A/N: straight to the reviews…
To Youkai: sorry about the extreme lateness of last chapter. I only hope that this one came soon enough for you. A bit more action this time tough, but I think you might be a little frustrated by the end of it.
To jade: Wow! You like my fic Too? AND you've reviewed every chapter? COOL! That makes up… (counts fingers) 5! Woohoo! Hope you enjoy this chapter too!
To T-bone: Yeah I know. Don't worry about review length, (sniff) I-I'll deal with it (starts to cry with neglection) hope your feeling better by now!
If I've forgotten someone, then it's cause I'm in real need of sleep at the moment. Sorry.
Chapter 6: Early Wake Up Call
At Lon Lon ranch…
Malon and Talon watched slightly wide-eyed as entire bowls of steaming vegetables and potatoes were consumed at a rapid pace by their visitor. In mere seconds the Hero of Time had already finished his serving and downed a bottle of milk before either of the other two bothered to pick up their fork. Navi could only hang her head in shame from the fireplace where she was keeping warm. Her color had turned a dark purple.
Link had only realized why they were staring at him once he'd finished. So he tried to shift to a more polite stance while trying his best to suppress a belch, unsuccessfully. A bit embarrassed with himself, he grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, but it was really good…"
Malon couldn't stop herself from giggling whilst Talon burst out into laughter. "HAHAHAHAHAAA! Something tells me ye were a bit' hungry there!"
"I think he still is!" Malon had her head shaking in her hands
Link thought that it would be rude to answer that. Thankfully, Talon answered it for him. "I'm sure he is! Go an' get'em another bowl of spuds!" Malon had already gone into the kitchen.
Navi exploded, "Link! Just where, pray tell, did your manners go! That is, if you ever had any in the first place!" finding that the fairy was being pretty much ignored, she gave up and simply floated up stairs and through the keyhole of Link's room.
Link was never so grateful for food in his life. In fact, it felt as though he hadn't ever had a proper meal since he could remember anyway.
He didn't know that his stomach was capable of eating so much either. Usually, he'd stop from time to time at a remote tavern and buy the cheapest produce on offer since he seldom had money to spare. He was able to get it from defeating enemies who carried rupees, gold or any other currency used in the area, but mainly used it up on weapons and health potions.
Link just realized that he ate another full bowl before Malon sat back down.
Outside, in a nearby barn…
The laughter coming from the house annoyed Ingo to no end as he violently jabbed at hay with his pitchfork near the horses that whinnied in anxiety. "AHH, SHUD UP!!" He yelled at them, while throwing the tool into the, now pierced, floorboards.
Standing behind Ingo at the entrance was a slim figure in a black cloak. Ingo's temper prevented himself from noticing the intruder's presence, but the woman got his attention. "I heard that the one who struck down the great King is residing here for the night."
Ingo spun around in shock, "How the hell did you get in here!" He barked in a slightly shaken voice." It was evident that the woman was likely to be a Gerudo as she took out a dagger.
"That doesn't matter. However, I have another, final, proposition for you…"
Back inside…
For once, he thought to himself, Link couldn't eat another bite. But he didn't think of much more, because his tiredness seemed to have tripled as he yawned while making his way to the kitchen to help wash the dishes. He was stopped by Malon. "Oh no you don't!" she grabbed the bowl from his hands. "You're going straight to bed. Besides it's Dad's turn to wash tonight and it doubt that you are even capable of helping him."
Not really wanting to argue, Link simply gave a weak smile, "Thanks for the food"
"You're welcome. But from now on, try to remind yourself how to eat once in a while." Said Malon.
Just then, Link remembered something. "By the way Malon, what's up with Ingo. He certainly wasn't very friendly back there."
Malon's eyes cast down onto the floor. "Well, yes I suppose he has been quite cranky lately. But that's because there's a lot of bandits causing trouble in the area for a while."
Link was a bit shocked, "Really! Has anything bad happened here!?"
Malon quickly shook her head, "No, Nothing serious! They've been raiding travelers who walk through Hyrule field. And a few times, they've tried to steal the ranch's entire supply of milk and they've attempted to burn down the farm before. But since Ingo likes to sleep outside in a barn. He usually stops them before they take much. He really is a decent person, he's just a little prone to strangers, that's all."
Link raised an eyebrow. Ingo stopping entire bands of thieves with his mighty pitchfork and arsenal of hot air? He didn't think it was likely. Or maybe they were just real cowards. Maybe he'd look into it in the morning, but right now, he wanted rest, as he was again finding it hard to stand up. So instead of questioning Malon of Ingo's side of the story, he simply put on a smile. "Well, I guess you're just lucky that the weirdo likes to sleep outside. Goodnight."
Malon returned the gesture, "Yes, sleep well. You can pick up Epona in the horse stall tomorrow." And with that, she left through the door to go outside, probably to feed the cuckoos again or something.
Finding himself in his room without memory of how he got there, Link simply kicked off his boots again and hit the pillow face first. Shifting to his side, he saw Navi's faint glow come from inside his hat on the bedside table where he left it. Sleep took over in mere seconds…
A few hours later, just after midnight…
It was at this point, that everyone was sleeping. Or at least, was meant to be. But outside, a lone figure was creeping out of one of the barns, and across the yard. The door to the house was unlocked with a small click, as the none other than Ingo entered. Obviously not wanting to wake anyone else, he crept up the stairway, leading to the guestroom. Upon reaching the door, he hesitated for a while, making sure that this was what he should do.
Alright, no problem, I'll just slip in, get out and nobody'll know what hit him. And that's when I'll get what I've been working fer this whole time… Anythin' I want from the Great Lord Ganon himself.
He replayed the Gerudo's words of promised rewards in his head for reassurance of his actions. Then he opened the door as quietly as possible, and made sure that the elf was asleep before he entered.
While he approached, he took out the dagger that was given to him not long ago. It gleamed in the darkness as Ingo rose it above his head, standing above the Great Hero of Time! Almost sniggering at the fact that this was so easy, he decided to make it quick, and took a last stride towards Link. Just then a surprisingly bright red light shot out at him in the face, stinging his eyes. Ingo was forced back as he tried to clear his vision, but he saw the bed again in front of him and dashed for it, knife raised. But Navi made it there first and practically collided with Link's ear as she screamed as loud as she could!
"LINK!!! WAKE UP!!!"
As Ingo thrust the weapon down, it dug deep into the wooden frame just after Link had shot himself sideways with a yelp, straight into the bedside table, making a loud and painful crash.
Ingo swore loudly as he yanked the dagger back out and ran around the bed to reach Link, who had hardly any idea what was going on, but scrambled quickly to his feet fast enough to catch sight of his attacker who made another jab for his face. He was just able to duck in time and flip Ingo over his back, sending him into the smashed debris.
Link reached behind his back to unsheathe his sword due to instinct. Finding that it wasn't there, and realizing why he was unarmed, he dashed for the bed as Ingo was getting back up, cursing his luck. Link threw the pillow off his bed to pick up his Kokiri sword from under it. He then turned around, finding that Ingo was making a final attempt as he lunged once more.
Wanting to end this now and ask questions later, Link flicked the miniature sword straight into the madman's wrist. This caused him to recoil greatly from his attack, yelling in pain, but the momentum still allowed him to get his dagger close enough to graze Link's right arm before he could get out of the way.
Ingo was down, though. And Link hardly noticed his own wound, because his train of thought was focused on finding out who was after him this time. But the corrupted man's anguishing cries, made it very clear who it was, and Link only looked at his face, which was exposed in the moon light that shone through the window, to merely confirm that it was, indeed, Ingo.
A moment of shock came over Link as he was the one who now stood above him, writhing in agony, the blade still penetrating his arm. Link knew that he was a nasty piece of work at times, but to try and kill him?! That seemed a bit much.
A pair of loud footsteps was heard as Talon and his daughter raced up the stairs and burst through the door. Talon had an iron poker from the fireplace, ready in hand. And Malon, who was in her nightgown, had picked up a saucepan from the kitchen. Both of them looked quite flustered and were even more shocked when they found out who was making the entire racket. Malon gasped, noticing that both Link and Ingo were bleeding, Ingo more so, and dropped the pan with a clatter to the floor. Talon though, stayed on guard. The pair were rooted to the spot. Navi was floating above, still glowing red.
"What in bleeding heck, is going on here!!!" he bellowed over the groans of amateur assassin.
Link didn't answer, because he didn't know, but he was soon going to find out. Taking a few strides over to where Ingo was crumpled on the floor, he bent down on his knees and interrogated.
"Now, why did you try to kill me." He asked, waiting for an answer.
Ingo was still in a great deal of pain, but Link's clear voice was difficult to ignore, "Aaarggh, g-go ta hell! Ain't no, unghh, way I'm telling ya anythin'"
Link didn't reply for a while, he just waited for Ingo to stop his profanity and for him to try and get up. He then roughly grabbed the Kokiri sword stuck in his wrist and ripped it out, causing him to yell very loudly again. Malon put her hands to her mouth, horrified, but neither herself or her father tried to stop Link, as it seemed at the moment that he had a good reason to be doing this to one who was almost part of the family.
Link done his best to show no remorse, and tried again; "I won't ask again, why did you try to kill me. Speak! Or you'll be answering…" Link dropped the small knife, got up and walked over to the bed, and reached in under it to take out his usual sword and turned to face Ingo again. "…to this." The blade might not have been razor sharp and gleaming with evil-repelling power, but Ingo seemed to get the message as he became quickly silent, eye's focused on the weapon that was pointing straight at his throat.
"It was the Gerudos, t-they made me do it!"
"I don't believe you. A Gerudo wouldn't trust a stranger with something so important, they'd do it themselves. Unless if they believed that you'd really be the best option, meaning that they'd know you…"
Ingo panicked, "It's the truth! They made me do it I tells ya!"
Link just continued "Is that why they come here at night? To "steal" your goods and for you to chase them away? Or is it that they come here to get food and supplies, since they wouldn't get it anywhere else due to their wanted names. So that you can get priceless rupees that wouldn't be worth anything to them otherwise?"
The look Ingo gave Link turned from nervous, to furious. Then, spotting the Kokiri sword on the floor near him, he grabbed it with his other hand this time. And before Link was able to stop him, he rammed into a very surprised Talon with enough force to make him fall backwards, out the door and off the stairs, where he fell almost a whole floor to the ground. Link was already in mid-swing with his sword, aiming for Ingo, but he just stopped it, an inch from Malon's face as the creep grabbed the girl and was holding her hostage.
Link was frozen to the spot and could only watch in despair as Malon cried out a muffled yelp, completely petrified. She tried to struggle free but was quickly subdued as Ingo roughly tightened his grasp and pressed the blade threateningly at her neck. She could merely grip at the arm that was holding her around the jaw with a whimper.
Ingo was taking steps backwards, "Don't move…"
Link wasn't following him as the deranged man edged towards the back of the room away from Link. "Drop her." Link growled through gritted teeth, "Or I'll…"
"Or You'll do what!?!" Ingo stopped at the window, it would be a steep fall, but he looked unhinged enough to do it. Seeing the fear in Malon's eyes Link would have to do something, and quick. He would have used his hookshot to get there quick enough before Ingo might react, but it was a very risky idea and besides, the rest of his stuff was still under the bed and he doubted he could get it without notice.
Running out of options, Link was ready to charge at them before Ingo jumped. But suddenly, a small bang ringed around the room as the same Gerudo responsible for this appeared in a flurry of smoke. Without caring who the person was, Link saw this distraction as an opportunity, lunged at Ingo and with a quick downwards swing of his sword, he sliced off the hand that Ingo was holding the Kokiri sword with. Ingo screamed louder than before, and instantly let go of Malon to grab his severely wounded arm.
Link pushed Malon aside as he gave a hefty boot to Ingo's chest, making him fly straight out the window. Not bothering to check if he was alive or not, Link spun around, only to see Malon cry out for help as she struggled against the Gerudo only to be pinned to the wall as the dark woman threw two darts at her gown's sleeves. Link almost reached her before the Gerudo threw a powder at his face, causing him to drop his sword and fall to his knees at Malon's feet as his eyes burned harder than he could have thought possible.
Navi darted around hopelessly trying to stop the bandit but to no avail as the fairy's actions were barely noticed. Link tried to blindly get up and defend Malon but he was merely kicked out of the way. As he fell to the floor again he heard Malon scream as the woman grabbed her shoulder. Above the commotion, the Gerudo yelled out at Link, "Come to the Spirit Temple before sunrise, or she'll breath her last!!"
Link's vision came back with a blur before he barely saw the silhouette of the thief as her took out another Deku Nut with her free hand. "NO!!!" he dived across the floor to grab hold of either one of them but it was too late as he shot through another heavy blast of smoke and straight into the debris of the table for a second time.
Link's mind was racing. His eyes were still on fire and when he got up, the pain of the cut on his arm came into full swing. Navi came down to his level.
"Are you okay?"
Link couldn't even realize that it was a silly question as he tore off a piece of cloth from the bed sheets and wrapped around his arm to stop the bleeding. He then tried to decide what to do next.
"Yeah…" the stinging of his eyes gradually began to ebb away as his sight returned. He walked back to where he dropped his sword and picked it up, then he went back to the bed and got his other equipment. His boots were already on, so he only needed to put on his mail under the Zora tunic, which he decided to keep on because he was determined to be heading for the Gerudo desert. And it was very cold there during the night so it would be useful.
But then he suddenly remembered something. Two things, actually. Talon and Ingo.
Deciding he should put Ingo out of his misery, and probably because he deserved it too, he took his bow and an arrow out and walked over to look out the window, Navi following. But when he looked at the ground, he saw nothing there. Only a weak trail of blood that eventually disappeared in the direction of the ranch's exit gate.
"He's gone!" said Navi.
Cursing under his breath, Link immediately headed to check if Talon was all right, so he raced out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Seeing Talon on the floor, he seemed to at least be conscious, as he was half sitting up, groaning, but his left leg was bent in a peculiar fashion, indicating that it was likely broken.
Link stepped over to help him up and limp over to a nearby chair. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"Aye, but where's Malon?" Talon inquired, not caring for his own safety.
Link found this hard to say, but swallowed hard, "She's been kidnapped."
"WHAT!?!" Talon almost rocketed out of his seat, but the intense pain sprung through his leg and made him fall back down into the chair with a yell. He looked weakly back up at Link. "Where is she?"
"At the Spirit Temple. There's not much time, I must get there before sunrise." And with that, Link started heading for the door. But Talon stopped him. "You'll never make it on foot. Here take this…" He took out a key and gave it to Link. "It's the key to the horse stable, take Epona with you, she's still the fastest there is. Please save Malon."
"Ingo is still around here…"
"Pah! I don't give a damn about him. If he shows up he's as good as dead. Besides, I heard you gave him quite a reminder to not mess with you again. Now go! Before it's too late!!"
Link didn't want to waste any more time. He sprinted towards the barn with his fairy in pursuit and took out the key, fumbling with it until it finally decided to fit in the lock. Swinging the door open, he jogged down the stables. Finding Epona in the last one to the left.
He went to open the small door to let her out, but she reared up in the air when he got near. Link supposed that she was probably anxious due to the events that were going outside, but he tried to let the horse out again. Once more, the stallion neighed loudly, rising up on two hind legs.
"Epona's scared of you Link. I don't think she recognizes you!"
Link wasn't sure what to do. He knew it would be a bad idea to let her out if she had the intention of trampling over him. But then he remembered how he first got Epona on his side, and took out the Ocarina of Time of his pocket.
Easily recalling the tune that Malon taught him, Link played Epona's song. Once finished, he looked at the horse, seeing that it certainly seemed to have calmed down a little, so he opened the door and grabbed a nearby saddle and reins. Once the horse had gotten out of the barn, Link fitted them on and climbed up on top.
Navi decided to sit inside the rim of Link's hat, like she always did when they were traveling on horseback. Link quickly gave a sharp tap on either side of Epona with the heel of his boots and the horse rocketed forwards.
"WOAH!" Link was hardly prepared for the sheer speed of the horse and had to take a right around the small field because the left turn towards the exit was too sharp for such velocity. Galloping a lap around the outside of the fenced field, he couldn't resist grinning at the feel of adrenaline the rush gave him as it did the last time with Epona. He pulled left on the reins to leave the ranch through the gates and then headed straight towards the Gerudo valley, confident he'd reach Malon in time.
Meanwhile, at the Spirit temple…
The Gerudo reappeared on the stone Triforce platform outside the entrance to their hideout. She had Malon with her, who had fainted due to the strain of teleportation since she was not of Gerudo heritage. She planned on taking her to Kiva, who would come up with a strategy to use this girl to their advantage. But since the non-believers were searching for her and the rest of her comrades inside, she took a detour through a secret passage in the wall of the Temple and walked down the steep staircase that lead to the hideout, Malon slumped over her back.
Back to Link…
It was only a few more hours until sunrise, and Link would still have to journey through the desert. But he had reached the entrance to the valley, and he got off Epona to lead the horse up the thin wooden plank over the small spring. The weather was very foreboding, with heavy clouds covering the night sky. He headed towards the bridge with his stead's reins in hand, when suddenly, a bolt of lightning shot down and the rain poured, heavily.
Link was yanked back and forced to let go of the reins as Epona turned around and ran off, petrified. That hasn't been the first time, Link thought to himself. Another flare of lightning flashed, with a heavier clap of thunder. Link would have been soaked to the skin if it had not been for the turquoise blue material of his Tunic.
But then, the noise dimmed out, despite the fact the rain got heavier. All sound seemed to stop. Then the sound of footsteps made Link look up towards the bridge with a chill down his spine. His vision was very impaired from the torrential weather, yet on the bridge, he saw the dim out line of a figure, stepping ever closer towards him.
As the shadowy being approached Link, he began to see that he was not of this Earth, yet looked so familiar with his pale skin, long hair. And now his red eyes, which seemed to flare up considerably as he reached Link's side of the bridge. Link then remembered his encounter in the Lost woods, and saw that this was the same person, no, demon who he came face to face with.
Dark Link stopped. Staring at his prey from merely a few meters away. Link thought he was going crazy! How was this happening! Was it his imagination again? But then he remembered what he found in the Water Temple and realized who was standing before him with an evil smirk on his face.
"…You!" Link had suddenly found himself in a much more defensive stance, ready for the worst.
The shadowy image simply laughed out loud in the tense atmosphere, but eventually fixed his gaze back on Link. "Oh come now…" he said in his sinister voice, "…is that all you have to say to your own shadow?" He unsheathed the lethal blade on his back, "Pity…" He continued, "…because it's the last greeting you're likely to give!"
End Chapter.
A/N: Ohh! A cliff-hanger! I'm so evil! Muwahahahaha!!! Oo! But this is definitely my largest chapter so far.
Okay, I'm still not updating as fast as I'd like to, so I'll try to speed it up a little more. The next Chapter should be up by next Sunday. Maybe having a deadline will help me keep up. But if I get more reviews, I might update sooner.
P.S.: For those who don't know. There's been word from Nintendo that this game is coming out in Japan around Summer 2005. And I think a worldwide release is possible, but I'd expect it over in America and Europe by Winter. Plus, rumor has it that the Title might be called "Rains of Sorrow" there are others, but I can't remember them right now. They were a bit crap though any way…
Until next time…