Inspiration: Paul Dirac: The Dirac Sea is a real theory developed by this scientist. It is based off the ideas of quantum mechanics.
Shout Out: Lovewarriors (thanks for the inquiry), and to the guest readers thanks for reading and reviewing.
Author Note: Reedited 4/9/2012; ADDENDUM Reedited 1/5/2013 this is where the origins of my science 'love affair' began with Zelda fanfiction. Many people think it was just in How Zelda Got Her Groove Back, however the general concept started here. Again, the only reason I use science theories is to explain certain phenomena in the game, or to describe a scene, thanks. Oh and I got rid of the Shakespearean language for the Deku Tree I couldn't make it work. ~ZR~.
Chapter 5
I looked at Saria surprised.
"What?" I asked, needing to hear that again. "What do you mean you know who that is?"
Saria looked down and shook her head.
"That name…" she trailed, "it's the same name of this troublemaker that lives near Ordon. He just comes and goes as he pleases. No one knows where he comes from."
The twilight, I thought serious, that must be where he's coming from.
"You are right young Saria," the Deku Tree said.
Saria looked up at the tree partially stunned.
"How do you know my name?" she asked.
The Deku Tree paused while it stared at her.
"I know a great deal about you, my child," the Deku Tree stated, "but unfortunately I'm not the one with whom you must seek for your answers."
Saria took in a deep breath and looked distraught when it told her that.
"Well, what do I do now?" she asked. "How will I know who I really am if you can't help me?"
The tree rustled its leaves and gave her a look of comfort.
"You will find out in due time," the Deku Tree replied.
That wasn't good enough for the young woman.
"When?" she asked desperate. "By whom?"
The Deku Tree fell silent for a moment after she asked that.
"That is not for me to reveal," the Deku Tree replied, "all I can say is you will know."
Saria widened her eyes dumbfounded, and even I couldn't help but look at the Deku Tree strange. I didn't understand why there was such a veil of secrecy surrounding Saria's identity.
Why can't it just tell her what she needs to know? I thought. How will she ever know who she truly is if she doesn't receive help?
I looked over at Saria and saw the frustration in her eyes. I understood her dismay, and made it a personal resolve to help her find who she truly was. I placed my hand on her shoulder in an effort to comfort her.
"We'll figure it out together," I said to her, "I promise."
Saria tried to smile at my words, but her worries weren't allowing that to happen. She turned her face away from looking at me, and I truly felt for her.
It's going to be okay, I thought, you're going to know who you truly are.
I sighed and turned my attention back to the Deku Tree.
"What can you tell me about this Zant?" I asked, having to remember the task at hand. "Who is he, and what does he want?"
The Deku Tree was silent for a moment as if absorbing the very waters from underneath the ground. There was a slight wind that rustled through its leaves.
"Zant is as Saria says," the Deku Tree stated, "he's a troublemaker trying to intercept his world with ours."
It made perfect sense to me, but Saria looked up confused.
"What?" she asked puzzled.
I forgot, she knew nothing about the situation of the Interlopers, and given the nature of such sensitive information, that should only be privy to limited individuals.
This cannot get out, I thought.
"Why don't you wait for me in the forest?" I suggested.
Saria looked over at me slightly upset, knowing what I was trying to do.
"Why?" she asked, already knowing the answer. "You don't trust me?"
I sighed and raised my eyebrows at her defensive expression.
I'm sorry Saria, I thought, but I don't have time to argue with you right now.
"It's not that," I explained, "this is secretive information, and I can't allow an everyday citizen to get involved."
Come on Saria, I thought, don't make me order you, but I will if I have to.
For some strange reason Saria narrowed her eyes at me.
"I'm no everyday citizen," she said to me with a bit of venom in her tone, and then added, "I don't even know who the hell I am."
I narrowed my eyes slightly myself and was taken aback at her sudden change in tone. She didn't sound like herself at all just then, but I thought understood it.
She just wants to know where she belongs, I thought, feeling a deep sense of empathy for her.
"Saria-" I tried, wanting to say something consoling to her.
"I fine," she replied, cutting me off, "take care of your business."
Saria then bowed respectfully and turned and headed for the exit. I took in a deep breath when she left the tunnel.
I hope she'll be alright, I thought.
"Let her be Link," the Deku Tree said, sensing my concern, "that young woman has many things she seeks, and she will have to have her own personal journey to understand."
I still felt troubled by the disjointed emotions she was exhibiting.
What happened to her? I wonder. How does she not have any memory of her past? Did someone...?
I shook my head not wanting to think of such a horrible betrayal.
"Are you alright Link?" the Deku Tree asked me.
I nodded, not really replying.
"You care a great deal about that young maiden, do you not?" the Deku Tree asked me.
Be careful in how you answer that Link, I thought.
"I just met her a little while ago," I said, not really answering the question.
The Deku Tree got quiet when I said that.
"Have you?" the Deku Tree asked finally.
I looked up at the tree perplexed, but then felt my heart begin to pound.
Wait a minute... I thought.
"What?" I asked puzzled.
The Deku Tree fell silent once more.
"Are you saying she's…?" I trailed my question, not wanting to have the hope shattered. "Are you saying she's the Forest Sage?"
The tree didn't reply right away.
"I have said no such thing," the Deku Tree said carefully, "I simply asked you a question. In time, you will understand."
I wasn't going to lie, I was getting a little irritated with all the secrecy.
What is the guardian not telling me? I wondered.
"Why can't you just tell me now?" I demanded.
The tree paused.
"Because right now you must focus on Zant," the Deku Tree stated plainly.
I sighed frustrated.
All these circles, I thought, one mystery leads to another.
"Fine," I said, realizing I had no choice, "who is this Zant?"
The Deku Tree rustled its leaves as a wind blew.
"Zant is a Twili warrior," the Deku Tree said finally, "he lives in a realm adjacent to ours. He's been intercepting the land of Hyrule through a portal shift for the past five years."
I looked up at the tree perplexed.
A Twili warrior? I thought. I wasn't aware such people existed. Was Daphnes referring to the Twili when he was talking about the interlopers?
That thought needed further clarification, however, I didn't make my inquiries known.
"Intercepting our world from where?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"From the Twilight Realm," the Deku Tree replied, "Zant kidnapped and then murdered a brilliant Hylian alchemist named Paul Dirac, he reestablished the technology known as the time shift stones."
I was surprised by the news, but nodded anyway because I knew who the tree spoke of. The Hylian Paul Dirac was a genius mathematician and alchemist who proposed the theory of the Dirac Sea. A Dirac Sea is a reversed time continuum, or vacuum, where anomalous negative energy pools to create an inverted space. That space is a nano thin membrane where an alternate universe is said to exist.
The great Dirac was murdered by this individual? I wondered. Why in the world would he do that?
"What is he after?" I asked.
The Deku Tree didn't answer right away.
"Revenge," it said finally.
I raised both my eyebrows when it said that.
Revenge for what? I wondered.
"My lord?" I inquired.
The tree got quiet again. I narrowed my eyes slightly.
Why is it hesitating? I wondered.
"Great guardian please," I said, "you must let me know."
The tree rustled its leaves again.
"You already know," it said to me and didn't say anything else.
I looked at it puzzled.
I already know? I thought, and then tried to jog my memory for it meant. However, before I could reply the tree decided to tell me.
"Zant wants revenge because he was cast away," the Deku Tree divulged.
Now that the tree said that, it did make sense. Daphnes did make mention of the Interlopers being banished to the world of twilight. Zant's revenge must have something to do with that.
Why didn't the king inform me about this sooner? I wondered. This is serious.
I sighed troubled.
"Why did the king come to you great Deku Tree?" I asked.
The Deku Tree stared at me and didn't answer that right away.
"He came to me for advice," the Deku Tree said finally.
I waited, thinking it was going to say more, but got nothing.
Come on, I thought, don't stop now.
"And…?" I continued. "What did he ask you?"
The Deku Tree was silent again.
"I cannot say," it replied.
I sighed again, frustrated with the dead ends.
There are too many questions and not enough answers, I thought upset.
"What can you tell me?" I asked, redirecting the subject.
The Deku Tree could sense my aggravation.
"Calm down young one," it said, "I understand there are many things you wish to know. To aid you in that, you should head to Ordon immediately," the Deku Tree replied. "There you will find some very important information from the inhabitants about this Zant character."
I nodded and took in a deep breath.
Saria's from that village, I thought, it's amazing how we were just talking about it. It seems there's more to Ordon than meets the eye.
"Alright," I replied finally, "I'll go there immediately."
The Deku Tree shook its branches as if in relief. I wish I could feel the same way, but with each passing moment I felt the web of intrigue was getting bigger instead of smaller.
I have to admit, I thought, this trip to the forest turned out to be a lot more productive than I thought it was going to be.
"Thank you good hero," the Deku Tree said, "everyone owes you a bid of thanks."
I nodded and then turned to leave, but before I left the Deku Tree stopped me.
"A word of caution," it began, and I turned around.
What's this? I wondered.
I raised my eyebrows.
"Yes my lord," I replied.
The tree paused for a moment.
"What you find out may test your allegiance to Hyrule," the Deku Tree said cryptically, "even if that is the case, you must consider the means to the end."
I turned back around full on in surprise.
What the hell...? I thought.
I narrowed my eyes.
"What do you mean?" I asked suspicious.
The Deku Tree didn't answer.
"Take care Hero of Time," the Deku Tree concluded, "I will meet you again one day at the crossroads of life."
It's going to leave like that! I thought upset.
With that the sky iridized again with green energy and the Deku Tree fell silent.
"Wait!" I called out, but it was too late the Deku Tree was gone.
I looked at the sleeping tree stunned.
Test my allegiance to Hyrule? I wondered unsettled. Means to the end? What was it talking about?
I stared at the tree a moment longer before I turned and exited the alcove.
This is getting more and more erroneous, I thought, I have no idea what the Deku Tree meant, but what it said definitely wasn't encouraging.
I tried to lose the worried look on my face when I returned to Kokiri Forest. I didn't want to cause any undue questions if necessary. I stopped short when I saw Saria sitting on the stump I was previously sitting on. She looked troubled.
I know just how you feel, I thought, it's been a sobering day for the both of us.
I went and sat down next to her. We both stared off into the forest for a long time without saying anything. I looked over at her before either one of us spoke.
"Are you still upset?" I asked finally.
She shook her head.
"No," she replied with a sigh.
Saria looked over at me and smiled. I smiled back.
"We'll find out what happened," I said, taking her hand in mine, "I promise."
Saria merely nodded.
"Thank you," she said to me quietly.
I reached up to stroke a lock of her hair, when she abruptly grabbed her forehead.
"Ah!" she cried out in pain.
I looked at her surprised.
What in the world? I thought.
"Hey," I said worried, "are you alright? What's wrong?"
Saria didn't answer me, she was too busy pressing her fingertips against her temples.
"Argh!" she grunted, trying to gain control of the pain.
I wanted to help if I could.
"What is it?" I demanded.
Saria didn't answer right away.
"A headache," she managed to say through the pain, "it's okay I know how to deal with them."
I watched helplessly as Saria gripped her head and placed it between her legs. She rocked back and forth slightly.
"This may look strange," she said to me, "but it's the only way it relieves the tension."
A few moments later, the pain subsided and Saria sat herself back up. She stroked her hands through her beautiful hair and looked away. It was clear she was embarrassed. I looked at her vexed.
How long has she had to deal with this? I thought.
"How long have you had those headaches?" I asked.
Saria sighed.
"About two months," she replied.
I raised my eyebrows.
That's odd, I thought.
"Just two months?" I asked.
She merely nodded.
"A little over two months actually," she divulged, "I don't know why they suddenly came about."
I paused, because I couldn't help but feel her wanting to know more about her past had something to do with it. I took her hand in mine again, wanting to find some way to reassure her we would solve the mystery.
"I-" I tried.
"It's okay," she interrupted, and got up letting my hand go, "where to now?"
I paused, knowing she didn't want to look weak. Saria rewrapped her headdress back around her head.
No one thinks you're weak Saria, I thought.
"Are you ready?" she asked me, trying to sound confident.
I stood up and gave her an obvious stare.
"Saria…" I said.
She looked at me defiant.
"Where to now?" she repeated, ignoring my concerns.
I stared into her eyes and saw the determination there. I couldn't help but smile.
"Your old stomping grounds," I replied finally, realizing I wasn't going to win with her.
She raised an eyebrow and merely nodded.
"Ordon huh?" she said.
"Yeah," I replied.
"Hmph," she grunted thoughtfully.
Saria stared into my eyes for a second, and then kneeled over and took the knife she had sealed in her boot and put it in the holster at her waist. I looked at her strange as she did this.
What's that all about? I wondered.
Saria saw my expression and merely smirked.
"Prepare yourself Sir Link," she said to me, "it's going to be an all out brawl."
I inadvertently grinned at her tenacious spirit.
"I thought that knife was for hunting," I divulged, crossing my arms over my chest.
"It is," she replied, and then narrowed her catlike eyes mischievously, "for scum."
~SSS~
Ordon Village was a remote town situated deep in the mountains. I let Saria lead the way, but was surprised the village was so adjacent to Faron Woods.
How could I miss this? I wondered.
I watched Saria carefully as we travelled. The carefree morale she exhibited earlier had waned. I decided I was going to put her in better spirits.
Let's see if I can get a smile on her face, I thought.
"I'm confused about something," I said all of a sudden.
She turned her head to look at me.
"What's that?" she asked, stopping for a moment to cut through some roughage.
I couldn't help but notice how skilled she was with that knife.
I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of that, I thought.
"You spoke about brawling a little while ago," I said. "If you knew how to fight, why didn't you stop those bandits who were trying to mug you?" I asked.
Saria grinned at my question.
"A persistent royal knight beat me to it," she replied simply, "or did you forget?"
I grinned, allotting myself an 'idiot' moment.
You made that way too easy for her Link, I thought.
"Okay," I said with a nod, allowing that one to slide, "fair enough, then answer me this, how did you hurt your ankle?"
Saria stopped for a second and turned to look at me again. She blushed for some odd reason.
"What?" she asked, pretending she didn't understand.
I looked at her strange for a moment.
What is this all about? I wondered.
"Your ankle," I repeated, "how did you hurt it?"
Saria looked into my eyes without flinching, but she didn't answer immediately. I was a little put off by that.
Is she stalling? I wondered.
I took a step toward her.
"Saria..." I trailed, finding her behavior odd.
"I fell," she said quickly, "I was trying to move some stuff and I fell."
I raised my eyebrows and just looked at her. I didn't see a problem with her rationale, but her actions leading up to it left me disconcerted.
"You fell?" I repeated in disbelief.
Saria merely nodded and then turned back around. I tried not to be bothered it, but I found it a little odd.
Why did she act like that just then? I wondered.
I decided to let the matter go, and take it for what it was. If she said she fell, she fell. I needed to learn to trust people more. I knew that I was losing that inherent ability to take people for their word because of my line of work, but I had to realize that was only going to leave me as a cynic in the end.
It is what it is Link, I thought.
We travelled a little farther, walking past a bridge and through an impasse when Saria abruptly halted me.
"We're here," she says quietly, and pulled me to the side, "now it's imperative we keep a low profile. There are a lot of low lives that like to hang out at the tavern."
I nodded, but looked at Saria puzzled.
"And you lived here?" I asked her perplexed.
Saria merely shrugged.
"A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do," she replied, "however when gramps came along I decided to high tail it out of Ordon for a better life."
I grinned, thinking of the old man.
"How did you meet him?" I asked.
Saria smiled at the thought.
"Gramps came in on a caravan," she replied, "he was selling weapons and I needed a way out, so I decided to take my sewing talents with me and set up shop in Kakariko."
I nodded at her story, but then she looked at my face and frowned.
"What?" I asked her.
She shook her head and bit her lower lip.
"You're too tall and too good looking," she divulged all of a sudden, "you're going to stand out and get us turned away."
I unfortunately felt my cheeks flush.
What am I? I thought upset at myself. Seventeen? I can't take a compliment from a pretty lady?
"Uh... so," I said, not knowing how to reply to that.
Saria immediately hooded me, and then fixed her own headdress.
"That's better," she said, "if no one sees your face they won't feel so insecure about themselves."
I'm too good looking? I thought incredulous. What about her?
"Well, what about you?" I asked redirecting the subject. "You're so beautiful and your clothes are so forming fitting, you're going to break a man's damn neck."
Saria's eyes got wide at my comment, and I immediately bit my tongue.
Damn it Link, I thought, why did you say that?
"I only meant-" I tried.
"I know what you meant," Saria interrupted, "just drop it."
She checked my appearance once more, and then peered around the corner. I glanced as well and saw that the grassy area was empty.
"So, where to?" I asked.
"The tavern in the back," Saria replied, "we should start looking for information there."
I raised my eyebrows.
We? I thought.
I turned Saria around to face me.
"I don't want you involving yourself more than necessary," I said.
Saria looked back at me and didn't answer.
Come on, I thought, don't be defiant.
"Saria..." I trailed serious.
She looked away.
"Fine," she said, "I won't involve myself unless I need to."
Saria then evaded my hold and headed into the village.
Wait a minute, I thought.
"Saria!" I said in a low irritable growl, knowing I couldn't yell after her. "Saria get back here!"
She ignored me.
She did that on purpose, I thought upset.
I followed Saria to the tavern and watched as she headed in ahead of me.
Goddesses this woman is presumptuous! I thought and hurried in after her.
Saria walked up to the bar and settled herself at the back. The bartender nodded at her and gave her a big smile at seeing her.
"Saria me lass," he said to her, "how have ye been? I feel like it's been ages."
He sounded just like she did, from time to time.
So, that's where this accent comes from, I thought.
"I've been doing alright," she said, "I live near Hyrule Castle now, and decided to come for a visit."
The bartender nodded.
"It's good to see ya," he said, "the tavern hasn't been the same without you. We miss your songs lass, and ye were the best bartender Ordon had ever seen. Well, second only to me."
Saria laughed when he said that.
"I knew ye wouldn't have the balls to denigrate yourself in me presence," she said to him with her accent returning slightly, "but aye, I'll agree with ye, ye certainly know how to draw a pint."
I kept it subtle, but a grin crossed my lips at the two of them talking. I liked their down home vernacular, it was more my style.
I just don't know if I can do that accent, I thought.
I walked in and came to sit down next to Saria.
"How're you doing?" I asked the bartender casually.
The bartender eyed me and then gave a look to Saria, who simply shrugged. I tried pretending we weren't together, but it was obvious that that wasn't the case. I looked around and noticed for the most part the bar was empty. However, I did notice some unsavory recognizable faces.
Oh great, I thought.
Some of the patrons were men that tried to attack Saria a couple months ago. They were congregating at a table near the northeastern corner of the tavern.
This can't be good, I thought, and then turned my attention back to Saria, what the hell are they all doing here?
"Hey," I said to her in a low voice.
Saria raised her eyebrows, signifying I had her attention.
"You recognize any of those men over there?" I asked, casually nodding in the men's general direction.
Saria looked past me. When she saw the men in the corner she sighed at their recognition.
"Yeah," she replied with a nod, "unfortunately I do, but don't worry I've got an idea."
I looked at her puzzled when she said that.
She must have noticed them already, I thought, even still, what is she talking about?
"An idea?" I replied inquiringly.
Saria merely nodded, then smirked seductively at me.
"Don't fret I got you covered," she replied.
I sighed with a little worry, hoping whatever Saria had planned would work. Saria put a hand on my shoulder seeing my cynicism.
"You stress too much," she said to me.
Her reply made me chuckle at her.
She's right, I thought.
I grinned.
"If you were the Hero of Time you'd be stressed too," I whispered to her.
She patted my shoulder and gestured for the bartender's attention.
"Two Hylian ales for me and the pansy," Saria said to the bartender.
Pansy? I thought.
I took a slight offense to that.
"Are you referring to me?" I asked her quietly.
Saria merely smirked and didn't answer. I billowed an irritated breath, and let it go.
This woman... I trailed my recourse, and then grinned, she's really something.
The bartender filled two pints with dark hops Hylian lager. He then slid them down the counter towards us. When we both caught them, Saria clanged her glass to mine.
"Good health to you sir," she said and then downed her beer.
What in Farore's name! I thought, watching her consume the ale.
"Saria," I said, keeping my voice low, "we're supposed to be staking the place out, not getting drunk."
She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and gave me an obvious stare.
"I'm aware of that," she said.
I took in a frustrated breath.
"Don't you think you should take it easy?" I asked. "You're a small woman."
Saria fanned me off.
"Nonsense," she replied to me after she finished her brew.
She then threw her empty glass on the floor and broke it. I looked at her with my mouth agape.
What the hell is she doing? I thought suddenly, and looked around. This cannot be what she had in mind!
"Bartender," she called, "another!"
The bartender merely raised his eyebrows and prepared another brew. I tried to hide my shock.
That's normal? I thought surprised.
I glanced over my shoulder and noticed the thieves were now looking in our direction.
Great, I thought sarcastic, I'm supposed to be looking for clues on this Zant guy, and queen crazy here is going to get us mugged.
The bartender finished prepping the drink and then slid it down the counter. However, I intercepted it before Saria could catch it. I looked at her upset.
"What the hell are you doing?" I demanded to her in a low voice. "You're going to get us kicked out."
Saria narrowed her eyes at me.
"You have to trust me," she said in a low voice.
I shook my head slightly.
"You're acting irrationally right now," I said.
She looked at me determined and ignored me.
"Let go of my beer," she said to me.
I looked at her surprised.
Is she serious right now? I thought in disbelief.
"No," I replied, trying to keep my voice down.
Saria narrowed her eyes at me again.
"Let... go... of... my... beer," she repeated, saying each enunciate slowly.
I stared into her eyes.
"Saria, what has gotten in to you?" I asked her, starting to lose my composure. "You're not acting like yourself."
Saria abruptly grabbed for the glass.
"Give me my beer you asshole!" she shouted at me suddenly.
I looked at her stunned.
What the hell...? I wondered confused.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one of the thieves get up from his table and approach the counter. The man gave me a stern, menacing look.
Damn it! I thought upset. This is what I was trying to avoid.
"The miss's wants 'er beer friend," the thief said to me, revealing two missing teeth, "I best believe ye better let 'er have it."
I knew her actions would- I thought.
"Bug off ye bastard," Saria said to him changing her voice when addressing the thief, "I can handle 'im!"
Did she just change her accent again? I wondered.
"Saria..." I trailed, wanting her to stop.
I tried to take hold of her hand, but she snatched hers away from mine.
"This has nothing to do with ye!" Saria went on to the thief, then grabbed me by the collar of my cloak and kissed me forcefully on the lips.
My eyes widened in surprise.
Okay... this is just strange, I thought.
When she pulled away, she abruptly slapped me across the face indirectly unhooding me. I touched my sore cheek and looked at her bewildered.
She's insane, I thought.
"That's how we love each other! Fearlessly and without regret!" Saria said, not dropping the accent. "Ye best learn to mind ye own business friend!"
The thief unsurprisingly became indignant.
"You bitch!" he snarled. "Here I come to your aid and ye cuss me like a Gerudo whore!"
Now, I got up from my stool finally understanding the role play.
Just go with it Link, I told myself.
"Uh..." I began, "ye best not be calling my woman a whore! Tis an ingratiated spirit you show!"
I turned to look at Saria for encouragement, but she looked at me repulsed just then. She couldn't even go on with her own act anymore.
"That was supposed to be Ordonian?" Saria asked incredulous.
I was taken aback at her discomfiture.
"Um..." I trailed, unsure of what to say, "yeah."
She sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Just use your regular voice you idiot!" Saria replied, dropping her accent. "That was the worst attempt at Ordonian I've ever heard!"
I got indignant with her insult.
She's attacking me over some nonsense? I thought.
"I didn't even know what the hell you were doing!" I exclaimed back. "I'm still trying to figure out whether you're certifiably crazy, or if this is merely an act!"
The thief was staring at the both of us in disbelief at our argument, but then raised an eyebrow suspiciously.
"I know you," he said abruptly of Saria, "yer that girl who got me leg shot!" the thief then looked over at me. "And yer the bastard who did it!"
Oh great, I thought.
"Yeah?" Saria taunted, directing it to the thief. "So what!"
I looked at her furiously.
Why is she egging him on? I wondered. That is not helping!
"What are you going to do about it?" Saria snapped, then pulled out her blade.
My eyes widened in in shock.
What the hell is she doing? I thought upset. Why is she trying to start a fight?
Saria got down off the stool.
"What's the matter you toothless prick?" she went on. "Afraid you might get pounded by the woman you tried to rob?"
This is not how this is supposed to go! I thought, but I got up and got in my battle stance anyway. Why is queen crazy in such a hurry to start a fight?
I saw out of my peripheral vision the other bandits getting up and coming to their friend's aid.
Brilliant! I thought angrily.
Before I could say a word to initiate the engagement, the toothless thief lunged for Saria. However, Saria did something I didn't expect. She back flipped out of the thief's reach twice, then countered with a slash of her blade. She got a portion of the man's upper arm.
Whoa! I thought in surprise of her skill. Not bad.
The thief stepped back and growled angrily.
"This is why I hate pretty faces!" he said. "They're so damn deceiving!"
His friends then turned their attention to me.
"Ye need to tell yer woman to watch her bloody mouth!" one of them said to me. "It's things like that that will get her throat cut!"
I smirked.
"She has a mind of her own," I replied simply.
They all looked at me angrily just then and got into attack mode. There were four of them, and they didn't look like they hand any real proficiency, but I knew never to under estimate an opponent.
You never know what they'll pull out of their sleeve, I thought.
I had my short sword ready. One of the thieves had a nail bat, another had a knife; the other two were bare knuckled.
They're all low skilled and they use intimidation to get what they want, I thought taking back the initial credit I gave them, this will be easy.
The one with the nail bat came at me first. He was actually the easiest to disengage. I swung and sliced his bat in half. The thief then looked at his now useless weapon and drew back.
That's it? I thought, then focused my attention on the others.
The two bare knuckled individuals tried to attack me as a pair. One tried to uppercut me from the left, the other tried to get me with a cross on the right.
"Look out!" Saria cried out and immediately intervenes.
Fortunately for me Saria countered the cross with a kick to his hand. She was lightening fast; it was as if it came out of nowhere. She then turned toward his midsection and elbowed his gut. The thief fell down immediately, but Saria wasn't done with him yet, she stepped on his genitals to completely extricate him.
Ouch, I thought feeling his pain, that was just... cold.
The man trying to attack me was momentarily distracted by watching Saria, and got a rude awakening. I dodged his fist and then side swung him to the floor. He hit the ground hard and I heard a disturbing crack.
He broke something, I thought, watching as he didn't get up.
He grabbed his leg and moaned in pain. I then turned my attention to the last thief. He looked around and saw the carnage of his comrades and dropped the knife he was holding. He then rose his hands in surrender.
"Please don't hurt me," he begged, "I don't care one way or the other how you two love each other!"
I paused before relieving myself of my battle stance, and point for the thief to sit in an empty chair.
"Move," I said.
The man quickly obeyed. I lowered my sword and gestured for Saria to relax her stance; she still had her knife employed. I turned to look at her.
"It's okay," I said to her, "put your weapon away."
Saria hesitated, but then put her knife away.
I was secretly very intrigued at how she knew and decided to approach the situation in the manner in which she did, but I knew not to ask her about that now. I focused my attention on the thief.
"I'm looking for someone native to these parts," I said, not beating around the bush, "he goes by the name Zant."
The thief's eyes grew wide in fear, and he nodded.
"I know who ye speak of," he said to me, "but he ain't native to these parts. No one knows where that freak is from."
Freak huh? I thought. Zant must be pretty terrible if he is calling him a freak.
"Where can I find him?" I asked, pointing my sword at his throat.
The thief swallowed hard in fear.
"Stick around I'm sure he'll come to you," he replied, "you and that crazy lady started quite a ruckus just now. That freak Zant loves chaos. He loves violence and he especially loves a good fight. I'm sure his henchmen will let him know you're both here."
I drew back my blade and glanced over at Saria at the realization.
That's why she started that fight, I thought, suddenly understanding everything much clearer now, she did that to get Zant out of hiding. That was actually quite clever.
Saria just stared at me for a moment with a serious expression. Her eyes looked so intense. I gave her an odd expression.
'Are you alright?' I mouthed to her.
Saria merely nodded, but then looked away.
She knows how to get around here much better than I gave her credit for, I thought, it must have been a very rough existence for her.
Saria oddly enough went and sat back down at the bar.
"He'll be here," she said absently to me, "come sit down and have another drink."
I looked at Saria and then back to the thief. I put my sword away, and the thief quickly got up and scuttled away. I shook my head flummoxed, trying to understand the Ordonian culture.
Is this what they do? I wondered. Fight and drink? No wonder Saria wanted to escape this life.
I kept my guard up, but I went back to join her at the bar. Saria downed her beer in one gulp.
I hope she knows what she's doing, I thought, then ordered another beer for myself.
Saria was staring straight ahead of her, as if she were engaged in some serious contemplation.
I looked at her concerned.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing," she said to me absently.
I didn't believe her for a second.
"Saria don't lie to me," I said to her, "did you hurt yourself?"
Saria bit her lower lip and sighed as if she made an internal decision.
"Bartender," Saria said quietly, ignoring me, "I want a purple chu jelly whiskey sour."
When she ordered that, the bartender turned and looked at her surprised.
"You want a what?" he asked to make sure he heard correct.
I looked from the bartender and Saria bewildered.
What's going on now? I wondered.
"I want a purple chu jelly whiskey sour," she repeated.
"Saria I don't have blue-"the bartender tried.
"Just do it," she interrupted, "it doesn't matter."
The bartender stared at her for a long moment and then went to make her drink.
I turned to look at Saria confused.
"What's the big deal about that drink?" I asked her, finishing my ale.
Saria was silent for a long moment.
"You'll see," she replied.
I didn't like the sound of that.
"I'll see what?" I demanded, "What are you talking about?"
All of a sudden, the door to the tavern opened and a strange dark skinned beast with long interwoven locks and a multifaceted face with no facial features barraged through the door. I turned to look and my eyes widened in surprise. I had never seen a creature like that before in all of Hyrule.
Where did that come from? I thought.
"What the hell is that?" I demanded.
I looked over at Saria startled, however, she didn't budge.
She's not even surprised, I thought, she must have seen these kinds of monsters before.
The bartender slid Saria her drink. She caught it, and downed it in one gulp, she then slammed down fifty rupees on the counter.
"Thank you," she replied to the bartender, he merely nodded.
I looked between the two of them, trying to understand what the hell was going on. A moment later Saria's hair iridized bright green and shifted like an optical triboluminescence. Her eyes then glowed a piercing intense blue.
What in the...? I wondered, looking at her transfigured appearance. What was in that drink?
Saria took in a deep breath, then lunged at the beast with her all her might.
"No!" I cried out, immediately unsheathing my sword and following after her.
What is she doing? I thought.
Saria slammed her body into the beast's belly forcing it out the tavern to the outside.
Saria quickly followed after it, I followed after her and immediately got in front of her.
It began to rain making it harder to see.
"Stay back!" I ordered. "This one is mine!"
She looked past me.
"There's another," she said to me pointing to the northwestern corner where a perimeter was set up.
Strange orange illuminant markings surrounded the area creating a barrier. In the sky, was a large black hole of repeating rectangles and squares sequenced in the Hylian Fibonacci series.
A portal, I thought, but didn't keep my eyes focused on it for too long.
The beast lagged over with a heavy kyphosis in its back. I sidestepped when it tried to swing at me. I struck back, cutting some of its locks off. While my attention was diverted, Saria ran from behind me and started attacking the other beast in the area where she pointed to before.
Damn it! I thought upset. Why doesn't she listen?
"We have to kill them at the same time," she called over to me as if clairvoyant, pulling out her knife and started going to work on the other beast, "if not, they won't die."
"What?" I said surprised.
"We have to fight them in synchronization," she said again, "if not, they'll rejuvenate each other again."
Great, I thought annoyed, can it get anymore complicated?
"Okay fine," I said, "I'll work in synch with you."
I have more experience fighting than she does, I thought, I'll be sure to match her timing.
"Right," she replied back in agreement.
The beast loomed in my view blocking my vantage point of Saria. I sidestepped twice and back sliced the monster, and then quickly looked over my shoulder. Saria just hit her opponent with six consecutive hits at blazing speed. I needed to match her speed with my intensity. She had quickness, while I had power. We both fight for the next several minutes when I noticed both the beasts were hunched over in a near dead position.
"On my call we're going to give the final blow!" I called over to her. "Give it all you've got!"
"Okay!" she called back.
The beast tried to swing at me desperately. I back flipped out of the way.
"Now!" I commanded, and ran into jump attack formation.
Saria attacked, and suddenly I heard a loud high pitched screech as both beasts disseminated and filtered back into the black hole. Abruptly, the perimeter disappeared. I looked over at Saria and her luminescence had gone. She looked dizzy as she tried to catch her footing. She fell over to the ground.
"Saria!" I said in panic, running over to her immediately.
I took her in my arms and immediately turned her around. Her green hair was back to its normal emerald color, the glow that radiated off her was gone, her skin was cold, and her lips were pale.
"Saria!" I said worried, shaking her slightly to get her to respond. "Saria! Answer me!"
Saria opened her eyes and the blue intensity that was once there was gone. She took in a deep labored breath using her accessory muscles.
"It was that damn drink wasn't it!" I demanded knowingly.
She nodded slowly. She looked so weak.
"That's the only way I can fight those monsters," she whispered, "I don't have your natural strength."
My eyes widened.
"I told you to stay behind me!" I said upset.
She stared into my eyes and smiled weakly.
"It wouldn't have mattered I still drank it," she said in a raspy voice.
I realized her vitality was rapidly failing her. I picked her up immediately and took her back into the tavern. I laid her on one of the tables and approached the bartender.
"What the hell was in that drink?" I demanded.
The bartender sighed.
"Purple chu jelly," the bartender said to me quietly, "we call it the elixir of the Dark Maiden."
I looked him confused.
"She's drunk this before?" I asked.
The bartender nodded.
"Many times," he replied.
"Why is it called the elixir of the Dark Maiden?" I asked.
The bartender was quiet for a moment.
"When young Saria lived here she was the only one with the will to fight off those beasts," he replied, "I decided to help her along and create a concoction that would increase her strength. Unfortunately, the side effects are extreme acidic conditions on the body."
"She's fought those things before?" I asked surprised.
The bartender nodded.
"Aye," he said, "I've known Saria since she was twenty, that was five years ago. She was always as sweet as a lamb. She said it was her duty to protect people. She was always being harassed by the patrons, but she had a will to fight, and I looked out for her."
"So, why give the drink to her if you know this does this to her?" I demanded, going back to the initial subject.
The bartender sighed.
"I always had the antidote ready," he divulged.
I looked at him hopeful.
"What's the antidote?" I demanded.
The bartender looked over at Saria, then back to me.
"Blue chu jelly potion," he said quietly.
That's all? I thought.
"Fine," I said, opening my satchel and dropping my whole wallet on the counter, "give me all you have."
The bartender looked at me solemn.
"That's the problem," he divulged, "I don't have any lad."
This can't be happening! I thought.
I felt my frustration turn to anger, I reached across the counter and grabbed him by his collar.
"Don't play with me!" I said angrily. "Just give me the goddamn jelly!"
The bartender looked at me with open fear.
"I'm serious!" he said to me. "I don't have it! That's what I was trying to tell her before she drank it! Blue chu jelly is very rare, and hard to cultivate out here in the woods."
I hadn't considered that. I felt my breathing accelerate, when I let go of the bartender. I looked back over at Saria who was steadily declining.
At this rate she'll die! I thought.
"Serves the bitch right," I heard one of the disgruntled thieves say.
That was not a smart thing for him to do. I turned at the sound of his voice and punched him straight in the face. The force was so grating, two of his front teeth came out.
"Be grateful you don't pay for that comment with your life!" I seethed through clenched teeth.
It was in that moment a strange faint whispery breeze precluded the air. It was cold and dank, it sent shivers up my spine.
What was that? I wondered.
"I'm so surprised the future king of Hyrule has such a quick temper," said a strange male voice from behind me.
I turned at the sound of the voice and saw a strange looking individual.
What in the-? I thought, but cut myself off.
He was tall with bluish, ashen grey skin, and almond shaped yellow eyes. He had a long, slender body, with a large oval shaped head, and thin lips. When he spoke his teeth looked sharp and jagged.
Who in the world...? I thought.
"Who are you?" I demanded. "How do you know who I am?"
The creature looked at me thoughtfully.
"I'm nobody in particular," he replied with an encryption to his voice, "and how I know who you are is of no consequence to you, but I couldn't help but notice your skill set when you fought those monsters."
I was taken aback when he said that.
What? I thought, but soon forgot about that when I saw out of the corner of my eye Saria trying to sit up.
I hurried past the creature to Saria's side. She rubbed her head, and moaned in pain. Saria blinked several times, then saw the strange looking individual and her eyes widened. She gasped.
"Zant," she managed to say before she fell back out.
I caught her before her head fell onto the table surface, then turned back around quickly.
"So, you're Zant," I said, "it seems you've been busy."
Zant was looking past me to the seamstress.
"I don't know why she drinks that stuff," Zant said absently, then directed to me, "not as busy as your goddess forsaken royal family."
I narrowed my eyes, and quickly assumed my battle stance. Zant smirked at me.
"If you fight me, your precious Saria will die," Zant said simply, "think before you act sir knight."
It took everything in me not lunge at this creature and kill him.
"What the hell do you want?" I demanded.
He smiled at my anger.
"I merely want the royal family to pay for their sins," Zant said simply, "that's all."
I narrowed my eyes.
"That's a presumptuous thing to ask coming from a murderer," I replied.
Zant looked at me keenly.
"You're so naive," Zant said to me simply, "you have no idea what's really going on around you, do you?"
I hated to admit it, but his last taunt did give me a certain degree of cynicism.
I wouldn't have known about Zant if it hadn't been for Saria and the Deku Tree, I thought, there is some truth to what he says.
"It doesn't matter," I said, trying to stay firm in my resolve, "as the first knight to the royal-"
"'The encroachment has begun,'" Zant interrupted me, "does that sound familiar?"
I paused, feeling my eyes grow wide.
It was this bastard! I thought. It was this bastard who nearly killed Zelda!
"It was you in the forest that day!" I said angrily. "It was you who tried to kill the princess!"
Zant merely smirked at my reaction.
"Was it?" Zant said, toying with me. "Did you see me? What was I wearing? How did I fight you?"
I swallowed hard.
Zant looked back over at Saria.
"I'd say you've got a good three hours before the girl dies of chu jelly toxicity," Zant said nonchalant, "if I were you, I'd get going. I'm sure there's plenty of blue chu jelly potions at the castle."
I glanced over at Saria and noticed her breathing had gotten shallower.
I can't stay here any longer, I thought.
"There will be a reckoning," I said to Zant, then picked up Saria.
"I'm sure there will be," Zant replied. "Be swift will you? Neither one of us wants her to die."
I narrowed my eyes at Zant, but turned to hurry out of the tavern and into the now rainy forest.
Please Saria hang on! I thought desperately. Don't die!
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