Hello hello, dear readers!I am happy to say that...well, I'm not exactly all that happy...what was I going to say?

Moriko: Uh...That you're happy to give them chapter 17? That you just reached 850 hits since last night, when it was 800?

Me: Well, yeah but...oh I don't know...but I am happy about a few things! One, I just watched a few of the new Avatar episodes, and I have to say that I find the new Zukko to ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE! I mean, I just about keeled over when he said "Hey, Zukko here." I mean seriously! Who would say that?!

Moriko: Uh...I don't know. Dear readers, I'm sorry to say that the Wing Alchemist has officially gone off the deep end.

Me: When was I not?

Moriko: Good point...well, she's just been going a little...oh forget it. She's gone nuts, the ending of the story is at stake, and...well, how would you feel if you were couped up in an apartment for around 23 hours a day?

Me: (keeled over)

Moriko: Aw nuts! Just when we had her conscious! Medic! We need a fairy!

Taiki: Please enjoy the chapter! Poof poof! X3 You're gonna hate her later for it!

Chapter 17: Hyrule Castle Town

Moriko spent the next morning eating breakfast with the Zora kids. She'd practically become their babysitter, even though they were obviously in their preteen years. She enjoyed having them talk to her, and before anyone knew it, they'd all become fast friends. Even Taro, who was 'too macho', was a friend. He practiced a bit of hand to hand fighting with Moriko, and even went so far as to teach her the basics. It had been funny to see Moriko get thrown into the water, and it was even funnier when she'd thrown Taro himself into the water. He'd dunked her for that, and everyone had somehow ended up in the water. They played underwater tag until the older Zoras told them to knock it off.

They all settled on floating near the cliffs, blissfully relaxed.

"So, will you come back to visit?" Runa asked.

"Of course I will. And I'll bring my little cousin. He's only ten, but he's the most angelic child you could ever meet." Moriko grinned at the thought of Gabe meeting the Zoras. "By the way, I have to get him something. A little gift of sorts. What should I get?"

"Hmm…you could try the Zora Shop. They carry everything a Zora could need."

Moriko pondered the idea for a bit, then grinned.

"Do they sell Zora tunics?"

"Yeah."

"I'll get that, then. I'll be right back."

Moriko flipped over and swam over to the far cliff, her eyes set on the store. She would get Gabe a Zora tunic. Then he could join her and the Zoras in the water.

She treaded water as the shop owner greeted her with a large smile and dark blue eyes.

"Welcome, Moriko. I must thank you for saving my daughter, Runa. She's never done anything like that before. I don't know what came over her." Moriko did. "Anyway, help yourself to anything in the store. It's the least I can do."

"I want to get a Zora tunic for my cousin. He's only ten."

The Zora woman nodded, then bent down below the counter. When she stood up, she had a small tunic in her hands.

"This one should do nicely. It should fit him, since the fabric stretches and shrinks to whatever size you are."

"Thank you. How much?"

"Free, dear. It's payment for your help."

"But I insist. At least let me pay for half."

The Zora woman took in the look on Moriko's face as a sign of defeat. She accepted the money, but threw in a bottle of red potion as well. Moriko accepted it gratefully, considering she'd drained her last bottle of red potion in the shrine. Runa's mother wished her a safe journey as the girl walked along the dry stretch of land back to her bag. She placed the items inside it and dove back into the water, rejoining her friends.

"And the heroine returns," Taro said, waving his hands in the air. Moriko dunked him and the water war began again. Everyone was involved, and no one was safe. Not even the other Zoras, who quickly escaped the onslaught of the competitive teens. But the fun was not to last. As Moriko returned to her bag, she saw the Harp of Ages on top, reminding her of her journey. She sighed sadly, but kept her sadness hidden.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go now," she said after everyone had emerged from the water. Shun joined her, facing the group.

"I'll take her back to where I found her."

"Wait…," Runa said. "Didn't you say you had to get to Lake Hylia? Why don't we escort you down the river, then bring you back here?"

Moriko mentally smacked her palm to her forehead, then grinned.

"Of course! I'll get my work done, and you'll get to see Lake Hylia! But you have to ask first."

"Done," Taro said with a smirk. The others threw him glares as they swam off to their parents, already devising ways of asking them for permission. Unsurprisingly, each parent said it was okay, as long as they stuck close to Moriko, who was happy to oblige. As long as she could spend more time her friends.

They struck out of Lake Hylia immediately, allowing the river's current to pull them down the river. It was an easy journey, since the river was calm again. The Zora's distress had been eased, and peace had returned to the lake. The Zora children were amazed by the beauty of the pristine water. To them, it was like a whole new world. They wanted to explore every inch of it, but they had promised their parents they'd stay with Moriko.

Moriko led them to the spirit's cave, where they waited for the light spirit to appear.

When Lanayru appeared, every Zora was awed by the light and power emanating from it. Lanayru sighed and slithered to Moriko, who held the Harp of Ages in her hands.

"I see you have the harp. Very good. I shall return it to its true form now." Lanayru lifted its head, as Eldin had done, and melded the harp into a sphere of light. When the light dispersed, the harp was even more beautiful than it had been. One side was pink, while the other blue, and it had six strings, one each for the delicate keys laid into the bottom. A bright blue gem decorated the top, the color of Nayru's hair. It was incredible.

Moriko held out her hands as the harp drifted back to her. It fit neatly into her hands, as if it had been made for her. She plucked a string, and the sound it made was absolutely heavenly.

"Beware the powers of the Harp of Ages, Moriko. The power to control time is a fearsome responsibility, and those before you have abused that power. It is the same as the Rod of Seasons. Do not use it freely and without sense."

"Of course," Moriko said, bowing her head. "Where is the last item?"

"The last item was taken from its place long ago. It was kept by the Goddess Farore until the last hero left this world. After that, she knew it would no longer be safe with her, so she gave it to the Hyrulian royal family." Lanayru coiled itself around the ball of light, as if keeping to it for warmth. "After that, the king himself had kept it hidden in the last place anyone would ever look. It is still there, I hope for the sake of the world."

"As do I. Do you know when the hero will awaken?"

The light spirit closed its eyes for a few minutes, then opened them slowly. "The hero has awakened, and he will arrive at Hyrule Castle today at noon. You must reach Hyrule Castle before then."

"I will. You have my word."

Lanayru nodded and disappeared without another word, leaving behind thin wisps of light. Moriko turned to the Zoras, who looked like they were in shock; their mouths were hanging open and everything. Moriko clapped her hands, bringing everyone out of their daze.

"I have to go, my friends, so will you please escort me back to Zora's Domain?"

"Of course," Shun said. Everyone nodded in agreement, and they made their way out of the cavern. Moriko plucked a few more strings of the harp as they neared the river, and when they reached it, she put it away and dove in. She gripped Runa and Shun's hands as they pulled her back up the river. It took longer, since they were going against the current, but they made it before noon, which was great time.

Moriko said her goodbyes, and was answered with cheers and shouts of encouragement from the entire area. She felt her heart bursting with happiness as the volume increased. The Zora King requested to see the Harp of Ages, which Moriko held up for everyone to see. She told them that the hero had awakened, and once that was over, she'd come back to visit. The cheers were so loud that Moriko's ears were ringing until she began her swim back to the fishing hole. Shun escorted her, as the king ordered him to, and when they were in the fishing hole, they were greeted by Tammie's grinning face.

"Hello, Tammie! We're back!" Moriko said. Tammie grinned at her, then looked at Shun expectantly. He and Moriko pulled themselves onto the docks, where they sat for a bit.

"Yes, Tammie. Moriko did save us. I'll tell you later, but right now, she has to go see the king."

Tammie tilted her head to the side in a questioning manner.

"No, not the Zora King," Shun said with a grin. "The King of Hyrule!"

Tammie jumped up and down excitedly, her smile going from ear to ear. Helen shook her head.

"Tammie," she said with a laugh, "I don't think Moriko will be able to take you there to meet the princess." Tammie's shoulders slumped and she heaved a big sigh, but she was better in a flash. She bounced on her heals, staring at Shun.

"Sure, I'll tell you what happened. But right now, I have to say goodbye to Moriko."

Tammie's face instantly fell, and she ran straight at Moriko, locking her arms around her neck.

"Promise you'll come back?"

"I promise…," Moriko said absentmindedly. It took her a minute to register what had just happened. "Tammie?! Did you just?!"

"I spoke into you mind," Tammie's voice said, echoing in Moriko's ears as if it had been truly said aloud. Moriko hugged Tammie tightly, grinning.

"Thank you, Tammie! I'll make sure to come back to see you!"

Tammie let go of Moriko and stepped back a few feet, smiling.

"Until we meet again," she spoke softly. Moriko nodded, then looked to Helen, who was about to cry.

"I'll miss you, Helen. Take care, and next time I come, I want to learn how to fish."

"C-can do!" she said, stifling a sob. Shun stepped towards Moriko, his hand held out.

"You kept your promise, so I'll make one for you. I promise I'll watch over the Zoras until my brother is better. That is my promise to you."

"Good, but stay a kid a little longer," she said, taking his hand.

"Right." He looked at the ground for a second, then smiled. "It may seem silly, but I'm really glad I met you."

"Same here, Shun. Take care of everyone, and don't let anyone push you around."

Shun sniffed and nodded. It was painful to see Moriko go, but she was a good friend, and she'd come back again.

Moriko left with a wave, closing the door securely behind her. She was happy she'd met new people, and they were really nice, but she was sad to go.

She walked up to Meryl, who was munching on some grass around the sign. Moriko called to her and watched her horse trot to meet her, urging her to get on her back. She did with a sort of stiffness that comes around when you haven't ridden for a few days. She ached all over, but she'd work those out once she stretched or something.

She made a quick stop at the "clown house", just to say hello and see how they were doing. They were happy to see her, and when she showed them the Harp of Ages, they almost keeled over. They were amazed by the item. It was light, but sturdy, and the strings were perfectly sized. It was a work of art, as Hiroshi had put it.

She spent about an hour there, then headed east, back to the southern Hyrule Plain. It was bright, and the light was comforting, unlike the cold murkiness of the Shrine of Sentinel. She traveled at a steady speed, making sure Meryl wasn't overworked, and kept watch for any detours. If she was caught up in one more thing, she was certain she wouldn't make it. It was already well past noon.

Soon the trees began disappearing, and Moriko found herself completely surrounded by open plains. The tall grasses waved in the breeze like waves of water, shimmering in the sunlight. Flocks of birds flew north before circling around and flying the length of the field again. Moriko urged Meryl into a gallop, reaching Hyrule Castle Town within a few hours. She was either really lucky, or something bad was going to happen. Her luck always seemed to work that way.

She got down off Meryl and led her to the stables just inside the city walls, crossing a bridge to get there. She handed Meryl's reins off to the stable boy and walked into the city. The number of people was a shock, but the design of the city was what really stunned her.

The city was large in size, allowing many people to live there. Shops were set up in street like the market in Kakariko, except this one was enormous! Every shop had something different, and everyone was shouting their wares to the sky, describing whatever they had in stock. It was like Zora's Domain all over again. Moriko's ears were ringing as she searched for an inn. She had to stop to ask directions numerous times, because she had yet to get herself a map of the city. She should've asked the stable boy where an inn was. Eventually she decided to leave that for later and headed for the castle.

She was focused on giving the items to the king, but there was something else nagging her. Her hand wandered to the sword at her side. The sheath was smooth and cold, but the memories burned in the back of her mind. The memories of her father made it almost impossible for her not to bump into people.

She took a seat on the edge of the fountain in the main square for a second, pinching the bridge of her nose. She was feeling strange, like she was getting cold feet or something. A part of her wanted to meet her father, but the other half wanted to turn and run for home. To forget she'd ever been here. Her drive was at a standstill with the feeling, and that prevented her from getting up.

She pulled her sword partly out of its sheath and looked at her reflection. She looked tired, there were slightly dark circles under her blue eyes, and her hair was in disarray. She took out her brush and undid her braid, running the course fibers through her hair until it was at least presentable. She swiftly braided it again and pulled her bag over her shoulder. She gripped the sheath of her sword for strength, then made her way up the castle steps.

She was almost to the castle doors when the guards stopped her, crossing their spears in front of her.

"State your business, young lady," one said, looking at her with indifferent eyes.

"I'm here to give the king the Sacred Items of the Goddesses."

"Really? Show us the items."

"Fine, one second." Moriko pulled her bag off and dug through it. Much to her surprise, Navi and Taiki popped out, extremely angry.

"YOU FREAKIN' BURIED US IN YOU BAG, MORIKO!! You NITWIT!" Navi shrieked, calling attention to them. Taiki shook with silent rage. Moriko's eyes went wide. She'd totally forgotten that Navi and Taiki had been sleeping in her bag!

"I'm so sorry you guys! I'll make it up to you, but look! We're in Hyrule Castle Town!"

Both fairies looked around, surprised, then turned on Moriko with intense glares.

"That doesn't make up for it!! You owe us big time!" Navi shouted. Moriko sighed and took out the Rod of Seasons and the Harp of Ages. The guards did a double take when they saw the fairies coupled with the sacred items, and immediately moved out of the way.

"You may go inside. Please wait by the main stairwell as a messenger is sent to the king," the guard said, bowing his head. Moriko put the items away and went inside, Navi and Taiki following her closely.

They were in the courtyard now. Moriko gaped at the statue in the center of the area. It was a statue of the first hero and Princess Zelda. Their faces were immaculate in the midday sunshine. The legendary Master Sword was carved so it pierced the ground at their feet. Every inch of the statues was detailed, right down to the seams on the princess' dress. They held up the Triforce, which glowed with the sun's light. It must've been made of crystal.

Moriko followed the part around it and noticed a group of soldiers standing by a door on the left side of the castle. They glanced at her and continued their conversation, but on did a double take, continuing to stare at her as she averted her eyes and headed towards the big double doors. Moriko felt odd as the man continued to stare, but made no attempt to gain her attention.

The guards allowed her inside and directed her to stay inside the first room, close to the stairwell. She nodded and made her way into the foyer, her eyes unable to stay on one thing for too long. Her gaze darted from the beautiful architecture to the pictures hanging on the wall. On one side, there were pictures of the past Links, all blonde and fierce looking. The other side had the pictures of the Princess Zeldas that had been with the heroes. They were all beautiful, even though a few were barely in their teen years. The last one looked to be about twenty, and her blue grey eyes projected a dignified manner that belonged to a queen.

"Wow…it didn't take you long to get here," a familiar voice said. Moriko tensed, then turned around. She mouthed 'Oh…my…God!'

Standing a few feet away, dressed in the garb of an off duty knight, was Tanner, of all people!

Moriko stared at him, her mouth agape, until he finally pushed it back into place, smirking.

"Still just as naïve, I see."

Her mood went from surprised to angry in a flash. She pushed his hand away, glaring.

"You've come to apologize?" she asked. He frowned, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Oh calm down. Sheesh, you women are so-" He stopped when he saw Moriko's fist fly at him from the side. He stepped back and caught it, gripping it tightly. "Sorry. I forgot you're against sexist remarks. My apologies, my lady."

Moriko relaxed her hand, and Tanner let it drop. He turned and walked away, then looked back at her expectantly. "Are you coming?"

"I'm waiting to see the king."

Tanner sighed, then looked at her with an exasperated look plastered on his face. "Why else would I talk to you?"

Moriko flushed at his reply, then followed him up the stairs, stunned into complete silence. Navi and Taiki, who'd been hiding in Moriko's collar, flew out and greeted Tanner with warm smiles.

"Tanner! Great to see you again!"

"Nice to see you too, Navi, Taiki. How've you been?"

Navi, ignorant of Moriko's constant glare, began listing off problems that had happened over the course of their journey after Death Mountain. Moriko ignored her fairy friend's rant and distracted herself by studying her surroundings. She memorized the way out of the castle, and also the different halls that connected to it. Right now, she wanted nothing more than a bath and some hot food. Her father could wait, and Tanner…well, he was busy socializing to talk to her.

She sighed and looked ahead, noticing Tanner had stopped walking and turned to look at her.

"What?" she asked. He simply shrugged.

"You've been sighing a lot, and it's a bit odd. You're usually more talkative."

"I've been through a lot since we last met."

"You mean like Zora's Domain. Navi told me you saved their heir. Quite a feat."

"For a girl?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"For anyone. Please tell me about it sometime."

Moriko rolled her eyes and walked beside him, easily keeping pace. "Sometime, but not now. It'd take too long." Tanner nodded, understanding that logic, and offered his arm to her. She hesitated, then placed her hand on his, allowing him to guide her the rest of the way to the throne room.

Wow! Tanner's back! What a crowd killer!

Moriko: (seething red with anger) You just had to bring him back...didn't you?

Me: Why, of course, Moriko darling! if I didn't bring him back, who would pick on you?

Moriko: (blushing madly) You could've made Link do that!

Me: But the Twilight Princess Link isn't a teasing sort of guy! He'll come back later, anyway, so you'll always have a guy with you!

Moriko: I'm gonna kill you!

Me: Have fun with that! I got my music going so there's no way you'll be able to do anything! Watch...I command you to dance! (clicks on track 88 of soundtrack)

Moriko: (dancing) Somebody shoot me!!

Me: I know you'll love the next chapter, readers, so keep in touch and stay tuned! (winks and joins Moriko's dance) A cookie to those who can spot the Doctor Who reference! XD