Hey readers! Yay! I've got over (doublechecks stats) over 250 hits in this story! Yay! A special thatnks to Lekki12 for the reviews, and to those of you who haven't reviewed, please do! Today's guest is...Tanner! (Tanner poofs into the room)
Tanner: Oh no...Moriko warned me about this...
Me: Don't worry...Lekki jsut wants to know if you're really trying to be such a jerk, that's all.
Tanner: What? I'm not a jerk...Anyway, I'm certainly not a jerk in this chapter!
Me: That's what they always say...(sigh) Now say the disclaimer!
Tanner: The Wing Alchemist doesn't own anyone except for Moriko, myself, Taiki, Kaiser, as well as the minor characters you've never heard of. Good?
Me: Tanner's a good boy!
Chapter 8: The Cave
Moriko awoke to something soft tickling her face, making her sneeze loudly. Slowly, she opened her eyes to see morning light seeping through the tan curtains, painting the walls a light brown. She sat up, knocking her head against something hard above her. She opened her eyes fully to see Tanner standing over her with an unhappy Taiki in his hand.
"Good morning, Moriko," Tanner said, standing up straight with a smile. "Care to explain why I'm in your room?"
Moriko opened her mouth to speak, but shut it upon realizing what he was insinuating. Turning bright red, she stood up and pushed him towards the door.
"Okay, you're better! Now get out!"
"What? Was it someth-"
"Shut up! Get out, you jerk!"
"What'd I do?!"
"GET OUT!" she shrieked, pushing him through the door and into the hallway. She slammed it before he could blink and locked it, fanning her overheating face with her hand.
"Navi?" she called.
"What?" the fairy said, watching her from her position on the bedpost.
"Why's he such a jerk?"
Navi lifted off and flew to her friend, landing on her head.
"Well, I don't really know. The only boy I was really around was Link, and he was adorably thoughtful. Always helping people out without any care for his own wellbeing." Navi laughed. Moriko looked at her left hand, flexed her fingers, then clenched them into a fist.
"Time to go," Moriko said stubbornly. Navi froze at the look on Moriko's face. That look was the look of determination. She'd seen that so many times on Link's face that she'd grown fond of it. Now, seeing that very same look on this girl's face, Navi felt her own courage rising.
Moriko grabbed her bag and emptied it on the bed, sorting through her things until she found a spare undershirt and Laura's gift, the grass flute. She quickly changed, attached and looped the thin reed's cord around her neck, playing a few notes before grabbing her sword and running out the door. She didn't even pause in front of the bar when she yelled, "I'll be back later, Roland!" She just kept running until she was at the village gate. The only stop she really made was to unite a girl and her teddy bear, so she made good time.
The man she was going to help was already there, leaning on one of the posts. He looked worried until she came up the hill. He strode over to her, motioning for her to follow him.
"This way. It's just a short distance to the cave. I saw him go in there just this morning."
"So I just go in and bring him back out?"
"Yes, yes," the man said. "Just go in and find him. I'm not exactly sure how far the cave goes, but just take the right path first."
Moriko nodded, her grip on her sword tightening with every step. She was scared, that's for sure, but she had to do this. She'd promised the man that she'd help him, and she couldn't break her word. Her pride wouldn't let her.
After a bit a walking, they reached the cave. The entrance was dark, even though the sunlight illuminated the area. Moriko felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked to see the man holding out a bottle of yellow liquid and a lantern.
"It's dark in there, so take this," he said. Moriko took it and lit it, holding it towards the darkness. It retreated from the extra light.
"I'll be back soon," she said, walking into the darkness. The man smiled once she was out of sight, swallowed by the deep black.
"Of course," he whispered, smiling wickedly.
--
Tanner groaned as he made his way out of the town, annoyed by the two fairies flying around him.
"We have to find her!" Navi yelled frantically. "She'll do something stupid on her own! Oh Goddesses, she might be killed!"
Taiki was in a stunned silence, perched on Tanner's shoulder.
"How'd you lose her, Navi? She was with you, then she just ran out of the room?" Tanner asked, attempting to calm her down.
"Yes, yes! That's all that happened! I had my back turned while she was changing and when I looked back, she was gone and the door was open! ARGH, I can't believe this!" she cried, jingling angrily. Tanner sighed.
"Did she have anything to do today?"
"I don't know! She never talked to anyone while I was around! Though I was half asleep when she was making her way to the village. Argh! How far could a blonde girl with a sword get?!"
"Excuse me," someone said behind them. They all turned to see a little redhead girl, holding onto a small teddy bear. "Are you looking for that blonde girl? She helped me find my teddy bear."
"Do you know where she went?" Navi asked, flying down to the little girl. The girl stared at Navi with intense amazement, her mouth hanging open.
"A fairy! I've only seen them in books! Are you a friend of that girl's?"
"Yes, I look after her. Where is she?!"
"She met a man at the gate and headed south. My parents said there was a cave down there, but no one goes near it. I heard something scary is there."
Navi felt the color fade from herself at the thought of Moriko going there. She'd most likely be killed. Farore and to other Goddesses were busy trying to find Ganondorf. They wouldn't know about this in time.
Tanner gripped his sword, thinking different thoughts. That cave was probably where his criminal was. He had to find out.
"Thanks for the tip, kid," he said. The little girl nodded and ran off, as did Tanner and the fairies.
--
Moriko kept a hand on the wall for stability as she made her way deeper and deeper into the cave. She had the feeling she was being followed, but she knew there was no other way out except the way she'd come. There hadn't been a right turn anywhere. Had that man been lying? Why would someone do that? She shook off that thought and doubled her pace, holding the lantern out farther in front of her.
Before long, she stumbled onto a stone stairwell. It spiraled downward and out of the light of her lantern, which was casting menacing shadows on the stairs. She followed them downward until they flattened out, opening up into a large area about 100 feet across and spherical, though the floor was flat. There were markings in ancient Hylian carved all the way around the room with pictures above them. Moriko held her lantern high and turned, starting to read the wall. She gently brushed the dust and dirt off the pictures and words, squinting in the soft light.
"Evils came and evils rose,
Spreading dark and dusk.
Those who fought were overcome
Killed by darkness' might.
Sought by them, the ones of black.
The ones of gold were great in
Strength, Wisdom, and Courage untold.
Each given to three
Who's hearts desires were akin to theirs.
The powers would be separated,
To hide among the living.
Power was corrupted, over and over.
Wisdom was captured, again and again.
Courage vanquished evil, time and again.
This is how the Triforce lives
This is how history repeats.
The Triforce gives to those who ask
This is how the world will last.
Tainted by the gold."
Moriko shuddered at the ancient carvings. She was only halfway around the room now, but her mind was begging her to turn and run. Run far and fast. Never come back. She shook away those thoughts and continued down the side.
"One would gather the shattered pieces.
One would save the sleeping princess.
One would enter the dark tower.
One would awaken the sleeping Fish.
One would save the land with the harp.
One would save the world with the seasons.
One would save the ocean blue.
One would be split into four.
One would save the his land and
the land of the moon.
One would save the smallest ones.
One would save the twilight's ruler.
All of them would save the land
with righteous faith and sword in hand.
Though last would be near failure.
Scared of past and pained by future.
The last knows naught of their destiny.
Clouded by naivety.
They will meet those who seek their fate.
Those who want what they will take.
When sacred items are gathered again
And darkness descends upon the land,
They will obtain the sword to ward off evil,
Though they will not want it.
Innocents will die.
Friends will cry.
And black will descend upon the land.
Moriko's finger trembled over the last words. The last hero was going to fail. The land was doomed to fall into the dark. She needed to find them, and fast. If they awakened soon, then she'd have to talk some sense into them.
She turned to go, but was stopped as her lantern went out.
"Aw crud," she grumbled, digging for the bottle of lantern oil in her bag. She slid her fingers over the lantern until she found the spot for the oil. She poured it in, watching the fire flicker back to life. She stood up and began walking towards the exit, but she stopped after two steps. Leaning in the doorway, grinning as usual, was Kaiser.
"Oh, come on!" she yelled at the ceiling, her voice reverberating in the enclosed room.
--
Tanner, Taiki, and Navi flew over the hills of Hyrule Field as fast as their wings, and legs, would carry them. Tanner's mouth was set in a grim line, a certain fairy chattering angrily in the teen's ear.
"Come on! Can't you run any faster?!"
"Well, I can if you'd shut up! I can't concentrate when you're shrieking in my ear!" As Tanner and Navi argued, Taiki was flying as fast as he could, getting higher and higher until he spotted the cave.
"I found it!" he yelled, zipping off in its direction. Tanner and Navi immediately went silent, chasing him down until they were at the cave mouth. Navi glowed brighter as she entered the darkness, saving Tanner the trouble of finding his lantern. They ignored the warning feeling in their guts and ran inside, becoming fearful for Moriko.
--
Moriko stood in place, glaring venomously at Kaiser. He was dressed in black, but this time he had no armor on. Only a sword on his back and a smirk on his face.
"Lovely to see you too, Moriko. How've you been since we last fought?"
"Been better, though I have to ask, is this going to become a regular thing? Us fighting and dueling in every new place I visit?"
Kaiser threw his head back and laughed loudly. Moriko wanted to hit him really hard right then, but he disappeared, reappearing behind her.
"You silly girl. I need to know how strong you're getting. It's just a curiosity," he whispered. She twisted around and jumped back, drawing her sword. It felt heavy in her hands again, just as it had been when he'd possessed Tanner.
"Stay away from me, Kaiser," she spat. He smirked, closing his eyes.
Moriko found herself flying backwards as soon as he opened them. She was slammed into the wall and fell painfully to the floor. Something warm trickled down her shoulder as she propped herself up on her uninjured arm. The other felt broken. She saw her sword a few yards away, glinting in the light of her lantern, which Kaiser was placing in the middle of the room.
"You're so weak. It's almost pitiful. If only you'd been born a boy, like your parents wanted."
Moriko ignored him and launched herself at her sword. Kaiser saw her move and flicked his finger at the blade, watching it skid out of her hand. He smirked and strode over to her, flaunting his powers even more. He was about to strike at her unprotected back when a shout rang out from above.
"Moriko! Hang on, Moriko! We're coming!"
Moriko looked up at the voice, recognizing it. It was Taiki. She staggered upright and jumped back to her sword, scooping it up in her left hand. Her hand felt warm as strength flooded through her, giving her the will needed to stand and fight. She held her sword in front of her, watching Kaiser glare at her.
"Don't fight. You'll only get hurt."
"I have to. I need to fight to help the kingdom. If I don't fight, I'm not fit to help the hero awaken." She gripped her sword in both hands. "People need me to be strong. So I will fight!"
Kaiser drew his sword, a sick looking saber with a bronze-wrought hilt. He twirled it in his fingers, shaking his head.
"You should've backed down," he whispered. She huffed and spread her legs apart, remembering the steps Link had shown her in her lessons. Kaiser came at her with a fast combo then jumped back as she swung her sword at him. She needed to be faster. She ran at Kaiser, ignoring her screaming arm, and brought her sword down in a series of blows that rang through the cavern like a bell.
Tanner and the fairies entered, illuminating the area with the glow of pure light. Kaiser grimaced, allowing Moriko to slash her sword across his chest and face. Her sword bit deeply into his chest, though her slash at his face left only a thin streak of blood on his pale skin.
"Ugh! You actually hit me…," Kaiser gasped out, pain radiating along the gash. "You won't best me again, girl! Not with this prophecy in motion! It will happen!" He disappeared again, only this time, he didn't reappear. Moriko sighed and fell to her knees, her sword loose in her hands. She felt extremely weak, but awake enough to feel the pain in her shoulder and side. Tanner ran to her as the fairies flew over head, their attention going from Moriko to the walls.
"What the hell happened here, Moriko?!" Navi jingled angrily. Moriko just sat there as Tanner opened a bottle, allowing a fairy to escape. It floated there for a minute, then began circling Moriko. Her wounds healed in the blink of an eye, though there were still small bruises where she'd been hit. When she had enough strength, she stood and leaned on Tanner, who was entranced with the walls.
"What is this?" he asked no one in particular. Navi answered.
"It's a carving from long ago, sealed by the ancients. These pictures have every single instance with the Triforce known to the world on here. It practically lists the heroes that were and are to be."
"Well, almost every instance. Some of it's been worn away, along with that gaping hole in the wall."
"My fault," Moriko said. Her voice was raspy, and she was tired, but she needed to stay awake.
"Did Kaiser do this?" Navi asked, flying down to her.
"No, I did that. Kaiser may have knocked me backwards, but I crashed against the wall."
Taiki flew down and landed on her shoulder, his light wavering.
"I'm tired…can we go?" he asked. Moriko was about to nod when Navi began jingling angrily.
"Hey! Let me get another look at this!" she shouted, her voice echoing in the large room. She flew around the room slowly, memorizing each individual picture with keen interest. She had to talk to the light spirits about this. No doubt they would know something about this.
She faltered over the last part and ran her eyes over it again. It was the listing of the heroes. There might have been a few missing, but that didn't matter. The carvings said that the last hero would be close to failure. Scared of what was to come. That made it sound as if the next hero was doomed to fail. How awful.
"We need to find the hero, before he awakens!" Navi shouted, rejoining the group. Taiki nodded and guided the group's way out of the cavern. It seemed shorter this time to Moriko, but she'd been slightly paranoid the first time through. Moriko leaned on Tanner slightly, though she kept as much distance between them as possible.
Twilight filtered into the cave, blinding everyone. It had gotten later than they'd expected. Once they emerged from the cave mouth, they collapsed in the soft grass. Tanner took out a red potion and passed it to Moriko, who sipped it slowly. It was warm to the touch, but it was cool as it went down her throat. She sighed and handed it back to Tanner. He reached out, his fingers brushing over the triangles on her hand.
"How long have you had this scar?" he asked. Moriko sat there, silently staring at her hand in his. It was warm. Not like when she was holding her father's hand when she was little. This feeling was odd.
"I'm not sure…I just saw it…a few days ago…about a week before I left, I think."
Tanner opened his mouth to say something, but a dark figure approached them, stopping just twenty feet away.
"I assume you didn't find my things?" the man asked. It was the man that had hired Moriko, though something was different about him. His face was grim, sort of tight. Moriko stood up, feeling better now that the red potion had taken its effect on her.
"I'm sorry, but there was only one path in there. And the end of it was empty. You're thief must be elsewhere."
The man crossed his arms over his chest, sighing and shaking his head. Moriko could've sworn she'd seen a smirk flit across his face in the fading light of the sun.
"That's too bad. I guess I'll have to keep looking. I'll just head back to Hyrule Castle Town."
The man turned to go when Tanner unsheathed his sword, pointing it at the man's back.
"Elrond Marl! You are hereby under arrest for the crime of stealing from Hyrule Castle! Come quietly and without resistance, or I will use force!"
The man was the picture of shock as he turned and faced Tanner. His eyes bulged as he saw the sword glinting in the last light of day.
"How'd you know it was me?" he whispered. Tanner smirked.
"That scar over your eye. I personally saw to that."
Elrond seemed to swell with rage, his face turning purple.
"I knew I saw you in Kakariko! Well, you'll just have to catch me if you want me to go!"
With that, he turned on his heel and sprinted away, up and over the hilltop. Tanner cursed and ran after him, scolding himself for not tying Elrond up with the rope in his bag when he'd had the chance. He was losing the guy, and all because he'd tried to impress Moriko.
While Tanner was running after the man, Moriko was standing in a stunned silence. The man that she'd met was a liar and a thief. She'd been naïve to Elrond's true thoughts. He'd taken advantage of her kindness and tried to scam her into getting something.
But what was that something?
"Moriko! Wake up! Tanner needs help!" Navi shouted in her ear. Moriko snapped back to reality and racked her brain for an idea. She got one.
Pulling out the whistle Laura had given her, she played a few notes. She watched for Meryl to come galloping her way, but what she got was a hawk. It flew down and flapped its wings so it was hovering in front of her, awaiting her command. Moriko sighed and ran up the hill. The hawk followed and listened carefully as Moriko explained what she wanted it to do. It cried out shrilly and flapped its mighty wings until it was about thirty feet up. It locked onto the man Moriko had described and dive-bombed him. The hawk's beak rammed into the base of Elrond's neck, temporarily paralyzing him. Elrond fell down hard and was promptly knocked out. Tanner was by him in seconds, tying a thick cord around him. Moriko joined him at the base of the hill, along with Navi and Taiki.
"Great job, Tanner," Moriko said, trying to catch her breath. Tanner grinned as he finished the knot.
"Thanks, though if it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have caught him. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Moriko said, blushing slightly. Navi and Taiki perched themselves on her shoulders, yawning.
"Well, if you're all done here, I'd like to go back to the village. I know you're all tired," she grumbled. Taiki attempted to nod, but only succeeded in rocking himself off his perch. Moriko caught him and kept him in her hand. He wasn't awake enough to keep himself from falling again.
The group made their way back to the village, just in time to get in before they shut the gate. Tanner dropped Elrond off at the small prison and went back to the inn, ready to collapse. Moriko stayed outside, soaking her feet in the spring. The fairies surrounded her, quickly tending to the last of her injuries. Tael and Tatl joined them after a while, though they were arguing about something.
"No, I don't know what it's like to be eaten, Tael! Stop asking!"
"You do too! You were bragging about having escaped some kind of huge fairy eating creature a few nights ago! I heard you!!"
"For the last time, Tael, I don't know! Sheesh!" Tatl shrieked. She looked at Moriko and brightened. "Hey, Moriko. How's the adventure going?"
"I just got scammed, if that's what you wanted to know."
Tael began asking every question you could possibly associate with that topic, eventually driving Moriko, Navi, and even the sleeping Taiki, away.
Once safely in their room, all three of them collapsed onto the bed, instantly falling asleep. Navi and Taiki dreamt of returning to the forest and seeing their friends again, but Moriko was restless. She tossed and turned until, around midnight, she finally drifted off.
W00T! This is probably one of my favorite chapters! This one came so wasily to, it was scary. Anyhoo, thanks for reading, and I hope to see you next chapter! (which will be up something this week...maybe Friday) Hasta la vista...readers! XD