Hello everyone!
I can't express how happy and thankful I am for all the amazing reviews I have received so far! I still have some first story insecurities and it's very much a relief to know that I'm writing something that's entertaining and worth reading :D
Now, as for minor insecurities... I do have a few for this one because this is another pivotal chapter. I'm hoping it's not too much as what happens is fundamental for the rest of this story. So I'm hoping I delivered it properly :)
Anyways, annoying a/n intro over.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing of LoZ; only my OC's and plot.
I walked into the inn and my ears were instantly ringing with voices coming from the dining hall. It was a welcomed change from the eerie silence of this morning.
I couldn't stop fantasizing about my training. Will Nobu teach me how to use a sword? A bow and arrow? Hand-to-hand combat? I was so excited that I completely forgot just how hungry I was. But the moment the smell of food hit my nose my stomach growled and saliva filled my mouth, and I knew I had to eat something quick.
Fortunately, there were only three people in front of the service window. Unfortunately, Malon was the last in line. I thought about taking a seat and waiting until she left, but my stomach growled so loud that a few villagers turned their heads to look at me.
Cheeks burning with embarrassment, I quickly made my way to the line and stood behind the tall redhead.
She seemed to be ignoring me (which I was perfectly fine with) and grabbed her tray once she reached the service window. I expected her to walk away but she turned to face me and scowled before spinning on her heel- the movement causing her fiery hair to flutter down her back- and made her way to a table with Ilia and Link.
I rolled my eyes and grabbed the tray that was set out for me, thanking the chef before leaving. I quickly scanned the area and found Parker, Calli, and Charlie sitting at the same table that we used yesterday.
I sat next to Parker and started to dig in. The Ordon pumpkin soup was served again (which I was happy about) along with a slice of crusty bread and some fruits. There was one of the apple-kiwi fruit and small yellow berries that had a citrus taste to them. A large jug of water sat on the table and I drank two full glasses before polishing off my meal.
"So what's the plan for today?" Charlie asked as he popped a few berries into his mouth.
"I don't know about you guys, but I think it's a good idea for all of us to go to the springs and take a bath," Calli said.
"Yeah, that sounds good," Charlie agreed.
"I'm going to help Shad with researching this weapon," Parker said. "The faster we find where the pieces are, the faster we can go home."
"You should probably take a bath first because you sm— uh, no one smells the best right now," Calli corrected herself with a grin.
Parker chuckled then nodded.
"I think I'm going to take a nap," I said.
I decided I didn't want to tell them that I was training to fight- at least, not yet. I knew that if I did they'd all come and watch, and I wanted to be able to focus on what Nobu was telling me and not be distracted by their laughter whenever I made a fool out of myself.
"You sure?" Charlie asked me.
"Yeah. I didn't sleep at all after this morning and I'm beyond tired," I half-lied since I really was beyond tired.
"Don't you want to take a bath first?" Calli asked.
"Nah. I'm afraid that the warm water will make me fall asleep and drown, I'm that exhausted," I said, laughing lightly. "I'll take one after I wake up."
Calli rolled her eyes at me but didn't argue. "Okay, well I'm done," she said standing and picking up her tray. "Guys, we'll meet in about five minutes and then walk to the springs together."
Both Parker and Charlie nodded then grabbed their trays and brought them back to the service window.
"I'll walk to the room with you and grab my things," Calli said.
"Sure," I said and followed behind her as we dropped off our own dishes.
As the four of us were making our way out, I saw Rusl's wife stand from her table and take the hand of the little blond boy (whose name still escaped me) and exited the dining hall before us.
We all climbed the stairs together and then separated once we got to our rooms. I sat down on my bed as Calli went to the dresser, picked up the bottled soaps that she kept from our first night here, pulled a fresh towel from the dresser drawer then turned to me.
"Can I have my skirt back?" she asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah," I answered, forgetting that I was wearing it. I undid the single button at the top, slipped out of it and tossed it to her.
"Thanks," she smiled as I sat back down. "Did you want me to come and wake you when we're finished?"
"Uh, no. I should be fine with waking on my own," I said, smiling back at her and taking off my boots to mimic getting ready to sleep.
"Okay," she nodded and walked out the door and closed it behind her. I could hear her greet the guys in the hall and listened as their footsteps receded and disappeared around the corner.
I wasn't sure how much time had passed since I talked to Nobu- twenty, maybe thirty minutes tops- but I didn't want to risk being late for my first lesson. I quickly found my tan pants and dark red tunic and pulled them on, along with my boots. Then I exited the room.
I stood on the landing of the third floor and took a look below me. The main floor looked empty, and as I descended the stairs all the noise seemed to still be coming from the dining hall. My excitement came back once I left the inn, and as I walked down the ramp and into the village I knew that I was ready for anything that Nobu could throw at me.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
It was beautiful down in the meadow.
The grass was lush and soft, and the leaves of the tiny forest grove whispered in the cool wind that swirled all around. The Ordon goats (which were twice the size of a normal goat) chomped on the green grass while the cuccos pecked at the dirt for bugs.
It was so peaceful here.
Once I reached the bottom of the cliff side path I walked along the base of the rocky wall, heading towards the middle (where I thought it was best to wait) and noticed that I wasn't alone. However, it wasn't Nobu down here with me.
It was Rusl's wife and their son. She smiled when she saw me and waved me over.
"Hello again," she said pleasantly as I approached.
"Hello," I said with a smile.
"I hope you and your friends are doing well after this morning?" she asked as her warm eyes looked me over.
I paused for a moment (slightly taken aback by the true concern on her face) then said sincerely, "We are. Thank you."
"I am glad to hear that," she said with a sigh of relief. Then her head tilted with curiosity. "What brings you down here?"
"Oh, umm... Nobu said that he would teach me how to fight," I answered, unable to keep the large grin off my face.
"Nobu?" she said, surprised. "You must have done something pretty special to have him agree to train you." She sounded impressed.
"He's seems to think that I was able to persuade Link to go after the Master Sword," I explained, rolling my eyes at how ridiculous it still sounded.
"So... my husband was telling the truth. Link is finally claiming his destiny," she said, her voice soft and warm as she looked out at the meadow.
"I guess," I said because I couldn't think of anything else to say.
Her eyes came back to me and laughed lightly. "I do not believe we have been properly introduced. My name is Uli."
Right, Uli!
"Del," I said as I put out my hand, which she shook.
"What a pretty name."
"Thanks. It's actually short for Delia," I told her.
"Delia..." she said as if testing how my name felt on her lips, running her hand softly over the swell of her tummy. "How lovely."
I smiled. "So, how come you're down here?"
"My son, Colin (Colin!). He also thinks that this is a good place to train," she said as she looked at her son.
I followed her gaze and saw the little boy brandishing a small wooden sword back and forth, a look of pure concentration on his face.
"Colin is a timid boy," Uli continued, "and the other kids like to tease him because of it. But he asks me to bring him here every day where he trains harder than anyone I know." She turned to look at me again and I saw the pride she felt for her son radiating from her face.
"He'll be quite the swordsman," I said.
"Just like his father," she smiled. "And speaking of swordsmen," she said, looking past me, "here comes Hyrule's finest. Good afternoon, Nobu!"
I swung around to see Nobu walking up behind me, holding two large wooden swords. My heart thudded with nervous excitement.
"Uli," he said politely with a small bow of his head. "Del, may I have a word?" he asked and turned and walked away before I could answer.
"It was nice talking to you!" I said to Uli before I jogged to catch up to Nobu.
"What's up?" I asked once I came up next to him. He didn't stop walking.
"I'm afraid I can't train you today. I'm sorry," he said not sounding very sorry at all.
"What? Why?" I asked as my excitement was quickly replaced by crushing disappointment.
He just stared straight ahead, not saying a word.
"Nobu!?" I cried as I grabbed his arm.
He finally stopped walking and faced me. "Ashei came back with a report that might have something to do with the bokoblin attack this morning. It may have no connection but I have to verify it for myself."
I let out a small huff because I knew he was in the right to go after this lead. However, just because I understood didn't mean I had to be happy about it.
"You can't spare an hour, or even half an hour to teach me something?" I asked, hoping that he could.
He shook his head. "I only have a small window of opportunity to follow this."
I sighed and nodded. "I understand."
"There... there might be someone else who could help you," he considered, placing a finger on his chin.
"Who?" I asked, curious.
He inclined his head towards the meadow and I looked behind me to see Colin practicing slashing his sword. He brought it down a little too hard on the last swing and stumbled before he steadied himself again.
"Colin?" I whispered in disbelief as I turned back, then I saw the teasing smile on Nobu's lips.
I laughed.
So, Nobu has a sense of humour...
"I have to go. But Del, I will train you," he said and I heard the promise he made to me earlier once again in those two words. He turned to leave only to quickly turn back.
"Here," he said, handing me the two wooden swords. "Just in case, you know..." he shrugged and pointed in Colin's direction once more.
I glared at him but I couldn't hold back my smile. He bowed his head like he did for Uli then turned and walked to the mountain path and back up the hill.
I sighed again as I dropped one of the swords and held the other. I stared at the piece of wood in my hand, and knowing that I had no idea where to begin with this, dropped it too. I sat down in a slump on the grass, knees pulled up under my chin as I sighed for the millionth time today.
I looked over at Colin, who was still practicing his sword slashes, and I noticed that he was getting better. He seemed more stable on his feet with each swing.
Maybe... maybe he really could teach me something?
Before I decided whether I really wanted the help or not, I felt something and my attention shifted to the forest grove on the other side of the meadow. The trees were rustling as the cool wind was no longer swirling lightly but whipping back and forth through the branches, causing some of the green leaves to break off and fall too soon.
As I watched the leaves fall I felt a jolting tug on my heart. I gasped lightly from the sensation and I froze knowing exactly what this was...
That force was back, pulling harder than ever, and I knew that there was no escape- I had to follow it again.
Rising from my seat on the grass, I made my way across the wide meadow, only to stop at the largest opening of the grove. I stared inside and saw nothing but a wall of darkness that cut through the forest a little ways in. The light filtering through the canopy only went so far before being swallowed by the blackness.
My heart was tugged once more and I hissed in discomfort as it was stronger than the last. Whatever wanted me to go in there was getting impatient. My blood pounded loudly in my ears as I took a shaky breath before walking into the trees.
I slowly made my way inside. I stopped before the wall of darkness- which looked unsettlingly thick and tangible- hesitant to leave the light behind. I looked back and forth for another way around, but there was nothing.
The wind was still whipping through the leaves but then it shifted and started to blow hard on my back. It was pushing me towards the unknown. Panic took over my body and I was about to attempt to run away when my hand was enveloped in warmth.
I couldn't turn away now.
Whatever brought me and the others here was close by and I wanted answers. I steeled myself as I looked at the dark, then taking a deep breath, walked through the inky shroud...
...and emerged into a tiny forest oasis.
I gasped as I looked around. The sun was no longer hindered by the darkness and softly shone through the leaves in gold and green light. The tiny clearing was surrounded by trees that resembled aspens; all of them tall and thin and pearlescent white that shimmered where the light touched them from the canopy above.
A large pool of water lay just ahead and to the right, surrounded by low bushes and small boulders. There was a little waterfall that ran from a rocky hill that extended just behind the pool and disappeared off into the trees.
I walked to the edge of the pool and looked down. The water was the colour of sapphires- smooth and clear and I was able to see my reflection perfectly.
But I looked away from my reflection and back to the little waterfall. As the water fell no ripples were made on the surface of the pool. It remained completely still as if it were glass, and gave me the impression that I could walk on it.
"What is this place?" I breathed out loud.
"The Great Fairy Oasis," an ethereal voice responded.
I jumped. It seemed to have come from somewhere and nowhere at the same time.
"Wh- who's there?" I inquired, unable to keep the stutter of fear from my voice as I looked around.
A soft, tinkling laughter filled the air around me as a female figure started to appear above the surface of the pool.
My eyes widened. It was as if I was looking at her through a cloak of grey mist. The apparition was foggy and blurred and I couldn't get a good look at her. However, I was able to pick out a few features: pale skin, dark orb-like eyes, and flashes of pink and red flowing around her head.
I froze as I stared at her.
"Are... are you a Great Fairy?" I asked in awe. "Why can't I see you?"
The mist around her thinned and I was able to see a light outline of her face through the veil, her mouth lifting in a smile. My heart pounded with astonishment.
"I have been waiting for you," she said.
Her voice sounded familiar and I looked at her in shock. "It was you, wasn't it? You're the one that brought us all here?"
The fairy smiled again, pink and red strands of hair swirling slowly around her as if caught in a lazy current.
"Why?"
"You have been chosen for a remarkable destiny," she said with majesty in her voice.
I laughed hard at that. "You're joking, right?"
Her veiled eyes just stared at me as she said nothing.
"Come on, "chosen"? By who? The goddesses?" I snorted. "You do know they already have a chosen hero, right?"
"Your given destiny does not reflect that of the Chosen Hero's; however, your paths must intertwine for yours to be fulfilled."
I rubbed my forehead. "What are you talking about? This makes no sense."
"Give it time," she said patiently. Her tone was light and airy- as if she was talking to a child who was too eager to know the ending of a good movie.
I glared at her. "Time? I don't have time! Me and my friends need to get back home! We've been here for almost three days and our families are probably going crazy looking for us!"
"It is a small price to pay for a greater purpose," she reasoned. However, her voice sounded slightly indifferent, and it made me furious.
"My mother's suffering is not a price!" I yelled, seething at the fairy. "How dare you even think that!"
She just stared at me and remained silent. I watched as misty tendrils swirled around her, and despite not being able to see her clearly, what I saw of her face resembled something close to delight.
It made me seethe even more.
"This is ridiculous! I don't want this. I don't want your "destiny". I refuse to go along with it!" I yelled defiantly.
"The course of the path you have been given has already been set in motion. If you wish to go home then you must see this through," the fairy said calmly.
I just stared at her as my heart sank. "So, that's it then? I have no choice?"
Her silence was confirmation enough.
"What about my friends? What's their role in all of this?" I asked as my body started to feel like lead.
"It is nothing more than being in the wrong place at the wrong time."
I blinked. "Then... then you can send them back..." I thought out loud then looked directly at the fairy. "If they have nothing to do with this "destiny" crap then you can send them back!"
The blurred outline of her head cocked to the side as if she was thinking about what I said, and I felt the tiniest spark of hope in my chest. I continued.
"I- I'll make you a deal. If you send my friends home- today- then I'll stay and fulfill... whatever the hell it is that you want me to do. Just send them back to their families."
And hopefully Parker can come up with something believable to tell my mom until all this is done and over with...
"Your love for your friends is quite wondrous," she said, her ghostly smile returning. "However, I am afraid that the power used to bring you here is depleted. Only once all the pieces of the Triforce are in good hands will you be able to return."
The tiny spark was extinguished at her words and a small sob escaped my lips. My vision blurred with frustrated tears, and as I looked away from the fairy my eyes landed on my reflection in the water.
And I just stared at myself.
My hair was still in a mess on the top of my head and the dark circles under my eyes were quite prominent. I looked at myself in my borrowed Hylian clothing; and as I took in my full appearance I felt completely lost.
"Why me?" I asked in confusion.
She didn't answer and just stared at me with her black, orb-like eyes.
"If you could have one wish, what would it be?" she inquired as a misty tendril drifted towards me and brushed across the side of my cheek. It felt warm. I shivered.
I let out a sigh then answered truthfully. "I wish for us to go home."
"That is not possible. Not yet."
"Then I wish to be able to keep my friends safe."
I could see her beaming at me through the grey mist as if that was the answer she was expecting to hear.
"I summoned you here to this oasis, not only to reveal to you that you have a destined path in Hyrule, but to also offer you a gift," she said.
I raised an eyebrow skeptically. "A gift? What kind of gift?"
"I can give you the power to protect the ones you love."
"Power? As in magic?" I asked in shock.
Is the Great Fairy seriously offering me magic?
"Do you accept?" she inquired, her pink and red hair waving in and out of view through the mist.
I just stared at her ghostly figure, my mouth opening and closing as I tried to find words to say.
However, my guard went up the more I thought about her offer. Nothing was as it should be in this Hyrule and what if she was really a malevolent being in disguise?
But then I thought about how warm her presence was; how I didn't feel threatened. And if trusting her meant that I would be able to protect my friends…
"Alright. Yes, I accept," I said, my mouth becoming dry at my decision.
The Great Fairy glided towards me and I froze where I stood. I closed my eyes and braced myself for… whatever was going to happen. I heard her tinkling laugh and my eyes snapped open to see a wall of mist floating inches from my face.
"This will not hurt," she said lightly.
Her voice came from above my head and I craned my neck back to see that she was significantly taller than I was. I couldn't make out her figure anymore; but the mist seemed to bend where her waist would be and then I felt a pair of hot, phantom lips on my forehead.
I closed my eyes again, this time at the pleasant sensation tingling through me. My body started to hum and resonate with the atmosphere around me; the tingling becoming electricity through my veins, rapidly firing and causing my hairs to stand on end. And as quickly as the sensations started, they disappeared.
I felt the Great Fairy take my right hand and lightly stroked the back of it.
"Take care of my gift," she whispered in my ear.
I nodded and opened my eyes. She was gone.
The oasis became whisper quiet, and I looked around trying to decide if what happened really did happen when I realized something.
"Wait! You didn't tell me how to use the magic!" I shouted into the air.
Silence.
"Dammit..." I huffed. There was no way I could go back boasting about magic and not be able to back myself up.
I stepped away from the pool and moved towards the grassier area of the clearing, stood with my feet spread apart and... huffed again.
How the hell am I supposed to use magic when I come from a world that has none?!
I growled at myself in frustration and jumped a few times on the spot, shaking my hands in the process.
"Okay... here I go," I said as I thrusted both hands in front of me.
Nothing.
I frowned. Maybe I need a magic word...?
"Abracadabra!" I said and snapped my fingers. Nope.
"Accio Great Fairy magic!" Snap, nothing.
"Ignite!" Snap, still nothing.
I was suddenly struck with an idea. Maybe I had to mimic Link's movements from Ocarina of Time to activate this magic?
I moved my arms and feet around a bit to try and remember what the actions were, and once I felt that I was close enough, I swung my arms in sweeping arcs, then bent to one knee and pounded my right fist into the ground.
All I ended up doing was sending a jolt of pain up my arm.
"Fuck..." I breathed. I was starting to think that the Great Fairy was pulling my leg as I've done nothing but make a fool out of myself for the past couple of minutes.
I stood up from my crouched position and put my hands on my hips. I looked around the clearing once more and came to the conclusion that I couldn't do this on my own. My shoulders slumped.
How am I supposed to find help with magic when no one- But I cut that thought off as a new one came to mind. Zelda! She was using her light arrows this morning! If anyone knows something about magic, it would be her!
Feeling perked up with that thought, I turned around and headed back towards the wall of inky darkness.
Back on the other side of the black shroud the wind seemed to have calmed down, and I walked easily to the tree line.
As I stepped out of the grove I saw that Colin was standing closer to this end of the field. He must have moved further down the meadow as he was practicing. Uli wasn't with him and I looked to the left to see that she was standing at the other end of the field, next to what looked like a large shed set into an alcove in the mountain that I never noticed before. Someone was with her and as I looked closer I saw that it was Fado who looked as if he was carrying something in his arms. Whatever he was holding started to squirm, and as he set it down I realized that it was a baby goat.
I had to go see the baby goat!
Maybe Colin would like to see it too?
I looked back to the little boy and was about to call to him when I stopped.
Something was wrong.
Colin looked as if he was frozen where he stood, his eyes wide with fear as he stared straight ahead, the toy sword lying on the ground next to him as his hands shook.
I turned my head to the right as I followed his gaze and what I saw made my eyes widen in horror.
Clinging to the rocky wall that surrounded the meadow- covered in the blood of a decapitated goat that hung from its jaw- was a giant, lizard-like monster.
Lizalfos... I thought in shock as I stared at it. It didn't resemble the ones found in the games as it carried no armour or weapons. However, the tip of its tail was thin and spade-like and looked as if it could easily slice a grown man in half.
The lizalfos' head was twisted behind its back and pointed directly at Colin, staring at him with toxic yellow eyes as if the young boy would make a better meal than the one it already had.
Oh my god, what do I do?
I looked over at Uli and Fado- who were still in deep conversation- and knew that even if I managed to get their attention they were still too far away to do anything.
I had to get Colin out of here.
"Colin?" I said as loudly as I dared and I saw his body jump at my voice. "Colin, I need you to listen to me okay? I need you to move very, very slowly towards me. Do you think you can do that?"
Colin stiffly shook his head and remained still. I saw his eyes widen even more and I turned to look at the lizalfos, who was now standing on the ground, staring right at me.
My skin started to crawl as its hungry eyes bore into mine, and I thought for a moment that its attention was on me now, when it suddenly whipped its head back to Colin. The movement caused rivulets of blood to fall from the goat's carcass and splash in dark pools on the ground.
"Colin? You need to come here to me, right now."
He didn't move a muscle.
"I... I have a secret place where we can hide," I said as I thought about the oasis. "We'll be safe there, I promise." And I prayed to everything in the universe that I was right; that the wall of darkness would distract that monster long enough to find safety.
I watched as Colin slowly nodded his head and took a small step to his right.
Just then the lizalfos let out a panther-like roar, dropping the goat as its long, blunt jaw opened wide, and then tore after Colin.
"Colin run!" I screamed as he became immobilized again, but quickly snapped out of it and ran towards me.
The lizalfos was fast- too fast, and was quickly shortening the distance between it and its prey.
Colin's not going to make it!
Without thinking, I bolted from the trees and ran towards Colin. Seeing that the lizalfos was almost on top of him I put on a burst of speed then slid on my knees, bowling into the tiny boy- his small body smacking into my chest as I wrapped my arms protectively around him. I turned my shoulders so that my back faced the monster and I hugged Colin tighter, shutting my eyes.
I could feel its presence behind me and I reflectively threw out my right hand in a feeble attempt to shield us.
"Leave him alone!" I yelled over Colin who was screaming and crying in my arms.
Just then my hand was engulfed in a white hot blaze and a flash of light exploded in front of my eyelids.
OH GOD! MY HAND! THAT LIZARD ATE MY HAND!
My mouth opened in a silent scream as I waited for the lizalfos to finish me off; but as I waited breathlessly for the excruciating pain of being devoured, all I felt was the twitching of my fingers as the scorching fire started to recede from my hand.
I opened my eyes in shock and turned my head to see that my right hand was still attached to my wrist. I let out a short laugh of relief as I wiggled my fingers in front of my eyes, only to freeze as I noticed the scene before me.
Along the ground (starting from where my hand just was) was a giant scorch mark. The line of charred earth ran the length of the meadow and ended halfway up the rocky mountain wall in front of me. And lying on either side of the mark, split in two, was the burnt body of the lizalfos.
My eyes darted back and forth between the dead lizalfos and my hand. I then rested my gaze solely on my palm and the world around me started to blur as I stared at it.
That light... Did... did I do that?
I heard muffled sounds coming from someplace- whether it was close by or far away, I didn't know- and somewhere in the back of my shocked mind I thought that they sounded like voices.
Suddenly, I felt my body jerk as if something was being pulled away from me. The muffled voices seemed closer now and the world started to get a little less fuzzy as my name was being called.
"Del? Del, can you hear me?"
Yes, I can hear you...
"I think she's in shock."
I'm not in shock...
"I'm going to take her to Renado."
Still staring at my hand, the world came back into full focus when I felt my other arm being lifted and placed around someone's shoulders. Then my waist was encircled by strength and warmth and I knew it had to be Charlie who was with me. I was pulled to my feet but my knees buckled. I placed my free hand on his chest to steady myself and felt his arms tighten around me. I lifted my face to smile in thanks when my smile faltered as I wasn't staring into Charlie's warm, hazel eyes.
I was staring into the cool, deep blue of Link's.
Okay, now I'm in shock...
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft.
"Y- yeah, I- I think so," I said, still stunned that it wasn't Charlie who was holding me.
"I'm going to bring you to Renado, okay?"
I nodded and his grip around my waist tightened once more as he started to lead me away from the field and back to the mountain path.
"What happened?" he asked as we started up the incline.
"Colin was-" but I stopped as one of my knees buckled again. Apparently I couldn't walk and talk right now, so I remained quiet as I concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other.
We took the incline slow, Link never pushing me faster than I was able, and I found myself thankful that he was with me. I felt a light blush cross my cheeks at that thought and my focus moved from my steadied walking to his hand around my waist. I took a quick look at him, his messy, dark blond hair falling over his eyes, which were downcast and watching my feet to keep pace with me.
After a few minutes of walking I heard someone call my name and I looked to see Parker running down the path towards us. He stopped just in front of me, grabbing my other arm and placing it over his shoulders. I expected Link to let me go now that Parker was here but he still held on to me, his grip never loosening.
"Are you okay? What happened?" Parker asked this time.
"I'm fine," was all I said.
"Calli said you weren't in your room so we went looking for you and then we saw this huge flash of light and-" he paused. "Oh god! Were you there when the flash happened? You're not hurt, are you?" He started to crane his neck around searching for wounds on my body.
I laughed lightly. "Later," I told him shaking my head. I didn't have the energy to explain that, not only was I there during the flash of light, but that I think I was the one who created it.
Parker didn't ask me anymore questions, and the three of us silently made our way up the rest of the path where Calli and Charlie were waiting for us at the top. As we finally stepped on flat land my breathing was heavy and small beads of sweat were forming on my back. Whatever magic I managed to do back there was draining me out.
It wasn't until we stopped walking that I realized just how much I was leaning against Link. I was so close to him that my head was practically resting on his shoulder. As I inhaled, a mix of hay, damp earth, and the light saltiness of perspiration came off his skin. I smiled softly. He smelt nice.
My body started to slump and his arm tightened again, causing my hip to press just under his. If I wasn't so tired I would've blushed crimson at the contact.
"What-" Calli began asking but was stopped by Parker who said that they didn't know.
"We need to take her to Renado," Link said.
Calli nodded then looked at Charlie. He walked over to me then turned and crouched to the ground.
"Alright Del, hop on," he said over his shoulder.
"Charlie, you're not giving me a piggyback! We're not kids anymore."
He rolled his eyes. "Just get on, Del. Clearly you can't walk on your own, and carrying you will be a lot faster."
I just shook my head.
He stood up and faced me. "Okay, well I guess I'll have to carry you bridal style then," he said with a shrug then reached for me.
"Alright, alright, alright!" I said quickly and Charlie gave me a triumphant smile. I wanted to kick him in the shin. "Turn around, Lurch."
He groaned as he turned and bent back down. I rolled my eyes at his childish behaviour and removed my arms from around Parker and Link. The two of them steadied me as I wrapped my arms around Charlie's neck while he hooked his arms under my knees.
He grunted as he stood up. "Shit Del, did you put on weight?"
"That's it! Put me down, you jackass! I'll crawl back to the hut," I yelled, trying my best to wiggle out of his grip.
"I'm kidding! I'm kidding," he said, smirking over his shoulder at me. He jolted me upward as he adjusted me on his back and then set off through the opening and onto the village road, the others following alongside us.
"That's not funny," I said as I weakly hit him in the chest with my fist.
"Ow," he mocked, laughing at my feeble attempt to hurt him.
"You deserved it," I sighed before blacking out on his shoulder.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
I woke up with a start.
My nose and lungs were burning- the combination causing me to cough loudly and my eyes to water. The world was a liquid blur as I looked around. I didn't recognize where I was and I started to panic, my breathing becoming heavy and strained.
"Easy now, Del. Take a deep breath," a deep voice as smooth as honey said from above me. I blinked the tears from my eyes and saw Renado crouching down next to my head, pulling away a small jar with a strong acrid smell away from my nose. "Better, that is better," he said as I took deep gulps of air, causing my breathing to even out.
I looked around again and saw that I was in his house, lying on one of the benches that surrounded the fire pit.
"What happened?" I asked.
"I think we should be asking you that question," I heard Link say. I looked over Renado's shoulder to see him standing close by; and I couldn't tell if the look he was giving me was one of curiosity or concern.
I looked away and turned my head to see that Parker, Calli, and Charlie were all sitting on the bench across from me with Zelda and Shad standing next to them. Worry was etched onto every one of their faces, but their eyes held an eagerness in them- a desire for something that only I could give.
I turned back and rolled onto my shoulder, pushing myself into a sitting position. An explosion of stars formed in my eyes as I was slammed with a wave of dizziness. I gripped the edge of the bench with both hands and clenched my teeth, waiting for the sea to calm.
"Are you okay?" Renado asked.
"Yeah, just a little dizzy. How long have I been out?"
"No more than fifteen minutes. Here, drink this," he said as he handed me a small bottle with a dark green liquid. "It will help restore your energy."
I took the bottle and drank; making a face as the taste hit my tongue. It wasn't as unpleasant as the Red Chu jelly, but it had an overly sweet, almost berry-like medicinal flavour. However, it started to work instantly as my dizziness subsided. I felt more awake- alert- than I ever have before. My energy was coming back and growing. I started to feel restless just sitting on this bench.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Zelda approach me. "Del, will you tell us what happened in the meadow?"
At Zelda's inquiry the memories of my meeting with the Great Fairy and the charred pieces of the lizalfos came careening back.
I had to tell Parker everything that happened!
"Parker? Parker!" I shouted then shot off the bench and raced to him, pulling him to stand with me. "I saw one, I actually saw one, and she gave me magic and I used it to save Colin from a lizalfos, and oh my god Parker, I saw a lizalfos, a real one and they're scary as hell and disgusting but I managed to kill it back there, at least I think I did, and-"
"Del, slow down!" Parker said loudly over my babble and I stopped. I noticed that I was breathing really fast, my heart pounding hard in my chest, and my whole body buzzing as if I just drank ten cups of coffee.
"What… what was in that bottle?" I panted to Renado.
He looked at the bottle in his hand, slightly bewildered. "It was a stamina potion," he answered. His eyes were a little wider than usual as he looked at me and I got the feeling that this wasn't a normal reaction to the potion.
"I think you gave her too much," Link whispered to Renado, none too quietly.
"I gave her the normal dosage," he said, scratching his head.
"Del, let us sit," Zelda said and she took my hand in hers as she led me back to the bench I was lying on. My hand started to burn and itch where she held it; the sensation sobering me from my erratic behaviour. I sat down next to her and took back my hand, examining my palm and tracing the lines along it.
My heart found a more natural rhythm; my body humming less from the potion and more from the adrenaline that my memories created. I took a deep breath and looked at Zelda.
"Okay, this is what happened."
I told them about how Nobu agreed to train me how to fight, deliberately leaving out the why as Link was in the room- and I still didn't believe that I had anything to do with changing his mind- to which Zelda raised her dainty eyebrows in surprise.
Guess Uli was right when she said that he doesn't just train anyone, I thought with delight.
I told them how Nobu had to leave to follow a lead on the attack, and how I was summoned to the small forest where I met the Great Fairy in the oasis.
I was about to tell them how the Great Fairy was the one who opened the portal to Hyrule, when I paused.
The Hyruleans believed that it was the goddesses who brought us here; and if I wanted to keep being an oracle in their eyes then I had to pretend as if this was true.
So I skipped to the part of how she gave me magic for protection.
"That flash of light you all saw, I think that was me. I think it was the magic that the fairy gave me and I used it to save Colin from the lizalfos," I finished.
Nobody said a word.
I looked around at everyone's faces trying to judge their reactions to my story. Both Calli and Charlie looked confused, though I expected as much. I'm sure they didn't understand half the things I was talking about. But what really struck me as odd were the reactions of the Hyruleans: they all looked confused too. Parker was the only one who seemed excited about what I said.
"You met a Great Fairy?" he asked in amazement.
I stood and walked over to him, nodding.
He raked his hands through his dark, curly hair. "Holy sh- That's incredible! What was she like? What did she look like?"
"I'm not really sure. She was covered in a sort of mist. But she-"
"No. No, that isn't right," Shad interrupted, shaking his head.
"What's not right?" I asked.
"You meeting a Great Fairy. It's not possible." He was looking at me with wide eyes, still shaking his head.
"Not possible? What are you talking about?"
"They no longer exist."
I looked at Parker and we both laughed. "That's ridiculous!"
"It's the truth, Del," Link said.
At that moment two things happened to my heart simultaneously: It sped up when I realized that that was the first time I'd heard Link say my name; then it stopped cold with dread.
No, they're wrong! They have to be.
"That doesn't make sense. It had to be a Great Fairy! She gave me magic," I said with less conviction than I wanted.
"I'm sorry, Del. The Great Fairies don't exist anymore, and haven't for hundreds of years," Shad said.
"Why? How?" Parker asked.
All the Hyrulean's eyes turned to Zelda. She gracefully folded her hands in her lap then shifted on the bench to face me and Parker.
"I am afraid the lore of the Great Fairies is a dark stain on the history of the Royal Family," she said with a sigh. "It is said that several hundred years ago, a prince of Hyrule was obsessed with the idea of immortality. He came to believe that the Great Fairies possessed the kind of magic he needed to fulfill his desire to live forever- to rule his land forever. He had his guards hunt and capture all the Great Fairies under the Sacred Realm, where he maimed, tortured, and killed them when none could grant him everlasting life. Once the king learned of his son's horrendous deeds, he had the prince executed as an act of penance to the gods. No Hyrulean has ever seen a Great Fairy since."
My blood turned to ice.
What? Then who the hell did I talk to at the oasis?
"But whoever I was with today gave… gave me magic." A dark thought crossed my mind. "Oh god, was I tricked? Did I accept something bad? She didn't seem evil, she-"
Zelda suddenly got up and stood in front of me. Grabbing my hands in hers she stared deeply into my eyes. I had no idea what she was searching for but I didn't blink.
"No," she said warmly. "There is no evil in you. I can see a magic in your eyes that was not there before, but it is good. Whoever gave it to you is no threat."
"Do you know what type of creature would have that sort of power?" Renado asked.
"I am afraid I do not," she said lightly, as if this lack of knowledge amused her.
"Maybe a Great Fairy did manage to survive, but no one ever knew; or the knowledge became lost over time," Parker reasoned. He then faced me and looked at me straight in the eyes. "Just because you can't see something, doesn't mean it doesn't exist."
"Perhaps," Zelda agreed; however, it felt like she was only humoring him.
Nevertheless, my heart swelled as I stared back at Parker. He was quoting me from when we were kids; from when we would go on our quests for the Triforce together. Every time we never found it, and every time Parker would lose hope. But I would always tell him to not give up, that it was out there somewhere and we just needed to keep looking.
At that last thought my gut contracted as if it was punched. The surreal reality of our objective here hit me and I had to lock my knees and take slow, shallow breaths before I passed out again.
...We were on a true quest to retrieve the Triforce.
"And what about the other fairies? They're still around, right?" Parker inquired, turning back to face the others.
"Fairies are gone as well," Shad said, sliding his glasses up his nose. "You see, fairies are not born but are created. And it was the Great Fairies who made them. So, with the Great Fairies no longer in existence, the fairies that remained died out. My books say that they had a relatively short life span as it is- which is why they were in abundance before the capture of the Great Fairies as more always needed to be created to replace the ones who died and-"
"I have heard a different tale about the fairies," Renado said, cutting off Shad's informational tangent. "My grandmother told me that the fairies are still here, sleeping somewhere within the earth, waiting to be called by someone in need of them; someone who is truly worthy of their gift."
"What's their gift?" Calli asked.
"To heal the fallen," he answered.
"Now the fairies are nothing more than stories filled with light, told to children who are afraid of the shadows in the dark," Zelda said.
A cold shiver went up my spine as the unfamiliar reality of this place started to sink in. Everything I knew to be fact was actually fiction. I felt completely unsettled.
However, I looked back at Parker. He must have seen how unnerved I was because his eyes changed, becoming sure; almost defiant to what the Hyruleans had to say about the Great Fairies.
And he was right. Just because they haven't been seen in a long time doesn't mean they're gone. And in my heart I knew that it had to be a Great Fairy who I met in the oasis.
"Del?" Charlie said. "This "fairy", did she know why we're here?"
I paused then slowly shook my head no.
His eyes became somber and frustrated; and it took everything within me to hold back the truth.
But I wouldn't risk revealing who actually brought us here; and that even meant that I had to keep quiet about my "given destiny"- at least in front of the Hyruleans.
They already went crazy with the idea of me being an oracle! Adding the fact that I'm supposed to have a destiny here... It wasn't something I was ready to endure.
Besides, I didn't actually know what the hell this destiny entailed. She never told me and... I stupidly forgot to ask. So, I had no answers to what I assumed would be a never ending barrage of questions.
"Do not worry, Charlie. We will figure out why you all were brought here," Renado said with a kind smile.
My heart panged with guilt, but I couldn't tell my friends anything. Not until I knew more.
Telma chose that moment to walk in, announcing that dinner would be ready soon.
"Telma, it is good that you are here," Zelda said. "There are a few matters that have recently transpired that need to be discussed before dinner."
"Yes of course, Your Highness," Telma said.
Zelda smiled. "Shad, I would like you to stay as well."
"Yes, my lady." He gave a low bow, bending at his waist, which caused his glasses to slide down the bridge of his nose.
"The rest of you may return to the inn for your meal," Zelda said. "Link. Del. Eat and sleep well tonight. You will need your energy for your journey tomorrow."
Link gave her a small bow and I did the same.
Renado, Link, Parker, Calli, and Charlie left the hut, but I hung back. I had to ask Zelda a question.
"Del?" she asked before I could address her.
"Zelda, this magic... I don't know how it works," I confessed.
She reached out, taking both my hands and stared into my eyes once more. "Am I correct to assume that magic does not exist in your world?"
I nodded.
She smiled in understanding, then said, "Power can be an intimidating thing to someone who has no original knowledge of it. As such, I would be honoured to teach you all that I can about magic."
"Magic?" I heard Telma asking Shad.
"Really? You will?" I asked with a bright smile.
"We will begin your teachings once you and Link return-"
"Magic? What about magic?" Telma asked frantically as she started to walk over to me and Zelda.
And that's my cue to leave…
"Thank you!" I said as I bustled out of the hut. I had a strong feeling that Telma would start crying again after hearing I had magic and I really didn't want to be around for that.
I made my way to the inn and found the others sitting in the chairs around the fireplace once I walked inside.
"Everything okay?" Parker asked as I made my way over.
"Yeah. I just needed to ask Zelda a question." Parker opened his mouth, but I quickly cut him off. "Why are you all out here?"
"Dinner won't be ready for another fifteen, twenty minutes," Calli said, sitting on Charlie's lap.
I frowned. Even though the effects of the stamina potion calmed down a while ago, I still felt a little restless and sitting around for about twenty minutes made me feel antsy. I scratched my head and grimaced at how greasy my hair had become. I needed a bath.
"Hey, I think I'm going to take a bath before dinner."
"You sure?" Calli asked.
"Yeah," I said. I turned and climbed the stairs, walked down the hall and into my room, grabbing all my bath supplies before heading back down. I waved to the others as I left the inn then rounded the corner to walk up the hot springs path behind the building.
Once I got to the main spring there was no one in sight. However, that didn't mean that someone wouldn't just walk by, wanting to use the spring as well. I looked above me where I knew Rux's spring was and made my way to the trail. I found it easily this time; the golden light of the evening sun illuminating the path upwards.
Once I got to the top I called out for Rux. When I didn't get an answer I looked around the area. The spring was empty and all the large boulders that could've been him were nothing but rock upon closer inspection.
I sighed. I surprised myself by how much I wished he was here. I would've liked to talk to him about everything that has happened; maybe even ask what the Gorons believed about the Great Fairies.
I stripped and hopped into the water, the warmth instantly loosening the stiffness of my muscles. I washed fast; the grime that accumulated since this morning dissolving from my hair and skin. Not feeling up to leaving the spring just yet, I decided to swim around the circumference of the pool a few times to try and burn off the remainder of the potion.
As I swam in lazy circles I started to relax and thoughts about today's events surfaced in my mind. Battles and training, fairies and magic and epic quests- it was all very overwhelming. I stopped in the middle of the spring and watched the water become a brighter shade of green as the sun sunk lower in the sky. I stared at my right hand under the ripples; the spring's growing luminosity giving it a shimmering glow. My skin looked as if it carried magic, just waiting to be released from my fingers.
I lifted my hand out of the water and the shimmer disappeared. My hand was just a normal hand again. I sighed once more. Walking over to the edge I placed my arms on the ground and rested my chin on my wrists. Could I do this? Be someone who has a "destiny"? Someone worthy to wield magic? Back home I would have laughed at the absurdity of it all. But here...
My eyes started to droop and I was overcome by strong fatigue.
Guess the potion finally wore off.
I pulled myself out of the warm water, dried off, then dressed. As I made my way down the path and back to the inn I tried to detangle my hair with my fingers before twisting it into a loose bun at the base of my neck.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
The inn was noisy as it always was during a meal. I walked into the dining hall and saw my friends once more at our regular table in the back left corner.
I started down the middle aisle when my name was called. I looked to my left and saw Rusl getting up from his table, a look of urgency in his eyes.
Oh my god, Colin!
"Rusl, how's Colin? Is he o-" I let out a squeak of surprise as he came right up to me and pulled me into his arms. The feel and warmth of his hug was so fatherly that I had to bite my tongue to stop the tears from forming.
"Thank you. Thank you," he said next to my ear. "I do not know what I would have done if he-" I heard him sniff and clear his throat before pulling back. "You saved my son's life."
"He's okay then?" I asked, hoping that he didn't somehow get hurt during that living nightmare.
Rusl gave me a watery smile. "Yes, he is fine. Resting right now, but he is not harmed."
"Thank god," I breathed.
"If there is anything I can do to repay you, I-"
"Oh no please, that's not necessary!" I interrupted. "I'm just thankful that he's alright. That I was able to do something."
"Please, if there is anything I can do, do not hesitate to ask."
I smiled then nodded. He gave my shoulder a light squeeze before going back to his table.
I joined the others and took a seat next to Parker, noticing that all their meals were about half eaten already.
"Aren't you eating?" Parker asked.
"Hmm? Oh, right," I said, realizing I didn't get my food yet. I stood and went to the service window to collect my meal. On the tray there was a cup of what looked like a type of chowder, a large helping of the pink rice, and some mixed vegetables.
"So, what was that all about?" Charlie asked me as I sat back down, pointing to where I just was with Rusl.
"His son was in the meadow with me. The lizalfos wanted the boy as its next meal. I... I killed that monster- at least I think it was me- before it could attack him," I told them as I poked at my food. For as much as I believed that I possessed magic, a part of me was still skeptical. It was as if my heart and my mind were at war. My heart knew that something otherworldly now flowed deep within me; and my mind chided that belief, calling it preposterous and irrational.
A natural reaction of living in a world with no magic, I guess.
"It was you."
I looked up at the voice and saw Link standing at the head of the table.
"The Triforce of Courage may not grant me magic, but it doesn't mean I can't sense when magic is used. And you Del, you used magic."
My heart was thumping in my chest again.
"God, Del. Magic..." Parker breathed.
"An oracle of the goddesses who can wield magic. That's pretty impressive," Link said with a smile. But that smile didn't reach his eyes as I saw them narrow slightly, looking at me intently once again- trying to figure something out.
"Guess the gods must really like me," I said with a shrug, before eating a spoonful of pink rice.
"Guess so." He remained silent for a moment, staring at me. Then his eyes became soft. "Make sure you get enough sleep tonight. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Right," I nodded.
"Good night," he said to all of us and then left the dining hall.
"So, you nervous about tomorrow?" Parker asked as I tried the chowder. I had to admit it wasn't really good. It had a really strong fishy taste but I choked it down anyway, taking Zelda's advice on eating well.
"A little," I said honestly. "But I think it's a nervous excitement, you know?"
He nodded in understanding. "I'm actually a bit jealous."
"Maybe you can come with us?" I said, liking the idea of Parker being with me on this quest.
He laughed. "Nah. I may have been good at fighting with controllers but in real life..." he shook his head. "Besides, Link should only have to look after one person, not two," he winked.
I flicked his arm.
"You'll be safe tomorrow, right?" Calli asked, her eyes looking intently into mine.
"Yes, I'll be fine," I reassured her. I took the last few bites of my dinner, drank the remainder of my glass of water, then the four of us took our empty trays back to the service window. We left the hall and stood in the middle of the main room.
"So what should we do?" Calli asked, looking at each of us.
"Umm, if it's all right with you guys, I think I'm going to go to bed," I said, feeling the pressure of fatigue behind my eyes.
"But it's still so early! The sun only just went down," Calli said with a whine in her voice.
"I know, but I didn't sleep at all after this morning. And with everything that's happened today... I'm a little drained. I need my energy for tomorrow," I reasoned.
"Fine," she said with a pout, but gave me a tight hug. I hugged both Parker and Charlie then turned to head up the stairs.
"Hey, when you get up, wake us too, all right?" Charlie said.
I stopped on the first step and faced them. "You know it's probably going to be really early in the morning, right?"
"Doesn't matter. There's no way we're going to miss seeing you off on your first big adventure," he said with a sweet smile, using it to coax me into agreeing.
I chuckled and continued up the stairs. "If that's what you want. Night."
I got to my room and turned on the lantern. Grabbing my toothbrush and toothpaste I quickly went down to the bathroom. I started to yawn constantly, so I brushed fast (thankful that the strong paste burned off the fishy aftertaste from dinner) then made my way back to my bed. With the chaos that was today, I forgot to ask Telma for a new nightgown and had to settle with wearing my yoga shorts and sports bra to bed.
I crawled under the sheets and was about to turn off the lantern when I stopped. I've never been afraid of the dark, even as a child, but for some reason the soft light put my mind at ease; as if it could keep the overwhelming thoughts tucked into the corners so I could sleep peacefully.
I rolled onto my side, faced the stone wall and closed my eyes.
I had no idea what the future held for me here. I had no idea what I was meant to do. But as I drifted off to sleep all I knew was that, like any story that was intertwined with destiny, you always found your way by starting at the beginning.
And somehow, I felt that my beginning started with finding the Master Sword.
So, like I said, pretty important chapter. But you want to know the best part of it...?
IT'S NO LONGER DAY THREE!
That's right! The third day has come to an end, the moon has not fallen, and after 9 chapters day four will finally start!
I actually wrote up an outline (so long ago now) and I had the events of the next chapter written down as chapter 3... hahaha.
Please review, follow, and fave if you like what you're reading :)
~lavender phoenix~