Hey everybody! Sorry about the delay, but from now on I'm probably going to be updating every other week. I just don't have the time required to do weekly now that school has really started to pick up.
Sad face... no reviews. Reviews fuel my writting drive, without them I cannot work to my full potential, so please review.
Skyler: "Stop moping around you pansy!"
Me: "Shut up, you have no idea what I'm going through" *sobs quietly in corner*
Skyler: "They're just reviews! Do they even matter that much!?"
Me: "YES!" *throws pen at Skyler for impudence*
Skyler: "GAHHH! MY EYE!"
Well enjoy the story!
Adventure 4: The Dream
'Squish, squish,' my feet plodded through the muddy ground as I trudged my way through the mist forest. I could feel rain falling on me, squeezing through the holes in the branches to splash onto my face. Looking around I noticed something vaguely familiar about my surroundings, something on the tip of my tongue and yet still too far away to remember.
"Where the heck am I?" I whispered my question into the empty forest. I didn't remember coming here, I didn't even remember waking up.
"So nice of you to join me again," an ominous voice echoed out from behind me.
Turning around I found myself face to face with tall, grey hooded figure. The sight of him launched my memory, synapsed firing as I remembered where I had seen this forest before… and where I had seen him. Memories of that horrid dream burst into my psyche as I flung myself bodily backwards, away from the threat he posed.
Stumbling slightly I pushed myself into a defensive crouch, hands poised in front of my body where I could more easily defend my vital spots from any attack. "G-get away!" I shouted, cringing at how frightened my little voice sounded. "I-I'll hurt you if you get any closer!"
He chuckled menacingly, "I thought you would have realized by now…" he suddenly vanished, empty space supplying the area ahead of me.
"Gah!" I choked out a something slammed into my back. Pain lanced through my shoulder as I crashed across the forest floor.
"Resistance is futile." The cruel voice stated as I rolled to a stop. Placing my hands under my body I pushed off the soggy ground and stood back on my feet. I wiped the mud off of my hands and onto my pants; upon looking up I found that he had vanished again. Spinning around I saw something flying towards my face, ducking I threw my right hand up and put as much force into the block as I could.
With a crunch my limb connected with the mans forearm, jarring the whole right side of my body. I clenched my teeth against the pain as the force from his blow knocked me back several feet. Stumbling I regained my balance and re-entered my defensive stance, both hands held in front of my face.
"Bravo, not many from your world have good enough reflexes to block something like that. I should commend you." The hooded man said mockingly, his voice causing heavy emotions to well within my chest.
"Who the heck are you!" I shouted at him, anger rising at the way he seemed to be toying with me. The man merely tilted his shadow clad head to the side before responding.
"Who I am is not important… it is what I can do for you that matters." He said, raising his arm at the elbow and pointing at me.
"What could I possibly want from you," I snarled at him.
"Now, now… is that any way to treat a new acquaintance? It seems you must be taught better manners." His voice drifted off as his form seemed to lose shape, disappeared into the prevailing mist. Something appeared in my peripheral vision, I attempted to turn but it was too fast.
Something slammed into my side just under my rib cage, rocketing me into the air and taking my breath away. Before I had time to comprehend what had happened something dark flashed in front of me, crashing into my head.
I bit my tongue as my neck snapped back, altering my course mid-air. I could feel blood pooling in my mouth as I flipped upside down, feet reaching into the air. In what seemed like slow motion I saw the hooded man appear ahead of me, lifting his foot into the air. His leg came towards me as my body continued to rotate in his direction, no longer under my control.
Everything burst back into real time as his foot came in contact with my abdomen. Blood spewed out of my mouth in a misty red cloud as his foot pushed into my gut, seeming to move my organs as it transferred its momentum into me. I flew backwards through the air and bashed into a tree, sliding to the ground head first I felt my skull contact the floor. Everything burst into spectacular colors as I slid farther down. I came to a stop with one leg still held up by the tree trunk, sprawled on my back.
I started spasming as my body tried to intake air, I panicked a little as I found I was unable to do so. On the verge of passing out I felt my chest heave out, gasping in air and blood in huge lungful's, chocking a little as I did so. Turning my head to the side I coughed out the blood from my pierced tongue as I continued to breathe spastically.
A foot appeared in the top of my vision, I attempted to get out of the way but I could barely move. Everything hurt as my muscles resisted the barest movement, even breathing felt like I was being pierced by a hot fire poker. I felt a shadow fall over me as the hooded man knelt next to me, dark face hovering in front of mine. I could vaguely make out his chin and mouth from my position as he started speaking.
"Maybe now you will start to listen." He began in a tone that sounded almost bored, "Our time is almost up so I will make it quick, if you ever plan on returning home, you need me. Do as I say and I can get you there, disobey me and well… I will make the rest of your pitiful existence hell." He smiled after his last sentence, the malicious facial twitch spiking fear in me.
"I expect an answer when we meet again…" his words faded as everything started shifting, swirling into the center of my vision. I felt myself loosing consciousness again as everything faded to black.
(LINE BREAK)
I bolted up in bed, ripping the sweat soaked sheets off of my body. Clenching my teeth together I stifled the panicked scream that coursed through me; clutching at my chest I felt as my heart pulsed at incredible speeds, seeming to try and rip itself out of my chest. Hunching over I gasped in air in as I attempted to slow my panic. Holding my stomach with my other arm I felt along it, expecting to find shattered ribs but to my surprise there were no injuries, even my pierced tongue was whole.
'What the heck was that.' I thought, 'T-that dream… It was just like the one I had on the plains,' Memories of the horrible experience came back, same man, the same realistic pain, but just a dream…or was it. I was having doubts after the last time, the pain and fear I felt were so real.
As my breathing started to slow down I looked around, I found myself sitting in a bed situated to the side of a large room. Seeing the pastel curtain that divided the room I remembered where I was. Looking into the bed next to mine I saw Luda curled up in her bed still fast asleep, a thin stream of drool coming out of her open mouth. I felt the panic lessen at the sight of her, peaceful and undisturbed she brought in a sense of normalcy.
As my heart finally returned to a normal speed I realized that going back to sleep would be impossible, I just couldn't do it… not after that dream. I saw grey pre-dawn light drifting through the window, casting everything into a muted glow. My stomach grumbled, reminding me of how long it had been since my last real meal.
'…holy crap. It's been nearly four days!' the realization surprised me… until my stomach growled again. The hunger was suddenly intense and overpowering, 'I…need… food.' Zombie mode engaged.
I shoved the rest of the covers off of me and shifted my feet over the side of the bed, waiting a couple seconds for the light-headedness to fade. Sliding to the floor my bandaged feet made a muted thud as they contacted the ground. The cool wood sent shivers up my spine as I began walking quietly towards the door. I heard shuffling behind me as someone shifted in bed.
Coming up to the large wooden doorway I gripped the knob and turned it, slowly pulling open the door. The creaking made me shudder internally as I worried if I would wake anyone. Nothing shifted in the pre-dawn light as I slid out of the small opening I had made.
Coming onto the landing I saw the dilapidated railing that prevented people from falling, wondering to myself how exactly it could hold itself up, let alone a person. Turning I walked to the stairwell across the landing, grasping the railway at the top step I noticed that my hand was shaking. The trembling was minuscule but still there, 'The dream must have shaken me up more than I thought.' I noticed the objective way I was viewing everything around me, something I only did when incredibly stressed out.
'Get a hold of yourself Skyler, it was just a dream… just a dream,' I thought, tensing my muscles and stopping the shaking. Gripping the railing tighter I turned to look down the ten foot drop. 'Not all that far, I should be able to take the fall.' I heaved myself over the edge and jumped to the floor, reveling in the air rushing past my face.
As I landed I tucked my legs in, using my momentum I rolled myself forward breaking the fall and propelling me into standing position.
Panting a little I smiled, adrenaline helping break me out of my shock. Walking over to the bar counter that covered the entire east wall I spotted an opening in the end of it. Arriving at the opening I walked underneath the lift able counter, frowning at the fact that I didn't even have to bend.
Behind the counter were shelves, lining the inside of the hollowed out space. All of them were empty, cue growling stomach. "Dang it, where is the food." I groaned out. Clutching at my stomach I looked around, spotting a door leading farther into the building. Walking through it I found a large kitchen, complete with pots, pans and every other thing a working food preparation room would need.
'Food, food… come on where is the food!... there!' I spotted a loaf of bread on one of the counters. Rushing towards it I found that the counter was a lot taller than it had originally looked… or I was shorter. Huffing in frustration I leaped up and grabbed onto the top of the counter.
"Huuhg, mmmf, grrr." I grunted as I heaved myself up, pulling myself over the edge I panted for a couple seconds. "When the heck did I get so out of shape?" I said to no one in particular. Standing up I walked over and picked up the large loaf of bread, biting into it as soon as it neared my face.
Oh food. I ate ravenously, ripping through the crust and everything else, my fangs making short work of it all. Half of the loaf later and I was starting to feel bloated. Looking at the bread longingly I sat down and waited for digestion to start, the hunger still persevered despite the fact that if I ate anymore I would just puke it up… probably because I ate too fast.
As I was sitting I noticed that there were still bandages covering my feet. '…wait a second.' It took several thought cycles to realize what had happened, 'Wait, my feet!' Reaching down I grabbed my foot and lifted it up, peeling away the bandages I quickly uncovered my foot and found… nothing. My foot was completely unblemished.
"What the?" I said, checking again. My foot was completely unscarred, not a scratch or old mark on it. "… Holy crap the bat crap worked!" I exclaimed. I quickly un-bandaged the other foot and flexed my toes, marveling at how smooth it looked.
I stood up quickly and bounced on the balls of my feet for a second, loving the feeling of the cold counter as it slid beneath my soles. You never really realize how much you use them until you can't. "Yes!" I shouted in joy, pumping my fist in the air. 'Now I won't have to worry about Link having to carry me.'
"Well it seems you're feeling better." A voice startled me out of my reverie.
Cursing slightly I turned around, bringing my hands up to block any attack that the hooded man would throw my way. Quickly scanning the area my eyes locked onto two deep blue orb's, sparkling in a emotion I couldn't decipher. "Oh, it's just you." I said, relaxing my stance while looking at Link, "Really, would it kill you to not give me a heart attack every time you find me with my back turned?" I asked, slightly peeved but relived that it wasn't the hooded man come out of my dreams.
"Sorry," He said, smiling. "I didn't think you would be so startled." Link started walking over to me while I sat down, hanging my legs over the table. "So, are you ready for today?' He asked while leaning against the counter.
"Yeah, I am, you got a plan?" I asked him.
Before he could reply Renado burst into the kitchen, pulling a still groggy Luda in behind him. "Oh Sam," he said upon seeing me, "I was wondering where you went, but it's good to see you up and about, how are your feet?"
"Ah—um yeah, they're great." I said, flashing him a thumbs up. "Thanks for the guano… it really worked."
Renado laughed before saying, "Of course, no problem." He then turned to Link, "And how are you doing this morning?"
"Just fine thank you. And how are you?" Link replied with his trademark smile.
Luda walked over to me, officially distracting me from the rest of the conversation, and pulled herself up onto the counter to sit next to me. As she was shifting to get comfortable her hand brushed against my side, causing me to shudder involuntarily and scoot over a little.
"Is something wrong?" Luda asked, looking at me in a concerned way.
"Oh, it's nothing." I said with an attempted smile. 'Stop being such a pansy!' I scolded myself, 'Just because you had a creepy dream doesn't mean you have to freak out at every little thing.' While paranoid, the action was completely involuntary, something I knew and that is why it bothered me so much.
"Okay, whatever you say." She said, reaching her hands over her head and stretching.
"WHAT!" the outcry caused me to jump about five feet. "Your going to take her there! Are you insane!" Renado shouted at Link.
Link had a nervous and slightly guilty look on his face, "It's not that bad. Were're only going up the mountain, what's the worst that could happen?" he attempted to defend.
"The worst that could happen? I can understand your idea but really, taking a nine year old girl up and active volcano, with or without angry Gorons, is a very stupid idea!" Renado said to Link, giving him a disapproving glare and crossing his arms.
"Hey!" I attempted to insert as I realized what this conversation was about. They both looked at me for a second. 'Wait… nine… really?' the disgruntled thought intruded on me. My moment's distraction was all it took for them to start arguing again. Renado going on about how it was too dangerous and Link trying to say how it was necessary.
"Hey—wait a sec—will you just listen- QUIET!" I shouted out, effectively silencing the argument. Link and Renado both turned to give me an incredulous look. "Just listen for a second." I said, standing up on the counter so I could look them more easily in the eyes. It's hard to seem decisive when looking up at someone.
"I understand how it can seem a little crazy Renado, but I need to go with Link." I said. Renado attempted to insert something but I cut him off, "It is really important." I stressed.
Renado folded his arms before asking, "And why is this so important, hmm?" I opened and closed my mouth for a second, looking at Link who just shrugged and seemed to say, 'you're on your own.'
"Umm, it's important because… uh… because," I stuttered for a second, then a idea struck me, "Because that's where I need to go to find my family." I said.
"…" Renado looked at me for a second, "Your family is on Death Mountain?" He asked, arching his eyebrows.
"Uhh, no, not my family, just where I need to go to find them." I said, Renado's skeptical look grew, "They come from a traveling caravan, it is always moving and that's how I got separated." I said, pretending to tear up at the thought, "I got lost during the storm and couldn't find them. They usually stop to trade with the Gorons as part of the route, so they would probably know the next stop." I ended with a sniffle, making my eyes look as sad as possible I looked up at Renado.
"Ahh, oh. Well I guess," he began awkwardly, face softening a bit.
'Yes! Score one for the puppy dog look!' I inwardly celebrated, keeping my sad face on the outside. I could make out Luda to my side giving me a sympathetic look, 'Make that score two.'
Renado sighed, "Well, even if that's the case, why do you need to go up there. Couldn't Link just go and find out."
"Ah, that's because, uhh." I began, searching for ideas. Then Link came to my rescue.
"The Gorons don't disclose information like that. They keep the confidentiality of those they work with. They wouldn't tell me unless they saw that I had a legitimate reason, and they would probably need Sam there as proof." He ended. I smiled gratefully up at him and he winked when Renado looked away for a second.
"…Fine, if that's the case then I guess it's necessary." Renado admitted. Then he looked to Link with a serious expression on his face, "You better make sure she's safe. If anything happens to her and her parents don't kill you, I will." He ended.
"Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way." Link responded, face equally serious.
I felt my mouth drop open slightly, this never happened back home. People who are complete strangers here care more about my well being than my old family… sort of a depressing thought.
Renado nodded and then his face brightened up, "Well, now that that's settled, let's all have breakfast." He said cheerfully.
I turned slightly green at the thought of more food, 'Urk… yeah, carbo-loading early in the morning is not a smart thing to do.'
(LINE BREAK)
I looked up the large, netted incline in front of me. 'Wait… something happens here… something that I need to remember…but what was it?' the thought that had been bugging me resurfaced.
Ever since we had left the inn, something had been teetering on the brink of my mind, taunting me with near remembrance. It wasn't necessarily key, but looking up the first of the large cliffs on the way to Death Mountain I couldn't help but be annoyed by my lack of memory.
"Something wrong Skyler?" a voice questioned.
"Oh, it's nothing," I said, looking at Link, "Just trying to remember something."
"Don't strain yourself Princess." Came a mocking voice from Links shadow.
"Shut up!" I shouted at said shadow. I felt the urge to stomp on it again but I had already learned on the way here that all that did was hurt my foot. The happy chuckle that followed did nothing to ease my annoyance.
"Okay then, let's see what's up there." Link inserted, walking up to the cliff face. He turned back to me and asked, "You coming?"
"Huh? Oh yeah, just give me a second." I replied. Not being able to remember what ever it was annoyed me. Link shrugged and grabbed onto the netting, pulling himself up one hand at a time. I half watched him go, mind only slightly interested as I continued to think.
'Grrr, what could it be?' I grumbled to myself. Suddenly a gravely voice spoke up from the top of the cliff.
"Hey you! No humans allowed!" A ominous rumbling followed the words.
'Oh yeah, there's a Goron blocking the trail!' I thought, slamming my right fist into my left palm. 'You need to get the iron boots from Mayor Bo to get past.'
"Guwahhh!" the scream split the air as a green blur flew over the edge and fell to the ground in a heap. "Uuuuaun." The green thing groaned. Midna suddenly popped up in shadow form.
"Well, looks like someone's got a temper." She said, putting a hand on her hip, "Guess we'll need to find another way up." She turned towards me, "Got any ideas?"
"Owww, so not cool," Link said, sitting up. I walked over and ruffled his hair while he was still at my level.
"Aw, don't worry. I'm sure if you go up and ask nicely he'll let you go by." I said in a slightly mocking tone. Link just glared at me.
"Ha ha, very funny. Now how do you think should try and get past him." He said, turning to Midna. She just shrugged and made a noncommittal grunt.
"Not my job to think up how to do it. That's what servants are for." She said in a dead serious tone. I face palmed at the sight.
Link was silent for a second, "What if we sneak past them?" he said, causing me to groan silently.
"Really, we need to figure out a way to stop the Gorons." I said, "Even if we sneak past one there are probably more to come. You can't sneak past them all."
"Fine then Princess, what do you suggest we do." Midna said, shooting me a haughty look.
"Go to Mayor Bo of course." I said like it was obvious… then cringed at their dubious looks.
"Why would we go to Mayor Bo?" Link questioned.
"Ah… um." I began, 'Crap, I forgot. Renado is the one who told them about Bo.' "Umm, didn't you see the wrestling ring in his house?" I asked. Midna and Link both looked at me with an incredulous expression. "Yeah, when I was over there he told me about how he used to wrestle Gorons and win." I crossed my fingers behind my back in hope.
"Huh… I've never heard that." Link said. He had a thoughtful expression on his face, "I never thought that Mayor ever lived outside of Ordon, but I guess that he was young at one time to… Well, I guess it can't hurt to ask him." He ended.
I let out my breath in relief, that is until I gasped it back in as Midna's shadow form loomed in front of me. "Hmmm, I guess we could try your idea." She began menacingly, "But if your wrong and this turns out to be a waste of our very valuable time you may find me less… agreeable." She added emphasis to the last word, causing me to shudder.
"Hey, no need to argue. Besides, I need to return anyways to tell everyone about the kids." Link spoke up. Midna glared at him before grumbling something unintelligible and jumping back into his shadow. Link shook his head and looked at me, "Let's go." He said.
"Sure," I replied. We began walking down the trail in companionable silence, my mind swirling at Midna's threat. 'What if she wasn't joking… oh who am I kidding, since when has that imp joked about anything to do with her revenge.' I started to worry, 'I'm right, right? Yes, I'm sure you get the boots from Bo.' I relaxed a little but was still worried. 'What if my telling them changes something? No, that wouldn't happen. What would he do with the boots? Throw them out?' These last thoughts helped me relax a even more.
I shifted my belt around, tugging at the dagger sheath to get it in a more comfortable position. I was quite glad that Luda hadn't managed to force me into that dress earlier this morning. It would have been horrible walking around in something more breezy than the overlarge shirt I was wearing now. Tugging at the hem of one of the sleeves I noticed how its fabric wasn't as nice as the tunic I had borrowed from Link the other day. 'Huh, who would of thought? Ancient hero clothes are more comfortable that the civilian clothes of a more modern Hyrule.'
Looking up I realized that we were nearing the village already, apparently lost in my thoughts we had traveled fairly fast. Link suddenly held out his hand.
"Wait," he said. He reached down a plucked up a piece of u-shaped grass, bringing it up to his mouth he played a familiar tune. A three note scale, starting high and decreasing in volume with each note. 'Epona's song,' I thought. I was amazed at the beautiful and clear melody the piece of vegetation managed to produce, I doubt I could have done any better with a flute.
Link smiled down at me, "Just wait a second," he said. A couple minutes later Epona came thundering down the road, coming to a stop next to Link.
"Cool," I said in slight awe. You have to admit that having a horse trained to come by grass whistle was pretty cool.
Link stepped up into the stirrups, swinging himself into the saddle before bending over the side and stretching out his hand. "Grab on." He said. I reached up and grabbed onto his hand and with a sudden pull I was up and on the saddle.
Link looked back and seeing the grumpy look on my face asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," I grumbled, "It's just annoying realizing I'm so light."
Link burst into laughter before saying, "Well hold on, we're going fast."
"Gwaahh!" I cried out, startled, as we suddenly lurched into motion. Quickly wrapping my arms around Links waist so as not to fall off I grumbled to myself again. "Stupid too small body… and stupid boy's in green tunics that ride horses everywhere." I added as I squeezed tighter as the horse accelerated. I swear, I couldn't wait to get back to having cars as the major mode of transportation.
(LINE BREAK)
"Huuuuaaaahhh," I yawned leisurely, sitting up in bed and stretching. Flipping the covers off of me I turned and hung my legs over the side of the cot, grimacing slightly at my sore muscles.
Yesterday had passed pretty uneventfully. Link and I had traveled by horseback to Ordon, significantly diminishing the time it took to get there. It was a peaceful ride… if you discount Midna. The stupid imp princess spent the entire trip either insulting me or telling me how much trouble I would be in if I was wrong about Mayor Bo. Link tried to mediate but…Let's just say that if Midna hadn't been a shadow and I wasn't holding onto Links waist for dear life I would have throttled her on multiple occasions.
When we were nearly to Ordon I decided that it would be better if I didn't go meet everyone. I told Link that I didn't want to risk anyone connecting me with my old self, but that wasn't the real reason and I'm pretty sure he could tell. The great thing about Link though is that he is so considerate… he was also probably pretty relieved for the reprieve from Midna and me arguing.
As Link slowly walked away, pulling Epona by the reigns behind him a thought struck me. "Oh wait," I called out to his retreating form, "If Mayor Bo asks, say you found out about his skills from Renado."
"Renado?" Link asked, looking confused.
"Just tell him." I said, still grumpy and sore from our ride I was in no mood for an argument.
"Okay?" he said, turning to continue on down the path to Ordon. He suddenly stopped, pulling Epona's reigns to stop her as well. "Midna, why don't you wait with Skyler?"
"WHAT!" came the dual exclamation. Links shadow started shifting before turning into an agitated Midna.
"You can't really expect me to stay with that can you?!" She shouted at him.
"Yeah you can't—Hey wait a minute!" I shouted back, glaring at the imp.
"Stop arguing!" Links loud voice interrupted, "You," he said, pointing at Midna, "There is no need for insults, just stay with her and make sure nothing happens. And You," he turned to point at me, "At least try to get along with Midna will you?"
Midna and I grumbled unintelligibly for a few seconds before she seemed to get a hold of herself and her smug smirk returned. "Fine," she said, "I'll watch over the Princess. Just hurry back."
"Hey-," I was cut off by a sharp look from Link, "…Fine, I'll try and 'get along'," I muttered.
Link nodded and walked away, leading Epona with him. Turning I stared into Midna's eyes as we had a glaring contest. Five minutes and no clear victor latter I looked away, Midna smirking at that, before I asked, "So… you know any games?"
And so began our 'bonding time.' Two and a half hours or trying to out-do each other in any kind of games we could think of from push-ups to riddles.
When Link finally returned with his boots we were both quite tired. Upon seeing what he had gotten Midna grudgingly admitted I was right and a temporary truce was born. The entire ride home was actually not all that bad. Midna and I got along better and the heated arguments only erupted once or twice on the long journey.
It still took us a long time to make it back to Kakariko village, if I had to guess I'd say it wasn't until about three in the morning.
So coming back to the present I found upon arriving at the stairwell that it was well into the day. Walking down the stairs I tugged at the dull brown fabric I was wearing, last night I had been too tired to change so I was still wearing the same old clothes. Luckily they still smelled relatively fresh. Reaching around I found that my bag and dagger were still strapped to my waist, 'Yikes, luckily it was in its sheathe,' I thought as my mind played through all the dangers of sleeping with a live blade.
Shaking off the thoughts I continued on my way. At the bottom of the stairs I looked up to see a groggy Link sitting at the bar, munching on bread and cheese.
"Hey, Link," I said, causing him to jump a little.
"Oh, hey Sk—err, Sam." He corrected his mistake before it was fully out. Looking over I notice Renado standing up from where he had been crouched behind the bar doing something.
"Good morning Sam." He said smiling, "you sleep well?"
"Like a rock." I said. Reaching up I grabbed onto one of the stools and hefted myself up, gingerly sitting down on my sore hind-quarters.
Reaching over I grabbed a slice of bread and some cheese from the tray near Link, "So, what time is it anyways?" I asked.
"Nearly noon," Renado replied.
"Woah, we've nearly lost half the day!" I exclaimed. I began eating at a furious pace, trying to get in my breakfast as fast as I could. Looking over I saw Link still eating at a sedated pace. "Hurry up!" I shouted out him with a mouth full of food, causing it to come out sounding more like, 'Hffury Fup!"
Link just looked at me with an amused expression so I struggled to swallow the large wad of food in my mouth, coughing a little as it went down. "Common, hurry up we have a big day today!" I said.
"What's the big rush?" Link asked. 'The big rush?!' I thought, 'The big rush is that I don't want to be stuck in a volcano for the night, so lets hurry up and get here fast!'
"Just do it, trust me." I told Link at an excited pace, continuing to shovel food down my throat. Seeming to sense some urgency he quickly finished his bread and cheese, getting off his stool as I dropped off of mine.
"You seem excited," Renado spoke up with a twinkle in his eye, "Well I hope you find the lead you're looking for."
I just nodded and flashed him a thumbs up, still trying to swallow the last of my breakfast. I reached up and grabbed Links large hand and dragged him out of the door.
Squinting at the sudden increase in light it took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the brightness.
Looking around I noticed that all the kids were out playing something on the main road of the town. As we descended the steps of the in Talo spotted us and called out to everyone else. Suddenly we were being charged by a horde of children.
Talo rushed past me and flying tackle Link, causing him to take a step back. Malo followed closely behind, latching onto his knee. Beth shoved me over in her haste to get to Link, causing me to land on my butt with an 'oomph.'
"Stupid jerk," I muttered to myself quietly. I stood up and brushed myself off as Luda came up to me.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just fell." I said.
"So, did you find out where your family is going?" she questioned.
"Oh, no. We needed to get something else before we headed up, so hopefully we'll know by tomorrow." I replied. I looked back to see that Link was in the middle of a three on one wrestling match with three very excited kids. 'Wait.' I thought, 'Where is Colin? I could have sworn I saw him.' Turning around I saw him awkwardly shuffling his feet while staring at the ground about five yards from us.
"Excuse me for a second." I said to Luda, and walked over to Colin. As a neared him he glanced up. Smiling I asked, "How're you doing?"
"Oh, h-hey Sam. I'm fine, how about you?" he replied.
My answer was broken off by a sound like thunder as it reverberated across the valley. Turning to the right I saw dust flying around the corner of the road as the sound grew in intensity. Suddenly several huge boars carrying bubblin riders burst around the corner of the bend, only twenty yards from us. I heard Colin gasp and Link shout, "Get out of the way!" as he lifted the three children near him off of the road.
Luda rushed to the side and I was about to follow when I noticed Colin had frozen in place. 'Darn it!' I cursed.
Spinning around I reached down and pulled out my dagger, suddenly everything seemed to slow. The black triforce on my hand flared up as I felt energy pouring into my arm. The lead boar carrying the King Bubblin was just yards away from Colin now; torking my body sideways I threw the dagger as hard as I could. With a noise similar to something breaking the sound barrier it burst away from me, surrounded by a dark energy.
Dashing forward I grabbed Colin around the chest and pivoted to the side, flinging him out of the way. Looking up as watched as my dagger flew at the King Bubblin, causing him yank on the reins of his boar and kick up more dust as it attempted to slow down, but it was too late. The dagger spun and came in contact with his shoulder blade first, ripping through the armor protecting it. Before I could celebrate thought he was on me.
With the sound of squealing animals I was surrounded by a large cloud of dust. Coughing I attempted to find my way out when suddenly something huge collided with me, yanking me into the air and pinning my arms to the side. Coughing and gasping I was yanked to a stop what felt like miles off the ground.
Disoriented I looked up and found myself face to face with a grinning King Bubblin. 'Huh? What! I sliced through his shoulder, how is he still using that arm?!' Looking over I saw that although his armor was shredded the blade had completely missed his flesh.
His fist suddenly tightened, causing me to gasp out in pain as I felt a few ribs pop. The next thing I know we were galloping forward, rushing down the road and past the others. As I was jostled in the Bubblins grip I saw Link rushing after us, then the boar turned a corner and I could see him no more.
Grimacing I tried to steady myself by tensing all my muscles and pushing out against his hand, opening my mouth I bit down on the finger in front of my head, fangs sinking deep into the flesh.
"GWAHHH!" the pained sound burst out, nearly deafening me. Suddenly I was spinning through the air, only holding onto the hand by my teeth. The Bubblins other hand wrapped around me and yanked me away, pulling out my teeth and several chunks of his flesh. I was being shaken like a rag doll, up, down, left, right, nearly causing me to puke.
I came to a rest held upside down in his fist. Suddenly the taste from his hand and blood filled my mouth causing me to gag, then puke. As I was jostled upside down I heaved out my breakfast and several pieces of Bubblin flesh, coughing as the acidic bile left my throat. I felt the Bubblin slow to a stop as he lifted me to look him in the eyes. He looked a lot more menacing when upside down, even if I could see up his nose.
Still dizzy I felt him press me against something hard, and then bind several ropes around me. After a minute of fiddling I felt myself lifted up, still upside down, held to a long rod like object.
"Uugh, let me go!" I shouted down at my tormentor. His only response was to violently shake the spear, nearly giving me whiplash as my head flew back and forth. I felt bile rise up again but this time I held it down.
Suddenly I heard a shout, looking out across the plains I saw Link galloping full speed towards me on Epona. He was pressed down low on his saddle, pushing Epona to go faster. I heard what sounded like a chain smokers cough, and looking down I saw that it was the Bubblin laughing.
"Oh, I'll give you something to laugh about." I muttered to myself. "Hrrrrkkk," I formed the disgusting sound in the back of my throat as I drew mucus and saliva into my mouth. Spitting it out I hawked the loagi right into the King Bubblins face, it landed with a splat on top of his helmet, slowly sliding down his brow.
I smiled for a second until my stomach leapt into my throat as I fell rapidly. The Bubblin had dropped his spear and grabbed it right before it hit the ground, once again lowering me to his eye level. As the mucusy substance slid between his eyes he reached up a hand and flicked me in the forehead.
Pain split through my head as the surprisingly powerful finger sent my head bouncing against the spear, leaving me dizzy and disoriented. I vaguely noticed the spear and myself being lifted back up as I tried to get my vision to focus.
Suddenly I had the breath taken from me as the Bubblin and boar he was ridding accelerated, reaching a breakneck pace as we charged forward.
"Skyler!" I heard a voice call from behind us. Tilting my head back I saw Link gaining on us quickly, riding Epona at an incredible speed. "Hold on!" he shouted again.
A lot easier said then done, even tied to the pole the way it bounced and swayed with each motion made me feel like I was going to go tumbling off at any second. Concentrating on Link I noticed two other boars with bubblin riders coming up behind Link.
"Look out!" I shouted at him. Link turned over his shoulder and saw the bubblin preparing to smash him with a hammer. He yanked Epona's reigns to the side, causing her to turn out of the way and the bubblin's hammer missed. He drew his sword with practiced ease and turned Epona towards them.
Charging up to their side he swung his sword in a large, one handed arc, slicing the first bubblin in half and cutting the other ones arm off. I watched as the first one dissipated into black goo, but the other one just howled in pain as blood pumped from its severed arm.
Link lifted himself up in his saddle and kicked the boar in the side of the head, causing it to veer off with an angry squeal.
"Yeah, go Link!" I shouted encouragingly as I saw him turn back towards me and increase Epona's pace to regain the lost ground between us. I heard the King Bubblin grunt angrily and felt the pole shake even more than usual. 'Dang, how do I get out of this,' I thought. Link was now taking care of the other boar of bubblins while I watched, 'No way am I going to play damsel in distress.' I thought angrily, 'But how to get out… wait, my nails!' I felt like slamming my head into a wall, 'How the heck could I forget my nails?'
Extending my fingers I hooked my sharpened nails deep into the fibers of the rope. Pulling I attempted to slice it off but it was ineffective. 'Dang, rope is too tough… maybe a sawing motion.' I tightened my fingers into a spear like fashion and began rubbing them back and forth along the rope. I felt them give a little and cheered inside my head, then everything moved.
The King Bubblin screamed in pain as he jerked his reigns to the side, pulling away from Link who had slashed him across the side. I saw Link pull up again and attempt to cut the Bubblin again. I continued sawing at the ropes as he hacked off another piece of armor, sword sparking as it crashed into the steel plating.
"Gwaaooh!" the Bubblin roared in anger as he swung a meaty fist at Link, Link ducked away from the punch and avoided it by a hairs breadth. Shifting in his saddle again he extended out and swung his sword in a diagonal sweeping motion, slicing off the leather straps that held the chest protector to King Bubblin, the same motion slicing deep wound in his side.
The Bubblin roared in pain and jerked his reigns to the left, kicking into the side of the boar and causing it to take off. Looking over I saw we were heading towards a bridge. 'Dang, he's trying to escape!' I thought in panic, redoubling my efforts to cut the rope. I felt one of the bands snap off and I cut through it, quickly moving onto the next one.
I suddenly felt myself rising through the air as gravity temporarily seemed to decrease, suddenly it came back a vengeance as the boar slammed into the ground on the other side of a hay fence. My breath was stolen from me as the ropes cut into my arms, squeezing me as all my forward momentum was stopped.
Then we were charging forward again, across the large stone bridge. Four seconds later and we came to a jarring halt as King Bubblin ripped the boar around, turning to look down the bridge.
Looking up I saw Link and Epona jumping over the hay barrier, landing on the other side. Suddenly bubblins appeared above us on both sides, raising flaming arrows. I watched as the launched them at the barriers, lighting them on fire and effectively blocking our way out until the fire burned out.
I heard the Bubblin breathing heavily as the spear holding me lowered slightly, decreasing my plane of vision. I hurriedly sawed at the rope, there was no way I was going to fall off this bridge strapped to a spear, it was narrow and there seemed to be a very large fall on either side.
With a screech the boar rose up on its hind legs before slamming back down and taking off at a break neck pace. I clenched my teeth as we accelerated towards Link who was also galloping towards us. Within two seconds we had reached each other, Link swerved Epona slightly to the side and swung his sword in a horizontal sweep just as the Bubblin struck out with his fist. With the sound of slicing flesh Links sword tore through the Bubblins side again, but the Bubblins fist came in contact with his shoulder, sending Link crashing to the side.
I turned my head in horror to look behind as we passed and saw Link barely managing to hold onto Epona as she galloped forward, hanging for dear life off the side of the saddle.
'No' I thought as we slowed at the end of the bridge to turn around again, 'Link can't stand another blow like that.' Right after the thought I felt another rope snapped, effectively freeing the top part of my body.
Reaching up I grabble onto the spear and started to pull my legs out from their trapped position. I gripped harder as we accelerated again, the sound of the Bubblin's hard breathing the loudest thing I could hear.
Suddenly I felt the ropes trapping my legs give up their hold, and yanking them out I let go and fell towards the Bubblin.
"KIIAAAIII!" I shouted as I grabbed onto the large horn on top of the Bubblins head, yanking down the helmet over his eyes and slamming my feet into his chest. He made a startled sound and I could make out Links surprised look as his sword cut into the Bubblin shoulder, the momentum caring the Bubblin off of his boar and over the edge of the bridge.
I felt myself flip into the air as I lost my grip on the horn, flying through the air I attempted to grab onto something, anything to stop myself, but there was nothing. Arching through the air I saw the bridge disappear from under me, reaching the top of my arch I felt like I was floating, then I began to fall. My hair whipped around my face as I started to descend.
"Ommph," I grunted out as I slammed into something hard, stopping my fall. Looking up I saw a bluish orange appendage holding onto me, leading up to a shadow clad Midna.
"That's twice I've saved you're hide." She said, looking down at me.
Once again, sorry if the story seems to be going slow. It should pick up more soon. The next chapter is the Fire Dungeon so look forward to it!
As always, reviews are greatly appreciated so reveiw!
Guppy out.