A/N: Ima back! Just so you all know, I have every intention of finishing this story. And I will finish it. I bring this up, because pretty much every other Phantom Hourglass or Wind Waker story doesn't get past chapter 5 before it gets discontinued. So don't worry, I'm not just going to drop this.

Also, I don't know how much you guys like dialogue in comparison to action, so be forewarned that this chapter has quite a bit of that jazz in here... So yeah... Enjoy? 8]

Chapter 3: The Ghost Ship

The days following passed by slowly, as the crew had naught to do but continue sailing on through the open seas. They sailed by an island or two along the way, but made no stop, making straight for the waters of the Ghost Ship.

Despite the time that had passed, Link and Tetra remained distant from each other. Their only interaction resulted whenever Link would simply ask her what needed to be done and she would reply just as simply. At the moment, neither one of them wanted to admit it, but they dearly missed each other's company. Whenever he wasn't looking, Tetra found herself staring at him and wishing that her pride would permit her to approach him. Link, too, would finish his tasks as quickly as possible only so that he could go ask her for another one, hoping that in the confrontation, she would open back up to him. The thing stopping him from reaching out to her wasn't his pride in the slightest. He was merely concerned about whether she was still angry and needed the time and space.

It was on one of these particular days, as they drew ever nearer to their destination, that Link found himself laying in his hammock, staring up at the dark ceiling. He could hear the footsteps of the crew above him and their shouts as they worked the rigging of the ship, but made no thought to join them. He simply lay there, rocking back and forth, and thinking of Tetra. Even though it had only been a few days, he was really beginning to miss seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, and having her give him playful punches to the arm.

He had given it a lot of thought, but he still couldn't figure out what she had gotten so mad about. Sure, the hole in the hull was his fault and he was willing to take responsibility for it, but by now it had been patched up by Mako and Nudge anyway. His thoughts turned towards her reasons for wanting this particular quest, but she had merely stated that it was personal. He just couldn't understand why she would be so cross with him when all he was trying to do was help and keep her safe. After all, wasn't that his job and purpose? Wasn't that why he was the hero?

He rolled onto his side and looked towards the back of the ship. In the shadows, a small sailboat was situated against the wall. It was red with a lion head as a masthead.

The King of Red Lions.

Link stood and walked over to it, sliding his hand across its smoothly carved sides. He stopped in front of it and looked into its eyes. Its cold, lifeless eyes.

Shortly after he and Princess Zelda had broken the surface of the ocean after Hyule had been completely submerged those years ago, Link was able to relocate the red boat. But it was void of any life or soul. Void of the spirit of the King of Hyrule who had helped and guided him along his journey. It was now an empty shell. Just lifeless wood. The eyes of the majestic lion head of the front of the boat stared emptily in front of it, now forever unblinking and unmoving. When he had first looked into those eyes, after they were forced to leave King Daphnes Nohansen behind in the drowning kingdom, he knew that he was gone; lost. He knew for certain that the King of Hyrule was dead.

"I have lived regretting the past... But you… I want you to live for the future."

Link's gaze dropped. "I'm sorry I failed you too," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The stairs to his right began creaking. He turned towards them and was shocked to find Tetra to be the one descending them. When she noticed him, she stopped in her tracks; one foot remaining on the bottom step, contemplating whether to retreat back up the stairs or not. In truth, she had come down here to find Link, but now that she was here, she didn't want to proceed. Her pride was practically screaming at her to turn and leave, but she knew she would look like a coward were she to flee now. Instead, she unfroze and went quickly over to some barrels that were a little too close to Link for comfort. Conscious of his gaze but ignoring it otherwise, she hastily grabbed a loaf of bread, an apple, and bottle of milk, all of which she really had no intention of eating.

Link remained in the same spot, observing her and trying to think of something to say. He knew he had to speak with her now, because once she was upstairs, they would no longer be alone. Surrounded by the rest of her crew, he knew she wouldn't open up to him and openly admit what her problem was. And she certainly wouldn't apologize.

Tetra, now done stacking her arm with Niko's rock collection without even having realized that's what she was grabbing, spun on her heel and took a few steps in the direction of the stairs before stopping herself. She exhaled and turned back around, facing Link.

"Um," she mumbled. Then she cleared her throat and straightened up, making her voice come out sterner as she said, "We're experiencing some harsh and wild winds upstairs. So we need you to, you know, change them."

"Okay," Link said, looking away from her. She turned and took slow steps away from him. After a few heartbeats, he yelled to her in a mixture of courage and desperation, "Tetra, wait."

She whirled around, her eyes gleaming. "What?" she asked in the sternest voice she could muster in the current moment.

Link merely looked at her for a few moments, realizing he hadn't planned this far. When he did come up with his response, he said, "Tetra, we need to talk."

She sighed, feeling relieved and trying to keep a straight face about it. If she allowed even the slightest hint of a smile, it would let him know that she actually wanted to make up. No, she couldn't have that. Not yet.

She walked over to stand by his side, her eyes locked on the red boat now as to avoid looking at Link's. When neither one of them spoke, she reached her hand forward and stroked the lion's nose. "I miss him… After you left me in the castle alone, he was the only one I had there to keep me company and to answer my questions… That is, when I wasn't bugging you through the Gossip Stone." Link chuckled lightly at that.

"I'd have to say, though," he said, humor garnishing the tone of his voice. "I prefer you trying to annoy me over you launching me into a wall while stuck in a barrel."

She scoffed, trying to sound offended, the smallest hints of a smile tugging at her lips. "I already told you; I didn't mean to launch you into the wall. My aim was just off. If you want, we can try it again and I'll launch you onto the Ghost Ship."

"I would actual prefer if no one had to go on… Tetra, what is this about?"

Her face dropped and she walked over to his hammock where she sat down, putting the contents of her arms on the nearest surface. She waited for Link to do the same before deciding how to start. "It's just… When we finally find New Hyrule, Link, I'll be the one expected to rule it. It's in my blood, it's my birthright, and my responsibility."

Tetra pulled her legs to her chest and hugged them. "I'm just worried I can't do it; that I won't be able to rule people in a way that will gain their respect and loyalty… Who would believe I can rule a kingdom? Let alone, who would follow a pirate?"

Link looked at her. She hid it well, but behind her blue eyes was a genuine fear. A fear that she wouldn't be able to uphold the memory of the lost kingdom; that she would only crash and burn. Though no one else was able to see past her tough exterior, Link was able to pierce it through to her heart. He was the only one who could really understand her because he experienced a very similar fear.

"Who would believe I saved you from the evil king?" Link asked with all the seriousness in the world. "Tetra, no one's holding you back but yourself. We all know you can do it."

"I know you guys do," she pressed. "But I feel like no else would… I guess the reason I want to go after the Ghost Ship isn't only for the treasure. It's because people are calling it the 'new terror of the seas'."

"What do you mean?"

"As a pirate captain, having others tell me that I'm not the terror of the seas and pretty much telling me that I'm not even a threat anymore does not sit well with me. It makes me feel weak and like I'm not doing my job correctly. If I can't even hold the fear of the people of the sea, then how can I be expected to…" she trailed off.

"Fear isn't the right way to rule people, though."

"I know!" she cried in exasperation. "Nayru, this is harder to express than I thought it would be… Okay, you shut up and let me just rant it all out."

"Um, okay."

"Alright… Link, you remember how you had to leave me down in the castle basement so that Ganondorf wouldn't be able to find me? We had to do it for my own protection, and while I understand that, sitting down there and doing nothing made me feel so weak and useless. And then later, when he did actually capture me, you had to be the one to come and save me. I was incapable of doing it myself.

"The thing is, I absolutely hate feeling like that; like I have to depend on others to save me and keep me safe… That's why I overreacted the other day when I yelled at you and slapped you. Instead of letting me handle it, you came over to try to protect me. I mean, I appreciate the gesture, but I can't stand people treating me like the damsel in distress.

"That's why going after the Ghost Ship is so important to me. I want to prove to myself that I am capable of doing things for myself. I want others to not underestimate me; I want to show them that I have what it takes to be what Hyrule needs me to be."

When he knew she was done, Link said, "If you really think that this is the best way, then I am with you."

"Thank you," she murmured. She leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder, the two of them simply swaying on the hammock together in the shadows of the crew's quarters.

Link breathed in the salty sea scent of Tetra's hair and began twirling a strand between his fingers. He had truly missed her these past few days. He was determined to not let a stupid rift like that part them again.

Tetra's pile of goods caught Link's eye, and he looked over at them, raising an eyebrow. "What are the rocks for?"

Tetra glanced over at them, her eyes widening. "Oh um, you know. Just checking out Niko's collection," she lied in a completely obvious manner.

Link chuckled. "I think I had a rock collection when I lived on Outset when I was younger."

"Sounds like good times," Tetra said. Then she perked up suddenly. "Oh, that reminds me! Stay right here; I'll be right back!" She leapt up and dashed up the stairs, Link watching her with an eyebrow raised. She appeared not too long after, a satchel in her hands. She sat back down next to him. Then she paused, contemplating how she wanted to proceed. "Oh, screw it," she whispered finally. She whipped out of her bag something green and threw it at Link.

"Happy birthday!"

Link pulled the green object off of his head where it had landed and found that he was holding a green shirt. Or rather, a green tunic. When her words registered in his brain, he frowned, a puzzled look on his face. Truthfully, he hadn't even remembered that it was his birthday. Not only was it simply harder to keep track of time and dates while on the seas, but he really just didn't care that much to remember the date.

She laughed at his expression. "You forgot again, didn't you?"

He smiled, rubbing the cloth of the tunic. "Where did you get this?"

"I'll tell you in a minute. Now shut up while I tell you a story." She cleared her throat and began, "Long ago, there existed a kingdom where a golden power lay hidden. It was a prosperous land blessed with green forests, tall mountains, and peace."

"Tetra, I already know this story."

"Hey! I told you to shut up."

He gave her a look, but she simply ignored it as she continued, "One day, a man of great evil found the golden power and took it for himself. With its strength at his command, he spread darkness across the kingdom. But then when all hope had died, and the hour of doom seemed at hand, a young boy clothed in green appeared as if from nowhere. Wielding the blade of evil's bane, he sealed the dark one away and gave the land light. This boy, who traveled through time to save the land, was known as the Hero of Time. The boy's tale was passed down through generations until it became legend. But then, a day came when a fell wind began to blow across the kingdom. The great evil that all thought had been forever sealed away by the hero once again crept forth from the depths of the earth, eager to resume its dark designs_"

"Not that this story isn't exciting," Link interrupted again. "But I'm not exactly eager to hear more about how I came too late to save Hyrule."

"Fine then, Mr. Impatient, I'll give you the shortened version… The hero didn't appear and so the kingdom was buried beneath the waves. There… As for the tunic: I found it back at that port. I figured I would take it, because now that you're seventeen, you're the same age as the Hero of Time, and it is customary on your island to wear the hero's garb when you come of age."

Link stood and held it up. "When we're twelve, yes."

"Not to burst your bubble, but your island kind of has it wrong."

"What?"

"Yeah," she said, standing up as well. "The hero was actually ten years old when he began his journey. But then he was sealed in the Sacred Realm for seven years. When he returned, that's when he was truly the Hero of Time."

"So you're saying we somehow mixed his two ages together and came up with twelve?" She nodded. "Well, my childhood was a lie."

"Oh, get over yourself," she giggled. "And try it on."

He pulled the forest green tunic over-top of his white shirt, followed by strapping on his belt. The tunic went half way down his thigh. It was lightweight and comfortable. "I like it," he stated. "And it actually looks legit."

"Yeah," Tetra agreed. "Your old one was kind of more like a sweater than a tunic. But I think something's missing…" She went back over to her bag and pulled out a green, cone-shaped object.

"Really?" Link asked, as she set it on his blonde hair. "You got me a hat?"

"The outfit wasn't complete without it," she protested, stepping back to look at her work. She looked over him with a critical eye. "You know, you really don't look half bad."

"I'm touched," he said sarcastically. She broke out into a large grin.

"Miss Tetra!" Gonzo's voice called down. "I think you should get up here."

Together Link and Tetra ascended the stairs, the Wind Waker and Tetra's pile of things remaining in the same spots they had been placed in.

Night had fallen around them. There was no moon in the sky, leaving the ship in utter darkness, save for the few lanterns that had been lit, giving off faint orange glows.

The first thing Link acknowledged the moment he stepped into the fresh air was the fog that was slowly descending around them. It brushed past him in an unnatural manner, curling like snakes and leaving his skin tingling. A chill ran down his spine, whether from the cold night air or the creeping feeling of eeriness crawling up his back, he didn't know.

Tetra made straight for the quarterdeck to study the chart next to Gonzo. He stood at the helm, his hands tightly gripping the wheel. "We're getting close," Tetra said. "Link, Niko, keep a lookout for it."

Link walked towards the edge of the ship and peered over it, but he couldn't see the sea. There was too much fog, and it was covering them quickly. He could tell something was wrong. He could feel his hair standing on end, as if cold, icy fingers were stroking his neck. He could sense in the air that something was off. Unknowingly, Link began rubbing the back of his left hand.

Niko approached Tetra who was still leaning over the map. "Miss Tetra, are you sure this is a good idea? I don't like the looks of this."

"Don't worry, Niko," Gonzo tried, his voice equally as fearful. "These seas are protected by some spirit."

The young pirate wasn't convinced. "Miss Tetra, the air feels chilly… Eerie, even. I say we take a detour around this creepy place."

The captain straightened up. "Don't be ridiculous," she said, her eyes drifting around the atmosphere. "Besides, we're here to see the world, not take detours… Now get back on lookout."

Niko walked away and past Link, not in the mood or mindset to try to lighten the mood or even talk.

It wasn't until Link felt Niko pass behind him that he was able to pin down exactly what was wrong: There was no wind. Not the slightest breeze. Nor could he hear the ocean waves splashing against the hull or the creaking of the ship. There was only silence. Silence layering the darkness encased fog.

The next moment, the temperature dropped drastically and the glow of the lanterns dimmed.

"Miss Tetra!" Zuko shouted down from the crow's nest. "I can see a ship up ahead!"

Everyone at once rushed towards the edge of the ship and looked over towards the front. Not far in front of them, the fog broke apart and parted. Out of the mist, a large, black ship emerged. The shadows danced on the side of the hull like black fire, the mist trying to cling to it like ghostly hands. Its black sails, torn and tattered, billowed in the non-existent wind. It had a crude, golden skull as a masthead. It's dark, empty eyes like soulless pits. On either side of the skull were lanterns ablaze with blue fire, acting like searchlights and casting everything in an otherworldly blue light. The fire didn't appear to give off any kind of warmth, but rather as if it was feeding off of it. The Ghost Ship moved towards them at a listless speed, its creaking and cutting through the still waves being the only sound emanated.

It was then that Tetra realized that they were on a collision course. "Gonzo," she shouted. "Hard to port!" He stumbled towards the helm, shock visible on his face. He gripped the wheel, his palms sweaty. He was about to quickly steer the ship to the left, but stopped when he saw that the ominous ship in front of them was already doing so, sifting out of the way and slinking to their right.

Link watched the Ghost Ship, his mouth agape. When he was younger, it was necessary of him to board a ghost ship in order to find a chart that would lead him to piece of the Triforce of Courage. However, the ship crawling towards them now felt and looked different entirely. The ghost ship he boarded on his adventure to save the Great Sea was mostly transparent, taking shape by the light of the moon. That ship was roamed by wroth souls, cursed to roam the seas for all eternity, never able to rest. That ship, though inexpressibly terrifying, was more sad and pitiful than anything.

The ship approaching them now was anything but sad. The aura it gave off was menacing, sinister, and malicious. It was evil.

The Ghost Ship pulled up next to them and immediately stopped drifting forward. It merely sat there as if beckoning them onto it. Tetra was the first one to move in the stillness that had followed. "It certainly looks like it could be a ghost ship," she admitted as she approached it, watching it for any signs of life on its decks, but there was none. She frowned at it, the distance between the two ships only mere feet; close enough that she could easily jump up onto the other ship.

Link hesitantly came up beside her, his eyes fixed warily on the Ghost Ship, his left hand tingling all the while. He tore his gaze from the ship to look at Tetra. At first, he swore he could have seen fear hidden behind her blue irises. But whatever worry was there was soon wiped completely away, her face contorting into one of determination. "Tetra," he pressed. "Don't do this."

"Link you said you were with me on this… Are you coming or not?" He just looked at her, his eyes giving her his answer. She turned to the rest of her crew. "Are any of you coming?" When none of them replied or made to move forward, fear evident on their faces, Tetra snapped, "You call yourselves pirates?! It's just a ship! They're just a bunch of frauds! There might even be a load of treasure on board… Stop being such cowards!" She looked at them each individually, her eyes wild. "Gonzo! Come on!" He made a tentative step towards her before Link intervened.

"Tetra, leave him out of this! You told me once that the safety of your crew was more important than anything. Don't make any of them go up there. Don't you go up there."

She sneered at him. "And you call yourself the Bearer of the Triforce of Courage?" She pushed herself onto the railing.

Link stepped towards her. "And you call yourself the Bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom. So stop acting so stupid and blind. Tetra, open your eyes!"

She didn't respond in the way Link was hoping. Instead she said, "I'm going to get to the bottom of this." She balanced herself on the railing, readying her stance to jump onto the opposing one.

"Princess Zelda!" Link yelled at her. Tetra froze before rotating around to look at him. Her eyes were wide and her face shone in a combination of disbelief and offense.

"I told you never to call me that," she stated flatly, jumping down from the railing. He knew she hated being called Zelda in comparison to Tetra, and that's exactly why he did it. It was the only way he could think to grab her attention. He knew now that she hated being referred to as a princess, because she felt so much weaker, lacked so much confidence when she had to be Zelda instead of the fierce pirate captain, Tetra.

"I know," Link said. "But New Hyrule will need you, Zelda, not this."

Her glare softened, but she turned away from him nonetheless. Her mind was set. She was about to climb back up onto the railing when Link's voice froze her in place once more. "Tetra, please don't go up there."

After a long pause, she muttered, "I have to do this." And with that, she stood on the railing, her eyes burning with resolve and a strong will, and she leaped up onto the Ghost Ship. Link stood there staring at where she had landed on the other ship, but no longer capable seeing her. The other ship was taller, and the fog veiled what was going on.

Niko came up beside Link. "Maybe it's not dangerous…?"

"Pray to Din it's not," Link replied. After a few moments of nothing happening, he turned and walked away from the Ghost Ship. "Zuko," he called up to the pirate in the crow's nest. "Can you see what's happening over there?"

"No," Zuko responded, peering through his telescope. "There's too much fog."

"Alright," Link muttered to himself. He pulled the Gossip Stone out of his pocket. But before he was about to speak into it, a sudden burst of wind hit, extinguishing all the flames, except the Ghost Ship's blue ones. Just like that, the wind ceased once again, leaving the air feel void and lifeless, and leaving the Hero of Winds feeling useless.

Immediately after, the sky was illuminated by a large flash of lightning, followed by a piercing scream. An ear-splitting scream full of surprise, fear, and pain. A scream that belonged to Tetra.

The sinister ship began drifting forward again, now taking its leave. Niko could only watch, frozen in fear at what was happening. Mako rushed forward next to Niko, clutching a book. "Tetra's still on the ship!"

"Tetra!" Link screamed. He shoved the stone into his pocket and sprinted for the Ghost Ship, not bothering to grab his sword and not caring at all what would happen to him, only registering Tetra's scream and hearing it echo repeatedly around in his head. The Ghost Ship was about to leave them behind, but that didn't stop Link, however, as he leaped over the railing. In his desperation to reach the ship, he didn't think to use the railing as a step, simply leaping over it and catching that of the other ship.

The wood of Ghost Ship was moldy and decaying, crumbling in his hold. He began pulling himself up, not caring that their own ship was now left behind them in the fog. He found a foothold and was about to throw himself onto the ship's deck.

Then he felt a cold, dead breath down his neck, and looked up and found himself face to face with glowing yellow eyes and a smile full of razor sharp teeth. He yelled and jerked back, losing his grip on the ship. And then he fell. Fell away from the Ghost Ship and away from Tetra.

Seconds later, he crashed into the icy sea. The black water enveloping him like Death's blanket, threatening to suffocate him as he sank deeper and deeper.

And then he lost consciousness.

A/N: So how did I do? I tried to make the Ghost Ship seem as scary and intimidating as possible... And Link has such rotten birthdays. Also, Link's age in Wind Waker hasn't ever been officially announced, but it was always my own personal belief that he was 12.

Anyway, thanks so much to those of you who reviewed! Even the simplest 'good job' from you guys motivates me into getting a jump start into the next chapter. It seriously does help a ton! So thank you!

Okay, what to leave you guys with?... How about a story shout-out:

What Makes a Hero by Selphie Kinneas 175! That's seriously like my favorite story of all time. She is such an amazing writer and is a huge inspiration for me, not to mention that just as an individual, she's super awesome. Twilight Princess is my absolute favorite Zelda game and she truly does it justice. There's incredible character development, realistic thought-processes, great detail, and epic action scenes. It is such a wonderful read and I completely recommend it to anyone and everyone!

Au revoir, mes amis!