A/N: A-ah, not sure I'll be able to keep the Sunday/Monday schedule, homework is killing me slowly so I can't write as much as I wish (and would love some help with some characters cause I don't wanna make them OoC :c )
Shout outs for Laureen Lycan (glad to hear liked how Ghira came out! I'm still a bit worried about him |D;; ) , Argen-Lobo-Ridder (let the game begin~), Kyogreperson (my favorite legendary ohgod djkfhs) and Annie Stardust! Thanks for the follows and reviews, they're always welcome as well as critics! :3c
Disclaimer: Lyrics are from 'Great Fairy Fountain- lyrics and vocals' by adrisaurus in youtube!
Ah of course, before we carry on, I must remind you: things aren't always as they look like. Now hope you don't mind a short intermission.
Maybe you're wondering about these three 'wielders' of the 'essences of the force'. I can assure you, you have met them... however I haven't mentioned the last of the 'chosen heroes'. Each hero and wielder has a small bit of each 'force', although only two are truly prominent, leaving the last one as a lesser or not quite as developed.
We can't forget the 'good side' isn't the only one that exists, actually... in my opinion, the 'good side' is nothing but a romantic fantasy. What makes a side 'the good side', if not the point where you're standing?
What seems like good reasons for one could be the worst excuse for another.
Ending that small pause there, shall we continue?
Echoing.
The blond hero stalked his way angrily through the peaceful forest, a dark frown covering his usually carefree expression. Gritting his teeth, he huffed and raised his gaze toward the large tree with the Deku Hornet hive, or rather the tree stump behind it that lead to a shortcut across Deep Woods.
"Don't be silly, Sky Child. I'll only take one of you with me and you're the nuisance that won't die even when a boulder falls on your head." He mimicked the demon's voice, circling the tree and climbing the fallen log. "Go on, we'll meet you there." His whining went quiet as a Bokoblin walked close to his location, most likely patrolling the area. His hand lingered above his sword's hilt, ready to counterattack if the other took notice of him; the red monster continued his way, grunting quietly as he walked further away.
Seeing no more immediate danger, Link jumped from his hiding spot and ran toward the other log that worked as a shortcut towards the Skyview Temple. Concentrating on getting there as soon as possible, be didn't survey the area and found himself stumbling back as a Deku Baba sprouted from the ground, snarling at him.
His shield was raised just in time to save him from the plant's sharp fangs and he unsheathed his blade, thrusting it forward and cutting the stem with practiced ease. With a sigh, he relaxed his posture and looked at the structure covered by vines, searching for the white-clad male and his friend.
"How did I agree to this..." He rolled his eyes at himself, huffing quietly and walking down the small dirt platforms.
"Please help us!"
"And why should I do that, little goddess? Both of you were the thorn on my side for far too long and you're the reason for basically all this situation."
"You weren't really helpful to us eit-"
"Wait Link, let's keep calm about this... I won't say we're sorry for doing that, it was our destiny and mission just as it was yours to revive Demise. But we're after the same goal right now."
"We are?"
"...I would love to know where you got that from, however the phrase 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' comes to mind and I do require Miss Perfect's assistance in something. And if I'm not wrong, which I'm not, she needs your aid too."
"Is she in danger?"
"You are quite fast to reach conclusions, boy. But no, at least not at the moment."
"If we're after the same thing then why not help us help her help you?"
"In other context that sentence wouldn't work at all, Zelda."
"It's understandable so shush!"
"You have a good point, maybe I should consider it... but helping the two of you after you broke down all my plans, all my careful scheming."
"You said it yourself, you need Fi and she needs us. Let's call it a truce for the final product?"
"And what exactly makes you think my goal is the same as yours?"
"As I said, you need Fi to be well for your current plan to work, otherwise you would have transported there minutes ago. You require our assistance too."
"My, you're much sharper than I gave you credit for! If you give me your word you won't interfere in my plan, I'll lend you a hand. Have we reached a deal?"
"Why would we trus-"
"Deal."
"What? !"
"Perfect then! She's further north from this location, in the Skyview Temple. I believe you remember our meeting there, no Sky Child?"
"...I didn't need to remember that, just get us there."
"Don't be silly, Sky Child. I'll only take one of you with me and you're the nuisance that won't die even when a boulder falls on your head. Go on, we'll meet you there."
"A-ah? !"
Snap.
"... ugh."
The blond groaned at the memory, being careful not to activate any other Deku or Quadro Baba as he walked around the Temple's entrance. His frown suddenly turned into confusion as his ears perked up, picking a strange sound.
A slight buzzing?
"Master Shortpants, vzzt?"
He twisted around to see the small cargo robot floating above the roof of the entrance, propeller swirling to keep him from touching the moss covered stone. His coloring contrasted so much with the temple and even the area around that Link couldn't believe he hadn't seen him.
"Scrapper?" When the blond said his name, the robot started lowering to the same altitude, keeping his hands clasped around something he had been examining earlier. Link blinked twice, confused. "What are you doing here?"
Scrapper's expression turned into one of annoyance as he sized the blond with displeasure clear in his features. He whirred with his usual disrespectful tone apparently saved solely for Link. "I could inquire the same to you, vrrm. Shouldn't you be somewhere else, doing unimportant, crazy and dangerous actions, dzz-CLANG?"
Link frowned at the reply, glaring mildly at the robot. "You know what, whatever. I don't care, just tell me: have you seen a blonde girl with a tall, white haired man?"
"Vrrm, blonde girl and tall man? Can't confirm I saw them, but I did hear something walking into the temple not long ago, dzzzt." Link's heart leaped to his throat.
"Only that? No voices or anything?"
"I detected some sort of conversation, though it was quiet and short, vzzt." Scrapper replied after a moment of consideration, looking back at the hero with a curious glance. "Why are you asking, Master Shortpants?"
Resisting the urge to groan at the nickname, Link looked at the entrance of the Temple. "Got... separated from my friend thanks to a quite unhelpful guy. Though I was supposed to meet them here..."
"So, they left you behind, vzzt? I can't say that comes as a surprise for me, you don't consider much about other's wellbeing, like Mistress Fi's, vzz-CHONK!"
"Would you just st- wait, Fi? You saw her?" Barely able to keep himself from shaking the robot in that instant, the blond gapped at him before taking a step forward. "Where is she?"
Twirling cheerfully, Scrapper announced. "Affirmative, I came into contact with Mistress Fi a short time ago, vzz-CLANG! However..." He stopped to stare down at the other. "Mistress Fi mentioned needing time to herself, vzzt. I shouldn't inform you of her location."
Tugging at his hair, Link sighed through clenched teeth, taking a few moments to regain his calm before returning the stare. "And you simply allowed whoever came by earlier in without going to see who is was? They could be dangerous."
"Mistress Fi can communicate with me via telepathy, dzzt. If she's in danger I would know, and react accordingly, vrrm." Without uttering another word, Link spun on his feet and stalked toward the temple's entrance, making Scrapper buzz wildly. "Where do you think you're going, dzzt? !"
"To look for them. Anything could happen and I won't stay here and wait for the outcome without doing anything." He replied over his shoulder before starting his way down the stairs, determination bright in his eyes. Not much later, Scrapper huffed before following him inside.
Deep within the structure, in the central room, Zelda and Ghirahim walked in silence, hearing their steps echo in the wide area. The blonde had to quicken her pace slightly to keep up with him due to his longer legs and almost hurried movement.
They circled the large, dome-like structure in the middle of the room in order to reach the door that lead to the room at the very back of the temple and the connection between it and the spring. She was about to break the thick silence when a rogue Keese swooped down close to them, she suppressed a surprised squeak as it dived for her-
Before it was impaled and sent back into the wall with a black dagger. Silently, both the monster and dagger vanished in a cloud of purple smoke and red diamonds in time for her to turn and look at the one that threw the weapon.
Ghirahim lowered his arm and continued walking, his cape flowing behind him slowly. She rushed her pace some more to reach him, smiling. "Thank you for that, Ghirahim."
"Can't let you get killed by such a lowly creature, now, can I?" He huffed, eyes glued to the door across the chasm, with only a rope that worked as a way through. "The Sky Child would have had a fit, and in turn Miss Perfect would refuse to do anything for me. It's a vicious circle." He paused, humming quietly before looking back at her. "How long would it take you to get to the other side by yourself?"
"A Keese wouldn't be able to kill me so easily but... still, thanks; even if it was for your own gain too. And..." She grew silent for a moment, calculating. "Maybe two or three minutes." She gasped when the demon groaned and circled her middle with his arm, safely tucking her against his side.
"That's too long; it'll be easier if I take care of this." Before Zelda could ask what we meant by that, he crouched slightly and sprinted forward, extracting a shocked cry from the blonde as he leaped across the room effortlessly, landing on the other side with feline-like agility. He set her down and stretched to full height, looking at the large, golden door in front of them; without uttering another word or even waiting for her to recover, he approached it with a determined stride and pushed them open, holding it open for Zelda to enter before following after, doors closing loudly behind him.
The room they entered was circular, with tall ceiling and some sort of decorative symbol on the floor. They passed the room quickly, making their way toward the other door directly in front of them.
As the door closed behind them, the silence they had started getting used to was disturbed by chirps and slight splashes; Ghirahim lead the way confidently, gaze wandering around the area as if to try and memorize all the small details of the peaceful spring. Chocolate brown eyes focused on the blue and purple Spirit, who was kneeling on the furthest platform, closest to the crest and the statue.
He raised a hand in time to stop Zelda from breaking the white noise, earning a confused look from her. Rolling his eyes, he motioned toward Fi as she rose to her feet, head tilting back ever so slightly to stare at the statue's face. The sprite took a step forward. And another, and another.
Breathing slowly, Fi floated just above the water's surface, making small ridges break the clear mirror of water. Not long after, she bowed before leaning forth, raising one leg behind her gracefully and crossing it behind the other, using the move along with her arms to spin once. With little running start, she jumped on the air and, as soon as she touched the water's surface, she started skating, spinning and making sharp yet elegant turns mixed with graceful jumps.
"She who I seek for aid, please answer my call." Her voice echoed quietly around the area. "My mission is at risk without your guidance, for the words meant to purify have been twisted with time and magic. I require your assistance in my moment of need, a way to follow is all I ask for..."
Ghirahim looked away from the performing sprite when he felt someone tugging at his cape's edge, trying to attract his attention. Lowering his eyes, he met the blonde's sky blue ones before noticing her motioning him closer; quirking a brow, he leaned down just enough for her to whisper something on his ear. "Do you know what she is talking about...?"
He whispered back with a small shrug. "I have my suspicions; however we need more information before reaching conclusions. Do stay quiet though, these kind of things need patience and silence." She nodded back and both of them stepped closer to the pillars, trying to stay out of the sprite's line of vision to keep her from being distracted; both of them perked up as Fi continued skating slowly, circling the platforms and the statue as her voice carried around the area.
"Do you see me in the distance, can you hear me plea assistance...
Send an angel, grant your power, save me in my darkest hour..."
Scrapper hummed quietly behind Link as he lead the way through the Skyview Temple, both of them feeling the thick, uncomfortable silence pressing down of them. The blond had one hand ready to take his blade at any moment, waiting for some danger to approach them, while the robot continued surveying the surrounding area to detect any monster before they reached them.
"You know..." The robot blinked and looked down at the hero, who was attempting to break the silence. "I haven't heard much about you after you helped Zelda and I get some things down from Skyloft."
"Haven't done much either, vrrm. My assistance is not necessarily required most of the time, and I don't see the point in helping those that can do things themselves, dzzzt."
"So you do nothing all day long? Isn't that boring?"
"Shutting down is the best option when I'm not needed, avoids using energy and keeps me from losing my circuits without having a purpose, vrrm." Scrapper replied nonchalantly as they entered the room with the gigantic gap on the floor and the rope to cross it. "Why would you care, Master Shortpants?"
Link sighed to himself as he walked toward the rope, his frustration mostly directed to the tedious task of going though on it without losing his balance. "Just wondered. When I talked with Gondo some time ago he didn't say much about you so I grew curious I gu-GAH!" Link gasped as his feet slipped from under him, making him topple and almost fall if not for his hand shooting up to grasp the rope; giving a shaky sigh he tried to compose himself, pulling himself up again carefully. "Ugh, yeah that."
Scrapper didn't make a move to help him and instead floated ahead to wait for him to reach the other side. He examined the large door that blocked the way for a second before turning back to look at the small object on his hand; a green jewel, shaped like a diamond, gleamed on the light, contrasting and complementing the robot's coloring. The moment he heard Link step again on solid ground, sighing in relief, he put it away on a small compartment in his chest. "What are you waiting for, Master Shortpants? Move it!"
"Oh, shut up." Link opened the door, hearing the robot enter by floating above his head. Neither of them paid much attention to the door closing behind them as they passed the second one, entering the spring on the back.
"In the pool, you softly slumber, what you're dreaming of I wonder. Hea-"
"What's she saying?" The blond's voice drifted through the area quietly, yet in dissonance, breaking the sprite's concentration and attracting surprised and slightly irritated looks from Zelda and Ghirahim, respectively, as well as a low buzzing from Scrapper.
A splash made all of them turn back to look at the open area, seeing the blue and purple figure barely catching herself from falling completely into the shallow waters, though it did reach a bit below her knee. With wide eyes, she looked back at the other four in surprise. "S-since when have you been there?"
"Your power must be really weakened if you couldn't sense us." Commented the Demon Lord as Zelda shook her head and Scrapper hit Link's head slightly.
Fi slowly approached the closest platform, keeping her eyes low as she climbed onto the dry stone, a small puddle growing around her feet. She seemed to struggle for a moment before raising her head to see the group. "You shouldn't have seen that..."
"What was 'that'?" Link asked, brows arched in curiosity and biting back a hiss as Scrapper bonked the back of his head again.
"A ritual."
They turned to look at Ghirahim, finding him with an unexpectedly serious expression as he stared back at the blue sprite.
"Ritual...?" Zelda muttered.
"Why are you here?" Both Sword Spirits ignored Zelda's question, opting to peruse each other. Fi's monotonous voice continued cutting through the air with a warning edge to it. "You escaped."
"Such a sharp edged tone for a little servant." Ghirahim huffed back, strutting closer to the smaller sprite, his pacing cut by Scrapper as he whirred wildly, rushing to float in front of him.
"How dare you talk to Mistress Fi like that, vzz-CHONG!"
"Please stand down, Scrapper." The robot continued glaring at the Demon Lord before floating back, opening the way at Fi's request.
Once the robot was out of the way, Ghirahim advanced toward the other, who continued watching him in silence. "You should put a leash on that guardian dog of yours." He said, stopping barely a platform of distance from her.
The emotionless mask was betrayed by the low tone. "I suggest you quit being a disrespectful nuisance and stop circling the subject. What is your reason for being here?"
The Demon Lord smirked, raising a hand as if to reach and touch her. "You really want to get down to business. How can you go back to this state in such a short time..."
"And you keep skirting around the topic. Either answer or leave. I don't have the time or patience to deal with you as of right now." Both blonds blinked in shock at the usually mild, respectful Spirit's reply.
Ghirahim's grin widened. "Seems like spending time with me left a slight imprint in your attitude; not perfect anymore, are you?"
"It appears-" She started quietly. "My own personality affected you too; your level of patience has risen. However, that isn't the subject, you keep avoiding the topic." The silence that fell around the group seemed to press down on them.
Without another word, the blue and purple Spirit turned her head toward the statue, watching the crest bob on the air.
"Excuse me..." Everyone turned to look at Zelda as she spoke, unsure. "You said this was a ritual... with what purpose?"
"I apologize for ignoring your question, hono... Zelda." Fi answered, pausing for a moment to correct herself. "It's certainly a misfortune you now know of this, as I would have preferred this to be a guarded matter..."
"What happened, Fi?" Link asked, steeling himself for the worst.
"As you know, the Master Sword has been cursed by an unknown being using dark magic. Normally this kind of energy shouldn't affect it due to the blessed nature of the blade, however I can confirm with 95% accuracy whoever casted it knew a very advanced level of this art. As the curse wasn't placed specifically on the blade itself and was made to be slow and progressive, the protective barrier was skirted around.
While such a situation was foresaw by Her Grace after the forging of the blade, the guarding spirit- myself- was endowed with a counter spell that would be able to release the necessary energy to break any curse..."
"A back-up plan... why can't I remember that...?"
The sprite stayed quiet, considering her words. "You wouldn't be able to recall such spell, as it was a measure of little importance at the time. The chances of you saving that information for your next life to remember are close to 3%. It was my job to retain such data as I was the one meant to use it, but..."
"Something happened..."
She nodded. "The energy extracting curse wasn't the only one casted. A second spell was put on the blade." Fi lowered her eyes slightly before continuing. "I'm ashamed to admit that the second one was the one that forced Ghirahim and I out the blade and... apparently sealed part of my data base, rendering me unable to access them."
Link frowned, biting his lip uneasily. "So you can't remember certain things?"
"Correct. The caster really does have a dangerously high mastery of this magic if he was able to block specific subjects away."
"It's safe to assume one of these subjects was the counter spell?" Ghirahim peeped back, cocking his head to the side as the blue Spirit lowered her shoulders.
"Affirmative..."