CHAPTER 4 A TRIP DOWNTOWN
Amber found herself in a torch lighted hallway wearing the same blue dress she wore when in the market square. "Great, now what?" Amber wondered aloud, the fabric of her dress sweeping along the stone floor. "Wonder where I am now?"
Amber yelped as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She tried to move forward but tripped up in the unfamiliar clothing and landed on her face. She heard a giggle and turned around. "Damn it Emily would you please stop scaring me like that!"
Emily, with her hair up in a bun, covered her smile with a hand. After smoothing out her dress Emily offered her hand out to Amber. She took it roughly and pulled herself up hard. "Hmf, you certainly are ill tempered today." Emily said a tad agitated.
"Gee, let's see, I lost the rest of my family to Ganon, I lost my arm, I lost Carl, and I just had to kill a fricking monster! I think I have the right to be a little 'Ill tempered'!" Her body began taking on a red hue.
"Cool it child." Emily said, waving her hand and causing an arctic wind to swirl around Amber briefly.
The magic weave flowing around Amber died immediately as her thought process was interrupted. "Ch-ch-child?!" Her teeth chattered.
"Be quiet!" Emily said sharply, causing Amber to shut up quit quickly. Looking down she continued. "Do you think that I do not know the pain of loss? Never aging past forty two, seeing your husband, children, grandchildren, and a few great grandchildren die, all your friends. Everyone…" She fell silent for a moment.
Feeling like a jerk, Amber apologized. Emily, still looking down, smiled, sniffed, and dabbed her left eye with a kerchief. Looking up she resumed. "Now to answer you question," She began walking down the fall, Amber following. "this is Hyrule Castle, five thousand years ago of course." A patrol of two armored guards with spears walked toward them. Amber began moving out of the way but Emily kept on walking. Amber was about to say something, but the guards past right through the women's bodies. The raven haired girl's eyes grew wide as the two continued to walk silently down the hall and turn into another. "Surprised?" Amber nodded. "Even though we are in ancient times," Emily began walking again. "we can only observe, kind of like watching a movie while actually being in it. Do you understand now?"
"I think I do."
Emily nodded. "Good." She walked right through a wall. "Now," She looked around, but didn't see Amber. She leaned halfway out of the wall. "Come now," She offered her hand with a smile. She grabbed Amber's hand and dragged her through the wall.
Amber's breath caught in her throat as she passed through the bricks and come out on the other side. "Now, see the man laying there on the table?"
"Yes." Amber whispered. She watched Emily walk up and place her hands on the body. Amber walked up next and saw an old man with pointed ears and white bangs that hung over his closed eyes. The sword that rested on his body had a certain air about it. The hilt, bluer than the bluest sky, had a yellow symbol of the Triforce emblazoned on it just under the blade.
"This blade is the Master Sword. The Sword of Evil's Bane. Place your hands on it." Emily commanded.
Amber excitedly placed her hands on the cold steal of the blade and could feel the hum of its evil smiting powers. "Is that?"
"Yes, it is Link." The door opened and an old Zelda and a middle aged Emily entered the room. Emily had her arm around Zelda's aged shoulders part in support and part helping her frail body along.
"At least he is with The Three now Zelda." The ancient Emily said softly, looking down at Link on the other side of where Amber and the modern Emily stood.
"Yes," Zelda said tiredly. "I'm sure that he is sparring with Sage as well." She smiled.
"Come," The modern Emily said, putting a hand on Amber's back and guiding her through the wall and back into the hall.
"That sword, was it the real thing?"
Emily nodded. "You will need this blade, for something more powerful than Ganon ever hoped he could be."
Amber's jaw dropped in terror. "N-no!"
"Yes, it does seem unfathomable, does it not? Your new friends will be extremely helpful to you in this new endeavor. Not to mention the Master Sword."
"Where can I find it?"
"In Old Kakariko Town. That's as close as I can tell you for now."
"I see…" Amber said, eyes down and to the right.
Emily smiled motherly and wrapped her arms around Amber's body. "You are the only hope we have. Your bloodline will be very helpful as well, when you realize it that is." She let go. Amber nervously moved her hair back behind her ear. "Go back to your friends now."
It went black again.
Amber set up quickly, the cold towel that was on her forehead fell into her lap. "Wha-where?" She looked around nervously.
"Shhh." Mahrea said softly, gently pushing her back down. "Relax. You fell, me and my sis had to take you over here. Do you know why you passed out like that?"
"Uh, no." Amber lied. Trying to sit up again. Mahrea went to push her back down, but Amber waved her away. "I'll be okay."
Mahrea gave her a skeptical look. "Well, alright." She got up and went back to her chair eating popcorn and watching an animated movie on the TV.
"Umm, where's Jill?" Amber asked setting the washcloth over in the kitchen. "I need to ask her something."
Mahrea almost choked when she heard the request. "Uh, Jill is in Carl's room, uh taking a nap. She was really tired from the drive."
Amber started to his room. "Okay."
Mahrea leaved up, spilling the popcorn all over and rushed over and blocked her way. "Um, let me."
"And why?" Amber's eyebrow crooked at the younger woman.
"Well, Jill is always cranky when someone wakes her up. You don't want to face that, trust me."
"You make her sound just plain mean." Amber laughed and turned around.
With a sigh Mahrea went into Carl's room and closed the door. But Jilleana was not there. "Kathy, I know you can hear me. Open the elevator to the Pit please." The secret panel slid away, opening up the elevator. Mahrea stepped in and the doors closed and she was whisked down into the Pit. The doors opened and she stepped out. "Jill!"
"What?" Came the sharp reply. I'm working!" Mahrea went up to her. "Amber is up, she wants to talk to you."
"Why?" She asked looking at a screen with a wire frame arm and formulas running the course of it.
"I don't know, she didn't say." Mahrea answered with a cross look.
"Fine." Jilleana huffed as she got up and headed for the elevator, Mahrea right behind her.
"May I ask what the hell that was all about?" Kathy fumed a few moments after Mahrea walked down the hall.
"What was what all about?"
Kathy replayed the conversation of Amber denying the existence of The Trezen. "That!"
"Oh, well a little lie never hurt anyone."
"Funny, Carl said the same thing when he lied to you."
Amber sighed. "He did that to protect me. Now I have to pick up where he left off."
"Hylians are such complex beings." Kathy said sadly.
"Just because we have emotions?"
"That and you always have alterior motives for your behavior. Good or bad."
"Well I'm sorry that we can't be pure ration thought like you." The door to Carl's room opened then slammed shut. "Quiet, here they come." Amber mouthed.
Mahrea entered with a nervous look on the face and Jilleana right behind her with a cross look on hers. Amber smiled up at both of them. "It looks like you were right about her Mahrea, she does look might grumpy."
Mahrea let out an "Eep!" and laughed nervously. Jilleana furrowed her eyebrows and let out an annoyed huff. "What do you want?" She asked curtly.
Amber smile died. "Carl said that there was a chance you could revive him."
Jilleana sat down and looked out the window. "How did…he die?" Amber bit her bottom lip anxiously.
"Was it from the earthquake?" Mahrea asked.
"Umm, kinda."
"Well?" Jilleana pressed. "Don't make me ask Kathy."
Amber gasped and her eyes grew wide. Mahrea looked down at her sister. "How do you know Kathy?"
Jilleana smirked. "I know a lot of things, Ambrosia Hailee."
Amber frowned and sighed reluctantly. "Fine, he didn't die in the earthquake, his death was before it. In a fight."
"Must have been some fight." Mahrea put in. "Is that were you lost your arm?"
"Yes." Amber donned and unconsciously slid her fingers over the circuits covered up by the cloth of her shirt.
"The only fight I can imagine him losing is one against Ganon."
Mahrea's blood ran cold. "Ganon!?"
"Just now much do you know?" Amber questioned.
"Enough." Was the simple answer. "Now, let's go repair that arm of yours."
Mahrea pulled out a clean white sheet and slid it over an operating table. "Please, sit down here." She said with a great big smile, motioning to the table.
"Okay," Amber said somewhat unsure.
"Take off your shirt too." Mahrea added, walking off to the side and punching in some figures. Kathy blinked on one of the screens.
"Great, why does everybody need to see me naked?" Amber mumbled to herself with a pout and began stripping off her shirt.
Kathy smirked from the screen. "At least you are much more cooperative this time." Amber scowled at Kathy. "My, my."
"Now, now you two." Jilleana came in wearing a surgical gown and mask, hair net, safety goggles, latex gloves, and hair net. "No need to argue now, we have lots to do."
"Lie down." Mahrea said. Amber did so and Mahrea placed an anesthetic mask over her mouth. "This is gonna take a long time, that's why we are putting you under. Don't worry." She smiled sincerely, her purple eyes sparkling in the artificial light in the workshop/basement. Amber found trust in those eyes and breathed deep. It was less than five seconds before she fell into a deep sleep.
"Okay." Jilleana said picking up a circuit welder. "Let's get this shindig started."
***
Amber's eyes opened and found herself lying in a patch of soft earth in what looked like a forest. A blue fog hung in the air, clinging to the branches. She leaned up on her elbows and looked at her quiet surroundings. "Hmm," She looked around her for a moment and got up.
Walking along, she came across a path and turned onto it. "Now this I can learn to like." She smiled at the peacefulness as she strolled. She even didn't mind not knowing where she was. That was, until she heard a rustling off to the side. She stropped dead in her tracks. Looking around, it was too quiet for her taste. The birds that had been singing had stopped. "Hello?" Nothing. Amber began walking again, although much more suspiciously. She heard another noise. "Alright, whoever you are come out! I know you're there!"
Amber spun out of the way as a dagger was flung at her and sunk into the tree beside her. Crouching down, she looked up to see seven moblins standing up out of the underbrush. All had sword in hand. Quickly Amber pulled out the dagger in the trunk and growled. "Here doggie doggie." Amber said with an angry sneer, getting ready for her fight.
"You speak brave for such a small girl." One snorted.
"I more than just speak it." She held the dagger out in front of her. The pack howled and charged forward. Amber stood her ground and waited for the monsters. One pulled away from the rest. He was the first to taste Amber's skill/ He swung his blade overhead and Amber quickly lifter up her arm and slit his throat, the blood spurting out and the moblin fell to his knees and clutched at the gaping hole in its neck, crimson liquid staining the ground.
Two more charged at her. Twirling to her right, she tripped the one to her right. The moblin fell on his sword, the blade sticking out its back. She ran after the other and tackled it from behind. As quick as lightning she plunged the dagger deep into its skull. Picking up the sword it dropped, Amber quickly jumped back up and stood to face the remaining four enemies.
They stopped eight feet from her and stood there. Amber smirked. "Well, still so sure?" The four turned and started running. Four arrows flew past Amber's pointed ears and sunk into the backs of the fleeing enemies. "Wha-" Turning around she saw a Hylian with a smile on his face and blonde bangs covering his eyes. He wore a green cap and tunic and leaned on his bow with a mischievous smile.
"You are good. Better than I thought you would be." He walked onto the path.
Amber gasped. "You're Link!"
Link chuckled. "And observant too!"
"I wonder how many more ancient people I'm going to be seeing." Amber shook her head.
"Hah! Well yes, but this is for training."
A confused look on Amber's face. "Huh? Training?"
Link nodded and put his bow on the ground along with his shield. "Yes." Link dew the Master Sword slowly. "Carl taught you well. But you need to learn from me to wield the Master Sword properly. Look down at the sword you took."
Amber did so and was surprised to see that the moblin's sword was now the Master Sword. "Wooh." She stood in her 'ready' position.
Link laughed. "It would seem that you are ready." Link smiled dashingly. "Very well." Link made his move.
He slashed at Amber's faster than she thought. "Ah!" She put up her sword to block and her hand stung from the force of metal on metal.
"Good." He stopped. "Just don't swing the sword though, feel it." Link instructed. "That is a very important part of using this special sword." Amber nodded. "Now concentrate." Link attacked her again and Amber could feel a pulling and she brought up the blade faster and with more confidence. "Better." Amber countered with an attack of her own which was blocked quickly by Link and received a kick to her side for her effort.
She stepped back. "Ouch, hey! What's the deal?"
"Not allowed to play rough huh?" Link sighed and slid the Master Sword back into its sheath that was on his back. "I supposed we could do the whole philosophy thing." He pouted and sat down cross-legged. "We had to get to it eventually." Link motioned for Amber to sit down. "Please."
"Alright." She sat down like Link.
"Now close your eyes." Link said doing the same. "Heh, and no peaking."
"Yes Sir." Amber joked and closed hers.
Link frowned. Do they always have to be so smart-assed? He wondered. "Now breathe deep and relax."
Amber winced as a sharp pain entered her chest. Embrace me.
"What?" Amber's heart quickened.
Embrace me and you shall be victorious. She looked down and her eyes widened in terror. The Master Sword was embedded in her chest up to the hilt! Amber's breath caught in her throat as she moved her hands to take the blade from her body, but they frozen at her sides. Unable to move she sat, her eyes wide with fear and pain as the pain intensified, burning her inside.
Please, D-Din, make it stop!! She though as tear rolled down her face and over her neck.
Embrace me, Embrace me. The voice said over and over, sinking into her mind, body, and down into the very depths of her soul. Amber somehow managed to take a deep breath and found that the pain stopped. She looked down and the sword was still there, but the pain, the pain had gone completely from her. Her face had a look of confusion as she reached up and grasped the blue hilt of the Master Sword and yanked it from her body. As she looked at the blade it slowly faded from her hand….
***
"Mmmm…." Amber's eyes slowly opened, looking up at the ceiling in the basement. "Oh!" She remembered the operation and tried to lift her left arm to see if it was there. She got her answer as a flash of metal hit her forehead. "Ow!" She said laughing loudly. Amber say up and felt the air cool her body. Getting up, she groggily went to the closet and put on a shirt.
"Sounds like you're finally awake." Kathy said.
"How long was I out?" Amber's head popped out from the top of this plain green shirt.
"The operation alone took ten hours, you were out for another three after that."
Amber stretched with a long yawn. "No wonder I'm still out of it." She started moving her arm, testing it out.
"How does it feel?" Asked Kathy.
Amber threw some rapid-fire punches and nodded. "Feels as good as the one Carl built."
"That would be because Jilleana helped him design and build your cybernetic parts during your reconstruction.
"Oh, speaking of which, where is she?"
"Sleeping! Hello! Its eight am and she just spent ten hours working on you!"
"Geez, just asking! Don't bite my head off." Amber yawned again and shook her head. "Gotta get the cobwebs out." She started walking up the stairs and headed into the kitchen. Her stomach growled loudly and her cheeks reddened. "Heh, heh. Guess its time for breakfast. Hmm, what to have though…" She scrounged around until she found some pancake mix. "Ah! Perfect!" She began to mix the ingredients together and noticed Jilleana's purse. "Oh, better more that, don't want it to damaged." Amber reached out for it with her left hand and knocked it off the counter. "Oops, don't know my own strength." Placing the bowl on the counter, she bent down to pick up the spilled contents. Picking up the open wallet she glanced up a familiar face. "Carl?" Whispered Amber looking at the picture. She chuckled at the goofy smile he wore and slide it out of the plastic slip it was in and turned it over and read what was on the back:
"To my little Jillybean with all my heart."
She crooked her eyebrow and frowned. "Hmm, no wonder she got here so fast." She put the picture back into the plastic sleeve and out the rest of the contents back in the black bag and put it off to the side. She went back to making the pancakes, straight face.
***
Knock, knock. Lenard groaned and opened his eyes. He looked at the clock and growled. "8:13a.m…what the hell?"
"Mmm, what is it lover?" Tanya asked, her arm over Lenard's bare chest.
The door was knocked on again. "Hold on a minute!" Lenard yelled angrily at the door. Getting out of the bed, he slipped on his blue silk robe over his naked form. Lenard walked to the door and roughly opened it. At the door was a royal guard. "What?" He asked with a scowl. Tanya sat up in bed, the sheet slipping down to expose her chest with a seductive smile on her lips.
The guard glanced at her and blushed heavily then looked back at Lenard. "His Highness wished to speak with you. Immediately."
Lenard's face grew harder. "Very well." He shut the door and turned around to see Tanya exposed. "Do you have any scruples?" He asked walking to his closet. Tanya smirked and got out of the bed and came up behind him, moving her hands over his chest.
"Mmm, come on Lenny." She cooed playfully. "Let's have some fun." She started undoing his robe and reached down to stroke him. He inhaled sharply and let her continue before turning around and pushing her down on the bed…
A half hour later Lenard entered the Prince's chamber. "You are late, Lenard." He said with a frown.
Lenard bowed. "I am sorry, your Highness. I was…detained."
"Hmf, very well." He stood up and pulled the drapes, letting in the morning sun and making Lenard squint. "My kingdom is in turmoil, Lenard." The prince folded his hands behind his back.
"Sire?" Lenard asked standing back up.
"Arrange a trip to the site of the destruction for me."
"I am not sure that is the wisest decision, Sire." Lenard responded after a moment of silence. Prince Andrew looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "But, if that is what you wish, I shall make the necessary arrangements." Prince Andrew turned his eyes back at the window.
"In other news, Prince Andrew has announced that he will be visiting the earthquake grounds this afternoon. He will be accompanied by his personal advisor as well as six royal guardsmen."
Amber looked over at the radio with a sly smile. "Hmm, seems like I need to take a trip downtown."
"And why is that?" Mahrea asked from the hallway.
Amber jumped and turned around. "Don't do that!"
Mahrea smiled. "Heh heh, sorry about that." She went over to the life sized marble carvings of the three goddesses and traces the face of Farore. "So? Why are you going downtown?"
Amber watched her and responded, "The Prince is visiting the wreckage. I'd like to get a look at him."
Mahrea heard the hint of cold in Amber's voice and crooked her eyebrow. "Mind if I come along too? After all, it's not everyday you get to see royalty."
"Umm, I guess so, aren't you still tired?"
"Yea, nature called and I heard the radio and saw you. So, I thought I'd come in and talk." She rubbed her right eye. "Yuck, morning breath, I'll be right back."
Amber sighed and crossed her arms. "I was hoping that I was going solo, but I guess not."
A few minutes later, Mahrea exited the bathroom. "So, when does your illustrious leader show up?"
"The report on the radio said he is scheduled to be there at around noon."
Mahrea plopped down on the reclining chair and closed her legs. "Good, I can sleep a little longer." She put up the legs and closed her eyes.
"Uh, right." Amber said. She looked around and sighed. "Well, I guess I could go train."
An hour and a half later, Mahrea woke up to loud music coming from a room across from the living room. "How the hell does she think I can sleep with all that noise?" Mahrea asked out loud to herself angrily. She grumpily walked over and opened the door and was net with a wave of loud rock music and stale air that smelled of sweat. She covered her ears and screamed. "Hey!" Amber kept flipping and swinging the wooden sword wildly but skillfully. Mahrea huffed and yelled even louder. "Heeey!!"
Amber turned her head in the middle of a leap and slash. She walked over to the stereo and pushed the stop button. The deafening noise stopped and Mahrea put her hands back down at her sides. Her ears started ringing. "How can your ears take that?"
"I tend not to be able to even hear it." She smirked and wiped her forehead with an equally sweaty arm. "I'm sorry, did I wake you up?"
She gave Amber a 'Gee you think?' look. "Don't you think we should get going soon?"
Amber looked over at the clock. "Guess so," She placed the sword back on the rack.
***
The limo stopped and the driver stepped out to open the door. Lenard stepped out in a black pinstriped suit and buttoned the coat. He heard an annoyed cough and quickly stepped aside so that the prince could step out.
The press immediately swarmed and started taking pictures and yelling to their ruler to answer questions. Lenard stepped in front of them and signaled the royal guards to clear the way. As the prince smiled and waved to the cheering crowd on the other side of the roped off barrier, his eye caught a woman with raven hair. She had her arms crossed under her breasts and wore a stone face and what Andrew could see appeared to be with a girl with blue hair and a judging look in her eyes. Very unusual he thought. The ladies always seem to swoon for him. He shrugged it off and ducked underneath the yellow tape barrier that led to the destruction where it was a bit safer.
A man with a shaved head and a black suit, his eyes were covered by dark sunglasses. He put his finger to his ear as the prince passed. "Are you in place?"
"Yes." Came the response.
"Good, when you get the chance, fire."
"Yes, sir."
Amber felt a surge of cybernetic power to her false joints and a warning sounded in her ear. "Amber, I have just intercepted a disturbing message." Kathy said.
"What is it Kathy?"
Mahrea looked over at Amber. "Something wrong?"
"Yea." Amber looked straight forward and blinked when Kathy replayed the message. "Sounds like someone is going to try and shoot the prince from on of the buildings."
"How? All the buildings are closed off." Mahrea accented by looking up suspiciously at the damaged structures."
"Don't know, but keep your eyes peeled." Amber said as the Prince went farther into the devastation. She followed at a distance, trying not to be seen.
"Please be careful, Your Highness." The Fire chief said, helping the teenaged ruler over a pile of rubble.
"Yes, yes." Andrew frowned. "I am quite capable of climbing over this." He stumbled a bit and Lenard caught him and straightened him up. The prince scowled and shoved himself away from his counselor and kept going.
Lenard looked over at the Fire chief. "See what I have to put up with everyday?" The Chief nodded.
Prince Andrew topped the fifteen foot pile of rubble and looked around at the immense destruction. "What caused this?" He wondered aloud to himself.
From his height, Prince Andrew looked like a little blonde haired model. The man in the black stooped down and propped his .223 rifle on the window sill and peered into the scope. Hyrule's ruler appeared in the cross hairs as he waved to the rescue workers around the site. "I have the target in my cross hairs. Permission requested."
"Do it." The bald headed man responded in his sleeve.
The man readjusted his sights and slid his finger to the trigger.
"Amber! Get to the Prince right now! They are about to shoot!" Amber leapt over the barrier, police and firefighters yelling and coming after her. She felt like she was running a hundred miles per hour as she sped over the rubble and wreckage as if it was a flat surface.
The man moved the cross hairs to Andrew's forehead, exhaled and pulled the trigger. There was a flash from the muzzle, the silencer muffling the bag.
Amber knocked over the body guards on her way over and reached out in front of Andrew while flipping over the Prince's head. The bullet was caught in her metal hand as she landed.
The Prince looked flabbergasted as the bullet smoked and hissed against the cold metal hand of the raven haired girl. No-one said a word for a moment, "You? How?" Andrew asked, wide eyed.
Amber turned and looked up at the building where the shooter hid and pointed. The man dropped the rifle, cursed in terror and turned to run.
"I want that building searched and that man captured. Kill him if you have to!" A colonel in charge ordered as troops ran as fast as they could to the building. Hyrule's Prince's body guards immediately swarmed him and Amber, quickly moving them through the crowds of concerned and fleeing people. Mahrea hurried after them, yelling out at Amber. She turned her head and saw a head of blue hair and grabbed the hand that it belonged to and dragged her along as they were all shoved into the Princes limo.
***
As the police motorcycles cleared the way, the passengers felt the limo pull of rapidly. "Are you alright Sire?"
"No thanks to you worthless, idiotic, morons!" Andrew spat out. "Why do I even put you in charge of my life?! That building, all the buildings were supposed to be secure!" As the prince ranted, the guards had faces of resign and fright
"My, my this in one side of Prince Andrew we don't get to see." Kathy joked in Amber's ear.
Amber giggled and put her head up to her mouth quickly and coughed nervously. "Umm, hi?"
"What is so funny?" Andrew asked, anger still evident in his voice.
Amber quickly looked down. "Nothing."
"You will address His Highness with the proper respect." Lenard corrected.
"I would if he was my real ruler." Amber muttered in her breath.
"What was that?" Lenard demanded.
"Nothing." Amber looked out of the window, watching the buildings go by.
Andrew smirked. "It's alright Lenard, I like her attitude." He turned to Amber. "What is your name?
"Amber." She muttered still looking out the window.
He nodded and looked over to the other female passenger. "And yours?"
"Mahrea." Mahrea responded moving her hair behind her ears.
"Amber. Mahrea. I'm certainly glad that you happened to be here today! Especially Amber and her metallic arm." He chuckled and saw the hurt in Amber's eyes when he did. Mahrea frowned and rolled her eyes.
Prince Andrew sighed inwardly. That did not go as he planned. "I'd like you to stay for dinner with me today, as repayment for your bravery."
At this, Mahrea perked up. "Dinner?"
"Yes, all that you can eat till your stomachs burst." The Prince said mirthfully.
"Sounds alright to me!" Mahrea beamed and turned to Amber. "Come on, you deserve it!" Amber's stomach made the response for her with a growl.
***
Jilleana woke up in Carl's bed. She looked up at the clock on the nightstand and moaned. "Ung, one o'clock. I knew I should have waited until today to rebuild her arm…" She sat up. "Now my internal clock is gonna be all screwed up." Hopping out of bed, she made her way into the kitchen and noticed how quiet it was. "Where is everybody?"
"Heading toward the castle." Kathy answered from the TV screen.
"Huh? Why is that?"
"Amber stopped an assassination attempt on Prince Andrew."
"Say what?!"
"If you hadn't been sleeping for so long you would have known by now." Kathy teased.
Jilleana huffed. "You try and rebuild an arm through the night!"
"Fine, fine. Here." Kathy said turning on a report of the goings on during the prince's visit.
"My how quickly she moved." Jilleana said as the footage of Amber flipping over the prince, her pointing to the building and the Royal Guards pushing them through the crowd and into the royal limo. She sighed and a large blue sweatdrop appeared on the side of her head when she saw her sister being pushed in as well. "Why does she always find trouble where she goes?"
Jilleana fingered a silver dollar sized golden amulet in her hand. "Kathy, start ordering the list of parts I gave you."
"And just how will you be paying for all of this very expensive equipment?"
Jilleana smirked. "How else? You have Emily's bank account number, do you not?" She let out a short laugh. "Besides, isn't this were all this came form?" She opened her arms to signify everything in Carl's building.
"You haven't changed a bit, have you?" Kathy laughed as she put in the order.
"Nope, don't plan to either. Oh, and before I forget, don't forget to employ the list of people I gave you to help me install this stuff." She flicked the amulet into the air and caught it as it fell in front of her nose.
Amber found herself in a torch lighted hallway wearing the same blue dress she wore when in the market square. "Great, now what?" Amber wondered aloud, the fabric of her dress sweeping along the stone floor. "Wonder where I am now?"
Amber yelped as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She tried to move forward but tripped up in the unfamiliar clothing and landed on her face. She heard a giggle and turned around. "Damn it Emily would you please stop scaring me like that!"
Emily, with her hair up in a bun, covered her smile with a hand. After smoothing out her dress Emily offered her hand out to Amber. She took it roughly and pulled herself up hard. "Hmf, you certainly are ill tempered today." Emily said a tad agitated.
"Gee, let's see, I lost the rest of my family to Ganon, I lost my arm, I lost Carl, and I just had to kill a fricking monster! I think I have the right to be a little 'Ill tempered'!" Her body began taking on a red hue.
"Cool it child." Emily said, waving her hand and causing an arctic wind to swirl around Amber briefly.
The magic weave flowing around Amber died immediately as her thought process was interrupted. "Ch-ch-child?!" Her teeth chattered.
"Be quiet!" Emily said sharply, causing Amber to shut up quit quickly. Looking down she continued. "Do you think that I do not know the pain of loss? Never aging past forty two, seeing your husband, children, grandchildren, and a few great grandchildren die, all your friends. Everyone…" She fell silent for a moment.
Feeling like a jerk, Amber apologized. Emily, still looking down, smiled, sniffed, and dabbed her left eye with a kerchief. Looking up she resumed. "Now to answer you question," She began walking down the fall, Amber following. "this is Hyrule Castle, five thousand years ago of course." A patrol of two armored guards with spears walked toward them. Amber began moving out of the way but Emily kept on walking. Amber was about to say something, but the guards past right through the women's bodies. The raven haired girl's eyes grew wide as the two continued to walk silently down the hall and turn into another. "Surprised?" Amber nodded. "Even though we are in ancient times," Emily began walking again. "we can only observe, kind of like watching a movie while actually being in it. Do you understand now?"
"I think I do."
Emily nodded. "Good." She walked right through a wall. "Now," She looked around, but didn't see Amber. She leaned halfway out of the wall. "Come now," She offered her hand with a smile. She grabbed Amber's hand and dragged her through the wall.
Amber's breath caught in her throat as she passed through the bricks and come out on the other side. "Now, see the man laying there on the table?"
"Yes." Amber whispered. She watched Emily walk up and place her hands on the body. Amber walked up next and saw an old man with pointed ears and white bangs that hung over his closed eyes. The sword that rested on his body had a certain air about it. The hilt, bluer than the bluest sky, had a yellow symbol of the Triforce emblazoned on it just under the blade.
"This blade is the Master Sword. The Sword of Evil's Bane. Place your hands on it." Emily commanded.
Amber excitedly placed her hands on the cold steal of the blade and could feel the hum of its evil smiting powers. "Is that?"
"Yes, it is Link." The door opened and an old Zelda and a middle aged Emily entered the room. Emily had her arm around Zelda's aged shoulders part in support and part helping her frail body along.
"At least he is with The Three now Zelda." The ancient Emily said softly, looking down at Link on the other side of where Amber and the modern Emily stood.
"Yes," Zelda said tiredly. "I'm sure that he is sparring with Sage as well." She smiled.
"Come," The modern Emily said, putting a hand on Amber's back and guiding her through the wall and back into the hall.
"That sword, was it the real thing?"
Emily nodded. "You will need this blade, for something more powerful than Ganon ever hoped he could be."
Amber's jaw dropped in terror. "N-no!"
"Yes, it does seem unfathomable, does it not? Your new friends will be extremely helpful to you in this new endeavor. Not to mention the Master Sword."
"Where can I find it?"
"In Old Kakariko Town. That's as close as I can tell you for now."
"I see…" Amber said, eyes down and to the right.
Emily smiled motherly and wrapped her arms around Amber's body. "You are the only hope we have. Your bloodline will be very helpful as well, when you realize it that is." She let go. Amber nervously moved her hair back behind her ear. "Go back to your friends now."
It went black again.
Amber set up quickly, the cold towel that was on her forehead fell into her lap. "Wha-where?" She looked around nervously.
"Shhh." Mahrea said softly, gently pushing her back down. "Relax. You fell, me and my sis had to take you over here. Do you know why you passed out like that?"
"Uh, no." Amber lied. Trying to sit up again. Mahrea went to push her back down, but Amber waved her away. "I'll be okay."
Mahrea gave her a skeptical look. "Well, alright." She got up and went back to her chair eating popcorn and watching an animated movie on the TV.
"Umm, where's Jill?" Amber asked setting the washcloth over in the kitchen. "I need to ask her something."
Mahrea almost choked when she heard the request. "Uh, Jill is in Carl's room, uh taking a nap. She was really tired from the drive."
Amber started to his room. "Okay."
Mahrea leaved up, spilling the popcorn all over and rushed over and blocked her way. "Um, let me."
"And why?" Amber's eyebrow crooked at the younger woman.
"Well, Jill is always cranky when someone wakes her up. You don't want to face that, trust me."
"You make her sound just plain mean." Amber laughed and turned around.
With a sigh Mahrea went into Carl's room and closed the door. But Jilleana was not there. "Kathy, I know you can hear me. Open the elevator to the Pit please." The secret panel slid away, opening up the elevator. Mahrea stepped in and the doors closed and she was whisked down into the Pit. The doors opened and she stepped out. "Jill!"
"What?" Came the sharp reply. I'm working!" Mahrea went up to her. "Amber is up, she wants to talk to you."
"Why?" She asked looking at a screen with a wire frame arm and formulas running the course of it.
"I don't know, she didn't say." Mahrea answered with a cross look.
"Fine." Jilleana huffed as she got up and headed for the elevator, Mahrea right behind her.
"May I ask what the hell that was all about?" Kathy fumed a few moments after Mahrea walked down the hall.
"What was what all about?"
Kathy replayed the conversation of Amber denying the existence of The Trezen. "That!"
"Oh, well a little lie never hurt anyone."
"Funny, Carl said the same thing when he lied to you."
Amber sighed. "He did that to protect me. Now I have to pick up where he left off."
"Hylians are such complex beings." Kathy said sadly.
"Just because we have emotions?"
"That and you always have alterior motives for your behavior. Good or bad."
"Well I'm sorry that we can't be pure ration thought like you." The door to Carl's room opened then slammed shut. "Quiet, here they come." Amber mouthed.
Mahrea entered with a nervous look on the face and Jilleana right behind her with a cross look on hers. Amber smiled up at both of them. "It looks like you were right about her Mahrea, she does look might grumpy."
Mahrea let out an "Eep!" and laughed nervously. Jilleana furrowed her eyebrows and let out an annoyed huff. "What do you want?" She asked curtly.
Amber smile died. "Carl said that there was a chance you could revive him."
Jilleana sat down and looked out the window. "How did…he die?" Amber bit her bottom lip anxiously.
"Was it from the earthquake?" Mahrea asked.
"Umm, kinda."
"Well?" Jilleana pressed. "Don't make me ask Kathy."
Amber gasped and her eyes grew wide. Mahrea looked down at her sister. "How do you know Kathy?"
Jilleana smirked. "I know a lot of things, Ambrosia Hailee."
Amber frowned and sighed reluctantly. "Fine, he didn't die in the earthquake, his death was before it. In a fight."
"Must have been some fight." Mahrea put in. "Is that were you lost your arm?"
"Yes." Amber donned and unconsciously slid her fingers over the circuits covered up by the cloth of her shirt.
"The only fight I can imagine him losing is one against Ganon."
Mahrea's blood ran cold. "Ganon!?"
"Just now much do you know?" Amber questioned.
"Enough." Was the simple answer. "Now, let's go repair that arm of yours."
Mahrea pulled out a clean white sheet and slid it over an operating table. "Please, sit down here." She said with a great big smile, motioning to the table.
"Okay," Amber said somewhat unsure.
"Take off your shirt too." Mahrea added, walking off to the side and punching in some figures. Kathy blinked on one of the screens.
"Great, why does everybody need to see me naked?" Amber mumbled to herself with a pout and began stripping off her shirt.
Kathy smirked from the screen. "At least you are much more cooperative this time." Amber scowled at Kathy. "My, my."
"Now, now you two." Jilleana came in wearing a surgical gown and mask, hair net, safety goggles, latex gloves, and hair net. "No need to argue now, we have lots to do."
"Lie down." Mahrea said. Amber did so and Mahrea placed an anesthetic mask over her mouth. "This is gonna take a long time, that's why we are putting you under. Don't worry." She smiled sincerely, her purple eyes sparkling in the artificial light in the workshop/basement. Amber found trust in those eyes and breathed deep. It was less than five seconds before she fell into a deep sleep.
"Okay." Jilleana said picking up a circuit welder. "Let's get this shindig started."
***
Amber's eyes opened and found herself lying in a patch of soft earth in what looked like a forest. A blue fog hung in the air, clinging to the branches. She leaned up on her elbows and looked at her quiet surroundings. "Hmm," She looked around her for a moment and got up.
Walking along, she came across a path and turned onto it. "Now this I can learn to like." She smiled at the peacefulness as she strolled. She even didn't mind not knowing where she was. That was, until she heard a rustling off to the side. She stropped dead in her tracks. Looking around, it was too quiet for her taste. The birds that had been singing had stopped. "Hello?" Nothing. Amber began walking again, although much more suspiciously. She heard another noise. "Alright, whoever you are come out! I know you're there!"
Amber spun out of the way as a dagger was flung at her and sunk into the tree beside her. Crouching down, she looked up to see seven moblins standing up out of the underbrush. All had sword in hand. Quickly Amber pulled out the dagger in the trunk and growled. "Here doggie doggie." Amber said with an angry sneer, getting ready for her fight.
"You speak brave for such a small girl." One snorted.
"I more than just speak it." She held the dagger out in front of her. The pack howled and charged forward. Amber stood her ground and waited for the monsters. One pulled away from the rest. He was the first to taste Amber's skill/ He swung his blade overhead and Amber quickly lifter up her arm and slit his throat, the blood spurting out and the moblin fell to his knees and clutched at the gaping hole in its neck, crimson liquid staining the ground.
Two more charged at her. Twirling to her right, she tripped the one to her right. The moblin fell on his sword, the blade sticking out its back. She ran after the other and tackled it from behind. As quick as lightning she plunged the dagger deep into its skull. Picking up the sword it dropped, Amber quickly jumped back up and stood to face the remaining four enemies.
They stopped eight feet from her and stood there. Amber smirked. "Well, still so sure?" The four turned and started running. Four arrows flew past Amber's pointed ears and sunk into the backs of the fleeing enemies. "Wha-" Turning around she saw a Hylian with a smile on his face and blonde bangs covering his eyes. He wore a green cap and tunic and leaned on his bow with a mischievous smile.
"You are good. Better than I thought you would be." He walked onto the path.
Amber gasped. "You're Link!"
Link chuckled. "And observant too!"
"I wonder how many more ancient people I'm going to be seeing." Amber shook her head.
"Hah! Well yes, but this is for training."
A confused look on Amber's face. "Huh? Training?"
Link nodded and put his bow on the ground along with his shield. "Yes." Link dew the Master Sword slowly. "Carl taught you well. But you need to learn from me to wield the Master Sword properly. Look down at the sword you took."
Amber did so and was surprised to see that the moblin's sword was now the Master Sword. "Wooh." She stood in her 'ready' position.
Link laughed. "It would seem that you are ready." Link smiled dashingly. "Very well." Link made his move.
He slashed at Amber's faster than she thought. "Ah!" She put up her sword to block and her hand stung from the force of metal on metal.
"Good." He stopped. "Just don't swing the sword though, feel it." Link instructed. "That is a very important part of using this special sword." Amber nodded. "Now concentrate." Link attacked her again and Amber could feel a pulling and she brought up the blade faster and with more confidence. "Better." Amber countered with an attack of her own which was blocked quickly by Link and received a kick to her side for her effort.
She stepped back. "Ouch, hey! What's the deal?"
"Not allowed to play rough huh?" Link sighed and slid the Master Sword back into its sheath that was on his back. "I supposed we could do the whole philosophy thing." He pouted and sat down cross-legged. "We had to get to it eventually." Link motioned for Amber to sit down. "Please."
"Alright." She sat down like Link.
"Now close your eyes." Link said doing the same. "Heh, and no peaking."
"Yes Sir." Amber joked and closed hers.
Link frowned. Do they always have to be so smart-assed? He wondered. "Now breathe deep and relax."
Amber winced as a sharp pain entered her chest. Embrace me.
"What?" Amber's heart quickened.
Embrace me and you shall be victorious. She looked down and her eyes widened in terror. The Master Sword was embedded in her chest up to the hilt! Amber's breath caught in her throat as she moved her hands to take the blade from her body, but they frozen at her sides. Unable to move she sat, her eyes wide with fear and pain as the pain intensified, burning her inside.
Please, D-Din, make it stop!! She though as tear rolled down her face and over her neck.
Embrace me, Embrace me. The voice said over and over, sinking into her mind, body, and down into the very depths of her soul. Amber somehow managed to take a deep breath and found that the pain stopped. She looked down and the sword was still there, but the pain, the pain had gone completely from her. Her face had a look of confusion as she reached up and grasped the blue hilt of the Master Sword and yanked it from her body. As she looked at the blade it slowly faded from her hand….
***
"Mmmm…." Amber's eyes slowly opened, looking up at the ceiling in the basement. "Oh!" She remembered the operation and tried to lift her left arm to see if it was there. She got her answer as a flash of metal hit her forehead. "Ow!" She said laughing loudly. Amber say up and felt the air cool her body. Getting up, she groggily went to the closet and put on a shirt.
"Sounds like you're finally awake." Kathy said.
"How long was I out?" Amber's head popped out from the top of this plain green shirt.
"The operation alone took ten hours, you were out for another three after that."
Amber stretched with a long yawn. "No wonder I'm still out of it." She started moving her arm, testing it out.
"How does it feel?" Asked Kathy.
Amber threw some rapid-fire punches and nodded. "Feels as good as the one Carl built."
"That would be because Jilleana helped him design and build your cybernetic parts during your reconstruction.
"Oh, speaking of which, where is she?"
"Sleeping! Hello! Its eight am and she just spent ten hours working on you!"
"Geez, just asking! Don't bite my head off." Amber yawned again and shook her head. "Gotta get the cobwebs out." She started walking up the stairs and headed into the kitchen. Her stomach growled loudly and her cheeks reddened. "Heh, heh. Guess its time for breakfast. Hmm, what to have though…" She scrounged around until she found some pancake mix. "Ah! Perfect!" She began to mix the ingredients together and noticed Jilleana's purse. "Oh, better more that, don't want it to damaged." Amber reached out for it with her left hand and knocked it off the counter. "Oops, don't know my own strength." Placing the bowl on the counter, she bent down to pick up the spilled contents. Picking up the open wallet she glanced up a familiar face. "Carl?" Whispered Amber looking at the picture. She chuckled at the goofy smile he wore and slide it out of the plastic slip it was in and turned it over and read what was on the back:
"To my little Jillybean with all my heart."
She crooked her eyebrow and frowned. "Hmm, no wonder she got here so fast." She put the picture back into the plastic sleeve and out the rest of the contents back in the black bag and put it off to the side. She went back to making the pancakes, straight face.
***
Knock, knock. Lenard groaned and opened his eyes. He looked at the clock and growled. "8:13a.m…what the hell?"
"Mmm, what is it lover?" Tanya asked, her arm over Lenard's bare chest.
The door was knocked on again. "Hold on a minute!" Lenard yelled angrily at the door. Getting out of the bed, he slipped on his blue silk robe over his naked form. Lenard walked to the door and roughly opened it. At the door was a royal guard. "What?" He asked with a scowl. Tanya sat up in bed, the sheet slipping down to expose her chest with a seductive smile on her lips.
The guard glanced at her and blushed heavily then looked back at Lenard. "His Highness wished to speak with you. Immediately."
Lenard's face grew harder. "Very well." He shut the door and turned around to see Tanya exposed. "Do you have any scruples?" He asked walking to his closet. Tanya smirked and got out of the bed and came up behind him, moving her hands over his chest.
"Mmm, come on Lenny." She cooed playfully. "Let's have some fun." She started undoing his robe and reached down to stroke him. He inhaled sharply and let her continue before turning around and pushing her down on the bed…
A half hour later Lenard entered the Prince's chamber. "You are late, Lenard." He said with a frown.
Lenard bowed. "I am sorry, your Highness. I was…detained."
"Hmf, very well." He stood up and pulled the drapes, letting in the morning sun and making Lenard squint. "My kingdom is in turmoil, Lenard." The prince folded his hands behind his back.
"Sire?" Lenard asked standing back up.
"Arrange a trip to the site of the destruction for me."
"I am not sure that is the wisest decision, Sire." Lenard responded after a moment of silence. Prince Andrew looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "But, if that is what you wish, I shall make the necessary arrangements." Prince Andrew turned his eyes back at the window.
"In other news, Prince Andrew has announced that he will be visiting the earthquake grounds this afternoon. He will be accompanied by his personal advisor as well as six royal guardsmen."
Amber looked over at the radio with a sly smile. "Hmm, seems like I need to take a trip downtown."
"And why is that?" Mahrea asked from the hallway.
Amber jumped and turned around. "Don't do that!"
Mahrea smiled. "Heh heh, sorry about that." She went over to the life sized marble carvings of the three goddesses and traces the face of Farore. "So? Why are you going downtown?"
Amber watched her and responded, "The Prince is visiting the wreckage. I'd like to get a look at him."
Mahrea heard the hint of cold in Amber's voice and crooked her eyebrow. "Mind if I come along too? After all, it's not everyday you get to see royalty."
"Umm, I guess so, aren't you still tired?"
"Yea, nature called and I heard the radio and saw you. So, I thought I'd come in and talk." She rubbed her right eye. "Yuck, morning breath, I'll be right back."
Amber sighed and crossed her arms. "I was hoping that I was going solo, but I guess not."
A few minutes later, Mahrea exited the bathroom. "So, when does your illustrious leader show up?"
"The report on the radio said he is scheduled to be there at around noon."
Mahrea plopped down on the reclining chair and closed her legs. "Good, I can sleep a little longer." She put up the legs and closed her eyes.
"Uh, right." Amber said. She looked around and sighed. "Well, I guess I could go train."
An hour and a half later, Mahrea woke up to loud music coming from a room across from the living room. "How the hell does she think I can sleep with all that noise?" Mahrea asked out loud to herself angrily. She grumpily walked over and opened the door and was net with a wave of loud rock music and stale air that smelled of sweat. She covered her ears and screamed. "Hey!" Amber kept flipping and swinging the wooden sword wildly but skillfully. Mahrea huffed and yelled even louder. "Heeey!!"
Amber turned her head in the middle of a leap and slash. She walked over to the stereo and pushed the stop button. The deafening noise stopped and Mahrea put her hands back down at her sides. Her ears started ringing. "How can your ears take that?"
"I tend not to be able to even hear it." She smirked and wiped her forehead with an equally sweaty arm. "I'm sorry, did I wake you up?"
She gave Amber a 'Gee you think?' look. "Don't you think we should get going soon?"
Amber looked over at the clock. "Guess so," She placed the sword back on the rack.
***
The limo stopped and the driver stepped out to open the door. Lenard stepped out in a black pinstriped suit and buttoned the coat. He heard an annoyed cough and quickly stepped aside so that the prince could step out.
The press immediately swarmed and started taking pictures and yelling to their ruler to answer questions. Lenard stepped in front of them and signaled the royal guards to clear the way. As the prince smiled and waved to the cheering crowd on the other side of the roped off barrier, his eye caught a woman with raven hair. She had her arms crossed under her breasts and wore a stone face and what Andrew could see appeared to be with a girl with blue hair and a judging look in her eyes. Very unusual he thought. The ladies always seem to swoon for him. He shrugged it off and ducked underneath the yellow tape barrier that led to the destruction where it was a bit safer.
A man with a shaved head and a black suit, his eyes were covered by dark sunglasses. He put his finger to his ear as the prince passed. "Are you in place?"
"Yes." Came the response.
"Good, when you get the chance, fire."
"Yes, sir."
Amber felt a surge of cybernetic power to her false joints and a warning sounded in her ear. "Amber, I have just intercepted a disturbing message." Kathy said.
"What is it Kathy?"
Mahrea looked over at Amber. "Something wrong?"
"Yea." Amber looked straight forward and blinked when Kathy replayed the message. "Sounds like someone is going to try and shoot the prince from on of the buildings."
"How? All the buildings are closed off." Mahrea accented by looking up suspiciously at the damaged structures."
"Don't know, but keep your eyes peeled." Amber said as the Prince went farther into the devastation. She followed at a distance, trying not to be seen.
"Please be careful, Your Highness." The Fire chief said, helping the teenaged ruler over a pile of rubble.
"Yes, yes." Andrew frowned. "I am quite capable of climbing over this." He stumbled a bit and Lenard caught him and straightened him up. The prince scowled and shoved himself away from his counselor and kept going.
Lenard looked over at the Fire chief. "See what I have to put up with everyday?" The Chief nodded.
Prince Andrew topped the fifteen foot pile of rubble and looked around at the immense destruction. "What caused this?" He wondered aloud to himself.
From his height, Prince Andrew looked like a little blonde haired model. The man in the black stooped down and propped his .223 rifle on the window sill and peered into the scope. Hyrule's ruler appeared in the cross hairs as he waved to the rescue workers around the site. "I have the target in my cross hairs. Permission requested."
"Do it." The bald headed man responded in his sleeve.
The man readjusted his sights and slid his finger to the trigger.
"Amber! Get to the Prince right now! They are about to shoot!" Amber leapt over the barrier, police and firefighters yelling and coming after her. She felt like she was running a hundred miles per hour as she sped over the rubble and wreckage as if it was a flat surface.
The man moved the cross hairs to Andrew's forehead, exhaled and pulled the trigger. There was a flash from the muzzle, the silencer muffling the bag.
Amber knocked over the body guards on her way over and reached out in front of Andrew while flipping over the Prince's head. The bullet was caught in her metal hand as she landed.
The Prince looked flabbergasted as the bullet smoked and hissed against the cold metal hand of the raven haired girl. No-one said a word for a moment, "You? How?" Andrew asked, wide eyed.
Amber turned and looked up at the building where the shooter hid and pointed. The man dropped the rifle, cursed in terror and turned to run.
"I want that building searched and that man captured. Kill him if you have to!" A colonel in charge ordered as troops ran as fast as they could to the building. Hyrule's Prince's body guards immediately swarmed him and Amber, quickly moving them through the crowds of concerned and fleeing people. Mahrea hurried after them, yelling out at Amber. She turned her head and saw a head of blue hair and grabbed the hand that it belonged to and dragged her along as they were all shoved into the Princes limo.
***
As the police motorcycles cleared the way, the passengers felt the limo pull of rapidly. "Are you alright Sire?"
"No thanks to you worthless, idiotic, morons!" Andrew spat out. "Why do I even put you in charge of my life?! That building, all the buildings were supposed to be secure!" As the prince ranted, the guards had faces of resign and fright
"My, my this in one side of Prince Andrew we don't get to see." Kathy joked in Amber's ear.
Amber giggled and put her head up to her mouth quickly and coughed nervously. "Umm, hi?"
"What is so funny?" Andrew asked, anger still evident in his voice.
Amber quickly looked down. "Nothing."
"You will address His Highness with the proper respect." Lenard corrected.
"I would if he was my real ruler." Amber muttered in her breath.
"What was that?" Lenard demanded.
"Nothing." Amber looked out of the window, watching the buildings go by.
Andrew smirked. "It's alright Lenard, I like her attitude." He turned to Amber. "What is your name?
"Amber." She muttered still looking out the window.
He nodded and looked over to the other female passenger. "And yours?"
"Mahrea." Mahrea responded moving her hair behind her ears.
"Amber. Mahrea. I'm certainly glad that you happened to be here today! Especially Amber and her metallic arm." He chuckled and saw the hurt in Amber's eyes when he did. Mahrea frowned and rolled her eyes.
Prince Andrew sighed inwardly. That did not go as he planned. "I'd like you to stay for dinner with me today, as repayment for your bravery."
At this, Mahrea perked up. "Dinner?"
"Yes, all that you can eat till your stomachs burst." The Prince said mirthfully.
"Sounds alright to me!" Mahrea beamed and turned to Amber. "Come on, you deserve it!" Amber's stomach made the response for her with a growl.
***
Jilleana woke up in Carl's bed. She looked up at the clock on the nightstand and moaned. "Ung, one o'clock. I knew I should have waited until today to rebuild her arm…" She sat up. "Now my internal clock is gonna be all screwed up." Hopping out of bed, she made her way into the kitchen and noticed how quiet it was. "Where is everybody?"
"Heading toward the castle." Kathy answered from the TV screen.
"Huh? Why is that?"
"Amber stopped an assassination attempt on Prince Andrew."
"Say what?!"
"If you hadn't been sleeping for so long you would have known by now." Kathy teased.
Jilleana huffed. "You try and rebuild an arm through the night!"
"Fine, fine. Here." Kathy said turning on a report of the goings on during the prince's visit.
"My how quickly she moved." Jilleana said as the footage of Amber flipping over the prince, her pointing to the building and the Royal Guards pushing them through the crowd and into the royal limo. She sighed and a large blue sweatdrop appeared on the side of her head when she saw her sister being pushed in as well. "Why does she always find trouble where she goes?"
Jilleana fingered a silver dollar sized golden amulet in her hand. "Kathy, start ordering the list of parts I gave you."
"And just how will you be paying for all of this very expensive equipment?"
Jilleana smirked. "How else? You have Emily's bank account number, do you not?" She let out a short laugh. "Besides, isn't this were all this came form?" She opened her arms to signify everything in Carl's building.
"You haven't changed a bit, have you?" Kathy laughed as she put in the order.
"Nope, don't plan to either. Oh, and before I forget, don't forget to employ the list of people I gave you to help me install this stuff." She flicked the amulet into the air and caught it as it fell in front of her nose.
