Chapter 19: Back to Termina

While Rauru and Darunia still waited within the Great Fairy's Fountain, Impa led herself and the others out of the Spirit Temple using her shadow, seeing as Ganondorf was inspecting his troops on the far side of the Temple. This in turn gave the group the opportunity to escape from the Spirit Temple unseen, primarily thanks to Impa's Shadow Medallion giving her the ability to manipulate shadows and overall darkness at will. Once they were out of the Temple and moving on the sand, the shadow moved towards the Great Fairy's Fountain in order to take a breather there. But as they arrived in the dark area of the fountain and Impa herself rose from the shadow, she was surprised to see Rauru and Darunia there as well.
"Huh?! What are you doing here?" Impa asked.
"We could ask you the same thing." Darunia said.
"Well, I was here for a personal mission, mainly to gather intelligence on the movements of the enemy units."
"I see. Wasn't this dangerous?" Rauru asked.
"Normally yes, but I had help." Impa said, as she then showed her Gerudo Escort to the group.
"Was she the only one?" Darunia asked.
"Uh, not exactly." Impa said.
It was then that the Garo Master and the four Garo Robes appeared in front of the group. Immediately Darunia was ready, but Rauru stopped him.
"Wait, something is off about these Garo." He said.
"Huh?!" Darunia asked.
It was then that the Garo Ninjas disintegrated in sheets of green flames… revealing the spirits of Link, Saria, Zelda, Ruto and Nabooru underneath them!
"By the Goddesses! How is this possible?!" Darunia asked, blinking.
"We're spirits lingering with regret, regret of being unable to have seen this coming or otherwise unable to save each other…" Link said.
"Impa helped us out using the Song of Healing, which in turn gave us focus to help in gathering intelligence." Zelda said.
"We've been using the bodies of the Garo Ninja to mingle among Ganondorf's troops undetected." Saria said.
"And because of this move, we've learned the locations of two more outposts of Ganondorf and Majora's troops." Nabooru said.
"It was weird to have inhabited a body other than our own though." Ruto said.
"That I can understand. But before we go to either one of these outposts, we should head for a lost island within the Great Bay area." Rauru said.
"What for?" Link asked.
"Because I've been told by one of the Great Fairies that the Fairy Queen, known as Venus, resides there. Hopefully she can aid us in your resurrection."
"Well then, I guess we should get going before the Evil King finds us?" Saria asked.
"Hmm, I can try something that should cut off most of the trip. Zelda, can you please hand me the Ocarina of Time for a moment?" Link then said.
"Sure." Zelda said, giving Link what appeared to be the Ocarina of Time.
Link then began to play the Minuet of Forest on the Ocarina, a melody that instantly caught on with Saria as she began to play along on her own Ocarina. No sooner had they done this however, or the entire group was being encased in a green magic sphere which suddenly bolted off into the sky, before landing at the Sacred Forest Meadow, releasing the three sages, the Gerudo escort and the five Spirits.
"Wow! We're in the forest like that?!" Ruto asked, looking around.
"Yep," Link said, "apparently the magic of these songs are still in effect to this day, even after we managed to prevent the Future That Almost Was."
"At least it saves us on backtracking, but now we need to reach Termina." Rauru said.
"Right." Impa said as she hid the five spirits within her shadow once more, before three went on their way.
"Impa, how come you don't have their Triforce pieces and medallions by doing this?" Rauru asked.
"I actually gained those things the first time around, but I had to let them enter my body first before I could transfer them into my shadow, which in turn returned their Triforce Pieces and medallions to them." Impa said as they went further in the forest.

Ganondorf in the meantime found that his troops did well in regards of preparing themselves, but he couldn't help to think that something was amiss. Apparently a small number of Garo Ninjas vanished, although troops reported to have seen some of them wandering around in the Temple in relative peace. However, now that he was here, these Garo were missing altogether. He mused that because they are ninja, they apparently were underway to execute their mission already before he arrived. He just hoped to receive a report from them any time soon; he couldn't afford to get careless now, lest he wants to get his hands on the complete Triforce. He ordered his troops to keep a lookout on the forces in case the Garo Ninjas came back. If those ninjas have betrayed him… then there'd be hell to pay. He decided to play the waiting game on this account, hoping that he would get the right information soon enough…

Impa, Darunia, Rauru and their Gerudo escort were making swift progress through the forest, joined by Navi, Tatl and Tael. Epona the horse was in the meantime resting at Lon Lon Ranch in the stable, with Malon taking good care of it. Talon was this time putting some work in himself, much to the relief of Ingo, seeing that it lessened the workload for him and allowed him to have some time for himself once the work was done. It in turn made Ingo also quite nicer because of this help, although he remained weary at first as he remained well-aware of Talon's tendency to actually fall asleep whenever he was taking a rest. It did help that a few Cuccos were around at the ranch this time, so Ingo and Malon respectively could make one crow next to Talon's ear to wake him up. It was a little trick that Link had given to Malon, which Ingo caught on rather rapidly…
"So, where exactly is this Lost Island you spoke of?" Impa then asked Rauru.
"I was told that it's somewhere off the Great Bay Coast area, it can be reached by boat. Perhaps if we take one of those more advanced boats that Link told us about, we should be able to reach it at a fair speed. He said the Fisherman could be of help, seeing as how the Gerudo Pirates are more secluded/isolated and already are in trouble themselves, so we should avoid them wherever we can." Rauru said.
"Point taken." Impa said as she moved along.
"Where did you come across the spirits of our friends?" Darunia then asked.
"After I ran from the Ice Cave into a clearing, since I still had trouble coping with what had happened, I sat down on a rock near a small running brook of water and just cried there for some time. It was then that I eventually heard someone calling my name and when I looked to the direction of who called me, I saw Zelda's spirit right there. It turned out that the regrets those five had couldn't make them pass on to the next life, so I tried to ease their spirits by playing the Song of Healing, which did bring them relief to a major degree as you know." Impa said.
"Yes, they did mention that part." Darunia said.
"But knowing that you wanted to resurrect them, I told them they could enter my body, through which I used my Shadow powers to hide the group inside my own shadow. This in turn would keep their spirits safe from immediate danger, even though we did exploit it to infiltrate the Spirit Temple after I consulted one of my fellow Sheikah from the past." Impa said.
"I see," Rauru said before turning to the Gerudo, "and what is your story, young lady?"
"I was assigned by my commander Aveil to escort Lady Impa to the Spirit Temple. Suffice it to say, the Gerudo were no better off than any of your races." The Gerudo said.
"Oh? What makes you say that? And I don't think we know your name either…" Darunia said.
"Oh, pardon me. I was so focused on my task that I didn't introduce myself. My name is Leia." The Gerudo said.
"Pleased to meet you." Impa said, smiling.
"As for what happened to the Gerudo, it appears that our race has become divided in two camps." Leia then said.
"Two camps?" Rauru said.
"Yes. On one side, there's the Gerudo whom have joined the Hyrulean Army against the forces of Evil and are through this on your side. Both my commander Aveil and myself, are part of that camp and have taken refuge in the Gerudo Fortress in the Gerudo Valley here in Hyrule." Leia said.
"I see. And who's the other camp?" Darunia asked.
"Those are the Gerudo whom have resided in their own fortress at the Great Bay area. They have once again been coaxed in the promise of finding expensive treasure and have openly and willingly joined the side of Ganondorf and Majora, or were otherwise brainwashed in doing so, which in effect ignited the Gerudo Civil War." Leia said.
"Oh dear…" Impa said, shivering.
"How's the war progressing then?" Darunia asked, believing that Leia somehow knew more.
"The war's pretty much a stalemate; both sides have suffered losses and taken Gerudo of the other side whom survived the attacks prisoner. However, the Gerudo Pirates as the ones in Great Bay call themselves are also enacting on things like brainwashing in order to bolster their numbers; they suffered most of the losses due to the complexity of our fortress here in Hyrule. I learned later that, while the Pirates were in fact attacked by the forces of Evil themselves, most of the pirates there willingly joined due to being coaxed into gaining treasure, while other pirates simply refused. Those pirates eventually fled, or were either killed or capture during their escape. On our turn though, we managed to convince some of the pirates we captured that all Ganondorf and Majora wanted was to control the world and make it into their image, thus leaving the treasure out of the question or otherwise having to do things that go against their policies and laws they normally abide by, so they switched sides and joined us instead." Leia said.
"I see. So it's Gerudo versus Gerudo in this as well. Why have you decided to join us in this?" Rauru said.
"My elder sister Reimu was one of the Gerudo whom was captured during the staged attack on the fortress. I believe that she's been taken to the fortress in the Great Bay, so I wanted to know if she's still alive." Leia said.
"Even if there's a chance of her being brainwashed?" Impa asked.
"Yes, as long as there's a sign of life of her…"
Impa could notice that Leia was either loyal and/or looking up to her sister if she's that worried about her. Given the state the Gerudo tribe as a whole was in now, this would make sense. Then again, not much of the Gerudo was known up to this point other than that they were all-female thieves with only one male being born once in the hundred years, as well as the occasional Gerudo roaming around Hyrule Castle Town to search for a boyfriend.

The Stalfos Commander in the meantime managed to assemble a new force of Stalfos, this time also having several Stalchildren in his ranks as they marched through the forest towards their outpost there. He was told to oversee the construction of their forts there and intended to assign the Stalfos and Stalchildren he had with him to guard the place with him as he went to oversee the area itself by settling in there for some time before moving on according to his orders. He wouldn't let his masters down, that was for certain and he would see to it that their will would be executed. Being one of the higher ranked soldiers among the forces of Evil, he had a decent amount of influence over his troops and commanded them where needed while his masters had their attention elsewhere. It was as if the Forces of Evil had taken on a military hierarchy similar to the regular army, which in effect allowed the easier deployment of troops for when the time of invasion would come. Currently the forces were being assembled and prepared, all for the cause of world conquest.

It took the group several hours, but eventually they managed to reach Termina itself, arriving within the waterworks area that led towards Clock Town.
"Well, here we are." Darunia said.
"Hmmm, it feels strange to be in such a different land." Leia said.
"It is, but I'm certain we will be guided around fairly soon." Impa said as they entered the town.
Upon entering the town, they saw the people going about on their daily routine of life. It seemed suddenly incredible to them now that everyone spent their day as if it was just like any other: working, eating and sleeping… it all seemed so safe and tranquil…
"So, where do we go from here?" Darunia asked.
"Link told us that Clock Town lies directly in the center of Termina. Following the compass directions, there is Snowhead to the North, Ikana Canyon to the East, the Southern Swamp to the South, Milk Road to the South-West and the Great Bay Coast to the West of town." Rauru said, recalling the meeting he had with the other sages and Link himself where the young hero told them about his adventures in Termina.
"So it's up to the west then." Impa said.
"Wait, now that we're here in town, do you mind if I get some supplies for underway? You'll never know what we'll come across." Leia then said, wanting to help.
"Do you have the money with you?" Impa asked.
"I have about 200 Rupees with me, so I can get us some additional ammunition for sure." Leia said.
"Hm. It is definitely not going to be an easy mission, so having some extra supplies won't hurt." Rauru said, nodding as the group went to West Clock Town.

Navi, Tatl and Tael followed the group wherever they went, with Navi becoming more anxious with the hour. Fortunately, Tatl and Tael kept her at bay, but it was clear that Navi could hardly wait for the resurrection to take place. Hopefully she could still see Link again and tell him what she wanted to tell him. Navi then suddenly sneezed, startling Tatl whom was flying in front of her.
"Bless you." She said to Navi.
"Thanks. Maybe I should have stayed not so long in the Ice Cave." Navi replied.
"You were just a bit too upset to think about it." Tael said.
"True." Navi said, sighing as she continued on with the other two.
The children who were part of the Bombers' Secret Society of Justice spotted Tael and Tatl in the area though and went to greet them.
"Hey, Tatl and Tael! What brings you here again?" The lead child named Jim asked.
"Oh, hey Jim. We're on a long trip and made a stop here to get some supplies." Tatl replied.
"Oh? What happened?" Jim asked.
"It's a long story. To keep it short, two very powerful evil beings have resurfaced and we're basically on a trip to find a proper way to stop them; they're currently too powerful for us to be taken down in the first try, so we're looking for a way to counteract what makes them strong."
"I see. It appears things haven't been peaceful for long then?"
"No, I guess not."
"Well, if you need any help, just don't be afraid to contact us. We like to help people out and make them as happy as we can." Jim then said.
"I'll keep that in mind for sure. See you around." Tatl said, before moving after Tael.
"Later, Tatl." Jim said, waving her off.

Using the directions that Link told them about, the group managed to buy some additional arrows, Deku Nuts and bombs, while Darunia blinked at seeing a Goron in the Bomb Shop. After some chatting, Darunia purchased a Powder Keg from the Goron salesman, knowing it could come in handy sometime. With their additional equipment on hand, the group moved out of West Clock Town, heading straight for the Great Bay area. A green Leever was approaching the group to strike them, but Darunia just smashed it back into the ground without even looking.
"Those Leevers are such a pest." Impa said.
"You said it." Leia replied.
Upon entering the Great Bay Coast area, the group could see the Marine Research Laboratory, the building which took care of the Zora Eggs directly ahead, coupled with the vast waters of the Great Bay Ocean. To their left, the group could see two buildings, one being the Fisherman's hut, the other was the Oceanside Spider House. They decided to meet with the Fisherman first, who was present in his hut.
"Huh? Oh, hello. It's been a while since I had a visitor or two. What can I do for you?" The fisherman asked, seeing the group approaching.
"We'd like to rent one of your boats, please." Impa said.
"What for? Are you going to fish?"
"No, we're on a trip to the Lost Island, which should be somewhere around here." Darunia said.
"The Lost Island you say? Hmmm, that is a tough one. Not many people know about its existence until recently; during one fishing trip I saw these strange airships flying over the area. One portion of it was headed for the Gerudo Pirates' Fortress, the other went further down the Ocean towards an island I could barely see. I think that's the one you're talking about." He said.
"Why is it called the Lost Island anyway?" Leia asked.
"Its location makes it impossible to see it directly from the coast. Heck, even I didn't know of its existence until a couple of days ago when I went fishing; I saw the island in the ocean at about the same distance as how far the Great Bay Temple is away from the Zora Cape." The fisherman said.
"I see. That explains its name then, coupled with it being a perfect place to plan attacks from if the enemy knows about it, but we don't." Impa said.
"And I take it you have reasons to go there?" The fisherman asked.
"Of course, but these are personal ones." Darunia said.
"I understand."
"So, how much for the boat?" Rauru then asked.
"Never mind the price; I'll take you to it myself. I know exactly where it is." The fisherman said as he got his gear out, moving towards his boat.
The group followed the fisherman as he prepared his boat, letting the group climb on it once it was well enough in the water. Once everyone was in, the fisherman got in himself and started its engine, making it move over the water on a decently fast speed.
"What is this? I have never seen one of these before." Leia said.
"It's a motorboat, one of the greatest inventions here in Termina. It allows us to cross the seas and oceans and all at a far quicker time than when we're using rowing boats. It's been of great help out here." The Fisherman said.
"That I can tell, the ocean is crossed a lot quicker." Impa said, before the Fisherman took a turn to the once on the open sea.

At the same moment, they were being watched by a group of people from the Pirates' Fortress, using a telescope to look at the boat that contained the fisherman and the passengers. The woman looking through the telescope gasped.
"What are you doing out there?" A voice called out to her.
"Ma'am, I've just detected the fisherman with passengers on a boat passing by our territory. They're headed for the Lost Island!" She said.
"What?"
"Come here and see for yourself!"
"Alright. Geez, I swear, if you pull something like this on me again, I'll-"
"I'm not joking, ma'am." The Gerudo Pirate said as another Gerudo came up on the platform.
"Alright, step aside and let me have a look." The second Gerudo Pirate said as she peeked through the telescope, indeed spotting the boat with the group headed for the Lost Island.
"Are you frigging kidding me?! They're headed right for a place where our forces are trying to uncover its secrets and treasure! Send a warning out to intercept them at once and make a group of Pirates ready while you're at it; we're disembarking for the same island right away!" The second Gerudo Pirate said.
"Yes ma'am!" The first Pirate said, saluting before moving off to execute her orders.

Impa turned to the left, almost looking behind the boat. She could see in the very distance a large building, which was being surrounded by a very powerful cyclone of water.
"What's with that building in the distance there?" Impa asked.
"That one right to our left with the cyclone surrounding it?" The fisherman asked.
"Yes."
"That's the Great Bay Temple, although it is nothing like the temples that you may know where deities or anything of the like are being worshipped or something."
"How so?"
"The Great Bay Temple, according to what I've heard from the folks that come around here, is actually one big factory, with churning gears, rooms and passages illuminated by neon lights and the previously cited water-based elevators and valves. Apparently whoever made the whole damn thing is using the water as some kind of power source; the motion of the water within the temple just keeps things flowing and moving inside."
"Hmmm, that is really interesting." Impa said.
"Yeah, but crossing it is a different story though; even though it was liberated from a curse which on its turn caused the water here to get warmer and murky as a result, the Temple by itself remains very complex. In fact, its position from our coast effectively makes it already nigh-impossible to even enter the thing to see what's moving in there."
"Wow, that explains why not many people know about it."
"Indeed. Look, your destination is just ahead." The Fisherman then said.
As the group looked forward, they could see in the distance an island coming in view, with some high cliffs and a beach area that came into view.
"I'll stop at the pier so you can disembark. I'll stick around here for a while too in case you want to go back to Great Bay." The fisherman said as they approached it.
"Thank you." Impa said.
"No problem at all."