillfully. "Go."
"Hey, can't we make an appointment or something?" Timbre protested.
"No! All time talk. Talk wi' Big Boss Blind." It closed its eyes in the effort of managing such long sentences. "No talk w' stupid men," it added after a moment, looking proud of itself.
"Hey, who're you calling st-ouch!" Link rubbed his ribs, glaring sidelong at Timbre. "Stop that."
"This isn't a place to lose your temper," Timbre said.
"Yeah, like you should talk, Timbe. You lose your temper all the time."
Timbre was about to reply when the door to the Mayor's office banged open. Out stepped a veritable male giant of a Goriya. This meant he was nearly the height of rather short Hylian. He looked a great deal more rugged than his other kind. His fur was ruddier and a shade of bluish gray, as opposed to red. His dress was much more sophisticated than his comrades, and of a finer make. He also wore a Goriya-sized cape, colored a deep navy blue to match the rest of him. Oddly enough, the giant Goriya was in possession of a pair of dark glasses that perched on his snout. Twirling a long white moustache' between two clawed fingers, he pushed past Timbre and Link as if they didn't even exist. The Goriya behind the desk saluted with wide eyes.
"Boss Blindsah!"
The Giant Goriya turned towards the speaker. Pulling down his glasses, he regarded the Goriya a moment before turning and staring upwards at Link and Timbre. His eyes rested at first on the Destiny Stone, then slowly traveled up to look them in the face. For a moment, the giant put a hand to the larger, glinting boomerang tucked in his belt. After a moment though, he snorted, as if deeming the two not worth his time. He pushed his glasses back up and turned away.
Link and Timbre stared after this Boss Blind,' as he walked out the door without a word. The secretary-Goriya snickered nastily.
"Boss Blind no talk w' stupid men, either!"
Timbre was expecting Link to lose it, but instead the Hylian was just staring at the door, mouth slightly agape. His left hand was shaking visibly.
"What's wrong?" Timbre looked confused.
The Hylian roughly pulled his companion aside by the collar of his trenchcoat. "Didn't you see?" the Hylian's teeth were gritted.
"Yeah, nasty looking fellow, wasn't he?"
"No, not that," Link said. He glanced over his shoulder, and found that the Goriya had gone back to its business, and was not pointedly ignoring them. "Timbe, I found it."
"Hey don't call me- wait, you what?!"
"The missing piece of the Master Sword," Link gritted. "Didn't you see? On that Blind's boomerang"
"What?!"
"The piece was set in the middle of that big furry blue lout's boomerang!" Link grabbed his own left wrist with his right hand, trying to stop the Triforce mark from throbbing.
"Well, what are we waiting for!?" Timbre said. "We have to go get it back!"
With that, they both stepped out of the Mayor's Office, back into the morning glow of East Clock Town. The huge blue Goriya was nowhere in sight.
"I should've just jumped him right then and there," Link said in a frustrated tone. "This is great."
Timbre scowled in confusion.
"Welllook at this" Link held out his hand, and it jerked towards the Eastern Gate. "He's left town, and I have a sneaky suspicion those boomeranged furballs aren't gonna let us out after their Boss."
Timbre sighed. "Well, if it isn't one thing" He leaned against the wall of the Mayor's and stretched. "Now what?"
As if on cue, the door to the Mayor's Office opened to reveal a familiar face. Ten years had aged Anju's husband considerably, who looked rather exhausted. He slumped, breathing in the morning air with a deep sense of resolve.
Timbre poked Link. "Hey look, it's Big Kafei."
The purple-haired man turned a crimson eye at the two of them. "Sorry, don't believe we've met."
"Link. We're staying at the Stock Pot Inn currently."
"Oh. If you see her, tell Anju I'm sorry I didn't come home last nightit's justthose Goriyasand their masterdemanding taxes again. Its like they're blaming the work of the rebels on us!" Big Kafei looked frustrated, staring at the ground. "And to make matters worse, the leader of the Goriyas is demanding compensation for some of his property."
Timbre and Link exchanged a glance. "What?"
Big Kafei had usually been easygoing, though this did not reflect at all the demeanor of his older incarnation. "He was robbed last night. Why am I even telling you this?!" he suddenly demanded.
Timbre shrugged, and Link looked slightly apprehensive.
"Sorry," said the man, sighing wearily. "I don't mean to snap. Butthere's just nothing left. Clock Town is failing. With the Goriyas demanding more and more, and trade petering out-there isn't anything left."
Timbre murmured to himself. "It's just like Castle Townsucked dry."
Link looked furious. "We have to stop Ganondorf. Now."
Big Kafei looked at both of them strangely. Then he shook his head. "Don't let any of Ganondorf's minions hear you say that. There are many who have tried, but all have failed," he said darkly.
"We won't fail," Link said confidently.
Kafei half-smiled, but in an ironic way. "You're quite the optimist, just like Daray., just like-" He cut himself off and stared down at the ground. "Yeah. I would've left with my son and Anju long ago, but to help my fatherI must remain, I cannot abandon him. I've tried to get Anju and Daray to leave Clock Town by themselves, but Anju refuses to leave me, despite everything."
Timbre and Link looked at each other. Then the blond Hylian stood. "Things will change, and soon," Link said boldly. "You'll see."
There were no time for more words, as the nasty secretary-Goriya popped its furry head out of the door. Glaring at Big Kafei, it bared its teeth. "Come! Must talk more!"
The older Hylian sighed, and turned towards the Mayor's Office. "Well, so long," he said to Link and Timbre, as if he expected this to be their last meeting.
As the door shut with a bang, Timbre blinked. "Notice he didn't mention his younger brother? Or, well, he almost did."
"I was wondering about that, I hope he's alright," said Link, though he looked preoccupied. He stared towards the Eastern Gate. "And all this talk about rebelswe ought to try and get out after that Blind fellow, I suppose"
Timbre shrugged, and started walking towards the gate. "I suppose that's what the Destiny Stone meant by what spies in shade,' or whatever it said."
The Destiny Stone blinked green, but only briefly, as if it were tired out. It was clear again by the time they stood before the twin Goriyas staking guard at the western exit of Clock Town. One of them pushed its helmet up so it could see better. The Goriya's pointed ears poked out the sides of the helmet at a flopped angle, making the creature look even more ridiculous. It scowled.
"What?!" it demanded.
"We wish to pass," Link said boldly.
"No!" the little Goriya said firmly.
"Why not?" the Hylian snapped.
"Orders!" screeched the other Goriya. Both looked like they were in bad moods, even for Goriyas. The bad-tempered little monsters both looked down at their stomachs, which were gurgling.
"Grumble grumble," one of them muttered. Apparently they were hungry.
Link pulled Timbre aside. "How about that?"
"Yeah," Timbre mumbled. "Who in their right mind says grumble grumble?'"
"Y'knowthey looked kind of peckish" Link observed. "Kind of like you when you haven't chewed on something in a hour or so"
"Hey!"
"Well, it's true."
"So, grumble grumble' must be Goriya for I'm hungry.' Thanks for the linguistics lesson."
"Listen," Link snapped. "I mean, if they're hungry, maybe we can bribe our way pastwe won't have to fight them."
"Oh." Timbre smirked. He stuck a hand in his pocket and withdrew the jerky that Anju had given them. "Well, if they're hungry"
Link snatched the jerky and beckoned his friend back towards the gate. Boldly, the Hylian walked back up to the two Goriyas. "Hey!"
"Grr. Go!" snapped the one in the helmet, shaking its boomerang at the Hylian.
"Hungry?" Link said in a casual sort of voice.
"Grumble."
"Guess that's a yes.' How would you two like some genuine, homemadedried meat?"
The two Goriya looked up at the Hylian as he held up the strips of jerky. "Grumble?" one of them asked, snatching at the meat with a quick paw.
Link whipped the food out of arms reach. "I'll give it to you if you let us pass," he tempted, watching the two monsters stare at the food, salivating. Timbre just shook his head.
"I hope you know what you're doing"
The two Goriyas turned to each other, muttering back and forth. Apparently they were debating whether to let Link pass or not. The one on the right appeared to be all for it, but the one on the left didn't seem so eager. Finally, the entire debate was resolved when the Goriya on the right smacked its companion upside the head with its boomerang. It then turned its helmeted head towards Link, totally ignoring its now-unconscious partner.
"You pass! Gimme!" it squeaked, jumping and snatching at the jerky.
Timbre and Link walked through as the Hylian tossed the jerky to the hungry creature. "And it's easy as that when you know how to bargain," Link boasted as they stepped back out into Termina Field. "Man, whatever they feed those Goriya, it can't be good if they think something made by Anju is good."
"It didn't look that bad," Timbre murmured. "You can't really ruin smoking meat, after all."
"Yeah, well you can't talk, you'll eat anything," Link said. "Hey!" His left arm lurched, sending the Hylian stumbling forwards. "Guess we're going this way then."
"That's a bit southwest-ish, then." Timbre stretched a little. "You lead the way."
*****
Chiron cried out aloud and collapsed to the stone floor of Hyrule Castle, clutching his midriff in pain again as his grandmothers watched impassively, their crooked skeletal hands weaving spells into the air.
"Very sloppy," chastised Koume.
"Very very much sssso," added Kotake.
Chiron couldn't really answer until they stopped the pain spell. Even after they stopped, he did nothing but gasp for a few moments. "That girl knew a fire spell-"
"Fool!" Koume said. "Why didn't you change your tunic to red, then!? It would have made you impervious to fire."
"I did not expect-"
"An asssassssin sssshould never be taken by ssssuprissssse," Kotake added.
"Three times in a week you have failed us, Chiron? Why is that?"
Chiron slowly stood up to his full height, despite his aching stomach and burns. "I shall not fail you again," he said resolutely.
"Be ssssure that you keep to that," Kotake said quietly.
"Return to Kakariko Village at first light, but do not bring the other Gerudo this time," instructed Koume.
"You ssstill musssst apprehend the blacksssmith," explained Kotake in turn.
Chiron nodded slowly.
"We would accompany you ourselves, but unfortunately, we have business elsewhere."
"Pressssing busssinessss, that would not have been ssso if you had done your job," Kotake muttered, glaring at Chiron.
"We will be sending some reinforcements to accompany you," said the Fire Witch. "Expect them to arrive by dusk. They will require further instructions."
"Yes, Grandmother." Chiron bowed.
"Oh, and one more thing," Kotake added lazily.
"Yes?" Chiron looked up.
"Do take care of that girl while you're at itssshe sssoundsss dangerousss."
Chiron smiled grimly. "With pleasure."
When the connection with Chiron had been broken, the witch sisters looked at each other.
"Off to Termina, then, sister?" Koume looked positively buoyant as she bobbed on her broomstick.
"Yesss, yesss, very well. But!" She glared severely at her sister. "Not a word to Ganondorf, do you hear me?" Kotake was still against telling Ganondorf about the threat.
The Fire Witch sighed. "Very well" She did a loop the loop to calm her flared nerves, and stared upside down at her sister. "Might as well call up the reinforcements, then."
"Yesss," agreed the Ice Witch. "Poessss, come to ussss"
There was an empty pause as the Ice Witch's sibilant voice echoed about the half-ruined dome, and then the emptiness was filled with a score of twinkling lanterns, carried by the squadron of Poes. Silent as, well, ghosts, they glided over to the two witch sisters. Koume quickly righted herself as the multitude of purple cloaked, orange-eyed specters regarded them both.
The Twinrova sisters regarded the twenty Poes, and then Kotake, acting for the both of them, pointed to a random Poe with a crooked finger. "You!"
The Poe glided forward, though slightly grudgingly. "Yes?"
Koume cleared her throat importantly. "Consider yourself promoted to spokes-Poe. Identify yourself."
Oh goody, the Poe thought sarcastically, though all he said was "I am called Rej."
Kotake sniffed. The Twinrova sisters often took turns speaking, unless they were in an argument. When that occurred, they tended to both screech at once. However, right now only the Ice Witch was speaking. "Consider you and your sssquad moved from maintenance to draft," she hissed.
Rej was confused by this, but slightly relieved at the same time. That plaster had a nasty habit of caking all over his robes and lantern.
"You will, therefore," Koume spoke up, "be reporting to Hyrule Castle Town. When you arrive, report to Chiron."
"YesMa'ams," Rej said after a moment. What did one call two old hags, anyhow? He really didn't want to have to go all the way to Castle Town, but orders, unfortunately, were orders.
"We would like you to accompany Chiron on a misssssion of hissss," hissed Kotake, addressing Rej but meaning the entire company.
"Chiron has been a little sloppy as of late, and you are welcome to make sure he stays on track." Koume cracked her knuckles
"Ooh," Rej said with a slight air of interest. "May I whack him upside the head with my lantern?"
"If he misbehaves, yesss," agreed Kotake. "Now go."
The two witches didn't bother to see them off, they both hurtled out of one of the dome's high windows a moment later on their corresponding broomsticks. Rej watched them go before moving out with the other nineteen of his kind. Maybe this won't be so bad after all
*****
End Chapter, or something like that. I am now home for the winter break. Sorry if this is a bit later than usual, but this author unfortunately came down with a nasty case of okay-I'm-done-with-exams-I-can-get-sick-now' flu. Nothing bad, just a general ick' feeling and a temperature. Plus side: I got to see LoTR: Two Towers finally. Anyone else notice the number of Gimli is REALLY short' jokes? ^_^ Also, a special thank you to FogFrontier who let me use Rej in this story. I only kind of introduced him, but he'll pop up on occasion. Yes, Goriyas are Zelda monsters. Check out the original NES games sometime, you'll see em. They throw boomerangs and are generally cool. Also, Kudos to anyone who recognizes the Zelda 1 in-joke in this chapter. If nobody notices it, email me and I'll let you in on it. There will probably be a few more of those, because Zelda 1 rules. I practically broke my baby teeth on that pretty gold NES cartridge. Pictures:
http://www.side7.com/cgi-bin/S7SDB/DisplayImg.pl?INO=233288 -- Blood ahoy, so just a warning in case you're squeamish. Poor Kafei.
http://www.side7.com/cgi-bin/S7SDB/DisplayImg.pl?INO=232840 -- And there's Chiron.
http://www.side7.com/cgi-bin/S7SDB/DisplayImg.pl?INO=232831 -- And that's Nick's ship, the Alicorn.
There's some other random stuff on there here and there, just click on All Categories' up at the top there. Until next time, happy winter holidays, and stuff! ^_^