Hey guys, sorry for the long delay but life sorta caught up with me but I tried making up for it with a longer chapter! And we hit our first temple too so enjoy!
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Link sat stunned at what he just realized.
"But…but she's a goddess! How can something just kill a Goddess! That's insane!" exclaimed Link. Sheik was connecting the dots though.
"The source of this shadow…That's what killing Goddess Farore isn't it? What else could possibly be strong enough? That's why it wishes to be rid of Link. Because his bloodline houses a portion of her power that is most likely protecting her," said Sheik. Link looked up at him in astonishment.
"That is what I was thinking. Link's entire bloodline does house the Triforce's piece of Courage. Though only his reincarnation's can call forth its power. It is the one thing that Goddess Farore left behind once she ascended to the heavens with her sisters but the strange thing is…I don't sense any other imbalance…only the flow of life," said Woody thoughtfully.
"Does that even matter? A dysfunctional life cycle seems devastating enough to me," said Link as he held Saria when she crawled into in his lap. Sheik tapped his index finger against his chin in thought.
"It does matter, because if the flow of life is the only thing that is dysfunctional. That means Goddess Farore is the only one being attacked. If you remember, there are two other Goddess's Link. Though I doubt that they would help an enemy oppose their own sister when it obviously would hurt them in return, but then again…perhaps the Goddess's are simply not willing to deal with our constant mistakes anymore," said Sheik.
"Huh?" asked Link.
"I dearly hope your wrong, but you have a valid point…I image if one of The Three wished to do so, they could simply stop supplying the world with what it needs to survive," muttered Woody.
"I thought that maybe the Goddess's might grow tired of us ruining the world they spent so much time and effort making for us. Despite our best efforts, war has spread numerous times, as have betrayal, greed, and crime. Perhaps…nothing is happening to Goddess Farore. Maybe the Goddess's have decided as one that the world needs to start over and they are merely doing this one step at a time. Hence why the life cycle is the only thing that is imbalanced at the moment," said Sheik harshly. Saria looked at him with wide teary eyes.
"But why? Aren't we all their children? How can they just…destroy the world when we still live in it? We don't even get a warning?" asked Saria quietly.
"We've had plenty of warnings, but the vast majority of us don't learn from our mistakes. We just keep taking without giving in return," said Sheik.
"Wait a minute…if the Goddess's wish to…destroy the world or whatever, then why send that weird short guy after me? Why not just take my Piece of Courage and be done with it?" asked Link.
"I don't know. Maybe they can't oppose those who have a direct link to their power, so they must use alternate ways to take back what they have given you. Whatever the case, you will be in danger no matter the cause-" Sheik suddenly paused, his eyes widening.
"What?" asked Link.
"Goddess Nayru was the one that told me of my destiny…though I see no reason why she would send you help if she just planned to help destroy you later…what if the heavens are having just as much peace as we are? What would happen if the Goddess's turn on each other?" asked Sheik. Link sighed, running a hand through Saria's hair to calm her.
Wow…if we mortals can barely maintain peace, then what kind of chaos is happening up there?
"It does seem like a possibility. If there is one Goddess that is taking pity on us…well, that would definitely prolong any planned destruction they may have for us, because they must work as one to efficiently destroy this world and make another," said Woody. Link looked off to the side as he thought about what this meant to him.
Woody seems to know what he's talking about, and if Sheik is thinking along the same lines…but the thought of this destruction by the hands of The Three though…It feels wrong. My gut instinct has never failed me before so why doubt it now?
"Hey!" said Link sharply, making the conversation halt as Sheik and Woody turned their attention to him.
"He technically may have been a rebirth of me or whatever but I trust my big brothers judgment. He said to go awaken the sages so that's what I'm gonna do. Hell, maybe this shadow is the reason why the Goddess's might be fighting. Might as well eliminate all possible sources this problem may have," said Link. Sheik frowned, but saw reason behind his words. Besides, it's not like they can just march up to the heavens and ask why they are fighting.
"Your big brother?" asked Saria.
"Yeah. When I brought Sheik to get the Master Sword, it brought us somewhere else where we met the Hero of Time and Sheik's ancestor. He said he was known as big brother among the rest of us. It felt right so I went with it," said Link thoughtfully.
"You've been to the Sacred Realm? Did it look twisted or otherwise affected in anyway?" asked Woody. Link gave him a puzzled look.
"If you mean the place that the Master Sword sent us then no. It didn't look like anything was wrong with it," said Link. Sheik didn't know what it was supposed to look like so would have to just trust that Link would have noticed if it was different.
"Hmmm…the Scared Realm would have reflected any tension between the Three. If it was untouched and pure then whatever is happening to our world is something that the Goddess's are working together to prevent or support. With what we know, I would think that they are trying to prevent it though," said Woody.
"Anyway, you two best get some sleep if you wish to be fit to cleanse the Forest Temple tomorrow," said Woody. Sheik stood but waited as while Link held Saria for a few more moments. He smiled reassuringly as he wiped her tears away.
"Don't you worry. By this time tomorrow you will be dancing with the power of your temple. The only one that has something to worry about is whatever is messing with your temple. It'll never know what hit it until Sheiky and I come at it like a hurricane!" said Link with a grin. Saria sniffed and then giggled at his good nature.
"Be careful Link. We have no hope of survival should something happen to you," said Woody gravely. Link sighed.
Yeah, the world is always depending on me…I just hope I'm strong enough to pull through this time.
The hero stood with Saria and after they both waved to Woody, they left to head back to the village. The hero glanced down at the green haired girl in slight confusion.
I don't know this girl but I feel fiercely protective of her. It tears at my heart to see her in distress too. She must have meant a lot to the Hero of Time…
The Sheikah blinked, surprised. Link had never used that nickname for him in front of others before. He smiled softly, and then bowed to the huge tree guardian. He turned to follow Link and Saria up the path.
"I'm gonna go to Melissa's house now, so you guys can stay here and leave whenever you want in the morning. What do you guys want for breakfast tomorrow?" asked Saria they reached her house.
"I don't suppose you have anything normal like sausage or eggs?" asked Sheik.
"What are those?" asked Saria. Sheik sighed.
"Never mind. Whatever you provide will be much appreciated," muttered Sheik.
"I wouldn't mind some of those coco critters again, but maybe something hot? Whatever, there's not much I won't eat," said Link. He laughed along with Saria as Sheik gave him a dull look.
"We eat pretty much anything we can find in the forest, but sometimes the Skull Kid will bring us interesting food from outside," said Saria as they went inside her house.
"Humph, well you guys can trust what that little rascal gives you but I sure as hell won't. He'd probably give me chocolate covered rat turds and tell me its candy," muttered Link as he took the offered blanket that Saria handed him. She frowned at him before turning and giving a blanket to Sheik.
"He's only like that because he really likes you. You should have seen what he did to Mido last month," said Saria. She giggled as she recalled the memory.
"He jumped Mido and rubbed this weird smelling stuff in his hair. After a few minutes, it turned his hair bright blue! Birds wouldn't stop trying to nest in his hair for days. Then just before he left, he took all the rupees that Mido keeps in the several chests are in his house and replaced them with spiders! Mido is deathly afraid of spiders. I've never seen him run so fast! And those spiders must have been as big as my pinky," said Saria with a giggle. She then ran over to hug Link tightly. He smiled down at her when she stepped back.
Sheik was rather surprised when she walked over and wrapped him in a tight hug as well. He finally patted her back awkwardly.
"Don't worry. He'll come around. You'll just have to deal with his childish nature and thick headedness. If you're just as crafty like you were the last time, then you'll get him yet," whispered Saria to Sheik. She then walked toward the doorway and left after a final wave.
Link yawned then dropped right where he was and snuggled into his blanket.
He glanced up when he noticed Sheik hadn't moved yet and chuckled at the shocked expression in the Sheikah's eyes.
"What? Did Saria reveal a deep dark secret about you?" asked Link jokingly. Sheik spun to face him. His eyes were a mixture of different emotions, but he blinked and they were gone.
"It was nothing. We should get to bed," said Sheik. He then strode to a corner and sat against the wall and faced the doorway. He draped his blanket halfway over himself. Link frowned, and then turned to lean on his left elbow.
"Why are you sleeping way over there? Its more comfortable here on this rug than over there on the hard wooden floor," said Link. Sheik leaned back and closed his eyes.
"No, it will be easier to react to danger if I'm not laying on the floor," muttered Sheik. He opened his eyes slightly to peer at Link's pouting face.
"Not to mention being that close to you will most likely make me deaf by morning," muttered Sheik. Link smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry…Midna had a great deal to say about my snoring during our adventure," said Link. He lowered his eyes guiltily.
"I'll go sleep outside then. It's not like I haven't before. This village is protected by Woody also so I'll be fine," said Link. He then started to detach himself from his blanket, but was startled when Sheik was suddenly standing right next to him.
I didn't even hear him get up!
"That is not happening. This village is in middle of a dangerous forest that has monsters roaming at night and an endless maze to confound anyone who enter its depths in the morning…except if you're a native apparently. Anyway, it is very possible that you can fall victim to any of that regardless of who might be watching over this village. With my luck, it will happen the second you leave my sight. I will simply deal with it for now," said Sheik as he placed himself between Link and the doorway.
"That isn't fair. I can't just go to sleep when I know you might be up all night because of my snoring! What if you get hurt tomorrow by some savage monster because you were too tired to notice it stalking around a corner! I…I just…Din damn it! I don't know how Midna put up with it! She was always in my shadow or sleeping on my back as a wolf!" exclaimed Link as he sat up. Sheik sighed as he sat up as well.
"I can't do my job if you're not there for me to protect. Don't look at me like that. I am fully aware you are not defenseless, but you are about to have perhaps every monster or beast in the world after your blood. Regaining your sword arm will hinder them I'm sure, but do you honestly believe you are able to face something that is gaining the aid of possibly every enemy that has opposed you in the past? There is no telling what this shadow is capable of. Or what lengths it will go to achieve its goal," said Sheik as he stared hard at Link.
"This is why I will do whatever it takes to make sure you survive. Trust me, having to deal with your snoring is the least of my worries. I've dealt with similar things before and I've been fine," said Sheik. He sighed impatiently when Link folded his arms in front of him and gave the Sheikah a defiant look.
"Link, please I…what if you lay face down?" asked Sheik suddenly. Link blinked.
"Why?" asked Link.
"It will help muffle your snoring. I noticed that was quite effective when I noticed you were sleeping on my…er, I mean when you were sleeping behind the waterfall at the castle. Your snoring was muffled. Just try it," said Sheik hurriedly. He couldn't believe he almost brought up that awkward time. He needed to get it together.
"Ok, I'll give it a shot. Just don't yell or punch me if I'm snoring, ok?" said Link. Sheik raised an eye brow, then laid down beside him.
"Why would I yell or punch you?" asked Sheik. Link chuckled.
"Oh yeah, that was a Midna moment there. She had a bad habit of startling me awake when I was bothering her. Well, she realized that wasn't a good idea when she almost lost her foot when I had drawn the Master Sword and swung by instinct," said Link but paused to yawn, "Alright, I'm officially beat. Night, Sheik,"
He then buried his face as deep as he could in his blanket without suffocating himself.
"Goodnight Link," muttered the Sheikah. He turned away from Link and faced the doorway.
Sheik peered out the doorway and spotted the moon almost directly in front of his line of sight. He always did like the moon for some odd reason. It just calmed him like nothing else could. Not to mention most of his fond memories had happened at night, when the moon was high in the sky.
He glanced over his shoulder and laughed softly when he realized Link was already out like a light and was happy to see that his snoring had indeed been muffled to where Sheik might actually get some sleep tonight.
He sighed and then turned back to look at the moon. He was drifting off when something suddenly pushed up against his back, startling him. Sheik looked back over his shoulder but suddenly his vision was filled with dark blonde hair. The hero had his face buried between Sheik's back and his blanket. His snoring was still muffled but that wasn't what caught Sheik's attention.
Sheik found that he couldn't have moved if his life depended on it. He stayed frozen in place, but strangely wasn't uncomfortable. He just didn't understand why Link was able to shatter his concentration so easily. Or make him act so out of character…or has that part of himself always been there? Lurking in the shadows unseen until it was called forth?
Link snuggled closer, burying himself deeper into his blankets. Sheik realized he must he searching blindly for warmth. Taking a deep breath, the Sheikah relaxed and closed his eyes. He could at least give him that. He couldn't help but realize that the hero wasn't that much older than him and yet he's been through more than every solider in Hyrule combined.
Maybe one of these days Sheik could finally find out why he was suddenly so fiercely protective of Link. Especially when he realized that his destiny as his guide had nothing to do with these feelings.
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Link groaned when bright light suddenly shone in his face and quickly turned his face away from it.
"You need to get up Link. You've slept long enough," said a quiet voice from where he just turned away from. Turning back, Link cracked an eye open at the Sheikah that stood over him.
"Breakfast isn't even here yet…" mumbled Link sleepily. He groaned as his forehead hit the floor when Sheik chuckled while pushing a tray closer to him with his foot.
"Saria and I have been talking for the past half hour. You just missed her as she left when that red haired boy from yesterday came in and gave us our breakfast," said Sheik. He then took a sip from his cup that Link just realized he was carrying.
Any argument was forgotten the moment the smell of sausage and eggs suddenly filled his nose. Sitting up he immediately started to stuff his face, but then stopped mid bite and looked down at what was on his plate.
"Yes, it seems Saria asked the Skull Kid to bring us food from outside," said Sheik. He rolled his eyes when Link suddenly shot away from the food as if Ganon himself would come flying off the plate.
"Oh relax. I've already checked if there was anything wrong with it….and I admit that he was crafty by hiding those Fei leaves by wrapping them around the sausages. I removed them so they are fine now," said Sheik with a chuckle. Link grumbled as he crawled back to his food.
"That little punk. One of these days I'm going to give him a taste of his own medicine. Oh, thanks for checking the food though, but what's a Fei leaf?" asked Link once he sat in front of the tray again.
"They are the leaves of a Fei plant. The plant itself is harmless, but the leaves will cause the nerves of a person to spasm. It affects many things such as the mind or body and it also affects magic, though I don't know how. It also takes a rather large amount for this to be deadly, but it is possible for it to kill a person because they could no longer breath properly or they could be killed by something else because they could no longer control their own body," said Sheik.
"What! This could have killed me? What was he thinking! And you don't sound worried at all!" exclaimed Link. Sheik raised an eye brow.
"That's because, as I said, it takes a rather large amount to make this deadly enough to kill someone…and you would have had what, four leaves? The worst that could do to you is make you look rather ridiculous as you walk with a drunken spastic stagger," said Sheik. He smirked as Link just grumbled before returning to his food.
Once he finished, Link pushed his plate aside and rubbed his right arm gently as he yawned.
"What's wrong? Is your arm starting to hurt again?" asked Sheik sharply. Link blinked, surprised and then looked down when he noticed that his right arm was tingling with a slight tickling sensation.
"Hmmm, it doesn't hurt. I feel like something is in there tickling it actually," muttered Link then turned toward the doorway when Saria came bursting through it.
"Something's happening to Woody! Please help him! I don't know, I mean, I was just-!" Saria's frantic plea was cut short as Link rushed to her side along with Sheik.
"Calm down Saria alright? Just take us to him," said Link. After a nod Saria took off toward the right of her house. They followed her while the children of the village all started to join them. They crowded the narrow pathway until they finally stood before the giant tree guardian.
"Stay away!" grunted Woody. His voice was layered with pain. Saria clung to Link's side as he stood there just staring in shock.
Leaves and broken branches covered the ground, and more were joining them as Woody's entire body was shaking from the obvious waves of pain that were coursing through him. Link was suddenly jerked backwards when a huge branch came hurling down from Woody's canopy and landed just where he had been standing. Sheik dragged him back to the narrow pathway, trying to push the children with him.
The children were distraught, not knowing what to do to help their guardian. Link suddenly looked down at his right arm when he finally realized that the tickling sensation had become a strong pressure. The purple veins were moving slightly but weren't growing. Sheik didn't notice this because he stood in front of everyone trying to keep them out of harm's way.
It's him! That bastard is trying to make my cursed wound flare again!
Link then looked sharply back up toward Woody, noticing that whatever was causing this was getting worse. They could hear the cracking sound of wood as more branches began falling from his canopy. Link took a shaking breath and lowered his eyes.
He's shielding me…
He felt the wolf within him stir for the first time since he was cursed and its growl seemed to vibrate through his entire body and filled him with a powerful fury. Saria swung her head toward him when something suddenly flashed and her eyes widened when she caught sight of the Triforce symbol on the back of Link's right hand glow just before he ripped himself out of Sheik's hold and bolted toward Woody.
Sheik was startled, but quickly bolted after him. He cursed when he realized that the chaotic energy in the area would hinder his teleporting ability. It was by sheer luck that Link barely missed being crushed by a massive branch during his mad dash toward Woody's face.
"Link! Are you crazy? We have to get away from here! You can't help-!" but Sheik stopped mid-sentence when Link raised his right fist and smashed it into Woody's trunk. A surge of green energy suddenly erupted from the spot where Link's fist made contact with Woody's truck. The Sheikah was blasted back along with every child and fairy that was in Woody's meadow. Sheik's ears were ringing when he stumbled back to his feet. He swayed on his feet for a few moments until he could focus clearly. Once he was able to see properly he quickly ran over to where Link was standing. He skidded to a halt a few feet away from the hero though when noticed that his right hand was radiating with a holy green light.
Woody had stopped shaking, and let out an exhausted sigh as his whole body seemed to glow with the same holy light that was coming from Link. Link yanked his fist out of Woody's trunk and silently returned it to his side. Sheik walked cautiously in front of him, not knowing what to expect. He froze when Link turned to gaze at him with…green eyes?
"Don't let him rely on me…I will not always be able to help him…" said a sad female voice that echoed from Link. Then the holy green light faded and Link stumbled forward and almost hit the floor before Sheik caught a hold of him.
"What happened…? Woody! Oh my goddess! Woody are you alright?" asked Link frantically as he righted himself and swung to face the tree guardian. Woody let out another sigh just as the children came running toward him.
"You don't remember?" asked Woody when the children all crowded around his face, "I'm fine, I'm fine little ones. You all needn't worry,"
Link looked puzzled, and then looked to his side when Sheik gripped his right arm gently. He glanced down and saw blood running down the length of his arm from the wound that must have reopened. Strangely, he didn't feel any pain.
"There must be lingering power from…whoever helped you. It is keeping the pain just out of reach," muttered Sheik as he undid Link's bandages. He narrowed his eyes and peered closer at his arm and noticed that each purple vein was glowing with that same green light.
"I think whoever helped you is also suppressing your curse," said Sheik, astonished.
"I'll get you something to wrap his wound in," said Saria before turning and darting back to the village.
"I don't remember what happened after I realized you must have been shielding me," muttered Link as Sheik turned to one of the children crowding around them and asked for someone to bring them a bowl of water. The hero lowered his eyes as the presence of the wolf within him lingered. He had been bitter about becoming twisted into a beast but now…he felt that the wolf could have done nothing. But it had risen to the threat that was causing him such suffering.
Whoever helped me probably couldn't have if the wolf hadn't cleared a path first…thank you old friend. I will not doubt you again.
"Misfortune tends to follow when dealing with evil forces but don't think for a second that you are the sole cause of it. I am a guardian not only to these children, but to Hyrule as well. I would have been a target regardless if you had been here or not. I am grateful that the moment it chose to attack had been when Goddess Farore was here with you to stop it," said Woody. Link gawked at him while Sheik's hand paused from cleaning Link's wound as he stared at Woody in disbelief.
"What? I'm sorry did you just say when Goddess Farore was here with me?" asked Link in astonishment. Saria came rushing back with a pile of bandages and set them on the ground next to Sheik.
"That would explain your eyes…and voice," muttered Sheik as he began to wrap up Link's wound.
"What about my eyes and voice?" asked Link. The Sheikah noticed there was extra cloth on the ground so he folded them and placed it into the folds of his suit. He nodded in thanks to Saria.
"Well, you had bolted away from me when Woody's branches started to fall so I chased after you. After our mad dash of where you somehow managed to not get crushed, you made it to Woody's face. I thought the madness would stop there but then you proceeded to smash your right fist, your injured one, into Woody's trunk. I thought for sure that you were possessed and the one that cursed you was just trying to find as many ways to make you suffer as possible. But the next thing I know I'm flying through the air as a wave of green energy erupted from the impact of you punching Woody's trunk. Eventually I reached your side and…then Goddess Farore spoke to me through you," said Sheik.
"Oh my…you mean I have a Goddess actually helping me out? That is awesome! This quest will be done in no time then!" exclaimed Link but Sheik shook his head.
"No Link. The Goddess had said to not rely on her, because she will not always be able to help you…which leads me to believe that Woody's original idea was true. Something is happening to her and yet she still came to your aid even though she is most likely in distress herself," said Sheik then they both turned to Woody when he gave a long sigh.
"This is getting far too complicated. If anything, you have the right idea Link. So I suggest you both head to the Forest Temple. The faster you cleanse it, the faster Saria can help you remove that curse. I doubt it will be suppressed for long if Goddess Farore is weakening," said Woody. Sheik frowned as he inspected Link's cursed arm.
"We don't have any more of the Goddess's Tear's. I dearly hope that your curse remains suppressed at least until after you cleanse the Forest Temple…" muttered Sheik. Link smirked.
"Are you kidding? That little maniac just got decked by a Goddess. I'd be surprised if we saw him awake a year from now," snickered Link. He laughed as Sheik gave him a pointed look.
"Let's just go," muttered Sheik. He turned to bow to Woody and then walked over to where Saria stood waiting for them.
"I will sense when the energy of the Forest Temple flows freely again. So just come back here so we can prepare the medicine for your wound," said Woody to Link. Link nodded.
"Alright. You take it easy now, you hear?" said Link as he pointed a finger at Woody.
The huge tree guardian chuckled. A sound that seemed to vibrate through his whole body.
"Even after all this time, you still are the same young hero. I wish you the best of luck," said Woody.
Link waved before turning to walk to join Sheik and Saria near the narrow pathway.
"Ok, I'll take you guys to the Forest Temple but I'm afraid that I won't be much help if we run into a monster," said Saria. Link rolled his eyes and then scooped her up and held her against his left side. She giggled as Link strode through the narrow passageway.
"We best plan ahead. So will you be using weapons from a distance or mainly magic? That Din's Fire spell will cause plenty of damage I'm sure," said Sheik as they walked through the village.
"I think I'll just do what I do best. Wing it," said Link.
"What? How can you even consider going into such a dangerous place without a plan! What if none of your weapons are effective against the enemies we face!" exclaimed Sheik as Link lifted Saria into the ledge and then climbed up himself.
"Then I'm sure the weapon that will be effective will be in some randomly hidden chest somewhere in there. That is how it always was for every other temple I've ever defeated. I don't see why this one would be any different," said Link as he followed Saria up the hill behind Mido's house. He chuckled at the look of disbelief on Sheik's face.
"I can't believe it. Even the way you think is reckless!" exclaimed Sheik as he trailed after him. Link grinned at him as they reached the huge hollowed logs at the top of the hill.
"That was a surprise to you? Details were never my kind of thing. I'm not an idiot though. If I'm faced with a Darknut while equipped with nothing but a toothpick well I'm certainly not going to go blindly charging at it," said Link as they both followed Saria through the forest.
"Well, that's a relief," muttered Sheik.
"Unless I find a sharp rock or maybe a few bombling's. I'm sure I could pull it off with either of those…as long as another one doesn't show up that is," said Link thoughtfully. Sheik hit his hand to his forehead.
"Looks like I have my work cut out for me…" muttered the Sheikah.
"Hey, you're supposed to be the guide here. Guides makes the plans and heroes do the work. It's true!" said Link. He sidestepped and laughed when Sheik swiped at him.
"There have been plenty of heroes over the ages who had been brilliant strategists! Would it really kill you to pull just a little more thought into your actions? You might found that things go a lot smoother that way," said Sheik. He lost count of how many hollowed logs they went through. It was amazing that Saria could tell where she was going when he couldn't tell if they had gone any farther then the entrance because most of the surrounding area looked exactly the same.
"I like doing things the hard way. It's fun and challenging…unless I'm dealing with the Skull Kid. Then it's just pure madness with absolutely no logic whatsoever," said Link.
"But of course you like doing things the hard way…I guess it could be worse. I don't know what I'd do if you were more like that child back in the village…what was his name? Mido? Then you would be reckless and a prick," said Sheik. Link's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to face him.
"Wow, that's the first time I've heard you come right out and say something negative about someone like that," said Link.
"I don't know. I don't normally say such things…but something just unsettles me about that boy," muttered Sheik.
"That's how I felt when I first met him. Then my whole attitude changed. It was like I knew that we shouldn't be fighting like that," said Link. Then they entered a clearing where a narrow passageway stood in front of them. Saria turned to frown at him.
"That's probably because the first memory you would have had of Mido was how he used to be so mean to him. They made up later though. They still fought all the time but it was good natured instead of Mido just bullying him. You guys should judge a person based on your own opinion, not someone else's. A former life doesn't count. They were them. You are you. Ok?" said Saria as she folded her arms. She then turned and pointed ahead of them.
"Anyway, the Forest Temple is just past this area! We just got to get past this little maze part then we are home free!" exclaimed Saria. They walked forward, but Sheik glanced up and suddenly stopped once he spotted something familiar.
Link turned to look at the Sheikah curiously. He tilted his head when Sheik strode in between them and teleported them to the top of the high walls of the narrow passageway.
"Oh! I've never gone over the maze before! How fun!" exclaimed Saria as she peered over the ledge of the high moss covered wall. Link smiled at her silly nature, and then turned once he noticed Sheik had walked away from them.
He followed the Sheikah until he stopped in front of a grayish blue stone. Link noticed the eye symbol on the stone then looked back at the red eye symbol on the white material in front of Sheik's body suit.
"Wow. Those are really similar," muttered Link.
"That is because that symbol is my race's trademark. This is a Gossip Stone," said Sheik. He looked fondly at it and then reached in the folds of his suit to pull out an empty bottle and his lyre. He handed the bottle to a puzzled Link, then raised the lyre and played a song that the hero had never heard before.
The stone suddenly flashed and a white fairy appeared. It flew slowly above the stone but seemed to notice the bottle in Link's hand. The hero smiled at the fairy and he heard a quiet giggle as it flew closer and bobbed up and down in the air. He quickly uncorked the bottle and swiped it the fairy of the air. He put the cork back on and he raised it up to his face.
"You mind helping us out?" asked Link. The fairy settled at the bottom of the bottle and rose its hands to give him a thumbs up. He grinned as he handed it back to Sheik.
"That was pretty awesome. Do all these stones do that?" asked Link as Sheik tucked the bottled fairy into his suit.
"Yes, among other things. This will be our most useful aspect of them at the moment," said Sheik. He then raised his lyre again. Startled, Link realized he was playing a different song but hadn't given him a bottle.
Maybe I'm supposed to provide one now? Would have been nice to know beforehand…
This new song actually sounded vaguely familiar this time, and Link stopped his frantic search in his pouch to listen to its wild flow. The sky darkened and it slowly started to rain but it went completely unnoticed as the hero was suddenly finding it hard to think straight. Anger filtered through his mind.
Why the hell didn't he tell me of this little song trick? What, am I just supposed to stand here like an idiot?
Each note just seemed to feed this rising fury that rose from deep within him and it didn't seem to have a source but still it grew. The wolf within him was shaken by the foreign energy but soon was engulfed by it. It became full of rage and suddenly the hero blacked out.
From the stone came another fairy but this one was larger and shone with a bright red light.
Sheik spoke softly in Sheikah to it and asked if it would journey with them to the upcoming temple and give aid when needed. The red fairy bobbed up and down in front of his face and agreed cheerfully but suddenly froze. Sheik tilted his head when she started to talk so fast that it made no sense to him. He swung around when he heard a feral growl.
Sheik stiffened when he locked eyes with Link. The hero had his head lowered but his eyes were narrowed and gleamed with a predatory look. His lips were pulled back in a snarl and he growled deeply again as he prowled closer to Sheik. The sound startled the Sheikah because it seemed like something only a wild animal would be able to make.
Sheik slowly backed away as Link stalked closer and he shifted his glance over to make sure Saria was at a safe distance. The green haired girl seemed to understand that Link wasn't himself and stood close to the edge, ready to jump off if she needed too. Fear rose in Sheik when Link started to crouch like he was getting ready to pounce so he quickly teleported to Saria's side. He grabbed a hold of her and teleported them to the other side of the maze.
"What happened?" asked Saria as she looked over toward where they just teleported from. Link was crouched low to the ground and moved with a natural grace as he searched for his prey. He seemed to finally spot them and prowled toward them. Saria stood nervously by Sheik's side.
"This was my fault…I had forgotten the affect the Song of Storms had on other people. The magic should wear off by the time he reaches us," muttered Sheik. He watched cautiously as Link leapt over the top of certain areas of the maze and worried that maybe it wouldn't wear off in time. So, he placed a hand on Saria's shoulder and waited until Link was almost twenty yards from them. Suddenly the rain stopped and the darkened sky started to dissipate.
Sheik sighed relieved as he straightened. The hero stopped mid step, and blinked owlishly. He looked completely lost for a moment and then shook his head as he stumbled the rest of the way over to them.
"What the hell just happened? I felt so mad over there and suddenly I'm stumbling around over here," muttered Link once he stood in front of them. The red fairy finally let go of Sheik's blonde bangs to hover near his head. Link paused when the wolf within was stirring but it seemed to be just as confused as he was.
"You wear your heart on your sleeve so the Song of Storms had taken all your unbridled emotions and twisted them into rage. I never thought it would affect the wolf within you though. I'm sorry…I should have told you first," said Sheik. Link stiffened and took a step back from them.
"Did I hurt either of you?" asked Link softly.
"No, we are fine," said Sheik as Saria nodded in agreement. She smiled and approached him but then paused when Link backed away from her.
"So, I meant to hurt one of you?" asked Link stiffly. Sheik frowned as Saria looked sadly at Link.
"It's complicated. You weren't yourself. Not even the wolf within you was acting normal. The Song of Storms does that to people who don't have strong control over their emotions. Look inside yourself Link. If the wolf within you is more than just something conjured from the twisting nature of the Twilight then it will reflect what is in your heart," said Sheik. Link frowned but he suddenly felt the wolf whine and it echoed through his mind. It was filled with sadness and guilt. He sighed and relaxed finally. It didn't mean to hurt anyone. It was just twisted into something it wasn't. Just he was when the wolf was created.
"Alright. Just give me a heads up next time, ok? That way I can high tail it out of here before all hell breaks loose," said Link. He smiled down at Saria as she stood shyly in front of him. She smiled back and ran up to hug him. He chuckled but then realized something. He peered down at the green head resting against his shoulder.
"Wait a minute. Why didn't you get mad?" asked Link. Saria lifted her head and gave him a pointed look.
"I barely heard what Sheik was playing but I also don't wear my heart on my sleeve like you do," said Saria with a grin. She laughed when Link started to tickle her.
"My magic is weak but still there. It probably helped block the affect as well," said Saria as he bounced away from Link.
"Zelda had also been affected the same way you were Link. Well, maybe not exactly the same way but close. My mother and I have always been unaffected. This is because Sheikah are taught from a young age to control their emotions, so it is much harder for the Song of Storms twist them," said Sheik. He looked up to the hovering red fairy and spoke in Sheikah to it again. It took a few minutes, but he was finally able to convince the frightened fairy to hover over to Link. The hero looked curiously up at it.
"Wow, you're the biggest fairy I've ever seen. Well, besides the great fairy in the Cave of Ordeals. What's your name?" asked Link. He smiled as he held out his hand. The fairy landed hesitantly in his palm.
"Abby," said the red fairy shyly.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Abby. I'm Link, the Hero of Jackass's. That was totally not me back there by the way. It seems I still scared you though. I'm sorry," said Link. Abby giggled at the pout he gave her. She flew off his palm to hover near his face.
"It's ok. You're funny Link. I can tell you're not a bad person so I'll make sure you stay healthy for your battles!" exclaimed Abby as she zoomed around his head several times. Link laughed, but then an image of a similar scene suddenly flashed before his eyes.
Why did I see a blue fairy?…and why is she screaming "hey" at me?
"Link, we best get going. We've wasted enough time here," said Sheik. Link shook his head then walked over to where Saria was climbing down a latter. He waited until she was on the ground and then started to climb down himself.
Link finally reached the bottom and straightened just when Sheik landed gracefully next to him, making him jump and almost fall over.
"Good Goddess! Stop doing that!" exclaimed Link. Sheik chuckled as he raised an eye brow.
"It wasn't that far of a jump. I thought it would be faster," said the Sheikah as he strode up a narrow set of stairs.
"Yeah Yeah," grumbled Link as he trailed after the Sheikah. Saria skipped ahead of him, seemingly excited to be in this area.
They all entered a clearing where a tall building covered in vines towered above them. Its stairway was broken, with its bottom half completely missing. Saria giggled and then ran over to a short stump and sat down. She pulled out a brown ocarina and began to play a song that sounded really familiar to Link.
He grinned as he listened to the song. Its energy filled him with excitement and a strange urge to dance. He laughed as the wolf within him started to howl playfully. He jogged around Sheik, who listened with a thoughtful expression. He didn't get more than five feet away from the Sheikah before the ground suddenly gave out from under him.
He fell with a shout of surprise and suddenly saw the spikes mounted on the ground where he was falling, ready to impale him once he landed. Suddenly he was grabbed from behind and he felt the sensation of teleporting. He was sprawled out on the grass not more than two feet away from he had fallen.
"I dearly hope this isn't going to be an ongoing thing…" muttered the Sheikah from beside him. They both tensed when a sinister laugh filled the air. Sheik jumped up with his daggers ready just when a poe appeared. Her glowing eyes held a mischievous gleam as she casually waved the red flame she carried. Link jumped up as well and quickly unsheathed the Master Sword just when three other poe's appeared.
Link backed up, standing back to back with Sheik when two of the poe's hovered closer to him. They twirled their blue and purple flames as they went. Sheik raised his daggers to strike the approaching poe that joined the red one. Her green flame danced wildly as she spun in a circle and laughed sinisterly again.
"Stop!" exclaimed Saria as she approached them.
"Saria stay back! It's dangerous!" shouted Link. Saria still ran closer until she stood near the hovering blue poe.
"Darn right it's dangerous! Did you hear that Joelle? Link could have been seriously hurt because of that prank you pulled! I know it was you! None of the others would even bother to cover up that pit! Now say you're sorry!" shouted Saria as she put her hands on her hips.
Link expected the poes to laugh and just throw fire at her but to his amazement they all suddenly hung their heads. The red one suddenly hovered closer to Link. He tensed, and he felt Sheik leaning slightly against his right side, ready to attack should the poe pose a threat. Link was surprised to see the mischievous gleam was gone from her glowing eyes and was replaced with a shameful downcast look.
She hovered right up to him and made a strange whining sound. Link glanced confusingly over at Saria then quickly back to the poe.
"She's trying to say she's sorry," said Saria simply.
"Um…its fine?" said Link hesitantly to the poe holding the red flame. She looked back up at him again. Her glowing eyes peered at him curiously now and then made that sinister laugh as she hovered away and joined the other poes high above them.
Saria sighed as she walked over to the gawking pair that stared up at the hovering poes above them.
"I must say. I've never met a poe that showed remorse for a wrong doing before…" muttered Sheik as he out away his daggers.
"How did you do that!" exclaimed Link after he sheathed the Master Sword. Saria tilted her head to the side, confused.
"Do what?" asked Saria.
"You just…with the poes…how did you control them like that!" exclaimed Link finally. Saria frowned.
"I didn't control them. They are the guardians of this temple. They are just a little mischievous and can get carried away at times," said Saria.
"A little carried away?" said Link. He glanced at the pit that had almost ended his journey, "I'd hate to see what totally crazy is to them then,"
"Yeah, you don't want to see that. Its pretty intense," said Saria. She looked up at the hovering poes and called them over.
"They will help through the temple, ok? Oh, and Sheik you won't be able teleport into a room you haven't been in already. Sorry, it's part of the protective magic," said Saria bashfully. Sheik sighed and then peered up at the towering temple.
"It's better than not being able to teleport at all," said Sheik.
"Alright! Introductions need to be made! Guys these are the Poe Sisters. The red one is Joelle. The blue one is Beth. The green one is Amy and the purple one is Meg. This is Link and Sheik girls. You all need to help them got it?" said Saria. All four sisters gave her a thumbs up and then proceeded to high five each other. Link snickered at the action while Sheik was wondering if these ghosts had been enchanted.
"Will I still be able to teleport up to that ledge there?" asked Sheik as he pointed to the ledge right under the entrance to the temple.
"Sure. It's just the inside that's going to give you trouble. Now good luck guys! I'll be waiting right here, ok?" said Saria. She waved and then dashed over to the same short stump as before and started to play that bouncy song again.
"It seems that song does the exact opposite of the Song of Storms. I think I will ask her about that later. It could be useful. Anyway, we should be on our way," said Sheik. Link sighed, but then looked up sharply when he heard the sinister laugh of the Poe Sisters as they disappeared.
"Alright, let's get his over with," said Link. Sheik teleported them to the ledge overhead and then they walked cautiously inside.
Link immediately froze once they entered. A sense of deja vue suddenly went through him and another image flashed before his eyes.
It's the same room as this one…just with Wolfos's popping out and that blue fairy screaming "watch out" at me. What are causing these memories to appear? Is it just because I'm at a place my ancestor went to or is something else triggering them?
"Are you ready?" asked Sheik. Link nodded, and then strode forward. He suddenly had the feeling that he was being watched. He didn't spot anything so he ignored it. Neither of them noticed that some shadows on the floor were moving when they shouldn't.
It probably those Poe sisters…I certainly wouldn't put it past them to mess with me like this…Din damn it! They are just something else in this damn forest that loves to mess with me! Why can't I ever catch a break?
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The Hooded Man sat in a comfortable chair reading an ancient scroll. It took every ounce of his will power to ignore the constant humming and sometimes muttering of his smaller companion that sat near the window with his eyes closed. He would have demanded for silence a while ago but he had to admit, it was pretty clever of him to curse the Hero of Twilight through one of his shadows monsters. Now the wound won't heal properly and before long he will have control over one of the Great Heroes of legend. Things were really looking up.
He just wished that there was somewhere else the little arse could go to do this but he couldn't risk anyone seeing him just yet and he certainly wasn't going to leave him alone that long to plot. So, he was forced to endure it for now.
He jumped when a flash of green light suddenly appeared from his companion's direction and immediately filled the entire room. He heard a loud crash and then the green light was gone. He looked around cautiously but then rolled his eyes when he noticed that the purple robed man was lying in the broken pieces of what was left of a priceless antique cabinet hutch. Really, why does every action he take seem centered in driving him into insanity?
He strode over to his companion and was surprised to find him out cold. Well, this will be an interesting story to hear later…