Inspirations: Saito Haijme, Gatotsu fighting style, the code of "aku soku zan" (swift death to evil), Petrine from "Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance," (only when Saria is in 'character' lol), "Twilight Princess," and green M&M's (I was eating a pack when I wrote this lol).
Original Shout Out: MegaDarkness thank you for reading.
New Shout Out: AVID Reader, thanks for reading, sorry I missed you last chapter.
Author Note: Seismic activity is on the horizon. Chapters 15-19 are some of my personal favorites. I hope you all like them too! This chapter was reedited to add Saria's POV. Given the nature of this chapter, I felt it was necessary. Thank you for reading.
Reedited 4/10/2012 ADDENDUM Reedited 2/13/2013
Chapter 15
Saria's POV: Later The Same Day
When I got to Ordon, I paused for a moment before going in. I had to make sure I was composed before I went to see Zant. If he saw a break in my veneer, then he would know something was up.
Just remember your role, I told myself, taking in a deep breath, you'll be okay if you remember your role.
I closed my eyes and reassured myself again, then walked to the tavern in the back. Before I walked in I checked my appearance. I splash a little water on my face in the creek near the entrance, and undid the top two buttons of my outfit so my cleavage was more prominent. One thing I knew about males in general since becoming a Hylian, was that they loved the female anatomy. I stroked my hands through my green hair, cleaned my lips so the blood flow was more controlled, and made sure the tear stains on my cheeks were gone. I couldn't show any signs of weakness. If Zant was still going to see me as a viable asset, I needed to appear confident.
I'll have to be convincing, I thought, everything I tell him has to correlate with his own timeline. He wasn't aware of the hit on Zelda.
I pursed my lips together in the hope of making them look smaller with no such luck. There was nothing I could do about the swelling. I was just going to have to roll with it. I would have to think of some clever segue regarding the scuffle.
Alright, I thought, I can't delay anymore.
I stood up and took one more last look at my reflection.
You know what you have to do, I thought, staring hard at myself.
I then turned and went inside the tavern. When I entered, all eyes suddenly turned to me and a hush came about the room. I noticed immediately the bar was unusually crowded with patrons that day. I raised an eyebrow knowing something was amiss, but didn't make my inquiry known. I walked to the back of the bar where the bartender was, flirting with a few of the guys in the process with my eyes, and sat down. The bartender looked at me in surprise.
"Thank the goddess," he whispered so that he wouldn't get the others attention, however I think it was too late for that, "I thought ye were dead."
I grinned at him seductively and winked.
"Not yet," I said, then looked beyond him to the ale dispenser, "get me a pint."
The bartender gave me an odd look, but nodded anyway. He was probably wondering what happened to my mouth. He spritzed a beer in a large glass and set it down in front of me. I placed five rupees in front of him and thanked him.
"Much obliged 'andsome," I said, reverting back to my Ordonian accent, "where's that bastard Zant?"
The bartender raised his eyebrows at me.
"He was just here," he replied, "it's funny ye ask that 'cuz he was just look for ye."
Oh was he? I thought, and downed my beer.
"Well," I said with a smile, "I better find 'im."
I got off the stool, and started for the entrance, but the bartender stopped me again. He had a semi-distressed look on his face.
"Lass," he said to me and I turned around.
I raised my eyebrows expectantly.
"What's up?" I asked.
He looked to both sides of him to see if any of the other customers were eavesdropping. They were, but nothing could be done to stop it.
"Ye need to be careful," he warned, "ye shouldn't be associatin' with that trash. He'll kill ye if you cross 'im."
I was well aware of that, but I was in much deeper than the concerned bartender realized.
I wish it were that easy my friend, I thought.
"Don't worry," I reassured, plastering a confident smile on my face, "I know how to handle Zant."
The man was not convinced.
"Ye just be careful," he reiterated, then added, "what 'appened to that 'andsome fella ye came in here with awhile ago?" he asked. "Ye know, the one with the quick temper."
I didn't let my face change, but I felt my heart pound slightly when I realized he was talking about Link.
Divert Saria, I told myself.
I let my smile widen.
"We had our fun and he had to go home," I said provocatively, "his soon to be wife found out about it and tried to kick me ass," I joked, "that's how I ended up with the busted lip."
The bartender looked at me shocked.
"Saria me lass," he said, "I didn't think ye were that kind of girl."
I'm not, I thought, but right now I have no choice.
I didn't answer him. Instead, I teasingly blew him a kiss and left it at that. Tall tales were the norm in a bar, especially stories about married men and their philandering ways.
I'll let his imagination do the rest, I thought, making my way back outside.
When I exited the tavern, I headed down a short fork in the road where there was a strange bend in the light spectra. I removed one of my gloves and went up to touch the fractal of space. When I did, a course of energy went through me and the small space suddenly demarcated and got bigger. I stood back when the area became encapsulated in twilight. Even still, the light progressed outward, enveloped me, and I felt my body morph into a vessel of light shaped like a teardrop. However, as quickly as the metamorphosis happened it abated, and I fell to my knees when my body transmogrified back to its normal state. I was used to the temporary discomfort for the sake of seeing Zant. I was the only one allowed to touch his portal to see him impromptu like this. It was complicated as to the reasons why, but the important thing was I had his complete trust. It took me a long time to get it, but now that I had it, it was an invaluable asset.
I can't afford to lose it, I thought.
A moment later, that familiar, scary face showed itself and I smiled.
Remember your objective, I told myself.
"There you are," I said with a seductive inflection, "I was beginning to think you were hiding from me."
Zant stared at me for a moment, then smiled back. He gave me a long once over and came up to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I hated how far I had to go to get Zant's trust, but I never let it go too far. There was a line in my own personal code of ethics that I never crossed. I was to procure information for the sake of the kingdom. I was not going to be a personal madam to a crazed sociopath, and that's exactly what Zant was.
The moment that line gets toted, is the moment I blow my cover, I thought.
Zant gave my face a quick once over.
"I wouldn't hide from something so beautiful," he said, staring at my mouth, "only a fool would scuttle from such deadly provocation."
I grinned and bit my lower lip, actively working to keep the repulsion from showing on my face.
"Provocation indeed," I whispered.
Zant grinned, then raised his eyebrows.
"What happened to your mouth?" he asked.
I knew he was going to inquire of that sooner or later. It looked like it was going to be sooner. I shrugged nonchalantly.
"I got into a little scuffle," I replied, "a nasty man tripped me."
Zant stared into my eyes for a moment and studied my face.
"That's more than a little scuffle," he said, "that looks more like a big scuffle, and with a white knight no doubt."
I was slightly taken aback at his knowledge of that.
How did he hear about that? I wondered.
I stared into his eyes, trying not to be deterred.
"That's one hell of a guess," I said, then dropped my voice pretending to be playful, "unless... you're having me watched."
Zant didn't answer that.
"I have eyes and ears everywhere Saria," he said to me, "I'm always watching."
I didn't let my face waiver.
"I see," was all I replied.
Zant shifted his gaze back to my mouth.
"I have some news for you my dear," he said, seguing the subject.
I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be intrigued, but was more alarmed that he may have been coordinating something without my knowledge.
"News?" I inquired.
Zant nodded.
"It's about the reinstated first knight," he divulged.
I felt a sour apprehension creep up within me when he said that.
"What's that?" I asked.
He paused for a moment.
"It seems..." he trailed, "it seems the hero and the princess are engaged once more. Saving her from you did just the trick."
I didn't let it show, but I was shocked. Actually, I was more than shocked, but I knew I shouldn't have been. I knew it was bound to happen. I was just hoping for- I stopped myself. There was my problem. I got silly and did that crazy thing called hope again.
I forced a natural sounding chuckle.
"Well," I said, "what can you expect? He gallantly saved his lady love's life."
Zant didn't answer me when I said that. He just nodded, and his grip seemed to tighten around my waist.
That must've been what he wanted to hear, I thought.
"Then what I'm about to tell you should no doubt stun you," he divulged all of a sudden, his voice carried a hint of contradiction.
What is he planning now? I wondered, slightly put off by all the surprises.
"There's more?" I replied.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Yes," he stated, "your tripping mate is planning to come see you."
I drew back a little, but tried to keep it playful.
He isn't saying Link is... I let my thoughts trail.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, pretending ignorance.
Zant stared into my eyes for a moment before uttering, "The hero of Hyrule is going to come here."
I didn't let it show, but I felt a surge of panic course through me when he actually said what I was fearing. I knew he was gauging my reaction.
Why is he assuming Link will come here? I wondered in disbelief.
"And..." I trailed, "when should we expect him?"
His eyes searched my face, and he didn't answer immediately.
"I was hoping you would tell me that," he said.
I kept my reaction controlled.
"What?" I said with a forced smile. "What are you talking about?"
Zant laughed at my saying that.
"You know as well as I do that that man is in love with you, and is going to come and try to rescue you," he divulged, "that's why I'm a little surprised you were so aloof to the news about his engagement."
I tried to divert.
"That man tried to kill me," I stated.
Zant raised a brow.
"But he didn't," he said, not being beguiled, "and there has to be a reason why."
I had to pump up the theatrics. I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"I assure you it isn't the reason you think," I whispered, coming within inches of his face.
Zant gave my face another once over and narrowed his eyes slightly again.
"We'll see," he said, "what do you have to report?" he asked me suddenly.
It looks like I'm going to have to improvise, I thought, what I was initially going to do isn't going to work.
I was about to answer, but before I could, Zant put his bluish grey finger to my lips to silence me. I raised my eyebrows at the cold icy touch.
What's this? I thought.
"You're not in the mood to hear what I have to say?" I whispered, trying to keep myself from shuddering at his touch.
He stared at my lips again.
"Not just yet," he said, getting a little closer, "I'm in the mood for something else right now."
I felt my stomach drop, but I didn't flinch.
"What's that?" I said with a forced seductive grin.
Zant looked into my eyes.
"Let me show you," he whispered, then filled in the inches with a kiss.
I closed my eyes tight as his lips were ice cold, and disgust racked my body.
You're playing a role, I told myself, knowing it wouldn't go further than a kiss, just remember Saria, you're playing a role.
~SSS~
Link's POV: One Week Later
I had every intention of going to see the sea side scientist when I first received his letter a week ago, but every time I had a chance to get away I was mysteriously called to duty. However, I wasn't going to allow that to happen today. Not today. I wasn't going to be deterred. There were too many things I needed to find out, and I was worried about Saria's safety. I had no idea what would happen to her if I just abandoned her in Ordon. Zant could find out she's compromised and kill her.
I won't allow that to happen, I thought, she's been through enough as it is. I have to know if she's okay.
With that resolve in mind, I left my residence. However, before I could take two steps, I was greeted by the captain of the guard at my entryway. It seemed Daphnes or Zelda was still having me watched. I was resigned to that fact, because I noticed a shadow following me everyday since my reinstatement. A face at a corner here. A gallop in the background over there. Incendiary soldiers rendezvousing with perfect timing over here. There was always someone watching.
I knew my comments got under Daphnes' skin, I thought.
The disgruntled captain had a slight sneer on his face when he saw me. I knew he was upset at my return. It seemed he was set to benefit from my prolonged absence. The rumor mill was grinding with whispers of him becoming the next first knight in my stead. I actually felt for the guy. Not everyone saw my position as I did. He may have actually wanted the added stress and tension afforded it.
Sorry my friend, I thought, wishing I had a better consolation for him, I'd give it to you if I had the choice.
Even still, the guard looked at me ready to do his duty.
"What are your orders sir?" the captain asked me.
That was a good question, because everything I needed to do, I needed to do alone. I needed to see the seaside doctor, and I needed to figure out the whole Zant situation. That wasn't going to require an escort. In fact, an escort would only make my investigation more cumbersome. Daphnes still had the entire kingdom in the dark, and there was no telling what I would find in Ordon. Zant may have already started preparations for his strike against Hyrule. So, when I really thought about it, there wasn't very much for me to order him to do.
Give him standard protocol and get moving, I told myself, you have to get going Link. The longer you delay the longer Saria and the kingdom are put in danger.
"Stand down for now, and establish an ordinance forbidding anyone to leave Hyrule until this assassin is caught," I ordered. "Make sure you go about it in such a way that the citizens aren't aware that he's still at large."
The captain nodded and saluted me.
"Yes sir," he replied, then went off to carry out my requests.
I watched after the soldier for a moment as he headed for the castle gates, but then noticed several people pointing at me and whispering to each other. When I saw that, I went back in my villa and decided to exit via the back alleys. As it stood right now, I would never get out of town. There were citizens everywhere waiting to congratulate me. I was their white knight once more.
Take the road less traveled, I thought, making sure my hood covered my face.
When I jumped the wooden fence and landed stealthily onto Hyrule Field, I called for Epona and rode to Lake Hylia. I arrived within an hour, dismounted, and headed to the laboratory. I knocked on the door and waited silently. I hooded myself again and looked around. I took in a deep breath, thinking about everything that happened in the course of this one week.
Zelda was set up by erroneous means, Saria turned out to be a spy, Daphnes is still hiding something big, and this investigation is not even close to being over yet, I thought in disbelief, and... I have no idea what is going to happen next.
Abruptly, the door opened and the strange elderly man stared at me accusingly for some reason.
I stared back puzzled.
What's this all about? I wondered.
"You corresponded requesting a meeting with me?" I asked, perplexed at his gaze.
The elderly man frowned at my introduction, or lack thereof.
"Stop with the formalities!" he replied. "You've lived here for sometime with a young woman. Don't be so damn foolhardy, and get in here before you're followed!"
What in the world? I thought surprised.
The old man pulled on my arm and yanked me inside. I raised my eyebrows perplexed, wondering how in the hell he knew that.
I wasn't expecting this.
I wasn't expecting this at all.
It was then I noticed the inside of the laboratory was trashed. There were broken beakers and papers scattered all across the floor. Furniture was turned over, and it looked like the entire residence had been ransacked. I had no idea what the upstairs looked like, but I could only imagine. Daphnes must have ordered the search of the house after the coronation, but why? Saria had been long gone from the laboratory by that point. Why would Daphnes see fit to do this now? It didn't make sense, but when did the king ever make sense. The old man quickly closed the door and looked out the window at the grassy expanses. When he was certain it was safe, he turned and looked at me accusingly again.
I didn't know where I should begin, so I started with the obvious.
"You knew I was living here in your absence?" I asked, swallowing hard.
The old man nodded.
"Saria told me everything," he divulged.
My eyes widened at that.
"What?" I said disbelief. "You know Saria?"
The old man looked at me somber just then.
"I know more than you think," he said to me, then walked past me to his clean his trashed laboratory, "I wasn't expecting you to wait so long to respond."
I followed after him.
"What do you mean?" I asked. "What's going on?"
The old man was trying to lift a heavy table. I quickly went over to help him.
He'll break his back trying to do that, I thought.
"I've got it," I said, taking the table from his grip, but he went over to the other side anyway.
Someone's stubborn, I thought, but admired his tenacity.
"Saria came to me the day I was leaving, and told me of your arrest," he disclosed, "she stated that when she got you out, you would need a place to stay," he went on, lifting his side of the table after I lifted mine, "she asked me if you could stay here, and I said yes."
I looked at him stunned.
That's why she said what she said to me in my cell, I thought, she already made it up in her mind to help me. She had her orders, but she still extended herself and put herself at risk, but not just her, the old man as well.
I shook my head in disbelief.
"You knowingly let a fugitive stay in your residence?" I said to him incredulously. "You could have been arrested taking such a chance."
The old man scoffed a little at my reply.
"And where would you have gone?" he asked me. "Huh? What would you have done? Be grateful that girl cared enough about you to ensure you would be alright. Besides, I wouldn't worry about arrests. The king of Hyrule knows it wouldn't be in his best interests to have me thrown in jail."
I suddenly felt a surge of guilt for what I previously thought regarding the old man's absence when Saria was staying there.
It was all part of a bigger plan, I thought, she had no intention of hurting the old man.
"Thank you," I said to him quietly, "you really helped me out regarding the princess."
The old man looked at me accusingly yet again, and raised his eyebrows.
"I didn't do it for you," he replied matter-of-fact, "I did it for Saria, she came to me requesting relief from the headaches she was experiencing, and you just happened to come up."
I looked at the old man stunned again.
"You know about her symptoms?" I asked.
"Of course I know about them," he divulged, "I've been helping her treat them."
I couldn't believe it.
Why didn't Saria tell me this? I wondered.
"What about the disappearing?" I asked quickly. "Did she tell you about that?"
"Of course she did," he replied with a nod.
I thought he was going to continue, but he didn't.
"And?" I asked, wanting him to go on.
The old man saw my apparent concern and decided to explain.
"I think you've been in the dark long enough," he said, "it's time you knew what was really going on with her."
I raised my eyebrows stunned.
Did I hear right just now? I thought. Does someone actually want to give me information?
I gave him my undivided attention.
"Saria was under the care of Dr. Paul Dirac before he was murdered," the old man said, straining with his side of the table, "I was his assistant."
I looked at the old man surprised.
What? I thought.
"You assisted the great Dirac?" I repeated. "I thought you were an ophthalmologist by trade."
The old man chuckled at my inquiry, and we placed the table down where he desired it to be.
"I am son," he said to me, "but once upon a time, in my former life, I was a biological physicist, specializing in medical treatment by use of quantum mechanics."
I gave him an offhanded stare at the revelation.
Wait a minute... I let my thoughts trail.
"What does that have to do with Saria?" I asked.
The old man turned from me for a second, and went to pick up a chair. He looked hesitant to go on, and segued to cleaning his lab once more. I knew whatever it was he was withholding had to have some pretty big significance. I never saw him like this before.
What's been done to her? I wondered.
"They really did a number in here didn't they?" the old man muttered to himself.
Yes, they did, I thought, looking around and feeling guilty.
I sighed and took it upon myself to pick up the disheveled furnishings while he spoke to me. It was the least I could do, considering I was the reason for the mess. I knew the immediacy of his concerns wasn't telling me what I wanted to know, especially since I waited a week to get back to him. His home had just been burgled and his worries rested there at the moment. When the scientist saw me going about the room tiding things up, he looked at me gratefully and decided to continue.
"Saria's transformation was based on reconfiguring the natural quanta in her body," he began, picking up a broom and sweeping up some broken porcelain, "the quanta is set on a fixated depolarization mechanism inside her body."
I paused for a moment when a puzzled expression came across my face.
Fixated depolarization...? I let my mind trail. Doesn't that need a positron magnet of some kind?
"By any chance, does this 'mechanism' you speak of resemble a diamond shaped instrument implanted underneath her skin?" I discerned.
The old man raised his eyebrows and gave me a strange look.
"Yes," he said carefully, "how do you know that?"
I took in a deep breath.
That's what that thing was, I thought.
"She cut it out and showed it to me," I replied.
The old man's eyes widened.
"Why would she do that?" he asked me.
I shook my head, just as confused as him.
I have no idea, I thought.
"I don't know," I said honestly, but then had to renege and added, "well, yes I do know, it allowed Saria to alter her appearance. I don't know exactly how, but she was able to manifest a hyper modification of her musculature at will. However, when she took it out, she went back to her normal configuration."
The old man was silent after I said that, and I knew it was because what I divulged had some pretty detailed information. Whatever was going on with her had to do with that crystal.
"In theory, she should be able to remove that item without any problems," the old man said, "she received her last treatment four and a half years ago."
Wait a minute, what? I thought.
I looked at him perplexed.
"What is this 'treatment' you speak of?" I asked.
The old man looked away from me and sighed.
"It was Dr. Dirac's life's work: biophysical dichroism of quanta by means object permeance," he replied.
I looked at him and pursed my lips together.
Seriously? I thought.
"Could you say that in Hylian?" I asked sarcastically.
The scientist chuckled a little at my reply.
"We were keeping her Hylian form from disappearing by means magnetizing certain atoms within her body," he stated.
My eyes widened again at the divulgence.
It's all starting to make sense, I thought.
"Did she come to you often, or just recently for treatment?" I asked.
The old man looked away and sighed uncomfortably just then. I took note of that.
Uh oh, I thought, what's this?
There was a brief silence between us.
"Just recently," he replied finally, "which is surprising, because she was doing so well. When she came to me, she informed me her symptomology returned only when a new memory was triggered. The more she was trying to find out about her past, the quicker the onset was of her symptoms came. She became frightened of that fact, thinking her only alternative was seeking immediate counsel with the Deku Tree."
I sighed at his revelation and swallowed hard.
That's why she was so desperate, I thought, even when she was disguised as the assassin, she was pleading for an answer... Saria…
I shook my head in defiance, wanting to help her.
"Is there any way she can be cured?" I asked.
The old man lifted his eyebrows uncertainly. He didn't answer right away. In fact, he seemed even more hesitant than he previously was before.
There must be more than he's letting on, I perceived, something about her condition is making him cautious.
"She requested a full treatment as in the past, but there was nothing I could do for her," he confessed, "I don't have the equipment as I once had when I worked with Dirac. Honestly however, the sessions in the past should have taken care of all the side effects. It doesn't make sense that she is disappearing. The reaction must be getting triggered by something deep in her psyche acting as a catalyst within her subconscious."
I gave the scientist another offhanded stare.
What? I thought perplexed. Is he saying her feelings and her memories are doing this?
"What do you mean?" I asked flummoxed.
The old man shook his head.
"The only thing that I can think of that would precipitate such a reaction would be her..." the old man suddenly trailed and didn't continue.
I looked at him concerned and raised my eyebrows.
Don't stop now, I thought.
"Would be what?" I continued for him.
The old man glanced over at me haphazardly and averted his gaze to the window, he then took a seat in one of his chairs. He looked as though he were lost in thought, he even started mumbling to himself.
"Yes," he muttered, "that must be it."
I looked at him slightly upset.
I thought I wasn't going to be left in the dark, I pondered.
"What must be it?" I asked impatiently.
The old man looked up at me once more.
"There were certain... restrictions put on young Saria's condition of becoming a Hylian," he disclosed.
I raised my eyebrows at hearing that.
Restrictions? I repeated in my head.
"Like?" I said, wanting him to go on.
The old man sighed and looked away again.
"She was forbidden to leave Ordon, but she left anyway," he divulged, "she was only supposed to work under the cover of night, and she was to report only to his majesty himself. She was also, irrevocably, forbidden to have any contact with you. As far as I know, she's gone against all those restrictions. That must be the reason her body is transfiguring."
I looked at him stunned.
She was forced to live in solitude with no one from her past to communicate with? I thought angrily.
I suddenly felt a wave of indignation flow through me on Saria's behalf. She was already slighted by having the sage-ship pushed on her. Now, she was forced to live a life of abject slavery and servitude, and for what? Why was she being forced into such misery? Why was she garnered such an assignment where her life was constantly in danger? Why couldn't she just live a normal life like a normal Hylian? Why was this being done to her? It didn't make sense, and when something didn't make sense there was usually a hint of truth missing.
Trash... I thought upset, she's been treated like she were no account trash.
"How is anyone supposed to live like that?" I demanded. "Caged in a box with no way out? She had no memory of who she was, and was forced to just accept the circumstances? What the hell is wrong with Daphnes?"
The old man just stared at me for a moment.
"I never said it was right, I simply stated what was required of her," he replied quietly, "I've been questioning the decisions of the royal family for years."
I wish I started questioning sooner, I thought upset.
I ran a hand through my hair irritably. The old man saw that and tried to reason with me.
"It's okay lad," he said, "Saria's a very bright, beautiful woman. She's tough and knows how to handle herself."
I just looked at him.
Everyone sees her new abilities as the be all end all situation changer, I thought angrily, well I've got news for them, Saria still is who she is at her core. No ability can cover that. I can tell she isn't happy.
"Why make her a guardian anyway?" I asked, ignoring his last statement. "Why was that even necessary?"
The old man looked at me with a bit of remorse.
"There was an extreme disturbance in the space time continuum in the back areas of the forest of Ordon," the old man began. "Polar shifts in electrical energy were ripping holes in between dimensions. When that happened, the Twilight Realm was easily accessible. Since Saria was incapable of no longer performing her duties as sage, it was decided she could be useful for warding off the impending infringement of twilight."
I felt so much contempt after hearing that. I narrowed my eyes slightly and looked away.
"Who decided that?" I asked almost talking to myself, already knowing the answer.
Unsurprisingly, the old man hesitated.
"I can't say," he replied.
I rolled my eyes and grunted.
Of course not, that is everyone's favorite phrase, I thought upset, Saria was used as if she were nothing.
"Why...?" I asked but trailed. "Why wasn't she just allowed to come back and live a simple life?"
The old man shook his head as well.
"I never understood matters of the heart very well," he replied in an odd fashion, "all I know is, it was imperative that she remained confined to that area to protect the seal."
I felt my fists ball at my sides.
Damn you Daphnes, I thought angrily.
The old man stared at me for a moment.
"Are you alright son?" he asked me.
No, I thought.
"Yes," I verbalized.
There was another silence between us.
"Are you aware of Saria's whereabouts now?" he asked me abruptly, changing the subject.
I nodded.
"She's returned to Ordon to report to Zant," I replied, talking more to myself than to him.
The old man just nodded.
"So, you know about her acting as a spy?" he asked me rhetorically.
I nodded at him saying that as well.
"Strange times lead to strange bedfellows," he said to himself.
I looked over at the scientist and gave him an offhanded stare.
That's the third time I've heard that reference, I thought, finding it strange that it kept popping up, what strange fellows are you in bed with old man?
It didn't matter, I had other things to worry about.
"She's playing around with fire acting as a spy," I divulged, "I need to get her out of Ordon and take her someplace safe."
The old man sighed again.
"I agree," he said to me with a nod, "the longer she stays in Zants presence, the more danger she's in."
I looked at the old man thoughtfully for a moment.
"Did she tell you anything oblong before you left to see the Goron?" I asked, thinking it might help.
The old man paused for a moment.
"No," he replied, clearly lying.
I took in a deep breath.
I really don't have time for shiftiness, I thought.
"Sir," I said, "please... I need to know."
The scientist hesitated again, but then decided to tell me.
"She told me..." he trailed, "she told me when I got back from my visit with the Goron she was either going to be in Ordon, or... dead," he divulged.
I swallowed hard and looked at the scientist seriously for a moment.
"Dead?" I whispered, not wanting to believe that.
The old man saw the look on my face and reluctantly nodded.
"Those were her words son," he replied.
I looked away from him to collect myself.
There's no way I'm going to allow her to just die, I thought, she's not expendable trash the way Daphnes thinks she is. I love her and I want to help her.
I couldn't imagine Saria being gone again, especially after I just found her. It was with that sobering thought I made a quick decision.
"I need to get to Ordon immediately," I said to the old man, wanting to finalize this conversation, "there's no way in hell I'm leaving her there. Thank you for all your help."
The old man just nodded, understanding my sudden haste. I then turned and headed for the door, but before I left he stopped me.
"Please be careful in how you approach this situation," the old man said to me cautiously, "that young woman's life hangs in the balance, and if you do one thing to tote the line she could disappear forever."
I looked at him surprised, and swallowed hard.
"I will," I said quietly, then set out for Ordon.
~SSS~
I knew going to Ordon was a huge risk, but I couldn't worry about the risk when the future of the country, and the life of a dear friend hung in the balance. I traveled the route Saria had shown me, but before I took to entering the village, I hid behind the trunk of a large tree and looked at the commodious clearing leading to the tavern. I didn't see anyone, and I wasn't sure where I should start looking.
Where would you look Saria? I wondered.
There was of course the pub in the back that Saria and I had been too before, but I wasn't sure if I should begin there. There were some small shacks that resembled old warn out residences littering the perimeter of the pathway. I decided to start my search there. The first shack I went to was dilapidated and smelled of skulltula droppings.
There is no way in hell anyone lives here, I thought, looking in the window and seeing nothing but darkness.
I went down the road to the next house and found the same thing. I then crossed the area to the opposite side of the perimeter and checked the residences over there. It was the same outcome, nothing. I shouldn't have been surprised, it didn't look like the most ideal place to live, especially with the threat of Zant, spatial disruptions, and conversions into twilight looming in the background.
If I took over this place I'd enlist a massive clean up and plant some pumpkin patches, I thought.
Just then, down the road a light from a lantern flickered on in one of the shacks. I hurried to hide behind the one I was investigating. I watched and saw a strange looking creature with grotesquely long limbs, no face but the budded distortion of a flower, and blackish purple skin walk down the road to the tavern.
That must be a shadow beast, I thought.
When the creature went inside the tavern, I crept down the road and peered into the window. To my surprise, the tavern was packed. There were mountain men and shadow beasts everywhere. I didn't understand why, until I looked farther to the back and saw Saria behind the bar bartending. She was wearing an open collar white shirt, light brown travel pants, and dark brown boots. She had a huge smile on her face as she was cracking jokes and handing out drinks to everyone. I saw a bandage on her neck as she shook a drink in two cups. She apparently said something funny, because the room soon erupted into laughter.
She's being forced to play two roles, I thought, watching her carefully.
I watched the scene in slight confusion, not understanding why twilight creatures and mountain men were meeting together.
Maybe the mountain men have some complaints about the royal family as well, I thought, there's no telling with their past.
I leaned in closer to the window, hoping to hear a glimpse of an important conversation. All I got was bits and pieces.
"…there's some gold in Lake Hylia, you just need these special aquatic bombs…" one mountain man said to another.
"…how long do we have to associate with this vermin?" two mountain men were saying to each other, looking at the shadow beasts suspiciously.
"…the girl behind the bar is certainly a beauty…" another conversation went.
I averted my eyes back to Saria when I heard that.
I definitely have to agree with you on that, I thought.
I shook my head when I realized I needed to stay focused. It was a good thing too, because the next conversation I overheard revealed something important.
"…Zant said something about a surprise attack…" a Twili said to another.
What's that? I thought alarmed, but couldn't pick up more of the conversation. Damn it!
"Gentlemen may I have yer attention please," Saria announced in her best Ordonian accent.
The crowd hushed momentarily and turned to look at Saria.
I looked toward her as well.
What's this all about? I wondered. What is she doing?
Saria raised a glass mug and addressed the crowd.
"Zant says in honor of the soon to be dead royal family, he wants ye all to have a drink," she said enthusiastically, "and it's on 'im!"
The crowd erupted in elated fervor.
"What?" I said confused.
Soon to be dead royal family? I thought in disbelief. What the hell is going on? What is Zant planning now?
Saria went on.
"But remember, if ye get drunk and can't fight it's yer ass!" she added beginning an assembly line of pints. "Ales fer everybody!"
The crowd broke into laughter at her comment. I took in a deep breath looking around the room for Zant. It didn't make sense to me that they were having this assemblage without Zant. He was the ring leader, and all of this talk about murdering the royal family and vengeance on Hyrule was high blown without his confirmation.
Where is he? I wondered. Why are they having a meeting without him?
"What is this gathering all about?" I muttered to myself, wishing I could just go in. "Where the hell is Zant?"
Just then, an icy cold breeze precluded the air, it sent shivers down my cloaked spine. It was the same sensation I felt when I came to the tavern the first time, and when I was visiting the Deku Tree in the forest.
What the hell...? I thought, then turned around to see what was causing it. Is that...?
Sure enough, I felt my heart beat accelerate when I came face to face with the person I suspected was causing this, Zant. I stepped back when he gave me devious smile.
"Welcome back to Ordon reinstated knight, and apparently now regent of Hyrule," he said to me and bowed, "congratulations."
I straightened myself up and put a hand on my sword immediately. Zant laughed at my action.
"Easy, easy there sir knight," he said, "I was merely wishing you well."
I narrowed my eyes at him and ignored him.
"How do you know that?" I asked, realizing it was a stupid question.
Zant smirked at me.
"You well know sir knight that there are spies and ears everywhere," he said simply, "especially after your daring rescue of the princess only a week ago."
I stood erect feeling a little foolish at the apparent logic.
"Right," I replied.
Zant glanced into the window at the crowed tavern.
"This gathering is in regards to the destruction of Hyrule," he answered my first question with cold rationale.
I quickly initiated my battle stance and tightened my grip on my blade.
"You're not destroying anything," I said to him.
Zant shook his head at my gesture, and laughed mockingly.
"The hotheaded soon to be king of Hyrule," he said to me, "always ready for a fight."
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Why are you so hell bent on eradicating Hyrule?" I demanded, not being distracted.
Zant looked at me and smiled with more deviance.
"It's not Hyrule I care about in all honesty," he said to me, "it's the royal family I want destroyed."
I shook my head at his words, already knowing the answer, but asked anyway.
"Why?" I demanded.
He just looked at me.
"Why not?" he countered.
I groaned in frustration.
"You're talking in circles," I replied, "you're just a blood thirsty monster with a hunger for vengeance!"
Zant paused when I said that.
"Yes," he whispered, and his eyes widened, "yes, I do want blood, and lots of it."
I shook my head repulsed, and for a moment I had a memory of Saria as the assassin.
She sounded just like him, I thought, she must have gotten those insane mannerisms from him. She certainly studied him closely.
"You're sick you bastard," I said to him.
He grinned at me.
"Yes," he said, nodding in agreement, "that I am, but especially of the royal family, with whom you're such a willing puppet to."
I narrowed my eyes.
"That's not going to work on me," I said to him, understanding what he was trying to do, "I'm no one's puppet."
He's good at mind games, I thought, he's not going to play any on me.
"You're the puppet of the great puppet master," he continued as if not hearing me.
That's the second time I've heard that, I thought, Saria said that when I was confined. This deviant certainly has twisted logic.
"Try your games on someone else," I replied.
Zant narrowed his eyes at me.
"But you're a lot more interesting," he said furtively, "you honestly think you're doing the right thing by helping the royal family."
I billowed an irritated breath of air, tired of this useless conversation.
"The only puppets are the idiots following you," I replied, then nodded my head towards the tavern. "They're blinded by their ignorance of what they think they're going to get from you."
Zant got quiet after hearing my reply, and studied me for a moment. He looked inside the tavern then back to me.
What the hell is he doing? I wondered.
"Does that include the beautiful girl with the green hair?" he asked me all of a sudden.
I took in a deep breath when I heard him say that and remained silent. I knew I just gave myself away by not having a comeback. I may have even compromised Saria just then.
That's what he wants, I thought, he wants me to get rattled.
Zant smirked at my disposition.
"I'll take that as a yes," he replied.
I needed to divert and turn the tables somehow.
"You have no idea why you're doing this, do you?" I asked abruptly.
Zant was quiet for a moment, he didn't seem to be falling for it. He segued the conversation right back to me.
"You have no idea what you're talking about, do you?" Zant detracted.
Two can play this game, I thought, you want to be evasive and give the runaround? Fine, so can I.
"If you're so in the know Zant, why are you situated in Ordon like a repressed back wood hick?" I shot back. "Why not take your vengeance full on without recourse?"
Zant smirked at my remark.
"Because that's foolhardy and stupid," he said simply, "you know this sir knight. When you want to do something right, you don't just rush in."
I raised my eyebrows in cynicism at what he said.
"Is that how it goes?" I inquired with sarcasm. "You care to enlighten me?"
Zant stared at me again and laughed, then suddenly he snapped his fingers and disappeared. My eyes widened and I looked around quickly and saw no sign of him.
"What the hell?" I heard myself say, completely caught off guard by the maneuver.
Zant reappeared all of a sudden a few feet ahead of me, then disappeared once more.
Teleportation? I thought in disbelief. This madman can teleport?
Out of nowhere, he appeared above me with a sword in his hands. I went to guard and parried his aerial attack. The friction reverberated our blades and I side stepped out of the way. The prolonged effect from Zant's landing caused one of the windows of the tavern to break. Several of the shadow beasts and mountain men inside turned to see what was going on. I quickly presumed my formation, and held out my sword.
"You want enlightenment huh?" Zant said to me finally, initiating his own stance of the aku soku zan.
I widened my eyes when I saw his battle stance.
He fights by the code of 'swift death to evil?' I thought in disbelief, readying myself to parry his sword thrust.
Zant teleported again and tried to attack me from behind. I dodged his attack, but barely.
"You see first knight of Hyrule," he said to me, with growing menace in his voice, "you must play with your prey first, get them off their guard, then attack when they-"
Zant teleported again and tried to strike me once more. I back flipped out of his reach.
He's fast! I thought.
"-least expect it!" he finished, then drew back when he saw he missed me.
By now, many of Zant's henchmen had heard the commotion and started filtering outside to where we were. The last to come out was Saria. When she saw me her eyes widened slightly, but she knew she had to remain quiet. If either of us said anything, we were dead.
~SSS~
Saria's POV
I felt my stomach drop at the sight of Link fighting Zant.
Why the hell had he come here? I wondered. This is only going to end badly.
After what Zant disclosed to me a few days ago, I was hoping Link would lay low for a good while, or not come back at all. I was planning my escape for another day. However, now that he was here, he just reconfirmed Zant's suspicions, and made the situation more convoluted.
Damn it Link! I thought. Why do you have to be so pigheaded?
Even still, I couldn't help but feel a little bit of a stirring inside me at the thought of him coming to rescue me. He really did care about me.
He has to win, I thought, silently rooting him on, he has too!
~SSS~
Link's POV
'What the hell are you doing here?' Saria mouthed to me in slight panic.
I couldn't reply back to her.
"You want us to get him boss?" one of the henchmen asked Zant.
Zant held up his hand to silence him.
"No, no, no," he said to the crowd quietly, "he's mine. I've been looking forward to fighting him for a long time."
Zant held up his sword again and reinitiated his stance.
I narrowed my eyes and resumed mine.
Stay focused, I thought, concentrating on the gambits of his sword strikes.
Zant slowly began to shift his feet and that was when he started talking.
"Let me tell you a tale of two countries white knight of Hyrule," he whispered eerily, as he readied another attack. "If you live through each of my attacks, then you'll know the truth."
I wasn't paying attention to what he was saying. I was studying his battle stance.
He's going to start commencing the Gatotsu style, counting down from three to zero, I thought, but couldn't help but wonder, how does he know Hylian fighting techniques? Perhaps he studied them when he traversed through both dimensions.
Zant continued his tale.
"There once was an alliance between the Twili and the king of Hyrule," he began, then disappeared again.
Damn it! I thought and looked around. Where the hell did he go?
"Gatotsu Ishiki style!" Zant exclaimed as he reappeared right in front of me.
I raised my sword and blocked his thrust attack. In the process, one of his fingers cut onto his blade. He didn't react to the cut at all.
He so focused he ignores his injuries, I thought, slightly impressed with his level of concentration, that's not easy to pull off.
Zant went on as if nothing happened.
"The alliance was performed in good faith by the Twili known as my father," he said, then commenced his battle stance for the second Gatotsu: nishiki.
I knew that one well.
I need to watch for a mid-range attack, I thought.
Zant teleported again and reappeared at my left with a mid-aerial strike.
"Gatotsu nishiki style!" he exclaimed, coming down hard, as my blade clanged against his blade.
I instantly rotated my sword and broke his attack, but he tried to counter with a side slice. I parried it and struck his chin with the butt of my sword. Zant staggered back and rubbed his chin. The skin broke, and he was bleeding purplish blood.
"You're good," he said to me with a wicked grin, and licked the blood falling from his chin.
So are you, I thought, but wouldn't allow myself to utter it.
"I get that a lot," I replied.
I could see Saria out of the corner of my eye looking increasingly worried as the battle went on.
"Shall I continue?" he asked me in a strange fashion.
I didn't break formation.
"It's your story," I replied, not getting distracted.
Zant reengaged his Gatotsu and narrowed his eyes at me.
"Right," he said to me quietly, "my story."
His weak side is his right side, I thought, taking note of how he was initiating his defense, I need to focus my attacks there.
"There was an agreement-" Zant continued.
"-to have a piece of the Triforce of Power," I interrupted impatiently, "I know already, get on with it!"
For a brief moment, Zant lost his cool and quickly went into Gatotsu three: sanshiki.
Bad idea, I thought, I'm not initiating an aerial attack, sanshiki is only potent against those.
Zant commenced with his pose and teleported again. I grossly underestimated his strike zone. Zant reappeared in the ground underneath me and created an aerial strike using the sanshiki attack mode. I had to roll out of the way in a hurry, but he managed to cut at my inner thigh.
"Ah!" I cried out in pain. "Damn it!"
I saw Saria cover her mouth to keep herself from screaming.
I'm okay Sar, I thought, just don't give yourself away.
Zant teleported again, and quickly tried to slice at me. It didn't work, because I jumped back and out of the way.
When I stood up, Zant was licking his lips again with his long leathery like tongue.
"You're much better than I gave you credit for," he said to me with a subtle admiration, "but... before I end the tale I think proper surroundings are in order."
He has one more attack with the Gatotsu series, I thought, not letting my guard down, but what is he speaking about?
It was then Saria lost her composure and protested. Apparently, she knew what was in store.
"No!" Saria called out almost involuntarily. "Zant ye can't!"
Zant looked over in Saria's direction surprised.
"Silence!" he snapped at her.
Saria narrowed her eyes at Zant in defiance.
"If you're going to play fair, you both have to be on the same playing field!" she said to Zant, losing her accent and not backing down.
Zant narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously.
"There is no such thing as a fair playing field in combat," he said to her, "now shut up!"
Oh goddesses! I thought, feeling the tension in the current situation imploding. Damn it Saria, you may have just blown your cover!
Zant raised his hand above his head, and out of nowhere a portal appeared. Filtering out of the displaced space was that familiar iridescent golden brown light. It was then I realized what was about to happen. I felt my eyes widen.
No! I thought, feeling panic beginning to set in. Twilight! He's going to force me to fight him in the Twilight Realm!
Zant grinned when he saw the stark expression on my face.
"I'm going to play with the big bad wolf," he whispered to me furtively.
I swallowed hard, feeling my stomach turn to knots.
"That's the only way you can win isn't it you cowardly bastard!" I said angrily, watching as the twilight engulfed the atmosphere all around me.
Saria and the crowd of onlookers suddenly turned into tear shaped lights as their bodies were wrapped in the iridescence. I saw Saria's worried eyes before her body was completely encapsulated.
'Be careful,' she mouthed before I could see her no longer.
I'll try, I thought, knowing what was to come next.
When the light surrounded me, I felt that uncomfortable agonizing fixation again. My body was forced down onto all four limbs, and my musculature began to change. My canines grew long and sharp, I howled out in pain, but immediately presumed a battle stance. I had no choice. I was forced into a perpetual state of defense because of how foreign this anatomy was to me. Even still, I was going to give Zant the fight he wanted.
I'll use my fangs, I'll use whatever the hell I've got, I thought, trying to formulate a plan of attack, while Zant initiated his final Gatotsu: zeroshiki.
"After the king of the Twili was killed and betrayed as you undoubtedly know," he continued his story in his whispery voice, "the little son, who you know was me, was casted into the Twilight Realm with his mother."
I growled at him as he tried circling around me.
Come on and attack me you bastard, I thought, and growled some more.
As if in tandem with my thoughts, Zant teleported several times, trying to throw off my spatial orientation. However, one thing I realized about my wolf form was that I had better depth perception and reflexes. When he tried to attack, I jumped back and tried to swipe at him. I actually clawed his right hand and he drew back for a moment.
"Looks like you are a big bad wolf," he said with a twisted smile.
I growled at him viciously.
"You see, one day my mother told me a story of two forbidden lovers," he went on suddenly with his story, then raised his sword, "it was between the king of Hyrule and unfortunately herself."
I felt my pulse dance when I heard him say that, because I was beginning to understand where he was going with this.
It can't be! I thought, feeling the shock already set in. Zant can't be!
"She got pregnant, had a son, and that son was..." he trailed off, then teleported again.
I growled, trying to use my newly acquired senses, as he teleported around me in cadence once more.
Where the hell is he going to appear? I wondered, looking around immediately.
Out of nowhere, he reappeared in front of me.
"Gatotsu zeroshiki style!" Zant exclaimed, and thrust his sword at me using very little leg power.
Unfortunately for him, he greatly underestimated my center of gravity. He managed to stab my right paw as I leapt from his attack. However, I then jumped up and attacked his neck with my new found fangs and tried to crush his jugular veins. Oddly to me, he merely smiled at my attack.
"Hybrid anatomy is slightly different," he whispered creepily in my ear, and threw me off his neck.
I landed on all fours and turned in anticipation of another attack, but no such attack came. Zant went back to his normal formation, and quickly truncated his form of aku soku zan signifying the battle being over. He closed his eyes and moved his sword in a clockwise motion, then tapped the ground. The fight was over.
"Excellent fight sir knight of Hyrule," he said to me, then raised his hand summoning another portal.
The twilight slowly sucked itself in the portal like a vacuum. A few moments after another painful anatomical alteration, I was back to my old self. I quickly maintained my battle stance. Saria looked at me in relief once I reappeared. Zant grinned when he saw my battle stance.
"There's no need for that," he said to me of my posture, "you survived all four of my Gatotsu attacks. I'm not going to initiate battle any further. As per my promise I will tell you the end of my tale."
The crowd watching looked on in confusion.
That's right, they didn't hear everything he said in the Twilight Realm, I thought.
Saria stood in the trenches waiting for what Zant was going to say. She looked just as puzzled as everyone else. Zant narrowed his eyes at me.
"That child was me," he whispered abruptly.
I knew it was coming to that, but that still didn't lessen the shock.
Great Farore, I thought in disbelief.
Everyone turned to each other in confusion.
"What child?" one of the mountain men asked.
Zant glanced at the man and then back at me.
"I'm the bastard mistake of your precious royal family," he reiterated to me so everyone could hear, "Daphnes' grandfather is my biological father."
A stunned hush fell over the crowd, but then everyone reacted at once.
"What!" a few of them exclaimed.
Saria's eyes widened in surprise and she covered her mouth.
"What do you mean Zant?" one of the men said confused.
"You're connected to the royal family?" another man asked Zant flummoxed.
Zant's comment caught everyone by surprise.
Zant is Daphnes' uncle? I thought incredulously. That's why the Hyrulean king had the king of the Twili killed. He impregnated his wife and didn't want a war started over it.
"You all can thank the first knight of Hyrule for finally getting the secret out," Zant said turning to face the crowd, "I told that story a total of fifty-six times in battle and fifty-five times I've never been able to finish it. This is the first time I've revealed my lineage to anyone."
I was surprised he said that to me, but it was short lived when all of a sudden I felt a sharp pain at my side.
"Ah!" I cried out, gripping my side.
What the…? I thought, not understanding where the onset had come from.
Zant narrowed his eyes at me when he saw my reaction.
"Oh," he said, pretending ignorance, "I forgot to tell you, my sword was coated with a fast acting poison."
I looked at Zant surprised.
What? I thought.
"You bastard!" I said, feeling my vision starting to blur. "You can't fight a fair fight?"
He scoffed at that.
"You just heard me say there are no fair fights in battle," Zant repeated.
I shook my head, feeling dizzy immediately.
"This is why I seek revenge first knight of Hyrule," Zant said to me, "this is why I'm forging an army to attack Hyrule because… life isn't fair."
I still was reeling from the effects of the poison. I shook my head again.
"My nephew is in for a sweet surprise," Zant said with a laugh, "uncle Zant is coming and he has something special for his great niece Zelda."
I tried standing straight, but rapid vertigo began setting in.
What the hell did he give me? I wondered, trying to stay conscious.
Zant stared at me indifferently, then turned to the crowd.
"Who wants to finish him off?" he asked the crowd.
Several mountain men and shadow beasts spoke out at once.
"Let me do it!" said a shadow beast in the back.
"No, let me!" a mountain man said in the front. "That bastard broke my leg not too long ago!"
The banter went on for several minutes, until Zant looked to the back of the crowd at Saria who was trying to avoid his eyes.
"No," he said to the men and the Twili, "the dark maiden will do it."
Saria looked up surprised.
"You're out of your mind Zant!" she exclaimed to him. "If you want him dead, kill him yourself!"
I was rapidly losing consciousness, but not so much that I couldn't hear what was being said.
Damn Saria, I thought, get out of here!
"He's your kill," Zant said with finality, "and if everything is as you told me, there should be no hesitation."
Saria looked at me, but then cut her gaze short. She muscled through the crowd, and hesitated when she looked into my eyes.
"Fine," she said finally, "excuse me if I make this quick."
I lost my footing and fell to my knees.
What the hell is she doing? I thought.
Saria unsheathed her knife, but before she used it, she took out a wet handkerchief and wiped it down. She narrowed her eyes at me when she put the sodden cloth away.
"I like a shiny blade for bright red blood," she said to me, then smirked.
You like what? I thought, thinking I heard wrong.
"This isn't going to hurt at all," she whispered to me menacingly, then smirked over at Zant, "you watching?" she asked him.
Zant remained silent and nodded.
Saria then plunged the blade into my gut and I immediately lost consciousness.
Please write a review and tell me what you think. Chapter 16 will be up soon.