An: WARNING. This chapter contains minor spoilers from A Link Between Worlds. If you don't care, please continue.
Also, take note that the P.O.V. shifts some more than usual.
(Link)
Ever since he had told his story, Link could not shake possibilities from his mind. Could the Pendant of Courage mean he was the one that had caused skirmish? Perhaps, it symbolized the hero to stop it, himself. Every time he had created a logical answer to put his head at ease, more outcomes would flood his thoughts. However, now was not the time to contemplate this. First, reach the town. Then, reach the castle. Link soon found himself distracting his mind by listening to the crunch of the snow underneath his boots, but it did little good. He sighed.
(Ravio)
He didn't know whether speaking would be ideal, but the dead silence made him itch. There were too many memories coming through. He lightly shook he head, clearing his thoughts. There's nothing he can do about then, but he can try to enjoy present. He looked over at Emerald, who was walking beside him and he noticed her shiver. "You cold? I know that's kinda a dumb question."
"Yeah, a little," Emerald said.
"You didn't have enough money to buy a coat?"
Emerald shook her head as her gaze focused straight ahead. Ravio glanced at the ground, and then ahead. He unwrapped the scarf he was wearing and held it out to her.
Emerald gazed at Ravio's offering, but politely declined. "No, it's fine, thanks though."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'll be okay."
When Emerald turned her attention back to in front, Ravio smirked and rolled his eyes. Only a fool would decline such a gift in the middle of winter, and he hoped Emerald isn't a fool. He finally decided to not take a "no" for an answer and threw the scarf over her shoulders. Emerald gazed over to Ravio again. Ravio shot her another smirk. Hey pal, it's the middle of winter and you don't even have a coat. No one needs to get sick now.
Emerald, gave a small nod and wrapped the long scarf around her neck and shoulders, then adjusted it. A sound came from behind. At first it sounded distant, almost a whisper, but it steadily became louder.
Thud-thud, thud-thud!
Ravio, the first to notice, turned and froze, anxiety rising in his chest as the thudding became more clear. "G-guys?"
Link and Emerald turned, becoming aware of the galloping as well.
"What is it, Ravio?" Link asked as if he didn't know what his friend was obviously afraid of.
A peculiar black shape barreled through the trees.
"RUN!"
The three scattered as the mysterious silhouette blazed through. The creature stoppedd and snorted as the rider of it raised his weapon, which was an enchanted staff, a poisonous purple and studded with a gem. Ravio knew most weapons pretty well and, as a completely last resort, could use of them to help himself out a of a pinch. This staff was one he had never dealt with. Nothing sounded, but the area was cloaked in complete darkness in a matter of seconds. Ravio's eyes scanned the area in search of his friends, but it was useless. There was no penetration of light, so they were all stumbling aimlessly in the dark. There were some dazed shouts, but it instantly turned to silence.
-()-
(Link)
Link's eyes flew open. Finding himself on his knees, he attempts to stand. However, this proves more difficult than he originally thought. To his surprise, his wrists were shackled. He futilely whipped his arms in opposite directions, but the cuffs were heavy metal, most likely iron. There was minimal space to move his arms and wrists, so he put both hands on one knee and stood up. Dropping the subject of the restraints for now, he assess his surroundings. It was nothing but gray walls and a wall of black iron bars. Through the bars, he could see a hallway, that led where? Where exactly is this? Link turned to the right and sighed, relieved. There, Emerald was sat against a wall and Ravio was against the other wall. They appeared unharmed, but like him, they must have been knocked unconscious.
"Hey you, prisoner!"
Link turned to see a man wearing black armor with a deep violet symbols call for him. "What?"
"Get over here! You're needed," he growled while unlocking the door to the cell.
Link went over to the guard and allowed him to escort him down the hall. The hall opened to a large drab room with a wooden table and five carved chairs. There was one chair occupied by a teenage girl who looked about the same age as Link. She was wearing a gray dress, the color of smoke, and long white gloves. She cast a stone-like gaze upon Link with her scarlet eyes. He studied her cautiously. Something was biting at him about her.
She stood tall, slightly raising her chin. "Hello, Hero of Hyrule."
Link blinked. "You know who I am? How?"
"Well, you don't remember?" She brushed some of her dark hair behind her back. "You saved Hyrule... and my people as well. Surely you must recall something."
Link's ocean eyes rounded in realization How could be so stupid? "H-Hilda?" He felt sudden wave of pain as something had cracked behind him. He turned to see another guard with a midnight colored whip. The back of his neck seared as if there was a flame resting on him. Link couldn't be sure, but thought he was bleeding as well.
"How dare you address our leader so informally! Learn some manners," the guard snarled.
Hilda's expression remained unchanged, like Link had never been whipped. "It is I, Princess Hilda of Lorule. It has been a while since I have last seen you."
Link's mind was racing. Why was Hilda here in the first place, and why does it seem like she's not on his side? He had thought everything was good when Lorule's Triforce was restored.
"I simply have a few questions," Hilda continued.
-()-
(Emerald)
Emerald was lost. She thought she was in the forest a minute ago, but now she was exploring a shadowy valley. The moon for soaring high up, casting a ray of purity on the valley. It felt like she had followed this path forever, but she continued to explore it. After awhile, the dirt path the lead through the evergreen trees turned to a delicately crafted stone path. Her curiosity piqued, she continued to follow it. Eventually, it led to... a clearing? Emerald's eyes searched around, then she came forward. There was nothing, so why exactly was she here?
Suddenly, a flash of bright green appeared and took the form of an animal; a wolf. The creature, a green wolf with amber eyes, stood for a moment. It's long, glowing fur flowed and then it moved towards her. "Hello."
"What? How?" Emerald was too amazed to use her words. This scene was completely indescribable to her, and very alluring. The wolf's enchanting appearance was quite surreal.
"Yes, young wolf. This must be quite startling to you, but I assure you that your many questions will be answered with time." The wolf had a smooth deep feminine voice, its words rolling off its tongue like silk.
"Who are you?" Emerald asked.
"Why, me? I am Archadia. I am the Guardian Wolf of the Goddess Farore, the goddess of Courage. I believe your name is Emerald."
"Yes it is, wait, a Guardian Wolf?"
"Yes. The three Goddesses that created your world each have their own Guardian Wolf. We serve our masters as messengers and companions, but enough of that. We have more important matters to discuss in the short time I have you here." The wolf moved to closer her still, until she was a few feet away.
"What is there to talk about?" Emerald asked.
"The past, present, and most importantly; the future. The past can never be changed, while the future has as many possibilities as there are stars in the sky. Act in the present to make your future, young wolf. The harshness of the future is quickly approaching. "
Emerald gasped, "What? Me? What could I do?"
Archadia's amber gaze burned into her. "Young wolf, you have so much skill. You will find it in time... Secret Sage and the art of War... The cry of the Wolf opens the door..."
"I-I don't understand."
The wolf's light began to brighten again. "You will. I have faith that you will be our Heroine... We will meet again..."
In a flash, everything around Emerald vanished.
Her vision was foggy as she tried to lift one arm to rub her aching head. After a few minutes, her vision cleared. She noticed that both her arms were restrained and she gasped. "What's this?" She searched the cell to find Ravio sitting next her. "Ravio, hey! Wake up," she whispered rather loudly. Seeing no effect, she leaned over and elbowed him, in his side.
Ravio squirmed. "Come on, five more minutes," her murmured.
"Come on sleeping beauty," she said as she shoved him. Archadia's words still echoed around Emerald. According to her, Emerald was supposed to be a heroine that would save Hyrule. Should she tell Ravio, and would he honestly think she was still sane after this story? The two opposing thoughts bounced in her mind.
"What the-? What?" Ravio's eyes finally opened and he shook off his sleepiness. "Where are we?" He looked down at his shackled wrists.
"I think we're imprisoned."
Ravio's gaze dulled and he lowered his head. "I knew they'd find me eventually," sighed.
"What do you mean? Did you do something?"
"Well, it's a really long story and..."
"And what?" Emerald whispered. Ravio didn't seem like he would be the one to just jump into trouble, but people do make mistakes. If so, what happened?
-()-
I decided to cut the chapter off a little sooner than originally planned and save that next part for the next chapter. Updates at least once a week if possible. :) Until Next time!