Shadows over Termina

by HylianWolfos94

Three years passed since Jace and Iris defeated the Dragalfos. Now they live life in peace. So peaceful, Jace decides to turn a new page in their life. However, just as his plans unfold, a new terrifying darkness starts consuming the land. They must travel farther to more dangerous heights and places with a new ally to overcome this evil that threatens the very future of existence.

18. All Roads lead to One

-
CHAPTER 18

All Roads Lead to One

After having stretched her legs well, Ilye began putting her clothes on and packing her items. As she situated her shirt, she grew slightly irritated at the hole in her shirt left by the old arrow shot. However, her clothes had been washed, so that was at least something. Keaton sat patiently at the foot of the bed Ilye was laying on before, swishing his tails slowly.

"So, how're things holding up at the village, Silver?" Ilye asked as she put her shoes on.
Silver Keaton grinned, "Things are holding up well, thus why I could leave."
Keaton then floats off the bed and lays on his back in midair. He was bored, but he didn't state it. He soon looked to Ilye, waiting for her to finish preparing. He soon added, "Ilye, there is something I must warn you about with these pirates. I was going to wait and tell you when we left, but..." he paused to make sure Ilye was paying attention. However, his words definitely got her attention...
"What? These guys? What's up?" she mused.
The ghostly fox delicately dropped himself to the floor, his tails falling slowly behind him like ribbons. As he began speaking, he was quickly cut off by a presence, and his nearly-squinted red eyes glared to the doorway in a flash, seeing Mezra standing at the door. She was frozen in thought, staring dumbfoundedly at the fox. "What is this beast doing in here!?" she questioned, glaring daggers at Ilye. She turned to run out to alert the others that an animal had gotten in, but Keaton poofed himself from next to Ilye, straight to the doorway to block the pirate's path, shutting the door before Mezra could even step out.

"Hold on, madam..." the fox growled. "I can't have you giving away my position, now can we?"
She was bewildered that Keaton could clearly talk. Mezra swore under her breath, quickly drawing her sword from her side. "Demon, get out of my sight! Ilye, what is the meaning of this!?" Mezra aimed the sword at Keaton's neck, but the beast was unfazed. The fact that it was intelligent and magical, and Ilye was standing and dressed and she was healed, automatically connected the two oddities. She knew Ilye had to know the creature.
"Now Mezra, put the sword away, and no one will get hurt." Silver assured as he walked toward her. She had her sword drawn, but she hadn't made any physical threats yet. If anything, she was backing away in a horrified manner away from the door. Freaking her out was what Keaton intended, so he could back her away from the door. He knew she wouldn't harm him, not unless he attacked first.
"H-how do you know my name!? Ugh, the deku, you opened your fat snout, didn't you...?"
Ilye shook her head no, and Keaton picked up there. "I know many things about you. And from that, I can see you're not bad at all. Sure, you've done some crimes in the past, but you've never stolen a life as long as you've lived. However, you sure like to make people believe you have."

She yelped at the mind-reader, dropping her sword. "You really are a demon!"
"No, Mezra, wait... This is Silver Keaton... He's an old friend." Ilye assured, waving her hands in a failed attempt to calm Mezra. "He came here to help me, he healed my wounds so I could join Jace and Iris."
Mezra shook, "I don't care who he is, he's trespassing on our grounds, enough reason for me to skin him!"
"You go ahead and do that..." Silver scoffed. The fox walked away and toward Ilye. "Now that you both are here, I wont have to repeat myself later. I was waiting for Mezra to show up."
"You knew I was coming...?" the woman asked.
The fox nodded. "I can read minds, you know. Why, I could hear your thoughts as you were walking down here. You heard Ilye and I talking, so you came to check. You also stopped and got a drink on the way, heh."
A shiver went up Mezra's spine, and she gave an ugly look to mask her panic. Ilye wouldn't have known that Mezra stopped to get a drink, so she knew Ilye didn't say anything...

"Now Ilye, these pirates... Erm, some of them, are not honest." Keaton went about walking around the room as he spoke. But Mezra was quick to cut him off as he tried continuing.

"Now hold on just a second, you can't come in here telling me what my sisters are and are not." she placed her sword away, it making an audible sliding shink.
The fox merely shook his head. "You are ignorant. Have you not noticed that some of your sisters have disappeared and have been replaced with new recruits?" His question was a fake one, given he already knew she was aware. He however enjoyed playing stupid.
"Of course I have! I was notified of this when it happened. Those I am familiar with have been moved to another island on a separate mission. We needed replacements here."
Ilye stopped and wondered what other islands were out there... What other countries may even be out there?

Keaton stopped between the two ladies, and pointed his eyes to Mezra. "You are not among comrades, Mezra. You are among rogues..."
She soon spat, angry at the fox's reply. "Nonsense! I'd have known, surely! And Xakin would have never allowed such people among our ranks! Those dishonorable pirates are not worthy! They'd turn on their own crew mates if it meant getting what they want."
In the midst of Mezra's ranting, Silver motioned her to lower her volume with his paws. "Quiet now, they may hear you. Now Mezra, do you need proof? Because I can show you proof... But I only ask that in return, you give Ilye and I assistance. My dear friends are in big danger right now and are being hunted, we must not waste time."
"Wait, what!?" Ilye shouted in shock. She hadn't heard the news of this. Keaton was quick to add. "There are two people on this island, who have been sent to specifically kill Jace and Iris. I don't know any more than that, but they have surely been followed all day. And they are also on the bad side of the rogues. Many have been given orders to find them, among other things. As mentioned before, Jace and Iris are in danger..."
"Why didn't you say that before, instead of being vague!? Ugh Silver, we need to leave, now!"

Mezra crossed her arms. "I will do no such thing as to help the likes of you... I find you suspicious, mate."
Ilye walked up to her. "Please listen, Mezra; my friends are in danger, and so is this entire island! Whether you have rogues among you or not, you are also in danger!"
The pirate sighed, glaring at Ilye as if she were some small child. "... Fine... I'll help you, but I am doing nothing for the beast."
Ilye simply bowed thankfully. She threw her sword strap around her, then ran back up to Mezra. "About that bow I asked for... I was actually-"
"I actually found one for you." Mezra cut her off and glanced off a ways. "It's a child's bow, but it's still in good condition. I was actually giving it a new string when I heard you and this furball down here."
Ilye's eyes glimmered, and she put her hands together. "Oh really!? Thank you!"

The pirate's mood was obviously soured, but she began walking out while trying to comprehend what all she'd heard... She had the news of the rogues plaguing her mind, and was internally wondering about it. And thanks to his powers, Keaton knew his words impacted her, but she needed more convincing. She turned to Ilye as she opened the door. "You wait right here, I'll be back with it..." and with that, she left and shut the door. As she walked passed other pirates, she felt shaken. Were they really rogues? Would they stab her in the back at any given moment?

'I hear doubt in your mind, Mezra.' Silver's voice rang through her head. She gave a jump and an audible exclamation, catching the attention of a passing pirate momentarily... She soon shooed the other lady off, telling her she was spooked by a bug, as embarrassing of an excuse as that is. She tried to wonder where the voice came from.

'I'm in your head, you know... If you wish to speak, just think. Otherwise, you may make a fool of yourself if you audibly reply to me. Ol' Mezra's going insane, hehe.'
She gave a low swear, but it was loud in her mind. 'Where are you? Did you follow me?'
'I am right beside you, actually.'
Mezra looked around herself, but saw nothing. But a tail brushed against her leg, however the object could not be seen. He never ceased to spook her... 'What do you want from me?'

'I need you to understand... Termina is in danger. If you help Ilye, you'll be helping Termina itself. I know you look lowly on these little scrubs and do not think them worthy of your help beyond what has been given, but these are heroes chosen by the new gods themselves.'
The pirate grunted out loud, but replied in thought. 'And you know this how?'
'My dear, I am a messenger of the gods, I know. You don't have to come with us, but you must keep an eye out on your current faux comrades. These women have blood in mind. Each and every one I pass only have money and power to care about and nothing else. One would not hesitate to gore you if they saw reason. They are not the women you grew up knowing.'
Mezra continued to play ignorance, regardless of the fox being in her head. 'I have no reason to believe an outsider.'

All fell silent after that. She thought and asked Keaton where he was, but there was no answer. She sighed, glad he was gone. As she passed by other pirates, she began walking back toward the room where she'd found the bow.
'I need to remember to tell Ikira to set out the others after those scrubs.'
Mezra froze, that thought not being hers. But it was feminine, so it wasn't Keaton either. She recognized the voice, as she'd been talking with this one woman earlier that day. She glanced off across the room, and this one other pirate guard was silently polishing a sword, innocently minding her own business. But she was not innocent on the inside. The woman's thoughts continued. 'We've been under wraps quite well. The other old pirates haven't even noticed... Just need to keep it this way. Though why those deku are suddenly a problem, I don't know. But apparently Jace and Iris are a concern to us. That Ilye one, however... She sent Ezime packing, so they may be stronger than we think. However, the injured lass will be easy to get rid of. Once she's out of the other pirate's protection, we'll take care of her. Last thing we need is for her to see Ezime and blow our cover. One good dose of too much of the wrong medicine will do her in.'

Mezra was horrified at what she was hearing. Her form stiffened a bit when this guard saw her staring.
"What're you staring at, lowlife? Get back to work!"
Mezra quickly responded. "R-right, yes ma'am..."
Mezra played stupid and went about her business, walking off toward the storage room. Once she was far from the door and at the back with this little ramshackle bow, she gasped a deep breath. "Good gods, the fleabag was right!"
"And this fleabag simply requests your help, as you are the only one that I can trust at the moment."
Mezra about squealed, and she nearly put a slice in Silver Keaton. He stopped her attack with his psychic powers, and he levitated the sword out of her hand and put it back in it's sheath at her side. The whole time, she was staring as if something tried to kill her. Keaton held a straight face, his squinted eyes open just enough to see the red of his eyes. "You need to watch those reflexes dear, you don't want to invoke a fight with me."

She breathed hard, but it soon calmed. "... Okay, I believe you... What is it you want me to do?"
Keaton walked over to the bow and slipped it around his neck so he could carry it to Ilye. "Warn the other older pirates and tell them to keep an eye on Xakin, he's the one I don't trust. What's important, is that you try to stop the rogues from leaving this base. As you heard, the rogues are also now after my friends for what ever reason. If things come down to it, bring a group down to the Dovah tribe and tell them a friend of the Light Spirit sent you and ask for the temple location. If the rogues find Jace and Iris, I fear they'll be too much for them to handle. Right now, we need all the back up we can get."

Mezra was hesitant, but she soon nodded. "I'll do what I can, I suppose."
"Good. I know you don't feel like a strong pirate, but you are strong, and you are capable. Believe in your strengths... Believe. Ilye and I will be waiting on you back in the ward."
Mezra turned quick to try and find the arrows that go with the bow. Whether they're still good or not, she did not know. "Wait, I need you to-..." she looked behind her, and he was gone. She felt around in case he was invisible, but he was truly gone from the room. She was bewildered by his power and how he could move the way he did... She shivered, then went about looking for arrows.

Quite a time passed and Mezra made her way back to the ward. Ilye and Keaton were sitting and chatting, but the conversation came to an abrupt halt the moment Mezra stepped in, as if it were confidential information. Mezra handed Ilye a little quiver, built for a child. She was internally deterred by how non-lethal the arrows looked, however it would be rude to ask for something more. And there were only five arrows in it, so she had to be sparing on what she used the arrows for. She strapped it around herself with her bow. "Thank you, Mezra." Ilye replied. "If you could lead us out of here, I'd be grateful. Now that I know what the rogues are up to, I'm very wary about how I'm going to get out of here without causing suspicion."

"You just leave that to me. It shouldn't be too hard. Come, follow me." Mezra replied, leading them to the ward exit. Keaton of course vanished, but Ilye was right behind Mezra. Mezra peaked out and looked around. There was no one in the main room, so it looked to be an easy task. She motioned for Ilye to follow, and they left the ward. On the way out, they bumped into the other ward caretaker.
"Mezra, what is the patient doing up? She has no business being dressed and around."
Ilye hid slightly behind Mezra's leg, but Mezra looked calm. "She says she feels well enough to be on her way. I have packed her medications and other equipment though, she says she can take care of herself from here."
The other caretaker raised a brow. She found it rather peculiar that Ilye was already up and around so well, when she was still hardly able to move the last time the woman saw her. "You heal quick, little scrub... Hmm... Well, if you insist, then you're free to go. Though I think it'd be wise for you to wait and leave in the morning. It's dangerous at night."

Ilye stepped up now that she was directly spoken to. "No, I will be fine. I must find my friends quickly, I cannot waste a moment longer."
The caretaker seemingly understood her request to leave and nodded. "Alright then. You be safe out there." she then went about her business. The group continued on their way. As soon as they stood outside, Mezra reassured Ilye that things were fine.
"That is Felicia, she is a long time partner of mine. No need to worry about her."
"Okay... I was a bit concerned for a minute there." Ilye responded, giving a sigh of relief.
"Once you're on your way, I'll need to tell her the news. And hopefully she wont open her mouth about you to anyone in there. The rogues planned on killing you with medications. If they find out I let you go, it'd be my head on a platter."

They exited through the gate, and Mezra let the two gate guards know what was up. Again, they were old and trustworthy guards. They didn't know what to say at first, but they trusted Mezra's word and agreed to not let any new pirates pass. Chances are, they would be rogues. Even if they can slow the rogues down, it'd give Ilye enough time to reach the other side of the island and hopefully find Jace and Iris before it was too late. Unless Skreemin and Drigos get to them first, that is. Mezra parted ways with Ilye and the deku left on down the dark trail until it melted into the forest and disappeared. By the time she stopped walking, she could not see the pirate base's gates any longer.

"Keaton, are you still there?" Ilye asked. Keaton floated in front of her upside down, reappearing with a grin. Ilye proceeded to squeak then shout. "Silver!"
"Hahaha! Sorry dear one." He then dropped to the ground right-side-up. "I know what you're thinking. You want to know how I plan to get us across the island, hm?"
"You know it!" Ilye confirmed. "You said they are on the opposite side of the island. At a normal walking or even running pace for me, that'd take all night!"
Keaton grew cocky and he tilted his head with a smirk. "You forget who you're talking to. I can run much faster than you, among other abilities. Get on my back, and I'll have us there quick."

Ilye agreed and climbed up on the big silver vulpine. She situated herself, then grabbed a big tuft of fur to hold onto. It did not hurt Keaton in the slightest.
"You may want to hold on for dear life, this ride will get a bit bumpy..." he warned. He reared up, causing Ilye to exclaim. And the moment his paws touched ground again, he took off. He was quick to gain top speed as he ran across the forest night, dodging low branches and swerving around many obstacles. Ilye was afraid at first, having never ridden a creature so fast. She's ridden Keaton before, but it was a very long time ago when she was young. But he was not running at the time. She leaned her body down against him in fear and shut her eyes.

"Ilye, what kind of driver are you? Driving with your eyes shut?" Silver teased. He chuckled shortly after. His paws beat against the ground at an amazing speed, to the point his legs were blurs. Ilye cracked an eye open to see the forest rushing by. Everything flashed by her, making whoosh sounds from every direction. After staring a while ahead of them, she looked up when the light of the moon caught her eye. The trees darted in front of the moon so beautifully. She stared as if it were the first time she'd seen the moon at such a view. She slowly got used to it and chuckled.
"This is incredible, Keaton!" she exclaimed.
"Is it now? Oh that's right, there is much you have never experienced. What better time than the present to live to the fullest!"

Keaton suddenly dove down into an underground grotto much to Ilye's pure shock. The night vanished and switched to pure darkness. But Ilye's glowing eyes were enough light. As they continued to run, they'd pass by crystalline walls which glowed vaguely, as well as reflected Ilye's eyes. She wished she could see it all slowly, but there was no time. So for now, she'd appreciate the beauty with the little time she was given.

Meanwhile, back at the Dovah Village.

The village was alit in torches and the folk of the village were active. They were of a race Iris had never seen before. The village elder requested that people stay away from them though long enough to regain their bearings, seeing as one had been out cold for the last few hours. The two deku were given shelter in an empty hut for now, Iris sitting out on the porch staring boredly into the night. She sighed and toyed with the giant hole in her shirt. The edges of the hole were crusted over in burns. Skits himself had been given treatment, his little injured wing wrapped tightly against him so it was no longer dragging the ground.

Iris was holding Skits and petting him. Every time her hand pet over the bandage, she was thankful his wing wasn't actually broken. According to the Dovah who fixed it up, he'd be flying within a few days again. The bird cooed in her arms. Iris' attention was soon stolen by the two little creatures out front of the hut playing. These creatures, known as Moh'x, jumped and flew and played ever since they arrived at the village. Their names were Zizy and Picsi, and Iris assumed they were mates.
"Ughhh, Skits... Things really hit the fan today. I hope we can get off this island soon. It's been a total nightmare... At least the Elder was kind enough to send his people off to look for a new outfit for me. Perhaps it'll be better than this old get up?"

Skits looked up at her and cawed quietly in response, as if agreeing. He then cooed sadly.
"Oh boy... Don't feel bad Skits, you didn't know that dragalfos and weird deku guy were gonna follow you. Let that be a lesson in the future, though."
Skits followed her reply with an understanding nod. She soon added- "Besides, once we find the Light Spirit, we can leave this island and move on to our next destination. Just think; we're almost through!"

As the two conversed, one of Iris' leaves twitched and she sat up straight. She heard a tired groan inside the hut and she perked up. She looked at Skits and smiled, "I think sleeping beauty's awake, hehe." She was quiet but sounded excited.
She turned and walked inside the hut, seeing Jace roll his head to the side while he laid on the cot. He was rubbing his head as if he had a headache. She walked over beside him and leaned over him... Even with his eyes closed, he noticed the light was blotted out. This lead to him opening his eyes and groaning. He looked his fiance dead in the face, his tired eyes fluttering out of unison.
She leaned on the bed, and her eyes flittered at Jace teasingly, and she mustered up the sweetest and most flirtatious tone she could muster; almost sounding sarcastic. "Well, well, well... Good morning, sleeping beauty..."
His voice was crackly and sleepy. "Ugghh... Is it really morning?" he asked, looking out the window to answer his own question and to see she was teasing, given it was still dark out. "When did I-?" he then looked Iris in the face again. "My head hurts soooo much... And I had the weirdest dream."

Iris was stifling a cackle, which Jace seemed to dismiss. "I started losing balance like something was wrong with me. Then I said you were super hot, and... And... I was hitting on you, but then you threatened to kill me. But then the world turned all weird. I was seeing double and everything... Skits was there, and even Zizy. And you were getting really super mad at me. I can't quite remember passed seeing trees with eyes and you looking super cute and big-eyed, like you were a cute-faced child. I was saying some reeealllyyyy weird and dumb crap, ugh... I was acting like an idiot. I was just not right in the head, haha..."
Iris started to giggle uncontrollably, and Jace slowly started noticing. His words slowed as he realized- "It all... Felt... Really... real... Oh my gods..."
Iris busted out laughing at this point. Skits was on the ground cackling with her. Jace's eyes went wide and his face turned red. The yellow of his eyes kind of flared a little bigger and he stammered randomness for a few moments. "T-that actually happened!? It DID happen, I remember! Oh gods I remember now! Oh gods, oh giants no-!"
"Haaahaha- hehehe!" Iris had her face in her hand and she had a tear in her eye. She was laughing so hard she couldn't breathe. "Oh my goodness, your face!"
Jace blushed intensely and he sat up fast. "H-hey, stop that! I-it's not THAT funny, c'mon!"
Iris continued to laugh, but it faded into a breathless cackle. "Oh baby, you're killing me-hehee..."

Jace went to hop out of bed but lost his balance right away and nearly tripped. This only caused Iris to laugh harder, and he stood back up with the most offended look on his face. "What happened!?"
"You fell into some wacky mushroomss... Hehehe." Iris wiped her eye. "I think they were called mirage mushrooms? What ever they were, they made you high as a flippin' kite, haha!"
The flustered boy fixed his belt and pulled his pants up higher, having the poutiest look on his face. "It wasn't that funny..."
"At the time; Irritating. Now in the waking moment? Absolutely priceless... I thought you were horrible before? When you're out of it, you act like your five!" Iris replied.
He fixed his vest and looked off. Iris added on- "And you eventually passed clean out and I had to carry you to the Dovah Village."
That only added to his embarrassment when he thought about how it may have played out when she arrived holding unconscious Jace in her arms. She wasn't even gonna tell him that they thought he was female...

He remained quiet as he fixed himself up to look presentable. Though his leaves were a mess and one side was pointed upward messily on the side he'd laid on for so long, which he did not notice.
Iris giggled, then approached him sweetly. "Hey, my sexy fiance!" she mocked his words from earlier that night. They quickly registered for him and he looked disgruntled.
"Oh- Go away, you stop that! Now look who's acting five..." he responded lowly, gently slapping his arms at her to push her away.

She laughed and snorted, but then sighed. "Oh Jacon, I'm just messing with you, haha."
"Do you see me laughing...?" Jace growled.
"No, I see a very hurt butt." she giggled with her hand to her snout. "Oh calm down, a little fun never hurt me. Besides, I'm the only one who saw that... Aside from Skits and Zizy."
Skits hopped up next to Iris, giving Jace a cocky look. Iris reached up and began fixing the position of his leaves for him given he hadn't noticed yet. He shivered due to her touching his sensitive leaves. As she pointed one back in the correct position, she added, "Cheer up, we got people to meet. Don't want to be all sour when we meet up with the Dovah elder, do you?"
"... No." he replied simply, sighing. He didn't look her directly in the face, only glancing from the side as he dropped his arms to his side. She softly ran her hand through his leaves to push them all back and he trembled again. She did it on purpose if she were to be honest, she knew he liked it when she did that in specific- he'd never say it out loud to anyone else, of course.
"Well then, quit letting your pride get hurt, we got a Vessel Keeper to find."

His shoulders did a quick tremble and he looked at her. "Alright then, so uh... Where to...?"
"Well, how about we start by me leading us out to meet with said Elder? He's got a bit of info for us and I think you might like to know that our journey here on this island is nearly over."
"Thank the gods, I need to get off this island." Jace sighed. "Well then, lead us out, I'm right behind you."
Iris reached down and picked up Skits in her arms, before nodding to Jace and walked out of the hut. Jace stood in place for a moment and internally facepalmed at his embarrassing act earlier that night... He still couldn't believe that happened. He wiped the embarrassment off his face however and followed the Hyrulian deku off outside. He was rather surprised when he saw the people of the village. He wasn't sure what to make of them, he could just tell that they were reptilian, and appeared somewhat elvish in a way.

As they passed through, many Dovah gave questioning mutters and curious glances at the strange plant folk. Jace couldn't help but notice a few giving him intimidating glares...
"Some of them don't look too pleased to see us here..." Jace muttered.
"They're fine. Keep in mind, they've never seen a deku before, so don't jump the gun. They did help us, after all." Iris responded. Zizy and Picsi pattered behind Jace and Iris. The Moh'x were creatures that the Dovah knew, and at least were assured that Jace and Iris meant no harm if the cute little creatures were trusting them. The couple eventually came to an old-timey hut decorated in many pelts, skins, horns, and the like. Just before entering the hut, Jace couldn't help but notice at the far back of the village was a huge clearing. He couldn't see quite clearly due to it being dark, but he thought he saw a cave. Iris soon called for him and he brought his attention back to her and went inside the hut.

"Ah, hello, Zizy." spoke the voice of an elderly person. Zizy and Picsi ran in and leaned on the legs of the elder. The ancient Dovah was cloaked in animal skins and had many magnificent horns protruding from the sides of his head, which all curled elegantly. He had a braided beard and many piercings. And while the Dovah are naturally genderless, the elder requested that many outside the tribe identify him as male. Jace came to face the elder and bowed.
"Hello. I see you finally woke after having a run in with the island's mirage mushrooms." the elder snickered deviously. Jace gave a low groan and scratched his head.
"Yeah... I know to avoid those now." Jace replied in a disgruntled fashion before clearing his throat awkwardly. "So I'm assuming Iris has spoken with you?"
"Indeed she has. She briefly explained the situation while you were asleep. Safe to say, I don't know much about this Twilight that was mentioned, but your partner mentioned that you were sent here to find Valous."
Jace gave Iris a thankful look for having handled things while he was out. He looked the elder in the face and nodded. "You are correct, Elder. The Tikoon Elder sent us to find Valous, and told us that he was on this side of the island. If you could give us the directions to his home, it'd be much appreciated."

It was obvious to Iris that Jace wanted to hurry things along. She was hoping Jace would sit back and relax a bit and maybe try to see what all he could learn from the elder. However, Jace has had enough of this island...
"Yes, of course... Though, I must warn you that you mustn't press him if he refuses to see company at the moment. Valous has been busy at work with defending our territory from the rampaging Garugor... So I apologize if you are given trouble."
"Garugor?" Jace asked right away. The elder had to remind himself that Jace and Iris weren't from the island.
"Have you encountered a rampaging monster on your journey here?" the elder asked.
The blond lad could only chuckle lowly in response for a bit, before continuing. "I don't know... I mean, so far we've been attacked by rogue pirates, carnivorous plants, angry she-cintepedes, a giant parrot-colored dinosaur, a dragalfos, and a bald hit-man of my own species. Which beast you talking about?"
Honest surprise captivated the elder's face. "Did you say dragalfos?"
"Oh? You know them?" Jace mused.
"We do, we've done business with those creatures for years. Reptiles need to stick together, y'know? Hah!"
'Oh great, they're friends with them...' Iris and Jace both seemed to think. Jace added, "I wouldn't be associating with them, Elder, they're bad news. Just three years ago, they tried to take over Termina by unleashing a demon upon it."
"What!? Old Red would never allow such a thing!" the elder spat. Jace had no idea who Old Red was, however...
"Whoa, whoa... All I know, is that I dealt with some bad crowds with those guys, and they meant trouble. I'm not saying they're all bad... If you know a guy that's cool, heck, I'd like to know!"
The elder sighed and sat down. "Old Red used to be their leader back in the day. Regardless, he stepped down for his son. Haven't heard from them since though."

Iris didn't feel comfortable talking about the dragalfos, and more so their leader... She was internally hoping that this "Son" wasn't the same leader she killed three years ago... Or else the elder would probably have her head. He'd never believe their story about why they had to kill the leader, and she decided to steer the conversation away from the subject.
"Stories aside... Pardon my rudeness, but weren't you talking about the Garugor before?" Iris interrupted.

Jace and the elder both were brought back on it and went back to discussing the creature.
"True, true... Well... The Garugor is a large colorful sea-beast. It has long been revered a sacred species of the island. The only other beast held at a higher respect is Valous and the fabled Nishi."
Jace uttered the name Nishi in pondering, before bringing his attention back to the elder. "Then yeah, we've definitely encountered the Garugor..."
"We don't know what feeds it's rage, but it has been a danger for the last few days." The elder rubbed his chin and peaked outside. "... Anyway... You best go speak to Valous while you can... Picsi, you know where he is."

The little yellow Moh'x's tail blipped a light in response, and she skittered out of the hut. Jace gave a short bow goodbye to the elder, and left with Iris to follow the little moth-fox. Iris again was ahead of Jace, and he ran to catch up with her. He walked side-by-side with her and he noticed her clothes. He could see many splotchy burns on her skin and he cringed.
"Hey, how are you?" he asked.
Iris flicked a leaf and looked to Jace. "Eh?"
"Earlier today, you got splatted by your own acid. By the looks of your clothes, body, and face; it left a mark..." Jace added on in concern. "Does it still burn?"
Iris looked down at her clothes and skin, then ran her hand at the rim of her snout. "It doesn't burn anymore. But it probably looks bad, huh?"
Jace was not going to lie, of course. "It does a little, those burns are dark. But I can see it didn't do horrible damage... I'm actually very impressed after seeing what it did to that one dragalfos' face."
The autumn-leaved deku chuckled to herself. "Maybe... Whatever I am, I'm naturally immune to my own acid...?"
"Whatever you are? I'd think you were a plain old deku, haha." Jace responded in interest.
His significant other looked at her hand. "I don't know, Jace. I feel maybe I'm not as much a normal deku as everyone thinks. You ever seen anyone who can spit acid?"
Jace took a moment to agree with her that it was an odd ability. "Well... No... But what else could you be?"
Her response came with a shrug. "I never knew my origin aside that I was bloomed parentless. So whoever they are, they may have the answers. Heh, if they are still alive. They left me behind though, I doubt they'd answer any questions I have anyway; they didn't want me, so..."

Hearing Iris assume of her parents made Jace think of his own. He looked up as his father's image crossed his mind, as well as what he could very vaguely remember of his mother. What he did remember was that she had purple eyes and red grassy hair, but that was it. It was saddening to think parents could abandon a child like that if Iris is right. He only knew love in a family, so the thought bewildered him.
"Don't assume that of them Iris, you never knew them. Perhaps there's another story behind you?"
Skits cooed at Iris in agreement to Jace's statement. She answered with, "I guess you're right, but it's the best answer I can think of. Ever since I've found this new ability, I've been wondering what genes truly run though me."
"Something great." Jace responded. Iris smiled at him through her eyes, but only voiced that he sounded horribly cheesy- contradicting her expression with her words.

They conversed quietly, not quite watching where Picsi was leading them. Jace finally looked up to see them approaching that clearing that he saw before entering the elder's hut. Iris threw her gaze around the clearing, then watched as Picsi came near a giant cave entry in the side of an earthy cliff. Jace approached the tunnel-cave and ran his hand along the entry.
"One thing about this island I'm impressed about are it's tunnels. These things were made with care, for sure."
"Jace, don't start being a tunnel nut now." Iris grumbled.
Her fiance merely shrugged and he chuckled. "I can't help it, a tunnel deku has to show appreciation for well-made tunnels. As a builder of tunnels myself, these are well made with thought put into them." Jace finished. Iris proceeded to call him a nerd under her breath...

Jace peaked into the cave, seeing that Picsi went no further. Jace squinted his spirit-lit orbs into the dark, the glow of them not giving enough light. "Hello? Is this the home of Valous?"
"... I think this is the wrong place, this is a little big for a Dovah home..." Iris muttered, having forgotten that the Tikoon elder mentioned that Valous was not of the Dovah race. Jace ignored her questioning comment and called Valous' name again. Though not a sound could be heard in the cave, and Jace was starting to wonder if anyone or anything was even in there. He looked down at Picsi and spoke. "I don't think this Valous person is here."
Picsi looked to Jace, her tail giving a blip in response. The look on her face was a confused one.

The group could only stare into the cave in confusion on what else to do. Picsi as well was a bit unsure of where Valous could be. Iris flicked a leaf upon hearing a noise in the woods and placed a glance off in that direction. Her eyes widened in horror, seeing a tall serpentine shadow appear off in the dark. "J-J-J-Jace! I-It's that G-G-Garu-thing!" she squeaked in terror. She ran to hide behind Jace with her hand over the hilt of her sword. Jace lowered his face to a glare, holding the hilt of his sword as well. His grip only tightened and he readied his reflexes to whip out the sword if need be as it grew closer. Skits hid against Iris' chest since she was still holding him in one arm. Picsi did not seem frightened at all, but more so curious. The creature came stepping into the clearing, and the sight before Jace and Iris caused the defensive bright-haired boy to slowly release his weapon.

The creature was tall, long, slender, and elegant, and it's shoulders began having a bright glow on them upon it's speckled markings. From it's canine-like head to it's long feather-like tail was a wavy honey yellow mane. It's body consisted of white fur, while it's canine-like nose and it's legs were dipped in fading dark tan. It's front legs had paws, while the back had cloven hooves. It's legs had extra fur hanging from them. One most notable detail was the symbol on it's chest, which was the Western Region symbol of Termina. Along both shoulders were lined with faint glowing spots, per mentioned. It's ears were feather-like and very lengthy. Lastly, upon it's head it carried proudly a unicorn-like horn, where it's mane elegantly drooped around.

The creature silently approached Jace and Iris, craning it's long neck back as it looked to them with it's calm golden eyes. Iris still hid behind Jace in fear that it was hostile. Picsi ran to it however and pranced around it's legs in a playful manner. The creature watched the Moh'x as her tail blipped, before glancing back at Jace and Iris.
"I see... So thou art the one's I hath waited upon..." The creature's masculine voice echoed. It's mouth did not move however, it could only be assumed that it spoke through telepathy.
The couple stepped back in amazement. They were speechless at this beast, it's very appearance alone putting them in awe.
"Do thee fear me...? I do not bringeth harm. Come hither, I am who you seek. Valous, Kirion of the West."

Iris stepped out from behind Jace, looking up to Valous with curiosity on her mind. "You're Valous? I... Wasn't expecting you to be so... Big."
"I apologize if my presence scared thou. I hath been away fending off monsters and rogues. The monsters rantipole more than usual in these days with the impending darkness that wavers near. I hath been waiting on the goddesses' chosen ones to show..." Valous paused to look around. After he thoroughly examined the area, he looked back to Jace and Iris with worry in his tone. "Where art The Maiden?"
The couple were confused by the mention of "The Maiden". Jace asked Valous who he spoke of, causing Valous to respond after waiting a moment. "The one whom traveled with thou."
"Oh, Ilye!" Jace barked upon realizing. "I'm afraid she was injured on the way... She is currently being taken care of by the docile pirates on the other side of the island."
Valous grumbled something in his beastly voice, but they were not words of any kind. They sounded like sounds of disgruntlement. He then turned to enter his cave. "Follow, deku scrubs."
The deku couple gazed upon one another before following the Kirion into his den.
"Valous, may I ask about your kind? Are they from Termina? I have never seen a creature such as yourself." Jace asked respectfully.
The Kirion did not answer right away. He looked up to a large metal decorative piece protruding from the wall. The visitors thought nothing of it at first, but were astonished when Valous' glowing spots began glowing immensely, and from Valous' very breath blew runes of light onto the decorative piece. A ball of light gathered together at the top of the lamp-like decoration from these floating runes until they finished gathering in a collected orb to sit atop the metal structure. The room lit up as if someone had lit a large fire. Valous looked down to Jace to soon answer his question; Jace was left in awe once again, however. When Valous' echoing voice spoke once more, Jace looked back to the creature. Iris stood looking at the light in wonder, as did Skits. She was wondering just what it was he did.

"I do not reign from Termina. Many a year ago, I was assigned to this island to guard the Western Light Temple by the goddesses. As for my kind... We were bred from a world far from here. Where such world may be found? Thou may not know. I in specific am a Light Elemental Kirion. My magic consists of light as you've just witnessed." the Kirion finished with a smile on his muzzle, for he could see the question on Jace and Iris' face. "I am the Vessel Keeper of the Western Light Guardian, Nishi. Holding back the Garugor aside, I hath also been vanquishing beasts of Twilight, for they have come to steal Nishi's light. To earn a pass through his temple, one must go through me for it first. Even so, many more challenges and tests await beyond the temple gates."

The trio were afraid of that, but they expected as much. Iris placed Skits on the ground by her feet, then looked to Valous. "Valous, would you grant us the honor and test to step into the temple so that we may aid Nishi in protecting this land and earn his knowledge for our journey?"
Valous seemed hesitant, as he'd received news from Nishi in mind just at this moment. Upon his secret command, he then turned to walk into his cave, disappearing into the dark. He soon appeared from the dark holding the familiar grape-vine shaped vessel. It was completely dry of light tears, but was kept in good care. Valous lowered his head down to Iris, gifting her the honor of carrying the vessel as requested. "As thy hast with the last two vessels, carry this with care and make sure it is kept safe and out of harm's way. But please, before thine go; Stay a bit. If patience is given, I will take thou to the temple when the time comes."

Iris tied the vessel around her waist, and Jace responded with a small bow. "Alright, we'll wait."
Valous looked out of his cave into the night. He now seemed to be waiting for someone or something. The couple had nothing else to do, so they stood and waited at the front of his cave. Jace asked Valous what they were waiting on, but he did not answer. Time passed, and Zizy soon approached Iris with eagerness. His tail blipped, before she realized he wanted her to follow him. She said her goodbyes to Valous for now and told Jace she'd be back. Jace was fine with waiting back here with Valous, in hopes that maybe he could ask Valous a bit about the island (and possibly Valous' race). As Jace sat and waited, he sharpened and cleaned his sword, trying to think of things to ask. Skits, being in his shape, stayed with Jace and decided to nap next to him as he waited on his sister.

Meanwhile, Iris was walking back to the village, following Zizy close behind. She was wondering why the little Moh'x wanted her to follow him. As she entered the village, she was soon greeted by a Dovah who appeared to be female by dress preference.
"Ah, there you are!" the Dovah said. "Come, follow me, plant being!"
Iris cut her eyes a bit and sighed. She uttered, "I have a name." before following the Dovah to one of the many huts. If she were honest, all the huts looked the same to her, so she had no idea which one she was entering. This Dovah that lead her in began rummaging through a chest inside the hut. Iris glanced around, the hut being filled with all kinds of materials, cloths, and clothing. She assumed a lot of their clothes were tailored here. Though of course, living so far out away from civilization, there wasn't anything here that could be considered modern to Termina's current dress style. Iris did not mind though, she preferred things that were simple.

The Dovah soon pulled out some clothing that looked like they hadn't been touched in quite some time. Though they were still in good condition. Iris could not tell what the outfit was since it was all just rolled up in a wad after having been thrown in the chest. It was green in color though, which she did like. "What is it?" She asked. The Dovah went about holding the clothes up. Iris stared a moment, scanning the outfit thoroughly. She was unsure, seeing as she hadn't really worn an outfit like that before.

"It's our only garb that isn't dress wear that would fit your size." the Dovah commented. Iris was still quite short compared to most of the Dovah, so it was understandable that adult attire was hard to find in this size. She handed Iris the outfit. Hearing this made Iris' leaves droop, followed by a silent groan. The Dovah really didn't give her a chance to answer, and added, "Try it on and see if you like it."
Iris gave a questioning glance to the clothing she was given, but soon watched as the Dovah left.

Upon inspecting it a bit more, she began changing out of her ruined shirt but stopped herself. She was self-consious about it. She looked to the new ones, which she sat atop the chest. "It's a nice garb, but... I'm not sure..." she uttered. She then realized that it was probably for the best and went about removing her shirt. The air hit her back and it reminded her of her reasons. She took a moment to reach back and feel her back scars, which were still as tough to the touch as ever. She sat pondering with her hand barely touching them, but continued removing the rest of her current ruined attire. The deku scrub quickly put on and fixed up her new outfit- and while it was nice and comfortable, she didn't feel right in it. She walked over to a scuffed and scratched mirror with obvious age on it, and turned to look at her back between her shoulder blades, which exposed the top of her scars quite obviously.

A disgruntled expression fell on her face and she dipped her head in thought. Her leaves covered her back, but it wasn't enough to make her feel safe and covered. Iris could only wonder what people would say when they see it; especially Ilye. She would be asked questions of concern that she didn't want. It was a hard thing to face, but she felt so tired running from her past when it is no longer the present. What she felt was simply lingering fear of a pain inflicted long ago. She grabbed her engagement necklace with heavy weight on her shoulders. But it was being reminded that she's with friends- and family, that she knew she had to stop running. She raised her head up and furrowed her brows back at her marked back's reflection. She wasn't a child anymore, and these scars only meant that she survived, and that was all that should matter. A mark for Jace meant death, but a mark for her should mean life, and that's how she'd been trying to look at her issue all this time.

"Well..." she began while turning the front of herself back to the mirror. The top of her attire was a dark forest green and had no straps or sleeves, but freely and tightly wrapped around her upper body right under her underarms and ended just at the end of her chest. There was a string that attached to the center of the top's collar (which was decorated by a red bead which connected the top to the string) that you tie around your neck. Iris reached back and tied it upon noticing. The bottoms consisted of a skirt similar to her old outfit of the same color as her top, but was cloth rather than grass. It ended a little higher up though, meeting just at the center of her knees. The skirt was rather flexible, allowing easier movement than her old skirt. And a plus? Not noisy like her grass skirt! A little black band acted as a belt on her skirt, and hanging from it all around were single leaves. Coming with the outfit were hand-warmer gloves. They only wrapped around the wrist and sat over the top of her hand and the underneath of her hands. They as well had black bands on them, which wrapped around the wrist. Hanging from the front of the skirt was a dangling dark purple cloth. She took a deep breath and released it in a sigh. "I think..." she looked at her wadded old clothes on the floor. "... I think this'll do."

Time passed, Jace still sitting over at Valous' cave. The two were talking of the events that had transpired over the course of the journey. Sadly for Jace, he was not able to get Valous to tell him anything about Kirions nor as to why they were waiting, but Valous was at least given info on the deku scrub's journey from the mouth that had been through them... Or rather, the snout.

"So, yeah... So far, this island has been our biggest issue. I've been all over Termina, but places like these are out of my knowledge." as Jace said this, he was writing in a small journal he had packed in his rucksack this whole time. With down time, he was writing down some of the things he'd learned, including from Valous.
The beautiful Kirion looked out into the night as half his body laid out of his cave. "Tis been a journey fraught with danger for thou, I see."
Jace nodded simply, his glowing orbs staring into the late night sky. Valous continued, "When I was told that the heroes were coming to the island, I was unaware of the race. But thy is proof that even those of small stature can make the world's difference."
"Haha, what you said just now is what everyone has said, just in a more polite and subtle way, heh." Jace cracked a smile and laughed. "Yeah... I'll admit; deku scrubs don't seem like the ideal creatures to send on a mission to save Termina..."
"Sad to say, little one... This calamity that has been brought upon this land was not supposed to happen... Something somewhere knew of this prophecy, and forced the events to occur early." Valous stated.
Jace froze as he found himself looking at his reflection in his sword. "What... What do you mean, Valous?" Jace asked as he turned his gaze to the Kirion.
Valous looked up to the stars. "Someone, driven by hatred, malice, and a need for revenge... Someone whom had been punished in the days of bloodshed. I cannot say who, for I do not know. But Nishi has let me know how dire the events have become. If the Twilight is not halted by the Light Spirits; Termina will befall it's original fate ordered by the old gods. War waged long in the past, and war will wage once again, and all will fall to the hands of darkness and destruction. History will repeat itself, but the damage will be permanent."
Jace quivered in horror upon hearing this, but some of Valous' information left the boy confused. "Fate ordered by the old gods?" Jace pondered.
Valous looked down to Jace. "I'm sure by now, thy hast heard the tales of the Goddesses of Hyrule? Thou is soon to be betrothed to a Hyrulean woman, after all. The goddesses did not create this land. This land was created by gods of old whom, after seeing Termina's ways, the old gods ordered fate itself to bring end to this stained land for it's failure; by having it devoured in the blood it so spilled. These tales are long lost in history, only known by the tongue of ancient Terminian. Many of Termina's deities that stood under the old gods rebelled against Termina's planned early destruction, the Light Spirits being among them. The goddesses also saw hope and light in this land, and fought for it. To this very day, the goddesses still fight for Termina. The destructions prophesied are the result of fate continuing it's mission. Termina was meant to end from the start."

Jace had heard and read many things about Termina's history, but this was all new to him. Then again, he was now getting a history lesson by an ancient beast who is close with Termina's deities. These are tales that not many knew. "That's... Horrible... This land was a doomed one..." the boy muttered.
"It is thanks to the Hero of Time back during the Moonfall that Termina began in it's line of peace. And these days of peace will stay, even if the god's heroes have to fight for it. This prophecy having been forced to occur early... It has begun to rewrite itself with each passing day. But I have hope." Valous seemed to have more on his mind, more knowledge on the subject. But he kept himself quiet in his thoughts.

The blond lad looked at his face in the reflection of the sword, thinking of how he and Iris may now be considered heroes of the gods, given they were chosen for this task... Though it was terrifying to think Termina was meant to be a doomed land. He pondered in awe at the history lesson he was just given. Valous soon added on after this. "Nishi has much to speak with thy. I would tell ye, but thou art required to be in his presence."
Jace nodded with a silent, "Hm", before his attention was taken by the sound of footsteps approaching the clearing. He sheathed his sword and stood, looking to whom enters the vicinity. Familiar leaves swung behind the short person as they came near. Skits got up and hopped to Iris' feet and looked up to her to look at her new outfit. After staring blankly for a moment, he cawed happily, making Iris smile in delight.
Her significant other widened his eyes a bit, staring her up and down with brows raised. "Hmmm..." he walked up to her as he continued to look, making sounds of interest. "... Mm-Hmm...!"
Iris rolled her eyes. "Take a pictograph, it'll last longer."
Jace hovered up to her with interest. "I'm loving the new threads! You look so beautiful in them, haha! My, my!" he leaned back, finding the new outfit a fun change. "You really rock that outfit! Now I'm sure it's spring; you really are bloomin' beautiful."
Iris gave him an unimpressed look. "Did you really say that? You're unreal." she finished sarcastically.
Jace laughed, then continued. "So they gave you a new outfit? It's a perfect fit." Jace commented honestly. Iris looked down to her attire for a moment, looked at Skits, then back to her fiance. Jace walked around her to look at it from behind, admiring how she looked in it. She tensed when he moved her long leaves away to get a better look. He smiled until he noticed her scars sticking up way high out of the back. She was tense and looked back at him.
"Yeah, I know..." she grumbled. "It was all they had, so I... Had to go with it."
"You don't mind?" Jace asked with concern on his breath. Iris rubbed her arm, then looked to Jace.
"Well... I do, but it's about time I stopped hiding them like that. I need to understand that I can't run from these things forever, haha..." she chuckled forcefully at the end there.
Jace placed his hand on her back, his fingers softly rubbing the scars. "I'm... Very proud of you, Iris." he commented sincerely. "So long as you're okay with them being visible."

Skits looked up at Iris, seeing that she'd grown up quite a bit if she was allowing such a thing to not control her anymore. It was obvious by the look on her face that she was still unsure, but she looked like she had a weight relieved at the same time. Jace gave her an assuring look that he was happy for her, and she returned this look.
"Well... If you're done here Jace, maybe while we wait, we could go look around?" Iris asked.
Jace looked to Valous with a silent question for permission. The creature nodded, giving Jace permission to respond. He looked to Iris, "Well, let's go then! I'm sure Valous will get with us soon."

Meanwhile, a ways outside the village...

The night was growing late and hours were passing, but Skreemin refused to stop now. He and Drigos had been searching the forests for quite some time, and Drigos was still aching from the battle before with the Arguss. Drigos' arm was no longer numb, but it hurt really bad. He did not feel like flying, either... He sniffed the air, knowing very well that they were near the Dovah village. "I smell the Dovah." he simply stated.
The bald deku looked up to the dragalfos. "Dovah?"
"Our kind used to have a close association with them before our tribe's elder stepped down as tribe chief. His son, our previous leader, was the one who stopped business with them. The Dovah are a reptilian race that live for hundreds and hundreds of years. They can be fierce when they want to be, and are genderless. I'm assuming Jace and Iris went to the village to speak with the elder."
"I'm going to assume they don't have it out for the scrubs like your kind?" Skreemin uttered.
"No, they have no reason to. I know they plan on going to the next temple, which is nearby the village. It'd be risky attacking the scrubs in the village, so we best wait till they're on their way."

Skreemin couldn't care less about making a scene, unless Drigos meant the Dovah attacking them for it. The deku wasn't too cool on the idea, but went about thinking of ways to jump them. An arrow through Jace's head would make Skreemin's night, and he was eager to receive his pay and get back to his crew.
As they walked a circle right around the village (and saw Jace and Iris in the village, now confirming that Drigos was right), Drigos lead them onto a path, and Skreemin found himself wondering where Drigos was taking them. He voiced his thoughts, and Drigos answered.
"They'll be coming this way. I don't know where the temple is, I only know it's hidden somewhere down this direction. So it's best we stick on the path at least."
The bald deku took a swig of some water, then looked around. There wasn't much to talk about, and he was tired. He saw some plants move a ways off, seeing that those sentient and violent plants were on this far side of the island as well. He made himself aware and reminded himself to be careful. He soon spoke. "This temple... What exactly is it they need from there?"

"They're returning the full power to the Light Spirits in each region of Termina. If they succeed with the last two, Twilight will be stopped. Which means, you wont get what you were promised and neither will I. The world will not be changed into the paradise we are fighting for... They're trying to keep things the way they are, and that poses a problem. This temple is said to be home to the Western Light Spirit." Drigos replied with a growl.
Skreemin was doing this for his head, not for this supposed paradise... But he could see how them succeeding could be a problem. "Any change to Termina is good change, if you ask me. This place could go down in flames for all I care."
Drigos looked to Skreemin from the corner of his eye. "You really don't care, do you?"
"Why should I? I don't live here." Skreemin answered gruffly, staring off into the dark.
The draconic beast snorted. "Well, I guess I can understand that. I just want a place fair for my people and for our chief to be brought back."
After stepping over a rock, Skreemin scoffed. "Well, maybe we'll both get what we want." he wasn't too caring on Drigos' reasoning, and Drigos knew that. Personally, it didn't amount to anything if Skreemin cared as far as Drigos was concerned.

Things fell quiet in their travel until they came to a another cliffside. The both of them were getting tired of the cliffs on the island, especially Drigos. Skreemin walked up to the cliff wall and looked up, before looking back at Drigos and giving him an order. "Fly us up, Scales..."
"No." Drigos simply answered. Skreemin didn't like his answer, but Drigos soon added. "My wings hurt and I'm tired... Besides, Jace and Iris will come this way. They'll get stuck too. If we stick around and hide, we can jump them here."
"... Ugh." Skreemin had no real answer, only a sound of frustration. He watched as Drigos walked over to the thick cover of the trees and sat down to rest. He gave a yawn, before looking to Skreemin. "Well, Kindling-butt? Get over here." the dragon growled.
Skreemin gave a look of disapproval at the name. Surely Drigos could come up with something better than that? Then again, the dragon's batteries were running on low, so he wasn't exactly quick right now either. Skreemin went about reminding himself that Drigos was never quick anyway.

The deku scrub began walking over to Drigos, when a huge flower caught his eyes. A ways from the cliff, was what appeared to be a deku flower. "Get stuck huh? There's a deku flower right over there..."
"... What?" Drigos popped his eyes open, only to look in the direction that Skreemin was pointing. Surely enough, there was a deku flower placed conveniently by the cliffside. Rather, too conveniently... Drigos eyed the plant in curiosity, wondering what it was doing here? Dekus don't even live on this island, at least as far a Drigos was aware. Skreemin went over to investigate.
"Hey, uh... Snipe, be careful... Something doesn't seem right here." Drigos mused.
The deku looked in the flower, and it looked pretty normal. A hole for a deku to dive into and fly back out of. He was curious about who planted it here though. He looked up the cliffside, seeing it was a bit lower here. Someone obviously placed this here with a way up the cliff in mind, but who? Was someone else living on this island that was a deku or of the deku species? Skreemin decided he would get himself up on the cliffside using the flower. "I'm going up, follow when you want." Skreemin spoke out. Drigos stood up slowly and watched...

Skreemin dove in, but did not come shooting back out. After a few moments, Drigos' small ears were pierced with the sound of a startled shouting swear, and the dragon ran over with haste. He skidded to a halt by the flower and looked down it's hole. Skreemin was looking down with an arrow jabbed into the wall of the flower. Drigos couldn't see below Skreemin, he just knew something was down inside of it. "What!?" Drigos shouted.
Skreemin looked up, "This is not a normal flower! Get me out, quick!" Drigos could clearly see Skreemin struggling against something in the flower, something was grabbing him.
Drigos did not question much more. He reached his long arm into the flower, his large muscular limb just barely fitting in it. He could feel things grabbing his arm and he made a disgusted face. He grabbed Skreemin's wrist and yanked him out quickly, with the arrow still in Skreemin's grasp.
He placed Skreemin on his feet, and the deku began wiping things off him. Tendrils had been grabbing him and were pulling him down. Drigos watched as twitching ripped off tendrils fell to the ground and the beast snarled.

"What the crap was that thing?" Skreemin exclaimed, ripping a tendril off the sleeve of his tan coat. Drigos peaked down in there, examining the inside.
The dragalfos spent a while thinking of a response, before grinning. "The first flower I've ever liked. I want a million of these, haha!"
Skreemin did not answer and continued throwing tendrils off him.
"That thing tried to eat me." he finally spoke once he was cleaned of them.
"I wonder what would've happened if you'd have stayed there?" Drigos questioned. He looked around, seeing quite a few dead ones nearby. It was obvious they didn't get much "food". But this one was still thriving, and placed conveniently. If deku don't fall in it frequently, unsuspecting animals probably do.
Drigos sat up straight and looked to his bald traveling companion and grunted. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine..." Skreemin muttered while he eyed the flower. "That's just evil." he commented. "To think carnivorous deku flowers actually exist. I see what the Hyruleans based their flower traps on."
Drigos laughed, "I'd have loved to have these things around Termina three years ago. Jace and Iris would not have liked falling into 'em."
Just then, Skreemin's face lit up from his eyes going wide. "Waitaminute." he spoke with his words close together. He looked at his surroundings... There really was no other way up the cliff. No vines, no stairs, no ladder. Plenty of rocky wall, but who'd want to take that when there's a deku flower right here? A devious grin formed under his eyes and he gave a small "Hmm..." down toward the flower. "I have an idea... Don't jump them when they first enter the area... If they're just as typical as any other deku, they'll see this flower and instinct will do the rest. One way or another, one of them is going to hop in this flower. That'll leave one free on the surface for both you and me to take down..."

Drigos gave a look of surprise. "Ah... That's not a bad idea." the dragon mused. "I like it..."

What they didn't quite know was that Jace and Iris had spent sometime wandering around the village. And of course Jace got tired of sticking around the village and decided to head off onto the only other trail there was out of the village. He of course did not plan to head to the temple, but his adventuring spirit decided to see what lies outside the village. Iris trailed behind him before catching up with him upon noticing that he was leaving down a trail. "Jace, what're you doing!?" his fiance called.
He looked back at her, flicking a leaf in response. "I'm just walking around, sheesh."
"Don't you think we should stay in the village?" Iris scolded. Skits was following rather poorly, which caused Iris to eventually pick him up and carry him.
"It wont hurt to look at the areas around, I wouldn't think..." he said as he walked on down the path. "We'll head back soon, I promise."

Iris was unsure per norm. The night crept onward, and Jace was sure it was nearly morning at this point. Though the sky was still dark, it had to be in the morning hours. He followed along this overgrown trail, and he pointed out to Iris that some of those creepy sentient plants were nearby.
"You sure you're not seeing things? Like trees with eyes?" Iris mocked Jace. The blond boy simply glared at her.
"Would you please just drop the mushroom spore thing?" he growled. Iris giggled.
She shook her head no, "Well, we need something to talk about."
"It was not that funny..." he said lowly.
Skits chuckled, and he begged to differ. Iris of course, enjoyed toying with Jace. "Those mirageshrooms did make you say some pretty funny things."
"Oh, now you have a pet name for them?" Jace flicked a leaf at her, darting his red eyes to her through the dark. "I swear to the giant's, if you tell anyone about that..."
"Aw, you know I respect you enough to not do that." Iris replied honestly, though with a chuckle in her tone. Jace continued to go on about the whole mishap, however.

Whilst the deku casually bickered, they entered an area where the trees all ended. Jace and Iris were still quite loudly going on about the mushrooms until Jace noticed a cliff standing in their way. He stopped talking to glance upward.
"Alright, dead end. Can we go back now?" Iris asked impatiently. Jace was, however, already off exploring the area; leaving Iris to pretty much be speaking to herself. The bright-headed deku walked along, before deciding that his bored exploring would continue up the cliff. He finds a good rough spot on the cliff and begins climbing. At this point, Iris had already placed Skits on the ground and dropped her arms to her side with a loud pat sound. Skits knew Jace couldn't be swayed, and sighed before going to find some rocks to hop on. They were staying in that general area, so Skits thought nothing of hopping off to find some food while Jace farted around.
"Where are you going!?" she suddenly asked. "We shouldn't be heading out this far!"
Jace made sure he had a sturdy grip before looking back to Iris. "If you want to head back, then go ahead; I'll follow back soon."
"Leave you to explore on your own? So you can find more mushrooms?" she spat with a hand on her hip. "I don't think so."
Jace sighed, before responding while ignoring her mushroom comment. "Well, then stay. I wont be heading much farther, if that makes you feel any better."
"Ugghh, fine." she looked around, before looking a ways off. There was a deku flower and she perked up. She began walking over. "Jace, are you blind? You could've just used this flower over here."
"Flower?" he looked over from his climb, seeing Iris now standing by the deku flower. He scanned further down. There were many more down the cliff side, but they were dead. He found it a bit odd, before shrugging. "I never even saw it. Haha, maybe you can get up there before me and throw down a rope?"
"I can get up there before you, but I can't promise that I'll help." Iris leisurely replied while glancing at him. Jace chuckled from his low spot on the cliffside. He took another step up onto a rock protruding from the wall, and Iris dove into the flower. Jace waited to hear the sound of her shooting out of the flower, but he wasn't expecting the strange pause then horrified scream that came in replacement of it.
"AHHHHHHH! NO, AGH!" were the sounds screaming from the flower. Jace's leaves stood on end, and he let go of his hold on the cliffside since he was still low enough. He tripped up a little as he landed, but continued on with sprinting to the flower in terror.
"Iris!? Iris!?" he shouted in concern. He stopped by the plant and saw Iris fighting frantically against something. The combination of their glowing eyes inside the flower showed nasty plant tendrils reaching out to grab Iris. She pulled and yanked on tendrils, but they never stopped coming. The tunnel-deku was disgusted at the sight he was seeing, and went to reach in. "Iris, grab my hand!"
Iris squeaked and looked up at him, breathing heavy. Her eye's flaming light was flared from the intense fear she felt, having seen something like this before. Yet, it was different. She reached for Jace's hand, whimpering in pure distress.

Just as their fingers touched, Jace was yanked away. He yelled and found himself forcefully thrown against the cliffside, hitting it back-first. He screamed in agony as the rocky wall jabbed against his back. He was quick to meet the ground, giving a breathless cry of shock and pain. He was once again yanked up by the arm which he nearly lost to the pirate a while back, and he was forced to stare into the face of Drigos. The dragalfos huffed smoke into Jace's face, gagging the tunnel scrub. Drigos had no witty comments or threats to speak though, and dropped him- slung him, at the ground with a nasty force. All Iris could hear aside from her terrified gasps and breaths was Jace's voice calling out in pain with every attack from their surprise attacker. Upon hearing this, she desperately tried climbing out, but to no avail. The more she squirmed, the tighter the tendrils grabbed.

She was starting to feel even more scared and claustrophobic. The tendrils wrapped around her, forcing her down. Being trapped in what was supposed to be a safe haven for deku with impending doom looming over head; she'd seen it before. A memory flashed her eyes, and it made her whimper. Images of a flower filled with barbed wire, and child her trapped inside it as the barbed wire held her in and stabbed and slashed across her back and shoulders. Skreemin loomed over to see if she was getting free only to see his plan was working- she was stuck. She saw his shadow, and the images of men looking into the barbed wire flower trap plagued her mind, and dogs barking into the flower. Her body trembled like a storm and the wild glow of her eyes took over in the moving appearance of an inferno and she was no longer fully in the now. She was lost between past and present and began to squeak in growl in horror. Even in the midst of her rebel against the killer flower however, she could still hear the struggle above ground... From the sound of it, Jace was losing...

She threw her head skyward and screamed, begging for the attack to stop. The shock and revisit of her scar trauma began to make her lose herself. She could feel herself reverting to a wild state and could no longer stay calm. Iris was so far gone, she didn't even realize she was crying.

Above ground in the fray, Jace was thrown a ways by Drigos swinging his arm at him. Jace had his sword unsheathed, but was caught off-guard by the brutal attacks. Skits was nearby hiding, for he could not do a thing. He could only watch as his soon-to-be deku brother-in-law was ruthlessly beaten while having to listen to Iris scream in fear. It was right now that Skits wished he could fly, he'd go get help.
Jace got to his feet, only to see Skreemin aiming a readied arrow at him. The archer let it fly, and it pierced through Jace's vest enough to slice him across the side. Only reason it didn't hit him pin-point was because he moved to stand just before Skreemin let the arrow go. Otherwise, it'd have hit Jace in the head.
"You feeling dizzy yet, blond-boy?" Drigos growled. Jace glared while holding his side, momentarily feeling of the hole Skreemin put in Jace's vest. That alone made Jace peeved.
Drigos planned on beating the curse right into action, but he was unaware that the curse was gone. The only pain Jace felt was the soreness and achiness of where he'd been hit.
Drigos, knowing Jace's nature, was expecting a cocky comeback. He was very surprised when the only thing that came out of Jace's snout were two deku nuts fired in pure rage. The duo were blinded by the light enough for Jace to chuck a dagger right at Drigos' lower arm! He came through the flash to grab Skreemin by the collar of his coat and forcefully put him at dagger point right at the neck while shoving Skreemin to the cliff wall. Drigos was currently fighting with getting a serrated dagger out of his arm.

"You screw with me; that's pushing it. You screw with my friends and family; I'll kill you. I have you where I want you now." Jace uttered grittily. Skreemin tried to re-situate his bow, and Jace yelled at him. "You move, I'll slice you here and now!"
Skreemin stopped, glaring acid at Jace. Drigos pulled the dagger out of the soft spot on his arm, then looked to Jace to see him with Skreemin pinned. There was a new darkness showing in Jace, and he was not playing. The dragon knew very well that trying to attack Jace in this position might cost him Skreemin's life as well.
"You wont do it. You're too soft." Skreemin spoke out. He could feel the cold stainless steel at his neck, and Jace hadn't let up at all. If anything, Skreemin's comment made Jace keep his hold. Skreemin couldn't lie his way out of this one, and he could see Jace was normally the kind to make peace if he could. Though that chance is long out the window.

Iris' horrified cries was the only thing that pulled on Jace's focus, and he darted his eyes sideways long enough to ponder about her. This was enough time for Skreemin to push Jace away and whack the blond boy across the face with his bow. Jace reared back and cried out in pain, before slashing forward at Skreemin, putting a slice through the sleeve of his coat.
With a gruff swear, Skreemin moved away from the wall while he could, only holding his arm for a moment. Drigos came to grab Jace, but he was quicker on his toes and moved. His next goal was to get his dagger back from Drigos. He stayed around the dragalfos, weaving around and dodging attacks, leaving Skreemin to try his aim at a moving target. Drigos was not too concerned about being within range of fire. Much like Jace did earlier, Skreemin would have to aim precisely at a soft skinned spot to do much to Drigos. An arrow shot by a deku is a weaker one in comparison to one shot by a stronger race.
Jace shot a nut at Drigos' hand, in hope that the dragon would loosen his hold on the dagger. It did not work however, and Drigos swung to attempt striking Jace with his own weapon. It wasn't until Jace was blinded by a flash that Drigos managed to whack Jace and leave a slit on his arm. Drigos aimed right for his left scarred shoulder, slicing through some of the bandaging on it. Drigos silently smirked at Skreemin for the upper hand by him shooting a nut at Jace. Drigos pinned Jace onto the ground with his foot, giving Skreemin a still target.

Jace hated to say it, but he was overwhelmed. He was already aching, so he was slow. Though his confidence did not waver, and he stared Skreemin in the face. He shot another nut at him, but Skreemin easily dodged the pathetic last-resort attack. Jace glanced at Iris' plant-cage, and his hope started to die when he saw the flower beginning to close. On the inside, Iris was becoming smothered, and if this went on any longer- she'd die. That look of confidence finally began fading and Jace became desperate. He stabbed Drigos' foot with the reach he could, and the dragon snarled in pain. While he did not move, the pain was enough to make Drigos drop Jace's other dagger. He tried hard to keep himself standing on Jace, but Jace continued to attack the foot. Skreemin decided to end this here and shot an arrow, though it was hard with Jace flailing about. The arrow made an audible shunk and jabbed into part of Jace's free arm, and he jolted and cried out in agony.
"Quit squirming!" Skreemin ordered. "The sooner you stop, the sooner this'll be over!"

It was in the next few seconds that Drigos felt fangs sinking deep into his leg, and he jolted off of Jace and roared about. Skreemin only had a second's glance before an arrow flew by his head, only grazing his cheek. The assassin turned to see Ilye holding her bow, and aiming an arrow right at Skreemin.
"Back off, or I'll kabob ya." she threatened.
"The he-? You're still alive!?" Skreemin uttered to himself angrily.
Ilye kept her aim on him, "Yeah, thanks for earning me the hospital stay. My friend here told me everything, and that you've been hunting my friends." she motioned to Keaton, who was brutally attacking Drigos in a beast-to-beast fight.
Skreemin growled. He was getting tired of this. Why wouldn't they just die!? Jace vaguely writhed in pain at the arrow that was partially jabbed into his right arm. He leaned himself against the wall, beaten and bruised. He wanted to pull it, but it was hurting like mad. Keaton leapt off of Drigos, leaving the dragon furious and hurt. Keaton growled and hissed, standing next to Ilye. Suddenly, Skreemin realized that they were quickly becoming overwhelmed. The silver fox stepped toward Skreemin viciously, lifting rocks behind him with his psychic energy.
"Back off!" Keaton roared. "You have no place in this journey, neither of you know what you are truly doing to this land! Especially you, Snipe. Drigos, go back to your people immediately."

The two killers were at a loss of what to think when Keaton yelled at them. The fact the fox knew Drigos' name and Skreemin's alias was proof enough that Keaton was no normal fox. Skreemin glared, unsure of what to do at this point. And luckily for Keaton, he was getting a great deal of information from Drigos' memory. Though some of it was unclear, he knew this dragalfos had no idea what it was truly doing anymore.
Keaton screeched angrily at them, but the two did not move. Skreemin prepared another arrow, "I came here for one job, and gods be my witness; I'm not leaving without a carcass."
Keaton lunged at Skreemin, and Skreemin fired an arrow right at him. It sunk into Keaton's shoulder, but it did not stop the wise old fox. Keaton grabbed Skreemin's bow and tried pulling it from him. He was waiting for Skreemin to grip it tighter, then Keaton tossed him to the side, then quickly lunged at Drigos once more.

Keaton shot a thought through Jace and Ilye's mind. He tried reading for Iris' but she was just so lost in a wild state, it was hard to see much in her. 'Ilye, go get Iris! Keaton ordered in mind. Jace, go with her, I'll hold these two off!

Ilye helped Jace to his feet, and the two ran to help Iris. At this point, Jace had gone ahead and tore the arrow out of his arm- as much as he knew he shouldn't, and wrapped it with a torn cloth in his rucksack. He went against his achiness and tried to pry the flower open. He finally began tearing at it with his dagger frantically till he tore the hole back open. He could see Iris smothered and crying and his heart sank. He reached in, but she was too far down for him to reach without going in after her. But then they'd both be stuck.
"Move Jace, I got it..." Ilye insisted. She wasn't meaning to be rude, but they didn't have time. "Iris, come on now! Focus!"
Iris squirmed and squeaked in terror, having a hard time hearing Ilye. Jace and Ilye both begged her to come to reality once more, and Iris finally looked up. Her wild eyes were wide and full of instinctual fear. It was out of instinct that the first thing she did was shoot a nut up at them. The two moved, then gazed back down in.
"Iris, please! It's me, Jace!" he cried out. "You need to help us get you out of there, come on!"
She once again spat, but it was a bubble. It smacked against the lip of the flower and began eating away at where it hit. Ilye didn't know what to think of the acid bubble, and Jace quickly went back into trying to get Iris' attention.
"I know you're scared, but you need to try!" Jace called out.

Iris cried and whimpered. She actually heard what he said that time. "They're going to kill me!"
"No, they wont!" Jace assumed Iris was talking about Skreemin and Drigos, but in truth, she was having visions of hunters.
Ilye finally couldn't sit and wait any longer. She reached her bow in front of Iris. "Iris, grab my bow!"
Iris flinched and squirmed, panicking for only a moment when the item dangled in front of her. When it finally occurred to her, she grabbed it frantically.
Ilye felt Iris yank on the bow, and was assured that she had it. "Okay, hold on! Jace, help me!"
Jace wrapped his arms around Ilye and helped her pull. It was a task for the both of them, and the tendrils had Iris tightly. But she began tearing from their grip, and was eventually loosened from them. Iris was pulled from the flower, and she crawled onto the ground then fell. She curled into a small ball, trying to regain herself. Of course, Ilye didn't let her rest for long. She pulled Iris to her feet, and urged her and Jace to run back to the village immediately. Iris was out of it, so Jace grabbed her hand and ran. Skits was trying to follow, but he wasn't fast enough. Jace pushed Iris forward to run, and Jace ran over to pick up Skits. Skreemin was aware they were getting away, but he was currently trying not to get killed by Keaton.

Ilye was ordered by Keaton to follow Jace and Iris, and she did so without question. She knew Keaton was strong and that he could handle himself. She went about leaving the clearing and ran with Jace and Iris along the path. The sounds of the fight began fading into the distance the further they ran. Jace soon could no longer run, and he slowed down.
"Jace, we can't stop!" Ilye called. He was obviously tired and beaten to a pulp, and this took it's toll on him.
"I... Know..." he answered breathlessly. He was still following, but slowly. Ilye couldn't believe that she was late, but it was a good thing Keaton sensed the fight, or this journey would've ended right here on this island...
Ilye tried hurrying Jace along, but the group were all startled when a large shadow drew over them. Landing in front of them was a large furry beast, one that Jace recognized.
"Valous!?"
"I ordered thou to not venture onward!" Valous angrily responded. He roared a little with his telepathic speaking. Ilye was horrified and backed up. She was about to draw her sword, but was quickly stopped by Jace.
"Hold on, he's on our side!"
Valous snorted, and he did not speak anymore. He gave beastly growls and gurgles. He looked off into the distance when he heard the fighting. He then looked back toward the direction of the village... He figured now was a good time to get the group to the temple. He lowered his head and sighed, then gruffly continued. "Get on my back... The time has come..."

"The time has come?" Ilye questioned. Iris was still trying to regain herself. She was trembly and scared and unresponsive, so Jace urged everyone to just get on.
Jace spoke as he shoved Ilye. "He's taking us to the temple, now get on!"
Valous lowered himself down in hopes that he can hurry before the fight starts moving this way. Jace helped Iris onto Valous' long back, and Ilye hopped up on her own. Jace placed Skits up there by Iris and climbed up as well, though with audible pain. Once everyone was settled, Valous took a running start and slowly began to hover off the ground. Jace was in awe, and was not expecting Valous to have the ability to fly. Valous began soaring into the sky, and the forest grew small. Ilye looked down below to see the fight still raging, but Keaton was holding his own still. She uttered a silent prayer for him, then looked onward into the sky. Jace himself was in shock, but he was hurting too bad to care. He tightened up his cloth bandage then leaned forward to hold Iris to himself. Her eyes were wide and she was whimpering.
"Hey, we're fine now, we're okay..." he tried to comfort her. "We're out of there now. You're safe..."
Iris leaned into him and began crying now that she could. He ran his hand down her head softly and shushed her assuringly. Ilye didn't know what exactly happened, but she could tell they had been through a rough ordeal while she was away. She heard Iris, and concern fell upon her.
The blond boy planned on asking Ilye how she got back so fast, but he'd wait till a more calm time to do so. Right now, no one was willing to ask questions. They just needed to calm down before going inside the temple...

Valous was the one who broke the silence and scolded Jace and Iris. "Why did thy think it was a good idea to disobey my order?"
Jace continued holding Iris to himself and answered Valous calmly. "It was my fault... I didn't see any problems with exploring that trail..."
"That was the temple trail... Surely the elder told you."
Jace shook his head no. "I'm afraid not... I wasn't planning on heading to the temple."
The creature sighed, then began flying downward. "... I suppose I can let this go then. But keep in mind not to be careless in the future."
Jace, feeling immense guilt, lowered his head and looked at Iris. She was breathing hard but was now quiet. He gave a saddened sigh and placed his hand behind her leaves and rubbed her back softly. She stiffened for a second before calming down again. Ilye now had many questions... She'd ask them once she's able. Jace had a lot to tell her anyway, and a lot to ask as well.

To Be Continued...

---

The Dekutrap Flower belongs to Feanor144 on DeviantART.
The Garugor (mentioned) belongs to XenomorphicDragon on DeviantART.
The Arguss (mentioned) belongs to MsInsanityDoodles on DeviantART.
The Dovah belong to HolIiewood on DeviantART.
The Tikoon (mentioned) belong to Ivy4000 on DeviantART.
The Moh'x and Kirion species belong to Ayinai on DeviantART.
Skreemin belongs to sgtpieman on DeviantART.
All other OCs in this chapter belong to me.