Chapter 18: Aboard the Sandship
Loud creaks echoed underneath the boots of the knight students who walked upon the upper deck of the Sandship, as they decided to call it. Sand & dust cover the entirety of the ship, along with several roaches. Worn-out sails dangle from the aged masts. The mast in the center has a strange round blue object that reminds them of a target. The quartet gaped at the sheer size the Sandship showcased.
"Look at the size of this place…" Link commented as he walked around the deck.
"You probably can fit the entire Knight Academy on this ship," Pipit added.
Fi exited the sword. "Allow me to give my analysis, Masters. The remains that I detect indicate that some of the monsters that attacked this ship are said to wield large amounts of energy so I advise you all to explore the ship with caution should you locate the Timeshift Stone Skipper mentioned. Your current selection of pouch items is survival-focused. Suitability to our current location is 75%. All of your items correctly focus on defense and recovery. Be aware, though, that close combat will likely be unavoidable in the ship's corridors."
"We will. Thanks, Fi." Link turns to Karane after Fi went back to the sword. "Can you feel the flame?"
"It's somewhere below the ship. I have no clue how to get to it…"
"Skipper said there's a Timeshift Stone here. Maybe that will help the way," Fledge brought up.
"But I don't see one anywhere." Pipit glanced around the upper deck.
Link looked around for any sign of the stone. What he did see is a door on the front side of the sandship.
"We'll start looking in there." Link gestured in the door's direction.
The inside was just as dusty and worn as the outside deck. Straight ahead lay another door. Next to it were stairs leading below the deck.
"We should split up," Link suggested. "Karane, you and I will look through that door. Pipit, Fledge, you two look below the stairs. Try to find the stone, the flame, or even where the crew…would be."
"You got it, boss." Pipit gave a thumbs up.
"Be careful guys," Fledge called out as he and Pipit walked down the stairs.
Link and Karane walked through the door that led to the very front of the Sandship. There seemingly wasn't anything important at first glance. Then Karane noticed it. A figure stood at the end of a wooden walkway narrow enough to fit one person, chains guarding both sides of the path. The figure wore an old torn crimson coat & striped pants, along with a hat similar to Skipper's own. Karane walked forward to get a better look at the mysterious figure. When she moved close enough, and further away from Link, a fence with dangerous-looking spikes pop up behind, separating Karane from Link, trapping her on the walkway. Link attempted to touch the gate but it sent an electric shock at his hand and his body. It was strong enough to send him flying back, knocking him out as well.
"I thought I saw a smaller boat out there. I knew it was only a matter of time before you came." The figure turned to face Karane. His body not covered by his clothes revealed metal parts. A large hook encases his left hand. This was similar to that of the Ancient Robots but he looked more human-looking. "Who dares to intrude upon MY ship?"
"Karane Bellamy…" She trailed off. "May I ask who you are?"
"I am Scervo. Captain of this fine ship."
"You're Scervo?" Karane inquired, surprised that this robot still lived after all this time. "The pirate captain that Skipper mentioned?"
"You know Skipper, huh?" Scervo hissed at the mere mention of Skipper. "I should've figured that pesky little robot was the one to take down the invisibility cloak. After all these years he still lives. I'll have to admit it is impressive that he hasn't given up after one thousand years. But if he managed to lose his grip on this ship to me that easily it proves that I am the superior model over his line. Therefore that makes this ship, and the flame rightfully mine."
"Except they're not yours. Hylia made that flame for an important purpose." Karane argued in an attempt to reason with the robot captain.
"To hell with that divine whore! My kindred did everything for her! And what did we get in return? Rejection! Dismantlement! Complete eradication of my line!"
"She did that because your line of robots tried to kill people!"
"No…she feared us. Plain and simple. She might've destroyed my kind, but I still live. Each day I live I continue to spite 'Her Grace'. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that I'm more superior than my replacements, and those meat bags she calls humans. That includes keeping the flame from the likes of you."
"It is not yours to keep! Neither is this ship!"
"You're treading dangerous waters, girl." Scervo pointed his metal finger at her in a warning manner. "I'm giving you and whoever you came with one chance to leave my ship with your life."
Karane stood her ground. "Tempting offer, but I'm afraid we're not going anywhere until we get that flame."
"Very well…If you wish to take the flame and the ship…" Scervo pulled out a sword sparking with electricity. "YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FIGHT ME FOR IT!"
"Well, there goes negotiations." Karane thought to herself as she geared up with her sword and shield.
Scervo charged towards her at full speed, a roar emitted from him. Karane met her opponent halfway, eyes lingered at the robot captain. She noticed just how narrow the walkway was. If there's anything she remembers from learning sword combat is that narrow spaces left little room to swing the sword. The only option was to thrust it forward and move it up & down. When the moment came she thrust her sword against Scervo. This knocked him back several feet from her. Karane eyed the end of the walkway. With the way the captain reacts to getting hit, maybe she could knock him off this ship!
Both opponents spend the next several minutes of the process of fighting. Karane would strike at the robot when the moment came, which cause him to slide back. There had been moments where Scervo would attempt to hit her with his sword as the blade pulsed with electricity. Thankfully the Sacred Shield managed to repel the attack. They trade more blows until Karane manages to knock Scervo's sword out of his robotic hand.
Scervo appeared to be shocked. Then it was soon replaced by arrogance.
"I'll have to admit. You have some skill, especially for a human." Scervo pulled out another sword from the side of his hip. "BUT IT WON'T BE ENOUGH TO SAVE YOU!"
The barricade keeping Karane in moved up to where she was, trapping her further away from the entryway. Karane repeated the process of waiting for the moment to strike Scervo, whilst blocking his attacks from his electric sword. They trade blow after blow, moving closer to the end. Finally, Karane managed to not only knock that sword down but also Scervo's right arm. Scervo was in complete utter shock.
"Grr! You little bitch!" Scervo swiped at Karane with his hook, which Karane barely dodged away. The barrier moved even closer to the edge this time. "I have been here on this ship for one thousand years! I am not going to lose it to a little wretch like you!"
With only his large hook left, Scervo took swipes at Karane. These blows from his hook felt even harder than both of his swords combined. It seem like this fight was going on as usual. Until Scervo manages to knock Karane's sword out of her hand, sending it flying back next to Link's still unconscious form. The robot took the moment of Karane being in shock to take a strike with his hook. The tip of his hook slice diagonally across Karane's right cheek. It didn't do too much damage, but it did cause enough pain for her to let out a shriek. She clutches her cheek to soothe the bleeding, dropping her shield as well, forgetting for a brief moment about the battle taking place. With his hook pulsed with electricity, Scervo used the opportunity to strike her again, knocking her back several feet. Karane landed on her back, her body suffering the electrocution for several seconds before it died down. Scervo towered over Karane's daze form, blood streaming out from her bleeding cheek.
"You should've fled while you had the chance. I will say, at least you put up a good fight. A shame that I have to take out a skilled opponent such as you."
Scervo lifted his hook high to prepare to strike Karane down. But before he could get even close, he was forced back by a crystalized blue shield. It faded away after a moment. Karane slowly sat up, giving the pirate a smug smirk. It seemed to irritate him even more. A roar erupted from him as he attempted to strike her down only to be blocked by the crystal shield again, this time sending him close to the edge of the path.
Link finally came to his senses. The lingering effects of the electricity slowly faded away as he slowly moved up. His eyes caught sight of Karane's sword lodge on the wood. The hero looked ahead to see Karane get knocked down by Scervo who attempted to strike her down only to have his attack be repealed by the powers of Nayru's Grace twice. Link knew Scervo wouldn't be knocked down for long. He didn't know how stuck Karane's sword was lodged in the floor. Glancing at the Goddess Sword on his back, a sudden idea came to him.
"Karane!" Link ran up to where the girl was. "Catch!"
Link threw his sword at the girl. Karane swiftly caught it in her hand. With the Goddess Sword in her hand, and reclaiming her shield, Karane charged up the robot as he finally got back to his feet. Karane delivered several hard blows. After a long grueling process she sliced off the robot's hook, knocking him off the edge of the walkway and the ship.
"CCCCUUURRRSSSEE YYYYOOOOOOOUUUUUUU…!" Scervo screamed out as he fell until his body exploded upon impact on the ground below. Scervo was no more.
Karane stood near the edge, panting heavily as her grip on the Goddess Sword remained strong. A blue chest appeared at the edge of the pathway. The barrier blocking her escape was now gone, allowing Link to move up to her.
"You okay?" Link asks Karane with concern, especially with the cut on her cheek still bleeding.
"I've survived worse. I'll be fine," Karane responded casually. "Here. Thanks." Karane gave the Goddess Sword back to Link.
"Masters, that synthetic life-form…" Fi addressed the pair once Link regained the sword. "I can confirm that it's the pirate described by Skipper. I can't help but admire the tenacity it has displayed in staying alive and functional after the past one thousand years."
"Damn…" Link muttered. "How can something stay alive all this time?"
"Pure spite or just too angry to die." Karane quipped, which earned a chuckle from Link.
"At least he left us with a parting gift." Link opened the chest. Inside of it appears to be an archer's bow and a quiver holding many arrows.
"A bow?" Karane questioned.
"That is correct, Master Karane." Fi clarified. "This bow, in particular, can propel arrows through the air with great force, allowing you to strike your targets from afar.
"Not only that but there's also a map to the ship in here." Link pulled out a large piece of paper which showed a layout of the Sandship. This will definitely make traversing the ship easier.
"You can also shoot arrows to strike certain devices to activate them," Fi continued with her explanation. "I have confirmed that such a device exists on the deck. However, it will be difficult to target it from here, so I recommend you both return to the deck."
With that said and done, Fi retreats into the blade. Link brings his attention to Karane, specifically the gash on her cheek. The pair return to the inside of the front ship. They found a stool for Karane to sit on while Link could help her dress her wound. Seconds later footsteps echoed from the stairs as Pipit & Fledge appeared from below.
"Karane?! Dear Farore, are you okay?" Pipit practically ran over to Karane.
"What happened to you?" Fledge asks as he rushes up as well.
"I'm fine," Karane assured. "Let's just say I got acquainted with Scervo."
"Scervo? The pirate that Skipper mentioned?" Pipit questioned.
"'Fraid so," Link responded as he pulled out a red potion. "Any of you got spare rags?"
Fledge reached into his pouch and pulled out what Link wanted. "Here."
"Thanks." Link poured portions of the potion on the rag, giving the bottle of the remaining contents to Karane for her to drink.
"Does it look bad?" Karane asked Link after she drank the bottle.
"Given the size of Scervo's hook, it could've been a lot worse. You're lucky your face didn't get sliced off. It's gonna leave one hell of a scar." Karane let out a low hum in response. Link tried to cheer her up. "Look on the bright side, you'll have a badass story to tell."
"You think so?"
"Definitely. Not every day you fight with an ancient crazy robot."
"I guess that makes me feel a little better."
Link finished up cleaning the wound. "Alright, I think it should be good. Just need to cover it up with a bandage."
"I have some sticky bandages in my pouch."
Karane gestured to her pouches that she had moved to the base of the stool. Link was about to reach for them, only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
"I'll do it," Pipit offered. "You take a break."
Link moved his hand back. Pipit reached in moving his hand around until he found what he was looking for. Gently, he placed the bandage over the freshly clean cut on Karane. Pipit couldn't help but notice the beauty of her bright blue eyes that she had regained from Nayru's Trial. He never had the moment to truly admire them. This went on for only several seconds before he put his focus on placing the bandage on Karane's cheek.
"I think that'll do," Pipit softly patted the bandage.
"Thanks, Pipit. And thank you, Link, for helping me back there."
"Happy to help, sister," Link chimed.
The quartet exited back on the main deck of the Sandship right after Link showed Pipit & Fledge the Bow he and Karane acquired. They search around for the strange device Fi had mentioned. Their sights were brought back to the strange blue target seen on the mainmast. Fi confirmed with them that that was indeed the device in question.
Link took the shot at the target. Thankfully, Link, and everyone else, had learned archery as it was part of their training to become knights. A large familiar stone appeared at the top of the main mast of the ship. Fi again confirmed that is the stone that Skipper had mentioned to them. Link shot another arrow at the Timeshift Stone, transforming the surrounding area.
The old worn Sandship filled with bright colors. The faded torn up sails were now perfectly intact in the color of orange. The sand surrounding the ship filled with at most a mile of water. The students wonder at the changes were short-lived when another arrow was shot at them. Several Bokoblins stood high on the masts wielding archers' arrows. Under different circumstances, this would pose some problems. Except two of their targets had wielded a bow, while the other had the power to create shields. Link shot at the Bokoblins with his bow, whilst Karane reflected the arrows straight back at the shooter with the power of Nayru's Grace. The monsters were gone within minutes.
"Good job you four!" Skipper hovers towards them. "I saw the fight with Scervo from my boat. Which one of you was the person to do it?"
Karane stepped forward. "I did. Had some help from Link but managed. Scervo won't be bothering you guys anymore."
"By the goddesses, that's amazing news! With him gone, taking back this ship will be a breeze for you guys, especially now the ship looks like it used to. That makes me so happy. Not only that but it seems that you found the Bow as well. That just makes it better."
"We also found this." Link showed Skipper the map of the ship. "Any idea where your crew might be?"
"I'm certain they're being held in the brig inside the ship." Skipper pointed to a section to one of the lower levels of the Sandship. "It's below the ship. Hopefully, they'll be there. I bet that more of Scervo's crew are still lurking about on the ship so be careful! I'll just stay back on the boat until it's safe to come back."
The humans made their back to the inside of the ship, which was just as colorful as the outside deck. Pipit & Fledge revealed that during their exploration they did stumble across a room that had the remains of the ancient robots, along with Bokoblins. They mentioned a large gold door next to that room as well that was reminiscent of the doors they had seen at the end of the temples they all visited.
Much like what Skipper warned, several more Bokoblins, Technoblins specifically roamed the halls. They weren't difficult to take down this time around. They soon found the brig where the members of Skipper's crew were being held, with more Technoblins standing guard. They all took the monsters out in a breeze.
"You're all human, aren't you?" One of the robots inquired as the group approached the bars. "How did you get in here?"
"We came with Skipper to save you. We defeated Scervo as well," Link answered the robot.
"You know Skipper? I'm so happy to hear that he's doing well and that Scervo is gone now!"
"Can you tell us how to get you guys out of the brig?" Karane questioned the robot.
"We can't get out while that sparky thing blocks the exit." The robot points to the only entryway to the cell which is blocked off by an electric wall. "The only way to deactivate it is from the engine room. The engine room is right below the brig. There's a corridor in the engine room that connects to the brig, but it's locked from this end. You four need to access it from the engine room. But to get through the engine rooms here you need to activate the two power generators in the engine room. The generators are located in two different locations on the ship."
The robot pointed in the direction of the generators on the map of the ship. Now it was clear what to do next, the quartet set off to find the generators.
The first generator wasn't difficult to find and activate. Pretty simple really. Enter the room, Link puts the sword in, and just like that, it was activated. A vibration felt through the room as it did. The second one posed a bit of a challenge. The door leading to it was blocked from the other end. Fortunately, there was a room next to it that had an unlocked door. After taking down more Technoblins, plus a Beamos, they search the room for clues. From their position, they could see the other switch to the power generator, access to it being blocked by the bars on the door, and the middle of the room.
After minutes of searching, one of them stepped on a small platform that moved down the moment they stepped on it. A blue target appeared on the other end of the room. The same type of target was seen on the mast that held the Timeshift Stone. Link shot an arrow at the target, which removed the bars from the door. With newfound access, the group entered the room and turned on the last power generator. All there's left to go to the engine room.
Finding it was a tad difficult. It was located on the lowest part of the Sandship. When they did finally arrive they were greeted with large metal boxes moving up and down. The switch to turn off the electric barrier in the brig, along with the door leading there was at the other end of the large metal blocks. It took careful timing to pass through them to ensure the quartet wouldn't get crushed by them. Eventually, all four students made it safely to the other side of the engine room. They found the switch connected to the brig which they gradually turned off. After that, they found the door which led to the brig so they return there. The robots that were imprisoned now roam free in the brig.
"You all did it!" The robot from earlier cheered with joy. "My circuits are glowing with happiness. How can I repay you all?"
"Well…could you tell us where we can find Nayru's Flame?" Link inquired.
"Really? You all want to find Nayru's Flame? Why is that?"
"We need it to find a friend of ours," Karane revealed.
"Oh? What for?"
"She went to a place that we can't exactly reach under normal circumstances," Pipit responded
"The flame is the only way we can reach her. Without it, we can't do that," Fledge added on
"I see…If you want to reveal Nayru's Flame, you're going to have to regain control of this ship," The robot told them. "You probably noticed that large door on your way here, correct? That is the control room. You'll need a key to open it."
"Do you know where we can find it?" Link asks.
"The key should be in Skipper's cabin." The robot handed them a small key. "Use this to gain access to it. Call it our thanks for saving us. You can get to Skipper's cabin through a door on the deck in the back of the ship. But I and the others are joining back with Skipper. Sorry to leave this all on your own but we're due for a reunion. Plus we've been in here long enough. I'm sure you all can do it."
All the members of the Sandship crew exited out of the brig. The quarter made their way to Skipper's Cabin. In there they found the familiar large white chest with the red gem. Inside of the chest holds a carving that resembles a squid of sorts.
"That the key?" Pipit asks.
"Seems like it." Link gazes at the carving in his hand. "Now we just use this to enter the control room to get the flame."
"That sounds great…" Fledge states unenthusiastically crossing his arms, his elbows in his hands.
"Something wrong?" Karane asked Fledge.
"It's just…Every time we find one of those strange keys, some monster comes out of nowhere and tries to kill us."
"Fledge, there's no monster out here," Link assured the orange-clad student. "I'm sure whatever monster lived there is no doubt long gone. I think we have nothing to worry about."
Ghirahim reappeared in front of the large skeleton remains that he had found. A small flash of diamonds appeared over the skull over the creature, revealing a huge Timeshift Stone. Unlike the stones found scattered across the desert, or even the ones in Lanayru Mine, this stone was as big as a boulder. The stone hovered slowly towards the skull until it was floating just mere centimeters away.
A dark grin grew across Ghirahim's lips
"No way they'll escape with their lives this time."
With a snap of his fingers, the Timeshift Stone lodge itself to where the eye socket would be. The stone glowed into the blue hue. Dark clouds began to form as the effects of the stone covered the skeleton. Ghirahim stood with pride watching his handiwork come to life. Now the show can truly begin.
Ghirahim turns his head to the Sandship just several miles away.
"Let's see you try to get out this one, sky children."
The quartet shoved the key into the door of the control room. The inside of the room had a large machine in the center of the room being connected by large pipes. Aside from some humming echoing off the walls, it was quiet.
"So this is the control room huh. Not what I was expecting," Link glances around.
"What we're you expecting," Karane asks curiously
"I don't know. I just thought it would be bigger."
"Can we just find the flame already?' Fledge insisted urgently.
"Still worried about something coming out to kill us?" Pipit commented.
"Given past experiences, I think I should be rightfully cautious.
"Fledge, I already told you there's nothing to worry-" The lights in the control room suddenly cut out. "...about."
"What was that?" Pipit wondered.
"There's something here…" Karane observed cautiously.
The room started to shake violently. Parts of the wooden floor shifted up. Then large purple tentacles erupted from them. They were long, as wide as each member of the group. The purple tentacles slithered back below before the room started tilting.
Fledge gave a glare to Link. "Nothing to worry about, eh?!"
"Just shut up and run!"
The quartet dashed out of the control room. To make a turn to the hallway leading the way out. But the purple tentacles erupted from the walls blocking the way out. Each one of the students tried to slice through the tentacles but it bounce them back. Not even the Goddess Sword could slice through them. After several attempts of Link trying to slice the tentacles, Fi exited the sword.
"A report, Masters. Judging by their size, these tentacles belong to a monster of considerable size. The current situation is difficult to determine with complete accuracy but signs indicate that this ship is under attack. If we do nothing, there is an 80% chance the ship will capsize. I recommend forcing it back with sacred power, then exiting to further assess the current situation."
Link activated his Skyward Strike to slice through the tentacles after Fi went back in the sword. The group ran through the hallway leading to the first set of stars leading the exit. The ship tilted to the side, nearly causing some of the students to slip. The nearly steep incline made it difficult for them to traverse the next corridor. They all had to grab sections to keep themselves from slipping down below.
"I knew something like this would happen. I knew it would," Fledge ranted on. "But NNNOOOO! Nobody listens to poor ol' Fledge like usual."
"I get it! You were right, Fledge, but let's focus on getting out of this alive first. Then you gloat all you want!" Link shouted back.
The group eventually exited out of the corridor. The interior of the ship tilted down, giving enough stable ground for the group to move. Karane ran ahead to the open space. One of the tentacles burst just at her side. She instinctively activated Nayru's Grace, moving the crystal barrier in the way that it sliced the tentacle off. Another tentacle burst in front of her, not close enough to grab her, fortunately. Pipit suddenly recalled when he awoke his wind magic in the same manner did to take down Koloktos. He moved his arm in a slice motioned, blowing a gust of air which sliced off tentacles.
"Good to know our powers can be used against that thing," Karane commented.
"Hopefully it'll be enough to take down whatever is attacking us," Pipit added on.
The inside shake violently again. Sounds of rushing water echo. Water floods into the room and was already up to their calves.
"C'mon! Where not out of the clouds yet!" Link shouted.
"Way ahead of you!" Fledge ran ahead as the water rose to their knees.
The group made it to the final set of stairs that will lead them back on the deck. The water had filled up the rooms below. There was no way out below. The only exit was through the door leading to the deck.
"Warning, Masters," Fi addressed in a cautious tone. "I sense an evil presence on the other side of this door. There is a 90% chance it is the primary body mass of the creature whose tentacles are destroying this ship. I suggest making all necessary preparations before exiting to the outside of the ship."
Fi retreated into the sword, leaving the quartet. All four knight students glanced at each other nervously, not knowing what could lie awaiting for them just beyond that door. Despite that, they all march outside with determination to face the mysterious creature head-on.
Rain poured down on them as the knight's students searched for their assailant. The ship seem to have split in half, yet it miraculously stayed afloat. Aside from the pounding rainfall, it was quiet. Too quiet. The boat started shaking. The giant purple tentacles appeared from below, surrounding the students. The quartet armed themselves with their weapons ready for the tentacles to attack them. Instead, the tentacles went back below. A large splash occurred in front of the damaged ship. The creature finally revealed itself.
This monster was bigger than Scaldera, Moldarach, and Koloktos combined. Its head was round like a ball, with fins on both ends. Many tentacles surround its body. Two of which were longer, and thicker than the rest, with the ends of them being thin and long enough to perhaps grab the students. If they had to guess, those serve as the monster's main arms & hands. The center of the creature's head had a large red eyeball. It let out a roar as it started down at the four tiny humans.
Needless to say, this creature was terrifyingly ginormous.
"Holy crap, that thing is huge..." Fledge squeaked out.
"We're going to need a bigger boat," Link muttered.
The monster dove back under the waters. Tentacles broke through the ship trying to grab one of the students, all of which were doing their best to dodge.
"Watch out for those tentacles!" Pipit instructed loudly.
"Just what the hell is that, Fi?" Link shouted as he dodge the tentacles.
"This is Tentalus. This Abyssal Leviathan is said to have been a tyrant of the ancient seas. As you know, its enormous tentacles can be repelled with sacred power but they will regenerate after a short time."
"How is this thing alive?" Karane questioned.
"I sense a presence of magic. I detect a great source of it coming from within Tentalus' eye. I theorize that the creature's eye is its weak point, but the probability that Master Link can actually hit the eye with a Skyward Strike is approximately 0%. Instead, I recommend utilizing long-range weapons."
"Could the bow help?" Link asked.
"I calculate a 95% success rate if you use it to shoot Tentalus's eye. I recommend shooting arrows immediately after dodging attacks launched by Tentalus."
"Got it."
Link dodged another one of the tentacles. Pipit & Karane were faring well against the assault of tentacles thanks to their divine powers. Fledge on the other hand didn't have such luck. Link remembered that he was the only one without any sort of magic or divine power protecting him. A tentacle went straight down toward Fledge. Link tackled the young boy out of the way.
"Thanks, Link!" Link helped Fledge back up. "I wish I can help you guys out but my sword can't through these tentacles. I'm basically useless."
It was then Link got a little idea. Link pulled out the Bow.
"How's your archery, Fledge?"
"Decent enough I think. Why?"
Link handed the Bow to Fledge. "When that thing comes back up You need to shoot its eye."
"ME?!" Fledge exclaimed in shock. "Why me?!"
"The rest have ways to fight against that monster. Which means we can better defend you."
"B-b-b-but I-." Fledge stuttering was cut off when Link grab his shoulder.
"I believe in you. You can do it."
Hearing Link's words was enough to accept what he had to do.
After several minutes of slicing down the tentacles, Tentalus revealed himself again, soothing his freshly cut-off tentacles that were slowly growing back. Tentalus' big red eye was exposed.
"Take the shot, Fledge!" Link commanded the boy.
Fledge readied himself with the Bow. The string of the bow pulled back, his arms shaking from trying to hold the arrow in place. It was now or never. Fledge's grip on the string released. Tentalus let out a pain-filled cry as his head fell on the remains on the ship in a daze.
"You got him!" Karane praised Fledge.
"Nice shot!" Pipit praised as well.
Link ran over to Tentalus where he laid on an all-out assault on the monster's lone eye until it jerked back up. Tentalus once again ducks underneath the ship, all of his tentacles regrown. Just like before tentacles erupted from below the ship. Everyone used whatever they had to slice them down, with the exception of Fledge who stayed close to Link for protection. So far the plan seems to be to slice down enough tentacles for Tentalus to reemerge himself from the water so that his tentacles could heal. Then Fledge would take the shot into the creature's eye for Link to layout another assault on the giant eye until Tentalus regained his strength to submerged himself under the water for the second time already.
The onslaught of tentacles started again only for all of them to get sliced down. When Tentalus appeared out of the water, rather than tend to his tentacles, he used his primary arms to try to slam down on the remains of the deck. The arms moved slowly, giving enough time for the humans to move out of the way. Fledge again took a shot to the eye, giving Link the chance to attack. When Tentalus gained the strength to pull back rather than go back on the water he did something else.
Tentalus began slamming his arms on the deck at a fast speed. It was enough for the remains of the deck to jerk around. The knight students lost their balances but still manage to stay on the deck. Karane did her best not to fall off. That was put to an end when Tentalus slammed the deck hard enough to dip sideways. Karane slid to the side of the ship. The female senior knight managed to grab the edge. Something then grabbed a whole of her when she was about to climb back over. Suddenly she found her view looking at the decks of the ship. Her three friends looked at her with horrified expressions. Karane's body was wrapped in a purple substance similar to the tentacles.
Tentalus has Karane in his grasp.
"It has Karane!" Fledge's horror-filled voice reached her ears.
Karane struggles to release herself from Tentalus' grip. All she did manage is to free is one of her arms.
"WHAT IS WITH THE MONSTERS IN THIS REGION OBSESSION WITH GRABBING ME!" Karane bellowed as she used her free hand to hit the tentacle.
"We'll get you down! Just hang tight!" Link shouted back. "Wait, sorry! Poor choice of words!
"Ya think!" Karane bellowed back with sarcasm.
Tentalus used its other arm to slam down on the ship for several minutes. Then it appeared that he was getting tired out. Fledge readied himself to shoot at Tentalus' eye. Right before he released the arrow, Tentalus moved his arm holding Karane in front of his eye.
"I can't get a clear shot!" Fledge announced.
"That thing is using Karane to block his eye!" Link concluded.
Pipit clenched his fist when Link made that revelation. How dare that monster to use her as a living shield?! Damning whatever consequences may occur to him, he was going to free her whatever it took.
"I'll get her free!"
"Pipit, wait!" Link reached out for his honorary brother as the yellow-clad senior ran towards the creature.
"I'm coming, Karane!"
Pipit ran to the edge of the deck. Using the power of wind, he launched himself into the air aiming towards where Karane was. Karane reached out her free arm for Pipit to grab onto. Pipit flew closer and closer. His hands are about to grab hers. Then, just as Pipit's hands were mere inches away from grabbing Karane's, Tentalus' other arm smacked Pipit away almost like a fly. Pipit was flung a good distance away from the ship, landing in the water.
Link and Fledge stood petrified when they watch Pipit get smacked away. Karane screamed out for his name, her arm reaching to him. She scanned around the water for any sign of Pipit but she couldn't find him. Tentalus glared down at the occupants of the ship. The tentacles all rose above the water. Mouths with sharp teeth revealed themselves on the ends of every one of them, eyeing both Link and Fledge. Tentalus emitted a sound, almost as if he was laughing, taking pleasure at the misery that he gave to Karane and her friends.
A rage built inside of the young woman. Hatred is all she could feel for this creature that would dare harm her friends, and especially the man she loved! Her free hand clenched in a fist, shaking with pure and complete fury. No one seemed to notice the section of water in front of Tentalus moving erratically. Something within the young woman was clawing in her as if it was trying to break free. Acting on pure instinct, Karane threw a punch in the air in the direction of Tentalus, letting out an angry-filled shout. The tentacles with teeth aiming at Link & Fledge seized their assault as Tentalus was hit by an unseen force. It was strong enough for the monster to release his grip on Karane.
The woman landed back on the deck. On her knees, she could see a large column of water formed above the ship in the shape of a fist as Tentalus massaged its eye from the high amount of pain he had just felt. Something managed to hit him there. Karane noticed that her hand was still formed in a fist. Unclenching it, the water fell back into the sea. Karane felt a strong connection to the water. Small vibration felt against her hip.
The symbol of Nayru glowed brightly.
"Did...Did I just…?"
"You did indeed, Karane Bellamy." Nayru's voice echoed in Karane's head. "The full potential of Nayru's Grace is now fully awakened. You now can manipulate the water to however you desire."
Karane took the next several seconds to take in this knowledge revealed by Nayru. The energy of her newly awakened power flowed within her. Her gaze goes back to Tentalus.
"Now use your newfound power to bring forth the consequences to this monstrosity that dares to lay hands upon you and your friends, and put an end to it once and for all."
"I will, Nayru…"
"Karane!" Link ran over to her side.
"I can't see Pipit anywhere!" Fledge darted his eyes at the water as he followed behind Link.
"Pipit's tough. He'll be fine, I'm sure," Link looked back to Karane. "Are you…alright? What just happened?"
Karane lifts her head. Tentalus was still soothing his eye, which was now dropping out what she guessed was his blood. No sympathy was given from her, only hatred. That monster deserves far much worse for hurting Pipit. Looking at the water around the ship and the monster, Karane knew what she had to do.
"Just awaken my full potential," Karane answered almost casually as she stood up. Then she started walking forward.
"What are you doing?" Fledge watches Karane walk with a quizzical expression.
"I think it's time that this battle hits the climax. You two stay put. When I get a hold of that monster, you both do your thing."
"You know what you're doing?" Link asked her.
"Very much."
Karane walked to the edge of the deck. She closed her eyes, sucking in a deep breath. Both of her arms lifted to the side. Two columns of water slowly arose, one on each side of the monster. Tentalus stopped soothing his bleeding eye to see the rising water. The columns of water formed into a pair of giant hands as big as Tentalus himself. Karane's own hands were gestured in the same way as the water hands. Karane moved her hands, to which the giant water hands mimicked the motions of it. A connection was now fully established.
Now it was time for payback.
The giant water hands move to the monster, replicating every motion Karane's arms & hands made. Tentalus attempted to fight against them only to receive another punch to the face adding in more pain. Then the giant water hands each grabbed both of Tentalus' primary arms, holding him in place. But oh no, Karane won't simply hold him. She intends to hurt the monster just like he hurt Pipit.
Karane moved her balled fists apart, slowly in a pulling motion. The giant water arms did the same, though they were pulling on Tentalus' arms. Tentalus let a roar of pain as the water hands were tugging hard on his arms. Both arms made a loud snap. The water arms finally pulled off both of Tentalus's arms, a loud pop emitted as it did. Tentalus roared in agony as its blood poured out of where its arms used to be.
Link & and Fledge watch the whole thing unfold with a mix of amazement & terror.
"Holy shit…" Link was in complete shock.
"Remind me to NEVER get on Karane's bad side…" Fledge added on.
The female senior knight used the moment to control the giant water hands to grab Tentalus's body. The monster tried to release himself but Karane managed to keep the hands-on firm hold.
"Not so fun when you're the one being manhandled now is it…"
"Take the shot!" Karane commanded Link & Fledge. "I don't know how long I can hold him!"
Fledge raise the Bow and fired an arrow into Tentalus' eye. Karane cut the connection to the water hands to move out of the way as Tentalus' head landed on the deck. Link, sword in hand, ran over to the monster, giving more hard slashes at its eye. Link pierces the sword straight in the centere of the giant pupil, pulling it out after several seconds. Tentalus roared out in pain for the final time while the blood poured out of his eye, as well the blood coming out from his arm sockets. The roaring grew quiet as Tentalus's body fell into the sea, finally succumbing to his wounds. The corpse of Tentalus floated above before it finally disappeared in purple mist. A large purple stone fell into the sea. Tentalus was no more.
The dark rainy clouds were soon cleared away, with the sky showing itself. Karane let out heavy pants, resting her hands on her knees. Pipit comes back to her mind. Karane scrambled over to the edge of the deck. She, along with Link & Fledge searches along the water for any sign of Pipit but to no avail. What they did find was Skipper and several crew members in the boat, while the rest rested on floating debris.
"Are you guys alright?" Skipper yelled to them.
"We are, but Pipit got knocked down and we can't find him," Link said back to Skipper. "Have you guys seen him?"
"I'm afraid we haven't!"
"I still can't see him…" Karane shuddered. "What if he's…"
"Guys look!" Fledge pointed in the water.
Swimming towards Skipper's boat were the seals Urbosa, Nabooru, Buliara, Aveil, and little Riju. Slouching on the back of Urbosa appeared to be Pipit. The yellow-clad senior knight didn't respond to his friend's calling his name. They most likely assumed that he was tired out. Either way, they were glad the seals got him.
"Oh thank Hylia…" Link breathed out in relief.
"We got your friend. You folks better get that flame!" Skipper said to the group. "The flame should be on the top of the deck!"
"I'll go check on Pipit. You get that flame."
Fledge gradually moved his way down to Skipper's boat, leaving Link & Karane on the deck. Karane kept her worried eyes on Pipit's still form. She should be relieved to see him but a gut feeling was practically shouting at her that something was wrong.
"Let's hurry and get the flame," Link's voice pulled Karane out of her thoughts. Reluctantly, she went with Link.
The pair made their way to the upper level of the remains of the front deck. Naryu's symbol was painted at the dead center of the platform. The symbol glowed, as did the other symbol on Karane's hip when they approached. The symbol on deck was engulfed in a bright glow. An altarpiece emerged from below, with the black crest of the goddess. Link hit it with a Skyward Strike turning the symbol purple.
Bright blue flames emerged from the altar, just as bright as Farore's Flame did. Fi flew in between the pair and Nayru's Flame. Like before, the flames engulf the sword spirit into a large blue ball of fire. The ball then flew straight up into the air and out of their sight.
"Is she going to come back down or…" Karane trailed off as her & Link's eyes were glued to the sky.
At that moment the fireball came falling at high speed, leaving Link & Karane barely enough time to jump out of the way to avoid getting hit. Fi stared at the pair as her body was surrounded by the flames. Knowing what to do, Link raised his sword, prompting Fi to push the flames on the sword. The force of the flames would've knocked Link back had Karane hadn't braced her hands on his back. After the last of the flames went into the blade, Link pointed it skyward. The sword gave a bright glowed, turning the blue-green blade into a pure white sword.
"The flames of Nayru have transformed your blade, expanding my powers. My dowsing ability can now track even more objects at a time," Fi shared to the pair.
Link & Karane examine the blade's new form. After two days they finally obtained Nayru's Flame. Right after Link sheathed his sword, his right hand tingled. The strangle triangle symbol glowed, this time the bottom left glowed brighter. Then it vanished.
"That symbol again…Why does it keep showing up?" Karane wondered.
"I wish I knew." Link's gaze lingered onto his back hand for several seconds.
"Masters, we have succeeded in finding Nayru's Flame," Fi addressed. "With the sword enhanced, we are now ready to learn a new melody. I recommend that we return to the Isle of Songs as soon as-"
"LINK! KARANE! GET DOWN HERE! SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH PIPIT!" Fledge's panicked voice rang off their ears.
The pair rushed over to Skipper's boat, with Fi following right behind. In the middle of the boat was Pipit, the body still, and eyes closed. The crew and Skipper all had worried faces. Even the seals seem to be unsettled. What alarmed Link & Karane was Fledge's frightened expression plastered on his face and hyperventilating breathing, unsure what to do.
"What's wrong with Pipit?" Link asked Fledge.
"I-he-he's not-..."Fledge stuttered.
"What's wrong with him?!" Karane said more demandingly than Link.
"He's…he's not breathing…"
Karane immediately knelt next Pipit's body. Grabbing his wrist, she moved her fingers to feel his pulse.
"His pulse is very faint…" Karane stated.
"What's up with him then?" Link question.
"My scans show that the impact of Tentalus' arm knocked out Master Pipit. Due to this, he was unable to stay afloat in the water. As a result, his respiratory system became flooded with water," Fi reported.
"How? The Water Dragon Scale should've protected him!" Link argued back.
"Only if the person is conscious…" Karane uttered out grimly, remembering the detail that Faron shared with her. "Faron warned me and Fledge while you guys were getting the sacred water."
"What do we do?!" Fledge frantically asked.
"I can still detect signs of life. There is a 40% chance that Master Pipit can still be saved," Fi revealed. "We must find a method to extract all of the water out of his system within the next few minutes or he will be lost to us."
"How though?" Link turned to Skipper. "Do you guys know?"
"I'm…I'm sorry. We don't have anything to help you," Skipper told Link somberly.
"There has to be something!" Link exclaimed.
Karane looked upon Pipit's form with glassy eyes. Her hand on his cold, wet cheek while the other clench onto his hand. Her heartbeat beats with anxiety. She didn't know what to do. Karane is completely helpless…Just like she was when her parents perished all those years ago. Now it would seem that history was repeating itself.
"You can save him…"
"Nayru?" Karane muttered soft enough for anyone not to hear her.
"You have the power to control the water. You can use it to remove the water from Pipit."
"So I...I can save him?"
"Yes, dear child. You couldn't have done anything to save your parents, but you can save him."
"I-I don't if I-"
"I know you can do it. But it's now or never. I can feel his spirit pulling away from this realm as we speak. He's fighting even now but he's losing. If you don't act immediately you will lose him forever. Pipit's fate is now in your hands."
Karane brought her gaze back to Pipit then her hand. Can she really save him? There is only one way to know. Karane hovered her hand over Pipit's chest. It took Link several seconds to see what she was doing.
"Karane, what are you?"
"I think I can save him!"
"You can? How?" Fledge said hopefully
"Just let me focus!" Karane knew it was wrong to snap like that at Fledge but she'll apologize later. Time was the essence.
Karane hovered her hand over Pipit's chest, trying to feel something that didn't belong in there. Just as she felt it was hopeless, she felt a connection. Karane moved her hand to maintain control. Now began the extraction process.
Gently, but hurriedly, Karane moved her hand from Pipit's chest area, up his neck, and then his mouth. Out of Pipit's slacked jaw, a long trail of water floated out of his mouth. Karane used one hand to hold the water in place while using the other hand to continue to extract the water. Link, Fledge, Skipper, his crew, and even the seals just all stared at her in pure awe at what she was doing. Karane finally extracted the last of the water from Pipit, tossing the water back into the sea. Then everyone watched in silence waiting for Pipit to move.
Several seconds later, Pipit's eyes darted open as he let out a cough.
Pipit violently coughed out the remaining water out of his mouth, crawling onto his knees as he did. Fledge was about to reach for him only for Link to urge his friend to give Pipit space. Karane soothes the yellow clad senior knight's back as his coughing fit continued. Pipit's coughing lasted for several seconds until it was replaced by the sounds of him desperately sucking in the air. He moved one of his hands into his view. The hand trembled with Pipit's wide-eyes glued onto it, silently screaming 'Holy shit, I'm alive.' The heavy breaths grew into gentle, normal breathing as Pipit continues to stare off into space.
"Pipit?" Karane called out to him.
The yellow-clad slowly turns his head towards the young woman. A relieved smile grew on his lips as he pulled her into a hug. "Karane…You're okay!"
"Forget about me. Are you okay?"
"I…I think so. Did you…"
"Yeah. I did."
"...Thanks."
Karane felt very tired suddenly. A tired groan escaped from her mouth as her eyes started to feel heavy. Pipit pulled back, tilting her tired chin, gazing at her with his concerned green eyes. Karane placed her palm on his cheek, gently caressing it. Seeing Pipit alive filled Karane with so much joy. Her lips moved into a tired smile. Karane did something no one expected.
Karane leaned her face close to Pipit, kissing him on the lips.
Pipit stood still in shock as he felt Karane's lips on his. He didn't kiss back, nor did he pull away. All he did was close his eyes as he continued to let Karane kiss him. Link & Fledge gave the most bewildered expressions on their faces as they awkwardly watched the pair kiss. Skipper covered the eyes of one of his crew members. And the seals seem to have no idea what was going on.
The kiss only lasted a few seconds before Karane pulled away, gazing onto Pipit's still stunned face.
"I guess…you and I are even now." Karane stammered tiredly before she finally succumbed to her exhaustion right in Pipit's arms.
"You did very well, Karane," Nayru stated with pride. "You used my gift well to defend and save your friends. For now, you must rest. You earned it."
Those were the final words Karane heard before finally passing out.
There were only five words that perfectly describe how Ghirahim was feeling other than upset.
Furious! Outraged! Sick with anger!
The Demon Lord had watched the enter battle unfold between Link's group and Tentalus. The fight for once seemed to go against them, especially when Tentalus grabbed the girl and smacked the yellow one away after somehow jumping that high. How that boy managed to do that Ghirahim couldn't figure it out but that was the least of his concern. Ghirahim was certain this time would be the end of the line for the sky children.
Yet…despite the odds, they defeated Tentalus. Somehow they conjure up the ability to control the water and used it to literally disarm Tentalus and do away with him. Even worse for The Demon Lord, all four of the humans survived.
"How…How do they manage to take down Tentalus?!" Ghirahim muttered to himself angrily. "That monster was ten times the size of Scaldera and Koloktos, yet they defeated him!"
Ghirahim summoned his sword, slicing a nearby boulder clean in half to vent out his anger. The Demon Lord took several minutes to calm himself down. Then he started to think more clearly.
It was no doubt clear that no matter what Ghirahim threw at the humans regardless of the size, terrain, and whatnot they all have the resources to take them out. Yes…He needs to do this for a different approach. But how would he do this?
Ghirahim watches the humans interact. His eyes linger on the boy in yellow holding on to the girl, who seems to have somehow fallen asleep, while Link and that boy in orange check over her. From the brief interactions Ghirahim had with them, he can tell that all four of the sky children were close to one another. Very…very close.
A wicked smile crept upon The Demon Lord's lips as an idea sprang into his mind. He had a good guess where the sky children would go next since they were clearly in search of something. Probably related to the strange blue fire he saw on the remnants of the ship. Ghirahim had intended to head over there anyways to find clues to revive his master, the demon king, after his search here so it was not a total loss. When the Sky children arrive, he'll be waiting for them.
"Well then…You know what they say, Ghirahim. If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself..."
A cloud of diamond surrounded The Demon Lord as he vanished from the desert.
I'm going to be honest, I don't feel 100% satisfiyed with this chapter. I feel like I could've done more but I don't know *shrugs*...Anyways I hope you guys like this chapter at least.
I somewhat redesigned Tentalus look, because lets face it, Tentalus in the game doesn't look intimidating at all (seriously he looks like he could be the son Mike Wazowski and Celia from Monsters Inc). Basically imagine him in this as a octopus/squid hybrid. I hope I made him a tad more intimidating than his game counterpart. I do hope this fic wouldn't get a rating pushed up because I what I did to Tentalus here...Also I don't really know a lot about near drowning and what not...
And another note...Hell have no fury like a scorned teenage girl, am I right? On a different note, Pipit & Karane finally confess their love...sort of. Also still looking for a beta reader!
Favs, Follows, and Reviews are appreciated!