CHAPTER 6 THE FIRST ENEMY IS ALWAYS YOURSELF
Mahrea felt hands lifting her up and garbled voices speaking a strange language. One of the beings put a scale feeling object in her hand. She slowly opened her eyes and saw six beings with fins on their arms and heads and eyes of onyx. One of them forced a red liquid down her throat, she then blacked out again.
Lenard felt a wave of magic and a fluctuation in power that made him momentarily ill. "Are you ill, Lenard?" Andrew asked.
Pressing down the feeling he responded, "No, your highness. I am fine."
Sitting at the table with his full cabinet, the prince was discussing the clean up or the quake and other issues facing his kingdom. "Have you found my 'saving angel'?" The prince asked. Lenard rolled his eyes.
"We do know the proximity of her whereabouts." One advisor said. "We have briefed the officers that patrol the south east of the city and we may have found her address."
"She lives in such a bad part of town, yet she has all of those cybernetics." Andrew said questioningly. "I want to know where she lives gentlemen, is that understood?"
Lenard could really care less about it. He had more pressing thoughts. Standing up he excused himself to his room. "Have you found my saving angel?" Lenard said mockingly. "Moron." He growled and slammed the door.
Lenard closed his eyes and transported himself to where he left Grauzer. Breathing in the air, he felt the magical residue and touched the water. The magician hissed and withdrew his hand quickly, steam lifting from his skin. Lenard knew the feel of this magic.
Putting two and two together he knew that Grauzer was more than likely dead now, probably for good from the strength that he felt. Now he had to find the source. His eyes followed the path of the residue to the island in the middle of the lake. "The little sod could be trouble." He said narrowing his eyes and disappearing.
Mahrea awakened again in a comfortable bed. Looking around the small room she noticed cloth tapestries hanging from the wall and a blue crystal hanging from the ceiling illuminating the room. "Wonder where I am?" She asked herself.
The simple wooden door opened and one of the creatures she saw before came in, this one was different though. She had deep violet eyes that held knowledge of thousands of years. Another thing that differed from the other creatures was the absence of fins on her head and the fins on her arms were finer and she had small ones on her calves. She smiled and said. "I thought you Hylians wore clothing."
Mahrea looked down and covered herself in embarrassment. A polite chuckle came from the creature's lips. "Do not worry girl, we Zora do not wear clothing."
"Zora?"
A nod, "Yes, and I am their Queen. My name is Ruto, just as my mother's was and her mother's, and her mothers." A little Zora girl came in and hid behind Ruto's legs. She smiled motherly. "And her mother's." She picked her daughter up.
"Where am I at?"
"Our domain. We've lived in these walls for tens of thousands of years. Right now you are under the shores of the lake."
Mahrea started to get chills and she shivered. "There are some things in the closet." Ruto said. Mahrea quickly went over to the closet and pulled out a robe. "How are you feeling?"
Mahrea hadn't noticed but she wasn't in pain anymore. "I don't hurt anymore." She said confused.
"We gave you something for that, when we were sure that the demon was dead."
"You mean you watched me getting pummeled and you didn't do anything?!" Mahrea scrunched up her face in anger.
The little Ruto began squirming in her mother's arms and the queen set her down and patted her end. The little Zora let a giggle out and ran out the door. Ruto turned back to Mahrea with a frown. "We are a strong race. But we are also not stupid. The creature you killed is, well was, one of the most evil and powerful beings ever created. The soldiers that observed you would have been slaughtered with out a second thought. My people are too important to me."
"And if I had failed?" Mahrea sat down on the bed and crossed her arms.
"I do not wish to even think of it." Ruto shuddered.
Mahrea's stomach growled loudly. "Heh, heh."
Ruto laughed. "Come, let's go eat."
***
"Jilleana here."
"Jill, the team is boarding the plane now. I hope you know what you are doing."
"Spare me your morals Kristoph." Jilleana snapped into the sell phone. "You know this is for the best. You would do it too if the tables were turned."
"Heh, yea, anyway see you in about five hours."
"Bye."
Darien Kristoph closed his cell phone and watched as the boxes of fragile freight were being loaded into the plane.
"Darien!" A middle aged man with wavy fiery hair that hung over his golden eyes called out.
"Oh, Mr. Delphei." Darien responded respectfully to Jilleana's and Mahrea's father and owner of Bioscape Labs.
"Is everything running smoothly?"
"Yes, we should be done in a matter of moments."
Mr. Delphei nodded. "You don't like this do you?"
Darien looked surprised for a moment and shook his head. "No."
A sigh. "Well, I won't pretend that I do either, Jilleana has her mind set on this." A chuckle. "And you know what happens when she sets her mind to something."
"Yea," The engines started up on the jet plane. "Gotta get going!"
Mr. Delphei held out his hand. "Good luck and take care of my girls."
"Yes sir, I will." Darien shook the man's hand and headed up the stairs and into the plane.
"Make me proud Jilleana." Mr. Delphei said as he watched the plane grow smaller.
***
Mahrea sat down to a table with Ruto on the other end. A plate of broiled fish with a multitude of spices was sat in front of them. "Our race's most favored dish. Try it, its very good."
Mahrea placed some on her fork and put the fish in her mouth and "Mm'ed".
"I told you." Ruto said doing the same.
Soon Mahrea finished and asked for more. And she was given more, three whole fish more. "Wooh."
"You are quite a swimmer Mahrea." Ruto commented. "When did you start?"
"I was doggie paddling before I could walk." Mahrea smiled remembering. "I took to it like a fish." She blushed deeply. "Oh, sorry."
"Heheh, don't be!" Ruto said cheerfully. "I did not take offense. But that is of little importance, the reason I ask is because your stroke and the way you move your body is like ours when we swim."
"What are you implying" Mahrea said putting the fork down on the plate. "That I'm one of you? I'm Hylian see? Pointy ears?" She frowned as she pulled on her p[pointed ear tips.
"I am simply thinking out loud is all." Ruto said somewhat defensively. "But still...."
"But, but what?" Mahrea scrunched up her face in anger.
Ruto took a deep breath and spoke Zoreese. Mahrea gritted her teeth and was frozen in place. She tried struggling but to no avail. "Do not worry." Ruto said motherly as she placed a hand on Mahrea's head. Don't worry she says! I'm scared shitless! Ether help! The amulet didn't respond. Ether! C'mon damn it!
Ruto closer her eyes and exhaled calmly. "Mahrea." Her voice had changed. "Can you feel this presence in your body? The presence of Royal Zora blood?" Inhaling through her nose she smelled the breeze of the Hyrulian Sea, she felt wet, yet her skin was dry. "So you do feel it, our place of origin, where the first Zora grew its arms and legs." The voice intoned.
"Does this mean I'm part fish now?!" Mahrea asked with fright.
"Not precisely, some how your family had a Zora in it many generations ago, it is only in name only now. However, that same thing gave you your natural blue hair and superior swimming ability."
"I see, I guess." She said unsure.
"Good," The other-worldly voice said. Ruto waved her hand and Mahrea stood up quickly. And quickly fell down onto the floor. "Guards." The Zora queen commanded in her native tongue. Two male Zoras with blue armor and spears came into the room. "Take her back to her room." She continued in Zoreese. "I shall be there in a moment."
"Yes your Highness." They replied in unison, bowed, and picked up the unconscious teen back to bed.
Ruto frowned deeply and her fins flittered rapidly in nervousness. "Whoever could revive that demon, let alone control it, is more powerful than Ganon." She thought out loud. "Will Mahrea be able to stand up to it...."
The guards rushed into the room. "Queen Ruto, the Hylian girl disappeared!"
"What?!"
"Yes your Highness!" The other said. "Right out of our hands!"
Ruto sighed. "It can't be helped. Things are going to start getting interesting. Make sure everyone is on full alert."
"Yes your Highness." The guards said bowing.
Mahrea found herself back in the guestroom in Carl's house. Shuffling out of the room, she made her way groggily through the house until she bumped into her sister. "Where the hell have you been?!" Jilleana said with a mix of worry and agitation. She then noticed her twin sister's looks. "What happened to you?"
The emotions of the day came out in a flood as Mahrea began to cry uncontrollably. "IsomehowgottoLakeHyliaandstartedtoswimandthisman......" She cried even harder. Jilleana took her tightly in her arms.
"Shh, it's okay now Mia, you're safe now." Jilleana whispered as she stroked Mahrea's blue hair.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Amber asked coming up from the basement.
The other girl shook her head and shrugged. Frowning, Amber mouthed 'Bed.' Jilleana nodded and with Amber's help got the third girl back to bed.
As Jilleana shut the door, Amber asked. "What happened to her? She looked terrible and she felt freezing!"
"I don't know, I looked into her room this morning and she wasn't there, then five hours later she comes out on the same room wearing a robe I've never seen before, looking like she got the shit kicked out of her. It just doesn't make sense."
"Did she say anything?" Amber asked looking at the closed door.
"Just something about a guy."
"Well, we won't get anything out of her in the state she's in."
***
Around eight that night there was a knock at the door. Amber started to get up, but Jilleana jumped up and flung open the door.
Darien had a startled look, but quickly smiled as he saw Jilleana's face. "Hi Jill."
"Darien!" Jilleana hugged her long time friend and pulled him inside quickly.
"Wooh!" After straightening his hair he responded, "Some greeting!" He then saw Amber and offered his hand. "Darien Kristoph."
"Amber." She replied simply, shaking hands.
"Some place Carl had here." He looked around. "Doesn't suit this part of town. I felt like I'd get mugged on my way from the car."
"Sit, we need to talk." Jilleana said seriously.
Marhea sat up in bed and walked into the middle of the conversation. "D-D!!" She squealed in delight.
Darien looked up in mid-sentence. "Mia-Mia!" He called back happily and gave her a big hug.
"Can we get back to the matter at hand?" Jilleana huffed.
"How long will it take?" Amber asked.
Darien sat back and rubbed his forehead. "Probably close to a week and a half just to set up everything. I'm thinking anywhere from four months to half a year for the experiment to end."
"I wish you wouldn't refer to this as an experiment." Amber frowned. "It makes Carl sound like a lab rat."
"Well, it never has been done before after all." Jilleana said matter-of-factly.
Darien smiled knowingly. "I'd say the same if I was you." He looked at Jilleana for a moment. "At any rate, I'm off to the hotel, I'll be back tomorrow with my crew to start setting up." He stood up and left.
***
As Amber slept, Emily slipped into her subconscious.
"Amber." Amber 'woke up' in the barren landscape once more.
"Oh, its you." Amber responded unsurprised. She was getting used to these visits from the ancient woman.
"I would have thought you would have tried to find the Master Sword by now."
"Well, I have been rather busy lately!" Amber frowned. "Saving Hyrule Castle Town from some freakish lava monster, rescuing that 'prince' from a bullet, and all that."
"Yes, I know all of that." Emily said nonchalant.
Amber ground her teeth. "Then don't be so picky!"
Emily crossed her arms. "The youth of today, why back in my time the children listened to their elders with respect."
Amber rolled her eyes. "So, what is the point of invading my mind again?"
"I came to congratulate you on your success in using my spells. That and to get that Master Sword, trust me it's for your own good."
"If you say so," She sighed.
"You will find the entrance to where the Master Sword lies at the very back of the cemetery." Emily smiled and hugged her briefly. Amber did not return the action. "You will find the truth there as well." She said before Amber woke up with a disgruntled look on her face.
"That woman is really starting to get on my nerves."
As Amber was getting ready in the basement she glanced over and saw Quake laying on the floor where she threw it down in terror and anger. Taking a deep breath for courage she bent down and picked the small amulet up. As much as I hate this thing now, I might need it for something. I just really hope I don't! "I'm defiantly taking this!" She said eagerly, activating Thera's thermal blade with her brain waves, then deactivating it.
She quietly made her way up the stairs and was about out of the house when Mahrea popped her head above the couch. "Where are you going?" She asked suspiciously.
"None of your business," Amber said softly as she opened the door.
"Even if it isn't, I still want to know." Mahrea retorted. "After what happened to me-"
Amber held up her real hand to stop Mahrea. "I can take care of myself, trust me." She sighed. "Besides I don't think you'd believe me if I told you, hell I can hardly believe it myself."
"Try me." Mahrea got up, recalling what Ruto had said to her.
"Alright, an ancient woman who gave me the Power Triforce when I was fighting Ganon and who taught me her spells talked to me last night in my dreams and wouldn't shut up 'till I agreed to retrieve the Master Sword from Hyrulian National Cemetery.
"Oh, I'm sure Emily would appreciate that." Kathy said.
Mahrea stood blank faced for a moment. "Well, if Emily told you to, don't let me stop you."
Amber could hardly believe her pointed ears. "You-you know Emily?"
"Emily McIntire, Sage McIntire's husband and mother to King Connor I in A.I.P. 8. Holder of the Power Triforce-"
"Okay, so you believe me."
Mahrea nodded. "And even though it's against my better judgment, I'll let you go alone."
Amber smiled and nodded her head. "Don't worry, I'll be back." She closed the door.
"Good luck. Mahrea said to the closed door. "And you had better come back!"
Amber pulled into the parking lot of the Hyrulian National Cemetery. Thankfully, the weather was cold and windy. "That's good, less people to see. She whispered to Kathy walking along the cement paths. As she passed the gravestones of soldiers, generals, knights, and royalty, she finally came to the very back of the cemetery.
Amber looked up from the weather worn tombstones of Flat and Sharp and saw the cave above, she wondered how it seemed to be invisible to those who have visited the cemetery. Guessing that no-one must really care, she looked around to see if anyone was looking. However, there was no-one in that part of the cemetery. Amber leaped up onto the grotto. Walking down the ancient steps, she came to a sealed door. There was a platform in the middle of the room with a big flame attached into it and torches surrounding it on all sides. "Okay, now what?" Amber asked herself, looking agitated at the door.
"Is there anything written on it?" Kathy asked.
"All kinds of stuff, but its just gibberish to me."
"Lean in close, I'll see what I can do."
"If you say so," Amber leaned close to the 'gibberish' and squinted in the low light.
"Encoding.....
Translating.....
'When a Darkness threatens Hyrule once again, she with hair of night, eyes of sky, and arm of sword shall open the seal to save her kingdom.'
"Open the seal?" Amber repeated questioningly. She put her right hand on the door. "I wonder how-oh!" She stepped back with a start as dust rumbled off the door and became silent. "Umm," Amber stood silent for a moment and placed her hand back on the door. The huge slab of granite slowly began to lift.
***
"Where is Amber?" Jilleana asked walking into the living room with her blue duck pj's on. Mahrea was watching cartoons as she answered.
"Old Kakariko."
"Huh?"
"Old Kakariko, Emily wanted her to get the Master Sword, so, there ya go." Mahrea answered casually as a hunter was being tricked by a gray rabbit into falling off a cliff.
Jilleana stood there speechless. It would seem that there is more to this girl than meets the eye. "Is it alright to ask you what happened to you?" She asked after a moment. I kinda have an idea of what happened...but," She looked over at her sister who had paled considerably. "If you don't want to I-"
"No, I'll tell you." Mahrea responded softly, turning off the TV. After exhaling loudly she began.
"Yesterday morning I woke up and Ether somehow took me to Lake Hylia. I decided to swim in the lake and I saw a man lying in the water, I went over and he hypnotized me or something into...." She grimaced and swallowed hard. "having sex with him."
Mahrea fought hard not to shed tears. Voice wavering, she continued, "Then, I don't really know what happened next, but I think Ether protected me because when I woke up my throat hurt a lot." She rubbed her neck where Grauzer's fingers clamped down on her flesh. "I found a cave where the man was. We fought, more like he beat me nearly to death. I closed my eyes from the pain." She couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Mahrea wiped them away as they slid over her cheeks. "I thought I was gonna die, but Ether saved me again and froze him. I thought I killed him but he came from behind and stabbed my though the back." She lifted up her shirt and showed her sister the 5 scars that Grauzer's claws left. Jilleana grimaced.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I was healed by Zoras."
"Zoras? Who is Zoras?"
"Not who, what.....they are fish like people. With fins on their arms and blue scales and black eyes." Mahrea suddenly looked down, couldn't meet her sister's gaze. "And I have Zora blood in me."
Jilleana sat there with her jaw slack. It was hard taking this all in for her, she could just imagine what it was like for Mahrea. Stranger things have happened. Jilleana reached over and took her sister's hand in hers.
A knock on the door. "That must be Darien. Stay right here, okay?" Mahrea nodded.
Jilleana got to the door and opened it expecting to see Darien and his crew. "Hi Dar-" She stopped in mid-sentence when she saw three well built, suited men.
"Is Amber here? We would like to talk to her." The front one said gruffly.
"No." She replied curtly and began to shut the door. The man forced it back open swiftly.
"Would it be too much for us to wait for her here?" It was a command, not a request.
"Yes, it would be and besides," She added hotly. "We have a guest coming over soon, so if you would please leave." Mahrea sheepishly got behind her and looked at the men nervously.
"Is there a problem here Jill?" Jilleana sighed in relief as Darien stepped out of a large van along with seven lab technicians. Both women smiled relieved.
"No Sir, we were just leaving." The man said turning around, the trio got back into the black luxury car and drive off back to the palace to confirm the officers' information.
Darien frowned as the men walked passed him and his team. Something didn't feel right about them. He turned and smiled when the twins came down the stairs to great him. "Looks like I came just in time huh?"
"Yes, thankfully." Jilleana nodded.
"Are you going to start today?" Mahrea asked.
Darien motioned to the technicians to start getting the supplies. "I believe so"
***
Amber could hear the whispers of the spirits of Hyrule's damned and greedy. She could almost catch a spirit out of the corner of her eyes, thought she could feel their hands sliding across her body. "It would have been nice if Emily told me the way to get this stupid thing." She complained grumpily as she stubbed her foot.
"Complaining again?" Kathy asked.
"Says the always bitching computer program." Amber shot back, causing a huff from Kathy. Smirking, black haired girl turned on her flashlight. "That's better." Glancing around, she saw something on the wall:
Impa loves Kale forever.
She looked for a moment, shrugged and moved on. "This structure was once used as a temple for shadows."
"That's assuring." Amber frowned as rats scampered away in anger from the white light of the flashlight. She took a few more steps and her foot passed through the floor! He meal hand shot up and grabbed the edge.
"Oh, watch your step, this place is full of false walls and floors.
"Thanks for the warning." Amber looked down into the infinite darkness and gulped. Hoisting herself up, she looked at the fake brick. "How can I tell what is and what isn't fake?"
"Walk on the ceiling?" Kathy offered.
Amber snorted before continuing along very carefully.
***
"So, she does live there? Prince Andrew asked excitedly. Lenard walked and let out a yawn behind him as they walked in the rose garden.
"Yes Sire." The trio of men answered. "From the actions of the girl that answered the door, have no doubts."
"Sire," Lenard leaned down to speak in Andrew's ear. "I don't think that Miss Hailee wishes to be your personal bodyguard."
The prince waved his suggestion off as non-sense. "I want to know when she returns. Stake out the building and inform me when she does."
The men bowed and left. "Prince Andrew," Lenard presses. "You have more pressing issues than some girl!"
"I am well aware of my duties and what is going on in my kingdom." The prince replied shortly. "I am no longer a child."
"In the eyes of the law you are, Your Highness." And the fact that you are acting like one. Andrew gave him a cold look.
"She intrigues me. She is the first girl who hasn't fallen for me." The young ruler sighed. "I believe that I have fallen for her."
Lenard had a surprised look. "Your Majesty surely jests!"
"I am not the kidding type Lenard, you know this...now, how is the clean up proceeding?" Andrew plucked a rose and inhaled its scent deeply.
Damn I wish Grauzer hadn't have died. Lenard scowled. "Our workers are working night and day. They are tired but keep going. Many were cared off after that fire-breathing monster showed up."
"Ah, yes. Quite a strange occurrence. A monster from long ago decides to show up."
Lenard couldn't be around the prince much longer, for fear his anger for him would erupt before the appropriate time. "I shall leave you to your thoughts, Sire." Lenard bowed and walked away, leaving Prince Andrew alone to his thoughts.
***
Amber had made her way slowly through the Spirit Temple. Time had mad it even darker and dangerous. "I hate this place." Her hand went to the thermal blade on her hip. Sliding her hand along the wall, her hand slipped through. Peeping through, she immediately pulled her head out and started gagging.
"Amber what's wrong?!"
"Skeletons, dozens of them!" Amber screamed as an armored hand came through the wall and made a grab for her. Amber's fighting instincts kicked in and grabbed the blade on her hip and activated it. The skeleton charged through the wall and swung it's blade. Amber met the metal with her blade, the red heat cleaved through the attacker's weapon and crashed through its skull.
As the skeleton slumped to the floor, more started slinking through the wall. The rusting armor had the royal seal emblazoned on the chest, their helmets hid empty eye sockets and bleached teeth. "Alright, here goes nothing." Amber raised her blade above her head and charged forward in rage her muscles burning for action. She twirled the blade and cut the nearest knight in two and her metal arm crashed another through the chest and blew it apart. She could only see flashes of her enemies from the beam of the flashlight and the glow of the blade as she ducked and swung around the room.
The knights continued their attack soundlessly. Even after slicing through skeleton after skeleton, they just kept coming. Amber was soon backed up against the wall. "Now might be a good time to work some of Emily's magic." She said aloud with her body's aura glowing red. As the flames poured from her flesh hand and passed over her foes they were cremated to ash. Amber bid the blade off and slid it back to her hip. Her vision was cut in half going back to only her flashlight.
The glint from a helmet caught Amber's eye. She picked it up and immediately fell for the intricate carvings flowing over and around the round visor. She washed off the ash with a water spell and rapped it a few times to get the remaining debris out. Putting on her head, she lifted the visor. "Heh, heh, I bet this stuff can get me lotsa rupies." Amber said between gasps of air.
"With no thought of protection for your head? This place is starting to affect you. I advise you to get out as soon as possible, else you succumb to it's influence." Kathy warned.
"Mmhmm." Amber replied stepping through the false wall. "I wonder if all these things were guarding something. Treasure, statues, paintings...hey, maybe even the Master Sword!"
"That would be the best."
Amber walked a bit further and shaft of crystal blue light rose up from beneath her. "Huh?" She looked down at her feet then up at the ceiling. She felt her feet lift from the ground and she began rising up into a blinding white light.
Her feet touched the ground and the light faded. The new room she was in was luminated by the torches in the corners and the solid gold floor, making it very easy to see the ancient statues of warriors that lined the wall. Warriors she had seen before. "These, these are the same people that I saw in my dreams!" Amber exclaimed looking at Sage's determined face and colorful kilt. As she walked past the Ronin, Warlord, and Sage she came to the end of the room. And, at the end of the room, was a stone hewn table set on a stand made of sterling silver.
"It's-it's beautiful." Amber whispered, her blue eyes glittering the from the gold and silver,. Amber walked forward to the pedestal. Lying on the golden stand was an aged Link, perfectly preserved, wearing royal blue pants and tunic. And, laying on top of the ancient king, was The Blade of Evil's Bane- "It's the Master Sword!" Her eyes followed the precisely carved handle of blue steel to the razor sharp double edged blade.
"By The Three. It is even more beautiful than in my dream." Amber was drawn to the blade, but felt unworthy to lay her hands upon it. What happens if I can't touch it? Will my hands burn away, will I turn to dust? Images floated though her mind and she started to have second thoughts. "Um, maybe I shouldn't try to get it..."
"Don't worry Amber," Kathy assured her. "If the blade doesn't choose you, death will be long and painful."
"Oh, now THAT puts my mind at ease!" Her eyes widened in fear. She took a deep breath and reached down for the hilt. After a moment, she squeezed her eyes tight and her hand clamped on the hilt. After a second, she opened her eyes and heaved a sigh of relief. "Whew." Lightly lifting the blade from Link's hands, she weighed the blade's balance. "Its perfect." Amber said looking at her reflection in the blade. Amber looked down and smiled at Link." You were cuter in my dreams, Sire." She chuckled with a respectful bow.
Standing back up, it occurred to her that she didn't have a way to leave. She stiffened up for some reason and grabbed the thermal blade with her metal hand and activated it. She spun around to see a female with purple chain mail over her chest with white fabric with a large red eye. Amber could see wisps of silver hair hanging over violet eyes from her covered hair. "Who are you?" Amber asked threatening the figure by pointing the Master Sword at her.
"Calm yourself young one." The woman said with a chuckle and held up her hands to show she meant no harm. Amber de-activated the blade and put it in her belt but kept the Master Sword firmly grasped. "Since you have appeared here, I take it that our land is once again threatened."
"I guess so," Amber said."....who are you?"
"Who I am is not important, it's what I am." The woman started to walk forward, purple eyes locking with blue. "I am a Sheikah, and so are you."
Amber took a step back. "A what?"
"A Sheikah. Your fighting skills and dodging abilities were already above normal, even before Carl trained you, where they not?
"Well-yes, but how did you know?"
"That, also, is not important." She shook her head. "What is important is for you to uphold your lineage's ancient duty to protect the royalty of Hyrule." She finished with a sly smile. Amber got the hint and nodded. "Yet, if you wish to wield that blade properly, there is something you must do first."
"I don't like the sound of that too much, but." She looked down. "I want to make Carl proud of me, so I'll do it."
"You are a very brave young girl, you remind me of Link in his younger days." She laid her hands on Amber's shoulders quicker than Amber realized. "This will be very dangerous for you and could cost you your very life."
"I've nearly died three times already, what's a fourth?"
"That is the life if a Sheikah, the pawn of royalty." The female Sheikah sighed heavily. "Very well." Her eyes glowed purple. "Dunkel seite von diese madchen zuruckommen!" (Dark side of this girl come forth!) Nothing happened for a moment, then Amber screamed in pain. The Sheikah slowly started to draw her hands back, black electricity crackling around the two women. There was a black form forming between, taking on a human like figure.
Its features were just like Amber's, only an opaque black, swirling body. The Sheikah stepped back and frowned. "When her eyes open she will attack you with full force and won't stop until one of you has died."
"That won't be a problem." Amber grabbed the thermal blade form her hip. "With both of these. I'll beat her in no time."
"No, only the Master Sword can be used. This is not a time for you to show off." She said sternly. "It's a time for you to learn."
Amber pouted and put the mechanical weapon back into her belt and gripped the cool blade with both hands. She inhaled deeply. "Alright, I'm ready."
The Sheikah nodded solemnly and closed her eyes. "Wecken sie jetzt." (Awaken now.) Her voice echoed mysteriously. The black form opened its eyes slowly, showing nothing but shallow pools of dull blue, and when it saw Amber it shown the evilest smile Amber had ever seen. The form slammed it's elbow into Amber's temple that sent her stammering. The form jumped over her body while Amber was trying to get back to her senses and kicked her viciously in the back. Amber yelped in pain and fell to the ground. She quickly rolled to her left before the evil stomped on the ground where she lay. Come now Amber, I know you are better than this! The Sheikah thought with furrowed brows. Amber pulled herself up and brushed off the dirt and charged forward at her opponent, slashing with the sword and missing when it bent backward and kicked Amber in the chin as if flipped. Amber licked her split lip and charged at it again. She swung her sword and sliced through the thing's chest. It hissed in pain as the gash started mending itself.
"Ummm..." Amber's dark side smiled again as a blade formed in its own right hand.
Blades slammed together in a bright clash of sparks, each figure trying to kill the other with all their force. The form's blade slid along the Master Sword and sliced up Amber's forearm. The blade felt like ice driving into her bloodstream and Amber quickly stepped back in pain and examined the wound as blood trickled down her arm and made her grip on the Master Sword slick. She felt pressure to the side of her head as her dark side slammed the hilt of it's sword into her. Amber stumbled to the side as the bone chilling blade sunk through her left thigh. Amber leaned on her strong leg and watched as the dark form ran around her to attack again. Blades crashed again and Amber dropped hers, the steel clanging loudly on the ground. The girl looked up to see a shadow blade coming rapidly at her head. Her metallic hand shot up with out even realizing it. "Oh..." Amber then smiled evilly, causing a look of surprise on the face of her opponent, Amber's hair started to float up in the air, yellow light emanating from her body. Oh?, this is an interesting development! The Sheikan female thought.
With a shout Amber shot a wave of magical electricity through the shadowy figure. She shouted again, her left eye swollen shut increasing the power until her opponent had no choice but to let go of the weapon. As the shadow sword dropped to the ground it dissipated in a puff of smoke. Amber slowly stood up, both combatants spotted the Master Sword and made a play for it.
They were neck and neck before Kathy kicked in Amber's cybernetics and Amber dove to the weapon, rolled and grabbed the hilt, still slick with her blood. Even though her leg was throbbing in pain and blood loss, Amber stood strong in the face of her foe.
"Come and get me you freak!" Amber screamed. The creature's dead blue eyes inflamed with rage and charged forward. The shadow flung its claws at her face. Amber whipped the blade forward and cleaved off her enemies hands. The demon screamed and started kicking Amber frighteningly fast. Amber tried dodging most of the attacks by got kicked more than she could dodge. Amber flew back from a kick to her stomach, the demon was on her again instantly tackling her to the ground. The dark side of Amber pressed its face closer to hers and smiled, showing blue pointy teeth. Amber paled but kept it at bey, pushing back on its shoulders. "Arg!, no biting!" She shouted as she kicked her opponent off. The creature back flipped three times and landed on its feet.
The Master Sword began glowing and Amber glanced at it in surprise. "Hhmmm?" The demon charged again and leaped up into the air. This time Amber brought up the sword and impaled it through the chest just below the neck. The thing howled in pain and indignation as it flailed its stubs trying to pull itself from the Master Sword. The beast's body began convulsing and exploded like glass into countless shards. "Ung..." Amber breathed shallow and rapidly slumping to the floor then onto her chest. The Sheikan woman slowly walked over. Amber could see her booted feet drawing closer as her vision became blurry as she lost consciousness, the Sheikan sighed heavily with relief as she looked down at the girl.
"You may save us yet Amber." She said kneeling down and stroking her hair, "But first I have to get you out of here." The woman grunted as her toned body hefted Amber over her shoulder. "My, for someone so thin you certainly are heavy." With her free hand she dug out a deku nut and slammed it on the ground. As the flash died out, the room was empty of life once again.
****
The Sheikan woman opened an ancient wooden door. Sheikan faces turned and looked at her in anticipation and hope. "Don't just sit there with your mouths' agape." The woman scolded. "Take her to the doctor!" Three males came and slid Amber off her shoulder and carried her with some difficulty down a hall.
"Being a little hard on them aren't you Brise?" A tall, brown haired Sheikan male asked with a smug grin.
Brise turned and let out a "Hmf." "Gerard, I shall speak however I feel to."
Gerard laughed loudly. "That is my Sis alright, hard as a rock....our parents were certainly wrong to name you the ancient Hyrulian term for breeze." He then brought out a wooden pipe and lit the contents. "So?" He asked sitting down. "What do you think of her?"
"Well. the Master Sword chose her, and she is a very impressive fighter." Brise furrowed her brow. "She takes too many hits. Her skills are there, just not refined enough."
"And you're thinking that you are the leader of our nation can make them shine, neh?" Gerard said with a cocky grin.
"Aye, but...there is much going on in her world at the moment. I fear that we must hold off for a while until it is more stable."
"And what if we wait too long and she won't be able to handle it?"
Brise stood in the direction of where the men took Amber silently then let out a sigh. "Then, maybe the Sheikan nation should make a return to the surface."
Amber stirred as the men placed her down on the doctor's examining table. A tall and gangly man with fiery red hair walked in and took one look at her and tsked. "I shall be here for a while, of that I am sure."
"Wh-where?" Amber began sitting up.
"No, lay back down." The doctor said as the men pushed her body back down onto her back. She struggled against them, but her body had no strength in it.
As the doctor threaded a hooked needle to sew up Amber's wound in her arm, Brise walked into the room. She looked at the doctor, then to Amber and smiled. "Don't worry he is the best in what he does."
"Thanks, that makes me feel so much better." Amber said sarcastically.
The doctor came over and rubbed a pink looking salve on her skin to numb it and stuck the needle in. Amber bit her bottom lip as the needle pierced her skin and looked over at the woman that brought her here. "Where am I at?" She asked as the Master Sword softly nudged against her thigh as it hung between her belt and pants.
"With your people, young Amber." Brise smiled. "On the opposite side of the Death mountian in the Hyrulian range. Very desolate and very concealed."
"If you wouldn't mind, I am trying to work here." The doctor said harshly with furrowed eyebrows as Amber squirmed in the bed. The room remained silent as Amber was sewn up. She winced as the doctor applied more of the salve to her stitched up wounds in her arm and leg and wound gauze tightly around them. "There, now talk all ya want." He said sharply as he packed up his things and left the room in a huff.
Brise watched with her violet eyes as the man exited the room. "Quite the excitable fellow, neh?" She turned to Amber.
"Erm, yes?" She answered unsure.
Brise nodded and continued. "You are a very talented young woman, but you lack some things. Unfortunately, there is no time at this point to teach you properly." Brise sighed heavily and rose from her seat. "Come. I must return you to the graveyard."
As Amber followed Brise with a limp, she glanced around. There were many Shiekans around, all looking at her as they went to where ever they were going at the time. It made her very nervous. "Do they all have to look at me?"
"Some just have to look. They don't get to see their leader walking with a stranger all that often." Brise said with a hint of laughter as she walked.
Amber stumbled at the revelation. "So, is it important enough now that I know your name?"
The other woman looked over her shoulder and looked at Amber out of the corner of her eye. "It is Brise." Brise took her too a doorway that led outside to a balcony. A stiff mountain wind met Amber's face and whipped back her hair. Amber looked out over the huge expanse of snow capped mountains and shook with a chill. "Now, let's get you back, shall we?" She smiled warmly. Amber quickly nodded in agreement to get out of this cold that apparently didn't affect Brise at all. "Alright." Brise raised her fingers to her mouth and whistled a song. Amber's breath caught in her mouth as purple swirls began to encompass both the woman. It soon turned into an outright scream of fright as she felt herself being flung over the mountains so fast that all she could distinguish was huge blurs of brown, white, and purple.
Amber wanted to kiss the ground as she felt her feet land on the grass of the graveyard. "Oops, I should have warned you that the most are upset the first time they travel by song. Sorry" Brise said with a wink.
Amber could feel her face getting green and fought the sensation of sickness. "You said that I needed to be taught. Why? I am a good fighter." She said with a hint of anger.
"I am not saying you aren't." Brise said with furrowed brows. "You are just untrained in ways of the Sheikah, that and you take too many hits! Why if I were to fight you now, you probably would land very few hits on me."
"Hmf, well now that I have the Master Sword I bet no-one will be-able to beat me!"
Brise rolled her eyes. "And that is another thing, you rely too much on weaponry and not enough on this." She tapped her finger to her head. "Carl taught you endurance and speed, but not dodging and repelling. That will be my job, when the time comes." She said as she brought her fingers to her lips. Brise locked onto Amber's eyes and stared into her with so much intensity that Amber felt like she would be knocked back. "I will return for you." As she played the song, the purple swirls surrounded Brise and flung her back into the air, her violet eyes never leaving Amber's blue ones.
Amber looked at the place where Brise stood just a moment ago. "Now that was an interesting experience!" Kathy said in her ear.
"And I'm amazed that you didn't speak a word through the whole thing. That must be a first for you." Amber smirked in reply.
Kathy let out a sound of annoyance. "Guess its time to go home." She said, limping back slowly to the car waiting in the parking lot. "Don't tell them I'm heading back, I just want to crawl into bed and sleep."
"Yes, Amber."
Mahrea felt hands lifting her up and garbled voices speaking a strange language. One of the beings put a scale feeling object in her hand. She slowly opened her eyes and saw six beings with fins on their arms and heads and eyes of onyx. One of them forced a red liquid down her throat, she then blacked out again.
Lenard felt a wave of magic and a fluctuation in power that made him momentarily ill. "Are you ill, Lenard?" Andrew asked.
Pressing down the feeling he responded, "No, your highness. I am fine."
Sitting at the table with his full cabinet, the prince was discussing the clean up or the quake and other issues facing his kingdom. "Have you found my 'saving angel'?" The prince asked. Lenard rolled his eyes.
"We do know the proximity of her whereabouts." One advisor said. "We have briefed the officers that patrol the south east of the city and we may have found her address."
"She lives in such a bad part of town, yet she has all of those cybernetics." Andrew said questioningly. "I want to know where she lives gentlemen, is that understood?"
Lenard could really care less about it. He had more pressing thoughts. Standing up he excused himself to his room. "Have you found my saving angel?" Lenard said mockingly. "Moron." He growled and slammed the door.
Lenard closed his eyes and transported himself to where he left Grauzer. Breathing in the air, he felt the magical residue and touched the water. The magician hissed and withdrew his hand quickly, steam lifting from his skin. Lenard knew the feel of this magic.
Putting two and two together he knew that Grauzer was more than likely dead now, probably for good from the strength that he felt. Now he had to find the source. His eyes followed the path of the residue to the island in the middle of the lake. "The little sod could be trouble." He said narrowing his eyes and disappearing.
Mahrea awakened again in a comfortable bed. Looking around the small room she noticed cloth tapestries hanging from the wall and a blue crystal hanging from the ceiling illuminating the room. "Wonder where I am?" She asked herself.
The simple wooden door opened and one of the creatures she saw before came in, this one was different though. She had deep violet eyes that held knowledge of thousands of years. Another thing that differed from the other creatures was the absence of fins on her head and the fins on her arms were finer and she had small ones on her calves. She smiled and said. "I thought you Hylians wore clothing."
Mahrea looked down and covered herself in embarrassment. A polite chuckle came from the creature's lips. "Do not worry girl, we Zora do not wear clothing."
"Zora?"
A nod, "Yes, and I am their Queen. My name is Ruto, just as my mother's was and her mother's, and her mothers." A little Zora girl came in and hid behind Ruto's legs. She smiled motherly. "And her mother's." She picked her daughter up.
"Where am I at?"
"Our domain. We've lived in these walls for tens of thousands of years. Right now you are under the shores of the lake."
Mahrea started to get chills and she shivered. "There are some things in the closet." Ruto said. Mahrea quickly went over to the closet and pulled out a robe. "How are you feeling?"
Mahrea hadn't noticed but she wasn't in pain anymore. "I don't hurt anymore." She said confused.
"We gave you something for that, when we were sure that the demon was dead."
"You mean you watched me getting pummeled and you didn't do anything?!" Mahrea scrunched up her face in anger.
The little Ruto began squirming in her mother's arms and the queen set her down and patted her end. The little Zora let a giggle out and ran out the door. Ruto turned back to Mahrea with a frown. "We are a strong race. But we are also not stupid. The creature you killed is, well was, one of the most evil and powerful beings ever created. The soldiers that observed you would have been slaughtered with out a second thought. My people are too important to me."
"And if I had failed?" Mahrea sat down on the bed and crossed her arms.
"I do not wish to even think of it." Ruto shuddered.
Mahrea's stomach growled loudly. "Heh, heh."
Ruto laughed. "Come, let's go eat."
***
"Jilleana here."
"Jill, the team is boarding the plane now. I hope you know what you are doing."
"Spare me your morals Kristoph." Jilleana snapped into the sell phone. "You know this is for the best. You would do it too if the tables were turned."
"Heh, yea, anyway see you in about five hours."
"Bye."
Darien Kristoph closed his cell phone and watched as the boxes of fragile freight were being loaded into the plane.
"Darien!" A middle aged man with wavy fiery hair that hung over his golden eyes called out.
"Oh, Mr. Delphei." Darien responded respectfully to Jilleana's and Mahrea's father and owner of Bioscape Labs.
"Is everything running smoothly?"
"Yes, we should be done in a matter of moments."
Mr. Delphei nodded. "You don't like this do you?"
Darien looked surprised for a moment and shook his head. "No."
A sigh. "Well, I won't pretend that I do either, Jilleana has her mind set on this." A chuckle. "And you know what happens when she sets her mind to something."
"Yea," The engines started up on the jet plane. "Gotta get going!"
Mr. Delphei held out his hand. "Good luck and take care of my girls."
"Yes sir, I will." Darien shook the man's hand and headed up the stairs and into the plane.
"Make me proud Jilleana." Mr. Delphei said as he watched the plane grow smaller.
***
Mahrea sat down to a table with Ruto on the other end. A plate of broiled fish with a multitude of spices was sat in front of them. "Our race's most favored dish. Try it, its very good."
Mahrea placed some on her fork and put the fish in her mouth and "Mm'ed".
"I told you." Ruto said doing the same.
Soon Mahrea finished and asked for more. And she was given more, three whole fish more. "Wooh."
"You are quite a swimmer Mahrea." Ruto commented. "When did you start?"
"I was doggie paddling before I could walk." Mahrea smiled remembering. "I took to it like a fish." She blushed deeply. "Oh, sorry."
"Heheh, don't be!" Ruto said cheerfully. "I did not take offense. But that is of little importance, the reason I ask is because your stroke and the way you move your body is like ours when we swim."
"What are you implying" Mahrea said putting the fork down on the plate. "That I'm one of you? I'm Hylian see? Pointy ears?" She frowned as she pulled on her p[pointed ear tips.
"I am simply thinking out loud is all." Ruto said somewhat defensively. "But still...."
"But, but what?" Mahrea scrunched up her face in anger.
Ruto took a deep breath and spoke Zoreese. Mahrea gritted her teeth and was frozen in place. She tried struggling but to no avail. "Do not worry." Ruto said motherly as she placed a hand on Mahrea's head. Don't worry she says! I'm scared shitless! Ether help! The amulet didn't respond. Ether! C'mon damn it!
Ruto closer her eyes and exhaled calmly. "Mahrea." Her voice had changed. "Can you feel this presence in your body? The presence of Royal Zora blood?" Inhaling through her nose she smelled the breeze of the Hyrulian Sea, she felt wet, yet her skin was dry. "So you do feel it, our place of origin, where the first Zora grew its arms and legs." The voice intoned.
"Does this mean I'm part fish now?!" Mahrea asked with fright.
"Not precisely, some how your family had a Zora in it many generations ago, it is only in name only now. However, that same thing gave you your natural blue hair and superior swimming ability."
"I see, I guess." She said unsure.
"Good," The other-worldly voice said. Ruto waved her hand and Mahrea stood up quickly. And quickly fell down onto the floor. "Guards." The Zora queen commanded in her native tongue. Two male Zoras with blue armor and spears came into the room. "Take her back to her room." She continued in Zoreese. "I shall be there in a moment."
"Yes your Highness." They replied in unison, bowed, and picked up the unconscious teen back to bed.
Ruto frowned deeply and her fins flittered rapidly in nervousness. "Whoever could revive that demon, let alone control it, is more powerful than Ganon." She thought out loud. "Will Mahrea be able to stand up to it...."
The guards rushed into the room. "Queen Ruto, the Hylian girl disappeared!"
"What?!"
"Yes your Highness!" The other said. "Right out of our hands!"
Ruto sighed. "It can't be helped. Things are going to start getting interesting. Make sure everyone is on full alert."
"Yes your Highness." The guards said bowing.
Mahrea found herself back in the guestroom in Carl's house. Shuffling out of the room, she made her way groggily through the house until she bumped into her sister. "Where the hell have you been?!" Jilleana said with a mix of worry and agitation. She then noticed her twin sister's looks. "What happened to you?"
The emotions of the day came out in a flood as Mahrea began to cry uncontrollably. "IsomehowgottoLakeHyliaandstartedtoswimandthisman......" She cried even harder. Jilleana took her tightly in her arms.
"Shh, it's okay now Mia, you're safe now." Jilleana whispered as she stroked Mahrea's blue hair.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Amber asked coming up from the basement.
The other girl shook her head and shrugged. Frowning, Amber mouthed 'Bed.' Jilleana nodded and with Amber's help got the third girl back to bed.
As Jilleana shut the door, Amber asked. "What happened to her? She looked terrible and she felt freezing!"
"I don't know, I looked into her room this morning and she wasn't there, then five hours later she comes out on the same room wearing a robe I've never seen before, looking like she got the shit kicked out of her. It just doesn't make sense."
"Did she say anything?" Amber asked looking at the closed door.
"Just something about a guy."
"Well, we won't get anything out of her in the state she's in."
***
Around eight that night there was a knock at the door. Amber started to get up, but Jilleana jumped up and flung open the door.
Darien had a startled look, but quickly smiled as he saw Jilleana's face. "Hi Jill."
"Darien!" Jilleana hugged her long time friend and pulled him inside quickly.
"Wooh!" After straightening his hair he responded, "Some greeting!" He then saw Amber and offered his hand. "Darien Kristoph."
"Amber." She replied simply, shaking hands.
"Some place Carl had here." He looked around. "Doesn't suit this part of town. I felt like I'd get mugged on my way from the car."
"Sit, we need to talk." Jilleana said seriously.
Marhea sat up in bed and walked into the middle of the conversation. "D-D!!" She squealed in delight.
Darien looked up in mid-sentence. "Mia-Mia!" He called back happily and gave her a big hug.
"Can we get back to the matter at hand?" Jilleana huffed.
"How long will it take?" Amber asked.
Darien sat back and rubbed his forehead. "Probably close to a week and a half just to set up everything. I'm thinking anywhere from four months to half a year for the experiment to end."
"I wish you wouldn't refer to this as an experiment." Amber frowned. "It makes Carl sound like a lab rat."
"Well, it never has been done before after all." Jilleana said matter-of-factly.
Darien smiled knowingly. "I'd say the same if I was you." He looked at Jilleana for a moment. "At any rate, I'm off to the hotel, I'll be back tomorrow with my crew to start setting up." He stood up and left.
***
As Amber slept, Emily slipped into her subconscious.
"Amber." Amber 'woke up' in the barren landscape once more.
"Oh, its you." Amber responded unsurprised. She was getting used to these visits from the ancient woman.
"I would have thought you would have tried to find the Master Sword by now."
"Well, I have been rather busy lately!" Amber frowned. "Saving Hyrule Castle Town from some freakish lava monster, rescuing that 'prince' from a bullet, and all that."
"Yes, I know all of that." Emily said nonchalant.
Amber ground her teeth. "Then don't be so picky!"
Emily crossed her arms. "The youth of today, why back in my time the children listened to their elders with respect."
Amber rolled her eyes. "So, what is the point of invading my mind again?"
"I came to congratulate you on your success in using my spells. That and to get that Master Sword, trust me it's for your own good."
"If you say so," She sighed.
"You will find the entrance to where the Master Sword lies at the very back of the cemetery." Emily smiled and hugged her briefly. Amber did not return the action. "You will find the truth there as well." She said before Amber woke up with a disgruntled look on her face.
"That woman is really starting to get on my nerves."
As Amber was getting ready in the basement she glanced over and saw Quake laying on the floor where she threw it down in terror and anger. Taking a deep breath for courage she bent down and picked the small amulet up. As much as I hate this thing now, I might need it for something. I just really hope I don't! "I'm defiantly taking this!" She said eagerly, activating Thera's thermal blade with her brain waves, then deactivating it.
She quietly made her way up the stairs and was about out of the house when Mahrea popped her head above the couch. "Where are you going?" She asked suspiciously.
"None of your business," Amber said softly as she opened the door.
"Even if it isn't, I still want to know." Mahrea retorted. "After what happened to me-"
Amber held up her real hand to stop Mahrea. "I can take care of myself, trust me." She sighed. "Besides I don't think you'd believe me if I told you, hell I can hardly believe it myself."
"Try me." Mahrea got up, recalling what Ruto had said to her.
"Alright, an ancient woman who gave me the Power Triforce when I was fighting Ganon and who taught me her spells talked to me last night in my dreams and wouldn't shut up 'till I agreed to retrieve the Master Sword from Hyrulian National Cemetery.
"Oh, I'm sure Emily would appreciate that." Kathy said.
Mahrea stood blank faced for a moment. "Well, if Emily told you to, don't let me stop you."
Amber could hardly believe her pointed ears. "You-you know Emily?"
"Emily McIntire, Sage McIntire's husband and mother to King Connor I in A.I.P. 8. Holder of the Power Triforce-"
"Okay, so you believe me."
Mahrea nodded. "And even though it's against my better judgment, I'll let you go alone."
Amber smiled and nodded her head. "Don't worry, I'll be back." She closed the door.
"Good luck. Mahrea said to the closed door. "And you had better come back!"
Amber pulled into the parking lot of the Hyrulian National Cemetery. Thankfully, the weather was cold and windy. "That's good, less people to see. She whispered to Kathy walking along the cement paths. As she passed the gravestones of soldiers, generals, knights, and royalty, she finally came to the very back of the cemetery.
Amber looked up from the weather worn tombstones of Flat and Sharp and saw the cave above, she wondered how it seemed to be invisible to those who have visited the cemetery. Guessing that no-one must really care, she looked around to see if anyone was looking. However, there was no-one in that part of the cemetery. Amber leaped up onto the grotto. Walking down the ancient steps, she came to a sealed door. There was a platform in the middle of the room with a big flame attached into it and torches surrounding it on all sides. "Okay, now what?" Amber asked herself, looking agitated at the door.
"Is there anything written on it?" Kathy asked.
"All kinds of stuff, but its just gibberish to me."
"Lean in close, I'll see what I can do."
"If you say so," Amber leaned close to the 'gibberish' and squinted in the low light.
"Encoding.....
Translating.....
'When a Darkness threatens Hyrule once again, she with hair of night, eyes of sky, and arm of sword shall open the seal to save her kingdom.'
"Open the seal?" Amber repeated questioningly. She put her right hand on the door. "I wonder how-oh!" She stepped back with a start as dust rumbled off the door and became silent. "Umm," Amber stood silent for a moment and placed her hand back on the door. The huge slab of granite slowly began to lift.
***
"Where is Amber?" Jilleana asked walking into the living room with her blue duck pj's on. Mahrea was watching cartoons as she answered.
"Old Kakariko."
"Huh?"
"Old Kakariko, Emily wanted her to get the Master Sword, so, there ya go." Mahrea answered casually as a hunter was being tricked by a gray rabbit into falling off a cliff.
Jilleana stood there speechless. It would seem that there is more to this girl than meets the eye. "Is it alright to ask you what happened to you?" She asked after a moment. I kinda have an idea of what happened...but," She looked over at her sister who had paled considerably. "If you don't want to I-"
"No, I'll tell you." Mahrea responded softly, turning off the TV. After exhaling loudly she began.
"Yesterday morning I woke up and Ether somehow took me to Lake Hylia. I decided to swim in the lake and I saw a man lying in the water, I went over and he hypnotized me or something into...." She grimaced and swallowed hard. "having sex with him."
Mahrea fought hard not to shed tears. Voice wavering, she continued, "Then, I don't really know what happened next, but I think Ether protected me because when I woke up my throat hurt a lot." She rubbed her neck where Grauzer's fingers clamped down on her flesh. "I found a cave where the man was. We fought, more like he beat me nearly to death. I closed my eyes from the pain." She couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Mahrea wiped them away as they slid over her cheeks. "I thought I was gonna die, but Ether saved me again and froze him. I thought I killed him but he came from behind and stabbed my though the back." She lifted up her shirt and showed her sister the 5 scars that Grauzer's claws left. Jilleana grimaced.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I was healed by Zoras."
"Zoras? Who is Zoras?"
"Not who, what.....they are fish like people. With fins on their arms and blue scales and black eyes." Mahrea suddenly looked down, couldn't meet her sister's gaze. "And I have Zora blood in me."
Jilleana sat there with her jaw slack. It was hard taking this all in for her, she could just imagine what it was like for Mahrea. Stranger things have happened. Jilleana reached over and took her sister's hand in hers.
A knock on the door. "That must be Darien. Stay right here, okay?" Mahrea nodded.
Jilleana got to the door and opened it expecting to see Darien and his crew. "Hi Dar-" She stopped in mid-sentence when she saw three well built, suited men.
"Is Amber here? We would like to talk to her." The front one said gruffly.
"No." She replied curtly and began to shut the door. The man forced it back open swiftly.
"Would it be too much for us to wait for her here?" It was a command, not a request.
"Yes, it would be and besides," She added hotly. "We have a guest coming over soon, so if you would please leave." Mahrea sheepishly got behind her and looked at the men nervously.
"Is there a problem here Jill?" Jilleana sighed in relief as Darien stepped out of a large van along with seven lab technicians. Both women smiled relieved.
"No Sir, we were just leaving." The man said turning around, the trio got back into the black luxury car and drive off back to the palace to confirm the officers' information.
Darien frowned as the men walked passed him and his team. Something didn't feel right about them. He turned and smiled when the twins came down the stairs to great him. "Looks like I came just in time huh?"
"Yes, thankfully." Jilleana nodded.
"Are you going to start today?" Mahrea asked.
Darien motioned to the technicians to start getting the supplies. "I believe so"
***
Amber could hear the whispers of the spirits of Hyrule's damned and greedy. She could almost catch a spirit out of the corner of her eyes, thought she could feel their hands sliding across her body. "It would have been nice if Emily told me the way to get this stupid thing." She complained grumpily as she stubbed her foot.
"Complaining again?" Kathy asked.
"Says the always bitching computer program." Amber shot back, causing a huff from Kathy. Smirking, black haired girl turned on her flashlight. "That's better." Glancing around, she saw something on the wall:
Impa loves Kale forever.
She looked for a moment, shrugged and moved on. "This structure was once used as a temple for shadows."
"That's assuring." Amber frowned as rats scampered away in anger from the white light of the flashlight. She took a few more steps and her foot passed through the floor! He meal hand shot up and grabbed the edge.
"Oh, watch your step, this place is full of false walls and floors.
"Thanks for the warning." Amber looked down into the infinite darkness and gulped. Hoisting herself up, she looked at the fake brick. "How can I tell what is and what isn't fake?"
"Walk on the ceiling?" Kathy offered.
Amber snorted before continuing along very carefully.
***
"So, she does live there? Prince Andrew asked excitedly. Lenard walked and let out a yawn behind him as they walked in the rose garden.
"Yes Sire." The trio of men answered. "From the actions of the girl that answered the door, have no doubts."
"Sire," Lenard leaned down to speak in Andrew's ear. "I don't think that Miss Hailee wishes to be your personal bodyguard."
The prince waved his suggestion off as non-sense. "I want to know when she returns. Stake out the building and inform me when she does."
The men bowed and left. "Prince Andrew," Lenard presses. "You have more pressing issues than some girl!"
"I am well aware of my duties and what is going on in my kingdom." The prince replied shortly. "I am no longer a child."
"In the eyes of the law you are, Your Highness." And the fact that you are acting like one. Andrew gave him a cold look.
"She intrigues me. She is the first girl who hasn't fallen for me." The young ruler sighed. "I believe that I have fallen for her."
Lenard had a surprised look. "Your Majesty surely jests!"
"I am not the kidding type Lenard, you know this...now, how is the clean up proceeding?" Andrew plucked a rose and inhaled its scent deeply.
Damn I wish Grauzer hadn't have died. Lenard scowled. "Our workers are working night and day. They are tired but keep going. Many were cared off after that fire-breathing monster showed up."
"Ah, yes. Quite a strange occurrence. A monster from long ago decides to show up."
Lenard couldn't be around the prince much longer, for fear his anger for him would erupt before the appropriate time. "I shall leave you to your thoughts, Sire." Lenard bowed and walked away, leaving Prince Andrew alone to his thoughts.
***
Amber had made her way slowly through the Spirit Temple. Time had mad it even darker and dangerous. "I hate this place." Her hand went to the thermal blade on her hip. Sliding her hand along the wall, her hand slipped through. Peeping through, she immediately pulled her head out and started gagging.
"Amber what's wrong?!"
"Skeletons, dozens of them!" Amber screamed as an armored hand came through the wall and made a grab for her. Amber's fighting instincts kicked in and grabbed the blade on her hip and activated it. The skeleton charged through the wall and swung it's blade. Amber met the metal with her blade, the red heat cleaved through the attacker's weapon and crashed through its skull.
As the skeleton slumped to the floor, more started slinking through the wall. The rusting armor had the royal seal emblazoned on the chest, their helmets hid empty eye sockets and bleached teeth. "Alright, here goes nothing." Amber raised her blade above her head and charged forward in rage her muscles burning for action. She twirled the blade and cut the nearest knight in two and her metal arm crashed another through the chest and blew it apart. She could only see flashes of her enemies from the beam of the flashlight and the glow of the blade as she ducked and swung around the room.
The knights continued their attack soundlessly. Even after slicing through skeleton after skeleton, they just kept coming. Amber was soon backed up against the wall. "Now might be a good time to work some of Emily's magic." She said aloud with her body's aura glowing red. As the flames poured from her flesh hand and passed over her foes they were cremated to ash. Amber bid the blade off and slid it back to her hip. Her vision was cut in half going back to only her flashlight.
The glint from a helmet caught Amber's eye. She picked it up and immediately fell for the intricate carvings flowing over and around the round visor. She washed off the ash with a water spell and rapped it a few times to get the remaining debris out. Putting on her head, she lifted the visor. "Heh, heh, I bet this stuff can get me lotsa rupies." Amber said between gasps of air.
"With no thought of protection for your head? This place is starting to affect you. I advise you to get out as soon as possible, else you succumb to it's influence." Kathy warned.
"Mmhmm." Amber replied stepping through the false wall. "I wonder if all these things were guarding something. Treasure, statues, paintings...hey, maybe even the Master Sword!"
"That would be the best."
Amber walked a bit further and shaft of crystal blue light rose up from beneath her. "Huh?" She looked down at her feet then up at the ceiling. She felt her feet lift from the ground and she began rising up into a blinding white light.
Her feet touched the ground and the light faded. The new room she was in was luminated by the torches in the corners and the solid gold floor, making it very easy to see the ancient statues of warriors that lined the wall. Warriors she had seen before. "These, these are the same people that I saw in my dreams!" Amber exclaimed looking at Sage's determined face and colorful kilt. As she walked past the Ronin, Warlord, and Sage she came to the end of the room. And, at the end of the room, was a stone hewn table set on a stand made of sterling silver.
"It's-it's beautiful." Amber whispered, her blue eyes glittering the from the gold and silver,. Amber walked forward to the pedestal. Lying on the golden stand was an aged Link, perfectly preserved, wearing royal blue pants and tunic. And, laying on top of the ancient king, was The Blade of Evil's Bane- "It's the Master Sword!" Her eyes followed the precisely carved handle of blue steel to the razor sharp double edged blade.
"By The Three. It is even more beautiful than in my dream." Amber was drawn to the blade, but felt unworthy to lay her hands upon it. What happens if I can't touch it? Will my hands burn away, will I turn to dust? Images floated though her mind and she started to have second thoughts. "Um, maybe I shouldn't try to get it..."
"Don't worry Amber," Kathy assured her. "If the blade doesn't choose you, death will be long and painful."
"Oh, now THAT puts my mind at ease!" Her eyes widened in fear. She took a deep breath and reached down for the hilt. After a moment, she squeezed her eyes tight and her hand clamped on the hilt. After a second, she opened her eyes and heaved a sigh of relief. "Whew." Lightly lifting the blade from Link's hands, she weighed the blade's balance. "Its perfect." Amber said looking at her reflection in the blade. Amber looked down and smiled at Link." You were cuter in my dreams, Sire." She chuckled with a respectful bow.
Standing back up, it occurred to her that she didn't have a way to leave. She stiffened up for some reason and grabbed the thermal blade with her metal hand and activated it. She spun around to see a female with purple chain mail over her chest with white fabric with a large red eye. Amber could see wisps of silver hair hanging over violet eyes from her covered hair. "Who are you?" Amber asked threatening the figure by pointing the Master Sword at her.
"Calm yourself young one." The woman said with a chuckle and held up her hands to show she meant no harm. Amber de-activated the blade and put it in her belt but kept the Master Sword firmly grasped. "Since you have appeared here, I take it that our land is once again threatened."
"I guess so," Amber said."....who are you?"
"Who I am is not important, it's what I am." The woman started to walk forward, purple eyes locking with blue. "I am a Sheikah, and so are you."
Amber took a step back. "A what?"
"A Sheikah. Your fighting skills and dodging abilities were already above normal, even before Carl trained you, where they not?
"Well-yes, but how did you know?"
"That, also, is not important." She shook her head. "What is important is for you to uphold your lineage's ancient duty to protect the royalty of Hyrule." She finished with a sly smile. Amber got the hint and nodded. "Yet, if you wish to wield that blade properly, there is something you must do first."
"I don't like the sound of that too much, but." She looked down. "I want to make Carl proud of me, so I'll do it."
"You are a very brave young girl, you remind me of Link in his younger days." She laid her hands on Amber's shoulders quicker than Amber realized. "This will be very dangerous for you and could cost you your very life."
"I've nearly died three times already, what's a fourth?"
"That is the life if a Sheikah, the pawn of royalty." The female Sheikah sighed heavily. "Very well." Her eyes glowed purple. "Dunkel seite von diese madchen zuruckommen!" (Dark side of this girl come forth!) Nothing happened for a moment, then Amber screamed in pain. The Sheikah slowly started to draw her hands back, black electricity crackling around the two women. There was a black form forming between, taking on a human like figure.
Its features were just like Amber's, only an opaque black, swirling body. The Sheikah stepped back and frowned. "When her eyes open she will attack you with full force and won't stop until one of you has died."
"That won't be a problem." Amber grabbed the thermal blade form her hip. "With both of these. I'll beat her in no time."
"No, only the Master Sword can be used. This is not a time for you to show off." She said sternly. "It's a time for you to learn."
Amber pouted and put the mechanical weapon back into her belt and gripped the cool blade with both hands. She inhaled deeply. "Alright, I'm ready."
The Sheikah nodded solemnly and closed her eyes. "Wecken sie jetzt." (Awaken now.) Her voice echoed mysteriously. The black form opened its eyes slowly, showing nothing but shallow pools of dull blue, and when it saw Amber it shown the evilest smile Amber had ever seen. The form slammed it's elbow into Amber's temple that sent her stammering. The form jumped over her body while Amber was trying to get back to her senses and kicked her viciously in the back. Amber yelped in pain and fell to the ground. She quickly rolled to her left before the evil stomped on the ground where she lay. Come now Amber, I know you are better than this! The Sheikah thought with furrowed brows. Amber pulled herself up and brushed off the dirt and charged forward at her opponent, slashing with the sword and missing when it bent backward and kicked Amber in the chin as if flipped. Amber licked her split lip and charged at it again. She swung her sword and sliced through the thing's chest. It hissed in pain as the gash started mending itself.
"Ummm..." Amber's dark side smiled again as a blade formed in its own right hand.
Blades slammed together in a bright clash of sparks, each figure trying to kill the other with all their force. The form's blade slid along the Master Sword and sliced up Amber's forearm. The blade felt like ice driving into her bloodstream and Amber quickly stepped back in pain and examined the wound as blood trickled down her arm and made her grip on the Master Sword slick. She felt pressure to the side of her head as her dark side slammed the hilt of it's sword into her. Amber stumbled to the side as the bone chilling blade sunk through her left thigh. Amber leaned on her strong leg and watched as the dark form ran around her to attack again. Blades crashed again and Amber dropped hers, the steel clanging loudly on the ground. The girl looked up to see a shadow blade coming rapidly at her head. Her metallic hand shot up with out even realizing it. "Oh..." Amber then smiled evilly, causing a look of surprise on the face of her opponent, Amber's hair started to float up in the air, yellow light emanating from her body. Oh?, this is an interesting development! The Sheikan female thought.
With a shout Amber shot a wave of magical electricity through the shadowy figure. She shouted again, her left eye swollen shut increasing the power until her opponent had no choice but to let go of the weapon. As the shadow sword dropped to the ground it dissipated in a puff of smoke. Amber slowly stood up, both combatants spotted the Master Sword and made a play for it.
They were neck and neck before Kathy kicked in Amber's cybernetics and Amber dove to the weapon, rolled and grabbed the hilt, still slick with her blood. Even though her leg was throbbing in pain and blood loss, Amber stood strong in the face of her foe.
"Come and get me you freak!" Amber screamed. The creature's dead blue eyes inflamed with rage and charged forward. The shadow flung its claws at her face. Amber whipped the blade forward and cleaved off her enemies hands. The demon screamed and started kicking Amber frighteningly fast. Amber tried dodging most of the attacks by got kicked more than she could dodge. Amber flew back from a kick to her stomach, the demon was on her again instantly tackling her to the ground. The dark side of Amber pressed its face closer to hers and smiled, showing blue pointy teeth. Amber paled but kept it at bey, pushing back on its shoulders. "Arg!, no biting!" She shouted as she kicked her opponent off. The creature back flipped three times and landed on its feet.
The Master Sword began glowing and Amber glanced at it in surprise. "Hhmmm?" The demon charged again and leaped up into the air. This time Amber brought up the sword and impaled it through the chest just below the neck. The thing howled in pain and indignation as it flailed its stubs trying to pull itself from the Master Sword. The beast's body began convulsing and exploded like glass into countless shards. "Ung..." Amber breathed shallow and rapidly slumping to the floor then onto her chest. The Sheikan woman slowly walked over. Amber could see her booted feet drawing closer as her vision became blurry as she lost consciousness, the Sheikan sighed heavily with relief as she looked down at the girl.
"You may save us yet Amber." She said kneeling down and stroking her hair, "But first I have to get you out of here." The woman grunted as her toned body hefted Amber over her shoulder. "My, for someone so thin you certainly are heavy." With her free hand she dug out a deku nut and slammed it on the ground. As the flash died out, the room was empty of life once again.
****
The Sheikan woman opened an ancient wooden door. Sheikan faces turned and looked at her in anticipation and hope. "Don't just sit there with your mouths' agape." The woman scolded. "Take her to the doctor!" Three males came and slid Amber off her shoulder and carried her with some difficulty down a hall.
"Being a little hard on them aren't you Brise?" A tall, brown haired Sheikan male asked with a smug grin.
Brise turned and let out a "Hmf." "Gerard, I shall speak however I feel to."
Gerard laughed loudly. "That is my Sis alright, hard as a rock....our parents were certainly wrong to name you the ancient Hyrulian term for breeze." He then brought out a wooden pipe and lit the contents. "So?" He asked sitting down. "What do you think of her?"
"Well. the Master Sword chose her, and she is a very impressive fighter." Brise furrowed her brow. "She takes too many hits. Her skills are there, just not refined enough."
"And you're thinking that you are the leader of our nation can make them shine, neh?" Gerard said with a cocky grin.
"Aye, but...there is much going on in her world at the moment. I fear that we must hold off for a while until it is more stable."
"And what if we wait too long and she won't be able to handle it?"
Brise stood in the direction of where the men took Amber silently then let out a sigh. "Then, maybe the Sheikan nation should make a return to the surface."
Amber stirred as the men placed her down on the doctor's examining table. A tall and gangly man with fiery red hair walked in and took one look at her and tsked. "I shall be here for a while, of that I am sure."
"Wh-where?" Amber began sitting up.
"No, lay back down." The doctor said as the men pushed her body back down onto her back. She struggled against them, but her body had no strength in it.
As the doctor threaded a hooked needle to sew up Amber's wound in her arm, Brise walked into the room. She looked at the doctor, then to Amber and smiled. "Don't worry he is the best in what he does."
"Thanks, that makes me feel so much better." Amber said sarcastically.
The doctor came over and rubbed a pink looking salve on her skin to numb it and stuck the needle in. Amber bit her bottom lip as the needle pierced her skin and looked over at the woman that brought her here. "Where am I at?" She asked as the Master Sword softly nudged against her thigh as it hung between her belt and pants.
"With your people, young Amber." Brise smiled. "On the opposite side of the Death mountian in the Hyrulian range. Very desolate and very concealed."
"If you wouldn't mind, I am trying to work here." The doctor said harshly with furrowed eyebrows as Amber squirmed in the bed. The room remained silent as Amber was sewn up. She winced as the doctor applied more of the salve to her stitched up wounds in her arm and leg and wound gauze tightly around them. "There, now talk all ya want." He said sharply as he packed up his things and left the room in a huff.
Brise watched with her violet eyes as the man exited the room. "Quite the excitable fellow, neh?" She turned to Amber.
"Erm, yes?" She answered unsure.
Brise nodded and continued. "You are a very talented young woman, but you lack some things. Unfortunately, there is no time at this point to teach you properly." Brise sighed heavily and rose from her seat. "Come. I must return you to the graveyard."
As Amber followed Brise with a limp, she glanced around. There were many Shiekans around, all looking at her as they went to where ever they were going at the time. It made her very nervous. "Do they all have to look at me?"
"Some just have to look. They don't get to see their leader walking with a stranger all that often." Brise said with a hint of laughter as she walked.
Amber stumbled at the revelation. "So, is it important enough now that I know your name?"
The other woman looked over her shoulder and looked at Amber out of the corner of her eye. "It is Brise." Brise took her too a doorway that led outside to a balcony. A stiff mountain wind met Amber's face and whipped back her hair. Amber looked out over the huge expanse of snow capped mountains and shook with a chill. "Now, let's get you back, shall we?" She smiled warmly. Amber quickly nodded in agreement to get out of this cold that apparently didn't affect Brise at all. "Alright." Brise raised her fingers to her mouth and whistled a song. Amber's breath caught in her mouth as purple swirls began to encompass both the woman. It soon turned into an outright scream of fright as she felt herself being flung over the mountains so fast that all she could distinguish was huge blurs of brown, white, and purple.
Amber wanted to kiss the ground as she felt her feet land on the grass of the graveyard. "Oops, I should have warned you that the most are upset the first time they travel by song. Sorry" Brise said with a wink.
Amber could feel her face getting green and fought the sensation of sickness. "You said that I needed to be taught. Why? I am a good fighter." She said with a hint of anger.
"I am not saying you aren't." Brise said with furrowed brows. "You are just untrained in ways of the Sheikah, that and you take too many hits! Why if I were to fight you now, you probably would land very few hits on me."
"Hmf, well now that I have the Master Sword I bet no-one will be-able to beat me!"
Brise rolled her eyes. "And that is another thing, you rely too much on weaponry and not enough on this." She tapped her finger to her head. "Carl taught you endurance and speed, but not dodging and repelling. That will be my job, when the time comes." She said as she brought her fingers to her lips. Brise locked onto Amber's eyes and stared into her with so much intensity that Amber felt like she would be knocked back. "I will return for you." As she played the song, the purple swirls surrounded Brise and flung her back into the air, her violet eyes never leaving Amber's blue ones.
Amber looked at the place where Brise stood just a moment ago. "Now that was an interesting experience!" Kathy said in her ear.
"And I'm amazed that you didn't speak a word through the whole thing. That must be a first for you." Amber smirked in reply.
Kathy let out a sound of annoyance. "Guess its time to go home." She said, limping back slowly to the car waiting in the parking lot. "Don't tell them I'm heading back, I just want to crawl into bed and sleep."
"Yes, Amber."
