Chapter 2: Past Recollections

Maple no longer remembered when she was young. She recalled shady events through the ambiguous lens she now looked through, but it was not enough to sustain what she knew was missing. Though she was not aware of it, it was her parents' deaths that frayed her memory. It was those creatures, those ghouls, as she called them, that killed them. When they came, the night had turned silent, and the air had turned to ice. And when they left, her life had never been the same.

She came to the island searching for something that she knew was already gone. But by the time she realized this, her broom had snapped in half, and she had no way to return home. She found the Fairies, those fragile, delicate creatures. How easy it was to break them, to exert force over them. What gave them the right to live happy lives while hers was left in agony? They were the weak ones; she was strong. Why was she to suffer while they prospered?

And when the others came, she knew that the veil of a life she was living was coming to an end. She disguised her fear with confidence and audacity, but sooner or later her wound would be uncovered.

"Who-who are you?" repeated Link, too surprised at the sight of anyone in so long to say more.

"I've already told you," she answered. "I am Maple, the witch without a broom."

"What do you want?" asked Link. He could see she held a wand in her hand, and knowing what dangers it could cause, he was on guard.

"Why should I want anything?" answered the witch. "I was perfectly happy here with my slaves before you showed up."

"Slaves?"

Tetra appeared behind Link. Surprised by the appearance of the witch, and by the weapon in her hand, she drew a knife.

The witch took notice of Tetra, and how quickly she went for her weapon. Maple immediately noticed the way she looked at Link, the undying loyalty for him that shadowed her every move. They reminded Maple of those she had left behind, the ambiguous past that was taken from her. Hate filled the witch. So much hate.

"I see you have an accomplice," she said curtly. And without warning, with one flick of the wrist, a dark wisp of energy was released from her wand. Link saw the magic as it fell past him, and he knew where it was aimed. Before Tetra had the chance to defend herself, the magic enveloped her body and consumed her. Like a rug it wrapped around her, tainting her body in black. And when the magic left her, there was little left. She fell to the ground, and before her eyes eased into unconsciousness, she took one last look at Maple, the witch without a broom. She was laughing maniacally now, her slaves raising her into the air like a platform. Tetra could sense that anger and aggression flowed through Maple almost as profusely as the magic through her.

So much hate.