Chapter 7

The Ring of the Damned

The usual darkness covered Kakariko village. The relaxing silence was only ever broken by the small snores given of by a strange man, sleeping on a roof. In one house lay our heroes. A yellow glow emitted from the corner of the room, were the tomboyish Tatl slept. Sheik lay in one bed, the covers over the bottom half of his face. However, Link lay wide-awake. Yes, he was tired. Yes he was wounded. But the previous battles haunted him. Why? Why had he been so weak and defenceless? Dark Link had not only hurt him, but also almost killed him. His focus had been completely lost while fighting Morpha. Staring at the ceiling, the hero wondered about the old mans words from before. "You may have saved many lands in your short life, but the Gods have lost control of the evil in this land. I would tread with care my friend."

Was the banter of this deranged old man actually true? The hero sighed and tossed over. He thought of Zelda and wondered where she was. He smiled, thinking of his childhood friend. The happy thought helped him relax and his body fell victim to his wound as he slowly drifted to sleep.

A blue cucco crowed to wake the town up, and within minutes the once silent settlement was full of life. The workers ran around aimlessly as their bald headed boss bellowed orders from the tree in the centre of the town. The trio walked through the town quickly, not wanting to waste any time. Tatl was flying next to Link, occasionally poking him and pulling his ears.

'Tatl, Navi sent you to help me not annoy me.' He said flatly. The mischievous fairy grinned.

'I can do both at once cant I?' She said, tugging on his earring. They made their way past shabby house were, it seemed, some very wealthy people lived. The family looked over at Link and smiled as they passed him 200 rupees. Sheik looked at the Link, puzzled.

'Don't ask.' He replied to the unasked question. As they climbed the stairs behind the house, a scream could be heard as someone shouted 'A SPIDER!!!' The green clothed warrior grinned. There was a house at the top of the stairs. It seemed as quaint and inviting as the other houses. Link stared at the house and smiled.

'This is…'

'…My mothers house.' Sheik finished with a grim voice. The pointy-eared fighter screamed.

'YOUR MOTHER!!! SINCE WHEN DID THE TIMELINE GET THIS SCREWED!?!?!? ISNT SHE LIKE 60!?!?!?' As the question finished, a small rock came hurling to the champion's head. He stood, dazed from the lightening fast attack, as thrower approached them.

'I'm 43 you stupid boy.' Hissed the attacker. Sheik's shoulders dropped.

'Good morning mother.' He groaned. She gave the masked fighter an icy stare.

'Where have you been? Away for days, not a word, could be dead for all I know, you never take my feelings into consideration.' The rant carried on. Link recovered and began to chuckle to himself. She had changed a lot. How could this one hard faced Sheik have become such a…softy? Link respected still respected her. This powerful fighter always had a soft heart, yet she had never shown it. She we would always say 'I protect the princess because it is my job.' But it was clear to see that she had always watched over Zelda out friendship and honour. 'Impa,' Link thought 'the only thing about you that has changed is your acceptance of your emotions. You have just began showing your soft side.' Link smiled.

WALLOP!!!

'DON'T GIVE ME THAT LOOK YOU LITTLE IDIOT!!! DON'T THINK FOR A SECOND I'VE GONE SOFT!!! ITS PROBALY YOUR FAULT THAT HE IS HOME SO LATE!!!' Link lay on the floor clutching his face in agony. Okay, maybe she hast changed that much.

Impa's house had a strange aura about it. Even though it seemed like any other home in the village, it radiated a powerful energy. Link put this unusual energy down to Impa's years of fighting. As skilled as he was, she was not only stronger and more cunning; she also had the experience that made his heroic past seem like a peasants life. He walked through the house awkwardly, a red mark tingling on his face were the short-tempered mother had hit him.

'Sit down. I'm not that angry at you.' Impa stated wearing a warm smile that oddly suited her. 'We have much to talk about.' All three of them sat down while Tatl began pulling faces at the unfortunate cow in its cage.

'Mother I need to ask you about one of our legends.' Sheik said with a serious tone.

'Shouldn't we discuss our battle plans first. Or are you not aware of the attack on…'

'It is about the Ring of Heroes.' He interrupted. Silence. Impa's eyes narrowed. She glared at her son. Link sat, confused. What's the bug deal? The monster? There are worse monsters than the one guarding the ring (he hoped.)

'Why would you need to know about the ring Sheik? I have already told you the story.' Impa asked, not even blinking as she looked intently at him.

'I do not need to be told the story again, just where to find it.' Impa stood up and walked over to the window.

'You know all well of that rings properties Sheik. Why do you seek it?'

'Mother, it is obvious who the attacker is. If we do not take steps to prevent him from regaining his former power, then the whole of Hyrule will fall.' The older Sheik sighed.

'I was hoping this day would never come, but I should have known.' Link sat there, forgotten by the two assassins.

'Erm…' he muttered 'Why are you guys so worried, if we team up, I'm sure that if we team up, that monster would be killed easily.'

'Do you know what the monster is boy?' Asked Impa coldly, her cheery attitude had seemed to be flung out the window she was looking out of. Link shook his head quickly.

'It's you. Your innermost evil, amplified to an unbelievable degree. Even the kindest of souls can get lost in an insanity they never knew to possess.' The elf sat up right, clinging to the Sheikah's words with the utmost curiosity.

'There is a reason why the ring is a last resort.' She continued 'Not only is it a key, but a powerful weapon that magnifies the wearers strength to an unbelievable degree.' The Sheikah turned towards the window.

'However, the ring also releases the wearers inner fears and demons. Every negative emotion, sensation, memory…all are brought up if focus is lost even for a second. Ganondorf himself does not even seek the ring, for he would not be able to control its power.' Silence. Impa chuckled darkly to herself.

'Monster… The greatest monsters known to this world are ourselves.' The trio remained still.

'I wont be able to stop you Sheik.' Impa said as she turned towards the youthful warriors. 'You're too stubborn. I don't know where you get it from.' She still held the icy stare to the teens. 'The Lost Woods. Head there and talk to the Skull Kids. They will sow you its location.' Sheik nodded to his mother and headed out towards the door. Link scrambled of his seat and hurried besides him; anxious to leave the awkward situation he had been in.

'And Sheik.' She called. The proud warrior turned to face his elder. She smiled to him with a mother's warmth. 'Please be careful.' The young Sheikah stood silent. Under the mask, a small smile grew.

'Thank you mother.' The youthful fighters left the house silently. The mother watched them as they left town through the window. 'I'm sorry I cannot go with you, but your skills now surpass mine…and at my age…' A small sigh escaped her mouth. 'I should stop lying about my age.' The assassin chuckled.

Again I feel this chapter is lacking. The story is dragging a bit, but that's going to change in the next few chapters. As a little warning, prepare for an emotional roller coaster as the story reaches its climax. If I can put it across in the right way then you guys will want to kill me…but in the good way XD. Until then, I'll try updating more regularly (I'm off college for 2 weeks so I hope to get the next chapter done by then).

Review, flame and comment please, all are useful for me helping to improve the story.