A.N.: Blah blah blah blah...that's kinda how the whole chapter is gonna be. Sorry for the lack of action :P I promise to blow it up a bit in the next one.
Also sorry it was such a long time...I feel bad for not updating :c
Chapter 7
The Lens
Ashley wasn't sure what woke her up that morning - the noisy cucoos or the scent of scrambled eggs and bread. The sun was already high enough to presume it's nine or ten o'clock. Ashley was never a morning person, no matter how long she slept in. That's partly the reason why Sen often calls her a ''Night owl'' and hits her over the head to pay attention when she is explaining witchcraft. Even if you're officially a swashbuckler, you needed to keep up with the other classes too (adventuring was an exception, of course).
The girl got down the stairs, still rubbing her eyes and yawning.
'' 'Bout time!'' Toris shifted by the table.'' A bit longer and I was about to go upstairs and sound a trumpet!''
'' Heh,'' Ashley slumped on the chair.'' Ever heard of privacy?'' she rested her head on her palm and asked.'' How's Link?''
'' Still in bed. I'll give him a few more minutes,'' Nayna answered, placing a plate with baked eggs, salad and something like a mini chicken wing, by the young captain. While eating, still with a heavy head, Ashley remembered the white-haired guy. Laycoan, was it? She felt curious about that guy, like, who is he? He was like an elf...perhaps Link saw him before...Ashley decided to ask him about it in the future.
Feeling more alive now, Ashley ran back up to her room and got all of her stuff. She took a quick glimpse inside her backpack, noticing that the tear-shaped gem was oddly dimmer now. Was that something she needed to worry about? Ah, whatever, she thought, after suddenly hearing Nayna's voice below:
'' Just because you were injured, doesn't mean you are free to sleep in,'' that line made her smile. Ashley knew she was referring to Link. Finally the guy decided to get up...or maybe he was forced up...
'' Honestly, boy, for a hero, you're ridiculously lazy,''
'' Aunt Nayna, I rarely get a chance to sleep when on duty! A few hours of it is like a blessing nowadays!'' Ashley couldn't hold the giggle. Aunt...that's a heartwarming relationship, she had to admit. It reminded of her own elders, back on Earth. The memory made her sad a bit, but she tried hard not to show any sign. When going back to the main floor of the house, Ashley was just in time to see the elf sitting down. Surprisingly, he still had a painful look doing so. Shouldn't those ribs be healed by now?
The heroes both met each others eyes, Link greeted his partner with a nod. '' Good morning,''
'' Yeah, you too,'' Ashley replied, taking a seat opposite him.'' I noticed you're still in pain,''
The elf simply waved away.'' Bones take longer to heal, even if it is a potion,''
'' Really?'' she said with a curious look.
'' Well yes. What did you expect?'' Link said, taking a bite of hard-boiled cucoo eggs.
'' I don't know, a miracle?'' Ashley shrugs. She then jolted up soon as she heard Nayna's loud laugh.
'' Pumpkin, the only miracle here is you on our doorstep!'' Link just snickered a bit while eating. Guess you can't always trust direct information, especially from technology. Finishing up, Link crossed his arms on the table surface, and said:
'' So, what is it you wanted to tell me?''
'' Hm? Oh,'' Ashley straightened.'' Can we...well, speak in private?'' the elf's brow furrowed at the request. He even agreed with a questionable tone, wondering why wouldn't the girl talk with Nayna or Toris near them. So they went to his room and closed the door, Ashley had her palms covering her mouth, seemingly thinking on how to start off.
'' Okay...dude, you keep assaulting me with questions about my knowledge of Hyrule,'' she started somewhat formally.'' The reason I could never explain was because either I can't or because I'm afraid,''
'' Afraid?'' Link sounded surprised.'' Odd, you've proven to have enough bravery, especially social,''
'' Yeeaah~ no. Ok, listen,'' Ashley inhaled.'' My world, my homeworld, Earth, is highly advanced in technology compared to Hyrule. We have these...devices that help us communicate, like phones, or entertain like gaming consoles...''
'' O...kay?'' Link said slowly, looking impressed and confused. Ashley waited for questions, but the elf ordered her to continue.
'' There are tons of game developers, some are more famous than others...and...hmm,'' Ashley just wished to get over this all quickly, but it was harder than she thought. For some reason she had a whirlpool of guilt in her chest, pressing the air she needed to breathe. Link waited patiently, but he saw how the girl was fighting with herself.
'' Ashley,'' he finally said.'' I promise to understand, wherever your explanation is going, I will,'' that made Ashley loosen up just a tiny bit. She sighed and shot:
'' There's this guy that created...created you. H-he released his first game with an elf dressed in green years ago. Now, as the consoles and graphics advance, the gaming franchise became a true legend. Link is a legend, even on Earth,'' she raised her eyes to the elf, barely making out what he might be thinking.
'' How...'' he asked.'' how could he create me? I've been living here since the goddesses put me here,''
'' Yeah,'' Ashley pursed her lips. She noticed a hint of realization and concern in the elf and she added.'' If you're thinking that you're not real and this world isn't real and all that stuff - forget it. It's not like that, now that I did a bit of research. It's not as accurate to the games as you thought...it's all mixed, which means this is the real Hyrule and not the suppressed, Nintendo versions, that keep changing with every damn release,''
'' Your point?''
'' Link this is real!'' Ashley finally managed to let out that excitement she had when discovering her favorite world the first day.'' The history here is connected...somehow. That's a big deal, I've played almost every game and I can tell, this Hyrule is after all the timeline craziness. You have no idea how many people wish to walk Hyrule's trails and slay it's foes without all the technology. I can't believe Carlos managed to...all I can say this is all mind-blowing: you, Zelda, gorons, everything!''
Ashley noticed she got carried away. She met Link's look, who was...softly looking back at her.
'' So, my name is a big deal on Earth? And that's why you know so much about this land? I admit, this was not what I was expecting,''
'' Trust me, it sounded less believable in my head,'' Ashley sighed.'' You can take it or leave it, stab me for the heck of it, I understand if...''
'' Stab you? For what?!'' Link outstretched his arms.'' Did you expect me to go berserk or something?''
''...Kinda,''
The elf just waved again, then said it straight.'' Ashley, I understand. It might be a coincidence, and if not, there's my source for narcissism,''
'' Ugh,'' Ashley walked up to the elf and made his long, pointy, hat fall over his eyes. He just laughed, pushing it back up, only to see Ashley standing with crossed arms. Though her stance was forgiving.
'' I wouldn't do anything like that, I see no purpose for that,'' he said seriously.'' Ashley, I get that you're from another world, and that yours has records of The Hero of Time...but that's nothing to be ashamed of. Really. It just makes you more unique,''
The swashbuckler's eyebrows raised. Perhaps Link was right, but the possible reactions that might've happened made her scared. She felt such relief now that both of them can trust each other all the way. He'll probably still have some questions about her previous, calm and boring, life on Earth...but at least she knows she can't keep secrets from him anymore. She can finally let her little heart rest...at least for now.
After the whole conversation, they were silent, but the air wasn't uncomfortable. After some time, Link sat on the bed's corner.
'' We still need to find you a way to your friends,''
'' True...'' the girl agreed. She then took out the red gem out of her backpack.'' I don't think this does anything, not for teleportation at least,''
Link frowned.'' It has Din's symbol. I wonder if the other stones the gorons used had something similar,''
'' If they did, they're probably long gone after the wishing process,''
'' Why?'' Link's question was so sudden, Ashley had to stare at him for a few minutes. She then shook her head.
'' Isn't it obvious? Usually objects that have powerful spells on them are destroyed when used...usually,''
'' I thought you're not into magic,''
'' I'm not, but that doesn't mean I don't know anything about it,'' Ashley looked at the gem in her hand, her eyes narrowed.'' How did the gorons use them? It can't be that simple...''
'' Uh, Ashley?'' Link was unsure of the girl's decision, which was really clear when he saw that gleam in her eyes. She rubbed her chin.
'' I wish...for a fire dancer, riding a unicycle, while trying to eat a pineapple!'' after those words, Link braced himself. Although, that wasn't necessary, since nothing of the sort happened.
'' Well that's disappo..!'' Ashley began, but was cut off by the sudden flash, Nayna screamed in the other room. Ashley rubbed her hurting eyes, blinking out the spots. She couldn't feel her clutch on the big gem anymore, only of something metal-like and warm. Soon as she managed to clear her sight, she saw Din's copper symbol in her hand.
Link's jaw dropped.'' How did...I can't believe that actually released it!''
'' Tell me about it,'' the swashbuckler analyzed the symbol.'' What's it for, though?''
'' Hmm,'' Link took the item, his ears raised once he got an idea.'' Perhaps it's a key. Look at the edges, they seem like they fit somewhere,'' and he was right, the round symbol wasn't even. It could be a possibility...
Suddenly the door broke open. '' What's going on in here?!'' Toris said holding an axe. Ashley actually gasped from the surprise approach, her hand stopped halfway unsheathing her rapier.
'' Nothing!'' Link said instinctively. Toris looked from the elf to the girl, then his eyes shifted across the room. When he saw no threat, he lowered the weapon.
'' Sorry, there was a flash...''
'' Oh!'' Ashley raised Din's symbol and pointed to it.'' Blame this thing then,'' she picked up her backpack and threw the symbol there. Link sighed.
'' We need to make another trip to Zelda, Toris,'' Link said simply, getting up. Nayna stopped them in the dining room.
'' What, again?''
'' We need to find out what purpose that thing has, and we hope to get more information from princess Zelda,'' Nayna sighed to that.
'' You and your adventures, I swear...just,'' the lady nodded, biting her lip.'' Try not to get into too much trouble,''
'' Don't worry, miss. He has me,'' Ashley grinned and she saw it made Nayna less worried.
'' Yes...yes he does,'' she handed the elf a traveling pack, containing food and other supplies. She then made Link lean down a bit for her to kiss him on the cheek. He then swung the pack on his back and left for the door. Before Ashley could step out with him, Nayna stopped her.
'' Sweetie, you are truly a strong young girl,''
Ashley blinked.'' T-thank you, miss,''
Nayna nodded, placing a hand over Ashley's arm, squeezing it softly. '' Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, got it? If so happens, you have full permission to punch the fool,''
The swashbuckler giggled, accepting the motivation. Though why was Nayna telling her this? Did Ashley accidentally turn grim for a second there or what?
'' Epona!'' everyone heard Link shout. Ashley then remembered Lycaon again, the mysterious elf that returned Epona last night.
'' Huh, watcha know, the mare found her way home!'' Toris said behind her.
Ashley just muttered. She watched as Link patted his horse, later attaching the supply pack to her rear.
'' Say...'' the girl turned to Toris and Nayna.'' Have any of you seen a tall, white-haired elf around lately?''
'' Mmm...the only white things I've seen was a pure white owl and Uyli's diapers...'' Nayna slapped her husband by the muscles. Toris just laughed.'' Sorry, little one. No elf passes by here besides Link. And if they do, then it's probably for the shortcut to the woods,''
'' Right,'' Ashley sighed, not really satisfied with the answer. She hoped that the elf was maybe a night guard of the village, but now that she knows he's not common around these parts, it got her a bit worried. It was probably nothing, but her hunch detector was tingling.
XXX
The heroes were back at Zelda's castle. She was surprised at first seeing them again, probably thinking that The Triforce's Cousin had already solved all Ashley's problems. Unfortunately, after they explained what happened and showed Zelda the symbol, she understood and replied, that it wasn't over by a long shot.
'' Meaning?'' Ashley said suspiciously tilting her head. Zelda raised Din's symbol to the swashbuckler's face.
'' Stand still,''
'' Uh...'' she did as asked, thinking if this is gonna be another test of her origin. And it turns out it was in the end. Zelda held the symbol like that for a while, slightly turning it to the sides. When Ashley turned to Link for an explanation, he merely shrugged.
'' Ah! Of course!'' the princess proclaimed so suddenly, it made the heroes jump.'' I cannot believe I haven't seen it sooner! Miss Holystone, did Din say something about you? Your past, current goals? Titles perhaps?''
'' Apart from the characteristics, she mentioned something about 'a girl of the moon' and...putting an end to the curse of Demise? Wait a sec,'' Ashley caught up just now and said slowly.'' My emblem is a new moon...and as far as I know about Demise- he's the bloke that started all the reincarnation madness,'' when she saw Zelda's look, she knew she had hit the target. And that didn't make her feel any better. But she remained silent and stunned.
'' Tell me Link,'' Zelda turned to The Hero of Time.'' Have you ever heard the fable of the Golden Moon?''
'' Yes, all the kids know it,'' he shrugs. Ashley turned to them.
'' T-the Golden Moon? But that's my ship's name...''
'' How do the first lines go, do you remember?'' Zelda cut her off softly, still referring to Link.
'' Um,'' Link's brow furrowed.'' Hidden, and yet, visible/ to the kind heart,/ there passes a lost ship/ with a lost mortal for hand/ who raises for the evil/ and breaks for the close...''
Ashley blinked at him. Zelda seemed like she was waiting for the girl to speak, so she did. '' I...that's me. Lost mortal. Those few lines pretty much sums up everything about me that I've become for the past years. But why is there a legend about me in your world?''
'' The same reason why Link is in yours,'' Zelda replied. That hit the heroes like lighting, how could she possibly know about that? But then Ashley remembered, she used magic to get into her memories.
'' Ashley Holystone is a mere story for the kids, who want to be brave and separate good from evil. Sounds familiar?''
The swashbuckler nodded, she felt her hands getting cold. Ashley thought for a minute, then asked, trying to conceal her fear for the truth again:
'' So, in summary, what does the story say,''
'' It says a girl of the moon would one day come back and put an end to Ganon's mischief. Like, the end end,'' Link answered. Right after those words she understood how similar the legend goes about The Hero of Time on Earth, but that's not worth shaking for, oh no.
'' I...I have TO DEFEAT GANON?!'' her voice rose. She waved her hands aside and replied in a nervously.'' No. Nope nope nope, nuh-uh, no!'' she turns away and walks down the hall, back to the castle's exit.'' This gal DID NOT sign up for any of this!''
'' Ashley, I understand that...'' Link began.
'' NO you don't!'' Ashley stopped and turned sharply to him when he tried to catch up.'' You probably know as much about me from the fable, but do you know how much SUFFERING I GO THROUGH?!'' her voice echoed through the halls, but when it lowered, it didn't sound any better.'' My damned curiosity led to discovery, to worlds people only dream about, yet, this girl had enough of a moral breakdown to get sent to an asylum! I've seen enough stuff to drive people mad, but I didn't...I continue to carry burdens, for the sake of other's safety, putting my own aside at every moment that requires a death wish...'' Ashley now spoke in a more far away tone, realizing she just let out the words she was most pinned down for her entire adventures. But now she was surprised as the others at her sudden shouting. Guess the glass finally filled up.
'' Then why don't you just leave be,'' Impa spoke up from Zelda's side.'' You have a choice: save, or leave the weak behind,''
Ashley just shook her head.'' Such a choice...never excised to me, Impa. No matter how it hurts, I don't want others to feel what I do,'' her gaze fell to the royal blue carpet. No one said a thing, the visit was just like last time. Ashley didn't even know why she bothered to explain her fears...but then, Link's leather boots came into her sight. She didn't look up at him, even when Ashley felt the elf's hand behind her head and his breathing on her forehead. When a brother sometimes touches foreheads with his sister (which is really rare), the same did Link. Only when he whispered she managed to look at his big blue eyes centimeters from her's. He was slightly leaning, for he was too tall for Ashley.
'' I can relate,'' he said, with a hint of sadness. Ashley was just blunt, judging herself for slipping out like that so easily. Link was right, he can relate, considering what his previous reincarnations went through. All of it sounded less believable with fact after fact. She just had to accept it - she now had the burden of not only the people of Hyrule, but also for the ones in the upcoming ages. If she failed to put an end to Ganondorf, Link and Zelda would have to seal him off again and the circle would continue.
'' Ashley,'' Link said, stepping back.'' Currently we're only concerned for how to send you back. No one's forcing you to take on my task,''
'' There is,'' the swashbuckler shook her head. She looked at everyone before answering.'' My sanity. I always had this rule to never leave a world until I'm sure it's safe. Yours is one of them. Even if we do find something that would send me back, I'm still gonna stay till the job is done,''
Impa nodded.'' That is noble. I believe my respect grows for you with every assumption,''
'' Fortunately the goddesses are in our favor,'' Zelda said, showing them Din's symbol again.'' This has two functions. Firstly, it works as a lens. With it you have the power to see inside other realms. If someone gets in the way, the person vanishes and continues to show the current state of that particular realm. The interesting part is - you didn't,'' she turned to Ashley.
'' I'm guessing that's how you sealed your suspicion about my origin,'' Ashley smirked.
'' Yes. The lens can also be used to find the other two,''
Link sighed to that.'' I'm afraid the others might be gone, since the gorons already used them...''
'' Oh no,'' Zelda disagreed.'' Out of the two the gorons had, the one you destroyed was the largest. I've seen them. The real wishing stones are mere pebbles, but yours, I believe, was just to protect the lens. It wasn't real,''
'' But how did we break it then?'' Link asked.'' I mean, the words Ashley spoke were complete nonsense,''
'' Hey!'' Ashley put on a childish face.
'' What did you say exactly, it might be relevant,'' Zelda urged.
'' I wish for a fire dancer, riding a unicycle, while trying to eat a pineapple,'' the princess' eyes widened.
'' That is ridicules...''
'' Well excuuuuuuse me, princess, for wanting to have some fun!'' Ashley crossed her hands. Only a few seconds passed when she realized what she had said. She slapped her face.'' I can't believe I just said that...apologies,''
'' Don't worry. I remember that your language might be slightly different from ours, correct?''
'' Oh yeah,'' Link confirmed.'' The first time we met we had a hard time communicating. Then something happened and we could suddenly understand each other,''
'' Interesting,'' Zelda knitted her gloved hands.'' So there might be some things that respond to your voice. That's a very useful advantage for further journeys,''
Ashley stared at the princess, then resting her hand on her rapier's pommel, she nodded for her to continue. The swashbuckler knew in one way or another, she still wont like it.
'' Records show of a scroll named The Scroll of Ancients deep inside the Water temple, under Lake Hylia. It might contain a map of the remaining lenses,''
'' Ooooh...that place,'' Ashley rubbed her neck.
'' You know of it?'' Link turned to her, surprised.
'' Yep. It's gonna be a doozie,''
'' Hold on a moment, I thought you said we can use the lens we have to find the other,''
'' Link. Are you willing to go and scour all of Hyrule's inch until you do?'' Zelda replied calmly, with a little sweet smile.'' It would take decades to find them. With the Scroll we'll at least know where to look,''
'' If we happen to find all of them, what use are they?'' Ashley asked.
'' I can't give you a solid answer, Holystone,'' Zelda said sadly.'' I might need to do some research on the topic, but if I'm correct, they might be your tickets back to the Spiral,''
That raised the mood between the bunch. It was nice to have at least a runner up to get their hopes up. So the heroes left for Lake Hylia, leaving Din's lens with Zelda. Mounting up Epona Ashley dropped in a few complains about the temple, which Link considered useful. From what he heard, the place might definitely be twisted. Monsters, traps, dead ends...but that sounded like a usual stroll for the two.