End of an Era
Chapter Seven
With all of the chaos since I arrived, I haven't had time to familiarize myself with the Mansion. Not that I want to learn my way around… despite my vision of Hyrule, the thought of settling into the routine of this place is one I refuse to think on. But as a result of this, only a few minutes after entering the Mansion, I am hopelessly lost, having only Master Hand and Marth as the only constants as we continue on down the winding halls and corridors. I hadn't thought the Mansion was so huge, but clearly I was mistaken.
"In here," Master Hand says, the door he stops at different than the countless others we've passed. Wide, double-doors with elongated handles in place of the round knobs the others have. The initials SSBM are also carved beautifully into the thick oak.
Moving aside a small portrait of some sort of trophy which hangs from the wall, the Hand moves with surprising care as he places the tip of his finger overtop of a large black pad. Light moves up and down quickly, an odd green colour, which is quickly gone. The sound of locks unhinging is heard, and one of the long, graceful handles flicks down, the doors both swinging open for us. Marth looks hesitant as Master Hand simply continues on inside.
"Hurry up." The Hand calls back, the room completely dark, so that we can't see him anymore. Marth looks down at me for a moment, but I don't meet his eyes, stepping forward boldly, so as not to show any weakness. I feel insulted by Master Hand's behavior earlier; I'm not backing down now no matter what.
It takes an impressive show of will for me to keep my face neutral as my shoe hits metal, instead of carpet or wood. Marth follows barely a breath behind me, and also notes the change in flooring. I continue on straight ahead even though I can hardly see, my footsteps not echoing, so we must still be going down some sort of corridor.
My eyes burn as light bursts as if from nowhere, afterimages fluttering through my vision as they dim back down again. Small, steady lights lining the path along which Marth and I stand, the sound of the doors clicking shut behind us noticeable as the light from the other hall is instantly cut off. The other walls swallow the light and the glass-like surface lined by the small pin points. I follow the odd lights with my eyes, and see that the lead to a somewhat better lit room at the end.
Stepping inside, I feel as if I'm in some sort of strange magician's chamber. As a Sage, my father always kept a large study devoted to the craft that came with our blood, but nothing like the odd lit panels, which hang seemingly without support on the walls, if there are any for that matter. Much like the corridor behind us, I can see nothing that does not shed light or reflect it. A large rectangular table stands in the center of the circular room, light shining from it's surface as some type of odd shelf runs along the perimeter of the chamber. Flashing lights and bright panels covering them, blinking randomly as symbols flash across the screens. The moving data all glowing the same green as the light from the pad outside.
"Sit." Master Hand's voice commands, Marth steps up to the table as I simply look around; both of us jumping slightly as two holes form in the floor, a pair of odd, bulky chairs coming out and freezing in place. Only as Marth and I each take a seat does Master Hand speak again, still not showing himself to us.
"Now..." He says one section of the panels making a series of noises as the screens on the walls go blank, the room suddenly that much darker as the light coming from the table-top increases ever-so-slightly. Looking across it, I see an unfamiliar map with strange oceans and continents scattered about. "Princess Zelda, you understand the fundamentals of the Mansion, and Smash Competition, yes?"
Nodding slightly in response, I notice Marth's eyes go wide though after a moment. Something dawning on him, as he doesn't seem to notice Master Hand's words.
"Could you be more vocal?" the Hand asks, still hidden from view, "I would like to know exactly how far your knowledge goes." I feel my back go stiff at the request, but swallow my pride yet again.
"You take important people, heroes, from their lands and bring them here to become stronger. Whether they are Good or Evil makes no difference. They fight in large tournaments for prizes, such as their freedom." I say stiffly, sitting straight in the odd chair I'm seated in, my hands folded neatly in my lap. "But, in order to maintain the mansion and it's facilities while the... Smashers... train and compete, you use the tournaments as a form of revenue."
"Very good, Princess," At last, the Hand shows himself again, floating down from the darkness above, and hovering in the air just over the tabletop. "Crazy Hand, myself, and our many employees and associates are responsible for the well-being of every off-worlder we bring into this land, even the spectators are fall under our protection." His fingers ball into a fist for a moment,
"But, reckless acts are a constant threat to the safety of those whom we are charged with providing for." his voice takes a steep dive as the Hand seems to be containing some sort of anger. "Courageous acts in a secure environment are perhaps the worst threat of all." I find the fingers of on hand fisted in my gown, and I work to lessen my grip before wrinkling the fabric, and showing my growing annoyance. I don't care what I said to Link, Master Hand is proving to be too arrogant for his own good, and with him tossing subtle hints around, it's becoming apparent that he is angry at Link for what happened.
"Pardon me, Master Hand," I say stiffly as he comes to a pause. I feel a chill across my skin, a sign that I have his attention, "But, however important the Tournaments and the money they generate may be, what right does the Mansion, and those who work within it, have to hold the Fighters here without any way of returning to their homes?" I don't know if I worded that exactly right, but now that I've spoken there isn't anything I can do about it.
"Princess, your country has been torn by war in your life-time, yes?" Why that arrogant ba--
"Yes."
"And, Prince Marth, Altea has known unrest as well, correct?" Marth's eyes are finally pried from the surface of the table, the maps clearly of his own country and it's neighbors, or else he wouldn't have become so absorbed.
"Unfortunately, yes." The other noble answers, appearing to have realized what he was doing before, and shifting slightly in his seat, sitting up straighter so as to listen more closely to the rest of the conversation.
"Well then, allow me to form a sort of analogy, which the both of you ought to be able to grasp." I neither like nor trust the sudden light tone in the Hand's voice, not replying as I wait for whatever it is he wants to say to come out.
"When your lands are at war, or there is fighting going on, there are soldiers present to fight the battles." He says clearly, Marth already frowning as Master Hand's voice sounds like one used for children. "Soldiers must be strong, and skilled, and so, they must train." I feel myself mimic Marth as I also begin to scowl, I may be merelya woman; but I know a good deal about how to direct armies in a crisis.
"Unfortunately, training can be hard, and soldiers may be injured without ever setting foot on the battle field. And, of course, a warrior who can't even lift his... sword, no matter how grand a fighter he is- or was; to be more precise, what is the point in allowing him into a battle?" I bring my hands up, the tips of my fingers together in front of my face as I listen to the Hand, a motion I have seen used by my father countless times when hearing something he disliked.
"You cannot save everyone." At this I almost feel as if I have been slapped by the blunt comment. "You will lose villages, cities, entire regions. You cannot save those people, so it is best to not think on them once it becomes logically impossible to do anything." From the corner of my eye I see Marth lean one elbow along the arm rest of his chair, running one hand over the lower half of his mouth as his eyes seem to smolder slightly, even in the dim light. Clearly, he isn't taking Master Hands example any better than I am.
"Because of this, just because one soldier, or a group of them, is from a city, with no military value somewhere being eyed by the enemy, does not mean you can turn the entire army around and fight such a useless battle." His points are painfully clear, but if he doesn't chose to sum all of this up soon, I am either going to start voicing my own opinions, or just leave.
"I'm boring you, aren't I?" Master Hand asks, still with that horrid mocking tone. "Yes, yes I am, allow me to make my point."
"You have another one?" Marth asks quietly, the words laced with venom. From his new mood, I wouldn't be surprised if Master Hand were to burst out laughing at the comment,
"Just one more," The Hand chuckles, taking a deep breath before continuing yet again. "You see, Prince, and Princess, there is a bigger picture which people must remain focused on. And here at the Mansion, I am the one maintaining that focus."
"Master Hand," I interrupt, going with instinct and utilizing the calm and clear voice I have been taught since childhood to master. "If this, 'Big Picture' of yours has absolutely anything to do with money and profits, gained from the tournaments, then I do not wish to continue this conversation, and shall be taking my leave of you." Everything suddenly becomes silent, the hum of the lights and tones from the odd panels fading out, nothing but the loud thundering of my own heart noticeable as I unconsciously hold my breath.
"I am not, a courtier, whom you can dismiss on a whim, Princess." Master Hand's tone is deathly calm, low, and foreboding in the dark room. "And, you should both know;greed is a terrible thing." The Hand turns away from Marth and I, and I note how the othernoble looks off to the side briefly, as if contemplating Master Hand's statement.
"So you--" He starts, only to quickly be cut off by the Hand.
"Princess Zelda, you will not be returning to Hyrule any time in the near future. Prince Marth, it is a good thing you are no longer the Crown Prince, or else the people of Altea would surly miss you. Good-evening you two, I am sure that dinner will be ready soon; we are having a banquet tonight, and I hope to see the both of you in the Hall promptly."
"What?" Marth shouts, banging his fist on the side of his chair suddenly, looking to confused at the moment though to be truly angry.
"How can you--" I don't even know how to finish what I was going to say, light suddenly flashing around me, as I feel lighter than air for some reason. Colours blur and mesh into one another, as I feel as the world spinning around me.
Everything comes to a halt as I abruptly drop a short ways, landing hard on the floor as the chair I was sitting in seems to have vanished. I close my eyes where I'm pone and shake my head slightly, feeling a bit nauseous before looking around. I'm out in the hallway once more, Marth just off to my right and already standing again. In front of us are the same double-doors through which Master Hand led us.
"What did he mean by that…?" I ask softly, not moving to get up as I close my eyes again. Marth doesn't respond at first, the corridor completely silent as we both just seem to wait there for, something to happen.
"Profits… over people…" The Prince murmurs after a moment. "If you and I were to return to our worlds, would we leave to attend weekly tournaments? One cannot rule a country, or rebuild one for that matter, with only four days out of seven… And the Hands know which we would both chose if given the chance."
'If they even let you go…' I remember Link's voice from earlier, he's one of the popular competitors, and he told me that because of that the Hands don't want him to die. I'm seeing just how true that really is…
Slowly, I push myself up off the floor, staring blankly at the wall as Marth takes my elbow to help me to my feet. Once standing, I'm at a loss as to what too do next, so just remain still, my mind turning up blanks as I try to sift through what just happened. After a moment though, I realize that standing in the middle of a hall is not going to get anything done. Returning to my room would be wise, even if I happen to see Link when I make it there, I think that…
"Princess," Marth calls, I hadn't noticed I was already walking, and pause as I glance back over my shoulder at him. "What are you going to do now?" He asks, sadness touching his cobalt eyes. Looking back to the front, I contemplate an answer for a moment.
"I… don't know exactly." I reply, "Before anything though, I have to speak with Link…"
"Link?"
"After hearing Master Hand's words, it… doesn't feel right to blame him as much as I thought he deserved…" I clasp my hands together in front of me for a moment, my left on top so that I can see the golden Triforce fused into my hand. "The more time I spend here… The more I see that, he is a victim as well." Glancing back again, I can barely see Marth from this angle.
"And what about you, Marth?" I ask, "You will not abandon Altea, yet you face the same problem as I." I hear him sigh slightly, his footsteps deadened by the carpet as he steps up and past me,
"I don't quite know either," He replies softly, "I must speak with Roy though, we may be able to come up with something similar to what I'm sure Link and yourself will decide on." Marth pauses as he comes to the corner, looking back at me for a moment,
"I'm afraid I won't be attending the banquet tonight," He comments, "I would advise you to go though, it's in your honour as the newest… Competitor…" he looks almost sad as he says that, both of us recalling Master Hand's words. Looking down at the Triforce in my hand, I can only shake my head.
"No…" I say softly, "I won't be going either, nor will I fight in those sick battles. That twisted hand as taken from me almost everything I ever valued, I refuse to give into its designs. I just…" I let the words fall and bring my left hand up under my nose, my fingers curled slightly as if I'm acting to cough. I don't know what else to say; right now I want to speak with Link, and then I'll see where things go from there.
"Zelda," I look back at Marth as he calls my name again, he looks to be debating over his words for a moment before settling on something proper, "You aren't alone in this." He states calmly, for some reason, now the pain in his eyes is becoming more apparent. I can't crack a smile to even pretend too be feeling alright, simply nodding to him, and holding onto myself slightly as he starts walking again, vanishing behind the corner.
Thirty Knights, a brigade of Labrannian Soldiers, five Zoras, a Scholar, a Page, three Sheikah, a Dethroned King, and a Fallen Hero; all which remains of Hyrule's great power, every last one sitting within a sunken castle. Any and everyone else now fighting for survival above the waves.
It's a feat of magic I never thought His Highness could possess, placing a shield over the estate, as well as a large chunk of the countryside to keep it from being consumed by the waves. There's no light down here though, the clouds above blocking out the sun's rays, just as there is no wind because of the blockades. Everything but for the splash of water out here in the gardens is silent, just before I was brought back here from the Mansion, I was going insane from the constant noise, but the silence here is deafening.
It seems, from the discussions I heard before retreating outside, that the weather has been different in other parts of the world. While the rain is dumped over Hyrule's mountains, Labraynna and Holodrum are in the midst of horrid droughts. Lakes and riverbeds dry under the scorching sun. Famine and Disease are running just as rampant in other lands as they were here before the masses finally just died off. Teminia is all but sunken just as Hyrule, it's coastline jumping up inland by miles in some areas, while in others there is just as much area of dry seabed.
Just as I had thought before I even arrived, the Zoras aren't fairing any better. The Zora cities all around the world are not escaping destruction and desertion as the vast oceans deepen and then vanish. The fish they feed on dying as salt levels as well as temperatures rise and fall on a whim. Most of them are abandoning the seas all together, the ones in Hyrule without much of a choice as it seems Ganondorf's influence over the soil; making it toxic and black, has seeped into the water to poison the Zora in their homes.
So much mindless, endless destruction. Completely without meaning, yet with an impossible death-toll just the same. I am so far beyond guilt that I'm not even sick of myself anymore. Just to stunned by what's happened that instead of being mad at myself, I'm growing frustrated with the people. Just because one stupid fairy-boy doesn't show up, they all get wiped out? Maybe the masses weren't worth saving after all.
Gah, but it's those thoughts which won't get anything done. The rains should have stopped by now, but they're showing no signs of doing so. Hyrule was the only land being corrupted by Ganondorf, so why are the Goddesses allowing Holodrum, Labrynna, and Teminia to suffer as well? Again, I'm giving up before I even start, and I still can't harness the anger to be mad at myself for it any more! You would think that Ganondorf's puppet, that dark side of me were around; I'm defiantly not enjoying the chaos and injustice, but instead of being angry or sad, I'm just not feeling anything!
Frustration being all I can muster, I look down at where the Master Sword is spread across my knees where I'm sitting cross-legged. The blade is perhaps the only reason I was able to return to Hyrule; it's my final connection to this world. I truly was a fool for thinking Farore wanted to redeem me; the Goddess merely wants the sword returned to its place here in Hyrule. Only this time, the Master Sword will rest at the bottom of an ocean.
It will have to go into the Estate; the Temple of Time along with Castle Town were both consumed by the waters before His Majesty could erect the barrier. A calmly flowing river surrounding the castle on all sides but for one frail bridge of stone, that which only leads towards a towering structure guarded by it's own shield; Ganondorf's lair. Everything else around the Castle has been destroyed by the water, this one garden in the back the only one to have escaped collapse as the entire building rests on only a fragile series of columns.
Only perhaps an hour more without the barrier; everything standing now would have plummeted into the waters as well; a horrific idea, yet understandable. Some the lowest halls down which the storage areas were kept end with gaping holes, below which you can see the river. I haven't seen any of these corridors though, after His Majesty showed me the remaining troops, and everyone was introduced, they went back to whatever work they had been doing before, and I came outside where I am now.
Regardless though, once His Highness the King finishes preparing whatever spell and prayers he is working with in some hidden chamber inside, he is going to harness the power of the Master Sword, and use it to seal away Ganondorf again. But... to be honest; I don't think it will work. Every time someone mentions this plan of the King's, I instantly remember that odd light from the Master Sword when Farore appeared, and how it began to fade... The Goddess mentioned the Sages, but I haven't brought them up yet. I highly doubt we have the time to go gallivanting off into the Temples to search for them anyways...
My gloves are both on the grass beside me, everything still eerily quiet as I lift the Blade off my knees, holding it upright in my left hand. I frown deeply as I can't keep it straight, the point wobbling from side to side slightly as I bring my right hand up to ease the strain. The Sword itself hasn't gotten heavier, I just... can't...hold it...
I sigh deeply and lean the flat side of the blade against my forehead, relieving my arm of the minimal stress I was putting it under. I've been told time and time again not to push myself when it comes to my arm, every time I've seen the Doctor he's lectured me about how, if I hadn't been so reckless these past weeks, I probably would only have a faded scar by now. Well, it's not like I could take it easy all this time, not when I was told I couldn't ever go home. I had to fight for a way back, and in the end, yes, maybe that has come back to haunt me. But I'm just not they kind of person who sits around waiting for things to happen...
At least, I never was before...
I feel a bit foolish as I realize I still don't know my way around, choosing not to think on it though as I just start walking. Wandering indoors never hurt anyone, not even in a place like this.
I can no longer hear Marth's footsteps as I make my way down the winding corridors, all of which beautifully decorated with dark wooden pannels, and fixtures which look almost to be made of gold. They aren't holding candles though, yet again I find myself coming across that odd light-source. The thick, rich carpets a dark red which compliments the shade of the wooden floors, and easily muffling my steps as I walk along silently. My mind completely blank as I continue on...
What am I supposed to be feeling at the moment, anyways? Because of Master HandI could say I'm devastated, confused, angry, and so many other things, but I've already been haunted by those emotions for so long already that...
And then there's Link... How, no, what can I possibly say to him if- no, when we meet again? I find myself in his position now, and don't quite know how to change that... Master Hand is... well, to be honest he's a greedy tyrant is what Master Hand is. Every bone should be broken once and then once more, only because of how wretchedly he treats people! Don't get me started on the injustices of how he runs this, competition of his. No, it's not a competition, not a charity, it's a business! A monopoly of power where he brings people as guests, and once they start moving up, or threaten to leave he makes them his slaves!
That cruel, scheming, deceptive, lying, arrogant--!
I stop walking and fist my hands at my sides, shaking with outright furry as I just don't know what to do or think. Nayru, why won't you help me? I don't know why I'm here, I don't know how to help or change what's happening. I'm useless here! I feel worthless!
I feel my eyes stinging where they're shut tightly, I bring one gloved hand up and cover the upper half of my face to help keep tears at bay. Breathing deeply, I open them again to see everything suddenly turn dark, the hall and my surroundings fading as I suddenly feel as if I'm underwater.
I don't know what happened, or what's happening. Stunned, I quickly start to panic. Gasping in the sudden cold, clammy feeling, I'm shocked to find that I can still breath, but as I exhale, bubbles form. The shimmering lines found at the bottom of a pond or lake flicker around me, adding to the strange scene. And slowly, I begin to calm back down...
'Child...' The waters all a pleasant sky blue. A bright shimmering light appears above and in front of me, a condensed ball which slowly becomes more clear. A young woman dressed in a ruffled blue skirt appears in the light; a green sarong wrapped around her hips and kept in place with a band of gold. Her aquarium top a unique style, and accented by the plain golden bands around her slender throat and wrists; small loops of gold sway from her pointed ears as she looks down upon me sadly. Sapphire eyes filled with sorrow as she holds a delicate harp of precious stones in one arm, hair the colour of a bright spring sky cascading down her shoulders in bountiful waves. The light never fading around her body.
I open my mouth to speak the Goddess's name, even if it weren't obvious, the power resonating through my Triforce of Wisdom proves that this is indeed Nayru; the Goddess of Water, and of Wisdom. I blink though as, again, only bubbles appear, my voice lost for the moment. Slowly though, my Patron floats down closer to where I am, keeping her Harp securely in the crook of one arm as she extends one hand towards me.
'Please,' She whispers, her slender hand coming to rest gently along my cheek, a caring gesture. Her eyes are so incredibly sad as she just floats there before me, 'Do not force me down Farore's path. She is so impatient too have our powers once again assembled, that she would do that which hurts her most. But, the time is near; with the pull of every tide, the crash of each wave, the end comes ever closer.'
I don't understand what she's saying. The words are clear, but their meaning seems too far beyond me as the Goddess pulls away; her eyes still on the verge of tears. I just don't know what she means, or maybe... maybe I do, but I just don't want to listen...
All my life I have heard time and time again from everyone around me, that my family is blessed with Nayru's touch. That she is the one whom gives the people of my bloodline the power to receive visions of the future, to help maintain the peace of Hyrule. But never have I seen her though, never has the goddess shown herself to me. She looks so much like the Oracle of Ages in Labrynna, the young woman who holds the Goddess's name. But the deity herself is, in all essence of the word, perfect. Not flawed at all as every mortal is in their own way.
And yet, Nayru still looks so sad...
'My sister, has great luck,' Nayru speaks, still moving away from me in the glistening water, 'in a brief window, she not only touched, but took hold of the one she has blessed. I lack this window now, but have one last gift.' A sparkle of light appears just in front of the Goddess, shimmering a light blue; similar to a firefly. This small speck of light moves forward slowly, pausing as it moves half-way between the two of us.
'Come home, child...' the Goddess whispers, closing her eyes as at last, a few glistening tears slip down her flawless skin. As the small light comes closer, I fold my hands together in front of me and close my eyes as if in prayer. Nayru's words coming to me as I hear the timeless crash of waves in the distance, the subtle crackle of fires burning, and the low song of the winds. The power of the Gods flows warmly through my veins, and I can see light shinning around me for all that my eyes are still shut. I feel as if the world is spinning around me for a time, slowly fading as I begin to fall.
'Return to us...' Her voice echoes, the power surrounding me letting go, giving the sensation of plummeting from a great height. I don't open my eyes though, still keeping my hands clasped as a sign of faith; as after a few moments I at last begin to slow, to the point where I'm not moving at all.
With Nayru's touch still fading; I at last look up from where I'm kneeling on the floor, a pool of water soaking through the red rugs of the Mansion hall. My skirts becoming wet, and the paint from the picture before me runs, spilling over the frame and down the wall to the floor.
Directly in front of me though, is yet another gift from my Patron Goddess. The first a deep knowledge now held within my Triforce, something that shall become known to me when I have need of it. This second one though, is...
'A fine instrument,' A hard voice comments, speaking more through my mind than through words. Half-expecting it to be Master Hand, I am surprised as I turn to see a cat-like creature hanging in the air a short ways from me. Its abnormal autonomy giving it a frightening appearance, stunted cat-ears, and dark, piercing eyes looking me over before resting on the Harp before me. Floating towards me, I can faintly see a dark violet cloud hovering around it, centering around one three-fingered hand as it lifts it towards the instrument. A similar cloud boils up around the finely crafted frame, much like my old one which was lost to the waters in the flooding.
'And... Well protected.' Its eyes widen marginally for a moment before returning to normal. It let's its arm drop and both clouds fade, the one around the Harp vanishing completely.
I pick up the instrument gingerly, feeling a tingle along the back of my left hand as I hold it carefully. Its golden strings look as if they're only just waiting to be plucked, a mask of gold covering a face carved into the wood. Incredible workmanship, to attach the gold without burning the harp must have been taxing indeed, but perhaps not so for the gods. Taking a closer look at it, I'm beginning to doubt it's at all like mine.
"You're... Mewtwo, if I'm not mistaken, yes?" I ask, at last finding my voice. The cat-like creature nods slowly before crossing its thin arms.
'Marth told the rest of us what Master Hand has decided.' It says, making sure the conversation doesn't move into idle chatter, 'Peach is most distressed, and the two seem to have vanished for the moment. Unfortunately though, no one seemed concerned about you.'
"And you were? I mean-" I feel myself go instantly red at the foolish comment, such a blunt way of asking a question. Mewtwo appears intrigued for a moment, before continuing with that stately tone.
'Perhaps; although we are not considered friends, Link and myself are on good terms. And, despite the fact that the two of you seem to have come into conflict, Link in the past has often spoken quite highly of the Hylian monarch.' I don't exactly have anything to say in reply, not quite sure what I'm supposed to respond with, and thus remaining silent.
'Princess, you hold the power of Foresight, correct?' The cat asks after the silence stretches to long. For some reason, I begin to notice an odd tingling sensation along the back of my neck.
"Yes," I reply, suddenly curious as to how he could know that, "It is... A gift… given to my family. My father and I may receive premonitions from the Gods." Mewtwo's eyes narrow slightly at my reference to Nayru and her sisters.
'It seems the people of Hyrule had a very strong connection with their deities, 'It comments after a moment, the words stinging slightly as that tingling sensation becoming more noticeable for a moment before it's eyes go somewhat large.
'I apologize.' It says, 'It seems once again I have spoken before knowing the facts of the matter. Perhaps speaking so bluntly was not wise.'
"You can read minds, can't you?" I ask it, still unsure, but leaning towards referring to Mewtwo as a male, the projected voice certainly not feminine. Mewtwo almost gives what I would consider a smile, nodding at my conclusion before becoming serious yet again.
'The last foolish comment of mine was directed at your partner, referring to him yet again as Farore's Chosen, only then to learn of his... loss...' I blink a bit at that, the harp in my arms forgotten for the moment. Slowly I recall Marth telling me about how everyone saw Link lose his arm, but that the Triforce was something kept very quiet. My eyes widen the instant I allow that thought to rise, expecting some sort of reaction from Mewtwo.
'As I said, Princess, I already made myself the fool for not knowing that particular fact.' He -I'm almost positive now- states in a very calm voice, 'I am glad to see that you are indeed well-informed for having only just arrived.'
Another uneasy silence begins; for some reason, it's difficult to speak with Mewtwo about, what I consider, a very delicate topic. Yet again though, it is he who brings the conversation back to life.
'Because of your connection with the Hylian Gods, I would assume that, like myself, you are aware of what took place earlier this afternoon?' Mewtwo asks, and I frown slightly before nodding to him.
"I wasn't entirely sure before; I could have sworn I felt the power of our gods nearby." I tell him, "I don't know why I couldn't make the connection sooner though, if Nayru can come to me, asking for my return, then I don't doubt Farore could do the same with Link."
'Yes,' Mewtwo nods slightly, showing his understanding. 'But, although both of you could be contacted, why is it that the one who still holds a piece of the Trifroce would be left here, while the other whisked away?' Those dark eyes once again focus on the Harp in my arms, 'A puzzling riddle...' I look down slightly at the Harp left to me, I can sense power within it, but for some reason I don't think that I could tap it if I so wished. As Mewtwo said; a puzzling riddle.
'I am going to go find some of the others,' Mewtwo states after a moment, turning his back on me and floating off.
"For what?" I ask, following him, both to find out why -if it's any of my business at least- and to at last return to someplace familiar in the mansion. I hadn't known it was so large!
'As a whole, the Smashers are now very upset with Master Hand.' He explains calmly as we continue, turning at what seem like random points. 'With his sudden corruption at the hands of Capitalism, an unintentional pun, I would not hesitate to guess that the other people here would shirk off a chance to anger him.' The cat-like creature pauses for a moment, his dark eyes coming around to look me straight in the eye.
'Unless you do not wish to return to Hyrule with the utmost of speed; then I shall simply not bother them.' he states flatly, that look in his eyes apparently testing me where we stand. 'I can easily find something more important to do with my time than to concern myself with the trials another world, so different from my own, may be experiencing.'
"Are you offering to help me?" I ask, the answer obvious, but wanting there to be no confusion, or gray areas later. Mewtwo's eyes narrow marginally, before he nods.
'It would make far greater sense than to simply ignore the injustice of the situation.' He says, looking away from me, as he starts moving yet again. 'I am sure Captain Falcon will be more than willing to offer the speed of his racer in aiding you. And Prince Marth's accompaniment is all but guaranteed. In fact, with myself out of the way, I highly doubt that there will be anyone who will contest your leaving without Master Hand's permission.'
Most of what he is saying means little to me as I find us coming towards the lounge, at last recognizing the halls as the sounds of people talking very loudly begins to make itself more clear. But the details mean little at the moment; a Racer, whatever it is, ought to be fast, and I would welcome Math's company. There is only one last thing I need get out the way before everything gets started. And I gently put my hand on Mewtwo's frail-looking arm, getting the attention of those strange eyes again.
"You have my thanks, Mewtwo."
