A/N- I apologize this chapter took so long. Don't really have much to say here, except I've finally beaten Final Fantasy X. So hopefully, I can begin updating more frequently than I have been. Enjoy!
Smoke black as night rose from the bubbling lava pools below. Unpredictable wind currents inside the scalding inferno bent the columns to their will. The sea of smoke parted gracefully as a cloaked figure walked through it, his footfalls echoing off the stone floor beneath him. The searing heat and suffocating smoke were enough to deter most from ever coming to this dreadful place; most that were even brave enough to enter the magma-filled purgatory succumbed to the extreme conditions. However, as the stranger walked along a narrow rock bridge, he showed no indication of exhaustion. Not even a drop of sweat fell from his pale brow less face. He continued ahead with purpose and confidence, ignoring the fifty foot precipice on either side to a death by magma below.
He strode ahead until he finally reached his destination: a stone altar. Two thick stones were vertically arranged as legs while a third on top served as the mantle. The stranger took a strange powder from a satchel in his cloak and sprinkled it on and around the stone altar. He then placed two candles on either side of the mantle. After lighting them, he chanted in a foreign tongue etched far back in his memory. The strange words seemed to possess the smoke around him as they echoed off the surrounding stone walls and converged onto the altar. The dance of the flames moved in tune with the rhythmic chanting, and soon took on a life of its own. The eerie light they cast combined with the glow of the magma to illuminate the figure's brown cloak.
Before long, the man finished his chanting. He waited in silence as a dark cloud began to form over the mysterious altar. Though he did his best to suppress it, a nervous chill ran down his spine. Not many things affected his steel resolve, but participating in this ritual always filled him with an ominous dread.
"What have you to report?" A deep voice suddenly boomed from the dark cloud now dominating the altar. Though he couldn't see it, the man felt the presence of the cloud pierce right through him. If he wasn't careful, he could be killed right on the spot.
The man swallowed hard and worked up his resolve. His clammy hands took off the hood of the cloak, revealing the figure's strange face. The candles' luminescence on the man's marble-shaped yellow eyes and porcelain colored face painted a stark contrast to the malevolent clouds he beheld. The scars of previous battles laid imprinted on both cheeks. "The preparations are ready, my lord. I have gathered an army as you advised." He paused momentarily, taking a quick breath to maintain his composure. As he spoke, he felt his mouth to be as dry as salt. "I await your next command."
"Obtain my legacy like we discussed and make the necessary preparations for my return. Dispose of any resistance as you see fit." The unearthly voice directed, its dark vibrations pulsating right through him. "Succeed, and you will receive what you seek. Fail, and death will be preferable to the pain I will inflict upon you."
"Everything is under control, O Wise One," the man assured, shaking slightly. Still, his tone gained confidence at the mention of his reward. "The populace of this world are blissfully unaware of what awaits them. What small resistance there has been has already been taken care of." A malevolent smile crept on his lips. "Soon, the Gorons of Death Mountain will be the first to bow before your mighty power, O Great One."
"Very well," the voice responded, seemingly satisfied. "See that it is done. We will speak again when you have finished your task." Without another word, the cloud evaporated, snuffing out the candles as it left.
When he was certain he was alone, the man collapsed to his knees, his entire body weakened by the encounter. He sighed in relief, realizing he still possessed his life for the moment.
Talo's breathing was heavy as he ran down the forest path. Despite his panic, he did his best to avoid the potholes and large rocks scattered across the road. He quickly looked back, seeing two ugly bokoblins pursuing him as fast as their disproportioned bodies would allow.
Unfortunately, it proved to be his undoing.
His lack of attention made him blind to the hole in front of him. His footing slipped from under him as his right knee crashed against an outcropped rock. He heard a sickening crack, and a surge of pain rushed up his leg. He instantly collapsed to the ground in agony, curling up into a fetal position. He attempted feebly to move his leg, but the large amount of pain paralyzed him.
"Great, I probably broke it," Talo muttered angrily under his breath. "I'm sure Rusl'll give me another lecture when this is done," he continued, rolling his eyes in disgust. "By the goddesses, I'm an adult now. Why can't he see that?"
He applied slight pressure to his knee to test the extent of his injury, wincing as even that little bit hurt him. The intensity of the pain had almost completely blocked out the memory of his pursuers. However, the approaching footfalls served as a reminder as he turned his attention behind him.
Talo's eyes widened to the size of marbles as the bokoblins quickly closed in. His attempt to roll off the path proved futile. The young man cursed, finding the pain a great inconvenience. Despite that, he bit his lip hard and tried to fight it. Then, a flash of inspiration struck him. He froze and collapsed limply to the ground like an abandoned doll.
Before long, the monsters reached him. The left bokoblin grinned stupidly and poked the motionless body with its club.
No reaction.
Puzzled, the bokoblin looked to his companion and grunted. Talo held his breath and squinted tightly, hoping desperately they would believe him dead and move on. Though not the most convincing act, the stupidity of bokoblins was well-documented and not to be underestimated. If they left, he could hopefully reunite with his friends later on.
Unfortunately, his plan wasn't to succeed. Circumstances quickly moved from bad to worse as a loud bark rang out from the nearby brush. Slightly surprised, the bokoblins looked toward the direction of the sound, looking even less intelligent than usual. Their lips were curled up and their mouths hung open, showcasing their disgusting, perforated teeth.
It wasn't long until the source of the bark revealed itself as a wild wolf rushed out of the brush. It stopped momentarily on its muscular paws, allowing its deep blue eyes to search among its prey. Talo opened his eyes slowly to observe this new interloper. The fur near its paws was coated with white, while closer to its torso was the addition of gray splotches. Its small frame made it agile, but by no means took away from its ferocity. The mountain range of white canine teeth in its mouth boasted sharp functionality, and served only to amplify the intimidation of the majestic animal. It was bent down with its legs slightly angled, ready to strike with its potent bite. It let out a low growl, a stern warning to any who would heed it.
"Farore's wind," Talo whispered a curse inaudible to the monsters. "Even the forest's trying to kill me." Unfortunately, the wolf's ears perked up in response to Talo's remark. It redirected its gaze right at the frightened young man. His eyes closed instantly and he braced for the impending attack, praying silently in his head that he might miraculously survive.
His prayers were answered as the wolf returned its attention to the stupid monsters. With great agility, the ferocious animal lunged at the neck of the first bokoblin before it could react. A sickening crack rang out as the monster's neck was torn, and it dropped lifelessly to the ground. It took a few seconds for the second bokoblin to realize the situation. By the time it braced itself, it was too late. The wolf had circled behind him with defying speed and sunk its pointed teeth into the monster's leg. The bokoblin was swept off its feet and shaken violently by the wolf's strong grip. After a few good shakes, the wolf dropped its frazzled prey to the ground, and ripped its neck as well. Both monsters disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving Talo helplessly alone with this new foe.
Every hair on Talo's head stood on end as the wolf slowly approached him. He knew that his possum facade wouldn't work any longer. He sat up and prepared to fight off a potential lunge with what feeble strength he could muster. The wolf drew ever closer, slowly placing one white paw in front of the other on the dirt road. It stopped just out of Talo's reach and began to sniff him curiously.
"Good wolf," Talo whimpered, his eyes carefully following the animal's every movement. It sniffed his legs with interest, particularly the one that was injured. Talo desperately wanted to cry out for help or at least change his position, but a sudden movement might provoke the predatorfurther. "You don't want to eat me," he continued. "I'm too weak to even walk." The youth sighed, wondering why he was even reasoning with the animal. It obviously didn't understand him. Or did it?
As if in response to his statement, the wolf ran into the woods. A few minutes later, it reemerged carrying a long wooden stick in its mouth, sturdy enough to be used as a crutch. It dropped it in front of the baffled Talo and sat on its hindquarters.
"Is this for me?" Talo questioned, obviously surprised. "Can you understand me?" The injured young man accentuated his message with pointing and hand motions. The wolf merely stared at him blankly, and then redirected its gaze back to the stick. It gave a soft whimper. "Very well," Talo relented. He gratefully grabbed the stick and used it to support himself as he regained his footing. It was a little awkward at first, but he quickly learned how to use the stick to keep weight off his bad knee.
"Talo!" a voice cried out. It was Beth! Her voice was soon joined by a chorus of other voices, calling out his name rhythmically in different pitches like a choir.
The wolf pricked up its ears and sniffed at the air. It could sense the large group approaching. Not wanting the unexpected company, it quickly circled around and bolted back into the woods from whence it came.
"Wait, don't go," Talo called after it, but to no avail. He turned towards the direction of the voices and called back to his friends. "Beth! Rusl! I'm over here! Follow my voice!"
"He's over here!" Beth said to the others. "I hear him!" Talo could hear the trampling of leaves and the clinking of armor as the sounds steadily approached him, growing ever so louder. Within a minute, he was tackled by an ecstatic Beth, who couldn't suppress the joy of seeing her boyfriend alive. Rusl, Colin, and Ilia arrived shortly thereafter, followed by a group of Hylian soldiers on horseback.
"Ayee!" Talo grunted in pain as he and Beth hit the ground.
Beth looked at him curiously with her big green eyes. "What is it?" her questioning voice asked as innocent as a small child. Talo clenched his teeth but didn't reply. Instead, he pointed to his knee, which was swollen red at this point. Her face instantly grew serious and she looked to Rusl.
"Rusl, he's injured," she said. The swordsman sighed and approached the young man, kneeling so he could inspect the injury. Beth looked back at Talo, her voice taking on the tone of a mother. "Can you move it at all?"
Talo winced as Rusl applied slight pressure. Seeing his reaction, the swordsman immediately stopped. After taking a deep breath, Talo turned back to Beth. "Not much. It hurts too much if I overdo it." He paused for a second. "I think it's broken."
Rusl nodded and stood up once again, walking casually over to Geoffrey. "Do you have any medical supplies? A bandage and wooden plank for a splint should suffice."
Geoffrey nodded and barked orders to retrieve the necessary items. He looked back at the stolid swordsman with resolute eyes. "Rusl, was it?" An affirmative nod confirmed his guess. Geoffrey continued: "We have what you need. It'll take a few minutes."
Rusl nodded and glanced at Colin and Ilia, both sitting atop Zephyr. Their eyes stayed focused on Talo; their ears attentive to anything they could assist with. Each blamed themselves for having not been vigilant enough. If only they had been watching, this wouldn't have happened. Still, by the small smile on their faces, Rusl could empathize with their gratitude that a broken leg was the worst of their current worries.
"Allow us to patch up the injury," Geoffrey's voice broke Rusl's concentration. He turned back to face the lieutenant. "I feel personally responsible for not having helped sooner. It is our job to ensure safe roads for travelers, especially to Castle Town."
"Very well, as long as Talo is alright with it," Rusl replied vaguely, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere. He redirected his gaze to Talo, who nodded in affirmation.
"Go ahead, Viscen," Geoffrey gave the signal, raising his arm and pointing with his hand. The soldier immediately responded and knelt down by Talo and Beth. He began to diligently wrap the board to the wound with a long piece of cloth, ensuring the fracture wouldn't worsen.
Rusl knelt down beside Talo once again. He watched the soldier work for a moment, admiring his skill and efficiency in addressing the situation. He turned to Talo, who was distracted from the pain thanks mainly to Beth's presence. "When we get to Castle Town, we'll take you to the doctor. He can probably give you something better to treat the wound."
"Not that stingy old man," Talo complained as his face turned sour. "He wouldn't help me even if I bound him and threatened to kill him."
"Don't worry about him," Rusl replied, chuckling quietly. His lips curled into a mischievous smirk. "I have connections that will help persuade him." He rubbed his chin as he surveyed the surrounding area. Surprisingly, there was no evidence of any struggle. The puzzled swordsman looked back at Talo. "How did you manage to get that injury anyways? I don't see any monsters."
Talo blushed slightly. "I'll tell you about it on the way to Castle Town."
Rusl nodded. A tap on his shoulder brought his attention behind him. He looked over his shoulder to find Geoffrey hovering over him.
"May I speak with you?" the lieutenant whispered quietly, "Preferably in private." His tone indicated the subject was urgent.
"Very well," Rusl sighed. He reluctantly rose to his feet and followed the experienced soldier. The two men walked off a short distance, out of earshot from the rest of the company. Geoffrey spoke first, getting directly to the heart of the matter.
"Rusl, you hail from Ordon Village, correct?" His eyes looked keenly at Rusl, as if searching for something. His shoulders were raised formally in the same way he would address a superior officer.
Rusl crossed his arms and nodded in affirmation. "Yes. What of it?" He was oblivious to the lieutenant's intentions.
Geoffrey couldn't hide the relief on his face. His eyes seemed to relax, and his shoulders dropped. "Would you happen to have known a swordsman by the name of Link?" His voice was hopeful, as if close to finding an item lost for a long time.
Rusl's heart nearly skipped a beat. He furrowed his brows and glared at the lieutenant. His eyes shifted to the others, who were too focused on Talo to care about the present discussion. "I do," his voice trailed off. His muscles tensed as he waited for whatever information he was about to receive.
Geoffrey nodded, covering his emotions with the stolid face he had perfected as a soldier. "Would you please accompany me to meet with Her Majesty, Queen Zelda? She bears tidings of him that she wishes to give you."
Rusl was almost speechless. Still, he couldn't help getting in the last word. He felt his skepticism overpower his initial shock. "She wishes to see me?" he replied doubtfully.
Geoffrey nodded empathetically. He could understand why Rusl was unconvinced. No one had heard from Link in over seven years. Still, orders were orders, and he had obediently delivered Zelda's message. After all, if there was anyone who knew his whereabouts, it was her. "You don't have to believe me," he challenged, raising one eyebrow in defiance. "However, you should consider it an honor that the Queen should wish to speak with you. It is not every day one gets an audience with Her Majesty."
"Very well, I understand," Rusl replied quickly, realizing the gravity of the offer. He looked back at the soldier and studied his expression. He understood the man was serious, and Rusl didn't wish to lose an opportunity to hear of his former apprentice. "Once everyone settles in Castle Town, I'll go with you to meet her."
Rusl was always awestruck whenever he saw the majesty that was Hyrule Castle, and this moment was no exception. The blue spire in the center seemed to claw at the heavens, pointing the way to the goddesses themselves. The surrounding stone towers and lesser spires descended like a symmetric stairway, becoming closer to the ground the further they were from the central spire. The sheer size of the castle was mammoth, paying tribute to the genius of Hyrule's diverse races. Around it was built a large stone wall to repel intruders. The moat sparkled beneath the summer sun.
No expense was spared on the reconstruction. After it was destroyed seven years earlier, all of Hyrule banded together to rebuild it. The Gorons supplied the necessary stones and materials from Death Mountain. The Zoras used their mastery of the water to help shape the moat. The residents of Kakariko Village, Castle Town, and Ordon Village banded together to perform the labor. Rusl himself had participated in the reconstruction, and he couldn't help but feel proud as he gazed in fascination at the finished product.
"Are you ready?" Geoffrey's voice interrupted the swordsman's daydreaming. Rusl looked quickly at Geoffrey and nodded. Currently, it was only the two of them. After much persuasion, Colin and Talo decided to stay with Dr. Borville, a stubborn old man but an expert nonetheless, to get their injuries treated. Ilia was at the stables caring for Zephyr. When she finished, she was supposed to travel to meet up with Beth at Malo Mart.
"Of course," Rusl answered at last. He looked at the soldier warily. "Do you know what news she possesses?"
"I am only the messenger," Geoffrey said, his neutral eyes not giving any indication to his knowledge. He motioned for the guards at the gate to let them pass. Seeing their superior, they obediently opened the large wooden doors leading to the castle.
"I see," Rusl commented, not hiding the disappointment in his voice. He reached quickly for the hilt behind him, ensuring nothing had happened to his weapon on the journey. He hadn't gone more than a step when he heard Ilia's excited voice calling after him. He turned around to see the young woman making a beeline straight for him. She was nearly out of breath by the time she reached the two men. Rusl waited patiently for her to begin speaking.
"Rusl, –huff-you'll never guess –huff- who I saw –huff- in the stables." She said excitedly, not waiting for her breath to return. Her eyes sparkled like gemstones, and not a single muscle in her body was still. Her tone contained more joy than he had heard her express in a long time. Whoever she had seen had to be special indeed.
"A cute stable hand?" Rusl suggested jokingly, unable to resist a good jab.
"Epona!" she giggled. "I saw Epona! That means Link's here! I just know it!"
"Are you sure it was Epona?" Rusl's smirk turned to a frown. He didn't want her hopes to get too high. He folded his arms and looking at her crossly. "I'm sure there're a lot of horses that look just like her."
Rusl's reaction didn't diminish the young woman's spirit at all. "I know Epona when I see her!" she insisted gleefully. Not even a rainy day could dampen her glistening smile. "The horse had a white cross-shaped mark on her forehead. Only Epona had that!" She paused and looked suspiciously at Rusl, tilting her head slightly to the side. "Where are you goin' anyways? Where's Colin and Talo?"
"I have some urgent business with the Queen," Rusl said calmly, hoping that she wouldn't press further. He knew better, though.
"Like what?" Ilia asked, glaring at him as she stepped in his direction.
"We just have to talk. I don't know the reason," Rusl bluffed, hoping she would leave it at that. Geoffrey shook his head but said nothing.
Ilia looked keenly into his eyes; as if peering into his mind for the truth. Eventually, she gave up and shrugged her shoulders indifferently. "Very well. Do what you must." The smile jumped on her face once again. "I can't wait to tell everyone about Epona." She turned to head back down the street, but Rusl stopped her before she could go any further.
"Don't say anything to them," he cautioned, his defiant eyes warning that he was not to be taken lightly. "I don't want Colin disappointed by false hope."
A sly smile crept on Ilia's lips. "Why not?"
Rusl was speechless.
"If you don't want me to say anythin', then you'll let me go with you," she challenged. Her eyes met Rusl's in a contest of wills.
"And why would you be interested in listening?" Rusl questioned, attempting to disinterest her but only achieving the opposite. "What we have to discuss would only bore you."
"I thought you didn't know why she called you," Ilia replied calmly, a small twinkle in her eye. Rusl held his tongue; she had trapped him in his own lie. "It's about Link, isn't it?"
Her vibrant green eyes bore right through him like a knife. Rusl knew that he couldn't keep up the facade, and maintaining it was far more trouble than it was worth.
"You're right. Are you happy now?" he conceded, shrugging his shoulders in exasperation. "However, I don't know anything more than that," he added quickly, meeting her gaze once again. Ilia looked at him suspiciously. "Honest."
"Okay, I believe you," she replied confidently, hands triumphantly on her hips. "Let's get going. We wouldn't want to keep the Queen waiting."
"Fine," Rusl said. An exasperated sigh and drooping eyes gave testimony to his exhaustion. He looked to Geoffrey for approval.
"I don't see a problem with it. You are a close friend of Link, yes?" the soldier replied. She nodded. Geoffrey looked her over carefully. "Before you go, I must search you for weapons." He eyed Rusl's sword. "I'll need that as well. I can't take any chances."
Both looked at each other and reluctantly agreed. Rusl handed his scabbard to the lieutenant and was patted down for any other weapons. Ilia was also searched, but, out of respect, not to the same extent as Rusl. After Geoffrey was satisfied, they began their walk towards the castle. Rusl let out a weary sigh. Now he understood why Mayor Bo was so exhausted. Stubbornness ran through the entire family tree.
"Her Majesty, Queen Zelda, will see the two of you now."
Rusl and Ilia were ushered through the large wainscot doors and into the royal throne room. Both were awestruck at stepping into the magnificently furnished room. As Zelda's adviser, Ramiro, introduced them, their eyes wandered over the vast enclosure.
On either side stone wall stood majestic arches with windows opening out to the vast landscape below. Marble columns decorated with the symbol of the Triforce stood a few feet from the wall, holding up the lofty ceiling. A velvet blue carpet felt like grass beneath their feet, running from the entrance to the throne at the other end of the room. Above the crimson throne sat a large marble statue depicting the three goddesses of Hyrule: Din, the goddess of power, Farore, the goddess of courage, and Nayru, the goddess of wisdom. Their gaze spread from the throne to the vast kingdom they protected. The aroma of elegant perfumes pervaded the atmosphere, most likely concocted by the very best in Hyrule. Ilia and Rusl nearly found their senses overwhelmed. One or two guards stood at the exit, watching the visitors' every move.
"Please, come closer," a gentle voice said. Both looked ahead to find that it was none other than Zelda herself. She had on a simple blue dress with white sleeves, adorned with a red brooch, and held around her slender waist by a brown leather belt. Her arms held gold bracelets, and golden earrings hung from her pointed ears. Her hair was mostly tied back so it flowed behind her neck, with a few brunette locks in front of her ears.
"Wow, she's beautiful," Ilia whispered to Rusl as the two approached.
"You can say that because you're not married," Rusl whispered back. Ilia giggled quietly as they finally stood before the princess. Both bowed on one knee, as was customary when addressing royalty in Hyrule.
"Lawrence, Mido, please leave us be for the time being. I won't be long." Zelda directed her orders at the guards, who executed it with swift obedience. She turned back to her guests. "You may stand." Both were surprised at the humility and kindness with which she addressed them. For being ruler of Hyrule, she was not one to stand on ceremony with others unless the situation demanded it. She looked intriguingly at Ilia. "Who are you?" There was no hostility in her tone.
"Me?" Ilia responded with surprise, pointing at herself. Zelda nodded. "I'm Ilia, your Majesty, from the province of Ordona."
"Ah, Ilia," Zelda mused, tapping an elegant finger to her chin. "He spoke very fondly of you, you know?" she commented, looking at the young woman.
"I beg your pardon, your Majesty, but who?" Ilia replied innocently, obviously surprised that the Queen had heard of her.
"Why, Link, of course," she said with a kind smile. "He always had something good to say about you."
Ilia's cheeks turned as red as a tomato. She looked away, unable to say anymore. Rusl used the chance to jump into the conversation.
"Your Majesty, do you know of Link's whereabouts? Is that why Lieutenant Geoffrey called for me?" he asked tactfully, being careful not to phrase his question too bluntly.
Zelda's eyes instantly dimmed, as if shouldering a heavy burden. She inhaled deeply, and let loose an anxious sigh. Her voice dripped of heavy grief as she spoke. "Link never had any real family." She looked solemnly at the blonde swordsman. "Rusl, from what he said, you were the closest person he had to a father. He respected you highly." She turned to Ilia, who anxiously held her breath. "Ilia, from the way he spoke of you, I don't think there was anyone Link cared for more."
"Is he okay?" Ilia demanded, trying her best to maintain her composure. She fought off the horrible thoughts circulating through her mind.
Zelda looked at her sympathetically but said nothing. She continued after a few moments."It is because you two were the closest with him that I feel I must tell you: Link has left this world. His spirit has been taken by the goddesses to a better place."
"Y-you don't mean-" Rusl stuttered in disbelief, his mouth hanging open.
It took all of Zelda's strength to finish her thought. "I'm sorry," she paused, mustering all she could to say the three most difficult words of her life. "Link is dead."