Hello Everyone!
Well it did it. I managed to write a shorter chapter this time (back pat), and I'm posting quicker than the last one (another back pat).
I will say, however, that this chapter would've been posted sooner if it wasn't for the two and a half months that I got stuck on a story element. A single, one word element that had me write, rewrite, then rectify that rewrite. And it was one of those story moments that meant nothing for this chapter, but would have me writing scenes and adding unnecessary plot devices that would just take me further away from what I should be focusing on within this story -_-. Ugh... (Okay, writers rant over!) But, seriously, so lame...
As always (and forever), thank you all for reading this story, commenting on this story, and just all around seeming to like what I have to write. It makes my world move forward!
Disclaimer: I don't own LoZ; only my OC's and plot.
As Link didn't come equipped with a bottomless bag or pockets, (neither of which I'm sure existed in this world), I was left to openly carry the blade as we made our way out of the Lakebed Temple; clutching it extra tight- consciously ignoring the uncomfortable ache of my chest for fear of dropping it- when we traversed across the gear room, over the two sets of bridges, and back through the grotto of glowing rain.
We passed through the iron gate, descending down one of the staircases and stopping at the far end of the large room, standing at the edge of the small pool.
Link and I pulled up our masks- the material quickly adhering to my skin. Then Link jumped in feet first. I lifted my foot, ready to follow after him, when I paused.
I looked around the dimly lit room, back to the iron gate and the lever hanging from the ceiling, and to the stone door that had the temple just behind it; and I was overcome with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. And finality.
Link and I came here with a mission and were successful. But never again would I step foot in this temple- this beautiful goliath of a structure that once only existed in a game.
An existence it was soon going to return to.
Something broke inside me- small and indiscernible. And before I got a moment to try and figure out what it was, Link's voice called out from behind me.
"Sorry, I'm coming," I said, quickly blinking away the thin line of moisture from my eyes before turning to face the pool. "Wanted one last look."
Link, bobbing slightly in the water, cocked his head to the side. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," I nodded, then said, "Coming in," and gripped the blade tightly to my chest and slipped into the water.
I remained submerged, feeling the chilly filtered air bite down my throat as I waited for Link to join me. Once he did we began to swim downwards, descending some twenty feet before the tunnel straightened out and we were gliding through the field of luminescent crystals.
It didn't take us long to reach the end of the tunnel; Link and I sailing silently through the entrance and back into the glowing canyon before being stopped by three pairs of obsidian eyes.
"Took you long enough," the Zora guard on the left grumbled.
"We were about to send a search party," taunted the one on the right.
The guard in the middle sighed. "Did you get what you were looking for?" he asked.
"We did," Link answered; and I held up the blade.
The middle guard nodded then looked to each of his comrades. The guard to the right broke away and zoomed into the temple entrance while the guard on the left darted up the canyon and out of sight.
"Head in that direction and keep going straight," the Zora pointed, then glided back to his post beside the entryway.
Clasping hands, Link and I made our way in the direction pointed out for us, ascending steadily into the dark murk of the lake.
After a few minutes of silent swimming, I said, "Do you think that guard is checking on the state of the temple?"
"Probably," Link answered, pausing before he added, "We might want to swim a little faster."
"Don't have to tell me twice." And we quickened our pace; my water enchanted eyes watching as the muddy dark started to fracture with shafts of deep gold light, the lake becoming paler in colour the closer to the surface we got.
Just as we were about to breach the waves, a large bullet of red sped towards us, stopping a hair's breadth away from our faces with a sharp toothy grin.
"Lord Hero! Lady Oracle! You've returned!" beamed the Zora King. "And with your prize, I see."
I held out the blade. "We d-"
"By Water and Ice! What happened to my armor?" the king's shocked voice rang out; his black eyes staring wide with horror at the scorch mark on my chest.
"Oh, uh… that might be a little hard to explain," I said, pulling my hand free from Link's and placing it over my burn to stop his gaze.
The king straightened, imposing and looming. "Explain."
Never had I heard such command in one word; and the compulsion to do what was asked pushed against my lips. However, now wasn't the time for a recap, so I steeled myself and said, "With all do respect, your majesty, Link and I could use a little extra healing-"
The king turned to Link. "You too?!" and roved his eyes along Link's form until he saw the puckered gash along his side and gasped.
"-and we'd be really grateful if-"
"Oh, how could this happen…?" the Zora King moaned, causing tiny bubbles to escape from his lips. "Never has anyone been wounded like this while wearing my armor!"
"We weren't harmed by conventional means, your majesty," Link stated calmly.
The king's eyes darkened with curiosity. "What do you mean?"
"It was shadow magic," I answered, and looked at the blade in my hand.
The Zora King's gaze fell to the blade. His eyes narrowed, glaring at the weapon in a way that made me think he was going to yell at it for having the audacity to ruin his armor.
But then the king blinked, and straightened once again, his features softening. "Now, if I heard you correctly, Lady Oracle, the two of you could use some additional healing?"
I sighed in relief. "Yes, your majesty."
"Then I'll be more than happy to assist," he bowed. "How sound are your bodies at the moment?" he asked.
"A little sore, but nothing dire," Link answered. I nodded in agreement.
"Excellent," he grinned, then dove beneath us, coming up behind and wrapping a thick arm around each of our waists. "Back up the river we go!" And before I could even register what was happening we were off like a rocket, streamlining through the lake and into the darkness of the cave once more.
The speed of the Zora King was amazing, never once faltering as he glided against the rapids and sailed with a powerful ease up the rushing river.
When we came upon the churning waters at the base of the waterfall, I had a momentary vision of the king swimming us up the falls, just like a salmon. I snickered internally at the thought, as the king took us down under the waterfall and into a large tunnel carved within the rockface. We zipped through the tunnel and then emerged into a world of dancing light and rocky walls.
It took me a moment to recognize where we were- having to lift my eyes to see the multiple crossings of bridges and the coursing water ceiling to realize that we were floating in the grotto of Zora's Domain.
The king quickly swam us to the far edge of the pool, then hoisted Link and I out of the water before exiting himself.
"This way, if you please," the Zora King said, and led Link and I around the edge of the pool, nodding to his bowing subjects as he went. Once we were about halfway around, the king turned into an opening within the rocky wall and walked us down a torch lit corridor of wooden doors. When we were almost at the end he stopped, then turned to face us.
"These are our healing pools," he said, opening a door on the left. A familiar scent of cinnamon wafted out of the room.
"That's hot spring water," I said, shocked.
The Zora King smiled and nodded, pushing the door open all the way to reveal a dark room with a small pool of glowing water. "There is no better healer than water, as water heals all."
My eyebrows furrowed as I looked up at the king. "Even internal injuries?"
"Water heals all," he stated confidently.
I looked back at the pool, frowning. In the game world, it made sense to have something like a hot spring heal any injury. But in this world, the real world… I wasn't so sure.
"Just soak," the king stated softly, "and relax. You'll know when your body is healed." Then he opened the door on the right. "Lord Hero, you may use this one. I will come check on you both in awhile." Then he walked away.
"Is he right?" I turned to Link.
"About the water's healing capabilities?"
I nodded.
Link sighed softly. "I've never heard of it."
I sighed too. "Guess we'll have to give it the benefit of the doubt."
"See you later, then," Link smiled.
"Yeah, later."
Whenever "later" is…
Blade still in hand, I walked into my hot spring room and closed the door.
The greenish glow from the pool illuminated my surroundings softly, revealing a moderately sized room of smooth stone; empty, except for a small bench off to the side.
I walked over to the bench and placed the blade down, then started the process of removing my Zora's Armor.
I pulled off my helmet, my eyes tingling as the enchantment lifted away, then shucked out of my jacket, skirt and boots, and slipped out of the bodysuit- which shimmered like watery silk.
I quickly folded the suit, laying it on top of the bench before folding the rest of the garments. Then I stepped over to the pool, taking my hair out of its ponytail and slipping into the warm water.
This hot spring was shallow as the water stopped just below my waist. Luckily the pool came with an underwater seat; and as I sat down the water rose to cover my shoulders. I exhaled deeply as I felt my body start to relax.
I sank under the water- already missing the ability to breathe in it- and ran my fingers gingerly over my head and through my hair. When I came back up I slid onto the seat, then leaned my head back onto the ledge of the pool. I winced slightly as the movement caused the skin around my burn to stretch. I stood up and looked at my chest.
The burn was smaller than I expected, as it looked to be just a little bigger than the size of a quarter (thank you, Chu jelly!). However, the soft green light from the water wasn't sufficient enough to assess the rest of the damage, so I quickly ignited my power, filling the room with a white light that made my eyes squint in pain. After a moment, my vision adjusted and I looked back at my scar.
The point of impact was pink and puckered, and small tendrils of burnt flesh extended away from the circular edges. The skin had that shiny quality that burn scars have; and when I moved my chest in the light, the scar glinted as if it was ringed with fire.
I almost laughed out loud. It was quite the fitting scar for the manner in which it was given.
I let my magic extinguish as I sat back down, resting my head against the edge and smiling as I thought about what the others would say when I showed them my scar.
Charlie would nod in approval, calling it "badass"; Parker would pepper me with questions on how I got it, flitting back and forth between being enthralled by my story and terrified that I was in that much danger; and Calli… Well, Calli would be distraught that my skin is all marked up- and on my chest, of all places.
And for a moment, I started to feel the same way; my heart sinking as I lifted my head to look at the mark that now blemished my skin. But the more I stared at the scar- at that ring of fire that branded my chest- I remembered how I got it. And how I survived it.
I trailed a finger over the puckered skin- a personal token of the battle I fought, and won- and grinned.
Speaking of tokens…
I turned my head towards the bench and looked at the spot where I set down the blade.
I thought about when I first touched it back at the temple. I wasn't sure what I was expecting to happen, but it sure as hell wasn't nothing!
I hated to admit it… but I was a little worried.
I got up from my seat and pulled myself out of the pool, the water sloshing over the sides and onto the floor as I walked over to the bench and picked up the blade. Then I returned to the hot spring and sat along the edge, my legs dangling in the water as I inspected it.
Nothing… I still felt nothing.
I had in my hands one-third of what's supposed to be a very powerful weapon, and… nothing. No zap, or spark, or sting, or hum. Nothing to indicate that this blade is magic.
Suddenly, the door to my room burst open and in walked the king. "Lady Oracle, how-"
I shrieked at his abrupt appearance, dropping the blade into the pool as I wrapped my arms around myself before doing an awkward side flop into the hot spring. I came back up quickly, making sure to keep my chin flush with the surface of the water.
"Oops," the king remarked, and slapped a large hand over his eyes. "Apologies, my lady. I just came to check-"
"Del, is everything okay?" Link's voice echoed from across the hall.
The king, hand still across his eyes, responded before I could. "Yes, everything is quite fine, my dear Hero! She was startled, that's all."
"Del?" Link questioned, wanting to hear from me.
"I'm good, Link."
"Okay." And a moment later I heard him shut his door.
"Now, Lady Oracle, how are you feeling?" the king asked, blindly feeling his way into the room and closing the door.
Annoyed… Intruded upon… Mortified…
However, I gave him the answer he was looking for. "A little better, but not completely healed, your majesty."
"Still?" the king exclaimed, his long, shadowed brow raising above his hand. "Even after all this time soaking?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"Huh… Well then, I will leave you to soak a while longer." Then he turned to leave, reaching out for the doorknob, but took one too many steps and bashed into the door. "Lady Oracle, would you permit me to lower my hand so that I can find the handle?"
"Yes," I chuckled.
"Thank you." He removed his hand, opened the door and left the room.
I started to laugh as this whole situation turned from embarrassment to amusement.
But my amusement was cut short as two seconds later I heard the sound of loud knocking coming from across the hall, then the king yelling, "Lord Hero, I'm coming in!"
I rolled my eyes. Of course Link would get a warning…
Arms still crossed, I slid back onto the seat, my foot coming into contact with something on the floor. I looked down and saw the blade laying at the bottom of the pool.
I reached under the water and picked up the blade; then placed it on the ledge, just to the side of where I sat. I laid my head back down and looked at the ceiling- the dark, barely visible ceiling- and it didn't take long for my eyes to start to feel heavy as the adrenaline from the day started to wear off.
I must have fallen asleep because I woke with a start at someone knocking on the door.
At least the king knocked this time…
Rubbing my eyes, I quickly moved off the seat and crouched in the middle of the pool, the water level just under my chin once more.
"Come in."
The door opened. "How are you feeling, Lady Oracle?" asked a distinctly female voice.
I blinked in shock. "Queen Rutela!"
The queen closed the door behind her then glided over to the bench, placing something on top. "My husband tells me that the hot spring water is taking some time to heal your body," she said, smiling softly as she turned to face me.
"Yes, your highness," I said, feeling strangely timid in her presence.
Still smiling, the queen said, "I thought as much," and stepped over to the hot spring, crouching at the pool's edge before trailing a hand in the glowing water. "My husband is correct. Water does heal." Then she exhaled a laugh. "However, the healing effects are not as strong on non-aquatic peoples."
I looked at the queen, confused. "Then why does he believe that they are?"
"The blame falls unto me, I'm afraid," and she opened her other hand.
My eyes widened as I stared at the large vial of Red Chu jelly in her palm.
I smiled. "Your secret's safe with me," I promised as I took the vial. I uncorked the bottle and tipped its contents into my mouth, swallowing its entirety in one go. It was bitter and gritty and made me shiver in disgust; but the moment the jelly hit my stomach I felt the searing relief of my body healing completely. "Thank you," I said. However, her attention was now elsewhere. I traced her line of sight, following it to the blade.
"Is that the weapon you were searching for?" the queen asked.
"Part of it, yes."
"May I see it?" She reached out a tentative hand.
I placed mine over the piece of obsidian; the gesture causing the queen to blink a few times, then look my way.
"With all due respect, your highness, I was told I should be the only one to touch this blade," I said, softly.
She continued to look at me, her eyes glowing from the luminescent pool. "Then, I shall respect that edict, Lady Oracle," and she inclined her head before standing up and gliding back to the bench. "These are your sleeping robes," she said, pointing to the item she brought with her.
"Sleeping robes?" I questioned.
The queen nodded. "The sun will be setting in about an hour. And I do not think it wise for you and our hero to be traveling at night."
Is it that late already…?
"Your clothes," the queen continued, "and your dinner will be waiting for you in your sleeping chamber. Phin will come and collect you shortly."
"Thank you, your highness."
She smiled softly once more, then collected all my armor and left the room.
My heart sank a little. I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep the Zora's Armor, but I was still sad to see it go.
I said a silent goodbye to the beautiful suit, then pulled myself out of the water and walked over to the bench. I sat down, taking a moment to inspect my burn again, to see how much healing this Chu jelly was able to do. The size was still the same, but the scar was no longer puckered: the jelly causing it to become flush and smooth with my skin.
After my inspection, I grabbed the robe next to me and unfolded the long piece of material. It was light and smooth like silk, and shone in the bottle green light as I stood up and slid it over my shoulders. Tying the sash around my waist, I walked back to the pool to pick up the blade, then returned to the bench and waited for Phin. About ten minutes later there was another knock at the door.
"Coming," I said, placing the blade under my arm as I walked over and opened the door, stepping out into the torch lit hall where Phin and Link were waiting.
I stood next to Link (who was wearing the same type of robe as me) and smiled. There was colour to his face again, and his eyes were bright and healthy.
He opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Phin.
"Follow me," the Zora said curtly, turning on his heel and walking straight down the hallway.
"What's his problem?" I asked lowly as Link and I trailed after him, our bare feet slapping against the stone floor.
"Think he found out about the temple?" Link surmised.
I watched as Phin reached the end of the hall then disappeared to the left, leaving us behind.
I grimaced. "Yeah… that seems likely."
We quickened our pace, exiting the hallway and turning left, then followed the curved edge of the grotto until we came to the first bridge. Phin was already halfway across when Link and I stepped onto the structure.
We raced over, then jogged up a slight incline along the grotto wall, catching up to Phin before he crossed the second bridge.
Now in step, the three of us walked to the other side, where multiple entrances lined the entire wall on this level. Phin, however, continued straight- stepping off the bridge and entering into the hallway directly ahead. Link and I followed him into another torch lit corridor, stopping as soon as Phin stood in front of a door on the right-hand side.
"This is your room for tonight. The washing facility is the door at the end of the hall. Your clothes have been brought up, as well as your dinners. The guards patrol this area frequently, so if either of you need anything, ask one of them." And he opened the door.
Link and I stepped in.
It was a modest looking room: averagely sized with rough stone walls, multiple torches of dim orange light, and four single beds- the one nearest the door having our clothes folded neatly on top. Compared to the grandeur of Zora's Domain, with all its facets and colours, this room was bizarrely plain.
But it was warm and inviting, and the beds looked extremely comfortable.
I turned to Phin.
"Thank y-"
He shut the door before I could finish.
My face fell; and I turned back to the room feeling oddly guilty.
"It's not our fault," I heard Link say.
I looked up at him and nodded. "I know. But I still feel a little bad since it was us in the temple when the walkway crumbled."
"Yeah, that was unfortunate timing. But he'll have to get over it eventually," he shrugged, then turned towards a large tea cart that was placed at the side of the bed opposite the door.
"Yeah," I agreed. "Still wish it never happened though."
"You and me, both," Link sighed as he removed the coverings off our meals.
I smiled softly as I walked over to the bed, placing the blade on the floor before taking a seat on the water mattress. Link sat next to me and pulled the cart closer.
"So what's for dinner?" I asked, taking a look at the assortment of food on my plate.
"Uh, well… the only thing I recognize is the fish," Link said.
"You know, at this point, I don't think I really care," I chuckled. My stomach started pinching and whining violently the moment the scent of food hit my nose; and I just dug in.
I began with the fish, the meat mellow and flaky, but not dry; then I ate these gelatinous pellets that popped between my teeth and released a juice that tasted like brine. Then I moved on to some type of vegetables that were more water than substance; and finished off with a cold glass of water and some sort of crunchy fish cake- which wasn't very good, but I was too hungry not to eat it.
Within ten minutes I was done my meal. Link was done in eight.
I sighed happily, my belly full.
"Feeling better?" Link asked.
I laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"Sorry, it's just that that's been a very redundant question today."
He chuckled. "It has, hasn't it."
I smiled, then said, "Uh, you are though, right?"
"Feeling better?"
I nodded.
"Completely healed," he smiled. "You?"
"Red Chu jelly healed," I smirked.
Link laughed. "Thank the gods for the queen."
I blew out a puff of air. "I know, right. I was starting to get a little concerned."
"Same. I thought our healing window was closing. But the queen had good timing. And the extra Chu jelly really helped."
"It did," I agreed, then asked, "How's your cut? Were you able to avoid getting another scar?"
"Nah, I still got one. But it's thin this time," he said, and grabbed the ties around his waist. He went to undo them when he stopped. "Uh… I'd show you, but I just remembered I'm not wearing any under garments at the moment."
I spluttered a laugh, hoping the sound didn't come across as nervous as I was now acutely aware that I had nothing on under my robe either.
"Uh…" Link cleared his throat, "what about you?"
I raised my eyebrows. "Are you asking whether I have any scars or wearing any under garments?" I asked, scandalized.
Link's eyes bugged. "Oh, no- that's not… I meant-"
I let a cheeky smile grow on my lips.
He clamped his mouth shut and exhaled loudly. "You're making fun of me."
"Couldn't let the opportunity pass," I laughed.
He shook his head and sighed. "Scars. Were you left with any scars, too?"
"Yeah, one." I nodded, and loosened the neck of my robe, widening the fold just enough so that the top of my chest was visible.
A soft line of pink streaked across Link's face; his eyes a little hesitant as he looked at my scar. But then his eyes turned to fascination. "Your scar, it looks like fire. That's really…"
"Appropriate?" I offered with a smile.
Link's eyes rose to mine. "Well… yeah."
"I thought so, too," I said as I adjusted my robe closed.
"Ilia won't be able to fade it," he said gently, as if the statement would upset me.
"I know," I assured. "I wasn't intending on asking anyway."
"You weren't?" he asked, surprised.
I rolled my eyes. "Of course not. It's my first battle scar!" Then I smiled. "I feel like it's a right of passage."
Link chuckled.
"Besides, I don't think it mars my beauty much," I joked, flipping my hair over my shoulder in a mocking gesture.
"It doesn't."
I turned my head towards Link, and blinked. "What?" I asked, softly.
"It doesn't mar your beauty."
My eyes widened as my heart started pounding wildly within my chest. "I was joking," I said quietly, not knowing what else to say.
Link's dark blue eyes looked into mine. "I wasn't."
It was my turn to blush, my cheeks growing warm as I stared at Link staring at me.
I didn't know what to do.
No, that wasn't true. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to kiss him. I wanted him to kiss me.
But I knew that wasn't a step I could make, because the moment I did I would be lost. Lost out in that ocean of his, drowning, never to return.
I took a deep breath and walked away from the waters, mending the cracks in my resolve as I did.
I smiled. "Thank you," I said kindly; then looked away, changing my tone to something casual. "Calli, on the other hand, will be devastated."
"Oh yeah?" Link questioned. I felt the bed shift as he leaned back.
I nodded. "She'll try and find something to fade it."
Link made a noise that sounded close to pity.
"I know," I said, turning my eyes back to him and giving him a half smile. "I'll tell her she won't, and that I'm okay with my scar. It's my battle token."
"Token?" Link snorted. "Never heard of a scar being described as a token before," he teased.
I gave him a sarcastic smile as I flipped him the middle finger.
He chuckled, then started to yawn widely- which set me off yawning, too.
"Okay," I said mid-yawn, "I think it's time we went to bed."
Link gave me a wide, close-lipped smile before silently standing up from the bed and walking around to the one next to it. Then he face planted on to the mattress, the water sloshing inside as he bobbed up and down.
I snorted softly as I pushed the cart away from my bed; and was just about to settle in when I heard Link sigh heavily.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"I think we're about to have company," he replied, his voice slightly muffled by his pillow.
"Is it the king?" I questioned, my voice wary.
Link pushed himself into a sitting position. "I-"
A timid knock sounded at the door.
"Okay… definitely not the king," I said quietly.
The door cracked open and the small head of a Zora child peeked in.
"Prince Ralis!" Link and I said at the same time.
The Zora Prince beamed and crashed into our room. He bee-lined it to our beds, his eyes wide with excitement- and I had a momentary vision of him coming to see the blade. I made a quick move and pushed the blade under the bed with my foot; but sighed inwardly with relief as the prince's attention was on nothing but Link.
"I knew I'd find you!" the prince cheered. "No one wanted to tell me where you were. But I knew if I kept looking I'd find you eventually!"
"Well done," Link smiled kindly.
"So… what are you doing?" Prince Ralis asked, crossing his arms behind him and leaning back on his heels.
"We were just about to go to bed, your highness," I said.
The prince looked at me, blinking in surprise as if I just materialized out of thin air. "But... that's no fun," he said, turning back to Link.
"Del and I had a really long and tiring day, I'm afraid. And we need to rest," Link explained.
"Oh…" the prince sighed, rocking back onto his heels once more. Then he gasped and grabbed Link by the arm, pulling him off his bed and dragging him towards the door. "You can sleep in my room!"
"Prince Ralis, I don't think-"
"Come on, it'll be fun!" the prince grinned.
Link looked back at me, his eyes asking for help.
"Uh, Prince Ralis?" I said, standing up from my bed. "I think that your mom would want Link to stay in his own room tonight."
The prince looked at me, then smiled. "It's okay. She won't mind!" And then he yanked Link out the door.
"Well, can't say I didn't try…" I shrugged as I walked over to the door to shut it closed.
I felt bad for Link, to be sure, considering how tired he looked. But I couldn't help my snicker at his bad luck as I crawled back to my bed, pulled down the covers and buoyed into a dreamless sleep the second my head hit the pillow
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
I was startled awake by someone exploding through the door; sitting up so fast that the water mattress swelled and almost bumped me out onto the floor.
"Good morning, Lady Oracle!" King Sai sang as he walked into the room. "Lord Hero!"
"Lord Hero?" I blinked, confused.
"Morning, your majesty," a strained voice said from beside me.
I turned my head and saw Link sitting on the other bed, stifling a yawn behind his hand.
"When did you get back here?" I asked him.
"Not long after I left," he said, scratching his chest. "The queen intercepted the prince about halfway to his room."
I chuckled, then said, "I never heard you come in."
"You were out cold," Link remarked.
The king cleared his throat, calling for our attention. "Now, I trust that the two of you slept well?"
I nodded; and so did Link.
"Good," the king grinned. "I'll have your breakfast brought over immediately." And he left.
Link flopped back down onto his bed and draped an arm over his eyes.
"Still tired?" I giggled.
"Hmm," he voiced lazily; the small sound making my stomach flip.
I inhaled deeply to ease it, then stood with the intention of grabbing my clothes and heading to the washroom before our food arrived. However, I got no more than two steps when the door opened again and in walked the old Zora from yesterday, pushing another tea cart filled with food.
"Ah, Lady Oracle, good morning," the old Zora smiled, rolling the cart towards me.
"Good morning," I said as I took two awkward steps back towards my bed and sat down.
The Zora parked the cart in front of me and said, "Breakfast is served." Then he looked past me. "Lord Hero? Uh... Lord Hero?"
"Link?" I called, turning to look at him- and smiled. He was fast asleep. "I'll wake him soon," I said to the Zora, who nodded and bowed before taking the empty cart from last night and wheeling it out the door.
I was surprisingly not that hungry this morning; but I forced myself to eat as much as I could, considering the long journey back to Kakariko Village.
Breakfast was simple but plentiful: a pile of small grilled fish, mounds of -peeled- water beans, a hearty selection of the water vegetables, and an odd type of hot tea that was sweet but flavourless, and aqua in colour.
I ate quietly, not wanting to disturb Link just yet. Once I took my fill I walked over to Link's bed and gently shook his shoulder. The arm covering his face slipped a fraction, revealing a bleary eye.
I smiled. "It's time to get up."
He yawned and nodded, then sat up like the dead rising from the grave.
I had to suppress a laugh. "Breakfast is on the cart. I already ate so I'm going to head to the bathroom and change."
Link nodded again, then stood and walked over to my bed. I quickly grabbed my clothes and left the room, heading down the hall and entering the door at the end.
The bathroom wasn't very big: just a toilet and a sink, both carved from the same stone as the walls. A pane of blue glass acted as a mirror above the sink, reflecting the flickering light of the single torch; and on the sink counter was a small basket and a large pot. When I went to inspect them I was ecstatic to see that the basket was filled with toothbrushes and the pot was half-full with paste.
I used the toilet- gasping loudly as the stone seat was cold- then washed my face, brushed my teeth (leaving my used toothbrush on the counter), slipped into my clothes and leather armor, and finished with setting my hair into a high ponytail.
As I made my way back to the room, a Zora I didn't recognize turned into the hall, walked up to our door and stopped, as if waiting for me. When I approached him he bowed, then said, "Lady Oracle. My Queen and King have tasked me with escorting you and the Lord Hero to the entrance of our domain. Please let me know when the two of you are ready to depart."
"Oh, uh thank you," I said. "I don't think we'll be much longer."
The door to the bedroom opened. "No more than five minutes," Link said as he walked out, fully dressed, and headed towards the bathroom at the end of the hall.
I looked back to the Zora, who nodded then stepped back against the wall to wait.
I went into the room and started collecting our weapons. I buckled Colin's sword around my hips, then wrapped the obsidian blade tightly within my poncho. I didn't know what the weather was like today, if it would be raining again or not, but I figured it was smart to wrap the blade so it would travel safely in Epona's saddle bag. I grabbed Link's poncho, placed it and the concealed blade under one arm, then slung the Hylian Shield over the other before picking up the Master Sword.
I stepped out of the room just as Link approached the door.
"Should be everything," I said as he took his weapons, placing his sword over his shoulder before slipping both arms through the shield straps. I handed him his poncho.
"That's everything. Thanks," he smiled.
Movement caught our attention, and we looked towards the Zora. "If you are ready?" he asked with a bow.
"We're ready," Link answered; and we followed the Zora out of the hall, back into the grotto. We ascended up, crossing over bridges and circling around the walls until we were traversing the path behind the waterfall. At the end of the path we turned down a corridor, then began our descent down the opened hallway of opalescent stone.
The sun was nowhere to be seen; the dimness of the morning giving the blue opal walls a lackluster appearance. The mist from the waterfall was like ice as it floated through the pillars, giving the once brilliant stone a clammy look.
It was depressing.
Once we exited outside our Zora escort told us to wait here for our horses. "Once they arrive please wait a moment longer," he added. "My Queen and King wish to see you before your departure." Then he dove into the river and disappeared under the waterfall.
I shivered a little. The air was cool this morning. And the sky was covered in thick clouds. "Think it'll rain again?" I asked Link, still looking at the sky.
"I'm not sure," he mused. "It doesn't smell like it's going to rain."
"I hope not," I said, bringing my eyes to him. "I'd like to keep this covered." I patted the blade under my arm.
Link nodded in understanding. Then his eyes darted away from mine to something behind me- which elicited a wide smile from his lips.
"There's my girl," he said as he took a few steps past me.
I turned and saw Epona and Suna making their way towards us, being led by none other than Phin.
Epona, excited at seeing Link, picked up her pace- Phin releasing her reins before he got dragged behind her.
Link opened his arms wide as his horse bee-lined towards him- then started to veer off in my direction.
"Oh, no you don't! Me first," Link stated, side stepping in front of me and wrapping his arms around Epona's muzzle, stopping her in her tracks.
The tip of my nose was pressed against the Hylian Shield- and I laughed. Then I side stepped him and walked over to Suna- who didn't seem to really care about my presence. I gave the side of her cheek a scratch anyways.
Phin walked up to me and held out Suna's reins. "Here."
"Thank you." I gave him a small smile as I took them. He gave me a terse nod then turned on his heel. "Phin, wait!" I said before he started to walk away. He turned back to face me. "About- about the temple, uh… if that's the reason you're mad at us then I'm really sor-"
"The state of our- illustrious- temple is of no concern. What matters is that both the Lady Oracle and the Lord Hero are safe," he said.
It sounded like he was reading from a script.
My eyes narrowed as I looked at him. "The king wanted you to say that, didn't he?"
Phin didn't miss a beat. "Yes."
I blinked at his bluntness. "Right. Okay, well I'll tell Zelda you say hi, then," I said, making my goodbye as snarky and abrasive as I could. I turned my back to him, preparing to walk Suna over to the river, when he spoke.
"You will?" His voice was soft and hopeful.
I looked at him from over my shoulder. "I can, if you want me too," I offered.
He smiled at me and nodded. "Please tell her I'm glad to hear she's all right. And that I wish for nothing but her wellness."
I faced him again. "Okay."
Still smiling, he bowed low to me. "Lady Oracle," he said, then straightened and looked behind me. "Lord Hero." He inclined his head then walked away, back towards the opaled hallway and out of sight.
I looked at Link.
"Guess that's better than nothing," he snorted, patting Epona's neck.
"I'll take it," I smiled, stepping away from Suna to place the wrapped blade into Epona's satchel- but not before being stopped by a giant muzzle nipping at my shoulder. I gave her neck a hug and a big scratch before moving to the satchel and opening the flap. I paused as I looked inside. "Link, there's a bag in here that doesn't belong to us."
"There is?" he questioned as he walked over to look for himself. He reached in and pulled out a large drawstring bag, then opened the top to reveal an ample amount of water beans.
"Cool. Something to snack on as we make our way back," I said.
"I think our canteens are filled, too." He picked one up, feeling its weight, and nodded.
He put the canteen and drawstring bag back into the satchel; and I moved them around to make room for the bulk of the wrapped blade.
I had just shoved it in and lowered the flap closed when two thundering splashes came from the river- followed by a loud spatter.
Epona paced back, a little agitated by the sudden noise. Suna, on the other hand, was ready to bolt.
But Link reacted, skirting past his horse to grab Suna's reins. He calmed her down quickly, then took to securing her to the pommel of Epona's saddle.
"Link, that was amazing!" cried the voice of Prince Ralis. "Mom, did you see how he calmed the horse!"
I looked towards the river, seeing the Zora royal family standing at its edge. The queen smiled at her son and said, "Yes, that was amazing."
"My Lord and Lady," the king smiled, his teeth still gleaming sharp even in the dimness of the morning. "It is time we said farewell. I trust that you have everything you need for your journey back?"
"We do, your majesty," Link said.
"Excellent," he clapped. Then the king approached me and extended his hand. I gave him mine, expecting to shake, but he surprised me by giving the back of my hand a chaste kiss. "Lady Oracle," he said with a kind smile before releasing my hand. He stepped over to Link and bowed deeply. "Lord Hero."
Link bowed back.
The king walked away, rejoining his wife and son.
Then the queen took a single step forward and addressed us. "I know not what the future holds for Hyrule. But what I do know is that both of you have given me hope. Hope that one day the Scourge will be eradicated, and peace will reign once more." The queen bowed gracefully. "Thank you."
Link and I bowed in return.
"Link, I don't want you to leave!" Prince Ralis cried, rushing at Link and ensnaring his arms around his waist.
Link gave the prince a small squeeze before moving him back and bending to one knee. "I'm sorry, your highness, but I have to go. I have a job to do, and it's important that I finish it."
"You'll come back, though? After your job is done?"
Link nodded. "I will."
"Ralis," the king called softly.
The prince sniffed deeply, wrapped his arms around Link's neck, then let go and ran to me, hugging my waist (which caught me completely off guard) before running over to his dad and taking his hand.
Link turned to the horses; and I followed suit.
He quickly undid Suna's reins from the pommel and handed them to me. I flipped them over her head then mounted atop the saddle; Link mounting Epona's a few seconds after.
Then Link tapped Epona's sides and the two of them were off.
"Thank you, your majesties. For everything," I said before tapping Suna and following after Link.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
The sweet smelling air was chilly as we made our way through the dense green of the forest; the goosebumps along my arms a constant companion- even while wearing Link's poncho- as we traversed the caves and tunnels.
However, the moment we reached the bottom of the emerald hills the air started to warm; and as we crossed the Bridge of Hylia and entered into the arches of the willowy trees, I no longer needed the poncho for warmth.
But as the slender trees started to thin out, and the blue of the sky started to peek through the clouds, I was suddenly overcome by a sensation that shook me to my core.
I gasped, clutching my stomach. I couldn't breathe.
I pulled on Suna's reins, stopping her immediately, and tried to catch my breath. I heard (rather than saw) Link pull Epona to a stop beside me.
"Link, I- I think some- something is wrong." I sounded winded.
"You feel it, too?" he rasped.
I looked up and saw that his hand was on his stomach, also. "What is this? I feel like I've been punched in the gut."
He looked around, eyes wide. "Magic. And lots of it."
"Wha- Magic? What do you mean?" I asked, confused.
"There's strong magic here. Stronger than I've ever felt before. Even stronger than you," he said, eyes still searching for something.
"Me?" I blinked. But then I snorted. He was making fun of me. "Ha ha, funny," I said as I rubbed my belly. I groaned. "What do you think it could be?"
"I don't know, but I…" he paused as if listening, "I hear people screaming!" He turned Epona around and bolted back into the trees.
"Link wait!" I cried as I swung Suna in his direction and raced after him.
I followed behind, keeping Suna at pace with Epona as we continued back into the thicket of willowy trees. Then Link veered Epona to the left, spurring her to go faster as we entered onto a thin foot trail.
It wasn't long before the trail ended.
Link pulled Epona to a sudden stop; and I had to maneuver Suna out of the way lest she crashed into the copper horse's rump.
Link quickly dismounted, and I did the same.
"Link?" I questioned, unsure of what was going on.
"There's a meadow up ahead," he said as he tied Epona's reins to a low hanging branch.
I could see the meadow he was talking about, through the breaks in the trees.
"And I'm pretty sure there's a village in that meadow." He took Suna's reins from me and tied them to a different branch. "The screams were coming from there."
My heart started to pound. "Did the magic come from there, too?"
His eyes looked to mine. "I'm not sure. I can only assume."
Just then another wave of gut punching energy rocked over us, confirming Link's assumption.
It wasn't as strong this time, but it was no less uncomfortable.
Link equipped the Hylian Shield and unsheathed the Master Sword, then started towards the end of the treeline.
"Link, wait a minute!" I said, catching up to him. "I don't think rushing into this is a good idea."
"Del, people are hurt. Possibly dying. There's no time." He picked up his pace.
I jumped into his path, stopping him. "Okay, yes, I get that- but just listen. You said you've never felt magic this strong before, right? Well, there's only one person I can think of who's powerful enough to use magic like that, and that's Ganon. What if- what if it's him?" I questioned, voicing the thought that was buzzing through my head.
Link looked past me, his jaw muscles working as he thought about what I said. "If it is Ganon, then… then that's something I'll just have to face," and he skirted around me and took off.
"Link!" I cried as I went after him. "We're not ready to face him!"
I'M not ready to face him…!
But I continued onward, running behind Link as we entered the meadow.
In the distance to the right were dozens of small cottages: all white washed walls and thatched roofs, nestled snugly amongst the lush grasses and rainbow flowers of the flatland.
I ignited my shield as we bee-lined it to the village, finding a hardened path within the tall grass and following it straight into the heart of the rural town.
We stopped dead in our tracks; and I dropped my shield as my eyes widened in horror.
I wasn't going to lie: I was scared to come to this village, afraid of what we might find when we did. But this… This was beyond fear.
This was horrific.
Large, black, gnarled masses were littered everywhere along the grass; some twitching and hissing; others clawing at the ground, shrieking as they tried to move their mangled bodies; all of them smoking- as if the sunlight was burning them to a crisp.
"What are these?" Link questioned, his eyes terrified.
I didn't answer him as my attention was caught by someone walking out from one of the cottages.
It was a man. A tall man with a bald head and a short brown beard, clad from neck to toe in knight's armor that looked to be rusted in places. (Something in the back of my mind told me that it wasn't rust…). He didn't notice us at first- his attention focused on something shining in his hand. But then he paused and looked our way.
God, I wish he never looked our way.
The man gazed at me and Link and said, "You two don't belong here..."
"I'm sure you don't either," Link said, his voice low.
The man blinked. "I don't?" Then he cracked a smile, his thin lips almost disappearing as he stepped a little closer. "Are you sure?"
Link didn't respond. He just stared the man down.
The man chuckled. "Very well. You're right. You've won your little game."
"I wasn't playing a game," Link growled.
The man continued to smile.
"What happened here?" I asked, hoping to elicit an answer from the stranger.
The man's eyes jumped to mine. "An experiment gone wrong," he said.
I looked at him, puzzled. "Experiment? What kind of experiment?"
The man's eyes narrowed. "You're a nosy one, aren't you?"
"I-" but I stopped myself as whatever was in the man's hand flashed, catching my attention again. It was long, thin, and jagged, and reminded me of a giant shard.
Something clicked in the back of my mind as I continued to inspect the object in the man's hand. It's surface was black and reflective, with solid white lines in an intricate, but broken, pattern.
My heart started to thud against my ribs as I switched my focus to one of the black masses closest to me. Long, gnarled limbs; claw-like fingers; tentacle protrusions sprouting from a giant, horseshoe shaped head…
"The Mirror of Twilight…" I breathed.
"The Mirror of Twilight? Del, what are you talking about?" Link asked, sounding confused.
I looked back at the man, his eyes wide as I pointed to his hand. "That's a shard from the Mirror of Twilight. And these…" I pointed to the masses, "these are shadow beasts. Twili monsters…"
"How do you know about the mirror?" the man asked darkly.
"How did you get the shadow beasts into this realm?" I inquired instead.
"Hang on, I thought you said that the Twilight Realm didn't exist?" Link said.
I shook my head. "I never said it didn't exist. Only that it hasn't shown up-"
"HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MIRROR?" the man roared; and it took everything within me not to cower.
I took a deep breath, and looked him straight in the eyes as I asked again, "How did you get the shadow beasts into this realm?"
The man's eyes flashed with anger, but it quickly disappeared as a smile rose on his thin lips. "It seems that you two really like to play games, don't you? Very well, I'll play along. I'll answer your question, and then you answer mine." He lifted the shard, flashing the reflecting light into my eyes. "The power of the shard is strong. But not strong enough to bring beasts from another realm into ours. So, I had to improvise. Experiment, if you will, on beings from this realm. Sadly, my experiments could not withstand our daylight anymore. And so they perished." He nudged one with his foot. "It's a rather cruel twist of fate, don't you think?"
My veins turned to ice as I looked at the dozens upon dozens of masses that laid upon the ground. "Oh my god…"
"Del, is he saying that these are..." Link petered out, unable to finish.
"The villagers," I whispered, finishing for him.
"Your turn," the man said.
I looked up at him in disgust. "My turn, what?"
He clenched his jaw. "Your turn to answer my question. How do you know about the mirror?"
I stared at him dead in the eyes; and with no concern about lies or consequences, I said, "I'm the fucking Oracle of the Gods, you murdering asshole."
A warped and crooked smile overtook his lips. "The Oracle…" Then he chuckled softly. "My master is mighty keen on meeting you."
My heart stalled, then stuttered back at a rapid pace, making my chest physically hurt.
Ganon knows about me…?
I turned to Link, fear in my voice. "Link, how-"
"Link!?" the man cried in surprise. "The Chosen One destined to best my master?" He started to laugh. "Oh, today must be my lucky day."
"Who are you?" Link questioned.
"Dojan," the man bowed. "Right-hand of Ganon, and Sorcerer Supreme."
Why does that name sound familiar- wait, Sorcerer Supreme?!
I snorted a laugh.
"Dojan," Link said, his voice filled with contempt. "I've heard of you. You betrayed the kingdom."
Dojan sighed. "It was a small price to pay for exceptional power," and he ignited his hand with a sickly purple light.
Seeing his magic, Link and I quickly went on the defense: Link raising the Hylian Shield as I ignited and expanded my own.
The look in Dojan's eyes when he saw my magic shield made my face pale. They were wrathful and unhinged- and at this moment I feared more for our lives now than I did with Dark Link and Dark Del.
A deep, guttural sound rose from his throat, forming into words that said, "You… have… magic…?" His maniacal gaze was glued on me; his teeth bared as he started to raise his glowing hand, the dark purple energy growing and swirling around his fingers. He rotated his shoulder back, as if preparing to launch the glowing mass at us, when a high-pitched giggle sounded through the air.
I didn't need to look to know exactly what created that laugh- the sound an identical copy from Ocarina of Time...
But I turned my head, and I watched as a poe floated in the shadows between two cottages, its eyes glowing within the hood of its shroud.
I felt oddly transfixed by the poe; and I started to wonder if this was the same one that I saw at the village the other night…
But my reverie broke as I heard Dojan growl, then say, "If that is what the master wants, then I won't harm her. But the boy…"
My gut screamed at me to look away from the poe; to bring back my focus to the deranged man standing before us- quick!
I did what my gut wanted and snapped my attention away from the ghost- realizing, as I did, that I had dropped my shield in my transfixed state; and that Dojan was now holding up the mirror shard while igniting his power around it.
I knew what he was doing; and I had a moment to react.
I opened my shield, putting as much energy as I could to reinforce its strength, ready to take on the hit- when my eyes involuntarily looked towards Link. He was staring at the poe, Hylian Shield down.
"Link! Raise your shield, now!" I yelled- but I didn't know if he heard me as the next second a blast of silvery light hit me, and hit me hard.
I stood my ground- only sliding a fraction across the grass as I pushed against the onslaught, the blast roaring past my ears as I gritted my teeth, trying to keep my shield as steady as possible while my gut got sucker-punched once more.
Then, the blast suddenly stopped.
I watched Dojan through the red haze of my shield- too afraid to do anything else but watch as he looked at the two of us, and laughed. The sound was pure insanity.
Then he looked directly at me.
He took a step in my direction- but stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Now?" he snarled.
In the shadows, the poe started to bob up and down.
"Fine! But speak nothing of this, or I will kill you." He turned his eyes back to mine. "Our paths will cross again, Oracle of the Gods," he smirked. "Until then." Then he turned away and vanished into thin air; the poe vanishing along with him.
I waited a beat, and then another, making sure he wasn't coming back. And when I felt like it was safe I dropped my shield.
Breathing heavily, I asked, "Link are you o-" but stopped as I turned to face him.
My breath hitched as I covered my mouth with my hands.
Eyes wide, I stared-
-as there, lying on the ground where Link once stood, was the body of a giant wolf.
O_O
Comment, follow, and fave if you like the story!
~lavender phoenix~