Sorry, it took forever to post this chapter! Thanks to those of you who have this as a favourite! I am very flattered and as always, I would like to express my eternal gratitude to all my lovely reviewers! Really without your advice and support I would not keep writing this! SO THANK YOU:
-Link's Ocarina Babe (Link on toast sounds good to me),
-Booklover13 (sorry I didn't update sooner),
-Quinkilo1055 (I think I shall give you credit for part-authorship of this story, I've stolen so many of your ideas!),
-Mysterygal3189 (hehe, I love cliff-hangers) and last but by no means least
-la generala (Hmmmm…mutant ninja zombies – I think you're definitely on to something there)
for your reviews of Chapter 32, sorry if I didn't reply to them personally! I've been very busy lately (and not just playing games like usual XD)
Anways, without further ado, I commit to you all the marvellous (or at least 'the about time I submitted it') chapter 33. Enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-Three – and so it begins…
It was cold. Very cold. And he was soaking wet again. "Uh…" moaned Link. His frazzled mind tried to comprehend these two facts whilst telling him that something was very, very wrong with the world. Like he didn't know that already! Cautiously, he opened one eye to check his surroundings. Given that he believed he had suffered death by flaming, he was a little surprised to see that he was still in the witches' potion room. Zelda was still gaping at him from the opposite wall and Twinrova was still doing her weird levitation thing near him. He glanced down. Sir Kwaksalot was still sitting in his hand, an inane grin on his red beak, his blank eyes staring at nothing. 'If this really is the sacred realm', thought Link, 'I can understand why people don't want to die!'
"Link…? Are you okay?" asked Zelda.
After peering at her for a very long time, just to ascertain that she really was speaking to him he decided that the best thing to do would be to check the answer to her question. He gave himself the once-over. Apart from being soaking wet (again) he seemed to have avoided any injury from the blast. He was relieved to find that his body had not been horrifically burned, his shirt and pants were not singed (although being Link, he wouldn't have minded a little artistic frazzling here and there) and most relieving, his hair was still in tact. "Er…I guess I am…" he responded at length. "Zel…did you save me?" He asked.
"No, I did." A voice came from behind him this time. He swung around and came face to face with the last person he was expecting – Impa. She stood in the doorway, arms folded, red eyes all a-glare and lips sneering at him.
"Impa? Surely you didn't help me?" He wondered aloud.
"No I did not. I wouldn't help you unless if was to help you over the edge of a cliff. It was all her." Impa nodded at the woman standing slightly behind her and grimaced, she was mortified at the thought of assisting Link in any way.
He had at first thought the woman to be A. Gerudo guard, sent to hamper his progress towards Ganondorf, but when he looked properly at her, he noticed two things that were odd – firstly she had piercing blue eyes, and secondly that those piercing blue eyes were staring unblinkingly at him. He knew he'd seen them somewhere before but couldn't quite place them.
"Well I'm glad you're back to your usual self." She remarked, in a slightly cool tone. "Surely you, of all people, must recognise me, Link!"
He frowned as he gazed at her, he'd never seen the woman before, but knew those eyes…and if he knew those eyes then he knew who she really was. The realisation hit him with a considerable jolt. "Oh my goddess, you are Amber…I mean Xeial, aren't you?"
"The one and only." Replied Xeial, smiling at him. She glanced at Impa and smirked, "See - I told you he was smarter than he looks."
"But….but you're a human?"
"And you are confused by this? It's easily explained – I shape shift. Unfortunately, my true form takes up a little too much concentration to hold for any significant length of time, but I thought I'd better transform into this before I spoke to you. Even you would have been a little daunted had I spoken to you as Amber."
"No, it would have been awesome!" Replied Link. "Still, I'm glad it was you that saved me, I was beginning to think it was the rubber duck."
"Rubber duck?" These two words were repeated by every person in the room, bar Link, with equal amounts of confusion. Sir Kwaksalot evidently felt left out by this, so he said it too.
"Er, I mean Sir Kwaksalot."
"You mean that paltry thing you've got in your hands?" Laughed Xeial. "Here, gimme that!" She held out a hand imperatively.
"What are you going to do with him?"
"Nothing much." Said Xeial, with a peculiarly evil grin, "Has someone given him 'come-alive juice' or summat? Come on, hand him over! These charm things can be dangerous, ya know."
"Er, I think I'll keep hold of him, thanks." Said Link, backing away from the Dream Snatcher.
"Squave me!" Squeaked the duck.
"That duck belongs to King Ganondorf." announced Twinrova, suddenly. "If he's gonna be handed over to someone, it'd better be us. We made him, after all."
"They blew up my brother." Whispered the duck, sadly, "I don't want be with them."
"Er…" Said Link, quite nonplussed, Xeial was advancing on him from the front, and Twinrova was stalking him from behind and the rubber duck was telling him all his woes. Something was going to go horribly, horribly wrong, he just knew it.
Suddenly the door behind them all swung open and a voice boomed, "Hey Mums, how's my rubber duck army com…in….g….ah…" He stopped and gawped at the room's inhabitants before exploding: "What the HECK is going on in here?" There was an audible gulp from at least three people in the room as they all turned to face the door. The voice in itself was unmistakable, but just in case they weren't sure who it was, the insane height, the bright orange hair, the green tinted skin and perfectly manicured beard announced that it was indeed the one and only Ganondorf.
"Uh…Ganny-kins, we can explain!" said Twinrova, hastily dismantling herself into her respective parts of Koume and Kotake once more before rushing over to him to hug his legs.
"If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times – no more Twinrovaing in this castle!" Stormed Ganondorf, dealing with the most immediate of his problems first. "Just look at the damage you've caused! Last time it cost me ten-thousand rupees to repair the broken timbers and now… gah! You've spoiled your new curtains! Besides which, you know the girls find it freaky…and I do too…but that's beside the point. You two were supposed to be working on my super-secret project not wasting your time battling escapees." He took a deep breath, as if to steady himself before continuing his rant, noticed Link staring at him and stopped in his tracks.
"You!" He snarled, in a voice of deep loathing. He cast his eyes about the room to find what he was looking for and glared at her. "And you!" he added.
"Er…hi?" stammered Zelda, backing away slightly. "How are you, King Ganondorf?"
"Oh, I'm actually quite well today and – argh, what am I saying? Grrr, it's because of you two idiots that my castle guards are running themselves ragged, trying to find you and – what the heck is your problem, you moron?" He addressed this remark at Link, who had been staring at him in a transfixed manner, a dreamy smile on his face.
"Your beard." Said Link, dreamily.
"What? My beard is a problem, is it?"
"No your beard is…well, it's amazing! How do you trim it so neatly? It's just perfect – the right mix of majesty and malevolence. I thought Rauru's facial goings on couldn't be bettered but you've blown him out of the water with that fuzz. Oh I am so growing one when I'm older."
"Oh…heh, thanks, I guess. This is my latest style I call it the Power King look. Each hair is trimmed by hand and…no, no, NO I am being distracted again! Stop it! You! You are Link, correct?"
"I thought we'd already met but, yeah, I'm Link."
"Fine, then tell me, Link, where can I find the final Dream Snatcher, Xeial."
"Right here." Said Xeial herself, her blue eyes were colder than ever as she gazed at him, "But don't think I'll let you get the power of the Chameleon Stone. I have no intention of helping you achieve your malevolent goals."
"Oh really?" Stormed Ganondorf, "We'll see about that! Gimme your Signet Ring!"
"Tut-tut-tut, don't you know when you're outclassed? I'm not one of those creatures that can be bullied, you know." Xeial studied his face calmly for a moment. "I'm far more powerful than you or your witches and I can do whatever I like. I will protect Link and the Chameleon Stone for as long as I have to and I will not let you have any of Saeru's power."
For a long moment, the room was still and silent as Xeial allowed her words to sink in, penetrating through Ganondorf's fury and Link's puzzlement. Her blue eyes gazed at the Gerudo King scornfully, "You are far too weak to share in her power. She'd use you before you'd have time to take a breath. You are wasting your time trying to revive her power, you should let me have it and I will seal it and her away permanently." She watched as Ganondorf's hands curled into rather alarmingly large fists and smiled again, "I wouldn't if I were you. You really don't know me and what I am capable of."
"I know exactly who you are and what you are capable of – you are a Dream Snatcher, and not just any Dream Snatcher – you are Xeial, the ultimate weapon against Saeru, the only one of the group to have been given Lefestra's blessing and protection. You are the most powerful and most enigmatic of the seven and the only one whom Saeru genuinely despises. Conventional methods of attack will not work against you for you are almost immortal. There is only one person that has the power to destroy you." Ganondorf grinned wickedly at her and crossed his arms, had he been a ten-year old no doubt at this point he would have stuck his tongue out at her. Instead he glared down his nose at her and added, "You see – I've done my homework!"
Contrary to expectations, Xeial did not react angrily to this tirade, rather her expression was impressed and she actually applauded him. "So, where d'ya get your information then?" She asked.
"Straight from the source!" replied Ganondorf, "You don't think the Goddess Saeru would just let you stop her, do you? She wants her power back!"
"And you are content to simply get her way, no qualms? Somehow that doesn't sound entirely honest to me! I doubt very much that in all your 'homework' you didn't learn what the Chameleon Stone can do – the power it contains and I also doubt that a man like you – who is so clearly obsessed by power – would simply let the opportunity to possess such unparalled might pass him by. Just what bargain has she offered you?"
"Heh, you think you can read me so well." Snorted Ganondorf, "And you think you know Saeru so well but I'll tell you now – you don't! But one thing's for sure, she certainly knows you! I won't tell you what bargain we've made but rest assured, she's told me enough to ensure her, no our, victory."
"Our victory...?" Xeial rolled her eyes and smiled, "I guess I'll just have to do this myself then, eh?" She raised her arms above her head and then suddenly a spasm of pain flashed across her face and she seemed to cave in on herself. The pain forced her into a crouch and her body was visibly trembling.
"Xeial!" Cried Link, dashing towards her.
She raised a shaky hand and smiled at him, "S-stay back. It's o-okay." Her face was deathly pale and her voice sounded thick and odd. She gulped and shook her head, "I told you I c-couldn't keep this form up for too l-long." Another spasm shook her whole body and she gasped and clutched her sides, "Link! S-stay strong and d-don't worry about me. I-I'll be with you always, I…I…" She lurched forward and screamed.
"W-what's happening to you?" Cried Link, surging forward again. Xeial shook her head and frantically waved him away. "Urg…aaaaaaoooooooooooooow…" she cried as she dropped to the floor. Her body became enveloped in white light and black flame.
"She's reverting to her true form…I think." Said Impa, taking advantage of everybody's distraction to inch towards Zelda.
Xeial screamed again and dragged herself to her hands and knees. The frantic magic surrounding her calmed a little and then there was a sudden bang and blinding flash of light and she fell back to the floor, her body morphed into its more familiar canine form. The magic surrounding her disbursed gently as Link dropped to his knees at her side and gently stroked her ears. She raised her head and rested it on his lap, just like she always had done in the past.
"I much prefer this form, Xeial," Mocked Ganondorf, "You are so much more manageable."
Amber growled at him and attempted to stand but she had drained most of her power by keeping in her human form for too long. Link stroked her head gently as she slumped back to the floor and glared at Ganondorf, "She may be weak but she is still a thousand times stronger than you and if you think for a minute that I'll let you harm her, I'll…" He stopped and stared in surprise at Ganondorf who had started laughing.
"So you'll stop anyone who tries to hurt her, will you?" sniggered the Gerudo king, "Well we'll see about that! It's a shame she's too exhausted to tell you exactly why that statement is so ironic. I must remember to thank Saeru for the entertainment she has so generously provided for me today! Anyway, I must be going. I have a stone to awaken and for that I shall require the lovely Zelda's assistance."
"I'm not going anywhere with you!" Snapped Zelda, moving closer to Link for protection.
Impa grabbed her wrist as she inched by and glared at everybody. "Zelda is going nowhere. In fact, she is going home with me right now! Come, Zelda! You have been allowed far too much indulgence recently and I am determined to wash your hands of these unsavoury influences you have surrounded yourself with."
"By unsavoury influence, I assume you are referring to me?" Remarked Link, unperturbed. "Unfortunately, Zelda can't go anywhere right now – surely even you realise that, Impa? There is the small matter of sealing the power of the Chameleon Stone – something only she can do, and that must outweigh any hatred you have for me?"
"I would say that since the Chameleon Stone is a Calatian relic, dealing with it is a Calatian problem! Zelda is a Hylian and moreover, she is my ward! I forbid her from having any further association with you therefore she will be returning home with me. You and Ganondorf may deal with the Chameleon Stone between you!"
"How very selfish you are, Impa." Exclaimed Zelda, angrily shaking her arm free of her mentor's grasp, "Am I even allowed to express my opinion on the matter?"
"Not whilst you are my ward!" Replied Impa, as she attempted to grasp Zelda's hand again.
"But I am not your ward, not legally anyway!" Cried Zelda, taking a good step away from her. "I know you are only doing this to protect me and I do understand that you mean only the best for me because you care so much but you must understand – this issue is beyond your control. Link is right – I am the only one who can end this madness. If the Goddesses have chosen me to fulfil this duty then I must do as they ask. Indeed, I have no other choice!"
"Well said," chuckled Ganondorf, "Nevertheless, you have been chosen to awaken Saeru's power, not seal it away. You see, once Xeial is destroyed, you'll have no other choice but to cooperate with me. Saeru has already explained this to you – either you free her or you condemn yourself to her prison. You have no choice."
"As I see it, Xeial is still alive!" retorted Zelda, standing tall and glaring at him.
"For now."
"And I am the only one who can destroy her, correct? If that is so, then I swear to you that as long as I live, she will too! I would rather face eternal damnation than help you and that vile excuse for a Goddess get your way."
Ganondorf sniggered and ambled towards her. Ridiculous and pathetic as he could be, he was still powerful enough to strike fear into her and she backed away. "It is a good thing the choice is not yours then isn't it, dear Zelda?"
"W-what do you mean?" Zelda ducked out of his way and attempted to get some space between them. Suddenly her whole body became entangled with heavy black chains and she was gagged. Ganondorf smirked and turned to Link, who up to this point had been nursing Xeial but had now jumped to his feet. "It is just as Saeru foretold," said the Gerudo, "it is her will that the choice would not be for Zelda to make but for the one who hurt her so." Link snarled and jumped forward only to find himself entangled in similar chains to Zelda. He moved his head and saw that the spell came from the two witches, who had up to this point been casual observers. Impa had jumped forward too but the next moment, she had vanished completely. Ganondorf laughed maniacally at the shock on the Hylian's faces. Then he espied Sir Kwaksalot still sitting in Link's hand.
An instant later the rubber duck had been snatched from him and for a terrible moment, Ganondorf's softer (more disturbing) side shone through as he cradled his precious rubber duck against his chest. Clearly Link was the only one who could hear the said rubber duck's squeaks of protest. The next moment, Ganondorf realised just how ridiculous he looked and with an almost embarrassed snort, he tossed the hapless toy to one side. Link winced at the painful 'thud' sound as the poor duck crashed into the opposite wall. A soft plea to be 'scquaved' could be heard.
"Er, as I was saying…" continued Ganondorf, laughing slightly as he returned to his glowering, menacing self, "Saeru has told me what I am to do and she bids me to tell you this: Lefestra, you were responsible for destroying my very soul. Your betrayal cut me like a stab wound…"
"I don't care what Saeru said!" Shouted Link, struggling against his bonds "Let Zelda go! There is no reason to do this to her."
"Heh! You are just as predictable as I thought. Naboouru was right about you." Laughed Ganondorf.
"Let. Her. Go."
Very slowly and deliberately Ganondorf ran his hand over Zelda's face and neck down to her décolleté, all the while smirking at Link. "You know, I don't think I will." He decided as he allowed his hand to wander further.
"STOP!" Cried Link, struggling with almost inhuman desperation against his bonds. "I beg you – let her go, Ganondorf!"
The Gerudo nuzzled his head against Zelda's neck, enjoying her screams of terror and grinned at Link. "Tell me why I should?"
"I…I will do wherever you ask of me…" sighed Link, "Just…please don't hurt her. Let her go, please…"
There was a long pause whilst Ganondorf considered this tempting proposal. Zelda, despite her attempts to curb them, could not stop the sobs which racked her body or the tears which stained her cheeks. She cringed and trembled at Ganondorf's cold touch and despised herself for being so powerless against him.
"So much for being a fearless warrior and heir of Lefestra's noble title." Came a honeyed voice from the doorway. Standing on the threshold was the exquisitely lovely Goddess Saeru; an attractive smirk twisted her painted lips as she gazed at Link. "Faced with the thought of your loved one suffering you crumble into nothing. Like father, like son I guess." She glided into the room and stood before Xeial. She sneered down at the exhausted wolf and mocked, "You're just as pathetic as him, you know? Even if he wanted your protection you couldn't help him now – your power's all gone and it's all you can do to will your body into this form, knowing that your true self is meaningless to him. Poor Xeial, had you not done the same thing to me all those years ago, I might have felt some pity for you now but I confess, all I can feel is joy because now you shall feel exactly what it is like to be rejected. You will finally understand my pain."
Xeial growled softly at the goddess and attempted to drag herself to her feet. Saeru giggled as the wolf collapsed again and she clapped her hands, "What ever else I despise about you, Xeial, I've always admired your spirit! You have such dogged determination to stop me at every turn but this time I shall win. You know, indeed you've known for a long time how this will pan out. You must have seen it when you first saw Zelda… does it hurt to be replaced?"
"What are you talking about?" Interrupted Link. Saeru turned to him and peered deep into his eyes and for a moment, Link felt as though his soul was being torn apart. He winced and dragged his eyes away from hers. She chuckled for she had found out all that she sought and turned back to Ganondorf, smiling, "She is a pretty little thing, huh? Whilst you yet need her alive to unlock the power of the Chameleon Stone thus breaking the seal on me, I assure you after that she will be useless – useless to me anyway. I am certain you have some other purpose in mind for her and whatever it is, I promise you: she will yield to you."
Ganondorf grinned and nodded his intentions towards Zelda perfectly clear.
"After all, one does not require a mind in a lover, merely a willing body."
"NO!" Cried Link, "Saeru, please – no!"
"You see – his fear is so apparent!" Laughed Saeru. "You, my friend, are far too easy to ready. Didn't I warn you that I would discover your fears and use them against you? Little fool, you are far too similar to Lefestra for your own good." She rested her cold hand against his cheek and he jerked his head away. "Yet your similarity gives you a certain advantage. I have a strange kindness for you, child and to honour that memory of him I shall offer you a bargain: when Zelda has released me from my prison, you may have her back mind and body in tact. You see, I am fair – I ask only one thing of you in return."
"What's that?" Link was beginning to notice a strange fog settling in on his mind forcing his body to focus on saving Zelda by whatever means necessary. He barely noticed any other presence that hers and he felt her pain acutely.
"I want something that only you can give me – something that I need."
"What do you want?" Sighed Link, the part of him that was not completely fixated on rescuing his princess hated the way he was bowing to Saeru and deep down he knew she could not be trusted but one look at Zelda's terrified face erased all other thoughts but her safety from his mind.
"Terrible what love can do to you, isn't it." smirked Saeru, following his distraught gaze to Zelda's face, "You are so devoted and yet you still don't even know if she likes you. Pathetic, isn't it – even the strongest fall at love's petty darts."
"Just tell me: what are you after?"
"Oh Link, you are spoiling my fun! Can't you allow a girl a little entertainment once in a while? I've been trapped in darkness for a thousand years, you know?"
"Saeru! Please, just tell me what you want!" Cried Link, "I've already said I'll do whatever it takes – just…please let Zelda go."
"Aw poor Link, surely you must know already what I want, it's quite simple really. I want Xeial's signet ring."
"But I…"
"Let me finish! It is rude to interrupt!" Laughed Saeru, playfully resting her fingers against Link's lips. "Of course you wouldn't understand me yet – you don't understand Xeial and her uniqueness. You know of course she was Lefestra's one true love, that is: my replacement, and that she was the only one of the Dream Snatchers he actually bothered to protect from me. Of course he could not stop her transformation into a monster but he did ease the burden on her, allowing her to be a shape-shifter – thus granting himself the boon of not having her taken away from him completely – and he also gave her a unique form of protection." Saeru laughed at Link's pale face and she stroked his golden hair tenderly, "You're clever enough to guess what I will say next. I can already see the comprehension in your beautiful eyes, child. Lefestra protected Xeial's life with his own. The key to destroying the final Dream Snatcher lies not in the power of Illumae, or in physical prowess or magical talent, but in the asking. Only one man held her heart and only his heir has the power to ask her to repay that debt. Only he can move her enough to sacrifice…"
"NO! I can't do that!"
Saeru laughed and leaned towards him, "She loved your ancestor and she loves you enough to give you her soul – if you ask it of her!"
"Amber…? Is this…true…?" whispered Link, gazing down at his beloved pet. He was trying to picture her in her human form but it was impossible to see her as anything but the tiny wolf cub he had found starving in the desert whom, over the last five years, had grown to be his most loyal friend and often his only comfort. She gazed back at him steadily, her ice-blue eyes as calm and canny as ever.
"Remember, this is for Zelda's sake too, Link." whispered Saeru. She signalled to Ganondorf who in turn nodded at the two Gerudo witches. Zelda began writhing in pain as the chains holding her constricted tightly. Saeru froze Link with a touch and laughed at him as he tried to break free of the holding spell she had placed on him. Her golden eyes were lit with a light all of their own, "It seems that Zelda wants to say something…" she laughed. She waved her hand and instantly the gag in Zelda's mouth vanished.
"Link! Don't do it!" She screamed, "Don't! I….aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah" Her body slumped forward and she wept uncontrollably, the pain and stress taking its toll on her."
"I am as good as my word, Link." Promised Saeru, gagging Zelda once more. "You've got to lose one of them so who's it going to be – Zelda or Xeial, or do I mean Amber?"
"I…I…" Stammered Link.
"Make your choice!" Shouted the goddess, "I do not have time to waste. Save Amber and condemn your precious Zelda to an eternity of horror or save her and grant me freedom. What is it to be? Who is it to be?"
Link struggled to reach his sword but the bonds were too tight. Saeru laughed at him and shook her head, "Tut-tut, don't you know that your sword is useless against me? One more stunt like that and I shall grant my slave Ganondorf permission to violate Zelda's filthy body before you right now! I'm sure that is a fear both you and Zelda have. Poor Link, does it hurt knowing you can't protect her?"
Link bit his lip and turned his gaze from Zelda. He couldn't bear to see her so tormented, so desperately afraid. He stared down at Amber and she steadily gazed back, understanding in her cold eyes and it hit him: she was telling him it was okay, that she would be okay that she understood that he really only had one option.
"She's here to protect you, Link." Came a voice he recognised as belonging to Sir Kwaksalot, "She said to tell you that she'd give my life to save you – just like you would for her so don't worry, she understands and she doesn't blame you."
Amber turned and rested her head on her paws.
"Well, made your mind up yet, pretty boy?" Sniggered Ganondorf. Link jumped at the sound of his voice and swung around. There was no sign of Saeru, Zelda or Kotake or Koume. The chains holding him down had also vanished, he realised as he launched himself at the grinning King. He soon discovered it was an apparition as he crashed into a work bench. Ganondorf laughed.
"Where is Zelda?" Demanded Link, glowering at the Gerudo.
"Saeru's keeping her as a sort of deposit. So tell me, what are you going to do?"
"Where. Is. Zelda?"
"D'ya wanna see?"
"WHERE IS SHE DAMMIT?"
"Heh, I'll show you!" Laughed the phantom Ganondorf, as he held out the Seeing Stone to show Link the vision therein: Zelda was being dragged away by a group of nightmarish creatures led Saeru, they were heading into an eerie, swirling darkness.
"Where is she taking her?" Cried Link. He felt a hideous pain in his gut as fear and panic set in.
"Into a nightmare from which only you can save her." Smirked Ganondorf, beginning to disappear. "The door to Saeru's realm can only be opened with Xeial's signet ring. Either you can come to Saeru's realm and save Zelda or you and your pretty little pet wolf can disappear." The king sneered and bowed low as he disappeared leaving Link alone with Amber and Sir Kwaksalot. A slight noise drew his attention to his pet, "She says go save the girl." Announced Sir Kwaksalot, "She says Saeru will do things worse than death to Zelda if you don't, and if you truly love her, there shouldn't be any doubt in your mind about what you must do."
"I…f-forgive…you…" Came Xeial's broken voice, from Amber's mouth. "It's been…such…f-fun…g-good…bye...Li..nk…i…pooo…."
"No! AMBER!" Sobbed Link, crashing to his knees besides her, "Don't!"
"It…is…the o-only…w-way…." She sighed, raising her head to gaze adoringly at him. She slowly exhaled and closed her eyes as her body slipped to the floor. She twitched a couple of times and then was still. Her wolf's body melted back into its human form and then gently it vanished into nothing. In her place was a beautiful golden ring – the final signet ring. Its diamond centre glittered in its own light and as Link picked it up he saw an inscription on the band. "May golden light shine through all darkness."
Link felt tears stinging his eyes and he rubbed them away hastily. He clasped the signet ring tightly in his hand and stood. Xeial was right – he had to save Zelda. Only she could stop Saeru – only she could disburse the darkness Saeru would bring. Link took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders. He would have time to grieve for Amber later. Right now he had a bigger priority. He had a goddess to kill.
so….
Er, I'll get on with writing chapter 34 then :) remember to review!!
