Author's notes: So I wanted to get this chapter out during April but certain events have prevented me from doing so. But hey better late than never I suppose.
Disclaimer as I do not only any of the ideas incorporated in this story, blah, blah ,blah, you know the rest.
Chapter 13: Fruits of the Desert
Bubblegum was placing the finishing touches on her 3D table map as she waited for Link and co. to arrive. It was discussed at breakfast that everyone would come to the lab to check out the map Bubblegum made. Whether or not Finn and Jake would be joining Link on his travels hadn't been decided between him and Tobi, the same being said for Flame Princess given recent events. Bubblegum offered herself to joining the two saying how they would probably need an adult figure to accompany them. However that was immediately dropped with Tobi elegantly stating, 'I wonder how this kingdom would be like without a ruler? It's not like its been attacked in the last three days or anything.'. She sighed, smiling to herself. Tobi was the most verbal among them. His words were wise, if not humorous.
"We're here!" Tobi flew into the room followed by Flame Princess, Finn, Jake and Link. "Now let me get a look at this map Link was so amazed by."
"Well, here it is." Bubblegum offered her hand towards the black table.
"You mean this really sleek looking Air Hockey table? Not exactly what I had envisioned."
"Hold on…" Bubblegum proceeded to tap the table, activating it and gaining varies 'ooos' and 'aaahs' from the others. "I take it that you guys are impressed by it?" She said smugly with her arms folded across her chest.
"I can see our house Jake." Finn eyed up the 3D replica of their treehouse with Jake following suit.
"So how does it work?" Link asked.
"It's really simple, actually." She double tapped the table causing a black triangle to appear over the entirety of the map. "Based on the two shards that we currently have I was able to find a common wavelength between the two then using that data I coded it into the map to be represented as the black triangle." The triangle slowly hovered its way over the desert where it rotated in place. "Using that data, I programmed the map to scan for the wavelength across Ooo. Only problem is the encryption of the wavelength is far beyond my expertise I was only able to decipher so much of it. Because of that the map is only able to show where the wavelength is being transmitted from across a location."
"So, in other words," Tobi started. "This map will show us where only one shard is but only the area it's in and not the exact location. Why didn't you just put that into the GBA?"
"Because the radar can only do so much without a power source that would compromise the functionality of the radar." She then took out the radar and handed it to Link. "The radar works in that it is able to detect the shard's wavelength within a fifty meter diameter. The radar was meant to be able to pinpoint the exact location of the shards where as the map allows you to know where it is."
"So how do I turn this thing on?"
"Press the top circle that's next to the bottom left screen corner."
Link proceeded to do so causing the screen to light up and emanate a sound of a bit-crunched whirl followed by a high pitched ding. The screen proceeded to display a blue grid having a thin circle pulse out from the center sounding off with an echoing sonor sound every three seconds before repeating the process.
"The two buttons on the right will allow you to zoom in and out these being the right and left buttons respectively. When you're doing this you can use the cross button on the left to move the cursor in the direction that you want it."
Link proceeded to press the right most circle button causing the screen to zoom in. In doing this the screen now showed an 8-bit version of Link and near him were two black triangles.
"This is so cool! So I'm guessing these triangles are-"
"Shards of Chaos." Bubblegum finished his sentence. "I currently use them to power the map and find the location of the shards. It's very inconvenient but this was made before the radar which uses the wavelength detection."
"So the radar can show more than one shard at a time?"
"Yup. The radar zones in on the shard's wavelength and can detect anything that has this common wavelength over a short distance, the short distance being why it's able to detect more than one."
"So how come the map doesn't show the shards that are here in the Candy Kingdom, Princess?" Finn asked now looking at the projected triangle that was hovering over the Desert of Doom.
"That's because I programmed the map to detect the shards after a set radius is established. So any shard that's in the Candy Kingdom won't be picked up by the map to make the search a bit easier."
"Well that at least gives us a place to leave these things. So tell me princess, what's with this place underneath the shard?" Tobi asked.
"This is the Desert of Doom. Unfortunately it's extremely vast so pinpointing where the shard is located may prove to be…" Bubblegum sharply inhaled through her teeth. "Difficult to say the least."
"Any advice for making this easier?" Link asked.
"I've heard rumors that there's a kingdom of some sort located in the middle of the desert. But then again I'm not too sure because I've never heard of any royalty coming from the desert surface."
"So you mean to tell us that the shard might not even be on the surface?" Tobi asked.
"It's a possibility but highly unlikely."
"Well this should be fun. Let's go Link, those shards aren't going to find themselves, unless Dark Link finds them first."
Link and Tobi headed towards the door only to be blocked by Flame Princess. Her hands were on her hips and she had a very determined scowl on her face.
"And just where do you think you two are going?"
"Well Flame P, we were going to go out to the desert. You mind stepping aside please?"
She pointed a thumb at her chest and kept a hand on her hip.
"Not without me you're not.
"Look Flame Princess," Link started to rub the back of his head. "we can't really ask you to come with us. I mean, you got really hurt last time."
"So what?" She placed both her hands on her hips again and leaned in towards Link. "Just who was it that got the most recent shard in the first place while someone was unconscious?" A coy smile graced her lips.
"Welp Link, Flame P's got you pegged. Welp, it's a done deal. Welcome to the team Flame P!"
"While you're welcoming people might as well welcome me and Jake." Finn and Jake walked up to the two. "We're coming with you whether you like it or not."
Link looked Finn with a stern face to which Finn gave one back. A moment of silence passed by before Link smiled and offered a hand to Finn. Finn smiled back and gripped Link's hand with his own, both giving a firm shake.
"Welcome to the team, Finn and Jake."
…
"So I was thinking that we need a really cool team name. I was thinking that our team name should be based on the first letter of our names but TLFFJ doesn't sound like a very good name and no the T is not being moved in the order."
"Huh, Tobi?"
"Oh course JLFFT doesn't sound too bad either but I am not being last in the team order.
"Tobi!"
"Eh? What's happen?"
"Could you go check on Flame Princess?"
"Yeah sure. She's around here right?"
After deciding to stick as a group, our five heroes spent the past few hours wandering the desert in search of the slightest signal on the GBA but to no avail. The heat of the desert hadn't quite gotten to the group yet. Well gotten in a negative way that is.
"This place is the best! Finn, come make sand angels with me!"
Flame Princess was relishing in the hot environment making angels in the sand which eventually became glass angel imprints.
"Uh, sure."
While they knew that the shard was located in the desert their current problem was they had no idea where to look, so to say that they were lost would have been an understatement. Link kept his focus on the radar while Jake walked beside him.
"So does the radar work as a map too?"
"If it does then I don't really know. I'm only seeing this green screen, unless I zoom in, then I get to see this really cute image of me. But no triangles yet so I'm going to keep looking at this thing."
"Why isn't making those beeping sounds anymore?"
"I think it's because we aren't near any shards."
"Well if that's the case then I think you should stop looking at that thing. If you're not looking where you're going you might walk into quicksand or a cactus or something. Uh Link?" Jake turned to look at Link but noticed the distinct lack of blond boy clad in green. He turned back and noticed a distinct sinkhole occupying the path Link was walking. "Uh guys! We have a bit of a situation over here!"
…
It had happened so fast, one minute he was looking at the radar and the next he's free falling into an underground cave. Link fell head first into the large pile of sand that awaited below. He immediately freed his head from the sand, spitting out some in the process. He looked around noticing the vast darkness around him as well as the rays of light peering out from the ceiling showing the grains of sand that fell. Link looked down at the radar hoping for a change in the device, there wasn't however.
He rolled his eyes, pocketing the device he decided to look around. Truth be told there wasn't much to look for. Just sand, sand, rays of light and more sand. However something was able to catch Link's attention, nearly blinding him too. Something reflected a ray of light in a far off sand pile. It drew Link's attention like a moth to a flame. He couldn't tell what is was exactly only that it had a shiny handle and appeared to be made out of some sort of metal. He grasped the handle and shuddered, for something that was practically buried in sand it sure felt cold, and tugged eventually pulling it out and losing his balance in the process.
He fell onto his back, the item having flown upward landed on his chest. He gave the the object a lookover finding to be interesting. Given the poor lighting he had, Link couldn't quite tell if this item was made from bronze or gold. It resembled that of a teapot only smaller and more narrow.
"What's this thing?"
Link grabbed the item by the handle, examining it with increasing intrigue.
"It seems a little dull… maybe if I try rubbing it…"
Link began rubbing the item with his forearm noticing how the light began to shine brighter on the object bringing out more of its shape.
"Looks kinda like a teapot."
"That's because it's actually a genie lamp." Said a feminine voice.
Link fumbled the lamp in his hands, startled at the sudden voice talking to him. He looked around, clutching the lamp, not finding anyone around him.
"Is someone there?"
"Yeah, I am." The same voice replied.
Again, Link looked around him finding no signs of anyone around him.
"Down here." Link looked down at the skeptically. "Yes in the lamp." Link shook a little, taken back by this revelation. "It's been a while since I had a master. So what's your name new master?"
"Master?" Link raised an eyebrow taken a bit back by the voice addressing him as master.
"Master Master?" The voice giggled. "My, what a strange name you have, Master Master."
Link shook his head. "No, my name is Link."
"Master Link then? What an interesting name. So tell me, Master Link, would you like to stay here or would you like to get out of here?"
"Well getting out of here would be nice but how are you going to do that? Aren't you just a lamp?"
"Correction, a genie in a lamp."
The sand underneath Link began to swirl and started to rise into the air lifting Link into a sand tornado lifting him up to one of the openings in the ceiling.
…
"Don't worry Link, we're coming for you!"
Finn and Jake dug at the sand Link was last standing above but to no avail as one clump of sand had been removed more came to take its place. Flame Princess and Tobi watched as the two brothers dug away.
"So, Link is down there? In the sand?"
"Pretty much Flame P."
"Shouldn't we help them dig for him?"
"Well not really. If you went at it long enough you'd turn that sand into glass."
"Really?" She asked raising an eyebrow. "How does that work?"
"Well when sand is exposed to an intense amount of heat it melts and turns to a liquid then solidifies and turns into glass. You didn't notice that when you were making sand angels?"
"No not really. So why aren't you helping them dig for Link?"
"As much as I don't want Link to be buried in a sandy tomb I'd rather not have to pick grains of sand to help dig up Link." Finn and Jake suddenly stopped their digging and stared at the digging site with caution. "Eh? Why'd you guys stop digging?"
"The ground was rumbling…" Finn slowly began backing away.
"Rumbling?" Tobi asked.
Jake laid his ear on the ground. "It still is. Guys I think we should-"
A sand pillar erupted from underneath Jake. Finn jumped away in alarm to avoid being caught into the torrent of sand. The torrent eventually died down to sand swirls rising into the air now revealing Link at the base of it.
"Link!" Tobi, Finn, and Flame Princess reunited with the green clad hero.
"Ah, there you are Link." Tobi began flying around Link. "I knew you'd be alright. By the way did you see Jake on your way up or on your entree or whatever the heck you want to call that entrance you did."
"Jake?"
A distant scream could be heard from high above. All eyes looked up as they saw Jake falling back down several feet away from them and crash to the ground.
"I'm coming Jake!" Finn began to run towards Jake's crash landing site.
"So, um, what's with that lamp you got there?"
Link looked down at the lamp in his hand. "It's a genie lamp I found while I was down there."
"A genie lamp you say? Well rub it and let's see this genie for ourselves."
Link nodded his head, he held the lamp by the handle in his left and began rubbing it with his right. Purple smoke began emanating from the spout of the lamp and began rising up before Link. The smoke then manifested itself into a female or rather the upper body of one where has the lower half took the form clumped purple clouds that attached the being to the lamp.
Her skin being a golden tan, the sun's rays reflected off it to highlight its lavish pigment as well as accent the curvature of her body. Her waist being a moderate size in proportion to her chest which dared to break the confines of her strapless, crimson, bra which was held together by the golden ring between her ample bosom. Her arms, sporting lengthy gold armbands, raised high above her head allowing her to stretch and in doing so bringing more attention to her chest. Her hair was that of a midnight blue easily being mistaken for black. Her hair flowed back has a singular ponytail, held by a gold band of the same nature has those on her arms, reaching a few inches behind the manifested smoke and ended with a slight curl. She wore a simple gold tiara which ran across the base of her hairline. Her bangs arched slightly above the tiara and at the center flowed thick in the shape of a crescent but this did not impair her sight. Her ears were elf like, being near exact to Link's, small gold hoop earring hung from both ears. Her eyes were closed as she finished letting out a moan.
"Aah~. That felt good. Mmm~..." Her voice was gentle. She seemed unaware of the people around her as she continued to stretch her arms and upper body. "I've been in that lamp for way longer than I should have. A girl can only be cooped up for so long." She opened her eyes, revealing them to be an alluring violet. "So, where is my master?" She looked at the fairy and fire elemental before her. "No, you don't quite fit the description I had in mind. For one, you're female. So unless you casted a spell on yourself or got hexed in the past few minutes you definitely are not him."
Flame Princess was left feeling a little bewildered, her mouth slightly agape, before she could say anything Tobi interjected himself.
"So I have a few questions myself about you, Ms…"
"Hala. Hala the Genie." She place a hand on her chest and gave a small bow.
"Ms. Hala, if you don't mind me asking, how well endowed would you say your figure is?"
"Hmm…" She placed a finger on her chin and looked to the sky in thought. "I'd say I've been blessed with a great figure." She adjusted her bra. "I'd say I'm big enough for great sex appeal but not big enough for them to bother me."
"Lovely…" Tobi snapped out of his semi-trance. "I mean have you met Link yet? You know the guy behind you?"
She turned to look over her shoulder seeing said boy holding the lamp. She smiled, floating over to him.
"So this is the face that matches the voice, huh?" She began circling Link, eyeing him from head to toe. "I must say, you're the youngest master I've ever had. If I had to guess I'd say you're fourteen going on fifteen, correct?" Link nodded his head. "My, my, how young you are and quite the looker to boot." She then came face to face with the young hero, being mere inches away, Link began blushing at the sudden violation of his personal space. "This cute and only fourteen?" She cupped his cheeks into her hands causing his blush to deepen in shade. "You'll be one handsome devil of a looker when you grow older you know."
"T-T-Th-Thanks…" He stumbled on his words out of nervousness.
"Awe~ why so flustered?" She inched closer, Link's blush deepened as a result. As shy as he became he couldn't break eye contact with her, something about the way she looked at him felt all too alluring. "Am I really all that captivating to you?" Her forehead pressed against his, her tiara pressing against the loose strands of his hair. "It's a shame that it's against the rules. Even though we just met…" She leaned in closer to his ear and whispered. "I've taken quite an interest to you myself."
At this point Link's blush had spread to the tips of his ears. Hala drew back letting out a small giggle as she placed a hand over her mouth.
"I really am sorry for making you blush so much, Master Link. It really wasn't my intent to make you feel embarrassed."
Link was able to calm his blushing by a certain degree but was still somewhat red faced.
"Y-You said something about rules, right?" Hala nodded her head. "What rules are you talking about exactly?"
She folded her arms across her chest.
"I'm glad you asked."
She lifted one of her arms and snapped her fingers. In a puff of smoke Link, as well as Flame Princess, were now sitting in a chair with a desk in front of them. On Link's desk the lamp was placed and Hala floated a few feet away from them with a blackboard behind her.
"Now listen up kiddies 'cause I'm only going over this once."
She proceeded to pull a stick of white chalk from between her breast and wrote 'GENIE RULES FOR NEWCOMERS' and the top of the board.
"The first rule between a genie and her master is that they must maintain a 'genie and master' relationship at all times. Meaning neither can intentionally seek intimacy from the other in any way, shape, or form." As she said this she wrote this on the board. "Wishing for anything that may affect the genie physically or mentally in that manor is part to this rule."
Tobi began bobbing up and down in rapid succession gaining the attention of Hala.
"Yes, umm…"
"Tobi. Tobi, Assistant to the Great Fairies."
"Yes Tobi?"
"So does that mean your body isn't magically enhanced?"
Hala crossed her arms over her chest and puffed her cheeks.
"If you're implying that my body was given to me via wish then I'm insulted by your question. Everything about me is all natural. From my winsomely long hair to my full body tan."
"F-Full body…?" Link's blush began to creep back.
Hala giggled, blushing a bit herself.
"Sorry, Master Link, I can't show you 'cause that would be violating rule numero uno. Any other questions, Tobi?"
"How old are you?!"
Hala gasped in disgust, throwing her arms to her side and bawling her hands into fists. Her face blushing furiously.
"What a thing to say to a women! Have you no tact?!"
"I mean, the Great Fairies said the same thing but caved in once I brought up the question of where fairies come from. So where do genie ba-"
Hala brought up her hands in protest.
"Ok, ok, ok! Let's not talk about that stuff with Master Link present." She cleared her throat and looked away from the three. "If you must know I've been around well before what this world called The Great Mushroom War." She began scratching her cheek. "If it's any consolation I'm sixteen in genie years."
"The Great Mushroom War?" Link asked. "What is that exactly?"
"On to the next rule!" Hala blurted out.
"But-"
"The next rule!" She cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "The second rule is that the master is limited to three wishes and only three wishes. These wishes however do have a limitation. To name a few; the master is unable to make wishes that kill, create, recreate, and or resurrect life. They are unable to summon things that do not exist in this realm or dimension, allow for time and or reality altering effects, or that are outside the genie's expertise."
A thought then came to Tobi.
"Would you happen to know about the anatomy of fire elemental's?"
Hala proceeded to float over to Flame Princess.
"I'm guessing the subject of fire elemental's has to do with this blossoming fiery rose here."
"Blossoming fiery rose…?" Flame Princess shuffled slyly in her chair blushing from the complement.
"While I am versed with the fire elemental's this one seems to be out of my expertise." Flame Princess frowned, looking down at her desk disheartened. "Not that I'm saying there's anything wrong with you just that you're very unique is all."
"By unique you mean unstable then yeah…" Flame Princess said under her breath.
Hala laughed nervously. "Sore subject I see… I'll just drop that."
She returned to the board and began writing the third rule.
"The third rule deals with situational magic. A genie is only allowed one master at a time and no one is allowed to convey wishes on the master's behalf. All wishes must come from the master themselves. In addition to this, for a wish to be granted the phrase 'I wish' must be said before any wish can be granted. The genie is allowed to use their magic at their own discretion however if it would be used to affect the master the master must provide consent before anything is to affect them."
"So say Link is drowning, you have the option to save him or you can ask him for you to save him in a way that makes him use a wish?" Tobi asked.
"More or less." Hala snapped her fingers causing the board, desk, and chairs to disappear into a puff of smoke. "But that's pretty much it for the basic rules. There might be a few extras but I'll cover those when they come." She waved a hand dismissively. "So Master Link," Hala flew instantly to Link, staring directly at him. "any wishes you'd like to make?"
Hala continued to stare at Link intently and expectantly to which caused the latter's blush to return.
"I-I'll let you know when I have one."
…
Day turned to dusk and the group of adventures were still wandering through the desert, much to the annoyance to the genie of the group.
"We've been in this desert all day!" Hala groaned. "What are we even looking for?"
"I told you, we're using the radar to find where the Shard of Chaos is located."
"But we haven't found anything, Master Link." She groaned.
Link smiled nervously. "Well, trial and error are part of a journey, unfortunately."
"Trial and error my fairy butt!" Tobi shouted. "At first I was ok with the scenery of the sand ocean and the sunset scenery was pretty nice too but this is just ridiculous. We've been out here all day and not ONCE has that radar gone off. And I don't know about you but Finn and Jake back there have nearly died of heatstroke several times."
"Four…" Finn was in the back of the group dragging a semi conscious Jake by his legs through the sand. "I've blacked out four times."
"I counted six for me." Jake said weakly, raising his arm up. "Wait, here comes lucky number seven. Wheeee~. Look at the Lady Rainicorns in the sky guys…"
"Now that is really concerning." Flame Princess said.
"Well there you have it Link. We are all sick of wandering in a sandy ocean. What are you going to do about it?"
"Why are you asking me? I don't know this place!"
"Are you or are you not the guy with the wish granting genie following him around?"
"Relax, Tobi. Master Link may not know his way around the desert but I do." Hala stretched her arms upward, sighing as she did so. "Don't worry, Master Link, this will be free of charge. There should be an oasis in this desert. Granted it has been a while since I've been there but I know the way."
"Exactly how long has a while been?" Tobi interjected.
"You're not finding out how old I am according to this realms time process."
"Can you at least give me a hint? Are you older than nine hundred?"
Letting out a low growl, Hala glared daggers at Tobi.
"Just shut up before I change my mind. Now gather 'round everyone and I'll take us there faster than you can say 'Crescent Moon Cookie'."
Hala closed her eyes, she stuck her arms out to her sides. Her hands began to glow an aura like that of a starry night sky. She clapped her hands together and began overlapping them in rotating succession as she raised them above her head. Once above her head she spread her arms out to the sky allowing the aura that enveloped her hands to shoot out. As the aura descended upon the group Hala let out a whisper.
"Teleport~."
…
The group reemerged in a puff of blue smoke, no one really expected the instant warping leaving everyone but Hala and Tobi on the ground.
"Here we are~!"
Before the group was not an oasis but a thriving desert town. Buildings of various shapes and size all of which comprised of various types of sandstone accompanied by various forms of vegetation, many featuring date palm trees, throughout the scenery. Walkways made of sandstone leading further into the town were abundant, by no means was this place small, heck it could be considered a desert city with the scale that the architecture was on.
"Well this is new." Hala said in surprise. "Who would have thought that wish for an oasis I made would turn into such a thriving desert community?" She folded her arms in front of her chest and nodded. "It's a pleasant surprise to see my magic at work like this."
Finn shot up from the ground, holding himself up with his arms.
"Jake, look a town! They'll have water!"
Finn and Jake bolted into the town leaving the rest of the group bewildered at their sudden haste.
"Tobi," Flame Princess started. "Didn't you say Finn and Jake were passing out from heat strokes?"
"Well Flame P, man can be driven by many things. One of which being hunger or thirst in this case."
"We should follow them to keep them out of trouble."
The group agreed with Link and began making their way into the town searching for the two brothers. While the exterior of the town showed to be something of an extravagant spectacle the interior did not meet those standards, to be more precise the town's folk were the doom and gloom of it all. That being the literal sense of the word gloom. Town's folk moped about streets and street vendors unenthusiastically attempted to sell their goods and wares.
"You would think for such a beautiful looking place its people would be a little more upbeat." Tobi looked around making remarks on the various occupants. "I mean just look at that guy, he's just laying in the sand and letting people walk over him."
Indeed a male goblin had taken occupation on the floor and allowed people to trample over him, without complaint.
"Eeh, let's just ignore that for now and find Finn and Jake. I'm sure they're probably in a bar or something."
"Are they even allowed to be in bars?" Flame Princess asked.
"I was. Granted it felt ridiculous being the only person wearing a cow mask." The latter of the statement Link said under his breath.
"I'm sure they aren't giving them any alcohol but if they are I wouldn't mind getting some myself." Hala continued to daydream as her eyes wandered over to a nearby tavern that had blue drapes acting as a door. "Let's check over there, Master Link."
The group proceeded to enter the tavern, taking in the scenery before them. A circular room with booths around the room's diameter, all of which being made from refined, smooth, red sandstone. The middle of the room hosted the bar with circular bar counter. Varies Ooo natives littered the counter and booths alike being sprawled out onto the tables, counters, and floor alike.
"Either it's happy hour in here or these people have problems they really want to drink away."
"What's the difference?" Tobi snarked.
Link rolled his eyes, he scanned the room for traces of Finn and Jake eventually spotting two figures devouring heaps of food and drinks accompanied by some kind of purple lump creature in a booth in the upper corner of the room.
"I think I might have found them."
"And what makes you so sure about that?" Tobi asked.
"Well correct me if I'm wrong but I sure that Finn and Jake were starving like they hadn't had anything for weeks and those two in that booth are stuffing their mouths like no tomorrow."
"I'm sure it's just a coincidence."
"But we should check it out." Flame Princess's eyes were fixated on the food at said booth. "It wouldn't hurt to check… Just saying…" She could barely contain the drool from escaping her mouth.
"I feel like our blossoming fiery rose has some ulterior motives." Hala smiled at the now blush Flame P.
"T-That's not true!" Her body however resented that statement with a loud growl coming from the princess's stomach resulting in her blush deepening.
"Don't worry about it Flame P, Link here is gonna pay."
"What?! Why me?!"
"Well between the six of us I'm pretty sure you're the only one with any actually money."
"That's up for debate I have you know." Hala interjected.
"Oh really? Then I suppose you're going to pay for everyone's meals?"
Hala began to back off, holding her hands up defensively. "Now, now, let's not jump to conclusions."
"It's fine, Hala, it'll be on me."
The quartet approached the booth. There was no denying that it was Finn and Jake stuffing their faces with various meats, fruits and drinks that were spread onto the table. Next to Finn was the purple creator and being so close Link could accurately identify it. It was definitely something alright. A floating amalgamation of purple lumps resembling that of a bunch of grapes with a star shaped gem embedded in its forehead. It was currently talking to Finn.
"So the bartender is all like, 'braah life is depressing and junk.'." She deepened her voice to mimic the bartender. "Then I'm all like, 'I don't care! I just want my watermelon mango smoothie!' then I flipped the chair and he still wouldn't make me my smoothie."
Finn took a big swig out of the wooden mug near him, sighing in content once he finished.
"Oh yeah~ that hit the spot!" Finn turned now noticing Lumpy Space Princess. "Sorry LSP, you were saying something?" Finn then noticed the standing before the end of the booth. "Oh yeah guys. Sorry we kinda ditched you like that. Me and Jake just got really hungry and couldn't take it anymore."
"Didn't you say something about water before you two booked it into town like you'd seen the face of Nayru?" Tobi questioned.
"Well drinking and eating go hand and hand, you know?"
Jake, who had been preoccupied with licking a plate clean, literally, finished and let out a big burp. "You guys should join us. The food here's incredible!"
"Um excuse me…" Everyone's attention was now behind Link and co. where a small man wrapped in bandages called their attention, only his eyes were visible. "I see you three have brought some more guest. If they're anything like you three I'm sure our menu will be in a woefully despairing situation." The latter of which he said in a rushed whisper tone. "If they are to join you I require that you pay for your current meal immediately."
Link pulled out a blue rupee and handed it to the small man.
"Will this do?"
His eyes lit up as he instantly grabbed the blue gem.
"Yes, yes! This will do! P-Please help yourself to whatever you'd like." He quickly scuttled away.
"Tobi, you're gonna have to tell me how much rupees are here." Link slid in next to Jake and placed the genie lamp beside himself, giving Hala her own seat to which she thank him for.
"Well noted. So before we discuss anything else I'd like to order some food."
…
An hour later the group stuffed their faces with various foods provided by the tavern. Everyone's meal was quite enjoyable and delectable. Most noteworthy of these being Flame Princess who ordered various raw meats. Hala was the one who suggested that she do this as already cooked meat would become singed and or charred while she ate it, where as raw meat would cook while she ate it. At first she found this insulting but eventually found it enjoyable.
"So why are you in the Desert of Doom, LSP? I thought you lived in the woods or something."
"I already told you why I'm here! Glob! Weren't you listening to me earlier?"
Finn started rubbing the back of his head, breaking eye contact with LSP.
"I was more focused on finding something to eat than I was anything else…" He added a quick 'sorry' before glancing down at his plate in shame.
LSP just scoffed at this.
"Whatever. Anyway, I got told that Breakfast Princess got told that there's going to be this super sweet royalty party or whatevers. And I'm like, 'I'm like the best princess ever! Why wouldn't they want me to show up?'. So I track down Breakfast Princess to here and like I find out that you need an invite or whatevers but I'm like, 'I don't need no invite! They should be grateful that I'm inviting myself to their party.'. So then…"
LSP continued to drone on.
Finn was paying attention, albeit out of obligation for ignoring her before but he noticed how Link was paying attention as well. Key word was.
Link was now paying no mind to what Tobi referred to as a 'grape vine' and was zoning out with a elbow on the table and his cheek in his hand. Link overheard the conversations around him; between Hala and Flame Princess who the former discussed her preferences of barbecued meats. To Tobi now arguing with Lumpy Space Princess after having calling her a 'grape vine' with Finn now trying to settle the dispute between the two.
Link's thoughts reflected back to this morning being more specific, the map. It said that a shard was located somewhere within the desert yet they've searched a near day's worth of desert yet not even a single sound out of the radar.
DING~
Yeah just like that. Link's brow furrowed now becoming visibly annoyed that his thoughts would taunt him like this.
DING~
Link let out an annoyed growl now gaining the attention of the genie next to him.
"Is something the matter, Master Link?" She asked tilting her head.
"No, I'm fine."
DING~
This time Link slightly twitched.
"Guess I'm just a little annoyed that the radar hasn't picked up anything."
"Well have you checked it? Seems to be making a lot of noise."
"Huh?"
DING~
Rather than hearing it in his thoughts Link ears twitched to the very familiar sound that he associated with a radar he was carrying. He looked at the item, instantly noticing the pulsating screen.
"Guys the radar's picked up something!" Link instantly got up, running out of the tavern with radar in hand.
"Yeah that thing was going off for a while. I was kinda wandering when you were gonna check it- and he's gone."
Link followed the sandstone path, his eyes fixated on the radar as he continued to get closer to the black triangle. The path lead to a lake surrounded by lush greenery. Beyond that stood what appeared to be the silhouette of a palace however that was gated off and Link was immediately stopped by two sand golems.
"Halt! This is the property of the Count of Sands. No one is allowed to enter until the eve of the Count's party, have they invitation or be royalty."
"Huh?"
"Oi! Link!" Link turned around seeing everyone else had followed him. "Don't go running off like that. It's the middle of the night and we're in unfamiliar territory not to mention you left the genie lamp behind!" Tobi pointed at Flame Princess next to him who was holding Hala's lamp who said genie looked annoyed with her arms crossed over her chest.
Link took in his surroundings, indeed dusk had turned to night not only represented by the starry sky but as well as the pathways lit up by stone torch stands and various buildings with light peering out of the windows. Link rubbed the back of his neck, a lit tint of pink crossing his cheeks.
"Sorry about that." He then bowed to Hala, much to the genie's surprise. "I'm really sorry for leaving you behind like that, Hala. I promise it won't happen again."
"Oh. Uh…" She looked away from him, normally her master would ignore something like this or scold her for not keeping up but never once had they apologised about it let alone bow to her for said action. This was new to her, to say the least. "I-It's fine. You know no big deal really. So whatcha find?"
Before Link could say anything LSP immediately made her way to the front of the group, shoving Link out of the way presenting herself before the sand golems.
"I'm here for the party so let me through."
"Halt! This is the property of the Count of Sands. No one is allowed to enter until the eve of the Count's party, have they invitation or be royalty."
"So what? I'm sure he won't mind if I take a peak. So let me through!"
"Halt! This is the property of the Count of Sands. No one is allowed to enter until the eve of the Count's party, have they invitation or be royalty."
"What are you some kind of broken record or something? Let me through already!"
The golems repeated their previous statement resulting in LSP's increased temper. The three continued to bicker, rather LSP ranted on while the golems just repeated their statement, leaving the others to discuss with each other about the situation they currently faced.
"So I followed the radar here and it says that there's a shard in that building but I don't think the guards are gonna let us through."
"That might be an understatement. I'm sure they'd much rather be stuck on loop then talk about anything else." Tobi watched as the guards repeated their sentence for a seventh time earning an irritated groan from LSP.
"Strange, I've been in this desert for a while and I've never heard of anyone called the Count of Sands." Hala tapped a finger on her chin. "But I'm sure he might have some answers about how weird people are acting here. I mean, he is the supposed 'royalty' around these parts."
"So what do we do now?" Finn asked.
"Might as well find a place to stay for the night." Link said looking around at the buildings behind them. "I'm sure one of these places will let us stay the night here. No reason to spend the night looking for clues when we'll just be tired in the morning."
The group nodded in agreement, opting to leave LSP to continue bickering with the guards.
…
The group settled in an inn that could easily be mistaken as a hotel due to its absurd height located on the outskirts the gated palace, leading Tobi to believe they were in the rich district of the desert city. The group's accommodations had been settled on the top floor of the building which Link had been provided three keys.
"I gotta say, for being in the 'hoity-toity' side of town this place looks pretty rad."
The hallway they walked down comprised of a deep red wallpaper with golden vines as added design topped with marble flooring and velvet carpeting which paved the the hall floor. Much to Flame Princess's surprise the carpet didn't catch on fire but did leave burn imprints in the shape of her foot.
"Even though this entire floor is ours-"
"Because someone needs to control their money spending habits."
Link glared daggers at Tobi before continuing.
"Even though this entire floor is ours they said there are only three bedrooms. So I was thinking that Finn and Jake get a room, Flame Princess and Hala get a room, and me and Tobi get one." Flame Princess raised a finger as if to protest. "Don't worry Flame Princess, they said that these rooms are made with fire people in mind so your room shouldn't catch on fire while you're sleeping." Immediately she brought it down, her unasked question being answered.
"Sorry to interrupt, Master Link, but there appears to be an error with the rooming situation." Link raised a brow, questioning what the genie was going at. "You said I'd be staying with Flame Princess but that would be going against the rules."
"Going against the rules?" Tobi asked. "How does that work? You only ever gave us three."
"This is one of the few extra bits I was telling you about. If the current master is to remain stationary for an extended period the lamp must be with them to allow the genie to monitor their master in the event something ill were to befall them."
"So you basically have to stick to him in case he dies or something?"
"It's a precaution made to allow genies to relocate the lamp if their master meets a premature end."
A sudden realization came to Link, his cheeks began to turn pink.
"Wait wouldn't that mean…"
"That I have to room with you, Master Link."
Tobi now rested on top of Link's head. "Well, aren't you lucky, eh Link?"
…
"Aren't you coming to bed, Master Link?"
"I'm not tired…" He said immediately.
"Are you saying that 'cause this is your first time?"
"N-No!"
"I'd believe you if your face wasn't so red."
Link currently sat in front of the door inside the room he was provided with Hala floating above the mattress patting it as if beckoning Link to come. The room provided featured a king sized bed with nightstand next to it, which Hala's lamp was currently placed on. Directly across from the door were blue silk curtains draped across the wall which flew slightly inward indicating a pathway to the outside was beyond them. To the right of the door was another path which lead to the bathroom.
"I honestly don't see what the big deal is. It's not like I could do anything to you as it would be against the rules." She reinformed Link.
"I know." Link said in a raised voice. "I'm just not used to sleeping next to a girl is all." He said this lower then he had spoke previously.
"Would it help if I changed into something more appropriate?" With a snap of her fingers pink clouds surrounded Hala's body and soon vanished revealing that her crimson bra was traded out for a small pink tank top which really only covered her chest but still allowed an ample amount of her cleavage to show and a bit of her side as well. "Comfy!"
Link tried not to look directly at the genie, his face began to darken from pink to a light red. "Are you sure about that?"
"Well yeah. I don't like wearing too much because I'll get too warm at night and then I'll want to take it off but then I'll be too cold so the tank top is a perfect middle. It covers me up and it's not tight at all. See?"
She tug on the ends of her top showing how it hadn't attached to her but rather hung loosely. casting a visible shadow under what it covered.
"Yeah I see that."
Link got up walking past the bed towards the curtains. He moved the curtains to the side revealing an arch that lead to a balcony to which he walked onto. Hala furrowed her brow, leaving the bed opting to join Link out on the balcony.
From here Link could see the palace which, thanks to the moon, cast out a shadow that darkened any details of it though it was still too far to make out any accurate details so it just looked like an outline. Link leaned forward onto the sandstone rail provided folding his arms as he looked out towards the palace. Hala joined him only she faced the opposite way looking towards the arch that led back into the room and leaned her elbows and back onto the rail.
"I feel like you're feeling more bothered than you are hot right now and my top isn't the cause of that. Care to tell me what's on your mind?" She snapped her fingers once again this time causing the golden band that held her ponytail to disappear allowing her hair to flow freely as some of it draped over the ledge.
"I can't shake this feeling that there's something really unnerving about this place. Maybe I realized it once the radar started going off or maybe when I saw that building the guards blocked off."
"It sounds like you're focusing too much on this." Link turned to look at Hala and gave her a questioning look. "I may not know what your deal is but it sounds like you are focusing way too much on this whole thing." She turned to face Link, smiling at him before taking his cap and trying it on for herself. "Ever hear the old saying, 'All work, no play, makes Jack a dull boy.'? With you focusing so much on this it's gonna stress you out. Relax a little. If it's not life or death serious, try and have some fun with it along the way." She finished adjusting the cap she looked back at Link noticing how Link's hair was tied back into a small, simple, ponytail. That combined with his perfectly split bangs made for a dashing hairstyle, in her eyes at least. "Anyone ever tell you you look good without your hat on? 'Cause you really do."
Link, feeling a bit embarrassed, couldn't help but blush.
"Thanks. I don't really take off my cap so people don't really see my hair. Your hair looks nice too."
"O-Oh, thanks." She looked away from him and opted to twirling the end of Link's cap.
"So I have a question, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Go for it. I'm here to serve."
"How come you don't just grow legs to stand instead of floating? Doesn't it get a little uncomfortable being part cloud?"
"I would if I could." Link raised a brow questioningly. "A while back one of my masters used one of their wishes to cause the lower half of my body to disappear whenever I come out of the lamp, so it's practically like I have no legs at all…"
Link's features saddened, his eyes following the purple, cloudy, smoke trail that lead from the bedroom to Hala. "Couldn't you just remagic your legs back?" She let out a sigh.
"Would if I could." Her gaze now shifted up to the starry night sky. "It's one thing for me to use my magic on things but it's another for me to do them at the command of a wish. The wishes are a constant in the sense that I can't undo them unless another wish is used to do just that. One of the misfortunes of being a genie of the lamp; your will isn't really your own."
"That's not fair!" Link turned his body towards Hala, balling a hand into a fist and hitting it against the railing. "You're just as much a person as anyone else, genie or no genie, that doesn't mean you don't have a will of your own or mean that you should bend to others'."
She looked at the boy giving him a sad smile. "Sorry but that's just how it is. Nothing much I can really do about it." Link remained silent. "It's ok. I've learn to deal with these things and move on to the next master, it's just what my life's become." As she began floating back to the bedroom a thought came to Link.
"Hala wait." Hala stopped, a hand already moving the curtain to the side, she looked back at Link. "I have a wish to make."
"Well this is sudden." She floated back to Link who looked oddly determined. "Well as the saying goes, your wish is my command. Please do tell me your first wish, Master Link."
"I want you to have your legs back."
"Eh?" Hala looked at Link in surprise and confusion as if he was speaking another language. "Y-You mind repeating that I don't think I quite caught that."
"I said, I want you to have your legs back. That's my wish."
"EEEEEHH?!" Her voice echoed out matching the blush that was spreading on her face. "What do you mean you want me to have my legs back? You do realize that you're wasting your wish on me, right?"
"It's not a waste of a wish." Link nearly snapped, causing Hala to quip up and flinch a little at the increase of his voice. "You shouldn't be treated like you're some tool that'll be thrown out once it's been used."
"But I-"
"No you're not! You're a person just like me and just like anyone else. So if I can use a wish to make you see that then so be it." Link pointed at the cloud of smoke under Hala waist. "I wish for you to have your legs back!"
"Oh, um, ok…" She said bashfully as she poked her index fingers together. The smoke detached from the lamp and now gathered beneath Hala and separated into two. As it did this it began to dissipate revealing a pair of legs covered in pink pajama bottoms that ended a little past the knee and a white waist string tied at the middle of the waist. The new sensation of bare feet touching the ground caused Hala to smile gleefully as she looked down at her newly restored legs. This however did not last long as the unfamiliar sensation caused Hala to immediately buckle as she began to fall forward, she rushed out, "Catch me master!".
As she fell forward Link caught her in his arms however dropped to his knees in order to continue to support her due to the unaccounted height difference.
"Are you alright Hala?" Link asked concerned.
"Y-Yeah. B-But could you um…" Hala's face was burning red. "Could you, umm, carry me to the bed? I'm not quite used to using my legs again so I can't quite walk just yet..."
Link smiled and nodded. He picked her up, hooking one arm around her neck and the other under the back of her knees carrying her like a groom would his bride. She let out an 'eep' as he did this, despite their height difference Link didn't stagger when carrying her back to the room. He gently laid her on the bed. She looked away from Link who now sat at the edge of the bed, her face still beet red.
"You know, Master Link, you're different from other masters that I've had. Like very different. None of my masters would have ever thought about using a wish for me like that."
"Things are different now." Link said with a smile. "I'm here to serve you."
Hala sat up, grabbing one of the pillows from behind her. "Hey, that's my line!" She hit Link with the pillow to which he laughed it off.
"Like I said, things are different now." She puffed out her cheeks now laying the pillow on her lap. "Is there anything else you might need?"
"Well…" She poked the tips of her index fingers. "A little fairy told me that you're quite skilled in playing music. Care to show me?"
Link mumbled something about a golden fairy under his breath as he brought out the Ocarina of Time. Hala tilted her head in interest.
"An ocarina huh?"
Link nodded, bring the instrument to his lips, closing his eyes, he began playing the melodic tunes of a familiar lullaby near instantaneously Hala could feel drowsiness begin to envelop her senses. As she got comfortable she could feel her eyes beginning to flutter close.
"H-Hey… Master… Link…" She softly let out.
Link opened an eye, slightly, showing that she had his attention.
"T-Thank… You…" Her eyes closed shut as she let out light snores indicating that she was fast asleep. Link stopped playing, he smiled as he took the pillow that was still on her and replaced it with a blanket to cover her with. With the pillow in hand, Link looked around the room.
"Now where am I going to sleep?"
As you may have noticed I've introduced a new character into the mix of things, she might be hit or miss with people but I'm okay with that, for the most part. I know adding in an OC like this doesn't go well with most readers, but I find to be necessary for the most part to help progress things with the story.
I will be minimizing the appearance of OC's as a main role for the most part, maybe a main role here or there but not for too long. Just a little something I wanted to address before progressing on with the story.
