Chapter 21

Gomess followed behind me as I clung to the wall, slowly making my way to the staircase. It would be daybreak by the time I managed to get to the ballroom with my current pace. My body ached and just wanted to sleep, not deal with a power crazed mage, a king of darkness, and a mythical all-powerful artifact. I considered asking Gomess to carry me at some point, only pride preventing me. I had enough of people carrying me around.

Although I did not have a choice in the matter. We were down one flight of stairs when Gomess wrapped an arm around my waist and picked me up. His response was "Watching you walk is boring." I gave in and let him do as he pleased, the thought of reaching Link and Zelda making it bearable.

When we arrived in the open room, I was surprised to see Link and Zelda sitting on a couch in the far corner, two Darknuts and a sentry eye watching them. I could hear them talking in a hushed tone, perhaps hoping the monsters would not hear specifics. Zelda jerked her head in my direction, then stood up. The Darknuts held up their hulking swords with the movement.

"Eivie?" Zelda called out, peeking around the armored monsters. Link stood up as well. He had a fading bruise around his eye.

Gomess sat me down gently when we were a few feet from the Darknuts. My knees threatened to fall out, but after a stumble I found my balance. One of the Darknuts glanced over its shoulder.

"Move." They hesitated so I added, "Do you wish to anger me?"

The sentry squeaked shrilly a few times. The Darknuts took a step away from Link and Zelda and allowed for me to pass between them. Gomess stayed back, glowing eyes wandering around the room.

"Eivie! You're all right!" Link took a step forward, offering a hand to help me sit down. I accepted the help, ending up sitting in the middle of the couch.

"Are you sure you should be walking about?" Zelda asked as she sat down next to me. "Link told me what had happened."

"Yeah, you were in really bad shape," Link said.

"I am better, no need to worry. Has Vaati told you what he plans to do?"

"Have me defeat Ganondorf with the Master Sword." Link glanced at the sword's hilt. "And that he would be coming with me." His face scrunched at that thought. "We're leaving soon, I think."

"He also said that I would be staying here with you, under the watch of those," Zelda pointed at the sentry. "Those wicked bats that are always following me."

I nodded. Then Zelda and I would have to find a way to either escape the bats or talk in secret. "Any mention of where you will be fighting Ganon?"

"He neglected that fact." Zelda frowned as she looked at the floor. "If I had a guess, Castle Town. Vaati had asked me about Ganondorf and the Gerudo a few times, as well as how strong the castle's defenses were. Ganondorf may have already taken the castle, considering how I left it." Her hands gripped the fabric of her dress. "May the Goddess' be with Castle Town," she murmured.

"I hope everyone back home is okay," Link added quietly.

"Gomess," I said, the ghost turning slowly to me. "You said you captured Hue in Castle Town. What was it like there?"

"Hmm…" Gomess adjusted his hold on his scythe. "I had not been paying particular attention to mortals, who I assume you are concerned about. In fact I saw very few. More Bokoblin and Bulblin were running about than humans."

"Does that mean their all dead?" Link leaned forward. Gomess must have been visible to them, then.

Gomess did not answer, but the grin forming was worrisome. It was even worse when he began cackling.

"Are you… are you saying that…" Zelda stared at the ghost in horror. "No."

"If only it were true the humans all lay dead in the streets. Mountains of corpses, what a thought." Gomess' laughter died away. "They were hiding in their houses, most of them. The only bodies were that of guards and knights that fought the Gerudo or monsters."

We all sighed in relief, knowing the entire town had not been wiped out. But then Link and Zelda became serious again, likely thinking of all of the knights and guards they knew. Hopefully Link's father was not among them. Hopefully Syrup was okay. I was more annoyed with the Poe's delivery of the news than anything else, though.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Link asked after a short pause.

I tried to fake a smile. "I will be fine, for now." I wrung my hands together, looking at the ground. "What happened after… After it took control of me?" It was hard to remember anything after shattering Jahalla's lantern. Just images. One including me attacking Link.

"You… The Death Sword battled Jahalla. Not much else." He turned away, rubbing the back of head.

"I attacked you, did I not?"

He quickly turned to face me again. "You didn't hurt me or anything. And it wasn't really you. Don't worry about that. I know it wasn't you, so you don't need to try and explain anything, okay?" He waited for me to nod, which I eventually gave into. Then he said, "After the battle, Gomess and the other, colorful Poes took us to the sword." He frowned, muttering, "And then Vaati showed up, punched me in the face, and knocked me out with some spell."

That would explain the black eye, then. I had nothing to say in response, really. Link held his hand near his mouth, staring at Gomess for moment, before he leaned closer to me. Zelda did as well, wanting to hear the secret.

"Gomess asked me to kill you and the Death Sword twice while you were fighting Jahalla," he whispered.

I raised an eyebrow, stealing a glance at the Poe. He was staring at us curiously, but I did not think he could hear us. "Did he give you any reasoning to wanting me dead?"

"He seemed to be wanting the Death Sword gone, but I still wouldn't trust him." Link shook his head. "That Poe seems very strange, even more so than the other ones."

"I sense that as well," Zelda cut in. "He had been the one that attacked us in Castle Town, yet he still lives. I feel this creature is stronger than he lets on."

"I agree," I said quietly. It wasn't only me, then. Gomess was acting in a peculiar manner, even for a Poe. "I will be wary of him, but he has been cooperative thus far." That was more than I could say about Hue. I would take my chance allying with Gomess than the secret-keeping coward.

The metal clanks of the Darknuts moving interrupted our conversation. The armored creatures parted, standing on either side of the couch. The sentry beside them fluttered around erratically. With a small gust, Vaati made his appearance in front of us. The bat perched on his shoulder, focusing its gaze on Gomess.

Vaati made a point to glare at each one of us, especially Link, before speaking. "Eivie," he began, voice with an edge, "come here."

I stood up and walked over to him, noticing how much better I was feeling. When I reached his side, he motioned for the Darknuts to block Zelda's and Link's view of us. He stepped closer, leaning in.

"What did that ghost give to you?" He spoke in a hushed tone.

"He said it was a Poe soul," I answered, confused. I glanced over at Gomess, who was watching us, fighting a crooked smile.

Vaati frowned, thought for a moment, and said, "And how did eating it affect you? You seem to be able to move about now."

"It helped, I suppose." I paused, thinking of a proper comparison. "Its effects have actually been similar to that of a red potion," I said, remembering Syrup's concoctions for the first time in a while. "It healed my wounds further. I am unsure if it caused anything else to happen, though." I felt better than I had since the Death Sword's personality started surfacing. Almost like I had before I knew the creature occupied my body. It was still lurking, though.

"What happened to that gold Poe of yours?" Vaati rose an eyebrow. "The ghost has been out of my sight for a few days."

"Gomess has him in a bottle." I smiled, saying, "Hue is a very disobedient ghost. I felt some time imprisoned would change his behavior."

"So you were the one that ordered Hue to be captured?" He asked, suspicion creeping into his voice. He narrowed his eyes.

There was no way I could say I ordered such a thing. I had been unconscious, and, before that, I had no true reason to punish the Poe. Hue had been relatively behaved, taking orders from both Vaati and I. "No. Gomess had acted on his own," I finally answered. "From my knowledge Hue had tried to flee, so Gomess brought the coward back."

Vaati glared at Gomess. "Had I known this creature would be so troublesome I would have had something else assist you," he grumbled.

"Vaati?" His attention snapped back to me. "Do you know what eating a Poe would do something like me or a human?"

"I have no idea," he huffed. "I have not heard of humans stupid enough to catch and eat a Poe. Or that a Poe would eat another," he grabbed my arm and looked at the closed wounds, "to heal injuries. I would advise you to stop listening to Gomess. It may either revive the Death Sword or interfere with my spell keeping you human."

I nodded, not sure if I would take his advice. The soul had been helpful. Judging by how fast Gomess had regained his power eating souls seemed a quicker method of healing. They were just monsters; the less there were the better.

"Eivie," Vaati began sternly, "while the knight and I are gone, I shall allow you to speak with Zelda so long as you behave. You are not to tell her anything concerning my plans. My sentries will be keeping watch on you, so remember this." He looked at the Darknuts, adding, "Should I suspect something I will not hesitate to send an army of Darknuts after you."

"I understand." That would be a problem. I had planned to enlist Zelda's help in the matter, but not being able to explain the situation would leave her guessing. If the sentries were about it would be hard to question Hue as well. Vaati would not allow Hue to divulge secrets about him. That was probably why he wanted to know why the ghost had disappeared.

"Good. Now take this." He thrust a necklace in my face, looking away.

I stared at it, fighting the smile trying to form and stifling a laugh. What a childish demon, Vaati was. After a moment I took it, examining the red gemmed necklace. I could not even mutter a thank you for fear of laughing at the jealous mage.

"The battle should be over by nightfall," he stated, speaking up. The Darknuts stepped to the side, revealing Link and Zelda staring at us. "Go stand over there, knight," he ordered, pointing to a place in the middle of the room.

Link stood up, Zelda following suit. She gave him a quick hug, whispering something to him. He nodded before reluctantly walking away. Vaati took a step forward. I grabbed his wrist, then hesitated. This would be the last time I saw him. I would betray him and he would despise me.

I awkwardly wrapped my arms around him, pressing my cheek to his chest. He stood there stiffly for a second before he decided to return the embrace. After a moment I stepped away, face red. He stared at me, obviously pleased, but also very confused. I looked at the ground before I went to stand beside Zelda.

Vaati shook off my actions and walked a few steps towards Link. Wind suddenly gusted through the palace, nearly knocking me off balance. Vaati transformed into the single eyed bat of his demon form. Link stumbled back a step when Vaati hovered closer to him. One of his clawed hands snatched Link off of the ground, Link giving a surprised yelp. Vaati flew out the window, the two soon gone from sight.

"Eivie," Zelda started, "I need to know what is going on."

"I…" I closed my mouth. Of course she would be suspicious. She was not stupid. I just had not expected her to ask so frankly. "What do you know?" I asked, looking around. As Vaati promised, I could see two sentries fluttering nearby. There were probably more hidden about the palace.

"Link had the Master Sword with him. Legend tells of a hero that uses the Master Sword to defeat a great evil. I have not figured out who he should be using that sword on. Ganondorf is certainly not pleasant, but Vaati is a demon." She paused, following my gaze to a nearby sentry. "I understand that Vaati has probably asked you to keep quiet about what he is doing." Zelda turned to me. "That is why I want to know what you are doing. What are you planning? Are you still our ally?"

I flinched when Gomess suddenly decided to join the conversation by flying into my face.

"What are you planning, living dead?" He tilted his head to the side.

After taking a step back from Gomess, I whispered, "I am still your ally, Zelda." I then looked to Gomess. "I need to speak with Hue before I figure out what I am to do."

"As you wish." The ghost brought out the bottle, unscrewing the lid with his spidery hands. He let the yellow mist rise from the bottle. Slowly it began to materialize into the familiar masked Poe.

Once the Poe gained consciousness, his glowing eyes widened with the sight of Gomess and me. He faded from sight, fleeing.

"Gomess," I ordered as I brought my hands up. Blue fire spread fanned across the room. The golden Poe becoming visible once more. As he whipped around to swing his lantern, Gomess' scythe slashed through the air in a blur. He stopped with the blade touching Hue. The yellow ghost shook so violently his lantern clinked and clanked. "Hue, I suggest you not try to flee again."

He groaned, letting his lantern fall to his side. Gomess kept his scythe in place as he lead the other back to stand before Zelda and I. "What is it?" he asked curtly, the surprise of the attack already worn off.

"I have been informed you know a great deal more than you lead me to believe," I started harshly before remembering the sentries. I could not yell at him properly with Vaati watching. "You were summoned by Vaati?"

"Dammed Forest Keepers told you," he mumbled. He glanced at Gomess' scythe before grumbling. "Centuries ago that mage somehow accidentally summoned me from the Dark World to this place. I do not see how this is important."

"You have seen him defeated before." I straightened my back, clasping my hands behind me. "I want to know how."

Zelda glanced at me hearing this.

Hue sighed. "A sword called the Four Sword. That thing has been rusting for centuries now. The humans gradually forgot about the demon inside it. It's probably how he got out yet again."

"Would the Master Sword be able to defeat him, then?" Zelda asked.

"I guess," Hue sighed. "It's killed Ganon a few times, so the sorcerer would probably be killed by it. Though I don't think the knight will be able to after they kill Ganon today."

A sentry fluttered closer, trying to hear us since we had been talking in hushed tones. Gomess swung his scythe, nearly taking off our heads, as he cut the bat in half.

"Speak quickly," I commanded Hue. "If Vaati gets the Triforce of Power from Ganon, can he still be defeated?"

"Triforce?" Zelda interrupted. "The Triforce is what he is after?" When I nodded my head she sighed. "I thought it was another legend," she mumbled. "I wish it was."

"It would be difficult," Hue said. "He will probably kill the knight right after he gets it."

"Then he would have two pieces," I muttered. "We need to get Link away from Vaati as soon as possible, but after that…" Even if Zelda and Link could away from him, he would pursue. The only one that could kill him would be Link with the Master Sword. Vaati would retreat to the palace, which was unreachable, then plan how to get the rest of the Triforce without being killed by Link. "Is there any way to get here without flying?" I said in defeat, knowing that there was no way Vaati would leave a way for others to reach him.

"Yes," Hue answered.

"There is?"

"In the past, there were three silver keys protected by fairies that the knight gathered to teleport himself here."

"Where?"

Hue rolled his eyes. "The lands have changed since then. Jahalla had one. I think the Zoras' have one. The other is somewhere in Death Mountain."

The key the Ghini had. Link picked that up, right? "Zelda, did Link mention having a key? He had it in his bag, I believe."

She shook her. "No, he did not mention it. He still had his bag, though."

I bit my lip, hoping that Link still had the key and that Vaati had not taken it. "Gomess, do you know where the palace is right now?"

"Above Lake Hylia, flying east towards the desert," he answered, slashing part the other sentry that had tried to get close.

It was then that the Darknuts in the room got the order to attack. The two closest charged forward. They were met by a blast of white light, stunning them. Light magic.

"We need to go," Zelda said, lowering her hands. Several more Darknuts arrived from connecting corridors. Vaati had not been joking when he said an army.

"This way." I turned on my heel, running as fast as my broken body would let me. "We need to get to the balcony." I pointed to the large doors in front of us.

The Darknuts thundered behind us as we ran. Hue escaped from Gomess' watch, quickly disappearing through the floor. Gomess passed through the door. Zelda and I pushed on the heavy door, it slowly creaking open. With Darknuts a few steps away from us, we squeezed through the small opening, shoving it closed behind us. The balcony overlooked a sea of clouds. The only escape was down.

I peered over the railings. "Gomess, carry Zelda down."

"All right, phantom human," the ghost replied.

"What about you?" Gomess picked Zelda off of the ground. "How will you get away?" she asked, glancing at the Poe nervously.

I carefully swung a leg over the railing, then the other. My fingers wrapped tightly around the rail. "I have a plan," I answered. A horrible plan, but a plan. The Death Sword could fly. The Death Sword had flown with my body during the battle.

The Darknuts crashed through the door. Gomess flew over the rails with Zelda, leaving me. The closest Darknut lifted its sword over its head. I let go of the rail.

I fell backward, the wind blowing hair into my eyes and mouth. Chunks of the railing fell with me, the Darknut staring down over the broken rail. The palace became smaller and smaller as I was pulled down by gravity. It was surreal, falling from such a height. After the initial shock, I turned over, eyes focused on the land and water below.

No matter how much I tried to visualize myself floating, my body kept falling, the ground ever closer. It was hard to keep my eyes open with the screaming wind around me. In a last ditch effort I turned incorporeal. My descent slowed, but not did stop.

I crashed into the lake, the cold water swirling around me as I sunk.

A/N- Thank you to all who are reading! Thank you Mashimarro for the favorite and Ayako Zetra for the review! The silver keys are from Four Swords. Hues were found in the Dark World in a Link to the Past and A link Between Worlds. Vaati had been messing with the Dark Mirror and accidentally summoned Hue. Yep. Not sure if that lines up with the timeline and stuff, but that's what I'm saying happened.

I have not been editing these as much as I used to, so the quality may be a bit down. I'm not sure when the next chapter will be done; it all depends on how busy I get. Hope you all stick around though. It's nearing the end, about five-ish chapters or so. Then I think I'll write a one-shot for Gomess' past and then a somewhat-sequel to this story.

Ayako Zetra- Well, I'm glad you think I'm a good writer. And, yeah, writer's block is no fun. I sort of stalled out and then school started, killing all motivation for this story 'til now. But I'm determined to finish this one at least. Thanks for the review!